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South Africa: Former Northern Cape head of department arrested for fraud

A former Northern Cape Health Department head and two company directors have been charged on allegations of fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management and Private Security Industry Regulation acts.

In a statement, the Hawks said it was alleged that during 2017, the former head of department, who was once a police officer and is currently the Deputy Director-General in another provincial department, irregularly awarded a security contract tender to Defensor Electronic Security.

It is further alleged that the directors of the company submitted fraudulent documents in order to gain an unfair advantage over others to be awarded the tender as the highest bidder, read the statement.

They were awarded the tender between August and October 2017, worth a total value surpassing R224 million. However, the contract later escalated to R384 million.

The case was reported to the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation in December 2017, where an inquiry was registered. The enquiry was converted into a case docket in January 2020 culminating in the arrest and subsequent court appearance today.

The suspects handed themselves over to the Hawks on Friday morning and are expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate Court later today.

National Hawks head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, welcomed the arrests.

The wheels of justice may not have started quick enough in this matter, but there is no doubt that they grind exceedingly fine. It is concerning to observe the involvement of senior managers in criminal activities. he said.

He added that members of the Hawks would continue to secure the attendance in court of all those who involve themselves in committing national priority offences without fear, favour or prejudice.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-10-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: Govt to promote amended flag law

The Government announced that the National Flag & National Emblem (Amendment) Ordinance came into effect today.

Published in the Gazette, the amendment ordinance provides for the use, etiquette, education and promotion in relation to the national flag and national emblem.

The Government explained that the fundamental principle and spirit of the law is to encourage respect for the country and respect for the national flag and national emblem which are the countrys symbols and signs.

Targetting people who conduct public and international acts with the intent of desecrating the national flag and national emblem, the ordinance has maintained and clarified the provisions regarding offences and penalties as punishment and deterrent.

The Government stressed that it will step up publicity and educational efforts to enhance the publics understanding of the law for compliance sake.

It also pointed out that there is no cause for concern of breaching the law inadvertently if one does not misuse the national flag or national emblem, nor has any public and international act with an intent to desecrate the national flag or national emblem.

In accordance with the amendment ordinance, the Chief Executive has revised and published the stipulations for the display and use of the national flag and national emblem as well as the regional flag and regional emblem.

In light of the endorsement of the amendments to the National Flag Law and the National Emblem Law by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on October 17, 2020, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to implement the two amended national laws locally in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law.

Click here for details of the amendment ordinance and related information.

This story has been published on: 2021-10-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Vietnam among top 25 most viewed countries on TikTok

The nation ranked sixth on the list of the top 25 most viewed countries on popular social media platform TikTok with 107 million hits.













Ho Chi Minh City ranks fifth on the list of the 10 most viewed cities on TikTok



The study was carried out by Superdry, a UK-based branded clothing company. It analysed the viewing figures of thousands of travel-related hashtags on the video-sharing platform in order to compile a ranking of the most-watched landmarks, cities, and countries globally.



Therefore, a list of 193 countries, 292 cities, and 1,095 attractions was compiled, with their respective hashtags analysed to discover which had the most views.



The results show that Vietnam was ranked sixth, just behind Japan, Russia, Mexico, the United States, and China.



Elsewhere, Thailand ranked in eighth place in the list with 95.1 million hits.



In another category, Ho Chi Minh City ranked fifth on the list of the 10 most viewed cities on TikTok with 32.6 million hits.



Topping the list was New York City with 114 million views, followed by Seoul of the Republic of Korea, Dubai of the United Arab Emirates, and Jakarta of Indonesia.
Beijing (dpa) - Chinese Olympic swimmer Chen Xinyi tested positive for a banned substance, news reports said Friday.



The 18-year-old female swimmer failed a doping test in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported, citing the Chinese Swimming Association.



The swimmer will now be required to submit a second test.



Further details about the doping investigation were unknown.



Chen Xinyi finished fourth in the 100-metre butterfly on Sunday and was scheduled to compete in the 50-metre freestyle on Saturday.




Eurozone ministers approve 1.1-billion-euro Greek bailout tranche

Eurozone finance ministers have given their go-ahead for Greece to be granted 1.1 billion euros (1.2 billion dollars) in bailout aid, while holding back on a further 1.7 billion euros until Athens clears outstanding arrears.

GALLERY

A demonstrator waves a European flag with the Euro sign seen in the center during a pro Euro rally in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens Greece, 09 July 2015.

Luxembourg (dpa) - The ministers welcome "the implementation by the Greek authorities of the set of 15 milestones" that were due to be completed under the countrys current review, according to a statement.They also acknowledge the "significant progress" made on arrears clearance, while noting that the process should be completed later this month.
May gets election boost as Conservatives make gains in local polls

British Prime Minister Theresa May received a boost for her general election campaign on Friday as her Conservatives made strong gains in local elections.

GALLERY

Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, a former business secretary in a coalition government with the Conservatives, told the BBC the May"s party was profiting from "taking on board the agenda as well as the former voters of UKIP."

London (dpa) - After results were declared for some 2,000 seats by early afternoon the Conservatives had gained 230 seats, Labour had lost about 110, the Liberal Democrats were down by nearly 30, and the UK Independence Party had lost all of the 41 seats it held at the previous elections.If the trend continues, it could put the Conservatives on course to win dozens of parliamentary seats from its biggest rival, Labour, on June 8.Turnout dipped below 30 per cent in some of the polls, which were held for 88 of Britains 418 local councils.Low turnout had been expected as the local elections followed last years Brexit referendum and a general election in 2015, with another general election to come just five weeks from now.Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, a former business secretary in a coalition government with the Conservatives, told the BBC the Mays party was profiting from "taking on board the agenda as well as the former voters of UKIP."Political analyst Matthew Goodwin said on Twitter that the results suggested a "dismal night" for Labour, with the "writing on the wall" for expected big losses to the Conservatives for the party in the general election.Goodwin, an expert on right-wing movements in Britain, said the early results had also confirmed his forecast that UKIP was "braced for a crash-landing" as many traditional Conservative voters who supported UKIP in recent elections are moving back.The new shift is largely due to Mays "repeated insistence that Brexit means Brexit, her prioritizing of immigration reform, criticism of liberal elites and push for more grammar schools - all of which will be music to UKIP voters ears," Goodwin and fellow analyst David Cutts wrote for Politico.The centre-left online newspaper The Independent said "UKIP is finally dead," but it did not celebrate the demise of the right-wing, anti-EU party.It noted in a commentary that former Conservative prime minister David Cameron had "put party before country" by agreeing to hold a referendum on Britains EU membership last June after he "got spooked by the Ukippers.""And now we see a Tory party successful at the expense of the broader nations interests," it said.May succeeded Cameron last year. He resigned following his failed campaign to keep Britain in the European Union in the Brexit referendum.Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Defence Minister Michael Fallon said Fridays early results were encouraging, but he voiced concern that the Conservatives could have "peaked too soon" for the general election.Political analysts also cautioned that big gains in the local elections would not necessarily herald the large parliamentary majority that May hopes to win in the general election.May has asked voters to back her "strong and stable" leadership of the country and her plans for Brexit negotiations with EU leaders.
China's Human Rights Action Plan fully implemented, finds third-party evaluation

Xinhua) 08:13, September 30, 2021

Villagers attend a spring ploughing ceremony in Quxu County, Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), released by the Chinese government in September 2016, has been fully implemented, according to an evaluation report by third-party experts.

All of the 168 objectives and tasks in The Action Plan have been completed, with the nation achieving many ahead of schedule or going beyond the targets set, said the report evaluating the implementation of the Action Plan unveiled Wednesday.

"Generally speaking, from 2016 to 2020, China adhered to the people-centered development concept, earnestly implemented the constitutional principle of 'respecting and protecting human rights,' and took practical measures to actively promote the implementation of the objectives and tasks" of the Action Plan, read the report.

It noted an improvement in the protection of people's economic, social and cultural rights, civil and political rights, the rights of ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and the disabled, the promotion of human rights information dissemination and education, and achievements in relevant international exchanges and cooperation.

In particular, the report hailed China's success in eliminating absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, which have led to significantly greater protection for human rights in China.

The evaluation was commissioned by the Joint Meeting Mechanism of the National Human Rights Action Plan and conducted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Human Rights Institute of Southwest University of Political Science and Law.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Clock ticks toward Friday as U.S. gov't shutdown looms

Xinhua) 08:17, September 30, 2021

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"Ultimately, there will be a continuing resolution that keeps the government open, but there is a lot of posturing now for purely political reasons," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West said.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The clock is ticking toward a shutdown of some U.S. government services if Congress does not pass a budget by Friday.

Democrats this week scrambled to extend funding for some federal government operations, in a bid to avoid a shutdown as negotiations with Republicans reached a stalemate amid a bitter partisan divide in Washington.

U.S. President Joe Biden canceled a trip in an effort to focus on budget negotiations amid a tense moment in Washington.

If legislation fails to pass through the House and the Senate by Friday, certain government services could shut down.

The Senate could vote as soon as Wednesday on legislation that would thwart a shutdown, according to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

This week saw GOP lawmakers in the Senate block an effort by Democrats to combine an increase in the amount of money the government can borrow - known as the debt ceiling - with government funding.

Democrats argued that the Republicans' move was irresponsible.

The GOP move is forcing Democrats to come up with a plan to fund the government, as the Friday deadline rapidly approaches. If Congress fails to pass a short-term plan by Thursday midnight, certain government services will shut down on Friday.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 2, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to extend funding before the Friday's deadline.

"This isn't your typical Washington fracas and it shouldn't be treated as such," Schumer said.

The issue has "far more severe consequences than the typical political catfight," Schumer said.

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy blasted Democrats for combining government funding with a bid to increase the debt ceiling.

"I voted no once it became clear it couldn't pass," he said.

Cassidy said a budget resolution needs to be passed separately from the debt ceiling.

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua that each party is "making policy with an eye towards the 2022 elections and trying to position itself in the best possible manner."

"Ultimately, there will be a continuing resolution that keeps the government open, but there is a lot of posturing now for purely political reasons," West said.

"Each side sees the current situation as one that will benefit their party. Democrats want the public to believe Republicans are irresponsible and not committed to effective governance, while Republicans are focusing on the large spending bills and their view that too much money is being spent," West said.

A shutdown would mean many federal government functions would be put on hold until a budget is passed, and some federal workers would be placed on furlough.

A woman walks a dog near the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Sept. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Services considered essential, such as law enforcement or public safety, would continue. Military operations would continue, as would medical care for U.S. veterans, air traffic control and criminal investigations conducted by the federal government. The U.S. Postal Service would also continue its operations.

On the list for suspension would be national parks and certain museums in Washington, D.C.. There would also be delays in passport and visa applications.

Many Americans believe the U.S. government spends far too much.

Kim Bristol, in her 50s and working in information technology in the D.C. area, told Xinhua: "I believe that the government spends money frivolously."

She also questioned why "career politicians live in million dollar houses when they make 200,000 a year."

Carl Richardson, in his 40s and in food management in the D.C. area, told Xinhua he believes the government "spends too much."

Polls show that approval of Congress remains low.

A paltry 27 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing and 69 percent disapprove, according to a Gallup poll released earlier this month.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Demographic development in Xinjiang self-explanatory against anti-China attempts, experts say

Xinhua) 08:19, September 30, 2021

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The population growth in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region speaks for itself against such fabrications as "genocide," which are Western anti-China forces' attempts to interfere with China's development, foreign experts told Xinhua.

Their remarks came after China's State Council Information Office issued a white paper detailing the demographic development in Xinjiang on Sunday, which indicated that over the past 70 years, Xinjiang has seen rapid and steady population growth, with population quality, life expectancy, urbanization and modernization apparently improved.

Numerous facts and data demonstrated that Xinjiang, since 1949, has made a historical achievement in demographic development concerning the population quantity and quality, while people of various ethnic groups boast significantly ameliorated living conditions, life expectancy and education, noted Ghassan Youssef, a Syrian political expert and analyst.

"The white paper reveals a number of realities," said Aneel Salman, an economist at the Islamabad-based COMSATS University of Pakistan, noting the annual growth of the Uygur population in the region between 2000 and 2020 is higher than average growth rate of ethnic minorities in China.

Apart from the steady population growth, the past over 70 years also witnessed the improved quality of population, the speeding up of urbanization and the development of industries and tourism in Xinjiang, the economist told Xinhua.

Having seen storytellers "write so much about these so-called atrocities or genocide, but they have never been physical to this country," Salman condemned such practices, saying "that is pretty criminal."

Sonia Bressler, a French writer and sinologist, who has once traveled to Xinjiang, said she has seen the rapid progress in local economy, social stability and people's wellbeing, with the Chinese government's efforts to promote the inclusive development of ethnic groups, and protect their cultural traditions and religions.

By interviewing local residents and listening to their own stories, Bressler gained the knowledge of their enthusiasm to and trust in the country.

"I have been to Xinjiang eight times since 2005, and I have witnessed how Xinjiang has changed over the past 16 years," said Andrey Ostrovsky, head of the Center for Social and Economic Research of China of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Xinjiang has been developing very rapidly in recent years, said the expert, noting that "many mosques in Xinjiang" reflect the country's protection for the freedom of belief and religion.

Given the Uygur population in Xinjiang increasing by more than 3 million over the past 20 years, the alleged "genocide" of Uygurs makes no sense, the academic said, who asked "What kind of 'genocide' are we even talking about when the Uygur population of Xinjiang is constantly growing?"

Additionally, what is called "concentration camps" in the West is actually "not camps, but the places where people are able to master certain professions ... In the understanding of Russians, these are vocational schools," said Ostrovsky, recalling his visit in 2018 to a vocational school in Urumqi.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese military holds joint tabletop exercise with UN peacekeeping forces

Xinhua) 08:21, September 30, 2021

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A joint tabletop exercise of peacekeeping missions is being held in Beijing by China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the UN Department of Peace Operations.

Running from Sept. 23 to 30, the exercise is comprised of theoretical orientation, case studies and review. It engages around 70 participants in assessing and discovering best action plans for peacekeeping missions including armed patrol, civilian protection, emergency response, logistic assistance and civil-military coordination, in-person or via video link.

Among all the participants from the Chinese side and UN peacekeeping forces, 85 percent have previously taken part in peacekeeping efforts.

"We hope the exercise will enhance the cooperation between China and the United Nations in peacekeeping, and contribute China's experience and solution to global peacekeeping efforts," said a senior training officer at the peacekeeping affairs center under the MND.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Algeria inaugurates production of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines

Xinhua) 08:23, September 30, 2021

A staff member works at a joint venture between China's biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech and Algeria's pharmaceutical group Saidal in the province of Constantine, Algeria, on Sept. 29, 2021. Algeria on Wednesday started manufacturing the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines at a joint venture with China, which is located in the eastern province of Constantine. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Wednesday started manufacturing the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines at a joint venture with China, which is located in the eastern province of Constantine.

The production line was inaugurated at a ceremony, attended by Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane and Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Li Lianhe, at the joint venture between China's biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech and Algeria's pharmaceutical group Saidal.

In his opening remarks, Benabderrahmane said that this production line is likely to pave the way for producing other vaccines in the near future.

"This unit will enhance Algeria's vaccine self-sufficiency and health security," he noted.

He added that the production line aims to produce 6 million doses of Sinovac vaccine by the end of this year, and 96 million doses each year thereafter, "provided the existence of enough raw material and orders locally and internationally."

For his part, the Chinese ambassador hailed the completion of this project as "a milestone in the history of cooperation between China and Algeria, which share distinguished historical friendship and convergent views on many issues."

Li noted that "the two countries' goals for development are similar, as they have exchanged support for each other during the past decades."

"In response to Algeria's request, China has overcome the huge pressure of domestic demand for Sinovac vaccines and made unremitting efforts to supply them to Algeria," he said, citing that China signed a contract to provide 15 million doses of vaccines to Algeria, becoming the largest vaccine supplier to the North African country.

The Chinese envoy vowed that China is always ready to continue strengthening cooperation with Algeria in various fields, and expand bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Algeria and China have been closely cooperating to fight the pandemic. In February 2020, Algeria was one of the first countries to send medical donations to China, which in return has also sent several batches of medical aid and experts to Algeria.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
PLA Air Force unveils new aircraft at Airshow China

Xinhua) 08:33, September 30, 2021

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has unveiled an array of new aircraft at the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2021, which opened Tuesday in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Aircraft put on show included two J-20 stealth fighter jets, China's new electronic warfare aircraft J-16D, and a new high-altitude reconnaissance drone, WZ-7.

The Y-20 heavy transport aircraft and some other major battle equipment were also displayed at the show.

The PLA Air Force is working in line with the strategic requirements of integrating air and space capabilities as well as coordinating offensive and defensive operations. Its goal is to advance toward building itself into a world-class strategic air force, said Commander of the PLA Air Force Chang Dingqiu at the event.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Global cooperation is not only needed on vaccination, on trade, but also on macro economic policy, Mattoo said, as coordinated stimulus is mutually reinforcing and will be more powerful, says Aaditya Mattoo.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vaccine nationalism amid the COVID-19 crisis has been disappointing, said Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for East Asia and Pacific Region, urging policymakers to boost trade openness to rein in the virus and support recovery.

"I am a trade economist and all my life, I believed that production should happen where it is most efficient and then be distributed to where there is greatest need," Mattoo told Xinhua in a remote video interview Monday.

"But this crisis has disappointed me because instead of countries pursuing a globally optimal cooperative strategy, there has been what we call vaccine nationalism," Mattoo said.

According to the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific Fall 2021 Economic Update, vaccination in the region faces three major constraints, as availability held back vaccination rates in larger countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, smaller, poorer countries are constrained by limited distribution infrastructure, and there is also vaccine hesitancy.

Faced with vaccine nationalism, Mattoo said "perhaps not nationally, but at least regionally," it is necessary to have reliable supplies, so countries are "not hostage to a situation where other countries do not share vaccines."

In addition, the trade economist called for allowing easier access and facilitating transfer of vaccine technology, where the whole world can work together to expand production now.

"You see the perverse result of a strategy that just focuses domestically, because if you do not suppress infection outside your country, you will remain vulnerable to the emergence of new variants," he said.

"We might be condemned to a perpetual race between vaccines and variants, and we need to win that race globally, not nationally," he added.

The World Bank estimates that most countries in the East Asia and the Pacific region can vaccinate more than 60 percent of their populations by the first half of 2022, which would significantly reduce mortality, allowing a resumption of economic activity.

A medical worker inoculates a man with a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

Apart from vaccination, Mattoo said there needs to be a complimentary strategy, which consists of precautionary behaviors, such as wearing masks, social distancing, as well as sustained testing, tracing and isolation, calling it the "second arrow in our quiver" to deal with this disease.

The latest report noted that the East Asia and Pacific region's recovery has been undermined by the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, and growth forecasts have been downgraded for most countries in the region.

While China's economy is projected to expand by 8.5 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from April projection, the rest of the region is forecast to grow at 2.5 percent, 1.9 percentage points less than forecast in April, the report showed.

Noting that there is variation across countries, Mattoo said some countries like China have been relatively successful in at least keeping this virus at bay, but other countries which had done well previously, especially like Vietnam and Malaysia, are now struggling to contain it and are suffering a "significant" contraction in economic activity.

Others like the Philippines and Indonesia, he continued, had always struggled and their struggles have been "worse," so they are also seeing a contraction in economic activity and forecasts for them are less promising than before.

Mattoo laid out three major reasons for China's strong recovery: China's efficiency in containing the disease; China's robust exports, supported by sustained recovery abroad; the government's capacity to provide support.

The economist, however, noted that there are also challenges China needs to address, as the disease is not conquered, global demand has peaked, geopolitical tensions can affect trade, and macro-prudential policies need to avoid instability.

He also noted that a country like China can "take initiatives as it's already doing to revive multilateral cooperation."

Global cooperation is not only needed on vaccination, on trade, but also on macro economic policy, Mattoo said, as coordinated stimulus is mutually reinforcing and will be more powerful.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) stands with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (1st L) and other officials upon the arrival of government-purchased Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines in Manila, the Philippines, on March 29, 2021.(Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

"The one risk is that when one country provides stimulus, others are sometimes tempted to hold back and that can then also create trade tensions, where you feel they are not doing their share," he said.

"So both from a purely economic point of view, but also from a political stability point of view, coordinated policies are desirable," he added.

The World Bank economist noted that trade has remained resilient for countries in the region despite the pandemic, but there are export restrictions and supply chain disruptions.

"The best response to protectionism abroad is more trade openness at home, and more trade facilitation" within the region, Mattoo said. "We showed that actually would lead to even faster growth in the region, than retaliating through protection."

The trade economist noted that trade has been the engine of growth for all the countries, "any successful country," not just in the region.

"So at this stage, even if some countries are beginning to doubt the benefits of globalization and retreating from it, I do not think the region should," he said.

Beyond containing COVID-19, the World Bank also called on policymakers to adopt a comprehensive strategy to boost inclusive growth, including increasing public investment in hard and soft infrastructure, like clean energy, transport, health systems and schools, improving social protection systems, and supporting broader technology diffusion.

"So I would say contain the disease, ensure stable macro policy for recovery, and then work hard on structural reforms for long-term growth," Mattoo said.

"A crisis is an opportunity (that) changes the political economy and the time to take advantage of it is now," he added.
AUKUS nuclear submarine deal brings five harms to region, says Chinese FM

Xinhua) 09:02, September 30, 2021

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with the Malaysian and Bruneian foreign ministers.

During the talks, the foreign ministers exchanged views on the new security partnership between Australia, Britain and the United States, known as AUKUS, as well as the countries' plan to conduct cooperation on nuclear submarines, over which the officials expressed grave concern.

Wang said the AUKUS move is likely to bring five harms to the region.

Firstly, it will cause risks of nuclear proliferation.

According to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, non-nuclear-weapon states can only use nuclear energy in a peaceful manner under supervision and safeguards.

Nuclear submarines, however, are used for military purposes and are fueled by highly enriched uranium, which can be used directly to build nuclear weapons, while the International Atomic Energy Agency is unable to conduct effective and timely supervision of nuclear submarines.

While the United States has unilaterally imposed sanctions on countries developing enriched uranium technology, it gave Australia a green light, which will inevitably give rise to more risks of proliferation of nuclear technology and materials, impacting the global non-proliferation regime.

Secondly, it will induce a new round of arms race.

Nuclear submarines are strategic security forces, capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Australia's move will break the strategic balance in the region, mocks the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty that Australia has signed, and constitutes a real threat to countries in the region.

It could not be ruled out that other countries would follow the move to wage a new round of arms race, even crossing the nuclear threshold.

Thirdly, it will undermine regional prosperity and stability.

With the joint efforts made by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for many years, the region has become the most dynamic and fastest developing one in the world. This situation is hard won and should be cherished.

However, AUKUS will surely to create tensions, casting a shadow on the region's peace, stability, and development.

Fourthly, it will sabotage the building of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.

The Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone reflects the common will of the people in Southeast Asian countries, which should be understood and respected by other countries.

Among the five nuclear weapon countries, China was the first to have announced its readiness to join the treaty and sign a protocol to this end.

The United States and Britain chose not to participate in the treaty. Instead, they have transferred military nuclear technology to the region under various pretexts and provided highly enriched uranium materials, running counter to the efforts made by ASEAN countries to build a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

Fifthly, it will revive the Cold War mentality.

AUKUS, in line with the Quad, complies with and serves the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy, seeking to overturn the current status quo and start all over again, with an eye to provoking rivalry among blocs in the region and ushering in geopolitical zero-sum games.

It goes against the trend of the times and is a revival of the Cold War mentality, which should arouse vigilance and opposition from countries in the region and the international community.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
California officials, organizations send congratulations upon China's National Day

Xinhua) 09:02, September 30, 2021

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- California officials and representatives of local organizations delivered warm congratulatory messages to an online celebration held by the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China's National Day falls on Oct. 1 every year to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China.

U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman ever elected to U.S. Congress, joined the celebration. She represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of Southern California.

"Cooperation between the U.S. and China has had historic significance, like defeating fascism in WWII," Chu noted in her video message, saying that she is proud of the 20,000 Chinese Americans like her father, who went on to serve during the war.

Chu pointed out the cooperation between the two countries is vital for moving the globe forward and "there is so much more for us to accomplish together from combating climate change to defeating pandemics."

"So many immigrants from China have made incredible contributions to our country as well. We can see it every day here in Southern California, where the Chinese community is an essential part of our vibrancy from the food we eat, to how we conduct business," she added.

The congresswoman stressed that the growing impact of the Chinese community in California can be very helpful at erasing xenophobia and encouraging more work together and she is committed to fighting all prejudice and anti-Asian sentiments.

California's Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said in a written message to the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles that the Golden State's ties to China are "deep, long-standing, and enduring" and "we are extremely proud of these close relations."

"The people of China and California have been inextricably intertwined since the earliest days of our statehood. In fact, today a significant percentage of Californians can trace their roots to China," Kounalakis said, adding the ties and cultural connections have helped to make China California's largest trading partner in Asia.

"It is my hope that continued friendly people-to-people relations will continue in the coming year," the lieutenant governor noted.

The western U.S. state, home to around 40 million residents, is the most populous state in the country. China is one of California's largest trading partners and California attracts the biggest amount of Chinese investment, tourists and students among all U.S. states.

Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, also joined the celebration on behalf of the most populous U.S. county, home to approximately a quarter of California's total population.

"The Board takes this opportunity to express appreciation for the continued friendship between the people of China and the residents of Los Angeles County," said Barger in a written message.

"This friendship is increasingly important to the trade, business, and cultural relationships that benefit the people of our two countries," she added.

"China is our biggest trading partner. Half of all containers moving through the Port of Long Beach represent trade with China. We value our partners from China tremendously," said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

Through August, the Port of Long Beach handled 6.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is back on track this year to surpass 9 million. That would shatter the previous year's record of 8.1 million TEUs.

Cordero pointed out that the tariff disputes between the United States and China have affected trade between the two nations. He said cargo volume has improved in the past 18 months as shippers satisfied pent-up demand generated in the first several months of the pandemic and "as a port authority, we sincerely hope our two nations find ways to resolve their differences and resume trade normalcy."

Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, offer well wishes on behalf of the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States.

"We celebrate decades of collaboration and shared discovery, particularly in the field of Vertebrate Paleontology," she said in her video message, hoping to resume important shared work, paused by the pandemic, alongside their Chinese colleagues and continue to develop relationships with their sister museum in China next year.

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, and Harry Moyer, a centenarian "Flying Tiger" veteran fighter pilot, also extended their greetings upon China's National Day in their video message.

Many members of the organization were famed "Flying Tiger" veterans who served in China to help the Chinese combat the Japanese invasion during World War II.

"I wish to this my best wishes for Chinese people as they celebrate China's National Day," said Moyer, who was based in Chengdu of China in 1944, where his fighter squadron was supporting B-29 Bombers that were flying missions against the Japanese Home islands and also supporting the Chinese who were fighting the Japanese in central China.

Zhang Ping, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, expressed his best wishes to the friends in his consular district during the event.

"Sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are important part of China-U.S. relations," said the Chinese Consul General, adding that California is an important participant and beneficiary of China-U.S. practical exchange and cooperation.

"California's close connection with China is a vivid portrayal of the closely intertwined interests between China and the U.S. and defines the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. relations," he noted.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China brings prosperity to its people in equal manner, experts say

Xinhua) 09:06, September 30, 2021

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China has brought prosperity to its people using the principles of equality and non-discrimination and offered experience to other countries, experts from across the world have said.

China has achieved moderate prosperity in all respects through the consistent hard work and wisdom of the Chinese people, according to a white paper titled "China's Epic Journey from Poverty to Prosperity" issued by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday.

The main driving force behind China's journey and struggle from poverty to prosperity is a people-centered approach adhered to by the Communist Party of China (CPC), which prioritizes the Chinese people and their welfare, said Rizwan Naseer, a Pakistani strategic security analyst.

Under China's policy with the principles of equality and non-discrimination, all citizens are entitled to equal rights and respect, Naseer said.

Through its development, China has given the world the confidence that the ideal of a community with a shared future for mankind is achievable and other countries can also lift their people out of poverty, he said.

"China's modernization is characterized by seeking common prosperity, and balanced material and cultural progress for all," Patricio Giusto, director of the Sino-Argentine Observatory told Xinhua.

China's experience gives a new option to countries and regions seeking to achieve growth, he said.

Ahmed Waly, a former Egyptian diplomat and head of the Egypt-China Friendship Association, said China has strived for development in various fields including economy, science, technology, education, culture, environment, public health and community governance.

The fruits of development, such as high-speed rail and digital technology, can be enjoyed by the entire population, "which is beneficial to the whole society," he said.

China's contributions to the United Nations' goals of reducing global poverty can hardly be overestimated, and its success is important for many countries facing poverty, said Natalia Pecheritsa, director of the Center for the Asia-Pacific Region of the Russian New University.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China issues white paper to share experience in building moderately prosperous society in all respects

People's Daily) 09:18, September 30, 2021

Photo taken on Sept. 25, 2021 shows children having fun at an autumn-themed exhibition in Ejin Horo Banner, Ordos city, north Chinas Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Peoples Daily Online/Wang Zheng)

Chinas State Council Information Office published a white paper titled Chinas Epic Journey from Poverty to Prosperity on Sept. 28, intending to document Chinas journey to moderate prosperity in all respects, introduce the countrys approaches to and actions in achieving the goal, and share with the rest of the world its unique experience in the construction of modernization.

Achieving moderate prosperity fulfills a long-cherished dream of the Chinese nation, said the white paper.

Since the Opium War (1840-1842), China had suffered greater ravages than ever before, the white paper said. However, the indomitable Chinese people never lost heart  they continued to fight tenaciously for their dream of a happy life, it added.

Over the past hundred years, led by the CPC, generations of the Chinese people have persevered, progressing step by step from a subsistence standard of living to piecemeal prosperity, then to moderate prosperity throughout the country, said the document.

Chinas experience in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has fully proven that the country considers all-round development essential to moderate prosperity, in pursuing which the country emphasizes balanced, coordinated and sustainable progress in various fields, according to the white paper.

The moderately prosperous society in all respects that China has built is a society in which all people share the fruits of development, a society where no individual, region or ethnic group is left behind, and a society that promotes the well-rounded development of all, pointed out the white paper. Each of these is essential for achieving common prosperity, a major goal of socialism, it said.

China has achieved moderate prosperity in all respects through the consistent hard work and wisdom of the Chinese people, according to the white paper.

The CPC has united and led the Chinese people in rebuilding the country from scratch through self-reliance and hard work, achieving the moderate prosperity to which they have aspired for thousands of years, the white paper said, stressing that the epic deeds of the CPC and the Chinese people will go down in history.

China cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world, nor can the world achieve prosperity without China. The country always considers its own growth in the context of the common development of all humanity and binds the interests of its people to the common interests of all peoples across the world, the document said.

The country will continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, contribute to global prosperity, uphold the international order, and provide public goods for the whole world, according to the white paper.

In achieving moderate prosperity for the Chinese people, China has contributed to its own development and delivered benefits to the rest of the world. This has created positive momentum for world peace and common development, and contributed Chinas strength to building a global community of shared future and a better world, it said.

In the future, China will continue to embrace and interact with the rest of the world, adopt a more open and inclusive mindset, and contribute even more to building a global community of shared future and a better world, the white paper noted.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
China's sci-fi industry exceeds 36 bln yuan in H1

Xinhua) 09:29, September 30, 2021

A woman visits an exhibition of Three-Body, an award-winning sci-fi trilogy, in Shanghai, east China, Feb. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The output value of China's sci-fi industry reached nearly 36.3 billion yuan (5.6 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2021, according to an industry report.

The sci-fi reading market contributed 1.4 billion yuan, an increase of 12 percent year on year, showed data from the report released at the ongoing China Science Fiction Convention 2021 in Beijing.

China's sci-fi industry generated 55.1 billion yuan in 2020, stated the report, adding that the digital reading and audio reading industries also saw rapid growth in the country.

The convention is scheduled until Oct. 5.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Freedom of bearing arms dragging America into mire of tragedies

Xinhua) 09:52, September 30, 2021

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Over the last few days, the headline-grabbing mass shootings that occurred nearly back to back across the United States have once again cast doubt on the freedom of bearing arms, a controversial right that has been guarded by the U.S. constitution.

When lawmakers adopted the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1791, they might have not foreseen that more than 200 years later, what they treasured as fundamental individual freedom has become the main culprit in nationwide shooting crimes, with people killed and families broken on a daily basis.

The easy accessibility to fatal arms guaranteed by the amendment has also created such tragedies as a 4-year-old kid killing himself with a gun and a 3-year-old child shooting his brother dead by accident. It has even resulted in a horrible scene: arming the teachers to protect themselves against students who bear guns.

Since 1972, more than 80 people on average, including about 12 children, have been killed by gunshots per day in the United States, according to statistics.

The staggering figures can find their root causes in America's pervasive social problems. In recent years, the widening wealth gap and growing social division have prompted some marginalized groups to go to extremes and resort to violence.

The intensifying racial conflicts and rising living pressures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak have also played their roles, causing a surge in violent crimes, especially shootings with racist tendencies.

It is a vicious circle that the freedom of owning arms fuels social violence, which in turn pushes people to buy more weapons. In the first quarter of the year, U.S. gun sales rose 18 percent year-on-year, without counting in underground transactions. It is estimated that the U.S. society as a whole has more than 400 million guns.

"Americans are in an arms race with themselves," said Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents South Los Angeles.

The recurrent shootings have laid bare the incompetence of the U.S. governance. Even though there are loud voices within the country opposing bearing arms, Washington has hardly taken a step forward on the issue.

Among the main obstacles to gun control efforts in the United States are influential interest groups. The production, sales and use of guns in America have formed a huge industrial chain that generates tremendous interests. Related interest groups have a sway over nearly every aspect of U.S. politics.

For example, the National Rifle Association of America, which has millions of members and includes powerful gun manufacturers and distributors, is able to influence general and local elections as well as the appointment of Supreme Court justices.

No wonder California Governor Gavin Newsom has grumbled that "our politics, stale rhetoric, finger-pointing, all the hand-wringing, consternation that produces nothing except more fury and frustration."

The so-called freedom of keeping arms has made increasing Americans feel despairing. Shannon Watts, founder of the gun control advocacy group Moms Demand Action, once tweeted "This isn't freedom ... No other nation would tolerate this, and we don't have to either."

However, the urges have proven futile. In the United States, the gun control issue seems insoluble. Without some determined actions, America will only find itself mired deeper in more tragedies.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
China's leading truck brand speeds up new energy transformation

Xinhua) 10:39, September 30, 2021

CHANGCHUN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Jiefang, a truck brand of China's leading automaker FAW Group, will invest over 30 billion yuan (about 4.64 billion U.S. dollars) to develop new energy vehicles (NEVs) during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the company announced Wednesday.

The company will develop pure electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles over the next five years, and aims to become an industry leader in key and core technologies by 2030, it said, adding that it will gradually boost the market share of its NEVs.

The investment will be used to build new energy innovation bases in nine domestic and overseas locations and an exclusive base for developing fuel-cell vehicles and systems.

Hu Hanjie, chairman of FAW Jiefang Automotive Co., Ltd., said the move also aims to contribute to China's goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Founded in 1953 and headquartered in the northeastern province of Jilin, the state-owned FAW Group is known as the cradle of China's auto industry.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Chile launches 2021-22 cherry season with eye on Chinese market

Xinhua) 10:49, September 30, 2021

Workers work in a factory of Agricola Garces in Mostazal, Chile on Jan. 19, 2018.(Xinhua/Xu Rui)

According to the Asoex Cherry Committee, 352,000 tons of cherries were exported last season, up by 54 percent from the previous season, with 91 percent of the total going to China.

SANTIAGO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chile launched its 2021-22 cherry season with an eye on China, its main export market for the ruby red stone fruit, and with high expectations for its success.

A recent Cherry Blossom celebration organized by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex), drew agricultural entrepreneurs, and representatives of institutions and officials.

Chilean Minister of Agriculture Maria Emilia Undurraga, who attended the event, hailed agriculture, particularly fruit growing, as "an engine of development for many of the country's regions."

With that in mind, it is "fundamental" to value China's role in moving food markets with its demand for cherries at a particular time of year, which also "contributes to the health and welfare of the population," said the minister.

The official told Xinhua she was grateful for the good relationship with the Chinese technicians who helped Chile adapt to new import requirements to ensure the quality product gets to the Chinese market.

"The way we have been welcomed not only by Chinese authorities, but also by the Chinese people, has been a really impactful experience," said Ronald Bown, president of Asoex.

Those attending the Cherry Blossom celebration held at the headquarters of Garces Fruit, a leading fruit exporter located just 70 km south of the capital Santiago, were given a guided tour of the grounds and facility.

Chinese Ambassador to Chile Niu Qingbao, who also attended the event, said he was impressed by the quality control and advanced technology used in cherry planting and processing.

As Chile's cherry exports to China suffered a setback last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities held talks this year and have agreed to take the necessary steps to promote trade in cherries and other agricultural products, ensuring exports meet all the safety requirements of the Chinese market.

The Chinese diplomat said that with efforts from both sides, he hoped this year's cherry exports would be very successful.

Meanwhile, the president of Garces Fruit, Hernan Garces, said, "everything we have built here has been with the Chinese market in mind."

Chile's cherries are "a product that all Chinese people love and that we have built together," Garces added.

Patricio Toro, a founding partner of Exportadora del Sur S.A., another fruit exporter, said he exports his entire cherry harvest to China.

"There is always growth and progress with China," he said, adding he had "the same expectations" for 2021-22.

According to the Asoex Cherry Committee, 352,000 tons of cherries were exported last season, up by 54 percent from the previous season, with 91 percent of the total going to China.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Digital innovation empowers China's governance efficiency

Xinhua) 11:03, September 30, 2021

HANGZHOU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- As digital technology is being fully integrated into the production and life of humankind, China is stepping up efforts to improve its digital governance to create better lives for all.

At an expo titled "the Light of Internet," various types of cutting-edge digital technologies and products empowering digital governance and promoting inclusive development were showcased to the audience. The expo was held as part of the 2021 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, which concluded on Tuesday in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province.

Zhejiang, which has been designated as a demonstration zone for promoting common prosperity, is driving its governance modernization with digital reform.

For instance, Wusi Village in Huzhou City has benefited from the local government's efforts to build the first 5G base station in the village. Dynamic data about the production, life and ecological environment of the village was displayed on digital platforms, providing valuable information for the government to improve public services for rural residents.

"Thanks to the convenience and the opportunities brought by the digital transformation, more and more young people have chosen to come back to start businesses and live in the village," said Sun Guowen, Party secretary of Wusi Village.

Other healthcare services have adopted digital medical care to effectively facilitate high-quality medical resource distribution, enabling residents, especially those in remote areas, to access high-quality medical services without leaving home.

At Wuzhen Internet Hospital, patients can make consultations online, get their e-prescriptions, and make medical insurance claims via their mobile phones. One of the earliest adaptors of this technology, the hospital's medical platform connects with 31 Internet hospitals across the country, and nearly 20 of them have been covered by medical insurance.

The stories of Wusi village and Wuzhen epitomize China's actions to enhance digital governance efficiency through digital innovation to benefit more people. To reduce the regional gap and advance inclusive development, the country has actively developed public services in digital forms such as online classrooms and "smart" libraries.

China's efforts in enhancing digital governance efficiency have been recognized by the world. According to the 2020 United Nations E-Government Survey, China's Online Service Index (OSI), as a core index to measure the development of national e-government services, has risen sharply to 9th place in the world.

Meanwhile, with the rapid development of digital technologies, cybersecurity has been facing new challenges. To better capture the "digital dividends," China has formulated laws and regulations to sustain the healthy development of the Internet industry.

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, has adopted a new law on personal information protection. The law makes provisions prohibiting the excessive collection of personal information and big data-enabled price discrimination against existing customers.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Shanghai releases latest promo video of upcoming CIIE

(People's Daily App) 11:04, September 30, 2021

Jinbao, the mascot of the import expo, invites people from around the world to come to Shanghai to feel the city's energy in the latest promotional video of the upcoming fourth China International Import Expo to be held from November 5 to 10.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Somali officials congratulate China on 72nd anniversary of PRC's founding

Xinhua) 11:15, September 30, 2021

MOGADISHU, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Somali officials have recently extended congratulations on the 72nd founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China during a virtual reception.

The officials expressed appreciation for the historic friendship between Somalia and China at the online reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Tuesday.

In his congratulatory message, Osman Abokor Dubbe, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, said that China has shown how hard work and integrity can create an economic giant, and spoke highly of the country's significant contributions in the fields of space, infrastructure and technology.

Fawziya Abikar Nur, Minister of Health and Human Service, thanked the Chinese government for its consistent support for the Horn of Africa country during the pandemic.

Nur congratulated China on its National Day and expressed his gratitude for China's donation of vaccines this year.

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Fei Shengchao said that China is preparing to donate another batch of vaccines to Somalia to better protect the local people.

"China has continued to give tangible assistance to Somalia in humanitarian aid, education, medicine and other areas, in support of Somalia's peace and reconstruction," Fei said during the event.

Somalia established diplomatic ties with China in 1960.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Ink Dances: 'Mid-Autumn Wonder Tour' reveals the boundless creativity of Chinese culture to New Zealand audiences

13:25, September 30, 2021 By Rui Ma ( People's Daily Online

'Ink Dance Mid-Autumn' (Photo provided by China Cultural Centre in Wellington)

SYDNEY, Sept. 29 (Peoples Daily Online)  The Chinese Cultural Centre in Wellington recently shared its series Mid-Autumn Wonderful Tour, a program celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, to New Zealand netizens through its official social media accounts. The event was supported by the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand.

The series was created around traditional Chinese folk custom, mythology, dance, calligraphy, murals, martial arts, opera and other intangible cultural heritage techniques. With the use of digital technology, the series has offered up an audio-visual feast to Chinese culture lovers in New Zealand and all over the world.

Mid-Autumn Wonderful Tour is structured as a network drama within a network show. This program is based on traditional Chinese culture, which is the sole focus of the entire program.

In the opening scene of the program Autumn Moon Fete, performers create a wonderful show and present good wishes to the audiences through the use of molten iron fireworks and a fire dragon dance.

In the dance The Return of the Crane, dancers dress up as cranes, showing the exquisite posture and beauty of the crane, highlighting the splendor of the mid-autumn moon, and sending forth their good wishes.

The creative dance Ink Dance Mid-Autumn fuses calligraphy with dance, using the dancers' physical bodies to elicit the beauty of Chinese calligraphy in a dynamic dance form. By using a variety of special effects when filming, this dance is able to showcase the enchanting power of traditional Chinese calligraphy.

Shaolin Kung Fu is a program that uses XR technology to wholeheartedly present dancers entering the world of murals and performing martial arts as monks to illustrate the majesty of Shaolin Kung Fu.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
China Cultural Center in Wellington shares master paintings online: revel in Chinese ancients celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival

People's Daily Online) 13:49, September 30, 2021

Poster of Mid-Autumn Festival in Traditional Chinese Paintings (Photo provided by China Cultural Centre in Wellington)

SYDNEY, Sept. 29 (Peoples Daily Online)  The China Culture Center in Wellington recently shared a group of Chinese painting masterpieces in a "Micro Class" on the theme of the Mid-Autumn Festival in an online session, displaying four representative Chinese paintings touching on cultural elements related to the Mid-Autumn Festival as created by Ma Yuan, Chen Mei, Li Song, and Tang Yin.

Since ancient times, there have been numerous Chinese paintings created on the theme of the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as those depicting the beautiful scenes of Mid-Autumn Festival reunions, the raising of glasses to enjoy the moon and celebrate the night together, expressions of people's tender feelings in missing their hometown and prayers for a better future.

A Cup in Hand Under the Moon is a masterpiece created by Ma Yuan, an artist from the Southern Song Dynasty. The painting is unique in its composition, and with a profound artistic conception. The painting depicts a mid-autumn reunion banquet scene. A round moon is hung high in the sky, and the visit of friends creates a beautiful atmosphere of gathering together.

One of the classic masterpieces of the Qing Dynasty painter Chen Mei, Qiongtai Moon Viewing Picture, portrays a mid-autumn night with a crisp autumn atmosphere and fragrant laurels. The painter depicts women of the Qing Dynasty with slender figures composed of fine and smooth lines and bright and vivid colors.

Watching the Tide on a Moonlit Night by Li Song, a Southern Song Dynasty painter, depicts a scene of the tide coming in on a mid-autumn night in Lin'an, Southern Song Dynasty. With delicate, emotive and vivid brushstrokes, he paints a poetic picture of gazing out at the tide during the mid-autumn season.

Chang'e Holding a Laurel was painted by Tang Yin, one of the "Four Artists of Ming". During the Mid-Autumn Festival, when people look up at a bright and full moon, they have tended to associate it with the "Guang Han Palace" and "Chang'e" of ancient myths and legends, and painters have often created timeless masterpieces in this theme. (Zhiyuan Ren)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
27 milu deer released back into wild in N China's Inner Mongolia

People's Daily Online) 16:28, September 30, 2021

A total of 27 rare milu deer have been released back into the wild at the Daqingshan Nature Reserve in north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region in an effort to improve their living environment.

(Photo/People's Daily APP)

At a later stage, the released deer will be required to wear Beidou GPS positioning collars, so as to have their activities and migratory trajectories more accurately monitored. In this way, targeted measures can be adopted for their future protection.

In recent years, the population of milu deer has been steadily growing thanks to efforts such as the restoration of wildlife habitats and implementation of more scientific research. As of now, the number of milu deer has risen to around 10,000.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The 2021 International Cultural and Creative Industry Development Forum will be held from Oct 14 and 17 in Huangshan city, East China's Anhui province, officials announced at a recent press conference in Beijing.

Over 300 experts, entrepreneurs and government officials in the culture and tourism industry will gather in Huangshan city, and communicate with their counterparts from overseas via the internet on how to boost recovery of the cultural and creative industry via innovation and build a sustainable culture and tourism industry amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Audiences will be able to watch livestreams of the discussions and interact online with guest speakers. Some cooperative projects in the culture and tourism industry will be signed during the forum. Meanwhile, a committee of entrepreneurs from home and abroad in the culture and tourism industry will be established, so they can better exchange views with each other and cooperate in more projects.

Cheng Hong, deputy mayor of Huangshan city, talked about the advantages of the city in tourism, culture, ecology and public transportation at the press conference. She said besides well-known Huangshan Mountain, the city is also home to Huizhou merchants who gained nationwide influence during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and the national-level Huizhou Cultural Ecology Protection Zone that aims to preserve local intangible cultural heritage.

"It makes the city like a creative, roofless museum that tourists can directly interact with," she said.




Relatives and neighbors of the Ahmadis gather around the incinerated husk of a vehicle targeted and hit by an American drone strike that killed 10 people including children, in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 30, 2021. /CFP

Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said Tuesday he took full responsibility for the August 29 drone strike in Kabul that killed 10 civilians.

"We acted based on the intelligence read that we saw on the ground. We acted several times on intelligence that we saw, and we were successful in other occasions in preventing attacks," he told a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. "This time, tragically, we were wrong."

The U.S. admitted in mid-September that a drone strike in late August in Kabul of Afghanistan killed as many as 10 civilians, including 7 children.

McKenzie said the strike was "a tragic mistake" and he as a commander took full responsibility.

The U.S. initially claimed the strike had eliminated an "imminent" threat posed by ISIS-K, an Afghanistan-based offshoot of the Islamic State, to Kabul International Airport, where evacuations of U.S. service members and personnel were underway.

The Taliban has controlled the airport and most parts of Afghanistan since September.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff who also attended Tuesday's Senate hearing, said it was a "strategic failure" that put the Taliban back in power.

Both Milley and McKenzie said they believed the U.S. should maintain 2,500 troops in Afghanistan and feared a quick drawdown from the country could lead to a collapse of the Afghan government and military.

But U.S. President Joe Biden has said last month that no military officials advised him to keep troops in Afghanistan after the withdrawal deadline.

(With input from Xinhua)
Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Sept. 28, 2021. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday during a Senate hearing that it is a "strategic failure" with the Taliban back in power and U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Milley, alongside Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Central Command head Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, testified for the first time before Congress since the United States ended its longest war in Afghanistan. (Patrick Semansky/Pool via Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday during a Senate hearing that it is a "strategic failure" with the Taliban back in power and U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Milley, alongside Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Central Command head Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, testified for the first time before Congress since the United States ended its longest war in Afghanistan.

"It is obvious, the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted, with the Taliban now in power in Kabul," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"Strategically, the war is lost, the enemy is in Kabul. So you have a strategic failure while you simultaneously have an operational and tactical success," he said, referring to the massive personnel evacuation since mid-August.

Milley and McKenzie said they believed the United States should maintain 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, and a quick drawdown from the country could lead to a collapse of the Afghan government and military.

Such comments seemed to contradict President Joe Biden's words in an interview last month, in which he said no military officials advised him to keep troops in Afghanistan after the withdrawal deadline.

Meanwhile, Milley and Pentagon chief Austin stressed that the sudden collapse of the Afghan military was beyond their expectation.

"The fact that the Afghan army we and our partners trained simply melted away, in many cases without firing a shot, took us all by surprise," said Austin.

Milley noted that most intelligence assessments indicated the collapse "would occur late fall, perhaps early winter, Kabul might hold till next spring."

Top military commanders pointed to the agreement reached between the United States and Taliban in February 2020, which called for a full withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Afghanistan by May 2021 if the Taliban meets the conditions, had a demoralizing impact on the Afghan military.

The U.S. military completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on Aug. 30 under Biden's order, ending 20 years of occupation. The hasty and chaotic evacuations drew fierce criticism from both home and abroad.

Milley admitted in the hearing that the withdrawal damaged U.S. credibility. "Damage is one word that could be used."

He also raised terrorism threats that could potentially emerge from Afghanistan in the near future.

Reflecting on the Afghan war, Austin questioned if the United States had the right strategy in the past two decades, adding that Washington might never fully comprehend the situation on the ground, including the depth of corruption in Kabul.

A poll conducted last month by the Pew Research Center showed only 26 percent of Americans believed the Biden administration handled the Afghanistan situation well, and 69 percent of the public said the United States mostly failed in achieving its goals in Afghanistan.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Cold War mentality must be eradicated before nuclear weapons can be totally eliminated, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"The total elimination of nuclear weapons must begin with the total elimination of the Cold War mentality. With such a mentality, the world cannot achieve real nuclear disarmament and will not enjoy real peace and tranquility," Geng told the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Tuesday to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Geng highlighted the fact that in recent years, some individual countries have been sticking to the Cold War mentality, seeking absolute military superiority, pursuing an offensive nuclear policy, shunning responsibility for nuclear disarmament, obsessed with forming closed and exclusive small circles and bending on provoking conflicts and confrontation.

"Just recently, a couple of countries blatantly announced cooperation in nuclear submarines, which will result in serious nuclear proliferation risks," the envoy pointed out.

"Such practice heightens regional tensions, stimulates the arms race, undermines international efforts in nuclear non-proliferation, and runs counter to the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons as well as the aspiration of regional countries for peace and development," he added.

Geng recalled that a week ago, a country stated in the UN General Assembly Hall that it does not seek a new Cold War, and has no intention of creating division.

"We hope that this public pronouncement made before the whole world will be shown in action," he said. "We hope that the relevant country will discard the outdated zero sum mentality of the Cold War era and narrow-minded geopolitical concepts and make concrete efforts to maintain global strategic balance and stability and uphold regional peace and security."

The envoy emphasized that since the very first day when it came into possession of nuclear weapons, China has been advocating the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons.

"China has declared that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstance, and unconditionally committed itself not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones," he said.

"China never seeks to compete with any country in the scale or quantity of nuclear weapons, nor will it engage in a nuclear arms race with any country. We never shirk our obligations for international disarmament and arms control and have always kept our nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security," he continued.

"China supports building a world free of nuclear weapons, supports the Non-Aligned Movement in promoting the nuclear disarmament agenda, and supports the General Assembly in holding this meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons," he said.
China's independently developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft performed a flight at the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2021, which opened Tuesday in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

The aircraft displayed its capabilities of aerial water-dropping by opening the hatch door underneath and dropping nine tonnes of water during the flight.

Code-named Kunlong, the AG600 is a key piece of aeronautical equipment in China's emergency rescue system.

It completed its maiden flight from land in 2017, its first takeoff from a water reservoir in 2018, and its first sea takeoff in 2020.
China's Chang'e-4 on the lunar surface. /CFP

The lander and rover of the Chang'e-4 probe have worked for 1,000 Earth days on the far side of the moon as of Wednesday, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration.

The lander and rover Yutu-2 are in good condition. The payloads aboard are also working properly and will continue the scientific exploration on the far side of the moon.

As of Wednesday, Yutu-2 has traveled 839.37 meters and obtained 3,632.01 gigabytes (GB) of data.

A lunar day is equal to 14 days on Earth, and a lunar night is the same length. Currently, the lander and rover have been switched to dormant mode for the 34th lunar night due to the lack of solar power.

The Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center will continue to publish the latest findings of the probe.

The Chang'e-4 probe, launched on December 8, 2018, made the first-ever soft landing on the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon on January 3, 2019.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
By Sumesh Shiwakoty

President Joe Biden, joined virtually by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaks about a national security initiative from the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., the U.S., September 15, 2021. /CFP

Editor's note: Sumesh Shiwakoty , a policy analyst and commentator, currently serves as a board member and South Asia director for the U.S. Department of State-funded California-based non-profit "United by Love," has worked in the past with the World Policy Institute in New York, has received a research grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and written analyses for publications including The National Interest, The Diplomat, and The Times of India. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In his announcement of AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between the U.S., UK, and Australia, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the deal will ensure "peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term." President Biden is wrong. If anything, the opposite is true.

AUKUS will exacerbate the arms race while seriously undermining the current international nuclear nonproliferation governments. The deal will further militarize the Pacific. Only the military-industrial complexes of the three nations will benefit, while those who will pay the ultimate price will be the people of Pacific island nations.

Many of the world's leading nuclear policy experts and scholars have expressed concern that AUKUS will cause the proliferation of highly sensitive military nuclear technology. To operate nuclear-powered submarines under this deal, Australia must be the first to exploit a loophole under the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which allows non-nuclear-weapons states to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and remove nuclear materials used for fuel from the inspection system of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

We can assume from Australia's indication that its nuclear submarines will not need refueling that it will use highly enriched uranium (HEU) like that of the U.S. and the UK, instead of low enriched uranium. The danger for nuclear nonproliferation government is obvious, as currently, the American and the British nuclear submarines use HEU enriched above 90 percent, a similar concentration of uranium, for making nuclear weapons.

James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace states that while it is improbable that Australia will acquire nuclear weapons, this "will set a damaging precedent," making it difficult for a nonproliferation government to deter future proliferators. He is right.

Other nuclear countries could exacerbate the arms race by exploiting this same loophole to supply nuclear technologies to countries that are interested in acquiring nuclear weapons. AUKUS will also heavily militarize the Pacific as it includes cooperation on underwater technologies to long-range strike capabilities. This will invite rival powers to militarize the Pacific further.

On the other hand, the AUKUS deal has alienated a close NATO ally of the U.S. and UK. Australia's unilateral cancellation of its $66 billion contracts to purchase diesel-powered submarines from the French defense contractor the Naval Group is a severe economic setback to the French defense industry.

France showed its anger by recalling its ambassadors from Washington and Canberra, having never before recalled an ambassador from the U.S. The French foreign minister called the deal a "stab in the back," while French opposition politicians asked France to leave NATO.

Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin is seen during AUSINDEX 21, a biennial maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy in waters off Darwin, Australia, September 5, 2021. /Getty

If there were really a military threat of the gravity that Biden would like us to believe in the Indo-Pacific, he would have included France, whose Indo-Pacific territory has two million citizens and 7,000 troops, and whose alliance with the U.S. dates to 1778, to counter this security threat mutually.

With Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, publicly touting in the British parliament that the AUKUS deal will add jobs across his country, it seems that economic incentives to the U.S. and the UK outweigh any perceived security concerns in the region.

That the profit motives of the military industry underlie foreign policy decisions seems incontrovertible. The failed 20-year U.S. occupation of Afghanistan was still a big victory for U.S. military contractors. A Brown University report showed the price since 2001 to American taxpayers for the U.S. military operations globally was around $8 trillion. During that period, the share prices of the top five U.S. defense contractors increased three to 12 times, outperforming overall stock markets by 58 percent.

Meanwhile, the people of the Pacific Island nations still live with the environmental consequences of nuclear testing decades ago by Americans, British and French and have worked hard to keep the Pacific nuclear-free going forward. They were already concerned that Japan's plan to discard treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific would adversely affect their habitat.

Now they have more to worry about: the nuclear submarine deal contravenes their long-standing dream of making the region a nuclear-free zone. They now confront the possibility that any accidental spillover of nuclear waste from submarines will poison their habitat.

Other countries in the regions are also protesting the AUKUS deal. For example, New Zealand has stated that the nuclear submarine will not be welcome in their waters, and Malaysia and Indonesia have jointly raised concern that the deal will heighten the tension and arms race in the region.

But for the AUKUS nations which seek hegemony and are addicted to the profit of military-industrial complexes, these concerns of Pacific nations do not seem to matter much. In the age of pressing transnational problems like climate change and nuclear proliferation, any country which seeks hegemony and a return to the 19th century model of balance of power is engaged in primitive, self-defeating thinking.
BEIING, Sept. 30 -- The US playing up the military ties between the US and Taiwan island in its National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 is blatant playing with fire, said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when being asked to comment on the US Act lately approved by the US House of Representatives.

According to media report, the US Act claimed self-righteously that the Chinese mainland's "threat of military force against Taiwan" is contrary to the expectation of the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question, and the US should continue to provide support to "enhance the defense of Taiwan", including inviting Taiwan to the Rim of the Pacific exercise.

"The US Act clings to the Cold War mentality, makes groundless hype about the so-called "China threat", and grossly interferes in China's internal affairs. China is firmly opposed to it," said Wu, adding that whenever budget and appropriation come into question, some American politicians will make a big fuss over China and exaggerate the non-existent "China threat", which is an extremely irresponsible and dangerous move.

Wu also pointed out that the Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair and concerns Chinas core interests and brooks no foreign interference. The Chinese people cherish Chinas sovereign and territorial integrity like they cherish their eyes, and they allow no sand in the eyes. "If anyone dares to challenge China's bottom line on the Taiwan question, the Chinese PLA will never agree with it and will resolutely defend China's sovereign and territorial integrity," Wu stressed.
BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- The British side has significantly increased its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region since this year, which is not conducive to regional peace and stability. said a defense ministry spokesperson on Thursday.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense made this remark when being asked to comment on the at least 5-year regular deployment of two British Royal Navy patrol ships to the Indo-Pacific, and the first docking of the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth at the US naval base in Yokosuka, Japan. Media reports said that the UK aimed to proclaim to its allies and partners its determination and capacity to manage the Indo-Pacific in the long term. In response to that, Wu pointed out that for the past few years, bilateral military relations between Britain and China have maintained stable development in general.

On September 10, General Li Zuocheng, member of China's CMC and chief of staff of the CMC Joint Staff Department, was invited to have a video call with General Sir Nick Carter, UK's Chief of the Defence Staff, through which they had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on regional security situation and national defense policy, bilateral relations and military relationsbetween the two countries, and other issues of common concern. With the increasing global challenges, China and the UK should enhance exchanges and cooperation, which is not only in the common interests of the two countries, but also conducive to world peace, stability and development, Wu stressed.

Wu mentioned at the same time that in recent years, the situation in the Asia-Pacific region remained stable in general. Most countries in this region actively carried out anti-pandemic cooperation, strengthened joint prevention and control, and speeded up work resumption to promote economic recovery.

However, it is noted that the British side has significantly increased its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region since this year, which is not conducive to regional peace and stability. The Chinese armed forces will take necessary measures to earnestly safeguard national sovereignty, national security and development interests, as well as maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity, he reiterated.


Chinese peacekeepers participating in the Shared Mission-2021 command post exercise for UN peacekeeping operations communicate with the UN Department of Peace Operations and UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Mali and South Sudan via video link

By Huang Panyue

BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- The Shared Mission-2021 Command Post Exercise for UN Peacekeeping Operations was held in Beijing from September 23 to 30. The exercise was co-organized by UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Peacekeeping Affairs Center of Chinas Ministry of National Defense (MND).

At the training base of the Chinese side in Beijing, Chinese participants have online interactions with experts from UN Department of Peace Operations and peacekeepers from UN missions in Lebanon, Mali and South Sudan via video link.

This was the first exercise of this kind jointly held by the UN Department of Peace Operations and a peacekeeping troop contributing country. The exercise comprised of three stages  theoretical orientation, case studies and summative evaluation. Revolving around the study and training of standard operating procedures (SOP) of UN peacekeeping missions, the participants conducted analysis and study of cases in light of typical peacekeeping tasks ranging from armed patrol, civilian protection, emergency response, logistic assistance to civil-military coordination, and made responsive contingency plans.

Senior Colonel Wang Chuanjing, senior training officer at the Peacekeeping Affairs Center of Chinas Ministry of National Defense, said the exercise was based on real cases of UN peacekeeping operations, and coupled with emergencies like compound attacks on peacekeepers barracks, epidemic spreading, etc., aiming at beefing up the participants capability of responding to various kind of contingencies in the complex and volatile peacekeeping environment and their technical and tactical capability of carrying out joint command and control with peacekeepers from multiple countries.

The exercise is conducive to strengthening cooperation between China and the UN in the peacekeeping field, raising the professionalism of Chinese peacekeeping staff officers, it helped the participants have a better command of the policies, rules and decision-making procedures for UN peacekeeping operations, said Zhou Hui, a training officer of the exercise.

The exercise is also an epitome of Chinas commitment to safeguarding multilateralism and the international order with the UN Charter at the core,  Zhou added.
BEIJING, Sept. 30  China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to Japanese defense officials' provocative words on China, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on September 30.

It is reported that Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi recently accused China of its increase of national defense expenditure.

Senior Colonel Wu pointed out China's national defense expenditure is open, transparent and appropriate. He illustrated that in the past nearly 30 years, Chinas annual defense expenditure accounts for less than 2% of GDP, lower than that of other major countries and the world average level of 2.6%, and the per capita military expenditure is only 1/5 that of Japans. In contrast, Japan, instead of sincerely reflecting on its aggressive history, has kept increasing its defense budget to new records.

In addition, Japan has also reinforced military forces on its southwestern islands and developed emerging combat forces such as the cyber force and space operation squadron, which far exceeds the needs of exclusively defense-oriented strategy, Wu added.

Apart from the military expenditure, Nobuo Kishi also claimed that the Diaoyu Island is Japanese territory. Yasuhide Nakayama, Japan's Deputy Defense Minister, even alleged that Japan takes the peace and stability in Taiwan as its own business.

Wu stressed that these words have grossly interfered in Chinas internal affairs, and damaged Chinas sovereignty. He reiterated once again that the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have always been an inherent part of Chinese territory, which is a fundamental fact that cannot be changed no matter what Japan clamors.

"Taiwan question is fully and completely Chinas internal affair. It has nothing to do with Japan". Wu solemnly admonished the Japanese side that China today is not what it used to be, and China will not allow any country to meddle in the Taiwan question by any means.
WZ-8 drone is displayed at the Airshow China 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

By Li Jincheng and Li Jianwen

ZHUHAI, Sept. 30 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) held a press conference on September 29 during the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) and introduced its development in recent years.

According to Lieutenant General Wang Wei, deputy commander of PLAAF, the J-20, Y-20, new type of UAVs, special-purpose combat planes, and a range of ground-based air defense weapons and new types of radars all joined the exhibition, fully demonstrating the PLAAFs capability and confidence to defend the national air and space security, safeguard national unity, and contribute to the world peace.

Major General Wang Zhilong, deputy director of the PLAAFs Equipment Department, said that the air force has conducted equipment development and capability enhancement targeted at plateau and maritime operations, giving a strong impetus to regular oceangoing and high-altitude training.

When introducing modified fighter jets such as the J-10C and J-16D, Wang explained that the J-10C is a multi-purpose fighter jet modified from J-10 with much improved overall combat efficiency, while the J-16D is a new type of electronic warfare aircraft (WEA) independently developed based on J-16 fighter jet. Following the guiding thought of one generation in exploration, one generation under research, and one generation in service, the PLAAF is developing weapons and equipment in a sustained, healthy and orderly manner toward the goal of building a world-class strategic air force thats fully capable of protecting national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Tang Changhong, chief designer of the Y-20, explained that as a large multi-purpose transport plane integrating strategic and tactical performance, the Y-20 has accomplished all kinds of tasks since it was commissioned. It has basically met the design expectations and will continue to exert its value through constant improvements. Tang also said that Y-20 has had test flights with homemade engines and recorded exceptional performance.
A Swedish study has found that the more chocolate women said they ate -- especially dark chocolate -- the lower their risk of stroke.

The Swedish study in the Journal of American College of Cardiology looked at 33,000 women and found that two chocolate bars per week appear to help reduce a woman's chance of stroke. The results support evidence linking cocoa to heart health, but doctors caution this is not a free pass to over-indulge.

Scientists believe antioxidants and flavonoids may be the substances that allow chocolate to help lower blood pressure, a contributing factor for strokes.

Dr. Susanna Larsson points out that the amount of cocoa in brands of chocolate varies. Chocolate consumed in Sweden has as much as 30-percent cocoa solids. U.S. chocolate may contain much less cocoa.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned Wednesday of deteriorating health conditions in Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized in August following the pullout of U.S. and allied troops after 20 years.

At a daily briefing, Dujarric said there had been a decrease in access to health care, that cases of measles and diarrhea were rising, that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed and that there had been a resurgence of polio.

The UN spokesman said the World Health Organization had reported that only 17 percent of the more than 2,300 health facilities previously supported by the World Bank were fully functional and that two-thirds of them had run out of essential medicines.
A similar app called Reface has already been downloaded 100 million times and there are more than 650,000 images floating around in cyberspace that were made with it.

Smartphone apps that make it easier to produce such images have resulted in a rapid spread of them on social media. The FacePlay app that was released in August has been downloaded more than 1 million times here and around 37,000 clips have been posted on Instagram.

Calls are growing to crack down on 'deepfake' porn, which uses advanced imaging technology to replace a person's face in a pornographic video.

A petition posted on the Cheong Wa Dae website in January called for tough punishment for people creating and uploading deepfake porn videos of Korean celebrities and drew around 390,000 signatures.

But increasingly, people's ordinary friends and acquaintances have become victims. Police in North Jeolla Province arrested a man in his 20s who created deepfake porn videos of a woman he met on the Internet and uploaded them on porn websites.

A growing number of ads on social media offer to create deepfake porn using photos sent by clients.

A government taskforce tracked 11,891 deepfake porn videos on adult websites and social media last year and found that 20 percent of them targeted ordinary people.

Park Sung-hye at the taskforce said, "Deepfake technology has become more accessible and we need to be more vigilant against abuses."

People who create and spread sexually explicit videos or images face criminal charges. A new clause in Korea's sexual violence law makes them punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to W50 million (US$1=W1,184).

Ahn Joo-young, an attorney, said, "It is a digital crime to create sexually explicit deepfake videos or images without the consent of others. They could also constitute defamation."
Marvel Studios' "Eternals," in which actor Ma Dong-seok makes his Hollywood debut, will hit big screens here in November. Ma is better known as Don Lee in Hollywood.

The Walt Disney Company Korea on Wednesday released the main poster for the superhero film and announced Nov. 4 as its release date.

The film also stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani and Salma Hayek among others. It is directed by Chloe Zhao, who won the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars at this year's Academy Awards for her critically acclaimed film "Nomadland."

In the movie, the Eternals, immortal alien heroes who have lived on Earth without revealing their identities for thousands of years, come together once again to fight their evil counterparts the Deviants.

Ma plays Gilgamesh, the strongest Eternal, with a deep connection to Thena, played by Jolie. As the first Korean superhero in Marvel films, he hopes to be an inspiration to the younger generation.
Seoul has been ranked as the 16th-best place in the world to start a business, climbing four spots from last year and overtaking Singapore and Berlin in the process.

According to this year's report by San Francisco-based firm Startup Genome, Seoul has the 16th-best start-up ecosystem among 290 cities in 100 countries.

The Korean capital's ecosystem is valued at US$47.2 billion, almost five times the global average.

The city government's aggressive efforts in making Seoul a start-up hub were cited as a key contributing factor in its rise in the rankings.

The top five start-up ecosystems maintained their reign from last year. The U.S.' Silicon Valley topped the list, followed by London and New York City (tied at second), Beijing and Boston. In Asia, Seoul ranked fourth, following Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo. Singapore was ranked fifth.
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Texas flags wave in the wind outside the Comal County Courthouse for Texas Independence Day on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. MIKALA COMPTON | Herald-Zeitung
Registered Nurses Kelly Flourny and Rachelle Curtis coordinate care for patients in the coronavirus intensive care unit at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. MIKALA COMPTON | Herald-Zeitung
Bill Gates, co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft, and his wife, Melinda French Gates, announced on Monday that they plan to divorce after 27 years of marriage. "After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decis...
It is reported that on the 17th local time, the Japan National Tourism Administration released estimated data that in February 2021, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan was 7,400, which was a 99.3% decrease from the same month in 2020, and a ye...
The American technology company Intel says it is working to address a shortage of semiconductor chips affecting the automotive industry. That same day, U.S. President Joe Biden convened CEOs for a virtual summit on the semiconductor supply chain. "We hop...
UAE-based restaurant, patisserie, baker and artisan cheese seller, Jones the Grocer has revealed it will open 10 new outlets within a year and will double its footprint to 50 stores in total within five years, Zawya reports.

Grocery store, cafe and cheese room brand which started in Australia in 1996 said the first 10 new outlets will be opened in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt initially taking its total number of outlets to 33.

In the second phase, the company will add a further 17 outlets within five years which will be mostly in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India. The company current has 24 stores across UAE & the Middle East according to its Linkedin page.
Israels Foreign Minister Yair Lapid arrived this Thursday Sept.30 in Manama for the first official visit by an Israeli cabinet member to Bahrain since the establishment of diplomatic ties a year ago.

Weve landed in Bahrain. Im proud to represent Israel in an official and historic first in the kingdom. Thanks for the warm reception, Mr Lapid tweeted on Thursday morning.

Mr Lapid will open the new Israeli embassy in Manama and sign several agreements during his trip.

The first commercial flight from Manama to Tel Aviv took off after Lapid landed.

Bahrain has also posted an envoy in Tel Aviv. On September 14th, Khaled Al-Jalahma, presented his credentials to the Israeli President.

We see Bahrain as an important partner, on the bilateral level but also as a bridge to co-operate with other countries in the region, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson had said.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan normalized relations with Israel as part of US-brokered deals known as the Abraham Accords.
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Critiquing Health News, taught by epidemiologist Cecile Janssens, equips students to deconstruct scientific research and think critically about news coverage being shared.

Years before shaky scientific claims about COVID-19 flooded the internet, Cecile Janssens spotted media coverage of a study in a peer-reviewed journal that would prompt her to create a critical thinking course in Emory College of Arts and Sciences.

The findings  that a 45-year decline in time spent housekeeping contributed to American women becoming obese  were trumpeted across trusted media that included doctor-focused Medscape and the New York Times, which called the research scrupulously even-handed.

Except Janssens, an epidemiologist at Emorys Rollins School of Public Health, saw that it wasnt.

The study relied entirely on self-reported diaries of women recording how they spent their day. It didnt account for other factors, such as food intake or the womens weight.

You dont need a strong science background to see the research does not support the conclusion, Janssens says. Students can see the contradictions, but I think they just feel overwhelmed by the news. The class gives them more and better skills to make sense of it all.

The class, Critiquing Health News, is part of a collaboration between Rollins and the Colleges Center for the Study of Human Health that began six years ago after undergraduates increasingly expressed interest.

Its a natural fit for human health, which integrates the Colleges liberal arts emphasis on evidence and critical thinking with Emorys renowned health sciences research. Last year the program launched an undergraduate focus in epidemiology, built around a core of epidemiology classes.

We consume so much information on a daily basis, says Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist, an epidemiologist who helped shape the undergraduate initiative and teaches an introductory course in addition to directing Rollins masters programs of public health in epidemiology.

Epidemiology provides a wonderful framework for critical thinking that helps you understand what youre really reading and if you have additional questions or need to change behaviors, she adds.

Deconstructing scientific research

Students in Janssens course learn to deconstruct scientific research by breaking down news coverage of different studies. First up for review this fall was an article about research showing that zinc and folic acid supplements did not boost male fertility.

The Associated Press wrote the story, which was posted on the NBC News website. Government researchers conducted the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Such respected sources initially seemed believable to first-year students Madi Olivier and Caroline Hansen.

Olivier, who studied journalism in high school, found she was skeptical about the claim itself. Coming off a summer internship working with data at a Kaiser Permanente regional office made Hansen want to know more about the data, especially overall rates of fertility.

With Janssens guidance, they were part of a team that noticed mention that the study did not examine the female partners of the men in the study. It then mentioned that a third of those women were infertile, dramatically skewing the results.

It feels weird to be a freshman in college, critiquing the bigger names, says Olivier, who is considering a career in medicine and science writing. Luckily, Ive always been very curious so Im enjoying learning how to ask better questions.

Hansen agrees. The class has been really good at letting me think as I read, so I can go to the actual research and see if I pull answers there.

Starting with questions

Janssens wants the students, who range across all undergraduate years and from pre-med to humanities majors, to look for questions as they read.

In showing how scientists do science, she encourages students to start with basic questions about the research process itself: What kind of study is this? What is the hypothesis? What data are collected?

Scientific research is not abracadabra. It needs to make sense, Janssens says. If you can look critically at how the researchers conducted the study, you have a better opportunity to understand and consider if the claims are justified.

Muhammad Mukarram decided the critiquing class would complement the introductory epidemiology course he had just completed and deepen his understanding of health statistics on the path to medical school.

The senior human health major was in the class when it was first offered  in the spring of 2020  and developed an eye for that analysis by examining real-time news in the unfolding pandemic.

Professor Janssens really showed me I have a knack for seeing the fallacies and inconsistencies and I rely on those concepts in my day-to-day life now, says Mukarram, who at Janssens urging added the epidemiology focus to his major and plans to pursue both an MPH and MD after he graduates.

As an African-American, I feel like its my duty to understand and ask the questions for the whole community, Mukarram adds. Its not just something to know. Its something I can do.

Michelle Lampl, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Human Health and Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Anthropology, is director of the Center for the Study of Human Health. She notes that kind of student excitement is common and growing.

The enthusiasm also gets at the heart of the program, she says.

Thats our mission: to provide students with knowledge and critical thinking skills that they can use to become leaders for change, Lampl says. What better time than now to have an informed understanding of scientific evidence and how it can affect your life and health?
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Five persons receive long prison terms for plotting terrorist attacks in Russia

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:19 30/09/2021

MOSCOW, September 30 (RAPSI)  The Second Western District Military Court has sentenced five members of the Islamic State terrorist organization prohibited in Russia to prison terms ranging from 18 to 25 years for plotting terrorist attacks in the metropolitan area, according to the Federal Security Services (FSB) statement.

Additionally, the convicts received harsh fines varying from 250,000 to 300,000 rubles ($3,400  4,000).

The sentence has come into force.

According to the FSB, the defendants created an undercover community to commit terrorist attacks in Moscow. After the attacks they planned to leave for Syria for further participation in terrorist actions.




Russian Supreme Court head urges to create international e-platform for judicial interaction

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

11:30 30/09/2021

MOSCOW, September 30 (RAPSI)  Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Lebedev proposes to create an international electronic platform for judicial interaction for the exchange of documents on international legal assistance.

The Chairman is convinced that such a platform will speed up the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations.

The proposal was voiced at the XI International Legal Forum of the Asia-Pacific Region, organized by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.
Russias Communist Party files 32 lawsuits seeking to cancel electronic voting results

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

14:26 30/09/2021

MOSCOW, September 30 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Presnensky District Court has registered 32 administrative claims filed by the Russian Communist Party and candidates for State Duma lawmakers seeking to cancel the results of electronic voting, the press service of the court informs RAPSI.

The claims have been registered, but no decision if those are to be accepted or dismissed has not yet been made, the court representative said.

Elections to the State Duma were held last weekend, five parties passed to the lower house of parliament: United Russia received 324 mandates, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation - 57, A Just Russia - For Truth - 27, LDPR - 21 and New People - 13.

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the leadership of the parties that passed to the State Duma noted that electronic voting, like technical progress, cannot be stopped, so it was important to monitor the quality of the process.
With a career spanning six decades, Alan Whicker was Britains most famous television reporter. At a time when interviews were notoriously obsequious Whicker and his team wrote the grammar of the television we watch today. With a journalists nose for a story, his mission was to inform and to entertain, never to preach. His deceptively conversational style encouraged intimate revelations from the great, the good and the not so good, with penetrating questions masked in old-school manners. Often ahead of his time, Whickers reports on divorce, gay marriage and racial inequality changed attitudes, and, in some cases, changed the law. From the Sultan of Brunei to Butch Cassidys sister, the descendants of the Bounty mutineers to Papa Docs Haiti, Whickers World was innovative and adventurous.

Our celebration of his centenary features screenings of some of his memorable programmes, followed by a panel discussion with those who worked with, admired and learned from Alan Whicker.

For more information on the event and tickets, please see the BFI Southbank website
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 30, 2021

2021/09/30

CCTV: The High-Level Week of the 76th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations was concluded at the UN headquarters in New York on September 27. China has been very active in both Beijing and New York in recent days. How do you see China's performance at UNGA meetings this year?

Hua Chunying: This UNGA has received great attention as our world is facing the combined impacts of changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now in the period of new turbulence and adjustment. The General Debate of this session of the UNGA was held both online and offline from September 21 to 27, and leaders from altogether over 190 countries made statements. All parties called on major countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, avoid division and confrontation, and hoped to see more cooperation in poverty alleviation and climate change, among other areas. They believe the world needs a spirit that serves the welfare of humanity instead of self-interests in the future.

China attaches great importance to the role of and cooperation with the UN. China highly values this session of the UNGA. President Xi Jinping virtually attended the General Debate and made an important statement, in which he put forward the Global Development Initiative, emphasized accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursuing more robust, greener and sound global development. President Xi also expounded on China's propositions on such issues as fighting the pandemic in solidarity, economic recovery, development of international relations and improvement of global governance, offering China's proposal to the world at a new historical crossroads. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended many UNGA activities, including the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action via video link, the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General via video link, G20 Foreign Ministers' Video Conference on Afghanistan, and meetings with UN Secretary-General Guterres and President of the UNGA Abdulla Shahid. The international community shares the view that China has made important contributions to responding to global challenges and promoting the UN to play a bigger role. Facts have proven again that China is an advocate of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public good.

At the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward key messages of carrying out duties, fulfilling obligations, shouldering responsibilities and making a difference. He called on major countries to set examples in upholding multilateralism and inject more confidence and stability to the world, instead of practicing unilateralism and hegemony in the name of multilateralism. One can expect China's support for the UN, which is lasting and reliable. China will continue to work with other countries to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen anti-epidemic cooperation, actively address climate change, advance democracy and rule of law in international relations, practice the philosophy of international relations featuring mutual respect and win-win cooperation and true multilateralism, and build the UN into a central platform for countries to jointly safeguard universal security, share development achievements and chart the course for the future of the world.

Macau Monthly: On September 29, US ambassador to Indonesia and Special Representative for the DPRK Sung Kim reportedly said at an online forum that AUKUS is a "forward looking, positive" initiative and will not pose threat to the stability of the Indo-Pacific. He said he is not worried that AUKUS would cause an arms race or nuclear proliferation. What is China's comment?

Hua Chunying: We have noticed the reports you mentioned. In fact, for days, different parties of the international community have expressed concerns and worries about the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia. I wonder where the confidence in the remarks of the US Ambassador to Indonesia came from and on what basis. In fact, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the other day that Russia has raised a range of questions concerning the AUKUS establishment to the US side, which include whether the nuclear submarine cooperation correlates with international non-proliferation requirements.

China believes that the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia creates serious nuclear proliferation risks, clearly violates the spirit of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It will not only have a far-reaching impact on the international non-proliferation system, but also bring real threats to regional peace and stability.

The questions raised by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov actually reflect the common concerns of the international community. The three countries should treat the concerns of all parties seriously and make response to each and every one of them:

First, in what way can the US confirm that its provision of weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium meet international non-proliferation rules and requirements?

Second, how does Australia ensure that the weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium is not excluded from effective safeguards of the IAEA?

Third, if Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state, can possess weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium, then for what reason the US, the UK and Australia oppose DPRK, Iran and other countries in doing the same?

Fourth, if the US can flagrantly transfer highly sensitive nuclear materials and nuclear technologies to Australia in disregard of international rules and nuclear proliferation risks, then should it immediately stop unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdictions over others including the DPRK and Iran for developing nuclear technologies?

Fifth, if all countries turn a blind to rules and conduct nuclear proliferation activities without restrictions as the US, the UK and Australia did, then where is the authority and the meaning of existence of the NPT and international non-proliferation system?

Yesterday, State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out in his phone calls with foreign ministers of Malaysia and Brunei that the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia may bring five dangers to the region. First, it could create nuclear proliferation risks and shocks to the international non-proliferation system. Second, it could induce a new round of arms race, as other countries could follow suit and even cross the nuclear threshold. Third, it could undermine regional prosperity and stability and create regional tensions. Fourth, it could undercut ASEAN countries' efforts to build a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Southeast Asia. Fifth, it could lead to the resurgence of Cold War mentality, provoke bloc confrontation and zero-sum geopolitical games in the region.

I also want to stress that AUKUS, like Quad, is subservient to and serves the Indo-Pacific strategy with US dominance. It seeks to start things anew in the region and is a move against the trend of the times. Regional countries and the international community should stay wary of and be opposed to this. China will stay in communication with the Secretariat and other member states of the IAEA to resolutely defend the authority and efficacy of the international non-proliferation system.

China Daily: We have noted that China's first batch of emergency humanitarian assistance has arrived in Afghanistan. Can you confirm that and give us more details?

Hua Chunying: On the evening of September 29, the first batch of emergency humanitarian assistance delivered by the Chinese government to Afghanistan arrived at Kabul International Airport. Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan and Acting Minister of Refugee Affairs of the Afghan interim government co-chaired the handover ceremony held at the airport.

As a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China has always paid close attention to the needs of the Afghan people. China has overcome numerous difficulties and delivered to Kabul in a short period of time blankets, down jackets and other winter supplies urgently needed by the Afghan people. This is a strong testimony that China has been earnestly fulfilling its assistance commitment to Afghanistan and making every effort to help the Afghan people tide over difficulties. The Chinese side will continue to speed up the preparation of food and other supplies, which will soon be delivered to Afghanistan.

Acting Minister of Refugee Affairs of Afghanistan's interim government expressed deep gratitude to China for providing emergency humanitarian aid in a timely manner when the Afghan people are pulling through the most difficult time. Afghanistan is in dire need of assistance from the international community in various fields as it faces extremely severe economic and livelihood difficulties. Afghanistan will honor its commitments to its neighbors and the international community. The Afghan side said that as winter is drawing near, almost a million displaced people need to be housed, clothed and fed, and hoped that the international community can lend a helping hand.

Afghanistan is still facing severe challenges such as humanitarian and livelihood issues and the COVID-19 epidemic. The international community should make concerted efforts to help the Afghan people tide over the difficult time. In particular, countries that started the Afghan issue should earnestly shoulder their due responsibility to Afghan people, act in a responsible manner and do more tangible things to ease the difficulties faced by the Afghan people as soon as possible.

Yonhap News Agency: DPRK leader Kim Jong-un said he is willing to restore the North-South communication lines, but also accused the US of proposing talks without changing its "hostile policy" toward the DPRK. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: As a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China always supports the DPRK and the ROK in improving relations and advancing reconciliation and cooperation through dialogue and consultation. We hope relevant measures can play a positive role in improving and developing the inter-Korean relations.

We believe under the current circumstances, the key to breaking the stalemate and restarting dialogue is taking seriously and resolving the DPRK's legitimate concerns. The US should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan for dialogue. It is imperative to invoke the rollback terms of the Security Council's DPRK-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions, especially those relating to provisions on the humanitarian and livelihood aspects. This will be conducive to resuming dialogue, and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and is in line with the spirit of the resolutions.

Beijing Youth Daily: US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview the other day that the US doesn't want China to write the rules of the road. "If we really want to slow down China's rate of innovation, we need to work with Europe, to write the rules of the road for technology", whether it's artificial intelligence or cyber. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: The remarks of this US official again exposes the US true intention to contain and block China's development by all means. This is quintessential autocracy and bullying.

China always believes that all countries have equal opportunity and right to development. International rules should be what is recognized by all countries, rather than something that is decided by a few. Cooperation between countries should be aimed at serving the interests of the whole mankind, instead of ganging up against certain countries based on ideology and seeking global hegemony through bloc politics. Any political manipulation and oppression that threatens to hold back other countries' development and harm their people's right to development and a better life will find no support and is doomed to fail.

China maintains that international affairs should be addressed through consultation. All countries should remain committed to extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promote equal rights, opportunities and rules of all, discard small cliques and zero-sum game, adhere to inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness, and engage in international cooperation in a more open, equal and fairer manner.

Beijing Daily: Bloomberg reported that US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said in an interview on September 29 that he was hopeful that China "will make the decision that they could move further with respect to the reduction of emissions during the course of the next 10 years", calling this a "critical decade" for keeping global warming in check. Do you have any response?

Hua Chunying: The global impact of climate change is becoming increasingly severe. During the just-concluded General Debate of the UNGA, many countries expressed the hope to work together to address climate change. We believe that every year is crucial for countries to increase their ambition to reduce emissions and step up their actions for implementation. China has always been taking actions to promote global climate governance. Having over-fulfilled the climate action goals of 2020 ahead of schedule, President Xi Jinping has announced China's objective and vision of carbon peaking, carbon neutrality and new goals of and measures for nationally determined contributions since September last year. It involves carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption, the total installed capacity of wind and solar power, coal consumption and many other aspects. Not long ago, President Xi reiterated that China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy. China has been doing its best and putting pressure on itself to step up climate action and make greater contribution to the global response to climate change.

But at the same time, we have to stress that addressing climate change is a cause that requires the joint efforts of all countries around the world and calls for the concerted efforts of the international community. Developed countries should earnestly follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, face up to their historical responsibilities and show greater ambition and actions. They should provide financial, technological and capacity building support to help developing countries enhance their capacity to respond to climate challenges.

Bloomberg: French Senator Alain Richard will lead a French delegation visiting Taiwan soon. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this visit?

Hua Chunying: The one-China principle is the political foundation for China to develop friendly and cooperative relations with other countries, including France. China firmly opposes all forms of official contact and exchanges between certain French congressmen and the Taiwan authorities. We urge relevant individuals to abide by the one-China principle and safeguard the favorable environment for normal development of bilateral relations.

NHK: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that due to the need of COVID-19 containment, tickets to the Beijing 2022 will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China's mainland, who meet the requirements of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures. What is your comment?

Hua Chunying: I may not be in the best position to give a comment on this matter.

When hosting the Tokyo Olympics, did Japan invite spectators overseas? I don't think so.

The IOC President Thomas Bach held an Executive Board meeting the other day, where key COVID-19 prevention and control measures of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were deliberated. Facing the uncertainties in the spread of COVID-19, the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee established a working mechanism for meeting and consultation with the IOC and maintained close communication with all stakeholders. With a high sense of responsibility toward the life and health of athletes, the big Olympic family and all stakeholders, the Organizing Committee adheres to the bottom line of safety and prioritizes COVID-19 prevention and control in order to host a safe event as scheduled. Spectators overseas can enjoy the impressive event on television.

After it successfully hosted the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan is believed to have more understandings about how to safely host the event. China provided strong support to the Japanese side in hosting the successful games. We hope we can receive understanding and support from Japan, too.

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Tomorrow will be China's National Day. As per public holiday schedule, our regular press conference will be in recess from October 1 to October 7 and resumed on October 8. Although we won't meet in-person during the recess, you may still reach the MFA Spokesperson's Office via fax, e-mail and WeChat. We will do our best to give you timely reply.

I wish you all a happy holiday!
A colored topographical image showing river valleys on Mars. The outlet canyon Loire Vallis (white line) formed from the overflow of a lake in Parana Basin (outlined in white). Black lines indicate other river valleys formed by processes other than lake overflows. Background is colored Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter-derived topography over a Thermal Emission Imaging System image mosaic. Image is approximately 650 kilometers across. CREDIT NASA/GSFC/ JPL ASU

On Earth, river erosion is usually a slow-going process.

But on Mars, massive floods from overflowing crater lakes had an outsized role in shaping the Martian surface, carving deep chasms and moving vast amounts of sediment, according to a new study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin.

The study, published Sept. 29 in Nature, found that the floods, which probably lasted mere weeks, eroded more than enough sediment to completely fill Lake Superior and Lake Ontario.

"If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally," said lead author Tim Goudge, an assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. "And this is a bit of a surprising result because they've been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long."

Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the Red Planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small sea's worth of water. But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake. A 2019 study led by Goudge determined that these events happened rapidly.

Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes. However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis, Goudge said. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped the Martian surface as a whole.

The research entailed reviewing a preexisting catalog of river valleys on Mars and classifying the valleys into two categories: valleys that got their start at a crater's edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood, and valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time.

From there, the scientists compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the Red Planet's river valley volume despite making up only 3% of total valley length.

"This discrepancy is accounted for by the fact that outlet canyons are significantly deeper than other valleys," said study co-author Alexander Morgan, a research scientist at the Planetary Science Institute.

At 559 feet (170.5 meters), the median depth of a breach river valley is more than twice that of other river valleys created more gradually over time, which have a median depth of about 254 feet (77.5 meters).

In addition, although the chasms appeared in a geologic instant, they may have had a lasting effect on the surrounding landscape. The study suggests that the breaches scoured canyons so deep they may have influenced the formation of other nearby river valleys. The authors said this is a potential alternative explanation for unique Martian river valley topography that is usually attributed to climate.

The study demonstrates that lake breach river valleys played an important role in shaping the Martian surface, but Goudge said it's also a lesson in expectations. The Earth's geology has wiped away most craters and makes river erosion a slow and steady process in most cases. But that doesn't mean it will work that way on other worlds.

"When you fill [the craters] with water, it's a lot of stored energy there to be released," Goudge said. "It makes sense that Mars might tip, in this case, toward being shaped by catastrophism more than the Earth."

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The study's other co-authors are Jackson School postdoctoral researcher Gaia Stucky de Quay and Caleb Fassett, a planetary scientist at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

NASA funded the research.

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Photo Illustration (d'uh)

[Editor's Note: This story has been updated below to provide links to podcasts of Pearson Cross' "Bayou to Beltway" program on KRVS featuring interviews with Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler and Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret.]





On May 11, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. This commission was principally created to pursue Trumps claim that fraudulent ballots cost him the popular vote in the 2016 election. If true, such a claim would be deeply troubling, given that Hillary Clinton was reported to have won the popular vote by 2.87 million. Yet, Trumps claim of voter fraud is a canard, as is his Commission on Election Integrity. Any number of scholarly studies have shown voter fraud to be extraordinarily rare. What the creation of this commission does reveal, however, is the cynical use to which a fact-finding body may be put by an administration determined to arrive at a particular conclusion, however unjustified. It also illuminates how the Trump administration works, generally speaking.

Here are the Trump administration rules: keep promises, no matter how rash; address issues of little real importance but of high public sensitivity; increase the publics fear of the future and mistrust of government; take actions that disguise your true intentions; and finally, maintain, or when opportunities present themselves, extend your power. For those paying attention, Trumps farcically misnamed Commission on Election Integrity promises to illustrate each of these rules.

First, the creation of the commission fulfills a promise made to Trumps supporters. It was not so long ago that Trump referred to the 2016 presidential election itself as rigged. Second, the commissions conclusions were telegraphed with the selection of Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has long perpetuated Trumps dubious vote-fraud claims, as commissioner. Does anyone doubt that a commission on voting integrity that is led by someone who believes the few cases of illegal registration on record are only the tip of the iceberg will fail to conclude, as Kobach has already announced, that substantial numbers of noncitizens [are] getting on our voter rolls. (Wines, Bosman, New York Times, May 14, 2017).

Wikimedia

Third, the commission tilts at windmills. Criminal voting fraud has been shown to be extremely rare here in Louisiana and across the United States. As Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler, recently appearing on Bayou to Beltway (KRVS 88.7), pointed out, the election system has never been better  we do it as good as anybody else (Nov. 23, 2016). Seconding Schedlers view was Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret , who said it would be almost impossible in Louisiana for someone to steal an election (Feb. 1, 2017). Thus, the Integrity Commission is a sham, tackling a problem that doesnt exist.

Fourth, the commission fuels what Americans already fear about their political institutions. Currently, just 26 percent of Democrats and 11 percent of Republicans say they can trust the federal government just about always or most of the time (Pew Research, Trust in Government, 1958-2015). This lack of trust limits the effectiveness of government and makes passing meaningful legislation and working across the partisan divide especially difficult.

Last, the deceitful search for voter fraud prevents recognition of what is truly scandalous about elections today: low voter participation. Voter turnout is already perilously low and efforts to undercut public confidence in our electoral institutions will only decrease it further. A focus on illegally cast votes also disguises who benefits from a smaller turnout. Some strategists in the GOP have decided that reducing the size of the electorate  by making it harder for minorities, poor people, women and other groups to vote  will result in more Republicans getting elected. This strategy was clear in Kansas, where just nine cases of voter fraud have been detected since 2015 but a court found that restrictive registration requirements [have] denied more than 18,000 Kansans their constitutional right to cast ballots (Wines, Bosman, 2017).

Cynical efforts to reduce turnout have helped Republicans take control of the legislatures in several states and worked for that party nationally as well. This effort has been aided by the prejudicial effects of racial redistricting, where black and Democratic voters have been shoved into districts that diminish their clout. The audacity of these efforts was made clear last month when the Supreme Court decided that efforts by the Republican legislative majority in North Carolina to limit minority voting were so blatantly transparent that even Clarence Thomas, the bane of voting rights advocates everywhere, joined the majority in striking them down.

Yet, without limiting the size of the electorate, the Republican coalition of religious voters, older voters, rural voters, white male voters and voters without a college degree cannot hope to retain power, thus the rationale for the creation of the Kris Kobach-led Commission on Election Integrity. It requires no Cassandra to foretell that a Kobach-led commission will find evidence of significant or widespread voter fraud regardless of what the research reveals. As the Kansas City Star Editorial Board caustically opined after Kobach had won his ninth conviction for voter fraud, Keep this up, sir, and you may yet prove that of the 1.8 million registered voters in [Kansas], the number of those who have perpetrated this crime is in the double digits. The only fraud Kobach is likely to uncover in this expensive taxpayer-funded goose chase is himself.

Pearson Cross is an associate professor in the Political Science Department at UL Lafayette. He holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1997), and his principal areas of teaching are state and local politics, and Southern politics. Cross interviews local politicians and newsmakers on his radio show, Bayou to the Beltway, which airs on KRVS 88.7 FM at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Contact him at pearson.cross@lusfiber.net.
Leading Saudi real estate group Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC) has announced that it has sold a parcel of land within its project in Makkah city via a public auction for SR517 million ($138 million).

The 2,600.32 sq m plot, which was sold at SR199,000 per sq m, is infrastructure-enabled and fully developed, located within close proximity to the Grand Mosque, making it one of the most highly sought-after areas in Makkah, said the company in its statement.

The move comes in line with the developers holistic financial transformation strategy that seeks to strengthen its capital structure, it stated.

The key parcel of land has been snapped up by Aqarat Development Company, stated JODC in its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul.

This land plot has easy access to the main roads in central Makkah, can be used for the development of residential, commercial and hospitality properties.

The proceeds from the strategic land sale will enable JODC to progress with the completion of construction of its critical phases in the project, it added.

Jabal Omar had appointed Adeer, a Saudi-based real estate service provider, to act as its real estate broker to manage the sale. On the deal, CEO Khalid Al Amoudi said: "The successful outcome of the auction is testament to investors confidence in the long-term viability and scalability of Jabal Omars masterplan and proves that there is strong appetite for investment in residential, commercial and hospitality properties in Makkah."

"While this strategic land sale will enable us to move forward with the completion of the critical phases in our project, it will also fast-track the development of the areas in proximity to the Grand Mosque, one of the busiest and highly demanded areas in Makkah during the Hajj and Umrah season," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Seatrade Maritime Middle East (SMME), the largest in-person exhibition and conference taking place during UAE Maritime Week, has opened registration for participation in the landmark week of maritime-led events and activities.



Being held under the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the in-person exhibition and conference will be held at Dubai Exhibition Centre from December 13-15, 2021, as part of Expo 2020.



This year, the UAE Maritime Week is supported by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) as the strategic partner for the event. As one of the most influential events in the maritime sector, SMME, under the umbrella of this strategic Week, has been at the forefront of introducing pioneering initiatives that empower the industry.



The event will provide participants with opportunities to meet thought-leaders, build lasting partnerships and exchange ideas that will contribute to reinforcing the regions position as a prominent industry hub.



Owing to the value it adds to the maritime industry, SMME is one of the most awaited events that has been vital in aiding the growth of the sector valued at over AED90 billion annually. To help sustain this growth, year after year, the event hopes to enable the sector by engaging professionals with experts, through dialogue that will encourage the industry to adapt to the ever-changing market trends and respond to the challenges faced.



The event agenda for the 2021 edition features an impressive line-up of speakers who will tackle key topics including the status of the maritime industry in the Middle East, market overview, regulatory challenges, developments in ports and terminals, digitalisation, crew practices and the impact of Sulphur 2020, to name a few.



Chris Morley, Group Director  Maritime Events, Informa Markets Maritime said: Over the last one year the industry has witnessed rapid developments. Despite the market challenges, nations like the UAE have showcased their prowess retaining their leading position in many competitive indexes. The country ranks 5th globally as a key competitive maritime hub. Our goal is to continue supporting the countrys growth by providing a platform like SMME, for the industry to converge. Through the event, we are also hoping to enhance the UAE's candidacy for IMO's Executive Council category B membership.



Emma Howell, Director of Digital and Content, Seatrade Maritime, Informa Markets Maritime added: SMME is a great forum that helps professionals shape strategies that will enable their companies to thrive. Through various endeavours, we hope to facilitate engagement between governments in the region, policymakers, business leaders, disruptors and innovators.



Through these conversations, collaborations and connections, the event will indeed help the industry to address challenges and utilise opportunities that arise in the future. Over the course of three days, we will witness several thousand attendees and more than 100world-class suppliers and service providers, giving the industry access to boundless networking opportunities. The 2021 edition will be extra special since the event is being held under the umbrella of the UAE Maritime Week.



Apart from SMME, the UAE Maritime Week has multiple opportunities for the industry to embrace including the Seatrade Maritime Awards, in association with Lloyd's List and exclusive experiences such as Maritime Leaders Forum and Experience Maritime. Attendees can utilise these platforms to interact with key industry leaders and decision-makers and explore whats new in the industry.  TradeArabia News Service
Ajlan & Bros Holding Group Abilitii (Abhga), one of the leading Saudi investment holding companies, has entered into a deal to invest SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) into the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP) over the next 10 years.

The agreement is aimed at supporting the NIDLP's strategy towards transforming the kingdom into a leading industrial power, maximizing the economic impact of the mining sector and sustaining its growth, and creating an attractive investment environment.

The agreement was signed by Engineer Suliman bin Khalid Almazroua, the chief executive of NIDLP, and Engineer Ali Alhazmi, Abgha CEO in the presence of Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Chairman of the Program Committee, and Mohamed bin Abdulaziz Alajlan, Deputy Chairman of Abgha.

Affirming the importance of co-operation between the public and private sectors to push development in the kingdom, lmazroua said: "Abgha's big investment plan will be instrumental in helping achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030."

This agreement is a strategic one as it will lead to the launch of several vital projects, including developing strategic titanium industries to become the key in localizing promising industries such as aviation and military industries, and establishing a mining services company and modern laboratories that provide services to the mining sector locally and regionally, he stated.

"It will also lead to the establishment of a stock market for mining companies and a minerals trading platform that empowers investors and increases private sector contribution in achieving diversification and economic growth for the kingdom," he added.

Alajlan said: "Through this investment we aim to contribute to achieving the goals of the Vision 2030 and hel boost the level of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Already the Saudi company has signed an investment partnership agreement with Amic company to develop the manufacturing supply chain.

In addition, a further agreement has been signed with the National Stock Exchange of Australia that specialises in listing mining and natural resources companies, to set up a stock exchange market for mining companies and building a minerals trading platform, stated Alajan.

"We are also signing an agreement for establish a mining services company alongside a consortium of Australian companies lead by Resolve Mining Solutions company and under the supervision of the Australian Embassy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Italys Leonardo will present its robotic drill which is expected to break the record for drilling on Martian soil at Expo 2020 Dubai. Besides, the company will showcase the most stable and accurate atomic clock ever made for space applications, and the only tiltrotor in the market set to receive civil certification.

These unique technologies are the pillars of Leonardo's participation. As a leading high-tech company in the world and Italy, Leonardo, a Platinum sponsor of the Italian Pavilion, was keen to contribute to the event  an international showcase of future solutions  as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability in the strategic technologies of its sectors of operation, both in Italy and in the UK, US, Poland and Germany.

Leonardo's hydrogen atomic clock is the most accurate in the world, losing just one second every three million years. It makes Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system the most precise ever made for civilian use.

The one on display in Dubai is a new project: the RbPOP (Rubidium Pulsed Optically Pumped) rubidium atomic clock, which provides the same performance but weighs just 10 kg.

The robotic drill ready to blast off to Mars with the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars 2022 mission, produced with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), will also be on display, and it is about to break a world record: drilling up to 2 metres into Martian soil, compared to the existing 7 cm reached so far.

With five times less power than a domestic drill (80 watts) and 60 revolutions per minute, it will drill into the ground using a polycrystalline diamond bit. It will search for traces of past or present life, which at that depth should not have been destroyed by the Red Planets cosmic radiation.

The AW609 tiltrotor is the company's world first in the aviation sector. It is the only aircraft of its kind set to receive civil certification. Thanks to the ability to change the position of the two drive shafts in less than 60 seconds, it can take-off vertically like a helicopter while flying with the performance of an aeroplane.

Capable of carrying out different types of missions, from passenger transport to medical care, from civil protection to search and rescue, the AW609 can fly at over 500 km/h. It has a range of almost 1,400 km, which increases to over 2,000 km with auxiliary tanks.

As part of the company's strategic vision for urban aviation in the near future, Leonardo has built  with its Emirates partner Falcon Aviation Services  a new concept helicopter terminal at the Dubai Expo site, representing the latest frontier in vertical mobility.

The travellers' spaces are designed to house showrooms where commercial and cultural activities can be offered, within a structure built with sustainable materials. They can easily be remodelled or reallocated as the needs of urban transport and the city itself changes.

Leonardo also features in Oscar-winning director Gabriele Salvatores Saper Fare documentary. This journey through the Italian craft and manufacturing tradition, synonymous with excellence and Made in Italy, will be screened in a dedicated area inside the Italian Pavilion.

Indiana Production's cameras entered some of the Leonardo group's factories, recognised as national flagships of innovation: Nerviano (MI) is the home of the world class space technologies on display in the Italian Pavilion; Grottaglie (TA), the site of the development of innovative aerostructures for civil aeronautics; the Fucino (AQ) and Matera space centres are known internationally for their key role in the provision of satellite services.-- TradeArabia News Service
Foodics, the leading FoodTech company based in Saudi Arabia, has signed a partnership with American Express Saudi Arabia, which is set to accelerate the firms growth.

With this, Foodics is on track to exceed its 2021 targets, with 11,000 brands onboarded so far and growing, as well as new product launches also in the pipeline.

The announcement comes at the back of its series B fundraising in February this year, during which it raised $20 million (SR75 million) in a funding round led by Sanabil Investments, a firm wholly owned by Saudi Arabias Public Investments Fund (PIF).

The partnership will enable Foodics Saudi F&B and retail customers Foodics Pay customers by October 1, 2021.

Abdullah Bugshan, Foodics Pay General Manager commented: We are on a mission to become a one-stop-shop platform for restaurant owners to grow their operations effortlessly. Our partnership with American Express Saudi Arabia will further help restaurant and retail owners increase their sales, by offering an additional world-class payment option. We are thankful to the American Express team for their trust and support, and delighted to welcome them to the Foodics family.

Assim Alshmassi, American Express Saudi Arabia Chief Business Development Officer said: At American Express Saudi Arabia, we are committed to offering unique products and services to our existing and prospective customers. In this context, we are delighted to be signing this partnership with Foodics, as this allows us to extend our network of merchants to include Foodics F&B and retail customers in the kingdom. This partnership comes in direct support of our objective to continuously meet and exceed our customers' expectations.

Since its inception, Foodics has successfully processed over 5 billion orders through the platform, and over 50,000+ terminals while catering to over 11,000 F&B brands. This latest major announcement further strengthens its position in KSA.

The tech company, which offers an all-in-one retail management platform helping retail and restaurant owners run their business, had recently announced its Series B, bringing the total funds raised by Foodics so far to $28 million (SR105 million).-- TradeArabia News Service
Floating wind can play a major role in the world reaching carbon neutrality in the coming decades, but as a maturing technology there is not yet a standard implementation proven at commercial scale.

Francisco Rodrigues, Mammoet Global Segment Lead for Offshore Wind, discusses how engineered heavy lifting and logistics can help this exciting technology to mature and realise its potential.

The overwhelming majority of offshore wind farms in our waters today are composed of fixed bottom turbines. As the name suggests, these sit on top of foundations that have been physically driven into the seabed, generating power that travels via a substation back to land.

Generally speaking, offshore wind farms benefit from stronger and more reliable winds than on land, because they lie in locations where that wind is not interrupted by the heat from cities, or physically stopped by large mountains. However, the yield of coastal wind pales in comparison to those you can find further out to sea.

Around 80% of the worlds offshore wind generation potential lies away from the shore, over waters deeper than 60 m. But in such extreme depths it becomes more difficult or actually impossible to hammer turbine foundations into place.

So, over the last decade, floating wind technology has started to emerge. Rather than connecting directly to the ocean floor, this technology instead consists of a floating foundation with a turbine on top, tethered to an anchor in the depths.

Not only does floating wind allow greater flexibility to install wind parks where the flows are strongest and most reliable, it also removes many of the restrictions presented by fixed bottom turbines, such as the need for shallow water and a specific type of seabed  meaning more countries will be able to benefit from it.

However, the structure of floating wind assets is significantly different to fixed bottom designs: its foundations weigh thousands of tonnes  sometimes over ten thousand. To date, there have been multiple successful prototype projects using different foundation designs, but each of these have only installed a small handful of turbines.

To unlock the potential of floating wind, the most effective methods of constructing wind parks at scale must be established as soon as possible, and standardised. Given their high potential yield, floating wind farms provide a fast route to de-carbonise the worlds energy supply - and engineered heavy logistics will play a central role in achieving this.

EFFICIENT FABRICATION AND LOAD-OUT

A complete floating wind farm turbine consists of a floating foundation, manufactured by specialist fabricators, and the turbine tower, nacelle and blades, manufactured by a wind industry OEM. While the manufacturing process remains similar for everything above water, the sheer size of each floating foundation will mean huge changes to its supply chain, logistics and launch.

Facilities that fabricate floating foundations will face demand to increase production rates as the sector grows. Whats more, given the broad similarity between floating foundations and petrochemical modules, competition for facilities will be high as they will require the same facilities, equipment and personnel to build.

Space needed for the storage of these giant foundations will challenge even the largest facilities, ultimately opening the market up to new entrants. Clearly, storing foundations that can measure 100 sq m on land will not be a viable long-term option, and will mean that manufacture and logistics must go hand-in-hand.

Then there is the task of managing the load-out of these huge structures, akin to the demands seen during modularised projects for the petrochemical sector. The industry will need to look beyond Europe to locations such as Southeast Asia, China and the Middle East to make best use of the facilities available.

Using multiple fabricators in several locations will allow more of each project to be undertaken in parallel, and by specialist facilities - shortening the schedule of projects and therefore increasing cost-effectiveness. This, in turn, will increase the viability of projects and allow more of them to move forward.

When fabrication of foundation is complete and its time to get them in the water, there are further challenges. For one, this must be achieved for the most part without the use of dry docks, as the majority of these will be unsuitable for objects of this size. Ports of a suitable draft are also needed, typically around 12 m or more.

Choosing the right partner to handle lifting and load-out operations will be crucial if developers are to best manage risk and increase the cost-effectiveness of projects without being tied to one particular region.

Luckily, the expertise that has been used in the past to load-out modules of over 40,000t can be re-deployed to match the needs of floating wind, as foundations grow ever-larger.

UPGRADING PORTS

Of course, once floating foundations have been fabricated, they must be transported to a port close to the wind farm location so that the turbine can be integrated on top of it. To achieve this, foundations may travel halfway around the world on top of transport vessels.

Here, projects will face similar challenges of size and scale. Establishing efficient port operations at scale will be critical for the industry to reach a mature model.

This will mean ensuring there are a sufficient number of ports worldwide that can offer the large areas of land, good maritime access and necessary ground capacity required to integrate and launch foundations. The sponsor country may also need to develop their facilities to meet the demands of the industry.

But many ports will face multiple issues when measured against these criteria; given the volume of expected floating wind work it is likely that the they will need to rely on facilities that have not been designed for offshore wind projects.

The space required to handle multiple floating foundations as large as 100 sq m and 16,000t is not to be found at many ports - especially those designed for other, smaller scale projects. And of course, floating wind projects will still need significant real estate to handle tower sections, blades and nacelles.

Furthermore, even where ports have the space to accommodate these dimensions, they may not have the required ground strength to withstand the assembly and launch of components.

This means that many ports will need to upgrade in order to accommodate floating wind projects - but facilities will want to see a reliable pipeline of projects and the prospect of significant returns before they consider investing in the work required. So, project-based upgrades that can deliver the required capabilities on a temporary basis will be preferred.

Mammoets Enviro-Mat additive can be added to the native soil on site to produce a flat heavy lifting surface capable of withstanding 50t/sq m of pressure. Innovative marine engineering allows large components to be brought ashore in shallow water via an intermediate barge.

Other temporary upgrades can be used to facilitate floating wind. For example, docks can be strengthened using additional piles driven into the existing quay  without touching the water at all, where the permitting process is tougher. This can help to create the foundations necessary for heavy lift equipment to be used, turning any port into a floating wind terminal.

Many of the above measures can be achieved for a fraction of the cost necessary to permanently upgrade infrastructure, allowing ports to turn capital expenses into operational expenses and hence participate in more projects.

LAUNCHING 16,000T COMPONENTS

With weights of anything between 3,000t and 16,000t, the launch of floating foundations is far from simple  the key challenge being to find a safe, cost-efficient and scalable method for placing large units in the water.

To date, a range of different solutions have been used to perform launching and one common approach has been the use of semi-submersible vessels. But there are questions over whether enough vessels will be available to meet demand, and whether they will be cost-effective when hired over a long period of time, during which they will be stood idle for long periods.

So, what are the solutions for projects where this is not a suitable - or available - option? Mammoet has found that moving foundations directly into the water is the most effective method of launching, as opposed to the use of transition equipment such as a floating platforms.

A promising methodology is to use a hybrid approach, whereby the floater is lifted from both land and sea and lowered onto the water directly at the quayside. Made possible by new technology such as Mammoets 6,000t SK6,000 crane, a hybrid approach offers a number of advantages.

As components are placed directly into the water right next to the quay, the process takes less time, is therefore less costly and requires less auxiliary equipment  generally needing only commonly available grades of barges.

SUPER CRANE CAPACITY WILL BE KEY

With water depths at sea ruling out assembly solutions such as jack-up vessels, the most efficient way to integrate turbines onto floating foundations is to position the floater in the water directly alongside the quay, and piece it together using a large crane. But crane assembly presents its own challenges.

As Ive mentioned, the largest floating foundations can be 100 sq m. If the turbine lies close to the center of the foundation, the lifting radius required could be as much as 55 m  that is, half of the foundations width plus the space between quay edge and crane. At the same time, nacelle weights are expected to reach 1,000t in the near future, and hub heights a staggering 170 m. This means that even the largest of crawler cranes are no longer sufficient, and that far fewer suitable cranes are suitable than the market may realise.

Given that a large capital expenditure investment to purchase a suitable crane is unlikely to be an appealing option for many, Mammoet recognised the market needed support to provide greater lifting capacity and address this bottleneck.

The SK6,000 crane has been designed with exactly this type of challenge in mind. Capable of lifting over 4,000t to a height of 175 m and with a maximum reach of 144 m, it can lift some floating foundation types directly into the water and also assemble wind turbines - all from a single position  turning the quayside into a highly efficient production line.

Mammoet is also exploring suitable alternatives to crane lifting. Project Elican, in partnership with our customers in the H2020 consortium, is looking at other ways to carry out turbine assembly. For example, the use of a telescopic crane mast that uses remotely operated strand jacks which are later raised at sea.

If this proves successful it would reduce the industrys expected reliance on the small number of large cranes and help to alleviate potential supply issues. This idea was developed due to early engagement with Siemens Gamesa at the FEED stage of a project, highlighting the value possible when project phases are considered holistically.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS INNOVATION AND EXPERIENCE

It is estimated that around 25% of floating wind turbines will have a maintenance incident during their lifetime, creating significant pressures on operational expenditure budgets. With thousands of turbines being installed in the coming years this is a key consideration for the industry.

Whilst in some cases turbines can be brought into port to conduct maintenance, the limited availability of suitable vessels and port facilities means that in most cases this work will need to be conducted in situ. This could also lead to large periods of downtime on a key asset.

To reduce this downtime and also risk, maintenance should be performed as much as possible at sea. This will mean meaning moorings do not need to be unlashed, and turbines do not need to be towed to their port of origin, which may no longer be available in any case.

Mammoets Conbit operation offers specialised expertise in performing repairs to offshore assets in situ and has developed a modular solution that offer important advantages for floating wind. This attaches directly to the turbine itself, making it possible to execute certain types of maintenance and modification operations at the wind farm itself.

This new 200t modular lifting system facilitates an even greater range of maintenance work without the use of a crane vessel. With only the facilities found at a fishing port required to launch the system, it offers a rapid response solution to lifting equipment such as motors, gearboxes, generators and shafts. It is of course also much more cost-effective compared to the typical costs for a crane vessel.

DEVELOPING FLOATING WIND AT SCALE

The huge potential of floating wind is beginning to be realised, but all elements of the industrys supply chain must work together to establish the most effective and scalable way forward to fully deliver on this promise.

Mammoets expertise both in offshore renewables and other relevant heavy industry sectors can provide proven knowledge, methodologies and equipment  creating a drag-and-drop advantage for your floating wind project.-- TradeArabia News Service
A competition has been launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) giving residents the opportunity to win flights and accommodation for their friends and family to come and visit them.

The competition is part of the Time is Now campaign, initiated by DCT Abu Dhabi to showcase the capitals landmarks and tourist attractions and encourage people to visit and enjoy the weather at this time of the year. The activation also aligns with Abu Dhabis decision to welcome fully vaccinated tourists without quarantine.

The contest will run until October 1 and challenges the emirates residents to share their experiences in the UAE capital on their social pages, tagging two of their family and friends abroad in order to win the free trip to visit Abu Dhabi.

The prize, for four winners, includes airline tickets and a five-day stay in one of the emirates hotels. One winner will be announced live on Stories on @VisitAbuDhabis social media accounts every four days starting September 20 until October 2.-TradeArabia News Service
The West Bay Lounge on Abu Dhabi's beachfront is re-opening its doors in time to welcome the cooler months.

Overlooking the Corniche shorelines and enclosed with glass walls, West Bay extends on to the beach with an option of hammocks, swings and sunbeds just steps away from the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Chef Niko has created a new menu which includes an international selection of popular dishes, from sushi and sashimi to pastas and steaks, as well as a selection of salads and soups, the hotel said in a press release.

The dessert selection offers specialties with a must-try Melting Chocolate Bomb, while the bar at West Bay boasts a wide selection of beverages.

West Bay Lounge first opened its doors at the end of 2020.-TradeArabia News Service
Digital travel platform Agoda has launched its Welcome Back to Europe campaign to help property partners in Europe capitalise on early international travel demand and drive incremental bookings.

Partners signing up to the programme can put up special international travel offers with discounts up to 10 per cent, appealing to and converting travellers who are looking for great deals, a press release stated.

Participating accommodation providers will benefit from Agodas multi-channel promotion targeting inbound travellers.

These hotel partners will be featured across the platforms product and marketing touchpoints, including a landing page for international travel to Europe, social media campaigns, customer and affiliate marketing.

Agoda Partner Services Vice President Errol Cooke said: As the travel industry begins to recover, we want to make sure our hotel partners are best placed to get a head start in capturing that demand. While intra-region travel has dominated summer plans in Europe, more international markets are lifting travel restrictions, including USA, Singapore, UAE and India to name a few.

"In our soft launch phase, hundreds of hotels have already offered additional discounts to international travellers and enjoyed the benefit from these bookings. We are confident that Agodas Welcome Back to Europe programme will help all our hotel partners, as we work together to bring back travellers.

According to Agodas booking data, Italy retains top spot as top destination for international travellers, when compared to the same period (July 1-September 18) in 2019. Spain climbs two places to #2, knocking United Kingdom to 5th, while Greece jumps seven spots to third place. Germany's been nudged out of the top five, and is now #7.-TradeArabia News Service
Six in ten residents in the UAE have flown out of the country in the past 12 months to meet their family or relatives, a new KPMG survey has revealed.

The first KPMG UAE Aviation Survey 2021 captures the impact of Covid-19 on passengers sentiment, assessing their outlook on consumer travel.

According to the survey, only four out of ten residents in the UAE (40 per cent) flew out for leisure, while 13% constituted business travel and 5% for medical reasons.

Reflecting the countrys demographics, the KPMG survey revealed that South Asia was the most common destination for travellers from the UAE, followed by the GCC states (30%) and Europe (27%). South Asia (39%) and Europe (38%) are also among the regions that UAE residents would like to visit in the coming six months.

Partner, Head of Transport & Logistics at KPMG Lower Gulf Avtar Jalif said: The pandemic led to a brutal upheaval of the aviation industry. With global travel bans, millions of stakeholders were impacted as flights grounded and the skies emptied. The tourism industry suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping 74% annually.

"Amidst signs of economic recovery, increasing consumer confidence and rising vaccination numbers, the KPMG Aviation Survey provides insight into peoples propensity to travel, and the factors affecting the decision. Now is the time to buckle up for travel as flights are taking-off, albeit with requisite health and safety guidelines in place.

While nearly three quarters of residents are fearful of contracting Covid-19 through air travel, almost the same proportion of respondents nevertheless plan to travel within the next six months.

This is contingent on airports and aircraft maintaining stringent health and safety protocols, full vaccination for passengers and crew, and social distancing, as well as better end-to-end customer service.

The survey also found out that an overwhelming 71% of respondents believed that, despite the generally adopted online platforms, corporate travel will be necessary for meetings in the future.

An even higher percentage (81%) of respondents believe corporate travel will be justifiable for events like exhibitions and conferences.

Consumers also believe that Covid-19 will leave an indelible mark on companies approach to business travel. About 78% predict that the company policy will dictate the countries or destinations for business travel, the survey said.

Even amidst these turbulent times, respondents generally remained loyal to their choice of airlines. 56% of interviewees airline choice has not changed since the outbreak of Covid-19.

For those whose preferences had changed, the most common factors contributing to their decision were health and safety protocols, costs, and availability of flights.

The survey also found that the main reason respondents did not want to travel in the past 12 months was that they did not need to, followed by the fact that the borders of the countries they wanted to travel to were closed.

The other reasons for preferring not to travel were worries about contracting Covid-19 away from home, and wanting to get vaccinated first.

Only 5% of respondents who travelled by air over the past year did so for medical tourism; a figure which remains consistent for those planning to travel over the coming six months, highlighting the respondents belief to stay in the UAE and benefit from its high standards of healthcare.-TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways has announced three new quarantine-free destinations for the coming winter season.

In November, the airline will begin flying to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, and the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. The new additions to Etihads network mean the UAEs national carrier will be operating to 70 destinations across 47 countries.

The airline has launched a sale on fares to the three African cities valid until midnight on October 6, according to a statement from Etihad.

Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said: Johannesburg is an important route on our network and offers vital connectivity to and from the southern African region. On the southern coast, Cape Town is a breathtaking part of the world, with something to offer the most discerning traveller.

"Likewise, the beautiful island of Zanzibar will complement our network to the Maldives and Seychelles offering more choice for leisure travellers looking to enjoy the Indian ocean.

We are also thrilled to offer connectivity for travellers from both countries to visit the UAE over the winter months. With Expo 2020 opening there has never been a better time to visit Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Flights to Johannesburg, South Africas biggest city, and the coastal city of Cape Town will start from November 25. Both destinations will operate three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and will be serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The service to Zanzibar will operate from November 26. The route will also offer easy connectivity for guests travelling from Europe and North America and transiting through Abu Dhabi. The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays on the airlines Airbus A320 aircraft.-TradeArabia News Service
Help India!



A high-level joint delegation of Muslim organisations including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) visited Assam to assess the police brutality and deaths of civilians during the eviction drive in Dholpur village of Darang district of Assam. The joint delegation included JIH Vice-President S. Ameenul Hassan, Jamiats General Secretary Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, JIH Secretary Shafi Madani, SIO President Salman Ahmed, and other leaders.

TCN News

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NEW DELHI  Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has demanded strict action against culprits for brutality during the eviction drive in Assam and has urged the state government for the rehabilitation of evictees.

A joint level delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) met Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma recently to raise the issue.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday held at its headquarters, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Husaini said, Some people misuse the laws for political gain. This is what happened in Assam. Before carrying out evictions on any land or area, a complete legal procedure has to be followed and alternative accommodation has to be arranged for the people who are being displaced, as per the interpretations of the law. But this has not been done in Dholpur village of Darang district, even where the inhumane treatment has been meted out to the villagers, giving communal colour to the eviction drive.

The press conference was held on the conclusion of the Assam visit of the high-level joint delegation of Muslim organisations including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) to assess the police brutality and deaths of civilians during the eviction drive in Dholpur village of Darang district of Assam. The joint delegation included JIH Vice-President S. Ameenul Hassan, Jamiats General Secretary Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, JIH Secretary Shafi Madani, SIO President Salman Ahmed, and other leaders.

Husaini further said that according to the report presented by the joint delegation after visiting the affected area, the administration did not follow due eviction procedures. It is the responsibility of the government to make alternative arrangements for the accommodation, livelihood, education and health of long-term residents before they are evicted. But here, the manner in which a particular community has been targeted by giving a communal colour to the issue is a blot on any civilized state, he pointed out.

Speaking on the occasion, a member of the delegation and JIH Vice President Ameenul Hasan informed that the delegation visited all the affected areas and met with the victims and found the situation quite grim on the ground. In a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma, the delegation has expressed its concern and anger over the recent police brutality and two deaths of unarmed civilians in Dholpur village of Darrang district and demanded that the whole incident be investigated impartially and transparently, taking action against the culprits. As promised, one acre of land for farming and one acre of land for housing as well as basic education and health facilities should be provided to the affected families immediately. The delegation also demanded that the families who have been evicted and those who have died be given adequate compensation, he said.

The CM assured the delegation that all citizens of the state will be treated equally and nobody shall be treated unfairly. The delegation also met the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Darrang to raise the issue. They assured to deliver justice to the victims impartially.

Addressing the press conference, another member of the delegation Shafi Madani informed that the government recently evicted about 900 families living along the river in Dholpur village of Darrang District and the eviction of families was carried out to implement an organized farming project on 25,000 acres of land. While the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind immediately announced some financial assistance, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has arranged basic necessities and medical facilities to help the victims. SIO has undertaken to bear the expenses of the education of the children of the deceased, he added.

Madani vowed that Jamaat-e-Islami Hind would continue to work closely with their local cadres to help the victims and restore their legitimate rights.
Help India!



Two years after the BJP government abrogated Article 370 of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, the region where it promised the abrogation will bring development is up in arms against what regions traders, businessmen term BJPs anti-Jammu policies.

Auqib Javeed | TwoCircles.net

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SRINAGAR  More than two years after Narender Modi led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unilaterally read down the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union-territories, the party is facing the heat in the Hindu majority region of Jammu for its Anti-Jammu policies.

Soon after the Home Minister of India announced the abrogation of Article 370 in parliament, the Jammu region of the erstwhile state rejoiced the annexation. More than two years after the abrogation, it seems the Dogra heartland is fuming over the governments policies and actions in the region.

On September 23, the traders and transporters in Jammu observed a complete shutdown against the proposed opening of 100 Reliance retail stores in the region.

The call was given by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) which was supported by twenty-five trade and industry lobbies besides several political parties.

First shutdown after Article 370

Wearing black badges to protest anti-trader policies, the business community assembled at various markets and the chamber house raising slogans like Jammu Ekta Zindabad

Several groups of traders under different banners staged a peaceful protest at their respective markets.

The Jammu transporters also joined the protests and said that the protest was not for traders only but every stakeholder of Jammu.

The traders alleged that businessmen in Jammu are facing the highest degree of discrimination due to the directionless policies of the Union Territory government like ending age-old biannual Darbar move, new Excise and the Geology and Mining Department policies, proposed move by big business houses like Reliance to open stores and restrictions on banquet halls, among other issues.

Anil Gupta, President Raj Tilak Road Traders Association told TwoCircles.net that the businessmen in the region are under tremendous pressure and have apprehensions that the economy might come under a grinding halt.

Yes, we indeed celebrated the abrogation of Article 370 but we didnt know Jammu will be its first victim, Gupta told TwoCircles.net.

Not only traders, Gupta said, but hotels, restaurants, transporters and other stakeholders are now realising the impact of the abrogation of Article 370.

Amid the ongoing protest over the opening of Reliance retail stores, the company said the talk of 100 stores being opened by us is completely untrue. We have not opened any stores in Jammu. We have a few delivery points in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and these are set up by our delivery partners to support the small traders, a spokesperson of Reliance NSE 1.68 % Retail told news agency PTI.

However, the people of the region maintain that the shutdown call was given just to signal to BJP that its anti-people policies wont work in Jammu.

It may be noted that the BJP won both the parliamentary seats of the region in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In December 2020 District Development Council (DDC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party won the most seats in the Jammu region with 75 seats after securing the largest vote share in the polls.

However, the people maintain that despite supporting the party in every election, the party has failed to win the hearts of the people of the region.

The next elections will decide and they will come to know what they have achieved, said Surinder Pal, a shopkeeper from Jammu.

Mineral blocks acquired by non-locals

In 2020, the Government allotted most of the mineral blocks to outsiders both in Jammu and Kashmir divisions, leaving people, who are dependent on the sand mining, fuming.

Earlier, no outsider could have participated in the bidding process for mining contracts before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.

The government has allotted 25 minor mineral contracts to outsiders in J&K and most of the allotments have been made in the Jammu region and three are Kashmir.

Since then the government has left us jobless and we are unable to even buy our essentials, said a contractor from Jammu, who wished not to be named.

He said they have been left at the mercy of outsiders and work under their kindness.

Wine traders against new policy

Earlier, in March 2021, the wine traders in Jammu were up in arms against the governments fresh draft policy to allow liquor vends in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Draft Excise Policy 2021-22 has spelt out to allot liquor vends through an e-auction, which the wine traders of Jammu and Kashmir say would eliminate local businesspersons from the trade and would benefit only rich capitalists from outside J&K.

According to a report, there are 30,000 families directly or indirectly associated with the business from Jammu and most of the present licensees are widows, senior citizens, and unemployed youth who have no other source of income.

Darbar Move

In June 2021, the LG administration ended the 149-year-old tradition in Jammu & Kashmir known as the Darbar Move.

The Darbar Move was a biannual practice in which the government functions for six months each in the two capitals of Srinagar and Jammu.

Around 8000-9000 employees working in Civil Secretariats, with headquarters in Jammu and Srinagar, would move along with files twice every year.

Thousands of employees working in civil secretariats, with headquarters in Jammu and Srinagar, would move along with their families twice every year. While Srinagar served as the summer capital, Jammu was the winter capital.

Over the years, the practice boosted Jammu economically. Several Kashmiris would travel to the winter capital along with their families to escape the harsh winters  thus furthering the business of Jammu traders.

The move to do away with the Darbar Move has also angered residents of Jammu.

BJP deceived people

Sunil Dimple, a Jammu based political leader told TwoCircles.net that

Jammu traders, Bar, Chamber, Mission Statehood and other political parties called Jammu Bandh for the restart of Darbar Move, Restoration of Article 370 and the closure of the Jio, Reliance stores.

He said the shutdown united Jammu Kashmir & opened the eyes of the BJP.

Dimple, who is President of Mission Statehood claimed that the BJP government at the centre and the LG govt did not accept the demands of the people of Jammu.

He said the abrogation of article 370 and special status has caused heavy loss to traders, transporters & the people of J&K.

Chief Spokesperson Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress, Ravinder Sharma told TwoCircles.net that the people of Jammu were told that the region will become an economic hub after the abrogation of article 370 and that the political discrimination will end but now people are realising that they were deceived by BJP, thus you can see people reacting angrily, Sharma said.

President JCCI Arun Gupta, however, doesnt link the protest with the abrogation of article 370. He argues that the protest was against the opening of Reliance stores in Jammu.

The assault on Jammu traders was even before the abrogation of Article 370 when local regional parties were ruling the erstwhile state, Gupta said adding that We are hopeful that both the issue of Reliance stories of continuation of Darbar Move will be restored.
Help India!



The Assam governments eviction drive in Darrang district on September 23 has left many families in distress, including pregnant women. A TCN Ground report looks at how these women are surviving amidst lack of proper food and necessary medicine.

Mahibul Hoque | TwoCircles.net

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SIPAJHIR (ASSAM)  For 18-year-old Minura Khatun from No 1 Dholpur village in Darrang district, the last four months have been distressing. An expecting mother, her anxiety started when the chief minister of Assam announced in June that an agriculture project would be taken up at her village. She was perplexed about where her first child would be born. Amid the uncertainty, her family did not sow seeds in their fields. For her, it meant her first child will be born amid destitution. The tragedy came sooner than she feared as government bulldozers razed her house on September 20 and demolished their land along with displacing 800 families from the area.

On the fateful day when the district administration and police department marched ahead with their plan to demolish and uproot the Muslim dwellers, despite the locals seeking time to remove their homes, the security personnel also burnt down many belongings of the people without maintaining any documentation to assess the damage.

For people who had already vacated their homes in the first round of evictions, and especially for Minura  the scenes of demolition and fear for her unborn baby left her in panic.

Although she has been living under a tin structure which used to be the roof of her home, and surviving on pulses and potatoes provided by the relief workers, Minura has not eaten any green vegetables nor has she been provided with medical assistance necessary for pregnant women.

The non-availability of drinking water facilities or hygiene facilities is a matter of shame and struggle for the women evicted during the demolition drive, especially the pregnant ones. I have to carry water from another persons house which is around 100 meters away. I feel tired and I cannot walk properly. Going far from my place to fetch water is very difficult for me, Minura told TwoCircles.net. She complained about experiencing mental distress which she said increased since the eviction as she has never seen the burning of houses before.

Other pregnant women who have been evicted complained about the trauma and lack of medical assistance which the government should have provided to them as they are citizens of the country.

I cannot lift my leg. Someone has to help me get up from bed at night. I need medicines as I am pregnant. I went to the medical camp (organized by volunteer groups) seeking help but there was not much medicine for me. These medicines are generally provided by the government to its people. Instead of taking care, they have taken our land and everything else, 30-year-old Samina Khatun from No 3 Dholpur village said remorsefully. She is six months pregnant.

30-year-old Sharufa Khatun has similar complaints. Sharufa, who lost a child some months ago, told TwoCircles.net, I asked the doctor to give me medicine for illnesses women get. But they did not have any of those medicines. The government should provide some assistance to us.

Mohela Khatun, who is seven months pregnant, has not been able to get her ultrasound done as her family has no money to go to the doctor.

We were confused and unsure about the governments decision to evict us. We did not even start the seed sowing process. We did not cultivate our land in the confusion and hence left with no money. This time we will not be growing cabbage, cauliflower, or anything else, rued the 28-year-old woman from No 1 Dholpur village.

The sowing session was disturbed in the area as the government had announced to take over 77,000 bighas of land to start an agriculture and allied activities project to ostensibly to provide employment to some 200 people from indigenous community, which as per people would dislocate around 55,000 Bengali-speaking Muslim farmers.

While hundreds of families, left homeless from No 1 and No 3 Dholpur villages, are relying on relief material provided by various non-profit groups, the government on September 27 announced that the affected families will continue to get the benefits of government schemes. The announcement has come as a relief although it will be without addition to necessary medicines for women, children and traumatized people.

On the first day of the eviction, the government gave some plastic toilet sheets, tube well, and pipes to set up basic facilities for the evicted families. But after the firing incident and death of two persons, the district officials neither visited the place nor provided other basic help. They have been left with nothing but NGO relief. Rice and dal (pulses) is there and as citizens, they are entitled to get benefits from government schemes. But as displaced families, they should get basic water, hygiene and medical facilities which are missing, a local from the area said on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

The state government on September 23 announced that the evicted families would continue to get the entitled government scheme facilities and the next day the supply of rice was resumed in the area. However, the toilets and drinking water facilities have not been announced yet which indicates that the families will not be provided with a settlement at the place as of now.

The initial aid of plastic toilet sheets and tube well facilities were given on humanitarian ground for the evicted families, said Darrang district Commissioner Prabhati Thaosen. She said negotiations and consultation were going for further help to the evicted people.

As for 57-year-old farmer Anuwar Hussain, a settlement is a better option as they can cultivate the land and start afresh. We are citizens and I have my fathers 1951 NRC. The government has taken the land we were cultivating for more than four decades. They should provide a permanent settlement to us, he said.

The state government has assured that six bighas of land would be given to evicted landless people, but it has not been formally announced yet. According to the Assam Land and Revenue Act 1886 and 1989 land policy, the government has to provide an alternative place for rehabilitation prior to any eviction. Without giving any alternative, the governments move to evict the people is a violation of law, said All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Mazibur Rahman from the same district. His party is demanding six bigha land for agricultural purposes and one bigha of land for housing while terming the eviction as an inhuman, barbaric attack on helpless Muslim farmers.

It is unfortunate that till now the government has not sent any delegation and additional relief to the victim families who are genuine Indian citizens, he added.

Meanwhile, the All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU) sought drinking water, sanitation, and housing facilities (under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) for the evicted families. According to the office-bearers of the influential student body, Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has agreed upon their demands.

Whatever verbal assurances have been given to us, we will ask the government to announce officially when we meet the CM after the cabinet meeting, AAMSU general secretary Imtiaz Ali said.

Caught in between verbal assurances and homelessness, 6-month pregnant Minura said, The government does not consider us as citizens. That is why no representative from the government has come to see our condition. We need our lives back. We need shelter even if they provide us with these on humanitarian grounds, she said.
Student hears charges being read in front of tearful mother. Seven members of the group Returning Valiant, including four minors, were denied bail. Accused of conspiring to incite subversion. The assets of the Alliance that organizes the annual Tiananmen vigil frozen.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Pro-Beijing city authorities claim that even 15-year-olds can be a threat to national security. The Magistrates' Court of West Kowloon yesterday indicted seven members of the group Returning Valiant on charges of conspiring to incite subversion.

The crime is punishable under the draconian security law imposed last year by the central government.

The defendants, who include four minors, were denied bail by judges. A student in a school uniform listened to the charges being read in front of her tearful mother.

On September 28, police arrested another person belonging to Returning Valiant. Between May and June, police had already detained 14 members of the group for allegedly possessing explosives and pro-independence material.

As reported by the Hong Kong Free Press, the hearing was attended by more than 100 people, including family members of the accused. Some of those in the public shouted at the youth to resist. The city's criminal laws prohibit the press from giving details of the proceedings and the names of the accused.

In another blow to the pro-democracy camp, the city's national security police yesterday froze the assets of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which on June 4 each year organizes the traditional vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

The Alliance has been targeted by Carrie Lam's executive and pro-Beijing personalities for months. In early September, the IDF arrested five of its leaders. Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, among the most important figures of the democratic group, have been in prison for some time on charges of participating in illegal demonstrations in 2019.

Facing pressure from the authorities, the Alliance had decided to disband on September 25. Two historic organizations had previously done so: The Teachers' Union and the Civil Human Rights Front. The first was the largest sectoral city union, the second the main democratic coalition. Now the existence of the Hong Kong Journalists Association is also at risk.

Security Secretary Chris Tang did not answer the journalists' question whether Hong Kong citizens will still be able to commemorate the events of Tiananmen. He merely said that the police will evaluate on a case-by-case basis, as with the possibility of celebrating Taiwan's national holiday on Oct. 10.
The event is set for 22-26 June 2022 in Rome. Bishops are invited to organise activities in their diocese, for the same period. On every continent, at home, with a computer or smartphone, families will be able to participate remotely. The inaugural meeting with the Pope, that is, the Festival of Families on 22 June; the Mass on Saturday afternoon, 25 June, with all the families of Rome in St. Peter's Square; and the Angelus the next day, will be broadcast worldwide.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The 10th World Meeting of Families, centred on the theme Family love: A vocation and a path to holiness, will take place in dioceses around the world, and online. The meeting in Rome will also be available online, live.

At the presentation of the meeting, Card Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, said that the worldwide event will allow families to participate in diocesan meetings, celebrations and Holy Masses, which each bishop is invited to organise in his own diocese, on the same days in which the Pope meets the delegates of Bishops Conferences, family movements and associations in Rome.

The festival with the testimonies of families will be held in Rome on 22 June 2022 in the Popes presence. The pastoral congress will be held from 23 June to the morning of 25 June, and will include celebrations and Eucharistic adorations, pastoral conferences and panels to share pastoral experiences from all over the world. On the afternoon of Saturday 25 June, Francis will celebrate Mass in St Peter's Square, followed by the Angelus the next day.

We urge the bishops, Card Farrell said, to accept the holy Father's invitation and plan both the journey of preparation for the event, and the diocesan event itself, which can take place in the week from 22 to 26 June 2022, in parallel with the Pope's Meeting in Rome with the delegates.

The beauty of this opportunity, he added, consists in the fact that not only those who work in the pastoral care of the family, but all the families in parishes and dioceses will be able to gather around their bishop.

As for the delegates, their number, noted Gabriella Gambino, under-secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, will be proportional to the size of the Bishops Conferences. The same goes for movements and associations who will have a pre-established number of delegates.

We will directly send suggestions to the bishops in dioceses around the world, on how to organise the event at the local level for the first time. We realise that it is not easy to take the initiative, especially in some geographical areas and in some particular pastoral situations, but we encourage everyone to try to involve families in this adventure. Many families wish to participate and would like to be involved even at the diocesan level.

In the dioceses, the meetings can be set up starting from the theme chosen by the Holy Father, which forms the basis of seven catecheses that will soon be published by the Diocese of Rome in five languages and be available to the whole world. These catecheses constitute in themselves a journey of preparation for the meetings to be held both in Rome and individual dioceses.

Families, on every continent, at home, with a computer or smartphone, will have the opportunity to participate remotely with a special registration method both during the preparation process  over the next few months in fact, once registered, they will receive information on the pastoral tools that will be gradually made available by our Dicastery  and during the Rome meeting online in the week from 22 to 26 June 2022.

In this regard, Mgr Walter Insero, director of the Social Communications Office of the Diocese of Rome, noted that "one of the main challenges will consist not only in strengthening communication, but also in encouraging social participation in this event.

In addition to face-to-face meetings organised at local level, families from every continent will have the opportunity to feel close to each other by following the World Meeting in Rome with their computer or smartphone.

The journey of preparation will also be made available to everyone online thanks to the website www.romefamily2022.com. The delegates in attendance will be joined by thousands of participants. Every moment of the World Meeting can be followed in streaming on social media.

The inaugural meeting with the Pope, that is, the Festival of Families on 22 June 2022, in the Paul VI Hall, will be broadcast worldwide, as will the Holy Mass on Saturday afternoon, 25 June, with all the families of Rome in St Peter's Square, and the Angelus the next day with the mandate to families from all over the world.

During the months leading up to the event, the website will serve mainly to disseminate content that can help dioceses, movements, associations organise events, reflections and meetings in local communities. There will be space for the seven catechises, which will be gradually published, linked to videos with testimonies.

A section of the site will be dedicated to collecting material put out by the Diocese of Rome and the Dicastery, available to everyone to download for free: logos, videos, texts, suggestions.

Another section will be reserved for concrete help to the three Roman projects that support families in difficulty, of which Cardinal De Donatis spoke earlier.

As far as the social strategy is concerned, we have opted for an approach centred on many centres. The goal is to involve as many people online as possible to share with them our hashtag #wmof22 and thus share our content.

In addition to the videos that will address the themes of catechesis, there will be interviews with Roman families, testimonies of families from other continents, some stories of holy families, and more.
by Alessandra De Poli

Today almost 400 delegates aged 15 to 29 will deliver the final document with their climate proposals to the ministers who will participate in COP26. Asian delegates shared their concerns and hopes with AsiaNews. Yesterday the Pope said: "I wish to thank you for your dreams and good projects and for the fact that you are concerned both with human relations and with care for the environment.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Almost 400 delegates from around the world met in Milan for the Youth4Climate: driving ambition (Y4C) event, on 28-30 September.

Ranging in age between 15 and 29, participants were selected respecting the proper geographical and gender balance, and include young researchers, activists, founders of organizations fighting against climate change, sociologists, engineers, and journalists.

Organised by the Government of Italy, the meeting was designed to give young people an opportunity to discuss and formulate concrete proposals to tackle climate change.

On the first day, 28 September, Greta Thunberg gave a caustic speech, slamming world leaders for their blah, blah, blah.

Italys Minister of Environmental Transition Roberto Cingolani promptly responded to her, saying that Climate change and global social inequalities must be treated together. There is no single solution. I hope that in addition to protesting, which is extremely useful, you will help us identify new visionary solutions; this is what we expect from you.

Participants accepted the challenge, and after two days of discussions, they will deliver their proposals to the ministers set to take part in the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow next month.

Handing over their proposals in a final document, the young people seem to be telling the older folks: These are our climate solutions, now think about putting them into practice.

In a video message yesterday, Pope Francis thanked young people for their "dreams and good projects". In his view, People and the environment must be harmony. In fact, We are not enemies; we are not indifferent," he added.

Now that the time has come to deliver the results of the three-day meeting, some delegates wonder whether world leaders will not just throw them away.

Jan Kairel Guillermo, who is not a delegate but is part of the commission that selected some of the young people, the event is important, especially after two years of global pandemic during which young people met online.

I am excited by the stories young people tell," he told AsiaNews. But until the United Nations creates a mechanism that allows institutions to include youth contributions in international treaties, we can't really make a difference.

Jan, who is 28, is critical because he already works for the United Nations in Geneva and is at the conference as coordinator of working groups. He also personally experienced the effect of climate change.

In 2013 I survived one of the most powerful cyclones ever recorded. It's not just that I care about the climate. My province, Leyte, was almost completely destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan.

Even Heeta Lakhani, 30, comes from India. She understood from a very young age that taking care of the environment is important.

I come from Mumbai, which is a coastal city. On the waterfront, there used to be a gorgeous row of palm trees. One day I passed by and the trees had been uprooted for a project to beautify the city. I didn't understand how it could be more beautiful that way.

Her first time at an international event was as a translator. In 2015 I took part in COP21 in Paris, to translate from the German. After that experience I realised that it is possible to change things if you get involved. I quit my job, enrolled in a master's degree in Environmental Studies, and started volunteering for the climate.

Heeta is now a member of YOUNGO, the youth committee of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Indigenous communities were also represented in Milan. Anish Shrestha, 29, comes from Nepal and is acting as their spokesperson. I am here to give voice to the people of South Asia, who bear the burden of climate change even though they pollute less than developed countries.

Back home, Anish founded the Youth for Environment Education and Development (YFEED) Foundation to protect the rights of the indigenous peoples of his country, where nearly 36 per cent of the population is indigenous.

Indigenous people are both among the main victims of climate change and a fundamental player in mitigating the harmful effects of human action on the climate. Ecosystems are in danger. In Nepal, the melting of the Himalayan glaciers is a very serious problem, Anish told AsiaNews.

We are losing a fundamental resource for tourism, he explained, but also for traditional practices. Young people abandon farming because fields are less and less fertile. Climate change has an impact on the lifestyle of indigenous peoples but also on the economy of the whole country.

Taimoor Siddiqui hails from Hyderabad (Pakistan). He speaks excitedly, his eyes shining when he talks about how necessary it is for less developed countries to cut CO2 emissions as well.

"According to the Climate Index, Pakistan is the fifth in terms of climate vulnerability. We are beginning to invest in order to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, but we continue to be a fragile country.

If the most developed countries have made it, why can't we do it too? wonders Taimoor who, as an activist, has involved almost 17,000 people in his educational initiatives.

"The most developed countries are like bigger brothers for developing countries. We have to think like a family, because sharing is caring." Sharing (financial resources, in this case) is an act of caring that is good for everyone.

Finally, Mayumi Sato, 26, from Japan, studied at the University of Cambridge and is now doing a PhD on the impact of climate change on prisoners.

Many prisoners have a mobile phone and tweet about their conditions in prison; they also talk about air pollution because prisons are located near places where toxic products are released.

Although environmental and social issues intersect, Mayumi is realistic. It is clear that the Y4C is not a very concrete event from many points of view.

No one expects a solution after two days of negotiations between 400 young people from all over the world. But just being here, talking to each other in person, is important to understand what climate change means in a country other than your own. It is a process that helps keep the momentum going among the youngest.
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the View

Immigrants, refugees drive population growth, improve quality of life in Buffalo, UB expert says

By DOUGLAS SITLER

Buffalo and Western New York will always be competitive in offering affordable housing and a lower cost of living compared to other cities in the U.S. We also have a growing, well-structured support network for immigrants and refugees.  Wooksoo Kim, associate professor of social work and director Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute

The 2020 U.S. census revealed that the city of Buffalo gained population for the first time in 70 years, a trend fueled by an influx of immigrants and refugees. The positive impact made by these groups, says Wooksoo Kim, associate professor of social work and director of the Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute at UB, goes against the misaligned and politicized views of the immigrant and refugee communities. For the last 10 to 15 years, we have witnessed tremendous growth in immigrant and refugee populations in Buffalo, says Kim, whose research aims to improve the lives of immigrant and refugee populations by understanding their needs and designing culturally responsive intervention approaches to address those needs. We have heard the stories of Bangladeshi immigrants moving into the East Side and refugees from Burma into the Lower West Side, Black Rock and waterfront neighborhoods, Kim says. When we walk down Grant Street or Broadway, we see more and more business signs in various languages popping up every year, which suggests a growing demand and interest in serving immigrants and refugees in the area.

Cost of living, support networks spur growth

Kim says she was initially worried that immigrants and refugees would not be accurately counted in the census. Typically, immigrants and refugees are underrepresented in the census. Adding the pandemic to the mix, I was concerned that the 2020 census would further undercount their numbers, she says. However, I am personally delighted to see the growth reflected in this years census. I believe this is the result of the hard work and dedication of various community organizations to make sure the population was accurately counted. Affordable cost of living and support networks are expected to fuel Buffalos immigrant and population growth for the next decade, she says. Historically, affordability and strong support to welcome new Americans have been the major attraction for immigrant and refugee populations to settle in Buffalo, she explains. Buffalo and Western New York will always be competitive in offering affordable housing and a lower cost of living compared to other cities in the U.S. We also have a growing, well-structured support network for immigrants and refugees. Thanks to local resettlement agencies and their newcomer support programs, ethnic community organizations and government agencies all work together to make Buffalo and Western New York an ideal place for successful integration.

Immigrants, refugees add cultural diversity

Buffalo immigrant and refugee populations are also making significant contributions to the citys life, culture and economy, Kim notes. Immigrants and refugees have always been main contributors to economic development  they accomplish this by opening up small businesses, buying houses and contributing to the wonderful diversity of the region, she says. Without setting foot outside of Buffalo, there are so many opportunities to learn and experience the worlds cultures and languages located right here in our backyard. There are many cultural events held year-round. To name a few: the Burmese Water Festival, Karen Wrist-tying Ceremony, Puja for Hinduism and Eid Mubarak for Muslims. These events and the people who attend them help to bring different cultural and international experiences to Buffalo without the need for travel. I believe they are the ones responsible for bringing in much of the character and livelihood of the region.

Continue investment in support systems
Oum II Joseph Archives

Oum II Joseph, Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Manyu Division has taken measures aimed at blocking armed separatist fighters from carrying out public demonstrations on Friday, October 1.

In a radio announcement, the Senior Divisional Officer for Manyu Division revealed that separatists are threatening to disturb public order on October I, 2021.

In a bid to foil the plans of separatist militia active in the area, Oum II Joseph informed the population of restrictions to nightlife among other measures until October 4, 2021.

The circulation of motorbikes, private and inter-urban transport vehicles is proscribed from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am daily starting from Wednesday, September 29 until October 4, the SDO said.

Oum II Joseph said drinking spots and off-licenses will remain closed between 6 pm and 6 am each day from Thursday, September 30, 2021, to Saturday, October 2, 2021.

According to the senior civil administrator, all unauthorized gatherings as well as processions on the highway on October 1, 2021, are banned.

These measures aimed at ensuring public order might be lifted on Monday, October 4, 2021, by 6 am. The measures shall be strictly respected by all, said the SDO.

Manyu SDO announces measures to foil separatist plans (c) Document

In November 2017, armed separatists in the town of Kembong located in the Manyu Division of the Southwest region killed at least six state forces, changing the narrative of the Anglophone crisis.

What began in the last quarter of 2016 as peaceful protests by Anglophone activists against perceived marginalization by Cameroon's Francophone-dominated elite has turned out to be a protracted armed conflict.

The secessionists declared an independent state called Ambazonia on October 1, 2017. Since then, at least 50,000 people have fled to Nigeria, including 2,300 who fled in a single day on December 4, 2017, fearing government reprisals after raids by separatist militants killed at least six soldiers and police officers.

At the end of World War One, Germany's colony of Kamerun was carved up between allied French and British victors, laying down the basis for a language split that still persists.

English speakers make up less than a fifth of the population of Cameroon, concentrated in former British territory near the Nigerian border that was joined to the French-speaking Republic of Cameroon in 1961, a year after its independence in 1960. French speakers have dominated the country's politics since.
Dr. Mohamadou Facebook

The death has been announced of Dr. Mohamadou , Permanent Secretary at the South West Governor's Office.

The senior civil administrator is said to have died Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Douala General Hospital where he was receiving medical attention.

He was interred before midday in Douala.

Mohamadou was born on August 7, 1976, in Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Region.

He started his career on October 27, 2011, as 1st Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Bui Division. From July 3, 2017, to September 19, 2018, he served as Inspector General at the South West Governor's Office.



On September 19, 2018, a presidential decree appointed Dr. Mohamadou as permanent secretary at the South-West Governor's Office.

He leaves behind his wife and two children to mourn him.

He was last seen at a public event last week during the visit to Buea of Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief. Dr. Dion Ngute Joseph.

Mourners and well-wishers have been flooding the South West Governor's Office in disbelief even as workers at the South West Governor's Office mourn the passing away of Dr. Mohammadou.

Eulogies have since been pouring in. The Regional Director of Eneo for the South West and Mungo, Marie Charlie Bassega says it is with great sadness that they learn from the passing, early this morning, of Dr. Mohammad following a brief illness.

This very humble and helpful man was one of our closest, most loyal and very tireless allies in the relentless battle that we, Eneo, are waging to ensure that continuity of service prevails in this environment where it has become extremely difficult to work, Bassega said.

As such, we greatly salute his memory, and we pray for the eternal rest of his soul, Bassega added.

He goes on to extend his condolences to the Governor of the South West Region, and to the great family of administrators of the South West Region, which has been so badly hit by this death.

The Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafani Namange says, Late Dr. Mohammadou was a fine gentleman, academically sound and administratively up to date. He was somebody who knew how to keep people together. May his soul rest in peace. 
Fame Ndongo and Eloundou Essomba placate angry populace WhatsApp

Cameroons Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba has disbursed FCFA 200 million for the immediate supply of electricity to the Ngotto I and II sectors situated along the Ebolowa-Akom II stretch of road.

The Ministers decision was taken Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in response to some disgruntled locals who staged a protest that paralyzed circulation for several hours along the Ebolowa-Akom II road.

The movement of persons and goods along the Ebolowa-Akom II highway came to a standstill for several hours on Tuesday. The populations of some villages along Ngotto I and II had blocked circulation along the major road to draw the governments attention to their plights.

The irate locals demanded social amenities including roads, water, network coverage, and power supply.

Amateur videos showed groups of locals felling trees that blocked the Ebolowa-Akom II road, paralyzing traffic for several hours.

We are protesting to draw attention to the problems of electricity, roads, and network coverage in our area, a local of the area told state media, CRTV.

Others added that the impassable nature of the road, many control posts, and high transportation fare stirred up their anger.

A mediation team led by Governor Felix Nguele Nguele was unable to calm the protesting locals. It was thanks to the rapid intervention of Minister of State, Minister of High Education Jacques Fame Ndongo and Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba for the roads to be liberated.

We rapidly went through our budget and made available the sum of FCFA 200 million so that work can begin, Eloundou Essomba told CRTV.

The two ministers held talks with the population at nightfall in the epicenters of the protests. They reassured the people of the imminent supply of electricity.

Prof Motaze Akam, spokesperson of the people said he is satisfied with the decisions arrived at and that the people are impatient to see the realization of the promises.

Akom II is located mainly on the national road no. 17 connecting the capital of the South Region, Ebolowa to Kribi. The road network is almost impassable in the rainy season on the 60km national road no. 17 connecting Ebolowa to Kribi. The 40km road linking Akom II to Bipindi is also impracticable throughout the year.

Almost half of the localities in Akom II are not connected to the electricity grid.

Potable water remains a scarce commodity for nearly 80% of the town's population.
During the classified hearing with Senators on Wednesday, the top Pentagon officials said that the US is in talks with countries that border Afghanistan about housing "over the horizon" counterterrorism operations that would allow the US military to more easily surveil and strike targets in the Taliban-controlled country. Those sites could include bases run by Russia in those countries, Politico reported on Wednesday (local time).

Briefing the lawmakers behind closed doors, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley revealed about the discussions, which are taking place with the governments of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and others, according to Politico.

Kenneth McKenzie, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, detailed the types of military aircraft and launching points that could be used to launch strikes against targets in the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The top generals testified for the first time before the Senate after the US withdrawal.

On August 31, the US completed the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan under the Doha accord it signed with the Taliban last year.

Earlier, during the public testimony, Milley stressed that he had warned US President Joe Biden that a rushed withdrawal from Afghanistan could increase risks to Pakistan's nuclear weapons and the country's security.

Milley said, "We estimated an accelerated withdrawal would increase risks of regional instability, the security of Pakistan, and its nuclear arsenals."

"We need to fully examine the role of Pakistan sanctuary," the general said while emphasising the need to probe how the Taliban withstood US military pressure for 20 years.

(ANI)

Also Read: US lawmakers call for probe into Pakistan role in Taliban win in Afghanistan
Centene said in a news release at the time of those settlements that it restructured its pharmacy benefits operation in 2019 to create a more transparent relationship between its health plans and its pharmacy benefits manager and has eliminated spread pricing, which is when pharmacy benefit managers charge more for medications than they pay the pharmacies. It also said Envovle would operate as an administrative service provider, not a pharmacy benefit manager on behalf of Centenes local health plans.
In August, San Francisco became the first major city in the nation to require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for people dining inside restaurants, with employees having until Oct. 13 to get the shot. Akash Kapoor, founder of the Curry Up Now Indian restaurant chain, said more than 90% of his employees in his downtown San Francisco location are now vaccinated, with one or two per store refusing. Hes making unvaccinated workers get tested twice a week.
This will be a new model of local nonprofit journalism, and we anticipate support for this initiative through the generosity of philanthropy, individuals and organizations who share the same belief in journalisms role in having an informed citizenry, connected community and healthy democracy, Moog said.
The Bears signing a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse is a move that would take the team a step closer toward securing property for a new stadium and leaving their longtime home at Soldier Field. Send us your thoughts via this form.
Illinois Republican legislative leaders question whether a provision in the sweeping crime bill passed at January was aimed at ousting the head of the Illinois State Police Merit Board who had launched an investigation into an ally of the Pritzker administration.
Those were the good old days. With Democrats in control of Congress and the White House, they have reverted to their historic fondness for making policy in Washington for all 50 states. The notion of letting states go their own way, in keeping with the preferences of their citizens, has suddenly lost its charm. Its a shift liberals may come to regret, for more reasons than one.
Another manager checked the keg room and confirmed something was wrong, according to Mathie, which led to the discovery of a poisonous carbon dioxide leak. The situation was resolved, but Mathie said management never addressed the issue broadly with workers or provided instruction in case such an issue were to happen again. Managers joked for the rest of the day that she had been the canary in the coal mine, Mathie said.
I wanted to start here because, when I think back on a life of reading, when I try to recall the spark that transformed me into this creature called a reader, when I think of that first time I felt some independent joy from a book, I think of Bradbury. Probably many of you do, too. For myself it wasnt his obvious entry points  not those middle-school standards Fahrenheit 451 or The Martian Chronicles  but the creepy Something Wicked This Way Comes and the sunny Dandelion Wine (all of which are in this new LOA edition). I told my editor I wanted to begin here partly because its the autumn equinox, the formal end of summer, and Dandelion Wine is a fantasy about Bradburys childhood summers in Waukegan and the falls abrupt door-slam on days of nothing much at all. (Indeed, Bradbury titled his last novel Farewell Summer; it arrived in 2006, half a century after Dandelion Wine.) As a kid you expect kids books to get you. But here was an adult book that pictured the world and summer the way I hoped to see it.
In fact, she never wanted Gustav Klimt's celebrated portrait of her aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, to leave Austria, the country Altmann had escaped during the Holocaust.



Altmann told me so in no uncertain terms in 2004, as we sat in her Los Angeles living room near a reproduction of the painting at the center of "Woman in Gold," a new film about Altmann's yearslong struggle to reclaim her family's Nazi-looted property.



But the Austrian government fought Altmann every step of the way, all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court and for years beyond. For Austrian officials didn't simply want to keep the family's art inside Austria for future generations to cherish. No, the Austrian government vigorously disputed Altmann's ownership of "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" and several other Klimt works, valued at approximately $150 million, while denying the Holocaust underpinnings of this case.
The event at the center of the play is, of course, a horror of singular brutality. But the piece understands that complicity is complicated, charting how people got to this point  not that it even remotely excused their actions  and then focusing, in the quieter but equally intense Act 2, on a truth that somehow hit me uncommonly hard on Sunday afternoon. So many years went by before the events came to light that, for those still alive, it was just too late to mean anything. There are many plays about the murder of Jewish people in the 1930s and 1940s; few are the pieces that carry the weight of these acts so far or analyze them in such depth. There are no innocents here: Americans, the play argues, chose to find out little and did less.
You could look at it as big industry and big money coming in and trying to take advantage of a poor family of fishermen or descendants of fishermen, he said. Or you could look at it as some very smart, astute German people who got together and decided to fight against industry and see what they could get out of it.
Katherine Rosenberg-Douglas

This Quick Response Team reporter has edited and reported in California, Texas and Florida during a nearly 20-year-long career focusing on crime and breaking news. She joined the Trib in 2016 after returning to her hometown of Crystal Lake with her husband and their twins.
The text messages obtained by the Tribune, meanwhile, show Dohertys pitch to the mayor about the investigation heated up In June 2020, when he sent her a text reading: CONFIDENTIAL(.) I am looking to meet with you in person for 10 minutes. Please know that I would not ask if I did not think this is worthy of your time. Please advise.
There are many reasons for gun violence in Chicago and other places but one of the obvious ones is we are awash in guns. We have guns coming at us from every direction, and sadly many gun dealers are not accepting their responsibility to safely store the weapons, Durbin told the Tribune on Thursday. It is a real problem and its not too much to ask these federally licensed firearms dealers who are making a pretty penny selling these firearms to store their firearms safely so that they cannot be stolen by burglars who just smash and run.
He did not report the encounter to police until August 2017, after Lathem had been named a suspect in the stabbing death of Trenton Cornell  who was a friend of Zalouns. Zaloun testified during the fourth day of the former professors murder trial, which is expected to stretch into next week.
Madigans main campaign fund paid nearly $462,000 in legal fees in the first three months of 2020 to a law firm that employs former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, campaign finance records show. In the final quarter of 2019, Madigans campaign fund paid more than $445,000 for legal fees to different firms, which a Madigan spokeswoman at the time said was to cover the cost of a $275,000 settlement with a former campaign worker, as well as ongoing civil cases and routine staff training.
Johnsons solution, outlined in his new book, Our Fair Share: How One Small Change Can Create a More Equitable American Economy, is at once radical in its conception and relatively modest in its demands. Johnson calls for businesses to pay 5% of their profits to fund an annual citizens dividend payment of $570 for every American.
This is where I got to be involved. One evening, the interpreter did not come to the meeting, and I had to translate for the Spanish-speaking workers. I stood in a smoky union hall next to a lean and tall young lawyer translating words that I didnt fully understand as best as I could. It was at that moment when I understood what had happened to my father and to the hundreds of Black and Latino workers. I understood the work of a lawyer was to help those who experienced an injustice. This was the moment I knew I could do the same by becoming and become a lawyer.
In doing this work, we attempt to further understand diverse communities and hope to promote media literacy  discuss fact-checking, editing, anonymous sources, the importance of captions for photos and more. These events will not mine for stories or sound bites, they are for and about you  the community  and intended to establish an ongoing relationship with those who cover your home.
The allegation that Mr. Robinson led police on a car chase in the middle of the afternoon just blocks from a grammar school is unconscionable, Berlin said in the release. Whats even more disturbing, if thats even possible, is the allegation that this defendant then ran from the police through a residential neighborhood, again in the middle of the afternoon, with a loaded weapon. The unprecedented levels of violence we have seen recently in DuPage County, such as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force and effect of the law.
It was definitely unexpected, he said. Mathematically, it clearly improves our chances. But our proposal was always going to generate more revenues and create more jobs than any other proposal, so we have always felt confident about our chances.
She took in Dukes, who she said was a bad influence for her son. He was originally charged as an accomplice in the case, before they were dropped. He was lined up as a witness to testify before he was sentenced to 30 days for contempt of court, records show.
CCTV: On September 28, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the US-UK-Australia submarine cooperation is a "very tricky" issue in terms of inspections. It will be the first time that a non-nuclear-weapon state regulated by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) introduces a nuclear submarine, and it means highly-enriched uranium used in power reactors of nuclear submarines will be excluded from IAEA supervision. The IAEA has to enter into a very complex, technical negotiation to see to it that there is no weakening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. On the same day, the Philippine Presidential Spokesperson said that Philippine President Duterte is concerned that AUKUS could trigger a "nuclear arms race". What is China's comment?

Hua Chunying: The international community is closely following and is vigilant about AUKUS and the plan for nuclear submarine cooperation. Many countries have expressed concerns and doubts. China has taken note of the statements of Director General Grossi and President Duterte.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out yesterday when co-chairing the China-EU High-Level Strategic Dialogue with Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, that such move of the US, the UK and Australia will pose three potential dangers to regional peace and stability and the international order.

First, the danger of Cold War resurgence. The three countries, drawing lines along ideology, have built a new military bloc which will heighten geopolitical tensions. When the international community widely rejects Cold War and divisions, the US blatantly violates its political statement of not seeking a new Cold War and gangs up with others to create a small Anglo-Saxon "clique", putting geopolitical self-interests above international solidarity. This is typical Cold War mentality.

Second, the danger of arms race. The move will spur regional countries to accelerate the development of military capabilities, and even seek to break the nuclear threshold and increase the risk of military conflicts. The US, on the one hand, sanctions and suppresses some countries with the excuse of developing nuclear technologies, and flagrantly transfers nuclear technologies to non-nuclear states on the other. This is typical double-standard.

Third, the danger of nuclear proliferation. In the name of building nuclear-powered submarines, the provision of nuclear materials to a non-nuclear-weapon state will exclude weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium from necessary supervision and pose huge nuclear proliferation risks. The move will bring shocks to the non-proliferation system, undercut the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and ASEAN countries' efforts to build a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Southeast Asia. This is typical contempt of rules.

It should draw special attention from the international community that the IAEA safeguards mechanism cannot verify whether Australia will use the highly enriched uranium in the power reactors of nuclear submarines for nuclear weapons. As Director General Grossi said, the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia will be the first time that a non-nuclear-weapon state introduces a nuclear submarine, which will exclude the highly-enriched uranium from IAEA's supervision. In brief, this is a malicious exploitation of loopholes in international rules for out-and-out proliferation activities. Supervisions on the Australian nuclear submarines will set a precedent, concerns the rights and obligations of all IAEA member states, especially signatories to the NPT, and will have far-reaching impact on the international non-proliferation system. This is not an issue between the IAEA Secretariat and the three countries; it shall be handled by all member states through joint consultation. China will stay in communication with the IAEA Secretariat and other member states to resolutely defend the authority and efficacy of the international non-proliferation system.

TASS News Agency: According to Reuters, the United States has reached out to China diplomatically about reducing its purchases of Iranian crude oil. It is said that this was one of the issues raised by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman when she visited China in late July. Do you have any comments on this information?

Hua Chunying: China's position is clear and consistent on normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Iran. China and Iran always conduct cooperation following the commercial principles with equality, mutual benefit and win-win results within the framework of international law. We firmly oppose any unilateral sanction, and urge the US to remove the so-called "long-arm jurisdiction" over third-party entities and individuals as soon as possible.

NHK: Today, Japan's former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is elected as the head of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He is set to succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: We have taken note of the election result. China is ready to work with Japan's new administration to observe the principles and spirit set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and move forward China-Japan ties along the right track in a sound and steady manner.

Hubei Media Group: On September 27, permanent missions of China, Belarus, the DPRK and Venezuela held a videoconference in Geneva on the sidelines of the 48th session of the Human Rights Council with the theme of US, Canada and Australia's violation of indigenous people's human rights. Representatives of Canadian and Australian indigenous people as well as Chinese scholars disclosed the severe crimes committed by the US, Canada and Australia. Representatives from many countries urged the three countries to take practical measures to improve the human rights situation of indigenous people. Can you share more information and what is China's comment on the meeting?

Hua Chunying: The videoconference was co-hosted by the permanent missions of China and three other countries in Geneva, which saw active participation from permanent missions, NGO representatives and reporters from many countries.

The Chinese representative pointed out at the meeting that indigenous people's human rights in the US, Canada and Australia have become a "black hole." The meeting was held for indigenous people in the three countries because their voice should be heard and their rights valued by more people. The international community should devote more attention to the human rights problems of the indigenous people in the US, Canada, Australia, investigate violation of indigenous people's human rights and bring the perpetrators to justice. The three countries should reflect upon themselves, thoroughly investigate the history of indigenous residential schools, return justice to and reveal truth for indigenous people that they deserve and earnestly address their own severe human rights problems.

At the meeting, representatives of indigenous tribes and descendants in Canada and Australia said, for centuries, colonizers in pursuit of self-interests took control of lands that indigenous people had lived for generations and blatantly plundered all kinds of resources, leading to long-term racial discrimination and economic exploitation of indigenous people, and perils of genocide and culture elimination. Colonizers, under the banner of protection, forcibly took indigenous children from their parents and sent them to residential schools. Their real agenda was to wipe out indigenous languages and words, knowledge system and identity toward eventual assimilation. Centuries have passed, but discriminatory laws and policies against indigenous people are still effective, and indigenous people are still among the most oppressed and poverty-stricken in the three countries.

Diplomats from the countries at the meeting said the US, Canada and Australia claim themselves as "human rights pioneers", but their own human rights situations are "fraught with problems". The international community should condemn their gross violations of indigenous people's human rights. All participating parties expressed gratitude to China and other countries for organizing the event and paid their respect to those who are brave enough to speak out on behalf of indigenous people. They hoped the international community can take actions, and redress social and historical injustice, and urge the US, Canada and Australia to give an explanation to indigenous people.

Kyodo News Agency: As the resolution of the Meng Wanzhou incident removed a thorn inserted in China-US relations, will it be possible that President Xi Jinping meet with President Biden on the sidelines of the G20 summit to be held in Italy in November? Is the likelihood of a meeting increased?

Hua Chunying: I can feel from your question that you hope to see the China-US relationship improve as soon as possible and the remaining thorns that vary in size removed from the bilateral ties. We appreciate this. Engagement at the heads-of-state level needs to be discussed and agreed upon by the two sides. We don't have any information on that at present.

As I said yesterday, China put forward two lists to the US side in the Tianjin talks. We hope the US side can attach importance to China's concerns, take concrete actions and make concerted efforts to empty the two lists as soon as possible.

Associated Press of Pakistan: On September 27, China-Pakistan Media Forum was held via video link. Speakers at forum urged the media of China and Pakistan to enhance cooperation in countering fake news to promote regional peace, stability and development. What is your response?

Hua Chunying: Thank you for your attention on this forum. On September 27, the China-Pakistan Media Forum was held via video link by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies of Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong attended and addressed the forum.

You mentioned that participants of the forum called on the media of the two countries to strengthen cooperation and jointly combat fake news. I think this is very necessary and urgent under the current circumstances because we can see that certain countries and individuals have fabricated and spread malicious disinformation with the political purpose of meddling in other countries' internal affairs, endangering their national security and smearing their image. Such malicious disinformation is the common enemy of mankind, as it causes confusion, undermines solidarity, undercuts mutual trust and hinders cooperation. Chinese and Pakistani media should cooperate in cracking down on disinformation. Moreover, we hope more and more countries will understand the harm of disinformation and join hands to combat it, and create a healthy, rational, objective and friendly environment for international public opinion, where people can have correct mutual understanding, friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation.

MASTV: Commander of the US Central Command Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said he took full responsibility for the August drone strike in Kabul which killed ten Afghan civilians. The Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the the US had sent drones in the airspace of Afghanistan, violating its sovereignty and international laws. He also warned the US of bad consequences if the US continues to operate drones over Afghan airspace illegally. Do you have any response to this?

Hua Chunying: For a start, Afghanistan is an independent sovereign state. The US should earnestly respect Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

In the past two decades of the US presence in Afghanistan, there were repeated tragedies of countless innocent civilian deaths and displacement. As you mentioned, on August 29, the US military staged an airstrike on a civilian residence in Kabul, killing 10 civilians, including many children. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all tragedies and misdeeds the US made in Afghanistan. According to reports, in 2008, US troops attacked a village in Herat province, which killed nearly a hundred civilians including 50 children and 19 women. Reports said during its military's presence Afghanistan, the US has implemented a project to create a drug laboratory on a global scale there. The production of opiates has increased more than 40 times. The International Criminal Court (ICC) also pointed out that the US troops may have committed war crimes and crime against humanity in Afghanistan through the "cruel or violent" interrogation of detainee and human rights violations including "torture and cruel treatment" between 2003 and 2014. You may all know that in response, the US government last year announced sanctions on the personnel of the ICC who participated in the investigations of relevant crimes, triggering opposition from the international community.

The US troops irresponsibly and hastily withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving behind misery and suffering as well as serious challenges in livelihood and the pandemic to the innocent Afghan people. The Afghan people now finally have a new window of opportunity for their country's peace and reconstruction. On the basis of respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, the international community should support the Afghan people in taking the future in their own hands, and help Afghanistan to maintain stability, forestall turbulence, and achieve sound development.

In the face of widespread doubts and condemnation from the international community, the US, as the culprit of the Afghan issue, should show its responsibility as a major country, make sincere apologies, conduct thorough investigations, do some soul searching and make full reparations. More importantly, the US should stop habitually imposing wanton military intervention and forcing its own will on others, and avoid repeating the tragedies of plunging people into misery and suffering.

Yonhap News Agency: According to the report by Korean Central News Agency on September 29, the Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK successfully test-fired a newly-developed hypersonic missile on the morning of September 28. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: China noted the relevant report and the latest moves of all parties related to the Korean Peninsula. We hope relevant sides can keep in mind the big picture of peace and stability on the Peninsula, stay cool-headed and exercise restraint, meet each other halfway, follow the "dual-track" approach and the principle of phased and synchronized actions, and find an feasible solution to address each other's concerns in a balanced manner, in order to jointly advance the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.

Since Yonhap News Agency pays much attention to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, I would like to elaborate a little bit. We also noticed that a senior official of the US State Department said recently that the US reached out directly to the DPRK to initiate dialogue and stands ready to meet without preconditions. The DPRK's Permanent Representative to the United Nations urged the US to permanently stop its joint military exercises and the deployment of strategic weapons in and around the Korean Peninsula, and give up its hostility toward the DPRK. No matter how the situation evolves, China holds that parties should exercise restraint, meet each other halfway, build mutual trust, and settle the issue through dialogue and consultation.

Under the current circumstances, the key to breaking the stalemate and restarting dialogue is taking seriously and resolving the DPRK's legitimate concerns. The US should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan. It is imperative to invoke the rollback terms of the Security Council's DPRK-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions, especially those relating to provisions on the humanitarian and livelihood aspects. This is conducive to resuming the dialogue and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and is in line with the spirit of the resolutions.

TASS News Agency: According to Times of India, Indian army has deployed more sophisticated artillery to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Eastern Ladakh. It is said that three M777 howitzers regiments has been deployed on the border with China. Do you have any comments on this information?

Hua Chunying: The Indian side has long pursued the "forward policy" and illegally crossed the LAC to encroach on China's territory, which is the root cause of tension in the China-India border situation. China opposes any arms race in the disputed border areas for the purpose of competition over control. We have always been firm in safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and security, and committed to peace and stability in the China-India border areas.

Beijing Daily: It is reported that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on September 27 said it would open a $1.9 billion program to reimburse mostly rural US telecom carriers for removing network equipment made by Chinese companies like Huawei. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: Considering the grave pandemic and economic situations in the US, the $1.9 billion could be used better in areas in urgent need. The US has kept smearing and slandering Huawei and other Chinese companies, but is unable to present any solid evidence to support its accusations. The so-called "national security" is only a clumsy excuse of the US to impose "national bullying" and practice trade protectionism. We don't mind that the US is restless in making domestic policies. But the US should immediately correct its mistakes and stop abusing state power and trying all means to hobble Chinese companies. The Chinese government will continue to firmly defend the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Beijing Youth Daily: Daniel Drezner, Professor of Tufts University of the US and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, published an article on Foreign Affairs recently, criticizing US administrations for abusing economic coercion and economic violence. Sanctions have become the go-to solution for nearly every foreign policy problem, which do not work but exact a humanitarian toll. The United States of America has become "the United States of Sanctions". What is China's comment?

Hua Chunying: This professor of Tufts University is of great ingenuity. "The United States of Sanctions" is far and away a name tailored for the US. For a long time, the US has been abusing its financial hegemony and technical advantages to adopt frequent unilateral bullying practices, impose long-term sanctions on Cuba, the DPRK, Iran, Venezuela, among other countries, willfully wage "trade wars" with multiple countries and wantonly hobbles foreign high-tech companies in the name of national security. The US not only imposes sanctions on countries it sees as enemies or adversaries, but also adopts illegal, unilateral long-arm jurisdiction on third parties with exchanges with these countries, even without sparing entities and individuals of its allies.

The US abuse of sanctions severely undermines sovereignty and security of other countries, affects their national interests and people's livelihood of countries concerned, violates market economy principles and international trading rules, and disrupts security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. This, in turn, also harms the US own interests.

Some in the US are still talking about coercion. It must be pointed out that the birthplace and headquarters of economic coercion are Washington D.C.. Coercion has been a strength and feature of the US, whose government never shies away from using the expression "coercive diplomacy" but even takes pride in it. The US, through its policies and actions, has provided the world with textbook examples of coercive diplomacy, which means achieving one's strategic goals with military threats, political isolation, economic sanctions and technical blockade. The labels of "economic coercion" and "coercive diplomacy" fit the US better than anyone else.

As a member of the international community, the US government should listen to the advice of visionary people both at home and abroad, give up the old path of wanton sanctions and pressuring, and abandon hegemony and bullying. As a major country in the world, the US should truly play a constructive role in world peace, stability and development.

CCTV: Some panel buyers and solar-energy developers in the US said at an business briefing on September 27 that some Chinese solar-panel manufacturers have stopped sending panels to the United States, or are threatening to halt shipments, over regulatory concerns including a proposal for higher import tariffs. They said the freeze could derail the Biden administration's green-energy goals and lead to large layoffs among US panel installers. What is China's comment?

Hua Chunying: As you all know, the US cooked up the outrageous lie of "forced labor" in Xinjiang, and used it as an excuse for hobbling photovoltaic companies and sanctioning photovoltaic products in Xinjiang. What the US did lacks morality, violates market economy principles and international trading rules, and disrupts and undermines international industrial and supply chains. Both history and practice have proven time and again that those lifting stones up may end up hurting their own feet. Unilateral, illegal sanctions are like boomerangs that will eventually come back to harm the US own interests. We have seen many such examples. We hope the US can have a clear understanding of this and refrain from doing things that are no good to others as well as itself, because ultimately it is the American people that suffer.

The Paper: We noticed today, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the US made remarks on the wanton repatriation of a Chinese student by the US. Can you share more information?

Hua Chunying: Recently, some cases of wanton interrogation and repatriation of Chinese students by US law enforcement have happened. The case disclosed by the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the US is one example. A Chinese student with a legal visa issued by the US government was recently wantonly interrogated by the US side at the border entrance. After being confined in a small room for more than 50 hours without proper food and rest, he was deported by the US side through a third country on trumped-up grounds. The US action seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of the student, and caused serious physical and mental damage to him and his family. This is not the only case. For example, not long ago, a Chinese student was groundlessly interrogated for nearly one hour by the US at the San Francisco airport before leaving the US for China, and thus nearly missed her trip back home. In addition, less than one month after three Chinese students were questioned upon entry into the US and then repatriated in August, other cases of US interrogation and repatriation of Chinese students have happened. The US groundless actions are illegal, unfair and immoral. Over every case, China lodged solemn representations to the US at the first instance and asked it to immediately correct the mistakes.

The current US administration claims that it welcomes Chinese students. In fact, however, it inherits the erroneous practice of the previous administration and restricted or suppressed the pursuit of education or research in the US by Chinese students. Lately it has gone from bad to worse. Under the guise of law enforcement, the US used untenable excuses to harass, interrogate or even repatriate Chinese students. To our knowledge, during their interrogation, the US repeatedly made an issue out of the students' membership of the Communist Party of China and whether or not they would serve the Chinese government. They insisted on looking at the issue through the ideological lens and linking people-to-people, cultural and academic exchange with politics. They even admitted themselves afterwards that there was not enough evidence to support the repatriation. In other words, this is typical presumption of guilt and political manipulation to artificially create confrontation. Given the fact that some in the US accuse China of mistreating foreign nationals in China for made-up charges, the hypocrisy and bullying of the US are laid bare.

People-to-people exchanges are the social foundation of China-US relations. Chinese students in the US play a positive role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Normal educational and cultural cooperation serves the interests of both sides. We urge the US side to honor its statement of welcoming Chinese students, immediately stop abusing the excuse of national security, stop repatriating, harassing and interrogating Chinese students, stop infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and urge the US side to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. The Chinese side will continue to support Chinese students in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with law, and also reminds the students to raise their awareness of safety and guard against similar incidents.

Reuters: Yes, we spoke a lot about America today. The US Commerce Secretary said yesterday that the Chinese government has been preventing its domestic airlines from buying tens of billions of dollar of US manufactured Boeing airplanes. Has the Chinese government been blocking these purchases?

Hua Chunying: I would like to refer you to competent authorities for the specifics regarding trade between China and the US. But I want to stress that the China-US economic and trade relations are in essence mutually beneficial and win-win, and both sides stand to lose in a trade war. China has all along firmly upheld the WTO-centered multilateral trading system and do business in accordance with international trade rules. The international community sees very clearly who has been wielding the big stick of sanctions, and politicizing and weaponizing economic issues with ideological prejudice in the past few years. We hope the US will earnestly respect market economy principles and international trade rules, and work with China to strive for healthy and steady development of China-US trade and economic relations.

Follow-up: But just specifically about the Boeing airplanes, as far as you are concerned, is the US Commerce Secretary telling the truth?

Hua Chunying: The question you mentioned is whether China will buy Boeing aircraft. I think it's a matter that should be left to companies. The foreign ministry will not involve in such specific economic and trade issues. We hope that both sides will develop healthy, normal and mutually beneficial economic and trade relations based on the principle of respecting market economy and trade rules.
CCTV: The High-Level Week of the 76th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations was concluded at the UN headquarters in New York on September 27. China has been very active in both Beijing and New York in recent days. How do you see China's performance at UNGA meetings this year?

Hua Chunying: This UNGA has received great attention as our world is facing the combined impacts of changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now in the period of new turbulence and adjustment. The General Debate of this session of the UNGA was held both online and offline from September 21 to 27, and leaders from altogether over 190 countries made statements. All parties called on major countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, avoid division and confrontation, and hoped to see more cooperation in poverty alleviation and climate change, among other areas. They believe the world needs a spirit that serves the welfare of humanity instead of self-interests in the future.

China attaches great importance to the role of and cooperation with the UN. China highly values this session of the UNGA. President Xi Jinping virtually attended the General Debate and made an important statement, in which he put forward the Global Development Initiative, emphasized accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursuing more robust, greener and sound global development. President Xi also expounded on China's propositions on such issues as fighting the pandemic in solidarity, economic recovery, development of international relations and improvement of global governance, offering China's proposal to the world at a new historical crossroads. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended many UNGA activities, including the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action via video link, the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General via video link, G20 Foreign Ministers' Video Conference on Afghanistan, and meetings with UN Secretary-General Guterres and President of the UNGA Abdulla Shahid. The international community shares the view that China has made important contributions to responding to global challenges and promoting the UN to play a bigger role. Facts have proven again that China is an advocate of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public good.

At the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward key messages of carrying out duties, fulfilling obligations, shouldering responsibilities and making a difference. He called on major countries to set examples in upholding multilateralism and inject more confidence and stability to the world, instead of practicing unilateralism and hegemony in the name of multilateralism. One can expect China's support for the UN, which is lasting and reliable. China will continue to work with other countries to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen anti-epidemic cooperation, actively address climate change, advance democracy and rule of law in international relations, practice the philosophy of international relations featuring mutual respect and win-win cooperation and true multilateralism, and build the UN into a central platform for countries to jointly safeguard universal security, share development achievements and chart the course for the future of the world.

Macau Monthly: On September 29, US ambassador to Indonesia and Special Representative for the DPRK Sung Kim reportedly said at an online forum that AUKUS is a "forward looking, positive" initiative and will not pose threat to the stability of the Indo-Pacific. He said he is not worried that AUKUS would cause an arms race or nuclear proliferation. What is China's comment?

Hua Chunying: We have noticed the reports you mentioned. In fact, for days, different parties of the international community have expressed concerns and worries about the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia. I wonder where the confidence in the remarks of the US Ambassador to Indonesia came from and on what basis. In fact, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the other day that Russia has raised a range of questions concerning the AUKUS establishment to the US side, which include whether the nuclear submarine cooperation correlates with international non-proliferation requirements.

China believes that the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia creates serious nuclear proliferation risks, clearly violates the spirit of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It will not only have a far-reaching impact on the international non-proliferation system, but also bring real threats to regional peace and stability.

The questions raised by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov actually reflect the common concerns of the international community. The three countries should treat the concerns of all parties seriously and make response to each and every one of them:

First, in what way can the US confirm that its provision of weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium meet international non-proliferation rules and requirements?

Second, how does Australia ensure that the weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium is not excluded from effective safeguards of the IAEA?

Third, if Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state, can possess weapons-grade highly-enriched uranium, then for what reason the US, the UK and Australia oppose DPRK, Iran and other countries in doing the same?

Fourth, if the US can flagrantly transfer highly sensitive nuclear materials and nuclear technologies to Australia in disregard of international rules and nuclear proliferation risks, then should it immediately stop unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdictions over others including the DPRK and Iran for developing nuclear technologies?

Fifth, if all countries turn a blind to rules and conduct nuclear proliferation activities without restrictions as the US, the UK and Australia did, then where is the authority and the meaning of existence of the NPT and international non-proliferation system?

Yesterday, State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out in his phone calls with foreign ministers of Malaysia and Brunei that the nuclear submarine cooperation among the US, the UK and Australia may bring five dangers to the region. First, it could create nuclear proliferation risks and shocks to the international non-proliferation system. Second, it could induce a new round of arms race, as other countries could follow suit and even cross the nuclear threshold. Third, it could undermine regional prosperity and stability and create regional tensions. Fourth, it could undercut ASEAN countries' efforts to build a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Southeast Asia. Fifth, it could lead to the resurgence of Cold War mentality, provoke bloc confrontation and zero-sum geopolitical games in the region.

I also want to stress that AUKUS, like Quad, is subservient to and serves the Indo-Pacific strategy with US dominance. It seeks to start things anew in the region and is a move against the trend of the times. Regional countries and the international community should stay wary of and be opposed to this. China will stay in communication with the Secretariat and other member states of the IAEA to resolutely defend the authority and efficacy of the international non-proliferation system.

China Daily: We have noted that China's first batch of emergency humanitarian assistance has arrived in Afghanistan. Can you confirm that and give us more details?

Hua Chunying: On the evening of September 29, the first batch of emergency humanitarian assistance delivered by the Chinese government to Afghanistan arrived at Kabul International Airport. Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan and Acting Minister of Refugee Affairs of the Afghan interim government co-chaired the handover ceremony held at the airport.

As a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China has always paid close attention to the needs of the Afghan people. China has overcome numerous difficulties and delivered to Kabul in a short period of time blankets, down jackets and other winter supplies urgently needed by the Afghan people. This is a strong testimony that China has been earnestly fulfilling its assistance commitment to Afghanistan and making every effort to help the Afghan people tide over difficulties. The Chinese side will continue to speed up the preparation of food and other supplies, which will soon be delivered to Afghanistan.

Acting Minister of Refugee Affairs of Afghanistan's interim government expressed deep gratitude to China for providing emergency humanitarian aid in a timely manner when the Afghan people are pulling through the most difficult time. Afghanistan is in dire need of assistance from the international community in various fields as it faces extremely severe economic and livelihood difficulties. Afghanistan will honor its commitments to its neighbors and the international community. The Afghan side said that as winter is drawing near, almost a million displaced people need to be housed, clothed and fed, and hoped that the international community can lend a helping hand.

Afghanistan is still facing severe challenges such as humanitarian and livelihood issues and the COVID-19 epidemic. The international community should make concerted efforts to help the Afghan people tide over the difficult time. In particular, countries that started the Afghan issue should earnestly shoulder their due responsibility to Afghan people, act in a responsible manner and do more tangible things to ease the difficulties faced by the Afghan people as soon as possible.

Yonhap News Agency: DPRK leader Kim Jong-un said he is willing to restore the North-South communication lines, but also accused the US of proposing talks without changing its "hostile policy" toward the DPRK. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: As a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China always supports the DPRK and the ROK in improving relations and advancing reconciliation and cooperation through dialogue and consultation. We hope relevant measures can play a positive role in improving and developing the inter-Korean relations.

We believe under the current circumstances, the key to breaking the stalemate and restarting dialogue is taking seriously and resolving the DPRK's legitimate concerns. The US should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan for dialogue. It is imperative to invoke the rollback terms of the Security Council's DPRK-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions, especially those relating to provisions on the humanitarian and livelihood aspects. This will be conducive to resuming dialogue, and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and is in line with the spirit of the resolutions.

Beijing Youth Daily: US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview the other day that the US doesn't want China to write the rules of the road. "If we really want to slow down China's rate of innovation, we need to work with Europe, to write the rules of the road for technology", whether it's artificial intelligence or cyber. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: The remarks of this US official again exposes the US true intention to contain and block China's development by all means. This is quintessential autocracy and bullying.

China always believes that all countries have equal opportunity and right to development. International rules should be what is recognized by all countries, rather than something that is decided by a few. Cooperation between countries should be aimed at serving the interests of the whole mankind, instead of ganging up against certain countries based on ideology and seeking global hegemony through bloc politics. Any political manipulation and oppression that threatens to hold back other countries' development and harm their people's right to development and a better life will find no support and is doomed to fail.

China maintains that international affairs should be addressed through consultation. All countries should remain committed to extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promote equal rights, opportunities and rules of all, discard small cliques and zero-sum game, adhere to inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness, and engage in international cooperation in a more open, equal and fairer manner.

Beijing Daily: Bloomberg reported that US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said in an interview on September 29 that he was hopeful that China "will make the decision that they could move further with respect to the reduction of emissions during the course of the next 10 years", calling this a "critical decade" for keeping global warming in check. Do you have any response?

Hua Chunying: The global impact of climate change is becoming increasingly severe. During the just-concluded General Debate of the UNGA, many countries expressed the hope to work together to address climate change. We believe that every year is crucial for countries to increase their ambition to reduce emissions and step up their actions for implementation. China has always been taking actions to promote global climate governance. Having over-fulfilled the climate action goals of 2020 ahead of schedule, President Xi Jinping has announced China's objective and vision of carbon peaking, carbon neutrality and new goals of and measures for nationally determined contributions since September last year. It involves carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption, the total installed capacity of wind and solar power, coal consumption and many other aspects. Not long ago, President Xi reiterated that China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy. China has been doing its best and putting pressure on itself to step up climate action and make greater contribution to the global response to climate change.

But at the same time, we have to stress that addressing climate change is a cause that requires the joint efforts of all countries around the world and calls for the concerted efforts of the international community. Developed countries should earnestly follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, face up to their historical responsibilities and show greater ambition and actions. They should provide financial, technological and capacity building support to help developing countries enhance their capacity to respond to climate challenges.

Bloomberg: French Senator Alain Richard will lead a French delegation visiting Taiwan soon. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this visit?

Hua Chunying: The one-China principle is the political foundation for China to develop friendly and cooperative relations with other countries, including France. China firmly opposes all forms of official contact and exchanges between certain French congressmen and the Taiwan authorities. We urge relevant individuals to abide by the one-China principle and safeguard the favorable environment for normal development of bilateral relations.

NHK: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that due to the need of COVID-19 containment, tickets to the Beijing 2022 will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China's mainland, who meet the requirements of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures. What is your comment?

Hua Chunying: I may not be in the best position to give a comment on this matter.

When hosting the Tokyo Olympics, did Japan invite spectators overseas? I don't think so.

The IOC President Thomas Bach held an Executive Board meeting the other day, where key COVID-19 prevention and control measures of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were deliberated. Facing the uncertainties in the spread of COVID-19, the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee established a working mechanism for meeting and consultation with the IOC and maintained close communication with all stakeholders. With a high sense of responsibility toward the life and health of athletes, the big Olympic family and all stakeholders, the Organizing Committee adheres to the bottom line of safety and prioritizes COVID-19 prevention and control in order to host a safe event as scheduled. Spectators overseas can enjoy the impressive event on television.

After it successfully hosted the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan is believed to have more understandings about how to safely host the event. China provided strong support to the Japanese side in hosting the successful games. We hope we can receive understanding and support from Japan, too.

******************************

Tomorrow will be China's National Day. As per public holiday schedule, our regular press conference will be in recess from October 1 to October 7 and resumed on October 8. Although we won't meet in-person during the recess, you may still reach the MFA Spokesperson's Office via fax, e-mail and WeChat. We will do our best to give you timely reply.

I wish you all a happy holiday!
Near the picturesque Yanqi Lake in northern Beijing, the 11th Beijing International Film Festival dropped its curtain on Sept 29, gathering many celebrities with the unveiling of the festival's top honor, the Tiantan Award.

Beyond the Skies -- a war film about a Red Army operation in 1935 -- became the biggest winner, sweeping three awards for best feature, actor and cinematography.

Russian director Andrey Zaytsev won best director for A Siege Diary, while the best actress award went to Noee Abita for her film Slalom, about a teenage ski prodigy.

Due to the pandemic, the closing ceremony employed internet technology to simultaneously connect to the overseas crews of 12 films which were shortlisted for the Tiantan Award, making the festival still tightly tied to international filmmakers despite the special times.

Veteran actors and actresses such as Chen Daoming, Ge You, Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing also attended the closing ceremony, reminding audiences of the golden era of Chinese cinema.

Gong Li -- president of the Tiantan Award's jury panel -- walked out hand in hand with actor Jiang, stirring up nostalgia over their performances together in the classic Red Sorghum, the first Chinese film to win a Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1988.
A 10,000-metric-tonne port, first of its kind in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River -- China's longest waterway-- began operations Wednesday.

Located in Zhongxian County, Chongqing Municipality, the port has 14 berths with an annual throughput of 25 million tonnes.

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River cover Chongqing and the provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan. It is an important area along the Belt and Road, as well as the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

"As the first 10,000-metric-tonne port in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, it will provide a more convenient channel for goods from eastern Sichuan, southern Gansu and Shaanxi, and parts of Chongqing to reach the waterway and the sea," said Wang Botao, director of the municipal port and maritime affairs center.

Jiang Xia, Party chief of Zhongxian County, said that a logistics park near the port is under construction. The park will rely on the advantages of port logistics to develop warehousing, green building materials, cold chain logistics and electronic information industries.
A total of 135 projects worth 22.9 billion U.S. dollars were inked at the second China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo which concluded in central China's Hunan Province on Wednesday.



The four-day event, themed "New Start, New Opportunities, and New Accomplishments," was held both online and offline to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

A total of 320 companies displayed their products online and over 250 million yuan (about 38.7 million U.S. dollars) worth of products were traded at an online shopping event during the expo, the information office of the Hunan provincial government told a press briefing on Wednesday.

"With the strong support and active participation of all parties in China and Africa, this year's expo has achieved fruitful results. A number of new cooperation initiatives made their debut, and both the contracted projects and amounts exceeded those of the first edition," said Shen Yumou with the expo's organizing committee.

First launched in 2019, the biennial expo is a major platform for strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and African countries.
The star exhibit of the China pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai "Light of China"  SAIC Motor's "Kun," an autonomous, new energy concept vehicle  was unveiled at Shanghai World Expo Museum today. Shanghai's "Kun," together with China's BeiDou and China Railway High-speed (CRH), will be making an appearance at the Expo 2020 Dubai's grand opening on Oct. 1r as "China's Three Key Achievements in Smart Manufacturing," showcasing the innovation power and the unique technological charm of China's high-end manufacturing industries. MG and Maxus, notable brands owned by SAIC Motor, will also be providing SUVs, MPVs, and passenger vehicles as the officially designated vehicles to be used at the China Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai.

Envisioninggood life with ' smart mobility'

SAIC Motor established a corporate pavilion at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, where it illustrated a "Drive to 2030" life journey, a future with zero emissions, zero traffic accidents and congestion, and zero reliance on petroleum, effectively envisioning the beautiful aspiration of "simple travels, intimate hearts." In the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, SAIC Motor will be showcasing its "Kun" concept vehicle jointly created by SAIC's forward-thinking design teams of its design center in Shanghai and London. Inspired by the legend of the "Kun" in Zhuangzi's "A Happy Excursion" and the idea of "China and the world, oceans and mountains in the same vein," the "Kun" concept vehicle envisages a smart nanosystem incorporating various state-of-the-art technologies such as photosynthetic energy, zero-gravity seats, interactive holographic-display system and self-driving technology. It showcases a wonderful, futuristic vision of smart mobility that is free of space restrictions and enabled by bio-inspired technologies that allow three-way interactions between the driver, vehicle, and environment. It aims to bring a unique experience of a "bird's eye view of technology, the future and China" to visitors of the Expo 2021 Dubai from all over the world.

Establishing China's Brand Image of 'Green Intelligence'

SAIC Motor will be representing China's automotive industry in proactively establishing an innovation-driven "Green Intelligence" image at the Expo 2020 Dubai. As the front-runner that leads the way to the world in China's automotive industry, SAIC Motor has established a global auto industrial chain that brings together critical elements such as research and development, marketing & sales, logistics, motor vehicle parts, manufacturing, finance and second-hand vehicles. Its products and services have penetrated more than 70 countries and regions.

Relying on its industry advantages in various innovative technologies such as new energy and intelligent connectivity, SAIC Motor is proactively forging competitive differentiation for itself in the global scene. This year, its overseas market sales volume from January to August exceeded 370,000 vehicles, a growth of 106.4% compared to the same period in the previous year, retaining its top position in China as the automaker with the highest overseas sales volume. MG, China's single-brand overseas sales champion, hit an overseas sales volume of 182,000 vehicles, a growth of 83.9% year on year, with nearly 40% of the sales contributed by developed countries and regions. The sales volume of new energy vehicles under SAIC's brands in European developed countries was close to 19,000 vehicles, a growth of 133% year on year, and ranked high in country market segments including England, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. At the same time, MG's "i-Smart," an intelligent connectivity system, has been well-received by consumers in countries such as Thailand, India and Indonesia, and has been used in more than 30 types of overseas car models by more than 130,000 active users.
Liu Hongpeng, who grew up in the city, had a rare experience a week ago when electricity suddenly went out in many parts of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province.

"On the night of Sept. 23, it suddenly went dark," said Liu, who had to drive to his parents' home to spend the night.

Recently, power supply has been tightened in the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, Guangdong and other parts of China, affecting production in companies and people's everyday lives.

"Our company's projects in Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi and Heilongjiang have been affected by the power cuts, with some projects only operating for nine hours a day," said Peng Shufen, general manager of a tech company in Guangdong.

Experts said structural power shortages are the main reason for power rationing in many places. As thermal power constitutes a majority of the electricity produced in China, the rising price of coal has directly led to power shortages.

"Currently, the price of standard coal has exceeded 1,000 yuan (about 155 U.S. dollars) per tonne, a new high in nearly 20 years," said an executive of a thermal power plant in Liaoning. "With cost of generation more than double, many power plants are reluctant to generate power."

A recovering economy and rising orders for manufacturers also contribute to the strong demand for electricity. Power consumption in China increased 13.8 percent from January to August, mainly due to strong demand by secondary industries, according to Sun Chuanwang, a professor at Xiamen University.

Moreover, the amount of electricity generated by new energy has decreased significantly this year.

Liaoning, which has a wind power installed capacity of 10 million kw, has only generated 70,000 kw this September due to limited wind power. Some water-rich regions have also suffered from droughts this year, causing hydropower output to fall sharply.

In response, central and local authorities have taken a slew of measures to cope with the emergency to meet people's power needs and ensure economic growth and social stability.

The State Grid Corporation of China said Monday it would take comprehensive measures to ensure power supply for people's basic needs and try its best to avoid power cuts.

The company will go all out to guarantee power supply and firmly safeguard the bottom line of power supply to meet people's basic needs and ensure social development and security, said State Grid.

The company will strengthen the distribution of power across its entire network, reasonably arrange the network operation, and ensure that all available generators from power companies connect to the grid.

Work teams have been dispatched to Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, eastern Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Hunan, the National Energy Administration said.

They have conducted on-site supervision and guided local governments and enterprises to implement power supply measures, increase energy supply, and make all-out efforts to guarantee electricity during the coming winter and spring.

Experts said power shortages will gradually ease as China is rich in coal resources and can overcome such challenges. As the temperature in southern China continues to drop, so will the electricity load.

"Power supply has been stable in recent days and there has been no outage. We believe the government will do its best to guarantee power supply. We will also heed the call for saving electricity," said Liu, the Shenyang resident.
China has released its latest medical-security plan, issued by the General Office of the State Council, with the aim of benefiting people in all sectors of society.



The plan, designed for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), states that China should establish a multi-tiered medical-insurance system with universal coverage that benefits both urban and rural residents in a fair and sustainable way.

It highlights the coordinated advancement of the demand-side management of medical insurance and supply-side reform of medical services, in order to better serve the public.

According to the plan, China should enhance the medical-insurance system through collaborative governance, optimizing medical-insurance payments and the drug pricing mechanism, while strengthening the medical-fund supervision system.

Efforts should also be made to build up a strong supporting system with a solid legal basis and better digital services, reads the plan.

By 2025, China will see a more matured medical-insurance system that is equal, law-based, secure, smart and coordinated, the plan says.

To meet people's diverse demands for medical security, more efforts will be made to enhance the basic medical security system, improve the mechanism that provides insurance and aid for the treatment of major and serious diseases, and boost the synergy between health insurance and medical assistance, said Shi Zihai, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

Over the next five years, a key task is to establish and improve a long-term mechanism that prevents and defuses the risk of disease-induced and relapse into poverty, Shi said.

"People's access to new and quality medicines should also be increased," said Shi. The NHSA will continue to optimize the spending of medical-insurance funds and dynamically adjust the catalog of medicines covered by medical insurance to incorporate more cost-effective items.

The NHSA will also further improve the mechanism for the trans-provincial on-the-spot settlement of medical bills via medical-insurance accounts and expand its scope of coverage along with better smart online services.
Chinese police have cracked a human-smuggling case and arrested 229 suspects after investigations lasting more than a year, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said Wednesday.

In the case, several foreigners were found to have arranged for people from neighboring countries to sneak into China, said the NIA, adding that the police broke up 10 criminal gangs and seized 15 vehicles and funds worth over 350,000 yuan (54,000 U.S. dollars) involved in the case.

An official of the NIA vowed strengthened cooperation with procuratorates and courts to investigate the criminal liability of the suspects in accordance with the law.
Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state attended a ceremony on Thursday morning in Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing, offering floral tribute to fallen national heroes.

The event was held to mark China's Martyrs' Day, a day ahead of the National Day.

The other leaders included Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life at the ceremony.

At 10 a.m., all participants sang the national anthem, and thereafter paid a silent tribute to those who devoted their lives to the liberation of the Chinese people and the building of the People's Republic of China, which was founded in 1949.

Nine huge flower baskets were placed in front of the Monument to the People's Heroes. Xi and other leaders walked up to the foot of the monument, where he straightened the red ribbons on the baskets before leading other senior officials in a walk around the monument to pay their tributes.

The baskets, with ribbons reading "the heroes of the people shall live forever in our memory," were presented in the name of the CPC Central Committee; the National People's Congress Standing Committee; the State Council; the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; the Central Military Commission; non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and patriots without party affiliations; people's organizations and people from all walks of life; veterans, retired senior cadres and the relatives of martyrs; and Chinese Young Pioneers.

The year 2021 marks the centenary of the CPC. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, the country has realized its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and has brought absolute poverty to an end.

Today, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, determined and courageous as ever, are forging ahead with the second centenary goal of fully building a modern socialist China.
On Wednesday, a foreign expert at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding lauded the progress China has made in protecting wildlife and forging international relationships around those efforts.

"China has taken massive steps to conserve wildlife, and the creation of the giant panda national park is one of those steps," said James Edward Ayala, a U.S. research specialist at the base. "I think at the scale that China is working, it's shocking how quickly things can get done," he added.

In July this year, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced that the status of wild giant pandas in the country had been downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable."

"That's directly because of the action the government is taking to create these nature reserves and national parks," Ayala told China.org.cn.

Having received a degree in animal behavior studies, Ayala has more than 20 years of experience working with wild animals. He has devoted much of his career to the research and conservation of giant pandas and has spent the past 11 years working for the base in southwest China's Chengdu city.

Speaking about his working and living experience in Chengdu, Ayala said that the panda base is like a family to him and all his colleagues are very supportive.

"This makes staying in China so much easier," he said.

Still, Ayala believes that the approaches China and Western countries take to wildlife conservation differ both academically and technically. According to him, China has done a great job of utilizing technology and there are a lot of papers addressing natural and physical sciences such as endocrinology, but not as many in the fields of psychology, animal cognition and animal behavior.

"That's also why I think it's important that we have these collaborations, so we can bring in talents like myself that focus on the behavior side," he said.

As the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) is set to kick off in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, Ayala reaffirmed the significance of global cooperation in tackling environmental and biodiversity issues.

"I do think that regardless of politics, environmental conservation should be the imperative of all countries," Ayala said. "While there's so much instability in the world politically, hopefully, the environment can allow us to focus on getting together."

Ayala explained that the conservation of the giant panda has always been an international effort. "Panda conservation is just a small part of the environment conservation, but it just shows that it is possible to work as a group internationally," he added.


Speakers:

Xu Lin, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and minister of the State Council Information Office (SCIO)

Ning Jizhe, member of the Leading Party Members' Group and deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics

Liu Huanxin, deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Zhao Chenxin, member of the Leading Party Members' Group and secretary general of the NDRC

Chairperson:

Chen Wenjun, head of the Press Bureau of the SCIO and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

Sept. 28, 2021

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. The State Council Information Office (SCIO) is holding a press conference today to issue and introduce a new white paper titled "China's Epic Journey from Poverty to Prosperity." Present at today's press conference are Mr. Xu Lin, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and minister of the SCIO; Mr. Ning Jizhe, member of the Leading Party Members' Group and deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics; Mr. Liu Huanxin, deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; and Mr. Zhao Chenxin, member of the Leading Party Members' Group and secretary general of the NDRC.

Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Xu Lin.

Xu Lin:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. At the ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC on July 1, General Secretary Xi Jinping declared that China had realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects through the continued efforts of the whole Party and the entire nation.

Today, the SCIO issued a white paper titled "China's Epic Journey from Poverty to Prosperity." The white paper reviews China's journey to moderate prosperity, elaborates on the achievement of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and offers bright prospects for the country's modernization. The important document records and reflects China's practice of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.



At more than 32,000 Chinese characters, the white paper consists of preface, main body and conclusion. The main text is divided into five parts: A Critical Step Towards National Rejuvenation, Prosperity Through All-Round Development, Prosperity for All, Prosperity Through Hard Work, and The World Benefits from China's Prosperity. The document provides a systematic explanation of what moderate prosperity in all respects in China is and how it was realized.



First, the realization of moderate prosperity is a critical step toward national rejuvenation. "Xiaokang," meaning moderate prosperity, has been a consistent dream and aspiration of the Chinese nation for millennia. More than 2,000 years ago, the term appeared in the "Book of Songs" to mean modest comfort: "The people are hard-pressed, they need some modest comfort." Centuries later, the "Book of Rites" described the ideal state of society that "xiaokang" would bring about. From the outset, the CPC has made the wellbeing of the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation its abiding goals. The Party is committed to creating a happier and better life for the Chinese people. The white paper reviews how the Chinese people, led by the CPC, have persevered, progressing step by step from a subsistence standard of living to piecemeal prosperity, then to moderate prosperity. The document records that in the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has assumed leadership, made plans, and pushed forward the efforts to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects. He has rallied around him Party members and the Chinese people, and led them in eliminating absolute poverty, advancing reform, combating COVID-19, controlling pollution and defusing risks. Under his leadership, the Party and the country have achieved historic successes and transformations in the pursuit of their cause. The moderately prosperous society in all respects has come to fruition as scheduled, marking a critical step toward national rejuvenation. According to the white paper, the realization of moderate prosperity has boosted the Chinese people's pride and confidence in the nation, and inspired further endeavors on the quest for national rejuvenation.



Second, moderate prosperity in all respects has been achieved through all-round development. All-round development is essential to moderate prosperity. In pursuing moderate prosperity, China emphasizes balanced, coordinated and sustainable progress in the economic, political, cultural, social, and eco-environmental fields. It aims to meet people's growing needs in all areas and at all levels, and to promote their well-rounded development. Moderate prosperity makes China a strong and prosperous country striving for national rejuvenation and the people's wellbeing. With a large amount of facts and data, the white paper offers a comprehensive picture of moderate prosperity from various perspectives: sustained and healthy economic growth, greater people's democracy, a flourishing cultural sector, improved living standards, and historic progress in the eco-environment. The achievements include both material progress and advances in culture and ethics; both improvements in the lives of individuals and development of our nation and society; and both tangible and intangible outcomes. In short, moderate prosperity represents progress in every aspect and dimension.



Third, prosperity for all. Working to benefit the people is fundamental to a moderate prosperity society. While building itself into a moderately prosperous society, China has always put the people first so as to ensure that all people can share the fruits of development. It is a society where no individual, region or ethnic group is left behind, and a society where people from all ethnic groups can enjoy a happy and comfortable life in every corner of China's vast land. The white paper introduced China's success in the battle against poverty which has helped poor people rise out of poverty and achieve moderate prosperity along with the rest of the country, as well as China's integrated urban-rural development to ensure urban and rural areas complement each other and advance side by side, like two wheels of a cart. The white paper also introduced China's more coordinated development across regions. China has shaped a new framework of coordinated regional development, featuring reinforcing connectivity, clearly defined core functions for each area, and complementary advantages. According to the white paper, a moderately prosperous society in all respects embodies the organic unity of realizing the well-rounded human development and common development for all, and the major goal of socialism of achieving common prosperity,.

Fourth, prosperity through hard work. China is the world's largest developing country with more than 1.4 billion people. For China, a better life can only materialize through hard work rather than waiting and wanting. The CPC has united and led the Chinese people in rebuilding the country from scratch through self-reliance and hard work, achieving the moderate prosperity which has been an aspiration for thousands of years. Focusing on working for the people, and working scientifically, arduously and continuously, the white paper introduced the extraordinary and arduous journey of building a moderately prosperous society from the following four aspects, including always putting the people first, developing sound policies and strategies, development through reform and opening up and perseverance over generations. The white paper said that the moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved in China through much hard work by the Chinese people. It is the Chinese people who have created a better and moderately prosperous life, said the white paper. The CPC leadership has provided the fundamental guarantee for realizing moderate prosperity. Without the leadership of the CPC, there would be no moderate prosperity, according to the white paper.

Fifth, in achieving moderate prosperity for the Chinese people, China has contributed to its own development and delivered benefits to the rest of the world. China cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world, nor can the world achieve prosperity without China. The growing prosperity of Chinese people and continuous development and progress of China has created positive momentum for world peace and common development. Achieving moderate prosperity in all respects has made China more prosperous, the people happier, and society more stable. This is how China is contributing to world peace and development in its own right. In achieving a moderately prosperous society, China has helped to dramatically reduce the world's poverty-stricken population, and offered enlightenment for the modernization of mankind, said the white paper. In the future, China will embrace the world in a more open and inclusive manner, have more positive interactions with the rest of the world, and contribute even more to building a community with a shared future for humankind and a better world, according to the white paper.



China's realization of moderate prosperity in all respects has achieved the phased goals of China's modernization drive and taken a key step forward in the national rejuvenation. At the same time, unbalanced and inadequate development still poses a stern challenge. China will acquire a better understanding of the new development stage, implement the new development philosophy, foster a new development paradigm, and propel its unique modernization forward to make substantial progress in well-rounded human development and common prosperity while realizing high-quality development.



With the firm leadership of the CPC, and the united efforts of all Chinese people both at home and abroad, China will build itself into a great modern socialist country, the Chinese people will live a happier and better life, and the Chinese nation will make greater contributions to the progress of human society, according to the white paper.



That's all for my introduction. Thank you.



Chen Wenjun:



Thank you, Mr. Xu Lin. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify your media outlet before asking questions.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday received a batch of Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines offered by the Chinese government at the N'djili Airport in the capital city Kinshasa.

In a hand-over ceremony at the airport in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to the DRC Zhu Jing and several officials of the DRC, Health Minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani welcomed the initiative of the Chinese people as the donation will be used to vaccinate the Congolese people across the country.

"Receiving this donation is very important for our country because it will help us fight the COVID-19 effectively. We are happy that the Chinese government is coming to support our fight against the pandemic by increasing our batch of vaccines, "said the minister.

Mbungani took the opportunity to call on his people to get vaccinated to better fight against the virus, highlighting the reliability of the Sinovac vaccine produced in China.

According to the minister, the Chinese vaccine, which is recognized worldwide, will effectively help the Congolese to protect themselves against the disease that has killed more than 4 million people worldwide.

Chinese ambassador Zhu Jing said China will continue to offer support to the DRC until total eradication of the virus in the central African country.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, China has been on the DRC's side in the joint fight against COVID-19. The virus knows no borders. It is our common enemy of humanity. We will continue to support the DRC until the very end," he said.

"The batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines demonstrates once again the solidarity of the Chinese people with the Congolese people. We hope these vaccines can help the DRC's government save more lives in the country. And I call on the Congolese people to get vaccinated, which is crucial for the fight against the virus," he said.

Since the beginning of the pandemic declared on March 10, 2020, the DRC has reported 56,862 confirmed cases, including 1,084 deaths.
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India's Defense Ministry on Wednesday approved procurement of new helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition worth 131.65 billion Indian Rupees (1.77 billion U.S. dollars) for the armed forces.

The ministry's Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement proposals for modernization and operational needs of the Indian armed forces at a meeting in New Delhi chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

The approved procurement involves the buying of 25 ALH Mark III helicopters as well as indigenously designed terminally guided munition (TGM), according to a ministry statement.

Nearly 87 percent of the procurement worth 114.86 million Indian Rupees (1.55 billion U.S. dollars) will be from the domestic sources, the ministry said in the statement.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cooperation on international issues and bilateral ties with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi on Wednesday.

Putin noted that Russian-Turkish cooperation on the international arena has been successful, further pointing to efforts aimed at coordinating positions on Syria and Libya.

He positively assessed the work of the Russian-Turkish center for monitoring the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that it served to promote stability and reconciliation in the region.

The Russian leader also emphasized the successful work of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline that continues to operate amid a turbulent situation in the European gas market.

Both leaders said work on the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in the Turkish province of Mersin was being carried out according to plan.

Erdogan noted progressive development with regard to military, trade, economic and political ties between the two countries and said peace in Syria is largely dependent on cooperation between Moscow and Ankara. Enditem
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China and Bangladesh have discussed on how to promote the healthy development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

The two sides had the discussions at the China-Bangladesh Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2021 and the inauguration of the Seventh Council of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) which were held virtually on Tuesday.

As a chief guest, Salman F Rahman, Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said in his speech that CEAB will play a very important and constructive role in making closer and stronger relationship for the two business communities of China and Bangladesh.

Rahman called on the Chinese businesses to attend the Bangladesh investment summit to be held in November.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said that China attaches great importance to the economic and trade mechanism with Bangladesh, and Bangladesh's exports to China are growing in double digits.

"China is also negotiating with Bangladesh on the early signing of the G-to-G (government-to-government)/PPP (Public Private Partnership) MOU, and looks forward to the early signing of the agreement with the continued help of Mr. Salman F Rahman."

While already committed to peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, China will also firmly support the green and low-carbon development of energy in Bangladesh, and will not build new coal-fired power projects in Bangladesh, the Chinese ambassador said.

Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Sirajul Islam said they are keenly interested in having more Chinese investment.

"We would really like to work together (with Chinese investors)," he said, calling on Chinese investors to attend the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit.

Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said China is a great development partner of Bangladesh.

He said the Bangladeshi government has undertaken many mega development projects with the Chinese support and China's Belt and Road Initiative has brought excellent opportunities to Bangladesh.

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Rizwan Rahman said China is one of the COVID-19 resilient economies of the world.

Following China's foot step, he said, Bangladesh is also a COVID-19 resilient economy.

President of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) Gazi Golam Murtoza said excellent bilateral relations between the two countries have helped boost trade, commerce and investment between the two sides.

He said BCCCI has long been pursuing for further cooperation among businesses of the two countries.

In his welcome speech, CEAB President Ke Changliang said the forum is aimed at building further relations among Bangladesh-China businesses for further trade, commerce and investment.
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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Mexican counterpart, Marcelo Ebrard, agreed to promote bilateral ties in a phone conversation on Wednesday.

China attaches high importance to developing relations with Mexico and would like to work together with Mexico, taking the opportunity of next year's 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, to strengthen planning and boost the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, Wang said.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and also the 200th anniversary of the victory of the Mexican War of Independence, so it is of great significance to both countries, Wang said.

As regional countries with significant influence, representative emerging market countries and important developing countries, China and Mexico both have time-honored civilizations and similar historical experiences, Wang said, adding that they also shoulder the important task of the times to achieve national rejuvenation and deliver happiness for their people, and a shared mission to uphold international fairness and justice.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership has been gaining ground, and the two countries' political mutual trust keeps deepening, strategic coordination are increasingly closer, and trade and economic cooperation has shown strong resilience, Wang said.

The two countries have also united to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and cooperated in vaccines, injecting strong impetus to bilateral relations, Wang continued, stressing that the two sides have closely partnered with and support each other on the international and multilateral stages.

He also mentioned that China has officially filed an application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which demonstrates China's strong determination to further open up and represents China's crucial move to help boost globalization.

China is willing to make joint efforts with all parties to make the agreement more broadly represented and play a positive role in promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as following the trend of economic globalization, Wang said.

Noting that Mexico successfully hosted the 6th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) not long ago, Wang said it contributed to revitalizing CELAC and promoting regional integration, and expressed China's congratulations and appreciation to Mexico.

The Chinese side attaches high importance to developing relations with CELAC and will continue to support CELAC to improve solidarity and gear up development, he said.

China looks forward to close communication with Mexico and other Latin American countries to ensure the success of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum this year, injecting new impetus into the in-depth development of China-Latin America relations.

For his part, Ebrard said the relations between Mexico and China have made great progress under the guidance of the two heads of state.

He thanked China for its strong support to Mexico in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital economy and other emerging industries between the two sides.

Mexico would like to make joint efforts with China, by taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, to push for greater development of bilateral ties, Ebrard said.

Mexico firmly sticks to the one-China policy, abides by the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and supports China's legitimate claims on issues involving Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet, he said.

The Mexican foreign minister commended and welcomed China's application to join the CPTPP, saying that Mexico will keep communication with China on the issue.

Mexico will work with China to ensure the success of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, he added.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
U.S. Supreme Court Takes Christian Flag Case

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

Sept. 30, 2021



WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Liberty Counsel's cert petition and will hear the case regarding the censorship of the Christian flag in Boston. The High Court will likely hear oral argument early next year with a decision expected by June 2022.

Although the city of Boston created a public forum for private speakers to temporarily raise a flag on one of its poles and never censored any of the prior 284 applications, it censored the Camp Constitution's flag during its Constitution Day event because the application referred to it as a "Christian flag." Camp Constitution wanted to highlight the Christian Founders during the Constitution Day event. Without seeing the flag, Boston censored it solely because of the word "Christian" on the application. Boston took the position that it was permitted to censor the flag because it controlled the flag poles and it was government, not private speech. The lower court and the court of appeals ruled twice in favor of Boston. This case will resolve the issue of government versus private speech.

Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of Boston resident Hal Shurtleff and his Christian civic organization, Camp Constitution, arguing that the city of Boston violated the First Amendment by censoring a private flag in a public forum merely because the application form referred to the flag as a "Christian flag."

Boston censored the religious viewpoint of Camp Constitution's flag, which was to be raised for about an hour on September 17 in observance of Constitution Day, while supporters gathered around the flagpole. The flag was part of the ceremony to honor the Constitution and recognize the Christian Founders.

Never has Boston censored any flag until the Camp Constitution's flag, which is white with a blue square in the upper corner and a red cross. The flag contains no writing. Under oath, the city official testified the flag would have been approved if the application did not refer to it as a "Christian flag." The word "Christian" on the application alone triggered the censorship. The official said he had never heard of a "Christian flag" until Camp Constitution's application. Therefore, his testimony revealed that if Camp Constitution had not referred to the flag on the application with the word "Christian," it would not have been censored.

The city refers to its flagpole as a "public forum" and allows private organizations to temporarily raise their own flags on the flagpoles. The city of Boston's website even states the goals for flag raising events include, "We commemorate flags from many countries and communities at Boston City Hall Plaza. We want to create an environment in the city where everyone feels included."

The city has even attempted to argue its flagpoles are used for private flag raisings only "15% of the time." However, since the city has designated it as a "public forum," this argument is useless since the city's documented "public forums for all applicants" policy has resulted in a 100 percent approval rate, or 284 flag raisings by private organizations over the course of twelve years, except for the Christian flag.

Other flags raised on the city's flagpole include the Turkish flag (which depicts the Islamic star and crescent) and the Portuguese flag (which uses religious imagery). City officials have also never denied the "messages" communicated by the "Chinese Progressive Association," the rainbow flag of Boston Pride, and a "transgender" pink and blue flag. The flags of private community groups include Albania, Brazil, Ethiopia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, as well as of Communist China and Cuba. No flag was ever denied until the city denied the flag of Camp Constitution.

Shurtleff and Camp Constitution first asked the city in 2017 for a permit to raise the Christian flag on Boston City Hall flagpoles to commemorate Constitution Day (September 17) and the civic and cultural contributions of the Christian community to the city of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, religious tolerance, the Rule of Law and the U.S. Constitution.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the city of Boston finding that the flags were government speech. The Court wrongly accepted the city's argument that the Establishment Clause justified its censorship. However, (1) the application form designates the flag pole as a "public forum" open for private speech; (2) the city never censored a flag in the 12 years prior to Camp Constitution's application; (3) the city approved 39 flags (averaging over three per month) in the year prior to Camp Constitution's application; and (4) the flags of the foreign countries could not be government speech because under state law it is a crime to raise the flag of a foreign country on city property.

Liberty Counsel's Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "We look forward to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing Boston's unconstitutional discrimination against Camp Constitution's Christian viewpoint. The city cannot deny the Christian flag because it is 'Christian' and allow every other flag to fly on its flagpoles. There is a crucial difference between government endorsement of religion and private speech, which government is bound to respect. Censoring religious viewpoints in a public forum where secular viewpoints are permitted is unconstitutional and this case will set national precedent."

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



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Do you want to know a proven Biblical principle for dealing with Covid fears?

This article offers an approach to cure the fear of Covid. It offers a mindset ingrained deep within the Bible: the theme that God is in control and has a plan. This is called the providence of God.

Out of control

From our eyes life is full of uncertainty. This gives the perception of life being out of control. For most people today this equates to fear, and sometimes manifests in anger.

A lot of the reactions we see around Covid come from this position. Anger at governments, vaccine rollouts, vaccine validity, restrictions, and lockdowns. They all come from a feeling that people have no control. And this uncertainty produces anxiety.

Like death and taxes, challenges in life are inevitable. However, the best attitude to have is Zen Calvinism.

Zen Calvinism

Zen = heightened state of calm.

Calvinism = God is in control.

One of the best bits of advice on this topic is from Carl Trueman. Dr Trueman, a Pastor and theologian, has coined a phrase Zen Calvinismto describe his outlook: when he sees bad things happening, he remains calm because he knows God is in control.

So, when he reads of wars, he remembers Zen Calvinism. When he sees conflicts in his church or tensions in his community he looks to the concept of Zen Calvinism. When he wonders what hope there is in a world wrestling with the Covid situation, he thinks of Zen Calvinism.

What is Zen Calvinism?

In a nutshell it is pointing to the Biblical theme of when trouble strikes, trust in God's plan. When difficulties come, as they always will, stay calm like a Zen Master. And why such a state of calm? Because we know that God has the best answer because He is all wise, all loving and in complete control.

These themes are emphasized by church reformer John Calvin. The big technical word used is providence: God is all powerful, all wise and nothing is outside of His control. He will bring about all things for His glory. The result is that we can trust in Him completely. Calvin stressed this in his key teachings explaining we can have a deep peace grounded in Gods plan.

An application is that when we see a world in fear of a pandemic, its overflow of conspiracies, and stresses of life in lockdown, a Christian can have a deeper peace knowing God is in control. This is Zen Calvinism.

Proof

History shows this. The ultimate example is Jesus' death. His disciples fall apart as they see their Messiah die and their hopes of a new King had fallen away. Conspiracies abounded saying Jesus did not really die or that Jesus wasnt really the promised Messiah.

Yet in this toxic environment of fear and doubt God shows the need for Zen Calvinism. In God's plan, Jesus conquers death, as well as sin, and as a result Jesus reigns forever (see 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verses 56-57). This had been part of Gods plan since the beginning and despite apparent disasters and fear, God brings about this plan of salvation for the world. The disciples should have known this "Zen Calvinism."

Keep calm and carry on

Looking through this lens of history, our problems can be seen in a new light. We can stay calm and carry on when trouble strikes. Not because of a "Pollyanna" positive attitude but because we know that God is in control.

He is a God of love and has a plan reflecting this through every situation. He cares for each of us and brings about His glory in our lives. As a result we can find a peace in His providence. Or as Dr Trueman coins it, Zen Calvinism.

Apply this to your own situation. When you wonder what good can come from the turmoil in Afghanistan and worry about the rise of a new Islamic Caliphate or even harbor conspiracies of secret Western government deals pulling the strings, then remember Zen Calvinism.

Or when stress arises from Covid changing our lifestyle, then remember Zen Calvinism. Isnt this what Jesus explained in Matthew chapter 6 when he explained why we dont need to worry?

I have found this attitude a remarkable release from the burdens of worry, even though I don't understand what has happened or what can be done to fix it. Yet I can see from the Bible that God has a plan and He has proven again and again that He will bring about this plan.

This includes how He is working in your life. This knowledge brings a deep peace: both in your mind but also between yourself and God as you turn back to Him.

So, while debate will continue to rise about Covid, vaccines, living in lockdown and its off-shooting conspiracies, the Bibles message is clear: God is in control. God has a plan. And underlying our response and actions is Zen Calvinism.

Bonus  Baptist Pastor, John Piper, has a free e book on the ways God is working through Covid.
On 11 July, entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson ascended to the heavens in the VSS Unity. Well, kind of. Laying aside how far Branson actually shot into space, debate ensued as to whether he qualified as an astronaut for having gone to space at all.

This is just my (uninformed) opinion, but it seems flying to space commercially no more makes you an astronaut than cruising on a ship makes you a sailor. There is an essence to what qualifies you in the journey undertaken that allows you to behold the title.

In the same way, walking into a garage no more makes you a car than going to church makes you a Christian. Yet, when we turn to something like theology, the lines seem more blurred, and we are either too quick to either embrace theology as a label or reject it wholeheartedly.

With theology comes labels and denominations and what results is a temptation to shy from anything bearing the appearance of theology. Instead, we choose to hold to simply being a Christian or having a relationship with Jesus.

In doing so, we are bound to forget not only that theology is inescapable, but also its value.

Theology matters. Period. Theology is the overarching discipline which has allowed the church to develop its understanding of Scripture, to form our famous creeds, confessions, and catechisms.

Theology is simply the study of the nature of God and religious belief. In and of itself, the term is not denominationally, culturally, or politically connected. And it is something we engage in every, single day.

It is easy to shun the term theology. Its loaded  the word of ivory towers in seminaries. It is tempting to think theology is solely the art of those who have intentionally chosen to undertake study in the discipline.

Yet, the dictionary defines a theologian as a person who engages or is an expert in theology. Laying aside the loaded term expert, every Christian, on some level, engages in some form of theology. The very core of the Christian faith, the gospel, is theology. It is the very theology that defines the church.

It is also something Scripture implores us to use. In 1 Peter, chapter 3, verses 14-15a, Peter writes, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (ESV).

Here we return to the root of theology, without which we would not be able to fulfil the command in Peter. The temptation at times is to think of theology solely as a matter of the head with no heart. Yet, the preceding verse gives us the motivation by which we engage in such theology.

Verse 14 reads, But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled (ESV).

The motivation of theology, of giving a reason for our hope, is not about lofty arguments or intellectualism, but about glorifying Christ and providing a witness in the face of suffering. Lest we may still be uncertain about how theology ought to be communicated, Peter goes on.

Verses 15b-16 read, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame (ESV).

Non-denominational?

What of denominations? Loaded with tension, a church history divided by seemingly trivial issues. It is no surprise churches and individuals choose to avoid denominational and church councils altogether.

Denominations are messy. A cursory reading of church history would begin to show the strife Christians have shown to each other over the millennia. Yet denominations can also at other times show the beauty of individuals and gatherings seeking to remain faithful to Scripture.

If only one example, consider the Reformation, an event that has shaped a significant portion of Western Christian though resulting in, yes, a plethora of denominations, but also a deeper thirst for the reading and sharing of Scripture.

Regardless, while denominations have theology, theology does not always mean denominations. The value of theology is found in Scripture, its how we make sense of passages and connect doctrine together.

Let us not shy from the term but seek to glorify God in the theological gems we may find within the words of Scripture.
Every day we exercise faith based on evidence. We sit on a chair without checking its structural integrity. We exercise faith in the person who made the chair and the evidence that other people have sat on it.

We cross intersections when the lights are green because we have faith that cars coming in the other direction will be facing a red light and they will stop. Our previous experiences provide evidence that this is the case.

We buy food from supermarkets because we have faith in our countrys food safety standards and past evidence that our food is safe.

Likewise, God doesnt expect people to exercise spiritual faith without evidence. I often find Christians wont consider the evidence that God has given us. Some view it as a lack of faith. But this isnt Gods view.

Check the evidence

Jesus told his followers, Dont believe me unless I carry out my Fathers work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you dont believe me (John chapter 10 verses 3738 see also John chapter 14 verse 11).

Jesus encouraged his followers to have faith based on the evidence of his miraculous works.

Similarly, Luke assured Theophilus that he had carefully investigated the evidence so Theophilus could be certain of the truth.

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honourable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth (Luke chapter 1 verses 14).

Jesus mentions evidence, Luke mentions the strength of eyewitness reports.

Even today in our courts of law we rely on eyewitnesses. The court system would be paralysed if it could only use scientific evidence. In a car accident where there is evidence of tyre marks and car parts strewn across the road, police will still call for eyewitnesses to determine the timing of events because the scientific evidence isnt enough.

Historical evidence

Christianity is the only religion based on historical events and relies heavily on eyewitness accounts. And not just one or two, but hundreds.

He [Jesus] was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died (1 Corinthians chapter 15 verses 4-6).

Paul wrote this to the Corinthians within living memory of the events taking place. Christianity would have been discredited if Pauls descriptions were fictitious.

There are also historical accounts that were written at the time by non-believers who mention Jesus life and death. The early church grew quickly because of the eyewitness reports that stated Jesus had risen from the dead.

Rahab

The best example we have in the Bible of someone acting on physical evidence and eyewitness accounts is Rahab. Shes an odd choice.

She wasnt an Israelite. She lived in a pagan city and worked as a prostitute. But Rahab knew two historical facts. The Israelites left Egypt when their God dried up the Red Sea and second, the Israelites defeated two Amorite kings and their people (Joshua chapter 2 verse 10).

This wasnt a lot of information to risk your life on, but Rahab knew there was something special about Gods people. So when two Jewish spies turned up on Rahabs doorstep, she asked them to protect her and her family when their army attacked Jericho because she believed the God of the Israelites would give their city and land to his people.

James tells us that her faith produced good works.

Rahab  was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road (James chapter 2 verse 25).

The book of James is sometimes criticised for putting too much emphasis on doing good works, and not enough on having faith. But James knew that many who professed faith intellectually dont act according to their professed beliefs.

Act on your beliefs

If our neighbours rang us and told us they could see our house was on fire but we continued reading the paper or watching television, people would conclude that we didnt believe our neighbours because we didnt act on their words.

If faith doesnt move us to take action, then it isnt faith which is why Rahab is such a good example of faith. She acted on what she believed.

The illustration is told of five birds sitting on a telephone wire. Two of the birds decided to fly away. How many birds were left sitting on the wire?

There were still five. Two made the decision to leave but they didnt follow through and take action.

When God looked into Rahabs heart, he looked beyond outward appearances and saw a mustard seed of faith. He presented her with an opportunity and she acted on her faith which was built on the foundation of historical evidence.

May we too, act on what we believe.
Passenger traffic in the aircraft industry continues to register growth rates above historical averages, supported by the reduced price of travel and increasing middle-class population in developing markets. This rise is playing a crucial role in driving the growth of the global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market. The global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period of 2019-2029.

To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3716

Key Takeaways of Aircraft Tube and Duct Assemblies Market Study

Aerospace industry is increasing the usage of aluminum in aircraft tube and duct assemblies, as aluminum is a lightweight and high-strength material. In the global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market, aluminum holds approximately one-third market share.

Tier-I manufacturers operating in the global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market are Eaton, Exotic Metals Forming, Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, and PFW Aerospace GmbH. On the other hand, AMETEK. Inc., Smiths Group PLC, Sigma Precision Components Ltd., and some other players are estimated to stand in the tier-II bracket in the global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market.

Key players are focusing on the expansion of their footprints by establishing manufacturing units and distribution channels in various regions.

Global defense spending is at a high record. The biggest spenders on defense are the U.S., China, France, Saudi Arabia, and India. Implementation of advanced, combat, and stealth-based aircraft procurement programs has augmented military spending, worldwide. This growing trend is expected to upsurge the demand for aircraft tube and duct assemblies.

Development of lightweight materials and increasing sales of aircraft are anticipated to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are projected to hold more than 90% share in the global market, as the replacement of tube and duct assemblies is found to be very limited.

Market Landscape Moving towards Consolidation

The aircraft tube and duct assemblies market is expected to be dominated by tier-I manufacturers, who hold more than 50% share of the global market. Prominent players involved in the global aircraft tube and duct assemblies market are shifting their focus on repair solutions rather than replacement products with full-service. This has resulted in providing approximately 50 percent or more cost reduction.

What Does the Future Hold?

The aircraft market in the Middle East has witnessed high growth and development over the past few years. For instance, wide body aircraft are anticipated to see more prominence in the Middle East. This growth is predominantly driven by the regions development as an aviation hub. This has consequently created immense opportunities for the sales growth of the aircraft tube and duct assemblies market in the region.

For information on the research approach used in the report, request methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3716

Want to Know More?

Future Market Insights has published a market research report on the aircraft tube and duct assemblies market that contains global industry analysis of 20142018 and opportunity assessment for 20192029. The report provides insightful analysis of the aircraft tube and duct assemblies market through five different segments  application, aircraft type, material, sales channel, and region. The aircraft tube and duct assemblies market report also provides supply and demand trends, and a comprehensive list of suppliers and distributors in the market, along with a detailed overview of the parent market.
Bharat Book Bureau Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Global Water Purifier Market Outlook, 2026 under Consumer Goods Market Research Reports Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and Market reports.

The Global Water Purifier Market Outlook, 2026 in a simpler term is defined as a device used to decontaminate the water from harmful substances, chemicals, pathogens, microorganisms, and other dissolved solids and to make it portable. A recent addition to a database of Bonafide Research- titled Global Water Purifier Market Outlook, 2026 provides an in-depth insight of the market size by value and volume, analyzes the trends on factors like by types (Counter Top, Under Sink, Faucet Mount), by technology (RO, UV, Gravity Based, and Others) by Sales Channel (Online and Offline) by Region and by country.

According to the recent reports of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, every 21 seconds, a child dies annually in developing countries due to waterborne diseases caused by contaminated water drinking. This is even worse in the developing economies due to scarcity of freshwater, rapid surge in population, and rise in pollution. The diminishing quality of water is a serious health hazard globally which has given a rise in the demand for water purifiers. This is to aid the market to reach a value of more than USD 65 Billion by the end of the year 2026, while in terms of volume it is expected to grow with an anticipated CAGR of less than 10%.

Earlier, water purification only included boiling it that too specifically during the rains, to prevent any contamination. With increasing R&D, new innovations have occurred in the water purifiers and along with newer pollutants in the water body, the market is now full of choices. Some of these pollutants comprise heavy metals like zinc, lead, nickel, copper, cobalt, magnesium, cadmium, chromium, or molybdenum can cause kidney stones or blood disorders, and simply boiling the water is not the most effective solution. The purchase decision of the water purifier depends on the metal contaminants in the water and the hardness level. Considering the fact RO water purifiers are safe, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, the segment held nearly half of the market share. Even though it is the most effective purifier, requires electricity and a lot of produces a lot of wastewater, making it a questionable choice in extreme rural regions. On the other hand, the UV water purifier scores point being able to work with low electricity consumption and low maintenance cost too. The UV water purifier segment is expected to grow with an anticipated growth of 11.47%, which is yet the lowest among the type of purifiers classified on technology.

While the rural population considers the water purifier as equipment to aid them with better quality drinking water, the urban population wants to ensure that it fits well within their kitchen decor and adds up elegance. This has given a hike in the under sink purifier segment, which in 2015 was at USD 15.29 Billion. By the end of the forecasted period, the faucet water purifier type is expected to hold a share of nearly 20% in the market for the same reason. On top of it, the faucet type purifier can be an advantage in extreme rural regions as there might be one or two common water taps among few houses, and the use of such purifiers would allow them to enjoy quick access to safe drinking water cost-effectively.

Based on sales channel, the market is segmented into online and offline markets, of which offline sales channel holds an unbeatable market share of nearly 90%. This was attributed to the higher affinity of consumers, as they are perceived to be safe and sometimes allow the consumers to able to taste the water before purchase. Moreover, retail stores have the added advantage of immediate gratification, which further boosts their popularity. However, with millennials as decision-makers, it is obvious for the online sales channel to grow, expected to be reflected as a growth rate of 17% through the forecasted period. The availability at less expensive cost is a factor that drives the non-portable water purifier market growth. The penetration is to increase in the coming years due to its capability to purify and store large amounts of water.

Regionally, Asia holds the lion's share of the market, as the region is home to almost 60% of the worlds population. The major countries like China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Macau are a few of the emerging markets for water purifiers. However, Latin America, along with Middle East & Africa is expected to incline in the coming years, due to the increase in the penetration level of water purifiers, and deterioration in the quality of water. The North America and Europe markets are leading towards maturity, having witnessed increased penetration and superior quality of drinking water. China, the US, and India are the top 3 countries in the global water purifier market, accounting for more than USD16 Billion in the year 2020. The renowned water purifier market players have focused on launching well-equipped products with advanced water purification technologies in these markets.

Key players in the market are: 3M, A.O. Smith Corporation, Aquatech International LLC, Brita GmbH, BWT Holding Gmbh, Coway Company Limited, Culligan International Company, EcoWater System LLC, Eureka Forbes Limited, GE Appliances, Ion Exchange LLC, Kent RO System Ltd, Kinetico Inc., LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Rayon Cleansui Co. Ltd, Panasonic Corporation, Pentair PLC, Tata Chemicals Ltd., Unilever N.V., and Whirlpool

Browse our full report with Table of Content :

https://www.bharatbook.com/report/871005/global-water-purifier-market-outlook

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San Francisco, 30 Sep 2021: The Report ATM Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solution (Deployment, Managed Service), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global ATM market size is expected to reach USD 29.89 billion by 2028 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2021 to 2028, according to a study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a specialized computer that acts as a digital banking outlet for customers to make basic banking transactions using debit and credit cards. An ATM typically comprises a keypad, dispenser, printer, card reader, and display screen to prompt the user through each step of the transaction. Some ATMs handle money and act solely as cash dispensers while some execute various tasks as fund transfer, check and cash deposit, and bill payment.

These machines also allow users to change card passwords and view their bank account balances. Increasing demand for automated systems in developing countries is expected to positively influence the global ATM installed base over the forecast period. However, the market is projected to lose momentum due to a significant increase in the adoption of mobile and internet banking applications.

The rising demand for automation in the banking sector in several developed and emerging countries is expected to fuel the demand for ATMs in the near future. Increased adoption of advanced technologies and digital infrastructure in the banking sector, coupled with the rising demand for quick cash withdrawal by the user, is a major factor expected to drive the market growth. The increasing deployment of ATMs in organizations and financial institutions in developing economies is also anticipated to boost the demand for ATMs over the forecast period.

Onsite ATMs are being deployed in the bank premises to help customers avoid long queues for cash deposits, withdrawals, and cash transfers. The evolving banking infrastructure and an increasing number of onsite ATMs to enhance customer satisfaction are also expected to provide growth opportunities to the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the market in 2020. The radical economic and industrial development witnessed in recent years has attracted several global banks to developing economies such as India, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. This has helped boost the regional market growth.

The market for ATM is expected to witness a boost after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The introduction of smart ATMs in developing countries such as India, China, and Japan is expected to augment growth opportunities for the market. Furthermore, cash continues to be the first choice of customers to make payments owing to the convenience involved. The evolution of digital payment solutions such as bitcoin transactions and mobile banking will hamper the market growth in the long run.

Access Research Report of ATM Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/atm-market

ATM Market Report Highlights

In terms of solution, the deployment segment dominated the market in 2020. The segment accounted for over 50% of the overall industry in 2020

The thriving tourism industry plays a vital role in assisting the market growth. ATMs allow foreign tourists to easily exchange currency through the Dynamic Currency Conversion feature

In terms of region, the Asia Pacific market is expected to be a fast-mover, with the rapidly developing Chinese and Indian economies spearheading market growth

List of Key Players of the ATM Market

Diebold Nixdorf

Fujitsu Limited

G4S plc

GRG Banking

Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp. (Hitachi)

NCR Corporation

OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

Guangzhou King Teller Technology Co. Ltd

Access Press Release of ATM Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-atm-market
New Delhi: Finance ministers of the southern states find that the states have suffered considerable loss of autonomy in matters of taxation after the introduction of GST. The pandemic has brought to light that the GST compensation mechanism is not designed to address systemic risks, they felt.

"The direct taxation has been with the Centre and the states had some autonomy on the indirect tax front earlier. With GST, half of this autonomy has gone," said P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan, finance minister of Tamil Nadu, addressing a Ficci's South India GST Conclave. "The ratio of direct and indirect taxes too has changed as the cess portion, which goes into the indivisible pool, has moved up. This has affected the state finances," he added at the virtual event.

According to Thiagarajan, India is the only country where so much power on taxation rests with the Centre. In countries like the US and China, both direct and indirect taxes are divided at the state, district and county-levels.

Finance minister of Kerala K. N. Balagopal too found that the GST has hurt the finances of his state. 'Kerala had an income growth of 14 to 16 per cent prior to GST and the first two years of GST implementation saw a stagnation of income growth and this was followed by a negative growth due to the pandemic," he said.

Taking up the case of petroleum products, Balagopal said the state government collects Rs 17 on a litre of diesel while the Centre takes away Rs 31 and a good portion of the Centre's incomes comes through cesses.

Thiagarajan was also against the practice of taking "hundreds of decisions on thousands of products" during the GST Council meeting, which does not provide much time for the state governments to put forward their views. He wanted the tax structure to be more simplified with fewer slabs.

He also said the fundamental design of compensation was not capable of adapting to the changes in the economy and systemic risks as has been evident by the problems faced during the pandemic. "The GST system is shaky. It is voluntarily sticking together rather than being integrated systematically,' he opined.

He also advocated the use of data and technology in the decision-making process.

Karnataka industries minister Murugesh Nirani said the GST collections in the past few months have been improving as the economy is coming out of the pandemic. GST has helped interstate movement of goods. There are issues in the system, but they can be fixed, he said.
During the pandemic, children had easy access to phones and money, which helped them procure the banned substances easily. (Photo: AP)

HYDERABAD: Early teens in the city have become addicted to marijuana, especially since the pandemic broke out.

Earlier, those in the 18-40 years age-group were among most addicted to drugs. However, things have changed drastically and today even 12 to 13-year-olds are getting addicted to marijuana and all available narcotics. It has been to such extremely alarming lengths that many of them have been admitted to rehabilitation centres, according to data collected from several psychiatrists and psychologists working in various rehab hospitals.

During the pandemic, children had easy access to phones and money, which helped them procure the banned substances easily. Not only are narcotics delivered in boxes at the doorstep, but they are also easily available at several pan shops. In fact, there is a WhatsApp group that regularly buys and supplies drugs, said Dr Virinchi Sharma, consultant psychiatrist at a rehab hospital in the city.

He added that smoking marijuana kills ones motivation levels and takes the individual away from reality.

"The chemicals affect the brain when a person is intoxicated with drugs. When we guide the youngsters to meditate and do things that make them happy while avoiding drugs, they argue that it is herbal and legal in foreign countries and should be in India too."

There have been many cases of drug addiction during lockdown as the youngsters could not lie to their parents due to severe addiction. Those who did not have an easy access to money ended up selling valuable things from their house or started stealing, said sources working in various rehab hospitals.

Rachel Nandi, clinical psychologist said that she has dealt with drug addiction cases and observed that boys were more in number.

"Youngsters are cunning and they purchase more than the prescribed quantity of medicine from different medical stores and take a high dosage for that trippy feeling. Those who are suffering from insomnia, anxiety and such issues are prescribed certain medicines that help them calm down and sleep. But the addicts take thrice the dose of prescribed medication without being caught by the police, she said.

Dr Virinchi added there are now multiple narcotics that are very challenging for the doctors to treat. "Earlier we had to majorly deal with addiction cases that were related to alcohol and nicotine, now with various narcotics, our job has become challenging especially with those who try to escape rehabilitation," he said.

Doctors follow several treatments to treat drug addicts. Dr Virinchi said that there are two major ways of treating such cases: Detoxification, where the patient is given similar chemicals which are safe for the body for a week or 14 days; and de-addiction where the psychological condition is known where we get to know the real illness if any and accordingly proceed with the treatments.

Those who need counselling therapy because of depression are guided by certain treatments and others with other psychological issues are guided by suitable therapy treatments. These treatments cost around Rs 45,000 to Rs 70,000 in hospitals.

Rachel Nandi said that she takes up a group counselling session where she guides around 20 people together and educates them regarding side-effects of drugs and their criminal consequences, including life imprisonment.
Visakhapatnam: A central team visited Vizianagaram on Wednesday to identify suitable land for the Central Tribal University (CTU). The team led by New Delhi-based University Grants Commission secretary Prof. Rajnish Jain identified 611 acres of land between Gajapathinagaram and Salur along the Raipur highway road.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the CTU vice-chancellor Prof. TV Kattimani said that the team identified 611 acres of land in two blocks and met collector Suryakumari to block this land for the CTU with prior all clearances and non-objections from the state government.

The team also suggested the state revenue department check the land is viable for the construction of buildings, water facilities apart from road and rail connectivity. The team also requested the state government to officially sanction the land at the earliest, so that they can start the works like construction of the buildings in a phased manner.

We are presently running the CTU at a rented building allocated at the Andhra University PG Centre here. Once the CTU is ready with its own buildings and infrastructure, we will be shifted from here. Last year nearly 180 students were admitted to the CTU, Kattimani said.
A Nazi V-2 Superweapon that terrorized London during World War II's final days under a field in Kent was discovered lying on the groud. In the last days of the last great war, the Germans use these rocket that rained terror in Britain but some remnants of the past were found now.

The so-called Vengeance weapons which were made to exact retribution on the people of Great Britain, has been on the ground for 77 years already.

Finding any of these remnants is important, and they serve as a reminder of the terror it brought on people.

V-2 Terror Weapon found by accident

One of these early rockets was discovered by archeologists in a field located at Platt, Kent. What is so interesting is that it has been in the field for 77-years after World War 2, noted the Express UK.

The site is under the leadership of Brothers Colin and Sean Welch, who are the main organizers of the project.

A group from the Research Resource Archaeology started an excavation that ended with a hole about 14-feet deep and 38-feet wide. Soon after what seemed to be the wreckage of Hitler's infamous vengeance weapon, it was seen covered in soil after almost a hundred years.

Parts of the Rocket that still exist is the combustion chamber which is the part that stored the liquid oxygen with alcohol fuel. Before the Kent find, members were sent to five sites with Nazi V-2 Superweapon remnants. But this site was considered to be unique.

Read Also: Hitler's Weird Stone Henge: Does It Hide Secret Tunnels to Experiment Aircraft Before Modern Prototypes?

Colin said that the rockets would begin to descend in angle when starting to dive, having about 70 degrees of trajectory, noted Kent Online.

He added that most of the remains of the rocket were mostly seen at the farthest from the impact point. However, digging at that place did not give them valuable discoveries.

One reason there was no wreckage at the usual place is that a ragstone bed was able to keep it close to the impact point.

Once the rockets were flying up into the air, rocket fuel would drive the V-2 to the ground as fast as 3,300 miles per hour which was immensely fast.

When it impacts the ground, traveling at high velocity would not be noticed if it hit anyone, remarked Sean.

Steel rain from the Nazis

It is said that Hitler ordered the crushing of Britain with untold numbers of the German vengeance weapons in the last great war. The explosions cost the lives of 9000 people in their height, citing the BBC.

Researchers found that the V-2 wreckage came from Holland and took a few minutes to hit England on Valentine's Day of 1944.

The process of restoring the remnant will undergo a process that will take about 18 months. Investigators are looking for secret serial numbers which were stamped in after building and assembly.

All the codes found on the components could be traced to a specific factor that made them. Investigators have to trace V-2 components to Czechoslovakia and one factory in Austria.

Production of these terror weapons was costly to the civilian food supply and caused food shortages as well. Soon Germany would lose despite the Nazi V-2 Superweapon. These terror weapons killed 18,000 casualties.

Related Article: Uranium Cubes That Are Suspected Component of Hitler's 1945 Nuclear Bomb Now Under Study

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After getting grilled by members of the Lower House, the US Secretary of Defense stated that the Pentagon was unaware of the developments that led to Kabul's fall. To many, this claim by Lloyd Austin, 68, the present Sec Def is not so reliable and gives an idea that something is amiss in the Biden Administration.

After the US left the country in such disarray, questions have arisen on how can the president make the exit of the US messy.

The search for answers starts with those who were responsible for how to do the pullout by the books, without mistakes. However, there were apparent lapses.

What happened in Afghanistan? Who needs to resign?

Austin was asked about the Afghan debacle last Tuesday and other pertinent questions about the problematic pullout. Members of the lower house made inquiries with the secretary of defense as the first hearing to investigate how the Jihadis overran the country, reported the Express UK.

A former four-star general, he said as his assessment that the Trained Afghan army and partners weren't there when the Taliban rolled in. Essentially saying a third-world guerilla force was able to over the US military with so little effort. The Pentagon never saw it coming.

He remarks that to say anything else will be very dishonest.

Furthermore, like Joe Biden, he laid alleged blame on the Afghanistan troop of the government, saying the Afghan army and its senior officers were corrupt and had less effective leadership as well, noted UK News Chant.

Secretary of Defense, Austin mentioned that Pentagon was unaware of the developments that President Ghani had rotated his commanders which led to an unsavory condition that made things worse.

Read also: Disenchanted Taliban Defectors Switch to ISIS-K After Reforms by their Leaders in Kabul

He claimed that a snowball effect came from the deals of the Taliban, made with local leaders after the Doha agreement.

Everything went south in Kabul, with a messy withdrawal after a suicide bomber detonated the explosive jacket. It kills 13 young service members that led to scouring the Biden White House in the US and abroad, New Indian Express.

The rating of Joe Biden was very low because of the missteps. In one of the recent Rasmussen polls, the drop in approval is very shocking -17 percent is one of the lowest ever for him.

In the polls to see who is preferred, it is now that Donald Trump who has trounced the ex-VP of Obama.

During the 2020 elections, Joe Biden allegedly got 306 votes in the electoral college, to Trump's 232 which is contested until now.

Rough waters ahead, to each his own

According to the statements of General Mark Milley and Frank McKenzie that would be a source of trouble for Joe Biden.

Both generals say that after the debacle in Kabul, they suggest to the president that keeping a 2500-man force would be the best option, not total pullout.

Last August, Biden said that his military advisers had not said anything to keep troops in the country which is threatening to be a major problem for him.

Milley, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was reported to have said Kabul might fall in 2020. According to him, he said that a year ago and that was allegedly consistent till 2021.

The same for the secretary of defense, Austin, but he still says that the Pentagon was unaware of the developments after he was supposed to his access to updates from Afghanistan.

Related article: Ex-Trump Security Adviser Says Taliban Could Get Nukes if Pakistan Falls to Them that Could Endanger the West

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Kim Jong Un successfully launches a hypersonic missile becoming one of the countries possessing this technology which is a hyper-fast arms. It is significant as it gives Joe Biden something to ponder on, and for Seoul to be more apprehensive.

Super-fast missiles can reach Mach 5+ and won't give defenses time to react, plus radar-guided anti-missile defense is ill-equipped to handle it.

North Korea is seen as very unpredictable plus it is not hampered by international conventions as well. Super-fast missiles might use a nuclear warhead because Pyongyang can do anything.

Kim Jong Un Pleased With the Launch

Kim Jong Un, North Korean supreme leader applauded the successful launch of the country's first hypersonic missile, reported the Express UK.

The media out, VOA News says it signals NoKor as one of the few with this capability.

South Korean military sources say the missile fired into the sea from off country's eastern coast.

It comes as Pyongyang tested a barrage of rockets in previous weeks, in defiance of UN Security Council laws forbidding North Korea from testing and launching such weaponry.

Unlike most ballistic missiles that escape the atmosphere before returning to their target at such a steep angle, cruise missiles don't really exit the atmosphere. The big difference is the speed it travels is Mach 5+, which is about 6,200km per hour.

At this speed, missile defense system will be hard up to stop it. Defenses are still under development like lasers.

Read also: Kim Jong-un Not Happy About Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth Permanently Stationed in Asia Pacific, Says UK Should Focus on Brexit

Other countries with such tech

Besides North Korea, it is China and Russia that have developed such a terrifying and formidable weapon system.

Hypersonic weapons technology is only new to the NoKor military, which has alerted Washington and South Korea when the launch occurred. The reason for the test is to check out navigational control and stability.

The Nokor leader has a missile in his arsenal that can reach US targets like bases in the Pacific Ocean. The Hwasong-15 ICBM has the range to hit mainland USA, which is not a comforting thought at all, cited the BBC.

Leonid Petrov, a senior lecturer, International College of Management, Sydney and North Korea expert told Al-Jazeera, that it is a formidable weapon, and North Korea has just done a successful first test.

But some sectors are doubting if Pyongyang can push the technology and capability of super-fast missiles technology to new heights.

Other details

Leif-Eric Easley from the Ewha Woman's University in Seoul, remarked that these fast missiles are hard to lock onto once they more. Traveling at extreme speeds and differing its trajectories will make the very slippery to lock on to.

Since it might be just from propaganda, then Pyongyang might be with a prototype that will need more fine-tuning and it is not yet in a working mode.

North Korean engineers and scientists can make a primitive hypersonic vehicle to be fitted with a nuke warhead. NoKor would be very dangerous, especially if it needs to hit close by like Seoul.

According to the KMJ's sister Kim Yo-Jong, Pyongyang might want to have a meeting with Joe Biden. Using the missiles as a hedge to bring the US to the table once and for all, as Kim Jong Un successfully launches a hypersonic missile.

Related article: Vladimir Putin Commands Russia's Invincible Hypersonic Nuclear Missile on Indefinite Standby

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President Joe Biden "would happily sign" a bill canceling $10,000 in student debt, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who also indicated that the absence of student debt relief comes from congressional differences.

Biden is Waiting on Congress to Act

In a recently published article in Newsweek, top Democrats have claimed that Biden can cancel the students' debt via executive action, despite the White House saying the president is waiting for Congress to act. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer repeated his demand for Biden to cancel all students' college debts of $50,000 last week.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that Biden would happily sign a measure to forgive $10,000 in student debt if Congress passed it and sent it to the president. It has not occurred at this moment as the lawmakers are still figuring out the legal basis of Biden's authority to cancel students' debt.

Read Also: Student Loan Crisis: What Will Happen If Biden Doesn't Cancel Debt?

Schumer said Biden Could Release an Executive Order But Pelosi Disagree

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said President Biden could give millions upon millions of student loan debtors a fresh lease on life with a stroke of his pen, without the need for legislative action or approval. Schumer was referring to an executive order.

If this happens, it will allow these Americans to finally purchase that home, pay for their children's education, and get started on establishing a small company or entering the field of their choice. It has the potential to spark a wave of economic activity that is now lacking in our nation, according to a report published in the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has adopted a position similar to that of the White House, claiming that the president lacks the power to cancel student debts on his own without the authorization of Congress or without it discussed on the floor.

In fact, Biden requested that the Departments of Justice and Education examine whether he would have the authority to cancel student loan debt via executive action more than seven months ago, but the departments have yet to disclose their conclusions.

Calls To Cancel Student Loans Continue

While almost $10 billion in student loan debt has been forgiven since Biden entered office, many progressive legislators have called for more. The billions forgiven were described by Schumer as "a start in the right direction," but he added that "in the big scheme of things, it falls very, very short of what we need to see," according to a published article in Yahoo News.

Moreover, borrowers should see their amounts lowered or erased immediately if Biden takes executive action to cancel the debts, but judicial action may create delays. The House Democrats have pushed to add a tuition-free community college proposal as a component in the Build Back Better Act, but their razor-thin majority may prevent the idea from making it into the final $3.5 trillion bill.

Furthermore, even as it continues to call on Congress to enact legislation to assist borrowers and their families, the Biden administration is considering if it may take measures to offer student debt relief via executive action.

Related Article: Department of Education Cancels Student Loans After Biden Comes Into the Office



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The White House Select Committee responsible for investigating the events of the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot have issued 11 more subpoenas on Wednesday, which targeted former United States President Donald Trump's allies who were allegedly involved in the incident.

The individuals were believed to have had a hand in organizing the "Stop the Steal" rally that ultimately resulted in the large mob that gathered in front of the Capitol. The committee's subpoenas suggested the collective group was going deeper in their investigation of the Jan. 6 events.

Committee's New Subpoenas

On that day, thousands of pro-Trump supporters demanded Congress and then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election win. Women for America First, a pro-Trump group, was responsible for organizing the rally on the Ellipse.

The Republican businessman made a speech before the riot, where he shared his frustrations with Pence for failing to support his plans to undermine the elections. During the event, the audience heard Trump's lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani, called for "trial by combat" against Democratic politicians to win the election for Trump, the New York Times reported.

The subpoenas that the committee sent were addressed to included Amy Kremer, the chairwoman of Women for America First, Caroline Wren, a Trump fund-raiser, Cindy Chafian, another organizer, Hannah Salem Stone, logistics personnel for the rally, and Justin Caporale, one of Melania Trump's former top aides.

Read Also: Cyber Ninjas CEO Denies Requests To Decertify the 2020 Election Result Showing that Joe Biden Beat Donald Trump

In the letters, Representative Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat who was the chairman of the committee, said that recipients assisted in the organization of the rally. He also said that they supported the former president's allegations of election fraud.

The subpoenas were sent to acquire a range of records that include materials involved in the rally's planning, funding, and participation. The letters also claimed that recipients collectively communicated with Trump, White House officials, and several others about the demonstrations, The Hill reported.

Donald Trump's Response

In response, former President Trump plans to file a lawsuit against the White House to keep the Select House Committee from accessing records from his presidential administration. The Republican businessman shared his plans to fight back against the committee's actions to seize records amid the Jan. 6 Capitol riot investigation.

Trump said he would continue to fight the subpoenas on executive privilege and other grounds because it was good for the United States. He also argued that subpoenas should be sent to Antifa and BLM because of the alleged death and destruction they have caused in the country.

During his presidency, the Republicans also set high demands for several top-ranking White House officials, including Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino, Steve Bannon, and Kash Patel. Trump expects his former allies to not cooperate amid the committee's subpoenas and investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

In his statement, Trump said that he would protect executive privilege and not for his own sake but for the sake of the patriots that worked with him. He added that he would continue to defend the integrity of the United States, Salon reported.

Related Article: Arkansas Governor Allows State's Public Health Emergency For COVID-19 to End; Clarifies That the State Still Feels the Effects of Pandemic

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On Wednesday, President Biden and his aides made a last-ditch effort in Congress to save Biden's economic agenda, attempting to forge even the beginnings of a compromise between moderates and progressives on a pair of bills that would spend trillions on rebuilding infrastructure, expand access to education, combat climate change, and more.

Biden postponed a planned trip to Chicago to promote Covid-19 vaccines to continue meeting with lawmakers during a key week in the House of Representatives.

Kyrsten Sinema, a moderate from Arizona, was scheduled to visit the White House on Wednesday morning, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

Democrats grumble with Bidens economic agenda

Sinema was a co-sponsor of a bipartisan bill, negotiated by Biden, that would invest more than $1 trillion over the next few years on physical infrastructures such as water pipelines, roads, bridges, electric car charging stations, and broadband internet.

The Senate passed the measure this summer. The House is expected to vote on it this week, NY Times reported. Progressive Democrats, on the other hand, have threatened to reject it unless it is accompanied by a more comprehensive plan that includes most of Biden's domestic agenda.

This includes universal prekindergarten and free community college, as well as a slew of initiatives to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and tax benefits for employees and their families aimed at combating poverty and increasing labor force participation.

While the president has cleared his calendar this week in the hopes of brokering a compromise, several Democrats have grumbled that he has not engaged in negotiations to their satisfaction.

Last week, he brought groups of progressives and moderates to the White House, but he met individually rather than holding a group negotiation session.

With the fiscal year's end approaching on Thursday, House Democrats narrowly passed a stand-alone bill to suspend the debt ceiling on a party-line vote, preventing a government shutdown but keeping the prospect of the US defaulting on its obligations next month open.

Per Washington Times, Biden canceled a scheduled COVID-related trip to Chicago on Wednesday, indicating that the president was trying to recover his agenda. Instead, Biden met with more holdout Democrats at the White House, hoping to strike a new compromise between squabbling moderates and leftists.

Read Also: Donald Trump's Mysterious Hospital Visit in 2019 Was To Get Colonoscopy, New Book Reveals

How does reconciliation law affect tax hikes?

Given the debt that Congress has accumulated in previous years, it's worth emphasizing that this "reconciliation" law is meant to be deficit- and debt-free, as per NBC News. In other words, the tax hikes are sufficient to pay the costs of its programs and targeted tax cuts while without increasing the national debt.

Senate and House moderates want the budget deficit to be drastically reduced, and Democratic leaders have admitted that they don't anticipate it to reach $3.5 trillion. The other major bill, which calls for $550 billion in spending over five years and adds about $250 billion to the debt, was negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators with the White House.

It provides funding for subways, water systems, green-energy initiatives, roads, bridges, rail, and broadband accessibility.

On August 10, the Senate passed it with 69 votes; the House is presently debating it and will vote on it on Thursday. If the House passes the infrastructure package, it will be sent to the White House for signing.

The majority of Democrats want both the reconciliation and infrastructure bills to pass. However, there is significant disagreement between progressives and moderates over the bill's size, scope, and other details.

If moderates in the House and Senate don't agree to assist pass reconciliation, progressives have vowed to destroy the infrastructure plan. Due to this stalemate, it's unclear if the House will enact the infrastructure package this week - or at all. It's also unclear whether, when, or in what form a reconciliation measure would be enacted.

Related Article: David McRae Joins Other State Leaders in Accusing Joe Biden's American Families Plan as Largest Data Mining Exercise

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Petrol station employees are facing "unacceptable" levels of abuse, according to industry leaders, as the UK continues to suffer the weight of the continuing fuel crisis, which has left ambulances stuck and is expected to endure another month.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said its latest poll of its members revealed that just over one-quarter of forecourts were dry, down from more than a third on Tuesday. Troops carrying tankers are likely to emerge on the highways in the next couple of days to help stabilize the situation.

Despite appeals for calm, fresh huge brawls over petrol have erupted across the United Kingdom. Accusations of queue jumping or taking too much petrol erupted in a brawl in Epping, Essex, yesterday, with one guy screaming "You didn't need it" before launching a series of punches and kicks, Daily Mail reported.

Two men spotted filling bucket with unleaded amid fuel crisis

In the midst of a fuel crisis and a scarcity of jerry cans, video emerged of two men filling a bucket lined with a black bin liner with unleaded - an extremely risky illegal move. The fuel would almost certainly dissolve the bag, and the bucket would very certainly melt.

An ambulance was even left stuck for four hours after breaking down, with recovery vehicles unable to reach it due to a lack of fuel, leaving a vulnerable patient unable to go to a North Wales hospital for an appointment.

The fuel crisis is also threatening to spill over into education, with several institutions on the verge of being unable to transport, feed, or educate their students. Online classes may have to be reinstated, according to school administrators.

School buses were canceled, blood supplies were halted, nurses slept on wards, and up to a third of London's black taxis were now parked with empty tanks as drivers lined through the night outside gas stations for the sixth day in a row.

Read Also: Taliban Executes Child on Suspicion of Father Being Member of Afghan Resistance Force

UK struck worst with fuel shortage, jerry cans scarcity

Following a weekend of panic purchasing, the capital is thought to be one of the worst-affected locations, with more cars filling up per station - after hundreds of forecourts were converted into stores or housing complexes in recent years.

The AA's president, Edmund King, told Sky News that while the organization has experienced "minimal difficulties" in Scotland and Northern Ireland, London and the South East have been struck worst. " We've got instances of drivers dribbling in 1.72 ($2.31) worth of petrol and 2.05 ($2.76) worth of diesel, which is counter-productive since they would have spent those sums looking for fuel," he said.

According to The Daily Telegraph, gasoline is now being redirected from huge enterprises to garage forecourts, with executives at the UK's key fuel terminals being told to prioritize motorists above larger corporations.

Motorist groups applauded the strategy, which comes despite worries that the situation is still not under control. "I believe drivers would have an excellent idea," said AA fuel spokesperson Luke Bosdet.

And, as a result of labor and shipping issues, customers can now expect a "nightmare" Christmas with higher-priced presents and limited stock on shelves, with many families unable to acquire turkey in time for December 25, according to experts.

Related Article: UK Experiences Severe Gas Shortage, Forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson To Address The Issue



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The most influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been named to the country's highest governing body.

Kim Jong Un's Sister Promoted to a Position on the State Affairs Commission

In a recently published article in MSN News, in the midst of a slew of reforms authorized by the Supreme People's Assembly, the rubber-stamp parliament, Kim Yo Jong, a major advisor to her brother, was elevated to a seat on the State Affairs Commission.

Nine members of the commission were fired, including Pak Pong Ju, one of the panel's vice presidents, and diplomat Choe Son Hui, a rare senior woman in the North's hierarchy who played a significant role in talks with the United States.

On Thursday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photographs of the eight new nominees, with Kim Yo Jong standing out for her youth and as the only woman among them, according to a recently published news article in France24.

Read Also: Pentagon Expresses Concern Over North Korea's Reported Nuclear Reprocessing

Kim Yo Jong Replaced Her Aunt, Kim Jong Un's Closest Aide

According to North Korea research organization 38 North, Kim Yo Jong, who succeeded her aunt Kim Kyong Hui, a strong supporter of her father, was already a prominent figure as vice-director of the isolated regime's Propaganda and Agitation Department (PAD).

There is little solid information on the secluded nation's main actors. Kim Yo Jong, 30, on the other hand, is said to be one of Kim Jong Un's closest adviser and confidant: the two share a mother and allegedly lived together when attending a boarding school in Berne, Switzerland.

Her precise political position, as well as the prospect that she could one day replace her brother, a transfer that would give the socially conservative North its first female leader, has long been a source of discussion, according to a report published in TIME.

Kim Yo Jong as a Strong Leader

In comments broadcast by state media, Kim Yo Jong has made vehement denunciations of Washington and Seoul, especially ahead of the North blowing up a liaison office on their side of the border that the South had constructed and paid for.

Her status as a deputy department director of the governing Workers' Party's Central Committee provided such statements some uncertainty, and she explicitly stated that she was speaking in a personal capacity in several instances. Her formal status has grown and decreased throughout time, but her current SAC position is by far her most senior, according to a published report in BBC News.

Moreover, she was a significant figure during her father's burial in 2011, and she attended the 7th Party Congress (WPK), the first major gathering of the party, political, and military leaders convened under Kim Jong Un after a 36-year gap. In January 2017, the United States sanctioned seven North Korean officials for ongoing and severe human rights violations and censorship operations.

Kim Jong Un's position has been solidified by Kim Yo Jong's ascension, which has concentrated authority within his inner circle and close family members. North Korean observers saw her elevation to the top position of the PAD in 2015 as an attempt to cement the young leader's authority, according to South Korean publication Daily NK at the time.

Related Article: North Korea's Kim Jong Un's Comment, an Interesting Signal for Dialogue on Denuclearization



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Lying where it last rested, the remains of riverboat Abner O'Neal were seen after being shipwrecked 130 years ago. Though not much is left of the old steamer, the drought exposed its outline with a two-foot drop in river water level.

More than a hundred years ago, the Abner O'Neal shipwrecked in 1892 had the bottom part of what's left of its hull exposed by drought. It was left at the North of Bismarck, in North Dakota, where she ended up and never moved from.

Abner O'Neal's final journey

Based on the account more than a century old, the ship was plying its route carrying 9,000 bushels of wheat in the late 1800s from Washburn to Mandan, noted KYFR-TV.

A report by Fox 4 mentioned that at least one-third of the land area is under drought in Missouri. The lowering of the river's water level would affect crops but expose the wreck remains.

For more than one hundred years, the wreck was not fully visible, but lowered waters allow history enthusiasts to see the 1800's era riverboat remains.

A shipwreck in North Dakota?!?



Its true! The Abner ONeal sunk in 1892, and the boat has been here ever since.



Now low water levels on the Missouri are making it more visible than ever.



The story tonight on @KFYRTV pic.twitter.com/7GBYG3r0sZ  Jody Kerzman (@Jody_Kerzman) September 27, 2021

Until the waters rise again, those wanting to see the Abner O'Neal outline in the shallow river will still be visible. According to kayaker Nyk Edinger, having the chance to see riverboat Abner O'Neal wreck above water would be amazing to see, reported the Daily Mail.

Read Also: Seven Viking Tombs from the 10th Century With Remains of Eight People Discovered by Swedish Archaeologists

He added when the actual thing was seen, the outline of the hull was still intact after a long time submerged in the river. It continues to amaze onlookers and visitors to see it still exists now.

Anyone looking for the riverboat wreck should head to 25-miles north of Bismarck, in North Dakota. Once the waters rise, the river will hide it again.

History of the riverboat Abner O' Neal

The Abner O'Neal was fabricated in 1884 at Freedom, Pennsylvania, related to the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

This vessel was given its designation from one popular shipping personality in the 1870s, Capt. Abner O'Neal of the Steubenville/Wheeling steamboat industry. Operating for several years quite successfully as a passenger ship and doubled as a cargo carrier that moved throughout the region.

Soon after, the current owners of the paddle steamer sold it to a company called Missouri River Transportation Company in the 1890s. Before she was sold, it seemed to be smooth steaming, but after 1891, the ship's fortunes changed.

One year after it was used by its new owners, in November 1891, when the ship was hemmed in by the early winter ice freeze in Painted Woods. It was stranded by the ice for four months, lasting till 1892.

After getting freed from getting iced for several months, then on July 7, a disaster struck. While plying the river, the boat hit a submerged snag or rock that punctured its hull and caused the ship to sink.

Soon it was unable to keep afloat and sank with the cargo on board. Its final site is where the riverboat Abner O'Neal shipwreck is seen today. In the last 130 years, she lay there only to be seen seasonally till the river iced up in the winter.

Related Article: Japanese Islands Inhabited by Ancient Kofun People Changing Its History As Researchers Discovers Third Culture

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A British police officer was found to be responsible for the murder of a female victim after the prosecutor told a London jury on Wednesday that he kidnapped and raped her under the guise of a fake arrest amid the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Legal experts said the suspect made a fraudulent, premeditated arrest to kidnap the female victim identified as Sarah Everard. Prosecutor Tim Little noted that the victim was walking home after visiting a friend, which was a non-compliance issue with the region's lockdown regulations. He added that the suspect, Wayne Couzens, was off-duty at the time and proceeded to handcuff the woman.

Fake Arrest

Previously, Couzens pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Everard, who went missing on March 3. Authorities later found her burned body in the woods outside London a week after she was last seen.

Little said that Couzens' actions showed he was looking for, or hunting, for a young female who was alone so he could kidnap and rape her. He later saw Everard and proceeded to carry out his heinous crime, Yahoo News reported.

Officials said that after Couzens arrested Everard, he forced her into a rental car as the prosecutor noted that the suspect had his own car and did not want to use it to commit a crime. The suspect later transferred Everard's dead body into green bags he specifically bought for his plan.

Read Also: Corey Lewandowski, Former Trump Aide, Accused of Unwanted Sexual Advances and Stalked Female Victim

During a hearing in court, it was said that Couzens had an attraction to "brutal sexual pornography." However, the suspect's representative said it was only related to a single incident. The suspect joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2011 before being transferred to the Met in 2018. He also worked for the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command two years later as an authorized firearms officer.

In 2020, he carried out office-based work after not being able to carry a gun due to a damaged finger he got after a drilling incident in July of that year. But last December, he was deemed fit for full duties and returned to fieldwork, Dailymail reported.

Horrific Crime

A few days after Couzens' crime, he took his wife and two children on a trip to the same area where he disposed of Everard's body. He was also believed to have told his family that he was working on March 3, the day that he kidnapped the victim.

During a hearing on Wednesday, the victim's family spoke out emotionally and condemned Couzens for his actions against their family member. They demanded that the suspect, who had his eyes closed and head bowed during the hearing, look them in the eyes while they read their statements.

Susan Everard, the victim's mother, said her daughter spent her last moments on Earth with the worst scum of humanity. She said that Couzens killed the victim to satisfy his own selfish, perverted desires.

Authorities are expected to hand out Couzens' sentence on Thursday, which is believed to be a mandatory life sentence. However, the prosecution is seeking a whole life order, a term only granted in exceptional cases that has no possibility of parole, CNN reported.

Related Article: Taliban Executes Child on Suspicion of Father Being Member of Afghan Resistance Force

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According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, domestic terror threats are much more often than foreign terror threats in the United States.

Domestic Terrorism Larger than International Terror Threats

In a recently published article in Newsweek, according to Timothy Langan, assistant director of the bureau's Counterterrorism Division, the United States is facing over 2,700 domestic terrorism threats. When questioned by Representative Nancy Mace for statistics on the FBI's workload, Langan claimed there are less than 1,000 foreign terror threats.

Langan also provided data on terrorism-related fatalities in the United States between 2015 and 2020. In that five-year period, there were 80 fatalities connected to foreign terrorism, compared to 83 deaths linked to domestic terrorism.

Officials from the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security joined Langan on Capitol Hill to answer questions from legislators on the Biden administration's counterterrorism policy, according to a published article Associated Press.

The FBI's first goal is to prevent terrorist attacks. He also said that lone actors or tiny cells radicalized online who want to strike soft targets with readily available weaponry represent the "biggest terrorist danger." He also said that lone actors or small groups radicalized online who want to strike "soft targets with readily available weaponry" represent the "biggest terrorist danger."

Read Also: FBI Releases Newly Declassified Documents of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks; Relatives of the Victims Believe Saudi Government is Involved in the Assault

More Americans are Concerned About Threats from Groups Based in the U.S.

In a published article in the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Langan's testimony comes after FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress earlier this month that the number of domestic terrorism cases had "exploded" during the last year and a half.

According to a recent Associated Press survey, Americans are more worried about dangers from domestic extremist organizations than those from foreign nations. Sixty-five percent of people in the United States said they were "very" or "very" worried about domestic extremist organizations, compared to 50 percent who said the same about overseas extremist groups.

Biden Directed His National Security Team To Conduct a 100-Day Review

President Joe Biden has ordered his national security staff to undertake a 100-day assessment of the federal government's efforts to combat the increase in domestic terrorism threats. The National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism was published in June as a result of the evaluation. To combat domestic terrorist threats, the proposal wants $100 million to hire critical personnel in the Justice and Homeland Security departments.

The plan asks for better information sharing among law enforcement agencies, the prevention of people being radicalized, and the elimination of the underlying causes of domestic terrorism. It will also need measures by various agencies, including the Department of Defense, to guarantee that domestic terrorists do not join the military or become law enforcement officers. Employee screening will be improved by the federal government in order to detect domestic terrorists who "may pose insider risks."

The National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, according to John Cohen, Homeland Security's counterterrorism coordinator, offers for the first time a comprehensive, whole-government strategy to fighting the danger.

Related Article: Biden Refuses Military Advice As His Decisions Have Endangered the West from Terrorism



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The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 was a competitor in the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition that would see the development of a 5th generation fighter, radically different from other planes made for the US Air Force (USAF). Despite choosing the F-22 Raptor, it was not forgotten for what it offered as an advanced fighter.

Way back in 1991, the USAF had two front runners in search for the next acquisition that will be used to blunt the USSR during the cold war. There were two prototypes built for the ATF.

In the end, it was the Raptor that got the military's contract, but the plane which lost was not totally consigned to obscurity.

Air superiority to a tee!

It is a fact that the YF-23 did not get the contract, but the designers knew their stealth inspire design was better than its competitor, reported the Nationalist Interest.

According to the USAF, they decided on the Lockheed design on the basis of the development program with lesser upkeep of its Raptor.

During the ATF competition, Northrop was not on good terms with the Pentagon and the US Congress due to extra expenses with the B-2 Spirit project cited Air Force Technology, also other projects that were affected as well.

Then Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), said that McDonnell had problems. He added that Northrop was not too transparent in dealing with USAF, which did not sit well. One of the factors that may have shut down the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 as the final choice is the politics in the background.

Read also: F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighter Up Against Conventional Jets in Air Combat Drills

What if it turned out to be different?

The competitor of the YF-22 had high hopes, but it lost so the Raptor is the reality. But, the YF-23 has made a mark despite losing in the ATF competition.

One of the defining features of the YF-23 is the power plant,that is a General Electric jet engine. Its performance was a notch over the engine of the second prototype that was powered by a Pratt & Whitney YF119.

Characteristics of the X-plane is the inclusion of supercruise, low radar visibility, but lacked agility when flying at subsonic speeds.

A comparison of the YF-22 and YF-23 has a similar Angle of Attack which is sixty degrees, with no application of thrust vectoring. The V-tail design for the rudders was part of the unstable airframe.

One insider in the ATF competition said that the Raptor was more agile at lower airspeeds. Later, dynamic low speed, and high AOA maneuvering was studied.

At one point, the Lockheed team got ahead by doing action during demos that its competitor ignored. It made the military take notice. If the Northrop team decided on the same demo, it would be a different ending.

Why the YF-23 could be the better choice.

History chose the YF-22 as the winner, but some arguments say the F-23 would have some advantages. The Raptor can fly, but its competitor was a radically different airframe altogether that would give adversaries a run for their money.

The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 had better range when in supersonic, with the YF120 engine, cited GE. Its stealth would be better and maneuverable like the Raptor as well.

It's enough to say the F-23 were similar, F-22 inherited its opponent's radar. Many still think the wrong plane was chosen in the ATF.

Related article: Stealth Jets' Improved Coating Is Better at Deflecting Radar, Also Lasts Longer

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Following a number of recent missile launches, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has stated his readiness to reestablish contacts with South Korea as soon as possible.

Kim Jong Un Ordered To Restore Stalled Communication With South Korea

In a recently published article in Newsweek, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Thursday that in early October, he instructed authorities to repair blocked communication lines with South Korea to promote peace while dismissing recent U.S. proposals for talks as more clever methods for the U.S. to hide its animosity toward the North.

Kim's remarks, which were reported by state media, seem to be an attempt to create a gap between Seoul and Washington. He wants South Korea to assist him in obtaining relief from crushing US-led economic sanctions and other concessions. Pyongyang has proposed conditional talks with Seoul recently while also conducting its first missile tests in six months and ramping up its criticism of the U.S.

Kim Jong Un expressed his desire to reestablish inter-Korean communication liaison lines, which had been cut off due to worsening relations, as part of efforts to realize the expectation and desire of the entire nation, which wants the current tense inter-Korean relations to be rehabilitated as soon as possible and lasting peace to be established on the Korean peninsula, according to a report published in the Firstpost.

Read Also: North and South Korea Begin Addressing Relationship by Setting Up Communication Channels

Kim's Statement Over South Korea

Kim said that relations with Seoul remain tense and uncomfortable, accusing South Korean officials of disregarding and neglecting a deteriorating dynamic between the two Koreas and preferring the United States and seeking more sophisticated weapons.

Kim added, "Now the inter-Korean relations are at the crossroads of serious choice whether to remove the present frozen relations and take the road of reconciliation and cooperation or to keep suffering the pain of division in the vicious cycle of confrontation," according to a published article in Market Watch.

The monarch urged South Korean authorities to change their attitude toward North Korea by seeking peace rather than militarily containing the nuclear-armed state. He also said that whether inter-Korean relations be repaired and developed to a new level or remain in the condition of degradation that they are today is determined by the attitude of the South Korean government.

South Korean President Repeatedly Called for Better Relations

In a published article in France24, President Moon Jae-in of South Korea has frequently advocated for improved ties with North Korea, and he used his U.N. General Assembly address last week to push for an ultimate declaration to end the technical state of war that has existed between the two countries since their 1950s battle.

Meanwhile, according to Kim Yo Jong, deputy department head of the governing Korean Workers' Party Central Committee, and Kim Jong Un's sister, Moon's suggestion is an intriguing and excellent concept. However, in terms similar to those of her brother and other top North Korean leaders, she said that mutual respect must be preserved and that biased viewpoints, persistent hostile policies, and unfair double standards must be eliminated before such a step can be contemplated.

Related Article: South Korea Pushes To End Korean War To Restore Peace, North Korea Dismisses the Call

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A Chinese defector to the West has revealed the Beijing has been violating the rights of many. They use these prisoners in inhuman bio-weaponizing experiments that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) researches.

These human guinea pigs were involved in Nazi-style experiments that included weaponization of anything that could be deployed to sicken or kill the enemy. It is a method similar to the creation of COVID-19, which has infected the whole globe since December 2019.

Defector claims China conducts lab studies covertly

Wei Jingsheng, a Human rights activist who spoke to author Sharri Markson, 37, in her book,' 'What happened in Wuhan.' According to Markson, the book centers on her investigative work examining the twists and turns of the coronavirus pandemic, reported the Express UK.

One of the book's goals said the Australian journalist is to prove a link to the ruling party with the Chinese military.

In the Sun UK, Wei made a big claim that China has been conducting covert lab studies on humans and has gotten worse over the years. But now he's worried it might have gotten worse and dangerous.

Markson has said the unethical and repugnant studies ordered communist dissidents as helpless test subjects like the Nazis did in the last world war. Wei, the Chinese defector, may point to definite proof of inhuman bio-weaponizing experiments done by the CCP.

Read Also: Wuhan Lab Leak Controversy Continues As Chinese Media Quotes Fake Swiss Biologist to Allegedly Cover Up Claims

One of these goose-steppers is Josef Mengele, also known as the Angel of Death. He regularly made experiments on Jews, doing odd experiments and fatally injuring many prisoners. Others tortured in the death camp labs were Soviet troops, disabled, and even children, which were almost unthinkable, but it did happen.

Western media still has to prove Chinese defector's claims

Wei claims that experiments in China were done by the Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), which is the medical section of the People Liberation Army. It is prohibited to research nuclear war and especially biowarfare intentionally. The defector thinks the AMS is active in this research, which is not a far cry from the suspected origin of SARS-CoV-2.

A report states that an exercise platoon of soldiers was given the best food and examined for human body experiments.

Exclusive: The WHOs first Covid inquiry included a Chinese official involved in the cover-up of the outbreak, a scientist who conducted secret military projects, a bat researcher working with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and 7 others tied to the PLA.https://t.co/YCW5KbaA8i  Sharri Markson (@SharriMarkson) September 27, 2021

It was mentioned that soldiers are used as test subjects in field experiments to look into medical research studies. It is not so unusual for the PLA to do such activities.

Western media has not proven the horror of the leaders of China doing the same thing as the Nazis did in the death camps.

The systematic oppression of the Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province has made international headlines which Beijing's central vehemently denies, citing the BBC.

Claims that this Chinese minority is now being treated inhumanely and subjected to activities that violate their human rights. The Chinese Communist Party called it untrue and defaming against them.

Markson, a Sydney-based journalist, has gotten one-on-one interviews from experts on the coronavirus outbreak and how they think the outbreak's center has always been Wuhan.

There are too many loose ends to the Wuhan mystery, but the Chinese defector Wei is an excellent start to prove China may have done inhuman bio-weaponizing experiments.

Related Article: COVID-19 Patient Zero Infected by a Bat in Wuhan Lab; WHO Probe Team Reveals

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Authorities reported that at least 100 people were killed while 80 others were injured after a prison massacre flared on Tuesday in Ecuador, with officials finding more dead bodies in the aftermath of the chaos.

On Wednesday, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso announced the horrific incident that resulted in a death toll that continues to increase. Officials said that the massacre was a result of bloody clashes on Tuesday at the Litoral Penitentiary, which is found outside the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Horrific Prison Chaos

On Wednesday, Lasso held a televised speech where he indicated that the prison was not yet entirely secured. He also urged the families and relatives of inmates housed within the establishment to stay clear of the area.

During his address, Lasso said that the meeting of officials was organized to discuss what plans they need to come up with moving forward. He expressed his hopes that in the next few hours after his speech, they would see some of their plans come to fruition. He added that reports of more bodies found within the area were expected to follow, CNN reported.

It was also reported that at least five of the fatalities from the ensuing chaos were beheaded, marking the worst penitentiary massacre in the history of Ecuador. Lasso was forced to declare a state of emergency after the initial reports of violence, which prompted the deployment of police and soldiers to quell the unrest.

Read Also: Joe Biden Faces Congress Showdown as Democrats Struggle To Advance Agenda Amid Tense Negotiations

Authorities believed that the chaos within the prison was caused by gangs connected to international drug cartels fighting for control of the lockup. When the president of the region said there was no guarantee of the security of the prison, he called the situation "bad and sad."

"It is regrettable that the prisons are being turned into territories for power disputes by criminal gangs," Lasso said. He noted that he planned to move forward with "absolute firmness" to take back control of the Litoral prison and prevent future violence from spreading to other penitentiaries, The Washington Post reported.

Ongoing Crisis

The situation was followed by chaos in another Ecuadorian prison that killed at least 24 people and injured 48 others. The recent incident occurred at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province. The facility has experienced several bloody fights between gangs in the last few months.

In a statement, state prison agency SNAI said that an alert was called in the Center for the Deprivation of Liberty Guayas N1 due to gunshots and explosions in multiple areas. They reported the number of casualties and injuries.

Authorities were able to later take back control of the facility in the afternoon after personnel was evacuated and police officers were deployed into the prison while military officers guarded the exterior. Ecuador's prison system experienced riots in February and July, which affected about 39,000 inmates. During the February incident, at least 79 people were reported to have lost their lives while at least 22 were reported to have died during the July chaos.

Previously, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the violence and Human Rights Watch called on the country's government to investigate the incidents, Reuters reported.

Related Article: Former Executive Producer of 'Cuomo Prime Time' Requested Transfer Due to Alleged Inappropriate Advances by CNN Host

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Fox News host Sean Hannity recently condemned Joe Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal strategy.

On Wednesday, Hannity called the POTUS a liar for saying that there's no other choice but to pull out and leave the troops behind.

"As you can see, Joe Biden was lying. He is not an honest person. When the going gets tough, Joe Biden lies and takes zero responsibility. The buck does not stop with him. He is a sleazy, disreputable 1970s politician from Delaware, who is not qualified to be president of the United States," he said via Fox News.

Hannity also slammed the Biden administration for sweeping the Afghanistan debacle under the rug, which the host believes they are good at. He also went on to criticize the POTUS's military advisors, who are seemingly covering up.

According to Hannity, it seems that Biden never lost sleep over the innocent people that he left behind. The president hasn't also talked about the Americans that are still in Afghanistan in the last 30 days.

Joe Biden shuns questions about Afghanistan

Hannity isn't the only one with this kind of observation regarding Biden's handling of Afghanistan and the American troops that are still in the country.

Last month, he refused to respond to a question about Afghanistan while at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington, according to Washington Times.

The president initially opened the floor for questions, but Biden walked away when one reporter asked about Afghanistan. This encounter reportedly came three days after ISIS-K terrorists attacked the airport in Kabul, killing 13 US service members and approximately 170 Afghans.

Biden was also nowhere in sight when during the Aug. 15 collapse of Kabul. And he reportedly watched the harrowing events unfold while at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. However, it is essential to note that Biden addressed the nation after the Afghanistan incident took place.

Is Joe Biden's lack of response the right thing to do?

Despite all the criticisms he has received, some people have also come to Biden's defense.

Slate noted that Biden's stand about sending American troops to Afghanistan has always been the same. In fact, during Barack Obama's presidency, the generals were pushing for a major escalation of the war in Afghanistan that they requested for 40,000 more troops to be sent to the country.

Biden, a vice president at the time, was the only person who tried to convince Obama not to follow the orders. He told the ex-POTUS that sending 10,000 troops sounds sensible.

In his memoir, "A Promised Land," Obama revealed how Biden urged him not to be boxed by the generals. Biden believes that if Obama sends 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, the generals would ask him to send another 40,000 after a year and a half.

Obama later acknowledged that Biden was right. So, this might also be the reason why Biden refused to follow Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley's request.

Milley reportedly urged Biden to send 2,500 troops to Afghanistan even though he knew that 30,000 others might be needed if the Taliban resumed fighting. However, the POTUS denied his request.

Related Article: Joe Biden Faces Congress Showdown As Democrats Struggle To Advance Agenda Amid Tense Negotiations

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La Palma residents are still experiencing the effects of the recent volcano eruption in the area.

According to reports, the Cumbre Vieja volcano has started spewing toxic gas after the lava reached the sea.

Now, residents of Spain's Canary Islands and those on the western coast of La Palma are being asked to seal their doors and window to prevent the toxic gas from entering.

La Palma authorities predicted that molten lava would reach the Atlantic

Before the lava reached the sea, authorities already established an exclusion zone to protect people from explosions and toxic gases. Residents are also being asked to cover their mouths and noses with wet cloth.

The Cumbre Vieja volcano has been secreting lava for 10 days before it poured down a cliff and into the sea in Playa Nueva area. And the lava is currently moving east.

Tazacorte Mayor Juan Miguel Rodriguez Acosta confirmed that residents within a 2-km radius have been evacuated and a wider area is currently in lockdown.

The Canary Islands emergency services asked the residents on the island to stay put.

"The lava's contact with the sea can generate gases harmful for (your) health. If you are in the confined zone of Tazacorte, the safest place is inside your home," they said via CNN.

Read Also: La Palma Volcanic Eruption Update: Officials Worried Molten Hot Lava Could Bring Acid Rain To Canary Islands

Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted without warning

The Cumbre Vieja volcano first erupted on Sept. 19, which surprised residents and authorities because it didn't show any signs of movement. Prior to this, the volcano last erupted over four decades ago, according to NPR.

Following this month's eruption, 5,000 residents were asked to evacuate their houses due to the streams of molten lava that went downhill toward the neighborhood. Persons with disabilities were also evacuated from their homes.

At the time of writing, the lava swallowed 20 houses in El Paso. But this number has since increased to 600. Banana plantations in La Palma have also been engulfed by the lava.

Three days after the eruption, La Palma officials expressed concerns over the possibility of the hot lava brining acid rain to Canary Islands.

At the time, 7,000 residents have already been evacuated from the homes. And more than 400 tourists were evacuated to the island of Tenerife.

Over 180 buildings were also destroyed by the volcanic eruption after it opened four new fissures along the mountainside.

Canary Islands regional government is helping affected families

Angel Victor Torres, president of the Canary Islands regional government, said that they are working to ensure that all residents that lost their dwellings will be given shelter.

"We hope that the channel to the sea that has opened stops the lava flow, which widened to reach 600 meters at one point, from continuing to grow, because that has caused tremendous damage," Torres told Cope radio via ABC News.

Authorities are also planning to purchase over 100 unoccupied homes to help those in need.

As of writing, all flights to La Palma airport have been canceled due to a high ash cloud that reached up to seven kilometers.

Related Article: La Palma Residents Urged To Evacuate Following Massive Volcano Eruption; No Injuries Recorded

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China is currently struggling to combat a growing shortage of energy, which has affected as many as 20 provinces in the last month that many believe to be much more devastating to the global economy than the UK's gas shortage.

The reasons for the growing scarcity of energy in the Asian nation come from a crackdown on greenhouse emissions, the increasing price of coal, and increased demand for energy. It is considered to be China's biggest energy crisis in history.

Growing Energy Shortage

The majority of the energy shortage was concentrated on China's industrial hubs, which have taken the brunt of the crisis. Guangdong province officials have urged businesses in the region to limit their power usage to help the growing crisis in the country.

Many homes, businesses, and factories have been affected by sudden power cuts and energy rationing. The list of affected establishments includes manufacturers supplying tech giants Apple and Tesla, which have branches in the Asian nation.

An expert in the oil and gas industries, Ron Bousso, said that the energy shortage in China threatens to affect the global economy for the worse. Economists have also shared their forecasts of the situation and how it would affect China. They said that the nation's economic growth this year could drop from 8.2% to 7.8%, Express reported.

On Monday, three northeastern provinces were hit with an "unexpected and unprecedented" power cut brought about by the crisis. Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces experienced major disruptions to the "daily lives of people and business operations" due to the sudden power cuts.

Read Also: Joe Biden Faces Congress Showdown as Democrats Struggle To Advance Agenda Amid Tense Negotiations

China's State Grid Corporation on Monday said that it would continue to fight the growing crisis and provide enough energy to its customers. In June, the country experienced a similar power crisis but the recent situation is considered to be much worse because of a perfect storm.

Industries in China are facing growing pressure as the price of energy continues to rise with Beijing facing calls to tackle carbon emissions. The region is considered to be the biggest contributor of carbon emissions in the world, which has forced officials to pledge to control the situation before 2030, CNN reported.

Reasons for the Lack of Supply

While some believe that the coronavirus pandemic was the major contributor to the current energy crisis in China, reality is not so simple. Some of the reasons include consumer and factory demand for energy, things that predate the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the globe.

Despite many nations promising to transition to green energy and many investors moving over to renewable energy sources in the last five or 10 years, the majority of the world still relies on fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and gas. This, coupled with the lack of investment in fossil fuels, contributed to the growing energy crisis.

"Gas, coal, oil, metals, mining - you pick - the old economy is significantly underinvested. We call it the revenge of the old economy. Poor returns saw capital redirected away from the old economy to the new economy," said Jeff Currie, the global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs Group, Aljazeera reported.



Related Article: Arkansas Governor Allows State's Public Health Emergency For COVID-19 to End; Clarifies That the State Still Feels the Effects of Pandemic

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Bill Cosby recently weighed on R. Kelly's guilty verdict and said that the musician can follow in his footsteps and overturn the charges filed against him.

Cosby shared his thoughts on Kelly's conviction via his spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt. The latter said that Cosby thinks Kelly was screwed during his monthlong trial for sex trafficking and racketeering.

"The deck was stacked against Robert. His constitutional rights were grossly abused. I don't know anywhere but in this country in the United States that a documentary can bring criminal charges against someone," Wyatt told New York Post on behalf of Cosby.

Cosby's person is referring to the 2019 documentary "Surviving R. Kelly" that saw his accusers detailing the abuse that they suffered in the hands of the artist.

Wyatt is also putting the blame on Kelly's attorneys because they didn't humanize their client in front of the jury. He added that Kelly's attorneys didn't have the resources and the means so they should've asked for better representation for the musician.

During another interview, Wyatt said that Cosby thought Kelly was railroaded because the prosecutors used the same tactic that they used on him.

Read Also: Bill Cosby's Accuser Stunned By His Release From Prison, Claiming He Is Still Dangerous

Will R. Kelly experience the same fate as Bill Cosby?

Despite Kelly's guilty verdict, Cosby is confident that the musician can eventually overturn the ruling just like what happened to him.

However, Huffington Post pointed out that Cosby wasn't released following claims of sexual misconduct because he's not guilty. Rather, he was released earlier this year due to a technicality.

R. Kelly's ex-wife Andrea Kelly speaks up

Kelly was found guilty of one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, an anti-sex trafficking law. He is sentenced to 10 years to life behind bars.

Following his guilty verdict, Kelly's ex-wife wife, Andrea Kelly admitted that she has mixed feelings emotions about her husband's conviction.

"I sit in a very difficult place because unlike the rest of his victims, I also share children with him. I was married to him, so I wear two hats. I wear the hat of a survivor and an advocate, but I also wear the hat of a mother and an ex-wife... I feel that my heart is in two places," she told "Good Morning America."

Andrea also explained that her biggest concern is the welfare of her three children with Kelly. After all, they cannot just walk away from their bloodline.

Even though Andrew has the ability to distance and separate herself from it, her husband's blood runs through their children. So, she's in a very difficult position right now.

R. Kelly physically abused his ex-wife

Kelly and Andrea were married for 13 years before their divorce was finalized in 2009.

Prior to Kelly's conviction, Andrea revealed that she also suffered in the hands of her ex-husband. There was a time when the musician slammed his forearm into her neck which prevented her from breathing.

Andrea also said that when she told people about the abuse she suffered in the hands of her ex-husband, most of them victim-shamed her.

As of late, it's unclear if Andrea and her children have spoken to Kelly since Monday's guilty verdict.

Related Article: R. Kelly Convicted Of Sexual Trafficking Of Several Women Since 1990s, Sentenced To Life In Prison

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Washington State is still uncertain about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially now that they are entering the fall season.

According to reports, there is significant progress in Washington since the case and hospitalization rates dropped exponentially.

However, the state still has fears because the active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across Washington remain too high.

Since it's already the fall season, residents will spend most of their time indoors, and doing so can increase their susceptibility to contracting the deadly virus.

Many Washington state residents haven't received their COVID-19 vaccinations either, and they are still being urged to do so.

Washington state COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates not low enough

Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah acknowledged the declining numbers of active COVID-19 cases. He said that the current data is incredibly heartwarming, and he hopes that the patients and hospitalization rates will continue to decline in the coming months.

However, even with this decline, the numbers are still too high to sustain Washington's current system in place.

Read Also: Joe Biden's COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Heads For Trouble In Court; Top Immunologist Regrets Voting Him For President

Lady Fehrenbach, Deputy Secretary for COVID-19 response at the Washington State Department of Health, also chimed in. She said that hospital admissions in Washington are still significantly higher than the admissions at the peak of the third wave. There are also new admissions due to COVID-19, so hospital occupancy is also high.

In order to keep up with the demand, hospitals in Washington are forced to delay non-urgent surgeries of their other patients to accommodate those with COVID-19 first.

Dr. Daniel Getz, Chief Medical Officer for Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Holy Family Hospital, urges non-vaccinated qualified individuals to get the jab.

"Going into fall we have a lot of uncertainty. We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best," Fehrenbach said via Komo News.

Washington state vaccination rates increased between August and September

According to the Seattle Times, the vaccination rates in Washington saw a 25 percent increase in the last month.

As of writing, over 4.9 million residents of Washington already received at least their first dose of vaccine, which is more than 76 percent of the state's eligible population. On average, about 15,000 people have been vaccinated in Washington every day over the past week.

Michele Roberts, acting Assistant Secretary of the State Department of Health, said that the state has started to close the gap.

Schools statewide are also under close watch for COVID-19 outbreaks, especially since youth aged 12 to 17 have lower vaccination rates. About 46 percent of children ages 12 to 15 in Washington are fully vaccinated, and those aged 16 to 17 are about 53 percent fully vaccinated.

On the other hand, adults aged 35 to 49 are 69 percent fully vaccinated, and those aged 65 and older are about 82 percent fully vaccinated.

Washington state workers at risk of losing their jobs

Despite these figures, hundreds of Washington state workers are still at risk of losing their jobs even though they are fully vaccinated.

State agencies previously granted nearly 800 accommodations to state workers after their religious or medical exemptions were approved. But they could still lose their jobs because agencies cannot accommodate workers with non-public positions, according to King 5.

Related Article: More Than 100 Fully Vaccinated People In Washington Test Positive For COVID-19

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NASA refused to rename its $10 billion technological marvel, the James Webb Telescope, amid ongoing controversy.

Decades ago, former NASA administrator James Webb went along with government discrimination against gay and lesbian employees.

Earlier this year, 1,200 astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts signed a petition urging NASA to rename the telescope. The petition came in the heels of previous reports that unconventional people were persecuted while working under Webb's leadership.

Following an investigation conducted by the space agency, NASA decided to keep the telescope's name still. However, they didn't divulge how they conducted the review, and they didn't also reveal the identity of the person who evaluated the findings.

"We have found no evidence at this time that warrants changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told NPR.

Senior science communications officer Karen Fox also wrote an email to the publication saying that they already did what they could at this point. And they have also exhausted all their research efforts.

Read Also: Meteor Blows Up in a Fireball, But Witnesses Think It Was Something Else

Astronomers are awaiting the launch of the James Webb Telescope

Despite the ongoing controversy and backlash, thousands of people are still looking forward to the upcoming launch of the James Webb Telescope. The launch is scheduled for Dec. 18.

The James Webb Telescope will be shot off millions of kilometers away from Earth to get a glimpse of the universe during its launch. The telescope is also being dubbed as the successor of the Hubble Space Telescope.

According to India Times, astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts are hoping to study the very first stars and galaxies in the universe using the James Webb Telescope.

Since the new telescope has a golden mirror, astronomers hope to catch a glimpse of the universe as no other telescope has ever done before.

Even though the Hubble Space Telescope also had a built-in mirror, the golden mirror for the James Webb Telescope is 100 times more powerful. It also has a diameter of 21.3 feet, which means it can capture six times more light than its predecessor.

The James Webb Telescope will also be taking photos using infrared imaging. This means that the telescope has the capacity to capture extremely old galaxies that are currently located farther from Earth.

The telescope will also be placed inside a rocket that will then be deployed far away from Earth in space. Once deployed, the telescope will be millions of kilometers away from Earth. The Hubble, on the other hand, was only 547 kilometers away from Earth.

NASA dubs the James Webb Telescope as the most powerful and complex

NASA described the James Webb Telescope as the largest, most powerful, and complex space telescope to have ever been built and launched into space.

"It will fundamentally alter our understanding of the universe," NASA said on their website.

Photos of the stunning James Webb Telescope can also be viewed on NASA's website, together with all the other facts, updates, and news about their latest venture.

Related Article: NASA To Thwart Potential Asteroid Impact on Earth Using DART System To Prevent Global Catastrophe

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Henley Audio announces distribution deal with Cabasse

Henley Audio has announced a distribution partnership with Cabasse, one of France's oldest loudspeaker manufacturers. With immediate effect, Henley Audio has taken charge of brand sales, marketing, service, and pre-/post-sales support for Cabasse in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Laurence Armstrong, managing director of Henley Audio, said: "We're truly excited to be working with Cabasse. The systems their teams have produced over 70+ years in the industry offer a truly exceptional user experience housed in products that deliver acoustically and aesthetically. We are big lovers of the striking and unique stylings of Cabasse loudspeakers, so being able to offer beautifully engineered products that deliver on that front while still being sonic and acoustic powerhouses, was something we had to jump at."

Coinciding with the Henley Audio partnership, Cabasse has unveiled the limited-edition Pearl Pelegrina, which lands in the UK next month. Taking design inspiration from the Cabasse La Sphere, the new 22,599 Pelegrina marks the company's 70th anniversary, delivering a stereo digital music system to meet demands of audiophiles and style-conscious alike.

Joining the Pelegrina as a 2021 addition to the PEARL Collection is the Pearl Sub, an active sub equipped with room correction technology and high-resolution streaming. Primed to perfectly integrate with the French maker's line, the PEARL SUB is designed to partner Cabasse's Baltic 5, Lifestyle iO3, or Riga 2.
K Car CEO Jung In-kook poses at the company headquarters in Seoul in this file photo. Courtesy of IR Kudos



By Park Jae-hyuk



Hahn & Company's hoped-for earnings from the forthcoming initial public offering (IPO) of K Car has decreased, as the used-car dealership owned by the private equity firm (PEF) cut its offering price, after facing a skeptical outlook.



The possibility of a lower-than-expected profit from the IPO, set for Oct. 13 on the KOSPI, can be viewed as another unfavorable factor for the PEF, which is grappling with slower-than-expected progress in its sale of Hanon Systems and its intensifying legal battle with Namyang Dairy Products Chairman Hong Won-sik.



According to K Car's recent regulatory filing, its offering price was fixed at 25,000 won ($21), 27 percent lower than the bottom end of its desired price range that had been set between 34,300 won and 43,200 won.



The amount of the largest shareholder's stocks to be sold to the public immediately after the IPO also decreased by 20 percent to 12.26 million shares from 15.62 million.



As a result, the market cap of K Car was set at 1.2 trillion won, instead of the previous estimation of 2 trillion won. Hahn & Company has also been unable to sell as many K Car shares as it wanted initially, until a year after its listing.



"Due to consecutive large-scale domestic IPOs, fewer individuals are participating in such deals, and medium-sized asset management companies here are facing a shortage of funds," said a representative from NH Investment & Securities, the lead underwriter for the K Car IPO. "Considering the market condition, we decided to put up a market-friendly price."



This was the first time for a company worth over 1 trillion won to lower its offering price due to a negative demand forecast.



In contrast to foreign institutional investors offering higher prices, locals remained conservative, citing recent failures in terms of managing mega-size IPO deals, including the listing of Lotte Rental last month, to attract investors on the domestic stock market.



Even after the demand forecasting, securities analysts expressed a rosy outlook for K Car.



"K Car is expected to post 1.8 trillion won in sales this year and 75 billion won in operating profit," Yuanta Securities analyst Ahn Joo-won said in a report released Tuesday. "I'm optimistic about its valuation, given that the amount of shares to be sold immediately after its IPO accounts for only 28 percent of the outstanding shares and the company is expected to continue its growth without seasonality."



Hahn & Company's forthcoming sale of its 12.26 million shares will enable it to earn at least 306.5 billion won, which is larger than the 205 billion won it had paid in 2018 to buy K Car from SK. Its remaining stake will be worth 866 billion won at the IPO price.



However, it is still unclear whether the PEF could achieve its ambitious initial goal of earning up to 670 billion won through the IPO, because the sluggish demand forecasting among institutional investors will have a negative impact on retail investors' subscriptions, which will take place this Thursday and Friday.



Moreover, individuals have remained reluctant about investing in PEF-owned companies to avoid their money being used to profit the PEFs.





Seen is Hanon Systems' factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Hanon Systems



Hahn & Company has been recognized for signing dozens of buyout deals without suffering any losses from its portfolio companies.



The procedure for selling its controlling stake in Hanon Systems worth over 8 trillion won, however, is taking longer than expected, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has made it difficult for potential buyers in other countries to conduct due diligence of the auto parts manufacturer's assets.



Securities analysts initially expected the main bid to take place in September, but a source familiar with this issue said the deal will be finalized next year, following the main bid later this year.



Although the sale procedure gained momentum after Carlyle, Bain Capital, Germany's Mahle, France's Valeo and Japan's Nidec were shortlisted as qualified buyers, the record-high valuation is still mentioned as a variable.





Namyang Dairy Products Chairman Hong Won-sik wipes away tears, during a press conference held May 4 at the company's headquarters in Seoul to make a public apology. Korea Times photo by Ko Young-kwon




The growth in the number of new workers hired by businesses in August fell to a five-month low last month, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to weigh down on the economy, the government said Thursday.







The total number of employees as of the end of last month stood at 18.85 million, up 224,000, or 1.2 percent, from a year ago, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, however, the rise was the smallest since March when the number increased by 193,000.







The ministry said that the number of people working at restaurants and hotels dropped by 35,000, while those in the travel and facility maintenance business also decreased by 12,000.







Workers in the government and public administration also fell by 85,000, recording a sharper drop that was seen as being due to the large increase in public hiring in August last year.







The number of employees in manufacturing, however, rose by 22,000, a fourth-consecutive monthly gain since May. Public health and welfare workers also increased by 112,000, and employees in the technology and telecommunications sectors also saw increases of 59,000 and 56,000, respectively. (Yonhap)










By Jun Ji-hye







The Philippine Department of Tourism Korea (PDOT Korea) has launched an online training program called the "Philippine Specialist Program" (PSP) designed to provide travel agents in Korea with systematic and professional knowledge about the Southeast Asian country.







PDOT Korea said the program, which was launched Monday, offers vivid and useful information that reflects changing consumer trends amid the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the program is aimed at preparing for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic when international tourism is expected to resume.







The course consists of online modules containing a total of 43 themes introducing various tourism resources, including history, local festivals, gastronomy, attractions, activities and useful travel tips. Each module includes video materials in addition to text information to boost understanding.







Participants can take the online courses by registering on the official website.







After completing 43 modules followed by special quiz sessions, the participants will be awarded certificates certifying them as specialists on the Philippines.







"These online learning courses are planned to support Korean travel agents who are willing to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the Philippines to customers, develop new tour products and finally sell the tour products once the overseas travel restrictions are relaxed," said Maria Apo, the tourism director of PDOT Korea.







The training also provides a variety of special benefits that enable participants to organize and sell tour products by displaying the phrase "PDOT-Certified Philippine Specialist" on their websites, promotional channels and email signatures.







The participants will be given priority status in invitations to various events organized by PDOT Korea. In addition, the PDOT Korea will select some of the participants and place them on its official website with relevant links in a bid to help them maximize their sales of tour products.


An official poster for the 10th Seoul International Writers' Festival / Courtesy of SIWF





By Park Han-sol







The 10th Seoul International Writers' Festival, a global platform for fruitful literary exchanges between Korean and international authors and readers since its inception in 2006, will be held in a hybrid online-offline format starting next week.







Under the theme of "Awakening," 33 writers from 16 countries will participate in the event from Oct. 8 to 24 to discuss the role and future of literature after COVID-19 comes to an end, a period that will inevitably be marked by sweeping cultural changes worldwide.







The 17-day festival  jointly hosted by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea), the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, the Seoul Design Foundation and Incheon International Airport Corporation  will hold lectures, writers' talks, film screenings, recitals and multilingual reading sessions of Korean literature.







Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of humanities-based topics such as the environment, gender and genre, and youth fiction.







A scene from "Free Falling," a cinematic adaptation of Hwang Jung-eun's short story of the same title / Courtesy of SIWF





The festival will open next Friday with the voices of celebrated novelist Han Kang, a recipient of the prestigious 2016 Man Booker International Prize for "The Vegetarian," and Mariana Enriquez, an Argentinian author and journalist known for her works of Latin American Gothic realism.







Notable sessions include a one-on-one writers' talk between author-chemist Kwak Jae-sik and multiple Hugo Award-winning American writer Ken Liu, in which the two will share their views on artificial intelligence, the Metaverse and the idea of utopia through their works of science fiction.







Another session between author Kim Soom and French writer and film director Vanessa Springora will investigate literature's role in dealing with historical trauma.





Other participants include English writer Max Porter, Yun Ko-eun, whose "The Disaster Tourist" has recently made headlines as the recipient of the 2021 Dagger Award, and the rising author Lee Mi-ye who wrote the best-selling book "Dollar Good Dream Department Store."







In celebration of the 10th edition of the festival, four short films that have been adapted from domestic literary works will be screened both online and at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Oct. 9 and 10, accompanied by Q&A sessions with the authors and directors. The original works in question are "Tomorrow's Lovers" by Jung Young-su, "Free Falling" by Hwang Jung-eun, "Big Brother" by Kim Kyung-uk and "Worms" by Kim Ae-ran.


gettyimagesbank



The number of babies born in South Korea dropped to a record low in July, data showed Wednesday, in the latest sign that underscores the country's gloomy demographic situation with the chronically low birth rate.



A total of 22,352 babies were born in July, down 2.8 percent from the previous year, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.



In the first seven months of this year, the number of newborns reached an all-time low of 159,269, down 3.4 percent from the previous year.



South Korea is struggling with a sustained fall in childbirths, as many young people give up getting married or having babies amid a prolonged economic slowdown.



The country's total fertility rate  the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime  hit a record low of 0.84 last year. It marked the third straight year the rate was below 1 percent.






In this 2019 February file photo, a man paints a pole next to pictures of Vietnam, U.S. and North Korean national flags in Hanoi ahead of the second U.S.-North Korean summit. AFP-Yonhap



The United States has no hostile policy and is ready to meet with North Korea without preconditions, a State Department spokesman said Wednesday, after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the U.S. offer to engage with the North is a disguise for its hostility.



"The United States harbors no hostile intent toward the DPRK. Our policy calls for a calibrated, practical approach that is open to and will explore diplomacy with the DPRK to make tangible progress that increases the security of the United States, our allies, and our deployed forces," a State Department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency in an email.



DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name.



"We are prepared to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We hope the DPRK will respond positively to our outreach," the spokesperson added.






In this image captured from Youtube, Sydney Seiler, national intelligence officer for North Korea at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, speaks in a webinar hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank, Sept. 29.



The top U.S. intelligence officer on North Korea on Wednesday argued the North does not seek a permanently improved relationship with South Korea, arguing the North's long-term objective remains decoupling the U.S.-South Korea alliance and possibly invade South Korea.



"I'm always interested to see an introduction of a new piece of intelligence or information that would overturn my assessment but you just have to conclude strategically North Korea does not seek sustained improved relations with South Korea," said Sydney Seiler, national intelligence officer for North Korea at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.



"In fact, you can make more arguments because of influence, cultural influence, political influence and the price that would have to be paid. There's no real sustained North-South daytime without the nuclear issue being addressed that just the cost of sustained engagement with the South is greater than it's worth for the North," he added in a webinar hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.



His remark comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, said the two Koreas may discuss ways to improve inter-Korean relations and even hold an inter-Korean summit if Seoul dropped its hostility against her country.



North Korean ambassador to the U.N., Kim Song, on the other hand, called for a permanent end to the joint military exercises of South Korean forces and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops, calling them a sheer example of what he called the countries' hostility against the North.



Seiler said the North has always tried to and continues to seek to drive a wedge between the two allies.



"I think North Korea is well aware of the strength of the alliance and this is a value of, first of all, 28,500 (U.S. Forces Korea) troops on the ground with dependence. So the commitment of the United States to the defense of Republic of Korea is well understood by North Korea," he said.



"That's why the North Koreans hate our exercises. Not because they feel our exercises are a threat, but (because) they are a regular reminder  our training and our exercises  that we have an alliance that is committed to deny North Korea from seeking to do what it attempted to do on June 25, 1950 and what it has attempted to generate year after year," he added, referring to the start date of the 1950-53 Korean War.



The U.S. official reiterated the allies must not ease their joint deterrence or their emphasis on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as the North Korean leader may come to believe that "first, he can gain acceptance as a nuclear weapons state" and "second, split the U.S.-ROK alliance  achieve decoupling."



Seiler also insisted the countries should not pay too much attention to North Korean provocations such as missile launches, noting they only indicate the North's continued to efforts to improve its weapons systems.



North Korea on Wednesday (Seoul time) said it test fired a new hypersonic missile the previous day.



"All too often, however, people are overly focused on when's the next launch or when's the next talks. We know talks will come. We know launches will come ... The longer term strategic implications of a non-denuclearizing North Korea is where everybody's eyes and minds and heads should be focused right now," he said.



To prevent North Korea from achieving its "longer term strategic objectives," Seiler said they countries must seek to establish an international consensus that the North will never be accepted as a nuclear weapons state.



"Maintaining that international consensus on the unacceptability will send a strong message to Pyongyang that their strategy is not working," he said.



"The opposite is frankly potentially dangerous because it could encourage Kim Jong-un beyond the mere possession of nuclear weapons but using those to achieve longer term strategic objectives we all know," added Seiler. (Yonhap)


Students get tested for the coronavirus at a high school in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



Concerns are growing among parents as children aged 12 to 17 will be allowed to get COVID-19 vaccines starting next month.



Their main concerns are related to possible side effects, but they are also worried about the social disadvantages caused by not being vaccinated.



According to a detailed plan for vaccination of this age group released Tuesday by the Korea Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccination will not be compulsory for children, and will be carried out based only on the consent of a parent or a legal guardian.



However, the public health authorities believe that the benefits of vaccinating children do not outweigh the risks of infection overwhelmingly, unlike with other age groups.



The probability of developing a serious case of COVID-19 is significantly lower for children than for other age groups. As well, the parents cited fears of their children developing heart problems after vaccination, citing a report published by the Journal of Korean Medical Science earlier this year which recommended "Close monitoring for the occurrence of myocarditis/pericarditis after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents."



Kim So-young, the mother of a middle school student in Seoul's Gwangjin District, said that she spent almost a month considering the pros and cons of whether her son should get vaccinated.



The number of infections in her neighborhood has been increasing since the beginning of the fall semester, but Kim said that she still does not feel at ease about the vaccine's possible side effects.



"I haven't decided yet whether to get the vaccine for my son, but I feel like we are stuck in limbo, because if my son doesn't get the vaccine, he could get infected with the coronavirus or be bullied," Kim said.



Jung Da-woon, another mother of a middle school student in southern Seoul's Seocho District, said she that decided not to vaccinate her 14-year-old son, but is concerned that he might be bullied by his peers.



"My son wants to receive the vaccine once he becomes eligible, saying that unvaccinated students can be blamed for spreading the virus if infections occur in schools, and that may lead to bullying," Jung said.



So far, 11,191 patients in Korea aged 12 to 17 have been confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19, accounting for 397.1 per 100,000 people, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The rate of COVID-19 infection per 100,000 people in all age groups is 458.9, with a rate of 612.7 in the 18-29 age group. These rates are much lower that the infection rates of children and adolescents.



In addition, three of the total confirmed COVID-19 patients aged 12 to 17 in Korea have developed serious cases, amounting to an overall rate of 0.03 percent getting seriously ill from COVID-19. This rate is lower compared to the 2.47 percent of all patients here who become seriously ill, and the 0.19 percent aged 18 to 29. There have been no deaths in the 12-17 age group here yet.



As for the vaccine side effects, 15 cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were confirmed among high school seniors in Korea, but all of the patients recovered.



"For healthy children and adolescents without underlying diseases, considering the overall risks and benefits of getting vaccinated, including the adverse reactions and long-term safety concerns, the benefits are higher than the risks. However, the benefits are not overwhelmingly high," Choi Eun-hwa, head of the Korea Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said in a briefing on Monday.



"That's why the committee and the government recommend that children get vaccinated, but they are not in a position to recommend children get vaccinated unconditionally," she said.



"There are parents and children themselves who really want the children to get vaccinated, so the government is giving them the opportunity to choose."


Baek-ho, a Welsh Corgi that became a YouTube sensation / Courtesy of Kang Seung-yeon



By Lee Hae-rin



Corgi YouTube star Baek-ho's human owner Kang Seung-yeon, 32, is a regular donor to charities supporting abandoned animals. Kang creates and uploads videos of her daily life with Baek-ho on her YouTube and social media channels and donates all of the related income to animal welfare causes.



Over 128,000 animal lovers have subscribed to Baek-ho's YouTube channel, "Baek-ho Next Door," while over 640,000 people follow him on Twitter and Instagram combined. Baek-ho was on the cover of the April edition of Big Issue Korea, and before the pandemic used to have a regular "fan walk" with 300 to 400 subscribers.





Baek-ho, a Welsh Corgi YouTube star, appears on the cover of the April edition of Big Issue Korea. / Courtesy of Kang Seung-yeon



"It started out as something very personal in 2015  an online diary to look back when Baek-ho passes and a backup folder of his photos and videos in case I lose my phone," Kang told The Korea Times. "I didn't know back then that Baek-ho would be so famous."



Kang is not sure why the channel became such a success, but says she always tries to portray Baek-ho's life with honesty.





Kang Seung-yeon and Baek-ho take a walk together in this photo taken in 2020. / Courtesy of Kang Seung-yeon
South Korea's chief nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, right, and his U.S. counterpart, Sung Kim, pose before their talks in Jakarta, Sept. 30. Yonhap



The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States held talks in Jakarta on Thursday to discuss joint efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea, after its leader Kim Jong-un voiced a willingness to restore inter-Korean communication lines following tensions over recent missile tests.



The talks between Seoul's chief nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, and his U.S. counterpart, Sung Kim, came as Seoul and Washington are strategizing on humanitarian aid, confidence-building measures and other steps to encourage Pyongyang's return to dialogue.



Striking a conciliatory note, the North Korean leader told Wednesday's parliamentary session that he is willing to reactivate the cross-border communication lines in early October though he discounted the U.S. overtures for dialogue as a cover for hostility toward the North, according to the Korean Central News Agency.



Noh and Kim were expected to exchange their assessments of the leader's speech, the North's intentions behind its recent saber-rattling, including Tuesday's test-firing of a newly developed hypersonic missile, as well as inducements for dialogue.



The two sides were also likely to discuss President Moon Jae-in's recent proposal for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, which Noh has said was the "most effective" among confidence-building measures with the North.



On the humanitarian front, Seoul and Washington have been discussing various measures for vulnerable people in the impoverished country, such as cooperation in public health, antivirus quarantine, sanitation and clean water.



Ahead of this week's talks, both Noh and Kim have stressed their governments' steady commitment to diplomacy with the North, with the former calling the current juncture a crucial point for the resumption of peace efforts, and the latter saying the North's missile activities have not changed the U.S.' determination for dialogue.



Thursday's meeting followed their last in-person talks in Tokyo a little over a fortnight ago. Noh and Kim also met in Seoul and Washington last month in an indication of stepped-up diplomacy to reengage with the North. (Yonhap)


Former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida attends a press conference at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, after being elected the LDP president. He will become next prime minister of the country. EPA-Yonhap



Tokyo may wait for Korea's next administration to be launched



By Kang Seung-woo



The leadership change in Japan with a new prime minister to be appointed next week is unlikely to reverse the current downward spiral of bilateral ties with Korea anytime soon, according to diplomatic observers, Thursday.



On Wednesday, Japan's former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election and is set to be become the next prime minister, Oct. 4. Kishida is known here for his role in the now-scrapped "comfort women" deal in 2015 to resolve the thorny historical issue of sexual slavery.



In response to Kishida's election, Cheong Wa Dae issued a statement, hoping for cooperation with the new Japanese Cabinet for the development of forward-looking relations between the two countries, which have reached their lowest point in years over historical and territorial issues. Outgoing Prime Minster Yoshihide Suga never held a summit with President Moon Jae-in after taking office a year ago.



"While a new leadership is always an opportunity for change, I think that Kishida's victory to lead the LDP will not have much impact on Korea-Japan relations in the near term," U.S. Naval War College Professor Terence Roehrig said.



Roehrig also noted that the new premier faces a heap of domestic issues to focus on, including upcoming parliamentary elections, ahead of addressing the feud with Korea.



Japan is scheduled to hold a general election in November and the election of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of parliament, next summer.



Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the tensions in Korea-Japan relations were historical and structural in nature and that the distrust was very difficult to reverse.



"Unfortunately, I think that the dangerous downward spiral in Korea-Japan relations has its own momentum," he said.



"The recent decision to seize and sell Mitsubishi assets by the Moon administration, for example, would have a very negative reaction in Japan regardless of who might be prime minister, as it goes against Japanese views on previous Korea-Japan agreements."



Earlier this week, the Daejeon District Court ordered the sale of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' assets here to compensate victims of forced wartime labor.



"I think in light of the current situation, any Korea-Japan rapprochement will be difficult and a long-term issue, though cooperation in the face of mutual threats from North Korea should continue," Manning added.



Roehrig said if Kishida survives the November election, his Cabinet will await the outcome of Korea's presidential election in March 2022, rather than reaching out to the Moon administration, which has been making last-ditch efforts to normalize its relations with Japan before his term ends in May 2022.



"Kishida will assess the new Korean administration's position on improving ties. There may be an opportunity for progress then, but the obstacles remain huge," he said.



Amid growing China's assertiveness in Indo-Pacific, the United States is seeking to rally its regional allies to counter Beijing and as part of its efforts, Washington is trying to enhance trilateral cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo.





Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga leaves after a news conference at his office in Tokyo in this Sept. 9 photo. The outgoing prime minister has never held a summit with President Moon Jae-in since taking office about a year ago. AP-Yonhap




By Hwang Dong-hee







GCS (Goodwill Cooperation Service) International signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Saemaul Undong Center and the GCS International Korea Chapter to cooperate in creating a "community for living well together" and in promoting world peace, Tuesday, Sept. 28.







Under the three-party agreement, the organizations will jointly engage in educational, cultural, and voluntary works and sporting events domestically and globally.







In addition, they agreed to carry out activities for the Korea Saemaul Undong Center's goals of promoting a "life movement," "peace movement," "community movement" and a "global village Saemaul Undong," in accordance with the Center's founding spirit, represented by the motto of "diligence, self-help and cooperation," as well as the basic GCS movement principles of "goodwill, cooperation and service."







The three parties will actively utilize their respective networks and resources in conducting volunteer projects home and abroad, and dedicate part of the proceeds from the activities to helping refugees and children in developing countries.







"I am so pleased to sign this agreement with the Korea Saemaul Undong Center. I hope that this agreement will bring great and tangible achievements in the near future," GCS International President Choue Chung-won said during the ceremony.







"It is especially meaningful because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of my late father, who established the GCS movement," he added.







Yum Hong-chul, who heads the Korea Saemaul Undong Center, said, "The GCS movement and the Saemaul Undong have much in common in their respective spirits. I look forward to a great synergy effect from this agreement."


Floor leaders of the two major parties, Rep. Yun Ho-jung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, left, and Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party, right, fist-bump each other during a meeting presided over by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug in his office at the Assembly, Wednesday, to discuss the contentious "fake news" bill. They decided to form a special committee for further discussion on the matter through Dec. 31. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



The so-called "fake news" bill, which the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has been pushing, will not be put to a vote in the National Assembly by the end of the year, as the ruling and opposition blocs agreed to delay it for further review amid criticism from here and abroad that it risks undermining press freedom, with even President Moon Jae-in expressing concerns.



Considering the political parties will be going all out for the March 9 presidential election next year, the National Assembly vote can be delayed further, and may even be thrown out entirely if a candidate of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), which opposes the bill, wins the election.



The DPK and the PPP agreed Wednesday to form a special committee to further discuss details of the revision bill to the Act on Press Arbitration as well as other media-related laws through Dec. 31. Accordingly, the introduction of the bill at the National Assembly for a plenary vote will not take place before that time.



"Members of the media, civic organizations and expert groups have repeatedly requested that overall discussions of other media-related laws should also accompany those on the Press Arbitration Act," DPK floor leader Rep. Yun Ho-jung said after his meeting with PPP floor leader Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug, during which they agreed to create the special committee.



Kim said: "We made the decision after much deliberation in order to respect the basic principle that the ruling and opposition parties run the National Assembly through dialogue and consensus as much as possible."



The bill would impose punitive damages against media outlets or reporters allegedly producing "fake news," with the amount of possible compensation being up to fivefold the financial damage suffered by the victims of the alleged disinformation. This faced criticism from media groups both here and abroad over the possibility it could be used to suppress press freedom with ambiguous standards on fake news, and be abused to silence media reports critical of political and economic power.



In early September, the DPK and the PPP formed an eight-member consultative body to discuss the matter but failed to reach an agreement even after 11 meetings. The DPK planned to introduce the bill to the National Assembly for a plenary vote Monday, but reached an agreement with the PPP for further review, apparently giving in to international pressure.



Even President Moon called for a "thorough review" of the bill. He told reporters, Sept. 22, "As the media, civic groups and international groups have raised issues with the bill, I think these should be discussed thoroughly."



If the two parties fail to reach an agreement by Dec. 31, the DPK could push ahead with a plenary vote on the bill, but might not as it will be focusing on the presidential election. Political watchers say the DPK attempting to railroad the bill may have a negative impact on the party, as seen with its previous railroading of contentious bills earlier this year, which pushed the party's approval rating down.



If the PPP wins the presidential election, the bill may be scrapped entirely, because even if the DPK approves it by taking advantage of its majority position at the Assembly, the president has the right to veto it.


Conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) leader Lee Jun-seok, second from right, speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. The PPP is calling for an investigation by a special counsel into corruption allegations involving Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, the front-runner among the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea's presidential contenders, surrounding a land development project in Seongnam when Lee Jae-myung was mayor of the city. Joint Press Corps
This photo carried on North Korea's Korean Central News Agency shows what North Korea claims to be a new hypersonic missile launched from Toyang-ri, Ryongrim County, Jagang Province, North Korea, Tuesday. AP-Yonhap



Cheong Wa Dae remains neutral on Tuesday's missile launch



By Nam Hyun-woo



North Korea claimed Wednesday that the missile it launched a day earlier was a new, self-developed hypersonic one, in what is believed to be a move to test Seoul's reaction and gain leverage prior to a possible inter-Korean summit and denuclearization talks with U.S.



Its state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Pyongyang's Academy of Defense Science had test-fired the hypersonic missile, dubbed Hwasong-8, from Jagang Province.



"In the first test-launch, national defense scientists confirmed the navigational control and stability of the missile in the active section and also its technical specifications including the guiding maneuverability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead," the KCNA said.



The report added that the academy "also ascertained the stability of the engine as well as of the missile fuel ampoule that has been introduced for the first time." However, the KCNA did not state whether it was a ballistic missile nor any other details. Reportedly, the South Korean military assumes that it flew less than 200 kilometers.



The report came after private experts' analysis that the North might have tested a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) launched from a ballistic missile.



"North Korea claims it developed a hypersonic missile, but it appears to be an HGV launched from a ballistic missile, not a hypersonic cruise missile (HCM)," said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies. "Given the North dropped a hint that it will develop hypersonic glide technology in January, it seems that the warhead can fly at hypersonic speed. Also, North Korea said the missile was named the Hwasong-8, and the Hwasong series has historically been ballistic missiles powered by a liquid-fuel engine."



In recent years, military powerhouses such as the U.S., China and Russia, have been developing hypersonic missiles, which are capable of traveling at more than five times the speed of sound, thus making them difficult to intercept.



There are two primary categories of hypersonic missiles  HGVs and HCMs. While HGVs are launched from a ballistic missile before gliding to their target, HCMs are powered by high-speed ram-jets to a pre-programmed target, according to a U.S. Congressional Research Service report.



Since hypersonic missiles do not follow a ballistic trajectory and can maneuver towards their target, they are regarded as having a combination of the advantages of ballistic missile  which can carry heavier warheads  and cruise missiles  which are difficult to detect and intercept. According to the report, Russia has already deployed the Avangard, a hypersonic glide vehicle launched from an intercontinental ballistic missile, while the U.S. earlier this week successfully tested a hypersonic cruise missile.



"An HGV poses a greater threat than an HCM, because the trajectory of the gliding vehicle becomes almost impossible to predict after it is launched from its ballistic missile," said Shin In-kyun, a defense analyst and an affiliated professor at Kyonggi University Graduate School of North Korean Studies.



Along with the missile itself, experts said North Korea's mentioning of "ampoule" (KCNA terminology) is also noteworthy. This "ampoule" appears to be referring to a sealed liquid fuel tank. A liquid-fueled missile has a reduced preparation time prior to launch, and can under appropriate circumstances be kept in an advance state of readiness.



Shin said North Korea's alleged hypersonic missile technology appears to be at in its early stages because the Hwasong-8 flew less than 200 kilometers at a speed of less than Mach 2.5, but he expects the North will continue efforts to upgrade its technology to a level where actual deployment is possible.



South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesday: "We believe the missile which North Korea claimed was hypersonic appears to be at an early level of development, and it will be a long time before it is deployed," adding, "it can be detected and intercepted with the current military assets of South Korea and the U.S."



The North's announcement is interpreted as a test to see whether South Korea and the U.S. will recognize its missile programs as its "right to test weapons," which is one of the demands that North Korea has been making recently as a precondition to engage in talks for an official end to the Korean War declaration and denuclearization.



While showing a positive response to President Moon's proposal to declare a formal end to the war, Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, demanded Seoul and Washington withdraw their "double dealing standards."



The rhetoric is assumed to be targeting South Korea's test of a locally developed submarine-launched ballistic missile, Sept. 15. When North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a train the same day, Seoul defined this move as a "provocation."



Since then, Moon hasn't used the term provocation, specifically to describe Tuesday's launch, which is interpreted as a tactic to maintain his "peace momentum."



Cheong Wa Dae kept a neutral stance over the missile launch, Wednesday. Park Soo-hyun, senior presidential secretary for public communication, said in a radio interview, "We cannot prejudge anything for now," and, "we should focus on finding out North Korea's intention precisely through a thorough analysis."








North Korea's latest missile launches will not affect the U.S.' determination to seek diplomacy with the North for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. nuclear envoy for Pyongyang said Wednesday.





Sung Kim, U.S. special representative for North Korea, made the remark at a press event in Jakarta, a day after the North test-fired a hypersonic missile into the East Sea. The firing came after the regime's test-firings of two short-range missiles on Sept. 15 and a new type of cruise missile days earlier.





While describing the missile launches as a "threat" and "a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," under which the North is banned from testing or using nuclear and ballistic technologies, Kim said that does not "deter" the U.S. from continuing to pursue a "diplomatic path."





"We're strongly committed to finding a diplomatic path to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," he said at the event with foreign journalists. "That has not changed at all. These missile activities do not change our determination."





"We're waiting to hear back from Pyongyang. We have proposed dialogues on a wide range of topics ... we hope to hear back soon," Kim added.





The missile launches came amid Seoul's efforts to explore ways with Washington to resume the stalled dialogue with Pyongyang. Since last week, Pyongyang has expressed a willingness to improve inter-Korean relations and even discuss a summit with Seoul, but on the condition that the South drops its double standard and hostile attitudes against the regime.





Kim is set to hold talks with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, to discuss North Korean issues in Jakarta on Thursday. (Yonhap)


South Korea's chief nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport before leaving for Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday. Yonhap



South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator, Noh Kyu-duk, held video talks with his Chinese counterpart Wednesday and discussed North Korea's latest missile launch and recent statements, the foreign ministry said.



Noh's talks with Liu Xiaoming, Beijing's special representative on Korean Peninsula affairs, came a day after the North test-fired a hypersonic missile into the East Sea.



The firing came only days after Pyongyang expressed a willingness to improve inter-Korean relations and even discuss a summit with Seoul, on the condition the South drops its double-standard and hostile attitudes against the regime.



During the talks, Noh "asked for China's constructive role in efforts to bring Pyongyang back to dialogue, as he underscored the need for the stable management of the peninsula situation and a swift resumption of the talks," the ministry said in a release.



Liu reaffirmed Beijing's willingness to cooperate to advance the peace process for the Korean Peninsula, according to the ministry.



The two also agreed to meet in person at an early date to continue the discussions.



On Tuesday, Noh also spoke by phone with his U.S. counterpart, Sung Kim, and discussed the North's missile launch. Noh departed for Indonesia later in the day for talks with Kim, slated for Thursday.



"We will put our heads together for in-depth discussions on how to break through the current situation based on the evaluations we have shared on the series of the statements by North Korea and its missile launch," Noh told reporters at the airport before leaving for Jakarta, where Kim doubles as the U.S. ambassador to the country.



Noh also noted that he will discuss with Kim the end-of-war declaration, proposed by President Moon Jae-in at last week's U.N. General Assembly, as a way to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.



"I believe it's the most effective among the confidence-building measures, as we have discussed with the U.S. various measures, such as the humanitarian cooperation, and so I plan to discuss that as well," Noh added. (Yonhap)








By Lee Min-young







ESG, or the environmental, social, and governance principles of a company, is one of the main topics being discussed these days in the business world.







Europe and the U.S. have been leading the adoption of ESG standards, while businesses in Asia have recently started to jump on the bandwagon.







To understand this topic in more depth, The Korea Times invited Jeon YouMe, the managing director of PERSOLKELLY Korea and the group leader for PERSOLKELLY Consulting in the APAC region, for a discussion on how Korean companies are responding to the rapidly evolving business environment in which ESG management practices are becoming the central issue for companies to tackle in order to survive  both for the firms themselves and for humankind's future generations.







Jeon has more than 20 years of experience in consulting for multinational corporations in Korea and Singapore to help them build corporate strategies for market entry, HR solutions, and corporate restructuring.







We also invited Elvin Tan, who will join us online from Singapore. He is the Regional Director of PERSOLKELLY and the Head of Operations in the APAC region.







With our two panelists having worked in the HR solutions industry for many years, they will give us more focused insights on what roles HR plays in helping companies succeed, as well as how companies can incorporate HR strategies that pursue ESG principles and standards.






Video by Yun Da-been



The average Korean generates a little over 1 kilogram of solid waste each day.



Multiply that by Korea's entire population, and that equates to nearly 56,000 tons of waste being disposed of in just a single day. Now the question is where does it all go?



"The country's overflowing landfills and worsening pollution levels, in general, have made it unsustainable to freely dispose of our waste as was done in the past," Phae Chae-gun, professor of Environmental Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) said.



"But that means we have to build new incinerators, right? The problem is that nobody wants one in their neighborhood. You have opposition from both the residents and the regional governments. Not in my backyard, as they say. Given these negative perceptions that are entrenched in our society, it is difficult to get anything going when it comes to building new incinerators."



Amid public concerns over our conventional means of handling waste, all-new waste management solutions are now coming under the spotlight. Here at the Union Tower and Union Park in the city of Hanam, a new waste management facility has been constructed recently along with a number of amenities for nearby residents.






By David A. Tizzard





This week we've seen North Korea launch missiles from a train and, not to be outdone, South Korea launch missiles from a submarine with the President looking on all authoritatively. Those vertical peninsula pushes have since been surpassed by an announcement from Biden, Boris and "that fella down under" that there will be an axis of Anglo-Saxonism with its own missiles combining and being pointed towards Beijing. Taiwan seems to be getting involved too. Nothing to worry about though, of course. Just weapons of destruction being paraded in front of us. It's for our own safety. Our guns are defensive; theirs are a threat. And the missiles will be only used on the "other" people, and they don't count.







Are Kim Jong-un and Pyongyang really an existential threat today though? Norm Macdonald got it right when he said no one really wakes up in the middle of the night clutching their blanket in a cold sweat worrying about North Korea. Perhaps John Bolton does, but the less said about him the better.







And despite all of this, the digital emotion machine has been pushed forward by op-eds, memes and the blue-ticked crew sharing the exact same pictures and data demanding our attention. Sadly, we don't have nearly as many questioning whether we should be worried by these developments. Nor are people addressing the psychological effects of looking at these murder weapons all day. And while all this fills the news and headspaces, World Suicide Prevention Day sneaks past us almost apologetically: "Sorry for interrupting your missile talk. People are dying here but we promise not to make too much fuss," it says.







A septuplet of Korean lads dancing to an Ed Sheeran song is front page news. Lisa getting 90 million views in a few days gets an "URGENT" headline on news outlets' Twitter. The government declaring a new K brand for its "world-beating response to the COVID pandemic" dominates television while the next story reminds us that we should definitely NOT travel during Chuseok. But that South Korea has the highest suicide rate among all members of the OECD in 2021, with its heartbreaking figures of 24.7 deaths per 100,000 being more than double the OECD average, is generally known but not spoken about. When interviewed recently for a government-funded documentary, I was politely asked not to mention the country's devastating statistics or address that particular issue. "Only beautiful, please."







In the domestic news, suicide is referred to euphemistically as an "extreme choice." This linguistic trick is an example of how the country won't really face up to the severity and reality of what's going on. For many, the concept is still taboo. Occasionally celebrities commit suicide and everyone grieves for a few days and says how awesome they were before moving on to the next story.





When discussing all of this with

, free from government restraints, some of the public responses to our conversation were incredibly sad. One citizen took the time to tell us, "As someone who went through severe depression before, I don't think it's a good idea to share what you're suffering from with others. Especially in Korea. It's most likely to affect your life in a negative way and that's because of the old public perception. People will judge you and treat you differently."







Suffer in silence. Get through it. Other people won't understand so don't burden them. There's real stuff happening that's more important: you saw the missiles, right?







I'm not sure it's acceptable anymore for the military and governments to keep instilling fear in us and creating division. Not at the expense of citizens' lives. And this leads me to wonder what would happen if a politician ran on a platform that focused on the mental health and well-being of the people? What if someone stood up, renounced missiles, and instead championed happiness and mental health awareness? Would they be called crazy?







In a weird and twisted way, yes. Probably.











Dr. David A. Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies. He is a social/cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.




By Scott Shepherd





Since our wedding, my wife and I have been thinking about getting a cat  by which I mean that I've been trying to convince my wife to let us get one. And last week, after over two years of careful consideration (pleading), we (my wife) finally decided that we were ready.







So off to the animal rescue center we trundled.





Weirdly, not long afterward  indeed, while I was still trying to get my thoughts together for this piece  The Korea Times

about what appears to be a kind of utopian animal rescue shelter, called the Bom Center in Paju. I suppose there's something in the air these days in Korea.







We live nowhere near Paju, so we happily settled on our local animal rescue center. The process was pretty straightforward. The person at the desk  I suppose a veterinarian nurse  led us through the hospital to the animal viewing room, and presented in turn each of the kittens up for adoption. We chose the youngest, signed some forms, paid for a few (pricey) medical procedures, and we were off. On the way home, we agreed on the name, "Podo," the Korean word for grape. Now we have a pet cat.







However, our experience was nothing like what I imagine the good residents of Paju go through when they visit their local pet rescue center.







The place where we got Podo consisted of two rooms: one customer-facing room and one back room. The former was a little shabby, but otherwise looked much like an ordinary shop in Korea, with a cashiers' desk at one end and along the walls, an assortment of pet toys, toothbrushes and  this being Korea  pet clothes for sale.







At the rear of the first room is a door that leads to the back room, where the cats are kept and where, presumably, the vets perform their work. As soon as our veterinarian guide opened that door, we were hit by the overwhelming odor of cat feces and urine. Inside there were two cages on the left, each with a dung-filled litter tray and about four or five kittens apiece. It was dark and dank.







Now I'm hardly the poster child for the WWF. I'm a proud omnivore and human supremacist. I believe animals are inferior to humans and should be treated as such; I love eating meat and I hate the personification of beasts. If we place too high a value on what some call an animal's rights, my personal view is that we risk devaluing the precious value of humanity. I positively loathe the sight of people carrying around little runt-like dogs dressed up in frilly pink costumes; a trip to the trendier areas of Seoul is therefore something of a risk for me.







Yet, despite these personal beliefs, I couldn't help but feel that the treatment of the cats in that shelter seems wrong. It was poorly ventilated, with no stimuli, no space, no light  just a stinking, overcrowded den. Contrary to all my own expectations, I actually felt guilty about the cats we were leaving behind.







The lucky ones will be rescued and taken to what will hopefully be a much more pleasant environment. That's certainly the case for the newly-christened Podo. It is unfortunate that Podo's peers may spend the rest of their short days in that dingy room.







It would be better to let the cats roam free, surely.







True, Korea is a land of stark contrasts between seasons, and it takes one tough cookie of a feline to cope with the scorching summers and freezing winters. Even aside from the weather, a feral or wild feline has a veritable smorgasbord of ways to shuffle off its mortal coil. There are all kinds of dangers, both natural and man-made.







But the word, "rescue," has lost all meaning if we're just taking them from one perilous situation and putting them in another. All we've done is to change the rules. In that dark cage, the poor things owe their existence on whether a human happens to choose them before the vet decides that they need to free up the space. If it's too ugly or old or the wrong breed, the moggy will eventually be put down  killed  by someone from the very institution that touts itself as a rescue center. At least in the wild, a cat's chances have to do with its own actions.







Of course, the country faces other more pressing issues than the welfare of abandoned cats, and I usually try to highlight them in my columns. It is my opinion that is quite right to put people before pets. Maybe I'm making much ado about nothing. It's only been a few days since we got little Podo, and it already seems well-adjusted with no evident trauma from its months confined in that cage. Podo escaped. Maybe the system is working well, and those animals that do end up being put down are just the natural and necessary by-products of an otherwise functioning balance between the humans and animals of this land. Maybe, but probably not.







We can treat animals better than this. While the zoological nirvana in Paju might be too expensive to be scaled up nationally, it is certainly a start. It's time that humans treat abandoned and stray pets better. Indeed, the very capacity to do so is one of the things that shows we are, in fact, humans. Let's start acting like it.











Dr. Scott Shepherd is a British-American academic. He has taught in universities in the U.K. and Korea, and is currently assistant professor of English at Chongshin University in Seoul. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.


By Park Jung-won





During a tour of Afghanistan in January 2002, Joe Biden, then a United States senator and the chair of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, visited a group of Afghan children studying in a classroom. As he was leaving, a girl bravely pleaded with him for America not to abandon Afghanistan. She told him that she aspired to become a doctor in the future, just like her mother. Biden reassured her that the U.S. would stay. This episode features in Biden's memoir, "Promises to Keep," published in 2007.







In 2021, however, President Joe Biden withdrew all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, leaving millions of Afghans to the fate of life under a resurgent Taliban regime. During his speech broadcast nationally on Aug. 31, Biden justified his decision by stressing that this "forever war" must be ended, and that the U.S. should focus on vital national security interests with an eye to the future.







A genuine apology for the disastrous failure of the evacuation operations in Kabul was, however, nowhere to be found. He may have tried to spin the optics, but he could not spin away the hard truth of the events in Kabul, which were broadcast live around the world and caused significant damage to America's reputation.







Politics is the art of the possible under given circumstances. To paraphrase what German sociologist Max Weber stated in his lectures in 1919, it is in the realm of politics that the seemingly impossible becomes possible. Former President Donald Trump may have initiated the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, yet the Biden administration, having agreed with it, should have engineered the best available outcome by using America's remaining leverage. That is what politics, and diplomacy, are all about.







This is not to say that the process of rebuilding Afghanistan was ever going to be an easy task for the U.S. In today's world, over which the past crimes of forms of imperialisms cast a pall of shame, there are clear limits to foreign intervention, emanating from the principle of respect for state sovereignty. Even hegemons such as the U.S. find it difficult to intervene in failed states, however noble their missions. If a local government is plagued by corruption, influencing it from the outside becomes even more complicated.







Herein lies the paradox of the principle of "respect for state sovereignty" in international relations. When investigations into a massive corruption and embezzlement scandal at Afghanistan's largest bank pointed all the way up to the family of former President Hamid Karzai, the Afghan regime resisted U.S. pressure by stirring up national emotions.







Even so, such structural contradictions and chronic corruption issues in Afghan society do not relieve the U.S. government of accountability. "The Afghanistan Papers," a page-turner written by Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock, attests to this truth in a vivid way. It is a book based on off-the-record interviews of more than 400 generals, ambassadors, diplomats and other insiders who played direct roles in the Afghan war.







They testified to successive U.S. administrations' problematic, inefficient and even irresponsible running of the country's longest war, all the while lying to the American people about what was actually happening on the ground. The Obama administration even fired General David McKiernan, who had made an objective assessment of the situation and raised a red flag directly to his superiors.







Biden has declared that America will no longer "remake other countries." But if liberal democracy is only to be shared among close American allies that have already developed it, or if it is only to be promoted here and there based on the expediency of political calculations, can it still be described as a universal value?







Is this declaration not a terrifying denial of America's identity, as symbolized by Thomas Jefferson's idea of an "Empire of Liberty"? Where is the so-called notion of "value-oriented diplomacy?" Biden blamed Afghan leaders for their defeat by the Taliban, which is mostly true. But were the two decades of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan spent entirely for the sake of unrequited benevolence?







Here one is reminded of Prof. Hahm Pyong-choon's resentful critique made in Foreign Affairs in 1964. In it, Hahm, who eventually became South Korea's ambassador to the U.S., scolded an American military official who had complained that pitiful South Koreans only perceived aid coming from the U.S. with a "mendicant mentality." Hahm argued that the U.S., while providing economic and military aid to South Korea, was not merely engaging in philanthropy.







The South Korean regime's continued existence served U.S. security interests in the western Pacific region as it confronted threats from communist China and North Korea. The cases of Cold War-era South Korea and present-day Afghanistan are different in many ways, but weren't the reasons the U.S. entered Afghanistan and stayed for nearly 20 years directly related to its interests in the region, not simply an act of unilateral almsgiving?







What the U.S. urgently needs to do now is to set aside its pride, calmly reflect on its mistakes, and above all, avoid repeating them. Freedom and liberal democracy are precious values whose seeds, once planted, tend to develop their own vitality over time. Not a small number of Afghan people have experienced these values, albeit in a rudimentary form, over two decades, without the Taliban. America should not betray them.









Park Jung-won (

) has a Ph.D. in law from the London School of Economics (LSE) and is a professor of international law at Dankook University.


US-China economic conflict works as a boon



SK Innovation and Ford agreed recently to invest 10.2 trillion won ($8.6 billion) to build three electric vehicle (EV) battery plants in the United States by 2025. The Korean battery maker will invest 5.1 trillion won through its joint venture company, BluOvalSK, to construct a battery complex in Tennessee and two factories in Kentucky. Separately, SK Innovation will also spend 2.8 trillion won on the U.S. auto giant's pickup truck plant. It is the single largest investment by the refinery-and-battery company and also the biggest one in Ford's 118-year history.



The company's bold move comes after it ended a protracted legal battle with its domestic rival, LG Energy Solution, over alleged infringements of trade secrets. At a time when they had to compete fiercely with their Chinese and Japanese competitors to expand market share and secure superior technology, Korea's two largest battery makers fought each other for nearly two years.



SK Innovation's latest decision also followed a similar agreement between LG Energy Solution and General Motors, laying a firm foundation for the Korean battery industry in America. In April, LG decided to invest 2.7 trillion won to build its second joint venture EV battery factory in Tennessee. In addition, Samsung SDI has also announced a plan to advance into the U.S. market, which is expected to grow by more than 40 percent on average annually.



Not every outlook is bright, however. If the Korean makers fail to secure raw materials, for which they heavily depend on imports, or develop next-generation batteries, their status could collapse at any moment. They also need to check U.S. startups jumping into the fray one after another over the medium to long term. Experts point out, with reason, that they need to increase their batteries charging capacity and range while lowering prices.



The nation's three major battery makers are likely to compete fiercely with their Japanese rivals in the U.S. market for the time being. Competition has dominated the global semiconductor market. The same will likely be true in the EV battery market. We hope that the three Korean battery players will grow into companies that dominate the future through competition and cooperation.


Kishida urged to focus on normalizing ties with Seoul



Fumio Kishida, Japan's former foreign minister, won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership contest Wednesday, and will likely become the country's 100th prime minister succeeding the unpopular Yoshihide Suga. Kishida defeated former Defense Minister Taro Kono by 257 votes to 170 in a run-off.



Kishida will surely be chosen as prime minister during a parliamentary session Monday, riding on the LDP's majority status in the lower house. With the envisaged power shift in Japan, expectations are growing that the new leader will manage to find a breakthrough in the frozen relations between Seoul and Tokyo. Suga, who is leaving after serving only one year, has been negative regarding dialogue with South Korea, refusing to have any summits with President Moon Jae-in.



The relations between Seoul and Tokyo are at their lowest ebb since 1965 when they normalized ties. The relationship has continued to deteriorate over Japan's wartime sex slavery and compensation for wartime forced labor. The bilateral conflict has worsened further since Japan imposed curbs on exporting some essential items to Korean companies in retaliation to Korean courts' rulings on the wartime matters.



Kishida will face multiple challenges in finding solutions to the knotty problems. He was foreign minister in 2015 when he signed an agreement with his then Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se for the settlement of the sex slavery issue. He has maintained that "Japan carried out what it should do regarding the issue and the ball is now in Seoul's court." He has also said the future for the two countries will not be open unless Seoul abides by international law.



Worse still, the Daejeon District Court recently ordered Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy to sell assets to compensate South Koreans forced to work for it during World War II. All these and others indicate ominous prospects for bilateral relations. Yet, there are some signs that will likely help improve things.



For starters, President Moon has been seeking to improve bilateral ties through a summit, but to no avail. Regarding the issue of wartime forced labor, he opposed the idea of having the Japanese firm sell assets, saying "it would not be desirable for bilateral ties," during a New Year press conference in January.



Kishida has also at times been citing the need for dialogue with Seoul. As a consensus builder within the LDP, we hope he will take a moderate posture in dealing with Korea's issues without resorting to an excessive conservative approach. In yet another positive sign, a recent poll showed an increasing number of Koreans have been starting to have a more favorable view on Japan.



It is time for South Korea and Japan to solidify their cooperation to cope with growing security and economic challenges in the region as seen in the muscle flexing by China, in particular. Both sides should roll up their sleeves to mend ties and move forward toward mutually beneficial relations.


By Casey Lartigue Jr.





I can thank critics for some of my greatest personal and professional breakthroughs. I will never forget the newspaper columnist who accused me in a multi-part editorial of writing commentaries to become an "African-American hired gun" for think tanks.



I had never considered working for a think tank. After he told me which think tanks he suspected I was angling for, I applied to all of them plus a few more. After I got hired by a think tank sharing my interest in increasing educational freedom, I thanked the columnist for the inspiration.



Some honest critics can change and even become advocates. A few years ago, one of our volunteers admitted he had gone "undercover" in our organization to uncover dirt on me. What he found was a transparent organization truly respecting the autonomy of North Korean refugees. He turned into a fan who even began donating to our organization.



I don't take criticisms personally, I know there are many disgruntled, depressed, and angry people in this world who probably hate seeing me have so much fun with my work. For some others, it is just business, they may have careers or research grants based on critiquing, analyzing or researching others.



I have learned many critics only lift a finger to point at others, not to do work themselves. As Frederick Douglass said: "They compliment me in assuming that I should perform greater deeds than themselves."



Like the fable of the blind men and the elephant, some critics only see part of what is going on. When an insider becomes a critic, I assign that person the task of fixing the alleged problem. I will never forget the volunteer who wrote me an incredibly angry email with one of the most dramatic subject lines I had ever received.



I invited him for a meeting to review his criticisms. After he gained a better understanding of what we were trying to do, he pledged to get more deeply involved. Then later, when he was in a leadership position, he was complaining  no longer about me, but about others around us who were not more engaged.



Because of the critics, I developed Lartigue's Law: "Take most criticism as a compliment, and act on it when it makes sense." As the old saying goes: "Dogs don't chase parked cars." Several years ago, I heard some critics were accusing me of training (even brainwashing) North Korean refugees to give speeches attacking North Korea. Perhaps the critics were showing what they would do (brainwashing) if North Korean refugees wanted to work with them.



The critics didn't stop at the usual nonsense, they were connecting me to the US CIA, South Korean intelligence, and various international conspiracies. Really? Such high-level and well-funded forces would be interested in my work funded mainly through grassroots support? I saw one propaganda video by loyal citizens of North Korea that made me look so powerful, I am surprised that North Korea didn't collapse when I stepped on the peninsula for the first time.



Instead of debating critics, I started a project giving North Korean refugees opportunities to speak out.



It is a compliment to me that anyone would believe that North Korean refugees who ran away from a totalitarian country with security officials trying to hunt them down and holding their families hostage would somehow become my puppets because I arranged for volunteers to help them with English and public speaking. And it is an insult to North Korean refugees who apparently, according to critics, can't recognize my incredible brainwashing skills.



Some beautiful things have happened in empowering North Korean refugees. One North Korean refugee said our English speech contest gave her a chance to "heal my heart." Another North Korean refugee said in a speech: "Casey isn't a doctor, but he healed my heart."



North Korean refugee author Yeonmi Park, in calling me an angel, said that my organization was "a turning point out of the darkness." Emerging YouTuber Cherie Yang, who also says I am her angel, recently said she was able to find her identity after engaging in public speaking with us. Eunhee Park and Chanyang Ju never fail to call me "Pretty Flower Man" when they talk about me and the impact I have had on their lives. And many other North Korean refugees have said they gained self-confidence after studying with us.



Could critics have imagined their angry attacks could inspire such a lovely project? Those critics were connecting dots to international conspiracies, but educating and empowering North Korean refugees gave them opportunities to develop their identities and to heal their hearts.



It may not heal the hearts of critics, but, yes, I do reflect on their comments and act on them when it makes sense. They may not want credit because they could be accused by new critics of inspiring me to greater deeds.





Casey Lartigue Jr. is co-author along with Songmi Han of the forthcoming book "Greenlight to Freedom" and co-founder along with Eunkoo Lee of Freedom Speakers International (FSI).


Sontag Hotel in Seoul, circa 1910. Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In March 1912, Sontag Hotel was the place to be in Seoul. Some described it as a place of political intrigue  backrooms haunted with shady characters plotting anarchy and unrest. Others, like Roy Chapman Andrews, saw it as a place to begin a great adventure. It was filled with gold miners from the Western-owned concessions in the northern part of the peninsula. In fact, according to Andrews, "Seoul resembled nothing so much as an American mining town amid oriental surroundings."



Andrews was seeking adventure and had selected to stay at Sontag Hotel while he organized an expedition party to explore the Baekdu Mountain  the tallest mountain on the Korean peninsula and one often associated with mysticism and adventure.



Andrews observed that "one did very much as one pleased [in Korea,] for the Japanese had taken over the country so recently that there were very few restrictions." Despite this claim, he still sought and obtained permission from the Japanese authorities. The Japanese government even provided him with a Japanese translator.



Unfortunately, he did not put down his first impressions of his translator, but one can imagine Andrews viewed him with some skepticism when he appeared at the hotel wearing a frock coat and a silk hat.





Andrews and his party in a Korean village in 1912. Robert Neff Collection



Andrews and his party (the translator and a Korean cook) soon found themselves on the northeastern coast of Korea near the Manchurian border. It was here that he had his next adventure.



The Korean villages in the region were being terrorized by the "Great Invisible," a name they bestowed upon a huge and deadly tiger. The Korean tigers were ferocious, almost mystical creatures, that laired in the mountains and forests, and occasionally hunted men, even to the gates of Seoul. The "Great Invisible" was no exception. "Already it had killed a half a dozen children and hardly a day passed that some tearful peasant did not report a new loss to the gendarmes." The people pleaded with Andrews to kill the tiger.



One of the Korean legendary tiger-hunters (famed for their bravery and shooting skills) was assigned to assist the foreigner. This tiger-hunter was an elderly man, but an excellent hunter with nerves of steel, who had in the past, killed two tigers by crawling into their lairs and shooting them with an old muzzle-loading rifle.





The "Great Invisible," circa the 1910s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



For nearly two weeks, the hunters played cat and mouse with the tiger. The tiger would strike in a village and the hunters would try to guess where it would strike next and wait for it. Finally they cornered the tiger in one of its lairs, and after waiting nearly a day for it to come out, the old tiger-hunter goaded Andrews into crawling into the lair. Fortunately for the tiger (or perhaps Andrews), it heard the hunters' approach and escaped out a rear exit.



The American was secretly relieved (although a little disappointed), but pretended to be angry that fate had deprived him of his tiger. They continued to hunt for the tiger for an additional week, but the "Great Invisible" eluded them, and worn out, they abandoned their hunt. They did, however, succeed in ridding the villagers of another threat: a huge wild boar that Andrews shot twice before it finally died only five feet away from Andrews' feet.



Westerners often heard tales of tiger attacks, usually from third or fourth parties, and some actually managed to kill a tiger themselves. Andrews summed up tiger hunting as, "one has to out-guess the beast or have luck very much on one's side." He may not have been lucky enough to get a tiger, but he did have the misfortune of viewing the remains of an unfortunate girl who had fallen victim to the "Great Invisible." It was a horrible sight and one that probably stuck with him for many years.





Stopping for a meal while hunting in 1912. Robert Neff Collection



After the failed tiger hunt, he tried to hire Korean porters to accompany him to the wilderness region of Baekdu Mountain, but no one would accompany him out of fear. It was only through the efforts of the Japanese gendarmes  who forced four men and their ponies to accompany him  that Andrews was able to set out. Andrews, a remarkable and well-educated man, seems to have been fairly ignorant of Korea. He believed that he was the first to explore the region around Korea's highest mountain, but, in fact, several Westerners had already explored the region in the late 19th century, and had written about it.



The trip was anything but uneventful. There were no trails, and the ground was badly overgrown in some places, while in others it was swampy, making walking torturous and dangerous. For several days it drizzled, and the deeper they went into the forest, the fewer animals there were, and the quieter, more desolate the region became. The Korean porters soon became completely disheartened and threatened to abandon Andrews in the middle of the night, taking the ponies and supplies with them. Andrews and the translator were forced to take turns at watch at night to ensure that the porters did not abandon them, and Andrews warned the porters that if they tried anything, he would shoot them without mercy.





One of the deer killed by Andrews in 1912. Robert Neff Collection



Finally they made it to the base of the mountain, but because of the deep snow drifts, they did not ascend the mountain. After spending several days in the vicinity of the mountain, Andrews and his party made their way towards the Yalu River. Here they discovered that the region was abundant with wildlife, and they spent several days hunting and relaxing. It was also here that he encountered a band of Manchurian bandits. These bandits, armed with flintlock rifles, preyed upon the Chinese and Korean merchants in the region, generally taxing them, but on occasion robbing and killing them. Andrews was able to make his way through the area by befriending these bandits (he fed them dinner), and they provided him with information to avoid the other bands of bandits.



When Andrews and his party finally arrived at a Korean settlement, they were treated as heroes. His porters bragged about his compass and how it had brought them through the dangers of the wilderness, and past the Manchurian bandits. It was here that he parted with his porters, after they built him a timber raft. By this raft, he sailed to the mouth of the Yalu River and made his way from there to Seoul, where he arrived at Sontag Hotel wearing ragged Korean clothing.



He wasn't surprised to discover that he had been reported dead. It would not be the first time that he was thought to have died while on one of his adventures, and later led him to say: "I have 'died' so frequently since, that I am quite accustomed to it; it seems to be the best little thing I do."





Junks floating on the Yalu River in 1912. Robert Neff Collection
A Westerner and his Korean ponies in the late 19th century / Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



Horace N. Allen, an American missionary, arrived in Jemulpo on Sept. 20, 1884, at age 26, aboard the English steamship Nanzing. He had come to Korea  leaving his wife and infant son in Shanghai  in search of opportunity and adventure as a doctor.



Allen's initial descriptions of Korea were far from flattering and it would be easy to blame this negativity on his journey from Shanghai to Korea, which had been a rough one. While in the Korea Strait, the Nanzing encountered a powerful typhoon causing him to become violently seasick  his ship survived relatively undamaged but other ships were not so lucky.



In his diary, he wrote:



"Arrived in [Jemulpo]. This is a motley place of slab shanties, mud huts, sheds and bush earth. The Japanese here also are in the ascendancy and (have) the choicest place. They also have a fine Consulate. Mr. C.H. Cooper has just built a nice little white building to be used as the American Consulate. The Chinese are wisely building a fine house of brick which they burned themselves on the ground. The British bought an old Saloon, the Royal Oak in Nagasaki and brought it over to be erected as a consulate. It came in the Nanzing with us and cost $400.00 freight. As there is no means of landing we go ashore in small boats and make our way from them to the shore on the rocks."



The description of the Royal Oak is interesting. Except for Allen's account, there is no other source suggesting a saloon was dismantled and brought to Korea. Cooper's house was pre-manufactured in Japan and brought over.





A small ferry boat in the late 19th century / Robert Neff Collection



Allen meticulously noted the names of the handful of Westerners in the port except those of the women, who are known through other sources to include Vladimir S. Bekofsky's Russian wife and Woo Li-tang's Spanish wife (a young vibrant ballet dancer named Amalia C. Amador). Along with a lot of other things, Allen was not fond of mixed marriages.



Allen spent Sunday (Sept. 21) aboard the ship and left for Seoul early on Monday morning accompanied by Chu, his Chinese teacher. In his diary he noted that they left Jemulpo at 8 a.m. on ponies and that his pony was "especially vicious" and nearly killed him.



It wasn't until nearly two decades later that he explained just how violent his pony was:



"As I approached the horse he attacked me viciously, first with his heels and then with his forefeet. The grooms tried to restrain him, and frantically motioned to me to keep away. They then covered his head with one of their long robes, and I took a running jump and landed in the saddle. I had brought with me a foreign saddle, otherwise I might have been compelled to ride on a pack frame and would probably have been thrown, for the beast plunged and tried to buck, but his education had fortunately been neglected, and the nearest he could approach to this accomplishment was to run hard for a while and then come to a sudden stop with his forefeet planted rigidly. Once he jumped upon another horse and knocked off the rider, but I could not stop to apologize"





The road just outside of Seoul in the winter of 1883/84 / Robert Neff Collection



At a small inn halfway to Seoul, he dismounted and talked with a Western gold prospector who claimed Korea was filled with gold. After eating lunch it was time to remount  something Allen was not looking forward to. The horse was once again blindfolded and Allen remounted with a running jump:



"I remained on his back, even while being ferried in a small boat over the river. Had he capsized the boat or jumped overboard, as I have expected him to do, I think I should have clung to him, his back was a vantage post not to be lightly relinquished."



They arrived in Seoul just before the city gates were closed. For the next two weeks, he stayed at a "new [Korean] hotel, the house that was fitted up to receive the men of the U.S. Flagship Trenton, that brought home the [Korean] Embassy." The hotel was not ready for customers and Allen was forced to fend for himself. That night, having no provisions, he "gladly accepted a bottle of beer and some hard biscuit" from an Englishman who was staying there the night before heading into the interior.





A shop in Seoul in the winter of 1883/84 / Robert Neff Collection



Over the next couple of weeks, Allen secured his position as the physician for Korean Customs and the American legation. He also purchased a house and arranged for his goods to be brought to Seoul (this required him to ride a pony to Jemulpo and back in the rain). He also met Walter Townsend, an American businessman, who would become one of his closest friends  despite the fact he had a Japanese mistress.



Allen was now ready to retrieve his wife and son, so, knowing his steamship was due to depart Jemulpo for Shanghai on Oct. 11, he rode to the port a day or two early. With time on his hands, he turned his attention to his neglected diary and instead of describing the port and its events, he bemoaned the worthlessness of his Chinese teacher  the same person who was taking care of his goods and preparing his house while he was away in Shanghai.





A young man and his pony in the late 19th century / Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection


By Kim Bo-eun





Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold 3, left, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

More than a month has passed since Samsung released the latest editions of its foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3, but customers are still waiting to receive the models. Apple's latest iPhone 13 faces the same situation.



The lack of inventory for the new models is primarily due to explosive demand, but has also been exacerbated by the ongoing global chip shortage. The shortage has been caused by soaring demand for semiconductors, as the reliance on digital devices has grown during the extended COVID-19 pandemic.



Amid these circumstances, Samsung has apparently been experiencing difficulty in securing a sufficient supply of application processors (APs) for its foldable handsets from U.S.-based mobile chipset titan Qualcomm.



"The delays in deliveries for the latest foldable phones mostly stem from greater-than-expected demand. The chip shortage issue is not only a problem for us, but it is an industry-wide phenomenon," a Samsung representative said Thursday.



But an industry source said that smartphone vendors will be going all out to secure the "controlling and brain-like chips" that are in high demand.





Apple CEO Tim Cook unveils the iPhone 13 at a virtual event held at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California, Sept. 14 (PST). Courtesy of Apple
The facade of the Korea Pavilion at Dubai Exhibition Centre, home of the Expo 2020 Dubai, is illuminated with the colors of the Korean flag. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) will manage the pavilion during the expo, which is scheduled to run from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2022. Courtesy of KOTRA



The Korea Pavilion is the fifth-largest among 191 participating countries' exhibition venues



By Yi Whan-woo



DUBAI - Korea will showcase its most up-to-date digital technology, used for mobile devices, virtual reality (VR), artificial reality (AR), large, three-dimensional displays, smart cities, automated driving and other Fourth Industrial Revolution sectors at the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is scheduled to kick off on Oct. 1.



Demonstrating the global interest in Korean culture, which has been developed and promoted abroad over the last decade, Korea will capitalize on such technology to offer visitors glimpses into its traditional and pop culture. The expo, which is the first to be held in either the Middle East and Africa, will run for the next six months.



With a total of 191 countries set to join the expo, which has been delayed for a year due to the pandemic, Korea has good reason to promote its achievements, as it seeks to host the 2030 expo in its port city of Busan.



"We hope to have visitors paying a lot of attention to the Korea Pavilion," an official from the state-run Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) said earlier this week during a press meeting at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the home of the expo.



The meeting was attended by Korean Ambassador to the UAE Kwon Yong-woo and Yang Ki-mo, who heads the KOTRA offices in the Middle East region.





Korean Ambassador to the UAE Kwon Yong-woo, right, takes a look around the Korea Pavilion with KOTRA staff and other guests during a press meeting, Sept. 27. Courtesy of KOTRA



Operated under the wing of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, KOTRA is responsible for the management of the Korea Pavilion, a 4,651-square-meter-sized exhibition space to be run under the title, "Smart Korea, Moving the World to You."



The title was chosen in accordance with the theme of "mobility," one of the sub-topics under the Expo 2020 Dubai's grand theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future."



The Korea Pavilion is the fifth-largest among the exhibition spaces of the participating nations.



With more than 25 million visitors expected to be present throughout the expo, the pavilion was designed to optimize a wide range of hand-on experiences related to Korea through architecture, performances, exhibitions and concerts, among others,



It was designed by Mooyuki Architects, a three-member team named after Moon Hoon, Yun Seong-bong and Kim Dong-gyu, and built by Ssangyong Engine and Construction.





The exterior of the Korea Pavilion at night / Courtesy of KOTRA





The Interior of the Korea Pavilion / Courtesy of KOTRA



The pavilion is notable for its 1,597 spinning cubes that cover the facade, symbolically demonstrating Korea's dynamism and mobility under the banner, "Mobile MASSITY," a blended word intended to mean "mobile, mass and city" all at once.



The pavilion also has a ramp running along the inside and outside, connecting the pavilion's multiple floors.



The exhibition hall is the starting point of the "The Journey of Wonder," a set of experiences using mobile, sensory and virtual technologies developed in Korea.



Visitors will receive a mobile device at the reception area and start their journey with a virtual twin generated on the device using face recognition technology.



Following the ramp to the third floor, visitors will see on a screen a split-flap display showing an arrivals and departures timetable, as in pre-digital era train stations or airports.



A mobile AR experience is created on the external ramps, with a display of a virtual city based on smart infrastructure technology.





A large, three-dimensional display inside the Korea Pavilion / Courtesy of KOTRA
HLB Chairman Jin Yang-gon / Courtesy of HLB



This article is the fifth in a series highlighting the growing importance of the biotech industry after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on the nation's biotech companies.  ED.



By Baek Byung-yeul



With Korean biotech companies receiving the global spotlight, the domestic biopharmaceutical company, HLB, is making its name known worldwide as an emerging business active in research, development and manufacturing.



HLB is widely known for its anticancer treatment, Rivoceranib, developed by its U.S. subsidiary, Elevar Therapeutics. The firm also has been seeking growth through merger and acquisition activities in an effort to become an industry leader.



"HLB is actively engaging in takeovers with an open attitude. We are looking for a way to grow together by joining up with companies that align with us or have a vision," a company representative said.



As part of these efforts, HLB acquired domestic biopharmaceutical company Mediforum Pharmaceutical  now called, "HLB Pharmaceutical"  last year to strengthen the production, marketing and sales of its upcoming drug pipeline.



In September, HLB announced that it would become a new owner of the local biotech company, GtreeBNT, acquiring 40 billion won ($34.1 million) worth of third-party rights offerings and 50 billion won in convertible bonds.



GtreeBNT is a local distributor of novel drugs and COVID-19 vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Janssen and Pfizer. Also, GtreeBNT's U.S. subsidiary is developing RGN-259, a novel treatment for dry eye. Phase 3 clinical trials have been completed on the drug and its efficacy will be evaluated further at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's pre-biologics license application (pre-BLA) meetings.





ABL Bio leading Korea's new drug development Samsung Biologics aims for win-win growth with local bio industry Seegene spearheading Korea's biotech drive LG Chem expands presence in China, Japan with bio products HLB said that the acquisition of GtreeBNT is being led by its affiliate, NextScience, and that the acquisition will help the biopharmaceutical group with the marketing and sales activities of COVID-19 vaccines and other drugs.



Among the company's novel drug pipeline, Rivoceranib is definitely raising market expectations. In September, during this year's European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, one of the leading medical conferences related to medical oncology, HLB's Chinese partner, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, presented the effectiveness of Rivoceranib in the results of 13 studies.



Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine holds the marketing rights to Rivoceranib in China. During the conference, held from Sept. 16 to 21, the company announced that clinical results showed Rivoceranib's efficacy in treating both liver and cervical cancer.



HLB's Chinese partner has been selling Rivoceranib for gastric cancer treatment in China since 2014. In January, the company expanded the applications of the drug as a secondary treatment for liver cancer.



Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine conducted a Phase 2 trial on 26 patients with advanced liver cancer, using hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy combined with Rivoceranib. The clinical results showed that two patients experienced complete remission, meaning the disappearance of all signs of cancer, in response to the treatment. The confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 61.5 percent, while the disease control rate (DC) was 92.31 percent.



Another study was conducted on 22 patients with cervical cancer, using a combined treatment of Rivoceranib, Camrelizumab and nab-Paclitaxel. It showed promising results, as the clinical results confirmed five cases of complete remission, with an ORR rate of 71 percent.



HLB said that the test results confirmed the high efficacy of Rivoceranib, as well as a wide range of applications in combination with immunotoxin and cytotoxic anticancer drugs.



The company is also advancing into the COVID-19 vaccine business, as it acquired the global sales rights for the Nanocovax COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Vietnamese biotech company Nanogen in August.



HLB said that the Nanocovax vaccine is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine that succeeded in increasing the antibodies of volunteers in its Phase 2 clinical trials more than 60 times within 35 days after the first injection.



To expand its presence in the anticancer treatment market, HLB is also developing novel drugs for various uses, such as targeted anticancer drugs, as well as cancer immunotherapy, cell therapy, sepsis, vaccines and brain tumor treatments, through collaboration with subsidiaries and affiliates.




Hyundai E&C' Hillstate Gapyeong 'The New Class' / Courtesy of Hyundai E&C



By Kim Hyun-bin



Hyundai Engineering & Construction has opened a showhome for its Hillstate Gapyeong 'The New Class' apartment complex and started sales of the apartments. This is the first Hillstate-brand complex in Gapyeong County and is in high demand.



The apartment complex consists of seven 23-story apartment buildings with apartments offering floor areas of 59 square meters to 84 square meters, capable of accommodating 451 households. There are 131 59-square-meter A, 14 59-square-meter B, 66 84-square-meter B and 88 84-square-meter C mid-size to small apartment lots for sale.



According to real estate research firm Doctor Apartment's 2020 apartment brand power survey released last November, Hillstate was the most lucrative apartment brand for the second consecutive year. The survey looked into the accumulated responses for brand recognition, value, preference and will to purchase, and Hillstate received the highest comprehensive score.



Hillstate Gapyeong 'The New Class' is also just six minutes' drive from Gapyeong Station on the Gyeongchun Line offering ITX-CheongChun high-speed service. By ITX, Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul is 40 minutes away, and Yongsan Station is an hour-long trip.



The 2nd Gyeongchun Highway will also benefit incoming residents. According to the Wonju Regional Office of Construction Management, the highway could connect Chuncheon and the metropolitan region in 30 minutes enhancing transportation means to Seoul and the capital region.



The complex is also near Gapyeong Bus Terminal as well as the Seorak IC on the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, enabling easy travel to other parts of the country.



The diverse facilities and infrastructure around The Hillstate Gapyeong The New Class complex include a traditional market, Gapyeong County Office, banks, gymnasium and medical facilities as well as cultural facilities such as a culture and arts center and a music hall.

There are also elementary to high schools, state-run and private nurseries and a library nearby.



The apartments are equipment with the latest technologies including the Hi-oT smartphone key system.



Hi-oT enables control through a smartphone app not only for Internet of Things (loT) but also lighting, gas valve and ventilation. From a smartphone, one can control the front door entrance and summon the elevator.



Several community facilities are scheduled to be built, including a fitness center, library and study hall.



Due to COVID-19 and prevention measures, prior reservation is required to visit the showhome. Those interested should register on the Hillstate Gapyeong 'The New Class' official homepage.




U.S. President Joe Biden holds up a silicon wafer in a virtual meeting with chip industry executives at the White House on April 12, local time. Yonhap



By Kim Bo-eun



The government is facing growing calls to stand up to the U.S.'s "undue" demand for Korean semiconductor manufacturers to reveal key business information, so as to protect local companies involved in the sector.



Industry sources and experts claim that giving up such data could undermine local players' bargaining power and end up hurting their competitiveness in the global market.



The calls come after the U.S. Commerce Department's moves to possibly use the Defense Production Act (DPA) as a means to deal with the yearslong shortage of automotive chips in the United States.



If Washington actually initiates a DPA protocol, then all semiconductor firms which have operations in the U.S. are mandated to submit specific information regarding their supply chains.



U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the DPA could be invoked to compel semiconductor companies to provide information if this wasn't done voluntarily, implying the chip firms are in fact being coerced.



The demand is widely seen as an excessive form of intervention in the market, which should be left to deal with shortages according to principles, something the U.S. has so far championed.



For major semiconductor companies such as Samsung, opening up confidential information would expose it to vulnerabilities.



Samsung is the world's top memory chipmaker and only trails Taiwan's TSMC in the booming foundry (contract-based chip manufacturing) market. The U.S. commerce department is seeking to secure information from not only the chipmakers that attended several recent White House meetings, but all players in the industry, which would force Korea's SK hynix, the world's second-largest memory chip manufacturer, to share such data as well.



The recent White House meeting  the third  was presided over by Raimondo and participated in by representatives from Intel, Samsung, TSMC and GM. The meeting was intended on coming up with measures to alleviate the auto chip shortage U.S. carmakers are suffering from. But the specific data requested from chipmakers is regarded as highly sensitive information that companies do not voluntarily disclose.



Experts and analysts say the demand from the White House is seen in a larger context as a means to quantify the global supply chain for semiconductors, and allow the U.S. to regain its lead in the sector, which it has lost to major players in Asia, such as Korea and Taiwan over the past decades.



Washington has also sought to bring production facilities of major companies, not only in the semiconductor industry but also in the electric vehicle battery sector, to the U.S. as a way of securing a stable supply of these items, which it now considers as a national security concern.



"The government should not stay idle, given the chip sector is a matter of competitiveness on a national level," one source said.



Another industry source also highlighted that because of the confidential nature of supply chain-related information, revealing this will affect a company's negotiating power.



"This has provided relevant business sectors a lot to think about," another industry source said. "Giving up such information can undermine bargaining power, as it could be exposed to clients, competitors and partners." Given the uncertainties of how the U.S. government will proceed with the "voluntary" request, Cheong Wa Dae may need to speak out if necessary.



On a related note, one section of a survey of companies on the U.S. Federal Register, the daily journal of the American government, asks: "For the semiconductor products that your organization sells, identify those with the largest order backlog. Then for the total and for each product, identify the product attributes, sales in the past month, and location of fabrication and package/assembly."



Another part requires a list of "each product's top three current customers and the estimated percentage of that product's sales accounted for by each customer."




Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Umar Hadi, second from right, poses with Kim Chang-beom, second from left, former Korean Ambassador to Indonesia and Hyundai Motor's advisor; Hyundai Motor Vice President Kim Kyoung-soo, left, and Vice Ambassador Zelda Wulan Kartika during Hyundai's electric car delivery ceremony at the embassy's headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor



By Baek Byung-yeul



The Embassy of Indonesia in Korea purchased Hyundai Motor's electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5, as part of the Southeast Asian nation's effort to boost EV-related businesses as its next economic growth engine, Hyundai Motor said Thursday.



The Korean automotive giant said that it held a ceremony at the Indonesian embassy in Seoul, Wednesday, to deliver the EV to Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Umar Hadi.



Indonesia has recently been pushing forward with the development of EV-related industries, as well as expanding the availability of EVs there. In line with these initiatives, the Embassy of Indonesia in Korea has decided to replace its official vehicles with Hyundai's EV.



The purchase is also part of the embassy's "Green Transformation" goal, which it set earlier this year to help make a more sustainable society. Among Indonesian embassies across the world, the Korean office is the first one to use an EV as its official car.



Hyundai's IONIQ 5 is based on the carmaker's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) developed for EVs. With a distinctive exterior design and spacious interior, the IONIQ 5 has improved the utilization of space for driver and passengers and can travel up to 429 kilometers on a single charge.



Kim Chang-beom, the former Korean Ambassador to Indonesia and Hyundai Motor's advisor, said, "I am happy that the IONIQ 5 will be able to contribute to the Indonesian Embassy's goal of building a sustainable society."



"We hope that the IONIQ 5 and other EVs will be used in more places, including foreign embassies," he added.



"The green transition is an important goal of the Indonesian Embassy in Korea," Ambassador Hadi said. "I am happy to be with Hyundai Motor in making new changes for climate change issues."





Indonesian President Joko Widodo, left, gives a congratulatory speech at the joint Hyundai Motor GroupLG Energy Solution battery plant groundbreaking ceremony held in Karawang New Industry City, Wednesday. Upper right, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, bottom right LGES CEO Kim Jong-hyun. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
From left, European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) Chairperson Dirk Lukat, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea Maria Castillo-Fernandez and ECCK President Christoph Heider, pose at the ECCK's headquarters in Seoul before a virtual press conference on the business lobby's release of the ECCK White Paper for 2021. Courtesy of ECCK



By Kim Bo-eun



The European business lobby called for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates by the governments of Korea and the European Union, in order to facilitate business travel.



The European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK)'s requests Wednesday were made marking the release of the chamber's annual white paper, containing recommendations from European companies for improving Korea's business environment. The latest white paper contains 114 key issues across 16 sectors, including the automotive, alcoholic beverages, chemical, healthcare and energy industries.



ECCK Chairperson and Schenker Korea CEO Dirk Lukat referred to erratic changes of regulations here without Korean government offices seeking the necessary input from the stakeholders affected.



"The assurance of a consistent and foreseeable business environment will likely open up new opportunities for multinational companies including the members of the ECCK," he said. "At the same time, companies are encouraged to increase their investments in Korea which will contribute to the country's economy as well as the creation of more jobs in Korea."



European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Maria Castillo-Fernandez called for a level playing field for foreign investors.



"The white paper is about easing business obstacles that we are encountering or removing them and finding solutions for European companies in Korea," she said. "Foreign investment companies account for 20 percent of Korea's exports and they contribute to jobs, wealth and the Korean economy. Therefore, we need to compete with Korean companies in Korea on equal footing."



ECCK President Christoph Heider said, "We wish to see that vaccination certificates issued overseas are accepted by the Korean administration, and vice versa, to allow all inbound travelers to benefit from what is offered to fully vaccinated people."



During the online event, automobile manufacturers called for significant changes in the conditions for electric vehicle subsidy provisions to be made with sufficient lead time, and for the administrative recognition process for eco-friendly vehicles to be simplified.



Beverage makers called on the government to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on e-commerce platforms, citing that Korea is one of two countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that does not allow alcohol to be sold online.



Food product manufacturers took issue with heavier punishments for companies based abroad compared to local firms, even for the same violations, such as for problems with labelling on a product.



Established in 2012, the ECCK is an organization consisting of 370 European firms that do business in Korea.






Seegene CEO Chun Jong-yoon / Courtesy of Seegene



This is the second in a series of articles to highlight the growing importance of the biotech industry after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and shed light on the nation's biotech companies.  ED.



By Baek Byung-yeul



At a time when the government is striving to foster biotech as one of the nation's key industries, the local molecular diagnosis company Seegene is spearheading the initiative.



Last year, Seegene made its name known around the world by quickly developing its COVID-19 test kits following the outbreak of the coronavirus.



Although the virus was not yet spreading rapidly in Korea, the company presumed that it would in the near future as the number of virus victims was increasing greatly in China, so it rolled out its test kits just two weeks after it began developing them.



Seegene's test kits are still used widely around the world as the risks of COVID-19 variants are still weighing on the world. Thanks to the effectiveness of its products, the company posted 1.1252 trillion won ($957 million) in sales in 2020, surpassing the 1 trillion won sales milestone for the first time in its history.



To expand its presence further in the global medical diagnostics market, the company developed new COVID-19 diagnosis equipment. It is more affordable and smaller in size thus enabling more hospitals to acquire and make use of its molecular diagnosis equipment.



On Monday, Seegene announced at an annual event of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) that it has developed a fully automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing system called AIOS.



The AACC, which held its Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in Atlanta, is an international scientific society focusing on clinical laboratory science and its applications to healthcare, featuring about 700 in vitro diagnostic companies from around the world.





HLB transforming into prominent biopharma company ABL Bio leading Korea's new drug development Samsung Biologics aims for win-win growth with local bio industry LG Chem expands presence in China, Japan with bio products During the expo, Seegene showcased its AIOS system, which provides high-throughput real-time PCR workflow, starting from nucleic acid extraction to interpretation of test results. The company said it is the industry's first fully automated syndromic real-time PCR testing system designed with a modular concept.



"Going forward, the key in fighting COVID-19 is to overcome the limitations of molecular diagnosis only being carried out in large hospitals manually by experts," Seegene CEO Chun Jong-yoon said.



He said its AIOS could be an answer to that problem, as small local hospitals can also conduct PCR tests using the new equipment.



"A noteworthy feature of AIOS is that its PCR testing system is composed of independent and detachable modules together," the company said. "Unlike other single-body systems, AIOS is designed with an extraction liquid handler and PCR instrument integrated with a robotic arm module developed in-house. Hospitals and laboratories can either purchase the full package of the AIOS system or integrate their existing instruments on site if they already have Seegene's liquid handler or real-time PCR instrument."



Another feature of the AIOS is that it uses a syndromic-based inspection automation system, referring to a type of test that scans pathogens and detects the cause of a disease. Compared to other makers' diagnosis equipment, the company elaborated its AIOS is much more efficient in terms of time and cost.



The company added AIOS can be applied with various reagents to diagnose various respiratory diseases and human papillomavirus (HPV) expanding its range of efficacy.



"The product is smaller and lighter than existing equipment and does not require much space, so it can be introduced not only in large hospitals but also in small and medium-sized hospitals. So far, small and medium-sized hospitals have not fully recognized the need for molecular diagnosis, but the demand is expected to increase as its effectiveness has become widely known due to COVID-19," the company official said.



Citing Korea's example, small and medium-sized hospitals, which account for most of the diagnosis market, have not been using molecular diagnosis. So the company said it expects the AIOS will bring it new opportunities to meet with more customers.



"AIOS represents Seegene's decades-long commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies in the molecular diagnostics field," the Seegene CEO said. "I believe AIOS will contribute to public health by making MDx more accessible in everyday life."



Thanks to its effective and agile response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seegene was ranked 20th on the list of the 50 most innovative companies this year by the U.S.-based business magazine Fast Company. This is the first time a local molecular diagnosis company made it onto the list, alongside global leading biopharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Moderna.



Seegene CEO Chun said in a recent interview with a local newspaper that the company's receiving of this honor was made possible by its unflinching concentration on real-time PCR testing for over 20 years.




The company logo is seen on the headquarters of China Evergrande Group in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept. 26. Reuters-Yonhap



Scrambling to avoid defaulting on its debts, cash-strapped China Evergrande Group said on Wednesday it plans to sell a 9.99 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) stake in Shengjing Bank to a state-owned asset management company.



Shengjing Bank, one of the main lenders to Evergrande, had demanded that all net proceeds from the disposal be used to settle the financial liabilities of the property developer due to the lender, Evergrande said in an exchange filing.



That requirement suggests that Evergrande, which missed a bond interest payment last week, will be unable to use the funds for other purposes such as another interest payment to offshore bondholders of $47.5 million due on Wednesday.



The payment deadline is being closely watched by investors as the developer's next big test in public markets. Shares of Evergrande rose as much as 15 percent on Wednesday.



Evergrande has rapidly become China's biggest corporate headache as it teeters between a messy meltdown with far-reaching impacts, a managed collapse or the less likely prospect of a bailout by Beijing.



The 1.75 billion shares, representing 19.93 percent of the issued share capital of the bank, will be sold for 5.70 yuan apiece to Shenyang Shengjing Finance Investment Group, a state-owned enterprise involved in capital and asset management, Evergrande said in its filing.



Shenyang Shengjing's stake in the bank will be increased to 20.79 percent after the deal to become the bank's largest shareholder. Evergrande's stake in the bank would be reduced to 14.75 percent from 34.5 percent.



"The company's liquidity issue has adversely affected Shengjing Bank in a material way," Evergrande Chairman Hui Ka Yan said in the statement.



"The introduction of the purchaser, being a state-owned enterprise, will help stabilise the operations of Shengjing Bank and at the same time, help increase and maintain the value of the 14.75 percent interest in Shengjing Bank retained by the company."



As of the first half last year, the bank had 7 billion yuan in loans to Evergrande, accounting for 1.19 percent of the lender's loan book, according to a report by brokerage CCB International last week, citing news reports.



The financial health of Shengjing Bank has come under the spotlight since May, after financial news outlet Caixin reported that China's top banking watchdog was investigating connected transactions worth more than 100 billion yuan ($15.45 billion) between Evergrande and the bank.



On July 5, Evergrande said in a statement its financial business with Shengjing complied with legal requirements.



Days after that announcement, China's northern city of Shenyang, where Shengjing is based, encouraged local state-owned companies to increase stakes in the bank.



The Shenyang government said it valued reforms at Shengjing Bank and would strengthen the Communist Party leadership in the bank to help it develop into "a good bank," according to a statement in July.



Beijing is prodding government-owned firms and state-backed property developers to purchase some of embattled China Evergrande Group's assets, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.



Shengjing reported a net profit of 1.03 billion yuan in the first half of 2021, down 63.6 percent from a year earlier, citing the impact of COVID-19, a decline in net interest income and increased provisions for impairment losses of assets due to "increased uncertainty of business operations".



The bank's non-performing loan ratio stood at 3.04 percent by the end-June, higher than the industry-wide average of nearly 2 percent. (Reuters)


Palestinian militants and relatives carry the body of member of the military wing of the Islamic Jihad group Alaa Zayoud, 22, reportedly killed in clashes with Israeli forces earlier, during his funeral at his village of Silat al-Harithiyah, east of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, on September 30. AFP-Yonhap



Three Palestinians were killed Thursday by Israeli fire, including a woman who tried to stab officers in Jerusalem, a militant shot during West Bank clashes and a Gazan who approached the border fence.



The violence comes days after an Israeli raid on militants in the occupied West Bank left five Palestinians dead.



At dawn in Jerusalem, the sound of gunshots rang through the Old City, with the body of a woman lying on a stone street that leads to the Al-Aqsa mosque, an AFP journalist said. She was later draped in a survival blanket.



Police said she had attempted to stab officers after being stopped for a check because her conduct aroused suspicion.



"During the questioning, the terrorist pulled out a knife and tried to stab the officers. They immediately responded with gunfire and neutralised her," a statement said, noting medics later pronounced her dead.



The woman was identified by Palestinian officials as Israa Khozaimieh, 30, from Qabatiya in the northern West Bank.



The attempted attack did not result in any Israeli casualties.



Israeli security forces are stationed at each entrance to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.



The compound lies in east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.



In a separate incident in Burqin, in the northern West Bank near Jenin, Israeli troops and border police conducted an overnight operation "to arrest suspects and locate weapons," a police statement said.

"During the operation, an armed terrorist fired at the forces who were operating in the village during a riot," police said.



"Border police forces responded with gunfire toward the terrorist and neutralised him," police said, with a spokesman confirming his death to AFP.



Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said the man killed was Alaa Zayoud, 22, a member of its military wing. No Israeli forces were wounded in the incident in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory under Israeli military occupation since 1967.



On Sunday, five Palestinians were killed after an Israeli raid in the West Bank sparked gun battles with Hamas militants, two of them in Burqin, officials said.



One of those killed in Burqin on Sunday was an Islamic Jihad member, and the movement said on Thursday that Zayoud had "joined" him.



Hamas, the militant rulers of the Gaza Strip, issued a statement in support of the "martyrdom" of Zayoud, saying "armed resistance and comprehensive confrontation" with Israel were the way to expel "settlers" from "our occupied land".



In a third and unrelated incident in Gaza, Israeli troops "spotted three suspects approaching the security fence," an army statement said.



"One of the suspects was seen carrying a suspicious backpack and digging in the ground. (Israeli) troops at the scene fired towards the suspect," the army said, adding that it was reviewing the incident and was "aware of reports that a Palestinian was killed."



Gaza's health ministry said the man was killed and identified him as Mohammad Abu Ammar, 40. (AFP)


Military delegates arrive for the closing session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in this May 28, 2020, file photo. Defense officials from China and the U.S. have held two days of talks in a small sign of progress amid a continuous sharp downturn in relations. AP-Yonhap



Defense officials from China and the U.S. have held two days of talks in a small sign of progress amid a continuing sharp downturn in relations.



The secure video conference held Tuesday and Wednesday was led by Maj. Gen. Huang Xueping, deputy direct of the People's Liberation Army's Office for International Military Cooperation, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase.



Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian on Thursday said the sides "exchanged in-depth views on relations between the two countries and the two militaries and issues of common concern.''



However, he blamed "continuous provocation and containment'' of China by the U.S. for the "considerable difficulties and challenges'' between the two militaries.



"China's sovereignty, dignity and core interests brook no violations," Wu said at a monthly briefing. "Regarding the relationship between the two armed forces, we welcome communication, welcome cooperation, face differences and oppose coercion."



In a statement issued in Washington, Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners said the meeting was "an important component of the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between the U.S. and the PRC by maintaining open lines of communication with the PRC."



During the talks, he said the two sides held "a frank, in-depth, and open discussion on a range of issues.''



"Both sides reaffirmed consensus to keep communication channels open. The U.S. side also made clear our commitment to uphold shared principles with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.



Relations between China and the U.S. are facing the worst strain in decades over trade, technology, human rights and Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, where Beijing has built airstrips and other infrastructure atop man-made islands.



Military-to-military ties have been characterized by deep mistrust, with the U.S. accusing China of a lack of transparency as it massively upgrades the capabilities of the PLA, the military wing of the ruling Communist Party.



China has been angered by the Navy sending ships to sail close to islands it controls in what Washington calls freedom of navigation operations, along with U.S. support for Taiwan.



President Joe Biden has maintained a tough line on China, but has sought better communication with Beijing. The talks between Huang and Chase are believed to mark the first direct high-level contact between defense officials under the Biden administration.



The talks also follow revelations that the top U.S. military officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, made a pair of calls to his Chinese counterpart on Oct. 30 and Jan. 8 to reassure him during the waning days of the Trump administration.



Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday he was responding to a "significant degree of intelligence'' that China was worried about a U.S. attack. He said that such military-to-military communications are critical to prevent war between great powers that possess nuclear weapons.



China has not commented on the calls.



Wu also reiterated China's opposition to a three-way strategic defense alliance announced by Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. that includes building nuclear-propelled submarines for Australia. Beijing views the arrangement as firmly directed at containing its development.



"China urges the three countries to abandon their Cold War mentality and zero-sum game thinking, revoke the mistaken decision to develop nuclear submarine cooperation," Wu said. (AP)






Ecuador's penitentiary system said on Wednesday that the death toll from a prison riot that took place on Tuesday had risen to at least 100 and that authorities were still working to determine the full toll.







The South American nation on Tuesday night reported clashes at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months.







"As of now we can confirm that there are more than 100 prisoners dead and 52 injured during the incidents that took place on Tuesday, Sept 28," Ecuador's SNAI prison service wrote on Twitter, adding that police and prosecutors were still investigating.







Hours earlier, SNAI director Bolivar Garzon had told reporters that at least 30 prisoners had died and that authorities were still working to remove 10 bodies.







Dozens of people arrived at the jail to seek information about relatives and demand accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety. The government bolstered military presence outside the facility.







Riots broke out in February and July in the country's prison system, which houses some 39,000 inmates. At least 79 people died in the February violence, and in July at least 22 lives were lost.







The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has previously condemned the violence, and Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to fully investigate the prison violence and bring those responsible to justice.







President Guillermo Lasso in August said the government would provide more funding for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security. (Reuters)


Silhouettes of laptop and mobile device users are seen next to a screen projection of the YouTube logo in this picture illustration. YouTube announced a sweeping crackdown of vaccine misinformation that booted popular anti-vaccine influencers from its site and deleted false claims that have been made about a range of immunizations. Reuters-Yonhap



YouTube announced a sweeping crackdown of vaccine misinformation Wednesday that booted popular anti-vaccine influencers from its site and deleted false claims that have been made about a range of immunizations.



The video-sharing platform said it will no longer allow users to baselessly speculate that approved vaccines, like the ones given to prevent the flu or measles, are dangerous or cause diseases.



YouTube's latest attempt to stem a tide of vaccine misinformation comes as countries around the globe struggle to convince a somewhat vaccine hesitant public to accept the free immunizations that scientists say will end the COVID-19 pandemic that began 20 months ago. The tech platform, which is owned by Google, already tried to ban COVID-19 vaccine misinformation last year, at the height of the pandemic.



''We've steadily seen false claims about the coronavirus vaccines spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general, and we're now at a point where it's more important than ever to expand the work we started with COVID-19 to other vaccines,'' YouTube said in a blog post.



Up until Wednesday, anti-vaccine influencers, who have thousands of subscribers, had used YouTube to stoke fears around vaccines that health experts point out have been safely administered for decades. The YouTube channel of an organization run by environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was one of several popular anti-vaccine accounts that was gone by Wednesday morning.



In an emailed statement to The Associated Press, Kennedy criticized the ban: ''There is no instance in history when censorship and secrecy have advanced either democracy or public health.''



YouTube declined to provide details on how many accounts were removed in the crackdown.



Under its new policy, YouTube says it will remove misinformation about any vaccine that has been approved by health authorities, such as the World Health Organization, and is currently being administered. False claims that those vaccines are dangerous or cause health issues, like cancer, infertility or autism  theories that scientists have discredited for decades but have endured on the internet  should also be removed.



''The concept that vaccines harm  instead of help  is at the foundation of a lot of misinformation,'' said Jeanine Guidry, a media and public health professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.



She added that, if enforced properly, the new rules could stop bad information from influencing a new parent who is using the internet to research whether or not to vaccinate their child, for example.





In this Aug. 24 file photo, anti-vaccine mandate protesters demonstrate, outside of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, to support the Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act, a bill that would prohibit mandatory vaccinations, and vaccination status disclosures. AFP-Yonhap
Climate activists Martina Comparelli, Vanessa Nakate and Greta Thunberg meet with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi ahead of the pre-COP26 ministerial meeting, in Milan, Italy, in this screen grab taken from video, Sept. 30. Reuters-Yonhap



Youth climate activists including Greta Thunberg met Italy's Prime Minister and current president of the G20 Mario Draghi on Thursday in a final push to get world leaders to match rhetoric with action before the U.N. COP26 climate summit.



Thousands of young activists converged this week for a Youth4Climate event in Milan, where Draghi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson also spoke on Thursday along with COP26 president Alok Sharma and U.N. chief Antonio Guterres.



Thunberg, 18, who on Tuesday lambasted world leaders for "30 years of blah, blah, blah" in battling climate change, and two other fellow youth delegates met privately with Draghi before he addressed the plenary on Thursday.



"You are right to demand accountability and change ... your mobilisation has been powerful and rest assured: we are listening," Draghi said in his opening remarks.



His speech was interrupted by activists chanting "People united will never be defeated", who were then escorted from the room. Outside the venue, activists trying to block the road briefly scuffled with Italian riot police.



Italy is co-hosting the COP26 along with the UK from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 in Glasgow. The conference aims to secure more ambitious climate action from the nearly 200 countries that signed the 2015 Paris Agreement and agreed to try to limit human-caused global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.



Draghi wants the earlier G20 summit in October to make a commitment about the need to keep the 1.5 degrees limit within reach and develop long-term strategies in line with that goal.



"My sense is that leaders are all absolutely convinced of the need to act and act fast," he added.



The activists' proposals include demands for a transparent climate finance system, sustainable and responsible tourism as well as a call for the total phasing out of the fossil fuel industry by 2030.



Those proposals will be vetted by climate and energy ministers at the pre-COP26 gathering in the next few days ahead of the Glasgow conference.



The young climate champions are demanding policymakers match rhetoric with action and stump up the billions of dollars needed to wean the world off fossil fuels to cleaner energy during a year that has seen record-breaking heatwaves, floods and fires.



Draghi urged all wealthy nations who pledged a decade ago to mobilize $100 billion a year to help vulnerable countries adapt and transition to cleaner energy to fulfill that promise, adding the aid should come in grants, not loans, to avoid hiking debt.



While new energy and funding pledges from the U.S. and China have left negotiators more upbeat, many G20 countries, including major polluters like China and India, are yet to deliver updates of their short-term climate action plans.



Sharma said not all countries had come forward with sufficient money and emission commitments. "We need them to do so, including the biggest emitters," he said. (Reuters)




Sr. Art Editor Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Marketing Summary Posted: Sep 16, 2021 Role Number: 200286826 Marcom is Apple's Global Marketing Communications group. We oversee all of Apple's advertising and marketing to ensure the flawless development and execution of world-class communications. Apple's Worldwide Marcom team is looking for an experienced creative who has the ability to build strong photography and content narratives. The ideal candidate reports directly to the Group Creative Director of Photography and has experience as a creative lead on photo shoots as well as creating and designing detailed creative briefs. This candidate is a conceptual thinker and has a passion for photography with a strong background in design. The ability to consistently create high-quality outcomes in a timely manner while balancing multiple deliverables is a must. Key Qualifications Partner with Planners, Producers, PM's and Creatives to develop compelling WW content briefs that align with yearly product and campaign roadmaps and overall communications strategies.

Expert ability to direct the development of well-conceived, innovative photography that implements the content strategy and brief.

Participates in creative reviews to ensure photography is on brief and the narrative is integrated across all marketing materials including, but not limited to social, OOH, keynotes, campaign films, product films, launch campaigns and TV.

Ability to communicate effectively with creative partners, business affairs and other members of the brand team.

Excellent ability to direct photo shoots in order to create compelling photography for launch, campaign and sustain.

Will work closely with our GEO teams aligning WW with GEO content. Description A minimum of 7-10 years relevant experience. Experience in editorial, advertising, marketing, brand management, photography design and/or new media communication. Tried expertise in developing creative content solutions in a variety of campaigns, across a broad range of areas including, Advertising, Interactive, Retail and Channel, Keynote and Packaging. In depth knowledge of all steps required in the creative development process, including, providing clear communication and creative direction and giving timely and effective feedback to improve creative solutions. Experience working with Producers and Business Affairs is a plus. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree preferred.




Location: Mayfield Heights - Ohio

Job Description Rockwell Automation is looking for an innovative engineer to join our global Software and Control organization. You will be part of a new product development team, with a focus on building automated test scripts which validate our products within CI/CD pipelines and other automation environments. You will also contribute to the overall product test architecture and improve current test frameworks and tools. An ideal candidate will exhibit the ability to flex between product software development and test activities. Given tightly coupled hardware and software in our products, previous embedded software experience is a plus. Essential Functions Develop and test safety and security-critical embedded software for new Programmable Logic Controllers

Build and maintain automated tests and test frameworks in support of new and existing product features

Work in a variety of hardware and software environments, ranging from commercial off-the-shelf to custom System on Chip architectures, and from general purpose to embedded real-time operating systems

Use modern continuous integration and development tools, and promote continuous improvement of tools and practices across the global development organization

Demonstrate a strong understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, C++ and Python are preferred

Operate across the entire software development life cycle: requirements management, design, implementation, test, release, and maintenance

Work on an Agile development team within a larger Scaled Agile Framework organization, participating in short term (sprint), medium term (program increment) and long term (product roadmap) planning Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar discipline

Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening Preferred Qualifications Experience developing software and automated tests and tools in object-oriented languages such as C++ or Python

Ability to understand and apply knowledge of object-oriented analysis, design, and programming techniques

Experience with automation frameworks and tools development

Experience in requirements decomposition and test traceability

Experience in using open source tools like Git and Jenkins

Knowledge of unit testing using tools like CppUnit, unittest, etc.

Experience with continuous integration environments, automated test, and acceptance testing

Experience working in an Agile development setting and Agile project tools

Experience working with industrial protocols, especially Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)

Experience developing software and test to safety and security standards such as IEC 61508 or IEC 62443

Advanced courses or degree in engineering, computer science or controls This position is part of a job family. Experience will be the determining factor. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (see application details).




Description



System ID 730491

Category Administrative

Relocation Type No

Employment Status Full-Time

Unit Description

Are you a capable Administrative Assistant looking for a full time role that will provide great self-satisfaction through the opportunity to impact the business each hour of your day? Then check this out! Sodexo CTM team in Whittier, CA has an exciting Administrative Assistant II position available within a hospital setting. Ideal candidate will have great track record in and ideally in a similar environment. Must be well organized, self-motivated, and a great communicator, team player with MS Office skills. Proficiency, follow through and decision-making competencies are necessary as well great written and verbal communication. Ability to balance day to day work with special project completion. Is this opportunity right for you? Working in Clinical Technology Management (CTM) for Sodexo, you will partner with our team as well as Health-care clients to manage their clinical technology needs. Together, we provide leadership and expertise for their business, patients, residents and the staff who care for them. At Sodexo, we improve the Quality of Life of all those we serve. Our CTM positions offer you the opportunity to expand your skills and grow your career. Will assist with running reports, meeting minutes, monitoring PO's, and Project Support. Position will also assist with Acct Payable, Acct Receivable, payroll, invoices, date entry and system implementation. May also assist with certain HR duties such as interviewing, onboarding and scheduling. Collect and record work schedules, time keeping, and related records. Compile and maintain personnel records. The successful candidate will: have experience with SharePoint, Excel, Word and PowerPoint;

demonstrate strong attention to detail;

work as a team player and can work independently; and/or

demonstrate the initiative to seek solutions, resolve issues and have a hunger to grow and develop in this role

Have excellent writing skills Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who are: fluent in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and SharePoint;

detailed oriented, flexible, and have ability to manage multiple priorities;

have excellent organization, communication and project management skills Apply Now! We strive to make working for Sodexo a genuinely great experience with benefits to promote your professional, personal and financial well-being, and to improve your Quality of Life now and into the future. Our experiences with our over 50 million customers each and every day enable us to develop Quality of Life services that reinforce the well-being of individuals, improving their effectiveness and helping companies and organizations to improve performance ... every day. 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 other career growth opportunities, along with the performance of organizations. We believe it is important for our work to be meaningful to all who contribute to it, and we remain faithful to our mission, our core values and the ethical principles that have guided us since 1966. We support these values and help them thrive in each employee.

Position Summary

Performs a wide range of administrative and general support duties. Frequently communicates with senior-level internal and external contacts and is regularly exposed to confidential data. Works within established procedures with a moderate degree of supervision. Understands how the assigned duties relate to others in the team and how the team integrates with other teams. This position resides in-unit or above-unit.

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Education Requirement - High School Diploma, GED or equivalent



Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.



Requirements

See Job Description






Community Relationship Representative Newberg, Oregon Pamplin Media Group The Newberg Graphic a member of the Pamplin Media Group  seeks an outside sales representative (although we like to think of it as community relationship development) thats self-motivated and creative. Youll need to be tech savvy and have a desire to succeed by partnering with area businesses, non-profits, governments, and organizations. You will serve them through our full line of communications product offerings of print, digital and specialty publications. This person will join our advertising sales team and work with the publisher, ad assistants, digital and creative teams with the goal to serve our communities and advertisers. A locally owned media company, PMG is committed to our readers, our advertisers, and non-profits. Candidates must be comfortable building client relationships, presenting in-person and written proposals, offering creative ideas and input for advertising campaign development. You will have an established territory in Newberg, Dundee, McMinnville, and although previous sales experience, particularly media, is preferred its not necessary. We will give you the training, tools & resources to do your job well. Even though there are times when you will need to be in front of customers, at community business events and in the office, this isnt a standard 8-5 office gig where youre sitting at your desk all day, we currently offer hybrid and remote work flexibility. We offer a base salary plus commission, a variety of great benefits including medical and dental, 401K and expense reimbursement. This is an opportunity where you can control your own future and success, help businesses, and impact your community while enjoying what you do.

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The municipal elections in Austrias second-biggest city, Graz, were a political earthquake. The victory of the Communist Party of Austria (KPO) shows a categorical rejection of the hated bourgeois establishment that has managed the city for years, and opens up a perspective of a broad offense against social welfare cuts and an end to Grazs tenure as a private investors paradise.

Not a stone was left standing of the previous administration after the municipal elections in the capital city of the Styria-province on 26 September. The conservative party (OVP) faced a bruising defeat, with only 25.91 percent of votes (down 11.88 percent compared to 2017). Long-time mayor Siegfried Nagl announced his resignation on election night and handed his office over to his vice-chairman Kurt Hohensinner.

The coalitions junior partner, the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO), also lost a significant amount of ground, with 10.61 percent of the votes (down 5.25 percent). The citizens of Graz dealt the bourgeois city government a well-deserved bloody nose for its policies in favour of the banks and big business.

With increasing desperation, the former mayor Nagl tried to prevent his electoral defeat in the last stages of his campaign with crude anti-communist propaganda. He warned of state bankruptcy, mass unemployment and a people fobbed off with alms and no perspective in case of a KPO-led city government. This is a continuation of a year-long struggle to sabotage the growing influence and support for the KPO in Graz.

But in fact, this result was already achieved by 18 years of his own government. Public debts have exploded to 1.26bn, thousands of Grazians are without jobs, and those depending on social-card services were faced with cuts to energy subsidies and Christmas bonuses.

The FPO-coalition partner in the meantime gambled on racist diversionary tactics. The party issued campaign posters carrying the slogan: Guaranteed: Graz is not your home!, featuring a photograph of refugees. But the working class of Graz did not fall for this disgusting ruse.

Communist victory

The clear electoral winner in these elections was the KPO. The party came in first with 28.84 percent of the votes (an increase of 8.5 percent compared to 2017)  its best-ever result. The party has gained ground in the last period by consistently opposing social cuts in parliament and provisional government, in addition to providing direct support to the workers and poor at a local level.

The KPO won 3,000 votes respectively from the Social Democrats (SPO) and the Greens; and 2,000 votes each from the conservative OVP and the right-wing FPO, as well as winning 4,000 from previous abstainers. This goes to show that a wide swathe of the population are fed up with all the parties of the status quo, and are looking for an alternative.

Communist Party of Austria wins the municipal election Graz, with 28.8% of the votes.



Candidate Elke Kahr will become the first female KPO mayor of a state capital in Austria. pic.twitter.com/3cJ9UcAxAI  Organize, Educate, Agitate!  (@catchwreck3) September 26, 2021

The results for the SPO Graz and the regional elections in Upper Austria, which were held on the same day, clearly show what happens when the working class and youth arent offered such a political alternative.

The vote share for SPO Graz is stagnating around its historical lowest point: 9.53 percent, down 0.52 percent compared to 2017. In Upper Austria, meanwhile, the SPO is also stagnating, while a new party of reactionary vaccination-sceptics has entered the provincial parliament, with 6.3 percent. The SPO lacks credibility, its electoral base in the working class is dwindling and it even has trouble mobilising support among large industrial workplaces.

How did we get here?

From the beginning, the workers movement in Austria has been dominated by the Social Democracy. Unlike in other countries, the Communist Party didnt develop significantly, with exception of a short intermezzo when they led the resistance during the fascist period, and the decade after.

In the past, the Social Democracy always understood the need to incorporate strong left-wing tendencies within the party, in order to prevent the rise of any forces to their left, and maintain the class struggle within relatively safe channels.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the crisis of Stalinism was reflected in the KPO. The KP faction in the province of Styria essentially adopted a left-reformist approach, focusing on social policies at a local and even individual level. However, unlike the party in the rest of Austria, the faction did not focus all its energies on left electoral alliances but kept its identity as an independent party. It defended the word communism in the party name, and its leading representatives still identify as Marxists (despite stressing that they want to interpret this un-ideologically).

In the 1990s, community politics with an emphasis on housing finally brought electoral success to the KPO in Graz. This was assisted by the increasingly right-wing policy of the SPO, which had also held the office of mayor in Graz since the mid-1980s. The Communist Party installed a hotline to assist tenants, and consistently voted against social cuts. Additionally, officials of the KPO Styria dont take more than a workers wage, donating everything above 2,000 to social projects for citizens. All of this has won the party credibility with the masses of Graz.

However, the KPO is not without its limitations. Its focus on community politics and its parliamentary outlook, lacking a perspective of united class struggle, have always been its Achilles heel. For example, the communist trade union faction did not put forward any plan of action when the biggest car factory in Graz, Magna, announced mass sackings in 2019. Instead, their demand was to work out an alternative to the dependency on the crisis-ridden car industry together with the management. This, despite the fact that they earned 18.5 percent of the votes and five mandates in said factorys shop steward elections.

In its approach towards migration, the party also leaves a lot to be desired. Officially, it promotes a Stalinist social-patriot orientation, which defends a progressive Austrian nation. Despite the scandalously racist policy of the Austrian national government towards migrants fleeing the recent take-over of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the KPO remained silent in midst of its electoral campaign.

In the past, the KPO has been notably absent on questions concerning the constant campaign of racism conducted by the ruling conservative party. In 2015, when there was a huge pro-refugee movement in Austria, a leading comrade of the Styrian Party, Werner Murgg, called nation states without strict border regimes eunuch states.

Despite all these limitations, the decline of the Social Democracy and its complete lack of credibility have laid the basis for the rise of the KPO. In fact, this process started back in the 1980s, during the steel crisis, when some militant shop stewards in the steelworks went from the socialists (whose leaders defended a class-collaborationist line) over to the KP-union faction.

Since 2011, the SPO formed a so-called reform partnership with the conservative OVP in the region of Styria and actively carried out the destruction of rural infrastructure, closure of hospitals and targeted cuts to the most vulnerable layers of society etc. Not to mention the federal party, which has not once consistently defended a working-class standpoint in any conflict or dispute.

The KPO has thus become a visible and viable alternative to the SP in Graz and the region. Since 2003, the KPO has come second or third place in municipal elections, while the SP has continuously lost votes since 1988 (when it still had a vote-share of 42.5 percent). The Marxists of Der Funke openly called a KPO vote in Graz, and in provincial elections, since 2015. Our article just before this election bore the headline: Graz 2021: Black-blue out; Red-Red in! (Black-blue referring to OVP-FPO).

Underlying processes

This electoral result cannot be solely explained from the point of view of specific regional developments. The victory of the KPO resonated beyond the traditional left, and even garnered attention internationally. Even people who never thought of having anything to do with communism in their lives find this political sea change interesting and timely; most workers and youth view it positively.

The victory of the KPO resonated beyond the traditional left, and even garnered attention internationally / Image: fair use

This is unmistakable evidence of the fact that what is happening in Graz is part of a larger tidal shift in society. The crisis and resulting insecurity of capitalism is leading many to question the well-known truths of the past, and making them increasingly open to new ideas and alternatives.

Our political enemies view this election with horror. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, only a few days after saying he felt the gratitude of the masses to the conservatives (!), finds the communist victory alarming. Political commentators such as the public broadcasting stations senior editor Hans Burger sees it as a fertile ground for left-wing protest movements.

Now, rumours have emerged that the federal government is putting pressure on the Greens to prevent KP-leader Elke Kahr from taking office as mayor. This pressure shows how afraid the bourgeoisie are of the emergence of an alternative to their established rule.

Even if they fail to prevent a communist-led city government, the hostile approach of the bourgeois establishment will shape the coming political struggle between a KP-led administration. The federal and regional governments fund the municipalities, and might use their control of the purse strings to pressure the KPO.

Community and communism

In their first statements after the elections, the KP-leadership and its main candidate Elke Kahr stress that they want to continue to be useful, to be there for everyone and to work together with all parties, in short: a continuation of their community-oriented approach. This is, for now, a very popular stance. As yet, they have made no statements as to which reforms they will take up.

Housing is still the main social issue in Graz. The costs of rent are exploding, with an increase of 20 percent in the last year alone (the price now stands at 9.59/m). At the same time, the number of vacant investment property apartments has increased, because real estate speculators have had free reign to buy up living space, aided and encouraged by the black-blue government. Additionally, usage of public spaces, public transport (which is extremely expensive and inefficient in Graz), air pollution and cuts to public services are all major issues in the city.

A KP-led government must ensure that class-based demands for a decent existence and workplace conditions have a prominent point of support in the city hall. Also, the above-mentioned car factory Magna, which currently employs 13,000 workers, is constantly under pressure from the capitalist world market, and exploits its workers mercilessly. The communist trade union faction, together with a communist-led city hall, have a major opportunity to advance the cause of the working class in upcoming social conflicts.

However, confronted with questions about the KPOs party programme, which includes the expropriation of big business and industry, the leadership of the Graz party has offered reassurances to the establishment that this will not be a feature of their policy, and that these parts of their programme are not a monstrance that we flaunt.

In the context of growing social and political polarisation, a mechanical division between the long-term goal of a socialist programme and the concrete task of improving the living standards of the masses could weaken a communist-led administration.

There is also certain flippancy evident in the attitude of party leaders towards revolutionary politics. For instance, what does leading candidate, Elke Kahr, have to say about Lenin? According to her, Lenin is the name of our cat in our partys office. I like him. And rather than replying robustly to the anti-communist propaganda that communism has brought millions of deaths, Elke Kahr simply replied that this is not a topic that interests normal people.

This is the first time in living memory that communism has featured so prominently in public debate. It would have been much more impactful, and bolstered activists and supporters far more, had Kahr said something along the lines of: yes, the Communist Party does indeed stand for the expropriation of big capital and wants to win a majority in society to carry out this demand for the benefit of the workers and their families as well as nature.

Such an approach would electrify the political situation in Austria. The political vacuum left by the Social Democracy is growing and demands to be filled. The Styrian KPO has won political attention and now has the authority to put together a nationwide communist candidacy.

Without anticipating any developments, we can say that with the current situation in the Social Democracy, and especially the continuous surrender and errors of its left, have created space for a serious, national, working-class candidate to the partys left. This would awaken the working-class movement by openly challenging the dominance of the right-wing and bourgeois leaders of the big workers organisations.

The growing unrest and anger in society will find further expression. Events, events and furthermore events will shape and reshape the consciousness of the masses, test ideas and leaders; and create and destroy organisations. In this process, the working class will develop a leadership that is willing and capable to finish the job. For sure, the victory of the KP in Graz is one such element in this process.

May the bourgeois tremble, the period of calm and social peace is coming to an end.
Since 16 September, more than 2,500 factory workers at the electric appliance company Universal have been engaging in a heroic strike at the industrial zone in 6th of October City, near Cairo. Please read this appeal, and share our solidarity motion (below).

Workers initiated the strike after a series of attacks on working conditions by the bosses. Wages have not been paid for three months and hazard pay has been completely withdrawn. The latter is especially important, since the factory has experienced an increased number of injuries, from the amputation of fingers and hands to workers having heart attacks. Conditions have worsened so badly that 15 have died in the last three months, including two who took their own lives.

These attacks come at a time when the masses in Egypt are already feeling the effect of the governments brutal austerity measures. Living conditions for workers and the poor have fallen significantly in the recent period, as a result of the structural adjustment policies imposed by the International Monetary Fund, with the support of the Egyptian ruling class and the military dictatorship that protects it.

The military itself has played a particularly pernicious role in protecting the capitalists during the strike. Three leading factory workers, as well as one of their sons, were arrested in their homes for allegedly inciting the strike and disrupting work. Workers are now threatening a sit-in, amid rising tensions with the police and escalating repression.

These events have further discredited the dictator Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, who claims to represent the Egyptian masses and stand above the class struggle. Ultimately, the military dictatorship will only defend the interests of Egyptian capitalists, and exists only to suppress the working class.

Despite constant repression by the military dictatorship, the Egyptian working class has proven itself willing to fight to defend living standards and working conditions. Egyptian workers have a long tradition of fighting back against the bosses and will continue to struggle in defence of their rights. We, the Marxists, offer our full support to the workers of Universal, and to others engaged in the struggle to preserve their livelihoods in the face of brutal attacks by the capitalists and the military dictatorship.

Such economic struggles provide very important experiences and lessons for the working class, experiences which will prove crucial in the future revolutionary struggles in Egypt.

We call for the demands of the workers to be met. If the employers claim they are insolvent, workers must demand they open the books and reveal the companys financial secrets. If the company is bankrupt, it should be confiscated and placed under the control of the workers, who are the most capable of managing it.

Currently, the army is isolating the factory, cutting off the workers from the outside world. We must be their voice in this period, defending and spreading their message as far as possible. We call on the working class in the region and worldwide to help support their comrades in Egypt. We call for the widest campaign of international solidarity with the workers of the Universal company, in the face of the campaign of repression and restrictions imposed on them by the state, and we call for the widest campaign to demand the release of detained workers and the cessation of security prosecutions.

For the release of detainees!

For the widest campaign of solidarity with factory workers at Universal!

No to the withholding of wages!

For workers control of all factories threatened with bankruptcy!

Long live the Egyptian working class!

Down with the capitalists governments!

Down with the military dictatorship!

There is no solution but the victory of the socialist revolution led by a workers' government!

What you can do to support the struggle:

Sign the below model resolution and send it as a direct message to the company on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversalHomeAppliances. Please also send a copy of the message to marxy@marxy.com and contact@marxist.com Pass the resolution in your trade union or party branch and send it to the same addresses. Do not forget to send the message to marxy@marxy.com and contact@marxist.com as that will allow us to raise public pressure on the company.

Model resolution

The workers of the Universal electronics factory in Cairos 6th of October City have been on strike since 16 September. Having endured three months of withheld wages and dangerous working conditions, they have bravely decided to strike for their basic rights. After 15 of their co-workers died in the past three months from harmful working conditions and many more suffered severe injuries, they are struggling not only for a fair wage, but to protect their lives and the lives of their fellow workers. In such dangerous working conditions it is all the more disgraceful that the company has withdrawn all hazard pay for the past period.

While they are fighting this life-or-death struggle, they have been continually targeted by the repressive attacks of the police and the army. Three leading strikers and one of their sons have been abducted and are being detained for the crime of fighting for their rights. Currently, the workers have been isolated by the army, with no way to get their message out to the world. In these brutal conditions, international solidarity is the most important tool they have.

We call on Universal to immediately meet the demands of the striking workers. All withheld wages must be paid, hazard pay must be reinstated, working conditions in the factory must be improved and made safe. We also demand an end to the victimisation of strikers. Those currently detained must be immediately released. These are political prisoners, who have committed no crimes whatsoever.

Solidarity!
Calls to action sounded loud and clear from leading voices from across the region as Africa Climate Week 2021 kicked off. The event, hosted by the government of Uganda, is expected to drive urgent critical discussion ahead of the COP26 climate conference.

The African Development Bank is hosting thematic sessions and side events alongside partner organizations, including the African Union Commission, UN Economic Commission for Africa, UN Development Program, UN Environment Program, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and World Bank Group. The three-day virtual event runs 26-29 September 2021.

Sam Cheptoris, Minister of Water and Environment of Uganda, said: We have seen recently that the world is not on course to limit warming to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible, as laid out in the Paris Agreement. This increases risk of severe impacts at a moment in which we are looking to grow quickly. For Africa, this is a generational crisis and one we will have to adapt to. In the face of the climate crisis, Africa must come together and chart a course to low-emission growth that is good for all Africans and the world.

Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Officer-in-charge for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, said the Bank stood ready to deploy its resources to save people and planet and generate wealth for our continent. The Africa Climate Week presents us an opportunity to dialogue with partners to generate a pipeline of transformative projects and programs that will deliver Africas post Covid-19 recovery in line with Africas Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement goals, Dorsouma said.

At a side event on mobilizing gender-responsive climate finance hosted by the UN Development Program and the UK government, which currently holds the COP26 presidency, Davinah Milenge, principal coordinator of the African Development Banks Africa Nationally Determined Contributions Hub, shared best practices on crowding in gender-responsive adaptation finance. As an example, she cited the Banks Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Ghana project, which offers innovative financial products and services to assist womens adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices.

A panel discussion organized by the African Development Bank and the UN Population Fund, focused on enhancing gender-sensitive and health adaptation responses in Africa. The discussion stressed the need for more data on gender-sensitive indicators to improve climate adaptation responses. Gareth Phillips, the African Development Banks manager for climate and environment finance, called for more resources to be made available to communities to support a bottom-up approach on gender and health inclusion in adaptation measures.

Panellists noted that only four African Nationally Determined Contributions integrate health considerations. Current efforts to adapt to climate change are simply not sufficient. Moreover, solutions are not always designed to prevent disproportionate impacts on women and girls, as well as other vulnerable or marginalized populations, said Dr. Bannet Ndyanabangi, UN Population Funds interim regional director for East and Southern Africa.

Mobilizing climate finance was a key agenda topic. At a side event hosted by Hivos, panelists discussed access to finance, outlining the barriers local private actors face in accessing finance. Dr. Olufunso Somorin, the Banks regional principal officer for East Africa, said the African Development Bank works with financial intermediaries across the continent to offer concessional loans to local companies interested in climate action. Access to finance, including the $100 billion annual pledge made by developed countries at COP15, will be central to the agenda of the upcoming COP26 conference to be held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November.

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Air Mauritius has exited voluntary administration and is increasing flight capacity to cater for travellers from all over the world who are planning to visit the Indian Ocean paradise island for work and pleasure.

The government of the Republic of Mauritius is injecting Rs12 billion (US$280million) into Air Mauritius via a loan to provide long term stability for the company as international air travel and tourism rebuilds following the Covid-19 pandemic. Air Mauritius is a strategic national asset central to the governments tourism and investment strategy and provides Mauritius with its own passenger and cargo connectivity to meet market demands. The new loan arrangement was overwhelmingly supported by Air Mauritius creditors.

Ken Arian, CEO of Airports Holdings Limited, the parent company of Air Mauritius said:

This new financial arrangement provides Air Mauritius with the stability to rebuild and play a central role in the governments economic development and tourism plans. It is a vote of confidence in our staff and provides them and our tourism industry with reassurance for the future. Air Mauritius is an iconic global brand and will continue to provide short and long-haul passenger and cargo connectivity to some of our most important global markets.

Passenger and cargo flights will operate between Mauritius and Paris, London, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Antananarivo and Reunion with connecting services available globally. Additional capacity and international routes will be added to meet demand. Air Mauritius expects Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Perth to be introduced at a later date. Domestic services to and from Rodrigues will resume in November 2021.

As part of the new structure, the network fleet has been consolidated from 15 aircraft to 9 aircraft  4 x A350-900 and 2 x A330-900neo wide-bodied fleet. The remaining 3 aircraft are ATR72-500 to service domestic and regional routes. Air Mauritius now has one of the youngest widebody fleets in the world.

Mauritius is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated passengers from October 1 and, as a result, demand for flights is soaring. Confidence is high that the nations vaccination drive  with 83 percent of adults now double-jabbed  will allow visitors to feel safe and secure. Non-vaccinated travelers can visit subject to a 14-day quarantine period.

Air Mauritius, which continued to fly throughout voluntary administration and the Covid-19 pandemic, is looking to the future with confidence, and we are delighted to welcome even more passengers back on board.

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International

Rohingya refugee leader shot dead in Bdesh camp

Mohib Ullah, a Rohingya Muslim leader from the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights.

Dhaka, Sep 30 (AP) | Publish Date: 9/30/2021 12:33:57 PM IST

An international representative of ethnic Rohingya refugees was shot to death in a camp in Bangladesh by unknown gunmen late Wednesday, police said.

Mohibullah, who is in his 40s, was a teacher who emerged as a key refugee leader and a spokesman representing the Muslim ethnic group in international meetings. He visited the White House in 2019 for a meeting on religious freedom with then-President Donald Trump and spoke about the suffering and persecution faced by Rohingya in Myanmar. That same year, he was bitterly criticized by Bangladeshi media after he led a massive rally of 200,000 refugees to mark the second anniversary of the crackdown by Myanmars military that caused about 700,000 Rohingya, including Mohibullah, to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

The unidentified attackers shot Mohibullah at the Kutupalong refugee camp at Ukhiya in Coxs Bazar district, said Naimul Haque, an commander of the Armed Police Battalion in Coxs Bazar. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead.

No groups claimed responsibility and it was not clear immediately who was behind the attack. Human Rights Watch called Mohibullah a vital voice for the Rohingya community.

He always defended the rights of the Rohingya to safe and dignified returns and to have a say in the decisions concerning their lives and future. His killing is a stark demonstration of the risks faced by those in the camps who speak up for freedom and against violence, Meenakshi Ganguly, the rights groups South Asia director, said in a statement.

Mohibullahs death undermines not only the struggle of Rohingya refugees for greater rights and protection in the refugee camps, but also their efforts to safely return to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladesh authorities should urgently investigate Mohibullahs killing along with other attacks on Rohingya activists in the camps, she said.

Amnesty International urged Bangladeshi authorities and the U.N. Refugee Agency to work together to ensure the protection of people in the camps, including refugees, activists and humanitarian workers from both the Rohingya and local community, many of whom have shared concerns about their safety.

His killing sends a chilling affect across the entire community, said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty Internationals South Asia Campaigner.

Overall, Bangladesh has been sheltering more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar after previous waves of persecution.
Baysider National Guard recruiter updates Rotarians



Staff Sgt. Joshua Stone (Right) was introduced as Guest Speaker by Rotarian and US Army Veteran George Feeney at Rotary's weekly morning meeting last Thursday, held in the Alton Senior Center. Stone talked about the many changes and opportunities available as a soldier in the New Hampshire National Guard. (Courtesy Photo) (click for larger version) ALTON  Staff Sgt. Joshua Stone, a New Hampshire National Guard recruiter and retention spokesperson, addressed Alton Rotarians at their weekly Thursday AM meeting about the many changes and opportunities now available in the New Hampshire Guard.



"Our state of New Hampshire has the smallest number of soldiers per capita, smaller than any other state in the country, but that doesn't change, in any way, how we as an active unit are trained and qualified to help and secure areas in our state, country or the world, when disasters, natural or man-made, may occur. We are prepared to serve whenever and wherever needed," he stated.



Stone often speaks with students at a number of area high schools, including Prospect Mountain High, Alton, about them enlisting in the New Hampshire State Guard.



"I see students, both boys and girls, who are enthusiastic and ready to serve. They want to give back, and are seriously thinking about their futures, including some wanting to join the military," he added.



When you join the New Hampshire National Guard, it'll require 10-15 weeks of basic training at one of many Army training camps in the country, then, attending monthly weekend training at home, and two weeks a year at a military camp away from home.



"The chances you'll be called to duty during your enlistment in the NH Guard, is very likely. You may need to serve to help save and improve lives anywhere needed, it's very exciting and rewarding to be involved in such causes," he ended.



Stone has served our country for a number of years both within the USA and countries like Japan, Iraq and in Europe. The Alton Rotary club meets every Thursday for breakfast at the Senior Center, Alton.



For information on joining Rotary, contact Rotarian Duane Hammond at 569-3745. ALTON  Staff Sgt. Joshua Stone, a New Hampshire National Guard recruiter and retention spokesperson, addressed Alton Rotarians at their weekly Thursday AM meeting about the many changes and opportunities now available in the New Hampshire Guard."Our state of New Hampshire has the smallest number of soldiers per capita, smaller than any other state in the country, but that doesn't change, in any way, how we as an active unit are trained and qualified to help and secure areas in our state, country or the world, when disasters, natural or man-made, may occur. We are prepared to serve whenever and wherever needed," he stated.Stone often speaks with students at a number of area high schools, including Prospect Mountain High, Alton, about them enlisting in the New Hampshire State Guard."I see students, both boys and girls, who are enthusiastic and ready to serve. They want to give back, and are seriously thinking about their futures, including some wanting to join the military," he added.When you join the New Hampshire National Guard, it'll require 10-15 weeks of basic training at one of many Army training camps in the country, then, attending monthly weekend training at home, and two weeks a year at a military camp away from home."The chances you'll be called to duty during your enlistment in the NH Guard, is very likely. You may need to serve to help save and improve lives anywhere needed, it's very exciting and rewarding to be involved in such causes," he ended.Stone has served our country for a number of years both within the USA and countries like Japan, Iraq and in Europe. The Alton Rotary club meets every Thursday for breakfast at the Senior Center, Alton.For information on joining Rotary, contact Rotarian Duane Hammond at 569-3745.

Baysider Alton Rotary on board to supply socks to shelters and organizations Offense stalls as Prospect boys fall to Laconia Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Berlin Reporter City Council recognizes Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day

by Tara Giles

Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter write the author BERLIN  Last week's Berlin City Council meeting began with a Public Hearing regarding Main Street and abutting lots. Resident Robert Theberge relayed that this sale is a positive for the downtown area in Berlin. Theberge then suggested that during remote meetings votes should be done by roll call.



Mayor Paul Grenier responded, saying, "When the majority of the elected body is present in-person for the meeting, this is not required."



Theberge said, "I also think that when amending an ordinance, the original should be included with strikeouts to show the changes requested. If there is ever any appeal or concern about non-public items, there is an Omnibus bureau that you can request a public hearing with. I also have concerns about the proposed ordinance concerning Conflict of Interest. It's vague and would prevent me from running for Council if my brother was also serving."



Grenier explained that the proposed ordinance would not prohibit both brothers serving on the Council, as they would be elected by the voters, it would just prohibit appointing family members to available positions.



For the traffic report, Councilor Rozek relayed that the blind driveway sign requested by Julia Brennan and John Tate was refereed to City Manager James Wheeler.



In other traffic news, Rozek said, "The request for a left-hand turn arrow signal at the Cleveland Bridge was referred for review by a lighting system professional to adapt or adjust the lights, as there is sometimes not enough time to make a left-hand turn when traffic is heavy."



Brought up for discussion was a cross that was removed from Mt. Jasper, loose dogs and graffiti in the mine that needs to be removed.



The Council passed a Resolution authorizing the City Attorney and City Manager to negotiate a purchase and sales agreement with David Scalley for 121 Main St. for the sum of $1. The Resolution reads as follows:



WHEREAS, there is currently no tax base derived from any of the parcels at this time; and



WHEREAS, the properties are located in the middle of downtown and have been vacant for many years and DAVID SCALLEY has been a responsible developer in many communities; and



WHEREAS, DAVID SCALLEY has agreed to substantially improve the property at 121 Main Street and the adjacent three vacant parcels by renovating the building and adjacent properties to meet all City Codes and ordinances; and



WHEREAS, the City Attorney and City Manager are authorized to negotiate and the City Manager is authorized to enter into a purchase and sale agreement on behalf of the City of Berlin for 121 Main Street, Map 119 Lot 51 along with three adjacent parcels fronting along Pleasant Street identified as Tax Map 119, Lots 33, 34, and 35 as well as to do all things necessary to close this transaction and tender the appropriate Quitclaim Deed to 121 Main Street, Map 119 Lot 51 along with three adjacent parcels fronting along Pleasant Street identified as Tax Map 119, Lots 33, 34, and 35; and



WHEREAS, the proposal tendered by DAVID SCALLEY (indicating he is willing to purchase all four parcels, "as is, where is" and to tender a complete release, indemnity and hold harmless agreement in favor of the City on any and all environmental issues concerning these properties as well as on the state of the building) was found to meet the City's goals to improve the downtown and put properties back on the tax rolls.



A Resolution regarding the Purple Heart Community Proclamation was unanimously approved.



It reads, "Whereas, the people of the City of Berlin have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the citizens of our community who have selflessly served in the Armed Forces, which has been vital in maintaining the freedom and the way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and, Whereas, citizens of our community have been wounded in action or killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces, and have been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for their ultimate sacrifices; and, Whereas, the Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration, and was created as 'The Badge of Military Merit' made of purple cloth in the shape of heart with the word 'Merit' sewn upon it, on August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, New York, by General George Washington; and, Whereas, the heritage it represents is sacred to those who know the price paid to wear the Purple Heart; and, Whereas, August 7th is nationally recognized as Purple Heart Day." BERLIN  Last week's Berlin City Council meeting began with a Public Hearing regarding Main Street and abutting lots. Resident Robert Theberge relayed that this sale is a positive for the downtown area in Berlin. Theberge then suggested that during remote meetings votes should be done by roll call.Mayor Paul Grenier responded, saying, "When the majority of the elected body is present in-person for the meeting, this is not required."Theberge said, "I also think that when amending an ordinance, the original should be included with strikeouts to show the changes requested. If there is ever any appeal or concern about non-public items, there is an Omnibus bureau that you can request a public hearing with. I also have concerns about the proposed ordinance concerning Conflict of Interest. It's vague and would prevent me from running for Council if my brother was also serving."Grenier explained that the proposed ordinance would not prohibit both brothers serving on the Council, as they would be elected by the voters, it would just prohibit appointing family members to available positions.For the traffic report, Councilor Rozek relayed that the blind driveway sign requested by Julia Brennan and John Tate was refereed to City Manager James Wheeler.In other traffic news, Rozek said, "The request for a left-hand turn arrow signal at the Cleveland Bridge was referred for review by a lighting system professional to adapt or adjust the lights, as there is sometimes not enough time to make a left-hand turn when traffic is heavy."Brought up for discussion was a cross that was removed from Mt. Jasper, loose dogs and graffiti in the mine that needs to be removed.The Council passed a Resolution authorizing the City Attorney and City Manager to negotiate a purchase and sales agreement with David Scalley for 121 Main St. for the sum of $1. The Resolution reads as follows:WHEREAS, there is currently no tax base derived from any of the parcels at this time; andWHEREAS, the properties are located in the middle of downtown and have been vacant for many years and DAVID SCALLEY has been a responsible developer in many communities; andWHEREAS, DAVID SCALLEY has agreed to substantially improve the property at 121 Main Street and the adjacent three vacant parcels by renovating the building and adjacent properties to meet all City Codes and ordinances; andWHEREAS, the City Attorney and City Manager are authorized to negotiate and the City Manager is authorized to enter into a purchase and sale agreement on behalf of the City of Berlin for 121 Main Street, Map 119 Lot 51 along with three adjacent parcels fronting along Pleasant Street identified as Tax Map 119, Lots 33, 34, and 35 as well as to do all things necessary to close this transaction and tender the appropriate Quitclaim Deed to 121 Main Street, Map 119 Lot 51 along with three adjacent parcels fronting along Pleasant Street identified as Tax Map 119, Lots 33, 34, and 35; andWHEREAS, the proposal tendered by DAVID SCALLEY (indicating he is willing to purchase all four parcels, "as is, where is" and to tender a complete release, indemnity and hold harmless agreement in favor of the City on any and all environmental issues concerning these properties as well as on the state of the building) was found to meet the City's goals to improve the downtown and put properties back on the tax rolls.A Resolution regarding the Purple Heart Community Proclamation was unanimously approved.It reads, "Whereas, the people of the City of Berlin have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the citizens of our community who have selflessly served in the Armed Forces, which has been vital in maintaining the freedom and the way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and, Whereas, citizens of our community have been wounded in action or killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces, and have been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for their ultimate sacrifices; and, Whereas, the Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration, and was created as 'The Badge of Military Merit' made of purple cloth in the shape of heart with the word 'Merit' sewn upon it, on August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, New York, by General George Washington; and, Whereas, the heritage it represents is sacred to those who know the price paid to wear the Purple Heart; and, Whereas, August 7th is nationally recognized as Purple Heart Day."

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2021-Sep-30 More... Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Gilford Steamer GPD talks about its work during community event

by Erin Plummer

Members of the community had the opportunity to learn more about the Gilford Police Department during the Gilford Police Department Appreciation, Awareness, and Participation Night.



On Thursday night, personnel with the Gilford Police Department talked about the work they do in front of live and virtual audiences. The presentation was also recorded by DP Productions and can be found on their website at https://www.dppgnetwork.com/watch-dppg



The event was put together by resident Tony Limanni, who also orchestrated an effort to distribute "Thank a Gilford Police Officer" lawn signs.



Limanni said he has extensive experience with police officers. His nephew is a state trooper on the Seacoast. He also helped design a testing system for police from around the state.



Additionally, he remembered being in a car accident on Route 11A, and how the Gilford Police helped him. There was also a time when he was driving home with his family from a church trip to Vermont and got caught in a heavy snowstorm on I-89. A state trooper ended up blocking his vehicle from a hazardous situation.



Limanni said he wanted this to educate people on what the police really do and not get caught up in the vitriol being targeted at officers now.



Limanni paid tribute to Larry Litchfield, the owner of Sawyer's Dairy Bar who donated $200 toward materials for the signs and contributed to the appreciation event. Litchfield passed away earlier this year.



"He really wanted to be here," Limanni said. "He wanted to be a part of this and he contributed wonderfully to the program for tonight and for the signs and I'm just sorry he couldn't be here. He helped make this possible and I really appreciate his enthusiasm."



Police Chief Anthony Bean Burpee and Deputy Chief Kris Kelley talked about the department's mission statement and the facts behind their work.



Bean Burpee said the actual work of police officers is different from what people might see in movies or on TV. He said incidents that might be seen in some parts of the country don't tend to happen in New Hampshire.



Bean Burpee said there are around 7,000 different law enforcement agencies across the country with over 774,000 officers. On average, there are 12.5 million arrests in the US every year, though he said statistics show that .005 of those arrests result in a fatal encounter.



Bean Burpee and Kelley said when more negative incidents about police are more frequently featured on the news, that is the predominant message that gets out while positive stories usually get lost in the news cycle.



"I'm not suggesting that there isn't room to improve in law enforcement as there is in any profession, but sometimes that message gets a little skewed sometimes when it's out there," Kelley said.



The Gilford Police try to engage with the public with numerous community policing opportunities.



"No single factor has been more crucial to reducing crime levels than the partnership between law enforcement and the communities that they serve, so community policing has been around a long time," Bean Burpee said.



Police will engage in "walk and talks" where they will walk around the community, come into businesses, and introduce themselves to people. These engagements could result in people feeling more comfortable about talking with the police about a crime or giving information.



The department holds a number of community events throughout the year including National Night Out, a meeting at McDonald's along with the Laconia Police Department, and others. That appreciation event was one of them.



"When we hold these events around town it is an opportunity for people to show up and, as we always say, behind these uniforms and these guns and badge and everything else we're human, we're just like everybody else," Bean Burpee said.



Bean Burpee said in the seven years he's been in Gilford the community has shown great support of its police department.



Bean Burpee and Kelley talked about the department's mission statement and how they rigorously review officer candidates, engage with the public, work with new technology, and other principles. They will also aim to provide healthy outlets for officers to deal with stress and talk about what's going on with them.



Several members of the department spoke about their divisions and what they do, including department prosecutor Sgt. Eric Bredbury, Det. Sgt. Chris Jacques from the Investigative Services Bureau, Patrol Sgt. Adam VanSteensburg, School Resources Officer Alyssa Raxter, K9 Officer and SWAT team member Curtis Mailloux, Communications Specialist Charlene Crowell, and volunteer Charlotte Landow from the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program. Members of the community had the opportunity to learn more about the Gilford Police Department during the Gilford Police Department Appreciation, Awareness, and Participation Night.On Thursday night, personnel with the Gilford Police Department talked about the work they do in front of live and virtual audiences. The presentation was also recorded by DP Productions and can be found on their website at https://www.dppgnetwork.com/watch-dppgThe event was put together by resident Tony Limanni, who also orchestrated an effort to distribute "Thank a Gilford Police Officer" lawn signs.Limanni said he has extensive experience with police officers. His nephew is a state trooper on the Seacoast. He also helped design a testing system for police from around the state.Additionally, he remembered being in a car accident on Route 11A, and how the Gilford Police helped him. There was also a time when he was driving home with his family from a church trip to Vermont and got caught in a heavy snowstorm on I-89. A state trooper ended up blocking his vehicle from a hazardous situation.Limanni said he wanted this to educate people on what the police really do and not get caught up in the vitriol being targeted at officers now.Limanni paid tribute to Larry Litchfield, the owner of Sawyer's Dairy Bar who donated $200 toward materials for the signs and contributed to the appreciation event. Litchfield passed away earlier this year."He really wanted to be here," Limanni said. "He wanted to be a part of this and he contributed wonderfully to the program for tonight and for the signs and I'm just sorry he couldn't be here. He helped make this possible and I really appreciate his enthusiasm."Police Chief Anthony Bean Burpee and Deputy Chief Kris Kelley talked about the department's mission statement and the facts behind their work.Bean Burpee said the actual work of police officers is different from what people might see in movies or on TV. He said incidents that might be seen in some parts of the country don't tend to happen in New Hampshire.Bean Burpee said there are around 7,000 different law enforcement agencies across the country with over 774,000 officers. On average, there are 12.5 million arrests in the US every year, though he said statistics show that .005 of those arrests result in a fatal encounter.Bean Burpee and Kelley said when more negative incidents about police are more frequently featured on the news, that is the predominant message that gets out while positive stories usually get lost in the news cycle."I'm not suggesting that there isn't room to improve in law enforcement as there is in any profession, but sometimes that message gets a little skewed sometimes when it's out there," Kelley said.The Gilford Police try to engage with the public with numerous community policing opportunities."No single factor has been more crucial to reducing crime levels than the partnership between law enforcement and the communities that they serve, so community policing has been around a long time," Bean Burpee said.Police will engage in "walk and talks" where they will walk around the community, come into businesses, and introduce themselves to people. These engagements could result in people feeling more comfortable about talking with the police about a crime or giving information.The department holds a number of community events throughout the year including National Night Out, a meeting at McDonald's along with the Laconia Police Department, and others. That appreciation event was one of them."When we hold these events around town it is an opportunity for people to show up and, as we always say, behind these uniforms and these guns and badge and everything else we're human, we're just like everybody else," Bean Burpee said.Bean Burpee said in the seven years he's been in Gilford the community has shown great support of its police department.Bean Burpee and Kelley talked about the department's mission statement and how they rigorously review officer candidates, engage with the public, work with new technology, and other principles. They will also aim to provide healthy outlets for officers to deal with stress and talk about what's going on with them.Several members of the department spoke about their divisions and what they do, including department prosecutor Sgt. Eric Bredbury, Det. Sgt. Chris Jacques from the Investigative Services Bureau, Patrol Sgt. Adam VanSteensburg, School Resources Officer Alyssa Raxter, K9 Officer and SWAT team member Curtis Mailloux, Communications Specialist Charlene Crowell, and volunteer Charlotte Landow from the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program.

Gilford Steamer Volleyball Golden Eagles power past Plymouth Urinetown coming to the GHS stage Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Winnisquam Echo No tricks, just treats at the Belmont Library in October

BELMONT  The Belmont Library is now the proud steward of two Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood book exchanges, usually in the form of a public bookcase. More than 90,000 public book exchanges are registered with the organization and branded as Little Free Libraries. Take a book, leave a book: one Library is located on the Village Rail Trail and the other at the entrance to the Town Forest walking trails on Wildlife Boulevard.



The Little Free Libraries were made available through IMLS funds administered through the NH state library. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit



The Halloween Storywalk is going up on the Village Rail Trail on Monday, Oct. 18, and will be available through Monday, Nov. 1. This story is The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea. StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children  and adults!  to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt. and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.



Choose from two take n' make projects in October. A generous library supporter has donated a limited number of 6inch tall wooden decorative pumpkins just waiting to be personalized. You can also celebrate autumn with a four-foot yarn pumpkin garland. Stop by the library or call for curbside pick up to make these fun projects your own. One of each kind per family please.



The October non-fiction book group is centered on "The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" by Candice Millard covering president Theodore Roosevelt's scientific expedition down the River of Doubt (later renamed the Roosevelt River), in Brazil. The discussion is set for Thursday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.



Our Friday Fiction book group meets in person outside if the weather cooperates on Friday, Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. "Heart of Darkness" is the story of an English seaman, Charles Marlow, who is hired by a Belgian company to captain a river steamer in the recently established Congo Free State. Almost as soon as he arrives in the Congo, Marlow begins to hear rumors about another company employee, Kurtz, who is stationed deep in the interior of the country, hundreds of miles up the Congo River. Contact the library for meeting information.



The Library will be closed Friday, Oct. 8 through Monday, Oct. 11.



The Belmont Public Library is open six days a week and any time at BELMONT  The Belmont Library is now the proud steward of two Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood book exchanges, usually in the form of a public bookcase. More than 90,000 public book exchanges are registered with the organization and branded as Little Free Libraries. Take a book, leave a book: one Library is located on the Village Rail Trail and the other at the entrance to the Town Forest walking trails on Wildlife Boulevard.The Little Free Libraries were made available through IMLS funds administered through the NH state library. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.The Halloween Storywalk is going up on the Village Rail Trail on Monday, Oct. 18, and will be available through Monday, Nov. 1. This story is The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea. StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children  and adults!  to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt. and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.Choose from two take n' make projects in October. A generous library supporter has donated a limited number of 6inch tall wooden decorative pumpkins just waiting to be personalized. You can also celebrate autumn with a four-foot yarn pumpkin garland. Stop by the library or call for curbside pick up to make these fun projects your own. One of each kind per family please.The October non-fiction book group is centered on "The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" by Candice Millard covering president Theodore Roosevelt's scientific expedition down the River of Doubt (later renamed the Roosevelt River), in Brazil. The discussion is set for Thursday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.Our Friday Fiction book group meets in person outside if the weather cooperates on Friday, Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. "Heart of Darkness" is the story of an English seaman, Charles Marlow, who is hired by a Belgian company to captain a river steamer in the recently established Congo Free State. Almost as soon as he arrives in the Congo, Marlow begins to hear rumors about another company employee, Kurtz, who is stationed deep in the interior of the country, hundreds of miles up the Congo River. Contact the library for meeting information.The Library will be closed Friday, Oct. 8 through Monday, Oct. 11.The Belmont Public Library is open six days a week and any time at www.belmontpubliclibrary.org , serving the community with books, digital resources, and cultural programming. In 2018, the library celebrated 90 years in the same building and 125 as Belmont's community library.

Winnisquam Echo Reinartz steps down after 22 years as Tilton's Town Clerk Raiders host Jeri Blair Invitational Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-29 23:53:24|Editor: huaxia

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Video: Vaccine nationalism amid the COVID-19 crisis has been disappointing, Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for East Asia and Pacific Region, tells Xinhua, urging policymakers to boost trade openness to rein in the virus and support recovery. (Xinhua)

Global cooperation is not only needed on vaccination, on trade, but also on macro economic policy, Mattoo said, as coordinated stimulus is mutually reinforcing and will be more powerful, says Aaditya Mattoo.



by Xiong Maoling, Tan Yixiao

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vaccine nationalism amid the COVID-19 crisis has been disappointing, said Aaditya Mattoo, World Bank chief economist for East Asia and Pacific Region, urging policymakers to boost trade openness to rein in the virus and support recovery.

"I am a trade economist and all my life, I believed that production should happen where it is most efficient and then be distributed to where there is greatest need," Mattoo told Xinhua in a remote video interview Monday.

"But this crisis has disappointed me because instead of countries pursuing a globally optimal cooperative strategy, there has been what we call vaccine nationalism," Mattoo said.

According to the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific Fall 2021 Economic Update, vaccination in the region faces three major constraints, as availability held back vaccination rates in larger countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, smaller, poorer countries are constrained by limited distribution infrastructure, and there is also vaccine hesitancy.

Faced with vaccine nationalism, Mattoo said "perhaps not nationally, but at least regionally," it is necessary to have reliable supplies, so countries are "not hostage to a situation where other countries do not share vaccines."

In addition, the trade economist called for allowing easier access and facilitating transfer of vaccine technology, where the whole world can work together to expand production now.

"You see the perverse result of a strategy that just focuses domestically, because if you do not suppress infection outside your country, you will remain vulnerable to the emergence of new variants," he said.

"We might be condemned to a perpetual race between vaccines and variants, and we need to win that race globally, not nationally," he added.

The World Bank estimates that most countries in the East Asia and the Pacific region can vaccinate more than 60 percent of their populations by the first half of 2022, which would significantly reduce mortality, allowing a resumption of economic activity.

A medical worker inoculates a man with a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

Apart from vaccination, Mattoo said there needs to be a complimentary strategy, which consists of precautionary behaviors, such as wearing masks, social distancing, as well as sustained testing, tracing and isolation, calling it the "second arrow in our quiver" to deal with this disease.

The latest report noted that the East Asia and Pacific region's recovery has been undermined by the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, and growth forecasts have been downgraded for most countries in the region.

While China's economy is projected to expand by 8.5 percent, up 0.4 percentage point from April projection, the rest of the region is forecast to grow at 2.5 percent, 1.9 percentage points less than forecast in April, the report showed.

Noting that there is variation across countries, Mattoo said some countries like China have been relatively successful in at least keeping this virus at bay, but other countries which had done well previously, especially like Vietnam and Malaysia, are now struggling to contain it and are suffering a "significant" contraction in economic activity.

Others like the Philippines and Indonesia, he continued, had always struggled and their struggles have been "worse," so they are also seeing a contraction in economic activity and forecasts for them are less promising than before.

Mattoo laid out three major reasons for China's strong recovery: China's efficiency in containing the disease; China's robust exports, supported by sustained recovery abroad; the government's capacity to provide support.

The economist, however, noted that there are also challenges China needs to address, as the disease is not conquered, global demand has peaked, geopolitical tensions can affect trade, and macro-prudential policies need to avoid instability.

He also noted that a country like China can "take initiatives as it's already doing to revive multilateral cooperation."

Global cooperation is not only needed on vaccination, on trade, but also on macro economic policy, Mattoo said, as coordinated stimulus is mutually reinforcing and will be more powerful.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) stands with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (1st L) and other officials upon the arrival of government-purchased Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines in Manila, the Philippines, on March 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

"The one risk is that when one country provides stimulus, others are sometimes tempted to hold back and that can then also create trade tensions, where you feel they are not doing their share," he said.

"So both from a purely economic point of view, but also from a political stability point of view, coordinated policies are desirable," he added.

The World Bank economist noted that trade has remained resilient for countries in the region despite the pandemic, but there are export restrictions and supply chain disruptions.

"The best response to protectionism abroad is more trade openness at home, and more trade facilitation" within the region, Mattoo said. "We showed that actually would lead to even faster growth in the region, than retaliating through protection."

The trade economist noted that trade has been the engine of growth for all the countries, "any successful country," not just in the region.

"So at this stage, even if some countries are beginning to doubt the benefits of globalization and retreating from it, I do not think the region should," he said.

Beyond containing COVID-19, the World Bank also called on policymakers to adopt a comprehensive strategy to boost inclusive growth, including increasing public investment in hard and soft infrastructure, like clean energy, transport, health systems and schools, improving social protection systems, and supporting broader technology diffusion.

"So I would say contain the disease, ensure stable macro policy for recovery, and then work hard on structural reforms for long-term growth," Mattoo said.

"A crisis is an opportunity (that) changes the political economy and the time to take advantage of it is now," he added. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 03:22:13|Editor: huaxia

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The Minister of Basic Education of Botswana Fidelis Molao (L) poses for a photo with Vice President of Huawei Southern Africa Li Fei during a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding in Gaborone, Botswana, on Sept. 29, 2021. Huawei Technologies Botswana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) on Wednesday to facilitate and contribute to the digitalization of Botswana's education. Huawei Technologies Botswana donated 236,110 pula (about 20,872 U.S. dollars), 10 Huawei laptops, and two smartboards. The collaboration also includes the training of teachers in information technology. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Huawei Technologies Botswana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) on Wednesday to facilitate and contribute to the digitalization of Botswana's education.

Huawei Technologies Botswana donated 236,110 pula (about 20,872 U.S. dollars), 10 Huawei laptops, and two smartboards.

The collaboration also includes the training of teachers in information technology.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the MoU in Gaborone, Li Fei, Vice President of Huawei Southern Africa, said that education is one of their current priorities, and they want to assist in creating both a knowledge-based economy and the fourth Industrial Revolution.

The donation of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment would help them improve their digital operations, said Li.

The Minister of Basic Education, Fidelis Molao, who received the donations, expressed gratitude, saying that the pandemic has forced organizations to operate virtually and online and the ICT devices will assist in this regard. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 15:55:43|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that in the past 30 years since China and Brunei established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained sound and fast development.

With continuously deepened mutual political trust and cooperation in various fields as well as close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, the two countries have set a good example of relations between countries of different sizes based on equality and mutual benefit for common development, he added.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have always supported and helped each other in times of difficulties, writing a new chapter of friendship, Xi said, adding that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Brunei relations.

Xi stressed that he is willing to work with his Majesty Sultan Hassanal, taking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity, to enhance strategic communication and deepen cooperation on fighting COVID-19 as well as joint construction of the Belt and Road, so as to promote the continuous new development of China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership and bring benefits to the two countries and their people.

Hassanal said in his message that China is an important cooperative partner of Brunei and bilateral cooperation has achieved positive progress.

He said Brunei thanked the Chinese side for its support and assistance to Brunei in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, and expressed readiness to deepen the strategic cooperative partnership with China so as to create more benefits to the two countries and their people. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 16:23:54|Editor: huaxia

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People lay flowers during a commemorative event held on the occasion of China's Martyrs' Day at a monument in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, Sept. 30, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Commemoration ceremonies were held across China on Thursday to honor fallen national heroes on Martyrs' Day.

At 9:30 a.m., a crowd of around 1,000 people sang the national anthem in front of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

Thereafter they paid a silent tribute to those who devoted their lives to the liberation of the Chinese people and the construction of the People's Republic of China, which was founded in 1949.

"As a veteran, I can better understand the dauntless spirit and loyal revolutionary belief of the martyrs. They sacrificed their lives for the happy life that we enjoy today," said Wang Wei, an official with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications who attended the event.

"On this occasion, we can recall the spiritual heritage and historical feats left by those fallen heroes," said Dong Lixin, deputy curator of the museum, who also called on the Chinese people to make joint efforts to build a great cause that can stand the test of time.

China's top legislature approved designating Sept. 30 as Martyrs' Day in 2014 to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of national independence and prosperity.

Besides Beijing, a series of memorial activities were held in other parts of China such as Liaoning, Jiangxi and Shandong provinces to mark the country's eighth Martyrs' Day, a day ahead of the National Day.

At the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, veterans, family members of deceased heroes and representatives of all walks of life stood in front of a martyrs' monument on Thursday morning.

At around 10 a.m., the national anthem was played and people paid silent tribute to the fallen heroes. Ten honor guards placed five flower baskets at the foot of the monument. Veterans and school students straightened the red ribbons on the baskets.

Seventy-one years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, eventually winning the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1953.

More than 197,000 CPV soldiers sacrificed their lives in the war. The names of the martyrs can be seen on a memorial wall at the cemetery.

"I will never forget my brothers in arms who fought side by side with me decades ago. The spirit of martyrs is immortal," said Li Weibo, an 89-year-old CPV veteran who participated in the activity on Thursday.

"The establishment of Martyrs' Day is a solemn commemoration of the fallen national heroes in the name of the country. They will be engraved upon Chinese people's hearts forever," said Wang Chunjie, who has worked for the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang for 17 years. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 23:57:41|Editor: huaxia

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-- Anger and disappointment over the United States from a number of other countries, even its allies, have been widely observed at the two ongoing major UN conferences -- the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and the 76th session of the UNGA in New York.

-- In a pre-recorded message to the 76th session of the UNGA, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said that he and many others were shocked by the U.S. treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers at the border between Mexico and the United States, referring to a recent video showing U.S. border patrol agents chasing Haitian migrants on horseback.

-- Recently, even some U.S. allies voiced complaints against the superpower. Referring to the nuclear submarine deal among the United States, Britain and Australia, French Foreign Minister Le Drian warned of a "crisis of trust" between allies.

by Xinhua writer Nie Xiaoyang

GENEVA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- "While evacuating from Afghanistan, the United States still killed civilians including children. Amazing that the U.S. has the cheek to talk about human rights," said a Geneva-based diplomat who wanted to remain anonymous.

In New York, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who was there for the week of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), told reporters that he did not intend to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accusing Washington of betrayal.

Anger and disappointment over the United States from a number of other countries, even its allies, have been widely observed at the two ongoing major UN conferences -- the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and the 76th session of the UNGA in New York.

In the eyes of many representatives, the United States is no longer a "decent power," but a disgraceful one, as it violates human rights, breaches international norms, and betrays allies' trust.

Photo taken on Sept. 18, 2021 shows a site of U.S. drone strike in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The U.S. military admitted on Sept. 17 that a U.S. drone strike in late August in Kabul killed as many as ten civilians, including seven children. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)





SHAMEFUL HUMAN RIGHTS RECORDS

The four-week UN human rights session is being held at a time when Afghanistan is experiencing dramatic changes after the United States pulled out.

On Sept. 14, the second day of the UNHRC session, a joint statement by China and a group of like-minded countries pointed out that the U.S.-led military intervention in Afghanistan is the root cause of the humanitarian disaster in the war-torn country.

Afghan people displaced from their homes take shelter at a public park in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 11, 2021. (Photo by Sayed Mominzadah/Xinhua)

By April 2020, at least 47,000 Afghan civilians had been killed in the two-decade-long war and more than 10 million Afghan people were displaced, said the joint statement.

Another joint statement issued on the same day voiced concerns about the general human rights deterioration in the United States.

It accused Washington of disregarding the right to life and right to health of its people, saying that the country possesses the most advanced medical equipment and technologies, but has seen the largest COVID-19 caseload and the highest death toll worldwide.

A refrigerated trailer serving as a temporary morgue is seen amid the COVID-19 outbreak in New York, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2021. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

Systemic racism and racial discrimination have long existed in the United States as well. Africans and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent, Muslims and other minority groups continue to suffer discrimination and harm, said the second statement.

As one of the world's richest countries, the United States is "the only developed country where millions of people are still starving, and nearly one seventh of its population is struggling with poverty," it added.

Jiang Duan, minister of the Chinese Mission to the UN office in Geneva, told the Council on Sept. 17 that nearly 100,000 people are trafficked to the United States from abroad for forced labor every year, and at least 500,000 people are subjected to contemporary forms of slavery in the country.

"A large number of children are trapped working in the agricultural sector, and many of them started to work from the age of eight," the diplomat noted. Meanwhile, "roughly 240,000 to 325,000 women and children in the United States are victims of sexual slavery."

Indeed, the United States' self-imposed image of "human rights champion" is deteriorating.

People take part in a "Black Lives Matter" protest commemorating Juneteenth in the Brooklyn borough of New York, the United States, June 19, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)





LOW POLITICAL TRICKS

In the latest joint statement submitted by the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence and a number of other NGOs, concerns about the unilateral coercive measures (UCMs), frequently taken by the United States, were presented at the UNHRC session.

"Sanctions can create severe suffering for individuals who have neither perpetrated crimes nor otherwise bear any responsibility. When sanctions target an entire country, it is the most vulnerable people in that country who are likely to be harmed the worst," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said at a panel discussing the issue of UCMs.

Alena Douhan, UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of UCMs on the enjoyment of human rights, told the Council that the overwhelming majority of unilateral measures applied today were illegal under international law.

Speaking virtually during the session, a diplomat from Venezuela criticized the United States for continuing to promote its failed policy of seeking changes in sovereign governments, at the expense of the peoples.

During the ongoing session, China, as a victim of the United States' lies and rumors, also stood out.

The United States, trying to reap benefits from spreading disinformation about China, has crossed the rudimentary moral line in bashing others, the Chinese Mission at Geneva said in a statement.

To serve its own political interests, Washington has been using the human rights issue as a political tool and trying to create division and turbulence around the world, the statement said, noting that it is an old U.S. trick all too familiar to others.

In the statement, China urged the United States to act as a "decent power" and invest its resources in improving the welfare and human rights of its own people, rather than violating the human rights of people in other countries and playing low political tricks.





INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE

During the two UN meetings, a number of countries have spoken out against what the United States has done and has been doing to the rest of the world.

In his speech to the high-level general debate at the UNGA on Sept. 23, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel underlined the importance of multilateralism and condemned U.S. foreign policy.



People participate in a rally against U.S. embargo in Havana, Cuba, Aug. 5, 2021. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)

He said via a pre-recorded video that the United States is promoting a "dangerous international schism ... through the pernicious use and abuse of economic coercive measures."

The Cuban president also criticized Washington for pressuring countries to speak and act against those it has identified as adversaries, overthrowing legitimate governments, and breaking trade agreements, saying that the U.S. behavior "is associated with ideological and cultural intolerance."

In his speech at the UNGA on Sept. 21, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called for an end to U.S. sanctions upon his country, saying that those sanctions are a new method of war with other nations in the world, and a crime against humanity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a pre-recorded message to the 76th session of the UNGA, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said that he and many others were shocked by the U.S. treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers at the border between Mexico and the United States, referring to a recent video showing U.S. border patrol agents chasing Haitian migrants on horseback.

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2021 shows migrants attempting to cross the river Rio Bravo on the border between Mexico and the United States. (Str/Xinhua)

Similarly, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stressed that the summary and mass expulsions of individuals at the U.S. border are "inconsistent with international norms and may constitute refoulement."

Recently, even some U.S. allies voiced complaints against the superpower. Referring to the nuclear submarine deal among the United States, Britain and Australia, French Foreign Minister Le Drian warned of a "crisis of trust" between allies.

"It's about talking to one another, not hiding from one another, in particular on matters of importance. Why was all that missing, why was all that hidden?" he asked. Enditem

(Xinhua reporter Wang Jiangang at the UN headquarters in New York also contributed to the story; Video reporters: Wu Danni, Yang Yiran, Yu Fuqing, Mahmoud Fouly, Ahmed, Shi Zhongyu, Nemanja Cabric, Li Binian; Video editors: Zheng Xin, Zhang Yuhong)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 19:07:57|Editor: huaxia

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LUSAKA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The current low levels of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines should enable African countries to strengthen ties with China in the fight against the pandemic, an expert in international relations has said.

Aaron Siwale, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Political and Administrative Studies in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zambia (UNZA), said China's willingness to offer more COVID-19 vaccines to the African continent should be embraced.

"The politics and challenges of COVID-19 have been very challenging especially in developing countries that do not have the capacity to manufacture vaccines. This is where we need to strengthen our cooperation with China because China has the experience in fighting the pandemic and has the vaccine," he said in an interview Wednesday. He suggested African countries should not hesitate to get the vaccines China has made available, adding that the current levels of vaccine uptake on the continent was worrying.

While commending China for what it has done so far in terms of providing medical supplies to the African continent in fighting the pandemic, Siwale said African countries must harness the goodwill shown by China.

The World Health Organisation said less than 4 percent of Africa's population has been vaccinated, with African countries so far receiving 177 million doses. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 23:36:04|Editor: huaxia

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BRAZZAVILLE, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen African countries, nearly a third of the continent's nations, have fully vaccinated 10 percent of their people against COVID-19, a goal set by the World Health Assembly in May, said the World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement Thursday.

Seychelles and Mauritius have fully vaccinated over 60 percent of their populations, Morocco 48 percent and Tunisia, Comoros and Cape Verde over 20 percent, said the WHO regional office for Africa based in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo.

In May, the World Health Assembly, the WHO's decision-making body, has set the global goal of fully vaccinating 10 percent of every country's population by September 30. Almost 90 percent of high income-countries have met this target.

Nine African countries, including South Africa, Morocco and Tunisia, had reached the 10 percent goal at the beginning of September and another six managed to sprint ahead to reach the target this month due to rising vaccine deliveries.

23 million COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Africa in September, a 10-fold increase from June. Yet just 60 million Africans have been fully vaccinated so far and 2 percent of the more than 6 billion vaccines given globally have been administered on the continent, warned the WHO.

"There is still a long way to go to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of the population by the end of the year. Shipments are increasing but opaque delivery plans are still the number one nuisance that hold Africa back," said Dr. Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccines Development Program Coordinator for the WHO regional office for Africa.

In the week to September 26, almost 1,800 deaths were reported across 34 African countries in the same period. The Delta variant has been found in 39 African countries, while the Alpha variant has been detected in 45 countries and the Beta in 40.

"Despite the declining case numbers we must all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the proven public health and safety measures that we know save lives, such as wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly and physical distancing, especially while vaccination rates remain low," said Mihigo. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-01 00:37:01|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 391 gunmen were killed by Nigerian troops during various operations to flush out criminal gangs in the country's restive northwest and north-central regions this month, said a military spokesman on Thursday.

At a press conference in Abuja, Bernard Onyeuko, the spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, said the offensive operations targeted "enclaves of criminal gangs" in those regions between Sept. 2 and Sept. 30.

Onyeuko said the majority of the gunmen, who are known as bandits in Nigeria, were killed in the northwest region which has witnessed several school kidnappings in the past months.

He said out of the 391 gunmen killed in the operations, 240 were killed in the northwest region, with assistance from the Nigerian Air Force which carried out air bombardment in the targeted areas.

Onyeuko said a total of 47 bandits, suspected informants, and suspected bandits' collaborators were arrested within the period.

According to the spokesman, the recent operations had drastically degraded the operational capabilities of the bandits and denied their freedom of action while frustrating the movement of arms, ammunition, and other illegal items in the country's northwest and north-central regions. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-01 00:41:05|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 85 Boko Haram militants were killed in anti-terror operations by the Nigerian troops in the country's northeast region in one month, a military spokesman said on Thursday.

At a press conference in Abuja, Bernard Onyeuko, the spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, said a total of 2,783 Boko Haram militants and their family members also surrendered to troops following intense fire from artillery and air bombardment between September 2 and September 30 in the northeastern state of Borno.

Some 43 suspected terrorists, their collaborators, and suspected logistics suppliers were arrested during the period, Onyeuko said, adding various arms and ammunition belonging to the Boko Haram group were also impounded.

According to the military spokesman, the Nigerian troops had sustained the operational tempo in land and air offensives against terrorists and other criminal elements in the theater of operation, with several encounters with terrorists at different locations in September.

Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The terror group has also extended its attacks to other countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 22:01:20|Editor: huaxia

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TASHKENT, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's government and Hungary's OTP Bank have signed a memorandum on a planned acquisition of Uzbekistan's Ipoteka Bank, the country's fifth largest lender, the Uzbek Ministry for Economic Development and Poverty Reduction said Thursday.

The document was signed during a two-day international economic forum held in Tashkent with the support of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

The parties plan to complete the final deal of the acquisition by the end of the year in line with Uzbekistan's state program to reform its banking system with an aim of carrying out a phased privatization of large state-owned banks by strategic investors.

Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Jamshid Kuchkarov told forum participants that the Uzbek government is planning to sell 75-percent shares of Ipoteka Bank.

"This is good for privatization, because we don't need 10 state-owned banks. Therefore, we plan to use the experience of the privatization of Ipoteka Bank in the privatization of Uzpromstroybank," he said.

OTP Bank has been in negotiation with the Uzbek government on its participation in the privatization of Uzbek banks since the end of 2020.

In May 2020, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree, announcing that Uzbekistan planned to reform its banking system and sell off state shares in six Uzbek banks.

The state shares in Ipoteka Bank, Uzpromstroybank, Asaka Bank, Alokabank, Qishloq Qurilish Bank and Turonbank will be privatized within five years, according to the decree. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-01 00:13:58|Editor: huaxia

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ZAGREB, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Minister for the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butkovic said on Thursday that the government does not expect a significant change in the agreed cost of the Peljesac Bridge and access roads.

Earlier on Thursday, the Croatian newspaper The Morning Paper had reported that the Chinese company CRBC, which is building the Peljesac Bridge, will ask the Croatian government for an additional 450 million kuna (70 million U.S. dollars)due to an increase in costs.

"I saw that article in the Morning Paper this morning, but no official information came to the ministry or to Croatian Roads," Butkovic said.

"There has been market disruption, but as far as the Peljesac Bridge itself is concerned, what I know is the bridge was contracted long before that cost increase, so we do not expect any large amounts at this time either on the bridge or on the access roads," he added.

The government said that the contracting authority and contractor will analyze the situation when the increase occurs. In line with public procurement, it will then be decided whether some items will cost more. However, the increase would not be more than ten percent, the minister said.

Meanwhile, Croatian Roads said Thursday that it had not received a request concerning the cost increase of the Peljesac Bridge.

"We would clearly indicate that Croatian Roads, as the investor of the works, did not receive a written request, nor an oral one, for an increase in costs of HRK 450 million from the company CRBC," Croatian Roads said in a statement. Enditem
Joe Makumbe (43), a self-styled prophet has left Soti Source Resettlement villagers in Gutu North angry after he allegedly eloped with a girl (name supplied) who was doing Form 2 at Tongogara High School.

Soti Source High School head, Judith Shamhu confirmed the case and said that the girl is no longer coming to school.

Sources told The Mirror that Makumbe, a polygamous prophet from Johanne Masowe (Venguo Tsvuku) who comes from the Matizha area under Chief Serima in Masvingo was camped with the girls family for two months as he prayed for the family and did his work in the area.

At the beginning of this month, Makumbe returned to his home but he went away with the girl. He allegedly came back on September 21, 2021 and paid US$20 tsvakirai kuno, the first amount paid in the process of lobola and the girls family accepted it.

It is unlawful under the Zimbabwe Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, to marry a girl who is under the age of 18 and it is also unlawful for parents to participate in such a marriage.

Acting Masvingo Police Spokesperson, Lloyd Masundire said the Police is not aware of the case.

Efforts to get a comment from the girls mother (name supplied) were futile.

However, girls uncle confirmed the case stating that the marriage rites were yet to be performed.

As a family we were equally moved after it came to our notice that the child had eloped with the prophet. We were never informed on anything, said the uncle.

Gutu Ward three councillor Francis Mago could not be reached for a comment.

Plan International an organisation that concerns itself with issues of the girl child said early or forced marriage or unions are a violation of childrens human rights as it rob millions of girls under 18 around the world of their childhood.

Shamhu said the School is going to investigate the matter and file a report establish with the District Schools Inspector.

The girl is no longer attending School. I have heard that she has been married off to a man with several wives. As a school we are supposed to establish what really transpired so as to come up with an informed decision, said Shamhu.

There was an outcry in the country last month an underage girl is said to have died while giving birth at a church shrine in Manicaland with many people calling for investigations of most of the indigenous churches. Those girls are normally forced into early marriages.

According to UNICEF 12 million girls globally are forced into marriages before the age of 18 every year and nearly 650 million women alive today were married before their 18th birthday.

Daughters are frequently seen as burdens or commodities because of pervasive gender inequality,

In places where the grooms family pays a bride price, parents in difficult economic circumstances may marry off their daughters as a source of income, says the United Nations Population Fund. Masvingo Mirror
New York, US (PANA) - The United Nations celebrated World Maritime Day on Thursday, highlighting the role of the men and women who work at sea
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until January 30, 2022, ending disagreements between the major powers on the tasks of the UN mission
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Former Punjab Chief Minister (file photo) A day after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Punjab Chief Minister on Thursday called on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval amid talks of switching to BJP. Just after meeting between Amarinder Singh and Doval ended, Amit Shah met Doval, sources said. Amarinder Singh had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday evening. The meeting lasted for around an hour at Shah's official residence. However, Amarinder after meeting Shah, had said that they discussed farmers issues. He said he urged Amit Shah to resolve the crisis soon. On Wednesday, Amarinder Singh tweeted after the meeting with Shah: "Met Union Home Minister @AmitShah in Delhi. Discussed the prolonged farmers' agitation against #FarmLaws & urged him to resolve the crisis urgently with repeal of the laws & guarantee MSP, besides supporting Punjab in crop diversification."




Delhi Police have arrested four miscreants after a brief exchange of fire at Jharoda Kalan of the city's Dwarka area, official sources said on Thursday.

Sources said that the miscreants were nabbed by a team of Special Staff of Dwarka District.

"The miscreants fired upon a police party and there was a brief exchange of fire after which all four of them surrendered before the police," they said adding none was injured or hit by a bullet in the process.

According to sources, these four miscreants' names had come up during the investigation of a murder of a car rider in Baba Haridas Nagar two days ago.

It was learnt that the police had prior information about their presence in that area. Sources said that following this information, a police team was constituted which was sent to conduct a raid.

As the miscreants saw the police personnel they started firing at them. "There was an exchange of 8-10 rounds of fire between the police and the criminals. Fearing being killed in the police encounter, the miscreants surrendered before the police," said a source.

He said that senior officials have also visited the spot to assess the situation. Further details are awaited.

Delhi Police have arrested four miscreants after a brief exchange of fire at Jharoda Kalan of the city's Dwarka area, official sources said on Thursday.

Sources said that the miscreants were nabbed by a team of Special Staff of Dwarka District.

"The miscreants fired upon a police party and there was a brief exchange of fire after which all four of them surrendered before the police," they said adding none was injured or hit by a bullet in the process.

According to sources, these four miscreants' names had come up during the investigation of a murder of a car rider in Baba Haridas Nagar two days ago.

It was learnt that the police had prior information about their presence in that area. Sources said that following this information, a police team was constituted which was sent to conduct a raid.

As the miscreants saw the police personnel they started firing at them. "There was an exchange of 8-10 rounds of fire between the police and the criminals. Fearing being killed in the police encounter, the miscreants surrendered before the police," said a source.

He said that senior officials have also visited the spot to assess the situation. Further details are awaited.
Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/30/2021 -- The non-reactive nature of Neon gas has increased its usage it a wide variety of non-reactive, imaging, and lightening applications. To study its widening applications and rising market share QY Research published a report titled, "Global Neon Gas Market Research Report 2020". The global Neon Gas market is valued at US$39 mn in 2020 and is expected to reach US$49 mn by the end of 2026, rising at a CAGR of 3.2% during 2021-2026.



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Neon gas has gained popularity owing to its non-reactive nature, rarity, triple point temperature, and emission of bright colour. These factors have contributed to its growing applications in semiconductor industry, LCD, imaging & lighting and many others. Its major application in excimer laser gas mixtures to be utilized for anneal low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) backplanes for advanced flat panel displays in the display manufacturing market is largely accelerating its growth.



Also, liquefies neon is utilized as a refrigerating capacity enhancer in cryogenic refrigeration application. Additionally, it is more commonly used in signs and advertisements as it produces bright reddish-orange light. In aerospace and healthcare industries it is used for ultra-sensitive infrared imagining and detection equipment and lung diffusion instrument respectively, will further drive the global market.



Refrigerator Segment to Register Significant Growth in Global Market



Neon gas is available in both liquid and gaseous states, commercially liquefied neon is now being used as cryogenic refrigerant in applications that do not require lower temperature range. Aforementioned refrigeration application is expected to amplify the global market.



North America to Observe Unprecedented Demand for Neon Gas



North America will observe unprecedented demand for neon gas due to rising exploration activities by space agencies that require neon. Furthermore, development in the field of healthcare will further boost the growth of the regional market globally.



Manufacturers to Focus on Entering New Market to Expand Global Footprints



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Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/30/2021 -- According to a research report "Missile Seekers Market by Technology (Active Radar, Semi-active Radar, Passive Radar, Infrared, Laser, Multi-mode), Missile Type (Interceptor, Ballistic, Cruise, Conventional), Launch Mode, and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, & RoW) - Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Missile Seekers Market size is projected to grow from USD 5.3 billion in 2021 to USD 6.8 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to 2026. The market is driven by various factors, such as geopolitical instabilities, changing nature of warfare, increasing defense expenditure of emerging economies and technological advancements in missile seekers.



Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=78626710



The missile seekers market includes major players BAE Systems (UK), Boeing (US), Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy), Raytheon Technologies (US), Safran Group (France), Thales (France), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US). These players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. COVID-19 has impacted their businesses as well. Industry experts believe that COVID-19 has slightly affected missile seekers production and services globally in 2020.



Changing nature of warfare will drive the demand for missile seekers



The major factor driving the missile seekers market is the changing nature of warfare. The advancements in technology have led to the development of new and advanced defense systems, including air defense systems and guided missiles for hitting moving targets. The changing nature of warfare across the globe has led to the acquisition of advanced missile firing and defending capabilities by militaries of various countries. These militaries are increasingly engaged in low-intensity battles.



One example of the changing nature of warfare was the Indian military's reply to the Pulwama attack, where the Indian Air Force fighter planes destroyed a terrorist camp in Balakot (Pakistan) using guided missiles.



Advanced missile defense capabilities help countries in defending themselves against rocket and missile attacks. For instance, Israel's Iron Dome air defense system prevented more than 2,500 missile and mortar attacks with a success rate greater than 90%. The missile seeker in such a system plays the most important role of making sure the missiles fired by the defense system hit the targets accurately. This fueled the development of more advanced air defense systems, which use ground-to-air missiles with guided seekers, with a success rate greater than 90%.



Thus, the changing nature of warfare has resulted in the increased demand for highly advanced seekers for missiles from militaries across the globe.



The multi-mode technology is projected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecast period



Based on technology, the multi-mode technology are projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Multi-mode guidance systems make use of two or more missile seeker technologies to improve accuracy. Terrestrial Guidance (TERCOM) is one such hybrid system that uses radar, global positioning system (GPS), and digitized scene mapping area correlator (DSMAC) together. Multi-mode missile seeker is used for guidance of cruise missiles like AGM-86B (US), C-602 (China), Hyunmoo-III (South Korea), etc.



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The interceptor missiles is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period



Based on the missile type, the interceptor missiles is projected to grow at the highest CAGR for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Interceptor missiles are anti-ballistic missiles used to counter ballistic missiles like intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles launched from any enemy country and to counter aircraft and other missiles. S400, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, THAAD, Patriot missile defense system, and Barak 8 are interceptor missiles used to defend against any kind of airborne threats, such as helicopters, aircraft, UAVs, anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles. The increasing procurement of interceptor missiles by countries such as India, South Korea, and Israel due to rising geopolitical instabilities is driving the growth of the interceptor missile segment. For instance, in 2018, the Indian government signed a contract worth USD 5.43 billion with the Russian government to procure five regiments of the S-400 missiles.



Air-to-air launch mode projected to witness highest CAGR during the forecast period



The air-to-air segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Air-to-air missiles are launched from aircraft, helicopters, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to destroy enemy aircraft. The warhead types of air-to-air missiles are fragmentation warheads or continuous rod warheads. These missiles detect their targets using radars or infrared guidance systems and can fly at a very high speed. These missiles are long and have narrow cross-sections to reduce drag.



The North American market is projected to contribute the largest share from 2021 to 2026



North America is projected to be the largest regional share of the global missile seekers market during the forecast period. Major companies, such as Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and SemiConductor Devices, and small-scale private companies, such as Excelitas Technologies Corp, Marotta Controls, and KODA Technologies Inc., are based in the US. These players continuously invest in the R&D of new & improved missile seeker designs.



The missile seekers market in North America is driven by the increasing need for advanced defense systems from the US military. Missile seekers are the systems used in missiles to guide them on the right trajectory to accurately hit the desired targets. Recent technological developments in defense systems, including guided missiles, have led to the increased demand for more efficient missile seekers.



Canada has shown no interest in developing its own missile systems; the country relies on the US for its defense systems, including missile systems.



Related Reports:



Rocket and Missile Market by Type (Missile, Rocket), Launch Mode (Surface-to-Surface, Surface-to-Air, Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface, Subsea-to-Surface), Propulsion (Solid, Liquid, Hybrid, Scramjet, Turbojet, Ramjet) & Region - Global Forecast to 2022



Precision Guided Munition Market by Product (Tactical Missiles, Guided Rockets, Guided Ammunition, and Loitering Munition), Technology (Infrared, Semi-active Lasers, Radar Homing, GPS, INS, Anti-radiation), Type, Speed, Region - Global Forecast to 2025



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Scientists have described a new species of the crayfish genus Cherax from the Murray-Darling Basin in eastern Australia.

Cherax is the most widespread genus of fully aquatic crayfish in the southern hemisphere.

Commonly known as yabbies, members of the genus belong to the crustacean family Parastacidae.

They inhabit lakes, rivers, and streams across most of Australia and New Guinea.

The new species is known from the mid-Murray River area of the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria.

Scientifically named the swamp yabby (Cherax latimanus), it is only the third species of Cherax found naturally occurring in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Wed heard rumours from landholders and river-users that there was a different and larger yabby living in the Barmah Forest  little did we know it would take so long to track it down, said co-author Dr. Tarmo Raadik from the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research and Museums Victoria.

The swamp yabby looks similar to the well-known and widespread common yabby (Cherax destructor), but is much larger and has uniquely shaped broad claws.

The species is not found in permanent aquatic habitats such as streams or billabongs, spending the majority of its time in extensive, terrestrial, burrow networks containing some water, in ephemerally wet habitats such as drainage lines, roadside drains, depressions, swamps and cleared areas of pasture in lowland to foothill areas.

It is occasionally found in stream habitats but only during large flood events when burrow systems are inundated.

The exciting discovery of the swamp yabby is a significant biodiversity achievement, which adds to the wealth of important information used to manage and protect Victorias waterways and its aquatic creatures that call them home, said James Todd from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, a state government department of Victoria.

Its the first time in 80 years that a new yabby species in the Murray-Darling Basin system has been formally described, making the swamp yabby only the third species known to naturally occur in the Basin.

Its found in deep clay soil burrows in northern Victorias Goulburn, Broken and Ovens River catchments, and as far north as Deniliquin in New South Wales.

The discovery is described in a paper in the journal Zootaxa.

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R.B. McCormack & T.A. Raadik. 2021. Cherax latimanus sp. nov., a new burrow-dwelling freshwater crayfish (Decapoda, Parastacidae) from the mid-Murray River catchment, Australia. Zootaxa 5026 (3): 344-374; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5026.3.2
Massive floods from overflowing crater lakes were responsible for eroding at least 24% of the volume of incised valleys on early Mars, according to new research led by University of Texas at Austin planetary scientists.

If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally, said Dr. Tim Goudge, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin and CIFAR.

And this is a bit of a surprising result because theyve been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long.

Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small seas worth of water.

But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake.

In 2019, Dr. Goudge and colleagues determined that these events happened rapidly.

Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes, he said.

However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped its surface as a whole.

The authors classified the Martian river valleys into two categories: (i) valleys that got their start at a craters edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood; and (ii) valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time.

From there, they compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the planets river valley volume despite making up only 3% of total valley length.

This discrepancy is accounted for by the fact that outlet canyons are significantly deeper than other valleys, said Dr. Alexander Morgan, a researcher at the Planetary Science Institute.

At 170.5 m (559 feet), the median depth of a breach river valley is more than twice that of other river valleys created more gradually over time, which have a median depth of about 77.5 m (254 feet).

In addition, although the chasms appeared in a geologic instant, they may have had a lasting effect on the surrounding landscape.

The study suggests that the breaches scoured canyons so deep they may have influenced the formation of other nearby river valleys.

This is a potential alternative explanation for unique Martian river valley topography that is usually attributed to climate, the scientists said.

Their results are published in the journal Nature.

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T.A. Goudge et al. 2021. The importance of lake breach floods for valley incision on early Mars. Nature 597, 645-649; doi: 10.1038/s41586-021-03860-1
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The Ministerial Regulation to scale back the hours of nightlife, which was signed by the Ministries of TEATT and VSA, will be extended.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Omar Ottley stated that the announcement of an October 1st reopening was an optimistic one, as he hoped that St. Maarten would have been able to contain the deadly COVID-19 Delta variant.

To date we are still over 100 cases and sadly we have lost 6 persons within the last week due to COVID

 19.

The Minister went on to state that he has been in contact with representatives of the nightlife industry and they are working diligently to have their screening process implemented. The Minister made reference to the Memorandum of Intent he signed with the night life establishments, in which they indicated that they will soon be able to verify a persons vaccination status via QR Code (Digital COVID Certificate) or a 48 hour negative COVID  19 test. In this regard, the Minister held meetings with the laboratories on the Dutch side of the island, which agreed to offer more affordable prices for testing of party goers that display their QR APP upon arrival (DCC or Kband).

The Ministers objective is to open back up night life in a safe and sound manner to protect the people of this country, but now is not the appropriate time. The main goal is to avoid another business hour scale back especially leading into the highly anticipated busy season 2021 - 2022. The Minister hopes that the screening process can be in place as soon as possible so that the 11pm business closure Ministerial Regulation can be reversed.
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On Monday September 27, 2021, Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson, accompanied by the Minister Plenipotentiary Rene Violenus visited Minister of Justice and Security in the Netherlands Mr. Ferdinand Grapperhaus.

In closing of her meetings with her Dutch counterparts, Minister Richardson paid a visit to Minister Grapperhaus. There she reflected on the positive experience that she had during the work visit and the possibilities for further cooperation that the Minister saw, and which she felt needed to be explored. In addition to expanding cooperation beyond the Sint Maarten police force, further topics of discussions were the treaty concerning mutual legal assistance and extradition between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, Sint Maarten inmates housed in the Netherlands, a new Chief Public Prosecutor for Sint Maarten and the Judicial Four Party Consultation (JVO) scheduled for January 2022.

I recognize the positive effects that the assistance of the Dutch National Police has had on KPSM as an organization and appreciate the continuation of the relationship. It is with this model in mind and the willingness expressed to help improve our detention situation by prison officials of the facilities that I visited here, that I seek ways in which this can be put into practice stated Minister Richardson. As an example, Minister Richardson mentioned Sint Maarten prison guards receiving professional guidance from Dutch colleagues with many years of experience in the Dutch prison system. Minister Grapperhaus was pleased to learn that Minister Richardsons visit went well and indicated that he was open to discuss with his fellow Dutch Ministers what possibilities there may be.

In discussing the treaties with the United Arab Emirates for the Kingdom, Minister Grapperhaus emphasized the importance of the treaties and the benefits they will have for all the countries in the Kingdom. As such, he asked Minister Richardson to seriously consider having the application of the treaties extended to Sint Maarten. Minister Richardson informed Minister Grapperhaus that Sint Maarten supports all steps to further strengthen the judicial order and that upon her return to Sint Maarten she would discuss the treaties with her fellow colleagues and other stakeholders.

Due to Minister Richardsons very full program, safety measures and corona measures in the Dutch prisons, visiting times being tightly regulated and the fact that Sint Maarten inmates are not all concentrated at one location in the Netherlands, a visit to a Sint Maarten inmate in the Netherlands for Minister Richardson could not be arranged during the work visit. The costs associated with housing Sint Maarten inmates in the Netherlands were also discussed by Minister Richardson and Minister Grapperhaus and it was decided that this would be looked into.

The current Chief Public Prosecutor of Sint Maarten tenure will end at the end of 2021. While in the Netherlands, Minister Richardson had the opportunity to have a virtual introductory meeting with the proposed candidate for new Chief Public Prosecutor for Sint Maarten and informed Minister Grapperhaus of her impressions of the candidate. Also, discussed was the advice being prepared by a JVO workgroup on the Function Book of the Attorney Generals office which was intended to be presented at the next Judicial Four party Consultation in January 2022 and the possibility of receiving the advice before the next consultation.

As a special gesture to emphasize the good relationship between Minister Grapperhaus and Minister Richardson, the special relationship between the two countries in the Kingdom, gifts were exchanged that were honorably received by both Ministers.
Hanif, who is the only member of Afghanistans new cabinet who is from the countrys Tajik ethnic minority, comes from the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan.

by Vijay Prashad

On September 25, 2021, Afghanistans Economy Minister Qari Din Mohammad Hanif said that his government does not want help and cooperation from the world like the previous government. The old system was supported by the international community for 20 years but still failed. It is fair to say that Hanif has no experience in running a complex economy, since he has spent most of his career doing political and diplomatic work for the Taliban (both in Afghanistan and in Qatar). However, during the first Taliban government from 1996 to 2001, Hanif was the planning minister and in that position, dealt with economic affairs.





Hanif is right to point out that the governments of Presidents Hamid Karzai (2001-2014) and Ashraf Ghani (2014-2021), despite receiving billions of dollars in economic aid, failed to address the basic needs of the Afghan population. At the end of their ruleand 20 years of U.S. occupationone in three people are facing hunger, 72 percent of the population lingers below the poverty line and 65 percent of the people have no access to electricity. No amount of bluster from the Western capitals can obscure the plain fact that support from the international community resulted in virtually no economic and social development in the country.

Poor North

Hanif, who is the only member of Afghanistans new cabinet who is from the countrys Tajik ethnic minority, comes from the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan. The northeastern provinces in Afghanistan are Tajik-dominated areas, and Badakhshan was the base from which the Northern Alliance swiftly moved under U.S. air cover to launch an attack against the Taliban in 2001. In early August 2021, the Taliban swept through these districts. Why would we defend a government in Kabul that did nothing for us? said a former official in Karzais government who lives in Badakhshan capital, Fayzabad.

Between 2009 and 2011, 80 percent of USAID funds that came into Afghanistan went to areas of the south and east, which had been the natural base of the Taliban. Even this money, a U.S. Senate report noted, went toward short-term stabilization programs instead of longer-term development projects. In 2014, Haji Abdul Wadood, then governor of the Argo district in Badakhshan, told Reuters, Nobody has given money to spend on developmental projects. We do not have resources to spend in our district, our province is a remote one and attracts less attention.

Hanifs home province of Badakhshanand its neighboring areassuffer from great poverty, the rates upwards of 60 percent. When he talks about failure, Hanif has his home province in mind.

For thousands of years, the province of Badakhshan has been home to mines for gemstones such as lapis lazuli. In 2010, a U.S. military report estimated that there was at least $1 trillion worth of precious metals in Afghanistan; later that year, Afghanistans then Minister of Mines Wahidullah Shahrani told BBC radio that the actual figure could be three times as much. The impoverished north might not be so poor after all.

Thieves in the North

With opium production contributing a large chunk of Afghanistans gross domestic product, it is often a focus of global media coverage on the countrys economy and has partly financed the terrible wars that have wracked the country for the past several years. The gems of Badakhshan, meanwhile, provided the financing for Ahmad Shah Massouds Jamiat-e Islami faction in the 1980s; after 1992, when Massoud became the defense minister in Kabul, he made an alliance with a Polish companyIntercommerceto sell the gems for an estimated $200 million per year. When the Taliban ejected Massoud from power, he returned to the Panjshir Valley and used the Badakhshan, Takhar, and Panjshir gems to finance his anti-Taliban resistance.

When the Northern Alliancewhich included Massouds factioncame to power under U.S. bombardment in 2001, these mines became the property of the Northern Alliance commanders. Men such as Haji Abdul Malek, Zekria Sawda and Zulmai Mujadidiall Northern Alliance politicianscontrolled the mines. Mujadidis brother Asadullah Mujadidi was the militia commander of the Mining Protection Force, which protected the mines for these new elites.

In 2012, Afghanistans then Mining Minister Wahidullah Shahrani revealed the extent of corruption in the deals, which he had made clear to the U.S. Embassy in 2009. Shahranis attempt at transparency, however, was understood inside Afghanistan as a mechanism to delegitimize Afghan mining concerns and push through a new law that would allow international mining companies more freedom of access to the countrys resources. Various international entitiesincluding Centar (United Kingdom) and the Polish billionaire Jan Kulczykattempted to access the gold, copper and gemstone mines of the province; Centar formed an alliance with the Afghanistan Gold and Minerals Company, headed by former Urban Development Minister Sadat Naderi. The consortiums mining equipment has now been seized by the Taliban. Earlier this year, Shahrani was sentenced to 13 months jail time by the Afghan Supreme Court for misuse of authority.

What Will the Taliban Do?

Hanif has an impossible agenda. The IMF has suspended funds for Afghanistan, and the U.S. government continues to block access to the nearly $10 billion of Afghan external reserves held in the United States. Some humanitarian aid has now entered the country, but it will not be sufficient. The Talibans harsh social policyparticularly against womenwill discourage many aid groups from returning to the country.

Officials at the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), the countrys central bank, tell me that the options before the government are minimal. Institutional control over the mining wealth has not been established. What deals were cut profited a few individuals and not the country as a whole, said one official. One major deal to develop the Mes Aynak copper mine made with the Metallurgical Corporation of China and with Jiangxi Copper has been sitting idle since 2008.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in mid-September, Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon spoke about the need to prevent terrorist groups from moving across the Afghan borders to disrupt Central Asia and western China. Rahmon positioned himself as a defender of the Tajik peoples, although poverty of the Tajik communities on both sides of the border should be as much a focus of attention as upholding the rights of the Tajiks as a minority in Afghanistan.

There is no public indication from the SCO that it would prevent not only cross-border terrorism, but also cross-border smuggling. The largest quantities of heroin and opium from northern Afghanistan go to Tajikistan; untold sums of money are made in the illegal movement of minerals, gemstones, and metals out of Afghanistan. Hanif has not raised this point directly, but officials at DAB say that unless Afghanistan better commandeers its own resources, something it has failed to do over the past two decades, the country will not be able to improve the living conditions of its people.

This article was produced by Globetrotter.

Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest book is Washington Bullets, with an introduction by Evo Morales Ayma.
PM Imran Khan also criticized Western powers especially US, who are the so called champions of Human rights, for not questioning India due to their own vested interests.

by Tanvir Ur Rehman

India and Pakistan have clashed at UN with PM Imran Khan slamming India for a "reign of terror" on Muslims. While addressing the 76th session of the UNGA, PM Imran unearthed PM Modi's plan to "purge India of Muslims". He exposed the worst and most pervasive form of Islamophobia that rules India now. The hate-filled Hindutva ideology, propagated by the fascist RSS-BJP regime, has unleashed a reign of fear and violence against India's 200 million-strong Muslim community.

PM Imran Khan also criticized Western powers especially US, who are the so called champions of Human rights, for not questioning India due to their own vested interests. He stated that commercial interests of US and other Western nations is allowing India to "get away with human rights abuses with complete impunity."

Responding to PM Khans fact based speech, Indias First Secretary at the General Assembly Sneha Dubey, while exercising the right to respond, leveled unfounded accusations against Pakistan of sheltering terrorists, a narrative that is very attractive in the West.

At the very forum, where Kashmir is well documented as disputed land she falsely claimed that J&K and Ladakh were, are and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. However, exercising the right of reply in response to Indian representative's allegations, Pakistani representative Saima Saleem said IIOJK is "neither a so-called integral part of India nor is it India's internal matter". Pakistani representative also said that India remnants in occupation of a globally recognized disputed terrain, whose final disposition needs to be decided in accordance with the democratic principles of a plebiscite under UN Security Council resolutions.

Pakistani representative at UNGA session impressively highlighted recently released comprehensive and well-researched dossier on Kashmir, containing the entire range of gross, systematic, and widespread violations of human rights being perpetrated by Indian security forces in IIOJK. She also urged comity of nations to take cognizance of the persuasive evidence and hold India accountable for all such heinous crimes.

Regrettably, this is not the first time India has misused platforms provided by the UN to propagate false and malicious propaganda against Pakistan, seeking in vain to divert the world`s attention from the sad state of own country where RSS extremists enjoy free pass while the lives of minorities, especially Muslims, are turned upside down.

It is an old Indian mantra that to divert attention from the ever-increasing international condemnation of Indias widespread and escalating human rights abuses in IIOJK, New Delhi continues to level unfounded allegations and rely on outright lies and muddying. Indias irrational obsession with Pakistan is neither new nor astonishing. It has polluted its ruling elite and governance structures. EU Disinfo Lab had vividly exposed how India has arrayed such tools of deflection, disinformation and deception against Pakistan, including at the United Nations.

Major human rights organisation, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have time and again expressed similar serious concerns about Indias human rights violations, against minorities in India including in IIOJK. In fact, a witch hunt has been launched against those in India who dare to report such crimes. Only last year, Amnesty International ceased work in India citing constant harassment at the hands of Modi government.

India is not only resorting to state terrorism to suppress the people of IIOJK, but is also funding and supporting terrorist organizations like the TTP which are involved in numerous cross-border terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Indian NSA Ajit Doval, has publicly admitted supporting and financing of sabotage activities against Pakistan. Arrested Indian spy, Kulbhushan Jadhav, had also confessed to organizing such terrorism in Pakistan.

In todays extremely bigoted India, the 200 million-strong Muslim minority faces numerous lynching by cow vigilantes; massacres by RSS goons, with official support; prejudiced citizenship laws to marginalize Muslims; and a rigorous campaign to destroy mosques and the rich Muslim heritage of India.

It is time for India to realize that it has miserably failed to suppress the Kashmiris living under its occupation from demanding their inalienable right to self-determination. If India has nothing to hide, it must accept a UN Commission of Inquiry and agree to implement UN resolutions demanding a plebiscite to empower the people of IIOJK to exercise their right to self-determination.

Incumbent Imran Khans government, along with state pillars, are rightly exposing India on all available international forums. Efforts of engaging sane voices all over the world, like done in recent session of UK parliament, where Kashmir issue was raised in true letter and spirit, is need of the hour. I request media also to play its part sensibly to expose internal Indian fissures like Farmers movement, Assam riots, Plight of Minorities especially Muslims, Caste system in India and Dalits issue and last but not least Kashmir issue to open the eyes of world leaders and force them to resolve the issue as per UN resolutions. It is our national as well as moral duty to expose the real evil face of extremist / Nazi Modi to let the world know, who they are dealing with.

Writer is a PhD scholar, based in Islamabad.




Afghanistan accounts for 80 percent of global illicit opium production, a pattern that began, ironically enough, in the 1980s, when the CIA waged a secret war against the Soviet occupation of the country and enlisted both Islamic radicals and those involved in the opium trade in this battle.

by Phillip Smith

One of the first announcements the Taliban made after seizing power in Afghanistan in August was that they were going to ban the production and sale of drugs. But, as with other promises of change made by the Taliban, from womens rights to press freedoms, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about its claim to ban drugs.

At its first press conference in Kabul on August 17, after entering the city just two days earlier and solidifying their control over the country, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid vowed that their new government would not let Afghanistan become a full-fledged narco-state. We are assuring our countrymen and women and the international community that we will not have any narcotics produced, Mujahid said. From now on, nobodys going to get involved (in the heroin trade), nobody can be involved in drug smuggling.

But, as with the Talibans other plans for the country, there is reason to be skeptical about this claim; the notion of a ban on opium production runs afoul of economic and political realities on the ground. The challenge is that the opium crop is a key component of the Afghan economy, accounting for somewhere between 7 percent and 11 percent of the countrys gross domestic product, and bringing in as much as $2 billion in 2019, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The gross income generated from opiates was also worth between 24 and 44 percent of the value of the licit agricultural sector of the country in 2018-2019. And now, opium looms ever larger because the major pillar of the Afghan economy was foreign financial assistanceaccounting for 40 percent of GDPwhich has now vanished, as the West tries to figure out how to deal with the Taliban, which led a deadly insurgency against the U.S.-backed government before seizing power.

Opium is also a job creator in a country where opportunities are scarce. The opium harvest provided the equivalent of up to 119,000 full-time jobs in 2019. The broader opium economy also supports thousands involved in the domestic trade (opium traders, heroin producers, domestic dealers), those working as service providers in the trade (packers, transporters), and individuals who are internationally connected and are working in the international opium trade. The opium economy is especially strong in areas that have key Taliban support, such as Helmand province in the south of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan accounts for 80 percent of global illicit opium production, a pattern that began, ironically enough, in the 1980s, when the CIA waged a secret war against the Soviet occupation of the country and enlisted both Islamic radicals and those involved in the opium trade in this battle. Opium is an ideal crop in a war-torn country since it requires little capital investment, is fast growing and is easily transported and traded, the State Department reported in 1986.

As historian Alfred W. McCoy, author of the groundbreaking book The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade, noted in 2018:

As relentless warfare between CIA and Soviet surrogates took its toll, Afghan farmers began to turn to opium in desperation, since it produced high profits that could cover rising food prices. At the same time, the State Department reported that resistance elements took up opium production and trafficking to provide staples for [the] population under their control and to fund weapons purchases.

As the mujahideen guerrillas gained ground against the Soviet occupation and began to create liberated zones inside Afghanistan in the early 1980s, the resistance helped fund its operations by collecting taxes from peasants who grew the lucrative opium poppies, particularly in the fertile Helmand valley. Caravans carrying CIA arms into that region for the resistance often returned to Pakistan loaded down with opiumsometimes, reported the New York Times, with the assent of Pakistani or American intelligence officers who supported the resistance.

And nearly four decades later, Afghanistan remains the worlds number one supplier of opium and its derivative, heroin, with the latter going into the veins of habitues from Lahore to London. And now, as the West withdraws both troops and many billions of dollars of foreign economic aid to Afghanistan, and with the key role opium plays in the countrys economy, the Taliban is going to ban it?

It would be a risky move for the Taliban, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution who has written extensively on drugs and nonstate actors, not only in Afghanistan, but also in Africa, Latin America and South Asia.

The Taliban can risk a ban, but it would be politically costly in ways that are more complex than [they were] in 2000 [when they also banned opium], and it could lead to tremendous destabilization, she told Drug Reporter in a phone interview. This is a country where 90 percent of the population lives in poverty. Its also a situation where many mid-level Taliban commanders are dependent on opium for their income and livelihoods for their fighters. To impose a ban would require the Taliban to maintain a high level of aggression, which would create political fissures and fractures and would play into the hands of other actors. One reason local warlords didnt fight the Taliban this summer was that the Taliban was promising them access to the local economy, and in many places, that means opium.

Even in the best of circumstances, replacing a lucrative illicit economy with legal alternatives is a long-term project, and the present circumstances in Afghanistan are not the best, to say the least.

The Afghan economy is more or less tanking, Felbab-Brown said. A massive influx of foreign aid has been an inescapable component of the economic life of the country, and now, the Taliban does not have any way of dealing with stopping opium by delivering alternative livelihoods. Even if they had a well-designed program, you are looking at decades to suppress [the opium trade], she said.

Still, the Taliban has done it before.

When it comes to banning opium, we are looking at a possible replay of the 1990s, said Felbab-Brown. What the Taliban want is international recognition. In the 1990s, they kept promising they would ban poppies in return for international recognition, but then said they could not do it because they could not starve their people, until in 2000, [when] they did it. Will they risk that again? My expectation is that we are going to see the same bargaining with the international community, but as I said, if the Taliban does try to do a ban, they will struggle to enforce it.

The Taliban also face a possible loss of the opioid market share if they enact a ban and then change their mind because of adverse circumstances, Felbab-Brown said.

The difference now is the synthetic opioids, she said, alluding to the production of fentanyl and its derivatives coming from Chinese and Indian chemical factories. If the Taliban move to ban [opium] and then decide it is too difficult to sustain [this move] politically or financially, it might not find it easy to just return to the same markets; the European markets, for instance, could be snatched away by synthetic opioids.

As for how the much-vaunted international community should approach Afghan opium production, thats a complicated question.

There is no unity in the international community on how to deal with Afghanistan, Felbab-Brown said. The Chinese and Iranians are warming up to the Taliban, and the Russians will be urging the Taliban to go for a ban. I suspect the [talk about the ban] is mainly to satisfy the Russians. But we should not be pushing the ban; that would be catastrophic in terms of humanitarian consequences.

Efforts by both the Afghan government and the West to suppress the opium trade proved futile throughout the Western occupation, and now the likelihood of any sort of robust international campaign to suppress Afghan poppies appears next to nil. Outside of legalization of the trade, which does not appear even remotely likely, the only alternative for suppressing opium production is to cajole farmers to grow other crops in a bid to wean them off the poppy, but even those sorts of programs are now in question.

Should the international community be working with the Taliban to try to implement alternative livelihoods? asked Felbab-Brown. Its a difficult question and cant be considered in isolation. It will be part of the bargaining over a whole set of policies, including womens rights and human rights.

Uncertainty abounds over what the Talibans opium policy will actually look like. In the meantime, the farmers are planting the seeds for next years crop right now.

This article was produced by Drug Reporter, a project of the Independent Media Institute.

Phillip Smith is a writing fellow and the editor and chief correspondent of Drug Reporter, a project of the Independent Media Institute. He has been a drug policy journalist for more than two decades. He is the longtime writer and editor of the Drug War Chronicle, the online publication of the nonprofit Stop the Drug War, and was the editor of AlterNets coverage of drug policy from 2015 to 2018. He was awarded the Drug Policy Alliances Edwin M. Brecher Award for Excellence in Media in 2013.
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French special event

Members of the '44th Signal Regiment' (F5KBB) located in eastern France at Mutzig will celebrate their 50th anniversary of its creation in October.

On this occasion, the radio club will activate the special callsign TM44RT between October 3-5th.

A special QSL card has been created for the event.

The radio club will broadcast on CW and SSB on various HF bands.

QSL via F5KBB

OPDX
Los Angeles hams upgrade emergency communications capabilities

To provide effective emergency communications, amateur radio operators need to find and eliminate sources of radio frequency interference (RFI) that could hinder their operations. Unfortunately, RFI is a widespread problem in Southern California that affects not only amateur radio operators, but also businesses, governments, and the military and RFI complaints can go unresolved for years.



To track down these sources of interference, ARESLAX, an arm of the ARRL Los Angeles Section, has a corps of technical volunteers. Without the proper equipment, however, the task is time-consuming and sometimes fruitless. To make the volunteers' job easier, ARESLAX recently purchased a Fluke ii910 Acoustic Imager with a $23,600 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).



The Fluke ii910 acoustic imager uses ultrasonic techniques to pinpoint the source of the interference and produce photographic evidence, which is invaluable when submitting a repair request to a utility company.

The capabilities of the ii910 Acoustic Imager are particularly helpful in the RF-dense environment of Southern California, which has many potential noise sources.



ARESLAX' goal is to eliminate all RFI sources in Los Angeles County. This would pave the way for better communications in emergency situations, and in the end, save lives.



About ARESLAX

ARESLAX is a nonprofit corporation that supports the work of the Los Angeles County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). Los Angeles County ARES provides backup communication for most of the receiving hospitals in the county and for the County Department of Health Services' Medical Alert Center. To accomplish this mission, Los Angeles County ARES trains amateur radio operators in emergency communications and provides assistance in setting up and troubleshooting amateur radio stations, with the objective of increasing the pool of operators ready to respond when emergency communications are needed.



Learn more about Los Angeles County ARES at http://www.areslax.org.



About ARDC

Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a California-based foundation with roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. The organization got its start by managing the AMPRnet address space, which is designated to licensed amateur radio operators worldwide. Additionally, ARDC makes grants to projects and organizations that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital communication science. Such experimentation has led to broad advances, such as the mobile phone and wireless internet technology. ARDC envisions a world where all such technology is available through open source hardware and software.



Learn more about ARDC at https://www.ampr.org.



For more information, contact:

Diana Feinberg, AI6DF, ARRL LAX Section Manager

310.544.2917, dfeinberg@att.net

Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, ARDC Content Manager

734.930.6564, dan@ardc.net
Any answer must begin with Frances role in the EU and include the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

by James W. Carden

Just what shape Germanys governing coalition will take is still unclear in the aftermath of the September 26 election, which saw the Social Democrats (SPD), led by finance minister Olaf Scholz, come away with just over a quarter of the vote, at 25.7 percent. The balance of power in Germany is now held by the Greens and the Free Democrats, which, taken together, received more votes than the victorious SPD or the Christian Democratic Union, the party of outgoing Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.

The one thing that is certain is that after 16 years in power, Merkel will soon exit the scene. So the question that now arises is: What shape will post-Merkel Europe take?

Any answer must begin with an eye on the Elysee Palace, as French President Emmanuel Macron is set to become the senior most partner in the Franco-German partnership that has steered the EU since its founding in 1993.

There may be major changes afoot should Macron, motivated by the insult handed to him by the United States, the UK and Australia with AUKUSa new trilateral security alliancepursue his oft-stated desire for European strategic autonomy. As former State Department official Max Bergmann recently observed, AUKUS served to empower stakeholders in Paris who advocate for a much cooler relationship with Washington andtapping into the Gaullist foreign policy traditionwish to be allied with the United States, but not necessarily aligned on key issues related to Russia and China.

France takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU on January 1, 2022, but support already seems to be growing for closer military integration within the EU. On September 2, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noted, it is clear that the need for more European defense has never been as evident as todayafter the events in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, proposals have been put forward for the creation of a 5,000-soldier rapid reaction force.

American officials have long sought to put the brakes on any move toward an autonomous European defense capability. And Macron has a history criticizing the Atlantic alliance and what he has incisively referred to as the imported neoconservatism of his immediate predecessors, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande. Macron once famously observed that NATO was experiencing brain death and appointed former French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine to fill Frances seat on a NATO commission set up in 2020 to consider the alliances future. Vedrine has described the American desire to enlarge NATO to Ukraine as unfortunate.

Should Macron succeed in setting up an independent European defense force, this would lessen NATOs importance on the continent and give the United States an opportunity to reassess its commitments in the EU, particularly if U.S. President Joe Biden continues to pursue a policy of political isolation and military containment against China.

Greater EU autonomy would be a good thing for the United States and the world. It might even serve as an obstacle to the new cold war that the Anglo-American national security establishment seems intent on waging against Russia. And so it should be welcomed. After all, former U.S. President Dwight Ike Eisenhower, among other architects of the postwar world, never wanted the U.S. to permanently subsidize the European defense umbrella. Furthermore, there is little enthusiasm among the European public for a new cold war by the United States against both Russia and China, as a recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations confirms.

Should Marcon emerge victorious in the French presidential election in the spring of 2022, it would not be unreasonable to expect that he may double down on his Gaullist opposition to Atlanticism. In the surprising event he loses to Marine Le Pen, one should expect an even more radical break with the Anglo-sphere.

As things stand now, it looks as though post-Merkel Europe may finally see the Europeans stand on their own.

Ike would approve.

This article was produced by Globetrotter in partnership with the American Committee for U.S.-Russia Accord.

James W. Carden is a writing fellow at Globetrotter and a former adviser to the U.S. State Department. Previously, he was a contributing writer on foreign affairs at the Nation, and his work has also appeared in the Quincy Institutes Responsible Statecraft, the American Conservative, Asia Times, and more.
Malaga will receive the largest disembarkation of cruise passengers since the start of the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday, 30 September, and it confirms the gradual recovery of the sector.

Four ships will dock in the port and some 4,500 tourists will be able to enjoy the attractions of the city freely and without bubble groups.

It will be the first time since the worldwide health crisis began that so many cruise ships will be docked on the capital of the Costa del Sol at the same, although the four will only be seen together for around half an hour, between six and six thirty in the afternoon, according to information from the port authorities.

Two of the cruise ships, this Thursday morning, in the Port of Malaga. / MIGUE FERNANDEZ

For two of the ships it will be the first time they will have docked in the port. The P&O ship Iona, which is making its first international trip, arrived with 3,400 passengers at seven in the morning at the north berth. It is considered the third-largest cruise ship in the world, with a capacity for 5,200 passengers, although it will stop in Malaga with limited capacity due to the pandemic. It is a 344-metre-long, 54-metre-wide ship, with 17 decks, which set off on this cruise from Southampton.

Intimate

The World Navigator, of the Mystic Cruises shipping company, that will be carrying 144 passengers, will also dock today. The company, owned by the Portuguese businessman Mario Ferreira, is positioned in the smaller and more intimate ship sector, which allows a more personalised service on board. It will leave Malaga at the stroke of midnight.

Also at seven in the morning, the smallest of the cruise ships that will arrive today, the Clio, from the Grand Circle Cruise company, will dock at the Palmeral terminal. It will do so with just 42 travellers, given that its maximum capacity is 95 and it comes with a reduced capacity. On board are tourists with high purchasing power who enjoy a boat in the shape of a megayacht. The Clio is one hundred metres long and has 45 cabins, all exterior.

At eight o'clock in the morning a regular visitor will arrive at the South berth, the Mein Schiff 3, with 986 passengers onboard.

No bubble groups

Malagas Port authorities have explained that since last week, the shipping companies have made the excursion model more flexible, so it is no longer necessary to carry them out in bubble groups. The arrival of passengers, all vaccinated, the implementation of health protocols on board ships and the decrease in the incidence of Covid, have allowed us to take this step towards normality.
The 33-year-old man who died on Tuesday afternoon (28 September) after his car slammed into one of the Las Pedrizas toll booths on the AP-46 motorway in Malaga, was a serving Guardia Civil officer.

The young man was travelling from Melilla, where he was born, to his base in Guadalajara  a journey he did regularly in his red Mercedes.

Family, friends and colleagues have described the 33-year-old as a "very responsible" young man, and no one can offer an explanation for what happened.

Borja did not like to go fast. When he was a passenger with me in the car, if he saw that I was a bit over the speed limit, he would quickly tell me to slow down, says one of the deceased's childhood friends. "He was very sensible, he didn't do crazy things," he points out, while adding that the young man didn't like to party either.

The accident happened at around 5.15pm on Tuesday when the vehicle entered the toll payment area at kilometre 6 of the AP-46, heading towards Antequera, at a high speed.

Despite the fact the toll booths are protected by large concrete blocks, an employee working inside one of them was injured by the impact.

Emergency services arrived on the scene to find that there were two people trapped, one inside the cabin and the other in the vehicle.

Specialists from the Malaga fire brigade had to release the two people. While the young man lost his life, the 20-year-old woman, from Casabermeja, was transferred to the Regional Hospital in Malaga city.

Guardia Civil traffic officers are investigating the circumstances of the incidents.
Six litres of milk, a kilo of chicken, some fresh fish, yoghurts, soft drinks, toilet paper, shower gel, laundry detergent, fruit and vegetables, among other products, are included in the weekly shopping basket of the average family in Spain.

But depending on the supermarket chain and the city or town where the purchase is made the price difference can be up to 30 per cent between the cheapest and most expensive.

That is according to the annual study of supermarkets carried out by the Organisation of Consumers and Users throughout Spain. For the reports preparation, OCU representatives visited 1,103 establishments in 65 cities and towns (in addition to trawling internet sites) and analysed 160,976 prices in a shopping cart with 238 products from various categories.

The average saving that could be achieved nationally this year reached 1,073 euros, 10.5 per cent more compared to 2020.

Cheapest in Spain

The Alcampo de Murcia hypermarket is the cheapest supermarket in Spain while on the flip side of the coin is the Sanchez Romero supermarket, in La Moraleja (Madrid).

The city where there is a greater opportunity to save up to 3,532 euros is Madrid, thanks to the greater diversity of commercial offerings that large cities have.

On the contrary, the town where it is only possible to save 325 euros for a whole year by shopping at the cheapest establishment is Puertollano.

Andalucia

In Andalucia, that saving is 928 euros, a figure well below the average for Spain and where Cadiz is the city where it is more difficult to save  with only a 574 euro difference between the most expensive establishment and the cheapest one. Seville, on the other hand, with 1,468 euros, is where there is more room for easing the pressure on the pocket.

Malaga and Marbella are the two Andalusian locations where it can cost the most to do the shopping. However, they are also the two (after Seville) where the consumer has the best chance of making savings, with 1,099 euros in Malaga and 1,130 in Marbella.

In Andalucia, the Coviran store on Calle Fray Marcos de Niza street in Seville city is the most expensive place, followed by the Supercor establishments in Malaga and Marbella.

Cheapest chains

By chains, the two most competitive in the country can be found in Andalucia. For another year it is Dani and then Mas Ahorro, followed nationally by Family Cash and Tifer, as the most affordable. At the other end of the scale the Sorli Discau and Supermercado Plaza chains come out as the most expensive.

The OCU study emphasises the disparity in the cost of the shopping basket that exists between cities and regions. The Valencian region together with that of Murcia are the two where the pocket is least hit when filling the shopping trolley. In contrast, the Balearic Islands are the most expensive, followed by the Canary Islands, the Basque Country and Catalonia. Andalucia is among the cheapest regions, standing out especially in fresh products, where it obtain the best ranking of them all.

By cities, Jerez de la Frontera is the cheapest in Andalucia with an index of 100. It is followed very closely by Almeria, with an index of 101. Next are Huelva and Granada with 102. Cadiz, Cordoba and Seville have an index of 103. Jaen follows with 104, and finally Malaga city and the town of Marbella top the table for the most expensive to do the weekly shop.

In Malaga city, the list of the cheapest supermarkets to shop is led by Cash Fresh (Avenida Jorge Luis Borges, 11), followed by Supeco (Calle Heroe de Sostoa, 188) and Mercadona (Ortega y Gasset s/n).

In Marbella, the ranking of the cheapest establishments to shop is led by Alcampo (Carretera de Ojen, s/n), Mercadona (El Califa, 1), and Dia%Maxi.

Among the most expensive supermarkets in Malaga capital are Coviran 10 (Orson Welles, 26), Coviran Luque (Lope de Rueda, 136) and Supercor (Avda. De las Caballerizas, s/n).

In Marbella, the establishments where it costs more to do the shopping are: Maskom (Gomez de la Serna, 2); El Corte Ingles (Carretera de Cadiz, km 174.5) and Supercor (Camilo Jose Cela, s/n).


Elder

Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, Sr.

The Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA), Inc. 47th National General Assembly held in Columbus, Ohio, brought close to one thousand delegates from all over the United States. Despite the COVID-19 Crisis, delegates came in drove by car and air determined to participate in the 47th National General Assembly. In my close to fifty years of attending ULAAs Convention, this years attendance was the largest. However, there was something about this Convention that did not look right. I thought it had to do with the new voting system that was being used for the elections; only to find out that there was a serious division in the Community of the host chapter that had not been resolved.

Convention of this size is bound to have some glitches; this one was no exception, it had its share. Many Convention attendees, including this writer, were not aware that the host chapter had a problem that had not been resolved.

Unfortunately, the issue had to do with the supporters in both camps: Carter/Wilson-Kears Team vs. Shiwoh/Minervas Team. This problem affected the smooth operation of the Convention. The Fofana Administration did a great job in planning the 47th National General Assembly. If the conflict in the host chapter had been resolved, this Convention wouldve been ULAAs best National General Assembly. There were close to one thousand participants that came from all over the United States. It was like a big family reunion gathering; kudos to the planners and the Communication Team for a job done well.

Alleged Sabotage Noticed by Some Delegates

By emphasizing first conducting the elections led some delegates to believe that there was sabotage by individuals in the Host Chapter that led to many irregularities, such as:

1. For the Convention to not follow the programs as planned;

2. For the Convention to not call to order;

3. For the first time in the history of ULAA, the National General Assembly did not conduct the business of the organization;

4. No Resolution was taken and Adopted;

5. Many of the delegates did not arrive at the Convention on time;

6. There were several changes made to the site where certain programs were to be held, and

7. The site of the 2022 - 48th National General Assembly was selected.



However, adjustments were made to continue the Convention. But the behaviors exhibited by many delegates created too much commotion that led other delegates to believe that those delegates that were causing the commotions, came only to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. The commotions exhibited resemble Monrovia's Red Light Market disorder.

Many life changes can cause discomfort. I believe this was the problem. Some of the delegates were not used to, or comfortable with the change (the new voting process). It is part of human nature not to easily accept change; new ones; no matter if the change is to improve the way elections are conducted in the organization. The Walhalla that ensued is one of the factors that contributed immensely to the delay of activities, including other logistical problems. Because the General Assembly was not held, one chapter that had been serious problems  the Liberian Community Association of Central New Jersey and the Metro Areas came to the Convention with nine delegates to have their problems resolved; instead, they left very disappointedly. They left with the impression that the Convention was poorly planned.

Although the Business Sections of the National General Assembly were not held, the Honest Ballot Electronic Voting System contracted by UCEPs Ad-Hoc Elections Committee whose Chief Coordinator is Rev. James D. Barclay made sure voting was conducted amicably. However, one constitutional rule of the organization was violated: 1) the results of the votes for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Regions Vice Presidential candidates were conducted inappropriately; as a result, a complaint was filed with the proper authority to have it resolved.

Besides the problems stated above, both Carter/Wilson-Kear and Shiwoh/Minervas teams accepted the results of the elections.

Find below program items that were achieved:

The Debates were held

The National Board Election, which was not part of this General Assembly was held

The Keynote Address by Eminent Elder Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, sr. was delivered

President Vamba S. Fofanas State of the Union Address was delivered.

Below is the summary of the National Executive Presidents Address:

Good evening fellow ULAA members! I thank you for the four years we worked together to move this Union forward. It could not be done without your tireless efforts and support. Thank you for seeing in me the leadership potential and for challenging me to work for the greater good of Liberians in the Diaspora and at home (Liberia).

I enjoyed the cordial working relationship and support I had throughout the years with the National Administration, the National Board of Directors, and the National Leadership Council. And to Hon. Frank Flomo Carter, I extend special thanks and appreciation for being such a team player; together, we achieved a lot; again, thank you, my friend.

I am only leaving the position of National Executive President but not the Union. I plan to support the incoming administration and to continue my support for this great Union. Because of the love both Frank and I have for the greater good of the Union, we did not use the funds allocated in the budget for our positions; we used our finance throughout our tenure, which is unprecedented in the history of the Union.

Presentation of ULAAs Presidential Awards were made by the President, and

The Traditional Ball was held to climax the occasion.

PROGRAMS THE FOFANA ADMINISTRATION ACHIEVED DURING ITS TENURE AND THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE

Diaspora Agenda: First 100 Days Deliverables

A. Grant the appropriate stature and recognition to the Liberian Association of Washington DC and the Metro Areas as the National Headquarters of the Union.

B. Build a strong Union through accountability and financial transparency. Re-established voucher system, and abolished the use of ATM cards as the primary source of expanding Union finances.

C. Brought together disparate Liberian community organizations under ULAA through effective dispute resolution within affected member organizations. Also used traditional Liberian palaver hut format to proactively prevent conflicts and strengthen the bonds within member organizations to build a vibrant and cohesive Union that caters to the needs of all.

Mobilization of Financial Resources

Fully utilized the Unions tax-exempt status to mobilize financial resources for the Union and implement the Liberian Diaspora Development Fund project that seeks annual financial contributions from individual Liberians for national development programs.

Strengthened and Empowered Member Organizations

A. Ensured all member organizations to be fully represented on the National Leadership Council and the National Board of Directors.

B. Provided minimum program financial assistance of $500.00 to each member organization in good standing with the Union in the second year of the Administration.

Immigration Advocacy

ULAA remains in the vanguard of advocating for immigration benefits that provide permanent residency and other legal statuses to the Liberians in the U.S. They were pursued through direct lobbying of U.S. Congressional leaders and establish a working partnership with other immigration lobbying groups.

Dual Citizenship

The campaign for dual citizenship continues. Our Administration developed new strategies such as enlisting the assistance of county associations and other partners in this effort. Also re-established and maintained a dual citizenship advocacy group in Liberia, which intensified our lobbying efforts in the National Legislature. Further, we explored the possibility of judicial review on the issue; and I hope the next administration continues where we stopped.

Out-of-Country Voting

My administration felt the time has come for all Liberians both at home and in the Diaspora to take part in the political process of the Country. We presented a solid case to the National Elections Commission for Liberians in the Diaspora to vote in all national elections.

Vigorous Advocacy Against Corruption and All Anti-Democratic Tendencies in Liberia

Our Administration made some to mobilize Diaspora Liberians in the U.S. to take concerted action against corruption and the abuse of liberty and democracy in Liberia wherever and whenever it occurs in Liberia; I hope the next administration will continue this effort.

Established ULAA Youth Wing

Realizing the role of youth in any organization, our Administration established a robust Youth Wing. The ULAA Youth Wing is charged with the responsibility to develop programs for the participation of young people in the affairs of the Union.

Also, the Youth Wing is responsible to design youth programs that will promote Liberian culture, entrepreneurship, education, and provide linkages between Liberian youths in the Diaspora and at home.



HOMELAND POLICY AGENDA

ULAA must build partnerships and collaborations between home and host country institutions that promote the development goals of Liberia. Our Agenda for Liberia along these lines will be the area of vocational/technical education and voters education.

VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The focus of this effort is to support programs that will provide skills training for youths and young adults between six to twenty-four months period. Emphasis will be on the areas of carpentry, masonry, construction, and other technical areas.

ADOPTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL

Explore efforts to adopt a primary school in Liberia in which the Union will undertake activities that enhance the learning environment. The goal is to adopt one school in the first year on a trial basis, and two schools in the second year of our administration.

ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITY TO UNIVERSITY RELATIONSHIPS

Explore the possibility of creating academic and institutional relationships between targeted U.S. universities and Liberian universities similar to sister-city relationships. The goal is to promote intellectual exchanges and study-abroad programs.

VOTERS EDUCATION

Due to the importance of voters education in the democratic process, our Administration will develop voter education programs for the pending elections in Liberia as part of our commitment to advocate for and promote democratic governance in Liberia.

There were other logistically problems that the Administration encountered for which the Host Chapter, delegates, and the Administration can share the blame of the problems at the Convention.

Dr. Tewroh-Wehtoe Sungbehs Account of the Convention

Dr. Sungbehs account of ULAAs 47th National General Assembly: ULAA Can Do Better, reminds me of the story told by Dr. Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (May 1787) about a woman he knew.

The statement reads:

"I once knew a lady who told me that her sister said to her, 'It's the strangest thing. Whenever I get into a dispute with somebody, I've always been the one who was right'"(Canfield Fisher, Dorothy, Our Independence, and the Constitution, pp. 130-131).

The woman in Dr. Franklin's story is like Dr. Sungbeh. My friend and brothers manner of writing is intended to tell only his side of a story he believes to be true. But as for good and honest writers, they write the two sides of the story  good and the bad; instead, my good friend wants to appear as the only credible writer in the Liberian community by attacking the characters of other people. I will leave it with you to be the judge of what he reported happened at the ULAAs 47th National General Assembly and mine.

Anyone reporter whose introductory statement reads, As a staunch critic of ULAA will go on fishing expeditions to have his end justifies his means; even a morally bad one could be used to achieve it; with the intent to undermine the integrity of a person he dislikes. The story should be about the event, not about me (Eminent Nyanseor). My disappointment is with those who agreed with Dr. Sungbehs one-sided evaluation of ULAAs 47th National Assembly without hearing the full account of what transpired at the Convention. Liberian people remember that there are two sides to every story! I am not surprised! Attacking others unfairly is Dr. Sungbehs Fair and Balance journalism. However, my disappointment is not with what he posted on FaceBook about me; rather it is with the comments made by individuals I thought knew me better who accepted his deceptive Rush Limbaugh style of Fair and Balance internet troll which is intended to smear my character and having provided my assessment of the event, you be the judge. Finally, it is my desire and yours as well that due to the renewed interest exhibited the weekend of September 17th thru 1he 19th of 2021, in the great city of Columbus, Ohio that we remained united to form a more perfect Union which will last for another 47 years. Peace and Ku ka ton-nor! Find below the Honor bestowed on me: Office of the

NATION EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas SPECIALS RECOGNITION AWARD Presented to Eminent Elder Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, Sr. For the past many years Eminent Elder Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, Sr. has rendered conscientious and valuable services to the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). As a Founding Member and the 11th National President of ULAA, you carried on your roles and responsibilities efficiently and effectively, rendered efficient, faithful, and unobtrusive but invaluable services to our noble Union. The National Administration, the National Board of Directors, and the National Leadership Council make formal acknowledgment of their appreciation of the invaluable services rendered by Eminent Elder Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, Sr., dubbed the ULAA Historian, during the years of his leadership and duly acknowledge the substantial contributions, which you have made and continue to make to ULAA. It is the sincere hope of the members of the National Administration, the Nation Board of Directors, and the National Leadership Council that you will enjoy many more years of good health and happiness. May the years ahead be the best years of your life. NOW, THEREFORE, I, VAMBA S. FOFANA, National Executive President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) in close consultation with the National Board of Directors, National Leadership Council, present this SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD to EMINENT ELDER SIAHYONKRON J. K. NYANSEOR, SR. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, hereunto set my hand this day of September, in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-one. Signed: Hon. Vamba S. Fofana

National Executive President/ULAA Approved: Hon. Alfred Sieh

Chairman of the National Board of Directors THE ACTUAL AWARD

In Union Strong Success is Sure; Reliving the Spirit of the Original Intent of the Founders: Unity and Advocacy as well as Together We Struggle For A Better Liberia.

In The Cause of The People, The Struggle Continues! About The Author :

Eminent Siahyonkron J. K. Nyanseor, Sr. is a Senior Reporter for The Perspective, an online internet web magazine (since 1996) of the Liberian Democratic Future (LDF), a non-profit, independent, and democratic research organization dedicated to promoting peace, democracy, justice and equal opportunity for all Liberians. In other to pursue its goals and objectives  ideals such as building democratic, economic and political institutions will serve as a hallmark, and ensure the future of democracy in Liberia is sustained. In this regard, LDF is dedicated to a proactive approach in championing the human and constitutional rights of those individuals and groups who find themselves less empowered and unfortunate in Liberia and its Diaspora. As an independent organization, the LDF remains opened and committed to working with any Liberian and non-Liberian organization that shares its beliefs and principles. Eminent Nyanseor is apoet, Griot, journalist, cultural and political activist. He can be reached at (470) 667-9210 & siah1947@gmail.com NOTE: Should you need information about ULAA, I can be reached at the contact provided above.




By Lilli Morrish

morrishl@grinnell.edu

Nick Parker `23 arrived on the Grinnell campus when he was 18 years old. When he steps foot on it again, hell be nearly 21. I will have been a Grinnell student for over three years, said Parker, [but], I will have spent a combined, you know, 30 or 40 weeks there.

All classes besides the class of 2025 have had a portion of their on-campus college experience interrupted by COVID-19, but Parkers situation is unique: he is one of just under 50 students studying off-campus this fall as some countries loosen COVID restrictions and begin allowing international students back within their borders. In an email to the S&B, Director of Off-Campus Study Alicia Stanley wrote that this fall, Grinnellians are studying off-campus in 20 countries across the globe.

Parker will be spending his 2021-2022 school year abroad at the London School of Economics  a significant shift from his original curricular plans. My junior year I planned to go to Russia. I thought I was a Russian major, Parker said.

Or, he added, I was trying to be a Russian major.

With language classes moving online and intermediate Russian not even offered during the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year, Parker came to terms with the fact that these external factors meant it wouldnt be possible for him to advance in the language quickly enough to successfully study abroad in Russia.

It came to the point where I was like, I havent spoken Russian in five or six months, and even before that, that month that I had  the last month Ive spoken Russian  was online, said Parker. I felt so stuck with it and so out of practice and I knew that it would be back online  I kind of just gave up.

He wasnt alone: Stanley wrote that OCS advisers have worked hard to provide deferral and program change options to help students make progress towards their degrees and stay on track to graduate on time. But for some students, those program changes may be more significant than others.

With his Moscow dreams dashed, Parker took matters into his own hands: this winter, instead of going the traditional route through the Institute for Global Engagement on campus, he reapplied for Grinnell approval, and instead decided to study abroad at the London School of Economics for the 2021-2022 school year.

Youre dealing with so many levels of government and bureaucracy. At a certain point, you just have to fill out the forms and hope everything works out, Parker said.

Parker is confident that his off-campus study will go as planned, and so are other students: Stanley wrote that there are around 130 students scheduled to study off-campus this spring, which is comparable to pre-pandemic enrollment.

Stanley also wrote that managing continued changing local conditions and COVID restrictions has been another challenge for us as well as students, but that at this time, the only programs that are truly shut down are those that take place in countries with closed borders, such as Australia and New Zealand. While COVID uncertainty has derailed majors, curriculum and past off-campus study, students and staff remain hopeful for the future.

(Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct process for changing study abroad programs. A previous version of the article said Parker applied directly to the London School of Economics without Grinnell approval. The S&B regrets this error deeply. Updated on October 5, 2021, 10:37 pm.)
Seven senior U.N. officials expelled from Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government ordered seven senior United Nations officials to leave Ethiopia within 72 hours on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia said the following on its Twitter page today:

@mfaethiopia declared persona non grata for seven individuals who have been working for some international NGOs in #Ethiopia for meddling in the internal affairs of the country. They must leave the country within the next 72 hrs. 30 September 2021

Most of the U.N. officials thrown out of Ethiopia accused meddling in the internal affairs of the country are from UNICEF & OCHA. The seven top U.N. officials crime seems to be just doing their job. The U.N. workers were trying to help millions of Tigraians who are starving to death from a man made famine.

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The following are the the top officials ordered to leave Ethiopia in 72 hours: Mr. Grant Leaity Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Adele Khodr, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia, Ms. Ghada Eltahir Mudawi, Acting Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia, Mr. Kwesi Sansculotte, Peace and Development Advisor of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Mr. Saeed Mohamoud Hersi, Deputy Head of Office, UNOCHA, Mr. Sonny Onyegbula, Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy Team Leader at United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and Mrs. Marcy Vigoda, Head of office at Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia.

The United Nations humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths sharply criticized the Ethiopian government for creating the worst hunger, saying the Ethiopian government has a de facto government blockade of food, medical supplies and fuel in Tigrai and that would be stain on our conscience,.

It seems the Abiy Ahmed regime is at the end of its rope at this time and the top Ethiopian officials are taking extreme desperate actions to cover up the genocide they are committing against the people of Tigrai using hunger, war, and sexual attacks as weapons of war.

Secretary-General's statement on Ethiopia

I was shocked by the information that the Government of Ethiopia has declared seven UN officials, including senior UN humanitarian officials, as persona non grata.

All UN humanitarian operations are guided by the core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. In Ethiopia, the UN is delivering lifesaving aid - including food, medicine, water, and sanitation supplies  to people in desperate need. I have full confidence in the UN staff who are in Ethiopia doing this work.

The UN is committed to helping Ethiopian people who rely on humanitarian assistance. We are now engaging with the Government of Ethiopia in the expectation that the concerned UN staff will be allowed to continue their important work.

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from Refugees International

"Refugees International condemns the Ethiopian governments decision to expel key UN staff from the country, leaving key posts vacant during a time of crisis.

The ongoing conflict in Tigray has already pushed some 900,000 people into famine with deaths now being reported regularly. The governments humanitarian blockade is causing this famine, stopping food and medicine from reaching those in need, including women, children and elderly, who are disproportionately affected by the famine.

Kicking out senior UN leaders will only make the crisis worse. Violence and hunger are also now spreading to other parts of Ethiopia, including Amhara and Afar regions. It is time for the United States and other members of the UN Security Council along with the African Union to challenge Ethiopia to end the aid blockade, and ensure that relief reaches those in need."

Contact Refugees International Communications Officer Aviva Shwayder at aviva@refugeesinternational.org or +1 734 255 8185.
MBABANE  Hardly three days after he was arrested, businessman Sibusiso Mahoota Nkambule has been admitted to bail.

Nkambule is accused of having killed Bandzile Ginindza by shooting him with a pistol twice in the left arm and stomach. The incident happened at Mega Lounge hangout spot, which is situated at Sidwashini in Mbabane last Saturday. He was admitted to E15 000 bail by Judge Ticheme Dlamini yesterday but was ordered to pay E3 000 cash and provide surety for the balance. The prosecution indicated that it was not opposing Nkambules plea to be admitted to bail pending his trial. As part of his bail conditions, Nkambule was directed to surrender his passport or other valid international document to the investigating officer at the Mbabane Police Station. He was warned that pending finalisation of the matter, he should not apply for a new passport or travel document. The accused was also strictly warned to report monthly, following his release on bail, in person at the charge office at the Mbabane Police Station between 8am and 4pm.

Report

He was directed to make such report after his release and thereafter, every last Friday of the month. Another condition is that he should refrain from speaking with or communicating with or otherwise contacting any prosecution witnesses in the case against him. In the event he did not know the identities of the witnesses, he was ordered to ascertain same from the investigation office. As part of his bail conditions, Nkambule was further warned to remain within the Kingdom of Eswatini pending finalisation of his matter and to also provide the investigating officer with his residential address forthwith on release, for inter alia, purposes of domicilium citandi (the address nominated by a party). Some of the conditions were that he should attend court as and when ordered to do so and not to commit a similar offence while out on bail. He was advised further that any relaxation or amendment of the bail conditions would be authorised by a judge of the High Court. Lastly, he was told that non-compliance with any of the conditions would result in the cancellation of his bail and the amount paid forfeited to the State. The accused was represented by Noncedo Ndlangamandla.
MBABANE  The multi-stakeholder forum registered their excitement after the Ezulwini Municipality issued a compliance certificate giving the green light for their proposed march to the US Embassy.

The stakeholder forum includes the Institute for Democracy and Leadership (IDEAL) and the Political Party Assembly (PPA) among others. The march is scheduled to take place tomorrow, after it was postponed last week for different reasons. It was alleged that one of the reasons for the postponement was that the marchers had not received the compliance certificate yet it was a requirement as per the provisions of the Public Order Act. PPA member and Deputy Convener, Sibongile Mazibuko, said she was hoping that there would be no challenges with the police. She invited members to arrive in numbers and assemble next to the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) near the bridge at Lobamba where the march would begin. She urged the members to wear their masks and comply with the COVID-19 regulations.

IDEAL Chairperson Barnes Dlamini said he would celebrate tomorrow because he was taught that he should not be overly-excited over something that had been agreed on paper. He stated that the police gave assurance although they made it clear that it was beyond them as they wanted to send a certain message to the Americans, maintaining that the march would be peaceful. He urged marshals to work together in ensuring that everything was peaceful. Ezulwini Municipality Chief Executive Officer Vusi Matsebula, when asked what motivated them to issue the certificate of compliance, said they followed the Public Order Act, 2017 to the letter.

Agenda

Matsebula stated that in the meeting with the conveners of the gathering their agenda was the Act, particularly Section 8 from sub-section 1 to 18. We believe Parliament passes the legislation and ours is to assist that the police implement it to the tee, he said. However, the CEO thanked the National Commissioner William Tsitsibala Dlamini whom he said when they consulted the REPS as per Section 1 of the Act, they assigned them police officers to come to engage the convenors in the consultative meeting.
MBABANE  It is not the churchs mandate to be involved in politics.

This was said by Yonder Worship Centre founder Pastor Bakhe Dlamini in a statement issued to address the growing calls for the church to intervene in the political situation in the country. This follows previous reports where the church was regarded as captured and silent on the political situation prevailing in the country. The esteemed pastor highlighted in his statement that the church had a primary role to fulfill, which was the preaching of the gospel. According to Dlamini, as ministers of the gospel, they needed to allow politicians to do their work. He mentioned that their job was to preach the gospel and allow it to transform people. The meaning of the word gospel is, Good news. We attack none, for our objective is to win all unto the Lord. Everyone belongs to God: kings, governors, politicians, the general public, preachers, etc. When politicians and authorities clash, ours is to be the unifying factor, not dividing factor, said the man of God.

Conflict

The pastor stated that part of their objectives as ministers of the Word was to restore unity where there was conflict and build those who were aggrieved. He further clarified that he worked hard and sought no favours from anyone and the grace of God had sustained him thus far. In all the years I have spent as a church leader, I have welcomed all kinds of sinners into the church. Never have I ever made it my job to judge anyone, read the statement. Dlamini further stated that as men of God, they needed to refrain from discussing politics at the pulpit but instead preach about grace. He said the church should be a place where the gospel is prioritised and government should be the entity left to deal with politics and intervene in the fixing of political problems.

He highlighted that theirs was to advise authorities with caution and not expose and humiliate those who had done wrong. The pastor continued to quote Titus 3:1-2 which says; Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander none, to be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone.

Slander

According to the clergyman, the church was not a place of slander and judgment but that was a worldly thing. He mentioned that there had to be a difference between a Christian and a worldly individual and stated that Christianity did not mean being stupid or not speaking the truth, but meant that one should speak the truth in an appropriate manner and without antagonising the next person. He also condemned the use of certain scriptures and omission of others when pushing the notion that the church should have a political mandate. According to the pastor, activists who doubled as members of the clergy, like Martin Luther King, did get involved in politics, but they were not the canon (biblical standard). He stated that theirs was a unique assignment. Dlamini continued to urge the public to refrain from comparing ministers or forcing ministers to address matters the same way as the likes of Martin Luther King Jr.
MANZINI  Parents and the Acting Manzini Regional Education officer (REO) had to flee from a meeting as they were attacked by rowdy pupils.

This happened at Emvimbeko High School, which is located under Ntondozi Constituency. This was during a meeting set to formulate a way forward in the school following that last Tuesday, pupils boycotted classes resulting in its closure. The pupils attacked their parents who were in the meeting with the acting Regional Education Officer, Sizwe Kunene and other officials, in the school hall. According to impeccable sources, the pupils started demanding to be part of the meeting just after it had started. This resulted in them, according to the sources, gatecrashing and entered the hall to partake in the proceedings.

Meeting

Upon joining the proceedings, it was claimed that the pupils became unruly and interrupted the meeting, resulting in some parents calling the police. It was gathered that the pupils had in a meeting held with the office of the REO raised concerns that they were not happy with the resolutions taken by their parents. The learners had last week Tuesday petitioned the administration demanding that there should be a reduction in the number of strokes administered when receiving corporal punishment. They claimed that they received over 20 strokes, which was too much for them. Another demand was that pupils who were late should not be turned back home as it was a waste of bus fare and deprived them of the opportunity to learn, which was their right.

They also complained about wearing one school uniform and demanded that the school incorporates the wearing of T-shirts with trousers and skirts on Fridays.

Plait

They als,o among other things, informed the administration that they wanted to plait their hair. However, it was gathered that some of these decisions were taken by parents in consultation with the administration. Despite this, the pupils relayed to the acting REO that they were not in support of these decisions. Kunene confirmed that the pupils yesterday gate-crashed the meeting demanding to partake. He said seeing their insistence to be in the meeting, they were requested to choose representatives. He said this fell on deaf ears as they were adamant to be part of the meeting. Kunene said this resulted in his delegation abandoning the meeting as the circumstances did not permit it to continue. This, he said, was after the arrival of the police. When sought to clarify what would happen next as the school had been closed since last Tuesday, Kunene said: It is tough as it is hard to work in such conditions. We are still to consult the ministry. He bemoaned that some pupils were scheduled to sit for their external examinations next Monday and such acts were disturbing them just like the class boycotts were also affecting learners as they should be learning.
MBABANE- The Ministry of Education and Training yesterday made it clear that it did not have money to fix burnt schools.

Bertram Stewart, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry, said the only budget government had was limited to the assessed schools. He said fixing of burnt schools was costly to government as they required thoroughness. Stewart stated that apart from fixing schools, government had other responsibilities, which included payment of teachers, free primary education (FPE) and orphaned and vulnerable children grants. He, therefore, pleaded with pupils to use the existing structures for learning. He mentioned that this might last until government secured funds for the rehabilitation of the schools. He stated that it might take government some time to secure the funds.

Worth noting is that in some of the vandalised schools, classes and staffrooms were burnt, resulting in the damage of doors, ceiling and windows. Stewart urged parents to warn and protect pupils against participating in any act of violence when given the opportunity to shape their future. He pleaded with parents to make their children understand the need and the purpose of learning so that they could refrain from violence. Stewart pleaded with neighours and community leaders to ensure that pupils from child-headed families attended classes for purposes of learning. He said those pupils would get necessities at school. He stated that the ministry would not shift examination dates as the papers were already set.

Examination

He assured parents and pupils that examination rooms were ready and that invigilators were also ready to work. As you all know that operations are not normal this academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it means we have to use every opportunity. It is a pity that some pupils wake up to burn schools as opposed to learning. We would like to encourage those pupils to refrain from this act and focus on their studies, he said. He mentioned that as many children were supposed to start to Grade I, there would be no space for repeating Form V pupils. The PS also acknowledged the lack of teachers in some schools across the country. He said the ministry was doing all in its power to mitigate the challenge. He made an example that head teachers had been urged to furnish the ministry with the number of vacancies in the schools so that they could be filled.
SITEKI  Drama ensued in front of Matsanjeni North Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi when members of two factions from the Maziya Clan almost exchanged blows.

This happened on Tuesday at Maphungwane. It has been alleged that so serious was the altercation that wielding of knobkerries was witnessed. The bone of contention, it was gathered, was a protracted dispute over land allocated for the construction of a high school. It was stated that at noon, while talks were in progress, Dumisa Maziya, a senior member of the Maziya Clan, was detained for three hours in a police van after he allegedly charged towards the main table where Buthelezi and other dignitaries were seated.

Infuriated

It was alleged that Dumisa was carrying a bush knife which was confiscated by the police. It was also gathered that other members of one of the two factions were infuriated by his action and the exchange of unpalatable words was the order of the moment until the situation was calmed. A source who witnessed the incident alleged that the other faction members wielded knobkerries and wanted to fight the advancing elderly man, but police managed to intervene and calmed the situation. In essence, the land where the school will be built belongs to Dumisa by virtue of the fact that his deceased father left the land to him. However, the other faction claimed that the land was for the community hence the infighting, alleged the source. Initially, the committee in charge of the construction of the school had convened a meeting to give feedback on its progress.

Invited at the meeting were officers from the Lubombo Regional Education Office and the minister by virtue of being an MP of the area. Lubombo REO Richard Dlamini confirmed, incident. Dlamini said one member of the Maziya Clan charged towards the main table where dignitaries and the minister were seated and the swift response of the police prevented what could have been a nasty situation. The REO said he could not establish whom the elder was intending to attack. He said the elderly man was taken into a police van where he remained for the duration of the meeting. We had been invited by the umphakatsi as this has been a process to come and meet the committee in charge of the construction of the school. The ongoing chieftaincy dispute reared its ugly head, but the situation was calmed before it got out of hand, he said.

He explained that the minister was part of the meeting as an MP of the area to bless the construction of the school and ensure that those behind it were given support. The meeting went well and we expect that all processes will continue without being interrupted, added the REO. Dumisa also confirmed that he was detained for three hours and later released after the meeting. He claimed that police told him to come and collect his bush knife from Siteki Police Station commander. This is my land and I wanted to seek clarity but I was being avoided each time I raised my hand. I then tried to go to the main table to voice my concern but was detained by the police. The land belongs to me and the matter is pending in court, he alleged. Another senior member of the Maziya Clan, Sikelela, confirmed the situation that unfolded during the meeting. Dumisa is the owner of the land allocated for the school project and what he was fighting for was that he was being overlooked yet he was the rightful owner. The land has been taken without his permission, alleged Sikelela.

Comment

Maphungwane Indvuna Morris Mbulis phone rang unanswered when several attempts were made to get seek his comment. Meanwhile, Minister Buthelezi confirmed the drama that ensued during the meeting. The minister said Dumisa wanted to voice out his grievance to the committee in charge of the project. Meanwhile, Buthelezi stated that they were scouting for funders to kick-start the project. We want construction work to start soon and we will be scouting for funders. The area has been without a high school for a longtime and pupils travel to faraway places, which we are against, he added. Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the matter. Mnguni said police confiscated the bush knife but a case was not opened against Dumisa.
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has signed a service agreement with AGI Freight Singapore (AGI) to provide a fast track delivery solution for inbound e-Commerce shipments arriving by air at Changi Airport.



The partnership will see dnata prioritise inbound e-commerce cargo and offer an enhanced breakdown and delivery service from its warehouse to the freight forwarders premises within the free trade zone of Changi Airfreight Centre.



The 24-hour service involves further processing at AGIs warehouse and enables the company to dispatch the parcels to their clients appointed last mile vendors within 4 - 6 hours upon flight arrival.



Musdalifa Abdullah, Managing Director, dnata Singapore, said: With the increasing demand for e-commerce globally, we understand the requirement to handle, clear and deliver all parcels promptly. This collaboration aligns with our efforts to provide value-added solutions to partner stakeholders within the air cargo ecosystem.



Alvin Kwek, Managing Director, AGI Freight Singapore, said: Priority terminal clearance is a key performance criterion for customers like Cainiao and Lazada to remain competitive within this fast-growing and time-sensitive industry. AGI is delighted to be first in the local market to work closely with dnata in providing a seamless and speedy terminal clearance operation.  TradeArabia News Service
Nine Bahraini public schools have been awarded the Technology Incubator Schools status according to the classification of Microsoft, after participating in the program offered by the company, alongside other schools around the world.

The scheme aims to raise the efficiency of the educational system and enhance students standard through an array of cutting-edge modern learning strategies that push forward digital transformation, development momentum and cultivate creativity and innovation, keeping abreast of the 21st Century skills.

The Microsoft Incubator schools is a world-standard project that aims to select schools that best implement specific criteria in incorporating technology in education.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Microsoft hosted a remote ceremony via Teams platform.

In attendance were General Director of Schools Affairs Dr Mohammed Mubarak Bin Ahmed; Undersecretary for Policies, Strategies and Performance Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater; Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Services Kefaya Habib Al Anzoor, Assisant Undersecretary for Education Latifa Isa Al Bunoudha, in additition to principals of the nine schools which were awarded the Tech Incubator status.

Microsoft was represented in the virtual ceremony by Harb Bou-Harb, Senior Director of Education, Microsoft Middle East & Africa; Ahmed Ibrahim, Modern Classroom and Microsoft Solutions Specialist and Ms. Solange Jarjour, Customer Success Manager, Microsoft.

At Microsoft, our goal is to empower young minds to become successful, capable, and active contributors to the prosperity and development of societies, said Bou-Harb.

Our work in the field of education, with strategic partners like the Ministry of Education, is part of our ongoing efforts to skill-up young talent and help them achieve more  as innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs and job creators. This partnership speaks directly to this effort and helps accelerate the digital transformation across educational institutions with relevant skilling, which is a key enabler to reshaping the world of tomorrow."

Dr Bin Ahmed congratulated the laureate schools on winning the Tech Incubator status, hailing the crucial partnership with Microsoft in introducting the virtual central classes.

He highlighted public schools online learning strides, noting the Governments firm support to building partnerships with leading international firms, such as Mircrosoft company.

He said all public schools have grasped the use of digital platforms and the Mircosoft Teams, which had a positive impact on e-learning process and enabled the educational system to mitigate the challenges resulting from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the virtual event, Al Khater extended congratulations to the laureate schools that obtained the Tech Incubator status, adding that public schools in Bahrain abound in successful IT practices.

She underlined the ministrys years-long strides in developing the necessary infrastructure which helped spearhead digital learning in the Kingdom of Bahrain in line with the goals set by the Government.

The principals of the nine schools which were awarded the Tech Incubator status highlighted their participation in the programme which enabled them to develop their establishments.

Shaikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Bahrain and Oman, said, commenting on the event, said: We are pleased to see the Kingdom of Bahrain at the forefront of the world's incubators of technology and digital transformation in its educational system.

The Government of of Bahrain recognized at an early stage the critical role of modern technologies in promoting growth, invested in cutting-edge technologies and worked on developing ICT talents.

The achievement we see today, he said, is the fruit of 2030 Bahrain Economic Vision, which aims to provide Bahrainis with the highest possible level of education and enhance their skills to achieve their ambitions.

The Microsoft Showcase Incubator Schools are: Hidd Secondary Girls School; Al Malkiya Primary Intermediate Girls School; Nasiba bint Kaab Primary Girls School; Halima Al Saadiya Intermediate Girls School; Religious Institute Primary Boys School; Zanubeya Intermediate Girls School; Al Shorooq Secondary Girls School; Al Andalus Primary Girls School and Saar Secondary Girls School. -TradeArabia News Service
Bahrains tourism sector has attracted nearly $40 million worth of new investments in the kingdoms tourism sector to date, which will help create more than 260 jobs over the next three years, according to a treport by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

Bahrains EDB is seeking to capitalise on the growth of the countrys tourism sector as meaningful international travel resumes.

National carrier Gulf Air had last month announced that around 80% of its pre-pandemic flights will resume from the summer season and that Bahrain was appearing on more travel green lists across markets.

EDB said among the key tourism investments in the kingdom was Remza Investment Companys addition of Turkish hospitality brand, Gunaydin, to its portfolio.

Located at The Terminal, one of Bahrains unique real estate developments, Gunaydins $6.5 million investment will be its first restaurant in the kingdom. The outfit will create 80 jobs over three years and add to the wide variety of international restaurants springing up in the country.

Remza Investment Companys Chairman and CEO Dr Fadhel Al Arrayed said: "Gunaydin is a prestigious global brand and is a valued addition to the Kingdoms numerous eateries. Our first investment, a popular Istanbul restaurant, will be operated in Adliya in a 1,000-m sq space which can accommodate up to 300 customers."

"We would like to thank our partners and the EDB for providing us with a welcoming and supportive environment," he noted.

Another investment by renowned chocolate brand, Patchi, allocated $8 million for the expansion of the business in the Kingdom. Launching new projects that offer unique experiences for customers, Patchis expansion will help create 160 jobs over three years.

On the new venture, Patchi Bahrain lauded Bahrain for offering a business environment that is in line with its aspirations for expansion, both nationally and regionally.

The company believes that the countrys stability and openness, along with the support provided by the EDB and other organisations, helped it in developing the business, and stated that it was proud to be part of Bahrains vibrant and growing tourism sector.

ELSS Group, which specialises in the construction of aquariums and marine parks, also announced a $1 million investment in their regional operational base at the Bahrain Aquarium, the kingdoms largest aquarium which opened yesterday at the Mall of Dilmunia.

The largest cylindrical aquarium in the Middle East has a depth of 17 meters and is spread over four floors. It includes a life support (water purification) system on two floors beneath and another at the top of the aquarium.

ELSS will operate and maintain the aquarium until at least mid-2025. This is in addition to other aquarium projects ELSS plans to undertake in the Kingdom and neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE.

The groups projects are estimated to create approximately 20 jobs in the fields of local marine biology, environmental sciences, underwater diving, and engineering.

ELSS Groups Managing Director Jed McAteer said: "Bahrain presents an ideal destination to develop and expand our business across the region. We have benefitted from the many competitive advantages offered by the countrys business friendly environment."

"We are pleased to be working alongside the EDB as well as a number of qualified Bahraini companies in the architecture, construction, and retail industries. We welcome this valuable opportunity to share our expertise in Bahrain, which is an ideal environment for our future projects," stated McAteer.

EDBs Executive Director of Investment Origination Ali Al Mudaifa said: "Tourism, with its many restaurants, hotels, and resorts, is among the industries we expect to bounce back to previous levels of activity as the country continues to gradually reopen, and restrictions ease, allowing life to return to normal."

"Attracting investments such as these are in line with the EDBs strategy to further economic diversification by contributing to the development of the sector and supporting the creation of jobs in the local market, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Boeing Company has announced the appointment of Kuljit Ghata-Aura as the new president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), excluding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, effective September 30.



Ghata-Aura, who is returning to the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region, will be based in Dubai. He will be responsible for leading all companywide activities and developing and implementing strategies for a region that is home to some of Boeings largest commercial, defence and services customers.



Ghata-Aura, who previously served as the regional counsel for Boeing India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa for almost six years, will oversee the companys new business and industrial partnership opportunities, safety and sustainability efforts, government affairs and corporate citizenship. He also will oversee Boeings efforts to expand its presence and strengthen its relationships with customers and other stakeholders in the region.



Ghata-Aura succeeds Bernie Dunn, who is leaving Boeing after more than nine years with the company in the region.



It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Kuljit Ghata-Aura as the new president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa. Kuljit brings a wealth of experience to the role from many of Boeings most important markets and businesses, including the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region, where he has spent considerable time. I look forward to working with Kuljit to drive further growth in the region, said Sir Michael Arthur, president, Boeing International.



We thank Bernie for his great contribution to the growth of Boeings presence in the META region over the last seven years and wish him well for the future.



Boeings presence in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa goes back several decades. Boeing has offices in the UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The company also has several industrial and academic partnerships in the region.



I am delighted to return to the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region in this significant leadership role and rejoin my colleagues as we continue to focus on partnering with all stakeholders in one of the fastest-growing and important markets for the company in META, said Ghata-Aura.



Boeing has a strong presence in the region and there continues to be unique opportunities. We are, and continue to be, committed to working closely with the civil aviation and defence authorities and our customers to help achieve the regions aerospace ambitions and objectives.



Ghata-Aura joined Boeing in 2010 and has held several leadership roles for the company in Europe, Russia, Israel, India and the META region. In addition to being the regional counsel for Boeing India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa for almost six years, Ghata-Aura also held the role of director of market development for UAE from 2015-16. Prior to joining Boeing, Ghata-Aura was a partner at a large international firm practicing cross border mergers and acquisitions. He is a graduate of Oxford University.  TradeArabia News Service
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest aviation group in Africa, has announced that it has been honoured with four awards at the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards.

The airline has also been placed 37th - moving seven ranks up - in the World's Top 100 Airlines for 2021 as voted by airline customers around the world.

Ethiopian received awards for:

- Best Airline in Africa 2021 for 4th consecutive year

- Best Business Class in Africa 2021 for 3rd consecutive year

- Best Economy Class in Africa 2021 for 3rd consecutive year

- Best Cabin Crew in Africa 2021.

Ethiopian Aviation Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said: Keeping up with the same phase as before Covid has been a challenging task. However, we never gave up, keeping our loyalty of serving at all times to our customers, we never stopped flying. The awards we received today are proof of our consistent effort to provide our passengers with a world class service during ups and downs.

"As a customer-focused and market-driven airline, a Slytrax award, where winners are determined by the votes of travellers, manifests the airlines journey in the right direction. Thus it is with deep pleasure that we accept these awards.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted added: Ethiopian Airlines have firmly established themselves as the Best Airline in Africa by winning this award for the fourth consecutive year. It is a strong recognition for both the management and all of their front-line staff who contribute to the success of the carrier's customer experience.

The World Airline Awards were introduced in 1999 to provide a global customer satisfaction study. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as the "Oscars of the aviation industry.

Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the survey, with the 2021 Awards based on 13.42 million eligible survey entries counted in the final results.-TradeArabia News Service
Tatas to retain Air India staff for 1 yr, VRS could be offered in 2nd yr 08 Oct 2021 | 7:17 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) With Air India set to go to Tatas after being declared as successful bidder on Friday, the government has said the salt-to-software conglomerate cannot retrench the current airline staff for one year. see more..

Delhi: Attempt to dislodge ATM machine, two held 08 Oct 2021 | 7:02 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Delhi Police on Friday arrested two men for allegedly attempting to uproot an ATM machine in Southeast Delhis Amar Colony area. see more..

Taliban are busy dealing with issues of governance, learning it is different from fighting: Abdullah Abdullah 08 Oct 2021 | 6:56 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) The Taliban rulers of Afghanistan are busy dealing with issues of governance now and learning that it is a different ball game, in contrast to their earlier role of fighting the existing government, and if the people dont see signs of improvement it will lead to further challenges, said Abdullah Abdullah, the countrys former top peace negotiator. see more..

'Welcome back, Air India', says Ratan Tata after bagging airline 08 Oct 2021 | 6:46 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Getting emotional after winning the bid for Air India, Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata said, "Welcome back, Air India!"

The Tatas getting back the control of Air India completes the full circle for the airline which was founded in 1932 by JRD Tata, the legendary industrialist and an aviation enthusiast. see more..
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In order to cater for the needs of its French-speaking Partner States and users, the East African Community held a meeting of tariff experts to transpose the HS 2022 edition of its Common External Tariff (CET) into the French language. The meeting took place from 13 to 18 September 2021 in Moshi, Tanzania. It was conducted with the support of the WCO, within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union.

The meeting was preceded by an EAC regional consultation organized in March 2021 to prepare the English linguistic version of the HS 2022 EAC CET, with the participation of all the Community Partner States. It also falls under the HS 2022 implementation work-plan established by the EAC with the support of the HS-Africa Programme following the first EAC regional consultation that took place in Mombasa from 10 to 13 September 2019 where it was identified as important to transpose the CET into the French language during the process of validation and finalization so that all EAC partner states could have access to the CET aligned in both in English and French and ensure timely and coordinated implementation.

Experts examined the 2022 edition of the EAC CET and developed the French language version of it, while also ensuring that it incorporated all the changes made to the EAC CET from July 2017 to June 2021. The 2022 edition of the EAC CET was proofread, and some errors were rectified, in particular, in Chapters 16, 63 and 70. Moreover, the progress of the preparatory work to migrate national classification systems to the HS 2022 EAC CET was discussed.

The meeting took note of the fact that, at the Community level, the 2022 edition of the EAC CET had been adopted by the EAC Council and would come into effect on 1 July 2022. Participants highlighted the importance of synchronizing and coordinating the implementation of the HS 2022 amendments across the Community, recognising that the availability of the French language version would in particular ensure that the administration of Burundi successfully completes the migration to the HS 2022 edition of the EAC CET in time.

For more details, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
SHREVEPORT, La.  A Shreveport man is willing to sign over his classic car in return for his two French bulldogs that were stolen from his home Monday morning.

Robert McWilliams has been desperately searching for Chief and Stitch. Hes filed a police report but said he was told the Shreveport police manpower shortage could impact the priority of his case.

McWilliams has suspects  a couple that he had talked to during their walks up and down the street. Three days before the thefts, and before he even knew the mans and womans names, McWilliams said one of his dogs, Stitch, the female, ran out of the yard and the man picked her up and started walking down the street with her.

She loves people, McWilliams said of Stitch.

He yelled at the man to bring her back and he did. The man and woman introduced themselves and they chatted a bit about the dogs. McWilliams said the man said he thought the dog was lost since it didn't have a collar on.

There were other encounters between McWilliams and the couple over the next few days, including one day when McWilliams gave them a ride to the grocery store.

"I was trying to be nice and all," said McWilliams.

On Sunday, the couple called while McWilliams wasn't home and said they were sitting on his front porch and waiting for him so they could visit.

But on Monday morning, McWilliams said he left his workplace, which is next door to his home on Southern Avenue near Pierremont, around 11 a.m. to go let Chief and Stitch out of their kennels for a little while. Its something he did daily. And thats when he saw the front window of his house busted and the dogs were gone.

McWilliams said it took hours for Shreveport police to respond. Fingerprints were taken and a screwdriver believed to have been used to break the window was seized.

McWilliams said hes alerted some veterinarian clinics about the missing dogs and he's putting out more flyers. Both dogs are on medication; Chief requires daily care for skin allergies.

Since he has limited funds, McWilliams said hes willing to sign over his 1967 Plymouth VIP to get his dogs back. He estimates the vintage car to be worth $5,000 to $6,000.

Im so willing to let it go, McWilliams said. You cant put a price on my dogs. They are my family; they are my whole heart.

McWilliams hasnt seen the couple since the dogs were reported missing. Hes even gone to the house where he drove them to one day and no one says theyve seen them.

McWilliams asks anyone who knows the whereabouts of Chief and Stitch to give him a call at 318-402-1461 or call Shreveport police.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-31 21:18:02|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has extended the travel ban for all inbound travelers from India and nine other countries till Sept. 5 as the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads across the country, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday.

Roque said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approved the travel ban extension after the current ban expired on Tuesday.

Aside from India where the Delta variant was first detected, the Philippines also banned travelers from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

Returning overseas Filipino workers are allowed under the repatriation program, but will be isolated for 14 days upon arrival.

"These travel restrictions form part of the pro-active measures to slow down the rising number of COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, and increase the country's existing healthcare capacity," Roque said in a statement.

The Philippines has detected 1,789 Delta cases, including 33 deaths. The World Health Organization confirmed the community transmission of the highly infectious Delta variant in the Philippines, saying it is now the dominant strain spreading in the country.

The Philippines is grappling with soaring COVID-19 infections fueled by the Delta variant. The Southeast Asian country has reported a total of 1,989,857 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, including 33,448 deaths. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-07 17:16:47|Editor: huaxia

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VIENTIANE, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lao health officials will beef up screening and quarantine procedures for Lao nationals returning from Thailand, in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections.

As COVID-19 spread in Thailand, Laos is at greater risk of the highly infectious Delta variant, especially if people enter Laos from Thailand illegally and avoid screening, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Tuesday.

Thousands of Lao nationals are returning from Thailand during the pandemic, according to the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Over the past week, the number of infections among frontline workers increased dramatically, affecting nurses, police officers, military personnel and customs officials.

The Ministry of Health observed that many people continue to take COVID-19 precautions lightly, particularly in offices, quarantine centers, hospitals and other places.

The Lao Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported 221 more imported COVID-19 cases and 86 new locally transmitted cases, bringing the total number of coronavirus infections to 16,365.

A total of 11,330 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the pandemic and been discharged from hospitals.

Laos reported its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March 24 last year. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-10 16:40:39|Editor: huaxia

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Vendors sell Hilsa fish at a fish landing station in Chandpur, Bangladesh, Sept. 7, 2021. (Xinhua)

CHANDPUR, Bangladesh, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Thanks to a good harvest and high prices, fishermen in Bangladesh's Chandpur district where the world's most famous silvery transboundary Hilsa fish comes from are now all smiles.

Huge catches of Hilsas, Bangladesh's national fish, are being netted in marine and coastal areas across Bangladesh especially in Chandpur, some 115 km southeast of Dhaka, during the ongoing peak fishing season.

Chandpur is considered one of the biggest trading hubs of Hilsas in Bangladesh mainly due to the skyrocketing popularity of Hilsas from Padma River, one of the three major rivers in the country.

Wholesalers in the market said they are very happy with plenty of Padma's Hilsas which fetch home some extra money for them.

Noor Alam, who has been doing fish trading for about 20 years, said the fishing season starts from May after good fishing, said Alam, proprietor of Saju Fish.

"At that time I do fairly good business. I make profit by doing business," he said.

According to the trader, this is a seasonal business that runs for four to five months.

Abdul Bari Jamadar Manik, the president of Chandpur Matsya (fish) Banik (businessmen) Samiti (association) Limited said this fish landing station at Chandpur is about 200 to 250 years old.

"About four or five thousand people are involved with this Hilsa trading (here) in Chandpur," said Manik. "Hilsa is very important for the local economy of Chandpur and for the economy of entire Bangladesh," he added.

According to a recent study by the international fisheries organization WorldFish, Bangladesh currently produces 86 percent of the world's total Hilsas followed by India, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan.

According to the report, Hilsa production in Bangladesh in recent years has increased remarkably following the measures including setting up of Hilsa sanctuaries in various rivers.

Hilsas move from the Bay of Bengal to Bangladesh rivers including the Padma and the Meghna for spawning.

No matter how favorable the environment is in other rivers or reservoirs, Hilsas would return to their birthplaces where their mothers had laid the eggs and they grew up as spawns, the study revealed.

"Hilsa is Bangladesh's one of the flagship fish species," said Md Anisur Rahman, the chief scientific officer and Hilsa researcher at Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Riverine Station Chandpur.

Rahman who started researching Hilsa in 1988 said its contribution to the GDP of Bangladesh is more than 1 percent.

He said Hilsa is the kingfish in Bangladesh and it has secured recognition as the geographical indication (GI) product of Bangladesh in 2017.

He said many countries including China have expressed interest to join Bangladesh's research efforts to increase Hilsa production, and a Japanese team wants to work on it after a visit.

He said steps are underway to create more byproducts for value addition.

"What more can be done about value additions and livelihoods are under research and the field of research is growing," he said.

Traders say the ones meant for export weighing 1 kg to 1,200 grams are now selling for around 40,000 takas (about 465 U.S. dollars) per maund in the market.

"We, the people of Chandpur, are known for Hilsa. We're doing Hilsa business (for generations) and earning our livelihoods by doing this," Noor Alam said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-10 16:58:44|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 death toll in Mongolia has exceeded 1,000, the country's health ministry said Friday.

The country's death toll increased to 1,007 with 15 more COVID-19 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day growth since July 3, the ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mongolia reported 2,009 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, including an imported case, bringing the national tally to 249,408.

More than 60,300 COVID-19 patients are now being treated across the country, with 344 in very serious condition, the ministry said.

Mongolian health authorities have explained that the country's current COVID-19 resurgence is due to the Delta wave and mass gatherings.

The highly contagious Delta variant of the virus is spreading fast across the country and has been detected in the capital Ulan Bator and 20 of the country's 21 provinces.

Since a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign was launched in February, almost 65 percent of the country's total population has received two vaccine doses.

In late August, the Asian country began offering a booster or third dose of vaccine to frontline workers, those in education, people aged over 55, and those suffering from chronic diseases. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-17 19:18:21|Editor: huaxia

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VIENTIANE, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group (CREC-2) has welded the last two 500-meter seamless rails for the China-Laos railway in the southern suburb of the Lao capital Vientiane.

The seamless rail, also known as continuous welded rail (CWR) which eliminates rail joints, can improve the duration of steel rails, reduce the maintenance costs of locomotives and tracks, improve the stability and speed of trains, as well as enhance travel comfort.

According to the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC), a joint venture based in Vientiane in charge of the railway's construction and operation, the CREC-2 has completed the welding of all the seamless rails along the over 400-km railway on Thursday, thus laying a solid foundation for the goal to complete the China-Laos railway construction by the end of this year.

Xiao Qianwen, the LCRC general manager, told Xinhua on Friday that the Chinese engineers have welded the seamless rails across all the 75 tunnels, 165 bridges and 20 railway stations since May 2020.

According to Xiao, most projects of the China-Laos railway are undergoing the final check and acceptance inspection, and the remaining engineering and preparation for operation are progressing steadily.

The China-Laos Railway is a docking project between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Laos' strategy to convert itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub.

The over 400-km railway will run from Boten border gate in northern Laos bordering China to Vientiane with an operating speed of 160 km per hour.

The electrified passenger and cargo railway is built with the full application of Chinese management and technical standards. The construction of the project started in December 2016 and is scheduled to be completed and operational in December 2021. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-29 23:20:06|Editor: huaxia

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JAKARTA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said Wednesday that it has seized an illegal Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel in Indonesian waters in the Malacca Strait.

The captain and all the four crew members on board are Indonesians, it said.

The ministry's Director-General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision, Adin Nurawaluddin, said the vessel was caught on Sunday while poaching with prohibited trawler.

Data showed that since January, the Indonesian ministry has seized 48 foreign-flagged vessels illegally fishing in Indonesian waters. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 00:05:47|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on March 28, 2019 shows the Nam Ou 2 hydropower plant of the Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Project in northern Laos. A ceremony was held here on Tuesday to start the full power generation of all seven plants of the Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Project developed by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina). (PowerChina/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held here on Tuesday to start the full power generation of all seven plants of the Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Project developed by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).

Lao Minister of Energy and Mines Daovong Phonekeo said at the ceremony that the Nam Ou project bears strategic significance in the country's power industry development as a large-scale clean energy project that will make an important contribution to the economic and social development in Laos.

The Lao minister praised PowerChina engineers for overcoming the impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic and other difficulties and successfully completing the construction of the whole project in a highly responsible manner. He hoped that all parties will maintain close cooperation to ensure the safe and stable operation of all the power stations.

Li Zhigong, Chinese consul general in Luang Prabang, said in his speech that the Nam Ou project is an important manifestation of the alignment of both countries' development strategies and the realization of complementary advantages between China and Laos.

The project adheres to the principle of developing local economy and the people's livelihood, and helping address poverty alleviation in Laos, he said.

At the same time, the project earnestly implements the concept of green development, so as to facilitate Laos' industrialization, modernization and independent development, said the Chinese diplomat.

Wang Bin, general manager of PowerChina, said that the Nam Ou project is divided into seven cascade hydropower plants with only the upper one built with a big reservoir, which largely helps achieve ecological, social and economic goals of the development.

The power generation ceremony was held simultaneously by video conference in PowerChina's Beijing office, its Nam Ou operation and maintenance center in Luang Prabang, and its last-completed Nam Ou 7 hydropower plant in northern Laos.

The Nam Ou river cascade hydropower project, developed by PowerChina under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and also the first Chinese company-run project to win the development rights of a whole river basin in the country, is highly valued by Chinese and Lao governments and people.

The project, on the Nam Ou river which is also the largest tributary of the Mekong river in Laos, was developed in two phases, with a total installed capacity of 1.272 million kilowatts and an average annual generating capacity of about 5 billion kilowatt-hours.

The Nam Ou project, with a total investment of around 2.8 billion dollars from the Chinese company, will be transferred to the Lao government after 29 years' operation. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 17:16:53|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops killed four rebels in a clash in the central Philippine Negros Occidental province on Thursday, a military report said.

According to the report, the four New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a 30-minute fighting that broke out around 2:00 a.m. local time in Manapla town.

No soldiers were wounded or killed in the clash, the report added.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte restarted the talks to end the decades-old insurgency when he came to power in 2016, but the negotiations faltered.

The NPA rebels have been fighting the Philippine government since 1969, with their attacks concentrated in rural areas. The NPA is estimated to have 3,000 members currently, significantly lower than its peak strength in the 1980s. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 18:03:02|Editor: huaxia

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BANGKOK, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Heavy floods caused by tropical storm Dianmu have severely impacted almost half of Thailand's provinces with at least seven people dead and one missing, the country's disaster control authorities said Thursday.

Heavy rains swept across 31 provinces of the Southeast Asian country, so far affecting more than 220,000 households, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

The DDPM also noted that the situation in 13 of the affected provinces has improved, but it remained critical in the other 18 provinces.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) warned Thursday that the water level of the Chao Phraya River is forecasted to rise over the next few days, demanding 11 communities in seven districts along the river be prepared for potential floods.

Local media quoted Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang as saying that the level of the Chao Phraya River is currently well below the top of the flood embankment across the capital, without any damage to nearby residences. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 18:54:26|Editor: huaxia

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by Wang Aona, Dames Alexander Sinaga

JAKARTA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The reopening of Bali may be long overdue for foreign tourists. Although no specific date has been set, October looks officially promising now.

"Bali is showing a positive trend in handling COVID-19. We are going to discuss its reopening in the Coordinating Ministerial Meeting on Thursday," said Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, in a press conference on Monday.

In September, Indonesia has been showing signs of recovery from the second virus wave caused by Delta variant.

On Sept. 20, Indonesia recorded 1,932 newly confirmed cases, the lowest daily count since August last year. The virus reproduction rate and hospital occupancy rate also continued to decrease.

With the relaxation of restrictions on public activities, locally known as PPKM, "travel revenge" is expected to happen.

Domestic travelers have made their first trip to Bali before foreigners are allowed to come.

"We've seen tourists growing sharply," said Asnawi Bahar, owner of a travel agency in Bali.

According to local media, to avoid the "hard landing" of domestic tourists in Bali, the odd-even license plate rule on access to tourist attractions officially took effect from Sept. 25.

On odd dates, only vehicles with the last license plate number being odd can be seen on roads, and vice versa. It applies to both two-wheeled and four-wheeled with a motorized vehicle number.

"The traffic jam has already started, from what I saw during the three days I stayed there," said Uno in the press conference, adding that the implementation of odd-even license plate rule in Bali needs to be done to change the pattern of tourist mobility so that congestion and crowds do not occur.

Although more than 70 percent of the people in Bali have finished double-dose vaccination and there is no more red zone with the highest risk of infection, some still have safety concerns.

"This easing of restrictions and reopening of tourism must be extra stringent. The pandemic is not over yet," said Bahar.

If COVID-19 cases in Bali increase again, it will be a bad image for Bali and for Indonesia, he said.

After being delayed for several times, the reopening of Bali in a gradual manner shows that Indonesia wants to play safe this time.

Currently, Bali airport is still closed for international flights. But one thing for sure is that Bali only welcomes vaccinated tourists.

Besides, the COVID-19 contact-tracing app PeduliLindungi has been popularized in Bali's restaurants, malls, and tourism sites. The Bali government has also prepared specialized tourism packages that include booster vaccine shots.

According to Uno, the implementation of health protocols in Bali still needs to be improved.

To prepare for what's coming next is challenging.

"We'll continue to monitor the situation and to increase vigilance in the field. However, we hope that there are always plan A, B, and C," Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati has said recently. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 19:36:12|Editor: huaxia

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JAKARTA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Four people have been killed and five others injured as a hydrometeorological disaster hit 10 sub-districts in Padang Pariaman district, West Sumatra province, Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency said on Thursday.

"They were buried by landslides following heavy rains with strong winds which also caused flash floods," the agency's spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.

The rains that have occurred since Wednesday afternoon submerged 338 houses, 80 hectares of rice fields, a house of worship, and a school building, he said, adding that the disaster also forced 72 people to evacuate.

The deluge brought down trees on the provincial highway, making land traffic from Minangkabau Airport in West Sumatra to Padang Pariaman heavily congested.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency of Padang Pariaman district is currently evacuating people and recovering materials from the fallen trees.

Rains are still pouring on Thursday, inundating a number of houses, but traffic flow has returned to normal. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-30 21:57:04|Editor: huaxia

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A health worker carries out disinfection in downtown Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 30, 2021. The Lao government on Thursday announced an extension of COVID-19 restrictive measures for a further two weeks to Oct. 15 as cases continued to increase. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government on Thursday announced an extension of COVID-19 restrictive measures for a further two weeks as cases continued to increase.

Deputy Head of the Prime Minister's Office Thipphakone Chanthavongsa told a press conference in the Lao capital Vientiane that the government is making every effort to lower the rate of infection and death in the country.

The Lao government also hopes to guide the people in transitioning their lives to the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The transition to the new normal way of life in Laos must be in accordance with the conditions and situation in the country, with the government taking lessons and advice from friendly nations around the world, and listening to the voice of the Lao people.

The COVID-19 restrictive measures will remain in place until Oct. 15.

Thipphakone warned that individuals, legal entities or organizations that violate measures for the prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 will be prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, depending on the case.

The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control reported 23 new imported cases and 335 locally transmitted cases. As of Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Laos reached 23,846 with 18 deaths.

Laos detected its first two COVID-19 cases on March 24 last year. Enditem
Kenya Wednesday announced a crackdown on illegal immigrants from Pakistan and imposed a freeze on the free transit arrangements it has with the Asian country in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The Interior Ministry said it was reacting to the surge in numbers of Pakistanis passing through the country on their way to Saudi Arabia. The groups have been arriving in large numbers since last week, taking advantage of softer conditions on travellers from Kenya to the Middle East concerning Covid-19 regulations.

Dr Karanja Kibicho, the Interior and Citizen Services Principal Secretary said authorities had noted a possible abuse of existing free transit arrangements between Kenya and Pakistan.

"The Kenyan Government is alarmed by the threat of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic posed by the influx of foreign travel ... The government has ordered an immediate crackdown on foreigners who are in the country illegally," he said in a statement.

"The government will restrict the number of foreigners transiting through the country to levels that do not pose a risk to Kenya's national interests."

The Department of Immigration and the National Police Service will now check the papers of all those who have arrived in the country in the recent past. Those without transit visas will be deported.

Freeze transit visas

On Wednesday, the Nation also learnt the Immigration Department will freeze further transit visas to Pakistanis in a bid to limit their numbers. The two countries have had an arrangement where travellers on transit visas can enter the country for free as they await reconnecting flights. For the Pakistanis heading to Saudi Arabia, for instance, staying around for 10 days allows them enough quarantine days with which they can use to enter Saudi Arabia as travellers from Kenya. They obtain these documents online. Staying around helps them beat the tougher quarantine measures the Middle Eastern nation has imposed on Pakistanis travelling directly.

But the Nation understands the influx of travellers has raised concerns in the diplomatic circles on the potential of these arrivals ruining the existing bilateral arrangements on Covid-19 management.

A source told the Nation that only Pakistanis with valid entry visas to Kenya will now be accepted. Free transit visas that have been the norm will be halted, the source explained, saying those who arrive after today on transit visas will be refused entry and turned back.

The official, speaking on the background, explained that the measure will help Nairobi manage its obligations with countries that have allowed it softer entry terms, in spite of Covid-19.

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Dr Kibicho said the crackdown would be led by the Department of Immigration and the National Police Service, although he suggested that those already in the country have mostly been let in on transit visas while enroute to Saudi Arabia for work.

Pakistani High Commissioner to Kenya Saqlain Syedah could not immediately be reached for comment, but Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna had indicated most of the arrivals had been let in as tourists.

Raised eyebrows

Their arrival in Kenya had raised eyebrows last week after they left the airport in buses. Most could not speak English and were unaware of their destination. Pakistan, like its neighbours in Asia, has battled variants of Covid-19 in the recent past. The country, like Kenya, was recently removed from the UK Red List of countries considered too risky to allow its arrivals into Britain. Now travellers from its territory can enter the UK without mandatory quarantine, but with self-isolation for 10 days and further Covid-19 tests.
press release

The German government will contribute 100 million to the African Development Bank's Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), affirming its commitment to efforts to tap Africa's renewable energy potential and drive its transition to clean energy sources.

The announcement came during the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy, held in New York on 24 September as part of the UN General Assembly.

The funding will go to unlock private sector investment in green-baseload projects, a SEFA priority focus. Specifically, it will support technical assistance and investment in power generation, transmission and distribution to increase penetration of renewable power in African grids. The funding follows Germany's initial contribution to SEFA of 50 million, made in 2020.

Norbert Barthle, Parliamentary State Secretary of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, said during the High-Level Dialogue: "We need to accelerate the global energy transition. This requires the rapid phasing out of all fossil fuels and a massive expansion of renewable energy. The time to act is now."

The financing aligns with the G20 Compact with Africa launched during Germany's tenure of the G20 Presidency. The Compact promotes macroeconomic, business and financing reform to attract more private investment in Africa.

Dr. Daniel Schroth, the Bank's Acting Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said, "Germany's new contribution is a major boost towards SEFA's capitalization target of $500 million. It is also recognition of the catalytic role SEFA has been playing in accelerating Africa's energy transition and supporting clean energy access solutions."

SEFA is a multi-donor special fund that aims to unlock private sector investments that contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the Bank's New Deal on Energy for Africa strategy and Sustainable Development Goal 7. SEFA has received contributions from the Government of Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Nordic Development Fund, Sweden, Spain, United Kingdom and United States.

Contact:

Olufemi Terry | Communication and External Relations Department | African Development Bank | email: o.terry@afdb.org

Technical contact: Joao Duarte Cunha, SEFA Coordinator, j.cunha@afdb.org
Khartoum  A vehicle driver was killed by fugitive members of a terrorist cell in Khartoum on Wednesday. The four accused of affiliated with Islamic State have been arrested.

The four men managed to flee when security officers raided buildings in Jabra and El Azhari in southern Khartoum on Tuesday.

In the raid on a building in Jabra Block 14, two officers of the General Intelligence Service (GIS) and three non-commissioned security officers were killed. Another officer was injured.

The next day, the four fugitives killed the driver of the vehicle they fled with, before they were seized. Their arrest brings the number of arrested cell members to 15, all of whom are foreigners.

On Tuesday evening, the bodies of the five security officers were buried in a cemetery in Khartoum, in the presence of Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) and Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), other TSC members, and a number of Ministers.
Even though it was all smiles, hugs, and kisses in public, the romantic affair between TV journalist Jackie Maribe and his ex-fiancee Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu was anything but blissful, the court has heard.

In fact, on one particular occasion, Maribe attempted to kick Jowie out of her house in Langata.

Maribe and Jowie are battling murder charges in relation to the killing of businesswoman Monica Kimani, whose body was found in a bathtub at her apartment in Kilimani on September 19, 2018.

The picture of the rocky love affair between Maribe and Jowie, which has since ended, was painted in court by a witness namely Brian Kasaine, who was a neighbour to the couple.

Kasaine says he once walked in on a heated argument involving the ex-lovebirds at Maribe's house.

"You want me out of your house, it's fine, bury me in Lang'ata," Jowie is said to have told Maribe during the argument, as reported by Kasaine.

Maribe did not respond.

Kasaine also told court Jowie once told him a friend named 'Mo' had been involved in a stabbing incident.

A licensed firearm holder, Kasaine also admits to giving Jowie his gun, but without bullets, on a number of occasions.

"I gave him (the gun) without ammunition and after two days he returned it," said Kasaine.

"On September 9, 2018, he again requested for the gun for the same reasons without ammunition. He had promised to return it after two days. However, he did not return it as agreed.

Maribe is reported to have been providing for most of the bills at the time he lived with Jowie.
Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Badr Abdel Ati welcomed on Wednesday the recent major development in Egyptian-Russian relations.

This came during his meeting with Mikhail Leonidovich Bogdanov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Special Representative of the President of Russia for the Middle East, with Egyptian Ambassador to Russia Ehab Seif El Nasr, attending.

Abdel Ati expressed hope for promoting cooperation between Egypt and Russia in various domains, expressing Egypt's keenness on pursuing consultations with Russia on issues of mutual concern, said a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

The two sides discussed cooperation projects between both countries topped by the Dabaa project as well as Russian projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

They also probed means to increase Russian tourism to Egypt during the coming period in the light of a recent Russian decision to resume direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada cities, as well as regional issues topped by the Middle East peace process and developments in Libya, Syria and Sudan.

For his part, Bogdanov praised Egypt's role in the Middle East and expressed Moscow's keenness on maintaining consultations with Cairo on various issues.

MENA
press release

Statement by Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla in response to the release of investigation report into Digital Vibes communication contract

Thanks Programme Director

Greetings to Deputy Minister Dr Dhlomo

Members of the media

Viewers and listeners at home

Good morning

Let me take this opportunity to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for authorising the publication or release of the much-awaited final report of the Special Investigating Unit into the Department of Health's award of National Health Insurance media campaign and subsequent COVID-19 communications to Digital Vibes.

The Department has been inundated with public and media enquiries on the implementation of the report findings and recommendations based on the media reports, instead of being based on the actual report by the relevant law enforcement agency, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in particular.

We have noted the serious allegations against a number of departmental senior officials, notably the Deputy Director General responsible for Health Regulations and Compliance, Dr Anban Pillay, who was the acting Director General at the time the Digital Vibes contract was awarded.

The Department has completed the review of both the Ngubane report and the SIU documentation that was provided earlier regarding the possible misconduct by nine (9) officials. It is also important to indicate that, three (3) out of nine (9) officials mentioned in the report, are not staff members/employees of the Department of Health.

These three officials are employed by other government departments, and their DGs have already been informed of the Department of Health disciplinary process as part of consequence management. This simply means that the National Department of Health has been able to deal directly with the disciplinary process of six (6) officials implicated in this investigation report.

We are anxious to conclude the disciplinary process as a matter of urgency to bring these matters to closure in order to dedicate our time, energy and resources on the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the vaccination rollout programme so that we can reach as many people as possible to achieve our goal of saving lives.

By the close of business today, all affected six officials in the Department of Health would be served with suspension letters pending the completion of disciplinary hearing process and formalisation of charges. The outstanding disciplinary investigations will require the investigators communicating with the SIU and with a procurement specialist.

The number of suspended National Health Department officials is therefore now seven (7), including the Director General who is already on precautionary suspension.

The Acting-Director General, Dr Nicholas Crisp, has written to the DGs of GCIS and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), together with the CEO of the Government Printing Works, where the other three (3) officials mentioned in the SIU report, are working, to inform them of the actions taken by the Department of Health.

The intention was to explain to them of the Department's course of action and to offer them opportunity to be part of the same investigation and disciplinary process.

It must be emphasised that disciplinary processes are an employer and employee matter, and in the Public Service are governed by the provisions of the Public Service Act and Regulations.

This report shows that indeed whistle-blowing is one of the effective mechanisms in the fight against fraud and corrupt activities, and it plays a role in encouraging accountability, transparency and high standards of governance in both the private sector and public institutions.

This blowing of the whistle was taken seriously within the department, and by other institutions, and this stand taken by an individual, and by subsequent witnesses, has brought us to where we are today.

We fully understand the public concerns and interest in this matter because it involves allegations of misappropriation of public funds in the middle of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far cost the country substantial unbudgeted funds, as well as people's lives and livelihoods. Thus, we are committed to study the report's findings and recommendations fully, and act on the outcomes of the formal disciplinary processes without fear, favour and prejudice.

We are also committed to clean governance, and despite how uncomfortable the report may appear, it will help us tighten controls and ethical practice. We take seriously the evidence gathered by the SIU and have noted the view that there may be scope for criminal charges, though we are also mindful that further investigation needs to unfold before persons are declared guilty by our courts.

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This is part of the rule of law. The SIU findings will guide us in looking into the alleged conduct of officials named in the report, and assessing what disciplinary, corrective and preventive interventions are required. We would like South Africans to have confidence in our public health system and in the integrity of the hundreds of thousands of officials in our department and the broader system.

We will address matters of integrity and of consequence management concurrently and will make our decisions known as we go along. We will do so within the framework of the law, the Public Service Code of Ethics and code on disciplinary action, and within the context of natural justice.

In conclusion, we would like to tender our unreserved apology to all South Africans for this unfortunate saga, and we would like to assure the public that we are going to thoroughly and decisively act to ensure nothing is swept under the carpet. We acknowledge the impact of this on the image of the Department and public health system to provide quality health care services.

I thank you
opinion

Akwa Ibom  The House of Eyibo is not just a physical structure.

The inauguration of that beautiful house in Uyo, therefore provides a challenge to the teeming youths of the state to examine critically, the opportunities offered by the state of the art facilities, with a view to leveraging on the strategic window to add value. As Mr Inoyo charged, youths should grab this house of opportunities "with open hands and make the best of it".

The other day, a 61 year old lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, infact the spokesman of the House in his time, walked into the monthly meeting of Uyo Book Club and shared the story of the life of his late father. Mr Eseme Eyibo regaled members of the intellectual hub about how his late father, a village carpenter, used to walk from Eket in the morning to Etinan to fix stools and wooden doors for people, only to walk back to his humble homestead in Eket in the evening.

However, the man, whose offsprings have immortalised him, saw an opportunity to drop his carpentry tools and port into teaching. Today, The House of Eyibo (THOE) is in the philanthropy of giving scholarships to students in various disciplines, with emphasis on Law, Pharmacy and Medicine.

The House of Eyibo is not just a physical structure. This article is about a towering building in Uyo, in a choice and well secured part of the capital city, occupying more than 18,000 square metres on an expanse of 48,200 square metres, with a 500 capacity parking lot. That house was formally opened as part of activities to mark the 34th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, with a fulfilled Governor Udom Emmanuel, his officials, special guests, stakeholders in the State, grinning in satisfaction and beaming with smiles. That house was one unique birthday cake to the people of the State. A birthday cake, not to be eaten and digested with choice wine or water, but one to be leased to choice tenants.

Already, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has indicated interest in taking two floors in the building. Built for such high- end tenants, which include international oil companies, indigenous oil companies prospecting and drilling in the State, the 21 storey state-of-the-art house holds much more than its glittering sight during the day and in the night sky. It has changed the profile of the capital city to the town with the tallest building in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

... it's not really about its height, location, elegance and elevators, fire protection sensors, card readers, biometric control keypads, central stand alone server work station or electric cabling for doors and automatic cards, and other 21st century technology compliant devices. The multi-billion naira bespoke piece of property represents a transformation, which holds countless options for engagement.

Nevertheless, it's not really about its height, location, elegance and elevators, fire protection sensors, card readers, biometric control keypads, central stand alone server work station or electric cabling for doors and automatic cards, and other 21st century technology compliant devices. The multi-billion naira bespoke piece of property represents a transformation, which holds countless options for engagement.

In recent history, the world has witnessed and embraced opportunities which saw drone technology replacing still hand-held cameras for photography and video coverage. Also, the banking sector has evolved to bring several opportunities that smart people have exploited. It is pertinent to point to the transformation in writing from long hand to typing with typewriters, then desktops, laptops, and palm-tops. Our society has seen the transformation from 'Alalok' to the prevalent corporate taxis. There were people who saw opportunities in the music industry from recording on turntable disc players to compact discs, flash drives, music players and blue-tooth enabled downloads.

The society has seen the evolution from stationary telephones to mobile phones of various types and sizes, complete with digital cameras, television and radio access. One could go on and on in reeling out the opportunities that came in the wake of new facilities, which visionaries explored and exploited for economic gain. The brand new intelligence edifice is one such house of opportunities beyond what the eyes can readily see. It is a boon to techies.

This was aptly captured by Mr Udom Inoyo, former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria in his Keynote Address to participants during the Akwa Ibom Technology Week held on Friday, September 17. Speaking on the theme, "Positioning Akwa Ibom Youths for Global Success in the 21st Century", Mr Inoyo pointed to opportunities awaiting youths in "the servicing of the smart building". According to the widely exposed and erstwhile oil company executive, "youths are expected to leverage on the low technology adoption rate within the state as an opportunity to explore new frontiers to test and market their capabilities".

Mr Inoyo cited the example of several youths globally and in Nigeria, including Mark Essien, who innovated with a hotel booking platform to serve the needs of customers. To walk his talk, the Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation which has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the State since its inception more than a decade ago, further affirmed the Foundation's mission to support innovative solutions...

He told the budding techies, "you must be smart to access multiple frontiers with promising economic opportunities and break technological barriers."

If the youths took the tip offered by Mr Inoyo, given his vast knowledge and experience spanning 31 years in an industry which adapted easily to new technologies, the youths would not only become employees in that facility but employers of labour who would occupy office spaces in the city, pay taxes, improve their purchasing power. They would also be challenged to join the pantheon of technopreneurs who saw opportunities in emergent systems or circumstances and take bold steps to explore and exploit such opportunities for the benefit of humanity.

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Mr Inoyo cited the example of several youths globally and in Nigeria, including Mark Essien, who innovated with a hotel booking platform to serve the needs of customers. To walk his talk, the Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation which has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the State since its inception more than a decade ago, further affirmed the Foundation's mission to support innovative solutions that will stimulate capacity development to enhance economic growth in the State. He announced a build and grow boot camp for 72 techies valued at more than N100 million, where all the participants would be inducted into the African Fintech Community Platform, with access to markets, partners and investors.

The inauguration of that beautiful house in Uyo, therefore provides a challenge to the teeming youths of the state to examine critically, the opportunities offered by the state of the art facilities, with a view to leveraging on the strategic window to add value. As Mr Inoyo charged, youths should grab this house of opportunities "with open hands and make the best of it".

Udeme Nana is a mass communication lecturer at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua
press release

Limpopo Provincial Office of the Department of Water and Sanitation has mitigated water supply challenges at Burgersfort, in Sekhukhune District Municipality through the Mooihoek Bulk Water Supply Project initiated in 2008. The R750 million project has a 55 kilometers long pipeline that has brought a relief to water challenged areas in and around Burgersfort.

The Acting Provincial Head of Limpopo Provincial Office, Mr. Thivonali Masindi says the project once completed will supply potable water to 100 000 people in the Sekhukhune District, and that amounts to Burgersfort and 22 villages around it.

"The project is based along the along R37 road from Burgersfort to Polokwane and is being undertaken to meet the social and economic development needs of the region. The project will also benefit the mining development around the area", says Mr Masindi.

The Mooihoek Water Treatment Works has a capacity to produce 10 megaliters of water per day and is currently supplying water to areas such as Burgersfort town, Praktiseer, Dresden, Bothashoek and Ga-Motodi. These areas are all in Sekhukhune District Municipality.

To continuously bring relief of water supply challenges to communities of Burgersfort, Sekhukhune District Municipality is currently implementing a 3.6-kilometer pipeline at Manoke Village in Burgersfort. The project was initiated in January 2020 and will connect the pipeline to an existing manhole and an already existing reservoir situated in the village, resulting in a sustained water reticulation in the area and bringing water challenges to end.

The project is scheduled to be completed in March of 2023 and will supply an additional 17 villages with this much required but scarce resource.
press release

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon Senzo Mchunu will from 05-07 October 2021 be embarking on his maiden visit to the Gauteng Province since taking the reigns as portfolio Minister.

The visit will entail discussions on matters of governance, implementation, service delivery and finance towards the provision of quality water and decent sanitation. The Minister will interact with the Provincial DWS Water and Sanitation management on challenges related to water and sanitation delivery in Gauteng.

Minister Mchunu supported by Deputy Ministers Mahlobo and Magadzi will spend three days in the province, where he will meet with Department of Water and Sanitation Gauteng management, Rand Water, Premier and Provincial Executives of Gauteng, and Metro Municipality Executive Mayors among others.

The programme will be inclusive of a site visit to a water treatment plant, as well as to the Vaal Project Pump station in Sebokeng on Thursday, 07 October 2021.

Media will be afforded a doorstop opportunity on Tuesday, 05 October 2021 at Gallagher Estate between 13:00 and 14:00, as well as during the site visit on Thursday 07th October.

For RSVP and transportation arrangements please contact Mr Khulekani Ngcobo at 082 723 6030.
A trial date has been set in a matter in which suspended Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume allegedly allocated residential stands to his sister and his law firm's company secretary illegally.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna set October 25 as trial date for Mafume.

Mafume is also facing another charge of interfering with a key State witness, who is set to testify in the matter when trial opens.

Mr Nduna, however, dismissed the State's application for Mafume to be barred from visiting Town House and other council offices until the matters have been finalised.

The State led by Mr Michael Reza wanted Mafume barred from visiting the council offices fearing that he would interfere with witnesses, who happen to be council employees.

In his ruling, Mr Nduna said barring Mafume from visiting council offices would amount to reviewing the High Court's bail order.

Mr Nduna said a ruling in favour of the State had serious legal consequences as the courts had a hierarchy.

"This has two dangerously illegal consequences. The first is rooted in the order of hierarchy of courts, their power and jurisdiction.

"The High Court on the facts, issued the order the State seems not happy with. Bringing their grief to this court is like appealing a High Court decision to a magistrate.

"It's incompetent. If the magistrate gets carried away and goes with the wind and interferes as prayed, the magistrate will have usurped appeal powers of a court superior to him.

"That creates a constitutional crisis and an illegality. It's forbidden."

Mr Nduna said the application by the State was a clear repetition of what they presented in the initial bail application.

"The state may have fared reasonably well had they proceeded with their application on CRB 286/20 using the events of CRB 299/20 as new facts.

"In my view, the State had a choice and picked a poor one. Accordingly, I find this court unqualified to re-decide the matter on the same facts," he said before dismissing the State's application.
THE Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr Moses Mvenge, yesterday pleaded for greater participation by black businessmen in the country's growing economy.

Pledging increased Government assistance to black entrepreneurs, especially those in the rural areas, Mr Mvenge told the Gatooma Chamber of Commerce annual meeting that these men in turn, needed urgently to improve their efficiency, Iana reports.

The Government's plans to help finance emergent businessmen, coupled to its massive programme of reconstruction and rural development, would give rise to "practically unlimited opportunities for African businessmen," he said.

Mr Mvenge also called for "a more important role" for Africans in Zimbabwe's existing enterprises, saying the present "imbalance" could be quickly rectified with the co-operation of the private sector.

"A considerable expansion in African participation in the business sector of the economy will be of enormous benefit to all businessmen," he said.

But, he warned businessmen who benefited from the Government's development programme to avoid profiteering.

The Government's financial resources were inadequate, he said, adding: "I am convinced that huge amounts of private investment and external aid are also essential."

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The attainment of independence was not a flag-waving event, but the new Government saw the urgency of creating a new breed of entrepreneur from the majority that had been side-lined by the minority white Government.

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Over the years, Government together with business and the people have created an enabling environment that ensures that black people are active participants in business and ensures that they owned the means of production. However, more still needs to be done.

The Affirmative Action Group was one of the major channels used to bring more black people into business at various levels.

Over the years, a legal framework was put in place through the enactment of the Indigesination, Economic Empowerment Act, that was updated early this year. The Act aims "to provide for support measures for the further indigesination of the economy; to provide for support measures for the economic empowerment of indigenous Zimbabweans; to provide for the establishment of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board... "

The agriculture, mining, tourism and telecommunications sectors have seen a large number of indigenous people going into business and being extremely successful like billionaire Strive Masiyiwa.

While the First Republic concentrated on the full inclusion of the majority into business, the Second Republic has carried on, ensuring that even women and the youths become very active participants in economic activities through their entrepreneurial skills. However, in order for all to participate, large capital injections must be made, and access to viable markets should be uppermost during the strategising stage.
Nigeria's child-brides need saving. Even though it is the 21st century where education and scientific advancements have changed the face of modern society, age-old customs and traditions continue to encourage the practice of child-marriage.

This is the story of Mrs. Silvia Ayapine, now 55. She lives in a small village called Akorshi-Uwe in Bendi 1, located across the mountains in the western part of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Before she turned 12, Silvia was forced into a marriage. Refusal to get married to a man who was as old as her father could result in her being thrown out of the house. With no formal education, her parents considered investing in her welfare as a liability, thus the decision to get her married off

Half a century after Silva's case, the situation has not changed for many. Despite the efforts of concerned human rights activists, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian bodies like UNICEF, Save the Children, Amnesty International, UN Women etc., and even the international community, the plague of child-marriage in Nigeria continues to gather momentum.

The story of Nigeria's child-bride becomes further complicated when one considers the fact that in many parts of the country, the process of menstruation is met with hostility because of age-long taboos and myths. The associated stigma causes fright, confusion, and embarrassment. Unprepared girls feel embarrassed by their first experiences and are likely to develop negative attitudes towards menstruation.

If that is the story of the average woman and girl-child, imagine the experience of the girl-child who was a victim of child-marriage even before menarche (first menstruation experience). Silvia is one of such.

Silvia said, "I did not even know what it meant to be married. My husband had a mistress who he kept in the same house for months. All I cared about was to play with other children of my age under the moonlight till we were exhausted and slept in any corner of the room."

Since she was still a child there were limitations to what work she could do for her husband and in-laws. She would usually accompany them to the farm, and roast yams over the fire so that the workers could eat after working.

Menarche

She recalls her first menstrual experience. "I was at the farm with my father in-law assisting with roasting yams when I noticed blood flow out from my private part. I was confused and afraid. So, I ran to my father in-law and told him what I had observed. He asked me, are you sure you are not injured since you play like a boy? I was sure I was not injured and told him so.

"Then he exclaimed, 'oh my daughter it is time, you are finally ripe!' I was confused and asked, Papa, what time? He replied, 'my daughter you will not understand. Go home to your mother in-law but eat some yams before going."

Eating yams was the last thing on her mind as she burst into tears and ran back home to get explanation from her mother in-law as to what the blood flow meant. Silvia continues, "After explaining what had happened to me in the farm, my mother in-law also exclaimed, 'oh my daughter it is time, you are ripe!' That response left me even more confused and devastated."

That experience left a lasting scar on Silvia who keyed into the popular idea that menstruation was not a topic for public discussion, as she involuntarily took her place amongst millions of women who feel they are lower creatures because of the 'curse' of menstruation.

Not long afterward, when she was about 13 years old, she became pregnant. Her labor was a traumatic experience. She recalls, "One sunny afternoon, I was in the kitchen pounding yam and cooking soup when I went into forced labor. Thankfully, my mother in-law was at home and took me to the back of the kitchen where I delivered.

"Because the baby was so big and I was just a child, I had severe tears in my vagina as I struggled to push the baby out. The wounds I sustained took a long time to heal because sexual relations did not cease despite my wounds. My brother in-law was a medical doctor and tried his possible best to treat me."

Obstetric fistula

Dr Emeka Uwah, a gynecologist and family physician describes Silvia's experience during childbirth as a medical condition commonly referred to as obstetric fistula.

"In developed parts of the world, a woman with this kind of obstructed labour would be given a caesarean section, but in developing countries this may not be available. Consequently, the pressure of the baby's head for an abnormally long time on the blood vessels supplying the tissue of the vagina, bladder, urethra and rectum cuts off the supply of oxygen (ischaemia) and leads to the death of the affected tissue (necrosis). The dead tissue then sloughs away, leaving a hole between adjacent organs."

"It can lead to abnormal continual leakage of the contents of one organ into another organ or to the outside of the body. In this case, the continual leakage of urine and/or faeces," he concludes.

Silvia also had nipple fissures, a condition where the nipples are irritated, cracked, or sore. Her nipples were mostly bleeding and there was not sufficient milk for the baby to suck. She breastfed the baby anyway since she had no alternatives. She was young and inexperienced, and she was just a child responsible for the life and care of yet another child.

Before she turned 18, Silvia already had three children and two miscarriages. Life was hard as a teenage mother, and she had an irresponsible husband who spent most of his time outside the house chasing after other women, and not providing for her materially.

"One day my father in-law called me and told me that I could return to my family if I wanted to since my husband was irresponsible and had abandoned his responsibilities towards me. He said he could not take me as his wife since I was already married to his son. He did not want me to put my life on hold," Silvia recalls.

After spending a good part of her childhood and teenage years with a man who kept her as a sex machine for procreational purposes, she was finally free.

She wondered what she would do with her new-found freedom. If she had any goals or dreams to pursue as a child, they died the very day she was sold into this modern form of slavery. Her being deprived of formal education was even more so a greater barrier. In her own eyes, her worth was simply nothing.

New beginning

Upon returning home, her relatives tried to cajole her into a relationship with another man who had similar traits with her ex-husband. This time however, she was no longer that naive child who was forced into marriage many years ago. She refused to marry him.

Years later, she got married to a man that she was attracted to, and the union produced four children. Life is not easy, and even though she was not able to achieve her dreams, Silvia refuses to dwell regretfully on the past. Rather, she views her children as her priced possessions and as her life's accomplishment.

Mrs. Ayapine is forever grateful that she got a chance to be part of the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme that was facilitated in her community by United Purpose. Issues addressed included breaking the barriers and taboos around menstruation and spreading the word. She now has a renewed determination to give to every girl-child a gift that nobody gave her, the gift of pre-menstrual knowledge, and the gift of recognizing without fear of being shamed, that menstruation is every woman's pride.

In her community, Silvia also advocates against the practice of child-marriage and takes time to educate anyone who would listen, on the grave dangers of the practice.

Money-marriage

In the part of Northern Obanliku is the Becheve communities. Here, the practice of 'money-marriage' exists in the Becheve's 17 communities of Katele, Amana, Ogbakoko, Belinge, Ranch, Ikwette, Imale, Ekor, Kalumo, Yindive, Makambe, Apambu, Belegete, Kajinga, Mangbe, Mbunu and Agusor.

Money-marriage is a custom in which a girl-child is sold out to a man by her parents as a wife in exchange for livestock like goats, farm produce like yams or foodstuffs, or to pay a debt. The practice ensures that once a girl becomes a 'money wife', she is considered dead by her family and must not return irrespective of how she is treated by her husband or his relatives.

Upon the death of the man, the woman is given to his next of kin as a wife. And if the 'money-wife' dies without a child, her parents are obligated by tradition to give another girl-child as a replacement.

Ruth lost her childhood at 12 years of age. She was married off to an older man in exchange for money. She was enslaved and kept to work on the farms, day in and day out. Raped and beaten, she had two miscarriages.

Her escape came one day while washing cloths by the river. She ran and never returned. She says, "I am angry because he was not my age. How can I as a small child go and marry someone who is over 60 years old"?

At age 20, Ruth is now a mother. Her child's father is someone she chose and fell for. But in the community, she will always be known as the 'money-wife'. Something that her child's father could not cope with, and he left.

Speaking on why she sold her off, Ruth's mother said, "I sold her because I needed money after the death of my own mother". Ruth was sold for just N20,000.

Scale of child marriage

According to a 2018 UNICEF's database of Child Marriage in West and Central Africa, the prevalence of child marriage in West and Central Africa is 41 percent meaning that four out of ten girls and young women, that is nearly 60 million were married before the age of 18.

Africa is home to six of the 10 countries with the highest child marriage prevalence levels in the world, all six of which have a prevalence over 50 percent. Niger has the highest prevalence of child marriage in the world at 76 percent, followed by Central African Republic with 68 percent and Chad at 67 percent.

The prevalence of child marriage below the age of 15 years is also very high at 14 percent for the region, with Chad, Central African Republic and Niger all having prevalence rates over 25 percent.

As the most populous country in the region, Nigeria has the highest number of child brides. An estimated 22 million child brides live in Nigeria, which accounts for 40 percent of all child brides in the region. Niger, which has the highest prevalence in the world, has 4.1 million child brides.

Why the practice

Poverty has been identified as a catalyst in the practice of child marriage. Dr. Linda Ayade, wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, in an interview with Channels TV agrees with this stance.

Speaking on the prevailing and disturbing tradition of 'money-marriage' in communities in Cross River State, Dr. Ayade said, "We are trying to see how to bring them closer to us, we are trying to see how we will provide them with basic amenities.

"We are trying to see how to bring them from that level of poverty to a certain level where they will not begin to go down to those practices to sustain their livelihoods".

In many parts of Cross River, the girl-child is viewed as an economic burden. Therefore, investing in her education or training is considered an 'economic waste', thus, the practice of marrying her off as a child continues. This stance is in part due to poverty, and ignorance of the fact that the girl-child like the boy-child, has a right dignity, to parental care, and protection.

Age-old customs like the one that exists in the Becheve communities that encourages the practice of 'money-marriage' even in this modern age also contributes greatly to this form of modern-day slavery.

For the affluent, the ritual of 'money-marriage' is seen mostly as a status symbol as it was believed that recognition is earned based on the number of money-wives acquired.

Child Rights Act

Whatever the case, victims of child-marriage in Cross River State like Silvia and Ruth could have been protected by the Child Rights Act (CRA), which Cross River state domesticated in 2009.

Part III Section 21 of the Nigeria Child Rights Act states that "No person under the age of 18 years is capable of a valid marriage, and accordingly, a marriage so contracted is null and void and of no effect whatsoever."

Also, Part III Section 22, which prohibits the betrothal of children, says, "no parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person."

A contravention of either Section 21 or Section 22, attracts a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

Clearly then, their marriages are prohibited under Nigeria's Child Rights Act (CRA), which bans marriage before the age of 18. But the federal bill is at loggerheads with certain State laws and age-old customs and traditions that encourage the practice.

Till date, about 11 States in Nigeria are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act citing religion as a factor.

Lending his voice against the practice, Gov Ayade, in a recent event said, "When customs contradict morality, common sense and civilization conflict with our legal systems, then it should stop. Our laws say Nigerians, including a girl-child, have the right to freedom and dignity. Applying force to deprive her of that right is criminal. The Child Rights Act, which Cross River state has domesticated, prohibits it.

"But it is complex dealing with issues of customs and acceptable laws of the country. As a government, we cannot wield the big stick clamping people into jail. The people need education, enlightenment on the evils of these customs and that is where we are focusing on."

Consequences

Maryam Uwais, a lawyer and child rights activist opines that "when girls are forced to marry early, it is a deprivation of formal and non-formal education which translates into restrictions on mobility, domestic burdens, the denial of sundry freedoms in respect of survival, development and participation, as well as the loss of adolescent years.

"Indeed, children of young, uneducated mothers are also less likely to attain high levels of education, perpetuating cycles of low literacy and limited livelihood opportunities."

Child marriage, therefore, ultimately deprives societies of the intellectual and financial/livelihood contributions of girls, and of their offspring.

Many teenage mothers find themselves trapped in a seemingly hopeless state of poverty. Some must deal with the emotional aftermath of rape and violence.

None of this bodes well for the children of teen mothers. Says the book Teen Moms -- The Pain and the Promise, babies of teen mothers "tend to have lower birthweight, more childhood illnesses, more infant mortality, poorer medical care, suffer more from hunger and malnourishment; they are exposed to more violence, and have more delayed development than children born to older mothers."

Indeed, daughters of teen mothers are more likely to become teen moms themselves than are children born to older mothers.

Consequently, SDGs 1 (relating to eradicating poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 3.1 (to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio), remain unattainable goals, if the consequences and implications of child marriage are not confronted.

Projections

GirlsnotBrides.org asserts that globally, the number of teen brides is expected to reach 1.2 billion by 2050 if there is no reduction with one in three girls in the developing world married before age 18.

Solutions

Sustained Implementation of enacted policies that protects the rights of the girl child by ensuring child marriage is a national priority.

Governments should put in place an enabling legal and policy environment to combat child marriage. As part of these efforts, they should invest in the development and implementation of statewide and national strategies, costed action plans and legislation to address child marriage.

Continental and regional bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS and ECCAS should strengthen their efforts at regional and continental levels to end child marriage in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063. Existing global, regional and national level accountability mechanisms need to be used by countries to monitor progress and accelerate efforts to end child marriage.

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These actions are also included in the Dakar Outcome Document from the first-ever High-Level Meeting on Child Marriage that was held in Dakar in October 2017.

Focus on improving the availability of access to education for the girl-child especially in rural areas.

Education is a powerful way to prevent child marriage as girls' education, is strongly associated with delays in age of marriage and this was further reinforced during the Summit on Education that was held in Dakar in February 2018. Education represents a positive alternative to child marriage.

UNICEF agrees that addressing sexual and reproductive health needs of all young people, including through comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health services, can lead to significant reductions in unintended pregnancies. This underscores the importance of investing in quality education - for girls, as well as ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for young people in order to reduce child marriage.

In September 2020, the European Union and United Nations (EU-UN) Spotlight Initiative in collaboration with African Centre For Leadership, Strategy and Development organized a capacity building event in Sankwala and Becheve communities against sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices with a view to bringing to an end the practice of child marriage.

Speaking during the event, His Royal Majesty, Uchua Amos Item, paramount ruler in Obanliku local government area, said "In the case of eliminating money marriage, we started from the roots we have gone from complex to the simplest and we have succeeded. We have made reference to the council legislators to enact a bye-law binding that completely".

Undoubtedly, effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders at all levels including traditional leaders to implement policies at local levels is key to effectively reach rural dwellers. As traditional leaders as gatekeepers at the community level, they play a vital role in both educating and enforcing local laws that will help to keep the practice of child marriage in check.

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) education for men and women in rural communities should also be introduced to educate rural dwellers on the ills of poor menstrual practices which births infection and a host of other diseases. The trauma and psychological effects of menarche on the Nigerian child-bride cannot be overemphasized. Provisions should also be made of adequate and affordable sanitary wares for the rural woman.

The plague of the child-bride in the Nigerian state is one matter that deserves serious attention. Pledges and commitments are not enough. The government as a matter of National urgency should devise proven strategies to turning commitments into tangible actions to transform the lives of the girl-child by ending child marriage.

They can do this by building the skills and knowledge of girls at risk of child marriage; supporting households in impoverished suburbs and rural communities with relief aids; strengthening the systems that deliver services (education, health, protection, justice) to adolescent girls; ensuring laws and policies protect and promote adolescent girls' rights; and generating and using robust data to inform programmes and policies relating to adolescent girls.

Eradicating the plague of child marriage in Nigeria is both possible, and attainable.

Countries such as Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Somalia and Bangladesh, have set a minimum age for marriage as 18, in the acknowledgment that there are serious social, physical and mental health risks associated with child marriages.

As the most populous black Nation on the face of the earth, Nigeria's over 22 million child-brides deserve a change in their narratives, a chance to grow with dignity, a right to education, and a chance to live as free moral agents without the shackles of this modern-day slavery.

Perhaps Nigeria as the giant of Africa will take a cue from her sister Nations who succeeded in eliminating child marriage.

Iwunze is a WASH, Solutions and Data Photojournalist.
Walter Muchinguri  TUESDAY September 21 was a dark day for the nation as people woke up to the sad news of the passing away of one of the most prominent and long-serving civil servants -- the former Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Dr Mariyo Mariyawanda Nzuwah.

He was 80 and is survived by his wife Janice, three children and grandchildren.

In an illustrious career spanning almost four decades, most of which he spent at the helm of the Public Service Commission, Dr Nzuwah distinguished himself as a hardworking, disciplined and focused nation builder.

A pacesetter and great administrator, Dr Nzuwah is credited with laying the ground work and foundation of the public adminstrative structures we currently have in Government today. And he did that during the challenging years soon after the attainment of independence.

What made his job particularly difficult was that he had to transform a civil service steeped in colonial bureaucracy, geared towards only serve minority interests, into a formidable broad-based system serving the majority of Zimbabweans.

It will therefore be not amiss if one sees him as one of the founding fathers of the country's post-independence public service administrators pbecause he helped shape it into what it is today, while leveraging on the knowledge and experience he had gained through studying and working overseas.

In his eulogy during the burial of the late national hero at the National Heroes' Acre on Sunday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa admitted as much, describing Dr Nzuwah as a patriotic, humble, hardworking person, who had a high degree of professionalism and sense of duty consciousness.

"Upon attainment of our hard won independence in 1980, the late national hero Dr Nzuwah took up the call by the new administration to return home and assist in the forming of a new Government," he said.

"He understood the meaning of 'nyika inovakwa nevene vayo' (A country is built by its own sons and daughters).

Together with other leading academics such as the late Dr Chales Utete, Dr Tichaona Jokonya, Ambassador Mashaire and the current Chief Secretary Dr Misheck Sibanda, among others, he became part of the pioneering crop, which manned our nascent, post-independence administration.

"He laid the foundation for the modernisation of the public service, including results-based, agile, skilled and adaptable professionals in the public service who are highly regarded in SADC and beyond."

President Mnangagwa, who had earlier described Dr Nzuwah as a "rare crop of leader in the public service", said he would also be remembered for his well-crafted and thought-out professional and widely researched advice on matters of public administration.

In his condolence message, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, said Dr Nzuwah was a true patriot and accomplished public servant of the nation.

"Dr Nzuwah laid a solid foundation of a modernised and highly skilled public service, which is recognised not only in the SADC region but the entire Commonwealth," he said.

"He was a co-founder of the Commonwealth Association of the Public Administration and Management (CAPAM). He will be remembered for his hard work, meticulous advice on issues of public administration and his humble disposition towards superiors, colleagues and members of the public service."

Dr Nzuwah's successor, Dr Vincent Hungwe described him as a patriotic cadre who answered the call of national duty soon after independence and left his professorship at the University of Maryland in the United States of America, to help the country in defining its public institutions.

"Dr Nzuwah will be remembered not only for his great zeal for the transformation and development of the Zimbabwe's civil service, but also for his direct involvement in the shaping of the Public Service Commissions of Namibia and South Africa," he said.

Ordinary Zimbabweans will remember the late Dr Nzuwah as a familiar figure on television and radio during the announcement of the 1995, 2000 and 2002 election results, together with then Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede.

On the other hand, he had a love/hate relationship with civil servants due to the pronouncements he made on behalf of Government.

One minute, he would be earning kudos as a bearer of good news after announcing hefty salary increments or advocating for civil servants to get non-monetary incentives such as cars and houses; but the next minute, he would be attacked for announcing that there would be no pay increases or for announcing impending job cuts, but he took everything in stride and accepted that these were risks that came with the job.

Dr Nzuwah was born on May 9, 1941 in Nharira, Chivhu District, Mashonaland East and had the misfortune of witnessing the appropriation of his fertile ancestral land by the settler administration, which created the present day communal lands of Manyene and Nharira.

He attended Driefontein Mission School for his primary education and proceeded to St Francis Xavier's Kutama College where he distinguished himself as a brilliant student.

He left the country for the United States on a Roman Catholic Church scholarship and studied public administration and political science at the University of Minnesota.

He met his wife Janice Marie Stevenson during that time. In 1965 the couple moved to Washington DC and Dr Nzuwah undertook post graduate studies in philosophy and administration at the prestigious Howard University.

His fight for economic justice and fair treatment for the minority, led him to join the civil rights movement in the United States including organising the Freedom Riders Protests, where he worked closely with the United Auto Workers Union and trade union activist Dr Gary K. Busch.

During the liberation struggle, Dr Nzuwah diligently participated in organising material and logistical support for Zimbabwe's political freedom and independence. He was always rooted and guided by African philosophy and cultural identity.

In 1970 Dr Nzuwah joined the faculty of the University of Maryland where he assisted in setting up and teaching of the first Department of Afro-American studies where he worked with Dr Mary Berry, the former chairperson of the Civil Rights Commission.

Alongside other luminaries such as the late national hero Edson Jonasi Mudadirwa Zvobgo, Drs Busch and Berry, they made representations to the United States Congress and various organisations, lobbying against the brutal white settler regime.

While at the University of Maryland, Dr Nzuwah, established a research journal - the Journal of Southern African Affairs, which was instrumental in providing academic and practical insights into Africa's liberation movements and Pan-Africanism.

This was part of the wider revolutionary agenda where pen and paper became tools to propel the liberation and development agendas of the African people.

At independence, Dr Nzuwah and his family returned home and he was appointed deputy secretary responsible for administration, finance, posts and telecommunications under the Ministry of Roads and Road Traffic, Posts and Telecommunication.

In December 1982, he was appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Roads and Road Traffic, taking over from Engineer Penry Mainwaring, who had retired.

Dr Nzuwah was redeployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Town Planning in 1986, which was later renamed the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, in the same capacity.

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In December 1987, he was appointed chairman of a nine-member board of the newly established Urban Development Corporation that had been set up by the late Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Enos Chikowore.

On February 13, 1992, then Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Office Dr Utete, announced Dr Nzuwah's promotion by the President to chairman-designate of the PSC.

In a statement issued at the time, Dr Utete said that Dr Nzuwah, who was at the time the Senior Secretary for Local Government, Rural and Urban Development would effectively become chairman on May 1, 1992 after the retirement of the chairman, Mr Malcom Thompson in April of the same year.

Soon after the resumption of his duties Dr Nzuwah announced that senior Government officials would work on a contract basis starting in 1993 to increase performance and reduce inefficiency in the public sector.

In 1995 he was the chairman of the Election Directorate that oversaw the elections that were held in April of that year.

On May 10, 1995 Dr Nzuwah was re-appointed PSC chairman for another three-year term. And in 1996, he received death threats after someone sent him a bullet through the mail. He was appointed chairman of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission National Logistics Committee in October 2005.

As chairman of the National Resource Mobilisation and Utilisation Committee, Dr Nzuwah in 2008 travelled extensively across the country, overseeing the distribution of fuel, seed and fertilisers to farmers with a proven record of producing and delivering their crops to the Grain Marketing Board.

In November 2013 the PSC was renamed the Civil Service Commission with him being appointed chairman of the new organisation.

Dr Nzuwah retired from the Public Service Commission in 2018, but those who succeeded him proceed with his work, brick-upon-brick.
INCREASED collaboration between Government departments is critical in plugging out revenue leakages at a time when the country is losing millions of dollars due to tax evasion and corruption.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chair, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, said this while addressing delegates at the recent Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute of Zimbabwe conference here.

Entities such as ZACC, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, are already sharing notes and strategizing towards enhance accountability and transparency.

In line with the Second Republic's thrust on 'zero tolerance' to corruption Justice Matanda-Moyo said the commission was also working with internal auditors at various organisations in the country and counterparts outside the country's borders to expose fraudulent activities, especially targeting recovering stolen assets.

"We have come up with a dashboard where we monitor activities. A lot of leakages are a result of tax evasion so we are working with Zimra," she said.

"We are also engaging internal auditors of organisations and they are helping us in implementing the anti-corruption drive.

"Internal audit departments have not been doing their work but we are happy that most of them are now cooperating."

"We are also working with other countries to help us with their norms and cultures as we recover assets. We are going to be doing investigations everywhere and for you, the role of accounting in fighting corruption is reporting and ensuring that there is good corporate governance, Let's reject all forms of corruption because a corruption free Zimbabwe begins with all of us," she said.

ZTA acting chief executive, Mr Givemore Chidzidzi, said the tourism sector was one among the sectors affected by revenue leakages.
The Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly in Accra yesterday unanimously endorsed the nomination of Kofi Ofori as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).

At a confirmation exercise, preceded by an election, all 21 Assembly Members voted 'Yes' to approve the nominee.

Mr Ofori was renominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after serving in the same position since 2017.

In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity and pledged to operate an open door policy for the advancement of the Municipality.

He explained that he was ready to discuss with anyone issues that would promote sustainable livelihoods and ensure harmony in the area.

The MCE called on residents to support the Assembly through their advice and well-tailored criticism

"My office is opened to all of you. Come and let's share ideas toward advancing our Municipality.

"Your advice and constructive criticisms are welcome as we all work towards bringing prosperity to the area and ensuring that residents are comfortable," Mr Ofori stated.

Regional Minister, Henry Quartey urged the MCE to keep doing the good works which culminated in his re-nomination.

He appealed to Mr Ofori to establish an effective working relationship with the Member of Parliament (MP), Sheila Bartels, to create the unity of purpose needed to push for development.

Madam Bartels also promised to support the MCE to achieve the objectives for the area.

At the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly (ANMA), VIVIAN ARTHUR reports that all the 18 the assembly members yesterday confirmed, the nomination of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Aminu Mohammed Zakari.

The exercise was conducted by the Municipal Officer of the Electoral Commission (EC) under the leadership of Mr Watson Tizor, the Municipal Electoral Officer.

Mr Zakari thanked the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo for the confidence reposed in him to serve for the second time as an MCE.

"I am most grateful and may this be the beginning of good things to come. It is gratifying to serve the good people of Ayawaso North," he stated.

Mr Zakari pledged to be a team player and also open his doors to all for new ideas which would help improve the living standard of the citizenry.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey commended the Assembly Members for the loyalty shown in endorsing the MCE.

He urged them to be united and work with the MCE to bring development to the area.

Mr Quartey, who is also the Member of Parliament of Ayawaso Central Constituency, further urged the MCE to avoid politics when it came to development issues and work closely with the assembly members to promote development.

"All this is about working together to bring development into the constituency, let's make sure that when development come, we don't do partisan politics," he added.

FROM the Bono East Regional capital Techiman, EMMANUEL ADU GYAMFI reports that the General Assembly of the Techiman South Municipality in the Bono East Region on Wednesday confirmed the President's nominee, Mr Benjamin Yaw Gyarko, a civil servant as the MCE.

Mr Benjamin Yaw Gyarko in response, thanked President Akuffo - Addo, the Regional Minister, Mr Adu Gyan, the Techiman Traditional Council and residents of the area for having trust in him to serve his people.

Mr Gyarko said it was his vision to improve infrastructure and human resource development of the municipality. He solicited support from all and sundry to help enhance the living standards of his people.

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Adu Gyan, reiterated President Akuffo - Addo's commitment to improve the socio - cultural development of rural communities through his appointees.

Mr Gyan was confident that with the 'all hands on deck' approach, the region would be the destination for agro - processing, agricultural hub and educational zone of the northern sector with the soon - to - be established University of Science and Technology.

AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN reports from KOFORIDUA in the Eastern Region, that assembly members in the New Juaben South Municipality in the Eastern region on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Isaac Appaw-Gyasi.

Out of the 47 assembly men who cast their votes, 46 voted yes representing 98 percent of the total votes to confirm his nomination.

One person voted no whilst one person was absent.

The exercise was conducted by the Municipal Officers of the Electoral Commission (EC) under the leadership of Mr Kofi Asante-Owusu, the Municipal Electoral Officer.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Acheampong who led the confirmed MCE to swear the oath of office and secrecy, congratulated the assembly members for approving the President's nominee.

He said the confirmation would enable the President bring in development through the MCE to the municipality.

Mr Acheampong urged them to be united and work with the MCE to bring development to the area.

The Member of Parliament of New Juaben South Municipality, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, who was also present, stated that the number of votes cast in favour of the President's nominee showed how loyal the assembly members were to the MCE.

He asked the assembly men to see themselves as one people and work together with the MCE to achieve a common goal of development for the New Juaben South Municipality.

"I will urge you to pursue oneness and unity so that together we can develop the Municipality for the benefit of all," he said.

The Confirmed Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Appaw-Gyasi in his acceptance speech expressed his appreciation to the assembly members for their massive votes.

He said it was a sign of their confidence reposed in him and assured that his second coming would be monumental.

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Mr Appaw-Gyasi noted that the Municipality was dazzled with many challenges, adding that with the help of the assemblymen difficult decisions would have to be taken to transform the municipality.

"As we try to transform the Municipality there are people who would make it easy but some indiscipline and recalcitrant ones would also appear along the line but I would need your help to overcome the obstacles and be able to transform the municipality," he said.

Mr Appaw-Gyasi added he would do his best to transform the Municipality into one of the best, the country could have.

He thanked his staff, assembly members, chiefs and citizens of the area for their support over the years and assured he would continue to work with them in his second tenure.

PETER GBAMBILA reports from , EFFIAKUMAin the Western Region, that Mr Kojo Acquah was confirmed as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Effia Kwesiminstim Municipal Assembly, after receiving 100 percent endorsement from all the 13 assembly members.

The 13 elected and seven appointed members gave him the nod to steer the affairs of the municipality during an election supervised by

The Western Region Directorate of the Electoral Commission supervised the election.

The MCE was later sworn into office by the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah.

Mr Kojo Acquah, for his part, expressed gratitude to God for rewarding him one more term and promised the President, saying "I will live up to your confidence and trust reposed in Me".
Yabraso  At least 46 communities have been cut off from the rest of the Bono East Region after torrential rains washed the only bridge at Yabraso that links Kintampo and New Longolo, thereby affecting the local economy and livelihoods of the residents.

Consequently, the chiefs and people of the area have sent an urgent message to the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH) and other allied agencies, to fix the broken bridge to restore the movement of people and vechicles.

The Krontihene of Mo traditional council, Nana Adjei Adinkra II, in an interview with the Ghanaian Times on Tuesday at Yabraso disclosed that the 27 kilometer road had been in bad state since 2003,coupled with the broken bridge.

Nana Adjei Adinkra mentioned some of the affected communities as Asantekwa, Basabasa, Nyabia, Wella,Gomboi, New Longolo, Challa, Nkwanta, Ayoya and Mansie among others saying that " residents are helpless since the past week".

"About 95 per cent of teachers in the affected communities lived in Kintampo and have not been able to use the road thereby impeding effective teaching and learning in the area", the chief told the Ghanaian Times.

According to Nana Adjei Adinkra, residents of Kintampo Municipality could not go to their farms at the other side of the broken bridge and people at the affected communities could not bring their farm produce to Techiman and Kintampo markets.

The Member of Parliament for Kintampo North Constituency, Mr Joseph Kumah, said the road was awarded on contract in 2003, and had since been left to deteriorate after change of government.

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Mr Kumah appealed to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako Atta and the Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Adu Gyan, to fast track the construction of the road, bridge and town roads of the Kintampo Municipality.

The Assembly Member for Asantekwa Electoral Area, Mr Agyeman Duah, was worried about how residents, especially pregnant women were unable to access health care at Kintampo and Techiman.

A driver, Mr Sulleymana Iddrisu, who ply his trade on the stretch told the Ghanaian Times that all commercial activities in the enclave had halted saying that "reptiles attack people who decide to cross the river by swimming ".

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Adu Gyan and his Chief Director, Mr George Padmore Mensah and other stakeholders had visited the scene to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the broken bridge.

Speaking with the Ghanaian Times, Mr Adu Gyan promised to communicate the situation to the Roads and Highways Minister, to speed up the reconstruction of the bridge and the road.
Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead by the police during an attempt to rob a gold dealer at Manso Dawusaso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region

Another suspect, identified as Abraham Kwasi Tetteh has been arrested, whilefour were on the run and being pursued by the police.

This follows an intelligence-led operation by the Anti-robbery taskforce of the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

A shot gun, a pistols and a taxi cab had been retrieved and are in the police custody.

The Acting Director General of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP),KwasiOfori, disclosed this in a press release issued and copied to the Ghanaian Times.

He said members of the gang forcibly invaded the residence of the gold dealer at 9:00p.m.disarmed the private security guard of his weapon and fired shots into the residence.

"At this stage, a police combat team that mounted a 24-hour surveillance on the gang, returned fire to protect the lives in and around the properties,"ACP Ofori stated.

He said four suspects escaped but two who suffered gunshot wounds were arrested and sent to the hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

The Director General stated that one of the deceased robbers known as Lukeman, had been granted bail by the Dunkwa Circuit Court at an earlier appearance and was scheduled to reappear on October 27, 2021, for allegedly robbing passengers on the DunkwaAyafuri highway.

He said a manhunt was underway to track the four escaped suspects.

ACP Ofori said the police suspected that some of the gang members who escaped had gunshot wounds.

"We are therefore appealing to the public to volunteer information on anyone who is seen in or around Manso Dawusaso with noticeable gunshot wounds to the nearest police station,"he added.

Meanwhile ,health facility in and around the Amansie South District were requested to report the presence of any individual or group of people with gunshot wounds to the nearest police.
Presidente @PedroCastilloTe: Vamos a cristalizar la lucha de los peruanos para terminar con los grandes problemas comunes del pais como son la pobreza, el hambre y la anemia. #ComeSanoComePescado pic.twitter.com/hBckRmHrpP
Within this framework, 98% of these resolutions have been stipulated for Venezuelan nationals of which almost 5,000 have already been executed, National Superintendence of Migrations Chief Roxana del Aguila reported on Wednesday.

In an interview with Andina news agency, the official reported that the causes for these expulsions are related to the submission of false documentation and foreign citizens lying about criminal and judicial records. Criminals who have already served their sentence must be expelled as well.

However, there is also another group of citizens who have decided to leave Peru voluntarily.

Del Aguila explained that it is not easy to carry out an expulsion because in the case of Venezuelans their country does not share a border with Peru.

Del Aguila specified that her office only has jurisdiction over those cases involving administrative or civil irregularities. However, in the case of foreigners who have committed a crime, this becomes the competence of the Public Ministry and the Judicial Branch
According to the Cabinet chief, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers will launch a Quechua program structured in basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, which will be certified by San Antonio Abad del Cusco University, in coordination with its language school.

"We must announce the important actions we have taken. Today we have addressed the launch of a national online complementary teaching platform that will enhance the cultural side of all State-run entities with Quechua language," he said.

The basic level will be completed in six months, intermediate apprenticeship will take other six months to complete, and the advanced level will last three months.

"This has been part of our brothers at the national level and, later, other languages like Aymara will be added, so that the country can strengthen and deepen its cultural identity," Bellido indicated.

Remarks were made on Wednesday evening at a press conference after the Council of Ministers session at the Government Palace in Lima.

Titular de la PCM, @GuidoPuka: Haremos el lanzamiento de una plataforma nacional virtual de formacion complementaria, para fortalecer a todas las entidades estatales con el idioma quechua. Desde la PCM, se lanzara un curso basico, intermedio y avanzado certificado. pic.twitter.com/eMXLFsR7U6
El Peru saluda al pueblo y Gobierno de la Republica Popular China por la conmemoracion de su 72 Aniversario Nacional, reiterando el solido compromiso de continuar fortaleciendo la Asociacion Estrategica Integral, a fin de impulsar el desarrollo sostenible de nuestros pueblos. pic.twitter.com/weRN8kaiTY
?? AHORA | El presidente del Consejo de Ministros, @GuidoPuka, y ministros de Estado, informan a la ciudadania sobre los acuerdos adoptados en la sesion del Consejo de Ministros. https://t.co/4pXqSgO7To
Saludo la visita de la presidenta y voceros del Congreso, que recibimos anoche en Palacio de Gobierno. Coincidimos en que la cuestion de confianza y la censura forman parte del equilibrio de poderes, y son herramientas politicas para mantener la estabilidad democratica.
"En este Gobierno apostamos por la inversion privada, con transparencia y sin corrupcion", presidente @PedroCastilloTe tras la firma de la ultima adjudicacion para la construccion del nuevo terminal de pasajeros del Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez.#GobiernoDelBicentenario pic.twitter.com/9AkBalQ9GW




"This is the end of our work on nine accusations," he stated. "We have completed this investigation stage," the prosecutor said in remarks to RPP radio and TV station.





These accusations refer to the case regarding the irregular concession of the Interoceanic Highway awarded to Brazilian companies and the Ecoteva case ; both are linked to illegal payments allegedly received by ex-President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) . The third one involves the Lima Metro Line 1.









In addition, the prosecutor mentioned the case of the issuance of sovereign bonds by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to pay the refurbishment of Evitamiento Highway in Cusco, as well as irregular payments that former Cusco Governor Jorge Acurio and businessman Gustavo Salazar allegedly received in relation to this and other matters.





Finally, Vela said that another accusation refers to the case on alleged payments to the former head of Peru's Supervisory Board for Investment in Public Transportation Infrastructure (Ositran), Juan Carlos Zevallos.





"This is a complex moment, because the special prosecution group has filed nine mega accusations," he emphasized.





The prosecutor noted that now the Judiciary is expected to carry out the corresponding controls of legality.





In this sense, Vela said he hopes that such institution will give the necessary priority to this stage of the process.





(END) FGM/CVC/RMB/MVB

Peru's Lava Jato Special Prosecution Group has filed nine mega accusations on the same number of issues before the Judicial Branch, according to Rafael Vela , the prosecutor leading the investigations.Published: 9/29/2021
" " Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-2.0 In the 1960s and '70s, the ocelot was the spotted cat most heavily exploited by the fur trade  it's estimated hundreds of thousands of animals were killed and pelts sold during this time period.

In the process of researching this story, I fell in love. The object of my newfound affection: the kitten-faced, spotted coat cutie known as the ocelot. Formally known as Leopardus pardalis, this little-known feline beauty may not be a household name like its cousins, the lion, tiger and jaguar, but it's just as deserving of adoration. And it's still just as in need of protection, even though it may not seem that way based on somewhat misleading official designations of endangerment.

"It's easy to get confused when understanding the classification systems identifying conservation status of threatened and imperiled species," says Shari Wilcox, Ph.D., Texas representative for national conservation organization, Defenders of Wildlife. "In the United States, we typically reference two different systems for identifying species at risk: the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA), also commonly called the Endangered Species List, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)."

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The International Big Picture

"The IUCN maintains a list, known as the Red List, which is a globally accepted standard for imperiled species classification," Wilcox says. "Ocelots are currently listed on the IUCN's Red List as a species of 'least concern.' However, the population trend is noted as 'decreasing.' This listing of 'least concern' is largely because they face a relatively low extinction risk compared with other cat species that are assessed as 'threatened' or 'near threatened' and does not reflect the status of the species in different parts of its range."

So, while the designation of "least concern" makes it sound like the ocelot is thriving, that conclusion is far from true. "Ocelots are listed by IUCN as 'least concern' because there are sufficient numbers of wild ocelots (1 to 3 million), primarily located in Central and South America," says Susan Bass, director of public relations at Big Cat Rescue, one of the world's largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats. "Their numbers have rebounded in the last few decades now that their fur is no longer used for fur coats. For comparison, tigers are considered 'endangered,' the highest IUCN level, because there are only about 4,000 left in the wild."

Indeed, the ocelot isn't deemed to be in as much immediate danger as these other animals, possibly thanks in part to the conservation efforts of the last few decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, the ocelot was considered the spotted cat most heavily exploited by the fur trade  it's estimated hundreds of thousands of pelts were sold during this time period. But thankfully, in 1989, import bans on all spotted cats significantly slowed the industry down and spared the lives of countless cats.

"Overall the ocelot species is classed as 'least concern' because of their large range," says Pat Bumstead, director of the International Society for Endangered Cats. "They occur from northern Mexico to Argentina and are found in every country in between. Due to this huge range, their population is thought to be large enough to support itself for future generations."

But again, "least concern" doesn't equate to "safe from extinction." "I suspect the factors informing the 'less endangered' are complex, but really boil down to the fact that smaller cats are vastly under-studied compared to their larger cousins," Wilcox says. "Larger cats also typically require more space, a broader prey base, and they are more likely to find themselves in conflict with humans  all of which can lead significant pressures on their population. Bans on ocelot pelts did give the species a bump  although recent poaching for eastern medicine is now impacting some species of cat in the western hemisphere."

Today, international trade of the ocelot is banned and the species is protected in most countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela (hunting is permitted but regulated in Peru). The species as a whole may not be considered in immediate danger of extinction, but specific populations in Colombia, Argentina and areas of Brazil outside the Amazon basin are considered vulnerable, and Mexico's ocelot population is listed as endangered too. According to Wilcox, the current protections only do so much as "most cat species are vulnerable if not currently at risk."

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Ocelots in the U.S.

But even though the ocelot population has bounced back in a major way from the species' darkest days (there are now an estimated 800,000 to 1.5 million found worldwide), the ocelot is still considered at risk. There are just about 80 ocelots left in the U.S., in an isolated part of southeast Texas, although at one point, they could be found throughout the southwest.

"Historically, ocelots have ranged throughout the Western hemisphere from the southwestern United States to Argentina," Wilcox says. "Today, ocelots are extremely endangered in the U.S. and at risk for extirpation (localized extinction). There are only approximately 80 ocelots residing in two small populations in Texas, with a few lone dispersers documented in Arizona in recent years."

The good news is that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has taken measures to protect the remaining ocelots in the country. Because the animal comes up against threats like habitat loss and collisions with vehicles, animal protection agencies are doing what they can to keep the small group of surviving species members safe. "Since 1982, the ocelot has been listed as 'endangered' and receives full protections afforded by the ESA," Wilcox explains. "Recognizing that the species meets the criteria of being in danger of extinction throughout a significant portion of its range  particularly within its native habitats within the U.S."

Along with the FWS, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service enforce the ESA by requiring federal agencies "to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species."

So while animal agencies have the ocelot's back, it's important to remember the species is still very much in need of continued protection; staying informed about developments that could impact the species  like the recently proposed construction of three large liquefied natural gas terminals in south Texas  is one way to make sure you're fighting on the ocelot's side.

Now That's Interesting Ocelots are majorly nocturnal creatures, so while they spend most of the day lounging in trees, they travel up to 5 miles (8 kilometers) per night and capture about one piece of prey every 3.1 hours.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The government of Armenia approved today the 2020 state budget draft.

On this occasion Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed his message, stating that Armenia is currently facing difficult challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic, social and security consequences of the 44-Day War are not overcome yet.

Pashinyan said the snap parliamentary elections this year helped to solve the domestic political crisis and created quite firm grounds for the Armenian peoples aspiration to look to the future.

The governments action plan must create grounds for the peaceful, stable and inclusive development of Armenia in the medium-run, Pashinyan said. Our goals, which are reflected in the 2020 budget and also in the action plan, are ambitious and realistic. We understand that their implementation requires not only economic measures by the government, but also public and cultural reforms. We first of all attach importance to raising the efficiency of the public administration system, as well as changing and developing the working culture. The most important, probably, is the planning and implementation culture, the implementation processes of programs, the non-fulfillment of which leads to underperformance of capital expenditures and slows down the implementation of the governments goals, thus obstructing also the economic growth. In this regard the capacity development of the private sector plays a key role, and the governments efforts for this goal have started to give results, in the person of those companies which are making investments in the state capital construction field for being competitive, thus seeking to implement these projects on time and in a high quality. The government plans to continue its policy of promoting investments in this field, applying three main tools for this: the first is the transparency of state procurement system, the second is the increase of volumes of tenders and the third are the new legislative initiatives aimed at facilitating the relations with reliable companies.

According to Pashinyan, the next key task is the development of analytical capacities, which will allow to raise the efficiency of expenditures, investments, address the social programs, which is one of the most important issues. As a result the citizens trust will be raised that their taxes are spent maximally effectively and in a targeted way. The citizens of Armenia must feel every day the impact of the governments actions on their life. One of the key components of this is the engagement of the broad public circles into various stages of formation and performance of the budget, over which steps have already been taken in the past three years, and great attention would be paid also in the future, PM Pashinyan said, adding that 2020 budget is based on three main priorities  reform of the security system, infrastructure development and upgrading of education and science.

We are going to pay a great focus on ensuring security, without which it would be impossible to implement the long-term development goals. In this sense, not only the upgrading of defense capacities of the Army, but also the formation of a favorable external environment around Armenia, the consistent implementation of the agenda on opening a peaceful development era for Armenia, Artsakh and the region are important. In this sense the re-opening and development of regional economic and transportation infrastructure is also important, which can qualitatively change the content and structure of Armenias economy, be an additional boost for the domestic infrastructure development, ensure a long-term inclusive economic growth, by creating equal conditions for the citizens of Armenia in order to be engaged in economic activity, significantly raise our countrys attractiveness for foreign direct investments. Therefore, the access to education, inclusive development and content reforms is our long-term priority. Our goal is to make persons education a lifestyle, this is the only way of being a competitive nation and an individual in the modern world, the PM stated.

According to him, science and technology development is the logical continuation of this process, and here the government is already introducing new funding formulas. However, he notes that all the problems cannot be solved by one budget.

In the budget of 2022 we have tried to cautiously balance the priorities of the government and at the same time ensure the manageability of different types of fiscal risks. We set our strategic goals and their implementation priorities in a way that the implementation of each of them creates grounds for the effective implementation of the others. We are confident that the governments action plan will have a successful implementation to ensure the security, welfare and dignified life of the Armenian citizens, Nikol Pashinyan said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Iranian military will launch exercises October 1, ISNA reports.

Iranian Armys Ground Forces Commander General Kioumars Heydari said the drills will be held in Irans north-western regions.

The exercises, called Conquerors of Khaybar, will involve artillery, armored equipment, drones and helicopters.

Commander Heydari said the purpose of the drills is to check and increase the combat readiness level of the military and test military equipment.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, 30 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS: The aspirations of the people of Artsakh were and are still challenged by Azerbaijan. The military solution was chosen as an option to solve the conflict both in the brief period of existence of two small Caucasian republics and after the fall of the Soviet Union. After the fall of the Soviet Union the parties again resorted to the military solution which was ended by the 1994 armistice agreement signed in Bishkek by the representatives of Artsakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Artsakh and seven other districts that surround it fell under the effective control of Armenian forces. On 27 September, 2020 Azerbaijan unleashed a war in an attempt to have full control over the territory of Artsakh. The outcome was that a significant part of Artsakh as well as all the surrounding territories fell under the Azerbaijani control.

The legal aspects of the Artsakh conflict were silenced by emotional discussions and irredentist hue and cry. In the present article I will try to shed light on the conflict from the legal perspective which is indeed a novel approach to narrating the story of the conflict. In particular, I will discuss whether and to what extent it is possible to use the international legal mechanisms and institutions for the solution and transformation of conflict.

The four resolutions of the UN Security Council and the obligations of Armenia: is Armenia an aggressor?

The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions (822; 853; 874 and 884) that refer to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The resolution N822 was adopted immediately after Kelbajar district became under effective control of Armenian forces during the First Karabakh War. The UN SC notes with alarm the escalation in armed hostilities and, in particular, the latest invasion of the Kelbajar (the Armenian endonym is Qarvajar) district of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the local Armenian forces (United Nations, 1993). In this resolution, the Republic of Armenia was never mentioned as an occupying power by the UN SC and the subject that was referred were the local Armenian forces. Furthermore, in resolution N884, which was adopted after the Zangelan (the Armenian endonym is Kovsakan) district and the city of Horadiz fell under the effective control of the local Armenian forces, the UN SC called upon the Government of Armenia to use its influence to achieve compliance by the Armenians of the Nagorny Karabakh region of the Azerbaijani Republic with resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993) and 874 (1993), and to ensure that the forces involved are not provided with the means to extend their military campaign further (United Nations, 1993). This is the only specific mention of the Republic of Armenia indicated in the four UN resolutions. It should also be mentioned that the wording of the UN SC could have been stricter and it does not always use such restrained wording. For instance, in resolution N216 which was adopted regarding the situation in Southern Rhodesia the UN SC labels the local authorities as illegal racist minority regime (United Nations, 1965). On the other hand, no strong wording was used by the UN SC with regard to the local Armenian forces of Artsakh.

A mention must be made that except UN SC resolution N874, each and every resolution was adopted when new territories fell under the effective control of local Armenian forces. For example, as mentioned, resolution N882 was adopted when Qelbajar district (the Armenian endonym is Qarvajar) fell under the effective control of the local Armenian forces; resolution N853 is about Aghdam (the Armenian endonym is Akna) and finally resolution N884 is about Zangelan district (the Amrnian endonym is Kovsakan) and city of Horadiz. At the same time, the UN SC has never adopted any resolution that anyhow condemns the presence of the local Armenian forces in the territory that was part of Nagorny Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of Soviet Azerbaijan or demands the withdrawal of the forces. Therefore, one may infer that the UN SC has no reservation with the deployment of the local Armenian forces in the territory that used to be part of Oblast.

Now another question may arise: are the aforementioned four resolutions binding and, if yes, to what extent? According to the ICJ it might be determined based on the wording used in the resolutions. Normally, if strong words such as demands, decides, under Chapter VII signal that the UN SC intends its resolution to be binding. One might claim that the binding decision is supplemented with the power of use of force when the UN SC uses by all necessary means wording (Henriksen, 2019, 264). However, in non-binding resolutions the Council frequently uses less strict wording such as recommends, calls for or appeals (Henriksen, 2019, 264). As for the resolutions concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict both strong and relatively softening vocabulary is used, however the close observation proves that the strong wording clearly does not outweigh. It is worth noting that in resolution N884 it called upon the Republic of Armenia and did not demand anything from it.

Currently, against the background of the heightened tension in the region there are more and more voices exhorting the government to bring the issue before the Security Council. However, the necessity of consensus among the permanent five members (China, France, Russia, The United Kingdom and The United States) as well as the agreement of at least 8 members (out of 15) might make it impractical. Therefore, the efforts to raise the issue before the Security Council shall be paralleled with the quest of other appropriate institutional dimensions and legal mechanisms.

In quest of appropriate legal mechanisms

First of all, let us discuss all the international courts where the case might theoretically be heard. It is both logical and natural to start with the ICJ. All the UN members are ipso facto members of the ICJ and the statute of the latter is annexed to the UN Charter (UN Charter, Article 92 and Article 93). The ICJ (aka the World Court) has jurisdiction to hear the case in the following cases:

The parties to conflict sign an agreement enabling the ICJ to hear the case (also known as compromise)

It is envisaged under the international treaty such as for example under Article 30 of 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Under the Article 36 of the Statute of the ICJ the state declared that it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any other state accepting the same obligation, the jurisdiction of the Court in all legal disputes concerning:

the interpretation of a treaty; any question of international law; the existence of any fact which, if established, would constitute a breach of an international obligation; the nature or extent of the reparation to be made for the breach of an international obligation

However, neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan did not make the aforementioned declaration under the Statute of the ICJ. Hence, the ICJ may have a jurisdiction over any legal dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan only when both parties agree to submit the matter to the Court. Under such circumstance to enter the World Court Armenia has no choice but to find to a convention or equivalent legal instrument also ratified by Azerbaijan which envisages bringing the issue before the ICJ in case of the possible dispute. Recently, Armenia lodged such application against Azerbaijan arguing that the latter violated its obligations under International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) (ICJ, 2021).

Another international legal forum is the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which shares the same premises with the ICJ in the Hague. In short, neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan signed the PCA founding documents (the Conventions on Pacific Settlement of International Disputes). It is interesting to note that in the China v. Philippines case, which involved a territorial dispute in South China Sea, the PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines, however China refused to comply with the decision of the Arbitration (PCA, 2016). Moreover, the Vice Foreign Minister of China stated that China does not recognize and implement the award as the decision of the Arbitration is just a piece of waste paper (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China, 2016).

The OSCE enables its member states to solve their issues peacefully through the arbitration court. However, unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan did not sign the Stockholm Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE (OSCE, 2020). In addition, it is interesting to note that since 1994 when the Convention entered into force the Court, the annual budget of which is 95000 Swiss Frank did not here any single case (OSCE, 2021)!

Besides the Arbitration Court the OSCE also possesses a number of political mechanisms aimed to prevent the conflict or to curtail the threat posed to the regional security. It has established a number of tools to monitor the implementation of commitments that participating states have undertaken within the human dimension (OSCE, 2011, 10). One of those mechanisms - the so-called Berlin Mechanism was adopted in June 1991 at the Berlin Meeting of the CSCE Council of Ministers. The Mechanism outlines measures that can be applied in the case of serious emergency situations that may arise from a violation of one of the Principles of the Helsinki Final Act or as the result of major disruptions endangering peace, security or stability. It foresees that, if any participating State concludes that such an emergency situation is developing, it may seek clarification from the State or the States involved (OSCE, 2011, 22). It should be noted that unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has once availed itself of the opportunities enshrined in the Berlin Mechanism. On 6 April 1993, Azerbaijan requested an emergency meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials in regard to the situation in Nagorno Karabakh. Two weeks later, the Armenian Delegation presented clarifications under point 1 of the Mechanism, which was met with a renewed request for holding an Emergency Meeting formulated by Azerbaijan (OSCE, 2011, 25). However, the OSCE mechanisms, although being invoked by numerous states in different situations, are political rather than legal, thus they are in no way legally binding. Nevertheless, considering the big resonance of the OSCE mechanisms, Armenia may consider availing itself of the privileges of invoking them in case to deter the further escalation in the region.

The Hague, which is considered to be a town of international courts, is also the home for the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is in charge of hearing the cases involving crimes of aggression, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and war crimes. In short, Azerbaijan did not sign the Rome Statute of ICC and Armenia signed it, but did not ratify. Therefore, under Article 13 of the Rome Statute of ICC, the Court will have power to investigate the alleged criminal crimes only when it is referred to by the UN SC (ICC, 1998).

The only Court before which Armenia and Azerbaijan may bring cases against each other is the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). However, the power of the ECtHR is limited to the scope of the European Convention of Human Rights (Ratione materiae principle). In principle, it may render decisions only regarding cases that involve human rights violations in accordance with the Convention and is not competent to solve territorial disputes, for example.

Conclusion

The analysis shows how difficult it is to legally substantiate and justify that Armenia was or is an occupying power and it has committed its only obligation under the four resolutions of the UN Security Council. However, taking into account all the possible hurdles associated with bringing a case before the Security Council, Armenia shall also seek alternative institutional dimensions and legal remedies. ICJ can be among those alternatives , though only in limited cases when it is envisaged in the legal instrument. ICC and PCA along with the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration can hardly be an option. ECtHR can probably be the most competent court, where Armenia may sue Azerbaijan without the consent of the latter, however, its power is limited to the scope of the European Convention of Human Rights. Armenia may also consider availing itself of the remedies enshrined in the mechanisms and procedures of the OSCE.

By Albert Hayrapetyan

Albert Hayrapetyan holds a PhD in Economics. He also holds MA degrees from College of Europe and American University of Armenia. He is a Senior researcher in Amberd Research Center of Armenian State University of Economics and also an Lecturer at Chair of International Economic Relations in Armenian State University of Economics. Mr. Hayrapetyan is also a Visiting Lecturer in the Southern Federal University. His main areas of interest include economic integrations, regionalism and international legal disputes.

Funding acknowledgement

The article is part of academic commitments under the grant agreement between the author and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The author was funded a research grant by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to enable authors research entitled The Legal Aspect of Nagorno-Karabakh Issue.

REFERENCES
YEREVAN, 30 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 30 September, USD exchange rate up by 0.71 drams to 484.20 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.56 drams to 561.43 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 6.66 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.58 drams to 651.39 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 192.82 drams to 27042.89 drams. Silver price down by 2.43 drams to 347.54 drams. Platinum price down by 245.37 drams to 15053.67 drams.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador of France to Armenia Anne Louyot delivered credentials to President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on September 30.

I am happy to represent France in a country, with which my country has unique relations. I will do everything to further develop bilateral relations, the newly appointed Ambassador said, conveying the warm greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron to President Sarkissian.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Presidents Office, the President congratulated Anne Louyot on assuming the position, wished her success and hoped that by joint efforts the already rich agenda of the two countries will be enriched with new ideas and initiatives.

According to President Sarkissian, the friendship between Armenia and France coming from the depth of centuries, the unique relations between the two states, the high level political dialogue and mutual trust are a serious basis for the future development of the Armenian-French relations.

Armen Sarkissian noted that Armenia greatly appreciates the support and solidarity of French President Emmanuel Macron and the French people during the hard days for Armenia.

The interlocutors referred to different spheres of the Armenian-French cooperation. President Sarkissian assessed cooperation in modern technologies as promising. He presented ATOM (Advances Tomorrow) presidential initiative, which, being a future-oriented project, will be focused on the scientific-technological and educational development. There are already some preliminary agreements on cooperation with a number of French major technological companies. Armenia, with the support of France, can establish the locomotives for the future, which are technological locomotives, the President said.

The sides also spoke about the implementation of ambitious programs aimed at expanding cooperation in the fields of education, culture and healthcare, through which, as the Ambassador noted, the French side is ready to invest its experience in Armenia.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador of Armenia to Belarus Razmik Khumaryan delivered credentials to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, ARMENPRESS reports, BelTa agency wrote.

Lukashenko said the two countries are linked by traditional friendly relations, a shared history and close interpersonal ties. "Our countries are actively cooperating within the framework of integration structures, mostly acting from a common position," Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader, however, noted that the significant potential of bilateral cooperation has not yet been fully realized. He assured that Belarus is open to proposals for further development of strong relations with Armenia in all spheres.
Turkey's move to purchase the S-400 air defense systems was worth the tensions it caused between Ankara and Washington, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with the New York Times newspaper, Tass informs.

September 30, 2021, 10:27 Erdogan believes purchase of Russia's S-400 systems worth tensions with US

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 30, ARTSAKHPRESS: "We buy our own weapons," Erdogan said, as cited by the paper. According to the New York Times, the Turkish leader pointed out that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and former US President Donald Trump had reaffirmed Turkeys right to choose arms suppliers. According to him, had the US sold Turkey Patriot missile defense systems, Ankara "would not have had to buy S-400s."

When asked if Turkeys actions had been worth tensions with Washington, the Turkish president answered in the affirmative. "I think it was worth it," he said, as cited by the newspaper. "We can strengthen our defense as we please," Erdogan added.

Moscow and Ankara signed a contract for the delivery of the S-400 systems in 2017. Turkey became the first NATO country to purchase these systems from Russia, drawing a negative reaction from the United States and NATO in general. In particular, Washington said that "Turkeys decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible." The US also threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey over the S-400 deal and Ankara warned that such a move would not go unanswered. However, Washington finally introduced restrictions in December 2020.
Today the search for the remains of the fallen Armenian servicemen was carried out in the Varanda (Fizuli) region of Artsakh where the remains of another serviceman was found.

September 30, 2021, 17:26 Another fallen servicemans remains found in Artsakh search operations

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 30, ARTSAKHPRESS: The service noted that the initial data suggest that the killed is a contract serviceman who participated in the military actions. A forensic examination is planned to establish the identity of the killed.

To note, since November 13 when the ceasefire agreement was reached, 1,678 bodies of fallen troops and civilians have been recovered from the former areas of combat operations.
You no longer have to point your phone at your computer screen if you want to use Google Lens on your computer. As part of a string of updates, Google has revealed that Lens will be available for Chrome on the desktop in the "coming months." You just have to right-click on a website, choose to search with Lens and select the part of the page you want to examine. After that, you'll get results relating to the content you highlighted. Needless to say, that could be helpful if you're trying to identify an animal or a hot new jacket.

There are some upgrades coming to Lens on your phone. An update in early 2022 will let you ask a question after snapping a photo. If you need to know how to repair a part on your bike, for instance, you'll get results even if you don't know what that part is. The Google app for iPhones, meanwhile, will let you search for products within images.

This is a not-so-subtle effort to boost Google Shopping. You might be more likely to buy apparel or bike parts if you can identify them, after all. Even so, the expansion could make Lens more useful as a general search tool, not just for special circumstances.

Inspiration can strike at any time.  Soon you'll be able to use #GoogleLens to instantly search for products within images while browsing on the Google app on iPhone. And psst Lens is coming to Chrome on desktop too  #SearchOn pic.twitter.com/HTQCz7sjoO  Google (@Google) September 29, 2021
A Florida couple may have captured a photo of wanted man Brian Laundrie in the background of a selfie while on a camping trip.

Marci and Kenny Newsom spotted a man in their photo who they were told may be Mr Laundrie. The photo was taken a few days after his fiancee Gabby Petito was reported missing.

According to ABC7, Mr Laundrie  who has been missing for almost two weeks  arrived at the Florida park with his parents Christopher and Roberta on September 6.

The couple spotted the eerie detail in the back of a selfie. Source: NBC2

The Newsom couple told ABC7 they checked into the campsite on the same day. According to documents obtained by the TV station they were camping next to the Laundrie family.

Sighting unconfirmed

According to The Independent, a spokeswoman from the FBIs Denver Division said they were unable to comment on the possible sighting.

This is an ongoing investigation and we have no comment other than what is posted in our official statements.

The Laundrie family attorney, Steve Bertolino, said the Laundrie family checked out of the campsite on September 7, but a public information request of park records shows they left the next day.

Ms Newsom told ABC7 she saw the Laundrie family's red vehicle but she didnt speak to the them, saying "they kept to themselves".

Brian Laundrie and his fiancee Gabby Petito were on a camping trip when she was reported missing. Source: North Port Police Department

Search for Brian Laundrie continues

Ms Petitos mother Nichole Schmidt reported her daughter missing on September 11. The 22-year-old was last seen on August 27. She was found dead at a national park in Wyoming, after setting out on a cross-country van trip with Mr Laundrie.

Mr Laundrie returned to the couple's home in Florida alone on September 1  five days after Ms Petito was last seen. He was reported missing on September 17.

The US District Court of Wyoming issued a federal arrest warrant for Mr Laundrie issued in relation to the unauthorised use of a debit card.

Story continues

Brian Laundries attorney confirmed Brian and his parents visited a Pinellas County campsite a few days before Gabby Petitos family reported her missing. @MeganMyersNews @ABC7SWFL #GabbyPetito #BrianLaundrie https://t.co/j0puqF4qYd  Meagan Miller (@MeaganMillerTV) September 29, 2021

The FBI in Denver, released the autopsy results.

"The initial determination for the manner of death is homicide," FBI Special Agent in Charge, Michael Schneider said, following the autopsy results.

"The FBI and our partners remain dedicated to ensuring anyone responsible for or complicit in Ms Petito's death is held accountable for their actions.

"Mr Brian Laundrie has been named as a person of interest. Anyone with information concerning Mr Laundrie's role in this matter or current whereabouts should contact the FBI."

with AAP.

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China continues to turn the screws on Australia in the wake of its landmark defence pact with the UK and US, once again questioning Canberra's human rights track record.

The significant AUKUS agreement that will see nuclear-powered submarines added to Australia's arsenal has infuriated Beijing and paired with ongoing commentary around the growing threat of China, the ugly war-of-words between the two countries has been reignited.

While largely unmentioned in recent months at foreign ministry daily press briefings, Australia has been a hot topic in the past fortnight with the department taking every opportunity to take a swipe at Canberra and the Morrison government.

Chinese state media have been routinely teeing up foreign ministry spokespeople to go on the offensive.

Hua Chunying took aim at Australia once again on Wednesday. Source: FMPRC

China critical of Australia's treatment of Indigenous people

On Wednesday evening, spokeswoman Hua Chunying was asked about China's view on Australia's treatment of Indigenous people in the wake of the 48th session of the Human Rights Council where the issue was raised alongside that of the US and Canada.

While delving into the history of the treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia, Ms Hua said little had changed and "discriminatory laws and policies against Indigenous people are still effective" and "Indigenous people are still among the most oppressed".

She said a meeting on the sidelines of the session between China, Belarus, North Korea and Venezuela, Australia was accused of hypocritical behaviour.

"Canada and Australia claim themselves as "human rights pioneers", but their own human rights situations are "fraught with problems"," she said.

"The international community should condemn their gross violations of Indigenous people's human rights.

"All participating parties expressed gratitude to China and other countries for organising the event and paid their respect to those who are brave enough to speak out on behalf of Indigenous people.

Story continues

"They hoped the international community can act up, and redress social and historical injustice, and urge the US, Canada and Australia to give an explanation to indigenous people."

Scott Morrison is juggling an increasingly unstable relationship with China. Source: Getty

China facing its own human rights abuse allegations

It comes at a time China itself is facing serious allegations of mass human rights abuses in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uyghurs and Muslim minorities are being held in internment camps in a crackdown on extremism.

Australia is one of several countries to voice its concerns over the treatment of those in the labour camps.

Beijing has routinely countered Australia's commentary with accusations of human rights violations committed by Australia including at offshore refugee camps and the alleged war crimes of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Last year, a Chinese embassy official told Nine Newspapers China was intent on raising the plight of Indigenous Australians.

"Why keep silent?" the official reportedly said.

Last week fellow foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian offered a detailed description of alleged human rights offences committed by Australia and called for an explanation from the Morrison government.

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.
Local

PUBLIC HEALTH

Cayuga County health care facilities report over 90% of employees got COVID-19 vaccine

Kevin Rivoli, The Citizen Nurse Ashley Colella draws a syringe during an Auburn Community Hospital COVID-19 vaccine clinic for employees and their families.

A vast majority of employees at Cayuga County's only hospital and four nursing homes chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine before the state mandate took effect on Monday.

According to the state Department of Health, 84% of Auburn Community Hospital's 1,100 employees are fully vaccinated, up from 80% one week ago. Matthew Chadderdon, the hospital's vice president of marketing and public affairs, told The Citizen that 93.5% of employees have received at least one vaccine dose.

Auburn Community Hospital released a statement ahead of the deadline for the vaccine mandate to announce that a "small number" of employees would resign, but that it wouldn't affect services provided at the hospital.

The vaccine mandate was issued by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August. Health care workers, including those employed at hospitals and nursing homes, were required to get their first vaccine dose by Monday, Sept. 27.

A review of data provided to the state Department of Health shows the mandate led to increased vaccination rates among employees at Auburn hospital and the four nursing homes in Cayuga County.

Three months ago, Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state, with 48.3% of employees who received at least one vaccine dose. As of Monday, the employee vaccination rate was 89.9%.

The Commons on St. Anthony, a nursing home in Auburn with 350 employees, reported two weeks that 86.5% of employees received at least one vaccine dose. According to the latest state data, 98.4% of the facility's employees have received at least one dose  the highest rate among the county's four nursing homes.

Julie Sheedy, chief marketing and engagement officer for Loretto, which operates The Commons, wrote in an email to The Citizen that nine employees declined the vaccine and resigned. However, they would be rehired if they get vaccinated.

"Loretto was able to reach these high percentages because of our culture of caring for and listening to our employees," Sheedy said. "We had hundreds of face-to-face personal conversations with each individual to answer their questions, and we even sat with many of them when they got vaccinated. We are so proud of all our Loretto employees who made this commitment to themselves, their families, our residents and their fellow staff to be safe."

Northwoods Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Moravia, which has 40 employees, is close behind The Commons with a 98.3% vaccination rate. That's up from 79% three weeks ago and 75.8% in late June.

Finger Lakes Center for Living, a nursing home operated by Auburn Community Hospital, has a 95.9% vaccination rate, up from 79.6% on Sept. 7 and 78.7% on June 30.

Facility June 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 27 Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 48.3% 72.2% 89.9% Finger Lakes Center for Living (Auburn) 78.7% 79.6% 95.9% Northwoods Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (Moravia) 75.8% 79.0% 98.3% The Commons on St. Anthony (Auburn) 73.4% 79.1% 98.4% *Note: Rates are based number of employees who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose

There have been similar trends statewide. Gov. Kathy Hochul's office released data on Tuesday that revealed 92.6% of the 143,753 nursing home employees in New York received at least one vaccine dose, up from 82% one week ago and 71% on Aug. 24, the day Hochul took office.

New York has 519,109 hospital employees and 92% have been given at least one shot. As of Wednesday, 87% of New York's hospital employees are fully vaccinated.

"Our greatest responsibility is to protect our most vulnerable, and ensuring that the health care workers who care for our loved ones are vaccinated is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe," Hochul said. "I am grateful to the facilities, unions, and health care workers who took important steps to prepare and protect New Yorkers, and we are working with facilities to ensure they remain operational."

Hochul issued an executive order that allows out-of-state health care workers and trained National Guard members to work at hospitals with staffing shortages. Some hospitals have said that they will need to reduce services due to the loss of employees who chose not to get vaccinated.
At the board of health meeting, Cayuga County Legislator Elane Daly, who chairs the legislature's Health and Human Services committee, asked Cuddy if there are employees who will leave the department due to the mandate.

"To date, not everyone is fully vaccinated nor has everyone started their vaccinations," Cuddy said.

The health department has been on the front lines of the pandemic since it began in March 2020. The department's staff has been overwhelmed at times due to surges in COVID-19 cases. The county is in the midst of one of its worst waves of the pandemic, with more than 1,000 cases in September and 747 in August. Twelve residents have died over that two-month period.

Beginning in January, the department's role wasn't limited to responding to COVID-19 cases, issuing isolation orders and conducting contact tracing investigations. It began holding vaccination clinics at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES and later, Fingerlakes Mall. There have been walk-in clinics in other parts of the county. Thousands of residents have been vaccinated at these clinics.

Cuddy praised the department's staff for their work during the pandemic.

"We all understand the importance of vaccination," she said. "We will come into compliance with what is expected from the state."
In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Cattaraugus County spotters at Allegany State Park in Salamanca are expecting 35-40% color change for this weekend, with orange, yellow, and some red leaves of muted brilliance. Reporting from Gowanda and Little Valley predict up to 30% foliage change, with increasing hints of orange and varying shades of brown. In Chautauqua County, expect up to 25% color change around Chautauqua Institution, where many of the leaves are beginning to turn red while others remain green. The countys rural communities of Sherman and Panama are a bit further along in progression.

In the Capital-Saratoga region, Fulton County reporting from Pine Lake Park in Caroga Lake predict up to 40% color change and conditions approaching midpoint, as hints of orange and red emerge through the southern Adirondacks. In Rensselaer County, spotters in Troy predict up to 25% color change this weekend, with some bright shades of yellow, red, and orange beginning to appear. In Albany County near Cohoes Falls in Cohoes, up to 20% color change is expected with muted shades of yellow and red. Color change in Loudonville and Colonie is expected to be lower, around 10%. In Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs foliage change will remain low this weekend, with 10% color transition and subtle hues of greens, golds, and ambers, along with some reds and oranges.
Primetta supported herself by working as a seamstress. Raven-haired with dark eyes and sharp features, she eventually fell in love with an Italian fighter pilot named Vittorio Andriani.

"I didn't see too much of him because he was always fighting someplace," Primetta told the Golden Gate Wing, a military aviation club in Oakland, California, in 2008.

Italy entered World War II in June 1940. The local police warned Primetta to leave because Mussolini wanted American citizens out of the country. Primetta refused. Several weeks later, the state police told her to get out, warning her that she could end up in a concentration camp.

In June 1941, Andriani was missing in action; Primetta learned later that he had crashed and died near Malta. While he was missing, she joined a group of strangers making their way out of Italy on a train to Portugal.

"In Spain, one can still see, after 2-3 years, the traces of the atrocities of the past," Primetta wrote in a letter to a friend in the midst of her flight. "At Port Bou, the Spanish border, not one house is left standing; everting got destroyed because the town is an important train transit point that brought supplies to the "Reds", the enemy . . . I've seen so much destruction that I've had enough. The day after tomorrow, I get on the ship, and I'm sure all will go well."
Luxury electric car maker Lucid Group is on track to meet its production targets for 2022 and 2023 and is pushing to achieve this year's goal of 577 vehicles, its chief executive said.

(Also Read: Volvos Polestar to go public, valued at $20 billion)

The California-based startup, which went public via a shell company this year, has secured the $4.4 billion it needed until the end of next year but would not wait until then to raise more cash, Peter Rawlinson told Reuters.

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"This is a capital intensive business," he said, adding that the company was on track to achieve its production target of 20,000 vehicles in 2022 and 50,000 in 2023.

He said the latest funding "sees us through to the end of 2022. So it doesn't see us right through to project Gravity," a reference to the firm's electric sport utility vehicle planned for release in late 2023.

"The balance sheet is okay till the end of next year. So we will not wait till the end of next year to raise money. That would be pretty crazy," he said.

Lucid started production of its Lucid Air premium electric sedans at its Arizona factory on Tuesday, aiming to deliver the cars to customers in late October.

Lucid shares were up 6.5% in premarket trading on Wednesday.

He said there was an undue fascination" with Tesla's new 4680 battery format, adding the current cells that helped Lucid achieve an industry-leading driving range showed more promise in the near term. Tesla has canceled its plan to launch its longest-range car Model S Plaid+ with its new batteries.

Rawlinson said Tesla's bigger battery has a cost advantage, and has the opportunity to reduce internal resistance if it is incorporated with tabless architecture, a difficult technology.

"People are thinking that 4680 is this huge leap that is gonna transform the electric car. I don't see that one. I think that is the fantasy," he said.

He said Lucid would have a team looking at all these battery formats in due course.

Tesla did not immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment.

It was a "reasonable bet" that in a year's time, the industry's chip shortage would ease, Rawlinson said, echoing comments made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who said last week that new semiconductor plants being built would mean the shortage was short term.

Rawlinson said the company was redesigning one printed circuit board to avoid any problems that could affect the supply of one chip in the medium term.

"We are undertaking risk mitigation actions now," he said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
Ola Electric, Indias latest electric two-wheeler manufacturing company, has announced that it has raised over 200 million dollars from Falcon Edge, Softbank and others. The lenders have put Ola Electric's valuation at around 3 billion dollars ahead of the company's plan to launch its IPO.

The funds came at a time when Ola has already got off to a flying start with its first products - the S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters.

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Ola claims it has sold electric scooters worth over 1,100 crore in just two days earlier this month. The Ola S1 electric scooter is priced at 1 lakh while the more capable S1 Pro is priced at 1.30 lakh.

After the launch of the electric scooters, Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO and Co-Founder of Ola Electric, had expressed his intentions to expand the business to electric motorcycles and cars as well. The latest fund raise has given a boost to his plans.

India is building technologies of the future and becoming a global EV hub! With this raise, we will accelerate our vehicle dev across 2W scooters, motorbikes and 4W. And fast track Mission Electric: No petrol 2W in India after 2025," Aggarwal wrote while announcing the fund raise development on Twitter today.

The company has issued a statement saying that it will now speed up development of these vehicle platforms, which will also include mass market electric scooters.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 29, Tesla announced the launch of its 100th Supercharger stations and 1,000th Supercharger in Shanghai, the first auto brand in China to deploy 100 supercharging stations in a city.

Tesla's first China-based Supercharger station was launched in Jinqiao Town, Shanghai in April 2014. In December 2019, the automaker's first V3 Supercharger station for the country started operation in Shanghai. With the station at Shanghai Jing'an International Center put into use in December 2020, the number of Tesla's Superchargers in Chinese mainland hit 5,000. Currently, Tesla's charging network has already covered all 16 districts of Shanghai.



Tesla's 100th Supercharger Station in Shanghai; photo credit: Tesla



Tesla's Supercharger manufacturing plant in Shanghai began production in early February 2021. The site focuses on outputting the V3 Superchargers. The automaker claimed that a V3 Supercharger can add 250 km of range for a Model 3 through a 15-minute charging.

Aside from Shanghai, Tesla opened 6 Supercharger stations in Beijing at the end of August, increasing the total number of its Superchargers in the capital of China to nearly 800.

As of today, Tesla has deployed over 900 Supercharger Stations in more than 300 cities across China, with the cumulative number of Superchargers exceeding 7,000 piles.

Moreover, the U.S.-based EV manufacturer has launched its charging facilities along the Silk Road, Sichuan-Tibet highway, and other domestic long-distance inter-provincial routes.
On September 30, NIO officially launched its ES8 in Norway and commenced user delivery. NIO House | Oslo will open to the public on October 1.

NIO adopts global pricing strategy. After adjusted for logistics, local taxes and operating costs, the ES8 has a starting price of NOK 609,000 with the standard-range battery (75 kWh), and NOK 679,000 with the long-range battery (100 kWh) with which the ES8 boasts a WLTP range of 500 km.

NIO's Battery as a Service (BaaS) is also available in Norway. With comprehensive services enabled by vehicle-battery separation, battery subscription and the chargeable, swappable and upgradable batteries, it marks a breakthrough both in technology and business model. BaaS users can choose to purchase a car without battery, and subscribe to batteries of various capacities according to actual needs by paying a monthly subscription fee accordingly.

At the same time, BaaS can address problems that have long been affecting the wide adoption of electric vehicles, including battery degradation, inflexible capacity upgrades, and fluctuated vehicle resale value. Those who subscribe to BaaS will be able to enjoy services of NIO Power Swap network and flexible battery upgrades. BaaS users choosing the standard-range battery can have a deduction of NOK 90,000 from the car purchase price and only need to pay a battery subscription fee of NOK 1,399 per month. And the price deduction for the long-range battery stands at NOK 160,000 with a monthly subscription fee of NOK 1,999.

By the end of 2022, NIO will build 20 Power Swap stations in Norway, covering Norway's five largest cities and their main roads. The first integrated station of battery charging and swapping in Norway will be up and running at the end of October.

Located at Karl Johans Gate 33, Oslo's center of commerce and culture, NIO House | Oslo has a total area of 2,100 square meters, and is the largest user center in Norway. The two-story structure has an upper floor for the display of products and services, and a lower floor for the NIO Cafe, Library, Forum, Lab, Living Room and Joy Camp areas exclusive to NIO users.





NIO's Service and Delivery Center in Oslo will open in October. With a floor space of 1,800 square meters, it offers services including vehicle delivery, maintenance and repair, mobile service fleet and car pick-up and delivery service. NIO will also provide worry-free service in the other four cities in Norway together with authorized service partners.

The Norway Collection jointly designed by NIO Life, NIO's lifestyle brand, and two Norwegian artists, Anette Moi and Sandra Blikas, is now available in Norway and China.

Today marks a significant moment in the history of NIO. Today the very first European users have the opportunity to experience what it means to be part of the NIO community, says NIO Europes CEO Alexander Schwarz. Norway is our starting point of our journey in Europe and beyond. Our vision is clear: to provide our users with seamless and worry-free services as well as supreme and joyful user experiences. We offer to be their friend and partner on their personal journey to a brighter and more sustainable future. From our NIO Houses, such as the first one in Oslo, through to our battery swap stations, our worry-free Battery-as-a-Service subscription models and our convenient online services, Being part of the NIO community will bring joy, friendship and meaningful interaction.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC Motor, the wholly-owned PV subsidiary of GAC Group, and the global automaker Stellantis held a ceremony on Sept. 26 for the export of 770 SUVs to Mexico, according to a post on GAC Motor's WeChat account.



GAC Motor's SUVs to be exported to Mexico; photo credit: GAC Motor



Those SUVs were manufactured at GAC Motor's Hangzhou plant, while will be sold in Mexico tagged with Stellantis' Dodge brand. Under the partnership of the two automakers, cumulative vehicle exports are expected to reach 4,000 units by the end of this year.

Under GAC Group's globalization strategy, Mexico has been regarded as an important market for the business expansion in America due to its massive consumer group and huge market potential on car shopping. GAC Motor International Limited started an investigation into Mexican market in 2019 and formed a strategic partnership with Stellantis to sell products abroad bearing the latter's marques.

Through two-year joint efforts, the first cooperative cars will soon depart for Mexico under the name Dodge Journey. As one of the 15 brands owned by Stellantis, Dodge is a popular car brand in Mexico and has a mature local sales network. GAC Motor expects its products to be rapidly well received by local consumers by virtue of Mexican's familiarity to Dodge brand.
Stephen A. Smith has been remarkably open as to why Max Kellerman is no longer his First Take cohost: Smith wanted a change.

That became news very quickly, of course, which is what youd expect when one of the most recognizable people at ESPN forces a change to a long-running program. Kellerman is now hosting This Just In, along with ESPN Radio duties, and Smith has been consistent in saying that one of the reasons he was comfortable pushing for the change was that Kellerman would have landing spots within ESPN.

He said that on Hot 97 a few weeks ago, and on the SI Media Podcast he told Jimmy Traina the same thing.

Stephen A. Smith couldn't have been more open and honest on this week's SI MEDIA PODCAST as you will see in this clip. Full show here: https://t.co/xB8VRjJbFB pic.twitter.com/mLaf718REw  Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) September 30, 2021

The quotes are consistent enough that well just use the Hot 97 version, as transcribed by OregonLive:

The rumors are accurate in terms of me wanting him off the show, Smith told radio hosts Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg. Lets get that out the way. Yes, I did (want him off the show). It wasnt really about asking him to be off the show, it was about the fact that I knew that we, together, as far as I was concerned, was not a great partnership anymore and that was something that needed to change. The reason why Im unapologetic about my position, No. 1, is that its no knock against him professionally, his work ethic, and all of that other stuff, his talent. Its not like I wanted the guy to be fired. I knew there were landing spots for him available at this network that would generate just as much, if not more revenue for him and all of that other stuff.
Western movies, a prominent genre in the 50s and 60s, botched North Americas history as it glorified the colonial conquest. It rendered the white cowboys heroes and the dark-skinned Indians brutal and wild, having them, almost always, caving in to the colonialists. In stereotypical slant, the cowboys represented the better arm of humanity and the Indians the lower category of the human species, so the injuns, were pictured as savages and rarely perceived as humans with rights to their lands, history, and culture. These Hollywood movies propagated the world with unfair and unjust revelations: this is a minuscule example of the many intolerant and abusive acts that indigenous peoples in North America endured.

When North America was discovered, 15 million indigenous people lived there; by the late 19th century, only 238,000 had survived the colonialists attack. The motto then was kill the Indian save the man, as the the indigenous peoples did not qualify as humans.

For decades, Indigenous peoples were not considered citizens, their culture undeserving of saving. In fact, the residential school system in both the US and Canada was one of many torturous methods utilized to have indigenous people become extinct by assimilating them into the white culture. By assimilation they were expected to cease to exist as nations.

These boarding schools were mandatory and run by the government and Catholic authorities where children were forcibly taken from their parents under a shameful colonial policy. In Canada, between 1863 and 1998 more than 150,000 children were taken from their parents' arms and placed in schools that served as concentration colonies. Since the children were not allowed to speak their language or practice their culture, and many of them were mistreated, abused and killed, it was a policy that amounted to cultural genocide. The impacts of such schools reverberate until today.

True, todays climate has made a crucial bend; still, indigenous peoples cannot simply shake off and get over what happened to them because the pain remains alive and the impact of the suffering and the colonization exists in the elders of communities and their offspring today. The past persists as a daunting legacy.

However, the Indigenous peoples of America are indeed redeeming some of their rights. It began by apologies. In 2008, Stephen Harper, then Canadas prime minister, apologized publicly to Canadas indigenous peoples for the consequences of residential schools. This while the Truth and Reconciliation Act fundamentally acknowledged the gut-wrenching history that indigenous peoples suffered and vowed to support the sufferers.

Also, the US apology says, The United States apologizesto all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflictedby citizens of the United States."

Many occurrences exhibit how the current culture has changed especially in Canada. The most pivotal recognition came in 2021, as Mary Simon, an indigenous Inuit from Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec, became the first indigenous Governor General as she acclaimed the position of the 30th Governor General of Canada.

Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October each year, commemorating his arrival to the new world. Today, many believe that Columbuss arrival to the Americas led to the genocide of the indigenous people. This is why many states in the US have replaced that national holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day. It has become a holiday that celebrates the resilience and cultures of Indigenous peoples across the Americas.

Statues of renowned Canadians who also played roles in the torturous past that Indigenous Canadians suffered are being knocked down. The statue of Edward Cornwallis, the founder of the Halifax Port, also accused of practicing genocide against Indigenous population, was removed; the statue of John A. McDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, also the initiator of the most damaging policies against Canadian Indigenous peoples was also removed. At Ryerson University in Toronto, the statue of Egerton Ryerson, deemed the principle initiator of Canadas residential school system, was toppled. Whether these monuments were toppled, removed, or knocked down is besides the point, for they will never be erected again.

Furthermore, most indigenous communities were oral societies, with no written words associated to their languages. They passed down their ways and knowledge through stories and songs. Some societies did not have a written language till the 70s of the last century. Now the written words are often utilized in writings and syllabic signs across many highways and roads in Canada as one travels through unceded territories of indigenous peoples. All the signs along the Sea to Sky Corridor, in British Columbia, are written in both English and Skwxwu7mesh or Squamish language.

Its worth noting that many territories in Canada including 95 percent of the Province of British Columbia, all the Maritimes, and much of eastern part of the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario are on unceded territory, meaning they were never yielded or handed over to Canada. This is why acknowledgement of ownership of territories is becoming a regular acceptable way of prefacing a speech, document, or presentation. Almost all events begin by acknowledging the host nation by saying a phrase along the lines of, I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting today on the unceded traditional territories of the _____ people.

As we speak, over 50 indigenous candidates are running in the 2021 Canadian federal election. This is a fundamental change in how indigenous people view their role in the bigger picture across Canada.

These are all exceptional attributes in the healing and are an aid in the reconciliation process. Still, it will take time to overcome the years of pain and hurt.
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The harbor sprang to life as Norwegian Sun pulled into Port Said at dawn. An endless line of tour buses were waiting along a narrow street by the pier. Perpendicular to the pier was a thoroughfare stretching far into the heart of the city and beyond. A steady stream of people was being disgorged from the starboard side of our humongous ship and inching its way toward the buses as I stood high above on Deck 15 trying desperately to steady my camera against the tremor sent through the ship by its idling engine and snap a few pictures of my first view of Egypt soaked in the shimmering twilight of morning.

Shrouded by the long shadows of moored gargantuan vessels, little boats of all sorts were toiling around on the rippling surface of dark water.

In the dim halo of street lamps flanking the thoroughfare could be seen police vehicles dotting both sides of the road and people standing by those vehicles kept the surrounding areas under their watchful eyes. Such was my first sight of Egypt, ominous, ghostly, evoking the underworld. I didn't realize it then, but looking back, that scene of tight security should have alerted me that this was going to be a tour unlike any I had taken before.

We were in no particular hurry as Blue Nile was supposed to have a minivan waiting down there for us, and as all those countless buses and minivans had to get loaded with tourists first and then organized into a police-guarded convoy for the 3-hour drive to Cairo. Over the years, terrorists have attacked tourists in Egypt on a number of occasions. The most gruesome attack happened on November 17, 1997, when 62 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Luxor. The protected convoy arrangement is in response to such threat.

After finishing a leisurely breakfast, we strolled down to Deck 4, with a piece of luggage each, to disembark. It was fully bright by now.

It did not take us long to find Nile Blue's minivan parked on the right hand side of the street; it had Nile Blue painted on its side panels and a cleanly shaven young man standing by its passenger side door. He looked in his late 20s, of a stocky build with a budding beer belly. All smiles, he was sporting a loosely fitting black hoodie and a pair of denim jeans, and was holding up a cardboard sign saying Nile Blue.

My name is Mo'men, the young man was saying to us as we gathered around him. It sounds like moment in English, so you can call me Moment. It'll be a while yet before the convoy can leave. I was just about to tune him out and step away to look around the harbor when he said something that alarmed me: The drive to Cairo will take a bit over three hours, and we won't be able to make stops on the way as the convoy must stay together at all times. More than three hours without stops?! Well, that's going to be a problem, I thought to myself, a big problem, for my bladder! So, what if we need to go to the bathroom? I asked. Well, you'll just have to hold your pee, Mo'men replied matter-of-factly. Here is a bit of hindsight I had after we got to Cairo: if he hadn't told us there were no planned stops on the way, I might probably have been just fine; now that he had put us on notice, however, I couldn't help but start dreading what to do when nature called. As a matter of fact, I immediately felt the need to take a leak upon hearing Mo'men's unpleasant announcement.

Truth be told, I felt a bit put off by Mo'men's reply. We've been to places around the world. No matter where we are, we invariably find people to be accommodating when it comes to tourists' reasonable, expected needs. It is not uncommon either for people to even go out of their way to offer help. I was taken aback by Mo'men's response because, just a moment before I popped the question, he had been saying how happy he was to see us and how his personal living as well as the health of the Egyptian economy both heavily depended on tourism. I can't even chalk it up to inexperience, as Mo'men later revealed that he had been employed in the tourism industry for years, ever since graduation from college. In my urge to rationalize everything, I did manage to find an excuse for Mo'men: our vehicle needed to stay with the convoy at all times for security reasons. But this does not explain why arrangements couldn't have been made for the entire convoy to make at least one stop somewhere along the way.

Long story short, I went to the bathroom three times during the one hour we waited for departure at the harbor just so I wouldn't have to cause some embarrassing international incident because I needed to pee.

I did manage to survey the harbor a bit in between. The street the Nile Blue van was parked on was flanked on one side by an endless row of nondescript one-storey buildings housing what looked like warehouses and waterfront stores and on the other side by apartment buildings of different heights and sizes. At the end of the street stood a glistening mosque topped with light green domes, reminding us unequivocally we were in a land of Muslims.

Indeed, most conspicuous amid an assortment of constructions lining the opposite side of the harbor was another majestic mosque, its twin minarets, meticulously sculptured, towering in sharp contrast next to a crowd of colossal portal cranes of ruthless functional design, a mesmerizing ode to history in symphony with a barbarian shout of modernity, beauty and the beast, the two sides of the same coin called Egypt. All that's there left to do is figure out which is the heads, and which the tails.
Digital Leaders Summit 2021Lets talk: Move to digital infrastructure for business agility

In this webinar, Dr William Lee of IDC Cloud Services Asia/Pacific and Guy Danskine of Equinix Australia discuss the latest technology trends and explain the need for organizations to re-think their infrastructure modernization strategy for business agility and resiliency.

Tune in to hear these two professionals discuss ways IT leaders can make the most of digital infrastructure investments and learn about:

The future of digital infrastructure

Cloud-centric infrastructure realities

Considerations when shifting away from traditional infrastructure

And much more
Whats New with VMware Cloud on AWS: Improved Compliance, Workload protection and Enhancement in scale, usage and migration capabilities

VMware Cloud on AWS has over three years in the market, boasting its ability to help customers accelerate their hybrid cloud journeys in a fast, cost-effective manner with minimal risk.

Use this brief report to see whats new with VMware Cloud on AWS as of 2021and what you need to know about these updates.

Read the report here.
The Cost of Doing Nothing: 3 STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES Explore this white paper to learn about Smarshs archiving solutions which use modern, web-scale technologies to ingest, search and export content orders of magnitude faster than legacy archives can help.

Zoom and Re-Imagining the Future of Work in Financial Services Access this webinar to learn about how the financial services is changing as we emerge from the pandemic, what Zooms role will be in enabling remote/hybrid work, and more.

Archiving Microsoft Teams Communications for Public Agencies Checklist Access this white paper to see the Archiving Microsoft Communications Checklist which will help you figure out where you stand today and where you need to be to manage Microsoft Teams effectively, and keep your organization prepared for records requests and legal inquiries.

Key Considerations When Making the Move to Office 365 Common obstacles for Office 365 migration have typically focused on inadequate planning, lack of communication & an insufficient review of policies. This white paper outlines 6 key considerations for the Office 365 migration process. Read on for a comprehensive look at all considerations for Office 365 migratioa and its archiving requirements.

5 Steps to Compliance in an Evolving Mobile Landscape New tools make it more complicated than ever to archive and monitor employee communications, leaving regulated companies vulnerable to risk. Read this guide to learn 5 important steps to managing policy, risk and technology knowledge gaps and working toward a seamless, scalable and forward-thinking mobile communications.

Electronic Communications Compliance Checklist for Broker-Dealers The requirements for electronic communications recordkeeping, storage and supervision can be daunting. Without due oversight, broker-dealers put their business at risk of litigation, fines or other enforcement penalties. Read this checklist for recommendations on how to streamline oversight processes and reduce the chance of regulatory risk.

Government's Guide to Secure Recordkeeping of Electronic Communications In this guide, discover all the forms of electronic communications you must be securely collecting and preserving, how to evaluate your current archiving technology and capabilities and which security features to expect from an archiving solution. Read on to get started.

THE FUTURE OF WORK IN FINANCIAL SERVICES: How to Enable Location-Agnostic Work Now that the work from anywhere model is near ubiquitous, financial services firms need to ensure that theyre preserving and monitoring digital communications as mandated. Read this guide to get a detailed view of whats driving the shift to such a model and recommendations for reducing risk.

Microsoft Teams Communications Compliance Checklist This Microsoft Teams communications compliance checklist will help you cover all your bases, no matter your experience with or interest in Microsoft Teams. Read on to find out where you stand now and where you need to be to enjoy the benefits of Teams robust collaboration capabilities.

Managing Global Compliance: What to Do About IM and Collaboration Platforms in the Enterprise Enabling staff to interact across channels via IM and collaboration platforms has become essential for business, but regulated companies leveraging these platforms have reason to be concerned about potential risk exposure. Download this guide to explore how contextual capture and archiving strategies can help you reduce this risk.

The Public Sector Guide to Social Media Strategy and Policy This guide contains practical steps that will help public sector agencies and departments develop a strategy and policy to gain maximum value from social media efforts. It also outlines smart records retention practices  so youll be better prepared to respond to open records requests or other needs when they arise. Read now.

Slack Records Retention Considerations for Public Agencies Checklist If your government agency is using or planning to use Slack, download this Slack governance checklist to make sure its prepared to fill its responsibility of preserving all agency-related communications. Find out where you stand and where you need to be to embrace and manage Slack effectively.

Archiving Slack Communications in the Public Sector Checklist If youve already chosen Slack as your agencys collaboration tool, youve taken the first step toward achieving new levels of employee engagement and productivity. The next step is to put guidelines and technology in place that will help you address potential risks. Download this Slack governance checklist to cover all your bases.

Achieving Compliant Productivity with Slack Checklist Slack is one of the most widely used, fastest-growing workplace collaboration tools today, and it's not slowing down. But without the right solution in place to govern high-volume, broad-range usage, Slack opens organizations up to risk. This governance checklist will help you cover all your bases, no matter your involvement with Slack.

Mitigating the Risks of the Hybrid Workforce What will happen over the next couple of quarters as employees return to the office? How will organizations be able to mitigate the growing amount of risk around their communications infrastructure? Watch this informative webinar to learn how Smarshs Connected Capture strives to provide communications intelligence to keep these resources secure.

Managing Zoom for Financial Services 69% of financial services firms expect to have 60% of their workforce at home at least once a week going forward, meaning that collaboration tools like Zoom are here to stay. Access this webinar to learn how Smarsh can help you better capture, archive and manage data on Zoom.

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How to Inspect Communications for Outside Business Activities Download this checklist to help identify potential areas of OBA risk and close the visibility gap for unauthorized business activities and other areas of employee impropriety.

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July 4, 2018 will be Americas 242nd Independence Day, the day Americans celebrate our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

Here are five facts you should know about Americas founding document and the day set aside for its commemoration.

1. July 4, 1776 is the day that we celebrate Independence Day even though it wasnt the day the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776), the day we started the American Revolution (that had happened back in April 1775), the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didnt happen until November 1776), or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

2. After the War of 1812, the Federalist party began to come apart and the new parties of the 1820s and 1830s all considered themselves inheritors of Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1938 and 1941.



3. The signed copy of the Declaration is the official, but not the original, document. The approved Declaration was printed on July 5th and a copy was attached to the rough journal of the Continental Congress for July 4th. These printed copies, bearing only the names of John Hancock, President, and Charles Thomson, secretary, were distributed to state assemblies, conventions, committees of safety, and commanding officers of the Continental troops. On July 19th, Congress ordered that the Declaration be engrossed on parchment with a new title, the unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of America, and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by every member of Congress. Engrossing is the process of copying an official document in a large hand.

4. John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress at the time, was the first and only person to sign the Declaration on July 4, 1776 (he signed it in the presence of just one man, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress). According to legend, the founding father signed his name bigger than everyone elses because he wanted to make sure fat old King George could read it without his spectacles. But the truth is that Hancock had a large blank space and didnt realize the other men would write their names smaller. Today, the term John Hancock has become synonymous with a persons signature.

5. The 56 signers of the Declaration did not sign on July 4, 1776, nor were they in the same room at the same time on the original Independence Day. The official signing event took place on August 2, 1776 when 50 men signed the document. Several months passed before all 56 signatures were in place. The last man to sign, Thomas McKean, did so in January of 1777, seven months after the document was approved by Congress. Robert R. Livingston, one of the five original drafters, never signed it at all since he believed it was too soon to declare independence.
Media company Next Digital has had its financial records seized in Hong Kongs latest move to stifle an independent press and pro-democracy activism []

Clement Chan Kam-wing, an inspector appointed by the Hong Kong government, raided the headquarters of Next Digital media company in a search and seizure of financial records on Sept. 28 as part of an investigation into the company.

The raid came a day after the Hong Kong Eastern Magistrate authorized a search warrant of Next Digital on suspicion of fraudulent activities.

The special inspector was appointed in response to allegations that Next Digital repaid HK$150 million loan to its founder Jimmy Lai on April 1, much earlier than its due date. This premature reimbursement led Hong Kong officials to suspect fraudulent activity.

The search warrant was necessary, as every member of Next Digitals management team and board of directors has either resigned amid pressure from police or been arrested under Hong Kongs ever-restrictive National Security Law (NSL). None of Next Digitals senior employees were left to hand over its financial records.

The investigation is expected to last six months, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP). Chan is the managing director for assurance with a Hong Kong accounting firm and has over 30 years of experience. He is the first inspector to be appointed by the citys government in two decades.

Apple Daily, a subsidiary of Next Digital, still has a satellite location in Taiwan, where it is published electronically. Several parties are interested in buying out its operations, according to SCMP.

This is not the first time Next Digital Media Company, founded by pro-democracy activist and long-time Acton friend Jimmy Lai, has been confronted by Hong Kong authorities and strict legislation under the NSL. Since July 16, trading in stock from Next Digital has been banned. On June 17, Hong Kong authorities raided Apple Dailys headquarters, freezing HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) of their assets and forcing the pro-democracy news service to print their final edition on June 24.

Jimmy Lai was arrested for his participation in the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, violating the NSL, which bans acts the government deems as subversion, secession, or terrorism. Such violations carry up to a lifes sentence in prison. Lai was charged and is currently serving a 20-month prison sentence. He stands trial in November to contest incitement charges.

In addition to Lai, eight other Next Digital senior editors and executives have been arrested under the NSL since June. Of the eight, publisher Cheung Kim-hung and editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong were charged for publishing more than 30 articles that qualified as calling for foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials.

Four directors of Next Digital stepped down on Sept. 5, urging the Hong Kong government to allow Next Digital to be liquidated so employees and creditors could be paid.

Under Hong Kongs Companies Ordinance, an inspector has permission to apply for a court order to seize books and financial records and call for witnesses for information and statements from any company under investigation.

Next Digitals stock presence has raised some legal concerns as well. The same day as Chans appointment, Hong Kongs market regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission, announced its investigation of Next Digital after a rapid change in its share price.

The fraud accusations and the inspectors subsequent search of Next Digital is Hong Kongs latest move in restricting the pro-democracy media companys operation and legacy. The city moves swiftly to stifle any political opposition or hint of dissent, severely restricting freedom of speech and assembly.

As the future of Next Digital hangs in the balance by Chans continued investigation, so too does Hong Kong residents access to an independent press and the reality of a free, democratic society.
The long convoy of buses and vans finally stirred into motion. It was some more time yet before it came our turn to merge into the procession and start the trip through Port Said toward Cairo and the pyramids.

(Pic from the internet)

The highway we were traveling on traversed on the eastern edge of the Nile Delta. The surrounding terrain reminded me of the time when we visited Fort Lauderdale, where I stood in awe at the vast and totally flat southern Florida coastal plain, uninterrupted for miles and endless miles, stretching in all directions to the horizon. Unlike the Florida plain, though, the land here was heavily cultivated. Farming communities, all cowering around their own mosques with towering minarets, dotted the right hand side of the highway. A mysterious grayish wall could be seen stretching endlessly along, and keeping a good distance from, the highway on the left side. We drove for the most part on the highway, which was of okay quality at first, but gradually deteriorated to a somewhat rundown condition as we got closer to Cairo's much heavier traffic. Occasionally, our van veered onto local roads, either for shortcuts or to circumvent pay stations.

(Pic from the internet)

It became immediately clear that Mo'men was a well trained tour guide. No sooner had the van started moving than he launched into a nonstop offering of facts and explanations about Egypt in general and about what our van was passing by at any given moment. His narration kept us from nodding off during a few boring stretches of the trip. Of all the information he generously doled out to us, I found most interesting the part about the Suez Canal, which ran side-by-side with our road for the first one-third of our journey.

(Pic from the internet)

Suez and Port Said are both coastal towns in Egypt; Suez is on the Red Sea, Port Said overlooks the Mediterranean. While the distance on land between the two is only about 150 km, to travel from one to the other by sea, without the benefit of the canal, one would have to skirt the entire African continent. The first waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean was created by ancient Egyptians around 2,000 B.C., who dug a canal connecting the Red Sea with the Nile which enters into the Mediterranean. The canal allowed the passage of light sail boats, either pulled along by horses or camels or rowed. Though poorly constructed by today's standards, it was kept in use for more than a thousand years before it dried out and was silted up by the sand constantly swept around by the great desert winds.

A new canal was contemplated in the 18th century, but the idea was nipped in the bud because there was thought to be a 30-foot difference between the levels of the Red and Mediterranean Seas, which would require the construction of large and costly locks.

(Pic from the internet)

Interest in a waterway was rekindled in the 19th century by some Frenchmen. Chief among them was Linant de Bellefonds, who had become chief engineer of Egypt's Public Works. He and Mougel, a hydraulics engineer, surveyed the Isthmus of Suez and planned out a direct line from Suez to Peluse, crossing Lake Timsah and the Bitter Lakes, totaling 147Km in length. For his part, Bourdaloue established that the difference in levels between the two seas was so small as to be negligible.

(Pic from the internet)

A French diplomat and engineer, Ferdinand de Lesseps, then convinced the Egyptian viceroy Said Pasha to support the building of a canal. In 1858, the Universal Suez Ship Canal Company was formed and given the right to begin construction of the canal and operate it for 99 years. Construction of the Suez Canal officially began on April 25, 1859. It opened ten years later on November 17, 1869 at a cost of $100 million. Some sources estimate that over 30,000 people were working on the canal at any given period, that altogether more than 1.5 million people from various countries were employed, and that thousands of laborers died on the project. Forced labor of Egyptian workers was even used for a period of time, and this practice of slavery was stopped only due to British objection. One should not be so quick to interpret the British opposition as purely based on humanitarian concerns, though. Throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, Britain was in competition, and frequently in conflict, with France in the eastern Mediterranean. The British feared the alterations in the status quo that the Canal apparently would bring. They specifically feared that a canal open to everyone might interfere with its India trade and, therefore, preferred, and eventually built, a connection by train from Alexandria via Cairo to Suez. In truth, the British could not be blamed for being paranoid; Napoleon, after all, had conquered Egypt for exactly that purpose: to undermine Britain's access to its trade interests in India and to establish a French presence in the Middle East, with the ultimate dream of linking with a Muslim enemy of the British in India.

(Pic from the internet)
Jamie Spears, the father of pop star Britney Spears, was today removed from her conservatorship in what CNN describes as a legal victory in her "fight to regain control of her life." Control of Britney, placed under a conservatorship 13 years ago after a reported mental health crisis, amounts to control of her $60m fortunea sharpener and a sweetener for the myriad of personae deeply interested in her wellbeing.

Mathew Rosengart, attorney for Britney Spears, described the elder Spears as a "cruel, toxic and abusive man," adding his client wants him out "today." "Britney deserves to wake up tomorrow without her father as her conservator," Rosengart said. "It is what my client wants, it what my client needs, it is what my client deserves." He cited behavior he called "unfathomable," based on reporting by the New York Times. Rosengart accused the elder Spears of placing a recording device in his daughter's bedroom, an allegation a representative for Jamie Spears did not respond to when previously contacted by CNN.

It strikes me as crude and offensive to describe what she has experienced as "slavery", but there is something tres americain about the government's responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable resulting in years of inescapable indenture.
After the Apollo moon landings, the White House gifted tiny samples of moon rocks to the 50 states and many countries. They were encased in acrylic and mounted on a wooden plaque. Weirdly, some of these space souvenirs were lost over the years but fortunately nearly all were eventually tracked down. Most recently, Louisiana's misplaced moon rock from the Apollo 17 mission of 1972 turned up in a most unusual place: a Florida man had bought it at a garage sale intending to turn the nice wood plaque into gun stocks. From CollectSpace:

The buyer, who requested to remain anonymous but resides in Merritt Island, near Cape Canaveral, said that he had likely purchased the plaque at a garage sale sometime over the past 15 years.

"I can't even tell you how long I owned it for," the man told collectSPACE after reaching out for information through a common contact. "I'm not even sure how much I paid for it. I buy plaques because I take the wood from the plaques and I send it over to my gunstock guy and he makes grips for my Colts and so forth."[]



"I started reading it and thought, 'Hmm, that's a little strange.'" said the man who had bought the plaque at a garage sale. "So I went to the internet and found out, 'Oh! They are looking for this puppy.'"[]

After realizing what he had, the Florida man who had bought the goodwill moon rock reached out to the Louisiana's governor office. From there, he was directed to Louisiana State Museum.

"They wanted me to mail it out to them," the man recalled. "I said, 'I'm not mailing this thing out to you. I will hand deliver it,' and with that said, that is what I did."
Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) recently spoke at the North Carolina Faith & Freedom Coalition's "Salt & Light Conference" where he said historical inaccurate things about Christianity to an adoring crowd.

Rafi Schwartz, who describes himself as a "person who actually paid money to a major university to receive a degree in religious studies," said Cawthorn not only invoked "expressly Jewish figures as upholding 'Christian principles'" but also cited horrifically violent stories from the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible as models of the Christian theocracy Cawthor is striving to install in the United States.

From Mic:

We can concede Cawthorn's initial point that the stories do, indeed, involve the intersection of theology and politics. But otherwise, I'm not convinced Cawthorn could name a Christian principle actually on display there: King David was violent adulterer whose reign was defined by the murder of his romantic rival and a brief stint as the head of a straight-up protection racket. The Book of Esther (Do you think Cawthorn knows it's the only book in the Hebrew bible that doesn't actually mention God?) is less "political intrigue" than it is a gleeful celebration of rampant sex and horrifying mass murder. The Book of Daniel is a hodgepodge of divine punishment and apocalyptic imagery. To the extent that any of the examples offered by Cawthorn are endorsements of mixing God and governance, they do so with maximum bloodshed and anguish. Of course, perhaps that's what Cawthorn is really going for here: conditioning his followers to accept a measure of political violence in the name of divine righteousness.

It could also come down to sheer intellectual laziness. Cawthorn after all, "dropped out of the college after a single semester of mostly D's," reports The Washington Post.

Here's a short list of Cawthorn's exemplary GOP morals:

In August 2020, during Cawthorn's campaign for Congress, several women came forward accusing him of sexually aggressive behavior, sexual misconduct, and sexual assault." [Wikipedia]

Cawthorn claimed he was accepted to attend the United States Naval Academy in 2014 but his plans were "derailed by an automobile accident that left him partially paralyzed. However, the Naval Academy rejected him before the accident, something Cawthorn only admitted in a lawsuit deposition.[Wikipedia]

He claimed to have worked as a full-time staffer for Rep. Mark Meadows, which was a lie. His position was part-time. [Wikipedia]

Cawthorn told the Christian inspirational podcast The Heal, "I had an opportunity for the Paralympics for track and field." But The Nation says Cawthorn did not have that opportunity, nor does it appear he took any meaningful steps that would have led him there."

Cawthorn "helped incite the U.S. Capitol invasion with a Jan. 6 speech that lied about election fraud and stoked anger, then less than 24 hours later said the president's election falsehoods played a role in the riot while claiming his own, similar election lies weren't a factor. Cawthorn wasn't alone in that kind of whiplash-inducing pivot, but he was the only lawmaker calling for unity after Jan. 6 who also sold "Cry more, lib" T-shirts on his website. (He later removed the listing.)" [Charlotte Observer]

"Cawthorn's account of the 2014 wreck  which he presented publicly in the chapel of his Christian college in Virginia three years later  was that a close friend had crashed the car in which he was a passenger, leaving him to die 'in a fiery tomb,' The Washington Post reported over the weekend. But the friend, Bradley Ledford, told the newspaper in his first public comments about the crash that he pulled Cawthorn from the wreckage. 'It hurt very badly that he would say something as false as that,' Ledford told the paper. 'That is not at all what happened. I pulled him out of the car the second that I was able to get out of the car.'" [HuffPost]

I could go on, but you get the picture.

[image: By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America  Madison Cawthorn, CC BY-SA 2.0]
Switzerland became Charlie Chaplins home after he was hounded out of the U.S. in 1952, so its perhaps fitting that the Zurich Film Festival hosted the European premiere of feature documentary The Real Charlie Chaplin.

Playing in the festivals documentary competition section, The Real Charlie Chaplin is an innovative montage of film clips, behind-the-scenes footage, newly-unearthed audio recordings, dramatic reconstructions and personal archive about cinemas first and arguably greatest icon  tracing his meteoric rise from the slums of Victorian London to Hollywood stardom and eventual banishment.

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The darker side of Chaplins life is explored too, from the treatment of his ex-wives (his second wife Lita Grey was just 15 when their relationship began) to his eccentric working methods.

The film is directed by Peter Middleton and James Spinney, whose acclaimed 2016 debut feature doc Notes on Blindness won the British Independent Film Award for Best Documentary Film. That doc caught the eye of producer Ben Limberg, who had secured access from Chaplins estate to his personal archives, including his home movies.

Both Middleton and Spinney live in South London, not far from where Chaplin grew up and first trained to be acrobat. They were drawn to the project as a chance to explore Chaplins remarkable rags to riches tale, and his status as the first modern celebrity. He starts making films in 1914, and within two years he is the most famous person in the world  and famous in a way that no one had been before, says Spinney. It feels like theres a direct line from there to today. He was the first person who people felt they had a relationship with that was mediated through a screen.

Story continues

For Middleton, the way that Chaplains films and creative output map onto the events of his lifetime were also appealing. As well as becoming the first modern celebrity in the 1910s and cementing his reputation in the 1920s, his films of the 1930s  such as Modern Times  respond to the politics and economics of the era. In the 1940s he confronts Hitler and fascism with The Great Dictator, before being branded a communist and banned from the U.S. in the 1950s.

All of this, of course, has been explored in great detail in countless Chaplin books and documentaries before. We were conscious that we had to try and approach it from a different angle, and to find a fresh perspective, says Spinney, explaining that they wanted to make a film that could both be an entry point for people who knew of Chaplin but werent familiar with his work, while offering something new to Chaplin aficionados. We also wanted to try to do something that reflected how puzzling, fascinating and difficult to access we found Chaplin himself.

This explains why the doc begins with a quote from Chaplins friend Max Eastman, which suggests that there is an unknowable quality to Chaplin. Enjoy any Charlie Chaplin you have the good luck to encounter, Eastman wrote. But dont try to link them up to anything you can grasp. There are too many of them.

The deeper we went into it, the more versions of Chaplin we found, says Spinney. So we tried to find a form that was quite restless.

Finding narrator Pearl Mackie was a breakthrough, says Middleton. Mackie acts as warm, playful almost Puck-ish guide for the audience just sitting on their shoulder, edging it in different directions, he says.

Three key dramatic reconstructions, based on rediscovered audio recordings, also anchor the documentary. One is based on a recently rediscovered interview with Chaplins childhood friend, Effie Wisdom, who grew up with him in South London. In a glorious, almost Dickensian, cockney accent, she tells the film historian Kevin Brownlow how Chaplin used to talk like me. Common. Its the accent Chaplin later abandoned in the States.

Another re-enacts the notorious 1947 press conference for Monsieur Verdoux where reporters harangued the actor about his alleged communist sympathies. Only a fragment of this audio recording had been archived but a long search led the filmmakers to the original reels in a garage in San Francisco.

Middleton says these reconstructions create present tense pockets within the film in which the audience has an opportunity to settle in a little bit more, because it is so restless at times  a sort of kaleidoscopic tumble. Just, it might be said, like Charlie Chaplin himself.

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Workforce Readiness

New College-Business Partnership to Boost Hispanic Students' STEM Aspirations

California's San Jose City College (SJCC) has teamed up with the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) to address the challenges Hispanic students have in staying with and graduating from college and forging good careers in the technology segment. The joint program will combine education and training with mentoring and professional development, with the goal of increasing student retention, graduation and employment rates.

Nearly half of SJCC students are Hispanic  47 percent in fall 2020, according to IPEDS data. And currently, across the country, Hispanics make up 17 percent of the workforce, the organizations reported, but only 8 percent of the STEM workforce.

A 2019 study by the Student Research Foundation found that just 12 percent of college graduates who earned STEM degrees were Hispanic, in spite of the fact that Hispanic Americans made up more than a fifth (21 percent) of the 18- to 24-year-old population in the United States. The same research reported that Hispanic high schoolers were less likely than their White and Asian peers to take at least seven STEM courses (20 percent versus 31 percent) and were far more likely to aspire to attend community college (26 percent versus 14 percent) than four-year institutions.

STEM aspirations were nearly comparable. Half of White and Asian high schoolers aspired to STEM careers, compared to 47 percent of Hispanic students. However, confidence gaps were evident. A third of Hispanic students (33 percent) with STEM aspirations expressed high STEM confidence, compared to 40 percent of White and Asian students.

Through the new partnership, Hispanic technology leaders will serve as role models and mentors among the college's non-traditional and at-risk populations, encouraging Hispanic students, in particular, to follow through on their career goals.

"Our HITEC motto of pushing up and pulling up summarizes our key tenant of service to our community. We will be focused on collaborating with the SJCC team to support the students that are working hard to attain a degree in computer science and technology," said HITEC Foundation Chairman Ramon Baez, in a statement.

"SJCC's collaboration with HITEC is exactly what is needed to close the wage and skills gap in Silicon Valley and to open the door to technology careers for our students," added Lena Tran, SJCC's vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday questioned why the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) didnt buy COVID-19 test kits directly from the manufacturer in order to cut costs.

Hontiveros raised this during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the handling of pandemic funds. She said that instead of buying from Pharmally, the procuring agency could have gone straight to Chinese manufacturer BGI.

Australia and Chile were able to procure these test kits for much cheaper (prices) because they went straight to the manufacturer, the senator said. Even UNICEF, in its reference documents, priced those test kits lower than the price at which PS-DBM procured them.

PS-DBM Executive Director Jasonmer Uayan said there are deals between the BGI and companies in the country which prohibit direct purchases.

BGI had existing dealership agreements with local companies here. And as I understand it, if we go directly to the manufacturer, it would affect the dealership agreement," he said.

Uayan said Pharmally offered the lowest test kit prices from among the firms that had supposedly entered into a contract with the BGI.

But Hontiveros asked why there would be a different arrangement in the Philippines when there are no such deals with other nations, such as the two she mentioned.

Uayan admitted he did not see a copy of the dealership agreements himself. However, he adds, it was the Department of Health (DOH) which provided the information.

We do have a letter coming from DOH regarding that matter. If Im not mistaken it would be under the office of Asec. Nestor Santiago, he said.

When asked to confirm this, Santiago told the panel he still has to double check if his office really sent the letter.

Earlier, Santiago said nearly 8,000 government-procured COVID-19 test kits with a six-month life span had expired last year. He said he wasn't sure if all of these were delivered by Pharmally.

The Senate is probing the DOH for "deficiencies" in its management of over 67 billion pandemic response funds, as flagged by state auditors. These include the transfer of 42.4 billion to procuring agencies. Of the amount, the PS-DBM got around 41 billion, a portion of which was used to buy test kits.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday refuted claims of the camp of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. that her office bribed a witness to appear in the past Senate probe.

First, it was the witness who reached out to us. We have an e-mail thread to prove this, Hontiveros said in a statement, adding that her office vetted all information beforehand.

Wala kaming kahit anong track record ng witness tampering at witness bribery. Inaalagan namin lahat ng aming witness at whistleblower, she added.

[Translation: We dont have any track record of witness tampering and witness bribery. We take care of all our witnesses and whistleblowers.]

Hontiveros was reacting to the allegation of Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel of Pharmally director Linconn Ong, that her camp offered money in exchange for the testimony of the witness, who in the past hearing claimed that face shields procured from the firm were tampered.

The witness was supposedly a warehouse employee of Pharmally.

Topacio said it was another warehouse staff who revealed that his co-worker was bribed to give the false testimony to lawmakers.

Nabayaran siya para siraan si Ms. [Krizle] Mago at Pharmally [The witness was paid to bring down Ms. Mago and Pharmally], the other employee was quoted as saying in a video clip presented by the lawyer to the media.

In the past Senate inquiry, the witness claimed they were instructed by Pharmally to repack the face shields despite being dented and dirty. Pharmally executive Krizle Grace Mago eventually admitted that the company changed the expiration dates of some medical supplies, citing supply concern during the onset of the pandemic.

Ready to face cases

Topacio also said they are considering filing charges against Hontiveros and two of her staff over the alleged bribery.

But the senator said she is ready to face any case.

Hindi ko uurungan ang anumang kasong isasampa laban sa akin. Handa kaming harapin, sagutin at patunayan na hindi namin kailangang magbayad para sa katotohanan, Hontiveros said.

[Translation: I will not back down from any case that may be filed against me. Were ready to face, answer, and prove that we dont need to pay for the truth.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) The country's top diplomat has ordered the filing of more diplomatic protests against China amid its continued presence and activities in the West Philippine Sea.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. instructed the department to file protests over the following:

 the continued presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef;

 Beijing's "incessant and unlawful restriction of Filipino fishermen from conducting legitimate fishing activities in Bajo de Masinloc"; and

 Chinese radio challenges unlawfully issued against Philippine maritime patrols.

No further details were provided about the protests.

Locsin's move comes after the National Security Council (NSC) revealed on Wednesday that the government has monitored some 150 Chinese vessels in Philippine waters.

In a House hearing, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon  citing information from the NSC  said Beijing's maritime ships have been "doing fishing operations" and "moving from one spot to another."

The Philippines has filed a flurry of diplomatic protests against the East Asian giant over the past months, as the government continues to assert its 2016 arbitral victory in the South China Sea case.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) Opposition coalition 1Sambayan has nominated Vice President Leni Robredo as its presidential bet for the 2022 elections.

The group made the announcement in a virtual forum on Thursday.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, convenor of 1Sambayan, said Robredo was endorsed after receiving an overwhelming majority of votes among members and partners.

Carpio added the coalition followed a rigorous process in reaching the decision. The criteria for choosing the candidate? Integrity, competence, track record, patriotism, vision for our country, and winnability, he noted.

We have chosen VP Leni based on this criteria. We therefore ask VP Leni to accept our endorsement, to lead the Filipino people, Carpio said during his speech, expressing hope that the vice president will take the challenge.

Will Robredo accept?

Robredo thanked 1Sambayan for the presidential nomination, and for the trust and support thrown her way.

However, she still did not say whether she was accepting the endorsement.

Mabigat ang hinihiling sa isang pangulo. Maraming responsibilidad at obligasyon ang dala nito buhay at kinabukasan ng Pilipino ang nakataya. Ang desisyon sa pagtakbo, hindi pwedeng nakabase sa ambisyon, o sa pag-udyok ng iba, Robredo said in a statement.

Sa mga susunod na araw, samahan ninyo akong magdasal pa, that our decision will be what is best for our country, she continued.

[Translation: The president has a heavy duty. There are a lot of responsibilities and obligations that come with the job lives and the future of Filipinos are at stake. The decision to run should not be based on ambition and motivation from others. In the next days, join me in prayer, so that our decision will be what is best for our country.]

Should Robredo decline the nomination, Carpio said 1Sambayan will meet anew to discuss. The former magistrate, however, sees this as a remote possibility, citing the vice presidents former pronouncements that she was willing to help the country.

Consultations for VP, senatorial bets

Meanwhile, Carpio said that 1Sambayan has crafted a list of possible vice presidential and senatorial candidates, but noted the lineup will be finalized in consultation with its presidential bet.

We hope to complete that in time of the filing of the [COC], he stressed.

Addressing Robredos standings in recent election surveys, Carpio said it is still very early to rely on them as of the moment.

The surveys, at this time of the year, do not really reflect what happens in the elections, the former justice said.

As early as June, 1Sambayan already announced that Robredo was one of the personalities it has been eyeing to hold the torch for the opposition in next year's polls. The vice president earlier said she was not closing her doors to a possible run for the highest post.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the initial phase of vaccinating adolescents against COVID-19 will be carried out in select hospitals in Metro Manila due to the controversy that hounded dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

The coronavirus vaccines will be administered at the National Children's Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine General Hospital, and two other hospitals in the capital region beginning October, Galvez said. The reason for this is to ensure the safety of the children, he added.

"Gusto namin hospital based para sigurado tayo. Alam natin ang mga tao natin and even our medical practitioners, meron tayong takot ng Dengvaxia syndrome," Galvez said during the arrival of Pfizer vaccine delivery on Wednesday.

[Translation: We want it done in hospitals just to be sure. We know that the public and even our medical practitioners are wary because of the Dengvaxia syndrome.]

Over 800,000 young Filipino students took part in the Dengvaxia vaccination program in 2016. Drugmaker Sanofi Pasteur later reported that the vaccine was found to be riskier for people not previously infected with the virus, which prompted the Department of Health to stop the nationwide dengue immunization program.

This controversy led to low vaccine confidence in the country, which continues to hound the COVID-19 immunization program.

Galvez said this is the reason why the ongoing vaccination program will be gradually extended to children.

Although President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the inoculation of minors aged 12 to 17, Galvez said the initial focus will be on teenagers aged 15 to 17 with health risks and those who are living with healthcare workers.

"Very cautious ang gagawin sa children's vaccination," he said. "Gagawin natin itong dahan-dahan, phased, at incremental... Slowly and surely. 'Yung safety naandon."

[Translation: We will be very cautious when it comes to children's vaccination. We will do it slowly, in a phased and incremental manner. Slowly and surely so we can ensure safety.]

Allaying apprehensions, Galvez vouched for the safety and efficacy of all COVID-19 vaccines in the country. He said vaccination of adolescents has been safely and successfully carried out in the United States.

"I would like to make an appeal to our public na gagawin po namin lahat to make sure that our vaccination will be safe. Iyong safety measures ay i-implement po natin," he said the next day during the arrival of over 1.2 milion doses of Moderna vaccine.

[Translation: I would like to address the public that we will do everything to make sure that our vaccination will be safe. We will implement all safety measures.]

Vaccine supply

The DOH on Wednesday said vaccine supply is also one of the reasons why the government is opting to vaccinate children against COVID-19 on a staggered basis.

Galvez said 15 million doses of Pfizer and 5 to 7 million doses of Moderna are expected to arrive in the country in October. These are the only brands that have received an approval from the Food and Drug Administration to be used on minors.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said his city is saving its Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allot them for children once the pilot run rolls out.

Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro, meanwhile, said Metro Manila mayors are asking the government to provide them with the inventory of vaccines that will be administered to minors so they can prepare their resources.

He added the request includes the deployment of more pediatricians, social workers, and other resources to ensure the safety of children.

The Health department said parents or guardians must give an informed consent for children who will get vaccinated. They must also present a medical certificate proving the minor has comorbidities.

The final and detailed guidelines have yet to be released by concerned agencies.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Tourism are hoping that the new alert level system will be expanded and implemented in other parts of the country.

NEDA Secretary Karl Chua said the implementation of the alert level system with granular lockdowns has not only helped in lowering COVID-19 infections, it has also allowed employees to return to their jobs.

Ang kailangan po natin gawin ngayon ay, i-expand ito, expand the pilot at matuto po tayo sa ating experiences sa ibat ibang lugar ng Pilipinas, he said during a Palace briefing on Thursday.

[Translation: What we should do now is to expand the implementation and learn from our experiences in other areas of the country.]

At iyan sa tingin ko yung ating solusyon kasi hindi talaga puwedeng bumalik sa whole country or whole region lockdown...tayo ay kailangang matutong to live with this virus, he added.

[Translation: I think thats the solution because we cannot place again the whole country or a whole region under lockdown...we need to live with the virus.]

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the scheme is more lenient on economic activities.

Gusto natin ito sa buong Pilipinas. Kami confident kasi ang maganda dito kahit nasa Alert Level 4, kahit papaano, pwede ang dine-inpwedeng pumunta sa outdoor tourist attractions, Romulo-Puyat said Thursday in a Laging Handa briefing.

[Translation: We want this for the whole Philippines. We are confident because what is good about this is, somehow, dine-in and going to outdoor tourist attractions are allowed].

Romulo-Puyat said the Tourism department has been coordinating with local governments in the capital region, which is testing out the alert level system, to ensure the establishments' compliance with new rules.

She assured that businesses have been following protocols.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has yet to make an announcement on the fate of the alert level system, as its pilot run in Metro Manila ends on Thursday. Romulo-Puyat, who is part of the IATF, said members of the pandemic task force will have a meeting on Thursday afternoon.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David earlier said there was no huge spike in new cases since Metro Manila shifted to Alert Level 4 of the five-step status system two weeks ago. He noted the recent downtrend in new infections in Metro Manila, citing compliance with health protocols and the high COVID-19 vaccination coverage as among the possible reasons behind the decline.
(CNN)  CNN says it will no longer publish content to Facebook in Australia. The decision comes after the country's highest court ruled that media companies are liable for comments people post under articles on the platform.

Earlier this month, the High Court of Australia dismissed an argument brought by three major Australian news organizations that they could not be held responsible for comments people post on their Facebook news pages. The news outlets had appealed a lower court ruling.

After that ruling, CNN approached Facebook and asked if the tech firm would "support CNN and other publishers by disabling the comment functionality on their platform in Australia," a CNN spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Facebook "chose not to do so."

"We are disappointed that Facebook, once again, has failed to ensure its platform is a place for credible journalism and productive dialogue around current events among its users," the CNN spokesperson said, adding that the media outlet will continue to publish on its own platforms in Australia.

Facebook does allow people and publishers with Pages to turn off comments to posts, or otherwise limit the ability for people to comment to selected Pages and profiles  a feature the company announced in March.

In this case, CNN asked Facebook to offer a Page-wide setting to turn off comments in Australia, according to a CNN source. Instead, Facebook provided instructions for how the media organization could disable comments post by post.

A Facebook spokesperson said in a statement that the company supports the "ongoing reform of Australia's defamation law framework" and looks forward to "greater clarity and certainty in this area."

"While it's not our place to provide legal guidance to CNN, we have provided them with the latest information on tools we make available to help publishers manage comments," the spokesperson said.

The case the High Court ruled on began with a defamation lawsuit filed by a former detainee in the Australian youth detention system. His treatment at a detention center made him the center of a 2016 abuse scandal, and he later sued Fairfax Media Publications, Nationwide News and Australian News Channel because comments made on their Facebook pages accused him of crimes his attorney says he did not commit.

The media companies argued that they shouldn't be held responsible for user comments, appealing that particular issue all the way to the High Court. In its dismissal of the argument brought by the media organizations, the High Court wrote earlier this month that the "appellants' attempt to portray themselves as passive and unwitting victims of Facebook's functionality has an air of unreality."

"Having taken action to secure the commercial benefit of the Facebook functionality, the appellants bear the legal consequences," the High Court wrote, adding that the appeals court "was correct to hold that the acts of the appellants in facilitating, encouraging and thereby assisting the posting of comments by the third-party Facebook users rendered them publishers of those comments."

The High Court's ruling did not resolve the underlying defamation case against the publishers, which has since returned to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

It's been a contentious year for Australia and Big Tech. In February, Facebook suddenly blocked people from seeing or sharing news in the country after months of tension with the Australian government, which had proposed legislation that would force tech platforms to pay news publishers for content.

Facebook eventually restored news pages in Australia after the government agreed on changes to the planned media code. The tech company said those changes would allow it to retain greater control over what appears on its platform.
(CNN)  Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected former top diplomat Fumio Kishida as its new leader on Wednesday after a tightly contested race that ended in a runoff vote  clearing a path for him to become the country's next Prime Minister.

Kishida is widely expected to take the reins of the world's third-largest economy once Parliament convenes in October, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, owing to the LDP's majority in the lower house. The general election is expected to be held later this year.

In a speech following his victory, Kishida said he will "start running at full speed" to work toward "a bright future for Japan."

Kishida, 64, will inherit a Japan that has suffered surging Covid-19 infections, with numerous states of emergency, and rising frustration among businesses over a pathway out of the pandemic.

A moderate liberal regarded as a stabilizing hand, he will also steer Japan's foreign and domestic policy, defining relations with China, the United States and other regional partners, and will shape the country's stance on defense, the economy and social issues.

"Japan's national crisis will continue. We must continue our efforts with the desperate determination to take measures against Covid-19," Kishida said in his speech Wednesday.

"In addition, we must firmly develop economies of scale of several tens of trillions by the end of the year," he added. "Beyond that, there are many important issues related to Japan's future, such as new capitalism, the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and measures against the declining birthrate."

The LDP leadership race was the most unpredictable in decades, and none of the four candidates -- Kishida, vaccine minister Taro Kono, internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi and House of Representatives member Seiko Noda -- received a majority in the initial vote.

After the runoff, Kishida received a total of 257 votes -- from 249 Parliament members and eight rank-and-file members -- to defeat Kono, who secured a total of 170 votes.

During campaigning, candidates were split on key issues such as Covid-19 restrictions, gay marriage, renewable energy, the economy and security. It was also the first time the LDP elections have fielded multiple female candidates -- rare in a country where women are vastly underrepresented in politics, with just 14% of parliamentary seats occupied by women.

Kishida served as the country's foreign minister from 2012 to 2017, under Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

Abe, whose second term lasted for eight years, stepped down last September due to health issues.

Suga assumed the top role but announced earlier this month he would not run in his party's leadership election following a turbulent term marked by a slump in public support as he struggled to contain the coronavirus.

Analysts say Kishida is seen as a consensus builder who represents stability. This was his second bid to become LDP leader.

"Japanese people think about stability and preventing radical change. Kishida represents (sustainability) and stability," said Stephen Nagy, professor of international relations at Tokyo's International Christian University, adding that Japanese CEOs see Kishida as the more favorable choice.

Kishida campaigned on narrowing the income gap, saying the eponymous economic policies of Abe -- known as "Abenomics" -- failed to "trickle down" from the rich to the poor. He has said nuclear energy should be considered as a clean energy option, and proposed a hefty economic recovery package.

Analysts say the question now is whether Kishida will be a lasting leader, or whether Japan will return to a period of political instability similar to that of the pre-Abe era.

"Whether you like Abe or not, he had eight years in power to refine policies. We saw some positive changes in terms of corporate governance, women in the economy, migration policy, but it's because they were pushed through over time," Nagy said. "Will this be a revolving door of premiership, or will this be a leader in power for four to five years that can make all those changes?"

Kishida won the runoff against Kono, 58, Japan's popular vaccine minister who has also served as the country's foreign and defense minister.

Though historic that two women candidates -- Takiichi, 60, and Noda, 61 -- ran in the LDP elections, neither garnered enough support to become Japan's first female Prime Minister.
(CNN)  The first NASA mission to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroid swarms is getting ready to launch.

The Lucy mission has passed all of its prelaunch tests and is set to leave Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at around 5:30 a.m. ET on October 16.

The Trojan asteroids, which borrow their name from Greek mythology, orbit the sun in two swarms  one that's ahead of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, and a second one that lags behind it.

Lucy is the first spacecraft designed to visit and observe these asteroids, which are remnants from the early days of our solar system. The mission will help researchers effectively peer back in time to learn how the solar system formed 4.5 billion years ago.

Lucy's 12-year mission could also help scientists learn how our planets ended up in their current spots.

There are about 7,000 Trojan asteroids, and the largest is 160 miles (250 kilometers) across. The asteroids represent the leftover material still hanging around after the giant planets in our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, formed. Even though they share an orbit with Jupiter, the asteroids are still very distant from the planet itself -- almost as far away as Jupiter is from the sun, according to NASA.

"With Lucy, we're going to eight never-before-seen asteroids in 12 years with a single spacecraft," said Tom Statler, Lucy project scientist at NASA Headquarters, in a statement. "This is a fantastic opportunity for discovery as we probe into our solar system's distant past."

The spacecraft is set to fly by an asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and then it will explore seven of the Trojans. Over the course of its mission, Lucy will end up swinging back to Earth's orbit three separate times for gravity assists that can slingshot it on the right path. That will make Lucy the first spacecraft to travel to Jupiter and return to Earth.

"Launching a spacecraft is almost like sending a child off to college -- you've done what you can for them to get them ready for that next big step on their own," said Hal Levison, the principal investigator of the Lucy mission, based at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, in a statement.

The mission borrows its name from the Lucy fossil, the remains of an ancient human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. The skeleton has helped researchers piece together aspects of human evolution, and the NASA Lucy team members hope their mission will achieve a similar feat regarding the history of our solar system.

"We view these objects as being the fossils of planet formation," Levison said.

Both the fossil and the mission are a nod to the Beatles tune, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," which is why the logo for the Lucy mission includes a diamond.

The Lucy spacecraft is more than 46 feet (14 meters) from tip to tip, largely due to its giant solar panels -- each about the width of a school bus -- designed to keep up a power supply to the spacecraft's instruments. But Lucy also has fuel to help it execute some skilled maneuvers on the way to the asteroids.

Over 12 years, Lucy will travel nearly 4 billion miles (6,437,376,000 kilometers) moving at about 400,000 miles per hour (17,881.6 meters per second).

Lucy will specifically visit these asteroids, all named for heroes you might recognize from Homer's "The Illiad": Eurybates, Queta, Polymele, Leucus, Orus, Patroclus and Menoetius.

Though it's not one of the Trojans, Eurybates was chosen because it's the largest remnant of an ancient massive collision, meaning that it could reveal a look at what's inside an asteroid. Observations made using the Hubble Space Telescope revealed that the small asteroid named Queta is a satellite of Eurybates.

Each of the asteroids Lucy will fly by differ in size and color.

"Amazingly, many of these mysterious worlds have been altered very little in the 4.6 billion years since they first formed," said Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters."The relatively pristine state makes comets, asteroids and some meteorites wonderful storytellers that have preserved clues they can share with us about conditions in the early solar system."

Lucy will use three science instruments to study the asteroids, including color and black-and-white cameras, a thermometer, and an infrared imaging spectrometer to determine the composition of the asteroids' surface materials. The spacecraft will communicate with Earth using its antenna, which also can be used to help determine the masses of the asteroids.

Once the Lucy mission has finished, the spacecraft will remain in a stable orbit that retraces the path of its exploration between Earth and Jupiter, and it won't have a chance of colliding with either for over 100,000 years. Eventually, if the orbit does grow unstable, it will likely head on a doomed mission to the sun or get kicked out of our solar system.

This story was first published on CNN.com NASA's Lucy mission will observe the earliest 'fossils' of the solar system
(CNN)  A Tibetan-style cafe set up in Edinburgh, Scotland after its owner's chance encounter with the Dalai Lama has been saved from closure by a successful crowdfunding campaign.

When Reka Gawa's landlord told her of his plans to retire and sell up, she feared she would have to close the cafe, which had become a neighborhood favorite.

Gawa, who is of Tibetan heritage, was born in a small town called Mussoorie in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, where she lived until she was 13. The family then emigrated to Denmark, and nine years later Gawa moved to the Scottish capital.

It was while working as a waitress at the Scottish Parliament in 2004 that she had a chance encounter with the world's best-known living Buddhist figure.

"One of my morning rituals was to offer coffee to the presiding officer, Sir George Reid," Gawa told CNN in a phone interview. "He would always ask how things were going and was very interested in my Tibetan background.

"That morning he said His Holiness the Dalai Lama was visiting the Scottish Parliament and asked if I would like to meet him."

The Dalai Lama is the Buddhist spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He has been living in exile in India since a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, and regularly travels the world to spread his message of tolerance and peace.

"I was so emotional -- he was my spiritual leader but I had never met him in person," said Gawa. "The meeting only lasted a few minutes but it changed my life completely."

She recalled: "He told me during that short meeting 'you are Tibetan, you are living in the West -- it's very important for you to promote your Tibetan culture.'"

Some time later, Gawa left her job, deciding to follow the Dalai Lama's advice by setting up the Himalaya cafe in 2007. Today it operates not just as a cafe but as a store and therapy center, while also offering training opportunities for local young people.

Gawa's regulars -- among them members of the homeless community, whom she feeds free of charge -- know her for Tibetan specialities,including momos (dumplings) and thukpa (Tibetan soup), as well as her ever-popular chai tea.

Located in the Newington district of Edinburgh, close to the city's university, the Himalaya is popular with locals, students, tourists and other members of the British Tibetan community -- which numbers around 1,000, according to the Dalai Lama's Office of Tibet agency in London.

When Gawa's landlord announced plans to sell, she was offered first refusal. The mother-of-two took out a loan from her bank and gathered investments from family and friends, but there was still a $60,000 shortfall. So she launched a crowdfunding appeal to cover the shortfall of $60,000.

Gawa told CNN she has been "overwhelmed" by support from donors around the world. Their generosity saw her not only hit her target but exceed it in the space of just three weeks. Not only can she now buy the property, but she can also pay for much-needed renovations.

"I have no words to express how happy I am. I really feel it is the blessing of His Holiness that has allowed us to continue," she said, adding: "I am so overwhelmed and really can't thank them (donors) enough, from the bottom of my heart. If they ever come to Edinburgh, I will treat them to some wonderful Tibetan meals."

Sonam Tsering Frasi, who represents the Dalai Lama in northern Europe, the Baltic states and Poland, told CNN via email that he was aware of the Himalaya cafe, which he said was used by Tibetans in the city "as a Tibetan cultural centre for meetings and social activities."

He added: "I appreciate it very much that Reka has been promoting Tibetan culture in Scotland for many years and would like to see her cafe business uninterrupted, providing the taste of Tibetan food and tranquility to the Scots in Edinburgh."

This story was first published on CNN.com This little Scottish cafe was inspired by a meeting with the Dalai Lama. Now international donations have saved it
(CNN)  The White House believes vaccine requirements for large private companies are still weeks away from being implemented, weeks after US President Joe Biden announced the new mandates were coming.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration hopes to have "more detail" on the regulations "in the coming weeks."

Asked if this signaled a delay in their rollout, Psaki said it didn't, and that an exact timeline had never been given.

"Maybe we should have been more specific at the time," she said. "Obviously it takes some time and we want to make sure when we put these out, they're clear, and they provide guidance necessary to businesses."

Earlier this month, Biden announced stringent new vaccine rules for federal workers, large employers and health care staff in a sweeping attempt to contain the latest surge of Covid-19.

He directed the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to require all businesses with 100 or more employees ensure their workers are either vaccinated or tested once a week, an expansive step the President took after consultation with administration health officials and lawyers. Companies could face thousands of dollars in fines per employee if they don't comply.

Psaki said she "couldn't give a timeline," on the regulations, but that "OSHA is working on them."

"But obviously," she continued, "hopefully we'll know more in the coming weeks."

Psaki later added that employers "should" expect the regulations to come this year.

"They should also know and understand that we're working to ensure that these rules -- regulations provide as much clarity as possible," Psaki said. "There will still be questions, every business is dealing with different challenges, but that's what they're working toward and that's what their objective is."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Vaccine requirements for large private companies still weeks away, White House says."
Page Content

The European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) met on 27 September to discuss the EU health policy and the resilience of cities. During the meeting, members also analysed how to boost consumption, increase production and further improve sustainability in the organic sector as well as in the blue economy. Both sectors can ensure a green and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting of the NAT commission started with a discussion on the EU's health policy and NAT's contribution to the Conference on the Future of Europe. During a health debate with Vytenis Andriukaitis, UNWHO Special Envoy and former Commissioner for Health, and Maria Joao Rodrigues, President of the European Foundation of Progressive Studies (FEPS) and member of the CoR High-Level Group on Democracy, local leaders shared experiences from the ground and underlined the need to strengthen EU health policy framework.

The signing ceremony of the UNDRR-CoR Joint Action Plan took place during the NAT Commission meeting. After the ceremony, Octavian Bivol, Head of UNDRR Regional Office for Europe, presented the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) campaign, a cross-stakeholder initiative to improve local resilience through advocacy, share knowledge and experiences, establish mutually reinforcing city-to-city learning networks, inject technical expertise, connect multiple layers of government and build partnerships.

The UNDRR-CoR Joint Action Plan builds on the success of the collaboration between the two institutions, which ran from 2016 to 2020. Since 2012, the CoR and the UNDRR ROE have been collaborating to promote disaster risk reduction (DRR) at local level in European countries.

The members of the NAT commission adopted the following opinions:

 Uros BREZAN (SL/GREENS) - EU action plan for organic farming

The aim of the action plan for the development of organic production is to increase the production and consumption of organic products, thereby reducing the use of fertilisers, pesticides and antimicrobials. Under three axes - increasing consumption, increasing production and further improving the sustainability of the sector - 23 actions are proposed to ensure sustainable growth. Local and regional authorities should be closely involved in both implementation and evaluation of the action plan, stressed CoR members. The opinion recommends the involvement of local and regional authorities, which will allow the specificity of each place to be taken into account, as set out in the Territorial Agenda 2030, and the needs of rural, peri-urban and urban areas across Europe to be met.

 Bronius MARKAUSKAS (LT/EA) - Sustainable blue economy and aquaculture

As aquaculture has recently become a particularly important area of the blue economy, the opinion calls for a clear definition of "sustainable aquaculture", taking into account environmental, social and economic criteria. This is a sector with considerable potential, both economically and in terms of environmental protection. It also creates jobs, offers new economic development opportunities for coastal and rural populations, and contributes to mitigate the effects of climate change and to protect ecosystems. The rapporteur calls for local authorities to be more involved in the development of aquaculture policy. He also points out that the regions need clear guidelines for sustainable aquaculture development in the EU, and a detailed action plan. The opinion advocates also reducing the administrative burden and improving competitiveness, which allows aquaculture to develop effectively.

 Birgitta Sacredeus (SE/EPP)  Europe's Beating Cancer Plan

NAT commission members attended a debate with Bartosz Arukowicz (PL/EPP), Chair of the Special committee on Beating cancer (BECA) in the European Parliament. The same day Birgitta Sacredeus discussed the CoR opinion on Europes Cancer Beating Plan at the European Parliament (Engagement of regional authorities key to address inequalities in cancer prevention and cure across Europe) .

The three opinions are to be adopted at the CoR's plenary session on 3 December 2021.

Members had an exchange of views on the upcoming opinion on a long-term vision for Rural Areas.

 Juan Manuel MORENO BONILLA (ES/EPP) - A long-term Vision for Rural Areas

As part of his work, Juanma Moreno will hold a consultation with stakeholders and discuss the long-term vision with elected representatives from local and regional authorities across Europe. Franc Bogovic (SI/EPP), Co-chair of the RUMRA & Smart Villages Intergroup in the European Parliament, and Desa Srsen, Deputy Head of Cabinet of the European Commission's Vice-President Dubravka Suica, joined the debate on the European Commission's communication on a Long-term vision for the EUs Rural Areas. Local authorities' underlined the importance of improving public transport services and connectivity, as well as deepening digital infrastructures; and diversify economic activities to new sectors in order to make rural areas more prosperous. The long-term vision should incorporate climate action and better prepare local economies for climate change, natural hazards such as fires, and economic crises. Rural areas must not be left behind, concluded the rapporteur Juanma Moreno.

Meeting documents

Watch the meeting again: webstreaming link.

More information:

 Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)

 EU action plan for organic farming

 Turning the tide on cancer: the national parliaments' view on Europe's Cancer Plan

 A long-term vision for the EUs rural areas

Contact:

Wioletta Wojewodzka

Tel. +32 (0)2 282 2289

Mobile: +32 (0)473 843 986

wioletta.wojewodzka@cor.europa.eu








Level of LatAm Crypto Interest is Lowest in Chile, Survey Finds

Plaza de las Armas square in Santiago, the capital of Chile. Source: Adobe/

Chileans are the least interested people in crypto in the Latin American region, a new survey has found  and over a quarter of the respondents say they have no idea what bitcoin (BTC) is.

In a study conducted by the LatAm-focused PR agency Sherlock Communications, 2,700 people from across the region were surveyed, with a focus on Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile.

But while just 74% of Chileans said they recognized BTC, that number was as high as 92% in Argentina.

In fact, Argentines appear to be more crypto-savvy than many other countries in the world, with 41% of respondents saying they had heard of the number one altcoin token ethereum (ETH). A further 30% of Argentina-based respondents said they knew litecoin (LTC), too, with 16% also saying they knew what dogecoin (DOGE) was.

By contrast, between 10%-18% of Chileans said they knew about any of these coins.

When it comes to actually making investments in crypto, however, Chileans are far more crypto-cautious than any of their neighbors and near-neighbors.

Just 7% of Colombians said that they had no interest in crypto, with the same figure climbing to 12% in Brazil and a more sizeable 17% of Chileans.

In all five nations, roughly a third of respondents said they wanted their governments to introduce more crypto-related regulations. But Chileans were the most skeptical of the lot when it came to assessing El Salvadors decision to adopt BTC as legal tender.

Well over half of the Brazilians, Mexicans, and Colombians surveyed said they supported El Salvadors BTC move, with 48% of Brazilian respondents saying that they wanted Brazil to adopt bitcoin as legal tender as well.

Chile was the outlier in this respect, with only 36% of those surveyed believing El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele had made the right choice.

Over a quarter of those surveyed stated that they did not have enough money to make crypto investments, but almost half claimed that crypto could be a powerful tool in making international money transfers and exchanging fiat currencies.

In summer this year, the Chilean opposition leader Giorgio Jackson, of the Democratic Revolution party, urged the government to officially recognize crypto as an asset class and admitted to owning an unspecified amount of ETH.

_____

Learn more:

- El Salvadors Bitcoin Mining Volcanode Takes its First Steps

- What Are Salvadorans Doing with their USD 30 Bitcoin Giveaways?



- Uruguay Regulator Suggests that Crypto-Real Estate Exchanges Are Possible

- Colombian Bank Begins Second Phase of its Crypto Pilot with Exchanges



- Pay Tax on Your Bitcoin Profits or Face Punishment, Mexican Auditor Warns

- Chinese, Taiwanese Bitcoin Miners Eyeing Paraguay Move
More Crypto Regulation May Be on its Way in South Korea, Japan

Source: Adobe/ MOBY

A South Korean regulatory chief has renewed calls for stronger crypto sector policing, but an industry association has warned that billions of USD worth of damages could follow if crypto-only exchanges are allowed to go bust.

According to Seoul Finance, the new Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Koh Seung-beom announced that he would seek to strengthen the monitoring of crypto exchanges to ensure that they return customer deposits in a timely manner and follow other regulatory protocols.



Koh was speaking to reporters after meeting with the heads of eight policy and financial institutions at Seoul, where he discussed crypto and other matters.



Koh was quoted as stating:

The Financial Intelligence Unit [a regulatory agency that answers to the FSC] cryptoasset-related labor resources have been increased and a cryptoasset inspection department has been established. We will check with the FIU to see if we are on the right track.

But the industry is doing what it can to push back against regulatory policies that have seen all but four of South Koreas crypto exchanges close or limit their services to crypto-only operations in the past few days. News1 quoted the head of the Korea Blockchain Enterprise Promotion Association as urging politicians to support a private members bill in parliament that would seek to unpick the current regulations and open the door for crypto exchanges that have no bank affiliations to offer fiat KRW trading.

The association was quoted as stating that the government and regulators had ignored the will of the National Assembly, industry experts and the media, allowing only large corporations to offer crypto exchange services.

It added that it was a bitter pill to swallow for the 39 medium-sized exchanges who had also invested billions of KRW to build various systems and to obtain information security management system certification  only to be told they had to switch to crypto-only business.

Trading figures have shriveled at most non-big four exchanges in the days following last weeks regulatory deadline.

Allowing these exchanges to go out of business could compromise the holdings of up to USD 8.4bn worth of customer funds, the association warned.

Meanwhile, across the sea to the East, Japanese regulators have been urged to limit or police peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto transactions.

Per Nikkei, legal experts have claimed that direct [crypto] transactions between individuals have emerged as a hotbed of crime.

The media outlet noted that the regulatory Financial Services Agency monitors transactions through exchanges, but mainstream interpersonal transactions are not monitored.

Experts called for a crypto fraud deterrent, and added that a joint public-private sector collaboration was required to create, improve and spread the technical capabilities of tracking software.

____

Learn more:

- Trading Volumes Collapse at Most S Korean Crypto Exchanges, New Restrictions Confirmed

- Crypto in Chaos, but Blockchain-powered Pay and Stablecoins Thrive in S Korea



- South Korean Ruling Party Squabbles over Crypto Tax

- South Korean Taxman to Be Granted Right to Search Crypto Tax Evaders Homes



- Japanese Regulator Has NFTs, IEOs in its Sights as it Eyes More Crypto Regulation

- Bank of Japan Identifies DeFi Pros & Cons, Mentions Uniswap, Yield Farming
IT Infrastructure

Naval Postgraduate School tests 5G maritime solutions

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and AT&T will develop and test 5G and edge computing-based maritime solutions for potential use in national defense and homeland security.

Under a three-year collaborative research and development agreement, high-speed, low-latency AT&T 5G networking and edge computing capabilities will support 5G-focused experiments incorporating artificial intelligence, data analytics, the internet of things, machine learning, robotics and smart base solutions. Experiments will be conducted as part of NPS Sea Land Air Military Research (SLAMR) program, which facilitates maritime experiments with emerging technologies in different physical environments, at its main campus and a beach lab in Monterey Bay, Calif.

The work started in July 2020 and ends in July 2023, with 5G expected to go live in the middle of 2022.

We provide expertise related to the operational environment and problem set, said Ray Buettner, associate professor of information science at NPS. AT&T brings in their networking expertise, and then together with other companies and industry and governmental entities and universities, well go after some of the hard problems and hopefully accelerate new capabilities for the warfighter.

An example of those hard problems is navigating a large environment in a conflict with, say, China, Buettner said. The Pacific Ocean is vast and more than 2,000 islands are scattered around the region.

We have to learn to learn to create bubbles, if you will, of consistent, reliable communications and connect to computing assets, especially if they want to take advantage of things like artificial intelligence that are closer to the warfighter, to the battlefield, he said. To go after those kind of problems, we need to really understand the potential of technology like 5G and network companies like AT&T.

Although 5G is relatively short-range, reaching about 1,500 feet from a tower, Buettner said he believes it can be useful for integrating those bubbles to support activities such as virtual reality and AI on vessels at sea. For instance, a 5G node could be put on a buoy, and the natural motion of the waves could generate the electricity to power the node.

Another area of study is control of drones and other autonomous aerial, surface and underwater systems.

In 2017, NPS was leading the world in developing drones, he said. We actually demonstrated the capability to fly swarms of up to 50 vehicles, each one completely independent and operating on its own  no human operators, Buettner said. But the networking technology to support large-scale deployment of that really wasnt sufficient in the 4G world.

Whats really important is the autonomy  unmanned and uncrewed vehicles  that are able to now connect at higher speeds with lower latency on these 5G networks, added Lance Spencer, client executive vice president-defense at AT&T. That helps as they want to improve the command and control of vehicles over the water.

For SLAMR, signals are not going to be sent underwater because the physics of that are totally different, he said. This exercise about the ability of aerial and submergible vehicles to connect when on the surface or in the air.

SLAMRs goal is to create a command and aquatics operations facility for localized, unmanned aerial, surface and underwater robotic vehicle activity. That facility and its experimental vehicles would be connected and powered by AT&T networking capabilities.

This is not the Defense Departments first foray into 5G. In October 2020, it announced a $600 million contract for 5G experimentation and testing at five installations, including smart warehousing at Naval Base San Diego. On Sept. 21, DOD tapped Verizon Public Sector to deliver its 5G Ultra Wideband mobility service to seven Air Force Reserve Commands.

I think the value of a lot of this prototyping and experimentation and collaboration that were seeing in DOD -- and that NPS is clearly taking a leadership position on -- will prove the viability of providing [5G] capability, Spencer said. This research project will create a wider aperture to perhaps deploy at more of a scale, applying the lessons to any industry that relies on safe passage across water such as commercial, transportation, shipping, oil and gas, he said.

This article first appeared on GCN, a Defense Systems partner site.
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The tower business spin-off planned by telecommunications giant America Movil has got the green light from the companys shareholders, who have overwhelmingly approved the plan.

In an extraordinary general meeting, they gave what is described as a strong endorsement for the spin-off proposal, which will create a new company called Sitios Latinoamerica. America Movil has already said that it expects to complete the reorganization before the end of 2021.

Upon completion, the new entity will own 36,000 telecommunications towers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay.

According to Reuters, America Movil will hand over to the new company a portion of its share capital consisting mainly of shares it owns in subsidiary companies that own towers and other associated infrastructure.

Specialist website Tower Xchange says Sitios Latinoamerica is set to become the worlds 10th largest towerco and the second largest in the region. It adds that over a third of Sitios Latinoamericas towers are in Brazil, some 12 percent are in Argentina and 10 percent in Peru.

America Movil and Sitios Latinoamerica will operate autonomously with separate management, operational, commercial and financial objectives.

Among growth opportunities, Tower Xchange suggests that ongoing 4G rollout and, in the longer term, the arrival of 5G will benefit the new company.

America Movil and Sitios Latinoamerica will enter into medium and long-term lease agreements, a model that is becoming common as tower businesses around the world are spun off or sold to free up operator capital.
The Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCI or KemKominfo) has designated domestic mobile operators PT XL Axiata Tbk and PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) as Operational Cooperation Partners (KSO) for 4G Cellular Services in the 3T region (underdeveloped, outermost, and leading).

President Director of BAKTI KemKominfo, Anang Latif, confirmed that the two mobile providers would manage the provision of 4G base transceiver stations (BTS) built by BAKTI KemKominfo in 7,904 villages in 3T zones.

The selected operator will manage the network that BAKTI built-in 7,904. We are only preparing the infrastructure, because the frequency issue is, of course, the operators property. So thats our collaboration with operators, he said.

BAKTI KemKominfo has the mandate to build 4G BTS, including support for electricity resources. However, operational services used by the community will be provided by KSO Partners, he added. BAKTI is responsible to procure the necessary 4G infrastructure, as the operators run the services.

When operational, the signal will appear Telkomsel or XL (as the chosen partner), and BAKTI will use funds from the financing mix, he explained.

The budget for the construction of 4G BTS is a financing mix sourced from Universal Service Obligation (USO) funds, Pure Rupiah APBN, and Non-Tax State Revenues for communications and information technology sector.
Lava International, an Indian multinational electronics company that manufactures smartphones, has filed Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator SEBI to raise INR 1400- 1500 crore (USD 202 million) through the initial public offering (IPO), said a report in the Economic Times.

The Lava International IPO is expected to hit the stock market in December 2021, said market sources.

According to media reports, proceeds from the issue will be used for marketing and brand building activities, funding acquisition and other strategic initiatives and investment in material subsidiaries, and for funding its working capital requirements.

The company designs, manufactures, markets, distributes and service mobile handsets, tablets, and other electronics accessories under its own ''LAVA'' and ''XOLO'' brands, and provide value-added software services.

Based on sales volume, Lava International is Indias 3rd biggest feature phone business, with a market share of 13.4 percent in the fiscal year 2021. The company says that it has a footprint in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Bangladesh, Mexico, Indonesia, and Nepal.

Lava has recently signed a partnership license agreement with Lenovo to distribute mobile handsets that it makes under the Motorola brand in India and overseas. It has also signed a multi-year contract with HMD Global to design, manufacture and distribute mobile handsets under the Nokia brand in India and overseas.

The company was co-founded by Hari Om and Shailendra Nath Rai and Sunil Bhalla in 2009. Vishal Sehgal joined in 2010.
Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UN Security Council on the Middle East - Palestine

Statement

I want to thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for your briefing and a very special thanks to Mai and Meredith. You show us the pivotal work that young women are doing, day in, day out, as agents of change. Were really glad youre with us today. We have heard your voices. In my view, its your generation and maybe your gender that hold the key for a brighter future for both Palestine and Israel.

Mai, thank you for setting out the ongoing worrying impact of settlements and related issues on the Palestinian population. You registered with us.

Meredith, your work on capacity building for strategic, sustainable and scalable peace efforts on the ground has given all of us here in the Council very useful insights and in my case, some hope.

Ireland remains steadfast in its view that a two State solution offers the strongest prospect for sustainable peace. Ongoing contacts between the parties, and within the region are welcome, but they are no substitute for direct negotiations, as part of a wider political process.

Today we heard another deeply concerning briefing from Special Coordinator Wennesland on the implementation of Resolution 2334.

Tor, once again, your report reminds us that settlements remain a major obstacle on the path to peace.

I reiterate Irelands long-standing condemnation of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Ireland is extremely concerned at the increase in demolitions, evictions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We call on the Israeli authorities to cease these activities and to provide adequate permits for legal construction in Palestinian communities, as well as development of Palestinian territories.

In particular, I wish to underline clearly our serious concern at the recent increase in the number of Palestinian families at risk of eviction in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. This remains of serious concern.

We underscore again the importance of maintaining the Status Quo at the Holy Sites, in particular at Haram al Sharif/The Temple Mount.

Lets be clear: Acts of violence, including rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, continue to erode trust between the parties, and to also erode trust within their own communities. All of this adds up to making a political settlement more difficult to achieve. Ireland condemns all acts of terrorism.

We are concerned about the increase in violence in the occupied Palestinian territory. We unreservedly condemn yesterdays incidence of settler violence in the South Hebron Hills in which a young child was seriously injured. We call on the Israeli authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to end the culture of impunity around all such incidents of violence. We call out in particular the devastating impact of the occupation and of violence on children, as we have just heard this morning from Tor.

We remind all the parties of their obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law.

We call on the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to use their influence and authority to reduce tensions, to prevent violence and to contribute to resolution of long-standing issues.

Once again we renew our call on Israel to end the blockade of Gaza. We welcome the decision by Israel to allow more reconstruction material to enter Gaza, its expansion of the fishing area and provision of more work permits for residents of Gaza.

This though is the minimum we need to see to help Gaza residents on the path to recovery. As we all know however, Gaza remains still far removed from normal economic activity and the situation there will continue to pose challenges, including a deepening humanitarian crisis, until the underlying issues are addressed.

Ireland reiterates its view that it is incumbent on this Council, incumbent on the Quartet, incumbent on partners in the region and on the international community to uphold international law, and to remain fully engaged in working to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The time for this has long passed, we simply cannot afford to wait.

Thank you.

 Previous Item | Next Item 
Late last week, the White House directed federal department and agency leaders to prepare for a possible shutdown. For many, this involved updating their lapse in allocations contingency plans, which outline which functions will continue to be carried out during a government shutdown.

The Treasury Department updated its plans in August, after the debt ceiling suspension passed in 2019, expired. This suspension is one of the key factors driving the government towards a shutdown, as Republicans are steadfast in their opposition to another suspension.

What does the plan say about the payment of child tax credit?

Based on the guidance published by the IRS in their contingency plan, it does not seem likely that the October Child Tax Credit payment will be impacted.

There are specific programs and tax credits that Congress provides funding for through the fiscal year, ending on 30 September. Other programs, like Social Security, are paid out of an indefinite appropriation, and therefore [the IRS] may continue making these payments during a shutdown.

Similarly, the funds needed to distribute the Child Tax Credit were appropriated under the American Rescue Plan and do not run out after this fiscal year. The IRS states that a certain subset of its workforce will be kept on to ensure that the distribution of payments is not interrupted.

The debt ceiling and the Child Tax Credit

While a government shutdown may not prevent the distribution of the Child Tax Credit payments, the debt ceiling crisis might.

In August, when the suspension to the debt ceiling expired, the Treasury had to begin using its extraordinary funds to cover costs until Congress decided if it would suspend, increase, or do away with the debt limit.

In testimony on Capitol Hill this week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned lawmakers that Treasury is likely to exhaust its extraordinary measures if Congress has not acted to raise or suspend the debt limit by October 18.

Without these funds in hand, Treasury would be left with very limited resources that would be depleted quickly. It is uncertain whether we could continue to meet all the nations commitments after that date. Those commitments include the payment of the Child Tax Credit and many other crucial benefits.

When asked by Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown precisely the impact, this could have on the economy, Sec. Yellen responded by saying it would have catastrophic economic consequences. It would represent the first time the United States has ever defaulted on its debt, which would be disastrous for the American economy, for global financial markets, and for millions of families and workers whose financial security would be jeopardized by delayed payments. In speaking directly about the Child Tax Credit, the Secretary said, "30 million families who rely on the child tax credit would not receive the monthly payment on time.
Democrats in the US Congress are struggling to get their next set of legislative priorities based on President Bidens Bild Back Better plan through both chambers. One is the rump of the hard infrastructure proposals the President laid out in his campaign. The other is a much more ambitious set of measures to re-envision the US social safety net and tackle climate change.

Neither of the bills include another round of stimulus checks like the three Congress has already approved for families still struggling in the wake of economic damage the covid-19 pandemic continues to leave in its path. But the second proposal could extend the Child Tax Credit which is sending families with children monthly direct payments. The fourth installment is set to go out 15 October and payments will go through December.

States are sending stimulus

Despite the continued calls from some lawmakers in Washington and online petitions for Congress to approve more stimulus checks, enthusiasm over that specific measure has waned. However, some states have already approved stimulus checks and new batches are set to go out in October, including to those who were ineligible for the federal payments. Heres a rundown on where stimulus checks are being paid at a state level in October.

California: Golden State Stimulus

Due a larger than expected budget surplus and a quirk in state tax law, California approved a second round of Golden State Stimulus for around two thirds of its residents this summer. Previously, the state had approved an initial round destined for undocumented workers in the state who didnt receive the federal stimulus checks and low-income residents. The scheme now makes all residents who earn under $75,000 eligible for a one-time payment.

The California Franchise Tax Board began sending out payments of up to $1,100 to Californians in September. The latest batch of direct deposit payments is slated to go out 5 October, and the first batch of paper checks the following day. In total the state will send out some 9 million payments which are scheduled to continue through the end of October.

New York: $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund

New York, meanwhile, has a $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund to be claimed by those who werent eligible for unemployment benefits, including undocumented workers.

To be eligible for the payment, New York residents must have a 2020 income under $26,208.

In addition, local artists in New York City will also receive help in the form of a $5,000 check in October.

Tennessee: $1,000/$500 checks for teachers

Tennessee will pay a $1,000 bonus to full-time teachers, and $500 to 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.

Alaska

Last but not least, although they arent stimulus checks in the exact sense, those who have been kept out of work for an extended amount of time in Alaska could see some extra money. Residents in Alaska may qualify for 13 to 20 weeks of additional payments through the Federal-State Extended Benefits program. The amount of money and requisites to qualify for the payments still remain uncertain, as this will depend on how much of the pot is available after some of it has been claimed for other purposes.

Moreover, this is not the only check available to Alaskans, they could receive in October the annual oil wealth checks, investment from which 25% of the annual oil money is put into the Alaska Permanent Fund, a dedicated fund for future generations.
People walk past a warning board at a hospital in New York, United States, Sept. 6, 2021. The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States exceeded 40 million, according to statistics released by Johns Hopkins University on the same day. (Photo Source: Xinhua)

Political fragmentation is the root cause of America's failure to contain COVID-19. Partisan rivalries have intensified in the US, and the interests of political parties, especially those in election campaigns, openly override national and public interests, eclipsing basic human rights including people's life and health. If the two parties had been able to manage their political differences and work together to deal with the pandemic, or if the COVID-19 outbreak were not in an election year, the pandemic might not have gotten out of control in the US. However, lessons could be learned, but history cannot be postulated.

Political fragmentation has prevented the US from channeling national capacity into pandemic containment.American political scientist Francis Fukuyama wrote in Foreign Affairs in 2020 that the three elements of a successful response to the pandemic are national capacity, social trust, and leadership. The US is the world's most powerful country and a leader in medical technology and medical resources. Obviously, the main factor behind the runaway pandemic is not the lack of national capacity. Fukuyama argues that the US has great potential in terms of national capacity, but its current highly polarized society and incompetent politicians prevent it from functioning effectively.

Trump's sudden rise and "surprise" election victory in 2016 was in fact a product of the political polarization in the US. The Trump administration exploited and exacerbated political polarization. Former US Defense Secretary James Mattis criticized Trump as the first president ever who was not willing to unite the American people, "even not pretending to do so." However, the key to effective control of the pandemic lies precisely in solidarity and working together. Any weakness or loophole in any link of the whole society, or lax attitude or neglect, will cause national capacity to be impeded, depleted or misdirected in the process of pandemic prevention and control.

If leadership is the engine to mobilize national capacity, social trust is the driving bearing that ensures orderly operation. Due to political fragmentation, only some groups in American society have taken part in the pandemic prevention and control, while others have been turning a blind eye to the basic facts of the spread of the pandemic. According to a 2020 report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, 87% of Democratic respondents believed the pandemic is a serious challenge to the US, while only 48%t of Republican respondents believed so. In the face of the crisis, the US, a state machine that had no shortage of fuel, could only partially function. The precious opportunity that China gained for the world by effectively containing the pandemic at home was wasted, and Dr. Fauci and other experts warnings were ignored, and the lives and health of millions of Americans were trampled on.

Political fragmentation obstructs the normal operation of American politics and destroys its self-regulation mechanism. As partisan struggles intensified, the effectiveness of both horizontal and vertical division of power in American politics suffered performance decline. Members of Congress debated over pandemic bills to convey their interests, while the legislative and executive branches are hobbling each other. The lack of coordination between the federal and state governments worries people, while the state governments are at war with each other. The "confrontation" between democratic states and the Trump administration is frequently reported. The judicial system, which is supposed to function as a "stabilizer" in the chaos, has become a tool of partisanship. Since the outbreak, the Republican Party has challenged the state government's quarantine policies through lawsuits in several democratic states. Even when packaged as "protecting freedom" and "balancing economic interests," the real purpose of the lawsuits is to increase public exposure, gain electoral advantage, and thwart the political agenda of the opposing party.

At the end of March 2020, Mike Kelly, a Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania, tested positive for COVID-19. He was declared healthy more than a month later, claiming that "the recovery process was very difficult" and that he had "lost 30 pounds in about 10 days". People thought the infection of COVID-19 and the hard time of rehabilitation should increase his empathy for the ordinary people who are threatened by the pandemic. However, this experience not only failed to provoke any sense of support Senator Kelly had for pandemic prevention, but gave him the confidence to lead a lawsuit in his home state challenging the Democratic governor's quarantine policies and calling for reopening Pennsylvania.

US Congress squanders the publics trust on partisan wrangling, but the virus does not stop spreading. The fact that Republicans are trying to block quarantine policies in Democratic states does not prove that Democrats are more sensible about the pandemic. Democrats have repeatedly attacked the Trump administration for not having a plan to fight the pandemic, but they are unlikely to come up with one that works. After African-American George Floyd was killed by a white police officer, protests, even riots, took place in many American cities. The Democrats took the opportunity to attack the Republicans for their ethnic policies, which also fueled the commotion and hindered pandemic prevention and control. The campaign timetable overrode two parties timetables for responding to the pandemic.

People protest over African American George Floyd's death during a peaceful rally held in downtown Dallas, Texas, the United States, June 3, 2020. (Photo by Song Qiong/Xinhua)

Political fragmentation has led American politicians to manipulate public opinion and confuse public perceptions. Political fragmentation and social polarization cause and affect each other and shape each other. Under the logic of election campaigns, if a party decides that the key to winning an election is not to unite the majority but to keep its loyal followers, using rational public standpoints to win public opinion becomes a thankless option. In his four years in office, Trump's overall poll rating had never flipped from negative to positive, but that didn't seem to bother him. Getting voters to go more extreme and say only what they wanted to hear is more bang for the buck. Therefore, during the pandemic, sensational and eye-catching statements were all the rage. From claiming "the virus will miraculously disappear one day" at the beginning of the pandemic to suggesting that "the virus will be killed by sterilizing water" when the pandemic was expanding, its unbelievable that these irresponsible remarks came from the president of the US, the world's leading power.

In the context of social polarization and with online we-medias dividing effects on public opinion, it has been more difficult for the public to obtain objective and authoritative information on pandemic prevention. On October 2, 2020, President Trump tweeted that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and declared recovery after brief hospitalization. Mark Scaringi, a Pennsylvania lawyer, and staunch Republican advocate, immediately tweeted that Trump's quick recovery showed that for most Americans the outbreak was like a "mild flu" and that "political science and life science show that the US should be fully unlockdown". When Wolf, the Democratic governor, contracted COVID-19 on December 9, Scaringi took the opportunity to taunt him, saying it showed that the state's quarantine restrictions were meaningless and a "scam." The political divide runs like a watershed across American society, blinding people on both sides.

Political fragmentation has led the US government to stigmatize and blame China. Foreign policy begins at home. The two parties in the US are always "opposing for the sake of opposing", attacking and undermining each other, so they always find it difficult to cooperate on many domestic political agendas. As a result, the rulers in the US urgently need to create an "external common enemy" to divert domestic conflicts, ease the anxiety and maintain the increasingly divided interest groups.

From Trump hyping up "Chinese virus" and "claim for pandemic responsibility", to Biden advocating "laboratory leakage" and the so-called virus origins tracking, the logic behind is all old. Some people in the US seem unable to get things done without mentioning China, whether in public speeches at home or in talks with allies and partners abroad. Rather than continuing Trumps strategic policy towards China, the Biden administration inherits an overall situation in which it has to get tough with China to advance its domestic political agenda. It is not a series of extreme measures taken at the end of the Trump administration that has shaped the future of US-China policy, but both parties are mired in political fragmentation. The US is trying to evade responsibility for the pandemic by blaming China, just like covering its ears and stealing the bell. If the US doesnt remove the political virus, neither changing its president nor changing the ruling party will stop the pandemic from recurring. There is a bunch of urgent domestic problems in the US. Shortsighted efforts to push the political agenda with the "China issues" will only prevent the US from tackling the root causes of its social problems. To consolidate US hegemony through strategic competition with China is like drinking poison to quench thirst. The wheel of history is rolling forward and will not stop because some politicians are obsessed with the glory coming from the victory in the Cold War.

COVID-19 has killed nearly 700,000 people in the US so far, more than the death toll in the US Civil War. The cold numbers are sobering. Political fragmentation is the root cause of the US failure to contain the virus, and it was the root cause of the Civil War. Americans look up to President Lincoln because, in the midst of nationwide chaos, he recognized that political fragmentation was the gravest threat and managed to heal the rift and preserve the union. COVID-19 is the common enemy of humanity. The out-of-control pandemic in the US has not only inflicted severe trauma on its own people but also brought chaos to the global response to fight the virus. When will the US learn from the lessons of the pandemic that their domestic politics is torn apart? That is the most serious threat at hand.

Contributed by Chen Changning

Translated by Zhang Andi

Editor: ZAD
Peter Weckesser, Executive Vice President, Digital & Chief Digital Officer of Schneider Electric

"We see the potential of integration of 5G technologies and industrial scenarios that bring a major leap in productivity and efficiency, especially in those use cases that require real-time, quality connectivity for precision, accuracy, and reliability, " said Peter Weckesser at the WIC forum on 5G empowerment Monday.

Here we spoke with Peter Weckesser, the executive vice president, digital & chief digital officer of Schneider Electric to discuss how 5G will empower a new era of manufacturing.

Guangming Online: As you see it, how does 5G empower the world recovering from the pandemic?

Peter Weckesser: The growing use of 5G technologies can help meet the demand for greater, faster connectivity especially in remote operations using AR/VR and real-time data. These use cases have become especially critical in many industries during the pandemic and will continue to play an important role in the post-COVID world. In the long term, 5G has the potential to act as a catalyst of further digitization of industries, leading to greater productivity, efficiency, and resiliency.

Guangming Online: How can 5G technologies revolutionize industrial activities and catalyze digital transformation in industries?

Peter Weckesser: At Schneider Electric we see 5G as an important enabler of accelerated digitization across industries, unlocking greater flexibility and benefits of remote operations. It can empower greater connectivity and help manage massive volumes of data which means providing better insights, faster. These data-based insights that can help reach new levels of efficiency and lead to greater sustainability at the enterprise level.

Guangming Online: Currently, the commercial deployment of 5G worldwide is entering a critical period. From your point of view, how can 5G technologies be integrated in industrial scenarios in China? And what kind of practice has Schneider Electric made in this sector in China?

Peter Weckesser: At Schneider we have been interested in adopting 5G for relevant use cases from the very beginning and today we already have some highly valuable applications in place. One example is the Schneider Electric Wuxi factory where 5G is used to enable fast, flexible setup of our production lines depending on the orders for the factory. Without 5G, the time needed to re-configure the wired production lines took weeks - now, thanks to 5G connectivity, its just a matter of hours.

This means incredible flexibility of production and enables us to meet our customers demands faster.

Guangming Online: How can the rapid development of 5G in China facilitate the digital transformation of industry?

Peter Weckesser: Thanks to the fact that 5G in China is experiencing remarkable growth, there will be more and more practical use cases for 5G applications. The challenge is finding the right use cases and scaling them to achieve lasting business outcomes, seizing the true potential of AI, Internet of Things, cloud, and edge computing Partnerships on various 5G projects can help accelerate this and bring even more innovation in China.

Guangming Online: As the 5G communications era has dawned, how can 5G technologies enable people to make the most of energy and resources, as the purpose of Schneider Electric states?

Peter Weckesser: 5G is an important technology that must be integrated as part of an efficient, sustainable and secure manufacturing landscape of the future. Simply put, it can help manufacturing and use of energy and resources smarter in a connected, integrated enterprise.

Guangming Online: China announced that it would strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. As an expert in global digital transformation in energy management and automation, how will Schneider Electric help China meet its commitment with the application of hi-tech such as 5G?

Peter Weckesser: Schneider Electric is both an actioner and an enabler on the way toward carbon neutrality. We pledge to achieve: carbon-neutral in our operations by 2025, and net zero CO2 emissions in our operations by2030. Carbon-neutral on full end-to-end footprint (scope 1, 2, 3) by 2040, and net zero CO2 emissions in our supply chain operations by 2050. In China we are helping customers and supply chain partners to increase productivity, energy and resource efficiency, as well as business resilience to achieve high quality and sustainable development. We have integrated new technologies such as 5G and AI in our carbon neutrality solutions, across the entire lifecycle of our customers, from carbon neutrality consultation to its realizing via green smart manufacturing solutions and green energy management solution. By 2025, we will deliver 800 megatons of saved and avoided CO2 emissions to our customers globally.

Editor: WXL
Photo taken on Sept. 29, 2021 at UN headquarters in New York shows UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland (on the screen, bottom) briefing the UN Security Council. Tor Wennesland on Wednesday expressed concern over the continued violence between Israelis and Palestinians. (Ariana Lindquist/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said Wednesday that the current pause in Israel's settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, must become permanent.

There were no new settlement housing plans advanced, approved or tendered between June 12 and Sept. 27, Wennesland told the Security Council in a briefing.

"I reiterate that all (Israeli) settlements are illegal under international law and that they undermine the prospect of achieving a viable two-state solution in line with UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements. The pause in new advancements and tenders of plans for housing units in settlements observed during this reporting period must become permanent," he said.

He expressed deep concern over the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures, which have included internationally funded humanitarian projects. He urged Israel to cease demolitions and evictions and to approve plans that would enable these communities to build legally and address their development needs.

Citing the absence of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, 302 structures were demolished or seized by Israeli authorities or demolished by their owners to avoid heavy Israeli demolition fees during the reporting period. These actions displaced 433 people, including 251 children and 102 women, said Wennesland.

On July 7, Israeli authorities demolished some 30 structures, of which 17 were provided as humanitarian assistance, in the Bedouin community of Humsa Al Bqai'a in the Jordan Valley. On July 14, Israeli authorities confiscated at least 49 structures in the Bedouin community of Ras al Tin in the Ramallah governorate. As a result, 84 people, including 53 children and 14 women, were displaced.

On Aug. 11, the Jerusalem Local Affairs Court froze the demolition of several dozen structures in the al-Bustan section of the Silwan neighborhood until Feb. 10, 2022, pending ongoing planning discussions, he said.

On Aug. 2, Israel's Supreme Court held a hearing to consider an appeal request by four Palestinian families facing forced eviction in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem. The judges made a proposal, which was not accepted, and the hearing was adjourned with no date to reconvene. There are currently some 970 Palestinians facing eviction in East Jerusalem, he said.

On July 2, some 50 Israeli settler families left the settlement outpost of Evyatar, illegal also under Israeli law, following an agreement with the Israeli government that the Israeli military would re-establish a presence at the site and a land survey would be conducted to determine land status, he said.

Wennesland also voiced deep concern about the continued settler-related violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, settler-related violence continued, including reports of armed settlers carrying out attacks against Palestinians in proximity to Israeli security forces, he said.

On Aug. 17, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was attacked in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, during which a group of Israeli settlers kidnapped the boy and brutally assaulted him, said Wennesland.

During the reporting period, a total of 102 attacks occurred in which Israeli settlers or other civilians injured 36 Palestinians or reportedly damaged property. Palestinians perpetrated 193 attacks against Israeli settlers and other civilians in the occupied West Bank, including the throwing of stones, Molotov cocktails, and pipe bombs at civilian vehicles, resulting in 27 injuries and damage to property, he said.

"Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population and to investigate such attacks. I underscore that all perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice," said the envoy. Enditem
COVID-19 is the most serious pandemic and the biggest public health emergency the world has experienced in a century. The origins-tracing of SARS-CoV-2 aims to identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population, including the possible role of intermediate hosts. The work is of vital importance to taking targeted interventions against infectious diseases and reducing the risk of similar events occurring. To produce a research report that can stand the test of history, a paramount principle that must be upheld is sticking to the spirit of science, adopting a science-based approach, and following the law of science.

The origins-tracing study is a complex and serious matter of science. To study the origins, transmission and evolution of COVID-19, which has raged across over 200 countries and regions, the global science community needs to work together so that science, solidarity and cooperation will prevail over ignorance, isolation and prejudice.

China has its share of COVID-19 prevention and control work. Yet, it has twice invited international experts to conduct origins-tracing studies. In a science-based, open, transparent and cooperative manner, China offered the necessary facilitation for WHO expert teams work in Wuhan. With a sense of responsibility and urgency, the WHO-China joint team completed the China part of the global study of origins, giving a panoramic view of the work methods and major findings of origins-tracing study and offering suggestions for the next phase of global origins-tracing work.

Based on media reports and information from Chinas National Health Commission, research institutes, universities and other relevant parties, Xinhua reporters have reviewed major facts of Chinas facilitation for the WHO-China joint teams origins-tracing study in Wuhan. The following are the major facts in chronological order.

2020

 From July to August, WHO and China conducted the groundwork for studies to better understand the origins of the virus. Terms of Reference (TORs) were agreed that defined a phased approach, and the scope of studies, the main guiding principles and expected deliverables. The TORs envisaged an initial Phase 1 of short-term studies to better understand how the virus might have been introduced and started to circulate in Wuhan, China.

 On July 11, an advance team, comprised of two expertsMr. Olivier le Polain and Dr. Peter K. Ben Embarek, arrived in China to conduct preparatory consultation on origins-tracing scientific cooperation.

 Between July 11 and Aug. 2, experts from China and WHO held 16 meetings to exchange their views. Chinese experts introduced epidemiological investigation results of early cases in Wuhan, testing results of animal and environmental samples, data analysis of the testing results from wild animal surveillance samples, the oversight over food safety, the main hypotheses of virus transmission paths, the source of infection and potential unknown factors of the early clustered cases, among others. At the request of the WHO experts, China also arranged a special video conference between the WHO experts and Dr. Shi Zhenglis team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Chinese and WHO experts agreed on a workplan for the China part of the WHO-convened global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2.

 On Aug. 2, the WHO team left China after the visit.

 From October to December, the Chinese experts and the WHO international team held four online meetings to discuss the progress of the global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the work methods of the joint study on origins-tracing.

2021

 From January to February, the WHO-China joint team (members are listed below) conducted study in China in accordance with the previously-agreed TORs for the China part of the WHO-convened global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2.

(Information on joint team members)

International experts, observers and WHO team members

Team leader

Peter Ben Embarek -- Scientist, Monitoring Nutritional Status &Food Safety Events, Nutrition and Food Safety, World Health Organization

Epidemiology

Thea K Fischer* -- Director of Clinical Research, Nordsj llands University Hospital, Denmark

Dominic Dwyer -- Director, NSWHP-Public Health Pathology State-wide Service and Director, New South Wales Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Australia

Farag Elmoubasher -- Acting Head, Communicable Disease Control Programmes, Public Health Department, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar (Participating via video links)

John Watson -- Adviser, Public Health England, The United Kingdom

Marion Koopmans -- Head, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, The Netherlands

Molecular epidemiology

Marion Koopmans* -- Head, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, The Netherlands

Fabian Leendertz -- Robert Koch-Institute, Germany (Participating via video links)

David Hayman -- Co-Director, Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Massey University, New Zealand (OIE Collaborating Centre) (Participating via video links)

Animal and environment

Peter Daszak* -- President and Chief Scientist, EcoHealth Alliance, United States of America

Vladimir Dedkov -- Deputy Director-General for Research, Head of Epidemiology Department, Institute Pasteur, Russian Federation

Ken Maeda -- Director, Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan

Hung Nguyen-Viet -- Co-Leader, Animal and Human Health Programme, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya

Keith Hamilton -- Scientific and Technical Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties, OIE)

Observer

Sophie von Dobschuetz  Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization

Junxia Song -- Animal Health Services, Food and Agriculture Organization

WHO Team

Pat Drury -- Deputy Incident Manager for COVID-19/Unit Head, Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and Global Health Emergency Workforce, Emergency Response, World Health Organization

Li Jian -- Technical Officer, Emergency Operations Centre, Strategic Health Operations, Emergency Response, World Health Organization

Lisa Scheuermann -- Technical Officer, Human Animal Interface for IHR, Health Security Preparedness, Emergency Preparedness, World Health Organization

David FitzSimons -- Consultant (Rapporteur)

Chinese team members

Team leader

Liang Wannian -- Executive Vice-President, Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University

Epidemiology

Feng Zijian* -- Deputy Director-General of China CDC

Shi Guoqing -- Deputy Director of Public Health Emergency Center of China CDC

Zhou Lei -- Professor, Public Health Emergency Center of China CDC

Zhang Xianfeng -- Director-General of Hubei Provincial CDC

Tong Yeqing -- Deputy Director of Institute of Infectious Diseases of Hubei Provincial CDC

Chen Banghua -- Deputy Director of Office of Health Emergency of Wuhan CDC

Molecular epidemiology

Yang Yungui* -- Deputy Director, China National Center for Bioinformation

Song Shuhui -- Associate Professor, China National Center for Bioinformation

Wang Qihui -- Professor, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Huo Xixiang -- Deputy Director of Institute of Health Inspection and Testing of Hubei Provincial CDC

Peng Mingwei -- Technologist-in-charge, Institute of Pathogenic Biology of Wuhan CDC

Animal and environment

Tong Yigang* -- Director of Life Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Chemical Technology

William Jun Liu -- Professor, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC

He Hongxuan -- Professor, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Yang Guoxiang -- Senior Engineer, Hubei Wildlife Epidemic Source and Disease Surveillance Center

Gao Yanhong -- Deputy Director of Wuhan Zoo

(*Subgroup lead)

 On Jan. 14, 2021, 13 members of the WHO-convened SARS-CoV-2 Origins-tracing Study team arrived in Wuhan by plane via Singapore and began their 14-day medical observation. They were Dr. Peter Ben Embarek, Prof. Thea K Fischer, Dr. Dominic Dwyer, Prof. Marion Koopmans, Dr. Peter Daszak, Dr. Vladimir Dedkov, Dr. Ken Maeda, Dr. Hung Nguyen-Viet, Dr. Keith Hamilton, Dr. Pat Drury, Ms. Li Jian, Ms. Lisa Scheuermann and Mr. David FitzSimons. Dr. John Watson arrived in Wuhan on Jan. 31 after entering China via Xiamen and receiving medical observation there. Dr. Farag Elmoubasher, Dr. Fabian Leendertz and Dr. David Hayman did not come to China and joined the study via video link.

 From Jan. 15 to 27, WHO experts, then still in medical observation in designated places, conducted exchanges on academic topics via video link with Chinese experts:

An overview of the development of the integrated database developed by the China National Center for Bioinformation

The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among mink in the Netherlands and steps taken to control outbreaks

Pathogen identification of COVID-19

Collection and testing of animal and environmental samples in the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market (hereinafter referred to as the Huanan market)

Types and sources of animal products in the Huanan market

COVID-19 pandemic traceability and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via cold chain

Progress in tracing and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in livestock

The investigation into the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Xinfadi market, Beijing in May-June 2020

An overview of geographical hotspots for potential emergence of zoonotic viral diseases (in particular coronavirus-related diseases)

Laboratory detection methods for SARS-CoV-2 in animal samples

The performance of the SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory

Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals

The infection risk in cats, dogs and pigs to SARS-CoV-2

The research work of the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The joint team agreed on work plans, the outline of the joint report, and a plan of site visits.

 On Jan. 28, international experts concluded their medical observation in designated places and began site visits. The following each day saw the joint team, after making site visits, hold group meetings or a plenary meeting to discuss existing scientific evidence and data analysis methods, and jointly interpret data including epidemiological data on early cases, genomic data, and animal and environmental testing data. They also worked in groups to analyze data and to draft the joint report. Meetings often went on late into the night, with some group discussions even lasting until the wee hours the next day.

 On Jan. 29, the joint team visited Xinhua Hospital (Hubei Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine) to learn about the diagnosis of the first patient of pneumonia of unknown etiology (PUE) by Dr. Zhang Jixian, the cases follow-up treatment at the hospital, and the treatment of COVID-19 patients by the hospital during the outbreak. The case with the earliest onset date reported to the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System (NNIDRS) -- who became ill on Dec. 8, 2019 -- was invited to have face-to-face interview with the international joint team.

Interview with the patient who had recovered from COVID-19:

Through questions about the patients personal information and family, the WHO expert team learned that the interviewee works in a family business as an accountant. The interview found no evidence of high-risk exposure (including exposure to wild animals, mass gatherings, contacts with medical institutions, contacts with symptomatic individuals, and travel). The interviewee mentioned a relative who works in the healthcare system and another relative who had visited a local market, but no infections were reported at these places. The interviewee commutes by public transportation with no history of travel outside Wuhan.

 On Jan. 30, the joint team visited the Jinyintan Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Wuhan. The joint team also paid a visit to a COVID-19 exhibition at its request. The team talked with former president of the hospital Zhang Dingyu and others, and learned about the hospitals admission and treatment of the first batch of patients with PUE, treatment of severe COVID-19 cases with the assistance of medical workers sent from across the country, and day-to-day scientific research management, particularly COVID-19 research carried out at the hospital.

 On Jan. 31, the joint team visited the Baishazhou Wholesale Market and the then-closed Huanan market. After talking with merchants, managers, and regulators of the two markets, as well as residents in the neighborhoods, experts of the team gained more information about the two markets, especially the Huanan market, including their layout, products for sale, and management, hygiene management in particular.

Focusing on the Huanan market

Although the Huanan market was closed on Jan. 1, 2020 and subsequently disinfected, it remains shuttered and closed to the public. In the markets area most linked to COVID-19, its west section, the team visited various stalls, the ventilation system which had been shut off, and warehouses that had been closed since the prohibition of live poultry markets in China.

Meeting with people related to the Huanan market

The joint team had a face-to-face meeting with the Huanan market staff and customers, and talked with two vendors of the market who sold frozen beef and frozen seafood, two suppliers of frozen products, market regulators and the market manager, as well as two residents in the neighborhood.

The manager informed the joint team that the market was cleaned twice a day, morning and evening. Pests and rats were sought out and killed before holes were closed. Rigorous cleaning was done once or twice a week. Even though there were rooms above some stalls, vendors were not allowed to live in the market. The rooms were only for storage.

The international team was informed that the market was not a purely wholesale market and that many ordinary people also bought their food there.

The WHO team was told by a representative from Hubei CDC that around 10,000 people visited the market per day.

Two neighborhood residents had responded to a community invitation to participate in this meeting. They had been shopping regularly in the market for 20 and 30 years. They provided very similar details: Nothing was unusual or worth noticing and all vendors had business certificates and inspection certificates displayed at their stalls; they had never witnessed any live animals being sold; the market was kept clean and tidy; they had not noticed any stray cats or dogs; there had been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in their residential blocks.

 On Feb. 1, the joint team visited Hubei CDC and Wuhan CDC and their laboratories, where officials from China CDC and Jianghan District CDC of Wuhan were also present. The team was provided with information on the operation of the CDC system in China, the management of laboratories, and the work of CDCs at different levels during the epidemic, particularly in the early stage of epidemic, including epidemiological investigation, sample collection and testing, virus culture, genome sequencing and sharing the results with the world, as well as retrospective testing of samples collected by the infectious disease surveillance system.

Guan Xuhua, head of the Institute of Infectious Diseases, Hubei CDC, briefed the team on the analysis of early cases and the testing of environmental samples collected at the Huanan market. Based on the information, Guan concluded that it is likely the virus was transmitted into the Huanan market via individuals or animals. It is more likely from individuals in view of the sporadic cases prior to Dec. 10, 2019 having no exposure to the Huanan market.

The experts were provided with information on the infection among staff members of CDCs at different levels. All laboratory staff of Hubei CDC had been tested for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies: all had negative IgM and IgG results. One staff member of Wuhan CDC was confirmed SARS-CoV-2 seropositive after infection due to family cluster transmission. All other staff members had tested negative. A health check was mandatory for all BSL-2 laboratory workers, but no serum was preserved. All PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 of all laboratory workers of Jianghan CDC in June 2020 were negative.

The joint team also interviewed media journalists, who informed the team of their activities. They went to the Huanan market on Dec. 31, 2019 before it was closed and had footage of the market, which could be provided to the WHO team. They did not see or hear anything about the disease or virus on social media prior to the report by the government.

 On Feb. 2, the joint team visited the Hubei Animal CDC to learn about Chinas prevention and control system for animal-related diseases, the overall operation of the center, the retrospective inspection of animal surveillance samples and laws and regulations on animal trade and wild animal protection.

During the tour and discussions, the joint team made three suggestions:

1.More international collaboration with experts and academics from Southeast Asia, build capacity and experience in laboratory research, and apply for more funding and support from the government

2. Starting to build capability for public health in veterinarian students and professionals as well as the veterinary medicine capability of public health students and professionals, in order to have capable professionals for sustainable animal disease prevention and control work in China

3. Connecting public health professionals, veterinary experts and socio-economic experts for joint studies and projects.

 On Feb. 3, the joint team visited the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. They visited the institutes BSL-4 laboratory, learning about its daily operation and laboratory management, especially its research work on COVID-19.

Professor Shi Zhengli gave an extensive scientific report on her teams work on bat CoVs. She covered issues including the following:

- The team has collaborated internationally since 2004.

- About 19,000 samples had been collected, CoVs were detected in about 13 percent (2,481 positive for CoV) of the tested samples by RdRp sequencing and classified according to phylogeny. Clade 4 SARSr-CoVs only found in Yunnan Province.

- All fieldwork is done with full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

- One virus strain with high homology with SARS-CoV-2, was renamed as RaTG13, and the information published in Nature.

- The low likelihood that RaTG13 was the precursor of SARS-CoV-2.

- The limited amount of live virus available for research.

- Her laboratory used recombinant viruses to test whether the spike protein of bat CoV could bind ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme II) to facilitate virus entry, using bat spike protein on a bat-CoV backbone instead of a human CoV.

- With regard to possible reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, other animals besides bats can also be susceptible hosts.

- With regard to the matter of morbidity and mortality in miners in a mine in Mojiang County, Yunnan Province, where bats were present, Professor Shi said that the events had been clarified in an addendum to her Naturearticle.

Prof. Wang Yanyi, Director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed the issue of lab leaks with the WHO team.

Wang said serum samples were preserved annually for laboratory staff, and all staff samples were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

When asked about positive influenza cases in October-November 2019, Wang replied that the institute performed retrospective research in collaboration with Wuhan Xiehe (Union) Hospital, testing influenza-like illness samples from that hospital. In total 1,001 samples were collected from patients in the hospital (the samples were not from staff of Wuhan Institute of Virology). No SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Testing positive samples were found in the samples from December 2019 and four coinfections with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 were found in the 700 samples from January 2020. The four coinfection cases are not staff of Wuhan Institute of Virology.

With regards to questions about laboratory workers, Wang said all of them underwent a strict training regime that includes three levels with strict rules on the certain quantity of training hours and in-laboratory experience prior to being allowed to enter the lab, or supervise others. P4 staff also undergo psychological evaluation before being allowed to work in the laboratory. Physical and mental health was monitored; no unusual respiratory infections had been noted in the previous year. Good compliance with mask use and hand hygiene was observed. Surveillance during the outbreak had been stringent; no suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 was found in PCR testing and antibody testing of all staff was negative. (If any worker had been infected, it would have been likely that close contacts would have shown signs of infection.) Sera were tested twice a year, and all had been negative. There had been no turnover of staff in the CoV team.

Some reports identified one former laboratory worker as missing. Actually, this person was an alumnus who graduated in 2015 and was now working in a different province and declined to speak to media. The person had been contacted and tested and ascertained to be healthy.

 On Feb. 4, members of the joint team visited the Jiangxinyuan Community Center, and talked to survivors of COVID-19, family members of COVID-19 victims, and community workers. They learned about the daily management of the community, especially services including provision delivery, health promotion, healthcare, and psychological counseling during the epidemic. At the hotel where the WHO experts stayed, some members of the joint team talked with professors of Huazhong Agricultural University. They learned about the general information of the university and its COVID-19-related scientific researches such as animal surveillance around Wuhan.

During the meeting of WHO experts and community residents, a couple in their 70s, who both contracted COVID-19, recounted their fears and experiences. They expressed thanks to the government for covering all their expenses and to the volunteers for smoothing their return to their apartment with practical and moral support. Of the joint teams work on origins-tracing, the husband welcomed the experts to Wuhan and expressed the view that origins-tracing should be extended to cover the whole world.

Another representative of the community, who is also a building director, introduced the activities of volunteers, including urging everybody to stay indoors, delivering food and medicines, and frequently telephoning the old and lonely. The representative concluded that quarantine brought people together as one big family.

The last interviewee lost his spouse to COVID-19. He described how they were unable to see each other during the last two weeks of her life due to isolation measures. He acknowledged the continuing support of his colleagues and was grateful to the government for psychological support and counseling. His sorrow was still very evident.

 On Feb. 5, the joint team interviewed staff members of the Wuhan Blood Center in the hotel where the international experts stayed. The team learned about Chinas blood donation administration system and the centers overall operation, its blood collection management, blood sample storage as well as its work during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The WHO experts carried out in-depth discussions with the center on the testing and analysis of the stored blood samples collected in the second half of 2019. The center expressed the view that blood collecting and supplying facilities are working under the regulation of the Measures for the Administration of Blood Stations, Article 31 of which stipulates that a blood sample shall be preserved for two years after the whole blood or the component blood is used. The center keeps the samples in tubes of the blood bags, like infusion tubes or blood collection tubes. At present, it keeps samples collected in 2019 and 2020 in such tubes. The storage and use of such samples strictly abide by relevant regulations and the samples can only be available for use when there is a medical dispute or lawsuit. The testing must be conducted by third-party judicial authentication agencies in the case of possible medical disputes. The blood center did not use the samples in such tubes for studies. According to the regulation, after the two-year preservation period expires, the samples shall be disposed of as medical wastes. The blood center thinks that the legal purpose of the use of such samples is to answer in medical disputes or lawsuits, and there is no precedent that this kind of blood sample is used in a scientific study, including study of diseases, as was suggested by the joint team. The center believes that scientific studies, especially those on major and complicated issues, should have prudent research plans, research subjects and follow prudent technological protocols, and they should be well-discussed and carried out in accordance with law and regulations under necessary guidance.

The international experts believed that the studies on people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody are correlated worldwide, and many countries and regions hoped to know when the virus was first transmitted to human, making it necessary to conduct relevant studies in places such as Asian and Pacific regions to trace back to the period before the first transmission. The joint team made relevant recommendations because the experts believed that access to such blood samples would be of great value for the studies of origins, as the processes of blood donations are similar all around the world, following relatively standardized procedures. WHO was also considering carrying out such studies in other locations worldwide.

 On Feb. 6, experts from the joint team interviewed staff of the Central Hospital of Wuhan at the hotel where the international experts stayed, to learn about the overall situation of the hospital, diagnosis and treatment of early cases, infections among medical staff and the handling of COVID-19 patients.

The Central Hospital of Wuhan reported the detection and testing of early cases. At around 4 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2019, the medical affairs division of the hospital received a report from a doctor from the emergency department, who was visited by three patients from the same place with fever symptoms on that day. The situation sounded an alarm among hospital management. On that afternoon, the hospital organized a review session on the patients received in the past few days. The session was attended by the hospital management, the medical affairs division and related clinical departments, including the emergency department and the respiratory department.

By 10 p.m. that night, the hospital had received six such cases from the same place -- the Huanan market. Concerned about potential clustered outbreaks, the hospital designated a large special zone to handle and treat the patients. At 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2019, the hospital held a joint consultation session to discuss the handling and clinical treatment of the six cases and reported to Jianghan District CDC at the earliest opportunity. Testing for influenza-like illness was all negative for the six patients.

For infectious diseases, routine checks from the hospital would involve bacterial culture and identification, and drug sensitivity testing. In terms of respiratory viruses, seven types of detection are often conducted mainly focusing on antigen detections. The viruses include the influenza A virus, influenza B virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus. There are also some tests for mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae. According to the requirements of biosafety, all specimens in the hospital will not be preserved after testing, and will be destroyed immediately.

After no specific issues were found via the routine tests, the hospital immediately expanded the tests to screen for all pathogens. The hospital collected respiratory tract samples, hoping to test the specimen for all pathogens by high-throughput sequencing. As the hospital did not have the capacity for high-throughput sequencing at the time, the samples were sent to a third-party commercial testing agency for detection. As the tests were extensive and comprehensive, it was known at the time that the results suggested the existence of CoV but it was unclear which specific CoV it was. The third-party testing agency sent the report directly to the families of the patients. The report contained many contents, among which the existence of CoV raised concerns. The phrase SARS-like viruses was mentioned in the Chinese version of the report, and relative SARS was reported in the English version.

 On Feb. 7 and 8, the joint team drafted the joint report.

 On Feb. 9, at a press conference, the joint team released major results of the China part of the WHO-convened global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2. The epidemiology working group found, after an analysis of surveillance data, that the outbreak in Wuhan predated the rest of Hubei Province and it is considered unlikely that any substantial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was occurring in Wuhan in October or November, 2019. The study also found that there was no obvious clustering by the epidemiological parameters of exposure to raw meat or furry animals. The molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics working group found that evidence from surveys and targeted studies so far have shown that the CoVs most highly related to SARS-CoV-2 are found in bats and pangolins. However, neither of the viruses identified so far from these mammalian species is sufficiently similar to SARS-CoV-2 to serve as its immediate precursor. The high susceptibility of mink and cats to SARS-CoV-2 suggests that other species may also act as potential reservoirs. Some diversity of SARS-CoV-2 already existed in the early phase of the outbreak in Wuhan, suggesting unsampled chains of transmission beyond the Huanan market cluster. In addition, most estimates of the time to the most recent common ancestor of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences were between mid-November and early December. Through extensive testing of animal products in the Huanan market by the animal and environment working group, no evidence of animal infections was found. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected through sampling and testing of wildlife, livestock and poultry across China. The introduction of the virus into the Huanan market may be through infected people, infected animals or contaminated products. Sampling and testing taken of upstream and downstream supply chains of the Huanan market and other markets in Wuhan did not reveal evidence of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in animals. Researches found that SARS-CoV-2 can be carried long distances on cold-chain products.

Among four main potential introduction pathways of SARS-CoV-2, the joint team listed the direct zoonotic spillover scenario as possible to likely, the scenario of introduction through an intermediate host as likely to very likely, the potential for SARS-CoV-2 introduction via cold/ food chain products as possible, and a laboratory origin of the pandemic as extremely unlikely.

 On Feb. 10, the WHO team left China.

 On March 30, the WHO briefed its members and the media about the China part of the global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2 and published the joint report WHO-convened Global Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Parton its website.

 On March 31, Chinese members of the joint team briefed the public about the study at a press conference.

Editor: WXY
American men lost 2.2 years of life expectancy last year because of COVID-19  the biggest decline among 29 nations in a study of the pandemics impact on longevitynews said by the Japantimes this week.

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Kyiv's heating infrastructure is technically ready for the beginning of the heating season, but high gas prices and tariffs shifted to local governments make the situation close to critical, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said during a meeting of Kyiv City State Administration.

"We are ready for technical reasons. There are other challenges that make the situation close to critical, namely high gas prices, tariffs shifted to local government, the lack of a legal framework to ensure the heat supply companies' operation," Klitschko said on Thursday.

He said the Ukrainian Cities Association offered the central government specific solutions that would allow to start supplying heat and hot water to the population on time. Klitschko said he appealed to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to ask the government to fix the price of natural gas for budgetary institutions until the end of the heating season at UAH 11.2 per cubic meter instead of the market price of UAH 35.

"Meanwhile, NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy should immediately exclude the discriminatory norms of gas supply agreements. In turn, local budgets should be paid for the difference in tariffs of previous years and compensation for the future should be provided in order to keep tariffs for heat and hot water for the population at the previous heating season's level," the mayor said in the statement.

The mayor said the Kyivteploenergo communal enterprise ensured the proper technical preparation of the city economy for the heating season. "But today, I emphasize again, we are waiting for the government to answer the key question: what will be the mechanism of compensation for local budgets so that we cannot increase the tariff for the population. Therefore, the tariff has not yet been approved," Klitschko said.
Over the past day, Russian-occupation forces violated the ceasefire seven times in Donbas, the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were not wounded, the press center of the Joint Force Operation (JFO) said.

"The Russian armed formations violated the ceasefire seven times. There are no casualties among our soldiers," the JFO said on the Facebook page on Thursday morning.

In particular, in the area of Zolote-4, the enemy conducted aimed fire from hand-held anti-tank and underbarrel grenade launchers, as well as small arms. Near Pisky, Russian-occupation forces fired at Ukrainian positions using hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Near Shumy, the enemy made targeted fire from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. And in the direction of Lebedynske, the enemy fired four times from grenade launchers of various systems and small arms.

"Since the beginning of this day, September 30, no cases of ceasefire violations by the Russian occupation forces have been recorded," the headquarters said.
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed in eastern Ukraine on Thursday in shelling by Russia-led forces, according to a summary on the Joint Forces Operations page.

"Since the beginning of the day, on September 30, the Russian occupation forces have violated the ceasefire three times, once using weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements. At Novotoshkivske, enemy armed formations carried out targeted shelling of the positions of our defenders from grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns and small arms. The occupants fired from the artillery of 122 mm caliber," the message on Facebook says.

Also, Russia-led forces fired from automatic easel grenade launchers in the direction of Popasna settlement.

"As a result of enemy shelling, one soldier of the Joint Forces was wounded, incompatible with life. The command and personnel of the Joint Forces expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends of the hero who died for Ukraine," the Joint Forces headquarters said.
Tariffs for heating and hot water for the population will not increase until the end of the heating season, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"Until the end of the heating season, tariffs for heating, tariffs for hot water for the population will not increase. I believe that this is a great victory [...] People have been waiting for this. In spite of everything, despite any market changes, fluctuations, pressure from other states, despite the terrible price for today - more than $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters, as they say, the European price [...] because I think this is important, right," Zelensky said during a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities on Thursday.

He said that this is the result of work with the participation of Naftogaz Ukrainy, the government and local authorities.

"But this is still patching holes. Therefore, I am waiting for the appearance of a similar memorandum [on tariffs]. We have already started working with the local authorities. I would like us to have a memorandum not for one, but for the next three years. So that there are no surprises for the citizens of Ukraine," the president said.
Consideration of the issue of personnel rotations in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, related in particular to the resignations of some ministers, has been postponed for now, although personnel rotations will definitely take place in the near future, MP from the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Kachura said.

"A lot of what is heard in the media about certain names is not true. I can say it with confidence, because for some [ministers] the issue has been postponed. But again, the position of the president [Volodymyr Zelensky] will be decisive for the faction. That is, it is logical that the pro-presidential faction will rely on the opinion of the head of state regarding certain ministers," Kachura told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

"If we talk about the Minister of Defense, then this is generally the prerogative of the President, according to the Constitution," the MP said.

At the same time, Kachura did not name possible candidates for the positions of some ministers before the on-site meeting of the Servant of the People faction, which will be held with the participation of the President of Ukraine on October 1-2 in Truskavets.
The auditors of the European Court of Auditors believe that the European Union can itself develop a list of Ukrainian oligarchs in order to restrict their activity on the European market and prohibit entry into the EU member states.

This is how speaker Juhan Parts in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency explained the corresponding recommendation of the report of the European Court of Auditors, dedicated to the support by the European Union of reforms in Ukraine in the field of combating corruption at a high level.

"The EU should probably develop kind of a model how to address this group of people, diminish their opportunity to act in the European market, including money laundering," the auditor said.

Asked who exactly should draw up the corresponding list of specific persons, Parts noted that such a decision is made by the European Council.

But any decision of this type is passed on to the European External Action Service, where, together with the EU member states, they can think about how to prohibit the entry into the EU for specific persons who are under great suspicion, a little like in the United States, he explained.

While detailing this proposal, the auditor emphasized that the matter does not concern sanctions.

"We are not talking about sanctions, we are a little bit more modest. We are proposing what should be done to be more effective with this anti-corruption strategy, and what we are proposing is not only this kind of bilateral cooperation or different kind of cooperation between the EU and Ukrainian government. The EU also themselves can limit the leverage and power of these groups of people who have a vested interest in Ukraine. This is what we proposed. If you want to hear names you can open media. Of course, it's not a work of external auditors," the expert said.

"We are looking how to improve this overall management and the policies  The Commission and the EC should consider this kind of tool to be more effective on this corruption front," he noted.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov declares that he has no conflict with the Servant of the People faction.

"I really have no conflict [with the Servant of the People faction]. If someone wants to create it, then that is another question. I would like to understand all the subjects of this conflict ... There was a task, and David Heorhiyovych [Arakhamia] fulfilled it," Razumkov told reporters after a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine on Thursday.

At the same time, he noted that he is ready to defend his position, including at the faction meeting, if he is invited.

The speaker also added that he was not invited to the meeting of the faction in Truskavets and therefore would not go there.

In addition, Razumkov said that he did not discuss with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky the issue of his recall from the post of speaker.

"There was a conversation with Arakhamia [after receiving a letter of the recall]. I also did not hear any complaints ... I think the main initiator of this process was not David Heorhiyovych," Razumkov emphasized.

At the same time, according to him, with any decision of the faction and a possible resignation, he is not going to leave politics.

As reported, the letter on the recall of the chairman of the parliament was sent by head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia from the deputy faction, and not on behalf of the people's deputy.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Lessons for Parties in Ukraine Taught by the Elections in Germany and Russia. Prospects for the Main Participants in Domestic Political Process'

On Friday, October 1, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a roundtable talk entitled 'Lessons for Parties in Ukraine Taught by the Elections in Germany and Russia. Prospects for the Main Participants in Domestic Political Process'. Participants: Director of the Institute for Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko; Doctor of Political Sciences, Political Scientist Ihor Petrenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Details by phone: (068) 099 17 09.
On Friday, October 1, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host press conference on the launch of mass sampling for research in Mykolaiv region among potential victims of the negative impact of red sludge. The project is being implemented by the public organization "Stop Sludge," which unites more than a thousand victims of the influence of red sludge. Participants: forensic expert of the Forensic Research Laboratory Yevhen Yurchenko; head of the public association "Stop-Sludge" Vasyl Orel; lawyer of the public organization "Stop Sludge" Artemiy Vorobiov (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Additional information: (093) 912 58 89 (Oleksiy).
The Odesa Business Forum is a permanent platform and an annual event focused on the Odessa Region Economic Strategy 2050.

OBF is committed to boost and strengthen economic and investment development processes, and to unlock the hidden potential of Odessa City.

Odessa Business Club - a community of major CEOs and entrepreneurs of Odessa and the South of Ukraine - has initiated and organized this event attended by the leading European experts in urbanism, architecture and economics, Ukrainian top business players, regional and local authorities, as well as representatives of institutions supporting business. In total, 500 people, including those who participated online, attended the event.

The Odesa Business Forum was the first event in a row and we hope to scale it up in the future.

The key topics of the Forum : Economic business vision of the city; search and expanding the opportunities for Odessa to compete for attention, investments and talents in the modern world.

The Economic Business Vision, the key focus of the Forum, was presented by Andrii Dlygach, futurologist, Dmytro Kazavchinsky, co-founder of the Odessa Business Club and GST Security Seals, and Vadim Morokhovsky, co-owner of Vostok Bank.

Among the OBF speakers there were , in particular: Valeria Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration; Oleksandr Bornyakov, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for IT Development; Vlad Mykhnenko, PhD, Associate Professor in Sustainable Urban Development, Research Fellow at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford; Karl-Filip Coenegrachts, strategist, innovator from Ghent (Belgium), creator of an alternative vision and concept of Open and Agile Smart Cities, City of People; Cees Donkers, the founder of the City as a LAB project, one of the key founders of Dutch Design Week, the designer of the urban environment, the chief urbanist of Eindhoven (Netherlands); Andreas Flodstrom, co-founder and CEO of the Swedish-Ukrainian IT companies Beetroot and Beetroot Academy.

The event envisaged the following panel discussions :

 Odessa, a City of Innovations. Dropping an Anchor. Cases of successful transformation of cities (panel moderator and forum voice - Andrii Fedoriv, founder of the FEDORIV marketing agency).

 City of IT and ircuses. The role of innovation clusters in the urban economic prospects (moderated by Maxim Bakhmatov, founder and head of the Transformation Office, UNIT.City managing partner).

Among the speakers there was Oleksandr Vernik, the co-founder of the shoe equipment supply company MSM GmbH, co-founder of Gallery Architect Group, a construction company and a design studio Atmosphere, SINOBI brand, Chairman of the NGO Center for Project Initiatives.

 Odessa, a city of opportunities that no-one else ever sees but we will show (moderator - Ivan Liptuga, President of the National Tourism Organization of Ukraine).

The list of panelists included:

 Yegor Grebennikov, co-owner of the TIS seaport, founder of Impact HUB Odessa, author and investor of the concept of revitalizing the Green Theater, founder of Pro Bono Club Ukraine;

 Georgii Bochorishvili, co-owner and chairman of the board of directors of ZARS construction holding;

 Oleksandr Yakovenko, the founder of the group of companies in the field of international logistics and trade - EnlivUA;

 Andrii Zdesenko, co-founder of the SHABO Wine Culture Center;

 Giorgi Iukuridze, founder and CEO of Biosphere Corporation, owner of Charisma Fashion Group, co-founder of the Inspira Business Club in Dnipro.

The keynote speaker: Volodymyr Yakovlev, media entrepreneur, famous for his projects and books called The Age of Happiness.

Lively discussions and open dialogues at the Forum were complemented by networking at a wine tasting (Ukrainian wines were provided by the Odessa Wine Week project) and a party at the Mantra Beach Club.
The state support of Odesa will allow Ukraine to make a qualitative leap in the field of tourism. This was stated by the Mayor of Odesa Gennadiy Trukhanov during a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, which was held in Kiev.

Gennadiy Trukhanov emphasized that this year, according to preliminary data, Odesa is returning to the pre-pandemic figures - about 3 million tourists a year. According to the Mayor of Odesa, this process is facilitated by the ongoing joint work: Large Restoration and Great Construction State Programs have significantly improved the urban space.

We have already implemented a number of projects, such as a new airfield complex, and the establishment of the largest pedestrian zone in Ukraine in the Odesa city center for weekends and holidays. Also, since 2014, great amounts have been allocated from the city budget for restoration works,said Gennadiy Trukhanov.

Gennadiy Trukhanov noted that with well-coordinated cooperation between the state and the city, the largest and most beautiful park in Eastern Europe - Jubilee - could appear in Odesa. Government support will help create new sandy beaches as well.

The Head of the Odesa Regional State Administration Sergei Grinevetsky emphasized that the issue of providing the population of the country, including the Odesa region, with high-quality drinking water requires special attention.

The quality of drinking water in the region depends on the state of the water supply and sewerage facilities. Reconstruction of water supply and sewerage facilities in Odesa is an acute topic. The cost of implementing these projects is significant for the local budget. The situation in the region cannot be fundamentally resolved without state assistance, said Sergei Grinevetskiy.

The President of Ukraine highlighted that Odesa is a magnet for Ukrainian tourists and should become a role model for the rest of Ukraine.

We must approach Odesa as a priority resort and do everything for the tourist to come back! To do this, we will develop a separate program for the Odesa region, where we will pay special attention to security issues and the preservation of the city's historical wealth, said Volodymyr Zelensky.

Gennadiy Trukhanov noted that with the joint work of the state and city authorities, the Odesa dream can become a national reality.
A former advisor to Irans ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the Supreme Leaders office has refused requests by Ahmadinejad to meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Abbas Amirifar a cleric who was Ahmadinejads cultural advisor in his second term told Sharq newspaper that For three years Ahmadinejad knocks on every door and begs to get a chance to meet the Leader, but they do not give him an appointment.

Although Ahmadinejad was a favorite of Khamenei who supported his controversial reelection in 2009, he had a fell out with the Supreme Leader over the issue of a ministerial appointment during his second term. After his presidency for a while he became a vociferous critic of the ruling system and once even went as far as sharply criticizing Khamenei for his governance.

In 2017, Ahmadinejad registered to run for president and the Guardian Council, loyal to Khamenei, refused to approve his candidacy. Now, there are speculations whether the enigmatic former president intends to run again in 2021 when current president Hassan Rouhanis term ends.

Amirifar told Sharq that if Ahmadinejad registers again the Guardian Council will unanimously reject his candidacy. However, Ahmadinejad has managed to get many of his supporters elected to parliament. For now, they do not dare to oppose policies endorsed by Khamenei but their presence in the legislature gives the former president a degree of political cover.
There are indications that Iran's firebrand former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may be willing and ready to run for president in 2021, less than a year from now. But are Iran and its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also ready for that?

When Ahmadinejad started a new round of provincial visits during the year preceding the February 2020 parliamentary elections, many Iranian analysts from both sides of the country's political spectrum speculated that he might be willing to become a member of parliament.

While, Ahmadinejad was being welcomed by spontaneous crowds during some of his visits, this hypothesis lingered around for up to three months before the election. But the analysts became convinced that he was lobbying for his previous aides and provincial governors, not for himself. However, Ahmadinejad's office at the time denied his involvement in election campaigns, probably for legal reasons, as early campaigning is illegal.

Many of Ahmadinejad's aides and supporters happen to be in the new parliament (Majles) as representatives from various cities and two of them Ali Nikzad and Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi are the vice-speakers of the legislature.

Some analysts including reformist Sadeq Zibakalam and conservative Amir Mohebbian have said at different times that Ahmadinejad can always win at least more than 10 million votes in any presidential election.

Now his former appointees and many others supporting his views have a significant number of seats in parliament.

In the meantime, an increasing number of Iran watchers came to the conclusion that the separation between Ahmadinejad and some of his supporters, including the ultraconservative Paydari Front in 2011, was a tactical move to keep them safe vis-a-vis Khamenei's hardline supporters after they fell out with Ahmadinejad and branded him as "deviant" following a brief rift between him and Khamenei.

The combined weight of Paydari and those who entered the Majles as Ahmadinejad's aides now forms a solid majority at the Parliament that chose not to compete with -now- Majles Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf at the last moment probably against some concessions still not clearly spelled out.

At least 50 of Ahmadinejad's aides and former managers are now members of parliament. Observers say that some of the younger members who ae not necessarily known to support Ahmadinejad also do sympathize with him.

Pro-reform news website Fararu in Tehran in a June 7 story once again speculated about Ahmadinejad's political ambitions, noting that the biggest barrier between Ahmadinejad and another round of Iranian presidency is the Guardian Council that may not endorse his qualification.

The council disqualified Ahmadinejad in the 2017 election, probably due to their insider's knowledge about Khamenei's views. Fararu says this can happen once again, and if it happens, that would be a political disappointment even harder to stomach than back then.

Fararu quoted Zibakalam as saying that the former president's aides at the Majles may hold negotiations with the Guardian Council to make sure Ahmadinejad gets through the vetting in 2021. He says Ahmadinejad will certainly declare his candidacy but the Guardian Council's response is not always predictable.

Mohammad Hossein Qadiri Abyaneh, a conservative figure however, believes that Ahmadinejad will use his influence in the provinces to exert pressure on the Guardian Council to endorse his qualification.

This comes while Ali Akbar Javanfekr, a close aide of Ahmadinejad, denies the former president's willingness to run once again, and Abbas Amirifar, another political figure close to Ahmadinejad says Ahmadinejad might groom one of his aides such as former Guardian Council Spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham as a candidate.

The Rouhani administration's failures despite continued criticism of Ahmadinejad has made some of the latter's achievements such as his decade-old idea of cash subsidies to people to shine. Rouhani has been even using such ideas with a heavy heart without paying any tribute to Ahmadinejad for initiating them. Meanwhile, big corruption cases in Iran under Rouhani has made Ahmadinejad look like a saint to some Iranians.

Currently, the COVID-19 epidemic has limited Ahmadinejad's political activities. Nevertheless, he has been seen signing letters and giving autographs to his fans.

Ahmadinejad, like any populist can also rely on social media to galvanize support and he is no stranger to this commonly used medium in Iran.
The hardline former Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, says that the hijab law in Iran must be compatible with most people's wishes.

Speaking to Mehdi Nasiri, the former editor-in-chief of an ultraconservative daily close to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ahmadinejad posed the question, "If the parliament has passed a law, but the majority of the people rejected it, can one say that I would apply it at any cost?"

Nasiri's interview with the controversial former President was published on Thursday on the YouTube and Telegram social networks.

During his presidency, Ahmadinejad enjoyed the support of extremist groups of fundamentalists and clerics, such as Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi. Nasiri was also a student of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and the editor-in-chief of an extremist weekly, Sobh (Morning).

Responding to Ahmadinejad's unprecedented remarks about the hijab, Nasiri reminded him of the comments made by the supporters of the law, referring to Khamenei's speech he made when responding to the widespread protests against compulsory hijab in March 2018. At the time, Khamenei defended the mandatory Islamic dress code and argued that it prevented "sexual harassment," and categorically dismissed the argument that everyone should be free to choose their clothing and maintained that such reasoning could apply to all other "social sins."

Ahmadinejad fired back by asking, "If, at a given time, the leadership recommends something, does it mean that someone who has an opinion on the issue, should not express it? Or, for example, is it not possible that he (Khamenei's) may have changed his opinion in the past two years?! Such deductions are absurd."

In the final years of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's second term, there were signs of a rift between him and Ayatollah Khamenei. He also announced his candidacy in the 2017 presidential election, which was said to be "against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic's recommendation." However, the Guardian Council disqualified him.
The .com domain of Iran's Fars News Agency affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard was blocked due to U.S. Treasury Department sanctions on January 25.

Fars said it had received an email from the server company informing it that the blockage was due to an order by Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

However, an official of a company owned by Iran's Ministry of Telecommunications admitted Saturday that the company has restored the .com domain of Fars News Agency by resorting to DNS spoofing or hacking in simple terms. This is the first time in Iran's Internet history that the regime has admitted DNS spoofing, experts say.

The admission to spoofing, also known as DNS cache poisoning, came on Saturday in a tweet by Sajad Bonabi, a member of the Board of Directors of Telecommunications Infrastructures Company owned by the Telecommunication Ministry.

In his tweet Bonabi said through measures taken [by the company] the problem that Fars News was facing had been resolved. He also advised the websites and companies "that suspect they would be targeted by the cowardly sanctions of the United States" could get in touch with the company to be informed of precautionary measures.

"For the first time in Iran's Internet history, the Iranian regime has confirmed they have done DNS Spoofing. DNS Spoofing is a method used by hackers to redirect the traffic of a particular website to another destination,". London-based digital security expert and hacker-hunter Amin Sabeti told Radio Farda.

The tweet in which the Iranian official admitted to the hack.

In the case of Fars News, it means Iran has started to redirect the traffic of Farsnews.com to Farsnews.ir in the infrastructure level for viewers of the website in Iran. "We can call this, in simple terms, a 'hack'," Sabeti says.

For almost a day Farsnews.com visitors would see a message saying the IP address could not be found. Like most other websites Fars has alternative domain names, such as Farsnews.ir. Currently, anyone inside Iran who tries to access Farsnews.com is automatically redirected to Farsnews.ir, a national domain which cannot be affected by U.S. sanctions.

However, outside Iran, Farsnews.com cannot be reached unless Farsnews.ir was visited before and the IP address still exists in the browsing history of the device used to access the site.

Visitors inside Iran now have access to the website of Fars News Agency but losing the .com domain means the News Agency will lose its visibility in search engines and all the links to its website, at least for visitors from outside the country.

Fars News Agency publishes news in Persian, English, Arabic and Turkish so the loss of the .com domain will deprive it of the audience it has outside Iran.

In an earlier tweet on Friday evening Bonabi had said that his "colleagues" were offering advice to the companies affected by the U.S. sanctioning of .com domains used in Iran. "The infrastructure that exists in the National Information Network (NIN) resolves many such concerns about unfair sanctions," he said in his tweet.

Bonabi also reassured Iranian website owners that the problem only affected .com domains sold by American domain registrars and .com domains could also be purchased from none-American registrars or they could simply use domains names with the national .ir ending.

NIN is an intranet and relies on the Internet to function. It is the tool that the regime is planning to use to censor the Internet because it provides access only to selected content and bars VPNs from being used for accessing the sites that the Iranian authorities have blocked.
U.S. defense secretary says he is concerned for Afghan pilots held in Tajikistan

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin responds to questions during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on "Ending the U.S. Military Mission in Afghanistan" in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, (Photo : Rod Lamkey/Pool via REUTERS)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern on Wednesday for U.S.-trained Afghan pilots and other personnel being held in Tajikistan after fleeing across the border from Afghanistan last month as the Taliban took power.



Reuters exclusively reported first-person accounts from U.S.-trained Afghan personnel being held at a sanatorium in a mountainous, rural area outside of the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, waiting and hoping for over a month for transfer by the United States.



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Among the 143 Afghans there is a pilot at an advanced stage of pregnancy.



Speaking to Austin at a hearing in Congress, Republican Representative Austin Scott expressed frustration with delays in getting the pilots out of Tajikistan, given U.S. promises during the two-decade-old war that America would stand by them.



Austin appeared aware of the issue and sympathetic.



"We will get with State (Department officials) right away to see if we can move this forward. I share your concerns," Austin said.



Austin's remarks came during a hearing about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's victory. In the war's final moments, the U.S.-backed Afghan Air Force personnel flew dozens of military aircraft across the Afghan border to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and were detained there.



It is unclear what will happen to the aircraft. Scott said it was vital that both countries knew those aircraft could not be returned to the Taliban.



"I would appreciate it if we could put that in writing to both of those countries that the equipment belongs to the U.S. - not to Afghanistan," Scott said.



"NO ASSISTANCE"



The pilots who flew across the border hoped to join the other Afghan military personnel being processed for U.S. visas in places like the United Arab Emirates and Germany.



Scott appeared to pile blame on the U.S. State Department and appealed for help from Austin as well as General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command.



"We have gotten no assistance at all from the State Department to move them. And I'm asking all three of you for your help in addressing the issue," Scott said.



He also expressed frustration with the time it took to get Afghan pilots out of Uzbekistan. Reuters was first to disclose conditions there and the pilots' departure earlier this month from Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates.



Some of the English-speaking pilots in Uzbekistan had feared they could be sent back by the Uzbeks to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and killed for inflicting so many Taliban casualties during the war.



"We had people in Uzbekistan - the State Department ignored them as well and said they would get to them when they got to 'em," he said.



Afghanistan's new rulers have said they will invite former military personnel to join the country's revamped security forces and that they will come to no harm.



That offer rings hollow to Afghan pilots who spoke with Reuters. Even before the Taliban takeover, the U.S.-trained, English-speaking pilots had become their prime targets. Taliban fighters tracked down a number of them and assassinated them off-base.



"We have a lady in Tajikistan that's nine months pregnant. That's one of our pilots. And we need help removing them," Scott said.


From Bond to 'Macbeth': Daniel Craig to return to Broadway stage

Cast member Daniel Craig arrives at the world premiere of the new James Bond film "No Time To Die" at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, (Photo : REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)

Bond star Daniel Craig has chosen his next act.



The British actor, whose fifth turn as the British secret service agent had its world premiere https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/bond-is-back-007-film-no-time-die-premieres-london-2021-09-28 in London on Tuesday, is to play the ambitious and murderous "Macbeth" on Broadway next year, producers said on Wednesday.



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The new production, with British actress Ruth Negga playing Lady Macbeth, will begin performances on March 29 for a limited 15-week run.



Craig, 53, who played Bond for the last time in "No Time to Die," is a seasoned stage actor, appearing on Broadway in 2013 couple's drama "Betrayal," and in multiple stage productions in London.



The new staging of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is being produced by Bond movie producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Tickets went on sale on Wednesday.



"Daniel is not only a great film actor but a magnificent theatre actor as well. I am thrilled that he will be supporting the return of Broadway playing this iconic role," Broccoli said in a statement.



Dozens of Broadway plays and musicals reopened in September after an unprecedented 18-month shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.


The BlackRock logo is seen outside of its offices in New York (Photo : REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

BlackRock Inc will require more than half of its employees to work from the office for three days a week on average starting November, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.



Some businesses may require employees to be in the office more frequently, the memo from Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldstein and Global Head of Human Resources Manish Mehta said.



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The world's largest asset manager will also allow staff to work flexible hours with approval from their managers, according to the memo.



The new directives, which will apply to locations across the United States, Europe, Middle East and Africa are part of BlackRock's "Future of Work" pilot program. It will be implemented in select locations that meet certain conditions, including not requiring split operations and masks at desks.



The company also reiterated that all individuals entering its U.S. offices will need to be fully vaccinated, and all employees and contractual workers will be required to be tested once a week.


Egypt reported 788 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total infection tally to 309,135 since the outbreak began in February 2020, said the health ministry in its daily coronavirus update statement.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that Ethiopia has no right to expel UN staff and it is violating the international law in doing this.
Iraqis go to the polls Sunday for parliamentary elections, two years after a wave of anti-government protests swept the war-scarred country, but analysts say the vote is unlikely to deliver major change.
The Arab Affairs Committee said Tunisian president Kais Saied's measures aim to stabilise the country and solve its political, economic and health problems

In a statement on Thursday, the Arab Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives said the Egyptian parliament supports the measures recently taken by Tunisian president Kais Saied to stabilise the country and secure the aspirations of the Tunisian people.

The committee said Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry's visit to Tunisia on Tuesday demonstrates that Egypt completely supports President Saied's historic measures and that Egypt's security and stability are closely tied to those of Tunisia.

"The Egyptian parliament declares complete confidence in President Kais Saied's measures and in his capacity as a leader of Tunisia to help the country get out of its current critical conditions and take all the measures necessary to help Tunisia solve it political, economic and health problems," said the statement.

The committee also called on the international community to support Tunisia in their confrontation with terrorist organisations, which pose a threat to its internal stability.

"Tunisia under its current leadership is quite capable of restoring stability and getting rid of the terrorist organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood and other terrorist forces," said the statement.

Ahmed Abaza, deputy chairman of the Arab Affairs Committee, said Tunisia is fighting a ferocious battle against the forces of political Islam led by the Muslim Brotherhood, who are trying to hijack the country and implement their radical agenda. However, he continued, President Saied's measures are saving the country from this agenda. "The Muslim Brotherhood is the group which has caused internal strife and instability in recent years in many parts of the Arab world, including Tunisia," said Abaza.

In the meantime, Karim Darwish, the chair of Egyptian parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, met on Thursday with Lotfi El-Talbi, the charge d'affaires at the Tunisian embassy in Cairo. A statement said both Karim and Talbi discussed the mutual relations between Egypt and Tunisia at all levels, particularly in political, economic and security terms, in order to be able to face the challenges.

The meeting comes after Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry visited Tunisia on Tuesday and met with President Kais Saied. Shoukry declared Cairo's full support for what he described as the historic measures taken by President Saied.

The Tunisian president announced a number of drastic decisions on 26 July, suspending the parliament  dominated by the Islamist party Ennahdha  and dismissing his prime minister.

Shoukry said Saied's measures "aim to fulfill the will of his people and guarantee the stability of his country and its best interests, and that Egypt is confident in the wisdom of president Said and his ability to lead this constitutional path steadfastly."

The Tunisian president underscored his country's keenness on "permanently" boosting its ties and coordination with Egypt.

"Egypt's stability and security are closely tied to those of Tunisia," President Saied emphasised.

He also underscored his appreciation to Egypt for its solidarity with Tunisia in countering the spread of the coronavirus, referring to the medical equipment and drugs Egypt has sent recently

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The Big 5 Impacts Awards is an international platform to recognise innovation and project excellence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia

The Egyptian presidential Decent Life initiative won the Community of the Future prize granted by the Big 5 Impact Awards, the state-owned Arab Contractors Company, one of the participants in the initiative, announced on Sunday.

The Big 5 Impacts Awards, an international platform to recognise innovation and project excellence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, assessed a number of projects implemented by companies from several countries, including the UAE and the US.

The Arab Contractors Company is the first Egyptian body to be named for the prize, which was handed out at a ceremony in the UAE.

Decent Life, meaning Hayah Karima in Arabic, comprisesa series of countryside-focused national infrastructure projects. It was first initiated in 2019 by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi who tasked the Ministry of Social Solidarity with developing Egypts poorest 1,000 villages.

In December 2020, El-Sisi expanded the initiative to include 4,500 villages within the framework of the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt's Vision 2030.

The Egyptian countryside will be transformed in three years time, El-Sisi said in January upon launching the expanded initiative.

The national projects budget has been increased to around EGP 600 billion.

The enormous volume of work required to develop the 4,500 villages means they have been divided into three groups of 1,500 villages each.

The first phase started in January 2021 with a budget of nearly EGP 200 billion and is due to be completed by the end of FY 2021-22.

The initiative also addresses women through family guidance and counselling offices and reproductive health clinics. It will provide decent housing in new complexes and, wherever possible, develop existing housing.

In terms of education services, the initiative is building 13,000 classrooms, while health services will be enhanced by developing health units, constructing new hospitals, and activating the new Universal Health Insurance System.

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Dbeibah arrived in Cairo on Wednesday on top of a high-level delegation, including several ministers and experts for talks on bilateral cooperation

Libya's interim Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbeibah toured the New Administrative Capital (NAC) in Egypt on Friday, a mega 700-square-kilometre project expected to be a new home to various public agencies.

Dbeibah arrived in Cairo on Wednesday on top of a high-level delegation, including several ministers and experts for talks on bilateral cooperation.

The Libyan premier started his visit with performing Friday prayer at Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque before touring several sites and districts in the new capital, including the Central Business District, in which 20 towers are being built, and the Government District.

PM Dbeibah, who was accompanied by a number of Libyan ministers, praised the efforts exerted in the NAC, saying the volume of projects "reflects the strength and originality of Egyptians."

Friday's tours come a day after both countries signed a series of memoranda of understanding and agreements in fields of agriculture, social solidarity, civil aviation security, oil and gas, counter-maritime pollution, marine search and rescue, housing, construction, and youth and sports.

The MoUs and agreements were signed during the 11th round of meetings of the Egyptian-Libyan joint higher committee, a joint mechanism that focuses on enhancing trade and bilateral cooperation between the two African countries, which convened on Thursday after a 12-year halt.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Thursday that the Egyptian and Libyan ministerial delegations agreed to implement several projects in Libya in the fields of energy, electricity, industry, trade, transport, aviation, sports, education, infrastructure and security.

In April, Egypt and Libya agreed to resume flights between the two countries capitals as Cairo seeks to restore normalcy in relations with the neighbouring country. Egypt also reopened its embassy in Libya in May after a seven year-closure.

The interest in resuming an Egyptian presence in the neighboring country comes on the back of the latest developments, which culminated in the election of an executive authority to guide the country until legislative elections are held by the end of the current year.

Egypt has been pushing for a political settlement in Libya for years, calling for a ceasefire, a complete disarming of militias, an end to foreign intervention in the country.

The oil-rich country seeks to restore normalcy after a decade of violence and political turmoil following the ouster and murder of its leader Muammar Gaddafi on the heels of a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

In recent years, Libya was torn between warring administrations, one in the east and one in the west, before the two camps signed a ceasefire in Geneva last year and an interim government was established earlier this year to guide the country towards national elections slated for December.

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Al-Abad said that Egyptian workers were in high demand in Libya, especially due to the planned development projects between the two countries

Libyan Minister of Manpower Ali Al-Abad said that Libya is in need of one million Egyptian workers.

The Egyptian workers are highly trained and demanded in Libya especially with its plans of development projects; they are also socially accepted, Al-Abad said in an interview published in Al-Ahram Daily newspaper on Saturday following the meetings of the Egyptian-Libyan joint higher committee on Thursday.

The joint committee headed by Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly and his Libyan counterpart interim PM Abdel-Hamid Dbeibah signed on Thursday 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and six executive agreements in several fields including mega projects in Libya.

According to Minister Al-Abad, the agreement is valued at 19 billion Libyan dinars (around $4.2 billion) and they come in the framework of the Libyan governments Return of Life development plan in the North African country which aims to develop infrastructures, roads and housing projects.

The Libyan minister revealed that the manpower ministries in both countries are working on launching a web portal  named Wafad  to organize and regulate all issues and matters involving Egyptian workers in Libya.

The minister added that within the next few days a team from both countries will be in Libya to finish the needed procedures to launch this portal, then direct flights will be launched between Egyptian and Libyan cities.

Concerning the new upcoming web portal, Al-Abad stated that it will help safeguard workers' rights; it will document the exact number of workers in the country, their places of work and their specialization and whether they work for companies or individuals.

The application will end the old crisis that used to happen in the past when fake companies were used to bring workers to Libya, said the minister, adding that at the same time any worker who is not registered in the application will be considered an illegal migrant and the Libyan government would not be responsible for them.

On the other hand, registered workers will have privileges provided by the Libyan government like health and social insurance as well as a retirement pension that can be transferred to Egypt. The workers also can bring their families according to Al-Abad.

For decades, Libya had been a destination for Egyptian expats until 2015 when an IS-affiliated militia launched the bloodiest terrorist attack of its kind against Egyptian expats in Libya by abducting and beheading 20 Egyptian Christian workers.

In retaliation, Egypt conducted air strikes against the IS-affiliated group in the city of Derna.

At the same time Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the evacuation of Egyptian expats in Libya to ensure their safety.

Prior to the evacuation, the number of Egyptian workers in Libya was estimated by the Egyptian manpower ministry at between 800,000 to one million working across all fields.

Despite the official warnings and the civil war in Libya, many Egyptians continued to illegally migrate to Libya, both as an intermediary stage en route to Europe, and lured by fake promises of work.

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The Egyptian foreign minister continues his meetings with top diplomats and officials on the sidelines of the 76th UNGA session

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has asserted the importance of stabilizing the situation in Libya at a meeting of Libya's neighboring countries on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Shoukry underlined the role that Libya's neighboring countries could play to help reach a comprehensive settlement that preserves Libya's sovereignty away from any foreign interference, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Saturday

He stressed in the meeting the necessity of holding the elections in Libya as scheduled as a key step to maintain stability in the North African country.

The Egyptian foreign minister also continued his meetings with top diplomats and officials from around the globe.

He held meetings on Friday with the foreign ministers of Brazil, Senegal, Norway, Portugal and Malta.

Shoukry also held a meeting on Friday with his Syrian counterpart Faisal al-Mekdad where they discussed means of resolving the crisis in Syria.



Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ambassador Ahmed Hafez tweeted that the talks took place at the headquarters of the Egyptian mission in New York.

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A new shipment of some 4.4 million doses of the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Cairo on Wednesday, Egypt's health ministry announced in a statement.

Egypt also received a shipment of 1 million doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine on Tuesday as well as 3,000 litres of the raw material required to produce 4.6 million doses of Sinovac locally, according to the ministry.

Egypt has already started producing Sinovac vaccines locally at its VACSERA factory for domestic consumption as well as for export to African countries.

The raw material shipment is part of three shipments of 8,600 litres that Egypt will receive as part of the agreement signed between VACSERA and Sinovac, health ministry spokesman Khaled Maghed said on Wednesday.

Egypt is currently administrating Sinopharm, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, and is also set to receive Pfizer BioNTech vaccine doses.

As of 23 September, more than 15 million doses have been administered in Egypt since the country's vaccination campaign started in January, according to the World Health Organisation.

The government is currently intensifying its efforts to reach its target of 40 million fully vaccinated people in Egypt by the end of 2021.

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Daniel Byman, Georgetown University political science professor and a member of the National Commission on the 9/11 attacks, talked to Ahram Online about the future of the Taliban, their relationship to Al-Qaeda, and whether the US's withdrawal from Afghanistan gives the terrorist group freedom of action to renew attacks on the West and the region.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda and its affiliates expressed and celebrated on social media their feeling of victory, considering the Taliban's return to power as "the beginning of a pivotal transformation, and evidence that armed jihad is the only way to glory." Analysts and political observers fear that terrorists in the world may consider a new jihadist migration to Afghanistan, which is now being talked about in the jihadist circles on the internet as the "centre of global jihad."

Despite the Taliban's acceptance of the terms of the Doha agreement not to let Al-Qaeda plot attacks against the United States from Afghanistan, there are fears about the future. On one hand, the Taliban are becoming more powerful militarily, establishing relations with regional leaders and nudging their way into the international community in a bid to gain financial support. However, Taliban and Al-Qaeda activity in recent years indicate that they have no intention of severing ties, which also portends an exacerbation of the danger of the foreign fighters phenomenon.

Ahram Online talked to Georgetown University political science professor, Dr. Daniel Byman, whose research and books focus on terrorism and jihadist movements in the Middle East and their effects on the region, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the 11 September attacks, about the future of the Taliban, their relationship to Al-Qaeda, and whether the US's withdrawal from Afghanistan gives the terrorist group freedom of action to renew attacks on the West and the region.

Byman is a senior fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution and served as a staff member with the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States (The 9/11 Commission) and the Joint 9/11 Inquiry Staff of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. Byman considered in his interview with us that the United States misread the situation and its withdrawal from Afghanistan is a propaganda victory for the jihadist movement, giving Al-Qaeda more freedom of action.

Ahram Online: The withdrawal from Afghanistan without the achievement of one of the most important goals, the elimination of the Taliban, has called into question the feasibility of the "War on Terror" for many in America. This renewed the debate about the legacy the USA has left in a country thousands of miles away. Were American presidents in a hurry to withdraw from Afghanistan to win over public opinion that saw it as an endless war that did not achieve clear goals? Is the Taliban today different from yesterday's Taliban? How do you evaluate the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan?

Daniel Byman: Under presidents Biden, Trump, and Obama  three very different leaders  the United States has sought to withdraw from Afghanistan. Although many security experts are concerned about the situation in Afghanistan, the majority of the American public favour withdrawing. How the Taliban will govern Afghanistan and whether they will allow Al-Qaeda to do international terrorist attacks as was done before 9/11 remains a question. The Taliban may have learned lessons from the past, but it remains a highly ideological movement. The US withdrawal is a win for the broader jihadist movement. It is a propaganda victory that jihadist groups across the world are touting. In addition, it gives the Al-Qaeda group more freedom of action.

AO: You consider that the US withdrawal gives the Al-Qaeda group more freedom of action. How can the US and international community reduce the risks of this in the future?

DB: It will require international intelligence and law enforcement cooperation as well as pressure on the Taliban to make sure Al-Qaeda does not attempt international terrorism. Robust homeland defence is also necessary.

AO: After the Taliban takeover, did the US misread the situation?

DB: The US misread the situation before the Taliban takeover, when it thought the Afghan government would last for many months if not years. That is what led to the bungled US exit from the country.

AO: Does this call for the US to reevaluate its role as a geopolitical power?

DB: The US has long been reevaluating its role. Under President Obama, the United States tried to reduce its obligations in the Middle East. President Trump was even more open about his dislike of US involvement in the Middle East and did not even respond when Iran attacked Saudi Arabia. President Biden would prefer to focus US attention and resources on challenges in Asia and Europe over the Middle East. He will be more likely than President Trump to criticize countries on human rights grounds, however.

AO: The "War on Terror" witnessed an increase, not a diminution, in the levels of terrorist attacks. It undoubtedly also helped to produce the Islamic State. As you stated: "The Islamic State is Al-Qaidas most important progeny." Do you think Western leaders and societies are prepared to acknowledge the ways in which hubristic foreign policy in the past fifteen years has made many aspects of the terrorism crisis worse and they need to change their strategy?

DB: Since 9/11, there have been very few terrorist attacks on the US homeland from foreign jihadist movements, and few inspired attacks, especially compared to what US officials feared. So for many US leaders the various post-9/11 efforts are a success. The US invasion of Iraq worsened regional instability, but many of the problems in the Middle East predated 9/11 (dictatorial governments, corruption, economic stagnation, and so on).

AO: In your book, you demonstrated that many crucial questions and answers about Al-Qaeda have changed over time; you tried to answer questions like: Where does Al-Qaeda begin and end, and how should we think about other jihadist theoreticians, fighters, the broader jihadist movement. Today, how has all of this changed with the developments in the Middle East, especially in Afghanistan? How do jihadists governing strategies vary, especially their degree of adaptation to local conditions? How have the social structures for mobilization changed, creating a need for different strategies in response?

DB: The broader jihadist movement is vast, with many variations. Some groups, such as the Islamic State, favour attempting to create a caliphate, while others like Al-Qaeda claim they are loyal to the Taliban and otherwise favour working more with local actors. Much depends on the opportunities available in the countries in question. In some countries, the local groups have the opportunity to establish their own government over territory. In others, they must work with more powerful groups. In Afghanistan, the Taliban dominate, and Al-Qaeda depends on the Talibans goodwill to survive and operate.

AO: Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was rumoured to be dead, resurfaced in a video released recently on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. How do you read this? What are the reasons for its appearance and the significance of the timing?

DB: Zawahiri still has difficulty communicating in real time. The video suggests he is still alive, but he probably fears that if he is not highly cautious about communicating then he is vulnerable to a drone strike or otherwise being attacked.

AO: Al-Zawahiri was deeply involved in maintaining relationships between Al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and was known for organising and overseeing the 9/11 attacks. In your opinion, how relevant is Al-Zawahiri to what is happening on the ground? Could he or other Al-Qaeda leaders influence Afghanistan with their ties to the Taliban, especially given that the UN reported in June this year that significant members of Al-Qaeda leadership, including Al-Zawahiri, remain based in a remote area along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border? Will Afghanistan become a safe haven for terrorists again?

DB: The Taliban leadership will make most of its decisions without significant Al-Qaeda input. Afghanistan again hosts large numbers of Al-Qaeda figures. The Taliban may be reluctant to have them target the United States, but the Taliban may be more willing to have Al-Qaeda support operations and groups in the Middle East and especially in South Asia.

AO: Some analysis has considered that todays Al-Qaeda enjoys a much stronger foundation on which to build because its component groups are embedded as combatants in conflicts in Yemen, Syria and elsewhere where it could renew attacks on the West or the Middle East. New US intelligence estimates warn that Al-Qaida could use Afghan soil to plot attacks on the United States within one to two years. What do you think?

DB: Al-Qaeda has a presence in the Middle East that is more extensive than it was on 9/11. However, much of that presence is focused on local civil wars. This is a problem for regional stability, but less of a threat for terrorist attacks in the United States and Europe.

AO: In your book, you analysed Al-Qaedas goals. Today, 20 years since 9/11 and the return of the Taliban to power, what are Al-Qaedas goals and how have they changed? Especially considering you said The danger of Al-Qaeda comes not only from its central leadership in Pakistan but through its cooperation with other like-minded groups.

DB: Al-Qaedas biggest goal is ensuring its relevance. It was eclipsed by the rise of the Islamic State, and it has not done high-profile terrorist attacks in the West for years. The core leadership needs to establish control over its affiliates and offer inspiration to the next generation of jihadists. It may attempt high-profile attacks, but these are harder to carry out.

AO: After its return to power, the Taliban found itself in a difficult situation. On one hand, its relationship with Al-Qaeda lends the Taliban credibility within jihadist circles. Moreover, their historical loyalty to Al-Qaeda calls into question the extent of their willingness to abandon an important strategic ally. But on the other hand, the Taliban must abide by the US peace agreement and the promises of intellectual revisions, as they are eager for recognition on the international stage and the benefits it brings. This may alienate their most extremist fighters and other extremist groups that celebrated their takeover of Afghanistan. What are your expectations about how the Taliban will deal with this dilemma, and what are the American guarantees that prevent the Taliban from breaching the terms of the agreement?

DB: The Taliban have consistently refused to break with Al-Qaeda despite US pressure. The Taliban have incentives to stop Al-Qaeda from doing international terrorism, especially against the United States and Europe. The United States can threaten the Taliban economically and militarily, though in the past the Taliban ignored such threats.

AO: You noted that the United States can threaten the Taliban economically and militarily. Today, the UN and other countries are trying to donate aid Afghanistan. These donations could help the Taliban; its like feeding a monster and giving it a legal civilian face. With its ties to Al-Qaeda, the Taliban could grow stronger while remaining a highly ideological movement resistant to change. How can the US and international community deal with this time bomb, especially given that, as you mention, the Taliban have ignored such threats in the past?

DB: The question for the international community is primarily whether the Taliban will support violence outside the country, with some concern about human rights within it. Some people would argue that by denying aid to the Taliban it would make it more extreme. In any event, there is a genuine humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and innocent Afghans are suffering.

AO: In May 2021, a United Nations monitoring team estimated the number of foreign fighters in Afghanistan at 8,000 to 10,000. These fighters' primary goal is the same as it was in the 1990s: to train in Afghanistan for deployment around the world. Your recent book Road Warriors analyses this issue and how it has played a significant role in the destabilization of numerous countries for many years, including becoming one of the key problems in the international security system. So with the situation in Afghanistan today, what are your suggestions regarding how to combat it?

DB: The UN report does not differentiate between fighters who went to join Al-Qaeda and those coming from Pakistan to help the Taliban win. It is not clear what their purpose is for most of these fighters. As I noted in my book, I believe through military action, intelligence cooperation, and better law enforcement, the international community is far better at identifying and stopping foreign fighters. Many of these tools are necessary now given the Talibans control of Afghanistan.

AO: Finally, will the United States and Europe adopt a strategy to coexist with terrorism after withdrawing from Afghanistan?

DB: The United States and Europe have long had to manage the problem of terrorism, recognizing that, unfortunately, it cannot be completely eliminated. This became clear many years ago.

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UN delegation visited the headquarters of the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction (FDCTA) to study how Egypt is treating and rehabilitating drug addicts and simulating the model in Iraq.

As part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a UN delegation visited the headquarters of the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction (FDCTA) to study how Egypt is treating and rehabilitating drug addicts and simulating the model in Iraq.

The UN praised FDCTAs implementation of awareness programmes to protect youth from falling victim to drug addiction, while Iraq said it would consider the Egyptian model in treating and rehabilitating drug addicts, and implementing awareness campaigns to protect youth from abusing narcotics. In meetings, FDCTA Director Amr Osman presented the operations of the fund in treating and rehabilitating addicts, and implementing awareness programmes to protect youth, university and school students.

The FDCTA, chaired by Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Al-Qabbaj, met with the UNODC delegation to showcase Egypts experience in treating and rehabilitating addicts and raising awareness in order to transfer its expertise to Iraq. Participants agreed on cooperation between the ministry, FDCTA and UNODC.

Osman also met the delegation headed by Ali Al-Bereir, head of the UNODC office in Iraq, and included Mirna Bouhabib, UNDOCs deputy Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa. Discussions included the key operations and functions of FDCTA for treatment, prevention and raising awareness about drug abuse.

The visit is part of an extensive partnership and continued coordination between Al-Qabbaj and her predecessor Ghada Wali, who is now executive director of UNODC in Vienna. Both sides are keen on developing a system to treat and prevent drug abuse according to UN global standards, and drawing on Egypts experience in supporting regional and international UN programmes.

Al-Bereir said Wali recently met three delegations from Iraq, including that headed by Iraqs foreign minister, to discuss developing a national strategy to combat and prevent drug abuse in Iraq. Wali suggested Iraq should look at the Egyptian model since it has succeeded in reducing the demand on drugs. In response, the UNODC delegation came to Egypt to learn about FDCTAs work and how this could benefit Iraq. During the visit, Osman highlighted the FDCTA operations, including policies, legislation, preventative programmes and early detection of drug abuse, as well as supporting and providing treatment services, rehabilitation, and reintegration in society. He added that lessons against drug abuse have also been added to school curricula.

Drug abuse treatment based on global standards is provided at 27 specialised hospitals in 17 governorates so far, in collaboration with Hotline 16023, for free and confidential help. In 2014, there were only 12 treatment centres in seven governorates, and Osman projected that treatment centres will be available everywhere across the country by 2025.

He explained that recovering addicts are re-integrated into society through loans that help them start small projects, as part of the New Beginning Fund initiative in cooperation with Nasser Social Bank. There are also intense campaigns to screen school bus drivers for drug abuse, which has reduced drug abuse rates among them to 1.8 per cent, when it was 12 per cent in 2017. Government employees are also screened and treatment is provided free of charge in strict confidentiality for anyone who voluntarily submits to treatment.

Osman also reviewed several of FDCTAs programmes and activities, including correcting misinformation about types of drugs, demographics of drug abusers, school programmes, and media campaigns using prominent influencers. These include You Are Stronger Than Drugs starring world famous Egyptian Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, and the most recent campaign that was launched in Ramadan this year which quadrupled calls to the 16023 Hotline.

The UN delegation praised Egypts efforts and hoped to benefit from FDCTAs expertise and transfer its know-how to Iraq and other countries such as Mozambique.

UN officials were also briefed on the operations of the 16023 Hotline, how it receives calls from addicts and their families and refers them to free and confidential treatment. More than 88,000 addicts received treatment services via the hotline by September 2021, whether asking for help, advice or follow-up.

Bouhabib praised FDCTAs work in implementing the national plan for combating drugs, and the effectiveness of its programmes on a global scale. She added that Wali met Mozambiques minister of justice and that a delegation from that country will also visit Egypt to find out how the FDCTA decreased demand on narcotics and increased preventative programmes.

Bouhabib also revealed that soon there will be a memorandum of cooperation with FDCTA for awareness programmes to protect youth from turning to drugs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The United Kingdom (UK) is willing to encourage more British investment in the Egyptian market, tapping into Egypt as a key gateway to the African market, according to newly appointed UK Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley.

Bayley made his comments during a meeting held on Thursday with Egypts Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait, to discuss new developments in the business and investment atmosphere in Egypt as well as the opportunities for British businesspersons.

Bayley took up his position as the UK Ambassador to Egypt in September in succession to Sir Geoffrey Adams.

During the meeting, Bayley lauded Egyptian achievements including mega projects underway in transportation, road construction and water desalination, stressing that there are lots of lessons that can be learned from the Egyptian experience with economic reforms.

On his side, Maait asserted that Egypts keenness to foster the domestic and foreign private sector in support of the states development plans is a key engine of the countrys economic growth.

He also reviewed the efforts the government has been taking to ease the work of the private sector in Egypt and to partner with it for recovery and development.

On Egypts macroeconomic performance, Maait noted that debt to GDP ratio is expected to decrease as of the upcoming FY2022/2023.

In this regard, the minister said that Egypts debt to GDP ratio was 91 percent in FY2020/2021, which witnessed the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, adding that this ratio was smaller than a number of European countries'.

Maait also stated that Egypt has managed to improve the debt maturity to 3.4 years in June 2021 with the objective of reaching 3.8 years in the current FY2021/22.

In September, the UK removed Egypt from its "red list" for travellers to the Kingdom from countries deemed a coronavirus risk starting 22 September.

Following the Brexit deal, the UK set an agenda to open up to other markets outside the European Union (EU) to establish robust economic and trade deals worldwide, with a special focus on the African market.

In this respect, The UK-Egypt Association Agreement, which governs trade exchange between the two countries, entered into force in January 2021 with the aim of supporting the continuity of trade between Egypt and the UK.

According to the UK's Trade Commissioner Emma Wade-Smith, "the agreement provides for tariff-free trade on industrial products, as well as liberalising trade in agriculture, agri-foods and fisheries, making business easier and delivering significant savings to companies in both the UK and Egypt."

"The agreement also provides a framework for furthering trade, political, economic, social and cultural links, reflecting the breadth and depth of the relationship between our two countries," she added.

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The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) instructed banks on Thursday to create and provide banking products dedicated to individuals with special needs in line with the bank's strategy of financial inclusion that aims to provide the banking services for all classes of society.

According to the CBE directives, banks are expected to release banking cards with special designs featuring raised letters and numbers suited for these clients.

Special needs persons represent about 10.6 percent of Egypts total population of 102 million, according to the latest official statistics issued by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and (CAPMAS).

The CBE instructed the banks to provide mechanisms for those clients to follow up their banking accounts and transactions including through SMSs, phone calls and screen reader services.

CBE also directed banks to accept the seal and thumbprints as signatures for all banking procedures, as well as providing required physical assistance in the banks branches for those clients.

Moreover, banks will be required to provide bank statements, notifications, and documents in both braille and sound-on-disc CDs.

Additionally, banks will be required to make available all information about the banks products and services on their websites and social media platforms combined with audio reading for visual impaired persons, and with sign language for hearing impaired persons.

The CBE instructed banks to make structural changes in services to facilitate transactions for special needs' customers within 12 months. It instructed banks to designate at least 10 percent of personnel in each bank branch to service special needs' clients as well as making a minimum of 10 percent of all ATMs accessible to them.

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The US Embassy in Cairo announced on Thursday that 1.6 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are on their way to Egypt as a gift from the US government.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shipment is making its way to Egypt. These 1.6 million Pfizer vaccine doses are a gift from the US Government to the people of Egypt and are part of our commitment to defeat the pandemic, the embassy said in a short statement on its official Facebook Page.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is administered in two shots 21 days apart, needs special refrigeration to store vials at the low temperatures of 2C to 8C.

Last week, Egypts Health Minister Hala Zayed announced preparations for handling and distributing the Pfizer vaccine doses in a number of governorates, explaining that the government has secured a nationwide storage capacity of 4.3 million doses in 600 recently-purchased refrigerators.

The Pfizer vaccines effectiveness against the Alpha variant of coronavirus is 95 percent and 88 percent against the Delta variant.

Egypt is on the short list of partner countries to receive US vaccines against the coronavirus, according to a statement from the US embassy in June.

However, the country was not one of the 60 countries that received a shipment of 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in August.

Egypt has already obtained 40.4 million vaccine doses, including 2.3 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses that were donated by Germany last week.

Egypt has launched a mass vaccination campaign in January, expanding it in recent weeks to cover more than 13 million persons.

The country has administered a total of 16,223,309 vaccine doses nationwide at 1,100 centres, according to the World Health Organisation.

Egypt is currently administrating the Chinese Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines, the British-Swedish AstraZeneca, the Russian Sputnik V and the American Johnson & Johnson in the innoculation campaign.

Egypt's Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA) is currently manufacturing the Sinovac vaccine to serve local and African needs.

The country has so far registered 303,783 coronavirus cases since the outbreak began in February 2020, including 17,294 deaths and 256,467 recoveries.

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'By buying 52 new NATO-calibre cannons, we will boost our defence capacity and replace the DANA howitzers that are more than 40 years old,' Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar said

France signed a deal in Prague on Thursday to sell 52 howitzer cannons worth 333 million euros ($386 million) to the Czech Army.

Frech arms group Nexter makes the 155-milimetre Caesar howitzers, which will replace the Czech-made DANA over the next three to five years.

"By buying 52 new NATO-calibre cannons, we will boost our defence capacity and replace the DANA howitzers that are more than 40 years old," Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar said.

"The weapons will be supplied in 2024-2026," he added.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly hailed the Caesar artillery cannons as "a powerful, accurate and modern tool".

"With a local share of more than 40 percent, the Czech industry will be fully involved in the construction of this system," she told reporters.

France will supply the first four howitzers and the remaining 48 will be completed in the Czech Republic by the Czechoslovak Group holding company.

The Czech defence ministry, which considered eight offers, announced the deal last year but the talks took longer than expected.

The French Army has been using the 155-millimetre Caesar canons with a range of 40 kilometres (nearly 25 miles) since 2008.

In July 2019, Nexter sold 62 Titus armoured vehicles to the Czech Republic, a NATO member since 1999, for 230 million euros.

The Czech Republic used to be part of Czechoslovakia, a former Communist nation.

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Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reiterated Egypts call for the unconditional, simultaneous, and coordinated exit of all foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya in a speech given during the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on Thursday.

This, he said, will hasten the political roadmap agreed upon by all sides and end the conflict in the North African country

The main problem that impedes Libya in restoring its sovereignty and unity is the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries on its territory, which negatively impacts Libyan national security in particular and the security of its Arab and African neighbours in general, Shoukry said.

Egypt has been pushing for a political settlement in Libya for years, calling for a permanent ceasefire, a complete disarming of all militias, and an end to foreign intervention in the country.

In recent months, Egypt has hosted several rounds of talks between various Libyan factions to mediate a political solution.

Shoukry also stressed Egypts support for the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission (JMC) that has been tasked with ensuring the departure of all foreign forces from the country.

The JMC, which brings together five military officials from the eastern and western camps in the Libyan conflict, is one of the UN-backed entities in Libya that was formed as a result of the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Geneva in October 2020 between the warring parties in the country.

Egypts top diplomat asked the parties involved to renew their commitment and support to the implementation of the ceasefire.

Egypt warned more than a year ago of the consequences of the continuation of the armed conflict in Libya, and that it may have to take measures to protect its national security and preserve the balance of power if it was disrupted, he added.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis has repeatedly stressed that Egypt will not stand idle in the face of any threat to its national security from Libya, warning on more than one occasion that Cairo would militarily intervene if certain red lines were crossed.

Shoukry highlighted that Egypt has persistently urged the two factions in Libya to engage seriously in the UN-brokered peace process and implement all international decisions specifying the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libyan soil.

However, the international community has not taken firm measures to end such a problem, he said, calling for a united and staunch stance in support of the JMC.

The continued foreign military presence in Libya provides an unstable incubation environment for terrorism and extremism that allows the movement of terrorist elements in the region, Shoukry warned.

The Egyptian minister urged all countries that have fighters and mercenaries deployed in Libya to withdraw them and punish their supporters, employers, and those who facilitated their transit and movement across international borders.

Shoukrys speech comes as political forces in east and west Libya continue to disagree on the constitutional grounds for holding the presidential and parliamentary elections, which are scheduled in December and are a key step in completing the road map to end the years-old conflict and restore normalcy.

Earlier in September, Libyas eastern-based parliament approved a law allowing a presidential election to take place in December, however, the step was not completely welcomed by Tripolis High Council of State, an advisory body formed under the terms of the UN-brokered Skhirat agreement of 2015.

Last year, the two camps signed a ceasefire in Geneva; and earlier this year, an interim government was established through internationally sponsored negotiations to guide the country towards the national elections in December.

The Egyptian foreign minister also praised the efforts exerted by the Libyan parliament in preparing the laws of the long-awaited elections.

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Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will hold talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.

During their meeting, Shoukry and Lavrov will discuss furthering development of bilateral cooperation in various fields including political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian aspects.

Shoukry held a meeting with Lavrov earlier this month on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to discuss bilateral relations and recent international and regional issues.

Lavrov embarked on an official visit to Cairo in April and held meetings with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Shoukry. The meetings tackled the Middle East peace process and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Discussions between Lavrov and El-Sisi also discussed the Libyan crisis and enhancing Egyptian-Russian relations.

In August, Moscow resumed direct flights to the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, ending a hiatus of six years over security concerns.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "shocked" Thursday by Ethiopia's decision to expel seven senior United Nations officials from the African country, which is facing the threat of famine in its war-torn Tigray region

"I was shocked by the information that the Government of Ethiopia has declared seven UN officials ... as persona non grata," Guterres said in a statement after the announcement by Ethiopia's foreign ministry, which accused the officials of "meddling."

Guterres said he had "full confidence" in UN aid workers in Ethiopia, and that the body is engaging with the government "in the expectation that the concerned UN staff will be allowed to continue their important work.

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Egypt's National Security Agency foiled a plot by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood (MB) aiming to revive its terrorist activities by searching for sources of funding, the Ministry of Interior announced in a statement it released on Thursday.

According to the statement, the National Security Agency found out that MB member Yehia Mahran Othman played a prominent role in said plot by being one of the main arms of the imprisoned Muslim Brotherhood senior figure Safwan Thabet.

Thabet, Egypt's Juhayna Food Industries chairman, was arrested in December of last year over charges of calling for unauthorised protests, joining an outlawed group, inciting violence, and financing a terrorist group.

The agency concluded that Thabet assigned Othman to exploit the former's companies in transferring and concealing the terrorist organisation's funds in an attempt to circumvent the legal procedures taken to freeze its assets, the statement added.

According to the statement, Othman operated out of an apartment in Hadayek Al-Ahram district, where he concealed MB funds.

Police forces raided the apartment and discovered a secret room containing a total of $8.4 million along with an undisclosed amount of money in other foreign currencies and a hidden stash of ammunition, the statement read.

All legal procedures were followed, and the Supreme State Security Prosecution was notified to commence its investigations, the statement concluded.

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U.S. President Joe Bidens National Security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will travel to Cairo for official meetings on Wednesday joined by White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, according to a statement by the White House on Tuesday.

The US and Egyptian delegations will discuss support for Libyan elections and regional security, including in the Horn of Africa.

Sullivan will affirm the importance of human rights in the context of the overall strategic relationship.

He will also discuss Egypts role in promoting security and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians following the visit by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet to Egypt earlier this month.

Sullivan is set to host Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata in Washington on October 5 for follow-up discussions on these and other topics and a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group.

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, met with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, earlier this month, where he asserted Egypts support for all efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution and international resolutions in a way that contributes to ensuring security and prosperity in the region.

Bennett, in the meeting, expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian role in the region and asserted the importance of its role in keeping the security stability in Gaza and to find a solution for the Israeli POWs and missing soldiers.

In May, Egypt brokered a cease fire between Israel and Hamas, after 11 days of deadly bombing that pounded the Palestinian enclave, killing more than 250 Palestinians, including 66 children, while the death toll in Israel stood at 13.

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Egypt welcomed on Thursday Tunisias assignment of Najla Bouden as the Prime Minister of the country, renewing its support to Tunisian President Kais Saieds vision to meet the Tunisian peoples aspirations.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez congratulated Tunisia on this occasion, hailing the step as the countrys movement towards the future under the wise national leadership of President Kais Saied, a statement by the ministry read.

The spokesman reiterated Egypts support to Saieds decision that seeks to achieve stability and security, meet the will of the brotherly Tunisian people, and preserve their resources, the statement added.

Bouden, a 63-year-old geophysics university professor, was assigned as the prime minister of Tunisia on Wednesday.

She is the first to be given the post since Saied sacked the government of Hichem Mechichi and suspended the activities of parliament late in July.

Egypt has repeatedly affirmed its support to Saied in the wake of his actions in July, calling them historic and reiterating its trust in Saieds wise leadership.

In a meeting with Saied early in August in Tunisias capital, Shoukry said that Saieds decision aims to fulfil the will of his people and guarantee the stability of his country and its best interests, a statement by the Tunisian presidency read.

Boudens appointment as Tunisias first ever female prime minister has been internationally welcomed.

She has served in high-profile academic posts, the most notable of which was her stint as an implementation officer of the World Banks programme at Tunisias higher education ministry.

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Cairo International Airport received its first flight coming from Tripoli, Libya on Thursday after a suspension that has lasted seven years due to turmoil in the neighbouring country.

The flight was operated by the Libyan state-owned Afriqiyah Airways, which is based in Tripoli.

A flight operated by flag carrier Libyan Airlines was also scheduled to reach Cairo International Airport but was redirected to Borg Al-Arab International Airport instead.

Afriqiyah Airways is taking off to Cairo airport in a step that will ease the pain of travelling for my people, Libyan Interim Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah said in a tweet on Thursday.

Addressing Libyans, Dbeibah promised that there is still a lot in this file. We will not disappoint you.

Afriqiyah Airways plans to fly nine weekly flights from Libyan airports to Cairo International Airport while adhering to preventive measures against the coronavirus, informed sources said.

This includes abiding by the Egyptian governments policy of banning visitors from abroad from entering the country until they present a negative PCR test result 72 hours before the flight at most.

This does not include children under six years of age of all nationalities.

The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority suspended flights between Libya and Cairo in 2014 due to the insecurity and political turbulence that was rampant in Libya in the past seven years.

The announcement to resume flights between Egypt and Libya came during Libyas Transportation Minister Muhammad Al-Shoubis participation in the 11th session of the Libyan-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee earlier this month, according to the Libya Observer.

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Egypt's Ministry of Health and Mercedes-Benz reached an agreement whereby the German automotive giant will supply Egypt with 2,510 ambulances and mobile clinics for over EGP 3 billion ($190 million) as part of the countryside-based Decent Life initiative.

Some 1,510 vehicles will be received between October and mid-2022, the rest by the beginning of 2023, a health ministry statement read on Thursday.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Health Minister Hala Zayed and Mercedes' officials in Stuttgart city.

The vehicles will be running on environmentally friendly engines, with less vibration and emissions, making Egypt the second country after Germany to use these advanced engines, the statement noted.

The Decent Life initiative, meaning Hayah Karima in Arabic, is a series of countryside-focused infrastructure projects, which aims to improve the standard of living, infrastructure, and basic services, and targets 58 percent of Egypts 102-million population.

With overall investments of EGP 700 billion, the initiative seeks to improve livelihoods in over 4,500 villages within the framework of the Sustainable Development Strategy of Egypt's 2030 Vision.

The initiatives first phase started in January 2021 with a budget of nearly EGP 200 billion and is due to be completed by the end of FY 2021-22.

The initiative also addresses issues faced by Egyptian women by providing family guidance, counselling offices, and reproductive health clinics. It also provides decent housing in new complexes and, wherever possible, develops existing housing.

In terms of education services, the initiative is building 13,000 classrooms. In the healthcare sector, the national project is meant to develop existing health units, construct new hospitals, and implement the new Universal Health Insurance System.

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Egypt will allow a total of 74 countries to obtain tourist visas electronically upon arrival at any of Egypts ports within 24 hours of registering for them, an official statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities read on Tuesday.

The statement affirmed that Egypts e-Visa Portal can issue tourist visas to visitors holding valid passports from Schengen countries, the US, the UK, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada  to name a few  upon arriving to Egypt.

A screenshot from Egypt e-visa portal showing a list of the countries whose nationals are allowed to issue an e-Visa upon application on the Egypt e-Visa Portal

An Egyptian tourist e-visa costs $25 for a single-entry visa or $60 for multiple entries, Ghada Shalaby, the vice minister for tourism and antiquities, said in July.

The update comes as part of the states efforts to encourage the flow of tourists of different nationalities, especially amid the pandemic.

Egypt resumed international flights to and from all its airports in July 2020 after a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus.

The country also started receiving flights from Russia to Egypts Red Sea resort cities after a six-year hiatus.

Russian travellers have always been a major contributor to the country's tourism industry, making them a key source of hard currency in Egypt.

Foreign tourists are only allowed  as tour groups  into the coastal governorates of the Red Sea, Marsa Matrouh, and South Sinai, given that they are the least affected by the pandemic.

Egypt requires travellers arriving to the country to present a negative PCR test certificate performed 72 hours before taking off from their destination or a recognised certificate proving they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. Both certificates should contain a stamp from the country of origin and a QR Code.

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Sudanese Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas reiterated on Thursday Khartoums rejection to engage in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations unless they include the regulations of filling and operation of the dam.

In a meeting with US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman in Khartoum, Abbas said the safety of Sudans Roseires Dam on the Blue Nile should come on top of the points to be negotiated, Sudans News Agency (SUNA) reported.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Africa and the Sudans Bryan David Hunt and a number of officials at the US State Department and US Embassy in Khartoum attended the meeting.

Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia recently expressed their readiness to engage in the African Union-sponsored negotiations to resolve their decade-long dispute over the mega dam Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile.

The two downstream countries have grave concerns about the potential impact of the GERD, especially in light of Ethiopia's resistance of a binding deal on the filling and operation of the dam, a matter that Egypt and Sudan see as necessary.

Ethiopia implemented the first and second phases of filling the dams reservoir unilaterally in 2020 and 2021 without an agreement.

Abbas told Feltman that anticipated GERD negotiations should also tackle conducting environmental and social studies, the exchange of information, and all points related to the continuous safe operation of the GERD, Abbas said.

Sudan also demands the talks include an explanation of the negotiations approach to avoid the negative aspects that took place during previous rounds of talks.

During their meeting, Abbas and Feltman discussed the harms caused by Ethiopias unilateral filling of the dam last July and the costly measures Sudan has shouldered due to the lack of coordination and exchange of information with the Ethiopian side.

Earlier this month, Abbas sent a letter to his Ethiopian counterpart, Seleshi Bekele, complaining about Addis Ababas failure to furnish Khartoum with accurate information about the second filling.

Abbas affirmed to Feltman the need to implement all the points in the statement issued by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in mid-September during the talks sponsored by the African Union and to encourage the role of observers to facilitate the negotiations.

The UNSCs statement encourages the three sides to return to the AU-sponsored talks to reach a binding deal within a reasonable timeframe.

Feltman and Abbas discussed Washingtons endeavours to ensure a legally-binding deal on GERD is reached at the earliest opportunity.

They also discussed the letters exchanged between the Sudanese and Ethiopian irrigation ministers over the month.

Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate earlier this week, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said Sudan suffered damages during the filling phases of GERD.

He noted that reaching a binding deal on GERD will spare our country the probable damages that threaten the means of livelihood of half of Sudans population.

Hamdok warned that the unilateral acts by the Ethiopian side threaten the safety of operation of Sudans dams and negatively affect the irrigation of agricultural projects and drinking water plants.

We suffered some of these damages during the first unilateral filling last year and the second unilateral filling over the past weeks despite the numerous and costly preventive measures that we have taken to avoid these impacts, Hamdok affirmed.

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Talks also pored over promptly pressing ahead with a strategic dialogue agenda, with the aim of serving Sudan's interests and further promoting bilateral ties

Sudan and the UK have agreed to launch high-level strategic dialogue sessions at the nearest possible time.

During a meeting late Tuesday, Ambassador Mohamed Sharif Abdullah, Undersecretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Central and East Africa Affairs at the British Foreign Office Simon Mustard discussed ways of boosting Sudanese-British ties.

Talks also pored over promptly pressing ahead with a strategic dialogue agenda, with the aim of serving Sudan's interests and further promoting bilateral ties.

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The White House on Thursday condemned "in the strongest possible terms" Ethiopia's decision to expel senior UN officials at a time of looming humanitarian crisis and warned of sanctions.

Press Secretary Jen Psaki called Ethiopia's move an "unprecedented action to expel the leadership of all of the United Nations organizations involved in ongoing humanitarian operations."

The United States "will not hesitate" to impose sanctions against "those who obstruct humanitarian assistance," she warned.

The expulsions have ratcheted up worries over the humanitarian response in Tigray, which has been mired in conflict since November.

The seven UN officials, including the local heads of the UN children's agency UNICEF and its humanitarian coordination office, have been declared "persona non grata" for "meddling in the internal affairs of the country," Ethiopia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Earlier in September, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing for sanctions against the warring parties in northern Ethiopia if they fail to commit to a negotiated settlement.

The order authorizes the Treasury Department to sanction the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), among other parties

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Israel's foreign minister arrived in Bahrain on Thursday, the first high-level visit to the small Gulf state by a senior Israeli official since the signing last year of a landmark agreement to establish diplomatic ties.

Yair Lapid landed in Bahrain's capital, Manama, for meetings with his Bahraini counterpart and to inaugurate Israel's embassy. It was the first official visit by an Israeli Cabinet member.

After Lapid landed, Bahrain carrier Gulf Air launched its first direct flight between Manama and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli diplomatic delegation was to meet with its Bahraini counterparts and sign a raft of agreements to further cement bilateral ties, including economic deals and cooperation between hospitals and water companies. The two countries had long enjoyed shared distrust of regional rival Iran.

``We see Bahrain as an important partner, both in the bilateral level but also as a bridge to cooperation with other countries in the region,'' said Lior Haiat, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.

Israel established formal diplomatic relations with four Arab states last year as part of the U.S.-brokered ``Abraham Accords.'' Lapid has already visited the United Arab Emirates and Morocco and opened Israel's diplomatic offices there since he became Israel's foreign minister in June.

Lapid said in a statement that the Israeli delegation and Bahraini officials ``talked about the cooperation between our countries and about taking the official peace between us and turning it into an active, economic, security, political and civic friendship.''

Bahrain's first ambassador to Israel arrived earlier this month and presented his credentials to Israel's figurehead president on the anniversary of the signing of the accords.

The deals to establish relations with Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and the UAE were the first peace accords between Israel and Arab states in decades, after peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1995.

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On the 65th anniversary of the nationalisation of the Suez Canal by the late President Gamal Abdel-Nasser, Ahram Online remembers the opening of the strategic international water way on 17 November 1869

Opening Ceremony of Suez Canal 1869

The idea of connecting the Red and Mediterranean seas had haunted Egyptians for centuries. Remnants of an ancient west-east canal through the ancient cities of Bubastis, (Tel Basta), Pi Ramsis (Tel Al-Dabaa) and Pithom (Per Atum) were discovered during the French expedition of 1799.

Ismailia transit dock 1869-1885 photo by Arnoux; Ismailia view of roadstead on 19 june 1885 photo by Arnoux

According to an article published in Al-Ahram in 1894, celebrating the 25-year jubilee of the inauguration of Suez Canal:

Its been 25 years since the Red and Mediterranean seas got married, and this is their silver wedding jubilee. Lavishness aside, the story of the Suez Canal starts in 1830 when Ferdinand De Lesseps was assigned French deputy council in Egypt. He was 26. However 38 years later he led the inauguration of the Suez Canal when he was 64 years old."

Kantara km 44 Camel Ferry and ship in transit , photo by Arnox 1869-1885; Suez Canal terminal and camps photos by Arnoux 1869-1885

The article claims that when De Lesseps first set foot in Egypt he was confined to an obligatory quarantine and had to stay on his ship in Alexandria for 40 days.

Bridge of the Mecca Caravans by unknown photographer 1869- 1885; port Ibrahim Suez photo by Arnoux 1869-1885

During such this time he got hold of a study aiming to join both seas and since then it became his obsession. Often referred to as an impossibility due to the difference in sea levels, Deliseps did not take no for an answer. And 38 years later he was there to celebrate his dream come true.

Port Tawfik Quary and basin photo by Zangaki 1869-1885; Russian Vessela at dock 1869-1885 photo by Arnoux

Indeed it was a dream for Delisepss that Suez Canal Authority got the royalties of canal for 99 years. the canal gave an alternative route for ships to sail between Europe and Asia without having to go around Africa, reducing the distance by some 7,000 km.

Shallufa excavation on dry land to widen the canal , photo by Arnoux 1869-1885; Shallufa view of Canal undergoing work photo by Arnoux 1869-1885

Suez Gulf 1905, source Alexandria library

In June 1956, Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser nationalised the canal and channeled the revenues to build the High Dam after he was denied funds from the World Bank. Nationalisation was a grand victory for Egyptians and a great disappointment to the western world. And the response was violent and quick. The Tripartite Aggression on Egypt by Israel, Britain and France was meant to regain control over the canal and topple Nasser.

Nasser's famous speech where he nationalized the Suez Canal

Egypt agreed to the stationing of a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai to ensure the implementation of the 1949 Armistice Agreements.

On 5 June 1967, Israel declared war on Egypt. The 1967 Naksa (Set Back) also known as the Six Day War, allowed Israel to invade the Gaza Strip and Sinai, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

The Suez Canal was closed and under the authority of the Egyptian Armed Forces until president Anwar Sadat reopened it eight years later after Egypt regained Sinai in 1973. The re-opening of the Suez Canal was on 5 June, the same date it was closed on.

In August 2014, construction was launched to construct an extension for half of the route of the canal, costing $4bn, to increase its capacity. Egyptians were able to raise the targeted amount in six working days.

Compiled by Amira El-Noshokaty

-All Data Courtesy of Al-Ahram Organisation and Information Technology Centre (Microfilm)

-All 1950ies-1970ies) Photos courtesy of Al-Ahram digital archive

-All (1869-1900ies ) photos courtesy of Bibliotheca Alexandrina

*This article has first been published in Ahram Online on 5 November, 2011

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This article is in response to a recent opinion piece in the New York Times, since this needs to be put into a proper perspective. It is important that this reply appears in a national Egyptian newspaper noted for its objectivity, one that neither exhibits patriotic bias nor indulges in a disregard for the facts.

The title of the New York Times article, US and Egypt Put Improving Egypts Human Rights on the Agenda, which appeared on 16 September, sounds optimistic. It seems to herald a period of Egyptian-US cooperation on this sensitive issue. However, reading further one finds that it has more to do with the negative reactions of Egyptian rights activists and international rights organisations to Washingtons decision to withhold $130 million in military aid to Egypt.

The article is primarily focused on registering these individuals and agencies disappointment at a decision that they say fell short of the expectations they had pinned on the Biden administration, given its pledge to put human rights at the centre of its foreign policy, especially with Egypt.

I will not comment on the articles reference to me as being pro-government, except to say that I have spent half my life and up until the present among the ranks of the opposition. I have never held a government post in my political career. However, I am proud to say that I am pro-Egypt and that I stand among those who defend the steps it has taken to improve human rights.

On this subject there are facts that cannot be ignored. Among them are the centrality of human rights in the international order and how easily they can be politicised. It is also a fact that there are rights organisations that receive funding from various governments and agencies in order to produce reports that help further their interests. This is part of the international dynamics that even extend to using terrorism as a player in contemporary international relations.

It is impossible to claim that the state of human rights in Egypt is problem free. The same applies to other nations. No country has reached perfection in the application of human rights standards as laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN in December 1948. I will not take this occasion to remark on some of the violations that have tainted the USs own rights record. There is no need for this discussion to turn into a contest assigning blame.

Instead of the extensive criticisms of the human rights record in Egypt that appeared in the New York Times article, I would have liked the US to join us in monitoring the implementation of the National Strategy for Human Rights that President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi recently launched and pledged to implement in Egypt. This is what Egypt expects from the world and especially from the US, which sees itself as the custodian of democratic values.

It is important to make a specific point clear here. The National Strategy for Human Rights is the fruit of a purely Egyptian drive inspired by principles and values that are deeply ingrained in Egyptian society. Work on this strategy began over a year ago in the framework of ongoing efforts to improve human rights. This was before US President Joe Biden entered the presidential race in the US, putting paid to any claim that the Egyptian Strategy was the result of US pressure.

If there are doubts about Egypts credibility or the strength of its will to improve human rights, they should compel friendly nations to be more supportive and more accurate and objective in their observations as Egypt struggles to overcome challenges and threats that also jeopardise regional and international peace and security.

This brings me to another point related to an inconsistency in US policies. The US is in the process of withdrawing from certain areas in the international arena, such as the Middle East, in order to focus more on its confrontation with China and the expansion of worldwide Chinese influence.

Surely the US would want to strengthen its alliances and strategic partnerships in the areas from which it withdraws in a manner that enables its allies to play a more effective role in the preservation of stability, security and peace in the absence of American power? For Washington to reduce the aid it offers Egypt to fight terrorism and protect the countrys borders is unwise and not what we would have expected from Biden given his lengthy experience of US foreign policy. Biden has spent much of his career as a member and then chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which has a major influence on the design, planning and monitoring of US foreign policy.

Egypt will not use its regional role as a token to barter with over its human rights record, but surely any serious steps it has taken towards improving human rights should have been met with support from Washington, even as monitoring continues in the framework of international agreements and conventions.

In short, Egypt deserved encouragement from Washington, not punishment by docking a relatively small amount of aid that was nevertheless large in its political significance. I hope Washington revises this decision, making it clear that this is not about looking the other way, but about supporting efforts to promote the democratic values that the US itself champions.

* The writer is head of the Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Statements and counter statements from the Sudanese civilian and military powers in the wake of last weeks coup attempt do not serve the best interests of todays Sudan.

A failed coup attempt has unmuted differences between the military and civilians in Sudan, with news from the country saying last week that the Sudanese military had nipped in the bud a coup attempt staged by some 60 officers loyal to the ousted regime of former president Omar Al-Bashir, arrested the perpetrators and restored order.

The next day, Lieutenant-General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, president of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, vehemently criticised the countrys politicians, accusing them of seeking their own narrow interests and neglecting the slogans of the December Revolution.

He was fed up with what he called continued attempts to exclude the military from the scene in the country, pinpointing an initiative put forward by Abdulla Hamdok, the Sudanese prime minister, which had sidelined the military in favour of the civilian political powers. Al-Burhan said that the military holds everything in Sudan and that it remains the guardian of the democratic transition in the country post Al-Bashir.

The woes of the president of the Sovereignty Council were echoed by his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, aka Hemetti, commander of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces. Hemetti slammed the countrys politicians and accused them of standing behind the coups that the country had experienced because they ignored the people and kept themselves busy with conflicts over power.

The statements of both military leaders have infuriated the civilian partners within the government and the targeted political powers as well. The main opposition power, the Forces of Freedom and Change Alliance, explicitly called for a divorce from the military in order to bring this partnership to an end. Khaled Omar Youssef, the Sudanese minister of cabinet affairs, even said that if the military wanted confrontation, so be it.

The reality is that these statements and counterstatements do not serve the best interests of post-Al-Bashir Sudan. The only winner from these reciprocal fiery statements is Al-Bashirs deep state, which looks to be still active even though its main players have been somewhat curtailed.

Though a government committee has fired hundreds of state employees, including top-ranking officials affiliated with the Al-Bashir regime, and confiscated their property, the facts on the ground, including the recent coup attempt, show that the committee is still lagging behind in reaching its goal of cleansing the ousted presidents old guard.

Even more alarming is the fact that Eastern Sudan is witnessing disturbances that could risk the fragile stability of the country as a whole. The chief of the Beja people in the east of the country has called for the cancelling of the Draft Constitutional Declaration and the dissolution of the government itself, among other requests. His affiliates have blocked access to the air and sea ports of the city of Port Sudan, which are vital to the Sudanese economy and to the transfer of oil from Sudans neighbour South Sudan.

They have also shut down the oil pipeline that provides supplies to the capital Khartoum. Given the ailing economic conditions of the country, Sudan cannot bear the implications of these irrational acts for long.

The civilian-military partnership in Sudan is in reality one of a kind in the region, particularly in the wake of a popular uprising. Until the end of the transitional period and the holding of free-and-fair elections, all the stakeholders in Sudan need to defuse the tension and work for the betterment of the Sudanese people who have suffered most for decades under military dictatorships, only to end with the ousting of the former regime of Al-Bashir.

The incumbent government in Sudan, under both military and civilian leaders, has accomplished a lot to make the country more prosperous. Sudan has been removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, allowing for the return of foreign investors and the renewed access of the country to the kind of normal business services it had been long deprived of in the past.

Major international powers are competing to win Sudan in their favour through economic or military deals. Debts have been written off only because Sudan is on the track of a democratic transition. The political space in the country has been opened up, embracing Sudanese of all political stripes. The country is gearing up to restore its leverage both at the regional and the international levels.

All these gains are not coming on a silver platter, however. The Sudanese, both the military and the political powers, may end up facing the music if they do not come to the table together to discuss a successful conclusion to the transitional period. Relative peace in Sudan and the laying down of arms by most of the countrys armed groups, now part of the Peace Agreement signed in Juba in South Sudan, should be a reminder to all the Sudanese parties that dialogue in good faith is the only safeguard against the countrys falling back under the rule of a tyrannical regime.

The Sudanese Armed Forces are entrusted with the protection of the countrys national security, securing its borders and making sure that the territorial integrity of the state remains unharmed. This is a tough task given the circumstances unfolding in a troubled region, particularly as far as the situation in Sudans neighbours of South Sudan and Ethiopia is concerned.

But Sudans Armed Forces have been assuming their role diligently and effectively since the ousting of the former regime. For the first time, Sudan has exercised sovereignty over the Al-Fashaka territories after decades of Ethiopian occupation thanks to the Sudanese militarys sacrifices in that department.

The countrys civilian partners should not fan the flames and should work on considering the concerns of the military in post-transition Sudan. In plain English, the restructuring of the military and security apparatus is a complicated process that needs to be eased up on, particularly in a highly polarised environment like that in Sudan, where an effective player on the scene, Hemetti, has explicitly rejected the idea of merging the Rapid Support Forces into the Sudanese army.

If this is not done, the whole transition may be at stake, and Sudan may go back to square one. It is time that the Sudanese stakeholders realised that it was their collective effort that toppled Al-Bashirs regime and that this is still needed to surf the troubled waters since the goal of democracy in Sudan has yet to be accomplished.

The active powers in Sudan should, therefore, learn from the lessons of the past and join forces for a smooth and safe transition in the country.

* The writer is a former press attache in Ethiopia and an expert on African and international affairs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Last weeks foiled military coup in Sudan highlights the undeniable fact that Sudans democratic transition towards stability and economic prosperity is far from complete, and will need support from its Arab and African neighbours as well as the international community to succeed.

Sudans army leaders, who have been sharing power with the civilian political parties that led the revolt against former president Omar Al-Bashir in 2019, blamed army officers and civilians connected to the previous regime for the failed plot. After ruling the country for 30 years, the former president known for his sympathy with the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood group, installed and nurtured Brotherhood officials across all levels of government and security organs, including state and local levels. These elements of the previous regime were sidelined and seemingly removed from power by the revolution.

However, what is worrying is that Sudans military and civilian leaders do not seem to be reading from the same page, and have been trading blame as to who made the latest coup attempt possible. This is only two months ahead of the deadline for army leaders to hand over power to a government led by civilian political parties, according to the timetable agreed on by the two sides months after Bashirs removal.

Army leaders criticised the civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok for failing to improve economic conditions, and the deterioration of security conditions in several Sudanese eastern regions. Top army commanders accused civilian leaders of being bogged down by personal and political battles. Civilian political party leaders rejected the criticism, and claimed the coup attempt was promoted by the military to gain domestic and international support so as to remain in control and delay handing over power to a civilian government in November.

Regardless of who engineered the coup attempt, it shows Sudans competing, disjointed centres of power and the contested nature of the transition. Sudans leaders, both civilian and military, face the unenviable task of trying to reconcile, outmanoeuvre and override these centres while not upending the transition itself.

Indeed the Sudanese government, led by Hamdok, faces enormous economic, social and security challenges after decades of conflict and Bashirs failed and corrupt rule. Gains have been made to forge peace with some armed groups in war-affected areas, usher in economic reforms and bring Sudan back into international organisations and financial folds, especially after the United States agreed to remove Sudans name from its list of nations accused of supporting terrorism. Yet the Sudanese obviously expect more from the current transition government. The two components of that government, military and civilian, must work hard to preserve the unique arrangement resulting from the 2019 revolution, which was the only way to make room for progress.

Despite the ongoing exchange of critical statements, there remains hope that the failed coup, and any organised effort that spawned it, will inspire increased unity and positive actions by the civilian and military leaders. Delaying the plan to hand over power to a civilian-led government was likely one of the motives for the plotters, but if efforts to bolster up civilian and military unity succeed, it can show the transformational power of a civilian-military government as envisioned by the 2019 revolution.

Both components of the government are also required to continue working on establishing key transitional institutions, including the long-delayed legislative council, the constitutional court and judicial organs. These bodies will be critical to institutionalising governance reforms already underway and giving the country a real chance to provide justice to citizens subjected to decades of war and misrule. In the case of the legislative council, its creation is needed to give popular legitimacy and political direction to the transitional governments decisions and provide space for other political and civic stakeholders to participate. The transition will never be complete without these institutions, and their absence leaves it vulnerable to events like the attempted coup.

As in any political transition in a deeply divided state, there must also be a clear role for the military, while in no way denying its crucial part in making the 2019 revolution a success and maintaining the countrys unity. Sudans challenges are not only economic and political. The growing tension with Ethiopia over border areas and the Grand Renaissance Dam is another reason why Sudans military and civilian leaders must maintain unity in the face of regional threats.

Sudans neighbours, and particularly Egypt, are ready to play any role that will help in achieving stability and prosperity in a country dear to all Egyptians. African nations and the international community also have an important role to play in shoring up support for Sudans government, in close partnership with Sudans diverse set of decision-makers. Sudan has already gone a long way since Al-Bashir was ousted in April 2019, but much more work is required to assure a smooth transition towards a stable government that will consider peace and economic prosperity in Sudan as its top priorities.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi on Tuesday inspected the harvesting of crops, part of the agricultural project called The Future of Egypt which is being implemented in the Western Desert.

The scheme is part of the major New Delta venture due to be carried out over one million feddans along the Rod Al-Farag-Dabaa Axis. The New Delta plan is meant to help in developing the northwestern coast by establishing new agricultural and urban communities.

Proximity to both the Sphinx and Burg Al-Arab airports and the ports of Dekheila and Alexandria facilitates the process of transporting goods and products.

The president urged tightening the time frame for applying New Delta and integrating its phases, according to Presidential Spokesman Bassem Radi.

Before going into effect there were several studies concerning the plan conducted by research teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Service Products Organisation, and the academic authorities on the land allocated. These studies have proven that the land is fit for agricultural reclamation, Radi affirmed.

The mega project also aims to establish industrial complexes that would depend on agricultural production, Radi said while noting that state of the art mechanisms will be used in the process.

Meanwhile, The Future of Egypt is expected, according to Radi, to create more than 200,000 new job opportunities as it serves the countrys strategy to form new agricultural and urban communities that use modern management systems.

This is considered an attractive destination for investors, he stated.

In January President Al-Sisi inspected a mega project aiming to expand agricultural production by reclaiming 500,000 feddans along the Dabaa Axis Highway in the countrys northwest.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 April, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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MPs meet in a plenary session on Saturday, marking the start of the new legislative season.

Following a two-month summer recess, the House of Representatives will hold an opening procedural sitting on Saturday amid strict anti-coronavirus measures. The Senate  Egypts upper consultative house  will hold its opening session on Tuesday.

House Speaker Hanafi Gibali will chair Saturdays meeting. He will first read out Decree 418, issued last week by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, which instructs MPs to begin their legislative programme on 2 October, and then deliver a speech outlining what MPs can expect in the coming stage. MPs will then be given the opportunity to take the floor and give their own opinions on the new legislative season.

On Sunday, a procedural session will be held to allow MPS who wish to stand for positions on the Houses 25 committees to declare themselves. The house is required to elect a chairman, two deputies and one secretary-general for each committee.

Ahead of the opening session, the majority Mostaqbal Watan (Homelands Future) Party will hold a meeting to select its committee candidates.

Before adjourning on 27 July, the House approved amendments to its internal bylaws. The most significant change allowed political parties which have three seats, rather than the previous eight, to join the general committee which drafts the weekly schedule of debate.

Alaa Abed, a senior member of Mostaqbal Watan Party, told Al-Ahram Weekly that the change will help democratise the House of Representatives. It means that 11 political parties, instead of five, will now be represented on the Houses general committee. The more political parties sit on the general committee, the more views there are to discuss, he said.

Article 24 of parliaments bylaws states that the general committee is led by the speaker, includes the speakers two deputies, heads of 25 committees, representatives of political parties with three or more seats, and five independent MPs. Under the new rules the Tagammu, the Egyptian Socialist Democratic, Nour, the Reform and Development, the Congress and Freedom parties will join the committee.

Following this weeks procedural sessions MPs face a legislative-heavy season.

Amr Darwish, deputy chairman of the Local Administration Committee, told reporters this week that the old rent law is likely to top the legislative agenda. Darwish said a public dialogue on changes to the law needs to be held to ensure amendments are fair to both landlords and tenants. The fact is this law has remained unchanged for half a century. Owners want to unfreeze the old rents, while tenants would like to see a gradual increase in rents, said Darwish.

In an open discussion with the Egyptian Family Initiative on 14 August, President Al-Sisi said a balance must be struck between the needs of owners and tenants. The rent of some housing units in downtown Cairo is just LE20 a month yet their market value can exceed LE5 million. This is completely unfair for landlords, said Al-Sisi.

MPs also expect to debate a new personal status law in the new session.

Ibrahim Al-Heneidi, chairman of the Houses Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee, told reporters on 15 September that the committee anticipated changes to the law regulating marriage, divorce, guardianship, and custody. There is general public support for the law to be changed, and President Al-Sisi has requested a new personal status law that serves the public interest, he said.

A new draft personal status law was presented to parliament in February, only to be withdrawn by the government after details emerged and provoked widespread public controversy.

Informed sources say the government has referred the draft law to the Justice Ministry for review, and that the ministry is in consultation with Al-Azhar, the Coptic Church, the National Council of Women and other institutions in an attempt to forge a consensus before the law is referred to parliament.

Mustafa Salem, deputy chairman of the Houses Budget Committee, said his committees proceedings were likely to be dominated by new general finance and unified planning laws.

A unified planning law was referred to parliament last year then put on hold to allow the committee time to canvas the views of different bodies, most notably those of the Ministry of Local Administration and the Ministry of International Cooperation, said Salem. The new law seeks to devolve power to governorates and allow them to formulate their own socio-economic development plans.

The general finance law, according to Salem, aims to streamline the process of preparing the annual state general budget by imposing greater transparency and ensuring the budget guarantees the percentages spent on education, health and scientific research stipulated by the constitution.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The Ministry of Education announced it was hiring part-time teachers for the upcoming school year 2021-22 to make up for the current shortage of teachers in all grades whether primary, preparatory, or secondary. The part-timers, who should be graduates of a university of a relevant specialty, will be trained on modern teaching methods.

Deputy Minister of Education for Technical Education Affairs Mohamed Megahed noted that there were at present 1.187 million teachers while the number of school students exceeded 24 million in close to 57,000 schools. According to Megahed, there is a shortage of 320,000 teachers.

Part-time applicants who should not be older than 50 will teach a maximum of 24 classes a week, Megahed added. They will be paid LE20 a class.

Although this years education budget has increased to LE256 billion from LE241.6 billion last year, of which 80 per cent is allocated for wages, there are no funds to hire teachers on a permanent basis, Megahed said. The ministry will pay the part-timers from the ministrys special funds in order not to financially burden either the ministry or the countrys general budget, he said.

Head of the Teachers Syndicate Khalaf Al-Zanati criticised the concept of part-time teaching, saying it could seriously affect the educational system because they do not have the proper training. Moreover, he said, since they do not have any rights, they lack loyalty to the profession. They are just pain killers, not an actual and credible solution to the problem, Al-Zanati added.

The government is spending huge amounts of money on national projects. Does it not have enough resources to appoint teachers in order to end the shortage, and pay them reasonable salaries for them to lead a decent and respectable life, Al-Zanati asked, believing the only solution was to train a new batch of teachers on a salary that would meet their living standards, he added.

Former member of the House of Representatives Education Committee Mahmoud Atteya said he hoped the ministry would use its resources to inject large financial amounts that could contribute to covering the shortage of teachers who, he added, were indispensable in light of the deficiency in some specialties.

Atteya pointed out that in 2012 when there was a significant shortage of teachers, parliament summoned the then ministers of education and finance and succeeded in providing allocations for the permanent appointment of temporary teachers.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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While Europe anticipates an energy crisis this winter, others are content that oil and gas are still the main dynamo powering the global economy. According to some commentators, that is even more important than any increase in revenue for oil and gas exporters.

Energy contract traders are making ample profits. Even equity investors are enjoying the spike in the share prices of major oil companies, which averaged more than 15 per cent in the last few days. Meanwhile, industries and consumers are facing rapid and huge rises in energy bills.

For the first time since the autumn of 2018, crude oil prices came close to $80 a barrel last week; and natural gas prices more than trebled in Europe since start of August. That forced some countries to revert to coal-fired power stations to make up for the shortage in their electricity grids. The UK, Germany and other countries had to switch on power stations that were supposed to be decommissioned to achieve global warming combatting targets.

But officials in energy-consuming countries, for once, are not blaming Gulf oil and gas producers for the current price spike. The reasons for the price increase are rather a drop in supply due to accumulated shortages in the year of the pandemic and the need to refill energy stores depleted during lockdowns.

Some political manoeuvring cannot be avoided anyway, with the US and Europe accusing Russia of turning off gas taps to Europe. China has also been blamed for the huge increase in Asian energy imports. The latest is part of the imbalance in the demand-and-supply equation of energy market supporting price hikes.

At least, Gulf exporters and the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) escaped blame this time. Previously, any energy price spike was quickly and easily blamed on OPEC and the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) in particular as a soft target.

An Oxford-based energy analyst told Al- Ahram Weekly that the increase in oil prices also helps replenish the treasury coffers of Gulf states following the pandemic. According to official figures from the Energy Information Agency of the US, an annual average of 21 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil went through the Strait of Hormuz in 2018. That includes some Iraqi and Iranian oil, besides the exports of the GCC countries. Re-routing some of the production and the cuts applied by OPEC, the estimate now is around 18 million bpd.

For those who set their budget estimates around $60-65 per barrel, the latest price rise means a surplus of around $2 billion a week for those countries. This is true if we consider oil Gulf exports without even mentioning natural gas exports, especially from Qatar, the analyst said.

Demands on energy have increased rapidly this year as economies around the world started to grow, recovering from the pandemic. Under investment in oil and gas production in the last few years was reflected in a supply squeeze. Clean energy trends and investment in producing energy from sustainable resources like the sun and wind is growing but not yet enough to provide a major portion of global needs.

For example, this summer wind turbines in the northern hemisphere stopped due to still winds associated with the rise of temperatures. That was also another reason added to increased gas prices leading to coal power stations providing between 15 and 20 per cent of power.

In recent years GCC countries have been investing in clean energy while providing the global economy with the fossil fuels needed to keep it running and growing. The UAE already operates two nuclear power stations, and another two are coming soon. Saudi Arabia is planning to build its first nuclear power station. Abu Dhabi also pioneered the solar energy sector by establishing Masdar, a clean energy arm of the investment fund Mubadala, earlier this century.

Decades ago, the Gulf countries would have used billions of dollars of revenue from oil and gas price increases for heavy spending. Now, as these countries are diversifying their economy away from heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues, they are becoming more conservative in their spending. The new focus is riding the new wave of a green and smart economy strategically important for GCC countries.

With oil and gas destined to remain a principal source of power for the global economy for many years to come, those countries can use the revenue from exports to reinvest in sustainable development, as one Dubai-based commentator puts it. Billions of dollars might be pouring into oil and gas exporters pockets, but now they are more aware than before that it is an unsustainable source of income. Investing in other sectors of the economy is a guarantee for the future, as the commentator notes.

Ambitious plans and projects to diversify the Gulf economies needed finance not as forthcoming as it might be in the year of the pandemic. Now, if this spike in energy prices continues, it may help plug the finance gap for those plans.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The biggest mass resignation from the Islamist Ennahda Movement thus far took place this week as Tunisias political crisis worsens

Tunisias largest parliamentary bloc the moderate Islamist Ennahda Movement witnessed the biggest mass resignation in its history this week. The timing of the walkouts occurred just as the movement was escalating its opposition to what it described as Tunisian President Kais Saieds coup.

On 25 July, Saied suspended the Tunisian parliament, dismissed the prime minister and declared emergency measures for 30 days at a time when the country was battling a fierce Covid-19 variant wave and recording the highest death rates in Africa.

After extending the measures for another 30 days, Saied gave them permanent status last week by issuing Decision 117 that suspends parts of the Tunisian Constitution and grants him extraordinary powers to rule by decree.

The decision, issued on 22 September, said that amendments to Tunisias 2014 Constitution would be introduced with the assistance of a committee appointed by the presidency.

Four days later as thousands of people protested against Saied in central Tunis, there was an avalanche of resignations from the Ennahda Movement, reaching 131 by late evening.

The dissenting members included leading figures from the movement and MPs who explained in a statement that their departure from Ennahda was an acknowledgement of their failure to reform the party.

The statement called out the movements leadership for a string of bad policies that had led to its isolation and failure to be actively involved with other Tunisian political parties to counter Saieds emergency measures.

Internal divisions in Ennahda have been brewing for years over the leaderships policies, and the movements popularity has been declining with every election.

The reverberations of Saieds political earthquake on its fragile unity are an inevitable outcome of the political changes that have taken place in post-revolutionary Tunisia that Ennahda has grappled with during its past decade in power.

Successive, albeit smaller-scale, resignations over recent years from the movement have cited demands for leadership change, more democratisation within the party, and controversial realpolitik compromises made during its decade in power that have alienated Ennahdas constituency.

In their statement this week, the signatories to the new wave of resignations said they had felt compelled to emancipate themselves from the movements constraints and limitations to prioritise their national duty to defend Tunisias democracy.

The statement held Ennahda Movement head and Parliamentary Speaker Rachid Al-Ghannouchi responsible for the political crisis in the country.

Both the 25 July emergency measures and the 22 September Decision by Saied would not have been welcomed by many Tunisians, the statement said, had it not been for parliaments damaged image.

This was the result of the populist performance of its members under the failed leadership of its speaker, a reference to Al-Ghannouchi, who had ignored advice against nominating himself for parliamentary speaker to avoid fuelling polarisation and discord, it added.

The statement said the situation had been exacerbated by the catastrophic performance of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichis government in handling the Covid-19 health crisis in Tunisia. The economic crisis in the country had deepened Ennahdas isolation leading to the widespread popular support for Saieds emergency measures, it added.

The resignations included top figures from the Ennahda leadership, MPs and former members of Tunisias National Constituent Assembly of 2011-2014.

On Sunday, thousands of people rallied against Saied for the second consecutive week in Avenue Bourguiba in central Tunis. Turnout was noticeably larger than during the previous week, while a second counter-protest supporting Saied had shrunk in size. Eye-witnesses said that the police had prevented buses packed with protesters, believed to be from Ennahda, from reaching the Avenue.

Constitution, Freedom, National Dignity, they chanted. The people want what he [Saied] does not want. Some of the protesters carried placards demanding the intervention of the armed forces to protect the constitution.

Decision 117 allows Saied to issue legislative texts by decree, appoint the government and set out its policy decisions unilaterally. Parliament will remain frozen, and its members will no longer receive their salaries or enjoy immunity from prosecution. The Decision also terminated the countrys Independent Provisional Authority in charge of determining the constitutionality of laws.

The Decision has not received the support of political parties or civil-society groups, even while the polls say that Saied remains popular. The Attayar, Al-Joumhouri, Akef and Ettakatol Parties said in a joint statement that Saieds measures enshrined a monopoly of absolute power.

On Saturday, a joint statement by 15 local and international rights groups and NGOs said Decision 117 constituted a power grab in the absence of guarantees. The statement questioned the absence of anti-corruption measures and impunity in Tunisias transitional-justice arrangements and Saieds decisions.

Tunisias influential UGTT trade union described Saieds Decision as a danger to democracy and called for dialogue on Friday. It had earlier been part of a quartet that had addressed Tunisias national discord after the 2011 Revolution and was the winner of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

The UGTT initially adopted a cautious posture in response to the 25 July intervention, but this changed when Saied extended the emergency measures. It has called for the formation of a new government and early elections as a precondition to introducing constitutional amendments.

The union said it rejected the presidents monopoly on constitutional amendments, describing these as a danger to democracy.

There is no way out without consultation and dialogue on the foundation of national principles, it said.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Angela Merkels chapter as chancellor of Germany ended this week with her opponents narrowly winning the countrys general elections

Angela Merkel governed Germany as the countrys chancellor for 16 years, and it will likely take the Germans, as well as the Europeans in general, some time before they fully understand both her disappearance from the political scene and her partys defeat in this weeks German general elections.

Merkels centre-right CDU/CSU Bloc narrowly lost the race to automatically name the new chancellor in the elections, and though it was not a crushing defeat it could end the blocs domination of German politics.

The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) came first in the elections with 25.9 per cent of the vote, while the CDU/CSU Bloc took second place with 24.1 per cent. The environmentalist Greens and the centrist Free Democrats (FDP) gained 14.8 and 11.5 per cent of the vote, respectively.

I would have preferred to be first, leader of Germanys ruling CDU Party Armin Laschet said. I understand, of course, that I bear some personal responsibility for this result.

This is the worst defeat for Laschets party since World War II. However, he congratulated the winners, believing that they cannot now form a coalition government since in his view any party that receives less than 30 per cent of the vote cannot seek to impose its rule.

But Laschets statement seemed to be annoying for Olaf Scholz, the leader of the SPD. He said that parties that have been voted out of office shouldnt try to build a government, referring to the defeated CDU/CSU.

The voters have spoken very clearly, Scholz said on Monday. They strengthened three parties  the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Free Democrats  so this is the visible mandate the citizens of this country have given: these three parties should lead the next government.

The war of words reflects the fact that both men want to be the next chancellor of Germany to replace Angela Merkel. The two parties worked together in a coalition that ruled Germany for 12 out of Merkels 16-year time in office, but today their willingness to repeat the same experience is questionable.

Germanys political leaders would like to see the coalition talks on the next government concluded before the country starts its leadership of the G7 group in January.

The countrys two major parties have differences when it comes to tax policy and policies to combat climate change. The Greens want a harsh strategy on China and Russia, though foreign affairs were not extensively tackled during the campaigns.

The CDU could now form a coalition government with the Greens or the Free Democrats, retaining the chancellorship. The two smaller parties announced they were willing to examine coalition scenarios with each other ahead of speaking to the larger parties.

Theres plenty of reason to expect the next government will be a traffic light one, Greens co-leader Robert Habeck said, using the German term for a coalition between the SPD, the FDP and the Greens, each of which has a different colour.

Germany has rarely seen so many possibilities in play regarding the shape of its next cabinet. The lower house of the countrys parliament, the Bundestag, will have the unprecedented number of 735 MPs, exceeding the 598 seats in the chamber.

Following the elections, the Social Democrats have 206 seats, the CDU/CSU 196, the Greens 118, the Free Democrats 92, the Alternative for Germany Party 83 and the left-wing party Die Linke 39. Enjoying representation for the first time since 1949, the Danish SSW minority party has one seat.

Merkels government will stay in office until a new coalition is formed, though it is not known when this will happen.

In 2018, Merkel said she would not seek a fifth term as German chancellor. This term is my last as chancellor, she said. I will not be seeking re-election as a CDU lawmaker. I will not be seeking any political posts after the current term ends in 2021, she concluded.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The Forces of Freedom and Change must reach a political agreement with the Sudanese military in the wake of the recent coup attempt in Sudan.

Contrary to what had been anticipated, success in overcoming the recent failed coup attempt in Sudan has not led to positive interactions producing greater political stability and ending the transitional phase that was already planned for in the Constitutional Document signed in August 2019.

Instead, it has brought new problems and deepened the rifts between the various political forces in Sudan. It has also driven the revolutionary forces to rally and to try to reconcile their differences after sensing that the post-coup atmosphere may lead to a forcible end to the transitional period.

Various observations can be made regarding the failed coup attempt and the political context surrounding it in both domestic and international terms.

The first is that this failed coup attempt might have been a trial balloon for another coup that could take place either through an actual seizure of power in the shape of a classic military coup or through the Sudanese military refusing to hand over the presidency of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan to its civilian members. This is set to take place in November according to the Constitutional Document and will announce the end of the transitional phase in preparation for holding early elections.

The second is that the political inclinations and sympathy among Sudans military leaders for the political and social base of former Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashirs regime seem obvious and almost visible. General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan refused to blame remnants of the old regime for the failed coup attempt during his visit to the Al-Shajara Camp, one of the coup strongholds, in response to Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdoks accusation of the National Congress Party, which ruled the country during Al-Bashirs rule.

Third, the failed coup has brought home the need for the reform of the Sudanese military and security institutions, with political stability in the country now relying on it. This is in the light of the announcement of more than one coup attempt during the last two years, all of which were attributed to the National Islamic Front, the base of the Sudanese Islamists.

Fourth, restructuring the Sudanese military and resolving the relationship between the regular forces (the Sudanese Armed Forces) and the irregular forces (the Rapid Support Forces) is a precondition for stability in all Sudans provinces and the panacea against coup attempts. At the moment, the interactions between the two sides are sometimes in agreement and sometimes in tension. They are also decided according to the internal political climate. The current situation threatens political stability and even the future of the state itself.

Fifth, the presence of the Forces of Freedom and Change among the people of Sudan has declined to a great extent due to internal divisions. As a result, spontaneous popular protests against the attempted coup were weak despite calls issued by the prime minister. There were, however, rallies by Sudans parties and political forces refusing any coup attempt and rejecting any attempt by the military to return to power.

Sixth, the merits of the civilian components of the Sovereignty Council have been brought into doubt by economic challenges and the living conditions of ordinary people in Sudan. The Forces of Freedom and Change have become fragmented, calling into doubt their political strength and effectiveness and affecting the balance of power between them and the military. This imbalance resulted in the hegemony of the military during the previous period.

Seventh, the regional and international stand against any coup attempts in Sudan was very significant and clearly shows that any such attempts will not receive a positive reaction. Cairo, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi all issued statements denouncing the attempted coup, and there were also firm stances taken by the US, the EU, the Arab League and the African Union.

Eighth, the statement by the US State Department alleging the existence of foreign hands behind the failed coup attempt in Sudan raises questions about who these parties are, especially in the light of Eritrea and Ethiopia not issuing any condemnation of the coup.

TASKS AHEAD

The following issues must now be addressed by Sudans military and civilian forces.

First, they must prove to the international community that the Sudanese elites are trustworthy partners with a view to investment and economic support. If this is not done, there will be a decline in this support, with signs of this already beginning to emerge particularly in the concerns expressed by the US administration, the main supporter of Khartoum.

Second, the problem of East Sudan has become important for the future of the state and its stability because of its bias in favour of the military. The closure of Port Sudan more than once during the last year in an attempt to annul the East Sudan track in the Juba Agreement has caused great economic and political losses.

Third, protests in response to a call by the High Council of Beja Nazirs, the local tribal council, has led to the closure of Port Sudan, Suakin and Bashayer, among other places. These closures, exempting buses, police and ambulance vehicles, are a major threat to the Sudanese economy. East Sudan controls much of Sudans economic relations with the outside world, and Sudan imports 70 per cent of its needs via Port Sudan. The closure of the port of Bashayer has also greatly impacted South Sudan, as oil exported through it provides most of the countrys revenues.

Fourth, there is a need to settle the constitutional relationship between the centre and the periphery in Sudan, decide matters of political representation and restructure the sharing of wealth. This could take place either within the framework of a constitutional conference or within a legislative body whose formation has been delayed. One of the main reasons for the protests in East Sudan is that the residents of the region believe that it is being treated as a cash cow for the rest of Sudan, whereas in fact it suffers from significant underdevelopment.

Fifth, the political party of former president Omar Al-Bashir, the National Congress Party, is still influential even two years after the revolution. Mohamed Al-Amin Tirik, head of the High Council of Beja Nazirs in East Sudan and a National Congress Party member, has demanded the dismissal of the transitional government and the formation of a military council representing six Sudanese provinces with a partner civilian component substituting for Hamdoks government, for example.

Ending the hegemony of the military in Sudan and with it the possibility of a further military coup can only be achieved through a political agreement between the Forces of Freedom and Change and the military guaranteeing the safety of those who were associated with the former regime and the military participation in political decision-making in the future. Without an agreement of this sort, the political situation will not return to peace and stability, and the antagonism among the different parties will continue.

Regional and international support for Sudan at this crucial stage is urgently needed, especially given Sudans important geopolitical location and importance for Red Sea security and the security of the region. Egypt, in particular, should continue to build partnerships with Sudan.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisis speech at the UN General Assembly this month presented Egypt interacting effectively with allies in building a better world and a more secure and stable Middle East.

The 76th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations opened on 14 September, with debates taking place from 21 to 27 September. Unlike the 75th session last year, a virtual one because of Covid-19, this year the General Assembly was hybrid with in-person attendance and virtual participation.

It was the first appearance at the UN of US President Joe Biden since his taking office earlier this year, and in his remarks to the General Assembly he spoke of his administration adopting an international agenda of what he termed relentless diplomacy to meet the challenges of todays world through alliances, partnerships and cooperation, among them to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic as well as climate change.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke of a world standing on the edge of an abyss due to the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disastrous consequences of climate change. He also spoke of the dangers of the widening gap between the wealthy and developed nations and the developing countries.

Both the Chinese and Russian presidents addressed the General Assembly virtually this year, as did President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, repeating the way in which he had addressed the assembly last year. It was the eighth time that President Al-Sisi has spoken to the UN General Assembly since he was elected president in 2014.

His remarks this year were the most progressive so far and dealt with how Egypt is carrying out the international agenda and UN priorities. They were wide-ranging, comprehensive and in tune with the present-day agenda of multilateral diplomacy. He emphasised Egypts commitment to the UN system as one of its founding members.

His remarks were balanced between dealing with the major challenges of the day, such as Covid-19, climate change and the fight against terrorism, and Egyptian positions vis-a-vis various Arab crises and differences around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which President Al-Sisi said could threaten international peace and security if the parties concerned do not reach a binding agreement on the filling and operations of the dam. He warned that the status quo represents a threat to the well-being of 150 million people in Egypt and Sudan.

Al-Sisi also brought up the decision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to allocate $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights to the developing nations to help them deal with the financial consequences of Covid-19. He called for a major infusion of foreign direct investment into the economies of the developing countries coupled with debt alleviation, particularly for the African countries.

As far as international assistance in providing vaccines against Covid-19 is concerned, Al-Sisi called for a balanced distribution of such vaccines, pointing out that Egypt has begun producing the vaccines and is ready to provide the African countries with them.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, President Al-Sisi called on the international community to adopt a comprehensive approach in this regard. Resorting to security measures alone will not suffice, he said, and such measures will fall short in ultimately defeating it. He spoke of the necessity of dealing with the economic, social and intellectual underpinnings of the appeal of terrorist groups to some members of the younger generations. He also addressed the need to impose sanctions on countries harbouring terrorists and providing assistance to various terrorist groups.

It came as no surprise that the Palestinian question was the first Arab issue that the Egyptian president dealt with. His remarks were comprehensive, and a major part of his comments on Arab crises was dedicated to the situation in Palestine, calling the Palestinian question the central issue of peace and security in the Middle East.

Al-Sisi reiterated Egypts commitment to the two-state solution according to UN resolutions in this regard, and he called on the international community to speed up humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza and to provide the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) with the necessary funds to alleviate their suffering.

By the same token, he also stressed the urgency of launching reconstruction efforts in Gaza, adding that Egypt has already earmarked $500 million for these. It goes without saying that he stressed how imperative it is to reach a long-lasting truce between the Palestinians and the Israelis to replace the existing ceasefire in Gaza that Egypt successfully negotiated in May 2021.

One of the most interesting parts of Al-Sisis speech to the UN General Assembly this year was the clever linkage it made between the weakening and targeting of state institutions, especially the military, and the insecurity and instability in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.

The basic message that he wanted to convey was that Egypt is reaffirming its commitment to multilateral diplomacy and firmly believes that present-day challenges call for worldwide cooperation that will benefit the developing countries.

President Al-Sisis remarks at the UN this year chart a way forward for Egyptian diplomacy in a fast-changing international environment that presents Egypt with opportunities to interact constructively and effectively with allies and partners in building a better world and a more secure and stable Middle East.

For many years, Egypt has been busy dealing with regional crises and threats, and perhaps today the time has come to balance our involvement in Arab and regional crises with a more forward-looking diplomacy geared to more cooperation with the international community in facing the challenges and open-ended opportunities of tomorrow.

These have started to manifest themselves in the shape of emerging pandemics, climate change, the development of cyberspace, the transformation to green economies, the protection of the environment and rapid advances in technology and information technology, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

* The writer is former assistant foreign minister.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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A recent report published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlights the growing threat posed by the water crisis and drought confronting the future of millions of Arabs across the Middle East. It is crisis that is the result of both climate change and the callous and selfish policies pursued by some governments.

For millennia, the history of the peoples of this region has been defined by its waterways  from the Tigris and Euphrates in the East, the Nile in the West, and the Sea of Galilee and Jordan River flowing through its heart. Dozens of civilisations and hundreds of millions of souls have been nourished by these waters. Crops were grown, fish were caught, people drank, bathed and washed clothes in them, and they figured prominently in various religious texts. The waterways were a constant  taken for granted, because they were always there and, it was assumed, would always be there. But this is no longer the case.

A combination of climate change and unilateral initiatives by three regional governments have had a dramatic impact on the supply of water available to their neighbours. If these challenges are not addressed, the results will be devastating to the livelihood and survival of hundreds of millions and the resultant tensions have the potential to fuel even greater conflicts than we see at present.

It should be noted that the three countries involved are the non-Arab states of Turkey, Israel and Ethiopia, while the affected populations are the Arab peoples of Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Sudan.

With rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, several Arab countries have already experienced severe drought  the worst in 900 years. These climate changes have resulted in increased evaporation, lower water levels and spreading desertification. The consequences can be seen not only in the drying up of once irrigated farmlands and the dislocation and impoverishment of small farmers, but also in the increased intensity of dust storms, with effects felt as far away as the Arabian Peninsula.

There is ample evidence that drought was one of the precipitators of the conflict in Syria. Several years of dangerously low levels of rain coupled with government mismanagement and lack of foresight resulted in hundreds of thousands of Syrian farmers being forced to leave their lands and flee to cities. The pressure that they and the influx of over a million Iraqi refugees placed stress on resources, preparing the ground for civil strife and extremism, ultimately erupting into mass protests. The regimes brutal response to this unrest only fuelled the populations anger at their dislocation and poverty.

Syrias water problems were not only the result of drought and the regimes behaviour. They were exacerbated by the Turkish dams on the Euphrates River that reduced the flow of water into the country by 40 per cent.

The bottom line is that not only have water shortages been a precipitating factor in Syrias long war, but also that the pressures created by people internally displaced by war coupled with the persistent lack of water resulting from Turkeys expanding dam projects threaten to create even greater hardships and concerns for the survival of Syrias people.

Iraq, which has also experienced rising temperatures, lower levels of rainfall and spreading desertification, has been even more dramatically impacted by the Turkish dams of both the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. It is estimated that the Euphrates dams have resulted in an 80 per cent decline in Iraqs water supply. Much of Iraqs date crop, once famous world-wide, its citrus orchards, and rice fields have also dried up. Iraq is losing an average of 100 square miles of arable land each year.

In addition, the dangerously low level of fresh water in the rivers, a major source of drinking water in the country, has now been compromised as the back flow of salt water from the Gulf is seeping into the rivers rendering them unsafe for consumption and irrigation.

With Turkey planning to construct 22 more dams on both rivers, the situation downstream will only worsen. It is estimated that the new dams on the Tigris will reduce the water flowing from that river into Iraq by more than 50 per cent.

Facing the same water problems as its Arab compatriots in the Levant, Egypt and Sudan are now struggling with how to confront the threats to their well-being that will result from Ethiopias new dam project  the largest on the African continent. Egyptians depend on the Nile for 97 per cent of their water and it is estimated that they will lose about 20 per cent of its waters to the Greater Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Sudan estimates that it will lose almost 50 per cent of its supply. With water already a scarce commodity and with both countries confronted by climate change-induced desertification, their rapidly growing populations and struggling economies will soon face monumental challenges and growing unrest.

For its part, Israel has long been diverting the waters from the Sea of Galilee to support its agriculture and population. In the 1950s, the Eisenhower administration not only objected to Israels unilateral actions, warning that it was increasing tensions with Syria and Jordan, it also took the step of suspending US aid. Israel, however, did not relent. Some analysts see Israels water diversion schemes as a precipitating factor leading to the 1967 War.

In 1967, Israel overran the West Bank, seizing all of Mandatory Palestine and the Golan Heights. This enabled it to intensify its exploitation of the waters of the sea, the Jordan River and the waters of the West Banks aquifers. Today, Israelis drain more than 80 per cent of the West Banks aquifers and their diversion of Galilee and Jordan Rivers waters have resulted in shrinking that historic river to five per cent of its original volume. To add insult to injury, Palestinians and Jordanians are now forced to buy water from Israel at inflated prices.

All of these situations pose real threats to human life, because of the poverty and dislocation they create and the danger they pose to greater conflict. Each could be resolved through negotiations. For decades, Syria and Iraq have sought compromise with the Turks. At a minimum, Egypt and Sudan have appealed to Ethiopia to stretch out the time for the filling of GERD to 10 to 15 years, so that they could make needed adjustments downstream. And water was one of the final status issues that Israel agreed at Oslo they would refrain from impacting through unilateral actions.

But Turkey, Ethiopia and Israel have pursued their own agendas and refused to act in a manner that would promote regional cooperation and stability. The consequences of their short-sighted actions will be felt in the near term.

For millennia the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile and Jordan Rivers fed civilisations that flourished along their banks. Now the selfish actions of a few states are serving instead to fuel conflict because they are threatening the lives of others.

* The writer is president of the Arab American Institute.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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On Monday, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi inaugurated the worlds largest wastewater treatment plant. Bahr Al-Baqar wastewater treatment plant, east of Port Said, will treat 5.6 million cubic metres per day which can then be used to irrigate agricultural land in Sinai.

Mohamed Ghanem, Irrigation Ministry spokesperson, said the plant aims to process two billion cubic metres of water annually to contribute to the reclamation of between 400,00 and 500,000 feddans as part of the national project to develop Sinai and make optimal use of water resources.

Egypts water resources are estimated at 60 billion cubic metres per year, 55 billion of which come from the River Nile and five billion from rain and underground sources, forcing the government to look for other sources. We are currently involved in building wastewater projects that will help process 20 billion cubic metres annually. Soon the Bahr Al-Baqar station will be joined by Al-Hammam station in the west of the Delta, said Ghanem. While water treated by Bahr Al-Baqar will irrigate Sinai, water processed by Al-Hammam station will be used to irrigate lands around Al-Natroun.

Tarek Al-Rifaai, spokesperson of the Ministry of Housing and New Communities, revealed that 146 wastewater treatment projects with a combined daily capacity of 5.8 million cubic metres are currently under construction in Egypt.

Egypts population is increasing rapidly. We desperately need water to meet the needs of this growing population and to irrigate as much agricultural land as possible.

Water treated by Bahr Al-Baqar station will allow new agricultural, industrial and housing communities in Sinai to be developed, says Agricultural Syndicate head Sayed Khalifa. The government is aiming to expand Egypts inhabited land from 14 to 17 per cent of the land mass, and most of this increase will be in Sinai. Water treated by Bahr Al-Baqar will reach the peninsula through underground pipelines to reclaim land there.

President Al-Sisi said on Monday that Egypt is in a race against time to double its water resources. He revealed that the cost of treating waste water to cultivate half a million feddans in Sinai will reach LE160 billion, which will be covered by soft-term loans from Arab development funds.

Bahr Al-Baqar was built by the Arab Contractors and Orascom Construction, and funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said during Mondays inauguration that projects to develop and populate Sinai have cost LE700 billion so far. We are currently implementing 63 projects, the most important of which include the building of six underground tunnels to link Sinai with the rest of Egypt, said Madbouli. These projects aim to put an end to Sinais isolation and make it a population magnet.

As part of this strategy, seawater desalination plants are being developed, which Madbouli described as central to populating and developing Sinai. The plant currently being built at Arish, he added, will produce 300,000 cubic metres annually of desalinated water.

Populating Sinai is central to Egypts national security objectives, observed Madbouli, and the main vehicle for this is the National Project for Developing Sinai, one of the first initiatives launched by President Al-Sisi following his election in 2014.

Major General Ihab Al-Far, head of the Armed Forces Engineering Organisation, said the flow of water from Bahr Al-Baqar to Sinai will speed up the process of populating the peninsula.

He added that the Armed Forces are participating in developing Sinai through two kinds of projects: building 34 seawater desalination stations to produce 442 million cubic metres of drinking water to meet the needs of the population of Sinai, and constructing 36 wastewater treatment stations to process 473 million cubic metres per year of water to irrigate agricultural lands.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 30 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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A House committee investigating the violent Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has subpoenaed 11 officials who helped plan rallies in support of former President Donald Trump ahead of the attack, including the massive event on the day of the siege at which the president told his supporters to fight like hell.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Washington. [File photo: AP]

The announcement follows a first round of subpoenas last week that targeted former White House and administration officials who were in contact with Trump before and during the insurrection.

The committee said in a release Wednesday that the subpoenas are part of the panel's efforts to collect information from the organizers and their associated entities on the planning, organization, and funding of those events. In letters to those who were subpoenaed, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, demanded that the officials provide documents to the panel by Oct. 13 and appear at separate depositions that the committee has scheduled from late October through the beginning of November.

Thompson cites in the letters efforts by representatives of the group Women for America First to organize the rally on Jan. 6 and to collectively communicate with senior White House officials. The subpoenas also mention other events the group planned in the weeks between Trump's November election defeat and the January attack.

The House committee of nine lawmakers  seven Democrats and two Republicans  has ramped up its investigation in recent weeks as it attempts to dissect the origins of the insurrection by Trumps supporters and find ways to prevent it from ever happening again. The Trump loyalists beat and injured police as they battled their way inside the building, destroyed property and sent lawmakers running for their lives. Repeating Trumps lies about widespread election fraud, they interrupted the certification of President Joe Bidens victory and left those in the U.S. Capitol deeply shaken.

Included on the list of subpoenas are Amy Kremer, founder and chair of Women for America First; Kylie Kremer, founder and executive director of Women for America First; Cynthia Chafian, an organizer who submitted the first permit for the rally; Caroline Wren, who the committee says was listed on permit paperwork for the Jan. 6 rally as a VIP Advisor"; and Maggie Mulvaney, who the panel says was listed on the permit as VIP Lead.

Wren, a veteran GOP fundraiser, was a national finance consultant for Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee between the presidents reelection campaign and the Republican National Committee. The AP has previously reported that Wren was involved in at least one call before the pro-Trump rally with members of several groups listed as rally participants to organize credentials for VIP attendees.

Amy Kremer, who the committee says was listed as one of several designated points of contact for the rally, denounced the assault in a statement issued on Jan. 6 and said it was instigated after the rally by a handful of bad actors, while seeming to blame Democrats and news organizations for the riot. She is also the cofounder of the Women for Trump PAC and the former chair of the Tea Party Express.

Mulvaney, a niece of former top Trump aide Mick Mulvaney, worked as director of finance operations for the Trump campaign, according to her LinkedIn profile. Maggie Mulvaney retweeted several messages on Jan. 6, including one from the president that urged support for the Capitol Police.

Also subpoenaed was former Trump campaign official Katrina Pierson, who the committee says was reportedly involved in the organization of the rally on Jan. 6 and a smaller one the day before. The panel said in its letter to Pierson that it is aware of reports that she met with Trump in the days before the rally.
The top US general conceded in a stark admission on Wednesday that the United States "lost" the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

United States Army General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff responds to questions during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan at the Rayburn House Office building on Capitol Hill on September 29, 2021 in Washington, DC. [Photo: Rod LAMKEY/POOL/AFP]

"It is clear, it is obvious to all of us, that the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted, with the Taliban in power in Kabul," General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House Armed Services Committee.

"The war was a strategic failure," Milley told a committee hearing about the US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the chaotic evacuation from the capital Kabul.

"It wasn't lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months," Milley said.

"There's a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back," said the general, the top military advisor to President Joe Biden, who ordered an end to the 20-year US troop presence in Afghanistan.

"Whenever you get some phenomenon like a war that is lost -- and it has been, in the sense of we accomplished our strategic task of protecting America against Al-Qaeda, but certainly the end state is a whole lot different than what we wanted," Milley said.

"So whenever a phenomenon like that happens, there's an awful lot of causal factors," he said. "And we're going to have to figure that out. A lot of lessons learned here."

Milley listed a number of factors responsible for the US defeat going back to a missed opportunity to capture or kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at Tora Bora soon after the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan.

He also cited the 2003 decision to invade Iraq, which shifted US troops away from Afghanistan, "not effectively dealing with Pakistan as a (Taliban) sanctuary," and pulling advisers out of Afghanistan a few years ago.

Biden, in April, ordered a complete pullout of US forces from Afghanistan by August 31, following through on an agreement reached with the Taliban by former president Donald Trump.

Milley and General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that they had personally recommended that some 2,500 troops remain on the ground in Afghanistan.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden had received "split" advice about what to do in Afghanistan, which the United States invaded following the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington.

"Ultimately, it's up to the commander-in-chief to make a decision," Psaki said. "He made a decision that it was time to end a 20-year war."
No massive blackout across the city

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-09-30 11:48

Claims of a widespread blackout in Shanghai have been denied by the local power utility, after a post on social media about a blackout from September 27 to October 3 raised some citizens concern.

Some places in northeast China have recently faced electricity shortages due to energy-saving needs. Will Shanghai face the same situation? According to the State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, the power supply is generally stable and orderly, which can ensure the electricity demand for factories and people in the city.

The post on social media platforms is a planned power outage announcement, explained the company.

Planned power outage is a routine operation of the power utility, part of carrying out daily maintenance of equipment to ensure the safety of the power grid during peak hours. That causes a blackout in specific time periods and in specific areas, and the notification will be, as stipulated, issued at least seven days in advance.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 30, 2021 - 17:47 | All, World, Japan

Japan's top government spokesman on Thursday said a North Korean missile launch earlier this week violated U.N. Security Council resolutions while condemning the test as "extremely regrettable."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a press conference that Japan, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea, lodged a protest through its embassy in Beijing.

"While further analysis is necessary, based on the information available so far, we have judged the latest launch violates U.N. Security Council resolutions against using ballistic missile technology," he said.

North Korea on Tuesday test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile, the Hwasong-8, according to state-run media. The second launch in a span of two weeks, it fanned concerns the reclusive country has made technological advances in developing the hard-to-intercept projectile.

Meanwhile, the top North Korea envoys of Japan, the United States and South Korea held phone talks on Thursday and shared concerns over the North's recent activities related to its nuclear weapon and missile development program.

Takehiro Funakoshi, head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, and his counterparts agreed to continue trilateral cooperation to achieve North Korea's complete denuclearization, the ministry said.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 17, 2021 - 14:26 | Others, All, Japan

The Japanese government said Friday it will carefully analyze whether China is ready to meet the requirements for joining the trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal, a day after Beijing announced it has filed a bid to join the framework.

"We must thoroughly assess whether China is ready to fulfill the high-standard rules of the TPP-11," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, referring to the deal formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"We will consult with other members while following the procedures for approving new members," the top government spokesman said at a press conference.

China needs the unanimous approval of all 11 member countries to join the pact, which Beijing apparently sees as a way to increase its economic clout. Its accession would have a significant impact on trade in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan's finance and foreign ministers also expressed a cautious stance on China's bid.

Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters, "I simply wonder if China is really in a state in which it can join," citing the trade pact's detailed rules over state-owned enterprises.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi separately said Japan needs to respond "from a strategic standpoint," while noting that procedures for approving Britain's participation following London's application earlier this year will take precedence.

The other existing TPP members are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The United States remains cautious about returning to the treaty after its withdrawal in January 2017.

Taiwan has also expressed interest in joining.

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By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Sep 30, 2021 - 09:08 | All, Japan

Hopes are growing that Japan's former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, the country's de facto next prime minister, can pave the way for talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and contribute to stability in East Asia.

As the novel coronavirus pandemic has choked North Korea's trade with its major economic ally of China and natural disasters have devastated the agricultural sector, Kim could try to get closer to Japan to receive aid to rebuild the sluggish economy, analysts said.

While former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and outgoing Yoshihide Suga have failed to resolve the long-standing issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, Kishida might grasp a clue to how to negotiate about it with Kim, they added.

Expectations are also rife that Kishida, if he succeeds in alleviating tensions between Tokyo and Pyongyang, could lay the groundwork for the resumption of Kim's talks with leaders of South Korea and the United States, a close security ally of Japan.

The upcoming election of Kishida as Japan's prime minister in parliament "represents both continuity and change in foreign policy towards the Korean Peninsula," said Stephen Nagy, a senior associate professor at International Christian University in Tokyo.

"The Japanese leadership seems to have consensus that meeting Kim Jong Un and speaking with North Korea can accrue some benefit on the sensitive kidnapping issue" but also "in ensuring that Japan is not locked out of the evolution of North Korea and peninsular politics in general," Nagy added.

A diplomat in Beijing echoed the view, saying, "North Korea has been facing a severe economic downturn and it has been really eager to obtain economic assistance from other countries, while Japan wants to settle the abduction issue."

"If Japan and North Korea think they can create a win-win agreement, Kishida would get a chance to meet with Kim in the future," he said.

Kishida, known as a moderate with a steady hand, won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election on Wednesday in a runoff, positioning him to become Japan's next prime minister in early October.

The United States and its Asian security allies, Japan and South Korea, have no diplomatic ties with the North. The Korean Peninsula has been divided as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a cease-fire. Washington, which fought alongside Seoul, technically remains in a state of war with Pyongyang.

Since its founding in 1948, meanwhile, North Korea has kept up stern rhetoric on Japan to promote propaganda of the communists in the nation and demanded it to pay post-World War II compensation. Japan colonized Korea from 1910 through the end of the war in 1945.

In a statement released four days before the LDP presidential election, North Korea said it would "never interact" with a Japanese political leader who is likely to maintain a "hostile policy" toward the Asian country.

North Korea has also been stepping up provocations since September, such as staging a military parade in its capital Pyongyang and test-firing new types of hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles.

Another diplomat in Beijing said North Korea's recent moves suggest that it may be employing "brinkmanship" to get the United States to ease economic sanctions by increasing the security threats in the Asia-Pacific region.

Nevertheless, Pyongyang has voiced its intention to leave the door open for an inter-Korean summit in an apparent bid to receive aid from Seoul, he said, adding Kim must be placed "in a very difficult position to prevent an economic meltdown."

Kishida, who has experience holding talks with his North Korean counterpart during his term as foreign minister from 2012 through 2017, has pledged to compel Pyongyang to abandon its missile and nuclear development program by putting "maximum" pressure on it.

Japan's de facto next prime minister, however, said in September that it is "important to come up with a scenario for summit talks" with Kim while coordinating with the U.S. President Joe Biden administration over North Korea.

Shawn Ho, an associate research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said, "A new Japanese prime minister and new policy towards North Korea may represent a fresh opportunity to reset the Japan-North Korea relationship."

"A successful effort by the next Japanese administration to engage North Korea might also help boost the chances of U.S.-North Korea and inter-Korean dialogue or negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," Ho said.

Since North Korea embarked on its summit diplomacy with various other nations in 2018, "Japan has yet to have a summit meeting with North Korea," he said.

"If such a summit meeting can take place, this would represent an additional useful key pillar to the overall trilateral U.S.-Japan-South Korea strategy to have dialogue with North Korea and negotiate with it over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs," Ho added.

After five abductees were brought back to Japan in 2002, Tokyo has been seeking the return of 12 others whom it has officially recognized as having been abducted by North Korean agents. It also suspects North Korea's engagement in other Japanese citizens' disappearances.

Pyongyang has claimed that the abduction issue has been "already resolved," saying eight of them, including the iconic abductee Megumi Yokota, have died and the other four never entered the country.

In May 2014, when Kishida served as foreign minister, Japan and North Korea reached an accord in Stockholm on principles for negotiations toward the settlement of the abduction issue. Japan relaxed its sanctions on Pyongyang, which in turn promised a full-scale investigation into it.

But North Korea repeatedly postponed reporting the survey results. The nation then disbanded its investigation team and suspended the probe after Japan levied further sanctions in February 2016 in reaction to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

North Korea is banned from launching ballistic missiles under U.N. Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on the nuclear-armed country.

Related coverage:

Japanese abductees' kin urge Kishida to resolve issue as new PM

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Japan PM hopeful Kishida vows to work with democracies to counter China
KYODO NEWS - Sep 15, 2021 - 13:45 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Japan's top COVID-19 adviser Shigeru Omi on Wednesday warned against hastily easing anti-pandemic restrictions on people's lives and called for relaxing measures only after the state of emergency is lifted.

His remarks came as the government seeks to ease restrictions around November, when it aims to complete vaccinating all people who wish to be inoculated. The plan includes letting eateries provide alcohol and allowing people to travel across prefectural borders and hold big events with more attendees even if the state of emergency is still in force.

"Even though the vaccination rate has risen, there will certainly be a rebound if we suddenly ease restrictions," Omi told the House of Representatives' health committee.

"I believe the path we should take is to gradually lift them after the state of emergency expires and the number of infections comes down to a certain level," Omi added.

With the medical system still under strain from an influx of COVID-19 patients, much of Japan will remain under a state of emergency through Sept. 30. Government data shows slightly over half of Japan's population has been fully vaccinated so far against COVID-19.

Looking ahead, Omi warned that the fight against the new virus is expected to last for a long time. "It may take about two to three years until the public no longer has to worry about COVID-19, like the influenza in which we have vaccines and medications," he said.

In the same committee meeting, health minister Norihisa Tamura said the government remains on guard with an eye out for a potential "sixth wave" of infections.

"It is a fact that the number of new coronavirus cases is rapidly decreasing on a national level," Tamura said, but added that he worries about more people interacting with others in line with children going back to school this month, a drop in ventilation during winter, and an increase in socializing toward the yearend.

Over 60 percent of the population is expected to be fully vaccinated by the end of September, bringing Japan on a par with major European countries such as Britain and France, according to the government.

Japan initially lagged far behind other major economies in inoculating its population. Facing criticism, the government has made relatively fast progress since, setting up mass inoculation sites and offering workplace vaccinations.

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KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2021 - 00:15 | World, All

Taiwan will lodge a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization against China's suspension of imports of the self-ruled island's fruits due to pest concerns, a senior official said on Thursday.

Regarding the mainland's ban of the two kinds of apples in an apparent attempt to squeeze Taiwan's economy, deputy agriculture minister Chen Junne-jih told reporters that the island will take the matter to the sanitary and phytosanitary committee of the WTO in October if China refuses to negotiate.

Chen said Taiwan has been asking China to provide scientific evidence of the discovery of pests, adding the government still hopes to solve the issue through negotiations.

The move came after China said it was suspending imports of custard apples and wax apples from Taiwan from Sept. 20, claiming that mealybugs have been found in shipments of those fruits on multiple occasions this year, without providing further details.

Before the ban on the two fruits, imports of Taiwan's pineapples have been suspended since March. The mainland was the biggest consumer of them prior to the ban.

A spokesman of China's Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council said on Wednesday the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party authorities should solve the problem of the pests at its source, asking them to "stop engaging in political manipulation."

Due to the import suspension by Beijing, the export of Taiwan pineapples to other countries other than China has grown by 560 percent between January and August compared to the same period last year, according to the Council of Agriculture.
New Delhi:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman discussed the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel, during their meeting on Wednesday. The MEA said the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces.

Both the leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations, said TS Tirumurti, secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the MEA said at this point, no mediation has been offered.

The MEA also said the Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the consistent efforts made by Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives, to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue.

Saudi Arabia also ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails after Salmans meeting with Modi. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Modi. Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails, he said in a tweet.

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New Delhi:

This beggar woman teaches us that a richness of the heart outweighs that of a full money in the bank. An elderly woman beggar in Ajmer will donate her entire savings of Rs 6.61 lakhs to the bereaved families of the Pulwama Attack families. According to sources, the beggar identified as Nandini Sharma though had died in August 2018 had left a will stating that all her savings will be used in favour of the nation and to help society. As such, when the nation was struck with the Pulwama attack, the trustees decided to donate the money to the families of those that were martyred.

Her savings are reported to have come from her begging outside the Ambe Mata Temple at Bajrangarh in Ajmer.

It is also reported that since her demise, her trustees had been waiting for the right moment to donate the money when the Pulwama attack happened and the trustees didnt see a moment nobler than the February 14 terror attack.

The trustees came to the district administration office on Wednesday and expressed their desire to donate money to the Chief Minister Relief Fund for the attack victims. The legal cell completed the formalities following which the amount was accepted and a certificate was issued to them, said Ajmer collector Vishwa Mohan Sharma.

Special prayers will be held by the devotees at the temple for her generosity.

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New Delhi:

Jharkhand Board Examination 2019 for class 10 and 12 are all set to begin from today. Over 7 lakh students are expected to appear for the Jharkhand board examinations 2019. JAC has set up 1,137 exam centres across the state to conduct the Jharkhand Board exams.



The Jharkhand Board 10th and 12th exams will begin tomorrow and end on March 9, 2019. While the 10th board exams will be conducted in the morning session, the 12th board exam will be conducted in the afternoon session from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm.Students will be given an extra 15 minutes time before the examination to read the question paper.



Students will not be allowed to write answers during this time. Admit cards for the Jharkhand Board exams were released on January 25, 2019. Students can check and download their admit cards by visiting the official website jac.nic.in.



Here are the steps to download the JAC 2019 Admit Card:

Step 1: First, visit the JAC official site- jac.nic.in.

Step 2: Click on Download Admit Card link.

Step 3: Enter your login credentials- registration number or roll number.



Step 4: Your admit card will appear on the screen.



Step 5: Download the card and take a print out for future use.



The pass percentage last year for Class 12 science stream was 52.35 percent, for commerce stream was 60.09 percent.




New Delhi:

Several Islamic State group jihadists and dozens of civilians, including foreigners, quit the last IS-held pocket in eastern Syria on Tuesday, US-backed forces said. Backed by air strikes by the US-led coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces have already retaken most of the village. A convoy of trucks entered Baghouz on Tuesday to transfer jihadists and their relatives out to SDF-held territory, said SDF spokesman Adnan Afrin. IS, which in 2014 declared a cross-border "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq, has been expelled from all the land it held except for a patch of Baghouz village.

"Dozens of civilians and some fighters have handed themselves over to the SDF," he told reporters at nearby Al-Omar oil field.



ALSO READ | Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation,' says Trump, asks India, Pak to 'get along'

The spokesman said foreigners were among leaving but did not specify their nationalities or if they were civilians or fighters.

"This is the first-time civilians will make it out in four days," Afrin said.



On Monday, a bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said. The bomb was planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion, the Britain-based monitoring group said. Over 51 were also injured in the incident. Idlib is the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.



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Earlier, Donald Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added.

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New Delhi :

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Wednesday re-registered an FIR to probe Pulwama terror attack which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel. According to sources, the investigating agency in its report said that apart from RDX, several other explosives were used in the blast. The NIA said that RDX was kept in a plastic box. According to reports, NIA will also investigate the intelligence report which had given inputs about a possible terror attack.

An NIA spokesperson said the agency has "re-registered the case and a probe team has been formed to investigate the case". It has already taken samples of the explosives and evidence from the area in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The first case in the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed attack was registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the day of attack.

A team of 10 NIA officials had reached Jammu and Kashmir on Friday to probe into the terror attack in Pulwama. The decision to send the teams was taken in view of the high number of casualties in the worst terror strike in the state since the Uri attack in 2016.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus in Pulwama district on February 14.

More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir.

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New Delhi:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always managed to win hearts with her aesthetic fashion choices and style statements. Be it her glamorous red carpet looks or her chic airport looks a Aishwaryaas sartorial choices have always left us impressed.

The actress is currently in Doha, Qatar for a bridal shoot, and her latest Instagram pictures will surely drop your jaws. In the snaps, Aishwarya looks ethereal in her red bridal suit.A She accessorised her look with golden earrings, open tresses and nude lipstick. Aishwarya's look for the event in Doha was styled by Sukriti Grover, and oh boy, she looks so darn stunning!

Check out the pictures below:

Meanwhile, talking about her next project, Aishwarya revealed, "Normally when it comes to announcing my future projects, I leave it to the prerogative of my directors and producers. I have just very recently okayed a wonderful script and idea and character. So, Iall let them make the announcement. And that is to start much later this year. Thereas is also anotherA true lifeA episode that story and Idea that I found interesting and will be hearing it soon. So, if there are announcements, you will surely get to know."

On the work front, Aishwarya was last seen inA Fanney KhanA alongside Rajkummar Rao and Anil Kapoor.
London:

Honda will shut its UK plant with the loss of 3,500 jobs, the Japanese carmaker announced Tuesday as the global auto industry faces "unprecedented changes" and the UK economy hits the skids on Brexit uncertainty. The factory in Swindon, southwest England, which is Honda's only EU plant, will shut in 2021 "at the end of the current model's production lifecycle", the company said as carmakers worldwide increasingly invest in greener electric vehicles over diesel cars.

Business Secretary Greg Clark described Honda's decision as "devastating" and "a particularly bitter blow to the thousands of skilled and dedicated staff who work at the factory, their families and all of those employed in the supply chain".



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Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to Honda's president to "express her disappointment at the decision," according to her Downing Street office.

Katsushi Inoue, Honda's chief officer for European regional operations, said the decision had "not been taken lightly".

The firm blamed "unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry" for the decision but it comes amid investment uncertainty in Britain ahead of the country's departure from the European Union next month.

Analysts said an EU-Japan trade agreement signed recently had likely also played a part in Honda's decision.

Clark said that while Honda's decision was made for "commercial" reasons, it was nonetheless "devastating... for Swindon and the UK".

He added in a statement: "The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transition to new technology. The UK is one of the leaders in the development of these technologies and so it is deeply disappointing that this decision has been taken now."

Speaking earlier in Tokyo, Honda president Takahiro Hachigo told reporters: "I'd like you to understand this is not related to Brexit." Clark later told parliament that "we must accept" Honda's stated reasons, but added "the motor industry, Japanese investors and Honda in particular have been very clear for many months that Brexit is an additional worry at a difficult time." Nissan earlier this month axed plans to make its X-Trail SUV in the Brexit-backing UK city of Sunderland, citing "business reasons" but also uncertainty over Britain's EU departure.

Toyota, another Japanese car giant making vehicles in Britain, has meanwhile warned there would be no way to avoid a negative impact should the UK crash out of the EU without a deal.

The Bank of England earlier this month slashed its forecast for 2019 UK growth to 1.2 percent from 1.7 percent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit".

Honda's fellow Japanese firms Sony, Panasonic and Hitachi are also scaling back their UK operations.

Regarding Honda's decision, the company "seems to have been preparing for this for a long time", Seiji Sugiura, analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP.

"Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now." The carmaker's Swindon plant has been producing Honda's Civic model for more than 24 years, with 150,000 units rolling off the line annually.

The firm on Tuesday announced also that it would stop manufacturing the Civic model in Turkey in 2021.

In Swindon, local finance worker Sue Davis, 49, said the town is "finished without Honda".

She told AFP: "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years. He's going to be without a job, so I just think it's really, really bad news." Local MP Justin Tomlinson tweeted that the decision had been made "based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021".



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Britain's biggest union Unite said it would campaign to keep the plant open.

"We will leave no stone unturned to keep this plant going and its workforce in employment," said Des Quinn, Unite's national officer for the automotive sector.

"While Brexit is not mentioned by the company as a reason for the announcement, we believe that the uncertainty that the Tory government has created by its inept and rigid handling of the Brexit negotiations lurks in the background."
New Delhi:

The Department of Telecom has asked operators to crack down on subscribers sending offensive or obscene messages to people and set up a helpline to receive complaints against such customers. The DoT issued the order in the wake of some TV journalists filing complaints against receipt of abusive messages on their cellphones from some mobile subscribers.

The DoT said licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable obscene, unauthorised or any other content, messages or communications in any form in the network. "You are hereby directed to take immediate action against the customers/subscribers of your network for sending messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in customer application form," the order marked to all telecom operators dated February 19 said.

Telecom operators have been asked to report compliance within 15 days. The order also suggested that telecom operators may open a dedicated call centre or helpline for receiving complaints against customers sending offensive messages to people.

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New Delhi:

Piramal Enterprises Ltd (PEL) on Thursday said its pain relief tablet brand Saridon has been exempted from the list of banned fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) by the Supreme Court. In a regulatory filing, the company said the apex court has ruled in favour of Saridon, which is a heritage brand from its healthcare product portfolio.

"In September 2018, PEL had been awarded a stay order from the Supreme Court on the ban, which allowed it to continue manufacturing, distribution and sale of the FDC," it said.

Commenting on the court order, PEL Executive Director Nandini Piramal said, "We are pleased with the Supreme Court ruling, as it is an affirmation to our commitment to provide effective and safe healthcare solutions that address unique needs of Indian consumers. We were confident that the law would prevail in our favour."

Last year in September, the government had banned 328 FDCs, which were termed 'irrational' on the basis of safety issues and lack of therapeutic justification.

Stating that Saridon is a "heritage brand trusted by customers for the last 50 years in India", Piramal said, "This exemption from the banned list of FDCs validates our intent to serve our customers with the highest levels of integrity."

Piramal further said, "We continue to expand our healthcare product portfolio with an aim to be amongst the top three over the-counter (OTC) product companies in India by 2020".

Citing a study by AC Neilson, PEL said the addressable analgesic market is Rs 6,450 crore, of which analgesic tablet market is Rs 2,050 crore as of December, 2018. The popularity of the brand is widespread with 31 tablets being sold every second.

PEL said Saridon is available across a distribution network of 9 lakh outlets in India

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New Delhi:

Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister, on Wednesday once again said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan deserves a chance to act against terrorists as he is a new Prime Minister. "It's true that whether it was the Pathankot attack or the Mumbai attack they (Pakistan) were given proof but they didn't take action. But because Imran Khan is a new PM and he is talking about a new start, he should be given a chance. We should give them proof and see what they do," news agency ANI quoted Mufti as saying.

In a similar statement on Tuesday, the PDP president said Pakistan was not being blamed for the Pulawama terror attack without any evidence and asked its Prime Minister Imran Khan to walk the talk. However, Mufti said Khan deserves a chance since he has recently taken over the reigns of the country.

"Disagree. Pathankot dossier was given to them (Pakistan) but no actin was taken to punish the perpetrators. Time to walk the talk," Mehbooba said in a tweet.

"But Pak PM deserves a chance since he has recently taken over. Of course the war rhetoric (in India) has more to do with the impending elections that anything else (sic)," she added.

Khan on February 19 assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the Pulwama terror attack if New Delhi shares "actionable intelligence".

In a video message, he said Pakistan wants "stability in the region".

Khan said that he understood it was India's election year and the narrative of blaming Pakistan would make it easier to get votes from the masses but he hoped that better sense will prevail and that India would be open to dialogue.

The suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Pulwama left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea seeking review of its verdict in the Rafale case. Former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan had earlier moved the top court, seeking review of its December 14 judgment on the deal. The petitioners alleged that the court relied upon incorrect claims made by the Centre. Prashant Bhushan also sought a hearing on the plea seeking perjury prosecution of some officials for misleading the court in Rafale case.

On December 14, the apex court ruled that it found no evidence of wrongdoing in the governments decision-making process, as it rejected petitions for an investigation into the Rafale deal. The court had rejected a batch of petitions for an investigation into Indias purchase of 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets, saying it found no evidence of wrongdoing in the governments decision-making process or in the choice of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd as the Indian partner and refused to go into pricing details.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said four applications or petitions have been filed in the Rafale matter and one of them is still lying with the registry on account of the defect.

The combination (of the judges) of bench will have to be changed. It is very difficult. We will do something for it, the bench, also comprising Justices L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, said when Bhushan sought urgent listing of the petitions in the Rafale case.

Bhushan said that the review petition filed by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was defective and other petitions had no defects to be cured.

He also said that besides the review petition, an application seeking perjury prosecution against some central government employees for giving misleading information to the court has also been filed.

Besides Bhushan, Sinha and Shourie had moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking initiation of perjury proceedings against central government officials for allegedly giving false or misleading information in a sealed cover in the high-profile Rafale case.

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New Delhi:

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday accused the Congress party of trying to weaken the morale of the country at a time when several countries are passing resolutions condemning Pulwama attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. When the whole country is one, when the country after country passing resolution condemning Pulwama Attack and standing firmly with India. At that critical moment the true face of Congress party has appeared, seeking to weaken the morale of the country, said Prasad.

His remarks came hours after Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused PM Modi of shooting a film in Jim Corbett National Park while the suicide attack happened.

"There is no better example than this of Modi's insult to our soldiers. At 3.10 p.m. when the Pulwama attack occurred and was all over news, the PM was shooting for a film till 6.45 pm in Corbett National Park," Surjewala had said.

Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for questioning surgical strikes, Prasad said that what else can be expected from his party. Rahul Gandhi asks for an evidence of the surgical strikes but does not ask for any evidence when man of a questionable character in London in the presence of Kapil Sibal questions India's elections. What can we expect from them? Prasad said while addressing a press conference in the national capital.

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New Delhi:

Supreme Court to hear the Ayodhya case on February 26, as Justice SA Bobde who is a part of five-judge Constitution bench, returned from leave. The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled the January 29 hearing in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case due to non-availability of one of the five judges of a Constitution bench.

Justice S A Bobde will not be available on January 29 due to which sitting of the Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi stands cancelled, as per a notice issued by the Supreme Court registry.

The five-judge bench was re-constituted on January 25, as Justice U U Lalit, who was a member of the original bench, had recused himself from hearing the matter. This was followed by Justice N V Ramana withdrawing citing personal reasons.

Besides the CJI, the new bench comprises justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

Earlier, in view of the proposed march by Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati for laying the foundation stine of a Ram Mandir, the district administration has clamped prohibitory orders in Ayodhya.

Additional district magistrate (law and order) P D Gupta said that taking cognisance of the announcement made by some organisations to lay the foundation stone of a Ram temple in the disputed area acquired near the Babri Masjid site, prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 have been issued in Ayodhya.

Entry of people to the makeshift Ram Janmabhoomi Temple will be allowed through only one road and all other thoroughfares leading to the site will be closed, according to officials. Any group of more than 15 people will not be allowed to enter the site, they said

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New Delhi:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to take "immediate steps" to deescalate tensions. "The Secretary-General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation, and his good offices are always available should both sides ask," the UN Chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday at the daily press briefing. At least 42 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 80 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district that also left many critically wounded.



More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir.



ALSO READ | Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation,' says Trump, asks India, Pak to 'get along'

Dujarric was asked about a meeting Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN has sought with the Secretary General and also about Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the UN must step in to defuse tensions between the two nations.

"...Looking at the situation in general between India and Pakistan, we're deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on 14 February in Pulwama," Dujrraic said.

He said Pakistan's mission at the UN requested for the meeting with the Secretary-General.

"We have seen press reports of a letter having been delivered to the UN. As far as we've ascertained, none has been received as of this very minute," he added.

Last week, Guterres had "strongly" condemned the terror attack against security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, calling for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.

"We strongly condemn today's attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the government and people of India," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing last Thursday.

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New Delhi:

Less than 48 hours after crucial visit to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting India amid ongoing tension over the Pulwama terror attack. All eyes were on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Princes joint press conference at New Delhi Hyderabad House. In what can be called a diplomatic defeat for India, the Crown Prince remained mum on the February 14 terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the Crown Prince praised Indias IT prowess and hailed the $44 billion dollar pacts, he said zero words on the dastardly attack. However, he did say that terrorism and extremism are common concerns for both countries. He also assured that intelligence support in her fight against extremism. We'll work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations, the Crown Prince said.

Meeting in the shadow of the attack, PM Modi made it clear to not only mention the attack but also talk about a need to form an alliance to dismantle forces working for terror outfits. Without naming Pakistan, PM Modi said that both India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to fight such forces.

During the visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of Indias terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace. The two countries held meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last month in Riyadh during which both sides explored the possibility of elevating the defence engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises, said Tirumurti.

Indias bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was $27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its 4th largest trading partner. Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of Indias energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion. Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi:

Sixteen states and Union territories on Tuesday joined a pan-India network of the single emergency helpline number 112 on which immediate assistance can be sought by people, the Home Ministry said on Monday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh launched various initiatives for women safety here on Tuesday. These include the launch of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in 16 states and UTs and Mumbai city; the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and the safe city implementation monitoring portal.

The 16 states and UTs are Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, a home ministry statement said. The ERSS is an integration of police (100), fire (101), health (108) and women (1090) helpline numbers to provide emergency services through the single number 112.

To access the emergency services, a person can dial 112 on a phone or press the power button of a smart phone three times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre (ERC).In case of a normal phone, a long press of the 5 or 9 key will activate the panic call function, a home ministry official said.

People can also log onto the ERSS website for the state and lodge emergency Email or send SOS alert to state ERC. They can use 112 India mobile app, which is available free on Google Playstore and Apple store.

The single number for various emergency services, which is similar to the 911 in the US, will be gradually rolled out across the country, the official said.

The home minister will also launch the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO).

The ITSSO is meant for law enforcement agencies in the country.

The system is an online module available to law enforcement agencies at all levelsnational, state, district and police station -- and allows the state to undertake real-time monitoring and management for completion of investigation in rape cases in two months.

It leverages the existing CCTNS database, which covers nearly 15000 police stations in the country. The ITSSO would greatly strengthen States ability for analytics and prognosis for timely investigation and prosecution in rape cases. The safe city implementation monitoring (SCIM) portal will instil a sense of security in women in metro cities.

The government has identified eight cities for implementation of safe city projects in first phase at a cost of Rs 2,919 crore. The cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The projects are funded under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme.

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New Delhi: Cyclone Gulab has brought rain to many parts of the country. Today, on 30th September, the possibility of entering the Arabian Sea and strengthening into a cyclonic storm has been predicted. According to the information received, the storm is now moving towards Pakistan. Yes, the cyclone Gulab has prophesied heavy rain in many parts of Gujarat. This has been recently informed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Last Wednesday, the low-pressure area - the rest of Cyclone Gulab - formed over the South Gujarat region and the adjoining Gulf of Khambhat.

The MET department said, "There is a great possibility that it will move west-northwestwards and emerge into the Northeast Arabian Sea and become strong under deep pressure by tomorrow.'' It is also said that the storm is expected to move west and west-northwestwards. The cyclonic storm may prevail today. The MET department has informed that rain has lashed some parts of Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat. Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Daman Diu, Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

The MET department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Maharashtra, South Gujarat, coastal Karnataka as well as Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Nicobar islands, different parts of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal with light to moderate rainfall. Light and moderate rainfall is expected in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, North East India, Sikkim, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Light rain is possible in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the western part of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema. It is said that Delhi will be cloudy for the next two days due to the storm and it is not expected to rain. The MET department has issued an alert for heavy rain in 10 districts of Rajasthan.

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Aden: More than 130 people have lost their lives within two days in the ongoing battle between government-backed fighters and Houthi rebels. Most of the dead are rebels. This has been reported by the authorities. The latest battle is taking place over the city of Marib, which is considered strategically extremely important. About two weeks ago, 50 people were reported killed in the war. The U.S. has been making every effort to end the Yemen war that has been going on for years. But even after these efforts, the conflict is not diminishing at all.

US President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan also visited Saudi Arabia to resolve the issue. During this time, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The civil war situation in Yemen has been prevailing since 2014. At that time, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels had taken over the country's capital, Sanaa, and most of the northern part of the country.

After the Houthi occupation, Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government officials first fled to the northern part and then moved to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition then entered the Yemen war in March 2015. The alliance also received US support, together they started a war against the Houthis to bring the recognized government of Mansoor Hadi here. However, Joe Biden has pulled out of the Yemen war US after becoming president of the United States.

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Nepal media regularly report many cases of medical negligence. Big and renowned hospitals have been dragged into controversies over the past few years following patients death, allegedly due to the negligence on the part of assigned doctors. Hence, what medical law in Nepal says about medical practices is interesting to discuss today.

The National Penal Code, 2017, provides laws relating to medical treatment. Below are some major provisions about medical law in Nepal.

1. Authority to conduct medical treatment

Section 230 of the National Penal Code, 2017, has prohibited any other person except those having acquired the specified educational qualification in medicine and obtained a licence from the lawful competent authority from practising medical treatment. However, a person who has gained knowledge on medical treatment from a long experience is not barred from administering, with due care, drugs of general nature, and caring for a patient suffering from a minor disease as not causing any specific adverse impact on any human organ of such patient, or conducting medical treatment by conducting the operation of a minor wound.

Any person who commits or causes to be committed the aforementioned offence shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding Rs 30,000. Further, the offender shall be liable to the sentence of imprisonment for life where any act of providing medical service, conducting surgery or administering drugs causes the death of any person, and to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 years where such act causes grievous injuries.

2. Medical treatment with malicious intention and recklessness

It is prohibited to carry out treatment, with an intention of causing the death of or grievous injuries in, another person, or conduct one type of medical treatment of him or her instead of another type of treatment as required, or administer or prescribe for the administration of any drug to him or her knowingly or having a reason to believe that the administration or prescription of such drug may cause the death of, or grievous injury in, him or her or conduct surgery on one organ of the human body of him or her instead of another organ as required or make such organ dysfunctional or separate such organ from the human body, or cause the commission of any of such acts.

If anyone conducts the aforementioned act, he/she shall be liable to the following sentence:

The same sentence as imposable for murder, in the case of causing the death of any person The same sentence as imposable for grievous injuries, in the case of causing grievous injuries in any person

Further, no one is authorised under law to conduct medical treatment shall, in conducting medical treatment of anyone, conduct such treatment, administer any drug or prescribe for the administration of the drug to him or her in a reckless manner, without taking adequate care or precaution.

Anyone found committing such act is liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 if the death or grievous injury has been caused from a reckless act and to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding Rs 30,000 if the death or grievous injury has been caused from a negligent act.

3. Prohibition of adulteration of drugs or sale of adulterated drugs

No one shall knowingly sell adulterated drugs in such a manner as to void or lessen or change the efficacy of such drug or make it noxious or sell such adulterated drug or any other thing saying that it is a drug or issue such drug or thing to anyone for treatment or administer, or cause to be administered, such drug to anyone.

Any person who commits the aforementioned offence shall be liable to the following sentences:
Home  Just In  Nepal-China trade hasnt been smooth for years. No one knows what it takes to revive normality

On January 19, 2021, then Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta said China was not being fair when it came to trade with Nepal. He even went on to say that there were factors other than geography affecting Nepal-China trade.

China is very irresponsible which is making trade difficult. We need to think and act fast because if things carry on as it is, itll be a disaster, he had said.

Onlinekhabar asked Bhatta, who has already lost his position, if things had changed since his statement. He said there had been no progress.

I did talk to the foreign minister about this and asked him to talk to the ambassador about this. China is a reason many Nepali businesses persons were at a brink of collapse during the past year, Bhatta had said then.

It has been nine months since he talked to the foreign minister, but there has been no effort to smoothen trade at various Nepal-China border points. This has left many businesses on the verge of bankruptcy as businesspersons have been frustrated at the government for not being proactive enough.

The Tatopani (Kodari) border crossing has been in operation since 1966, but the 2015 earthquake caused a lot of damage near the crossing. After that, the Rasuwagadhi border point started to be used to import and export things to and from China. Even though the Nepal-China border is 1,414 kilometres long, these are the only two border points through which trade takes place. But, the roads that aim to join Nepal to China and China to the rest of South Asia are as poor as they have ever been.

Ever-extending loss

Trucks of Silk Road Transport stuck at Tatopani border point.

Silk Road Transport, after getting a government tender, is aiming to bring over 10,000 metric tons of urea fertilisers from China. But, the business house does not know when the fertilisers that are used to produce wheat, vegetables and mustard will arrive in Nepal. In total, the company aims to bring in excess of 40,000 metric tons of fertiliser from China.

Kalyan Silwal, the companys managing director, says they need to bring in around 400 trucks to bring in the fertilisers. But, China only lets anything between eight to 10 trucks enter Nepal a day. As this has been the Chinese policy for a few years, businesses have been losing millions of rupees.

Itll take us a week maximum to get all the trucks to Nepal, but due to this policy, there are times when weve had to wait for over 40 days, sometimes even two months, to get our goods from China, says SIlwal.

Astha Automobile, a company that sells electric scooters, ordered 400 batteries from China in April. The batteries reached the border points in Kerung and Tatopani, informs the companys owner Surendra Manandhar. But the batteries never reached Nepal as many got lost at the border points.

They said it was Covid-19 protocol and told us to wait. We waited and now we have nothing. Because we didnt have batteries, we couldnt sell scooters and have suffered a lot of loss, says Manandhar.

Things were not always like this. Three years ago, an order would reach Kathmandu in less than a month. But, now businesses are refraining from ordering things from China as they fear they will lose money.

Anup Shrestha, a trader who imports decorative items for households, says he ordered a few things from China. But, Nepali traders there warned him how things were unfavourable as they could not guarantee delivery.

They told me that there was no way they would take a guarantee as they had no idea how many days these items would be stuck in Kerung or Tatopani, says Shrestha.

This has been a problem as Nepal is heavily dependent on China for everyday goods. Last fiscal year, Nepal imported goods in excess of Rs 233 billion from China. In the two months of the current fiscal year, Nepal has already imported goods worth around Rs 42.84 billion from China.

Open and shut case

The border point in Tatopani has been affected heavily after the 2015 earthquake. The Covid-19 pandemic made things even more unstable. Citing issues like landslides and floods, the border point has been open and shut multiple times since 2019. Apart from that, the Chinese side has been allowing trade to happen on their terms only, say traders.

Both Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani were shut due to the Chinese New Year in January 2020. In February, these border points were shut due to heavy snowfall. By March, Covid-19 had hit China hard and the border points were sealed. In July, landslides blocked the border point in Tatopani while China shut down Rasuwagadhi after Covid-19 started to spread in Nepal.

The Tatopani border did open in October, but a warning of glacier bursting and risk of Covid-19 meant the border was shut again. The border did open in November but was shut again as plans of making a bridge intensified in Tatopani.

The Tatopani border point did open on February 9, but the Rasuwagadhi point was closed on February 11 due to Lhosar. Post-Lhosar, the point opened but with strict preventive measures.

Export close to zero

Tatopani border point has been affected by various natural disasters since the 2015 earthquake.

It has been over two years since Nepal last exported anything to China via land. Citing Covid-19, China is only allowing Nepal to import things from the country. In the fiscal year 2018/19, Nepal had exported goods in excess of Rs 2.1 billion. In 2019/20, it decreased to Rs 1.19 billion and Rs 1.01 billion in 2020/21, according to data provided by the Department of Customs. The items include instant noodles, biscuits, handicrafts, pet food and herbs.

But, almost none of these exports have been done through Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, says customs officials.

Besides Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, borders points in Korala in Mustang, Yari in Humla, Lamabagar in Dolakha, Olanchungola in Taplejung, Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha, Larke in Gorkha and Mugu Bhansar in Mugu are used for trade. But, trades that take place from these areas can be counted in ones hands. Yet, most of these points have been shut indefinitely since the pandemic began.

The Mansarovar trip has also been affected due to Yari being shut, affecting the lives of thousands of locals who depend on tourism to make ends meet. The point did open for a while, but it was shut again.

After the border point in Kimathanka was shut, the customs office called its officer back to Kathmandu as they realised that China was not going to open it anytime soon.

Lack of talks causing problems

There is a mechanism that says local units of Nepal and China near border points should hold talks every three months. These meetings are carried out under the guidance of the Home Ministry; respective chief district officers, customs officers and security personnel attend the meetings. But the Rasuwa District Administration Office says such meetings have not been held in a long time.

Deputy Chief District Officer Durga Thapa says that the Chinese officials have been avoiding them stating Covid-19 concerns. People have been restricted from crossing and a quota system has been in place for big vehicles, she says.

Our district has been fully vaccinated, yet they are not interested in holding talks. This has affected a lot of people, says Thapa.

Chinese officials from border points tell Nepali officials that nothing can be done until they get orders all the way from Bejing.

Infrastructural crisis

The Hilsa border point lacks proper infrastructure for trade.

Narayan Prasad Regmi from the Bilateral and Regional Trade Division under the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies says they have held talks about these issues with China. Diplomatic notes have been sent to the northern neighbour by the Foreign Ministry while dialogues have been held with the Chinese ambassador as well.

Regmi says China remains positive about making trade easy between the two countries, but they do fear the rising Covid-19 cases in Nepal. He says the officials have been showing the Chinese side how effective the vaccination drive in areas, mostly around border points, have been.

He says during the talks held in Lhasa a week ago, China was positive in increasing the number of containers to enter Nepal on a daily basis.

But, former minister Lekh Raj Bhatta says China is using the coronavirus card to cause a delay in the facilitation of the border points in Nepal. He says China wants to use the border points for its political gain only.

There is politics all over this issue. Whatever they say, you cant keep blaming the pandemic for everything. This excuse has bankrupted a lot of Nepali businesspersons, says Bhatta.

But, Rupak Sapkota, an expert in Nepal-China relations, says problems have also arisen due to geographical reasons and natural disasters. He also adds that Nepals infrastructure is not that great at other border points for trade.

When one border point is shut, the other should be open, but when there is no infrastructure in these areas, what can the other country do, questions Sapkota, who says China wants Nepal to build better infrastructure as it believes Nepal is the gateway for China to move into South Asia.
This trial marks the first step taken by Actipulse Neuroscience to use a new method of neuromodulation to stop or slow Alzheimer's disease, an issue that fails to be solved by anything currently available on the market

Featured Image for Actipulse Neuroscience

Featured Image for Actipulse Neuroscience

Featured Image for Actipulse Neuroscience

BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the results of a recent pilot clinical trial, funded by neurotech company Actipulse Neuroscience , have demonstrated that its non-invasive intervention devices, using Fast Gamma Magnetic Stimulation (FGMS), can be safely administered to patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Actipulse Neuroscience's proprietary transcranial neuromodulation is based on previously developed FDA-approved technology, which applies high-frequency and low-intensity magnetic pulses directly to the skull using a wearable headset.

The details of this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study were published in the leading industry journal Frontiers in Neurology . It states that 34 participants, with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease, were split into two groups. Each of them received either active or sham FGMS over the left prefrontal dorsolateral cortex twice a day for six months. After this period, the participants were tested for adverse effects, cognitive activity, functionality, and depression.

The results show that FGMS was adequately tolerated by most of the subjects, with only five presenting any kind of adverse effects. This concludes that FGMS applied in this way is a viable intervention that can be safely used at home, without healthcare provider supervision.

Since 2003 , no new drug with clinically proven results has been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and there have been more than 400 failed clinical trials. But the success of this first pilot trial, proving the safety of this neurostimulation device, means that Actipulse Neuroscience will be able to move onto the next phase. A second trial, focusing on efficacy, will take place in the first quarter of 2022.

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This is part of Actipulse's long-term goal of providing accessible worldwide state-of-the-art technology that can be administered at home, without a healthcare provider, offering patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases more independence over their health.

"We are extremely happy with the results from this safety trial and are eager to start the efficacy study with the hope of finding a new method to slow disease progression," said Adrien Chatillon, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Actipulse Neuroscience.

About the company

Actipulse Neuroscience is a pioneering neurotech company specialized in the research and engineering of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation technologies for the at-home treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and conditions.

The company's mission is to be the golden standard of neuromodulation technologies in the next five years and to become an integral part of the treatment of millions of patients suffering from neurodegenerative conditions.

Contact

Name: Daniela Restrepo

Phone: +573176474813

Email: daniela.restrepo@publicize.co

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NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion no later than November 15, 2021 in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. ("Boston Beer" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAM) from April 22, 2021 through September 8, 2021 (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges violations of the Securities Act of 1934.



If you purchased Boston Beer securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit The Boston Beer Company Inc Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Rujul Patel toll free at (877) 779-1414 or rpatel@bernlieb.com

According to the complaint, Boston Beer issued materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose adverse facts pertaining to the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Boston Beer specifically failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Boston Beers hard seltzer sales were decelerating; (2) that, as a result, Boston Beer was reasonably likely to incur inventory write-offs; (3) that the Company was reasonably likely to incur shortfall fees payable to third party brewers; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Boston Beers financial results would be adversely impacted; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 22, 2021 after the market closed, the Company reduced its full year 2021 guidance, expecting earnings per share between $18 and $22, down from a prior range of $22 and $26. Boston Beer cited softer-than-expected sales in the hard seltzer category and overall beer industry and also stated that it had overestimated the growth of the hard seltzer category in the second quarter.

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On this news, the price of Boston Beer shares fell $246.54, or 26%, to close at $701.00 per share on July 23, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

On September 8, 2021, after the market closed, the Company withdrew its 2021 financial guidance, citing decelerating sales of hard seltzer products. The Company also stated that it expects to incur hard seltzer-related inventory write-offs, shortfall fees payable to 3rd party brewers, and other costs for the remainder of fiscal 2021.

On this news, Boston Beers share price fell $21.09, or 3.7%, to close at $538.31 per share on September 9, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 15, 2021 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased Boston Beer securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/thebostonbeercompanyinc-sam-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-fraud-stock-438/apply/ or contact Rujul Patel toll free at (877) 779-1414 or rpatel@bernlieb.com

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2021 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Rujul Patel

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

https://www.bernlieb.com

(877) 779-1414

rpatel@bernlieb.com




Children from Around the Globe Implore World Leaders to Act More Like Children to Solve the World's Most Critical Issues of Climate Change, Education and Poverty

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2021 The first-ever international Children's General Assembly presented their ideas on creating a better future to the United Nation's General Assembly today, in a virtual meeting that took place between Billund, Denmark, the Capital of Children, and New York. The children's manifesto focused on climate change, education and poverty, and called on world leaders to invest more time and money in education rather than military, and invest more in green energy and technology than in monetary growth.

In their manifesto, the children point to serious issues facing their generation worldwide. "One billion children live in poverty and without access to basic necessities. 617 million children will never get a proper education. Children make up two thirds of the world's refugees. One in seven children experience mental health issues. And all children are affected by the consequences of climate change," said 15-year-old Mankgara Maime from South Africa, one of today's presenters.

The children argue for our leaders to look at the issues from a child's perspective: "We children are born creative and curious. We don't worry about rules. We play, experiment, and make up worlds that do not exist. So perhaps the leaders can learn from us and use creative and curious ways to ensure a better future for children all over the world?" added Mankgara.

The children's presentation to the UN can be seen here.

Earlier this year, children ages 10-17 from 49 different nationalities signed up to participate in the Children's General Assembly and 80 children were selected to represent countries around the globe. They spent many hours in intense, but fun, discussions and workshops online throughout the last six months aligning on world problems that matter most to them. The goal was to present to the UN as one united voice.

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The children met in person in Billund, Denmark, September 19-21, 2021, concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly in New York. At 8:00 am EST today, they presented their final manifesto virtually to world leaders including former President of the UN General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft.

The manifesto was well received. "As adults, we often think about how to teach children democratic values and processes, but after listening to the children in Billund today, I think we can learn just as much from them as they can from us," said Mogens Lykketoft, former President of the UN General Assembly.

The children are just getting started. "We've called on the politicians to take action now and we will hold them accountable to their promises. Next year, when our Children's Assembly convenes, we will ask them, what have you accomplished?" said 13-year-old Anderson Wilkinson from Mt Dora, Florida, who also presented to the UN today.

For additional information, photos and video, please go to: capitalofchildren.com.

About Children's General Assembly:

The Children's General Assembly is developed in collaboration with the Capital of Children Panel, local organizations, and the organization Capital of Children. All children between 10-17 years old can attend the assembly regardless of gender, nationality, religion and disability. At the meeting, children of the world work together to create a manifesto to today's global problems, which they will subsequently deliver to the world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York. The Children's General Assembly will take place in Billund, Denmark, between September 19-21, 2021.

About Capital of Children:

For almost a century, Billund has had a special focus on children and on the development of children's competencies. For a number of years, politicians, schools and nonprofit foundations have worked together with Billund's children to make Billund a city at child height. In 2020, Billund was recognized by UNICEF as Child-Friendly City and Municipality due to an extraordinary effort for children and children's rights. The ambition was - and is - to create the world's best place for children. And for the world.

The Childrens General Assembly presents their manifesto virtually to members of the UN in New York; Mogens Lykketoft, former President of the UN General Assembly, listens to the children in Billund, Denmark, the Capital of Children.

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SOURCE Capital of Children

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ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Investment Group is pleased to announce that Christopher Lvoff has joined the firm as a Co-Chief Investment Officer, working alongside our other Co-Chief Investment Officers, Eric Bendickson, Markus Krygier, and Tim O'Hara. Chris, along with the other three Co-CIOs, is responsible for all aspects of Strategic's investment process, portfolios, and performance. He will work closely with investment, research, and analytical staff in developing, integrating, and implementing investment policy for the firm's clients. Chris joins a team that has an average of 29 years of industry experience and 17 years with Strategic.

Christopher Lvoff, CFA, ASA, Strategic Investment Group

"Chris brings deep asset management knowledge and extensive investment experience of working with investors of all types, including endowments, foundations, and pensions, to support our unwavering focus on being our client's trusted and durable partner," said Brian A. Murdock, Strategic's President and CEO. "We are confident that Chris's exceptional leadership and investment skills will complement Strategic's long established reputation for client-centric investment excellence."

Chris is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a CFA charterholder, and an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA). He joins us from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he spent the past 14 years, most recently as Managing Director of their Multi-Asset Solutions team working with a variety of endowments, foundations, pensions, and sovereign institutions in designing, implementing, and overseeing multi-asset portfolios. Prior to Goldman Sachs, he worked at Towers Perrin in Philadelphia as an Actuarial Associate and consultant.

About Strategic

Strategic Investment Group, a pioneer in dedicated Outsourced CIO (OCIO) solutions since 1987, offers a comprehensive service platform for managing customized portfolios for institutional investors. Our proprietary process combines active portfolio management, rigorous risk management, and open architecture manager selection.

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Strategic functions as our clients' investment partner and co-fiduciary, effectively becoming an extension of their resources. Clients are then free to focus on their core missions, while we focus on providing the highly specialized portfolio management expertise that clients need to meet their investment goals. Depending on a client's needs and preferences, Strategic can orchestrate the management of an entire portfolio comprising multiple asset classes, focus on specific asset classes, such as alternatives (e.g., venture capital/private equity, real estate, and/or hedge funds) or international investments, or manage strategies with high potential for adding value. Customized liability-driven investing (LDI) solutions, whether through an integrated total portfolio approach or a targeted long-duration strategy, are also available, as are solutions that address mission-related investment objectives.

We strive to build enduring partnerships with our clients by strengthening their investment programs through a dynamic, value-enhancing investment process, sound governance framework, and world-class client service. Our mission is to empower investors through experience, innovation, and excellence.



Strategic had $30.8 billion in discretionary assets under management as of June 30, 2021. Staff information is as of August 10, 2021.

For further information contact:

Nikki Kraus, Chief Client Officer

703-243-4433

nkraus@strategicgroup.com

Strategic Investment Group, a pioneer in Outsourced CIO (OCIO) solutions since 1987.

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SOURCE Strategic Investment Group
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Thursday it will review safety concerns raised by former Blue Origin employees about billionaire Jeff Bezos' space company.

Alexandra Abrams, former head of Blue Origin Employee Communications, and 20 other unnamed Blue Origin employees and former employees, said in an essay they had "seen a pattern of decision-making that often prioritizes execution speed and cost reduction over the appropriate resourcing to ensure quality."

The FAA said Thursday it "takes every safety allegation seriously, and the agency is reviewing the information." A Blue Origin spokesperson said Abrams "was dismissed for cause two years ago after repeated warnings for issues involving federal export control regulations." Abrams told CBS News, which first reported the allegations, she never received any warnings related to export control issues.

Blue Origin said it provides "numerous avenues for employees, including a 24/7 anonymous hotline, and will promptly investigate any new claims of misconduct. We stand by our safety record and believe that New Shepard is the safest space vehicle ever designed or built."

In July, Bezos soared some 66.5 miles (107 km) above the Texas desert aboard a New Shepard launch vehicle in a suborbital flight.

Bezos's flight came nine days after Richard Branson was aboard his competing space tourism venture Virgin Galactic's successful inaugural suborbital flight.

Bezos "started becoming impatient and (SpaceX's) Elon (Musk) and Branson were getting ahead," Abrams told CBS News. "And then we started to feel this increasing pressure and impatience that would definitely filter down from leadership."

The essay said a 2018 team at Blue Origin "documented more than 1,000 problem reports related to the engines that power Blue Origins rockets, which had never been addressed."

Blue Origin announced this week New Shepard's 18th mission will lift off on Oct. 12.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Aurora Ellis)
SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fullerton Health Corporation (FHC), Asia Pacific's leading vertically integrated healthcare platform has set its sights on growth in Southeast Asia (ASEAN). ASEAN is the world's third most populous economy. By 2030, population will reach 723 million and the gross domestic product is expected to be US$4 trillion. The World Economic Forum projected that emerging ASEAN will be the engine of growth over the next decade. The demand for healthcare will rise with the rapid growth of population and economy. FHC's growth strategy includes a strong focus in ASEAN to bring more value toward healthcare systems in the region by improving access and enhancing affordability.

Fullerton Health Group Nurses and Doctors

Fullerton Health (PRNewsfoto/Intellicare Group)

Vietnam  Strategic entry into Indochina

In Vietnam, FHC is acquiring 100% stake in South Asia Services Limited Liability (SAS) from Willis Tower Watson. This is part of FHC's active strategy to expand its footprint in Indochina. Besides presence in Vietnam, SAS also has clients in Cambodia and Laos. We expect to sign the agreement within the next week and envisage the transaction to be completed by end of October.

South Asia Services Limited Liability (SAS) is a leading corporate health benefits third party administration (TPA) company, providing services for healthcare claims management, customer care, and healthcare benefit support solutions to corporations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. With the track record of servicing the health needs of workers in Vietnam since 2003, SAS has a well-entrenched network. It works with over 10 of the largest insurance brands in the country to manage and administer medical benefits for corporate employees. SAS is FHC's first entry into Vietnam. Fullerton Health will leverage on its strong medical network management capabilities, IT infrastructure and digital innovations to bring about better cost management and unlock more value for all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

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"We are excited to have Fullerton Health enter the Vietnamese market and expanding in Indochina. They have the experience and core competencies to bring TPA services in this region to the next level, generating more value for all stakeholders within the health system," shared Mr Cedric Luah, Managing Director, Head of Health and Benefits in Asia Pacific for Willis Towers Watson. Mr Ho Kuen Loon, FHC Group CEO, added, "We have been growing our presence in Indochina with our first entry last year delivering diagnostic services in Phnom Penh. Today, we are privileged to service the people of Vietnam toward better health through our acquisition of SAS."

Indonesia  Serving more patients and strengthening our vertical integration footprint

In Indonesia, FHC has entered into binding agreements to acquire a majority stake in Gunung Sahari Laboratory Centre (GS Lab) in Indonesia. GS Lab has over 36 years of track record in Indonesia and is one of the most trusted names in the laboratory business amongst doctors.

GS Lab services over 100,000 patients a year and has 4 laboratories across Greater Jakarta offering more than 200 different types of tests. FHC already owns a stable of services within the Indonesian market covering healthcare provision through more than 100 medical clinics, medical assistance, and evacuation as well as third party administration (TPA) of corporate health benefits. This acquisition will give Fullerton Health and our network of services direct access into laboratories, allowing us to achieve greater operational efficiencies and savings within the group, which allows us to provide more affordable healthcare in Indonesia

Mr Ho Kuen Loon says, "This is the Asian century. Being a Singapore- headquartered company, we are excited about the growth potential nearer to home. ASEAN is brimming with opportunities and we have found strong partners with reputation, heritage and network to join us in our purpose of making healthcare affordable and accessible to all."

With the completion of both acquisitions in October 2021, FHC will have broader and deeper presence in seven ASEAN countries, namely Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In addition, the Group has presence in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Papua New Guinea.

Australia  Completion of Divestiture

With a focus on ASEAN, FHC has divested its remaining interest in Fullerton Health Australia (FHA) to existing shareholder Quadrant Private Equity on 30 September 2021. During FHC's 8-year journey in Australia and New Zealand, FHA increased access to care and contributed toward the community. Since FHC's entry into Australia in 2013, FHA grew from 27 clinics and 250 employees to over 100 medical centres with 2,000 employees. FHC deeply appreciates the staff and management of FHA, in particular Managing Director Mr Steven Harvey, who have contributed significantly in building up the business over the years. FHC wishes FHA every success under the full ownership of Quadrant Private Equity, and that FHA will scale greater heights and become an even more prominent healthcare player in Australia and New Zealand.

About Fullerton Health

Fullerton Health is a leading integrated health system in the Asia Pacific region. Founded in Singapore in 2010, today the Company serves clients through over 500 healthcare facilities and a large global network of healthcare providers across 10 markets in Asia Pacific. Fullerton Health's value proposition is the integration of healthcare service offerings with customized management and advisory capabilities, in line with its purpose to deliver affordable and accessible care for all in Asia Pacific. For more information on Fullerton Health, please visit http://www.fullertonhealth.com/

SOURCE Fullerton Health Pte Ltd
NEW YORK & VIENNA, Va., September 30, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR) (NYSE American: KLR WS) ("Kaleyra" or the "Company"), a rapidly growing cloud communications software provider delivering a secure system of application programming interfaces (APIs) and connectivity solutions in the API/Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market, was included as a top five global CPaaS Established Leader in the latest Competitor Leaderboard produced by Juniper Research, one of the leading independent analyst firms in the mobile and digital tech sector.

The report, which recognizes and compares the top CPaaS vendors worldwide, rated Kaleyra highly compared to its peers for its strength and depth of operator partnerships, segment coverage, and experience in the CPaaS service provision. Kaleyras integration with WhatsApp to provide the WhatsApp Business API as well as its strategic partnerships including Google, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, Facebook, Sequoia, and Zoho reinforce the Companys likelihood of attracting businesses that are keen to adopt an omnichannel presence.

The report also notes that Kaleyras latest acquisitions of mGage, the US-based mobile messaging platform, and Bandyer, an audio/video solution provider, were key steps towards increasing the Companys presence in the growing CPaaS market and boosting its service capabilities. These strengths helped Kaleyra earn the designation of Established Leader, the highest available designation in the report.

Importantly, the report made a special mention of Kaleyras innovation center, k-lab, which has already established multiple partnerships with key financial players, such as Visa and Mastercard, for communication solutions in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. The report states, "With k-lab bringing more than 30 years of combined experience in BFSI and BFSI technological systems, Kaleyra may be the only CPaaS Company offering services like this."

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"This achievement, recognizing Kaleyra as a top global CPaaS provider, reflects the progress weve made over the last few years to provide a more comprehensive platform of services," said Dario Calogero, Kaleyras Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "As we work to become the leading trusted CPaaS partner, we are continuing to implement the latest technology to co-create with our customers and meet their unique needs."

The report can be downloaded at the following URL: https://www.kaleyra.com/wp-content/uploads/Kaleyra-CPaaS-2021-Reprint.pdf

About Juniper Research

Founded in 2001, Juniper Research specializes in identifying and appraising new high-growth market sectors within the digital ecosystem. With market sizing and forecasting at the forefront, Juniper Research also offers competitive analysis, strategic assessment, and business modeling. Juniper endeavors to provide independent and impartial analysis of both current and emerging opportunities via a team of dedicated specialists - all knowledgeable, experienced and experts in their fields. For more information about Juniper Research, please see www.juniperresearch.com

About Kaleyra

Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR) (NYSE American: KLR WS) is a global group providing mobile communication services to financial institutions, e-commerce players, OTTs, software companies, logistic enablers, healthcare providers, retailers, and other large organizations worldwide.

Kaleyra today has a customer base of 3800+ companies spread around the world. Through its proprietary platform and robust APIs, Kaleyra manages multi-channel integrated communication services, consisting of messaging, rich messaging and instant messaging, video, push notifications, e-mail, voice services, and chatbots.

Kaleyras technology makes it possible to safely and securely manage billions of messages monthly with over 1600 operator connections in 190+ countries, including all tier-1 US carriers.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005087/en/

Contacts

Investor Contact:

Tom Colton or Matt Glover

Gateway Investor Relations

949-574-3860

KLR@gatewayir.com
Augmenting Its Hospitality Portfolio in New York and Across the U.S., Lightstone Will Bring 519 Keys to Williamsburg and the Lower East Side, Two of New York's Most Vibrant Neighborhoods

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National real estate investor and developer Lightstone today announced the topping out of construction of two Moxy hotels in New York City. Moxy Lower East Side and Moxy Williamsburg, set to open in late 2022, add to Lightstone's growing hospitality portfolio, which includes four open Moxy hotels: Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village in New York, and Moxy South Beach in Miami. Located at 145 Bowery Street, between Grand Street and Broome Street, Moxy Lower East Side reached its pinnacle at 18 stories. Moxy Williamsburg, located at 353 Bedford Ave, between 4th Street and 5th Streets, reached its full height at 11 stories.

Moxy Williamsburg, Credit: Lightstone

Bringing Moxy's signature style and programming to the epicenter of two of New York's most vibrant and pace-setting neighborhoods, both properties will boast design-driven bedrooms, activated public spaces, and brand-new dining and drinking concepts matching the unique character of their neighborhoods. Moxy's experiential programming conceived to integrate each hotel with its community will include live music, fashion and art pop-ups, workshops, and wellness series.

"We are excited to be expanding our New York Moxy Hotel portfolio with these two dynamic properties," said Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone. "The success of our first three Moxy's in Manhattan underscores the demand for our trademark style of hospitality. The timing is also perfect, as New York City makes its dramatic comeback from the past year. We are proud to be part of the city's renaissance."

Moxy Lower East Side

Exuding downtown's grit and glamour, and situated at the intersection of the lively Lower East Side, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown neighborhoods, Moxy Lower East Side will feature 303 hotel rooms, with architecture by Stonehill Taylor. London-based interior designer, Michaelis Boyd, has designed the guestrooms, lobby, cocktail bar, and lush rooftop bar, while Rockwell Group, the award-winning firm by David Rockwell, designed the restaurant and underground lounge. Moxy Lower East Side will feature touchless kiosk check-in, cleverly designed rooms, tech-savvy amenities, co-working space, a well-equipped fitness center, and three flexible meeting studios. Leeding Builders Group is managing construction of the project.

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Moxy Williamsburg

Located just over the Williamsburg Bridge, less than ten minutes from Manhattan, and in the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant culinary and nightlife destination, Moxy Williamsburg will feature 216 hotel rooms. Stonehill Taylor has carefully crafted the architecture of the building to fit in contextually with the surrounding neighborhood, while Basile Studio has designed the interiors. The hotel will be equipped with today's modern conveniences, tech-savvy amenities including touchless check-in, coworking spaces and two adjoining meetings studios, and a well-equipped fitness center. Adding to the surrounding streetscape, the hotel will also boast a main-floor bar, cafe/restaurant, and cocktail lounge. Crowning the building will be an indoor/outdoor rooftop, with an expansive terrace boasting unmatched views of the city skyline, Manhattan and the East River. Leeding Builders Group is managing construction of the project.

Moxy Lower East Side and Moxy Williamsburg are complemented by three additional New York properties including: the 612-room flagship Moxy Times Square property that opened in the Fall of 2017; the 350-room Moxy Chelsea that opened in February 2019; and the Moxy East Village, a 286-room hotel that opened in September 2019. Lightstone debuted its first Moxy property outside of New York with the opening of Moxy Miami South Beach earlier this year. Earlier this month, Lightstone celebrated the topping out of the firm's dual-branded project, Moxy Los Angeles Downtown and AC Hotel Los Angeles Downtown. Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and scheduled to open in late 2022, the 37-story, 600,000-square-foot mixed-use tower will consist of a 380-room Moxy hotel and a 347-room AC hotel. By the end of 2022, the company's portfolio will feature seven Moxy properties in total. To learn more, please visit www.lightstone.com

About Lightstone

Lightstone is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Active in 24 states across the country, Lightstone develops, manages and invests in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With 132 existing properties nationwide, Lightstone's over $6.5 billion portfolio currently includes over 4 million square feet of industrial, retail, and commercial properties, over 15,000 residential units, and 4,300 hotel keys. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone continues to grow its development portfolio with over $3.5 billion currently under development in the residential and hospitality sectors spread across New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.

About Moxy Hotels

Moxy Hotels is Marriott International's new millennial-focused brand that debuted in September 2014 with the opening of the Moxy Milan. A boutique-hotel concept for the next-Gen traveler, Moxy is a fresh and innovative brand combining stylish design and approachable service at an affordable price point. With tech-enabled rooms, vibrant lobby spaces and warm, modern service, Moxy aims to surprise travelers with a thoughtful, spirited and fun guest experience.

Moxy Lower East Side, Credit: Michael Young

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SOURCE Lightstone
Ive shot a lot of film on behalf of The Phoblographer. And weve reviewed a ton of film emulsions over the years. When it comes to black and white film, I dont think Ive ever fallen for something this hard. KONO is a brand Ive believed in for years. They were among the first to really try new things. Double exposed film? Dyed film? Along with Lomography, KONO has been an innovator of sorts. With KONO Monolit 100, were astounded at the results. And trust us, you will be too.

Too Long, Didnt Read

KONO Monolit 100 is a beautiful film capable of being sharp and grainy at the same time. Want the film look with near digital sharpness? This is the film to do it. The grain is more prominent than Acros for sure, but its also not as sharp. Still, in flat lighting, KONO Monolit 100 has deep, inky blacks that you cant not like.

Gear Used

We used KONO Monolit 100 with the:

All our film was developed and scanned at 37th Ave Photo in Jackson Heights, Queens. Theyre the GOAT of the borough when it comes to developing and scanning.

Tech Specs

These specs are taken from KONOs website.

ISO 100

35mm, 36 exp., single film

Panchromatic black & white film

Classic b&w process

Any b&w lab can develop KONO! b&w films

Ease of Use

We exposed KONO Monolit 100 at box speed. Sometimes we overexposed a bit, but more often than not, we exposed as per the meter. Of course, thats with the Leicas. When using the Fujifilm Natura S, we dont have control over the film and exposure. Indeed, KONO Monolit 100 is DX coded, so it can automatically be read by a camera. However, for what its worth, the camera still nailed the exposures really well.

Some folks are kind of scared of shooting films at this low of an ISO because theyre not steady with their hands. But if youre shooting with Leica or a point and shoot, you shouldnt worry much. Its film, and the photos are going to look great anyway. Theres grain, sharpness, and an overall lovely look that you cant simulate digitally all that perfectly. Basically, even if you mess up, its going to look good. So yes, you can absolutely shoot with it in the dark.

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We didnt do our own development. To that end, we cant tell you what to do. But the folks over at 37th Ave Photo in Queens, NY are pretty fantastic at what they do. Otherwise, you can choose any developer you wish.

Image Quality

The image quality from KONO Monolit 100 is described as grainy, inky, sharp, detailed, subdued, and smooth. There are times when folks thought the lighting was really flat. But in truth, it was really just shadow coverage and a lot of random light coming through. Some of these photos were shot during an event for Photoville 2021. All I needed to do was just point a camera and shoot. The skies were reasonably clear during that day.

KONO Monolit 100 really likes light. But it also wants you to pay attention to what youre exposing for. Some of these photos were shot in dark bars, and even then, we were able to get crisp images. Overall, the image quality is a combination of the camera, the lens, and the film. In the case of the Leicas, the Leica CL had a cheap, Chinese-made lens. The Leica M6 had a Zeiss lens reformatted for Leica M-mount. And the Fuji is just a studmuffin camera.

Honestly, I cant find a single flaw with this film. 76 of 104 photos or so are keepers. Sometimes I missed the shots, while at other times the exposure was just off. But I got a ton of keepers that Im super satisfied with.

From day one, The Phoblographer has been huge on transparency. Nothing from this review is sponsored. Further, lots of folks will post reviews and show lots of editing in the photos. The problem then becomes that anyone and everyone can do the same thing. Theyre not showing what the product can do. These photos are completely unedited.

Conclusions

What is special about KONO Monolit 100? There are a few ISO 100 black and white films on the market. And weve reviewed a bunch of them. What this film does differently is offer smoother tonal render and grain while having the sharpness maintained. Its an orthochromatic film. Lots of brands will remove all grain possible from ISO 100 film. But if you do that, then it just looks digital. Film shouldnt be trying to mimic digital.

KONO Monolit 100 receives an Editors Choice award and five out of five stars. Want a roll? I recommend KONOs website or Freestyle Photo.
Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Net Asset Value

Middlefield Canadian Income PCC

Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC

(a protected cell company incorporated in Jersey with registration number 93546)

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658

Net Asset Value

As at the close of business on 29 September 2021 the estimated unaudited Net Asset Value per share was 129.30 pence (including accrued income).

Investments in the Companys portfolio have been valued on a closing price basis.

Enquiries:

JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited

01534 700 000








Co-development of hydrogen fueling station opportunities will support Class 8 fuel-cell electric vehicle customers

PHOENIX, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, and OPAL Fuels LLC, a trusted leader in delivering renewable natural gas and renewable fueling infrastructure for heavy-duty truck fleets, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on the development, construction, and operation of hydrogen fueling stations in North America and the use of renewable natural gas (RNG) in hydrogen production. Under this strategic engagement, Nikola and OPAL Fuels intend to co-develop and co-market hydrogen refueling infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of heavy-duty zero-emission fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

Opal Fuels logo

"This alliance with OPAL Fuels provides excellent potential synergies given their experience building and operating fueling stations," said Nikola President, Energy and Commercial Pablo Koziner. "Today marks another important step forward in Nikola's stated energy infrastructure plans and its focus on providing hydrogen fueling services to customers."

"We are very excited to be working with Nikola to help fleets realize the potential of hydrogen fuel-cell trucks with reliable, cost-effective fueling infrastructure," said Adam Comora, Co-CEO of OPAL Fuels. "Coupled with RNG as a fuel source to lower the carbon intensity of hydrogen, we see a very powerful combination for the future."

OPAL Fuels has constructed more than 350 RNG fueling station projects and has over 15 years of successful relationships with trucking fleets across the continent, reducing the carbon intensity of their fuel. Nikola's Tre FCEVs for the North American market are slated for a 2023 launch from the company's Coolidge, Arizona manufacturing facility.

The initial focus of the collaboration is on developing the infrastructure required to more safely and reliably serve the needs of large private fleets that utilize their own dedicated property fueling infrastructure "Behind the Fence." Nikola and OPAL Fuels will also identify and evaluate opportunities to establish public access hydrogen stations.

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This collaboration will combine Nikola's proposed FCEV bundled lease offer, which will include Nikola's FCEVs, vehicle service and maintenance and hydrogen fuel supply, with OPAL Fuels' significant experience in developing, constructing, and operating heavy-duty truck fueling stations to deliver a complete end-to-end solution.

In addition, both parties plan to leverage OPAL Fuels' growing portfolio of RNG supply to cost-effectively reduce the carbon intensity of hydrogen supplied by Nikola at the station, to meet customer sustainability objectives as they begin to transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Under their Memorandum of Understanding, Nikola and OPAL Fuels intend to initiate beta projects with select customers to drive engagement and accelerate development. The Parties intend to also develop best-practices and standards for hydrogen refueling station design and protocols allowing for a more safe, reliable, scalable, and low total cost of ownership for the transportation market.



ABOUT NIKOLA CORPORATION

Nikola Corporation is globally transforming the transportation industry. As a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure, Nikola is driven to revolutionize the economic and environmental impact of commerce as we know it today. Founded in 2015, Nikola Corporation is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.nikolamotor.com or Twitter @nikolamotor.

ABOUT OPAL FUELS LLC

OPAL Fuels LLC, a Fortistar portfolio company, brings together Fortistar Methane Group, Fortistar RNG, and TruStar Energy to create a vertically integrated renewable fuels platform. The company is an emerging leader in the production and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), a proven low carbon fuel with a decades-long track record of results that has the power to rapidly decarbonize the transportation industry now. OPAL Fuels captures harmful methane emissions at the source and recycles the trapped energy into a commercially viable, low-cost alternative to diesel fuel. OPAL Fuels also manages all RNG fueling station development and construction. As a producer and distributor of carbon-reducing fuel for heavy-duty truck fleets for over 15 years, the company delivers best-in-class, complete renewable solutions to customers and production partners. To learn more about OPAL Fuels and how it is leading the effort to capture North America's harmful methane emissions and decarbonize the transportation industry, please visit www.opalfuels.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter at @OPALFuels.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential benefits of the announced Memorandum of Understanding; the expected benefits of the collaboration to co-develop and co-market hydrogen refueling infrastructure; the ability to leverage synergies and expertise in building and operating fueling stations; the ability to cost-effectively reduce the carbon footprint of supplied hydrogen; the parties ability to develop best-practices and standards for hydrogen refueling station design and protocols; the benefits of beta projects to drive engagement and proficiency in development; expectations regarding its business, business model and strategy, including the proposed bundled lease offering; the company's expectations for its trucks and market acceptance of electric trucks, both BEV and FCEV; and market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Nikola's management and are not predictions of actual performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, design and manufacturing changes and delays; failure to enter into and realize the anticipated benefits of the definitive agreements; general economic, financial, legal, regulatory, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; the outcome of legal, regulatory and judicial proceedings to which Nikola is, or may become a party; demand for and customer acceptance of Nikola's trucks; risks associated with development and testing of fuel-cell power modules and hydrogen storage systems; risks related to the rollout of Nikola's business and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on Nikola's future business; the sources and availability of capital and future capital needs; risks associated with changes in accounting treatment or accounting standards; and the other risks detailed from time to time in Nikola's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and other documents Nikola files with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Nikola specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Nikola Corporation Logo (PRNewsfoto/Nikola Corporation)

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SOURCE Nikola Corporation
Irreverent Look At The Week In Business And Politics Airs Saturdays at 10 AM ET On CRN1

Weekly Show Sponsored In Part By Diamonds Direct

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 29, 2021 / CRN Radio (CRN | Digital Talk Radio (crntalk.com) has added IP Frequently - one of the country's most popular business podcasts - to its weekly schedule, it was announced by Mike Horn, CEO of CRN Radio. Co-hosted by leading patent licensing executives David Pridham and Brad Shaefe, IP Frequently airs weekly on CRN1 Saturdays at 10 AM EST / 9 AM CST and 7:00 AM PST (IP  Frequently (crntalk.com).

As partners and principals in the global patent licensing agency Dominion Harbor Group (http://dominionharbor.com/), Pridham and Shaefe are respected industry-wide for their company's singular ability to protect and grow the intellectual properties of their high-profile clients. Through their podcast and CRN show, the pair share their unparalleled expertise in growing businesses and expanding revenue opportunities of patents. Because politics and the inner workings of government oftentimes plays a central role in business, IP Frequently tackles the week's top news stories and pulls no punches when mixing business with politics.

"Frenetic and freewheeling, IP Frequently is a fountain of information and fun for our listeners. I quickly became a fan of the podcast and had to have David and Brad on our air," said Horn.

"We are excited to be part of the extraordinary line=up of broadcast talent appearing on CRN Radio. We look forward to bringing our show each and every week to CRN listeners," said Shaefe.

Serving as a featured sponsor throughout the upcoming holiday season is Diamonds Direct (Diamonds Direct - Engagement Rings, Jewelry, and More) the country's renowned direct diamond importer offering quality engagement rings and fine jewelry and more across the United States.

"Since 1995, Diamonds Direct has delivered a shopping experience second to none as the country's pioneering and preeminent direct diamond importer. With more than 200 diamond experts in over 20 locations, Diamonds Direct consistently provides premium service for the happiest and most memorable occasions of our lives. We are extremely proud to have Diamonds Direct as a presenting sponsor of our show," said co-host David Pridham.

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About CRN Talk Radio:

For over 30 years CRN Digital Talk Radio has served as the national platform for the hottest talent in talk radio to satellite and cable systems around the country, (including Cox Communications, Charter, Comcast Cable and others), as well as terrestrial broadcast radio stations, the Internet and a wide variety of talk radio applications, including its own CRN app available on the App Store, Google Play, Amazon and all other major app platforms.

About Co-Host David Pridham:

David Pridham serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dominion Harbor Group, LLC. He has more than a decade of experience advising clients in the monetization and the acquisition of intellectual property and in complex patent litigation. He is nationally recognized as a leading patent licensing specialist having negotiated hundreds of intellectual property... license agreements that generated hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. In addition, he has been lead strategy counsel on a number of major patent infringement cases that have resulted in hundreds of millions in licensing revenues for his clients and has advised clients on various aspects of intellectual property acquisition. Prior to launching Dominion Harbor, Mr. Pridham managed his own law firm where he counseled clients ranging from individual inventors to Fortune 500 Companies in intellectual property related litigation, acquisition and monetization and served as the General Counsel and Secretary for Firepond, Inc. He served as a Director of AFG Enterprises USA, Inc until March 1, 2006. Mr. Pridham holds a B.A. from Providence College and J.D. from George Mason University.

About Co-Host Brad Shaefe:

Brad Sheafe brings over two decades of experience in intellectual property, ranging from criminal investigations to patent assertion, prosecution and investment. Additionally, Brad has real-world operational experience having served in executive roles, including being the president of both public and private software companies generating IP of their own. Brad is a named inventor on several utility and design patents. Brad has successfully navigated the dynamic patent landscape managing the pre- and post-grant prosecution for portfolios earning over $200M in revenues. He led the team that successfully defended an inter partes reexamination on one patent that ended up generating over $50M in licenses. Brad also defended 11 of the earliest inter parties reviews resulting in favorable settlements and has demonstrated unparalleled success with the USPTO. Prior to joining Dominion Harbor, Brad worked as an executive vice-president at IPNav where he engaged in all aspects of IP management, including portfolio evaluation, licensing efforts and litigation strategy.

IP Frequently podcast can be heard on all major podcast providers including Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ip-frequently-a-not-very-intellectual-business-podcast/id1215089809

# # #

CONTACT:

SSA Public Relations

Steve Syatt

(818) 222-4000

steve@ssapr.com

SOURCE: CRN Digital Talk Radio





View source version on accesswire.com:

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Iterum Therapeutics plc ("Iterum" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ITRM) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, and docketed under 21-cv-04181, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Iterum securities between November 30, 2020 and July 23, 2021, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

Fighting for victims of securities fraud for more than 85 years (PRNewsfoto/Pomerantz LLP)

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Iterum securities during the Class Period, you have until October 4, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Iterum is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that engages in developing anti-infectives for multi-drug resistant pathogens in Ireland and the United States. The Company is developing sulopenem, a novel anti-infective compound with oral and intravenous formulations that is in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of, among other medical issues, uncomplicated urinary tract infections ("uUTIs").

In November 2020, Iterum submitted a New Drug Application ("NDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid (oral sulopenem) for the treatment of uUTIs in patients with a quinolone non-susceptible pathogen (the "sulopenem NDA").

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The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the sulopenem NDA lacked sufficient data to support approval for the treatment of adult women with uUTIs caused by designated susceptible microorganisms proven or strongly suspected to be non-susceptible to a quinolone; (ii) accordingly, it was unlikely that the FDA would approve the sulopenem NDA in its current form; (iii) Defendants downplayed the severity of issues and deficiencies associated with the sulopenem NDA; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 1, 2021, Iterum issued a press release "announc[ing] that the Company received a letter from the [FDA] stating that, as part of their ongoing review of the [sulopenem NDA], the agency has identified deficiencies that preclude the continuation of the discussion of labeling and post marketing requirements/commitments at this time." The press release further stated that "[n]o details with respect to deficiencies were disclosed by the FDA in this notification and the letter further states that the notification does not reflect a final decision on the information under review."

On this news, Iterum's ordinary share price fell $0.87 per share, or 37.99%, to close at $1.42 per share on July 2, 2021.

Then, on July 26, 2021, Iterum issued a press release announcing that it had received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA for the sulopenem NDA, "provid[ing] that the FDA has completed its review of the NDA and has determined that it cannot approve the NDA in its present form." Specifically, "the FDA determined that additional data are necessary to support approval for the treatment of adult women with [uUTIs] caused by designated susceptible microorganisms proven or strongly suspected to be non-susceptible to a quinolone[,]" while "recommend[ing] that Iterum conduct at least one additional adequate and well-controlled clinical trial, potentially using a different comparator drug[,]" and "conduct further nonclinical investigation to determine the optimal dosing regimen . . . ."

On this news, Iterum's ordinary share price fell $0.499 per share, or 44.16%, to close at $0.631 per share on July 26, 2021.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Zymergen, Inc. ("Zymergen or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ZY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

Fighting for victims of securities fraud for more than 85 years (PRNewsfoto/Pomerantz LLP)

The investigation concerns whether Zymergen and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On or around April 22, 2021, Zymergen sold approximately 16.3 million shares of stock in its initial public stock offering (the "IPO") at $31.00 per share, raising nearly $505 million in new capital. Then, on August 3, 2021, Zymergen provided a business update regarding its commercial product pipeline and financial forecast. Zymergen claimed that it recently became aware of issues with its commercial product pipeline that will impact the Company's delivery timeline and revenue projections. As a result, the Company no longer expects product revenue in 2021 and expects product revenue to be immaterial in 2022. Additionally, the Company announced the resignation of Josh Hoffman as Chief Executive Officer and a board member, effective immediately.

Following this news, Zymergen's stock price fell $26.58 per share, or 76.31%, to close at $8.25 per share on August 4, 2021.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

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CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. ("Boston Beer" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAM). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

Fighting for victims of securities fraud for more than 85 years (PRNewsfoto/Pomerantz LLP)

The investigation concerns whether Boston Beer and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On July 22, 2021, Boston Beer reduced its full year 2021 guidance, advising that it expected earnings per share between $18.00 and $22.00, down from a prior range of $22.00 to $26.00. The Company cited softer-than-expected sales in the hard seltzer category and overall beer industry and also stated that it had "overestimated the growth of the hard seltzer category in the second quarter."

On this news, Boston Beer's stock price fell $246.54 per share, or 26%, to close at $701.00 per share on July 12, 2021.

Then, on September 8, 2021, Boston Beer announced that it was withdrawing its 2021 financial guidance issued on July 22, 2021 as a result of a decrease in demand for its hard seltzer products. The Company further disclosed that it expects to incur hard seltzer-related inventory write-offs, shortfall fees payable to third-party brewers, and other costs associated with the drop in demand during the remainder of fiscal year 2021.

On this news, Boston Beer's stock price fell $21.09 per share, or 3.77%, to close at $538.31 per share on September 8, 2021.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

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CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980



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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo, September 26-30, AACC was proud to welcome thousands of laboratory medicine professionals, all of whom have been on the frontlines of COVID-19 testing. The meeting gave the laboratory medicine community a much-needed opportunity to come together safely and in-person to share lessons learned from the pandemic to date, and to discover what's on the horizon for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

As of Wednesday, September 29, nearly 7,500 people had registered for the meeting. Thanks to months of health and safety planning on the part of AACC's members, staff, and partners, all attendees have enjoyed the incomparable benefits of an in-person meeting, while also feeling confident that they are safe on the meeting campus. More attendees are expected today, the last day of the conference.

"I'm so thrilled to have had the opportunity of an in-person annual meeting," said Khushbu Patel, PhD, director of clinical chemistry at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The ability to network and make meaningful connections with colleagues could only happen at such an event. I had a great time catching up with both old and new friends at the meeting."

Attendees have been treated to an amazing line-up of educational sessions, including five plenary talks presented by scientific luminaries. In the opening keynote, Regina Barzilay, PhD, winner of AACC's 2021 Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award, described how her experiences as a cancer patient led her to recognize the trove of patient data that isn't fully utilized, and how she is using artificial intelligence to change that.

Monday's plenary speaker, Margaret Liu, MD, DSchc, MDhs, FISV, discussed the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and our efforts to combat it, emphasizing that COVID-19 countermeasures must continue to adapt quickly along with the changing virus. In Tuesday's plenary, Bonnie Ramsey, MD, recounted her scientific journey in developing a cystic fibrosis therapy known as CFTR modulators, and Caley Maucha cystic fibrosis survivortold attendees how these modulators have changed her life. On Wednesday, Holden Thorp, PhD, editor-in-chief of the Science family of journals, gave his unique perspective on the effects the pandemic has had on the scientific workforce and the ability to build public trust in science. And in today's closing keynote, Wilbur A. Lam, MD, PhD, discussed microsystems-based COVID-19 diagnostics, as well as his own lab's recent advances in miniaturization of diagnostic platforms.

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The 2021 AACC Clinical Lab Expo featured groundbreaking technology from all laboratory medicine disciplines. Though this year's Expo was smaller than usual, AACC was pleased that the exhibitor-to-attendee ratio was on par with previous years. Overall, the Expo proved yet again to be a valuable way for IVD companies to inform laboratory medicine professionals about the latest diagnostic technology, in areas ranging from COVID-19 testing to mass spectrometry and automation.

John Sperzel, chairman and CEO of T2Biosystems said, "Laboratory medicine and diagnostic testing have taken center stage and the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting attendees were highly engaged. We commend AACC leadership for their efforts to maintain a safe environment for all attendees."

For those who were not able to attend all the sessions they were interested in on site, the plenary and other select scientific sessions and abstracts will be available for on-demand viewing through November 1 on the AACC digital meeting platform. Press can register for digital access here, and members of the general public can register here.

"The 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo has not only been a terrific showcase of the latest diagnostic innovationsit has also been a testament to the strength and perseverance of the people behind these innovations," said AACC CEO Mark J. Golden. "It took an extraordinary amount of effort to make sure that this meeting could take place safely and in person. We at AACC are so proud of how the laboratory medicine community came together for this event, and we look forward to seeing even more of the community at next year's conference."

The 2022 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo will be held in Chicago from July 24-28, 2022.

About the 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo

The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offered 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from September 26-30. Plenary sessions explored COVID-19 vaccines and virus evolution, research lessons learned from the pandemic, artificial intelligence in the clinic, miniaturization of diagnostic platforms, and improvements to treatments for cystic fibrosis.

At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo, more than 400 exhibitors filled the show floor of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to COVID-19 testing, artificial intelligence, mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point-of-care, and automation.

About AACC

Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, AACC brings together more than 50,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit www.aacc.org .

Christine DeLong

AACC

Senior Manager, Communications & PR

(p) 202.835.8722

cdelong@aacc.org

Molly Polen

AACC

Senior Director, Communications & PR

(p) 202.420.7612

(c) 703.598.0472

mpolen@aacc.org

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SOURCE AACC
(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has potentially found a vaccine to combat African Swine Fever, a disease that devastated hog herds in China and was recently detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the agency said Thursday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The vaccine, which officials described as promising, provided immunity to one-third of swine within two weeks and full protection in all animals within four weeks, according to a study.

It could play an important role in controlling the ongoing outbreak threatening the global pork supply, said Douglas Gladue, a USDA researcher who co-authored the study.

U.S. researchers will continue to determine the safety and efficacy of the vaccine under commercial production conditions and are working with a commercial partner, Navetco National Veterinary Joint Stock Company, located in Vietnam.

African Swine Fever was first detected in 2007 in the Republic of Georgia and has caused widespread losses of hogs in Eastern and Central Europe and Asia, at times driving up pork prices worldwide. The outbreaks in the Dominican Republican and Haiti were the first detected in the Americas in recent years. The virus is not known to infect humans.

(Adds comment in paragraph three. An earlier version corrected name of the disease in paragraph one.)

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2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Workforce suppliers and distributors around the globe have found a high-quality apparel source at manufacturer-direct prices as the company continues aggressive expansion into new markets

Even during global supply disruptions Dony Garment continues to be a powerhouse uniforms, workwear and promotional clothing exporter

Workforce suppliers and distributors around the globe have found a high-quality apparel source at manufacturer-direct prices as the company continues aggressive expansion into new markets

Workforce suppliers and distributors around the globe have found a high-quality apparel source at manufacturer-direct prices as the company continues aggressive expansion into new markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While international trade continues to find sure footing after a disruptive pandemic created supply chain disruptions in almost all industries, Dony Garment has continued to push ahead of competitors by providing reasonably priced, high-quality uniforms and workwear to suppliers across the globe.

"We are proud to be a top uniform provider in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East," said Pham Quang Anh, CEO Dony Garment. "The last two years have shown how strong our connections are to international companies, and how time and time again we are the first and best choice when it comes to outfitting a workforce."

Pham attributes their sustained success in part to their location outside of the typically thought of centers of global uniforms & work apparel manufacturing.

"Many clients are now looking to diversify their supply sources, and we are ready to capitalize on that desire," he said. "As a trusted manufacturer outside of China, Bangladesh, and Thailand we can avoid many of the issues arising from trade in those areas. We are proud to operate in the heart of Vietnam, and our clients appreciate the care and attention brought to their orders by our amazing workers up and down the manufacturing process.

After clients discover the reasonably priced high-quality products we bring to the market from outside the typical locals, they see the value immediately, and they stay with us for the long term. The last few years have taught us how to capitalize on being a trusted industry partner."

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DONY manufactures almost every workwear item needed by a workforce, including, T-shirts, pants, workwear, jackets, aprons, school uniforms, cheerleading uniforms, and more for industry, for office professionals to workers in the field for wholesalers and distributors worldwide.

And with all of the items in the DONY lineup, customization options are available, ensuring the client gets a high-quality garment, but also one that can be a powerful advertisement for any organization.

We have done it all, Pham said. From coffee shop aprons to outfitting full factories with pants, shirts, windbreakers, and dresses, our clients know Dony Garment can fulfill their supply needs.

And they created workwear for almost all industries.

From corporate and enterprise to spa and resorts, with Dony Garment, your staff will look professional and comfortable at a direct price from the manufacturer, Pham said.

Along with their uniform production for industry, DONY often manufactures school uniforms for all levels of education. They are the leading uniform manufacturer for international schools in Vietnam such as Vietnamese American School (VASCHOOLS), American School (TAS), International School of North America (SNA).

While being based in Vietnam has given the company some unique advantages, Pham attributes the company's continued growth to its ability to provide products on time and with a quality guarantee.

"In business many times timing is vital, so for us getting a delivery out on time is a cornerstone of our garment operation," Pham said. "But that doesn't mean skimping on quality. We are happy to work to correct any issue our clients come across, which is already rare."

"We work with numerous clients that happily return to utilize or free sample program, low cost, and free design services. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for those business clients."

DONY has already found many of those trusted business clients in various countries worldwide, but Pham said they are always looking to grow.

"We are always happy to speak with a company about how we can be their apparel supplier, no matter where they are," he said. "Especially now with more and more countries are looking to add an antibacterial cloth face mask to their required attire. We were one of the best suppliers of reusable antibacterial face masks during the early days of the pandemic, and that continues today."

"Our face coverings can be branded and customized with a business logo, serving as an advertisement as well as offering protection against virus transmission. They are lightweight, offer three layers of protection, and are certified by health departments the world over."

"All of our workforce clothing options are of course of the highest quality, but when it comes to face mask protection, with our Dony Mask, quality is a matter of life and death and we take that privilege seriously."

By the third quarter of 2021, Dony Mask has Exclusive Distributors in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Malaysia, UAE, Canada, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain.

To find out more about Dony visit their website garment.dony.vn.

They also maintain a presence on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook.

A short video about the company can also be found on their official YouTube channel.

Media Contact:

+84985310123

Attachment




Afghanistans Taliban militants have promised the world for years that they wouldnt allow their country to be used as a terrorist base. In an agreement with the United States last year, the Taliban pledged specifically to not allow Al-Qaeda to threaten the security of the United States and its allies from Afghan soil.

But U.S. security czars have warned just one month after the Talibans seizure of Kabul that a reconstituted Al-Qaeda with aspirations to attack the United States could become a reality within three years.

I dont see why it would take so long for Al-Qaeda to reconfigure, said Michael Semple, a former European Union and United Nations adviser in Afghanistan. It is unduly optimistic about what hurdles Al-Qaeda might face in taking advantage of the permissive environment that they now face in Afghanistan.

He pointed to the Talibans appointment of Mullah Tajmir Jawad as the deputy head of intelligence as evidence of how seamlessly Al-Qaeda can regain strength in Afghanistan, where its leaders enjoyed safe haven two decades ago while they launched a string of bombings globally against U.S. interests and orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

Jawad is a former commander of the Haqqani network, a deadly military wing of the Taliban. Accused of planning high-profile attacks, he is now tasked with handling some of the countrys most sensitive security issues.

Until last month he was running a suicide bombers training camp -- thats how favorable an environment [Afghanistan] has become [for Al-Qaeda], Semple told RFE/RL Gandhara. The kind of people that Al-Qaeda treats as their peers or supporters are now moving straight out of the suicide-bomber training camps into running the intelligence service.

Keeping A Lower Profile

Jawad is far from the only Taliban leader accused of facilitating international terrorism. Yet experts are saying that, this time around, Al-Qaeda might seek a lower profile in Afghanistan, instead adopting a hub-and-spoke approach with regional affiliates and franchises across the Muslim world.

Semple, now a professor at Queen's University in Belfast, says the centrality of the Haqqani network within the Taliban governments security apparatus is a major boost to Al-Qaeda because relations between Haqqani family elders and Al-Qaedas Arab leaders predate the organizations formal founding in the late 1980s.

The extended Haqqani family and its loyalists now constitute a key part of the Taliban-led government. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the son of the late eponymous leader Mawlawi Jalaluddin Haqqani, and Mawlawis brother Khalil ur-Rahman Haqqani are both ministers in the Taliban cabinet, with the former heading the Interior Ministry and the latter the Refugee Affairs Ministry. Washington has designated both as global terrorists and still offers rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to their arrest.

If you are a member of Al-Qaeda trying to make arrangements to keep your leaders and key operatives safe and out of view and avoiding trouble from the local authorities, what more could you dream of than to have your well-wishers take over the Interior Ministry? Semple said.

He said Al-Qaeda regional affiliates already had a large presence in Afghanistan even before the Taliban takeover last month and foreign militants are now embedded within Taliban units. Many of these were even part of the Al-Qaedas shura, or council, in Pakistans North Waziristan region before a Pakistani military operation in June 2014 pushed them over the border into Afghanistan.

We know about the fighters from the Caucuses, from different parts of the Russian Republic; we know about the Uzbekistanis, we know about the Uyghurs, we know about the Tajikistanis, we know about significant numbers of Turks -- their presence is well-known, he said.

A Shared History

A June UN report noted that large numbers of Al-Qaeda fighters and other foreign extremist elements aligned with the Taliban are located in various parts of Afghanistan. It said the primary arbiter between the Taliban and Al-Qaeda is the Haqqani network. Ties between the two groups remain close, based on ideological alignment, relationships forged through common struggle and intermarriage.

Analysts see the alliance between the Taliban and Al-Qaeda as partly rooted in their shared history. Al-Qaeda has pledged allegiance to Taliban leaders since Osama bin Laden first pledged it to Mullah Mohammad Omar in the 1990s. Omars successors Mullah Akhatar Muhammad Mansur and Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada received it, too, from their counterparts in Al-Qaeda. While the Taliban follows the conservative Deobandi subsect and most Al-Qaeda leaders and members are puritanical Salafis, both organizations have worked hard to prevent doctrinal differences from fissuring the alliance. The emergence of the Islamic State (IS) militants, an ultra-radical Salafi group, appears to have cemented their alliance in seeking to prevent IS from hijacking jihadist fronts.

Semple said its likely that Al-Qaedas Arab core leadership will relocate to Afghanistan after sheltering in neighboring Iran and Pakistan during the past two decades. I would expect more of them shifting to Afghanistan now that the U.S. counterterrorism operation has been so thoroughly disrupted and the Taliban are in control, he added.

The Taliban, however, is adamant that Al-Qaeda is not present in the country. "We do not see anyone in Afghanistan who has anything to do with Al-Qaeda, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told journalists in Kabul last week. "We are committed to the fact that, from Afghanistan, there will not be any danger to any country."

The Taliban has forcefully opposed the over the horizon attacks that U.S. officials hope they can employ against possible terrorist threats from Afghanistan. On September 28, the Taliban accused Washington of violating international laws and their February 2020 Doha agreement by operating drones in Afghan airspace.

In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that same day, General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared the Taliban a terrorist organization that has not broken ties with Al-Qaeda. "A reconstituted Al-Qaeda or ISIS [Islamic State militants] with aspirations to attack the U.S. is a very real possibility, and those conditions to include activity in ungoverned spaces could present themselves in the next 12-36 months," he said.

The 'Near Enemy'

Earlier in September, David Cohen, deputy director of the CIA, said Washington is already beginning to see some of the indications of some potential movement of Al-Qaeda to Afghanistan.

Abdul Sayed, a researcher following Islamic radical groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, however, said Al-Qaeda has little incentive to make Afghanistan its global base.

Before 9/11, Al-Qaeda wanted to spread the jihadist movement in the Muslim world by launching terrorist attacks globally, he told Radio Mashaal. But in recent years, it focused on supporting and strengthening regional jihadist networks such as returning the Taliban [to power] in Afghanistan or the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, which it created and strengthened.

Sayed argued that unlike in the 1990s, when Al-Qaedas global jihad created problems for the Taliban and ultimately led to the demise of its regime as a result of the U.S.-led military attacks in retaliation for 9/11, the group will take a new approach. Al-Qaeda will try to keep a close contact with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, but it would like to avoid doing anything that could create problems for the Taliban, he said.

Abdul Basit, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, agreed. He predicted that Al-Qaeda is unlikely to pursue any large-scale attacks.

Al-Qaeda would not like to waste the Talibans victory again but might like to use their presence in the country to strengthen their regional affiliates in the subcontinent, Yemen, Somalia, and the Sahil, he told Radio Mashaal.

Based on the recent statements of its central leadership, Basit said, Al-Qaeda is focused on a new goal.

They are eager to concentrate on the near enemy, which means they will focus on the government of some Muslim countries instead on attacking the far enemy, which is the United States, he said.
Top U.S. military officers say that the plan to draw U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan down to zero had a major impact on morale among Afghan troops, who had grown to depend on U.S. assistance for everything from intelligence and air support to training and equipment maintenance.



General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, said in testimony before a House committee on September 29 that he had believed "for quite a while" that if the United States reduced the number of its military advisers in Afghanistan below 2,500, the Kabul government would inevitably collapse "and that the military would follow."



McKenzie said once the U.S. troop presence was pushed below 2,500 as part of President Joe Biden's decision in April to complete a total withdrawal, the unraveling of the U.S.-backed Afghan government accelerated.



Biden set August 31 as the date for the complete pullout of U.S. forces, following through on an agreement reached in 2020 in Doha, Qatar, with the Taliban by then-President Donald Trump that promised the withdrawal.



"The signing of the Doha agreement had a really pernicious effect on the government of Afghanistan and on its military -- psychological more than anything else, but we set a date-certain for when we were going to leave and when they could expect all assistance to end," McKenzie told the House committee.



He described the troop reduction ordered by Biden as "the other nail in the coffin" for the 20-year war effort because it left the U.S. military blind to conditions inside the Afghan National Army.

McKenzie, General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testified for 4 1/2 hours on September 29 before the House Armed Services Committee. That followed nearly a day of testimony on September 28 before the Senate Armed Services Committee.



The hearings marked the start of what is likely to be an extended congressional review of the U.S. failures in Afghanistan.



Republicans have accused Biden of lying about the military commanders' recommendations and exaggerating the United States' ability to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a safe haven for militant groups like Al-Qaeda.



In an August television interview, Biden denied his commanders had recommended keeping 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. He said then: "No. No one said that to me that I can recall."



But McKenzie told the House committee he had warned that a complete withdrawal would lead to the collapse of the Afghan military and the Afghan government, and Milley told the Senate committee that it had been his personal opinion that at least 2,500 U.S. troops were needed to guard against a collapse of the Kabul government and a return to Taliban rule.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden had received "split" advice about what to do in Afghanistan.



"Ultimately, it's up to the commander in chief to make a decision," Psaki said. "He made a decision that it was time to end a 20-year war."



Representative Mike Rogers (Republican-Michigan), the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, called the withdrawal an "unmitigated disaster."



"It will go down in history as one of the greatest failures of American leadership," Rogers said.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered border officials to end the practice of requiring a letter of permission from the Interior Ministry for all Afghans entering Pakistan via the Torkham border crossing.



On September 30, Khans special assistant on establishment, Shehzad Arbab, posted on Twitter that the prime minister had ordered an end to the practice following complaints of illegal extortion of money from incoming Afghans.



Hundreds of Afghans with valid visas for travel to Pakistan had been stuck at the border because they had been unable to get the letter of permission.



Officials introduced the controversial requirement for the Torkham crossing following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August, saying it was necessary to prevent the entry of militants.



No such letter was required at the Chaman border crossing or for passengers travelling from Afghanistan by air.
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Police this week arrested a man they suspect was involved in the killing of a Colorado Springs woman last fall.

Colorado Springs police obtained a warrant last Thursday charging 44-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Jones with one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree assault in the October 2020 killing of Chasta Rogers, 37, police said in a news release. Fountain police officers arrested Jones on Monday.

Officers found Rogers body when they responded Oct. 2, 2020, to a call about a disturbance near Hancock Expressway and Delta Drive shortly after 10 p.m., police said. They also found an injured man near Rogers body. His injuries were not life-threatening and he was not a suspect in her death, The Gazette previously reported.

Colorado Springs police in March asked for the publics assistance in identifying and locating potential witnesses to the homicide. Police say with information from the public they were able to identify a possible witness to the crime.

Jones was booked at the El Paso County jail with no bond, jail records show.
A man accused in the shooting death of a man outside a 7-Eleven convenience store will go to trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Prosecutors have enough evidence to prove Roberto Delgado-Cruz, 30, murdered 31-year-old Dominique Smith outside an east Colorado Springs convenience store in June, 4th Judicial District Judge David Shakes ruled Wednesday morning.

While hes waiting for his case to go to trial, Shakes ruled, hell be held in the El Paso County jail without bond. His next hearing, in which he'll make a plea to the crime, is on Nov. 5.

Smith and Delgado-Cruz were both at the 7-Eleven at East Fountain Boulevard and South Circle Drive during the early morning of June 17 when Smith reportedly approached Delgado-Cruz and started a conversation.

According to interviews with police, Delgado-Cruz falsely believed Smith had shot one of his friends.

That conversation developed into an argument, and witnesses said the two stepped outside to settle their differences. At some point, however, Smith took a step toward Delgado-Cruz, prompting Delgado-Cruz to pull out a gun and shoot Smith 10 times.

Delgado-Cruz was arrested by Colorado Springs police a day later in connection with the killing.

Delgado-Cruz's attorneys on Wednesday said he shot Smith in self defense, after Smith had threatened him. They also claimed Delgado-Cruz was afraid Smith had a gun and would use it to shoot him.

I got the gun out because I was afraid he was going to shoot me in the back, Delgado-Cruz told police in interviews after the shooting.

Prosecutors, however, cited video surveillance from the convenience store, claiming that Delgado-Cruz had paused for a moment before opening fire on Smith, who they said took a step toward Delgado-Cruz only with his hands up.

That moment, prosecutors said, was enough evidence that Delgado-Cruz planned to kill Smith before he shot him.

People who witnessed the shooting also did not hear Smith make any threats to Delgado-Cruz before he was killed, prosecutors argued.

"He had his hands up in front of him," they said Wednesday. "He was not reaching for anything."
A combination photo shows climate activists Gyuree Lee from South Korea, Hoor Ahli from the UAE, Steven Setiawan from Indonesia, Daniele Guadagnolo from Italy, Mark Muravec from Slovenia, Archana Soreng from India, Kamaal Hassan Adnan from Somaliland, Marie-Claire Graf from Switzerland, Ignacio Villarroya from Argentina, Elizabeth Wathuti from Kenya, Eduarda Zoghbi from Brazil, Jeremy Raguain from the Seychelles posing for a photo during the Youth4Climate pre-COP26 conference in Milan, Italy, September 28, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Haitian migrants walk toward a plane as part of an "assisted voluntary return" to Haiti by Mexican authorities, at the Carlos Rovirosa Perez International airport, in Villahermosa, Mexico September 29, 2021. Mexico's National Migration Institute/Handout via REUTERS
We hear a lot about equity, and we only know Colorado antithesizes the concept. A recent purchase by South Park creators Trey Parker and M
Smart civil infrastructure could save US billions

The United States is in need of a strategic smart-infrastructure plan that integrates digital technology into new projects because inadequately maintained systems can result in billions of dollars in lost economic productivity, according to a recent report from Harvards Ash Center for Democratic Governance & Innovation.

Most of the major civil infrastructure in the U.S. was designed and built during the 1960s; since then, the countrys population has more than doubled. With high-profile incidents such as the 2021 Texas winter power outage and the Flint water crisis grabbing headlines, there is more than enough evidence to suggest that Americas decaying infrastructure is in need of an upgrade as it extends beyond its life cycle, researchers said in Toward a Smarter Future: Building Back Better with Intelligent Civil Infrastructure.

During a Sept. 29 discussion about the report, Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors President and CEO Jill Jamieson, who also served as an author on the report, stressed that even though smart infrastructure garners broad public support  there must be a shift away from todays repair and replace mindset.

To address population growth, urbanization and economic development, local governments must not only reimagine how the systems are built and designed, but also how they are operated and maintained, the report said.

Life cycle cost is an important factor in these considerations, according to Luna Lu, director of Purdue Universitys Center for Intelligent Infrastructure. Funding for maintenance projects have not kept pace with rising costs, and in some cases, civil infrastructure such as roads can cost up to four times as much to repair as expected, she said.

Concepts such as sensor-equipped smart pavement can help alleviate maintenance issues in roadways. Research from Michigan State University suggests that this technology could pinpoint the best points for preventive intervention during the life cycle of a typical asphalt pavement. For every $1 spent on preventive smart pavement maintenance, there is a savings of $4 to $10 on rehabilitation, the research found.

The smart pavement could also provide data and insights that would inform similar initiatives around the country, promoting a more proactive approach to the current repair and replace mentality. Since 2019, Lu and researchers at Purdue University have embedded internet-of-things sensors in concrete to collect data on moisture levels, strength and pH levels for the Indiana Department of Transportation, which can use the data to increase construction efficiency. Moreover, similar sensors can be used to improve safety and performance in other systems such as bridges, dams and sewers.

This preliminary data has been showing we improved 30% of the construction productivity, reduced 20% of the labor costs and related insurance and also reduced 15% of the overuse of materials, Lu said. There is a tremendous economic benefit to be regained from this.

Read the full report here.
pawanCEO wrote:





Which of the following is an assumption that the argument requires?



(A) The frame was made from wood local to the region where the picture was painted.



(B) Drechen is unlikely to have ever visited the home region of Birelle in France.



(C) Sometimes a painting so resembles others of its era that no expert is able to confidently decide who painted it.



(D) The painter of the picture chose the frame for the picture.



(E) The carving style of the picture frame is not typical of any specific region of Europe.



Show Spoiler Seventeenth-Century Painting



Incorrectly states OA as "B" in the Answer Key. The explanation states that "A" is correct, however



Step 1: Identify the Question



The word assumption in the question stem shows that this is a Find the Assumption question.



Step 2: Deconstruct the Argument



Painting might be by D or B (B sometimes painted like D)



D = Germany, B = France



Picture frame is wood from Germany  D is the artist



There are two possible candidates for the creator of a particular painting. Based on where the pictures frame likely came from, the author concludes that the artist came from the same location. Must it be the case that the artist and the picture frame came from the same location ?



Step 3: Pause and State the Goal



On Assumption questions, the goal is to find an unstated fact that would have to be true in order for the logic of the argument to be reasonable. If this statement were false, the argument wouldnt make logical sense.



Step 4: Work from Wrong to Right



(A) CORRECT . This must be true in order for the authors reasoning to be sound. If the frame had instead been made from wood that originated elsewhere, the author couldnt draw any connection between the frames origin and the paintings origin .



(B) Since the painting was framed with German wood, not French, whether Drechen visited France is irrelevant. The argument already makes it clear that the painting was not framed with wood from France, regardless of who visited the area and who created the painting.



(C) This doesnt have to be true in order for the logic of the argument to be reasonable. In fact, in order to accept the argument, its necessary to assume that it is possible to determine who created this particular painting with some degree of certainty.



(D) The artist didnt necessarily have to choose the frame himself. Somebody else in the same geographic area, such as a local buyer, might have chosen the frame.



(E) Its necessary to assume that the carving style wasnt especially typical of France, or the arguments reasoning would be damaged, since it would then be more likely that the frame was created in France. However, the author didnt assume that the carving style wasnt typical of any European region. It could have been typical of Germany, or of some other region in Europe outside of both artists areas, and the conclusion would still have been reasonable.







for GMAT Review, 2015



Practice Question

Question No.: CR 8 CR10671

ID: CR10731

Page: 504 A newly discovered painting seems to be the work of one of two seventeenth-century artists, either the northern German Johannes Drechen or the Frenchman Louis Birelle, who sometimes painted in the same style as Drechen. Analysis of the carved picture frame, which has been identified as the paintings original seventeenth-century frame, showed that it is made of wood found widely in northern Germany at the time, but rare in the part of France where Birelle lived. This shows that the painting is most likely the work of Drechen.Which of the following is an assumption that the argument requires?(A) The frame was made from wood local to the region where the picture was painted.(B) Drechen is unlikely to have ever visited the home region of Birelle in France.(C) Sometimes a painting so resembles others of its era that no expert is able to confidently decide who painted it.(D) The painter of the picture chose the frame for the picture.(E) The carving style of the picture frame is not typical of any specific region of Europe.

Solution

Passage Analysis

A newly discovered painting seems to be the work of one of two seventeenth-century artists,

A painting has been recently discovered. The author tells us that the work could be (not sure) of any one of two 17th century artists.

either the northern German Johannes Drechen

The painting could be the work of a German artist, Johannes Drechen

Or the Frenchman Louis Birelle, who sometimes painted in the same style as Drechen.

Or it could be the work of a Frenchman, Louis Birelle.

The author gives us a fact: Birelle sometimes (note: not always) painted in the same style as Drechen. We are given to understand that the confusion regarding who the artist of the painting is, could be due to this occasional commonality in style.

Analysis of the carved picture frame, which has been identified as the paintings original seventeenth-century frame,

The carved picture frame was analyzed.

Fact: This picture frame is established to be the same 17th century frame in which the painting was originally framed.

showed that it is made of wood found widely in northern Germany at the time,

Fact: The frame is made of a type of wood that was abundant in Northern Germany in the 17th century.

but rare in the part of France where Birelle lived.

Fact: However, this particular type of wood was rarely found in the part of France where Birelle lived.

This shows that the painting is most likely the work of Drechen.

Conclusion: The author makes a conclusion here. Because the original frame of the painting was made of wood found abundantly in Northern German, but rarely found in Birelles part of France, the painting is believed most likely to be the work of Drechen  since he was German.



Pre-thinking

Falsification Question

Birelle sometimes (note: not always) painted in the same style as Drechen

This paintings picture frame is established to be the same 17th century frame in which the painting was originally framed

The frame is made of a type of wood that was abundant in Northern Germany in the 17th century

This particular type of wood was rarely found in Birelles part of France

Thought Process

Falsification condition#1

Assumption#1

Falsification condition#2

Assumption#2

A

B

C

D

E

In what scenario Is it possible that the 17th century painting could be the work of Birelle and not Drechen?Given thatLet us look at the authors reasoning. He is unsure of who out of Birelle and Drechen is the artist of the painting. It is difficult to decide the workmanship. And the confusion is because Birelle sometimes painted in Drechens style. So now the author tries to ascertain the workmanship based on the material of the frame. It is the same frame in which the picture was originally framed. The author concludes that Drechen must have painted the piece because the wood of the frame was found abundantly in N. Germany and Drechen was also a German. Birelle was not the artist because that wood was a rarity in his part of France.What if the painting was made in a region but not framed in the same region?In that case, the painting could have been framed elsewhere and the wood of the frame could have come from that region.The painting was framed in same the region to which the artist belonged and where he painted the particular piece.What if the wood (that was not found in France) for the picture frame was imported from some other place (it was found widely in N. Germany)?In that case, the painting could have been painted by Birelle and framed in France using the wood imported from N. Germany.The wood from which the picture frame was made, had not been imported from outside the region where the picture was painted and framed.Observe our pre-thinking assumption#2. It says, The wood from which the picture-frame was made, had not been imported from outside the region where the picture was painted and framed.Or in other words, the wood from which the picture-frame was made was wood that was locally sourced from the region where the picture was painted.This is in-line with our pre-thinking and is the correct answer.Does this option need to be definitely true for our conclusion to hold true? No. Drechen might have very well visited Birelles home region but what does that prove or disprove? We just know the date of the painting not its location, and therefore this option is irrelevant to our consideration.Hence, this is not the answer.This option is anyways out of the way as it is not the basis on which the author draws the conclusion. It is more of a circular argument as the passage already says that the painting could be the work of any one of two artists where one often painted in the others style.Hence, it is not the correct choice.Once again, would my conclusion break down if this option were not true? What if someone close to the painter chose the frame for him? Does that prove who the painter was or was not? Maybe Drechens friend chose the frame for the painting. But we dont know in the first place whether Drechen painted it or not. Maybe Birelles wife chose the frame. But de we know whether Birelle painted it in the first place?Hence, this is not the correct answer.It is the material of the picture-frame that is being analyzed in order to ascertain the artist behind the painting. The carving style of the picture-frame is not the basis for the conclusion and therefore cannot be used to disprove or prove it.Hence, this is not the correct choice._________________
News_release

From tele-monitoring patients with diabetes to using artificial intelligence to prevent sepsis, the newly launched Center for Health Innovation at UC San Diego Health will seek to develop, test and commercialize technologies that make a real, measurable difference in the lives and wellbeing of patients.

Every U.S. hospital has common challenges to address in continuously improving patient experience, outcomes and safety: this is where our efforts will focus, said Patty Maysent, CEO, UC San Diego Health. Basically, were taking real-world problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, and using our insights to address these conditions with what will one day become safe patient-centered technologies.



Similar innovation centers are housed at UCSF, Washington University, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and New York University. The new Center for Health Innovation will be located on the La Jolla campus of UC San Diego. Collaborators will include the UC San Diego Design Lab, Qualcomm Institute and Jacobs School of Engineering.

Whats unique about our center is that we are partnering with another global institution, Techna Institute, to leverage and integrate best practices in research and patient care, said David Brenner, MD, vice chancellor, UC San Diego Health Sciences. This dedicated hub of innovation at UC San Diego Health will benefit our patients and also patients in a variety of community and academic settings.

The Center for Health Innovation is modeled after the University Health Networks (UHN) Techna Institute, jointly located within the organizations hospital sites and at the University of Toronto. In partnership with others, the institute has designed numerous products now used in hospitals and clinics, including advanced digital therapeutics that optimize the care of chronic conditions through algorithm-based decision-making, an image-guided GammaKnife for bed-side treatment and the use of human factors engineering methods to ensure not only the safety of products and services, but to also improved user experience.

Our Techna Institute has had great success in improving health outcomes, efficiency and both patient and provider experience through various projects that integrated research and technology development within our hospitals, said Kevin Smith, DrPhil, president and CEO, University Health Network, Canadas largest academic health sciences center. We are pleased to work with peer institutions to help them replicate that approach, as shortening the interval between technology development and implementation in the health system accelerates the transformation of health care in a way that better serves patients.

Doctors, nurses and medical teams know best where there are existing technology gaps in patient care. Our in-house teams of clinicians and scientists will innovate solutions that lead to things like lower blood pressure with longer term goals, like reduced number of hospitalizations and a longer life, said Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief information officer, UC San Diego Health. With our proximity to the health and biotech sector as well as the cross-border region, the number of collaborative opportunities are immense.

UC San Diego Health and TECHNA Institute first collaborated on CA Notify, a smartphone-based system built on Google-Apple exposure notification technology, to help quell the SARS-CoV-2 surge. It is estimated that 1 in 3 California residents over the age of 18 now uses CA Notify.

COVID-19 created a crisis where remote monitoring of patients, including video visits, had to become a new standard of care. The lessons learned from this time period will bring new technologies to bear for patients with both chronic and emergent conditions, said Parag Agnihotri, MD, chief medical officer, Population Health Services, UC San Diego Health.

Initial projects for the new center will focus on refining the virtual visit experience for patients with technologies like wearable sensors that can monitor chronic conditions. The goal is to focus on older adults, high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension and patients in hard-to-reach geographies.

To learn more about the Center for Health Innovation, visit healthinnovation.ucsd.edu.
" " A young Magda is seen here before the Holocaust with her parents, Herman and Serena Mozes. Courtesy Magda Herzberger

Editor's note: Magda Herzberger passed away April 23, 2021, at the age of 95. She spent years in three Nazi German concentration camps as a teenager, including Auschwitz. She spoke out for much of her adult life about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor and inspired many people who read her books and listened to her speak. We had the pleasure of interviewing her in June 2019 multiple times for this piece and are saddened to hear of her passing.

In the waning months of World War II, Magda Herzberger's life ended, and a new one began. That second life, the one she lives now, was born out of one of the most horrific atrocities that humans ever have committed against each other.

Yet now, nearly 75 years later, that second life inspires, offering a still-steady voice of hope  and of warning  to anyone willing to listen. Herzberger, 93, is among the dwindling number of souls known as Holocaust survivors.

What she has to say is important. Maybe now more than ever.

"I have seen everything," Herzberger says from her home in Fountain Hills, Arizona. "I am an eyewitness, and being an eyewitness, I can never be silent."

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A Lifetime of Reliving the Holocaust

Herzberger was born in Cluj, Romania, in 1926, the only child of Herman Mozes and his wife, Serena. Herzberger was brought up in orthodox Judaism, regularly attending synagogue. Every week, her family welcomed poor neighbors into their home to share the Sabbath.

In the 1940s, as was true in much of Europe, Romania was trapped in a rapidly expanding war. When the Germans took over Hungary in 1944 (Cluj had been part of the territory that earlier had been awarded to Hungary), the Nazis forced thousands of Jews from their homes. Herzberger remembers it well.

"When we were taken out from our home, we were taken out by special Hungarian police. They were 100 percent collaborating with the Nazis. They were very brutal. Very cruel," she says. "I had a little book of mine. I had been writing short stories. I didn't have anything to take of my own except for that. My spiritual self was meaningful; part of my spiritual self was that book I had been writing in for eight years. That was all I wanted from the house.

"And this miserable brute Hungarian gendarme looked at me and said, 'What are you holding there?' And I said, 'This is my little book.' And he smiled  I hadn't experienced evil in my life  and said, 'Can I have a look at this?' and he took the book and he tore it into pieces in front of me. I was terrified. I felt like something was cut out from myself."

Her terror was just beginning. The Nazis herded her family onto trains to Auschwitz, the Nazi extermination camp in Poland where almost 1 million Jews were murdered. There, Herzberger saw her father for the final time. She was 18 years old.

" " Magda (in the center of the box) during roll call at Auschwitz, when prisoners had to stand still in thin clothing for hours to be counted by the block kapo. Courtesy Magda Herzberger

Over the next year or so, Herzberger made her way through three camps, including a nine-month forced-labor stay at Bremen-Farge, where German submarines were built, and a shorter stop at Bergen-Belsen, used to house, among others, prisoners of war. It was at Bergen-Belsen that Herzberger and 60,000 other sick and emaciated prisoners, barely living among thousands of dead and unburied, finally were liberated by British troops on April 15, 1945.

The stories from these places  stories that Herzberger has told now hundreds of times, in talks to small groups and in front of filled auditoriums, in recorded survivor tales, in books of poetry and in her autobiography "Survival"  are harrowing.

One of her duties was carrying dead bodies to mass burial spots and to the ovens for cremation. She was marched from one camp to the next and watched as others died and were killed on the journey. She saw the hopelessness of prisoners flinging themselves to their deaths onto fences around the camps. She considered suicide. She witnessed disease and starvation and unimaginable cruelty.

She remembers it all.

"At [the time before the war], we Jewish people had a good life. My grandfather was a businessman. A successful businessman. I had many aunts and uncles, cousins," she says. "My family was wiped out, almost all of us. All our little kids, and all our pregnant women, and all our old people, were gassed and cremated in the ovens.

"I have seen the flames bursting from the high chimneys of the crematories, and I have breathed the air, the odor of sweet burning flesh. I have seen the big flames belching from those chimneys.

"The Holocaust is burned into the depths of my soul," she adds. "All these horrific memories, they burn."

On her day of liberation, plucked from among the dead at Bergen-Belsen by a weeping soldier, she vowed never to forget. She wasn't able to stand for three months after her rescue, and wasn't able to speak deeply of her ordeal for years. She didn't publish her autobiography until 2005, when she was 81. "I had to be very, very far away from the Holocaust to be able to do what I did in my book," she says.

But she speaks now freely and with a sense of urgency. From Memorial, in her book of verse, "The Waltz of the Shadows":

I mourn you, innocent victims,

Members of my family,

My fellow prisoners,

Who were silenced forever

By the Nazis.

Your wailing cries

And your terrible contortions

Met deaf ears

And blind eyes.

I was destined to live,

To bear my misery.

God chose me to return,

To remind the world

Of your agony,

Erecting tombstones

In your memory

" " Prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp are led through the camp gate in 1945. Wojtek Laski/Getty Images

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How to Pass on the Lessons of the Holocaust

Back in 1980, Herzberger spent nearly 10 hours with an archivist from the Wisconsin Historical Society, retelling her life story. In 2014, she met with the University of Southern California's Shoah Foundation, founded in 1994 by filmmaker Steven Spielberg, in order to videotape and preserve interviews with survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust.

In January 2017, Herzberger and her daughter traveled to Atlanta as a guest of Am Yisrael Chai, a nonprofit Holocaust education and awareness program. Herzberger was the keynote speaker for a program titled "Fortitude and Endurance."

" " Now in her 90s, Magda speaks freely of the Holocaust, and with a sense of urgency. Courtesy Magda Herzberger

In her address in Atlanta, she strode confidently across the stage, hands clasped in front of her, gesturing forcefully at times and only occasionally holding a rail for support. She stared deeply into the audience  she never uses notes  and her voice rose as she spoke of the flames of the crematoriums and carrying corpses to mass burial. She recited her poem "Requiem"  They were the victims of their faith/Sentenced to death without a sin/For worshipping the only God they believed in  and played a recording of a composition she had written.

"After this, I warn you," she said with a smile, looking into the faces in front of her, "I am not through."

Almost 91 years old at the time, she spoke for more than an hour.

Herzberger caters her presentations to different audiences. She has a children's book, "Tales of the Magic Forest," which contains a story she relates to 5th and 6th graders. Mother Sea's children, water drops, are pulled up by dark clouds and taken to a place far, far away. "I don't want to scare the children so they have nightmares," Herzberger says, "but they understand very well."

In 2018, she spoke to a large group at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, sporting the same polka-dot outfit she wore in Atlanta.

"You may ask, why don't you pick something new?" she said to the crowd. "Because this represents something. It's black and white, just like the two parts of my life."

Herzberger continues to be asked to speak all over the country and is planning yet another book. She realizes that, as one of the relatively few remaining survivors of the Holocaust, hers is a voice that needs to be heard.

And given the current state of the world  from the continued unrest in the Middle East to the rise of hate speech and antisemitism at home  she realizes her work is far from done. Still, with all the dangers in the world, after all the horror she's seen, all the pain she's endured, all the people she's lost, her message remains one of hope.

"It's not easy to forgive, you see, especially in something in which you were really hurt badly. But you have to be able to forgive in order that you will have peace, yourself," she says. "I don't believe in hatred. Hatred doesn't lead to help. If we are hating each other, we are not going to be in peace with each other, ever.

"If we don't learn from each other, if we are in constant hostility, we become weak. Together, we are strong."

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Herzberger never saw her father again after Auschwitz, but her mother survived and was reunited with her daughter in Cluj six months after the Word War II ended. Her mother died in 1994 at the age of 93. Magda married her husband Eugene Herzberger, a neurosurgeon, in 1946. After nine years in Israel, in 1957 they emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin and, later, in Iowa. She and Eugene, now 99, raised two children and have called Arizona home since 1994.

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Originally Published: Jul 1, 2019
" " This image portrays the death of Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt. After her reign, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. Culture Club/Getty Images

For being one of the most famous women in history, the real Cleopatra (69 to 30 B.C.E.) is shrouded in mystery. She ruled Egypt for 22 years, commanded riches unrivaled in the ancient world, bore children to two of the most powerful men in Rome, and yet the stories of her passed down over the centuries  Cleopatra as the cunning, wanton seductress  were mostly propaganda written by her enemies.

We spoke with Prudence Jones, history professor at Montclair State University and author of "Cleopatra: A Sourcebook" to get the real scoop on Cleopatra VII. Here are five facts that may shatter some myths.

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1. Cleopatra Wasn't Egyptian

Here's one thing we know for sure  Cleopatra wasn't Egyptian. Cleopatra was the last in a long line of Macedonian Greek kings and queens who ruled Egypt starting with the conquest of Alexander the Great. After Alexander's death, his general Ptolemy I was installed as king of Egypt, which he ruled as a Greek from the Hellenistic capitol of Alexandria.

Although Cleopatra wasn't ethnically Egyptian, she made explicit overtures to Egyptian religion and culture, such as identifying herself with the goddess Isis. Cleopatra was also the first queen in the centuries-long Ptolemaic Dynasty to bother to learn how to speak Egyptian.

"The rest weren't very motivated," says Jones.

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2. She Wowed with Brains and Charm, Not Beauty

The Roman enemies of Egypt sought to denigrate Cleopatra by painting her as a harlot queen who bewitched great men like Julius Caesar and Marc Antony with her physical beauty alone. But even the Roman historian Plutarch, writing a century after Cleopatra's death, said there was much more to Cleopatra than her looks, which he described as "not altogether incomparable ... as to strike those who saw her."

" " Antony meets Cleopatra for the first time in this 1885 painting. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images

"[B]ut [to] converse with her had an irresistible charm, and her presence, combined with the persuasiveness of her discourse and the character which was somehow diffused about her behaviour towards others, had something stimulating about it," wrote Plutarch. "There was sweetness also in the tones of her voice; and her tongue, like an instrument of many strings, she could readily turn to whatever language she pleased, so that in her interviews with Barbarians she very seldom had need of an interpreter."

In addition to speaking Greek and Egyptian, Cleopatra was fluent in at least six other languages. A highly educated woman, she published two known texts, one on the care of the body, and the other on weights and measures for medicine and trade.

Compared to the military-minded Antony, who was "not known for being the sharpest tack in the box," says Jones, "Cleopatra was famous for her intellect."

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3. Her 'Love Affair' With Caesar Was a Strategic Alliance

Cleopatra was not the "lascivious fury" described by the Roman poet Lucan ruled only by her promiscuous passions. She had only two romantic partners in her short, 39-year life, and both relationships were political as well as personal, says Jones.

When Cleopatra took the Egyptian throne at 18, she inherited a kingdom in decline. Rome was the ascendant power in the Mediterranean and Egypt's independence was under threat. To make matters worse, her younger brother and co-ruler (and husband  it's complicated) was trying to push her out.

When Julius Caesar came to Egypt in pursuit of his rival Pompey, Cleopatra saw an opportunity to win a powerful Roman ally. According to Plutarch's famous account, a middle-aged Caesar first laid eyes on Cleopatra when she smuggled herself into his quarters and tumbled out of a carpet (or more likely, a basket of laundry).

The young Cleopatra won Caesar's affections, took back the throne, and sealed the alliance with the birth of a son, whom she not-so-subtly named Caesarion ("Little Caesar"). She now had family ties to Rome.

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4. Her Affair with Antony? Also Political

Cleopatra's later relationship with Mark Antony (second in command to Caesar) was immortalized by Shakespeare in the play "Antony and Cleopatra" as one of the most legendary and tragic love affairs in history, but it, too, primarily served a political purpose.

" " Elizabeth Taylor memorably played Cleopatra in a 1963 film of the same name, alongside Richard Burton (later her husband) as Mark Antony. API/GAMMA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Egypt may have enjoyed great wealth and resources, but after Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra knew that her kingdom was still at the whim of Rome, the reigning superpower.

"Cleopatra was well aware that in order for Egypt to remain independent at all, it needed a powerful protector," says Jones.

Caesar's death had left a power vacuum in Rome and two prominent men  Caesar's chosen heir Octavian, and Antony, the ambitious politician and general  were fighting a civil war to fill it. Octavian had the financial backing of the Senate, but Antony desperately needed money to pay his troops. Once again, Cleopatra saw an "in."

Writing of the first meeting between Antony and Cleopatra, Plutarch paints a picture of an older, wiser Cleopatra intent on winning her prize:

"[Caesar's] acquaintance was with her when a girl, young and ignorant of the world, but she was to meet Antony in the time of life when women's beauty is most splendid, and their intellects are in full maturity. She made great preparation for her journey, of money, gifts, and ornaments of value, such as so wealthy a kingdom might afford, but she brought with her her surest hopes in her own magic arts and charms."

Cleopatra didn't need magic at all. Jones says that Antony needed money and Cleopatra was the richest woman in the world. In exchange for her financial support, Antony became Egypt's ally and defender against Roman encroachment and gave Cleopatra (whom he eventually married) three more heirs.

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5. Suicide by Snake? Come On!

The real-life double suicide of Antony and Cleopatra, as recorded by Plutarch, provided a suitably tragic ending to Shakespeare's play. But it probably didn't go down exactly as Shakespeare wrote it.

Antony, falsely believing Cleopatra to be dead after a failed sea battle against Octavian, falls on his own sword and eventually dies in her arms from the wound. Cleopatra, not willing to be paraded in the streets of Rome as a prisoner of war, has a poisonous snake smuggled into her quarters. In the final scene of the play, she hugs the snake to her breast.

"With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate

Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool

Be angry, and dispatch."

In Plutarch's version, the snake (an asp, specifically) is hidden in a basket of large figs.

"It is said that the asp was brought with those figs and leaves and lay hidden beneath them, for thus Cleopatra had given orders, that the reptile might fasten itself upon her body without her being aware of it. But when she took away some of the figs and saw it, she said: 'There it is, you see,' and baring her arm she held it out for the bite."

But even Plutarch admits that there were various accounts of Cleopatra's death and that "the truth of the matter no one knows; for it was also said that she carried about poison in a hollow comb and kept the comb hidden in her hair."

Modern Cleopatra scholars say that poison would have been a much simpler and faster way to go, but that Cleopatra likely included the more dramatic snake story in her suicide note to Caesar.

Now That's Cool The epic 1963 film "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor as the kohl-eyed heroine is still one of the most expensive movies ever made, with a final budget of $44 million (more than $350 million in 2019 dollars). Although some critics panned it, Jones say it "is actually very good."
" " Frances Kelsey worked for the FDA in the early 1960s as a drug reviewer. She was the person who was responsible for reviewing the application for thalidomide. FDA

It's official: As of Aug. 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its seal of approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. This is a landmark step in the fight against the novel coronavirus, and one that many people (vaccine hesitant or otherwise) were waiting for.

FDA approval of any drug is no small matter. The process is rigorous and often lengthy  and that's by design. But it wasn't always that way. Back in the day, "drugs were not developed on target," says Katherine Donovan, a senior scientist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, "it was more like trial and error."

So what changed? Today's FDA drug approval standards, developed 60 years ago, were largely the product of a single drug and a woman who refused to give it FDA authorization.

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The Hero of the FDA

We're talking about Frances O. Kelsey. She was born Frances Oldham on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 1914. She developed an interest in science early in life. She earned a master's degree from McGill University in Montreal at age 20, and would go on to complete both an M.D. and Ph.D. in pharmacology at the University of Chicago.

Like many women in science at the time, Kelsey faced opposition from the overwhelmingly male scientific establishment. In fact, she suspected that her gender-neutral first name helped launch her career: The letter of acceptance for her Ph.D. program was even addressed to 'Mr. Oldham.'

"I knew that men were the preferred commodity in those days," she later wrote, "I do not know if my name had been Elizabeth or Mary Jane, whether I would have gotten that first big step up."

Nevertheless, Kelsey eventually joined the University of Chicago as a full-fledged faculty member in 1942. It was there that she met and married fellow staff member Dr. Fremont Kelsey. In 1960, the couple moved with their two daughters to Washington, D.C., where Frances accepted a position as a drug reviewer for the FDA. Little did she know, she was about to alter the course of history.

" " Phillipa Bradbourne, a child in London, was born without arms after her mother took thalidomide for morning sickness. Here she is celebrating the first anniversary of the Lady Hoare Thalidomide Appeal, which raised money for children affected by the drug. PA Images via Getty Images

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Dodging a Bullet

Just as Frances Kelsey was stepping into her new role at the FDA, a new drug was making the rounds in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Known as thalidomide, the drug was originally developed in the early 1950s as a sedative. "Back then, it was post-wartime and things were a little bit crazy," says Donovan, "so the world was in need of a decent sedative to help people sleep."

Patients taking thalidomide for anxiety quickly realized that it also worked wonders on an upset stomach, and it soon caught on as a cure for morning sickness. A few people reported tingling in their hands and feet  also called neuropathy  after prolonged thalidomide use. However, these negative effects wore off as soon as they stopped taking it, and so the drug was generally considered safe. By 1957, it was approved for over-the-counter sale in Germany, and available by prescription in dozens of other countries.

The FDA application for thalidomide crossed Kelsey's desk in September 1960, just seven months after she began working there. At the time, the FDA's approval process for new drugs lasted just 60 days, during which the reviewer would wade through a hodgepodge of assorted mouse trial data and other material submitted by the applicants. Given thalidomide's popularity, it seemed destined to sail through with ease.

But Kelsey had some concerns. An English study, which included some reports of neuropathy and similar nerve-related symptoms, gave her pause. She was also wary of the lack of data regarding the drug's effect on pregnancy. Without further research, she refused to approve the drug.

It was a bold move. "There was a lot of pressure from around the world to approve it," Donovan says. Still, Kelsey stayed firm. One year later, her caution was vindicated.

" " President John F. Kennedy presented Frances Kelsey with the highest award for civilian federal workers, the Distinguished Federal Civilian Service medal, for preventing the approval of thalidomide in the U.S. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

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The Rise and Fall of Thalidomide

Around the same time thalidomide was under scrutiny for approval in the United States, Dr. William McBride of Australia and Dr. Widukund Lenz of Germany both noticed a strange pattern: an unusual number of children born with strikingly similar congenital limb anomalies, all within a relatively small geographic area. The common denominator, they discovered, was that their mothers had all taken thalidomide for morning sickness early in their pregnancies.

McBride raised the alarm with a bombshell piece published in the Lancet in 1961, sending shock waves through the medical community. Thalidomide was pulled from shelves in Germany almost immediately; other countries followed suit shortly thereafter.

Kelsey's contribution in keeping thalidomide largely out of U.S. pharmacies might have gone unnoticed by the public if not for a Washington Post article published in 1962. That same year, President John F. Kennedy awarded Kelsey the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service and signed the Kefauver-Harris amendments into law. This key bit of legislation is the reason that drugs in the U.S. must meet strict clinical trial standards in order to be approved by the FDA.

Kelsey would go on to serve the FDA for 45 years, helping hone the organization's drug approval process all the while.

Curiously, that's not where the story of thalidomide ends. In the wake of its disastrous legacy, scientists began looking deeper into the mechanism of the drug itself to discover why it caused such unexpected side effects. They found that, unlike most drugs, which simply bind to one receptor in the body, thalidomide "actually recruits other things to bind. And that leads to those proteins being removed from the body completely," Donovan says. This can be either good or very bad, depending on which proteins get removed. But by fine-tuning thalidomide's molecular structure, researchers believed it might be possible to target specific "bad" proteins for removal.

In 2006, this research revealed the drug's potential for treating leprosy and plasma cell myeloma, an uncommon type of bone marrow cancer. Since then, two different drugs based on the structure of thalidomide have been approved for cancer treatment by the FDA.

" " After Frances Kelsey's decision not to approve the drug, John F. Kennedy signed into law sweeping changes to the FDA's drug approval process. Wikimedia/(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Now That's Interesting Part of the reason for thalidomide's wide range of effects is because it is a chiral molecule  a type of molecule that exhibits "handedness." The left-handed version is an effective painkiller, while the right-handed version is toxic.
There is compelling evidence that Australias critical infrastructure faces immediate cyber threats that, a parliamentary committee has recommended, justify fast-tracking emergency powers while deferring long-promised industry consultation.

Responding to a raft of industry submissions lodged during the review of new critical infrastructure protection laws, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) recommended splitting the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 (SOCI) into two separate bills.

This approach would, the PJCIS said in handing down its advisory report, enable the quick passage of laws to counter looming threats against Australias critical infrastructure, while giving businesses and government additional time to co-design the most effective regulatory framework to ensure long-term security of our critical infrastructure.

That infrastructure was vulnerable within a very serious and rapidly deteriorating cyber security environment, it advised, that demands both a swift and comprehensive response.

Industry bodies, trade unions, and critical infrastructure asset owners and operators had expressed significant disagreement about the legislation, which expands the number of industry sectors classified as critical infrastructure to 11 and imposes a range of new cybersecurity obligations.

Businesses have been concerned that the new legislation would expose them to new liability for cyber attacks, may not have avenues for appeal of penalties, wont be able to detect and report on cyber incidents quickly enough, and will struggle aligning new obligations with existing best practice.

While those concerns have been acknowledged by the Department in a general way, the PJCIS said, they have been largely sidelined by policymakers bent on minimising amendments so that the emergency powers can be passed unmodified, as quickly as possible given a small and rapidly diminishing window of opportunity to legislate.

The new, streamlined emergency powers bill would include urgent government assistance mechanisms, mandatory notification requirements, and related measures.

Details of the threat were not publicly shared  although in June, Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and Australian Signals Directorate executives provided what committee chair Senator James Paterson had previously called important evidence on the scale of the cyber threat from both criminal and state actors.

Industry welcomes further consultation

Despite widespread recognition of Australias mediocre security settings, SOCIs new requirements have raised hackles amongst industry providers, on whom the proposed legislation imposes a range of positive security obligations including mandatory risk management programs, reporting obligations, and increased cybersecurity requirements for systems of national significance such as power networks and data centres.

While Australia has not suffered a catastrophic attack on critical infrastructure, we are not immune, DHA previously noted in an explanatory document that outlined the concerns about each sector and also declared that partnerships with industry sit at the foundation of this measure.

The new PJCIS recommendation reverses that commitment, delegating industry consultation to the future so the government can address unnamed looming threats against Australias critical infrastructure.

The push for emergency powers echoes the passage of the controversial Telecommunication and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access Bill) in Parliaments last sitting of 2018  to support, as was recently revealed, an extensive police sting.

Industry bodies welcomed the recommendation, with Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott calling it a practical way forward to keep Australia secure while maintaining our ability to attract investment, create jobs, and recover from the pandemic.

The two-stage approach is critical, she said, avoiding unintended consequences by letting business work with government on more complex changes.

The Group of Eight universities were also positive, with chief executive Vicki Thomson noting that universities undertake the overwhelming majority of Australias national security-sensitive university research.

Splitting the legislation was a sensible solution, the Go8 said, noting that we need to be very proportionate in how we regulate these types of issues so that we dont get overwhelmed with red tape.

Theres an opportunity cost in a resource-constrained environment from any kind of regulatory activity, and we want to make sure that were doing our best to get the best outcomes from these types of processes.
Faethm's uses AI to predict how technology impacts the future of work. Image: Shutterstock

Major UK education company Pearson has acquired Australian AI firm Faethm in a bid to improve its data analytics and AI capabilities.

Faethms AI is used to model how technology will affect a given workforce and will be integrated into Pearsons Workforce Skills division.

Michael Howells, President of Workforce Skills at Pearson said Faethms acquisition will help the company improve its predictions about the future of work.

Together, Faethms analytics capabilities and Pearsons learning products will help companies of all sizes understand what skills they need and how to develop them, Howells said.

In this digital age, we want to help the worlds workforce unlock its potential and ensure that companies have highly skilled employees who can work alongside new technology.

Michael Priddis (CEO) and Greg Miller (Executive Director) founded Faethm in 2017.

It graduated from ACS Harbour City Labs scale-up accelerator in July 2020 and has grown to sell its data insights in 26 countries.

Early last year, Faethm showed off its data analytics skills by preparing a report for ACS looking at the extent of technological change on different industries as technological adoption increases in Australia.

The Technology Impacts on the Australian Workforce warned that technology will impact the jobs of 7.2 million Australian workers by 2034 through either displacement or augmentation.

[L-R] Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite, ACS President Ian Oppermann, and Faethm Chief Data Scientist Richard George holding the Technology Impacts on the Australian Workforce report last year.

Faethm has helped many organisations understand what the future of work looks like, Faethm Executive Director Greg Miller said.

The next question were often asked is: 'now that we know our workforce needs, how do we help our people upskill and adapt to the changing world?'

With Pearson, we can identify where the world's future workforce needs to be and help it get there.

Neither party has disclosed the acquisitions value.
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1. Yes. There should be absolute certainty that the election was free and fair.

2. Yes. The audit could and should lead to stronger laws governing elections in the state.

3. No. Former President Trump wants the audit to further cast doubt on the 2020 vote.

4. No. Its a waste of money, an attempt by Abbott to gain favor among Trump backers.

5. Unsure. It seems unnecessary but it may provide some worthwhile findings.

Vote

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Appeals Court Overturns Judges Order to House L.A. Skid Row Homeless

A federal appeals court today overturned a Los Angeles judges sweeping order forcing local government to offer shelter to every unhoused person on downtowns Skid Row by the middle of next month, and sent the case back to the lower court for further proceedings. A panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the district court had abused its discretion because it did not have authority to issue the preliminary injunction order based on claims not pled in the complaint brought last year by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, an association of downtown residents, homeless individuals and property owners seeking to compel the county and city of Los Angeles to find shelter for the thousands of people camping on city sidewalks.

U.S. District Judge David Carter issued the mandatory injunction in April, based on a finding that structural racism  in the form of discriminatory lending, real estate covenants, redlining, freeway construction, exclusionary zoning and unequal access to affordable housing  is the driving force behind Los Angeles homelessness crisis and its disproportionate impact on the Black community. Faulting the county and city for being unable or unwilling to devise effective solutions to the crisis, Carter determined the court was compelled to act because worsening public health issues, including the coronavirus pandemic, demanded immediate, lifesaving action.While both sides of the lawsuit took no issue with the district courts conclusion about structural racism, none of the plaintiffs claims is based on racial discrimination, and the district courts order is largely based on unpled claims and theories, Judge Jacqueline H. Nguyen wrote for the appellate court.

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Since L.A. Alliance failed to put forth evidence to establish standing, Carter impermissibly resorted to independent research and extra-

record evidence, according to the opinion. For these reasons, we vacate the preliminary injunction and remand for further proceedings, the panel concluded.

The L.A. Alliance said it was pleased to see that the 9th Circuit has identified a pathway to hold the city and county accountable for their

failed response to L.A.s homelessness crisis. The court issued a narrow ruling this morning focused on procedural steps in the case but not the underlying law, according to the coalition.

We are greatly encouraged because the issues identified can be quickly addressed and we look forward to returning to Judge Carters courtroom in the coming weeks. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer applauded the decision, calling it an important victory that nonetheless leaves the region still in the grips of the homelessness crisis.All officials need to share Judge Carters intense sense of urgency, Feuer said. With todays ruling, the ball is now squarely in the court of elected leaders. That means deeper collaboration between the city and county, additional state and federal resources, fundamental improvements in engaging people experiencing homelessness and more  (leading to) real solutions that reduce street homelessness and make our public spaces once again safe and accessible for everyone.

Skip Miller, outside counsel for Los Angeles County, also expressed gratitude for the courts opinion Thursday.

We are grateful the 9th Circuit has ruled in our favor by vacating the district courts sweeping injunction based on an abuse of judicial discretion, he said

Nevertheless, the county will continue with its massive efforts to address homeless as it has all along. We appreciate where Judge Carter is coming from and look forward to working with him to find a solution to this lawsuit.

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The judges April mandate was comprehensive, ordering the escrow of $1 billion  the citys entire homelessness budget  to ensure the money was

not being squandered, offers of shelter or housing to all unhoused individuals in Skid Row within 180 days, starting with single women and unaccompanied children, and numerous audits and reports.

The wholesale clearing of 50-plus blocks on Skid Row would be followed by criminal enforcement of anti-camping and related ordinances, according

to filings in Los Angeles federal court. The city and county immediately appealed. During arguments before the circuit court in July, the appellants

argued that Carters extraordinary order violates the separation of powers, takes powers away from elected officials and would interfere with local

government efforts to deal with the crisis.

Mira Hashmall, arguing for the county, said the injunction does not stand up to legal scrutiny because the plaintiffs cannot demonstrate a particular injury caused by the county. Further, Carter rewrote the case to be about racial discrimination when theres no evidence the county has engaged in any racial discrimination, she said.Federal judges are not supposed to wade into political waters such as these, Hashmall said, adding that judges cannot legislate from the bench.

Deputy City Attorney Michael Walsh said Carters court had disregarded the rule of law to impose those policy preferences through a

sweeping order rather than the decisions made by the citys elected officials  which is judicial overreach of the worst sort. The shelter order simply cannot be upheld without a valid legal theory or proof of a constitutional violation, of which there are none, Walsh argued.

Circuit Judge John Owens asked whether Carters order might actually be the result, not of overreach but judicial frustration, where we have a judge who really wants to figure out a solution here and, in his opinion, theres been a dismal, dismal failure by the elected officials in Los Angeles who are supposedly charged with fixing this. So what is he supposed to do if he sees this violation going on? Owens said. Is he supposed to just sit back and watch Los Angeles continue to disintegrate in this area or should he take some action and make something happen? Asked by Owens whether stepping up settlement discussions might be a better way to resolve the case, Walsh said, Theres always the possibility.At the hearing, Nguyen indicated that at a minimum, the appeals panel probably should send the case back to Carter for further hearings Carter scheduled a Dec. 16 status conference to discuss where the case stands.

Councilmember Kevin de Leon, who represents Skid Row as part of Council District 14, said the decision does not change anything for unhoused peoplestruggling to survive on our streets. They are still victims of a litigation merry-go-round that does nothing to put a roof over their heads. Regardless of the decision, he added, Im committed to working with urgency to move people into clean and safe housing as rapidly as possible.

Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas said homelessness is not solved in a courtroom, but on the streets. Housing is a right, not a privilege, he

said.
Ask Dr. Jeanette Success On The Way: Purging Fear, Doubt and Indecision

Purging Fear, Doubt and Indecision

Dr. Jeanettes Purging series Part 5

Remember what James, our Lords brother said, James 1:6,7 ..when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. Dont expect to receive anything from the Lord. Doubt and indecisiveness permeates our world and in our lives. Yes. We would like to know for sure in and in advance that what we do and think will yield positive fruit and productivity. But, we dont know that. However, there is a way to know we are moving in the right direction. We need wisdom and aligning ourselves to use it. The reverence and respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10. Wisdom and understanding can give us longer life. Leading a healthier life can be a part of that.

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Do you remember the Great Prophet Elijah? 1 Kings chapter 18 details an exciting account of Elijahs faith and obedience. King Ahab and his wife Jezebel were engrained idolaters. There was a severe famine and drought in its third year. Ahab called for Obadiah who was over the palace and to search out the land for food for the animals, horses and mules.. Elijah met Obadiah suddenly. Elijah was bold and masterful in his demand to Obadiah to go and tell Ahab that I am here. Obadiah was afraid because of his fear of death from Ahab. Ahab had been looking of Elijah, devout monotheist (serving the one true God Jehovah. Ahab called Elijah a troubler. Ahab in his anxiety over the drought and famine called together the prophets who worshipped the false gods of Baal and Israelites on Mount Carmel. Ahab challenged Elijah, who said to all the people, How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him. But, if Baal is God, follow him. This contest was to determine who is The Holy One and who is the false god. The bull for the false prophets was prepared first to avoid the appearance of fraud. They called on the name of Baal for many hours seemingly at least eight or so. They hopped around the altar that was prepared..leaping and hopping. All to no avail. Elijah There was no voice or sound of life coming from the prepared sacrifice, the bull. Elijah built a trench and an altar with stones. He dug a trench. He poured water on the wood which ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. His prayer, let it be known today that you are the only true God and turn their hearts back to you again. When God sent his holy fire down which consumed the altar. Elijah prayed and reminded God. I have done all these things as you have commanded. Elijah had the false prophets seized the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and would not release them from their death. After these things, Elijah called for the rain to return. He false prophets would not turn their hearts to serve the one true LORD Jehovah. They would not free themselves from doubt, fear, greed. The false prophets had to be destroyed for their worshipping false gods. What do you want from the Lord? Go to him in faith, nothing doubting. Just ask.

Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker, Founder-Superintendent Todays Fresh Start Charter School 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org; Askdrjeanette www.askdrjeanetteparker.com [email protected] Inquiring minds want to know. All rights reserved. Ask Dr. Jeanette Scripture references:
Black Future Project Founder Sues Beverly Hills, Alleging Rights Violations

A Black activist is suing Beverly Hills, alleging his civil rights were violated during arrests while he led protests in the city following the 2020 in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

James Butlers Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges civil rights violations, battery, false imprisonment, unlawful arrest and intentional infliction of emotional arrest. Butler seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the suit brought Monday.

A Beverly Hills spokesman said today that city officials have not seen the lawsuit and declined comment.

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The city of Beverly Hills has a long and well-documented history of racially profiling and discriminatory police practices against African Americans, according to the suit, which notes a number of prior lawsuits against the city.

Butler is the founder of the Black Future Project, an organization that favors defunding the police and dismantling what he and his followers deem to be structural racism.

In June 2020, after Butler organized a protest in Beverly Hills, the City Council passed an emergency ordinance limiting residential assemblies to no more than 10 people between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., according to the suit.

In response, Butler and the Black Future Project organized a second protest in the city in late June 2020 with about 100 people who assembled on Santa Monica Boulevard after 9 p.m., and he and about 25 participants were arrested for allegedly being in violation of the emergency ordinance, the suit states.

Butler spoke out publicly regarding the arrests, including what he believed were substandard conditions in the Beverly Hills city jail, the suit states.

The city filed misdemeanor charges against Butler for taking part in the protest, but a judge later dismissed all allegations against him and the other protesters, the suit states.

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On July 23, 2020, Butler organized another demonstration that began when he spoke to his fellow protesters before they marched from Beverly Hills High School toward Santa Monica Boulevard, the suit states. The march was peaceful and occurred prior to the 9 p.m. curfew, but Butler was apprehended by multiple officers who handcuffed him, the suit states.

The BHPD officers violently slammed Butler to the ground and pushed his face into the concrete roadway while placing a knee on the back of Butlers neck, the suit alleges.

Butler was then violently slammed into a patrol car and the BHPD attempted to justify his arrest by writing fabricated police reports to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office in the hope that prosecutors would file felony charges for assault on a peace officer, the suit alleges.

However, after spending multiple hours in custody, Butler was released after the District Attorneys Office declined to prosecute, the suit states.

In 1995, Beverly Hills was sued by a group of Black plaintiffs who alleged that BHPD officers stopped and harassed Black drivers without reasonable suspicion at a disproportionately high rate, the suit notes.

As part of the litigations settlement, the city established a Human Relations Commission to deal with issues of racial profiling, according to the suit.
Black Lives Matter Leader Victim of Another Apparent Swatting Call

A leader of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles who was targeted in a swatting incident last year was the victim of another apparent false emergency call today.

Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to the residence of Melina Abdullah about 9:30 a.m. in the 2100 block of Wellington Road, near Washington Boulevard after receiving a call that Abdullahs young son had contacted police claiming Abdullah had overdosed on pills and requested assistance, Capt. Stacy Spell told the Los Angeles Times.

A unit and a supervisor was sent to Abdullahs home to check on her, Spell said.

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Spell told The Times officers were able to determine that she was not in any danger after a neighbor was able to contact Abdullah and notify her that police were at her door.

The responding officers ultimately determined the report was a false emergency call for service intended to elicit a large police response to the location.

Abdullah filed a lawsuit this week alleging the LAPD had acted improperly after a similar call last year to her home and said Thursdays swatting call was very suspicious as it came on the heels of her lawsuit.

The timing is not coincidental, she told The Times.

Anyone with information on the swatting call was asked to call the LAPD Major Crimes Division at 213-486-7280. Calls made during non-business hours or on weekends should be made to 877-527-3247.

Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
By 2026, Cal Education Chief Wants Every Third Grader to Know How to Read

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond held a press conference via zoom and on Facebook last week to unveil an ambitious new education achievement plan for California. It is a campaign that has been designed to ensure, by 2026, every California third grader will know how to read.

The effort will also include a biliteracy milestone for dual-language learners.

Thurmond announced that he will be forming a task force of practitioners, advocates, researchers, foundation partners, thought leaders, students, parents, and other experts to identify key strategies that school districts and charter schools can employ to help their students achieve this bold goal.

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Education researchers point out that children are expected to be able to learn about the world through reading by third and fourth grade. This is when their math lessons are taught using word problems and reasoning skills are developed through discussing text theyve been assigned to read. Children who fall behind developing reading skills quickly find themselves struggling to keep up with their coursework.

A study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Education reached the conclusion that during the pandemic inadequate reading instruction has contributed to students reading fluency in second and third grade to be approximately 30 % behind what would be expected in a typical year.

Thurmond said during his opening remarks, We already know that when students learn to read, they can read to learn anything. This is a gateway skill that can carry them to any point in their life, in their career, and in their journey. We also know that when students dont learn to read by third grade, theyre at greater risk to drop out of school, and they are greater risk to end up in the criminal justice system

On the states Smarter Balanced tests during the 2018-19 school year only 33% of Black students in grades three through 11 tested at grade level or above in English language; only 31% of third graders tested at grade level or above in English language arts.

In addition to announcing the task force formation, Thurmond revealed that Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) has agreed to sponsor legislation that will formally be introduced in 2022 to support the task forces recommendations.

We will bring forward legislation in the next legislative cycle that will help us to have the resources for professional learning, and the other things that well need to support our students, he said.

Thurmond expects the legislation to consider issues of readiness, chronic absenteeism, needs of students with disabilities and multilingual learners, early education, and socio-economic factors that impact a students ability to learn to read.

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I look forward to working closely with you all in the coming weeks and months on improving childhood literacy and biliteracy, said Assemblymember Bonta speaking at the press conference. I applaud Superintendent Thurmond for this targeted campaign. It is a bold, aggressive agenda. Im on board and willing to make sure that we have the ability to provide legislation that is going to be meaningful and focus on implementation and making this a reality for every single child in this state. Literacy is the key to equity.

Also present at the press conference were: E. Toby Boyd, California Teachers Association; Hedy Chang, Executive Director, Attendance Works; Dr. Francisco Escobedo, Executive Director, National Center for Urban School Transformation; Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Fairfield), Liaison to Advisory Commission on Special Education; Jan Gustafson-Corea, Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Bilingual Education (CABE); Matt Navo, Executive Director, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE); Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, Executive Director, The Education TrustWest; and Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Chief Deputy Director, First 5 California. Keith Pace, Executive Director, California School Employees Association was invited but did not participate.

Each participant shared personal stories and encouraged statewide support for literacy and biliteracy for all of Californias students.

This has been an incredibly challenging year for our students, our educators, and their families, E. Toby Boyd, President of the California Teachers Association, said. The pandemic has shined a light on the challenges that our schools and communities face in serving the six million students in our system. I, along with my 310,000 educators, are ready to work with Superintendent Thurmond, Assemblymembers Bonta and Frazier, and the members of the task force to develop thoughtful strategies and policies for our youngest learners, and also for the future of California public education.

Were extremely excited about this campaign for a number of reasons, but for me and for us this campaign launches at a time when weve all seen how drastically our education systems can change during a crisis, said Christopher Nellum, executive director of Education Trust-West. And in our opinion now is the time to act with the same sort of urgency with regard to our literacy crisis in California.

In his closing remarks Thurmond said, I thought Id have eight years to work on this in some way. The pandemic has upended, some of those efforts. But, I just have to say, as I feel about to borrow from the wonderful Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Im reclaiming my time to work on an initiative that I know is so important.

An archived broadcast of the press conference with American Sign Language interpretation service can be viewed on the CDE Facebook page.
COVIDs effects worsen Americas racial wealth gap: Blacks own 22 cents for every dollar held by whites Closing gaps would create 1.7 million jobs, add $300-450 billion to the economy

As the global pandemic continues to take lives and infect multiple generations, virtually every dimension of life is challenged. And people with the fewest financial resources before COVID-19 are being challenged more than ever before.

It is both a challenge and an opportunity for leadership in the Biden Administration, Congress, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with the private sector address to effect policies and practices that reverse the nations still-growing racial wealth gap. Tried and true wealth-building tools like targeted homeownership and expanded small business investments together would bring sustainable and meaningful changes to those who historically have been financially marginalized.

In an effort to better understand and solve the dual sagas wrought from centuries of racial discrimination and COVID, major universities, government agencies, public policy institutes and corporations are releasing new research that analyzes the pandemics added challenges that exacerbate historical racial inequities.

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For example, from January through March of this year, Blacks on average had 22 cents for every dollar of white family wealth, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserves Institute for Economic Equity These substantial gaps have remained largely unchanged since 1989 to the present, according to the Institute.

The gaps disparities are also reflected in findings from research conducted by Harvard University. This esteemed Ivy League institution drew a key distinction between Americas income and wealth inequalities.

Income is unequal, but wealth is even more unequal, said Alexandra Killewald, professor of sociology at Harvard, who studies inequality in the contemporary U.S.

You can think of income as water flowing into your bathtub, whereas wealth is like the water thats sitting in the bathtub, she said. If you have wealth, it can protect you if you lose your job or your house. Wealth is distinctive because it can be used as a cushion, and it can be directly passed down across generations, providing families more choices and greater opportunity in the present and the future white Americans are benefiting from legacies of advantageThe typical white American family has roughly 10 times as much wealth as the typical African American family and the typical Latino family.

While the issues raised by the Federal Reserve and Harvard may sound like variations on an old theme, a 150-year-old global financial firm, Goldman Sachs, urges targeted and sustained investment by both the public and private sectors to erase Americas racial wealth gap. While the report focuses on Black women, its projected outcomes would benefit Black men as well.

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If the improvements benefit Black women and men alike, we estimate larger increases in U.S. employment of 1.7 million jobs and in U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 2.1%, which corresponds to $450 billion per year.

Titled, Black Womenomics: Investing in the Underinvested, the March 2021 report calls for access to capital, education, equitable earnings, health care, and housing to lay the groundwork to reverse historical disadvantages, while creating financial independence and personal wealth.

Most importantly, the report calls for the participation of Blacks  and especially Black women  to shape their own futures.

[A]ny efforts to effectively address the issues can only be successful if Black women are actively engaged in formulating the strategies and framing the outcomes. Moreover, addressing discrimination and bias will be fundamental to real and sustainable progressThe large wealth gap faced by single Black women is particularly important because Black women are more and increasingly likely to be single and breadwinner mothersAmong Black mothers, more than 80% are breadwinners compared to 50% of white mothers, states the report.

How existing financial disparities leave Black women more financially vulnerable is found in the reports data points:

Black women face a 90% wealth gap;

The wage gap of Black women widens through their whole work-life, and especially rapidly between ages 20 and 35;

Black women are five times more likely than white men to rely on expensive payday loans;

Black women are nearly three times more likely to forego prescription medicine, and also much more likely than white men not to see a doctor because they cannot afford it; and

The median single Black woman does not own a home, and single Black women are 24 times less likely than single white men to own a business.

Additionally, the nations shortage of affordable housing translates into 85% of Black women with families facing housing costs ranging from more than 30% to 50% of their incomes. Once the monthly rent is paid, these housing-burdened households have little left to cover utilities, food, childcare or other household needs.

Even Black families earning a median income will need 14 years just to save a 5% home down payment, according to a recent analysis by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).

A legacy of historically modest incomes and little inter-generational wealth available to be passed down by families leaves most Black Americans without the comparable financial advantages enjoyed by other races and ethnicities.

These and other circumstances lead many women  especially women of color  to turn to high-cost loans of only a few hundred dollars. Although the typical payday loan of $350 is marketed as a short-term fix to an unexpected expense, the reality for many with modest incomes is that the high-cost loan  which can come with interest as high as 400%  becomes yet another long-term financial burden that worsens financial strains with[every renewal.

Predatory, high-interest lenders pull people down into financial quicksand, making them more likely to experience a range of harms, such as losing their bank account, defaulting on their bills, losing their car, and declaring bankruptcy. It is low-income consumers, and disproportionately communities of color  whom the lenders target  that are being harmed, said Ashley Harrington, of CRL in testimony this summer before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee.

The harms of wealth inequality also extend to the broader U.S. economy, according to the Goldman Sachs report. In its view, expanding opportunities for Black women who are often on the bottom rung of the economic ladder can create a pathway to individual and national prosperity. Overcoming these adverse economic trends would make for not only a fairer, but also a richer society. We estimate that confronting the earnings gap for Black women could create 1.2-1.7 million U.S. jobs and raise the level of annual U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by 1.4-2.1% each year, or $300-450 billion in current dollars.

The sum of these findings underscores the frustration felt by much of Black America. The Civil War ended slavery and promised the emancipated 40 acres and a mule. The civil rights laws of the 1960s promised to eliminate discrimination in voting, housing, and public accommodations. Next, the affirmative action programs of the 1970s promised equal opportunity employment in fields that had been previously barred to Blacks and other people of color.

It is time for this nation to make good on its age-old promises. Creating neighborhoods of opportunity from poverty pockets would strengthen cities and suburbs alike. If corporate leadership would join with the Administration and Congress to ensure that Black America and other people of color share in the nations prosperity, everyone would be better off.

No person and certainly no community will ever beg its way out of poverty. But down payment assistance for first generation, mortgage-ready homebuyers would build family wealth. Similarly, creating an equity investment fund targeted to struggling small Black businesses would preserve neighborhood opportunities, including more permanent jobs. .

In the timeless words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., All we say to America is, Be true to what you said on paper.

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at [email protected].
Fighting wave of misinfo, YouTube bans false vaccine claims

YouTube announced a sweeping crackdown of vaccine misinformation Wednesday that booted popular anti-vaccine influencers from its site and deleted false claims that have been made about a range of immunizations.

The video-sharing platform said it will no longer allow users to baselessly speculate that approved vaccines, like the ones given to prevent the flu or measles, are dangerous or cause diseases.

YouTubes latest attempt to stem a tide of vaccine misinformation comes as countries around the globe struggle to convince a somewhat vaccine hesitant public to accept the free immunizations that scientists say will end the COVID-19 pandemic that began 20 months ago. The tech platform, which is owned by Google, already tried to ban COVID-19 vaccine misinformation last year, at the height of the pandemic.

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Weve steadily seen false claims about the coronavirus vaccines spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general, and were now at a point where its more important than ever to expand the work we started with COVID-19 to other vaccines, YouTube said in a blog post.

Up until Wednesday, anti-vaccine influencers, who have thousands of subscribers, had used YouTube to stoke fears around vaccines that health experts point out have been safely administered for decades. The YouTube channel of an organization run by environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was one of several popular anti-vaccine accounts that was gone by Wednesday morning.

In an emailed statement to The Associated Press, Kennedy criticized the ban: There is no instance in history when censorship and secrecy have advanced either democracy or public health.

YouTube declined to provide details on how many accounts were removed in the crackdown.

Under its new policy, YouTube says it will remove misinformation about any vaccine that has been approved by health authorities, such as the World Health Organization, and is currently being administered. False claims that those vaccines are dangerous or cause health issues, like cancer, infertility or autism  theories that scientists have discredited for decades but have endured on the internet  should also be removed.

The concept that vaccines harm  instead of help  is at the foundation of a lot of misinformation, said Jeanine Guidry, a media and public health professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

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She added that, if enforced properly, the new rules could stop bad information from influencing a new parent who is using the internet to research whether or not to vaccinate their child, for example.

But, as is common when tech platforms announce stricter rules, loopholes remain for anti-vaccine misinformation to spread on YouTube.

Claims about vaccines that are being tested will still be allowed. Personal stories about reactions to the vaccine will also be permitted, as long as they do not come from an account that has a history of promoting vaccine misinformation.

Despite tech companies announcing a string of new rules around COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation during the pandemic, falsehoods have still found big audiences on the platforms.

In March, Twitter began labelling content that made misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines and said it would ban accounts that repeatedly share such posts. Facebook, which also owns Instagram, had already prohibited posts claiming COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility or contain tracking microchips, and in February announced it would similarly remove claims that vaccines are toxic or can cause health problems such as autism.

Yet popular anti-vaccine influencers remain live on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where they actively use the platforms to sell books or videos. On Facebook and Instagram alone, a handful of anti-vaccine influencers still have a combined 6.4 million followers, according to social media watchdog group the Center for Countering Digital Hate. And COVID-19 vaccine misinformation has been so pervasive on Facebook that President Joe Biden in July accused influencers on the platform of killing people with falsehoods about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Other platforms have taken a harder line. Pinterest, for example, prohibited any kind of vaccine misinformation even before the pandemic began. Now, if users search for content about vaccines on the site, they are directed to visit authoritative websites operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the WHO. ___

Associated Press writers David Klepper in Providence, Rhode Island, and Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, contributed to this report.
L.A. County Board Looks to Watchdog Agency to Take On Deputy Cliques

Responding to a RAND Corp. report finding that deputy cliques accused of gang-like behavior still exist with the sheriffs department, the Board of Supervisors today tasked the Civilian Oversight Commission with developing a plan to eradicate these groups.

Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell co-authored the motion, which was not part of the planned agenda and was read in toward the end of the meeting.

Solis noted that the study by the Santa Monica-based think tank, commissioned in 2019 and released this month, found that a majority of deputies still believe the subgroups are a positive force in the department and only 37% support banning them altogether.

The RAND study confirmed what weve known for many years, that deputy gangs exist, even if the sheriff says there are not any or tries to minimize their existence, Solis said. Those that know best are the residents of our county, especially those families who have suffered at the hands of deputy misconduct.

There shouldnt be a need for these actions, but unfortunately we have no choice when deputy gang members continue to engage in harm, intimidation and harassment.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva blasted the report last week, insisting that his administration has cracked down on such groups.

With all the negative press associated with the deputy subgroups, with the efforts that Ive done, my administration has done  putting in the policy, enforcing the policy, creating a video that every single member of the department had to see, they had to sign an attestation form,  none of this was mentioned in the RAND study, Villanueva said.

RAND researchers concluded that department leadership can best discourage involvement in deputy subgroups  a neutral term adopted by researchers  by clarifying policy language and delivering strong and consistent messages to its staff.

Villanueva said the RAND report essentially made 37 recommendations for addressing the issue of deputy cliques, and 30 of them are already in place. Department policy prohibits behavior that violates the rights of others.

Questioned about this claim today, a RAND presenter said the sheriffs policy amounts to a first step and more needs to be done to change the culture. That includes clear guidance for command staff  particularly captains  about expectations and appropriate responses for dealing with the secretive subgroups.

RAND researchers interviewed both civilians and department members, who offered starkly different views of these groups.

Civilians shared stories of harassment and intimidation.

(I) watched (deputies) torment a girl whose son got killed by a ricochet bullet, one resident told researchers. They were outside in front doing doughnuts in their sheriffs cars trying to intimidate us and make us leave.

Another said the groups perpetrate an us versus them attitude.

You have to be willing to do certain things  beat people up, use excessive force, shoot people. A lot of illegal things. Its not like joining the Boy Scouts  if youre celebrating people getting killed with tattoos, its out of hand, another shared.

Some deputies agreed that these groups encourage hardened attitudes about the community. But others said they were the result of a bond that occurs with people who face death together and a way to know that others have your back while doing a dangerous job.

The RAND report found that subgroups vary significantly. Some are drinking groups. Others are closer to cliques or, as one respondent called them, `popular kids. And some encourage a culture of aggressive policing.

Responses received from deputies about the cliques ranged from those who belong to a subgroup hold themselves and each other to a higherstandard and are the best LASD has to deputies who believed they [subgroups] have destroyed many honest and hard-working deputies lives and careers.

The names alone  which over the years have included the Banditos, Buffalo Soldiers, Cavemen, Cowboys, Executioners, Grim Reapers, Jump Out Boys, Little Red Devils, Pirates, Rattlesnakes, and Wayside Whities are enough to raise concerns.

Mitchell said it was tragic that the needs of deputies were ignored to the point that the way some chose to manage stress and feel safely supported by colleagues was to join a group like the Jump Out Boys and the Executioners.

The board, RAND researchers and the sheriff agree on one thing: this problem has existed for decades, long before Villanueva was sworn in in 2018.

Its clear this is a systemic issue that costs lives, public trust and millions of dollars, Mitchell said. We must assess the recommendations within this study to make the necessary changes to end the culture that allows for these gangs to exist within our law enforcement.

County counsel estimates that the county has spent $55 million to settle lawsuits related to deputy gangs since 1990.

Every single one of my predecessors has kicked the can down the road saying they either didnt exist or did nothing about it, Villanueva said last week.

The board directed the COC to work in consultation with the Office of Inspector General, County Counsel, the District Attorneys Office, Office of the Public Defender, Office of the Alternate Public Defender, the Sheriffs Department and members of the public to come up with a specific plan for implementation.

A RAND researcher told the board that any plan to eliminate such groups is likely to be divisive.

He also warned that increasing scrutiny may make groups more secretive and acknowledged the need for some form of camaraderie when deputies feel under attack by the public.

As with other board efforts to dictate what Villanueva may or may not do, this effort may run into the limits of the boards authority in dealing with an elected official and potential legal challenges. The motion calls for the COC to consider policies that the board itself could impose in the context of existing state and local laws.

A report is expected back in 90 days.

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LA Police Commission President Blasts Officers Refusing COVID Vaccine

The president of the civilian Los Angeles Police Commission today called on the departments personnel to get vaccinated,

calling it extremely dubious that more than 2,000 of them are planning to seek religious exemptions from the citys vaccination mandate for municipal employees.

I personally find it appalling that the personnel of a department charged with public safety would willfully, intentionally and brazenly endanger the lives of those they have taken an oath to protect, Commission President William Briggs said.

Im talking about those individuals who openly disregard the solemn promise they made to protect the citizens of Los Angeles by refusing to be vaccinated. Briggs said he was speaking in response to written letters submitted to the commission by the public expressing concern that officers arent vaccinated. Nearly 11% of Los Angeles 57,476 city employees have stated their intent to seek a religious or medical exemption from the citys mandate that employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data released by the city on Sept. 14.

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About half of those come from the Los Angeles Police Department, which has 2,651 employees planning to file for religious exemptions and 368 planning to file for medical exemptions. The department has a total of 12,315 employees, of whom about 54% had received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Sept. 14.On Aug. 18, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance to require non-exempt employees to be fully inoculated by Oct. 5.

Exemption requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. People qualify for an exemption if they have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances that prevent them from receiving the vaccine.
Leader of Pharmacy Robbery Crew Sentenced to Prison

A Lynwood man was sentenced today to 20 years behind bars for running a crew that committed 15 armed robberies of independent, mom-and-pop pharmacies across Southern California, with the intent of illegally selling the stolen prescription medication. Tyrome Boobie Lewis, 26, was found guilty in June of all eight felony charges he faced. Lewis has been in federal custody since his arrest in July 2019, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

In a ruling issued following a two-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge John A. Kronstadt found Lewis guilty of one count each of conspiracy to

interfere with commerce by robbery and conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and two counts each of interference with commerce by robbery, possession with

intent to distribute oxycodone and knowingly using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Prosecutors said Lewis conspired with others to commit 15 armed robberies from May 2018 to July 2019. He selected the pharmacies to be robbed, targeting smaller pharmacies to steal oxycodone and other prescription painkillers, prosecutors said.

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Lewis also assigned the roles of the crew members, and then served as a lookout while they committed the robberies, according to the U.S. Attorneys

Office. Following the pharmacy robberies, Lewis and others would sell the stolen prescription drugs on the black market.

The Lewis-led crew  dubbed the Oxy Bandits by law enforcement  robbed pharmacies in Glendale, Bellflower, Paramount, Cerritos, Hawthorne, South Los Angeles, Pico Rivera, Huntington Park, Claremont, Westminster, Fullerton, Anaheim and Riverside, according to prosecutors.

Each of the robberies shared a common practice, including targeting smaller pharmacies, placing the stolen prescription drugs into the pharmacys trash bags or trash cans, using a black semi-automatic handgun to threaten and intimidate store employees, and forcing employees to open the medication vault, prosecutors said.

The guilty verdict stemmed from a broader investigation by the FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department of armed pharmacy robberies. As a result, the U.S. Attorneys Office has charged 21 individuals for their roles in various drug store heists. Since the investigation began in 2019, 19 individuals, including Lewis, have been convicted for their participation in pharmacy robberies, while two defendants await trial, prosecutors said.
Minority owned businesses in LA to receive financial boost

JPMorgan Chase and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) launched a $2.65 million commitment to provide capital and resources to entrepreneurs of color in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has the largest small business economy in the U.S., with over 250,000 small businesses.

However, theres a shortage of capital available for these small businesses, and entrepreneurs of color are disproportionately affected.

Earlier this month, the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) program was launched in Los Angeles to address this shortage. With $2.65 million in funding to support historically disadvantaged small business owners in Los Angeles, the fund is designed to help increase the availability of capital and business resources to strengthen small businesses owned by underserved entrepreneurs.

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Our goal is to build an inclusive economy, said Jenn Piepszak, Co-CEO of Consumer & Community Banking at JPMorgan Chase at the funds launch event at Chases Community Center branch in the Crenshaw District.

She added, we know that for too long Black and Latino Americans, especially, have missed out on our countrys growth and prosperity.

EOCF is a national collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), JPMorgan Chase and additional funders.

To date, the EOCF has provided over 1,200 loans and deployed more than $43 million in capital to entrepreneurs of color nationally, in cities including Detroit, the Bay Area, South Bronx, Chicago and the Greater Washington area.

Los Angeles is now the sixth city served by the program and according to JPMorgan Chase while Black and Latino residents make up 8% and 49% of Los Angeles Countys population, they only own 2% and 11% of all businesses, respectively.

Speaking at the event, Diedra Porche, a Managing Director at Chase who leads the banks Small Business Banking Operations in California, explained that loan capital in Los Angeles has historically been concentrated in micro-loans of under $100,000 or loans larger than $250,000, creating a missing middle for many small businesses. She noted that the program will help address this critical need.

According to additional figures provided by JPMorgan Chase, the Los Angeles County small business capital landscape is characterized by a significant shortage of capital to meet small business needs and disproportionately low rates of traditional lending in neighborhoods with high concentrations of Black and Latino residents. As a result there is an unmet demand of $60 billion for small businesses in Los Angeles County annually.

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When we started our business, we used our own money, our own credit cards, not knowing that there were financial tools and products out there that would have helped our business grow. Programs like this will help businesses of color be smarter, scale and become bigger, said Joe Ward-Wallace, co-owner of South LA, who also spoke at the event.

The $2.65 million funding for EOCF Los Angeles program comes as a grant from JPMorgan Chase to support five diverse-led CDFI organizations working in collaboration who will administer and execute the program with local small business borrowers.

The Local Initiatives Support Corporations Los Angeles office (LISC LA), Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), and Inclusive Action for the City (IAC) will each provide complementary lending capital to meet the needs of EOCF LA borrowers.

The other two organizations involved, Vermont Slauson Local Development Corporation (Vermont Slauson) and Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) will provide technical assistance and business advising services to EOCF Los Angeles borrowers.

The EOCF LA is a key component of the inclusive lending model that we have for entrepreneurs that have been left behind, said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Executive Director, LISC LA, who also spoke at the event.

Thrash-Ntuk added, Partnerships like this one will enable many community stakeholders to get the resources to support small business owners as they look to rebuild, improve their credit, grow their financial stability and hopefully by the end of the journey are thriving sustainable businesses.

The funding for EOCF Los Angeles is part of JPMorgan Chases $30 billion racial equity commitment that is providing economic opportunity to underserved communities, especially the Black and Latino communities, and driving an inclusive economic recovery by focusing on areas like small business growth and financial health.

We know there is great opportunity to infuse more capital into businesses by partnering closely with local community organizations, said Porche. It is going to be difficult to rebuild our Main Streets after the pandemic but one of the best ways that we will be able to start rebuilding will be through programs like this.
New Skate Park Opens At Trinity Recreation Center In Historic South-Central

A new skate park has opened at the Trinity Recreation Center.

Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price and the Department of Recreation and Parks hosted South-Central community members Saturday with food, music and prizes to celebrate the opening.

One of my offices top priorities is to continue to invest in our local parks, which bring much joy to families and help keep communities fit and healthy, said Price said. Since coming into office, we have now successfully opened our second skate park in District Nine. Trinity Skate Park will serve as a place where families and youth will be able to come together and enjoy what their community has to offer in their own backyard.

The 3,000-square-foot skate park has ramps and rails to include all levels of skaters, and the park has underwent general improvements such as benches, security lighting, new turf, landscape upgrades, a sustainable irrigation system, hydration station and more than a dozen trees to provide shade.

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This facility serves as an anchor and gathering place for the community, and this skate park gives youth a place to meet with people who have the same interest, said Mike Shull, general manager for the Department of Recreation and Parks. We hope that this amenity allows athletes to grow in the sport and begin anticipating the arrival of the 2028 Olympic games coming to L.A.

The skate park is located on the south side of the recreation center, adjacent to East 25th Street. It is the 29th skate park managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Redistricting, Outreach and Public Policy

As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, America has recently completed the 2020 Census which has to be taken every 10 years. Since 1790, its purpose has been to determine representation in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Senate. The reason being that the number of seats in the U.S. Congress is fixed at 435 and the seats in the Senate allocate two senators for each state, regardless of population.

Redistricting means that electoral districts in each state should have equal numbers, so that representation is proportional to the number of people in the state.

Clearly, such a process as mandated by the U.S. Constitution is meant to involve all the people covered by the Census count and people living in the areas being counted.

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These elements then require outreach to ensure the inclusion of all people. This legal obligation then becomes a matter of Public Policy, not one of selective inclusion of portions of the population. This is why the Census uses the language of communities of inclusion or COI.

This inclusion of the people carries with it public comment which is the opportunity for the people to comment on that which is being proposed by elements or agencies of the government that have been given delegated authority. Those who carry out delegated duties are limited to actions under their delegated authority. This is because they are not elected themselves by the people who elect the legislators.

Following the logic and the California Constitution, as well as Federal Statutes, outreach in redefining the electoral districts at the State, County and local levels has not been inclusive of the people of California, but rather a hand picked few purporting to be representatives of the people. California Statutes require newspapers of general circulation as instruments of public notice or outreach. This has not been done.

Rather, a decision has been made that social media and the internet is sufficient to substitute for the legal requirements. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Now that Redistricting Commissions at the State, County, and local levels have been made aware of their failure to follow the law, the only issue is will they do anything to correct the problem in the time remaining. After maps are drawn and submitted it will be too late to make changes.

Something to think about.
St. Brigid Kicks-Off Century of Service By Helping the Homeless

Kicking off a century of service, the members of St. Brigid Catholic Church celebrated their 100th anniversary by assisting people less fortunate in their South Los Angeles neighborhood.

The daylong event held on September 18 at Chesterfield Square Park, offered hot meals, clothing, personal grooming and more to both homeless individuals and others down-on-their-luck.

Thanks to a collaboration between St. Brigid and local businesses, nonprofits and the office of Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, scores of people received aid to improve their quality of life.

Surprised by crowds seeking help, St. Brigid Pastor Kenneth Keke remarked, I really underestimated this [response], but when the people started coming up [for assistance], I was really amazed.

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As he greeted people in the park, Keke noted, This is the best way to preach the Gospel. Preaching from the pulpit is not the solution to our problem. This is Practical Gospel and Im so happy.

Lavonne Anderson, event chairperson, was equally pleased with the generosity of the donors and volunteers; however, the number of people needing a helping hand did not surprise her. A native of the area, Anderson said that she noticed the growing encampment as she drove past the park on Sundays on her way to church.

I could see the tents starting to pop up. I was like, We need to do something over there, and this is my way of doing that, Anderson said. One of our parishioners called today, The Miracle on 54th Street. Im happy to be a part of that miracle.

As a result of Andersons invitation, several members volunteered time, talents and treasures to the occasion. The contributions included new and gently used clothes and shoes along with new underwear, hygiene/toiletry bags, roomy backpacks, and disposable diapers.

Also, NYMK  Not Your Mamas Kitchen  distributed more than 150 barbeque, string beans and potato salad dinners, Nails by SaVerne provided about 30 manicures, 10 people used the mobile showers courtesy of LavamaeX, and 54th Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church passed out 88 bags of groceries.

Guests could obtain COVID-19 testing and vaccinations as well from a booth sponsored by Harris-Dawsons office. Additional stalls provided free housing and shelter information, mental health counseling, and educational resources.

We had Good Freds Barbershop here and they have been giving free haircuts and facial grooming all day, said Donna Horton, who staffed the free clothing booth with other parishioners. Good Freds is from the community on 54th Street and theyve been around since the 1960s.

Jacquelyn Glover, a barber at Good Freds, was on hand along with her son, Kieshon Smith, and colleague, Cameron Ellis, who is the grandson of barbershops owner, Steve Ellis. They all expressed appreciation for the opportunity to aid other people.

We come out and give back to our community with free cuts, linings and hairstyles to make the homeless in the community feel good about themselves. One thing Ive learned is when you give, it comes back to you fourfold. Im a believer in God and put Him first in everything that I do, insisted Glover.

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Ellis commented that donating services was common practice for the Good Freds team. We tend to give back to the community quite often. We partnered with a group called Brown Bag Lady and every first of the month; we are downtown cutting as well. Whenever we have a chance to give back, we do, Ellis said.

The concept of giving wasnt lost on Smith, a young college student who is also a freelance photographer. Describing the event as pretty cool, Smith admitted, I have definitely enjoyed being here. Its been great just seeing people making other people happy as far as the music, getting your nails done, getting your hair cut, and giving out clothes and food. And it wasnt just homeless people, it was all types of people from everywhere!

Several others groups either donated or sponsored booths at the event including Reena Shah of Chado Tea Rooms, Chirag Shah of Tulsi Indian Eatery, Elizabeth Weinberg of NLSLA, and Joan Forbes of Our Children Our Future, Inc. Other participants were KJLH Radio Street Team, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Biscuits and Gravy disc jockeys, and Assurant, which gave out free cell phones and tablets.

St. Brigid plans more festivities to mark the parishs 100th anniversary. On December 4, the Los Angeles City Council will designate the corner of 52nd and Western as St. Brigid Square and on December 5, a special 100th anniversary Mass will take place.

In 2022, well have the 100th anniversary concert and a gala at the Skirball Center, added Chairperson Anderson. Were excited about the future, but, also happy about today, too. St. Brigid has always been a beacon in the community and about giving back to the community. This was a day of service and it was something that we needed to do.
At this years United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, several leaders voiced their approval of reparations.

They gave their support to a system of payments from countries with historical links to slavery and colonialism. Officials from South Africa, Cameroon, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Cuba and Malaysia urged the creation of a reparations system.

But large countries like the United States, Britain and Germany mainly did not comment about the issue.

Philip J. Pierre is the prime minister of Saint Lucia. He said, Caribbean countries like ours, which were exploited and underdeveloped to finance the development of Europe, have put forward a case for reparations for slavery and native genocide. He added that he wanted the problem to be treated seriously and with urgency.

But reparations payments have not been among the issues discussed by major world powers.

U.S. President Joe Biden did not talk about reparations in his speech to the U.N. But earlier this year, the Biden administration said it supported studying reparations for Black Americans. The office of the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is African American, did not comment on the recent reparations discussions to The Associated Press.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa did discuss the issue. He called the time of slavery one of the darkest periods in the history of humankind.

Slavery in what would become the United States started more than 400 years ago in some of the British colonies. In the U.S., slavery was outlawed during the U.S. Civil War which ended in 1865.

The debate about reparations has continued for many years. It has not gained much interest in the past 30 years. However, reparations have gained support in some cities and local governments since the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Carla Ferstman is an international law expert who studies reparations at the University of Essex in Britain. She said the U.N. talks are a big step forward for the reparations movement around the world.

Reparations could come in many forms. There could be direct financial payments to individuals. Development aid could be offered to countries. Colonized land, art and cultural objects could be returned. The correction of policies and laws that continue to discriminate could also be carried out. And apologies that include wiping away national heroes who are no longer in favor are other possibilities.

"One needs to be sensitive to what is important and how to best rectify, Ferstman said.

The Durban Declaration against racism

The latest discussions on reparations came as the U.N. honored the 2001 conference against racism in South Africa. It produced what is called the Durban Declaration.

Last week, a U.N. group approved a resolution that said there had been some progress on the issue. But it also said there had been a rise in discrimination and violence towards people of African ancestry. Other groups facing mistreatment included refugees, the displaced, those with disabilities, the Roma in Europe, the young and the old.

The resolution said there should be a way for descendants to seek fair reparation or satisfaction for any damage suffered. But the resolution stopped short of demanding that nations must pay reparations to countries their governments have harmed.

The United States, Britain and Germany were among several countries that did not attend the meeting honoring the Durban Declaration. The U.S. boycotted the meeting 20 years ago over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Germanys president, in his General Assembly address, also did not talk about reparations. But Germany is one of the few countries that have offered to pay money to make up for its past actions.

Earlier this year, Germany officially recognized the killing of tens of thousands of people in Namibia as genocide. It offered to provide 1.1 billion euros over 30 years for projects involving the people affected. But Germany did not call the payments reparations.

Im Dan Novak.

Sally Ho reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

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Words in This Story

descendant  n. someone who is related to a person or group of people who lived in the past

exploit  v. to use in a way that helps you unfairly

sensitive  adj. understanding the feelings of other people

rectify  v. to correct something that is wrong


Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida as its new leader Wednesday.

The move means Kishida will likely become the countrys next prime minister soon. The Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP, controls both houses in Japans parliament.

The decision by current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to step down led to Wednesdays results.

None of the four main candidates gained a majority in the first vote, which also included Taro Kono, Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda. Kishida easily won the second ballot 257 to 170. In that vote, he faced only Kono, the official overseeing Japans coronavirus vaccination effort.



General elections are to take place no later than November 28. Some LDP officials said parliament is likely to be dismissed in October in preparation for elections in the first half of November.

A win for the establishment

It remains unclear how Kishidas leadership will affect the LDPs performance in upcoming elections. Kono was considered the more popular candidate. Suga became unpopular for his decision to hold the 2020 Olympic Games this year in Tokyo even though many Japanese protested the move.

Yukio Edano is the head of the Constitutional Democratic Party, the largest opposition party. He criticized the choice of Kishida. The results showed that LDP does not and cannot change, he said.

Kishida is considered a moderate who seeks agreement but is less popular with the public than some other politicians.

In his victory speech, Kishida promised to deal with national crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggling economy and the countrys falling birthrate. He also said he would deal with important issues related to Japans future. One of those issues is a free and open Indo-Pacific that balances Chinas influence, he said.

Kishida has promised spending more than $270 billion dollars on projects to help the economy. During his candidacy, he said a new kind of capitalism was needed to ease the division between rich and poor. We cant have strong growth if wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small group of people, he said.

In foreign policy, Kishida is unlikely to propose big changes. He has agreed with the need to improve Japans defenses. This includes strengthening ties with allies like the United States and the QUAD, which also includes India and Australia.

Keeping trade ties with China also remains important. Chinese English-language broadcaster CGTV said that, among the candidates, Kishida was the best possible option for Beijing.

However, Kishida supports increasing the countrys coast guard and approving a resolution condemning Chinas treatment of Uyghur ethnic minorities.

Three generations of the Kishida family have served as lawmakers. Kishida was first elected to office in 1993.

A supporter of nuclear disarmament, he welcomed former U.S. President Barack Obama during his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, where Kishida is from. The city is where the first atomic bomb was dropped.

Kishida served as foreign minister under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In 2015, he helped negotiate an agreement with South Korea over Korean women who said they suffered sexual abuse by the Japanese during World War II. The issue continues to cause tensions between the two countries.

Im Mario Ritter, Jr.

reported this story for Radio Free Asia. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

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Words in This Story

stability n. the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change

concentrated adj. something that is in a specific place and is mainly found in that place

option n. a choice or possibility; something that can be chosen

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North Korea claimed Wednesday that it successfully tested a new hypersonic missile. The advanced weapon system could be harder to defend and continues to expand the countrys military power.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, posted a picture of a test launch of a hypersonic missile called Hwasong-8. It said Tuesday's launch was successful and met the technical requirements of a detached hypersonic gliding warhead. It means the warhead could come off the rocket and move in flight toward a target.

A hypersonic missile, also known as a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle, can fly much faster than the speed of sound. It can fly very low making it harder for current missile defense systems to recognize. It can also be controlled in flight, which means it can move away from other missiles making it harder to defend.

Adam Mount is an expert at the Federation of American Scientists. He said the hypersonic missile is designed to get through defense systems like the one operated by South Korea and the U.S.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, estimated the North Korean missile to be at an early stage of development. It said North Korea would need considerable time to be able to deploy the missile.

Missile tests return

North Korea started testing missiles again in 2019 after talks with the United States failed.

The launch of the hypersonic missile was North Koreas third round of missile tests this month. It took place shortly before a North Korean diplomat at the United Nations General Assembly accused the United States of hostility and demanded an end to joint military exercises with South Korea.

The missile is similar to a short-range missile that North Korea tested two years ago called the KN-23. However, the new missile has a warhead that can come off the rocket and continue toward a target. This kind of warhead could be attached to a more powerful rocket and strike a target on another continent.

Vipin Narang is a nuclear security and political science expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He said this kind of missile would present a big problem for the U.S. He added it could be hard to find and the warhead could be difficult to defend.

North Korea also claimed that it used a faster and more stable process to add rocket fuel. The process places rocket fuel in containers for storage and could be quickly added to the rocket before launch. In the past, North Korean rockets needed to be fueled at the launch site which took more time and opened the launch to attack.

North Koreas missile tests also include weapons that could be launched from vehicles, trains, and possibly even submarines. As a result, the missiles will be harder to find and destroy in the event of a war.

Mount said the U.S. and South Korea alliance will have to be ready for anything in a crisis. He noted that North Korea showed some weapons but they may not yet be fully tested.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on reports by VOAs William Gallo and The Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor.

What would you do about the missile tests in North Korea? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. ___________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

glide  v. to fly without engine power

flight  n. the act of flying : the act of moving through the air by the use of wings

stage  n. a particular point or period in the growth or development of something

stable  adj. having a chemical structure or physical state that does not change easily

site  n. a place that is used for a particular activity
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Cancer centers and/or health care systems that prioritize coordination and communication provide higher-quality end-of-life care for cancer patients who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, University of Michigan researchers found.

Such "dual-eligible" people are more likely than those covered only by Medicare to experience aggressive treatment, like admission to the intensive care unit, shortly before they die. If, however, they receive care at a health care facility like a cancer center that values educating patients about their options and understanding their preferences about their end-of-life care, their chance of experiences that promote quality of life, like enrolling in hospice and dying in a setting other than the hospital, jumps significantly.

"We learned that health care systems can play a role in improving quality at the end of life for dual-eligible patients," said Lindsey Herrel, M.D., an assistant professor of urology at the University of Michigan Medical School and the first author of the study. "Where you receive care does matter to some degree. But there's certainly opportunity for better communication and shared-decision making at the end of life across the board for this population."

About a fifth of people over the age of 65 who receive their health insurance through Medicare also qualify for Medicaid because of low income and minimal savingsand are considered dual-eligible as a result. That means Medicaid pays this population's monthly Medicare premiums as well as their copays.

However, dual-eligible Americans often face barriers to accessing health care outside of the cost of a doctor's visit. As primarily female people of color who have not attained a high school degree, many of them must manage systemic biases as well as socioeconomic disadvantages.

"We're talking about whether you can afford to put food on the table, whether you have the money to drive back and forth to the hospital," Herrel said. "All those things are real issues that people who are this low-income face."

Because of these hurdles, Herrel and her team hypothesized that well-coordinated care might be helpful for the dual-eligible populationespecially at the end of life, when patients must make difficult decisionsand that where they received their care could affect its quality.

The researchers turned to several different datasetsincluding the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, a common source of national cancer statistics, as well as health insurance claims from Medicareto analyze close to 22,000 dual-eligible patients over the age of 65 who died of cancer.

They used seven metrics to measure whether quality of life seemed to be a priority for these patients and their medical teams, including whether they spent time in the hospital, the ICU or the emergency department in their last month of life and if and how long they were enrolled in hospice before dying (national organizations that issue guidelines around end-of-life care, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, consider treatment that focuses on elevating quality of life versus curing disease, appropriate for patients with a prognosis of less than six months to live, and these measures reflect that perspective.)

When comparing designated cancer centers and integrated delivery networkshealth care systems that emphasize education, communication, treatment planning and decision makingwith health care facilities that don't fall into one of those two categories, the researchers found that dual-eligible patients received end-of-life care that emphasized quality of life at the former, across the majority of measures.

Herrel says a possible explanation for the differences between types of health care systems could be that cancer centers and integrated delivery networks provide access to resources and an infrastructure that are better able to assess patient preferences when it comes to care at the end of life.

Going forward, though, a crucial step will be facilitating more of these conversations, regardless of the setting.

"It's really a matter of what does the individual patient and their family who's in front of youwhat do they want? What do they need?" Herrel said. "They are difficult conversations to have from a provider standpoint to balance expectations and elicit patient preferences. But being a well-rounded clinician means you have to be able to have these discussions with patients and their families. Because without you helping them, they have to find other resources or are unable to get the information they want and need. So building ways we can foster communication is going to be the next best step."

Explore further Seniors with Medicare and Medicaid fare worse functionally after ICU

More information: Lindsey A. Herrel et al, Intensity of endoflife care for dualeligible beneficiaries with cancer and the impact of delivery system affiliation, Cancer (2021). Journal information: Cancer Lindsey A. Herrel et al, Intensity of endoflife care for dualeligible beneficiaries with cancer and the impact of delivery system affiliation,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33874
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Unvaccinated pregnant women are increasingly being hospitalized with COVID-19 during a nationwide surge of the Delta variant, according to research from UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The studywhich covers more than 1,500 cases in the Dallas area since May 2020offers a snapshot of what doctors believe is happening in communities across the country. The research shows the proportion of pregnant COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization increased to 10 to 15% in late August and early September, more than double the percentage of last year before the emergence of the Delta variant.

"This is a concerning trend, and we're primarily seeing these cases in unvaccinated women," said Emily Adhikari, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a lead author of the study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Adhikari said the findings offer the first objective evidence that the case number and severity of illness in pregnant women rose with a spike in the Delta variant. The study included 1,515 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 who received care from Parkland Health & Hospital SystemDallas County's public hospitalfrom May 2020 through Sept. 4, 2021.

Overall, 82 patients had severe or critical illness, including 10 requiring ventilators, and two deaths. The proportion of severe or critical cases was around 5% until after the new year, and were then largely nonexistent in February and most of March.

However, the rise of the Delta variant coincided with a new wave of hospitalizations that peaked this August and early September, including more than a third of COVID-19 cases the week of Aug. 29. By this time, genetic sequencing conducted at UT Southwestern showed nearly all the local variants sequenced were the Delta B.1.617.2 strain.

Of the 82 patients hospitalized since May 2020, all but one were unvaccinated.

Dr. Adhikari acknowledged that some women fear the vaccine may not be safe to take during pregnancy, but said research has debunked those concerns. She co-authored a JAMA article earlier this year that elaborated on the issue of vaccines and pregnancy.

Dr. Adhikari said pregnant women are at greater risk for complications with any type of severe respiratory infection, so these findings further emphasize the need for pregnant and lactating women in all communities to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

"If they are exposed and infected, they run a higher risk of severe illness from this most recent Delta variant," said Dr. Adhikari, Medical Director of Perinatal Infectious Diseases at Parkland. "Pregnant women should get immunized as soon as possible."

The genomic sequencing that revealed nearly all the local SARS-CoV-2 variants were Delta was performed in the McDermott Center Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Core with analysis performed by the McDermott Bioinformatics Lab, both under the supervision of Helen H. Hobbs, M.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics, who directs the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at UT Southwestern. Jeffrey SoRelle, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and a co-author on the study, is collaborating with Dr. Hobbs by providing all positive COVID-19 samples tested at UT Southwestern and interpreting sequencing results with support from a rapid, focused PCR-based test. The collaboration with the McDermott Center Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Core at UT Southwestern allows whole genome whole sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus in a state-of-the-art facility that performs NGS coupled with bioinformatic analysis.

Explore further COVID Queries: Delta breakthrough infections
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Just two percent of the population, or less, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus in half of the countries in Africa, the World Health Organization said on Thursday,

Fifteen of the continent's 54 nations have managed to vaccinate at least 10 percent of their people, achieving the global goal for September 30, set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world's highest health policy-setting body.

"The latest data shows modest gains but there is still a long way to go to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of the population by the end of the year," said Richard Mihigo, the World Health Organization's vaccination coordinator in Africa.

Shipments of the vaccine have been increasing "but opaque delivery plans are still the number one nuisance that hold Africa back," said Mihigo.

A total of 23 million vaccine doses arrived in Africa in September, a 10-fold increase from June.

Half of the 52 African countries that have received COVID-19 vaccines have fully vaccinated just two percent or less of their populations, the WHO said.

Most of the African countries that have met, or bettered the 10 percent goal have relatively small populations.

The islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles have managed to fully vaccinate over 60 percent of their populations, according to the WHO data.

In Morocco, 48 percent of the population have received two COVID-19 jabs while the figures are above 20 percent in Tunisia, Comoros and Cape Verde.

"All these countries have enjoyed sufficient supplies of vaccines, and many could access doses from separate sources in addition to those delivered through the global Covax facility," the WHO said.

COVID-19 case numbers in Africa dropped by 35 percent to just over 74,000 in the week to September 26.

Almost 1,800 deaths were reported across 34 African countries in the same period.

"Despite the declining case numbers we must all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the proven public health and safety measures that we know save lives, such as wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly and physical distancing, especially while vaccination rates remain low," Mihigo told a virtual press conference.

 2021 AFP
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New research being presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), held online this year, shows that there are marked socio-economic inequalities in the prevalence of (the proportion of people with) type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Scotlandand the gap is widening.

When research on socio-economic inequality and the prevalence of T2D in Scotland was last published in 2007, it showed that the proportion of people with type 2 diabetes was about 60% and 90% higher in men and women respectively in the most deprived fifth (20%) of the population, compared to the least deprived fifth.

Health inequalities in general in the UK have widened since then, prompting Professor Sarah Wild and colleagues at the University of Edinburgh to produce up-to-date figures.

Professor Wild says: "Describing inequalities in health is the first step in informing policies to address them, for example as part of a 'levelling up' agenda."

Mid-year population estimates for 2019 (the most recent year available) and a February 2021 extract from the Scottish register of diagnosed cases of diabetes were used to estimate the prevalence of T2D in 35 to 84-year-olds, the age group in which T2D is most common.

To make fair comparison across time and populations, differences in age patterns were taken into account.

The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) was used to divide the study population into quintiles or fifths, from the most deprived (Q1) to least deprived (Q5).

Data on age, sex and SIMD was available for 255,674 peoplealmost 99% of those aged 35 to 84 who had been diagnosed with T2D.

The overall prevalence of T2D in this age group was 8.3% (one in 12). This compares with 7.3% in 2007.

Prevalence of T2D was lowest in women aged 35-39 years from Q5 (0.5%) and highest in men aged 75-79 years from Q2 (22.4%), illustrating the expected patterns of increasing prevalence with age and higher prevalence in men than women

The most deprived men and women were, respectively, almost 2.0 and 2.5 times as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as the least deprived, indicating that socio-economic inequalities have widened over time. (The 2007 figures were 1.58 times for men and 2 times for women.)

Professor Wild says: "Further research is required to find out whether similar patterns have been observed in other parts of the UK and other high-income countries around the world and to investigate the effect of the pandemic and its consequences on diabetes prevalence.

"Effective approaches at a societal level are required to reduce inequalities in key risk factors for diabetes in individuals including physical inactivity and obesity.

"It is also important to find out whether the implementation of large-scale prevention programmes affects inequalities in diabetes prevalence."

Explore further Study finds prescription of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs common ahead of type 2 diabetes diagnosis
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A new study has found that a child's reading speed can be improved by simply increasing the space between letters within a piece of text.

The research, led by Dr. Steven Stagg of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), examined the benefits of letter spacing and colored overlays amongst a group of dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. It is the first study to investigate how these adaptations can help to reduce specific reading errors.

Published in the journal Research in Developmental Disabilities, the study discovered that text with increased space between each letter provided a benefit to both groups of children. On average, the dyslexia group showed a 13% increase in reading speed, while the comparison group of non-dyslexic children showed a 5% increase in reading speed.

The study involved 59 children aged between 11-15, 32 of whom had a statement of dyslexia, with 27 non-dyslexic children forming a control group. The participants were recruited from six UK schools in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and London.

Participants read four texts with either standard or extra-large letter spacing, both with and without a colored overlay. The children were instructed to read the text out loud while being recorded. The recording was used to measure the number of errors they madespecifically missed words, added words, wrong words, and pronunciationas well as the participants' reading time.

In addition to improved reading speed for both children with dyslexia and the non-dyslexic group, the larger letter spacing also resulted in a significant reduction in the number of words being missed by the children with dyslexia. However, the study found that colored overlays had no significant impact on reading speed or the reduction of errors for either group of children.

Dr. Stagg, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "We found that extra-large letter spacing increases the reading speed of children both with and without dyslexia, and significantly reduces the number of words that dyslexic children skip when reading.

"We believe that extra-large letter spacing works by reducing what is known as the 'crowding effect', which can hamper the recognition of letters and reduce reading speed.

"When viewed in the context of previous research, our findings strongly suggest that teaching professionals can be confident that all children would be helped by increased letter spacing in reading materials. As well as being a relatively simple change to make when producing handouts and worksheets, it means that children with dyslexia need not feel singled out by the introduction of specially adapted reading materials, as this is something that everyone can benefit from.

"While we found that color overlays provided little benefit, we suggest that children should be encouraged to use overlays if they find these help their reading. Color overlays may not increase reading speeds, but they may extend reading stamina. Previous research suggests their benefits may not become apparent if reading time is less than 10 minutes and the short reading duration of the tests in our study may have put color overlays at a disadvantage."

Explore further Brains are most amenable to reading development in the first two years of primary education

More information: Room to read: the effect of extra-large letter spacing, Research in Developmental Disabilities (2021). Journal information: Research in Developmental Disabilities Room to read: the effect of extra-large letter spacing,(2021).
Banking Method at Tweed Heads, 1919. The method used by the manager of the E.S. and A. Bank at Tweed Heads do business with customers at Coolangatta. The depositor puts his cheques, notes, etc. in the cigar box (image on the right), which is drawn across the bridge over the border by means of a string. The manager receives the money, and returns the deposit slip or bank note the same way. Credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, 203579

While the word "unprecedented" has become part of the rhetoric around COVID-19, this isn't the first pandemic to hit the world, even in recent times. In fact, there are many similarities between the COVID-19 pandemic, and its management, and others throughout history, UNSW historians say.

Researchers from the UNSW Laureate Centre for History & Population are investigating the laws and regulations that have restricted people's movement within Australia during epidemics and pandemics over the past 120 years in an ARC Special Initiative Project, Rethinking Medico-Legal Borders: from international to internal histories. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Professor Alison Bashford, ARC Laureate and Director of the Centre undertaking the project, and UNSW Law & Justice Scientia Professor Jane McAdam, Director of the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, are leading the initiative.

Compliance with public health

Anti-lockdown protests and sporadic breaches of COVID-19 restrictions have been widely covered by mediaand the researchers say history tells us people have flouted public health rules in previous pandemics, too.

"Mask non-compliance was certainly a feature of the 191819 influenza pandemic, but one important difference between this behavior in 1919 and during the COVID-19 pandemic is the way that information is disseminated," says Ph.D. student Tiarne Barratt.

"In 1919, public health information was spread via daily newspapers and word of mouth, unlike today, where we are experiencing an overload of information and misinformation via social and online media that is enabling anti-mask messaging to reach a significantly larger platform."

Dr. Chi Chi Huang, Postdoctoral Fellow, says that the post-war context of World War I also contributed to messaging and compliance in 1919, as governments used the rhetoric of a collective effort to great success.

"Troops were still returning home, and civilians were emerging out of a war mentality where there was already a heightened sense of 'doing your part.'"

Regulating movements

Attempts to regulate movement like social distancing, isolation, lockdowns today are also comparable to measures in the past. The 191819 influenza pandemic is perhaps the easiest comparison to COVID-19 internal border control in Australian history.

"[We] saw the closure of state borders and the regulation of intra-state borders to protect regional communities from city outbreaks. Beyond this, there were highly localized measures designed to regulate movement at a district level, such as the refusal of hoteliers to provide accommodation to travelers," Ms Barratt says.

"However, all attempts to regulate internal movement ceased by August 1919, where in contrast, we are now more than 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic episode and still seeing highly regulated inter and intra state movement."

When it comes to current international border controls, Professor McAdam says: "There is now a strong argument that travel caps are arbitrarily depriving Australians' of the right to return home, especially since contact tracing has improved, vaccinations have become widespread, community transmission of COVID-19 (not breaches of hotel quarantine) is the primary source of infection, and people who are infected in the community are allowed to self-isolate at home."

Messages from history

The researchers say when it comes to public health messaging, there are previous successful examples we could look to draw upon.

"Public health messaging was phenomenally successful in the Australian response to HIV/AIDS. The risk-reduction philosophy that drove the Australian response was highly successful, and globally heralded," Professor Bashford says. "Especially with regard to the vaccination program, currently underway, this moment in Australian public health messaging might be remembered and utilized."

However, the source of the public health messaging and the extent to which people trust or distrust that source is something that has been important both historically and today. For example, there generally is a correlation between general trust in government and levels of public health compliance, Ms Barratt says.

Social resilience

While we tend to date pandemics by the year they first emerged, each pandemic lasted decades, and their impacts lasted even longer, says Dr. Huang.

"The occurrence of pandemics is an inevitability and dealing with the immediate crisis of a pandemic is, of course, important. But it is a long-term experience as we learn to continually respond to pandemics where public health is at the crux of ensuring a stable globalized society and economy."

In terms of social resilience, there was a strong culture of volunteerism in Australia throughout the 1919 influenza pandemic. Indeed, Australia is remembered for demonstrating particularly positive attitudes and high levels of localized community support during the influenza pandemic, says Ms Barratt.

"For example, during home isolation, people were entirely reliant on their local community for survival, as no member of an afflicted household was allowed to leave the house. That meant many households around the country were dependent on their neighbors for food and other essentials such as firewood."

Post-pandemic boom

Recent commentary has speculated about a post-COVID boom like the roaring twenties following the 191819 Flu Pandemic. However, the post-pandemic boom was compounded by the end of World War I, which saw a re-envisioning of the international spirit.

"The boom of the roaring twenties was also not evenly distributed within nations and across nations, where working class people did not share in the prosperity of that decade as memorialized in popular culture," says Dr. Huang.

"Perhaps this is something that history can tell us about any potential post-pandemic boomthat it will be uneven."

Pandemic episodes of the past have also highlighted existing pressure points and social inequalities, revealing failing social infrastructures more starkly, Ms Barratt says.

"In the same way that experiences of the pandemic will be vastly different, for example between those who have been able to pivot to work-from-home setups, and those who have been faced with long periods of involuntary unemployment, so will any experiences of a post-pandemic boom."

Explore further What can we learn from the past to help shape the future of public health in Canada?
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If immigrants to the United States formed their own country, their pre-COVID-19 life expectancies would exceed or match those of the world's leaders in longevitySwiss men and Japanese women. A new study by USC and Princeton researchers estimates that immigration adds 1.4 to 1.5 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth. In 2017, foreign-born life expectancy reached 81.4 and 85.7 years for men and women, respectively. That's about 7 and 6.2 years longer than the average lifespan of their U.S.-born counterparts.

"Demographers knew that immigrants lived longer. The main question that we set out to answer was, 'How much is this really contributing to national life expectancy trends?'" said Arun Hendi, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University. "Our results show that they're making an outsized contribution to national life expectancy.

The study was published in the September 2021 issue of SSM Population Health, by Hendi and Jessica Ho, an assistant professor of gerontology and sociology at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Their work provides new insights on how immigrants contributed to national life expectancy trends over nearly three decades, from 1990 to 2017.

The research suggests that immigrants are responsible for approximately half of the recent U.S. gains in life expectancy. Moreover, the gap in life expectancy between foreign-born and native-born residents is widening.

In fact, the researchers say, Americans' life expectancy would steeply decline if it weren't for immigrants and their children. Under that scenario, U.S. life expectancy in 2017 would have reverted to levels last seen in 200374.4 years for men and 79.5 years for womenmore closely resembling the average lifespans of Tunisia and Ecuador.

Study shows diverging trends during the last decade

Prior research has shown that between 2010 and 2017, overall U.S. life expectancies saw an unprecedented stagnation. The plateau has been largely attributed to drug overdose deaths among adults in their prime working ages and slowdowns in the rate of improvement in cardiovascular disease mortality. But this new study shows that immigrants experienced life expectancy gains during this period, while the U.S.-born population experienced declines.

"If it weren't for immigrants, our national life expectancy stagnation that we experienced since 2010 would instead be a national decline in life expectancy," Ho said. "For them to have that large an impact is unexpected because they represent a relatively small proportion of the U.S. population."

In addition, while the immigrant advantage was already present in 1990, the research shows that the difference between immigrants and the U.S.-born has widened substantially over time, with the ratio of American-born to foreign-born mortality rates nearly doubling by 2017.

"When compared to immigrants' life expectancy, the U.S.-born are doing poorly. Much of this is related to their very high mortality at the prime adult ages," said Ho, an expert in the social determinants of health and mortality. "Low mortality among prime-aged immigrants doesn't just help the foreign-bornit helps the U.S.-born too. Prime-aged adults are likely to be in the labor force and raising children. This means that they contribute to higher tax revenues and slower population aging."

Hendi says this is particularly relevant today because those prime adult ages are where the country is losing years of life due to drug overdose mortality and other preventable causes of death.

"The fact that immigrants are doing well suggests that there is a capacity to thrive in the U.S., but the U.S.-born aren't fulfilling that potential," he said.

Immigrants are a small but influential share of the U.S. population

Immigrants make up under 15% of the U.S. population, up from around 8% in 1990 but still a small percentage of the total. Hendi and Ho cite healthy behaviors and the changing selectivity of the immigrant population as factors that may contribute to their influence on total life expectancy.

"Immigrants tend to be healthier in part due to the selective migration of those who have the health, resources and stamina to migrate to the U.S., and this selectivity may have grown stronger," Ho said.

The researchers highlight the role of increases in high-skilled immigration, which is partly reflected in changes in countries of origin as immigrant streams shift from Mexico to places like India and China. They also note that there may be pro-longevity characteristics of immigrant populations, regardless of country of origin, including a lower propensity to drink, smoke and use drugs than U.S.-born residents.

"Many of America's immigrants come from lower-income, less-developed nations, leading some to worry that these immigrants bring their home countries' high-mortality conditions with them and thus drag down America's national average longevity," Hendi said. "But the results say just the opposite. Far from dragging down the national average, immigrants are bolstering American life expectancy. A big part of the story appears to be that immigrants take fewer risks when it comes to their health."

The study additionally found that the children of foreign-born residents retain some life expectancy advantage but do not fare as well as their parents.

Hendi and Ho used data from the National Vital Statistics System and the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate life expectancy levels among foreign-born, U.S.-born and total populations between 1990 and 2017.

The team plans to examine COVID-19's impact on immigrant life expectancies. A January 2021 study by USC and Princeton researchers found the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly affected life expectancy, with stark declines in life expectancy among Black and Latino populations. A separate USC study last July of a large diverse group of Medicaid enrollees found Latino patients had starkly higher odds than whites of testing positive for COVID-19 as well as higher odds of hospitalization and death.

More information: Arun S. Hendi et al, Immigration and improvements in American life expectancy, SSM - Population Health (2021). Arun S. Hendi et al, Immigration and improvements in American life expectancy,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100914

Provided by Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
(HealthDay)Kids who are gay, bisexual or questioning their sexuality may be vulnerable to contemplating suicide at a tender age, a new U.S. government study finds.

It has long been known that teenagers who are part of sexual minorities have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, compared to their heterosexual peers. That includes kids who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

Experts said the new findingspublished online Sept. 27 in the journal Pediatricsadd another layer: Those kids also start to grapple with suicidal thoughts at a younger agewith an increased risk appearing as early as age 10.

What's more, they typically progressed more quickly from the "thinking" stage to actually planning for suicide.

None of that means LGBTQ kids are destined for poor mental well-being, stressed Brian Mustanski, director of the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern University in Chicago.

"They are at relatively higher risk of suicidality, but the majority of LGBTQ youth do well," said Mustanski, who was not involved in the study.

That said, it's important to recognize the increased risk, and that it begins early, according to Mustanski.

In general, he said, kids first realize their sexual attractions around the age of puberty. For kids attracted to their own sex, or both, those blooming feelings may be accompanied by distress if they have been exposed to "anti-gay" messages during childhood, Mustanski said.

So it's vital that children understand from a young age that those attractions are normal, he said.

"The process of coming out is not easy for LGBQ youth," said Jeremy Luk, lead researcher on the study.

But the "good news," he said, is that based on other research, LGBTQ teenagers who report high levels of acceptance from either their parents or peers have a reduced risk of attempting suicide.

"In other words, acceptance goes a long way," said Luk, a clinical psychologist who was with the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the study's outset.

The findings are based on 1,771 U.S. high school students who were part of a larger project tracking their health and well-being.

Around 6% said they were attracted to their own sex, both sexes or were "questioning." (The survey did not ask about gender identity.)

Overall, 26% of sexual minority teens said they'd thought about suicidedouble the rate of their heterosexual peers. Similarly, almost 17% had made a suicide plan, versus roughly 5% of their peers. In all, 12% had attempted suicide, compared with 5% of heterosexual students.

The students were also asked how old they were when their suicidal thoughts first emerged. And the increased risk among gay, bisexual and questioning kids was already apparent at age 10.

It all underscores the importance of detecting suicidal behavior early, and getting kids the help they need, said Dr. Pamela Murray, from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Current guidelines say all teenagers should be screened for depression yearly, starting at age 12.

But depression screening does not always catch increased suicide risk, said Murray, co-author of an editorial published with the study.

"We've come to realize that depression does not tell the whole story, and we may need to specifically ask about suicidality," she said.

There's also the question of when and how to ask kids about their sexual attractions, to help identify those who may be particularly vulnerable. Some doctors already do that, Murray said, but there are no general guidelines on it.

And of course, once kids with suicidal thoughts and behaviors are identified, "we have to be able to offer them help," Murray said.

That can be a challenge for various reasons, including the dearth of mental health providers for kids and teens. The demand has always overwhelmed the supply, Murray said, and the problem has worsened during the pandemic.

Then there's the fact that many kids suffering from suicidality don't have parents who support them.

Murray noted that sexual minority kids are "over-represented" among the homeless population specifically because their families rejected them.

In his own research, Mustanski has found that bullying may increase the risk of suicidal behavior and self-harm among LGBTQ kids. So school anti-bullying programs could be one important part of prevention.

And while parents' support is critical, so is that from the other people in kids' lives, Mustanski said. Support from friends and romantic partners, he noted, can buoy the mental health of LGBTQ young people.

As for families, Murray pointed to resources like PFLAG, a national nonprofit that offers parents education on how to support their LGBTQ children.

Explore further Fewer LGBTQ teens plagued by suicidal thoughts, but rates still high

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New research being presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), held online this year, found that men who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a young age are more likely to develop retinopathy than those diagnosed aged 50-plus.

Men diagnosed with T2D before the age of 40 were 72% more likely to have retinopathy than males who had T2D for the same amount of time but were diagnosed at the more typical age of 50 or over.

Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes in which damage to the blood vessels of the retina can lead to blindness.

T2D, the most common form of diabetes, usually occurs in middle-aged and older people. However, onset at a younger age is becoming more common globally.

Dr. Katrina Tibballs and colleagues at the University of Oslo, Norway, analysed data from the GP records of 10,242 people with T2D to find out the prevalence of young-onset diabetes in Norway and to explore the relationship between age at diagnosis and complications.

The dataset was representative for Norway and the average age of diagnosis with T2D among all the participants was 56.

980 (10.2%) had young-onset diabetes (diagnosis under the age of 40) and their average age of diagnosis was 33.3 years old. This group had T2D for 11.4 years, on average, at the time of the study, and was 55.6% male. 15.5% had retinopathy.

Their risk of retinopathy and coronary heart disease, another complication of T2D, was compared with a group of 6,627 people who were diagnosed with T2D aged 50-plus (normal onset T2D).

The average age of diagnosis in this group was 62.7. This group had T2D for 7.8 years, on average, at the time of the study, and was 53.4% male. 5.9% had retinopathy.

Those diagnosed before the age of 40 had, on average, a higher HbA1c (average blood sugar level) at diagnosis than those diagnosed after 50 (7.6% versus 6.9%).

In those with young-onset T2D, HbA1c levels were higher already from the point of diabetes diagnosis but also increased more rapidly with time. In other words, if two people had T2D for the same length of time, HbA1c levels would likely be higher in the one diagnosed at a younger age.

Risk of coronary heart disease was more strongly linked to age in both groups than to diabetes duration. Risk of retinopathy, however, increased with diabetes duration, with the risk increasing particularly sharply in those with young-onset T2D.

When other relevant factors including diabetes duration, HbA1c, current age, BMI and blood pressure were considered and adjusted for, men with young-onset diabetes were 72% more likely to have retinopathy than those with normal-onset T2D.

In contrast to men with young-onset T2D, women with young-onset T2D weren't at significantly higher risk of retinopathy than those with normal-onset T2D, after taking all the above-mentioned factors into account.

The analysis also showed that retinopathy developed sooner after diagnosis in men, but not women, with young-onset T2D than in normal-onset T2D.

The study's authors say that diagnosis may be more likely to be delayed in males, who tend to visit their GP less often than females. This would mean their T2D was uncontrolled for longer, raising their risk of complications.

In addition, young-onset T2D may be a more aggressive form of the condition. T2D occurs when beta cells in the pancreas can't make enough insulin (a hormone which helps turn the sugar in food into energy) or the insulin it makes doesn't work properly (a phenomenon known as "insulin resistance").

The researchers say that the higher average blood sugar levels found in those with young-onset T2D could be a sign of more rapid deterioration of the insulin-producing cells and therefore a more severe form of the condition.

Dr. Tibballs, a GP and Ph.D. student, concludes: "It is important that young-onset type 2 diabetes is detected early enough and treated adequately to reduce the likelihood of retinopathy and other complications.

"The current guidelines on diabetes prevention and treatment should be updated to reflect the higher risk of complications in those with young-onset diabetes, particularly the elevated risk of retinopathy in men."

Explore further Younger onset of T2DM tied to poorer initial glycemic control
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A combination of factors including the current corporate tax rate makes pharmaceutical production in the United States more attractive now than investing in either China or India. And adopting advanced technologies such as Continuous Manufacturing (CM) further positions the United States to recapture a prominent position in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This finding comes in a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services-funded study by risk management expert Clifford Rossi, professor-of-the-practice and executive-in-residence at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Such repositioning will require policy measures to effectively reduce U.S. consumer exposure in an industry currently with more than 100 FDA-listed shortages of basic drugs, as more than half of finished dosages are produced by manufacturers in foreign markets and where, collectively, 74% of all registered facilities producing active pharmaceutical ingredients are overseas, writes Rossi in "A Comparative Risk & Financial Analysis of Batch and Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies," which was funded through the University of Maryland's Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI).

The Biden Administration's inclusion of pharmaceuticals in its Executive Order on America's Supply Chains suggests a start, Rossi says. This follows COVID-19 exposing shortages of 45 drugs critical against the virus and the 2018 valsartan recall that caused doctors to quickly find alternative blood pressure and heart medications for millions of patients due to impurities found in the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in making valsartan.

Continuous vs. Batch

Rossi used simulation analysis to generate 10,000 different investment outcomes from 156 domestic and foreign manufacturing scenarios. The findings "showed, in the U.S., continuous management (CM) processes in nearly all scenarios were more economical than current batch processing, he says. "Further, under current U.S. corporate tax rates, U.S. batch and CM processing was more economical than the batch processing of pharmaceutical products in China or India."

However, a "bifurcated market between brand and generic drugs" shapes the present dependence on foreign, batch processed drugs, Rossi explains. "The development of many blockbuster and other important drugs provides a period of exclusivity for brand manufacturers that enables companies to recapture huge R&D investment costs made early in the product life cycle. But once this protection window against generic competition closes, the market becomes highly competitive, less profitable and more cost centric."

The CM process can be a positive disruptor here as it takes place in one facility, start to finish, without hold times. Comparatively, decades-old batch manufacturing involves multiple steps with varying stop and start times. In some situations, materials are shipped between locations and production time can take weeks or months.

Policy Lag, Enduring Biases

Even though other industries such as commodity chemicals and food processing have for decades relied on continuous manufacturing processes, "very little investment in CM-based pharmaceutical manufacturing has taken place thus far, and most of that investment has been by large brand companies," Rossi says. "Further, there is no indication the industry has refocused much of their manufacturing investments toward the U.S."

Rossi identifies key factors driving this lack of investment:



Lack of solid data on CM investment and operating costs that raises investment uncertainty

Potential management bias toward proven technology

Market factors that favor greater focus on R&D investment over manufacturing investment

Global regulatory uncertainty regarding product approval leveraging advanced manufacturing processes

More stringent environmental regulations in the U.S.

Differential corporate tax rates between the U.S. and other countries

Large percentage of API manufacturing outside the U.S. that can, due to supply chain logistics, affect finished dosage form end products

"Crafting public policies to address such industry barriers and risks to domestic and advanced technology pharmaceutical manufacturing investment will be essential in ultimately stimulating such investments," Rossi says.

Expanding tech-sharing, public/private partnerships is another means to leverage CM technology and spur domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, Rossi says. "This would go a long way toward strengthening the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain and mitigate a variety of risks to ongoing drug product supply and quality from an increasingly unsteady geopolitical environment."

Explore further Drug companies warm up to continuous manufacturing
Credit: National Institutes of Health

"We need a spray bottle, to spray her like a bad cat," one of the emergency department workers said as Tolulope Afolabi protested that she was too woozy from pain medication to be hustled out of the hospital.

Afolabi, a 29-year-old Philadelphia nursing student, had come to Roxborough Memorial Hospital hours earlier that night by ambulance, delirious with a body-breaking pain that she described as like an SUV rolling over her back. She was met by emergency room staff who, after treating her with IV pain medication, tried to discharge her before she was even able to walk straight.

By the time of this March 2019 encounter, Afolabi had had so many similar encounters in hospitals that she discreetly captured it on an Instagram livestream, so friends would know how to find her if she needed help and so no one could say it hadn't happened. She shared it with The Inquirer.

In the recording, staff can be heard ordering Afolabi to sit down in a chair"What is so hard about you sitting in a chair?" one chidesand laughing when she struggles to explain she is nauseated and in pain.

"There is a lot going on when I move that brings up the pain," she says, her voice raw from screaming in agony earlier that evening, each word enunciated carefully to cut through the medication fog.

Afolabi was born with sickle cell disease, a blood disorder which affects every organ of the body and leads to unpredictable pain crises. Despite some 100,000 people in the U.S. living with sickle cell disease, the conditionwhich is most common in but not exclusive to people of sub-Saharan African ancestryis under-resourced and misunderstood.

"I've been called dramatic. If you felt half of what I've felt, you'd never call me dramatic," Afolabi said. "I can't do anything but cry and scream because I have no release for the pain."

Until infant screening for the disease became routine in the 1980s, few people born with the disorder lived past childhood. With early diagnosis and treatment, patients are increasingly living into adulthood, but when they age out of the pediatric system, they encounter a system that can be so harsh and unsupportive, some do all they can to avoid seeking care until their pain is unbearable.

They struggle to book appointments with the few sickle cell specialists for adults, and are often accused of seeking opioids when they get emergency care.

Sickle cell patients and advocates say their suffering is largely the result of the systemic racism in society generally and health care specifically that the coronavirus pandemic has cast in sharp relief. And with a social justice movement sparked by George Floyd's murder gaining momentum, advocates say now is the time to fix the system.

"This journey is not unique to the sickle cell population," said Kim Smith-Whitley, director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Given the sociopolitical environment in the U.S., I think we know this is a population that has not gotten what they need. This is our opportune time to correct it."

First recognized in the U.S. in the early 1900s, sickle cell disease was among the first group of conditions understood to be the result of a genetic mutation, a discovery that contributed to the foundation of genetic and molecular biology.

About 1 out of every 365 Black babies are born with sickle cell disease, which occurs when round red blood cells take on the C-shape of a farming sickle and grow hard and sticky, making them unable to carry adequate oxygen to vital organs. Another 1 in 13 carry the sickle cell trait. The diseaseactually a group of four diseases that include sickle cell anemiacan only occur when both parents carry the trait.

Episodes of extreme pain, called a sickle cell crisis, require hospital treatment and are the hallmark of the disease. But many people with the disease are in constant pain or discomfort. Young adults often need joint replacements to repair bone deteriorated by the disease.

Internal organ destruction can be so swift that, decades ago, few patients lived to adulthood. Children began living longer when, in the 1970s, a national awareness campaign prompted the federal government to spend more on research and care. One resulting study found that penicillin taken twice daily could protect children from overwhelming infection, prompting widespread newborn screening in the late 1980s.

With early diagnosis, blood transfusions and close management have helped the vast majority of individuals with the disease live to adulthood. People born today with sickle cell disease can expect to live into their 50s, up from their mid-30s just a couple decades ago.

CHOP's sickle cell program, the largest pediatric program in the Philadelphia area, has grown from about 325 patients in the early 1990s, before universal newborn screening, to over 1,000 patients. The sickle cell program's hematologists work with primary care providers, social workers and specialists in eye, lung and heart careorgans most commonly affected by the disease.

When a child arrives in CHOP's emergency department in crisis, staff know to alert the sickle cell team.

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children also has a robust, though smaller, sickle cell program. Most pediatric sickle cell patients in the Philadelphia area are treated by one of the two programs, Smith-Whitley said.

The key to their success, Smith-Whitley said, is recognizing that "sickle cell doesn't just occur in the context of a hospital visit, but in a life."

But after childhood, sickle cell patients feel like they're stepping into a health care void.

Or, as the director of Penn Medicine's sickle cell program, Farzana Sayani, puts it, "And then everything falls apart when they become adults."

Young adults may begin to experience different symptoms as they mature. They may be learning how to manage their health, without help from parents. At the same time, they are transitioning into an adult health care system that lacks wraparound services such as social workers and nurses who check in periodically, just to see how they're doing.

Shanika Walls, 26, of Philadelphia, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was 3, and stayed with her CHOP care team as long as she could. One doctor came home from vacation early to be with her when she needed emergency surgery to remove her appendixa simple childhood event made traumatic by sickle cell.

Her inevitable move to an adult care team was like a baby bird being shoved from its nest into a hailstorm.

Even her first appointment felt rushed and impersonal. The doctor took her vitals and wrote a prescription for a medication Walls told the doctor was not part of her maintenance routine.

She remembers someone telling her, "This isn't Children's Hospital. This is an adult hospital."

"It was very shocking to me," she said. "From there I've just tried to do what I have to do at home, rather than going in."

Her doctor wants to see her every six months, but Walls usually cancels the appointments because she does not feel that the doctors are listening to her. She takes ibuprofen and drinks lots of water to control inflammation, but worries about what will happen when she has a pain crisis and doesn't have a doctor she trusts.

After months of searching, Terri Booker, 37, found a hematologist she likes, and has a good care plan. But even so, she has constant pain in her legs, like they're being squeezed by someone with an unrelenting grip. When the sensation climbs up her arms and her body starts to feel heavy, she knows a pain crisis is coming.

Booker, a Philadelphia lawyer, waits until she can bear it no longer to go to the emergency department. Too often providers don't believe her, don't listen, and don't know the right way to help, she said.

Research shows that Black people are more likely to report feeling ignored or not believed when they talk to doctors. Other studies have shown Black patients receive less pain medication at hospitals, largely rooted in the false beliefwhich until recently was actually taught in some American medical schoolsthat they feel less pain than white people.

"It's the physical, but also the mental anguish of knowing people don't want to treat you, they don't care what happens to you. The mental toll it takes on your mind and body is devastating," Booker said. "Stress for a sickle cell patient is another trigger. If you're constantly stressed out, you can't get better and then it makes you sicker."

Booker has more mild symptoms than other people she knows, she said, but the disease has taken a personal and professional toll.

One small study among sickle cell patients in Virginia estimated that only a third of people with sickle cell disease are employed, and those with jobs miss an average of seven weeks of work due to pain.

Days after passing the Pennsylvania bar exam in 2012, Booker had a pain crisis that landed her in the hospital for a month and required another six months of recovery. She felt compelled to explain to prospective employers why her job search had been delayed and worried that divulging her medical condition might bias firms against her.

Earlier this year, Booker was laid off from her job when she was in the hospital for five days during a pain crisis. Even worse, she also lost her employer-sponsored health insurance.

"The first thing I did, I didn't try to collect unemployment, I didn't look for a new job, I applied for Medicaid," she said. "Not having health insurance as a sickle cell patient is unimaginable. It's not an option."

Sayani joined Penn in 2013 to build up a comprehensive program for adult sickle cell patients. The program added 40 patients last year, about half of whom transitioned from pediatric care. The other half were adults in the community who were not regularly seeing a doctor, which she said speaks to the demand for more support.

One important change Sayani pushed for was an ER protocol, so that the sickle cell team is alerted when one of their patients comes to the emergency department. The approach has helped, but only works when a Penn sickle cell patient goes to a Penn hospital. The new protocol have raised awareness about sickle cell in the health system's emergency departments, but patients may still encounter skepticism if they go to a hospital that doesn't know them.

In 2018, Penn opened an infusion center, where people with chronic sickle cell pain episodes can come for help before the pain gets so bad they have to be admitted to the hospital for IV pain medication.

"It's a safe space," said Booker, who turns to the clinic when the pain becomes more than she can manage at home. "I feel comfortable going there. I don't have to explain anything, they know."

Infusion centers have been shown to reduce the number of ER admissions for people with sickle cell disease and the patients who use Penn's center like it, Sayani said. But it has attracted only about 250 regular patients. Specialists estimate there are about 3,000 adults living with sickle cell disease in the Philadelphia area.

Transportation, child care and work obligations may be barriers for some to use the infusion center, which is open only on weekdays. Plus, it can take hours to complete an infusion.

Sayani said a lack of trust in doctors is also keeping people away.

"There is a lot of PTSD, there is a lot of trauma these patients face every time they go to the emergency department because of some negative experience," she said. "The people who have bad disease and who have been in emergency departments and even in ICUs and close to deaththey're the individuals who have the hardest time trusting and sometimes that hinders their care."

Patients who feel their doctors understand them and treat them with respect are far more likely than those who feel disregarded to follow through on medical orders, take the drugs they need and seek follow-up care when they need it, said Mary Catherine Beach, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins' Berman Institute of Bioethics.

"That's true in health care and that's just true with authority," she said. "If you've been treated badly in schools and by the police and in stores, why wouldn't you think you were going to be treated badly by someone in the health system? You carry that forward."

Improving sickle cell programs could be a starting place for health systems to make measurable change in addressing health disparities and racism, said Alexandra Power-Hays, a pediatrician in Chicago who specializes in sickle cell disease and has written about health disparities.

"It's really hard to 'study' racial disparities because a lot of the things are nebulous, but because sickle cell disease is a diagnosis there are objective measures," such as how long patients wait for pain medication, she said. "It can be a good starting point to help shine that light overall on racism in medicine."

Patients say that any change should start with doctors listening more closely to them.

In Afolabi's 14-minute recording, emergency room staff repeatedly tell her she can sit down and accuse her of insubordination. When they realize she is live-streaming the encounter, they accuse her of "doing this for attention."

She pushes back when they try to help her to the chair again, yelling, "Time out! No!"

Someone laughs.

"You're smiling while you're being aggressive," she croaks.

"Because you're funny," a man responds. "This is hilarious and you know it."

They threaten to discharge her, calling out to whomever is watching her livestream to come to the hospital.

Finally, exhausted and falling asleep on her feet, ER workers ease Afolabi into a wheelchair. They wheel her into another room and leave her there, snoring, while Dateline airs in the background.

Back at home, Afolabi reported her mistreatment to hospital administrators. She received an apology letter shortly after the incident and earlier this year was invited to meet with the hospital's leadership and board of directors.

"The pain is excruciating. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy," she recalled telling them. "But sometimes I do wish people in the medical field could experience it, just to know what it's really like."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Roxborough Hospital said Afolabi's remarks had helped administrators better understand sickle cell disease.

"Everyone experiences pain differently, requiring an individualized approach to treatment," Michelle Aliprantis said in an email. "Hearing from patients like Ms. Afolabi help hospitals like ours remove any barriers that could negatively impact the patient experience."

Speaking to a couple dozen executives, most of whom were white, Afolabi said, was empowering but also felt like not enough.

As she read stories about the disproportionate toll the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Black individuals, and watched news footage of protests following the killing of George Floyd, Afolabi was inspired to speak out about her own experienceone she knows will resonate with so many other people who've been mistreated.

This fall, she will have heart surgery to stabilize an arterya major procedure to correct an issue that, while not directly caused by sickle cell disease, is complicated by it. Recovery will be harder and longer than it is for patients without the blood condition, and the procedure's timing could be derailed by a pain crisis, which she has at least once a month.

Still, Afolabi is determined to make her pain meaningful. She expects to finish her bachelor's degree in nursing by the end of the year and wants to specialize in hematology. Her dream is to open a clinic for people with sickle cell disease, where she'll take away patients' pain and fear with battle-worn compassion.



What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders in which red blood cells become stiff and crescent shaped, which prevents them from delivering enough oxygen to the body. Sickle cell anemia is the most severe form of the disease, while other people have milder symptoms.

How do people get sickle cell disease and how is it diagnosed?

Sickle cell disease is inherited, which means both parents must have the disease or be carriers of the sickle cell trait. All babies are screened for sickle cell when they're born through a routine blood test.

What is a sickle cell crisis?

A sickle cell crisis is when abnormally shaped red blood cells block blood vessels, preventing blood and oxygen from flowing properly. People with sickle cell disease commonly report a constant low-level pain, but a crisis is when the pain becomes extreme. It may affect a particular part of the body, such as a leg or arm, or full-body pain. Pain feels different for everyone. Some people describe sharp, stabbing pain, while others experience intense pressure, as if there is something heavy on their chest. Frequency and duration of crises varysome people experience a crisis weekly while others go years without a major episode. Each crisis can last hours or even days.

How is sickle cell disease treated?

Eating healthy, drinking lots of water, exercising and limiting stress can reduce the likelihood of a pain crisis. To help cope with painwhich can be unpredictable and occur even with a healthy lifestylepatients can take over-the-counter pain medication, use a heating pad and rest. For some, blood transfusions can help avoid pain crises. Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapy drug approved for use among sickle cell patients. Taken orally daily, it can help keep red blood cells round. Pain that becomes too intense to manage at home is treated with IV pain medication at an infusion clinic or hospital. Clinical trials are testing the possibility of using gene therapy to reverse the disease.

What resources are available for people with sickle cell disease?

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's Philadelphia/Delaware Valley chapter (www.sicklecelldisorder.com) helps people living with the disease navigate the health care system, find the right doctors and connect with other patients. The group advocates for patients and helps individuals learn how to advocate for themselves. Being a self-advocate is especially important for people with sickle cell disease because they often encounter discrimination and a lack of understanding of their illness.

"The power of being a self-advocate is so important," said Zemoria Brandon, a social worker with the local chapter.

The organization has also been working with hospitals to educate administrators and doctors about sickle cell disease, the wide range of symptoms patients experience and how best to care for them in the emergency department.

Explore further Understanding sickle cell disease

2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC.

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Russia on Thursday reported its highest coronavirus death toll for a third day in a row, as infections spike driven by the contagious Delta variant and slow vaccination rates.

A government tally reported 867 fatalities over the past 24 hours and 23,888 new cases.

The new figure brings the country's total deaths from COVID-19 to 207,255the highest in Europe.

Independent experts have accused authorities of downplaying the severity of the outbreak.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's vaccination rate was "still insufficient".

"We need to more actively continue to explain that the only thing that saves lives is the vaccine," Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

The world's fifth worst-hit country with more than seven million infections, Russia has seen cases climb over the past month as vaccinations stalled.

Moscow, the epicentre of the outbreak, has experienced a recent spike with authorities warning of rising hospital admissions.

Moscow and a host of other regions introduced mandatory jabs in the summer, but the vaccination drive has since stalled.

Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

Several Russian vaccines have been available for months, but authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population.

As of Thursday, just under 29 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID data from the regions.

Explore further Russia reports record virus deaths for second day

 2021 AFP
(HealthDay)Despite the troubling findings of a congressional report released earlier this year on toxins in baby foods, a new report finds even more manufacturers are selling baby foods that contain potentially unsafe levels of heavy metals.

The toxins in question include dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury, among others.

"No level of toxic heavy metals and exposure to them is safe for a baby," said Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, which authored the latest report.

Named in the findings are some high-profile companies, including Gerber, Plum Organics and Beech-Nut.

In citing Gerber, congressional investigators said the company's infant rice cereal contained inorganic arsenic levels that exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's limit and "failed to recall" them, CBS News reported.

Responding to a request for comment, Gerber said it "follows a consistent and rigorous testing plan which includes regular testing of finished products" and increases testing "for products that have a history of naturally occurring level[s] of heavy metals."

The subcommittee report also noted that some samples of Beech-Nut products contained more inorganic arsenic than allowed. A recall issued in June was too narrow, it said.

Beech-Nut countered by saying it "proactively withdrew all those rice cereal products from supermarket shelves." The company said it also decided to stop selling infant rice products because it "is concerned about being able to consistently obtain rice flour well below the FDA guidance level."

The report also said most Plum Organics products, including Super Puffs snacks, contained heavy metals.

Krishnamoorthi called for stronger federal standards, including moving up timelines of the FDA's "closer to zero" program, which will set federal levels for some heavy metals in 2024.

"They haven't so far shown either the capacity or the willingness to regulate themselves. You need a federal regulator in the form of FDA to be regulating them closely," Krishnamoorthi told CBS News.

Explore further Arsenic levels trigger recall of beech-nut infant cereal

More information: The American Academy of Pediatrics has more information on The American Academy of Pediatrics has more information on heavy metals in baby food

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For decades, recipients of liver transplants have been inexplicably vulnerable to MRSA infection after their lifesaving surgeries, but the molecular mechanisms underlying that risk had remained stubbornly mystifying, at least until now.

In the hunt for a culprit at the core of a naggingand sometimes deadlysusceptibility, a multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and scientists in China and the United States zeroed in on an answer. Their finding holds implications globally because the MRSA risk has been documented among liver transplant patients worldwide.

Patients who receive organ transplants of all kinds must take immune-suppressing drugs to prevent rejection, treatments that also leaves them vulnerable to infections. But as doctors and scientists searched for an answer to a full-blown medical mystery, they soon discovered that taking immune-suppressing medications didn't fully explain the worldwide susceptibility to MRSA infections in liver transplant patients. That conclusion seemed to defy logic.

MRSA is one of the world's biggest drug resistance threats, a bacterial species capable of thwarting multiple antibiotics. Additionally, MRSAmethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusis a noteworthy cause of nosocomial infections, frequently afflicting patients in hospital settings around the globe.

Yet, the problem among liver transplant patients stood out as especially vexing. About 23% of liver transplant patients develop MRSA infections, according to the World Health Organization. And among these patients an estimated 21% perish within 30 days after transplantation. The reason? MRSA.

Dr. Hao Li from the department of general surgery at Shanghai General Hospital and a team of U.S. investigators found that the problem isn't the result of something that is biologically amiss among transplant recipients. Li and colleagues discovered that the problem exists in the "healthy livers" from donors. Some donor organs invariablysurprisinglyare low in the expression of a gene that leads to the production of a specific protein and the paucity of that protein explains the increased susceptibility to MRSA infection after transplant, Li and colleagues say.

"We found that genetic predisposition to low pannexin 1 expression in donor livers was associated with MRSA infection in human liver transplantation recipients," asserted Li, whose report on the finding is published in Science Translational Medicine.

The Pannexin-1 gene, also known by the shorthand, PANX1, leads to the production of the PANX1 channel protein ubiquitously present in many mammalian tissues. PANX1 was first described in 2000 as part of a family of integral membrane proteins. In addition to PANX1, there are two others: PANX2 and PANX3.

While PANX1 is largely involved in releasing energy to tissues in the form of adenosine triphophateATPit has many other roles, according to research by Dr. Silvia Penuela and colleagues at the University of Western Ontario. They describe PANX1 as having a sweeping array of functions and particularly cite it for its key role in the release of "find-me" signals for apoptoticdead cellclearance.

Additionally, Penuela and her collaborators underscore that PANX1's functions are diverse. The channel protein is linked with the propagation of calcium waves in the regulation of vascular tone and also is involved in mucociliary clearance of debris from the lungs. The protein apparently plays a role in taste-bud function and has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in the brain cancers known as gliomas.

PANX1 channels, nevertheless, can be detrimental, according to Penuela, noting they contribute to cell death and seizures under ischemic or epileptic conditions and even facilitate HIV-1 viral infection. Given the dark side of this channel protein, it comes as no surprise that PANX1 might be a suspect in the unexplained MRSA susceptibility following liver transplantation.

For Li and a large team of researchers throughout Shanghai, as well as Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania, arriving at an explanation for MRSA vulnerability was part laboratory science, part surgical experience and part infectious disease sleuthing. On the whole, the research helped explain why MRSA infections seemed disproportionately to impact liver transplant recipients.

To understand why, the investigators analyzed gene expression patterns in 64 samples from transplant donor livers. They discovered that patients who received livers with low activity of the PANX1 gene were at higher risk of developing MRSA infections.

Experiments involving PANX1 and Il-33-knockout mice (bred as models for liver transplantation studies) revealed that a lack of the PANX1 protein in donor livers stunted the release of the immune-stimulating molecule interleukin-33 (IL-33). This, in turn, lowered the recruitment of immune cells and left the mice vulnerable to colonization by MRSA.

"We found that decreased PANX1 expression in the liver led to reduced release of ATP from hepatocytes, which further reduced the activation of P2X2, an ATP-activating P2X receptor," Li wrote in Science Translational Medicine. "Reduced P2X2 function further decreased the NLRP3-mediated release of IL-33, reducing hepatic recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils."

Explore further Researchers uncover gene that regulates fat accumulation and obesity

More information: Hao Li et al, Reduced pannexin 1IL-33 axis function in donor livers increases risk of MRSA infection in liver transplant recipients, Science Translational Medicine (2021). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine Hao Li et al, Reduced pannexin 1IL-33 axis function in donor livers increases risk of MRSA infection in liver transplant recipients,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz6169

 2021 Science X Network
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

"Masks are for sissies!" "Where's your mask, know-it-all?" This fall, add comments like these to the list of childhood taunts heard on the playground and in the classroom.

Long a polarizing issue among adults, masks have become a source of contention among children and, unfortunately, a perfect set-up for bullying, with children taking many of their cues from things they hear their parents say at home.

"What creates a bullying situation? Anything that sets a child apart from their peers or makes them appear weak, anxious or not able to defend themselves," said Dr. Ramnarine Boodoo, child psychiatrist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. "When you layer in political and social views, it becomes even more challenging for kids to navigate all this."

Evolving information about the effectiveness of masksnow essentially proven as more scientific evidence is availableunfortunately helped fuel the idea some still hold that masks don't work, Boodoo said. "We now have a large body of evidence that shows wearing a mask isn't harmful to health and is very effective at preventing transmission," he said. "However, not everyone believes this."

Pennsylvania's mask mandate actually may help mitigate bullying since most students are required to wear a mask at school, Boodoo said, but it still leaves open to ridicule those students who can't wear a mask for medical reasons and those who opt to wear a mask when not required, such as at playdates and group activities outside of school.

"Maybe that child has someone in their household who is more vulnerable, so that's why they always wear a mask, but other kids might see that child as being afraid of catching an illness or trying to isolate from the group," Boodoo said. "This can leave children feeling anxious, guilty and vulnerable."

Here are a few things that parents can do to mitigate the risk for bullying, he said.



Equip your child with tools that will help him stand up to a bully. "If you're the parent of a child whom you want masked continuously, make sure your child knows the reasons why and can articulate it to anyone who ridicules him," Boodoo said.

Have a conversation with the parents of your child's friends. Explain why you choose to have your child mask even outside school ("My wife is on chemotherapy," "My elderly mother lives with us") and ask, "Can you please work with us on this?"

Cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. "The spirit of rugged individualism has become such a large part of the American ethos that we may have reached a point where we can't even tolerate each other anymore," Boodoo said. "Instead of writing people off as uneducated or ignorant, reach out and ask them to explain their stance so you can build understanding."

Talk with school officials if you see irregularities in how the mask policy is administered. "If the teacher isn't on board with masking and turns a blind eye to kids who don't wear their masks properly, that can set up a situation where those kids can swagger and feel empowered to bully other kids," Boodoo said.

When bullying occurs, the child must be held accountable, and that discussion should include the importance of respecting others, he said. School officials should evaluate what might be behind the bullying. "Is the child being bullied at home or are there are other troubling factors about their home life?" Boodoo said.

Above all, parents need to remember that they are their child's greatest role model.

"What you do, your children will do. Your views will become their views," Boodoo said. "This can be a real teaching moment where you can explain your views and why others may think differently."

In the end, we live in a free country and, when not mandated, it's a personal choice whether or not to maskand that choice must be respected, he said.

"This is another teaching moment about democracy, which is not about everybody getting their way," Boodoo said. "We must teach our children that everyone is free to advocate for their own choice, but it must be done in a way that is non-violent and doesn't adversely affect our neighbors."

In other words, no bullying.

Explore further Why it is important to teach your kids to wear a face mask
Police officers remove a barricade in Vung Tau, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Vietnam will lift a lockdown order in its largest city on Friday, ending almost three months of strict movement restrictions to curb a coronavirus surge. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

Vietnam will lift the lockdown in its largest city on Friday, ending nearly three months of restrictions on movement to curb a coronavirus surge.

People in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis of 10 million, will be able to leave their homes, restaurants can serve take-away meals and other essential businesses can open, the city said on its website Thursday.

A social distancing order, however, will still be enforced. Schools are closed, public transport remains suspended, travel in and out of the city will be controlled and public gatherings of more than 10 people outside is banned.

People who wish to attend social activities will have to show proof of vaccination to be admitted to establishments, authorities said.

Ho Chi Minh City along with 18 southern provinces went into lockdown in mid-July when cases started to surge.

In the past three months, the delta variant of the virus has infected 770,000 people and killed over 19,000, according to the health ministry. Most of Vietnam's COVID-19 deaths occurred in this wave, with Ho Chi Minh City accounting for the majority of them.

Other southern cities have also eased lockdown restrictions, gradually resuming activities as infections decline.

Police officers remove barricades in Vung Tau, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Vietnam will lift a lockdown order in its largest city on Friday, ending almost three months of strict movement restrictions to curb a coronavirus surge. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

In the past week, Vietnam's average new cases dropped by a third compared to earlier in the month when 14,000 were being recorded daily, the health ministry said.

In Vung Tau city, 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Ho Chi Minh city, barricades set up on the streets to control traffic during the lockdown were taken down as local residents cheered.

"We will have to celebrate this day, that the city is removing the barricades so we can go out again and get back to our normal lives," local resident Pham Van Thanh said as he helped officers remove a barricade on his street.

Vietnam is speeding up vaccinations in order to reopen the country, with priority for big cities and vulnerable locations such as industrial zones.

Ho Chi Minh City's health authority last week approved shortening the interval between two shots of AstraZeneca to six weeks, against the recommended eight to 12 weeks by the manufacturers, in order to fully vaccinate people quickly.

People remove a barricade in Vung Tau, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Vietnam will lift a lockdown order in its largest city on Friday, ending almost three months of strict movement restrictions to curb a coronavirus surge. Credit: AP Photo/Hau Dinh

The health ministry says 98.5% of the city's adults have been inoculated and 48% of them have received both shots.

However, Vietnam's overall vaccination rate remain low with only 9.3% of its 98 million people fully vaccinated. The authority said short supply is the reason for the delay of virus inoculation.

Explore further Vietnam speeds up Hanoi vaccine drive; 1M jabs over weekend

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
P.J Devereaux and Michael McGillion, co-principal investigators. Credit: McMaster University

Patients using take-home technology following non-elective surgery resulted in significantly greater detection and correction of drug errors, and reduction in patients' pain, says a national study led by Hamilton researchers.

The study looked at patient outcomes from virtual care and remote automated monitoring (RAM)  video calls with nurses and doctors, and self-monitoring of vital signs using wearable devices.

The research also raised the possibility of a reduction in acute-hospital care as the result of virtual care and RAM.

"We began the study in the first months of the pandemic, when hospitals were challenged to drastically reduce non-emergency care," said P.J. Devereaux, co-principal investigator of the study.

He is a senior scientist at the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), professor and director of the division of perioperative care at McMaster University, and a cardiologist and perioperative care physician at Hamilton Health Sciences.

"Our study provides proof of concept that virtual care with RAM can improve outcomes after discharge following non-elective surgeryoutcomes that are important to patients," he said.

Half of 905 post-surgery patients at nine sites in Hamilton, Kingston, London, Ottawa and Edmonton in Canada were randomized to use technology at homea cellular tablet and RAM equipment to measure their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature and weightfor 30 days after they left the hospital.

These patients also took photos of any surgical wounds, and all data was sent via cellular connection back to the health care team. Patients in this group also had virtual access to a nurse or doctor 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The other half of patients received standard care, which is to see a health care provider usually in-person within 30 days of hospital discharge, with the impetus on patients to reach out to their surgeon with any concerns about medications or symptoms during that time.

The study found fewer patients with the take-home technology had to return to the hospital for care22 percent compared to 27 percent of those with standard care.

It also found that more patients in the virtual care group compared to the standard care group had a medication error detected (30% versus 6%, respectively) and corrected (28% versus 4%, respectively).

As well, fewer of the virtual care patientsa difference of 10 to 14 percent lower reported pain at different points during the month compared to the standard care group.

"The pandemic is just the tip of the iceberg, in terms of virtual care's potential, and how healthcare can be transformed," said the study's co-principal investigator, Michael McGillion, a PHRI scientist and an associate professor of McMaster's School of Nursing.

"Frontline nurses have the opportunity to lead the charge in terms of virtual care from hospital to home, in collaboration with physicians and allied health colleagues," he added.

Analyses suggested that virtual care and RAM reduced the frequency of hospital re-admission, emergency department or urgent-care centre visits when the patient received high escalation of virtual care, such as frequent involvement of a doctor by the nurse in the patient's care, but not in cases with lower levels of escalation.

The study results were published online today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The authors note in the paper that further trials are needed to improve efficiency, such as not all patients need to interact with a nurse on days 1-15 and every other day from days 16-30 after hospital discharge, and the cost effectiveness of virtual care with RAM.

Explore further Virtual reality reduces anxiety in children during PIVC placement

More information: Post-discharge after surgery Virtual Care with Remote Automated Monitoring-1 (PVC-RAM-1) technology versus standard care: randomised controlled trial, British Medical Journal (2021). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Post-discharge after surgery Virtual Care with Remote Automated Monitoring-1 (PVC-RAM-1) technology versus standard care: randomised controlled trial,(2021). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2209
Ambassador of Belarus A.Molchan meets the Minister of Industry and National Production of Venezuela

On September 28, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Andrei Molchan met with Minister of Industry and National Production of Venezuela Jorge Arreaza.

During the talks, the sides discussed the state of trade and economic cooperation of Belarus and Venezuela and noted the necessity to give it a new impetus through the activization of joint ventures for the production of Belarusian tractors and other complex technical products.

The interlocutors also considered the possibility of establishing a joint working group aimed to study new forms of cooperation of the two countries in the industrial sector.

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Barysevich meets Ambassadors of Indonesia, Malaysia and Tunisia

On September 29, 2021, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mikalai Barysevich received copies of Credentials from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Republic of Belarus concurrently Bala Chandran Tharman, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Belarus concurrently Jose Antonio Morato Tavares and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Tunisian Republic to the Republic of Belarus concurrently Tarek Ben Salem.

During the meeting of the Deputy Minister with the Ambassador of Indonesia, the sides discussed the Belarusian-Indonesian agenda, including plans to hold joint events and upcoming visits, as well as ways to deepen trade and economic cooperation.

During the conversation with the Ambassador of Malaysia, topical issues of Belarusian-Malaysian cooperation, including the intensification of political dialogue, assistance in the development of business contacts and interaction in international organizations were discussed.

Within the framework of the meeting of M.Barysevich with the Ambassador of Tunisia, the parties exchanged views on the prospects for the development of political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, as well as the bilateral legal framework.

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Editor

Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His three books are available on amazon.com
Amazon has been leveraging South African talent in its workforce for some time now, having announced it was hiring for 3,000 customer service jobs in June 2020.

Currently, the company is advertising more than 130 positions in its Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) divisions.

The positions are aimed at recent graduates, early career professionals, and advanced career professionals in South Africa, with varying technical qualifications required.

Amazons history in the country dates back to 2004 when South African Chris Pinkhams team began the development of EC2  the foundation of AWS.

AWS opened offices in Johannesburg in 2015, and Amazon has plans to build a new headquarters in River Club, Cape Town.

The AWS and EC2 jobs advertised are permanent positions, excluding the internship and graduate programmes, and are located in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Several vacancies within AWS were published as recently as last week and included Associate Profession Services Consultant, Software Development Engineer  EC2 API Border, and Associate Solutions Architect positions.

Some of the most recent positions at AWS are summarised in the table below. You can find all Amazon vacancies in South Africa here.

The positions are divided by job category within AWS, and the number of vacancies for each is shown in brackets.
Google will start adding details and context about topics and sources to search-engine results, a move to help U.S. users become more literate about the origins of online material and to combat misinformation.

The Alphabet Inc. company will add descriptions about listed websites in its own words, reviews of sites from other parties, and information about topics from third-party sources, Google said during its Search On event Wednesday.

These details will be findable in the existing About This Result panel, accessed by clicking the three dots beside search results.

Theres a lot of information in the world from different sources, some unfamiliar, said Harris Cohen, a product manager on Googles consumer trust team. Lots of people are concerned about mis- and disinformation. Across lots of areas, this tool really helps them with that journey.

Google, which processes billions of searches per day, has sought ways to fight the scourge of online falsehoods in a time of Covid-19, polarized U.S. politics and state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.

Its algorithm already prioritizes websites known to be authoritative and factual, but in recent months, the company has bolstered its efforts to give users more information on the context of the results theyre seeing.

The company launched the About This Result panel in July.

In another addition to its search tools, the internet giant said that one of its new artificial intelligence models, called Multitask Unified Model or MUM, will now be used in some Google Lens image-recognition results.

The more powerful tool will allow users to add textual questions to a visual search.

For instance, someone can take a picture of a patterned curtain and ask Google if it can find armchairs that look similar.

Google said the use of MUM would enable further advancements in the next few months, including the ability to refine or broaden a search, and the company is making it easier to browse visual-results pages.

In the coming weeks, MUM will also help users identify related topics in a video, even if they arent explicitly mentioned.

Separately, the company said it will continue its work helping people gain street addresses if their homes werent assigned one by the government in countries such as India, South Africa, Kenya and the U.S.

Having an address will make it easier for them to vote, open a bank account or apply for a job. Google said it will expand its roster of partners in that effort.

The Mountain View, California-based company is also adding a wildfire layer to its Maps service that shows areas burned, as well as emergency websites, phone numbers and evacuation information from local governments.

Now read: YouTube will begin removing content questioning any approved medical vaccine
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The city of San Jose was once home to one of the largest Chinatowns in California. In the heart of downtown, it was the center of life for Chinese immigrants who worked on nearby farms and orchards.

More than a century after arsonists burned it to the ground in 1887, the San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution to apologize to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for the role the city played in systemic and institutional racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

San Jose, with a population over 1 million, is the largest city in the country to formally apologize to the Chinese community for its treatment of their ancestors. In May, the city of Antioch apologized for its mistreatment of Chinese immigrants, who built tunnels to get home from work because they were banned from walking the streets after sundown.

Its important for members of the Chinese American community to know that they are seen and that the difficult conversations around race and historic inequities include the oppression that their ancestors suffered, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said.
REDDING, Calif. (AP)  Officials have lifted all evacuation orders after crews made great progress corralling a wildfire that was started by a woman last week and has destroyed dozens of homes near Shasta Lake in Northern California, authorities said Wednesday.

The Fawn Fire was 75% contained after destroying 185 homes and other buildings in an unincorporated area north of the city of Redding, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

Alexandra Souverneva, 30, is being held at Shasta County Jail after being charged with felony arson to wildland with an enhancement because of a declared state of emergency in California, prosecutors said. Souverneva pleaded not guilty.

The Fawn Fire has charred more than 13 square miles (34 square kilometers) of heavy timber.

Its the latest destructive blaze to send Californians fleeing this year. Fires have burned more than 3,075 square miles (7,964 square kilometers) so far in 2021, destroying more than 3,000 homes, commercial properties and other structures.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia and Kosovo have reached an agreement to deescalate tensions on their mutual border that have been triggered by a dispute over vehicle license plates, a European Union mediator announced Thursday.

We have a deal! After two days of intense negotiations, an agreement on de-escalation and the way forward has just been reached, EU mediator Miroslav Lajcak tweeted.

Last week, Kosovos government deployed special police forces to the border crossings to impose a new rule of removing Serb license plates from cars coming into the country, saying that a 10-year-old deal had expired. Pristina said they were replicating what Serbia had done for the past decade.

Protesting the new Kosovo rule, Kosovo Serbs blocked the border with trucks, and people could only cross on foot. Serbian military jets and helicopters have been flying close to the border with Kosovo in an apparent show of force.

Lajcak tweeted the agreed three-point plan that calls for the withdrawal of special Kosovo police unit from the border crossings as well as the lifting of the Kosovo Serb blockades.

The NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, or KFOR, will be deployed to the border to maintain a safe and secure environment and the freedom of movement, the agreement says.
For many of us who live in Napa County and have observed the steady erosion of our environment due to the proliferation of more vineyards and wineries, the hue and cry of "when is enough, enough?" has increased substantially over recent months. The effects of changing climate conditions, a severe drought, weakening water resources and relentless wildfires have irrevocably changed life as we once knew it in this beautiful valley.

The Napa County Board of Supervisors, charged with being stewards of our land and natural resources, have time and again provided their "rubber-stamp" of approval for further invasion into our hillside watersheds and oak woodlands. By their complicit approval of the conversion of oak woodlands situated in our watersheds into more vineyards and larger wineries, the county's decisions have unwittingly strained sustainability of our natural resources nearly beyond the breaking point.
Digest: Russia offers 3+3 Caucasus regional platform, more on COVID-19 vaccination in Armenia

Armenia MOD receives Diaspora Armenian benefactors

Armenia Ambassador presents credentials to Turkmenistan President

Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker and Russia Ambassador: We are interested in expansion of cooperation

Armenia finance ministry-European Investment Bank cooperation development directions discussed

One dollar drops below AMD 480 in Armenia

Hague court announces dates for considering petition for Armenian captives return, urgent measures against Azerbaijan

Armenia minister, Rosatom representative discuss cooperation in new sectors for infrastructure development

Armenia PM underscores need for effective investigation of criminal cases on 44-day war circumstances

Armenia MFA: Servants, followers of Armenian Church should have unimpeded access to cathedral in Artsakhs Shushi

Armenia opposition With Honor Faction lawmaker: MPs can be part of any parliamentary delegation

Turkish Armed Forces' 3rd army corps commander visits Nakhchivan

Sergey Markedonov: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not over

Opposition 'Armenia' faction: There is always a threat of war, but it is less likely in the near future

Armenian and Greek competition protection authorities sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Georgia FM comments on possibility of his country joining 3 + 3 format proposal including Armenia

Ruling power MP: Armenia needs to consider, grasp opportunities of 3 + 3 negotiation format

12 new cases of coronavirus reported in Karabakh

FM meets with Sweden ambassador, stresses need for return of all Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan

Ukraine MP who penned Armenian Genocide recognition draft decision dies

Azerbaijan organizes another visit to occupied Shushi of Artsakh

Ombudsman in Rome, presents Armenian captives issue to international media

ANCA calls on US Congress to investigate State Department failures related to Armenia, Artsakh

Armenia opposition MP: Tatev bypass road will not resolve all our problems in current situation (PHOTOS)

1,202 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Opposition Armenia bloc challenges, at Constitutional Court, community enlargement law package

Armenia Central Bank chief in Rome, meets with Italy PM

Russia peacekeepers, philanthropists hand warm clothes to Artsakh families

State Department: US, Russia do not want to allow Iran to have nuclear weapons

Newspaper: Armenia state to no longer cover treatment expenses of patients not vaccinated against coronavirus?

Newspaper: Armenia judicial system to be in volatile situation in short time

UN Human Rights Council agrees to appoint special rapporteur on Afghanistan

Russia citizen driver, 52, dies on the spot after his car crashes into truck in Armenia

Launch of Armenian Studies Program announced during Armenia President's visit to Sapienza University

Will Turks be able to enter 26 countries of Schengen Area without visas?

Dinner served in honor of Armenia President and his wife in Italy

Armenian parliamentary standing committee chairman meets with Russia Ambassador

Armenia Ombudsman submits to Pope Francis reports on tortures of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan

Customs Attache: There hasn't been and there is no bias against Armenian drivers at Upper Lars checkpoint

Greece-France defense agreement will allow them to help each other in case of third country's attack

Treatment of coronavirus-infected but unvaccinated people to become paid service in Armenia as of December?

Turkish FM: Turkey's position on supporting Ukraine's "integrity and sovereignty" remains unchanged

Russian peacekeeping forces, charitable organizations provide assistance to boarding school in Karabakh

Zakharova: Moscow proceeds from priority to ensure geopolitical stability in South Caucasus

Armenia President pays tribute at Altar of the Homeland monument at Venice Square in Rome

Turkey, Iran to hold political consultations

Karabakh FM expresses condolences over death of Vigen Chitechyan

Armenia territorial administration and infrastructure minister has new deputy

Armenia Deputy PM Mher Grigoryan receives US Ambassador

Armenia Security Council Secretary, Netherlands Ambassador attach importance to fight against corruption

Digest: Armenian POW returned from Azerbaijan, PACE speaks on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination risks

Armenia and Italy are deepening cooperation in justice sector

Apprehended ARF-D members are released

Armenia high-tech industry minister receives Russia Ambassador

Armenia Embassy in Russia hosts delegation led by Armenian parliamentary speaker

Decisions to arrest Armenia ex-defense minister, arms supplier are appealed

Dollar continues going down in Armenia

Artsakh President to Putin: Your role in process of peaceful, final settlement of Karabakh conflict is invaluable

Amir-Abdollahian: We consider inadmissible Zionist regime provocative movement in our region from Azerbaijan territory

Iran FM announces readiness to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan

US ambassador to Armenia attends unveiling of new x-ray machine donated to Ashtarak city hospital (PHOTOS)

Putin: Russia attaches great importance to close cooperation with strategic ally Armenia

Police disrupt ARF youths protest outside Armenia government building

Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople meets with the Pope, in the Vatican

UK envoy to Armenia does not comment on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Karabakh situation

Iran Supreme Leaders representative leaves Azerbaijan

Armenias Pashinyan to Russias Putin: We are grateful for your efforts to establish peace in South Caucasus

Putin, Aliyev confer on situation in South Caucasus

Putin, Erdogan discuss regional issues

4 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

PACE new resolution urges to ensure that COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory

Zelensky sacks Ukraine ambassador to Armenia

PM: Armenia, Armenian people are grateful to Japan

Armenia PM: We have made decision regarding local elections

Armenia, Italy presidents farewell ceremony held in Rome (PHOTOS)

Sarkissian to Putin: Armenia highly values your contribution to maintenance of peace, stability in region

Having legal system is important for business development in fair environment, says UK ambassador to Armenia

Armenia President, Italy PM meeting in Rome (PHOTOS)

Baku not ruling out another meeting between Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs

Armenia President meets with Rome mayor

1,309 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Biden approval rating hits new low in latest poll

Armenia ombudsman in Italy parliament, presents evidence of Azerbaijan torture of Armenian captives

World oil prices dropping

Serial killer in US lured by social media is sentenced to 160 years in prison

Newspaper: Armenia authorities face new problems in setting up parliament committee of inquiry into 44-day war

Newspaper: Opposition Armenia bloc plans to hold forums, rally

Armenia PM admits that in 2018 he could have disclosed Karabakh negotiation process content

Armenia health minister: Out of 2,446 hospital beds for coronavirus patients, 2,300 are occupied

China-Taiwan military escalation reaches peak in past four decades

Armenia President: We welcome pro-Artsakh documents adopted by nearly 50 regional and city councils of Italy

Armen Sarkissian meets with President of Italian Senate

Nikol Pashinyan: Armenia to build new nuclear power plant, negotiations have been launched

Italy's Quirinal Palace hosts exhibition featuring works of Aivazovsky, Saryan and other Armenian painters

Armen Sarkissian meets with President of Italy's Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico

Catholicos of All Armenians meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican

Armenia ex-Ambassador to The Netherlands Vigen Chitechyan dies

Armenia PM again says he is guilty for all the failures of the Armenian side during last year's war

FM: Discussion on occupied territories of former NKAO will create new threats to Armenia

Karabakh emergency situations service: Rescue squad finds remains of another Armenian soldier in Jrakan
The government of the South Korea is beginning to prepare for stable contacts with North Korea after its leader Kim Jong-un announced plans to restore inter-Korean communication channels in early October, a representative of the South Korean ministry of association told reporters.

As soon as the channels are restored, Seoul plans to repeat the proposal to create a system of meetings of separated families in the format of videoconference, and then exchange views on the main issues of inter-Korean relations, the official said.

Earlier, Kim Jong-un announced his readiness to restore communication lines with South Korea in early October. According to him, such actions will help improve relations and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea on June 9 last year blocked all communication lines with South Korea in response to the unauthorized dispatch of balloons with campaign leaflets by activists of a South Korean non-governmental organization across the border. Pyongyang viewed these actions as a hostile act violating bilateral peace agreements. In retaliation, all telephones at the permanent inter-Korean liaison office were cut off, including the military-to-military communications channel.

Later, North Korea blew up a building in the border town of Kaesong, where the inter-Korean liaison office was located.
Today Armenia is facing difficult challenges, the catastrophic economic, social and security consequences and challenges of the pandemic and the 44-day war have not yet been overcome. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this Thursday, presentingat Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the government of the Republic of Armenia (RA)his message on the draft state budget for 2022. Pashinyan noted as follows, in particular:

"The 2021 NA [(National Assembly)] elections overcame the internal political crisis and created quite a solid foundation for consolidation and the aspiration of the Armenian people to look to the future. In August, we presented the Action Plan for 2021-2026, which shall lay the groundwork for the peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive development of Armenia in the medium term.

Our goals, which are expressed in the 2022 budget and action plan, are ambitious and realistic. We acknowledge that their implementation requires not only economic intervention by the government, but also social and cultural transformations. First of all, we attach importance to increasing the efficiency of the public administration system and the transformation and development of the work culture. Most important, perhaps, is the culture of planning and implementation, the processes of implementation of programs, the imperfection of which leads to under-execution of capital expenditures, thus slowing down the implementation of government-set goals and hampering economic growth.

In this regard, the increasing of the capacity of the private sector plays an important role, and the government's efforts to this end have begun to bear fruit, in the form of companies that make investments to become competitive in the state capital construction sector, thus striving to implement projects with quality and timeliness.

The government will continue the policy of stimulating investments in this sphere, using three main tools for that. First, transparency of the public procurement system, 2. Increasing the amount of tenders for bidding, 3. Legislative innovations aimed at simplifying relations with reliable companies.

The next important issue is the development of analytical skills, which will enable to increase the effectiveness of expenditures, investments, the targeting of social programs, which is one of the key issues. As a result, the confidence of the RA citizens that their taxes are spent more efficiently and targeted will increase. Every day, the RA citizens shall sense on their lives the impact of the measures taken by the government. An important component of this is the engagement of the general public at various stages of budgeting and implementation, towards which many steps have already been taken over the past three years.

The 2022 budget is based on three main priorities:

1) Security system reform

2) Infrastructure development

3) Modernization of education and science.

We will pay great attention to security, without which it will not be possible to achieve long-term development goals. In this sense, it is important not only to modernize the army's defense capabilities, but also to create a favorable external environment around RA, to consistently implement the agenda of opening a peaceful era for Armenia, Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], and the region.

In this sense, the reopening and development of regional economic and transport infrastructure is also important, which can qualitatively change the content and structure of Armenias economy, become an additional impetus for the development of domestic Armenian infrastructure, ensure long-term inclusive economic growth, creating equal conditions for RA citizens to engage in economic activity, considerably increase the appeal of our country for foreign direct investment.

In this context, too, the development of education is of key importance to Armenia, so access to education, inclusive development, and substantive reform is our long-term priority. ().

We are confident that the government's program will have a successful implementation to ensure the security, well-being, and dignified life of the citizens of Armenia.
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 30.09.21:

Ex-defense minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan, as well as David Galstyan, the director of an arms supplying company, were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of large-scale embezzlement.

On the same day, they were included as defendants in embezzling AMD 2,277,323,840 (approx. US$4,624,380), as well as committing falsifications and publicly dangerous actions, and petitions were filed with the court to remand them in custody.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted also against several former and current high-ranking members of the armed forces  and for abusing power and committing official falsifications.

Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the current situations in Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, Putins spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

According to him, the parties particularly focused on regional issues. He added that Putin emphasized that the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict need compromised solutions.

The Russian side emphasized that the parties need to find compromised solutions with regard to the development of transport infrastructures and the demarcation of borders, Peskov added.

The ground forces of the Iranian army on Friday will start military exercises in the northwestern part of the country, said the commander of the ground forces, General Kioumars Heydari.

According to him, the howitzers, drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles of the Iranian armed forces will be used during these exercises.

Earlier, in an interview with Anadolu news agency, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had commented on the Iranian military exercises on the border with Azerbaijan, calling them an unexpected event.

To-be Ambassador of the United States to Turkey Jeff Flake has announced his intention to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Bob Menendez asked him about his stance on applying the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against Turkey, to which Flake said Ankaras use of the Russian missile systems will entail new sanctions.

During a question-and-answer session, Flake said he intends to recognize the Armenian Genocide and attend the ceremonies dedicated to the tragic events of April 24th. This is the first case when a US Ambassador to Turkey initially makes such an announcement. However, as a former Congressman, Flake has never voted in favor of Armenian Genocide recognition.

Armenian ex-Deputy PM Tigran Avinyan has visited the Syunik Province.

"This week, board member of Civil Contract Party Arman Boshyan and I visited Syunik Province and met with our teams in Meghri, Tegh, Tatev and Kapan. This is what board member of Civil Contract Party," former Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan wrote on his Facebook page.

"We expressed our support to all the candidates running for head of community or member of council of elders in the local self-government elections," he added.

7 people, 3 of them minors, have been taken to Yerevan hospitals with poisoning.

The 911 emergency hotline received a call from the ambulance service informing that they had taken seven peoplewith symptoms of poisoningfrom a residential building to several hospitals in Yerevan.

The information was passed to the police, and the latter are investigating the circumstances under which these persons were poisoned.

As of Thursday morning, 1,022 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 261,697 in the country.

Also, 20 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 5,319 cases.
During his visit to Paris to attend the event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Henri Verneuil, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia Vahram Dumanyan had a meeting with Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azulay.

During the meeting, the minister expressed gratitude for the ongoing and effective cooperation with UNESCO.

The parties touched upon the cooperation for preservation of the cultural heritage of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the UNESCOs technical mission to Artsakh and the adjacent territories. Dumanyan reaffirmed Armenias full support to the implementation of the mission and extended thanks for the proper attention to the issue.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the cooperation with regard to the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative and attached importance to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, especially in zones affected by conflicts. The minister stated that a delegation of experts involved in the restoration of the old manuscripts of Mosul were in Armenia last week and voiced hope that the cooperation will be ongoing, adding that Armenia can make its contribution to the major task for preservation of world culture through exchange of the best practice.
Newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia Anne Louyot today presented her credentials to President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian.

I am glad to represent France in a country with which my country has special relations. I will do everything I can for further development of the bilateral relations, the newly appointed Ambassador stated and transmitted the warm greetings of President of France Emmanuel Macron to President Sarkissian.

President Sarkissian congratulated the Ambassador on assuming office, wished her success and voiced hope that the already extensive Armenian-French agenda will be enriched with new ideas and initiatives through combined efforts. The head of state also said Armenia values the support and solidarity of President of France Emmanuel Macron and the French people to and with Armenians during the days that were difficult for the country.

The interlocutors touched upon various sectors of the Armenian-French cooperation. President Sarkissian viewed partnership in the field of latest technologies as prospective and presented the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) presidential initiative, which is a future-oriented initiative and the focus of which will be on the development of science, technology and education. Sarkissian stated that there are already initial agreements on cooperation with a number of large French technology corporations.

The parties also talked about the implementation of pretentious programs for expansion of cooperation in the areas of education, culture and healthcare and, as the Ambassador stated, France is ready to invest its experience in Armenia.
Story Highlights Ratings of many key federal agencies are down significantly from 2019

CDC job ratings down the most, led by steep Republican drop

NASA, U.S. Postal Service rated most positively

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' job evaluations of eight prominent federal government agencies have fallen by double digits since 2019. The largest drop is for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with 40% now saying it is doing an excellent or good job, down from 64% in 2019. None of the 13 agencies measured in both 2019 and 2021 showed an increase in positive job ratings.

Changes in Americans' Job Ratings of Federal Government Agencies and Departments, 2019-2021 How would you rate the job being done by ...? Would you say it is doing an excellent, good, only fair or poor job? 2019 2021 Change % % pct. pts. NASA 60 60 0 U.S. Postal Service 74 57 -17 Secret Service 69 55 -14 Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA 52 49 -3 The Department of Defense n/a 46 n/a Federal Reserve Board 48 44 -4 Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI 57 44 -13 The Department of Homeland Security 55 42 -13 Central Intelligence Agency, CIA 60 41 -19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC 64 40 -24 Food and Drug Administration, FDA 44 40 -4 Internal Revenue Service, IRS 50 37 -13 Veterans Administration, VA 39 36 -3 Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 43 33 -10 The State Department n/a 32 n/a Figures are the percentage excellent/good; items sorted by 2021 rating Gallup

Gallup periodically asks Americans to assess how some of the more newsmaking federal agencies and departments are doing. Gallup first asked about NASA in 1990, and then expanded the list to a larger number of agencies in 2003.

Fifteen agencies are included in Gallup's annual Governance survey this year, conducted Sept. 1-17. The prior measures are from April 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic and when the U.S. economy was generally strong.

The CDC's ratings have suffered the most as the nation has struggled to deal with the pandemic among other challenging issues. The leading health agency has been criticized for changing its messages about the best ways for Americans to protect themselves from the coronavirus, particularly regarding the use of face masks.

But the CDC is not alone in suffering a decline in public trust, with the CIA, the U.S. Postal Service, the Secret Service, the FBI, the IRS, the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency all showing declines in job ratings of at least 10 percentage points.

Many of these agencies have been involved in controversies, including cutbacks and delays in mail delivery for the Postal Service, the influx of migrants at the U.S. Southern border for Homeland Security, and the CIA's assessments of how quickly the Taliban would take over Afghanistan after the U.S. military left the country.

The declines in agency rating may also reflect the negative effects of the pandemic on Americans' views of society and governance, a broader decline in trust in government this year, as well as the recent slide in President Joe Biden's job approval rating.

NASA Has Highest Rating; State Department, EPA Get Lowest Ratings

Americans' ratings of NASA are the highest for any agency, at 60%, and it is the only agency not to show at least a minimal decline in performance ratings since 2019. The U.S. Postal Service (57%) and the Secret Service (55%) -- which were the top-rated agencies in 2019 -- are rated next best, even after large declines for each this year.

These three are the only agencies of 15 tested in the new poll that receive majority positive ratings. In 2019, nine of the 13 agencies tested had majority positive evaluations.

The State Department, measured for the first time in the current survey, ranks lowest, with 32% giving it an excellent or good job rating, essentially tied with the EPA (33%). The poll was conducted shortly after the United States' chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The State Department was criticized for its struggles in coordinating the evacuation of Americans and U.S. allies living there.

The Defense Department, another key government actor in the Afghanistan withdrawal, was also included in the survey for the first time and received positive ratings from 46% of U.S. adults.

CDC Among Several Agencies at a New Low

Americans have generally been positive about the way the CDC has done its job historically, across the seven times Gallup has measured its performance. Typically, at least six in 10 U.S. adults say the CDC is doing an excellent or good job. The current 40% is thus a significant departure from the norm, though it is not the only such instance. In addition to the current COVID-19-era measure, ratings also were lower in 2014 (50%), during the Ebola virus outbreak in the U.S.

Line graph. Trend in Excellent/Good ratings of the job the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is doing. Sixty-six percent said the CDC was doing an excellent or good job the first time Gallup asked about it in 2003. Readings taken in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2019 ranged between 60% and 66%. The two ratings below 60% were 50% in 2014 and 40% in 2021.

In addition to the CDC, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, EPA and U.S. Postal Service are at new lows in Gallup's trend. For the full trends on each agency, click on the linked PDF at the bottom of the article.

Republicans Show Biggest Drop in Ratings of Most Agencies

Both Republicans and independents are less positive toward all 13 of the agencies measured in both 2019 and 2021. In contrast, Democrats are more positive toward most of them. The partisan differences to a large degree are a response to the change from the Donald Trump administration to the Joe Biden administration between the two surveys among Democratic and Republican Party supporters.

Republicans generally show the largest declines in agency ratings, most notably for the CDC (down 57 points), but also for Homeland Security (down 41 points), the CIA (down 34 points), the Secret Service and the EPA (each down 29 points). Across the 13 agencies, Republicans' ratings are down an average of 25 points.

Bar graph. Changes in Republicans' opinions of the job federal government agencies and departments are doing between 2019 and 2021. Republicans are less likely in 2021 than in 2019 to say all 13 agencies measured in both years are doing an excellent or good job. These include a 57-point drop from 71% to 14% for the CDC, a 41-point drop from 65% to 24% for Homeland Security, a 29-point drop from 54% to 25% for the EPA, and a 29-point drop from 74% to 45% for the Secret Service. The smallest drop was three points for NASA, from 61% to 58%.

The largest decline among independents is also for the CDC, down 28 points. Independents' ratings of the Postal Service have dropped 21 points, a larger decline for the USPS than among the other party groups. On average across the 13 agencies and departments, independents' scores are down 14 points.

Bar graph. Changes in independents' opinions of the job federal government agencies and departments are doing between 2019 and 2021. Independents are less likely in 2021 than in 2019 to say all 13 agencies measured in both years are doing an excellent or good job. These include a 28-point drop from 64% to 36% for the CDC, a 21-point drop from 77% to 56% for U.S. Postal Service, and an 18-point drop from 58% to 40% for the Department of Homeland Security. The smallest drop was six points for NASA, from 60% to 54%.

Unlike the other party groups, Democrats are more positive toward the CDC now, with 72% saying it is doing an excellent or good job, up from 61% in 2019. Democrats' job assessments of the FDA, FEMA, Federal Reserve and Homeland Security increased even more, by between 19 and 25 points.

The only agency for which Democrats' opinions have deteriorated significantly is the Postal Service, down 16 points.

On average, Democrats' job evaluation improved eight points for the various agencies -- a much smaller change than the decline in average ratings seen among Republicans.

Bar graph. Changes in Democrats' opinions of the job federal government agencies and departments are doing between 2019 and 2021. Democrats are more likely to say nine of 13 agencies measured in both years are doing an excellent or good job. These include a 25-point increase from 37% to 62% for the FDA, a 23-point increase from 38% to 61% for FEMA, a 19-point increase from 42% to 61% for the Department of Homeland Security, and a 19-point increase from 45% to 64% for the Federal Reserve Board. Democrats' ratings of the U.S. Postal Service, CIA and IRS are less positive in 2021 than in 2019.

Bottom Line

Americans' increasingly pessimistic job ratings of the president, Congress and the Supreme Court that were also measured in Gallup's September poll extend to other parts of the federal government, namely the various federal agencies and Cabinet departments that make up the executive branch of the government. Nearly all agencies Gallup tested are rated worse now than two years ago, and many are at record lows in the 2003-2021 trend.

These declines come during a period that has been trying for the U.S. Among the challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and how to mitigate it may be paramount, but the pullout from Afghanistan, increased crime and violence, a surge of migrants at the Southern border, and improving social justice have all sparked discord in Washington and around the country.

The diminished federal government agency ratings also come at a time when Republicans' trust in the federal government to handle international and domestic problems is the lowest Gallup has measured for any party group historically.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.

View complete question responses and trends (PDF download).
President Xi Jinping leads Martyrs' Day ceremony

President Xi Jinping leads Martyrs' Day ceremony

President Xi Jinping paid his respects at a solemn commemoration Thursday to those who died in the struggle to establish Communist Party rule.



President Xi and the six other members of the Politburo Standing Committee led aged veterans and government and military leaders in paying their respects at the Monument to the Peoples Heroes in the centre of Tiananmen Square while a military band played.



This year's ceremony follows commemorations of the centenary of the founding of the party in 1921.



Tiananmen Square and surrounding roads were closed off for the ceremony, which began with a trumpet fanfare, the singing of the national anthem and a minute of silence.



Martyrs' Day is commemorated on the eve of China's National Day. (AP)
Sealed petrol and diesel pumps at a fuel station in London. Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images

Most British people think Brexit is going badly, according to a YouGov poll.

Sentiment towards Brexit has worsened in recent months, the poll said.

Some commentators have suggested shortages in fuel and other goods are due to Brexit.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

A majority of British people think Brexit is going badly, a poll has suggested, after a summer of supply-chain issues making life difficult for many in the UK.

The YouGov poll, conducted and published on Wednesday, is the first to suggest a majority of Brits believe Brexit is going badly since the polling company started asking in January, the end of a transition period after the UK left the EU.

Its backdrop was rolling supply-chain issues that have seen empty shelves in some supermarkets and widespread shortages at gas stations.

Some commentators have blamed the issues on Brexit, but the rest of Europe is also facing a shortage in truck drivers, the BBC noted.

YouGov surveyed 6,546 adults from Great Britain. It found that 18% of those polled thought Brexit has been going well since the start of the year.

The previous poll, conducted on June 21, suggested only 38% of British people thought Brexit is going badly.

The intervening months have seen supply chain issues exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, as supermarkets and fuel suppliers struggle with a shortage of truck drivers, often called heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers in the UK.

The shortage of HGV drivers has not been helped by Brexit making it harder for European drivers to transport goods in the UK.

But the shortage is mainly driven by the pandemic limiting HGV driver training, changes to tax rules, and shifts in the economy as former drivers find new jobs, the BBC reported.

None of the YouGov polls survey people from Northern Ireland, which is suffering from serious supply-chain failures in supermarkets as a result of the Northern Ireland protocol.

Northern Ireland continues to follow EU rules on product standards to avoid checks on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, but this has led to customs checks on some products from England, Scotland, and Wales.

Unionist parties, which support the relationship between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, have called for the reform of the Northern Ireland protocol.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Swiss company ABB, which supplies EV chargers to Ionity and Electrify America, has unveiled what it calls the "world's fastest electric car charger," Reuters has reported. As its name suggests, the Terra 360 has a 360 kW capacity, meaning it could fully charge a (theoretical) EV in 15 minutes. More realistically, it can charge four vehicles simultaneously, saving space at charging stations.

The Terra 360 isn't the most powerful charger by much, as companies like Electrify America, Ionity and EVGo have been using 350 kW chargers manufactured by ABB and others since at least 2018. However, it's the "only charger designed explicitly to charge up to four vehicles at once," the company said. "This gives owners the flexibility to charge up to four vehicles overnight or to give a quick refill to their EVs in the day." They also have a relatively small footprint, allowing installation in small depots or parking lots.

There aren't a lot of EVs that can handle that kind of charge. The only two approaching it are Porsche's Taycan, with 270 kW of charging capacity and the new Lucid Air, which allows for up to 300 kW fast-charging. Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y EVs can charge at up to 250 kW, while Hyundai's Ioniq 5 is rated for 232 kW DC fast charging.

Such high charging levels aren't necessarily great for an EV's battery. Porsche, for instance, has a battery preservation setting on its Plug & Charge Taycan feature that lowers power to 200 kW from the maximum 270 kW allowed  so it's essentially acknowledging that faster charging degrades the battery. On top of that, extreme charging levels don't necessarily save you much time, as Car and Driver found. Tesla recently promised to upgrade its own Supercharger V3 network from 250kW to 300kW.

ABB's new chargers will be able to add 100 km (62 miles) of range in less than three minutes. They'll arrive in Europe by the end of the year and start rolling out in the US and elsewhere in 2022.

Update 9/30/2021 4:08 PM ET: The post originally stated that the Hyundai Ioniq had fast-charging capacity of 350 kW, but the correct number is 232 kW. The post has been updated with the correct information.
(Reuters) -Amazon.com Inc and the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said on Wednesday the company had reached a settlement with two former employees who alleged they were fired last year for criticizing the working conditions at the e-commerce giant's warehouses.

Amazon had terminated the employment of Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa, who had accused the company of enforcing policies in a discriminatory fashion and instituting rules that "chill and restrain" the staff from exercising rights, according to their charge filed in October.

The NLRB found in April that Amazon illegally fired them after they advocated for better working conditions during the pandemic.

"Amazon will be required to pay us our lost wages and post a notice to all of its tech and warehouse workers nationwide that Amazon can't fire workers for organizing and exercising their rights," Cunningham and Costa said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The U.S. agency said the company had reached a non-board settlement, a private agreement between parties in which terms were not disclosed, with the former employees.

The NLRB regional director, however, is required to review and approve the settlement agreement before allowing the charges to be withdrawn.

"We have reached a mutual agreement that resolves the legal issues in this case and welcome the resolution of this matter," an Amazon spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

CNBC first reported about the settlement.

Cunningham and Costa gained prominence for pushing the e-commerce giant to do more on climate change, questioned Amazon's pandemic safety protocols and worked to raise money for warehouse staff at risk of contracting COVID-19.

(Reporting by Sabahatjahan Contractor, Nishit Jogi and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru;Editing by Vinay Dwivedi and Ramakrishnan M.)
The Daily Beast

Dallas County Sheriff's OfficeA bizarre saga in Missouri involving a missing woman who was seen being held captive in a cage has taken a baffling turn as the house where she was apparently kept burned to the groundimmediately after authorities discovered it had been boobytrapped.The Dallas County Sheriffs Office said the fire at the home in Windyville, an unincorporated Ozarks community about 160 miles from Kansas City, occurred Monday night, according to the Springfield News-Leader. Thats mo
An early morning fire at a Maine community church may have been intentionally set, with leaders fearing the building that displayed a Black Lives Matter sign was targeted.

We dont know if it was a protest or somebody was trying to tell us something, Portland New Church Pastor Lorraine Kardash told WMTW. The BLM sign that hung outside the front window was also missing, she said.

Crews responded to the fire just before 2 a.m. Sunday, WGME reported, citing Portland fire officials. Kardash said a group of neighbors helped douse the flames until firefighters arrived.

Apparently neighbors, I believe that were right across the street, had seen it and started throwing buckets of water on it, she told the news station.

Tarp now covers the charred remains of the area where the BLM sign previously hung, photos posted on the churchs Facebook page show. While the official cause of the fire hasnt been confirmed, the Portland Press Herald reported that authorities said theyre investigating it as suspected arson.

McClatchy News reached out to the Portland Police Department on Thursday and is awaiting a response. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is also investigating.

The building, constructed in 1910, doubles as a house of worship and community center, WMTW reported. The Portland New Church serves an interfaith community and has about a dozen members.

In a statement, church leaders said their suspicions about the building being targeted are fueled by the fact that the Black Lives Matter sign that was hanging outside by the door is now gone.

This humble church has served as a meeting space for many people, the church added. We are saddened and angered by this hateful act.

The missing sign was later found underneath a bush, Kardash told WCSH.

The pastor said the church is now focused on rebuilding, though shes glad the damage wasnt worse.

I was actually relieved when I got here and saw it was fixable in many ways, Kardash told WGME.

Story continues

Fight over a gun inside church ends with two parishioners shot, Alabama police say

Noise concerns or anti-Muslim bias? Mississippi city mosque rejection raises eyebrows

Fire that gutted century-old church was intentionally set, Georgia officials say
President Joe Bidens top health advisers are split over the role booster shots should play in the next phase of the pandemic, setting up key fault lines to close in the coming weeks as they try to ward off further surges this fall and winter.

Their disagreement centers on whether the U.S. should eventually offer an additional shot to every vaccinated adult in hopes of preventing even mild and moderate symptomatic breakthrough infections, according to three senior health officials and two people familiar with the governments internal discussions.

The Biden teams deliberations have intensified in recent days, as officials scrutinize the incomplete and sometimes conflicting data on vaccines performance. One group, including some scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, argues that boosters arent capable of blocking all infection, the sources said. They think additional vaccine doses should be given only as needed to reduce cases of severe illness and death. Another group  including Bidens chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci  says the government should not rule out using boosters to help stave off even mild Covid-19 infections that can keep people out of work for weeks.

Whatever decisions health officials make will have major implications for the course of the pandemic in the coming months, when the combination of colder weather and holiday gatherings is poised to fuel the virus spread. The growing tension among the presidents top Covid-19 advisers raises questions about whether the goals of the nations vaccination campaign are changing, and the degree to which breakthrough infections may be inevitable. It comes as many scientists warn that while the pandemic will eventually end, the virus itself will remain a significant presence for years to come.

We are in a vulnerable position, said Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research. Were very much under-vaccinated. We're also one of the countries that whatever vaccination rate we achieve, we got most of it early, so a lot of those people are now becoming vulnerable. That doesn't portend a nice descent ramp from Delta.

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The White House, CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment. A senior administration official pointed to recent comments by Fauci and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky endorsing the idea that even mild breakthrough infections are of concern.

For months, administration officials have grappled with how to interpret and respond to domestic and international data that suggest available vaccines effectiveness against infection, and in some cases hospitalization, is beginning to wane.

Bidens team originally aimed to offer boosters to all adults starting the week of Sept. 20. But the administration scaled back its vision amid pushback from scientists at the FDA and CDC and on the agencies outside advisory committees. They objected because of the limited CDC studies on vaccine performance did not prove definitively that large portions of the country were in immediate need of a booster  or how long the benefit from a booster would last.

For now, the FDA and the CDC recommend boosters only for certain people who originally received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine  including those 65 and older, and people over 18 with underlying health conditions or jobs that increase their risk of severe Covid-19. But federal officials are already weighing which groups might be next in line for boosters this fall and winter as cold weather drives people to spend more time indoors.

The current conversations about how to prepare for the potential rise in cases come at a tenuous time for the administration and its pandemic response.

The highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread across the country. Health experts are warning that the country could see another surge, especially if vaccine efficacy falls off dramatically over the next several months as it did in Israel. But federal officials do not have solid data, particularly domestic data, that spells out exactly how long boosters last and which populations would benefit. That muddies any risk-benefit calculations.

But waiting for definitive findings before making the shots widely available could have its own cost, said Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University.

I don't think that the federal government should be in the business of telling people what is valuable to them. I don't need the federal government telling me that I shouldn't care about infecting my young, vulnerable family members, she said. That's why the CDC meeting last week was so frustrating because they were basically saying, We know better than you do about preventing or about what's important to you.

And the difficulty of forecasting how the U.S. outbreak will behave over the next several months increases the policy challenge facing the Biden administration. Senior federal officials are essentially trying to predict the unknowable. The big question for many members of Bidens Covid team is whether the U.S. should give boosters to otherwise healthy Americans to help reduce transmission and infection, limit boosters until most of the world receives its first dose or try to do both at once. The answers vary widely.

I dont think anything is an open-and-shut case right now. I think things are suggestive, said Craig Spencer, an emergency medicine doctor at New York University, of vaccine efficacy data. Will [boosters] be justified? I think that depends on what you think we should be doing with our vaccines. We're sitting on hundreds of millions of doses that could immediately be used in places to stop the spread and stop people from dying from a largely vaccine-preventable illness.

The Biden administration faced immediate backlash in August when it announced that it would begin offering booster shots in September. Health experts and international officials said the U.S. should do more to help vaccinate the rest of the world before it moved forward with an additional dose for Americans. Medical and public-health experts with connections to the White House, including former Biden transition team members, also argued that available data showed vaccines still did a good job preventing severe disease and death, even if their power to prevent mild infection was waning.

That criticism kicked off a series of conversations within the White House and among Biden Covid-19 officials about how best to get ahead of a potential surge as the pandemic nears the end of its second year.

Scientists at the CDC and the FDA, and the agencies external advisers, made clear in recent presentations that boosters would not necessarily prevent mild infection. They argued that the shots should be used to protect the elderly and other groups for whom vaccination was becoming less effective at warding off hospitalization and death.

Through it all, Fauci has been vocal about his thinking on boosters, saying Israeli data is clear: Vaccine efficacy against mild and moderate illness is decreasing, and boosters are the solution. He argues that the U.S. should not reserve third shots as protection against severe disease, bucking the FDA and CDCs latest recommendations.

It seems like [the advisory groups] were saying it is okay as long as you dont wind up in the hospital and die, Fauci said in a recent interview with conservative radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt. I dont feel that way. I feel we need to protect not only from getting people in the hospital ... but we dont want people to get sick. You can also get pretty sick and not necessarily have to go to the hospital.

Fauci added that his approach was not in conflict with Bidens goal of helping to vaccinate the world, noting that the administration is committed to be doing even more on that front.

Walensky has also noted the importance of finding a way to deal with mild breakthrough infections, even though her agency decided in May to track only cases that resulted in hospitalization. If a health care worker calls in sick with a breakthrough infection that could be an ICU bed that cant be filled because they dont have workforce, she said recently at the Atlantic Ideas Festival.

But Walensky also said last week at a press conference that getting booster shots is a walk, dont run, situation, stressing that driving up the overall vaccination rate is also a powerful method to protect the vulnerable.

The administrations internal struggle over boosters continues to spill out into public view as experts search for ways to prevent a repeat of last winters devastating surge.

There's a reluctance to use the third jabs in this country, even though they could help a lot to basically get all those people who are early vaccinated to get them back to fully protected, Topol said. We're starting to negate the importance of infections. And that's not good. The other thing that I think is discounted is the long-Covid story. The only prevention of long Covid is to prevent the infection.

For others like Spencer, the emergency room doctor from New York City, any move to dole out boosters broadly now would gloss over the fact that the U.S. still does not have good data on the shot's benefits  and potential risks.

Are we ever going to be able to boost people enough so that they have sterilizing immunity, meaning they can't get infected? Spencer said. For someone like myself or someone younger ... we don't know what the risk is of a third dose of a vaccine. What is the impact on myocarditis? We don't know. I prefer we know that before we may roll broad policy recommendations, which could ultimately undermine our push to expand vaccines.

The administration has begun to discuss what other strategies it can recommend or encourage to prevent a spike in infections during the coming holiday season. Possible approaches include revising guidelines for mask wearing and increasing access to rapid Covid-19 testing.

If we all were doing rapid antigen tests every day or every other day, we would know that but here we have a blind guide to getting those out there to help navigate through this, Topol said.

Rapid tests are still relatively expensive in the U.S. and are not widely available. Without wide use of strict public health measures like frequent testing, and in light of the countrys relatively low vaccination rate, officials said they are still struggling to develop a long-term pandemic strategy.

The question for society is what is the level of death we are willing to accept? And what's the price that we're willing to pay? Wen said. I think there are some people who might say, 'Hey, it's a win if we can make Covid to be like a flu.' But even then, we're talking about double the flu. Then the question becomes, what is the price we're willing to pay to reduce the level of Covid? Do we actually want to reduce the burden of suffering even more if that requires wearing masks every winter? Are people willing to take on that price?

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated the medical condition mentioned by Craig Spencer. It is myocarditis, not arthritis.
Virginia Dardens full-time MBA Class of 2021 reported historic highs in salaries and bonuses, as well as percent employed by graduation. Darden photo

MBA employment report season is upon us  earlier than last year, when business schools were less eager to trumpet their customarily gaudy salary figures. Last week, Chicago Booth School of Business released its preliminary report; this week Virginia Darden School of Business has teased its numbers without divulging the full slate of stats. What both reports show is what both business schools are happy for everyone to see: More than mere resiliency in troubled times, Booth and Darden are advertising continued excellence amid historic uncertainty and chaos.

Historic is the word Virginia Darden uses to describe its latest numbers, and thats true in a few ways. Salary reached new heights for a third consecutive year, and bonuses climbed to a new record, rebounding from last year when they actually dropped slightly.

But MBA salaries always go up. (OK, they usually go up.) Placement numbers may be the most impressive thing for Darden this fall, with a school record for the highest percentage of students employed at graduation  and stellar numbers for international students at 90 days post-graduation.

SALARIES GROW 3.6%, BONUSES JUMP 6.7%

Jeff McNish, assistant dean of career development at Darden

The average base starting salary for Virginia Dardens Class of 2020 MBAs was $139,945, up about $4,800 from the Class of 2019s $135,168 average, or 3.5%. In 2021, Dardens average salary grew $4,988 to $144,933, a 3.6% increase. Over the past five years, average base salaries for Darden MBAs have risen by over $22,000.

Bonuses reported by Darden graduates also reached record highs. Average bonus was $33,266 last year, down slightly from the previous years $33,458. In 2021, 88% of the class reported an average signing bonus of $35,488  up more than $2,200, or 6.7%.

For Darden, less steady than salary amid the recent historic disruption has been placement rate, which dipped last year to 84% at graduation and 91% three months later. But 2021 brought the bounce-back: This year, the school set a record with 91% employed at graduation, which is nearly 11 percentage points higher than 2016s job acceptances reported by graduation. By 90 days after graduation, 97% of the Class of 2021 had received a full-time offer  better than any top-25 school last year and in league with Wharton and Kellogg numbers from 2019  and 95% had accepted a full-time job offer, up from 93% and 91%, respectively.

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Darden had been one of the hardest-hit schools in the pandemic in terms of placement rates. Always the hardest hit among any struggling cohort: internationals. Last year 91% of internationals received a job offer after 90 days, but Darden has pushed that number up to 93%  and bested the average of the last six years, which has been around 90%.

These terrific employment outcomes for Dardens most recent Full-Time MBA graduates demonstrate the hard work our students do to secure great job opportunities, says Jeff McNish, assistant dean of Dardens Career Center. Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, students, faculty, alumni and staff came together to ensure the same excellent employment opportunities that Darden students earn year after year.

DARDEN MBAs FLOCK TO THE NORTHEAST

Darden MBAs are definitely spread out, finding work at 141 companies in 73 cities across six countries and 28 U.S. states. By U.S. region, Darden graduates began their post-MBA roles in the Northeast (29%), Mid-Atlantic (21%), West (18%), Midwest (11%), South (11%) and Southwest (8%).

McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group are the top two employers  no surprise for a class where consulting accounted for nearly one-third (32%) of all accepted jobs. (Thats down from last years record of 41%.) Next on the employer list are Microsoft and Amazon, accounting for the majority of 19% of the class who went to work in tech. Financial services, meanwhile, saw a rebound, to 26% from 19% in 2020, with this years class more than three times as likely to begin their post-MBA careers in private equity and venture capital than in the last five years, on average  an increase Darden credits to the launch of the Darden Venture Capital Initiative, which provides curricular, co-curricular, and professional development opportunities for students looking for work in private market investing.

Healthcare, where just 2% of the Class of 2020 found work, also saw a jump, to 6%, with Bayer, Cigna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer among the top hiring companies.

Dardens full MBA employment report is due in a few weeks.

DONT MISS DARDEN 2020 MBAs REPORT MAKING MORE MONEY AMID SCARCER WORK and THE 2020 JOB SEARCH: PLACEMENT RATES DOWN ACROSS THE TOP SCHOOLS

The post The Bounce-Back Year: Record Pay & Placement In Dardens MBA Class Of 2021 appeared first on Poets&Quants.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Thursday that will ban certain police holds and create a system to decertify police officers for serious misconduct.

Why it matters: The state has aimed to reform policing with a slate of bills since George Floyd's death last year in Minneapolis.

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Details: With the bill's signage, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training will institute a system for investigating and revoking or suspending certification in cases of "serious misconduct, including excessive force, sexual assault, demonstration of bias and dishonesty," per a release from Newsom's office.

A separate bill increases the transparency of misconduct records related to "findings of unreasonable or excessive use of force, discriminatory or prejudiced behavior, failure to intervene when witnessing excessive use of force by a peace officer, or participation in unlawful searches and arrests."

The Democratic governor also signed the Angelo Quinto Act, which bars certain life-threatening face-down holds that can lead to asphyxia.

What he's saying: "Today marks another step toward healing and justice for all," Newsom said in a statement. "Too many lives have been lost due to racial profiling and excessive use of force."

"We cannot change what is past, but we can build accountability, root out racial injustice and fight systemic racism. We are all indebted to the families who have persevered through their grief to continue this fight and work toward a more just future."

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Associated Press

A former neighbor of a U.S. Postal Service worker in Pennsylvania confessed to authorities that he fatally shot him because he believed the mail carrier previously poisoned him and his family with cyanide, a federal official said. Eric Kortz, 53, turned himself in Thursday for the shooting death of Louis Vignone while Vignone was on his route in Collier Township, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Stephen Kaufman said in a statement. Vignone was shot around 10 a.m. Thursday while he was delivering mail, news outlets reported.
(Bloomberg) -- Activity in Chinas vast factory sector contracted in September for the first time since the pandemic began, the latest sign of deceleration in the worlds second-largest economy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The drop in the official manufacturing purchasing managers index below the 50-mark, which signals a decline in output, shows the damage a widespread electricity crunch is having on growth.

Alongside tough measures to rein in the property market, the latest developments have led economists to pare back full-year growth predictions below 8% and warn that Beijing could be willing to tolerate a sharper slowdown as it tries to reform its economic model.

The problem for the economy is that manufacturing and property investment have been the main drivers of growth since the pandemic hit, while consumption growth remains relatively weak with households still cautious about travel and eating out.

Electricity shortages, which have caused power cuts across China this week, combined with property curbs are a double whammy on the key drivers of growth this year, said Bo Zhuang, China economist at Loomis Sayles Investments Asia. A further growth slowdown is inevitable.

Beijing is focused on preventing instability: the central bank told financial institutions to prevent fallout from the property slowdown which has exacerbated a debt crisis at China Evergrande Group, and targeted financial easing aimed at the manufacturing sector may be likely.

But economists see little prospect of relaxation on tough policy, such as curbs on housing purchases and energy use limits, until December, when President Xi Jinping and top officials meet to set economic priorities.

Story continues

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

Additional policy support will need to come soon to avert a sharp deceleration in growth. The economys near-term outlook is highly challenging and uncertain. Headwinds include softening external demand, continued virus risks and a lack of fast, ready solutions for the energy shortages. Regulatory tightening is also a significant drag.

Chang Shu and David Qu

For the full report, click here.

When the government set its growth target at above 6% in March, economists saw it as modest against their own predictions of 8%-plus. Many are now rethinking their views, with major banks from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to Nomura Holdings Ltd. downgrading their forecasts in recent weeks to as low as 7.7%.

Heres a deeper look at the challenges facing Chinas economy:

Power Crunch

Chinese factories in 21 provinces have been hit by power cuts in recent weeks, largely driven by a spike in coal prices that made it unprofitable for power plants to sell electricity at fixed-prices. The impact was in the official manufacturing purchasing managers index, which declined to 49.6 from 50.1 in August, below the 50 median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Beijing has scrambled to solve the problem by allowing power companies to raise prices and trying to funnel more coal to the sector. Those efforts could get production going again in many factories, but that relief might not come for weeks.

Beyond that, Beijing is signaling that it wants highly energy-intensive producers, like steel and chemical factories, to reduce output for the rest of the year, as it tries to meet environmental targets. Chinas aim to reduce energy intensity, or how much power is needed to drive output, by around 3% in 2021 could drag down full-year growth by 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points, according to Ming Ming, head of fixed income research at Citic Securities Co.

A rollback of energy intensity targets before the end of the year is unlikely, according to Chen Long, a partner at consulting firm Plenum.

This years target is above 6%, so growth is not really a concern, he said, adding that the economy could expand by less than 4% in the fourth quarter.

Property Slowdown

Evergrande is facing a debt crisis thats roiled financial markets and drawn global attention. The company only accounts for about 4% of Chinas property sales, so economists are more worried about a broader slowdown in real-estate investment prompted by the governments efforts to slow the pace of mortgage lending and curb financing for property developers.

Chinas central bank told financial institutions this week to cooperate with governments to stabilize the property market, repeating a call for healthy development of the real-estate sector. That may signal a marginal adjustment of real-estate credit policy to ensure people who need housing can access loans, according to a report Thursday on a social media account of the official Securities Times.

Beijing wants to avoid a crash in the market, but has vowed not to use the property sector to stimulate growth and so is unlikely to shift to easing restrictions significantly. Real-estate investment could fall by 2% to 3% year-on-year in the second half of the year, according to a baseline estimate by UBS Group AG. In the worst-case scenario, property investment could plunge by 10%, dragging down Chinas economic growth by 1 to 2 percentage points in the next few months, according to UBS economists led by Wang Tao.

Weak consumption

China has been tested by coronavirus clusters in southeastern and northern regions in recent weeks. The nations zero-tolerance approach to the virus means stringent curbs will impede an already-slow recovery in consumption. The slowdown is most visible in Chinas car sales, which fell nearly 15% year-on-year in August.

The latest outbreaks led to lackluster tourism revenue over a national holiday period last week. Thats likely to be repeated over the seven-day National Day holiday at the beginning of October, with Chinese health authorities advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel.

Commodity Prices

Surging prices of coal and other commodities have strangled profit growth for downstream manufacturers in sectors like electronics and automobiles, who were already dealing with challenges such as record shipping costs and a microchip shortage. Industrial profit growth already decelerated to its slowest level in almost a year in August.

Some factories are cutting back on production, meeting only the most profitable orders. Raising electricity prices might be the solution to power cuts, but will add to their cost burden.

While the disruption should be cleared at some point, high energy prices will nonetheless weigh on activity, Craig Botham, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said in a report Wednesday.

(Updates with additional details.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas central government officials ordered the countrys top state-owned energy companies -- from coal to electricity and oil -- to secure supplies for this winter at all costs, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The order came directly from Vice Premier Han Zheng, who supervises the nations energy sector and industrial production, and was delivered during an emergency meeting earlier this week with officials from Beijings state-owned assets regulator and economic planning agency, the people said, asking not to be named discussing a private matter. Blackouts wont be tolerated, the people said.

West Texas Intermediate crude extended gains Friday after erasing losses on the news Thursday. Natural gas futures in New York jumped, and shares of U.S. gas exporter Cheniere Energy Inc. rose. Chinese coal futures on Thursday surged to a record as the country grapples with shortages of the fuel ahead of a week-long holiday. Prices have more than doubled this year amid soaring electricity demand from factories and slow output growth from mines.

The emergency meeting underscores the critical situation in China. A severe energy crisis has gripped the country, and several regions have had to curtail power to the industrial sector, while some residential areas have even faced sudden blackouts. Chinas power crunch is unleashing turmoil in the global commodities markets, fueling rallies in everything from fertilizer to silicon.

Calls to the state council went unanswered outside business hours.

Government-owned power giants State Power Investment Corp. and China Energy Investment Corp. echoed Hans words in WeChat statements Thursday night, promising to do all they can to ensure coal and electricity supply for the winter.

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We will go all-out to fight the tough battle of energy supply, the nations top coal miner CEIC said in its statement.

Volatility in the energy markets is poised to intensify on the order from the central government, said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB.

Chinas statement to me implies that we are in no way on a verge of a cool-off. Rather it looks like it is going get even more crazy, he said. They will bid whatever it takes to win a bidding war for a cargo of coal or liquefied natural gas.

In a sign of how worried Chinese officials are, Premier Li Keqiang has vowed that every effort will be taken to maintain economic growth. China will ensure the needs of basic livelihoods are met and will keep industrial and supply chains stable, Li was cited as saying by China National radio during a meeting with foreign diplomats Thursday.

Chinas move brings security of supply back on the forefront, said Leslie Palti-Guzman, president of New York-based consultancy Gas Vista LLC. This is bad news for European governments and consumers who will deal with elevated gas and electricity prices for the rest of the winter as they compete with China for supply.

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Corey Lewandowski is leaving his role as the head of a pro-Trump super PAC, just hours after allegations emerged he made unwanted sexual advances toward a GOP donor.

Lewandowski, one of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign managers, will be replaced by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in leading MAGA Action, a Trump spokesman said Wednesday evening.

Pam Bondi, the very talented and honorable frmr AG of FL, has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action. Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service. He will no longer be associated with Trump World," said Taylor Budowich, the Trump spokesman.

Lewandowski was named in a Politico report on Wednesday containing allegations by a female Trump donor, Trashelle Odom, that he made unwanted sexual advances at a Las Vegas charity event on Sept. 26. Odom said he "stalked" her that evening, and her attorney said Lewandowski repeatedly touched Odom, including on her leg and buttocks. He also spoke to her in sexually explicit terms, including the size of his genitalia and his sexual performance while showing off his hotel room key.

"Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response," David Chesnoff, a Las Vegas attorney representing Lewandowski, told the Washington Examiner in a statement.

Also on Wednesday, conservative website American Greatness reported sources who claimed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is having an extramarital affair with her informal adviser, Lewandowski.

FORMER TOP NOEM STAFFER: LEWANDOWSKI 'HORRIBLE' AND 'A BUM,' BUT NO WAY DID GOVERNOR CHEAT ON HUSBAND

Pam Bondi, the very talented and honorable frmr AG of FL, has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action. Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service. He will no longer be associated with Trump World.  Taylor Budowich (@TayFromCA) September 30, 2021

Although she did not address the report directly, Noem denied what she described as "total garbage" and untrue rumors. "These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie. These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help," Noem said in a tweet.

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In the second part of Noem's tweet, she referenced her husband, Bryon Noem.

"I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work," the GOP governor said.

Lewandowski has faced accusations of sexual misconduct in the past.

During the 2016 campaign, Lewandowski was charged with misdemeanor battery after then-Breitbart reporter, Michelle Fields, filed a report to local Florida authorities alleging he grabbed her at a Trump event. Lewandowski was arrested, but the charge was eventually dropped in April 2016 after investigators said there was not enough evidence to convict him.

Trump fired his then-campaign manager in June of that year. However, it was not long before Lewandowski made his way back into Trump's orbit.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Joy Villa, a singer-songwriter and outspoken Trump supporter, also filed a sexual assault complaint against Lewandowski in December 2017, accusing him of slapping her buttocks.

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Tags: News, Corey Lewandowski, Kristi Noem, Donald Trump

Original Author: Kaelan Deese

Original Location: Corey Lewandowski cut from 'Trumpworld' after GOP donor accuses him of unwanted sexual advances
Sep. 30A pair of Dalton police officers who prevented a possible suicide were commended for their efforts during Tuesday's meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission.

"It appeared she was going to jump" from the Benny J. Dunn Honorary Bridge on Waugh Street, but Officers Coleman Jenkins and Keidric Johnson "led to a very good outcome on a case that could've been very bad," said Chris Crossen, assistant chief of the Dalton Police Department.

Jenkins utilized his "skills and compassion to engage the young woman in conversation," and when Johnson arrived, they "teamed up" to keep her attention while moving closer, eventually pulling her to safety.

Jenkins received the department's Award of Merit, "one of our highest awards," for "bringing honor to the department with his selfless acts," while Johnson received the Award of Valor for "putting himself at great risk" by pulling the woman to safety, Crossen said. "They used tactics taught in training, but also their compassion as human beings," acting with "very little regard" for their safety.

Jenkins had been through Crisis Intervention Training, and "I think that's one reason he was able to keep (the woman) on an even keel," said Police Chief Cliff Cason. "I'm very, very impressed by the actions of both officers."

Dalton Fire Department Engineer Jared Burns was also commended during the meeting for his actions while off-duty Sept. 5.

A multi-vehicle wreck occurred in front of his house, and "he jumped to duty, (doing) what he's trained to do," said Fire Chief Todd Pangle. Burns helped people in a pair of vehicles, including two who were trapped, and helped extricate them.

The department's commendation is "one of our highest awards," Pangle said. Burns was "a good representative of our department, our city and our training."

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"We have so many brave first responders, and the city of Dalton is lucky to have you guys," said Terry Mathis, chairman of the Public Safety Commission. "We couldn't be prouder of you guys."

Also Tuesday, commissioners approved 5-0 the promotion of Terry Michael Bowen to sergeant.

This promotion is "a long time coming" for the Southeast Whitfield High School and Georgia Northwestern Technical College alumnus who spent 13 years with the Dalton Police Department before "doing some ministry," Cason said. Bowen returned to the police force in 2018, and he's been in the patrol division, as well as serving as a training officer.

He's "always performed admirably, and his character cannot be matched by many in our society," Cason said. He's "a truly talented officer, and his skills will translate to being a supervisor on the patrol shift."

The commissioners also approved 5-0 a new hire for the police department, 30-year-old Jordan Owens.

Owens is a graduate of Ringgold High School and Brigham Young University-Idaho, Cason said.

"We're very excited about having a new cadet who just graduated out of the academy last week."
By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Kyrsten Sinema is the recent recipient of an honor that U.S. Senate colleagues more loyal to President Joe Biden's agenda have never received - three invitations to the White House in just one day.

The Arizona Democrat's private huddling this week with Biden and his aides comes as her opposition to the size of a $3.5 trillion social spending proposal has become a key obstacle to Democratic efforts to lock down support for one of the pillars of the president's domestic agenda.

The spending bill seeks to reduce inequality by enhancing access to healthcare and education, while taking steps to tackle climate change. Democrats propose paying for it by raising taxes on big corporations and wealthy Americans.

But Sinema and fellow Democratic Senate moderate Joe Manchin of West Virginia say the bill's price tag is too high, imperiling its prospects in the evenly split chamber where Democrats are trying to pass it through a "reconciliation" process that would not require Republican support.

A spokesperson for Sinema did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In a statement in July, Sinema said: "I do not support a bill that costs $3.5 trillion," promising to "work in good faith to develop this legislation" with her colleagues and the administration.

On Wednesday, the White House would only go so far as to say that "our sense is she does" want a bill to pass.

Asked for more specifics, such as how much Sinema was willing to spend, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said she would not detail negotiations publicly.

Still, Sinema may be the best chance the White House has at striking a deal, administration officials and allies said.

The 45-year-old first-term senator and former social worker was a key figure in reviving talks over Biden's $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. Once presumed dead, that deal passed the Senate last month with 19 Republicans voting yes.

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Its passage in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives is now complicated by disputes between moderates and progressives over the larger package.

Sinema's seat in the Senate is not up for grabs until 2024, the same year Biden might seek re-election. Still, several liberal groups have already suggested they would back a primary challenge against her for not backing their priorities.

The Arizona state Democratic Party overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Saturday that criticized Sinema for her opposition to eliminating the filibuster to more easily pass legislation blocked by Republicans and for her stance on the Biden spending bill.

Adam Kinsey, a director at Uplift Campaigns, an Arizona-based progressive Democratic consulting firm, said Sinema does not care about the state party reprimanding her.

"She really believes that she can be a dealmaker," he said.

ANOTHER MAVERICK?

In Arizona, which went for Biden in 2020 after backing Republican former President Donald Trump in 2016, independence is prized, local political operatives said. Its former longtime senator, the late John McCain, was a self-styled maverick Republican.

"She is concerned that if she joins this massive spending bill, she will face serious opposition from a Republican," said Charles Coughlin, chief executive of the Arizona political strategy firm Highground. "She actually polls better among Republicans than Democrats, which is very odd but helps explain her motivations."

Based on a GovTrack analysis https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/kyrsten_sinema/412509 of her 2020 voting track record, Sinema is the most conservative-leaning of any Democratic senator, and further to the right than independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats.

Sinema has also reaped campaign donations from her pushback on Biden.

In April, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest business lobby group in the country, said it was donating to Sinema and Manchin because they were working with Republicans and opposing some of Biden's policies.

MIDTERM WORRIES

Biden's legislative difficulties may be deeper, however, than any one senator.

A larger group of Democratic caucus members has privately expressed concern to senior Democratic lawmakers and the White House about the 2022 congressional elections in which the party's control of both chambers is at stake, according to people familiar with the matter.

Many of those members expect it will be hard to sell a spending package back home that is so big and unwieldy, even if its individual components are highly popular.

Nodding to such concerns, Building Back Together, a group started with the White House's blessing to push Biden's agenda, released polling on Wednesday reassuring Democrats in 48 battleground districts that voters would reward them for backing a "robust" legislative package that lowers the cost of essentials like healthcare, while raising taxes on corporations and the rich.

Democrats who served when Barack Obama was president recall that the 2010 Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, included components favored by most Americans but was initially unpopular in the face of solid Republican opposition.

Later that year, Democrats lost their House majority. Biden was Obama's vice president.

A deal with Sinema does not guarantee success for Democrats. Reducing the overall ambition of the spending package would leave a bad taste for liberal Democrats and could derail House passage of the infrastructure bill, expected to come up for a vote on Thursday.

"We knew it would be a compromise, and that's exactly what it is," said Psaki. "We don't have the luxury to be frustrated around here."

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Heather Timmons and Peter Cooney)
Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick passes protesters as he leaves the Dedham courthouse after pleading not guilty during his first appearance for sexual assault charges on on September 3, 2021 in Dedham, Massachusetts. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

McCarrick pleaded not guilty to three counts of child sex assault, according to the Washington Post.

McCarrick is accused of abusing a 16-year-old boy in the 1970s at his brother's wedding, the Post reported.

Crowds of onlookers yelled "Shame on you!" as McCarrick entered the courtroom, according to the report.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Disgraced ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges that he sexually assaulted a teen in the 1970s, the Washington Post reported.

Demonstrators outside a suburban Massachusetts courthouse shouted "Shame on you!" at the disgraced former Catholic leader, according to the report.

McCarrick entered his not guilty plea in Dedham District Court. Friday's court appearance was the first public sighting of the former Catholic archbishop since he was hit with sex abuse allegations in 2018, the Post said.

After pleading not guilty, McCarrick was ordered to turn over his passport and stay away from people under the age of 18, according to the Post.

The sexual assault charges stem from an incident in which McCarrick is accused of abusing a 16-year-old boy in the 1970s, at the boy's brother's wedding. More than a dozen people have now publicly accused McCarrick of sexual abuse or harassment, the Post reported.

The man whose abuse allegations led to charges against McCarrick is now in his 60s. He was present in the courtroom on Friday, the Post said.

"We want to see McCarrick looking at us. The look on his face. That's why I'm driving. That's why it's a big deal," Karen, a sister of the accuser, told the Post. The newspaper did not name the accuser, or give the last name of the accuser's sister, in order to protect his identity.

According to the Post, the accuser comes from a large Catholic family and his grandparents were close friends of McCarrick. His sister said that he was baptized by McCarrick, and then later abused for several years.

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The accuser's sister told the Post that she and other family members drove to Dedham to witness the trial because they consider it historic.

"You can go through all these other processes [including civil suits and Vatican probes] but they never face their victims. I think it's a big deal," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
Cara Howe/Apple+

In the six years since he left The Daily Show, Jon Stewart has made more appearances than anyone could have predicted on the network he once blamed for all of Americas ills, Fox News. As an advocate for causes like the health benefits of 9/11 first responders and veterans exposed to burn pits, he is always on-message, remarkably disciplined, and almost never funny.

So, as he geared up for what he has insisted is not a comeback on Apple TV+, the big question is which Stewart viewers would be getting. The hilariously scathing comedian who spent a decade and a half eviscerating his political adversaries with jokes? Or the wise elder statesman who would rather find common ground with ideological opponents for the greater good?

The titles of the first two episodes of his new showWar and Freedommight be the first clue.

Immediately, viewers are thrust into a deadly serious writers room conversation about what America owes its service men and women who are sick as a result of foreign conflicts. We are behind the scenes as Stewart makes his pitch to the notably diverse room, most of whom have never worked on a comedy show, as showrunner and former CBS Evening News producer Brinda Adhikari explained recently.

Taylor Tomlinson Got Canceled by Church. Then Her Comedy Career Exploded.

After an opening credits sequence that cheekily runs through some alternate titlesThe Money Grab with Jon Stewart stands outthe actual title is unveiled: The Problem With Jon Stewart. The double meaning is no doubt intentional and reveals a knowingness on his part about the challenge of building on a legacy that has bred similarly ambitious comedy shows like John Olivers Last Week Tonight, Samantha Bees Full Frontal, and Hasan Minhajs Patriot Act.

There he is, sitting behind a desk once again. A uniform of gray stubble and bomber jacket over T-shirt have replaced the clean-shaven, suited news-anchor look. When his first joke receives an awkward silence from a small, COVID-friendly audience, Stewart smiles and cracks, I guess that answers whether the show will be funny or not.

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After a few more self-deprecating digs at his grizzled appearance, Stewart eases in with his first bipartisan and non-controversial topic: veterans. As he pioneered on his Daily Show, Stewart uses tight news clip montages to make his point about how America claims to support the troops without actually delivering on that promise.

Yes, we love our vets, he says. But you know the old saying: If you love someone, let them go fuck themselves. That punchline is met with what can only be described as a sad chuckle.

Stewarts single-topic format owes more than a little to the bespectacled Brit who was once seen as his natural successor on The Daily Show before Trevor Noah took the reins. But while Oliver uses fast-paced fury on his weekly HBO show to make seemingly unfunny issues like prison reform or the opioid crisis come alive, Stewarts more deliberate and sincere version is a much bigger ask for viewers. Its no surprise that the premiere doesnt get any funnier when Stewart spends his second segment chatting with a group of veterans who have suffered the consequences of breathing in burn pit fumes.

Things noticeably pick up when Stewart sits down with President Bidens Secretary of Veteran Affairs Denis McDonough, evoking some of his toughest and most substantive interviews from the Daily Show days. At one point, he goads McDonough into admitting, I dont give a shit what you think, before adding, I care what the veterans think. The fact that its not punctuated by outbursts of righteous audience applause makes the conversation less viscerally thrilling but potentially more consequential. Lets hope he gets more chances to face off with bigger political villains.

The old Stewart of The Daily Show comes through a bit more in the series second episode when he takes on the freedom isnt free crowd, who refuse to wear masks or get vaccinated while at the same time comparing reasonable COVID restrictions to the Holocaust.

This leads to a genuinely funny segment called Whats! More! Hitler! in which the host argues that the virus itself is much more like the Nazi dictator than the methods to stop it are. Hitler had tremendous territorial ambition. COVID is fucking everywhere! Stewart jokes. Masks and vaccines have barely made it to Florida. Point, COVID.

From there, comedy takes a backseat once again for a roundtable discussion with activists and former political prisoners, including the Egyptian Jon Stewart, Bassem Youssef. At times, it all starts to feel more like something you might see at The New Yorker Festival as opposed to what is ostensibly a political comedy show.

When the new series name was revealed earlier this year, Daily Show alum Wyatt Cenac pointedly called out Stewart for appropriating both the title and concept of his canceled HBO show Problem Areas. But the irony is that both shows struggle in their own ways to find the balance between deadly serious issues and the need to deliver laughs. Turns out its not as easy as John Oliver and his 15 Emmys make it look.

The premiere episode ends with yet another writers room outtake in which Stewart frets that its gonna be a fucking nightmare when he next shows up at the Comedy Cellar table in New York because his comedian friends will make fun of him by saying, Oh look, Mother Teresa just came in. Its a legitimate concern.

Daily Shows Jordan Klepper Embarrasses Anti-Mask Parents

What made Stewart such a sensation on The Daily Show was his unique ability to mine hard laughs out of increasingly dark news cycles. Now that his many disciples are doing their own versions of that trick across network, cable and streaming TV, the bar has been raised and you can feel Stewart straining to reach over it in these first couple of episodes.

In a 2008 interview, Tina Fey was asked if she prefers applause or laughter. Laughter. You can prompt applause with a sign, she replied. Noting that her friend Seth Meyers coined the term clapter, which is when you do a political joke and people go, Woo-hoo, she added, It means they sort of approve but didnt really like it that much. You hear a lot of that on [whispers] The Daily Show.

Watching The Problem With Jon Stewart, you get the impression that Stewart took that criticism to heart, but perhaps learned the wrong lesson. Hes no longer going for applause lines, but hes too often leaving the humor out altogether. There are a handful of moments when he reminds us of his O.G. status in the genre he more or less created. If he can stay both relevant andjust as importantlyfunny, he just might have a must-watch show on his hands again.

For more, listen and subscribe to The Last Laugh podcast.

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Special Counsel John Durham, the attorney tapped by the Trump administration to audit the Russia investigation, has reportedly handed down a new set of subpoenas, including to a law firm with ties to Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign.

The grand jury subpoenas for documents were issued earlier this month, according to CNN, after Durham charged Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann for allegedly knowingly making a false statement to the FBI.

Investigators from the special counsels office are seeking additional documents from Sussmanns former law firm, Perkins Coie, an indication that Durham may be looking to add to Sussmanns charges or to bring cases against other defendants.

Durham was reportedly investigating whether Sussmann lied to the FBI regarding who  if anyone  he was representing when he told the Bureau about communications between the Trump Organization and the Kremlin-connected Russian bank Alfa Bank.

The indictment against Sussmann states that the former federal prosecutor lied to top FBI lawyer James Baker in a meeting on September 19, 2016. At that time, Sussmann presented data and analysis from cybersecurity researchers who suspected the Trump Organization was using a secret server to communicate with Alfa Bank.

The secret server theory was ultimately dismissed and never appeared in Special Counsel Robert Muellers final report.

Durham uncovered discrepancies between Sussmanns congressional testimony and his September interview with Baker. Before Congress, Sussmann testified that he was working on the Alfa Bank project for an unnamed cybersecurity expert, a contradiction of his claims to Baker that he wasnt working for any specific client.

Meanwhile, Perkins Coies internal billing records obtained by Durham show that Sussmann billed hours spent on the Alfa Bank project to Clintons 2016 campaign.

The law firms clients at the time included the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Perkins Coie also hired, on behalf of the campaign, a research company that commissioned the dossier from former British spy Christopher Steele that claimed former President Trump was compromised by Russia.

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While working for the firm, Sussmann also represented a cybersecurity expert who worked with researchers to collect internet data about the Trump Organization that Sussmann took to the FBI. The previously unnamed expert, Rodney Joffe, is referred to in Durhams indictment as Tech Executive-1.

Attorneys for Sussmann have argued that he was being honest when he said he was working on behalf of a cybersecurity expert and have claimed the Clinton billing records dont tell the whole story and that the lawyer only joined his Alfa Bank work with the campaign for documentation purposes.

More from National Review
Extremists on the far-right have built a network of podcasts critical to spreading white supremacist propaganda, building an audience for extremism, and organizing events like the deadly 2017 Unite The Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, a new study from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows.

Encouraged by the intimate nature of audio broadcasting, low barriers to entry and lax oversight from podcasting platforms, extremist podcasting has grown from a niche of the far-right to a sprawling web of white supremacists who regularly appear on one anothers shows, the report reveals.

Just ask white nationalist Richard Spencer, who came to fame in the first two years of the Trump presidency as the leader of the so-called alt-right movement. He co-hosts a podcast every month.

I like podcasting for this very reason, Spencer said, describing the cozy atmosphere as "friendship nationalism."

Friendship nationalism," he said, "is basically this network of podcasts where people are talking about current events and theyre just kind of hanging out.

White nationalist Richard Spencer (center) and his supporters clash with Virginia State Police in Emancipation Park after the "Unite the Right" rally was declared an unlawful gathering Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clashed with anti-fascist protesters and police as they attempted to hold a rally in Emancipation Park, where a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was slated to be removed.

TikTok's 'hatescape': It's not just Facebook and Twitter. TikTok is 'hatescape' for racism and white supremacy, study says

Proud Boys: With Trump in the rearview mirror, Proud Boys offer muscle at rallies against vaccine mandates, masks

While some extremist podcasters took a break after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, which sent many of the countrys white supremacists into hiding, experts said there are indications the network is reawakening.

As in its heyday between 2015 and 2020, far-right podcasting has the potential to quietly spread hate without attracting as much attention as social media or video streaming platforms, experts said.

Podcasting is a huge deal, said Megan Squire, an extremism researcher, professor and one of the authors of the report. Listening to extreme, right-wing radio is a clandestine activity, and being able to have these recordings that you can play on a personal device through your earbuds is so important to these groups.

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Audio extremist propaganda

Using audio broadcasting to spread hateful messages is as old as propaganda itself.

During World War II, Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitlers propaganda minister, developed a radio network to deliver polished Nazi propaganda to German homes.

In the United States, conservative talk radio boomed after the Federal Communications Commission abolished the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, which required broadcasters to present balanced arguments on contentious subjects.

A cadre of controversial, right-wing radio personalities like Rush Limbaugh soon gained huge audiences in a country increasingly divided on political matters like LGBTQ rights, abortion and race.

Rush Limbaugh talks on a phone as House Speaker Newt Gingrich gestures during a break in taping of NBC's "Meet the Press" on Nov. 12, 1995 in Washington. The topic of the news show was showdown and shutdown in regards to the federal budget.

In March 2005, the earliest example Squire and co-author Hannah Gais could find, a new generation of ultraconservative shock jocks found a home in the burgeoning world of podcasting. They were soon joined by avowed neo-Nazis and other white supremacists, who recognized the power of the medium to stealthily spread racist propaganda.

Extremist podcasting peaked just before and during the Trump administration. By 2016, according to the report, a core network had developed of explicitly white supremacist podcasters and hosts who identified as part of the alt-right, a term coined by Spencer in 2008 to denote a new school of thought centered around age-old racist tropes.

Researchers tracked 18 shows between 2005 and 2020. Shows included podcasts on the network The Right Stuff, which became the most popular collaborative for white supremacist podcasters, and Identity Dixie, which focused on neo-Confederate programming.

How podcasts bring people down the rabbit hole

Podcasts act like a backbone for white supremacist recruiting, researchers concluded.

Experts in extremism have long described the process of radicalization as a pipeline or a rabbit hole that susceptible individuals fall into. Extremist leaders and influencers use edgy humor and pseudo-intellectual arguments to draw recruits into their movement.

Podcasting provides an ideal platform for spreading these ideas, said Daniel Harper, a host of the podcast I Dont Speak German, who has spent years studying and listening to extremist podcasts.

You almost cant overstate the importance of far-right podcasting in terms of the growth of the movement, Harper said. People listen to a podcast long-term because they like the host; they feel like theyre in the room having a conversation with their friends.

Podcasting is a uniquely effective medium for this type of messaging, said Bridget Todd, host of the podcast "There Are No Girls on the Internet," a podcast that highlights marginalized voices on the internet.

Podcasting is such an intimate medium," she said. "Ill put my earbuds in and Ill fall asleep listening to my favorite podcasters voice. You can really see how that could be exploited to lure people into extremist ideology.

Organizing events and rewriting history

The SPLC researchers found that podcasts were instrumental in spreading word of major extremist events, most notably the 2017 Charlottesville rally, where anti-racist activist Heather Heyer was killed by an extremist who drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters.

Rescue workers move victims on stretchers after a car plowed through a crowd of counter-demonstrators marching through downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 12, 2017. The car plowed through the crowd following the shutdown of the "Unite the Right" rally by police after white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clashed with counter-protesters near Emancipation Park, where a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was slated to be removed.

They found other examples of real-life organizing, including by neo-Nazi podcaster Robert Ray, who goes by Azzmador. He helped fellow neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin create a series of meet-ups that the organizers called Pool parties.

Extremist podcasters have attempted to change the narrative after events that portrayed the extreme right in a bad light, the study found. After Charlottesville, for example, podcast hosts tried to recast the protest as a patriotic, peaceful march that was hijacked by counter-protesters.

That's happening now in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection, Harper said. Hosts have pushed the false narrative that the protests at the Capitol were peaceful and that Trump supporters did nothing wrong, he said.

Rioters attack the Capitol on Jan. 6 in Washington.

A resurgence for extremist podcasts?

Extremist podcasting may have peaked.

Today, Americas extremists are most active on the encrypted messaging service Telegram, an alternative to Twitter. Some have turned to livestreamed video on platforms that tolerate extremist content or havent yet deplatformed creators who violate their rules, such as Bitchute or Trovo.

But Harper, who listens to hours of extremist podcasts every week, said far-right podcasting is thriving. And he said there are signs the community is regrouping.

After Charlottesville, and again after the Jan. 6 insurrection, there was a lot of infighting in the extremist community, Harper said. That seems to be dissipating.

Podcast hosts are starting to invite one another onto their shows, Harper said. And podcasters such as hosts of shows from The Right Stuff network are still making enough money to work as full-time podcasters, he said.

They adjusted to the circumstances," Harper said. Theyre not able to be on major platforms; theyre not able to get the word out on Twitter; theyre not able to do public events like marches and rallies, but they can do podcasts.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White supremacists use network of podcasts for hate speech, propaganda
Argentina hardly looked any less stronger after making five changes to its lineup facing Australia in the Rugby Championship this weekend without the availability of six players who broke coronavirus protocols.

Coach Mario Ledesma preferred not to talk about the six players and two staff who crossed the state border into New South Wales on Wednesday and were stopped from returning to their Queensland base, unaware that border restrictions were reset earlier that day allowing crossings only to essential workers. Tourists were blocked.

That affected former captain Pablo Matera, prop Santiago Medrano and backup hooker Santiago Socino from the Pumas side which lost to Australia 27-8 last weekend. The other players were Felipe Ezcurra, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla and Sebastian Cancelliere, along with manager Lucas Chioccarelli and video analyst Rodrigo Martinez.

Governing body SANZAAR put the onus on the Pumas and said they still had enough players to fulfil the fixture on Saturday at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Reacting to the Pumas' fifth straight loss and the ineligible players, Ledesma on Thursday chose props Rodrigo Martinez and Enrique Pieretto as starters after being reserves last weekend, and recalled Guido Petti at lock for Matias Alemanno. Rodrigo Bruni, out injured last weekend, was at No. 8 for Matera.

The only change in the backline was on the right wing, where Matias Moroni returned for Santiago Cordero.

In the reserves were uncapped prop Thomas Gallo and one-cap prop Eduardo Bello.

Ledesma was keener to talk about trying to post a first win from their last match of the championship.

All adversities forge bonds, they forge character as well, he said. "This team never makes excuses, never takes shortcuts.

I am very proud of how this team commits itself, the determination it has. Sometimes it leads to results, sometimes it doesn't.

Captain Julian Montoya also didn't want to talk about the health breach.

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We have no excuses about what happened, Montoya said. "We are thinking about the game. We want to play our best possible game.

Australia coach Dave Rennie's selection was a lot more surprising, with the return of Japan-based back-rower Sean McMahon and 38-year-old prop Greg Holmes in the reserves. If Holmes runs on, he will be the oldest player to appear for the Wallabies since World War II.

McMahon last played for the Wallabies in November 2017, after which he has been playing for Suntory in Japan's Top League. He's contracted in Japan until the start of 2023, but he could yet also make the squad for the four-test northern tour in October and November to Japan and Britain.

Lock Darcy Swain and flanker Pete Samu were elevated to the starting lineup after strong performances off the bench last weekend.

Powerhouse winger Marika Koroibete will miss the Gold Coast test after being permitted to return to Melbourne to spend extra time with his family, including a newborn, before the Wallabies head overseas.

___

Lineups:

Australia: Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Andrew Kellaway, Quade Cooper, Nic White; Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (captain), Pete Samu, Darcy Swain, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Folau Faingaa, James Slipper. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Greg Holmes, Matt Philip, Sean McMahon, Jake Gordon, James OConnor, Tom Wright.

Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Matias Moroni, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocabores, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Rodrigo Bruni, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Enrique Pieretto, Julian Montoya (captain), Rodrigo Martinez. Reserves: Facundo Bosch, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Francisco Gorrissen, Gonzalo Garcia, Domingo Miotti, Mateo Carreras.

___

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Sep. 29The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com

Brinkmanship is the new normal in Congress. Like college students (and, frankly, sometimes journalists too) with an assignment due, the real work often doesn't start until the pressure of a deadline hits.

It's not the best way to produce a paper or a story, and it certainly is not the best way to govern.

Yet, here we are again, with a big dose of political maneuvering thrown into the mix.

If Congress does not pass a spending measure by Thursday, much of the federal government would be forced to shut down. For those who might say "good, the federal government is a waste of money anyway," remember the government provides vital services and it is made up of our neighbors, friends and family who work for a myriad of government agencies. When these workers aren't paid and these services aren't provided, there are ripple effects throughout our economy.

Also, if Congress doesn't vote to raise the debt ceiling by mid-October, the U.S. government may not be able to pay its bills on time, again sending big ripples through our economy. These loans, by the way, cover past government spending. Raising the debt ceiling is about ensuring the U.S. can continue to pay off debt it has already accrued; it is not about approving future spending (that is a separate fight).

Rather than moving ahead expeditiously to address both of these looming problems, leaders in Congress remain intent on scoring political points, essentially blaming the other political party for failing to take action.

Simply put, Congress needs to pass a spending plan, called a continuing resolution, to fund the government going forward. As an aside, Congress should really be passing appropriations bills through so-called regular order. But, Congress is so dysfunctional that the full budgeting process has largely been sidelined in favor of continuing resolutions, which continue existing funding for a set period of time.

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Congress also needs to raise the debt ceiling, as it has done 17 times in the past 20 years, with Democrats and Republicans in charge of the House and Senate, and White House.

A bill to do both passed the House last week on a party-line 220-211 vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. The bill, which would extend government funding through Dec. 3 and raise the debt limit through the end of 2022, also includes more than $6 billion to aid in resettling Afghan refugees in America and more than $28 billion for communities hit by recent natural disasters.

The bill failed to advance in the Senate on Monday when all the chamber's Republicans voted against beginning consideration of the measure. Republicans argue that Democrats alone should raise the debt ceiling, with the fallacious argument that Democrats are responsible for the rise in the U.S. debt. During its four years, the Trump administration added nearly $8 trillion to the debt, much of it from the 2017 tax cuts. That's the third biggest increase, relative to the size of the economy, of any president.

This debate is further clouded by Republicans tying the debt limit increase to the Democrats' proposal for $3.5 trillion in spending on a host of initiatives, including reducing child care, college costs and health care costs and boosting clean energy and workforce training. This Build Back Better plan warrants a lot of debate, but it is not the reason for the needed debt ceiling increase.

There is further political posturing behind the Republican move to push Democrats to raise the debt ceiling on their own. If a debt ceiling increase is done as part of a budget measure that requires only 50 votes (plus one from the vice president) for passage, budget rules require that the debt ceiling must be raised to a specific number  say $40 trillion (the national debt is currently a little over $28 trillion)  not to a specific date. You can imagine the ads Republicans would create to blast Democrats for approving this much debt. Hence, Democrats' efforts to make sure Republicans share the blame for growth in debt, which is warranted.

The easy answer to this impasse is to break the measure in two, with a quick vote on a continuing resolution by Thursday. The debate on the debt ceiling would be pushed until next month. That won't take the politics out of it, but it gives lawmakers a chance to do their jobs before going over the brink. Twice.
Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday it will expel seven United Nations officials after a senior UN official warned that thousands of people in war-torn Tigray were likely experiencing government-caused famine, according to Reuters.

Why it matters: The ministry accused the seven officials, including the head of the UN's Children's Fund and the head of its Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Office, of "meddling" in internal affairs and said they have 72 hours to leave the country.

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Conditions in Tigray have greatly deteriorated since fighting broke out between Ethiopia's government and forces aligned with the Tigray People's Liberation Front around 10 months ago.

Thousands have died throughout the conflict and millions have been displaced.

What they're saying: On Tuesday, the UN's aid chief Martin Griffiths heavily criticized Ethiopia's government for intentionally restricting aid to the region in an interview with Reuters.

"We predicted that there were 400,000 people in famine-like conditions, at risk of famine, and the supposition was that if no aid got to them adequately they would slip into famine," Griffiths said, referring to a UN assessment from June.

"I have to assume that something like that is happening," he added.

The latest: The U.S. government condemns in the strongest possible terms the government of Ethiopia's unprecedented action to expel the leadership of all of the United Nations organizations involved in ongoing humanitarian operations, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a briefing Thursday.

"Were deeply concerned that this action continues pattern by the Ethiopian Ethiopian government of restricting the delivery of food, medicine and other life saving supplies that most to those most in need," Psaki added.

The other side: Ethiopia's UN delegation said that the UN's claims of a blockade were "baseless" and that aid wasn't reaching the region because of a shortage of trucks and fuel, according to Reuters.

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However, the UN has reported that drivers going into Tigray have twice been shot at and that others have been arrested in neighboring regions.

The big picture: The Biden administration threatened earlier this month to impose new sanctions on Ethiopian officials "responsible for, or complicit in, prolonging the conflict" in the Tigray region.

Go deeper: Tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia escalate over war in Tigray

Editors note: This post was updated to add comments from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

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China Evergrande Group's carmaking unit is struggling to keep its production plan alive, after a capital crunch forced it to suspend part of its electric vehicle (EV) projects.

Hong Kong-listed China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group, also known as Evergrande Auto, is making an all-out effort to kick off production of its Hengchi-branded cars, trying to keep talent and looking for new funding even as its operations have been walloped by the debt woes of its parent, according to two sources with ties to the carmaker.

The carmaker, which briefly topped the century-old Ford Motor in market capitalisation in February after raising HK$10 billion in a top-up stock sale in Hong Kong a month earlier, is yet to deliver a single car. Nevertheless, it is still hopeful that it could obtain fresh funds from new investors soon because of the bullish outlook of China's EV sector. While it has stopped paying nearly all suppliers and some of its employees because of the cash squeeze, existing staff have been told to get the assembly line ready to produce its first model.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"Evergrande's EV assets remain valuable," said Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai. "It has potential investors but one of the sticking points now is how to price the assets."

Evergrande Auto's shares have lost 96 per cent in value since their February high, wiping out US$88 billion in capitalisation. The stock jumped 44.4 per cent to HK$3.35 on Wednesday, on expectations that a white knight investor could come to its rescue. The company did not reply to a request for comment.

At Evergrande Auto's factory in Songjiang district outside Shanghai, a gigantic plant stretching for half a kilometre, appeared to be complete, while several buildings nearby stood half built. A few workers milled around, but there was otherwise little activity in what was to be Evergrande's grand entry into China's bare-knuckle industry of making electric cars.

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That is hardly surprising as the carmaker said in an exchange filing last week that it halted some of its EV projects after failing to pay its suppliers.

A sign board at China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group's factory in Shanghai's Songjiang district warns visitors to stay away and to not take photographs, on September 28, 2021. Photo: Thomas Wang alt=A sign board at China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group's factory in Shanghai's Songjiang district warns visitors to stay away and to not take photographs, on September 28, 2021. Photo: Thomas Wang

Evergrande NEV also reported a 4.8 billion yuan (US$742 million) loss for the six months to June 30, confirming a profit warning from the parent company. Acknowledging challenges on cash flow, the EV start-up said it faced risks of defaulting on its loans and disputes outside normal business. It will continue efforts to discuss the sale of assets with potential investors and closely monitor the capital expenditure of the EV business.

The start-up had 12.5 billion yuan of cash buffer at the end of June, compared with 13.3 billion yuan of borrowings and 73 billion yuan of trade payables due within a year.

On September 21, the company announced that a total of 323.72 million share options were granted to three independent non-executive directors and around 3,180 employees. The company is using options as an incentive to retain engineers and technicians as the capital crunch is likely to result in a delayed salary payment over the coming months, the sources said.

In August when Evergrande was reportedly in talks with smartphone maker Xiaomi over the sale of a stake in the EV unit, two prototypes of its Hengchi cars were seen by the South China Morning Post at the plant when they were conducting a road test.

Evergrande Auto aimed to build a million electric vehicles a year by 2025 and had ambitions of becoming the world's largest EV maker. Earlier this year, it set a goal of delivering 100,000 units in 2022.

A yet to be opened showroom of Evergrande Auto in Shanghai. Photo: Bloomberg alt=A yet to be opened showroom of Evergrande Auto in Shanghai. Photo: Bloomberg

In August 2020, the company unveiled six Hengchi-branded EV models followed by another three in February this year. However, none of the nine models have reached the assembly stage yet, with the company saying they would hit the market either in the second half of this year, or the first half of 2022.

At the beginning of this month, Evergrande Auto said a fleet of 53 cars comprising the Hengchi 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 models had completed a 70-day road test covering 500,000km. The announcement came three days after the carmaker warned in its interim earnings report that production might be delayed because of a cash squeeze.

Its debt-ridden parent China Evergrande Group, controlled by tycoon Hui Ka-yan, currently has US$300 billion in liabilities, compared with 2.38 trillion yuan (US$368 billion) in assets.

Hui is desperate to save his property empire from collapsing via asset sales after Evergrande missed several interest payments this month to contractors, suppliers and lenders. More deadlines are approaching on its local and offshore bond obligations.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2021 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2021. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
When the pandemic struck, the shift to online learning marked an inauspicious turning point for Mia Miron, an English learner in Pomona, California.

Previously, she had almost never missed school. A doctors appointment here, a sick day there, but save for those rare occasions, she was always in class.

Her parents, immigrants from Mexico, had instilled in her a belief in the value of education as a path to a better life.

Yosadara Carbajal, front left, and her daughter Mia Miron, front right. (Yosadara Carbajal)

School was one of my priorities, the California teenager, now in eighth grade, told The 74.

But when COVID-19 forced instruction to move online, her absences began to rack up  sometimes due to a faulty laptop charger and sometimes due to her teachers failing to mark her present even when she had logged in, Miron said. Her grades fell from Bs and Cs to Ds and Fs.

Mirons mother, Yosadara Carbajal, speaking through a translator, told The 74 that other families had experienced similar attendance problems, but when she raised the issue to school leaders in November 2020, they did not resolve the discrepancies. Pomona Unified School District, however, insisted that they maintained a lenient policy through remote learning toward parents vouching for their childrens attendance on Zoom and initiated multiple measures to re-engage disconnected students, including door-knocking and free one-on-one tutoring, which, as of this school year, Miron now receives.

Get essential education news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here for The 74s daily newsletter.

Across the country, the obstacles posed by remote learning may have triggered a disproportionate jump in absenteeism among English learners like Miron, new data indicate, despite the 5 million student group having sported some of the highest rates of attendance nationwide before the pandemic compared to other learners.

Ten out of 11 school systems that provided data in response to public record requests filed by The 74 reported surges in chronic absenteeism among English learners in the 2020-21 school year. In all but one district, the percent change in absenteeism was higher among ELs than the overall student population.

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For example:

 Chronic absenteeism among all 197,000 students in Houston increased 88 percent over the average rates for 2017-18 and 2018-19, but more than doubled  climbing 158 percent  among English learners.

 In Centennial School District in Pennsylvania, the overall absenteeism rate barely nudged upward, increasing just 2.8 percent, while the share of English learners missing a critical mass of classes jumped 42 percent.

 In an especially severe case, the rate of chronic absenteeism among all students in Huntsville School District in Arkansas dropped off slightly while the rate for English learners increased more than four fold.



The pandemic hit immigrant families very, very hard, Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, deputy director of Californians Together, a coalition that advocates for English learners in the Golden State, told The 74.

When the restaurant where Mirons father worked closed due to COVID last year, her family was without its primary source of income. They launched a business selling sweet breads over Instagram as a way to bring in some cash.

[School] was no longer our primary concern. We had to do anything to survive  to pay bills, rent, everything, before anything else, said Carbajal.

But despite the disruption, the middle schooler was lucky: She had the WiFi and devices that she needed for remote learning, save for a finicky charger. She also speaks English confidently, although her school has not yet re-classified her out of English learner courses.

Many other English learners over the past 18 months, however, have lacked devices, juggled child care duties and struggled to navigate English-only instructions for platforms like Google Classroom or Zoom, according to reports through the pandemic. Still, COVID-19s full impact on this vulnerable population has remained blurry.

With finalized nationwide counts of chronic absenteeism from last year still not expected for up to three months, these new figures offer a sneak peak into long-awaited data that helps bring the picture into clearer focus.

Students are typically defined as chronically absent when they miss more than 10 percent of school days, a benchmark for the typical 180-day school year that researchers say determines whether students have lost so much instruction that they may be academically at risk. Missed school days predict academic difficulties such as trouble reading in third grade, lower grades in middle school and higher dropout rates in high school.

Related: Jordan: Chronic Absenteeism in the Time of Coronavirus  What Happens to Admissions, Promotion and Accountability?

The 74 requested absenteeism data from 30 districts nationwide, including the largest school systems and a sample of randomly selected suburban and rural districts. Some, such as New York City and Douglas County, Colorado, had not yet finished compiling absences and a handful, including Hillsborough County, Florida, were non-responsive. But 13 districts fulfilled the request, including 11 that delivered data disaggregated by factors including race, income, disability and English learner status.

The increased share of English learners missing class may reflect a breakdown in schools communication with non-English speaking families through the pandemic, said Melissa Castillo, Arizona associate state superintendent of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

When we shut schools down, the challenge in communicating was taken to another whole level, she told The 74.

The immigrant families Castillo works with are resilient and believe strongly in the value of education, she said. But with many lacking internet and devices, remote learning was very difficult.

Schools werent equipped, she added. It was a structural issue.

In the two rural districts in the sample, jumps in chronic absenteeism among English learners were especially pronounced, more than doubling in Firebaugh-Las Deltas, a rural district between Fresno and Salinas, California and more than quadrupling in Huntsville, Arkansas  likely reflecting a double disadvantage created by simultaneous linguistic and digital divides.

The Arkansas district did not have an explanation for the troubling pattern. Superintendent Audra Kimball wrote to The 74, I dont feel like I have enough knowledge  to give you an accurate answer. She did not answer whether the district was aware of the high levels of absenteeism among English learners in the district before The 74s inquiries.

Neither Houston ISD nor Centennial School District responded to The 74s requests for comment on their disproportionate increases in English learners missing class.

Related: 12 Months After Pandemic Closed Schools, 12 Million Students Still Lack Reliable Internet

Contrary to initial reports on absenteeism through the pandemic that have found stark increases in the share of students missing class, the numbers delivered to The 74 tell a story thats less clean cut. Five out of the 13 districts actually reported small drops in overall chronic absence, but often with glaring differences between sub-groups. On top of jumps in the rate of English learners missing class, Black and low-income students tended to also have greater increases in absenteeism. White and Asian students often saw less severe jumps  and sometimes dips  in their rates.

Students with disabilities, who had some of the highest rates of chronic absenteeism nationwide before the pandemic, saw 2020-21 rates that remained elevated, but did not represent as large of a proportional increase as that of English learners or low-income students. In fact, five out of 11 districts reported drops in the share of students with disabilities persistently missing class.

A student with ADHD might have found it easier to focus (during online learning) or a student with autism might have found it easier to interact with their educators, Lindsay Jones, president and CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, wrote in an email to The 74. Now, we need to better understand what worked for the students who found remote learning easier or more engaging.

Further patterns included elevated rates of absenteeism among younger learners. Although persistently missing school was much more common among high schoolers before the pandemic, some districts saw the pattern shift to younger grades during remote school, perhaps due to elementary schoolers struggling with Zoom when they lacked proper supervision.

In Miami-Dade County Schools, for example, which did not disaggregate their data by student group but did break down results by age, chronic absenteeism increased 6 percentage points among the districts 110,000 elementary school students and 11 percentage points among its nearly 52,000 middle school students. It also increased 7 percentage points among its 101,000 high school students, but that jump represented a proportionally smaller increase due to higher pre-pandemic absence rates.

Inconsistencies in how schools took attendance through the pandemic confound direct district-to-district comparisons. Some schools, like Huntsville High School, told The 74 they did not track daily attendance among virtual learners because instruction was asynchronous, effectively lowering the pool of students who could be considered chronically absent, while others, like Olathe Public Schools in Kansas, said they took note of exactly how many online learners had missed class each day.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona, the only school system in the dataset where proportional increases in chronic absenteeism were higher among the overall student body than among English learners, said differences in how attendance was coded for online versus in-person learners may have impacted the numbers. Districts also differed in whether they counted quarantined students as absent, whether they relied on families to proactively mark their kids present and whether webcams were a requirement for online learning.

A lot fell through the cracks in attendance counts last year, Paige Kowalski, executive vice president of the Data Quality Campaign, told The 74.

In districts where students missed less class last year than before the pandemic, Attendance Works Executive Director Hedy Chang worries that the numbers might tell a misleading story. During remote learning, it was often hard to tell whether students were truly engaged in class, especially when cameras were off.

The data from last year masked, often, a loss of instructional time, she told The 74.

In Gwinnett County Public Schools outside Atlanta, where about half of all 181,000 students learned remotely last year and chronic absenteeism fell roughly 1 percentage point below pre-pandemic levels, the reasons for the drop  and exactly what that reduction represents  remain unclear.

We would just be guessing at this point, admitted district spokesperson Bernard Watson. He did point out, however, that teachers worked hard to engage students, driving through young peoples neighborhoods during lockdown for socially distanced greetings.

But even in Gwinnett, as overall absenteeism trended downward, days of missed schooling among English learners ticked up. To re-engage those students, experts say schools need to be proactive in connecting with their families.

Reach out in 10 different ways: texts, phone calls, home visits, flyers, direct mail  all the ways you can think of, suggested Conor Williams, senior fellow at The Century Foundation and a frequent contributor at The 74. Then once you make contact, ask Whats the best way to [stay] in touch with you?

A recent U.S. Department of Education study from Providence, Rhode Island supports this approach, finding that texts, calls and mentorship could chip away at absenteeism, although the data were collected before the pandemic. And last year, sending teachers door-to-door proved an effective  if labor-intensive  strategy to coax students back to class in districts across the country.

Related Texas Teachers Go Door to Door as Kids Disappear From Remote Classes

To mark the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a category to which more than three-quarters of English learners belong, the White House on Sept. 13 launched an all-new Hispanic education initiative to address the systemic causes of barriers to Latino achievement. Its not yet clear how much the initiative will focus on English learners, who make up only about a quarter of the wider Latino student population in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Education granted waivers for states 2019-20 federal data reporting requirements, but for 2020-21, the its requiring all states to publicly report disaggregated chronic absenteeism figures. Those numbers will likely be available by spring 2022, a department spokesperson told The 74.

As the Biden administration underscores the importance of a safe return to in-person school, many families of English learners feel trepidation about sending their children back into classrooms, said Rosario Quiroz Villarreal, policy director at The New Teacher Project. They, like any family, want to understand schools COVID safety protocols, especially because many live with older relatives, she explained, but oftentimes schools translation of these protocols can be lacking.

Its exclusion by omission, the specialist on immigrant education told The 74.

Rosario Quiroz Villarreal (Next100)

In a school year already riddled by tens of thousands of student and staff quarantines, and as students no longer have the convenience of rolling out of bed and clicking into Zoom, researchers are worried there may be even more students missing class in 2021-22  and not just English learners.

Were hearing about huge increases in chronic absenteeism in many of the districts that were speaking to, said Chang, of Attendance Works. Oakland, California, for example, which publishes real-time data, has already seen the share of persistently missing students jump from 20 percent in 2020-21 to 33 percent so far this year.

Were going to have to really expand our personalized outreach and supports to families to make sure that their kids can get access to make up for whatever they lost, said Chang.

Miron, in Pomona, is among the students who went back to in-person learning this fall, and her case underscores the importance of returning English learners to classrooms. Last year, she said, she wasnt really learning anything online. But now that she has returned in person, its a complete change for the better, her mother reports. The teenager agrees.

I feel like Im actually learning something right now, she said.

Editorial Fellow Marianna McMurdock contributed to this report.

Lead image: New data exclusive to The 74 show that English learners saw disproportionate surges in the rate at which they missed class during the pandemic. (John Moore/Getty Images)
The Daily Beast

The Washington Post via Getty ImagesMost of Trumps meetings with foreign business leaders that I attended were, like the episode in Kensington Palace, more about holding court than holding forth on issues of concern for American workers. Sometimes the president took bizarre turns into rambling monologues completely lacking in substance. It was becoming clear that this was how the man who had ridden into the White House on the grievances of ordinary Americans was going to fritter away his time i
By Krisztina Than

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Murad Sharifi, a refugee from Afghanistan, works at a kebab place and lives in a shelter for the homeless in Budapest's outskirts. His tiny room is filled with dozens of paintings depicting a colourful but ominous world, of Afghan women clad in long black burqa gowns, surrounded by hostile men.

Sharifi, who fled to Hungary during the 2015 migration wave with tens of thousands of other asylum-seekers, says it is his "obligation" to show the oppression faced by women in his home country, worsening since the Taliban takeover in August.

He was drawn to paint "to express women's pain, and my own feelings", he said in his bare-walled room, where his canvasses jostle for space with two small beds, two chairs and a table.

Some of his more joyful works depict couples among leafy trees. But most feature starker scenes. In one, which he describes as an illustration of women's oppression, a woman is shown in a meat grinder with a bearded man squeezing her neck and pushing her down. In another, a woman, with her long hair freely floating, has faces of men running down the side of her green robe and a queue of them eyeing her suspiciously.

"In a country where men rule over women, women are deprived of their right to speak freely," he says.

Under the Taliban, who took power in August, he expects women will slowly "disappear" behind the walls of their homes, as they were forced to do when the Taliban last ruled 20 years ago and banned them from work and school.

While the Taliban have promised to allow women more freedoms this time, they have so far reopened schools and most workplaces only to men and boys.

Sharifi is from the mainly Shi'ite Muslim Hazara community, which was repressed under the severe Sunni rule of the Taliban. He arrived in Hungary with the massive wave of hundreds of thousands of migrants that entered Europe in 2015.

His paintings are now exhibited at a hall in Budapest along with artwork of three other refugees.

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Refugees often deal with traumas through artwork, and seeing their paintings could have a "therapeutic" influence on the public, too, said Marta Pardavi, Co-chair of the Helsinki Committee, an NGO that helped organise the exhibition.

"Because this artwork can convey the traumas, and can make them far more understandable," she said.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Peter Graff)
(Removes extraneous word in lede)

By Gleb Stolyarov and Alexander Marrow

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian authorities on Thursday warned social media giant Facebook it faces a fine of up to 10% of its annual turnover in the country unless it deletes content Moscow deems illegal.

Upping the ante in its standoff with U.S. Big Tech, state communications regulator Roskomnadzor told Reuters it was planning to send Facebook's representatives in Russia an official notification saying it had repeatedly failed to remove banned information.

That, it said, could lead to a fine of 5% or 10% of Facebook's annual Russian turnover unless the situation is remedied.

Facebook's violations include failing to remove posts containing child pornography, drug abuse and extremist content, the Vedomosti daily reported separately.

Facebook had no immediate comment.

Moscow has increased pressure on foreign tech companies over the last year as part of a long-running push to assert greater sovereignty over its segment of the internet, including efforts to make companies store Russians' personal data on its territory.

On Wednesday, Russia threatened to block YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., after the video-hosting giant removed Russian state-backed broadcaster RT's German-language channels from its site.

Earlier this year, Roskomnadzor wrote to Facebook and other social media firms demanding they remove posts containing calls for minors to participate in anti-government protests after the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Vedomosti cited experts who estimated Facebook's annual Russian turnover at around 12 billion roubles ($165 million).

Reuters could not immediately verify that estimate.

Roskomnadzor has opened 17 different administrative cases against Facebook this year for failing to delete banned content, court documents showed, with 64 million roubles owed in fines or pending.

A turnover fine would dwarf those levied so far.

"Facebook's administration has not paid the fines," Vedomosti cited Roskomnadzor as saying.

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($1 = 72.5975 roubles)

(This story corrects to remove extraneous word in lede)

(Editing by Barbara Lewis, Elaine Hardcastle, Kirsten Donovan)
By Sheila Dang and Paresh Dave

(Reuters) - U.S. senators on Thursday grilled Facebook Inc on its plans to better protect young users on its apps, drawing on leaked internal research that showed the social media giant was aware of how its Instagram app harmed the mental health of teens.

The hearing in front of the Senate consumer protection subcommittee was called after the Wall Street Journal published several stories earlier this month about how Facebook knew Instagram caused some teen girls in particular to feel badly about their self-image. After growing opposition to the project, Facebook put plans for Instagram Kids, aimed at pre-teens, on hold this week.

Antigone Davis, Facebook's global head of safety, disputed the committee and WSJ's conclusions of the research documents throughout the hearing, and said the company was working to release additional internal studies in an effort to be more transparent about its findings.

"This research is a bombshell," said Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, during the hearing. "It is powerful, gripping, riveting evidence that Facebook knows of the harmful effects of its site on children, and that it has concealed those facts and findings."

"IG stands for Instagram, but it also stands for Insta-greed," said Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts.

The senators pressed Davis on several major themes, including what identifiable data Facebook collects on users under the age of 13, to what extent the company views young users as a growth area and to confirm whether it knew that Instagram led some children to consider suicide.

Davis reiterated that kids under 13 were not allowed on Facebook, adding 0.5% of teens in the company's research connected their "suicidal ideation" to Instagram, lower than the figures the Journal had reported.

"You've cherry-picked part of the research that you think helps your spin right now," said Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, demanding Facebook commit to releasing its full research on the links between Instagram and youth suicide.

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A second hearing is planned for Tuesday and will feature a Facebook whistleblower. The whistleblower is expected to reveal their identity on Sunday in a recorded interview for TV news program "60 Minutes," which in a preview described the woman as a former Facebook employee who left with tens of thousands of pages of research.

Davis said Thursday that Facebook would not retaliate against the whistleblower for sharing confidential documents with the senators.

(Reporting by Sheila Dang in Dallas and Paresh Dave in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
ABC

In this April 25, 2019 file photo, Anna Delvey, who claimed to be a German heiress named Anna Sorokin, sits at the defense table during jury deliberations in her trial at New York State Supreme Court, in New York. Richard Drew/AP

Anna Sorokin, who pretended to be a fake heiress named Anna Delvey, told ABC News that she isn't a "dumb, greedy person."

She says she opted to go to trial instead of taking a plea deal because "it was the only way to tell my story."

After being released from prison in February, Sorokin was taken into ICE custody.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Anna Sorokin, the German national who pretended to be a fake heiress with the name Anna Delvey, has opened up about her actions in an interview set to air on ABC News' "20/20" on Friday.

"I would like to show the world that I'm not this dumb, greedy person that they portrayed me to be," Sorokin said in a preview for the interview that was first taped after her release in February.

But Sorokin told ABC News senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts that she opted to take her case to trial instead of taking a plea deal because she felt "it was the only way to tell my story."

"I never had a fraudulent intent," Sorokin told ABC News. "And I guess that's what should really count."

Sorokin was convicted in April 2019 on several counts of larceny and theft tied to a scheme in which she swindled banks and other institutions out of thousands of dollars while she lived in Manhattan.

She was sentenced to 12 years in prison, fined $24,000, and ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.

Ultimately, she was released from prison after four years on good behavior in February, but was taken into ICE custody in March.

Sorokin's lawyer didn't immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
A Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, has presented results of their vote audit in Arizona's Maricopa County, which affirmed that President Joe Biden won the election. But a falsified document is now circulating on QAnon circles, claiming that Trump won. Matt York/AP Photo

A fake version of the Cyber Ninjas Arizona audit report is circulating in QAnon Telegram groups.

The report falsely claims Trump won the election and declares the "reported results are not reliable."

The document was debunked by Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan, who said the report was "absolutely false."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Earlier this month, an audit report from Cyber Ninjas - the group behind Arizona's election audit - validated President Joe Biden's victory in Maricopa County, Arizona. Now, a fake version of that report, which contains the baseless claim that Trump won the 2020 election in Arizona, is making the rounds in QAnon Telegram groups.

According to Vice, the fake audit document was first posted by Ann Vandersteel, a QAnon influencer who runs a Telegram channel with more than 30,000 followers. Vandersteel shared the fake audit document, called "Executive Summary," on her QAnon telegram channel on September 25. She also posted a comment about Doug Logan, the CEO of the Cyber Ninjas and a Trump supporter.

"THIS IS the REAL MARICOPA AUDIT. THEY THREATENED DOUG LOGAN and his family if he put it out. SHARE EVERYWHERE," Vandersteel wrote. She did not specify who she meant by "they" or what alleged threats were leveled at Logan.

The false document has since been further circulated in Telegram groups linked to QAnon, a baseless far-right conspiracy group that claims former President Donald Trump is secretly fighting a "deep state" cabal of satanic pedophiles and cannibals.

Logan, who has been known to tout election conspiracy theories in favor of former President Donald Trump, issued a statement clarifying that the fake audit document is "absolutely false."

"There is a false version of the Executive Summary of the Maricopa County Forensic Election Audit report that is circulating," Logan said in a statement to Vice on September 29. "This false version claims to be an earlier version of the Cyber Ninjas Executive Summary, but because of supposed threats from the (Arizona State) Senate, it was not used. This is absolutely false."

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The GOP-led audit of the vote count in Maricopa County confirmed President Joe Biden won the election and resulted in Trump losing 261 votes. However, the former president has continued to falsely claim the GOP audit uncovered "undeniable evidence" of fraud.

At press time, the fake document circulated by Vandersteel had been downloaded over 130,000 times.

The origins of the fake report are unclear

Cyber Ninjas owner Doug Logan talks about overseeing a 2020 election ballot audit ordered by the Republican lead Arizona Senate at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, during a news conference Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Phoenix. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo

The fake audit document mimics the overall structure of the Cyber Ninjas' report, which can be downloaded on the Arizona State Senate's website. Among the discrepancies in the fake audit report is a line of text that says, "The election should not be certified, and the reported results are not reliable."

Logan told local outlet AZ Central he has no knowledge of the false draft report's origins. He said it could have been created by "someone who was contributing to the report at some point in time."

"The fact some language is shared means they likely reviewed the Executive Summary I wrote," Logan told AZ Central. "No copy of the Executive Summary written by me ever directly stated the election should not be certified or should be de-certified."

"I personally don't think it's my role to make that call or even that suggestion. That is something that should be determined by the legislature. My job was to relay the facts found during the audit and to provide advice on legislative reform," Logan added in his interview with AZ Central.

Vandersteel and Logan did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Filipino heritage, food and fun are on the menu this weekend at Mount Trashmore.

October is Filipino American History Month and Fil Fest USA 2021 kicks off Saturday with a pageant and Filipino folk dancing. Mayor Bobby Dyer will welcome the crowd at noon.

Virginia Beach has the highest Filipino population in Hampton Roads and is home to the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia in Kempsville.

Chicago comedian Erick Esteban and hip-hop artists S.N.R.G. (Some Never Really Get) from Northern Virginia will entertain on Saturday. Guests will also learn more about a historical highway marker in Virginia Beach that will honor the legacy of U.S. Navy service members from the Philippines who have settled in Hampton Roads.

Buko Resto-Bar food truck will serve Filipino street food. Bambu and Maria & Isabels will offer desserts.

Local churches will lead events Sunday morning. Shadowlawn Eats restaurant will bring a mountain of lumpia, also known as Filipino egg rolls, for the Lumpia eating contest. The winners name will be inscribed on a champion belt.

For more information and the schedule, visit facebook.com/filfestusa.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
More intense storms, fueled by climate change, are battering shorelines and cities throughout the Great Lakes, pulling the land right out from under some homes.

"Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, they all have to adapt to this," said Melissa Scanlan, director of the Center for Water Policy at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Milwaukee sits on Lake Michigan, which has swung from record-low water levels in 2013 to record highs the past few years.

"The highs are getting higher and the lows are getting lower," Scanlan said. "I'm most concerned about flooding and sewage contaminating the drinking water supply for millions of people."

Sewage can get dumped into Lake Michigan when intense storms overwhelm Milwaukee's stormwater systems. The area's sewerage district is replacing concrete channels built in the 1960s with more natural creeks to try to prevent future flooding.

Marquette, Michigan, spent $3 million to rebuild a shattered stretch of road 300 feet away from its increasingly unpredictable neighbor, Lake Superior.

"Lake erosion really got the best of it," said Dennis Stachewicz, who is planning director for the city. "Ultimately it failed because nature caught up with us."

But with access to so much fresh water and without the hurricanes and wildfires ravaging other parts of the country, the Great Lakes region is still considered somewhat of a climate haven.

With the right solutions, Stachewicz said, they hope to weather the storm. "Change is occurring and we probably need to be prepared for it," he said.

Congress passes last-minute bill avoiding government shutdown

An Afghan baby's harrowing escape to the U.S.

Hawaiis Kilauea volcano erupts
Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast/Getty

Mitch McConnell won another round in his quest for world domination when he blocked Democrats effort to act responsibly and step up to the thankless task of raising the debt limit. This went beyond his already irresponsible threat not to lift a finger to help Democrats lift it. Now hes actively stopping them from doing the right thing on their own.

There are lots of things you can say about Cocaine Mitch, but you cant say he broke his vow to make stopping Biden 100 percent of his focus. His willingness to imperil the full faith and credit of the United States to do so is more proof than the country can stand.

This isnt about future spending or Democrats plans; its about refusing to pay debts weve already incurred. In less than three weeks, the bill for the Trump-McConnell tax cut for the elites they both pretend to hate, along with everything else the country has spent money on in recent years, comes due. Pay it and the parties go on to fight another day. Dont pay it, and all hell breaks loose.

McConnell says that Democrats can lift the debt ceiling without any Republican support, buteven setting aside that theyd be doing so to pay the tab Trump ran upits not clear they can, given McConnell killing their effort on Tuesday and time running short.

Republicans Don't Want a Debt DefaultJust Democratic Chaos

Living up to the promise to pay what we owe isnt an issue that registers in opinion polls; Democrats have failed miserably to label the bills at the center of this debate the Trump-McConnell debt or to describe just how ludicrous the GOP position is. Imagine telling your credit card company that you meant to pay your bill but your spouse wouldnt raise your debt ceiling.

On behalf of America, thats the grift McConnell is pulling. If successful, hell leave the country unable to pay its bills for the first time in 245 years. He will be cutting off Americas nose to spite liberals faces. It makes no sense.

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We got an inkling of what could happen in 2011, when then-House Speaker John Boehner went to the absolute last minute before raising the ceiling as a way to torment Barack Obama. As it dragged on, Standard & Poors downgraded Americas debt, meaning taxpayers had to pay $1.3 billion more to borrow money. Global markets trembled and there was a market sell-off here. Veterans and Social Security recipients feared their checks would stop arriving.

McConnell is threatening to take us to the edge again, or over it this time, in the hopes that he can convince the country that Democrats are not fit to govern. But theres no excuse at all for refusing to pay back debts America has already incurred, and its been Republicans whove done the most to run up that tab. Of the 57-percentage-point increase in the debt to GDP ratio since 1960, 52 of them came when a Republican sat in the Oval Office.

Running last year, McConnell said If Im still the majority leader in the Senate, think of me as the Grim Reaper. None of that stuff is going to pass." Thanks in part to Trumps seditious temper tantrum after his own loss, Democrats won both special elections in Georgia and with them control of the Senate but even as minority leader McConnell is doing his damnedest to kill Democrats dreamseven when their dream is to pay our bills and keep Americas economy and the foundation of the world economy intact.

Heres how Obamas speechwriter Jon Favreau described the stakes in 2011, before Boehner yielded at the 11th hour:

With each passing day, making our debt payments to businesses and governments around the world would become more and more difficult. When the world stopped seeing the United States as a safe and reliable place to invest, the cost of borrowing money would skyrocket for every single Americanwhether its a home mortgage or a personal credit card. And those high borrowing costs, coupled with billions in delayed income for seniors, soldiers, small-business owners, and their employees, almost surely would send our economy, and the worlds, into a crisis even deeper and more dramatic than the Great Recession of 2009.

House Republican Hostage Takers Are Unfit to Govern

This is the fire that McConnell is playing with now as hes ceded control of the party to Trump, who couldnt win himself but is now actively punishing Republicans willing to call out his craziness with primaries. Desperate to hang on the MAGA nuts he needs to show up at the polls to retake the senate,, McConnell looks the other way when Trump keeps raving about how the election was supposedly stolen from him.

And where Trump claims his victims by shouting, McConnell uses a soporific, unsmiling certainty that lulls people into a state of passivity thats hard to crack. What the Turtle is doing with the debt limit could be every bit as destructive to the economy as the Donalds Big Lie is to our democracy. When Chicken Little said the sky was falling, folks at least looked upward. Try explaining that the debt ceiling is for bills run up by those now refusing to own up to them and I can attest that everyone suddenly has to hang up and take another call.

We think we can get through any ordeal because weve gotten through so many. But its hard to think of a worse time to call into question the reliability of America. We have one of the worst death rates from the pandemictwice as high as might have been seen under a stable president. Treaties were broken; Putin became a confidant, our allies the enemy. We sloughed off floods, fires, melting ice caps, and temperatures of 120 degrees as flukes man cant control.

The country is recovering from the worst pandemic since 1917 but its new and fragile and subject to relapse. Who will look to America to lead if McConnell helps send not just our own economy, but those of our allies and enemies, into free fall?

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WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court on Thursday added five new cases to its calendar for the term that begins next week, among them a challenge to federal election law brought by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.

Cruzs challenge involves rules about repaying a candidate for federal office who loans his or her campaign money. Under the law, a campaign can repay the candidate up to $250,000 with money collected after the election.

Cruz argues that the current rules deter candidates from loaning money to their campaigns in violation of the Constitution. A three-judge panel unanimously sided with Cruz, and the Biden administration asked the court to take the case.

Cruz, a former Supreme Court clerk, loaned his campaign $260,000 during his successful 2018 bid for reelection, when he defeated Beto ORourke. Cruz was ultimately repaid all but $10,000. The express purpose of the loan was to challenge the law.

The court also agreed to hear an appeal from the heirs of a German Jewish woman and a San Diego Jewish organization in their quest to recover a valuable painting by Camille Pissarro that was initially taken by the Nazis and now hangs in an art museum in Madrid.

In another case, the justices will review a Christian organizations plea to have its flag displayed on a flag pole at Bostons City Hall.

The high court has been on its summer break since early July. When it begins its new term Monday the justices will be hearing arguments in their marble courtroom for the first time in more than a year and a half, though the public will not be allowed to attend. The justices have been hearing arguments by telephone because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Live audio of the arguments will continue to be available to the public through at least December, the court has said, though one change is that members of the public will be able to go directly to the court's website to hear it instead of needing to find it through media outlets.

On Friday, the court will hold a ceremonial swearing-in for Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was confirmed in October 2000 following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The ceremony was delayed because of the pandemic.
Bravo

Kathy Hilton is building a fabulous new home from the ground up, but she has no intention of living in it when it's done. "This is one of my projects," The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills newcomer explained to Sutton Stracke in the preview clip above from the show's October 6 episode. "I am going to sell this." Although Kathy once planned to move into the home with her husband, Rick Hilton, she decided to take it on as a project when Rick expressed that he wanted to stay in their current Bel-Ai
Storyful

A sneaky shark circled an alligator and nibbled on its foot while it was minding its own business near a dock in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.Cory Conlon filmed a video that shows a shark and an alligator appear near the surface of the ocean. Onlookers throw pieces of fish into the water to feed the two before the shark decides to get close to the alligator to bite its foot. The alligator reacts and charges in the sharks direction, while the shark continues to swim beneath the gator.I was surprised to see this so I filmed it with my phone to show family and friends, Conlon told Storyful. Credit: Cory Conlon via Storyful
The White House is circling the wagons around President Joe Biden and his top military advisers after two testified they advised the president against withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, both told the House and Senate armed services committees on Tuesday and Wednesday that they initially recommended Biden keep 2,500 troops in Afghanistan to prevent the collapse of the Afghan government. Milley and McKenzie later added that following the Taliban's rapid takeover of Kabul, they and the rest of the president's military advisers reached a consensus that keeping troops in the country at that point would likely lead to an escalation of violence.

WHITE HOUSE CONFIRMS BIDEN TURNED DOWN GENERALS' ADVICE ON TROOP WITHDRAWAL

A number of White House officials expressed frustration to the Washington Examiner Wednesday regarding news coverage of Milley's and McKenzie's testimonies, disputing reports that the statements proved Biden lied during an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

"It's twisting his words," one official vented. "If you actually watch the video instead of just reading the transcript, the spirit of the president's point is clear."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki voiced similar concerns over press coverage at her Tuesday briefing, insinuating that reporters cherry-picked lines from Biden's interview and pulled them out of context.

"Well, let me give you a full  a couple of specifics from the actual [ABC] transcript because I know it's been shorthanded a bit, no mal-intent," she told reporters at the top of the briefing. "But the question asked by George Stephanopoulos was, 'But your top military advisers warned against withdrawing on this timeline. They wanted you to keep about 2,500 troops.' The president said, 'No, they didn't. It was split. That wasn't true. That wasn't true.' 'It was split'  I think that's a pretty key part of that phrasing there."

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"So, what should everybody take from that?" Psaki continued, referencing Milley's and McKenzie's testimonies. "There was a range of viewpoints, as was evidenced by their testimony today, that were presented to the president, that were presented to his national security team as would be expected, as he asked for. He asked for a clear, a clear-eyed ... asked them not to sugarcoat it  what their recommendations were."

Mike Gwin, the White House's rapid response director, also defended the president against lying claims by repeatedly citing testimony from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who appeared beside Milley and McKenzie at the hearings.

"Worth reiterating given the intentionally obtuse takes today," he tweeted. "[Austin] said leaving 2,500 troops would not have stabilized the situation in Afghanistan, given the Taliban offensive, and reinforcements (more troops) would have been needed. Which is exactly what @POTUS told @ABC."

It's worth noting that none of the White House officials who spoke with the Washington Examiner privately blamed Milley or McKenzie for what they classified as an "unfair" media narrative.

One pointed back to comments Psaki made during Tuesday's briefing about how their counsel with Biden illustrates a core democratic hallmark.

"The generals delivered what they thought was an important piece of advice to the president," that official explained. "The president heard their counsel but still thought that ending the war in Afghanistan was the nation's No. 1 priority. After he made his decision, those men carried out his orders to the T. That's democracy."

Furthermore, Psaki informed reporters that Biden also bears no hard feelings toward his top military advisers.

"I would say he absolutely has confidence in Chairman Milley," she said during the briefing. "He has worked side by side with him across the last nine months through some difficult times, difficult decisions in his presidency.

"He has a different relationship with Chairman Milley than I expect President Trump did," the top White House spokeswoman continued. "I can't speak to that relationship, but he does have trust in him."

However, John Ullyot, a spokesman for former President Donald Trump's National Security Council, took major issue with the Pentagon leaders' testimonies.

He told the Washington Examiner in a Wednesday interview that Milley's statements in particular were "absolutely devastating both days."

"They directly contradicted the president," Ullyot said. "I'd say Gen. Milley gave a big reason why he should resign, which is that he talked about his previous administration and the counsel he gave to President Trump directly with three authors of books that were tell-all books about the administration."

He additionally criticized the media's double standard in "treating how they're covering Trump and Biden when it comes to listening to the generals."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"The big difference is that President Trump was going to have a very measured and businesslike approach to our withdrawal from the country instead of the absolute chaos that Biden's decisions generated," Ullyot concluded. "It's a complete double standard that the media was criticizing President Trump for not listening to his generals when he had an absolute conditions-based plan, and Biden, in ignoring his generals, revealed he had no plan. There's nothing from the media about the disastrous results of Biden's policies."

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, White House, Joe Biden, Mark Milley, Jen Psaki, Afghanistan, Lloyd Austin

Original Author: Christian Datoc

Original Location: 'Intentionally obtuse takes': White House goes on offense to defend Biden and top generals
DUBAI (Reuters) -Bahrain hosted the Israeli foreign minister on Thursday for the highest-level visit since the countries established ties last year and which included a tour of a U.S. naval headquarters to signal common cause against Iran.

Landing in Manama on a plane daubed with an olive branch painting, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"His Majesty's leadership and inspiration have led to true cooperation and our meeting outlined the path forward for our relationship," Lapid said on Twitter.

Bahrain and Gulf neighbour United Arab Emirates normalised relations with Israel last year in a U.S.-brokered deal known as the Abraham Accords that built on common commercial interests and worries about Iran. Sudan and Morocco followed suit.

"Our opportunities are shared. Our threats are also shared, and they aren't far from here," Lapid said in remarks to reporters, apparently alluding to Gulf power Iran.

Touring the Bahrain headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, which has faced off Iranian vessels amid tensions over Tehran's regional aims, Lapid said: "Our three countries work together because we have similar interests in the region."

"When we speak about peace, we need to remember that peace must be protected from those who would harm it," he added, according to his office.

The Fleet said on Twitter that Lapid and his hosts discussed regional maritime security cooperation.

The Sunni-ruled kingdom accuses Iran of stoking unrest in Bahrain, a charge that Tehran denies.

The island state, which quashed an uprising led mostly by Shi'ite Muslim members of its population in 2011, saw some sporadic acts of protest after the Abraham Accords were signed.

On Thursday, Bahraini activists circulated on social media images of what appeared to be small protests in Bahrain. Reuters was unable to independently verify these.

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The accords have been denounced by Palestinians as abandoning a unified position under which Arab states would make peace only if Israel gave up occupied land.

In Gaza, the Islamist Hamas group criticised Bahrain for hosting Lapid, who returns to Israel on Thursday evening. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said this represented "an encouragement" of what he described as Israeli "crimes against our people".

Lapid's office said he and his Bahraini counterpart signed deals on cooperation in medicine, healthcare, sports, and on water and environmental conservation. Lapid also inaugurated Israel's embassy in Manama.

Separately, the first Gulf Air commercial flight touched down in Tel Aviv, launching a twice-weekly direct connection.

(Reporting by Dan Williams, Jeffrey Heller, Nidal Al Mughrabi and Lisa Barrington; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, William Maclean and Toby Chopra)
Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's aerospace company, pushed back against accusations of fostering a sexist workplace that allows for the harassment of employees.

Alexandra Abrams, the company's former head of employee communications, penned an essay, published Thursday, outlining claims by 20 unnamed current and past employees.

"Workforce gender gaps are common in the space industry, but at Blue Origin they also manifest in a particular brand of sexism," the essay alleged.

AMAZON'S AI CAMERAS IN DELIVERY VEHICLES HAVE SOME DRIVERS CRYING FOUL

Senior leaders at the company have been "consistently inappropriate with women," it continued.

An executive within the inner circle of CEO Bob Smith has allegedly been reported to human resources more than once for sexual harassment complaints, according to the essay.

Rather than reprimanding the executive, Smith appointed the executive to the hiring committee of the human resources department, the essay stated.

Another former executive is alleged to have treated women with a "condescending and demeaning manner," the essay read, adding that he is accused of calling women names such as "baby girl" and inquiring about their dating lives.

Until the man was forced out for groping a lower-level female employee, the executive never faced any consequences due to his "close personal relationship with Bezos," according to the essay.

"Blue Origin has no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind," a spokesperson for Blue Origin told the Washington Examiner. "We provide numerous avenues for employees, including a 24/7 anonymous hotline, and will promptly investigate any new claims of misconduct."

Abrams was also dismissed for "cause two years ago after repeated warnings for issues involving federal export control regulations," the spokesperson continued.

Abrams denied the allegation and said she was shocked when she was let go.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"I've gotten far enough away from it that I'm not afraid enough to let them silence me anymore," she said.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Jeff Bezos, Space, sexism, Sexual Harassment

Original Author: Luke Gentile

Original Location: Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin pushes back amid allegations of fostering a sexist workplace
A judge in Jackson County has denied a motion by the Missouri Attorney Generals Office seeking additional fingerprint testing in the murder case that landed Kevin Strickland in prison.

Judge Kevin Harrell denied the request that sought testing of unexamined fingerprint cards, saying there had been more than sufficient time and opportunity for the attorney general to have asked for the analysis.

Jackson County prosecutors, who are seeking to exonerate and free Strickland, said the Kansas City Police Department told the attorney generals office about the fingerprint cards in August and that a full comparison of them would take two months. The attorney generals office did not seek testing then and said it was ready to defend Stricklands conviction, local prosecutors said.

The critical fingerprints  those on the murder weapon  have already been tested and they exclude Kevin Strickland, lawyers in Prosecutor Jean Peters Bakers office wrote, arguing the motion was nothing but a delay tactic to deny Strickland his day in court.

In making the request, the attorney generals office accused Bakers office of not testing the remaining fingerprints  which local prosecutors say are from unknown locations  for apparently strategic reasons.

Additional fingerprint testing, the judge said in his order, would frustrate participants in resolving the case promptly.

Harrell said the denial does not prevent the attorney general from meaningfully participating in Stricklands Tuesday evidentiary hearing, during which Jackson County prosecutors will argue he has been wrongly imprisoned for more than 40 years.

More than 140 days ago, Strickland received rare public support from Baker, who said her office had concluded Strickland, who was 18 when he was arrested and is now 62, is factually innocent in the April 25, 1978, shooting at 6934 S. Benton Avenue in Kansas City.

The gunfire took the lives of John Walker, 20, Sherrie Black, 22, and Larry Ingram, 21.

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The attorney generals office, under Eric Schmitt, contends Strickland is guilty and that he received a fair trial in 1979.

Prosecutors at trial claimed Strickland carried a shotgun during the murders and elicited testimony that no fingerprints on the weapon could be compared. But forensic testing done this year shows a fingerprint found on the gun is not Stricklands.

In another recent decision, Harrell granted the attorney generals request to compel discovery from Bakers office, ordering prosecutors to produce their notes taken during an interview with Eric Wesson, publisher of The Call newspaper in Kansas City.

Wesson was friends with the lone eyewitness to the murders. She died in 2015, but Wesson told The Star she tried to recant her identification of Strickland  the most incriminating evidence at his trial  twice to The Call.

Last week, Schmitts office appealed Harrells decision to not recuse himself and disqualify other judges in Jackson County from hearing Bakers office argue Strickland is innocent. It contended there is an appearance of bias in the 16th Circuit Court.

The Missouri Supreme Court had not ruled on that appeal as of Thursday afternoon.
A lawyer for an inmate at North Carolinas Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution warned prison officials that they were violating the law by retaliating against the female inmate for telling The News & Observer that she felt unsafe being held at a mens prison.

Ashlee Inscoe, 40, an intersex, transgender woman, is being held in the Spruce Pines mens prison on a nearly 20-year sentence after calling a television station and admitting to a series of bank robberies.

Inscoe told The N&O that she grew up believing she was a male because of a mistake a doctor made at her birth. It wasnt until she reached puberty that she realized she was genetically female, but her parents continued to raise her as a boy.

The N.C. Department of Public Safety lists her under her birth name but also has Ashlee Inscoe as a searchable alias.

On Sept. 14, The N&O reported that Inscoe said she faced daily harassment, both verbal and physical, and sexual assault at the prison. Emancipate NC had begun a petition to pressure DPS officials to move Inscoe to a womens prison. The group was also threatening legal action.

On Thursday, Emancipate NC lawyer Elizabeth Simpson, who represents Inscoe, told The N&O that after publication, prison officials confronted Inscoe with the article in hand and asked her to sign an incident report saying she felt safe.

Simpson confronted prison officials about the incident in an email to their general counsel.

Simpson provided to The N&O the back-and-forth between herself and the counselors.

Ms. Inscoe reported that she was afraid of being sent to protective custody, if she did not comply, where she would lose all property and privileges, and be subjected to inhumane solitary confinement conditions, Simpson wrote. Thus, she felt coerced into writing that she is safe, even though she is not safe in that facility.

These actions constitute retaliation and they are unlawful under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Simpson wrote.

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Prison system denies retaliation

Simpson received an email response from Jodi Harrison, general counsel for DPS. She said Simpsons emails contained many inaccuracies.

Warden Honeycutt did not confront Inscoe regarding the news article and in fact has not spoken to her at all since before the article was published, Harrison wrote. He asked his PREA Compliance Officer to speak with her to ensure that she had no safety concerns that the facility would need to address, and Ms. Inscoe assured the PCO that she did not.

PREA stands for the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

Harrison went on to say that if Inscoe does not feel safe she needs to let the facility know and that prison officials would not rely on Simpsons word about how Inscoe is feeling.

We cannot reasonably place her in protective custody over her own objections, and I have no doubt you would find that action, were we to undertake it, equally if not more objectionable, Harrison said. Ms. Inscoe has not been coerced to do anything, nor has she been retaliated against in any way.

Harrison told Simpson that the prison officials would continue to talk directly with Inscoe about her safety concerns and make arrangements based on Inscoes responses.

Simpson followed up by saying that Inscoe had been petitioning the prison officials to move her to a womens facility for her safety.

Your repeated conclusory statements will not be sufficient assurance that she is safe from harm and not subject to coercion and retaliation, while she continues to be a woman incarcerated in a mens prison, Simpson wrote.

Both Simpson and Harrison used female pronouns to describe Inscoe, who remains in the mens prison.

Lawsuit filed against state

Simpson also filed legal action Thursday asking a judge to compel Prison Commissioner Todd Ishee to move Inscoe into a womens prison.

John Bull, spokesperson for the N.C. prisons, said he was looking into both the lawsuit and the allegations from Inscoes lawyer, but that a response would not immediately be available Thursday.

In April 2020, Inscoe asked the Facility Transgender Accommodations Request Committee to reassign her.

The committee had Inscoe seen by an endocrinologist after she made the transfer request in April 2020, according to the lawsuit.

The court documents tell the judge that two doctors have confirmed to the prison that Inscoe is biologically female. They both recommended Inscoe be transferred.

They also said she needed surgery to remove undeveloped reproductive tissue that could be fatal if it remains in place. A surgery has not yet been agreed upon or scheduled.

And last November, the committee denied the request to move Inscoe against the doctors recommendations, the lawsuit alleges.

Simpson wrote in the lawsuit that she learned about Inscoes case in July and on Aug. 10 requested through Ishee that Inscoe be transferred.

After back-and-forth correspondence with the general counsels office it is clear that Respondent Ishee does not intend to transfer Ms. Inscoe to a womens facility, Simpson wrote.

Simpson said asking the courts to compel Ishee to move Inscoe was the only available remedy left.

Under the Dome

On The News & Observer's Under the Dome podcast, were unpacking legislation and issues that matter, keeping you updated on whats happening in North Carolina politics twice a week on Monday and Friday mornings. Check us out here and sign up for our weekly Under the Dome newsletter for more political news.
EV startup Lordstown Motors made headlines when it purchased a 6.2 million-square-foot factory from General Motors in 2019. Now, it looks like the strapped-for-cash startup will likely sell that facility to Taiwans Foxconn Technology Group.

The news was first reported by Bloomberg, who said unnamed sources suggested the deal could close as early as this week. Lordstown executives had said during a second-quarter earnings call that the company was in serious discussions with partners to lease the northeast Ohio facility to other companies, so news of the sale isnt a total surprise.

While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, Lordstown would reportedly operate in the facility in parallel with Foxconn -- an arrangement that could, in the end, be a net benefit for the beleaguered EV maker, which would receive both a cash injection and Foxconns mass-manufacturing expertise.

Foxconn, though best known for manufacturing Apples iPhone, has made major strides to enter the electric vehicle manufacturing market over the past few years. The company has inked deals with EV startup Fisker to co-develop and manufacture a new electric vehicle, and Foxconn will also start manufacturing up to 50,000 vehicles at a Thailand factory in partnership with Thai oil supplier PTT PLC.

Foxconns ambitions dont end there: the manufacturer envisions itself as becoming a contract manufacturer for automakers, and it formed a joint venture with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group to provide design, R&D and manufacturing to OEMs looking to sell EVs.

Lordstown is aiming to deliver the first models of its flagship electric truck "Endurance" to a small group of customers early next year. The company named a new chief executive in August, after former CEO Steve Burns resigned following concerns over the companys coffers. CEO Dan Ninivaggi was instated scarcely a year after Lordstown announced its $1.6 billion SPAC merger.

At their 52-week highs, Lordstown shares hit $31.80 apiece. Theyre now trading at $7.88.

TechCrunch has reached out to Lordstown and Foxconn for comment and will update the story if they respond.
Unvaccinated people in Los Angeles could soon be banned from entering most businesses.

Next week, Los Angeles officials will vote on an emergency ordinance which would require proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and other indoor spaces.

Political leaders across the United States, led by President Joe Biden, have raised pressure on the unvaccinated in recent weeks. Laws requiring proof of vaccinations are deeply controversial, with many Americans criticizing them as government overreach.

All but one of the City Council members said they supported the proposal. If it is approved, Los Angeles would join San Francisco and New York among major U.S. cities with widespread vaccination mandates. The new rule would take effect in November.
The Dublin Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California. Anda Chu/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

Ray J. Garcia is charged with sexually abusing a woman at a prison he guarded in California.

The DOJ cited a complaint alleging he "digitally penetrated the victim on multiple occasions."

Garcia faces 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty, the DOJ said.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The male warden of an all-female federal prison in California has been charged with sexually abusing a woman who was being held there, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Ray J. Garcia, 54, was working as an associate warden at the Federal Correctional Institute in the city of Dublin, near San Francisco, at the time of the allegations, the DOJ said. He was placed on administrative leave in July, the department said.

The DOJ cited a complaint alleging that he "digitally penetrated the victim on multiple occasions." The woman was not named.

In one instance, the DOJ said, Garcia is accused of first assaulting the woman and then moving her hand onto his genitals when she pushed his hand away.

Garcia is also accused of taking photos of the woman naked and showing her photos of his penis on his phone.

The DOJ said the complaint went on to accuse Garcia of trying to stop the woman from reporting him by telling her that he couldn't be fired because he was "close friends" with the person tasked with investigating inmate allegations.

As part of his prison duties, Garcia had led sexual-assault training for the staff in 2019 and 2020, the DOJ said.

Garcia, who has been charged with one count of sexual abuse of a ward, made his first court appearance Wednesday and is next due in court on November 12, the DOJ said.

He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty, the DOJ said.

Read the original article on Insider
A man who wasn't feeling well decided to wing it, passing through an emergency exit and jumping onto the exterior of a plane that had landed, according to new reports.

Christian Segura, 33, was taken into police custody after he opened the emergency door and walked onto the wing of an American Airlines plane that had just landed in Miami on Wednesday evening, according to Local10 News. Segura reportedly opened the emergency exit as the plane was pulling into its gate at the Miami International Airport from Cali, Colombia, the report added.

Police from the Miami-Dade Police Department said that Segura said he wasn't feeling well following the flight, and they took him to a local hospital, where it was discovered that he had high blood pressure.

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXTENDS ALCOHOL BAN AFTER BLOODY ALTERCATION ON SOUTHWEST FLIGHT

Prior to the arrival of the police, Segura had been detained by agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"We are aware of an incident involving a passenger on American Airlines flight 920 from Cali, Colombia (CLO) to Miami (MIA)," American Airlines said in a statement. "While customers were exiting the plane at the gate, a passenger opened the over-wing emergency exit and jumped onto the ramp. The customer was immediately detained by law enforcement officials. All other customers deplaned normally. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience."

As of Thursday morning, Segura had yet to be released from the hospital, the report said. Upon being released, he will reportedly be booked into jail, the outlet added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

It is unclear whether Segura will face any charges.

The Washington Examiner reached out to American Airlines and the Miami-Dade Police Department for further comment regarding the incident.

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Tags: News, American Airlines, Florida, Miami

Original Author: Elizabeth Faddis

Original Location: Man detained after opening emergency door and jumping onto wing of plane
Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday urged Marylanders to get coronavirus vaccine booster shots if theyre eligible.

Despite limited, confusing and contradictory guidance from the federal government, Hogan said, hundreds of thousands of Maryland residents who received the vaccine are eligible to get a booster dose.

Already, 78,000 people in Maryland have gotten a booster vaccine, the Republican governor said at a State House news conference in Annapolis.

The rules for boosters vary based on the type of vaccine received.

Those eligible for Pfizer/BioNTech boosters must be at least six months out from their second shot of the two-dose regimen. They also must meet one of the following criteria: Be 65 or older, have an underlying condition such as asthma or diabetes, or work in a high-risk setting such as health care or food service.

If youre in one of these categories, you should strongly consider getting a COVID-19 booster shot immediately, Hogan said.

For those who received the two-dose Moderna vaccine, boosters are available only for people who have health conditions that affect their immune system.

Booster shots have not been approved for those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If youre confused about boosters, youre not alone, Hogan said.

Marylands coronavirus call center has begun contacting residents eligible for booster doses to let them know they can get the extra shot. The state will advertise on television, radio and social media to encourage booster shots, too.

Hogan and top state health officials urged those who are not vaccinated to consider getting the shot. And Hogan expressed hope that vaccines would be approved soon for those younger than 12 who currently cannot be vaccinated.

And when people do test positive for the coronavirus, Hogan said they should ask their doctors if theyre a candidate for monoclonal antibody treatment. While the treatment is running low in some states, Hogan said Maryland has abundant supply.

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As of Thursday, 797 people were being treated for the coronavirus in Maryland hospitals, according to state data.

Hogan touted the hospitalization rate as being a 60% lower than the states peak during the pandemic. While that is correct  there were nearly 2,000 people hospitalized at the peak in January  the current level of hospital patients also represents an eightfold increase from early July. Back then, fewer than 100 people were being treated in the hospital.

Dr. Ted Delbridge, director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, said the patient load in hospitals has been pretty steady around 800 for the past three weeks.

We hope that signals a peak in the current COVID-19 surge, Delbridge said.

All told, more than 530,000 people have tested positive for the virus since March 2020 and 10,212 Marylanders have died.
Meet the Barrons: the winners of the Parents magazine Americas Kindest Families contest.

"As soon as we heard their story, we knew they had to be the winners," TODAY 3rd Hour co-hosts and contest judges Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin and Al Roker told Parents.

Luke and Holly Barron, who live in Oklahoma, lost their 8-year-old son, Keaton, to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2018. Ever since, the couple and their children, Reid, 7, Holden, 5, and Conley, 2, have worked tirelessly to continue Keatons legacy by helping others through their foundation, the K Club.

The foundation, which was Keatons idea, primarily helps children fighting cancer and their families. It is also committed to doing random acts of kindness. While in the hospital, founding member Keaton wrote that the club's mission is "to be kind to others, be courageous, compassionate, and caring.

The November cover of Parents magazine celebrates kindness with the winners of its first-ever Kindest Family in America contest. (Melanie Acevedo/PARENTS)

Even though he lived a life of suffering, he looked out for other people first, Holly told TODAY. That was Keaton.

The K Club holds several fundraisers a year to raise money for cancer research. The foundation's kindness efforts include collecting supplies for a pregnancy resource center and making hygiene packs for those struggling with homelessness. Holly and Luke have also created K Cares to help pay for funerals. The list of good deeds goes on and on.

Its an honor to provide a tiny bit of hope or peace in the most unimaginable time in a familys life, Holly told Parents. We feel for every parent who may lose a child and will do anything we can to be there for them.

Related: After losing her daughter, this mom found a way to ease the pain for others.

Every month, the Barrons host a party at Oklahoma Childrens Hospital, where Keaton was treated. Marie Janne Lopez, who nominated the Barrons for Americas Kindest Family, recalled how Keaton would often choose a toy for his younger sibling instead of himself.

He realized his brothers life had been turned upside down by his his treatment. How many 6-year-olds do that kind of thing? Lopez asked.

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Keatons mom summed it up perfectly.

He was a saint on earth from the moment he was born, she said.

For more on the Barrons, pick up the new issue of Parents.
SheKnows

Adele is officially back  and what better way to make her grand return than with not one, but two historic Vogue covers showcasing the singers new era in full? For the first time in Vogues over-100 years running, the same star will cover both American Vogue and British Vogue for November 2021, and that star is London-born Adele, taking her first interviews []
(Reuters) - Myanmar's ongoing economic problems were caused by "outside factors" and two waves of COVID-19 infections, but the military government takes full responsibility and is working hard to address them, a spokesman said on Thursday.

Speaking after the kyat currency hit new lows this week, the ruling military council's spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the central bank had been unable to meet local demand for dollars.

Myanmar's currency has lost more than 60% of its value since the beginning of September, driving up food and fuel prices in an economy that has tanked since a Feb. 1 military coup.

"The government is working its best to solve this situation as best as possible," Zaw Min Tun told a regular news conference.

"As it is happened under this government, the current government will have to take responsibility."

Many gold shops and money exchanges have closed in Myanmar due to the turmoil, while the slumping kyat has been a hot topic on social media networks, where users on Thursday posted images of panic-buying of fuel, or gas stations closing due to shortages.

Rising prices of goods and fuel have posed major challenges to previous military governments in Myanmar, with the cost of cooking gas among the triggers of a monk-led "Saffron Revolution" in 2007.

Zaw Min Tun said the economy had worsened due to outside factors as well as the coronavirus, but did not specify what those were.

"We have responsibility to build it back," he said of the economy.

The World Bank predicted on Monday the economy would slump 18% this year and Myanmar would see Southeast Asia's biggest contraction in employment.

In August, the Central Bank of Myanmar tried tethering the kyat 0.8% either side of its reference rate against the dollar, but abandoned that earlier this month as pressure on the exchange rate mounted.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Ed Davies)
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Gunmen shot and killed a member of Pakistan's minority Sikh community in an attack Thursday in the deeply conservative northwestern city of Peshawar, police said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The gunmen fled the scene, according to the police and a community leader.

Nauman Khan, a local police official said it wasn't clear if the attack on Satnam Singh, 45, was a targeted killing. Singh, a herbalist, had been living in the city for the past 20 years and ran a small clinic selling herbal medicine.

The assailants opened fire at Singh inside the clinic, said Sardar Harpal Singh, a local community leader. He denounced the incident and demanded the arrest of those involved in the killing. The herbalist and the community leader are not related.

The majority of Sikhs migrated to neighboring India in 1947, the year British rule of the subcontinent ended and Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims in the region. Thousands of them stayed in Pakistan, where they generally live peacefully. But isolated attacks on minority Sikhs, Christians and members of the Ahmadi sect have continued.
Panama foreign minister Erika Mouynes expressed frustration to Axios that the Biden administration seemed caught off guard by the Haitian migrant crisis because "we sounded the alarm when we should have."

Why it matters: The worst may still be coming. Mouynes said there are as many as 60,000 migrants  mostly Haitian  poised to make their way north to the U.S.-Mexico border.

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Panama is expecting more migrants to cross through the dangerous jungles of the Darien Gap this month than in all of 2019  nearly 27,000, according to Panamanian government estimates provided to Axios.

Mouynes is calling on the U.S. to help enforce a plan coordinated with countries in the region, saying, ultimately, "Let's recognize that they all are heading toward the U.S."

The foreign minister wrapped up meetings Monday and Tuesday in Washington with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and members of Congress, among others.

Mouynes expressed her exasperation to Axios after spending months warning leaders across the hemisphere of the impeding Haitian wave.

"We've engaged with every single authority that we can think of, that we can come across, to say, 'Please, let's pay attention to this,'" Mouynes said.

A Homeland Security spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By the numbers: More than 85,000 migrants have passed through Panama since January  most of them Haitians.

Roughly 20,000 to 25,000 Haitians have already made the trek to the U.S.-Mexico border, with most being allowed to enter the United States.

Beyond those already admitted or deported back to Haiti, another 60,000 are most likely still on their way north, the minister said.

The big picture: Panama is often the first country to provide medical help, food and shelter to northbound migrants  despite their travels through multiple South American countries like Colombia and Peru.

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"When we receive them on the Panamanian side, they're malnourished. The children are in terrible condition, so even getting them up to a healthy state takes time," the minister said.

Panama and its neighbors are already working on solutions.

In August, top immigration officials and attorneys general from South American governments, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. met to discuss the issue of irregular migration.

It was the first time such a high-level discussion had occurred, which was "shocking" to Mouynes.

In task force meetings that month, Latin American officials developed a plan to prevent charter planes from landing in countries with migrants and to impose quotas at borders to maintain manageable numbers of migrants in transit countries.

"If you can control migration, you can support it," Mouynes said.

Panama has a quota system with Costa Rica and has started one with Colombia. It "needs to turn back toward their other neighbors  to Peru, to Brazil"  to set up similar systems.

Colombia is currently holding back 30,000 migrants who want to cross into Panama and has become "frustrated" Panama can not take more in, the minister said.

What they're saying: "We all have a role to play in this issue, and the regional approach is the correct approach," Mouynes said. "It is impossible for Panama to solve it on its own."

She wants Mayorkas or a similar very high level official to attend a follow-up meeting with cabinet-level leaders from the region  to show commitment and pressure nations to follow through on migration plans.

There needs to be better engagement with Haiti, as well, rather than pretending the situation will solve on its own, Mouynes said.

What to watch: Pro-migration messaging from the U.S. and some South American nations has played a role in the uptick in people moving north.

It's unclear whether the Biden administration's recent emphasis on deportations of thousands of Haitians, and Mayorkas' own warnings about not being admitted to the United States, will change anything.

Mouynes said Mayorkas asked for her assessment of that messaging during their meeting this week.

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By Karen Lema

MANILA (Reuters) - China has opposed a Philippines-led push for a review of its 70-year-old defence treaty with the United States, Manila's defence minister said on Thursday, concerned that it could be seen in Beijing as an effort to contain its rise.

The Philippines is keen to amend the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) to make clear the extent to which the United States would protect and defend its ally should it come under attack.

At an event to mark the MDT's 70th anniversary, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he had been urged by a former Chinese diplomat to back off.

"While the U.S. welcomes the idea of revisiting the MDT, an outside party does not," he said.

"The former Chinese ambassador came to me and said: 'Please do not touch the MDT. Leave it as it is,'" said Lorenzana.

He later clarified the conversation took place in 2018.

"It did surprise me. I asked him why? He said any attempt to revise the MDT would be construed by the Chinese government as act to contain the rise of China," Lorenzana told Reuters.

Asked how he responded, Lorenzana said: "I just looked at him and smiled".

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

The push for clarity on Washington's commitment comes amid a rapid buildup of Chinese maritime assets in contested areas of the South China Sea, including what the Philippines says is a militia disguised as a massive fishing fleet near Beijing's militarised manmade islands.

The Philippines has filed dozens of diplomatic protests about the militia and announced it would send another on Thursday.

The Philippine-U.S. alliance has existed for decades, with a rotating presence of U.S. troops for joint exercises, intelligence exchanges and hardware transfers.

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Lorenzana said it was clear that strengthening the MDT was not in China's interests.

"The Chinese, having embedded themselves with their artificial islands, are not in a hurry for any resolution," he told the forum.

"It knew that any aggression it takes will trigger the MDT."

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)
Police gained control of an Ecuador prison Thursday where rioting has left at least 118 inmates dead, some of them decapitated, as rival drug gangs went to war armed with guns and grenades.

Another 86 inmates were wounded, six of them critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority, in one of the deadliest prison battles in South American history.

The riot broke out Tuesday at a prison complex in the port city of Guayaquil between prisoners believed to have links to Mexican drug gangs -- mainly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.

By late Thursday police commander General Tannya Varela told reporters that the inmates "no longer have control of the cell blocks," adding that the prisoners were now back in their cells and "everything is calm."

The restored order came after a massive security operation involving some 900 officers and members of tactical units engaged in what the police service said was a "mega-operation" to regain control.

On Wednesday at least two officers were injured when rioting inmates, armed with guns, attacked police sent in to retake control of the facility.

Soldiers and tanks were also stationed outside the jail, where hundreds of worried family members have gathered, desperate for news from the men locked up inside.

"It is a very painful thing.... They say people have had their heads taken off," said Juana Pinto, who was seeking news about her inmate son.

Ermes Duarte, 71, who came from the nearby rural town of Salitre, said his son "was only 15 days away from being released. I came because I saw a video, sent to me by cell phone, where I recognized his head."

- 'A war' -

According to local news site Primicias, the violence erupted when prisoners from one gang celebrated the birthday of one of their leaders and bragged about their control of the prison, sparking the fury of rival groups elsewhere in the facility.

Tuesday's violence was the latest in a series of bloody prison clashes that have claimed the lives of more than 230 inmates in Ecuador so far this year.

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At least six victims were beheaded, according to the national prosecutor's office.

In response to the riot, the government decreed a state of emergency allowing it to suspend prisoners' civil rights and to use public force -- including the military -- to restore order. President Guillermo Lasso visited Guayaquil on Wednesday.

Ecuador's prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but actually houses 39,000, watched over by 1,500 guards -- a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts.

Corruption is rife and inmates are able to acquire arms and ammunition.

On February 23, simultaneous riots at four jails including Guayaquil left 79 inmates dead, several of them also beheaded.

Last week police confiscated two pistols, a revolver, some 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, several knives, two sticks of dynamite and homemade explosives at one of the city's prisons.

Two weeks ago, Guayaquil's Prison Number 4 was attacked by drones, part of "a war between international cartels," prison authorities said. There were no casualties in that attack.

- 'Collapsed' prison system -

The country's human rights ombudsman said there were 103 prison killings in 2020.

Criminal groups "have taken over the country's prisons and are trying to send a message to the state that they are stronger than the rule of law," said Itania Villarreal, a former director of the agency in charge of prisoner rehabilitation.

"The prison system has collapsed," she said.

Security expert Freddy Rivera of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences in Quito said many prisoners had ties not only to Mexican cartels, but to gangs in neighboring Colombia.

Ecuador's prisons have become "criminal central command centers" from which illicit activities are planned and ordered, he told AFP, adding that the country's prison massacres in recent years have exceeded those of Brazil and Venezuela.

Located between Colombia and Peru, the world's leading cocaine producers, Ecuador is a key transit for drug shipments to the United States and Europe.

Guayaquil is Ecuador's most populous city and its main port.

sp/lbc/mr/mlr/sst/bfm/mlm
American Airlines planes at the gates at Miami International Airport on August 1. DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images

The police detained an American Airlines passenger accused of walking on a plane's wing in Miami.

American Airlines said the passenger was on Flight 920 with service from Cali, Colombia.

Authorities said all other passengers were able to deplane without incident.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Officials say they have detained an American Airlines passenger accused of opening an emergency door and walking onto the wing of a plane that had landed at Miami International Airport, according to local news reports.

The Miami-Dade Police Department said the passenger walked on the plane wing at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday as the aircraft was taxiing, CBS 4 Miami reported. The police said the plane arrived from Cali, Colombia.

The police said the passenger jumped off the wing when officers arrived and was apprehended, WPLG Local 10 News reported. Authorities told the outlet the incident did not cause delays and the rest of the passengers were able to disembark from the plane.

The suspect's name has not been released, per CBS 4 Miami.

In a statement, American Airlines confirmed a passenger aboard Flight 920 with service from Cali exited the airplane via an emergency exit.

"The customer was immediately detained by law enforcement," the airline said. "We thank our team members and law enforcement for their professionalism and quick action."

The Miami-Dade Police Department told Insider on Thursday that it has assumed the lead role in the investigation.

A police spokesperson said the suspect was apprehended by Custom and Border Protection after he walked on the wing of the plane.

He was placed under arrest, but needed medical attention when he arrived at Turner Gilford Knight Detention Center. The suspect was then admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital and remains in the emergency room, added the spokesperson.

The police department will release more details on the arrest after the suspect is booked into the detention center, they said.

Read the original article on Insider
By Jonathan Landay

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Stacia George hired buses to take hundreds of Afghans, including many who worked for the U.S. government, to the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif after the Taliban seized Kabul. She planned for charter jets to whisk them to new lives outside Afghanistan.

But a month later, the former U.S. government aid official said, some 300 remain stranded because the Taliban have allowed only a few charter flights and restricted departures to foreign nationals and Afghans with authorization from other countries.

Vague U.S. security vetting procedures for Afghans seeking to leave also are contributing to the delays that George said are bleeding her organization of tens of thousands of dollars a day.

"Money we would have used to buy seats on a plane is now going to housing and feeding people," said George. "Every hour that passes is money."

Her organization, Afghanistan Transit Initiative, which says on its website it has raised $1.4 million of its $10 million goal, is not the only private group helping Afghans that is worried about a funding crunch.

Money concerns are growing among other non-profit groups supporting thousands of vulnerable Afghans seeking evacuation from Taliban rule amid reports the Islamist militants are conducting house searches, reprisal killings and other abuses.

Organizers of Human First Coalition, a non-profit run by military veterans and former U.S. officials, have supplemented donations with $6 million from their own 401k retirement accounts, said Joy Shanaberger, the group's fundraising director.

"We have about a $2 million a week burn rate," said Shanaberger. "We still have 10,000 people in our care and many more on the wait list."

HELPING THOSE IN HIDING

The non-profit groups emerged from ad hoc networks formed by current and former U.S. officials, veterans and others to bolster what they saw as a shambolic U.S. rescue operation that ended the 20-year U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in August.

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Through ties forged in combat or aid programs, social media and encrypted communications, the groups are running on-the-ground networks that arrange shelter, food and medical care for vulnerable Afghans who were not evacuated.

Many Afghans being cared for by the groups are in hiding. They have little or no money for rent, medical care or food, the costs of which have soared amid shortages and a drought.

"These are people who can't go out or they get killed," said Zac Lois, a retired U.S. special forces captain who oversees operations for Task Force Pineapple, one of the largest volunteer evacuation group.

But donations are diminishing "because once the news cycle moves on, the focus moves with it," he said. "We are burning through capital at an exorbitant rate."

If the groups run out funding, "then the question becomes what do we do now because we are committed to our friends," Lois said. "You don't leave people behind."

Organizers declined to disclose how they get money to their networks, concerned the cash-strapped Taliban will find out. But, they said they strictly comply with U.S. laws, including seeking humanitarian licenses from the U.S. Treasury to avoid running afoul of U.S. sanctions against the Islamists.

The groups say there are tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans seeking evacuation. They include some 20,000 who worked for the U.S. government and applied for U.S. Special Immigration Visas, who with their families could total some 90,000 people.

'GOOD INTENTIONS'

Group organizers are in regular contact with the U.S. government, which they said should take over funding private charter flights and negotiate landing rights in countries where evacuees could wait while their applications for U.S. visas or humanitarian parole into the United States are processed.

"This is certainly the role the government or international agencies should be executing," said Jesse Jensen, a retired U.S. Army Ranger and an organizer of Task Force Argo, a volunteer group trying to evacuate Americans and Afghans who served the U.S. government. "We can't do this indefinitely."

President Joe Biden's administration is working to arrange evacuations of remaining U.S. citizens, green card holders and SIV holders and their families. But it has not agreed to pick up the costs of private charter flights, the private groups said.

A State Department spokesperson said that despite the groups' "good intentions," every flight they chartered during and after the 17-day U.S. evacuation operation in Kabul had problems ranging from passengers without passports or falsified documents to unaccompanied minors.

"Because of these complications and associated security risks, we are reevaluating our support for these privately organized charter flights to determine how best to ensure the fidelity of the manifests," the spokesperson said.

Private organizers push back on the idea that the people on their manifests are not properly vetted.

"Most of these are people we know and served with," said Lois of Task Force Pineapple.

Still, Human First Coalition spokesman Alex Plitsas said he understood the State Department's concerns because "a lot of random people" have contacted private groups seeking evacuation.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Ross Colvin and Daniel Wallis)
On Thursday, the House Oversight and Reform Committee held a hearing on abortion access in the country, discussing in particular the recent six-week abortion ban enacted in Texas. Numerous individuals provided testimony, including Democratic Representative Cori Bush; Gloria Steinem; the co-founder of the Reproductive Justice Movement, Loretta Ross; We Testify abortion storyteller and Texas Equal Access Fund worker, Maleeha Aziz; Dr Ghazaleh Moayedi, a Texas OB-GYN and abortion provider; and Dr Ingrid Skop, a member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

And surprise, surprise: The anti-choice doctor told a story littered with inaccuracies.

It would have been easy to fixate on Dr Skops wildly odd habit of gendering a fetus as male. That alone warrants some considerable pause. But what she said about the safety of abortion care, both surgical and medical, as well as how people feel before and after their abortions, and who is qualified to provide abortion care were, to my mind, outrageous.

One of Dr Skops claims was that medication abortion is inherently dangerous and can result in a number of complications, especially if its a self-managed medication abortion. Yet a recent 2020 study found that no-test medication abortions provided via telemedicine are effective, safe, acceptable, and improve access to care.

Dr Skop then claimed that there is a lack of accurate data regarding abortion complications  which is simply not true. To be clear, abortion is incredibly safe  safer than getting a tonsillectomy or your wisdom teeth removed; safer than a colonoscopy; fourteen times safer than childbirth. In addition to its proven safety, scores of data on abortion-related risks and complications exist and are readily available for anyone  Dr Skop included  who cares to look.

Dr Moayedi even felt compelled to remind Dr Skop, when answering questions during the hearing, that spreading medical [misinformation] can result in the loss of board certification.

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It is incorrect that this data is not tracked appropriately, Dr Moayedi continued. In our state of Texas, this data is tracked at a clinic level and it is legally required that, every single day, we report to the state how many people have had abortions and if there were any complications. She added that she even has to report heath conditions that are not related to abortion care, but occur up to 20 years later in the life of a person who has had an abortion in the past.

Dr Skop went on to say that people who have abortions later in pregnancy have late abortions because they just got tired of saying, No, I want to keep the baby. That feels like an affront to every person who has had an abortion later in pregnancy, and its also not backed up by research. People have abortions later in their pregnancies for two factual reasons: a fetal abnormality was detected that has made their pregnancy not compatible with life, or they have faced numerous barriers to healthcare that made it impossible for them to access an abortion earlier. As a recent example of this, when Governor Greg Abbott banned abortion care under the guise of public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, Texas clinics that provide abortion care saw an increase in people seeking abortions later in pregnancy once those clinics were allowed to re-open.

If all of that wasnt enough, Dr Skop also claimed that people who have abortions come to her distraught; that their mental health suffers as a result of obtaining abortion care; and that many women kill themselves after having an abortion. Now for the truth: An all-encompassing Turnaway Study found that people who have abortions report feeling relieved, and five years later were steadfast in their belief that their decision to have an abortion was the right one. We found no evidence of emerging negative emotions or abortion decision regret; both positive and negative emotions declined over the first two years and plateaued thereafter, and decision rightness remained high and steady, the researchers wrote in an article for Social Science & Medicine. At five years post-abortion, relief remained the most commonly felt emotion among all women.

The same study found that denying abortion care is what causes harm, not obtaining it. People who were unable to have a wanted abortion were more likely to experience serious pregnancy complications, more likely to stay tethered to abusive partners, more likely to suffer anxiety and the loss of self-esteem, and more likely to experience chronic pain. Additionally, the children they already have were more likely to experience developmental delays.

Given her hardline views, its perhaps no surprise that Dr Skop refused to answer as to whether or not she would force her own daughter to carry a pregnancy that resulted from a rape. As the committee member who asked her that very question pointed out, answering honestly could highlight the hypocrisy of the anti-abortion movement: What they would do for themselves and their families are the very things they seek to deny others.

Dr Skop would not answer as to whether or not she supported SB8, though she did say that she may have submitted written testimony in support of the law. Instead, she stated that she supported a states right to regulate abortion care in accordance with the will of the people.

If its true that she cares so deeply about the will of the people, however, Dr Skop should emphatically and unapologetically support access to abortion care  because the vast majority of people in this country support it.

Read More

Language matters  and nobody knows that more than Boris Johnson | Mary Dejevsky

Editorial: Life for Sarah Everards killer isnt enough to protect other women

Editors Letter: What really happened away from the cameras at the Labour conference?

Furlough merely delayed momentous changes that will soon overcome us | Sean OGrady

Gabby Petito, Sarah Everard and the fatal decisions of police

Opinion: How do you know Labour is normal again? Angela Rayner singing karaoke
Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Turkey has made a request to the U.S. to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-made F-16 fighter jets and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes, as the NATO ally looks to modernize its Air Force after the purchase of F-35 jets fell through, sources familiar with the matter said. The deal, worth billions, is still working its way through the Foreign Military Sales process which is subject to approval by the U.S. State Department as well as the U.S. Congress which can block deals. "As a matter of policy, the Department does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress," a spokesperson for the State Department said.
Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Sony Pictures Releasing

Quentin Tarantino's movies famously feature a lot of female feet.

Margot Robbie, Uma Thurman, and Diane Kruger have all had bare feet scenes in his movies.

Tarantino defended showing so many feet, saying other directors like Alfred Hitchcock did it, too.

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Quentin Tarantino's movies are filled with Tarantino-isms that instantly signify whose film you are watched: crackling, pop-culture filled dialogue, eclectic soundtracks, cartoonish uber violence, and feet.

The Oscar-winning director of "Pulp Fiction" and "Django Unchained" has often been accused of including far too many gratuitous shots of women's feet in his movies, with his latest film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" reaching new heights in the number of feet shots.

Now, Tarantino has defended his penchant for showing feet in his film's, comparing his habit to directors like Luis Bunuel and Alfred Hitchcock.

In an interview with GQ, Tarantino said: "I don't take it seriously. There's a lot of feet in a lot of good directors' movies. That's just good direction. Like, before me, the person foot fetishism was defined by was Luis Bunuel, another film director. And Hitchcock was accused of it and Sofia Coppola has been accused of it."

Nearly every Tarantino movie features feet in some capacity, beginning with Uma Thurman's barefoot walk and dance scene in "Pulp Fiction" and continuing through to an over-abundance of shots of Margot Robbie and Margaret Qualley's bare feet in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

Those scenes were so noticeable that the star of that movie, Brad Pitt, jokingly thanked Robbie and Qualley's feet in his SAG acceptance speech for best supporting actor.

In between those movies, "Kill Bill: Vol 1" featured an entire scene of Uma Thurman trying to wiggle her big toe, while "Inglourious Basterds" had a scene of Christoph Waltz slipping a shoe onto Diane Kruger's foot in what seemed like a nod to "Cinderella."

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Tarantino also got in on the foot action himself: in 1996's "From Dusk Till Dawn," Tarantino appears in a scene where he licks the feet of Salma Hayek's character.

Some actresses have spoken about having their feet displayed so much in Tarantino's movies. Robbie said that she enjoyed walking around barefoot, while Kruger said that Tarantino made sure she got a pedicure before her scene, and Qualley was very reluctant to get her feet out for the camera.

"I genuinely was like, 'Quentin, this is a bad idea. I don't have good feet,'" Qualley told IndieWire. "We had a big debate about it, me, Quentin, and Brad, with them trying to be like, 'You're fine,' and me being like, 'No, guys, really, look, these are not good.'"

Read the original article on Insider
HONG KONG  A Sri Lankan couple that sheltered former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden when he fled to Hong Kong in 2013 have been granted asylum in Canada along with their two children, a nonprofit group said.

Supun Thilina Kellapatha and Nadeeka Dilrukshi Nonis arrived in Toronto on Tuesday with their children, Sethumdi and Dinath, according to For the Refugees, the group that sponsored their asylum application. They will travel to Montreal and settle there as permanent residents, the group said.

The family had been in limbo for years after being denied asylum in Hong Kong in 2017. For the Refugees had long lobbied Canada to accept them, saying they faced persecution and deportation in Hong Kong, a Chinese territory with about 10,000 refugees from all over the world.

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We are thrilled beyond measure to see this long ordeal finally come to an end for Supun, Nadeeka and their children, Marc-Andre Seguin, president of For the Refugees, said in a statement.

After over a decade in limbo they can now begin to build new lives in Canada, reunited with the rest of their family and free of the constant fear and worry that marked their existence as high-profile asylum seekers in Hong Kong, he added.

Snowden arrived in Hong Kong in May 2013 after leaving his job at an N.S.A. facility in Hawaii with thousands of classified documents about vast U.S. surveillance programs. He initially stayed in a high-end hotel, where he gave an interview to journalists from The Guardian who also published some of the documents.

Image: CANADA-HONGKONG-IMMIGRATION-ESPIONAGE (Cole Burston / AFP - Getty Images)

The bombshell revelations became the center of global attention, dominating headlines for weeks. Snowden soon decided to leave the hotel out of safety concerns, and one of his lawyers arranged for him to stay with some of his clients in Hong Kongs community of refugees and asylum seekers, where he thought no one would look.

Facing U.S. espionage charges, Snowden fled about two weeks later to Russia, where he was granted permanent residency last year.

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This is the best news Ive heard in a long, long time, Snowden said on Twitter on Wednesday after the familys arrival in Canada was announced.

A Filipino refugee who also helped Snowden, Vanessa Rodel, was granted asylum in Canada in 2019 along with her daughter, Keana Nihinsa, whose father is Kellapatha.

Another Snowden refugee, Ajith Pushpakumara of Sri Lanka, remains in Hong Kong. Mr. Seguins group called on Canadian authorities to expedite Pushpakumaras asylum application.

Image: Edward Snowden speaks during an interview in Hong Kong (The Guardian via Getty Images file)

The refugees role in the dramatic escape was revealed in the 2016 Oliver Stone film Snowden. Their cases have also highlighted the problems of refugees in Hong Kong, which is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and almost never approves asylum applications.

Refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong, one of the worlds most expensive cities, live in cramped apartments, are legally barred from working and rely on government subsidies of HK$3,000 ($385) a month.

We have no doubt that Ajiths application will ultimately be accepted, as these others have been, but every day he remains in Hong Kong puts him at risk, Seguin said. Its time for Canada to cut through the red tape, and finish processing his application.
"RISK LOW/HIGH" spelled in block letters

Stock market investing is often about following trends. Traders, investors and analysts often try to gauge investor sentiment to understand which direction the winds are blowing so that they can profit from them. A risk-on environment indicates that investors are more comfortable taking risks in their portfolios. In this article, well define risk-on investing, identify assets that are affected by it and how to tell when sentiment is changing.

A financial advisor can help you make perceive and correctly interpret investor sentiment changes.

What Is a Risk-On Environment?

A risk-on environment describes when investors are willing to invest in higher-risk securities. They feel that corporate profits, economic outlook, accommodative central bank policies and other factors have created a positive environment for investors. While there is always an inherent risk in stock market investing, risk-on investing indicates that investors feel that there is less risk in the market.

When this situation occurs, investors tend to overweight their portfolios towards stocks, invest in riskier companies and avoid rebalancing. Investors may also tend to ignore the warning signals of a change in sentiment because of their euphoria and paper profits. This leads to the all-too-common situation of buying high and selling low that dooms many investors performance.

Classes Affected by Risk-On Sentiment

Not all investment types carry the same risk. While most investments increase in value during a risk-on environment, some do better than others due to their cyclical nature. During a risk-on market, investors may sell bonds and invest in stocks to participate in the overall growth of the market. Additionally, they may seek out higher-risk investments within asset classes that perform better in risk-on environments, such as:

Stocks with higher price-to-earnings ratios

Emerging market stocks or indexes

High-yield bonds

Industrial metals

High-yield currencies (Australian dollar, Canadian dollar)

Crude oil

Risk-On vs. Risk-Off

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The alternative to a risk-on environment is called risk-off. This happens when investors are reducing risk and investor sentiment turns bearish. Investors start selling risky assets and focus on protecting their assets.

Risk-off scenarios typically happen during a recession, when stock market volatility increases or when war or terrorist attacks happen. Investors shift their portfolios into a defensive position and buy these types of investments in their portfolios:

Government bonds

AAA-rated corporate bonds

Low-interest currencies (U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, Swiss franc)

Utility stocks

Money market funds

Gold

How to Tell When Investor Sentiment Is Changing

Analyzing data

Its easy to see the uptrend in a risk-on environment as the stock market continues to rise and set new all-time highs. More and more investors buy stocks and other high-risk investments due to FOMO and the desire for profits. The trick is knowing when investor sentiment starts to change so that you can be ahead of the market when making your investment decisions. Nobody has a crystal ball that consistently allows him to perform better than the market, but you can pay attention to warning signs that will influence your decisions.

Prices of gold rise dramatically . Investors see gold as a safe haven. Rising gold prices often indicate a flight to safety.

Bond yields decrease . Prices of bonds and yields move in opposite directions. Higher demand for bonds leads to an increase in price. Yields decrease when prices go up.

High-Low Index . How many stocks are trading at 52-week highs? When the index is below 30, stocks are trading near their lows and the market is bearish. Above 70 indicates stocks are trading towards highs and are bullish. Dramatic changes in this index could indicate a shift in mindset.

Moving Averages . When the 50-day moving average crosses below the 200-day moving average, thats known as the death cross and suggests prices are headed lower.

The VIX . This volatility index is also known as the fear index. A rising VIX indicates an increased need to protect against risk and volatility.

Put / Call Ratio. Investors who think the market will increase typically buy calls. They buy puts when they believe the stock price will go down. When the volume of calls is greater than the puts, this indicates a surplus of optimism. The more that the ratio trends to calls, the higher the risk is in the market.

How to Profit From a Risk-On Environment

These indicators typically are not accurate enough to base your investing decisions upon. However, when you monitoring all of them for changes, this may give you a heads up on changing investor sentiment.

As more indicators trend bearish, it may be a good signal for you to minimize risk and shift towards protecting your assets. When more indicators turn bullish, you may feel more comfortable increasing your risk with a risk-on strategy.

None of these measures is foolproof, but changes should alert you to analyze your holdings and make appropriate investing decisions. As the risk-on sentiment begins to change, you may consider:

Rebalancing your portfolio (buy low, sell high)

Target new investments towards underperforming assets

Continue to dollar-cost average into your portfolio strategy

Pare down high-risk assets

Increase your liquidity so you can buy distressed assets during a downturn

The Bottom Line

Over long periods of time, the stock market tends to increase in value. However, during the short term, there are periods of bearish and bullish behaviors. Stock-on markets are when bullish sentiment is increasing as investors feel more comfortable going out on the risk spectrum. Investors can profit from market performance during these periods, but it is a good idea to monitor for changes in investor sentiment.

Tips on Investing

Working with a financial advisor can help remove the emotions of investing and help investors focus on the fundamentals of individual investments. Advisors work with investors to develop a strategy and ensure that you stick with it through all market scenarios. Finding an advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets matching tool can connect you in just minutes with several in your area. If youre ready, get started now.

Our asset allocation calculator will help you determine the right balance of stocks, bonds and other assets in your portfolio. Answering a few simple questions, we will help us tailor your portfolio allocations to align with your risk tolerance, age and goals.

Photo credit: iStock.com/Fokusiert, iStock.com/g-stockstudio, iStock.com/MicroStockHub

The post Risk-On in the Stock Market: Investment Guide appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Sep. 29A Rockland man will not serve any additional jail time for making a fake distress call last year but he must repay the Coast Guard nearly $20,000 for the resources the agency spent on the search the call spurred.

Nathan Libby, 32, pleaded guilty to making the fake distress call earlier this year. Libby was sentenced Wednesday afternoon during a virtual hearing in federal court. Libby was arrested in January and held at the Cumberland County Jail for four days before being released on bail.

Federal Judge Nancy Torresen ordered Libby to pay $17,500 in restitution to the U.S. Coast Guard and placed him on supervised release for three years. The sentence Torresen imposed considered Libby's jail time already served and included no additional time.

U.S. Assistant Attorney Daniel Perry asked Torresen to sentence Libby to a period of six months in jail to emphasize that making a face distress call is a serious offense. "God forbid there had been another emergency at the same time, resources would have been stretched," Perry said.

Torresen agreed that the offense was severe. However, she said one reason for not sentencing Libby to any new jail time is so he can focus on finding steady work to pay his restitution.

While Torresen did not specify how much the search cost in total, she said the $17,500 Libby must repay represents a fraction of the cost.

"The amount of money it costs to pay for these rescue missions is really staggering," Torresen said Wednesday. "The government really has done you a huge favor by not insisting that you have to pay back the whole amount."

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2020, when the Coast Guard received a distress call claiming a boat was taking on water and the crew was preparing to jump ship. But, after several hours of searching, the Coast Guard called off the search, stating they suspected the call to be a hoax after finding no indication of anyone being missing or in distress in the area.

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In a recording of the call released at the time of the search, a man was heard calling for help, but did not identify himself or the name of the vessel. Stating the name of the vessel is a common practice among fishermen when issuing a mayday.

"Mayday. Mayday. We lost our rudder. And we're taking on water fast. We don't have enough pumps to keep up with it," the unidentified man said in the recording.

The caller indicated that he was trying to get the vessel to Atwood's Lobster Co. in Spruce Head.

After searching the area around Atwood's Lobster Co., a Maine Marine Patrol officer went to the neighboring Spruce Head Fishermans Co-op and made contact with Libby, who worked at the co-op, according to court documents.

While at the co-op, the officer spoke to another co-op employee and played the recording of the call. The employee said the man on the call sounded like Libby. The officer also discovered the co-op had a VHF radio dialed into the same channel on which the distress call was made.

Both Perry and Libby's attorney said that Libby was struggling with substance use disorder at the time he committed the crime. Libby said he has been sober for the past eight months.

Clarification: Nathan Libby will not serve any additional time in jail under the sentence imposed by a federal judge Wednesday. He was held in jail after his arrest earlier this year for four days before being released on bail.
A Rwandan court on Thursday sentenced a prominent YouTube commentator and genocide survivor to 15 years in prison for "inciting violence" after she hit out at President Paul Kagame on her channel.

Yvonne Idamange is one of a number of people who have fallen foul of the authorities after turning to the video-sharing platform to publish content critical of the Kagame government, raising concern among international rights groups.

The 42-year-old mother of four, who was not in court for the verdict, was convicted of six charges, sentenced to 15 years behind bars and fined the equivalent of $2,000 -- less than the 30 years and $6,000 sought by the prosecution.

Idamange, who survived the 1994 genocide, was arrested in February for "exhibiting behaviour that mixes politics, criminality, and madness", police said at the time.

The Kigali High Court found her guilty of inciting violence and public uprising, denigrating genocide artefacts, spreading rumours and violent assault, among other charges.

The accusations were based on comments on her popular YouTube channel "Idamange" in which she accused Kagame and his government of dictatorship, and of exploiting the genocide without giving enough welfare to the survivors.

Her YouTube channel boasts 18,900 subscribers and an average of 100,000 views per video.

Idamange had accused the court of bias and boycotted proceedings in June after her request for the trial to be broadcast online was rejected by the court.

Rwanda, ruled by Kagame since the end of a genocide which left some 800,000 mainly ethnic Tutsi dead, has often come under fire for rights abuses and a crackdown on freedom of speech, critics and the opposition.

In March, Human Rights Watch voiced alarm over Kigali's crackdown on people using YouTube or blogs to speak out about sometimes controversial issues in Rwanda.

HRW said then that at least eight people reporting or commenting on current affairs -- notably the impact of strict anti-Covid measures which have hit the poor hard -- have been threatened, arrested, or prosecuted in the past year.

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It pointed to a 2019 statement by Kagame to highlight the dangers faced by those using online platforms: "Those that you hear speak on the internet, whether they are in America, in South Africa, or in France, they think they are far.

"They are far, but they are close to the fire. The day they get closer, the fire will burn them."

str-txw/amu/pvh
Watch: Wayne Couzens handed whole life sentence for kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard

Wayne Couzens has been handed a rare life order for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard, making him the first police officer to be given such an order.

The 48-year-old was sentenced on Thursday day for the grotesque killing of the 33-year-old marketing executive, a crime which shocked and outraged the nation, and he will spend the rest of his life in jail.

Couzens falsely arrested Ms Everard for breaking lockdown rules before kidnapping her and strangling her with his police belt.

Wayne Couzens has been given a whole life order for the murder of Sarah Everard. (PA)

Sentencing at the Old Bailey, Lord Justice Fulford described the circumstances of the murder as grotesque. He said the seriousness of the case was so exceptionally high that it warranted a whole life order.

What does a whole life order mean?

Whole-life orders are the most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system for those who commit the most serious crimes.

In being handed such a sentence, Couzens joins a string of some of the countrys most dangerous offenders, who are expected to die behind bars.

They will never be considered for release, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it.

Home secretaries could previously issue whole-life tariffs, but these are now determined by judges.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently going through parliament, the government is trying to expand the use of whole-life orders for premeditated murder of a child.

The reforms would also allow judges to hand out the maximum sentence to 18- to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, such as for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life.

It would also give judges the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to impose a whole-life order on offenders aged 18 or over but under 21.

Milly Dowler killer Levi Bellfield is serving two whole life orders. (PA)

How many criminals are currently serving one?

There are 60 criminals serving whole-life orders, according to government figures to the end of June.

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Among those are Milly Dowlers killer, Levi Bellfield, who is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole-life orders  for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange, and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

Michael Adebolajo, one of the two murderers of soldier Lee Rigby, is serving a whole life sentence. (PA)

Other notorious criminals serving whole-life orders include Gloucester serial killer Rose West; Michael Adebolajo, one of Fusilier Lee Rigbys killers; Mark Bridger, who murdered five-year-old April Jones in Wales; Grindr serial killer Stephen Port and neo-Nazi Thomas Mair, who killed MP Jo Cox.

Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and doctor Harold Shipman  thought to be one of Britains most prolific serial killers  were also among those serving whole-life orders.

Watch: Sarah Everard murder: Wayne Couzens' whole life sentence 'doesn't bring her back'
The Biden administration must act to combat a surge in threats and violence toward education leaders amid volatile tensions over schools pandemic response and lessons on systemic racism, a 90,000-member national school board members group wrote in a letter Wednesday.

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In the letter to President Joe Biden, the National School Boards Association said the countrys schools and educators are under an immediate threat and urged the federal government to investigate, intercept and prevent the current threats and acts of violence against public school officials through existing statutes, including the Gun-Free School Zones Act and the PATRIOT Act. The group called for a joint collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies to halt what it referred to as domestic terrorism carried out at school board meetings, through the U.S. Postal Service and on social media.

Related: Twitter Breaks, Meditative Walks, Security Guards: How School Leaders are Responding to an Unsettling Season of Public Outrage

As the threats grow and news of extremist hate organizations showing up at school board meetings is being reported, this is a critical time for a proactive approach to deal with this difficult time, which includes tumult around mask mandates and classroom instruction on critical race theory. The group cited more than 20 instances of threats, harassment and intimidation during school board meetings that targeted education officials in recent months.

Coupled with attacks against school board members and educators for approving policies for masks to protect the health and safety of students and school employees, many public school officials are also facing physical threats because of propaganda purporting the false inclusion of critical race theory within classroom instruction and curricula.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

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School board meetings have become ground zero for political unrest in recent months as conservative groups and former Trump administration officials have sought to capitalize on angst against school officials as a campaign strategy. Though news articles have highlighted outrage that include divisive and at times violent rhetoric, its unclear if any education leaders have been injured.

In one incident, police arrested an Illinois man on aggravated battery and disorderly conduct charges for allegedly hitting a school official as he was being escorted out of a school board meeting. In Ohio, a school board member was mailed a letter that warned we are coming after you and threatened that the school official would pay dearly for requiring students to wear masks. In a recent story for The 74, school leaders discussed how they faced online threats and vandalized campuses. Candace Singh, who leads a school district near San Diego, said she was threatened with warnings like You better watch out and Watch your back. Such language, she said, has become accepted in the public discourse, where it never would have been tolerated before. Some districts, like the Rockwood School District in suburban St. Louis, resorted to hiring private security earlier this year to protect staff.

Related: Chaos Theory: Amid Pandemic Recovery Efforts, School Leaders Fear Critical Race Furor Will Paralyze Teachers

Earlier in the month, the National Association of Secondary School Principals called on federal officials to do more to protect school leaders from rampant hostility and violence that disrupts our schools and threatens the safety of our educators and students.

In a joint statement last week, the school boards association and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, called on the public to stop using violent threats to express their opinions about pandemic-era school reopening decisions.

We oppose the increasingly aggressive tactics creeping into board and community meetings, and we cannot let frustrations and tensions evolve into name calling and intimidation, Daniel Domenech, AASAs executive director, said in the statement. We will never back down from the importance of freedom of speech, but we cannot  and will not  tolerate aggression, intimidation, threats and violence toward superintendents, board members and educators.

Related: Sign up for The 74s newsletter
Scientific studies of psychedelic therapies may be entering a new, broader phase thanks to more interest and funding from federal governments.

Why it matters: MDMA, psilocybin and LSD  combined with psychotherapy  have shown promise for treating a range of addictions and mental health disorders, including treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

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Mental health and substance use disorders take lives and cost money  directly for treating the disorders and indirectly in productivity. Efforts to find new treatments have come up short, leading to a decline in investment in developing new drugs.

The big dollars that come with funding from science agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could allow researchers to study nitty-gritty details  about dosing and other variables  needed for a drug to become an accepted part of medical practice.

Public funding could also allow trials of psychedelic therapies to be larger and more diverse, as well as independently evaluated.

The big picture: The therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and LSD were studied in the 1950s and 1960s.

But that research largely stopped in 1970 for a combination of reasons, including concerns about recreational use of the drugs that led to them being classified as Schedule I compounds  which are considered to have no currently accepted medical use and carry a high risk for abuse. That hampered studies about their therapeutic use.

About 20 years ago, there was a resurgence in studying psychedelics in humans, but the research has largely been backed by private philanthropists.

That's partly because studies struggled to meet best scientific practices, like randomizing trials and having a placebo control, says Steven Grant, a former program officer at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) who is now director of research at Heffter Research Institute, which promotes the scientific study of classic psychedelics, like psilocybin.

There also weren't companies lining up to take the drugs and further develop them.

Where it stands: Philanthropists have funded pilot studies about psychedelic therapies, and a recent boom in biotech companies pursuing them indicates the treatments could have a path to market.

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But in between foundational research and a treatment that can be prescribed, theres a need for more incremental science, which is often the purview of the NIH.

The agency has funded research in psychedelics, but largely focused on the their potential for addiction, how they work and how they affect the brain.

That informs whether and how they can be used in therapies but little federal funding in the past two decades has gone toward clinical studies in humans of treatments involving classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. (NIH has supported research on the therapeutic effects of ketamine, which isn't considered a class psychedelic.)

Between the lines: The funding side of the government has been the last to the party for a long time, says Matthew Johnson, who studies psychedelics at Johns Hopkins University.

NIDA recently awarded Johnson a grant to investigate the use of psilocybin-enhanced therapy to help people quit smoking, building on earlier studies. The grant hasnt been added to the NIHs public database, but Johnson says it amounts to about $4 million.

Its a significant moment for the field, several psychedelic researchers told Axios.

Funding from the NIH, which tends to award larger grants than philanthropists, allows researchers to delve more into the details, Johnson says. Studies can look at the effects of dosing, changing the type of therapy given and altering other variables that could optimize treatment.

"It is that type of non-sexy research that is the backbone for everything in the long term," he says.

The Australian government is also funding research into using psychedelics to treat mental disorders.

What they're saying: "Newly funded research on the therapeutic effects of hallucinogens reflects a resurgence in interest in hallucinogens in the scientific community and is predicated on the submission of well-designed research studies for funding consideration," NIDA director Nora Volkow told Axios in an email.

Background: Earlier studies demonstrated psychedelics can be safely administered in combination with therapy and that treatment may alleviate depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorders.

The work also brought more scientific rigor to the field and showed how the effectiveness of psychedelic drugs can be measured, Grant says.

Yes, but: There are still challenges in evaluating the treatment, including the possibility of bias in participants who have expectations of the drugs. And the treatment is administered in highly controlled environments alongside repeated therapy sessions, a practical hurdle for widespread use.

What to watch: Beyond the funding's impact on the science itself, knowing the NIH is open to investing in research about psychedelic therapies could spur more young researchers to enter the field, Johnson says.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that little federal funding has gone toward clinical studies in humans of treatments involving classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin over the past two decades specifically.

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At a laboratory in central Florida, biologist Aaron Gavin uses tiny pipettes to carefully feed shrimp to more than 700 corals living in huge saltwater tanks, with sunlight-mimicking lamps glowing above them.

The work of the scientists here could be the last chance to save the species that make up the only coral reef in the United States' continental waters.

Gavin and his team have diligently recreated the coral reef habitat found in the waters off the southern tip of the state, complete with artificial currents and local fish.

They hope to prevent the 18 species of coral in their care from suffering the same mysterious ailment, called SCTLD (stony coral tissue loss disease), that is afflicting their wild cousins.

Among the sprawling mangroves and darting schools of fish off the Florida Keys, the damaged corals -- normally dark -- now appear as large white patches on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.

The situation is the same all along the Florida Reef Tract, which stretches 360 miles (580 kilometers) from the Dry Tortugas, which are the westernmost islands in the Florida Keys, all the way to the town of St Lucie, located about 120 miles north of Miami.

"It's heartbreaking, and I think the most alarming (thing) about it is that most people don't know it's happening," said Michelle Ashton, the communications director of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

- Rescue -

What Gavin and his colleagues discover at the Florida Coral Rescue Center could change the future of the state's marine ecosystems.

"We are holding the corals safely and healthy in our care," explained Justin Zimmerman, the director of the Orlando-based lab, which opened in 2020 and is managed by aquatic theme park company SeaWorld.

"If they were still in the wild, up to 90 percent of them would have been dead," Zimmerman said.

The potentially catastrophic SCTLD was first discovered in 2014, near Miami, and has continued to spread rapidly, killing about half of stony coral species, a cornerstone of marine biodiversity.

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The disease, whose causes are unknown, is now plaguing the animals further into the Caribbean, all the way in Mexico and Belize.

The rescue lab's work is part of a project created in 2018 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and includes dozens of public and private organizations.

The group, faced with the threat of more than 20 of the 45 species of hard corals in the area going extinct, devised the unprecedented plan to extract healthy corals from the region's waters and care for them in these artificially equipped aquariums in the hope they can be returned to their wild habitats in the future.

"You are looking at the future of Florida Reef Tract in this room," Aston said of the corals in the Orlando aquariums. "And their grandchildren will be what goes back out to the water."

- Return to the sea 

The first part of the rescue plan has allowed wildlife authorities to save nearly 2,000 colonies of corals, now stored at more than 20 institutions in 14 different states.

The second part of the plan requires researchers to successfully return the corals to the ocean -- though such an operation would likely take place a long time from now, as corals reproduce very slowly.

The scientists are studying the genetics of the rescued animals in an effort to cultivate new specimens that could be more resistant to disease, as well as other threats such as warming water temperatures and pollution.

The success or failure of these endeavors could have huge consequences for the region.

Stony corals, made up of limestone skeletons, are what create coral reefs, which in turn provide a home for a quarter of marine life.

Plus, the structures are natural barriers between the open ocean and land, reducing the strength of waves that hit the coastline, especially during hurricanes and other storms.

And a hit to coral health could mean a hit to Florida tourism revenue, as one study estimated that visitors drawn to the state for fishing and diving along the reef generate $8.5 billion.

Key Largo resident Steve Campbell, 59, is worried about what comes next. He is sitting next to the small tourist boat he captains, currently anchored in the port.

He said the coral disease has already had an impact on his business.

"I've been in the Florida Keys now for 20 years, and I'm out on the water every day," he said.

"Obviously we make our living out here, so we take people out to the reef for the enjoyment of seeing the reef."

"So for us it's extremely important."

gma/caw/bfm
Outside Walt Disney's first home. The Walt Disney Birthplace

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in a wooden cottage in Chicago, Illinois.

Disney's birthplace, where he lived until he was 4, has been restored and turned into a historical site.

The Walt Disney Birthplace also plans to build an addition to serve as a multimedia museum.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901.

A baby photo of Walt Disney, circa 1902. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

He was the son of Elias Disney, a carpenter, and his wife, Flora. The couple married in 1888 and welcomed their first of five children, Herbert, later that year. Walt was their fourth child.

He moved to California in his 20s, where he went on to own multiple properties throughout his life.

He was born at home, on the second floor of a wooden cottage designed and built by his parents.

Outside Walt Disney's first home. The Walt Disney Birthplace

His father, Elias, obtained a permit to build the home in 1892  before Disney was born  and his mother, Flora, drew up plans.

"Mother was the architect and between the two, mother drew the plans, and mother bought the materials and dad was the builder and they worked like a team," their son Roy Disney said in a 1967 interview, according to a 1991 City of Chicago report.

It cost them $800 to build, according to The Walt Disney Birthplace. This was not an insignificant sum at the time  according to Flora Disney, her husband was making a dollar a day.

"A dollar a day. Seven dollars a week. That's all he made for the year, averaged for the year was $7 a week," Flora Disney said at the couple's 50th wedding anniversary, according to the Walt Disney Archives. "And there wasn't any such thing known as relief then. Living wasn't as high  He borrowed the money to build it."

The following year, they left their rented cottage and moved in to the new home.

Disney lived in the house with his parents and brothers, Roy, Herbert, and Raymond, and sister Ruth, until he was 4 years old. The family then moved to a farm in Missouri.

Walt Disney's childhood home. Barry Brecheisen/Invision/AP

Located at 2156 North Tripp Avenue in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood, the cottage measured 18 feet by 28 feet. Roy Disney recalled the clapboarded home was white with a blue-grey trim.

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In subsequent decades, it underwent alterations, including the addition of a basement and new siding, and some of the windows were moved.

Dina Benadon and Brent Young purchased the home for $169,000 in 2013 and turned it into a heritage site called The Walt Disney Birthplace.

Dina Benadon and Brent Young outside Walt Disney's birthplace. Barry Brecheisen/Invision/AP

They bought the home after hearing through their jobs working on theme-park animations that the property had fallen into disrepair.

"It was very sad to us because this is a part of very important history in our country," Benadon told Chicago ABC affiliate ABC 30 Action News in 2018.

With a grant from the Walt Disney Company and crowdsourced funding, Young and Benadon restored the home to its original state from the early 1900s.

The renovation cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Brent Young and Dina Benadon inside the first floor living room in the birthplace of Walt Disney. John Owens/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

"It really needed a lot of work. It didn't have this layout at all. We had to essentially take the entire house apart to see how it was put together originally," Young told ABC 30 Action News.

The parlor now looks the same as it did in Disney's early years.

The parlor in Disney's former home. The Walt Disney Birthplace

The bay window in the parlor looks out over the front porch.

Disney and his brother - and eventual business partner - Roy shared a bedroom as children.

Walt and Roy's former bedroom. The Walt Disney Birthplace

The bedroom has been restored and painted blue, with early-20th-century furnishings like oil lamps.

The structural renovation was completed in 2018, but Young and Benadon plan to add an addition to the home to serve as a museum.

Walt Disney's childhood home. The Walt Disney Birthplace

Young and Benadon, cofounders of a production company that designs attractions for museums and theme parks, plan to bring their expertise to the site with a multimedia museum.

Read the original article on Insider
Kayak

Courtesy of Kayak

New data from Kayak shared with Travel + Leisure reveals the habits of travelers from state to state, from spending to length-of-stay, and more.

Travelers in Rhode Island, for example, had the most searches for business and first-class tickets in the country. while those in Nebraska, on the other hand, had the least.

In Vermont, Kayak found travelers like to plan ahead with the least last-minute searches in the country at only 23%, while Nevada residents tend to wait until the last minute.

In California, one of the largest states in the country, residents tended to search for in-state vacations. In total, 37% of their searches were for cars in California, according to Kayak. On the other hand, Kentucky had the least amount of searches for cars within the state at only 8%.

"Americans haven't stopped traveling, they're just traveling differently these days and we wanted to highlight that in a fun way," Matt Clarke, KAYAK's vice president of North America marketing, told T+L in a statement. "Whether you're flying, driving, searching for a packaged deal or simply in need of a change of scenery, KAYAK has all of your options in one place to help travelers find what best suits their needs for a great price."

Residents in Alaska had the most amount of searches for long-term stays while a whopping 70% of Floridians were looking for a staycation.

Timing matters too for vacationers in Washington, D.C. where more than half of travelers search for a trip during work hours, according to the booking site. In Oregon, however, people tended to search after hours.

And according to the booking site, New Yorkers tend to be workaholics as the state had the highest number of signups for KAYAK for Business.

When it comes to pandemic-era travel, Louisiana residents appear ready to hit the road with a 38% increase in searches from pre-COVID-19 to now, the largest increase in the country. Conversely, Maryland travelers appear to be more reluctant with a 15% decrease in searches during the same time period.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
WASHINGTON  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that senators have reached a deal on a stopgap government funding measure to prevent a shutdown.

"We are ready to move forward," Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor. "We have an agreement on ... the continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown, and we should be voting on that tomorrow morning."

NBC News update: Congress voted on Thursday to approve the deal. Read more here.

If the bill is not enacted, the federal government would face a shutdown after the calendar turns to Friday. The deal announced by Schumer would keep the government open through Dec. 3.

The House passed a government funding bill last week on a party-line vote of 220-211.

The Senate blocked the House bill in a procedural vote Monday. Republicans opposed the bill because it included an extension of the debt ceiling, which for political reasons they want to force Democrats to approve on their own.

The Senate's resolution does not include the debt limit increase. It does include, however, money to resettle Afghan refugees and disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Ida.

Another potential sticking point remains. Republican are pushing to include money for the Iron Dome, Israel's military defense system.

The funding was stripped out of the House bill because of opposition from progressives. The House passed a separate defense bill that included the Iron Dome money last week with overwhelming support, 420-9. But now, Republicans want the government funding bill to include Iron Dome, which could cause problems when it goes back to the House.

Julie Tsirkin reported from Washington and Dartunorro Clark from New York.
 Read the full article on Motorious

This shipwreck is like an underwater WWII museum

Back in April of 1940 the SS Thistlegorm was launched. The large ship boasted a multi-expansion steam engine with 1,850-horsepower on tap, making the private British shipping vessel an envy of the 7 Seas. Today, the boat sits at the bottom of the Red Sea with plenty of classic cars and other interesting items entombed in the depths, making for an odd sort of time capsule divers have explored and documented.

Divers pulled over 40 cars out of bodies on water in one metropolitan area. See the results here.

Since the SS Thistlegorm was built during WWII, the Merchant Marine vessel was armed. A 4.7-inch anti-aircraft gun helped guard against attacks from above, while a 40 mm machine gun added to the stern after the boat was finished provided additional protection.

It was on October 6, 1941 that the SS Thistlegorm sunk. The ship had departed Glasgow, Scotland in May and was headed for Alexandria, Egypt. Instead of just carrying regular consumer goods, the vessel was laden with supplies for the British 8th Army stationed in Egypt as the fight for North Africa during WWII raged. The captain wanted to avoid the Mediterranean where Italian and German ships as well as planes would be prevalent, so that meant sailing around the southern tip of Africa and passing through the Strait of Gubal.

Among the munitions and other supplies destined for the troops were Bedford Morris and Ford trucks, Norton 16H motorcycles, Matchless G3/L motorcycles, Triumph and BSA motorcycles, tanks, and 2 LMS Stainer Class 8F steam locomotives. However, the ship was involved in a collision in the Suez Canal and had to be moored before reaching the port of Alexandria.

In a turn of events, two German Hienkel HE III aircrafts took off from the island of Crete to look for and sink the Queen Mary. While failing to find their quarry, one of the airplanes did locate the SS Thistlegorm, dropping two bombs on it in the night and scoring a direct hit. The munitions exploded and the craft sank rapidly, killing 4 sailors and 5 Royal Navy gun crew members. It also trapped all those wartime vehicles deep below the surface of the water.

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It was Jacques-Yves Cousteau who tracked down the wreckage, rescuing a few items, including one of the motorcycles. People forgot about the discovery until 1992 when an Israeli fishing ship came upon it, spreading the word. Now, divers from around the world travel to the Red Sea to explore the SS Thistlegorm and see all the historic vehicles still left inside the hull.

Diving into the SS Thistlegorm certainly comes with its perils. Scuba diving through any enclosed space, whether its an underwater cave or a wrecked ship like this can be risky. Not only is it easy to become disoriented, leading to panic, one dive crew documented how easily someone can be injured by the sharp edges of the wreckage. About 7 years ago they descended into the vessel but werent wearing hoods. One of the divers received a pretty good gash in his head, the blood trailing out into the water. Thankfully, that blood didnt attract a shark feeding frenzy and the injury wasnt bad enough to knock the man unconscious. This does illustrate that when you find an abandoned stash of classic cars its always best to exercise caution. Not only can sharp objects be present, the building might not be entirely sound structurally, plus aggressive animals might have made the vehicles or the area around them their home.

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The cancellation of a key provision in a federal student loan forgiveness program likely left thousands struggling to repay their debt, according to a new report by a government watchdog, the vast majority being students of for-profit colleges.

In 2018, the Education Department (ED) created a process to automatically forgive loans, particularly for students whose colleges abruptly closed while they were in school. But two years later in July 2020, the Trump administration made loan forgiveness optional  rather than automatic.

The move meant that "borrowers impacted by future closures will have to apply to receive a discharge," according to a preliminary report by the Government Accountability Office obtained by Yahoo Finance, warning that for those who do not know to apply "may face long term financial burdens from student loans that are past due or in default, even though those loans are eligible to be discharged."

Ruby Maldanado, 20, a Medical Assistant student checks a note handed out to students that have been turned away at the gate to Everest College on April 27, 2015 in Alhambra, California. Corinthian Colleges Inc., a Santa Ana company that was once one of the nation's largest for-profit college chains, announced that it would be shutting down its remaining two dozen schools effective - a move that leaves 16,000 students scrambling for alternatives. (Photo by Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Students enrolled in a college that closes may be eligible for full student loan forgiveness if they are unable to complete their program because of the closure. If they qualify, ED reimburses the borrowers "of any amounts previously paid or collected on those loans" and removes credit implications from borrowers' reports. This could also include Parent PLUS borrowers.

Currently, borrowers have one major option to get a closed school discharge: They must submit an application.

But between October 2018 and July 2020 when the automatic cancellation provision was in place, the ED discharged around $360 million worth of student loans for over 27,600 borrowers who never filed a single form, according to the GAO report. (At the same time, ED also discharged $529 million in loans to over 38,700 borrowers who did apply for loan forgiveness.)

Sylmar CA - September 18, 2016: ITT Educational Services Headquarter in Indiana. ITT Technical Institute has decided to close all its campuses in the wake of devastating federal sanctions. The school shows its doors closed days after it file for bankruptcy for misleading students into high amounts of debt.

The automatic discharge was exceptionally helpful for the group that didn't proactively apply, the GAO said, because more than 70% of them "were in default or past due on their loans," 52% had defaulted on their loans, and 21% were seriously delinquent on their debt.

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The borrowers had been facing wage garnishment, credit score hits, and even seizures of their tax refunds, while they were unaware that their loans were eligible to get cancelled, said the GAO.

On top of that, having debt and no degree meant that "borrowers receiving automatic discharges defaulted at about five times the national average," the GAO said. Not knowing that they qualified for loan forgiveness also meant that "borrowers receiving automatic discharges defaulted at about nine times the rate of those who applied for and received discharges."

But since the Trump administration's ED killed the automatic discharge process in July 2020, the GAO said, borrowers will need to know that they can apply for loan forgiveness if schools end up closing in the future. If they don't realize they have that option, they could suffer severe financial distress  without a degree to justify.

GAO

The GAO report also found that the majority of students affected by a closing institution were enrolled at a for-profit college.

For instance, between 2010 and 2020 around 246,000 student loan borrowers were enrolled at 1,100 schools that closed. 43% of them did not complete their program before the closure and about 86% of them were enrolled at a for-profit college. Just over 80,000 ended up having their loans forgiven through the closed school discharge process.

The GAO's findings "once again demonstrate that low-quality, for-profit schools are costing students and taxpayers billions of dollars," Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment Hearing Chair Frederica Wilson (D-FL) said in her prepared remarks. "Congress and the Education Department must work together to crackdown on predatory schools that continue to cheat students and taxpayers."

(GAO)

The report, which underscores the plight of Americans who have debt but no degree, comes as the ED announces its negotiated rule-making committee, which will meet in the upcoming weeks to address a wide range of student loan issues.

The government watchdog's findings "demonstrate that students affected by abrupt college closures are not getting the timely support they need," Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said in a statement.

"The Biden administration has already taken steps in the right direction to help student borrowers affected by school closures," Scott added. But as ED "begins considering changes to the closed school discharge process, I hope and expect that it will focus on streamlining relief for students and improving oversight of failing colleges."

YF Plus



Aarthi is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. She can be reached at aarthi@yahoofinance.com. Follow her on Twitter @aarthiswami.

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Students exercised their teenage right to bear memes after a school banned backpacks in response to a 13-year-old girl bringing a gun to campus.

Viral TikTok videos show students in Idaho carrying textbooks and supplies in miscellaneous household items like laundry baskets, coolers, strollers, toboggans, traffic cones, popcorn machines, and microwaves.

Idahos Jefferson School District enacted the ban following the discovery of a gun in a girls backpack at Rigby Middle School, four months after a shooting at the same school in May left three injured.

Rigby Middle School began trending after TikTok user @miriam_gilmore_ posted a pair of videos from the school campus that have been seen more than 9 million times,

My school banned backpacks yesterday, so this happened Seriously, how does this work?  she said against a montage of some of the more bizarre items.

Some kid brought a gun to school on Thursday and it hasnt even been 4 months since our last school shooting, she added in the caption.

The videos have garnered a large reaction, with one commenter saying of the schools policy: America will do anything but ban guns.

In May, a sixth-grader shot two students and a school custodian at Rigby Middle School. The child was disarmed by teacher Krista Gneiting, who hugged and consoled the girl until police arrived.

The injured students survived. Police said the girl bought the gun in her backpack. Parents wanted protective measures like metal detectors put in place.

After the latest incident, Jefferson School District banned backpacks at two middle schools and two high schools in his district.

The gun was found after a student reported a girl struggling emotionally in a bathroom. A staff member went to check and found the girl with the firearm in a backpack, according to a letter sent to school parents.

Effective immediately, backpacks will no longer be allowed at Rigby Middle School, Farnsworth Middle School, and both Rigby and Jefferson High Schools, Jefferson School District Superintendent Chad Martin wrote in the letter.

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We ask our parents to partner with us in keeping all of our students safe.

Concerned parent Megan Humble told East Idaho News that the backpack ban was a reactionary decision and wanted more proactive measures in place.

Im just a mom who is upset, a mom who cares and a mom who is open-minded to whatever solutions are effective, Humble says. They need to take proactive measures to prevent this from happening  and if metal detectors are the answer, (the district) has my full support.

Read More

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Oklahoma has the highest mortality rate of police violence of all 50 states and the highest rate of underreporting the killings, according to estimates in a study released Thursday.

About 84% of police killings in the state from 1980 to 2018 were unreported or misclassified in official government reports, according to the peer-reviewed study in The Lancet, one of the world's oldest and most renowned medical journals.

The study, which involved more than 90 collaborators, compared data from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System, an inter-governmental system that collates all death certificates, to three open-source databases, which collect information on fatal police violence from news reports and public record requests.

Nationwide, more than 55% of deaths from police violence from 1980 to 2018 were misclassified or unreported, the study estimated.

Police violence: More than half of police killings in the US are unreported in government data

Oklahoma police: 5 Oklahoma City officers charged with first-degree manslaughter in fatal shooting of teen

Connie Basco hugs lawyer Cameron Spradling while talking about her daughter, Star Shells, who was struck and killed by a truck during a police chase near Martin Luther King Ave. and NE 16th Street.

Arizona, Alaska, Nevada and Wyoming trailed Oklahoma as the states with the highest mortality rate of police violence, the researchers found.

Wyoming, Alabama, Louisiana and Nebraska were among the top five states with the highest underreporting rates.

Oklahoma had the highest rate of police violence against Black Americans, the study found.

From 2000 to 2009, the states with the highest rates of police violence toward non-Hispanic Black Americans were Oklahoma, Nevada, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. From 2010 to 2019, they were Oklahoma, Alaska, West Virginia, Utah and Washington, D.C.

The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The states with the lowest mortality rate of fatal police violence from 1980 to 2019 were Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire and New York, the study found.

The states with the lowest underreporting rates from 1980 to 2018 were Maryland, Utah, New Mexico, Massachusetts and Oregon.

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Oklahoma City: Grandmother, 74, sues police, saying they broke her arm after illegally entering her home

Chance Avery: Oklahoma police officer to face trial in fatal shooting

Fablina Sharara, one of the lead authors and a researcher at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine, told USA TODAY that researchers did not study the specific causes of police violence and underreporting of police violence at the state level.

"We believe that this knowledge is vital to informing policy change to prevent police violence and improve reporting and hope that the revised estimates of police violence presented in our study will be used as a jumping-off point for further investigation and policy change in these areas," Sharara said.

D. Brian Burghart, who runs Fatal Encounters, one of the open-source databases used in the study, said the researchers' finding that most police killings are not included in official government data was "nothing very surprising."

"I've seen many studies that have come to the same conclusion," Burghart said. "In my opinion, much of the social unrest the U.S. has seen in the last few years comes as a result of not having meaningful government data regarding police violence."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police killings in Oklahoma underreported at highest rate: Study
Tensions have been mounting in western Asia following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last month, with Tajikistan reportedly beefing up its military presence on the Tajik-Afghan border in response.

The Russian foreign ministry said Thursday it has been made aware of reports that Tajik military troops have been stationed along the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan and urged a calm resolution.

"We observe with concern the growing tensions in Tajik-Afghan relations amid mutually strong statements by the leadership of the two countries," ministry spokesman Alexei Zaitsev said Thursday, according to Reuters.

BIDEN HELPS SECURE TAJIKISTANS BORDER AMID US BORDER CRISIS

The Tajik government has exchanged blows with the newly instated Taliban regime in recent weeks, condemning the insurgent groups lack of diversity in the Talibans interim government and expressing concerns over stability in the region.

"Recent developments in Afghanistan, linked to the political and humanitarian crisis and governance, pose a serious threat to regional security and stability," Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said in an address to the U.N. General Assembly last week. "The current situation is a humanitarian catastrophe."

"The growing intensity of fights between the ethnic groups and tribes in Afghanistan is another factor further destabilizing the political and security situation in our neighboring country," he added.

In exchange, the Taliban warned the Tajik government against interfering in its internal affairs.

The insurgent group has additionally sent "tens of thousands" of fighters to the Takhar province in northern Afghanistan  which borders Tajikistan, Reuters reported Thursday.

Tajikistan also hosted a military parade this week in a southern province near the Afghan border.

RELATIVE OF MOTHER STUCK IN AFGHANISTAN DESCRIBES COUNTRY AS 'AN OPEN AIR PRISON'

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday expressed concern for U.S.-trained Afghan allies who fled to Tajikistan following the collapse of Kabul to the Taliban.

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The Biden administration has faced fierce backlash for its handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the chaotic evacuation that followed.

The U.S. evacuated over 124,000 Americans and Afghan allies by Aug. 30, but the State Department was not able to complete the evacuation of all Afghan allies and now lawmakers are demanding answers.

"We have gotten no assistance at all from the State Department to move them," Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., told Austin.

Scott said Afghans who fled to neighboring counties like Tajikistan, have yet to receive any assistance from the administration.

"We had people in Uzbekistan  the State Department ignored them as well and said they would get to them when they got to 'em," Scott said. "We have a lady in Tajikistan that's nine months pregnant. That's one of our pilots. And we need help removing them."

Fox News could not immediately reach the State Department for comment on the escalating situation in western Asia.
Homecoming Mums

Elizabeth Cleaver/The Mum Queen

We aren't kidding when we say that everything is bigger in Texas.

That's especially true when it comes to a high school tradition known almost exclusively to the Lone Star State: homecoming mums. Mums started out as a simple corsage made up of one or two chrysanthemumsthe classic flower of falland maybe a few ribbons to show school pride at homecoming events. These days, however, mums have little to do with the actual flower. Instead, these elaborate floral arrangements have become a rite of passage for Texas teens, and the bigger the better.

Today's mums are usually made up of some combination of oversized silk flowers, ribbons, bows, feathers, sequins, charms, stuffed animals, photographs, and glittery letters all attached to a backing and hung around the neck. Frequently, they're made in school colors and will display the wearer's interests and personality. Boys wear smaller versions called garters on elastic bands on their arms.

As Cecilia Valudos, co-owner of C&C's Floral Events, Homecoming Mums and Supplies outside Dallas told The Wall Street Journal back in 2017: "Our motto is that your mum can never be too big, just like a diamond."

Related video: The most Googled flowers in every southern state

Like all things, the more elaborate the mum, the more it costs. But just how much the modern mum goes for might shock you.

Recently, Corpus Christi resident Rachel Ritualo posted a video on TikTok showing just how expensive mums are. In the now-viral video (below), she asks a handful of her classmates at Tuloso-Midway High School how much each of their mums cost.

One of the mums was nearly $500, while most fell between $200 and $300. Another cost a modest $20.

In just a few days the video has racked up more than 3 million views.

"Wait, other states don't have mums?" one incredulous Texan asked in the comments.

"I need to get into the mum selling business," another joked.

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WATCH: Why Texas Homecoming Corsages Are So Big

Lola Thayer, who makes mums in Waco, told KXXV that this season has been record-breaking for orders, noting that business slowed down considerably during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I think for the kids it's making them feel like, whether they are 8th graders or seniors, it's making them feel like 'I finally get to be a kid again," she told the station. "We kind of lost that over the past two years of COVID-19."
Twenty-seven states have introduced bills this legislative session to ban race-based education under the banner of critical race theory  a decades-old legal theory that considers how slavery and Jim Crow-era politics affect present-day race relations.

But of these, only a handful mention it by name. And in many cases the legislation reaches well beyond critical race theory by restricting what instructors can teach about race relations.

Two bills prefiled for the 2022 legislative session in Kentucky would bar concepts related to race, sex, and religion from classroom instruction and subject school district employees who violate the law to disciplinary action.

In May, Ohio Republicans introduced a bill that limits how racism can be taught.

And a bill introduced by Republican legislators in Wisconsin in June would ban public schools, universities and technical colleges from teaching students and training employees about systemic racism, implicit bias, and similar concepts.

"Because the lawmakers don't actually know what critical race theory is  and they've never read it  what they're actually doing is they're overreaching and embedding into these anti-critical race theory laws a broader attack on diversity," Sekou Franklin, associate professor of political science and international relations at Middle Tennessee State University, said. "It's a modern-day way of mobilizing white resentment  white folks who are resentful about a diverse society for growing nonwhite population  and to mobilize the base."

Education Week has tallied the 27 states with such bills introduced. The governors of Idaho, Iowa, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, New Hampshire and South Carolina have signed these bills into law. But only bills passed in Idaho and South Carolina  and those introduced in Michigan, Mississippi and West Virginia  reference the theory by name.

But to conservatives, banning critical race theory is not strictly about the theory, but a broader concept of educational freedom.

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"An awful lot has been caught up in the term or put under the umbrella term of critical race theory that might not technically be critical race theory," Robert Pondiscio, an education policy analyst for conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, said. "But there's a lot of stuff in pedagogical practice and curriculum that I would say is informed by critical race theory."

An old theory meets new criticism

In the 1970s, a group of legal scholars reflected on structural prejudices against Black people and other minorities despite anti-discrimination laws  such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. They came up with critical race theory to describe the dichotomy.

Kimberle Crenshaw, a Columbia Law professor who helped create the theory alongside law professors Derrick Bell, Mari Matsuda, Patricia Williams, Angela Harris and Charles Lawrence, said the anti-CRT movement directly correlates to modest reforms that led to more social parity for minorities.

"Each of these moments in history, there's been a forward movement to make the country more in the vision of its highest aspirations. And after each of these moments there has been a backlash. And sometimes, actually, the backlash has been more robust and has lasted longer than the reforms that produced the backlash."

Crenshaw called massive protests amid the killings of Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor a "racial reckoning."

Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died Memorial Day 2020 when white police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over nine minutes. Chauvin was found guilty of three counts of murder and manslaughter in April.

A small group of people gather for a vigil on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder in Lafayette Square near the White House on May 25, 2021.

Arbery, 25, was pursued and shot dead by three white men while jogging two miles from his home in February 2020.

Taylor, 26, was killed during a botched raid on March 13, 2020. Louisville police officers serving a no-knock search warrant as part of a narcotics investigation opened fire inside her apartment. Taylor, who was unarmed and was not the main target of the investigation, was shot six times.

Millions of people across America marched in protests last year and in support of Black Americans.

"We've had this moment of millions of people in every state in the union coming out in the streets. This country has never seen anything like that before," Crenshaw said.

Backlash rooted in Trump policies

The backlash, experts argue, manifested in top-down orders from the White House to restrict certain content on race, sex and gender from federal training materials. This marked the beginning of the campaign against critical race theory, according to Janel George, Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown Law.

In September 2020, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping." It defined inherent racism and sexism based on race, the culpability of one race for actions taken by said group in the past and the idea that the U.S. is a racist country as "divisive concepts" that should be avoided in training. But like many of the recent slate of statehouse bills, critical race theory is not mentioned.

"We see with the executive order ... this broad language, banning diversity training, banning trainings addressing race ... from federal funding to what a lot of the states have done," George said.

"And (legislators are) using the language in Trump's executive order, which was actually invalidated by federal court, and then later rescinded by President Biden. But the state legislators are using that same playbook if you will," George said.

Bills restrict what can be taught in classrooms

Seventeen bills feature the "divisive concepts" from Trump's executive order, but some go beyond that language.

A law passed in Arizona allows fines up to $5,000 per school district for instruction that presents any form of blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity or sex.

A Texas law bans requirements for training, orientation or therapy that addresses "blame on the basis of race or sex" for school employees. It also restricts teachers from assigning activities involving social or public policy advocacy for a grade or course credit.

Other states that haven't implemented bans at the statehouse level are using alternative methods.

The Florida State Board of Education in June voted to approve a rule that restricts teachers from defining "American history as something other than the creation of a new nation based largely on universal principles stated in the Declaration of Independence." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, called it the practice of "teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other."

In August, Rashawn Ray and Alexandra Gibbons of the Brookings Institution, a public policy organization that leans center-left, wrote that opponents of critical race theory "fear that CRT admonishes all white people for being oppressors while classifying all Black people as hopelessly oppressed victims."

They add that many people aren't able to separate themselves from discriminatory social institutions. "Consequently, they interpret calling social institutions racist as calling them racist personally," they wrote.

But the American Enterprise Institute's Pondiscio said some lawmakers are attempting to reduce bias in the classroom, rather than ban CRT outright.

"I think people are uncomfortable  and sometimes not incorrectly uncomfortable  with what they perceive as the 'racialization' of their child's education," he said. "I'm sympathetic to parents who are concerned that their child might learn that they are an oppressor (or) about a parent that is concerned that their child might internalize the lesson that their horizons are narrow because of their racial status."

He argued that improving basic learning standards, such as literacy, should take precedence over lesson plans that emphasize race.

Critical race theory rarely taught on K-12 level

The argument that lawmakers are targeting larger concepts of race in schools outside of critical race theory is supported by the fact that it is rarely mentioned by name in K-12 classrooms.

Some grad students even have difficulty grasping the theory, said Georgetown University professor Janel George.

"Upper level high school classes, college, obviously would be a good place, but I don't think (critical race theory) would be suitable for elementary school," Mona Kleinberg, political science professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, said. "I think that you have to think about what is age appropriate and so I think elementary school, early-middle school ... it makes sense to really understand the history of the United States, to understand slavery, to understand the context of the civil rights movement."

Jonathan Butcher, a policy analyst at conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, said that hasn't stopped some school districts from including it.

Students keep social distance as they walk to their classroom.

He put forth what he described as lesson plans introduced by the Portland, Oregon; Loudoun County, Virginia; and Hayward Unified School District in California school systems as evidence that CRT is taught at lower grade levels.

"I think we don't really have to wait for a problem to become apparent to insert a proposal that would prevent it from happening in the first place," Butcher said. "Especially when we're talking about racial discrimination ... I don't want to have evidence of something terrible is happening before considering an idea that would have prevented it in the first place."

National Education Association President Becky Pringle accused the Heritage Foundation and conservative commentators of censoring educators.

"No matter our color, background, or zip code, we want our kids to have an education that imparts honesty about who we are, integrity in how we treat others, and courage to do whats right to build a better nation," Pringle said.

"They are trying to censor what teachers teach to stop kids from learning our full history and shared stories of confronting injustice to build a more perfect union," she added.

Pondiscio has a different take.

"Nobody is learning 'critical race theory' in elementary school," he said. "But there may be curricula and pedagogy that is informed by critical theory."

In a March statement, Loudoun County Public Schools said it has not adopted CRT as a framework. The school board recently established professional development for staff members  not students  on concepts such as white supremacy and systemic racism. The Portland School Board approved a similar policy in 2011.

In June, the Hayward Unified School District Board of Trustees voted in a new ethnic studies policy and program that will examine race and ethnicity through the perspective of underrepresented groups in the U.S., such as African Americans, Asian Americans and Native and Indigenous groups. The board announced critical race theory will be included in the policy framework.

The policy will become a graduation requirement for the 2022-23 school year, according to a statement.

In contrast, a Senate bill in Texas would pare down requirements to teach significant moments in history that promote diversity. If passed, topics including slavery, women's suffrage, the Chicano movement and civil rights would become optional. The bill would also lift a mandate to teach about the moral wrongness of white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan.

"What worries me as a former congressional staffer is what kind of precedent are these laws and policies setting for what can be dictated in the classroom?" Georgetown's Janel George said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is GOP using critical race theory to enact widespread education bans?
There has been an alarming increase in fake prescription pills containing deadly amounts of an opioid called fentanyl, the nations top drug agency said this week in a rare public-safety alert.

The pills can look like legitimate versions of oxycodone or other drugs, are easily available online and are killing unsuspecting people at an unprecedented rate, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in the advisory.

Kentucky has seen plenty of counterfeit pills, according to police.

Its very pervasive all over Kentucky, especially Eastern Kentucky, said Vic Brown, executive director of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area AHIDTA), which helps coordinate efforts to disrupt drug trafficking in dozens of counties in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.

Drug users are at risk because they may believe they are taking a pill with one substance such as oxycodone, when in reality is contains enough of another drug to kill them, officials said.

Tests have shown a big increase in the number of counterfeit pills that contain at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a lethal dose, according to the DEA.

Todd Scott, special agent in charge of the DEAs Kentucky office, said the drug network distributing fake pills has gotten larger.

These pills have proliferated all across the country, all across our community, Scott said. Were seeing too many folks get ahold of pills they dont even know are counterfeit, often with tragic results.

Scott said authorities are particularly concerned about the impact on college-age people. The reason is that younger people have a greater familiarity with social media, which is a primary way the fake pills are being distributed.

Traffickers make counterfeirt pills to look like real drugs such as Percocet, Xanax and Adderall.

The victims here are not looking necessarily for heroin, theyre not looking for fentanyl, thats not what theyre after. Theyre after Adderall, Xanax and things like that that have become kind of socialized as acceptable in some campuses and high schools, Scott said.

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Tests have shown that two of every five fake pills seized contain a potentially lethal does of fentanyl, DEA administrator Anne Milgram said in the agencys release.

Drug traffickers add substances such as fentanyl or meth to counterfeit pills as filler, to increase profit, or to substitute for the other drugs, police said.

With the drug dealers, there is no quality control, said Tommy Loving, head of the Bowling Green  Warren County Drug Task Force.

Police forces in the U.S. have seized 9.5 million fake pills in the budget year that ends Thursday, up from 6.8 million the year before and 2.6 million in 2019.

The number of overdose deaths in the county surged by almost 30 percent in 2020, topping more than 93,000. Authorities say fentanyl, the drug found most often in fake pills, played a role in that.

The increase was even worse in Kentucky. The state had at least 1,964 overdose deaths in 2020, according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.

That was 50 percent higher than the 1,316 overdose deaths in 2019. The final number for 2020 could be somewhat higher as late reports come in.

Fayette County was second in the state in the number of fentanyl-related deaths among residents, with 128, and neighboring Madison County was third with 50, the report said.

This photo provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shows fake oxycodone pills that are actually fentanyl.

Fentanyl was detected in more than 70 percent of the overdose deaths in Kentucky and nationally, according to the report.

Police say drug cartels in Mexico are the main source of most of the counterfeit pills and crystal meth in the U.S. Sources in China ship fentanyl to Mexico, where drug rings operate labs.

Traffickers in the U.S., including in Kentucky, also use pill presses to make counterfeit pills.

Loving said police think someone in the Bowling Green region is producing fake pills with a press.

The task force has seized Xanax and oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

Lt. Corey Doane, supervisor of the narcotics unit at the Lexington Police Department, said its nearly impossible to identify a fake pill by just looking at it.

People should only take pills prescribed by a legitimate health care provider, police said.

There is a strong possibility if someone purchases a controlled substance or what they believe to be a controlled substance any other way, the substance can contain chemicals they did not desire to put in their body, Doane said. This can cause significant health issues or even death.

DEA issued the alert to try to bring attention to the problem. The agency had not issued a similar bulletin since 2015.

The alert did not apply to legitimate drugs prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by licensed pharmacists. People filling prescriptions at pharmacies can be comfortable that they are safe when used as directed, DEA said.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United Nations chief is urging unified regional and international action to prevent the crisis in Myanmar from becoming a large-scale conflict and multi-faceted catastrophe in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Wednesday that the opportunity to prevent the army from entrenching its rule could be narrowing and said it is urgent that regional and international countries help put Myanmar back on the path to democratic reform.

When Myanmars army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, it claimed with scant evidence that the general election her party won last November in a landslide was marred by widespread fraud. The takeover almost immediately sparked widespread street protests that security forces tried to crush. The pushback has left more than 1,100 people dead, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and right groups.

The United Nations has supported a five-point plan adopted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar, that calls for stopping violence, constructive dialogue, appointment of an ASEAN special envoy as mediator and humanitarian aid. It took until early August for ASEAN to pick Bruneis Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as their special envoy, and he is reportedly still negotiating with the military on the terms of a visit.

In the report, Guterres welcomed Yusofs appointment, called for timely and comprehensive implementation of the five-point consensus to facilitate a peaceful solution, and strongly encouraged ASEAN to work with the U.N. special envoy.

His urgent call for a united international and regional response indicates that with ASEANs slow movement, Guterres feels it is time for broader international action as well.

The risk of a large-scale armed conflict requires a collective approach to prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond, the secretary-general said. Grave humanitarian implications, including rapidly deteriorating food security, an increase in mass displacements and a weakened public health system compounded by a new wave of COVID-19 infections require a coordinated approach in complementarity with regional actors.

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He said it is imperative to restore Myanmars constitutional order and uphold the results of the November 2020 election. He suggested neighboring countries could leverage their influence over the military to have it respect the will of the people and to act in the greater interest of peace and stability in the country and region.

Guterres said the international and regional effort must be accompanied by the immediate release of Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other government officials as well as immediate humanitarian access and aid, especially to vulnerable communities, including some 600,000 Rohingya Muslims still in northern Rakhine state and the more than 700,000 who fled a 2017 military crackdown and are now in camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

The report, covering the period from mid-August 2020 to mid-August 2021, said that since the military takeover, security forces have engaged in wide-ranging brutal repression, especially of those protesting Suu Kyis ouster, sparked a political crisis with wide implications for the region, and carried out serious human rights violations.

Those expressing opposition to the military and joining democratic movements, as well as their relatives and associates, have been subject to arbitrary killings and detentions, disappearances, night raids, intimidation and torture, Guterres said. There have also been numerous reports of sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by the security forces.

Between Feb. 1 and late July, he said, there have been at least 150 instances in which security forces reportedly used lethal force against unarmed protesters.

Guterres said students and education staff have been primary targets of repression, pointing to reports by the Myanmar Teachers Federation that at least 70 students and five teachers have been killed by security forces, that 775 students and 76 teachers have been detained, and that more than 125,000 teachers and 13,000 school staff in higher education institutions have been suspended or dismissed.

The secretary-general said there have also been numerous reports of violence targeting security forces as well as killings of individuals suspected of collaborating with the military.
United Airlines planes are seen at Newark International Airport in New Jersey, United States on September 29, 2021. United Airlines is firing employees over its vaccine mandate. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

United Airlines initially announced it would fire 593 employees who are defying its vaccine mandate.

The airline later said this number has decreased to 320, and that it expects the count to drop further.

The employees taken off the termination process had submitted their vaccination cards late.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

United Airlines said it would fire nearly 600 employees for failing to comply with its COVID-19 vaccination requirements, according to several news outlets.

On Wednesday, the airline confirmed that it had already started the process of terminating 593 US-based employees who declined to get their shots. United also said that 99% of its total 67,000 non-exempted employees are vaccinated, reported Insider's Taylor Rains.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision, but keeping our team safe has always been our first priority," Scott Kirby, United's CEO, and Brett Hart, the airline's president, said in a memo to staff on Tuesday, reported The New York Times.

On Thursday, United issued a statement, seen by Insider, saying that the number of people it planned to fire dropped to 320. The employees who were taken off the firing process had submitted their vaccination statuses late, and United expects to come across more of these cases.

United became the first US airline carrier to implement a vaccine mandate on August 6, requiring its employees to get vaccinated within five weeks of the FDA approving the shots. The Pfizer vaccine was approved on August 23, and United then told employees they had until September 27 to receive at least one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

CEO Kirby said he was only aware of a "handful" of staff who resigned from the airline over the vaccination requirements.

United later announced that it would establish a policy allowing unvaccinated employees to request religious or medical exemptions. These workers would be placed on temporary, unpaid personal leave starting October 2.

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But that policy was shifted back to October 15 after six employees sued the airline, saying its vaccine mandate discriminates against workers and that it denied their exemption requests, reported Reuters.

Overall, less than 3% of United's workforce has applied for the exemptions, the airline said, per Reuters.

The airline plans to hire about 25,000 people over the next few years and will require all new employees to be vaccinated, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

Read the original article on Insider
LONDON (Reuters) - Virgin Atlantic, the British airline founded by billionaire Richard Branson, has delayed its plan to list until early 2022 to focus on the reopening of the transatlantic market, said a person familiar with the situation.

The United States has said it will allow in fully vaccinated travellers from Britain and dozens of other countries in November, fully reopening Virgin Atlantic's main market for the first time in 18 months.

Virgin had been considering a float this autumn according to reports in August, but it will now wait until next year so it can focus on, and benefit from, the wider restart of travel between Britain and the U.S., the person said.

Bookings surged 600% the day when the U.S. announced the rule change, Virgin said on Sept. 21.

The airline, which is 51% owned by Branson through his Virgin Group while U.S. group Delta Air Lines Inc owns the rest, declined to comment on its IPO plans.

Most airlines have struggled financially during the pandemic, but the long closure of U.S. routes deepened the crisis for long-haul specialist Virgin. It survived thanks to a 1.5 billion pound rescue between Sept. 2020 and March 2021.

In addition to the IPO, Virgin was also considering other funding options, the person added.

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle)
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Tesla is moving its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin, Texas, where it is building a massive car and battery complex.Chief Executive Elon Musk announced the plans on Thursday at the company's annual shareholder meeting.Texas is known for its cheap labor market and less stringent regulation.But Musk did not bring up politics in his speech and he stressed that Tesla's operations in California would still grow.'This is not a matter of Tesla leaving California,' he said, adding that the company plans to increase output from its main California factory and Nevada factory by 50%.Musk has had a rocky relationship with California, which has relatively high taxes and living costs.Last year, he threatened to move Tesla HQ and future programs out of the state during a row over the closure of a factory due to the health crisis.He himself relocated from California to Texas in December to focus on a new plant and SpaceX.The rocket company has a launch site in the souther tip of Texas.Oracle, HP and Toyota Motor have also moved their headquarters from California to Texas.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is going to court to block a Sunshine Law request seeking information that would show how often his office has invoked a specific state law to deny other requests for records.

Attorneys for Parson filed a motion on Wednesday for a protective order in the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District as part of a lawsuit originally centered on former Gov. Eric Greitens use of the message-destroying app Confide. The case has morphed into a battle over the extent of the Sunshine law.

Parson wants the court to ensure his office doesnt have to fulfill a records request made by Mark Pedroli, an attorney representing Ben Sansone, an open government advocate who launched the Confide case.

It is the weirdest thing Ive ever seen, Pedroli said.

Last week, Pedroli filed a Sunshine request for emails sent and received by the governors office since 2017 with the keyword 407.1500  a reference to a Missouri law the office has previously cited to deny requests for cell phone numbers used by the governor.

The law, which isnt about records disclosure, allows the attorney general to sue businesses and organizations when they fail to provide notice of a breach of personal information. A circuit court judge has previously said the decision to cite the law to deny records represented a novel approach and suggested the argument is a stretch.

The governors office responded, Pedroli said, by denying his request. The motion for a protective order goes further, asking the court to order Sansone to not contact the governors office except through the governors attorneys, which would effectively limit how a constituent can interact with his office.

The motion potentially raises questions about whether individuals and their attorneys who are suing the government can have access to public records restricted by the court during litigation.

I dont think when you litigate you lose civil rights or access rights, Pedroli said.

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A Parson spokeswoman didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the motion, Parsons attorneys say Sansone already asked for the records sought by Pedroli during discovery when the lawsuit was in the trial court phase.

The Sunshine Law request  attempts to circumvent the Trial Courts discovery order and appeal pending before this Court, the motion says.

In 2019, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Jon Beetem ruled that the use of Confide by Greitens, who is now running for U.S. Senate, and his staff didnt violate the Sunshine Law, delivering a blow to transparency advocates. Then, in December 2020, Beetem found the governors office had illegally redacted information  but reversed himself weeks later. Sansone appealed in April.

The Stars Jeanne Kuang contributed reporting
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand  New Zealand lawmakers on Thursday made it a crime to plan a terrorist attack, strengthening the country's security legislation after a mass stabbing earlier this month.

Officials say the new law, which also gives police greater power to conduct warrantless searches, is in line with counterterrorism legislation in Australia and Britain and less expansive than laws in the United States. But critics have expressed concern about its potential impact on civil liberties.

The new law, which is expected to go into effect on Monday, is partly designed to guard against "lone wolf" attacks like the stabbing this month and the 2019 mass shooting in Christchurch, the worst terrorist attack in New Zealand's history.

Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said after the vote that the bill "strengthens our laws to fight the ever-evolving nature of terrorism and closes longstanding gaps in our counterterrorism legislation to better protect New Zealanders."

Passage of the law was accelerated this month after the stabbing attack, which was carried out by a Sri Lankan national who had recently been released from prison. The man, 32, had been under 24-hour police surveillance for almost two months, and officers were following him on Sept. 3 when he entered a supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, grabbed a knife and turned it on shoppers. Six people were stabbed and two others were injured in the chaos before the man was shot dead by police.

The Auckland attack was shocking to a country that typically has some of the lowest murder rates in the developed world. Public outrage was heightened when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who had been briefed on the man's case multiple times before the attack, admitted that he was a known threat who had been on the radar of national intelligence for years. The man had been found guilty of possessing Islamic State propaganda, but prosecutors were unable to bring terrorism charges against him under New Zealand's existing laws.

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Image: NZEALAND-HEALTH-VIRUS (MARK MITCHELL / AFP - Getty Images)

After a lengthy debate that went late into Wednesday night and continued Thursday morning, lawmakers from New Zealand's two main political parties voted in favor of the tougher legislation, while it was opposed by center-left and libertarian parties that had raised concerns about surveillance overreach.

Opponents objected to the haste with which the law was being altered, as well as the bill's expanded definition of terrorism to include the intention to intimidate rather than to induce terror. Others cited experts who suggested that prosecuting suspects on charges of planning or preparing for an attack bordered on "thought crime."

There are also concerns that some of the new offenses, including around weapons training, are intended to allow for prosecutions in cases like the 2007 police raids on rights activists from New Zealand's Maori indigenous group, who were arrested on terrorism charges over paramilitary camps they had allegedly set up in a mountainous area of New Zealand's North Island. Prosecutors later said the country's laws were insufficient for the charges to be pursued.

"The government denies that its new law would apply to such circumstances, but the way the new law is written, and the expanded definition of terrorism, means this is a real concern," said Graeme Edgeler, a barrister and legal commentator in Wellington, New Zealand's capital.

Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara, a Maori sovereignty activist who was at the center of the 2007 raids, told NBC News that he feared the new law might undermine rights the Maori say they are guaranteed under New Zealand's founding document.

"In the hands of racist police and judges, this legislation provides no protection in my view against criminalization for legitimate self-determination movements," he said.

Other New Zealanders cautiously welcomed the move.

Of course we dont want Big Brother watching over us, but we also dont want terrorism, Joanna Church, 22, a student from Robinsons Bay near Christchurch, told NBC News.

TOPSHOT-NZEALAND-ATTACK-MOSQUE (Anthony Wallace / AFP via Getty Images file)

A royal commission examined New Zealand's anti-terrorism laws after the March 2019 attack in Christchurch, in which a 28-year-old gunman from Australia opened fire on Muslim worshipers at two mosques, killing 51 people. While the commission concluded there was little that could have been done to stop that attack, it made a number of recommendations designed to prevent future lapses, including updating laws to criminalize the planning of a terrorist attack.

After the attack in Auckland, opposition lawmakers said Ardern's Labour Party had not acted fast enough to amend the laws.

In a statement on Thursday, Mark Mitchell, counterterrorism spokesman for the opposition National Party, said that while the updated legislation was a step in the right direction, the government should also adopt other commission recommendations.

Time is of the essence if we are going to protect Kiwis, and the government needs to make these recommendations happen as quickly as it can," he said. This threat is not going away."
Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actor Shweta Tiwari is not keeping well.

According to a source, Shweta was recently admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after she complained of low blood pressure.

This is to inform everyone that Shweta Tiwari was hospitalised due to weakness and slight low pressure. The actor had not managed enough rest with immense travel and adding to it the weather change, the sources statement read.

Shwetas team also assured her fans that she will be discharged soon.

For the unversed, Shweta went to Cape Town, South Africa in July for the shoot of the 11th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi. After coming back to India, she got busy shooting for her short film in Delhi.
New Delhi: In yet another incidence of targeted killing of minorities in Pakistan, Sardar Satnam Singh, a prominent Sikh community member and hakeem in Peshawar was shot dead outside his dawakhana (clinic).

Sardar Satnam Singh was attacked by unknown assailants outside his apothecary in Peshawars Charadda road area, reported local journalist Iftikhar Firdaus.

The Sikh Hakeem was reportedly shot 4 times. He is a resident of Hasanabdal area and ran the Darmandar Dawakhana, a popular clinic of traditional medicine in the city.

Police have cordoned off the area. While an official displays a visiting card of Satnam Singh. pic.twitter.com/cFlzHBcHO2  Iftikhar Firdous (@IftikharFirdous) September 30, 2021

This was yet another ghastly attack on members of minority community. Initial reports suggest that it was not an incident of personal rivalry or spat turned violent, rather it was a planned and targeted attack. More details of the incident are yet to emerge.

Satnam Singh was rushed to nearby Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, but he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, police have cordoned off the area and launched investigation into his murder.
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When Donald Trumps attorney general appointed John Durham to investigate what Trump insisted was a deep-state conspiracy against him, a question hovered: What exactly was Durham thinking? Durham had a respectable resume as a prosecutor in a career that did not seem to lead straight into a role as Trumps Roy Cohn.

Was he simply accepting the role out of diligence and the understanding that, if he found no crimes, he could put Trumps absurd charges to rest? Or  unlikely but possible  would he uncover real proof of a criminal conspiracy at the FBI to undermine Trump? Or had Durham undergone the same Fox Newsinduced brain melt that has turned figures like Barr, Giuliani, and many others into authoritarian conspiracy theorists?

In the wake of Durhams first and perhaps only indictment, we can safely rule out the first two explanations.

Durhams indictment does not even allege that the FBI committed any wrongdoing. Instead, it charges that the FBI was lied to  by Michael Sussmann, a lawyer who passed on leads about Trumps ties to Russia that the bureau was unable to verify. Durhams indictment claims Sussmann committed perjury by denying he was working for the Clinton campaign at the time he brought his information about Trump to the FBI in 2016.

The first weakness in the indictment is that even if every word Durham writes is true, the charge he has amounts to a very, very small molehill. Interested parties uncover crimes all the time. Theres just no reason to believe that Sussmanns relationship with a law firm working for Clinton would have made any difference to the FBI  which was already investigating Trumps ties to Russia and which wound up discarding Sussmanns lead anyway as a dry hole.

Second, the evidence that Sussmann lied to the FBI is extremely shaky. As Benjamin Wittes notes, the sole basis for charging Sussmann with perjury is the recollection by FBI official Jim Baker. Baker testified to Congress that he remembered very little about his conversation with Sussmann, i.e.:

Baker: [I]n that first interaction, I dont remember him specifically saying that he was acting on behalf of a particular client. Jordan: Did you know at the time that he was representing the DNC in the Clinton campaign? Baker: I cant remember. I have learned that at some point. I dont  as I think I said last time, I dont specifically remember when I learned that. So I dont know that I had that in my head when he showed up in my office. I just cant remember. Jordan: Did you learn that shortly thereafter if you didnt know it at the time? Baker: I wish I could give you a better answer. I just dont remember.

Yes, the Jordan who dug out the evidence that seems likely to undermine Durhams case is Trump superfan Jim Jordan. Wittes concludes, It is hard for me to understand how a criminal case against Sussmann can proceed in the face of this testimony.

The perjury charge is merely the window dressing in the indictment. The meat of it  the part that has Trump defenders excited  is a narrative laid out by Durham attempting to paint Sussmann and the experts he worked with as liars who smeared Trump. That narrative part does not describe actual crimes, of course. Prosecutors can write whatever they want in their indictment. This one is like a Sean Hannity monologue wrapped around a parking ticket.

And even the speaking indictment portion of Durhams charge is falling apart now. Today, both CNN and the New York Times reported that Durham selectively quoted from emails in order to furnish a completely misleading impression that Sussmanns researchers lied.

The story here is that a group of computer scientists discovered evidence of communication between a Russian bank server and a Trump property. The computer scientists suspected, but werent certain, the server might be used for some form of communication between Trumps campaign and Russia. (The reason they suspected this, of course, was the broad swath of shady behavior Trump exhibited toward Russia.)

Durhams indictment asserts that the computer scientists knew the data was innocent but sent it to the FBI anyway. What the Times and CNN reported today is that Durham supported this charge by clipping misleading segments of emails by the scientists when other emails undermined his accusation.

CNN reports:

Durhams indictment also portrays researchers working with [Rodney] Joffe as harboring doubts about whether the Trump-Alfa Bank information was anything other than innocuous email traffic. But the indictment cites snippets of sentences from emails, leaving out further discussion among the researchers that appears to show they firmly believed the Trump-Alfa Bank connection was suspicious and needed to be investigated. The indictment cites one email conversation in which one of the researchers suggests narrowly tailoring their findings to make a plausible case that there was something worth investigating about Trump and Alfa Bank. The rest of the email  left out by prosecutors in the indictment  continues: If the white paper intends to say that here are communications between at least Alfa and Trump which are intentionally being hidden by Alfa and Trump, I absolutely believe that is the case, according to the email reviewed by CNN.

And:

Elsewhere in the indictment, Durham quotes an email sent to Joffe and others involved in the effort, in which one of the researchers wrote, Lets for a moment think of the best case scenario, where we are able to show (somehow) that DNS communication exists between Trump and R[ussia]. How do we plan to defend against the criticism that this is not spoofed traffic we are observing? There is no answer to that  But additional emails reviewed by CNN appear to show that after expressing their skepticisms in late August 2016, the researchers expanded the scope of their research and believed they should show their findings to the FBI.

The Times has more examples of Durham taking messages out of context, such as:

The indictment quotes August emails from Ms. [April] Lorenzen and Mr. [Manos] Antonakakis worrying that they might not know if someone had faked the DNS data. But people familiar with the matter said the indictment omitted later discussion of reasons to doubt any attempt to spoof the overall pattern could go undetected.

And:

The indictment says Mr. Joffe sent an email on Aug. 21 urging more research about Mr. Trump, which he stated could give the base of a very useful narrative, while also expressing a belief that the Trump server at issue was a red herring and they should ignore it because it had been used by the mass-marketing company. The full email provides context: Mr. Trump had claimed he had no dealings in Russia and yet many links appeared to exist, Mr. Joffe noted, citing an article that discussed aspirations to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Despite the red herring line, the same email also showed that Mr. Joffe nevertheless remained suspicious about Alfa Bank, proposing a deeper hunt in the data for the anomalies that we believe exist.

Whatever the truth is of the Alfa Bank matter  the Times reports that the computer scientists still dont feel satisfied they know the answer  Durhams case that the scientists knew they were lying is simply a preposterous smear.

Durhams indictment of Sussmann seems extremely unlikely to result in a prosecution. The rest of it is a story about dishonesty. But the dishonesty lies on the part of Durham himself. His indictment proves only the willingness of many members of the right-wing legal Establishment to corruptly put their powers at the disposal of a liar.
Pre-Race Meet and Greet on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Kansas City Nebraska Furniture Mart Location

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KANSAS CITY, Kan., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Swann Security and Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) announce their partnership to be the presenting sponsors of NASCAR driver, Ryan Vargas, during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 on Oct. 23. Swann Security is a three-decades-old veteran in DIY security products. NFM is owned by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway and is the largest home furnishing store in North America.

In anticipation of the weekend's NASCAR race, Ryan Vargas will be meeting fans at the Nebraska Furniture Mart Kansas City location on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT. The address is 1601 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111, and this location can be seen from the Kansas Speedway.

"We are exhilarated to be Ryan Vargas's presenting sponsor for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 along with our retail partner Nebraska Furniture Mart," says Leslie Conover, Vice President of Sales for Swann. "We will be cheering him on from the sidelines and glad Ryan Vargas is helping us share the importance of home security with the NASCAR audience."

Swann will have sales and promotional pricing on their bestselling DVR security camera kits at Nebraska Furniture Mart from the appearance throughout the weekend.

Tune in to see the Number 6 Chevy Camaro with a custom Nebraska Furniture Mart and Swann Security wrap on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2:00 p.m. CT on NBC, MRN, and NBC Sports.

"We are very excited to partner with Ryan Vargas and the Swann Security team for the upcoming race just across the street from NFM here in KC," says Nastasia Williams, NFM Store Director. "The evening at our store will be a great opportunity for our customers to meet Ryan Vargas as he prepares for the race and we wish him all the best as he strives to race all the way to victory lane."

Story continues

For more information about Swann products and to learn more about their NASCAR ambassadors, visit them on the web at https://www.swann.com/us/ambassadors.

To keep up with Ryan Vargas, follow his social media pages and visit his official website at https://www.ryanvargas.com.

About Swann:

Swann is a veteran in the global security camera market and has been in this business for over three decades. Founded in Melbourne, Australia, Swann creates innovative DIY security solutions including their patent-pending Enforcer Series product line, which offers enhanced crime deterrence with red and blue flashing lights, spotlights, and sirens, combined with mobile alerts, when unwanted activity is detected. Also, Swann is the only brand on the market that offers a complete lineup of inter-connectable wired and wireless security solutions via the Swann Security app that is completely integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa. As the global leader in wired, DIY security solutions, Swann helps its customers protect their homes, businesses, and garages no matter where life takes them - around the world or around the track. Follow Swann on social media to stay updated on the latest products and news: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Nebraska Furniture Mart:

Nebraska Furniture Mart was founded by Rose Blumkin in 1937 in the basement of her husband's pawn shop in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1983, investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority interest in NFM and made it part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Today, NFM is one of the nation's largest home furnishings retailers, selling furniture, flooring, appliances, and electronics. NFM currently has locations in Omaha, Des Moines, Iowa, Kansas City, Kansas, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. For more information on Nebraska Furniture Mart, visit www.nfm.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Swann Security

Tiffany Woo

Tiffany@presspassla.com

310-817-0230

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Andrew Freear, director of the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Constructions Rural Studio, has been selected as one of eight new National Academicians by the National Academy of Design in recognition of his contributions to arts and architecture.

Freear, the J. Streeter Wiatt Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, lives full-time in Newbern, Alabama, where he administers the Rural Studio program and supervises graduate and fifth-year undergraduate design and build projects. Rural Studio is an off-campus design-build program rooted in Hale County and part of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.

Its core mission is the education of students, coupled with research on sustainable, healthful rural living through both housing and the vital systems it fosters to ensure its communities thrive. It is committed to cultivating students who are both local architects and citizens of the world.

To date, Rural Studio has built more than 200 projects and educated more than 1,200 students in the Alabama Black Belt. Around four dozen students are invited to attend each year to participate in this context-based, service-learning curriculum, where students live and work alongside our neighbors, finding solutions together. Our design-build program challenges students to consider not what can be built, but rather what should be built.

On behalf of Auburn University and Rural Studio, I am very proud to receive this honor, particularly given the roll call of academicians and the history of the National Academy of Design, Freear said. This truly acknowledges and legitimizes the quality of the design work that Rural Studio has undertaken in our rural community over the last 30 years.

As the oldest artist-run organization in the United States, the National Academy of Design, or NAD, advocates for the value of arts and architecture. Since their founding in 1825, nearly 2,400 members have been elected.

Freear joins more than 400 living members of the prestigious group, including architects Marlon Blackwell, Elizabeth Diller, Billie Tsien, Tod Williams, David Adjaye and Renzo Piano, as well as artists Richard Serra, Robert Irwin, Yoko Ono and Claes Oldenburg. He is the only architect elected this year and will join seven visual artists at an October induction ceremony in New York.

Joining a group of Academicians who are at the center of the National Academys mission and work, the 2021 class of National Academicians is reflective of the cultural transformations underway in the United States, showing us how art and architecture continue to evolve, in both form and impact on the world around us, said Gregory Wessner, executive director of the National Academy of Design.

Freear is a teacher, builder, advocate and liaison between local authorities, community partners and students, and he also serves on the board of the Newbern Library. His work has been published extensively, and he regularly lectures around the world.

The Yorkshire, England, native has designed and built exhibits at Londons Victoria & Albert Museum, the Whitney Biennial and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, as well as the Milan Triennale and the Venice Biennale. Freears honors include the 2006 Ralph Erskine Award, the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Architecture Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2008, he was a Laureate in the second edition of the Global Awards for Sustainable Architecture.

Freear was a 2018 Loeb Fellow at Harvard University and most recently received the Presidents Medal from the Architectural League of New York, the Leagues highest honor.
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Auburn University will host a virtual talk with Nick Wiley COO of Ducks Unlimited, the largest wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization in North America, on Oct. 7 in celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences 75th Anniversary.

Wiley is the sixth speaker in the virtual 7 for 75 Speaker Series as part of the schools yearlong celebration, which began in the spring of 2021. In addition to his role as COO of Ducks Unlimited, or DU, Wiley has served in key leadership positions within several conservation organizations.

Before joining DU in 2017, he was executive director of Floridas Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and former president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is also the past chair of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports.

Wiley received a bachelors degree in biology from Georgia Southern University in 1983 and a masters degree in wildlife management from Auburn University in 1986. He serves on the Georgia Southern College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Board and School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Advisory Council.

Wiley is a National Conservation Leadership Institute Fellow, a member of the Boone and Crockett Club and serves on the board of directors for The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports.

Nick has been a powerful force for wildlife conservation during his 35-year career. In his current role at DU, he has a unique perspective on the challenges well face going forward to protect and conserve waterfowl habitat across North America, said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

We are eager to hear Nicks insights and to learn about DUs vision for the conservation and restoration of landscapes that are most critical to the survival of waterfowl species and the management implications of those efforts for wildlife professionals.

The talk is open to the public via Zoom from 2-3 p.m. CT at https://auburn.zoom.us/j/87052882997 and will be live-streamed via the schools Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ausfws/live/.

The 7 for 75 Speaker Series features distinguished alumni and industry leaders representing an array of forestry, wildlife and natural resource fields and enterprises who will cover a wide range of topics, from land management to current and future technology to stakeholder engagement.

For more information about upcoming events in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, visit https://sfws.auburn.edu/sfws-75th-anniversary/.
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Auburn University professors Richard Burt and Keith Hebert are turning to social media and the Selma, Alabama, community for help in making progress on their Bloody Sunday passion project.

The interdisciplinary tandem is enlisting a group of Auburn Honors College students to help expand the projects reach to the social media realm, and they have established a Facebook page where visitors can connect and help identify marchers who participated in one of the seminal moments in civil rights historyBloody Sunday on March 7, 1965, in Selma.

On that day, John Lewis, Hosea Williams and a group of approximately 600 marchers were confronted by Alabama State Troopers armed with tear gas and metal batons as they began a march for equality toward Montgomery. The nation watched in horror that night on ABC as marchers were pummeled by law enforcement in what became known as Bloody Sunday, an event that would serve as a catalyst for Americans across the country to rally behind the civil rights movement like never before.

The researchers are hoping the public can help distinguish the identities of the brave men and women who took part in the march that day.

Social media platforms such as Facebook offer public historians invaluable tools to connect with multi-generational audiences across a broad geography, Hebert said. We have received critical information from former Bloody Sunday foot soldiers and their loved ones near and far as we build a comprehensive database of those marchers names and stories. Our Honors College students are gaining experience communicating with diverse audiences as we all come together to collect and celebrate the heroic sacrifices those foot soldiers made in Selma on March 7, 1965. Those learning opportunities will bode well for their future career endeavors as they help America build a diverse, inclusive and equitable society.

In addition, Burt and Hebert have received considerable support from the Selma community, in particular the Selma City Council and Selma High School. City council members were briefed about the Auburn-led project at a recent meeting and have pledged their support and resources to aiding the endeavors success.

Actually putting names to these faces is a game-changer, Selma City Council Chairman Billy Young said. Were extremely enthusiastic about recording history this way, because for so long, these men and women who did so much never had their names provided. It means a great deal for Auburn and all the students and everyone to come together for this project.

This project brings us back into the forefront in the fight for social justice thats been taking place in Selma, and identifying these people this way is a great homage to Selma. We are gung-ho and really proud of the work thats being done, and seeing everything unfold this way makes the city council feel even better about our support and makes us want to support it even more.

The project also will be promoted with posters at the Selma Dallas County Public Library, and photos from that fateful day will be on display at a November photography festival in Selma thanks to the efforts of Bloody Sunday march participant JoAnn Bland, who identified herself in one of the historical images.

I think its amazing, and Im glad to be a part of it, Bland said of the project. That was the first time Id seen a picture of me, and I dont think the ordinary foot soldiers get the recognition for what we did. Our kids know about Dr. King and John Lewis, but they dont realize ordinary people like me were out there fighting and didnt give up.

It makes the pictures come alive when you know [peoples] names, and theyre pictures that need to have captions and need to have names listed with them. So many people have been left out, and a lot of people around here have the blood of those history-makers running through their veins and they should know about them.

Albert Turner Jr.chairman of the Perry County Commission whose father, Albert Turner Sr., helped organize the march in 1965applauded the teams efforts.

I think this will be the most accurate depiction of Bloody Sunday that has ever been documented, said Turner. It will speak to the core of the people who were there on Bloody Sunday, the march that changed America. The civil rights movement was built by everyday people who felt the sting of segregation and being treated as second-class citizens, and those were the people who rallied together on Bloody Sunday, which was the most revolutionary act of defiance since the Civil War.

I think this project is going to help give Perry County the national recognition it deserves for its role in the foundation of Bloody Sunday, and more than 50 percent of the marchers were from Perry County. This project that Auburn University is doing will help bear witness to Perry County and its dominant role in Bloody Sunday.

Selma High School teacher Veronica Pitts has even enlisted her AP History class in helping advance the project, particularly working on the social media component and enlisting family members to help identify Bloody Sunday marchers. Pitts was first introduced to the cause of identifying marchers while working for the National Park Service prior to becoming a teacher, so this project is a chance to rekindle a passion project from her past.

Im excited to be able to share this project with my class, said Pitts, a Selma High School alumnae who has nearly 30 students in her class. The biggest thing has been trying to convince them to get some of their grandparents to assist us in this process in identifying some of those foot soldiers. When this opportunity presented itself, it made my heart sing because I had an opportunity to get back to some work Id done nine or 11 years ago.

Were excited to get the ball rolling and see how much we can get done this semester and the rest of this year.

Burtwho also has set up a workroom for students to utilize for the project in Dudley Commons on campusand Hebert have been energized and are immensely appreciative of the wave of support the research venture has garnered this year.

The project is really starting to come together now, said Burt, the McWhorter Endowed Chair and head of the McWhorter School of Building Science in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, who has worked for years to survey and map the area where the historic confrontation occurred. We have set up a workroom in the exhibition space of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction in Dudley Hall. The space is open during regular working hours, and folks are free to come visit to see how the project is progressing.

The project recently received another boost when it was chosen to receive a nearly $190,000 grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities, or NEH, to support a pair of week-long workshops to include 72 K-12 educators in field studies that focus on the significance of Selma in the early days of the civil rights movement. Those workshops will be led by Hebert and his fellow Department of History colleague Elijah Gaddis, and their team members also include Junshan Liu, CADC, Leslie Cordie, College of Education, Meghan Buchanan, College of Liberal Arts, and Danielle Willkens of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the team also is working with faculty from Alabama State University.

The overarching hope for the project is to identify as many Bloody Sunday participants as possible and, therefore, perhaps better understand the crucially important civil rights event while also elevating Selmas status as a historical site.

Our project highlights the need for additional historical research and documentation for one of the most famous moments in American history, Hebert said. By taking a fresh look at Bloody Sunday, our research has revealed rich details about how the march unfolded that prior historians have overlooked. We intend to help those in Selma who want to do more to preserve and interpret the historic landscapes connected to this seminal event.

Today, the historic conflict site is in dire need of historic preservation and interpretation. Hopefully, we can build a coalition to save this historic site before it is too late.
His version of events is better, I guess, but it certainly isn't good and the fact that he think that minor difference matters here is scary. I hope his wife is okay.

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Yeah the fact that just he was removed and his wife did not go with him is a huge red flag. I hope she leaves his ass for good.



Edited at 2021-06-23 02:24 pm (UTC)

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I start hating him when arrow got shit early on and then he showed himself as a messy person and I feel like my hatred is justfied

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lol for real! we call him the lesser amell for a reason ;)

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Didn't realize there was more than 1 Amell person until this post lol.

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omg i missed this story. he must have been acting like a nightmare to get kicked off. his poor wife, how humiliating for her. i hate this asshole.

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Cassandra, run sister friend. This dick isn't worth it.

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I hope the following news are her filing for the divorce but the sad reality is that it'll probably be an instagram post with a cute picture of them and a caption about how people make mistakes and she knows what a wonderful husband and father he is in private.



Edited at 2021-06-23 03:33 pm (UTC)

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Idk I legit cant imagine my husband and me getting into an argument that heated in public. Getting kicked off a flight? Thats seems really extreme to me.



Edited at 2021-06-23 02:03 pm (UTC)

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Yeah, it sounds like he was screaming at her. That shouldnt happen behind closed doors. In public, its a dealbreaker.

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If he's brave enough to do that in public, imagine how he treats her privately.

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A friend of mine is a flight attendant and once had to deal with a couple where the wife asked for a divorce right before they boarded. The husband got drunk and tried to grab my friend when she wouldnt get him another drink so she kicked him off.

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My half-sister was super abusive to her husband, and for some incomprehensible reason, she always wanted an audience when she was verbally berating him. She would be fine on the way to wherever we were going, but as soon as we got there she'd find a reason to scream at him in public. It was horrible. (She was 11 years older than me and most of this happened when I was a kid, so there wasn't much I could do to stop it.) As a result, I have a flight response to yelling now. If a person is screaming at someone they are with, I need to get away. I wouldn't be able to on a plane, so I am glad they kicked him off. Fuck this guy.

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Never really followed Arrow bts stuff but he's always seemed so obnoxious to me tbh

Hope his wife is okay

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ah so he's abusive. got it.

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If he yells at her in public, what is he like in private. This is horrible. Hope his wife it safe.

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My ex-stepdad used to scream at my mom and sister a lot. It took me years to realize just how deep the emotional abuse went, though I often never got the brunt of it (my sister was the one who was more brave and bold and so hed target her). Im rambling here, but I dont want to undermine how serious and abusive yelling can be.



Edited at 2021-06-23 02:02 pm (UTC)

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It took me until I was like 25 to realize that people at work can't yell at me like my parents did when I mess up something.



The RELIEF I felt as that WEIGHT was lifted off my shoulders....

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I lived with that at work daily for two and a half years. He's a corporate darling so he's still employed.

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Ive been yelled at at work by bosses like I have by my parents, the relief for me came when I realized I dont have to stand for it, I walk as soon as a boss yells at me now

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Sadly you get used to it and don't realize it's not normal and you don't have to put up with it.

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this sounds familiar, i went through the same thing. you learn to make yourself really small and walk on egg shells. i went NC with my mom for that reason, still working through all of that emotional abuse in therapy.



fuck people who scream at people.

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My grandfather used to yell a lot. He was never violent or anything, but I get really upset and freaked out when men get mad and yell. I didn't realize there might a connection until fairly recently.

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remember when he said this



"Had breakfast on Tuesday in Los Angeles with my wife and daughter. In the midst of marveling at how she's able to eat pancakes intended for fully grown humans while weighing less than 25 pounds... An incredibly famous young woman came in with her sort of (not really) famous boyfriend. I immediately tensed because I consider this person  as the father of a young girl  to be nothing short of an emotional terrorist. My wife senses this and asks me what's wrong. I respond that we need to leave immediately for fear my kid and this overly sexualized velociraptor make eye contact even for the briefest of instances. I was dead serious. This is what it's like to have a daughter."



woman-hating trash. i hate him so much, i hope he never works again lmao

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Ew, that guy.

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wtf

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Turns out he's the emotional terrorist.

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Oh my God, what the fuck??

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Pepperidge Farm remembers.

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He was afraid.... of another women corrupting his minor daughter through a glance? Is my reading comprehension off, because that is insane.

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i think it might be the somehwat famous boyfriend that he briefly refers to



nvm idk what im talking about



Edited at 2021-06-23 02:15 pm (UTC)

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The young lady was dressed kinda provocatively, and rather than minding his own business that was enough to insult his sensitive self so he told his wife they had to leave the restaurant before his daughter saw her and was tainted by the sluttiness. I wish I was making this up.

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I thought the boyfriend was the issue?

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Wasnt it Miley Cyrus?

I remember when this came out. Hes insane

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What a man move to ruin a perfectly good stack of pancakes

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What the fuck?

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lmao YIKES this kept getting worse and worse!!

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holy shit i forgot about this. wasn't he talking about miley?

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Can Musk take this asshole to space with him?

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"emotional terrorist", "overly sexualized velociraptor", dear god! Who does even describe women like that.



I bet he's one of those men that's scared his daughter is gonna start dating because he knows what a shitty man he is and what he has done.

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w h a t

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Oh no, he has a daughter? I feel bad for her.

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WTF? That is insane.

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Thats just nuts.

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I actually found the ONTD post about this incident - it happened in early 2015. There were so many comments! Made me realize that its a lot harder to blithely consume gossip these days. We take bad behavior a lot more seriously now than we did just 6 years ago. And thats definitely a good thing, but it means that the stakes are much higher in these conversations. Celeb gossip is kind of draining lol.

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What the FUCK

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The fact that he thought this story was funny and charming...

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oh he is one of those "having a daughter made see women different but i still hate thrm" men

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umm what?

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"overly sexualized velociraptor"? Did she reject him, personally or for a project? Because this sounds personal. He's gonna lock up his daughter like Rapunzel so his misogyny shields her from the evil women out there?



Edited at 2021-06-23 05:31 pm (UTC)

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Wtf even is this shit? How gross.

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I wish I was a velociraptor so I could scratch throats out

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yeah, since this happened my dislike of him was justified

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What the fuck did I just read?

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this is always what i associate him with.



can you imagine if his wife had actually made it as a model? i doubt he would've given her the time of day, for fear that she'd also ~corrupt their future daughter. 

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whether he was forcibly removed or left willingly seems almost besides the point. like the fact that you were angry/belligerent enough to even have to fly separately...

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I totally get your point, but having experienced both in one of my flights, theres a world of difference. (this has nothing to do with him, I know very little about his life/career)

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Idk, If youre being asked to leave a flight because youre screaming at your wife, whether youre removed or willingly leave is not a world of difference imo. Youre still being asked to leave because youre being abusive to your wife, whether youre dragged off or not. Like good for him it didnt escalate to being dragged off but he was so belligerent and abusive towards his wife that outside people had to step in and he had to be asked to leave a flight

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You might've gotten OP's point but you're certainly missing the point of this discussion.

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For a white remotely celeb man to be "asked" to leave though...

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A man that will yell at you in public (especially loud/aggressive enough to cause a scene and warrant interference) is a dangerous man.



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At first I was going to say that the truth is probably somewhere in between (he left the flight voluntarily when asked to do so but still yelled at his poor wife) but you really have to be belligerent to get kicked off a flight and this is AFTER the flight attendants ask you to calm down, or they move you to another available seat. The fact that they removed him from the flight proves he was an asshole to her, not that it was a "slow news day." I feel very bad for his wife because if he's going off on her in public it's even worse in private.

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you have to be ESPECIALLY belligerent to get kicked off of a flight when you're a white man with a modicum of celebrity status on top of that, y i k e s.

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Isn't escorted off just a politer way of saying forced off lol. That's why they 'escort' you, to make sure you leave and don't make a fuss.

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forced off is literally dragging someone physically from his seat and down the aisle, generally kicking (especially if theyve been handcuffed) at anyone (crew, police, other passengers) they can reach, spitting, screaming, the works. escorted off is someone yells for a bit and at one point they grumpily stomp towards the door threatening a lawsuit.

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I would classify this as physically removed. Semantics, I guess.

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Good for her! Ellen has got some balls!

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Ellen Pompeo is a menace and I think she should stop talking.

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This is not a cute story. She sounds like an asshole

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Was it necessary to use profanity!

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That's literally the director's job, telling people what to do

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She sounds really high maintenance

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???



Is she proud of this?? lmao

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As much self awareness as a bunch of kale.

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Yeah, I don't think this is the cute story she thinks it is.

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apparently! and she reeeaaallly shouldnt be!

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it's her girlboss moment!

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I feel like I've been reading these Ellen anedctodes the past months where she shares a situation where the other person was supposedly an asshole, she tells it "like it is" & ends the story with something that's basically 'yeah, but we're great now'. So what's even the point of sharing it sis, I'm so confused.

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Is this supposed to be a flex? Lmao

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Every time I read something about this woman I'm not surprised people have said that the Grey's Anatomy set is "toxic" 

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she's really going through it huh. i guess leading a soap opera for 17 seasons would turn me into an insane narcissist too

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One of the more recent stories really sounded like she was ready to be done with the show, and that she had to do more. Maybe this is her way of trying to get fired? Ive never watched or been interested, but thats a long run, I cant imagine many new story lines anymore.

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this makes me picture her 40 years from now, wearing a silk turban and a doctor's coat over a caftan while brandishing an Emmy statuette as she screams at the nursing home caretaker, "I WON A HARPER AVERY AWARD MOTHERFUCKER HOW DARE YOU TELL ME WHAT TO DO"

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i feel like she thinks this makes her look badass when really it just makes her come off as disrespectful to someone whos trying to create a safe working environment under his literal directorship...

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Makes me think she doesn't respect any of the show's directors or trust them to do their jobs without her monitoring them.

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This is not the funny anecdote she thinks it is.

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someone's a taste too comfortable with an oscar winning acting legend. Like I'm not claiming a karen mindset but this was definitely a moment of disrespect. Like yes your boss, husband and kids are black but KEEP it cute with Denzel sis. It would be one thing if she was embarrassed by it but....

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mte omg

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Its justnot a good story. Its impossible to determine whos right/wrong with how she tells it (I dont know enough about that setmaybe they improv a lot, but if Denzel didnt know that, shes being awful and so on and so forth) and its not funny so why tell the story?

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Exactly this.

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LMFAO. Imagine not only doing this, but then using it as an anecdote in your podcast.

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The most shocking thing out of this is that Denzel directed an episode.



And wow Ellen! Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss!

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I honestly saw the headline and thought the publication meant Isaiah Washington and got mixed up.

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Same

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lol Same!

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same tbh

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Lol I went to IMDB as soon as I saw that to make sure!

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that was the thing i took away from this as well. like, what is denzel washington doing slumming it out here on season 12 of a network television show??????????

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just because you have tenure at a job doesn't make you the boss

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I wish more people understood this.

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But its "her" set .....



Edited at 2021-09-30 03:03 am (UTC)

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An EP is a director's boss, so she's not wrong... just a dick.

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oop! didnt know she's an EP

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White people just age slower: I'm sure that by the time that she's thirty she'll have an inkling and he will have moved on to a 25 year old.

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She must be one of those old souls.

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honestly we need an "old soul alert" tag

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or even an "age gap" tag!

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Old souls always 25 year old models, like clockwork

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I used to love Jake, but in the last few years, I've realized he's probably just a pretentious asshole.

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Someone on tik tok posted about him being a dick to his server and I honestly dont doubt it

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It was the same girl Brendon stole ONTD from

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Its the classic Leo DiCaprio Method. Ive lost many crushes this way..

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Same. Zodiac is one of my favourite movies of all time but he just takes himself so seriously.



He was great as Mysterio though.

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Wasn't he super pals with that pos Lance Armstrong, too?



Jake has fallen into that group of actors/musicians I used to like but now they're pretentious dipshits who think everything they do is soooo important.

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Ugh I know and I'm so friggin sad over it

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his indie record is much cooler than yours

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oh yeah, I thought he was so hot in Donnie Darko when I saw it in theaters. Then I realized that was fully 20 years ago and I just disintegrated into dust and blew away.

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He takes himself so seriously

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oh for sure lmao

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Taylor tried to warn us but the girls don't wanna listen!



"I'm really gonna miss you picking fights

And me falling for it, screaming that I'm right

And you would hide away and find your peace of mind

With some indie record that's much cooler than mine"





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oh he DEFINITELY is a huge douche bag

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the perspective of that photo makes it seem like she has the worlds smallest head while peter has the worlds largest

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He's the toe and she's the pinky.

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screeeeeeam

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I'm crying lol

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omfg 

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i came in here to comment on why her head looks so small lmao

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Are they trying to emphasize her "old soul" by having her dress like Obi Wan Kenobi, or is that merely a coincidence?

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OP is unsure if this is a real thing people care about or just brouhaha created by Jake's fangirls.





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True! Though honestly his unhinged stans on Insta are the only ones who posted about it so I honestly contemplated that they may have made this whole thing up lol. There are actual famous people who have done the same thing that they could have gone after.



Edited at 2021-09-30 07:56 pm (UTC)

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its def a fake organization - the picture of Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas as Random Native Hot Guy, saying a quote from David Ipinia (member of the Yurok nation) is from ""Cherokee"" (like, all of them?) and then the weird Auschwitz artsy photo all points to someone who google searched buzzwords.

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They made a whole website! And there's a page dedicated just to her. idk what's going on. https://www.nativeamericansmatter.com/

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for sure this is some karendian shit.

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From this photo, her age being 25 would not have been my guess.



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She is stunning and the dress is chic.

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I'm sorry but here head looks tiny



She looks like the shrunken head man in beetlejuice

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This is the first thing I noticed. Its like vivacious and ornacia

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Screaming

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At first I thought she had huge ears. But they seem to be regular sized ears on a pinhead. I bet small dicked Jake loves the optics during certain intimate acts.

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How long ago was the photo and did she defend it or do it again?

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Not saying shes not and he isnt gross for going after way younger women but judging by that picture alone she does not look 25 lmao

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Dear god I had to read the post AFTER I opened my mouth huh



Everything got worse. Way, way worse smh



Hes been dating her for four years?! Grow up already jake jfc youre embarrassing



Edited at 2021-09-30 07:55 pm (UTC)

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disgusting

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Only slightly related but ive noticed in cultures/countries with less direct involvement with indigenous people they treat them like myths or something? Like i remember there was a kpop idol who was called out for styling her solo in a way that was basically ~tribal chic~, and koreans got mad bc they claimed it was styled after Princess Mononoke(?)...who is also styled after Tribal Chic lol. Theres also mad dreamcatchers for sale here as souvenirs which i cannot for the life of me understand.

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IDk, Australians (specifically thinking of celebs like Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie) seem to do the same sort of thing and Australia and indigenous people, well.....

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Well im Canadian and its a little similar too but i'd still say the vibe i get is different. Its more like in Canada people know abt the atrocities and know its probably frowned upon but dont care bc the chances theyll ever have to interact w an indig. person is low/think we're "post-colonial" so it doesnt matter. Vs in Korea its like they dont even realize these are real people who still exist and dress in these clothes, its not some mythological fairytale culture?

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Well yeah. What youre talking about is why the white lady in this post deserves to be called out for wearing a headdress, fanatical stans or not.



When you reduce people and cultures to simple iconography to use as ~cutesy~ aesthetics and dehumanize them. You strip the importance out of a culture, and disregard the weight that these things hold.



White people prancing around in headdresses, T-ara using cartoonish Native American aesthetics in their Ya-Ya-Ya music video, etc. they add up.



They dont see us as humans. Were myths and legends, but not actual people with feelings to regard.

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kinda reminds me of the American idea of "gypsies" most of us have very limited exposure to actual Roma and Travellers, so there's this weird mythic nomadic freedom concept.

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I don't know anyone who belongs to the culture where dreamcatchers originated, but they were adopted by the Pan-Indian movement as a non-tribal affiliated native arts and crafts items. They were really popular with hippies and New Agers and the ones for sale today don't resemble the traditional ones much. You can buy them in gift stores in the American southwest and even on reservations sometimes. I'm not native so I'm not sure if they are considered appropriation. Probably best to buy one from a native artist if a person really wants one.

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I've had a lot of heated conversations explaining why Native American mascots are inappropriate with Swedes, they're so fucking obtuse about it too



I've seen way too many confederate flags here, apparently Google doesn't work in Sweden

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I feel like Parasite was trying to touch on this too

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is that just a bad picture bc 25????

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girl tbh tho.. Im so glad you said it too bc I was feeling like a bih after my comment lmao

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I swear that just about all classically model looking models look much older than their actual years. Bella Hadid doesn't look 24 in many pictures to me either. I'm 38 and would put all these women at 30ish easily. Which is bizarre because I drive by average college kids around a campus in a college town and I'm absolutely certain they're a pack of teenagers.

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Girl you already know the answer to that not to be #problematic or wtv

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I think she might be styling herself to look older for this event

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She just has an angular face. So much of whether a person "looks young" isn't about wrinkles or skin but whether they have round cheeks and a weak chin.

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this. all of these old-looking girls probably look much younger up close - and the ONTDers who are getting carded well into their 30s most likely just have baby-shaped faces that have nothing to do with their skincare routine lol

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people focused so much on old jokes for the english that they forgot how much the french smoke tbh

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it was a shakedown, they heard she doesnt pay taxes

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Memories of going to random Japanese temples and seeing warnings of boars attacking.

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If a wild animal only manages to steal your purse and you walk away without a scratch, Im hesitant to use the word attacked.

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excuse u, i feel attacked by this comment

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please rate your level of attack between 1 and 10 hogs

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Lots of wild boar on Oahu. At least none have ever stolen my purse.

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"Apparently a Barcelona cop shot his partner while aiming at a boar in 2013"



Haha fuck pigs

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Cuz you visiting they home when you dont pay taxes for its upkeep. 

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Did she owe them taxes? 

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well, that trip to the park was anything but boaring.



ha ha ha

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Lmaooooooo

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I -

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Every animal is just one snap away from madness! Thats one ugly bag though. No wonder the boars werent interested in it. They are fashion sensible.

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They're just setting up her storyline for Zootopia 2

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'Try Everything (To Get Ha To Pay Taxes)"

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Buzzfeed sent a push notification today with "Shakira got attacked by wild boars" - and nothing but "Shakira got attacked by wild boars" - and it literally made my brain stutter to a stop when I picked my phone up. I'm going about my little day, doing my little tasks, and Shakira is out here getting attacked by wild boars. What.

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I'm just imagining you reading that like

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What she gets for giving us Don't Wait Up. Basura

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'Missing' man joins search party looking for himself https://t.co/DdXbOFNLCm  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) September 30, 2021 I know this is off topic but it was at the top of BBC News trends and it's just glorious.

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that's legit a mr bean sketch

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this is the type of plot hollywood should be using not making yet another reboot of a reboot of a sequel

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But when members of the search party began calling out his name, he replied: "I am here."





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There was one several years ago where a "missing" woman joined a search party for herself.



She was part of a bus tour & at a stop wandered off to find a bathroom (or was it to take pictures?). The tour guide counted heads, discovered someone was missing & had everyone look for her. She came back, asked a random passenger what was going on, was told they were looking for a missing woman & she joined in. It was like a hour or two later that they figured out it was her they were looking for.

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Lmao aww at least they attempted to look for her. I know some tour guides would threaten to leave you there. Ngl but that is a fear of mines lol.

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lmaooooo is life even real? omg

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Ohh okay

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NYU Public Health Researchers Receive a Grant to Protect Essential Workers Against COVID-19

Throughout the pandemic, New York Citys public transportation kept running, where essential workers were able to keep their jobs.

NYU School of Global Public Health researchers have been awarded a roughly four million dollar grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for five years. The grant is awarded in efforts to protect New York City transit workers from COVID-19 and how programs impact health and well-being of frontline workers. Through research that will bring transit workers and other stakeholders to the table to work alongside the research team, the project aims to identify ways to reduce occupational health disparities, according to an article. The research is also looking to identify ways to improve preparedness for workers against diseases.

Throughout the pandemic, New York Citys public transportation kept running, where essential workers were able to keep their jobs. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) workers operating and maintaining the citys subways and buses are subject to heightened risks, including exposure to COVID-19 as well as high rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Last years pilot study of transit workers showed around 24 percent of the 645 workers who completed the survey said they had COVID-19; the majority said they knew someone who died from it. Workers also faced physical and verbal abuse and assaults from riders over masks, leading to 71 percent of those surveyed to feel fearful for their personal safety at work.

The pandemic thrust transit workers into the role of frontline workers, even though they lacked the training, experience, equipment, and supervision available to other frontline workers such as health professionals and emergency medical services, said Robyn Gershon, clinical professor of epidemiology at NYU School of Global Public Health and the grants principal investigator. We need to improve how we protect transit workers by providing safe working environments for them and building resilience by ensuring that they know effective ways to help protect themselves from infectious diseases in the workplace.
Chinese oil giant PetroChina expects to start pumping shale oil from a project in its major oilfield cluster in northeast China in 2025, company executives and analysts tell Reuters, as the world's top oil importer looks to sustain its oil production and potentially lessen its dependence on imports.

PetroChina is investing billions of U.S. dollars into fracking technology and development to drill the shale formations in the Gulong area in its major Daqing oilfield cluster.

Last month, PetroChina said it would start production of 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) of shale oil at Gulong in 2025.

Yet, analysts tell Reuters that the commercial recovery of the huge shale resources there is not proven yet and could be highly uncertain.

"We're venturing into a 'no man's' zone in Gulong," He Wenyuan, chief geologist of Daqing, told reporters, as carried by Reuters.

In August, China announced the discovery of a major shale oilfield in the Daqing Oilfield cluster with expected reserves of 1.27 billion tons of oil.

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) aims to boost shale oil production from shale formations in Daqing to reverse the decline in the production in the area, the state-held oil giant says.

Chinese oil majors are ramping up exploration for shale oil and gas as part of a mandate from authorities to raise domestic production, which could diminish China's costly dependence on crude oil and natural gas imports.

Yet, China has struggled to develop its huge shale gas and oil resources so far. The challenges arise because some of the most prolific basins are twice as deep underground as the shale gas resources in some of the most extensive U.S. shale gas plays. The challenging geology leads to higher well drilling and completion costs, lower margins for exploration and production companies, and, at times, mixed results in gas flows.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Analysts and members of OPEC expect the gas crisis to boost oil demand by up to 1 million bpd this winter

Many analysts and oil companies see global oil demand returning to the pre-crisis levels of 2019 as early as the start of next year, if not earlier, by the end of 2021

Oil demand globally is recovering from the summer Delta variant spike faster than some observers had expected.

Brent prices hit a three-year high at $80 a barrel early on Tuesday, driven by recovering demand and a global energy supply crisis pushing up the use of oil and prices of fossil fuel commodities. The rally to $80the first time Brent Crude prices have exceeded this mark since September 2018may have legs for further upsides, analysts say.

Oil demand globally is recovering from the summer Delta variant spike faster than some observers had expected. Soaring prices of natural gas and coal in Europe and Asia are forcing more gas-to-oil switching at power generating units globally, further pushing up demand for oil.

On the supply side, Hurricane Ida disrupted production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and some OPEC+ members are struggling to pump to the full capacity of their quotas. In addition, U.S. shale producers show remarkable never-seen-before discipline in drilling activity despite the fact that the U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, has been trading above $60 a barrel for nearly six monthssince the middle of April.

The global energy crisis and the recovery in oil demand after the July slump caused by the Delta variant are making investment banks, oil producers, and oil trading giants more bullish about oil prices in the coming quarters, especially in view of a muted supply response to the rise in demand.

Oil Demand Set To Return To Pre-COVID Level By Early 2022

Many analysts and oil companies see global oil demand returning to the pre-crisis levels of 2019 as early as the start of next year, if not earlier, by the end of 2021.

The oil industry is massively underinvesting in supply to meet growing demand, which is set to return to pre-COVID levels as soon as the end of 2021 or early 2022, Greg Hill, president of U.S. oil producer Hess Corp, said on Monday.

Oil demand worldwide is expected to hit 100 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of this year or in early 2022, Hill said, adding that demand next year is set to rise to 102 million bpdexceeding pre-pandemic levels.

ConocoPhillips chief executive Ryan Lance also thinks that oil demand would bounce back to pre-pandemic levels by early 2022.

According to OPEC, the surge of the Delta variant is set to partially delay oil demand recovery into the next year. But then robust economic growth and stronger recovery in fuel consumption will see global oil demand averaging 100.8 million bpd and exceeding pre-COVID levels, OPEC said in its latest monthly report, raising its 2022 demand forecast by as much as 900,000 bpd.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) sees strong pent-up demand beginning in October and continuing through the rest of 2021, although its demand outlook is not as bullish as OPECs.

The global energy crunch, with natural gas prices at all-time highs in Europe and coal stockpiles very low in Europe and parts of Asia, adds more fuel to the bullish forecasts. Analysts and members of OPEC expect the gas crisis to boost oil demand by up to 1 million bpd this winter. According to Mele Kyari, managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the gas crunch could push oil prices up by around $10 per barrel over the next three to six months.

$100 Oil?

Goldman Sachs raised this week its end-2021 oil price forecast to $90 a barrel Brent from $80 per barrel projected earlier, expecting tightening oil markets with robust demand recovery and supply constraints from Hurricane Ida and weak supply response from non-OPEC+ oil producers.

The oil market is currently tightening, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Wenyu Yao said on Tuesday.

The forward curve continues to strengthen and the ICE Brent Dec21-Dec22 timespread is trading in a backwardation in excess of US$7/bbl, up from less than US$4/bbl in August. A growing backwardation along the curve reinforces the view of a tightening market, they noted.

Related: The Energy Crisis Is Sending Oil, Gas, And Coal Prices Soaring



Were going to see higher oil prices, Ben Luckock, Co-Head of Oil Trading at commodity trading giant Trafigura, told Bloomberg in an interview published on Monday.

I struggle to see anything but higher prices going forward in the next two years, Luckock said.

Trafiguras chief economist Saad Rahim doesnt rule out $100 oil at some point at the end of 2022, despite COVID challenges to demand this coming winter.

Not just the price, but the level of backwardation we are seeing is telling us the market is hungry for oil, Saad Rahim, chief economist at Trafigura, said during the virtual Argus Asia-Pacific Crude Forum last week, as carried by Argus.

In a market apparently hungry for oil, analysts will be closely watching the next monthly meeting of the OPEC+ group scheduled for Monday, October 4.

Oil at $80 is often the demand destruction price point, at which major consumers and importers of crude such as India and China start balking at the high oil prices and lower their purchases.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Many African nations are more focused on how to keep up with energy demands by any means than on how to keep up with demand in a climate-friendly manner.

Africas energy sector is at a crossroads. The continents energy demand, as well as its energy industry, are set to expand in the coming decades, and it will take an enormous amount of investment and infrastructure to keep up with demand. The question is where this energy will come from. Some are counting on the continents plentiful natural gas reserves, while others are hedging their bets on a renewable future for Africa.

For most of our lifetimes, booming population growth has been synonymous with Asia -- in particular the twin giants of China and India, which are home to over a third (36%) of the worlds total population. The population growth in Asia has now slowed down, however, and Africa has taken the lead. As the population expands, the economy will have to expand along with it, and that will require a whole lot more energy that the continent is currently producing -- or importing, for that matter.

Currently, about 600 million people living in Africa do not have access to energy at all. Many of those who do have access to electricity only have it intermittently, as power failures and rolling blackouts are a common occurrence, even in the continents megacities. In rural areas, the puzzle of reliably and securely electrifying the continent is even more complicated. Because electricity from the grid is intermittent and generally unreliable, many Africans rely on gas- or diesel-fueled backup generators, a far from eco-friendly alternative.

Many African nations are more focused on how to keep up with energy demands by any means than on how to keep up with demand in a climate-friendly manner. However, there are some major exceptions. Some countries, such as Nigeria, which already derives 80% of its energy production capacity from natural gas, are planning to rely on their naturally plentiful stocks of this fossil fuel to power their growing cities. Many see this as a compromise between dirtier fossil fuels and renewable energies, as natural gas burns cleaner than oil or coal.

Other African countries are turning to renewable energies such as wind and solar. Ghana, for example, has had great success electrifying its rural countryside through the use of solar-powered microgrids. "There has been an 80% reduction in solar prices over the last decade, and an 85% reduction in battery prices. The combination of those two things is making certain types of electricity provision quite attractive. The most plentiful resource we have is not oil and gas - it's sunlight," Olusola Lawson of African Infrastructure Investment Managers told the BBC. For this reason Lawson feels confident when he says, "By 2050 about half of the new energy installed across Africa is going to be renewable energy."

Local African governments and companies are not the only entities interested in Africas energy future -- not by a long shot. For years, China, Russia, and other foreign powers have been slowly edging into the markets there. In fact, early last year, Oilprice reported on a faceoff between Russia and China to develop and dominate the continents nuclear energy sector, a push which included Russia foisting unwanted and possibly unneeded nuclear power plants on Egypt.

The question of whether Africa will turn to clean energy to fuel its growing economy is an important one, not just for Africans, but for the world. Just this August, a new landmark report from the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounded a code red for humanity, warning that the window to avoid the worst effects of catastrophic climate change is rapidly closing. As it stands, humans have already irreversibly altered the climate, and it is urgent that the world curb fossil fuel emissions before that problem becomes compounded. Whats more, in a cruel irony, Africa, the continent which has contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, is going to be one of the continents that suffers the most from its effects.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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After a fairytale run that saw Brent temporarily cross the magical $80/bbl mark for the first time in three years, the crude rally has taken a breather thanks to a surprise build in crude inventories. On Tuesday, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a build in crude oil inventories of 4.127 million barrels for the week ending September 24, contrary to analysts consensus of a loss of 2.33 million barrels. API had reported a draw in oil inventories of 6.108 million barrels in the previous week, well above expectations of a draw of 2.40 million barrels.

Nevertheless, Brent settled at USD 78.17/bbl on 30th September for a w/w gain of USD 4.25/bbl, while WTI for November delivery rose USD 4.11/bbl w/w to USD 74.25/bbl.

Despite the latest surprise build, its worth noting that oil inventories in the United States have drawn down nearly 73 million barrels so far this year - well below pre-pandemic levels. The latest data by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) suggests that crude oil inventories in the United States are now 8% under the five-year average for this time of year, at 414 million barrels.

The Standard Chartered commodities desk has offered a rather bearish oil price outlook, arguing that the fundamental case for USD 80/bbl is not any stronger today than it was a few months ago.

The technical side

According to Stanchart strategists, the move in Brent seemed to come straight out of a technical trading textbook; the market had held key support last week and then recorded a double inside day (consecutive days of lower highs and higher lows) before exceeding the 2021 high and breaking out further to the upside.

The move higher also reflected developments in broader risk asset markets, in particular mirroring the market for 10Y US Treasuries. The gains continued along the oil price curve, with further-out values reversing their recent weakness. Brent for delivery five years out gained USD 2.61/bbl w/w, settling at a three-month high of 59.66/bbl on 27 September. Oil prices broke out to the upside, with Brent pushing above USD 80/bbl thanks to highly positive technical factors and supportive cross-asset developments helped the move to USD 80/bbl stick this time, in contrast to the stalled push higher in early July and the subsequent weakness. In the 12 weeks since the failed push higher, prices swung lower by USD 13/bbl before rallying USD 16/bbl back towards USD 80/bbl.

Stanchart, however, says it remains skeptical that the fundamental case for USD 80/bbl is any stronger today than it was in early July. Indeed, the analysts say market balances have weakened in the intervening period. Market expectations of a strong global stock draw in July were not met, and August and September appear to show slight global surpluses, with global demand having remained flat since June.

The positive shift in market sentiment about oil fundamentals appears to be a crossover from the strength of international gas markets, particularly the sensitivity of markets to a potentially colder-than-normal northern hemisphere winter. Despite mixed weather forecasts, Stanchart says the market may be pricing in lower-than-average temperatures and overstating the boost to oil demand from substitution for gas. In all, significant weather risk appears to be embedded in current prices.

Comparing medium-term weather forecasts to the colder conditions the market is pricing in, the associated price risk appears to be to the downside.

Biden administration intervenes

With the next OPEC+ meeting scheduled for 4th October, the big question at this juncture is whether ministers will want to be seen to be doing more to cap prices.

Back in August, Biden exhorted OPEC+ to do more to control prices at a time when Brent was about USD 8/bbl lower than current levels. That intervention came just after an OPEC+ meeting and seemed to be primarily intended for a domestic U.S. audience. According to Stanchart, the Biden administration is likely to have repeated this point privately to key producers in advance of the upcoming OPEC+ meeting and will be expecting more of a response than it got in August when OPEC+ declined to increase output. Related: Commerce Department Delays Critical Decision On Solar Panel Tariffs

Indeed, the analysts say theres a fair chance that the administration will authorize the release of the strategic oil reserve should OPEC+ disappoint again and prices continue climbing. In August, for the first time in four years, the Energy Department authorized the release of some of its strategic oil supply to combat a significant fuel shortage in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida.

Rising production

Something else to keep an eye on is rising oil production.

U.S. oil production had been down more than a million bpd over the last couple of weeks, but crude production ticked up for the week ending September 17, to 10.6 million bpwith more than 84% of Gulf of Mexico oil producers finally back online after Hurricane Ida made landfall at the end of August.

The U.S. oil rig count rose by 10 w/w to a 17-month high of 421 for the week ended 24

September, according to the latest Baker-Hughes survey, marking the first consecutive

double-digit increase since April 2017. Four of the 17 Louisiana rigs idled by Hurricane Ida became active again (three offshore and one onshore), leaving nine rigs still inactive.

In areas unaffected by Ida, the main w/w gain was Oklahomas four rig increase, taking the states oil rig count to 38. Within the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, the Delaware Basin rig count rose by two, while the Midland Basin rig count fell by one, and other Permian activity was unchanged at 21 rigs.

Meanwhile, Libya remains a wildcard, with Libyas Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohamed Oun, recently announcing that the countrys crude oil production has risen to 1.3mb/d, the highest since April 2013. The Libyan government aims to raise production rapidly, although this will

require investment to upgrade and maintain facilities damaged by war and chronic

underinvestment. Libya remains exempt from OPEC+quotas, so any increases in production will be additive to OPEC+s current clip of 400,000 b/d per month.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Chinas central government has ordered state-owned energy companies to do whatever they must to secure energy supplies for this winter, according to Bloomberg sources.

The Vice Premier Han Zheng issued the desperate order at an emergency meeting earlier this week with state-owned asset regulator and economic planning agencies.

The message was clear: blackouts will not be tolerated, Bloomberg sources revealed.

But China is already suffering blackouts and coal shortages leading up to the week-long National Day holiday.

In Jilin, one state-owned water services provider said that power cuts of indeterminate lengths, at indeterminate times, without plan, without warning, would be the normal until March. Although according to the Washington Post, this statement was later deleted and the water provider apologized for its unsuitable wording and inaccurate content.

China blamed the blackouts on reduced mining production due to safety incidents and anti-graft investigations, and limited coal imports.

China has already expanded its power use restrictions to 20 regions and provinces that account for 66% of Chinas GDP.

But China is now attempting to calm the market with promises to take necessary steps to maintain economic growthsomething that power restrictions across 20 provinces would make particularly difficult.

Chinas scrambling to do whatever they must to keep the lights on at home will pressure Europe, who is in the midst of a power crisis of their own, with natural gas prices now at record levels with supplies of natural gas at dangerously low levels heading into the cold season.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Mexico has the potential to install 22 terawatts (TW) of green hydrogen infrastructure, with key areas for development being public transport, power generation and the petrochemical industry, according to a study published last week, Argus Media reported.

The study, commissioned by the Mexico-Germany Alliance and which German foreign development agency GiZ financed, sought to lay out a blueprint for green hydrogen development across Mexico.

Among the key areas for opportunity, it lists public transport, long-distance cargo vehicles, heavy industry, state oil firm Pemexs refining and petrochemical businesses, and power generation and electricity storage. According to the study, green hydrogen use in Pemexs downstream business, including refining and ammonia production, could be worth about $1.3 billion per year by 2030.

Green hydrogen could also power about 1.5 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity by 2050, the study said. However, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has not made the development of renewables a focus of his administration.

Instead, the president has made strengthening energy self-sufficiency a priority. He has introduced legislation that seeks to bolster the states role in the fuels market, a move that followed a law that favors CFE over private power generators even though the latter can provide cheaper and cleaner electricity. The government fully intends to favor energy security over emissions reduction, and that entails using the resources more readily available to [state oil enterprises]: coal and fuel oil.

Companies will be prevented, either through direct barring or market tampering, from accessing and investing in clean energies, Christian Wagner, Americas analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, told the Energy Advisor in a Q&A published April 16. This will delay Mexicos energy transition and hinder its compliance with international climate change commitments, Wagner added.

By Latin America Energy Advisor

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The UK is ousting China's CGN from the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project, the Financial Times reported, adding that the options for the 20-percent stake that the Chinese company holds in the project will be sold to institutional investors or floated on the stock market.

Reports of the UK government's intention to remove the Chinese state-owned company from the nuclear power project first emerged in July, also by the Financial Times, which at the time wrote that the plan was to cut off CGN from all nuclear power projects in the UK amid a cooling off between the two countries that also saw the UK force China's Huawei out of its 5G network.

The growing animosity of the UK towards China came amid China's quashing of dissenters in Hong Kong, allegations of repressions against Muslim minorities such as the Uyghurs, and a growing concernnot only in the UKthat reliance on Chinese technology threatens the security of other countries' supply chains and critical infrastructure.

The Sizewell C nuclear power plant, to have an installed capacity of 3.2 GW, is 80-percent owned by French EDF. The project would cost $27 billion (20 billion pounds) to build, of which CGN was supposed to provide 20 percent.

Now, EDF is reportedly considering something called a "regulated asset base" for the project, which, the FT explains, would involve households starting to contribute to the cost of building Sizewell C through their electricity bills before it begins operating.

"CGN is a valued partner at Hinkley Point C and a shareholder in Sizewell C up until the point of the government's Final Investment Decision. Negotiations are ongoing and no final decision has been taken", the British Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told Reuters in a statement.

The Chinese company is also a 30-percent shareholder in another nuclear power plant project in the UK, Hinkley Point C, which is also majority-owned by EDF and currently under construction.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The value of petroleum exports of OPEC members plummeted by over $240 billion last year due to the collapse in demand and prices in the pandemic, figures from the cartels Annual Statistical Bulletin showed on Thursday.

The value of OPECs total petroleum exports plunged to $321 billion in 2020, compared to $562 billion in 2019, according to the data released today.

Last year, oil demand slumped in the pandemic, and so did oil prices, exacerbated by the fact that OPEC and its key partner in the OPEC+ deal, Russia, failed in March 2020 to agree on how to react to the decline in consumption with the lockdowns and travel restrictions worldwide.

When OPEC and the Russia-led non-OPEC members of the OPEC+ pact reached an agreement, they significantly curtailed supply to the market, which further weighed on the value of petroleum exports even when oil prices started to recover from the April 2020 lows.

The OPEC Reference Basket averaged $41.47 a barrel in nominal terms during 2020, down from $64.04 per barrel in 2019, which was a massive decrease of $22.57 a barrel, or 35.2 percent, OPEC said in its Annual Statistical Bulletin. The volatility level was $12.55 a barrel, or 30.3 percent, relative to the yearly average.

As a result, the value of OPECs oil exportsthe main, and in many cases indispensable, part of OPEC members government revenuesdrastically fell last year compared to 2019.

The value of petroleum exports of OPECs top producer, Saudi Arabia, nearly halved, according to OPECs bulletin. Last year, the value of Saudi oil exports stood at $119 billion, down from $200 billion in 2019.

Crude oil export volumes also slumpedto an average of 19.70 million bpd in 2020, a sharp decrease of 12.4 percent compared to 2019. This was the fourth consecutive annual decline in OPECs crude oil exports, the cartel said.

As in previous years, most of OPECs crude oil73.2 percent of exportswent to Asia, particularly China and India.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Wayoe Engineering and Construction (WEC) has been awarded a contract for the SLS Infrastructure Project in Ghana for the supply and installation of Structural Steelwork, Mechanical Equipment, Piping & Platework (SMPP) Installation project by DRA Global for Newmont Ahafo Mine.



DRA Global is a diversified global engineering, project delivery, and operations management with an impressive track record spanning more than three decades.



The scope of the work includes the construction of Surface Fans, Refrigeration Plant, Potable Water, Fire Water System, Sewage System, Hydrocarbon Storage Shed, Waste Ore Pass Facility, warehouses, and associated works.



Dr. Stephen Wayoe, CEO of WEC, says that the award of this contract by Newmont & DRA Global signifies WEC as being the partner of choice in engineered project solutions & continued construction excellence and that we look forward to delivering this project safely & successfully.



Customer focus being a core value of WEC, they are further modernising its fabrication capabilities having constructed a new Fabrication facility that is 70% automated and capable of fabricating + 600 tons of steelwork, platework and piping per month, which will guarantee an efficient fabrication process at the highest quality for our valued clients across the continent.





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Algeria and Morocco have reacted with anger to France's decision to slash the number of visas for their citizens.



France announced on Tuesday it would halve the number of visas available to Moroccans and Algerians, and reduce by a third those available to Tunisians.



It accused the three north African countries of failing to co-operate over the return of their nationals denied visas by France.



Algeria summoned the French ambassador to "formally protest" against the move.



Foreign Minister Amar Belani told the state news agency APS that France's decision was "disproportionate".



Meanwhile, Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita called the decision "unjustified", and said his country "has always acted responsibly on the issue of illegal migration".



There was no immediate word from the Tunisian authorities.



The French government's spokesman Gabriel Attal admitted on Tuesday that the decision to cut visas was "drastic" and "unprecedented".



"But one made necessary by the fact that these countries are refusing to take back nationals who we do not want or cannot keep in France," he told Europe 1 radio station.



"There was dialogue, then there were threats, and today we're carrying out those threats."



When visa requests are denied, French authorities must still secure a consular pass in order to forcibly expel individuals to their home countries, AFP news agency reports.

Source: BBC









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A man in Eritrea has died at the age of 127, his family has said, expressing the hope that Natabay Tinsiew will earn a place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to have ever lived.



"Patience, generosity and a joyful life" were the secrets behind him living for so long, his grandson Zere Natabay told BBC Tigrinya.



Mr Natabay died peacefully in his village, Azefa - which has a population of about 300 and is in a gorge surrounded by mountains - on Monday.



His grandson said church records - including his birth certificate - showed he was born in 1894 - the year he was baptized - making him 127 at the time of his death.



But Mr Natabay's family believed that he was, in fact, born in 1884, but he was baptized 10 years later when a priest came around to their village. There were few priests at the time, and people waited for them to visit their villagers.



Father Mentay, a Catholic priest who served in the village for seven years, confirmed that records showed that Mr Natabay was born in 1894.



He said he was present when villagers celebrated his 120th birthday in 2014.



Mr Zere told BBC Tigrinya that he had already contacted Guinness World Records to validate the official documents of his birth, and he was waiting to hear from them.



It records French woman Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122, as the oldest person to have lived.



Mr Natabay got married in 1934. His wife died in 2019 at the age of 99.



During his lifetime, Mr Natabay was a herdsmen, who owned many cattle, goats and honey bees, and he had lived to see five generations of his family grow up.



Mr Zere said his grandfather would be remembered as an "extraordinary man", who was kind, caring and hardworking.

Source: BBC









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A member of Justice George Kingsley Koomson committee that probed the disturbances at Ejura in the Ashanti Region, Professor Vladimir Antwi Danso has defended the findings and recommendations of the committee.



The committee in its report published on Monday, September 27, 2021, stated: We accordingly find that the death of Kaaka was not directly linked to his activism, it is more probably a family feud. This is also supported by the testimony of Aminu Mohammed, a resident of Ejura and a friend of the late Kaaka.



But the family of Kaaka has described that part of the report as needless and politically engineered.



Speaking on behalf of the family in radio interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Nassif Mohammed said, As a family, we were shocked when we heard that. So we are of the view that the committee erred, they have not done their work accordingly to the framework set.



Why should you be talking about the death of Kaaka when Justice Koomson himself said the reference of their committee is not to find the murderer of Kaaka, he questioned.



For his part, Security Analyst, Prof Emmanuel Kwesi Aning also speaking a radio interview said the finding on the possible motive for the alleged killing came as a surprise to him.



The point that Kaakas death resulted from the family feud, I find it quite difficult but I dont know what evidence was presented before the committee. It has come to me as quiet a surprise, he said.



But apart from that, the conclusions and the generalisations are very satisfactory. They are down to earth, they are sensible, they are implementable and I am hoping for the week in this country the recommendation will be implemented , he added.



But Prof Antwi Danso, on his part stressed that their findings are to help the police do its work.



He said it was the CID that was constitutionally mandated to deal with the issue of the death of Kaaka, and "we didnt want to do their work for them. We didnt have that mandate, so Kaaka's family anger should not be directed to the committee.



He added that Our work does not stop the CID from going further. Our work does not stop the family to seek redress from that point.. Our work is part of what the police will rely on. And then lead to whether our findings being wrong or right. I dont see what is wrong with that?



Background



On Saturday, June 26, 2021, social media activist, Macho Kaaka, was attacked by some unknown assailants in front of his house around 1:30 a.m. and was left in a critical condition.



He was rushed to the Ejura Government Hospital, from where he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.



Around midday on Monday, June 28, 2021 he died on admission.



When news about his death broke, the youth of Ejura embarked on a protest that Monday but that was quelled by the police, with assistance from the military.



However, on Tuesday, on their return from the cemetery, after burying Kaaka, the youth decided to protest.



In the process, they clashed with the security, leading to the death of Abdul Nasir Yussif and Muntala Mohammed.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo later directed the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, to set up a public inquiry into the incidence.

Source: graphiconline.com









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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced on Thursday to one year in prison for illegal campaign financing in his failed 2012 re-election bid, making him the first French head of state in modern times to receive two jail terms.



It is unlikely that Sarkozy will serve his sentence behind bars: The judge said he could serve the sentence by wearing an electronic bracelet at home. All 13 co-defendants have been found guilty.



"Nicolas Sarkozy knew the spending limit," the judge said. "He knew he shouldn't exceed it."



Speaking outside of the courtroom on Thursday, Sarkozy's lawyer Thierry Herzog told French media that he would be launching an appeal.



This is the second criminal case involving Sarkozy. In March he was handed a three-year prison sentence, two of which were suspended, for corruption and influence peddling. The 66-year-old has appealed the March conviction.



Read Full Story .... HERE >>> :









Source: CNN









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Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has indicated that his outfit will be going after Ghanaians driving luxurious cars in the country.



Speaking in an interview on ''Kokrokoo'' on Peace FM, the Special Prosecutor outlined his mandate stating he is not only tasked to prosecute corrupt politicians but also any individual, whether in public or private capacity, who lives a suspicious lifestyle.



He stressed that he has the obligation to interrogate the source of people's wealth and businesses.



"Those of you driving cars that we have no idea where you get them from. What work do you do to be driving a Bugatti? You will explain it to me. It's also part of my job. I can give you a notice for you to report in my office to show me where you acquired the Bugatti from. What work do you do? Come and show me your salary . . . If you don't explain it clearly to me for me to better understand, I will impound the car and proceed to court," he warned.



''The Office of Special Prosecutor is not targeting only politicians but public officials, politically exposed persons, meaning a person who the government has given a position in this country - the person can be a Judge, Police officer and so forth - and the person's spouse, children and anyone closely associated with the person is politically exposed person. Also, political party officials like a party Chairman at a constituency, a party Chairman/executive at the national level; the Special Prosecutor can investigate all them," he said.





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Yet again, the Mobile Maintenance Unit of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has filled up the many potholes on the Accra-bound side of the Accra-Tema Motorway to make driving on the stretch safe.



For weeks, drivers and commuters who use the motorway complained about the gaping and dangerous potholes that had developed particularly on that stretch of the 19km motorway that had become a threat to road safety.



Over the weekend, the mobile maintenance team undertook an exercise to improve the situation, filling the potholes with bitumen, although the road is paved with concrete.



The Public Relations Officer of the GHA, Cecil Obodai Wentum, told the Daily Graphic that the weekends rehabilitation works constituted about 80 per cent of required maintenance works, and that the rest would be completed soon.



Beyond that, officials of the GHA declined to answer further questions with regard to the proposed rehabilitation and expansion works on the motorway.





Read the full article in today's edition of the Daily Graphic. Thank you









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YouTube has said it will remove content that spreads misinformation about all approved vaccines, expanding a ban on false claims about Covid-19 jabs.



Videos that say approved vaccines are dangerous and cause autism, cancer or infertility are among those that will be taken down, the company said.



The policy includes the termination of accounts of anti-vaccine influencers.



Tech giants have been criticized for not doing more to counter false health information on their sites.



In July, US President Joe Biden said social media platforms were largely responsible for people's scepticism in getting vaccinated by spreading misinformation and appealed for them to address the issue.



YouTube, which is owned by Google, said 130,000 videos were removed from its platform since last year when it implemented a ban on content spreading misinformation about Covid vaccines.



In a blog post, the company said it had seen false claims about Covid jabs "spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general". The new policy covers long-approved vaccines, such as those against measles or hepatitis B.



"We're expanding our medical misinformation policies on YouTube with new guidelines on currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities and the WHO," the post said, referring to the World Health Organization.



Personal testimonies relating to vaccines, content about vaccine policies, new vaccine trials, and historical videos about vaccine successes or failures will be allowed to remain on the site, the company said.



The move follows a similar ban introduced by Facebook in February, targeting false claims that vaccines are not effective or cause autism, among others. But since then the company has faced challenges in enforcing it.



In March, Twitter announced that users who repeatedly shared misinformation about vaccines would be banned from the platform.

Source: BBC









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General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says the position of the longest serving Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Afari Gyan on the NDC's proposal for a law to be enacted to back the role of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) does not come as a surprise.



According to him, Dr Afari Gyan has been consistent with his position on the issue of empowering the operations of IPAC with a law as he has always disagreed with other political parties during his time in office when the same issue cropped up.



Reacting to Dr Afari Gyans position on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, General Mosquito as he is popularly called, however said there is already a divided opinion on what Dr Afari Gyan disagrees with.



The one he said he disagrees with; we have a divided opinion about it. One side is saying that any form of legislation to IPAC will reduce the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC). The other side is also saying that it depends on the type of legislation, he noted.



He reiterated that it is premature for anybody to conclude that the law that is being proposed by the NDC would affect the independence of the EC.



What are the specifics in the legislation that will reduce the independence of the EC? Nobody has come out with the conditions that will reduce the independence of the Electoral Commission. So, if there is a law to say that only three parties should attend IPAC meeting, how does this affect the independence of the Electoral Commission? You might see the law first before you can conclude that it will affect the independence of the EC, he argued.



He was of the view that the law can be carefully crafted to protect the independence of the Electoral Commission just as Ethiopia has done to back the activities of their similar body like IPAC in Ghana.



If the EC has recognised that they need external input, and if we attach a law to back the way we will generate that external input, how does that affect the independence of the EC? This is because it is up to them to say that they need external input or not, he wondered.



Watch video below





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Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng Esq. has disclosed in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's flagship programme ''Kokrokoo'' that his office has only one employee despite its mandate to employ about 250 people.



It could be recalled that the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu made some claims to justify why he couldn't employ adequate number of people to assist with his work coupled with other challenges, one of them has to do with the controversial Agyapa deal, resulting in his resignation.



According to Kissi Agyebeng, he came to meet only one person on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) payroll which, to him, is disturbing.



He detailed why the office has only one staff member although he disclosed the members were 10 in number; all of them except the employee on payroll are secondment.



He intimated that, when he began his duty, one of the staff members resigned for personal reasons, hence reducing the number to nine workers.



The workers he therefore inherited include drivers, cleaners, a prosecutor on secondment from the AGs office and an investigator on secondment from the Ghana Police Service.



Shocking Kwami Sefa Kayi with these revelations, Kissi Agyebeng expounded; ''The main job for the OSP appears to be done by only one person. When I checked the 2019 Appropriation Act, it states that the setup we need is 251. If 251 and I have only one, then I have huge task . . . You are a Special Prosecutor but we have given you divisions.



"Some of the divisions include Finance and Administration; there is no HR. We have given you Prosecution Divison but there's no Prosecution Division. Investigation Division isn't there. Asset Recovery and Management isn't there. The law says the office can create more divisions but if the ones stipulated in the law isn't available, not to talk of what you (Special Prosecutor) must set up."



He, however, pledged to commit to his mandate to recruit more people to facilitate the work of the Special Prosecutor.





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The Minority in Parliament has challenged the government to make public the report of the forensic audit it undertook to investigate contracts awarded during former President John Mahamas tenure for the execution of various hospital projects.



It said since the government instituted the forensic audit five years ago, it must be bold to come out with the report for Ghanaians to know the truth.



We are challenging the government that if anybody did anything wrong, the law must take its course. They must stop worrying our ears with the excuse that it is due to the forensic audit that hospital projects have delayed, it said.



People deserve better



Speaking to the media after Minority members on the Health Committee of Parliament had visited some uncompleted hospital projects in the Ashanti and the Eastern regions last Monday and Tuesday, the Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Mr Kwabena Akandoh, said If the government thinks anybody has squandered money, the law must take its course and the people must not suffer for delayed projects.



The people living in communities where these projects are situated deserve better than the treatment meted out to them by this government.



Mr Akandoh dared the government, after the team had visited district hospitals that were initiated by former President Mahama in Kumawu and Fomena in the Ashanti Region, as well as Abetifi and Somanya in the Eastern Region.



The four hospitals were part of a turnkey arrangement with Messrs NMS Infrastructure and Barclays Bank Plc, London, at an estimated cost of $175 million.



Along with others in the Shai-Osudoku, Sekondi-Takoradi and Garu district and municipalities, the projects started in 2015 and were due to be completed in 2017.



However, their execution had stalled over the past five years following the governments decision to undertake forensic audit of the contract.



Respond to cry of the people



The MP for Juaboso noted that Ghana had contracted the $175 million facility for the seven hospital projects and the government had been paying interest on the loan, even though the people were not getting full benefits of the projects.



He said the hospitals could be serving the utmost interest of the people of Abetifi, Kumawu, Somanya and Fomena and their environs, the reason the government must commit the needed resources to complete them.



Since no government can finish projects in one or two terms, when another government inherits projects, it must continue them, so that the people will benefit from such projects.



Even if there is no law for a government to continue with inherited projects and you are a responsible government, at least the crying of the people must pinch you that they need something, he said.



He argued that if a project was awarded and the government considered that the funds for its execution were inadequate, it could repackage it and go back to Parliament to seek more funds.



Produce report



A member of the team, Mr Charles Akwasi Agbeve, who is the MP for Agotime-Ziope, said unless the government renegotiated the project contract, Ghana would be paying the interest and the principal for work that had not been completed.



We have a situation where money has taken and no work has been done and this is total waste, he said, and called for a reconsideration of the law on causing financial loss to the state.



If you say you are carrying out a forensic audit to investigate and understand the projects that you came to meet, will it take you five years? If you have done the investigation, we want to see the report, so that we will know the truth. But because you found nothing, you cannot produce the report and the job too you are not able to continue, he said.



Lead demonstration



Mr Agbeve commended the youth of Abetifi for embarking on a demonstration for the persistent failure of the government to implement the project.



According to him, Abetifi was not a beneficiary of the governments Agenda 111 hospital projects, since it already had this project, and that is their fate.



Members



The group, led by the Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, included the Deputy Ranking Member, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, who is also the MP for Nabdam; the MP for Techiman North, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; the MP for Afram Plains North, Mrs Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah; the MP for Agotime-Ziope, Mr Charles Akwasi Agbeve, and the MP for Amenfi West, Mr Eric Afful.















Source: graphiconline.com









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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase in the Ashanti Region, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has descended heavily on pro National Democratic Congress (NDC) rabble rouser, Kelvin Taylor by describing him as a nation wrecker who is being used to destroy the main opposition political party.



According to him, some bigots in his political party are using Kelvin Taylor to churn out pure lies to cause disaffection between him and supporters of the NDC.



The Minority Chief Whip described Kelvin Taylor as a bigot and ignorant self-styled journalist who is misleading gullible people within and outside the main opposition party.



In a recent video, Kelvin Taylor accused the NDC Leaders in Parliament (Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mubarak) of taking advantage of their equal numbers in parliament; to negotiate behind the scenes with the ruling government.



He further alleges that Muntaka has been getting contracts and bribes from the government to cover up issues in parliament.



Kelvin Taylor vowed to expose all the corrupt NDC MPs. starting from the leadership; Muntaka Mubarak and Haruna Iddrisu.



In the video, Kelvin Taylor advised Muntaka Mubarak against using the Quran, and the name of Allah to cover his corrupt deals with the NPP.

He added that, in Muntakas statement, he only addressed one allegation (travelling with Nana Addo to the US), but failed to address all other allegations against him; which according to Taylor means, Muntaka is running away from the other allegations.



According to Kelvin Taylor, Muntaka Mubarak must resign immediately, before he (Kelvin Taylor) exposes his corrupt acts with the NPP government.

Kelvin added that, he is ready to provide all proves to back his allegations against Muntaka and Haruna.



Kelvin Taylor, who is also the CEO of the Loud Silence Media, based in the United States further stated that, if Muntaka Mubarak and Haruna Iddrisu were not bowing to the NPP government, they would not have approved all the Nana Addos appointees; and that if they continue in office as leaders of the NDC caucus in parliament, he would expose them all very soon.



However, Muntaka vehemently refuted all the allegations and fumed at Kevin Taylor for misleading the public.



Its just unfortunate that I have to respond to a bigot. Somebody who hates our country but pretends to love it. Someone whose stock is just to malign innocent people with lies. Someone that some gullible people tend to believe him.



I swear by the God I worship that everything Im going to say is the truth. Im saying it not because I want to entertain someone like Kevin Taylor but because of the innocent 1001 gullible people across the globe who are finding it difficult to read between the thin lines of someone who is speaking the truth and someone who is lying. Im not a fan of him. I dont listen to him but unfortunately his last few episodes seem to consistently mention me and people drew my attention.



Some well-meaning Ghanaians said dont respond to him but Im sorry I cannot continue to hold on when he continues these lies. Ive had the great privilege of serving the people of Asawase over a decade, the Asawase MP stated.



He therefore dared Kelvin Taylor to make public whatever evidence he claims to have after cursing him to suffer the same pain he has caused him and his people.



Kelvin Taylor let me tell you. I challenge you to bring everything that you claim to have, I am very ready for you. Let me start by saying that I dont work for you. I dont work for you. I work for my constituency but you see the kind of allegations that you are leveling is shocking that you claim to be a journalist and you know the tenets of good journalism. The tenets of journalism is that when you have facts you claim to have, you give people that the so called concern the fact to authenticate or otherwise. You crosscheck and you dont just go talking on top of your head because probably somebody might give you wrong information so you use it to run.



You see, you are not decent. Decent people when they hear things they try to crosscheck. You are so naive about the things that we do. You see this lies that youve told about Ill never forgive you. God will punish you and you will go through the pain you have put me and my people. You said we are agent. You are an agent of NPP who is trying to destroy the NDC. You claim you speak for NDC but it is only Nana Akufo-Addo you speak against.



The Minority Chief Whip challenges Kelvin Taylor to step foot in Ghana and see how he will be bombarded with legal suits, saying that If You claim youre courageous then come to Ghana and make this your allegation and see whether we will sue you and to show how foolish you are. How old are you?



You sit there because youve no manners, you are not cultured and talk anyhow to people like your fathers age mate.



He described Kelvin Taylor an agent hired to destroy the party, asking the NDC to disassociate itself from him.



Touching on receiving contracts and favours from the ruling governments appointees, he said that although he shares close ties with Napo, his constituency witnessed no benefits from his reign as Education Minister.



Whoever told you that I met KK Sarpong and Napo  I cant remember the last time I met him. We are brothers, grew up together, his father was like a father to me but I challenge you. You claim he has given me a contract, I challenge you to name any contract I have received from Napo.



If you care to know all the classroom blocks that MPs fight for during GETFund formula for their constituency, not even one has been built during the tenure of NAPO. Because if I get it and I take to the district, they frustrate it. Check the contract I brought and see whether any of the contractors has any relations with me. Those classroom blocks, I brought companies but they were not done. I complained to Napo severally, he said in a video shared on his Facebook timeline.





Source: Daily Guide









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Special Prosecutor (SP), Kissi Agyebeng, has hinted of a bitter relationship between him and his predecessor, Martin Alamisi Burnes Kaiser Amidu.



Martin Amidu resigned as Special Prosecutor after accusing the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of interfering with his job and also made several claims of corruption against his administration.



In a letter issued on Monday, November 16, 2020 and addressed to the President, Mr Amidu said he was resigning due to the lack of respect of the independence of his office.



Following his resignation, the President mentioned Kissi Agyebeng as the new Special Prosecutor but this invited a caustic reply from Mr. Amidu who didn't sound enthused about Mr. Agyebeng's appointment.



Martin Amidu's Reply



He accused Mr. Agyebeng of having a close relation with the President's cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and also playing a role in the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal.



Mr Amidu, who extensively took on Asaase Radio for, according to him, publishing falsehoods about his resignation as Special Prosecutor to justify the nomination of Mr Agyebeng, said: Asaase Radio appears to have been so bent on pressurizing the President to announce their preferred choice as the Special Prosecutor (the Agyapa Special Prosecutor) that it forgot that the nomination letter by the Attorney General was addressed only to the President.



Asaase Radio should also have told the Ghanaian and international public that its surrogate and nominee Special Prosecutor in the published letter is a personal friend and classmate of the Attorney General, and the owner of Asaase Radio, all of whom attended the University of Ghanas Faculty of Law, and Ghana Law School, he added.



The former SP, in an article authored by him following the nomination of Lawyer Kissi Agyebeng to replace him, further stated; ''The Agyapa Royalties Transaction records show the role the Presidents cousin who established Africa Legal Associates, and Asaase Radio played with White &Case LLP, of London, one of the foreign law firms in the suspected corruption transaction.



''It must, therefore, be worrying to any patriotic Ghanaian not afraid of the culture of silence to see Asaase Radio undertaking political propaganda beginning on 25th April 2021 to 26th April 2021 to prepare the minds of the Ghanaian and international public to accept the surrogate of the alter ego of the Asaase Radio station and Africa Legal Associates as the Special Prosecutor as mandated under section 4(1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2018 (Act 959).''



Kissi Agyebeng Shades Amidu



During an interview on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' Thursday morning, the host Kwami Sefa Kayi, affectionately called 'Chairman General', asked Lawyer Agyebeng whether he has reached out to his predecessor to seek his knowledge on the job, but it has been revealed that the two have never communicated and it's due to the seething bad blood between them.



To him, Mr. Amidu's advice is ''useless'' to him.



In response, Mr. Agyebeng said; ''I went to meet the handing-over note. When my name was mentioned, this person started insulting me. Is this somebody you go for advice? He doesn't know me. Someone who doesn't know me but insults me, I'd rather go to Professor Mensah Bonsu for advice. I can't come to you the person insulting me for advice."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Reno Omokri has tackled President Buhari for wearing designer shoes to foreign meetings.



In a post shared on his Instagram page this afternoon, Reno made reference to President Buhari's Gucci shoes valued at $640. According to him, the President wears expensive designer shoes to ''beg for loans from countries whose Presidents wear $100 shoes.''



He wrote:-



"The issue is not the shoe you wear on your leg. The issue is where your leg takes you. Bambiala Buhari wears $640 @Gucci to go and beg for loans from countries whose Presidents wear $100 shoes. What is in your head is always more important than what is on your leg.



The same Bambiala has 10 Presidential jets. How many jets does the Queen of The Netherlands, that he was begging for money, last week have? Beggar from top to bottom. Tueh! May Nigeria never be cursed with your like a again."





The issue is not the shoe you wear on your leg. The issue is where your leg takes you. Bambiala Buhari wears $640 @Gucci to go and beg for loans from countries whose Presidents wear $100 shoes. What is in your head is always more important than what is on your leg!#TableShaker pic.twitter.com/diU1prwp0O



 Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) September 29, 2021









Bemigho Reno Omokri is a Nigerian human right activist and lawyer.









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The governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) has scheduled December, 18 to December 20, 2021, to hold its National Annual Delegates Conference in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.



The Conference, according to the party leadership will be held in strict compliance with standard guidelines and Covid-19 health protocols.



Meanwhile, the party has scheduled the month of October beginning Friday to hold Regional Annual Delegates Conferences in all 16 regions of the country.



This is in accordance with Article 9 of the Partys Constitution.



Notice of Amendment to the Party Constitution



The General Secretary of the Party has started receiving notice/proposals for amendments to the Party Constitution, in accordance with Article 19 of the partys constitution.



Per the constitution, this should be done not later than two months before the National Annual Delegates Conference, the General Secretary.



The NPP will, from Friday, October 1, 2021, to Friday, October 22, 2021, hold Regional Annual Delegates Conferences across all the 16 Regions of the country in accordance with Article 9 of the Party Constitution.



The Regional conferences shall be held in conformity with the following Schedules (Dates, Venues and Zonal Arrangements), as approved by the National Executive Committee of the Party:



1) Savannah Region - Friday, October, 1, 2021, at Daboya



2) Upper West - Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Wa



3) Upper East - Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Bolgatanga



4) North East - Monday, October 4, 2021, at Nalerigu



5) Northern Region - Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Yendi & Tolon respectively



6) Bono East - Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Atebubu



7) Ahafo Region - Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Goaso



8) Bono Region - Friday, October 8, 2021, at Sunyani



9) Ashanti Region - Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Obuasi West/ Bekwai, Abuakwa, Ejisu, Kodie



10) Western North - Monday, October 11, 2021, at Sefwi Wiawso



11) Western Region - Tuesday October 12, 2021, at Takoradi and Tarkwa



12) Greater Accra - Thursday October 14 and Friday, October 15, 2021, at Tema and Accra



13) Eastern Region - Saturday, October 16, 2021 and Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Nkawkaw, and Koforidua



14) Oti Region - Monday, October 18, 2021, at Dambai



15) Volta Region - Tuesday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Ho and Sogakope



16) Central Region - Friday, October 22, 2021 and Saturday, October 23, at Cape Coast and Kasoa



The Party wishes to emphasize that, just like the Constituency Conferences, the Regional Annual Delegates Conferences shall also held in strict observance of all the COVID-19 Health Protocols.



Thank you.



Signed



JOHN BOADU

GENERAL SECRETARY





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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.
" " Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary committee regarding sexual assault allegations at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill Thursday, September 27, 2018. Pool/Getty Images

In October 2018, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was approved by a very narrow 50-48 Senate vote, after an acrimonious confirmation process fueled by allegations of sexual misconduct and charges that he had given untruthful testimony.

But even after he was sworn in, the controversy never stopped swirling around Kavanaugh. An online petition urging the House to reinvestigate Kavanaugh and pass articles of impeachment against attracted nearly 176,000 signatures.

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Allegations Against Kavanaugh

And now that Kavanaugh has served as SCOTUS on the "Highest Court in the Land" for not even 12 months, new rumors of sexual allegations are swirling around him once again. On Sept. 14, 2019 The New York Times published an excerpt of a new book "The Education of Brett Kavanaugh: An Investigation," by Times reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly. It includes details of a previous accusation from Deborah Ramirez, which she reported during Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings in 2018.

At that time, Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her at a Yale party when he was a freshman, though Kavanaugh has repeatedly denied the allegation. According to the book, Ramirezs lawyers provided the F.B.I. a list of as many as 25 people who could possibly corroborate her story, but none were interviewed. One of those, according to The Times story, could have possibly have been a freshman classmate of Kavanaugh's, Max Stier. The Times reporting uncovered that Stier told senators and the F.B.I about a story that would confirm Ramirez's allegations, but the F.B.I. never investigated.

This new allegation could threaten to wreck Kavanaugh's confirmation. Several democrats, including 2020 presidential candidates Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Julian Castro and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), all have called for his impeachment.

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Can a Supreme Court Justice Be Impeached?

But if you're not a history or constitutional law expert, at this point you might be wondering: Can a Supreme Court justice really be impeached? Does it work like a presidential impeachment? And has it ever actually happened before?

The answer to all three questions is yes. Article II Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution provides that the president, vice president and all "civil officers"  such as federal judges and Supreme Court justices  can be impeached, tried and removed from office for treason, bribery or other unspecified high crimes and misdemeanors.

But the impeachment clause has only been used once against a Supreme Court justice, and that was more than two centuries ago. As an account from the U.S. Senate Historical Office details, Justice Samuel Chase, an appointee of George Washington, was a staunch federalist with a brash manner who made no secret of his political views, even after President Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party took control of Congress in 1801. At Jefferson's urging, the House voted 73-32 to impeach Chase.

The eight counts accused Chase  who like other justices of that time, also doubled as a circuit judge and sometimes presided over grand jury deliberations  of refusing to dismiss biased jurors, excluding defense witnesses in politically sensitive cases, and giving "an inflammatory political harangue" to a federal grand jury in Baltimore. In February 1805, Chase went on trial in the Senate, where his attorneys argued that his conduct didn't justify removal from the bench.

"Chase and his defenders (the Federalists in the Senate) argued that (1) Chase had broken no laws (on the theory, totally incorrect but always tried by impeached officials, that only an indictable crime was impeachable); and more important (2) that the accusations against Chase really came down to his professional opinions about the role of the judge in the courtroom, and his decisions during particular trials," Randall Calvert, the Thomas F. Eagleton Professor of Public Affairs and Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis, writes in an email.

"Many of Chase's actions and decisions would be beyond the pale today, but were not so unusual in their day," Calvert says. "In particular, many Federalist politicians thought one duty of the judge was to guide the people and protect the Constitution from their mistakes and excesses. While controversial, then, his actions were not widely regarded as being as absurd as they would seem today, when the judge is expected to be a much more neutral figure in the courtroom."

In March of 1805, Chase was acquitted, when none of the eight counts got the required two-thirds support in the Senate.

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The Effects of Impeaching a SCOTUS

But the impeachment of Chase still had a profound effect, by helping to establish that judicial impeachment should be confined to cases of alleged corruption or other illegal conduct  while also imposing an unofficial taboo against justices engaging publicly in partisan activity. "After that, no one was impeached for the way they decided cases, but justices stopped giving political opinions, " explains John Harrison, a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia, who back in the 1980s served on a Justice Department commission that studied the issue of impeachment. "Both sides got something out of it."

That didn't completely stop Supreme Court justices from engaging in politics, as long as they didn't express their views in court. Justice Smith Thompson actually ran for New York governor in 1828, even though he was still on the court. (He lost.) Another justice-turned-candidate, Charles Evans Hughes, resigned from the court to run unsuccessfully against Woodrow Wilson in the 1916 presidential election, and then returned to the court when he was appointed chief justice by President Herbert Hoover in 1930. President Franklin Roosevelt came close to choosing Justice William O. Douglas as his running mate in 1944, as this 2003 article from The Nation details.

But since Chase, no Supreme Court justices have been impeached, though articles have been voted against 13 federal judges, according to the House website. Seven were tried, convicted and removed from office, while three resigned from office before a verdict could be rendered. Three were acquitted.

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The Impeachment Protocol Today

The impeachment and trial of a Supreme Court justice essentially would follow the same process seen in the judicial cases, according to Harrison. The case would start with an investigation in the House Judiciary Committee, leading to a vote by the full House on impeachment articles, which would then be presented to the Senate.

Once the Senate had the charges, it could choose to appoint a committee of senators who would hear witnesses and collect documents. The House would appoint impeachment managers  essentially, prosecutors  and the justice and his or her attorneys would participate in the process and have the opportunity to call their own witnesses as well. "It looks just like a criminal trial," Harrison explains. In the end, the committee would compile a record, without making a recommendation on the charges, and then forward it to the full Senate, which could hear additional testimony before voting.

Alternatively, the Senate could opt to hold the entire trial before the full chamber, Harrison says. Afterward, senators sometimes will write opinions explaining their votes, just as the justices do after deciding cases.

In the unlikely event that Kavanaugh ever is impeached, there will be a certain irony. As this New York Times article details, as a young lawyer, Kavanaugh helped to craft independent counsel Kenneth Starr's case for impeaching former President Bill Clinton, who ultimately was acquitted by the Senate in 1999.

Now That's Interesting In this Washington Post article, University of Chicago law professor Aziz Huq proposed two methods by which Kavanaugh could be removed from the court, without his impeachment. A future Democratic president could appoint Kavanaugh to a lower court post, and a Democratic-controlled Senate could confirm him, thus demoting him. Alternatively, he wrote, Congress could pass a law authorizing a panel of federal judges to determine whether Kavanaugh had violated standards of good behavior, and potentially remove him.

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Originally Published: Nov 13, 2018
The Mumbai C40 action plan focuses heavily on investment in sustainable infrastructure but has not explicitly set emission reduction targets. Credit: Yoyosrk

Mumbai, commonly known as the city of dreams, faces a future that is waist-deep in floodwaters and rising sea levels. In the past couple of decades, several attempts to adopt climate action mechanisms against sea level rise and flooding have been made, although most of them have fallen short, as evidenced by this year's flooding event.

Enter Mumbai's climate action plan proposed by Aditya Thackerey, the current environment minister of the state of Maharashtra. With support from the C40 cities initiative, Mumbai's action plan aims to mediate the ambitious goals of the Paris Climate Agreement at a local level like 97 other megacities across the globe. The action plan laid out for Mumbai will be carried out in four stages. Stage one and two will focus on establishing a metric for existing vulnerabilities within the city, along with collecting demographic and tree cover data used for post analysis. Step three and four will focus on building a climate profile for verticals like air pollution, water resources, urban flooding, urban greenery, energy efficiency in municipal buildings, transport and mobility, and waste management. The plan seems full of action on the surface, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

The efficacy of the plan remains questionable

While Mumbai's climate action plan lays out a comprehensive strategy for sustainable action against climate change, it falls short in setting achievable emissions cuts, and works within the existing business as usual scenario. In its four stages, the plan fails to consider the real focus: measuring carbon emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors. Currently, the plan incentivizes energy efficiency for building and transportation and scaling up renewable energy and other cleaner fuel technologies for industries. But, despite implementing technocentric emission reduction efforts, the plan neglects to explicitly commit to an emission reduction target, making existing efforts seem symbolic rather than bold. By not fully committing to emission reduction, the climate action plan sets itself up for failure and does not target the root cause of the climate crisis itself. Thus, it remains ineffective to protect Mumbai from extreme temperatures and sea level rise. As such, an insubstantial climate action plan is bound to produce flimsy climate action.

The climate plan seeks to promote sustainable infrastructure in Mumbai. But, current trends show that government spending on the expansion of building car-specific transportation infrastructure is the highest it has ever been, making the city more addicted to fossil fuels. Investment in sustainable public infrastructure still doesn't figure in the government's priority list. Residential infrastructural projects continue to pollute and degrade natural environments within the city and on its periphery. To be truly effective and inclusive, the climate action plan must commit to sustainable development by cracking down on the construction of ostentatious high-rises, freeways, and malls and focus instead on incentivizing public transport infrastructure and building high-density low-rise developments to replace existing informal settlements.

Time is running out

Considering that Mumbai is running out of time, as sea levels rise and monsoons increase in intensity, it is not enough for the climate action plan to focus mainly on data collection. The dangers of climate change are already being felt in the city, and, at this moment, the government must establish immediate protections against extreme events. Waiting on precise data collection through the proposed plan will only delay progress and worsen the ability of cities to make a smooth transition to adaptation. The climate action plan must take effect alongside immediate climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to be truly effective.

Finally, the climate action plan must propose substantial adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities in the city. Mumbai currently ranks high among global megacities in terms of income inequality and at present, 41 percent of the city's population lives in informal settlements in the center and periphery of the city. This means that, collectively, more than half of the city is high risk, with additional vulnerabilities stemming from incoming migrant communities. To minimize human costs from climate change, the climate action plan will have to do a lot more than measure vulnerability through data driven analysis. The plan must include substantive strategies like a managed retreat to reduce human costs associated with the climate crisis.

It is crucial now more than ever to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation swiftly and efficiently. The climate action plan laid out by the Mumbai government is only a step in the right direction at a time when a sprint is needed. The plan lays out theoretical strategies for public infrastructure capacity-building and eradicating income inequality, but the real test for efficacy lies in the implementation. The stakes are higher and more urgent as climate vulnerabilities increase. This makes it critical for the Mumbai government to step up and replace wishy-washy climate action efforts with firm and rapid plans of action.

This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu.
Sunrise at the Satara capture corrals. Buffalo of the Satara study herd were captured for diagnostic testing every 2-3 months. Work started at dawn, to limit handling the animals during the heat of the day. Credit: Brian Dugovich

A new Oregon State University study on foot-and-mouth disease among buffalo in South Africa could help explain how certain extremely contagious pathogens are able to persist and reach endemic stage in a population, long after they've burned through their initial pool of susceptible hosts.

The findings, publishing in Science Magazine, are particularly relevant as the world's human population is closing in on the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers and policymakers are facing the reality that the virus is not going away anytime soon.

The study raises the same question that many are asking now about COVID-19, said lead author Anna Jolles, an epidemiology professor in OSU's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine with a dual appointment in the College of Science. After responding to the disaster situation, what happens next?

"Is there any way of really limiting the infection after it becomes endemic?" she said. "A study in a lab can't answer that, because this is a question at the population scale, and in the lab you don't have whole animal populations and all the variation among hosts, pathogens or the environment. Looking in wild hosts is one way to get insights into how this can play out."

Co-authors on the paper include OSU assistant professor Brianna Beechler and associate professor Jan Medlock.

Observer or observed? An adult buffalo cow peers over the fence at the Satara capture corrals. Credit: Brian Dugovich

Foot-and-mouth disease does not cause serious illness in buffalo, though when it spreads to cattle and other cloven-hoofed species, it can cause painful sores in the mouth and on the feet. It does not infect humans.

The study looked at the transmission mechanisms of three main strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus among buffalo herds in South Africa's Kruger National Park: SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3. Researchers tested blood and tissue samples from a wild herd every two to three months from 2014 through 2017 and observed infection dynamics in a captive group of buffalo at tighter time intervals for six months.

"A lot of studies and a lot of press on very contagious pathogens focus on the 'wildfire' stage, when the pathogen is running through the population and people try to predict how far it will go and what fraction of the population will become infected in the epidemic stage," Jolles said. "But once that wildfire stage has passed, then where does that pathogen go? That's what we're focusing on."

Researchers were essentially trying to think like a virus: What's the best way for a pathogen to spread within a given buffalo population, and how does it survive the lean times when there are very few susceptible hosts to infect?

Because foot-and-mouth disease is so contagious, almost all buffalo in regions where it is present contract the local strains of the virus and achieve some level of immunity fairly early in life. But young calves are susceptible to infection after around 4-6 months of age when they lose their maternally derived immunity, so transmission among acutely infected young buffalo was the primary pathway researchers analyzed. After buffalo recover from acute infection, some retain virus in their tonsils, where it can lie dormant for months. The second transmission route, which researchers hypothesized would be less effective, was via these carrier animals.

Foot-and-mouth disease testing. State Veterinarian Dr. Lin Mari de Klerk-Lorist probes a buffalo's tonsils to test whether the animal carries the virus. Credit: Peter Buss

Buffalo birthing season lasts nearly six months, so it was previously thought that it might be possible for the virus to remain in the latest-born calves of the past year long enough to infect the earliest born calves the following year. However, results from this study showed that foot-and-mouth disease would not persist in buffalo populations with only this "childhood infection" pattern of transmission.

And contrary to past studies that found almost no evidence of carrier transmission, the OSU study documented carrier transmission among two out of three strains, SAT1 and SAT3albeit at a rate about 100 times less than the rate of acute transmission among actively infected animals. Researchers found that even this low rate of carrier transmission allows SAT1 and SAT3 to persist.

SAT2 appears to work differently. Even though it transmits quickly during acute infection, it performs "pathetically poorly" on carrier transmission, Jolles said. Researchers have yet to pin down exactly how the strain persists. It has a high mutation rate, so they hypothesize that similar to the flu in humans, it might change so much and so rapidly that buffaloes' immune system no longer recognizes the virus.

While buffalo herds can be geographically contained, the global human population is more interconnected than ever before, Jolles said, so it's easier for pathogens to become endemic and persist long-term.

"This pandemic was not an unexpected thing to happen, in a general sense," she said. "One would expect other pathogens to spill into human populations. We're so wide open for it; there are so many of us and we're so well connected, it's really a giant pathogen playground."

Due to population size, Jolles said it will be very hard to prevent persistence of a virus like COVID-19 globally, but public health interventions can help limit transmission and endemicity at the local level.

Explore further Understanding pathogen tolerance in wild animals key to pandemic preparedness

More information: Endemic persistence of a highly contagious pathogen: Foot-and-mouth disease in its wildlife host, Science (2021). Journal information: Science Endemic persistence of a highly contagious pathogen: Foot-and-mouth disease in its wildlife host,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abd2475
The author examining pictographs in 60th Unnamed Cave, Tennessee. Credit: Alan Cressler

On a cold winter's day in 1980, a group of recreational cavers entered a narrow, wet stream passage south of Knoxville, Tennessee. They navigated a slippery mud slope and a tight keyhole through the cave wall, trudged through the stream itself, ducked through another keyhole and climbed more mud. Eventually they entered a high and relatively dry passage deep in the cave's "dark zone"beyond the reach of external light.

On the walls around them, they began to see lines and figures traced into remnant mud banks laid down long ago when the stream flowed at this higher level. No modern or historic graffiti marred the surfaces. They saw images of animals, people and transformational characters blending human characteristics with those of birds, and those of snakes with mammals.

Ancient cave art has long been one of the most compelling of all artifacts from the human past, fascinating both to scientists and to the public at large. Its visual expressions resonate across the ages, as if the ancients speak to us from deep in time. And this group of cavers in 1980 had happened upon the first ancient cave art site in North America.

Since then archaeologists like me have discovered dozens more of these cave art sites in the Southeast. We've been able to learn details about when cave art first appeared in the region, when it was most frequently produced and what it might have been used for. We have also learned a great deal by working with the living descendants of the cave art makers, the present-day Native American peoples of the Southeast, about what the cave art means and how important it was and is to Indigenous communities.

Human figure from Mud Glyph Cave with raised right hand and Chunkey game piece in left hand. Credit: Alan Cressler

Cave art in America?

Few people think of North America when they think about ancient cave art.

A century before the Tennessee cavers made their own discovery, the world's first modern discovery of cave art was made in 1879, at Altamira in northern Spain. The scientific establishment of the day immediately denied the authenticity of the site.

Subsequent discoveries served to authenticate this and other ancient sites. As the earliest expressions of human creativity, some perhaps 40,000 years old, European paleolithic cave art is now justifiably famous worldwide.

But similar cave art had never been found anywhere in North America, although Native American rock art outside of caves has been recorded since Europeans arrived. Artwork deep under the ground was unknown in 1980, and the Southeast was an unlikely place to find it given how much archaeology had been done there since the colonial period.

From the outside, these caves betray no hint of the ancient art that might be inside. Credit: Alan Cressler

Nevertheless, the Tennessee cavers recognized that they were seeing something extraordinary and brought archaeologist Charles Faulkner to the cave. He initiated a research project there, naming the site Mud Glyph Cave. His archaeological work showed that the art was from the Mississippian culture, some 800 years old, and depicted imagery characteristic of ancient Native American religious beliefs. Many of those beliefs are still held by the descendants of Mississippian peoples: the modern Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Coushatta, Muscogee, Seminole and Yuchi, among others.

After the Mud Glyph Cave discovery, archaeologists here at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville initiated systematic cave surveys. Today, we have cataloged 92 dark-zone cave art sites in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. There are also a few sites known in Arkansas, Missouri and Wisconsin.

What did they depict?

There are three forms of southeastern cave art.

Archaic Period pictograph of a hunter and prey dated to 6,500 years ago. Credit: Alan Cressler

Mud glyphs are drawings traced into pliable mud surfaces preserved in caves, like those from Mud Glyph Cave.

Petroglyphs are drawings incised directly into the limestone of the cave walls.

Pictographs are paintings, usually made with charcoal-based pigments, placed onto the cave walls.

Sometimes, more than one technique is found in the same cave, and none of the methods seems to appear earlier or later in time that the others.

Some southeastern cave art is quite ancient. The oldest cave art sites date to some 6,500 years ago, during the Archaic Period (10,0001000 B.C.). These early sites are rare and seem to be clustered on the modern Kentucky-Tennessee state line. Imagery was simple and often abstract, although representational pictures do exist.

Cave art sites increase in number over time. The Woodland Period (1000 B.C.A.D. 1000) saw more common and more widespread art production. Abstract art was still abundant and less worldly. Probably more spiritual subject matter was common. During the Woodland, conflations between humans and animals, like "bird-humans," made their first appearance.

The Mississippian Period (A.D. 10001500) is the last precontact phase in the Southeast before Europeans arrived, and this was when much of the dark-zone cave art was produced. Subject matter is clearly religious and includes spirit people and animals that do not exist in the natural world. There is also strong evidence that Mississippian art caves were compositions, with images organized through the cave passages in systematic ways to suggest stories or narratives told though their locations and relations.

Woodland Period petroglyph of a box-shaped human-like creature with a long neck and u-shaped head. Credit: Alan Cressler

Cave art continued into the modern era

In recent years, researchers have realized that cave art has strong connections to the historic tribes that occupied the Southeast at the time of European invasion.

In several caves in Alabama and Tennessee, mid-19th-century inscriptions were written on cave walls in Cherokee Syllabary. This writing system was invented by the Cherokee scholar Sequoyah between 1800 and 1824 and was quickly adopted as the tribe's primary means of written expression.

Mississippian Period pictograph showing an animal with talons for feet, a blunt forehead and long snout, with a long curving tail over the back. Credit: Alan Cressler

Cherokee archaeologists, historians and language experts have joined forces with nonnative archaeologists like me to document and translate these cave writings. As it turns out, they refer to various important religious ceremonies and spiritual concepts that emphasize the sacred nature of caves, their isolation and their connection to powerful spirits. These texts reflect similar religious ideas to those represented by graphic images in earlier, precontact time periods.

On a cave wall in Alabama, an 1828 Cherokee syllabary inscription relating to a stickball ceremony. Credit: Alan Cressler

Based on all the rediscoveries researchers have made since Mud Glyph Cave was first explored more than four decades ago, cave art in the Southeast was created over a long period of time. These artists worked in ancient times when ancestral Native Americans lived by foraging in the rich natural landscapes of the Southeast all the way through to the historic period just before the Trail of Tears saw the forced removal of indigenous people east of the Mississippi River in the 1830s.

As surveys continue, researchers uncover more dark cave sites every yearin fact, four new caves were found in the first half of 2021. With each new discovery, the tradition is beginning to approach the richness and diversity of the Paleolithic art of Europe, where 350 sites are currently known. That archaeologists were unaware of the dark-zone cave art of the American Southeast even 40 years ago demonstrates the kinds of new discoveries that can be made even in regions that have been explored for centuries.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Daintree rainforest is teeming with wildlife.

Australia's Daintree rainforest has been returned to its Indigenous owners as the government begins to cede control of the world's oldest tropical forest.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Parka 135-million-year-old tropical rainforestwas handed back to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people in a ceremony in the remote town of Bloomfield on Wednesday.

The vast and steamy jungle is teeming with ancient and rare speciesfrom a giant clawed cassowary bird to plants that have existed since the age of the dinosaurs.

Eastern Kuku Yalanji traditional owner Chrissy Grant said the move was a historic event that put the community "in control of our own destinies".

In total, 160,000 hectares (about 395,000 acres) of land on the Cape York peninsulathe northeast tip of Australiais being returned to the area's traditional Aboriginal owners as part of reconciliation measures.

British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788, colonising the continent and leaving Aboriginal groups marginalised.

The national parks will initially be jointly managed with the Queensland state government, before being transferred into the sole care of the Indigenous group.

Grant said a foundation would be created to provide training and employment for local First Nations people in areas such as land management, tourism and research.

Queensland state environment minister Meaghan Scanlon said the return of lands was a key step on the path toward reconciliation after an "uncomfortable and ugly" past.

"The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people's culture is one of the world's oldest living cultures and this agreement recognises their right to own and manage their country, to protect their culture and to share it with visitors as they become leaders in the tourism industry," she said.

The government has handed back control of 3.8 million hectares on Cape York to Indigenous traditional owners to date, she added.

Explore further Rare and endangered symbolic scar tree preserved

 2021 AFP
A healthy bigleaf maple tree. The species is found in across urban, suburban and forested areas in western Washington. Credit: Jacob Betzen/University of Washington

As its name suggests, the bigleaf maple tree's massive leaves are perhaps its most distinctive quality. A native to the Pacific Northwest's wet westside forests, these towering trees can grow leaves up to 1.5 feet acrossthe largest of any maple.

But since 2011, scientists, concerned hikers and residents have observed more stressed and dying bigleaf maple across urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as in forested areas. Often the leaves are the first to shrivel and die, eventually leaving some trees completely bare. While forest pathologists have ruled out several specific diseases, the overall cause of the tree's decline has stumped experts for years.

A new study led by the University of Washington, in collaboration with Washington Department of Natural Resources, has found that bigleaf maple die-off in Washington is linked to hotter, drier summers that predispose this species to decline. These conditions essentially weaken the tree's immune system, making it easier to succumb to other stressors and diseases. The findings were published Sept. 16 in the journal Forest Ecology and Management.

"These trees can tolerate a lot, but once you start throwing in other factors, particularly severe summer drought as in recent years, it stresses the trees and can lead to their death," said co-author Patrick Tobin, associate professor in the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.

A bigleaf maple tree that has nearly died in Washington state. Credit: Washington Department of Natural Resources

In addition to warmer, drier weather, the researchers found that bigleaf maple are more likely to decline near roads and other developmentespecially in hotter urban areas. Across multiple years and sites in Western Washington, they weren't able to find any single pest or pathogen responsible for the mass decline; rather, all signs point to climate change and human development as the drivers behind the regional die-off.

"Managing, protecting and utilizing our urban and wild ecosystems in the face of climate change and human population growth is and will continue to be one of the major challenges facing us," said lead author Jacob Betzen, a biological technician with the U.S. Forest Service who completed this work as a UW graduate student. "This research investigating bigleaf maple is one small piece of that larger puzzle."

From field sampling and lab work, the researchers found that bigleaf maple grew less in summers that were hot and dry, both in their overall mass as well as leaf size. One of the signature signs of distress, they found, was significantly smaller leaves. In drought conditions, trees use more energy trying to survive and defend themselves from diseases and other threats.

"These results show that summer heat and drought impact the health of iconic tree species of Washington, like bigleaf maple, even in Western Washington, a region known for abundant precipitation. Health impacts to our forests and tree species are likely to continue as we have increased periods of drought each year," said co-author Amy Ramsey, an environmental planner and forest pathologist with Washington DNR.

Processed tree cores used in analyses to estimate the timing of decline in bigleaf maple trees. Credit: Jacob Betzen/University of Washington

For this study, the research team revisited a selection of sites around Western Washington where DNR in 2014 and 2015 had taken samples and performed testing on trees in decline. They also chose 36 roadside sites where maples were present. Finally, they randomly selected an additional 59 sites on public land across the region where bigleaf maple are known to exist. Across these randomly chosen sites, they found that nearly a quarter of the bigleaf maple trees showed signs of decline.

From each study site, they collected soil, leaves, stems and tree cores, which they analyzed in the lab. Tree cores allow scientists to learn about the age and growth rate of a treeas well as weather history at that locationwithout having to cut it down.

From the analysis of the tree cores, the team found that the growth of bigleaf maple has varied significantly since 2011, and was especially lower in years with hotter, drier summers. They compared this growth to that of Douglas fir trees, which they also cored, and found their annual growth was consistentmeaning that bigleaf maple are especially sensitive to dry, hot weather.

"For us, these analyses were a big piece of the puzzle," Tobin said. "This helped us determine that their decline is a recent phenomenon that is linked to weather conditions."

These findings will likely change the way foresters manage bigleaf maple in both urban and wild settings. This might mean planting the trees in different locations, watering more in urban areas or using seed stock better adapted to the projected future conditions of a site, Betzen said. In forests, it might mean a focus on keeping intact landscapes free from more urbanization.

More information: Jacob J. Betzen et al, Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, decline in western Washington, USA, Forest Ecology and Management (2021). Journal information: Forest Ecology and Management Jacob J. Betzen et al, Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, decline in western Washington, USA,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119681
When Mt Pinatubo erupted in 1991, it ejected 20 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. Over the months following the eruption, the aerosols formed a global layer of sulphuric acid haze. Global temperatures dropped by about 0.4 C from 19911993. That's a natural form of solar geoengineering that humans could try to mimic to cool the planet. Credit: Dave Harlow, United States Geological Survey/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

It sounds like something out of a bad science fiction movieartificially blocking sunlight to keep global warming from overheating the Earth. Nevertheless, a small cadre of researchers is studying the optionso that if humankind ever needs to use it, it will be an informed decision.

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in early August, made it clear that humankind needs to take immediate action to curb global warming. There's hope that international climate talks in Glasgow this November may finally result in strong enough greenhouse gas emission limits to make a difference.

But just in case, an international group of researchers, including NTNU's Helene Muri, has been studying a technology called solar geoengineering as an action of last resort.

Solar geoengineering is exactly what it sounds like, where various technologies are used to block sunlight and cool the Earth. Typically, three main approachesnone of which is currently technologically readyare being studied for their ability to block sunlight and lower ground temperatures. (See box)

Muri, a senior researcher at the university's Industrial Ecology Programme, has spent the last decade looking at how solar geoengineering mightor might notwork.

In June, she and her colleagues from the US, China and the UK published a paper in Nature Food that used computer models to assess solar geoengineering's potential effects on agriculture in a high emission world. Their findings sparked international media coverage because they found that solar geoengineering in those scenarios could actually have a positive effect on crop growth from higher humidity.

Other studies that used simpler models found either a limited effect or losses for rainfed crops, since there could be less rainfall with the lower temperatures that come with solar geoengineeringdepending on the way the technology is used to cool the Earth.

Now, as the world prepares to debate limits on CO 2 emissions during November's climate talks, it's worth a look at the measures being examined by researchers like Muriand an assessment of their possible risks and pitfalls.

Band-aid or tourniquet?

Any discussion of solar geoengineering has to acknowledge that it's far from a perfect fix, Muri says.

"Solar geoengineering, no matter how well we do it, will never perfectly offset the effects of climate change," she said.

The problem is that solar geoengineering may cool the Earth, but doesn't get rid of the excess carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping substances in the atmosphere. And carbon dioxide does more than simply warm the Earth.

It fertilizes plantswhich could be a good thingbut because much of it gets dissolved in sea water, it makes the oceans more acidic.

"There will always be things that you cannot fix with solar geoengineering, specifically ocean acidification," she said. "A more acidic ocean affects everything in the food chains in the ocean, including coral reef diebacks, which is terrible for the ecosystem as a whole. That becomes evident as soon as you really start looking at it. There is no one silver bullet. It's not the one solution that can fix everything."

Muri says that any discussion of geoengineering also assumes that CO 2 emissions will be dealt with at the same time any solar geoengineering is deployed.

Alan Robock, a climate researcher at Rutgers University in the US who is leader of an international cooperative research project of called GeoMIP, of which Muri is a part, agreed.

"It's not a solution to global warming at its best. If it were ever used as a band-aidor a tourniquetit doesn't solve the root problem," he said.

Many unknowns, but still need to know

Muri says there is still much that is unknown about solar geoengineering, in part because most climate change research is focused on issues other than geoengineering.

"Just to put the level of research into context, for the last five to 10 years, there have been about 100 to 130 papers published per year on solar geoengineering," she said. "When it comes to climate change it's more like 30,000 papers per year over that period. The important thing is that it is a vastly, hugely different amount. It's just a minority of effort and funding going into researching solar geoengineering."

At the same time, she says, the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine published a comprehensive report on solar geoengineering that said the urgency of the risks posed by climate change meant that "the U.S. should pursue a research program for solar geoengineeringin coordination with other nations, subject to governance, and alongside a robust portfolio of climate mitigation and adaptation policies." The report recommended US funding of about $100 million-$200 million over the first five years.

Muri says that climate researchers' main focus needs to remain on climate change itself, because society needs to know what the effects will be, how to adapt, and how to mitigate these effects. Nevertheless, she says, researchers do need to study solar geoengineering to see if it could be helpful as a stopgap measure while the world transitions away from fossil fuels.

"The question is if it could contribute to reduce some level of harm from climate change for a certain period, whilst we are trying to sort out both emissions of CO 2 and concentrations of CO 2 within the climate system," she said. "Nobody sees it as a one and only solution, but it's not clear yet whether it could be helpful or not. At the moment, there are too many unknowns and uncertainties to really say whether it's overall a good idea or a bad idea."

Robock agrees.

His group at Rutgers University is "doing research to evaluate the risks of doing solar geoengineering versus the risks of not doing it. And that's the information that governments will need in the future to decide whether or not to ever implement it," he said. "I spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money to do my research. And if I find a danger to society, it's my obligation to warn people about it."

Three main types of solar geoengineering that are now being studied. Credit: US National Academy of Science

A cooler Earth but potentially changed monsoons

Robock's group is looking at the benefits and risks of using stratospheric aerosols to cool the planet, which emulate a volcanic eruption.

"Benefit number one would be, if you could do it, you would reduce global warming, and many of its risks," Robock said. "We know that if you could get the aerosols up there, it would work because it doesn't involve creating or affecting clouds in the troposphere, it's just putting a shield up there to reflect sunlight."

Researchers know that big volcanic eruptions, like the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, cooled the Earth. But these natural solar geoengineering experiments have also given them the ability to observe other pitfalls, Robock said.

"We know that there were other things that were not so good; (the eruption) destroyed ozone," he said. "And you actually get a huge reduction of monsoon rainfall. We observed that after Mount Pinatubo."

Volcanic eruptions only cause the Earth to cool for a year or two, because the aerosols eventually dissipate. However, if stratospheric aerosols were to be used as solar geoengineering to cool the Earth, their use could alter monsoon rainfall for a much longer period, which could result in famine, Robock said.

Some modeling has shown that solar geoengineering could in fact have less of an impact on monsoons than global warming, but nevertheless, the issue illustrates just how difficult making these predictions are.

Who decides?

Then there are issues such as insect-borne diseases, like malaria, Muri points out. How would solar geoengineering affect mosquito populations and the potential spread of malaria?

And what if a failure to cut CO 2 emissions and reduce global warming results in devastating heat waves, where thousands of people die? Is that enough to outweigh other negatives?

"There are still so many areas where we don't know enough," she said.

Finally, there are areas that are far outside of what climate scientists who study the physical effects of climate change can predict. The biggest question is who decides what the temperature of the planet should be?

The political decision making surrounding solar geoengineering is daunting, if you consider the difficulty the nations of the world have already had in trying to agree to curb CO 2 emissions, Muri said.

"How would one deal with geoengineering in terms of geopolitics and governance?" Muri said. "We need to develop regulations. Who sets the thermostat and how would you go about agreeing on something like that?"

In a companion piece to Muri and her colleague's article on geoengineering and agriculture, Ben Kravitz, an assistant professor at Indiana University's Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, summed it up like this.

"Agriculture is one important piece in our understanding of the effects of climate engineering," he wrote. "Gaining a better picture of the impacts of climate engineering requires looking at numerous effects in addition to food supply, including water security, geopolitics, and environmental justice. It is important to figure out whether climate engineering would ultimately be more or less risky than climate change (and to whom)."

What is solar geoengineering?

Researchers are studying a number of engineering approaches as possible methods for cooling the planet. The three described here have been identified by a March report by the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine as meriting further study. The three approaches either rely on controlling the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth, or reducing the amount of heat trapped by the atmosphere.

Stratospheric aerosol injection

This technique requires injecting aerosol particles, like sulfates or pre-cursor gases, like sulfur dioxide, into the stratosphere, which is the layer of air 10 to 50 km above the Earth's surface. Most studies are looking at placing aerosols at about 20 km above the Earth, where the particles scatter and reflect solar radiation to cool the planet. This technique mimics what happens with large volcanic eruptions. When Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, it sprayed 15 to 20 megatons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which cooled the Earth by about 0.4 degrees Celsius for two years. Currently, however, there are no planes capable of flying into the stratosphere to do this.

Cirrus cloud thinning

This technique involves spraying chemicals into cirrus clouds, at about 6-13 km above the Earth's surface, to cause them to thin or disappear. The clouds trap heat, so thinning them or reducing them cools the planet by allowing heat to escape the atmosphere. The challenge for this technique is that cirrus clouds are in the region of the atmosphere where jets fly, which could make implementing this measure difficult.

Marine cloud brightening

This approach would add particles to low laying liquid clouds over the ocean to make them thicker and more reflective, which would cool the Earth, if it did not have side effects on other clouds. This mimics what happens now under certain conditions when ships spew pollution into the atmosphere. The effect only works for a few days, and sea salt could be sprayed up from the ocean to seed the clouds.

Explore further Solar geoengineering may be effective in alleviating impacts of global warming on crops

More information: Toni Feder, Should solar geoengineering be part of how humanity counters climate change?, Physics Today (2021). Toni Feder, Should solar geoengineering be part of how humanity counters climate change?,(2021). DOI: 10.1063/PT.3.4768 Yuanchao Fan et al, Solar geoengineering can alleviate climate change pressures on crop yields, Nature Food (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00278-w Peter J. Irvine et al, An overview of the Earth system science of solar geoengineering, WIREs Climate Change (2016). DOI: 10.1002/wcc.423 Journal information: Nature Food , Physics Today
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Proponents of charter schools insist that they are public schools "open to all students." But the truth is more nuanced. As an education policy researcherand as author of a new book about charter schools I wrote with fellow researcher Wagma MommandiI have discovered that charter schools are not as accessible to the public as they are often made out to be.

This finding is particularly relevant in light of the fact that charter school enrollment reportedly grew at a rapid rate during the pandemic. Specifically, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment increased 7% from 201920 to 202021. The organization says that is the biggest enrollment jump in a half-decade.

In our book, we identify and describe 13 different approaches that charters use to bring certain types of students in and push other kinds of students out.

Here are four examples from our book.

1. Targeted marketing and advertising

By using specific types of language in their promotional materials and by targeting those materials to specific audiences, charter schools often send a message that they are looking for a certain type of student. This is a way for charter schools to reach or appeal to a certain audience but not others, which in turn shapes who ends up applying to a given school.

For instance, Mueller Charter Leadership Academy in San Diegotold prospective families that "All eligible students are welcome to apply. However, it should be noted that because this is a highly advanced, demanding program, it may not be appropriate for everyone."

Targeted advertising can also carry a message. LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2016 sent out targeted recruitment mailers to area neighborhoodsskipping over the three zip codes for the heavily Black and Latino parts of town.

"They're sending a message they don't want the kids on the east side of town," Max Brantley, editor of the Arkansas Times, remarked after his newspaper exposed the practice. The school later apologized and explained that its plan was to subsequently reach out to those populations through digital advertising.

2. Conditional applications

Charter schools sometimes require multiple essays or a minimum GPA as a condition for initial or continuing enrollment.

Roseland Accelerated Middle School in Santa Rosa, California, for instance, required applicants to submit five short essays plus an autobiography using "well constructed and varied structure."

Minimum GPA requirements can be imposed at the application stage or once admitted. At Lushor Charter School in New Orleans, parents and students are asked to sign a contract that requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA in core subject areas for continued enrollment.

3. Parents required to 'volunteer'

Some charter schools require parents to volunteer a certain amount of time at the school, or pay money in lieu of volunteering. Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Florida, for example, required each family to complete 30 such "volunteer hours" per year, but allowed 20 of those hours to be "purchased"US$100 total to buy out the first 10 hours and $200 more for the next 10 hours. These requirements place an additional burden, in terms of time and money, on families that are already struggling economically.

4. Aggressive use of discipline.

At so-called "no excuses" charters that "sweat the small stuff", students haveat least historicallybeen subjected to harsh discipline for minor infractions, such as chewing gum or failing to constantly keep their eyes on the teacher during class.

Some of these schools repeatedly suspend students and call parents to leave work to pick up a suspended child. The most high-profile example is Success Academy charter school in Fort Greene, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, where school leaders created a "Got to Go" list of 16 students who were then subjected to harassing discipline. In one case, a school official threatened to call 911 on a 6-year-old because the child was having a "bad day." Nine of the 16 students did in fact withdraw from the school.

Functioning like private schools

Cumulatively, these and the other approaches we detail in our booktitled "School's Choice"make charter schools more like private schools than the public schools they claim to be.

These practices influence which students are admitted to charter schools and then stay in those schools. Charter school choice therefore affects schools' demographics, including the degree to which they are segregated.

They affect funding equity as well, since state school-finance formulas often don't adequately account for the actual costs of educating different students. In Pennsylvania, for example, charter schools are funded through a system that creates problematic incentives related to access for students with special needs. As explained in a report by the state's bipartisan legislative Special Education Funding Commission, the current funding system provides charter schools "the same funding for each student with a disability, regardless of the severity of that student's disability."

"This creates a strong incentive to overidentify students with less costly disabilities and to under-identify (or under-enroll) students with more severe (or more costly) disabilities," the report states. A speech impediment, for example, is an example of a mild disability, versus a student with, say, a traumatic brain injury, which is a more severe disability. As the report explains, "A student with a mild disability can be a financial boon to a charter school, given that the funding the charter receives will exceed the charter's cost to educate a child."

Notably, Pennsylvania's funding system does not create these incentives for district-run public schools.

These practices also can play a decisive role for comparisons of academic outcomes between charters and traditional public schools run by a school district. Overall, research consistently shows little if any difference in the average test-score outcomes for the two types of schools. But the comparisons may not be fair and accurate. If charter schools can improve their test scores by screening out students they don't think will do well, it can give them an unfair advantage in comparisons with public schools that accept all students.

Policy incentives revisited

So what can be done to make charter schools more accessible? One way is to change policy incentives such as the Pennsylvania funding system mentioned earlier. States can also change the way they reward schools for how well their students do on tests. Arizona, for instance, has policies that give extra funding to charters and other schools with higher achieving students.

In the final two chapters of our book, "School's Choice," Mommandi and I point to a future with charter schools that don't screen or push out students who are lower achieving or more expensive to educate. First, we hold up examples of charter schools that have resisted the incentives to limit access by, for example, working to support their communities' most marginalized students. We then offer a design for a healthier charter school system that doesn't put these exemplary schools at a disadvantage when it comes to accountability and funding systems.

Even in a post-pandemic world, charter school enrollment may continue to grow. But until the public has more access, charters will not be truly public.

Explore further Is a charter school the right choice for your child?

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The study site in Puerto Morelos, Mexico (Caribbean Sea), where the researchers collected Siderastrea radians. Credit: SERGIO GUENDULAIN-GARCIA

The microbiomes of coralswhich comprise bacteria, fungi and virusesplay an important role in the ability of corals to tolerate rising ocean temperatures, according to new research led by Penn State. The team also identified several genes within certain corals and the symbiotic photosynthetic algae that live inside their tissues that may play a role in their response to heat stress. The findings could inform current coral reef conservation efforts, for example, by highlighting the potential benefits of amending coral reefs with microbes found to bolster corals' heat-stress responses.

"Prolonged exposure to heat can cause 'bleaching' in which photosymbionts (symbiotic algae) are jettisoned from the coral animal, causing the animal to die," said Monica Medina, professor of biology, Penn State. "We found that when some corals become heat stressed, their microbiomes can protect them from bleaching. In addition, we can now pinpoint specific genes in coral animals and their photosymbionts that may be involved in this thermal stress response."

Viridiana Avila-Magana, former student at Penn State and currently a postdoctoral fellow at Colorado University Boulder, noted, "Previous studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying corals' heat-stress tolerance have tended to focus on just the animal or the photosymbiont, but we now know that the entire holobiontthe coral animal, photosymbiont and microbiomeis involved in the stress response."

In their study, which published today in Nature Communications, the researchers focused on three species of coralthe mountainous star coral (Orbicella faveolata), the knobby brain coral (Pseudodiploria clivosa) and the shallow water starlet coral (Siderastrea radians)which are known to differ in their sensitivities to heat stress. Collected near Puerto Morelos, Mexico, each coral species harbors a unique set of photosymbionts and microbiomes. The team's goal was to investigate the varying metabolic contributions of each of the holobiont members to the corals' overall stress tolerance and to identify differences in gene-expression patterns related to these metabolic activities.

Medina explained that metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. For corals, she said, this process is heavily driven by the photosymbionts, which, through photosynthesis, provide the coral animals with at least 90% of their energy requirements. But, until now, the contributions of the microbiomes were not well understood.

"We know that heat stress resulting from climate change can disrupt coral metabolism and result in bleaching," said Medina. "Therefore, it is important to understand the different contributions of the holobiont members and how these metabolic activities change in response heat stress."

Orbicella faveolata, Puerto Morelos, Mexico (Caribbean Sea). Credit: Monica Medina, Penn State

The researchers performed a controlled heat-stress experiment in which they maintained the three coral species in a tank for nine days at 93F (34 C), which is 11 degrees (6 C) warmer than the average temperature normally experienced by these corals. The scientists sequenced the RNA of the coral holobiontsincluding the coral animals, the photosymbionts and the members of the microbiomesafter the nine-day period and a control group not exposed to the heat stress, with a goal of detecting changes in gene expression that affect the heat-stress response of the holobiont. Specifically, they used the gene expression data to estimate the metabolic activities of each of the holobiont members.

Next, the team used a type of phylogenetic ANOVA technique, called the Expression Variance and Evolution Model, to examine changes in gene expression related to heat stress that have occurred over evolutionary time.

"In collaboration with professor Rori Rohlfs from San Francisco State University, who is a coauthor in this study, we developed a method based on a phylogenetic ANOVA that allowed us to track genes that have already diverged in expression across species in response to any given stimuliin our case heat stress," said Viridiana Avila-Magana. "This approach becomes particularly relevant for coral reef research given the recent debates on adaptive potential of different coral holobionts under the threats of climate change. With this approach in mind, we were able to understand why different corals have unique physiological responses to heat stress, and how the evolution of gene expression shaped their different susceptibilities."

Avila-Magana explained that corals have experienced episodes of elevated temperatures through evolutionary time and understanding how gene expression has evolved in response to those events can inform corals' responses to present-day and future warming events.

"Our goal with this research was to determine if there have been lineage-specific innovations to heat stress in corals and their algal photosymbionts, as well as whether all members, including bacterial communities, differentially contribute to holobiont robustness," she said.

The gene-expression data revealed that the three coral holobionts did, indeed, differ in their responses and metabolic capabilities under high temperature stress. The team also found that the members of each holobiont had unique responses that influenced the holobiont's overall ability to cope with thermal stress.

Siderastrea radians, Puerto Morelos, Mexico (Caribbean Sea). Credit: Monica Medina, Penn State

"We have uncovered more genes associated with a thermal stress response in coral holobionts than previous studies, and we also show that changes in the expression of these genes arose over evolutionary time," said Medina.

Interestingly, the scientists concluded that the greater thermal tolerance observed in some coral holobionts, such as the starlet coral, may be due, in part, to a higher number and diversity of thermally tolerant microbes in their microbiomes, which provides redundancy in key metabolic pathways that are protective against heat stress.

"We found that some corals harbor a stable and diverse microbiome translating to a vast array of metabolic capabilities that we have shown remain active during the thermal challenge," said Avila-Magana. "By contrast, we found that less thermally tolerant species had reduced bacterial activity and diversity."

Medina noted that the results stress the importance of comparative approaches across a wide range of species to better understand the diverse responses of corals to increasing sea surface temperatures.

Medina and Avila-Magana said, "Corals have been highly impacted by climate change, and the methods we developed in our study represent an excellent tool for scientists trying to understand the adaptive potential of populations and species."

Other authors on the paper include Susana Enriquez, professor, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Bishoy Kamel, research assistant professor of biology, University of New Mexico and the Joint Genome Institute, Michael DeSalvo, University of California Merced; Roberto Iglesias-Prieto, professor of biology, Penn State; Kelly Gomez-Campo, graduate student in biology, Penn State; Hiroaki Kitano, professor, Systems Biology Institute Japan; and Rori Rohlfs, assistant professor of biology, San Francisco State University.

Explore further Corals survive the heat with bacterial help
Artists rendition of what the Earth could have looked like in the Archean Eon, from 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. Credit: Peter Sawyer/Smithsonian Institution

Scientists have long debated how much molecular oxygen was in Earth's early atmosphere. About 2.4 billion years ago, there was a rise in oxygen that transformed Earth's atmosphere and biosphere, eventually making life like ours possible. This transition is called the "Great Oxidation Event." But how much oxygen was in the atmosphere before this time?

A team of scientists, led by former Arizona State University doctoral student Aleisha Johnson, has been working to unravel the mystery of how the stage was set for the Great Oxidation Event.

Using computer modeling, Johnson and her team determined how much oxygen might have been present at Earth's surface before the Great Oxidation Eventand the implications for life on early Earth.

"We all breathe oxygen, and we all live on the only planet known where that is possible," says Johnson. "With our study, we're one step closer to understanding how that happenedhow Earth was able to transition to, and sustain, an oxygen-rich atmosphere."

The results of their study have been published in Science Advances.

The long-standing puzzle

Geoscientists studying the rock record of Earth have found seemingly conflicting evidence about Earth's early atmosphere. On the one hand, the "fingerprints" of oxygen found after the Great Oxidation Event are mostly missing before that time, leading some scientists to argue that it was absent.

But recent discoveries suggest at least some breakdown of common minerals that react vigorously in the presence of oxygen, and at least some supply to the oceans of chemical elements like molybdenum that accumulate in rivers and oceans when oxygen is present. The conflicting lines of evidence create a long-standing puzzle.

An emergent view of Archean terrestrial oxygen production. Before oxygen filled Earth's atmosphere, it may have been produced in shallow oceans and soils. Shallow soils in proximity to microbial communities (green in figure) may have had oxygen, unlike the overlying atmosphere. As a result, weathering signatures such as molybdenum enrichments in shales predate the Great Oxidation Event. Credit: Johnson et al./ASU

"The evidence seemed contradictory, but we knew there must be an explanation," said Johnson, who is currently a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at the University of Chicago.

To help resolve this puzzle, Johnson and her team wrote a computer model that uses what is known about the environmental chemistry of molybdenum, the reactions of minerals with small amounts of oxygen, and measurements others have made of molybdenum abundances in ancient sedimentary rocks, to figure out the range of oxygen levels that was possible in Earth's atmosphere before 2.4 billion years ago.

"This computer model helps us quantify how much oxygen is actually needed to produce the chemistry that is visible in the rock record," said Johnson.

What the team found was that the amount of oxygen needed to explain the molybdenum evidence was so small that it wouldn't have left many other fingerprints.

"There's an old saying that 'absence of evidence is not evidence of absence,'" said study co-author Ariel Anbar, who is a professor at ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and School of Molecular Sciences. "Until now, our ideas about oxygen being absent before the Great Oxidation Event were mostly shaped by an absence of evidence. Now we have reason to think it was therejust at lower levels than could be detected before."

The findings support other lines of evidence suggesting that oxygen was being produced, possibly by biology, long before the Great Oxidation Event. That, in turn, helps scientists in their quest to figure out what changes in the Earth's systems caused one of the most important transformations in Earth's history.

"Our hope is that these constraints on ancient atmospheric oxygen help us understand the cause and nature of the Great Oxidation Event. But this isn't just about Earth history. As we begin to explore Earth-like worlds orbiting other stars, we want to know if oxygen-rich atmospheres like ours are likely to be common or rare. So this research also helps inform the search for life on planets other than our own," said Johnson.

The additional authors on this study are Chadlin Ostrander of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Stephen Romaniello of the University of Tennessee, Christopher Reinhard of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Allison Greaney of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Timothy Lyons of the University of California, Riverside.

Explore further Extra 100 million years before Earth saw permanent oxygen rise

More information: Aleisha C. Johnson et al, Reconciling evidence of oxidative weathering and atmospheric anoxia on Archean Earth, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Aleisha C. Johnson et al, Reconciling evidence of oxidative weathering and atmospheric anoxia on Archean Earth,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0108
Earthshine annual mean albedo 19982017 expressed as watts per square meter (W/m2). The CERES annual albedo 20012019, also expressed in W/m2, are shown in blue. A best fit line to the CERES data (20012019) is shown with a blue dashed line. Average error bars for CERES measurements are of the order of 0.2 W/m2. Credit: Goode et al. (2021), Geophysical Research Letters

Warming ocean waters have caused a drop in the brightness of the Earth, according to a new study.

Researchers used decades of measurements of earthshinethe light reflected from Earth that illuminates the surface of the Moonas well as satellite measurements to find that there has been a significant drop in Earth's reflectance, or albedo, over the past two decades.

The Earth is now reflecting about half a watt less light per square meter than it was 20 years ago, with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of earthshine data, according to the new study in the AGU journal Geophysical Research Letters, which publishes high-impact, short-format reports with immediate implications spanning all Earth and space sciences.

That's the equivalent of 0.5% decrease in the Earth's reflectance. Earth reflects about 30% of the sunlight that shines on it.

"The albedo drop was such a surprise to us when we analyzed the last three years of data after 17 years of nearly flat albedo," said Philip Goode, a researcher at New Jersey Institute of Technology and the lead author of the new study, referring to the earthshine data from 1998 to 2017 gathered by the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Southern California. When the latest data were added to the previous years, the dimming trend became clear.

Two things affect the net sunlight reaching the Earth: the Sun's brightness and the planet's reflectivity. The changes in Earth's albedo observed by the researchers did not correlate with periodic changes in the Sun's brightness, so that means changes in Earth's reflectiveness are caused by something on the Earth.

Specifically, there has been a reduction of bright, reflective low-lying clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean in the most recent years, according to satellite measurements made as part of NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project.

That's the same area, off the west coasts of North and South America, where increases in sea surface temperatures have been recorded because of the reversal of a climatic condition called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, with likely connections to global climate change.

The dimming of the Earth can also be seen in terms of how much more solar energy is being captured by Earth's climate system. Once this significant additional solar energy is in Earth's atmosphere and oceans, it may contribute to global warming, as the extra sunlight is of the same magnitude as the total anthropogenic climate forcing over the last two decades.

"It's actually quite concerning," said Edward Schwieterman, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Riverside who was not involved in the new study. For some time, many scientists had hoped that a warmer Earth might lead to more clouds and higher albedo, which would then help to moderate warming and balance the climate system, he said. "But this shows the opposite is true."

Explore further New data on the variability of the Earth's reflectance over the last 16 years

More information: P. R. Goode et al, Earth's Albedo 19982017 as Measured From Earthshine, Geophysical Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters P. R. Goode et al, Earth's Albedo 19982017 as Measured From Earthshine,(2021). DOI: 10.1029/2021GL094888
Children collaborate using NoRILLA Intelligent Science Station at Trinity Area School District in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University

Engaging students through interactive activities, discussions, feedback and AI-enhanced technologies resulted in improved academic performance compared to traditional lectures, lessons or readings, faculty from Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute concluded after collecting research into active learning.

The research also found that effective active learning methods use not only hands-on and minds-on approaches, but also hearts-on, providing increased emotional and social support.

Interest in active learning grew as the COVID-19 pandemic challenged educators to find new ways to engage students. Schools and teachers incorporated new technologies to adapt, while students faced negative psychological effects of isolation, restlessness and inattention brought on by quarantine and remote learning. The pandemic made it clear that traditional approaches to education may not be the best way to learn, but questions persisted about what active learning is and how best to use it to teach and engage and excite students.

Nesra Yannier, faculty in HCII, and Ken Koedinger, a professor of human-computer interaction and psychology, collaborated with researchers at several universities including Stanford, Harvard and University of Washington, to summarize the important findings around active learning. Their work, "Active learning: 'Hands-on' meets 'minds-on,'" was published in Science. The recent studies collected by Yannier and Koedinger span children to college-age adults, demonstrate how and when different approaches of active learning can be effective and engaging, and suggest ways to incorporate lessons learned from schooling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We wanted to see what we learned from teaching and learning during COVID and what could be brought back into the classroom," Yannier said. "COVID forced educators to engage students in novel ways, and teachers were experimenting with new technology."

A family interacts with NoRILLA at the Childrens Museum of Atlanta. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University

The collected studies showed that active learning can put students in the driver's seat of their lessons. Active learning techniques encourage students to produce thoughts and get feedback through interactive settings rather than passively receiving information as is common in pervasive approaches to education like lectures and readings.

One study included in the collection showed the benefits of physical activity for creativity and idea generation. Another found that while college students think they learn more in traditional lectures than through active learning approaches, they do not. Active learning produces better outcomes.

Yannier and Koedinger included their own research, completed with Scott Hudson, a professor in HCII, that found incorporating an AI-based virtual helper to question students, encourage them to think critically and engage them in discussions increased learning in hands-on activities, while also supporting teachers. The researchers performed controlled experiments to see how much children learned while interacting with NoRILLA, a mixed-reality learning platform where children perform and interpret real-world experiments with personalized interactive feedback in an earthquake table, ramps or other physical apparatuses, with the artificial intelligence turned on and off. When turned off, the students learned far less.

"We've done a lot of research around this," Yannier said. "If we don't have the AI guidance on, the children are not able to understand the underlying concepts, and the learning doesn't translate into the real world."

Both Yannier and Koedinger said that the studies they summarized made it clear that there are many approaches to active learning and how to research it. They hope their paper will move educators to incorporate more active learning in their lessons and think about how they can participate in research into it.

"It's quite clear in this collection that even among like-minded folks there are seven or more applications of active learning that work and sometimes they work in contradictory ways," Koedinger said. "There is so much richness in this field that we can continually make improvements to make it more effective and enjoyable for a long, long time."

Explore further Online students engage more in lectures than physical attendees
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The field of climate change communication has done loads to give climate scientists a more relatable voice when disseminating their findings to the public. But good communication is as much about listening as speaking; learning from the public as much as educating them. Our newly-published research shows that fair and effective climate action will depend on the world's leading fact-finders growing a pair of ears to go with their newfound voice, and we think communicators have a critical role in helping them do it. Here is a summary of our key points.

Imagine you are the mayor of a city. You have big aspirations for your tenure, and a list of transformational improvements you want to make that will make the city greener and more sustainable. So, on your first day in office, you assemble a team of experts and brilliant minds to support your decision-making by giving you the information you need. Your team has no executive power on its own, but in providing the knowledge that you will use to make your decisions, they have a very significant influence over your perceived range of options and the pros and cons of those options.

If you haven't guessed, this is a metaphor. Youthe mayorare actually the governments of the world, meeting under the auspices of the UN to discuss how we can address the climate crisis. Your team of experts is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Like your team of advisors, the IPCC was established to collate and summarize the most up-to-date science on climate change, for the purpose of supporting political decision-making by the world's leaders. More generally though, the IPCC has become global society's de facto spokesperson for the state of the changing climate, as evidenced by the huge hype that builds whenever they release a new report (the most recent was published in August).

The representation dilemma

For an institution with such influence, it clearly matters what kinds of information are represented in the IPCC's reports. After all, who you invite to your mayor's panel of experts is going to determine what perspectives you're able to consider. So far you've stacked your team with scientists of various kinds, but we claim (as a lot of social scientists do) that science alone can't tell a complete story of a problem with human origins, impacts or solutions.

Let's take some examples:

You want to build a hydroelectric dam, but aside from the obvious questions of physics and engineering, what do you know about who will be displaced, or what the cultural significance of the soon-to-be flooded land is to people who live nearby? And these questions are just as important when adapting to climate change.

You want to put an end to fossil fuel production in your jurisdiction because the science is clear that this is essential. But science alone doesn't reveal the legacy of not only dependency but gratitude that mining communities may hold towards an industry that has supported its families for generations.

You want to start taxing emissions. But beyond economic mechanisms and quantities of atmospheric carbon, have you accounted for the differentiated value of emissions generated? In other words, is there a difference between emissions produced by people trying to survive, as compared to emissions produced by people taking a holiday in Costa Rica?

And these examples are just cultural considerationsoften the people living in places have their own deep, yet undervalued, expertise of the localized issue in question. Local populations can see things that scientific models don't know to look for. In these cases, listening to local people actually means making better decisions.

Clearly, there are social and cultural cross-currents that bend and warp the true meaning of scientific knowledge once it leaves the lab and enters a human world, and those factors can only influence decisions if they are given a voice. Relying on just one (scientific) perspective flattens out some very complex and thorny social factors that need to be grappled with if we are to achieve equitable and effective solutions. We have called this the "representation dilemma," but it is not a new argument at all, and has been at the top of the wish list for social scientists and community activists for decades.

A new role for communicators?

While social science and humanities scholars may be hoarse from calling for greater inclusivity in the IPCC, the small but mighty discipline of climate change communication has managed to gain a strong foothold in mainstream climate debates. Prominent individuals such as Susan Hassol and Katherine Hayhoe, and research-based groups like Climate Outreach, have become influential advocates of more socially literate science communication. This is reflected in everything from the visuals used in media reporting to the IPCC's own choice of language when disseminating findings. The need for effective communication is becoming so widely recognized that the IPCC even chaired a special meeting on its communication strategy to consult specialists from across science communication, journalism and academia. Given that influence, our paper explores how climate communicators might push for an IPCC that's more representative. With their attention to diverse audiences and the social life of scientific facts, couldn't these skilled mediators between scientific, political and public worlds be well positioned to take on the representation dilemma? We argue they can, but that most of the work we've seen emerge from the field of climate communication so far has not done so.

To illustrate the claim that communicators could do more to beat the representation dilemma, we've used the metaphor of a conversation.

As any communicator will tell you, good dialog entails elements of both speaking and listening. Communicators, as mediators, can either help the IPCC to speak its ready-made message more clearly, or to listen with humility for other forms of relevant knowledge to include in its findings.

So far, climate change communication has focused very heavily on the former, translating technical concepts and ideas into language that will resonate with people more clearly, and ensuring that that scientific consensus packs a punch. This work of giving climate science a more human voice has undoubtedly been essential to extending its public legitimacy, but it hasn't made the IPCC's reckoning of 'policy-relevant' knowledge any more inclusive of human perspectives.

For this, we propose a second category of communication work we call "listening," which involves finding ways for public interests and perspectives to have an augmented presence within IPCC knowledge production. (One particularly low-hanging fruit is to make use of the masses of literature in non-represented fields from anthropology to history. Remember, the IPCC doesn't commission its own research, but just synthesizes existing work. There is an enormous reserve of existing scholarship that could be used to help develop a more rounded picture of the social and cultural dimensions of climate change.) For communicators though, often this simply means reimagining ideas they already put into practice.

Here are a few ways in which climate change communication can use existing research, concepts or activities for the purpose of not just talking science at publics, but listening to how they respond. In all cases it can be as simple as a change of emphasis.

For example, an in-depth study with Canadian oil workers explored the kinds of narratives and language that either resonates or clashes with local values. This research could be used to sell the idea of decarbonisation to fossil fuel towns in a carefully spun narrative, or it could be given to policymakers to show that energy transitions have to be just, and cater to community values and interests to be successful.

"Trusted messengers" is a term often used to mean someone within a community who can translate the science in a way that will resonate with their kin and colleagues. But why not also recognize community advocates who are skilled at representing local interests to institutional actors in politics, the press and academia? Examples of these figures include Queen Quet of the Gullah Geechee nation, who has testified to Congress about the inalienable ties of her people to the waterways of the coastal Southeast.

Experiments in democratic decision-making have made use of public consultation before, with great success. Participatory models like citizens' assemblies place decision-makers in a room with both the experts who usually inform policy and the publics who will have to live with the consequences of those policies for a good long chat. This non-hierarchical dialog is not only a chance for the kind of informed public engagement that "speaking" models strive for, but it allows for a truly democratic basis for decision-making in which various political options can be tempered by scientific and social insight before implementation.

But wait a minute, the IPCC never claimed to be anything but a scientific organization. How can you expect scientists to take responsibility for all this non-scientific information? Well, this is the heart of our argument: In a society where science and truth have been treated as synonymous for decades, the IPCC has developed a twofold identity as not just the global authority on climate science but on climate knowledge in general. This is what lays the unfair burden of omniscience on scientists. The listening agenda is not just about being more inclusive, but about recalibrating public expectations so that scientists are not forced to speak for more than they ever claimed to have expertise in.

Ultimately, this would mean making quite fundamental changes to the structure of the IPCC, and there are all sorts of constraints on its governance that have made this very hard to do. But in focusing on communication, we are targeting an influential sphere of activity that can begin to apply new pressure to climate change politics. And beyond the IPCC, we want this to be a framework for anyone engaging in communication components of their work to be able to ask "Does this activity speak or listen, and what can we do to make it more reciprocal?" (And if there are any mayors reading this, think about who you're taking advice from!)

Bringing this research to North Carolina

This paper was based on work done in the U.K., but the subject matter feeds directly into the research I am conducting here in North Carolina. With roughly one fifth of the population in the Carolinas living along the coast, sea-level rise will have an enormous impact here over the coming decades. But the scale of the issue doesn't mean it's easy to talk about.

In this diverse and culturally rich region of the country, there are many complex and nuanced ways in which Carolinians connect with coastal flooding, climate science, the idea of a global community of climate action and even the narrative of climate change itself. But there are also values and assumptions baked into the mainstream climate conversation, and a tendency to treat complex, ambivalent or even mistrustful public attitudes towards climate change as a straightforward matter of ignorance, or a deficit of [scientific] understanding. Good communication is therefore not just about "educating" publics but ensuring that those publics are properly understood and listened to by their compatriots and political representatives.

There is a considerable amount of local-level activity in the Carolinas in which coastal communities are actively engaged in two-way dialog with scientists, planners and decision-makerssomething rarely seen at higher levels of politics. My research aims to explore this local level as a site for empathetic and inclusive forms of dialog that could complement the amazing output of coastal science from research centers like NC State. My hope is that highlighting examples of positive collaboration between the public and science communities will help provide a basis for more democratic and effective climate policy in North Carolina and elsewhere.

Explore further Improving transparency of integrated assessment models related to climate change

More information: Karl Dudman et al, An IPCC that listens: introducing reciprocity to climate change communication, Climatic Change (2021). Journal information: Climatic Change Karl Dudman et al, An IPCC that listens: introducing reciprocity to climate change communication,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-021-03186-x
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Florida State University researchers have found that some marine-protected areas may not work as predicted in safeguarding and conserving endangered species.

A team of international researchers found that hawksbill turtles in Brazil are most often searching for food and breeding outside the boundaries of marine-protected areas, which are designated regions of seas, oceans, the Great Lakes and estuaries set aside for conservation purposes.

The study is published in the September 2021 edition of the journal Biological Conservation.

"This means that established protections for marine migratory species are not having the intended effect, highlighting a lack of protection," said Armando Santos, a doctoral candidate in the FSU Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Santos and Associate Professor of Oceanography Mariana Fuentes assessed the effectiveness, design and impact of marine-protected areas off the coast of Brazil through the analysis of critically endangered hawkbill turtles. Their work, however, is a starting point to look at conservation strategies for other marine species.

"Armando's work helped highlight and identify areas that should be prioritized for management and conservation when thinking about sea turtle protection," Fuentes said. "When looking at the maps in his results, the important areas for turtles are extremely broad. It's a huge undertaking to protect these large areas, so Armando is now using fine-scale information and data analysis to pinpoint specific areas for protection."

Marine-protected areas are among the most widely enacted strategies to conserve marine ecosystems and are typically designed to protect specific habitats rather than certain species. There are about 1,000 marine protected areas located throughout the United States, including three in the Gulf of Mexico. Across the world, there are close to 20,000 marine-protected areas.

However, just because an area is protected does not mean that the measures always work. Fisheries, marine traffic, oil and gas extraction, mining and port locations all pose significant threats to marine life.

Different levels of protection are offered by marine-protected areas, ranging from full protection from human activities to allowing for sustainable human use. By analyzing the existing threats hawksbill turtles encounter in their frequented areas, Santos and Fuentes assessed the effectiveness of each level of marine-protected areas in safeguarding hawksbill turtle habitats.

"We looked at data crucial to species conservation: spatial distribution and threat exposure," Santos said. "This overlap of distribution and threats is important because these areas require conservation intervention. It's also important to note that threats to species are cumulative, not individual, and consider how that magnifies the threat impact."

This study's dataset is the second-largest dataset of hawksbill spatial distribution in the world, and Santos plans to continue this research by next examining the diving profile of turtles to understand what drives their distribution and habitat use. This will further fine-tune the areas that require urgent protection and intervention.

"Though this research focuses on hawksbill turtles in Brazil, a lot of the work we're doing contributes to the bigger picture of using satellite telemetry datathe collection of data at inaccessible points and their automatic transmission to satellites that's often used in tagging marine speciesand other information to inform species conservation," Fuentes said. "Hopefully, someone working across the globe with a different migratory species can learn from this study and implement some of the findings to their location. This work is all about making information digestible to stakeholders and providing the best information for use in conservation policies."

More information: Armando J.B. Santos et al, Effectiveness and design of marine protected areas for migratory species of conservation concern: A case study of post-nesting hawksbill turtles in Brazil, Biological Conservation (2021). Journal information: Biological Conservation Armando J.B. Santos et al, Effectiveness and design of marine protected areas for migratory species of conservation concern: A case study of post-nesting hawksbill turtles in Brazil,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109229
Ilgari Inyayimaha (Shared Sky), painted by artists Margaret Whitehurst, Jenny Green, Barbara Merritt, Charmaine Green, Kevin Merritt, Sherryl Green, Tracey Green, Wendy Jackamarra, Susan Merry, Johnaya Jones, Gemma Merritt, Craig Chook Pickett, and Nerolie Blurton. Credit: Yamaji Art

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what it all means? You are not alone. Billions of people before you have done the same. Looking at the stars to make sense of the universe, and our lives on Earth, extends back many tens of thousands of years, across all cultures.

A new 360 degree immersive film, "Star Dreaming," set to screen around Australia and internationally, draws on our common wonder about the universe, exploring ancient culture and astrophysics, side by side.

In Australia, the world's longest continuous culture can also claim to provide some of the first astronomers. Indigenous Australians attach rich meaning to the night sky, and its connection to the land and our environment.

Also in Australia, much more recently, astrophysics has become one of the nation's most successful and prominent sciences. In Western Australia, one of the world's largest astronomy projects is being hosted, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

On the land of the Wajarri Yamaji people, in mid-west WA, the SKA will be the largest radio telescope ever built, detecting radio waves from galaxies forming soon after the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago. This massive project will be completed towards the end of this decade.

Over the last 13 years, I have been privileged to work with colleagues from Yamaji Art in Geraldton, exploring Indigenous stories about the sky alongside the stories of the Greeks and Romans, and the astrophysical stories about the universe. We have learned from each other and taken our experience to the world through art exhibitions.

Three years ago, we started work on "Star Dreaming." It has been filmed using a 360 degree camera and is designed to be shown inside a dome, like a planetarium. "Star Dreaming" is an immersive experience, combining live action and CGI animation, and a unique cross-cultural exploration.

The film is a narrative, following two children from Geraldton as they discover the astrophysical story of the universe and Yamaji stories of the sky and land. Max Winton and Amangu girl Lucia Richardson make their acting debuts, as do I as "the scientist."

Filming was interesting and demanding. Over four days, we filmed prototype SKA antennas (from a drone), the landscape (including in scorching hot creek beds), and indoor sequences. The director, Perun Bonser (an Ngarluma man), Julia Redwood (producer), and cast and crew had their work cut out.

The film starts with the Big Bang, the origin of all matter and energy, space and time. We look at the life cycle of stars, and how stars produced the atoms that make up the Earthand us. Without stars, we would not exist. We explain the speed of light, the temperatures and colors of stars, and the basics of how the SKA works.

Watch the Star Dreaming trailer.

This is interwoven with Indigenous stories, like the astonishing Emu in the Sky, which appears after dusk in March/April toward the east, appearing to sit on its nest on the horizon. This is the same time of year when real emus lay their eggs and tend to them.

When the Emu in the Sky appears, Indigenous people know it is time to hunt for the eggs. As Yamaji artist Margaret Whitehurst says in the film, "good tucker!" Margaret and fellow Yamaji artist and poet Charmaine Green lead the kids on an egg hunt, and cook up the results.

Yamaji artists Barbara and Kevin Merritt show the kids the Seven Sisters, the Indigenous story of a hunter pursuing seven sisters across the country and into the night skyrepeated every night.

Turns out, this is almost identical to an ancient story of the Greeks and Romans for this group of stars, also identified as seven sisters (the Pleiades) being chased by a hunter (Orion).

How is that cultures on opposite sides of the Earth, separated by thousands of years, arrive at the same story for the same group of stars? These are mysteries that hint at common origins.

As a scientist, I've learned so much from being with the artists and sharing our stories together. I have a much richer perspective on the universe and Indigenous culture, well beyond the night sky, as a result of our time together.

Another Yamaji artist, Wendy Jackamarra, paints the Jewel Box, a colorful cluster of stars right next to the Southern Cross that can only be seen with a telescopes; it comes to life on the screen, as does Margaret's painting of the Emu in the Sky, and Barbara's painting of the Seven Sisters. The paintings reveal themselves through CGI, telling their stories as the different elements come together.

I've been asked, "what do you want people to take away from the film?" Of course, I want people to come away with a better understanding of Indigenous culture, and to have learned something about the science. But, to me, the film captures intertwined cultural and scientific perspectives that are common to all peoples.

The atoms in our bodies are produced in stars and scattered into space when those stars die, providing the building blocks for planets and life. For many millennia, humans have sat under the night sky and watched all this unfold, our different cultural stories underpinned by our common sense of wonder.

Differences in race, religion, culture, politics, and society melt away with that perspective. We all experience a shared sky, a common origin.

"Star Dreaming" is screening at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle, WA. Keep an eye out for it in major cities and planetaria across Australia before the end of 2021. In 2022 it will be screened around the world. All aspects of the film and the project, including its name, were derived from consultations and formal sign-off between the Indigenous participants, Prospero Productions, and the scientists.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Vanguard Cave. Credit: Gipmetal77 modded by Victuallers/Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0

A team of researchers with the Gibraltar National Museum has found a hidden chamber in one of the caves that make up Gorham's Cave Complex in Gibraltar. They have posted a press statement on their website describing what they have found in the chamber thus far.

Prior research has shown that both modern humans and Neanderthals lived in parts of Gorham's Cave Complex in Gibraltar, though not at the same time. Both groups left behind a treasure trove of artifacts, including tools, butchered remains of animals and fossils. For that reason, the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2012, a team at the Gibraltar National Museum studied the caves. As part of that mission, they sought chambers they believed were hidden in the caves. Such chambers are common in caves formed close to the sea due to environmental factors. Over the course of nearly a decade, the search for hidden chambers came up empty. Then, as one group was searching the back of Vanguard Cave, they found evidence of soft sediment, which they believed could be hiding a chamber. Some digging proved their hunch to be correct; behind the sediment plug, they found a large chamber.

The chamber was located higher up than the cave and was approximately 13 meters long. The amount of sediment in the plug suggested that the chamber had been sealed for tens of thousands of years. On its floor, they found the remains of a Griffon vulture, a hyena and a lynx, animals fully capable of climbing up into the chamber. But they also found the shell of a dog whelka type of sea snail, which the researchers note would not have been able to climb up into the chamber. This, they note, suggests something carried it up there. The team also found scratches on the walls of the chamber, though they were unable to discover their source.

Initial estimates suggest Neanderthals likely were living in the area during the time the chamber was open, though the researchers have not yet found any evidence. They plan to begin digging in the chamber floor to see what other evidence might be found.

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 2021 Science X Network
The largest ammonite specimen (1.8m in diameter) in the world housed in the Munster Natural History Museum, Germany. Credit: Christina Ifrim

Vast ammonites, relatives of squid and octopus, up to 1.8 meters across once littered the East Sussex seas, according to new research.

Ammonites fossils more than 80 million years old and which can easily be seen today on the shores of southern England have been described by an international team of scientists.

The creatures once thrived on both sides of the Atlantic, in Sussex and in Mexico, before being wiped out by the same meteorite strike which brought the age of dinosaurs to an end.

One of the team who have described the prolific collection of ammonites in England is Professor Andy Gale at the University of Portsmouth.

He said that "this giant species is commonly found in the chalk on the foreshore at Peacehaven in East Sussex, where erosion by the sea has exposed molds of the shells (image). The largest specimens are females, which probably spawned once and subsequently died. The chambered shells were buoyant, and floated in the Chalk Sea for a long time before finally sinking to the bottom, where they have been preserved for millions of years."

The team, led by Dr Christina Ifrim, a paleontologist and head of the Jura Museum in Germany, published their research in PLOS One.

Discovery of a giant ammonite in Mexico. Credit: Nils Schorndorf

They studied 154 giant ammonites from Cretaceous period found in rocks in Germany, Mexico and the UK.

Professor Gale said: "These enormous, long extinct, shelled cephalopods, related to squid and octopus, achieved a maximum shell diameter of 1.8 meters and are best known from a specimen in a German museum. They were wiped out by the same end-Cretaceous meteorite impact 66 million years ago which did for the dinosaurs.

"Fossil finds of the species are extremely rare, so little is know about them. But because we found so many in Sussex, we can start piecing together the sequence of their evolution."

Of the 154 fossils examined, 110 were found on the beaches in Sussex or in Mexico. From these, the team was able to determine the species thrived 83 million years ago and grew enormous.

Because the fossils were found in clusters, the researchers believe the ammonites died and sank after reproducing, which they did only once in their lifetime.

The first specimen ever found was discovered in 1895 in Germany. It remains the largest ever found.

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Compound environmental shocks and their impact on food insecurity in Nepal, one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries, was the focus of research conducted by faculty in Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences. Credit: Creative Commons/India Water Portal

The effects of monsoon rainfall on food insecurity in Nepal vary by earthquake exposure, with regions that experienced both heavy earthquake shaking and abundant rainfall more likely to have an inadequate supply of nutritious food.

That is one of the conclusions of a study led by Heather Randell, assistant professor of rural sociology and demography in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. She said the findings have implications for Nepalone of the most disaster-prone countries in the worldand for countries around the globe, given the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change.

"While many studies have examined how individual natural disasters or adverse weather events impact crop production and food security, little is known about the effects of exposure to multiple events in close succession," Randell said. "The knowledge gained from this study can serve as a platform to create adaptation strategies that will improve global health and promote sustainable development."

Randell, who began the study as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Maryland, explained that climate change leads to an increased risk of multiple environmental hazards occurring within a short timeframe. These combined stressors, called compound events, present unique challenges, given that the first hazard may undermine a household's or community's ability to withstand subsequent hazards.

Nepal, a landlocked country in South Asia, experiences high rates of poverty and food insecurity. Thirty-six percent of Nepali children under the age of 5 years suffer from chronic malnutrition, per U.S. Agency for International Development statistics.

The country's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, with monsoon rainfalla weather phenomenon that brings rain to the region between June and Septemberplaying a critical role in agricultural production, Randell pointed out. When the monsoon begins later than usual or when rainfall is below normal, agricultural production can suffer, affecting food security.

"With climate change, Nepal is projected to experience increased monsoon rainfall variability, with a greater frequency of above- and below-normal rainfall as well as heavy rain events," she said. "These heavy rainfall events also can trigger flooding and landslides, which can lead to negative agricultural, health and economic impacts."

Not only that, but Nepal is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world given its proximity to two converging tectonic plates: the India plate and the overriding Eurasia plate to the north. In April 2015, the 7.8-magnitude Gorkha earthquake hit near Kathmandu, killing 9,000 people and injuring many others. More than 600,000 structures were damaged.

Though earthquake magnitude and frequency are unrelated to climate change, earthquakes may interact with environmental hazards that are becoming more severe due to climate change, such as heavy rainfall events, noted Randell.

"Recently, Haiti experienced a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed by Tropical Storm Grace, which impeded the rescue process and flooded areas damaged by the earthquake," she said. "These types of events raise the questionhow can we better plan for compound events to protect the most vulnerable?"

Working with Amir Sapkota, a professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Maryland, Randell and a team of scientists examined data from the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. This survey, which was distributed to women in about 11,000 households in 73 of Nepal's 75 districts, contained information on food security, geographic location and an array of household- and community-level variables.

That information was integrated with earthquake intensity data from the U.S. Geological Survey and monsoon rainfall data from the Climate-Weather Research and Forecasting Model.

Fourteen of Nepal's districts experienced the most severe earthquake impacts in terms of deaths, injuries and damage to infrastructure. Randell and the team hypothesized that these earthquake-affected households would be more vulnerable to drought conditions than households in areas not damaged by the earthquake.

Surprisingly, among households that experienced at least moderate earthquake shaking, more rainfall was positively associated with food insecurity, particularly in steep, mountainous areas. Monsoon rainfall events triggered landslides in areas destabilized by the earthquake, which damaged roads, disrupted the distribution of food aid and destroyed agricultural land and assets.

And, in regions that were minimally impacted by the earthquake, low rainfall was associated with increased food insecurity, likely due to lower agricultural productivity in drought conditions.

Randell said additional research is needed on the social impacts of compound environmental shocks. "Through a better understanding of how compound events impact human health and well-being, we can better identify which groups are most vulnerable, and we will be able to assist communities to recover and build resilience more effectively," she said.

Explore further How climate change limits educational access

More information: Heather Randell et al, Food insecurity and compound environmental shocks in Nepal: Implications for a changing climate, World Development (2021). Heather Randell et al, Food insecurity and compound environmental shocks in Nepal: Implications for a changing climate,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105511
Elongated nanocapsules can be prepared by polymerisation at the surface of elongated liposome templates with drug nanocrystals. Credit: Monash University

Monash University researchers have used advanced techniques at ANSTO to investigate the production of new, elongated polymer nanocapsules with a high payload of drug nanocrystals to potentially increase drug targetability, and also decrease dosage frequency and side effects.

This method had not been investigated previously and represents a pioneering method of investigation in the field of colloidal science applications for drug delivery.

Nanoparticles have been used to increase the delivery efficiency of cancer therapy because of their biocompatibility, versatility and the easiness of functionalisation.

The team engineered novel elongated polymer nanocapsules, which are unlike the more well-known spherical nanocapsules.

The elongated polymer nanocapsules were made with elongated liposomes or surfactant vesicles and used drug nanocrystals as a template.

The results provided strong evidence that the elongated structure could be retained, and also confirmed that the loading method to form rod-like drug nanocrystals inside liposomes was a practical solution.

The combination of the high drug payload, in the form of encapsulated nanocrystals, and the non-spherical feature of liposomes represented a more efficient delivery system.

Spherical hollow nanocapsules have been studied extensively, but the formation of elongated nanocapsules containing active pharmaceuticals as therapeutic agents has been previously largely unsuccessful.

"There are difficulties in retaining the elongated shape and their encapsulation efficiency is low," explained researcher Yunxin (Cindy) Xiao, a Ph.D. candidate working in the Nonlaminar group with Prof Ben Boyd at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. and the recipient of the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering Post Graduate Research Award.

"The elongated shape is better because it is more difficult for immune cells to internalize them and because their therapeutic efficiency at the target site can be maximized."

After obtaining promising structural results using a liposomal template investigated using the small angle X-ray scattering beamline at ANSTO's Australian Synchrotron and the small and ultra-small small-angle neutron scattering instruments Bilby and Kookaburra in previous research, the template was used to form elongated polymer nanocapsules.

The researchers used vesicles made of surfactants as templates, which allowed for the polymerisation of a less permeable shell inside these.

In their experiment, nanocrystals of the antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin were then encapsulated in the elongated nanocapsules (approximately 200 nm by 3050 nm). Importantly, when the test drug nanocrystals were extracted from the elongated nanocrystals in a dissolution process, the nanocrystal capsules retained their shape.

This opens the possibility of their use in delivering a range of active pharmaceuticals, such as anticancer drugs.

The researchers wanted to study how the system was working in detail and needed to see the differences between the three layers of the elongated systemdrug nanocrystals, the elongated liposomal template, and the cross-linked polymer.

However, because the liposomal template and the nanocapsules are attached, it is very challenging to distinguish these layers. Here deuteration and neutron scattering can offer a great solution.

In experiments at the Australian Centre for Neutron scattering, a type of deuterated phospholipid, provided by the National Deuteration Facility, was used in the formation of the nanocrystalswhich mean that the small-angle neutron scattering instrument Bilby could investigate the two different parts of the system.

The difference in neutron scattering from hydrogen and deuterium atoms can be used in contrast variation experiments, which allows different parts of a complex system, like the elongated nanocapsules. to be studied.

Contrast in small-angle neutron scattering can mask or highlight the different components if they are deuterated.

The use of different instruments opens up different length scales to investigationfrom micrometers to nanometres.

The researchers used the Bilby instrument to analyze the formation of the polymers on the surface of the elongated liposomal template. They also determined the thickness of the elongated polymer layer and found which parts of the system were being stretched.

"The approach makes it possible to visualize different parts of the samples independently," said Xiao.

Because the rigid polymeric shell is able to adapt the shape of the template, its features can be retained.

The benefit of synthesizing a layer of polymer on the surface of the nanocapsules instead of just directly delivering the liposomes gives the cross-linked polymer the ability to release a drug slowly and safely.

The polymer shell further slows down the diffusion of drugs from the nanocarriers, decreasing side effects and reducing dose frequency.

The use of different instruments allows researchers to investigate at different length scales.

The work of this group has been published previously in the journal Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

This research was a finalist in ANSTO's Neutron and Deuteration Impact Awards. It has been submitted for publication.

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Eric Lechner holds the oxygen-alloyed niobium test cavity used in the research.

Whipping up world-class particle accelerator structures has long been a process akin to following a favorite recipe. Many of the best-performing samples are prepared using processes developed through trial and error over decades of experience. But recently, accelerator scientists have been boosting this empirical approach to science with more theoretical input. Now, their efforts are beginning to pay off.

Accelerator scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility have developed a model for a cheaper and easier preparation method for getting better performance from particle accelerators. Further, preliminary tests of the new model show that it may soon provide scientists the ability to predict the best material preparation method for specific performance goals. The results from this study were recently published in Applied Physics Letters.

Building efficient accelerators

Many of today's advanced particle accelerators use superconducting radiofrequency technology, or SRF technology. These accelerators are powered by specially shaped structures called accelerator cavities. Cavities are typically made of a metal called niobium. When cooled to cryogenic temperatures, niobium accelerator cavities become superconducting, allowing them to store vast amounts of radiofrequency energy for accelerating particles.

It was once thought that niobium accelerator cavities worked best if they were made of the purest niobium metal and had the cleanest, contaminant-free surface. However, several recent studies have indicated that adding specific elements to a cavity's surface could help increase its efficiency.

Specifically, initial research at DOE's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory discovered that adding nitrogen to the surface of niobium accelerator components makes them more efficient. The strong empirical results from subsequent collaborative tests convinced managers for the upgrade of the Linac Coherent Light Source to adopt this process, which they referred to as "nitrogen doping." The LCLS is located at DOE's SLAC National Accelerator Lab in Menlo Park, Ca.

Nitrogen doping

Nitrogen doping cavities, however, can be a complicated process. The final preparation steps of a typical recipe include firing them in a pristinely clean furnace at around 800 (about 1,500) for hours with addition of a bit of nitrogen gas during the last few minutes, rinsing them off with a high-pressure stream of ultra-pure water, and then subjecting the cavities to a carefully controlled acid treatment called electropolishing that essentially strips thin layers of very lossy material from the surface. Following another rinse, the cavities are ready to be tested to determine their efficiency.

This long and involved process has delivered excellent results in tests required for that project. But, the science of how the preparation improved performancewhat physical changes it induces in a cavity's surface and how that produced the desired effectremained ambiguous. Also unknown was how tweaking certain parts of the process would improve or limit accelerator cavity performance.

In 2019, Jefferson Lab Staff Scientist Ari Palczewski set out to change that. He received a DOE Early Career Award from the Office of Nuclear Physics to develop a theoretical model of how different processing steps equate to expected performance in accelerator cavities that have been doped with nitrogen.

Palczewski took a multidisciplinary approach to the research. He brought on board Eric Lechner as a postdoctoral fellow in Jefferson Lab's SRF Institute. Lechner applies theoretical expertise to the project. He started out by deconstructing the mechanics of how nitrogen-doping recipes change the surface of the niobium.

"Essentially what is happening is that you allow some impurities to go into the surface of the niobium, which makes up your SRF accelerator cavities. We're talking just a few micrometers or so. This enhances the properties of the superconductor," explained Lechner.

He analyzed prepared samples with Jonathan Angle, a graduate student in the materials science and engineering program at Virginia Tech. Angle used a technique called secondary ion mass spectrometry to scan the surface and depths of the material to characterize how nitrogen was distributed in the niobium by different preparation techniques.

From nitrogen to oxygen

While this research was proceeding well, the team soon had reasons to switch gears.

Researchers at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in Japan began reporting efficiencies rivaling that of nitrogen-doped accelerator cavities from cavities that had received a far less onerous processing method. Essentially, the KEK researchers had baked cavities in a furnace at far lower temperaturesat just 300400   and then simply rinsed off the cavities and tested them. These results intrigued the accelerator scientists at Jefferson Lab.

Further, the early career project that had been focused on nitrogen doping was coming to a close with the departure of Palczewski, who had gone on to pursue different challenges in industry.

Charlie Reece, a senior accelerator physicist in the SRF Institute, then made a proposal for the line of research to focus on the promising alternative preparation process.

Lechner and Angle set to work preparing cavities using the simpler process. They then analyzed the cavities' surfaces.

"Jonathan and I investigated it with the secondary ion mass spectrometry technique. And this is where we had found out that the main contaminant in this case was oxygen rather than nitrogen, so it played a similar role in enhancing the performance," Lechner said.

He said the oxygen comes from the surface of the niobium itself. That's because oxides, which primarily contain the atoms of oxygen, always form on the metal's surface with exposure to the air.

"When you heat it up, the oxide starts to dissolve, and the oxygen that is released during this process ends up getting dissolved into the surface of niobium in a diffusion process," Lechner explained.

The result is a new, thin surface layer composed of a niobium-oxygen alloy. And because the oxygen comes from oxides that are naturally present on every surface of the cavity, the oxygen diffuses uniformly into every nook and cranny.

"Simply put, this process is simpler, cheaper, and works on any geometry or design of accelerator cavity," Reece said.

Theory Shines a Light

"A lot of the effort behind this work was trying to understand the mechanism behind the introduction of oxygen into the surface. There are not that many models out there that predict what is going on when you bake a cavity in this temperature range," Lechner said.

But one model that stood out came from another of Jefferson Lab's own researchers: Gigi Ciovati. While working on his Ph.D. thesis in 2006, Ciovati had developed a theoretical model on niobium oxide dissolution and oxygen diffusion to explain the migration of oxygen at temperatures around 100-200.

"Gigi had developed quite a nice model that explained this effect," Lechner commented. "This modeling allows you to develop an oxygen profile into the surface that is customizable, so you can try to develop a heating recipe to enhance the quality factor [how well the cavity performs] optimally. And also, you might be able to engineer an oxygen profile that enhances the maximum accelerating gradient in the cavity, which tells you how much energy you can store in there."

However, at the time, Ciovati didn't have access to the secondary ion mass spectrometry technique to verify what was happening between niobium and oxygen at the surface. Lechner and Angle were able to use Ciovati's model and what they learned from secondary ion mass spectrometry to apply the model to their new samples.

This phase of the work aimed to take the analytical model that Ciovati had developed and use it to build a new numerical model that would allow accelerator builders to fine-tune their recipes to achieve more efficient accelerator cavities.

"Now, we're trying to develop a numerical model that will help us tailor a profile near the surface such that it optimizes the quality factor and accelerating field," Lechner said.

If successful, the new model will allow accelerator builders to confidently dial up the optimum recipe for the efficiency enhancement they need. This would, for the first time, allow for customizability of the accelerator structure preparation recipe without unnecessary time lost to blind trial-and-error.

"The goal of this research is to open the window to predictability. We want to engineer the process in a thoughtful way, so that we can successfully engineer the process that will reliably give us the desired result," Reece said.

Lechner said that the team is already getting promising results from the new model, but suggests that improvements to the modeling can still be made.

"This is still a work in progress. We are looking to test this model now," he added.

Initial results were recently published in Applied Physics Letters and recognized as notable by selection as an Editors Pick contribution.

Explore further Cooking up a new theory for better accelerators

More information: E. M. Lechner et al, RF surface resistance tuning of superconducting niobium via thermal diffusion of native oxide, Applied Physics Letters (2021). Journal information: Applied Physics Letters E. M. Lechner et al, RF surface resistance tuning of superconducting niobium via thermal diffusion of native oxide,(2021). DOI: 10.1063/5.0059464
Comparison of cellulosic emulsion and microcrystalline cellulose hydrolysis kinetics. The conversion of cellulose was compared using a 0.6% cellulose emulsion and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at four temperatures and an enzyme load of 53 FPU/g substrate. Data is shown as the mean values and error bars represent the standard deviation of three replicates. Credit: DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-02008-7

Princeton researchers have developed a new way to make fuel from celluloseEarth's most abundant organic compound, found in all plant cellsspeeding up a notoriously slow chemical process and in some cases doubling energy yields over comparable methods.

Their platform uses a recently developed cellulose emulsion that makes it easier to metabolize the compound into other chemicals. Combining that emulsion with engineered microbes and a light-based genetic tool, the team showed that they could more efficiently make biofuels from cellulose.

A paper published July 17 in the journal Biotechnology for Biofuels demonstrates the platform's performance with both ethanol, the current leading biofuel, and isobutanol, a biofuel that improves on ethanol as a drop-in gasoline replacement and can also provide the base for jet fuel. In both cases, the new method substantially improved speeds of production and yields compared to untreated cellulose.

"The main challenge is that cellulose is very hard to process. It first has to be broken down into individual sugar molecules before it can be turned into fuel," said Shannon Hoffman, a graduate student in chemical and biological engineering and one of the study's lead authors. "Our paper shows a new and more effective way to break down the cellulose for use in biofuel production."

Cellulosic biomass has long been seen as a key ingredient in curbing greenhouse gas emissions, providing the feedstock for a renewable and clean-burning transportation fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy has conducted a series of studies showing that at least one billion tons of biomass could be sustainably harvested each year in the United States without disrupting forests or food production to produce biofuels, largely from cellulose. But current processes that convert that cellulose to simple sugars for fuel production have faced economic challenges, due in part to slow conversion rates and inefficiencies.

This study shows a new approach. Instead of starting with cellulose crystals, the team started with emulsions of pre-treated cellulose, recently developed at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The emulsion makes it easier for enzymes to break tough cellulose chains into single glucose molecules and simultaneously feed that glucose to genetically engineered yeast for fermentation. And using light, the team controlled the yeasts' output, switching between metabolic pathways to optimize for the desired product.

In the first hour of cellulose digestion, their platform worked around 40 times faster than the untreated crystal cellulose. With isobutanol, it was up to four times faster overall and twice as productive.

While this study doesn't address all impediments to commercial viability, the results demonstrate a promising new direction in the quest to make advanced biofuels from dedicated energy crops and agricultural residues such as the stubble left in a field after harvest.

"If we want to reach the Paris Agreement goals of keeping global warming below 1.5 C, we need to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Even with optimistic electrification rates of cars and trucks, there's a gap to eliminate fossil fuels from transportation in that time period," said the study's principal investigator Jose Avalos, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. "We're going to need a sustainable, low carbon-emissions fuel to fill that gap. And then there are of course airplanes, which we don't expect we'll be able to electrify by 2050. So we are going to need sustainable biofuels for the foreseeable future."

Explore further New solvents to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol

More information: Shannon M. Hoffman et al, Cellulosic biofuel production using emulsified simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (eSSF) with conventional and thermotolerant yeasts, Biotechnology for Biofuels (2021). Journal information: Biotechnology for Biofuels Shannon M. Hoffman et al, Cellulosic biofuel production using emulsified simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (eSSF) with conventional and thermotolerant yeasts,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-02008-7
Argonne scientist Peter Mueller at the TRACER Center. The facility has advanced the science of krypton dating for young and ancient groundwater and glacial ice. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory

As rising sea levels threaten coastal areas, scientists are using an emerging nuclear dating technique to track the ins and outs of water flow.

Florida is known for water. Between its beaches, swamps, storms and humidity, the state is soaked. And below its entire surface lies the largest freshwater aquifer in the nation.

The Floridan Aquifer produces 1.2 trillion gallons of water each yearthat's almost 2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. It serves as a primary source of drinking water for over 10 million people and supports the irrigation of over 2 million acres. It also supplies thousands of lakes, springs and wetlands, and the environments they nurture.

"The data from just a few samples is rich with opportunity, and this study demonstrates the great potential of krypton-81 in multiple fields of geochemistry," says Argonne National Laboratory scientist Peter Mueller.

But as glaciers melt due to global warming, rising sea levels threaten this water sourceand other coastal aquiferswith the intrusion of saltwater. It's more crucial than ever to study the history and behavior of water in these aquifers, and Florida's dynamic water systems make it a prime testbed.

In a study led by the University of Chicago, scientists applied a dating technique developed by nuclear physicists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory that uses a radioactive version of the element krypton to study the origin and flow of freshwater and saltwater in the Floridan Aquifer. Their findings demonstrate the promise of this novel technique to help understand and forecast the effects of climate change on coastal aquifers, to inform water resource management and to reveal insight into other geological processes.

Counting krypton

To study the flow of water in the aquifer, the scientists used the TRACER Center at Argonne to perform radiokrypton dating. This technique works by the same principles as carbon dating, where the age of something is determined based on the amount of a certain element remaining in the sample. But instead of carbon, it uses the radioactive isotope krypton-81.

A small amount of krypton-81 is naturally produced in the atmosphere and can dissolve into the water droplets in clouds and bodies of water. Once the water goes underground, it stops absorbing krypton-81 from the atmosphere, and what remains slowly changes into other elements overtime.

If scientists can figure out the ratio between the krypton-81 in the water and in the atmosphere, they can calculate how long it has been underground.

"This is extremely challenging," said Peter Mueller of Argonne's Physics division. "Since krypton-81 is so rare, you need very sensitive measurement tools to detect the tiny amount within a sample."

Only one in a million atoms in the atmosphere is krypton. What's more, only one in a trillion krypton atoms is krypton-81 specifically. This leaves so few atoms to detect in a sample that scientists count them one by one using a technique called Atom Trap Trace Analysis, developed at Argonne.

Scientist Reika Yokochi collecting water samples from the Floridan Aquifer. The team collected samples from eight wells and extracted the gas dissolved in the water, including the krypton-81, to analyze at Argonnes TRACER Center. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory

The team collected samples from eight wells tapping the aquifer and extracted the gas dissolved in the water, including the krypton-81. At the TRACER Center, they sent the gas down a beamline where six laser beams come together to create a trap unique to the isotope of interest (in this case, krypton-81). The trapped atoms show up on a camera, and scientists can count them down to the individual atom.

This study is the first application of radiokrypton dating on the Floridan Aquifer.

There's good news and bad news

Some of the samples contained 40,000-year-old saltwater from just before the last glacial maximum at around 25,000 years ago, when much of the water that is now in the ocean was captured in huge glaciers. During this period, the sea level was over 100 meters lower than it is now.

"Because of global warming, the sea level is rising, causing seawater to spoil freshwater sources," said Reika Yokochi, research professor at the University of Chicago and lead scientist on the study. "The presence of the moderately old water means saltwater persists in the aquifer once it gets in. This is bad news. We have to minimize the rate of this pollution."

While the salty samples are concerning, there is good news, too. The scientists confirmed that the water in the southern part of the Floridan Aquifer was recharged with freshwater during the last glacial period (sometime between 12,000 to 115,000 years ago), bolstering the current understanding of freshwater dynamics.

"We also found a sample with relatively young freshwater, which is good news for Florida because it means that the water is actively flowing and renewable near central Florida," said Yokochi.

New technique with great potential

Radiokrypton dating is a relatively new technique, and the scientists are just getting started. This tool has incredible potential to drive discovery in physics, geology and beyond.

For example, scientists armed with radiokrypton dating can use the water in coastal aquifers as potential messengers of changes in water cycles and the composition of ancient seawater. The technique can also provide insight about the movement of elements across land-ocean boundaries, which impacts carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels in the atmosphere.

"As water flows on the surface or underground, it reacts with surrounding rock and picks up signatures that tell a story," said Yokochi. "This information can help to improve and validate our models of Earth's systems and the cycle of the elements, which are tightly linked with global climate."

Radiokrypton dating also serves as a complement to carbon dating when performed on the same samples. Scientists can use results from radiokrypton dating to calibrate carbon dating analysis. Once corrected, the carbon data can provide additional insight, especially on rates of water-carbonate reactions.

"When you have a new tool like this and apply it for the first time, even in an aquifer that has been studied a lot, suddenly you get a new perspective and new insight," said Mueller. "The data from just a few samples is rich with opportunity, and this study demonstrates the great potential of krypton-81 in multiple fields of geochemistry."

Explore further Paper details technique to date groundwater

More information: Reika Yokochi et al, Origin of water masses in Floridan Aquifer System revealed by 81Kr, Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2021). Journal information: Earth and Planetary Science Letters Reika Yokochi et al, Origin of water masses in Floridan Aquifer System revealed by 81Kr,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2021.117060
Brazilian 8-year-old astronomer Nicole Oliveira poses for a picture with her telescope in Fortaleza, Brazil, on September 21, 2021.

When Nicole Oliveira was just learning to walk, she would throw up her arms to reach for the stars in the sky.

Today, at just eight years of age, the Brazilian girl is known as the world's youngest astronomer, looking for asteroids as part of a NASA-affiliated program, attending international seminars and meeting with her country's top space and science figures.

In Oliveira's room, filled with posters of the solar system, miniature rockets and Star Wars figures, Nicolinha, as she is affectionately known, works on her computer studying images of the sky on two large screens.

The project, called Asteroid Hunters, is meant to introduce young people to science by giving them a chance to make space discoveries of their own.

It is run by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, a citizen science program affiliated with NASA, in partnership with Brazil's ministry of science.

Beaming with pride, Nicolinha told AFP she has already found 18 asteroids.

"I will give them the names of Brazilian scientists, or members of my family, like my mom or my dad," said the lively girl with dark brown hair and a high-pitched voice.

Eight-year-old Nicole Oliveira, known as Nicolinha, has been dubbed the world's youngest astronomer.

If her findings are certified, which may take several years, Oliveira will become the youngest person in the world to officially discover an asteroid, breaking the record of 18-year-old Italian Luigi Sannino.

"She really has an eye. She immediately spots points in the images that look like asteroids and often advises her classmates when they are not sure they have really found any", said Heliomarzio Rodrigues Moreira, Oliveira's astronomy teacher at a private school in the city of Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil, which she is attending thanks to a scholarship.

"The most important thing is that she shares her knowledge with other children. She contributes to the dissemination of science," added Rodrigues Moreira.

'Passion for astronomy'

Nicolinha's family relocated to Fortaleza from their hometown of Maceio, about 1,000 kilometers away, at the beginning of this year, after Nicolinha received a scholarship to attend the prestigious school. Her father, a computer scientist, was allowed to keep his job and telework.

"I would also like all children in Brazil to have access to science," says Nicole Oliveira.

"When she was two, she would raise her arms to the sky and ask me, 'Mom, give me a star,' said her mother, Zilma Janaca, 43, who works in the craft industry.

"We understood that this passion for astronomy was serious when she asked us for a telescope as a birthday present when she turned four. I didn't even really know what a telescope was," Janaca added.

Nicolinha was so set on getting a telescope that she told her parents she would swap it for all her future birthday parties. Still, such a gift was too expensive for the family and the girl got it only when she turned 7 and all her friends pooled money for the purchase, her mother said.

As she continued her studies, Nicolinha enrolled in an astronomy course that had to lower its age limit for students down from 12.

On her YouTube channel, Nicolinha has interviewed influential figures like the Brazilian astronomer Duilia de Mello, who took part in the discovery of a supernova called SN 1997D.

Brazilian 8-year-old astronomer Nicole Oliveira works on her computer at her house trying to discover asteroids as part of a NASA-affiliated educational program.

Last year, Oliveira traveled to Brasilia to meet with the minister of science as well as with the astronaut Marcos Pontes, the only Brazilian to date to have been to space.

As for her own ambitions, Nicolinha wants to become an aerospace engineer.

"I want to build rockets. I would love to go to the Kennedy Space Center at NASA in Florida to see their rockets," she said.

"I would also like all children in Brazil to have access to science," she says.

 2021 AFP
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New RAND Corporation research finds that 491,000 children from Mexico and the Northern Triangle (Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador) arrived in the United States between fiscal years 2017 and 2019 and remained with unresolved immigration statuses. Of these, 321,000 were enrolled in U.S. K-12 public schools as of March 2020. About 75% settled in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia, North Carolina and Louisiana.

"The migration of undocumented and asylum-seeking children, from border countries or elsewhere, will have a considerable impact on K-12 public schools, which are federally required to serve and support these students," said Shelly Culbertson, coauthor of the report and a senior policy researcher at RAND, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization. "Our research provides critical data needed to assist policymaking and we also analyzed the needs of schools to support these children."

RAND researchers drew on multiple data sources to provide the only existing estimates on the numbers, locations and ages of these children by state and school district, as well as numbers of new teachers and staff needed to keep pace with new arrivals.

The report also provides case studies of the policies and practices used by Louisiana's Jefferson Parish Schools and California's Oakland Unified School District in supporting these students. While there were some positive outcomes and best practices, researchers found that schools need more teaching materials and better teacher training as well as more flexible funding to address the range of needs among these children.

Researchers estimated that, to maintain teacher-student classroom ratios and accommodate recent arrivals, multiple states would have needed to hire an additional 1,000 teachers. And the two school districts with most new arrivalsLos Angeles County, California, and Harris County, Texaswould also have each needed to hire at least an additional 1,000 new teachers from FY2017 to FY2019. The researchers did not track whether the districts did in fact hire those numbers of new teachers.

"Schools, and teachers themselves, need supports to help newcomers learn," said Julia Kaufman, report coauthor and a senior policy researcher at RAND. "Many of these children bring extra challenges to the classroom. Some have little formal education, are English-language learners, are in impoverished households or have symptoms of psychological distress and trauma. We found that the policies in place and accessibility of resources were often hard to navigate at the local level."

The report offers policy recommendations aimed at easing pressure on schools, including:

Create agreements for educational records transfers with Northern Triangle countries

Create opportunities for collaboration and discussion among the Office of Refugee Resettlement, community service providers who support immigrant families, and local education agencies

Provide additional funding for schools with immigration surges on a rolling basis

Increase funding and resources for nonacademic supports for students, such as mental health and counseling services

Provide professional learning and high-quality resources to all teachers to support English-language learners as well as information and training for all school staff who engage with newly arriving children.

Explore further Most U.S. social studies teachers feel unprepared to teach civic learning
Electron microscopy of West Nile virus. Credit: PhD Dre, Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

A group of scientists affiliated with the University at Albany and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) are predicting that the total number of West Nile virus (WNV) cases will increase, and be more geographically widespread, across New York and Connecticut in future years due to warming trends.

The scientists, part of the Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Disease (CCEID) working group, created two machine learning-based statistical models that use a combination of observational climate data and current numbers of human WNV cases to estimate future rates of the virus. A regional version of the model was trained to run simulations using data from each state, with numbers broken down to the county level. An analog version was trained using data from Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Delaware as a contiguous region that is expected to be similar in future climate.

Both regional and analog versions of the model predicted significant increases in future WNV cases across both New York and Connecticut, with decreases in some counties, including those in New York City and Long Island, that are currently at the highest risk for the virus. When counties were grouped by region, eight regions were predicted to see increases in human WNV cases, two regions were predicted to have fewer human WNV cases, and one was predicted to show no change.

An independent trait-based model based on mosquito and virus responses to temperature changes also predicted a future increase in WNV cases across both states.

Findings were published in Global Change Biology.

"Research on West Nile virus and emerging infectious diseases is important to safeguarding public health and safety, especially in the context of climate change," said Alexander "Sasha" Keyel, the paper's lead author, and a post-doctoral researcher in UAlbany's Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (DAES) and the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center. "Many of these disease systems can change in complex and non-intuitive ways with changes in climate and land use."

"Future research on viral evolution under climate change is especially important, as we know these viruses are evolving, but that is not currently reflected in the future projections," he added.

Improving vector-borne disease prediction

WNV has infected more than 50,000 people and caused more than 2,200 deaths in the last 20 years across the United States. While numbers fluctuate annually, a CDC report found that diseases caused by tick, mosquito and flea bites more than tripled in the U.S. between 2004 and 2016.

UAlbany partnered with the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center to form the CCEID working group in 2015. Together, the group has collaborated to better understand how environmental factors increase or decrease human health risk from vector-borne diseases. The group also joined seven other universities and other state departments in 2017 to create a $10 million Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD) hosted at Cornell University.

The group created a "Random Forest" statistical model that uses a series of climate-related variables along with other relevant factors, such as a region's human population, mosquito abundance and presence of wastewater treatment plants, to provide seasonal forecasts for WNV and pinpoint locations with increased risk for the disease.

This latest study adds to their previous findings that indicated low soil moisture and/or warm summer nights are associated with increased WNV numbers. Most human cases of the virus are contracted during the months of July to September.

"Finding cause and effect relations between climate and WNV infection rates is a challenging research problem that can only be tackled through interdisciplinary collaborations," said Oliver Elison Timm, a DAES associate professor and paper co-author. "We relied on modern machine learning tools to analyze large sets of climate and environmental data. To make sure that our future projections are not just a statistical artifact, we applied the three independent models and identified the robustness of our results."

Other co-authors included Ajay Raghavendra, a recent graduate of UAlbany's doctoral program in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, and Alexander Ciota of the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center and UAlbany's School of Public Health.

Explore further Rising temperatures could shift US West Nile virus transmission

More information: Alexander C. Keyel et al, West Nile virus is predicted to be more geographically widespread in New York State and Connecticut under future climate change, Global Change Biology (2021). Alexander C. Keyel et al, West Nile virus is predicted to be more geographically widespread in New York State and Connecticut under future climate change,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15842 More information about WNV and other vector-borne diseases may be found on the NYSDOH's FAQ page. Journal information: Global Change Biology
September 30, 2021 in Multimedia (E)

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MacXDVD Software is a division of Digiarty Software Company, owns a professional multimedia software development team, providing a range of products for Macintosh Computer users, including MacX Video Converter, MacX DVD Ripper, DVD Author, DVD backup tools, etc, series of apps for Apple video player, and iPhone, iPad 2D and 3D video games. Copyright (C) 2021 MacXDVD Software. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

###
9/29 NJPW G1 CLIMAX REPORT FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO

By James Kurokawa on 2021-09-29 18:46:00

9/29/21 B Block Results from New Japan's G1 Climax 31 from Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan:

G1 Climax B Block Matches:

Taichi, with Miho Abe vs. EVIL, with Dick Togo

Taichi kicks Dick Togo in the face before the bell. EVIL attacks Taichi and they go to the floor. Taichi throws EVIL into the barricade. Togo hits Taichi the back and EVIL takes the advantage in the match. EVIL and Togo use their usual heel shenanigans to distract the referee and beat down Taichi. Taichi fights back with a choke and kicks EVIL off the apron into the timekeeper's table. EVIL gets back in the ring and Taichi hits him with kicks and goes for an Ax Bomber. EVIL reverses and hits Darkness Falls. Two count. Taichi lands an Ax Bomber and goes for a super kick. Both men trade reversals on their finishers. Taichi goes for an attack, but EVIL pulls the referee in the way. Taichi pushes the referee aside and EVIL tries for a low blow. Taichi blocks it. Taichi kicks EVIL in the groin. EVIL drops to his knees. Taichi traps EVIL in a Gedo Clutch. Togo distracts the referee who cannot make the count. Taichi hits a Double Ax Bomber on EVIL and Togo. Taichi gets stunned after EVIL throws him into an exposed turnbuckle. EVIL tries for Everything is Evil but Taichi reverses and hits a high kick to EVIL's face. Taichi hits a Dangerous Backdrop. Close two count.

Togo grabs Miho Abe and threatens her. Taichi gets distracted. EVIL hits a low blow on Taichi. EVIL hits Everything is Evil on Taichi. EVIL does not go for the pin, but decides to apply the Darkness Scorpion. Miho Abe was screaming for Taichi, but Togo holds her back. Taichi does not move. The referee calls the match as Taichi is out.

EVIL wins and earns two points.

Taichi had to be helped from the ring by young lions. Taichi tried to attack the referee.

The interference by Togo was a bit much. Togo threatening Miho Abe (or any woman) is cheap heat and should never be done in wrestling. EVIL had to rebound after losing to Okada in the last B Block event. EVIL does not need to cheat to win because he is a good wrestler. The cheating devalues EVIL's wins and the G1 Climax. However, EVIL choosing to not pin Taichi and go for the Darkness Scorpion should enhance the image of the "House of Torture". This is a positive in terms of storyline building.

SANADA vs. Chase Owens

Early in the match, Owens got a leg takedown and tried to apply the Paradise Lock on SANADA. He wrapped up his arms and flipped him over. Owens cheered and posed to the crowd. SANADA simply stood up which showed that Owens did not apply it correctly. SANADA tosses Owens to the floor. Owens trips up SANADA on the ring apron and SANADA takes a hard bump on the edge of the ring. SANADA is thrown into the guardrails. Back in the ring, Owens uses punches and chokes on SANADA's neck. Owens follows up with a series of neckbreakers. SANADA fights back and puts Owens in a real Paradise Lock. Pace picks up. Owens hits a Last Shot. Two count. SANADA counters with a TKO. Two count. SANADA misses a moonsault but applies a Dragon Sleeper. Owens is able to escape and nails a Shining Wizard. Owens goes for a Jewel Heist but SANADA reverses out and goes for a rolling cradle pin with a bridge. During this sequence, Owens grabs the referee and throws him to the mat. SANADA goes to check on the referee. Owens and SANADA trade strikes. Owens hits a high knee and goes for a Package Piledriver. SANADA breaks free. Owens tries for his own rolling cradle pin with a bridge, but SANADA reverses into Skull End. Owens is fading. SANADA releases the hold and hits a top rope moonsault.

SANADA pins Owens.

SANADA gets the win and earns 2 points.

Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb

Cobb uses his power early on to attack the back of Goto. Goto had trouble on offensive as his back was in pain. Cobb had several near falls as Goto kept fighting and kicking out of pins. Goto flipped Cobb on his back with a Judo throw, then went for an arm submission. Cobb got the rope break. Cobb picked up Goto for an Oklahoma Stampede, but Goto slid off his back and applied a Sleeper. Cobb reversed out and hit a Spincycle. Cobb followed up with a deadlift German suplex. Damn! Cobb tried for a Tour of the Islands, but Goto slid out and hit a reverse neckbreaker, with a pin attempt. Two count. Goto hits a reverse GTR, which stunned Cobb. Goto hit a lariat. Two count. Goto went for another GTR. Cobb punches his way out. Goto holds onto the wrist of Cobb and throws a headbutt into Cobb's face. Cobb throws a headbutt of his own and connects under the chin of Goto. Goto drops to the mat in a daze, still holding onto Cobb's wrist. Cobb pulls Goto off the mat, catches him and hits Tour of the Islands.

Cobb pins Goto.

Jeff Cobb wins and earns 2 points. Cobb is the first man to reach 6 points and leads the B Block.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tama Tonga, with Jado

They began with headlocks and armbars. Tama went for two Gun Stuns early but Tanahashi blocked them. Tama got frustrated and began brawling with punches and forearms. Tama went for a chin lock to wear Tanahashi down. Tanahashi fought back with strikes and elbows. Tama applied the Tongan Death Grip to Tanahashi's neck, an homage to his dad, Haku. Tanahashi with a Dragon screw leg whip. Tanahashi tried to apply the Texas Cloverhold. Tama fought back with the Tongan Death Grip. He forced Tanahashi into a corner, and the referee admonished Tama. Tanahashi tried for a Slingblade, but Tama reversed it into a Tonga Twist. Two count. Tanahashi was clutching his head. Tama hit his own Slingblade and climbed to the top rope. He hit a Frog Splash on Tanahashi. Two count. Tama sets up for a Gun Stun, but Tanahashi counters into a Twist and Shout. Tanahashi with a Slingblade. Tanahashi hits Aces High. Tanahashi goes for High Fly Flow but misses. Tama finally connects with a Gun Stun. But he is slow to cover. Two count. Tanahashi rolls Tama into crucifix pin.

Tanahashi pins Tama Tonga.

Hiroshi Tanahashi earns 2 points and is in a 4 way tie for second place in B Block.

Really good match. Tama Tonga has looked awesome in the G1. Tama has spoken of his respect for Tanahashi on his podcast, so I expected a good match between both men. Jado, again, was not involved in the match. The two participants in the match told the story in the ring, without outside forces controlling the final decision.

Kazuchika Okada vs. YOSHI-HASHI

YOSHI-HASHI came to the ring with his left arm heavily taped up. He took a beating from Jeff Cobb in the last B Block event. YOSHI-HASHI has had problems with his shoulder in the past.

Both men trade headlocks in the early moments. The match goes to the floor and Okada hits a DDT. YOSHI-HASHI almost gets counted out. YOSHI-HASHI is opening and closing his left hand, trying to get blood flowing in the left arm. Okada hit another DDT on YOSHI-HASHI in the ring. Okada is focused on YOSHI-HASHI's head and neck. They both start throwing elbows. YOSHI-HASHI gets the upper hand after hitting a Headhunter, which stuns Okada. YOSHI-HASHI hits a Blockbuster from the top rope. Okada is clutching his neck. Two count. YOSHI-HASHI applies the Butterfly Lock submission, putting pressure on Okada's neck. Okada gets a rope break. Okada applies the Money Clip. YOSHI-HASHI gets to the ropes. Okada flips YOSHI-HASHI back into the middle of the ring and re-applies the Money Clip. YOSHI-HASHI looks like he is about to pass out, but he lunges and gets to the ropes. Okada hits an elbow from the top rope. Okada does the Rainmaker poses, suggesting the end is near. YOSHI-HASHI ducks the Rainmaker and counters with a chop. Okada grabs YOSHI-HASHI's wrist and hits two lariats. Okada winds up for a Rainmaker but YOSHI-HASHI hits first with his own lariat. YOSHI-HASHI hits a Dragon Suplex. Okada tries for a dropkick but misses. YOSHI-HASHI hits a running double knee into Okada's face. Two count. YOSHI-HASHI drops Okada with a lariat and plants him with a Kumagoroshi. Okada kicks out at two. YOSHI-HASHI applies the Butterfly Lock again. YOSHI-HASHI transitioned to a Sleeper Hold, then went back to the Butterfly Lock. Okada almost got to the ropes, but YOSHI-HASHI put the Sleeper back on. YOSHI-HASHI tried for Kharma. But Okada reversed out of the move and picked up YOSHI-HASHI for a tombstone.

Okada misses a Shotgun dropkick and YOSHI-HASHI hits a lariat. YOSHI-HASHI goes for a top rope flipping senton but misses. Okada connects with a dropkick. Okada goes for a Rainmaker, and YOSHI-HASHI ducks and rolls Okada into a cradle pin. Two count. Okada goes for another Rainmaker, but YOSHI-HASHI hits a superkick. YOSHI-HASHI goes for Kharma again, but Okada reverses and hits a sitdown tombstone. Okada finally hits the Rainmaker.

Okada pins YOSHI-HASHI.

Kazuchika Okada earns 2 points and is now in a tie for the lead with 6 points along with Jeff Cobb.

Another good match. Despite his 0-3 record, YOSHI-HASHI performed well in this match. Okada had to earn his win here. YOSHI-HASHI's performance built to the climax of the match to Okada finally hitting his finisher. YOSHI-HASHI was unable to hit his Kharma finisher, so one would wonder whether if had hit it, could have beaten Okada.

B Block Standings as of 9/29/21

YOSHI-HASHI - 0

EVIL - 4

Jeff Cobb - 6

Chase Owens - 0

SANADA - 4

Tama Tonga - 2

Hirooki Goto - 0

Taichi - 4

Hiroshi Tanahashi - 4

Kazuchika Okada - 6

B Block action returns on Friday October 1.

Thank you for reading.

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Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net
Following its discovery in 1999, the Nebra Sky Disc spent three years on the black market until authorities seized the relic in a 2002 sting operation.

Shortly thereafter, in 2005, Regensburg University archaeologist Peter Schauer claimed the disc was a modern forgery. His arguments have been dismissed; the corrosion and other lines of evidence are a testimony to this object's advanced age.

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Still, the nature of its recovery raises questions. The two men who found the sky disc claimed they unearthed it at a site near Nebra, Germany  about 111 miles (180 kilometers) southwest of Berlin. Since the disc was considered property of the state, they had no legal right to dig it up or attempt to sell it. But these guys did both. And in 2005, they were found guilty of illegal excavation.

" " A pair of Bronze Age swords, among other artifacts, was allegedly found near the site of the Nebra Sky Disc discovery in 1999. Schellhorn/ullstein bild/Getty Images

Before the sting, the looters tried to sell the disc as part of a collection that also included two axes, two swords and other artifacts allegedly taken from the same location.

Is It Bronze Age or Iron Age?

Right now, the disc is on display at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle, Germany. According to the locally based State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology's official website, it "cannot be directly dated" using radiometric dating techniques.

Yet all is not lost. Radiocarbon dating shows that the bark on one of those associated sword hilts is about 3,600 years old. If the sky disc was made at the same time (more or less), then it's definitely a Bronze Age treasure.

However, a controversial paper, released in September 2020, proposes that the disc's place of origin may not have been reported accurately. The authors also suspect it could be 1,000 years younger than previously thought, making it an Iron Age relic.

Harald Meller, director of the Halle State Museum, isn't sold. Neither is Deputy State Archaeologist Alfred Reichenberger, who wrote a press release questioning the 2020 paper. "The colleagues not only ignore the abundance of published research results in recent years, their various arguments are also easily refuted," declared Reichenberger's statement. According to this January, 2021 story in The New York Times, the controversy concerning the age of the disc continues to rage unabated.

Looters, a court case and rejected fakery charges. After everything it's been through  just in the past 21 years or so  one wonders what the future has in store for the mysterious Nebra Sky Disc.

Now That's Interesting Capitalizing on his artistic background, the great astronomer Galileo Galilei published detailed sketches of sunspots and the moon's pockmarked face.

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Originally Published: Oct 1, 2020
" " A slew of startups see mushrooms as an environmental game-changer  able to replace some plastics, be used in meatless meats, and even eat through waste. Santiago Urquijo/Getty Images

In college, Eben Bayer grew mushrooms under his dorm room bed. The mechanical engineering student, who had grown up on a Vermont farm, was convinced the fungus was one of nature's most effective "technologies" and could be used to overhaul the way we make a range of everyday products.

Thirteen years later, his New York-based company Ecovative Design produces over a million pounds per year of its compostable mushroom-based alternative to Styrofoam. And Bayer is turning his mind to the next product on his list: fake meat.

Bayer believes mycelium  the network of tissue that makes up the body of many fungi, a broad category that includes mushrooms  could be a great, eco-friendly meat alternative. The fermented slabs can even be cut thin enough to make a "very compelling bacon."

"We could do a thousand and one things with mycelium," Bayer says.

Bayer is not alone in his belief in the magical power of mushrooms. Much of their appeal comes from the plethora of potential solutions they seem to offer to our many environmental problems.

" " Mmm. Is that bacon? Actually it's not. It's an eco-friendly meat alternative made from mushrooms. Ecovative

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Is Fungi a Game-Changer?

There is now a slew of startups touting fungi as an environmental game-changer, able to make the construction industry greener, replace animal products in our food and clothes, and even clean up pollution and eat through waste. They say mycelium's unique structure and chemical properties, combined with the fact that mushrooms are easy to grow, found all over the world and consume almost anything, make them the ideal building block for a wide range of applications. NASA is even thinking about building homes from fungus on Mars.

But while the buzz around fungus is getting louder, its impact on the ground is still relatively hard to spot. Mushroom-based leather, for example, has drawn attention as an alternative to animal skins, but is still limited to a tiny range of designers. And while mushroom-based materials, like the ones produced by Ecovative, have been talked up as a replacement for plastic for a decade, global plastic production is still booming (or at least was before the coronavirus pandemic).

For Peter McCoy, the author of "Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working with Fungi," it's strange that it has taken so long for fungi to gain attention given their status in nature. As neither plants nor bacteria nor animals, they can do certain things in the environment none of those groups can do, says McCoy, who is also the founder of a grassroots group working to spread awareness about the fungi field.

One unique function is that their threadlike tissue grows fast and in tight networks, lending itself to light and strong material suitable for a range of purposes. But perhaps even more important, McCoy says, is that they produce a cocktail of chemicals when digesting food or protecting themselves.

"That chemical soup  which will vary by species or even the environment they're in  leads to a whole range of compounds that we don't find anywhere else in the natural world," says McCoy, pointing to penicillin as an example of the powerful substances they generate. "Fungi are nature's greatest chemists."

Deepening insights into these powers, combined with technological advances  particularly in genetics  have led to an explosion of interest in how to apply fungi's "chemical mastery" to human systems, says McCoy. That encompasses products we might use, for example, to package goods, build houses and feed ourselves; and also processes that can help clean up our world, for example by breaking down environmental toxins and consuming plastic.

"For the first time in human history, we understand and can work with these organisms to greater degrees than has ever been possible," he says.

" " Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus that consists of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae and several startups are using it to create products like insulation. Kichigin/Shutterstock

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Building Blocks With Mycelium

Ehab Sayed, the founder of U.K. biotech startup Biohm, shares that view. Scientists in the company's London lab work to develop new strains of fungi by exposing batches to stimuli like differing light or humidity levels. In this process, known as directed evolution, the fungi rapidly evolve, for instance creating new enzymes, Sayed says. And when these adaptations look like they'll be useful to humans in some way, the team clones the fungi and develops them further.

One product to come out of this process is a mushroom-based building insulation, made by feeding waste to mycelium. The company plans to launch it commercially this summer as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insulation materials, which Biohm says are carbon-intensive to manufacture, hard to recycle and pose a risk to health by emitting volatile organic compounds into buildings.

Biohm's insulation will be expensive when it launches  at around $30 per square meter (compared to an industry average of around $15). But the material will be cost-effective, according to Sayed, since its thermal conductivity is lower than conventional insulation, meaning less is needed to achieve the same result.

The company also expects the price to fall quickly as it scales  Biohm is turning an old paper mill in southwest England into a vertical mushroom farm and plans to expand to the Netherlands and Portugal next year.

Working with mushrooms has key commercial advantages, Sayed says  most obviously their ability to thrive on waste. Raw materials are usually a manufacturer's main expense, but Biohm grows its mushrooms using other companies' byproducts, such as timber shavings and grass clippings, which it is paid to collect, creating a "double revenue stream."

Yet despite such selling points, making a success of fungal products in the real world is not always straightforward. In 2016, furniture giant IKEA announced plans to replace plastic foam with Ecovative's mushroom packaging to great fanfare, but has since quietly dropped the scheme. The retailer said in an email to HuffPost that "it was not possible to scale production to make it viable at industry level."

" " Evocative is using mushrooms to replace packaging for all kinds of products, like this wine bottle mailer. Evocative

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Commercial Uses for Mushrooms

Part of the challenge, says Bayer, is to focus on areas where mushroom-based products can add value and be cost competitive, rather than trying to use them for everything. Attempting to displace throwaway plastic-foam cups  mass-produced on an epic scale and value-engineered to be extremely cheap  is a nonstarter, for example: "It's a horrible application for our technology. [It's] never going to be competitive. So someone else has to solve the cup problem," he says.

But even when they believe they have the right solution, some startups have found a lack of appetite for investing in new products and processes in incumbent industries.

Life Cykel is an Australian company that started out growing gourmet mushrooms off of waste coffee grounds collected from local cafes and has since expanded into the health field, with a range of mushroom extracts that claim to boost immunity. Customers include elite athletes and bee farmers, who feed the extract directly to their bees.

Company founder Julian Mitchell believes Life Cykel could also help tackle the problem of waste in the fashion industry. In small-scale trials, he says, the team has successfully used mushrooms to break down discarded clothing. But Mitchell says that scaling this to the point where it could have an impact would need much greater investment from clothing companies  and commitment to solving their waste problem  than is currently visible. "It comes down always to capital investment and are those companies prepared to invest in that or are they happy just to send it off to landfill?"

Udeme John Dickson, an environmental scientist at Nottingham Trent University in the U.K., has observed a similar challenge in the area of mycoremediation  the use of fungi to break down pollution in soil or other environments. The idea that the all-consuming hunger of fungi can be harnessed to clean up waste already polluting land and waterways has excited scientists for decades. But Dickson says the remediation industry has so far failed to invest in refining the method to the point it can be widely commercialized.

Both Mitchell and Dickson would like to see higher levels of government intervention to incentivize corporate investment in fungi-based approaches  such as higher taxes on dumping waste in landfill.

But others believe a more radical restructuring of our global manufacturing industry  one that takes power away from big companies  may be required to create a world where mushroom-based products flourish.

Rather than "locking down" knowledge and production in the hands of a few companies, says Alysia Garmulewicz, a professor of the circular economy at Chile's University of Santiago, it would be much better to have a global network of local producers, sharing recipes and making materials from locally abundant resources. This, says Garmulewicz  who is also co-director of Materiom, a platform providing open data on materials made from renewable resources  would accelerate the spread and use of more sustainable approaches.

"I think that's a mindset shift that needs to happen. Rather than thinking, this is going to be the next thing that takes us to a huge scale commercially, and we'll create this massive plant that's going to produce it for everybody, we need to think about disseminating the knowledge so that people in many locations can start making it," Garmulewicz says.

It's a massive leap from where we are today, but the approach of some startups suggests they are beginning to think along these lines. Rather than setting up its own production facilities overseas, Ecovative, for example, is training others and licensing them to produce mushroom packaging themselves.

"Ecovative isn't a company that can go set up a factory in France and hire French packaging salespeople  we don't understand the culture, we don't understand the distribution, the supply chain, the language," Bayer says. "So what we're seeing is smaller, entrepreneurial packaging companies who come to us and are setting up those sites. I feel like we're on the cusp of an explosion of this."

McCoy meanwhile says communities can start getting benefits from fungi without waiting for the market to develop fully. Grassroots groups, for example, could get together and work out how best to use mushrooms to clean up local pollution spots. He has started an online mycology school to help boost public awareness and bring fungi in from the fringe.

The more we talk about fungus and normalize it, the better, says McCoy  "the more we say, 'Hey there, they're critical to the environment, they're fascinating historically and culturally. They're not weird.'"

This story originally appeared in HuffPost and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.
" " This photograph shows a close-up view of a developing pyrocumulonimbus cloud above the Oregon Gulch fire, part of the Beaver Complex fire, taken from an F-15C on July 31, 2014. James Haseltine, Oregon Air National Guard

There are few things more ominous than a looming thundercloud. Add a wildfire to the mix, and the result can be a towering tempest of thick smoke, smoldering embers and superheated air.

Fire-fueled thunderstorms are naturally occurring weather systems that sometimes spin up as a result of smoke and heat billowing from intense wildfires. These extreme storms, called pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb), occur infrequently, but when they do, they can lead to tragic results.

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The Making of a Fire Storm

Wildfires give off intense heat, forcing large amounts of smoke and hot air to rise. As the mixture moves higher into the troposphere  the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere  it cools and expands as the air pressure drops. Moisture in the air soon condenses, forming big puffy clouds called pyrocumulus clouds.

When conditions in the atmosphere are just right  including a hot, dry layer of air near the ground and a cooler, wetter layer above it  the atmosphere can become convectively unstable. Increasingly turbulent air sets water droplets and ice crystals in pyrocumulus clouds on a collision course, building up an electrical charge and turning the system into a towering thunderhead.

The soaring pyroCbs, which rarely produce rain on the ground even though they are thunderstorms, can even rise out of the troposphere and extend into the stratosphere 10 of miles/kilometers above the surface.

" " A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Angeles National Forest in 2012 during a fire in Azusa Canyon. JeremyaGreene/Wikimedia Commons/(CC BY-SA 4.0)

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As Dark as Night

Not surprisingly, pyroCbs can be incredibly dangerous. On Feb. 7, 2009, the most devastating day of fires in Australia's history spawned at least three pyroCbs that carried embers 18 miles (30 kilometers) from their source and sparked lightning that ignited additional fires 62 miles (100 kilometers) away. Known as the Black Saturday bushfires, these fires collectively burned 1,737 square miles (4,500 square kilometers) and claimed 173 lives.

A pyroCb that formed during the Carr Fire near Redding, California in 2018 had such strong winds that it created a tornado-strength fire vortex, and a pyroCb in Canberra, Australia, in 2003 was so extreme that it released a torrent of black hail and turned the daytime sky as dark as night.

Fortunately, these events are still relatively rare, although 2019 research from Australia suggests that climate change may cause conditions there to become more favorable for the formation of pyroCbs in the future.

Nick Nauslar, who forecasts fire weather for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service, said that about 25 to 50 pyroCb events occur around the world each year. He said that predicting exactly when the storms will occur remains a challenge for scientists.

"They are still really difficult to forecast," Nauslar said. Even though scientists can check the weather conditions before a fire, they can't describe exactly how a wildfire will affect the lower atmosphere and change the weather conditions. The effort to study pyroCbs "is still so young and there's still so much to learn," Nauslar said.

" " This natural-color image collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) shows a pyrocumulonimbus cloud erupting from a 2014 fire north of Buffalo Lake in Alberta, Canada. NASA

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Smoke High Above

A major signature of pyroCbs is their impact on the stratosphere. But until recently, scientists didn't think wildfires could inject soot, aerosols and organic compounds high into the atmosphere.

The "idea that a firestorm could act like a volcano and inject material into the stratosphere was completely unknown," said Mike Fromm, a meteorologist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Fromm has studied pyroCbs since the late 1990s using satellite instruments.

Smoke particles from pyroCbs can stay in the atmosphere for days to weeks and, in extreme cases, months. Smoke from a massive pyroCb in Canada in 2017 remained suspended in the upper stratosphere for eight months, according to a recent study in the journal Science in which researchers considered the lofted pyroCb particles as a proxy to investigate the potential climatic and atmospheric effects of smoke plumes from nuclear explosions.

PyroCbs won't be causing a nuclear winter anytime soon, but Fromm told Science News that an open question about pyroCb plumes is whether they could damage ozone in the stratosphere. "We're still trying to understand and quantify and calculate [whether] there is, in fact, a climate impact of these plumes," Fromm told Eos.

This story originally appeared on Eos.org and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration to strengthen coverage of the climate story.

Now That's Crazy Pyrocumulus clouds can also form after massive volcanic eruptions. During Kilauea's unprecedented 2018 eruption, pyrocumulonimbus clouds  complete with lightning strikes  formed over fissure 8 in Leilani Estates on Hawai'i Island.
" " The Soyuz rocket was launched with Nick Hague of NASA and Alexey Ovchinin of Roscosmos on Oct. 11, 2018. During the spacecraft's climb to orbit, an anomaly occurred resulting in an abort downrange. The crew was quickly recovered and unharmed. NASA/Bill Ingalls

The failed Russian Soyuz spacecraft that occurred in Kazakhstan on Oct. 11, 2018, has raised some concerns about the International Space Station (ISS). Global space agencies hope that the snafu  which claimed no lives  was just a minor setback, but it could leave the ISS without a crew in the near future.

On the morning of Oct. 11, 2018, Russia's Soyuz-FG rocket was slated to deliver a pair of astronauts up to the ISS. Nearly two minutes after it launched out of the Kazakhstan-based Baikonur Cosmodrome spaceport, the vessel malfunctioned, triggering automatic escape mechanisms and aborting the mission.

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After a ballistic, 34-minute descent on the Soyuz-FG capsule, NASA astronaut Tyler Nicklaus "Nick" Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin returned to Earth. Though the duo landed a full 310 miles (500 kilometers) northeast of the original launch site, neither man was hurt.

Since 2011, the Russian-owned Soyuz rocket line has monopolized the transport of humans to the ISS. Rides on this extraterrestrial taxi service aren't cheap: In exchange for letting Americans travel via Soyuz, Russia's government charges a fare of $81 million U.S. dollars per astronaut.

Up until Oct. 11, the Soyuz-FG carrier rocket had a 100 percent success rate, with more than 50 crewed  and accident-free  spaceflights to its credit. Russia is still figuring out what exactly went wrong on the latest mission, but analysts have a good general idea.

Astronauts aboard the Soyuz-SG sit over three sets, or "stages," of propulsion equipment arranged in a vertical column. The stages are designed to harmlessly break away in a specific order. Yet during the Oct. 11 launch, at an altitude of 31 miles (50 kilometers), one of the first-stage rocket boosters crashed into another component. "The rocket stopped its normal flight and after that the automatic [escape] system did its work," Sergei Krikalev, director of manned spaceflight at Roscosmos (Russia's space agency) explained in a statement.

Roscosmos won't consent to launching any more manned spaceflights until the recent accident's precise cause has been identified. The organization also plans to hold off on all human-bearing missions until after it's successfully executed three crewless Soyuz launches using robotics.

Meanwhile, NASA has said that its ISS-bound astronauts will continue to rely on Soyuz rockets for the time being. However, if Roscosmos is unable to get that spaceflight program up and running again, the ISS may be forced into an uncertain predicament. The private companies Boeing and SpaceX are  on NASA's behalf  developing new shuttles intended to act as Soyuz replacements. But neither organization will be ready to wheel out its finished product until at least 2019.

The ISS's current three-person crew  American astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor, German Commander Alexander Gerst and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev  is still able to receive supplies from unmanned ships. The crew was scheduled to return to Earth in December and be replaced by a new crew, but their mission could now be extended. If no Soyuz rockets are available by then, the astronauts may have to return via the Soyuz capsule currently docked to the ISS. That's because each Soyuz spacecraft can only stay docked to the ISS for about 200 days. The one there now will expire around January 2019, leaving the crew few choices: Be stranded or abandon the ISS.

Neither option is a good one. NASA and other space agencies would have no way to replace the ISS astronauts with new crewmen. That could result in an unprecedented situation: The $100 billion ISS being operated remotely by ground controllers with no human crew on board  a scenario NASA would rather avoid. Roscosmos will give Soyuz flights another whirl on Oct. 24, when one of their unmanned rockets is to embark on a spaceward journey with a military satellite in tow.

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin Ovchinin had already been to the ISS, but NASA astronaut Tyler Nicklaus "Nick" Hague was supposed to make his debut there when the Soyuz rocket failed. "I expected my first trip to space to be memorable," Hague said in a press conference. "I didn't expect it to be quite this memorable." Should all go well, he and his colleague may get another chance at visiting the ISS.
" " Pilots from a Navy aircraft in 2014 described a "little white Tic-Tac-looking object," similar to the one seen here, moving above the water off California before it disappeared. Geraint Rowland Photography/Getty Images

You don't have to be a Steven Spielberg fan to recognize the famous scene  a giant UFO hovering over Wyoming's Devils Tower, dotted with bright neon lights against a black sky. It's from the 1977 movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and it's a perfect example of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy.

Or maybe not?

OK  "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is fiction, but it's inspired by more than just a smart screenwriter. According to both the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), the remote, northern American West is a hot spot for reports of alien encounters. Of course, not all are close encounters of the "third" kind.

Like the 1977 film, if you're lucky enough to see a creature of this other world, congratulations! That's a close encounter of the third kind. But what about close encounters of the first and second kind? What are those? (We'll get to that in a minute.) And who came up with them?

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J. Allen Hynek and UFOs

A UFO encounter classification system may seem like it was made up by RV-dragging, desert-dwelling conspiracy theorists, but it was created by J. Allen Hynek, a well-respected astronomer, defense researcher, and director of The Ohio State University's McMillin Observatory.

The U.S. Air Force approached Hynek with concerns about a growing number of reports of unexplained aircraft sightings throughout the country in the late 1940s. Hynek studied more than 200 reports and found that about 20 percent couldn't be identified. Hynek reported that he didn't see these "unidentified flying objects" as being of particular interest, but the public did, and the term caught on in the American zeitgeist.

Hynek continued to study well-publicized UFO sightings and consulted on the Air Force's Project Blue Book. But it wasn't until October 1973 when he investigated a Pascagoula, Mississippi, case in which two men reported being abducted by aliens that he decided there should be a classification for UFO sightings. Hynek believed the men were truthful and even gave the press sketches of the aliens who took the men hostage. He launched the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) soon after.

" " A close encounter of the first kind would be described as seeing a UFO that doesn't leave any sort of trace that it was there. David Wall/Getty Images

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Classifying UFO Encounters

The Mississippi event also prompted Hynek to write his 1972 book "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry," in which he famously laid out the three classes of "close encounters:"

Close encounter of the first kind : Someone simply observes a UFO but it leaves no evidence.

Close encounter of the second kind : A UFO leaves physical traces it was present, such as burns on the ground or broken branches.

Close encounter of the third kind: A person : A person makes contact with a UFO or other life form.

"A close encounter of the first kind is a visual sighting of a UFO. The second kind involves the UFO leaving some kind of a physical effect in its wake, and the third kind would involve the sighting of a UFO occupant," says Dr. Barna Donovan, a professor of communication and media studies at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, New Jersey. Donovan also teaches a class on the history of conspiracies and is the author of "Conspiracy Films: A Tour of Dark Places in the American Conscious."

Though Hynek died in 1996, other researchers have taken up the charge and since added additional encounter types: a close encounter of the fourth kind covers alleged alien abductions while a close encounter of the fifth type includes  according to most sources  communication exchange between humans and non-Earth creatures.

"This broad five-point typology is the most effective way of categorizing alleged UFO encounters, although by the time researchers get to the close encounters of the fourth and fifth kind, they are dealing with the most controversial aspects of the phenomenon," Donovan says.

Though Hynek's classification system is the one most used by science-based UFO researchers, it's not the only one. Some UFOlogists, as they're called, use sub-classifications within each kind. These subtypes further classify encounter by factors such as where the creature was seen (inside or outside the UFO) and whether lights were seen at night or during the day.

And if you want to get really into it, you can rate each encounter on the Rio Scale, which was developed at the 51st International Astronautical Congress, 29th Review Meeting on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence in 2000. The Rio Scale uses factors like reliability and quality of reporting to give each encounter a rating. Zero means a totally insignificant encounter, and 10 indicates an "extraordinary" sighting worthy of serious study.

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Why Classify UFO Encounters Anyway?

Of course, both of these systems raise a question: Why bother spending much time on classification systems when aliens aren't real? Donovan  who is himself a skeptic  says it's the roughly 10 percent of cases that can't be explained that are of interest to science.

"About 90 percent of sightings are misidentified aircraft, weather phenomena or sleep disorders [like sleep paralysis] of people reporting abduction experiences and experimentation upon by aliens," he says. But the other percentage is proof of one of two things: either a legitimate extraterrestrial presence or some type of phenomenon that science can't yet explain. To enthusiasts with a healthy imagination, either one is a massively exciting prospect.

However, perhaps an equally interesting aspect of alien encounter classifications is just how much the people who report alien abductions vary in age, location and background. While a small percentage actively seek encounters, Donovan says that most people are skeptics who often try to explain away what they've seen.

"It is not good to want to believe too much," he says. "People should be well versed in the ways of skeptical, critical observational methods." That said, Donovan points to cases like the Hill Abduction of 1961 as one of the very few textbook abductions that science can't fully explain more than 60 years later.

Donovan finds the unexplained sightings by the military  which are of the first and second kind only  the most fascinating and most likely to be actual proof of non-Earth-based life. These reports, some of which were confirmed by the Pentagon, are more recent and often recorded by the government via radar and military cameras. The visual evidence is often documented in several places by multiple witnesses removed from one another, which is far harder to explain away than phenomena like the "Marfa Lights" (likely headlines reflecting in the distance) or the 1947 "Roswell Incident."

" " The more rare close encounter of the third kind is when a person reportedly sees or even makes contact with a lifeform from outside of planet Earth. David Wall/Getty Images

Now That's Crazy If you have hope of being in the "lucky" 10 percent of people who report unexplainable encounters, you may actually want to follow in cinema footsteps: the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) has 380 reports of UFO sightings in Wyoming, with reports from the Devils Tower area citing visuals like "multiple orbs of green light frantically moving around in a seemingly random fashion." Though if you want to maximize your chances of a full-on encounter, head to California, which tops NUFORC's list with nearly 15,000 reports since 1975. Take note, Steven Spielberg.

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Originally Published: Feb 18, 2008
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The quoted title of this post is the lead headline of this lengthy and detailed Politico discussion of some of the case processing realities surrounding the on-going federal prosecutions of persons involved in the insurrection on January 6, 2021. I recommend the piece in full, and here are excerpts:

Americans outraged by the storming of Capitol Hill are in for a jarring reality check: Many of those who invaded the halls of Congress on Jan. 6 are likely to get little or no jail time. While public and media attention in recent weeks has been focused on high-profile conspiracy cases against right-wing, paramilitary groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, the most urgent decisions for prosecutors involve resolving scores of lower-level cases that have clogged D.C.s federal district court.

A POLITICO analysis of the Capitol riot-related cases shows that almost a quarter of the more than 230 defendants formally and publicly charged so far face only misdemeanors. Dozens of those arrested are awaiting formal charges, even as new cases are being unsealed nearly every day. In recent days, judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys have all indicated that they expect few of these MAGA tourists to face harsh sentences.

There are two main reasons: Although prosecutors have loaded up their charging documents with language about the existential threat of the insurrection to the republic, the actions of many of the individual rioters often boiled down to trespassing. And judges have wrestled with how aggressively to lump those cases in with those of the more sinister suspects. My bet is a lot of these cases will get resolved and probably without prison time or jail time, said Erica Hashimoto, a former federal public defender who is now a law professor at Georgetown....

The resolution of the more mundane cases also presents acute questions about equity, since most of the Capitol riot defendants are white, while misdemeanor charges are often a vexing problem for minority defendants in other cases. There are also sensitive issues about precedent for the future, given the frequency of politically inspired demonstrations on Capitol Hill that run afoul of the law....

Prosecutors have signaled that plea offers for some defendants will be coming within days and have readily acknowledged that some of the cases are less complicated to resolve than others. I think we can work out a non-trial disposition in this case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory Cole told Judge Dabney Friedrich last week in the case of Kevin Loftus, who was charged with unlawful presence and disrupting official business at the Capitol, among other offenses that have become the boilerplate set lodged against anyone who walked into the building that day without authorization.

The Justice Department will soon be in the awkward position of having to defend such deals, even as trials and lengthy sentences for those facing more serious charges could be a year or more away....

Former federal prosecutor Paul Butler said he hopes that those most troubled by the Capitol riot wont recoil at the looming deals for many participants. The punishment has to be proportional to the harm, but I think for many of us, well never forget watching TV Jan. 6 and seeing people wilding out in the Capitol, said Butler, now a law professor at Georgetown. Everybody who was there was complicit, but theyre not all complicit to the same degree for the same harm.

A standard set of four misdemeanor charges prosecutors have been filed in dozens of the Capitol cases carries a maximum possible punishment of three years in prison. But that sentence or anything close to it is virtually unheard of in misdemeanor cases, lawyers said. Nobody goes to jail for a first or second misdemeanor, Butler said flatly....

In virtually all the non-felony cases, the charges are likely to be grouped together as trespassing under federal sentencing guidelines. While those guidelines contain a small enhancement for entering a restricted building or grounds, defendants with no significant criminal history are looking at the lowest possible range: zero to six months. Zero months means no jail at all....

Another factor prosecutors and judges may weigh is that the treatment of misdemeanors by the justice system is currently the subject of intense attention in criminal justice reform circles. Reformers say such minor charges often cause major complications in the lives of the minority defendants who typically face them. A lot of Black or brown people, they dont get the benefit of individual judgment or breaks, said Butler. I think this will be a record number of white people who appear in federal criminal court in D.C.If theyre receiving mercy, the prosecutors office should make sure that same mercy will be applied to all the other people who they prosecute, who are mainly people of color and low-income people.

The former prosecutor said he hopes the high-profile Capitol prosecutions call attention to the underlying equity issues and to the fact that the vast majority of federal cases are resolved not through trials but the plea negotiations that are about to begin. This could be a teachable moment here for the public, Butler said.
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Politico continues its terrific coverage of prosecution of the Capitol rioters with this lengthy new piece fully headlined "Jan. 6 defendants win unlikely Dem champions as they face harsh detainment; 'Solitary confinement is a form of punishment that is cruel and psychologically damaging,' Sen. Elizabeth Warren said." I am always pleased to see politicians who express concerns about the operation of our justice systems do so no matter who the defendants happen to be. Here is how this story starts:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren fled the Capitol on Jan. 6 from a mob she later called domestic terrorists. Now she and another Senate Democratic leader are standing up for their attackers' rights as criminal defendants.

Most of the 300-plus people charged with participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot have been released while they await trial, but dozens of those deemed to be dangerous, flight risks or at high risk of obstructing justice were ordered held without bond. D.C. jail officials later determined that all Capitol detainees would be placed in so-called restrictive housing  a move billed as necessary to keep the defendants safe, as well as guards and other inmates. But that means 23-hour-a-day isolation for the accused, even before their trials begin.

And such treatment doesn't sit well with Warren or Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), two of the chamber's fiercest critics of solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is a form of punishment that is cruel and psychologically damaging, Warren said in an interview. And were talking about people who havent been convicted of anything yet.

The Massachusetts Democrat, a member of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's leadership team, said that while some limited uses of solitary confinement are justified, shes worried that law enforcement officials are deploying it to punish the Jan. 6 defendants or to break them so that they will cooperate.

Her sentiments are shared by Durbin, who also chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and expressed surprise that all of the detained Jan. 6 defendants were being kept in so-called restrictive housing. While their defense of accused rioters' rights as criminal defendants is unlikely to change the Justice Department's handling of those cases, it's a notable case of prominent progressives using their political clout to amplify their criminal justice reform calls even on behalf of Donald Trump supporters who besieged the entire legislative branch in January.

Durbin, who has long sought to eradicate solitary confinement, told POLITICO that such conditions should be a rare exception," for accused insurrectionists or any other prisoners. There has to be a clear justification for that, in very limited circumstances, he said.

D.C. government officials say the pandemic already has sharply limited freedom of movement in the jail where most Jan. 6 defendants are held. In fact, the entire jail has been subject to strict lockdown procedures since the onset of the pandemic, a determination that has caused broader controversy about prisoners' rights. But restrictive housing is a maximum-security designation, and the blanket designation for the Capitol defendants  which isn't expected to ease even if pandemic era restrictions do  is a notable decision for a large group of inmates who have yet to be tried for their alleged crimes.

Asked about the Democratic senators concerns, a spokesperson for the D.C. Department of Corrections touted the growing number of educational programs and limited amenity access that inmates are now offered. We appreciate the concern, patience and support of our neighbors as we work to keep all within DOC safe, as well as support the public safety of all in the District, said spokesperson Keena Blackmon.

Warren and Durbin's interest in the conditions facing detained Jan. 6 defendants come amid a massive Justice Department push to arrest and prosecute the hundreds of people who breached the Capitol and threatened the peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration.
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A few weeks ago, as blogged here, Politico spotlighted some case processing realities surrounding the on-going federal prosecutions of persons involved in the insurrection on January 6, 2021. That lengthy piece highlighted reasons why it could turn out, in the words of the headline, that "Many Capitol rioters [are] unlikely to serve jail time." Politico now has this additional interesting piece on the same beat headlined "Leniency for defendants in Portland clashes could affect Capitol riot cases." I also recommend this piece in full, in part because the piece showcases how differing charging policies and practices  both at the national level and in individual districts  can lead to differing case outcomes:

Federal prosecutors show of leniency for some defendants charged in the long-running unrest in the streets of Portland could have an impact on similar criminal cases stemming from the Capitol riot, lawyers say.

In recent weeks, prosecutors have approved deals in at least half a dozen federal felony cases arising from clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Oregon last summer. The arrangements  known as deferred resolution agreements  will leave the defendants with a clean criminal record if they stay out of trouble for a period of time and complete a modest amount of community service, according to defense attorneys and court records.

Some lawyers attribute the governments newfound willingness to resolve the Portland protest cases without criminal convictions to the arrival of President Joe Bidens administration in January and to policy and personnel changes at the Justice Department. Those moves seemed to step away from the highly public, throw-the-book-at-them stance that President Donald Trump and then-Attorney General William Barr adopted toward lawbreakers involved in racial justice protests that swept across the country last year following the death of George Floyd during an encounter with Minneapolis police.

Obviously there was a change in direction from Washington, and once they changed the U.S. attorney, that seemed to change the tone, said John Kolego, a defense attorney based in Eugene, Ore., who handled one of the Portland cases. They had their marching orders from Barr before, but the tone is definitely changed, Kolego said.

Five of the Portland cases in which deals were recently struck involved a felony charge of interfering with police during civil disorder. Some defendants are accused of punching or jumping on police officers during the street battles. One individual was charged after being accused of shining a high-powered green laser into the eyes of officers seeking to disperse a riot outside a police union building.

The civil disorder cases are notable because the charge of police interference is also being wielded by prosecutors in dozens of the criminal cases brought over the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 by pro-Trump protesters. In the Washington cases, prosecutors have filed the felony anti-riot charge in tandem with others, like obstructing an official proceeding or assaulting police officers.

Some of the assaults described in the Portland cases bear similarities to the Capitol violence. Prosecutors said one of the civil disorder defendants, Alexandra Eutin, used a wooden shield and hoses to strike a Portland police officer in the head while he was trying to make an arrest. Several Capitol riot suspects are accused of using riot shields to shove police or obstruct their efforts to secure the building from the mob....

While Justice Department headquarters in Washington loudly touted the arrests and indictments related to last summers unrest, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Portland said the resolutions it is reaching in those cases were not being approved by officials in Washington. There is no across-the-board standard being used to rule our protest cases in or out of consideration for a deferred prosecution agreement, and our office does not consult with Main Justice on when to use them, said Kevin Sonoff, the spokesperson.

However, Sonoff said the Portland prosecutors were acting under the authority that then-Attorney General Eric Holder granted to assistant U.S. attorneys a decade ago to craft resolutions they considered appropriate in criminal cases. Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, revoked that policy in 2017, but days after Bidens inauguration in January, the Justice Department returned to the Holder standards that Portland prosecutors are now citing. Under the 2010 Holder memo on charging and sentencing, AUSAs have broad discretion on how cases are resolved, the spokesperson said, referring to assistant U.S. attorneys.

Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor who is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, said: Undoubtedly, defense lawyers will point to everything they can to get the most favorable resolution for their clients. Now, one thing they can point to will be the deferred prosecutions in Portland. Still, prosecutors in D.C. can argue that what happened there is more serious even if the physical actions of the defendants were comparable. Attacking the Capitol is sui generis  its in a category of its own, Levenson said. One is the seat of government and the other is not.

One defense attorney in Washington representing Capitol riot defendants said he planned to raise the Portland cases as negotiations begin between the government and defendants over those arising from the Capitol I think theyre very relevant, said the defense lawyer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The individual conduct is actually not all that different: Youre at a protest that turns into a riot.  The core conduct is the same, so if people out there are getting deferred prosecution for that conduct, then my guy should be.

Nancy Gertner, a former federal judge, said she expected Portland comparisons as defense lawyers and the government jockey over the terms of potential plea deals. Sure, it would be relevant  but that feels very different than entering into the Capitol, said Gertner, now a lecturer at Harvard Law School. Gertner said many of the Capitol cases were headed for what she called a no-time resolution, meaning no prison time. But she emphasized that offering a deferred prosecution with no criminal record  like the Portland deals  was really up to prosecutors, who may be reluctant to agree to them amid lingering outrage over the Jan. 6 takeover. I can see prosecutors not wanting to give them  and a judge cant, she said....

The ad hoc resolutions in the Portland cases  some of which involve postponing action on the charges for as long as a year  are similar to more formal pretrial diversion programs in place at federal courts in Los Angeles, Seattle and Boston. Federal courts have programs to allow people to show they have been rehabilitated, Lisa Hay, the chief federal defender in Oregon, told POLITICO. I think the government should always look at the facts of the case and the individual charges. We are encouraged that the government is doing that in the cases here.

The federal District Court in D.C. where the Capitol riot defendants are charged does not have such a program, chiefly because less-serious cases in the nations capital are typically routed to D.C. Superior Court, which does have a diversion program of its own.... Deferred prosecution or resolution agreements are often used in state and local courts, but are more rare in federal courts. The Justice Department has generated controversy in recent years by using such deals to resolve investigations into corporations accused of being involved in criminal activity. That led to calls by some criminal justice reformers to offer such arrangements to individuals more frequently in federal criminal cases, although they have not become widespread.
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As reported in this Politico piece, headlined "Virginia couple pleads guilty in Capitol riot," the first set of pleas for low-level participating in the January 6 riots were entered in federal court yesterday. Here are the details:

A Virginia couple on Monday became the third and fourth defendants to plead guilty in the sprawling investigation stemming from the Capitol riot in January. However, Jessica and Joshua Bustle of Bristow, Va., became the first to plead guilty in federal court who faced only misdemeanor charges as a result of their actions at the Capitol as lawmakers were attempting to certify President Joe Bidens electoral college victory.

Under a deal with prosecutors, the Bustles each pleaded guilty to one of the four misdemeanor charges they faced: parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. They could get up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, but will be spared the potential of back-to-back sentences on multiple counts.

The arrangement could serve as a template for hundreds of other misdemeanor-only cases filed related to the Jan. 6 events. Defense attorneys say it also suggests that prosecutors will not readily agree to more lenient resolutions in Capitol riot cases, such as deferring the case and dismissing it following a period of good behavior.

Theres no guarantee what the sentence will be in this case, Judge Thomas Hogan told the Bustles during the afternoon hearing, conducted by videoconference. I can give a sentence thats legal up to the maximum in the statute: six months.

According to a complaint filed by an FBI agent in March, Jessica Bustle posted on her Facebook page on Jan. 6: Pence is a traitor. We stormed the capital. An unarmed peaceful woman down the hall from us was shot in the neck by cops. Its insane here.Pray for America!!!! In another post, Jessica Bustle  who said shes opposed to taking the coronavirus vaccine  indicated she and her husband were attending a health freedom rally separate from then-President Donald Trumps rally. They later decided to check out what was happening at the Capitol, she wrote. My husband and I just WALKED right in with tons of other people. Bustle also wrote: We need a Revolution....

The Bustles have also agreed to pay $500 apiece in restitution, Hogan said. Both the Bustles' attorneys and a prosecutor said they were prepared to proceed with sentencing Monday, but the judge declined, saying he would set a sentencing date in 4 to 6 weeks. Im not prepared to do sentencing today. I think we have to look at the case a little bit, said Hogan, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan. The judge said he wanted to ensure consistency and comparability of sentences among the Capitol riot defendants, none of whom have been sentenced thus far.

Many Capitol riot defendants face the four typical misdemeanor charges the Bustles faced plus a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding. The latter charge carries a potential 20-year prison term. It is not clear how prosecutors have distinguished between nonviolent defendants who face only the misdemeanors and those who had the felony charge added on.

The first guilty pleas in the Capitol riot came in April from Jon Schaffer, a heavy-metal guitarist and self-described lifetime member of the Oath Keepers. He admitted to two felonies: obstruction and entering a Secret Service-restricted area while carrying a dangerous weapon. Schaffer agreed to cooperate in the governments ongoing conspiracy case against fellow Oath Keepers. A total of 16 people are now charged in that case.

The second guilty plea was from a Florida man who went onto the Senate floor during the Jan. 6 unrest, Paul Hodgkins. At a hearing earlier this month, he pleaded guilty to a felony obstruction charge. Prosecutors agreed to drop the misdemeanor charges against him, but there was no cooperation element to the deal. He is tentatively set for sentencing on July 19.
 Will any new sentencing issues be central to the new "comprehensive crime reduction strategy" soon to come from Prez Biden? | Main | SCOTUS completes OT20 criminal docket with "it depends" Fourth Amendment ruling on misdemeanors and exigent circumstances 

June 23, 2021

Notable education efforts prior to sentencing of minor participant in Capitol riot (who seems likely to get probation)

This local article, headlined "Indiana woman to plead guilty in Capitol riot wrote reports on 'Schindler's List,' more," provides the interesting backstory leading up the scheduled sentencing of one person prosecuted for involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6. Here are some details:

A Bloomfield woman will plead guilty this week for her role in the U.S. Capitol riot after appealing to the court that she has learned from her participation from movies and books such as "Schindler's List" and "Just Mercy." Anna Morgan-Lloyd has agreed to plead guilty to one of her pending federal charges in the Jan. 6 insurrection in exchange for three years probation, $500 in restitution and community service. The 49-year-old attended what initially began as a rally with her friend Dona Sue Bissey  also federally charged in the riot. Bissey, whose case is still pending, is scheduled to appear in court July 19. In a letter to the judge, Morgan-Lloyd apologized for entering the U.S. Capitol and said she feels ashamed about how the march that day turned violent. She attached movie and book reports to her letter, summarizing Schindlers List and Just Mercy. Her attorney recommended them, she said, to learn what life is like for others in our country.... Bissey and Morgan-Lloyd referred to Jan. 6 as the most exciting day of their lives in Facebook posts, tagging one photo inside the Capitol building. The FBI arrested the two women in late February, making them among six Hoosiers criminally charged in the aftermath of the insurrection. Court records show the Acting U.S. Attorney has agreed to the plea, calling Morgan-Lloyds participation a serious violation of the law, but noted she did not engage in physical violence or destroy government property. To be clear, what the Defendant initially described as the most exciting day of (her) life was, in fact, a tragic day for our nation  a day of riotous violence, collective destruction, and criminal conduct by a frenzied and lawless mob, Acting U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips wrote in court records. The U.S. listed Morgan-Lloyds apparent remorse, no prior criminal history and cooperation with law enforcement after her arrest as some of the reasons for the governments acceptance of the plea agreement.

This extended HuffPost piece, headlined "A Lawyer For Jan. 6 Defendants Is Giving Her Clients Remedial Lessons In American History," provides additional details on this defendant and the valuable efforts of her defense attorney to turn her prosecution into a "teachable moment." I recommend this piece in full, and here is an excerpt:

This week, Morgan-Lloyd will become the first of nearly 500 defendants arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol to face sentencing. She wants a judge to know shes changed, and her book report-style filings are meant to illustrate that growth. Ive lived a sheltered life and truly havent experienced life the way many have, Morgan-Lloyd wrote to the judge. Ive learned that even though we live in a wonderful country things still need to improve. People of all colors should feel as safe as I do to walk down the street. The remedial social studies program that Morgan-Lloyd is following was created by her D.C.-based lawyer, H. Heather Shaner.... Shaner is one of many D.C. lawyers assigned to represent Capitol defendants who cant afford their own attorneys, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as laid out in the Criminal Justice Act. In addition to representing her clients in court, Shaner has seized an opportunity to try and educate them on the history their teachers glossed over. Shaner regularly sends her clients who are incarcerated pretrial books to read: Theyre a captured audience, and its life-changing for a lot of them. But she decided to take an even more intensive approach with her Capitol clients, who were part of another ugly, historical event in American history. Reading books and then watching these shows is like a revelation, Shaner told HuffPost. I think that education is a very powerful tool ... So I gave them book lists and shows that they should watch. In addition to Morgan-Lloyd, Shaner represents Capitol defendants Annie Howell, Jack Jesse Griffith (aka Juan Bibiano), Israel Tutrow and Landon Kenneth Copeland, a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder who had a major episode during a virtual hearing in his case and cursed out everyone on the call. (Copeland, who was filmed assaulting officers at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and is facing the most serious accusations of any of Shaners Capitol clients, was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation and remains in custody.) Shaner said her clients had poor educations and knew very little about the country. Her two female clients took to the task with zeal, Shaner said, and got library cards for the first time in their lives. Both my women are like, I never learned this in school. Why dont I know about this? Shaner said. (A couple of the male clients werent quite as eager students, she said. The men are very much like Oh, Ill get to it. But she said some of her male clients have been doing some self-education.)

Here are some links to some of the court filings discussed above:

Government's Memorandum in Aid of Sentencing

Defense's Memorandum in Support of Probationary Sentence

Anna Lloyd Statement (and reports here and here)

Prior related posts:

June 23, 2021 at 09:21 AM | Permalink

Comments

"Anna Morgan-Lloyd has agreed to plead guilty to one of her pending federal charges in the Jan. 6 insurrection in exchange for three years probation, $500 in restitution and community service."

$500? Don't go too high now.

I'm sympathetic to the final result here given the lack of aggravating factors cited by the government report. The "learning experience" stuff is less notable me, though if she is serious, it is better than continuing to say she did a fine thing & not to have any shame about it.

Probation means a period of oversight where she has to be on good behavior. This isn't without real effects, especially if someone on probation violates its terms. The "trivial" nature of this restraint therefore can be overblown.

Community service also is a real thing.

For cases like this, I am not totally against some sort of at least token term of imprisonment. I can imagine a special sort of confinement to deal with low level offenders of this sort. The actress, e.g., who had a short prison sentence recently to me was not some sort of victim of excessive punishment.

But, for this type of defendant in the 1/6 insurrection, I am okay with the general punishment offered here.

Posted by: Joe | Jun 23, 2021 10:54:53 AM

For some reason the header made me think the offender was going to actually be a minor (at least on Jan 6th) , not that their participation was so. After all, what can possibly make a riot better but bringing children along?

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Jun 23, 2021 11:58:24 AM

Are we still allowed to call a minor a "minor" these days, Soronel? Are we supposed to say something like "a person who has not yet reached majority"? Wow, do I sound like an old grumpy guy....

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 23, 2021 1:23:26 PM

Okay, Grandpa.

Posted by: Joe | Jun 23, 2021 1:44:08 PM

I a probably not the person to ask, I am still perfectly happy using the term "illegal alien".

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Jun 23, 2021 2:39:49 PM

This is one of the most effective sentencing letters I've ever read. Creative, very concise, and very compelling. And of course, getting the government on board with a sentence of probation. This was excellent advocacy.

Posted by: afpd | Jun 24, 2021 9:58:00 AM

She is now going on Fox News and I wonder how if anything this will affect her and other defendants.

https://twitter.com/JanNWolfe/status/1408257042570256385

Posted by: Joe | Jun 25, 2021 4:09:43 AM

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July 29, 2021

Federal judges expressing some concern about lenient plea deals for some Capitol riot defendants

This new BuzzFeed News article, headlined "A Judge Questioned If Capitol Rioters Are Getting Off Too Easy For 'Terrorizing Members Of Congress'," reports on some notable comments by some notable federal judges about the plea deals being given to some of the Capitol rioters. Here are excerpts:

A federal judge on Thursday pushed back on the governments decision to ink deals in the Capitol riot cases that involve low-level misdemeanors, questioning whether that was appropriate for people involved in terrorizing members of Congress. The unusual exchange came during a plea hearing for Jack Jesse Griffith, who was charged solely with misdemeanor crimes for going into the Capitol on Jan. 6; he wasnt accused of violence or property destruction. As Griffith prepared to plead guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building  a class B misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in jail  US District Chief Judge Beryl Howell asked the prosecutor to explain why Griffiths deal involved a class of crime typically reserved for people who did things like trespass in a national park at night. I'm just curious  does the government have any concern given the factual predicate at issue here, of the defendant joining a mob, breaking into the Capitol building through a broken door, wandering through the Capitol building and stopping a constitutionally mandated duty of the Congress and terrorizing members of Congress, the vice president, who had to be evacuated? Howell asked. Does the government, in agreeing to the petty offense in this case, have any concern about deterrence? It was the second time this week that a judge questioned whether defendants charged in connection with Jan. 6 are getting off too lightly in plea deals, even if theyre not accused of more serious criminal activity, such as attacking police. On Tuesday, US District Judge Reggie Walton, one of Howells colleagues on the federal bench in Washington, DC, briefly pondered whether he should jail two defendants who signed a deal similar to Griffiths, given their involvement in the atrocious act of storming the Capitol; he ultimately allowed them to go home until theyre sentenced in October. Griffith is the 27th defendant charged in the Jan. 6 riots to appear before a judge to plead guilty, and the 21st person to plead guilty to a single misdemeanor as part of an agreement with prosecutors  either the parading count that Griffith pleaded guilty to or disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, which also has a maximum sentence of six months in jail. Howell in the end accepted Griffiths guilty plea, but, like Walton, put the government and defense through several paces before she did. She asked whether the government was concerned that an agreement involving a low-level misdemeanor was enough not only to deter Griffith from participating in a similar event in the future but also the broader universe of the hundreds of people who descended on the Capitol that day. The circumstance that led to the Jan. 6 insurrection, a presidential election, happens every four years, the judge noted. Assistant US Attorney Mitra Jafary-Hariri and Griffiths lawyer H. Heather Shaner defended the deal, telling Howell that Griffith had expressed interest in pleading guilty early on  something defendants throughout the criminal justice system typically get credit for  and had cooperated with law enforcement officials by turning over his devices and giving them access to his social media. Jafary-Hariri said that under those circumstances, the government decided it was willing to resolve it this way.

Some prior related posts:

July 29, 2021 at 06:57 PM | Permalink

Comments

The judges are making excellent points here. Howell in particular summed it up nicely. I hope Garland/DOJ are getting the message and don't intend to pursue a "look forward not backward" strategy.

Posted by: kotodama | Jul 30, 2021 1:08:34 AM

I am concerned but the assistance, including access to devices helps in the one case.

I welcome a range of consequences, including civil liabilities in these situations. I continue to push for passage of enforcement of the 14A disqualification provision to help have that available to the group for which that is applicable. It also would show the serious nature of the situation.

Perhaps, it will come up during the 1/6 select committee hearings.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 30, 2021 7:33:20 AM

Federal judges expressing anything (including concern)about 1/6 should resign in shame and be disbarred.

The idea that some DC cops let a few people into the Capital where people wondered around aimlessly doing nothing, thus warranting punishment of any kind is an atrocity on the American people.

Have these judges watched antifa and BLM burn and murder? And yet a grandma who supports Trump should not receive lenient plea deals from the rapid dogs who call themselves federal prosecutors is subject to "concern?"

Concern over what? That a guy who murders people is released without bail while a guy wearing make up and horns is in solitary for 6 months? Nope These "concerned" judges are not concerned about that.

Concern that it is obvious that the FBI had more agents provacuer than there were actually real people there on 1/6? No concern over that.

How could these "concerned" judges be so stupid? What on Earth has happened to their brains? We see that UFOs are apparently real. Did the UFOs destroy the US Judiciary? That any judge any where would not see through this utter sham is impossible to believe.

Is this willful incredible ignorance of current events a result of the Judicial Culture? The DC Bubble Culture? I mean how could anyone possibly express "concern" about something so non-existent?

It just beggars belief.Hey "concerned" judges. Judge then convict those antifa/BLM who murder and burn. That is the true insurrection. Do it before that power is taken from you due to the clear fact that you are so out of touch with reality.

You repudiate the ideal of American Justice. You are "concerned"? You should be. Be "concerned" that you are too cowardly to speak up and repudiate rabid dogs calling themselves Federal prosecutors. They have gone off the hook. Only the juidiicay can rein these evil people in. Don't be "CONCERNED" like a coward, weeping in the corner!

REIN THESE RUINING DOGS IN!! Do it. Do it now.



Posted by: restless94110 | Jul 30, 2021 6:16:55 PM

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As noted in this Washington Post piece, a notable federal sentencing is scheduled for Monday and federal prosecutors have a notable sentencing recommendation for the judge: "U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday urged a federal judge to impose an 18-month prison term on the first defendant to face sentencing for a felony in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, citing the need to deter domestic terrorism." Here is more:

The need to deter others is especially strong in cases involving domestic terrorism, which the breach of the Capitol certainly was, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Sedky said in a government sentencing request for Tampa crane operator Paul Allard Hodgkins, 38, who carried a Trump flag into the well of the Senate....

Hodgkinss sentencing, scheduled for Monday, could set the bar for what punishment 100 or more defendants might expect to face as they weigh whether to accept plea offers by prosecutors or take their chances at a trial by jury. About 800 people entered the building, U.S. officials have said, with more than 500 individuals charged to date and charges expected against at least 100 others. About 20 people have pleaded guilty, and one misdemeanor defendant has been sentenced to probation.

In Hodgkinss case, Sedky cited FBI Director Christopher A. Wrays testimony in March to the Senate that the problem of homegrown violent extremism is metastasizing, with some actors growing emboldened by the Capitol riot.... Sedky also asked U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss of Washington to recognize prior court findings that though individuals convicted of such behavior may have no criminal history, their beliefs make them unique among criminals in the likelihood of recidivism.

Hodgkins pleaded guilty on June 2 to one felony count of entering the Capitol to obstruct Congress, a common charge being used by prosecutors. Unlike other defendants, he was not accused of other wrongdoing or involvement with extremist groups, nor did he enter a cooperation deal with prosecutors. Under advisory federal guidelines, he could face a prison sentence of 15 to 21 months.

Hodgkins poses an intriguing example for defendants against whom prosecutors have threatened to seek enhanced domestic terrorism penalties, lawyers said. Such enhancements, if found to apply, could more than double a defendants guidelines range or otherwise increase recommended penalties, although judges would have the final say. In Hodgkinss case, prosecutors did not ask the judge to apply the enhancement, even though they wrote Wednesday that his conduct met the definition of violence calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion. Instead, prosecutors said a midpoint sentence in Hodgkinss existing range was appropriate, but still urged Moss to consider the importance of dissuading future acts of domestic terrorism.

Hodgkins has asked for a below-guidelines sentence of probation. His attorney urged Moss to follow the example of President Abraham Lincolns planned approach to the defeated South after the Civil War, before he was assassinated. Today, this Court has a chance to make a difference, Tampa attorney Patrick N. Leduc wrote, asserting that America now is as divided as it was in the 1850s on racial and regional lines. We have the chance to be as Lincoln had hoped, to exercise grace and charity, and to restore healing for those who seek forgiveness. Alternatively, we can follow the mistakes of our past: to be harsh, seek vengeance, retribution, and revenge, and continue to watch the nation go down its present regrettable path, Leduc said.

Lawyers familiar with the Capitol probe have said the case illustrates how prosecutors are taking a carrot-and-stick approach in plea talks, threatening to hit some defendants with tougher sentencing guidelines calculations while showing some flexibility for those not accused of any violent conduct in a bid to resolve cases short of trial.

For example, another Jan. 6 defendant pleaded guilty Wednesday to the identical charge as Hodgkins. However, Josiah Colt, 34, of Idaho, faced a sentencing guidelines range three times as high, 51 to 63 months, after admitting that he came armed to Washington and was with others accused of violently interfering with police. Colt, however, entered a cooperation deal, implicating two men he was with in plea papers and agreeing to aid investigators in exchange for a recommendation of leniency.

Several defense attorneys in the probe privately called prosecutors tactics draconian in some cases, saying they are threatening years of prison time for individuals not charged with violence and giving them little choice but to face trial.
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July 19, 2021

First Jan 6 rioter to be sentenced on felony charges gets (below-guideline) sentence of eight months in federal prison

As noted in this preview post on Friday, this morning was the scheduled sentencing day for Paul Allard Hodgkins, who carried a Trump flag into the well of the Senate during the January 6 riot at the Capitol. Hodgkins' sentencing has been seen as particularly significant because he is the very first person to be sentenced on felony charges stemming from his actions on January 6  one misdemeanor defendant has been sentenced to probation  and because Hodgkins' sentencing memo and the Government's sentencing memo made notable arguments as he sought probation and as the government urged an 18-month prison term (at the midpoint of the calculated guidelines range of 15 to 21 months).

This AP piece reports via its headline that the federal sentencing judge here did what often happens in these kinds of cases, namely he came quite close to splitting the difference: "Capitol rioter who breached Senate sentenced to 8 months." Here are more details on this notable federal sentencing:

A Florida man who breached the U.S. Senate chamber carrying a Trump campaign flag was sentenced Monday to eight months behind bars, the first resolution for a felony case in the Capitol insurrection. Paul Allard Hodgkins apologized and said he was ashamed of his actions on Jan 6. Speaking calmly from a prepared text, he described being caught up in the euphoria as he walked down Washingtons most famous avenue, then followed a crowd of hundreds up Capitol Hill and into the Capitol building. If I had any idea that the protest  would escalate (the way) it did  I would never have ventured farther than the sidewalk of Pennsylvania Avenue, Hodgkins told the judge. He added: This was a foolish decision on my part. Prosecutors had asked for Hodgkins to serve 18 months behind bars, saying in a recent filing that he, like each rioter, contributed to the collective threat to democracy by forcing lawmakers to temporarily abandon their certification of Joe Bidens 2020 election victory over President Donald Trump and to scramble for shelter from incoming mobs. His sentencing could set the bar for punishments of hundreds of other defendants as they decide whether to accept plea deals or go to trial. He and others are accused of serious crimes but were not indicted, as some others were, for roles in larger conspiracies. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Hodgkins pleaded guilty last month to one count of obstructing an official proceeding, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop lesser charges, including entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct. Video footage shows Hodgkins wearing a Trump 2020 T-shirt, the flag flung over his shoulder and eye goggles around his neck, inside the Senate. He took a selfie with a self-described shaman in a horned helmet and other rioters on the dais behind him. His lawyer pleaded with Judge Randolph Moss to spare his 38-year-old client time in prison, saying the shame that will attach to Hodgkins for the rest of his life should be factored in as punishment. The lawyer argued in court papers that Hodgkins actions werent markedly different from those of Anna Morgan Lloyd  other than Hodgkins stepping onto the Senate floor. The 49-year-old from Indiana was the first of roughly 500 arrested to be sentenced. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct and last month was sentenced to three years of probation. Hodgkins was never accused of assaulting anyone or damaging property. And prosecutors said he deserves some leniency for taking responsibility almost immediately and pleading guilty to the obstruction charge. But they also noted how he boarded a bus in his hometown of Tampa bound for a Jan. 6 Trump rally carrying rope, protective goggles and latex gloves in a backpack  saying that demonstrated he came to Washington prepared for violence.

Prior related posts:

July 19, 2021 at 12:34 PM | Permalink

Comments

8 months for participating in a seditious act?! The judge's admonitory rhetoric aside, MAGA folks will likely see this as a tap on the tush and encouragement for further acts of sedition. Upward variance to 5 years would have been more appropriate.

Posted by: Michael Levine | Jul 19, 2021 5:45:10 PM

The coverage I saw suggested he didn't provide information to the prosecutors or anything. Also, this is problematic:

"But they also noted how he boarded a bus in his hometown of Tampa bound for a Jan. 6 Trump rally carrying rope, protective goggles and latex gloves in a backpack  saying that demonstrated he came to Washington prepared for violence."

I recognize the breadth of appropriate punishments here. But, this seems too low, especially if it is somehow a "model" for future punishments.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 19, 2021 7:04:47 PM

Agree with Joe and Michael Levine.

The facts that Joe highlights are indeed problematic in their own right. Not only that, but also they directly contradict the defendants claim that he didnt realize the situation would escalate.

BTW, as Michael Levine points out (and I have before too), it wasnt a riot. Those are what sometimes happen after sportsball games. It was a sedition/insurrection. The media Im not surprised to see getting it wrong, but this blog ought to know much better. As should the DOJ!

Posted by: kotodama | Jul 19, 2021 7:27:34 PM

Yes, on the "riot" talk

The government sentencing memo makes clear that he is being prosecuted for trying to stop the certification of the election.

This is INSURRECTION. Mitch McConnell called it that.

There is a pending bill (though for some reason, it is not getting any attention from what I can tell) to enforce the "insurrection" penalty in the 14th Amendment. Some argued Trump should have only been targeted with that and not impeachment. I disagree, but it underlines what is involved.

The memo speaks of that "grave danger on democracy" etc. It is an attack on the U.S. Capitol that, again as cited in the memo, to try to stop the transfer of power.

Trolls who compare it to other "riots" arising from anti-government protests are just that. We need not aid and abet their rhetoric.

I guess you can say insurrection is in some fashion a sort of riot. But, I think that leads to confusion.

Posted by: Joe | Jul 19, 2021 9:51:13 PM

Great points Joe, thanks for adding those.

I wasn't aware of the bill in progress either. So thanks for the heads up on that as well!

Posted by: kotodama | Jul 19, 2021 11:01:11 PM

That is still too high and an injustice but at least there was a bit of a push back from the judge.

Posted by: restless94110 | Jul 20, 2021 7:10:56 PM

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September 1, 2021

Notable accounting of federal prosecutions and sentences responding to riots both before and during January 6

This recent AP article, headlined "Records rebut claims of unequal treatment of Jan. 6 rioters," provides a valuable and interesting accounting of some of the federal criminal accountability that has followed various riots in recent times. Here are excerpts:

An Associated Press review of court documents in more than 300 federal cases stemming from the protests sparked by George Floyds death last year shows that dozens of people charged have been convicted of serious crimes and sent to prison. The AP found that more than 120 defendants across the United States have pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial of federal crimes including rioting, arson and conspiracy. More than 70 defendants whove been sentenced so far have gotten an average of about 27 months behind bars. At least 10 received prison terms of five years or more.... To be sure, some defendants have received lenient deals. At least 19 who have been sentenced across the country got no prison time or time served, according to the APs review. Many pleaded guilty to lower-level offenses, such as misdemeanor assault, but some were convicted of more serious charges, including civil disorder. In Portland, Oregon  where demonstrations, many turning violent, occurred nightly for months after a white Minneapolis police officer killed Floyd  about 60 of the roughly 100 cases that were brought have been dismissed, court records show. Most of those defendants received deferred resolution agreements, under which prosecutors promise to drop charges after a certain amount of time if the defendant stays out of trouble and completes things like community service. Some Jan. 6 defendants have complained its unfair they arent getting the same deals. But President Joe Bidens Justice Department has continued the vast majority of the racial injustice protest cases brought across the U.S. under Trump and has often pushed for lengthy prison time for people convicted of serious crimes. Since Biden took office in January, federal prosecutors have brought some new cases stemming from last years protests. Conservatives have sought to equate the attack on the Capitol with the Black Lives Matter protests, accusing Democrats of being hypocrites for not denouncing the violence after Floyds death as loudly as the Jan. 6 insurrection. And some Republicans have seized on the handling of the protest cases in Portland to suggest that the Jan. 6 defendants are being politically persecuted. That has not been borne out when comparing the sentences that federal judges have given to Jan. 6 defendants and those who are accused of crimes during the protests against police brutality across the country. Only a handful of the nearly 600 people whove been charged in the insurrection have received their punishments so far, and just three people have been sentenced to time behind bars. The vast majority of the most serious cases  involving those accused of assaulting police officers or conspiring to block the certification of Bidens victory  remain unresolved.

Some of many prior related posts:

September 1, 2021 at 06:05 PM | Permalink

Comments

The whole article is well detailed.

This is a basic point:

The property damage or accusations of arson and looting from last year, those were serious and they were dealt with seriously, but they werent an attack on the very core constitutional processes that we rely on in a democracy, nor were they an attack on the United States Congress, said Kent Greenfield, a professor at Boston College Law School.

I agree what both ends. The limited excesses of protests need to be addressed. In a few cases, we had people upset if you even dared to bring up the idea, given what was being protested. But, the 1A protests the right of "peaceful" assembly. There are limits.

OTOH, the 1/6 insurrection is not the same thing as let's say attacking a police car during a protest or something. It's an attempt to interfere with the core transfer of power in our way of government. It is uniquely flagged in the 14A as worthy of special treatment. Insurrection attempts, unlike even something like murdering of a postal worker, is of special importance here.

The article provides to me somewhat surprising detail of the breadth of punishments (something to me somewhat underreported) of state protests. We have only had a few sentencing moments for the 1/6, so we can not fully compare. If anything, one or more instances probably warrented more punishment.

Posted by: Joe | Sep 1, 2021 7:41:04 PM

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 Two misdemeanants get 45-day jail terms at latest January 6 riot sentencings | Main | SCOTUS starts new term with four new cert grants, one involving the sentencing process for retroactive crack case resentencing 

The title of this post is the title of this notable new paper authored by Ben Grunwald now available via SSRN. Here is its abstract:

With mounting support for dramatic criminal justice reform, the question is no longer whether we should decarcerate American prisons but how. This question is far more complicated than it might seem. We could cut the prison population in half, for example, by drastically shortening sentences. Or we could reduce prison admissions. Or we could do both. And we could do either or both for countless combinations of criminal offenses. Moreover, even when they reach the same numeric target, these strategies are not equivalent. They would have vastly different consequences for both prisoners and the public and widely varying timeframes to take effect. To pick among them, we need richer metrics and more precise empirical estimates to evaluate their consequences.

This Article begins by proposing metrics to evaluate the relative merits of competing decarceration strategies. The public debate has focused almost exclusively on how we might decarcerate while minimizing any increases in crime and has, therefore, underappreciated the costs of prison itself. We should consider at least three more metrics: the social harm of incarceration, racial disparity, and timing. Next, the Article develops an empirical methodology to identify the range of strategies that would reduce the national prison population by 25, 50, and 75%. Finally, it identifies the best performing strategies against each metric.

The results have several broader takeaways. First, the optimal approach to decarceration depends heavily on which metrics we value most. The results thus quantify a stark set of policy choices behind a seemingly simple objective. Second, the results confirm that, to dramatically shrink prisons, it is critical to decarcerate a substantial number of people convicted of violent offenses  a fact that may surprise the majority of Americans who believe people convicted of drug offenses occupy half of prison beds. Finally, the results show that race-neutral decarceration strategies are likely to exacerbate rather than mitigate racial disparities. Armed with the conceptual tools and methodologies developed in this Article, we can make more informed decisions about how to best scale down prisons, given our priorities and constraints.
 Register for 2021 Menard Family Lecture on Drug Policy and Criminal Justice and other great drug sentencing events | Main | "Toward an Optimal Decarceration Strategy" 

September 29, 2021

Two misdemeanants get 45-day jail terms at latest January 6 riot sentencings

In this post a few weeks ago, I noted that federal prosecutors had started talking up the prospect of seeking jail time even in some of the January 6 riot cases that were resolved through only misdemeanor charges. Today, as reported in this new AP piece, headlined "Ohio friends sentenced to 45 days for U.S. Capitol riot Jan. 6," jail time for two January 6 misdemeanants became a reality:

Federal prosecutors assert that everybody who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 should be evaluated individually when deciding whether a prison sentence is warranted. On Wednesday, a judge accepted the Justice Departments assessment that two friends from Ohio fall into a category of rioters who deserve to be incarcerated. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg sentenced Derek Jancart and Erik Rau to 45 days in jail. Prosecutors had recommended four months of imprisonment for both men. They must report to jail by Nov. 29. The jail sentences for Jancart and Rau could become benchmarks for how the courts resolve many other Capitol insurrection prosecutions, a caseload that tops 600 defendants and grows by the week. Like most of the insurrectionists who have pleaded guilty so far, Jancart and Rau arent accused of engaging in any violence or destruction at the Capitol or of conspiring to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Bidens electoral victory. Defense attorneys compared their actions to those of other Capitol riot defendants who avoided prison sentences after pleading guilty to non-violent misdemeanors. But prosecutors cited several factors in arguing that prison, not probation, was the appropriate sentence for both men  and will be in many other cases. They said Jancart, an Air Force veteran, prepared for violence on Jan. 6 by bringing a gas mask and two-way radios to Washington. Rau, a steel mill worker, brought a medical kit and Kevlar-lined gloves. They said Jancart and Rau spent 40 minutes inside the Capitol, reaching House Speaker Nancy Pelosis conference room. Jancart celebrated the violence on social media and didnt show any remorse when the FBI arrested him, according to prosecutors. They said Rau screamed, We have you surrounded! at police officers and shouted, Go, go, go! and Yeah, they just pushed through the guards! Those statements are akin to inciting a riot and contributed to the environment of terror on that day, prosecutors said. This was not a protest, prosecutors wrote. And it is important to convey to future rioters and would-be mob participants  especially those who intend to improperly influence the democratic process  that their actions will have consequences. The judge told Jancart and Rau that they and other rioters tried to undermine the peaceful transfer of power after a democratic election. There are few actions that are as serious as the one this group took on that day, Boasberg said. Jancart and Rau apologized and expressed remorse for their actions. I did get caught up in the moment, Jancart said. I just kind of followed the crowd and let my curiosity get the best of me. There is no excuse for my actions on Jan. 6, Rau said. I 100% know better than to do what I did that day. Jancart was arrested at his Ohio home in February. Rau was arrested in July. Both men pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment. Over 80 defendants have pleaded guilty to riot-related offenses, but only seven others besides Jancart and Rau have been sentenced so far. A Florida man who entered the U.S. Senate chamber was sentenced to eight months in prison. Two were sentenced to time served after six months in jail. Two were sentenced to house arrest. Two others received probation. Probationary sentences should not necessarily become the default, prosecutors wrote. Those who trespassed, but engaged in aggravating factors, merit serious consideration of institutional incarceration. While those who trespassed, but engaged in less serious aggravating factors, deserve a sentence more in line with minor incarceration or home confinement, they added.... More than 50 other rioters are scheduled to be sentenced before the end of 2021.

Some of many prior related posts:

September 29, 2021 at 05:39 PM | Permalink

Comments

Good, it's about time for the misdemeanor insurrectionists to start seeing some time. Anyway, they're so tough and all, I'm sure they'll be just fine, right?

In Jancart's statement I do note an apparent recurring theme at these sentencing hearings. It's the "I just got carried away" argument. Another defendant I recall said a similar thing. And it's complete BS of course. Getting "carried away" is impossible to square with an attack that was thoroughly planned out in advance. That's reflected in Jancart's particular case too because of the individual preparation he carried out.

The utter lack of remorseuntil it dawns on them that *gasp* they might actually face consequencesseems to be a pattern as well.

In Jancart's case, you also have yet another insurrectionist who's ex-AF, just like the late, not particularly lamented, Ashli Babbitt. Clearly the AF isn't sending their best.

Finally, it's nice to see AP continuing to acknowledge reality and being less hesitant to describe this as an insurrection.

Posted by: kotodama | Sep 29, 2021 11:54:51 PM

As to the veterans, they took an oath to stay loyal to the U.S. and would be subject to the 14A, sec. 3 provision.

Congress should get around (there is a pending bill) to passing an enforcement law spelling out a process to enforce the disqualification. Prof. Gerard N. Magliocca, who blogs at two blogs on the "Other Law Blogs" blogroll, has written about this issue & supports the pending bill. I disagree with him on some issues, but his scholarship on the issue is helpful.

In a former thread, one commenter suggested the importance of even a small amount of prison time to provide clarity on the seriousness of the situation. I think there is much truth in that.

Along with any other punishment that a conviction will bring.

Posted by: Joe | Sep 30, 2021 10:47:51 AM

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OLDWICK, N.J., September 30, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "a+" (Excellent) of The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation (together referred to as the Ohio National Life Group). These companies are the principal insurance subsidiaries of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. (ONFS), which is an intermediate holding company wholly owned by Ohio National Mutual Holdings, Inc. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a-" (Excellent) of National Security Life and Annuity Company (NSLAC). Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of "bbb+" (Good) and all Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of ONFS. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. All companies are headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. (See below for a detailed listing of the Long-Term IRs).

The ratings reflect Ohio National Life Groups balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The groups risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is at the strongest level, and despite a decline in operating results in 2020, AM Best anticipates improved results going forward. It continues to display favorable premium growth trends in the core life insurance and disability income product lines. Ohio National Life Groups distribution channels also continue to diversify and expand.

Early in 2022, the group is expected to complete a sponsored demutualization with Constellation Holdings in an effort to further strengthen its capital position and provide opportunities for future growth.

AM Best notes that the groups risk-adjusted capitalization has been enhanced by the issuance of surplus notes, and the use of captive structures to support redundant statutory reserves and to reduce volatility from its annuity living benefit riders. AM Best considers the groups consolidated financial leverage and interest coverage ratios to be within acceptable ranges.

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NSLACs ratings reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, very limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the strength and support of the Ohio National Life Group. Despite the absence of new business, the entity remains well-capitalized with high capital quality and liquidity.

The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with a stable outlook:

Ohio National Financial Services, Inc.

-- "bbb+" (Good) on $425 million 5.55% senior unsecured notes, due January 2030

-- "bbb+" (Good) on $250 million 6.625% senior unsecured notes, due May 2031

The Ohio National Life Insurance Company

-- "a-" (Excellent) on $50 million 8.50% surplus notes, due May 2026

-- "a-" (Excellent) on $250 million 6.875% surplus notes, due June 2042

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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FILE PHOTO: Crude oil storage tanks are seen in an aerial photograph at the Cushing oil hub

By Scott DiSavino

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil futures were little changed on Thursday as reports China was prepared to buy more oil and other energy supplies to meet growing demand offset price pressure from an unexpected rise in U.S. crude inventories and a strong dollar.

Brent futures for November delivery fell 12 cents, or 0.2%, to settle at $78.52 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 20 cents, or 0.3%, to settle at $75.03.

Earlier in the day prices at both benchmarks dropped over $1 a barrel.

"The expiration of NYMEX products and Brent crude ... spiked volatility," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

Brent futures for December, which will soon be the front-month, were up 0.3% to $78.31 a barrel. New York Harbor Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) futures, meanwhile, closed at their highest since October 2018 for a second day in a row.

China Premier Li Keqiang said the world's biggest crude importer and No.2 consumer will ensure its energy, power supply and will keep economic operations within a reasonable range.

"If China is happily paying any price for energy, this could intensify the energy crunch in Europe," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA.

British petrol stations are still seeing unprecedented demand with more than a quarter of pumps still dry as the fuel crisis cut road traffic volumes to the lowest level since the COVID-19 lockdowns ended two months ago.

A possible dampener on oil prices has been the power crisis and housing market concerns in China, which have hit sentiment because any fallout for the world's second-biggest economy is likely to affect oil demand, analysts have said.

China's factory activity unexpectedly shrank in September due to wider curbs on electricity use and elevated input prices.

Meanwhile, inventories have risen in the top oil consumer, the United States. Government data on Wednesday showed U.S. oil and fuel stockpiles increased by 4.6 million barrels to 418.5 million barrels last week. [EIA/S]

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Last week's rise in U.S. inventories came as production in the Gulf Coast returned close to levels reached before Hurricane Ida struck about a month ago.

In another bearish development, the U.S. dollar hit a new one-year earlier in the day, making oil more expensive for holders of other currencies. [USD/]

But expectations of a continued crude supply deficit helped support prices.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, are next week expected to hold to a pact to add 400,000 barrels per day to their output for November.

"Rystad Energy expects the group to take a wait-and-see approach, not least because the group has yet to demonstrate its ability to ramp up oil supply quickly," said Louise Dickson, senior oil markets analyst at Rystad Energy.

Stalled talks between Iran and world powers to reinstate a 2015 nuclear deal will resume "soon", the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday. A nuclear deal should allow Iran to export more crude.

(Additional reporting by Shadia Nasralla in London and Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Evans)
How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

I think I might be bisexual. Im a woman who grew up in a very conservative Catholic family and married my high school boyfriend. Like, I honestly couldnt have even conceived of a situation like this before a few years ago, when I started therapy and realized that there were many different ways to exist in the world, and that there were actually labels for the way I privately felt. I only recently really allowed myself to start watching porn and reading erotica of different varieties, and I was honestly very surprised at the diversity of my turn-ons. Its been a happy discovery, but eye-opening.

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I am in my late 30s now, and I am starting to realize that the feelings I had for my (female) college roommate were more than just platonically friendly. Because I am married, I would not cheat on my husband, and I honestly dont know that I even want to disclose this to him right now, as we have a good sex life and a fulfilling relationship.

My question is this, thoughI am still very close to my friend from college. I genuinely love her and care deeply about her. We talk frequently, and when we visit each other a few times a year, we typically share a bed or tent. Nothing has ever been sexual between us, and it wont be since I am married to someone else, but I guess part of me is wonderingis it wrong, on my part, to be in these sorts of situations with her, with the knowledge I have now that there really is an element of sexual attraction there, too? I do not plan to tell her about these feelings. But I keep thinkingif I was her, or my husband, would this close friendship bother me or make me uncomfortable, knowing what I now know? Ive worked hard to overcome shame around sex, and the whole idea of sins of the mind, but this situation feels stickier to me. My friend and I have a visit planned in March. Id appreciate any insight you have on this.

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My Best Friend Has No Idea

Dear No Idea,

No, it is not wrong. You repeatedly express uncertainty in your letter: You think you might be bisexual, and youre starting to realize that the feelings that you have for your college friend were more than just platonically friendly. Youre still figuring this out. Speaking prematurely could disrupt your friendship. Abandoning the friendship because of the great affection you have for her would be overly careful to the point of absurdity. I do not get the sense that by withholding information, you are out to exploit or manipulate. Youre just avoiding complication. Sometimes keeping things unsaid is exactly what you need to stay close to someonethis can be for negative reasons (your irritation at a quirk) or positive ones. Civilized life is a careful dance of repression and disclosure, and you are never obligated to divulge everything thats going on in your head. If you did, youd create a considerable burden for the recipient of that information, which would be its own moral transgression.

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Your ethical yardstick is predicated on fantasy: If I was her, or my husband, would this close friendship bother me or make me uncomfortable, knowing what I now know? This would only be a practical concern if mind-reading were humanly possible. Empathy is not gained through omniscience; its fostered by legitimate emotional expression. Continue to treat your friend with love. If you have felt this way for a while, that love may well have been palpable all along. Perhaps even your friend has wondered if its beyond platonic. Nonetheless, she is responding to you just as you have presented yourself all along. Youre already doing it right.

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Get the How to Do It Newsletter Sex advice from Rich and Stoya, plus exclusive letter follow-ups, delivered weekly. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Dear How to Do It,

I am a 31-year-old male. I have struggled with anxiety and depression since I was at least 15. But I only became aware of that after my father passed away seven years ago and I started seeing a therapist. I think it was too late though, because I think I missed the opportunity of finding a significant other, and now Im stuck. My last serious relationship ended nine years ago, and after that, my sex and romantic life has been a complete mess. I had two horrible toxic relationships, with women I wasnt even attracted to, but at the time I figured it was better than being alone. It wasnt. In the meantime, I met someone that I was attracted to and fell in love. She went living abroad and our relationship ended, painfully, after she used me as her piggy bank and left with another guy (Im not a wealthy person).

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Its been almost three years since that happened and Im stuck. I know Im not the most attractive guy around, but I dont think I am that bad looking either. And my sex life has never been this bad: Its been 14 months since the last time I got laid, and Im starting to feel a little desperate. Ive been using a popular dating app for the last year, where Ive had exactly zero matches. Or sometimes someone matches and removes me before I even have a chance to say hello (so I guess they swiped right by mistake). I started a masters degree almost two years ago, where I had the opportunity of meeting other people, only to find out that no one is interested in me. I also like going out dancing and drinking a few beers with friends, and I havent been able to meet a single lady.

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Its not just that I want to have sex, I feel like there is something deeply wrong with me, like I dont deserve to be desired or loved. I feel like I missed the chances I had and now Im damned to solitude and celibacy. Ive even thought I might have been targeted by some kind of curse of something. I think my attitude has something to do with it, as my self-confidence has plunged, obviously. I think my fear of rejection is keeping me from acting, but I dont even know how to act. My attitude is so poor that one of my gay friends asked me if I was sure Im really into women. (I also have asked myself that question and Im sure I am.) I think I just completely lack the looks and social skills to find someone. Have you ever heard of cases such as mine? Is there something I am not seeing that I could improve to feel less pathetic and get another chance?

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Losing Hope

Dear Losing Hope,

I think your attitude has a lot more than something to do with your situation. In terms of what you have power over, in fact, its everything. And I think working on changing it could be really useful. Not only could a better outlook help you interpret things in a more realistic way (potentially mitigating what appear to be cognitive distortions like catastrophizing and labeling, for example), it could directly help your cause and make you more appealing to potential mates. Confidence sells. However, I understand that it is a tough thing to conjure, especially when you feel that you have been receiving information that reinforces your negative thinking. If you arent working on cognitive behavior therapy with your therapist, it might be worth pursuing (if CBT isnt part of their practice, there are plenty of other providers out there).

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Everyone deserves love, but no one is entitled to any particular persons love. Youre trapped in a gutter between those two truths. I know its tough, and I know there are a lot of guys that feel the way you do. Dont give up, and dont start blaming the world for your issues. Youve had love and relationships in the past, theres no reason that you cant have both again unless you obstruct yourself from doing so. When it comes to finding love, there is no too late; there is only didnt try.

I Just Read About a Horrible New Dating Trend and Thought: Oh, I Do That

Listen now, exclusively on the How to Do It podcast: Ive recently seen a few articles criticizing a dating trend that hit a little too close to home  

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Dear How to Do It,

About a year and a half ago, my husband and I had our first child. Before we had children, we liked to engage in various forms of breast play during sex. I got a lot of pleasure out of my breasts being touched and kissed. He got a lot of pleasure out of playing with them, even using them as a means to come. I have a large chest and used to feel that my breasts were one of my sexiest features. Since giving birth and breastfeeding, though, my view of my breasts has changed completely. I see them as motherly, as wonderful, as a powerful and awesome means of bonding with my son. I dont view them as sexy anymore. My husband and I resumed our sex life a while ago, but I cant seem to get back to a place where the involvement of my breasts in foreplay or sex does anything for me. Do you have any advice for how I can start to enjoy my breasts sexually again?

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Play or Nay

Dear Play or Nay,

This summer, an extremely minor controversy erupted over model/personality Coco Austins extended breastfeeding of her daughter Chanel, who is now 5. Around that time, Austins husband, actor/rapper Ice-T, tweeted: News Flash! We feed Chanel FOOD She just likes to suck moms boob every now and then Me Too!!! This made me think of how complicated simultaneity can be, especially as it applies to womens roles and their bodies.

In light of this, the best thing you can do is go easy on yourselfyour breast is being pulled in two different directions. Ouch. For some insight, I reached out to Sarah Hunter Murray, a therapist who has written a lot about desire (her most recent book is Not Always in the Mood: The New Science of Men, Sex, and Relationships), including sexuality during and after pregnancy. In an email, Murray said that if you are still breastfeeding, you should give yourself some more time to see how your relationship with your breasts changes when you stop. This will be particularly helpful if any of your current feelings about your breasts derive from tenderness or the frequency of touch that breastfeeding involves.

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However, if you want to address this issue before you stop breastfeeding, Murray recommends paying close attention to sensation, a sort of breast-oriented mindfulness. Are there times when having your breasts touched feels better or is more arousing? Murray continues: For example, is nipple play uncomfortable but light touching of your breasts is nicer? Is it the feeling of your husbands mouth on your breast reminding you too much of breastfeeding, but using his hands is more pleasing? Does it make a difference depending on whether you nurse your son before or after sexy time with your husband? Your answers to any of these questions may give you glimpses into whether some types of touching are better for you in your new motherhood role and whether there are times when your breasts are touched that feel more sensual for you.

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If nothing else works, Murray suggests going exploring for new erogenous zones, as many transitions in life can result in changing sexual interests: This may be a good chance to consider whether there are other parts of your body that feel sexy now or feel nice to be touched that were underexplored when your breasts were getting more of the attention during sex.

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I have some additional advice from Dr. Sheryl A. Ross, an OB-GYN and co-founder of Urja Intimates skin care, in the event of physical changes that may have occurred as a result of breastfeeding and pregnancy. Our mental perception has to reset a bit in the bedroom after having babies, she explained in an email. Its important to discuss your feelings and insecurities with your husband so he can be supportive and reassuring. To help minimize any sagging that may occur, Ross suggests the following: exercise (including pushups, dumbbell pull-over, and chest press), creams to soften the skin of the breast, good bra support, wean gradually, breast strengthening support, and avoid slouching. Good luck!

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Did you write this or another letter we answered? Tell us what happened at howtodoit@slate.com.





Dear How to Do It,

I am curious about one aspect of my sexuality. Google isnt being helpful so Im throwing it to you. Im in my late 70s, and havent had intercourse since my husband died several years ago. I have a couple of nice vibrators and plenty of time and privacy so I dont feel deprived at all. I masturbate once or twice a week.

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In spite of that, every few months I have an orgasm in my sleep. I usually remember the dream that triggered it for a few minutes, but they are not particularly memorable. Whats odd is that these orgasms are not particularly pleasant. They seem more like uncomfortable muscle cramps than welcomed release. But they are orgasms, guaranteed. I cant seem to find much information about nocturnal orgasms beyond teen boy wet dreams. So I wonder how normal or abnormal my experience is. I also wonder why its so hard to find information about old folks and sex. We do get itchy, you know, and could use some specific information and acknowledgment.

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Not So Sweet Dreams

Dear Not So Sweet Dreams,

Consider yourself seen: Your experience isnt universal but nor is it rare. In a 1986 study, 37 percent of the 245 women college students who answered a survey said they had experienced nocturnal orgasm and 30 percent said theyd had it in the past year. Predictors included positive attitudes toward and knowledge of nocturnal orgasms, sexual liberalism, and waking sexually excited from sleep. Meanwhile, heres a case study, published in 2018, of a 57-year-old woman who experienced nocturnal orgasms at varying rates (weekly to every six months, depending) that she qualified as systemic kind of orgasm[s], feeling like the whole uterus is involved. These caused her remorse (compounded by guilt after being chastised for intentionally masturbating by her gynecologist) and a prescription of clonazepam greatly reduced the frequency of the nocturnal orgasms. Theres also a brief description in this study of a woman who experienced such orgasms nightly, resulting in wet genital areas and a disagreeable (not pleasurable) feeling. Perhaps yours are similar to hers?

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The referenced case study classifies the occurrence of nocturnal orgasms as a parasomnia. You could discuss your nocturnal orgasms with a sleep specialist (and undergo a sleep study) if youre interested in treatmentclonazepam would be off-label for this issue, but the right doctor should be able to make that happen.

And I agreeit is a shame that the sexual health of older people is largely ignored and unsung. In the U.S., sex education is woefully scant, sex itself is still too taboo, and little cultural space is reserved for senior citizens. Here is an intersection of nonchalance. While the onus for change is not in your hands, if you are so motivated you can keep asking questions and demanding to be seen. I encourage you to be open and unashamed regarding your sexuality, when appropriate. Chipping away at the silence that underscores stigma is a good starting point, should you feel civically minded.

Rich

More How to Do It

My current partner has a penis that could be a ruler. No curve, just sticks out at 90 degrees. And hes great! But a lot of the positions Id enjoyed with previous partners (like spooning or doggy style) dont seem to be working out for us, angle-wise. He didnt have a lot of experience before we got together, so hes not sure what works other than variations on missionary or girl on top. Any suggestions?
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from across the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group.

My son is 11 and in sixth grade. In our district, sixth grade is still part of elementary school. Weve had bad luck with good friends; it seems every single year, his best friend has moved away.

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Now, he feels totally friendless at school. Worse, actually, since he feels like the kids actively dislike him. He is a bit quirky, we arent into sports, and, the big kicker, we live in the Bible Belt and arent religious. That shouldnt be an issue, but a teacher made it one when an innocent conversation between a few students about Christmas traditions turned into a teacher yelling at him about not believing in Jesus. The other kids in the conversation took that as permission to bully my son about religion. The teacher was lightly scolded and made to apologize to my son, but the damage was done.

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Bullying has continued about Jesus and other things, too. And within the end of last year and beginning of this one, two separate kids have threatened my son with violence (one threatened him with death, the other to punch him in the face with a metal stool) because they found my son annoying. The schools response to both of these incidents was lackluster, and only involved moving my son from sitting with the perpetrator. No disciplineat allfor the perpetrators.

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I emailed the assistant principal and guidance counselor prior to the start of school this year, as my son was distraught to the point of crying daily at the thought of returning for another year. The guidance counselor never responded, and the assistant principal only said, Keep him virtual. That wasnt an option for a variety of reasons and didnt feel like a real response anyway.

My son says he spends every recess just sitting on the swings, totally alone. Im heartbroken and angry as well. My son has an anxiety issue, due to an ongoing custody problem with his abusive father, regularly sees a therapist, and takes an antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication. Im handling his mental health to best of my ability. Also, over the years, I have invited the entire class to every birthday party (my son has NEVER been invited to anyone elses party), hosted play dates, volunteered at the school, all that stuff. So I feel like were trying on our end.

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What can I reasonably expect from the school here? I feel like my son isnt well liked by other students or the teachers and they would just as soon not deal with us anymore. But this is the public school we are zoned for and hes entitled to an education. Shouldnt the educators be helping him? What do I do? Why are these kids so nasty and why will no one help us?

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 A Lonely Child Makes a Heartbroken Mother

Dear Heartbroken Mother,

This certainly is heartbreaking; I am so sorry the two of you are going through this. In your letter, you describe two interrelated problems: bullying and loneliness.

The school certainly has an obligation to put an end to threatening and bullying behavior. If your goal is to keep your son at his current school and nip this behavior in the bud, contact the administrator and insist on an in-person meeting. Find your school districts policy on bullying (or, perhaps their mission statement) and have it handy so you can refer to it if necessary. Ask the administrator to create a plan that will keep your son safe at school. For the record, harassment based on religion is a violation of students civil rights: you could report the school to your states Department of Education if the administration does not address the issue. Of course, this is an adversarial position to take and may not help you or your son make friends at school.

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If the school does put an end to the bullying, your son still may find it difficult to connect with his peers. Another path would be to meet with the guidance counselor instead. Is there a particularly kind club sponsor who is good with the quirky kids? Is there an elective or organization where these quirky kids gather? If so, get him involved! If not, look for a regular, organized activity outside of school that might interest him and could help him connect with kids his age.

Im glad that your son is in therapy, and I hope hes talking about school during his sessions. Have you met with his therapist to discuss his social skills? Is it possible there are skills he could improve upon to help him make friends? To be clear, I am absolutely not suggesting that the bullying is his fault. But youve said that you fear his teachers and peers find him annoying; maybe there are behaviors he could address to help him connect better with his classmates.

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Finally, if the school continues to be cold or even hostile to helping your son, it might be time to explore other options. I hate to recommend that people leave public schools (and perhaps he could transfer within your districtbullying is often a reason districts allow students to transfer), but if you determine that the problem is the school itself, then another school may be a solution.

Hang in there, Heartbroken Mother. Ill be thinking of you.

Ms. Holbrook (high school teacher, Texas)

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My now 7-year-old son was homeschooled last year and hated it. He hated learning from me, so we made the best of it by having him do some online curriculum and math worksheets, but he didnt do much writing or reading. Im not convinced that he doesnt have some sort of reading challenge. Anyway, we sent him back to school, and he is very far behind everyone else in second grade. All but one student in his class went to in-person school for the past year. They want to send him back to first grade to get the basics he missed last year. He does have good friends in second grade, but he already spent the last year not seeing them every day, and I dont think it would be a problem for him to make other friends. He is overwhelmed by everything in the classroom. His current teacher is confident that she can help him make advances in second grade, but she is worried that he will be far behind in third grade too. No one is really sure what the right choice is.

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My son does have an IEP for speech only, but he also has some markers for ADHD. Were waiting on testing with the school and doctor at the end of the month. Were keeping him in second grade until his teacher and I talk again in a week, just to give him more time to get comfortable being in a class.

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What do we do?

First or Second?

Dear First or Second,

I would definitely keep him in the second grade. Kids at this age are incredibly resilient. With the right educator, your son is likely to make great strides in a matter of months. In fact, this has happened to me numerous times as a former second grade teacher. Kids learn best with their developmental age group, which is why I only recommend retention in extreme circumstances. And the developmental difference between a first and second grader at this point in the school year is quite stark. Even if your son is a bit behind his second-grade peers, I think being in a class with students his age who are on grade level will provide him with the environment he needs to catch up.

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Working closely with his teacher will be critical. Make sure to ask how you can support his learning at home. This will provide consistency so that your son can catch up more quickly. Examiners who administer the school tests you mention should be able to provide you with some techniques to support him academically. At the very least, those examiners should be able to point you in the right direction of some resources.

Remember, too, that regardless of whether a student learned in person or online last year, all students experienced a really difficult time in their lives, which will present itself in different ways at different times. I truly believe that as we return to community with one another, well all start to heal and recover a little more quickly.

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Mr. Hersey (elementary school teacher, Washington)

My kid was bullied pretty mercilessly by a group of kids in kindergarten and first grade. The school was slow to call it bullying, but once it escalated to being irrefutable bullying, they did take action. Most of the kids involved produced apologies, and their parents each initiated conversations with me (at the schools insistence). My kid went to therapy for the trauma of it all weekly for more than two years starting in kindergarten and graduated near the end of second grade. And after that things improved immensely. But one kid Joey never apologized.

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Joey bullied another child, mercilessly, in second grade, and this year, in third grade, transferred to a different nearby neighborhood school. But weve since found out that my sons neighborhood friend Charlie has become friends with Joey at this new school. Should I disclose Joeys history to Charlies parents? Part of me feels like Joey is 8, and I want him to have a fair chance at his new school. But another part of me knows that it took a very long time to help my kid heal from what happened, and bullying can never be undone.

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Would it help the new school if I dredge up all of this? Should I let the kid have a fresh start, and keep my kids history out of it?

New School, Old Problems

Dear New School, Old Problems,

I think your empathy for this 8-year-old boy is admirable and appropriate. Joey is attending a new school and perhaps enjoying a fresh start. Hes still very young and certainly deserves an opportunity to demonstrate that he has learned from his mistakes.

Ive witnessed many students change their behavior entirely from one grade to another. A child who was difficult for years suddenly flips the script and decides to start doing things differently at the start of the school year. I think Joey should have this same opportunity. Going to a new school  absent the reputation that he has established for himself  might be just what he needs.

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I would suggest checking in with Charlies parents from time to time to see how hes doing. Occasionally ask your son about Charlie and how he seems to be doing. Keep your ears open but give Joey a chance to shine in his new environment.

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Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

My fifth grader is in a class thats completely comprised of children who have been classified as gifted. Shes been in this program/school since third grade, but because of Covid, none of her time in this program has been what I would consider normalfourth grade was 100 percent virtual.

This year she is back in the classroom and in the three weeks since school started, she has been complaining that she doesnt like her teacher. Apparently, when the kids are playing math-based games, the teacher tells them they made a stupid move. When I verified with my daughter that the teacher used the word stupid, my daughter replied, yes. My daughter says the teacher does qualify these statements by saying that its not their fault that their math skills are not up to par, but it makes her friends and her feel awful.

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Strangely, my two older kids were also in this program and had this teacher. They thought she was great, and she really helped them to level up their math skills. Due to teacher shortages the class is larger than usual. The teacher also explained to the class that shes dealing with a managed recurrence of cancer.

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Ive been telling my daughter to give herself and her teacher a bit of grace and to open herself up to be able to receive the instruction the teacher is giving. I want her to have a great year and enjoy learning, but shes already filled with negative feelings. How should her dad and I handle this? Should we make our concerns known to the teacher or counsel our daughter to make the best of it while we work on her math skills at home, so that she can get on level, hopefully, more quickly?

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Off to a Not-So-Fantastic Start

Dear OtaNSFS,

I would speak to the teacher in a positive, collaborative way. Since this teacher has a track record of excellence with you, its hard to know if things have changed for her in terms of her teaching style and general demeanor (given the class size, the challenges associated with the pandemic, and her battle with cancer, its certainly possible), or if your child is simply not responding well to the teachers methods.

Its admittedly hard to justify telling a student that a move in a math game was stupid, but then again, we werent there. Context is everything. While the word choice on its own might be ill-advised, there may have been nuance (intended humor, perhaps) behind those words that your child isnt picking up on. Its also hard to imagine that your daughter doesnt like the teacher based upon this one thing. The school day is long. There may be more at play here.

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Id approach the teacher, expressing your concerns that your daughter isnt happy and asking what can be done to turn this around. Sooner than later is much better, too. Theres nothing that makes me more distressed as a teacher than knowing that one of my students was suffering in silence for longer than necessary. Better to begin solving the problem as soon as possible.

Good luck.

Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

More Advice From Slate

My first grader is bright and imaginative, and he seems to be well-liked by his peers. Despite this, he often comes home from school dejected because no one wants to create imaginary play productions during recess. I have encouraged him to join the others and let go of his determination to put on pretend Broadway productions, but this goes in one ear and out the other. Should I say anything else, or let him work these playground politics out on his own?
On Thursday, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing on S.B. 8, the Texas law that bans abortion after six weeks and has effectively overturned the protections of Roe v. Wade in the state.

The Republican Party has studiously avoided discussing the consequences of the ban, which contains no exceptions for rape or incest, apparently because they view it as a political loser. But at Thursdays hearing, Republican House members called a witness who was willing to stand up for the law, Dr. Ingrid Skop, a Texas-based member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Speaking up in favor of the law means defending the provisions forcing some survivors of sexual assault and incest to carry fetuses to term. As committee members noted, the official position of recent Republican presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump was to seek abortion bans except in the case of incest, rape, and danger to the life of the mother. That, however, is not S.B. 8.

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You might think that as a Republican witness, Skop would oppose Texas provisions forcing assault survivors to carry fetuses to term, or at least avoid discussing the question as so many of the laws supporters try to do. Instead, Skop repeated the ludicrous position of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that six weeksor when most women might just be finding out they are pregnantwas enough time for a sexual assault survivor to get an abortion. Nobody in the hearing room was more disgusted by these remarks than Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who ripped Skops shameful position to shreds in the most powerful moment of the entire hearing.

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First, its important to have a sense of the exchange that led to Skops response. Specifically, under intense questioning from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Skop would not say whether she would want her own daughter to have access to an abortion after six weeks in the horrific event that she were raped.

That exchange went in like this:

Raja Krishnamoorthi: Now my wife and I have a daughter, Dr. Skop, and one of our greatest fears in life is that she would be sexually assaulted or raped. Now I understand that you have a daughter, right? Ingrid Skop: I do have a daughter. Krishnamoorthi: If, God forbid, your daughter were raped, do you believe that your daughter should be forced to carry the fetus to term? Skop: In the eventand I just want to say for the record that the stories that I heard from women today of their abortions make me very sad. I feel for every woman that has been through that horrendous situation and had to make that horrendous decision. I am working for a world where women do not ever have to address that decision, but I would say that in the case of a rape women generally know that theyve been raped and a woman can find out if she is pregnant Krishnamoorthi: Im just asking you a simple question, Dr. Skop, in the case even after a detectable fetal heartbeat, under S.B. 8, were your daughter raped, would you believe that she should be forced to carry the baby to term as required by S.B. 8? Skop: S.B. 8 gives enough time for a woman who knows shes been raped to determine that she is pregnant.

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You can watch video of the full exchange here:

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After Skops evasion on the specific personal question, Krishnamoorthi asked whether there should be an exception for rape and incest in the Texas law when none exists and when Abbott recently said he would oppose such a modification to the law. Skop was more precise in her answer, expanding on her position that two weeks after a missed period is enough time for a victim of sexual assault to get an abortion. Heres that exchange:

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Krishnamoorthi: You dont want to answer the question, youre being evasive and this is the hypocrisy which characterizes people like you having an opinion as to how you would treat your own daughter, but forcing other daughters, and sisters, and women in the state of Texas to go through a wholly entirely different experience. In 2019, the Texas Department of Safety reported more than 14,000 rapes in the state of Texas, and most experts believe unfortunately the actual number of rapes far surpasses the number of reported rapes. Now, maam, do you believe that after a fetal heartbeat is detected, there should be any exception for rape and incest? Skop: I think theres adequate time in this law for a woman whos been raped to discover that shes pregnant, and if she wants to terminate the pregnancy, I think that she has time to do it.

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Again, this has been one of the most outrageous pieces of misinformation about S.B. 8 offered by the laws mostly silent Republican advocates and here it was getting a hearing on a national stage in the House of Representatives. Ocasio-Cortez was, to say the least, not pleased. The New York congresswoman explained in precise detailand using her own life as an examplewhy Skops statement was so anti-science, wrong, and damaging to survivors of sexual assault.

Here that response is printed in full:

I need to correct and address an assertion that was made not too long ago, this idea, this myth that, first of all, that this law S.B. 8 provides ample time for a victim of abuse to seek abortion care. Because once again were in a room of legislators who are attempting to legislate reproductive systems that they know nothing about. Six weeks pregnantand its shameful that this education needs to happen, because this conversation shouldnt even be held in a legislative bodysix weeks pregnant is two weeks late for ones period. When you are raped, you dont always know what happened to you. And I speak about this as a survivor. You are in so much shock. And by the way, people who commit abuse and victims and survivors of sexual assault are overwhelmingly assaulted by someone they know. And this myth that its some person lurking on a street or in a parking lot waiting to sexually assault you, that myth only benefits the abusers in power that want you to think that thats how it happens. Its your friend, its a boyfriend, its a boss, its a legislator. You are in so much shock that what happened to you, sometimes it takes years to realize what actually went on. So this idea that victims know in the two weeks that they might be late for their period? Im a buck-15. Im 115 pounds, you look at me funny, Im two weeks late for my period. And youre expecting me to know that Im pregnant? Or the stress of a sexual assault. That makes you two weeks late for your period, whether youre pregnant or not. Unbelievable. Unbelievable that the Republican side would call a witness so irresponsible and hurtful to survivors across this country. Honestly. [Y]our constituents [deserve] an apology.

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And heres Ocasio-Cortezs response in full:

Republican representatives on the committee spent much of the rest of the hearing trying to stand up for Skop and decry Krishnamoorthis question and Ocasio-Cortezs clarifying factual statements as outrageous personal attacks. Notably, none actively tried to repeat and validate Skops statements that six weeks is enough time for a sexual assault survivor to realize shes pregnant and get an abortion. While Skop at least had the decency to try to defend the law on its merits, once again, the Republicans legislators seemed to be aware of just how shameful and damaging S.B. 8 is in practice and that its better to avoid addressing the actual substance of the law in favor of pushing distracting partisan attacks.
Though it hasnt received the attention it deserves, courage from Republican election officials and leaders helped save this country from a total election meltdown in 2020 based on lies about voter fraud from the incumbent president, Donald Trump. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refused to find more than 11,000 presidential votes in Georgia, as Trump personally requested, declining to give Georgias legislature an excuse to falsely declare Trump won the state. Former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen rejected entreaties to have the Department of Justice claim fraud in states Biden won. He did so despite pressure from Trump and Jeffrey Clark, a DOJ official who vied for Rosens job and was ready to do Trumps bidding, potentially in violation of federal law. And Federalist Society judges such as Stephanos Bibas excoriated bogus Trump attempts to overturn the election in court without evidence or solid legal theories.

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But memories fade fast. On the right, within the Federalist Society, and even among others who apparently value civility over preserving democracy, some are quietly welcoming back into the fold those who would have stolen the election for Trump or who fomented the violent Jan. 6 insurrection. Most appear to be doing so not because they supported the insurrection or Trumps ridiculous claims, but out of willful ignorance of the facts, or in the name of civility or free speech. Its a mistake, and its taking us down a dangerous path.

Almost a month ago, Slates Mark Joseph Stern wrote about how Jeffrey Clark had landed a cushy job as chief of litigation and director of strategy at the New Civil Liberties Alliance, a conservative-libertarian law firm that battles the administrative state. Among those on the Board of Advisers of the NCLA are former D.C. Circuit Judge Janice Rogers Brown and noted libertarian law professors Randy Barnett and Eugene Volokh. Despite entreaties, nobody involved in the organization has spoken out about Clarks appointment.

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Or consider the Federalist Society and its relationship with John Eastman, a former Chapman University law school professor who retired under pressure after representing Trump in bogus election lawsuits and after giving an incendiary speech just before insurrectionists stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. As law professor Jim Oleske explained in a post on a listserv for constitutional law professors, Eastman was using his weight as an academic to rile up the crowd with lies: Eastman purported to be able to speak with authority, at length, and definitively that we know there was fraud, traditional fraud because they put those ballots in a secret folder in the machines  they were unloading the ballots from that secret folder  and voila! We have enough folks to barely get over the finish line. We saw it happened in real time last night [during the Georgia Senate runoff], and it happened on November 3rd as well.  The claims were bogus and have been repeatedly debunked. Eastman, meanwhile, has remarkably since claimed that the insurrection was caused by antifa.

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Before Jan. 6, Eastman served as the chair of FedSocs Federalism & Separation of Powers Practice Group. After Jan. 6, amid calls for the Federalist Society to distance itself from Eastman, the Federalist Society said nothing. But the group did change his bio on its website to scrub out the reference to the chair job, and the site no longer lists the chairs of their practice groups. But Eastman remains a contributor and has spoken at least once since Jan. 6 at a FedSoc event.

Then, over the weekend, Eastman was allowed to join that private listserv of constitutional law professors. The lists moderator, professor Mark Scarberry, is a conservative Trump opponent who made a good-faith decision to allow Eastman to join so that he could defend himself. While listserv posts are not public unless the writer of the post gives permission to quote (all the posts quoted here are done with permission), it was clear that Eastman did not do well defending himself on the merits when he was confronted with his bogus fraud claims.

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Eastman showed no contrition for his remarks or for his role in helping to foment violence at the Capitol. As professor Steve Vladeck admonished Eastman regarding the effort to rehabilitate himself before these elite professors:

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Perhaps you might also consider the rather different audience to which you are continuing to push a thoroughly debunked and flatly unconvincing narrative about the theft of a legitimate election, a narrative that helped to precipitate the most violent attack on the U.S. Capitol since the British burned it in 1814 in an attempt to prevent the peaceful and lawful transition of power, and a narrative in which you were far more than just an outside observerand for which, in my view, you have a lot to answer for.

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Especially given the lack of contritionand the ongoing efforts by Trump and his cronies to undermine the last election and lay the groundwork for the next attack on democracyletting John Eastman back into the scrum of law professors or as a speaker at Federalist Society events, or giving Jeffrey Clark the safe landing at a conservative legal organization, sends exactly the wrong signal.

Everyone has a line that cannot be crossed and the question is where that line is. Imagine how we would react if evidence showed that Eastman or Clark were child abusers or Nazis. Surely they would not get hired for a fancy new gig, remain featured on the Federalist Society website or invited to speak regularly at the societys events, or continue to participate in listserv discussions among esteemed scholars. We need to treat those who participated in attempts to try to steal the election the same way, not just wait a respectable few months before forgetting the insurrection happened. United States democracy is under the greatest threat of attack since the Civil War, and the threat to free and fair elections is only increasing in this country because of people like Eastman and Clark.

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As my election law colleague and professor Franita Tolson wrote to that listerv:

Stop acting like allowing Eastman in this space is free of any judgments on the merits. Just like when one gives space to hate speech, sexist speech and racist speech  speech seeking to undermine a free and fair election has real world consequences when it finds a forum. This listserv may be okay with that  but own it.

Some courts have begun sanctioning lawyers for lying to the courts about evidence of fraud in support of overturning the 2020 election in favor of Trump. As district court Judge Linda Parker wrote in imposing sanctions against Sidney Powell, Lin Wood, and other lawyers filing bogus suits, This case was never about fraudit was about undermining the Peoples faith in our democracy and debasing the judicial process to do so.

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Those on the rightand leftneed to follow the courts lead. This is not about politically correct cancel culture. No one is saying Eastman or Clark cant speak. But there should be consequences for an attempt to destroy an American election and send American democracy down the road of authoritarianism. They certainly dont deserve rewards in the name of civility and free speech.

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We need more of the courage that we saw in the aftermath of the 2020 elections, not more silence and acquiescence.

Update, Sept. 1, 2021, at 12:15 p.m.: After this article was posted, Fix the Court called attention to a Claremont Institute event that not only features John Eastman; it also has an entire panel on Election Integrity and the Future of American Republican Government. It perhaps is not surprising that torture-memo professor John Yoo is speaking on this panel. But it is profoundly disturbing that the senior judge for the 9th Circuit, Carlos Bea, is agreeing to be an honoree at this event. He deserves round condemnation for lending his name and credibility to Eastmans attempt to promote the Big Lie and rehabilitate his reputation.
Novant Health, a large hospital system in North Carolina, announced on Monday that it had been forced to fire just 175 employees after they refused to go along with its new policy requiring staffers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. By any objective measure, this should have been an encouraging success story about an employer successfully nudging its workforce to make a responsible decision. Novant told the Washington Post that 99 percent of its 35,000-strong staff had been inoculated. The week before, it had suspended 375 holdouts, but most of them ultimately chose to get their shots and keep their jobs.

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And yet, this was the headline the Washington Post decided to slap on the piece: N.C. Hospital System Fires About 175 Workers in One of the Largest-Ever Mass Terminations Due to a Vaccine Mandate. The tone of doom and turmoil might easily have led a Twitter or Facebook user casually skimming the news to believe that some poor medical center had just been decimated by defections, when in fact the story was just the opposite.

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You can find similar coverage decisions by other outlets covering vaccine mandates. Apparently some editors have decided its just a fine idea to blast out the tidbit that Americans are quitting their jobs in protest of public health measures, then follow up with the essential context that, actually, the resistors are pretty much a blip. Heres CNN reporting that 153 employees at Houston Methodist had resigned or were fired rather than accept a shot; only toward the bottom of the story do we learn that the hospital employs around 25,000 people. Another: 39 Quit Kansas Health System Over Vaccine Mandate: Report, the Hill informs us in a bit of news aggregation. If you click through to the original Kansas City Star article, youll quickly find that amount is less than 1 percent of all staff. In every case, it only looks like an employment bloodbath borne of authoritarian overreach if you exclude the denominator.

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At the risk of jinxing things, it seems like the real story here is that health care workers nationwide are mostly just going along with their employers vaccine mandates. The industry news site Fierce Healthcare has been carefully documenting how these measures have played out at hospitals across the country; in most places, only a handful of employees decided to give up their jobs in order to take a stand against modern medicine. A South Carolina hospital had to fire just five of its 17,000 workers. A regional medical center in Kentucky lost fewer than 1 percent of its workforce; at UNC health, 900 of about 30,000 staff are unvaccinated, and only 70 have resigned. And so on.

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The more details you learn about these firings, the less worrisome they often appear. Delawares largest private employer, the hospital system ChristianaCare, chose to let go 150 of its 14,000 workers. But many were part-time employees, and 48 were jobs involving patient care and less than a dozen related to nursing, according to the Delaware News Journal.

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There could be some self-selection going onmaybe hospitals are only choosing to impose vaccine mandates in cases where theyre confident their workers will generally cooperate. Thats why New York state, where all health care workers were required to get vaccinated or face termination as of Monday, is an especially important test case. (Five other states have similar deadlines coming up, according to the Washington Post.) So far, the results there seem encouraging, too. In the lead-up to this week, many hospitals worried about potential staff shortages, and Gov. Kathy Hochul called a formal health emergency that would allow National Guard troops to fill in where necessary. But the situation doesnt seem to be that dire. As the New York Times reported, the looming mandate led to a surge of last-minute vaccinations, and by Monday, 92 percent of the states 650,000 hospital and nursing home employees had received at least one dose. That was up from 84 percent of workers at hospitals and 82 percent at nursing homes the week before.

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There have certainly been some challenges and hiccups in the state. About 5,000 employees, or about 12 percent of the workers, remained unvaccinated at New York Citys public hospital system as of Monday, and as a result were barred from work and docked pay. Thats a fairly large chunk of the workforce. But for now, Mayor Bill de Blasio says the issue isnt expected to affect patient care, and city officials say they havent seen any evidence of major staff shortages yet (remember, these tallies dont just include front-line health care workers like doctors and nurses, but all employees). Elsewhere in the state, at least a couple of hospitals have suspended elective surgeries while reviewing their workforce situations, but one of them managed to get its staff 100 percent vaccinated by the end of Monday. There just havent been any obvious catastrophes.

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What about workers outside of health care? Well, we can look at how the vaccine mandate for New York Citys public schools, which went into effect Monday at midnight after getting the go-ahead from a panel of judges, is playing out. Much like the mandate for hospitals, the new rules for educators seem to have led to a crush of last-minute vaccinations. New York City schools reported on Wednesday morning that 92 percent of teachers and 89 percent of all Department of Education staff were vaccinated. Thats up from 87 percent of teachers and 80 of DOE staff as of Sept. 22. Losing 8 percent of the citys teaching staff would be a significant blow; to put it in a little perspective, the normal total turnover rate for a year is about 15 percent. But with thousands of staff getting vaccinated daily, the city seems to be on the path toward minimizing its losses. And most importantly, the vast majority of educators have gone along with the mandate.

And thats really the point here. Public and private vaccine mandates seem to be a promising route to getting this pandemic under control, but many states and businesses are hesitant to implement them, not just for ideological reasons, but out of a practical fear of how it will affect the workforce. By focusing its coverage on mass terminations and quits, the media is only going to amp up those concerns, when in reality, the overwhelming majority of people are being sensible by choosing to get vaxxed if it means keeping their paychecks.
Country's largest alternative energy supplier quits Slovak market

The company's current customers do not have to worry about being left without energy.

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The country's largest alternative energy supplier, Slovakia Energy, has asked the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO) to revoke its licenses to trade in electricity and natural gas.

Slovakia Energy also requested that its activities on the Slovak energy market be terminated as soon as possible, the SITA newswire reported.

Growing prices

Behind this step is the current situation caused by the unbearable growth in energy prices on wholesale markets in connection to the state's regulation of pricing.

URSO will decide on the request within 30 days.

Electricity may become 15 percent more expensive for households Read more



The pressure to switch to emission-free energy sources, emission allowances, a long winter, and the expected increase in consumption for the development of electromobility are pushing energy prices steeply upwards in

wholesale markets, said spokesperson of Bohemia Energy Hana Novotna.

These are also the reasons why the largest independent supplier in Slovakia has decided to curtail its activities.

Customers won't be left without energy

However, the company's current customers do not have to worry about being left without energy. They can automatically terminate their contract with Slovakia Energy and switch to the supplier of their choice without breaching the existing contracts, Novotna explained.

Alternatively, up to three months from the termination of Slovakia

Energy's activities, a so-called last resort supplier will take care customers - the law ensures them this right.

30. Sep 2021 at 16:53 | Compiled by Spectator staff
https://sputniknews.com/20210929/eu-court-of-justice-strikes-down-morocco-trade-deal-over-western-sahara-exports-1089533151.html

EU Court of Justice Strikes Down Morocco Trade Deal over Western Sahara Exports

EU Court of Justice Strikes Down Morocco Trade Deal over Western Sahara Exports

The European Union Court of Justice has struck down a trade deal with Morocco it says didnt have consent from the Polisario Front, which has declared Western... 29.09.2021, Sputnik International

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2021-09-29T23:48+0000

morocco

western sahara

africa

european union

trade deal

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In its Wednesday ruling, the EUs top court pointed to a ruling dating to 2016, which had said a trade deal could only include products from Western Sahara if the people of the territory consented to it and benefited from it.Politico reported in 2018, as the draft text was being negotiated in Rabat, that the Moroccan government had invited Saharawi civil society groups to Rabat in February in an attempt to establish consent. However, representatives from the Polisario Front said they were not invited to the meeting.The Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO) was formed during the era of Spanish colonization to fight for an independent republic for the indigenous Saharawi people. After the Spanish left in 1975, Polisario continued to fight the Moroccan and Mauritanian forces that tried to claim the territory for their own. In a 1991 peace deal, the United Nations recognized Polisario as the legitimate representatives of the Saharawi people.The EU court made this central to its ruling on Wednesday, noting that due to Polisarios absence from the negotiating table, the steps taken by the EU authorities before the conclusion of the agreements at issue cannot be regarded as having secured the consent of the people of Western Sahara.According to RFI, the deal is valued at some 153 million over a four-year period. According to the Associated Press, the collapse of the deal will deprive Morocco of about 52 million a year on fishing alone. Three-quarters of the 128 EU fishing boats licensed to ply the waters off Western Sahara come from Spain.This is a victory for justice, and for the people of Western Sahara. We hope that EU Member States will now finally abide by the Courts rulings, and exclude Western Sahara from the broad scope of the Unions relations with Morocco. It is high time for the EU to stop being part of the problem in the last colony in Africa, and to become part of the solution, WRSW chief Sylvia Valentin said in the release.Genevra Forwood, an EU lawyer who represented Rabat, told Morocco World News they would appeal the verdict.Indeed, the ruling provided for the agreements to continue for a certain period to preserve the external action for the European Union and legal certainty of its international commitments.The Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders (CODESA), a non-governmental organization that advocates on behalf of Saharawi activists and journalists, welcomed the court ruling.The activists called on the EU to give clear instructions calling for the withdrawal of companies who continue to illegally trade and benefit from the natural resources of Western Sahara in violation of this ruling and to immediately engage with the POLISARIO Front in a responsible dialogue to secure the consent of the Saharawi people.The warm waters off the coast of Western Sahara hold some of the worlds most fertile fisheries, and are believed to hold petroleum reserves under the seafloor. In addition, while the territorys terrain is mostly barren, significant phosphate deposits exist in the north, which holds the worlds largest such mine at Boucraa.A 2018 report drafted by the European Parliaments fisheries committee noted that more than 90% of the catch by the EU fleet is taken in the waters adjacent to Western Sahara.Further, New York-based NGO Human Rights Watch noted in a February 2019 letter to MEPs that in practice, in order for Morocco, as an occupying power, to lawfully exploit Western Saharas resources, it would have to establish a fund with transparent bookkeeping that shows the resources utilized or exported, the revenue derived, and the channelling of those revenues to the sole benefit of the people of Western Sahara.

morocco

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Morgan Artyukhina https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/17/1082703728_0:0:800:800_100x100_80_0_0_0b6ce8daa7411284d60c8a0b6d84186d.jpg

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morocco, western sahara, africa, european union, trade deal
https://sputniknews.com/20210929/norwegian-professor-under-investigation-for-allegedly-violating-nuclear-sanctions-on-iran---reports-1089532323.html

Norwegian Professor Under Investigation For Allegedly Violating Nuclear Sanctions on Iran - Reports

Norwegian Professor Under Investigation For Allegedly Violating Nuclear Sanctions on Iran - Reports

Norwegian Professor Under Investigation For Allegedly Violating Nuclear Sanctions on Iran

2021-09-29T23:48+0000

2021-09-29T23:48+0000

2021-09-29T23:48+0000

europe

norway

professor

anti-iranian sanctions

iranian nuclear program

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A German-Iranian from Norway was charged with violating sanctions imposed on Iran by inviting four Iranian researchers to a laboratory of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, AP reported on Wednesday.Norwegian authorities claimed that the foreign guests may have acquired information, which was claimed to be useful for Iran's nuclear program.The name of the professor hasnt been revealed, nor have the names of the Iranian scientists that stayed at NTNU for different periods from February 2018 to 2019. There is also no information about their specialty and area of scientific interest.Investigators reportedly believe that sensitive data was leaked when one of the guests from the Islamic Republic provided software that was later installed on the universitys computer system. The former was said to allow the Iranian scientist to get access to data even though he wasnt affiliated with the institution.According to him, the professor was charged with violating Iran sanctions, export control regulations and Norways data breach legislation. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison.The academic worker, who has reportedly left Norway, denies the accusations. According to his lawyer Brynjulf Risnes, the professor is ready to return and stand trial.The head of the engineering cybernetics department at NTNU told the university newspaper that the professor and foreign researchers used a special lab, called the nano-mechanical lab, relatively intensively over a short period.The lab is equipped for a wide range of procedures, including advanced analyses of the properties of various metal alloys, such as their strength and hardness.Sanctions on Iran include UN authorized restrictions, issued between 2006 and 2012, and initiatives undertaken by the US and the European Union. As Norway isnt part of the European bloc, it does not participate in the regulation of the Iranian nuclear program, but complies with UN resolutions.Iran has repeatedly stated it has no intention to acquire nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is designed for peaceful purposes. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Reza Najafi said, speaking at the United Nations Tuesday, that countries must reduce their nuclear arsenals as achieving global nuclear disarmament and eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons is a legal, political and moral responsibility for all states, and the nuclear-weapon states, in particular.

astrodetective A nuclear capable Iran can only be a good thing 1

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Alexandra Kashirina

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Alexandra Kashirina

europe, norway, professor, anti-iranian sanctions, iranian nuclear program
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/after-test-of-hypersonic-missile-able-to-evade-us-defences-dprk-vows-more-arms-to-deter-aggression-1089555951.html

After Test of Hypersonic Missile Able to Evade US Defences, DPRK Vows More Arms to Deter Aggression

After Test of Hypersonic Missile Able to Evade US Defences, DPRK Vows More Arms to Deter Aggression

On Tuesday, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) successfully tested what it said was a new hypersonic missile. If confirmed, the test would put... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T17:00+0000

2021-09-30T17:00+0000

2021-09-30T19:09+0000

kim jong-un

missile

hypersonic

test

north korea

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has accused Washington of becoming more cunning in its hostile policies against the DPRK, and assured that Pyongyang would continue to develop new weapons able to deter any provocations.Pointing to the continued arms buildup and large-scale exercises by South Korea and its US allies, Kim accused Seoul and Washington of destroying stability and balance in the region, and stressed that Pyongyang bitterly denounces these activities.The United States, according to the North Korean leader, has left its policy toward the DPRK utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing a hostile policybut employs more cunning ways and methods of doing so, as proven by the deeds done over the past eight months since the emergence of the new administration.Kim characterized Washingtons promises of diplomatic engagement and dialogue without preconditions as a mere petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts and an extension of the hostile policy pursued by successive US administrations.He went on to suggest that inter-Korean relations were at a crossroads of serious choices either to advance toward reconciliation and cooperation after warming the present cooled-off ties or to suffer from national division amid a vicious cycle of confrontation. Kim stressed that Pyongyang was prepared to restore north-south communications starting in October as part of the efforts for realizing the expectations and desire of the entire Korean nation to see the recovery of north-south relations from the present deadlock.Missile TestKims comments followed in the wake of three significant weapons tests by the DPRK this month, including a new ballistic missile launched from aboard a train car, a long-range cruise missile, and a new weapon the DPRK says is a hypersonic missile.The test came just days after the United States carried out its first successful test of a Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) missile developed by Raytheon and DARPA, the Pentagons top-secret research agency, last week.The Japanese and South Korean militaries picked up on the North Korean missiles launch, but categorised it as an unidentified projectile likely to be an ordinary ballistic missile.The test was carried out by the Academy of Defence Science  the entity responsible for the DPRKs arms research, from ships to tanks to missiles  a field in which Pyongyang has progressed dramatically in recent years.Questions Related to Project's Breakneck PaceIts not immediately clear how North Korea was able to advance in the creation of hypersonic missile technology so quickly. Ordinarily, hypersonic weapons take many years or even decades to develop. For example, design work on Russias Avangard hypersonic glider, which was introduced into service in late 2019, began all the way back in the late 1980s.North Korea's Academy of Defence Science established a national Hypersonic Rocket Research Center only in April of 2021, and a separate college at the Kim Jong-un National Defence University, known as College No. 11, was set up to train defence-related science and technology specialists in mid-March.After the emergence of the Hwasong-14  the DPRKs first attempt at an ultra-long range ICBM, US observers postulated that the missile technology may have come from Ukraine  once the home of some of the USSRs most advanced weapons projects. Kiev vocally denied supplying the technology, insisting the engine tech of the Hwasong-14 was not similar to that produced by Ukraine's Yuzhmash rocket factory.According to the KCNA, the countrys hypersonic missile is one of five priority tasks of the current five-year plan in the field of strategic arms. Set forth at the 8thParty Congress that was held in Pyongyang in January.A State Department spokesperson told Sputnik that Washington was aware of the reports of a hypersonic missile test by Pyongyang, and was working to confirm the specific nature of the recent launch event and consulting closely with our allies. We take reports of any new capability seriously.

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/kim-says-willing-to-restore-inter-korean-hotline-starting-in-october---report-1089529912.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210928/dprk-claims-tuesdays-missile-test-was-of-a-new-hypersonic-weapon-1089497903.html

https://sputniknews.com/20200919/putin-russia-was-forced-to-create-hypersonic-weapons-after-us-withdrew-from-missile-treaty-1080513306.html

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Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

kim jong-un, missile, hypersonic, test, north korea
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/antibodies-in-fully-vaxxed-with-pfizer-astrazeneca-decline-steeply-after-several-months--study-1089538608.html

Antibodies in Fully Vaxxed With Pfizer, AstraZeneca Decline Steeply After Several Months  Study

Antibodies in Fully Vaxxed With Pfizer, AstraZeneca Decline Steeply After Several Months  Study

Swedish national broadcaster SVT described the new findings as a piece of the puzzle why Sweden and other heavily-vaccinated countries are now seeing more and... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T06:27+0000

2021-09-30T06:27+0000

2021-09-30T06:27+0000

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sweden

pfizer

scandinavia

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Antibody levels among fully vaccinated people wane faster than researchers previously thought, a major recent study performed in Sweden has concluded.In total, over 2,000 healthcare employees have been included in the Community Study, whose goal is to learn more about immunity after COVID-19 and the effect of vaccines, inasmuch as how quickly immunity wears off.For Pfizer-vaccinated people who haven't had COVID-19, antibody levels were halved after only three months. After seven months, only 15 percent of the original levels remained  a decrease of 85 percent, national broadcaster SVT reported.Because the staff who received the AstraZeneca vaccine received the booster shot later, the researchers were only able to follow them for three months. Nevertheless, the decline was even steeper. After barely three months, AstraZeneca-vaccinated people had only one-fifth of the Pfizer-vaccinated antibody levels.A handful of participants received Moderna's vaccine, but that group was too small and had a too short follow-up time for the researchers to say anything conclusive.SVT described the new findings as a piece of the puzzle why Sweden and several other heavily-vaccinated countries have begun to see more and more breakthrough infections among those who have duly received their two shots. However, researchers still don't know where the protection line goes.Sweden, a nation of over 10 million, has vaccinated over 63 percent of its population. So far, it has had 1.15 million cases of the disease, with over 15,000 deaths.While famous for not introducing any comprehensive lockdowns even at the height of the pandemic, unlike its neighbours, earlier on Wednesday 29 September Sweden lifted the last restrictions in place. In practice, this means that the number of guests at events is no longer limited, that Swedes are no longer recommended to work from home and that the distancing requirements disappear.

vot tak Why not use an effective vaccine instead of this israeloamerican money making extortion trash? They do exist, you know, but zio-media and zio-colonial regimes don't mention them. 9

Nonyank After only 30 days after second Pfizer shot by blood work showed ZERO anti bodies in fact was identicle to non Pfizer bloodwork 6 months before the shots.....may as well have injected water! Seems my mask has worked regardles so sticking with it! 9

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Igor Kuznetsov

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news, sweden, pfizer, scandinavia, astrazeneca, vaccines, covid-19
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/as-uk-dismantles-furlough-lifeline-govt-pledges-efforts-to-maximise-employment-1089539499.html

As UK Dismantles Furlough Lifeline Govt Pledges Efforts to Maximise Employment

As UK Dismantles Furlough Lifeline Govt Pledges Efforts to Maximise Employment

Furlough was introduced in March 2020 to protect millions of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced large parts of the economy to close. The UK... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T07:40+0000

2021-09-30T07:40+0000

2021-09-30T07:40+0000

uk

covid-19

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The wage-subsidy lifeline officially known as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, or CJRS, that has propped up badly-hit sectors of the UK economy, helping pay the wages of 11.6 million workers, ends on 30 September. It was still supporting the incomes of around 1.6 million workers in late July, according to data from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the tax authority of the UK. The CJRS accounts for approximately one-fifth of the money the government has funneled towards pandemic response. The UK Chancellor said he was "immensely proud of the furlough scheme, and even more proud of UK workers and businesses whose resolve has seen us through an immensely difficult time". Sunak launched the near 70bn scheme on 20 March last year, covering 80% of a furloughed employees wages - up to 2,500 a month. However, according to the Chancellor, the time had come to wrap it up. While usage of the scheme peaked in May 2020 to reach almost 9 million, the number of workers on furlough has been steadily declining throughout this year. The figures were driven by easing of lockdown restrictions and reopening of businesses. There are hopes that workers coming off furlough will be absorbed by the over one million job vacancies in the UK. New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there were an estimated 1,034,000 vacancies between June and August this year - the highest number since records began two decades ago. However, employment experts have cast doubt on this, citing mismatches between the registered vacancies and where most workers were furloughed.Furthermore, the Treasury touted the next phase of its "Plan for Jobs" - part of a 400bn spending package. Despite emergency support being wrapped up, the UK Government vowed continued efforts to maximise employment. It touted its 2bn Kickstart Scheme, offering jobs to young people at risk of long-term unemployment and continued support for employers to take on apprentices via an amended Apprenticeship Levy transfers system.The Recovery Loan scheme, reduced 12.5% VAT rate in the hospitality and tourism sectors and continuing business rates relief were all targeted to help businesses to bounce back, maintained the UK Treasury.Dismantling of 'Lifeline'The UK Chancellor Rishi Sunaks decision to end the furlough scheme introduced amid the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has been decried by business leaders as fraught with intensifying Britains economic problems, according to The Guardian. Representatives of the countrys unions, business groups, employment experts and politicians have warned against dismantling the emergency pandemic support scheme amid faltering economic recovery compounded by pressures on supply chains experienced over the past few weeks. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes that ending the furlough scheme would add to pressure on companies struggling to bounce back.Government ministers have been urged to rethink the end of furlough. A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents was cited as warning that the sector still faced "extreme difficulties" because of continued pandemic travel restrictions. "The government needs to look at how it can support these businesses - particularly as the furlough scheme comes to an end - through a package of tailored financial support, including extending business rates relief and a specific grant scheme for travel companies," said the spokesperson. The Resolution Foundation hailed the scheme as a "great success", critical to fighting the pandemic crisis. However, the think-tanks recent studies indicated that a rise in unemployment was a "real risk" for those still on the scheme as it ends, particularly older workers. The Bank of England has also said it expected a small rise in unemployment after the scheme ended. Nevertheless, coming at the same time as growing energy bills and a planned Universal Credit cut back to its pre-pandemic level in October, the end of the furlough scheme will be tough for many to navigate," warn businesses and unions.

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Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

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Svetlana Ekimenko

uk, covid-19
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/canadian-military-used-covid-19-to-test-afghan-like-propaganda-techniques-on-citizens-report-1089555621.html

Canadian Military Used COVID-19 to Test Afghan-Like Propaganda Techniques on Citizens: Report

Canadian Military Used COVID-19 to Test Afghan-Like Propaganda Techniques on Citizens: Report

The government in Ottawa reportedly didnt authorise a covert propaganda operation against its own citizens, according to a plan designed by Canada's military... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T17:20+0000

2021-09-30T17:20+0000

2021-09-30T17:20+0000

news

world

canada

coronavirus

covid-19

propaganda

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/0c/1082602851_0:291:3076:2021_1920x0_80_0_0_df0aa4718f4f87eb463d597dec1f95a5.jpg

The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) used the COVID-19 pandemic to test its propaganda techniques - similar to those used during the Afghanistan war - on its own citizens, the daily newspaper Ottawa Citizen reported, citing documents obtained through the Access to Information law.What the Operation Was AboutAccording to the newspaper, the plan was hatched last year by the CJOC, which at the time was headed by Lt-Gen Mike Rouleau. The operation called for shaping and exploiting information during the health crisis to make the governments messages about the pandemic more effective and prevent any civil disobedience from Canadians.The CJOC reportedly issued the directive for the plan on 8 April 2020 but it was quickly shut down by General Jonathan Vance, then-chief of the defence staff who stepped down from his post in January 2021.Vance was reportedly prompted to kill the initiative after hearing the concerns from his advisers about the schemes legality and ethics. The plan was still reportedly active until 2 May when the generals halting order finally took effect.Investigation LaunchedVance then invited retired Major-Gen Daniel Gosselin to investigate how the CJOC had been able to launch the propaganda scheme without getting authorisation from higher levels. Gosselins report concluded that military commanders were not seeking approval from the authorities because they apparently didnt believe they needed it. Canadas federal government never authorises initiatives, Gosselin argued.Gosselin cited the views of the bodys former chief of staff, Rear-Adm Brian Santarpia, who believed that the pandemic was an opportunity to monitor and collect public information to enhance awareness for better command decision-making.The report concluded that CJOC held a palpable dismissive attitude towards concerns of other military bodies and leaders when launching the scheme. Gosselin has recommended that Canadian Forces review their policies when it comes to information operations  especially those concerning a domestic audience.Controversial Issue?Ottawa Citizen argues that military propaganda training and initiatives within Canada over the past year have proved controversial. The paper cites a recent incident in Nova Scotia, when a fake letter from the government designed by the military warned about wolves on the loose, causing panic among locals and officials who were unware about the ongoing operation.But revelations about the militarys reported move didnt simply stir controversy among some readers but downright outrage.As such, Lorne Gunter - a columnist on another daily newspaper, the Toronto Sun - has raged in a recent piece against censorship, propaganda and manipulation which typifies the Canadian government's toolkit.The military should never treat Canadian citizens as if they are the enemy, he wrote, suggesting that this attitude was increasingly popular among Canadian elites.Canadas political leaders have kept silent on the report so far.

TruePatriot So there' s the proof of how the Canadian scamdemic was launched and fostered. Time for those in the military that did that to be arrested and for the truth to be made known. End the tyranny. 1

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Aleksandra Serebriakova https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/07/1080393304_78:0:1748:1670_100x100_80_0_0_ef4647318d6a9287cf47e376d3794bc4.jpg

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news, world, canada, coronavirus, covid-19, propaganda
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/clashes-between-rival-drug-gangs-in-ecuadorian-prison-leave-116-people-dead-some-of-them-beheaded-1089536081.html

Clashes Between Rival Drug Gangs in Ecuadorian Prison Leave 116 People Dead, Some of Them Beheaded

Clashes Between Rival Drug Gangs in Ecuadorian Prison Leave 116 People Dead, Some of Them Beheaded

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Clashes between criminal groups in a prison in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil have left 116 people dead and about 80 injured... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T03:19+0000

2021-09-30T03:19+0000

2021-09-30T03:22+0000

president

guillermo lasso

prison

deaths

ecuador

prison riot

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The clashes in Guayaquil's Litoral prison erupted after reports about shooting and explosions in the facility as well as the evacuation of staff. Police say automatic rifles and grenades were used during the clashes.According to some reports, at least five prisoners have been beheaded as a result of violence.The carnage was reportedly initiated by the gangs dubbed 'Los Lobos' (The Wolves) and 'Los Choneros' (originally from the city of Chone).Lasso declared a 60-day state of emergency in the national penitentiary system after consultations with senior officials.Conflicts between criminal groups and drug cartels in Ecuadorian prisons take place regularly, leaving multiple casualties.

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president, guillermo lasso, prison, deaths, ecuador, prison riot
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/congressional-committee-on-january-6-events-at-capitol-subpoenas-trump-ally-10-organizers-1089534019.html

Congressional Committee on January 6 Events at Capitol Subpoenas Trump Ally, 10 Organizers

Congressional Committee on January 6 Events at Capitol Subpoenas Trump Ally, 10 Organizers

Congressional Committee on January 6 Events at Capitol Subpoenas Trump Ally, 10 Organizers

2021-09-30T00:18+0000

2021-09-30T00:18+0000

2021-09-30T00:18+0000

us

us house select committee

subpoena

us lawmakers

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As the statement reads, "Chairman Bennie G. Thompson announced that the Select Committee has issued subpoenas for deposition testimony and records to individuals," related to the 6 January events.Also included among those subpoenaed is Maggie Mulvaney, who is the niece of former President Donald Trump's chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. The Select Committee said in the release that she was listed on permit paperwork for the January 6 rally as a VIP lead.Other subpoenaed organizers include Amy Kremer, Kylie Kremer, Cynthia Chafian, Carline Wren, Justin Caporale, Time Unes, Megan Powers, Hannah Salem and Lyndon Brentnall.On January 6, a group of Trump supporters entered the US Capitol to protest the lawmakers certifying the 2020 presidential election results from several US states that Trump claimed were subject to election and voter fraud. A protester, military veteran Ashli Bobbitt, was killed by police inside the Capitol. The authorities have charged some 500 people for participating in the event.

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us, us house select committee, subpoena, us lawmakers
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/defunding-law-enforcement-generally-texas-mayor-slams-democrats-over-border-crisis-1089558923.html

Defunding Law Enforcement Generally: Texas Mayor Slams Democrats Over Border Crisis

Defunding Law Enforcement Generally: Texas Mayor Slams Democrats Over Border Crisis

Defunding Law Enforcement Generally: Texas Mayor Slams Democrats Over Border Crisis

2021-09-30T21:01+0000

2021-09-30T21:01+0000

2021-09-30T21:01+0000

us

us-mexico border

illegal immigrants

border crossings

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The Trump-era's strict border policies produced results, while the actions undertaken by the current US administration have let the situation get out of hand, Pete Saenz, Democratic Mayor of Laredo, Texas, told the Washington Free Beacon on Thursday.Claiming that the border heeds to be fully secured, he noted that he hasnt seen any measures from the federal government to remedy this. Saenz stressed that local public services need financial aid, as they spend a lot of money on assisting and deporting immigrants.Some policies implemented by the previous administration, according to the mayor, had been helpful, including the Remain in Mexico program."No person wants to spend their last penny giving it to the cartels, then risking life and limb to travel to try and get all the way to the border," he added. "And then there's still the uncertainty that they may not even be granted asylum. At some point, they'll be fugitives."Saenz also noted that the border needs a wall, either physical or virtual, that would "deter or at least buy time, so to speak, for law enforcement." Otherwise, he stressed, people here will be begging for a wall, a physical structure, simply because of his lack of attention to the border and especially the size of these surges.As the situation at the border has intensified again in recent weeks, the Biden administration announced earlier this week that it would rescind another law imposed by Donald Trump, the Migrant Protection Protocols. The abolition of the program, which encouraged migrants to stay in Mexico while a decision was pending on their application, was earlier dismissed by the US federal court in Texas.

Erikao Excellent Pete. Does this mean that we can now get rid of that hideous graffiti mural in front of the court house? 0

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Alexandra Kashirina

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us, us-mexico border, illegal immigrants, border crossings
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/dems-strike-deal-with-gop-to-avert-govnt-shutdown-as-senate-schedules-thursday-vote-on-stopgap-bill-1089536920.html

Dems Strike Deal With GOP to Avert Govt Shutdown as Senate Schedules Thursday Vote on Stopgap Bill

Dems Strike Deal With GOP to Avert Govt Shutdown as Senate Schedules Thursday Vote on Stopgap Bill

US Democrats have been under pressure to avert two looming potential crises this week: a possible government shutdown and a default, as Treasury Secretary... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T05:16+0000

2021-09-30T05:16+0000

2021-09-30T09:21+0000

joe biden

us senate

mitch mcconnell

chuck schumer

janet yellen

us treasury

news

us

senate

afghanistan

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US Democrats have reached a deal with Republicans on a stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Wednesday night that a vote on the continuing resolution (CR), a temporary funding measure to keep the government running into early December, has been scheduled for Thursday morning. Government funding is set to expire at midnight on Thursday,The stopgap bill, which will need to pass the House of Representatives, will include emergency funding for natural disaster relief and Afghan refugee resettlement.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attempted to alleviate fears over a possible government shutdown, saying on Wednesday she believed there would be a big vote tomorrow."Looming CrisisThe stopgap measure up for vote on Thursday is aimed at averting just one looming crisis, as the country faces its first-ever potential default.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday warned Congress that the US will likely exhaust extraordinary measures to service the nations debt by 18 October unless lawmakers raise or suspend the debt limit.Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that after the issue of funding the government has been resolved, Congress would need to "address the urgent matter of extending the debt ceiling".Government funding and the debt ceiling are separate fiscal issues, with the Democrats initially hoping to pair them and pass legislation that would resolve both.However, GOP opposition in the Senate prevented that, as the Republicans insisted on a "clean" stopgap funding bill that would not include a debt limit provision. The GOP argued that Democrats should address the debt limit on their own.The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives approved temporary legislation on 21 September, aimed at keeping the government funded through early December and raising the limit on federal borrowing through the end of 2022. The bill contained a rider for additional funding of the resettlement of Afghans evacuated from Kabul in August.However, on Monday, the Senate voted 50-48 to increase the debt ceiling, thus falling sort of the 60-vote supermajority required to approve the measure.Legislation was passed by the House of Representatives on 29 September in a 219-212 vote to suspend the US debt ceiling. All the Democrats with the exception of Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Kurt Schrader of Oregon supported it, while the full body of Republicans with the exception of Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois opposed it. The GOP has vowed the bill will not pass the Senate.As Congress appears headed towards passing a funding bill without the debt limit attached, Schumer said that the Democrats were seeking a solution to dodge default, but slammed Republicans who have stymied us at every opportunity".Schumer denounced Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Senate GOP for failing to help Democrats raise the debt ceiling.While Democrats have the option of raising the debt limit on their own via a process known as budget reconciliation, Chuck Schumer has argued that would be too risky and "could well lead us to default."

vot tak They need to resolve this through reduction of pork barrel, mainly bank interest and mic extravaganze. 1

Tom Hanks Shocker, the world is not going to crumble....you poor russians are silly...lol 0

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afghanistan

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Svetlana Ekimenko

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Svetlana Ekimenko

joe biden, us senate, mitch mcconnell, chuck schumer, janet yellen, us treasury, news, us, senate, afghanistan, republicans, default, democrats
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/dont-know-who-is-taking-decisions-congress-politician-wants-party-to-discuss-the-debacle-within-1089521696.html

'Don't Know Who is Taking Decisions': Congress Politician Wants Party to Discuss the Debacle Within

'Don't Know Who is Taking Decisions': Congress Politician Wants Party to Discuss the Debacle Within

Last year, a group of 23 rebel Congress politicians, or G-23, wrote a letter to their party chief Sonia Gandhi, demanding sweeping changes and "visible and... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T19:37+0000

2021-09-30T19:37+0000

2021-09-30T20:07+0000

india

indian national congress

india

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Kapil Sibal, a senior parliamentarian from India's main opposition party - Congress - on Wednesday hit out at his own party's main leadership over a spate of resignations and defections of senior party leaders to other political parties. On Wednesday, Sibal, a senior Congress politician who has been a part of the G-23 rebel group, held a press conference and remarked: "In Congress, there is no elected president now. Who is taking calls? We don't know who is taking decisions in the party."Referring to G-23, Sibal said that it is not a group of "Ji-Huzoor" (Yes Men) and that members of the group will keep raising uncomfortable questions for the party in a bid to bring about improvement. His statement came amid recent developments in the poll-bound northern state of Punjab where Congress witnessed the resignations of two senior politicians from their posts within a gap of a few days due to infighting and one-upmanship within the party.While the Punjab state chief and senior-most Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh resigned on 18 September, his party's state unit head, Singh's main rival Navjot Singh Sidhu, also stepped down on 28 September. Singh resigned days after Sidhu, backed by senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was made the party's head for Punjab by Congress high command against the former's will. Sibals comments, however, spurred a strong reaction from several Congress supporters, who staged a protest outside his residence in the evening, condemning his remarks on the partys recent setbacks.One of the protesters while speaking to news channel Aaj Tak said, Kapil Sibal is among the senior-most leaders of the party but it is agonising to see that he is maligning the party publicly. There is no leadership crisis in Congress party.Meanwhile, another senior party leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has also written to Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, calling for a meeting of the Congress' top authority (CWC) to elect a full-time party president.Azad is also part of the "G-23", a group of 23 dissenting Congress leaders that includes veterans in the party. Members of the group have been regularly voicing discordant notes with the top party leadership without directly naming the members of the Gandhi family, who have been at the helm of the party for decades.Apart from Punjab, severe infighting persists in Congress-ruled Rajasthan, where State Chief Ashok Gehlot is at loggerheads with fellow party leader Sachin Pilot. A veteran Goa leader Luizinho Faleiro also quit the party this week and joined Trinamool Congress in West Bengal state on Wednesday.

https://sputniknews.com/20210827/punjab-india-congress-chief-faces-heat-in-over-friend-of-imran-khan-label-ahead-of-2022-polls--1083700318.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210928/not-a-stable-man-ousted-punjab-state-chief-slams-congress-party-leader-1089489461.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210924/congress-is-a-sinking-ship-says-bjp-allied-nishad-party-chief-in-poll-bound-indias-uttar-pradesh-1089335744.html

india

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Priya Yadav https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/01/1081944855_0:29:2048:2077_100x100_80_0_0_fcca548f1670eac15afebf8b8e336044.jpg

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india, indian national congress, india
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/french-ex-president-nicolas-sarkozy-found-guilty-of-illegally-financing-2012-campaign--1089542224.html

Paris Court Convicts Ex-President Sarkozy to Year in 'Prison' for 2012 Illegal Campaign Financing

Paris Court Convicts Ex-President Sarkozy to Year in 'Prison' for 2012 Illegal Campaign Financing

The former French president did not arrive at the court to witness the announcement of the verdict. 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T08:54+0000

2021-09-30T08:54+0000

2021-09-30T10:36+0000

france

nicolas sarkozy

europe

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A court in Paris convicted ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy to one year of home imprisonment after finding him guilty of illegal campaign financing in his unsuccessful 2012 re-election bid.The ex-French president will serve the sentence at home under electronic surveillance, the judge said.The former French president was represented in court by his lawyer Thierry Herzog.The court found that Sarkozy was aware of the legal threshold for campaign spending and was warned of possible cost overruns. Despite this, Sarkozy continued his campaign rallies, the judge said.According to Sarkozy's lawyer Thierry Herzog, Nicolas Sarkozy will appeal against an earlier court ruling which found him guilty.The court hearings in this case were held from 20 May to 22 June. Sarkozy came to them only once to testify, according to the French media.The Paris court case has been dubbed Bygmalion by the media - after the PR agency that was involved in information support for Sarkozy's 2012 election campaign. According to the prosecution, the politician's campaign headquarters used fake accounts for the meetings organised by the agency to hide the excess spending on the presidential campaign. Within the framework of this case, 14 persons were charged; Sarkozy was charged with the illegal financing of the election campaign. The former president of France declared his innocence himself, denying the excess spending during this campaign. The prosecutor's office demanded that Sarkozy be sentenced to six months in prison. In addition, the prosecution asked for another six months' suspended prison sentence and a 3,750 euro ($4,349) fine.

https://sputniknews.com/20210304/french-economy-minister-says-politicians-should-avoid-commenting-on-sarkozys-sentence-1082256734.html

tsader Always good to see a Jew behind bars 2

feketehollo Check your facts. Hardly Jewish just because grandfather was a Jew who converted to Christianity. Wikipedia: "His grandfather was a Sephardic Jew by birth, but he was Catholic, so Sarkozy was given a Catholic upbringing at home."

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france, nicolas sarkozy, europe
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/incidents-at-border-with-china-will-continue-to-happen-indian-army-chief-1089540608.html

Incidents at Border with China Will Continue to Happen: Indian Army Chief

Incidents at Border with China Will Continue to Happen: Indian Army Chief

Although efforts are being made to calm border tensions, reports suggest fresh military assets deployment by India and China along the disputed 3,488-km Line... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T11:22+0000

2021-09-30T11:22+0000

2021-09-30T11:22+0000

pla

xi jinping

chinese people's liberation army (pla)

narendra modi

ladakh region

china

india

war

indian army

border dispute

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Amid reports of new "incursions" by China in the middle sector of the LAC, Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said that the country's armed forces are prepared to meet any misadventure that may occur along the border. Naravane, speaking at a function in Delhi on Thursday, underlined that incidents along the LAC have amplified the operational challenges.The statement has come days after over 100 Chinese troops reportedly crossed into the Indian territory in Barahoti, in the state of Uttarakhand, a region which has so far been relatively free of border tensions. The Indian army has deployed more sophisticated artillery to the LAC with China in Eastern Ladakh. Based on military sources, the media report said that three M777 howitzer regiments had been deployed in the region. China's foreign ministry on Wednesday blamed India for ongoing tensions in the region. The latest surveillance and Indian intelligence reports show that the People's Liberation Army has built new modular container-based accommodations for its soldiers at eight forward locations, namely, Wahab Zilga, Hot Springs, Changa La, Tashigong, Manza and Churup along the LAC.Moreover, China has reportedly deployed S-400 air missile defence systems at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang and Nyingchi airbase in Tibet. Army chief General Naravane also admitted that the Indian armed forces faced challenges because of COVID and the operational situation. "Developments along the LAC in eastern Ladakh added to the ongoing legacy challenges (border dispute) along our western and eastern borders," he said.The border stand-off between the two militaries escalated in June 2020 when 20 Indian soldiers and four PLA troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. The two sides have been talking at multiple levels to disengage from the stand-off areas in Eastern Ladakh.

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pla, xi jinping, chinese people's liberation army (pla), narendra modi, ladakh region, china, india, war, indian army, border dispute, m777 howitzers, india
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/irgc-issues-veiled-warning-to-azerbaijan-says-tehran-wont-tolerate-israeli-presence-near-borders-1089549744.html

IRGC Issues Veiled Warning to Azerbaijan, Says Tehran Wont Tolerate Israeli Presence Near Borders

IRGC Issues Veiled Warning to Azerbaijan, Says Tehran Wont Tolerate Israeli Presence Near Borders

Azerbaijan is one of about a dozen Muslim nations maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, and the two countries have enjoyed close defence ties since... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T13:14+0000

2021-09-30T13:14+0000

2021-09-30T13:26+0000

azerbaijan

israel

iran

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Tehran will not allow Israel to use the territory of its neighbours as a safe haven for its devious schemes against the Islamic Republic, and neighbouring nations know perfectly well why Iran is forced to hold war games along border areas, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander has said.Pakpours comments follow remarks by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev earlier this week inquiring about why Iran had decided to carry out large-scale drills near the Azerbaijani border. In an interview with Turkeys Anadolu news agency on Monday, Aliyev called the exercises, which are set to kick off Friday, a very surprising event and asking why they were being carried out now, and why on our border?Iran offered a big hint regarding the answer to this question by naming the drills Conquerors of Khaybar, a reference to the 628 CE battle of Khaybar between early Muslims led by the Prophet Muhammad and Jewish tribesmen at an oasis in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. The battle led to the Jewish tribes defeat, and tribesmen were allowed to continue living at the oasis in exchange for payment of tribute to Muhammad.We expect that the soil of our neighbours not be used as a breeding grounds for the evil deeds of the Zionists. The Islamic Republic expects our neighbours to be a safe and secure environment for other countries and the region, the commander stressed. He went on to accuse Israel of helping and supporting some nations in the region with the purpose of creating disagreements and rifts among Muslim nations.Pakpours remarks echoed comments by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh earlier this week. In a statement Tuesday, Khatibzadeh called the border drills a question of sovereignty, and stressed that Tehran would take all measures it deems necessary for its national security.The comments out of Iran follow on reports last month that Azerbaijan was in talks with Israel to purchase up to $2 billion in additional weapons and military equipment from Israel, on top of the $7 billion plus Baku has already purchased from the Jewish State since 1992.Rollercoaster RelationsDiplomatic relations between modern-day Iran and Azerbaijan have seen a tendency to swing radically between improvement and deterioration, notwithstanding common historical, cultural and even ethnic ties (ethnic Azeris, living in northwestern Iran near the border with Azerbaijan make up as much as 1/5 of Irans population). Relations which enjoyed an upswing in the mid-2000s thanks to improved economic ties and the creation of a joint defence commission faltered after the election of Donald Trump, and Azerbaijans decision to support Israels claims to Jerusalem after the US moved its embassy there. Bakus suspension of the oil trade with Tehran in support of US sanctions, allegations by the Islamic Republic that its neighbour sponsors pan-Turkist separatists, and the oil and arms trade between Azerbaijan and Israel, have poisoned relations further. Ties have been further strained by the Turkish invasion of northern Syria in 2019 over Bakus support for Ankara. Iran has provided support for the Damascus government for nearly a decade, and has demanded that other countries respect Syria's territorial integrity.During the July 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani clashes, and the September-November clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh the same year, Iran urged restraint, while reporting that several shells, rockets and several unmanned aerial vehicle had fallen onto Iranian territory during the fighting in Karabakh. Israel has sold billions of dollars worth of military equipment to Azerbaijan over the past decade, and the countrys military confirmed that Israeli-made attack drones were used extensively during the Karabakh crisis.Warning to IraqIn his remarks Wednesday, Pakpour also warned Baghdad that Iran would target terrorist formations in northern Iraq if the Iraqi government did not expel them. The officials of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region must evict the elements and members of the terrorist and anti-Revolutionary groups from northern Iraq immediately, otherwise we will destroy their strongholds and bases, he said.Iran already carried out several missile, artillery and drone attacks into Iraqi territory this month after warning that Tehran would not allow the buildup of militias launching cross-border attacks. In addition to targeting Daesh (ISIS)* and al-Qaeda* in Iraq and Syria, Iran has not hesitated to strike other groups it considers terrorists, including the so-called Kurdistan Free Life Party  an Iraqi Kurdish militia group which has staged numerous attacks in Irans Kurdistan Province over the years against military and civilian targets. Iranian officials have claimed that the United States supports the militia.

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/iran-calls-on-nuclear-powers-to-scrap-their-arsenals-says-disarmament-a-moral-responsibility-1089514483.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210727/irans-intelligence-ministry-says-it-has-shattered-mossad-sleeper-cell-plotting-mass-unrest-1083471465.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210919/tehran-threatens-to-expand-strikes-against-terrorists-in-northern-iraq-demands-closure-of-us-base-1089211054.html

Ahson Iran would steamroll Azer bhaija republic in under 24 hrs with the IRGC sitting in Baku if this escalates. Iran will then gulag these turks back to the east torkestan of Xinjiang. Their original home. 23

2007harleydavidsonsg Turks are Russia tool nothing more 6

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Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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azerbaijan, israel, iran
US Senate Will Pass Government Funding Bill on Thursday, Republican Minority Leader Says

The US Senate will pass a bill to allow funding of the federal government through 3 December to avert possible shutdown, Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell said on Thursday.



The Democratic majority has begun to realize that the way forward on basic governing duties matches the roadmap that Republicans have been laying out for months on government funding that Republicans laid out all along with a clean continuing resolution without the poison pill of a debt limit increase. That's exactly what will pass today, McConnell said during his remarks on the Senate floor.
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/panama-had-reportedly-sounded-the-alarm-to-biden-over-haitian-influx-warns-of-next-migrant-surge-1089542377.html

Panama Had Reportedly Sounded the Alarm to Biden Over Haitian Influx, Warns of Next Migrant Surge

Panama Had Reportedly Sounded the Alarm to Biden Over Haitian Influx, Warns of Next Migrant Surge

Thousands of migrants, largely from Haiti, had flooded an impromptu camp in the Texas town of Del Rio, waiting to be picked up by border authorities earlier... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T09:35+0000

2021-09-30T09:35+0000

2021-09-30T09:35+0000

joe biden

us

immigration

alejandro mayorkas

panama

migrants

homeland security

haitian

jovenel moise

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Panama Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes has warned that as many as 60,000 migrants, mostly Haitian, are poised to head towards the US-Mexico border, according to Axios.Mouynes also cast doubt on the fact that the administration of President Joe Biden was caught unawares by the Haitian migrant crisis, insisting her government had "sounded the alarm when we should have." While over 85,000 migrants have passed through Panama since January, most of them Haitians, with an estimated 25,000 already reaching their destination and entering the US, said the Panama official.As she cited Panamanian government estimates showing nearly 27,000 migrants are planning to cross this month through the Darien Gap  the mountainous, roadless region that connects North and South America. This number is more than in all of 2019, the minister emphasised, added: Panama is where northbound migrants often receive their first help, in the form of medical assistance, food and shelter. Mouynes, who had been conducting meetings with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and members of Congress in Washington on Monday and Tuesday, urged Washington to get on board with countries in the region to enforce a strategy to deal with the migrant challenge. She also voiced support for enhanced engagement with Haiti. Latin American officials, according to the minister, had held task force meetings to hammer out a plan to deter charter planes from landing in countries with migrants, as well as to impose quotas at borders to slash numbers of migrants in transit countries. "If you can control migration, you can support it," said Mouynes.Panama is hoping to set in place migrant quota systems with its neighbours Peru and Brazil such as the one already functioning with Colombia and Costa Rica. A frustrated Colombia is currently holding back 30000 migrants seeking to cross into Panama and would prefer for her country to accept greater numbers, added Erika Mouynes.The Foreign Minister suggested meetings by Mayorkas or other top American officials with cabinet-level regional leaders to focus on the migrant issues. They could be seen as a follow-up to those held in August involving immigration officials and attorneys general from South American governments, Mexico, Canada and the US. There has not yet been any official comment from the Department of Homeland Security on the statements made by the Panama Foreign Minister. Haitian Influx This comes as the Biden administration cleared some 15,000-17,000 Haitian migrants from the Del Rio camp near the Mexican border last week. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had visited Del Rio and weighed in on the challenging and heartbreaking situation, vowing to take swift action to resolve the migrant problem that a town of 35,000 residents had been facing. At a White House press briefing on 24 September the Homeland Security Secretary said that no migrants remained at the border camp under a bridge in Del Rio. US authorities encountered nearly 30,000 migrants in Del Rio since 9 September, according to Mayorkas. Alejandro Mayorkas said that approximately 2,000 Haitian nationals have been taken back to their native country on 17 repatriation flights organized by the DHS. According to Mayorka, approximately 10,000-12,000 Haitian migrants have been released by the US for their cases to be heard by immigration judges who will determine whether they will be deported or remain in America. Haiti has been devastated by two massive earthquakes, one in 2010 and the other in August of this year, with political instability also plaguing the Caribbean nation, exacerbated when President Jovenel Moise was killed in July. Total Chaos President Joe Biden has received massive bipartisan backlash for the administrations failure to address the crisis at the southern border.Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told Fox News Wednesday that this is all happening because Joe Biden and Kamala Harris refuse to enforce the law and have essentially said anyone who wants to come to America, theyre gonna resettle them, theyre gonna give them benefits, theyre gonna let em stay, and its resulting in a public health crisis and a humanitarian crisis. Illegal crossings on the US southern border have hit a 20-year high under Joe Biden as he sought to roll back the Trump-era hardline immigration policies. Over 200,000 southwest border crossings were registered in August alone a four-fold spurge from encounters documented a year ago. The Biden Administrations failure to enforce immigration laws and halt illegal crossings on a federal dam poses life-threatening risks to Texans and the migrants themselves, said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

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joe biden, us, immigration, alejandro mayorkas, panama, migrants, homeland security, haitian, jovenel moise
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/photo-satellite-captures-alleged-iranian-missile-production-site-damaged-by-blast-1089560685.html

Photo: Satellite Captures Alleged Iranian Missile Production Site Damaged by Blast

Photo: Satellite Captures Alleged Iranian Missile Production Site Damaged by Blast

Earlier this week, Iranian media agencies reported a fire at one of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) research sites west of the capital of Tehran... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T22:41+0000

2021-09-30T22:41+0000

2021-09-30T22:41+0000

tehran

iran

satellite

explosion

iran's nuclear program

satellite imaging

iranian nuclear program

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A private Israeli intelligence organization on Thursday released satellite images of an alleged Iranian missile development facility outside of Tehran, showing the damage caused by a purported explosion earlier in the week. As seen in the satellite pictures, at least a quarter of the building, claimed to be a secret missile base belonging to the IRGC, was entirely demolished, with more damage seen on the roof of the entire structure on Monday shortly after the incident.ImageSat International, a satellite image analysis company, released the photos. The Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group was designated as the location by the company.According to reports, as a result of the blast at the facility at least two Guards' members were killed. The IRGC's Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization, which reportedly runs the damaged facility, was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2017 for its efforts in "researching and developing ballistic missiles."Since July 2020, a succession of suspicious fires and explosions have occurred at Iran's nuclear, military, and industrial sites. According to Iran International, almost at the same time as the fire west of Tehran, another fire broke out at a military research complex in Tehran.

mandrake The jews illegally occupying palestine of course! The world will have to do something about them. It wontbe pretty but that is better than having the jews running amok like rabid dogs and what you do with rabid dogs is well known! 4

Rus Hammer Head Tom Hanks is a mess with all the under-age sex he has been indulging in!!! Besides, Iran is Persia, good luck if you think Paedophiles like Jeffrey Epstein will defeat Persia!!! 4

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tehran, iran, satellite, explosion, iran's nuclear program, satellite imaging, iranian nuclear program
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/serbia-kosovo-reach-de-escalation-agreement-in-brussels-1089546283.html

Serbia, Kosovo Reach De-Escalation Agreement in Brussels

Serbia, Kosovo Reach De-Escalation Agreement in Brussels

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - Serbia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo have reached an agreement on de-escalation at their negotiations in Brussels, EU Special... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T11:04+0000

2021-09-30T11:04+0000

2021-09-30T11:04+0000

kosovo

serbia

news

europe

deal

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Lajcak took to Twitter to announce the news. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has confirmed that his country has accepted the proposal on de-escalating tensions in the north of Kosovo.Earlier this week, NATO troops increased patrols in Kosovo near border crossings which have been blocked by local Serbs opposed to a ban on cars with Serbian licence plates entering the country. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 with support from the United States, the United Kingdom and most EU member states. However, Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's independence and has blocked its recognition at the United Nations.

kosovo

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kosovo, serbia, news, europe, deal
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/something-doesnt-add-up-french-fm-accuses-australia-of-lying-over-sub-deal-betrayal-1089548654.html

Something Doesnt Add Up: French FM Accuses Australia of Lying Over Sub Deal Betrayal

Something Doesnt Add Up: French FM Accuses Australia of Lying Over Sub Deal Betrayal

Amid the diplomatic row between Paris and Canberra triggered by the AUKUS security alliance, Australias PM Scott Morrison has repeatedly defended the decision... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T13:10+0000

2021-09-30T13:10+0000

2021-09-30T13:10+0000

aukus

france

jean-yves le drian

australia

emmanuel macron

submarines

aukus

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France has slammed Australia for lying about its intentions regarding the now-scrapped conventionally-powered submarine deal with Paris worth tens of billions of dollars, reported The Guardian. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was cited as telling a Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee of the Parliaments upper house that France had never expressed doubts about the submarine contract before ditching it in favour of building a new class of nuclear attack submarines with the help of American and British nuclear reactor technology. According to Le Drian, Naval Group, majority owned by the French government, had received a letter on the same day the contract was ditched, saying Australia was satisfied with the strategic review of the submarines and was ready for the rapid signature for the second phase of the programme.The French Foreign Minister suggested someone lied, adding: Something doesnt add up and we dont know what. Tensions continue to flare between the two countries in the wake of the AUKUS pact announcement on 15 September that resulted in Canberra breaking the contract first announced in 2016 with the French contractor Naval Group. Canberras decision to abandon the multibillion submarine contract was met with stupor in Paris, said the French Foreign Minister. France's Armed Forces Ministry spokesman Herve Grandjean went on Twitter on Tuesday to similarly point to the letter in question as having stated that Australians were satisfied with the submarine's achievable performance and with the progress of the program. According to The Guardian, a spokesman for the Australian government confirmed that the letter had been sent, but noted that "this correspondence did not refer to, or authorise, commencement of the next phase of the programme, which remained subject to the announcement of decisions by the Australian government." On 16 September, Naval Group issued a statement concerning the matter, saying that the submarine deal fall-out was "a major disappointment" for the company "which was offering Australia a regionally superior conventional submarine with exceptional performance." The letter in question has not been publicly released, according to the outlet, with a spokesperson for Australias Department of Defence downplaying its significance. Breaking of Trust Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has referred to the move by Canberra as betrayal and a stab in the back, repeated that what was at stake was more than a commercial contract as it pertained to the broader strategic relationship between the two countries. According to the French FM, Australia had asked for conventional submarines as opposed to nuclear-powered ones. These are the facts and they speak for themselves, said Le Drian at the hearing, while underscoring that AUKUS would represent a total loss of sovereignty for Australia.According to the minister, the French ambassador would return to Australia when we have had a review. France had recalled its envoys to the US and Australia to show the gravity of this treason and breach of trust. Philippe Etienne, the French ambassador to the US, returned to Washington on 29 September after being away for nearly two weeks.Jean-Yves Le Drian emphasised that France had the support of the European Union on the issue, adding that Brussels was aware of what is at stake. This is a strategic European crisis, warned Le Drian. While acknowledging Frances disappointment, Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has maintained his decision was prompted by his countrys national security. The deal with France "would not have done the job that Australia needed to be done," he stated on Face the Nation.An Elysee official was cited as saying any future talks between Emmanuel Macron and Morrison would have to be seriously prepared and have substance.

linw Maybe a daft question but who is the threat to Australia exactly? 4

koursk koursk the big mafia, which reigns over the nato zone, is made up of billionaires, whose ancestors are mainly from northern europe *** so, inside the nato zone, these multi-billionaires have preferences for Anglo-Saxon, Germanic and Scandinavian countries, and a contempt for the Latins and the Slavs *** all the French Gauleiter elected with the influence of billionaire mobsters since 1945 have obeyed his ethnic, and economic classifications *** if the drian became a minister, is that he immediately accepted the idea that the Anglo-Saxons, the Germans and the Scandinavians were superior to the Latins and the Slavs *** France, the Latins and Slavs are the useful idiots of the nato zone *** gold France would have an equal consideration associated with the other members of the eurasian, of the territorial collective security organization and of the cooperation organization of shanghai, 3

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france, jean-yves le drian, australia, emmanuel macron, submarines, aukus
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/the-blunder-games-centcom-chief-blames-trump-for-afghan-armys-collapse-1089545342.html

The Blunder Games: CENTCOM Chief Blames Trump for Afghan Armys Collapse

The Blunder Games: CENTCOM Chief Blames Trump for Afghan Armys Collapse

Americas top generals faced two days of questioning by members of the Senate and House armed services committees, where they blamed the current president, the... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T10:28+0000

2021-09-30T10:28+0000

2021-09-30T10:42+0000

lloyd austin

pentagon

mark milley

hearing

kenneth mckenzie

us central command (centcom)

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Former president Donald Trumps decision to sign a peace deal with the Taliban* was a key factor in the dramatic mid-August disintegration of the Afghan security forces and government and the countrys takeover by the Islamist militants, General Frank McKenzie, head of US Central Command (USCENTCOM), has said.McKenzie insisted that he believed for quite a while that the Afghan government would inevitably collapse if the US reduced troop numbers below the 2,500 stationed in the country at the end of the Trump presidency, and that the military would follow if this took place. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin echoed McKenzies complaints, both about the troop withdrawals and the Doha deal.We did not anticipate the snowballing effect caused by the deals that the Taliban commander struck with local leaders in the wake of the Doha agreement, and that the Doha agreement itself had a demoralising effect on Afghan soldiers, Austin said.The defence secretary also blamed Afghan military and civilian leaders, saying the US did its best to build a state, butcould not forge a nation.Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, the third of the three senior military officer who took part in Wednesdays hearing, admitted that the Pentagon expected the Afghan government and military to collapse, but suggested intelligence was to blame for getting the timeline wrong.I think there was a lot of intelligence that clearly indicated that after we withdraw, that it was a likely outcome of a collapse of the military, a collapse of the government. Most of those intelligence assessments indicated that would occur late fall, perhaps early winter, [and that] Kabul might hold till next spring. While we were there though, up through 31 August, theres no intel assessment that says the government is going to collapse and the military is going to collapse in 11 days that Im aware of, Milley said, referring to the 11 days between the day that the Taliban captured its first city in early August, and the fall of Kabul on 15 August.Milley also blamed the State Department for waiting too long to order civilian evacuations out of Kabul, resulting in the chaos at the airport in the final two weeks of August.Before Wednesdays hearing, McKenzie, Austin and Milley appeared before the Senate armed services committee on Tuesday, where they defended the Afghan evacuation as a logistical success but a strategic failure and similarly indicated that Biden was to blame for ordering that the 2,500 troop-strong force be withdrawn in April.POTUS Deflects BlameBiden proactively deflected any attempts to finger him for the Afghan calamity last month, telling ABC News on 19 August that his generals didnt recommend keeping 2,500 troops in the country forever, and suggesting their advice was split.Biden and other White House staff have also justified the decision to withdraw by pointing to the Doha deal, and saying that if the US did not leave, they would be back at war with the Taliban and would need to send more troops into the war-torn country. If I had said, were gonna stay, then wed better prepare to put a whole hell of a lot more troops in, the president said.The war in Afghanistan was Americas longest war. Begun in late 2001, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York and Washington, the war is estimated to have cost taxpayers over $2.2 trillion (or about $300 million per day for almost 20 years), according to Brown Universitys Costs of War project. As many as 100,000 Afghan civilians were killed in the conflict, as were 70,500+ Afghan security forces personnel, tens of thousands of Taliban fighters, over 3,500 US and coalition troops, and 4,000+ western mercenaries.In February 2020, the Trump administration signed a peace agreement with the Taliban, committing the US to pull all troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for a halt to militant attacks, and promises not to allow terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda* and Daesh (ISIS)* to operate on Taliban-controlled territories. The agreement also pledged the Taliban to engage in negotiations with what was then the Afghan government to bring peace to the war-torn nation.* Deemed a terrorist group in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/afghan-pullout-was-developed-by-childs-mind-trump-says-after-senate-hearing-with-military-chiefs-1089502555.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/milley-blamed-state-department-for-hampering-afghanistan-evacuation--reports-1089531065.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210930/pakistani-eyewitnesses-say-operation-to-take-out-bin-laden-in-2011-staged-1089538309.html

TruePatriot Those that have committed war crimes and treason tend to blame everyone but themselves, as shown here. They should all be demoted, fired, then prosecuted. 1

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lloyd austin, pentagon, mark milley, hearing, kenneth mckenzie, us central command (centcom)
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/the-sarah-everard-case-is-harrowing-and-is-part-of-epidemic-of-male-violence-says-uk-barrister-1089551731.html

The Sarah Everard Case is Harrowing and is Part of Epidemic of Male Violence, Says UK Barrister

The Sarah Everard Case is Harrowing and is Part of Epidemic of Male Violence, Says UK Barrister

Former Metropolitan Police Officer PC Wayne Couzens has been given a whole life sentence for kidnapping, raping and murdering Sarah Everard. The case triggered... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T14:46+0000

2021-09-30T14:46+0000

2021-09-30T14:49+0000

violence

rape

metropolitan police

cressida dick

sarah everard

news

uk

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Wayne Couzens will die in prison after being sentenced to a whole life term by a judge at the Old Bailey for abducting, raping and murdering Sarah Everard after carrying out a fake arrest on the grounds of breaching Covid-19 laws.Sarah vanished on 3 March as she walked home from a friend's house in south London. Her body was later found 80 miles away, burned and dumped in a pond in woods in Kent.But she said the recent murder of Sabina Nessa had highlighted the dangers for women and she told Sputnik: A woman is murdered every three days in this country by a man. That is staggering. Its an epidemic.Ms Proudman said male violence towards women, whether it was within relationships or as strangers, was insidious and corrosive.She said: Its not a small minority of men either. Around 1.6 million incidents of domestic abuse are reported every year. That is an enormous number.Miles Manning, a retired detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police, described Couzens as an abomination and said: I dont know a single cop that doesnt think he should spent the rest of his miserable life in jail.Couzens, 48, will join 73 other inmates who are serving whole life sentences in British prisons. They include serial killer Rose West and MP Jo Coxs assassin, Thomas Mair.It is not known where he will spend his sentence but in view of the heinous nature of the crime and the fact that he is a former police officer, it is expected Couzens will spend much of his time in isolation and, also on suicide watch.Couzens showed Sarah his Metropolitan Police warrant card, pretended he was arresting her for breaching Covid laws, cuffed her hands behind her back and put her in the back of the hire car before taking her to Kent, raping and murdering her.West Midlands Victims' Commissioner Nicky Brennan welcomed the sentence and said: There are lessons to be learnt for all police forces from the murder of Sarah Everard and we all need to put a much greater emphasis on womens safety."She said: There is no getting away from the fact that violence against women and abuse of women needs to be tackled and a key part of that is challenging and changing the attitudes and behaviours of men who perpetrate that violence.Ms Proudman said the police itself needed reform and it was not clear if Cressida Dick was able to deliver it in the Metropolitan Police.She said: Her response to the vigil for Sarah Everard earlier this year, and the disproportionate force used by her officers was disgusting.Ms Proudman said record numbers of women had complained about domestic abuse by police officers.Its not just a few rotten apples. We need a public inquiry into violence against women and girls, she concluded.

African Honey Badger Ms Proudman is a narcissistic psychopath, who seeks to gain benefit from the fact that men suffer 73% of all murders, and 82% of violent crime. in total. Further females are 79% more likely to initiate domestic violence against men, than vice versa. Also, I told her that online, and so far she has not issued a writ against me. Why would she say that when the stats say something completely different. Well, feminists have a pathological requirement for attention, complaining when they have more rights in the west than men do, and as per their species a necessity for increased government spending on gynocentrism. Oh, if you are wondering, I was a victim of female violence and the South Wales Police Service covered it up. Now I am going to destroy the UK's reputation in four different international courts, for this precise idiocy. What is good for the goose... 1

African Honey Badger Oh, and to my gorgeously beautiful people at GCHQ... wake me up when September ends. I warned you not to come anywhere near my daughter. I understand that the feminists in your country hate their men, but you should leave innocent fathers alone, in peace. Finally, do you read the Bible? Well there is a scripture I have memorised for this exact occasion... Ezekiel 25.17. You know the words. 1

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violence, rape, metropolitan police, cressida dick, sarah everard, news, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/tunisians-president-named-arabs-world-first-ever-female-prime-minister-1089534285.html

Tunisians President Named Arabs World First Ever Female Prime Minister

Tunisians President Named Arabs World First Ever Female Prime Minister

Tunisia's President Kais Saied appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane on Wednesday as the new Prime Minister, a crucial step in leading the country out of its... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T00:36+0000

2021-09-30T00:36+0000

2021-09-30T00:36+0000

tunisia

arab spring

political crisis

arab world

women in politics

prime minister

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Saied was allegedly under pressure to name a government since July amid growing domestic and international criticism that he has embarked on after dismissing the last Prime Minister, suspended parliament and seized power in what critics called a coup.The Tunisian Press Agency reported that President Saied recalled it being the first time in Tunisia's history that a woman held this position.Following the extended emergency measures that allow Saied to rule by decree, Romdhane will likely have less power than the previous prime ministers, but will nonetheless have to act quickly to secure release from the countrys exceedingly looming debt.Tunisias political crisis has stemmed after years of stagnation, aggravated by the pandemic and political uncertainty.Romdhane, 63, who did not speak on her first appearance in her new role, holds a doctorate in geology and is a higher education professor at the Tunis National School of Engineering.Before being appointed prime minister, Romdhane served as the World Banks Programme Implementation Officer at the Ministry of Higher Education. Aside from that, shes presumed to have insufficient government experience.Saied wasted no time in assigning the new prime minister her first task, where shes to propose a cabinet in the coming days.

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tunisia, arab spring, political crisis, arab world, women in politics, prime minister
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/uk-police-officer-given-whole-life-sentence-for-grotesquely-executed-murder-of-sarah-everard-1089543660.html

UK Police Officer Given Whole Life Sentence for 'Grotesquely Executed' Murder of Sarah Everard

UK Police Officer Given Whole Life Sentence for 'Grotesquely Executed' Murder of Sarah Everard

Former Metropolitan Police Officer PC Wayne Couzens admitted kidnapping, raping and murdering Sarah Everard after being confronted with a mountain of evidence... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T11:11+0000

2021-09-30T11:11+0000

2021-09-30T14:21+0000

murder

police

rape

sarah everard

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Wayne Couzens has become the first police officer to be given a whole life sentence after admitted abducting, raping and murdering Sarah Everard after carrying out a fake arrest on the grounds of breaching Covid-19 laws.Sarah vanished on 3 March as she walked home from a friend's house in south London. Her body was later found 80 miles away, burned and dumped in a pond in woods in Kent. Couzens had strangled her with his police belt.Couzens will join 73 other inmates who are serving whole life sentences in British prisons. They include serial killer Rose West and MP Jo Coxs assassin, Thomas Mair.The judge, Mr Justice Fulford, said: The police are in a unique position, which is essentially different from any other public servants. They have powers of coercion and control that are in an exceptional category.Couzens, who had joined the Metropolitan Police in September 2018, moved to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in February 2020.He had been on night duty outside the US Embassy before the murder and lied to his wife that he was doing overtime before driving a hire car up to London, driving around the city and eventually spotting Sarah as she walked home from her friends house.Couzens, 48, showed her his Metropolitan Police warrant card, pretended he was arresting her for breaching Covid laws, cuffed her hands behind her back and put her in the back of the hire car.He then drove her down to Dover, transferred her to his own car and then took her to Hoads Wood in Kent where he raped and strangled her.The following day he returned and torched her body in a discarded refrigerator. But, not satisfied, he came back again and carried her charred corpse in a builders bag to a pond where it was eventually discovered by police sniffer dogs.He said Couzens had shown genuine remorse and was filled with self-loathing and shame."This defendant, with his knowledge as a police officer, could have mounted a wicked defence which would have piled humiliation on the Everard family, said Mr Sturman.Mr Sturman admitted his client had initially offered "untenable and ridiculous lies" about an East European gang forcing him to abduct Sarah, but he confessed and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and did not put the family through the torment of a trial.Sarahs mother, Susan Everard, told the Old Bailey on Wednesday 29 September: Sarah died in horrendous circumstances. It is torture to think of it. Sarah was handcuffed, unable to defend herself and there was no-one to rescue her.In court, Sarahs father Jeremy Everard told Couzens to look him in the eye but the killer simply buried his head in his hands.Mr Sturman referred to that on Thursday and said Couzens had not been able to look at Sarahs father because he was so ashamed.Mr Sturman said Couzens family were "staggered" by his "inexplicable" actions and he added: It is to be hoped that, in the decades to come, therapy in prison might unlock the reasons why he did what he did.The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, said: Sarahs kidnap, rape and murder was one of the most dreadful events in the 190-year-history of the Metropolitan Police Service...I am absolutely horrified that this man used his position of trust to deceive and coerce Sarah...His actions were a gross betrayal of everything policing stands for."The Everard case triggered protests by women against male violence and the Mets Commissioner, Cressida Dick, was urged to resign after her officers suppressed a vigil in Clapham for breaking COVID-19 rules against public gatherings.Earlier this week another man was charged with the murder of Sabina Nessa, a 28-year-old teacher who was killed only a few miles from where Sarah died, after talking a shortcut through a park after dark. On Thursday Koci Selamaj, 36, originally from Albania, appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.Prosecutor Alison Morgan QC said he was a stranger to Ms Nessa and it was a premeditated and predatory attack. Selamaj will go on trial next year.

Charlie McD Hang this piece of shyte. Hang him high!! 2

Willyspit Didn't he know that he needs to go the the USA if he wants to be a murderer and a police officer? 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20210930/us-drone-strike-reportedly-kills-senior-al-qaeda-leader-in-syria-1089562971.html

US Drone Strike Reportedly Kills Senior Al-Qaeda Leader in Syria

US Drone Strike Reportedly Kills Senior Al-Qaeda Leader in Syria

Media earlier reported that a drone strike on a vehicle traveling along a rural road in rebel-controlled northwestern Syria on September 20 left at least one... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T22:49+0000

2021-09-30T22:49+0000

2021-09-30T23:41+0000

us

drone strike

syria

al-qaeda

daesh

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A senior Al-Qaeda leader was killed in a US drone strike in Syria last week, Fox News reported on Thursday, citing defense officials.According to the report, the terrorist, Salim Abu-Ahmad, was killed in a US airstrike near Idlib, Syria. He was reportedly in charge of organizing, funding, and sanctioning Al-Qaeda strikes across multiple areas.The previously unnamed victim was reportedly lifted from the car near the Idlib-Binnish route east of Idlib province.American forces carried out a "kinetic counterterrorism strike" near Idlib province which targeted a senior leader of the extremist group, according to the US Central Command statement last week.The United States has previously carried out multiple attacks in the area, claiming to have targeted Al-Qaeda terrorists Daesh* late leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was reportedly hiding in Idlib province after fleeing from eastern Syria.Despite the fact that the US has never acquired a UN Security Council mandate or a request from Damascus to send troops to the Arab Republic, American forces are stationed in Syria and the military is conducting operations there. The presence of American forces on Syrian soil, as well as their involvement in the exploitation and export of the country's natural resources, are deemed illegal by the Syrian government.Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip remarked that the US should withdraw its troops from other nations in the Middle East in the same way that it did from Afghanistan in late August. According to Erdogan, the US military contingents in Syria and Iraq should be withdrawn in order to "service peace around the world." *Al-Qaeda, Daesh (aka IS/ISIS) are terrorist organizations outlawed in Russia and many other states

https://sputniknews.com/20210914/us-considering-scenario-of-de-facto-partition-of-syria-russian-foreign-ministry--1089074632.html

TEP Correction: ... kills CIA operative in Syria. 5

mandrake Moronistan (aka usa) flies drones in a country where they arent welcome and the jews illegally occupying palestine are the scouts locating the odd al quaida operative to take out to make the moronistan/jew charade plausible! Moronistan is not allowed by the jews in palestine, aipac etc to leave the area and leave the jews all by themselves. 5

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us, drone strike, syria, al-qaeda, daesh
https://sputniknews.com/20210930/us-navy-taps-atlantic-destroyer-task-group-to-hunt-for-russian-subs-citing-new-strategic-threats-1089545640.html

US Navy Taps Atlantic Destroyer Task Group to Hunt for Russian Subs, Citing New Strategic Threats

US Navy Taps Atlantic Destroyer Task Group to Hunt for Russian Subs, Citing New Strategic Threats

The East Coast of the United States was no longer considered an "uncontested" area or an automatic "safe haven" for its ships, said US Navy Vice Admiral Andrew... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T11:39+0000

2021-09-30T11:39+0000

2021-09-30T11:39+0000

us navy

the atlantic

military & intelligence

us

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submarines

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The US Navy is gearing up to better protect its East Coast from perceived Russian submarine threats in the Atlantic Ocean as part of a new initiative called Task Group Greyhound, according to The Times and other US media reports. Embedded within the Navys Optimized Fleet Response Plan, it is aimed at ensuring that guided-missile destroyers that recently completed deployments are on-the-ready to deploy on short notice. He added that the ships will be ready to accomplish the full range of missions, including tracking Russian undersea activity in the Atlantic and maritime homeland defense for our nation. USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) and Thomas Hudner are the first destroyers to become part of the task group.USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), currently deployed with the UKs Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group, will join the task group in January. USS Cole (DDG-67) and USS Gravely (DDG-107) will join the project after USS Donald Cook begins its maintenance period. Based at Mayport and Norfolk, Va., the task group is set for full operational capability by June 2022, according to McLane.The creation of the new task group comes as the US Navy has been refocusing efforts to address what is sees as Russias growing undersea capability in the Atlantic region. The Russian Navy was cited as having developed next-generation attack submarines armed with long-range missiles, prompting the US Navy to up its game.Last year, Vice Adm. Andrew Woody Lewis warned that the US East Coast was no longer seen by the Navy as an "uncontested" area for its ships and submarines due to increased Russian submarine activity in the Atlantic Ocean. "Our new reality is that when our sailors toss the lines over and set sail, they can expect to be operating in a contested space once they leave Norfolk. Our ships can no longer expect to operate in a safe haven on the East Coast or merely cross the Atlantic unhindered to operate in another location," Lewis said at a meeting of the US Naval Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank jointly hosted on 4 February 2020.Concerns were cited regarding Russias nuclear-powered attack submarines from the Project 945A Kondor class, also known as the Sierra II class, as well as Project 885 Yasen class guided missile submarine K-560 Severodvinsk.The latter can be armed with Kalibr missiles, among other weapons, and is known for having an especially low acoustic signature.The Russian Navys nuclear-powered special mission submarine, the K-329 Belgorod, a modified Oscar II class guided-missile sub, is designed to operate unmanned underwater vehicles. On 25 June 2021 the "Belgorod" left the Severodvinsk shipyard on her trial regimen by the builder Sevmash.Russia is also outfitting nuclear-powered submarines to carry state-of-the-art, 79-foot-long underwater Poseidon drones.The autonomous, nuclear-powered, and nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle under development by Rubin Design Bureau is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads and was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 March 2018.Its development incorporates use of stealth technology to elude acoustic tracking device.As Vladimir Putin unveiled the Poseidon nuclear-powered autonomous drone torpedo in 2018 with several other new strategic nuclear delivery systems it was underscored that the advanced weaponry was aimed at guaranteeing Moscows ability to retaliate in the event of a large-scale enemy strike. Russia has pledged not to use its strategic weapons unless attacked.

vot tak Don't these pathetic american navy brass know that all the Russian subs are fully occupied operating in swedish waters... ;-D 4

Thomas Turk 1st they say these damn noo Rushan subs are undetectable, in the next breath.. we gonna go out and gettem.. if we can find any seaworthy Navy ships. Rushans should occasionally pop up in site of say LA, and disappear again, to keep mad Murika awake at night. 3

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https://sputniknews.com/20210930/youtube-worldwide-crackdown-aipac-criticized-for-foreign-interference-1089533482.html

YouTube Worldwide Crackdown; AIPAC Criticized for Foreign Interference

YouTube Worldwide Crackdown; AIPAC Criticized for Foreign Interference

GOP Representative Tom Massie (R-KY) is complaining about foreign interference in US elections after AIPAC published Facebook ads against him. 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T11:03+0000

2021-09-30T11:03+0000

2021-09-30T11:03+0000

julian assange

hunter biden

israel

jcpoa

the critical hour

monroe doctrine

radio

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YouTube Worldwide Crackdown; AIPAC Criticized for Foreign Interference GOP Representative Tom Massie (R-KY) is complaining about foreign interference in US elections after AIPAC published Facebook ads against him.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss YouTube censorship. Russia is contemplating action against YouTube after the Google-owned company shut down its pages for German-speaking shows. Also, YouTube has announced that they are cracking down on anti-vax content worldwide but has not clearly defined what that means.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss Europe. The Europeans are struggling with figuring out their positions both individually and collectively in the hierarchical structure of the US empire. We discuss an antiwar.com article that argues that the Europeans should pay for their own security.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri- Kansas City, joins us to discuss domestic politics. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are joining House progressives in their battle to hold the corporate Democrats to their word in respect to the proposed spending bills. Sen. Sanders argues that if the House progressives do not "hold strong," the Senate will tank the party's agenda.Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss Syria. The US lost the war in Syria, but appears to have won the propaganda war against the US electorate using sophisticated propaganda techniques. We discuss the methods used and the success of the US empire in misleading, misinforming, and manipulating the US electorate.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss the Middle East. It appears that the Iranians' move to send fuel to Lebanon and alleviate the pain from their fuel crisis has caught the attention of the US empire. The Empire is considering Egyptian and Jordanian electricity to the nation that is suffering from a US/EU economic assault.Dr. Jemima Pierre is an associate professor of Black studies and anthropology at the University of California. Dr. Pierre returns to The Critical Hour to discuss Haiti. The US oppression of Haiti has become so overt that President Biden's select envoy has resigned in protest. Daniel Foote, a US state department actor, has quit due to the policies of his boss. Dr. Pierre argues that regardless of which party is in charge, the people will suffer oppression from the policies of the US empire.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. Former US Marine Matthew Hoh has come out in opposition to US policy in Afghanistan. In 2009, Hoh resigned from his position in the State Department in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, over U.S. policy in the country, which he saw as both illogical and immoral. Our guest joins us to discuss a Mintpressnews.com article called "War is a Racket: Ex-State Department Official Matthew Hoh Speaks Out."Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and author of "Danger to Society: Against Vaccine Passports," joins us to discuss Israel. GOP Representative Tom Massie (R-KY) is complaining about foreign interference in US elections after AIPAC published Facebook ads against him. Also, Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner says that she was pushed to disavow The Squad by Israeli businessmen, and that her failure to act as they requested may have led to her loss.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com

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https://sputniknews.com/20210930/zakharova-urges-berlin-to-assess-youtubes-decision-to-remove-rts-german-channels-1089553300.html

Zakharova Urges Berlin to Assess Youtube's Decision to Remove RT's German Channels

Zakharova Urges Berlin to Assess Youtube's Decision to Remove RT's German Channels

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has called on the German government to answer how it qualified Youtube's decision to... 30.09.2021, Sputnik International

2021-09-30T14:53+0000

2021-09-30T14:53+0000

2021-09-30T14:55+0000

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Earlier, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said at a briefing that the decision to close Youtube channel RT Deutsch had been made exclusively by Youtube, the German authorities had nothing to do with this. Zakharova has also called on the German government to issue a broadcasting permit to RT DE channel.According to the spokeswoman, "the world stood still in anticipation of an affirmative from the German side."The German side's response should include assistance in solving artificially created banking problems, demonstration of a clear position on the inadmissibility of removing news content and its distribution resources by US Internet monopolies, termination of political negotiations with European countries with urgent requests not to issue broadcasting licenses to RT DE, Zakharova added.On Tuesday, YouTube blocked two German RT channels without indicating the possibility that it would reverse the decision. According to Sputnik and RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, one of the deleted accounts, Berlin-based RT Deutsch (RT DE), ranked fourth among German-language media in terms of influence, hitting 21 million views in June. Simonyan urged Russian lawmakers to toughen punishment for global IT giants that censor the content posted by Russian media outlets.

Terranian The 1st I wouldn't count on it that the rotten Globalist Regime in Berlin assesses anything in this case...but they will blatanly lie to their teeth about it for sure. 2

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Delaware-sired two-year-old trotters completed their second preliminary leg of Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund competition, spread across five $20,000 divisions on Wednesday (Sept. 29) at Harrington Raceway.

Three divisions for males went to post, with Wolfpack Russ ($3.00, Corey Callahan) winning the first division for trainer Nick Callahan and owners Stuart Chambers, BCJM Stables, Divine Horse Racing and Cinebrew Enterprises. The Glidemaster gelding and Nick Callahan trainee completed a sweep of his eliminations with a 2:03.4 victory over Canoe Trip and Tua.

The second split saw some drama as LGs Reed O Wen's three-race win streak was snapped when he broke stride behind the gate, enabling Navy Blue ($4.00, Art Stafford Jr.) to march to a wire-to-wire win in 2:03. Snow Burst was second while LGs Reed O Wen recovered from the early miscue to finish third. A son of Anders Bluestone, Navy Blue notched his first career win for owner-trainer Stafford Jr. and co-owner Wyatt Starkey.

Legacy Racing of Delaware's Spooky Punk ($6.20, Victor Kirby) cruised to an easy win in the final division for colts and geldings over Czar Blue and Blue Bandit. The Hes Spooky gelding recorded his first career win for trainer Wayne Givens.

Rod Allen's Our Last Penny ($3.80, Allen) won the first of two filly divisions in 2:06. The CR Commando filly surged to the lead near the three-quarters and drew away from Xactly What I Want and Babe Ruthie for her maiden win for owner-trainer-driver Allen.

Bobby Myers' Miss Timber Wolf ($20.00, Billy Long) was a 2:05.1 winner in the remaining split for trainer Amber Tucker. She led at every call and was an open-length winner over Giant Arbitration and Just Pump It. The Anders Bluestone filly notched her maiden win.

The top eight point earners in each bracket will return to compete in the $100,000 final on Oct. 6.

Art Stafford Jr., Bret Brittingham and Pat Berry all had driving doubles.

(Harrington Raceway)
Emelia Gillespie is not a horse whisperer.

On any evening when one of her Standardbreds lines up behind the starting car at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the genial caretaker in the Blake MacIntosh barn can be both seen and heard.

I cheer them on down the stretch, said Gillespie, a native of Vetlanda, Sweden. And Im probably too loud most of the time. Im the one yelling, Dont stop! Keep going! if they are leading or close to the lead. I talk to them like theyre going to answer me. I have full conversations with them. It must be very interesting to listen to. People definitely know Im there.

That exuberance and heartfelt outpouring of emotion is the furthest thing from manufactured theatrics. Instead, it is, at its very core, a natural reaction for Gillespie whenever she stands railside to watch one of her horses compete.

By her own admission, those energetic expressions are somewhat of a sight to behold, a series of shouts accompanied by a particular action that she is at a loss to explain.

Im always slapping my leg. I dont know why, but everyone always tells me that Im doing it. I dont even know Im doing it. So, I scream and I slap my leg when theyre coming down the stretch. Its quite a sight. It doesnt matter what kind of race it is, you just want to see your horse do well. You work hard and you want to see those efforts pay off. When theres a chance for them to win, youll hear me screaming.

Gillespies foray into the Standardbred world began through an equine program in Sweden that offered a work placement opportunity in the United States, which would be the start of an eight-year stint there as a caretaker.

After making the move to Canada, Gillespie found caretaker work in the barn of Blake MacIntosh. Shes currently in her third season with the multiple stakes-winning conditioner.

Wherever shes found herself, in Europe or North America, shes always felt right at home around the horses.

Having that contact, that connection with the horse, is something that has always resonated with me. I enjoy the one-on-one interactions. After youve done jogging, its great to have that time to care for the horse. Thats my favourite time.

Gillespie has forged strong bonds with several Standardbreds over her career, including a standout trotter by the name of Strong Yankee.

When I worked with [legendary trainer] Trond Smedshammer, that horse became my all-time favourite, she said of the son of Muscles Yankee who went 11-9-2 from 31 starts and earned $1,495,805 lifetime. He had this awesome personality even before he became so good on the racetrack. For a stud, you never knew he was one. He was so big, but he was so kind. I dont know if Ill have a horse like him.

There have been other memorable ones along her horse racing journey.

Fast N First, a standout sophomore pacer who was a Grassroots champ and finished second to Southwind Ozzi in the 2019 edition of the Little Brown Jug, is another that comes to mind.

Currently on the sidelines recovering from an injury, the five-year-old son of Bettors Delight has been a consistent performer for the MacIntosh team.

The bay pacer, who MacIntosh co-owns with Ridgeway Racing, has 27 top-three finishes, including 14 wins, from 45 starts accompanied by nearly $400,000 in earnings.

Hes close to Strong Yankee in terms of personality, started Gillespie. Youd also never know he was a stud too. Their personalities are just so awesome.

Gillespie offers up similar praise for a rookie trotting filly who shares a name with a 1971 science fiction classic movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, a film thats based on Anthony Burgesss novel of the same name.

Clockwork Orange, an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots winner on September 21 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, might not have the same personality traits as her male counterparts, but the daughter of Resolve has a presence about her, according to Gillespie.

Shes a horse that has a great personality too. She just has a way of drawing you in.

Almost all of them do, admitted Gillespie, who is married to Jim Gillespie, assistant racing secretary at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

As for who is more excited to see the other every morning, horse or human, when she first sets foot in the stable, Gillespie considers it a tie.

That alone makes her job a win-win.

I spoil them way too much. It starts the moment I walk in and see them. When they see me, they want to go outside. They know Im going to turn them out, and when they come in, they know that its treat time. They know how to get their treats. Some horses are smart enough to realize that when they are finished being brushed and taken care of, then ready to be put away, they will get a treat, but they will also know that they will get a treat when everyone is put away too. They get extremely spoiled, but thats okay. I just really love being around them and I miss then when Im not.

Although colder weather is on the way and winter isnt too far off, none of it  rain, sleet, snow or otherwise  will stop Gillespie from taking up residence at her coveted spot on the Mohawk apron.

She wont go unnoticed.

And when one of her horses is charging down the lane, the decibel level and number of leg slaps will noticeably increase.

These horses, they absolutely know when theyve won. Its a confidence booster for them. If theyve won a few in a row, they definitely know what theyve done. Theres no doubt in my mind that they do. You can just sense it and you can see it.

The same applies for their proud, and occasionally loud, caretaker.

When they win, you feel like you are on cloud nine. Its always the same feeling and its the best one you can have.

(With files from Woodbine)
The Grand Circuit's weekly overview highlights the upcoming races at The Red Mile and Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

This Week: Bluegrass Stakes, Red Mile, Lexington, Kentucky, and Dayton Pacing Derby, Dayton Trotting Derby, and Dayton Distaff Derby, Hollywood Dayton Raceway, Dayton, Ohio.

Schedule Of Events: Grand Circuit action kicks off on Friday, Oct. 1 at the Red Mile as the Lexington oval will feature five divisions in the $356,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old colt trotters and two divisions in the $289,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old filly pacers. On Saturday, Oct. 2, Red Mile will offer three divisions in the $330,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old colt pacers and five divisions in the $390,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old filly trotters. The first week of racing in Lexington will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 3 with $200,000 (est.) Bluegrass events for three-year-old male and female trotters and pacers.

Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday night (Oct. 2) will feature a trio of Grand Circuit stakes in the $176,000 Dayton Pacing Derby for older pacers, the $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby for older trotters and the $175,000 Dayton Distaff Derby for older female pacers.

Complete entries for the races are available on the USTA website at this link.

Last Time: The filly Venerable extended her unbeaten streak to eight in Saturday nights (Sept. 25) $1 million Mohawk Million but local favourite Duly Resolved made her earn that hefty cheque with a very exciting battle down the stretch. The rich contest for two-year-old trotters from across North America anchored a stakes-laden card at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the richest night of harness racing in Canada this year.

As the race got underway, it was Duly Resolved with his head down and determined from post eight to grab the lead early. His nemesis in the William Wellwood final, King Of The North, went off stride through the first turn, as did Mischevious Rose, and Duly Resolved headed the field by the opener in :27.1.

They were three-wide for a bit with Venerable and Selfie Queen both attempting to take over control, but the latter made a break and the former was successful, hitting the half in :56.3. Southwind Domino came to call and was at the leaders bike at the 1:26.1 third panel.

As the field headed down the stretch, Paul MacDonell was able to find a lane for Duly Resolved and he took full advantage. The Ontario-sired son of Resolve showed great resolve and was just short as the filly managed to hit the wire first in 1:54.2. Valentina Blu, another of the four fillies in the field, was third with The Mighty Hill taking fourth. King Of The North recovered from his early miscue to grab the final cheque.

Venerable is now eight-for-eight in her young career. The daughter of first crop sire Walner is owned by David McDuffee, Mel Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steve Arnold. A $210,000 yearling at last years Lexington Selected Sale, she now has banked $1,011,255. Bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, and Steve Stewart, she is the third foal of Jolene Jolene.

David Miller, who has driven Venerable in all of her starts for trainer Richard Nifty Norman, was all smiles after the race.

Its tremendous, a great, great feeling. I cant explain how game and tough she is. Her performance on the track is what shows it. She really (dug in).

My game plan was to try and get some cover (that didnt work). She got a pretty soft middle half and her heart and her guts got her to the wire.

Grand Circuit Standings: In 2021, the Grand Circuit leaders in three categories (driver, trainer and owner) will once again be tracked on a points system (20-10-5 for the top three finishers in divisions/finals and 10-5-2 for the top three finishers in eliminations/legs). Winbak Farms is the sponsor for the 2021 Grand Circuit awards.

Here are the leaders (through the races on 9-25-21):

Drivers: 1. Dexter Dunn  780; 2. Tim Tetrick  682; 3. Yannick Gingras  677; 4. David Miller  654; 5. Andrew McCarthy  542.5.

Trainers: 1. Ron Burke  832; 2. Nancy Takter  460; 3. Tony Alagna  434.5; 4. Nifty Norman  430; 5. Marcus Melander  390.

Owners: 1. Burke Racing Stable  170.3; 2. Weaver Bruscemi  151.6; 3t. Threelyonsracing  150; 3t. Determination  150; 5. Crawford Farms Racing  149.2.

Looking ahead: Grand Circuit action will be taking place next week at Lexingtons historic Red Mile. Featured will be the Kentucky Futurity, the third leg of Trottings Triple Crown for 3-year-olds. Also on tap will be the companion Kentucky Filly Futurity for the sophomore fillies, the Tattersalls Pace and the Glen Garnsey Memorial for 3-year-old pacers, four International Stallion Stakes races for 2-year-olds of both sexes and gaits, and four Allerage contests for open pacers and trotters.

(Grand Circuit)
Winston Watusi

Music Plus

Today's paper arrives on the first day of October; three quarters of the year has passed.

It always seems at around this point that the year has rushed by, and this year the feeling is particularly intense.

I put it down to the things we haven't been able to do. The year has passed quickly because it's been kind of a blank: fewer concerts, fewer meals out, fewer sporting contests, just less of everything really. If the year seems shorter perhaps it's because there is less to look back on.

Now it's October 1, which is a surprisingly prestigious day, though as Michael Caine would say, not a lot of people know that.

It is, for instance, International Coffee Day. If you need an excuse to drink coffee, this is it. But that's just the froth on the proverbial cappuccino.

It is also the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It is also International Raccoon Appreciation Day, though celebrations of that are generally muted in New Zealand, possibly due to the lack of raccoons in need of appreciation.

More relevant to us, it is also World Smile Day.

World Smile Day has been celebrated on the first Friday in October since 1999.

You might be pleased to hear this was the brainchild of the man who invented the smiley face logo in 1963, Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts.

In Ecuador

But wait, there's more! In Ecuador it is Dia del Pasillo Ecuatoriano, a celebration of music in honour of the country's biggest star Julio Jaramillo, born on this day in 1935.

Not to be outdone, Americans have named October 1 all of the following: National Manufacturing Day; Fire Pup Day; National Homemade Cookies Day; and National Hair Day.

If you can't find something to celebrate there, then you really don't know how to celebrate.

Meanwhile, in Britain it's World Vegetarian Day and at the United Nations it is International Day of Older Persons.

And in case that isn't enough, it's Chinese National Day, Botswana Day, Cypriot Independence Day, Nigeria Independence Day, San Marino Investiture Day and  bet you didn't know this! - Uzbekistan Teacher's Day.

Let's move to cultural news...

Bob Dylan's latest dump of unreleased material, this time a mere five CD set (or a stripped-down two CDs) explores the early eighties with The Bootleg Series Vol. 16: Springtime in New York 19801985.

It was really this period that fans noticed Bob's propensity for leaving his best songs off albums. There was also a tendency, after the musically rigorous Infidels, for artificial eighties production techniques to overwhelm songs.

Dylan fans will be blown away  actually, the two-disc set should blow away most folk  but casual listeners may wonder at this unceasing musical archaeology.

Pee Wee Ellis

Pee Wee

Also in the music world, I note with sadness the passing of legendary sax player Pee Wee Ellis.

Born in 1941 and taught by Sonny Rollins, Ellis played with James Brown from 1965 to 1969 - arranging and co-writing several key songs - and many more, including George Benson, Hank Crawford and Esther Phillips.

But you might know him from music he made between 1979 and 1986, when he worked with Van Morrison's band as an arranger and musical director.

He returned to that gig from 1995 through 1999, eventually playing on 13 Van Morrison albums. R.I.P. Pee Wee, thanks for the music.

Moving to books, Quentin Tarantino's first is out now and very good it is too.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is designed to look like a sixties' dime-store paperback and sits alongside the film in its own right, an addition as opposed to a retelling, all written in droll pulp fiction patois.

It is immensely enjoyable.

In other literary news, Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, has become the latest big name to serialise their work online, announcing a deal with newsletter platform Substack.

Palahniuks sixteenth novel, Greener Pastures, will be published in regular subscriber-only instalments from Monday.

It follows similar deals with Salman Rushdies and Patti Smith amongst others. Palahniuk is no stranger to experimental publishing: he has released two graphic novel sequels to Fight Club as well as two books for colouring in.
A Tauranga City Council commissioner insists he will act in the best interests of the city when it comes to Three Waters reform.

His comments come after a local lobbying group called for him to step aside from any reform amid claims of impartiality issues.

Council will consider and approve a response to the initial Three Waters feedback request to the Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta at next Mondays Council meeting.

The Government asked for feedback from local government regarding plans to transfer management of New Zealands three water services - drinking water, wastewater and stormwater - from the 67 local councils to four regional entities before the end of September. Councils have not yet been asked to commit to any reform programme

The plans have received pushback from some members of the community, especially as the current Commission appointed to Council were done so by Minister Mahuta.

Lobbying group the Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance, whose steering group contains several previously elected Councillors, believe this represents a potential conflict of interest  especially in the case of Stephen Selwood.

They suggest he has long advocated water amalgamation and is already in agreement with Mahuta on the issue. They believe Selwood should abstain from any vote related to the issue.

If you have a potential conflict of interest, you stand aside, says TRA spokesman Philip Brown.

Thats a principle of good governance.

If Selwood wont stand down, he should at least take the opportunity to publicly rule out accepting any future position on a new water entity.

If Mr Selwood fails to step aside, he is opening up the Council, and ratepayers, to huge cost if the decision is challenged via judicial review. He has to come to these decisions without predetermination. Clearly he cant.

However, Selwood says he will only be acting in the best interest of the Council and the city they represent and would be mindful of any potential conflict of interest.

All commissioners bring specialised knowledge and experience to the council table, says Selwood.

But it is a fundamental requirement of the governance role that we keep an open mind, listen to the views of others, consider the evidence and make informed decisions in the best interests of the city and the community.

Thats exactly the process I am following on this and every other matter that comes before me.

When the council is called upon to make a decision, if there was any possibility of a perceived conflict of interest, I would seek and take the advice of my fellow commissioners as to my involvement.

The Commissioner also clarifies that, at this stage, Council has not yet been asked to make any decisions on Three Waters reform.

The commissioners have actively sought and received feedback from the community and will be passing that on to the Government, along with the Councils views and those of Te Rangapu Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana, he states.

Councils report to Commissioners, to be presented on Monday does highlight several concerns over Three Waters reform. These include the clarity of messaging to the public, the ability for Council to influence the new regional entity, details on transfer of assets and debt and more.

Local Government New Zealand have also highlighted several areas of improvement before the model can be deliverable based on the feedback received in the discovery stage.

We knew from the start that a centrally developed model was only going to work if it included on-the-ground governance and operational insights from councils, says LGNZ president Stuart Crosby, himself the former Mayor of Tauranga.

Their key areas of concern include governance and accountability, local voice and prioritization, integration with the planning system, Rural Water Schemes: and iwi/Maori co-governance.

Crosby says it is now up to Government to respond to these concerns, but is pleased the sectors are is working in partnership.

As expected, this period has been noisy, challenging and messy  and it has got us exactly where we need to be to take this forward, he says.

Given our new partnership, we look forward to seeing local and central government working collaboratively to address these issues, and ultimately put a model in front of the public that is fit for purpose in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you got scared by the recent storms that hit Indias eastern coast, you havent seen the biggest one yet. The biggest storm in the solar system is larger than the Earth itself, almost 3 times bigger than the diameter of the Earth. What has astronomers shocked and awed is that now, the Great Red SPot wind speeds are picking up, with the outer regions witnessing speeds of up to 640 kmph, which much more than the 432 kmph previously recorded.

The Great Red Spot on Jupiter has been around for several hundred years, and last time it was measured, the data showed 16,350 kms on the clock. With wind speeds increasing, scientists are wondering what is powering this vast storm in Jupiter that only makes it more ferocious.

Great Red Spot becomes stormy

Currently, the trusty old Hubble telescope can measure the speeds of the Great Red Spot from the outside. However, this is a very old space telescope and with its limited capabilities hindering the exploration, NASA will retire it soon. In its place will go the James Webb telescope that can look within the surface of the Jupiter.

Do the faster winds hint at something unusual? Is Jupiter undergoing a massive change right in front of our eyes? Scientists currently have no clue about this.

All we know about Jupiters Great Red Spot is that it is essentially a vent for all the hot gasses and liquid trapped within the confines of our solar systems largest planet. Jupiter, unlike, Earth, Venus, and Mars, does not have a solid surface. It is essentially a large ball of gases and liquid compressed together into a sphere.

It is said that this storm on Jupiter is similar to the volcanoes we have on our planet. Jupiter uses this storm to throw out hot gasses and fumes outwards. With the new James Webb telescope, humanity will be able to see what stays within this storm and maybe figure out reasons behind its existence.

Wondering why scientists dont drop a probe into the planet and find out directly? Sadly, Jupiters composition will vaporize anything from the Earth within seconds. Neighbouring gaseous planet Saturn had consumed the Cassini probe a few years ago when NASA scientists ditched it into the most iconic planet of our solar system.
This May 22, 2019 file photo, Emily Cunningham, left, speaks as Kathryn Dellinger, right, looks on during a news conference following Amazon's annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. Amazon is settling with the two former tech workers who accused the company of illegally firing them last year for speaking out against the company. The former employees, Cunningham and Costa, publicly criticized the Seattle-based company and pushed Amazon to better protect warehouse workers from COVID-19. Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file

Amazon is settling with two former tech workers who accused the retail giant of illegally firing them last year for speaking out against the company.

The former employees, Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa, publicly criticized the company and pushed Amazon to better protect warehouse workers from COVID-19. They also wanted Amazon to do more to reduce its impact on climate change.

Cunningham and Costa said the settlement means Amazon will have to pay them lost wages and put up notices saying the company can't fire workers for organizing and exercising their rights.

"This is a win for protecting workers rights, and shows that we were right to stand up for each other, for justice, and for our world," Cunningham and Costa said in a statement.

In settling, Amazon also avoids a potentially lengthy hearing before the National Labor Relations Board. Amazon said in a statement Thursday that it welcomes "the resolution of this matter."

The former employees, who were user-experience designers at Amazon in Seattle, were the two most prominent voices among a group of workers who wanted the company to take more steps to combat climate change and stop doing business with oil and gas companies. They held protests and spoke to the media about their concerns.

Last year, as COVID-19 spread in the U.S., Cunningham and Costa were fired after helping to plan a call between Amazon warehouse and office workers to talk about unsafe conditions in the online shopping giant's warehouses, where people worked throughout the pandemic to pack and ship online orders.

At the time Amazon said it fired them for violating internal policies, not because they talked publicly about working conditions or sustainability.

Shortly after, an Amazon executive quit in protest, saying he couldn't stand by as whistleblowers were silenced.

___

This story has been corrected to remove a reference to a call between workers on safety conditions not happening. The call in fact still happened.

Explore further US labor board finds Amazon wrongly fired activist workers

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The term killer robot often conjures images of Terminator-like humanoid robots. Militaries around the world are working on autonomous machines that are less scary looking but no less lethal. Credit: John F. Williams/U.S. Navy

Autonomous weapon systemscommonly known as killer robotsmay have killed human beings for the first time ever last year, according to a recent United Nations Security Council report on the Libyan civil war. History could well identify this as the starting point of the next major arms race, one that has the potential to be humanity's final one.

Autonomous weapon systems are robots with lethal weapons that can operate independently, selecting and attacking targets without a human weighing in on those decisions. Militaries around the world are investing heavily in autonomous weapons research and development. The U.S. alone budgeted US$18 billion for autonomous weapons between 2016 and 2020.

Meanwhile, human rights and humanitarian organizations are racing to establish regulations and prohibitions on such weapons development. Without such checks, foreign policy experts warn that disruptive autonomous weapons technologies will dangerously destabilize current nuclear strategies, both because they could radically change perceptions of strategic dominance, increasing the risk of preemptive attacks, and because they could become combined with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons themselves.

As a specialist in human rights with a focus on the weaponization of artificial intelligence, I find that autonomous weapons make the unsteady balances and fragmented safeguards of the nuclear worldfor example, the U.S. president's minimally constrained authority to launch a strikemore unsteady and more fragmented.

Lethal errors and black boxes

I see four primary dangers with autonomous weapons. The first is the problem of misidentification. When selecting a target, will autonomous weapons be able to distinguish between hostile soldiers and 12-year-olds playing with toy guns? Between civilians fleeing a conflict site and insurgents making a tactical retreat?

The problem here is not that machines will make such errors and humans won't. It's that the difference between human error and algorithmic error is like the difference between mailing a letter and tweeting. The scale, scope and speed of killer robot systemsruled by one targeting algorithm, deployed across an entire continentcould make misidentifications by individual humans like a recent U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan seem like mere rounding errors by comparison.

Autonomous weapons expert Paul Scharre uses the metaphor of the runaway gun to explain the difference. A runaway gun is a defective machine gun that continues to fire after a trigger is released. The gun continues to fire until ammunition is depleted because, so to speak, the gun does not know it is making an error. Runaway guns are extremely dangerous, but fortunately they have human operators who can break the ammunition link or try to point the weapon in a safe direction. Autonomous weapons, by definition, have no such safeguard.

Killer robots, like the drones in the 2017 short film Slaughterbots, have long been a major subgenre of science fiction. (Warning: graphic depictions of violence.)

Importantly, weaponized AI need not even be defective to produce the runaway gun effect. As multiple studies on algorithmic errors across industries have shown, the very best algorithmsoperating as designedcan generate internally correct outcomes that nonetheless spread terrible errors rapidly across populations.

For example, a neural net designed for use in Pittsburgh hospitals identified asthma as a risk-reducer in pneumonia cases; image recognition software used by Google identified African Americans as gorillas; and a machine-learning tool used by Amazon to rank job candidates systematically assigned negative scores to women.

The problem is not just that when AI systems err, they err in bulk. It is that when they err, their makers often don't know why they did and, therefore, how to correct them. The black box problem of AI makes it almost impossible to imagine morally responsible development of autonomous weapons systems.

The proliferation problems

The next two dangers are the problems of low-end and high-end proliferation. Let's start with the low end. The militaries developing autonomous weapons now are proceeding on the assumption that they will be able to contain and control the use of autonomous weapons. But if the history of weapons technology has taught the world anything, it's this: Weapons spread.

Market pressures could result in the creation and widespread sale of what can be thought of as the autonomous weapon equivalent of the Kalashnikov assault rifle: killer robots that are cheap, effective and almost impossible to contain as they circulate around the globe. "Kalashnikov" autonomous weapons could get into the hands of people outside of government control, including international and domestic terrorists.

High-end proliferation is just as bad, however. Nations could compete to develop increasingly devastating versions of autonomous weapons, including ones capable of mounting chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear arms. The moral dangers of escalating weapon lethality would be amplified by escalating weapon use.

High-end autonomous weapons are likely to lead to more frequent wars because they will decrease two of the primary forces that have historically prevented and shortened wars: concern for civilians abroad and concern for one's own soldiers. The weapons are likely to be equipped with expensive ethical governors designed to minimize collateral damage, using what U.N. Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard has called the "myth of a surgical strike" to quell moral protests. Autonomous weapons will also reduce both the need for and risk to one's own soldiers, dramatically altering the cost-benefit analysis that nations undergo while launching and maintaining wars.

Asymmetric warsthat is, wars waged on the soil of nations that lack competing technologyare likely to become more common. Think about the global instability caused by Soviet and U.S. military interventions during the Cold War, from the first proxy war to the blowback experienced around the world today. Multiply that by every country currently aiming for high-end autonomous weapons.

The Kargu-2, made by a Turkish defense contractor, is a cross between a quadcopter drone and a bomb. It has artificial intelligence for finding and tracking targets, and might have been used autonomously in the Libyan civil war to attack people. Credit: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, CC BY 4.0

Undermining the laws of war

Finally, autonomous weapons will undermine humanity's final stopgap against war crimes and atrocities: the international laws of war. These laws, codified in treaties reaching as far back as the 1864 Geneva Convention, are the international thin blue line separating war with honor from massacre. They are premised on the idea that people can be held accountable for their actions even during wartime, that the right to kill other soldiers during combat does not give the right to murder civilians. A prominent example of someone held to account is Slobodan Milosevic, former president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, who was indicted on charges against humanity and war crimes by the U.N.'s International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

But how can autonomous weapons be held accountable? Who is to blame for a robot that commits war crimes? Who would be put on trial? The weapon? The soldier? The soldier's commanders? The corporation that made the weapon? Nongovernmental organizations and experts in international law worry that autonomous weapons will lead to a serious accountability gap.

To hold a soldier criminally responsible for deploying an autonomous weapon that commits war crimes, prosecutors would need to prove both actus reus and mens rea, Latin terms describing a guilty act and a guilty mind. This would be difficult as a matter of law, and possibly unjust as a matter of morality, given that autonomous weapons are inherently unpredictable. I believe the distance separating the soldier from the independent decisions made by autonomous weapons in rapidly evolving environments is simply too great.

The legal and moral challenge is not made easier by shifting the blame up the chain of command or back to the site of production. In a world without regulations that mandate meaningful human control of autonomous weapons, there will be war crimes with no war criminals to hold accountable. The structure of the laws of war, along with their deterrent value, will be significantly weakened.

A new global arms race

Imagine a world in which militaries, insurgent groups and international and domestic terrorists can deploy theoretically unlimited lethal force at theoretically zero risk at times and places of their choosing, with no resulting legal accountability. It is a world where the sort of unavoidable algorithmic errors that plague even tech giants like Amazon and Google can now lead to the elimination of whole cities.

In my view, the world should not repeat the catastrophic mistakes of the nuclear arms race. It should not sleepwalk into dystopia.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
In this March 20, 2018 file photo, Facebook's head of global safety policy Antigone Davis speaks during a roundtable on cyberbullying with first lady Melania Trump, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Facing lawmakers' outrage against Facebook over its handling of internal research on harm to teens from Instagram, Davis is telling Congress that the company is working to protect young people on its platforms, on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

Senators fired a barrage of criticism Thursday at a Facebook executive over the social-networking giant's handling of internal research on how its Instagram photo-sharing platform can harm teens.

The lawmakers accused Facebook of concealing the negative findings about Instagram and demanded a commitment from the company to make changes.

During testimony before a Senate Commerce subcommittee, Antigone Davis, Facebook's head of global safety, defended Instagram's efforts to protect young people using its platform. She disputed the way a recent newspaper story describes what the research shows.

"We care deeply about the safety and security of the people on our platform," Davis said. "We take the issue very seriously. ... We have put in place multiple protections to create safe and age-appropriate experiences for people between the ages of 13 and 17."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the subcommittee chairman, wasn't convinced.

"I don't understand how you can deny that Instagram is exploiting young users for its own profit," he told Davis.

The panel is examining Facebook's use of information from its own researchers that could indicate potential harm for some of its young users, especially girls, while it publicly downplayed the negative impacts. For some of the Instagram-devoted teens, the peer pressure generated by the visually focused app led to mental-health and body-image problems, and in some cases, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts, the research showed.

The revelations in a report by The Wall Street Journal, based on internal research leaked by a whistleblower at Facebook, have set off a wave of anger from lawmakers, critics of Big Tech, child-development experts and parents.

Comparisons to the tobacco industry's coverups of cigarettes' harmful effects abounded in a session that united senators of both parties in criticism of the giant social network and Instagram, the photo-sharing juggernaut valued at around $100 billion that Facebook has owned since 2012.

Said Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.: "Instagram is that first childhood cigarette meant to get teens hooked early. Facebook is just like Big Tobacco, pushing a product they know is harmful to the health of young people."

In this Nov. 29, 2018, file photo, the Instagram app logo is displayed on a mobile screen in Los Angeles. Political adversaries in Congress are united in outrage against Facebook for privately compiling information that its Instagram photo-sharing service appeared to grievously harm some teens, especially girls, while publicly downplaying the popular platform's negative impact. Facebook's head of global safety, Antigone Davis, has been summoned to testify for a hearing Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, by a Senate panel. Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File

The episode is quickly burgeoning into a scandal for Facebook approaching the level of the Cambridge Analytica debacle. Revelations in 2018 that the data mining firm had gathered details on as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission similarly led to a public-relations offensive by Facebook and congressional hearings.

"It's abundantly clear that Facebook views the events of the last two weeks purely as a PR problem, and that the issues raised by the leaked research haven't led to any soul-searching or commitment to change," said Josh Golin, executive director of the children's online advertising group Fairplay. The group, formerly known as the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, doesn't take money from Facebook or companies, unlike the nonprofits Facebook tends to bring in for expert advice on its products.

Facebook's public response to the outcry over Instagram was to put on hold its work on a kids' version of Instagram, which the company says is meant mainly for tweens aged 10 to 12. On Monday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a blog post that the company will use its time out "to work with parents, experts and policymakers to demonstrate the value and need for this product."

Already in July, Facebook said it was working with parents, experts and policymakers when it introduced safety measures for teens on its main Instagram platform. In fact, the company has been working with experts and other advisers for another product aimed at childrenits Messenger Kids app that launched in late 2017.

Pressed by senators, Davis wouldn't say how long the pause would last. "I don't have a specific date but I do have a commitment" that Facebook executives will consult with parents, policymakers and experts, she said. "We want to get this right."

Blumenthal and Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, the panel's senior Republican, also plan to take testimony next week from a Facebook whistleblower, believed to be the person who leaked the Instagram research documents to the Journal. An interview with the whistleblower is set to air on CBS' "60 Minutes" program Sunday.

Davis, a one-time middle school teacher and aide in the Maryland attorney general's office, insisted that the research on Instagram's impact on young people "is not a bombshell."

"This research is a bombshell," Blumenthal countered. "It is powerful, gripping, riveting evidence that Facebook knows of the harmful effects of its site on children, and that it has concealed those facts and findings."

__

The research documents released Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal: s.wsj.net/public/resources/doc  son-on-instagram.pdf

Explore further Foes united vs Facebook over Instagram's effect on teens

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Chilean lawmakers on Wednesday approved a law establishing the rights to personal identity, free will and mental privacy, becoming the first country in the world to legislate on neurotechnology that can manipulate one's mind.

This bill, which already passed the Senate last year, could form the basis of future lawmaking in field of human rights in other countries in the face of advances in technology applied to the mind and the brain.

During debates preceding the vote, Senator Guido Girardi, one of the most vocal promoters of the law, said its aim is to protect "the last frontier" of the human being: the human psyche.

"We are happy that this is the start of a global assessment on how technology should be used for the good of humanity," Girardi said on Twitter.

The bill will now have to be signed into law by the president.

With this legislation, Chile is striving to be at the forefront of advances in neurotechnology.

Rafael Yuste, a biology professor at Columbia University and one of the world's top experts in the field, told AFP that researchers have already succeeded in implanting in the brain of mice images of things that they hadn't actually seen which affected their behavior.

This causes concern among some that such neurotechnology may be used to record people's mental data as well as to modify it.

That is why, Chile's law "establishes that scientific and technological development must be at the service of people and that it will be carried out with respect for life and physical and mental integrity", the Chamber of Deputies said in a statement.

It intends to safeguard people's "neurodata" and establish limits on how the contents of a person's brain can be analyzed and modified.

 2021 AFP
BBC Two is to air a new drama telling the story of Marie Antoinette.

The eight-part historial drama comes from The Favourite writer Deborah Davis.

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It tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen who was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France.

Free, independent and feminist ahead of her time, the fearless queen will be played by Emilia Schule (Kudamm 56/ 63).

Joining Deborah Davis in writing the ambitious drama is Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summers Day) and Chloe Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).

The drama will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK with a release date to be confirmed.

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition, BBC, said: "Marie Antoinette possesses an enduring fascination and Deborah Davis has a very singular vision for her story - we are truly delighted to be bringing this ambitious project to BBC Two and iPlayer."

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Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, added: "Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary fresh new take on one of Frances most iconic - and controversial - figures, filled with stunning scenery, fine performances and epic costumes.

"Following on from the success of Versailles on BBC Two, we are excited to again bring the extravagance and excitement of French court life to UK viewers."
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Russian authorities on Wednesday arrested and detained Ilya Sachkov, the founder of cybersecurity firm Group-IB, for two months in Moscow on charges of state treason following a search of its office on September 28.

The Russian company, which is headquartered in Singapore, confirmed the development but noted the "reason for the search was not yet clear," adding "The decentralized infrastructure of Group-IB allows us to keep our customer's data safe, maintain business operations and work without interruption across our offices in Russia and around the world."

Group IB said the raids at its Moscow office had commenced on Tuesday, with law enforcement authorities leaving that same evening. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the government was aware of the arrest but that it had no additional details about the case, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

The cybersecurity company relocated to Singapore in late 2018 as part of its attempts to distance itself from any ties to the Russian government. It's worth noting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky products from all government departments on September 13 2017, alleging that the company had worked on secret projects with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

Group-IB is known for its assistance in a number of law enforcement operations spanning Europe, often collaborating agencies such as Europol and Interpol on investigations that have led to the arrest of several organized cybercrime groups in recent years, including Fraud Family, Dr HeX, and three Nigerian nationals suspected of perpetrating business email compromise (BEC) scams.

If convicted of treason, Sachkov could be punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
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Job Title: Public Engagement Assistant (American Center Director)

Organisation: United States US Embassy in Kampala

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Announcement Number: Kampala-2021-034

About US:

The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.

Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Peace Corps

Job Summary: The American Center Director works under the direct supervision of the Public Affairs Officer(PAO) or PAO Designee. Develops and maintains ties with the Emerging Voices (EV) sector in the host country to support foreign policy goals. Is responsible for the day-to-day oversight, management, and operations of the Missions USG-owned and operated American Center. Develops Center-specific activities and programs to attract EV audiences at the Center, to engage audiences through posts mobile American Space, the Nile Explorer bus, and support Partner American Center audiences throughout the country; collaborates with non-Center Public Diplomacy (PD) staff on a range of other PD activities and projects to broaden the Centers EV activities and programs. This position has a large degree of autonomy as Director of a public access facility that is open during hours when the Embassy may be closed, may not be co-located with other Mission facilities, and must maintain a dynamic schedule of simultaneous activities and projects of interest to the public.

Supervises one IRC Technician, Grade 7 and position number 600065. Provides day-to-day work guidance to implementing partner program staff at the American Center in Kampala and the Nile Explorer mobile American Space.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant for the United States Embassy Public Engagement Assistant (American Center Director) job should hold a University degree in communications, library science, museum education, international affairs, American Studies, marketing, or local equivalent degree is required.

This position requires a total of at least four years of experience. Specifically: a) Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in a multilingual, multicultural, or multinational institution (such as a museum, public or community center, or education facility) that provides information resources or American Studies or International Relations content to the public is required, with communications, marketing or public relations duties as a significant part of the job; and b) at least an additional one year of supervisory experience is required.

Broad knowledge and understanding of regional, ethnic, socio-economic, cultural and linguistic factors and the influence of religious, cultural and educational institutions in shaping EV perceptions of the U.S. are all required. Must have general knowledge of project management, including defining project objectives, outcomes, and assessment methods.

Knowledge of marketing techniques, market analysis and analytics, and customer service standards in the host country; knowledge of trends in experiential learning and audience engagement; understanding of the communications/information environments in the host country and international environment; detailed knowledge of PD engagement tools, related policies and procedures for each; and knowledge of multiple PD resource streams and regulations for their use are all required.

Analytic skills: Must have strong analytic skills and the ability to conceptualize how best to use PD programs and projects to move host-country attitudes in positive ways. Must be able to advise senior PD /Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives; identify, analyze, predict and continually assess EV audience attitudes; evaluate the impact of projects and modify approaches for greatest outcomes. Must be able to perceive the emergence of new influencers and adjust operations and programming accordingly.

Communication / Interpersonal skills: Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal cross-cultural communication skills, and be able to identify and engage key figures critical to shaping local public opinion. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, interviewing for evaluation purposes, writing reports and contributing materials for publication in both English and host-country language. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and information situations and different ethnic, religious and linguistic cultures, and, as necessary, through multi-media channels. Must be able to brief U.S. officers and visitors on a variety of issues and interpret between English and the host-country language for public programs.

Management skills: Strong management skills are required, including the ability to develop and oversee project budgets and to organize, run, and present professional and cultural projects such as workshops, seminars, digital video conferences, panel discussions, lectures and camps. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment.

Technical skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough, detailed knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, graphic design and photo editing software, and PD-specific software, databases, and reporting tools is required. Full understanding of PD-specific funding authorities and their planning and reporting tools is required. Detailed knowledge of and ability to use social media and mobile platforms, photo and video sharing sites, podcast creation, and basic photo and video skills are all required. Must have good numerical skills to be able to develop and manage project and grant budgets; must be able to develop descriptive statistical analysis of target audience segments and impact of American Space activities and initiatives.

Availability: Must be available to travel throughout the host country to support American Center projects and activities.

Language: (Fluent) speaking/reading/writing of English is required. This may be tested

How to Apply:

All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 10th October 2021

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
ONE of the surprises emerging from the presentation of the 2022 budget on Monday by Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, was his announcement that the Government proposed to offer for sale 10,869,565 ordinary shares in First Citizens Holdings Ltd.
BEFORE the end of this year, the Appeal Court is expected to deliver its ruling on whether t
I appreciate the position taken by Mr Kevin Baldeosingh on the reasons why he will not get 
Ho Chi Minh City officials have decided to ease coronavirus social distancing restrictions from October 1 to facilitate the recovery of socio-economic operations under 'new normal' conditions after months of lockdown.

The city will not reopen all activities after September 30 but follow a step-by-step road map, said the citys deputy chairman Le Hoa Binh at a press conference to announce a directive on updated COVID-19 control measures on Thursday.

Residents daily activities will be gradually restored under 'new normal' conditions but this does not mean everybody will flock to the streets, the official added, referring to Vietnam's new strategy to live safely with the virus instead of trying to pursue a 'zero-COVID' policy.

Under the directive, the city allows the reopening of production and trading establishments in industrial zones, processing and exporting zones, high-tech parks, as well as in districts and Thu Duc City.

Take-away food and drink providers, traditional markets, wholesale markets, shopping centers, and convenience stores are also permitted to resume operations.

Barbershops and hair salons are allowed to run at up to 50 percent of their capacity.

Also being allowed are medical service providers, pharmacies, public utility services, post and telecommunications, construction works, and warehouses.

Public transport service providers are permitted to reopen under the regulations of transport and health authorities.

Foreign businesses representative offices, foreign banks branches, and providers of business support services are also permitted to operate.

Tourist sites and resorts are allowed to operate at up to 50 percent of their capacity while weddings or funerals are limited to a maximum of 20 attendees each.

Gathering at each indoor activity is limited to 10 people and can be extended to a maximum of 70 people if all the attendees have fully been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.

The same limits are applicable to gatherings at religious and worship sites.

Meanwhile, the cap on outdoor gatherings is 100, subject to the same condition.

A woman is seen making movement declaration by holding up her QR code on her phone to a scanner on Pham Van Dong Street, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

The directive also stated that non-essential services and businesses, such as beauty salons, karaoke venues, discotheques, pubs, bars and massage parlors, and ware and lottery ticket peddling will remain closed.

The city will keep 12 checkpoints at its gateways and 39 other checkpoints at the entrances to other localities.

Authorities also require people to use a QR code during travels for checking by relevant agencies.

Without a QR code, people must have documents proving their recovery from COVID-19 for less than 180 days or have been injected with at least one shot no less than 14 days before travels.

"After September 30, travel passes will be no longer applied and an IT-based method will be used instead, the deputy chairman said.

The city asks people not to leave Ho Chi Minh City, except for absolutely necessary cases that are subject to instructions from local transport authorities.

Since the pandemic hit Vietnam in early 2020, the city has documented 381,390 COVID-19 cases, including 14,745 deaths, leading the country in both infections and deaths, the Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday.

Nationwide, the country has registered 779,398 infection cases, including 583,509 recoveries and 19,098 fatalities, in 62 out of its 63 cities and provinces.

The only locality staying free from COVID-19 in Vietnam is Cao Bang Province, where strict measures for COVID-19 prevention have been applied.

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Authorities of Vietnams Khanh Hoa Province and Russias Saint Petersburg City are discussing a plan for a non-stop flight route, which is anticipated to bring more Russian tourists to the provinces renowned beaches of Nha Trang City.

Before the shutdown of international tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia was one of the biggest foreign tourist markets to Khanh Hoa, contributing 460,000 visits to the locales tourism sector in 2019, Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said during a conference on Wednesday.

The conference was held to discuss health and tourism collaboration between Khanh Hoa and Saint Petersburg.

Prior to the pandemic, tourism agencies such as Pegas, Anex, Focus, Coral Travel, and Summar Travel had been operating a total of four to six charter flights a day to bring visitors from Russian cities to Khanh Hoa Cam Ranh Airport.

However, due to the emergence of COVID-19, Vietnam has closed its borders to foreign tourists since March last year, effectively shuttering all international tourism activities in the country.

As the epidemic situation is more under control at the moment, the local Department of Tourism will seek the prime ministers approval for a plan to welcome back foreign tourists with vaccination certificates in November, Thanh stated.

Khanh Hoas tourism sector also suggests an early launch of a two-way, non-stop flight route connecting Saint Petersburg and Khanh Hoa to offer comfortable transport to tourists and help to promote tour packages.

Russian tourists coming to Khanh Hoa in pre-COVID times could choose from 28 flight routes operated by five airlines, of which Saint Petersburg is a viable departure point, said Le Thi Hong Minh, CEO of Cam Ranh International Terminal Joint Stock Company, which operates the namesake airport.

We hope that a Khanh Hoa - Saint Petersburg non-stop commercial flight route is soon available so that Russian tourists can reach Khanh Hoa more easily, plus Vietnamese can also have more options to visit Saint Petersburg, she said.

The outlook is bright for a relaunch of international flights after the pandemic, said Le Van Nghia, CEO of Nhat Minh Travel Joint Stock Company.

The first phase of the relaunch is slated to start in December and is waiting for the prime ministers approval.

Seeing the opportunity, the company has liaised with Siberia Airlines to organize a service from Saint Petersburg to Cam Ranh Airport with a transit point in Russias Novosibirsk, with four flights available per week.

Provided the route is lucrative, Nhat Minh will expand the flight operations to bring passengers from ten other Russian cities to Khanh Hoa, with a total frequency of 20 flights per week.

Speaking at the conference, Kalganov Vyacheslav Gennadievich, deputy chairman of the External Affairs Committee in Saint Petersburg, affirmed that the Russian city will focus on addressing the consequences of COVID-19 in order to continue its extensive cooperation with Vietnam, specifically in its collaborations with Khanh Hoa in cancer research and COVID-19 treatment.

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'Meet Vietnam in Newhaven,' an event hosted by Vietnams mission to the United Kingdom, was held on Tuesday in Newhaven, a small port town about 100km south of London which houses several monuments to late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

The event was organized to give the citys residents the opportunity to learn more about Vietnams history, culture, and people through both its food and photo exhibitions showcasing the countrys cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Newhaven Mayor Lesley Boniface shared her pride in the historic ties between his city and late President Ho Chi Minh, who worked as a pastry chef after World War I on a ferry connecting Newhaven and the French town of Dieppe.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long thanked the Newhaven administration for its support and coordination with his embassy in organizing 'Meet Vietnam in Newhaven' in September to align with Vietnams National Day  a celebration of the Southeast Asian countrys sovereignty, during which it pays homage to President Ho Chi Minh.

The ambassador affirmed that the development of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership is flourishing thanks to the constant efforts of both sides over the past 50 years, including the significant contribution of the administration and the people of Newhaven.

During his speech, Ambassador Long expressed his appreciation for the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Newhaven, as well as the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, which he hopes will continue to expand in the future, particularly as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023.

President Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) was the founder of what is now the Communist Party of Vietnam.

During his time traveling the world as a youth, he spent several years in the UK, during which time he was first exposed to the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels  both of whom served as inspiration for his later contribution to Vietnams national liberation revolution against colonizing forces.

In 2013, the administration of East Sussex county erected a stele in Newhaven harbor, marking the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's arrival in the UK.

Images of the ferry where Ho Chi Minh worked over 100 years ago are now on display in the Newhaven town museum.

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A landslide killed two women and seriously injured two men in Lam Dong Province, situated in Vietnam's Central Highlands, on Wednesday afternoon.

The landslide occurred in the Ho Hong area of Lam Dongs Da Lat City at around 2:00 pm on Wednesday, when the four victims were taking shelter from rain in a shed below a slope.

Nguyen Thi Trang Dai, 30, and Tran Thi Bich Huyen, 18, both residents of Da Lat, were killed immediately.

Khong Minh Phuoc, 31, a Da Lat resident, and Nguyen Van Cang, 22, hailing from the neighboring province of Dak Lak, were hospitalized with severe injuries.

The landslide followed heavy rains.

There was no man-made infrastructure holding the slope in place.

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The military is expected to continue assisting COVID-19 prevention and control efforts in Ho Chi Minh City after September 30 as the business hub gradually reopens some activities to bolster economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam convened a meeting with steering committees for COVID-19 prevention and control in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces on Wednesday.

At the gathering, the deputy premier stated that southern localities would have to maintain measures to control the pandemic as vaccination has yet to be provided to all people.

Military units will remain in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, but their missions will be gradually adjusted to suit the new situation.

Several of their current tasks will also be assigned to the local forces.

As Ho Chi Minh City slowly reopens some economic activities after a prolonged lockdown since May, military officers will play an important role in controlling travels from the city to other localities.

They will also continue taking part in COVID-19 testing and treatment in the metropolis.

According to Deputy Minister of National Defense Vo Minh Luong, the loosening of social distancing in the southern city will add more challenges to their missions in the coming time.

Luong suggested that military units keep fulfilling their duties in the city to raise awareness of pandemic response among local residents.

The missions in areas at lower risk of infection will be revised as residents will have easier access to essential goods and medical services.

The number of military medics will be adjusted based on the number of COVID-19 patients in each area.

However, military medics are expected to remain in the metropolis at least until the end of November to help slash the number of seriously-ill patients to the lowest, Deputy Minister Luong stressed.

Ho Chi Minh City is the hardest-hit locality in the country during the fourth wave, with 380,870 local infections recorded since April 27.

The city has implemented enhanced social distancing measures at various levels since May 31.

Military troops were mobilized to assist in pandemic prevention and control efforts in the metropolis from August 22.

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Functional forces have removed more COVID-19 checkpoints and barricades from many streets across Ho Chi Minh City after abolishing hundreds of others on alleyways earlier this week -- a signal for the beginning of a new normal in the biggest Vietnamese city.

Authorities in all districts and Thu Duc City accelerated the removal on Thursday morning as per an order of the municipal administration.

Iron wires, tables, chairs, and scaffolding no longer obstructed commuters on many streets in District 1 and District 3, including Dien Bien Phu, Mai Thi Luu, Hoang Sa, and Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Streets, at around 11:15 am on Thursday, according to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The operations of COVID-19 checkpoints on other streets have also been suspended and pending their abolition.

Tran Quoc Hung, chairman of Linh Trung Ward in Thu Duc City, said that local functional forces have removed 36 out of 39 checkpoints on streets and alleys in the ward, leaving only three which border the neighboring province of Binh Duong in operation.

The same move was taken in Binh Thanh District on Thursday morning.

Functional forces remove barricades at a COVID-19 checkpoint in Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, September 30, 2021. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre

Local residents have expressed joy over the checkpoint removal.

Im happy to hear this news, said Dao Le Cung, a resident of Binh Tho Ward in Thu Duc City.

It removed our stress.

Even though Im old with little mobility, I feel more comfortable this way, said Le Thi Tam, a resident of the city.

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City previously installed COVID-19 checkpoints and barricades, using as many kinds of objects as possible to create obstacles, in order to ensure local residents compliance with travel restrictions and the shelter-in-place mandate.

The clearance of these obstacles came as Ho Chi Minh City is set to start relaxing its coronavirus curbs, allowing more business and social activities after four months of lockdown and restoring some normalcy while coexisting with the virus starting October 1.

Barricades are removed from Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, September 30, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Functional forces began removing COVID-19 barricades from hundreds of alleys across the southern city on Monday.

However, the 12 checkpoints at the citys entrances and 39 others in areas bordering nearby provinces will remain active to ensure safety for the key southern economic region in general.

A business hub of about nine million people, Ho Chi Minh City has been the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis that has hit Vietnam since late April, with more than 380,000 local infections and over 14,600 deaths.

Those figures account for half of the countrys total 779,398 patients and about 77 percent of its 19,098 fatalities, as recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic first appeared early last year.

So far, health workers have administered over 6.8 million first vaccine doses and more than 3.3 million second shots to residents aged from 18 years old in the city, according to the national COVID-19 vaccinational portal.

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The Ministry of Health logged 11,357 more coronavirus cases in Vietnam on Thursday, together with 25,322 discharged patients and 159 deaths.

The new cases, including 11,354 local and three imported infections, were reported in 36 provinces and cities, the health ministry said.

The ministry had registered 8,744 locally-infected patients on Wednesday.

Ho Chi Minh City documented 7,789 of the latest cases, including 3,417 patients added from Tuesdays testing; Binh Duong Province 2,103; Dong Nai Province 626; An Giang Province 172; Long An Province 125; Can Tho 41; Da Nang two; and Hanoi one.

Vietnam has confirmed 786,208 community transmissions in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth  and worst  virus wave emerged in the country on April 27.

Ho Chi Minh City stays atop with 388,659 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 211,056, Dong Nai Province with 48,595, Long An Province with 32,395, Tien Giang Province with 14,000, Dong Thap Province with 8,242, Khanh Hoa Province with 7,806, Da Nang with 4,916, Hanoi with 4,213, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 4,136.

By comparison, Vietnam detected a combined 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in the previous three waves.

The health ministry announced 25,322 recoveries on Thursday, taking the total to 608,831.

The toll has mounted to 19,301 deaths after the ministry documented 159 fatalities on the same day, including 106 in Ho Chi Minh City and 30 in Binh Duong Province.

Vietnam has registered 790,755 patients since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year.

Health workers have administered over 42 million vaccine doses, including 983,839 shots on Wednesday, since vaccination was rolled out on March 8.

Nearly 9.5 million people have been fully vaccinated.

Health authorities aim to immunize at least two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year.

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A shipment of one million doses of UAE-produced Hayat-Vax COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Vietnam, bringing the Southeast Asian country's total number of jabs to nearly 57 million.

Delivered under a contract between Vietnams Vimedimex Medi-pharma Joint Stock Company (Vimedimex) and the UAEs G42 Medications Trading LLC, the Haya-Vax vaccine batch reached Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Hayat-Vax vaccine is an inactivated vaccine produced by growing the SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture and then using chemicals to inactivate the virus.

It uses technology transferred from Chinas Sinopharm.

Hayat-Vax has undergone an international human clinical trial which involved 45,000 volunteers from 125 countries and measured protective efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity.

The trial results show that the vaccine has a protective effect of 78.89 percent and its generation of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus is 99.52 percent.

There have been no serious side effects observed in people vaccinated with Hayat-Vax.

It can be stored at temperatures of two to eight degrees Celsius.

The Ministry of Health has approved Hayat-Vax for emergency use in Vietnam, along with seven others, including the UKs AstraZeneca, Chinas Sinopharm, Russias Sputnik V, Cubas Abdala, as well as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, all from the U.S.

Meanwhile, Vietnams Nano Covax vaccine is undergoing necessary procedures to be authorized for emergency use. Once approved, it would be the first made-in-Vietnam COVID-19 vaccine.

Vietnam has targeted to secure 150 million coronavirus vaccine doses to inoculate at least two-thirds of its 98-million population.

It has so far received nearly 57 million jabs from different sources, including COVAX Facility, contractual purchases, and donations.

The country is speeding up its vaccination campaign in an effort to lift COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in many localities by next month, with some 32.17 million first shots and over 8.98 million second doses administered nationwide as of Wednesday, according to health ministry reports.

Since the pandemic hit Vietnam in early 2020, the Southeast Asian country has registered 779,398 infections, including 583,509 recoveries and 19,098 fatalities.

Cao Bang is the only province of Vietnams 63 provinces and cities which has not seen a single case.

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A ward leader from the southern Vietnamese province of Binh Duong apologized to a woman who was physically forced to take a COVID-19 test earlier this week.

A delegation of officials representing both Vinh Phu Ward and Thuan An City in Binh Duong held a working session with Hoang Thi Phuong Lan, a resident of the Ehome 4 apartment complex, on Wednesday.

At the meeting, Vo Thanh Quan, secretary of the Vinh Phu Party Committee and head of the wards steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, issued a public apology to Lan for the use of force during her COVID-19 testing process.

On Tuesday morning, Lan was teaching an online yoga class at her apartment when someone knocked on the door and requested that she provide a nasal swab for COVID-19 testing.

Lan said she had already conducted a COVID-19 test by herself, adding that she did not want to come into contact with others, and that she was in the middle of teaching a class.

A group of officials, police officers, and members of the apartment complexs management board later forcefully opened the door of Lans apartment and took her to the buildings courtyard for nasal swab collection.

Several videos of the incident were shared to social media.

A representative of Vinh Phu Wards steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control issued a statement the same day admitting to the use of force.

The representative also noted that Lan had refused to be sampled on several occasions and that her apartment is on the ground floor and at very high risk, as infections were once detected in her block.

Following the working session, the Thuan An City Party Committee stated that it plans to continue its investigation before releasing an official conclusion or issuing penalties to any parties found at fault.

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Production is underway in South Australia on a new preschool series, Beep and Mort, for ABC.

Produced by Windmill Pictures the series is based on their theatre show, Beep, and tells the story of two best friends from different worlds, solving their daily dilemmas and unexpected challenges through invention, play and adventure.

The series explores the ways the organic and the technological can work together and underlines empathy, community, and the enduring value of friendship.

Designed by Jonathon Oxlade Beep & Mort is written by Charlotte Rose Hamlyn (The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill), Simon Butters (H20: Just Add Water), Amy Stewart (The Heights) Hunter Page-Lochard (Cleverman, Play School), Wendy Hanna (Love Child, Giggle and Hoot) and Lorin Clarke (Larry the Wonderpup).

Director, Rosemary Myers says, Throughout the creative development of this series, we have drawn on our theatrical roots but also integrated new technologies. The result is a contemporary hybrid form of puppetry that blends hand and rod puppets with post animated object puppets. In a screen landscape dominated by animation, we want to create a textured, built world that children feel they can almost step into and walk around in.

Head of ABC Childrens Content, Libbie Doherty says, From the minute Windmill pitched the series to us, we immediately fell in love with these two new preschool stars  the unique and incredibly cute Beep and Mort. We are thrilled to be working in Adelaide with Kaye, Rose and the creative team who have created a beautifully warm and wholly original world, including a 6 metre high set! Designed for the youngest ABC audience this whimsical series will gently ignite their minds and warm their hearts.

Screen Australias Head of Content Sally Caplan says, Were proud to support this incredibly talented creative team, including Rosemary Myers first foray into television, bring this highly original project to life. Beep and Mort is a charming series exploring themes of self-discovery and the enduring value of friendship, and it is set to delight pre-schoolers and their families on ABC.

Kate Croser, CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation says, The SAFC is proud to support Windmill Pictures in producing their first TV series Beep and Mort, which will also be the first studio program for children made in South Australia for over a decade. With a majority South Australian cast and crew, this highly original new series will provide employment opportunities for South Australian specialist workers, and were particularly excited that the series will provide valuable first television credits for many of the key creative team, boosting the pool of credited South Australian writers, directors and producers.

It will premiere in late 2022.

Production Credit: Beep and Mort is a Windmill Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from the South Australian Film Corporation. ABC Commercial holds world distribution rights.
Ant Middleton is pretty grumpy again. this time around his previous UK series SAS: UK screening on 7plus.

The SAS Australia chief instructor took to Instagram to lash out at British cancel culture after he was dropped by Channel 4, which he accuses of cashing in on his name by screening the show down under.

Funny how the UK cancel culture supposedly sacked me but theyre still willing to make money from my profile, my brand, my name, my work and my show! And now that Ive opened up a market for myself in Australia they are capitalising on my success! Laughable, hypocritical and shameful but business is business and thats exactly what it is just business baby! he stated.

Many of his followers agreed, if not necessarily with insight into how distribution works

SAS: Who Dares Wins (as it is known in the UK) is owned by Minnow Films but first screened on Seven last November -well before he was let go by producers in March 2021, after urging his followers to carry on as normal despite coronavirus. There was also a backlash in June 2020 after he posted a video of violence at anti-racism protests in London, adding, The extreme left against the extreme right. BLM and EDL are not welcome on our streets, absolute scum. What a great example you are to your future generation. Bravo.

Seven having broadcast rights to the UK tape of SAS is standard in distribution when a local broadcaster takes format rights. Similarly, Seven has Got Talent editions for producing Australias Got Talent.

And whatever happened to no i in team? Its enough to make you VW.
This Sundays compelling episode of Fires stars acting royalty with Richard Roxburgh and Miranda Otto as dairy farmers returning to the remains of their burnt out property.

The ABC episode written by Jacqueline Perske is emotional viewing with knockout performances, even though bushfires are not sighted in the hours viewing.

Producer Tony Ayres recently told TV Tonight, the series also avoids getting bogged down in climate and political themes.

We didnt really want to bang people over the head with a message. We just wanted to start a conversation, he said.

Its not the right medium to be pointing a finger. Drama works better when we can make people feel things and then as a consequence of feeling they think about things.

I think people tune out when the message is on the nose.

The episode also features Taylor Ferguson, Bernard Curry and Steve Bastoni. For all its drama and heart-wrenching scenes, Ayres says there were two recurring themes.

The extraordinary courage of human beings in grave situations. Ordinary people in just surviving, in itself was an act of heroism. Thats one thing that we learned, he explains.

The other thing is people also survive through communities, through banding together and helping each other. That was crucial to how people not only survive, but also heal. Thats a recurring story, as well.

Fires continues 8:40pm Sunday on ABC.
By Carolyn Kroupa '22

Despite less than two weeks to prepare for a performance at Levitt Pavilion on Sept. 3 in the heart of downtown, the invitation was too good of an opportunity for University of Dayton Department of Music faculty and students to miss.

Nearly 200 students and 15 faculty performed for several hundred concert-goers, who listened and danced on the lawn during the two-hour musical showcase.

The performers included student groups UD Trumpet Ensemble, Pride of Dayton Marching Band (POD) and Dayton Jazz Ensemble; as well as the UD Faculty Brass Quintet, Faculty Jazztet, and faculty soloists Jim McCutcheon, guitarist and artist-in-residence; Minnita Daniel-Cox, associate professor and soprano; David Sievers, tenor and artist-in-residence and Andrea Arese-Elias, adjunct faculty on piano. Three May 2021 graduates also performed with the jazz ensemble.

Musical performers have been deprived of live audiences for the past 18 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having the opportunity to perform live again has been incredible, said Derek Rempe, a senior music education major from Celina, Ohio, a POD marching band drum major. The energy of our audiences in Dayton is truly unmatched and it's something we'll never take for granted ever again.

Julia Randel, associate professor and department of music chair, said the audience response was gratifying.

People were up and dancing, including little kids, and you could feel people enjoying the music, she said.

Students are used to performing for family and friends on campus, but showcasing their talents for the Levitt Pavilion audience enriched their performing experience and increased connections across the University and Dayton communities.

Randel said the opportunity for students and faculty to share the stage at the venue provided students with valuable experiential learning skills. Performing and working with a professional sound and stage crew prepares students for their future, whether they plan to pursue a career in the arts or a different field.

For students going into music, the more experience they have performing the better, especially experience with professional crew and seasoned professional performers, Randel said. Many non-music majors participate and the hope is to help foster their love and commitment to music and the arts.

The majority of students in the ensembles are not music majors. Many chose to study in different academic fields, but still want to find community at the University through the music department.

We firmly believe doing music and thinking about the world in a different way is good for students as future engineers, doctors and any career path they follow, Randel said.

Marching band drum major Nicole Ortenzi, a junior accounting and finance major and music minor from Brecksville, Ohio, plans to pursue a career in accounting at a major U.S. accounting firm after graduation.

Being involved in music allows me to be human and explore those outlets I cannot always express in class, Ortenzi said. My future career is very extroverted and involves a lot of creativity, and POD fosters that within me.

The UD Department of Music has other public performances planned for the 2021-22 academic year, including the Christmas concert on Dec. 7 and Celebration of the Arts planned for early March. Randel hopes the Levitt Pavilion concert will become an annual event.

Performing for the greater Dayton community makes me grateful for this institution and all it has given me, Ortenzi said. Not only do I get to play great music and see new places, but I get to meet people from all walks of life. Having complete strangers compliment you on your conducting or playing makes you feel like the work you have been putting in over the years gets noticed. This art form gives me the space to honor my family, express myself and give back to the University that has given me everything.

For more information, please visit the UD Department of Music website.


No. 2115

THE COLOR OF WATER by John H. Lienhard

Today, let's measure the color of water. The University of Houston's College of Engineering presents this series about the machines that make our civilization run, and the people whose ingenuity created them.

T he Color of Water is the title of a book by Black author James McBride about his White mother. When asked which color God was, she told him, He is the color of water. The metaphor is powerful; however, water might have color after all.

But I'm ahead of my story. Let us back up and meet Walthere Victor Spring, born in Belgium in 1848. Spring's father was a physiology professor at Liege, and young Spring was a disappointment -- only a so-so scholar and especially weak in classical languages. So he quit school and went off to become a gunsmith -- a trade for which he had real talent.

As his confidence emerged, Spring retook the university entrance exams and passed them. He got a degree in mining engineering, but grew more interested in science. He went on to study physical chemistry with Friederich Kekule and Rudolph Clausius.

Like his father, he became a professor at the University of Liege. What served him there was not any mastery of classical languages, but his gunsmithing. He was a fine experimentalist who took a great interest in the writings of British physicist John Tyndall.

Tyndall, himself a great experimentalist and observer, wrote about how powdered snow was compacted into glaciers. Spring responded with experiments in which he compressed all sorts of granular materials in a specially designed screw press. Each turned into an extraordinarily dense solid. Then he used those same techniques to study phase equilibrium in solids.

He followed Tyndall's lead again in 1870. Tyndall had previously suggested that the sky appears to be blue because short wavelength light -- blue light -- is scattered sideways. Tyndall thought that particles in the air caused the scattering. Later, it turned out that the air molecules themselves scatter blue light. Tyndall also did a very clever experiment: he invented means for creating optically pure air, with no particulates at all.

He did not see any color in air, but Spring said, Wait a minute. Maybe if I create optically pure water, it will have a color of its own. He put his talent with apparatus to the creation of an 85-foot-long tube filled with almost perfectly clean water. Then he shone white light along it. It worked!

He was able to tell us that water is "a pure cerulean blue similar to that of the sky at its zenith when seen from a high mountain." Spring didn't try to explain that blue. But we now know that the long red wavelengths in his light beam were absorbed by the water. Only the blue got through, making it seem blue.

And, the color of God? That too seems to depend on how the light we cast returns to us. Others saw black or white, while McBride's mother saw no color at all. So, as for the color of water, I need to go back to Crater Lake, Oregon -- to contemplate its deep soul-settling blue while I think about measurement and perception.

I'm John Lienhard, at the University of Houston, where we're interested in the way inventive minds work.

(Theme music)

J. McBride, The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute toHis White Mother. (New York: Riverhead Books, 1996).

See this very nice discussion of the blueness of sky..

And here is an excellent discussion of the blueness of water:

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~etrnsfer/water.htm

(photos by JHL)
UH is part of a new consortium of Tier One Hispanic-Serving Institutions that has received a $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The University has a number of programs that serve Latino students and faculty members and advance scholarship in Latino humanities.

The University of Houston is part of a new consortium of Tier One Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) that has received a $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to enhance teaching, research, cultural programming and archives in the area of Latino humanities studies as well as prepare rising Latino researchers and scholars for faculty positions in humanities studies.

University of Houston graduates are leading humanities and Hispanic studies initiatives at premier institutions across the country, said UH President Renu Khator. The Mellon Foundation grant positions UH and the other members of the consortium to develop important pipelines for transitioning Latino undergraduates to graduate studies, and graduate and post-doctoral students to the become the next generation of professors and leaders in these fields of study.

Crossing Latinidades: Emerging Scholars and New Comparative Directions is the first initiative pursued by the consortium. The three-year, $5 million grant was awarded to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)the consortiums lead institution in support of this initiative. The grant will be shared by the consortiums 16 institutions, all of which are federally designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions by the U.S. Department of Education and have Tier One status  or very high research from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The consortium is led by the council of chancellors and presidents of the participating universities.

This award not only complements the continuing efforts to build diversity among our tenured and tenure-track faculty ranks at UH, but it will also improve the diversity of the larger academy of professors in the humanities, said Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. This multi-institutional model of research and professional training will support the growing population of Latino students who want to pursue careers at the highest levels of academia.

A key component of the initiative is the creation of an intensive yearly summer institute on Latino studies methodologies and theories and a mentorship program that aims to enhance the rising scholars comparative research skills, intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Each university will send two pre-proposal graduate students to the summer institute, and 96 students in total will benefit from the institute and from an assigned mentor. The program also constructs a framework that will encourage comparative research across regions by faculty members drawn from the consortium institutions.

UHs participation in this consortium allows us to adopt best practices for supporting the professional development of Latino students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty members in the humanities, said Mark Clarke, UH associate provost for faculty development and faculty affairs. Effective training and mentor programs, and the creation of robust inter-institutional transfer pathways for these scholars to move amongst consortium members lays a strong foundation for their professional development and future success in the academy.

UH currently has a number of programs that serve Latino students and faculty members and advance scholarship in Latino humanities. The programs include the UH Undergraduate Mellon Research Scholars Program in the Honors College, the first-of-its-kind U.S. Latino Digital Humanities Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciencesboth funded by Mellon Foundation grants, Department of Hispanic Studies, Arte Publico Press and the Center for Mexican American Studies, which includes visiting scholar, graduate fellowship and faculty affiliate programs.

While the consortiums first initiative is focused on the humanities, plans are currently being developed to expand opportunities across more fields of study, including STEM.

Along with UH and UIC, the institutional partners in the consortium are the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York; University of Arizona; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Riverside; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Santa Cruz; Florida International University; University of Central Florida; University of New Mexico; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of North Texas; Texas Tech University; University of Texas, Arlington and University of Texas, El Paso.
Afghanistan is once again under Taliban control and people are seeing the abhorrent rules they are inflicting on the country. There are many psychological impacts and mental health issues affecting young girls.

Claims and contradictions

The Taliban took over Afghanistan in August after twenty years of conflict. The Taliban claimed they would respect girls human rights and let access to education for girls continue. They have not followed through.

The Human Rights Watch Report from September 2021 List of Taliban Policies Violating Womens Rights in Afghanistan reported women and girls rights decreasing rapidly since the Taliban came to power again.

A saddening and disgraceful decision has been made by the Taliban Education Ministry. Secondary school would re-open for boys only.

The belief that girls should only get a primary school education is shocking.

The United Nations Global perspective Human Stories in 2021 Afghanistan Women's Rights are Red Line, UN rights chief tell States expressed severe disapproval at the breach of human rights by the Taliban. They are urging the Human Rights Council to step in to prevent the abuse.

Facing the future

This does not only affect girls futures but also denies them simple human rights. It must surely affect their mental health and emotional and psychological well-being.

They are taught from a young age that they do not need or deserve anything more than a primary education.

This could be extremely psychologically damaging to these young girls in Afghanistan. The belief they are not worth more and are not equal to their male counterparts could destroy their confidence. It could cause anxiety and could increase feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.

Inferiority will have been ingrained into their heads from a young age and it could affect them for the rest of their lives.

Being denied a higher education strips these girls of their human rights. It is a barrier to a full-filling future. It also strips them of their self-worth, self-belief and dignity. They are being treated as lesser humans and could grow up believing that themselves, merely because of their gender.

Afghan girls are likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression in the future.

Many countries around the world are continuing to welcome Afghan refugees, and are offering equal access to education. These young girls could arrive with a battered mindset. They may find it extremely difficult to adjust to their new life and accept they have equal opportunities. It could still be an obstacle they will have to try and overcome in life.

No human being should be made to feel unequal and undeserving of equal rights.

Showing support

People around the world should be supporting these young Afghan girls. They should be reminding them that they are equal to their male counterparts, and they do not deserve anything less.

We need to recognise the protests people are continuing to do in Afghanistan.

Using social media is a great way to show your support.

You can share photos and videos of the protests. Sharing can reach millions of people around the world. The protestors voices will be heard in many corners of the world. It will raise awareness.

This is not just a problem limited to Afghanistan. It is the worlds problem.
(Getty/iStock)

The UK economy recovered faster than expected between April and June this year as spending surged after lockdown.

The Office for National Statistics said that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 5.5 per cent in the second quarter of the year, after being revised up from the initial estimation of 4.8 per cent.

Shops reopening and a return to eating out helped fuel the upward GDP revision, with household spending contributing four percentage points of the 5.5 per cent increase.

The bounce-back recovery has slowed down in recent months, however, with economic growth easing to only 0.1 per cent in July. This was a drop from 1.4 per cent growth in June.

Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the ONS, explained the new figures, saying: The economy grew more in the second quarter than previously estimated, with the latest data showing health services and the arts performing better than initially thought.

The revised figures also show households have been saving less in recent years than previously thought.

Household saving fell particularly strongly in the latest quarter from the record highs seen during the pandemic, as many people were again able to spend on shopping, eating out and driving their cars.

The upward revision of GDP growth will bring the UK economys performance in line with that of other G7 countries, said Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

The gap between current growth levels and the pre-pandemic peak is now the same as in Germany, similar to the 3.2 per cent shortfall in France, and slightly better than the 3.8 per cent shortfall seen in Italy, The Financial Times reported.

The UKs rebound recovery still lags behind the US economy however.

Household spending jumped 7.9 per cent in the second quarter, while the savings ratio fell to 11.7 per cent from 18.4 per cent in the first three months of 2021.

The current supply chain crisis and lorry driver shortage has provoked The Bank of England to slash its expectations for economic growth in the third quarter of this year from 2.9 per cent to 2.1 per cent.

Story continues

The new statistics come as nearly 1 million workers are expected to be booted off the furlough scheme on Thursday.

Fidelity Internationals investment director, Maike Currie, said that no one really knows what is next. She added: I think what we can be certain of is that well see under-employment, where employees return to work but possibly not on a full-time basis and that they might need to supplement their income.

Employers should not expect the rush of workers coming off furlough to be able to help the supply chain crisis, one analyst warned.

Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Any hope that the end of the furlough scheme might be the magic wand to solve the supply chain crisis is likely to be wishful thinking.

CEO of retailers association UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholls, warned that post-pandemic workers will be selective about the jobs they pick.

She said: Covid is providing the hospitality sector with a reset moment and we are looking at ways of working, hours and conditions. As people come back from furlough they are more selective about what they want to do and more demanding as employees.

Its about making sure that we look after our people because they are our most valued and valuable resource and we need to make sure that they can be as comfortable as possible at work.

Additional reporting from wires

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On Sept. 27, 2020, stalemate over Nagorno-Karabakh turned into a military conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. For a long time, relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan had been tense over this territory, which is recognized internationally as a part of Azerbaijan but has been occupied by Armenians since 1994. That Second Karabakh War lasted 44 days and ended with a peace deal signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on Nov. 10 last year. Azerbaijan is now trying to cope with one of the biggest challenges it faces in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation after 30 years: There are still mines in the territories recaptured.

The Hill reports that post-war reconstruction continues in areas recaptured from Armenia, but clearing mines from these areas more quickly could facilitate further reconstruction efforts. Unexploded mines are a significant obstacle in resettling the territories and establishing transport and infrastructure  not only in Azerbaijan, but also between Azerbaijan and other countries in the region.

Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia  along with Turkmenistan, Krygzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria  are already partners of the EU-financed Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia Project (TRACECA corridor). Stability and peace in the Caucasus could revitalize these kinds of projects, improve logistical infrastructure, and make reaching Asian and European markets easier for trade.

This August, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev called for a new era with Armenia  if Yerevan shows its willingness. Both leaders said they are ready to cooperate with Armenia through developing economic relations and establishing multimodal transport lines that could facilitate trade among their countries.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian seems inclined to go along. Armenias problems with Azerbaijan and Turkey have meant their shared borders have been closed since the 1990s. If Pashinian adapts his foreign policy to this new reality, he may pave the way for Armenia to become a land-linked country for trade in the near future.

In his statement, Pashinian emphasized the importance of opening regional transport. Any project that helps to link Armenia though multimodal transportation to its neighboring countries Azerbaijan and Turkey would also be significant for trade. Every year Armenian youth emmigrate abroad due to economic difficulties at home. This new foreign policy approach based on make trade, not war could create a win-win situation.

There is a negative correlation between trade and conflict. Trade agreements that improve trade lessen the likelihood of conflicts and instabilities. Economic interdependence created by trade can prevent future conflicts and contribute to peace. It seems that there is a willingness from all sides in this case to make these aspirations concrete. Similar statements from Erdogan, Aliyev and Pashinian should be read from this perspective, I think.

In 2009, Turkey and Armenia signed an agrement to normalize relations, but never ratified it in their respective parliaments. This time, the opportunity that has emerged after the Second Karabakh War should not be missed  but its realization depends on not breaching the ceasefire and fulfilling the commitments of peace deal.
On July 7, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the new division of economic regions in Azerbaijan. According to the decree, the number of economic regions increased from 11 to 14. The capital of the country has been allocated to a separate economic region, and the new Karabakh and East Zangazur were created.

Orkhan Baghirov, Leading advisor, Center of Analysis of International Relations in the article for Eurasia Review writes, that the Karabakh economic region covers Khankandi city, Aghjabadi, Aghdam, Barda, Fuzuli, Khojali, Khojavand, Susha and Tartar regions. In the document regarding the new Karabakh region, it was noted that it is important to create this region to ensure the restoration and rapid development of the ancient Karabakh region, which has a rich historical and cultural heritage and charming nature.

The other, newly created, Eastern Zangazur region includes the liberated Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Lachin, and Zangilan regions. Districts of this new region are located in the eastern part of the Zangezur plateau, surrounded by the Zangezur mountain range and covering a vast territory from Lachin and Kalbajar to Nakhchivan, on the border with Armenia, were historically located in the same geographic area. For many years, they were part of the Zangezur district, created in 1861, and were connected by traditional socio-economic, historical, and cultural ties, which necessitated the need to unite them in one economic region.

A new division of economic regions in Azerbaijan will ensure economic specialization, implementation of effective investment policies and flexible regional management. The creation of the new economic zones will provide an impetus for the restoration and development of the liberated territories following the 44 Day War. Therefore, the new division of economic regions can be considered as an important step in creating a unified plan for the development of the liberated territories. It is also important in terms of the reintegration of the liberated territories into the Azerbaijani economy, which requires increasing the efficiency of the work on planning the development of economic regions, ensuring efficiency in economic management, and revising the structure of these economic regions.

There is no doubt that the realization of the economic opportunities in the liberated territories after the restoration will significantly affect the economy of Azerbaijan. Because of the occupation, nearly 7000 establishments in Karabakh were closed, which were providing 24% of the grain revenues, 41% of liqueur production, 46% of the potato growth, 18% of the meat production and 34% of the milk production of the economy of Azerbaijan. The previously occupied lands also possess various rich deposits of mineral resources such as gold, copper, mercury, chromite, and lead-zinc, which were illegally exploited by Armenia during the occupation.

Restoration of these production capacities will substantially contribute to the development of different economic sectors, especially agriculture. According to preliminary estimates, the newly created East Zangezur economic region alone will be able to form about 4% of the Azerbaijani economy in the coming years as it has great opportunities in sectors such as industry, agriculture, livestock, and tourism. Although during the occupation, the regions share of the total GDP of Azerbaijan fell to 0.1%, in the near future it will be possible to produce about $1.76 billion of agricultural and industrial products in the Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Lachin, and Zangilan districts.

Liberated territories also have a substantial renewable, especially hydro energy potential. About 2,56 billion cubic meters of water, or 25% of Azerbaijans local water resources, are formed in Karabakh, which creates opportunities for the establishment of hydro power plants (HPP). During the 44 Days War, Azerbaijan gained control over the 30 HPPs which were operated using the mentioned water resources and destroyed by Armenian occupiers. Many of these power plants have been restored, and restoration work is continuing on others.

Karabakh also has a considerable solar and wind energy potential. According to the preliminary estimates of the International Renewable Energy Agency, the liberated areas have more than 4,000 megawatts of solar and up to 500 megawatts of wind energy potential. The Kalbajar and Lachin regions have large wind energy potential, whereas the Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Fizuli regions are rich with solar energy potential.

For the realization of the economic potential of liberated territories, it is also necessary to have a sustainable transport infrastructure. Therefore, one of the main directions of the restoration program for the liberated territories is the establishment of a comprehensive transport infrastructure. The Fuzuli International Airport, the first airport in Karabakh, has already been built and test flights have been carried out. The runway of this airport spans 3,000 meters in length and 60 meters in width. Foundations for the other two international airports in the Zengilan and Lachin districts of Karabakh were also laid.

Along with airports, Azerbaijan has also commenced work on restoring and expanding the network of local highways and railroads in liberated territories. Some highways have already been put into operation. These roads will enable access to Karabakh from the northern, eastern, and southern directions, transforming it into the transportation hub in the region.

All the mentioned economic capabilities of the liberated territories in agriculture, energy, transport, and other sectors demonstrate that their realization and effective management through the new division of the economic regions will significantly contribute to the economic development of Karabakh and the Azerbaijan economy. Hence, one of the main goals of the restoration of Karabakh is to bring its share in the Azerbaijani economy back to pre-occupation levels. The economic development of the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions and their access to the international north-south and east-west transport corridors, as well as the Zangezur corridor, will also transform Karabakh into the economic driver of the entire South Caucasus. As an economic driver, it will become the symbol of regional cooperation instead of the region of the conflict as it was during the Armenian occupation.
North Korea test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile this week, state news media KCNA reported on Wednesday, joining a race headed by major military powers to deploy the advanced weapons system, Reuters writes. North Korea fired the missile off its east coast towards the sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, as Pyongyang called on the United States and South Korea to scrap their "double standards" on weapons programmes to restart diplomatic talks.

North Korea has been steadily developing its weapons systemsamid an impasse over talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals in return for U.S. sanctions relief.Unlike ballistic missiles that fly into outer space before returning on steep trajectories, hypersonic weapons fly towards targets at lower altitudes and can achieve more than five times the speed of sound - or about 6,200 km per hour (3,850 mph).

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North's hypersonic missile was at an early stage of development, judging by detected velocity and other data, and would take a "considerable period of time" until it could be deployed. The development of the weapons system increased North Korea's defence capabilities, KCNA said, describing the hypersonic missile as a "strategic weapon".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not inspect the launch, according to the report. "In the first test-launch, national defence scientists confirmed the navigational control and stability of the missile," the report said. It said the missile, called the Hwasong-8, performed to its technical targets "including the guiding manoeuvrability and the gliding flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead."

Next generation of arms

Hypersonic weapons are considered the next generation of arms that aim to rob adversaries of reaction time and traditional defeat mechanisms. The test could mean the North is entering an accelerating race to deploy the weapon now involving the United States, Russia and China.

The United States on Monday said it had tested an air-breathing hypersonic weapon, marking the first successful test of the class of weapon since 2013. In July, Russia successfully tested a Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic cruise missile, a weapon President Vladimir Putin touted as part of a new generation of missile systems without equal in the world.

Chang Young-keun, a missile specialist at the Korea Aerospace University, said the North's test of the hypersonic gliding vehicle (HGV) was likely a failure, given the flight was clocked at Mach 2.5, citing reported assessment by South Korean military intelligence. "The North's HGV technology is not comparable to those of the U.S., Russia or China and for now seems to aim for short-range that can target South Korea or Japan," Chang said.

North Korea last week said it was willing to consider another summit with the South. The denuclearisation negotiations, initiated between former U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim in 2018, have stalled since 2019.
When it comes to elections Germany is still in some respects a divided country. In general, Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) dominated the south and west, while the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) came out strongest in the rest of the country, except for some areas of the former East Germany which are marked by strong support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Deutsche Welle reports that almost all of Bavaria is still dominated by the the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the CSU, despite its worst election performance since 1949. The exception is Bavaria's largest city, Munich, where the environmentalist Greens are now the largest party. The southwestern state of Baden-Wurttemberg is a bastion of the CDU, despite the Greens leading that state's government. The Greens, however, won the university cities of Freiburg, Tubingen and Heidelberg with their many young voters. There were also a few pockets of SPD support. Particularly interesting is Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia  which stands as a kind of Germany in miniature. The SPD is strongest in the state's rust belt Ruhr area, while the CDU is strongest in the more rural districts.

In contrast, the eastern German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg are completely red, indicating that the SPD performed the best in all constituencies. The northern states Schleswig-Holstein and Saxony-Anhalt likewise went strongly red, and to a lesser extent, parts of Lower Saxony. A crucial turning point was the outgoing chancellor's own constituency in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which went red after the SPD candidate defeated the CDU candidate meant to replace Merkel.

Far-right stronghold in the east

There is now a clear far-right populist belt running through southeastern Germany. The AfD dominates almost all of Saxony as well as the southern part of Thuringia and the southern tip of Saxony-Anhalt. All three states were previously part of the communist German Democratic Republic, more widely referred to as East Germany. In Saxony, the AfD has become by far the strongest party, with almost one in four voters voting for them. There, the formerly dominant CDU slipped behind the SPD and into third place. The AfD also came in first place in Thuringia. Responding to the loss, Brandenburg CDU state chairman Jan Redmann wrote on Twitter that "the CDU must not become a West German party after Angela Merkel." The Greens have their strongholds scattered throughout Germany rather than concentrated in one state or region. All of those areas are major cities or university towns.

Who wins direct mandates where?

When it comes to direct mandates  the first vote that allows Germans to vote directly for a candidate in Germany's two-vote system  the results generally coincide with the second vote for party lists. A notable outlier was the Left Party, which won three direct mandate seats  two in Berlin and one in Leipzig  while earning less than just under 5% of the vote nationally, down over 4% from its 2017 national showing. Generally, parties that fail to clear the 5% hurdle do not receive proportional representation seats in German parliament. In this case, because the Left Party won three direct mandates, they will still receive party list seats.

In Germany, high-profile politicians often run both for direct mandates and their parties' lists. Green Party co-leader Robert Habeck won his Flensburg-Schleswig constituency, which was the first his party won in that state. The party's chancellor candidate and co-leader Annalena Baerbock faced off against SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz in Potsdam, with Scholz winning the seat. The CDU lost many direct-mandate seats in eastern states, with 16 seats going to the AfD. The Greens also picked up 16 direct-mandate seats, but they were spread out across Germany.

How older and and younger groups voted

As Germany grays, that trend also shows itself in electoral results. The historic centrist big-tent parties  the CDU/CSU and SPD  are much more popular among older voters than with younger voters. The CDU/CSU won 38% of the over-70 vote, but just 10% of the under-25 vote. The SPD won 35% of the over-70 vote, and 15% of the under-25 vote. This appeal to older generations works to both parties' advantage, with older voters outnumbering younger voters and having a higher turnout rate. The Greens, FDP and the Left have similar problems. They all perform much better with younger than with older voters. The AfD underperforms in both categories and is mainly supported by middle-aged voters.

Slight gender gap

Do women in Germany vote differently from men? To some extent gender is reflected in party choice. The CDU/CSU and the Left Party are favored roughly equally by men and women. The SPD and the Greens have slightly more support among women than men. The AfD and FDP appeal more to men. The AfD has 4% more support among men than women. The FDP has 3% more support among men than women. This split is only partially reflected in the makeup of the next Bundestag. The Greens have a majority of women representatives, while 87% of the AfD's representatives are men. Although an equal number of women vote for the CDU/CSU, 77% of its representatives are men. While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society, with an eye toward understanding this year's elections and beyond. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing, to stay on top of developments as Germany enters the post-Merkel era.
Several agreements were signed between Azerbaijan and Georgia within the meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on Twitter.

The minister tweeted that an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the fields of conformity assessment, standardization and metrology, as well as memorandums of understanding between Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) and respective agencies of Georgia were signed within a framework of the meeting of joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

"The implementation of issues arising from these documents will be important in the development of our mutually beneficial relations," the minister tweeted.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described the talks he had with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Wednesday as productive.

"We left Sochi after productive negotiations with my counterpart Putin," Erdogan wrote on his Telegram channel, attaching a photo of himself with the Russian president.

The meeting between Putin and Erdogan lasted almost three hours, no press statement was made afterwards.
Top U.S. general Mark Milley conceded in a stark admission on Wednesday that the United States "lost" the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

"It is clear, it is obvious to all of us, that the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted, with the Taliban (the terrorist movement outlawed in Russia) in power in Kabul," General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House Armed Services Committee.

"The war was a strategic failure," Milley told a committee hearing about the U.S. troop pullout from Afghanistan and the chaotic evacuation from the capital Kabul.

"It wasn't lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months," Milley said.

"There's a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back," said the general, the top military advisor to President Joe Biden, who ordered an end to the 20-year U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan.

"Whenever you get some phenomenon like a war that is lost - and it has been, in the sense of we accomplished our strategic task of protecting America against Al-Qaeda (the terrorist movement outlawed in Russia), but certainly the end state is a whole lot different than what we wanted," Milley said.

Milley listed a number of factors responsible for the U.S. defeat, AFP reported.
The talks between Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held in Sochi the day before, were of great benefit to Moscow and Ankara, Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"These were very constructive, timely and necessary contacts, very useful for both sides," TASS cited him as saying.

Peskov said that at the talks in Sochi, Putin and Erdogan discussed creation of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP) and the possibility of building new units,

"They discussed major projects on the joint agenda. First, the schedules for continuing construction and completing the first power unit of Akkuyu. They talked about the possible construction of new units and what needs to be done in general in terms of our cooperation for the emerging sector of the peaceful atom, nuclear energy in Turkey," Peskov said.

"A new, advanced, high-tech economic sector is being created in Turkey, clean in terms of all green transitions. Russia, of course, helps Turkey with this and intends to further expand cooperation," the Kremlin spokesman explained.

Peskov said that the Russian President and his Turkish counterpart discussed the development of the bilateral military and technical cooperation, including the broadening of contacts on Russias S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

"They spoke about extending cooperation in the military and technical sphere as well as the maintenance and future cooperation regarding S-400 [air defense systems], and discussed a possibility of manufacturing certain components of the [S-400 system] on the territory of Turkey," Peskov said.

According to Peskov, Putin and Erdogan underscored the necessity to push the remaining terrorists from Syrias Idlib province during their talks in Sochi.

"The sides underscored the necessity to fulfill [the previous agreements] in terms of pushing of terrorist elements from Syrias Idlib, who are still present there, may pose a threat and carry out aggressive offensive actions against the Syrian army," the spokesman said.

"I do not have full details," the spokesman explained. "But this topic was indeed discussed. The sides confirmed their adherence to the previous agreements."

The Russian presidential spokesman added that Moscow has turned its attention to an agreement between Ankara and Kiev on the construction of a facility in Ukraine to service Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and Turkey is well aware of Russias stance on the danger of using such combat systems in Donbass.

"The Kremlin has certainly took a notice of it," Peskov said at a news briefing in response to deliver a statement on the construction of the training and testing center in the Kiev Region to service Turkish combat drones Bayraktar.

"Our stance is well known that the handover of such systems to Ukraine may result in use of these weapons by the Ukrainian military against their people," he said. "Turkey is well aware of our stance as well."
Federal Security Service has detained in Russias Far Eastern Vladivostok the leader of a neo-Nazi group, who was plotting a terrorist attack, the Public Relations Center of the FSB said on Thursday.

"The FSBs department in Vladivostok prevented the preparation of a terrorist attack. The leader of the regional neo-Nazi group Pravyie Primorya, born in 2000, who was plotting a terrorist attack using an improvised explosive device, has been apprehended," the FSB reported.

The young man intended to commit a terrorist attack "in order to influence the governments decisions regarding migration policy," TASS reported.

FSB officers seized components for synthesizing explosives, instructions for the manufacture and use of an improvised explosive device, four bladed weapons as well as the charter of a right-wing radical group containing calls for violence. "A criminal case has been launched under Part 1 of Articles 30 and 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (preparing a terrorist attack)," the FSB stated.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced Thursday for exceeding spending limits during his failed 2012 presidential campaign.

The former conservative president was sentenced to house arrest under electronic surveillance. Sarkozy will appeal the decision his lawyer Thierry Herzog told reporters outside the courtroom. This will suspend the sentence.

A Paris criminal court ruled Thursday morning that the former French president, along with 13 people involved in his campaign, breached French law, which imposes a 22.5 million cap on campaign expenses. His team falsified invoices to hide the real cost of campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Sarkozy was aware that he had exceeded the cap in March 2012, less than one month before the vote, but he decided to continue spending, judge Caroline Viguier said as she announced the ruling, Le Monde reports. He deliberately spent approximately 16.2 million over the allowed cap.

Sarkozy failed in his re-election bid and the race was won by socialist Francois Hollande, Politico reported.

Earlier this year, public prosecutors asked the court for a six-month sentence, with six more months suspended and a 3,750 fine. The former French president didnt show up in court for the ruling and most of the trial.

Earlier this year, Sarkozy was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to three years in jail, two of them suspended. He appealed that decision, which put the sentence on hold.
Russia is 6-7 years ahead of its competitors in development of unique nuclear power energy technologies for space, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting on development of the space industry.

"We have made a significant progress in development of unique space nuclear energy technologies. According to specialists, Russia is 6-7 years ahead of all its competitors, of the entire world," Putin said.

The president noted that this is a good achievement and it must be used by supporting breakthrough scientific research in cosmonautics and by accelerating the practical implementation of promising technological solutions.

"We will discuss the specific steps in this regard today, as well," he said.

According to the president, it is necessary to reinforce the ground infrastructure, in order to develop the orbital space industry and increase the number of launches.
The organization of new negotiations between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan by the OSCE Minsk Group requires serious preparation, Deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexei Zaitsev said today, answering the question of Vestnik Kavkaza correspondent Oleg Kusov about the assessment of the Azerbaijani leader's readiness for a personal meeting with Armenian Prime Minister under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.

"Russia has always proceeded from the fact that regular dialogue, especially at the high level, contributes to achieving mutual understanding and maintaining a constructive atmosphere for solving problematic issues," Alexey Zaitsev said in the first place.



"Thanks to the Russian president's intensive contacts with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia that it was possible to stop the bloodshed in Karabakh and sign a trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, which laid the foundation for establishing a peaceful life in the region," the deputy official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"As you understand, the organization of such meetings at the highest level requires serious preparation. We presume that the Minsk Group co-chairs' visit to the region will help create favorable conditions for this," he concluded.



Earlier, the President of Azerbaijan, answering a question about a possible call to Pashinyan, explained in an interview with France 24 TV that usually all summit meetings were held within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, so that he never had a telephone conversation with any leader of Armenia.



"Probably, its not the right way to do it. But if the Minsk Group co-chairs suggest such a meeting, of course we will not be against it," the head of state emphasized.
Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova, who is in Kazakhstan on an official visit, met with the country's president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to the Department of Public Relations and the press service of the Parliament.

President Tokayev welcomed Sahiba Gafarova and expressed satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations and congratulated Azerbaijan on the victory in the second Karabakh war, noting the significant development of historical ties after the two states gained independence.

The relations developed by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and the First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev are now successfully continued by the Heads of the two States, Tokayev said.

He asked to convey his greetings to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Sahiba Gafarova expressed gratitude for the greetings to President Ilham Aliyev and said that relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have reached a completely new level after the two states became independent.

Next year will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, she added.

Bilateral relations are moving upward in the parliamentary dimension, and friendship groups operate in the legislative bodies of both countries, Gafarova said.

Azerbaijani and Kazakh MPs exchange visits and hold regular meetings under the influential international parliamentary organizations. This contributes to the development of bilateral relations, Gafarova noted, emphasizing the importance of cooperation within the TURKPA.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.
Electricity consumption has dropped sharply because of Covid-19. As a result, power plants have had to cut generation capacity.

Nguyen Van Quyen, a farmer in Gia Lai, last year decided to install a rooftop solar power system. The electricity generated by the system was used for farming and sold to the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN). He saved VND50 million a month thanks to the system.

Everything had been going smoothly until the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in southern provinces and led to an electricity excess.

We had to cut capacity by 50 percent in September and we have been informed that 70-73 percent of capacity will be cut the next month. The figure will be even higher, 75 percent, in November and December, he said.

Previously, I could collect VND240-250 million from electricity sale. But now I pocket VND80-90 million only. I wish to cut only 20 percent of capacity, he said.

Some days ago, Ninh Thuan sent a dispatch to Ministry of Investment and Trade (MOIT), requesting the ministry to instruct relevant units to prioritize using the electricity of the project in order to help the investor cover production costs.

The investor is bearing transmission costs for the 500KV Thuan Nam transformer station. The group invested in the 500KV and 200KV transmission lines, but saw the capacity cut, up by 80 percent sometimes.

The electricity excess has also affected gas-fired power plants. Ten days ago, the Ca Mau Peoples Committee asked MOIT to instruct EVN to increase the mobilization of electricity from Ca Mau 1&2.

In the first eight months of 2021, the gas supply capacity was 1.01 billion cubic meters, equal to the electricity output of 4.95 billion kwh. Meanwhile, only 3.49 billion kwh was used, or only 0.71 billion cubic meters of gas was consumed.

As a result, the indexes of the industry and construction sector in the province in H1 fell by 5.54 percent and the provinces GRDP was equal to 45.82 percent of the plan only.

However, analysts pointed out that capacity cutting is unavoidable.

The electricity consumption in HCM City in September and southern provinces is predicted to fall by 20 percent, while the 15 percent decrease has been predicted for the central region.

In the first half of September, the peak capacity in the entire country was 29,700MW and the output of the entire electricity system was 624.3 million kwh per day, which means that the electricity consumption was 24 percent lower than before social distancing, and 15 percent lower than the same period last year.

The total designed capacity of all electricity sources is 73,200MW, but the mobilized capacity is 28,200MW only in off-peak hours and 32,400MW in rush hours.

Luong Bang

Jan-Aug period sees 24 wind power plants commissioned Twenty-four wind power plants with a combined capacity of 963 MW began commercial operations in the year to August, according to the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).
More than 85,500 businesses, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), have suspended operations or were dissolved in the first eight months of the year because of Covid-19, according to the General Statistics Office.







A survey by the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV) in August found that 69 percent of 21,517 polled enterprises and business households, or 14,890, had to suspend operation because of the pandemic. Most of them are small and micro enterprises.

Prior to that, the Hanoi SME Association, when surveying 1,500 member companies, found that 57 percent of them were operating at a moderate level, 2.61 percent had suspended operation or were following procedures for dissolution. Only 1.41 percent of businesses reported good operation during the pandemic.

To Hoai Nam, Deputy Chair of the Vietnam SME Association, said the revenue of many SMEs dropped by more than 50 percent during the fourth wave.

Capital is linked to the lifeblood of enterprises. Most SMEs are suffering from capital shortage, or anaemia. More than 40 percent of businesses said they only have money to maintain production for less than one month in the Board IVs survey.

Business households are the most vulnerable with 45 percent of them having enough money to maintain business for less than one month. The figure was 39.5 percent for limited and joint stock companies.

According to finance experts, 10,000 businesses suspended operation or were dissolved each month in the first eight months. They estimated that if the outbreak can be controlled by the end of the year, the figure may reach 100,000 or 150,000.

While SMEs are in dire need of financial sources to maintain and resume operation, its very difficult for them to access bank loans.

Commercial banks blame this on the lack of transparency of SMEs finance reports. Meanwhile, businesses dont have assets to mortgage for loans, which means high risks for banks when providing loans.

IFC and World Bank, in their report assessing the private sector in Vietnam, said the private sector plays an important role in Vietnams development, and the country needs to support a dynamic, diverse and innovative private sector for the post-Covid period.

The Government Resolution 105 dated September 9 on supporting businesses, cooperatives and business households during Covid-19 mentions prompt support in both administrative institutions and credit-finance to help them resume operation.

There should be a specific mechanism to support enterprises. First, they need preferential loans for 2-5 years, VND100 trillion for HCM City and VND300 trillion for the whole country.

If each client could borrow VND5 billion, the VND100 trillion worth of capital would help 20,000 businesses overcome their difficulties.

Tran Thuy

Businesses need to be given more autonomy in new normal A survey conducted by Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in September of nearly 3,000 businesses found that 93.9 percent have been affected by the pandemic at a completely negative or mostly negative level.
A rapid testing kit sourced from China is being sold at three different price levels.

As of August 23, 2021, the Department of Medical Equipment and Construction under the Ministry of Health (MOH) had seven times updated the list of biological products/medical equipment for SARS-CoV-2 in vitro diagnostics and testing which have been granted registration codes and licensed for import.

The list has information about the supply capability and selling prices announced by suppliers.

The updates show a downward trend in rapid test kit prices.

The selling price of South Korean Humasis Covid-19 Ag Test quoted by Humasis Vina on July 13 was VND198,000 per test, while it fell to VND128,000 on August 23. The company imported the products in accordance with the Import License No 5045 dated June 23.

The selling prices of South Korean Standard Q Covid-19 Ag Test offered by Duc Minh Medicine JSC dropped from VND198,000 on July 13 to VND178,080 on August 23. The company imported products in accordance with the Import License No 4304 dated May 26.

Chinese Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test quoted by A Chau JSC was VND109,200 on July 28 and VND79,800 on August 23.

Meanwhile, Diep Hung Phat Trade and Service sold Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Antigen Test Kit (Colloidal Gold) made in China at VND185,000 on July 28 and VND168,000 on August 23.

Analysts noted big differences in the selling prices of rapid test kits quoted by different import companies.

With the same Import License No 5787 dated July 20 and the Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (China), A Chau JSC announced the selling price of VND109,200 on July 28, while My Solutions offered it at VND185,000. Later, the company lowered the selling price to VND109,200 on August 23.

After that, A Chau once again obtained the Import License No 5895 dated July 22. At that moment, the price of the same product dropped to VND79,800 only (the price announced on August 23).

As such, for the same test kit product sourced from China, there were three different reference price levels released within one month.

On August 23, the highest price level announced for one import test kit was VND4,452,000 per box of 25 tests, or VND178,080 per test (sourced from South Korea). Meanwhile, the lowest price was VND79,800 (China), which meant a price gap of VND100,000 per test.

A Chau JSC is the company with the best supply capability in the market which can supply 60 million tests a month. Duc Minh Medicine, the smallest supplier, can provide 1 million tests a month.

With the price decrease of VND20,000 per test, the revenue of Duc Minh will decrease by VND20 billion. The price adjustment will also affect the revenue of other companies, especially big suppliers.

On July 2, the department announced that there were only two rapid test kit importers. Meanwhile, the figure had risen to eight by August 23, including six in the north and two in the south.

The number of test kit importers increases proportionally with the increase in infection cases.

On July 2, there were 419 cases reported in HCM City. On August 23, the figure was 4,251. The figures were 13 and 3,183, respectively, in Binh Duong province.

Regarding the testing cost, a representative of a foreign invested enterprise in HCM City, which is following three on-the-site production with 500 workers, said each worker needs to test once a week at a cost of VND260,000 at minimum. As such, the enterprise has to pay VND520 million a month on testing alone. He called on state management agencies to control the testing fees.

Pham Van Viet, Deputy Chair of the HCM City Association of Garment Textile Embroidery-Knitting, thinks the State needs to intervene in the market to stabilize prices to prevent enterprises from seeking illegitimate profits during the pandemic.

Dang Hong Anh, Chair of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneur Association, said at the conference between the Prime Minister and local business communities on September 26 that Ministry of Health and local authorities should negotiate directly with manufacturers to buy test kits in large quantity of up to 100 million kits at the original price of $1.5, or VND34,500. This would save trillions of dong.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said MOH doesnt purchase rapid antigen test kits. Instead, companies and localities make the procurement and bidding in accordance with current laws.

As far as I know, the tests used are mostly sponsored ones. HCM City, for example, has received 10 million sponsored tests, he said.

MOH now controls the testing service fee, but doesnt control the test. The selling prices of medical equipment are determined by market supply and demand.

Tran Chung

Germany offers 180,000 COVID-19 test kits to Vietnam A Vietnam Airlines flight carrying 180,000 rapid COVID-19 test kits worth 615,000 EUR (730,290 USD) donated by Germany to Vietnam left Frankfurt airport on September 3
The HCM City draft document guiding how to adapt to the new normal and control the Covid-19 outbreak notes at least 80 percent of people aged 50 and over should be fully vaccinated.

The indicator is very important to reduce the mortality rate and help the healthcare system avoid overloading if another outbreak occurs.

Reports show that the mortality rate is highest among people aged 50 and over, accounting for 81 percent of total deaths from Covid-19.

However, with the current pandemic developments and the vaccination situation in HCM City, which is striving to gradually reopen the economy from October 1, this is a goal that is difficult to reach.

At a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and the Governments special taskforce on September 27, HCM City Mayor Phan Van Mai admitted it would be difficult to follow the guidance.

The city wants to replace "at least 80 percent of people 50 and over have been fully vaccinated" with "at least 80 percent of people aged 65 and over, or 50 percent of people aged 50 and over, have been fully vaccinated".

According to HCM City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), as of September 25, 1,107,266 people aged 65 and over and people with underlying health conditions have been vaccinated at least once.

The total vaccine injections in the city were 9,441,815 as of September 25.

According to eight business associations that have sent petitions to the Government, with the requirement "at least 80 percent of people aged over 50 have been fully vaccinated", HCM City would still be classified at the fourth level of pandemic for another 2-3 months. If so, this will seriously affect the citys economic development.

Associations have proposed that fully vaccinated people should be allowed to go to work. It would be better to refer to the number of hospital beds and the ICU bed occupancy rate when developing pandemic control measures, they said.

HCM City cannot wait two or three more months, HCM City Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Nen said.

Nguyen Thu Anh from the Woolcock Vietnam Institute of Medical Research (University of Sydney, Australia) said fully vaccinating people at high risk in HCM City will mitigate the risks in reopening.

She estimates that HCM City will need an additional 1 million doses to fully vaccinate 80 percent of people aged 50 and over.

This goal could be reached within a short time when the city receives more vaccines, provided that vulnerable people are given priority for vaccinations.

Truong Minh Huy Vu from HCM City National University agrees that the city needs to speed up the vaccination of people aged 50 and over in city districts.

I believe that its necessary to prioritize vaccinating people aged 50 and above in localities which play a very important socio-economic role and social distancing should not be extended, Anh said.

According to Anh, neighboring provinces, including Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Long An, Ba Ria  Vung Tau and Tay Ninh, also need more vaccines.

Its estimated that the entire region, which makes up 45 percent of the countrys GDP, will need about 4.3 million doses more.

As for the remaining regions, the Mekong Delta needs 6.3 million doses to ensure full vaccination for 80 percent of people aged 50 and above while the northern key economic zone would need 4.5 million doses.

As such, the target will be met to "reopen the regions which make up three quarters of GDP of the country, Anh said.

Vu thinks HCM City can open its doors and exchange goods with the three provinces of Dong Nai, Long An and Binh Duong thanks to a reasonable first-shot coverage.

As for Tay Ninh and Ba Ria  Vung Tau, its still necessary to consider requirements, because the vaccination rates are still low among people 50 and over

According to Vu, reports on pandemic developments, vaccinations and healthcare capability show that HCM City and most neighboring provinces will be able to control the outbreak in September.

Nevertheless, vaccination is just one element of the new normal. Many other provinces dont have vaccines. How will they implement the new regulation once the draft is approved?

Anh said that people play the decisive role in the fight against the pandemic.

When living together with coronavirus, people have to restrict traveling and gathering in crowds, and observe the 5K (in Vietnamese: Khau trang  facemask, Khu khuan  disinfection, Khoang cach  distance, Khong tu tap - no gathering, Khai bao y te - health declaration) principle, she said.

Tu Giang

HCM City drafts plan to regulate traffic for October 1 reopening The HCM City Department of Transport has drafted travel regulations starting from October 1 that specify where vehicles can ply based on COVID-19 levels.
According to the Information Security Agency of the Ministry of Information and Communications, the number of cyber-attacks on Vietnam decreased in the first half of 2021, but the level of sophistication and damage was much greater.

Hoang Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the Information Security Agency, told a symposium held on September 29 that many serious information insecurity events occurred in the world and Vietnam was no exception. Attacks exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities aimed at controlling, APT attacks or creating large-scale Botnets, providing on-demand attack services, denial of service attacks...

Citing data in the first six months of this year, Tien said that although cyberattacks on Vietnam have decreased by 244 compared to 2019, the level of sophistication and damage was much greater.

The fact shows that no organization can guarantee 100% security of information systems, and the information security experts and officers of a single organization cannot handle all issues from ensuring safety to response to unsafe incidents or cyber-attacks.

Based on the model of computer security incident response team, or CSIRT, Vietnam has developed its own model, the National Network for Incident Response, to ensure security for the national network, and established the emergency response team to respond to national serious incidents, Tien said.

Nguyen Trong Thai, Head of the Information Security Department of the High Command 86, Ministry of National Defense, said that cyberattacks often occur on a large scale, causing heavy losses. Therefore, Vietnam should research them and practice to be ready to respond to future attacks.

Vietnam recorded 2,915 cyber attacks in the first six months of 2021, an increase of 898 compared with the same period last year.

On May 26, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung issued Directive No 22/CT-BTTT on strengthening the prevention and combat of violations and crimes on the Internet

The Minister also requested the sector to continue to effectively implement the Prime Ministers Directive No 14/CT-TTg issued on June 7, 2019 on enhancing safety measures on cybersecurity which aims to improve Vietnam's rankings.

Vietnam jumped 25 places in two years to rank 25th out of 194 countries and territories worldwide in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) in 2020, according to a report released recently by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

According to the report, Vietnam ranked seventh in the Asia-Pacific region and fourth among ASEAN countries.

The country posted a score of 94.59 with improved scores in all five reviewed pillars. The countrys efforts to build long-term development projects in personnel for cybersecurity were recognised, along with achievements in the creating of an ecosystem for safe Made in Vietnam products and cybersecurity.

Vietnam surpassed Thailand to clinch the fourth spot in ASEAN after Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The leading countries in the Asia-Pacific region are the Republic of Korea and Japan both with 98.52 points.

Van Anh

Vietnam reports over 3,900 cyberattacks in seven months Vietnam recorded more than 3,900 cyberattacks in the first seven months of 2021, according to the Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the Ministry of Information and Communications.
San Diego, CA  Ed Bolen; President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA); the Commemorative Air Force, which has the worlds definitive and largest collection of Warbirds; Eileen Collins, the amazing first female commander of the Space Shuttle and the first person to fly the Shuttle to two different space stations; Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 Moonwalker  the youngest and tenth man to walk on the Moon  and CAPCOM for the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing; FEDEX Air, the worlds largest full-service, all-cargo airline and serves every ZIP code in the U.S. and more than 220 countries and territories, with Founder and CEO Fred Smith present and accepting; Bryan Moss, President Emeritus of Gulfstream Aerospace, and former President and Executive Vice President of the Aerospace Group General Dynamics Corporation; Dee OHara, the official nurse to the Mercury Seven astronauts and an astronaut nurse during Americas groundbreaking Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs; and Ross Perot, Jr., American businessman who became the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter at the age of 23; to be inducted at this years International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration, the San Diego Air & Space Museum announced on Tuesday.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum will celebrate the honorees on Saturday, November 20, 2021, in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each guest is treated to a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of these true air and space legends. Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the worlds most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers, and space explorers.

Were exceptionally pleased to honor this exemplary Class of 2021 because these men and women are amongst the most talented figures in the history of air and space, said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Achievements in aviation and space, as embodied by the honorees in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame, directly represents the human pioneering and exploring spirit. This is a cant miss the event and something every guest will remember for the rest of their lives! Guests come from all over the globe just to be in the room with the Honorees and join in this momentous celebration.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2021:

Ed Bolen

Ed Bolen is the President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in Washington, DC., and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Aeronautic Association. Prior to joining NBAA, Bolen was President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Bolen has also served as a member and chairperson of the Management Advisory Council (MAC) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a member of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry.

Commemorative Air Force (CAF)

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has over 13,000 members in all 50 states and 28 foreign countries. It is the worlds largest flying museum with the ambitious goal to acquire, restore, and conserve combat aircraft in honor of American military aviation. The more than 240 aircraft currently in its fleet  known as the CAF Ghost Squadron  fly in air shows and events around the country with the purpose of educating the public about the men and women who have flown and fought for Americas freedom.

Eileen Collins

Eileen Collins is the first female commander of the Space Shuttle and the first person to fly the Shuttle to two different space stations. In total, she had logged over 6,750 hours of flight time in 30 different types of aircraft and spent over 38 days in space. Collins retired from the Air Force in 2005 as a Colonel and from NASA in 2006. She has been a strong advocate for women in the aerospace industry and has received numerous awards and honors, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the National Space Trophy.

Charlie Duke

On April 16, 1972, Astronaut and Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke became the tenth and youngest human being to walk on the surface of the Moon. Apollo 16 was NASAs second scientific expedition of the Moon, during which time Duke logged 20.25 hours in extra-vehicular activities (EVA) and collected some 213 pounds of soil and geological samples. He took the only videos of the lunar rover in action as it skidded across the surface. Duke is also known for his crucial role as CAPCOM  the Capsule Communicator  during the hair-raising Moon landing of Apollo 11.

FedEx Air and Founder and CEO Fred Smith



Federal Express started in April 1973 with 389 team members and 14 small aircraft, becoming one of the first major shipping companies to offer overnight delivery as a flagship service. Today, FedEx Air is the worlds largest full-service, all-cargo airline and serves every ZIP code in the U.S. and more than 220 countries and territories. Their global network provides time-sensitive, air-ground express service through 650 airports worldwide. Founder and CEO Fred W. Smith will be present and accept for FedE Air.

Bryan Moss



Bryan Moss is the Vice Chairman of the Board at Jet Support Services and President Emeritus of Gulfstream Aerospace, following a four-year appointment as President and Executive Vice President of the Aerospace Group General Dynamics Corporation. He is also the former President of the Business Aircraft Division of Bombardier Aerospace Group. In 2007, Moss was awarded the National Business Aviation Associations Meritorious Service Aware, which is the associations highest award for service and contributions to the business aviation industry.

Dee OHara



In 1959, Dee OHara became the first aerospace nurse assigned to NASAs first seven astronauts, the Mercury Seven. Since then, OHara participated in every launch in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, allowing her to establish the foundations for the field of Space Nursing. After Skylab, she was invited to participate in the Apollo-Soyuz Test Program (ASTP) and the first shuttle flight in 1981. In 1974, OHara moved to the Ames Research Center where she managed the Human Research Facility until her retirement in 1997.

Ross Perot, Jr.



Ross Perot, Jr. is an American businessman best known in aviation circles for making the first circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter at the age of 23. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for over 8 years and was appointed chairman of the Air Force Memorial Foundation where he led a 14-year effort to build the United States Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC. In 1988, he developed the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the countrys first industrial airport. Perot is one of the founders of Perot Systems Corporation and has served the company in various capacities including as CEO, Chairman of the Board, and a member of its Board of Directors.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction of its kind in the world and is composed of hundreds of air and space pioneers, engineers, inventors, and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists, and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts, and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall, as well as famous legends such as the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong, and Amelia Earhart. Notable inductees also include Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, Jackie Cochran, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Bob Hoover, Ellen Ochoa, Peggy Whitson, Linden Blue, Jeff Bezos, Patty Wagstaff, and many more. See the following link: www.sandiegoairandspace.org

Proceeds from the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame celebration benefit the Museums youth education programs. Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is a critical first step for our future, Kidrick said. We must also give them the resources and impetus they need to pursue science education degrees.

More than 600 national and international business, aviation and space leaders are anticipated to attend the 2021 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration, including prominent representatives and Hall of Fame members from prior years. Tickets are available on the Museums website at www.sandiegoairandspace.org

About The San Diego Air & Space Museum

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is Californias official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and it was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and gift store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
by Bryan R. Swopes of This Day in Aviation

On September 29, 1954, at Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert of southern California, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation test pilot Robert C. Little made the first flight of the first F-101A-1-MC Voodoo, 53-2418. During this flight, the new interceptor reached 0.9 Mach at 35,000 feet (10,668 meters).

The F-101A was a development of the earlier McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo and all were production aircraft. There were no prototypes. Robert C. Little flew P-51 Mustang fighters during World War II. He joined McDonnell Aircraft Corporation as a test pilot in 1948. He flew the FH Phantom and made the first flights of the F3H Demon, the F-101A Voodoo, and the F-101B. He was next assigned as McDonnells chief test pilot and base manager at Edwards Air Force Base. He made the first flight of the YF4H-1 Phantom II and conducted the early company tests of the airplane, then became the F4H program manager.

Outside the cockpit, Little rose through the companys ranks and after the merger with Douglas, became a corporate vice president, overseeing the operations of McDonnell-Douglas at St. Louis and McDonnell-Douglas Helicopters at Mesa, Arizona.

The McDonnell F-101A Voodoo was a single-seat twin-engine supersonic interceptor. It was 67 feet, 5 inches (20.549 meters) long with a wingspan of 39 feet, 8 inches (12.090 meters), and an overall height of 18 feet (5.486 meters). The total wing area was 368 square feet (34.19 square meters). The wings sweep was 36 36 at 25% chord. The angle of incidence was 1. There was no twist or dihedral. The F-101A weighed 24,970 pounds (11,326 kilograms) empty and had a maximum takeoff weight of 49,998 pounds (22,679 kilograms).

Power was supplied by two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 axial-flow turbojet engines. The J57 was a two-spool axial-flow turbojet that had a 16-stage compressor (9 low- and 7 high-pressure stages), and a 3-stage turbine (1 high- and 2 low-pressure stages). The J57-P-13 maximum continuous power rating of 8,700 pounds of thrust (38.70 kilonewtons); military power, 10,200 pounds (45.37 kilonewtons) (30-minute limit); and 15,000 pounds (66.72 kilonewtons) with afterburner (5-minute limit). The -P-13 was 3 feet, 4.3 inches (1.024 meters) in diameter, 17 feet, 7.0 inches (5.359 meters) long, and weighed 5,025 pounds (2,279 kilograms).

The F-101A had a maximum speed of 866 knots (997 miles per hour/1,604 kilometers per hour) at 35,000 feet (10,668 meters). Its service ceiling was 45,800 feet (13,960 meters). The airplanes combat radius was 1,011 nautical miles (1,163 statute miles/1,872 kilometers). The maximum ferry range was 2,541 nautical miles (2,924 statute miles/4,706 kilometers).

The Voodoo was armed with four 20mm M39 autocannons with 200 rounds of ammunition per gun. It could carry a single Mark 7, Mark 28 or Mark 43 tactical nuclear bomb. Of 807 F-101 Voodoos built, 77 were F-101As.

F-101A 53-2418 was transferred to General Electric for testing the J79 afterburning turbojet engine which would later power the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II. In this configuration it was designated NF-101A. General Electric returned the Voodoo to the Air Force in 1959. By that time obsolete, it was used as a maintenance trainer at Shepard Air Force Base, Texas.

53-2418 was next turned over to a civilian aviation maintenance school and assigned a civil registration number by the Federal Aviation Administration, N9250Z. The airplane was sold as scrap but was purchased by Mr. Dennis Kelsey. In 2009, Mrs. Kelsey had the airplane placed in the care of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon. After being partially restored by Evergreen Air Center, Marana, Arizona, 53-2418 was placed on display at the Evergreen Museum.

For more aviation anniversaries please visit www.thisdayinaviation.com
As regular readers will know, we have been following the airworthy rebuild of combat-veteran Vought F4U-1D Corsair BuNo.82460 at Mareeba, near the city of Cairns in northern Queensland, Australia for some years now. Following news of further engine runs earlier this month, we reached out to the aircrafts owner, Mike Spaulding, for a progress report on the aircrafts status. We got some pretty exciting news, too!

Mike Spaulding: We are doing fine here and our Corsair is finished. Our test pilot is interstate, which is currently locked down so as you can see in one of the attached pictures our Corsair is parked in our hangar awaiting its first flight since the war. We have started our next project which is a Texan T-6D, which we are anticipating to be a little easier and quicker!





So this means that the restoration work is complete and that the aircraft is clear to make her first test flight. The only difficulty is that the proposed pilot for the first flight lives outside of Queensland, and presently, interstate travel is effectively impossible until the lockdown lifts. According to the latest news, that should be sometime in mid-October, so hopefully soon after, we shall get to see this remarkable aircraft back in the air again!

Many thanks to Mike Spaulding for the update and images, with additional images most gratefully received from Jonathan Williams (via Phil Buckley). Many thanks to Phil as usual! For details on the aircrafts history, please see our earlier articles HERE.
4

2021
If you're not up for the whole production of doing a turkey at home, you can still stay local without settling for Chinese takeout (not that we don't love boxed noodles delivered to our door).

Enjoy a proper Thanksgiving feast with all the fixingsplus a few decadent surprisesat these restaurants from San Francisco to Berkeley to St. Helena.





Park Tavern Park Tavern San Francisco on Instagram: workin it  by @swinging_dick_of_advertising @annaweinbergmarlowe This Washington Square Park favorite is pulling out the stops for a cozy, holiday meal out. Enjoy fall dishes like spiced pumpkin soup, stuffing, wild mushroom raviolo, herb-roasted turkey breast, caramelized onion and mushroom stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more. Wine pairings will be sourced from wineries hurt by Sonoma's Kincade Fire. // $95/adults, $35/kids; seatings (11:45am to 8pm) by reservations at Tock; 1652 Stockton St. (North Beach), parktavernsf.com.

Big 4 Huntington Hotel on Instagram: Classics aren't born, they're made. Time-honored dishes and drinks are what make @TheBig4Restaurant a San Francisco legend. If it's classic vibes you seek, slink into a booth and enjoy some live piano music at Big 4. Thanksgiving Day dishes will include roasted butternut squash soup, turkey with cornbread and fall herb stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin and pecan pie. // $165 per person; seatings (5:30pm to 10pm) can be reserved by calling 415.771.1140; 1075 California St. (Nob Hill), huntingtonhotel.com.

Berkeley Boathouse The Berkeley Boathouse on Instagram: We'll never not brag about the view from our brand new patio.  Come stop by for the full view of Berkeley Marina! . . . #berkeleyboathouse For East Bay friendsgivings, Berkley Boathouse is a lovely spot to celebrate with marina views. Four courses will include butternut squash soup; apple, pecan, and cranberry salad; and turkey or honey ham with sides. Save room for a spread of pies (pumpkin, apple, and pecan), cakes, tortes, French pastries, and chocolate mousse. // $40-$45/adults, $16-$20/kids; reservations for seatings (noon to 4pm) can be made online or by calling 510.665.7171; 200 Marina Blvd. (Berkeley), berkeleyboathouse.com.



Americano Hotel Vitale on Instagram: Gather, enjoy, and & drink, all at Americano Restaurant & Bar. This sleek spot on Embarcadero will be serving an impressive three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu that starts with options like last year's warm butternut squash panzenella and follows with mains that include prime rib with gorgonzola bread pudding or heritage turkey with sausage stuffing, glazed carrots and gravy. Finish with your choice of delectable desserts, like the apple fritters or pumpkin pie tartlets, and then walk it off with a stroll along the Embarcadero. // $70/person; seatings (2pm and 7pm) available by reservation at OpenTable.com; Hotel Vitale, 8 Mission St. (Embarcadero), americanorestaurant.com.

Scala's Bistro Scalas Bistro Restaurant on Instagram: Happy Sunday San Francisco  . . . . . #scalasbistro #unionsquaresf #foodiessf #italianfood #brunchinsf #lunch #dinner #toprestaurantssf Hop off the cable car at Powell Street and into newly updated Scala's Bistro for a holiday menu inspired by French and Italian flavors. The three-course menu includes options like butternut squash soup with creme fraiche, roasted polenta with wild mushroom ragu, and cranberry and pear tart Tatin, but doesn't miss staples like turkey breast and confit leg and thigh and pumpkin cheesecake. // $75/adult, $40/child, 11:30 am to 3 pm; 432 Powell St. (Union Square), scalasbistro.com.

Fog Harbor Fish House Fog Harbor Fish House on Instagram: Discover why Fog Harbor Fish House ranked Top 5 most popular restaurants by @yelp @oinker.eats Waterfront favorite Fog Harbor Fish House will be open for business this Thanksgiving, offering a traditional holiday dinner (think turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy) alongside its seafood-based regular menu. Don't miss the pumpkin bread pudding or the sweeping views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the prime location on Pier 39. // 11am to 10pm at Pier 39, fogharbor.com.

Michael Mina Michael Mina on Instagram: A beautiful fall dish by Chef @r_dixit at @michaelminasf... Sunchoke Pancakes and 000 Platinum Osetra Caviar If anyone can outdo a home-cooked Thanksgiving, it's Michael Mina. At the chef's signature restaurant downtown, a three-course gourmet dinner will feature unexpected offerings such as white truffle tagliatelle with parmesan foam, Maine lobster with saffron acquerello rice, and Schmitz Ranch prime ribeye with king trumpet mushroom, parsnip-potato pave and red wine jus. Also expect shareable sides of classic Thanksgiving favorites, indulgent desserts, and an optional wine pairing. // $179/person, $135 beverage pairing; 252 California St. (FiDi), michaelmina.net, reservations on opentable.com.

Lake Chalet Lake Chalet on Instagram: Looking for a place to have your holiday event? Email us through our website and we can help!   #lakechalet #lakeevents #holidayparty Views of Lake Merritt pair with a three-course prix-fixe menu. Dishes include classic roasted turkey, pan-roasted king salmon, slow-roasted lamb shank, and fresh egg pasta, bookended by autumn-inspired starters and desserts. For an all-out extravaganza, opt for the buffet with carving stations for pork, turkey, and prime rib, a chilled seafood bar, and an array of sides, salads, and desserts. Thanksgiving specials also available at SF sister restaurants, Park Chalet and Beach Chalet. // $65/adult and $29/child for prix fixe, $79/person for buffet; seatings from 1 am to 9:45 pm; 1520 Lakeside Drive (Oakland), thelakechalet.com.

Left Bank Brasserie Left Bank Brasserie on Instagram: Do something fun and French for your holiday party this year. Our experienced events team will take care of all the details. Along with its other locations in the Bay, Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur will be serving prix-fixe and a la carte Thanksgiving menus. Expect gussied-up French versions of your holiday favorites like butternut squash soup topped with creme fraiche and roasted pumpkin seeds, smoked honey-mustard-glazed pork, and autumn mushroom risotto imbued with Brussels sprouts, truffle oil, and parmesan. Don't worrythey didn't skip the pumpkin pie. // $59/adult, $12/child, noon to 8pm; 507 Magnolia Ave. (Larkspur), leftbank.com.

The Girl & The Fig Experience Sonoma Valley on Instagram: Date night? The Duck Confit at the girl & the fig is always a great choice. Dont have a reservation tonight? The bar is always first come Foodie favorite The Girl & The Fig will be open and serving Thanksgiving dinner at both its Sonoma restaurant and sister cafe in Glen Ellen. At the Sonoma flagship, the four-course experience ($60/adult, $20/child, $18 wine pairing) includes starters like roasted cauliflower bisque or pear salad; entrees of roast turkey breast, wild mushroom risotto, sauteed flounder, or smoked short ribs; and an array of dessert choices, including a certain chocolate-caramel cream tart. The three-course feast at Glen Ellen's The Fig Cafe features equally impressive plates ($45/adult, $20/child, $15 wine pairing). Reservations by phone encouraged. // Noon to 8 pm at The Girl & The Fig, 110 West Spain St. (Sonoma); 1pm-6pm at The Fig Cafe, 13690 Arnold Dr. (Glen Ellen), thegirlandthefig.com and thefigcafe.com.
What is caregiver discrimination?

Understanding what constitutes caregiver discrimination in the workplace is the first step. Discrimination means that an employer treats a caregiving employee differently than a non-caregiving employee. Showing a preference for non-caregiving employees or making it more difficult for caregiving employees to do their jobs may be discriminatory. Making assumptions about your caregiving duties (like expecting that if you have a spouse, they should be handling the at-home caregiving or that you wont work hard because of your caregiving or age) may also be discriminatory.

Caregiver discrimination lawsuits more than tripled between the early to mid 2000s. This discrimination affects all genders, backgrounds, and ages, but impacts women, older workers, and minorities more than others. Women caregivers drop out of the workplace three times more than males and 2 out of 3 workers over 50 adjust or leave their jobs to provide care. Make no bones about it: most older caregivers do not retire early by choice. In fact, 75 percent of workers who retired early from work because of family caregiving report that they would have stayed on the job if they had access to better support. Minority workers are also penalized more for attending to their caregiving roles. Although companies are rolling out diversity and inclusion initiatives, this has not yet caught up to the negative work impacts minority caregivers face compared to their work counterparts.

Even if these issues dont affect you directly, caregiver discrimination affects society as a whole and we can all take responsibility to minimize and prevent it.

Learn about legal protections and workplace policies. Which legal protections apply to you depend on whether you work for a private or government organization and the laws in your area. There are no explicit federal laws protecting caregivers, although certain caregivers are covered by FMLA and the ADA. Only a few states specifically include family caregivers as a protected class in their laws, but almost two dozen localities have passed family responsibility discrimination protections. Its a work in progress and more states should follow suit. Second, the organization may have procedures that give employees flexibility and accommodation during caregiving stints. Paid family leave is not guaranteed, but around 50 percent of workers do have some access to paid leave and other supportive policies and benefits through their employers.

Discuss and support. Two-thirds of employees surveyed expressed concerns about their manager attitudes and skills relating to their ability to be flexible with a caregiving employee. Talk to your human resources professionals and supervisors about the importance of becoming a caring company. There is sufficient long-term data that show how it benefits companies to help its caregiver employees and that the U.S. economy will benefit by trillions of dollars sheerly by keeping caregivers in their jobs rather than terminating or forcing early retirement. Share this information and ask about your companys plans for the future.

Take an interest in your co-workers' well-being and success. If you see a colleague struggling, reach out and ask how you can help. If it is possible to take a team approach to tasks or assignments, offer to do so. If you feel that other workers are picking up the slack for a caregiving co-worker, collaboratively approach a way to address it. Sometimes, we have to manage up and show our supervisors workarounds for problems. Creation of a respectful workplace culture is in the hands of all who are a part of it. A proactive and empathetic approach will make your workplace better and benefit you personally should caregiving ever become a part of your life.

Document experiences. Whether you observe incidents of discrimination happening to another or experience them yourself, keep good notes of whats happened. Address your concerns with your supervisors and human resources and document your efforts. Follow up with an email reflecting your understanding of the conversations you had. If you feel that you will be retaliated against for raising the issue, remember that if an employee has been the victim of retaliation for discussing incidents of discrimination, then that alone may be the basis of a claim against the employer.

Consult and report. If you feel that the employer has not addressed the issue or you have been terminated or otherwise harmed, you may file a complaint against your employer. Depending on your circumstances and location, the complaint could be with a federal or state agency or both. A state or local anti-discrimination agency or a licensed attorney in your state can help guide you in the process. There will be deadlines for filing complaints and certain steps you need to take before filing a lawsuit, so dont delay if this is an avenue you must pursue.

Looking ahead to the explosive numbers of Americans who will need care by the year 2030, the vast majority of employed people will also be caregiving at home. These gaps in support for our nations caregivers at work highlight where the countrys laws and our cultural attitudes and participation to help ourselves and others will all grow together to create necessary change.
The Caregiver

Carl Koppelman took a long time to find his purpose. He grew up in El Segundo, a beach city in Los Angeles County, the youngest of five. He had a talent for drawing faces, covering his school folders in doodled caricatures of teachers.

As he got older, he partied with friends at the beach and got into trouble for scaling fences to skateboard in empty backyard pools. After graduating from high school in 1981, he stayed on in his childhood home, taking jobs in construction and at an aerospace-industry sheet metal fabrication shop.

The backdrop to Koppelmans teen years was a media landscape filled with news of serial killers, and Koppelman, like many of us, found these stories at once repulsive and fascinating. He can recall seven serial killers who terrorized his part of Californiatheir nicknames, their methods, the types of victims they chose. He absorbed the horrible details of a case that came close to him: A teenage boy he knew was shot and dismembered by a man known as the Trash Bag Killer. Koppelman could not know it then, but his preoccupation with true crime would fuel his direction decades later.

Something else would become part of his purpose. In his mid-20s, at his moms urging, Koppelman started college, pursuing accounting because it seemed like a stable, good-paying profession. Along the way he found he had an aptitude for spreadsheets. He bought a book on Excel and started studying sophisticated tools for parsing data.

Koppelmans mother, Shirley Merrill, had been 40 when he was born, and by the time her youngest was mastering adulthood, Shirley was becoming elderly. A devout Catholic, Shirley was Koppelmans moral compass. Shed worked as a public health nurse, raised five kids and fostered a child. Koppelman didnt absorb her religiosity, but her compassion and humility were lessons he took seriously. Mother and son were close  so close that, priced out of the local housing market and concerned for Shirleys well-being, Koppelman chose to stay on in his childhood home. In his 30s, when he was in a serious relationship and talk turned to marriage, he told his girlfriend not to wait for him. Shirley needed him. As the years went by, she needed him more. She developed heart problems and pulmonary disease and started needing a walker to get around.

Part of Koppelmans devotion to his mother came from the knowledge of all shed been through. Abandoned by her father at age 2, raised by a mentally ill mother and by other relatives who stepped in when things got bad, Shirley had been a lonely child. Her marriage to Koppelmans father had also been lonely and unfulfilling, and ended in divorce.

She had gone through so much abandonment in her own life, and I wasnt about to abandon her in old age, he says.

By the late 2000s, Shirley required a wheelchair. By then a senior financial analyst for a large entertainment company in Burbank, Koppelman had been working long hours and commuting two to three hours a day, and he found he couldnt manage the hours and still be home enough to help his mom out of bed and make her meals. So, he told his manager he couldnt continue to work the long hours. As a result, he was fired. Thats how Koppelman became Shirleys round-the-clock caregiver. Nearing 50, he was already one of the nearly 42 million Americans who look after aging loved ones. Now, with the loss of his job, he joined the many caregivers whose unpaid second job at home affects their careers. Working caregivers often feel squeezed by competing demands; lack of workplace flexibility can make the squeeze worse. Currently, more than half of family caregivers must arrive at work late, leave early or take time off to provide care, while 6 percent, like Koppelman, give up working altogether to tend to their loved ones needs.

Koppelman threw himself into his new role. He helped his mom out of bed in the morning and made her oatmeal with fruit. He drove her to doctor appointments and to Mass every morning. Because of Koppelman, Shirley never had to go into an assisted living facility  which is pretty amazing, says his sister Annie Ellison. He put his own life on hold.

It was a tough time. Koppelman told me he knew what he was doing was good and important, but he found himself a bit depressed, cut off from intellectual challenges. Thats when he discovered that the interests hed been nurturing throughout his life  the artistic talent, the fascination with true crime, the facility with spreadsheets  might have a larger purpose.

The spark was lit one morning in 2009, when he was reading the news before his mom woke up. The media were reporting that Jaycee Dugard, an 11-year-old who had disappeared without a trace in 1991, had surfaced alive after 18 years in harrowing captivity.

It was just like a miracle, he recalled on a warm fall day. Like somebody coming back from the dead.

Reading up on Dugard, Koppelman stumbled onto Websleuths, an online crime discussion forum. There he read about cases with drastically different endings: the bodies of men and women, boys and girls, never identified. It turned out that Websleuths was part of a network of passionate hobbyists who worked on mysteries the overworked pros had been unable to crack. Sometimes viewed with appreciation by cold case investigators and other times with caution, depending on their motives and methods, these amateur detectives kept cases alive and occasionally managed to break them open. Koppelman was intrigued.

The need is real. According to the federal National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, known as NamUs, the number of missing and unidentified is a kind of recurring mass disaster. Each year about 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered in the U.S., of which a thousand or so remain unidentified a year later. So, even as cases get solved through the efforts of law enforcement, medical examiners, NamUs and others, new cases arise. In that sense, returning identities to the dead is a Sisyphean task.

Koppelman put his Excel skills to work, organizing unsolved cases spread across various websites such as the Charley Project, the Doe Network and NamUs. Writing a computer program that allowed him to filter by different parameters, he created two master spreadsheets: one for all the missing-persons cases he could find and one for all the unidentified bodies. He figured that if he kept these lists comprehensive, updated and easy to search, he might be able to match names to remains. Eventually, these spreadsheets would become prodigious; Koppelmans repository on the missing, for instance, came to number 19,000 people, with information indexed 13 different ways.

Around this time, another of Koppelmans skills came into play. He happened upon the case of a John Doe who had died by accident inside an abandoned hotel in Philadelphia a few years earlier. Comparing the mans postmortem photograph with the rendering by a sketch artist, he realized the sketch was way off  the mans jaw was too square; his forehead, too large. The image struck Koppelman as a challenge.

I said to myself, I can do better than that.

By Koppelmans current standards, the result of this first effort was crude. But he posted it to Websleuths, and a volunteer working Doe cases asked him to do another. Slowly, Koppelman got better. The man who passed away at a Los Angeles soup kitchen? Solved when a family member spotted a listing accompanied by Koppelmans image. The young man who jumped or fell off a building in Brooklyn? Solved, he was later told, after a friend of the victims came across an entry with Koppelmans portrait on Websleuths. All told, hes drawn more than 250 portraits, many of them revised over the course of years.


Annual Report to Shareholders 2021

Sydney, Sep 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Vango Mining Limited ( ASX:VAN ) is progressing a deliberate strategy of growing its highgrade gold endowment to support its ambitions of becoming a significant high-grade Western Australian gold miner. Our exploration programme is designed to expand our current 1-millionounce resource, much of which has never been drill tested below 200 metres.Current drilling is specifically designed to deliver a resource increase (Indicated and Inferred) to the existing Marymia resource base and to enhance the understanding of the mineralised zones within the initial eleven targeted open pits for the benefit of Vango's mine planning.In the near term, drilling campaigns will be designed to deliver 'critical mass' to increase the mine life of a proposed future mining operation from Marymia's resource base. They will specifically target increases in total ounces and tonnes to ensure that mill capacity and Project life of mine are maximised. This allows assessment of appropriate financing levels for the Company's proposed stand-alone mining operation.The Plutonic gold mine has produced in excess of 5.5moz of gold and sits along strike, immediately to the southwest of the Marymia Project in a geological sequence known as the Mine Mafic. This same geological sequence extends across Marymia and most of it has never been drill tested to depth.Success of the Company's targeted exploration strategy has the potential to deliver a material change to the scale of Vango's high grade resource base and its planned gold mining operations.To view the Annual Report, please visit:About Vango Mining Limited

Vango Mining Limited (ASX:VAN) is an exploration mining company with ambitions of becoming a high-grade WA gold miner by developing the 100% owned Marymia Gold Project (Marymia) located in the mid-west region of Western Australia, consisting of 45 granted mining leases over 300km2.

Marymia has an established high-grade resource of 1Moz @ 3 g/t Au, underpinned by Trident - 410koz @ 8 g/t Au, with immediate extensions open at depth/along strike.


Acquiring Moblan Project to Boost Quebec Lithium Base

Brisbane, Sep 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( FRA:DML ) ( OTCMKTS:SYAXF ) has taken another major step forward in securing North America's leading lithium asset base, agreeing to acquire the world-class Moblan Lithium Project in the Eeyou-Istchee James Bay region of Northern Quebec (Moblan Project).Under an agreement with Lithium Royalty Corp. (LRC), Sayona will acquire LRC's right to purchase the 60% interest in the Moblan project (Moblan Interest) held by Guo Ao Lithium Ltd (Guo Ao) and will acquire the Moblan Interest from Guo Ao for a consideration of US$86.5 million. SOQUEM Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Investissement Quebec and a 40% partner in the project, has waived its right of first refusal in connection with Sayona's acquisition of the Moblan Interest.Sayona's Managing Director, Brett Lynch commented: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Investissement Quebec, which has invested billions of dollars in lithium and other resources projects across Quebec, including North American Lithium (NAL), Moblan and Nemaska Lithium."The recent rise in lithium prices reflects the importance of securing quality supply and there is no better place to be than Quebec as we develop a lithium resource base to supply North America's fast-growing electric vehicle and battery industry."Located about 130km north-west of Chibougamau, Moblan is host to high-grade spodumene mineralisation, with a Mineral Resource Foreign Estimate of 12.03Mt @ 1.4% Li2O (refer Table 1* below and Cautionary Statement). It is hosted in a well-studied deposit, with previous exploration work comprising 132 diamond drill holes for more than 17,559m, establishing a 1.5km strike.The broad thickness of mineralisation, typically 20-30m width, combined with a shallow 30-35 degree dip results in a favourable mining geometry, with a low waste to ore strip ratio of 2.9 to 1.Sayona has identified the opportunity for a potential expansion of the resource, including following up previous geotechnical drilling which intersected up to 29.1m of continuous spodumene-bearing pegmatites outside the resource envelope.The project is located in a proven lithium mining province, Eeyou-Istchee James Bay, which hosts proven world-class lithium resources including Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi mine. It is well serviced by key infrastructure and transport and has access to low-cost, environmentally friendly hydro power.Mr Lynch added: "Moblan is a tier-one project comparable to any of the region's top hard rock lithium mines. It has potential for further expansion and will be an important asset for Sayona's future growth."We have been monitoring opportunities for further expansion in Quebec and this ticks all the right boxes. There is a huge opportunity here for Sayona to develop a new lithium asset base in Northern Quebec, adding to our Abitibi lithium hub."This will further drive our transformation into the leading lithium producer in North America, supplying its accelerating demand for this key battery metal."Consistent with the Company's focus on sustainable development, Sayona will engage in ongoing community consultation to ensure maximum benefits flow to the local community, including First Nations and other key stakeholders.Transaction termsGuo Ao's 60% interest in the project includes certain mineral claims, technical data and studies as well as the rights of Guo Ao in the joint venture formed with SOQUEM, Guo Ao's 40% partner. The purchase price in consideration for Guo Ao's 60% interest is payable by Sayona on closing of the transaction, expected on or prior to 15 October 2021, subject to financing and other customary conditions.In consideration for the assignment by LRC of its rights to acquire the Moblan Interest, Sayona has agreed to the following terms with LRC:a) in consideration for a US$5 million payment by LRC, the grant by Sayona to LRC of a Gross Overriding Revenue (GOR) Royalty on the Moblan Interest, calculated as follows:(i) 2.5% for the first 1 million tonnes (Mt) of ore per annum produced from the Moblan Project;(ii) 1.5% for any tonne of ore per annum produced from the Moblan Project in excess of the first 1 Mt.b) in consideration for a US$3 million payment by LRC, Sayona will cause the transfer to LRC of the 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) Royalty currently owned by Quebec Precious Metals Inc. on the Tansim project;c) in consideration for a US$500,000 payment by LRC, the grant by Sayona to LRC of a 1.5% GOR Royalty on Sayona's Mallina Project in Western Australia;d) Sayona and LRC have also agreed to enter into an offtake agreement with respect to the Moblan Project on the following key terms:(i) 10% of Sayona's ownership participation in the Moblan Project of the annual production for life of mine;(ii) price at a 5% discount to the prevailing market terms; ande) Payment by Sayona to LRC of a US$1 million structuring fee on closing of the acquisition of LRC's rights to acquire the Moblan Interest.Moblan Project OutlineThe Moblan Project is host to high-grade spodumene mineralisation intruding a gabbro sequence in the Frotet-Evans greenstone terrane. Lithium was first discovered in the property during the 1970s, with first drilling conducted in 2007. A total of 132 diamond drill holes for 17,559m have been completed to date.Resources and Reserves Foreign EstimatesIn 2019, DRA/Met-Chem completed a Feasibility Study on the Moblan lithium project for Guo Ao. The report dated 24 August 2019 detailed a Mineral Resource Estimate and a Mineral Reserve Estimate which are reported in the Table below as Foreign Estimates (refer Tables 1* below and Table 2* at the end of this report for study parameters).- Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 0.01 Mt to reflect their approximate nature.- Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources estimated will be converted into Mineral Reserves. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this Mineral Resource Estimate are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred resources as Indicated or Measured, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to these categories.Sayona regards the Moblan acquisition as a significant transaction based on the known high-grade mineralisation and opportunity for expansion of the resource base.Key attributes include:- Premium high-grade lithium mineralisation of 1.40% Li2O.- Low stripping ratio of waste rock to ore of 2.9 to 1.- Typically hosted in a single thick, tabular pegmatite with true width commonly 20 - 30m (see Figure 1* below).Exploration UpsideSignificant opportunity to expand Moblan's lithium resource base has been identified. The resource mineralisation is open to the east and at depth, with planning for step-back and extensional drilling underway.Subsequent to the resource calculation, 10 geotechnical holes were drilled in November 2018. One of the holes, GD-18-03, intersected 21.9m of continuous spodumene-bearing pegmatite to the north of the eastern resource area, indicating a potential for the expansion of the resource extents.A number of subparallel footwall dykes are mapped on surface to the immediate south of the resource and which remain untested by drilling. Also, to the east, offset spodumene pegmatites have returned economic grades and remain to be drill tested. Similarly to the west, faulting has offset the main pegmatite with no drilling carried out to test for the offset extension.In addition, Guo Ao drilled condemnation hole CD-18-08 to sterilise a proposed tailing dam on the western adjacent property. This intersected 26.45m of continuous spodumene mineralisation, indicating the high prospectivity of the project area for new discoveries, even when pegmatite does not crop out at surface.Exploration drill planning is underway and will focus on the search for additional high-grade pegmatite mineralisation. This includes step out drilling from the resource area as well as three priority targets in parallel bodies to the south and to the east and west of the resource area (see Figure 2* below).Project BackgroundThe Moblan property is located approximately 130km to the north-west of the town of Chibougamau and 600km north of Montreal. Access is via Highway 167 onto the all-weather Route du Nord road and then via gravel roads to the project.The project is located in the western Superior Province, within the eastern segment of the Frotet-Evans greenstone belt (FEGB), which extends over some 250km from Lac Mistassini to the Nottaway River.The main spodumene pegmatite dyke (Main Dyke) has an east-west strike of 1,500m length, a dip of 35deg to the north and widths ranging between 20 to 30m (Figure 1* and 2), with the spodumene content commonly present as coarsely grained crystals, accompanied by quartz, feldspar and muscovite.A swarm of Li-spodumene and barren pegmatite dykes outcrop on the north and the south of the Main dyke, in the Gabbro sill. One narrow, parallel dyke occurs on the footwall of the Main dyke ("Footwall dyke"). North to south oriented pegmatite dykes are present at the Moblan East prospect, with outcrops of 150m strike length and widths of around 10m.Sayona continues to expand its Quebec lithium assets, having recently announced the potential for a significant resource expansion at its newly acquired North American Lithium (NAL) mine (refer ASX announcement 13 September 2021).Recent drilling conducted at the Company's nearby Authier Lithium Project also has the potential to increase its lithium resource, together with planned drilling at the emerging Tansim Lithium Project.Sayona's moves to strengthen its asset base follow accelerating lithium demand in North America, with lithium prices recently hitting three-year highs amid an upsurge in sales of electric vehicles and following multi-billion dollar investments by North American automakers and governments.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Sayona Mining Ltd

Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:SYAXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia.

Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au


Board Changes

Perth, Sep 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited ( ASX:WMC ) ( FRA:NZ3 ) ( OTCMKTS:WMXCF ) is pleased to announce the following changes to its Board of Directors.Experienced Company Director and Mining and Oil and Gas Executive Lisa Mitchell will join the Board of Directors, effective 1 October 2021. Ms Mitchell was born and raised in Melbourne and has resided in the United Kingdom for the past 10 years. Ms Mitchell is a FCPA (Aust) and has significant experience as a CFO, Company Secretary and Executive Director of several Australian and London listed companies (across ASX, LSE and AIM bourses).Ms Mitchell's strengths include financial management, leadership, debt and equity raising capabilities, LSE compliance and M&A. She has significant experience with the LSE (having worked for former FTSE 250 Ophir Energy plc) and will bring valuable experience to Wiluna Mining's upcoming LSE listing.Ms Mitchell has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director and is considered by the Board to be Independent.Long serving Executive Operations Director Neil Meadows is stepping down from the Board of Directors effective 1 October 2021 to focus less on corporate activities and solely on operations and planning. Mr Meadows will continue as a Senior Executive at the Company in the role of Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), where he will be focused on overseeing WMC's operations and transition to, and commissioning of, Stage 1 as well as the Feasibility Studies and the resource and reserve upgrade works for Stage 2.We welcome Ms Mitchell to the Board, and we would like to thank Mr Meadows for his time and efforts as a Director and look forward to his continued input as COO.About Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd

Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMC) (OTCMKTS:WMXCF) is a Perth based, ASX listed gold mining company that controls over 1,600 square kilometres of the Yilgarn Craton in the Northern Goldfields of WA. The Yilgarn Craton has a historic and current gold endowment of over 380 million ounces, making it one of most prolific gold regions in the world. The Company owns 100% of the Wiluna Gold Operation which has a defined resource of 8.04M oz at 1.67 g/t au. In May 2019, a new highly skilled management team took control of the Company with a clear plan to leverage the Wiluna Gold Operation's multi-million-ounce potential.


Full Year Statutory Accounts

Perth, Sep 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - During the year, Okapi Resources Ltd ( ASX:OKR ) ( FRA:26O ) continued to assess mineral resources projects and investment opportunities that would complement its existing portfolio of assets. The Company entered into a joint venture with Australia Lithium NL to earn in 75% interest on tenement E63/1903. The Company also applied for tenement E63/2039 which lies adjacent to E63/1903. Tenement E63/2039 was subsequently granted during the year.In December, Okapi entered into a binding heads of agreement with Providence Gold and Minerals Pty Ltd to acquire 100% of the Enmore Gold Project. In conjunction with the Enmore acquisition, the Company completed a placement in two separate tranches, raising $2.5 million (before costs). The placement comprised 13,157,896 shares at 19 cents per share with one for one free attaching options (13,157,896 Options) exercisable 30 cents expiring 31 March 2023. The placement was issued to sophisticated and professional investors.PAC Partners Security Pty Ltd acted as Lead Manager to the offer and was issued 1,500,000 Options exercisable at 30 cents expiring 31 March 2023. These options were subsequently listed as OKRO in May 2021.A total of 14,658,896 Options exercisable at 30 cents expiring 31 March 2023 were listed as OKRO in May 2021.In May 2021, Okapi entered into a binding heads of agreement to acquire Bulk Mineral Holdings Pty Ltd ("Bulk Minerals") which holds two (2) granted exploration licenses in Western Australia and four (4) exploration licence applications in South Australia. Subsequent to year end, both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the proposed acquisition.The Company raised a further $650,000 through the issue of 3,095,239 shares at 21 cents each with one for one free attaching listed options (3,095,239 Options) exercisable 30 cents expiring 31 March 2023. The placement was issued to sophisticated and professional investors.GBA Capital Pty Ltd acted as Lead Manager to the placement.During the year, the Company has withdrawn from the Mambasa Project Joint Venture with Kalubamba SARL.Okapi has yet to earn in any interest in the Mambasa Project and from the results obtained from the exploration activities conducted, the Board has decided not to further pursue interest in this project.Subsequent to year end, the Company completed the acquisition of Tallahassee Resources Pty Ltd which holds a portfolio of large, high-grade uranium projects in the United States of America.To view the full year Accounts, please visit:About Okapi Resources Ltd

Okapi Resources Limited (ASX:OKR) is a minerals exploration company focused on the discovery and commercialisation of mineral deposits in Australia. Okapi's primary objective is to discover and develop mineral resources from its current portfolio. The Company has carefully selected projects with historical workings and excellent results. Okapi has a team of professionals with an exemplary record of success and with a particular history in Australia. Okapi is also pursuing a growth strategy that aims to appraise and secure further exploration and development opportunities within gold and mineral endowed districts.
Its been a year since Eyahne on the Horizon had its maiden voyage.

The hot air balloon, which serves as an ambassador for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, will make its debut at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place Oct. 2-10.

Eyahne means blessings in the Keres Native American language, and the unique balloon features a distinctive, Pueblo-inspired design that symbolizes the sacred beliefs and culture of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico.

IPCCs balloon is a partnership with Rainbow Ryders, the Southwests premier hot air balloon company. In honor of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, Rainbow Ryders chose the N-Number N19NM when registering the aircraft with the FAA.

Michael Canfield, IPCC president and CEO, says the 2020 event was scheduled to be the first fiesta for the balloon. But that didnt deter the excitement.

That makes our participation in Octobers Balloon Fiesta even more special, Canfield said. We couldnt be more excited to see Eyahne on the Horizon take her place among the iconic balloons in the skies over Albuquerque when this spectacular show makes its eagerly anticipated return. We are also delighted to partner with Scott Appelman and his excellent team at Rainbow Ryders.

Eyahne on the Horizon was made in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Cameron Balloons, the worlds largest balloon manufacturer. The balloon is 275,000 cubic feet in size, measures 86 feet tall and 68 feet wide and is capable of lifting 6,000 pounds, or 12 to 14 passengers, plus the pilot. It is one of the largest ride balloons in New Mexico.

Canfield said the IPCC is putting together 11 days of events that coincide with the Balloon Fiesta, beginning Friday, Oct. 1. They are:

 IPCCs Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3. The IPCC Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival is the only authentic, allNative American art show in town during the Balloon Fiesta. This premiere event will showcase the work of 45 artists and gives visitors the opportunity to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists. The two-day festival also will also include cultural Native dances and artist demonstrations.

 An expanded schedule of cultural Native dances from Friday, Oct. 1, to Oct. 11. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, IPCCS mural-lined courtyard will have multiple Native dances and be filled with Native artists selling their handcrafted art and jewelry.

 IPCCs museum exhibits include the permanent exhibit We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story and rotating exhibits HERitage: Pueblo Women Paving Cultural Pathways and ReLocated: Urban Migration, Perseverance and Adaptation. Guests can also experience the Artists Circle Gallery, which is now showing an exhibit by Laura Fragua-Cota (Jemez Pueblo) called Our Ancestors: Our Historical Strength.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11, members of New Mexicos Native American tribes will gather with civic officials and the public at IPCC to celebrate New Mexicos statewide Indigenous Peoples Day. This event is open to all and will include dignitaries, Native dances, a historical presentation and artist demonstrations. Admission is free.

We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world for what will be a very special 11 days at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, said Beverlee McClure, vice president for cultural and community engagement at IPCC. We will offer a truly unforgettable cultural experience, with amazing art, dance, history, food and  of course  our celebrated Pueblo hospitality.
International officials must work together to research and conserve shared groundwater supplies, experts from New Mexico, Texas and the Mexican state of Chihuahua said during a virtual conference this week.

Sam Fernald, director of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, said that how the countries choose to use water now will influence the border regions environment and economy for the next 1,000 years.

Our shared aquifers are more important than ever in the face of diminished surface water supplies due to drought and climate change, Fernald said.

The Two Nations, One Water conference featured university and government presentations about acequias, water quality and measuring agricultural water use.

Luis Carlos Alatorre, an engineer with Mexicos National Water Commission, said the two countries need to improve wastewater systems to protect common water supplies.

There is a lot of opportunity here, Alatorre said. But, we have to put these projects into play at the government-to-government level.

The Mesilla Basin aquifer system serves Las Cruces, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

The U.S. Geological Surveys latest report on the aquifer states that declining water levels, deteriorating water quality, and increasing use of groundwater resources by municipal, industrial and agricultural water-users on both sides of the international border have raised concerns about the long-term availability of this supply.

Maria-Elena Giner, U.S. commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission for the U.S. and Mexico, urged groups to share data that can help politicians advocate for funding regional water infrastructure.

The commission is headquartered in El Paso, and manages water treaties, and international reservoirs and treatment plants.

The science piece and the technical piece seems to always work well, Giner said. It is in the case of actual transboundary work where Ive noticed that there has been challenges is in the legal frameworks. So, its about how we get beyond just talking science and modeling.

The conference will conclude Thursday.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  A new report issued by legislative analysts in New Mexico questions the accuracy of information shared this summer by former Children, Youth and Families Secretary Brian Blalock.

It says child maltreatment rates in New Mexico were the sixth highest in the nation in 2019  the last year with full data available  not below the national average, as stated in a July presentation.

The nine-page memo also found that New Mexicos child abuse death rate more than doubled in 2020, that high turnover within CYFD is likely impairing its performance and that child-welfare oversight mechanisms have shortcomings.

A memo outlining the findings was delivered to high-ranking lawmakers last week after legislators and others raised concerns about transparency and data shared during a presentation by Blalock in July.

In a brief interview Wednesday, Blalock said the data in question came from the state Department of Health, as noted in his presentation. He said he and others within CYFD took steps to ensure they shared accurate information with legislators.

Every presentation in front of a legislative body or anyone else  that data is vetted by the data teams, Blalock said.

Rep. Marian Matthews, D-Albuquerque, called the legislative memo scathing and said it illustrates the need for more meaningful public reporting by CYFD.

I was stunned by the amount of misinformation we had been given by this agency, Matthews said Wednesday.

She was among the state lawmakers this summer who asked legislative analysts to examine the departments data.

In the July presentation, Blalock submitted a slide stating that New Mexico is below the national average in both child abuse-related fatalities and child maltreatment, based on state Department of Health data.

But analysts and staff for the Legislative Finance Committee said in their memo that New Mexicos child maltreatment and child safety measures rank among the worst in the nation. In fact, they reported:

n The maltreatment rate in New Mexico stood at 16.9 per 1,000 children in 2019, sixth highest in the nation and well above the national average of 8.9.

n The rate of child maltreatment fatalities in New Mexico more than doubled from 2.3 per 1,000 children in 2019 to 4.8 in 2020.

n New Mexico has the second-highest percentage of children suffering from repeat maltreatment in the nation. In 2019, about 12% of the states children who were victims of maltreatment had another case of maltreatment within six months, higher than every state but New York.

Blalock stepped down in August, citing a desire to support his wifes job opportunities in California. He had faced criticism over the departments use of a secure messaging app and the agencys handling of high-profile child abuse cases, in addition to a whistleblower lawsuit.

But Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said the agency had made a host of improvements under Blalock, such as reducing staff vacancy rates and completing child abuse investigations more quickly.

Lujan Grisham appointed former state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Vigil to succeed Blalock.

The legislative report noted that the department has had four different Cabinet secretaries in four years.

Charlie Moore-Pabst, a spokesperson for the Children, Youth and Families Department, said the agency is under new leadership and will analyze the legislative memo..

The department will approach this issue, and all of its work to protect and improve child wellbeing with a commitment to transparency, collaboration and accountability, Moore-Pabst said. The department will fully analyze the LFC memo, including the supporting data, in addition to the previously presented information and take any steps deemed necessary upon that full analysis, including reporting back to the legislature.
Name: Josefina Josie Dominguez

Political party: Nonpartisan race

Age: 63

Education: Masters in literature, New Mexico State University, 2009; Spanish certification, University of Texas Austin, 1984/85 and Colorado College, 1982/83; B.A. in English, Colorado College, 1981

Occupation: Retired in 2013 from teaching

Family: Two adult APS graduates; five grandchildren  two in APS

Relevant experience: Twenty-eight years as a classroom English and Spanish middle school/high school teacher in seven districts, spanning Colorado, Texas, New Mexico; 2008-2010 writing facilitator for NMSU BioMedical students in RISE Program (Research Initiative and Scientific Enrichment)

Campaign website: josieforaps.com, facebook.com/JosieForPublicSchools

Whats the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?

The health and safety of the classroom and school are the priority not only for APS but also, I would argue, for the Albuquerque community at large. We need more trained professionals on all campuses to ensure students are safe, physically and mentally. Classrooms need the correct number of purifiers.

In your opinion, what is the primary role of a school board member?

School board members are mandated by voters to advocate for students and parents, especially the most vulnerable, across the district but particularly in their district. This includes setting goals for the superintendent that are measurable and establishing a budgeting process that is transparent at all levels.

How would you evaluate the current school boards performance?

Under Dr. David Peercys leadership, our board worked tirelessly, especially during the pandemic of 2020-2021. They made safety and health the priorities, even as they faced unfair attacks on their personal lives. As always, work remains to be done, especially given state and local realities.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

As an English department chair, I worked closely with the principal to allocate monies for books and personnel. As a union representative, I relied on the local bargaining agents access to district budgets to understand the complexities driving decisions. I know professionally that campuses need to be THE priority.

Would you support a vaccine mandate for APS students who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not?

If the community wants or needs students to be in school and the surge in COVID cases increases, mandates will have to be considered. The health and safety of staff, students and families must be a priority. I would have to balance science and legal considerations.

Whats your position on mask mandates at schools?

I will follow the law and the science. I will, above all, do everything in my ability to keep students, staff, and community safe.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a return to remote learning?

If COVID infections return to what they were in early 2020, I would be compelled to support a return to remote learning. However, I believe that the current board and administration have established policies and procedures that would make for an improved remote learning experience for students and families.

Do you think superintendent applications should be public?

Applicants who submit an application of interest often appreciate a private vetting process. We limit the applicant pool if we divulge names during this process. A private head hunter firm can also limit choices if they are beholden to the administration. After vetting, the process correctly is public.

How would you evaluate APS as a whole?

APS has innovative programs and successes across the district. Unfortunately, they are overshadowed by budgetary problems and system and procedural failures. The budget problems, to a great extent, are created by a poorly funded state formula, which means there is no room for waste.

Whats your stance on charter schools?

They provide an important choice for students and parents. They also provide innovative ideas that we can replicate in neighborhood schools. Charter schools are part of the district and must be supported and commended, as long as they are following the rules and guidelines that govern them.

APS has been sued numerous times for failing to release public records. What, if anything, would you do to ensure that the school district is adhering to state transparency laws, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act?

This is unacceptable if we are losing money and failing to follow the law, intentionally or unintentionally. I want to ensure that first, we follow the law and equally important that we stop paying fees and penalties unnecessarily. We are already strapped for money, and budget transparency is a priority.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3, Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, or any misdemeanor or felony?

No.
Name: Nicholas Bevins

Political party: Independent

Age: 25

Education: New Mexico public schools, UNM, and CNM

Occupation: Community activist

Family: I am one of 5 sons

Relevant experience: At 25-years-old, I will be the only school-board-member to have attended New Mexico public schools throughout the 21st century. I understand how to address cyber bullying, testing culture and online learning because I grew up in it. I bring recent first-hand experience to the table regarding the modern education system.

Campaign website: NicholasForABQ.org

Whats the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?

Our 3 biggest issues are the testing culture which needs to be replaced with a model of interest-based learning and life skills, low pay for our staff which needs to be increased by reallocating parts of the budget and utilizing the Land Grant Permanent Fund, and class sizes which need to be cut in half at minimum.

In your opinion, what is the primary role of a school board member?

To empower our students, teachers and support staff by providing them with the resources they need to succeed, the freedom they need to innovate, and the inclusive policies to accommodate everyone.

How would you evaluate the current school boards performance?

We rank 50th nationwide in education. No further commentary is needed.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

Living below the poverty line, one learns to be frugal wherever necessary.

Would you support a vaccine mandate for APS students who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not?

Yes, because we all have a civil responsibility to ensure the safety of our community. Vaccine requirements have a clear precedent in the United States in general, and in the school system in particular.

Whats your position on mask mandates at schools?

Strongly in favor until the pandemic is thoroughly under control and our vaccination rate is over 90% as a state.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a return to remote learning?

Under the recommendation of epidemiologists from the CDC or the New Mexico Department of Health.

Do you think superintendent applications should be public?

Yes, absolutely. We need a much wider pool of candidates than we currently have.

How would you evaluate APS as a whole?

Our teachers, support staff and students are all doing their parts. The administration, however, is utterly incompetent. The allocation of financial resources needs to be shifted away from overhead and redirected toward the classroom.

Whats your stance on charter schools?

At best they are a distraction from addressing the deficiencies in our public education system, at worst they are an attempt to privatize the school system. I am not in favor of allocating tax-payer dollars to charter schools.

APS has been sued numerous times for failing to release public records. What, if anything, would you do to ensure that the school district is adhering to state transparency laws, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act?

All internal documentation, other than that pertaining to the privacy of students and staff, should be made public as a matter of principle.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, or any misdemeanor or felony?

No.
The front-page headlines in last weeks Albuquerque Journal paint the picture of a system in crisis.

 NM struggles with teacher vacancies; Staggering number of 1,000 openings, up from 570 last year (Sept. 22).

 Pandemic learning loss may lead to more school; After 43 of 89 districts reject adding days voluntarily, mandate a possibility (Sept. 23).

 Alarming: NM education retirements increase 40%; Wave comes amid severe shortage of teachers (Sept. 25).

As has been reported again and again, New Mexicos K-12 system ranks among the worst nationally  a WalletHub study using 32 metrics earlier this year pegged the state as 51st. It now faces the challenge of helping students who fell even further behind during remote learning brought on by COVID-19, and, at the same time, teachers in record numbers are opting to either leave for greener pastures or simply retire. And all this is happening at the same time as lawmakers are considering ways to have kids spend more time in the classroom through an extended school year.

You dont have to be the class valedictorian to figure this isnt going to work without some fundamental changes in how we both approach and fund public education.

Legislators are correct when they say more school time is needed for our kids both to catch up from COVID and to become more competitive in general. A report presented to the Legislative Finance Committee showed academic proficiency for younger elementary school students dropped from 37% at the end of the 2018-19 school year to 31% at the end of the 2020-21 year. Devastating.

It is important we help our students try to regain ground lost to the pandemic and put our schools on a par with other states. Whether we add more school days every year or perhaps longer school days  a model followed by the 2,200 students at the successful Mission Achievement and Success Charter School (MAS) in Albuquerque  is open to debate. But this isnt: We cannot continue to operate on a school year that has its roots in American agriculture when kids were needed to work in the field at certain times of year. We need to compete nationally and globally in a high-tech world.

And our students deserve to be set up for success.

New Mexico lawmakers have appropriated money for extended learning days, but have made them voluntary. As the headline above notes, many schools opted not to use the additional funding. Legislators may have to consider a longer school year mandate, as well as funding such flexible programs as longer school days that produce results.

But you cant do that without teachers, and they are leaving in droves. Professional teachers who produce results should be compensated much more than they are now. But they cite lack of support from their employers, and concerns they arent given the training and resources they need to deal with their students, and the problems and challenges those students face.

Rep. Andres Romero  Albuquerque Democrat, chairman of the House Education Committee and a high school social studies teacher  says he and other policymakers will delve into the data to try to determine why so many teachers are leaving and how to improve retention.

Its really concerning and alarming thats happened, he said of the recent retirement wave. Thats an understatement, given that 1,269 teachers turned in retirement papers for July 1 of this year. It should be noted that teaching is a field that has always offered an appealing retirement package. Teachers can retire at 70.5% of their salary after 30 years, making that an attractive prospect for a person in his or her early 50s who might collect that monthly check and get a new job in a private or parochial school.

Veteran teachers are critical to a successful education environment and a focus needs to be on incentives to get them to stay. As in other professions, most teachers get better with experience, not just with students, but also serving as mentors for younger employees. Relatively inexperienced teachers, by the way, are significantly over-represented in high-poverty schools where the challenges are greatest.

So, yes, the state needs to move quickly to shore up the teacher workforce, whether through such financial incentives as waiving the one-year sit-out requirement for teachers to double dip (collecting your pension while still working) for a few years, and perhaps attracting alternative license or J-1 and H-1B visa program teachers from other countries to the classroom. Then, they need to be supported.

But its not just about staffing up. Or throwing money wildly at the problem. Teacher salaries here have improved; according to salary.com, the median is $54,411 a year. (That would increase automatically if more school days were added to the calendar.) While we are still ranked low for salaries, the website Teaching Certification.com lists New Mexico at No. 30 when it comes to per-pupil school funding  right behind California and Washington, and ahead of Oregon and Colorado.

As they tackle a problem that is both longstanding and boiling over, the governor and legislators need to look at what works elsewhere and come up with an approach that, at the end of the day, is focused absolutely on New Mexico students and their progress. If we see approaches that work in successful charter schools, expand those options or emulate that success in traditional public schools. If we need to allocate more money to education, ensure it goes to programs that have produced results.

Because, as it stands now, our kids are not being served well. And neither are those tasked with teaching them.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Name: Julie Brenning

Political party: Non-partisan race

Age: 34

Education: Masters degree in Asian studies, University of Utah, 2013; Bachelor of Science in political science, Brigham Young University, 2011

Occupation: Policy analyst since 2013

Family: Married to Kurt Brenning, three children

Relevant experience: I created a comprehensive evaluation system for 40 APS community schools. This new system will be implemented this year to vastly improve leadership and school practices. I also worked with APS as a community program specialist. I created a new high school curriculum for employment and education preparation.

Campaign website: www.JulieforNM.com

Whats the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?

Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) such as drug use, poverty and neglect in the home, are a barrier to the likelihood of academic success in Albuquerque. I will establish task forces that work with our community and APS leadership to implement policies that get to the root of the problems.

In your opinion, what is the primary role of a school board member?

According to New Mexico law, there are three roles of a school board member: 1. Create and set district policy, 2. Review and pass the APS budget and 3. Evaluate, hire and fire the superintendent. I commit to performing these duties with honesty, professionalism and transparency.

How would you evaluate the current school boards performance?

I am honored to have the endorsements of Dr. Dave Peercy, current School Board president, and board members Barbara Petersen, Elizabeth Armijo and Yolanda Montoya-Cordova. They know what kind of skills and leadership are required for this position. I want to improve school board transparency and communication with our community.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

In my role in the Bernalillo County Commission, I managed the applications and allocation of taxpayer monies to local community and nonprofit organizations. As a policy analyst for the New Mexico State Legislature, I analyze bills that include large, complicated budgets. In my analysis, I include allocations, impact and costs.

Would you support a vaccine mandate for APS students who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not?

My top two priorities are keeping our students learning in the classroom and keeping them safe. I support science-based safety measures. I would strongly encourage, but not currently mandate, vaccines for students, teachers and staff. This is the best way to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks and keep our students learning in-person.

Whats your position on mask mandates at schools?

We need to keep our students safely learning in the classroom. Research shows students need in-person learning and the best way to do that is to slow the spread of COVID-19 outbreaks. I therefore support science-based safety measures such as masks, social distancing, ventilation and even outdoor classrooms.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a return to remote learning?

I support in-person learning if at all possible. However, the school board is under jurisdiction of the New Mexico Public Education Department. By law, the school board must obey the PED statutes. If the PED requires remote learning, I must by law, comply.

Do you think superintendent applications should be public?

Yes, superintendent applications should be public. I believe in full transparency of our hiring and firing of the superintendent. I commit to that and public participation in my joint decision-making. I will strive to gather all parties around the table as we work on solutions to the challenges we face.

How would you evaluate APS as a whole?

As a school board member, I will not be evaluating APS as a whole. I will, however, be evaluating our superintendent. The board should make these three characteristics central when evaluating our APS superintendent: 1. Dynamic leadership, 2. Decision-making based on best practices and 3. Anti-corruption measures.

Whats your stance on charter schools?

I support our current public charter schools. I think the bigger question is, why are there charter schools? And I believe the answer lies in barriers to innovation. I will strive to give principals and teachers the ability to be innovative, flexible and promote experiential learning in our APS schools.

APS has been sued numerous times for failing to release public records. What, if anything, would you do to ensure that the school district is adhering to state transparency laws, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act?

The IPRA specifies that each public body subject to the Act designates a custodian who receives and responds to requests. I would work with our board to develop a monthly public reporting process to the board by the custodian on the status of each request since the last board meeting.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, or any misdemeanor or felony?

No.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexicos latest COVID-19 wave may be receding, but top state health officials said Wednesday hospitals around the state  and the nation  remain largely full due to a mix of virus-related cases and those stemming from other causes.

While New Mexico hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have decreased in recent days and hit their lowest number in six weeks, acting state Health Secretary David Scrase said there were only 10 available intensive care beds around New Mexico as of Tuesday morning.

He added that, as of this week, there were 19 out-of-state residents being treated for COVID-19 in New Mexico compared to 86 New Mexicans who were hospitalized in other states with virus-related symptoms.

I think New Mexico is like everywhere else  we just started with a lower baseline, Scrase said, referring to a New Mexico health care system with a limited number of beds and nurses.

The drop in cases and largely full hospitals comes as the state has begun giving booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to certain eligible residents age 50 and older.

A federal agency authorized the Pfizer booster shots last week and some New Mexico residents who meet the criteria  those between ages 50 to 64 must have an underlying health condition  started getting the doses on Monday. All residents age 65 and older who got their vaccine doses at least six months ago are also eligible, but only if they received the Pfizer vaccine.

One state legislator even got a text message notification that we was eligible for the booster shot during a committee hearing this week.

But top health officials said Wednesday theres still ongoing scientific debate over the benefit of the booster shots and whether theyll eventually be considered necessary for residents.

What we consider fully vaccinated may change in the future, said Christine Ross, the state epidemiologist with the Department of Health, during an online briefing with reporters.

State health officials also said the reason for delaying eligibility for younger front-line workers to get a booster shot until Oct. 11 was made in order to give elderly state residents priority amid a current paucity of mass vaccination sites.

We really dont have a vaccine supply issue, said Deputy DOH Secretary Laura Parajon. We wanted to give the older people a head start.

New Mexico has one of the nations highest COVID-19 vaccine administration rates. A total of 79.9% of state residents age 18 and older had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, while 70.5% of adults had gotten all shots necessary to be considered fully vaccinated.

Even before this week, third doses of the vaccine have been available to adult New Mexicans with compromised immune systems.

Despite the largely full hospitals statewide, hospitals around New Mexico have generally not had to deny or ration care to patients during the recent wave of cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19.

Such crisis care standards have been invoked in some other western states, including Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data.

Im not aware of someone who needed a hospital bed who couldnt find one somewhere, Scrase said Wednesday.

But he acknowledged there have been logistical challenges, including the fact oxygen tanks typically dont last long enough to transfer seriously ill patients from Hobbs to Albuquerque.

Meanwhile, most of New Mexicos recent COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred among unvaccinated individuals.

During a four-week period that ended Sept. 27, a total of 78.2% of new virus cases and 86.8% of hospitalizations were unvaccinated residents. Among the 147 deaths during that time period, 137 of the people who died  or 93.2%  were not vaccinated.

State health officials reported 12 additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the states death toll to 4,788 since the pandemic began in March 2020.

There were also 287 people hospitalized around New Mexico due to the virus  down from 359 hospitalizations a week earlier.

New Mexicos top health official also presented more details Wednesday about two deaths linked to ivermectin, an anti-parasite drug commonly sold at veterinary supply stores.

Both individuals who died  a 38-year old woman and a 79-year old man  contracted COVID-19 but delayed seeking medical care because they thought ivermectin might alleviate their symptoms, Scrase said.

He said the jury is still out on the drugs effectiveness at treating COVID-19, but said some New Mexicans have taken far more than the recommended dosage in their attempts to prevent the virus or treat its symptoms.

Ivermectin can be prescribed for humans to treat intestinal worms and other conditions. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has urged people not to take the drug for COVID-19. More testing is needed, the agency has maintained, in order to determine whether it can be used safely to treat the disease.

Since the start of August, there have been 15 ivermectin exposures reported to the University of New Mexico Poison Control Center, according to Department of Health data.

Of those 15 cases, 11 ultimately received treatment at a hospital or urgent care setting and two individuals died.
Without a doubt, we are going through life-changing times. Even when we are finally able to move freely without masks and hug our family and friends without worry, these days will be more than a memory. They have transformed society and us, and if were smart and compassionate, we can take this opportunity and make over New Mexicos future, to shift the trajectory of our children, our families, our communities and our state.

First, we have to recognize everything is interconnected. Children cannot succeed if theyre not healthy, with good food and clean air and water, safe homes and schools, and enriching environments. Parents cannot help them succeed if they are under stress and ill-prepared, damaged by their own childhoods and poverty. Businesses will not want to invest in communities if there is no quality of life and no skilled workers. And the state cannot succeed if the economy is failing, if taxes scare off business activity, or tax policy serves business but fails to generate the revenue needed to support critical services.

Members of the Legislative Finance Committee are keeping all this in mind as they enter budget season this fall. With a stronger-than-expected state economy and an unprecedented influx of one-time federal stimulus money, we have an unusual opportunity to invest in our state with an emphasis on programs with demonstrated success for long-term impact and a recognition that what we do ripples through all that we do.

These principles are reflected in this years LFC budget guidelines, which will shape the plan the committee will present to the full Legislature in January. Overall, the committees highest priority continues to be education, from early childhood to advanced degrees. At the same time, we recognize the importance of public health, workforce development, public safety, economic growth and transportation infrastructure. Larger increases will be reserved for programs that give New Mexicans the biggest bang for their tax buck. Potential reductions will focus on services that are ineffective or inefficient or where the workload has dropped because of declining enrollment.

On the revenue side, the focus continues to be on broadening New Mexicos tax base to make it possible to lower tax rates. For too long, the states reliance on the oil and natural gas industry  as important as it is to our resource-rich state  has kept us on a financial roller coaster that fails our economy and our people.

But fiscal stability cannot be built on tax reform alone. It must include investments into businesses committed to New Mexico that will help diversify our economy and investments into a healthy and well-educated populace with options for better-paying jobs.

Many of these budget guidelines echo those of past years: The goal is always to spend the taxpayers hard-earned dollars wisely and provide for a more prosperous future. But rarely have budget drafters had both the resources and impetus for change that we have this year. The pandemic rattled the world to its bones, and sometimes thats what is needed to really wake us up.

Finally, legislators represent you and need to hear from you. Thats the essence of a representational democracy. We do not and should not pretend we have all the answers. Reach out to your state senators and representatives. We want to hear from you.

Sen. Pete Campos is also a member of the Legislative Finance, Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy and Water and Natural Resources committees. He has served as president of Luna Community College, superintendent of the Las Vegas City Schools, and mayor of Santa Rosa.
In a rare moment of alignment and consensus, it seems like everyone agrees we need to pay early childhood educators more. The Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) released a report last month calling for more state resources specifically targeted at raising wages for child care professionals, and the Journal recently echoed these sentiments. The good news is that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration has already taken bold steps toward the goal of increasing compensation and credentials for early childhood educators. In just the first year since the new departments launch, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) has:

 Tripled enrollment in our wage supplement program for teachers making less than $16/hr.

 Launched a PreK pay parity program to better align private sector PreK teacher salaries with public school PreK teachers, increasing qualifying teachers annual income between $10,000 and $20,000.

 Created a $1,500 hero bonus for every early childhood teacher in recognition of their indispensable service to New Mexicos children and families throughout the pandemic.

 Created a $1,500 bonus to early childhood educators who are certified bilingual.

ECECD is also working to fix the systemic problems that keep early childhood educators wages low  most pressing among them being the fact neither parent tuition nor state subsidy payments cover the actual cost of quality child care. That is why this summer ECECD announced a major step toward fixing this broken child care market.

The single most important revenue stream for child care is the subsidy the state pays on behalf of families who qualify for child care assistance. Traditionally, these rates are set by the local child care market, or the tuition families pay, but if the market itself is broken this only serves to entrench the market failures that keep wages low. New Mexico is now the first state in the country to use an alternative method called a cost estimation model to set rates based on the actual cost of providing quality care. With this new model, we calibrated subsidy rates to support a minimum wage of $12.10 for all child care workers in our state, substantially raising the subsidy rates for all child care providers across the board.

While these new rates are a significant improvement for the child care sector, legislators from the LFC were quick to point out teacher pay still needs to be much higher to attract and retain qualified educators. We completely agree. Now that the cost model is in place, we can easily calibrate our future rates to support truly competitive wages for educators  all we need is the political will to do so. If the American Families Plan passes Congress, early childhood educators will be guaranteed a minimum $15/hour wage, and if next fall New Mexicans vote to approve using a small portion of the Land Grant Permanent Fund to support early education, we may be able to push wages even higher.

We are already well on our way to improving compensation for early childhood educators, and we will continue doing everything in our power to ensure these professionals, who are so critical to the development and growth of our children and the future success of our state, get the respect and professional compensation they deserve.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

A judge has ordered a payment of $157,500 in restitution to a victim of human trafficking stemming from a 2013 case in which a man was sentenced to 48 years in prison.

The restitution is intended to compensate the unidentified victim for forced labor, future medical treatment, lost wages and other harms she suffered, Attorney General Hector Balderas office said this week in a written statement.

Traffickers should not profit from their exploitation of the most vulnerable, and this restitution award represents to survivors everywhere that we will fight for survivors of this horrific crime, Balderas said in the statement.

A 2nd Judicial District Court convicted Wallace Carson, 56, in 2015 of eight felony counts, including kidnapping, human trafficking, promoting prostitution, accepting earnings of a prostitute, and other charges, court records show.

A judge sentenced Carson in May to 48 years in prison after the state Court of Appeals partially modified the original sentence.

Second Judicial District Judge Britt Baca-Miller last week ordered the restitution paid from Carsons prison fund as he serves his sentence, according to the statement.

Carson was charged with human trafficking in 2013 for recruiting and confining a child for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity, according to court records.
TUCSON, Ariz.  A longtime deputy Pima County attorney reported missing on a fishing trip in northern Arizona was found dead Wednesday, authorities said.

Coconino County Sheriffs officials said the death of 64-year-old Chris Straub appears to be an accident, but didnt release any details.

An autopsy will be performed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

Authorities said Straub was an avid hiker and fisherman who went fly fishing at Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona.

When he didnt return as expected Tuesday, Straubs wife alerted law enforcement that he was missing.

A search and rescue team found the body in thick overgrowth near the Orchid Canyon Resort at Oak Creek Canyon shortly after noon Wednesday.

Straub served more than 30 years with the Pima County Attorneys Office and most recently was the head of its public records unit.
DEVELOPING... Story will be updated as new information can be verified. Updated 4 times

WASHINGTON  Senators fired a barrage of criticism Thursday at a Facebook executive over the social-networking giants handling of internal research on how its Instagram photo-sharing platform can harm teens.

The lawmakers accused Facebook of concealing the negative findings about Instagram and demanded a commitment from the company to make changes.

During testimony before a Senate Commerce subcommittee, Antigone Davis, Facebooks head of global safety, defended Instagrams efforts to protect young people using its platform. She disputed the way a recent newspaper story describes what the research shows.

We care deeply about the safety and security of the people on our platform, Davis said. We take the issue very seriously.  We have put in place multiple protections to create safe and age-appropriate experiences for people between the ages of 13 and 17.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the subcommittee chairman, wasnt convinced.

I dont understand how you can deny that Instagram is exploiting young users for its own profit, he told Davis.

The panel is examining Facebooks use of information from its own researchers that could indicate potential harm for some of its young users, especially girls, while it publicly downplayed the negative impacts. For some of the Instagram-devoted teens, the peer pressure generated by the visually focused app led to mental-health and body-image problems, and in some cases, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts, the research showed.

The revelations in a report by The Wall Street Journal, based on internal research leaked by a whistleblower at Facebook, have set off a wave of anger from lawmakers, critics of Big Tech, child-development experts and parents.

Comparisons to the tobacco industrys coverups of cigarettes harmful effects abounded in a session that united senators of both parties in criticism of the giant social network and Instagram, the photo-sharing juggernaut valued at around $100 billion that Facebook has owned since 2012.

Said Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.: Instagram is that first childhood cigarette meant to get teens hooked early. Facebook is just like Big Tobacco, pushing a product they know is harmful to the health of young people.

The episode is quickly burgeoning into a scandal for Facebook approaching the level of the Cambridge Analytica debacle. Revelations in 2018 that the data mining firm had gathered details on as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission similarly led to a public-relations offensive by Facebook and congressional hearings.

Its abundantly clear that Facebook views the events of the last two weeks purely as a PR problem, and that the issues raised by the leaked research havent led to any soul-searching or commitment to change, said Josh Golin, executive director of the childrens online watchdog group Fairplay. The group, formerly known as the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, doesnt take money from Facebook or companies, unlike the nonprofits Facebook tends to bring in for expert advice on its products.

Facebooks public response to the outcry over Instagram was to put on hold its work on a kids version of Instagram, which the company says is meant mainly for tweens aged 10 to 12. On Monday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a blog post that the company will use its time out to work with parents, experts and policymakers to demonstrate the value and need for this product.

Already in July, Facebook said it was working with parents, experts and policymakers when it introduced safety measures for teens on its main Instagram platform. In fact, the company has been working with experts and other advisers for another product aimed at children  its Messenger Kids app that launched in late 2017.

Pressed by senators, Davis wouldnt say how long the pause would last. I dont have a specific date but I do have a commitment that Facebook executives will consult with parents, policymakers and experts, she said. We want to get this right.

Blumenthal and Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, the panels senior Republican, also plan to take testimony next week from a Facebook whistleblower, believed to be the person who leaked the Instagram research documents to the Journal. An interview with the whistleblower is set to air on CBS 60 Minutes program Sunday.

Davis, a one-time middle school teacher and aide in the Maryland attorney generals office, insisted that the research on Instagrams impact on young people is not a bombshell.

This research is a bombshell, Blumenthal countered. It is powerful, gripping, riveting evidence that Facebook knows of the harmful effects of its site on children, and that it has concealed those facts and findings.

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The research documents released Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal: https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/teen-girls-body-image-and-social-comparison-on-instagram.pdf

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Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press writer Amanda Seitz in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.

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Follow Marcy Gordon at https://twitter.com/mgordonap

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This story has been corrected to show that Fairplay is a childrens online watchdog group, not a childrens online advertising group.
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to restore stalled communication lines with South Korea in coming days while shrugging off U.S. offers for dialogue as cunning ways to conceal its hostility against the North, state media reported Thursday.

Kims statement is an apparent effort to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as he wants South Korea to help him win relief from crippling U.S.-led economic sanctions and other concessions. Pyongyang this month has offered conditional talks with Seoul alongside its first missile firings in six months and stepped-up criticism of the United States.

The U.N. Security Council delayed an emergency closed meeting to discuss North Koreas recent tests from Thursday morning until Friday at the request of Russia, China and other council members who said they needed more time to prepare, diplomats said. The meeting was requested by the United States, the U.K. and France.

During a speech at his countrys rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday, Kim said the restoration in early October of cross-border hotlines  which have been largely dormant for more than a year  would realize the Korean peoples wishes for a peace between the two Koreas, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim still accused South Korea of being bent on begging external support and cooperation while clamoring for international cooperation in servitude to the U.S., rather than committing to resolving the matters independently between the Koreas.

Kim echoed his powerful sister Kim Yo Jongs calls for Seoul to abandon double-dealing attitude and hostile viewpoint over the Norths missile tests and other developments. Some experts say North Korea is pressuring South Korea to tone down its criticism of its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, as part of its quest to receive an international recognition as a nuclear power.

South Koreas Unification Ministry responded that itll prepare for the restoration of the hotlines that it said is needed to discuss and resolve many pending issues. It said it expects them to operate smoothly because their restoration was directly instructed by Kim Jong Un.

On the United States, Kim Jong Un dismissed repeated U.S. offers to resume talks without preconditions, calling them an attempt to hide Americas hostile policy and military threats that he said remain unchanged.

The Biden administration is touting diplomatic engagement and dialogue without preconditions but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts, Kim said.

He added: The U.S. remains utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing hostile policy toward (North Korea) but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so.

He has warned he would bolster his nuclear arsenal and stay away from negotiations with Washington unless it drops its hostile policy, a term used to describe the U.S.-led sanctions and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul.

U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed hope to sit down for talks with North Korea anywhere and at any time, but have maintained they will continue sanctions until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearization. The diplomacy has been stalled for 2  years due to disagreements over easing of sanctions in return for limited denuclearization steps.

China, North Koreas last major ally, said Thursday it hopes the hotlines restoration would help improve ties between the two Koreas. But it also urged the U.S. to roll back some of the sanctions targeting the Norths civilian economy.

The U.S. should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. It should invoke the rollback terms of the Security Councils (North Korea)-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions.

President Joe Biden told the U.N. General Assembly last week that his administration would seek serious and sustained diplomacy to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

North Koreas outreach to Seoul came after South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who seeks progress in his appeasement policy on North Korea before he leaves office next May, proposed a symbolic peace declaration during his U.N. speech last week.

Kim Jong Un will likely continue to use South Korea to move the Biden administration in its favor, Kwak Gil Sup, head of One Korea Center, a website specializing in North Korea affairs, wrote on Facebook. Hell make more outright attempts to wedge South Korea and the U.S. apart. Its a highly sophisticated strategy to make the best use of the impatience of the (Moon) government preoccupied with producing progress in its peace process on the Korean Peninsula in its final months in office.

Meanwhile, Kims sister was elected as a member of the State Affairs Commission led by her brother during this weeks Supreme Peoples Assembly session, KCNA reported. The appointment of Kim Yo Jong, who already is a senior ruling party official who handles Pyongyangs relations with Seoul, is another sign Kim is solidifying his familys rule in the face of mounting economic difficulties caused by the pandemic and the sanctions.

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Associated Press journalists Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report.
DEVELOPING... Story will be updated as new information can be verified. Updated 3 times

Three Democratic members of Congress on Thursday offered deeply personal testimony about their own abortions as a congressional committee examined how to respond to conservative states that are passing laws limiting abortion access.

Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said she was raped on a church youth trip. Rep. Barbara Lee of California said she received a back-alley abortion in Mexico after a teenage pregnancy. And Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she opted for an abortion after being told her pregnancy would be high risk for her and the baby.

Choosing to have an abortion was the hardest decision I had ever made, but at 18 years old, I knew it was the right decision for me, Bush told the House Committee on Oversight Reform.

The hearing comes weeks after a Texas law took effect that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with no exception for rape or incest. Other conservative states are considering similar measures.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is weighing the fate of a Missouri law that bans abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy, also with no rape or incest exceptions. And, the U.S. Supreme Court in December will hear arguments over a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The hearing also looked at what the federal government can do to ensure abortion access. Options include ending the Hyde Amendment, which restricts government funding for most abortions, and passing a law guaranteeing a womans right to an abortion. The House passed that measure last week, but Republican opposition would almost certainly doom it in the Senate.

Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democrat from New York, said the majority of Americans support abortion rights.

But with a hostile Supreme Court, extremist state governments are no longer chipping away at constitutional rights  they are bulldozing right through them, Maloney said.

Republican Rep. James Comen of Kentucky said the oversight committee should focus on problems with President Joe Bidens administration, not a state matter over which it has absolutely no jurisdiction. Another Republican, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, said abortion only compounds the sorrow.

Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, or even the result of horrific circumstances, ending that childs life with an abortion to empower or protect the, quote, freedom, end quote, of the mother is not an answer, Foxx said.

Bush, a 45-year-old first-term lawmaker from St. Louis, testified that she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 1994 and went on a church youth trip to Mississippi. She said she befriended a man who was about 20. She said they flirted and he asked to go to the room she was sharing with another girl. Her roommate was already asleep when the man showed up.

I answered the door and quietly told him he could come in, imagining that we would talk and laugh like we had done over the phone, Bush said. But the next thing I knew, he was on top of me, messing with my clothes, and not saying anything at all.

When it was over, Bush said, she was confused.

I was embarrassed, I was ashamed, she said. I asked myself, Was it something Id done?'

About a month later, soon after she turned 18, Bush learned she was pregnant.

To all the Black women and girls who have had abortions or will have abortions  know this: We have nothing to be ashamed of, Bush said.

Jayapal said her first child, Janak, now 25, was born prematurely and weighed less than 2 pounds, which resulted in medical conditions that frequently required his hospitalization. Jayapal said other stresses combined with the sick baby resulted in postpartum depression so bad that she contemplated suicide.

She said that when she became pregnant again, she consulted with doctors who told me that any future pregnancy would likely also be high risk to me and the child, similar to what I had gone through with Janak.

I very much wanted to have more children, she said, but I simply could not imagine going through that again.

Ending the pregnancy was the most difficult choice Ive made in my life, but it was my choice, Jayapal said.

Lee became pregnant at age 16 in the mid-1960s. Abortion in California was illegal at the time so a family friend helped send her to a back-alley clinic in Mexico, she said.

She had no ill effects from the procedure, but she said many other women werent so lucky in that era.

In the 1960s, unsafe septic abortions were the primary killer  primary killer  of African American women, Lee said.

A Republican lawmaker had her own personal story about an abortion that didnt happen.

Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida said her mother suffered a stroke while pregnant with Cammacks older sister. Years later, when pregnant with Cammack, Cammacks mother was urged by doctors to have an abortion.

But because of her strength, Cammack said, she chose life.

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Salter reported from OFallon, Missouri.
CHICAGO  When Democrats passed President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, Republicans called it liberal pet projects disguised as pandemic aid.

But now that Republican governors and local leaders have the money in hand, they are using it for things on their wish lists, too.

Alabama lawmakers are advancing a plan to use $400 million of the states share toward building prisons in what Gov. Kay Ivey says is a great deal for taxpayers. In Texas, a Republican-led county is sending deputies to assist police along the U.S.-Mexico border and pledged to help Gov. Greg Abbott revive former President Donald Trumps plans for a border wall.

In other places, the money has been used to score political points or as leverage in partisan fights over COVID-19 precautions.

Decrying a defund the police, soft on crime liberal agenda, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced $1,000 bonuses for first responders paid for with the relief money. In Wyoming, a Republican legislative leader suggested the money could be used to pay the federal fines of businesses that defy Bidens vaccine mandate.

This probably isnt what the bills supporters had in mind when Democrats approved the American Rescue Plan along party lines in March, and some Democrats have complained that Republicans are misusing the money. But its the inevitable result of Washington sending money with few strings attached to places with very different and partisan ideas about how best to spend public dollars.

Democrats also are using the cash to fund their priorities, including expanding Medicaid benefits, putting in place a child tax credit and offering $4 billion in debt forgiveness for farmers of color. In Illinois, Republicans blasted the Democrats who control state government for handing out over $1 billion for capital projects and groups in Democrat-held districts. That included $250,000 for Black Lives Matter to do youth mentoring and $300,000 for a suburban Chicago drill team and drum corps.

The federal aid package provided $350 billion to states, counties, towns and tribes. It was billed as money for fighting the coronavirus, providing economic relief to small businesses and households, replacing revenue that governments lost during the pandemic and improving local water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. It also allowed for premium pay for essential workers, such as police officers, who faced the biggest health risks.

There were some clear restrictions, such as prohibiting funds from being used toward pensions or to cut taxes, and that led Republican attorneys general to sue. But the money came with more flexibility than most federal funding and a longer deadline for spending it. Officials say that will enable governments to deal with the current crisis and make more innovative, longer-term investments.

The Treasury Department says it has received roughly 1,000 public comments on proposed rules outlining how the money may be spent, including requests for clarifications of eligible uses. The department is monitoring expenditures and will require governments to repay any federal dollars that were used inappropriately, an official said.

But what qualifies as fighting COVID-19 or promoting economic recovery is often left up to the people spending the money.

In Galveston County, Texas, Republican county commissioners approved a plan to spend $6.6 million of its total $27 million in coronavirus relief money for security roughly 350 miles (560 kilometers) away on the U.S.-Mexico border. They say the money will protect residents from COVID-19 and other dangers brought by people entering the United States illegally. They approved a disaster declaration that says extraordinary measures must be taken, given an increase in the number of border crossings.

We have a deliberate public health and humanitarian crisis unfolding on our southern border that the Biden administration refuses to address, County Judge Mark Henry said.

So far, the county has spent $165,000 to send three constables deputies and five sheriffs deputies to the border, including to Del Rio, where thousands of Haitians convened recently at a makeshift encampment after crossing the Rio Grande. Galveston County plans to apply for reimbursement from the state, spokesman Zach Davidson said, after Texas legislators voted to approve reimbursements for counties that assist on the border.

In some places, lawmakers say American Rescue Plan dollars intended to make up for lost revenue are fair game to use as they see fit. Thats the argument Ivey and other Republicans made as a plan advanced in the statehouse to use $400 million of Alabamas $2.2 billion share toward prison construction. After Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday seeking to block the $1.3 billion construction plan as a misuse of money, Ivey shot back with a letter of her own.

The fact is, the American Rescue Plan Act allows these funds to be used for lost revenue and sending a letter in the last hour will not change the way the law is written, Ivey said. These prisons need to be built, and we have crafted a fiscally conservative plan that will cost Alabamians the least amount of money to get to the solution required.

Asked Wednesday about Alabamas plan, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, I would be surprised if that was the intention of the funding.

Democrats in Texas congressional delegation want Yellen to block Abbott from using coronavirus relief money for the border wall. They sent a letter after Abbott announced new, tougher plans to fight illegal immigration, including shifting $250 million in state money toward finishing Trumps border wall.

The costly monstrosity certainly should not be paid for directly or indirectly with coronavirus relief money, the Democrats wrote.

Texas legislators are expected to debate how to use the states share of funds during a special session now underway.

In northwest Iowa, the Republican-led Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted to use about $15 million in rescue funds to cover higher-than-projected costs for a new jail in Sioux City. Some residents said the money could be put to better use, but board members contended that it was a proper use of the money because the larger facility will allow inmates to be less crowded, helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Wyoming, GOP Senate Majority Floor Leader Ogden Driskill suggested to a conservative online publication that a more creative approach to using the money would be to push back against Bidens vaccine mandate by paying any fines imposed on businesses that ignore it.

Its obviously COVID-related, Driskill said.

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Associated Press writers Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
Hospitals and nursing homes around the U.S. are bracing for worsening staff shortages as state deadlines arrive for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

With ultimatums taking effect this week in states like New York, California, Rhode Island and Connecticut, the fear is that some employees will quit or let themselves be fired or suspended rather than get the vaccine.

How this is going to play out, we dont know. We are concerned about how it will exacerbate an already quite serious staffing problem, said California Hospital Association spokesperson Jan Emerson-Shea, adding that the organization absolutely supports the states vaccination requirement.

New York health care employees had until the end of the day Monday to get at least one dose, but some hospitals had already begun suspending or otherwise taking action against holdouts.

Erie County Medical Center Corp. in Buffalo said about 5% of its hospital workforce has been put on unpaid leave for not being vaccinated, along with 20% of staff at its nursing home. And the states largest health care provider, Northwell Health, said it has begun removing unvaccinated workers from its system, though it said its workforce is nearly 100% vaccinated.

To those who have not yet made that decision, please do the right thing, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

Some New York hospitals prepared contingency plans that included cutting back on noncritical services and limiting nursing home admissions. The governor also drew up plans to summon help from National Guard members with medical training, retirees or vaccinated workers from outside the state.

About a dozen states have vaccination mandates covering health care workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities or both. Some allow exemptions on medical or religious grounds, but those employees often must submit to regular COVID-19 testing.

States that have set such requirements tend to have high vaccination rates already. The highest rates are concentrated in the Northeast, the lowest ones in the South and Midwest.

The Biden administration also will require the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid to be fully vaccinated under a rule still being developed.

That has worried some hospital officials, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates tend to be lower.

We are looking at the need to reallocate staff, in some cases just to maintain services that are essential, and there are going to be some delays in care, said Troy Bruntz, president and CEO at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska.

He said 25 of the hospitals 330 employees said they would definitely resign if they were required to be vaccinated. The remainder of the approximately 100 unvaccinated employees  a group that includes nurses as well as cleaning and maintenance staff  havent decided.

He also worries that it will be difficult to hire new workers when the hospital is already short-handed.

It doesnt make us feel too confident that this isnt going to turn into something short of a nightmare for American health care, he said.

Many hospitals and nursing homes are already suffering staff shortages because many nurses and others have quit as a result of pandemic-related burnout or have left for lucrative jobs traveling from state to state.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted that hospitals in Houston and Maine lost a relatively small number of employees recently after requiring employees to get vaccinated.

Were seeing in a lot of places that this is working, its effective. Its creating more certainty and protection in their workforces, Psaki said.

In California, where health care workers have until Thursday to get fully vaccinated, some hospitals are anticipating firings, suspensions or the moving of people to other positions, Emerson-Shea said. She said many traveling nurses have declined assignments in California because of the states vaccine requirement.

But with a statewide mandate, health workers wont be able to just quit their jobs and go to other hospitals, said Dr. Jeff Smith, chief operating officer and executive vice president of hospital operations at Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

He expects that about 97 percent of Cedars-Sinais almost 17,000 employees affected by the vaccine mandate will comply by the deadline. Another 1 percent have applied for medical or religious exemptions. Those who dont comply by Friday will be suspended for a week, and fired on Oct. 8 if they dont comply or if there are not extenuating circumstances, he said.

The hospital also was able to hire over 100 nurses in the past month and uses some travel nurses.

Were in a good place but dont want to minimize the challenges other hospitals are likely facing, Smith said.

In Rhode Island, where the vaccine mandate takes effect Friday, the state said hospitals can allow unvaccinated employees to keep working 30 days past the deadline in cases where firing them would compromise patient safety. The mandate is being challenged in court because it doesnt allow religious exemptions.

In states that dont have mandates, some hospitals are imposing their own.

Ginger Robertson, a registered nurse who works in a mental health clinic at a hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota, has requested a religious exemption from her hospitals vaccination requirement. She said she will look for other work if she doesnt get it.

Honestly, I really love my job. I am good at it. I enjoy my patients. I enjoy where I am at, she said. So this is a really hard place, to have to choose between two things I dont want to do. I dont want to leave, and I dont want to get the vaccine.

She said other nurses are also considering leaving over what she called the insulting mandate.

We feel demoralized, like as though we arent intelligent enough to make these choices for ourselves, Robertson said.

A North Carolina-based hospital system announced Monday that more than 175 of its 35,000-plus employees have been fired for failing to comply with its COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Last week, Novant Health announced 375 workers had been suspended and given five days to comply. Nearly 200 of them did so  including those who submitted approved exemptions  before the Friday deadline, spokesperson Megan Rivers said.

Massachusetts mandate, issued by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, applies only to rest homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs and home care programs. It allows for medical and religious exemptions but doesnt require regular testing. The deadline is Oct. 31.

In Connecticut, a vaccine mandate for employees of state-run hospitals took effect on Monday. It does not apply to privately run hospitals, some of which are imposing their own requirements. Medical and religious exemptions are possible, but anyone else who fails to get vaccinated will be barred from the workplace.

About 84% of over 450,000 hospital workers in New York were fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, according to state data. Nursing home data through Sunday showed about 89% of nursing home workers fully vaccinated.

New York Citys hospital system reported a 95% vaccination rate for nurses and a higher rate for doctors.

In Missouri, which became a severe COVID-19 hot spot over the summer, the Mercy hospital system is requiring vaccinations among staff at its hundreds of medical centers and clinics in Missouri and neighboring states by Thursday.

Anyone who doesnt comply by then will be placed on a 30-day unpaid suspension, said Mercy spokeswoman Bethany Pope.

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Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan, and Hollingsworth from Mission, Kansas. Philip Marcelo and Mark Pratt in Boston; Michael Melia in Hartford, Connecticut; Michael Hill in Albany, New York; Skip Foreman in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this story.

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This story was first published on September 27, 2021. It was updated on September 30, 2021, to correct the title of Dr. Jeff Smith to chief operating officer, not CEO.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  The number of new COVID-19 infections surged to 1,009 cases in New Mexico on Thursday  the highest one-day total reported by the state in eight months.

Hospitalizations for the disease jumped to 336 patients, a 17% increase over the previous day.

Thursdays case total could just be reporting blip, as the number of recent infections had appeared to reach a plateau earlier this month. But state health officials also have warned that the late-summer growth in cases  largely fueled by the highly contagious delta variant  might not be over yet.

The Department of Health on Thursday also reported:

 13 additional COVID-19 deaths, bringing the official state total to 4,801 fatalities. Four of the deaths announced Thursday were adults from Bernalillo County.

People who arent fully vaccinated make up about 93% of the deaths over the last four weeks.

 70.8% of New Mexico adults have completed their vaccine series and 80.1% have had at least one dose.

The 1,009 cases reported Thursday include 303 in Bernalillo County and 140 in San Juan County. Its the most announced for a day since Jan. 29, before vaccines were widely available.

The state reported more cases one day in August, but the total included historical, not just recent, cases.

The state also launched an online questionnaire to help people determine whether theyre eligible for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

Visit vaccineNM.org and click on the blue link near the top of the page. An online questionnaire will help people determine their eligibility and, if they qualify, allow them to schedule an appointment for the shot.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Pfizer boosters for individuals who completed their Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago and meet certain other requirements.
Justice Samuel Alito pushed back Thursday against criticism, including some from colleagues, that recent Supreme Court actions in major cases have been done hastily and in the shadows. A dangerous cabal improperly deciding important matters  hardly, he said.

Alito, in remarks at the University of Notre Dame, took aim at critics of three recent decisions in which the courts conservatives prevailed over dissents by liberals.

In rapid succession beginning in late August, the court reinstated a Trump-era immigration program, allowed evictions that had been paused by the coronavirus pandemic to resume and let a Texas law severely limiting abortion go into effect.

All three cases came to the court as emergency motions, and were decided quickly and without the courts more typical full briefing and oral argument. That process has been called the courts  shadow docket.

Our decisions in these three emergency matters have been criticized by those who think we should have decided them the other way, and I have no trouble with fair criticism of the substance of those decisions, Alito said.

He added: My complaint concerns all the media and political talk about our sinister shadow docket. The truth of the matter is that there was nothing new or shadowy about the procedures we followed in those cases  its hard to see how we could handle most emergency matters any differently.

Alito noted that its not up to the court but to the parties in cases when they bring emergency motions. He said the recent criticism has suggested that a dangerous cabal is deciding important issues in a novel, secretive, improper way in the middle of the night, hidden from public view, without waiting for the lower courts to consider the issues.

Alito said that picture is very sinister and threatening, but it is also very misleading.

The string of recent emergency decisions began with a 6-3 vote to reinstate a Trump administration program that forces people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the United States. A majority of the court said the Biden administration likely violated federal law in trying to end the program.

Days later, the justices, again on a 6-3 vote, blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban on evictions that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most recently, the high court on a 5-4 vote declined to block a Texas law that has resulted in a near-total ban on abortion in the state. The unsigned majority opinion in that case was issued around midnight and was not even two full pages. Unlike the previous two emergency cases, Chief Justice John Roberts joined his liberal colleagues.

Alito said it was false and inflammatory for critics to claim that the conservatives in the Texas case effectively nullified the landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a womans right to an abortion. Critics have said that by letting the law take effect, the court has allowed the state to sharply curtail abortions in the nations second-largest state.

It was also in that decision that Alitos colleague, Justice Elena Kagan, said the majoritys ruling illustrates just how far the Courts shadow-docket decisions may depart from the usual principles of appellate process.

The majority made a significant ruling without any guidance from an appeals court and then after reviewing only the most cursory party submissions, and then only hastily, Kagan wrote. She accused her colleagues of barely bothering to explain their conclusion.

In all these ways, the majoritys decision is emblematic of too much of this Courts shadow docket decisionmaking  which every day becomes more unreasoned, inconsistent, and impossible to defend, she said.

Roberts also criticized the cases path to the court, saying the justices were asked to resolve these novel questions  at least preliminarily  in the first instance, in the course of two days without oral argument, additional briefs and guidance from lower courts.

Alito went through and rejected 10 different criticisms of the courts emergency practices, from the argument that emergency orders are secretive to the fact that they arent typically signed by the justice who wrote them.

Alito acknowledged there have been more emergency motions in recent years but he attributed that to an influx of civil cases brought about by President Donald Trumps initiatives, as well as issues sparked by the coronavirus, including those relating to prisons and religious freedom.

Alito said he wasnt suggesting that our current practice is perfect and that possible changes should not be considered. But he said that the recent portrayal of the court feeds unprecedented efforts to intimidate the court or damage it as an independent institution.

Alitos speech came just days before the justices planned return to their courtroom for oral arguments, more than a year and a half after the in-person sessions were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic. The justices had been hearing cases by phone during the pandemic but are currently on their summer break.

Justice Clarence Thomas also recently spoke at Notre Dame, where Justice Amy Coney Barrett attended law school and taught for many years.

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Gresko reported from Washington. Casey Smith, who reported from South Bend, Indiana, is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
YUBA CITY, Calif. - Two teenagers at Yuba City High School were arrested after they were found carrying a weapon and ammunition on campus, according to the Yuba City Police Department.

Police received a report around 10:40 a.m. Wednesday that a student at Yuba City High School was in possession of a handgun.

Officials said the 14-year-old was quickly detained when a witness pointed him out to the Yuba City Police School Resource Officer.

The student admitted he was in possession of a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun and a loaded magazine.

The firearm was handed over to the officer and the student said he was given the gun before the school day by a different 14-year-old.

The student said the teenager who gave him the gun was in possession of another loaded magazine.

Police located the other 14-year-old who admitted to being in possession of another loaded magazine. He said he didnt want to carry the gun for the day and asked the other student to carry it.

Both students said they had no intention of using the gun.

The students were arrested and booked into the Yuba/Sutter Juvenile Hall and are facing charges of carrying a weapon on school and carrying a concealed weapon.

The parents of the students were notified and spoke to school officials about the incident.

Police said this appears to be an isolated event and they are still investigating.
CHICO, Calif. - The deadline for all healthcare workers to be vaccinated is tomorrow. Some are handling it well while others are struggling with it.

Being told that you are going to lose your job if you dont put something in your body, said one healthcare worker who did not want to be identified. How are we ever going to motivate people to want to be healthcare workers in the future?

Protecting my patients anyone I come in contact with, said a nurse who did not want to be identified. Especially people with health conditions and who are elderly. So, yeah it was really important for me to get my vaccine.

Some nurses who did not want to be identified are feeling uneasy about the vaccine mandate while others are not.

One nurse says her biggest hesitation for getting the shot was the fear of not being able to get pregnant.

I was trying to get pregnant and there were no studies on any pregnant woman, said a healthcare worker who did not want to be identified. The wonderful thing was two months later I ended up getting pregnant.

Some nurses and healthcare workers said throughout most of the pandemic they have been treating people while wearing things like a mask and gloves and say this has protected them enough so the question why they are now being forced to get a vaccine in order to be protected.

A majority of people who have been working in healthcare have been exposed to COVID so many times, said a healthcare worker who did not want to be identified. So their natural immunity is probably 10 times more than someone who isnt in healthcare and hasnt had the vaccine.

I am not really sure where that comes from, said a nurse who did not want to be identified. Ive heard people say I want to maintain my personal freedom but I think it is about more than that. You are putting other people at risk.

Some people are already prepared to leave their jobs in healthcare due to the mandate.

I have seen people begin to pack up their things, I have seen people meet with their supervisors and CEOs, said a healthcare worker who did not want to be identified. They are trying to do exemptions.

The human resources manager for Chico Immediate Care breaks down how they go about their religious or medical exemption process.

To be honest it is a special accommodation for both, for medical and religious, Zach Kennedy said. We would just talk with those employees and go through the accommodation process.

Kennedy said the accommodation process at the Immediate Care is some form of written documentation that is submitted to the facility.

Governor Gavin Newsom first announced this vaccine mandate for healthcare workers on Aug. 5 and gave healthcare workers until Sept. 30 to get vaccinated.
CONCOW, Calif.  The Community Action Agency (CAA) will distribute food to the public at a County Food Action Agency Expansion Program event, scheduled for Friday.

It will be held at Pine Hardware, located at 11300 Miller Flat Rd. in Yankee Hill. The giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to noon or until supplies of food run out, the CAA said in a news release.

The CAA North State Food Bank will give away boxes of healthy, shelf-stable and perishable food. The boxes will be weighing between 12 and 17 pounds.

Food boxes will be put into the vehicles for people who drive through the line at the event. The drive-through method is intended to provide maximum protection to members of the public.
REDDING, Calif. - At Columbia Elementary School, parent volunteers are required to be fingerprinted. Superintendent Clay Ross says this system has worked for many years -- that is until a sex offender who was caught bypassed the system.

"He gained access to the classroom and was volunteering which should have never happened. We have protocols in place to make sure all our parent volunteers are fingerprinted. That didn't happen in this case, and so when we were made aware of it we terminated the situation," Superintendent of Columbia Elementary School Clay Ross said.

The Redding Police Department confirms that the suspect's name is Sean Green. Ross says the school takes situations like these very seriously.

"We are still working on what long term things we are going to implement, in terms of single-point access all visitors having to go through the office, instead of having access to the campus without doing so, just figuring out the best way that is going to work on our campus," Ross said.

Meanwhile, Leroy Max has a niece that goes to Columbia Elementary and he says this situation upset and concerned him.

"A little upset and very scared, I guess you can say, just knowing that there is a possibility he could have been alone with my niece, and for the most part there is no way we really know. It's a scary situation you wouldn't want any child to be put in," Leroy said.

Ross tells Action News Now, he has kids of his own and is going to do his best so this situation wont happen again.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento added six new allegations of sexual abuse that it says are credible involving five priests that previously worked in the North State.

The priests previously appeared on the list for other allegations.

The new entries result from the completion of the Independent Compensation Program which ran from Sept. 2019 to the summer of 2021.

This independent program did what we prayed it would do, Bishop Soto said. First and foremost, it created a venue where victims of clergy abuse could come forward and seek justice and healing for the pain that was inflicted on them by men who betrayed their trust. Second, it provided information that we are using to ensure that our reckoning of the past is as thorough and transparent as it needs to be if we are to seek Gods mercy.

The ICP allowed individuals to seek compensation in a confidential process for claims of abuse by diocesan priests. The claims were reviewed regardless of when the abuse occurred and did not require going to court.

Independent program administrators reviewed the claims and made decisions regarding offers of settlements.

The new allegations are listed under the following names:

Gerardo Beltran Rico

William Feeser

Francisco Javier Garcia

William Hold

Uriel Ojeda

The current status of the priests, according to the Diocese of Sacramento, are as follows:

Rico is listed as a fugitive of justice after fleeing to Mexico in Dec. 1991 when a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Feeser died in 2012.

Garcia fled to Mexico after criminal warrants were issued for his arrest in 1995.

Hold died in 2012.

Ojeda pleaded no contest to sexual molestation of a minor in 2013. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and released in 2019.

The five priests served in several North State communities including Sacramento, Redding, Red Bluff, Corning, Orland, Winters, and Colusa.

The diocese says it encourages anyone who may be a victim of clergy sexual abuse, or who knows someone who may be, to report it to law enforcement, and to seek help for the pain it has caused.

The Dioceses Pastoral Care Coordinator may be reached at 866-777-9133.
As an official partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, taking place in the UAE from the 1st of October 2021 to the 31st of March, 2022, LOreal Paris will be showcasing to visitors its corporate social responsibility commitments as well as its new beauty and products innovations. LOreal Paris will continue the global implementation of its Stand Up Against Street Harassment program by organizing 3 live events aimed at educating and training people on what they can do when witnessing or experiencing street harassment, as well as raising awareness on the topic. These activations will be spread throughout the duration of Expo 2020 to encourage people to join the movement. LOreal Paris will also be unveiling its La Maison LOreal Paris Beauty concept store, bringing a unique and innovative store experience to visitors.

A WORTHY CAUSE: STAND UP AGAINST STREET HARASSMENT

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo taking place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, with 192 countries attending. On this occasion, LOreal Paris will continue to give women the confidence and power to take the place they deserve in society by setting up 3 activations dedicated to the program: Stand Up Against Street Harassment.

On September 28th , LOreal Paris dazzled the spectators of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a showstopping projection to invite media and influencers to the Stand Up Against Street Harassment events taking place.

On October 5th , LOreal Paris and its international spokespeople Aja Naomi King, Aishwarya Rai, Aseel Omran and Mona Zaki will be holding the largest Stand Up Against Street Harassment trainings ever done since the launch of the program. Thousands of women and men are expected to attend this training session hosted in the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at Expo 2020, or to watch it online as the event is broadcasted live across the world.

On December 12th , a final training session will be hosted by LOreal Paris spokesperson Eva Longoria and local celebrities in the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at Expo 2020.

For Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President, LOreal Paris, LOreal Paris has always been committed to empowering women through Beauty, and now through its program Stand Up Against Street Harassment. As an official Expo 2020 Dubai partner, we will accelerate the raising awareness on street harassment and share, with as many people as possible, the 5D's methodology*. It is the key to give women the confidence and power to walk freely toward their destiny.

LA MAISON LOREAL PARIS BEAUTY CONCEPT STORE

On October 1st, 2021, as part of its 50th year anniversary celebration of its iconic tagline, Because Were Worth It, LOreal Paris will unveil La Maison LOreal Paris beauty concept store in the Opportunity District at Expo 2020. A 400 sqm flagship store showcasing the brands product and service innovations and bringing new exciting store experiences to Expo 2020 Dubai visitors.

The beauty store will be highlighting the brands three main values:

Pioneering science, with its new launches and hero products from skincare, makeup, haircare to men in addition to the beauty technology services like Skin Genius Women empowerment, sustained by its continuous efforts in causes such as the Stand Up Campaign, Because Were Worth It mission. LOreal Paris will introduce a Carrousel corner aimed at empowering women with strong messages inspired by their spokes community and supported by the Stand Up Against Street Harassment program. The Parisian heritage, embracing an iconic element of Parisian culture by welcoming visitors into beauty store with a modern cafe corner and comfortable terraces.

Hind Alowais, Senior Vice President, Participant Management, Expo 2020 Dubai, said : We applaud our Official Beauty Products and Services Partner, LOreal, for their commitment to empowering women and girls. The beauty brand LOreal Paris is not only raising awareness on the important issue of harassment, but is also enabling women to speak up and act, which aligns with Expos focus on gender equality as an essential component to solving some of humanitys biggest challenges. Women and girls are at the heart of what we do at Expo 2020 and were proud to have partnered with a leading beauty company who shares the same principles.

Expo 2020 is a powerful platform to encourage dialogue and action on some of the worlds most pressing issues. Gender equality and womens empowerment are at the heart of Expos programming as it seeks to celebrate, empower and enable women and girls as agents of change in a shared mission for human progress.

The flagship store will also showcase LOreals sustainability commitment and program by reducing its carbon footprint. The beauty store has been developed and built in a way where most of the furniture in store will be reused after the Expo 2020 Dubai.

With this event, LOreal Paris hopes to create a space that supports women to empower each other, encourage each other, and take charge in fighting for their place in this world. Expo 2020 Dubai will bring together more than 200 participants, including 192 countries and millions of visitors from around the globe, allowing for LOreal Paris mission to reach women in every corner of the world.
Online travel company, Cleartrip, has recently appointed Lowe Lintas to manage its creative duties. The scope of the agency will primarily include reinvigorating the brand and crafting a robust communication strategy to navigate the brand in the new industry landscape.

Over the past year, the travel industry has undergone a seismic shift. The pandemic has left the tourism and travel industry worldwide forever changed. Now, with vaccines rolled out to the masses, the travel and tourism industry will see a resurgence in domestic and international markets.

Speaking on the onboarding, Prahlad Krishnamurthi, Chief Business Officer, Cleartrip said: We are happy to onboard Lowe Lintas as our creative partner. Our approach will be to not only build an innovative portfolio but one that is represented by a brand persona that is memorable and impactful. We will be closely working with the Lowe Lintas team and expect that their strategic, innovative, and forward-looking approach will contribute immensely to further building the Cleartrip brand and propelling our growth. We look forward to a rewarding and long-standing partnership.

Companies in the travel and tourism industry must reposition themselves for the post-pandemic market and adapt to the mindset of a new, cautious breed of consumer. Lowe Lintas will play an integral role in positioning Cleartrip as the go-to travel partner in the minds of these travellers.

Commenting on the win, Sonali Khanna, Executive Director and Branch Head - South, Lowe Lintas said: "The last year and a half has really taught us the true meaning of a 'VUCA' world. In order for impacted industries, like Travel & Tourism, to get back on track, we need to devise transformational strategies. Lowe Lintas is no stranger to bold new ideas, and were delighted to partner with Cleartrip to meet this challenge head-on."

The Bangalore office of Lowe Lintas will handle the creative mandate for Cleartrip.
Come autumn and everybody seems to get into the festive mode, which starts pretty much from Mahalaya. Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Devi-Paksha and the end of the Pitri-Paksha is an auspicious day for Bengalis, who celebrate it with much enthusiasm. On the auspicious day of Mahalaya, through a mythological tale, the origin of the 9 forms of the divine Goddess will be shown through NABARUPE MAHADURGA only on COLORS Bangla. The show presenting the nine forms of Durga will go on air on 6th October at 5 am.

Nabarupe Mahadurga promises to celebrate the 9 avatars of Maa Durga. Each of the nine manifested forms are separately venerated during the festival. The show will be about the timeless story of Ma Durga  how she comes into being and saves the Gods and mankind from the evil of Mahisasur. Woven in the story, will be introduced the 9 different forms of the goddess - Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The entire show will be heavily based on dance and music which has never been seen before on Bengali television.

Popular actress Koel Mullick will essay the role of Maa Durga and will be sporting Mahisasur Mardini look and Parvati look. The show will have an ensemble cast showcasing some of COLORS Banglas most popular artists portraying Devis many forms like Adrija Roy, Tumpa Ghosh, Titiksha Das and Pallabi Roy. Alongwith them popular actresses like Jasmine Roy, Ushoshi Roy, Devlina Kumar and Saoli Chattopadhyay will be seen in different avatars of Durga. Samrat Mukherjee will be seen portraying the role of Mahisashur. Popular actor Gaurab Chatterjee as an anchor will narrate the nine forms of Durga.

The show has been directed by none other than the renowned director Anirban Mullick. The music for the program has been arranged by exemplary music director Debajyoti Mishra. Speaking on the occasion Sagnik Ghosh, Business Head, COLORS Bangla said, Mahalaya is not just an important day but an emotion as it ends the year-long wait for Durga Puja, the most important festival celebrated by Bengalis. It describes the journey of Maa Durga and her triumph over evil. Keeping this in mind the show will be about the timeless story of Ma Durga  how she comes into being and saves the Gods and mankind from the evil of Mahisasur. As the name suggests Nabarupe Mahadurga, we will introduce the 9 different forms of the goddess. We have roped in popular actress Koel Mullick to play the role of Durga and we are extremely excited to bring to our viewers this powerful act.

The channel has recently rolled out a fresh new look along with the introduction of a slate of new original programmes. On the communication approach the channel will be cross promoting on other channels. On the digital front interesting trivia about the nine forms of Durga, facts decoding Maa Durgas weapons will be shared.

So, watch this star-studded dance drama act on the special occasion of Mahalaya on 6th October at 5 am only on COLORS Bangla!!
The podcast company of HT Media Ltd. is celebrating its second year of existence on a high. It reached a phenomenal 50 Million+ listens in less than 2 years. It has successfully climbed up to an average of 5 Million+ listens per month. With this as motivation, it continues to stay true to its mission of producing engaging content that speaks to its growing base of listeners from the moment they press play.

On this International Podcast Day, they have decided to raise awareness of a growing industry and the opportunities it brings for brands and podcasters alike while highlighting talent from all over the country.

HT Smartcasts podcaster community delivers content that creates new perspectives, starts conversation and promotes exploration. They have a podcast like Whatsapp University: Jhakaas ya Bakwaas that busts fake news, F Wala Pyaar and Streedom that cover new age love and living from male and female perspectives respectively, Mera Wala grief focuses on how celebrities like Chef Vikas Khanna and Journalist Barkha Dutt are dealing their lifes losses with special focus on the importance of mental health and the fast-becoming popular fiction Boondon se baatien. They also have podcasts that drive thought leadership, like Leadership Lessons that has its own unique following. There are celebrity exclusives where Kareena Kapoor spoke about the second pregnancy and Sabyasachi spoke about his H&M Controversy.

Deepti Ahuja (Producer and Content Head, HT Smartcast) says Podcasts do 3 things: Educate, engage and entertain, and if your listening experience is lacking either or one of these 3 then you must explore the 40+ genres of podcasts that we have waiting for you. HT Smartcast is present on 17+ audio platforms across the country and is growing its base internationally, offering podcasts in 6 different Indian languages.

Authenticity of voice in delivering a brand message has been at the core of every episode they create. As they get back to work after 10 days of celebrations, they are looking forward to September 30 - a worldwide celebration of the power of podcasts. Thanks to each podcast listener, distribution partner and audio enthusiast who has made the last two years possible.

Mr.Ramesh Menon (CEO, Fever FM and HT Smartcast) says Its been an incredible start to our journey, from an idea to 170+ curated podcasts, 2000+ Episodes, 100+ first time podcasters and over 5 million listens a month. Listeners and podcasters have enthusiastically jumped on the podcasting bandwagon. Its time for brands and advertisers to experience the potential of an immersive medium that breaks through the clutter and takes your proposition right through without interruption. How many other mediums can claim to do that?

We are moving forward with programmatic advertising in podcasts in India with a special focus on branded podcasts that have created lasting impacts with an 89% awareness increase and influenced 1 in 4 listeners to research the brand. We plan to replicate and increase this impact in the country with flexible solutions. Our collaborations have always helped brands grow and the journey has been nothing short of an adventure. Heres looking at many more.
At a time of rising digital Ad frauds, mFilterIt, a leading global digital trust and integrity partner of leading brands and organisations today announced the launch of OCIS (Online Communities Integrity Suite)  a suite for managing online communities with integrity to build trustworthy and real engagements with fans and other community members. As per mfilterIt estimates around 17%-18% of fraud spent are incurred on managing communities in India and with help of mFilterIt OCIS offering, brands can save upto 10-15 % in managing online communities.

To cap it all, the suite offers comprehensive real-time monitoring and protection to elevate the community engagement so that genuine fans dont get cheated or fall prey to false information bringing a discredit to the brand with which they get associated.

Announcing the suite, Amit Relan, Co-Founder and Director, mFilterIt said, Co-creation has become the essence of digital led products and services. The participation of fans and their say is on the rise and brands, especially in the sectors like consumer electronics, smartphones and fashion are nurturing communities that run into millions engaging them actively in product co-development, beta testing and other areas. Also, these are engaged in loyalty programmes and social snowballing to become new-age brand influencers and promoters.

It is very critical of brands to ensure integrity of community platforms so that there are no data breach, privacy or scams with the genuine community members who also develop an emotional association with the brand. No brand can afford to lose this emotional equity, concluded Amit.

With the help of Online Communities Integration Suite, the average fraud spends are expected to significantly come down to about 1%. Some of the unique issues solved by the implementation of OCIS include: -

BOT signups: Scammers use BOTs to signup such communities for various reasons. These range from potential cyber security issues to scams. In some rare instances, it could also be a regressive competition tactics to downgrade reputation of the brand. The suite identifies and blocks all BOT signups resulting only in genuine signups.

Fake offers and coupons: Throughout the year, especially during periods like upcoming online festival sales season, fake offers and coupons are spread like wildfire exploiting the power of chatting applications and other social media channels. These are hacks and click baits to generate traffic on poor and inappropriate websites as well as potential channels of installing malware on smartphones and laptops. The incent wall and coupon tracking module reports any such fake offers to save community members from a digital compromise.

Account Take Over or ATO protection: Fake sites and forms are floated by scammers infringing the brand identity to disguise as a real brand outreach to its community members. They fill up details on signup and the account is taken over with authentic credentials by scammers. They can then consume the loyalty points as well as run a calling scam on behalf of the brand sharing account facts like history of purchase, etc., to establish as a genuine and authorised brand representative for further cheating which is most of the times monetary in nature. The brand infringement module does active tracking of all such fake or mirror websites, forms, etc., so that community members are saved from engaging with them well in time.

Fake Engagements: BOTs are also being used for spamming with comments, likes / dislikes, etc., to change the sentiment of an engagement. This not only spreads wrong information but also risks losing potential buyers who research about products and their features by reading these comments. The suite also filters real versus fake engagements to gauge the real sentiment.

Database collection: Fake lookalike websites are launched by scammers with subtle changes in the URLs along with very aggressive SEM (Search Engine Marketing). The potential community members search for the community portals and many-a-times land up infringed websites where the scammers collect data for further frauds and scams. This database is also then sold to tele-calling agencies increasing the threat of unsolicited calls.

Highlighting the unique capabilities of the suite, Dhiraj Gupta, Co-Founder and CTO, mFilterIt said, We use a very complex algorithm to actively monitor surface as well as dark web spaces and then using ML and AI convert them into meaningful and actionable reports helping brand custodians and community owners to proactively safeguard from any potential harm to the identity and privacy of their community members.

As responsible brands it should be one of the critical focus areas of the digital transformation process of organisations to implement such systems giving communities confidence of engaging more openly, concluded Dhiraj.

Ad Fraud is estimated to cost advertisers and brands around $44 billion by 2022. Studies also indicate that each year $1.5 billion is lost due to affiliate marketing fraud. Its the ad fraud which is plaguing the digital landscape. Around 65000 fake apps were detected alone on Google play store in 2019 according to McAfee Mobile Threat Report 2019. According to a reliable report, during May-Nov 2020, against total installs of around 2.3 crores, install fraud was around 44% and unique event fraud was at 29%.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (digital media division) has directed news aggregators, news websites, and news agencies to abide by the guidelines concerning FDI, which limits foreign holding at 26%. Till the FDI policy for digital news was framed, no limitation on foreign holding in digital news companies existed.

In a reminder sent on September 7, 2021, the MIB has directed non-compliant digital news websites to provide details required by the government. The Ministry had directed all those non-compliant digital platforms to take all needed actions within a three-week timeframe.

In 2020 November, the MIB had directed such platforms with foreign investment less than 26% to provide details such as names and addresses of shareholders or directors, shareholding pattern, latest audited/ unaudited account details, etc., within one month.

The Ministry also asked for a confirmation regarding compliance on documentation, reporting requirements, pricing, etc., under the FDI Policy, Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 and Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-debt Instruments) Regulations.

Digital news platforms with more than 26% foreign holding must provide such formation to the Ministry within a month from the issue of the notice, and initiate the needed measures for bringing down the FDI cap to 26% by October 15 2021.

The MIBs reminder dated September 7, states, While some entities have ensured compliance in accordance with the Public Notice, it is requested that the entities which are yet to comply with the same may take necessary action within three weeks of the issue of this reminder.
Netflix has informed that it has bought video game creator Night School Studio and rolled out five mobile gaming titles in some European markets.

Founded by Sean Krankel and Adam Hines in 2014, Night School Studio is best known for their critically acclaimed debut game Oxenfree. This is the first gaming studio purchase by the streaming giant.

Were inspired by their bold mission to set a new bar for storytelling in games. Their commitment to artistic excellence and proven track record makes them invaluable partners as we build out the creative capabilities and library of Netflix games together, said Mike Verdu, VP, Game Development, at Netflix.

Well continue working with developers around the world and hiring the best talent in the industry to deliver a great collection of exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play. Like our shows and films, these games will all be included as part of your Netflix membership  all with no ads and no in-app purchases, added Mike.

The studio's games are available on Sony's PlayStation, Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PCs. These non-mobile titles are the newly created video game portfolio in the Netflix kitty.

It may be recalled that the streamer had given indications about its plans to foray into gaming during its last quarterly earnings. The competition in the space of late has been growing with the likes of HBO Max and Disney+ rapidly gaining subscribers.
Bumble, the women-first social networking app, has partnered with actor Hansika Motwani to encourage single Indians to find meaningful connections and navigate the new world of dating.

In this fun and engaging video, Hansika Motwani shares tips and tricks on how to make a meaningful profile on Bumble and make the first move in finding a new connection.

Speaking on the partnership, Hansika Motwani commented, "Getting to be a part of the Bumble family was so much fun. At this time, the brand is incredibly relevant, encouraging millions of women to make the first move and feel empowered. I totally recommend you try Bumble to build and maintain healthier connections!"

Samarpita Samaddar, Communications Director, Bumble India said, In these changing times, Bumble continues to empower its community to make healthy and equitable relationships as they get more intentional about dating. We are delighted to partner with Hansika Motwani and hope our Gen Z and millennial audiences will be inspired to make the first move and forge healthy and meaningful connections.
Rahi, a leading global integrated IT enterprise solutions provider, today announced that Co-founder and Managing Director - Sushil Goyal has been elevated to a new position as the Chief Executive Officer at Rahi. Sushil had been in charge of the company's operations in India up until recently. He has moved into a larger international role with the aim of driving higher business outcomes. He will assume responsibilities in this new role later in the month. Rohit Singal, General Manager at Rahi, will now head Indias operations.

Sushil's new position at Rahi will entail helping the company's executive team create, grow, and establish a world-class, industry-leading organization. He will be a mentor to the staff and lead the organization in forging strategic alliances with various stakeholders and fulfill the business plan and overall vision of the company. Further, he will be working closely with the CEO, CFO, and other key executive team members to achieve favorable financial results with respect to sales, profitability, and cash flow.

Sushil will spearhead the development, communication, and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes. He will also promote a growth-oriented, positive environment while holding employees and management accountable for company policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Sushil second in line to Tarun Raisoni, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Rahi, will manage operations across the USA, EMEA, South Africa, and APAC regions, Sushil is excited to be a part of leading the company into its next phase of global innovation and operational excellence, he is definitely qualified to drive strategic prioritization and accountability within Rahi.

Commenting on his new role Sushil Goyal said, "I'm thrilled to be helming Rahi into a new direction. In this role, my primary objectives are to enhance communication and encourage professional development among the company's executive team and employees across all our offices in the world. This is a key position, and I want to carve an aggressive growth path for our global operations. At Rahi, we want to raise the bar of customer satisfaction in all the countries where we operate.

Sushil is a seasoned engineer with over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. He specializes in enterprise network infrastructure, access control and security, and complete data center solutions.

Sushil has been the driving force behind the creation, development, and maintenance of external user profile import modules, various spanning tree protocols, and unit and integration testing for new technologies. He co-founded Rahi in the year 2012 with the agenda to create an integrated environment that drives efficiencies, enhances customer service, and creates competitive advantages. Sushil expanded Rahi's business in India as the company's Managing Director, overseeing year after year of revenue growth.
Taco Bell, the world's leading Mexican-inspired restaurant brand, introduces two new delightful offerings for its consumers with the launch of Grilled Cheese Burrito and Quesadilla.

A cheese lovers paradise, the Grilled Cheese  Burrito and Quesadilla is a unique offering being added to Taco Bell Indias diverse product portfolio. The latest innovation offers consumers an opportunity to feel the real cheese experience they deserve at an introductory price of just INR 129 (for vegetarian variant) and INR 149 (for non-vegetarian variant). The brand's objective behind this new launch is to provide a satisfying yet unapologetic experience for its fans with every bite of the product.

With grilled cheese on the outside and two blend cheese on the inside, the Grilled Cheese Burrito and Quesadilla are the perfect choices for a scrumptious treat. While the former is a soft tortilla roll, filled with the goodness of Taco Bells signature exotic ingredients such as two blend cheese, spicy ranch sauce and jalapeno rice, the latter is a soft grilled tortilla, folded with loads of cheesy goodness and creamy jalapeno sauce.

Commenting on the new launch, Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, Taco Bells exclusive franchise partner in India, said, At Taco Bell, it has been our constant endeavor to innovate and create craveable offerings for our consumers and the launch of Grilled Cheese Burrito and Quesadilla is a testimony to those efforts. We are truly excited for consumers to try these never-before-seen additions to our product portfolio that have grilled cheese on the outside and two blend cheese on the inside, an absolute must have for all die-hard cheese fans. Our previous menu additions such as the Taco Party Feast and Best of Bell menu received an overwhelming consumer response, and we are positive that both our latest and unique offerings are sure to win hearts yet again.

A perfect way to kick-start the festive season, the Grilled Cheese Burrito and Quesadilla is sure to satiate all your cheesy cravings. After the inaugural period ends, each product will be available on the a la carte menu, priced at INR 149 (for vegetarian variant) and INR 169 (for non-vegetarian variant). They are available across all platforms  Online, Contactless Dine-in, and Take-away, with high standard safety guarantee.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Taco Bell restaurant or order online (via the Taco Bell App or food aggregators) and dive into an unforgettable cheesy experience!
Vedantu, the pioneer in LIVE online tutoring, announces US$100 million in their Series E round, led by Singapore based impact investing fund ABC World Asia. The round also saw strong participation from existing investors  Coatue, Tiger Global, GGV Capital, Westbridge among others. With this round of funding, Vedantus valuation is at US$1 billion, and it underlines its status as the largest K-12 LIVE online tutoring company in India.

Challenging the status quo in Indias K-12 tutoring space, Vedantu was the first company to offer LIVE online classes in 2014 and is credited with creating the category. It has continued to be a pioneer in the space with several first-time innovations that include WAVE, its proprietary LIVE teaching platform, and the 2-teacher model. Both these innovations are playing a big role in improving student outcomes for the company. Some of the company's innovations have been granted patents in the US. Company looks to continue to innovate further on the LIVE teaching format and penetrate deeper in the K-12 segment by reaching more students. The funds will be primarily used to strengthen product engineering functions as well as expanding into newer categories through both organic and inorganic routes.

Today, Vedantu offers tutoring courses to young students from 3 years old to 18 years old, as well as preparation for competitive exams such as IIT-JEE, NEET, Commerce, CBSE, ICSE, and state exams such as Maharashtra boards. Through its newest offering and fastest growing vertical, SuperKids, it offers extracurricular classes like English Speaking, Reading, and Coding.

Vamsi Krishna, CEO, and Co-Founder, Vedantu said, "Back in 2014, when we held our first LIVE class, nobody believed this would work. It is super satisfying to see this format becoming mainstream and Vedantu leading the way in innovative online delivery experiences. Our vision is simple: Unleash the potential in every child. We will continue to innovate to reach as many students as possible and create 10x better experiences and outcomes for every child at Vedantu. Even though we have made quality teaching affordable and enabled it to reach masses since our inception, it's still very early, much more transformation is still to come which we wish to drive forth. Fundamentally, I believe education has a long cycle, and changes take time to manifest. Seeing any significant change requires patience and the tenacity to sustain long term. With that in mind, we want to create a company that outlasts our lives and continues to innovate for decades to come."

Sugandhi Matta, Chief Impact Officer, ABC World Asia, said, Vedantu embodies our investment themes of providing better access to quality education and using digital technology to improve lives and livelihoods. In India, online education has the potential to extend the scope of Right to Education to students in the underserved community and capture the Next Half Billion income group, representing over half of the countrys student population. With EdTech experiencing meteoric growth in India, Vedantu as the pioneer and category creator in LIVE online tutoring is driving the tectonic shift towards online learning. Vedantu's innovative platform empowers teachers who have delivered excellent results to offer personalized education to many students at once, creating the potential for impact at scale. We are pleased to partner with Vamsi and the Vedantu team as they continue to scale and shape learning outcomes for students in India.

Vedantu is the leader in K-12 LIVE tutoring space. Each month, over 35 million users access Vedantu through its app and web for free. Its YouTube channel gets 65 million views, the highest in the K-12 segment for any educational company in India. Students also access Vedantu through its dedicated Channels on Airtel TV and TATA Sky. Vedantu catered to over 200,000 paying students last year, a 300% growth over the previous year. This growth was accompanied by a revenue increase of 4.5x over the previous year, making it the fastest growing online education company in this space and the overall second-largest company in K-12 in terms of revenue and number of students.

Vedantu continues its run of successes by joining the $1 bn club with this latest round which will close over the next few weeks, with more investors joining in subsequent tranches. The Rainmaker Group acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Vedantu on their fundraising.
Another pull on the noose. YouTube will remove all vaccine misinformation. CHD was removed. In GroupSpeak its called deplatforming. In America it used to be called censorship. In N Korea its called loyalty to dear leader.



What if autism was the test? Once America swallowed the lies that autism is genetic and has always been here and could never have been from vaccines, the runway was ready for what we are seeing today. Once tens of thousands of kids were booted from school for lack of a vaccine, the jets were scrambled. Vaccines will be our nuclear missiles - protecting us from the evil viruses. The shadowy powers that be - and we claim NO inkling of who it is (both Republican and Democrat administrations have forsaken us) are on a mad tear to vaccinate. At any cost. At every cost. We're still here. I hope our tiny size is our shield.



From a NYT article that we can't link:

YouTube said on Wednesday that it was banning the accounts of several prominent anti-vaccine activists from its platform, including those of Joseph Mercola and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , as part of an effort to remove all content that falsely claims that approved vaccines are dangerous.

In a blog post, YouTube said it would remove videos claiming that vaccines do not reduce rates of transmission or contraction of disease, and content that includes misinformation on the makeup of the vaccines. Claims that approved vaccines cause autism, cancer or infertility, or that the vaccines contain trackers, will also be removed.

The platform, which is owned by Google, has had a similar ban on misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccines. But the new policy expands the rules to misleading claims about long-approved vaccines, such as those against measles and hepatitis B, as well as to falsehoods about vaccines in general, YouTube said. Personal testimonies relating to vaccines, content about vaccine policies and new vaccine trials, and historical videos about vaccine successes or failures will be allowed to remain on the site.

Todays policy update is an important step to address vaccine and health misinformation on our platform, and well continue to invest across the board in policies that bring its users high-quality information, the company said in its announcement.

In addition to barring Dr. Mercola and Mr. Kennedy, YouTube removed

the accounts of other prominent anti-vaccination activists such as Erin Elizabeth and Sherri Tenpenny, a company spokeswoman said.

The accounts of such high-profile anti-vaccination activists like Dr. Mercola and Mr. Kennedy remain active on Facebook and Twitter  although Instagram, which Facebook owns, has suspended Mr. Kennedys account....








When I was 19, I met a giant among men. Sgt Major Ellis was a Marines Marine that stood as proud as the uniform he wore. He knew everyone in the battalion by name (all 1,000, or so) and could outrun most Marines a decade younger than him. He was killed by a suicide bomber. His story is not unique.

The white graves that mark Arlington, and countless other cemeteries across America represent a story like his. That is why veterans feel bitter, angry, and betrayed after the slipshod pullout of Afghanistan. Not only because of the way it was conducted, but because this was a war we could have and should have won.

The takeaways from Afghanistan might be horrendous. Consider if we draw the lesson: the military does not work. Coupled with Chinas aggressive imperialistic designs, this could be existentially fatal. That is why it is imperative to get this issue right.

Wars are won by breaking an enemys will to fight. Not by making them like you, but by making them fear you. This was the case in WWII. Almost every major city in Germany and Japan was pulverized. This had the effect of not only crippling their ability to wage war, but also sapping their will to take up arms.

The Civil War is another example. Shermans march to the sea destroyed the confederacy supply chain and demoralized Lees troops. This is not a phenomenon of a past age. The Afghan army, after losing American support, folded in days to the Taliban after realizing their cause was futile. Victory in war is achievable.

After 9/11 we choose a different path. Not doing his best impression of Churchill, President Bush once said: I dont think you can win itI dont have anydefinite end (for the war).[1] This defeatist attitude set the tone for the campaign. First, we refused to name the enemy -- a political movement that sought to impose a radical form of Islam on the world. Bush called it a war on terrorism. Terrorism is a tactic. This would be like declaring war on Kamikaze missions during WWII. This made it almost impossible to think about 9/11 clearly.

Moreover, we refused to use whatever force was necessary to break the will of that movement. Self-effacing rules of engagement hampered our military. Soldiers could not return fire from mosques. Levels of force had to be authorized by bureaucrats and lawyers. A Pentagon study reported, every group of soldiers and Marines interviewed reported that they felt the existing ROEs (rules of engagement) tied their hands, preventing them from doing what needed to be done to win the war.[2]

During the battle of Tora Bora, we allowed Al Qaida leaders (including Osama Bin Laden) to escape for fear of civilian casualties, and many times gave the Taliban advance notice of attacks.[3] In Iraq, we allowed fighters to leave the city before the battle of Fallujah, and then Marines were ordered to halt their attack.[4]

This strategy was influenced by just war theory. In the WestPoint popular book Just and Unjust Wars, Michael Walzer, explains in no uncertain terms that his view is that the chief aim of militaries is for humanitarian crises. Not self-defense. He writes: the chief dilemma of international politics is whether people in danger should be rescued by military forces from outside.[5] Or consider this head-scratcher: In our judgment of the fighting, we abstract from all consideration of the justice of the cause. We do this because the moral status of individual soldiers on both sides is very much the same. They face one another as moral equals[6] This raises so many questions. First and foremost: why are you fighting a war against people who are your moral equal?

On a political level, American policy attempted to promote democracy in the Middle East, even if that meant allowing countries to vote our enemies into power. Once when Bush was asked if the U.S. would accept a theocratic, militant regime in Iraq, he said yes. Democracy is democracy... if thats what the people choose, thats what the people choose.[7]

This mindset emboldened the enemy. It is essentially saying: what you did on 9/11what you do to women and gays, and everyone who does not share your faiththat is all okay so long as a majority voted for it. In fact, they did vote in warlords who were not much different than the people who attacked us. Failure was not owned by one administration. Obama surged the level of troops in Afghanistan. Not as a new strategy that resembled victory, but as a way to double down on Bushs legacy. Trump even invited the Taliban to Camp David to broker a peace deal.

Why did we choose this path? The simple answer is that Americans do not believe we have the right to stand up for ourselves. Consciously or unconsciously, we have absorbed the rhetoric (with varying degrees) that all cultures and governments are equal. We desperately need to shed ourselves from this neuroticism. A culture that stones unveiled women or throws gays off of buildings is not the moral equivalent of one that protects peoples freedoms. What would a rational foreign policy look like? For our military, it means destroying threats as swiftly as possible. Not just the immediate threat, but defeating him thoroughly enough so that we have drained his motivation to fight. Our military should not be treated as fodder to go on dangerous missions to safeguard elections or supervise the construction of sewers.

Pundits sometimes argue this type of war will create more enemies. This is groundless and ahistorical. If this were true, Japan would be an enemy after WWII. Ditto for Germany, and the Confederacy. When an enemy is thoroughly defeated, materially and spiritually; he realizes that his cause was futile and misguided.

Oftentimes, former addicts talk about hitting rock bottom. This often involves a rejection from another person. A spouse leaving them, fired from their job, or getting arrested. What the former addict finally realizes at this moment is that it is the result of their actions alone that caused this. Even in the cognitive fog of addiction, they see this.

A similar revelation happens on a cultural scale to a defeated army. They grasp that they were in the wrong and deluded by irrational ideologies. That is why the Japanese navy minister Yonai Mitsumasa called the atomic bombs gifts from heaven.[8] That is not to say every city that harbors a threat needs to be flattened. But it is to say that every legitimate threat should be met with whatever force is necessary to defeat it. Civilian casualties, while tragic, are crimes of the aggressing actor.

As easy as it is to become bitter about Afghanistan, there is a comforting thought that assuages it. The men and women who fought never wavered in their tenacity. In two decades of fighting their ferocity and skill was every bit as present on the tarmacs of Kabul as it was on September 12th, 2001. It is this fighting spirit that gives me hope for America. The same cannot be said about their leaders. They do not deserve the men and women that serve under them.

Undoubtedly, the Afghanistan fiasco will result in more terrorism, more bloodshed, and emboldened adversaries. With the equal vigor that our fighting men and women displayed on the battlefield, the promise of American exceptionalism must be intellectually fought for. It is the dissemination of this knowledge that will nurture our sense of life, and help us grow to become a people with an upright and proud self-esteem. That -- and only that -- will stop the bleeding and ensure a free and prosperous future- one that our fallen comrades would be proud of.

Photo credit: Petr Kratochvil Public Domain Pictures
At the height of the COVID-19 scare --- say, around March and April 2020 --- when the virus and its accompanying hysteria were at their apex, Democrats scored their most effective and damaging hits upon public confidence in President Trumps pandemic leadership, the effects of which persisted clear through to the November election.

Their cynical, hurtful strategy was simple enough: Heap as much ridicule as necessary upon his determined efforts to produce safe and effective vaccines, while reserving special scorn for his attempts to identify as many viable therapeutic treatments as possible to serve as stopgaps until the vaccines were ready and beyond.

Admittedly, Mr. Trump sometimes aided those ignoble efforts at political derision by his undisciplined, stream-of-consciousness ruminations over how certain substances might work in the human body, or his inexplicable willingness to be sucked into pointless rows with the biased, partisan press corps. Also clearly counterproductive was his undisguised disdain for mask-wearing, despite the legitimate, if overblown fears of ordinary people.

But Trump is Trump and hell always do it his way --- come what may. And those instances where Trump stepped on his own message or created a verbal shroud over his considerable managerial skill nevertheless cant erase how much better off we all were with #45 calling the signals in comparison to todays sclerotic leadership.

And lo and behold, despite the predictable Dem misdirection, the vaccines arrived just as Trump predicted, and the wisdom of concurrently pursuing effective treatments became crystal clear to anyone, subsequently vaccinated or not, who later contracted COVID.

So its only now, when Trumps careful thought processes and sound judgments have been replaced by Joe Bidens blinkered cart-horse rigidity and petulant obstinacy, that some --- but not all --- can begin to appreciate the flexibility and foresight that sometimes laid hidden behind Trumps overly combative, off-putting style.

Sadly, it appears that here in the U.S. weve finally reached a critical mass of people who can only learn their lessons the hard way --- and best believe, it wont get much harder than enduring the remainder of Joe Bidens already disastrous term.

Observing Bidens single-track, my-way-or-the-highway insistence upon vaccinating anyone and everyone no matter their personal history or medical circumstances, one cant help but long for Trumps far more nuanced and sophisticated approach. Over the lengthening course of this China-born plague, the person the Democrats tried to paint as a would-be Mussolini was in fact scrupulously respectful of both individual liberties and the constitutionally- prescribed prerogatives of the several States. The emerging autocrat Bidens pandemic fighting inclinations in stark contrast seem more aligned with those of Xi-Xin Ping than any American leader in memory.

In the midst of an election year, no official ever staked more reputation or political capital than did Donald Trump, squarely on the efficacy of the then-nascent COVID vaccines. Any serious setback or time-consuming obstacle affecting their development would have been blared to the heavens by the skeptical, failure-seeking Dems and their media lackeys, and probably would have meant a sure landslide defeat for Trump.

Yet Trumps confidence in their timely arrival never wavered; even going so far as to assume the still greater risk of guaranteeing payment for millions of doses of the as yet widely untried drugs (another action the second-guessing Dems would have blasted had it backfired.)

Of course the drug companies, thus beneficiaries of guaranteed billions in revenue, rewarded Trumps confidence by delaying the announcement of the impending readiness of the vaccines until after the election, helping Biden immeasurably. Now theres gratitude for you!

Under such circumstances, given the risks hed run without apparent appreciation, in his last few months in office Trump might have been forgiven for taking the coercive approach to vaccination that Biden has mindlessly embraced. But he didnt --- sticking to the more reasonable two-track strategy of providing enough vaccines for those who want it, while still seeking effective treatments for the sick among the arsenal of tried-and-true (but alas, less profitable) medicines. Unlike Biden, Trump knew that a successful track record worked more effectively to persuade the vaccine-hesitant than the bludgeoning hand of government.

Despite Joes typically grandiose, gruel-for-dummies pronouncements about shutting down the virus, Trumps overall framework for combating COVID has remained in place among those actually on the frontlines. However, now that theyre fully in power, the Democrats still insist upon continuing to denigrate traditional, off-patent medicines. Ivermectin has now joined Hydroxychloroquine on the wanted poster of cheap medicinal outlaws unfit for enlightened society.

Diminished capacity and questionable judgment have not though dulled the Biden feel for exploiting the nexus between government procurement and regulation, and the needs of deep-pocketed businesses. Whereas Trump, while guaranteeing federal payment for the coming vaccines, nevertheless earned Big Pharmas ire by insisting that all Americans be first in line when they were finally ready for delivery, Biden now curries favor by attempting to sidestep his own FDA. His premature announcement of boosters for all before justifying data is fully compiled was meant to hurry the federal purchase of hundreds of millions more doses, for Americans and millions abroad.

He may forget the Aussie Prime Ministers name, but Joe needs no index card to recall how political bread is buttered. Somewhere down the road, you can count on drug companies once again rewarding Biden, this time for accelerating their sales and boosting near-term profits.

I suppose sucking up to giant industries (see also: credit cards) is much akin to riding that proverbial bicycle --- once you learn .

Whether the issue is the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, the hemorrhaging border, or the stubbornly persistent COVID pandemic, uninformed inflexibility is the hallmark of the Biden style of leadership. Creating a crisis by short-sighted, incompetent actions, and then pretending that the resulting damage is merely a consequence of bad luck or extraneous circumstances, is another infuriating feature of the Biden style

But I predict what well ultimately miss most about the Trump years will be his compulsive, almost obscene transparency. He made sure you knew what he thought about everyone and everything --- even facts you devoutly wished not to know. So many revelations coming at you, it almost made you feel like a public affairs voyeur.

Biden, by necessity, cant help but be the polar opposite. His severe limitations dictate that he must attempt to govern mainly through secrecy and obfuscation, often relying upon outright lies to cover his tracks. So he employs underlings practiced --- if not entirely skilled --- at those deceptive arts. Big liars dont necessarily make good ones, and that unsettling lack of candor explains why confidence in his leadership has plummeted so precipitously as his errors mount.

What were left with is a burned-out front man for the extreme left-wing who traded what little soul he possessed for the honor of finally being called Mr. President.

Thus is an adult back in charge.

Image: Elvert Barnes, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0

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A moderate Muslim cleric and counter-terrorism advisor to the U.K. government was recently caught on film referring to Israel as a terrorist state and praising martyrsjihadist code for suicide bombers.

During his speech, Imam Irfan Chishti told the crowd that if they wanted to become mujahideen, holy warriors, then they should emulate the Muslim general Saladin, who expelled the Crusaders from Palestine in 1187. He then lamented, Where is the modern-day Saladin?

The choice of Saladin is interesting in that he is in many ways emblematic of Palestinian terrorism: widely seen, especially in the West, as a freedom fighter and liberator, the sultan was in fact a terrorist of the ISIS variety.

Consider some brief facts about this historical figure that is otherwise extolled both in the Muslim and Western worlds. According to his biographer, Baha al-Din, Saladin loved hearing Koran recitals, prayed punctually, and hated philosophers, heretics, and materialists and all opponents of the sharia (a fitting description of all those Western apologists who currently praise him).

After defeating the crusaders at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, rather than ransoming or enslaving them, as was common then, Saladin had the warrior monks of the military orders of the Temple and Hospital butchered before him in a scene that has long informed ISISs propagandistic execution videos.* He then had the True Cross, Christendoms most precious relic, seized and paraded upside down in dirt and dung to Muslim jeers and spits.

Naturally, Saladins Western apologists couldn't care less about these incidents; after all, the crusaders had it coming to them. Besides, all warsincluding Saladins war of liberationget messy.

What, then, does one make of the fact that he severely persecuted Egypts indigenous Christians, the Coptsincluding by crucifying or hanging many thousands of them and routinely breaking the crosses off and tarring their churcheseven though the Copts, who refer to Saladin as the Oppressor of the Cross Worshippers, had nothing to do with the Franks or the crusades? (See A Sword Over the Nile, pp. 127, 131, 141, and 142.)

In fact, Saladin had a virulent hatred for Christianitythe sort expressed by ISIS and their ilkabove and beyond his conflict with the crusaders. Saladins retirement wish, moreover, was, according to his Muslim biographer, to invade and wage jihad on Christian Europe, until there shall not remain on the face of this earth one unbeliever in Allah, or I will die in the attempt.

None of this has stopped Western historians from holding Saladin as a model of virtueone that the West can learn from. Thus, according to an esteemed American historian, Dana Carleton Munro,

When we contrast with this [the Crusader conquest of Jerusalem in 1099] the conduct of Saladin when he captured Jerusalem from the Christians in 1187, we have a striking illustration of the difference between the two civilizations and realize what the Christians might learn from contact with the Saracens [Muslims] in the Holy Land.

Note the present tense: might learn. Saladina hero for ISIS and militant terrorists the world overis to be held up in the West as an example from whom todays intolerant Christians need to learn.

In reality, the aftermath of the Saladins conquest of Jerusalem in 1187 looks, again, like something straight out of ISISs playbook. Although he allowed many Christians to be ransomed, Saladin also ordered some fifteen thousand Christians sold into slavery. Women and children together came to 8,000 and were quickly divided up among us, bringing a smile to Muslim faces at their lamentation, wrote Muhammad al-Isfahani, one of Saladins confidants who was present at Jerusalems capitulation, before he launched into a sadomasochistic tirade extolling the sexual debasement of European women at the hands of Muslim men:

How many well-guarded women were profaned,  and miserly women forced to yield themselves, and women who had been kept hidden [nuns] stripped of their modesty  and free women occupied [meaning penetrated], and precious ones used for hard work, and pretty things put to the test, and virgins dishonoured and proud women deflowered  and happy ones made to weep! How many [Muslim] noblemen took them as concubines, how many ardent men blazed for one of them, and celibates were satisfied by them, and thirsty men sated by them, and turbulent men able to give vent to their passion.

Such, then, is the true Saladin of history. As seen, however, none of these ISIS-like aspects interest those many Western historians devoted to whitewashing premodern Islam; instead, they focus on and highlight the one aspect of his career that can be made to appear positivethat he liberated Jerusalem from the crusader occupiers, that he was a Muslim defender against Christian offenders.

Interestingly, this exact pattern is duplicated by those many Western commentators devoted to whitewashing modern Islam. Thus, even though Islamic terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah share in ISISs worldview, their Western apologists focus on and highlight the one aspect of their actions that can be made to appear positivethat they are fighting a war of liberation against the Zionist occupiers, that they are Muslim defenders against Jewish offenders.

At any rate, from here one can understand why all Imam Irfan Chishti had to do was apologize to be reinstated to his high paying job as a counter terrorist expert in the UK: Some of my words reflect a clear error of judgment, in the heat of the moment, he said, and do not reflect my sentiments or the sentiments of the audience. I now appreciate that my ill-chosen words will have caused offense and hurt to the Jewish community and I tender my most profound apologies.

Of course, of all his ill-chosen words, surely those concerning Saladin are not among those he would take back; for few in the West know who the true Saladin was or what the Saladin paradigm is: the Western penchant to find, extrapolate, and obsess over one noble aspect of Muslims who otherwise were Islamic terroristsa paradigm alive and well today.

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After boasting I shall purify the land of these two impure races [Templars and Hospitallers], Saladin ordered that they should be beheaded, choosing to have them dead rather than in prison, writes eyewitness Baha al-Din: With him was a whole band of scholars and Sufis and a certain number of devout men and ascetics; each begged to be allowed to kill one of them, and drew his scimitar and rolled back his sleeve. Saladin, his face joyful, was sitting on his dais; the infidels showed black despair, the troops were drawn up in their ranks, the amirs stood in double file. There were some who slashed and cut cleanly, and were thanked for it. After saying that some of these would-be executioners did not have the stomach to continue in the ritual slaughter, Baha al-Din focused on one who killed unbelief to give life to Islam: I saw there the man who laughed scornfully and slaughtered, who spoke and acted; how many promises he fulfilled, how much praise he won, the eternal rewards he secured with the blood he shed, the pious works added to his account with a neck severed by him (Gabrieli, 138-139).

Raymond Ibrahim, author most recently of Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center; a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum; and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute.

Image: Osterreichische Nationalbibliothek - Austrian National Library, via Picryl / Public Domain Mark 1.0

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In August, a slew of healthcare groups gave their employees deadlines to take COVID-19 vaccines or face termination. Although these mandates on paper allowed for religious and medical exemptions, in multiple cases, when exemptions proved hard to come by, employees facing threats of termination resorted to lawsuits to hold onto their jobs.

How did these lawsuits turn out, and who eventually submitted to the will of the other: the healthcare group or the plaintiffs?

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health Systems: A Win for the Right to Medical Privacy

Earlier this month, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health Systems, a state healthcare group, paused its COVID-19 vaccine mandate until further federal guidance about the Biden administrations mandate for all businesses with more than 100 employees.

This pause in the mandate came about one week after UAB Health Systems received a letter from a conservative public-interest firm, Alabama Center for Law and Liberty (ACLL), threatening a lawsuit. The outcome of this letter, sent on September 10th, while a great victory, could only have been possible in the context of a recently passed bill, Senate Bill 267, which Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law in May of this year.

Iveys senate bill prohibited state entities from requiring vaccination or proof of vaccination as a condition for receiving a government service or for entry into a government building.

As a result of that measure, a state employees vaccination status became a private matter that, if disclosed, would result in criminal prosecution. That is precisely what happened when Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall warned health care providers to immediately cease using the state immunization registry, known as ImmPRINT, to determine employees vaccination status or face criminal prosecution.

ACLL President Matthew Clark also used this bill as justification for a possible injunction against UAB Health Systems, in a letter sent to that organization on September 10.

As the Supreme Court of Alabama has recognized, UAB Hospital is a state-run hospital. Consequently, UAB Hospital may not require its employees to disclose whether they have been vaccinated or not.

One week later, UAB Health Systems announced that, facing the threat of lawsuit, it was dropping the COVID-19 vaccination mandates and that they would wait for federal guidance to ensure full compliance with federal law.

Houston Methodist Hospital: Employees of Non-State Entities Are Out of Luck

Unfortunately, unlike UAB, Houston Methodist (HM) is not a state-affiliated hospital, and Texas law simply does not protect employees working for private businesses from forced vaccination as a condition of continued employment.

Looking back now, the bill Governor Greg Abbott signed in June does not have enough teeth. In June, Abbott signed into law a bill much like SB 267 in Alabama. Abbotts measure prohibited state entities from creating vaccine passport requirements as a condition of employment and discouraged private businesses in Texas from requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports from customers, but the law does not impose any fines or penalties for its violation, and just like in Alabama, there is no measure restricting the ability of private businesses to require COVID-19 vaccines of their employees as a condition of employment.

Perhaps this is why former Houston Methodist employees case of wrongful termination was dismissed out of hand as frivolous by both the administration and U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Hughes. The five-page ruling filed on June 12, 2021, in the Southern District of Texas makes the astonishing argument that former HM employee Jennifer Bridges opinion that the vaccine is experimental and dangerous is irrelevant to the lawsuit. She writes in her Order on Dismissal:

Bridge argues that, if she is fired for refusing to be injected with a vaccine, she will be wrongfully terminated. Vaccine safety and efficacy are not considered in adjudicating this issue.

So, if the safety of the vaccine is not in consideration in the adjudication process, according to Hughes, then what is? Bridges is not being asked by Houston Methodist to engage in criminal activity, says the judge. If she were, she would, of course, have the right to refuse, but the right to put into her body only what she deems healthy and good is not a right that Hughes federal court recognizes.

Alabama and Texas State Law are Cautionary Tales

Both of these legal battles show that, while government employees in states with strong anti-vaccine passport measures can hope to enjoy legal protection from mandates, non-state employees in those same states simply do not have that luxury. These anti-vaccine passport bills are a step in the right direction, but they do not go far enough. All citizens, not just those working for state entities, need strong measures in place that will protect their constitutional rights to medical privacy and to autonomy over their own bodies.

Image: Pixabay

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Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller is confined to the brig because, to put it in Marine speak, because he would not "STFU" about holding leaders accountable. I will leave it to a military judge to review his being silenced with brig confinement. Such an order appears to be petty, disgusting, and an overreach made out of fear since he offered to resign.

It is not often that a point like Lt. Col. Scheller's  that some of the most senior military leaders in charge are found wanting  is so quickly validated. SecDef Lloyd Austin, Chairman JCS Milley, and CENTCOM's General McKenzie make his point in their own words that they are not being held accountable. Nor, apparently, will they resign in disgrace by holding themselves accountable for the greatest military defeat in American battlefield history.

It is that simple. And a special note to General Milley: Invoking your dad on Iwo, my only uncle, whom I am named after, also did not have the ability to resign because he was KIA on Iwo Jima, so enough with self-serving red herrings.



YouTube screen grab.

Americans who never served in the military have now finally observed what many in uniform have seen: there is one thing worse than an arrogant, pompous general, and that is an ignorant arrogant, pompous general.

In my opinion, fear and flop sweat were visible as they watched their carefully constructed Washington edifice of performance crumble  in a bipartisan fashion during Senate and House hearings. Life will go on, but as those being left behind enemy lines tell their stories of suffering in perhaps unimaginable ways, the devil's brew created by our feckless American leaders will fester and boil over.

"Leave no one behind" is U.S. military holy writ. Now, in the blink of an eye, that has become a hollow pledge.

The other Afghan issue is the logic of twenty years of combat being turned on its head. Lt. Col. Scheller is calling for full transparent public accountability covering the self-serving buffoonery of many during the twenty-year span of senior commanders. The consequences we created in Afghanistan are not going away. After all, if the basic argument for staying the course was that we have to fight Islamic crazy fanatical killers there so they do not come here, meaning the U.S. and western Europe, then the Biden administration just gave them billions and billions of nasty deadly weapons.

Way to go, guys!

Both Milley and McKenzie, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, acknowledged that while no U.S. troops remain on the ground in Afghanistan, neither the war on terror nor the war in Afghanistan is over.

McKenzie also said he was not confident in the U.S.'s ability to prevent ISIS and al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a launchpad for terrorist activity in the future.

Milley said he believes that U.S. credibility has been damaged after the U.S. withdrawal, which triggered the withdrawal of all NATO allied troops stationed in Afghanistan alongside Americans.

"I think that our credibility with allies and partners around the world, and with adversaries, is being intensely reviewed by them to see which way this is going to go. And I think that 'damage' is one word that could be used, yes," Milley told Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi.

However, most importantly, what should never be lost in the quest for the truth in the fog of losing Afghanistan is General Milley's strategic calls to China about U.S. nuclear deterrence.

I suspect that, not anticipating the Afghan debacle, General Milley, being a legend in his own mind, leaked his brilliance to Bob Woodward. Putting himself in the strategic nuclear response chain of command was so arrogant and ignorant that it defies belief.

When I was Secretary Weinberger's principal director of mobilization and requirements for President Reagan, we made sure world leaders, both friend and advisories alike, knew beyond any doubt that the president has the launch codes  and, if ever executed, those orders go directly to our strategic forces. Even in those Cold War days, we measured response inside thirty minutes. Coordinating with anyone outside that direct link would have cost us millions of lives lost.

Americans should not excuse the chairman's call to the Peoples Republic of China because it is incredibly dangerous, beyond his stewardship of the Afghan debacle, and should be a firing offense. It is simple: just look at what happened to a previous ignorant, arrogant general, who became secretary of state on the day President Reagan was shot;

"[A]s doctors struggled to save the president and reporters clamored for information, Secretary of State Alexander Haig repeatedly insisted  wrongly  that he was in charge of the federal government. "Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the president, the vice president and the secretary of state, in that order, and should the president decide he wants to transfer the helm to the vice president, he will do so," Haig explained to reporters in the White House press room, apparently forgetting that the House speaker and the Senate's president pro tempore come before the secretary of state in the line of succession. And then, in a dozen words that would become famous, he said, "As of now, I am in control here, in the White House."

Note that the Reagan Team immediately pushed back on Haig's arrogant stupidity:

Haig stormed into the press room and said he was in charge of the government. "That's a mistake!" one yelled. "What's this all about?" demanded Treasury Secretary Don Regan. "Is he mad?" "He's wrong! He doesn't have such authority," said Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Where were the other senior leaders telling General Milley, "You do not have that authority!" when he was briefing them on his role and mission in strategic nuclear deterrence?

That would be part of the across-the-board accountability that is Lt. Col. Scheller's courageous point.

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Americans discovered on Wednesday that, on Saturday, Democrats had slipped something awful into their $3.5-trillion ironically named "Build Back Better Bill." If the bill becomes law (and the only thing currently stopping it is that Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin are saying "no"), employers can be charged as much as $700,000 per unvaccinated employee. This is madness.

The Daily Mail had the story:

The Biden administration has included a vaccine enforcement mechanism in the $3.5 trillion, 2,465-page 'Build Back Better Bill' which will enable the government to enforce fines on employers whose employees do not get the vaccine. The mechanism, buried on page 168 of the Democrats' 'reconciliation' spending bill, will allow a tenfold increase in fines for businesses with 100 or more employees that 'wilfully and repeatedly,' violate a section of labor law that deals with workplace hazards, of which Covid-19 is now a part. The increased fines on employers could go as high as $70,000 for serious infractions, and $700,000 for wilful or repeated violations  a sum which can be applied to each instance of a violation rather than a total limit. If enacted into law, the fines could rapidly bankrupt companies whose employees are not vaccinated, in effect forcing businesses to comply with Biden's inoculation drive.

As you contemplate Congress brutally forcing businesses to fire unvaccinated employees, these facts should be at the forefront of your brain. (Note, I'm not a physician, and this is not medical advice; it's just an aggregation of information available on the internet.)

Accepting as true the core elements of the above info  a low virus mortality rate and a relatively high vaccine risk rate  the Democrats' aggressive push to vaccinate people makes no sense. Moreover, even as the Democrats attack conservatives, the people avoiding vaccines are Blacks, Hispanics, and nurses, all core demographics for Democrats. These are the people the Biden administration is forcing into being unemployed and uninsured, without even the benefit of unemployment benefits.

As the Democrats get more shrill and more vindictive, increasing numbers of people are going to assume that Democrats are acting from either insanity or malevolence. Either is a terrible choice for a once free country's political leadership.

That's my summary of what's going on here. Tucker's is better:

Image: A masked, vaccinated Joe Biden, on a TV set with a fake White House, purports to get a booster shot. YouTube screen grab.

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Joe Biden can't help himself. It seems that every day, he's tweeting about making "the rich" pay their "fair share" of taxes. He's trying to lecture us to feel jealous of others' success and shill his monster spendathon plan worth at least $3.5 trillion. And he's trying to expand the budget and reach of the IRS to go after the little guy  the one who makes $600 deposits. But this kind of talk coming from him, and his billionaire allies, reeks of hypocrisy.

Joe and Jill Biden set up a Subchapter S corporation so they could shield a substantial amount of Joe's income from his worthless speeches from Medicare taxes.

Biden has been corrupt and greedy throughout his career, with a substantial amount of wealth and income coming from huge foreign kickbacks to Hunter and his brother. He's "the big guy" according to Hunter's emails, who always gets "ten percent." Here's what he did on the tax front alone to avoid paying taxes:

Does Joe Biden owe up to $500,000 in back taxes? Republicans say non-partisan report indicates the president improperly avoided paying Medicare taxes before he took office  The report, done by the Congressional Research Service, proves the possibility that Biden owes the IRS as much as $500,000 in back taxes  The Bidens improperly used their two 'S corporations' to avoid paying Medicare tax on speaking fees and book sales in 2017 and 2018  They routed more than $13million through S corporations and counted less than $800,000 of it as salary eligible for Medicare tax, the Wall Street Journal said  They exempted the rest of their income from what would have been a rate of 3.8 percent

The New York Times, the Washington Post, and other media outlets did endless reports on Trump and his finances, but most are silent about the Biden corruption, which includes his taxes.

It is disgusting that Biden would demand that others pay more taxes to help pay for expansion and other entitlements while he intentionally made sure he paid $500,000 less for Medicare taxes.

It is even more disgusting that journalists, who are supposed to hold the powerful to account, intentionally hide the truth about corrupt politicians they are campaigning for, such as Biden and the Clintons, while continually lying, as with Russian collusion, about people they oppose.

Why should anyone trust supposed journalists who are so intentionally dishonest?

The hypocrisy is all over from those who call for higher taxes. It's not just Biden, but the Democrat party's many billionaire allies.

Remember billionaire Warren Buffett? He supports candidates who want higher tax rates and complains that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. If he meant that, he would have his main investment company, Berkshire Hathaway, pay a dividend to its shareholders, but it never has.

There is an existing tax, called the accumulated earnings tax, which is meant to prevent big companies from accumulating too much cash. It is supposed to be used by the IRS to force companies to pay a dividend, have a use for the money, or pay a 20% tax to the government.

What Is an Accumulated Earnings Tax?  An accumulated earnings tax is a tax on retained earnings that are considered unreasonable, which should be paid out as dividends.  The government taxes accumulated earnings so as to prevent corporations from not paying dividends to its shareholders.  Dividends are taxed higher than capital gains so it is financially beneficial for shareholders to avoid paying taxes on dividends.  The accumulated earnings tax rate is 20%.

The current qualified dividend rate can be as high as 23.8 percent plus state taxes. Dividends are also not deductible to the corporation, so they pay 21% plus state taxes. Essentially, dividends are double-taxed, with total rates higher than 50%.

Here is the amount of cash six large companies had on hand at the end of 2020 and their dividend rates:

Berkshire Hathaway; $138 billion, Dividend Zero

Apple: $196 Billion; Dividend 0.6%

Amazon: $84 Billion; Dividend Zero

Microsoft: $137 Billion; Dividend 0.83%

Google: $137 Billion; Dividend Zero

Facebook: $62 Billion; Dividend Zero

As for Buffett, he's hoarding: "Warren Buffett still hesitant about stocks as Berkshire hoards cash again."

Another purpose of the law is to prevent companies from becoming too powerful so they can devour or quash their competition. Democrats should be for that. I know I am.

The IRS could collect hundreds of billions if it just enforced this existing law, and it wouldn't need a bigger budget to do it.

My guess is that if these companies donated to Tea Partysupporters instead of Democrats, they would be targeted.

The CEOs and billionaires seem to be protected from hassle as long as they donate to Democrats and support their agenda, including pretending they support higher taxes. They can buy mansions, own yachts, and fly in private jets as long as they pretend to care about their carbon footprint.

The hypocrisy continues and continues.

Bill Gates always pretends he wants to pay more taxes, but Microsoft and other big companies pretend their income comes from countries where it doesn't. Look at how they do it.

Google shifted $23 billion to tax haven Bermuda in 2017: filing Google moved 19.9 billion euros ($22.7 billion) through a Dutch shell company to Bermuda in 2017, as part of an arrangement that allows it to reduce its foreign tax bill, according to documents filed at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Microsoft's Irish subsidiary posted a 220B profit in a single year. Microsoft Round Island One has no employees except directors An Irish subsidiary of Microsoft recorded a profit of $315bn (222bn) last year. The profit generated by Microsoft Round Island One is equal to nearly three-quarters of Ireland's gross domestic product  even though the company has no employees. The subsidiary, which is resident for tax purposes in Bermuda and collects licence fees for the use of copyrighted Microsoft software around the world, recorded an annual profit of $314.7bn in the year to the end of June 2020, according to accounts filed at the Irish Companies Registration Office.

There is no legitimate reason for Microsoft, Google, and others to divert their income to other countries, but it massively inflates their earnings, stock price, and wealth.

The IRS would not need a bigger budget to go after the big companies that manipulate their earnings. They could just closely follow this accounting maneuver. Forcing these companies to pay more in taxes as the law allows would raise huge amounts of money.

Why don't House speaker Nancy Pelosi and her sidekick, Rep. Adam Schiff, go after these big companies and billionaires instead of conducting endless witch hunts on a former president?

Gates, Zuckerberg, Buffett, and other billionaires also save huge amounts of money by donating inflated stock to charities at market value instead of cost. This drastically lowers their federal and state taxes because they never have to pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation of the stock.

I have been a CPA for 44 years and have seen schemes for the individuals and companies I have worked for to divert income overseas, to pretend ordinary income was capital gains income, and to pretend income came from states where it didn't. We turned them all down, even though we like paying lower taxes because they were essentially fraudulent schemes.

I have no problem with companies and individuals paying taxes according to the tax code. I am appalled that companies and individuals manipulate the code improperly to save taxes  especially billionaires who tell others to pay higher rates.

Summary: The IRS does not need more money. It should enforce existing laws to go after the big fish. Congress should change charitable giving laws by only allowing deductions at lower cost or market. These enforcement actions and one minor change would raise hundreds of billions.

We should not raise rates, especially since the lower rates have raised more money and cause greater economic growth.

Biden says a lot of stupid things, but one of the dumbest ever, which is a new Democrat talking point, is that his massive $5-trillion slush fund proposal is "free" for taxpayers because he pretends he will confiscate that much from the private sector.

Then he should pay the $500,000 in additional Medicare taxes he saved, because, according to him, that is free.

Jack Hellner is a certified public accountant.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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I don't understand the commotion over oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico from drilling operations after Hurricane Ida. Oil has always oozed out of the ground to foul land, lakes, and oceans. That's how people first discovered the stuff.

In nature, some oil on the surface evaporates off as naphtha (probably the basis of the ancient Greek fire). Other oil is digested by bacteria, converting it into simple organic compounds that other organisms feast on, leading to localized exuberant biodiversity. The heavier components of oil remain as lumps called bitumen or asphalt.

The Dead Sea was called Lake Asphaltites because of the gooey pebbles that floated onto the surface from underwater seeps. This asphalt was used on Egyptian mummies. Oil found floating on lakes or in puddles was used by Indians to caulk canoes and as medicines. In California's uber-environmentalist Santa Barbara County, an estimated 11 to 160 barrels of oil seep into the ocean daily and have for countless centuries. The locals have made attempts at capping it.



A sphere of oil bubbling up in a Santa Barbara oil seepage.

Photo credit: Royalty-free image via Dreamstime.

Oil exists beneath the surface of the Earth under pressure that causes it to seep to the surface by any available route. When a well is drilled into a pocket of contained oil, the pressure forces it to gush out and over the wellhead. The pressure in the pool of drilled oil gradually falls, and the seep ceases. In this way, oil drilling actually has stopped numerous spills of oil onto the surface, where it fouled land and water for eons.

If environmentalists really wanted to preserve pristine nature, they would be appalled that drilling for oil has interfered with widespread oil seeps that enriched the environment before mankind messed things up.

Erwin Haas, M.D., MBA, an infectious diseases consultant, served as a flight surgeon in Vietnam and as a city commissioner in Kentwood, Michigan. He is a policy adviser at the Heartland Institute and has published 12 articles in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals and also in the American Thinker, Liberty Magazine, Lew Rockwell, and Medical Economics and wrote several books including A Brewery Worker's Boy in Vietnam.

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Americans think public education should prepare children to succeed in the modern world and to have general knowledge of their country and government. Leftists, though, believe education is about indoctrination. Lately, this has involved teaching children Critical Race Theory and pushing transgenderism. Parents are appalled. That's why it mattered that, during the gubernatorial debate in Virginia, Democrat Terry McAuliffe said the left's quiet part out loud: "I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach."

America's founders strongly supported education. Here's George Washington:

A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing ... than ... communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?

For more than two centuries, Washington's vision mostly held sway. Education was about reading, writing, and arithmetic. With increased immigration after the Civil War, education was used to create a common American culture. After WWII, when America was the major player in the world theater, schools expanded the breadth, if not the depth, of what children should know.

Also, after WWII, leftists pushed to teach children that America is a cruel, hate-filled country and that socialism is the only good and fair system of government. In the 1960s through 1980s (my years getting educated), these principles were like a silent current underlying education but they were never overt.

Beginning in the 1990s, though, and with accelerating pressure over the last 20 years, leftism has aggressively taken over classrooms. The anti-American history book by the open socialist Howard Zinn, A People's History of the United States, is the most used American history textbook in colleges and high schools. In California's best high schools, students don't read Twain, Shakespeare, Dickens, or Austen, but they will read about life in a South African brothel, complete with incomprehensible dialect writing. And then there's climate change's lesson, which is to give government power or we're all going to die.

Parents mostly accepted this as the price of a modern education. You can't fight the system because the teachers (many of whom are uneducated and vindictive) will make your child suffer.

Things changed in 2020. COVID lockdowns meant that kids sat at the kitchen table and listened to their teachers  and, for the first time, parents heard those teachers. What they heard horrified them because it had gone beyond "America bad" and "we're all going to die." The new classroom dialectic was that Blacks are perpetual victims and Whites are inherently evil. Moreover, "White values," such as self-discipline, accuracy, ambition, and grammar, are also inherently evil.

Then there was the obsession with transgenderism. It's one thing for children to be taught to be tolerant of differences. It's another thing to encourage children to abandon their biological sex or for pornographic books encouraging pedophilia to sit on the library shelves.

No school districts have been more prominently featured this aggressive cultural Marxism than two in Virginia: Loudoun and Fairfax. Consequently, no parents have been more active than the ones in those counties in pushing back against the cultural Marxism being foisted on their innocent children. So it happened that, in the increasingly close gubernatorial race in Virginia, with former governor Terry McAuliffe representing Democrats and Glenn Youngkin seeking the Republican vote, education came up during the candidates' debate.

Youngkin decried it, in the context of schools making pornographic material available to students. He raised the fact that when McAuliffe was governor, he vetoed legislation that would have sent a notice to parents when school materials were sexually explicit.

McAuliffe, instead of acknowledging that we're not looking at the old "birds and the bees" stuff, pushed back. When he's back in the governor's mansion, he said, "I'm not going to let parents come into schools and actually take books out and make their own decisions."

And then McAuliffe uttered the magic leftist words: "I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach."

Terry McAuliffe: "I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach." pic.twitter.com/7S15pTv1gY  Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 28, 2021

There it is: leftists don't view "public schools" as community schools that reflect the values of the parents who entrust their children to those institutions. Instead, these are government schools, where the government (read: leftists) imposes on children the values that benefit the political party that controls schools (read: almost invariably Democrats through the hard-left teachers' unions).

Unsurprisingly, by Wednesday, Youngkin had put out a powerful 30-second ad:

Parents will put up with a lot, but when they think their children are threatened  being accused of being racists or perpetual victims or being encouraged to embrace damaging alternative sexual behaviors and identities  they will fight back with Mama Bear fury. The one thing that might still save America from Democrat depredation is parents.

Image: Terry McAuliffe. Twitter screen grab (image edited).

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
You don't have to spend much time in China to notice the mystifying glut of half-built apartment complexes, neighborhoods, and even ghost cities. There are certainly legitimate residences getting built, but the buildings I have in mind are concrete frameworks with no doors or window frames. They feature sky cranes and scaffolding but no construction workers. Buildings sit in this condition month after month. China is estimated to have enough unsold "housing" of this type for 90 million people.

These empty buildings are a manifestation of China's enormous property bubble. The real estate sector has grown to at least 25 percent of the county's GDP. This makes China's bubble significantly larger than historic bubbles in, for example, Spain and Japan.

Turmoil at Evergrande, the country's second-largest developer, has drawn attention in the international press. Evergrande's bond prices are now only a fourth of what they were in March.

Although Chinese culture emphasizes thrift and savings, there is no tradition of ordinary people investing in anything other than real estate. They can't invest abroad. Local stocks and bonds have a poor reputation.

The empty buildings are essentially a form of land speculation. Developers must build something on the land, or it reverts to the government after a certain amount of time.

The government runs Chinese banks. They often finance shell projects and unneeded infrastructure as a way of padding GDP statistics. At the beginning of the pandemic, the government responded by encouraging loans of this type. But it later reversed course.

The banks began cracking down on property-related loans a year ago, triggering the crisis at Evergrande. Under the "three red lines" policy, developers must now bring their debt load below specified levels.

Evergrande is not expected to survive an upcoming series of payment deadlines. The Wall Street Journal is confident that the government can prevent the contagion from spreading, while the Epoch Times expects a larger collapse.

If the bubble is successfully popped, that would mean more affordable housing for the younger generation. At the same time, many older Chinese would lose some of their savings, and economic growth will be slowed. Perhaps China's collective savings can be redirected to something more productive than empty buildings and stalled cranes. "Homes are for living in, not for speculation," according to a mantra that officials have been repeating lately.

The reason why Evergrande can't lead to an economic collapse is that China lacks a financial free market. There is no issue of bankers panicking in response to an unexpected turn in the market. Risk and concerns about profitability won't stop the banks from lending, either. The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, directs the lending policy of the commercial bank in accordance with the dictates of the Communist Party.

The factors that are likely to determine China's economic prospects in the near term are the overall debt level and corporate transparency. China's debt increased to 270 percent of GDP in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. But it has since come under control.

On the other hand, Xi Jinping's policy of shielding China and its businesses from scrutiny could lead to a backlash from foreign investors. Although China has significant savings of its own, such investment still plays a crucial role in the economy, as the dysfunctional property market illustrates.

Fresh from his victory over the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, Xi is imposing a dystopian vision on one sector of Chinese society after another. Alibaba boss Jack Ma and the other tech moguls, China's swaggering elite until just last October, have been brought to heel.

Ma was planning the largest initial public offering ever when the party demanded that he pull the plug. The tech giants have turned over months of profits to the government to show their loyalty. Popular actors have been erased from the internet with no explanation given.

Paid private tutoring on core subjects, such as English, has been banned. Chinese high school students focus their studies on passing the college entrance exam, which once emphasized English. Courses on "Xi Jinping Thought" are replacing those that taught English.

For many years, China focused on economic growth and catching up with the West. Not for the first time, the country has turned inward. This follows a recurring pattern in Chinese history that scholars call "anti-foreignism." Previous examples include the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 and the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s. The "Great Firewall" keeps foreign influence off the Chinese internet. The communications technologies once thought to be a bulwark of freedom have been repurposed as tools of authoritarianism.

Peter Kauffner lives in Sequim, Washington.

Image: A Chinese ghost city. YouTube screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The ethical corruption of our national new media has extended to a degree that once would have seemed unimaginable. We were exposed to yet another remarkable example with the reporting on the long-awaited audit of the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona.

Widespread election fraud had been suspected in Maricopa County, the largest in the state, and the state Legislature authorized a thorough forensic investigation. A draft of the election report was leaked to the press last week, and every news outlet quickly released selectively chosen details. The message was straightforward. The audit proved that Joe Biden had actually won the state's presidential election by even more than originally reported and thoroughly discredited charges of election fraud.

While the audit did find that a hand-recount of all of the original ballots did widen Joe Biden's margin by several hundred votes, the press deliberately and steadfastly ignored and left unreported the most critical results of the draft audit. Included among those original ballots, the most comprehensive election audit ever conducted established the following:

More than 23,000 mail-in votes were cast under voter IDs from people who should not have received their ballots by mail because they had moved.

More than 10,000 voters cast ballots in more than one county.

More than 9,000 mail-in ballots were returned and counted than had been mailed out of registered voters.

Thousands of official results did not match those who voted, and thousands more were cast in-person in the name of those who had moved out of state.

Logs and data files related to the election had been deliberately erased from the Election Management System (EMS) server, in violation of the law.

Thousands of original ballots were duplicated more than once.

Auditors were never provided with the required chain-of-custody documentation for the ballots, causing increased ambiguity regarding the accuracy of the election results.

None of the various systems related to the election had numbers that would balance and agree with one another.

Maricopa County officials actively interfered with the audit, withheld subpoena items, and refused to answer questions that are normally standard in such audits.

These and innumerable other irregularities were clearly identified and discussed in detail throughout the 114-page draft audit, but the mainstream press focused on a single paragraph that reported a slight difference in the hand recount of the original ballots that included a large number of apparently fraudulently cast votes.

Details of the audit will be sent to the Arizona attorney general for a possible criminal prosecution, and a number of recommendations are on the way to the state Legislature seeking laws to eliminate widespread election fraud. The purpose of the forensic audit was not to overturn the 2020 election but to prevent future election corruption that was rampant in Maricopa County and elsewhere last year. The news media reported none of this.

In 2000, the presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore was extended for weeks by seven Democrat appointees on the rogue Florida Supreme Court. And the media, which had done all they could to manipulate the reporting on Election Day by falsely declaring the swing state's outcome, desperately stayed on in hopes of finding proof their candidate should have won.

A consortium of a dozen major news outlets spent more than a million dollars and a year of effort only to reluctantly concede that Bush had won after all. But twenty years later, the same companies had not the slightest interest to investigate innumerable reports of election fraud nationwide, while ridiculing all those who wanted to find out what really happened.

The performance of the press was shameful twenty years ago. It is repugnant now.

Image: Tom Arthur via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
For as long as I can remember, and for a lot longer than that, the backbone of many museums across America has been the docent, a knowledgeable volunteer who gives out information and guides tours at the museum. Mostly, these docents are White women who have retired from work or have a spouse or other partner who earns enough so that the lady can volunteer. White, though, is bad, so the latest news from the leftists' race wars is that the Art Institute of Chicago has fired all its (mostly White) volunteers.

The Art Institute once had a huge cohort of volunteers  around 150 or so  almost all of them White women who did the job with knowledge, verve, and passion. However, the Chicago Tribune's digital edition reports that those days are over:

Anyone with some tread on their tires who's been fired by email can recognize the protocol. The writer blathers on about your years of dedication to your job, their gratitude for all you have done for all this time, and then hits you with some self-justifying jargon: the need to "update systems," maybe, or the need to "rebuild" or "better serve" someone or some group. These days, perhaps even in the name of "equity" or "inclusion." By then you know what's coming after all the disingenuous paragraphs: You're canned, most likely in favor of a newer model. Just such a weaselly letter was sent out Sept. 3 by Veronica Stein, the Woman's Board executive director of learning and engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago. The recipients were the museum's 150 or so volunteer docents, a beloved mainstay of the venerable cultural institution for decades and the main providers of fine, learned tours to Chicagoans, tourists, students from Chicago Public Schools and myriad other visitors to our great museum. Once you cut through the blather, the letter basically said the museum had looked critically at its corps of docents, a group dominated by mostly (but not entirely) white, retired women with some time to spare, and found them wanting as a demographic.

When the docents learned in March 2021 that Veronica Stein, a young Black woman, was hired as the "Woman's Board executive director of learning and engagement," they should have seen the writing on the wall. In the press release about her hiring, Stein isn't so much interested in art as she is in effecting social change:

"I am delighted that the Art Institute shares the priorities that have guided my work throughout my career: designing culturally responsive programming and anti-racist curricula, cultivating fully accessible spaces, and ensuring staff wellness and learning," said Stein. "Setting the newly enhanced Ryan Learning Center in motion, and further strengthening partnerships with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and BIPOC cultural institutions, will be central to my work."

The docents do have the consolation of being in good company. Last year, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art forced out its senior curator because he thought the museum, while opening itself more to artists of different races, should still show works from White artists. Being a leftist himself, instead of castigating the museum for its George Wallace approach to art ("segregation today...segregation tomorrow...segregation forever), he groveled apologetically for his race crimes.

The curator, in any event, must have recognized a trend when he saw it and realized that his day in the sun was done. Already back in 2013, a writer named Seema Rao wrote a whole jargon-filled post about the fact that Whiteness and privilege go hand in hand in museums.

By 2018, NPR's "Code Switch: Race. In Your Face."  a taxpayer-funded venue for racial supremacy "news"  published an article entitled "Not Enough Color in American Art Museums," which reported about the Brooklyn Museum's grave racial offense when it hired a White woman to oversee its African art collection. I find this story especially funny because my second cousin, a Jewish White woman, was one of the museum's important Africana contributors and left her collection to the museum when she died.

One year later, the site Art Museum Teaching reflected on "Interrupting White Dominant Culture in Museums." And in 2020, another writer was angry about "Uncovering White Supremacy Culture in Museum Work."

For many decades, people of all races and cultures were invited into America's museums to see art from all over the world. In many cases, it was White collectors' passion for indigenous art and architecture that saved these things from being recycled or ignored into oblivion in their own lands. And of course, Western art reached a height of sophisticated technique that few other cultures (if any) matched.

Henceforth, though, museums will be niche places, for and about non-White people. It's just another piece of evidence that leftist revolutions never build; they only destroy.

Hat tip: Peter von Buol.

Image: The kind of White Privilege art people see at the Art Institute of Chicago. YouTube screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
British engineer and aviator Sir George Cayley suggested, as early as 1843, that an airplane with multiple wings will generate more uplift and become airborne with less effort. Many aircrafts introduced during the early years of flight adopted this principle. A clear majority of aircrafts taking part in the Great War were biplanes. The Fokker Dr.I, made famous by the German ace fighter Manfred von Richthofen, had three wings and it was a great airplane. The success of the Fokker Dr.I triplane persuaded airplane designer Anthony Fokker to add more wings to his craft, leading to the five-winged Fokker V.8. Unlike its successful cousin, it barely flew and was soon abandoned.

Horatio Frederick Phillips also loved wings on his airplane, but he did not stop at five. In 1893, Philips built a flying machine with 50 wings. He upped this number to 120 in 1902. His final airplane, built in 1907, had an incredible 200 individual lifting surfaces.

Horatio Phillips was born in 1845 in Streatham, a suburb of London. The son of a gunsmith, Philips reportedly became interested in aviation at a young age, and closely followed the research conducted by the Royal Aeronautical Society using a whirling arm and wind tunnel. In the early 1880s, Philip began experimenting with airfoil design in a wind tunnel of his own design. Philips wind tunnel used a steam injector to suck air in through the entrance of the tunnel, producing an airstream that was of better quality than earlier wind tunnels had produced.

Airfoil shapes patented by Horatio Phillips

Phillips used the results obtained in his wind tunnel experiments to design a series of cambered airfoils based on the shapes of birds' wings. He called these the Phillips entry, or blades for deflecting air. These airfoils had greater curvature on the top than on the bottom, that he called double-surface airfoils. When the curvature of the upper surface of a wing is greater than that of its under surface, the air flows over the upper surface at a greater velocity and produce lower pressures than on the underside. This creates an upward force known as lift. This is the basic working principle behind all heavier-than-air flight. Horatio Phillips was not the first to discover this concept; it was Sir George Cayley, who is deservedly knows as the father of aviation. However, Philips did contribute immensely to the design of cambered wings.

In 1884, Phillips received a patent for eight of these airfoil sections, which were of various widths and curvatures. He received a second patent in 1891. In the 1891 patent, he describes his double-surface airfoils:

The particles of air struck by the convex upper surface 4 at the point E are deflected upward, as indicated by the dotted lines, thereby causing a partial vacuum over the greater portion of the upper surface. The particles of air under the point E follow the lower convex and concave surface C D until they arrive at about the point G, where they are brought to rest. From this point G the particles of air are gradually put into motion in a downward direction, the motion being an accelerating one until the after edge F of the blade is passed. In this way a greater pressure than the atmospheric pressure is produced on the under surface of the blade.

While other aviators soon adopted cambered airfoils and attained success (Otto Lilienthal in Germany, and Samuel Langley and the Wright brothers in America), Philips himself failed miserably because he was too absorbed in increasing the number of wings and neglected to pay attention to other aspects of flight. His experiments, however, were certainly dramatic.

In his first attempt in 1893, Phillips created a contraption that rather resembled a Venetian blind than an airplane. Known simply as the Phillips Flying Machine, it consisted of a long, slender, cigar-shaped fuselage with a rectangular frame fitted with 50 narrow wings called sustainers. The sustainers were between 19 feet and 22 feet long but only by 1.5 inches wide, and they were mounted two inches apart. Motive power was derived by a coal-fired 6-horsepower engine that turned a single twin-bladed pusher propeller at a rate of 400 revolutions per minute. The entire machine weighed about 160 kilograms. Instead of a pilot, the machine was tethered to a central post and ran around in circles over a circular wooden track 200 feet in diameter. Under the pressure of air generated under the sustainers, the machine rose some 2 to 3 feet in the air when at a speed of 40 miles an hour.

Horatio Phillipss 1893 multiplane.

In 1904, Horatio Philips made another machine, this time that could be flown by a person. It had 21 wings and a cross-shaped tail control surface for improved stability and was supported by a three-wheeled undercarriage. The multiplane was powered by a 22-horsepower four-cylinder water-cooled in-line engine that Phillips built himself. The machine was 13 feet long and 10 feet tall and weighed 270 kilograms. Phillips managed to take the multiplane on at least one short hop covering about 50 feet in distance, while travelling at 34 miles per hour.

The 20-winged multiplane built in 1904.

For his final attempt in 1907, Philips built a machine with four banks of 50 wings each, for a total of 200 wings. The multiplane was powered by a 22-horsepower engine, similar to that of his 1904 Multiplane, driving an 8 foot propeller. The weight of the machine, excluding the pilot, was 225 kg. It was in this machine that Phillips had the most success, flying for about 500 feet.

The 200-winged monster.

While Philipss achievements were soon eclipsed by the likes of the Wright brothers, the English aviation pioneer did help demonstrate the importance of cambered wings. After his final flight in 1907, Philips stopped making airplanes but he lived long enough to witness the rapid advances in aviation that occurred during and after World War I. He died in 1924.

References:

# Horatio Phillips & Multiplanes, Aerospaceweb

# Horatio Phillips and Cambered Wing Design, Centennial of Flight

# Horatio F. Phillips, Flying Wings
Googles dominance in the online search business is common knowledge. However, the company has landed itself in legal trouble in the European Union over this premise. As per a report by Bloomberg (via), a submission by Googles lawyer states that the most popular search term on Microsofts Bing search engine is Google.

The company is trying to illustrate that its dominance in the search business is mainly due to its superior product. Google has drawn the attention of regulators on multiple occasions for its practices. It is currently appealing a $5 billion fine imposed by the EU over its alleged anti-competitive practices with Android.

Googles lawyers gave out the information at the EU General Court

People use Google because they choose to, not because they are forced to. Googles market share in general search is consistent with consumer surveys showing that 95% of users prefer Google to rival search engines, said Alfonso Lamadrid, the lawyer representing Alphabet Inc.

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The ruling in this case previously said that Google unfairly killed rival search apps by making Google Search the default option. Bing happens to be the default browser on Microsofts Windows operating systems. It is also the default search engine on the Microsoft Edge browser.

Earlier this week, Googles lawyers accused EU regulators of ignoring Apple and its violations. The company also alleged that regulators downplayed the potent constraint imposed by the highly powerful Apple.

However, the counsel representing the Commission, Nicholas Khan, rejected the allegations. He added that the two companies have different business models. Furthermore, the lawyer said that Google paid manufacturers to install Google Search on their phones.

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In a separate case, EU authorities started investigations into allegations that Google was forcing companies to use Google Assistant as the default virtual assistant on phones and tablets. In June this year, EU regulators said that several OEMs have expressed dissatisfaction with the companys move.

With the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google currently dominating the smart home market, regulators are monitoring the situation closely. Data gathering by companies also remains a lingering concern for users as well as the authorities.

In July this year, French authorities issued a 500 million fine on Google for refusing to negotiate a fair deal with news publishers. The penalty was imposed based on the Digital Copyright Directive Law passed by French authorities in 2019.
The international variant of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 has already grabbed the September 2021 security update earlier this month. Fast forward to now, the carrier and unlocked variants of Galaxy Z Fold 3 is picking up the September update.

During the last 3-4 years, Samsung has really geared itself up and become one of the best, if not the best, brands to provide regular security and firmware updates.

The company has always been one of the first smartphone brands to provide the latest security updates for its devices. If you look back in time, this was not the case.

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As of now, all the carriers have pushed the new security update for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. Now, it is time for the unlocked variants and the carrier-locked Galaxy Z Fold 3 variants in the US to receive the latest security update.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the latest foldable from the company, and it is selling like hotcakes at the moment. To recall, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 comes with a Snapdragon 888 SoC, under-display camera, improved screen, 120Hz out screen, full-screen inner display with no interruptions, and much more.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 September 2021 security update fixes over 40 major security vulnerabilities

Samsung debuted the Galaxy Z Fold 3 with One UI 3.1.1 which is based on Android 11. The foldable is set to receive regular security updates along with 3-major Android OS updates.

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So, if you own a Galaxy Z Fold 3, 3-major OS updates confirm Android 14 for your phone.

Talking about the new update, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 carrier-locked models are picking up the update with firmware F926USQU1AUI4. Whereas, the unlocked units are getting the update with version F926U1UEU1AUI4.

The update is purely incremental in nature. Meaning it does not bring any new features as a bundle. However, it is very important that you download and install the September 2021 update, as it fixes over 40 major security vulnerabilities.

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For more information on the September security update, you can head over to the official Samsung bulletin. Along with the security and privacy fixes, the update also improves the overall system stability and phones performance.

If you havent yet received the update notification on your carrier or unlocked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, then you can manually check for the update as well.

For that, you need to head over to Settings > System Updates. Here, hit the Download and Install button. Your devices system will check for the update and if available in your region, it will notify you.
(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 30 - Police on Thursday clashed with climate protestors who were seeking to block access to the Milan Conference Centre, MiCO, the venue for the Pre-COP meeting that opens today and runs until Saturday.

A video seen by ANSA shows police in riot gear use batons on the young protestors.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Premier Mario Draghi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday are taking part in the Pre-COP, which is the final formal, multilateral opportunity for ministers to shape the negotiations in detail ahead of the COP26 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in November.

They are also set to address the Youth4Climate conference, in which young activists such as Swede Greta Thunberg, Uganda's Vanessa Nakate and Italy's Martina Comparelli are demanding immediate climate action.

Draghi met Thunberg, Nakate and Comparelli at the offices of the Milan prefect on Thursday. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 30 - Premier Mario Draghi said Thursday that he agreed with young people demanding world leaders take immediate action to combat the climate crisis.

"The young people are right," Draghi said as he opened the Pre-COP meeting at the Milan Conference Centre, MiCO.

"The ecological transition is not a choice, it is a necessity.

"Acting later would mean having to pay the much higher price of a climate disaster".

Draghi, who was briefly interrupted by protestors during his speech, said that the NRRP Recovery Plan, which is being financed by almost 200 billion euros in EU funds, would enable Italy to invest more in renewables and in protecting biodiversity.

Early on Thursday Draghi met young activists Greta Thunberg of Sweden, Uganda's Vanessa Nakate and Italy's Martina Comparelli, who are taking part in the Youth4Climate conference, at the offices of the Milan prefect.

Draghi said that the meeting went "really well". (ANSA).


LJUBLJANA - Thousands of people gathered in Ljubljana for the third consecutive Wednesday evening in front of the seat of Parliament to protest the introduction of new restrictive measures - vaccination or proof of recovery - to contain the spread of the coronavirus.



The protest was organised by Resnica (Truth), a movement aligned with anti-vax principles and led by a city councillor from Kranj.



The protesters marched along roads in the centre and reached the city's northern ring road, which was blocked for a couple hours and then closed to traffic in both directions to allow police to intervene.



Demonstrators are calling for an end to the restrictions as well as the resignation of the Slovenian government of conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa and early elections.



At the start of the demonstration, a father spoke about his 20-year-old daughter who died Wednesday of suspected complications from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.



"She only wanted to buy her freedom, just like all the others," he said, prior to a minute of silence in memory of the woman.



The Slovenian health ministry established a commission to verify whether there is a correlation between the death and the vaccination.


TUNIS - Algeria's foreign minister summoned France's ambassador to protest the French government's decision to reduce the number of visas to Algerian citizens.



On Tuesday, France announced the drastic reduction of the number of visas granted to people from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, accusing the former French colonies of not doing enough to allow for the return of undocumented migrants. French ambassador to Algeria Francois Gouyette received a "formal protest" from Algeria, which called the decision to reduce the number of visas an "unfortunate act" that has caused "confusion and ambiguity on its motivation and its scope".



Morocco called France's decision "unjustified".



Tunisia, on the other hand, did not react officially, but many of its citizens demonstrated their concern on Wednesday in front of the offices of TLS Contact, the only private company in Tunisia authorised to accept visa applications for France.



French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal told Europe 1 radio on Tuesday that the decision was "drastic and unprecedented, but made necessary by the fact that these countries refuse to take back citizens we don't want and we can't support in France".



Attal said French President Emmanuel Macron made the decision a month ago after diplomatic efforts with the three North African countries failed.
BRUSSELS - The EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, tweeted on Thursday that a deal has been reached regarding the issue of changing license plates for vehicles entering North Kosovo from Serbia.



"After two days of intense negotiations, an agreement on de-escalation and the way forward has just been reached. I thank Besnik Bislimi and Petar Petkovic for their readiness to negotiate and agree for the good of the people," Lajcak tweeted.



The deal announced by Lajcak on Thursday foresees the withdrawal on Saturday of Kosovar special forces police (KFOR) deployed at the border crossings of Jarinje and Brnjak, as well as the simultaneous removal of road blocks.



KFOR officers will be at the border crossings prior to the start of the operations and will remain for two weeks to ensure security and free movement.



Starting Monday, adhesive labels will be used instead of changing license plates, pending a permanent solution.



A work group to be composed of representatives from the EU, Serbia and Kosovo will work to find a definitive solution based on European practices and standards.



The work group will start work on October 21 in Brussels and will present its conclusions within six months.



The agreement comes following talks in recent days in Brussels between Lajcak and the Serbian delegation.



On Wednesday, the two delegations - the Serbian one led by Petkovic and the Kosovar one led by Bislimi - had a series of separate bilateral meetings with Lajcak, without any collective meeting between all three.



EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the situation in North Kosovo in talks she had in recent days with leaders of the Western Balkans, where she has been on an official visit since Tuesday.



On Wednesday evening, von der Leyen arrived in Belgrade, where she met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.



On Thursday, von der Leyen and Vucic will travel to Nis, in the country's south, to attend the inauguration of work to renovate a railway to the Macedonian border, as well as the signing of an accord to build a highway between Nis and Pristina, in Kosovo.
LOCRI - A southern Italian ex-mayor who won worldwide plaudits for the way he helped migrants integrate and revive his small town on Thursday got over 13 years in jail for irregularities in managing asylum seekers.



Domenico Lucano, 63, settled 450 refugees in Riace, a town of 1,800 inhabitants, revitalising it and preventing the closure of the local school.



He came second in the 2010 World Mayor competition and was named 40th in a Fortune poll of the world's greatest leaders in 2016.



Lucano was sentenced to 13 years and two months in jail, a sentence he will appeal while staying out of jail.



In Italy sentences only become definitive after two appeals, the second to the supreme court.



The sentence was almost double the seven years and 11 months requested by prosecutors.



Lucano has initially been charged with arranging marriages for citizenship but that charge was struck down by the supreme Cassation Court.



However, he faced other charges of abuse of office and irregularities in managing migrants and asylum seekers.



Lucano, who served from 2004 to 2018, frequently crossed swords with anti-migrant nationalist League party leader Matteo Salvini.



Speaking after Thursday's verdict Lucano said "it's unheard-of, I expected to be acquitted".



Lucano's defence attorneys, Giuliano Pisapia and Andrea Dacqua, said "this is an out-of-this-world sentence and a wholly disproportionate conviction that totally contrasts with the trail evidence".



They said they would file an appeal once the explanation of the sentence comes out - usually within 60 days.



The Communist Refoundation party said "Mimmo deserves a medal and instead gets crucified" while the Italian Left party said the sentence was "incredible".



Centre-left Demcoratic Party MP Laura Boldrini, a former UN refugee spokesperson for southern Europe, said "I have known Mimmo for years and I have appreciated his work in making Riace a place of rebirth and welcome. I voice sympathy with Mimmo Lucano over an abnormal conviction. I'm sure that the truth will emerge in the subsequent stages of justice".



League Senator Tony Iwobi, the upper house foreign affairs committee deputy chair, said the verdict "is the umpteenth confirmation of how the migrants policies conducted by the left over the years have been an inevitable failure as well as a waste of public money. After being lauded as defender of rights by the radical chic, the picture that emerges from the sentence is starkly different: not only favouring clandestine immigration and illicit gains from the management of migrants but also criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, bid rigging and false statements...showing what the League has always said, that illegal immigration was a business".



Another League Senator, Roberto Calderoli, accused the left of double standards in attacking the judiciary over Lucano's sentence while praising judicial efforts to convict Salvini over his closed-ports policy for NGO migrant rescue ships during his 2018-2019 stint as strongman interior minister.



In Thursday's sentence, Lucano was also ordered to repay 500,000 euros of public money for migrant reception received from the European Union and the Italian government.



Lucano was hailed for his model of successful integration of migrants and the regeneration of dying towns.



In 2017 he was awarded the Dresden Peace Prize.



In October 2018, the Italian police put Lucano under house arrest for allegedly helping illegal migrants to stay in the country by organising "marriages of convenience" - the offence that was later struck down by the high court.



In April 2019, Lucano was indicted with other 26 people on charges of abuse of power and aiding illegal immigration.[ In the same month, he faced another probe regarding alleged false public statement and fraud.
A man accused of causing the death of a two-week-old boy by dangerous driving has had his trial adjourned until next year.

Ciaran Leigh Morris was being pushed along the pavement in a pram by family in High Street, Brownhills, Walsall, at about 4pm on Easter Sunday, when he was struck by a car.

James Paul Davis, 35, previously entered pleas of not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and a separate offence of causing death by driving while uninsured, in connection with the incident.

Davis, of Croxtalls Avenue, Walsall, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday for an administrative hearing, ahead of what was due to be the start of his trial, next week.

Ciaran Leigh Morris (West Midlands Police/PA)

However, the court heard that delays in getting case reports meant the trial, estimated to last up to five days, would now have to move to 2022.

The Recorder of Wolverhampton, judge Michael Chambers QC, told Davis: There was to be a trial on October 4, but that had to be vacated.

He added: The first date at which the court can accommodate this case, due to pressure of cases caused by the Covid pandemic, is March 21 2022.

Ciarans funeral took place on April 28, with the cortege, led by a horse-drawn hearse, passing near to the scene of the crash.

An inquest was opened and adjourned earlier this month pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Flowers and tributes left at the scene in Brownhills (Jacob King/PA)

A crowdfunding appeal to support the family raised almost 39,000, with 2,149 people making donations.

Ciarans parents paid an emotional tribute to their son, in a statement released shortly after the crash.

They said: Mommys and Daddys hearts will always ache, we love you more than anything.

We didnt get to keep you for long but we are happy we had the chance to meet you, look after you and call you our son.

Fly high angel.
A father claims a health board knew about water contamination issues at a hospital where his daughter was treated for cancer years before it supposedly admitted to them.

Alfie Rawsons daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2018 when she was two and a half, and she was treated as both an in and outpatient at the Royal Hospital for Children and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow for more than two years.

During the course of her treatment, Mr Rawson said his daughter contracted multiple infections after bathing and showering at the hospital.

He also noticed children in the hospitals Schiehallion Ward, where his daughter was being treated, were told to wash with bottled water and water from the tap was being doused in chlorine dioxide.

Mr Rawson carried out his own investigations and claims there were issues with the hospitals water supply as far back as 2015, when the building first opened, which NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde knew about.

He said the health board claims to have only been made aware of these concerns in 2018.

Lord Brodie is currently chairing an inquiry into several of Scotlands flagship hospitals (Jane Barlow/PA)

The construction of the QEUH campus is being investigated by the Scottish Hospital Inquiry after issues at the flagship site were linked to the deaths of two children.

It is also examining the construction of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.

Speaking at a hearing in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mr Rawson said NHSGGC commissioned a water treatment company to carry out inspections just days after the QEUH opened in April 2015.

He told the inquiry the companys report found issues with the water supply.

Mr Rawson said: There was stagnating water found in parts of the 14-storey building.

The hot and cold water were not running at correct temperatures.

Five rooms were considered high risk due to builders debris found within them.

And the tanks were recommended to be disinfected.

This report never reached boardroom level, or so we are told.

Mr Rawson said the recommendations in the report werent followed up by the NHSGGC.

He told the inquiry between 2016 and 2018, there was a spate of infections related to the hospitals water supply despite parents being told that everything is OK in the hospital.

He said his daughter was put on extra medication to fight infections that were linked to the hospitals environment, the inquiry heard.

Alastair Duncan QC, counsel to the inquiry, asked Mr Rawson if his own investigations have raised more questions about the health boards handling of the hospitals environment concerns to which he replied: Of course.

Its the fact that nothing was actually done.

The infections started in 2016, the hospital knew about these infections, it knew something was wrong with the water supply.

To put children through this unnecessary treatment, drugs, sickness, when it was an easy fix. It beggars belief.

Earlier on Friday the inquiry heard from Mr Rawsons partner Charmaine Lacock who said she felt her childs life was put at risk during her time in a hospital.

Mr Duncan asked Ms Lacock: How do you feel about the fact that your daughter had four infections in the hospital, and possibly that there is a connection between that and the hospital?

To which she replied: I feel angry, I feel that stole time that I could have had with my other girls and I felt that they put my childs life at risk.

I felt that every time we had to stop chemo for treating an infection, that increased her risk of relapse and potentially death. I felt angry.

Im petrified to think that she could relapse and we have to go back there.

The inquiry was ordered after patients at the Glasgow hospital died from infections linked to pigeon droppings and the water supply, and the opening of the Edinburgh site was delayed due to concerns over the ventilation system.

Earlier this year, an independent review found the deaths of two children at the QEUH campus were at least in part the result of infections linked to the hospital environment.

The inquiry in Edinburgh, chaired by Lord Brodie, continues.

Health boards will be giving evidence at a later stage in the inquiry.
One of the largest operations reviewing murders and serious crimes during Northern Irelands troubled past is to publish an interim report.

Operation Kenova is currently investigating and reviewing more than 200 murders as well as offences of kidnap and torture.

They include the activities of Stakeknife, the Armys top agent within the IRA, the IRAs murder of Tom Oliver in Co Louth and the notorious loyalist Glenanne Gang.

The announcement comes amid uncertainty over how Troubles crimes will be investigated in the future, following the announcement of plans by the UK Government for a statute of limitations which would end all prosecutions for Troubles incidents up to April 1998.

The proposals, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said would allow Northern Ireland to draw a line under the Troubles, would also end all legacy inquests and civil actions related to the conflict.

Former chief constable Jon Boutcher (left), with Eugene Oliver, as they make a fresh appeal for information relating to the murder of his father, Tom Oliver (Arthur Carron/PA)

Former Bedfordshire chief constable Jon Boutcher, who leads Kenova, said the interim report will address high level themes and issues concentrating on findings of the three key investigations.

The report will focus on what was, and was not, happening between organisations; the Provisional IRA and its Internal Security Unit, the police, armed forces, intelligence services and their agents and informants.

In particular, the report will focus on the organisation that committed the offences, state intervention or otherwise, and whether steps were, or were not, taken before serious criminal conduct was carried out or subsequent to it to prevent a full investigation.

Mr Boutcher has announced a public consultation, allowing 30 days for people to feed back on the plans before it closes on October 29.

At the very outset of Kenova I made a promise to all the affected families that I would produce a public-facing report outlining our findings to give them the truth of what happened to their loved ones, including who was involved and in what capacity, he said.

After five years, and with more than 30 files with the Public Prosecution Service NI for consideration, we are now in a position to start preparing for the interim reports release.

The reports content will hold great importance to all of those who were involved.

Im keen to stress the protocol is a process map only. It says nothing about the contents or outcome of any report.

I am acutely conscious that different stakeholders with different perspectives are concerned that our reports will say either too much, or too little.

The aim of the protocol is to ensure that we do neither. I am committed to finding and reporting the truth openly and transparently and without fear or favour towards any party.

I simply need to find a process which will allow me to do this fairly and lawfully.

Kenova plans to have finalised the protocol by November 2021; with the interim report due to be released within 12 months of the protocol being agreed.

Submissions can be made via email to kenova@met.police.uk; and/or by post to Operation Kenova, c/o National Crime Agency, PO Box 8000, London, SE11 5EN.
NEW YORK (AP)  Ferocious tantrums. Family gossip. Petty nicknames.

Stephanie Grisham, once a White House press secretary and chief of staff to first lady Melania Trump, is out with a book next week that paints a deeply unflattering picture of Donald Trump  a man with a terrifying temper who ogled a young aide and tried to impress dictators while president, she writes.

Grisham, who holds the distinction of having never held a press briefing while serving as White House press secretary, charts her path from low-level press wrangler to the Trumps' inner circles, and her gradual disillusionment with the family and eventual resignation following the Jan. 6 insurrection.

As have the many books critical of Trump, Grisham's Ill Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House has drawn Trump's ire. He bashed the book and its author in deeply personal terms, saying in a statement that Grisham was paid by a radical left-leaning publisher to say bad and untrue things."

Highlights of the book include:

ON MELANIA TRUMP

Grisham describes the former first lady as a Marie Antoinette figure who refused to condemn the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 as Trump's supporters stormed the building to try to halt certification of the 2020 election results.

Grisham writes that she texted Melania Trump as the scene unfolded. Do you want to tweet that peaceful protests are the right of every American, but there is no place for lawlessness and violence?" she says she asked. She writes that "literally one minute later and while she was preparing a photo shoot of a new rug she had selected  yes, you read that right  Melania Trump sent me back a one-word response: No.

It was a breaking point for Grisham, who both praises the former first lady's off-camera temperament and offers insight into her peculiarities. She writes that Melania Trump's habit of avoiding public appearances was so extreme that the Secret Service unofficially dubbed her Rapunzel because she remained in her tower, never descending."

She also writes that Melania Trump responded to the saga of adult film star Stormy Daniels and allegations of her husband's infidelity by tweeting a photo of herself on the arm of a handsome military aide and insisting at one point that she travel alone.

I do not want to be like Hillary Clinton," Melania Trump reportedly told Grisham. "She walked to Marine One holding the hands with her husband after Monica news and it did not look good.

ON TRUMP

His temper was terrifying. And it could be directed at anyone, whether he or she deserved it or not," Grisham writes. He questioned peoples confidence, their looks, their intelligence  whatever he thought would do the most damage to someones psych."

Trump had particular contempt, she says, for the White House lawyers. He didn't like them telling him that things he wanted to do were unethical or illegal."

Staff, she recounts, often deceived Trump to avoid his wrath, and tried to temper his worst impulses by stalling or distracting in a White House where everything was like a clown car on fire running at full speed into a warehouse full of fireworks."

FILE- In this Oct. 3, 2019 file photo, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham listens as President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Grisham, the former White House press secretary and chief of staff to former first lady Melania Trump, is out with a new book next week that paints a deeply unflattering picture of the former president. She describes him as a man with a terrifying temper who ogled a young aide and tried to impress dictators. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

#METOO

Grisham writes that, while serving as press secretary, she noticed Trump taking an unusual interest in a young, highly attractive press wrangler" on her team, asking where the woman was, whether she would be traveling with him on foreign trips, and asking Grisham to bring the aide to his office cabin on Air Force One.

Put her on TV. Keep her happy, promote her," she claims Trump would tell her. Lets bring her up here and look at her ass," she says she was told he had once said.

Grisham also recalls uncomfortable encounters she had with the president, including him noting one day that she didn't wear pantyhose. On one occasion, she writes, he asked her then-boyfriend whether she was good in bed.

On still another occasion, he asked me to reach out to a prominent supporter in Arizona. He wanted me to advise her to no longer wear sleeveless dresses and tops, saying they werent flattering to her and it wasn't a good look.

"You talk to her though, he allegedly told her. I can't with MeToo and all.

AN AWKWARD CALL

Trump allegedly felt compelled to respond to Daniels' charges about the size of his genitalia. Grisham says she received an awkward telephone call from the president from aboard Air Force One, who assured her that everything down there is fine."

Uh, yes, sir," she says she replied. Not in two million years had I ever thought I'd have a conversation with the president of the United States about his penis. Thankfully the call ended shortly after that.

DICTATORS

He always seemed to want dictators to respect him, Grisham writes, pointing in particular to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom staff suspected of arranging for an attractive interpreter and coughing to throw Trump off-guard.

She described one encounter at the meeting of the Group of 20 nations in Osaka in 2019 when Trump seemed intent on placating the Russian leader. Okay, Im going to act a little tougher with you for a few minutes. But its for the cameras, and after they leave well talk. You understand, she recounts Trump saying.

Grisham also writes that Trump frequently said insane things to foreign leaders that ranged from absurd to disconcerting.

Trump loved to order cabinet secretaries, staff, or whoever else was sitting near him to give this dictator or that whatever it was he wanted," she writes. "I believe he must have thought it made him look tough and powerful. As for us? We generally slow walked or ignored the president and very rarely did exactly what he asked.

JEALOUSY

The book describes deep jealousy among staff and within the Trump family. Melania Trump had a nickname for Ivanka Trump, the presidents eldest daughter and senior White House adviser: The Princess," she claims.

Princess always runs to her father, Grisham recounted the first lady as often complaining.

Grisham recalls how she and her husband, Jared Kushner, had jockeyed to be part of an official greeting ahead of a state dinner in the United Kingdom hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Jared and Ivanka thought they were the royal family of the United States  on the same level as William and Kate in the United Kingdom," she writes. She also blames Kushner for Trump's loss last November.

ON HER ROLE

One reason, Grisham writes, that she didnt want to hold formal press briefings was that she knew that sooner or later the president would want me to tell the public something that was not true or that would make me sound like a lunatic.

Indeed, at one point, she says, Trump asked her to reenact his perfect phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which led to his first impeachment, and use two voices on the briefing room stage. She writes that Trump also asked her constantly whether the press could be removed from the White House.

THE HAIR

Trumps hair, she writes, is much longer than I had imagined, like multiple inches from end to end. He cuts it himself with a pair of huge scissors that could probably cut a ribbon at an opening of one of his properties.

And as for his distinctive hue? She says there was no tanning bed in the White House. The presidents look was created with makeup that he put on his face every morning, as if he were going to be appearing on a TV show. Which, in a sense, he was.
The world premiere of the new-generation G-Class (model series 464) for emergency crews working on behalf of the state and authorities took place: in Graz, Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in the success story of the off-road vehicle with the largest product revision of the G-Class for Rescue and Special Operations in 29 years (here, special operations must be understood as uncommon use, not militarily speaking, as special ops vehicle are designed in a much different shape). A very robust vehicle, the new G-Class for Rescue and Special Operations (model series 464) ensures maximum mobility even under the most difficult conditions. The already brilliant reputation will certainly get new credentials. The first vehicles are already in production for some customers.

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Demonstration of some of the stunning capabilities of the new G-Class 464 model at Graz on September 28, 2021 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The constant overall design of the vehicle results from the customers demand (compare with what happened to Land Rover with its former iconic Defender design). The new G-class 464 for Rescue and Special Operations cannot be homologated for civilian customers, as it lacks several safety components like airbags, inside door protections, etc. But institutional dont need that. But these safety concerns have been properly overrun.

Enhanced off-road and on-road performance as well as maximum user-friendliness, combined with new features such as the Emergency Override Switch for emergency situations, characterize the new model. The new G-generation is initially available as a station wagon, and as a chassis with a cab. The 'longest-serving Mercedes-Benz model series is thus ideally equipped to continue its success story.



New G-Class 464 model at Graz on September 28, 2021 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Runs on Responsibility. The new-generation G-Class for Rescue and Special Operations

"Developing a product that can ensure the highest possible availability and security of personnel in extremely demanding peacekeeping and security missions is a top priority. The G-Class takes responsibility in this respect and has proved itself a reliable partner over decades, even in extreme and almost impassable terrain", emphasizes Dr Emmerich Schiller, Head of the Off-Road Vehicle Product Division at Mercedes-Benz AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH.

The new 464 model series, while keeping all the assets of the initial 461 model, marks a significant step in the development and offers important innovations to help emergency crews with the successful completion of their tasks.



New G-Class 464 model at Graz on September 28, 2021 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The new G-Class delivers enhanced performance both on and off the road.

The key to its on-road and off-road mobility is a powerful new common-rail turbo Diesel engine with more power (183 kW/249 hp) and increased torque (600 Nm) that consumes less fuel despite increased performance. The Euro 3 engine can be operated with fuel of varying quality. The Euro 3 standard results from the customers demand to make sure the vehicle can operate anywhere in the world, not only in the most developed countries where Euro 6 becomes the standard. No hybrid development is considered for the moment.

As Florian Laudan, Head of Corporate Communications, Daimler Truck A.G. stressed in his presentation during the world premiere, 100 percent reliability since the launch f the G-Class in 1979 and, later, the first military contract (with the Bundeswehr/German Army) in 1992 remains a motto of the manufacturer. When the first special forces experimental variant was unveiled at Eurostory 2018, Mercedes-Benz drew even more attention in the military world, as it did with its 6x6 variant created to address a foreign request Always listen to the market!, as Georges Nahas, a customer-satisfaction manager, told Army Recognition.

The new G-Class impresses with its high level of robustness. In addition to the engine and 6-gear automatic transmission, transfer case, longitudinal and transverse differential locks the sturdy ladder-type frame also supports the rigid axles at the front and rear, thus providing optimum conditions for use in the most difficult conditions.



New G-Class 464 model climbing a 100 percent slope at Graz on September 28, 2021 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Characteristics of the vehicle's extraordinary off-road capability include the high ground clearance of 221 mm, a lean angle of up to 54 percent, and an impressive maximum gradeability of 100 percent (45). The fording depth has been increased to 66 cm.

Specific technical equipment is already integrated ex factory. This includes the 24-Volt onboard electrical system for power supply, LED and military-type blackout lighting, infrared light, and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) protection in accordance with recognized standards. The latter helps optimize the emission of electromagnetic interference and the vehicle's immunity to such interference with respect to the electrical installations installed by the customer.



The Emergency Override Switch (EOS) is the third from the top-left of the panel, protected by an orange cover to avoid any undesired use (Picture source: Army Recognition)

A unique feature is the Emergency Override Switch (EOS). This makes it possible to bring the crew and vehicle to safety immediately and quickly in dangerous situations. In such a situation engine protection measures, such as overheating protection, are bypassed. The system is triggered by a protected switch on the dashboard. It boosts the engine power to its maximum possibilities, no matter the heath or other mechanical threats, an emergency solution that may kill the engine but save the crew lives.

The intuitive operating concept for all functions of the vehicle is supported by ergonomic, glove-compatible controls (no small buttons or switches needing bare fingers to be activated). In the installation space for needs-based installation kits, integrated lashing points and mounting rails facilitate the safe storage of equipment and personal gear.

The G-Class models of the 464 series have been tested and certified according to various specific standards (e.g. MIL-STD, STANAG).

Two means exist to immediately make the distinction between a 461 and the news 464 model: first, the extended air intake is no longer fixed on the right side of the windscreen but on its left; second, the front bumper has become a much more sophisticated part, as it now includes an oil cooler and various brackets. As Bob Morrisson, from Joint Forces, smilingly commented: Considering that a soldier uses his bumper to push trees, how long will it resist? Well, this new bumper is obviously built in a very strong way but...



On the new G-Class 464 model, the front bumper has become by far more sophisticated, enco^mpassing namely an oil cooler in its left end (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The G-Class name is synonymous with a long service life

For over 40 years, the G-Class has helped ensure that demanding rescue, peacekeeping, protection and security missions in rough terrain never fail due to transport issues, even under the most difficult conditions. More than 60,000 units of the G-Class for Rescue and Special Operations have been delivered since 1979 and have proved their worth in guard, patrol, and liaison duties, in disaster relief operations, and in peacekeeping missions all over the world.

For the users, more than 60 different equipment sets have been integrated, allowing broad use in a variety of roles, for example as mobile medical units, fire service and police vehicles, or as radio communications vehicles. Users benefit from the long service life of the G-Class. Individual vehicles have achieved a service life of over 30 years in tough customer use.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Station-Wagon G 350d (model series 464)

The station wagon offers the vehicle's occupants a closed, five-door body with four seats. There is space in the rear for additional equipment and personal gear. With a permissible gross weight of 3.5 tonnes, 1.0 tonne is available for payload. Of this, up to 200 kg can be carried on the roof. Additional payloads can be transported with a 3.5-tonne trailer.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis with cab G 350d (model series 464)

The chassis with a two-door cab (BA09) is designed for a two-person team. The new cab is longer than on the previous model. This makes it possible, in combination with the new seating system, to stow luggage and equipment in the cab and to adopt a more comfortable seating position.

As standard, the vehicle is supplied with a double triangular mounting bracket allowing the largely torsion-free and low-vibration attachment of load carriers. An intermediate frame can be ordered as an option for bodies such as aluminum platforms that can easily twist when being driven off-road.

The permissible gross weight of 4.9 tonnes allows a payload of 2.5 tonnes. If required, a 3.5-tonne trailer can be towed  as with the BA06. With a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres or 96 litres, ranges of 600 km are easily possible.

A standard wheelbase version of the G-Class 464 with an LAPV (Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle) body by Plasan (Israel) and portal axles for increased ground clearance has also been developed. Army Recognition will present it in a separate piece of news.
If the 'sexual intent' is present then the offence is made out even without 'skin-to-skin contact', the apex court clarified

New Delhi: The provision defining the offence of sexual assault against children under the POCSO Act must be looked at from the victim's perspective and if the sexual intent is present then the offence is made out even without "skin-to-skin contact", the Supreme Court Thursday orally observed.

A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit stressed on the intent to commit the sexual offence and said the results would be disastrous if the term physical contact in the provision is interpreted in a way where the skin-to-skin contact becomes necessary for constituting the offence.

The top court reserved its verdict on two appeals filed against the Bombay High Court verdict, which had come under intense scrutiny, and had held that no offence of sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is made out if there is no direct skin-to-skin contact between accused and the victim.

The bench, also comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi, discussed threadbare the definition of section 7 of the POCSO Act which deals with the offence of sexual assault against the children.

The provision says: Whoever, with sexual intent, touches the vagina, penis, anus or breast of the child or makes the child touch the vagina, penis, anus or breast of such person or any other person, or does any other act with sexual intent which involves physical contact without penetration is said to commit sexual assault.

So, therefore, the primary thing is that if the sexual intent is proved then everything will fall in place, the bench orally observed while expressing its reservation on the interpretation made by the high court.

Senior advocate Siddhath Luthra, appearing for the convict in the case as an amicus curiae, referred to the contents of the provision and said that there were issues with the first part of the provision which said if an accused, with sexual intent, touches the vagina, penis, anus or breast of the child or makes the child touch the vagina, penis, anus or breast of such person or any other person then the offence of sexual assault is made out.

However, the second part of the provision said that for constituting the offence of sexual assault, an accused has to commit an act which involves physical contact without penetration and here the skin-to-skin interpretation creeps in.

Luthra said the second part requires sensitive interpretation.

One must rely on different situations to see whether a given interpretation logically holds and when an offence has been clearly laid down then if there was any need to stretch one's reasoning and rely on other provisions, the bench said.

One must look at things from the victim's perspective. If a pen is used to poke a person, there is no skin-to-skin touch and according to arguments advanced there is no sexual assault. But there is an invasion of privacy and violation of modesty of the child, it said.

"If we accept the submission (on physical contact without cloth), what kind of results will we get. According to us, the results will be disastrous, it observed.

Luthra said the legislature consciously used the term 'physical act' in the second part of the provision.

"So, do we understand your submission that the first part skin to skin need not be there? According to you, in the second part skin to skin contact is essential," the bench asked.

Another amicus curiae Siddhart Dave and others argued in the case and the counsel for Maharashtra adopted the submissions of Attorney General K K Venugopal who had vehemently argued for the setting aside of the verdict by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court.

While reserving the verdict, the bench asked parties to file their written submissions within three days.

Venugopal had earlier told the apex court that the controversial verdict of the Bombay High Court would set a "dangerous and outrageous precedent" and needed to be reversed.

The top court, which was hearing separate appeals of Attorney General and the National Commission for Women (NCW), had on January 27 stayed the order which had acquitted a man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act saying groping a minor's breast without 'skin to skin contact' cannot be termed as sexual assault.

Two judgments were passed by Justice Pushpa Ganediwala of Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench).

Earlier, while staying the judgements, the top court had also issued notice to the Maharashtra government and permitted the Attorney General to file an appeal against the verdict.

The verdict had said groping a minor's breast without "skin-to-skin contact" cannot be termed as sexual assault as defined under the POCSO Act.

It had said since the man groped the child without removing her clothes the offence cannot be termed as sexual assault but it does constitute the offence of outraging a woman's modesty under IPC section 354.

The high court had modified the order of a sessions court, which had sentenced a 39-year-old man to three years of imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

The verdict had held that mere groping will not fall under the definition of sexual assault. As per the prosecution and the minor victim's testimony in court, in December 2016, the accused, one Satish, had taken the girl to his house in Nagpur on the pretext of giving her something to eat.

Once there, he gripped her breast and attempted to remove her clothes, the high court had recorded in her verdict.
Sidhu has earlier stated that he cannot compromise with his ethics

Sidhu had tendered his resignation as Punjab Congress chief on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is scheduled to meet state Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday at 3 pm.

Taking to Twitter, Sidhu said, "Chief Minister has invited me for talks... will reciprocate by reaching Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh at 3:00 PM today, he is welcome for any discussions."

Earlier on Wednesday, Channi had urged the "Congress family's head" Sidhu, to resolve issues.

Sidhu has earlier stated that he cannot compromise with his ethics, moral authority and pointed out that he didn't want a "repeat of a system of tainted leaders and officers in the state".

Sidhu had tendered his resignation as Punjab Congress chief on Tuesday.

Sidhu is reportedly upset over the bureaucratic setup and his commands not being followed after Cabinet expansion in Punjab.

Sidhu was appointed as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on July 23 following months of turmoil in the state Congress unit.

Sidhu's resignation as state party chief has intensified the crisis in the Punjab Congress and triggered discussions and deliberations in the party. A minister and three Congress leaders, considered close to him, stepped down from their posts delivering.

This comes as a big blow to the Congress high command that was hoping to resolve the turmoil in the Congress unit of Punjab ahead of the Assembly elections early next year.

After the tussle in Punjab Congress between Sidhu and Captain Amarinder Singh escalated in August, the party had appointing Sidhu as the Congress chief apparently against the wishes of the Chief Minister.
Asia and the Pacific is home to the largest number of older persons in the world -- and rapidly ageing

The growing number and share of older persons in Asia and the Pacific represent success stories of declining fertility and increasing longevity; the result of advances in social and economic development. This demographic transition is taking place against the backdrop of the accelerating Fourth Industrial Revolution. But the Covid-19 pandemic, with its epicentre now in Asia and the Pacific, has exacerbated the suffering of older persons in vulnerable situations and demonstrated the fragility of this progress.

Asia and the Pacific is home to the largest number of older persons in the world -- and rapidly ageing. When the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in 2015, eight per cent of the regions total population was 65 years or older. By 2030, when the agenda comes to an end, it is projected that 12 per cent of the total population -- one in eight people -- will comprise older persons. Fifty-four per cent of all older persons in the region will be women, and their share will increase with age.

Asia and the Pacific has made much progress in connecting the region through information and communication technologies (ICTs). At the same time, it is still the most digitally divided region in the world. Approximately half of its population lacks Internet access. Women and older persons  especially older women -- are the least likely to be digitally connected.

Covid-19 has demonstrated how technologies can help fight the spread of the virus, sustain daily life, support business continuity and keep people socially connected. It has also shown that those who are excluded from the digital transformation, including older persons, are at increased risk of being permanently left behind. Digital equity for all ages is, therefore, more important than ever.

The next few years provide an opportunity for Asia and the Pacific to build on its successes with regard to population ageing and rapid digital transformation, learn from the tragic consequences of the pandemic, and promote and strengthen the inclusion of older persons in the digital world. The 2022 Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the further elaboration of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway will allow countries to develop policies and action plans to achieve digital equity for all ages.

Among those policies, it is particularly important to promote digital literacy and narrow digital skills gaps of older persons through tailored peer-to-peer or intergenerational training programmes. In the fast-changing digital environment, developing, strengthening and maintaining digital literacy requires a life-course approach.

Moreover, providing accessible, affordable and reliable Internet connectivity for persons of all ages must be a priority. Expanding digital infrastructure, geographical coverage and digital inclusion of older persons through targeted policies and programmes will improve access, enable greater social participation, empower older persons, and enhance their ability to live independently.

As highlighted in the Madrid Plan of Action, technology can reduce health risks and promote cost-efficient access to health care for older persons, for instance, through telemedicine or robotic surgery.

Assistive technology devices and solutions can support more and safer mobility for older persons, especially those with disabilities or living alone. Social media platforms can promote social interaction and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

The ESCAP Guidebook on using Information Communication Technologies to address the healthcare needs of older persons has documented good practices from around the region. It also includes policy recommendations and a checklist for policymakers to mainstream ICTs in policies affecting older persons.

While older persons are among the least digitally connected population groups, they are among the most vulnerable to cyberthreats. It is, therefore, critical to establish adequate safety measures, raise awareness, and teach older users to be cautious online.

As we commemorate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons 2021, let us remind ourselves that the risks and vulnerabilities experienced by older persons during the pandemic are not new. Many older persons in the region lack social protection such as access to universal healthcare and pensions.

The Covid-19 recovery is an opportunity to set the stage for a more inclusive, equitable and age-friendly society, anchored in human rights and guided by the promise of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. Digital equity for all ages, highlighted in the 2030 Agenda, goes beyond national interests.

Greater digital cooperation by governments and stakeholders is instrumental for both inclusive and sustainable development and building back better. At the regional and subregional levels, digital cooperation can be fruitfully leveraged to build consensus and share good practices, lessons learned, and policy recommendations. These, in turn, can supplement national level policy and decision-making for the benefit of all age groups.

The Madrid International Plan for Action on Ageing (MIPAA) is the global guiding document endorsed by the United Nations member states in 2002 to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing societies.

MIPAA aims to build a society for all ages. ESCAP, along other regional commissions, has been mandated to review and appraise MIPAA implementation at the regional levels on a regular basis. The Fourth

Review and Appraisal of MIPAA in Asia and the Pacific will take place in 2022, and in addition to addressing the priority directions of MIPAA, it will also focus on the linkages between population ageing and digital transformation. In the context of the MIPAA review and appraisal, ESCAP provides capacity-building to member states on assessing ageing policies, mainstreaming ageing into broader national policymaking and developing forward-looking policies for sustainable development in ageing societies.
As you scroll down the list of live auctions on Bring A Trailer, youll eventually run into an untarnished 2008 Ducati 1098S with less than 6k miles (9,000 km) on the clock. This brutal piece of Italian machinery is put in motion thanks to a liquid-cooled 1,099cc L-twin powerplant, with dual overhead cams, eight desmodromic valves, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1.When the four-stroke behemoth purrs at 9,750 rpm, a peak horsepower figure of no less than 160 stallions will be fed to a six-speed gearbox. On the other hand, the engine is good for up to 90 pound-feet (122 Nm) of crushing torque at approximately 8,000 spins per minute. The rear Marchesini hoop is kept in motion thanks to a chain final drive, resulting in a top speed of 180 mph (290 kph).Moreover, the 1098S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph (0-96 kph) in just three seconds flat, while its quarter-mile time is rated at a blistering 10.9 ticks. The powertrain components are embraced by a tubular steel trellis frame, which rests on fully-adjustable 43 mm (1.7 inches) inverted forks and a top-shelf monoshock from Ohlins.Up front, plentiful stopping power is conjured by dual 330 mm (13 inches) discs and four-piston Brembo calipers, along with a single 245 mm (9.6 inches) brake rotor and a twin-piston caliper at the rear end. In terms of weight, Bolognas phenom will tip the scales at a mere 381 pounds (173 kg) on an empty stomach. Lastly, this mean machine also features an aftermarket clutch cover, Michelin tires, and new timing belts, among other premium items.The 1098S is currently up for grabs at no reserve, and youd only need a little over five grand to best the top bidder (for now)! If youre feeling inclined to make this feral Duc a part of your family, be sure to pay the BaT website a visit before Tuesday afternoon (October 5), as thats when the online auction will end.
And this week, the Mountain View-based search giant announced another big name that would start offering Android Automotive in their cars. Its Honda , the Japanese carmaker thats supposed to begin installing Googles operating system next year, though, at this point, its still not clear what models would feature it first.However, Hondas electric cars are most likely to come with Android Automotive by default, especially as the OS boasts several features specifically aimed at zero-emission vehicles. For example, Google Maps can automatically monitor the range in real-time, and when needed, suggest charging stations that would allow the driver to reach their destination without running out of battery.The whole experience is as seamless as possible, and the integration of Google services is one of the key selling points of Android Automotive.Google Assistant also gets access to car systems, so for example, users would be able to adjust the air conditioning settings using nothing but a voice command.Of course, Honda isnt the first carmaker betting big on Android Automotive. The operating system is already powering several models from Polestar, with several other brands already announcing models that would run on the same platform, including Renault and General Motors.Google gives automakers the option of fully customizing the user interface of the system, so while visually the software could look different from one brand to another, its essentially the same Android Automotive with the same feature lineup in all cars where this platform is available.As for whats happening with Android Auto in Honda cars, nothing on this front has been shared. Most likely, Android Auto will continue to be offered, especially as its such a popular option right now, but going forward, Android Automotive is the preferred choice for new cars.
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Just like BMW doesn't seem to be able to get any new models 100 percent right, Audi can't put a step wrong. That's obviously an exaggeration on both parts, but the gist of it is right. Show us an Audi model launched within the last few years that isn't a joy to look at, and we'll gladly (well, more like begrudgingly, if we're being honest) retract that.The e-tron GT is the perfect example. While some other brands are struggling to find a visual identity for their electric range, Audi has knocked it out of the park with its Porsche Taycan-based sedan. So much so, in fact, that when it launched, there were voices saying it was even sexier than the gorgeous Porscheit is based on.That last bit is open to interpretation, especially since the approach for either of them has been quite different. It is one of the better examples of dealing with cross-platform models inside the Volkswagen Group, which has to be a constant challenge for a mammoth comprising of God-knows how many brands and a limited number of vehicle architectures.Considering how well the non-identical twins managed to carve a niche for themselves, we see no reason why the VW higher-ups wouldn't sanction something similar for an Audi correspondent of the more recently introduced Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.However, instead of the more rugged appearance that Porsche opted for its electric wagon, Audi could veer toward pure performance. After all, it does have the RS 6 in its portfolio, and the name of the Ingolstadt-based automaker has long been associated with go-fast station wagons. Why should leaving theaga and entering the EV age change any of that?It doesn't take much to envision what the e-tron GT Avant (RS or otherwise) would look like, but if you want to give your imagination a break, we have just the perfect rendering for you. Well, technically, Sugarchow (sugardesign_1) has it, we're just here to make sure it reaches you.The virtual wagon looks like a worthy electric counterpart for the RS 6 , and since we've seen the e-tron sedan make short work of the V8-powered model in a drag race, we see no reason why this thing couldn't do the same. With just a few bits of bodywork added to the e-tron, Audi could make the quickest station wagon in production.The only thing that could stand in the way of that is Porsche and its Taycan Cross Turismo . However, since Audi has the tradition of quick station wagons and the Cross Turismo is positioned as more of an adventure-oriented car, there could be a slight possibility there for the e-tron RS Avant to become not only a reality but also the top dog.
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BMW's iX3 comes in a rear-wheel-drive configuration only. That is traditional for BMW but somewhat unexpected for a model of the X series, which used to mean that the vehicles in this line-up had xDrive all-wheel-drive as standard. Not the case for years now, but the iX3 raises the stakes by not even offeringas an option.From the outside, it is easy to spot the BMW iX3, as it comes with a few extra ornaments that are finished in a particular shade of blue, and the front grille is closed off. The front and rear bumpers also have a slightly different design, but that is about it. Mind you, the blue accents are optional, so keep that in mind if you plan to order one.On the inside, just a few elements tell you that you are, in fact, in an electric X3, not in a combustion-engined model. Otherwise, the BMW iX3 feels just like an X3, but without its combustion engine. Those who are familiar with BMWs will appreciate this aspect the most, especially if they already own one and want the iX3 as their second or third car.From an ergonomic standpoint, the BMW iX3 gets a good score, as the Germanhas controls that are easy to use and understand. The screen on the dash does have touch controls, but you can skip those and use the iDrive instead, which operates flawlessly. The controls for volume, climate, and other relevant functions are handled through buttons, not touchscreens.So, what is it like to drive? An extremely short answer would be, just like a BMW X3. That may not mean that much to those who have not driven an X3, right? Let us walk you through how the BMW iX3 is like to drive.The steering system is adjusted for comfort, as it does not need too much force to operate. It has a certain weight to it, and that reminds us of many other BMW models, so you could say it is specific to the brand.There is adequate feedback for the driver, but the level of feedback offered is just that. Some might consider it to be numbed, but it all depends on what it is compared to. After all, this is an SUV, not a car with sporty ambitions or anything.The suspension of the BMW iX3 does a good job of hiding the extra weight brought by the batteries, although it is not that heavy when compared to a conventionally powered model or a hybrid X3 . Thankfully for BMW, the extra weight is in the floor of the vehicle, which means that it lowered the center of gravity, and made things more manageable.The brakes feel adequate for the power level offered and the weight of the vehicle, even though the electric motor does most of the slowing down. The transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking is almost imperceptible to the average user.Regarding the powertrain, the BMW iX3 is only offered with a single electric motor, which powers the rear wheels. With 286 PS (281 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft), you cannot say it is underpowered. BMW lets the e-motor do its thing, even if it is not in Sport mode. When the latter is selected, you feel the full might of the iX3.The BMW iX3 uses a current-excited synchronous motor, which works without magnets, thus eliminating the need for rare earth metals in its construction, as the manufacturer notes. That fact might be related to the following, which is that the BMW iX3 is very good at coasting.Once you take your foot off the accelerator and have the car in D instead of B, the German SUV does a fine job at keeping its speed. You then just need to gently press the right pedal to maintain your desired speed, which comes at rather low energy consumption, as you can observe on the digital gauge cluster.As for the estimated range, BMW's iX3 has a maximum range of 453 kilometers (281 miles) in thecycle, with an average energy consumption of 18.9/100 km (62 miles). We started our drive with the battery charged at 96 percent, and the car displayed a range of 332 kilometers (206 miles).After 125 kilometers (77 miles), most of which was done on the highway, the iX3 had an average energy consumption of 21.6 kWh/100 km (62 miles). The remaining range was 208 kilometers (129 miles) after that section.To be fair, we must note that we did a few sprints from normal highway speeds to a bit more, but nothing too crazy and without jeopardizing anyone's safety. The iX3 proved to be quick, even if you ask it to accelerate hard while driving at 62 mph (100 kph) or more. It just does it, and it does not feel slow in any way.From that point on, we drove on national roads that occasionally went through cities, and some of those roads were downhill, as opposed to the first section, which was slightly uphill when it was not entirely flat.We stopped our drive after 276 kilometers (171 miles), which were done with an average energy consumption of 19.5 kWh/100 km (62 miles), and an average speed of 68 kph (42 mph).Our battery still had a charge of 22 percent when we stopped, which the car estimated to be enough for another 88 kilometers (54 miles) in the same driving conditions.The BMW iX3's range is more than reasonable for a day-to-day commute, even for those who live outside the city they work in. However, it is not as high as one might expect from a car in this segment, with this size, and at this price point. BMW does offer a larger electric SUV, the iX , which caters to this requirement.Even without the extra range of the iX, the BMW iX3 does a good job at being an SUV and provides a sporty drive when requested. Otherwise, it is quiet, although you can notice wind noise at speeds of over 62 mph (100 kph). The latter would also be experienced in a conventional vehicle, but the lack of engine noise in an electric vehicle makes every sound easier to notice.
Dark matter and dark energy fascinate many of us, as one of the most mysterious astronomical concepts. No telescope can actually see them, but the European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch one that will be able to study them more in-depth and give us a better understanding of how the universe grew and keeps growing.

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On July 11th, Virgin Galatic took off from Spaceport America, New Mexico, with its founder Richard Brandson on board and five other passengers. Called Unity 22, the mission carried Branson and his crew 50 miles (80 kilometers) up. After a few minutes of experienciencing zero-G, the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane began its descend to Earth, landing safely back at Spaceport America.While everything seemed to have gone accordingly, on September 1st, a report from the New Yorker uncovered that Virgin's SpaceShipTwo strayed off from its Air Traffic Control clearance during the company's first commercial flight to the edge of space. Not only that, but it also failed to communicate the deviation with the FAA.Now, following a thorough investigation, the agency allowed the company to resume its flights."We appreciate the FAA's thorough review of this inquiry. Our test flight program is specifically designed to continually improve our processes and procedures. The updates to our airspace and real-time mission notification protocols will strengthen our preparations as we move closer to the commercial launch of our spaceflight experience," said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic.For its next flight, Virgin Galactic will carry three paying crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council. The mission's goal is to assess the effects of the transitional phase from gravity to microgravity on the human body.Earlier this month, the company stated thatWe'll have yet to see if Virgin Galactic will stick to its announced plans.
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For the 2020 model year, the federal agency lists a whopping 12 recalls while the 2021 model is rocking three. The latest callback involves both models along with the Lincoln Aviator and compact-sized Lincoln Corsair.A total of 228,297 vehicles equipped with 360-degree camera systems are recalled over a rearview camera that works intermittently. The Dearborn-based automakers Critical Concerns Review Group became aware of this problem in March after compiling numerous reports from the Chinese market. A total of 359 warranty claims were identified, which is why a software fix was released in the summer. Be that as it may, the groups monitoring boffins identified a surge to 1,867 warranty reports in August.The Ford Motor Company is aware of two accidents caused by this condition, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Once again, the fix consists of a software update (LB5T-14F017-AP) designed to control the digital camera's general purpose output pin. Owners will be notified by first-class mail from October 7th through October 14th, 2021.Ford has further issued a stop-sale order for Explores, Aviators, and Corsairs with the 360-degree camera system. The manufacturers notice to dealers quotes a blue screen that may recover to the rearview cameras image during subsequent ignition cycles. Federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is delivered. Otherwise, the dealer could face a civil penalty of up to $21,000 per delivered vehicle.The commercially successful Explorer currently retails from $32,925 for the rear-wheel-drive turbo four-cylinder engine whereascosts $2,000 extra. Over at Lincoln, the Aviator kicks off at $51,465 while the Corsair is available to order from $36,105 excluding taxes and extras.
If they plan on being relevant in the worlds that will open up beyond the borders of our home planet, carmakers will eventually have to pay attention to whats going on up there. And apparently among the first to do are the Japanese from Honda.In a curious statement released on September 30, the company speaks about working on outside-the-box technologies that will open new areas and new markets. Among them, outer space.Thats right, outer space. Through the Honda R&D Co. division, which handles, well, R&D for the group, technologies that will take the name into the 3rd dimension, then the 4th dimension will be developed.Weve already known the Japanese tied the knot with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the development of renewable energy systems in space, but now we learn of remotely-controlled robots, and even a small rocket.The Japanese have revealed theyre working on a system capable of launching small low-Earth orbit satellites, a rocket that, at least in part, should be reusable. No other details were provided at this time, nor are we being given a timeframe for the rockets development.Whats even more shocking is that Honda at one point states that some other tech it is currently working on could help humans overcome the constraints of time.Now, if you immediately jumped on the time machine train on that one, you can relax. What Honda means by that is a multi-fingered avatar robot that can act as a second self of the user. It will be capable of using tools designed for human hands, picking up small objects with the fingertips, and even opening tight jar lids, and can be controlled from afar.According to the company, this yet unnamed mechanical wonder should be ready sometime by 2030.Full details on Honda's plans for the future can be found in the press release section below.
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Take the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series , for instance, which is offered in the United States from $325,000, before destination, dealer fees, and options. Thats already eye-watering expensive, yet we found one advertised on eBay by McLaren Charlotte that comes with a buy-it-now price of $799,996.Made this year and with 49 miles (79 km) on the odo, the German supercar , which wears an orange paint finish on top of the black and orange interior, is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It features everything expected from such a machine, including lots of carbon fiber, leather/suede upholstery with contrast stitching, special doorsills, Burmester premium audio, forged wheels, and lots of driver assistance gear.Cashiers check and money order are listed as the only payment options for this insanely costly vehicle. Now, if you really must have a GT Black Series in your life, then you should get in contact with your local Mercedes dealer and check the stock. Who knows, maybe youre in luck. But if you simply need this one and not the multitude of high-end machines that sum could otherwise get you, wed tell you to inspect the papers in the presence of a lawyer.A racer for the road, the Black Series is the fastest and most powerful member of the two-door GT family . Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine develops 720 hp (730 ps / 537) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, and is married to a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Just 3.2 seconds are required for the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) acceleration, and flat-out, it can do 202 mph (325 kph).
The photo was shot back in August in the skies over the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, where a number of military units were deployed to take part in the so-called Red Flag-Alaska 21-3 exercise  a drill meant to hone the skills required in combat by providing training scenarios that replicate near-peer adversary tactics, techniques and procedures in a controlled environment.We've featured images from this event before, but there's something special about this one. As said, there are two types of fighter planes in this image. Two of them are F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. Well call these ones the prey.The other two are F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron. As some of you already know, this type of squadron has only one thing in mind: oppose Air Force planes and their pilots in a program of intense dissimilar air combat training. Meaning theyre most of the times hunters.Regardless of their status in the hierarchy of the pack, both breeds came together behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron out of March Air Reserve Base in California. They did that because this kind of aircraft is used to feed all sorts of flying weapons, and they usually pull such stunts.These planes are not actually feeding at the moment, but seeing machines of war so different come together in the same shot is not something that happens every day. So straight to our Photo of the Day section, this one goes!
Subsequently, JLR then tried to block imports into the U.S. for several VW Group SUVs, claiming those vehicles had utilized its patented Terrain Response technology without permission.Now the two companies have reached an agreement to resolve litigation in both Germany and the U.S., although other terms of the deal werent disclosed in filings with courts in New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and with the International Trade Commission in Washington, reports Autonews Europe Jaguar had the potential to win over $200 million a year in licensing income from its patent-infringement lawsuit against Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, in our favorable event-risk view, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, Joel Levington.Interestingly enough, Bentley wasnt part of the ITC case filed in November , when JLR tried to halt imports of the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus, Audi Q8, Q7, Q5, A6 Allroad and the e-tron, as well as the VW Tiguan. The dispute was centered around the concept of having the vehicles systems adapt to different terrains using a simple turn of a knob  a key feature in both Jaguar and Land Rover models.As of right now, a VW spokeswoman has declined to comment on the matter, while a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover had no immediate comment.Now, in all fairness, this case seemed a little exaggerated from the get-go, considering the abstract nature of the Terrain Response system patent, which is described as a vehicle control system featuring a plurality of subsystem controllers and subsystem modes connected to a vehicle mode controller.
The roads to titling an abandoned car led us to Connecticut and Delaware. These states are dealing differently with them. The former is trying to grab them no matter where they are, while the latter just want them gone, and do give titles.In Connecticut, the law is very clear about abandoned vehicles. Apart from those rebuilding them or having them stored in enclosed areasall other vehicles abandoned will be towed by local authorities. After that, they will try to find the owner, and if they can't, they'll sell the relic at an auction, if the vehicle is estimated to be worth $500 or less After the sale is concluded, they'll do the math with the towing and storing. If the state spent more than it got, it will send an invoice to the owner they couldn't find (funny, right?). If they get more from the vehicle than that sum, they'll send a letter to the owner telling them that they can reclaim the difference within a year. Sound about right, coming from the state, isn't it?Moving on, we tried to dig a little deeper into this, and we found out that there is no way to claim a barn find, not even from your property, especially if the relic is visible from the street (in which case, law enforcement will come and pick it up). Still, there is only one way to get that abandoned vehicle into your hands - by placing a lien on it and then claim the car due to an unpaid storage fee. We also found an exciting story about a Porsche Targa barn-find in Connecticut.More than a decade ago, some guy found a Porsche Targa in his barn with no title, no bill of sale, and no clue about how it ended up there. Moreover, the car had just 44,000 miles on the clock. He tried to do things the right way, and he was fortunate. DMV found the last registered owner, who was still breathing. He sent him all the papers, including the bill of sale, and the Porsche lived a second life. That Porsche was a gambling debt, and the former owner kept his promise.The right way to do that was not that easy since the authorities could've taken the car. So, in order to get it, the owner should've issued an invoice for storage, announced a lien sale, and then take it. That's how some vehicles were saved and didn't go to the crushers. After many years, some abandoned vehicles were discovered, such as this Corvette C2 who begged for a second life.While in some states there is still some debate regarding abandoned vehicles, which are not a top priority for governments, they make that very clear in Delaware . For short, if a vehicle, an RV, trailer, motorboat, or motorcycle is abandoned on your property, you can claim it. It might not be as easy as requesting a title and receiving it the next day by mail, but it is still clear.First, the authorities have to inspect and determine if it was stolen. Then, they will track down the owner's address and try to get in touch with them. Finally, the petitioner has to post announcements in at least five public areas in the county where the petition is filled and in a newspaper, regardless of the vehicle owner's address.As usual, if someone will show up and claim the vehicle, then you'd better be prepared to invoice them for storage. In Delaware , you have to bear in mind that a vehicle is considered abandoned only after a year, and if the owner doesn't answer the petition sent to them by certified mail. It might take longer, but cudos for making it very clear.
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The deal is supposed to be announced this week and to ensure that Lordstown can still produce the Endurance at the plant. As Bloomberg notes, even if the electric pickup truck sold really well, it would be pretty tricky for Lordstown to use all the factory capacity with a single product.For a company that wants to supply manufacturing services for EVs like Foxconn, buying the factory can be a deal made in heaven. It would grant the Taiwanese company the industrial presence it wants to have in the U.S. with a relatively low investment. Apart from Lucid, moststartups started production with factories that belonged to other carmakers.On Lordstown Motors side, having Foxconn in its boat may help it get some credibility after the Hindenburg Research burned down some of the companys claims. However, the most pressing advantage the deal carries for the startup is to raise much-needed cash to keep developing the Endurance. The additional funds will probably come in handy to cope with the SEC investigation that the Hindenburg Research report raised.When the deal is disclosed, it may also help answer some questions about the Lordstown Endurance . Its battery pack supplier was a mystery, for example. We tried to find them to discuss the fire on the companys first prototype. Foxconn will probably introduce a new battery pack supplier. It would not be unlikely that the Endurance also skipped the in-wheel motors from Elaphe and adopted a more conventional approach. If Bloomberg s sources are correct, well learn more about that in a few hours.
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Back in the 1950s, Pontiac decided to sell its American nameplates with different badges in Canada. The Fleetleader was the first one and its replacement for the 1954 model years was called the Pathfinder. It was essentially a Chieftain full-size, but it had somewhat shorter front and rear fenders compared to its American counterpart.It also came with unique wheels and hubcaps plus specific, Canada-only trim. Also offered in a Deluxe version, the Pathfinder was phased out after only four years on the market. However, Pontiac continued selling Canada-exclusive nameplates for more than two decades. The Laurentian and the Parisienne, for instance, soldiered on into the 1970s.This 1958 Pathfinder is among the last of its kind sold in Canada. The only model year with a quad-headlamps layout, it shared much of its exterior appearance with the short-lived, third-generation Chieftain. As the latter was replaced by the Catalina for 1958, the Pathfinder was phased out to make way for the Strato Chief.But even though it looked a lot like the Chieftain, the Pathfinder was a completely different car under the hood. While the U.S.-made Poncho came with V8s only, the Pathfinder was offered with aninline-six in base trim. It was also available with a V8, but it was a Chevy-spec 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) unit instead of the Pontiac-build engines found South of the border.Showcased by Halfass Kustoms, a shop located in Canada, this 1958 Pathfinder was saved from the crusher. The guy who decided that the Poncho shouldn't meet its doom just yet was trying to sell it and Halfass decided it would be a good idea to buy it and get it running again. Thanks to him, we can get a closer look at one of the rarest Canada-made Pontiacs out there.Sadly, the sedan is in a terrible state. While the exterior looks surprisingly good for a vehicle that's been sitting for decades , the interior and the trunk are in really rough shape. Both have massive holes in the floor and it looks like someone has been operating it with wood panels placed on the driver's side many years ago.The engine bay isn't exactly pretty either and the inline-six is dead. Fortunately, the owner manages to get it cleaned up and, after a bit of pulling around, the mill fires up and gets the Pathfinder moving. And that's just beautiful.I have no idea what's going to happen to this car from here on, but I'm definitely hoping that it will get a second chance at life with a nice restoration . It might not be as fancy as a Chieftain, but it's a cool Pontiac that people should know about.
Lance Stroll, Sebastian Vettel, Christian Horner and George Russell attending the No time to die premiere tonight in London pic.twitter.com/W4R47gu4J7  did Sebastian Vettel attend the 007 premiere? (@itsbeetlesful) September 28, 2021

Even at the premiere of the latest James Bond movie in London, the Aston Martin DB5 had its own place on the red carpet. And given the importance of the automobile in the franchise, several Formula 1 drivers were present as well, including Lance Stroll, George Russell, and Kimi Raikkonen. Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner attended the event accompanied by his wife, Geri, former Spice Girl.Aston Martin F1 drivers even took it one step further. Sky's Natalie Pinkham introduced Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, recently confirmed for the 2022 season, for the drifting session at Silverstone. Martin Brundle, British former race driver and current commentator for Sky Sports, also joined the two Aston Martin drivers in taking turns with DB5.The two had the opportunity to channel their inner 007 super-spy on the race track that annually hosts the British Grand Prix, in the movies iconic car, the Aston Martin DB5. Mark Higgins, rally driver and stunt driver for No Time To Die, first showed the F1 drivers how to replicate scenes from the movie, minus the shooting though, before letting the two give it a go.Vettel and Stroll took the car out for a spin, trying out several drifts that (spoiler alert!) James Bond also performs in order to escape his enemies in the streets of Matera, Italy. The duo was thrilled to be doing the stunts and found out its quite difficult to keep the car under control. Vettel had so much fun that he almost crashed the car at one point. Brundle also had his share of fun.Needing no introduction, the car didnt become as legendary as it is for nothing. With a lot of stunts in all the movies, you needed a vehicle to have both the performance, and the looks. And the DB5 ticks all the boxes. With a 4.0-liter L6, the iconic Aston Martin had 282 hp (286 ps) on tap. In 1964, the DB5 Vantage engine was reworked and improved to offer 325 hp (330 ps). The first models were fitted with a 4-speed manual, but the gearbox was eventually replaced with a 5-speed unit.While No Time to Die marks David Craigs last Bond appearance, it doesnt stand true for the Aston Martin DB5. Until we get more information on who will take over the super-spy role, the latest 007 movie will premiere in theaters on October 8.
Since 1977, Alex Chueh, founder of Ocean Alexander, broke into an industry with ships that have been loved and appreciated since the very first one ever launched. Like most companies, growth was on this boatbuilders mind and in 2005 launched their first over 100-foot yacht, securing their place among boat shows around the world The upcoming vessel does feature a length of 116.8 feet (35.6 meters), but in comparison to other yachts this size, through an ingenious use of space, the ship can accommodate quite the number of guests in absolute luxury and relaxation.On the outside, the 35R boasts extensive use of glass. This is done in order to offer natural lighting to as much interior space as possible. From the lowest deck to the main deck and the sky deck, panel after panel of glass also allow guests to enjoy a view of the outside world.As for things to do while out and about on the deck, classic lounging and relaxing in the sun are the main activities to be enjoyed here. At the bow of the ship, a large forward lounge allows guests to be seen rolling into port in style. Mid-ship, the sky deck presents itself with an aft sunbed, while a bar and two lateral lounges create a place to relax in the shade . Theres also a jacuzzi on this deck.Aft on the bridge deck, al fresco dining is found aft, and the above-mentioned forward lounge. But the real attraction is offered on the main deck with a massive rear-facing lounge bed, while lateral staircases lead to the beach deck below.One neat feature of the beach deck is the garage door. While it normally sits closed and protecting a hidden lounge, once lowered to reveal the space inside, the door also works to extend the beach deck even more, creating a platform on which to set toys and/or lounge around. Why not dive off it? Inside the ship , spaces are adorned with leather and fabric seating, wood or carpet flooring, in some cases marble, and semiprecious metals help balance the selected materials. White, cream, and grey tones yield a rather neutral space that isnt too hard on the eyes.Furniture includes rounded edges, indicative that a boat-builder and design team know what theyre doing, LED lighting helps brighten the space once the sun has set, and those massive windows I mentioned appear available to nearly every stateroom. Marble, porcelain, and glass-filled bathrooms offer a feel as though youre stepping into a spa center. Funny enough, there is a real spa center on the craft, equipped with some gym equipment too.For bedding accommodations, the owners suite is found sitting forward on the main deck with large lateral views and an en-suite bathroom at the bow of the ship. The rest of this deck is used only for social spaces, but the remainder of guests will be accommodated on the deck below via four other suites. The rest of the lower deck is reserved for crew quarters, a few quaint lounges , and the spa, gym, and beach deck garage I mentioned.So far, pricing hasnt yet been announced for the 35R, but similar yachts from this yachting team start at around $14 million (12.2 million at current exchange rates). Seeing as how this beauty is meant to showcase the freshest of the fresh and best of the best, you can expect to pay a bit more than that.Maybe Ocean Alexander shocks the world and puts this vessel out for only $10 million (8.6 million at current exchange rates). If thats the case, by the time youre done building your dream yacht, you wont be looking at a $10 million-dollar vessel anymore, but hey, its not every day you buy a yacht, might as well go all out.
EV

The city of Marietta shared the images on September 27 and only praised the Marietta Fire Department for thinking outside the box while fighting an electric car fire. The solution was indeed creative: they have placed the red Model S over piles of wood and put a hose under the battery pack to cool it down. The pictures show the amount of water used in the process, and it looks like a flood.We sent the city of Marietta Facebook page messages asking for information on the blaze and have received no answer so far. We also thought it pretty weird that any local newspaper of any kind did not cover the fire. However, theres a possible explanation for that.The back of the Tesla Service Center in Marietta is in a very private area of the American Business Center, the shopping mall in which it is located. Google Maps Images allowed us to discover the precise location of the fire. Apart from the firefighters and the people that frequent that protected area, nobody else would know about the blaze if the city of Marietta had not shared the images praising the firefighters creativity. The left side of theseems to be the most affect.Unfortunately, that is still very little information. We are waiting to hear from the city of Marietta at what time the fire started, if it was spontaneous, if the Model S was charging (it is close to chargers), and who is investigating the incident. If you happen to know anything about that, please get in touch with us.Should Tesla had a press department, we could ask it what happened. As the company controls all Service Centers around the world, were pretty sure it knows everything we need to learn. Bringing the situation to public scrutiny may help make Tesla more transparent about what is going on with these fires. Affected customers are still waiting for answers.
Vivarail, a company that specializes in battery technology for rail applications, says that electric trains arent new, but todays technology has advanced so much that batteries are much more powerful and cost-effective. After two types of trains built since 2018, Vivarail is now launching a second-generation battery train, at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).This innovative train will demonstrate the companys revolutionary fast charge system, able to recharge a battery train in only ten minutes. The goal was to develop a zero-emissions train that could provide a maximum range and charge as fast as possible. The new battery train boasts an 80-mile (128.7 km) range on a single charge and, since it can be recharged in only ten minutes, its one of the most effective electric trains out there.Another Vivarail innovation is that its groundbreaking technology can be used to build new battery trains and convert diesel trains (thanks to the modular design), build hybrid trains, and add batteries to electric trains as range extenders. So, instead of getting rid of the old rolling stock, it could be converted with the help of this advanced electronic system. According to Vivarail, the system is able to control the brains of any train.The next-generation battery train will be launched at COP26 in partnership with Network Rail, a railway organization that has adopted radical targets for decarbonization based on alternative fuels, hydrogen trains, and battery trains. At the conference, the new battery train will not only be showcased but also run daily services for the purpose of demonstrating the technology.The Vivarail Fast Charge system has been developed with support from the British agency for innovation, Innovate UK, and is set to become the UKs standard system for all types of battery trains.
Officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia met this week in Baghdad for a fourth round of talks this year, following a months-long hiatus after the election of Iran's new president.

Why it matters: The meetings in Iraq constitute the first serious attempt at dialogue between the two regional rivals following years of tensions and rhetorical venom.

Iraqi sources say the agenda is dominated by efforts to repair the bilateral relationship and by regional issues concerning both sides.

Flashback: Saudi Arabia cut off relations with Iran in January 2016. The move came after Iranian protesters stormed Saudi diplomatic facilities over Riyadhs execution of dissident Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

The relationship deteriorated further following the election of Donald Trump, who openly sided with the Saudi leadership in its long-standing confrontation with Iran.

Given the administration's animosity towards Iran, Riyadh not only felt no need to talk to Tehran, but was arguably even disincentivized to do so.

Between the lines: The Iran-Saudi dialogue coincides with President Bidens arrival into office and his attempt to pivot attention away from the region.

That has been interpreted by many observers as a sign that Arab partners of the U.S. will be more prone to engage Iran if Washington isn't unconditionally backing the regional status quo.

How it happened: The Iran-Saudi dialogue is an outcome of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimis personal efforts to promote a more integrated region and turn his country into a bridge rather than a battleground for competing foreign powers.

Kadhimi hosted a summit in late June with the leaders of Egypt and Jordan, at which the three countries agreed to deepen economic and security ties.

In August, Kadhimi gathered a wider array of leaders from key states such as Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Whats next: After the event, an Iraqi political source close to Kadhimi revealed to Amwaj.media that the Baghdad Conference was never envisioned as a one-off.

The participants are mulling the idea of making this an annual gathering  each time in a different capital," the source said.

At a recent follow-up meeting of the Baghdad Conference, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, all sides including Iran and Saudi Arabia  agreed that the next session will be held in Jordan.

What to watch: Iraq is set to hold parliamentary elections on Oct. 10, and while Kadhimi is not on the ballot, he is seeking domestic, regional and international backing for a second term.
Four United Nations agencies released a joint statement on Thursday warning countries not to deport Haitians "without proper assessment of their individual protection needs."

Why it matters: More Haitian migrants are making their way to the U.S.-Mexico border, as the Biden administration has begun deporting them under the Trump-era Title 42 policy.

What they're saying: "Haitians on the move in the Americas comprise people with different protection needs, profiles and motivations, including unaccompanied and separated children, victims of trafficking, and survivors of gender-based violence," the statement reads.

" This situation is bound to worsen as a result of the 14 August earthquake straining any capacity to receive returning Haitians. Conditions in Haiti continue to be dire, and not conducive to forced returns."

This situation is bound to worsen as a result of the 14 August earthquake straining any capacity to receive returning Haitians. Conditions in Haiti continue to be dire, and not conducive to forced returns." The statement was issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

The agencies said countries need to "uphold the fundamental human rights of Haitians on the move," and "offer protection mechanisms or other legal stay arrangements for more effective access to regular migration pathways."

They also advocated for the Americas to work together to create a "comprehensive regional approach."

The backdrop: Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in June after rising political instability in the country. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake in August compounded the crisis there.
In a statement, the NSS said that Tonoyan and Davit Galstian, an arms dealer also arrested late on Wednesday, are accused of fraud and embezzlement that cost the state almost 2.3 billion drams ($4.7 million).

Later in the day a court in Yerevan allowed the NSS to hold Tonoyan in detention pending investigation. A lawyer for the former minister said he denies the accusations and will therefore appeal against the decision.

The criminal case contains plenty of information that disproves the accusations, Sergei Hovannisian told journalists.

Galstian also protested his innocence during a separate court hearing on his pre-trial arrest.

Galstian owns several firms that have for years sold weapons and ammunition to the Armenian military. He was already arrested in February on charges of supplying the military with unusable artillery shells worth $1 million. Armenias Court of Appeals released the businessman reputedly close to Tonoyan from custody four months later.

It was not immediately clear whether or not Tonoyan, who served as defense minister from 2018-2020, will plead guilty to the accusations.

The NSS statement said that criminal proceedings have also been launched against other serving and retired military officials as part of large-scale operational-investigative measures taken by its investigators. It did not name those officials.

A deputy chief of the Armenian armys General Staff, Lieutenant-General Stepan Galstian, was summoned to the NSS for questioning late on Wednesday. According to the Hraparak newspaper, investigators searched his and Tonoyans apartments.

In what appears to be a related development, the NSS also arrested late last week the commander of Armenias Air Force. It claimed that the general abused his powers to arrange for personal gain a $4.7 million contract for the supply of outdated rockets to the armed forces.

According to the security service, the Defense Ministry had refused to buy the same batch of rockets from a private intermediary in 2011.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian appointed Tonoyan as defense minister immediately after coming to power in the May-April 2018 velvet revolution that toppled Armenias longtime leader, Serzh Sarkisian.

Tonoyan had served as a deputy defense minister and minister of emergencies during Sarkisians rule. In April 2018, one of Pashinians close associates, Ararat Mirzoyan, described him as a real professional and person of integrity who will quickly modernize the Armenian army.

Tonoyan was sacked in November 2020 less than two weeks after a Russian-brokered agreement stopped the Armenian-Azerbaijani war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Some senior pro-Pashinian parliamentarians blamed him for Armenias defeat in the six-week war. The prime minister faced angry opposition demonstrations and fought for his political survival at the time.

Later in November, the then chief of the army staff, Colonel-General Onik Gasparian, said four days after the outbreak of the war he warned Armenias political leadership to urgently reach a truce agreement with Azerbaijan to halt the hostilities. Pashinian subsequently denied Gasparians claim.

However, Tonoyan not only confirmed the warning issued by the army top brass but also said that it was agreed with me.
Overall public spending is to rise by over 15 percent to almost 2.2 trillion drams ($4.5 billion) in 2022.

The government at the same time pledged to cut the budget deficit through an even sharper rise in its tax revenues.

The 2022 budget is based on our three main priorities: reforming the national security system, developing infrastructures and modernizing education and science, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said during a cabinet meeting in Yerevan. We will be paying a great deal of attention to national security, without which it is impossible to achieve long-term development goals.

Government spending on defense is projected to grow by about 11 percent to 345.4 billion drams ($707 million), reflecting lingering security challenges facing Armenia after last years war with Azerbaijan.

The government wants to allocate another 42.6 billion drams to the National Security Service (NSS), a year-on-year increase of about 23 percent. The NSS oversees Armenias border guards deployed along some sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border after the six-week war.

The draft budget presented by Finance Minister Tigran Khachatrian also calls for a 31.6 percent surge in spending on road construction and other infrastructures which would total nearly 279 billion drams.

Social security would remain the single largest recipient of public funds, with almost 580 billion drams allocated for that purpose.

The spending increases are supposed to be more than offset by a nearly 25 percent jump in state revenue projected at 1.95 trillion drams. The budget deficit would thus fall to 242 billion drams from 334 billion drams recorded last year.

The 2021 deficit, equivalent to 5.5 percent of GDP, was much bigger than expected due to a severe economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic and compounded by the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian economy shrunk by 7.6 percent, forcing the government to resort to additional external borrowing to make up for a major shortfall in its tax revenues.

The economy returned to growth this year. Pashinian said in July that it is on course to expand by at least 6 percent in 2021.

The recession also pushed up Armenias public debt to 63.5 percent of GDP. According to the Ministry of Finance, the debt continued to increase this year, reaching $8.95 billion in August.

Khachatrian expressed confidence that the ongoing economic recovery will allow the government cut the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60.2 percent by the end of 2022.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.
The Ricci Institute will be led at BC by its director, M. Antoni J. Ucerler, S.J., and director of research, Xiaoxin Wu, both of whom arrived at BC this fall. They will be assisted by Archivist and Librarian Mark Stephen Mir, Assistant Editor Stephen Ford, and an assistant director to help implement the Institutes programming and operations.

Boston College is a premier Jesuit university that deeply values dialogue with other cultures and religions, and believes in the intrinsic intellectual value of the humanities for building a better world, said Fr. Ucerler. With its focus on the history of scholarly exchanges between Christianity and the great traditions of East Asia, both religious and scholarly, the Ricci Institute at BC will have a greater outreach, as it promotes the study of the encounters that centuries ago missionaries initiated between East and West.

Fr. Ucerler believes that by moving to Boston College, the Ricci Institute will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to work closely with scholars at a major research university, as well as expanding ongoing connections with the Harvard Asia Center and the Yenching Institute, and Boston Universitys Center for Global Christianity and Mission, thereby creating the worlds largest collection of research materials for scholars of Chinese-Western culture.

I am convinced that Boston College will allow us to think big, said Fr. Ucerler. Our not-so-secret dream is for the Ricci Institute to become the worlds premier scholarly center for interdisciplinary research on Christianity in East Asiafrom the history of art and architecture to the history of comparative science. We wish to expand our outreach to even more scholars from every continent conducting such research and bring them to Boston College to interact with each other and with the BC Community. We are also greatly looking forward to sharing our unique archival and artistic collections with BC students and faculty. We hope to serve the entire BC community by becoming a major new resource for teaching and research across multiple disciplines and departments.



Jack Dunn | University Communications | September 2021


Famed Circles in the Sand Back on Central Oregon Coast - Florence

Published 09/29/21 at 6:56 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Florence, Oregon)  The absolute middle of the central Oregon coast is known for its soft sands. But now theyre getting arty.

October 16 sees the return of the Circles in the Sand at Florence, a gargantuan event that brings more than a little visual intrigue to the sands in front of the Driftwood Shores.

Circles in the Sand features a massive labyrinth carved in the sand starting at 3 p.m., with a public walkthrough at 5 p.m. Low tide will be at 5:15 and sunset will be at 6:30 p.m. All of this will be free and held whatever the weather is doing: rain or shine.

Two years ago it snagged a segment on NBC Nightly News, putting Florence in the national spotlight for something other than the Exploding Whale.

This is always an uplifting event at a great time of year to visit Florence's beaches, said Bettina Hannigan, president/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. People come from all over. It's wildly artistic, spiritually uplifting for many, and incredibly unique among beach events anywhere in the country.

The event draws large crowds to the central Oregon coast town, especially as the area opens up to the walkthroughs by the public. This means something different in the age of COVID, with volunteers on hand to help people keep socially distanced. COVID-19 masking and distancing guidelines in effect at the time will be enforced.

We are eagerly looking forward to another amazing and unique beach draw, said Lon Beale, event sponsor and owner of Sand Master Sandboarding and Venomous Sandboards in Florence. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone; and don't forget, it's completely free.

The whole shebang is sponsored by Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center, Sand Master Park Sandboarding and Venomous Sandboards, Sea Lion Caves, Mo's Seafood and Chowder, and The Little Brown Hen.

We receive many calls about Circles in the Sand each year and our guests really enjoy the event, said Jim Myers of Driftwood Shores. Each of our rooms has beach and ocean view and guests will have a front row seat of this amazing artist in action.

Circles in the Sand was created in 2011 by labyrinth artist Denny Dyke. This will be Dyke's fourth trip to Florence. Dyke is based near Bandon and does several beach draws each year on Bandon's beaches, but has gained an international following. In the early years of his work, it was not uncommon to see mentions of "crop circles" or "alien art" after his work was found on the sand. His first intention was to create labyrinths so that everyone could enjoy a walk on the sand.

Dyke's volunteer drawing team starts with a blank canvas of sand and then creates a beautiful work of art for all to enjoy. Every pattern has a single path, with no wrong turns or dead ends, that spirals and meanders throughout the entire labyrinth and returns near its entrance. 541-997-3128 or FlorenceChamber.com

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SHENYANG, China (AP)  People in northeastern China ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as much of the country enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas.

News reports blame high coal prices they say make power companies reluctant to meet booming demand, while economists say the real motive is political: Officials are under pressure to curtail energy use to meet official targets.

In Shenyang, the northeast's most populous city, restaurant owner Li Yufeng used a battery from an electric bicycle to run a pot for noodles after seeing a notice power would be switched off at 7:30 a.m. Li said he started work two hours early, at 6 a.m., to prepare chicken, sauces and other dishes.

There are some impacts, but not a big impact, Li said as customers ate by smartphone lights.

Factories in Chinas busiest manufacturing provinces have been ordered to suspend production for up to a week, prompting concern global supplies of smartphones and other goods might be disrupted. Now, urban neighborhoods are being blacked out, triggering pleas on social media for the government to solve the problem.

Chinas power consumption is growing at almost double its usual rate, while the ruling Communist Party is trying to reduce energy intensity, or the amount used per unit of economic output.

The power cuts come as global leaders prepare to attend a U.N. environmental conference by video link on Oct. 12-13 in the southwestern city of Kunming. That increases pressure on President Xi Jinpings government, as the meetings host, to show it is sticking to emissions and energy efficiency targets.

The cuts are largely driven by energy consumption control measures, with power shortages affecting another few provinces, Lara Dong of IHS Markit said in an email.

This is in line with Chinas decarbonization ambitions, she said.

The Cabinets planning agency warned in August that 20 regions had exceeded energy use and pollution targets after manufacturing rebounded from the pandemic. The government has ambitious plans to make the economy cleaner and more energy-efficient, so failing to meet those targets can be a career-ending blunder.

The power cuts could be more disruptive than previous shortages, Bank of America said in a report. Due to shortages in some areas, it said, "a relaxation of the governments energy consumption goals may not immediately alleviate the power crunch.

China is one of the worlds biggest emitters of climate-changing industrial gases and consumes more energy per unit of economic output than developed countries. Given its huge population, on a per capita basis it ranks much lower.

China also is preparing for the Winter Olympics in the capital, Beijing, and the nearby city of Shijiazhuang in February, a period when it will want clear blue skies.

Officials in Jiangsu province, a manufacturing hub northwest of Shanghai, told state media some cities there have used up 90% of this year's quota for power use. The officials of the provincial planning agency were cited as saying individual city governments had to decide how to meet their targets.

The government of Guangdong province, China's biggest manufacturing center, has cited both official energy use limits and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs that provide a big share of its electricity.

In Liaoning province, where Shenyang is the capital, the government said in a statement Sunday that power demand hit a record high in the first eight months of the year. It said Liaoning has suffered shortages since then due to a decline in wind power and other sources.

The government of neighboring Jilin province blamed a shortage of coal. It said in a statement Monday its governor would visit miners in nearby Inner Mongolia to line up additional supplies.

Some advance warnings of power cuts to residents in Shenyang and other cities cited a need to ration power but didn't say why.

Li, the noodle restaurant owner, showed a reporter a notice circulated on social media that said power would be out in his neighborhood from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Shopkeeper Yang Chang had a generator running on the sidewalk to keep freezers full of meat cold.

As long as there is electricity we can sell things, unlike restaurants that need water, said Yang. Yang didnt know or care what the reason for the power outage was but said, its understandable.

I was born in the 90s. When I was little, electricity wasnt stable, said Yang. Although we are having difficulties, the government will find a solution.

___

AP video producer Olivia Zhang in Shenyang and AP Writers Huizhong Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, and Joe McDonald in Beijing contributed.
Organizers behind the annual SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, are speaking out against restrictive abortion bills rolled out by state leadership this month.

Just ahead of this Saturdays National Womens March in support of reproductive rights, the conference is pledging to stay in its home city and fight alongside the dedicated blue pocket of Austin.

SXSW stands against discriminatory laws and unequivocally supports civil rights for all persons, everywhere, a Thursday statement from SXSW read. As residents of Texas we are appalled at the passing of both SB 4 and SB 8, the most restrictive state abortion bills in the nation, along with SB 1, which deliberately disenfranchises voters.

The bills in question, which incensed Hollywood weeks ago, open doors to civil prosecution for any party aiding in an abortion in Texas. The legislation is seen as a bellwether in overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade case.

These bills not only negatively impact reproductive freedom and voter rights in Texas, but set a dangerous precedent across the United States. The Texas legislature and Governor Abbott continue to pass punitive legislation while presiding over governmental failures during the last two years that led to the suffering of thousands of Texans, the statement continued. We hear the calls for us to leave the state that we have called home for more than 30 years. These grievous bills do not reflect the diversity of Texan voters or the evolving demographic and electoral trends. And they certainly do not reflect the progressive views held by many in Austin.

Organizers went on to detail the economic devastation that moving the annual event, which convenes thought leaders in film, music, politics and tech.

Austin is part of SXSWs DNA, and we are committed to staying and fighting alongside the people who have made us who we are. We will continue to use our platform to further the progression of human rights at home and across the globe, the statement concluded.

In addition to supporting the womens march, SXSW will make donations to Planned Parenthood, the Lilith Fund, and Fair Fight.

Variety owner Penske Media is a 50% stakeholder in SXSW.
PHOENIX (AP)  The Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to immediately reinstate a series of new laws that include measures which block schools from requiring masks and remove the power of local governments to impose COVID-19 restrictions.

The high court turned down Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich's request that the provisions in three state budget bills and an entire budget bill be allowed to take effect. Instead, the court set a briefing schedule for it to consider Brnovich's request to bypass the Court of Appeals and hear the case directly.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper issued a ruling Monday blocking the school mask ban and a host of other provisions in the state budget package from taking effect as scheduled on Wednesday.

She sided with education groups that had argued that the bills were packed with policy items unrelated to the budget and violated the state constitution's requirement that subjects be related and expressed in the title of bills.

Cooper's ruling cleared the way for Arizona cities and counties to enact mask requirements and other COVID-19 rules that would have been blocked by the budget bills. At least 29 of the state's public school districts issued mask mandates before the laws were set to take effect and some immediately extended them after Cooper's ruling.

Republican opponents of school mask requirements and local COVID-19 restrictions are powerless to immediately pass new versions of the laws even if GOP Gov. Doug Ducey calls a special legislative session. That's because there are two GOP vacancies in the closely-split House and Republicans no longer have the votes to pass bills without Democratic support.

Cooper's sweeping ruling also struck non-virus provisions that were slipped into the state budget and an entire budget measure that had served as a vehicle for a conservative policy wish list. They included a required investigation of social media companies and stripping the Democratic secretary of state of her duty to defend election laws.

Brnovich urged the court to strike down Cooper's ruling, saying the groups that sued had no legal right to challenge the bills, that the issue was political and outside the courts' jurisdiction and that Cooper wrongfully concluded they violated the constitution.

The trial courts ruling carries significant implications for the operation of state government and the State will continue to suffer harm if the trial courts ruling is not swiftly overturned, allowing the challenged provisions to immediately go into effect, attorney Patrick Irvine wrote in his request for the Supreme Court to directly take the appeal.

Cooper had rejected similar arguments.

Brnovich also asked Cooper and the state Court of Appeals to allows the laws to go into effect, but both rejected the requests on Wednesday.

The fight over school masks and other COVID-19 restrictions has moved into courtrooms across the U.S. Lawsuits have been filed in at least 14 states either for or against masks in schools. They directly challenge either state rules banning masks or local school board policies mandating them.

In Arizona, a coalition of educators and allies sued to challenge laws prohibiting public school districts from imposing mask requirements, colleges from requiring vaccinations for students, and communities from establishing vaccine passports for entry into large events, businesses and other places. It also challenged a broad invalidation of any other local virus measure.

The coalition argued a large number of Arizona children would get sick with COVID-19 if the new laws weren't blocked. The restrictions had been written into state budget measures that were passed near the end of the legislative session in June with only support from majority Republicans.

A spokesman for Ducey, C.J. Karamargin, on Monday called Cooper's ruling clearly an example of judicial overreach."

Cooper's decision has far-reaching ramifications for the Legislature, which has long ignored the constitutional requirement that budget bills only deal with spending items. Lawmakers have packed with them policy items, and this year majority Republicans were especially aggressive.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  The trustees of the Vermont State College System have approved renaming three of the schools Vermont State University.

The board unanimously approved the unifying name for Vermont Technical College, Castleton University and Northern Vermont University on Wednesday, despite opposition from some students, alumni, faculty and community members.
NEW YORK (AP)  George Frayne, who as leader of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen enjoyed a cult following in the 1970s with such party and concert favorites as Hot Rod Lincoln and Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)," has died.

Frayne died Sunday in Saratoga Springs, New York, according to his wife Sua Casanova, who did not immediately provide further details. He was 77 and had been diagnosed with cancer several years ago.

As I lay my head upon his shoulder/Georges soul took to flight/I am heartbroken and weary/And I know your hearts break too, Casanova wrote last weekend on her Facebook page.

Formed in 1967, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen drew upon influences ranging from Western swing to jump blues. They became a popular touring and recording act during the first half of the 1970s, getting around the country in a converted Greyhound bus. They specialized in uptempo remakes, notably the top 10 hit Hot Rod Lincoln; Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)," a novelty song from the 1940s; Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar and Diggy Liggy Lo." The sound was country-rock boogie and the mood lighthearted and ready to get wild, as defined by Frayne's witty talking-blues vocals.

Frayne was a native of Boise, Idaho, who grew up in New York City and Long Island and had an early interest in piano and art and design. He attended the University of Michigan as an undergraduate and graduate student and was still living in Ann Arbor when he helped form Commander Cody along with Billy C. Farlow, Bill Kirchen and others he would call neo-radicals who specialized in a form of quasi-social mayhem." Their name was lifted from old movie serials  including a science fiction adventure from the 1950s featuring space fighter Commander Cody.

They resettled in the Bay Area in California in 1969, when a trippy name like Commander Cody and His Lost Plane Airmen fit well with such local groups as the Charlatans, Quicksilver Messenger Service and (more famously), Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. They had success in the early 1970s with Hot Rod Lincoln" and released six albums from 1971-75, including the acclaimed Live from Deep in the Heart of Texas," while resisting Warner Bros' efforts to model themselves on the commercial country-rock of the Eagles.

The band broke up in the mid-1970s, but Frayne (still calling himself Commander Cody) continued to tour and record, performing with Jerry Garcia, Elvis Costello and Sammy Hagar among others and releasing such albums as Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers and Worst Case Scenario. He also painted, made films, and taught at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

In 2009, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen was voted into Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

___

This story has been corrected incorrect several references to the Lost Planet Airmen.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  An apparently long-running extermination site has been found outside Mexico's northern border city of Nuevo Laredo, officials said Wednesday night.

The location was discovered some weeks earlier and is being investigated within the context of dozens of reported disappearances along a segment of the highway connecting Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey since 2012, the National Search Commission said.

The characteristics of the place allow the inference that it is an extermination site that has been used for years and until very recently, which will have to be confirmed by experts, the commission's statement said. This is the first site of these dimensions found in Nuevo Laredo.

Searchers found burned human remains on the ground, multiple possible clandestine graves and a clandestine crematorium, it said.

Drug cartels frequently use such sites to burn or dissolve the bodies of their victims.

Located across the border from Laredo, Texas, Nuevo Laredo has been dominated for years by the Northeast Cartel, a fragment of the old Zetas cartel.

The head of the governments National Search Commission, Karla Quintana, had told the W Radio station Tuesday that a clandestine crematorium of considerable size had been found just outside Nuevo Laredo, along with burned bone fragments. She said it had been set up and operated years ago, but had also recently been used.

Families of dozens of people who went missing on the highway between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo this year expressed anger at the report, complaining that they had not been informed of the situation.

Angelica Orozco, who leads the relatives' group United Forces for Our Disappear in Nuevo Leon state, which borders Nuevo Laredo, said Wednesday that it is very worrisome for us that the commission has come out with such alarmist statements without informing us.

Her group said in a statement Tuesday that these statements totally re-victimize, and cause anguish and torture for the relatives of the disappeared," because many may assume their loved ones may have been killed and burned there.

The commission's statement Wednesday night called for the inclusion of families of the missing in the efforts to investigate the site.

At least 71 people went missing earlier this year as they drove on the highway between the industrial hub of Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo. The victims include at least a half dozen U.S. residents.

Most of the missing are men who drove trucks or taxis on a road that local media have dubbed the highway of death. But the missing also include women and children and men driving private cars. Activists say about a half dozen men have reappeared alive and badly beaten after being abducted on the highway, and all they will say is that armed men forced them to stop on the highway and took their vehicles.

Quintana said earlier this year the disappearances may be related to turf battles between the Jalisco and Northeast cartels.

Raymundo Ramos, a human rights activist in Nuevo Laredo, said authorities have released little information about the discovery, but that in the past such sites have been found with large metal drums where bodies are soaked in diesel and burned beyond recognition.

They should guarantee that (victim's) relatives have access to the information, Ramos said of authorities.

Despite alerts from relatives of the missing in May, the state government of Nuevo Leon, where Monterrey is located, didnt warn people against traveling on the highway until almost a month later, activists say. Authorities have since increased policing and security on the highway.
SEATTLE (AP)  A federal jury in Seattle on Wednesday convicted a leader of a neo-Nazi campaign to threaten journalists and Jewish activists in three states.

The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes Wednesday following a two-day trial before convicting 25-year-old Kaleb Cole of five felony charges, including conspiracy, mailing threatening communications and interfering with a federally protected activity. He could face a decade in prison when Judge John C. Coughenour sentences him in January.

Cole, most recently of Montgomery, Texas, was a leader of a hate group called Atomwaffen Division. He and four others were charged last year with having cyberstalked and sent Swastika-laden posters to journalists and employees of the Anti-Defamation League in Washington state, Arizona and Florida, telling them, You have been visited by your local Nazis, Your Actions have Consequences, and We are Watching.

The posters included images such as a hooded figure preparing to throw a Molotov cocktail at a house, and the words Death to Pigs"  the same message followers of Charles Manson scrawled in victims blood during a home invasion murder.

Cole has been on law enforcements radar since at least 2018, when he was stopped at U.S. Customs upon returning from a trip to Europe. Authorities searched his cell phone and found photos of him at various sites throughout Europe, displaying a white supremacist flag and performing the Nazi salute.

In 2019, Seattle police obtained an extreme risk protection order against him, seizing nine guns from his home. They said Cole had gone from espousing hate to now taking active steps or preparation for an impending race war.

Those steps including organizing paramilitary-style hate camps in Nevada and Washington, investigators said.

During the trial, victims testified about the impact of receiving the posters, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release. Some temporarily left their homes and installed security systems; one bought a gun and took a firearms safety class; and another left her job as a journalist.

In his closing argument, assistant U.S. attorney Thomas Woods told the jury Cole was not simply sending a message of hate, he was sending a statement of terror.

Cole did not call any witnesses or testify on his own behalf. His attorney, Chris Black, argued that the posters did not constitute threats.

What we have here is a group of disillusioned young men who want to believe that they are engaged in some sort of propaganda war with journalists and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, Black said. But they never engaged in violence. They never planned violence. And most importantly, they never intended to communicate an actual threat to commit violence.

His three co-defendants pleaded guilty and have already been sentenced, with the other leader of the conspiracy, Cameron Shea, receiving a three-year term after apologizing and saying, I cannot put into words the guilt that I feel about this fear and pain that I caused.

Johnny Roman Garza, of Queen Creek, Arizona, was sentenced to 16 months for affixing one of the posters on the bedroom window of a Jewish journalist.

Taylor Parker-Dipeppe, of Spring Hill, Florida, received no prison time for attempting to deliver a flier but leaving it at the wrong address. Parker-Dipeppe was severely abused by his father and stepfather and hid his transgender identity from his co-conspirators  the judge found that he had suffered enough.
We understand people love dogs, but someone in Texas had 111 of them in a single residential home.

On Friday, September 24, the City of Mesquite's Animal Service Division stated in a news release its officers rescued the dogs after becoming aware of the situation. The city's code permits a maximum of three dogs per home.
Eric Gay/AP

I am angry. I am angry at the Texas politicians who so cleverly crafted an ingenious piece of anti-abortion legislation, known as SB-8. Whether one does or does not support Roe vs. Wade is not germane to my grievance. This is not about the merits of pro-life or pro-choice. Even those who fervently support pro-life should be enraged by the enforcement mechanism employed by SB-8.

My anger stems from the Orwellian machinations of boneheaded politicians whose bit of cleverness amounts to a repugnant attack on the fabric of our society by encouraging fellow citizens to do the dirty work that is prohibited to the state of Texas by Roe. They have opened the door to measures that are destructive of a free society.
If it werent so serious, it would be funny. Gov. Greg Abbott rolls over and agrees to an audit of the 2020 election results in this state as demanded by former President Trump, who is still promoting the absurd lie that Democrats stole the election from him. But unlike other states where Trump has demanded yet another recount, he actually won in Texas two years ago, as did almost every other Republican legislative candidate and all statewide contenders.

To put it in plain English, what is this pointless audit supposed to prove? That Trump and all the other Texas Republicans really did win  as every sensible person in this state realized the day after the election?

Privately, these state officials and many Republican voters undoubtedly understand that Biden won fair and square, yet they cant or wont admit that publicly. So they swallow their dignity and play along with the pouting ex-president  while taxpayers pick up the bill.

So get ready for an audit of the vote in four of the states most populous counties  Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. Of those counties, Trump won in Collin County while Biden won the other three. And theres nothing surprising about that in a state where some urban residents vote Democratic even though a majority of Texans vote Republican.

Despite various investigations of voter fraud over the years, only a handful of cases have been discovered. Every one of them should be prosecuted, of course, but the reality is that millions of votes are cast in Texas in every statewide election with virtually no problems. Thats a tribute to the voter safeguards already in place and the integrity of our election officials  in both parties. If Democrats are rigging elections in Texas, theyre doing a lousy job of it.

Former Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs even said that the 2020 elections were smooth and secure, an admission that contradicted Trumps claim and cost Hughs her job. For that heresy, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick refused to let the state Senate vote on her confirmation this year, and the office is now vacant.

Texans should also realize that Trumps demand for an audit in Texas came just hours after his demand for a recount in Arizona was exposed as another empty quest. The audit of the Arizona 2020 vote confirmed that President Biden did indeed win the state. He even got a few more votes, and this bizarre audit by a private company (with no real election auditing experience) came after two states audits. All of them revealed only minor changes in vote totals, something that invariably happens when millions of votes are recounted. There is no reason to believe that the Texas audit will be any different.

This is a waste of time  and tax dollars. Abbott and state leaders have plenty of other issues they could be focusing on instead, such as a foster child care system that has been broken for years and an upcoming winter with questions about whether our power grid could handle another freeze. If Trump want to obsess over his loss two years ago and tell lies about it, thats his business. Texans should live in the real world and devote our attention to the important challenges that face us and our children.
Former KPK employees are welcomed by relatives after exiting Indonesias anti-corruption agency (KPK) building, following their firing after being declared unqualified in a controversial civil service exam, in Jakarta, Sep. 30, 2021.

Dozens of employees and investigators who were fired from their posts at Indonesias anti-corruption agency after they failed a civics exam vowed Thursday to keep fighting against graft, during an emotional rally on their last day on the job.

The government has offered the 57 dismissed staffers  including investigators who had handled major cases  jobs with the national police, amid a public outcry and allegations that they were terminated as part of efforts to undermine and sideline the once independent Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Yudi Purnomo, a former KPK investigator and chairman of its workers union, was teary-eyed as he reminisced on his 14-year career at the agency.

I havent decided where Im going, but for sure I will continue to work for this country, Yudi told reporters, after the staffers laid their name tags on the ground outside KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

My journey may have stopped for now, but the spirit of eradicating corruption must not die.

Since it was established in 2002, the KPK has secured the convictions of former ministers, governors, central bankers, legislators, and tycoons, making it one of the most respected and feared institutions in Southeast Asias largest country.

In May, the National Civil Service Agency (NCSA) announced that 75 KPK employees had failed the so-called National Outlook Test, which was required for them to keep their jobs. Critics have likened the exam to an ideological purity test, alleging it was designed to get rid of the agencys most veteran graft investigators.

The employees were required to pass the test as KPK transitioned from an independent institution to one under the executive branch of the government. It was mandated after amendments to a law governing the KPK.

The test that KPK employees took was different from the standard entry test required of applicants to the civil service because the KPK staffers were more senior-level government employees, according to NCSA.

Those who took the test said interviewers asked questions about their views on homosexuality and the governments decision to ban the hardline Islamic Defenders Front, or whether they were willing to remove their hijab if requested as part of their jobs dress code.

The amendments that brought the agency under the control of the executive branch were passed by the Indonesian parliament in 2019. It provoked street protests, where opponents accused the government of using the law to weaken the independence of the agency fighting corruption in a country notorious for widespread graft.

In May, the Constitutional Court rejected a petition filed by former KPK commissioners to overturn the amended law.

Busyro Muqoddas, who headed the commission from 2010-2011, said Thursday that the firing was legally and morally flawed.

Im convinced that the current KPK regime will not last long. Its undergoing moral decay, he told reporters.

Of the 75 employees, 57 failed on questions which they had to answer correctly and for which they would have no opportunity to retake the test, while the remaining 18 could stay on at the agency provided that they were willing to receive further guidance, according to NCSA.

Former KPK Senior Investigator Novel Baswedan waves his hand at the anti-corruption agency building, after he and dozens of other co-workers were fired after being declared unqualified in a controversial civil service exam, in Jakarta, Sept. 30, 2021. [REUTERS]





Among those fired is Novel Baswedan, who was permanently blinded in his left eye when perpetrators threw acid in his face in 2017 during an attack, which he believes was related to one of his many investigations.

Baswedan and six other investigators who failed the test have handled significant corruption cases involving powerful senior politicians and police generals, including an ongoing probe involving two former members of President Joko Jokowi Widodos cabinet.

Novel was the lead investigator in a corruption scandal surrounding a national electronic identity card project, which cost the state 2.3 trillion rupiah ($163 million). It led to the political downfall of then-parliament Speaker Setya Novanto, who lost the position before being sentenced to 15 years for his role in taking kickbacks.

Last year, a Jakarta court convicted and sentenced two low-ranking police to two years and 18 months in prison, respectively, for the acid attack following a trial, which Novel himself and rights groups denounced as farcical.

Offers of new jobs

On Wednesday, national police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo said he had sent a letter to Jokowi proposing to hire the former KPK staffers to work as civil servants in the force, because they could strengthen the police forces fight against corruption within the institution.

Their track record and experience in fighting corruption are useful in strengthening the police as an organization, Listyo said in a statement.

Mohammad Mahfud MD, the coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs, later said Jokowi had approved the police chiefs proposal.

The controversy can now be put to an end, he tweeted.

Meanwhile, the chief of criminal investigations at the national police, Commissioner Gen. Agus Andrianto, said that the dismissed employees would not be able to work as investigators at the force.

Based on the law on the police, investigators and assistant investigators shall be members of the National Police, not civil servants, he told CNN Indonesia on Wednesday.

A former KPK director, Giri Suprapdiono, said he had not decided whether to accept the polices offer.

There are many questions and things that need to be clarified regarding the plan, Giri told BenarNews.

Boyamin Saiman, who leads the NGO Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI), said the offer only demonstrated the governments inconsistency.

Now that the national police chief wants to hire them, it means that that the National Outlook Test was meaningless. If they were deemed to have failed, why is the police chief recruiting them? Boyamin told BenarNews.
The acquittals of three senior UMNO officials on corruption-related charges since June does not bode well for international perceptions of Malaysias efforts to combat graft, now that the party is firmly back in power, according to analysts.

In the latest acquittal, Ahmad Maslan, the secretary-general of UMNO, this week saw charges of money laundering and giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) dropped by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after he paid a 1.1 million ringgit (U.S. $262,850) fine.

His United Malays National Organization party regained power in early 2020 as a member of Malaysias ruling coalition, and today leads another unelected government that came to power in August.

Tunku Mohar Mokhtar, an academic at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, said the acquittal of Ahmad Maslan and the other two UMNO leaders during the past three months does not help improve negative perceptions toward the party. They could further jeopardize the countrys standing on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), an annual ranking by the watchdog group Transparency International of countries efforts to combat corruption, he said.

CPI is about perception. Thus far, the perception is generally negative toward the government as its foundation included lawmakers who are perceived to be corrupt. A fall in the CPI cannot be discounted, Tunku Mohar told BenarNews.

Another analyst agreed, saying she expected to see Malaysia fall on the index despite the governments pledge of institutional reform.

UMNO was swept out of power in the 2018 general election by an opposition alliance, which campaigned on a platform of purging government of deep-seated corruption. The opposition ousted then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was implicated in massive allegations of corruption and abuse of power tied to the 1MDB financial scandal.

In 2020, Malaysias CPI ranking fell from 51 the year before to 57 among 180 countries, according to Transparency International.

The report by the Berlin-based NGO attributed the drop to the sudden change in government in early 2020, when UMNO returned to power as part of an alliance led by Muhyiddin Yassin, the leader of the Bersatu party.

When Muhyiddin resigned as prime minister in August, Malaysias king, who had appointed him to the post in 2020, appointed Ismail Sabri Yaakob of UMNO as his successor.

Ahmad, 53, faced a charge of money laundering by not declaring to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) money he had received in 2013 from then-Prime Minister Najib.

Shahrul Hamidi and Haziq, the law firm representing Ahmad, said prosecutors withdrew charges against Ahmad because he had paid the fine.

This settlement is not Ahmads guilty plea to all charges against him. It was done in accordance with the law and has gone through a transparent and orderly process. This is solely for the purpose of this case and has nothing to do with any political factors, the firm said in a statement Wednesday.

Regardless of the legal process and the more recent outcomes of corruption cases, the court of public opinion is skewed against UMNO and its leadership, according to Tunku Mohar.

Despite Ahmads claim that an offer was in place in 2019 during the administration of then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for him to pay the fine, Tunku Mohar said that because this was not publicly known, it is understandable that the high courts ruling on Wednesday shocked many Malaysians.

The public has every right to be skeptical as to the reasons for his acquittal, Tunku Mohar said.

Ahmad, a deputy finance minister under Najibs government, said he had the offer in October 2019 but decided to fight the charges in court because of hefty fines that others had to pay compared with the actual amount of money allegedly linked to the theft of funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a sovereign wealth fund established by Najib in 2009.

I challenged because in some cases, the amount received [by the accused] was 50,000 ringgit ($11,944) but the amount of the fine was 50 times higher, Ahmad told MPs during a floor debate on Thursday, adding I fought my case, but the process takes too long.

That is the court decision that we should respect, he said as he dismissed concerns expressed by other MPs.

Ahmad said he had admitted to MACC that he received 1.1 million ringgit  the amount that he paid back.

In a statement, MACC officials said the fine was a form of punitive action and asset recovery taken against Ahmad.

Sivakumar, an MP with the opposition Democratic Action Party, criticized Ahmads acquittal.

The case proved the existence of a double standard practice in our countrys judicial system. I am sure that this is not possible if the accused were not an influential member of parliament, he said in a statement Thursday.

The credibility of the Attorney-Generals Office and the judiciary system had now been completely eroded, he said.

Rabiah Aminudin, a political science assistant professor at International Islamic University of Malaysia, said she believed that the acquittal of the three UMNO leaders would likely have a negative effect on perceptions of corruption in the country.

In my opinion, [the acquittals] are expected to affect the countrys ranking as it reflects the downward trend of good governance in terms of transparency and accountability. It also reflects the reverse in institutional reforms that were promised, she said, referring to the annual rankings by Transparency International.

Previous rulings

The other two recent acquittals date back to June and July.

On July 16, the Court of Appeal overturned a Kuala Lumpur High Court conviction of UMNO lawmaker and former cabinet minister Tengku Adnan Mansor who had been sentenced on corruption charges to 12 months and fined 2 million ringgit ($477,700). In a 2-1 decision, the appellate court determined that the money Tengku Adnan had received was to fund two by-elections.

A month earlier, former Sabah state Chief Minister Musa Aman saw 46 corruption charges related to logging concession contracts dismissed after the Attorney Generals Office instructed prosecutors to drop the charges. No specific reason was given.

Meanwhile two of the most recognizable members of UMNO  former PM Najib and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the partys president  are facing trials linked to corruption charges involving missing huge amounts of missing cash.

Najib faces a total of 42 criminal charges stemming from corruption linked to 1MDB. Malaysian and U.S. prosecutors allege that at least $4.5 billion (18.8 billion ringgit) was stolen and diverted through acquisitions of real estate, artwork and luxury properties by Najib and his associates.

Already convicted on seven charges linked to a 1MDB subsidiary, Najib is standing trial on 25 charges of abuse of power and laundering of money connected with 2.3 billion ringgit ($551 million), which went missing from 1MDB. He could face additional trials on the 10 remaining charges.

Zahid, who served as deputy prime minister under Najib, faces trial on 47 corruption charges involving millions of ringgits in a case not related to 1MDB.

Muzliza Mustafa in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.
Filipino fishing crews prepare their nets at Masinloc port in Zambales province along the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as they prepare for a trip to the disputed region, May 27, 2021.

The Philippine foreign secretary on Thursday ordered that new diplomatic protests be filed against Beijing over the ongoing presence of more than 100 Chinese ships in waters claimed by Manila in the South China Sea.

Teodoro Locsin Jr., who is in the United States for an official visit, issued three messages via Twitter ordering the Department of Foreign Affairs to file the protests. The new diplomatic protests are the latest since the Philippines began filing daily protests against Chinese incursions in Manilas exclusive economic zone in the sea earlier this year.

File now our protest on Chinas incessant & unlawful restriction of Filipino fishermen from conducting legitimate fishing activities in Bajo de Masinloc, Locsin said, using the Philippine name for the Scarborough Shoal.

Manila considers Scarborough Shoal, a reef located 118 nautical miles (218.5 km) west of the main Philippine island of Luzon, to be within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In his other tweets, Locsin ordered protests on Chinese radio challenges unlawfully issued against Philippine maritime patrols, and on the continued presence of Chinese fishing vessels in [the] vicinity of Iroquois Reef.

Additional details about the Chinese ships were not released.

In early April, Locsin said the Philippines would file daily diplomatic protests with Beijing during a quarrel that began in March, when the Philippine military reported spotting more than 200 Chinese fishing boats which, it alleged, were manned by militia. The fishing boats later scattered, but security analysts said they may have moved to other parts of the disputed region.

BenarNews could not immediately determine if the daily protests had stopped. Diplomats previously said that, for as long as there were Chinese incursions, the protests would continue.

Locsins orders came a day after Rep. Ruffy Biazon said that 150 Chinese fishing ships had been spotted in the West Philippine Sea, Manilas name the South China Sea. Without elaborating, Biazon said the Chinese ships appeared to be part of a fishing fleet and were moving from one area to another.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond when contacted by BenarNews.

Last month, the militarys Western Command (Westcom), based in Palawan province, said Philippine aircraft were warned by China while they patrolled the skies above the South China Sea. An internal Westcom report claimed that China had fired five flares between June 16 and 22 at Philippine military aircraft conducting security patrols.

China took control of the shoal in 2012 and engaged with the Philippine Coast Guard in a tense standoff before both sides agreed to leave waters around it.

The Philippines stuck to the deal but the Chinese never left, forcing Manila to file a case with an international arbitral tribunal, which in 2016 ruled in its favor. China however has said that it does not recognize the ruling by the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. While Indonesia does not regard itself as party to the dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesias EEZ as well.
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Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 72F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
All eligible students in the Amherst Regional school district will be required to get a coronavirus vaccine that has full federal approval by Dec. 1 to continue attending classes
FILE- In this June 26, 2018, file photo, then-Suffolk County District Attorney Democratic candidate Rachael Rollins addresses an audience, in Boston. President Joe Biden's pick for U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts has hit a snag as a key U.S. Senate panel deadlocked Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, over the nomination of Rollins as the state's top federal prosecutor.
This year, Lenox Memorial Middle and High School is the only Berkshire County recipient of the latest round of statewide grants unveiled by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Investigations editor

Larry Parnass joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, CommonWealth Magazine and with the Reuters news service.
School resource officer Jessica Godfroy walks the halls at Pittsfield High School in 2018. Godfroy is one of two officers who serve as SROs this year, under a newly signed memorandum of understanding between the school district and Police Department.
Community News Editor / Librarian

Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989.
NEW MARLBOROUGH  Years after Simon Winchester purchased 123 acres in Wassaic, N.Y., he began studying records of its previous sales.

Early deeds were written in Dutch, Winchester recognized, but he took greater interest in the other signatures he saw on those documents.

I realized that these were the Mohicans, and that they had a completely different attitude towards ownership than the one I now had, said Winchester, a Britain-born dual citizen of the United States and United Kingdom, appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2006 for his work as a journalist and writer. He is a member of The Eagles advisory board.

That experience led Winchester to write Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World, which was published in January. In a discussion today of the book and related topics, Winchester will join Kathleen Brown-Perez, a senior lecturer at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Setsuko Sato Winchester, a Sandisfield artist and journalist who is married to Winchester; and John Demos, the Samuel Knight Professor Emeritus of History at Yale University, at the New Marlborough Meeting House.

Winchester acknowledges that New Marlborough and his current home in Sandisfield lie on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge Mohican people. European settler colonists forcibly dispossessed Indigenous peoples of those homelands, U.S. policies continually pushed tribes westward, and about 1,500 Mohican and Munsee people live in what is now Wisconsin as members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, a federally recognized tribe.

Stockbridge archaeological dig involves community, aims to correct historical interpretation STOCKBRIDGE  Volunteers in hiking boots and long pants dig holes marked by little orange flags among the 20th century war memorials on Main Street.

Saturdays discussion is scheduled to run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the New Marlborough Meeting House, 154 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road. Tickets  $20 for general admission, but free for people 21 and younger  are available at tinyurl.com/58nx54w.

The Eagle spoke with Winchester by phone to discuss the book and Saturdays event.

Q: This event centers on your recent book, but its also a conversation with others who have studied land and peoples relationships to land. How will your different perspectives and expertise shape the conversation?

A: This isnt a book talk, but it draws from one aspect of the book, which is the question of who owns the land in this

country. Its not us, and thats the point.

All land that is owned everywhere must have previously been superintended or owned, if you like, by someone else. Im going to try to summarize a bit of the history in the first 15 to 18 minutes, and the other speakers will address specific areas of interest.

Kathleen Brown-Perez teaches the young people over in the five colleges about Native American history, so, theres a hope that her reputation will attract some younger people.

John Demos most recent book was about the very troubled subject of Indian boarding schools, so, I hope hell get into that. And Setsuko Sato Winchester, my wife, is dealing with those Japanese Americans whose story is very relevant to dispersal and displacement and erasure.

After farming very successfully in California, Oregon and Washington, they were scooped up and put into these concentration camps in the 40s, and when they got back, many of them found that their land had been taken away from them. Im hopeful that well get a broad group of people, and that people will be stimulated and angered by this situation, or reminded that this is an outrage.

Q: For much of history, people did not think of themselves as owners of land. What are some of the key moments in the history that your book tells?

A: The first thing that happened is, people were dispossessed of their land in England. The first formal act is in 1604 and was backed by Parliament, but enclosure had been going on for more than 100 years previously.

Common land was divided among private landowners. Theres this famous phrase the tragedy of the commons. Common land is what used to be the situation in most of rural England, used by everyone  farmer A would have his cattle, farmer B his pigs, farmer C is turnips.

But, cattle would eat the turnips or the pigs would eat the cabbages, and as the population increased, suddenly there wasnt enough food. And so they built walls. They enclosed the land. It did make the farming efficient, but it made a lot of people say, Whats happened to the land that we used? We now cant grow our cabbages.

So, they said, This is ridiculous, and either moved to cities, which were then beginning to grow, or started to cross oceans to settle in entirely new countries. And the irony is, when they came particularly here, they did to the local people what had been done to them.

Q: Embedded in the concept of land ownership is the right to exclude. How have people who have been excluded, or whose land has been taken from them, resisted?

A: The example that derived the most optimism is the situation in New Zealand. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by a number of Englishmen and a number of Maori chiefs, in the end about 500 of them. The result was, from 1840 onward, all of New Zealands land was owned by Queen Victoria, which seems bizarre: This little lady was 10,000 miles all of a sudden owned New Zealand.

Well, that situation pertained for many decades afterwards, until 1975, when Whina Cooper  she was a Maori elder  led a march through the New Zealand winter, some hundreds of miles through the north island of New Zealand to the capital in Wellington, saying, We want our land back, effectively.

And the extraordinary thing is that the New Zealand government of the time and subsequent New Zealand governments listened and did something about it, and they set up tribunals and courts and commissions of inquiry. And the consequence of that is, in the last 10 or 15 years, slowly, some Maoris are getting their land back. And while a long way from being complete  theres still a lot of dissatisfaction  in my view whats going on in New Zealand is going to serve as a road map for what is ultimately bound to happen in Australia.

The big question to me and others here is: Will this reform ever come to North America? And Im hoping it will. The movement for community-owned land in the northeastern United States, with places like the Dutchess Land Conservancy [in New York] or the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, is at least a step in the right direction. The land is not owned or superintended by its original people, but at least it belongs to the community.

The sort of things like the land acknowledgement and conversations like you and I are having today are the sort of beginnings  the thin end of the wedge  where people are at least beginning to think about this. Yes, the land acknowledgement may be merely empty symbolism, which a lot of critics say. But, maybe it just encourages conversation, and people will begin to think its monstrous that the Cherokee and the Arapaho who used to superintend all this land dont have any now.

It was all taken away from them, which goes back to the question that dominates this chat: Whose land is our land? And how did it become ours, and should it remain ours?
NORTH ADAMS  Jane Swift, the city native and former acting governor of Massachusetts, will be the announcer at the 2021 Fall Foliage Parade this weekend.

As the announcer from the grandstand on Main Street, Swift will introduce each unit marching in the parade.

Swift said some of her best childhood memories were of carrying a banner in the parade. Marching in the parade continued into her political career, which took her from state senator to lieutenant governor to acting governor.

The parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday. The route is shorter this year, at 1.2 miles. It begins on State Street at the intersection of Old State Street, heads north to Main and takes a right to head south on Ashland Street, ending at the intersection with Washington Avenue. View the route map here.

The Regional Emergency Planning Committee of the Northern Berkshire COVID Operations Center is being honored this year as the Fall Foliage Parades Grand Marshal. 1Berkshire is the parade organizer.
The question of spiritual gifts is one that sparks excitement, debate, and questions. Being invited to use unique gifts in building Gods kingdom is an exciting prospect. Certain gifts seem easy to understand: teaching, encouragement, and hospitality are accessible. Others seem foreign, maybe even scary to some people because they seem supernatural.

Speaking in tongues is such a gift. It causes controversy among believers, with different groups seeming to make different claims about the ability. What is the goal and the purpose of it? Can people still speak in tongues today? Speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, is Biblical but needs to be understood.

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

Depending on who is asked, and what that persons denomination is, the definition of speaking in tongues changes. There is debate as to the nature of the languages spoken. There are earthly languages, natural languages that people of nations and tribes speak. Some believe there are also heavenly languages, not from earth, directly from the Holy Spirit. There are generally three categories of thought on the gift of speaking in tongues.

Glossolalists believe that speaking in tongues is a charismatic gift of the Holy Spirit that is either as an earthly language - previously learned or not - or an unknown, heavenly language. Some people, especially in apostolic and Pentecostal churches, believe in a personal prayer language. Typically, if someone receives a message in a church in tongues, there will be an interpreter. Some denominations hold it is primarily for spreading the Gospel, but others believe it can be used for prayer and for prophecy as well.

Cessationists take a more dispensational view, meaning they believe that speaking in tongues was a gift for an allotted period of church history, and is no longer given. They believe the gift was only for the age of the Apostles in the early church where the Holy Spirit empowered select individuals to speak in an earthly language they did not know previously in order to spread the Gospel. Generally, cessationists do not believe in heavenly languages. They explain any contemporary claim of speaking in tongues as self-induced, a learned behavior, or fraud.

Another theory is that the gift of speaking in tongues is real, and still exists, but it is to share the Gospel exclusively with a Jewish audience who speak another earthly language. In this scenario, the Holy Spirit would temporarily empower someone to speak in a language unknown to them in response to the presence of a group of Jews who speak that specific language. An interpreter would be empowered as well to be available for others present.

"Speaking in Tongues" in the Bible

There are multiple references to the gift of glossolalia in the Bible. Most scholars believe it is found exclusively in the New Testament, but that is not universally accepted.

The first time the gift of tongues appeared historically was at the event known as Pentecost. Recorded in Acts 2, a group of believers was gathered together after the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit fell upon them in the form of a flame, indwelling in them. After this event, they could speak in foreign languages to those gathered in Jerusalem for a holy day.

Besides the account of this first time, other passages of the Bible illustrate when and how, as well as specific instances of, speaking in tongues. One comes from the Lord Jesus, and the others are accounts in the Book of Acts of the Spirit falling on groups of people and empowering them with that spiritual gift.

Mark 16:15-18 And [Jesus] said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. Acts 10:44-46b While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Acts 19:4-7 And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.

Photo credit: GettyImages/sedmak; Painting depicting Pentecost Sunday

Paul Addresses the Church on Tongues

There are also verses in the Bible that address speaking in tongues in a discussion about gifts in general, found in Pauls first letter to the church in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another, the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to other gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to other various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 14 goes into great detail about the nature of speaking in tongues, as well as its relationship with the gift of prophecy. It contains a warning against the speaker using the gift for self-glorification, but to be humble. There is also encouragement about the goodness of these gifts, and that it is okay to ask the Lord for them, if it is His will.

Here, Paul stresses the importance of the gift of interpretation, closely related to the gift of speaking in tongues. The interpreter is empowered by the Spirit of God to understand the foreign, or heavenly, language being spoken, and translates it for the crowd. Paul says of this position, The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up ... so with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air (1 Corinthians 14:5-6). If someone is blessed with the gift of tongues, then there needs to be someone to help the church understand it.

There are a few verses that some argue allude to speaking in tongues. A handful of them is in the Old Testament. These are part of ongoing debate and consensus, that tends to align with what the denomination or minister believes about speaking in tongues as a whole. These verses include:

Isaiah 28:11-12 For by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the Lord will speak to this people, to whom he has said, This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Why Did People in the Bible Speak in Tongues?

One of the key aspects to understanding this gift is when it is given. Whether Jew or Gentile, the gift did not manifest until after the profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, and salvation. Spiritual gifts are associated with and attributed to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God, no one is speaking in tongues. Other important aspects include that Jews and Gentiles received the gift and that it was used both in church assemblies and outside of them.

At Pentecost, this gift appeared for the first time, and the members of the church immediately went out and began to spread the Gospel to the international crowds gathered in Jerusalem. It was so strange to the people hearing this group of Galilean Jews speaking in their own languages, some people thought they were drunk at nine in the morning.

Peter clarified, and stated, But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, explaining how this manifestation of the Holy Spirit fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Also important, the close tie Peter makes with glossalalia and prophetic gifts align with Pauls connection between the two gifts in 1 Corinthians 14.

The most important reason people spoke in tongues was to fulfill the Great Commission, to glorify God by spreading the Gospel, and to obey the leadings of the Holy Spirit. For Paul, the gift should bring others to Christ and build up the church. He wrote, Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers  When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:22, 26).

The individual speaking in tongues and the interpreter, as well as anyone speaking prophecy, should be glorifying God, and not themselves.

Modern Importance of Speaking in Tongues

In modern cultures, many look around and feel they do not see Christians speaking in tongues, and doubt its existence. Others insist that anyone with the Holy Spirit can and should be able to speak a heavenly prayer language.

When assessing these claims, it is important to hold them up against the Bible, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1a). Striving to ensure that a claim is in line with Scripture, especially with the words of Jesus Christ, is important.

When examining if every believer must be able to speak in tongues, Paul does appear to address this notion. Going back to 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote:

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body ... If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body (1 Corinthians 12:14, 17-20).

In other words, Paul asserts here that Gods Spirit gives different people different spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church. There may be some churches where the Spirit gifts all of them with tongues and interpretation, but not every believer around the world may have the same experience.

Is The Gift of Tongues Less Visible Now?

A factor in why the gift of speaking in earthly tongues may be less visible, especially in first-world countries, is because of the rise of national languages. In Jerusalem at Pentecost, thousands of people speaking many languages were gathered in one place. In many first-world countries, many speak the same language.

After the stoning of Stephen, documented in Acts 7, many believers scattered abroad to nations where they may not speak the language. The Spirit supernaturally empowered the early church to spread the Gospel, though many of them may not have had the education of, or time to learn, another group of languages.

Today, most countries have some sort of national language, or if a missionary travels to another country, that missionary will learn the most common language of that area. There are many resources for sharing the Gospel in another language. While there may still be a need for the gift of tongues, the context and need may be different enough from the days of the early church that it manifests less frequently, and perhaps differently.

Finally, in a very secular and science-minded culture, miracles may not have the desired impact. Jesus addresses the relationship between faith and miracles several times. When asked by an official to heal his son, Jesus responded, Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe (John 4:48). Jesus emphasized the official had to have faith before the miracle - which Jesus did perform. He could not have faith on the condition that God performed one.

Measure it to Scripture

In Jesus hometown of Nazareth the Bible records, And he could do no mighty work there ... and he marveled because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5-6). Jesus performed miracles that matched the faith of the group or individual. Miracles like prophecy or speaking in tongues may be limited due to the unbelief of the secular society, and the reluctance of Christians to step out in faith to use such a gift.

Ultimately, God uses His people when and how He wants  if they are open to being used by Him. Just because someone can or cannot speak in tongues does not indicate salvation. This gift can genuinely come from the Holy Spirit, but some of it will depend on the denomination or church background of the individual. If it happens, measure it up to the standards of Scripture. Is there an interpreter? Does it glorify God? Does it spread the Gospel? If prophetic, does the prophecy align with the Bible? Prayer for Gods guidance, because His wisdom and Holy Spirit will reveal the truth.

Sources

Barnett, Donald Lee, and McGregor, Jeffrey. Speaking in Other Tongues A Scholarly Defense. Burien: Community Chapel Publications, 1986.

Cartledge, Mark. Charismatic Glossolalia An Empirical-Theological Study. New York: Routledge, 2002.

Cone, Steve. Theology from the Great Tradition. New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2018.

Keener, Craig. Gift and Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.

MacArthur, John. Strange Fire The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2013.

Schreiner, Thomas. Spiritual Gifts What They Are and Why They Matter. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2018.

Photo credit: Getty Images/RyanKing999

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer and editor. She maintains a faith and lifestyle blog graceandgrowing.com, where she muses about the Lord, life, culture, and ministry.
A few years ago, I took a trip to India to minister with an Indian pastor there. While we rode through the streets, little shrines dotted the landscape, either alone on the sidewalk or in front of shops. These shrines were colorfully decorated, and they each had a physical statue or image at the center. An idol.

India has many gods and a very detailed and extensive religious system, each with its own backstory and specific powers and role within the religion and universe at large.

In our Western culture, we dont necessarily have shrines to different gods along our streets, but that doesnt mean we dont have idols. We dont need to bow to a physical statue to worship other gods.

Polytheistic idol worship was the norm in the ancient world. The monotheistic system of Israel that forbade physical idols was counter every other culture, and the Old Testament details several examples of Israels conflict with other nations over this.

One of the most interesting and prominent idols from the Old Testament is the Philistine god Dagon. Dagon in the Bible was a major focus of worship in the area, and God dealt with this idol a few times in the historical narrative.

Who Was Dagon in the Bible?

Dagon in the Bible (also known as Dagan) was one of the oldest deities in Mesopotamia, with evidence as far back as 3,000 BC. Dagon was known as a father of other gods, so he was a major figure of worship of most of the people groups in what we call the Cradle of Civilization, where farming is thought to have first started (also the area some call the Fertile Crescent). Dagon was primarily associated with fertility, including abundant crop harvests, but also dealt with anointing kings and leaders.

As a biblical connection, ancient texts from the region connect Dagon as the father of Baal, another false god highlighted throughout later Old Testament history.

The statue of Dagon was like a large man. Some depictions of him made him like a merman, a fish from the waist down. Some scholars have called him a fish god, which seems logical, especially for the Philistines along the coast, but other scholars have disputed it since theres more evidence he was responsible for crops and grain. Even his name is connected to an old noun for grain.

Dagon in the Bible was worshipped by the Philistines through Judges and the time of Samuel and King Saul.

How Was Dagon Worshipped?

Dagon had temples all throughout Mesopotamia. In the Bible, the major temples were in the cities of Beth-dagon, Gaza, and Ashdod. He was worshipped through sacrifices and feasts. Sacrifices were common in the ancient world, even to the God of Israel, through food and animals. Israel specifically prohibited the sacrifice of humans and drinking of blood, common to most other religions at the time. It is highly likely human sacrifice was common for Dagon, as well.

One interesting account of Dagon worship had people making a master weapon and sending it as a gift.

In the account of Samson, there was singing and dancing to praise Dagon, and part of the worship was to bring Samson up before 3,000 people, mocking him and showing how great their god was to give them victory over the mighty warrior Samson.

What Happened to Dagon in the Bible?

Dagon is mentioned in two main parts of the Old Testament. First, in Judges 16 as a part of the Samson account. As a recap, Samson was one of the deliverers (judges) chosen by God, and he beat the Philistines at every turn with his legendary strength. The Philistines couldnt beat him in battle, so they attacked his weakness, foreign women. The infamous Delilah seduced Samsons secret out of him, cutting his hair, and he was captured by the Philistines.

They put out his eyes and put him to work as a slave. In Judges 16, while worshipping Dagon and having a huge party, they decide to bring Samson in to humiliate him and gloat over his defeat. Obviously, this was part of the worship of Dagon.

For polytheistic cultures, when nations went to war, it was also understood that the gods of the different people groups also fought, and the Old Testament reveals this in many passages both with Israel and other cultures (Elijah with the prophets of Baal is an excellent example: 1 Kings 18). With Samson, the Philistines were making a statement. Dagon had beaten Jehovah, Samsons God, and therefore, Dagon was mightier than the God of Israel.

It makes sense that God would respond to Samsons plea to help him one last time. Gods assistance in killing the Philistines wasnt about Samson as much as it was to declare which god was stronger. In fact, Dagon wasnt even real, just a human-made idol. God is reality. He is the only one worthy of worship and glory.

The next time we see Dagon dealt with is in 1 Samuel 5. The sons of Eli, the priest, and leader of Israel, were wicked religious men, and even though the Ark of the Covenant went into battle with Israel against the Philistines, God handed Israel a defeat as punishment. The Ark of the Covenant was taken captive by the Philistines. Just like with Samson, the Philistines took the Ark into the temple at one of their city-states, Ashdod. They put the Ark at the feet of the big statue of Dagon as a symbol of their victory. Dagon had beat Jehovah. Right?

It didnt last long. The first morning, the Philistines went into the temple to find the statue of Dagon fallen over and bowing to the Ark. They set the idol back on its feet. The morning after, the idol had fallen again, but this time, Dagons hands and head had been removed and placed in the doorway of the temple.

1 Samuel 5:5 tells us that, from then on, the priests of Dagon wouldnt go near the idol since they were afraid it just fell over. The idol literally had the reputation of falling over and being dangerous!

God wasnt done. People in Ashdod started getting tumors and dying. The epidemic spread to the nearby villages. Philistines were dying left and right, and they were in such a panic that they sent the Ark to the city of Gath. Tumors spread and killed people. Then they sent the Ark to the city of Ekron. You guessed it, more people got tumors and died.

The citizens of Philistia cried out to their leaders to send the Ark back to Israel (mentioning how they shouldnt be as stubborn as Pharoah in Egypt), which they did (1 Samuel 6). They placed the Ark on a cart pulled by two cows. They even sent it an offeringgolden rats and tumors, much like the account of a master weapon as a gift.

With no one driving, the oxen made their way back to Israel.

Despite the worldview of the Philistines, the defeat of Israel wasnt a defeat of their God. God didnt need the army of Israel to fight for him. He won all on his own.

Why Should We Know about This Idol?

First, lets understand a little more about idolatry.

Just like my trip to India, and based on most of the biblical testimony, our idea of idolatry is one of statues and worship around those images. We know its more than that, but have we considered whats at the core of idolatry?

Isaiah gives an interesting, if not hilarious, exploration of idolatry (44:9-20). A craftsman takes metal or wood, makes weapons or cups or burns the wood to warm himself, and then takes the rest of the material and makes a statue of something that he now bows down to worship and says, You are my god! He is worshipping something that he manufactured.

Within the Law, a person couldnt build an altar out of cut stone. An altar to God had to be made out of natural stones and rocks, not bricks. In other words, human hands couldnt shape the stones (Leviticus 26:1). God considered that an evil thing.

Paul stood before the philosophers and idol worshippers in polytheistic Athens and said, God doesnt live in houses made with human hands (Acts 17:24-5). As an aside, people are not made with human hands; they are created by God and made in his image. God can live in us.

What this boils down to is that idolatry is worshipping what we make with our own hands. What we can manufacture. What we can imagine. What we can plan. What we can program. What we can do. When we elevate anything that we can do with our own hands in the place of God, that is idolatry.

Money is not evil. But the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Income and working to make money isnt evil. In fact, godly character is grown in hard work. But to seek money or wealth out of greed is also idolatry (Ephesians 5:5).

A tree, by the way, is a good thing. God created it and called it good. Enjoying Gods creation isnt the problem. He has given us all good things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). Perverting those created things and give them a role they were never meant to possess, as Creator, then that is idolatry. We can make an idol out of anything. It doesnt make the substance or thing evil. Its about our hearts.

The real power is the Spirit of God. Not by power or might but by the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). We arent to trust in armies and horses but in God (Psalm 20:7) because God is the only power and the only solution. To elevate our own ability or trust in what we can manufacture is a lie and lies lead to destruction. God loves us too much to participate in that.

In ancient Mesopotamia, they learned to plant crops. Farming fed more people. Thats good. Dagon was an idol associated with abundant harvests, essentially worshipping their own skill to feed themselves. Thats bad.

The Philistines set the Ark of God at the feet of Dagon, their father of the gods. That idol failed and people died of tumors.

We may not set up statues and bow down to them like gods in our current culture, but the more insidious form of idolatry can happen to anyone, even pastors and spiritual leadersthe resting in our own ability and talents instead of the grace and power of God. Idolatry is dangerous because we are trusting in things that will fail us. Not might or possibly but will absolutely fail us. That failing will lead to our destruction and others.

Like Dagon, the idols we have will come down. To prove that the idol was powerless, God literally removed the statues hands and threw them across the room. Those powerless hands were the first things that the priests of Dagon saw when they entered that temple.

God will be proved the only power. The Lord of Lords. The King of Kings. Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, the ruler, the authority (Philippians 2:10-11). He will be glorified. And he will see to it that he is. Its not our job to make sure everyone worships God. Our job is to join in with reality and truth, to root out self-reliance in our own hearts, and praise him who alone is worthy. Bow to him alone, no other person or thing. We then have life instead of destruction, a future instead of a tragic end, hope instead of despair.

We then plead with others, beg them, invite them (not force) to worship God now and have eternal life.

Peace.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Nguyen Linh

Britt Mooney (with his amazing wife, Becca) has lived as a missionary in Korea, traveled for missions to several countries, and now lives in Suwanee GA as a church planter that works bi-vocationally with Phoenix Roasters, a missional coffee company. He has a podcast about the Kingdom of God called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author with Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.

This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.

The Bible Story of Elijah

The Life of Ruth - 5 Essential Faith Lessons

The Bible Story of Queen Esther

The Greatest Villain - King Nebuchadnezzar

The Bible Story of Mary Magdalene
History is full of tales about strong, capable women. Some of these females-of-old wielded their power to pave the way for good, while others preferred to live in infamy, via the path of evil. Semiramis is one of those legendary women. While her name may seem unfamiliar, her story has been told and retold throughout the centuries.

An Important Reminder about Exploring Names Outside the Biblical Canon

Before we dive into the possible identity of this mysterious woman, its important to note that the name Semiramis is not directly mentioned anywhere within the biblical canon of Scripture. Because of this, and the conflicting historical information given about her, Christians must proceed with prayerful caution when trying to piece together the details of Semiramiss lifeespecially the details that claim biblical relevance.

Who Is Semiramis?

In the Sumerian language, Semiramiss name is Sammur-amat. Shes the famous queen regent of the Assyrian Empire, who reigned from 811-806 BCE. According to historical documents shes known as a legendary warrior who exercised political power like no othercommanding territory that stretched from Asia Minor to modern-day Iran. Historians describe her as a rare beauty, a fine military strategist, a master builder, and some even say she was builder and founder of Babylon.

But Eusebiusa well-respected ancient biblical scholar and historianidentifies Semiramis as the wife of Nimrod. Based on a combination of all these assumptions, countless other historians and scholars have written volumes about Semiramistransforming the historical Queen Sammu-ramat into the legendary Queen Semiramis.

One of the more recent renditions of the ever-evolving lore of Semiramis was included in the book The Two Babylons, written in 1853 by a Scottish minister, Alexander Hislop. In the book the author affirms Eusebiuss claims that Semiramis was Nimrods wife and elaborates on her rise to power, citing Greek historical records as reference and proof. Hislop asserts that Semiramis was instrumental in Nimrods plan to rebel against God, and he speaks of the womans unusual ability to manipulate the will of men.

Hislop goes on to say that together, Nimrod and Semiramis created a polytheistic religious system focused on the stars to lure Gods chosen people away from true worship. Shortly after Nimrod died, Hislop reports that Semiramis earned the title Queen of Heavenwhen she claimed that Nimrod was a god and that her newborn son was Nimrod, reincarnate. So began the worship of Semiramis and the child-god, and the whole paraphernalia of the Babylonian religious system.

Hislop reports that Semiramiss name became synonymous with the pagan goddesses Ishtar, Astarte, and Ashtoreth, and he connects this turn of events to the biblical account of Israels rebellion during the time of the prophet Jeremiahs warning.

Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were presenta large assemblyand all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings, and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 44:15-19, emphasis added).

Devotion to Semiramis has been well documented throughout history. The image of the woman holding her infant son has been the object of worship and veneration for different religious groups throughout the ages.

Many other claims have been made about Semiramis. Some credit her for forming the tradition of the Christmas tree and Easter bunny, others identify her as the original whore of Babylon. And according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website, Americas own Statue of Liberty speaks of the legend. In addition to standing for Liberty, she [the Statue of Liberty] is derived from the imagery of Queen Semiramis of Babylon who was famed for her beauty, strength, and wisdom.

The truth is, like all legends, the stories of Semiramis have been exaggerated, changed, and expanded over thousands of years of oral tradition and interpretationso it would not be wise to base any cause or belief on information that contains so little substance.

Nimrods Origin Story

Only seven verses in the Bible mention anything about Nimrod. Little is explicitly said about him. He was a mighty warrior, the son of Cush, and the great-grandson of Noah, explains Alyssa Roat, in 7 Facts You Didnt Know about Nimrod in the Bible.

Although the Bible only briefly mentions Nimrod, his legacy is an important building block in the whole structure of Scripture. When we look at Nimrods story in context, from the beginning of time, it sheds light on Gods redemptive plan.

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve, and everything was literally perfect. But when sin entered the world through that first couple, mankind began a downward spiral into depravity that would eventually lead them to an awareness of their need for a savior.

As Adam and Eve began to be fruitful and multiply following Gods command (Genesis 1:28), sin continued to abound. 1000 years later, sin had so overtaken Gods creation that He decided to purge humanity with a worldwide floodsparing only one man, his family, and the animals. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth (Genesis 5:10).

Even after Gods flood wiped out the majority of wickedness from the earth, the inherited seed of sin began to corrupt Noahs descendants. 1000 years after the flood, Noahs rebellious great-grandson Nimrod became the first leader of the post-flood world. Nimrod first established his kingdom by founding a city on the plain in Shinar that would later be called Babel or Babylon (Genesis 10:10).

What Did Nimrod Do?

Like Semiramis, many pseudepigraphal and historical writings describe Nimrod as a renowned warrior, leader, and builder. Other reports describe him as a self-absorbed tyrant, plagued by his bitterness over the flood and Gods judgment.

As Nimrod began his reign, he and his followers had one overriding goal for their new territory; they wanted to ensure the security of their community by building a prestigious landmark to make a name for themselves. Then they said, Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth (Genesis 11:4).

The structurea tower made from man-made building materialswould be a symbol of their power and self-sufficiency, and some historians believe that Nimrod had an additional motive for wanting to build the tower of Babel. The ancient historian Josephus quotes Nimrod as saying that he wanted revenge on God for flooding the earth and destroying his ancestors (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Chapter 4).

God saw that Nimrod and the people were working together toward a common goal. But unfortunately, the goal they were working toward was steeped in arrogance and in direct opposition to Gods command to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1).

In their attempt to maintain unity, create a name for themselves, and possibly provide their own securityGods people rebelled against His sovereign authority and embraced their own self-sufficiency. They felt they didnt need God to rule over themthey could rule themselves; they could reach the heavens on their own terms, with their own hands, by their own means.

Gods justice and His grace could not allow this treachery to continue. So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babelbecause there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth (Genesis 11:8-9).

After the scattering, the Bible tells us that Nimrod continued to rule, reign, and build kingdoms for himself. The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Uruk, Akkad and Kalneh, in Shinar. From that land he went to Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah and Resen, which is between Nineveh and Calahwhich is the great city (Genesis 8:9-10).

Parts of Nimrods biblical history mesh well with the narrative that Semiramis may have been his wife. They were both power-hungry, godless, and rebelliouswhich would have made them a collective force for evil.

Why Should Christians Know about Semiramis?

A simple online search for the name Semiramis confirms the fact that the world at large is still interested in who this woman was.

Its important that Christians know what the Bible saysand what it does not sayabout figures like Semiramis. Without being familiar with the truth, a Believer can fall susceptible to deception. Many cults and conspiracy theories have arisen from a lack of knowledge and truth.

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith (1 Timothy 5:20-21).

For more information about the reliability of scriptural truth, check out What Is the Biblical Canon and Why Should Christians Know about It?

Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Peshkova

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? released through Familius Publishing in 2020. Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. Her passion is to help wanderers find home. She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock.

This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.

The Bible Story of Elijah

The Life of Ruth - 5 Essential Faith Lessons

The Bible Story of Queen Esther

The Greatest Villain - King Nebuchadnezzar

The Bible Story of Mary Magdalene
The 10th edition of TechInnovation presents an array of opportunities to catalyse technology transfer and partnerships for business growth.

TechInnovation 2021, IPIs flagship technology matching event, was held as a fully digital event that runs for 24 hours a day from 28 to 30 September 2021. It brought together international technology providers and enterprises to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies, seed licensing opportunities, and foster open innovation collaborations.

At the Opening Ceremony, Dr Tan See Leng, Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore called upon SMEs to tap into innovation, technology, and intellectual property (IP) to stay relevant and competitive in these challenging times. It is increasingly important for our enterprises to collaborate, innovate, and seize opportunities. TechInnovation is one such platform for businesses to network and co-develop technological solutions and it enables SMEs and start-ups to learn best practices, cross-pollinate ideas and explore new collaborations, he said.

In highlighting some of the partnerships that have materialized out through IPI and TechInnovation over the few past years, Dr Tan also assured Singapore enterprises that the Singapore government has dedicated resources to build up a strong innovation ecosystem with a comprehensive suite of levers for the industry.

2021 marks the 10th edition of TechInnovation as well as IPIs tenth anniversary. This year more than 160 exhibitors including 11 national innovation agencies and technology consortia, and more than 2,000 participants from across the world are participating in the event. Over 400 technologies from 20 countries will be showcased at TechInnovation.

The theme of TechInnovation 2021 is A Sustainable and Resilient Future. Over 50 leading industry thought leaders in technology and design-led innovation have been invited to speak. They will discuss how to use sustainable technologies to meet current challenges, such as the ways in which cities can overcome the impact of climate change, build a more resilient food future, and transform the way we look at health and wellness post-pandemic.

Among some of the sustainable city solutions being exhibited include technologies to recover precious materials from electronic waste streams, smart energy storage systems, new approaches that tackle environmental and food waste and enabling solutions in healthcare.

Open Innovation

At TechInnovation 2021, eleven key partners such as Hong Kong Baptist University, National IT Industry Promotion Agency from South Korea, the Netherlands embassy and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) from Indonesia, will present technology showcases featuring more than 100 virtual pitches on enabling technologies.

These sessions are available as on-demand webinars on the TechInnovation Virtual Portal. Crowdsourcing @TechInnovation offers corporates an open innovation platform to engage members of industry, research and development, to co-innovate and pilot scalable solutions for deployment. This year, global industry leaders WS Audiology, Shell, and Unilever, will share their challenges and opportunities in their respective sectors and extend an invitation to collaborate on solutions, technologies, and partnerships, in the spirit of Open Innovation.

In addition, TechInnovation will feature Design Think Tank, a partnership between DesignSingapore Council and IPI to explore a design-led approach in addressing challenge statements from corporates, and foster meaningful collaborations between designers and technologists. Some of the organisations crowdsourcing for solutions this year include Gloobe AB, Cheng Yew Heng Candy Factory for Food Culture Singapore and the Tsao Foundation.

Sustainable Food and Nutrition

The conference at TechInnovation will also see speakers discuss the challenges of sustainably feeding a growing world population that is currently beset with climate change and a pandemic.

In Singapore, which imports 90% of its food from over 170 countries, a quest has been set to enhance food security. The ambitious 30 by 30 goal is a challenge that will see Singapore aim to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.

The role of innovation will be instrumental in addressing a host of complex issues surrounding food security  ranging from alternative food sources, food waste and sustainable farming methods, all while meeting the nutritional needs and demands of todays consumers, said Wong Lup Wai, CEO of IPI. At TechInnovation 2021, exhibitors are showcasing a range of technologies that can support the food supply chain. Solutions include blockchain technology to enhance food traceability, LED light recipes to extend harvest periods, and algae platform solutions for various applications.

TechInnovation is also hosting IPHatch 2021, a programme that unlocks and matches technologies from multinational companies (MNCs) with start-ups to accelerate their business. The idea is to empower start-ups with deep tech like IoT, sustainable food production, and agritech, to bring about social and economic impact.

Health and Wellness

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how we manage healthcare systems and brought the matter to the fore in all nations. This crisis has accelerated demand for innovation in healthcare and provided fertile ground for forward-looking, agile, and innovation-ready SMEs to grow rapidly and start new lines of business.

TechInnovation 2021 will showcase the latest opportunities in this field, including the work of some exciting Singapore companies, such as non-invasive diagnostics, as well as innovative technological solutions for commercialisation from the Singapore Health Technologies Consortium (HealthTec).

Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Executive Director of MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) and the first Chief Health Scientist at the Ministry of Health (MOH) says, A major priority for Singapores health transformation is to redouble efforts to promote health and prevent disease at the population level. To do so, we need innovations that effectively empower individuals and patients to take charge of their own health, and for care teams to better support this shift. Data analytics and management, AI and digital technologies will play a key role.
On behalf of the Colombian Union of Advertising Companies (UCEP), Scopen has carried out market research to analyse the role of companies operating in the marketing and communications industry in Latin America, with regard to meeting sustainability goals.

Image supplied

Fulfillment of sustainability goals

The study took place between June and July 2021 across 13 countries on the American continent, with a total of 163 marketing and communications professionals (advertisers, agencies, media, NGOs / foundations, public companies, associations and freelancers) participating.Asked about the words most associated with sustainability, environment appears first, followed by responsibility and future. Respondents also maintain that the sustainability goals they consider companies to be most involved with are good work, economic growth, gender equality and the creation of alliances to achieve objectives.However, looking ahead, they plan to place more emphasis on other goals such as sustainable cities and communities, quality education and clean water and sanitation.Actions currently taken by study participants to comply with sustainable goals include improving living conditions, followed by working to reduce environmental impact; promoting diversity, equality and inclusion; and a focus on the circular economy.Companies and brands in the marketing and communications industry are especially involved in complying with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG-12, which guarantees procedures for responsible production and consumption. Fifty-four percent (54%) of the leaders interviewed rank its importance at 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 to 10 - above the average for other goals, where Brazil and Colombia are the countries with the highest concern at 8.3.Industry leaders suggest they can best work towards the fulfilment of sustainability goals, in particular, through the creation of communication and awareness campaigns that value sustainability.During the interviews, professionals were also asked about the brands and/or companies in their region that, in their opinion, stand out with their commitment to sustainability goals. The most mentioned ones were recognised by the new Sustainability Awards held at the Latin American Summit of the Creative Economy + CTG, which took place recently.In Latam, Natura was awarded first prize, with Grupo Nutresa taking second prize and third going to Unilever. Other finalist brands were ABInbev, Alpina, Alqueria, Bancolombia, Coca-Cola, Grupo Argos, Grupo Sura and Nestle.In Colombia, the winning brands were once again led by Grupo Nutresa, with Alpina taking second prize and Grupo Argos third.Cesar Vacchiano, president and CEO of Scopen, says: It is very rewarding to verify the degree of involvement of Latam companies with the fulfillment of the sustainable development objectivesAt this point, there is a vital focus on equality issues and, when analysing future efforts, equality gives way to other important matters, which shows a belief that equality goals will be achieved in the short-medium term.The actions promoted by UN Women and their support for events such as + CTG undoubtedly contribute to this.Ximena Tapias, president of UCEP and + CTG adds: At UCEP we are focused on building on important issues within the industry. This study and the new awards within the framework of + CTG are a proof of our commitment.We will continue to revisit this study in future and believe it will be very interesting to see how the analysed indicators evolve."When accepting first prize at the 2021 Sustainability Awards, Alexandre Lemos, General Manager of Natura Colombia, said: "I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of Natura.I want to give a special thanks to our entire network of Natura consultants and all the company collaborators, as this achievement has been a collective one, where we have all immersed sustainability in our processes.It is thanks to this network and their total commitment to sustainability that we are receiving this recognition today. Despite the obstacles caused by the global pandemic, we managed to work as a team and joined forces to make Natura the company we all want it to be.With our Commitment to Life initiative launched a year ago as part of our 2030 sustainability vision, we will continue to intensify our actions to address the climate crisis, protect the Amazon rainforest and guarantee equality and diversity in the world.
Health systems have borne the brunt of Covid-19 globally, but the pandemic has also been a catalyst in the fast-tracking digitalisation in health and the development of vital tools, such as informatics.

Telemedicine

Role of governments

Described by Dr Raphael Akangbe as a new field that sits at the intersection of AI, big data, and healthcare, informatics is vital tool for advancing Universal Health Care (UHC) within Africas public healthcare systems.Doctor, author and health informatics expert Akangke will address delegates at the Africa Health Congress in October on the topicHe says for health informatics to be used effectively, hardware and software systems must be in place, and the capacity of healthcare workers must be built on the protocols and processes involved.There are a lot of data-inputs needed for a sound healthcare informatics system, and the data-collection needs to be thorough and reliable," he says.With lockdown restrictions around the globe enforcing social distancing, telemedicine (or remote-access healthcare) rose in prominence almost overnight in some countries.The potential of telemedicine to bring quality healthcare, via satellite or cellular communication, to hard-to-reach remote locations is a promising prospect in rural Africa, where access to formal healthcare services may be limited or even non-existent, he says.He adds that remote consultations with scarce specialists (who tend to be based within urban centres and academic institutions) could bring better quality care to more people, regardless of geographical distance, and in many cases could eliminate the need for costly long-distance travel in order to access facilities.Other technologies have already seen limited use. AI applications for healthcare, and IoT health devices have become more prevalent over the past two years. The recently launched Apple Watch Series 4, for example, contains electrodes which enable users to take an ECG directly from their wrists, he says.Akangbe adds that in terms of governments role in facilitating the digitisation of health on the continent, a full commitment to equitably distributing the resources and infrastructures that digitisation requires, with special attention given to the most isolated rural areas is of utmost importance.Lagos sits at the forefront of digital health in Africa and the Nigerian government has already begun to legislatively promote the use of health technology," he says.Akangbe believes that investment into internet infrastructure with sufficient bandwidth is crucial for getting the population connected, as is investment into stable electricity supply, including solar projects where state utility supply is unreliable.Even the most sophisticated telemedicine systems wont help where there is no internet and electricity, he cautions.Covid-19 has opened our eyes to the need for digital healthcare. For now, wed like to see African governments laying the foundations by facilitating access to enabling devices like phones and computers, as well as the infrastructure for reliable connectivity and stable electricity supply," he says.
The IAB SA Executive Board and the IAB SA Future of Measurement Committee have officially extended an invitation to industry members to tender for the role of their official online audience measurement partner. The chosen provider will furnish the IAB SA with web and application measurement services to create a "single currency" which will be used as a benchmark that all industry stakeholders can trust and reference,

This process was last run in 2017 resulting in a partnership with Narratiive which has enabled the IAB SA to deliver ongoing measurement services to its members. While this is not a new project, the new tender process provides the opportunity for review of capabilities and methodologies at a point where digital media measurement is undergoing considerable change.To keep abreast of, and cater to, a platform influenced by rapid advances in technology, increased fragmentation, and ever-shifting consumer behaviour, it is crucial that the digital advertising and marketing industry has access to concrete, accurate data to understand the digital audience landscape and inform decision-making around advertising spend.The chosen measurement partner will play a critical role in enabling the IAB SA to fulfil one of its key objectives, namely:The IAB SA Future of Measurement Committee, chaired by Imraan Rajab, General Manager: Media at MTN Group, was formed last year to inform and empower the industry by providing a system of measurement that provides value for all stakeholders in the supply chain. It consists of experts from all avenues of the industry, including advertisers, agencies, and publishers.Definitive, consistent measurement is essential for the success of our local digital media ecosystem. That said, the rapidly-changing nature of consumer behaviour, coupled with continuous technological advancements make achieving a clear and concise measurement framework challenging. The chosen measurement partner will therefore play a critical role in cutting through the noise, and guide both the IAB SA Future of Measurement Committee and industry at large with metrics and benchmarks that empower all role players to make informed decisions, said Imraan Rajab, IAB Future of Measurement Committee lead and General Manager: Media at MTN Group.Demystifying the many measurement capabilities of the digital landscape is the first step in enabling the industry to make informed decisions. Publishers, especially, require a source of truth via clearly defined measurement metrics if they are to successfully cater to shifting consumer demand and ultimately drive profit. The IAB SA looks forward to partnering with our measurement partner to further assist and empower the digital marketing and advertising industries across all segments, said IAB SA Vice-Chair: Claire Cobbledick, GM of Gumtree.The measurement tender RFI process will run its course over the next four to six weeks, culminating in a review by the Future of Measurement Committee and an advisory board that will inform the selection of the successful measurement partner short list for the RFP portion of the tender; and ultimately inform the selection of the successful measurement partner for the next three years.The IAB SA invites interested parties to respond to the request for information so that they may be considered as part of the short list for the tender process. All relevant documentation regarding the tender can be found here Details of the indicative tender timeframe below are not binding on IAB and may be subject to amendment in the absolute discretion of IAB.Vendors are requested to complete the RFI and submit their response to ten.asbai@IFRtnemerusaem in accordance with the Tender Timeline.All questions and/or queries are to be directed to the IAB SA in writing, via email to: ten.asbai@IFRtnemerusaem - no telephonic enquiries will be responded to. All information provided to IAB SA will be regarded as confidential.About the IAB SAThe Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 150 leading media companies, brands, and technology firms responsible for enabling excellence in digital marketing focusing on identifying and targeting audiences, delivering and optimising campaigns to these audiences and the innovation and selling of such activities. The non-profit, non-government, trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, publishers. and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing.The IAB Global Network brings together 45 national IABs and three regional IABs to share challenges, develop global solutions and advance the digital advertising industry worldwide. IABs are located in North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Asia Pacific and Europe. Each association is independently owned and operated, functioning under by-laws consistent with local market needs.
Forbes Africa celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, 1 October 2021. As part of the African growth story, Sid Wahi, director at Forbes Africa shares the journey with us.

Sid Wahi, director at Forbes Africa

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! What does this feel like?

Could you share how Forbes Africa started out?

How has the magazine evolved over the years?

What are some of the highlights of Forbes Africa?

Over the years, what were some of the most significant changes in how Forbes Africa operated?

They say print is a dying industry. How has Forbes Africa managed to survive all these years?

Our focus with our print product will be to turn it into a luxury you afford yourself once a month.

Can you comment on how Forbes Africa went from print to digital? Are readers offered the same content package?

Perhaps more relevant to right now. How has Forbes Africa navigated throughout Covid-19?

With this milestone of Forbes Africa celebrating 10 years. How will the company be celebrating?

Thank you! I can't believe it's been ten years. While a major milestone, we feel that the work we set out to do has just started. There are a lot of stories we still need to tell.Our company, Africa Business News, was founded in 2006 with the goal of being the most credible source of business content from across the continent of Africa. We launched our TV business with CNBC Africa in 2007 and decided to diversify into print shortly after. Forbes is one of the most recognized media brands in the world today and we felt it would be a great partner to have. Our founders approached the Forbes Family in 20082009 and we finalized the agreement shortly after I joined the business in 2010. Since then we havent looked back.We started out as a monthly magazine in 2010 and while we were profitable with ad spend from the first issue, print by itself was not enough to build a sustainable business. Over the years, we expanded into events, digital, video and launched theandbrands. Today, we are a multi-platform brand, reaching both aspirational and inspirational audiences.Weve won numerous awards for our editorial work over the years, but our greatest achievement is showcasing stories of entrepreneurship that was otherwise not being told on a global stage. We're also very proud of our two most impactful communities, the Leading Woman Summit and the Under30s. Both these communities play an important role by helping to shape the dialogue on issues pertaining to women in leadership and young entrepreneurs alike.We had to stop printingas a monthly print magazine  it's unfortunate because the product did very well from a readership point of view. It's ironic because the same business leaders who the magazine featured refused to advertise in the magazine, preferring the flagship product. Weve adapted to a changing media landscape, like everybody else by trimming costs but also in our own unique way by embracing digital events and new editorially lead event concepts, including The future of series.As I said earlier, we started out as a print title, but our growth has largely come from events, and digital. Having said that, print is an important medium, perhaps not for breaking news or current affairs.This will be evident in the form factor, so the way the pages feel on your finders and how the light reflects of the paper, as you read stories that inspire, entertain and thrill you.The form factor in digital is different. You are not limited by 96 pages or a production schedule, so you actually get a lot more online, including video and other enhanced storytelling tools. We find that there is a small overlap between our print and digital readers, but they are largely two very different audiences and so we keep that in mind when curating each print issue ofWe are headquartered in South Africa, so when SA went into a level 5 lockdown, we are unable to print our magazine, but we continued with digital events and digital publishing. We had overestimated the negative impact Covid-19 had on our business so we were better prepared to navigate the months ahead. One of the more permanent changes was the change to our production schedule, we now publish the magazine every second month, but this was inevitable with the way that print is evolving, covid just moved up the timeline.Our October issue is certainly one to collect, we have a lot of interesting content that spans the last ten years. We are thanking our partners and staff and celebrating their achievements on the day. Perhaps the most interesting thing we will be doing on the day is launching our first non-fungible token (NFT) on the Ethereum blockchain. Collectors will be able to bid on 10 years of Forbes Africa and acquire a collectable that includes 105 covers from the last ten years.
Under YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki's new speech codes, YouTubers can now be banned for quoting CDC director Rochelle Walensky admitting last month on live TV that covid shots do not "prevent transmission" of the virus.





JUST IN - YouTube will ban any video that claims "vaccines are ineffective or dangerous" from now on and has suspended the accounts of prominent vaccination opponents, including Joseph Mercola and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (WSJ)  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 29, 2021



From YouTube's Official Blog, "Managing harmful vaccine content on YouTube":

Today, we're expanding our medical misinformation policies on YouTube with new guidelines on currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities and the WHO.



[...] Since last year, we've removed over 130,000 videos for violating our COVID-19 vaccine policies.



[...] Weve steadily seen false claims about the coronavirus vaccines spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general, and we're now at a point where it's more important than ever to expand the work we started with COVID-19 to other vaccines.



Specifically, content that falsely alleges that approved vaccines are dangerous and cause chronic health effects, claims that vaccines do not reduce transmission or contraction of disease, or contains misinformation on the substances contained in vaccines will be removed. This would include content that falsely says that approved vaccines cause autism, cancer or infertility, or that substances in vaccines can track those who receive them. Our policies not only cover specific routine immunizations like for measles or Hepatitis B, but also apply to general statements about vaccines.

This now qualifies as "misinformation":





Our vaccines are working exceptionally well, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky tells @wolfblitzer. They continue to work well for Delta, with regard to severe illness and death  they prevent it. But what they can't do anymore is prevent transmission." pic.twitter.com/s83YyBQqeh  The Situation Room (@CNNSitRoom) August 5, 2021



Hell, just quoting the long list of horrible side effects in Pfizer's own covid vaccine insert now qualifies as "misinformation."

As with our COVID guidelines, we consulted with local and international health organizations and experts in developing these policies. For example, our new guidance on vaccine side effects maps to public vaccine resources provided by health authorities and backed by medical consensus. These policy changes will go into effect today [...]



Given the importance of public discussion and debate to the scientific process, we will continue to allow content about vaccine policies, new vaccine trials, and historical vaccine successes or failures on YouTube. Personal testimonials relating to vaccines will also be allowed, so long as the video doesn't violate other Community Guidelines, or the channel doesn't show a pattern of promoting vaccine hesitancy.

Translation: we're going to ban you for telling the truth and if you're one of the hundreds of thousands if not millions of Americans who've been injured by these vaccines we'll ban you for telling your story in a way we don't like.



As I reported last year, YouTube's rules are so broad they now ban the majority of Americans from expressing their views.



Dr Joseph Mercola responded to YouTube banning his channel with a statement on his website reading in part:

The world is becoming increasingly aware of the rampant corruption in the media, and are rising up against tyrannical governments and the pharmaceutical industry that are coordinating this assault on our freedom and civil rights. Anyone who asks questions or challenges the hard sell is immediately censored on social media. State governments and employees, health care workers and emergency responders, face loss of their jobs for refusing the vaccine.



The United States federal government was directly funding the dangerous gain of function virus research that lead to this global pandemic, and the media helped bury any evidence of the lab leak.



Independent media platforms that defend freedom of speech and the rights of Americans to speak out against the global tyranny will defeat the censorship extremists. Dissenting Americans, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, fill the ranks of every socioeconomic class, every political party and every faith-based community. They understand the meaning of the warning that, The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing, and they are not going to stand by and do nothing.



We are united across the world, we will not live in fear, we will stand together and restore our freedoms.

This is now the only type of vaccine-related content which will be allowed on YouTube:





You really start to understand God visiting his judgment on a nation pic.twitter.com/h2J9N3IIWn  Auron MacIntyre (@AuronMacintyre) September 28, 2021



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Its no longer a question of whether the government will lock up Americans for defying its mandates but when.

This is what we know: the government has the means, the muscle and the motivation to detain individuals who resist its orders and do not comply with its mandates in a vast array of prisons, detention centers, and FEMA concentration camps paid for with taxpayer dollars.

Its just a matter of time.

It no longer matters what the hot-button issue might be (vaccine mandates, immigration, gun rights, abortion, same-sex marriage, healthcare, criticizing the government, protesting election results, etc.) or which party is wielding its power like a hammer.

The groundwork has already been laid.

Under the indefinite detention provision of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the President and the military can detain and imprison American citizens with no access to friends, family or the courts if the government believes them to be a terrorist.

So it should come as no surprise that merely criticizing the government or objecting to a COVID-19 vaccine could get you labeled as a terrorist.

After all, it doesnt take much to be considered a terrorist anymore, especially given that the government likes to use the words anti-government, extremist and terrorist interchangeably.

Indeed, if you believe in and exercise your rights under the Constitution (namely, your right to speak freely, worship freely, associate with like-minded individuals who share your political views, criticize the government, own a weapon, demand a warrant before being questioned or searched, or any other activity viewed as potentially anti-government, racist, bigoted, anarchic or sovereign), you could be at the top of the governments terrorism watch list.

This is what happens when you not only put the power to determine who is a potential danger in the hands of government agencies, the courts and the police but also give those agencies liberal authority to lock individuals up for perceived wrongs.

Its a system just begging to be abused by power-hungry bureaucrats desperate to retain their power at all costs.

As history shows, the U.S. government is not averse to locking up its own citizens for its own purposes.

One need only go back to the 1940s, when the federal government proclaimed that Japanese-Americans, labeled potential dissidents, could be put in concentration (a.k.a. internment) camps based only upon their ethnic origin, to see the lengths the federal government will go to in order to maintain order in the homeland.

The U.S. Supreme Court validated the detention program in Korematsu v. US (1944), concluding that the governments need to ensure the safety of the country trumped personal liberties. Pointing out that such blatantly illegal detentions could happen againwith the blessing of the courtsJustice Scalia once warned, In times of war, the laws fall silent.

In fact, the creation of detention camps domestically has long been part of the governments budget and operations, falling under the jurisdiction of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Now if youre going to have internment camps on American soil, someone has to build them.

Thus, in 2006, it was announced that a subsidiary of Halliburton had been awarded a $385 million contract to build American detention facilities.

Of course, these detention camps will have to be used for anyone viewed as a threat to the government, and that includes political dissidents. So its no coincidence that the U.S. government has, since the 1980s, acquired and maintained, without warrant or court order, a database of names and information on Americans considered to be threats to the nation.

Fast forward to 2009, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released several reports suggesting that anyone seen as opposing the governmentwhether theyre Left, Right or somewhere in betweenis a target.

This brings us back, full circle, to the question of whether the government will exercise the power it claims to possess to detain anyone perceived as a threat, i.e., anyone critical of the government.

The short answer is: yes.

The courts and the police have meshed in their thinking to such an extent that anything goes when its done in the name of national security, crime fighting and terrorism.

Consequently, we seem to be coming full circle on many fronts.

Consider that two decades ago we were debating whether non-citizens were entitled to protections under the Constitution, specifically as they relate to indefinite detention. Americans werent overly concerned about the rights of non-citizens then, and now were the ones in the unenviable position of being targeted for indefinite detention by our own government.

Similarly, most Americans werent unduly concerned when the U.S. Supreme Court gave Arizona police officers the green light to stop, search and question anyoneostensibly those fitting a particular racial profilethey suspect might be an illegal immigrant. A decade later, the cops largely have carte blanche authority to stop any individual, citizen and non-citizen alike, they suspect might be doing something illegal (mind you, in this age of overcriminalization, that could be anything from feeding the birds to growing exotic orchids).

Likewise, you still have a sizeable portion of the population today unconcerned about the governments practice of spying on Americans, having been brainwashed into believing that if youre not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about.

As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, it will only be a matter of time before they learn the hard way that in a police state, it doesnt matter who you are or how righteous you claim to be, because eventually, you will be lumped in with everyone else and everything you do will be wrong and suspect.

Indeed, its happening already, with police relying on surveillance software such as ShadowDragon to watch peoples social media and other website activity, whether or not they suspected of a crime, and potentially use it against them when the need arises.

Without constitutional protections in place to guard against encroachments on our rights when power, technology and militaristic governance converge, it wont be long before we find ourselves looking back on the past with longing, back to an age where we could speak to whom we wanted, buy what we wanted, think what we wanted, and go where we wanted without those thoughts, words and movements being tracked, processed and stored by corporate giants such as Google, sold to government agencies such as the NSA and CIA, and used against us by militarized police with their army of futuristic technologies.

That moment of reckoning is getting closer by the minute.
The UK Ministry of Defence has inadvertently revealed its plan to spy on social media platforms in order to detect change(s) in population sentiment.

Despite ostensibly being about better use of existing silos, the MoDs Data Strategy for Defence document explains how the military should move towards Automated scanning of social media platforms to detect change in population sentiment.

Nowhere does the document explain why a strategy paper has gone so far off the beaten track that it promotes collecting data the MoD doesnt have and using it for decidedly non-military purposes, reports the Register.

Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the military has increasingly turned its attention inward towards its own citizens rather than doing what it should do, which is fighting foreign adversaries.

As author Laura Dodsworth revealed, GCHQ has embroiled itself in anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown messaging by targeting people who challenge the official COVID narrative online.

She says some people believe they have been targeted by the 77th Brigade, part of the 6th Division of the Army, reported the Telegraph.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the 77th Brigade uses legitimate non-military levers as a means to adapt behaviours of the opposing forces and adversaries.

The militarys main adversaries are now apparently British citizens who complain about lockdown while questioning the efficacy and safety of vaccines.

Dodsworth said she hit a brick wall when attempting to get answers about the units activities, noting, and I find that when someone puts up a brick wall, its because thats where the real story lies.

The unit played its role in the broader agenda, facilitated by government-affiliated behavioral psychologists, to terrify the public into mass obedience to lockdown rules by exaggerating the threat posed by COVID.

Follow on Twitter: Follow @PrisonPlanet



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Sharing stories of trauma, survival and courage, three Indigenous elders relayed stories on the impacts of residential schools in Canada at the All Nations Sharing Circle on Wednesday.

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CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Sioux Valley Dakota Nation residential school survivor Lorraine Pompana visits the All Nations Sharing Circle to share her residential school experiences Wednesday.

Sharing stories of trauma, survival and courage, three Indigenous elders relayed stories on the impacts of residential schools in Canada at the All Nations Sharing Circle on Wednesday.

It was a powerful experience having the opportunity to speak about their experiences, said Rolling River First Nation Member Thelma Amyotte-Noctor. She appreciated having a safe space to talk about the institutions impact on her family members.

"They didnt feel safe enough to talk about it and I think there was a lot of shame attached to it, but it was not their doing," she said.

Amyotte-Noctor spoke to her familys experiences at residential school and the lingering trauma the institutions left spanning generations. While she did not attend a residential school, she saw firsthand the impact they had on her parents and siblings.

Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) First Nation member Maata Evaluardjuk-Palmer spoke to her experience at the Churchill Residential School. Her father also attended a residential school.

As a survivor, she grew up in a very restricted and claustrophobic environment, where permission was always needed for even the most minor of actions and activities.

"To come to this type of space to share and to be part of, its very welcoming. I feel good to share here," Evaluardjuk-Palmer said.

The forced removal of children deeply affected Indigenous families and communities, with the traumas spanning out across generations, she said. Her dad was angry after his time at residential school, and this emotion was only heightened after his children were taken.

"They took his children. They never, ever came back as the children that he had. Even though they came home, they were different," Evaluardjuk-Palmer said. "My dad was really, really badly affected by the church taking his children. Because his two boys, the oldest boys, he wanted to train them to be hunters like him. But he couldnt because they were taken."

Her oldest sister was in residential school from the time she was five until her graduation. From five to 10 years of age, her sister was unable to ever visit home. After that experience, her sister never felt comfortable coming home.

Her sister rarely spoke of her experiences at residential school, Evaluardjuk-Palmer said, so she feels compelled to share her stories.

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) First Nation Member Maata Evaluardjuk-Palmer, left, and Rolling River First Nation Member Thelma Amyotte-Noctor visit the All Nations Sharing Circle to share their residential school experiences Wednesday.

Amyotte-Noctor hopes those that attended the talk gained a better understanding of what happened to children, families and communities when young people were forced to attend residential schools and removed from their communities. The trauma created by the institutions impacted countless nation members, and many were left feeling disconnected from their culture.

Now, there is an active push to reclaim the culture and traditions that were lost.

She showcased the work taking place to reclaim knowledge that was lost or hidden due to residential schools, citing how her grandchildren are encouraged to dance in powwows and learning about the history of their families.

"Theyre small steps but the young people can take them," Amyotte-Noctor said.

Evaluardjuk-Palmer added it means a lot to see the younger generations understanding the history of their people, and how the horrific legacy of residential schools impacted their grandparents and parents.

"People are listening now. They want to create an environment where people like us can share. To make it comfortable for us," Evaluardjuk-Palmer said.

These conversations were not always possible, she said.

In 1990, the head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Phil Fontaine, made national news speaking out about the abuse he experienced at residential schools. He was one of the first people to openly speak about the horrific sexual abuse he experienced at a residential school. It marked the first time a national spotlight was shone on the schools. At the time, he called for an official inquiry into residential school abuse.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada officially implemented the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history, in 2007. One of the elements of the agreement was the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to facilitate reconciliation between former students, their families, their communities and all Canadians.

The commission released its final report with 94 calls to action in June 2015. Six years later, the majority of these calls have yet to be fully implemented.

While progress is being made towards reconciliation, it is a challenging subject because so many people have died since Fontaine first spoke, Evaluardjuk-Palmer said.

The discussions surrounding residential schools have only been fuelled by the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops residential school, and countless more across the country since the original discovery in June.

"For those of us who survived. People are finally listening," Evaluardjuk-Palmer said. "Theres evidence to show what they said was true. People want to hear what we have to share."

It is healing being able to share these stories, and marks the mending of wounds because the real truth has come out.

"We know that there were awful things that happened," Evaluardjuk-Palmer said.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation residential school survivor Lorraine Pompana attended three residential schools: Brandon, Portage la Prairie and Dauphin.

The first school she attended was the most traumatic because she was a little girl ripped away from her culture and thrust into a new alien world. At the time, she did not speak English. Now she no longer speaks Dakota.

"I lost my Dakota language, and to this day I dont speak it," Pompana said. "I still understand many words, but its difficult for me to do an entire sentence."

She had many bad experiences at the school, and survivors share these traumatic experiences. Pompana said she will always feel the effects of these encounters because she can never erase the memories from her mind.

She grows more optimistic each day now, because Indigenous peoples experiences are being heard and honoured across the country.

"Were getting more encouraged to find our voices," Pompana said. "Were all coming together and were finding each other as support."

It has been encouraging to see the way the country rally around residential survivors this year. She added she is proud of Brandon, a city she has lived in since 1962, for ensuring space was made available to help in healing and share stories to create awareness in the city.

These events mark a step toward healing and understanding. She hopes these activities lead to ideas and recommendations on how to move forward with reconciliation.

"The big part is to continue with our healing journey," Pompana said.

For those affected by the recent discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-7 at 1-866-925-4419.

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has planned a series of events commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today.

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FILE Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Jennifer Bone.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has planned a series of events commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today.

Sioux Valley Chief Jennifer Bone said the events at Grand Valley Provincial Park are focused on healing, while honouring children lost to the residential school system and survivors who live with ongoing trauma.

"Were always taking steps towards reconciliation with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations," Bone said. "Whats important is that we take time to reflect and look back on the Truth and Reconciliation (Commission) and their 94 Calls to Action to further reconciliation."

Unfinished work remains from the calls to action and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report, Bone said, and she hopes those who engage with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will look up resources, engage with the history of Indigenous people, reach out to Indigenous communities and continue discussions on how to further the reconciliation process.

"Take the time to spend time with elders, hear their stories and understand all those impacts that have brought us to where we are today," Bone said.

It will be ongoing work to progress in reconciliation, she added, and it will take active participation from all Canadians.

Sioux Valley has planned a series of events for members and invited guests to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day starts with a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the former Brandon Indian Residential School site. Presentations will follow at 11 a.m., and a feast begins at noon. A round dance is set to take place at 3 p.m.

It is mandatory to register at the Grand Valley site before entering the event, and all Manitoba public health orders will be in place. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.

The ceremony will include elders and an opening prayer accompanied by a local drum group.

The service will focus on the children sent to residential schools, unmarked graves across the country and the lingering harmful effects of the residential school system in Indigenous communities.

The presentation following the ceremony will feature a short video clip on truth and reconciliation of Murray Sinclair, a former senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The video will be followed by a presentation from Katherine Nichols, a University of Manitoba researcher who has spent the last nine years uncovering key details of unmarked graves at the former Brandon residential school site.

The day will finish with a reading of childrens names.

Bone said she hopes Canadians engage with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation so they can better understand and acknowledge the history of residential schools and the long-standing challenges that impact Indigenous people through intergenerational trauma.

"Those harmful effects still linger today," Bone said. "We still face those challenges and we still continue to advocate for healing for our communities and our Indigenous people."

Having a public commemoration of the painful history of residential schools and the systems ongoing impacts is a huge component of the reconciliation process, she said.

However, taking the time to acknowledge these experiences has an emotional impact on communities and survivors.

"It will bring those painful memories that they have of residential schools," Bone said.

Survivors stories have always been known in Indigenous communities, and Sioux Valley has hosted several gatherings and sessions to promote healing, reflection and the sharing of circles.

"Its great to see that more people are joining in and acknowledging that to the point the government has set aside a whole day to acknowledge that," Bone said.

Bone encouraged Westman residents to participate in other Truth and Reconciliation events taking place today, including the events hosted by the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

"We can be united as part of reconciliation," Bone said. "Were acknowledging the work thats being done and the efforts towards reconciliation."

For those affected by the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-7 at 1-866-925-4419.

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
From kindergarten to Grade 8, students at Meadows School on Wednesday morning worked together on a special art project in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

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CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Meadows School students participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation art projects Wednesday.

From kindergarten to Grade 8, students at Meadows School on Wednesday morning worked together on a special art project in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Each classroom was assigned one of the Seven Sacred Teachings, and students used the Indigenous art form of pointillism to create their own piece. The teachings are each symbolized by an animal: Love (eagle), respect (buffalo), courage (bear), honesty (sabe/sasquatch), wisdom (beaver), humility (wolf) and truth (turtle).

"Today, we are concentrating on celebrating (Indigenous) culture," said guidance counsellor Alicia DeDecker. There are larger posters representing each of the seven teachings, which will be surrounded by smaller ones to create meaningful murals throughout the school.

"It will all come together to make a really large school art project that we can display on our walls in recognition of the day," DeDecker said.

Wednesday was orange shirt day at Meadows, and students and staff alike were donning the bright T-shirts as a symbol that "Every Child Matters." In front of the school is a memorial for the children who lost their lives at residential schools, with orange hearts, shoes and stuffed animals on display.

Grade 8 student Kale Jones created a footprint representing honesty. He said it took him about three art classes to complete the detailed painting, using Q-tips and dots. Kendra Grift, whos also in Grade 8, created a wolf and said it was interesting to learn about the symbolism and the Indigenous art technique.

Norah Pieronis Grade 5/6 students also had the sabe or sasquatch. She spoke to them about the importance of being proud, being yourself and living with integrity.

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Meadows School Grade 5/6 student Cache A. works on a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation art project Wednesday.

"Also talking about truth and reconciliation, and what it means," she said. "Truth is what happened, and reconciliation is what we would like to do, quickly. We went through the [Truth and Reconciliation Commissions] ... calls to action and theres a time limit. We want it within this generation  and everyone can play a part."

Talking about Canadas history of residential schools and marking Truth and Reconciliation Week is important for everybody  Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Pieroni added.

In the multicultural school, Pieroni said, they want everyone to feel seen, appreciated and important.

"Things might be hard in any situation, but were trying to have a positive attitude and right the wrongs. Everybody has power, and treat everybody fairly."

The art project is just one part of this weeks events at Meadows School. On Tuesday, a special presentation was shown, along with a video that was prepared for a virtual assembly. Staff members met Kevin Tacan, an Indigenous knowledge keeper, as well as Indigenous youth leaders.

"Pre-COVID, we may have even taken the kids out there, but we have to kind of think outside the box to make sure that theyre getting the same messages delivered in their safe school environment," DeDecker said.

A video was filmed, discussing the history of the site, inter-generational trauma and how to move forward in a positive way. The video also included an Indigenous dance at the Brandon University teepees, performed by a Meadows student.

Principal Dave Lim said due to COVID-19, they had to think of different ways to mark this important week, as previously they would host large assemblies with performers brought in.

"To come up with a plan to do it virtually and go to a location and have the people tell their personal stories, it was very moving," he said. "And for me, I learned so much from it, and Im sure our school community did, too."

Lim said the hope is that these types of events help to create a sense of belonging for all Meadows students.

"It helps create that sense of community and that sense of belonging, that other students understand their story more."

DeDecker said another important aspect is to share what it means to be a non-Indigenous ally. She hopes all students had a moment of connection in the presentation, and take time to reflect during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

She added that opening up conversations like this with students is important, "even though theyre hard and even though theyre heavy for some of our young kids."

Allowing students to ask pointed questions in a safe environment is meaningful, and the goal is to "answer them appropriately in ways that they can understand and ways that honour the Indigenous culture."

 Jillian Austin is a Local Journalism Initiative freelance writer and a real estate agent with Century 21 Westman Realty.

 jillianaustin.news@gmail.com

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dozens of hand drummers formed a circle around a powwow arbour at Tkemlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia and they sang loud and proud.

On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dozens of hand drummers formed a circle around a powwow arbour at Tkemlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia and they sang loud and proud.

When the clock struck 2:14 p.m. Thursday, people in the crowd bowed their heads for one minute of silence  punctuated briefly by the sounds of children  as a way to honour residential school survivors, their families and those who never returned home.

The time was chosen because of what are believed to be 215 unmarked graves detected earlier this year at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School near the First Nation.

An honour song, which included drumming and singing, was then played.

Evelyn Camille, who spent a decade at the Kamloops school, said she had mixed feelings about the day.

"It is growing awareness, but how is it going to help (survivors) now as part of our healing ... they can't give me back the 10 years that were taken away. The pain is still there," she said.

CP The Peace tower and other government buildings in the nations capital are lit orange on the eve of the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Camille was forced to cook and clean and had to steal food in order to survive. She left the school with a Grade 4 level of education.

She said she worked hard to regain her identity, language, culture and ceremonies that were taken away from her as a child.

Tkemlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir told reporters that steps toward reconciliation demand "honesty and transparency." She repeated calls for full disclosure of church and government records and information related to residential institutions.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald was also at the ceremony.

"This is a day to honour the survivors, the intergenerational survivors and the victims of these institutions of assimilation and genocide," said Archibald.

"We will actually continue to find and recover our little children in the coming years. We're at the beginning of this process ... Now is the time for accountability in action."

The federal government announced in June the new statutory holiday would take place every Sept. 30. It built on the momentum of the grassroots-led Orange Shirt Dayto commemorate the history and ongoing impacts of the church-run institutions where Indigenous children were torn from their families and abused.

Shoes are placed on the lawn outside the former Kamloops Indian Residential School to honour 215 children after it was announced that ground-penetrating radar had detected unmarked graves near the facility in Kamloops, B.C., on June 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The day is a direct response to a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Elsewhere across the country, communities and cities recognized the day with events and ceremonies.

On the Cowessess First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, where children attended the Marieval Indian Residential School until the mid-'90s, Chief Cadmus Delorme said the day is about healing.

Cowessess is another First Nation that reported finding unmarked graves or burial sites at a former school using ground-penetrating radar. In June, it said 751 graves were believed to have been located.

"The truth is going to be really tough. Even for Indigenous people, the trust is hard to acknowledge because of the pain. But we can't have reconciliation without truth. Today is a day for people to come together," said Delorme.

On Parliament Hill, there was a sea of orange as thousands gathered on the lawn in front of the Peace Tower for a morning ceremony under a bright, blue sky.

Algonquin Anishinabe elder Claudette Commanda said it was a day to reflect and honour those who never came home.

Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir speaks during a news conference ahead of a ceremony to honour residential school survivors and mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in Kamloops, BC., on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. What are believed to be the remains of 215 children were discovered buried near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School earlier this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

"Two-hundred and fifteen little voices woke the country," she said. "From the moment those little ones went into the ground, they were speaking in spirit. They knew there would come a day that we would all hear their voices. And let us hold those children in our heart forevermore."

In Montreal, people took part in a march that began next to an empty pedestal in a downtown park where a statue of Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, one of the architects of the residential school system, was toppled last year.

Maggie Chittspattio, a member of the Naskapi Nation in northern Quebec, said she marched for all the children who died at residential schools and for her mother, who was sent to boarding school against her will.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the day is to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools and to honour survivors, their families and their communities.

It is estimated more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children were forced to attend roughly 140 schools that operated across the country beginning in 1831. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has documented more approximately 4,200 children who died at residential schools, but estimates there could be thousands more.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her residential school experiences. The number is 1-866-925-4419.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.

 With files from Mickey Djuric at Cowessess First Nation, Morgan Lowrie in Montreal and Mia Rabson in Ottawa.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
WINNIPEG - Family members of a three-year-old boy who was stabbed while he slept in his bed hugged and cried outside a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday night after his accused killer was found guilty.

People drum at a vigil for Hunter Smith-Straight, a three-year-old who was allegedly stabbed by his mother's boyfriend and taken off life support, outside Winnipeg's Childrens Hospital, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG - Family members of a three-year-old boy who was stabbed while he slept in his bed hugged and cried outside a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday night after his accused killer was found guilty.

A jury deliberated for about seven hours before convicting Daniel Jensen of first-degree murder in the death of his former girlfriend's son, Hunter Smith-Straight, in 2019.

Jensen, 34, automatically gets a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

As the jury members delivered their unanimous verdict, several members of the child's family wiped tears from their eyes. One also hugged a Crown prosecutor as they left the court.

The boy's mother and other relatives declined to comment. A judge is to hear some of their victim impact statements on Friday.

The trial heard that Hunter was stabbed six times in the head and neck.

A relative found him injured in his bed. He was later taken off life support in hospital.

Prosecutors had argued that Jensen attacked Hunter as a way to get back at the boy's mother after they got into a violent argument.

The defence told the jury that no one witnessed the attack and the killer could have been someone else in the home.

Police testified Jensen was considered a suspect early on in the investigation.

He had been in an on-and-off-again relationship with Clarice Smith for about seven months. At the time of the attack, Jensen was bound by a court order not to have contact with her.

But the trial heard that Jensen and Smith spent the evening of Oct. 29, 2019, together visiting lounges and a casino with Smith's sister and her partner.

The couple fought violently that night, and witnesses testified that Jensen threatened to have Hunter taken away from Smith.

Prosecutors said Jensen became upset with Smith when she told him she was moving with Hunter to Manigotagan, a community about 190 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Smith told Jensen he was not welcome to come with them.

Video surveillance presented at the trial showed Jensen kneeing and punching Smith before he left a bar in the city's North End by himself.

Court heard Jensen made the short walk home to an upstairs suite of a duplex where he and Smith lived with Hunter and one of Smith's nephews. Several members of Smith's family also lived in the downstairs suite.

Crown prosecutor Jennifer Mann told the jury that Jensen wanted to hurt Smith in the most "cruel and permanent" way possible by taking her only child.

She said he stabbed the sleeping toddler before fleeing the house. The boy's blood was also found on Jensen's clothes.

Bruce Bonney, Jensen's lawyer, argued someone else in the home could have attacked the boy.

He said his client had returned to the house to find Hunter already injured and that's how the blood got on his clothing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 29, 2021.

___

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
OTTAWA - The families of Canadians trapped in northern Syria are asking the Federal Court to force Ottawa to help them.

In this Thursday, March 12, 2020, photo, a boy stands inside a house destroyed by an airstrike, in Idlib, Syria. The families of Canadians trapped in northern Syria are asking the Federal Court to force the government to help them. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Felipe Dana

OTTAWA - The families of Canadians trapped in northern Syria are asking the Federal Court to force Ottawa to help them.

The 11 families say in a court filing that the government's refusal to step in amounts to breaches of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, among other statutes.

The application was submitted on behalf of several Canadians with relatives, including more than a dozen children, trapped in Syria, and calls on the court to order the government to take "all reasonable steps" to repatriate them.

The trapped Canadians are among the estimated thousands of foreign nationals held in camps in northern Syria by Kurdish forces that won back the war-torn region from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The Kurds suspected many of them of being ISIL sympathizers, but the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and the organization Human Rights Watch say they are innocent victims caught up in Syria's civil war and have denounced the Canadian government for not repatriating them, as some European countries have done with their citizens.

"Despite their repeated pleas for help, the Canadian government has left them to languish indefinitely in degrading and inhumane conditions. It's deeply troubling that these detainees and their families in Canada would have to resort to taking their government to court to end this paralysis," said Farida Deif, head of the Canadian branch of Human Rights Watch.

The applicants in the court filing are not named to protect their security, but one relative is speaking out about her sister, who is on a life-threatening hunger strike and desperately needs medical attention.

The Canadian branch of Human Rights Watch is also drawing attention to the plight of the woman, identified as Kimberly Polman, being held in one of the squalid camps rife with COVID-19 and unsanitary conditions.

"Her life and the lives of more than 40 other Canadians are on the line," said Deif. "Prime Minister Trudeau has the power to bring these Canadians home. He just needs to find the moral courage to do so."

Polman's sister, who spoke to The Canadian Press on condition of anonymity because she fears reprisals against her family, said she wrote to Global Affairs Canada last week to say her sister is suffering from hepatitis and failing kidneys and won't live much longer if she does not receive help.

The woman described her sister as a troubled woman who was suffering from post-traumatic stress and facing other challenges about six years ago, and who surprised her family by turning up in Syria.

According to her sister, Polman apparently met a man online who was an ISIL fighter and married him, though they soon separated. She was later thrown in prison.

"All of this was a shock to our family. I had no idea that she would ever entertain this," Polman's sister said in an interview Thursday. "She was going through a really hard time ... but I had no idea."

John Babcock, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada, said the government is talking with Syrian and Kurdish authorities for information on the Canadians in the region. The government is "particularly concerned with cases of Canadian children in the region," he added.

"Given the security situation on the ground, the government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in Syria is extremely limited."

The government cannot comment on specific cases because of privacy concerns, said Babcock.

Last year, the Canadian government repatriated a five-year-old orphaned girl, but Ottawa has not committed to helping more of the trapped Canadians return.

Polman's sister said her sibling has denounced ISIL publicly, which has made her life much more perilous within the camp. She said her sister was brainwashed by ISIL, which she described as a cult. She suggested her sister's plight should serve as a cautionary tale for helping people who suffer mental illness.

"We need to pay better attention to people who are struggling ... so that they get the help they need."

Nothing her sister has done should deprive her of the right to receive help from her government in her time of need, the woman said.

"None of us have citizenship by merit. All of us have citizenship because we were born into it or we were given it," she said.

"And so, on the basis of her being a Canadian citizen, and a human being, she deserves to be to be granted all the rights and privileges of being a sensitive human being in our world, just like anyone else."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
MIRAMICHI, N.B. - Video evidence and witness testimony at the inquest into the police shooting of Rodney Levi revealed Thursday that in the span of 37 seconds the New Brunswick man was Tasered three times and shot twice in the chest.

Steven Ward, an addictions counsellor who was a lifelong friend of Rodney Levi, arrives at a coroner's inquest into Levi's death in Miramichi, N.B., Thursday, Sept.30, 2021. Ward says there was a lack of mental health services for the Indigenous man on the day he was shot dead by police in northern New Brunswick last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Bissett

MIRAMICHI, N.B. - Video evidence and witness testimony at the inquest into the police shooting of Rodney Levi revealed Thursday that in the span of 37 seconds the New Brunswick man was Tasered three times and shot twice in the chest.

Daniel Bell of Renous, N.B., testified that on June, 12, 2020 he was visiting the home of a pastor when he was told someone had knives and police had been called. Bell said he was inside the kitchen of the house in Sunny Corner, N.B., when two RCMP officers arrived.

The witness told the inquest into the Indigenous man's death that he was not able to hear what was being said outside the closed window, but at one point he did hear an officer say, Drop the knives. Bell said he took out his phone to shoot video when he saw an officer pull out a stun gun.

The 37-second video shows Levi being jolted by the stun gun and dropping the knives. He then picks them up, and as he stands is shot twice, falling to the ground. There is a distinctive pop-pop sound.

Before the video was played for the inquest, many of Levis family members  including his 72-year-old mother Mary Ann Francis  left the room. Those who remained gasped as the video played, and some bolted from the room crying.

The shooting occurred outside the home of Brodie MacLeod, next to the Boom Road Pentecostal Church where he was pastor.

MacLeod told the inquiry that Levi, a member of his congregation, showed up at around 5 p.m. that day asking to talk. "He was erratic, pacing, not his typical self," MacLeod said. The pastor said he had seen such behaviour before and concluded Levi was under the influence of something.

He said Levi, who was from the Metepenagiag First Nation, talked about wanting to move out west but said if that wasnt successful, hed want to "end things." MacLeod said he invited Levi to stay for supper. He said Levi later went inside, and then he heard someone say "Knife, knife, hes got a knife."

MacLeod's wife called police and two officers arrived a short time later and began talking with Levi, who was on the back deck. MacLeod said Levi became agitated and refused to put down the weapons, and that's when an officer fired a stun gun at Levi.

"The first Taser bounced off of him and he laughed and said, 'Youre going to have to put a bullet in me,' " MacLeod testified.

He said the second jolt had some impact, and on the third Levi dropped a knife, picked it up and lunged towards the second officer who had his gun pulled. "Thats when he was shot," MacLeod said.

Earlier Thursday, an addictions counsellor and lifelong friend of Levi testified that Levi didn't get the mental health help he needed before the incident that led to his death.

Steven Ward told the inquest that he had spoken with Levi a number of times the day he died. Ward had been working as a fisheries officer at the time because the treatment centre in nearby Eel Ground, N.B., where he was also employed, was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Levi seemed upbeat about plans to move to Western Canada for work and to get away from the influence of drugs. An autopsy confirmed Levi, 48, had amphetamine and methamphetamine in his body at the time of the shooting.

Ward told the five-member coroner's jury he is a former addict, and he said there is a need for community-based services to help people with mental health and addiction issues.

"It's got to start with the community healing itself," he told the inquest. He said Levi was reaching out for help but had not been able to get it.

He said he believes Levi's death could have been avoided. "I don't believe Rodney should be dead," Ward said. "I believe those officers should be taught in de-escalating."

Dr. Syed Ahmed, an emergency room physician, described for the inquest efforts made to save Levi's life. He testified that paramedics reported no signs of life for 41 minutes, adding that advanced CPR was done for another 30 minutes before Levi was declared dead. He had been shot twice in the chest.

The shooting was investigated by Quebec's police watchdog, the Bureau des enquetes independantes, which submitted a report to New Brunswick prosecutors in December. It determined the officers on the scene believed Levi was using force against them. Levi had been wielding two knives, and officers shot him to protect themselves and others, the probe concluded.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
REGINA - Saskatchewan recorded its highest daily case count of COVID-19 and its highest number of people needing intensive care, as a member of the government caucus resigned for ''misrepresenting her vaccination status."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks at a press conference at the legislature building in Regina, Thursday, March 25, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell

REGINA - Saskatchewan recorded its highest daily case count of COVID-19 and its highest number of people needing intensive care, as a member of the government caucus resigned for ''misrepresenting her vaccination status."

Premier Scott Moe said he accepted Thursday the resignation of Nadine Wilson, who has represented the constituency of Saskatchewan Rivers since 2007.

She will remain as an MLA but will be considered an Independent in the legislature.

Moe said the remaining 47 members of the Saskatchewan Party caucus are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

At a news conference in Saskatoon, Moe said information about Wilson came to light as the province moved toward its proof-of-vaccination policy for government staff, which starts Friday.

Caucus chair David Buckingham said that in the spring, he was given verbal confirmation that all caucus members were vaccinated.

"The process was for me to find out  before the Oct. 1 deadline for vaccinations  that I would find out that all of our members are in compliance. So, I asked to actually see it  a paper version of their vaccination status," he said at the news conference with Moe.

"And that's when we found out that one of our members was not indeed vaccinated, and so that had to be dealt with."

Wilson said in an email Thursday that she can "no longer support the direction of the Saskatchewan Party government or follow the government with true conviction regarding the current health situation."

"I believe in the fundamental values of freedom of personal choice, voluntary informed consent, without the element of duress or coercion," she said.

The province reported 601 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and there were 72 people in intensive care  both figures are the highest since the pandemic began last year.

There were 4,669 active cases and 307 people in hospital with the virus. Ten more people died of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 695.

Of all the provinces, Saskatchewan has the highest case rate in the last seven days and the highest death rate. Data compiled by Health Canada also shows Saskatchewan residents are four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people in any other province except Alberta.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to provide any supports necessary to help Saskatchewan with its growing COVID-19 crisis.

In a conversation Wednesday with Moe, the Prime Minister's Office said the two leaders spoke about Saskatchewan's COVID-19 cases, increasing vaccination efforts and what the province needs to overcome the fourth wave of the pandemic.

A statement from Ottawa said Trudeau reiterated that the federal government "remains ready to respond to any requests" from Saskatchewan for aid.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.

 By Daniela Germano in Edmonton
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came under fire Thursday for spending part of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation flying to Tofino, B.C., to join his family.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wraps residential school survivor and Inuk senior elder Levinia Brown in a blanket to keep her warm during a ceremony on Parliament Hill on the eve of the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came under fire Thursday for spending part of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation flying to Tofino, B.C., to join his family.

But his office denied Trudeau was taking a vacation on a day meant to commemorate the estimated 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools.

Many of those children suffered physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition and neglect. More than 4,000 are believed to have died.

Spokesman Alex Wellstead said Trudeau spent "hours" on the phone Thursday speaking to survivors of the schools, "to hear their stories of trauma and healing, to hear their advice on the path forward."

Trudeau's itinerary for the day initially said he was in "private meetings" in Ottawa.

That was later updated on the Prime Minister's Office website to say he was in private meetings in Tofino. His office confirmed Trudeau went to Tofino to spend a few days with this family.

But Wellstead said just because Trudeau was in Tofino doesn't mean he spent the day lounging on the beach  although Global BC did film him taking a walk along the beach at one point, refusing to comment.

While he will be taking some downtime with his family, Wellstead said Trudeau will continue working while in Tofino on other government business, including presumably putting together his new post-election cabinet.

However, a spokeswoman for Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole slammed Trudeau for using the day to travel to B.C.

"Truth and Reconciliation Day shouldnt be treated like a holiday but thats what Justin Trudeau did," said Chelsea Tucker.

"This is the pattern Canadians have come to know with Justin Trudeau. He says nice things about reconciliation but never follows through. As Prime Minister, Erin O'Toole will always mark this day with the respect and dignity it deserves."

O'Toole attended a Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony Wednesday night on Parliament Hill, at which Trudeau and several survivors spoke about the importance of Canada coming to terms with its ugly history of residential schools.

Tucker said O'Toole spent Thursday in Ottawa "taking the opportunity to remember and honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities."

Wellstead said he hopes O'Toole took the opportunity to actually speak with some survivors, as Trudeau did.

He would not go into details of Trudeau's phone calls "because they were private calls with individuals."

But he said survivors "shared their heartbreaking stories of what they experienced and the lasting impacts. Some expressed hopefulness about the path forward and the importance of this day and the opportunity for Canadians to continue learning about our country."

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh attended an "orange shirt day" walk and ceremony Thursday outside Vancouver's Aboriginal Friendship Centre, according to a spokeswoman.

Parliament passed a bill last June to create an annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation each Sept. 30. It is a statutory holiday for federal workers but the Trudeau government has said it's intended to be a day of reflection, akin to Remembrance Day, not just a day off.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
The energy crisis engulfing the UK and Europe is being driven by the global shortages and soaring costs of gas and oil. In China, its coal-driven and is largely the result of decisions made in China.

Two-thirds of Chinas provinces are now rationing power. Factories have closed or have reduced production. Households are going dark and street lights have been turned off. Demand for candles has soared. The impact on food processors is creating a threat to food security.

There is no simple solution for Chinas energy crisis. Credit:AP

Heading into a winter that is typically extremely cold, China is facing threats to its people and its economy that have no quick or easy solutions.

While there is some commonality in the issues confronting the UK, Europe and China  the interaction of responses to climate change with a shortage of oil and gas supply relative to the rebound in demand as the world bounces back from the worst impacts of the pandemic (and the consequent surge in LNG and oil prices)  the core elements of Chinas difficulties are homegrown.
Several large firms in the Zhejiang textile hub have been shut until the end of this month. Others are facing de facto triage based on relative energy use. With market attention now laser-focused on Evergrande and Beijings unprecedented curbs on the property sector, another major supply-side shock may have been underestimated or even missed, said Ting Lu, China strategist at Nomura. Loading The Japanese bank expects Chinas economy to contract by 0.2 per cent this quarter and barely eke out any growth over the rest of the year. That is a double-dip recession with Chinese characteristics. It is puzzling that global markets have been so insouciant about a power crisis in Asias anchor economy. The slowdown is happening just as fiscal stimulus fades in Europe and America, and as Western central banks start to tighten in the face of incipient stagflation and a rising misery index.

What can possibly go wrong in global equity markets still at nosebleed P/E ratios? While this column does not give investment advice, as a personal precaution I have liquidated most of my modest salarymans portfolio and intend to ride out the early autumn with 80 per cent in cash until risk and reward come back into plausible alignment. Nor am I buying Anglo-Saxon or eurozone safe-haven bonds, given rising structural deficits and the imminent retreat of the chief buyers amid so much debt issuance. The auction of two-year US treasuries was a shocker, the worst cover ratio since December 2008. Talk of a Chinese Lehman moment as developer Evergrande collapses with $US309 billion of debts has obscured the greater danger. Xi Jinping has deliberately precipitated a crunch in Chinas encephalitic property sector via his three red lines, deeming a purge necessary to safeguard social order and prevent the further misallocation of resources. Construction accounts for a quarter of Chinese GDP and half of the worlds diggers, cranes and cement mixing. It diverts funds from the green, hi-tech, robotics, AI, cloud computing, and advanced semiconductors sectors, where the struggle for superpower mastery is really taking place. Markets have largely shrugged off the energy woes. Credit:NYSE Beijings determination to suppress the whole property sector, not the fallout of Evergrande, is what represents the major near-term risk to Chinas growth and financial stability, said Ting Lu. Land sales were down 64 per cent in August from a year ago - the leading indicator of the building industry.

Xi has brought forward a denouement bound to happen because Chinas workforce is shrinking by 3 million a year, marriages have fallen by a third in seven years, household formation has slowed and rural migration has all but ended. Buyers will be progressively scarcer, rendering the developer model of pre-selling homes to cover past costs a slow-motion Ponzi scheme. The property crunch is compounded by a parallel squeeze on carbon. Xi has promised peak CO2 emissions by 2030, a 25 per cent cut per unit of GDP by 2025, and a 3 per cent cut in energy intensity this year. He knows that China is paying a high credibility price for foot-dragging as Europe and the US launch green deals, and may soon face a carbon border tax in its top markets if it is not careful. Loading Energy-saving edicts are raining down. Party cadres have been mobilised to pursue CO2 crimes, and are reportedly doing so with the zeal of the Cultural Revolution. The state planner (NDRC) says 20 Chinese provinces have failed to meet this years goals on cutting energy intensity. Nomura says nine have received level 1 warnings, including Guangdong and Jiangsu, 35 per cent of Chinas economy between them. Woe betide the party officials responsible.

The steel, cement and aluminium industries face production caps by the industry ministry (MIIT). They stole part of their allowance over the first half and must cut back this half to compensate. That means drastic falls in steel output. It has already begun and is hammering iron ore prices, along with miners such as Vale and BHP. Chinas energy crunch is happening for much the same reasons as in Europe. COVID upset the rhythms of the global fuel market. The weather was extreme: drought hit hydropower and the hot summer boosted air conditioning. The result was an explosion in demand for coal and gas. Chinas coal levels are dangerously low. Credit:Bloomberg The cost of liquefied natural gas in Shanghai reached $US26 per mmBtu, luring away shipments that would otherwise have gone to Europe to replenish depleted inventories. China is now the worlds biggest LNG importer. In August it bought 6.4 million tonnes, compared to 4.9 million in Europe and Turkey combined (ICIS data). Put another way, Britains gas crisis is a function of Chinas industrial cycle.

Yuriy Vitrenko, Ukraines gas and pipeline chief, told me over the weekend that demand destruction is already working its brutal cure and that global gas prices have probably peaked. That might seem hard to believe with storage so perilously low. The futures market for UK contracts show prices continuing to rise in seasonal contango, hitting 187 pence per therm in January. Loading But markets roll over when you least expect. I dont wish to pick on Goldman Sachs, and agree that depressed investment in upstream oil and gas implies a fossil supercycle in the early 2020s. But I watch with a jaundiced eye as the bank raises its crude oil forecast to $US90 this year, in part citing gas to oil switching for power plants. Goldman issued its infamous $US200 call for crude in 2008 at the exact top of the price spike. We now know that core Europe was already in recession by then and that Americas sub-prime debacle was nearing its climax, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac already crumbling. If China is slowing as hard as some suspect, it will do the world a big favour and head off a political crisis in Europe and the UK this winter. No elected government can easily survive loss of control over energy security. Nor should it.
Los Angeles: A lawyer for Jamie Spears has denounced a Los Angeles judges decision to suspend him as conservator of his daughter Britney Spears $US60 million ($83 million) estate.

LA Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny removed Jamie Spears from the role on Wednesday, local time, and set a November court date to consider whether to terminate the 13-year-old legal arrangement. The judge replaced him temporarily with an accountant suggested by Britney Spears attorney.

A lawyer for Jamie Spears, left, said the outcome was disappointing, and frankly, a loss for Britney Spears. Credit:AP

Respectfully, the court was wrong to suspend Mr Spears, put a stranger in his place to manage Britneys estate, and extend the very conservatorship that Britney begged the court to terminate earlier this summer, Vivian Thoreen, a lawyer for Jamie Spears, said in a statement on Thursday.

The outcome was disappointing, and frankly, a loss for Britney Spears, Thoreen said.
Chelsea Wilsons podcast about women in music, Control, was never supposed to be specifically about the pandemic  she started producing it in 2020 while on maternity leave  but the conversation is unavoidable.

Few industries have been hit harder by COVID-19 than music as its proponents find themselves adrift with little assistance to make up for the income they are losing.

Its just incredibly far-reaching  the impacts are layers and layers deep, the Melbourne musician says. It just creeps into every conversation.

Musician and broadcaster Chelsea Wilsons podcast, Control, is about women in the music industry. Credit:Justin McManus

Musicians are resilient and  as the last 18 months have proven  often underappreciated. One thing I hope comes out of this period is more appreciation for the arts, Wilson says. What we have seen in between the lockdowns is a lot of local gigs selling out and doing really well, because people really want to hear music. It would be great to see Australian media step up and support local artists, and for our government to look at an increase of relief packages for artists.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size What a day it is. A cloudless spring afternoon at Mackenzies Point, a flat shelf of rock poking out over the Pacific Ocean on the jagged southern headland between Sydneys Bondi and Tamarama beaches. Tourists flock to this lookout, snapping selfies against a perfect, uninterrupted stretch of horizon where vivid blue sky meets deep blue ocean. On a perfect day just like this one in 1982, Elton John came to shoot a video for his hit song Blue Eyes, his white grand piano standing in the middle of this clifftop perch, encircled by a low stone wall. Less than eight years later, this same spot would be the site of a horrific murder, the bare rock flecked with blood stains leading to the edge of the precipice. Scattered nearby were a pair of tinted prescription glasses, a light blue handkerchief smudged with red, a mans wristwatch with a broken band, two keys on a ring and a page from a letter between mother and son  the belongings of a whippet-thin Thai man with floppy black hair called Kritchikorn Rattanajurathaporn. On a frigid night in July, 1990, Kritchikorn, 31, stumbled here in a blood-soaked shirt, woozy from concussion after he and his companion, Geoffrey Sullivan, were subject to a savage Clockwork Orange-like attack by three young men wielding a claw hammer, a pipe and their fists. Sullivan was left lying in a pool of blood nearby; Kritchikorn, who had only arrived in Australia four months before, was chased along the cliff edge where he was either pushed or lost his footing, landing on a narrow ledge some metres below, before over a period of hours falling to another ledge. Here he would lie shivering, drifting in and out of consciousness, before turning and falling into the choppy waters below, where he would gasp for air for frantic seconds before drowning. Two days would pass before police divers discovered Kritchikorns body wedged between rocks below the surface. As our five-episode podcast Bondi Badlands, which launches today, explains, Kritchikorn was one of three men murdered on this headland in 1989 and 1990; it was also the scene of a number of assaults, a rape, a miraculous escape and a much earlier mysterious disappearance. The unvarnished fact is that late at night, Marks Park, a grassy verge capping the headland and the concrete pathway skirting the cliff face, had been a gay beat  a place where homosexual men would socialise and hook up  since at least the late 1920s. Gangs like the Bondi Boys (otherwise known by their graffiti tag PTK, or People that Kill) would prowl here, carrying out brazen acts of violence; its likely that at least a few were serial offenders; perpetrators of an anti-gay murder spree that swept across Sydney at the time. This is no simple whodunnit; it involves a tangled tale of hate crimes involving multiple suspects, gangs comprising up to 30 members, some of whom circulated among other gangs across Sydney, composing a dark mosaic of murder. Teenage boys represented the bulk of these killers, but there were young women, too. As our podcast shows, these types of homicide cases are among the toughest to solve. Kritchikorns slaying was one of the few at the time to receive a thorough police investigation. We will never know if he was still alive as he lay on that ledge, unconscious and out of view, after police arrived. In this case, at least, he was awarded a competent murder investigation by Detective Sergeant Steve McCann of Waverley police, resulting in his three killers being brought to justice and serving time in prison. This is a lot more than can be said for the other men killed here, or for that matter, the vast majority of other murders of gay men blighting Sydney at the time.

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Almost a year to the day earlier, on another freezing night in July 1989, Ross Warren, a handsome, charismatic weatherman and newsreader from WIN-TV in Wollongong, vanished on this headland in the early hours of a Saturday morning. The 25-year-old left a few clues behind  his chocolate-brown Nissan, parked on a nearby street, his wallet tucked away in the glove box, and a thick clump of his keys, attached to a brass ring, discovered by two of his friends in a honeycombed rock face a couple of days later. Warrens mysterious disappearance drew a frenzy of media attention, but even this wasnt enough to drive a proper investigation by Bondi police. Within three weeks of Warrens disappearance, which is the focus of the first episode of our podcast Bondi Badlands, the senior detective coordinating the so-called investigation closed the case without a body being found, although he speculated it might wash up on a shoreline. Earlier, on this long afternoon spent with the dead, I stopped at another point on the concrete pathway skirting the cliff face, past the Bondi Icebergs pool, surveying the rock platform 10 or more metres below. I fixed on the spot where a 31-year-old barman called John Russell landed after being dragged along the pathway and likely hurled over the cliff in the pre-dawn darkness of a hot November morning, only four months after Warren disappeared. I pictured Russell in the moonlight, surrounded by his attackers, knowing there was no way out, but fighting for grim life anyway. He had his best years ahead of him that night, having just inherited $100,000 from his maternal grandfather, whod run Clacks Cakes, a decades-old Bondi institution. Russell had been saying his farewells to Bondi: within days, he was to move to his dads property in Wollombi, in the Hunter Valley. Hed planned to build a kit home there and spend a year travelling around Australia. Credit:

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Back in the 1980s, Bondi was still known as a working-class area, albeit a rapidly gentrifying one: many locals paid rents in decaying art deco apartments with names like the Cairo Mansions or the Venice Flats, and street crime along the foreshore wasnt unusual. This is where John Russell grew up; hed long learnt to keep his wits about him. He was a man who exuded decency, warmth and strength, but he could also be handy with his fists  in the bars along Oxford Street where he worked during much of his 20s, he was the first barman called on to remove drunk troublemakers. And on the night of his death, Russell put up a real fight: inflicting damage on one of his killers, evidenced by a bunch of blond hairs still clutched in his left hand when his body was found at the cliff base  hairs containing the DNA of his murderer. Less than a year earlier, in December 1988, the body of a brilliant, 27-year-old mathematician from the US, Scott Johnson, was found at the base of cliffs at Manlys North Head. Like John Russells, Johnsons death was dismissed by police as not suspicious, as a likely suicide. Scotts brother Steve Johnson, a highly successful IT entrepreneur, hired investigative journalist Dan Glick in 2007 to look into the murder. What he unveiled was a shocking testament to continuing police inaction over three decades. Last year, Steve offered to match the existing million-dollar police reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Scotts murder. Within a couple of months, a man from Sydneys Lane Cove, Scott White, was arrested for the murder. A pre-trial hearing is due to begin in January next year. White, who is now 50, has pleaded not guilty. Cliffs were the easiest weapon; you didnt have to carry anything with you. All you had to do was go to a certain location and hurt someone or push them off the edge. In what was perhaps another watershed moment this year, a 75-year-old man was arrested for the murder of Raymond Keam, a martial arts expert and father of two who was found beaten to death in January 1987 at Alison Park, Randwick, then a well-known gay beat in Sydneys east. Stanley Early, also known as Spider, has been extradited to NSW after he was arrested in south-east Melbourne in August; this followed a million-dollar reward offered some months earlier. (Rewards of $100,000 have also been offered for information leading to the killers of Ross Warren and John Russell, as well as a French man, Gilles Mattaini, who disappeared from the Bondi coastal stretch in 1985.) Its quite possible that there were other clifftop murders in and around Bondi, and across other locations on Sydneys northern beaches, in the years preceding the major thrill-kill years of the late 1980s. As Sue Thompson, a former state ombudsmans investigator who joined the police force in 1990 to coordinate its liaison with the gay and lesbian community, tells me in the podcast: Cliffs were the easiest weapon; you didnt have to carry anything with you. All you had to do was go to a certain location and hurt someone or push them off the edge. Things did not change magically in 1984 [when homosexuality was decriminalised in NSW]. In fact with the advent of AIDS, hate violence increased.

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For Thompson, becoming a liaison officer was deeply personal: one of her close friends had been murdered in a gay-hate killing only months before she took the role. The gay communitys mistrust of police at the time wasnt helping to quell the violence. Things did not change magically in 1984 [when homosexuality was decriminalised in NSW], Thompson outlined in one of her reports. In fact with the advent of AIDS, hate violence increased. It was my job to bring peace between police and the gay and lesbian communities and effect organisational change in police culture. If there remains any doubt that gay mens lives were seen as of less value at that time, look at how these murders were investigated by the Bondi police. Ross Warren? A four-page police statement on his disappearance was not even forwarded to the Missing Persons Unit. There were no comprehensive door-knocks, no record of police divers searching the headland after his disappearance, not even an appointed investigator, despite friends and colleagues insisting this was not a suicide. John Russell? His clothes were washed without any forensic analysis. The only person who gave evidence at the first inquest into his death in July 1990, which lasted all of 35 minutes, was a sergeant from Bondi police, who dismissed it as death by misadventure. Russells younger brother Peter strode out of the courtroom in disbelief and disgust. The Warren and Russell cases lay dormant. Then, on a brisk autumn day in 2000, a detective at Sydneys Paddington Police Station, Steve Page, was moved by a series of letters from Ross Warrens mother, Kay, who had one simple request: for her son to be officially declared dead, so she could tend to his affairs. As Sydney partied to the Olympics, Page created a new investigation  code-named Taradale  and began joining the dots between the two murders. Detective Steve Page led an investigation into the murders at Bondi, Operation Taradale, that would consume years of his life. He has since left the force. Credit:James Brickwood After 18 months of solid investigation, Page needed more witnesses to come forward  and more public attention on the cases. He struck on the idea of staging a re-enactment of John Russells fall from the Bondi clifftops using a weighted, flexible dummy, and chose a quiet news day, a Sunday morning. As a result of the media attention, a handful of people came forward to tell their stories, among them a man who had been dragged to the cliff edge only a month after Russells death. Lets throw him off where we threw the other one off, one of his assailants had yelled, near the same spot Russell had met his fate. But the man, 22 at the time, had made a miraculous escape  and lived to tell his story. Sadly, it was after this that another strange disappearance on the headland came to light, that of 27-year-old Gilles Mattaini. Lets throw him off where we threw the other one off, one of his assailants yelled.

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Operation Taradale rattled more than a few cages, and resulted in a coronial inquest in 2005. In her findings, deputy state coroner Jacqueline Milledge delivered a scathing assessment of the early police investigations into the murders of Russell and Warren, describing them as lacklustre, disgraceful and shameful to a packed courtroom while applauding Pages work in unveiling a dark web of hate. A dummy was thrown over the cliff at Bondi as a re-enactment of John Russells murder. The re-enactment made the evening news and resulted in new witnesses to the violence coming forward to police. In the late 1980s and early 90s, Sydneys gay and lesbian community was under siege (bashings and murders of gay men were also happening in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, but not on the same scale). Something, however, broke after the murder of Kritchikorn Rattanajurathaporn. The escalating violence brought a sea of angry protestors that filled Macquarie Street in front of state parliament. Activists splattered red paint over 11 city buildings, including state parliament, the Downing Centre court complex, and the headquarters of Channel 10 and The Sydney Morning Herald, then located in Jones Street, Ultimo. Self-defence classes were springing up in inner-city gyms and community groups, and a group of gay volunteers  some of them former members of the army, navy and police force  began foot patrols along Oxford Street and Darlinghurst Road. Oxford Street foot patrol in 1991. Credit:Reuters

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Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has urged residents of his state not to fly off to overseas locations when the international border drops for New South Wales next month unless they want to spend a lot of time in Paris or NSW.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that states with 80 per cent vaccination rates would from next month be allowed to have international travel resume for citizens and permanent residents, with seven-day quarantine periods on return to Australia.

Mr Morrison said people who wanted to leave the country from jurisdictions other than NSW would need to do so knowing they may not be able to go back to their state.

Youll need to remain in New South Wales until they let you do that, he said.

Now, that is a matter for premiers. That is a matter for states as to how they manage that. But what Im not going to do is, Im not going to stop people coming back to Australia because other states and territories are where they are at.

Mr McGowan said if other states and territories currently blocked off to NSW and Victoria started to reach the 80 per cent mark before WA and opened up their interstate and international borders, then they too may be closed off.

He tried to dissuade West Australians thinking about travelling overseas via NSW in the near future.

My advice will be, dont do that unless you want to spend a long time in Paris, or you want to spend time in NSW, Mr McGowan said.

Even if the federal government allows for uncapped international travel back into WA it does not mean people would be able to quarantine for seven days at home on arrival.

Mr McGowan said the shorter quarantine period had not been endorsed yet by the nations chief health officers and it would be up to WA to set isolation rules in the state.

If we set rules about hotel quarantine, a lot of people wont want to do that, he said.

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Numerous outlets within Westfield Chermside, several Brisbane massage parlours and day spas, and a popular central Queensland airport are the latest additions to the COVID-19 exposure site list.

Queensland has recorded four local COVID-19 cases from almost 60,000 tests over the past three days, including zero new local cases on Sunday, meaning the lockdown threat has eased slightly.

A variety of Westfield Chermside shops in Brisbanes north have been listed as close and casual contact sites. Credit:Google Maps

The Chermside shopping centre exposure sites encompass Coles, Hanaromart Asian Grocery, Fresh Sensations and the butcher shop on Level 1, from 12.20pm-1.30pm on September 30.

New sites in Brisbanes Archerfield and Cannon Hill, including a Woolworths and a day spa, were also added.
Health experts are backing the Queensland governments decision not to throw the state into lockdown after multiple virus clusters arose at once, but say the threshold for doing so is approaching rapidly.

Queensland recorded six new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, four linked to the so-called aviation cluster and two others in separate individuals who had caught the virus interstate.

The corner of Albert and Elizabeth streets in Brisbanes CBD. An infectious case visited multiple sites in the vicinity recently. Credit:Tony Moore

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had foreshadowed an important announcement at the morning press conference, raising speculation a lockdown would be announced.

However the state was spared, instead seeing level two restrictions imposed, including a cap of 30 people at private homes, a return of the four-square-metre rule for pubs and cafes, and a slashing of sport stadium capacities by 25 per cent, which means thousands of ticket-holders will miss Sundays NRL grand final.
A former clerk at a high-profile Brisbane law firm has avoided jail after co-operating with the police investigation and pleading guilty in court to defrauding his former employer out of more than $10,000.

Thomas William Strofield, 33, was one of three employees from Bosscher Lawyers charged as part of a Crime and Corruption Commission inquiry and he was initially accused of one count of fraud involving $30,000 or more, and eight counts of fraudulently producing or using false records.

Thomas Strofield leaves the Brisbane District Court on Thursday on probation after avoiding jail time. Credit:Toby Crockford

In the Brisbane District Court on Thursday, Strofield pleaded guilty to the single lesser charge of fraud by an employee, which carried a maximum sentence of 12 years prison.

The initial more severe fraud charge and eight other charges against him were withdrawn.
Mining wages in Western Australia have increased as much as 27 per cent for some professions in the past 18 months as companies fight for workers from a limited talent pool thanks to closed international and domestic borders and a bevy of projects.

Such is the demand and competition for workers that university graduates have received offers as high as $160,000 a year.

One WA university student was offered about $160,000 to take a graduate position with a mining company but turned it down.

The latest data from BDO Australias Remsmart national survey of the natural resources industry in June showed wages for some trades has increased by 12 to 15 per cent in the past 2 years.

BDO remuneration and reward services managing director Allan Feinberg said one of the most in-demand trades was heavy duty fitters, who could earn as much as $195,000 currently on a two weeks on, one week off roster.
Twenty-five years ago, the worst massacre by a single person in modern Australia occurred when a lone gunman shot and killed 35 people and injured 23 others.

The shooting, in Port Arthur, Tasmania, so horrified people that prime minister John Howard was able to pass sweeping gun control legislation in a matter of days.

Now, that moment in history has been fictionalised on screen in a controversial new film called Nitram, directed by Justin Kurzel.

The film has been widely acclaimed following its screening at the Cannes Film Festival in July but survivors of the shooting and families of the victims have complained the film shouldnt have been made and the killers actions should not be immortalised.
Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus has warned people to be careful of the organisations. These are fake unions run by LNP members and their associates set up to try and divide working people, Ms McManus told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. This amounts to an LNP-sponsored anti-vaccination campaign which will directly and needlessly cause working people to contract a deadly virus. ACTU secretary Sally McManus. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer States and territories including NSW, Victoria and Queensland have increasingly employed vaccine mandates for essential personnel such as aged care workers, healthcare staff and police to keep those people, and the often vulnerable Australians they interact with, healthy. The mandates have prompted intense public debate, with health experts such as Sydney University professor Julie Leask cautioning that mandates should only be used as a last resort because of supply issues and the risk of polarising people on the issue.

Although Red Union does not broadcast a blatant anti-vaccine message, its leaders have repeatedly cast doubt on coronavirus vaccines by emphasising that they are in a trial stage and saying further testing needs to happen. In a video shared by the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland online, a registered nurse, who said she would have to leave the profession because she did not want to get vaccinated, claimed COVID-19 jabs did not work. Its not even a vaccine, its not preventing the spread of illness, its not preventing you from getting sick, its not a vaccine, she said. We should not even be using this word ... Id prefer to use the term experimental biological agent because thats closer to the truth. Her claims are not backed by any health authority in Australia. Red Union director Jack McGuire said he was not responsible for social media posts but conceded the nurses claim that vaccines did not work to prevent illness was wrong.

Gerard Hayes, the national president of the Health Services Union that represents tens of thousands of workers nationwide, accused the new associations of grandstanding on vaccines in an attempt to gather attention while hiding their political connections. Its cowardly and it exemplifies everything you wouldnt want to do as an industrial body, Mr Hayes said. An industrial body that stands up and fights for its members doesnt do it under a disguise. He said members should listen to the experts on vaccination. I think these guys should fly in a plane where the pilot picked up his licence on YouTube or some kind of social media channel, Mr Hayes said. It doesnt take all that much experience to be experts in bulls--t. Any moron can do that. Mr McGuire refused to say whether the Red Union associations were for or against coronavirus vaccination, instead arguing the associations represented their members views. We have a more of an individualised approach rather than just these broad sweeping statements, Mr McGuire said.

Australias medical authorities from the chief medical officer down have repeatedly reassured Australians that the coronavirus vaccines being used here are safe, effective and have been thoroughly tested here and overseas. Loading Chris Moy, the vice-president of the Australian Medical Association, said employers should have a right to dismiss healthcare workers who refused vaccination because COVID-19 vaccines reduced transmission of the virus that could kill patients. Its not reasonable for a health professional to be posing a greater risk to patients who are vulnerable, Dr Moy said. I dont think the community would accept the health profession not getting vaccinated when were asking the community to get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them. He said Red Unions decision to use names for their organisations similar to the legitimate representative bodies for those workers indicates the level of respect they should be given.

Overwhelmingly, Australians have supported vaccinations. About 90 per cent of nurses have been vaccinated in Queensland and aged care staff are also almost 100 per cent jabbed after state and territory governments introduced mandates nationwide. But Mr McGuire dismissed Ms McManus criticism, saying the established union movement was letting its members down by not challenging vaccination mandates. He said associations linked to Red Union were entitled to call themselves unions because they dealt with issues such as unfair dismissal and pay negotiations on behalf of their members. The use of the term union is not restricted by law but earlier this year the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission found the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland was not an industrial association or a trade union under state law. The ruling is being appealed. Red Union says there has not been sufficient consultation with workers by health authorities about vaccine mandates. They argue it would be easier to keep COVID-19 from spreading in workplaces by widespread rapid antigen testing. The strategy has been hugely successful for the Red Union associations, which now claim more than 10,000 fee-paying members, with more than 200 people signing up each day, mostly among nurses. It is still a tiny number compared to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the largest union in the country with more than 280,000 members.

Over the weekend, we were being inundated by nurses in Victoria and in NSW because their unions were not supporting them and they wanted somewhere to go, said Mr McGuire on a live stream with LNP MP George Christensen on September 27. Loading Mr McGuire was speaking after days of ugly protests by construction workers in Melbourne angry at mandates and days before healthcare staff in NSW and Queensland are legally required to have their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Unlike the Red Union associations, most of the labour movement supports vaccination mandates backed by public health experts on the basis that they are best placed to assess the risks and benefits of Australias safe and effective vaccines. They oppose mandates from individual employers. We cannot be distracted by other agendas  vaccination is the key to overcoming this pandemic, said Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union secretary Beth Mohle in a statement.

In NSW, Mr Larter has started a string of organisations similar to the Red Union associations in the past month. They are the NSW Paramedics Association, with more than 100 members, the NSW Allied Health Association, now approaching 600, and another for police in a nascent stage, none of which have much more presence than a Google form to join and posts on Mr Larters social media. We feel that the union movements have essentially abandoned the grassroot customers, he said. Theyre not speaking up. Paramedic John Larter is challenging NSW vaccination mandates in court. Credit:Mark Jesser Mr Larter, who is a Liberal Party member, deputy mayor of the Snowy Valleys Council and has been an active Australian Paramedics Association NSW member, hopes the new organisations will help provide plaintiffs in the case he has launched challenging the NSW governments vaccination mandate for paramedics. That case is before the Supreme Court. He claims the number of injuries caused by COVID-19 vaccines are under-reported, suggests vaccines may come from aborted fetal cells, and wants to know if they could cause changes in recipients DNA.

The NSW Paramedicine Council suspended Mr Larters registration on September 20, after he began expressing his views on vaccines and the pandemic. In a statement, a council spokeswoman said confidentiality provisions prevented it from saying why Mr Larter had been suspended but noted suspensions are allowed for the protection of the health or safety of the public and ... public interest. Loading Mr Larter plans to challenge that and believes he is not anti-vaccine. Im not deterring anyone from having it, Mr Larter said. All Im saying is its a personal choice. Mr Larter, who is very critical of the Berejiklian government, said his associations had no ties to the Liberal Party.

Both Mr Larter and the Red Union associations say they are not party political groups. The Red Union associations say they are non-party political alternative to other unions that are cheaper but provide all the same services. Many private-sector unions are affiliated to the Labor Party, but public-sector unions such as the nurses are not, though they may campaign on policies or issues that they believe will benefit their members and are backed by Labor. Although Red Union does have some nurses in leadership roles in its nurses group, many of its most senior figures have ties to the Liberal National Party. The Nurses Professional Association of Queensland was founded by Graeme Haycroft, a former labour-hire firm operator who has boasted of battling the shearers union, established union-free construction sites in Queensland and was chair of the Liberal National Partys industrial relations committee. Graeme Haycroft, who founded the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland, was a chair of the Queensland Liberal National Partys industrial relations committee. Credit:Jason Weeding Mr McGuire, the Red Union director, is also the secretary of the Teachers Professional Association of Australia. He was formerly president of the Queensland University of Technology Liberal National Club but says he has quit the LNP because he was filthy that it was not properly representing blue-collar workers.
Liberal backbenchers emerged from talks with Scott Morrison this week with a little more confidence that the Prime Minister might be able to commit to greater action on climate change in the next four weeks.

One remark gave heart to Liberals who believe the governments fortunes will turn in part on whether Morrison can endorse the target, so divisive for so long, of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Morrison expressed an opinion that many outside the government already know but some within the Coalition refuse to accept: that climate change is an issue for voters well outside city electorates.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is in quarantine after his trip to visit US President Joe Biden. Credit:AP/Evan Vucci

Luckily there were no Nationals on the conference call to fly off the handle at that remark. And the Liberals who were brought into the briefing, set up for about 30 MPs who wanted to hear about Morrisons visit to the United States last week, are doing everything they can to avoid antagonising their rural colleagues.

With Morrison preparing to unveil new climate policies within weeks, the debate within the Coalition is so sensitive that most Liberals who joined the conference call would not even confirm it took place.
London: A British police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of British woman Sarah Everard as she walked home in the evening after visiting friends in south London, a case that stirred protests over male violence towards women.

Wayne Couzens, 48, a serving London police officer who had guarded diplomatic premises, had pleaded guilty to murder, rape and kidnap.

Sarah Everard, 33, was abducted as she was walking home in London. Credit:Metropolitan Police

He had used his position to stop and abduct her, Londons Old Bailey court heard. His whole life sentence means he has no chance of parole.

He abducted Everard, 33, in a hire car as she walked home from a friends house in south London on March 3. Her body was found in woodland around 80 kilometres away in south-east England. A post-mortem concluded she had died as a result of compression of the neck.
The Kerala government will slash the motor-vehicle on tourist caravans by one-fourth, considering the immense scope of Caravan Tourism in the state, State Tourism Department said here on Thursday.

Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju has agreed in-principle to a proposal in this regard from Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, it said in a release.

The proposal will soon be approved by the government after going through the formalities required, Raju said while inaugurating a joint workshop of Tourism and Transport departments held here to deliberate on the operational details of the Caravan Tourism policy and sensitize Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) on the procedural and regulatory aspects of the project.

Hailing the policy announced recently as a major step forward in tourism development, Raju pledged utmost support and cooperation of the Motor Vehicles Department for its success.

Presiding over the inaugural session of the workshop, Riyas asked the Motor Vehicles Department to ensure that the registration of caravan vehicles and issue of permits to them are carried out in a hassle-free manner.

The on caravans must be reduced to Rs 250 per square metre from the current Rs 1,000 per sqm, he said in his address.

The government's policy is that every panchayat and municipality must have at least one tourist destination.

For their smooth day-to-day running, the government has decided to enlist active participation of local self-government institutions. Since suitable staying facilities in such set-ups will be difficult, the solution is caravan tourism, Riyas said.

Raju said the government would provide green channel passage for caravans that carry a special sticker suggesting the joint recognition of the Tourism and Transport departments.

They would also get preference while testing for pollution. Caravans will be given registration within 24 hours of application, the Minister said.

The Additional Transport Commissioner would be the State Nodal Officer for Caravans. The practice of on-road inspections will be avoided to facilitate smooth passage of caravans.

The workshop mainly focused on the rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of tourist caravans. It also looked into the procedural protocols relating to the standardization of caravans and their smooth movement in any part of the state and comfortable stay of at the caravan parks and other stop-over spots.

The state government had recently announced the country's most stakeholder-friendly Caravan Tourism Policy, promising the visitors a safe, customized and closest-to-nature travel experience.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's on Thursday sealed a deal with the state-owned Ports Authority (SLPA) to develop and run the strategic Colombo Port's Western Container Terminal.

As the first-ever Indian port operator in Sri Lanka, will have a 51 per cent stake at the port's Western Container Terminal (WCT), a statement said.

signed a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with its local partner John Keells Holdings and the SLPA to develop the WCT at the Colombo Port, it said.

The two local entities would hold 34 and 15 per cent stakes of the new joint company titled the West Container International Terminal.

The Colombo Port is one of the most preferred regional hubs for transhipment of Indian containers and mainline ship operators with 45 per cent of Colombo's transhipment volumes originating from or destined to an Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) terminal in India.

APSEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India and represents 24 per cent of the country's total port capacity.

The WCT proposal came after decided to retract the previous memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 with India and Japan on the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT).

The state-owned SLPA signed a memorandum of cooperation in May 2019 with India and Japan to develop the ECT during the previous Sirisena government.

The Colombo Port trade unions opposed the proposal of investors from India and Japan buying 49 per cent stake in the ETC. They demanded the ECT to remain 100 per cent owned by the SLPA as opposed to the 51 per cent.

Under pressure from trade unions, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa agreed to scrap the deal, prompting India to demand to abide by its commitment to the trilateral deal with it and Japan.

Both India and Japan found fault with Sri Lanka for reneging on an international agreement unilaterally. Japan had also conveyed its unhappiness with the Sri Lankan government.

India and Japan are members of Quad or the Quadrilateral coalition of four Indo-Pacific nations that also includes the US and Australia. The four countries had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad' to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

China's influence is growing in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka as part of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. China has invested over USD 8 billion in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. Colombo handed over its Hambantota port to Beijing in 2017 as a debt swap.

(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.)
Ventures has made its first direct investment in India by pumping in USD 13 million in integrated EV ride-hailing and charging company BluSmart.

It led a USD 25 million Series A round that also saw support from Mayfield India Fund, 9Unicorns and Survam Partners, alongside other existing investors, the firm said in a statement.

"BluSmart will use the capital to expand its fleet of and charging stations from its home city of Delhi to five additional Indian cities in the next two years," it said.

The statement, however, did not say the funding will translate into how much equity holding in BluSmart.

Sophia Nadur, managing partner at Ventures, will join BluSmart's board.

To date, Ventures has invested almost USD 800 million in more than 60 across seven geographies.

BP Ventures was set up more than 10 years ago to identify and invest in private, high growth, game-changing technology companies, accelerating innovation across the entire energy spectrum.

"The investment will help BP move towards becoming a leader in India's mobility market, and to provide integrated energy and mobility solutions to help customers reduce their emissions across the world," it said.

BluSmart is India's first and largest integrated EV ride-hailing and charging company, and aims to deliver safer, cleaner and more sustainable mobility.

It is the first service of its kind with no surge pricing or rides rejected by drivers.

Safety and cleanliness are paramount in the Indian market, and customers can view the last time each car was sanitised and driver vaccination status via the BluSmart app.

The company also removes the financial burden of vehicle ownership by leasing vehicles to drivers and oversees all vehicle maintenance, to help reduce driver stress.

India is now the third-largest startup market globally and its GDP is projected to be the world's third-largest by 2030. Yet with 35 of the top 50 most polluted cities globally, there's a huge need for low carbon technologies to help make that growth compatible with its climate ambitions.

Urbanisation is also increasing rapidly, with the UN projecting that India's urban population size will nearly double from 2018 to 2050, potentially creating further congestion and environmental challenges that electric ride-hailing can help play a part in improving.

The industry is forecast to grow significantly, with mobility as a service projected to make up 15 per cent of the 1.1 trillion kilometres to be travelled by passenger vehicles in India by 2030, compared to 5 per cent of the 477 billion kilometres travelled today.

With the largest EV charging infrastructure in India and a growing fleet of electric vehicles, BluSmart aims to transform ride-hailing in the country. The business is growing quickly in Delhi NCR, which represents 20 per cent of India's mobility market, which BluSmart estimate has already saved over approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO2, with more than 650,000 passenger trips completed to date.

Sashi Mukundan, President, BP India and senior vice president, BP Group said, "India is making rapid progress in increasing the use of by providing mobility solutions for its people. Today's investment in BluSmart helps reinforce our commitment to partner in India's aim to achieve its climate goals and be Atmanirbhar."



Richard Bartlett, SVP future mobility and solutions, said: "The electric mobility revolution will have a huge impact in reducing vehicle emissions in cities, which in India are growing quickly. BluSmart's business model solves a number of key barriers to urban EV ride-hailing take-up, from the cost for drivers to the quality of customer experience."



Anmol Singh Jaggi, co-founder of BluSmart, added, "We believe that electric mobility has huge growth potential, driven in part by the increasingly favourable economics behind

With that in mind we want to redefine ride-hailing with electric vehicles, and our consumer focus has helped us to already establish a strong brand presence in our core market; to date our vehicles have travelled over 21 million kilometres. This latest funding infusion will help us grow as we work with bp to help transform India's high-polluting cities and redefine ride-hailing with electric vehicles.

(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.)
Kolkata-based firm is on the look-out for opportunities that may even pave an entry into new categories.

Acquisitions could be in the areas of healthcare and personal care where is currently present in and may also include new categories and segments. We are open in terms of categories, said Harsha V Agarwal, director,

As part of the strategy, Emami may also look at investing in startups, buying stakes and wherever possible, buying

Emamis journey of investing in startups began more than three years back when it invested in Helios Lifestyle, known for its male grooming brand, The Man Company (TMC). Months back, it increased its stake in the company to 45.96 per cent, consolidating its position as the largest shareholder of TMC.

We also have the option to buy the rest of the shares after a period of time, said Agarwal.

Apart from that, Emami has invested in Brillare, which is into premium skin care and hair care products and sells in salons and digital e-commerce products.

Going forward, too, Emami may continue to scout for opportunities in the startup space. We are looking for opportunities to invest in some of the start-ups in categories and segments where we see potential, said Agarwal.

The engines of growth for Emami, as Agarwal spelt out, would be to tap the growth potential of power brands, grow the international business and create digital first brands as well as look at inorganic opportunities in the e-commerce area.

The Covid-19 pandemic made e-commerce an important revenue stream for as consumers moved to the online marketplace. Currently, e-commerce is contributing 3-4 per cent of overall revenues, but Agarwal said, the share will go up.

The company already has a D2C (digital to consumer) e-commerce platform, Zanducare, where digital first products under existing brands are being launched.

We have launched many products last year and even this year, we are launching. We will aggressively pursue this strategy and in every brand, we are looking to launch digital first products, said Agarwal.

The total number of product launches from the Emami stable was 40, an all-time high, which included digital offerings.
Electric, the ride-hailing firm's electric vehicle arm has raised over $200 million led by Falcon Edge, Softbank and others, tripling its to $3 billion.

In July 2019, Electric raised $250 million from Masayoshi Sons SoftBank. It was just a two-year-old firm at that time. The investment made the fledgling venture a unicorn, or a start-up valued at more than $1 billion.

will accelerate development of other vehicle platforms including electric motorbike, mass market scooter and its electric car. The funding will further strengthen Olas Mission Electric- which urges the industry and consumers to commit to electric and ensure that no petrol two-wheelers should be sold in India after 2025.

Were proud to lead the EV revolution from India to the world, said Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Group CEO, Ola. India has the talent and the capability to build technologies of the future for the industries of the future for the entire world. Together we will bring mobility to a billion and sustainability to the future.

The fundraise comes at a time when Ola has already set the benchmark in two wheeler sales by selling over $150 million of scooters in its first purchase window - outselling the entire two-wheeler industry on each of the two days.

Ola Electric has built its Futurefactory, the largest, most advanced 2W (two-wheeler) factory in the world that has completed phase 1 construction and is currently undergoing production trials. Ola built the factory in a record time of just 6 months. Ola Futurefactory is also the worlds largest factory that is entirely run by women. At full scale, it will have over 10,000 women employed.

Ola had announced in December 2020 that it would be investing Rs 2,400 crore for setting up phase 1 of the factory. The Ola Futurefactory is coming up on a 500-acre site in Tamil Nadu. At full capacity of 10 million vehicles annually, it would be the worlds largest two-wheeler factory and would handle 15 per cent of the world capacity.

In India, Ola is now in direct competition with electric two-wheeler makers, such as Ather Energy, Hero Electric, Bajaj and TVS Motor Company. The new funding at Ola Electric comes at a time when electric vehicle (EV) adoption is getting traction in India with more vehicles sold in the first seven months than the whole of 2020.

EV makers sold 121,170 units across all categories between January and July against 119,647 EVs sold in the whole of last calendar year, according to the data from the government's Vahan platform.

The registered EV sales in July 2021 witnessed a month-over-month jump of 134.8 per cent, at 26,127 units, clocking the highest registrations in a month so far in 2021, according to JMK Research.

This increase was driven by a jump in E2W (electric two-wheeler) registrations following the previous months FAME-II notification which increased the incentives on the EVs, further bringing down their prices.

Last month, Ola Electric took the wraps off its maiden e-scooter offerings - the S1 and S1 Pro - for a commercial launch with prices starting from Rs 99,999 (excluding state government incentives, registration fee, and insurance cost). Aggarwal had said the e-scooters were designed and engineered in India for the world and would deliver the best scooter experience to the consumer.

Among all the states and UTs, Uttar Pradesh continues to have maximum monthly registered EV sales with 17 per cent of overall sales in India in July 2021, according to JMK Research. Karnataka has the 2nd highest sales at 15 per cent share, followed by Tamil Nadu (12 per cent) and Maharashtra (10 per cent).

Indias electric vehicle market could be worth nearly $206 billion in the coming decade if India were to achieve its 2030 EV ambitions, according to an independent study released by the CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF). The report also estimates a cumulative investment need of over $180 billion in vehicle production and charging infrastructure until 2030 to meet the country's EV ambition.

Aggarwal has also shared the vision for the future of mobility. These range from electric scooters, cars to drones and flying cars. In India, just 2 per cent (30 million) people own a four-wheeler and only 12 per cent (160 million) own a two-wheeler. That means more than a billion people in India have been shut out of mobility by this system!," Aggarwal said recently.

Aggarwal had said SoftBank-backed Ola is building this New Mobility ecosystem with the consumer at the core. The 3 pillars of this new ecosystem include new mobility services, energy vehicles and auto retail. These three pillars amplify and enhance the impact of each other as part of an integrated Ola New Mobility Platform.

Today Ola provides multi-modal mobility access to 100 million people through taxis, auto-rickshaws, 2 wheelers, day hires and outstation rides. But this is just 7 per cent of Indias population.

Aggarwal had said that it would bring this multi-modal mobility to all 1.3 billion people by Ola designed EVs customised for the diverse shared mobility needs.

In the coming quarters, we will expand our EV range with more scooters, bikes and cars, said Aggarwal recently. Our EVs are smart, connected AI machines and will leapfrog current personal vehicles that are dumb mechanical devices.

In a tweet on Thursday evening, Aggarwal said India is building technologies of the future and becoming a global EV hub. "With this raise, we will accelerate our vehicle development across 2W scooters, motorbikes and 4W (four-wheelers)."

However, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) has said that Indian motorists will struggle to move away from gasoline- and diesel-powered cars over the next quarter of a century. It has suggested that the countrys push towards electric vehicles may not be a complete success.

Diesel and gasoline will make up 58 per cent of Indias oil demand in the next 25 years, from 51 per cent now, according to Opec. It said the addition of 200 million passenger and commercial vehicles mean diesel and gasoline will continue to dominate oil consumption in the country.
As more and more Indian brands and strive to go global, the onus is now on the countrys regulators to create a level-playing field for domestic players and reign in the anti-competitive practices of some global tech giants -- the way South Korea, Australia and European countries are busy dealing with.

According to leading industry and law experts, although it is commendable that the Indian regulators -- the Competition Competition Commission (CCI) in particular -- have taken cognizance of the antitrust challenges and monopolisation tendencies of Google as well as other large global tech companies, what is required now is not penalties for wrongdoing but proactive and progressive legislation.

The CCI launched a probe two years ago into Google's alleged abuse of the Android Operating System (OS). Recently, the CCI's Director General (DG) established that Google had indulged in unfair business practices by insisting on the Android OS.

Google went to the Delhi High Court against the leak of the CCI's confidential report pertaining to the investigation against the global search engine giant. The anti-trust regulator, however, denied leaking confidential reports to the media.

Taking note of the CCI's submissions, the high court said nothing survives in the petition filed by Google against the alleged leak of confidential probe information and disposed of the plea.

According to seasoned Supreme Court lawyer Pavan Duggal, the entire Google-CCI episode demonstrates that there is a big vacuum on data protection legislation in the country and, as a result, such kinds of litigation are being filed.

"In the present case, the CCI has denied allegations of leaking confidential information reports. While the matter is subjudice before Delhi High Court, the said matter indeed brings to the forefront the need for having in place strong data protection legal frameworks in India," Duggal told IANS.

South Korea's antitrust regulator has fined Google 207.4 billion won ($176.8 million) for its alleged abuse of the market dominance in the mobile operating system and app markets.

In August, the South Korean parliament passed a bill that would rein in the dominance Google and Apple exert over payments on their respective app stores. It became the first nation in the world to enact such a law.

Australia's competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), said this week that Google dominates the country's online advertising so thoroughly it must be reined in.

"The ACCC is concerned that the widespread perceptions about how Google uses its first-party data in ad tech may be distorting competition in the supply of ad tech services in favour of Google".

The ACCC considers that "Google's vertical integration and dominance across the ad tech supply chain, and in related services, have allowed it to engage in leveraging and self-preferencing conduct, which has likely interfered with the competitive process".

Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director of The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) told IANS that the need of the hour is fair market practices.

"In the long run, it is not ex-post facto fines but proactive and progressive legislative efforts that will nurture and nourish a healthy, innovative and competitive ecosystem," he said.

Duggal added that the global perception that has emerged of Indian regulators and governmental authorities not being strong enough, needs to be dispelled by strong effective action.

"There is a need for effective action both at legislative front, as well as at effectively implementing existing legal frameworks, so as to put a message of deterrence. The Indian market should not be seen to be a fertile ground for predatory tactics by the big global players," said Duggal.

In Europe, Google is fighting a 2018 decision from the EU's executive Commission that resulted in the $5 billion fine for its anticompetitive practices. It's one of three antitrust penalties -- totalling more than $8 billion -- that the commission hit Google with between 2017 and 2019.

The Indian market is maturing and is undergoing a distinctive level of evolution. In such times, having strong data protection legal frameworks and anti-market practices regime will go a long way in terms of protecting the interests of domestic market stakeholders.

"The CCI must act without any pressure and take the (Google) probe to its logical conclusion," said Jiten Jain, one of the leading cyber security experts.

(Nishant Arora can be reached at nishant.a@ians.in)

--IANS

na/in

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
State-run power giant on Thursday said its arm Ltd ( REL) has signed the first green term loan agreement of Rs 500 crore with

The green term loan agreement is for its two solar projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

NTPC REL has signed its first Green Term Loan agreement of Rs 500 crores at a very competitive rate with a tenor of 15 years with on September 29, 2021 for its 470 MW solar project in Rajasthan and 200 MW solar project in Gujarat, a company statement said.

A green loan is a type of loan instrument that enables borrowers to finance projects that have an environmental impact.

NTPC REL, a 100 per cent subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, currently has a renewable project portfolio of 3,450 MW of which 820 MW projects are under construction and 2,630 MW projects have been won for which PPAs (power purchase agreements) are pending to be executed.

NTPC had incorporated NTPC Ltd with the Registrar of Companies, NCT of Delhi & Haryana on October 7, 2020, to undertake business.

NTPC is taking various steps to make its energy portfolio greener by adding significant capacities of renewable energy sources.

By 2032, the company plans to have 60GW capacity through renewable energy sources constituting nearly 45 per cent of its overall power generation capacity as per its official portal.

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Out-of-hospital consumer healthcare company has secured a commitment from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for a $7.7 million loan. This loan under local currency guaranty facility will assure repayment of a rupee-denominated loan to be issued by a local commercial bank in India.

The DFC guarantee will enable a local commercial bank in India to extend the equivalent of a Rs 52 crore loan to Portea. The structure is significant as it helps in mobilising local capital for Portea and mitigates foreign exchange risk from Porteas balance sheet, said the company.

The DFC-guaranteed loan will be used to support expansion of Portea Medicals business through digitalisation, broadening service offerings, increasing geographical coverage and developing delivery channels for home-based healthcare, helping reduce pressure on an overburdened hospital system in India, especially during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Meena Ganesh, co-founder, MD and Chairperson of Portea Medical, said, DFC are well known for their focus on creating social impact through investment in businesses in areas including healthcare. DFC's investments are spread across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indo-Pacific, and emerging markets around the world. Their focus on low-and lower middle-income countries has ensured that organizations get the much-needed financial support for developmental projects."

She further said, "With such a large reach, they have been instrumental in providing direct equity and support for investment funds, as well as direct and guarantees of up to $1 billion. This partnership is a validation of the change that Portea is driving in the healthcare ecosystem.

According to a report by RedSeer Consulting, the home healthcare industry in India is slated to grow to $11-$13 billion by 2025. The Covid-19 pandemic has further accelerated this growth. has an array of offerings and introduced path-breaking services such as dialysis and chemotherapy at home during the pandemic. The company is set to move ahead by expanding its footprint across the country.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Portea marshalled more than 1,000 healthcare workers and 500 doctors, directly and through partnerships, to deliver home isolation support for Covid-19 patients under agreements with the governments of Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Chennai and local administrations. Portea has tended to over 0.4 million Covid-19 positive patients to date.

DFC is proud to support Portea Medical, a business co-founded by a woman, in bringing high-quality medical care to patients homes - an agility that is needed now more than ever as the pandemic continues to strain resources, said Algene Sajery, DFCs vice president of the Office of External Affairs and Head of Global Gender Equity Initiatives.

Setuka Partners LLP based out of Washington DC, led by Aman Khanna, served as the exclusive advisor to this transaction.
Group-backed Oyo Hotels and Rooms is facing a legal tussle with rival Zostel ahead of its up to $1.2 billion market debut over a deal between the two Indian hospitality startups that fell apart six years ago.

Oyo is looking to raise between $1 billion and $1.2 billion through a new share issue and an offer for sale from existing shareholders. The company is set to file draft initial public offering documents this month, Reuters reported last week, joining a wave of Indian start-ups looking to go public this year.

But Zostel filed a petition in August with the Delhi High Court to stop Oyo from changing its shareholder structure, including through an IPO, the petition, seen by Reuters, said.

Their 2015 deal was for Oyo to buy some of Zostel's businesses, while Zostel would get a 7% stake in Oyo. The transaction fell apart but the have been in a long-running legal battle over the terms, with Oyo arguing that they had not reached a definitive agreement.

In 2018, India's Supreme Court appointed an arbitrator on the case, who in March this year ruled that the terms of the deal were binding and Zostel was entitled to claim the 7% stake in Oyo.

Zostel "did everything within their control to complete their obligations" while Oyo breached its obligations by failing to execute a definitive agreement, the arbitrator said.

Oyo has challenged the arbitration order in the Delhi High Court.

A legal counsel for Oyo said in a statement to Reuters on Wednesday: "[Un]til the time that parties do not come to an agreement on the terms of the definitive agreements and the same are not executed, no right whatsoever arises in favour of any party for any type of shares to be issued in Oyo."

Zostel is opposing any attempt by Oyo to alter its shareholding structure, Paavan Nanda, Zostel co-founder, said in a response to Reuters.

Oyo's lawyers in the court on Wednesday objected to requests from Zostel's counsel to keep the contested 7% stake in escrow. The judge declined this request and set an Oct. 7 date for a detailed hearing of the case.

Since its launch in 2013 by CEO Ritesh Agarwal, Oyo has grown rapidly, competing with U.S. home rental company Airbnb and home grown chains such as Fab Hotels and Treebo.

It runs operations in 35 countries, including India, Europe and Indonesia, and counts Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners among its other investors.

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Loop Health, a Pune-based health insurance startup, has raised $12 million in a Series A round co-led by Elevation Capital and General Catalyst. This round saw participation from other investors including Vinod Khosla (through Khosla Ventures), YC Continuity Fund, and Tribe Capital. It also featured leading angels including NoBroker founder Amit Kumar AgarwalLivspace founder Ramakant Sharma, Meesho co-founders Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal.

Loop targets covering 1 million members by the end of 2022 and 5 million members across Southeast Asia in the next five years. The company will use the fresh funds to scale the business and sales, focus on product development through custom insurance products (including wellness) and physical healthcare clinics, and drive strategic hiring, mainly in the sales and engineering verticals.

My experience of working with clinics in villages helped me see first hand how patients are at a disadvantage because they lack medical knowledge, said Mayank Kale, Co-founder and CEO, Loop Health. The healthcare system has the incentive to over-prescribe medication and suggest unnecessary procedures. This is something we want to fundamentally change. At Loop weve put our doctors on the same side as the insurer. Our goal is to provide excellent primary care in order to prevent sickness and avoid hospital visits. This results in lesser claims for insurers, and more affordable insurance.

Loop Health has witnessed significant growth, insuring 50,000 members across 150 in the last 12 months and growing 50 per cent month-over-month. Its corporate team has also grown from 10 to 80 employees in this period and is currently operational in Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Amit Punchhi, former CBO and CIO at HDFC Life, recently joined as President in a valuable addition to the founding team and company.

Vinod Khosla, founder, Khosla Ventures said Care delivery in India has many pain points with conflicting incentives. Loop is changing the cost equation by allowing payers and providers to work together, said Khosla. Through its unique product and affordable pricing, Loop Health has a significant competitive advantage.

Group health insurance (benefits) is a largely underpenetrated segment in the countryit is mainly bought by company human resources from traditional offline brokers. Existing brokers tend to neglect the mid-market and small business segments (often served by small brokers or not served at all) as they typically concentrate on large enterprise customers. And, their offerings are limited to plain vanilla health insurance with no health benefits.

Health insurance is at a very nascent stage in India with only 10 per cent of the total population covered, excluding public sector schemes, leading to high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, Mayank Khanduja, Partner, Elevation Capital. Moreover, employer-provided health insurance has been growing at 20-25 per cent and it is likely to accelerate further post-Covid.

Today, in addition to offering traditional hospitalization insurance, Loop enables their client to help their employees (and their families) avail proper healthcare services without the hassle of visiting clinics, waiting in line, and paying for each appointment.

Loop team is building something incredibly differentiated in the Indian market where insurance is nascent and the opportunity to drive better health outcomes is massive, said Hemant Taneja, Managing Partner, General Catalyst.

Through the mobile app, members can get access to preventive care, a dedicated medical advisor, and a team of doctors any time. Additional health and wellness benefits include yoga and meditation sessions, mental health consults, easy access to and discounts on lab tests and medicines, along with personalized care planning. For example, for one of their client companies, they curated a home quarantine kit to cater to the medical needs of a person who was isolated at home.

Before starting Loop Health, Mayank Kale built digital health records for half a million patients across India. During that time, he recognized a fundamental problemprimary care doctors get paid to treat patients when they are sick, not to keep them healthy. He wanted to start a business that would actively take care of people and was incentivised to keep them healthy. By bundling insurance and primary care, this is possible.
The State Bank of India has rejected government's Rs 6,500 crore 'overdraft' for implementing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in the state.

With its coffers completely dry, the state government sought the overdraft to be used as working capital by five nodal implementing agencies "against securitisation of fund balances available in the Single Nodal Accounts (SNA)."



The state sought to escrow the Central funds in the SNA and raise the overdraft and, accordingly, Finance Secretary (Budget and Institutional Finance) K V V Satyanarayana wrote a letter early this month to the seeking sanction of Rs 6,500 crore.

The "unusual and unheard of" request by the Finance Secretary left top bureaucrats baffled since it only further exposed the state government's perilous financial condition.

"Seeking a (regular) loan is one thing but trying to get an overdraft by escrowing Central funds is utterly foolhardy. This could also invite the Centre's wrath and jeopardise the schemes," a top bureaucrat observed.

For implementing the CSS, the state government is required to share a part (up to 40 per cent) of the overall cost of each scheme.

The Union Department of Expenditure (DoE) this year brought in new rules for ensuring funds flow to the states for the CSS, under which primarily the state is required to open a Single Nodal Account in a scheduled commercial bank for each scheme, mapped in the Centre's Public Financial Management System.

The new rules are meant to ensure "effective cash management and improve transparency in public expenditure management."



Officials aver the Centre's new system was basically to prevent diversion of CSS funds for "other purposes" by the state government. Funds will be released strictly on the basis of balance funds (Central and state share) available in the SNA, as per the DoE rules.

While the Centre releases 25 per cent of the scheme amount at the beginning of the financial year, release of additional Central share will be based on the transfer of stipulates state share into the SNA.

The new rules have only exposed the state of AP's finances as it is in no position to transfer any amount to the SNAs for any CSS.

"More than Rs 6,000 crore of Central funds are held up so far this year because we are unable to chip in our share for different CSS. Unless we not only release the money (state share) but also spend it according to the norms, there is no way to get the releases from the Centre," a Principal Secretary said.

There has been no progress in any of the CSS in AP due to severe dearth of funds, he pointed out.

Left with no other option, the state desperately wanted to borrow money from banks to fulfil its share in the CSS.

"The request for overdraft facility cannot be acceded to as the same does not comply with the Bank's policy guidelines and regulatory directions for lending to state-owned corporations," the said, in reply to the Finance Secretary's letter.

Interestingly, the state government early this month appointed retired chairman of Rajnish Kumar as its Advisor (Economic Affairs), with the rank of a Cabinet Minister, considering his "vast experience in handling large credit and project finance."



That, apparently, cut no ice with the bank management.

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State-owned telecom firm has approached the government for Rs 40,000 crore financial help, half of which it needs in the form of sovereign guarantee to clear short-term debt.

Chairman and Managing Director PK Purwar told PTI that the company does not need any additional debt and its business has become self-sustainable to support the operations.

"We do not need any additional debt. We have asked for Rs 20,000 crore sovereign guarantee to pay back our short-term debt and issue long term bonds. We will need Rs 20,000 crore if we have to set up 1 lakh node B (mobile sites) for mobile network rollout," Purwar said.

The CMD confirmed that he has approached the government for the support, which is beyond the Rs 69,000 crore relief package that was announced in 2019.

At present, BSNL has a debt burden of Rs 30,000 crore which is one of the lowest in the telecom sector.

Purwar also heads MTNL, which is proposed to be merged with BSNL. The government has already issued a permit to BSNL to operate mobile business in Delhi and Mumbai which was earlier managed by MTNL.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Wednesday extended the additional charge of Purwar as chairman and managing director of loss-making telecom firm MTNL for a period of one year till October 2022.

The government had offered a combined revival package of about Rs 69,000 crore to BSNL and MTNL in October 2019 that has helped both telecom PSUs in narrowing their losses.

According to official data, losses of BSNL have narrowed to Rs 7,441 crore in 2020-21 from Rs 15,500 crore in 2019-20.

MTNL reported a total loss of Rs 2,554 crore for the last fiscal compared to Rs 3,811 crore in 2019-20.

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T S Global Holdings (TSGH) Singapore, a 100 per cent indirect subsidiary of Limited, on Thursday executed definitive agreements with TopTip Holding Pte Ltd to divest its entire equity stake in NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd for an equity value of $172 million (Rs 1,275 crore).

TopTip Holding Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based steel and iron ore trading company.

Based on the historical performance of the transacted business, the Enterprise Value to works out to be about 13 times, said in its filings.

However, the wires business of NatSteel in Thailand (Siam Industrial wires) has been retained by as part of the downstream wires portfolio.

The company said that the transaction has been closed today and that the consideration received, and will be used for reduction of off-shore debt.

In August 2019, Tata Steel had called off its plans to sell a majority stake in its South East Asia business to Chinese firm HBIS Group. The latter was to sell 70 percent to HBIS for $327 million in cash. The deal then was for entire South East Asia operations of Tata Steel which is operations in Thailand and Singapore.

In the current deal with TopTip Holdings, Tata Steel has exited part of Singapore business, while retaining the Thailand and wire business of Singapore.

Tata Steel, the countrys oldest steel producer, had bought NatSteel Singapore in 2004 for about Rs 1,300 crore.

Shares of Tata Steel were trading at Rs 1,295 per share, down 0.11 percent from close of Wednesday on the
Ace fighter pilot Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari who was in charge of the Ladakh sector during the peak of the crisis with China, took over as the Chief of Air Staff from Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Thursday.

Bhadauria superannuated after 42 years of service and was architect of two mega fighter aircraft deals including 36 Rafales and 83 Mark1A indigenous Tejas jets.

Chaudhari, who has served in various important capacities at both field formations and air headquarters, would be taking over the force at a time when the country is still in a standoff position at the borders with China and tensions in the region are high due to the situation in Afghanistan.

Chaudhari would also be responsible for the operationalisation of modern air defence systems like the S-400 from Russia, which are going to be inducted soon.

He would also be responsible for the modernisation of the fighter aircraft fleet as more indigenous and foreign origin fighter aircraft are planned to be inducted in the near future.

Chaudhari, whose son is a Rafale fighter aircraft pilot, also ensured the smooth induction of the Rafales into the as the Ambala airbase was under him as Western Air Commander.

After joining the fighter stream of the in December 1982, he has a flying experience of more than 3,800 hours on a wide variety of fighter and trainer aircraft, including missions flown during Operation Meghdoot, the Air Force's support to capture Siachen glacier in the 1980s, and Operation Safed Sagar (the support provided by the during the Kargil conflict in 1999).

An alumnus of the Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Chaudhari has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a fighter base during his career. He has also held various other positions including the Deputy Commandant, Air Force Academy; Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers).

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The government on Thursday extended the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions till October 30 but allowed movement of people and vehicles at night during the festival from October 10-20, according to an order.

will be celebrated from October 10 to 15, while Lakshmi Puja will be held on October 20.

The government has made an exception in the night curfew rule in view of the festival as a large number of people visit puja pandals at night in Kolkata and elsewhere.

"In continuation of the earlier order, restriction and relaxation measures as already in force stand extended up to October 30.... In view of the ensuing festive period the said restriction relating to movement of people and vehicles between 11 pm to 5 am is relaxed during October 10 to 20," the order read.

The government, however, has decided not to allow local trains to run, though Metro Railway trains would continue to be operational.

The order shall come into effect from October 1.

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Border incidents between India and will continue to occur till a boundary agreement is reached between the two countries, Army Chief General M M Naravane said on Thursday.

Recent developments in Afghanistan "have definitely been the focus" of the that continues to evaluate threat perceptions and formulate strategies accordingly, the Army chief added while addressing a gathering at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Discussing China, he said, "... we have an outstanding border issue. We are again well prepared to meet any misadventure that may occur as we have demonstrated in the past."



"Such kinds of incidents will continue to occur till such time that a long-term solution is reached, and that is to have a boundary agreement. And that should be the thrust of our efforts so that we have lasting peace along the northern (China) border," he stated during the annual session meeting of the industry body.

Referring to Afghanistan, he said the "or the armed forces for that matter continue to carry out periodic evaluation of threat perceptions".

Based on those evaluations, the formulates strategies and doctrines that are needed to meet future threats, he noted.

"This is a continuous process that never stops,"" he added.

Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15. Expressing its concerns about the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India had on September 20 had said the country's territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.

As far as the terrorist threat is concerned, the Indian Army is ready to meet all challenges, Naravane said.

"We have a very dynamic counterinsurgency and counterterrorist grid in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a dynamic grid and it is based on threat perception and the escalating levels of attempts by our western neighbour (Pakistan) to push in more and more terrorists," he said.

Based on ups and downs, we also recalibrate our levels of operations, he added.

The current border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted in May last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area. Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

The row escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 last year. Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the clashes that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.

In February 2021, officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in Gogra area last month.

In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in the sensitive sector.

In 2017, Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India- border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

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In a boost to the sector, the on Thursday decided to extend the 20-per cent rebate in circle rates for three months till December 31, with Chief Minister saying his dispensation will keep supporting Delhiites on every front.

The rebate scheme was launched in February this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and was to end on September 30, officials said.

Announcing the decision on Twitter, Kejriwal said, "The 20% rebate in circle rates will continue. We will not let anything trouble Delhi people during this pandemic. We will stand with Delhi people at every front and every step."



Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot also said that the government will help the public in all times of need.

"With the city slowly recovering from the aftermath of COVID, here's another good news for Delhiites !!! We have further extended the 20% slash in Circle rates till 31st Dec 21. Under CM ji, Delhi govt will support public in all times of need, Gahlot tweeted.

Government officials said that the scheme to reduce circle rates by 20 per cent was introduced by the AAP dispensation in February this year to revive sector which has been severely hit by the pandemic.

According to revenue department officials, properties in Delhi are categorised in eight classes from 'A' to 'H', with posh areas falling under 'A' and the least developed areas in 'H' category.

In this scheme, existing circle rate of land in 'A' category areas -- Rs 7.74 lakh per square metre -- will go down to Rs 6.19 lakh per square metre, officials said.

In 'H' category, the circle rate will be reduced from Rs 23,280 to Rs 18,624 per square metre after rebate of 20 per cent, officials added.

Officials said the move will help in giving a boost to the economy.

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The Delhi High Court Thursday took suo motu cognizance of the Rohini Court shootout that left three dead and said there was a need for proper and effective deployment of a sufficient number of police personnel in courts.

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh issued notice to the Delhi Police, Delhi government, and Central government as well as the Delhi High Court Bar Association and directed that suggestions in the form of an affidavit or a report be filed on the issue of maintaining security at courts.

We have taken suo motu cognizance of the incident which took place in Rohini court. This court wants valuable suggestions from respondents for security at all court complexes in Delhi, said the Chief Justice.

The bench said that there was a need for a fool-proof entry system in courts, installation of metal detectors, under vehicle surveillance system, and proper training of police personnel.

Jailed gangster Jitendra Gogi and his two assailants posing as lawyers were killed inside the Rohini courtroom on September 24 in a dramatic shootout that also saw the police fire bullets in retaliation, the officials had said.

Video footage of the incident showed policemen and lawyers rushing out in panic as gunshots rang out inside courtroom number 207.

The two gunmen dressed as lawyers are suspected to be members of rival Tillu gang, an official had said, adding that over 30 shots were fired.

On September 24, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had expressed deep concern over the shootout inside the crowded Rohini courtroom and spoke to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice in this regard and advised him to talk to both police and the Bar to ensure that the functioning of the court is not affected.

The matter would be heard next on October 5.

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Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday said that Government lies to the media that it is open to dialogue on the issue of ongoing agitation.

Addressing a press conference here, Tikait said, "Government lies to media that it is open to dialogue but are not. They want to hold conditional dialogue, in which will not participate. They said farm laws would not be rolled back. It means they have already drafted the agreement and farmers just have to sign it."

Asked about his statement against media, Tikait said, "I had said something yesterday which was misinterpreted. I actually meant that the next target of the Centre is media houses. We have never said anything against media."

Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday had said media houses will be the next target and will suffer if they do not support farmers' protest.

"Everyone should join us. The next target will be media houses. If you want to be saved then join us, else you will also suffer. We will raise the issues of (farmers from) Chhattisgarh. The biggest problem is of MSP in the country. We will raise this issue. We will talk about how vegetable farmers of state can be benefited more and what policies need to be made for them," Tikait told mediapersons after arriving in Raipur.

Earlier on Monday, a call for 'Bharat Bandh' was given by several farmer unions in protest against the three farm laws introduced by the Centre last year.

Rakesh Tikait had termed Bharat Bandh's call a "success" and claimed that the people supported the shutdown in large numbers.

Farmers have been protesting at different sites since November 26 last year against the three enacted farm laws: Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Farmer leaders and the Centre have held several rounds of talks but the impasse remains.

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Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Thursday strongly called for "ruthlessly" shedding norms and archaic rules to speed up military modernisation and said the colonial era L1 concept under which contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder has lost its relevance.

He also mentioned the "big challenges" facing the Army in avoiding technological obsolescence and said that "the danger that our long-drawn procurement processes and bureaucratic speed-breakers would prevent us from acquiring cutting edge technology is a real one".

In an address at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gen Naravane, referring to the L1 concept, wondered why price should dictate the choices of the armed forces when the money is destined to be pumped back into the domestic economy as the focus has been on procuring indigenously-developed military hardware.

"In the defence sector, there is a thrust towards ease of doing business. The industry too needs to proactively push for reforms. Processes that are out of sync with contemporary times and our future vision must be ruthlessly shed for modern best practices," he said.

"The L1 system is one such legacy of the colonial era that has lost its relevance in a system that is pushing for indigenisation. After all, why should merely price dictate our choice, when the money is destined to be pumped back into the domestic economy," he said.

Gen Naravane said that much work has been done in bringing about systemic changes but archaic rules and processes still exist, defying logic and are at variance to modern best practices.

"With the cycle of new and disruptive technologies getting shorter and faster, avoiding technological obsolescence remains a big challenge. The danger that our long drawn procurement processes and bureaucratic speed-breakers would prevent us from acquiring cutting edge technology is a real one," he said.

"Much work has been done in bringing about systemic changes with the aim of ease of doing business. This however remains a work in progress. There are still archaic rules and processes that defy logic and are at variance to modern best practices. This needs to be addressed," he added.

The Chief of Army Staff cited the example of Israel to emphasise how even small countries with huge challenges and limited resources have been able to achieve so much by riding on a vibrant and responsive defence ecosystem.

"Israel is an apt example. As contracts are signed with local businesses, the investment in Defence is ploughed back into the economy," he said.

Gen Naravane said technology is driving the "revolution in war-fighting" and that the Indian MSMEs need to reinvent and engage themselves in the niche domains and build capabilities to offer innovative solutions.

The Army Chief said the security is not the preserve of the armed forces alone and it is a "whole of government effort".

"Equally true it is that wars are fought by nations and not by only by the armies. The government has taken a number of initiatives to create a conducive environment and a supportive ecosystem to encourage the defence industry to grow and expand," he said.

He also mentioned the "extremely positive results" of the government granting emergency powers to the armed forces for critical procurement. The emergency powers were granted in June last year till March and it was subsequently extended till August.

Gen Naravane said 113 contracts for revenue procurement of operationally critical ammunition, armament, vehicles, spares and special mountaineering equipment for almost Rs 9000 crore were concluded while another lot of 68 contracts for capital procurement were sealed for about Rs 6,500 crore.

"During the conclusion of these contracts, savings of about Rs 1700 crore was accrued to the state due to the diligence and financial prudence of the Emergency Empowered Committee at the service headquarters level," he said.

"The contracts were signed within a year with another year for the deliveries to commence. The system has been a win-win combination for the industry and the user," he added.

Gen Naravane asserted that the is fully committed to promoting the Indian defence industry and that contracts worth over Rs 16,000 crore were placed on it in recent months .

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Patna police have raided a plasma lab and seized a large number of fake RT-PCR Covid-19 reports, police said.

The officials of health department and a team of Shastri Nagar police station raided the lab in Raja Bazaar on Wednesday evening after a complaint was lodged by the airport authority of Patna.

The incident came to the knowledge of airport authority after a passenger was nabbed with fake RT-PCR report issued from the Raja Bazaar lab. The passenger was trying to travel woth the fake RT-PCR report.

"During the raid, we seized a number of documents, including fake RT-PCR reports. The employees of the lab admitted that the fake RT-PCR certificates were sold to some people," SHO of Shastri Nagar police station told IANS.

"We have detained a lab official. The investigation is currently underway," he said.

As per the guideline of Civil Aviation Department, RT-PCR test is mandatory for travelling inside the country and abroad. Many people who have not undergone testing or taken the vaccines are the potential buyers of these fake certificates from this lab.

--IANS

ajk/in

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The Delhi High Court Thursday expressed its unhappiness over the Delhi government's response filed on the pleas of restaurants seeking to direct the state and police not to interfere with the sale of herbal flavoured hookahs, saying it was silent on whether the prohibition order has been reconsidered by DDMA.

The high court said it had on September 17, specifically directed the Delhi government to ask the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to reconsider its August 3, 2020 order prohibiting the use of herbal in public places to contain the spread of COVID-19, however, the authorities failed to inform regarding this.

The court said the Delhi government was directed to file an affidavit why the last year's order was not reconsidered in light of the change of situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately even though the respondent (Delhi government) has filed an affidavit trying to justify why the sale of flavoured is not permissible, there is no whisper if the decision has been reconsidered by the DDMA or not, Justice Rekha Palli said.

The court granted one week's time to the Delhi government while directing it to file an affidavit specifically stating whether the DDMA has reconsidered the August 2020 order and also reasons for continuing with the decision.

It listed the matter for further hearing on October 8, saying DDMA has to at least apply its mind.

The court told the petitioners' counsel that in COVID times, the authorities are not permitting many things and it needs to be seen whether it should force them to allow this activity.

It said nobody was stopping the petitioners from running their restaurants, only activity was not permissible presently.

While perusing the government's affidavit, the court said it was not in compliance with the last order and it was not happy with the response.

Delhi government standing counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi said the situation is very alarming and people need to be disciplined.

He said he has apprised the DDMA about the court's order but he was yet to get instructions from them and sought some time for it.

On September 17, the high court had asked the Delhi government why DDMA's order prohibiting the use of herbal hookah in public places to contain the spread of COVID-19 be not re-considered when breath analyser test was being allowed now.

The high court had issued notice and sought a response from the Delhi government on five separate pleas by restaurants and bars seeking to direct the state and police not to interfere with the sale of herbal flavoured hookahs or take coercive steps against them.

Separate petitions were filed by Breath Fine Lounge and Bar, TOS, R High Speedbar and Lounge, Verandah Moonshine, and Sixth Empirica Lounge in West Punjabi Bagh, challenging the order of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Licensing Unit) prohibiting and excluding the sale or service of herbal flavoured hookahs in restaurant/bar being run by them.

The pleas said the petitioners are serving herbal hookahs for which no licence is required as they are totally without tobacco but the police are still conducting raids, seizing equipment, and issuing challans.

The petitioners' counsel had earlier said as long as the restaurants undertake not to use nicotine in hookah, they cannot be prohibited from carrying out their businesses.

The pleas have sought to declare that definition of "smoking" under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), does not cover herbal flavoured hookahs and to direct the authorities not to take any extreme step of suspension or cancellation of registration certificate of the petitioners.

The Delhi government has been opposing the pleas saying for a single mistake, the entire Delhi would have to pay a heavy price, and allowing hookah consumption in public places may spread COVID-19 since people would be sharing it.

The Delhi government has said the use of hookah, be it with or without tobacco, in all public places including hotels, restaurants, eatery houses, bars, pubs, and discotheques, in the capital is strictly prohibited as the use or sharing of hookah may further increase the spread of COVID-19.

Delhi government counsel had referred to the August 3, 2020 order passed by the Health Department which observed that in public places, use and sharing of hookah with and without tobacco (herbal hookah) may further increase the spread of coronavirus.

Now, therefore, in the exercise of powers conferred by the Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19, Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the use of hookah (with or without tobacco, that is, herbal hookah, water pipes, and other hookah like devices) in all public places including hotels, restaurants, eatery houses, bars, pubs, discotheques, etc, of the NCT of Delhi is strictly prohibited with immediate effect, for the purpose of prevention and control of the outbreak of epidemic disease namely COVID-19 in NCT of Delhi, the Delhi government order said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana, has recommended 16 names for elevation as judges of the high courts of Bombay, Gujarat, Orissa and Punjab and Haryana.

In its meeting held on Wednesday, the collegium approved the proposal for elevation of 16 names -- six judicial officers and 10 advocates as judges of these four high courts.

As per the statements uploaded on the apex court website on Thursday, the collegium has approved the proposal for elevation of four judicial officers -- A L Pansare, S C More, U S Joshi-Phalke and B P Deshpande -- as judges of the Bombay

Similarly, the collegium has recommended names of advocates Aditya Kumar Mohapatra and Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo and judicial officers Radha Krishna Pattanaik and Sashikanta Mishra for their elevation as judges of the Orissa

For the Gujarat High Court, the collegium has approved the proposal for elevation of seven advocates -- Mauna Manish Bhatt, Samir J Dave, Hemant M Prachchhak, Sandeep N Bhatt, Aniruddha Pradyumna Mayee, Niral Rashmikant Mehta and Nisha Mahendrabhai Thakore -- as judges there.

The collegium in its meeting held on September 29, 2021 has approved the proposal for elevation of Sandeep Moudgil, advocate, as judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, said one of the statements.

Besides the CJI, the three-member collegium which deals with the appointment in high courts includes Justices U U Lalit and A M Khanwilkar.

The collegium has been taking steps by recommending names to fill up a large number of vacancies in higher judiciary in the country.

After assuming charge as the CJI in April this year, Justice Ramana has recommended nearly 100 names for appointment to different high courts, besides filling up nine vacancies of judges in the in one go.

The 25 high courts in the country have a combined sanctioned strength of 1,080 judges and on May 1, 2021, they were functioning with 420 judges only.

In a historic decision on August 17, the collegium had recommended nine names, including three women, for elevation as judges of the Supreme Court.

The names were cleared with significant pace by the Centre leading to the swearing-in ceremony on August 31 when the new judges were administered oath of office as apex court judges.

(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 national network of scientists, AIPSN, has expressed concern over the World Health Organisation not granting emergency use listing for ICMR-Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

The All India Peoples Science Network (AIPSN) has urged the government, concerned ministries and departments of the need to adhere to scientific standards for conduct and analysis of clinical trial results and publication of results as peer-reviewed articles and complete transparency.

"All India Peoples Science Network (AIPSN) notes with sorrow and grave concern that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for ICMR-Bharat Biotech's (BB) Covaxin vaccine, but has asked BB for more technical details," said APSN in a statement. It added further that this is a serious setback for Covaxin and for India's programme in the country, and a blow to India's plans to distribute vaccines to other countries.

The national network of said that many Indians travelling abroad, especially students, who took Covaxin, are already finding it difficult to obtain visas or entry into other countries, which generally recognize only WHO-approved vaccines. This sorry state of affairs will continue as long as there is no public accountability, transparency along with scientific rigour.

AIPSN had earlier urged the public disclosure of trial data and now mourns the serious damage done to the reputation of India by this flawed application to WHO regulators, which has also besmirched the standing of Indian science and regulatory systems, which will now come under heightened international scrutiny and suspicion, said the scientist network in the statement.

However, the Hyderabad-based pharma major on Tuesday said that the company is diligently working with the World Health Organisation to get the Emergency Use Listing for the Covid vaccine COVAXIN.

In a statement, said that the pharma major will make an announcement to indicate the availability of regulatory approval at appropriate times.

--IANS

avr/dpb

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The has filed a chargesheet against 20 people in a case related to the alleged killing of worker Abhijit Sarkar in the post-poll violence in in May, officials said Thursday.

They have been accused of murder, and also charged under IPC sections related to common intention and destruction of evidence among other offences, they said.

Sarkar was brutally attacked by a mob on May 2 at his home in Kolkata, hours after curtains came down on the bitterly fought assembly elections with TMC recording astounding victory and the emerging as the principal opposition in the state.

He was taken to hospital where he had succumbed to injuries. Hours before his death, he had reportedly posted a video on social media narrating the violence at his home.

Sarkar's family had refused to accept his body claiming it was beyond recognition.

It was only after DNA test, ordered by a court, which showed it was Sarkar's body that family accepted it earlier this month.

The has filed its final report in the case before ACJM, Sealdah against 20 people: Sanjay Samanta, Samir Samanta, Sankar Das, Arun Dey, Rahul Dey, Sourav Dey, Sukhdeb Poddar, Amit Das, Arup Das, Biswajit Das, Sanjay Barik, Amit Das, Tumpa Das, Gopal Das, Papiya Barik, Sanjay Basak, Sufal Bose, Sanjay Dey, Abhijit Dey and Kajal Das.

It was alleged that the accused had attacked the victim with sticks and also broke the household articles of his house, Spokesperson RC Joshi said.

The agency has kept the probe open, he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government on Thursday hiked the price of natural gas -- which is used to make fertilisers, produce electricity and is turned into CNG for automobiles -- by 62 per cent, an official order said.

The price of natural gas produced by state-owned firms such as ONGC from fields given to them on nomination basis will be $2.90 per million British thermal unit for the six month period beginning October 1, it said.

India also increased the ceiling price for gas produced from more challenging fields to $6.13 per mmBtu for October 2021-March 2022 from $3.62 per mmBtu in the prior six-month period, the statement read.

The prices will be applicable on a gross heat value basis.

Natural gas prices affect earnings of state-run producers such as Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd and Oil India Ltd.
A is the next frontier in the India-US relationship, the head of a top India-centric business advocacy group has said, stressing that it is not tenable for the two largest economies of the world to not have a trade architecture in place between them, though its path is riddled with "all kinds of obstacles".

Nisha Desai Biswal, president of US-India Business Council and a former US diplomat, was speaking at a dinner hosted by Indiaspora.

The time has come for us to get serious about where the next frontier is in US India ties. And neither for the United States, nor for India, is it tenable for two of the largest economies in the world to be outside of the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and to not have a trade architecture in place between the two of them, Nisha Desai Biswal, president of US India Business Council said.

"We are starting to see real signals of interest from India to be able to explore that. So, I think the time has come to get serious. It's not easy. It's a path riddled with all kinds of obstacles, she said.

I've heard it described to me that trade negotiations are a knife fight in a dark alley. It's time for us to put down the knives, turn on the light, get down to business, she said in a lighter vein as she urged the powerful group of Indian Americans to engage the two governments on the issue.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the 4th Annual Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Wednesday, said that India and the US should engage in a much bigger way and New Delhi is ready and willing to expand the economic partnership with America.

He also called for setting an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 1 trillion in the next 10 years.

On August 19, he said that hopes of an India-US trade pact are off the table for now, with the Biden administration conveying to India that it is not interested in a

According to the data of the commerce ministry, in 2020-21, the trade between the US and India dropped to USD 80.5 billion as compared to USD 88.9 billion in 2019-20.

India's exports to the US are growing rapidly and withdrawal of export incentives by the US under GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) has not impacted the country's outbound shipments to America.

India is seeking exemption from high duties imposed by the US on some steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under the GSP, and greater market access for its products from sectors such as agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering.

On the other hand, the US wants greater market access for its farm and manufacturing products, dairy items and medical devices, apart from cut in import duties on some information and communication technology products.

In her brief remarks on the occasion, Neera Tanden, senior advisor to President Joe Biden, said it is critical to have Indian-Americans at the table, contributing, involved and engaged in helping make decisions.

Because as many have said before now, if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. So that is why your voices are so important. Why is it that your engagement is so important, why is your role here in everything you do is so important?, she said.

Former US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, said the recent successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows the new chapter in this important bilateral relationship.

We can't just let it coast. We've got to all now work on it. The president gave us the roadmap to follow in trade and health and climate and security and, and so much more. I'm actually pretty excited about the bilateral ties and even broader on Quadrilateral ties as well, he said.

Indian-American congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Dr Ami Bera also spoke on the occasion.

The sky's the limit, Bera said of the potential to grow elected leaders in government. Krishnamoorthi thanked the diaspora for their outpouring of support for pandemic relief.

(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.)
Farm machine makers and dealers have been directed to sell their products at the same price across the country, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje said on Thursday.

The minister made this statement in Goa during a review meeting with the state's Agriculture Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar and officials on the implementation of centrally sponsored farm schemes.

Karandlaje lauded state Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the state's agriculture minister for doing "amazing work" for the better implementation of the farmers' welfare in Goa.

She also honoured woman farmer Darshana Pednekar at the Goa Secretariat, who received accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her modern agricultural practices.

"Price of agricultural mechanisms should be the same in every state. It should not differ in different places in the country. The Government of India has instructed dealers and manufacturers to put the same price list across the country," an official statement quoted the minister as saying in the review meeting.

While discussing ways to develop agriculture in Goa, the minister suggested the state government to put into use digital technologies, to provide updated crop production-related know-how, arrangement of critical agri-inputs, primary soil and seed testing facilities and arranging interface with the public and private sector.

She also asked the state government to put in place digital methods for crop survey to assess the loss suffered by farmers during floods and drought.

Technology for this purpose has been developed and farmers can themselves click photos of the field/ loss suffered, upload it on the app, she said and added that farmers from Karnataka and Gujarat are already using these digital methods.

"Once data is uploaded, expert panel members can quickly review the situation and take necessary action," she said suggesting that the state should adopt the 'Swayampurna Mitra' technology for crop survey.

Stating that farmers should get good and quality seeds, the minister said all the seed packets entering Goa should be authenticated using a quick response (QR) code system.

"We should see that the seeds should bear QR code and should contain information such as quality, licence number, place, etc, which gives the end-to-end data for seeds," she added.

Besides, the minister said cultivation of sugarcane and production of jaggery may be increased as there is a big demand for jaggery for export.

Further, she encouraged the setting up of an integrated supply chain of fruits and vegetables, the funds for which will be provided over and above that is available in the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

The minister assured that the issue of tenants under the PM-KISAN would be resolved at the earliest, as she stressed the need to strive to become self-sufficient in three products -- milk, vegetables and fodder, the statement added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centre's as a proportion of the Budget Estimates fell to an 18-year low of 31.1 per cent in the first five months of the current financial year.

This was despite a year-on-year spike in in August, after falling in the previous month.

In absolute terms as well, the gap between the Centre's and receipts narrowed to Rs 4.7 trillion during April-August, 2021 from Rs 8.7 trillion in the corresponding period of the previous year. It was, in fact, lower than Rs 5.5 trillion in the corresponding pre-Covid period of 2019-20.

The decline in the deficit could be attributed to a 114 per cent rise in revenue receipts amid a cautious two per cent increase in total till August of the current financial year.

However, the pace of expansion of revenue receipts moderated to 114 per cent at the end of August from 194 per cent a month-ago as the base normalised with the progressive economic recovery last year as well as the inflows of the RBI's surplus during August 2020, Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, said.

"Encouragingly, both revenue and capital spending saw a healthy increase in August 2021, more than offsetting the contraction seen in July 2021," she said.

Nevertheless, the Centre's revenue expenditure recorded a mild two per cent growth in July-August 2021, which suggests that government final consumption expenditure may weigh upon the GDP growth in Q2 FY2022, while the robust 31 per cent expansion in capital expenditure in this two month period will support the growth in gross fixed capital formation.

Taxes yielded the government almost 60 per cent more revenues at Rs six trillion than even corresponding pre-Covid level of 2019-20.

"The healthy expansion in the union government's gross tax revenues in the first half relative to the pre-Covid level augurs that the upturn will sustain in the second half as well, even though a normalising base may dampen the pace of growth going forward. We expect the GoIs gross tax revenues to exceed the FY'22 BE by at least Rs two trillion," Nayar said.

Besides, the transfer of surplus by the RBI to the Centre was around Rs 500 billion higher than budgeted.

Moreover, there could be modest inflows from the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). However, following the package announced by the government for the telecom sector, Nayar assessed the inflows from this sector into the non-tax revenues to be limited to Rs. 280 billion, trailing the budgeted Rs. 540 billion for FY'22.

The government had, meanwhile lifted the cap from the expenditure.

As such, expenditure for September which would be made available next month end is likely to show a high pace of growth. The expected rise in fertiliser subsidies and MNREGA allocations, the Centre's total expenditure can exceed the BE of Rs 27.9 trillion for the current financial year.

Even then, the Centre's is likely to be lower than budgeted, depending on the disinvestment receipts. Disinvestment has yielded just Rs 12,000 crore against the target of Rs 1.05 trillion. In this respect, LIC IPO could fill much of the gap. Another Rs 15,000-20,000 crore could come from Air India disinvestment, which is the process.
India is the fourth-largest producer of in the world, and the sector has a huge potential for growth with the help of research, innovation and a speedy registration system, Agriculture Minister has said.

Addressing the 41st AGM of CroplifeIndia, an apex body of 15 Crop science companies, Tomar said the has launched a digital agriculture mission and focusing on the use of drones in the farm sector.

"India is the fourth-largest producer of Seeing the potential of this sector, the government has included the agrochemical sector among the 12 champion sectors where India can play an important role in the global supply chain," Tomar was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Croplife.

"There is a lot of potential to be a leader in the chemical sector with the help of innovation, speedy registration system, early crop protection research and digitisation drive," the minister said.

Tomar said the central government is focusing on the use of drones in the agriculture sector and with this, it has started the Digital Agriculture Mission.

The agriculture ministry has signed MoUs with the private sector to take forward digital agriculture, which aims to benefit farmers in every way while increasing their income.

"The impact of climate change has a direct/indirect fallout on pests, which creates an impact on crops. The crop protection industry needs to leverage the R&D facilities, thus imbibing the policies of Drone technology and Artificial Intelligence, Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, said.

SK Malhotra, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said, "India needs new molecules, which are safer and more effective. Industry needs to come forward and introduce new molecules aligned with international standards".

Ravi Prakash, Plant Protection Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said, the crop protection industry has been taking strides in exporting products, thus earning foreign exchange.

Over the last 75 years, Indian agriculture has made rapid strides. From a meagre 55 million tonnes, production of food grains has increased to a record 309 million tonnes. Production of pulses, coarse cereals, natural fibres, sugarcane, vegetables and fruits have all increased manifold since Independence," KC Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India said.

India is now among the top 10 agricultural products exporters, and the crop protection industry has played a vital role in this, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The country's economy is set for a stronger performance going forward, driven by growth in large corporates, agriculture and most importantly digital startup sector, veteran banker KV Kamath on Thursday said.

The economy began to rebound in the third quarter of the last fiscal and the momentum has continued despite a slight slowdown due to the impact of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed earlier this year, he added.

The country's economy grew by a record 20.1 per cent in the April-June quarter.

I would think that we are set for probably even stronger performance going forward, Kamath said.

There are sectors such as large corporates, who have deleveraged themselves, technology and agriculture are driving the growth, he noted.

And more importantly, momentum has come and will continue to come from a sector which is not talked of much, which is what I call the new digital startup sector, the former head of ICICI Bank and New Development Bank said.

There are many companies in the new digital sector coming up at a very rapid rate in areas such as financial services, e-commerce, food and transportation, he noted.

According to Kamath, in some of the other growth economies, the contribution of the digital startup sector is around 40 per cent of the economy, whereas in India it is still a very small percentage.

I would think that's (digital startup sector) is going to be one of the fastest-growing areas of India with a potential to probably be 20 to 25 per cent of the economy in the next two years, in what I call the digital supercycle, he said.

The services sector, which is customer interfacing, is still struggling despite the ease in restriction on movements, he added.

However, Kamath expects an improvement in the services sector in the October-December quarter.

Speaking on the financial services sector, he said the steps taken in the last three years have ensured that the banking sector's balance sheets have become clean.

He said setting up a bad bank is a great step, which will further help in cleaning up banks' balance sheets.

Kamath advised the financial sector, including the banking sector, to closely look at the opportunities and threats of digitisation.

Overall, in a growing economy, the financial service sector will have a very strong future with a strong digital bias, he noted.

(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 Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday launched DigiSaksham, a digital skills programme to enhance the employability of youth by imparting digital skills that are required in an increasingly technology driven era.

This joint initiative with Microsoft india is an extension of the government's ongoing programmes to support the youth from rural and semi-urban areas, a statement said.

Through DigiSaksham initiative, free of cost training in digital skills including basic skills as well as advance computing will be provided to more than 3 lakh in the first year.

Jobseekers can access the training through National Career Service (NCS) Portal.

The initiative gives priority to the job-seekers of semi urban areas belonging to disadvantaged communities, including those who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the launch, the Union minister said that with fast paced technology up gradations, constant skilling, reskilling and up-skilling is a must.

Under the DigiSaksham initiative, there will be basically three types of training viz, Digital Skills self paced learning, VILT mode training (virtual instructor led) and ILT mode training (instructor led), the statement said.

The ILT training which is in person training would be conducted at the Model Career Centres (MCCs) and National Career Service Centres (NCSC) for SCs/STs across the country.

Through this initiative, nearly one crore active jobseekers registered on National Career Service (NCS) Portal will be able to access training in areas like Java Script, Data Visualisation, Advance Excel, Power Bi, HTML, programming languages, software development fundamentals, introduction to coding, etc, equipping them with the skills required in a digital economy, the statement said.

DigiSaksham will be implemented in the field by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP-I).

On this occasion, the union minister also highlighted the importance of skilling in bridging India's digital divide, placing the country on the path to inclusive economic recovery and preparing India's talent to thrive in a digital future catering not only to the needs of the domestic economy but also to tap the overseas employment opportunities.

Speaking at the launch event, President Microsoft India Anant Maheshwari said that skills of future will be different from today and bridging the digital skill equity gap requires involvement and close cooperation of government and private sector working with people that will further accelerate India's transition to 'Digital Economy'.

The DigiSaksham initiative will equip more than 300,000 youth in technical skills in the first year and Jobseekers can access Microsoft learning resources such as programming languages, data analytics, software development fundamentals and advanced digital productivity on the National Career Service (NCS) portal, the statement said.

The initiative gives priority to the job-seekers of semi urban areas belonging to disadvantaged communities, particularly the candidates from the socially and economically backward communities, marginalised communities, people who have been displaced or lost jobs due to Covid-19.

Microsoft India has also roped in Aga Khan Rural Support Programme-India and its knowledge partner TMI e2E Academy for rolling out this digital initiative.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like job matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships etc.

The services under NCS are available online which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in 2015. All the services available in the portal are free of cost for all stakeholders including jobseekers, employers, training providers and placement organisations.

The NCS portals can be accessed directly or from Career Centres (Employment Exchanges), Common Service Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc.

With the increased focus of government on career counselling service, the ministry has created a network of more than 700 career counsellors who are regularly publishing their schedules on NCS portal.

Knowledge Repository of Career Counselling content has been created by digitising the existing counselling literature and making it amenable for periodic updating by stakeholders and made accessible to various users. Occupational information on more than 3,600 occupations based on National Classification of Occupations 2015 is also available under career information, the statement said.

The Government of India has provided financial assistance to the states for setting-up model career centres and has already approved 207 Model Career Centres (including seven non-funded MCCs) and it has been decided to create another 200 more career centres across the states/UTs, it added.

The NCS portal also provided an open architecture for partnering of institutions and organisations for delivery of career and employment related services.

The ministry has engaged with several institutions and organisations to bring more and more job opportunities to our workforce with some of the leading institutions organisations such as Quikr Jobs, Monster.com, Freshers World, First Job, Mera Job, Synergy relationship Management Services Private Limited, VSS Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, Monter.com, Saral Rozgar, Cassius Technologies Pvt Ltd, Shine.com, etc, the statement said.

The NCS portal is now being integrated with other ministries/departments like MSDE, MHRD, AICTE, etc.

Today, the job market is more competitive and employers are now looking for employability skills along with expertise in subject matter as essential traits in their potential employees. Employability skills are those skills that go beyond qualifications and experience.

(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 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has got more than 10 million valid applications under the second leg of the ( 2.0). With this, the target for disbursing 10 million new connections in the Budget 2021 has been saturated.

We will seek post-facto approvals for disbursing connections in excess of the target spelled out in the Budget 2021. No connections will be denied to eligible beneficiaries of 2.0, an oil ministry official told Business Standard.

In her Budget 2021 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said, Ujjwala Scheme which has benefited 80 million households will be extended to cover 10 million more beneficiaries.

2.0 was launched with the objective of disbursing connections to the remaining targeted beneficiaries. A focus of the exercise is to give connections to migrant families that find it harder to furnish proof of address documents.

To make this leg of the program even more affordable, the first refill and hotplate (amounting to around Rs 1,800 for both) is free under PMUY 2.0. This is in addition to the Rs 1,600 upfront amount that is waived for PMUY 2.0 beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had introduced PMUY as a flagship scheme with an objective to make Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) available to the rural and deprived households. The targeted homes of lower income families were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes among others. The scheme was launched on May 1, 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.



Since these connections were targeted for lower income households, they were offered without an upfront cost being borne by the beneficiary. This amount was instead loaned by oil companies who then recovered it from the subsidy which was accrued on subsequent LPG refills that beneficiaries bought at full price. Sensing that PMUY beneficiaries were unable to bear the cost of LPG cylinders at full price, the government decided that oil companies should forego the recovery of these interest free loans.

The target to release 80 million deposit free LPG connections to the deprived households was achieved on September 7, 2019 when Modi handed over the 80 millionth LPG connection in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. According to official data, over 83 million connections have been disbursed under the first phase of PMUY till date.

This led to an increase in Indias LPG coverage from 62 per cent on May 1, 2016 to 99.8 per cent as on April 1, 2021. The remaining gaps are expected to be filled with PMUY 2.0. As on September 15, the highest number of PMUY 2.0 connections have been disbursed in Bihar (605,000). West Bengal (334,000) comes second while Gujarat (281,000) comes third.

It is expected that there will be a little over 300 million LPG consumers in India by March 2022. Of these, there will be around 207.2 million non-PMUY (or regular) LPG consumers in the country.
The will release its first cut-off list for undergraduate courses on Friday with the scores expected to soar higher this year from last time as more students have scored above 95 per cent in the CBSE Class 12 board examinations.

Some colleges said they could even keep the cut-offs at 100 per cent in order to avoid "over-admissions" on the limited number of seats.

"We had decided on our cut-offs but we were wondering to have a re-look at the scores after seeing that a higher number of students have scored above 95 per cent.

"There are also students who have scored cent per cent marks and we might have to keep the cut-offs at 100 per cent," said Vibha Chauhan, principal of Kirori Mal College.

The Delhi University's Aryabhatta College released its tentative cut-off list on Thursday with BA (Hons) psychology having the highest cut-off among all courses at 98.5 per cent.

A principal of an off-campus college, requesting anonymity, said some courses might see a one or two per cent increase from last year while some might even see a six per cent rise from last time.

"Over 70,000 students have scored above 95 per cent in CBSE this year and we have 70,000 seats on offer. There is a huge clustering of students in the 95 per cent to 100 per cent bracket, 90-95 per cent bracket and even in the 85 per cent to 90 per cent bracket.

"We have to keep the cut-offs high in order to avoid admitting more students. It happens every year that end up admitting more students than the number of seats," he added.

Dr Babli Moitra Saraf, principal of Indraprastha College For Women, said students should not be in despair even if they are not able to meet the cut-offs in the first list.

"The first and the second cut-offs are higher because colleges do not want to run the risk of over-admissions. The rule is that everyone within the cut-off has to be accommodated irrespective of the number of seats," she said.

She added that there are many colleges and universities in Delhi and people do get distributed.

"We don't know when they will physically open the university and then other facilities like labs and human resource will be considered while determining the cut-offs," she said.

Miranda House principal Dr Bijaylaxmi Nanda said there will not be a cent per cent cut-off for any course in the college.

"We won't have 100 per cent cut-offs. The cut-offs will be slightly calibrated than last time. The cut-offs will be close to 100 but we will be realistic with them," Nanda added.

She said the increase would be 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent in popular courses like Political Science (Hons), some combinations of BA Programme, Physics (Hons), etc.

Last year, Lady Shri Ram College had a 100 per cent cut-off for three courses.

Rajdhani College principal Dr Rajesh Giri said there will be a two per cent increase in cut-offs in the college from last year across all courses.

St Stephen's cut-offs, which were released, were more or less on similar lines, on the scores of last year.

Saraf said at St Stephen's, there is an interview component for applicants, something which the other colleges don't have.

The cut-offs for BA (Hons) Economics and B.Com (Hons) courses were 98 per cent respectively. The minimum marks required to get admission in BA (Hons) English and BA (Hons) Political Science were 96 per cent for both the courses.

In its tentative list released by Aryabhatta College, the cut-offs for BA (Hons) Economics and B.Com (Hons) courses stood at 98 per cent respectively. The minimum marks required to get admission in BA (Hons) English and BA (Hons) Political Science were 96 per cent for both the courses.

DU colleges have been given a deadline of 1 pm on October 1 to submit the cut-off lists.

Students will start applying to colleges from October 4.

Over 2.87 lakh students have applied for Delhi University's undergraduate courses, down from 3.53 lakh applications last year, with the maximum aspirants from CBSE.

Over 2.29 lakh applicants are from CBSE-affiliated schools, followed by Board of School Haryana (9,918), Council for the Indian School Certification Examination (9,659) and UP Board of High School and Intermediate (8,007).

(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 Thursday said its shareholders have rejected the appointment of statutory auditor P B Vijayaraghavan & Co.

The bank had listed four agendas at its annual general meeting held on Wednesday (September 29), of which two were passed.

The shareholders rejected the proposal of appointment of statutory auditors P B Vijayaraghavan & Co, Chartered Accountants, Chennai with 65.44 per cent votes cast against the ordinary resolution, said in a regulatory filing, disclosing the scrutiniser's report of the postal ballot.

They also rejected a proposal for authorisation to the board of directors to appoint and fix remuneration of branch auditors, with 65.44 per cent votes against the resolution.

"The resolutions 3 and 4 have not been passed by the shareholders of the bank," the filing said.

Resolutions 1 and 2 were passed with requisite majority. These related to the adoption of the audited financial statements for fiscal ended March 2021 and re-appointment of Gopinathan C K as a director, respectively.

In a separate filing on the summary of the proceedings of the 94th AGM, the South-based lender said G Subramonia Iyer, part-time chairman of the bank, chaired the meeting through video-conference (VC) from Mumbai.

P B Santhanakrishnan, partner of P B Vijayaraghavan & Co, statutory central auditors of the bank, joined through VC from Chennai, among others.

The chairman also informed the shareholders that the meeting is not concluded and adjourned for a month as per the September 29, 2021 order of the High Court of Kerala.

The court case relates to two writ petitions filed before the court by certain individuals citing non-placement of their candidature for directorship before the shareholders of the bank at the AGM.

The writ petitions were heard together by the High Court on September 28, 2021.

The court pronounced an interim order directing the bank to refrain from concluding the AGM on September 29.

However, the order did not preclude the bank from transacting the businesses included in the agenda of the meeting.

The High Court of Kerala also said in its order that after transacting the businesses included in the agenda of the AGM, the meeting should be adjourned to a day after one month.

The private sector lender posted a nearly 11.5 per cent rise in its net profit to Rs 6.79 crore in the quarter ended June 30 of the current fiscal year. Total income fell more than 14 per cent to Rs 239.02 crore during Q1 FY22.

Its asset quality worsened as gross non-performing assets (NPAs or bad loans) rose to 9.27 per cent of the gross advances as of June 30, 2021, as against 6.89 per cent a year ago.

stock closed at Rs 16.10 apiece on BSE, up 0.94 per cent.

(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.)
State-owned (PNB) has picked up 12.06 per cent stake in National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL), that intends to resolve Rs 2 trillion soured loans.

 has subscribed to 1,80,00,000 shares of NARCL (pending execution of Investment Agreement), the lender said in an exchange filing.

The lenders equity stake of 12.06 per cent will be reduced to 9 per cent by December 2021.

The public sector lender has purchased 18 million shares of NARCL at face value of Rs 10/share. The approval from the would be required for the acquisition of shares, the bank is said in an exchange filing.

The indicative time period for completion of the transaction has been stated as the last quarter of FY22.

The NARCL will aggregate of about Rs 89,000 crore in the first phase and resolve them within five years. Earlier this month, the Centre has approved the proposal to provide government guarantee worth Rs 30,600 crore to security receipts issued by the NARCL.

The NARCL will pay up to 15 per cent of the acquisition cost18 per centfor in cash and the remaining 85 per cent would be government-guaranteed security receipts.

The NARCL, dubbed as bad bank, will be 51 per cent owned by public sector and financial institutions, and the remaining 49 per cent stake will be held by private sector lenders.
(PNB) on Thursday said it has purchased 1.8 crore shares of the proposed National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL).

" has subscribed to 1,80,00,000 shares of National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (pending execution of investment agreement)," the bank said in a regulatory filing.

NARCL is yet to become operational. It will take over the bad assets of the in its own account for speedy resolution of such assets.

PNB said the shares have been acquired at a cash consideration of Rs 10 per equity share (at par) and it will complete the transaction by the end of the last quarter of this fiscal.

The lender said the investment of equity stake of 12.06 per cent by it in NARCL will be reduced to 9 per cent by December 31, 2021.

Earlier this month, the government cleared the proposal to provide government guarantee worth Rs 31,000 crore to security receipts issued by the NARCL.

The NARCL will pay up to 15 per cent of the agreed value for the bad loans in cash and the remaining 85 per cent would be government-guaranteed security receipts.

It will be 51 per cent owned by PSBs and the remaining by private sector lenders.

State-owned Canara Bank has expressed its intent to be the lead sponsor of NARCL with a 12 per cent stake.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Defence officials from China and the US have held two days of talks in a small sign of progress amid a continuing sharp downturn in relations.

The secure video conference held Tuesday and Wednesday was led by Maj Gen Huang Xueping, deputy direct of the People's Liberation Army's Office for Military Cooperation, and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian on Thursday said the sides exchanged in-depth views on relations between the two countries and the two militaries and issues of common concern.

However, he blamed continuous provocation and containment of China by the US for the considerable difficulties and challenges between the two militaries.

China's sovereignty, dignity and core interests brook no violations," Wu said at a monthly briefing.

Regarding the relationship between the two armed forces, we welcome communication, welcome cooperation, face differences and oppose coercion."



In a statement issued in Washington, Department of Defence spokesperson Lt. Col Martin Meiners said the meeting was an important component of the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between the US and the PRC by maintaining open lines of communication with the PRC."



During the talks, he said the two sides held a frank, in-depth, and open discussion on a range of issues.

Both sides reaffirmed consensus to keep communication channels open. The US side also made clear our commitment to uphold shared principles with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Relations between China and the US are facing the worst strain in decades over trade, technology, human rights and Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, where Beijing has built airstrips and other infrastructure atop man-made islands.

Military-to-military ties have been characterized by deep mistrust, with the US accusing China of a lack of transparency as it massively upgrades the capabilities of the PLA, the military wing of the ruling Communist Party.

China has been angered by the Navy sending ships to sail close to islands it controls in what Washington calls freedom of navigation operations, along with US support for Taiwan.

President Joe Biden has maintained a tough line on China, but has sought better communication with Beijing. The talks between Huang and Chase are believed to mark the first direct high-level contact between defense officials under the Biden administration.

(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.)
Inc.s head of global safety faced tough questions from lawmakers who accused the company of prioritizing profit and growth over the health of its youngest users.



Senators at a hearing Thursday seized on Facebooks internal research about the mental-health effects of its platforms, arguing the social media giant cant be trusted to act in the best interest of children and teens. Senator Richard Blumenthal said has chosen growth over childrens mental health and well-being, greed over preventing the suffering of children.

 has shown us once again that its incapable of holding itself accountable, said Blumenthal, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committees consumer protection panel.

Antigone Davis, Facebooks global head of safety, said the company uses its own studies and works with outside experts to develop tools to keep young users safe on its platforms, give parents more safety options and prevent people younger than 13 from lying about their age to create accounts.

Its why we conduct this research: to make our platforms better, to minimize the bad and maximize the good, and to proactively identify where we can improve, Davis said. Facebook is committed to building better products for young people, and to doing everything we can to protect their privacy, safety and well-being on our platforms.





The hearing follows reporting by the Wall Street Journal that Facebook understood the negative effects its photo-sharing app, Instagram, has on young users, including anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, and yet downplayed the research. Almost a third of teen girls with body-image issues told Facebook that scrolling through made those problems worse, according to documents reviewed by the newspaper.

The Journal also detailed how Facebook is aware that millions of celebrities get special treatment for questionable content, human traffickers actively use the platform and an algorithm change fueled increasingly divisive posts. The newspaper series has reignited anger in Washington at the social media giant, although lawmakers are still far from passing proposed legislation aimed at the platform.

Youve lost the trust and we do not trust you, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, the panels ranking Republican, told Davis.

Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said he thinks the hearing will add to momentum to update the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act -- the 1998 law that prohibits data collection on those younger than the age of 13. He also said he would consider issuing subpoenas for any additional internal studies from Facebook.

The combination of todays testimony and the evidence from the whistle-blower on Tuesday will certainly bolster momentum very powerfully, Blumenthal told Bloomberg, referring to next weeks public hearing with a former Facebook employee who provided company documents to the Journal. Theres certainly an urgency to the problem.

Sharp Questions

Senators asked sharp questions regarding suicide rates for users, specific policy changes as a result of Facebooks research and how the companys business model guides product design.

Davis emphasized that the companys studies didnt establish a causal relationship between use and mental-health outcomes, and she explained how the company has made changes to the platform to try to improve user experience. Davis spoke about her own experience raising a daughter, and with her brother and a close friend who died by suicide.

If theres one person on our platform who attributes their suicidal ideation to our platform, thats one too many, Davis said. We care deeply about it.

Senators also questioned Facebooks governance model, with most of the power and decision-making concentrated in the hands of founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg. When asked repeatedly who at the company would sign off on releasing more research or approving product changes, Davis said such decisions would involve many people and the company is looking to provide more transparency.

Totally Insufficient

Instagrams head of research, Pratiti Raychoudhury, said in a blog post Sunday that the study quoted by the Journal was a small sample of 40 teens, and most of them reported feeling better in other categories like loneliness and anxiety after using Instagram. Raychoudhurys post also detailed actions taken to make Instagram a healthier platform for young people, like adding resources for those struggling with eating disorders and removing some content related to suicide.

The company released two slide decks late Wednesday outlining Instagrams mixed impact on the way young people feel about themselves. The Journal later released additional documents that informed the newspapers reporting.

As part of its response to the fallout from the Journals reporting, Facebook announced Monday that it will pause work on a version of Instagram for children. Still, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said in a blog post that building a version of of the app for children ages 10 to 12 is still the right thing to do to give parents more control.

Davis said from June to August, Facebook removed 600,000 accounts belonging to children younger than 13. She also said the company is looking for ways to release more of the companys internal studies and to give external researchers access to Facebook data.

Blumenthal told reporters Wednesday that a pause in Instagram for kids is totally insufficient.

Its a mockery of what they should be doing, which is to say, stop exploiting children and cease abusive practices that put profits over childrens safety, he said.

In addition to testifying before the consumer protection subcommittee next week, the Facebook whistle-blower is scheduled to appear Sunday on CBSs 60 Minutes. Davis said Facebook wont retaliate against the whistle-blower for cooperating with the Senate. The whistle-blower is no longer working at the company.




Former French President was found guilty Thursday of illegal campaign financing of his unsuccessful 2012 reelection bid.

Sarkozy wasn't present at the Paris court for the verdict's announcement.

He is accused of having spent almost twice the maximum legal amount of 22.5 million euros ($27.5 million) on the reelection bid that he lost to Socialist Francois Hollande.

Sarkozy, France's president from 2007 to 2012, has vigorously denied wrongdoing. He has the possibility to appeal the decision.

(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.)
gave a speech at the this month. It was full of the usual misstatements and exaggerations for which the Brazilian leader has become notorious. But the most noteworthy part of the speech had nothing to do with its contents. It was Bolsonaros refusal of take a COVID-19 vaccine, despite New York City regulations on public gatherings and the UNs urging of all world leaders to do so.

The planet faces enormous threats at the moment. The pandemic is still raging throughout the world. Climate change is an immediate risk. Wars continue to devastate Yemen, Ethiopia, and Syria.

Given these crises, the is needed more than ever. And yet the body could not compel to get vaccinated or risk the fallout of preventing him from speaking to the General Assembly.

This problem of rogue actors has long bedeviled the But the rise of right-wing populists who insist on their sovereign (and often selfish) right to do whatever they please poses an additional challenge to the community.





ALSO READ: Jair Bolsonaro emerges as a risk factor for Brazil IPO pipeline

Nation-states frequently use the principle of sovereigntythe exclusive authority to determine the rules within national boundariesas a justification for their actions. The COVID-19 pandemic is only the most recent example of the shortcomings of sovereignty. With little regard for the common good, the richest countries made sure to secure more than their fair share of vaccines. The World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the World Bank tried to ensure access to the vaccine for poorer countries by setting up the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI). It was supposed to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. So far, it has managed to distribute only 240 million.

The problem has largely been one of supply, given the huge purchases of the vaccine by richer countries. But there is also the challenge of delivering doses to countries where medical infrastructure is weak. As a result, the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity reports that, as of September 21, just 3.31 per cent of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to 61.51 per cent of people in high-income countries.

Lets face it: the rich run the world, and the just doesnt have the power to change that.

Nor has the UN risen to the challenge of climate change. Here the problem is one of brokering effective compromises. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is the body responsible for convening the Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting every year. In Paris, COP21 did manage to produce a binding treaty on climate change. But the commitments made by all the parties to the agreement were not sufficient to reduce carbon emissions fast enough to prevent a catastrophic increase in global temperatures.

Moreover, the commitments were voluntary. The U.S. delegation insisted on this because it feared that the U.S. Congress would reject any binding pledges.

Its no surprise, then, that carbon emissions are expected to rise this year by 5 percent, the second largest increase in history.



ALSO READ: US top general defends call to Chinese at end of Trump presidency

The fault here again lies mostly with the richest countriesChina, the United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Saudi Arabiathat have been the biggest emitters of carbon. But rich countries have also refused to provide enough money to help poorer countries transition to cleaner energy. In 2009, rich countries promised to mobilize $100 billion by 2020 for this transition. A dozen years later, the fund is still $20 billion short.

Of course, many countries face another deadly scourge: war. Imagine how many lives would be saved, how much reconstruction could take place, and how waves of refugees could be reduced if the UN were able to conduct a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, establish an on-the-ground presence in Syria, and separate warring parties in Tigray province in Ethiopia. Instead, the UN is relegated the task of providing humanitarian assistance. Its program in Syria, with a target of $4.2 billion a year, is the largest in the world.

But humanitarian assistance is a never-ending drain in the absence of security on the ground. Most of the peacekeeping budget of the UN goes to the existing 13 missions. The Biden administration has promised to pay down the over $1 billion peacekeeping bill it owes the UN, but the UN is going to need a lot more than that to play an effective role in bringing peace and security to the most conflict-torn areas of the world.

For one thing, the UN doesnt have a capability to respond quickly to emergencies around the world. An Emergency Peace Service could fill that gap. It has some support internationally, and its even come up twice as bills in the U.S. Congress. Without a permanent, professional corps of emergency responders, the UN will constantly be one step behind in dealing with crises around the world.

This is not an easy time for the United Nations. It is underfunded. Proposals to reform its governance have largely gone nowhere. It has been forced to cobble together ad hoc responses to the worlds biggest problems.

But perhaps the biggest challenge to the UN is the refusal of nation-states to delegate sufficient authority to institutions. Right-wing populists like and attacked globalists on a daily basis. They have done as much as possible to destroy agreements, but theyre not alone. Russias and Chinas have insisted that they have the right to do whatever they want within their own national borders. Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines is resisting any interference in his drug war as part of an investigation into his governments human rights abuses. Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua has similarly pushed back against UN criticism of his human rights record. Most strong-arm leaders eye the UN skeptically.

Without a lot of money or institutional credibility and facing a strong anti-internationalist philosophy, the United Nations has a great deal of difficulty compelling its members to protect human rights, the environment, or the rule of law. Look how ineffectual it was in dealing with Jair Bolsonaro.

Without credible enforcement mechanisms, the UN will be incapable of making the Bolsonaros of the world behave responsibly. And unfortunately, the disease of Bolsonarism is spreading.


Virgin Galactic said Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared it to resume launches after an investigation into why its spaceship veered off course while descending during a July flight with founder aboard.

The company said it was advised by the FAA that corrective actions proposed by Virgin Galactic have been accepted.

A larger area will be designated as protected airspace to ensure there is room for a variety of possible flight trajectories during spaceflight missions, a company statement said.

Virgin Galactic said it will incorporate additional steps in its flight procedures to ensure real-time mission notifications to FAA air traffic control.

CEO Michael Colglazier said the company is committed to safety and appreciated the FAA's review.

"The updates to our airspace and real-time mission notification protocols will strengthen our preparations as we move closer to the commercial launch of our spaceflight experience, he said.

During the July 11 incident, the rocketship carrying Branson and five Virgin Galactic employees deviated outside the air traffic control clearance area during descent to a runway in New Mexico. The FAA imposed a halt on flights pending the investigation.

Virgin Galactic has said high-altitude wind caused the change in flight path and insisted the two pilots responded appropriately. The company said the ship did not travel over population centers or cause a hazard to the public.

(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.)
Axis Mutual Fund, one of the fastest-growing fund houses, on Thursday launched a new fund offer targeted at state development loans (SDL)-based ETF and hopes to mop up at least Rs 100 crore from the issue.

The Axis AAA-bond plus SDL ETF 2026 maturity fund of funds has a maturity date of April 30, 2026, and is an extension to the Axis AAA-bond plus SDL ETF-2026 launched this May and matures in 2026, the fund house said.

The offering aims to provide a passive long-term debt investment solution for investors with a five-year investment horizon, Axis MF Managing Director and Chief Executive Chandresh Nigam said.

He added that the fund of funds will deploy its assets predominantly in the underlying ETF that invests across AAA-corporate bonds and SDLs (state government debt).

The company spokesman told PTI that they have a target to mop up at least Rs 100 crore from the new fund offer.

The debt space has seen a slew of target maturity products across various maturities and asset types. The idea of having an open-ended structure with a defined maturity is an evolution brought on by passive products, Nigam said.

"With this fund of fund, we hope to expand the availability of such solutions to investors without demat accounts and prefer to deal with the AMC (asset management company) directly," said Nigam explaining the rationale for the new fund offer that is an extension of its existing fund.

The 5-year AAA-rated bonds space offers an opportunity to investors and has seen yields rise by over 50 basis points (bps), given the sell-off since December 2020.

Being a passive fund, the fund is low cost and hassle-free for investors looking to build their core fixed-income portfolio, and it works like a traditional mutual fund. Hence, investors can invest regularly without a demat account.

The fund of funds is an ideal solution for investors who wish to participate in the passive strategy and who prefer to deal with the mutual fund directly similar to traditional

The fund provides investors with a defined tenure of about 5 years, especially on the AAA and SDL curves that have seen the largest retracement, as have begun factoring improving macroeconomic data and the gradual end of the accommodative monetary policy, he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
S&P-owned domestic rating firm on Thursday announced elevation of Amish Mehta as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from October 1 in place of Ashu Suyash.

Suyash has decided to step down to set up her own venture, the company said in a statement, adding that the change is in line with an announcement to this effect by the company board in July 2021.

Mehta has more than two decades of leadership experience across industries and joined in October 2014 as President and Chief Financial Officer.

In July 2017, he was elevated as the President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the global analytical centre, India research and SME, the global innovation and excellence hub and corporate strategy.

As the Chief Operating Officer, he led its acquisitions and change agenda while creating a growth path for the businesses managed.

Mehta is a chartered accountant and was the CFO of Indus Towers prior to joining Before that he was with BP/Castrol India, EY and ExxonMobil 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.)
Shares of were locked at the 20 per cent upper circuit at 24.60 in the early morning deals on Thursday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed the public sector lender from its PCA (Prompt Corrective Action) framework citing improvement in the bank's financial and credit profile.

The stock witnessed massive combined volume of around 51.56 million shares in the first hour of trades on the BSE and NSE. The stock has pared some gains, but is still up 12.2 per cent at Rs 23 on the BSE, while the S&P BSE Sensex is down 10 points at 59,404 at 10:05 am.

RBI said the bank has given commitment to comply with the norms of Minimum Regulatory Capital, Net Non-performing Assets and Leverage ratio on an ongoing basis. It has apprised about the structural and systemic improvements put in place to help the bank to meet these commitments. READ MORE

According to India Ratings, IOB has been meeting the threshold to exit the PCA framework on a quarterly basis in the last four quarters and on an annual basis for FY21.

IOB was placed under PCA in October 2015 on account of high Net-Performing Assets (NPAs) and negative Return on Assets (RoA). It was barred from increasing risk-weighted assets.

For the quarter ended March 2021, the IOB's net NPAs declined to 3.58 per cent from 5.68 per cent in March 2015 (FY15). It posted a net profit of Rs 831 crore in FY21 as against net loss of Rs 454.33 crore in FY15. The ROA was 0.27 per cent for FY21 while it was negative at -0.16 per cent for FY15.



Central Bank of India is the only bank under the RBI's PCA framework as of now. The stock too has zoomed nearly 10 per cent to Rs 23.25 on the BSE.
Global Health Limited, which operates and manages hospitals under the Medanta brand, has filed preliminary papers with capital market regulator Sebi to raise funds through an initial share-sale.

The consists of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating to Rs 500 crore, and an offer for sale of up to 4.84 crore equity shares, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).

As a part of the OFS, Anant Investments, an affiliate of private equity major Carlyle Group, will sell up to 4.33 crore equity shares and Global Health co-founder Sunil Sachdeva (jointly with Suman Sachdeva) will offload up to 51 lakh equity shares.

At present, Anant Investments holds 25.67 per cent stake in Global Health and Sachdeva owns 13.43 per cent stake in the company.

Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to pay debt and general corporate purposes.

Kotal Mahindra Capital Company, Credit Suisse Securities (India), Jefferies India and JM Financial are the book running lead managers to the IPO.

Founded by Naresh Trehan, a renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon, Global Health is a leading private multi-speciality tertiary care providers in the north and east regions of India.

Global Health, backed by private equity investors such as Carlyle Group and Temasek, operates a network of 4 hospitals under the Medanta brand in Gurugram, Indore, Ranchi and Lucknow.

In addition, one hospital is under construction in Patna, and another planned for development in Noida.

The Indian healthcare delivery industry is estimated to post a healthy 15-17 per cent CAGR between FY21 and FY25 driven by pent up demand, strong fundamentals, increasing affordability and Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Moreover, county's bed density per 10,000 population is just 15 beds, which is below the global median of 29 beds.

(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.)
Shares of jumped 6 per cent to Rs 3755 on the BSE in intra-day session on Thursday after the company said its US subsidiary will acquire North Carolina-based Software Corporation International (SCI) and its affiliate, Fusion360 for $53 million - a move that will bolster its expertise in serving banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) clients.

Further, the Pune-based company also announced the acquisition of the business of New Jersey-based Shree Partners, including its subsidiary in India for $6.87 million.

With the addition of SCI and Fusion360, we are forming a new Payments business unit and expanding our BFSI expertise as well as client portfolio, Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, said in an exchange filing. He added that Shree Partners expands our Cloud and IT Infrastructure capabilities in BFSI and Travel & Hospitality.

"Importantly, these acquisitions bring us new points of presence in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the National Capital Region (NCR), India, bringing in new digital transformation talent to serve our clients," Kalra said.

The company announced that Inc USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company has entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Software Corporation International (and its affiliate Fusion360 LLC, on September 29, 2021, to acquire Software Corporation and Fusion360 (together referred to as SCI).

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions which are expected to be completed within 2 weeks, it added.

Adding on, the company said it has entered into an agreement with Shree Infosoft on September 29, 2021, to acquire its business. Along with this transaction, the company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, will acquire certain assets from Shree Partners LLC, USA, (Shree Partners) Parent company of Shree Infosoft, it said further. The said acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed within 35 weeks.

At 10.08 am, the stock was trading 3.41 per cent higher at Rs 3,665 as against a rise of 0.02 per cent in the S&P BSE Sensex at 59,424.
Key benchmark indices bounced back and were trading with small gains in early afternoon trade. At 12:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was at 59,498.56, up 85.29 points or 0.14%. The Nifty 50 index rose 11.8 points or 0.07% at 17,723.30.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.57% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.73%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1971 shares rose and 1135 shares fell. A total of 167 shares were unchanged.

Trading was volatile as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month September series to October series. The September 2021 F&O contracts expires today, 30 September 2021.

COVID-19 Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 233,231,373 with 4,773,860 deaths. India reported 277,020 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 448,062 deaths according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

In the last 24 hours, India added 23,529 new cases. Active cases accounted for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.82%. Active caseload stands at 2,77,020; lowest in 195 days. The recovery rate currently stands at 97.85%.

Derivatives:

The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, fell 1.57% to 18.54.

The Nifty 28 October 2021 futures were trading at 17,748, at a premium of 13 points as compared with the spot at 17,735.

The Nifty option chain for 28 October expiry showed maximum Call OI of 15.6 lakh contracts at the 18,000 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 26.3 lakh contracts was seen at 17,000 strike price.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Pharmaceutical index gained 0.85% to 14,527.9, extending its winning run to third trading session. The pharmaceutical index has rallied 2.6% in three days.

Abbot India (up 4.3%), Laurus Labs (up 2.63%), Sun Pharmaceutical Inds (up 1.71%), Dr. Reddy's Lab (up 1.35%), Biocon (up 1.27%) and Lupin (up 1%) were top gainers in pharmaceutical space.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Max Healthcare Institute rose 1.68% to Rs 360.95 after HDFC Mutual Fund and SBI Mutual Fund acquired stake in the company via bulk deals on Wednesday (29 September 2021). As per the bulk deal data on the NSE, HDFC Mutual Fund and SBI Mutual Fund bought 57 lakh shares (0.59% equity) and 4.28 crore shares (4.44% equity), respectively, in the healthcare company at Rs 350 per share each on Wednesday (29 September 2021). Similarly, Veritas Funds Plc on behalf of Veritas Asian Fund also picked up 52 lakh equity shares (0.54% equity) in Max Healthcare Institute at Rs 350 per share, the data showed. Meanwhile, Kayak Investments Holding, one of the promoter entities of Max Healthcare Institute, on Wednesday sold 8.44 crore shares (8.74% equity) of the company for Rs 2,956 crore through open market transactions.

Adani Green Energy rose 0.64%. The company's subsidiary Adani Renewable Energy (MH) signed definitive agreements with Essel Green Energy to acquire 100% economic value in an special purpose vehicle (SPV) that owns 40 MW operating solar project in Odisha. The project has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for Rs 4.235 per unit, with remaining PPA life of about 22 years. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions. The acquisition of the project is at an enterprise valuation of Rs 219 crore.

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Federal Bank advanced 3.69% to Rs 84.40 after the credit ratings agency CARE Ratings re-affirmed its 'CARE AA; Stable' rating on the bank's Tier II bonds (under Basel III) of Rs 500 crore.

CARE Ratings said that the rating assigned to the proposed Tier II Bonds (under Basel III) of the Federal Bank (FBL) factors in the bank's long standing track record of operations of the bank, growth in franchise with established depositor base in South India which also enables the bank generate fee-based income, increasing diversification of business into other states of the country, comfortable capitalization levels, experienced management team, adequate profitability and operating efficiency metrics and comfortable liquidity profile.

The rating remains constrained by moderate asset quality and borrower as well as geographic concentration in the advance's portfolio, the rating agency added.

Federal Bank (FBL) is an old private sector bank predominantly having operations in the state of Kerala. As on 30 June 2021, the bank has a network of 1,272 branches and 1,953 ATMs. The total business of the bank stood at Rs 2.99 lakh crore with advances of Rs 1.30 lakh crore and deposits of Rs 1.69 lakh crore as on 30 June 2021.

The bank reported 23% fall in net profit to Rs 367 crore on a 5% increase in total income 4,006 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21.

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Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal has said India is poised to become one of the largest digital markets in the world. Addressing the 2nd Global Fintech Fest-2021 through video conferencing today, he noted that at 87%, India has the highest FinTech adoption rate in the world against the global average of 64%.

As of May 2021, India's United Payments Interface (UPI) has seen participation of 224 banks & recorded 2.6 billion transactions worth over $68 Bn and the highest ever, more than 3.6 Bn transactions, in Aug'21 and over 2 trillion transactions were processed using the AePS (Aadhar-enabled payment system) last year. The Minister said India's FinTech industry came to the rescue of people at the time of pandemic, by enabling them to carry out critical activities from the safety of their homes, particularly during the lockdown & the 2nd wave of Covid. A lot of Indian Fintech markets are unicorns and India's market is currently valued at $31 Bn, and expected to grow to $84 Bn by 2025, he said.

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Punjab National Bank (PNB) gained 1.26% to Rs 40.15 after CRISIL Ratings upgraded its rating on the Tier-I bonds (under Basel III) of the bank to 'CRISIL AA/Stable' from 'CRISIL AA-/Stable'.

CRISIL said that the upgrade in the rating of Tier I bonds (under Basel III) factors in improved position of PNB to make future coupon payments, supported by an adjustment of accumulated losses with share premium account, and the improved capital ratios. Pursuant to the adjustment, the eligible reserve to total assets ratio for the bank has improved.

CRISIL has also taken into consideration, Department of Financial Services Gazette notification dated 23 March 2020 referred to as Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Scheme, 2020, which specifies that share premium reserves can be utilised to set off any losses in future.

PNB has significant share premium reserves which can be utilised in the future, if required, thereby protecting from any depletion in eligible reserves. This supports the credit profile of Tier I (under Basel III) instruments.

However, any substantial depletion of the share premium account or any regulatory changes to appropriation of the share premium account pertaining to adjustment of accumulated losses are key monitorables.

Supported by Tier I equity raise of Rs 1800 crore via Qualified Institutional Placement during Q1 FY22 and higher accrual, PNB's capital ratios have improved, as reflected in Tier 1 and overall capital to risk-weighted adequacy ratio (CRAR) of 12.5% and 15.2%, respectively, as on 30 June 2021 as against 11.5% and 14.3%, respectively, as on 31 March 2021.

The outstanding ratings on the debt instruments of PNB continue to factor in the expectation of strong support from the majority owner, Government of India (GoI), established market position and the bank's healthy resource profile. The ratings also factor in the modest asset quality and profitability metrics.

In line with relief measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during the Covid-19 pandemic, PNB had provided a moratorium to its borrowers. Though collections declined during the initial months of moratorium, they moved up subsequently.

However, the second wave of the pandemic led to intermittent lockdowns and localised restrictions, thus impacting collections once again. Although the impact has been moderate during this phase, any adverse change in payment discipline of borrowers may lead to higher delinquencies.

The ability of the bank to manage collections and asset quality going forward this fiscal, is a key monitorable, the ratings agency said in a statement.

PNB, established in 1895 in Lahore, Pakistan, expanded its operations through mergers and acquisitions before being nationalised in 1969. On 4 March 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the amalgamation of PNB, UBI and OBC. The board of directors of the bank finalised the share exchange ratio on 5 March 2020, and the merger got effective from 1 April 2020. The Government of India owned 73.1% of the bank as on 30 June 2021.

For first quarter of fiscal 2022, PNB reported a net profit of Rs 1,023 crore on total income (net of interest expenses) of Rs 10,821 crore as against net profit of Rs 308 crore on total income (net of interest expenses) of Rs 10,436 crore, respectively, in corresponding period of previous year.

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Benchmark indices were trading sideways with small losses in morning trade. The was trading below the 17,700 mark. PSU banks, realty and FMCG stocks were in demand.

At 10:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was at 59,371.55, down 41.72 points or 0.07%. The Nifty 50 index traded 21.9 points or 0.12% lower at 17,689.4.

The broader market saw buying and outperformed the benchmark indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.45% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.7%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1948 shares rose and 965 shares fell. A total of 147 shares were unchanged.

Trading could be volatile today traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month September series to October series.

The September 2021 F&O contracts expires today, 30 September 2021.

COVID-19 Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 233,231,373 with 4,773,860 deaths. India reported 277,020 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 448,062 deaths according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

In the last 24 hours, India added 23,529 new cases. Active cases accounted for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.82%. Active caseload stands at 2,77,020; lowest in 195 days. The recovery rate currently stands at 97.85%.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Realty index added 0.9% to 510.9, rising for second trading session. The realty index has gained 2% in two days.

Oberoi Realty (up 3.6%), Phoenix Mills (up 2.87%), Sunteck Realty (up 2.3%), Indianbulls Real Estate (up 1.92%) and Brigade Enterprises (up 1.37%) were top gainers in realty space.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Blue Dart Express rose 0.69%. The logistics company announced that its general price increase, effective from 1 January 2022. The average shipping price increase will be 9.6% as compared to 2021, dependant on the shipping profile.

Persistent Systems jumped 3.58%. after the IT company announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Charlotte, North Carolina-based Software Corporation International (SCI) and its affiliate, Fusion360, and the business of East Brunswick, New Jersey-based Shree Partners including its subsidiary in India.

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With the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) extended deadline coming to an end, there will be no automatic recurring payment for various services including recharge and utility bill as the additional factor of authentication (AFA) will become mandatory from Friday.

On December 4, had directed all banks including RRBs, NBFCs, and payment gateways that the processing of recurring transactions (domestic or cross-border) using cards or Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) or Unified Payments Interface (UPI) under arrangements/practices not compliant with AFA would not be continued beyond March 31, 2021.

As part of risk mitigation measures, announced this step to bolster safety and security of card transactions.

However, non-readiness of some of the players forced the to extend the deadline on recurring payment such as utility bills, recharge of phone, DTH and OTT, among others, till September 30.

Under the new norms, banks will be required to inform customers in advance about recurring payment due and transaction would be carried following nod from the customer. So the transaction would not be automatic but would be done after authentication from the customer.

For recurring payments above Rs 5,000, banks are required to send a one-time password to customers as per the new guidelines.

Most of the banks including State Bank of India (SBI) have informed their customers about the new rules.

HDFC Bank in a bulk message to customers said as per RBI guidelines on e-Mandate on cards, the bank will decline non-compliant recurring transaction at merchant web or app on your Credit/Debit Card from October 1, 2021.

"Alternate Solution - Retry regular payment on Merchant Web/App authenticated via OTP or Pay via AutoPay in BillPay on our NetBanking for your Electricity /Water/Gas/ Landline/Postpaid mobile/Broadband/Insurance billers," it said.

In August 2019, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had issued a framework for processing of e-mandates on recurring online transactions.

Initially applicable to cards and wallets, the framework was extended in January 2020 to cover Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions as well.

RBI had said the requirement of AFA has made digital payments in India safe and secure and the primary objective of the framework was to protect customers from fraudulent transactions and enhance customer convenience.

In the interest of customer convenience and safety in use of recurring online payments, the framework mandated use of AFA during registration and first transaction (with relaxation for subsequent transactions up to a limit of Rs 2,000, since enhanced to Rs 5,000), as well as pre-transaction notification, facility to withdraw the mandate, etc.

(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 day after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister on Thursday called on Security Advisor amid talks of switching to

Just after meeting between Amarinder Singh and Doval ended, met Doval, sources said.

Amarinder Singh had met Union Home Minister on Wednesday evening. The meeting lasted for around an hour at Shah's official residence.

However, Amarinder after meeting Shah, had said that they discussed farmers issues. He said he urged to resolve the crisis soon.

On Wednesday, Singh tweeted after the meeting with Shah: "Met Union Home Minister @AmitShah in Delhi. Discussed the prolonged farmers' agitation against #FarmLaws & urged him to resolve the crisis urgently with repeal of the laws & guarantee MSP, besides supporting in crop diversification."

--IANS

miz/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.)
Former Punjab Chief Minister left for Punjab on Thursday after meeting Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the turmoil in Punjab Congress continues after the resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu as Punjab Congress president.

Singh met Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at his residence on Thursday.

Captain earlier on Thursday said that he would quit the Congress party but won't be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an official statement, he said that he had no intention of continuing in the Congress, and said that his affiliation with the party was going downhill with senior leaders being completely ignored and not given a voice in the party.

Dismissing all speculation ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, Amarinder said he would leave the Congress where he had been utterly humiliated and was not trusted. "I will resign...will not stay in the party," he said, adding that he was still thinking through his options in the interest of Punjab, whose security was the predominant priority for him. "I will not be treated in this humiliating manner...I will not take such insults," he said, adding that his principles and beliefs do not allow him to stay in the Congress.

Unfortunately, the seniors were being completely sidelines, Amarinder said, adding this was not good for the party. He also condemned the attack on Kapil Sibal's house by Congress workers only because he had chosen to express views that were not palatable to the party leadership.

Congress on September 28 inducted former CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar into the party. Meanwhile, commenting on the recent political crisis in the party, senior party leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday had said that they are unaware of who is taking the decisions in the party as there is no president.

Expressing the hope that Punjab would vote for the future of the state, he said his experience showed that the people of Punjab tend to vote for a single party/force, irrespective of the number of parties in the fray. Misgovernance in Punjab would give Pakistan the opportunity to create trouble in the state and in the country, he said, adding that his meeting with NSA Ajit Doval this morning centered around this issue.

Notably, Amarinder had raised security concerns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah too, along with the farmers' issue, during his meeting with the latter on Wednesday.

The meeting came amid crisis in Punjab Congress with the sudden resignation of state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and led to speculation that the Congress leader may be warming up to the BJP.

Amarinder Singh had resigned as Chief Minister on September 18 and had told the media that the Congress leadership had let him down. He had also taken a dig at Sidhu over his resignation, saying he is not a stable man.

Sidhu was made PCC chief by Congress leadership in July to stem infighting in Punjab Congress ahead of next year's assembly polls but the party is now grappling with a fresh crisis.

(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.)
convener on Thursday promised the people of Punjab a 'health guarantee' with free treatment and medicines at government hospitals if his party is voted to power in the assembly elections beginning next year.

Making six promises which he described as a health guarantee for the people, the Delhi chief minister said free and better treatment will be available at all government hospitals in the state if his party wins the polls.

Medicines, operations and tests will be free, and health cards will be made for all citizens, he said, adding that 16,000 pind and ward clinics will be opened on the lines of Delhi's mohalla clinics.

The condition of existing government hospitals will be improved and new big medical facilities will be opened, Kejriwal further said, and added that treatment of road accident victims will also be made free.

"Every person in Punjab will get free and good treatment (in govt hospitals), which will be at par with good private hospitals. It is my guarantee," he said at a news conference here.

It has been done in Delhi, Kejriwal said. The leader's two-day visit to Punjab ends Thursday.

People in Punjab were forced to go to private hospitals as no proper health services were being provided in primary and community healthcare centres in the state, he alleged.

"The condition in government hospitals in Punjab is so bad that you don't get treatment, and people are forced to go to private hospitals There is loot in private hospitals. In government hospitals in the state, people are facing problems with regards to medicines, and availability of doctors and better equipment," Kejriwal claimed.

state unit chief and MP Bhagwant Mann, the party's Punjab affairs in-charge Jarnail Singh and co-incharge Raghav Chadha were also present.

Kejriwal said his government has changed the shape of government hospitals in Delhi.

"I am giving six guarantees for the health of citizens of Punjab (if AAP is voted to power in Punjab)," he said.

"We will ensure that medicines are available at every government hospital, and all machines and other equipment are available and functional Many people from Punjab come to Delhi for better treatment facilities, which we will make available in the state itself," Kejriwal said.

Even if anyone has to undergo an operation costing up to Rs 10-15 lakh, that too will be free in government hospitals if the AAP is voted to power, he said.

Every citizen of Punjab will be given a health card, which will have all health-related information of that particular person, Kejriwal.

"We will computerise the entire system, and it will be our responsibility to give people the best treatment," he said.

Taking a dig at the ruling Congress, Kejriwal said that people had brought the party to power with high hopes.

"But today, we don't see anything worth calling a government here," he said.

"The government has been reduced to a 'tamasha'," the Delhi chief minister said, referring to the latest political developments in the state.

"A dirty fight for power is going on. Every leader of that party (Congress) wants to become chief minister. Such a bitter fight for power is going on that the government is invisible. People are not able to understand whom they should approach for their problems," he said.

In such a situation of despair and political instability, people see a ray of hope in the AAP, which is the only party thinking about their problems right now, Kejriwal said.

He said the AAP is the party which is concerned about the state's development and the people.

"We are working hard for this. After the polls, the AAP's government will be formed," he said.

He added that his party has already started planning what it will do if voted to power.

Kejriwal also reiterated the earlier promises made by his party. If voted to power, free electricity will be given to every Punjab household that consumes up to 300 units of power, he added.

Asked how the necessary funds would be generated to fulfil his promises, Kejriwal said that would not be a problem.

"Problem arises when money is looted in corruption," he said, adding that there is no dearth of money with the governments, but what is missing is the right intent.

(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.)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister on Thursday sought to play down the visit of a group of MLAs to Delhi, saying the trip should not be seen through political prism as talks about a possible change in leadership in the state refuse to fizzle out.

Baghel also termed as unfortunate, senior leader Kapil Sibal's remarks raising questions over the party's functioning. Over a dozen ruling party MLAs, considered close to Baghel, flew to the capital on Wednesday, adding to the speculation over a possible leadership change as a part of purported power-sharing formula in the government. However, the MLAs who have reached Delhi had said their visit was linked to the proposed tour of former Congress president Rahul Gandhi to the state, where the party came to power in 2018 after 15 years in opposition. Asked about their visit, Baghel told reporters here, Tell me one thing - can't legislators go anywhere. Every step should not be seen as Anybody can go anywhere Even you (media persons) tour with your friends and it doesn't mean every time the purpose is getting news. Similarly, if anyone has gone (to Delhi) it should not be seen through political prism, said the Congress CM. Asked about the possibility of the MLAs meeting AICC in-charge for Chhattisgarh P L Punia, the chief minister said, They are politicians and will meet politicians Is Punia ji in Delhi? If Punia ji is not in Delhi so there is no question of meeting him. Baghel said Sibal's comments on the party leadership were unfortunate. Kapil Sibal ji is our senior leader, a former Union minister, a senior lawyer and such a statement by him is unfortunate. After Rahul ji resigned as AICC president (in July 2019), everyone (in the party) had accepted Sonia Gandhi ji as the interim president and she is still in the post. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, election (to the post of Congress president) was cancelled. After all this, it is ridiculous to raise such questions, he said. Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, Sibal had raised questions on the party's high command in the wake of the events unfolding in Punjab, saying Congress workers did not know who was taking decisions in the absence of a full-time president. Meanwhile, state Health Minister TS Singh Deo, who has been apparently seeking a change in guard, also played down the visit of MLAs to Delhi and said it should not be made an issue. We all 70 MLAs can goWhat is the issue if the MLAs have gone to Delhi. In Uttar Pradesh, some MLAs (of ruling BJP) had gone to Delhi in connection with the Yogi Adityanath government. "For many days, discussions were held following which their (BJP) high command took a decision and new ministers were inducted and a new system was created (there).., Singh Deo told reporters on Thursday when asked about the development. The episode ran for several days in UP. We all heard about it. Then what new thing is happening in Chhattisgarh? I cannot understand, he added. The state health minister said, I have learnt the MLAs are (after Delhi) going to Shimla as tourists. No assembly session is underway in the state and they might have finished tour to their respective constituencies so they must be out for some leisure. Congress MLA Brihaspat Singh, who is among the legislators who are in in Delhi, had said on Wednesday that 15 to 16 party MLAs have reached the capital to meet Punia regarding the proposed tour of Rahul Gandhi in the state. The schedule of Gandhi's visit to Chhattisgarh is yet to be finalised, according to party sources here. Singh, considered close to Baghel, courted controversy in July when he alleged there was a threat to his life from Singh Deo. However, the MLA, who hails from Singh Deo's home turf Surguja, later withdrew the claim. The buzz about a possible change of guard surfaced after Baghel completed two-and-a-half years as chief minister in June 2021. The Singh Deo camp claimed the high command in 2018 had agreed to hand over the CM's post to him after the government completed half its term.

The Congress high command summoned both Baghel and Singh Deo to Delhi in August in a bid to resolve the feud. It appeared that Baghel had won this round when he told reporters upon return that Gandhi had agreed to visit the state 'on his invitation', and those talking about rotating the CM's post were promoting political instability. As many as 54 out of 70 Congress MLAs had visited Delhi separately when Baghel was in the capital in an apparent show of strength by legislators supporting him. While both Baghel and Singh Deo have refrained from saying anything about the leadership issue since then, the speculation has not died down.

(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 day after joining the Trinamool Congress (TMC), former Congress MLA Luizinho Faleiro on Thursday said the Mamata Banerjee-led party plans to contest all 40 seats in the next year's Goa Assembly polls on its own, without forging any alliance.

Talking to reporters during a press conference here, the former Goa chief minister also said TMC supremo would visit the state once the ongoing 15-day 'pitru paksh' period, which is considered inauspicious for launching new projects, gets over.

Faleiro joined the TMC on Wednesday in Kolkata along with nine other leaders.

He addressed the press conference here in the presence of senior TMC leaders, including Derek O'Brien, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Prasun Banerjee and Manoj Tiwary.

"The party is scouting for fresh faces for the upcoming election in Goa...As far as TMC is concerned, we would like to give 40 clean new faces," he said in response to a query on whether the party would consider those MLAs, who have defected from one party to another.

When asked if the TMC plans to forge an alliance, he said, "We are going to go all alone."



It is possible for the TMC to win the upcoming elections in Goa although the time left for the polls was very short, he added.

The elections are due in February.

Faleiro attacked the Congress saying that the party never wanted to form a government in Goa and therefore it did not stake claim for it despite emerging as the single largest party after the 2017 elections.

He said that I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) has been conducting a survey in Goa, the results of which would be available in next 10-15 days, after which the detailed roadmap for elections in Goa would be prepared.

He said the TMC would release a "charge sheet" against the BJP government in Goa, which would expose its "misdeeds".

In the last Assembly polls, the Congress had won the highest number of 17 seats, restricting the BJP to 13 seats. However, surprising the Congress, the saffron party allied with regional parties and formed government under the leadership of senior leader Manohar Parrikar.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already thrown its hat in the ring ahead of the polls, with the party's convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announcing free power up to 300 units per month and 80 per cent jobs for locals if his party is voted to power during his recent visit to Panaji.

(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.)
Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday scotched speculation of his joining BJP but said he will quit the Congress, which he asserted was going downhill with senior leaders being ignored.

A day after meeting Home Minister Amit Shah which triggered speculation of his joining the BJP, Singh said he would leave the Congress as he had been "utterly humiliated" and was not trusted.

"I will not join BJP (but) I will not stay in the Congress party," the 79-year-old leader said, adding that he was still thinking through his options in the interest of Punjab as security of the state was the predominant priority for him.

Singh, who arrived in the capital on Tuesday, also met Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday.

He had resigned as chief minister on September 18 after accusing the Congress of humiliating him.

"I will not be treated in this humiliating manner...I will not take such insults," he said, adding that his principles and beliefs do not allow him to stay in the Congress any longer.

Terming the senior Congressmen as "thinkers", who were critical to the future of the party, the former chief minister said the younger leadership should be promoted to implement the plans, which the senior leaders are best equipped to formulate.

Unfortunately, the seniors are being "completely sidelined" which is not good for the party, he said in a statement.

Singh's Twitter bio, which read "Army Veteran | Former Chief Minister Punjab | Continuing to serve the State", has no mention of the Congress party.

However, sources said he has not resigned from the Congress so far.

After Singh's statement, a source said the former chief minister may float his own outfit ahead of elections in Punjab which are to be held early next year.

Singh was also the president of the All India Jat Mahasabha in 2013 when he was removed as PCC chief .There is also speculation that he may get actively involved once again with this body to help resolve the farmers' issues.

Slamming Navjot Singh Sidhu, Singh said he was a mere crowd-puller and did not know how to carry the team along.

The former chief minister also condemned the attack on Kapil Sibal's house by Congress workers only because he had chosen to express views that were not palatable to the party leadership.

Expressing the hope that Punjab would vote for the future of the state, he said his experience showed that the people of the state tend to vote for a single party/force, irrespective of the number of parties in the fray.

Misgovernance in Punjab would give Pakistan an opportunity to create trouble in the state and in the country, he said, adding that his meeting with Doval this morning centred around this issue.

Singh had raised security concerns with Shah too, along with the farmers' issue, during his meeting with him on Wednesday.

Taking a dig at those who undermine the growing Pakistani threat in Punjab, he said that such people were playing into the hands of anti-India forces by being in a denial mode.

"They (Pak-backed elements) are killing our soldiers every day, they are pushing weapons into the state through drones. How can we overlook these dangers," he said.

Singh had earlier accused Sidhu of being close to Pakistan and its prime minister Imran Khan and had alleged that he was "dangerous" for the border state.

Reiterating his opinion about Sidhu, Singh said he does not know how to carry his team along.

He said he has worked with many PPCC chiefs and he has himself been one, and he has always resolved issues amicably, without indulging in theatrics like Sidhu. The former chief minister was opposed to Sidhu being appointed as PCC chief.

(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.)
Inc, under criticism over internal data showing its app damaged the mental health of teenagers, plans to highlight during a U.S. Senate hearing on Thursday what it argues were more positive impacts, according to the company's prepared testimony seen by Reuters.

Antigone Davis, global head of safety at Facebook, will detail the company's previously announced efforts to better protect children and teens online, including defaulting users under the age of 16 to private accounts when they join Instagram, according to the testimony.

"Our research showed that many teens who are struggling say that helps them deal with many of the hard issues that are so common to being a teen," Davis's written testimony says.

has been under fire for the past week after the Wall Street Journal reported internal documents showed that the social media company was aware that harmed the mental health of young users.

Ahead of the hearing, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement that " knows that its services are actively harming their young users" and cited Facebook's in-house analysts who "performed a series of deep dives into teen use of Instagram that revealed, 'aspects of Instagram exacerbate each other to create a perfect storm.'"

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called the hearing "Protecting Kids Online" following the Wall Street Journal's reporting.

Internal Facebook research shows that among teenage girls who said they had recently felt sadness, 57% said Instagram made things better, Davis' prepared remarks show.

Among teenage girls who felt loneliness, 51% said Instagram had a positive impact, according to the testimony.

In a separate hearing on Tuesday, a Facebook whistleblower will testify about the company and how it handles children's safety online at a Senate hearing featuring Blumenthal and Blackburn. The senators did not disclose any information about the whistleblower.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Writing by Sheila Dang in Dallas; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Grant McCool)

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Karur Vysya Bank Ltd

Karur Vysya Bank is a privately held Indian bank headquartered in Karur in Tamil Nadu. The company operates in four business segments: treasury operations corporate/ wholesale banking operations retail banking operations and other banking operations. The company's investments are categorized into three categories held to maturity held for trading and available for sale. Karur Vysya Bank was incorp...> More
Anjuna (Goa) [India], September 30 (ANI/PNN): Prepping for your upcoming Goa vacation? If you're not really sure about what to wear in Goa, then check out the new fashion brand - ALIAUM, recently launched in Goa by Actor & Entrepreneur Mithun Purandare. Goa is the reason for the emergence of the brand ALIAUM.

The boutique called "ALIAUM" is located at Verandah Goa Hotel in Anjuna/ Assagoan. The ALIAUM team believe Goa is on the cusp of becoming the coolest place in India, and they aim to ensure people look and feel their best on any day or on any evening with style and comfort at the forefront.

ALIAUM Boutique has come up with a men's and women's fashion line providing resort-wear, beachwear, Party-wear, holiday wear and others.

The brand is handcrafted in Goa with a great team of tailors using the finest fabrics with collections of Khadi and organic cottons. All designs allow your skin to breathe so pack your travel bags accordingly and have a great time in Goa.

Mithun Purandare said, "I want my customers to feel relaxed and confident for any occasion. I also do customer designs made to order. Thank you to everyone who has been already a part of this fun and exciting journey."

Actor Mithun Purandare recently shot a movie - directed by RGV alongside Naina Ganguly and Apsara Rani. He plays an abusive husband. He has also just finished shooting for another series in Goa.

Watch this space for more! (https://aliaum.com)

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New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI/NewsVoir): Best Agrolife Limited, a leading agrochemical company and one of India's largest manufacturers of agro-inputs, in its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) passed resolution on the acquisition of Best Crop Science Private Limited by Issue of Equity Shares on a preferential basis to the shareholders of Best Crop Science Private Limited as consideration other than cash.

Best Agrolife Limited acquired Best Crop Science Pvt. Ltd., for backward integration in the form of technical manufacturing of insecticides, herbicides, Fungicides & PGRs on September 2, 2021. The company informed that the acquisition will further help it in diversification of risk, and increase its revenue by 40% on the back of recently announced in-demand products.

Talking about the acquisition, Vimal Alawadhi, Managing Director - Best Agrolife Ltd., said, "Part of the rationale behind the M & A is it will enable us to utilize our expertise in increasing the reach through our strategic alliances with leading agrochemical companies of India & through an extensive network of 3000+ distributors and dealers. Of course, one of the byproducts of this M & A would be the distinct ability to serve the market better. We intend to play a vital role in the effective management of crop disease, improving the yield and profitability of farmers across the globe."

At the AGM, the company informed that it becomes the first agrochemical company in India to manufacture and market Trifloxystrobin Technical, a fungicide which has enormous demand in the domestic and global markets of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America Middle East, and Africa.

The company has also received the license to manufacture Picoxystrobin Technical. The company plans to launch a commercial formulation of Picoxystrobin in the Kharif season of FY22. The local manufacturing of Picoxystrobin will give cost reduction benefit and help the Indian farmers in their struggle to mitigate this huge recurring loss of yields at large. The total strobilurins including their admixtures domestic market size currently is pegged at Rs. 2,500 crores and growing at a healthy CAGR of 18%.

The indigenous manufacturing of Picoxystrobin Technical can help the company to take the advantage of manufacturing capabilities and minimize the dependency on imports for this important fungicide.

"Currently, the Picoxystrobin formulation is imported in India with this license, we aim to tap the domestic market requirement of Picoxystrobin Technical, estimated close to Rs. 125 crores," added Alawadhi.

The Delhi headquartered company also plans to own subsidiary companies in Africa & the EU markets.

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 30 (ANI/NewsVoir):(https://www.drkmh.com) Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals has provided free cardiac care and performed cardiac interventional procedures for more than 350 children from all over Tamil Nadu.

To pursue and continue the good will service, Dr. KMH has now collaborated with members of Rotary Club of Madras Temple City in their project called "Healing Little Hearts".

This endeavour has aligned with the hospital's celebration of World Heart Day on September 29th, 2021 wherein the children who have been earlier treated free at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals were provided free screening. The event was held at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals Auditorium at Pallikaranai in the august presence of Chief Guest Honourable Member of Legislative Assembly, Sholinganallur Thiru. Aravind Ramesh and District Governor Rtn. J Sridhar.

Dr. Prem Sekar R, Consultant Paediatric Cardiology spoke on this occasion about Paediatric Cardiac care, "Birth defects of the heart is the most common amongst the congenital defects and contributes significantly to infant mortality rate. With 28 million live births annually in India, an estimated 180,000 babies are born with congenital heart disease every year. Early identification and diagnosis enables appropriate treatment and allows these children to lead a normal and healthy childhood. The majority of these defects are simple holes in the heart (ASD, VSD, PDA) and are now closed using special devices through the vascular route thus avoiding the need for open-heart surgery, general anaesthesia or blood transfusions. As these procedures minimise hospitalisation, the total cost is reduced to one-third of an open-heart surgery while offering a total and scar-free cure.

Most of these children come from economically poor backgrounds, making it harder for them to access quality treatment. Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals believes in providing medical care to everyone irrespective of their financial background. With the support of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Health Scheme, quality treatment is provided absolutely at free of cost. In the last three years numerous children have benefitted from catheter-based, non-surgical cure for their heart ailments through this programme. We hope many more children will similarly get benefitted through "Healing Little Hearts" project with the valuable support extended by Rotary Club of Madras Temple City."

Dr. Prem Sekar R, MBBS, MRCPI, FRCP (Glasg) an expert in Pediatric Cardiology with over 34 years of experience will spearhead the Project, "Healing Little Hearts" this year. World Heart Day is observed on 29th September each year to spread awareness on heart diseases and the need to make healthy lifestyle choices. In the case of congenital heart defects, the sooner the child receives treatment, the better his/her chances of survival. The Cardiology Care & Cardiothoracic Surgery Units at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital is fully equipped for emergency and routine procedures.

To know more about Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, please visit: (https://www.drkmh.com) or call 044 - 66 300 300.

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Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], September 30 (ANI/PRNewswire): India offers affordable and quality education to the International students and the potential of the Indian education system at global level remains untapped as India has more than 800 universities and 10,000 colleges. During the pandemic, the shift to online and digital education has created a path where quality education is accessible to all.

This was stated by Manoj Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, EdCIL. He was speaking during the valedictory session of the two-day diplomatic conclave on the theme of 'Cost Effective Higher & Technical Education Matching Global Standard' at the campus of Chandigarh University, Gharuan.

Sandeep Goel, Chief General Manager, EdCIL; V. Muraleedharan, Honorable Minister of State for External Affairs; Ambassadors from 24 countries including Indonesia, Tanzania, Iran, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Togo, Malawi and Zimbabwe; Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor Chandigarh University and Dr. R.S Bawa, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University were the other dignitaries who were present on the occasion.

During his inaugural speech, Manoj Kumar said, "The feedback and inputs given by Ambassadors are really important and we will work together with the Indian universities to inculcate the outcomes of this diplomatic conclave in our Study in India initiative. The Study in India initiative has opened new avenues and markets of International students for Indian universities and colleges including Vietnam, Eswatini and Vietnam."

Manoj Kumar further said, "Over the period of time Indian universities have diversified by offering new-age programs in emerging areas. EdCIL under the direction of the Ministry of Education started identifying the potential countries where the demands of Indian institutions would be generated; in the beginning only 25 countries were identified which is now raised to 48." In India, more than 164 institutions are covered under the Study in India program. The Indian education system is now a well-known brand all over the world. Everything from application to admission is now done online and in transparent mode, and Study in India is soon coming with its mobile application which will help the students to easily register under Study in India program. Global students have the chance to be recruited in the top MNCs because most of the top MNCs are recruiting from India. The Study in India program is now diversifying its focus from STEM education to Buddhism, Yoga and Ayurveda."

While talking about the Study in India program, Sandeep Goel, Chief General Manager, EdCIL, said, "On the basis of NAAC and NIRF rankings by the Government of India, the top 164 institutes of the country have been selected under Study in India program. The degrees obtained in the universities of India are internationally recognized." Speaking further, Sandeep Goel said, "If any international educational institutions want to start exchange programs with Indian educational Institutes, then EdCIL under Study in India will cooperate in simplifying the procedures for exchange among Indian educational institutions and international universities."

During his virtual address V. Muraleedharan said, "National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 would transform higher education by making it more holistic and multidisciplinary with a focus on skills, entrepreneurship, excellence in quality including in vocational courses. NEP will emphasize on developing the Indian approach in internationalization of higher education. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely working with the Ministry of Education to promote the NEP with foreign interlocutors through Indian embassies and consultant." V. Muraleedharan further said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the new National Education Policy in July 2020 replacing it with the 34-year-old national policy on education of 1986 with an objective to make India into a vibrant knowledge hub. The new National Education Policy has introduced transformative and qualitative changes in India's education system." "With its multidisciplinary approach, flexible curriculum, creative combination of subjects and integration of vocational education, NEP 2020 will act as a building block towards making India a hub for international education," added V. Muraleedharan.

Federico Salas Lotfe, Ambassador of Mexico to India, speaking on this occasion said, "Mexico is geographically far away from India, but nowadays with the help of technology and communication a strong relationship is built between the two countries, regardless of the distance. Distance has not been a hindrance in the closer ties to improve the contacts between the students and the people of the two countries and also both the nations share a common vision for the futuristic education." Federico Salas Lotfe added, "Youth is the future of every country, and today we are gathered here to discuss how we can help students in achieving their goals. Strategic efforts should be promoted between Chandigarh University and Mexico's higher education institutions to facilitate the process of academic transformation, accreditation and various facilities for the students living in different countries." "In view of the various aspects related to student and faculty exchange, a meeting was organized between the Universities' officials of both the countries in the year 2019 and its next edition will be held in India in the year 2022 which will focus on the strategic partnership in facilitating higher education to the students of both the countries," added Federico Salas Lotfe.

While talking about promoting collaborative activities between the 2 countries, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India, Hugo Javier Gobbi said, "Both India and Argentina have technology-based farming systems and both the countries should work together in the field of agriculture. India and Argentina can also work together in the field of IT sector as well as in satellite and space sector with various exchange programs."

Speaking on the occasion, Grace Akello, Uganda High Commissioner to India, said, "It is important for foreign students studying in India to be part of the practical knowledge curriculum in the fields of engineering and nursing. In order to gain a better understanding of the needs of world-class industries, opportunities have to be provided to African students through internships and industrial tours in Indian industries." Speaking further Grace Akello said, "African students should be provided employment in India in accordance with the African government's human resource regulations. Students must be provided with practical knowledge in addition to theoretical education for qualitative improvements."

Speaking on the occasion Ambassador of the Republic of Chile, Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve said, "The focus should be on value-added exchange programs and development-based knowledge programs while promoting the internationalization of science, technology and education." "To enhance cooperation on programs of study in both the countries, the administrative route would have to be facilitated to improve progress on visa, credit transfer," added Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve.

Speaking on the occasion, Aaron Nuamah Sintim, First Secretary, Consular Officer, Ghana High Commission, said, "Both the countries can enhance cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and creativity, while working together in the field of health sciences to explore more opportunities and possibilities." "There is a need to focus on making the academic system attractive through the new education policy of the Government of India which also emphasizes globalization of education. Indian students must come to Ghana for cultural integration and exchange programs so that Indian students can also learn about the rich heritage of Ghana," added Aaron Nuamah Sintim.

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New Delhi/ Mumbai (Maharashtra)/ Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 30 (ANI/PRNewswire): Lexus India has announced its esteemed panel of judges and mentors for the Lexus Design Awards India 2022.

The proposals put forward by the 666 entries will be evaluated on key design principles - Anticipate, Innovate, Captivate & Happiness for All.

Now in its fifth year, Lexus Design Awards India recognizes exceptional talent among design professionals and individuals whose designs are a combination of design and technology, poised to help craft a better tomorrow. The annual event engages with both established & budding creative talent across the country, aspiring to win the coveted trophy for their state-of-the-art designs.

The skillful panel of judges this year comprises of Nishma Pandit -Co-founder of Ticket Design, a multidisciplinary design consulting firm, Susmita Mohanty - a spaceship designer & space entrepreneur, David Nordstorm - Vice President, Lexus Asia Pacific Division, Anuj Sharma - renowned Fashion designer, Anjali Mody - Serial entrepreneur and Mukul Goyal - Designer under the label Tattva and Mukul Goyal.

"The Lexus Design Award India is certainly a great platform for designers to convert their ideas into reality, encompassing various elements of design and innovation, focusing on making a difference in how tomorrow is viewed. We are thrilled to be the jury for this year and ready to get captivated by the spark of design around us", comments Nishma Pandit.

Finalists of the Conceptual category will have an exclusive opportunity to receive guidance from renowned designers in India to bring their creations & design to life and develop prototypes of their ideas for final judgment. The esteemed panel of mentors include LDAI trophy designer Michael Foley- founder of Foley Designs, Sandeep Sangaru - designer and entrepreneur at Sangaru Design Objects, Amit Krishn Gulati - Industrial designer and entrepreneur, Suhasini Paul - Toy designer and co-founder of PAUL STUDIO, Narendra Ghate - Chief Designer at Tata Elxsi and Vinay Rao - Design entrepreneur and co-founded Bang Design.

"We are delighted to announce this year's esteemed panel of jurors and mentors for the Prestigious Lexus Design Award 2022. Lexus Design Awards is a platform attracting several talented designers from all over the country. Mentoring this year's contestants include mentors who come with immense experience and in-depth knowledge of design & innovation. We believe the fifth edition will be a great success and we are looking forward to seeing this year's inspiring ideas that will incorporate the key elements of Lexus - Anticipate, Innovate, Captivate & Happiness for All, that will cater to creating a better and advanced tomorrow," said P.B. Venugopal, President, Lexus India.

Following the mentorship program, the 6 finalists of the Conceptual category will present their projects to the panel of judges for evaluation. The final winners will be announced along with the Established category winners at the Lexus Design Award India event in January 2022.

The Lexus Design Award India is conducted in a knowledge partnership with the Association of Designers of India - ADI. Emulating the same brand commitment as that of Lexus', ADI ensures that their efforts are in the direction of promoting best practices in the profession of design in India. ADI is India's only association, that through its 8 chapters, promotes and strengthens the capabilities of the Indian design professionals & students, as well as presents a unified voice to influence public policy, shape the industry and benefit people at large through design.

Details of the Lexus Design Award India 2021 can be found at (https://www.lexusdesign.in)

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New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI/NewsVoir): A grand finale event with the announcement of winners today, marked the end of first phase and start of next phase focusing on deployment of solutions, of Healthcare Innovation Challenge (HIC) #2, which is a unique initiative of NASSCOM Centre of Excellence CoE-IoT & AI (a MeitY initiative with State Govt) for digital transformation of Indian healthcare.

This one-of-a-kind innovation challenge is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers in digital technology adoption. Eminent dignitaries and industry stalwarts like Padma Shri recipient Kiran Karnik, Past President, NASSCOM, Padma Shri recipient Dr. (Prof) Mohsin Wali, Former Physician to the President of India, Sr. Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Shayanika Hazarika, Director - Healthcare, Microsoft, Dileep Mangsuli, Executive Director, Siemens Healthineers and others graced the event with their presence.

"New technology and innovative solutions today are addressing the medical requirements such as early diagnosis, effective treatment and patient or disease management will help us to substantially improve our healthcare indices. The NDHM initiative will be big boost to the digital healthcare that will enable sharing of healthcare records. I congratulate NASSCOM-CoE on the initiative, and wish success to of HIC#2 that will undoubtedly open myriad opportunities of growth in the healthcare sector and will encourage innovators and thought-leaders to explore ideas for growth especially in this digital age," said Kiran Karnik, Past President, NASSCOM.

"Initiatives like this deserve praise and recognition for paving the way for new developments, innovation, ideas, methods and efforts in the field of healthcare. The healthcare sector is seeing the fast-paced efforts for cutting-edge technology adoption, that is enabling digital growth. New approaches to healthcare like telemedicine for online medical consultation is not only reducing the burden on health infrastructure but further helping to connect health providers to remote areas. Such success is encouraging innovators and business leaders to develop, identity and scale up new innovations. I hope endeavors like this continue to find solutions to already existing and new problems that could result in healthier communities and overall well-being," said Dr. (Prof) Mohsin Wali, Former Physician to the President of India, Sr. Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Prof Dr. M Wali further mentioned that very recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission which will go long way in giving new dimensions to the health care sector and pointed out that this mission will provide a digital health ID to the people who will hold their health records with greater connectivity. He lauded the efforts of NASSCOM CoE in this direction.

The winners announced by the eminent jury are KareXpert (Hospital Automation), Qritive (AI-based Cancer Diagnosis), Endimension (Centralised Tele-radiology Reporting and Integrating Radiology reports into Multimedia Files and Patient Friendly Report), EZDI (Digital Clinical Assistant for Integrating with Legacy EHR), Helyxon and JioVio (Homecare & Patient Monitoring Solutions). LiveHealth, Onward Health, AiraMatrix, TeleRadsol and DeepTek.Ai and Ibis.AI emerged as runners up in their respective use cases.

The key objectives of the HIC#2 include driving operational excellence by enabling automation of administrative processes and digitization of clinical workflows through the adoption of digital technology solutions; enabling healthcare providers to nominate use cases as per the digital solution needs and driving the program to enable the curation, evaluation & deployment of technology-led innovative solutions that address the nominated use cases. The HIC#2 partner hospitals included KIMS Health, Mahajan Imaging, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Sankara Netralaya and Zydus Hospitals and Microsoft as its technology partner.

"Technology plays a critical role in addressing the long-standing issue of disconnectedness among data, clinicians, and patients. Microsoft healthcare cloud has supported various customers globally to manage health data at scale and makes it easier for healthcare organisations to improve the patient experience, coordinate care, and drive operational efficiency while helping support security, compliance, and interoperability of health data. Microsoft is investing heavily in the healthcare space. We believe that placing innovative solutions into the hands of professionals can do wonders for the healthcare industry. Innovation being one of the critical pillars of Microsoft, it's a good experience to be part of NASSCOM HIC#2 event which encourages innovation-led solutions for unmet clinical use cases, " said Dr. Keren Priyadarshini, Regional Leader - Healthcare, JAPAC, Microsoft.

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 30 (ANI/NewsVoir): Language has been the bridge between communities for a very long time. It enables communication, which in turn enables knowledge sharing, experiences, and much more.

But most language learning platforms lack a key ingredient - native speakers.

Native Monks needs little introduction when it comes to learning languages online. The platform that started out to help immigrants adapt as per local languages, has now grown into a dedicated in-person language learning platform, for over 130 languages with thousands of tutors and learners across the globe.

Language is more than just translation - it is a mix of the right accent, vocabulary, and culture. Native Monks, as a platform, solves just that. With thousands of tutors from across the globe well-versed in multiple languages, the platform enables a native language learning experience like no other.

At Native Monks, students can choose the language they would like to learn and select a particular course. There are different courses available to suit the specific requirements of students. The courses offer varying discounts and validity periods to fit a student's requirements and budget.

Once a course is booked, a suitable tutor is allocated. Students can book their first lesson based on their and the tutor's availability. The student also has access to features such as live chat with the support team and a messaging panel for discussions with their tutor. The one-to-one personalized classes are conducted via a dedicated, in-built video platform, that enables real-time conferencing.

To create a more authentic and real-life experience, Native Monks has introduced the feature of live classes. Native Monks believes that one size doesn't fit all. Pre-recorded lessons cannot help one learn a language well since each student is at a different level. Therefore they tailor their classes based on the student's prior language proficiency.

Their native tutors help learners work on their fluency, accents, and confidence in speaking the language. The platform believes that no two learners are the same which is why it promotes the use of a reliable and authentic feedback system tailored to every learner's progress. It also allows learners an opportunity to rate their tutors for more transparency for future students.

Native Monks has about 8,300 qualified native tutors, and in the last four years, it has onboarded over 5,500 students. Today the platform's learners and tutors are on a positive trajectory of intercultural communication. With Punjabi speakers learning how to speak fluent French from native tutors, native Russian tutors teaching their language to Chinese students, and newbies learning to speak Portuguese, their positive stories are endless.

For more information, please visit: (https://nativemonks.com)

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 30 (ANI/ThePRTree): Smotect brings to India a holistic and personalized program to assist smokers in their quitting journey.

Curated and designed after years of research and clinical trials, Smotect's 'Quit Smoking Program' effectively caters to the Biological, Psychological and Social factors of smoking and has a proven success rate of 81 percent.

With a mission to empower and engage millions of people, Smotect's 'Quit Smoking Program' is one of its kind in the country.

Founded by Gurseet Singh, an ardent holistic health enthusiast, Smotect tackles the journey of a smoker who wants to quit smoking and/or detox the toxins that have been accumulated by years of smoking. This program is based on the BPS model (Biological-Psychological-Social) that prepares smokers body and mind to quit smoking. It is a well researched 12-week program that includes Non-Nicotine Natural Tablets, Counseling Program based on MBCT approach and Social Community Support.

Key elements of Smotect - Quit smoking program

Smotect Natural Tablets

The synergistic effect of 12 therapeutic herbs in these Natural Tablets significantly reduces the urge to smoke while managing the withdrawal symptoms like irritation, stress and anxiety. This is a patented formula that detoxifies the body from the damaging effects of smoking.

Smotect Counseling

The program also offers Professional Counseling & Guided Sessions made by Quit Smoking Experts with a series of mindfulness exercises. The counseling program is based on the well-researched MBCT approach (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) which prepares to deal with the psychological dependence on smoking. It also equips smokers to deal with slips and relapses effectively.

Smotect Community

One of the best ways to reduce the prevalence of smoking is to have a community where members and smoke cessation counselors come together to discuss and share various coping strategies, provide reinforcement, and support each other. The community is moderated by counselors to keep the discussion scientific and in the right direction.

Introducing the Smotect - Quit Smoking Program, Founder, Gurseet Singh said, "I was a smoker myself for 12 years of my life and experiencing relapse and withdrawal symptoms while quitting was common. In the process of finding a solution for my smoking addiction, and failing while practicing willpower,I realized how smoking is a Biological & Psychological addiction. Hence, it's imperative to prepare your body and mind to be able to quit smoking permanently. This was my eureka moment to introduce the unique Bio-Psycho-Social model of Smotect to the masses."

He further added, "Smoking addiction is broadly defined as physical and psychological dependencies with the symptoms such as craving, impaired control, overuse and continued smoking despite the knowledge of health risks. Our vision at Smotect is to address these dependencies and provide a holistic solution to smokers and assist them in their quitting journey."

Unlike existing solutions in the Indian market, Smotect does not depend on nicotine replacements nor does it rely solely on willpower. The program offers a simple, effective, and easy pathway to quitting smoking naturally. Smotect with their quit program aims to reach out to every smoker who desires to detox their body from the ill effects of smoking or push themselves to get rid of their rather oppressive habit and start their journey towards being a better version of themselves.

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New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI/ATK): One of India's leading RJs, RJ Dixi has recently contributed to highlight the need to promote state tourism with the state tourism department. She has been actively promoting the tourism of Gujarat through her on-air shows at different places.

RJ feels that Gujarat has many tourist attractions and hidden gems that people are not aware of.

With radio being one of the important platforms to reach out to the audience, RJ Dixi has done a variety of promotional activities with Gujarat Tourism. According to her, every state in the country has a unique culture and rituals that are followed by people, and even the Gujarat state has a rich heritage to boast about. Be it the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gir National Park, the historical Sabarmati Ashram or the iconic Statue of Unity, Gujarat has got the finest tourist attractions.

RJ Dixi shares her views on tourism being an integral part of a country's economic growth. She says, "The tourism industry not only contributes to the economic growth of the country but also raises awareness about the destinations that have a historical significance to it." Furthermore, the RJ revealed that radio gives her a podium to inform her listeners about the latest happenings across Gujarat and also in the country.

Attached to the Indian roots, RJ Dixi had earlier taken a stand for the 'vocal for local' movement. For the same, she often connects to her audience on the internet and interacts with her followers. When asked about her favourite destination in Gujarat, RJ Dixi said, "I personally love visiting Great Rann of Kutch during winters. The weather during this season is so pleasant and lively. Auto World Vintage Car Museum is my other favourite destination located in Ahmedabad."

Apart from being a travel enthusiast, RJ Dixi is an ardent foodie and a fitness follower. Maintaining a balance and living a sustainable life is what she aspires to do. Her work ethos and the determination to pursue the goals have seen RJ Dixi inspire women of different age groups. Currently working in Vadodara's Radio City 91.1 FM, she is a bundle of talent who has been entertaining and informing the listeners about all the latest happenings across the country.

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New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI/NewsVoir): Top industry leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs were honoured with Times Excellence Award 2021 for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields. At this prestigious platform, Times Group awarded Mr. Sumit Arora, Mr. Pratap Singh Rathi, Mr. Som Mandal and Mr. Ajit Gupta for their achieving excellence in professional as well as entrepreneurial fields.

Among them, Pratap Singh Rathi, Director, Ace Group has been bestowed with 'Excellence in Real Estate Sector' award along with the second award for "Excellence in Design and innovation" for the 'Ace Capitol' project located in Noida. Sumit Arora, Director, Alniche Life Sciences has been awarded with the prestigious "Excellence in Healthcare Award", while Som Mandal, Managing Partner, Fox Mandal has been awarded with 'Excellence in Legal Services Globally'. Ajit Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Ajit Industries Private Limited has been honoured with "Excellence in Sustainable Green Packaging" award by Times Group.

Speaking on winning the prestigious awards, Pratap Singh Rathi, Director, Ace Group said, "We are honoured to have received these awards and for this achievement, I take this opportunity to thank the entire Team Ace Group for its dedication and incredible efforts."

Som Mandal, Managing Partner, Fox Mandal said, "Our commitment and responsibilities towards delivering excellence in legal domain have been further strengthened with this prestigious award."

Sumit Arora, Director, Alniche Life Sciences said, "For this glorious achievement I would like to thank my team and all members of Alniche Life Sciences family as this would not have been possible without their support."

Ajit Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Ajit Industries Private Limited added, "Our continuous efforts towards sustainability and mission green products have been aptly recognized with this prestigious award which has boosted our morale."

All these entrepreneurs and industry leaders have been honoured with Times Excellence Awards by the Times Group recognizing their efforts and encouraging them for being truly game-changers in their respective sectors. The awards are an esteemed platform to recognize and highlight the achievements of these prominent companies and the industry leaders, who have outshined in their respective industries. All of them have worked hard to reach milestones all their way and have inspired and motivated their counterparts by pushing the boundaries.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 30 (ANI/SRV Media): (https://switzeducation.com) SwitzEducation celebrated World Tourism Day on 27th September 2021 at Hotel TAJ, Mumbai.

The occasion was graced by the consul general of Switzerland in Mumbai as the Chief Guest and Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde as the Guest of Honor. Eminent personalities, academicians and principles of 50+ top high schools of Mumbai attended the event. The occasion marked the initiation of the Swiss Cultural Committee and the appointment of the (https://switzeducation.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">SwitzEducation Ambassadors.

The event highlighted the importance of sustainability in tourism and how Switzerland is leading the rest of the world in sustainable tourism. Swiss institutes participating in the celebration showcased their programs designed to meet the emerging needs of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. SwitzEducation President Asslam I Shaikh pointed in his speech how a career in tourism can be the best alternative to the traditional careers.

Guest of Honor Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde emphasized on various untapped & ancient tourist spots of the state of Maharashtra getting makeover. He described infrastructure can help change the tourism scenario of Maharashtra and India as a whole.

Participating dignitaries and delegates exchanged ideas on how to collaborate and bring in the positive changes to foster tourism that is inclusive and how to prepare students for a great career in the tourism industry that is more sustainable and nature friendly.

The event also saw recognition of Social Heroes like Firoza Suresh, first Cycle Mayor of Mumbai, Mansoor Ali, COVID fighter and air quality expert, Dr. Roshan and Dr. Sanjay Kantharia inspiring the society to make this world a better place to live.

This story is provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV Media)

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
During his trip to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that international travel should be made easier through mutual recognition of vaccine certificates. Well, it was apparently a message for countries that have different yardsticks for different countries when it comes to vaccine certificate acceptance.

Now, let's put this in context.

After India warned of reciprocal measures, the United Kingdom finally recognised Covishield. However, the travails of Indians travelling to the UK arent over.

The country, which appears to have doubts over vaccine certification in India, has not removed the home isolation requirement for vaccinated Indians and has sought details regarding the working of the CoWin app. So, it means that Indians would have to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in the UK, even if they are fully vaccinated with Covishield.

That sounds unfair, doesnt it? A large chunk of vaccine doses that have been administered in the UK so far were exported from India by Serum Institute. And, shouldn't the focus at this point be on a coordinated approach among governments to revive global travel and tourism, a sector that has suffered the most due to the pandemic?

How much money have airlines lost?

According to an International Air Transport Association report, airlines collectively lost $6.9 billion in the April-May period of 2021, compared with $14.4 billion in the first quarter of the year. IATA earlier this year forecast a $48-billion loss for member airlines in 2021.

Just think about someone planning to visit the UK for business or leisure. With this 10-day quarantine rule, not many would be in a position to take the cost burden.

And also the broader implication if countries faced with such restrictions started reciprocating by imposing similar curbs. Won't that lead to a huge impact on global trade, commerce and travel, and also put roadblocks in the global economic recovery?

Meanwhile, India is looking for solutions by engaging bilaterally with countries for a mechanism to mutually recognise each other's vaccine certificates. In an oped column for a business daily, National Health Authority Chairman and head of the Cowin app, R S Sharma, wrote that they are planning to release an international version of the vaccination certificate for travel purposes. Lets look at the key takeaways from his column to get a sense of India's future plans for addressing the trust deficit.

R S Sharma on vaccination certificate: He wrote that people could soon log on to the CoWIN portal and apply for International Vaccination Travel Certificate, or IVTC. These certificates would soon be available for download in various internationally accepted formats. There will also be a facility for beneficiaries to link their passport to IVTC using the CoWIN app.

Here's what economic analyst Pranjal Sharma said on these steps for building trust around vaccination certificates:

Countries should come together if they want travel & tourism to be improved

Harmonise the protocols for vaccination, certification and recognition

It should be possible across countries to read, scan and validate QR codes

So, if we want the world to prosper as one, and not as individual nations, as Pranjal suggests, there needs to be uniformity in travel rules across the world.
Oil prices have climbed steadily in the past few weeks, with Brent crude crossing the $80-a-barrel mark recently for the first time in three years. Research houses like Goldman Sachs expect the Brent to hit the $90-a-barrel mark by the end of this calendar year. So, why is oil on the boil? How are the demand-supply dynamics shaping up? What does all this mean for the Indian markets and the government's revenue maths? Listen to this podcast for the answers and an exclusive interview with Dr Kang Wu, the head of global demand and Asia analytics at S&P Global Platts.

***

It's the IPO season. A bunch of listings like Zomato's have been stellar. And another group, including Paytm, Oyo and Policybazaar, is ready to hit the gong. For countries like India, it is pertinent to attract tech start-ups to list in India and Not go overseas. So, India is tightening the lever on policy. Markets regulator SEBI has eased the rules for issuance of shares with superior voting power - a long-time ask of the tech ecosystem. India is now on a par with start-up rules in the US and broader west. Is it enough to spur start-up IPOs? Or is it an incremental step?

***

Did you know that people from 18 countries, including Denmark, Canada, and Antigua and Barbuda, who are vaccinated even with Covishield can travel to the UK without following mandatory quarantine protocols? But not Indians... they will have to go through a 10-day self-isolation. Many countries are adopting different sets of rules to allow foreigners to enter their territory. Does this not impact the global business prospects at a time when we all are looking for stronger and faster economic recovery? Isn't it time to have conformity and trust in approved vaccines?

***

We hear a lot about telephony these days and come across so many devices that claim to be 5G-ready. But what is really? And how does it work? Learn about and the three basic parameters that define 5G.

***

Listen to these and more in today's edition of the Business Standard Morning Show podcast.
Bargain hunting at lower levels, helped equities partially recover from intra-day lows on Wednesday. From a low of 59,111, the BSE Sensex index bounced 300 points to end yesterdays session at 59,413 levels, down 254points from previous close.

Its NSE counterpart, Nifty50, meanwhile, closed the session at 17,711 levels, down37 points.

However, brisk buying in the broader markets, where the BSE MidCap and SmallCap indices ended 0.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent higher, respectively, tilted the market breadth in the favor of advances.

Overall, the session was marked by high volatility as every up move by market bulls was countered by an even stronger bear blow.

Business Standards Puneet Wadhwa spoke with Gaurang Shah, senior Vice President at Geojit Financial Services to make sense of the recent market volatility and to understand what lies ahead. Listen in

On the tech front, respected the immediate support levels of 58,600 for the Sensex and 17,500 for the Nifty, underscoring the strength of the bull-run.

Now, coming to Thursdays session, market participants should brace themselves for another choppy day today as investors will adjust their portfolios amid the F&O expiry of September series.

That apart, they will also await India's Infrastructure Output data for August, slated to be released later today.

In the primary market, the initial public offer of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC will enter its second day. So far, the issue has been subscribed nearly 50 per cent.

Globally, investors will eye how bond yields play out, the rupees trajectory, and oil prices movement.
The scenic southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan is known for its tourism and rich resources for hydropower. Over the past few years, it has donned a new name  the aluminum valley of China  thanks to the massive relocation of electrolytic aluminum producers attracted by the regions low electricity prices from all that hydropower. The transition has turned out to be faster than the province was ready for. In mid-September, the provincial government announced that local smelters must cut aluminum production by 30% for the rest of 2021. Read more about how Yunnan attempts to balance its traditional role as electricity supplier with more aspirational positioning as an industrial base here.

Expert View

Hello ESG Biweekly readers, this week we have an expert view from Liu Shijin, chief advisor of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) and vice chairman of the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF). As former deputy director and a leading economist of the State Councils Development Research Center, Chinas top policy research body, Liu helped draft reform documents for the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee. Here is the takeaway of Lius comment on the environmental forum held by CCIED on Sept. 8 in Beijing.

Liu Shijin said the efforts to reduce Chinas carbon emissions by using top-down target-setting administrative measures need to be adjusted, and there should be no rush to seek instant results in carbon emission reduction efforts. Instead, he advocated local governments adapting their emission reduction on the merits of the situation. Lius comment echoed Chinese leaders call to pursue climate goals in an orderly manner and rectify the campaign-style approach by local governments.

Lius worry is not misplaced. Many local officials complained privately that the great pressure from their superiors to cut energy consumption and energy intensity has impeded economic growth, and even caused power outages. Although the top-down approach of setting targets for cities can bring quick action and results, there are issues of fairness. It brings a new set of problems, such as unfairness, free-riding, lack of incentives and high implementation costs, according to Liu.

China has a long tradition of a highly centralized bureaucratic system. With regard to environmental governance, local officials are motivated to abide by orders issued by higher levels of governments, leading to immediate improvement in emissions reduction. However, the top-down mindset alone neither works well with complex problems nor in the long run. Due to inevitable information asymmetry, national decision-makers are often unable to fully consider regional heterogeneity, resulting in one-size-fits-all policies and regulations.

Other countries have a lesson or two to teach. In Europe, there is a much broader public awareness and citizen participation, which offers supplemental bottom-up oversight. The EU is also leading in environmental and climate legislation. The U.S., on the other hand, tends to adopt a more market-oriented approach. Tackling climate change is never easy, but by learning from each other, human beings can work together to address this common issue facing the world.

Top news items

Chinese, U.S. envoys hold talks on climate change, followed by Xis second call with Biden

China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua held talks with his U.S. counterpart John Kerry in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, with a focus on the implementation of the U.S.-China Joint Statement Addressing the Climate Crisis which was released in Shanghai in April this year. The two sides had a full exchange of views on key issues and shared respective policy actions on climate change, agreeing to nail down certain cooperative plans and projects in the green and low-carbon sector.

On Sept. 10, President Xi Jinping spoke with with U.S. President Joe Biden, marking the first conversation between the two leaders since February. Xi expressed that on the basis of respecting each others core concerns and properly managing differences, both sides may tap more potential for cooperation on climate and other issues to inject more positive dynamics into the relationship.

State planner issued new plan on energy consumption dual-control

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a new plan () for improving the dual control of energy consumption intensity and total amount, pointing toward stricter control on energy emission-intensive projects. The new plan emphasizes a differentiated approach in setting provincial targets according to actual local conditions. It also proposes speeding up the construction of the energy-use rights trading market.

China to establish green stock index and environmental rights-based financing tools

China has issued guidelines () on deepening reform of its eco-compensation mechanism. The guidelines, jointly released by General Offices of the Partys Central Committee and the State Council, details goals set for 2025 and 2035. An ecological compensation mechanism should be aligned to economic growth, with a market-oriented and diversified compensation pattern, according to the document. The guidelines propose to research and develop green stock indexes, carbon emission futures trading, and financing tools based on water rights, pollution rights and carbon emission rights.

China launches a national Program for green power trading

China launched a national program on Sept. 7 that allows electricity generators to sell green power directly to end users, seeing a total volume of 7.9 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) traded by 259 vendors in 17 provincial regions on that day. The program mainly involves wind and solar power at the moment, and it will gradually expand to other renewable energy sources such as hydropower, making it one of a variety of initiatives to support Chinas goals of peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Carbon trading market eyed in Greater Bay Area

Guangdong is planning to establish a unified carbon trading market within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to draw in foreign investors. On Sept. 14, the Guangdong government issued a notice () revealing its new plan for construction of a cross-border carbon emission trading market for the GBA on the basis of the existing local carbon market. The plan also proposed setting up a Green Development Guidance Fund and establishing a cross-border transaction mechanism  marking its efforts in encouraging Hong Kong and Macao investors to enter the link-up carbon market. Financial institutions will receive support to explore ecological value realization mechanisms regarding forest and ocean carbon sinks.

Hainan plans international carbon market as part of free trade port strategy

Hainan province will promote the establishment of an international carbon trading exchange and try to attract more listed companies, according to a newly released plan () on Sept. 1. The plan fleshes out how Hainan will act on a list of recommendations issued earlier this year on the same subject by central financial authorities. This implementation plan is the latest step in Beijings grand vision of transforming the southern island into a world-class free trade port. According to the plan, Hainan will ramp up support for green finance and for setting up an international carbon trading venue that connects international and domestic markets. The plan also encourages companies to use the yuan for cross-border trade and promises simplified procedures for foreign investments.

China unveils five-year plan for agricultural green development

The Chinese government on Sept. 8 unveiled a plan () for the green development of the countrys agricultural sector over the next five years, marking the first special planning in this sector. The plan, jointly issued by six departments including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, identified resource protection, pollution control, restoration of agricultural ecology and the development of a low-carbon agricultural industrial chain as the key tasks for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), aiming at building a green, low-carbon and circular agricultural industry.

Huzhou releases an ESG evaluation system to identify Green financing entities

The city of Huzhou in East Chinas Zhejiang province, one of the nine green finance innovation reform pilot zones in China, released an ESG evaluation model and digital system to solve the difficulties in identifying financing entities that are truly green. The system comprehensively evaluates the enterprise from the aspects of environment, society and governance, with a total of 55 four-level indicators and 95 bottom factors, leaving enterprises with a total ESG score (0-100). Particularly, the system focuses on introducing corporate carbon intensity indicators in accordance with Chinas carbon goals. The system could transform green finance from post-analysis mode to pre-analysis mode, and provide green financial services for small and midsize enterprises more precisely by labeling them before the issuance of loans, according to the local finance authority.

Three first-tier city clusters get go-ahead to demonstrate the hydrogen economy

The Guangdong Development and Reform Commission announced on Sept. 2 that under the four-year program, more than a dozen cities in the southern province will coordinate on developing hydrogen supply, establishing industry chains and promoting hydrogen-fueled cars. Shanghai, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Guangdong province have all been approved to be the first batch of cities participating in a state-run demonstration program for fuel-cell vehicles, as the country ramps up the commercialization of hydrogen-powered automobiles. Beijing and Shanghai announced their approvals on Aug. 23 and Aug. 26 respectively, which were obtained from five ministries including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Information, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Energy Administration.

Chinas first ESG fund evaluation system released

On Sept. 4, Chinas first ESG fund evaluation system in the industry was released in the report ESG Fund: International Practice and China System Construction. The report was jointly composed by the Green Finance Committee of China Society for Finance and Banking and Tencent Financial Research Institute, striving to fill the gaps in the field of green funding. By combining expertise from the Green Finance Committee and Tencents wealth management platform, the report team aims at building an industry-recognized ESG fund evaluation system.

Chart of the week

An increasing proportion of Beijings air pollution is blowing into the Chinese capital from outside, though most of the citys smog is still locally emitted, a new report (in Chinese) shows. The report is based on research led by the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, the citys monitoring center. Over the period covered by the report  January 2020 to June this year  nearly 60% of Beijings PM2.5 pollution was emitted within the capitals borders, down from 66% between January 2017 and May 2018. The remainder in both periods came from outside the city.

The report also looked at the various sources of locally generated PM2.5 in the city. It showed that mobile sources, including emissions from diesel and gasoline vehicles, accounted for 46% of Beijings local PM2.5 emissions over the period, followed by life-scenario sources with 16%, and dust sources at 11%.

Caixin Global has launched a regular energy sector watch  Energy Insider. You can check out the content here.

You can update your newsletter preferences here.

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database.
Coal /

Analysis: Severe coal supply-demand imbalance challenges winter supply

Recently, many regions in China have imposed a new round of power rationing. Due to shortages, Guangdong province (Guangzhou) and the three provinces of Northeast China have intervened in power markets. Some regions have even rationed the supply of electricity, directly putting some lives at risk. Behind the power shortage are key precipitating factors: rising prices and tight supplies of thermal coal.

Given the tight coal supply, related policies have been introduced to increase production and guarantee the supply of coal. However, industry participants expect the coal supply shortfall this winter to remain severe because coal inventories are too low.

Chinas coal shortage means higher prices for the world

Evergrande /

In Depth: Evergrande auto races to convince investors it can make a car

Toil for 120 days, ensure the smooth delivery of the first car, read a large red banner draped across the office building of Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group Ltd.s (Evergrande Auto) factory in Tianjin, northeast China, last week.

While the rest of the country was enjoying a three-day public holiday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, workers were rushing to finish fitting out the body shop so the automaker could meet a mid-November deadline for pre-production of the Hengchi 5, Caixin learned on a visit to the plant. The pure-electric SUV is the closest to mass production out of the six models unveiled under the Hengchi marque in August last year, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Caixin.

Evergrande to raise $1.55 billion from sale of stake in regional bank

In Depth: Evergrande founders poker buddy folds on teetering developer

FINANCE & ECONOMY China is vying to become the host city of a proposed entity for setting global benchmarks for sustainability-related corporate reporting that will be governed by the nonprofit International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation. Photo: IFRS IFRS /

Beijing seeks to host global board for sustainability in corporate reporting

Beijing is vying with London, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Geneva to become the host city of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), a proposed entity for setting global benchmarks for sustainability-related corporate reporting.

Being the worlds biggest carbon emitter is an advantage for Chinas application, with its efforts to reduce emissions key to global sustainable development, said Ma Jun, director of the green finance committee of central bank-backed think tank the China Society for Finance and Banking, which mentioned Beijings bid at an annual meeting of the body Saturday.

Central bank /

PBOC governor warns central banks on quantitative easing

Chinas central bank governor said quantitative easing implemented by global peers can be damaging over the long term and vowed to keep policy normal for as long as possible.

Central banks should try their best to avoid asset purchases because in the long run they will damage market functions, monetize fiscal deficits, harm central banks reputation, blur the boundary of monetary policy and create moral hazard, Peoples Bank of Chinas Governor Yi Gang said in an article posted by the central bank Tuesday.

Corruption /

Another China banking regulator probed for graft linked to Inner Mongolia

A senior official at Chinas top banking regulator has come under an investigation by a local anti-graft body in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to an official statement (link in Chinese) released Tuesday.

Cai Jiangting, 57, was appointed an inspector at the Law and Regulation Department of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) in 2018, the statement showed. The department is responsible for drafting laws and rules for the banking and insurance industries, and proposing punishments for financial institutions wrongdoing.

Quick hits /

China Carbon Watch: National markets trading volume slips during holiday week

BUSINESS & TECH

CIMC, the worlds largest maker of shipping containers, controls over 40% of the global container market.

Shipping /

Chinas container giant CIMC acquires Maersks cold container manufacturing unit for $1 billion

China International Marine Containers Group Co. (CIMC) announced Tuesday that it has agreed to acquire Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk A/Ss refrigerated container manufacturing unit for $1.08 billion, a deal that will give the Chinese company control of about half of the global container market.

The deal was signed Monday and is subject to anti-trust regulatory approval. CIMC, already the worlds largest maker of shipping containers, controls more than 40% of the global container market, while Maersk takes less than a 10% market share.

CIMC won the bidding among several suitors, including Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group Co., U.S. air conditioning giant Carrier Global Corp., transport temperature-control systems manufacturer Thermo King Corp., Japans Daikin Industries Ltd., and buyout firm Triton, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the bidding.

Talents /

Xi vows to strengthen Chinas efforts to cultivate top talent

President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen efforts to develop the nations talent pool and build the country into a powerhouse of innovation, according to state media.

Xi said China aims to significantly increase investment in research and development by 2025 and create the foundation for a talent-fostering system that can help the country meet its goals for high-quality economic development, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

In his remarks, Xi highlighted the importance of nurturing domestic talent. We must enhance our awareness of potential dangers, pay more attention to the independent training of talent and accelerate establishing competitive advantage in human resources, Xinhua reported Tuesday.

Telecoms /

U.S. fleshes out rip and replace plan for banned Huawei and ZTE tech

The U.S. telecoms regulator announced details of a $1.9 billion fund that will pay rural telecoms companies to remove and replace equipment and services from Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE, which were deemed national security threats.

The so-called rip and replace program, which was finalized in July, will start accepting reimbursement applications on Oct. 29 through Jan. 14, according to a notice released by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday.

Short videos /

Short video app Kuaishou restructures in bid to stem losses

Kuaishou Technology Co. Ltd. has undertaken a sweeping business restructuring  while keeping its core leadership more or less unchanged  as the short-video and livestreaming company grapples with widening losses and plummeting market capitalization.

According to an internal memo seen by Caixin, the Beijing-based firm will create an all-in-one department to operate its eponymous app, responsible for product development, operations, user growth, gaming ecosystem and search function. Wang Jianwei, who was the head of product development, will lead the department, reporting to co-founder Cheng Yixiao.

Quick hits /

Chinas top two fertilizer firms fined for price gouging

Congo reviews $6.2 billion China mining deal as criticism grows

GALLERY

UNESCO site Jiuzhaigou completely reopens

Thanks for reading. If you havent already, click here to subscribe.
Heavy rainfall hit North Chinas Shanxi province, causing floods and landslides that damaged railways and devastated villages. The rain started on Saturday and continued through the National Day holiday. In Puxian county of Linfen, a landslide killed four and injured one on Tuesday; in Qixian county of Jinzhong, train services were interrupted after a railway bridge was damaged Wednesday; and in the ancient town of Pingyao, a 25-meter section of a city wall was damaged on Thursday

Oct 08, 2021 05:36 PM
The FDIC's official problem bank list is comprised of banks with a CAMELS rating of 4 or 5, and the list is not made public (just the number of banks and assets every quarter). Note: Bank CAMELS ratings are also not made public.



CAMELS is the FDIC rating system, and stands for Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk. The scale is from 1 to 5, with 1 being the strongest.



As a substitute for the CAMELS ratings, surferdude808 is using publicly announced formal enforcement actions, and also media reports and company announcements that suggest to us an enforcement action is likely, to compile a list of possible problem banks in the public interest.



DISCLAIMER: This is an unofficial list, the information is from public sources only, and while deemed to be reliable is not guaranteed. No warranty or representation, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein and same is subject to errors and omissions. This is not intended as investment advice. Please contact CR with any errors.



Here are the quarterly changes and a few comments from surferdude808:



Update on the Unofficial Problem Bank List through September 27, 2021. Since the last update at the end of June 2021, the list decreased by six to 59 institutions after two additions and eight removals. Assets increased by $3.1 billion to $54.9 billion, with the change entirely from nearly a $5.0 billion increase from updated asset figures through June 30, 2021. A year ago, the list held 64 institutions with assets of $52.4 billion. Additions this month included The Anna-Jonesboro National Bank, Anna, IL ($268 million) and First Savanna Savings Bank, Savanna, IL ($11 million). Removals because of action termination included Patriot Bank, National Association, Stamford, CT ($963 million); CFSBank, Charleroi, PA ($545 million); Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust, Chicago, IL ($245 million); South LaFourche Bank & Trust Company, Larose, LA ($145 million); AllNations Bank, Calumet, OK ($48 million); and Sainte Marie State Bank, Sainte Marie, IL ($16 million). Removals through unassisted merger included Jackson County Bank, Black River Falls, WI ($205 million) and Towanda State Bank, Towanda, KS ($11 million). On September 8, 2021, the FDIC released second quarter results and provided an update on the Official Problem Bank List. In that release, the FDIC said there were 51 institutions with assets of $46 billion on the official list, down from the 54 institutions with assets of $55 billion in the first quarter of 2021.



With the conclusion of the second quarter, we bring an updated transition matrix to detail how banks are transitioning off the Unofficial Problem Bank List. Since we first published the Unofficial Problem Bank List on August 7, 2009 with 389 institutions, 1,779 institutions have appeared on a weekly or monthly list since then. Only 3.3 percent of the banks that have appeared on a list remain today as 1,720 institutions have transitioned through the list. Departure methods include 1,014 action terminations, 411 failures, 276 mergers, and 19 voluntary liquidations. Of the 389 institutions on the first published list, only 3 or less than 1.0 percent, still have a troubled designation more than ten years later. The 411 failures represent 23.1 percent of the 1,779 institutions that have made an appearance on the list. This failure rate is well above the 10-12 percent rate frequently cited in media reports on the failure rate of banks on the FDIC's official list.
Photo: Contributed

Normally during the third week of September, all MP's would be heading back to Ottawa as the House of Commons would resume the fall sitting.

This year, because of the election called by the prime minister, it will be delayed.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he expects to announce his cabinet sometime in October. He also announced he intends to recall Parliament later this fall. Potentially, this could mean November or even early December.

Typically, the House only sits for the first few weeks of December, which creates two challenges.

The first is that it provides a limited opportunity for Trudeau to advance any legislation through the House before the end of the year. Secondly, it provides little opportunity for all-party Parliamentary committees to properly scrutinize the government and hold it accountable to Canadians.

The prime minister also announced his priorities for his new government this week.

The immediate priority will be to establish mandatory vaccination policies for all federal government employees and similar restrictions for Canadians travelling within Canada on planes and trains as Trudeau often states.

What is interesting about those priorities is that they did not require an election to implement. In fact, it could be argued that those measures could have already been implemented had the prime minister focussed on those priorities instead of calling an election.

One question already arising is will federal employees who refuse to be vaccinated be terminated from employment?

According to media reports the (federal) government is still locked in negotiations with the public sector unions that represent tens of thousands of federal bureaucrats on this topic.

Once more information is available, I will share it in a future report.

On a different and very important note, today (Sept. 30) is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day is now a federal statutory holiday intended to create an opportunity for Canadians to commemorate and honour the Indigenous children who died while attending residential schools.

It is also an opportunity to support the survivors, their families and communities still affected by the legacy of residential schools.

We must never overlook that many loved ones never returned home.

Here in our region of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola, many of our local Indigenous communities were severely impact by these institutions and to this day there are families still searching for answers.

Today, I ask all citizens to reflect on this dark part of our past and consider what we can do to help support Indigenous communities on our shared road to reconciliation.

My question this week:

What ideas do you have to help advance progress on reconciliation?
Photo: The Canadian Press People drum at a vigil for Hunter Smith-Straight, outside Winnipeg's Childrens Hospital, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Family members of a three-year-old boy who was stabbed while he slept in his bed hugged and cried outside a Winnipeg courtroom Wednesday night after his accused killer was found guilty.

A jury deliberated for about seven hours before convicting Daniel Jensen of first-degree murder in the death of his former girlfriend's son, Hunter Smith-Straight, in 2019.

Jensen, 34, automatically gets a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

As the jury members delivered their unanimous verdict, several members of the child's family wiped tears from their eyes. One also hugged a Crown prosecutor as they left the court.

The boy's mother and other relatives declined to comment. A judge is to hear some of their victim impact statements on Friday.

The trial heard that Hunter was stabbed six times in the head and neck.

A relative found him injured in his bed. He was later taken off life support in hospital.

Prosecutors had argued that Jensen attacked Hunter as a way to get back at the boy's mother after they got into a violent argument.

The defence told the jury that no one witnessed the attack and the killer could have been someone else in the home.

Police testified Jensen was considered a suspect early on in the investigation.

He had been in an on-and-off-again relationship with Clarice Smith for about seven months. At the time of the attack, Jensen was bound by a court order not to have contact with her.

But the trial heard that Jensen and Smith spent the evening of Oct. 29, 2019, together visiting lounges and a casino with Smith's sister and her partner.

The couple fought violently that night, and witnesses testified that Jensen threatened to have Hunter taken away from Smith.

Prosecutors said Jensen became upset with Smith when she told him she was moving with Hunter to Manigotagan, a community about 190 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Smith told Jensen he was not welcome to come with them.

Video surveillance presented at the trial showed Jensen kneeing and punching Smith before he left a bar in the city's North End by himself.

Court heard Jensen made the short walk home to an upstairs suite of a duplex where he and Smith lived with Hunter and one of Smith's nephews. Several members of Smith's family also lived in the downstairs suite.

Crown prosecutor Jennifer Mann told the jury that Jensen wanted to hurt Smith in the most "cruel and permanent" way possible by taking her only child.
Photo: Pixabay

Some family physicians in Alberta say they are dealing with an increasing number of aggressive, misinformed and untrusting patients who want a note exempting them from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Two Calgary doctors say people have yelled racist comments at them after they declined to write the note because the patients did not have health conditions known to cause serious side-effects to a shot.

Dr. Sakina Raj said most of the comments are focused on her skin colour and hijab.

"It's really scary because I feel sometimes they were so abusive verbally, that they could harm us," she said. But I still am kind to them. I calm them down nicely. I'm too experienced to be stressed by them."

Raj said since Premier Jason Kenney announced a proof of vaccination program to try to turn back a crippling fourth wave in the province, safety has become such a concern that Sehet Medical Clinic is now dealing with new patients wanting an exemption only on the phone.

More than three patients a day are asking for an exemption at Dr. Mukarram Zaidi's clinic, including one patient who tried to bribe him with $200.

Zaidi said some worry the vaccine is a cover to plant a microchip in their body, while others anxious about a possible allergic reaction.

The doctors add many of their colleagues across the province have successfully persuaded the vaccine hesitant to get their shots by walking them through what's involved and addressing their concerns.
Photo: Milan Basic

A man convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife will remain incarcerated after a Parole Board of Canada panel denied his bid for day parole.

In doing so, the panel found Denis Florian Ratte has made only "minimal progress" toward addressing a "capacity for extreme violence."

In December 2010, Ratte was sentenced to life in prison without eligibility to apply for parole for 15 years - he received credit for time served in custody before sentencing - after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the August 1997 death of Wendy Ann Twiss Ratte, 44.

For years, the disappearance of the woman, noted for her involvement in the community, was a mystery.

However, the couple's daughter, Anna Sieppert, worked to keep the case on the police radar and Ratte eventually became the target of an elaborate undercover operation, known as a Mr. Big sting, in which police officers posing as high-level criminals worked to extract a confession out of him.

Ratte eventually confided that he killed his wife, shooting her from behind while she was feeding ducks in the back yard of their rural Prince George property, then disposing of her body in a swamp east of the city and leaving the family van parked at a supermarket, now Value Village, to make it look like she disappeared.

According to the panel's finding, issued Sept. 14, Ratte, now 68 years old, has claimed he was entrapped and has maintained his innocence. But the panel found the findings of the court "as more reliable and persuasive than your version of events and that you have demonstrated the capacity for extreme violence and deception."

Ratte's behaviour while in custody has been satisfactory, the case management team had expressed support for granting him day parole and he had been accepted into a halfway house in the Lower Mainland.

But the panel remained concerned, noting in part that after the murder, he was convicted and sentenced on a trafficking-related charge, indicating that his involvement in criminal activity was likely greater than his formal record and that he has an "entrenched criminal attitude."

"Your file states that you have little insight or understanding into your actions. Further, reports indicate you are very comfortable playing the victim role and blaming everyone but yourself. You have accepted little responsibility for your offending behaviour and express little by way of victim empathy," the panel said.

The panel went on to say Ratte has not "participated in any programs or other interventions to challenge the problematic thinking patterns and behaviours that contributed to your offending. Overall, the Board remains highly concerned that you are an untreated violent offender with outstanding risk factors and you are unwilling or unable to challenge your persistent cognitive distortions related to your role in the index offence and your willingness to point blame at others..."
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Senator Marsha Blackburn along with Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Az.) introduced the bipartisan Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act  legislation requiring the VA to expand veterans access to the Medical Foster Home (MFH) program.

This VA program allows veterans in need of long-term care to choose to live in the home of a VA-approved caregiver, rather than enter into institutional care. The Senators bipartisan bill will save veterans thousands of dollars on critical long-term care, while providing veterans with the option to stay in their communities in a home-like setting where they can receive personalized care.

Ensuring the best care for our veteran community is the least we can do to honor their sacrifice. Veterans with service-connected disabilities who cannot live independently may not be best suited for a traditional nursing home. The bipartisan Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act requires the VA to ramp up the Medical Foster Home (MFH) program to provide more veterans with personalized care in a home-like community setting, said Senator Blackburn.

Arizona veterans who sacrificed for our freedoms deserve affordable, quality health care as they age. Increasing options for veterans who prefer to remain in their communities rather than nursing homes will improve quality of life and save money for veterans and taxpayers, said Senator Sinema.

Currently, the VA has an approved Medical Foster Home program, allowing veterans with serious conditions who need a nursing home level of care but prefer a non-institutional setting to live in private homes of VA-approved caregivers. The VA program allows no more than three veterans to reside in the same home to ensure a high level of personalized care and promote a family-like setting. Unfortunately, the VA does not cover the care of this program and veterans must pay out-of-pocket for this option. The typical rate in a traditional nursing home is $7,000 a month, while the cost of a medical foster home is $1,500-$3,000 a month. The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act requires the VA to cover the cost of care of the medical foster home program, potentially saving veterans thousands of dollars a month.


After writing an article about Fentress and Polk County native Roger Crouchs career as an astronaut, I was informed that the state of Tennessee has another NASA astronaut who also was the first submarine officer in space.

Although Michael J. McCulley was born in San Diego, California on August 4, 1943, his family moved to Livingston, Tennessee in Overton County, in Middle Tennessee and he considers the rural community to be his hometown.

At the age of 17 he graduated from Livingston Academy and he enlisted in the United States Navy in the submarine service and would serve on both diesel-powered and nuclear-powered submarines.

He would eventually be sent to college in 1965 and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 1970 and at the same time he obtained his Officers commission in the Navy.

After earning his wings as a Naval aviator, McCulley served tours of duty in various aircraft and also was chosen to attend the Empire Test Pilots School in Great Britain.

He served as a test pilot in several locations prior to returning to sea duty on the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and USS Nimitz.

During his naval flying career, it has been documented that prior to his retirement from the Navy in 1990 that he had flown over 50 aircraft types logging over 5,000 hours and had made over 400 dangerous air craft carrier landings from six vessels.

At the age of 40 McCulley made the decision to apply for the National Astronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with hopes of becoming an astronaut. After applying for a position in the program three times he was finally accepted.

Assigned to Houston, Texas, he and his crew were preparing for a trip into space with the Challenger flight with seven crew members aboard that broke apart right after take-off resulting in the death of the entire group.

AS a result of the tragedy any future space flights were put on hold and it was not until October 18, 1989 that McCulley and four other crew members launched the Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis STS-34 from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

McCulley served as the pilot on mission STS-34 and after a duration of four days, 23 hours, and 41 minutes and 79 orbits of the earth, safely landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on October 18, 1989.

One of the main objectives of the crews flight was to deploy the Galileo/Jupiter planetary spacecraft that was launched approximately six hours into the flight. Galileo was a NASA spacecraft mission to Jupiter to study the planets atmosphere and perform research and medical experiments. Many of the tests were to study the effects of space and zero gravity to the body to see if and how someone could live several years on Mars.

McCulley and his crew was only the second shuttle flight to deploy a planetary spacecraft.

He next accepted a job with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center and he and his wife Jane and five daughters moved to Florida. Although he was in line for a second flight into space that apparently never took place.

After assuming several prominent positions with private companies in the aeronautical industry and turning down a job with the federal government offered by President Bush, he retired.

In spite of receiving numerous special honors and recognition medals he remains a humble individual with ties to Overton County and Livingston. When he traveled into space on the shuttle launch Mike took with him memorabilia that involved a copy of the July 1989 newsletter of the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, flags from other states, schools and organizations, jewelry and souvenirs for friends, family and loved ones.

McCulley proudly claims Livingston as his hometown. I owe so much to my hometown, and I enjoy coming back here for a visit.

Also, although McCulley and Roger Crouch from Fentress and Polk County, Tennessee are two astronauts who traveled into space, Overton County has had other connections to other NASA projects.

NASA Scientist Duvane Dale was born and raised in Livingston and was a significant contributor to the initial moon landing and the successful launch of the first Saturn V Rocket.

The Project Manager of the Hubble Space Telescope was Jimmy Carlock - also from Overton County.

These and other exemplary citizens are proud reflections on the quality of education received by Tennessee students in the rural communities of the state.

* * *

Jerry Summers



(If you have additional information about one of Mr.

Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com
Internationally recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent has opened a full-time practice in Chattanooga. He returns after five years in Salt Lake City, Ut., where he was awarded Best in Salt Lake City the past two years. He is known as a leader in craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial trauma, and has a particular interest and expertise in cosmetic surgery.

He has appeared on the Emmy Award-winning and nationally syndicated show The Doctors, where he discussed his innovative techniques in craniofacial surgery.

His new office, 2290 Ogletree Ave. Suite 112, has a state-certified operative suite for all cosmetic procedures.



Dr. Sargent has a 30-year history in Chattanooga, where he founded and served as director of the nationally recognized Tennessee Craniofacial Center at The Childrens Hospital, serving patients with facial deformities in over 40 states and several countries. Dr. Sargent was also professor and chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine for over 20 years, where he was involved in the training of more than 70 plastic surgeons.

When the opportunity presented itself to come back to Chattanooga full time, I was excited to make the move. The South has always felt like home, with most of my career spent here in Chattanooga, said Dr. Sargent.



Dr. Sargent was inducted into The Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars in 2002, the highest honor postdoctoral alumni can receive. In 2016, he received the high honor of the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Erlanger/UT Health System Foundation. He has given over 170 presentations worldwide and authored over 100 publications, including several books. His mission work has been featured in award-winning documentaries on TLC, Discovery Channel and National Geographic. He will be featured in a documentary to be released in 2022, where he will talk about advancements made in craniofacial surgery.



Appointments for consultations can be made by calling 423-305-7274.






Cleveland's Whirlpool Plant employees video among nine videos Whirlpool Corporation released featuring employees from its local plants in nine different U.S. cities to celebrate Manufacturing Day.

Held annually on the first Friday in October each year, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) traditionally has shown the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. Live tours are not possible this year, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions at the plants, but Whirlpool Corporation still wanted to honor its existing employees and educate potential new employees about careers in manufacturing.



I am incredibly grateful to our essential manufacturing employees not just in the U.S, but worldwide, who kept working during the pandemic to provide the appliances our customers rely on every single day, said Whirlpool Corporation VP of Integrated Supply Chain and Quality Don Metzelaar.





Since we cannot give tours to students and others this year, we decided to create videos for each plant highlighting some of our superstar team members and the great work that they do.Local Cleveland Whirlpool Corporation employees highlighted in this Manufacturing Day Video speak about their roles, how theyve been provided opportunities for educational reimbursement and career advancement, and how they volunteer to make a real difference in the communities where they live and work.We are confident these videos will provide a better understanding of how modern manufacturing jobs at Whirlpool Corporation are high tech, innovative and can provide successful and rewarding careers for our employees, said Mr. Metzelaar. The theme is We invest in you, which is true of all of our plant operations, and is one of the reasons more than 20,000 U.S. team members are proud to call Whirlpool Corporation their home.
Five Jewish-themed, award-winning films produced in the United States, Syria, Israel, Italy and Poland and will be screened virtually beginning Oct. 12, for five consecutive weeks. All films have received recognition at festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga brings the Series to the community. For more information, contact the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga 493-0270 or secure a ticket One-Film-At-A-Time visit www.jewishchattanooga.com

As the longest running, international film series in Chattanooga, we felt that we should make the Film Series would accessible to the greatest number of people. Michael Dzik, executive director of the Jewish Federation. Mr. Dzik also comments on the importance of having discussions after several of the films. The Series virtual schedule is as follows:

Noon, Oct. 12- Noon, Oct. 15 Neighbors In a Syrian border village in the early 1980s, Sero attends school for the first time. A new teacher has arrived with the goal of making Syrian comrades out of the Kurdish children. He uses the rod to forbid the Kurdish language, orders the veneration of Assad, and preaches hate of the Zionist enemy - the Jews. The lessons upset and confuse Sero because his long-time neighbors are a lovable Jewish family. Kurdish, subtitles, 2h 4min Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXoINcqFOOM

A discussion about the Kurds will be streamed the evening of Oct. 13.



Noon, Oct. 19-Noon, Oct. 22 Here We Are Aharon has devoted his life to raising his son Uri. They live together in a gentle routine, away from the real world. But Uri is autistic, and now as a young adult it might be time for him to live in a specialized home. While on their way to the institn, Aharon decides to run away with his son and hits the road, knowing that Uri is not ready for this separation. Or is it, in fact, his father who is not ready? Hebrew, subtitles, 1h 34min Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsl3zZi75Pc

Noon, Oct. 26-Noon, Oct. 29 Tiger Within A story featuring an unlikely friendship between a homeless teen and a Holocaust survivor, sparking larger questions of fear, forgiveness, healing and world peace, starring Ed Asner. English, 1h 38min Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbzK2ozG5UQ

A discussion about Holocaust, anti-hate education will be streamed the evening of Oct. 27.

Noon, Nov. 2-Noon, Nov. 5 Thou Shalt Not Hate The son of a Holocaust survivor who lives in Trieste as a surgeon begins to doubt his actions of refusing to help a victim of a traffic accident that he encountered on his way home from work. Polish origin, Italian, subtitles, 1h 36min

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTu6FW9n-6g

A conversation about medical ethics from a religious perspective will stream the evening of Nov. 3.

Noon, Nov. 9-Noon, Nov. 12 Starry Sky Above the Roman Ghetto In her Roman attic, a girl finds an old picture of the Jewish child Sarah Cohen whose family had been killed by the Nazis in World War II. She will track down Sarahs past with help of current and new friends. Italian, subtitles, 1h 40min

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O9xSGXlYeg



Each film will cost $12 and will be only available virtually. Virtual films will be available from noon Tuesday to noon Friday. To purchase One-Film-At-A-Time, register and make payment on the Jewish Federations website www.jewishchattanooga.com Payment will trigger the ability to link you to each film as well as capture your e-mail address in order to send you the viewing codes. Following each film, you will be sent an evaluation to complete.

Chattanooga Jewish Film Series is made possible by our corporate sponsors First Horizon, Kleen-a-Matic, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Market Street Partners, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C., Monen Family Restaurants, Barnett and Company, and Chattanooga Symphony and Opera along with over 60 individual sponsors.

An average of 30 films are reviewed by a committee of dedicated volunteers each year in order to choose six feature films, five for the series and one for the sponsor event. Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the United States, and those brought to the committees attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process. Past selections have included Academy Award nominees and winners, as well as Israeli Ophir Award winners.




Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful hit the 100,000 lb. milestone for 2021 at an event put on by the Cherokee Lake Users Association held on Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Talbott, Tn. Volunteer students from Carson Newman University removed 2,696 lbs. of trash

Volunteers, KTNRB staff, and Living Lands & Waters staff pose with trash-filled boats at an October 2020 cleanup held on Pickwick Lake in Mississippi during KTNRWB Month

Volunteers participating in a 'Tennessee River Litter Tournament' put on by Keep the Shoals Beautiful on Saturday, Sept. 24, pose in the KTNRB boat with the litter they removed

Over 500 volunteers have helped Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful remove more than 100,000 pounds of trash from the Tennessee River and its tributaries this year in the groups 125,000 Lb. Goal for 2021 River Cleanups presented by YETI.

Its been truly inspiring for us to see the volunteers and partners step up to accomplish so much together for our precious river system, said Kathleen Gibi, KTNRB executive director. Were especially grateful to YETI for making such an aspirational goal possible and for showing everyone else that our rivers are worth the investment.

Based off of weight totals KTNRB has been tallying throughout the year, Ms. Gibi estimates that throwaway drink containers make up at least 32,000 pounds from the 2,273 bags of trash that the volunteers have collected so far this year.

The river group surpassed 100,000 pounds in 2021 at a cleanup held in Talbott, Tn. on Tuesday. They reached the milestone just in time for the launch of the month-long tour of cleanups in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky in celebration of October being declared Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month'.

Ms. Gibi said that the celebratory month is often the bread and butter of their trash totals and that the group is staged to easily reach their 125,000-pound goal for the year with the upcoming cleanups. The month will also include the 3rd annual Ripple Effect Awards presented by Yamaha Rightwaters and proclamations from governors and mayors across the Tennessee River watershed.

KTNRB is partnering once again with Living Lands & Waters, a national nonprofit that cleans North American rivers and who brings their five 30-foot aluminum boats, adding to KTNRBs boat so that even more volunteers can participate.

Living Lands & Waters is always happy to be a part of KTNRB cleanups and we feel fortunate to help them reach their 125,000-pound goal on one of the nations most amazing rivers, said Chad Pregracke, founder of LL&W and 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.

The cleanups during Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month are scheduled as follows:

Friday, Oct. 1 Scottsboro, AL | Guntersville Lake

Saturday, Oct. 2 Ten Mile, TN | Watts Bar Lake

Friday, Oct. 15 Iuka, MS/Hardin, TN | Pickwick Lake



Saturday, Oct. 16 Hardin, KY | Kentucky Lake



KTNRB will hold more cleanups with its individual boat throughout October. Volunteers may register for any cleanup at www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org/upcomingcleanups.

Ms. Gibi said that it was the Tennessee Valley Authority that originally challenged KTNRB to celebrate an awareness month for the Tennessee River. The awareness month was launched in the state of Tennessee in 2018 and has now expanded into a seven-state awareness campaign in 2021.

Proclamations from governors and mayors within all seven states (TN, AL, MS, KY, GA, VA, NC) of the Tennessee River watershed are pursued during the month. Last year, four governors and four mayors issued proclamations for Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month. TVA and Keep Tennessee Beautiful (funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation) were the founding partners who initiated the formation of KTNRB as a nonprofit that would champion support and protection for the 652-mile Tennessee River. Since forming, KTNRB has rallied more than 2,200 volunteers to remove over 275,000 pounds of trash from the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

As KTNRWB Month is celebrated in different states, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, Keep Alabama Beautiful, Keep Mississippi Beautiful, and the Land Between the Lakes have served as acting co-organizers. Local nonprofits such as other Keep America Beautiful affiliates and the Friends of Land Between the Lakes are also supporting partners.

The KTNRWB Month cleanups held in Tennessee are largely funded through Tennessee Department of Transportation and Keep Tennessee Beautiful. Additionally, TVA has funded KTNRBs efforts since its inception and serves as a major supporter of KTNRWB Month.

Coupled with the river cleanups during Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month will be the 3rd annual Ripple Effect Awards presented by Yamaha Rightwaters. Judges from national level organizations and companies have been enlisted to select from nominated outstanding champions for the Tennessee River to be recognized and awarded glass-blown trophies.

Nominations for the awards have been extended to Friday, Oct. 15, and may be submitted at

www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org/awards.

For full information and links on Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month, visit

www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org/ktnrwb-month.
Ballinger, Virginia Hubertus (Cleveland)

Virginia Hubertus Ballinger, 85, of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, September 29 at Bradley Healthcare Center. Born on Feb. 8, 1936 to the late Hubert and Ola Lee Beaty Davis, she was a native and lifelong resident of Bradley County, and was a member of Mount Olive Church of God.



Virginia was previously employed at Belk in Hamilton Place, where she worked alongside her sister, Gladys Belk, for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family, meeting new people, eating at her favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel, cooking for her family and friends and relaxing at her home with neighbors and colleagues.



Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, William (Billy) Ballinger; her brothers, Harold Davis, Donald Davis and Dennis Davis; and her sister, Gladys Belk.



Left behind to cherish her memory are her grandsons, Chase Ballinger and Levi Ballinger; great-grandchildren, Pierce and Alyssa; sisters-in-law, Joyce Davis and Ruth Davis; and several extended family members and a host of friends.



A celebration of Virginias life will occur at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3 at Companion Funeral & Cremation Services, with Pastor Gary Sears officiating.




The Tennessee Department of Education announced Thursday 79 school districts, over half of all districts in the state, intend to participate in the Tennessee Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps (TN ALL Corps) tutoring program to mitigate learning loss and accelerate student achievement. The participating districts and the department will invest a projected $200 million in federal education funding in TN ALL Corps tutoring supports which stands to benefit nearly 150,000 Tennessee students over the next three years.TN ALL Corps is a matching grant opportunity to empower districts to implement or strengthen tutoring supports for students in low ratios and at a high dosage, with TN ALL Corps tutoring occurring for small groups of students in 3045-minute sessions, two to three times per week.This approach in combination with summer programming will provide students with 250-500 additional hours of academic instruction over the next three years and two summers."Through TN ALL Corps, Tennessee can dramatically increase the amount of learning time children have access to, which will accelerate student achievement," said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. "We know high dosage, low-ratio tutoring works, and we are thrilled to see over half of our districts sign up to participate in this program that will help ensure Tennessee students are on track and on a path to success."Throughout the pandemic, Tennessee has led the nation in providing academic supports for students. In January 2021, Governor Lee convened the Tennessee General Assembly for a special legislative session to pass policies to help mitigate COVID-19 disruptions and support Tennessee students.Structured tutoring programs have been proven to significantly increase student achievement. As part of the Tennessee Learning Loss and Student Acceleration Act passed in the special session, the TN ALL Corps will support students across the state by providing access to tutoring in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math.As the state has implemented strategies and policies to support students during the pandemic, more than $4 billion in federal COVID-19 education funding has also flowed to Tennessee school districts to help students and schools recover and accelerate. The federal government is requiring districts to spend a portion of their funding, a minimum of 20% of their Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) 3.0 funding, to address learning loss. Districts may satisfy the federally required learning loss investment through participation in TN ALL Corps.With such an historic amount of federal funding available to local districts, the department created the Best for All recognition program to reward district investments in programs or initiatives that are most likely to benefit students. To qualify for the Best for All recognition program, a district or charter school must spend 50 percent of its ESSER 3.0 award amount on academics and participate in the TN ALL Corps program.To support districts and increase the investment in tutoring supports, the department developed a financial match model for the TN ALL Corps grant opportunity. For every student tutored, the department will provide $700 per student per year, while a district contributes $800 per year per student. This amount covers at least 15 percent of district students in first  eighth grades in year one.Districts were able to select the structure of tutoring, the staffing, and the students served, with the goal of providing high dosage low ratio tutoring. For additional flexibility, districts can choose when to launch TN ALL Corps programming, as an early adopter in August and September 2021 or as part of the year one cohort in January 2022. Districts also have the option of launching in the year two cohort during the Summer of 2022. A list of districts intending to participate is available here District and school leaders and elected officials shared why this program will make such a huge impact on learning loss recovery for students.I am very pleased so many school districts across the state want to take advantage of this new, high-quality tutoring program established earlier this year through legislation passed by the General Assembly, said Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson. Thank you to Education Chairman Brian Kelsey for successfully leading the legislation that made this program possible through the Senate. The program will help students establish strong foundational skills that will have a positive impact on student learning for years to come.As we work to reverse last years learning loss caused by the pandemic, all options must remain on the table for consideration. One-on-one tutoring will provide individualized assistance to get our students not only back on track academically but on a successful path for their future, said Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. We all want and continue to work towards the same outcome in education- every student that graduates from a Tennessee school does so with the skills and opportunities for success in life."This is a wise investment that will address the significant learning disruptions of the past year by helping students to both recover these losses and to reach new heights throughout their educational journey, said House Majority Leader William Lamberth. We look forward to seeing the results of this investment in our students as we work toward our goal of leading the nation in education."As we continue to work as a district to improve student learning, it is critical that we explore and analyze new data driven educational opportunities as they become available," said Dr. Trey Duke, director of schools, Murfreesboro City Schools. "As educators, we know that additional time spent with high quality and impactful teachers will consistently help students succeed in their education goals and close gaps.""The learning opportunities we provide today help our children become prosperous and productive adults for tomorrow, said House Education Administration Chairman Mark White. This program, along with other measures we have taken, will help us close the gap for those vulnerable students who have fallen behind due to school closures. Im grateful for the partnership of our teachers and tutors across the state who are helping to create a world -class public education system for our students.Through this program many students will have the ability to recover critical learning skills lost during the 2020/2021 school year, said Senate Education Chairman Brian Kelsey. While we still have much work to do, this is a huge step in the right direction towards setting students on a path to a successful learning career with positive education outcomes.Elizabethton City Schools is excited to participate in TN ALL Corps, said Dr. Myra Newman, assistant director of schools for academics, Elizabethton City Schools. We see this as a great opportunity to help our students to become academically proficient through high dosage/low ratio tutoring. Our goal is to provide grade level, standards-based tutoring in small groups throughout the school day to accelerate our students learning in grades first through eighth.Every student deserves a top-notch, high-quality education, and the General Assembly remains committed to ensuring they receive one, said House Education Instruction Chairlady Debra Moody. We know that mitigating the effects of learning loss is not going to be a one-time fix. This three-year, high-dosage program will enhance the tools and supports we already have in place to measure, remediate and close the learning gaps caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.Ensuring students all across Tennessee are receiving the one-on-one help they need is one of the most important things we can do as a legislature, said House Education Instruction Subcommittee Scott Cepicky. This is a huge win for students and teachers across our state as we move Tennessee to number one in education in our country.Hamilton County Schools is thrilled to participate in TN ALL Corps because we know it will help provide much needed supports for our students, said Breckan Duckworth, literacy officer for Hamilton County Schools. "Our schools, students and educators have worked and continue to work extremely hard to close achievement gaps due to the pandemic. Participating in TN ALL Corps will ensure our students have access to qualified tutors and resources."Making sure Tennessee students are not falling behind in the classroom is vital to their success, said House Education Administration K-12 Subcommittee Chairman Kirk Haston. I am excited for what this program will do for our kids and our teachers. This is a great win the students across our state.Some of the best teaching moments come from one-on-one tutoring sessions, said House Education Administration Vice-Chairman Chris Hurt. This program will allow students to receive the extra help needed and put them one step closer to success, and I am excited for where this will take us.District applications are now open in ePlan. To learn more about TN ALL Corps, visit the departments ESSER district planning resources webpage
Because of living conditions, as well as starvation, numerous Irish fled Ireland to come to the United States. It is no wonder that James Joyce described the Atlantic Ocean as a bowl of bitter tears and an earlier poet wrote, They are going, going, going and we cannot bid them stay.

Today in Tennessee over 7,000 teachers are already eligible to retire and by 2024 that number will add another 3,300 teachers. We already had a teacher shortage in special education. We had a teacher shortage in math and science. We are seeing other teachers walking away, some in elementary and other key subject areas, as well.

Vacant teaching positions lead to increased class sizes, student behavioral problems, and lower standards for hiring both permanent and substitute teachers. There are also huge shortages of bus drivers and substitute teachers. If you throw that all on top of a global pandemic, maternity leaves, and natural disasters, our schools are stretched way beyond the classroom walls of any school.

Our Colleges of Education simply cannot meet this demand as the number of applicants to become teachers is inadequate. Fewer students are choosing to go into the education field while schools across America are seeing an increased need for new teachers. As stakeholders, we are concerned about the quality and quantity of applicants entering the field of education. In policy, we better start paying attention to the quality and quantity of those leaving the field of education. The teacher shortage is not looming, the teacher shortage is here.

The existing teacher shortageespecially in special education, math, and science, and in schools serving students of color, low-income students, and English learnerswill likely only increase, based on the predicted increase in the school-going population in the future. Colleges of Education must also address how to serve Career & Technical Education. Areas such as business, agriculture, health, automotive, and mechatronics programs need high-quality teachers. We should also consider how to better build the skills of paraprofessionals who work alongside teachers in classrooms in critical roles.

Teachers are the number one in-school influence on student achievement. Data indicates that in the last 20 years, teacher attrition has nearly doubled. 1630 percent of teachers leave the teaching profession each year. It is estimated by some that school districts now spend $1B to $2.2B per year nationally replacing teachers. The average cost to replace a teacher is about $20,000 each in many districts.

Education degrees can take many years to complete and incur student debt. Alternative certifications routes often take much less time. We need flexible programs designed to have qualified adults teaching quickly and affordably. We need to consider these options if we are going to expand the teacher pipeline to get more applicants for schools and districts. It is time to expand the alternative certification choices in our state.

We know there are many issues facing public education. However, with challenges come opportunities. We need to keep our most effective educators in the classroom and in public education. Our federal, state, and district policymakers must take this issue seriously. We are losing too many good educators, and it is time we address the issue. We must modernize teacher licensure procedures to meet the demand and address the teacher shortage.

Teachers are leaving the profession. Just like the Irish, a century and a half ago, they are moving away permanently. They are going, going, going and we cannot bid them stay. We must reverse this trend as soon as possible, not just for today but for those who come after us.



Terri Lynn Weaver, state representative for the 40th District in Tennessee

JC Bowman, executive director for Professional Educators of Tennessee




Chattanooga States Registered Nursing program was recently named as the best associate degree program in the State of Tennessee by Nursing Schools Almanac.



Nursing Schools Almanac ranks student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This is the exam that aspiring registered nurses in the U.S must pass before they commence practice.

We use several years of data to calculate each schools NCLEX pass rate among first-time test-takers, and then we rank the schools accordingly, said Christopher McMillen, editor in chief, Nursing Schools Almanac, in his congratulatory letter.



Being recognized as the #1 Associate Degree Nursing Program in the State of Tennessee is truly an honor, remarked Dr. Martina Harris, assistant dean and nursing program director, Nursing and Allied Health division. I am proud of our outstanding reputation and as a program we remain committed to preparing quality nursing graduates to provide safe, competent care.



Chattanooga States Nursing program is a source of tremendous pride for the College and our community, stated a proud Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State. Our graduates have provided outstanding health care services in our community for decades. This recognition from Nursing Schools Almanac is a testament to our outstanding Nursing faculty, students, and our strong Nursing and Allied Health leadership.



Nationwide, there are 1,046 nursing schools that offer an associate degree in nursing (ADN), also known as associate of applied science (AAS) degrees, such as what Chattanooga State Community College offers.



The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 9 percent through 2030. They also report that approximately 194,500 openings for RNs are available each year. The National Council for State Board of Nursing reports that there are more than four million registered nurses nationwide with more than 110K active registered nurses in Tennessee.



Chattanooga State information sessions are offered at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. on October 12, November 9, or December 14. No reservations are needed. Sessions are held in room 1083 of the Health Science Center. Chattanooga State Financial aid assistance options are available through Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, PELL, HOPE, or TSAA and other scholarships. The College provides day, night and transition program options.



Applications for the fall 2022 programs are now being accepted. For more information visit Chattanooga States Nursing and Allied Health division.
Senator Marsha Blackburn confronted Facebook for what she said was its active role in endangering children online, during a hearing with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security.

She said, There are a lot of moms  security moms, I call them  that are very concerned about what they see happening in the virtual space. In 2019, the CDC released some data. In 2019, the CDC data showed that 20% of our American high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 40% reported experiencing sadness, hopelessness. Now our children who have lived through COVID, school closings, and more upheaval in their lives than ever before, deserve better than this. Yet, where are they finding the social interaction and relationships that they so desperately need? Where they are finding this is on social media, on sites like Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat. Now, we know that at least one of these sites, Facebook, knows that its services are actively harming young children.

In 2019 and 2020 Facebook's in-house analysts performed a series of deep dives into teen use of Instagram, and it revealed  I'm quoting from the report  aspects of Instagram exacerbate each other to create a perfect storm, and that perfect storm manifests itself in the minds of teenagers in the form of intense social pressure, addiction, body image issues, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. But it gets even worse than this. Facebook, despite touting their compliance with COPPA, was scheming to bring even younger users into their field.



Instagram announced this week that it is temporarily shelving their plans for Instagram Kids. But until this week, they were moving forward with this trying to bring younger children onto their platforms. At the same time that we're learning this, the Wall Street Journal reported how Facebook tried to use play dates  that is right  play dates to attract more children to its Messenger Kids service. In fact, Facebook is fully aware that underage children are using their platforms. Not only that, they also encourage older teen siblings to recruit their younger siblings and are actually devising marketing plans to help kids and teens create secondary or anonymous accounts that they can hide from their parents. They perform market research on kids as young as eight years old to learn how to recruit them to their sites.

Facebook is also aware of other types of harmful content on their site. In fact, a report shows how Facebook knew about content devoted to coercing women into domestic servitude. Yet they chose to do nothing to stop it, until Apple threatened to pull Facebook from the App Store. Thats correct. It took Apple standing up to get them to stop this. In fact, this seems to be a recurring theme with this company: do everything and anything to mold the world into your own image, your own profit, without any regard for any harm that is going to be done because your focus is on your pocketbook.

We do not trust you with influencing our children, with reading into their minds. Parents also don't want Facebook collecting data on their children because, the bottom line, is these are childrenFacebook has both a legal and a moral obligation to forgo collecting and using children's data. So Mr. Chairman, I'm grateful for the opportunity that we have this hearing today to continue to investigate, continue to expose what is happening in the virtual space. I am certain that we will be holding Facebook to account as other tech platforms will be held to account.
Catoosa County Sheriffs Office detectives charged an eighth grade Ringgold Middle School student with making terroristic threats after he allegedly posted threats late Wednesday night against his school on social media.



Sheriff Gary Sisk says the students threats appear to have been inspired by online threats made in another social media post earlier in the evening.

Sheriff Sisk says the original threatening social media message posted at about 7 p.m. pm Wednesday, and the Ringgold Middle School student then re-posted that message to include his own threatening language later in the evening.



Sheriff Sisk said it is unclear if the original threat made at 7 p.m. was intended for an online audience in Ringgold, or for a similarly named city in another state. Sheriff Sisk said that original post quickly circulated in the Catoosa County community, and his deputies and school officials immediately went to the school to investigate.



Catoosa County Public Schools Superintendent Deana Reese released a statement Wednesday night confirming the original threatening post was being investigated by the Sheriffs Office.



The original threat made at 7 p.m. was determined to be not credible, said Sheriff Sisk. We later interviewed the Ringgold Middle School student and confirmed that he was not a credible threat to his school, students or staff. However, the community chaos that his post caused is a prime example of why we and Catoosa County Public Schools have a zero-tolerance policy toward threats of any kind, whether made in person, online or through any other means.

The Ringgold Middle School student was charged Thursday morning and is in custody at the Youth Detention Center in Dalton.
Hunters may donate the parts of the animal they dont want (usually those that arent trophies) to food banks to justify their actions. But their motives arent really altruistic. They victimize animals and then victimize people in need.

When hunters use lead ammunition, the flesh of the animals they kill is poisoned by it, since most lead bullets shatter into tiny pieces. A study performed in North Dakota found that almost 60 percent of the venison donated to food pantries contained lead fragments. When other animals eat the remains that hunters leave behind, they frequently suffer from lead poisoning, which is exactly what nearly drove California condors to extinction before decades of recovery efforts and a ban on lead ammo helped them start to rebound. Add lead poisoning to the long list of ways that hunters hurt animals, which includes tearing families apart, orphaning young, wounding animals without killing them, and hitting non-target species.

People who truly do want to help underserved families can buy a 1-pound bag of safe, lean, protein-rich black beans for less than $1.

Michelle Kretzer

* * *

Chattanooga readers shouldnt be surprised Michelle Kretzers opinion was anti-hunter and factually wrong, (Donate Beans, Not Shot Animals to Food Banks, 9/30/21). Kretzers a PETA activist from Virginia and doesnt know beans about Tennessee hunters generosity.

Tennessee hunters donating game to help those in need isnt surprising or new. Hunters can drop off harvested game at 55 processing centers where its prepared and safely delivered to hunger relief programs. So much meat was donated last year that the Tennessee Wildlife Federations Hunters for the Hungry program opened seven more locations and each donated deer means 168 servings of protein to hungry Tennesseans.

During the first half of 2020, Tennesseans purchased more than 720,000 hunting and fishing licenses; 113,500 more than the same period in 2019 and 150,000 more than 2018. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency expects more than one million to be sold this year. Thats a lot of healthy game going to Tennessee families when they need it most.

When Tennessee hunters purchase licenses, firearms and ammunition, they fund wildlife management and conservation programs across the country, including in Tennessee. The firearm industry has paid $14.1 billion through excise taxes and Americas wildlife populations have never been healthier. This includes the bald eagle and the California condor Kretzer references. Despite hundreds of years of evidence that it is safe to consume game taken with traditional ammunition, Kretzer and anti-hunting groups continue to falsely argue it poses a threat. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) validated this in a 2008 study. Consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition poses no health risk.

Tennessee hunters know better than to believe Kretzers false claims. Tennessee hunters are generous and help thousands of their neighbors. In doing so, they ensure Tennessee wildlife and public lands remain beautiful and bountiful for all, for generations to come.

Lawrence G. Keane

Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Government Affairs

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Washington, D.C.
Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs Committee, on Thursday voted against the nomination of Rohit Chopra to be the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

He said, Rohit Chopra appears ready to push anti-job-creation policies and further insert the CFPB into the private transactions of the American people. This nominee has dodged Senators questions throughout the confirmation process, casting serious doubt on how accountable his agency will be to the peoples elected representatives. I will always support protecting consumers from bad business practices, but we need leaders who will do so responsibly, apolitically, and in a manner that wont cost jobsthat is not likely to be the case with Mr. Chopra, and as such is disqualifying.

Last week, Senator Hagerty introduced legislation that would make the agency accountable to the American people by requiring that its funding be appropriated by Congress, as is the case for other Executive Branch agencies. Currently, the Federal Reserve is required to provide whatever funding that the CFPB requests within certain limits, a highly unusual arrangement that allows the CFPB to avoid the fiscal accountability to which the rest of the Executive Branch is subject.

The bill has 16 co-sponsors.
When A Million Little Things Season 4 premiered, viewers discovered that Delilah Dixon (Stephanie Szostak) was leaving the show again. This time she is moving to France with her son, Danny (Chance Hurstfield), and youngest daughter, Charlie (Everly and Brynlee Fisher), in tow. However, viewers found one major plothole surrounding the storyline.

A Million Little Things actors Everly and Brynlee Fisher as Charlie and Stephanie Szostak as Delilah | Jack Rowand/ABC/ Getty Images

Why is Delilah leaving A Million Little Things?

In the A Million Little Things Season 4 premiere, Delilah received a phone call that her father had a stroke. He might not make it through the night, and she wants to get to France as soon as she can. In the A Million Little Things Season 3 finale, Sophie (Lizzy Greene) and Danny (Chance Hurstfield) voiced that they do not want to move to France. However, after Danny heard about his grandfather, he realized it was vital to be there for his mother. Danny told Sophie that he would go to support her so that Sophie could stay.

Later, Sophie and Delilah had a heart-to-heart, both realizing where they needed to be. Sophie told Delilah that she understood why her mother wanted to move to France. Both agreed that Sophie would stay in Boston, but Delilah would move across the continent. Near the end of the premiere, Delilah explained that being in Boston and at the familys house reminds her too much of her husband, Jon (Ron Livingston). He died by suicide in the A Million Little Things Season 1 premiere. Delilah was happier in France, and for her mental health is leaving to move there.

A Million Little Things: Lizzy Greene, Stephanie Szostak, and Chance Hurstfield | Jack Rowand/ABC/Getty Images

RELATED: A Million Little Things Season 4 Cast: Who Will Return? Who is leaving?

The underlying reason for Delilahs move is that Szostak cannot continue to quickly travel back and forth from her home in Connecticut to filming in Vancouver, British Columbia. There is still a 14-day quarantine rule for travelers entering Canada because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Szostak lives with her husband and two children, who she does not want to be away from, while the actor continuously quarantines and then films the show.

A Million Little Things: 1 major plothole over Delilahs move to France

In A Million Little Things Season 1, viewers find out that Eddie Saville (David Giuntoli) is the father of Delilahs baby, Charlie. However, in season 3, he hardly saw his little girl because Delilah was stuck in France. Delilah chooses to move to France in the new season, but Eddie doesnt put up a fight over taking their daughter there again.

I found it almost unbelievable that Eddie says nothing about her living in France with his daughter, one viewer wrote on Reddit. Why even make them have a kid together if she is an afterthought 90 percent of the time? Nobody seems broken up about her taking Charlie.

Other viewers agreed that the lack of concern for Charlie over Delilah leaving for France was odd in the A Million Little Things Season 4 premiere.

A season of change starts TONIGHT at 10/9c on ABC & stream on Hulu. #AMillionLittleThings pic.twitter.com/kwVIW0Gl8A  A Million Little Things (@AMillionABC) September 22, 2021

RELATED: A Million Little Things Delilah: Many Fans Hope She Doesnt Return to the Show

They added ONE comment from Katherine about suing Delilah, but it was really awkward and off-putting, another Redditor wrote. Very bizarre. And with how fierce Eddie is about having custody of Theo, I find it hard to believe that Eddie would be totally OK with Charlie moving to France. Definitely a major plot hole.

Hopefully, the writers rectify the plothole soon and realize that Eddie should fight the move to France. Maybe Katherine was serious about suing Delilah if she kept Charlie away from Eddie.

A Million Little Things Season 4 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC and is available for streaming the next day on Hulu.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
Unlike his comedic peers who aspired to a spot on Johnny Carsons Tonight Show, Norm Macdonald dreamed of joining the cast of Saturday Night Live. Hired as the sixth anchor of the SNL segment, Weekend Update, Macdonald followed in the funny footsteps of celebs such as Chevy Chase, Kevin Nealon, and Jane Curtin. How did Chase and other celebrities react to Macdonalds death at the too-soon age of 61 react? Heres what we know:

Norm Macdonald is already missed

Weekend Update on SNL | Gerry Goodstein/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

When Norm Macdonald died on Sept. 14, 2021, friends and co-workers were stunned to learn the comedian had been in a private struggle with cancer for at least a decade. Chase, the first-ever Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor, called Macdonald one of the sweetest and funniest friends he ever had. According to Outsider, Chase remained in hilarious form even while mourning his late friend:

Norm MacDonald and I have been great friends for many years now. Of course, I first met him after he played the newsman on SNL. He was the best of all! Next to myself. I know Im just kidding now, because Im all teared up.

Rob Schneider, whose tenure as an SNL cast member overlapped Macdonalds by one year, turned to Twitter to mourn his late friend:

Norm, I didnt just like you. I loved you. You didnt just make me laugh. You made me cry with laughter. Im still crying today. But when I think of you, my tears will run down my face with all the memories of all the laughter and all the joys that you brought to all of us. Rest.

Seth Rogen, who hosted SNL 10 years after Macdonald left the show, credited the late Weekend Update anchor for inspiring him as a young actor. Expressing his shock and dismay at Macdonalds unexpected death, he posted on Twitter:

Oh f*ck. I was a huge fan of Norm Macdonald and I essentially ripped off his delivery when I first started acting. I would stay up specifically to watch him on talk shows. He was the funniest guest of all time. We lost a comedy giant today. One of the all-time greats. RIP.

Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels said Macdonald meant the world to everyone at SNL while offering a heartfelt tribute to Macdonald at the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards show:

When you work with somebody for that many years, and they make you laugh, and youre aware of who they are as a person and as a friend. I think Norm was one of the funniest people Ive ever known and, because hes Canadian, Id put him right up there in the top five.

Adam Sandler, who wrote dozens of SNL sketches and appeared in more than 90 episodes of the classic comedy show, remembered his Billy Madison co-star as a fearless, funny guy who gave him some of the hardest laughs of his life.

It wasnt just SNL alumni who mourned Norm Macdonald

whenever I need a lift I watch this, the Blues Bros. first ever performance. Belushi is the frontman but it is the supercool dance moves of Aykroyd that make this the most electrifying moment in SNL history. Try to keep your eyes off him. https://t.co/TCPji9OU9M via @YouTube  Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) May 22, 2021

The host of the Late Late Show with James Cordon said there was nobody like Norm Macdonald. According to US Weekly, Cordon explained:

I felt privileged any time I got to be in his orbit. He leaves us as one of the all-time great comics, perhaps the single greatest guest in the history of late-night television, I think.

Stephen Colbert regretted not having the comedy chops to come up with a good joke after Macdonald died. Explaining that only Macdonald could have come up with such a joke, Colbert said, Im going to miss the fact that theres nobody left on the planet who can do that, and the comedy world is poorer for it today.

Steve Martin called Macdonald one of a kind, while Jim Carrey described his late friend as an honest and courageous comedy genius.

Born Norman Gene Macdonald in Quebec, Canada, on Oct. 17, 1959, the future funnyman was the son of two schoolteachers. He honed his comedy at open mic nights in Toronto in the mid-1980s before appearing as a contestant on Star Search in 1990. Two years later, Macdonald landed a gig writing for the sitcom Roseanne.

Macdonalds deadpan delivery and sense of comedic timing made him an ideal Weekend Update anchor on Saturday Night Live, where he provided his singular style of news commentary from 1994 to 1997.

He left us with lots of laughter

Norm Macdonald appeared in dozens of movies throughout his too-short life, including Billy Madison, The People vs. Larry Flint, Man on the Moon, and Screwed. In addition to SNL, he lent his visage and voice to shows such as Family Guy, My Name is Earl, and A Minute with Stan Hooper. As accolades and remembrances continue to come in, well leave you with this typical Macdonald quote:
Jodie Foster has managed to attract a legion of fans due to her extraordinary talent as an actor. From Panic Room to Silence of the Lambs, its clear through her film resume why many admire the Yale graduate. However, some fans cross a line when they stalk the object of their admiration. Foster experienced this type of fan firsthand.

For celebrities constantly under the public eye, stalkers are always a risk. But Fosters situation was particularly unique since her real-life experience eerily paralleled a story arc in Taxi Driver.

John Hinckley Jr. stalked Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster | Toni Anne Barson/FilmMagic

John Hinckley Jr. developed a fascination with Jodie Foster after seeing her in Taxi Driver. As time went on, Hinckleys obsession with Foster grew. He moved to New Haven, Connecticut just to be close to the actor who was attending Yale at the time. There, he would slip Foster notes and leave messages on her phone in an attempt to grab her attention. In 1981, Hinckley attempted to win Foster over by assassinating president Ronald Reagan. Hinckley hoped it would make him famous enough for Foster to notice him. The assassination attempt was unsuccessful and only wounded President Reagan. Hinckley was sentenced to a psychiatric facility for his crimes, where he stayed until his release in 2016.

Its an experience in Fosters life that shes been mostly tight-lipped about. Foster would cancel interviews once she discovered the focus would be on her stalker. But recently, Foster opened up about the incident, getting it off her chest.

How Jodie Foster didnt want John Hinckley Jr. to define her

On the podcast WTF with Marc Maron, Maron was able to get Foster to discuss that period in her life. As it turns out, her silence on her infamous stalker was intentional, as she didnt want Hinckley to leave a permanent stain on Fosters career.

Yes, I mean, I skillfully transcended it, Foster said about the situation. My mom had been a publicist, and she was very clear that she tried to guide me to make sure that I wasnt just going to be known as the person who was involved in the shooting of the President.

According to Foster, her mom advised the young star to avoid talking about the Hinckley situation for the sake of her career. Foster did, however, broach the unusual situation one final time by writing a piece about it in Esquire. Afterward, however, Foster moved on from the issue so she wouldnt let it define her career.

I had written what I had to write about it. I got it out, and there was nothing more to say about it.

Jodie Foster regrets not making more movies

Instead of being defined by a stalker, Jodie Foster has defined her career by her contributions to film. Her accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves, and shes remembered by many as being one of the greatest actors of all time. But when it comes to filmmaking, even Foster has her fair share of regrets.

I didnt make as many movies as I was hoping I would, Foster confessed in an interview with Indiewire. I do regret that I didnt direct more in all those years, that I only managed to direct four movies in the course of 30 years or something. Thats just ridiculous, but I got busy.

RELATED: Forrest Gump: Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman, and Demi Moore All Turned Down the Role of Jenny Curran
Johnny Cash rose to international fame as a musician whose songs told honest stories about morality and redemption. His musical storytelling and public tribulations generate a perceived closeness with the Man in Black. It may come as a surprise, then, that his real name isnt Johnny Cash. The artist was born under a different name, one he eventually changed for reasons utterly unrelated to his music career.

Johnny Cash in 1977 | GAB Archive/Redferns

When was Johnny Cash born?

According to Cashs official website, he was born to Arkansas sharecroppers in 1932. He was one of seven children in the familys profoundly Baptist household. Growing up, Cash worked alongside his family, farming cotton and other season crops on their farm.

While they worked, the family would often sing hymns and other working songs to pass the time. Per CMT, Cash also spent every night in front of the familys radio, listening to stations from major cities. All of this sparked a love of music in him. According to his sister Joanne Cashs website, Cash would sing along to the radio every night, telling her that shed hear his voice on the airwaves one day.

What Johnny song do you listen to when youre in deep thought? https://t.co/Eb8UQ7JNgl pic.twitter.com/beU9x6vmdm  Johnny Cash (@JohnnyCash) September 30, 2021

His real name came from a compromise between his parents

Though Cash sounds more like a stage name, Johnny is the invention here. When the artist was born, his parents couldnt agree on a suitable first name. His father wanted to name the child Ray after himself, and his mother wanted to name him John after her father. Ultimately, they couldnt reach a decision, so they named him J.R., a compromise between the two.

Years later, in 1950, Cash had to change his name, and it had nothing to do with his desire to be a musician. He joined the Air Force, and the recruiter wouldnt accept initials as a first name. So, J.R. became John R., then later became Johnny. It appears that his mothers wishes won out in the end.

How did Johnny Cash become famous?

During his time in the Air Force, Cash worked as a radio intercept operator and started his first band, the Landsberg Barbarians. When he left the service, Cash continued to pursue music with two friends. The trio, who sang gospel music, visited local producer Sam Phillips unannounced to audition. Phillips, whod issued Elvis Presleys album and catapulted his career, liked the band but not the gospel music. He encouraged them to write secular tunes.

A year later, they came back with some Cash-written songs that performed decently well on the charts. With the release of I Walk the Line, though, Cashs career exploded. He spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart. From there, his career only went up.

In 1956 @JohnnyCash wrote and released "I Walk The Line," which went No. 1 and sold 2 million copies. His debut album, released in 1957, included hits "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" and more. Listen to Sun Records Originals: Johnny Cash here: https://t.co/KKfcQgqMSN pic.twitter.com/JAta7dqxMs  Sun Records (@sunrecords) September 22, 2021

Though he hit a few bumps along the way, Cash reached the end of his life as one of the most celebrated country artists in history. He was honored by the Recording Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

RELATED: Dolly Parton Said Johnny Cash Made Her Feel Like a Woman
Ever since that day back in 2017 when it was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were engaged to be married, theres been no shortage of comparisons between the dukes bride and Wallis Simpson. But following Megxit, there have been plenty of comparisons between Harry and his great-great-uncle, once known as King Edward VIII, who chose love over his royal duties as well.

Read on to find out whether Meghan is more like Simpson or Harry is more like the former king.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photo during visit to 1 World Trade Center in NYC | Gotham/FilmMagic

Similarities Meghan and Harry share with Simpson and Edward VIII

In 1936, Queen Elizabeth IIs uncle became King Edward VIII after the death of his father, King George V. Edward fell in love with and intended to marry Simpson. But that was a problem at the time because as king he was also the head of the Church of England and couldnt wed someone who had been married twice and divorced. King Edward VIII chose Simpson over the crown and announced his decision to abdicate the throne, which sent shockwaves through the monarchy and surprised millions of people around the world.

The main comparisons with the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Windsor are that the Meghan is also an American who was married and divorced before tying the knot with a British royal. Harrys bride was an actress which gave her the opportunity to rub elbows with some Hollywood celebrities. Simpson too had spent time in some elite celeb circles as she was a socialite.

There are plenty of parallels between Edward and Harry as well that go beyond just who they wed. Edward and his brother Albert (later King George VI) experienced a sibling rivalry which has been compared to Harry and Prince Williams strained relationship. Moreover, long before getting together with Meghan, her husband was known for his partying ways and Harrys great-great-uncle was often dubbed Playboy Prince for his wild behavior.

Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII photographed as they arrived together on a ship, circa 1946 | Bettmann / Contributor

Another thing a lot of royal fans arent aware of is that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor did a televised interview after Edwards abdication. In 1970 they, like Harry and Meghan, gave their side of the story about family issues and leaving The Firm. The interviewer spoke to Edward first before Simpson joined them. You may remember that with the Sussexes TV special, Oprah Winfrey spoke to Meghan first before Harry joined them. And oddly enough, both interviews were watched by 12 million people when they aired in the U.K.

Prince Philip reportedly thought Harrys wife could be as destructive as Simpson

One royal who reportedly voiced concerns over the similarities between Meghan and Simpson is Harrys late grandfather, Prince Philip. In the book Prince Philip Revealed, royal commentator and author Ingrid Seward said that after quitting royal life, Philip had a view of Meghan that she could be as a destructive and divisive force as Wallis.

For Philip, whose entire existence [had] been based on a devotion to doing his duty, it appeared that his grandson had abdicated his for the sake of his marriage to an American divorcee in much the same way as Edward VIII gave up his crown to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936, Seward wrote.

(L): Meghan Markle | Karwai Tang/WireImage, (R): Wallis Simpson | ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images

While Meghan happens to be from the U.S. and a divorcee like Simpson, its actually Harry who is choosing to do the same things his great-great-uncle did. Harrys decisions make it look as though hes trying to be just like his late rogue relative by not only his marriage and leaving royal life behind but also making no secret of how he feels about his family. Furthermore, the Duke of Sussex is writing a memoir just like the Duke of Windsor did after his abdication all those years ago.

Edwards book was titled A Kings Story The Memoirs of the Duke of Windsor. In it, he told the story of his early youth at Sandringham as well as his years at Naval School and the army during World War I. Edward discussed his royal tours to Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand too. But it also detailed his abdication and marriage to Wallis Simpson.

Harrys book is expected to follow that same format from his youth to his time in the army before getting to his choice to step back with his wife. Proving that Harry shares even more similarities with Edward than Meghan shares with Simpson.

RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Oprah Interview Ripped Apart After It Failed to Win Emmy
Fredrik Eklund from Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles has a bonding moment with Swedish clients when they sing and dance the traditional Little Frog Dance at a listing. Eklund and his clients gleefully dance, which flicks to his love of high kicking.

What is The Little Frog Dance?

Eklund shows a listing to a Swedish couple, but during the tour, they decide to bust out in song. Its so lovely to meet other Swedes, he tells them in a preview clip. Because then I can sing The Little Frog Dance! Shall we do it? The couple seems to be almost more into the playful song and dance than Eklund.

Fredrik Eklund from Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles demonstrates his high kick |Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Yes! they exclaim while locking arms. They all sing and elfishly dance together. The little frogs, the little frogs are funny to observe, they sing and dance.

I miss Swedish people, Eklund admits in a confessional. I mean theres something about us Swedes and I havent seen them for a long time. So naturally, when we meet I wanna sing [The Little Frog Dance]. Its an ancient, centuries-old childrens song. All three adults hop and flap their arms while they sing with gusto. Old, young, cat, dogs, everyone, Eklund continues. Everyone in Sweden sings this amazing song.

Fredrik Eklund ends the dance with his high kick

Eklund tops off the song with his signature high kick. He revealed that his kick had nothing to do with Swedish culture. Instead, it came from an iconic American film. I started doing it when I was about four, three years before the first Karate Kid movie, Eklund told Entrepreneur in 2015. I was growing so tall so fast that people almost didnt recognize me. If you look at my body, Im 6-foot-4, but Im like 6 foot in legs alone. Im all legs. I would have been a great Swedish supermodel, with big boobs and long legs.

RELATED: Million Dollar Listing: Josh Flagg Shades Fredrik Eklund  Says Hes Not Friends with Him Anymore

It was sort of like I had to do something with these legs, he added. The kick was a way for people to kind of be comfortable with me. When I enter a room, its like, Okay, here is the long legs guy. Then it became part of who I am. I just kept doing it. I think its hilarious. What it does is release endorphins. It makes me happy, so I do it when Im sad. I always, always do it when Im really excited. I do it when Im alone. I do it in front of people.

Why does Fredrik Eklund love to high kick?

Indeed, endorphins seemed to be released with his clients during the showing. Everyone is smiling and laughing and the song and dance seemed to lighten the mood. While Eklund isnt likely to try to get other clients to sing The Little Frog Dance with him, he thinks everyone should be more playful in business.

The high kick symbolizes everything I stand for in business, who I am, he said. Im in a very conservative suit and Im in a conservative board room environment, high pressure, multibillion-dollar New York real estate world, and at the same time, I high kick right in front of everyone. It says that I dont take myself too seriously and they shouldnt either.

It also shows that I have really great balance because I do it like a ballerina with perfection on one toe, he described. Then I retract to this pose back and all of the sudden Im back into the more conservative stance. It shows that Im unpredictable, too.

RELATED: Million Dollar Listing: Josh Altman Slams Fredrik Eklund for Taking Credit for LA Ratings Lift
Vicki Gunvalson is known to Bravo viewers as the OG of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Although the insurance maven is not on the hit show anymore, fans continue to follow her life on social media. After reports that Gunvalson had broken up with her fiance Steve Lodge, the reality star confirmed the news. The split comes after Lodge failed political run in the California governor recall special election.

Vicki Gunvalson and Steve Lodge | Astrid Stawiarz/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Gunvalson has been out of the limelight and living her best life. Following her exit from RHOC, she has dedicated her time to her insurance company and traveling. Gunvalson bought a condo in Mexico and last year bought a property in North Carolina, where her daughter Brianna was living at the time. Her fiance Lodge was nowhere to be found, which led to rumors that the couple had split up. Gunvalson shut down any speculation she had broken up with Lodge.

Vicki Gunvalson explains what happened

After new reports appeared that the couple had called it quits, Gunvalson confirmed the news in an Instagram post. What triggered Gunvalson to make the statement was a Vibe of the Day quote that she saw on social media.

Once you decide you want a good life, The Universe will start moving things for you to have it, the people you need will appear, the healing you need will happen, the doors you need open will unlock, the quote read. Once you truly, sincerely decide, miracles will happen.

In the caption of the post, she said, This is what appeared for todays Vibe of the day pretty appropriate for what Im going through. Its taken me a day to be able to make a statement after the press started writing about Steve and I.

Steve Lodge and Vicki Gunvalson | Phillip Faraone/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank

RELATED: RHOC: Kelly Dodd Dodd Calls Vicki Gunvalson the Cheapest Chick on Earth

Yes, the rumors are true, Gunvalson confirmed. The time has come for Steve and I to move forward or move on and we are . moving on.

Gunvalson added that there is no fault with either person but they both decided to go in different directions.

I wish him the best life has to offer and to be happy, and he has wished the same for me. I gave it my all, but sometimes the ALL isnt enough. We both have no further comment, she ended.

Vicki Gunvalson and Steve Lodge | Astrid Stawiarz/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

RELATED: RHOC Alum Vicki Gunvalson Heart Broken Over Sons Decision to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Fans react to Vicki Gunvalson calling it quits from Steve Lodge

Gunvalson continues to have a big following on social media and it wasnt long after her post that fans came in to show their support.

Oh, bummer Vicki. Your fans just love you so much and want nothing but the best for you!! We loved Steve as your companion. But life will go on. I look forward to your next chapter, a fan said.

Cant say I didnt see this coming  you need to find a man who wants to have some FUN!! a follower added.

Vicki Im so sorry you guys didnt work, but I never felt like the two of you were a perfect match. Sometimes we try to fit into someone elses life because we love them, an Instagram user said.

Gunvalson will be returning to reality TV in a Peacock special that will reunite former Real Housewives stars for a getaway at Dorinda Medleys place at the Berkshires.
Ana Navarro has been trending on social media since the viral moment on The View. The part-time co-host made an appearance the same day Kamala Harris was to be interviewed by the shows panel. However, things went out of control when she was informed she had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Haters like Donald Trump Jr. took the opportunity to poke at Navarro but the fiery political analyst clapped back and fans had her back.

Ana Navarro | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

What did Donald Trump Jr. say about Ana Navarro?

The View fans now know that Navarros test result was a false positive and subsequent tests proved she didnt have COVID-19. Despite the facts, Trump Jr. took the opportunity to take a jab at Navarro in the middle of uncertainty for the political commentator. Navarro has been highly critical of Trump Jr.s father during his time in the White House despite being affiliated with the Republican party.

Given the Ana Navarro news, I think its time for a national conversation about the dangers of Covid-19 & obesity, Trump Jr. posted on Twitter.

However, viewers that know Navarro, know that she is not one to receive a jab and not throw a punch back. The ABC television personality quoted Trump Jr.s tweet and fired back with a brutal comeback.

@DonaldJTrumpJr, thanks for your concern, Navarro said. I dont have COVID. Fortunately for you, if you want to have a conversation about the effects of obesity on people with COVID, your dad is a phone call away assuming he answers your calls. Or just ask your sister to call him for you.

Ana Navarro | Heidi Gutman/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

RELATED: RHONY Star Eboni K. Williams to Guest Co-Host The View as Conservative Voice in Meghan McCains Role

Ana Navarro is not done ending Donald Trump Jr.

A day later, Navarro saw that her tweet clapping back at Trump Jr. went viral on the social platform. In addition to what she tweeted, Navarro shared the message exchange on Instagram. The Nicaraguan-born star exposed Trump Jr. and added to her previous take on Twitter.

Im trending on Twitter because of this post. And rather relishing it. The whole Trump family are just a bunch of grifter estupidos, she posted. Imagine having a father whose a is the size of Rhode Island, and taking advantage of it being reported I had COVID to take a shot at my weight. At least Im not orange or twice impeached.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUTVFnqMKDV/

RELATED: Whoopi Goldberg Recalls Time She Was Canceled for George W. Bush Joke and How The View Saved Her

Ana Navarro gets support from fans

After Navarro published her post exposing Trump Jr., fans quickly swarmed in to express their support for The View co-host.

These people just keep hitting lower and lower. Your answers always bring me life and a little laugh, a fan replied.

Good clap back Ana!!!!!! Thats why you are my girl! a follower added.

And you are beautiful inside and out unlike their family, an Instagram user said.

Why is it that with women its always a shot at their weight?? Seriously, another fan questioned.

Ana Navarro | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

RELATED: Meghan McCain Reveals Whats Next After The View Exit

The nerve and audacity these people have putting that on Twitter! Good for you, giving it a right back, another follower commented.

Someone call the burn unit for DumbDumb Jr!!! Nice one Anna! Stay strongwe [love] you!!! another Instagram user mentioned.

The View airs weekday mornings at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT/CT on ABC.
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In this June 16, 2020, photo, people gather near the Father Junipero Serra statue on the Capitol Park grounds in Sacramento, California. More than a year after protesters toppled the statue of the Spanish missionary on the grounds of the California Capitol, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Sept. 24, 2021, to replace it with a memorial for the states Native people. The statue of Father Junipero Serra had stood in Capitol Park since 1967.
When we think about the rapid technological changes within the last ten years or so, obviously nothing has had quite the same impact as social media. Statistics suggest that Americans average around two and a half hours of their day on social media, over 900 hours a year.

In an age when we are more connected than ever, the rates of loneliness and depression are also higher than before. In a recent study from Harvards Making Caring Common Project, reports suggest that 36% of all Americansincluding 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young childrenfeel serious loneliness. Not surprisingly, loneliness appears to have increased substantially since the outbreak of the global pandemic.

For such a time as this, Christians face some watershed questions: how do we use our social media presence and platform for Gods glory? How do we use our social media to help curb loneliness? Ultimately, how do we use our social media for good?

Before Twitter existed, the wise king Solomon shared short bits of ancient wisdom. We find, throughout his Proverbs, good guidance when it comes to our social media usage today:

Choose healing.

Proverbs 12:18 says, The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. The old cliche, hurt people hurt people feels like it has never been truer than it is today. People on all sides of every issue are lonely and wounded, and those lonely people spend their days on social media wounding others.

The world makes jokes about rage-posting, but we need to take our emotions seriously before going on social media. We need to check our emotional temperatures before posting, scrolling, and engaging. Are you entering your social media spaces while in an intense emotional state? Are you there to convince others of your right position? Are you posting to degrade another image-bearer? Are you sharing clickbait or insults? Are you venting ragefully?

Its easy to tear others down or share hot-takes that prove your point. It takes more intentionality to use your voice and your words as a source of healing. Before posting, evaluate the state of your own emotionsgo for a walk or check in with a friend, say a prayer, read liturgythen go online with self-health and healing others in mind.

Promote kindness.

Proverbs 16:23-24, The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. As Gods image-bearers, we are Gods tselem, his living statues, his representatives; we are here to mediate his presence on this earth, including social media. Remember that as you engage on social media, you represent Jesus to a hurting world.

And really, if you would not say it to someone over coffee or across the dinner table, it should not be said on social media. Wisdom teaches us that in choosing our words carefully, both online and in real life, we have the opportunity to teach others what it means to live a life for Christ in this world.

Kind and compassionate words refresh the souls of others and reveal that we have a kind and compassionate God.

Post sparingly.

Proverbs 17:17, The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Perhaps the most dangerous part of online interaction is how easy it is to forget that embodied image-bearers are on the other side of every post and comment. And the more we post, the more opportunity we have to dishonor the image of God in others.

The world does not need more noise; it needs thoughtful, compassionate content. Each time you go online, ask the Spirit of God to help you remember that the world is isolated and lonely, in need of the great love of God in Jesus. Leverage your voice and your platform for the good of others by choosing words that heal, words that promote kindness, words that speak shalom (justice and peace) over others, and words that are filled with godly wisdom.

Pastors Brian From and Aubrey Sampson host The Common Good podcast Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm (CT) on AM1160 Hope for Your Life. Aubrey is the author of The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament and the upcoming Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything. Brian leads Four Corners Community Church in Darian, Illinois. They are passionate about civility, compassion, and unity in a divided world.
Countries with religion-related terrorist activity at a record low of 49 after five consecutive years of decline. Yet 28 nations still suffered more than 50 people injured or killed.

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Image: Carl Court / Getty Images

A man cries as he prays in the street near St. Anthony's Shrine one week on from Easter terrorism attacks that killed more than 250 people, on April 28, 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Government restrictions on religion are at a global high.

Social hostility toward religion, however, is at its lowest level worldwide since ISIS.

So says data analyzed by the Pew Research Center in its 12th annual measurement of the extent to which 198 nations and territoriesand their citizensimpinge on religious belief and practice.

The 2021 report, released today, draws primarily from more than a dozen UN, US, European, and civil society sources, and reflects pre-pandemic conditions from 2019, the latest year with available data.

Matching a peak from 2012, 57 nations (29%) record very high or high levels of government restrictionsan uptick of one nation from 2018. The global median on Pews 10-point scale held steady at 2.9, after a steady rise since the baseline of 1.8 in 2007, the reports first year measured.

Regional differences are apparent: The Middle East and North Africa scored 6.0; Asia-Pacific scored 4.1; Europe scored 2.9; Sub-Saharan Africa scored 2.6; and the Americas scored 2.0.

But across the globe, restrictions are present.

Most common, according to Pew, is government harassment of religious groups. More than 9 in 10 nations (180 total) tallied at least one incident. Also common is government interference in worship. More than 8 in 10 nations (163 total) recorded incidents.

And nearly half (48%) of all nations used force against religious groups. China, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Sudan, and Syria tallied over 10,000 incidents each.

For example, Pew noted: Renewed fighting between the military and armed ethnic organizations in the [Myanmar] states of Kachin and northern Shan deeply impacted Christians, according to USCIRF. In 2019, thousands were displacedincluding many Christiansin addition to more than 120,000 Rohingya who already had been internally displaced, and the military damaged over 300 churches.

While increases were noted in the above categories, the overall median score stayed level due to decreases in two categories. Fewer countries had limits on proselytizing and on foreign missionaries (on both metrics, 77 nations in 2019, down from 81 in 2018). And there were fewer reports of countries denouncing religious groups as cults or sects (26 nations in 2019, down from 30 in 2018).

The number of nations recording very high scores also decreased, from 26 to 23, matching the lowest total since 2015. Kyrgyzstan and Sudan were added to the ranks of the very high, while Mauritania, Morocco, Vietnam, Western Sahara, and Yemen scored lower this year.

Overall, all but 14 nations scored about the same as the prior year. Modest increases of 1.0 or more were recorded in six countries, while eight declined similarly. No nations registered a large variance of 2.0 or more in their score.

Pew noted that due to the inability of independent observers to have regular access, North Korea has not been included in the report. Also not included are two new measures among the 20 in Pews Government Restrictions Index, in order to maintain continuity with previous reports.

But adapting their methodology in step with a changing world, Pew will hereafter track online restrictions on religion as well as the use of new technologies for surveillance of religion.

For online restrictions, researchers identified 28 nations, including 50 percent of the Middle East and North Africa (10 nations), and 30 percent of Asia-Pacific (15 nations). Two European nations and one from the Americas complete the list.

For surveillance, six of the 10 nations are concentrated in Asia-Pacific, with two in the Middle East and North Africa and two in Europe.

For example, the United Arab Emirates blocked online testimonies from Muslim converts to Christianity. And in China, authorities used facial recognition technology to monitor and collect biometric data on Uyghur Muslims and other groups deemed to be potential threats.

But while governments around the world increasingly restrict religious freedom, the people of the world appear to be growing in their respect for it.

Social hostilities toward religion are present at very high or high levels in 43 nations (22%). This is down from 53 nations the prior year, and a peak of 65 nations in 2012. Meanwhile Pews global median score declined from 2.0 to 1.7, its lowest level since 2014.

Social hostilities declined in 2019 partly due to a decrease in reports of terrorism, mob violence, and hostilities against proselytizing, Samirah Majumdar, the reports lead researcher, told CT.

Pew highlighted declines in five of the 13 measures of its Social Hostilities Index.

Religion-related terrorism (including deaths, physical abuse, displacement, detentions, destruction of property, and fundraising and recruitment by terrorist groups) was recorded in 49 nationsa record low, down from 64 the prior year and from a high of 82 in 2014 (which led the US State Department to declare terrorism as the persecuted churchs biggest threat). In sub-Saharan Africa the number of countries experiencing religious terrorism stayed stable, in all other regions the tally dropped.

However, 28 nations did experience terrorist violence resulting in more than 50 injuries or deathsa grim tally that has stayed relatively stable since 2013. When the report began in 2007, fewer than 10 nations suffered the same.

Pew highlighted Sri Lanka as the worst example in 2019. Over 250 people were killed and 500 injured during an ISIS-affiliated series of bombings at churches and hotels on Easter Sunday. But Afghanistan was also noted, for attacks carried out by the Taliban.

Mob violence was recorded in 34 nations, down from 41. And social hostilities stemming from proselytism were recorded in 28 nations, down from 35.

Efforts to enforce a dominant religion or religious norms also declined. Group hostility was recorded in 94 nations, down from 104, and individual hostility in 74 nations, down from 85.

Bolivia was highlighted, as unlike the year before there were no reports of Protestant missionaries expelled from rural areas by practitioners of indigenous belief. And in Egypt, while violence toward Christians continued, there were fewer abductions and displacements reported, leading to a reduction of social hostilities from very high to high.

Pew also tallied the type of force or violence inflicted around the world. Property damage (occurring in 59% of nations), physical assaults (in 40%), detentions (in 35%), killings (in 24%), and displacement (in 19%) were ranked from most to least common.

Again, regional differences were apparent: the Middle East and North Africa scored 3.8; Europe scored 2.1; Asia-Pacific scored 1.9; Sub-Saharan Africa scored 1.7; and the Americas scored 0.7. Only Europe ticked upward. In Denmark, Pew noted, vandals destroyed over 80 tombstones in a Jewish cemetery on the anniversary of a 1938 pogrom.

The number of nations scoring very high levels of social hostilities also decreased, from 10 to 8, the lowest tally in over a decade. The Central African Republic and Egypt were removed from the list.

Overall, there was more variance in social hostilities year-over-year than in government restrictions. Modest increases in score of 1.0 or more were recorded in 10 countries, while 32 declined similarly. One nationBurkina Fasoscored a large increase of 2.0 or more, while Armenia, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Romania declined by the same amount.

Christians and Muslims remain the religious groups receiving harassment most widely. The number of nations harassing Christians increased from 145 to 153, while the nations harassing Muslims increased from 139 to 147. Jews, harassed in 89 nations (up from 88), were the only group to receive more pressure from society than from government.

An other category of Baha'is, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians followed, harassed in 68 nations, followed by folk religions in 32. Violations against Buddhists (in 25), Hindus (in 21), and an unaffiliated category of atheists, agnostics, and humanists (in 22) were less widespread.

In addition to a tally of nations, Pew also organized data to measure the impact of restrictions and hostilities on a wide scope of humanity. Among the 25 largest nationsrepresenting 75 percent of the world populationEgypt, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Russia recorded the highest overall levels. Japan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Italy, and the United States ranked lowest.

If measuring just government restrictions, China, Iran, and Indonesia join Egypt and Russia with the highest scores. If measuring just social hostilities, then Bangladesh replaces Russia in the grouping.

Only China and Japan score low levels of social hostility, however. The United States, while lowest overall among the 25 most populous nations, is ranked along with Iran and Italy as moderate.

Grading took place on a scale. The top 5 percent of nations in each index are categorized as very high, while the next 15 percent are high. The following 20 percent are categorized as moderate, while the remaining 60 percent are low.

Terrorism and war can have huge direct and indirect effects on religious groups, including destroying religious sites, displacing whole communities and inflaming sectarian passions, Pew researchers noted. Accordingly, [Pew] tallied the number, location and consequences of religion-related terrorism and armed conflict around the world, as reported in the same primary and secondary sources used to document other forms of intimidation and violence. However, war and terrorism are sufficiently complex that it is not always possible to determine the degree to which they are religiously motivated or state sponsored.
Dog the Bounty Hunter's Christian faith prompts him to join search for Brian Laundrie: spokesperson

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Just days after joining the hunt for fugitive Brian Laundrie, Duane Chapman, who is better known as "Dog the Bounty Hunter," has already made significant contributions to the case  and it's his Christian faith that drives him.

In a statement to The Christian Post, Dog's spokesperson, Jennifer Willingham, explained that the bounty hunter's faith compelled him to join the search for Laundrie, a person of interest in the homicide of his 22-year-old fiancee, Gabby Petito.

She revealed that Dog and his new wife, Francie, were honeymooning on Marco Island, Florida, when the manhunt began.

"Dog and Francie, who are devout Christians, felt as if their proximity to the search was not a coincidence and they wanted to do something to help the Petito family," she said. "At the same time, Dog's fans were sending him tips and urging him to join the search."

"Therefore, Dog and his team, including his daughter Lyssa and Francie's son Greg who are working from Hawaii and Colorado respectively, opened up a formal tip line, 833-TELLDOG, and volunteered their time to search for Mr. Laundrie this past weekend."

Fox News reported on Thursday that the reality star, who joined the search for Laundrie earlier this week, came across a fresh campsite deep in the woods of a Florida park where he and his team found a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold.

Despite the find, Dog's team did not find solid evidence that Laundrie is in the woods on Egmont Key, located just southwest of the 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park. Dog believes that Laundrie is hiding somewhere in the park, which is made up of five interconnected islands.

"This would be and could be a perfect spot for him to hide, not too many people out here. But there's a lot of environmental things that we're going to fight," he said in a video posted to Twitter.

"So here we go. The search now is really on. The search has just begun," the 68-year-old added.

Dog, who has apprehended more than 8,000 fugitives, revealed Wednesday that boat crews and ground teams had been called in and rescue dogs deployed to the search area.

UPDATE: Video is from this morning  earlier today we launched an active and specific search in a key area based on the intelligence we are receiving and researching. Boat crews and ground teams have been called in and we have search and rescue dogs deployed. More to follow... pic.twitter.com/g2tq85JTZX  Duane Dog Chapman (@DogBountyHunter) September 29, 2021

Petito, an aspiring travel blogger, was reported missing Sept. 11 by her parents after not responding to calls and texts for several days while she and Laundrie visited parks in the western United States. Her body was discovered on Sept. 19 in a remote area in northwestern Wyoming.

Though her death has been ruled a homicide, authorities in Wyoming haven't revealed how she died pending further autopsy results.

Willingham revealed that Dog and his team have the blessing of the Petito family to be involved and have been in touch periodically.

"During their search, they have unearthed multiple new leads. They will be continuing the hunt in the coming days, following evidence and tips in an effort to aid law enforcement," she said.

In the days ahead, Willingham said that Dog and Francie intend to work in ministry together and continue the search for missing persons and fugitives.

Some, like MSNBC's Joy Reid, have complained about the media's "disproportionate" coverage of Petito's case, arguing that she is receiving more attention than other missing or murdered women because she is white.

But in an op-ed for The Christian Post, Ghanaian Canadian Samuel Sey refuted such theories.

"There are several reasons why Gabby Petito has received significant attention, and there's no legitimate reason to believe racism is one of these reasons. Petito was a Youtuber with a relatively strong social media following. She was also a member of the close-knit van life community," he wrote.

"Gabby Petito is the victim of an exceptionally odd and evil missing person and murder case. That's the main reason why her case has received significant attention."
ERLC, faith groups defend Texas inmates right to have pastor lay hands on him during execution

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The Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and the National Association of Evangelicals joined with five other faith and religious freedom groups on Monday to defend the right of a Texas death row inmate to have his pastor lay hands on him and pray as he receives a lethal injection for murdering a man in 2004.

The inmate, John Henry Ramirez, 37, had his execution for the murder of 46-year-old convenience store worker Pablo Castro in Corpus Christi delayed by the U.S. Supreme Court on Sept. 8, the Associated Press reported. The nation's high court also ordered a briefing schedule for Ramirez's plea to have a pastor present to be argued in October or November.

The ERLC and the Seventh-Day Adventist General Conference joined the Christian Legal Society, the Anglican Church in North America, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, the National Association of Evangelicals, Queens Federation of Churches and the Rutherford Institute in a 33-page amicus brief in support of Ramirez's "religious exercise."

"In carrying out the execution of John Henry Ramirez, the State of Texas ... will substantially burden his right of religious exercise if it imposes a blanket ban on his pastor engaging in audible prayer or touching him to give spiritual comfort at his moment of death," the brief states.

"Previous cases in this Court have already indicated the importance of the right to such meaningful spiritual comfort in the execution chamber for a condemned prisoner of any faith. The amici joining this brief, who include Christian religious bodies of varying theological views, affirm the importance of that right."

Ramirez stabbed Castro 29 times during a robbery in 2004, from which he only got $1.25 after a three-day drug binge with two women who were with him at the time of the murder. He fled to Mexico after the attack but was arrested 3.5 years later and sentenced to death.

His lawyer, Seth Kretzer, argued that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was violating his First Amendment rights to practice his religion by preventing his pastor from laying hands and making vocal prayers as he received his lethal injection.

"It is hostile toward religion, denying religious exercise at the precise moment it is most needed: when someone is transitioning from this life to the next," Kretzer said in court documents.

Dana Moore, Ramirez's spiritual adviser the last four years and pastor at Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, told the AP that "John's sentence wasn't death and you can't have any meaningful contact."

"He is paying for his crime," Moore is quoted as saying. "I guess the question that would come up, is that not enough?"

Mark Skurka, the lead prosecutor at Ramirez's 2008 trial who is now retired, said the inmate's victim did not have the luxury of a pastor praying for him when he was murdered and supports limitations due to security concerns.

"Pablo Castro didn't get to have somebody praying over him as this guy stabbed him 29 times," Skurka said. "Pablo Castro didn't get afforded such niceties and things like to have a clergyman present."

In their amicus brief, the faith and religious freedom groups cited four distinct reasons that the state has failed to justify this substantial burden under the demanding standard of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

"The State has failed its obligation under RLUIPA to present specific evidencenot merely generalized assertions or speculationas to why banning these practices is necessary to serve order and security," they noted.

The groups explained that Texas attempted to excuse its failure to present specific evidence to shift the burden of proof back to Ramirez concerning less restrictive means and compelling interests. They contend, however, that "under RLUIPA, both the burden of production and the burden of persuasion remain on the State, not the person whose religious exercise is substantially burdened."

Even if Texas were to demonstrate that denials of audible prayer and physical touching further a compelling interest, the brief asserts the state must also prove that the rejections are the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.

"The State has multiple less restrictive means of maintaining order and security, and it has not demonstrated that these are inadequate," the brief maintains. "It can (and does) vet and train outside spiritual advisors, and if their actions cause disruption, it can remove them from the chamber and impose penalties. And as Ramirez has suggested, the State can require that audible prayers be soft and nondisruptive."

The faith groups further argue that Texas undercut its argument that a blanket ban on "audible prayer and physical touching are necessary to serve compelling interests" because they have previously allowed the practice in previous executions.

"It has already permitted audible prayer by spiritual advisors in the execution 7 chamber. And it has already permitted spiritual advisors to place their hands on inmates during the execution procedure," the brief reads. "Accordingly, Ramirez is entitled to a continued injunction to prevent him from being executed in a manner inconsistent with his right to exercise his religion in the last minutes of his life. And this Court should order that if the State continues to ban these religious practices, the case should be remanded to litigate Ramirez's demand for a permanent injunction against the State's ban."
Federal judge blocks Arizona's genetic-abnormality abortion ban

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A federal judge has struck down a crucial part of an Arizona law banning abortions based on genetic abnormalities, accusing the state of providing women seeking abortions with "misinformation."

U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Rayes, appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama, struck down a portion of a pro-life Arizona law that criminalizes the performance of an abortion "knowing that the abortion is sought because of a genetic abnormality of the child."

In his ruling Tuesday obtained by The Arizona Republic, Rayes alleged that the provision of Senate Bill 1457 "essentially requires providers to mislead their patients into believing that their constitutionally protected choice is unlawful."

Additionally, he concluded that the law was designed to "make it less likely that a woman, though desiring to terminate her pregnancy because of a fetal genetic abnormality, will successfully exercise her right to do so" and accused the measure of perpetuating "state-mandated misinformation."

In response to Rayes' ruling, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich vowed to appeal the decision.

"Our job is to defend the law, and we will continue to do so," he said in a statement. "Whether it's pushing back against unconstitutional mandates or defending our laws against pro-abortion activists, we will continue to lead the charge and stand up for Arizonans."

While Rayes struck down a portion of Senate Bill 1457 that bans abortions based on genetic abnormalities, he left other parts of the law in place.

He declined to invalidate the provision of the law awarding unborn children at every stage of development "all rights, privileges and immunities available to other persons, citizens and residents of this state."

Provisions of the law requiring the cremation or burial of aborted babies and banning the distribution of abortion pills by mail were also left untouched by Rayes.

Arizona is one of several states that have enacted bans on abortions performed based on genetic abnormalities.

Other states that have banned abortions based on Down syndrome diagnosis or other congenital abnormalities include North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah, Tennessee and Indiana. The laws have received a mixed reception from the courts, with appellate courts upholding the measures in Ohio and Tennessee while the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Arkansas' abortion ban.

As courts in the United States continue to debate the constitutionality of laws prohibiting the abortion of babies based on genetic abnormalities, Poland's Constitutional Tribunal, the country's equivalent of a Supreme Court, found that a law permitting such abortions to take place violated the Polish constitution. Meanwhile, last week, the United Kingdom's High Court of Justice upheld a law allowing abortions based on fetal abnormalities after 24 weeks gestation.

Supporters of the bans on abortions based on genetic abnormalities argue that terminating pregnancies because of a prenatal diagnosis constitutes eugenics. They point to the near-extinction of babies born with Down syndrome in Denmark and other European countries as a cause for concern.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned in 2019 concurring opinion of the "potential for abortion to become a tool of eugenic manipulation."

"With today's prenatal screening tests and other technologies, abortion can easily be used to eliminate children with unwanted characteristics," Thomas wrote.

"In Iceland, the abortion rate for children diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero approaches 100%," he added. "Other European countries have similarly high rates, and the rate in the United States is approximately two-thirds."

A group of children with Down syndrome appeared in a 2018 video asking to be put on the international endangered species list.

Public opinion polling has indicated that most Americans support bans on abortions based on genetic abnormalities. A poll conducted by Marist on behalf of the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus released earlier this year found that 70% of Americans, including 59% of Democrats and 56% of those who self-identify as pro-choice, oppose or strongly oppose "abortion because the child will be born with Down syndrome."
Colorado medical school sued for denying religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandate

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A medical school in Colorado has been sued by a student and a faculty member who allege that they were wrongfully punished for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds.

The two plaintiffs, one Catholic and one Buddhist, have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado on Wednesday against the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine.

According to the lawsuit, the university rejected their requests for an exemption to a schoolwide mandate even though the two unnamed plaintiffs hold religious objections to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the lawsuit, the university would only grant religious exemptions to individuals whose religious beliefs involved opposing "all immunizations," as opposed to just objections to the COVID-19 vaccine.

As a result, the Catholic staff member is facing a possible termination while the Buddhist student has already been compelled to take a "leave of absence" from his coursework.

"Plaintiffs are aware that hospitals and medical schools across the country, and within the University of Colorado's own health care system, have offered religious accommodations to similarly situated individuals who work directly with and around COVID vulnerable patients," argued the lawsuit.

"Their experience, which is consistent with national media reports, confirms that there can be no compelling interest in categorically forbidding similar accommodations for Plaintiffs here simply on the basis of the nature of their religious beliefs and the University's view of the veracity of those beliefs."

Thomas More Society Vice President and Senior Counsel Peter Breen, whose organization is representing the plaintiffs, claimed in a statement that the university had "enacted a policy dividing its staff and students into two categories based on their religious beliefs."

"The 'sheep' whose religions teach the approved orthodoxy receive exemptions to the university's Covid vaccine mandate, but the 'goats' who hold non-approved religious beliefs are refused exemptions, and then fired or expelled," Breen stated.

Breen believes the university was "rendering value judgments on believers in an inquisition that further violates the First Amendment."

According to the Anschutz School of Medicine's website, all students, faculty and other personnel must be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they successfully apply for an exemption based on medical or religious objections.

"Unvaccinated individuals are required to follow alternative procedures on campus, which include completing the daily health questionnaire, wearing masks and distancing and complying with mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing," the school's website explains.

As more schools and businesses require COVID-19 vaccinations for their personnel, some have objected for religious reasons. Some object over how cell lines from aborted fetuses were used in the vaccine research.

In July, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York issued a memorandum saying that priests can't grant religious exemptions for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Pope Francis has made it very clear that it is morally acceptable to take any of the vaccines and said we have the moral responsibility to get vaccinated," a memo from New York Archdiocese Chancellor John P. Cahill reads.

"By doing so [a priest] is acting in contradiction to the directives of the Pope and is participating in an act that could have serious consequences to others."

In New York, 17 healthcare workers filed a lawsuit seeking religious exemptions to a vaccine mandate that required more than 600,000 workers in public and private hospitals and nursing homes to receive their first dose of the vaccine by Monday.

They were also represented by the Thomas More Society. On Sept. 14, a federal judge issued an order temporarily preventing the New York health department from rejecting employer-approved religious exemptions. The order was extended last week and will last until Oct. 12. Their lawsuit pushes back on the memo from Catholic leadership in New York.

"They do not accept the opinion  expressed by certain other Catholic bishops, the Pope included  that there is a therapeutically proportional reason to resort to abortion-connected vaccines which can justify 'remote' cooperation in abortion," the lawsuit argues. "They reject as a matter of religious conviction any medical cooperation in abortion, no matter how 'remote.'"

In July, two students at a dental school in Missouri were granted religious exemptions to a vaccine mandate after a Christian conservative legal group sent a demand letter.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf slammed for calling March for Life 'anti-woman rally'

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The governor of Pennsylvania is facing intense criticism from pro-life activists after referring to the Pennsylvania March for Life as an "anti-woman rally."

Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf took to Twitter Monday after the Pennsylvania March for Life took place on the steps of the State Capitol in Harrisburg.

"Today's 'March for Life' in Harrisburg is just an anti-woman rally by a different name," Wolf argued. "They want to remove health care options during pregnancy  a time when so many already can't access life-saving care. I've vetoed 3 anti-choice bills. I'll veto any others that come to me."

Todays March for Life in Harrisburg is just an anti-woman rally by a different name.



They want to remove health care options during pregnancy  a time when so many already can't access life-saving care.



I've vetoed 3 anti-choice bills. I'll veto any others that come to me.  Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) September 27, 2021

Wolf received swift backlash for his comments from the speakers who addressed the pro-life advocates gathered at the event.

Abby Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood director who has become an outspoken pro-life advocate, replied to Wolf's tweet by categorically rejecting his characterization of the rally as "anti-woman."

"'Anti-woman' rally where the majority of [attendees] and speakers were women," Johnson tweeted. "Lol. You are a joke."

Anti-woman rally where the majority of attendee and speakers were women. Lol. You are a joke.  Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) September 27, 2021

Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, tweeted that the "women who marched today on behalf of innocent human life would disagree" with the governor's assessment.

"We need more politicians who understand their first responsibility is to protect their own citizens, including the most vulnerable - the unborn," Mancini asserted.

@GovernorTomWolf the women who marched today on behalf of innocent human life would disagree. We need more politicians who understand their first responsibility is to protect their own citizens, including the most vulnerable - the unborn. https://t.co/955TpWtO0O  Jeanne F. Mancini (@jeannemfl) September 27, 2021

Speakers at the rally criticized Wolf's stance on the abortion issue.

Michael Geer of the Pennsylvania Family Institute lamented that "some in that building behind you, including our governor  have chosen to ignore the silent scream of the innocents, the more than 2 million preborn babies who have lost their lives to abortion here in Pennsylvania alone since the Roe v. Wade decision."

When Geer mentioned the governor, the crowd began to boo.

Other speakers at the march included the top Republicans in the state legislature, Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward and State House Speaker Bryan Cutler.

College student Elena Liguori, Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Rev. Herb Lusk III of Greater Exodus Baptist Church and Toni McFadden of the pro-life group Relationship Matters also spoke.

Ryan Bomberger of the pro-life group the Radiance Foundation, a Christian Post columnist, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

As he indicated in his tweet, Wolf has vetoed multiple pro-life bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, including a bill that would ban dismemberment abortions. Wolf is term-limited and cannot run for a third term in office. He is scheduled to leave office when his term expires in 2023.

Mancini elaborated on the rationale for holding a march in Pennsylvania in an op-ed published in Townhall over the weekend.

She warned that a case currently before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has the potential to "strike down Pennsylvania's law prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion via Medicaid."

"It gets worse," she added. "A win for the abortion industry in this case would not only force state funding of abortion, but would likely enshrine abortion as a right in Pennsylvania's constitution."

In the past, there have been tense encounters between pro-life activists and public officials in Pennsylvania.

In 2019, Democratic State Rep. Brian Sims sparked outrage after harassing an elderly pro-life protester stationed outside a Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia and offering $100 to anyone who identified a woman and her two daughters praying outside the clinic. Sims, who later apologized for his behavior, is now running for lieutenant governor.

In 2017, as pro-life teenagers demonstrated on a sidewalk outside Downingtown STEM Academy in the Philadelphia suburb of Downington, the school's assistant principal at the time, Zach Ruff, angrily confronted them. He told the pro-life protesters to "go to Hell where they are too" and asserted preborn babies "are not children" but "cells." Ruff was placed on administrative leave shortly after the encounter and later resigned.
Planned Parenthood: Texas law turned call centers into hotlines for people pregnant 'against their will'

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The head of the largest abortion provider in the United States is alleging that Texas' heartbeat abortion ban has turned her organization's call centers into "crisis hotlines" for people who have become pregnant "against their will."

Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson slammed Texas Senate Bill 8, which prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, in a statement after filing a petition last Thursday to the U.S. Supreme Court asking the justices to invalidate the law.

On Sept. 1, the bill took effect after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant an emergency injunction to block it from taking effect.

"Planned Parenthood call centers have become crisis hotlines and health center staff have become crisis counselors," McGill Johnson said in the statement. "For three weeks, Texans have been without access to basic health care that is their constitutional right  forced to travel out of state to get care or carry pregnancies against their will."

Signed into law in May, Texas' Senate Bill 8 bans most abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks gestation. Additionally, it allows individuals to take civil action against anyone who "performs and induces an abortion" or "knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion, including paying for or reimbursing the costs of abortion through insurance or otherwise."

The petition to the Supreme Court was endorsed by other abortion advocates, including the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Whole Woman's Health. It alleged that "Texans are in crisis" due to S.B. 8.

"Faced with the threat of unlimited lawsuits from the general populace and the prospect of ruinous liability if they violate the ban, abortion providers have been forced to comply. As a result, Texans with means must now travel hundreds of miles each way to other States during a pandemic, just to exercise a clearly established federal right," the petition reads. "The surge of Texans seeking out-of-state appointments for this time-sensitive medical care is causing backlogs in those States, delaying abortions by weeks for Texans and non-Texans alike."

Employees of abortion clinics shared the impact that S.B. 8 has had on their day-to-day operations with The New York Times. Jennifer Reince, who works at Trust Women Oklahoma City, recalled that as soon as S.B. 8 became effective in Texas, "We had every line lit up for eight hours straight."

Marva Sadler works at Whole Woman's Health, which operates four clinics in Texas. She told the publication that "I think a majority of women are being sentenced to being parents."

Pro-life groups, meanwhile, are rejecting the idea that Planned Parenthood and abortions are the only reprieves for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Jeff Bradford, president of the pro-life non-profit Human Coalition, told The Christian Post in a statement Wednesday that Planned Parenthood is "not equipped" to offer the kind of solutions women need.

"Human Coalition offers counseling for which Planned Parenthood is obviously not equipped. We have discovered through our clinical work that 76% of women would choose to parent if their circumstances were different. The average client interacts with Human Coalition within 24-48 hours of planning to obtain an abortion," Bradford said.

"We meet a woman wherever she is and offer her immediate long-lasting support ranging from financial assistance and housing to education and job training. Planned Parenthood has never offered real solutions to the challenges women are facing."

As litigation against Senate Bill 8 continues, the House of Representatives has approved the Women's Health Protection Act. Passed with the support of all but one House Democrat and no Republicans, the bill would codify the right to abortion found in the 1973 Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade into federal law and overrule many pro-life laws passed at the state level.
PolitiFact debunks claim that taxing churches would lower rates for individuals

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Removing religious tax exemptions from churches would not lower the tax rate for individuals in the United States, according to a recent analysis from the prominent fact-checking website PolitiFact.

In August, a Facebook post went viral claiming that the annual cost of religious tax exemption was $71 billion and that "if the church paid taxes, everyone would only have to pay 3% taxes."

However, Tom Kertscher of PolitiFact posted a fact-check on Tuesday that rated the claim "false."

Noting that the post ignores multiple aspects about churches and taxation, Kertscher explained that "the post was flagged as part of Facebook's efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed."

"Tax-exempt organizations are still subject to some taxes. For example, the exemption doesn't apply to the payroll taxes that cover the costs of Medicare and Social Security for their paid employees," Kertscher wrote.

"Tax-exempt organizations that have paid employees are required to pay their share of these payroll taxes and withhold their employees' share, too."

Jared Walczak of the Tax Foundation told the outlet that churches' actual federal tax exemption cost was $2.4 billion, not $71 billion. Additionally, Walczak maintained that stripping churches of their tax-exempt status would only add 0.06% to the federal revenue.

"Even if governments went all-in on the taxation of churches, tossing out all the ordinary rules of taxation, they could only generate a few billion dollars, a drop in the bucket in a system with $3.8 trillion in federal tax collections and about $1.8 trillion in state and local tax collections," Walczak added.

"Even if we bent logic to treat churches as for-profit entities, and assumed an ordinary rate of profit for them, the tiny amount of additional revenue this would generate wouldn't budge individuals' effective tax rate at all."

The idea of eliminating tax-exempt status from churches has gained traction among Democrats in recent years.

In 2019, then-Democratic presidential primary candidate Beto O'Rourke declared at a CNN town hall that, if elected, he would end the tax exemption of churches, schools and charities that oppose same-sex marriage.

"There can be no reward, no benefit, no tax break for anyone or any institution, any organization in America that denies the full human rights and the full civil rights of every single one of us," stated O'Rourke at the time.

While O'Rourke received much applause for his stance, his remarks also garnered backlash from liberals and conservatives.

O'Rourke's openly gay primary opponent, Pete Buttigieg, alleged that O'Rourke did not understand "the implications of what he was saying." Buttigieg warned about the potential consequences of enacting such a policy.

"That means going to war, not only with churches, but I would think with mosques and a lot of organizations that may not have the same view of various religious principles that I do," Buttigieg said.

"If we want to talk about anti-discrimination law for a school or an organization, absolutely, they should not be able to discriminate," he added. "But going after the tax exemption of churches, Islamic centers or other religious facilities in this country, I think that's just going to deepen the divisions that we're already experiencing."

More recently, the debate about eliminating the tax-exempt status has resurfaced as the Catholic Church continues to ponder withholding communion from pro-abortion Catholic politicians.

In response to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' approval of a document "on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church" at its general assembly earlier this year, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., suggested withholding the tax-exempt status from the church over such a policy.

"If they're going to politically weaponize religion by 'rebuking' Democrats who support women's reproductive choice, then a 'rebuke' of their tax-exempt status may be in order," Huffman wrote on Twitter.

While the document approved by the bishops will provide guidelines for the reception of communion, it leaves "decisions on withholding Communion up to individual bishops."

Following criticism, the USCCB published a statement stressing that "the question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot." Stressing that "the document being drafted is not meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons," the statement clarified that "bishops made no decision about barring anyone from receiving Communion."
Supreme Court to hear case over Boston's refusal to fly Christian flag at City Hall

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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal regarding whether city officials in Boston, Massachusetts, can reject a request to fly a Christian flag at its City Hall.

In a miscellaneous orders list released Thursday, the Supreme Court granted a petition without comment in the case of Harold Shurtleff, et al. v. Boston, MA, et al.

The lawsuit was filed against the city of Boston by Shurtleff of the Christian civic organization Camp Constitution after the city refused to allow him to fly a "Christian flag" on one of the flag poles outside City Hall on Constitution Day 2017 while allowing other organizations to raise flags on one of the poles to celebrate their occasions.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver, whose organization is representing Shurtleff, said in a statement that he is optimistic about the appeal and hopes the case will set a "precedent."

"We look forward to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing Boston's unconstitutional discrimination against Camp Constitution's Christian viewpoint. The city cannot deny the Christian flag because it is 'Christian' and allow every other flag to fly on its flagpoles," stated Staver.

"Censoring religious viewpoints in a public forum where secular viewpoints are permitted is unconstitutional and this case will set national precedent."

City officials denied Shurtlett's request to fly the flag, even though the public property had agreed to fly numerous other flags showcasing diverse religious and political opinions.

For example, Boston City Hall had approved the flying of a Turkish flag, which includes Islamic imagery, the gay pride rainbow flag and a transgender pride flag.

Lower courts have consistently ruled against Shurtlett thus far.

In February 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper argued that the City Hall flagpoles constituted "government speech" and not private expression, which made flying a Christian flag an unlawful government endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

"There are no additional facts in the record that would suggest any improper preference for non-religion over religion or selective treatment of any person or group based on religion," ruled Casper, an Obama appointee.

"The City did not alter its procedures for review of flag applications because of Camp Constitution's request, instead, Camp Constitution's request presented a novel issue for the City's consideration, which the City considered consistent with its practice and policy."

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit unanimously upheld the lower court ruling in January, with Judge Bruce Selya writing the panel opinion.

Selya, a Reagan appointee, argued that the flag display would constitute government speech since it would be flown alongside two other flags representing the U.S. and Massachusetts. He alleged that the display of "three flags flying in close proximity communicates the symbolic unity of the three flags."

"It therefore strains credulity to believe that an observer would partition such a coordinated three-flag display  into a series of separate yet simultaneous messages (two that the government endorses and another as to which the government disclaims any relation)."

In the past, the Supreme Court has allowed the placement of religious symbols on public property.

In 2019, the Court ruled that a 40-foot tall cross commemorating World War I veterans on public property in Bladensburg, Maryland, did not violate the Constitution's Establishment Clause.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case of Shurtleff v. Boston in its upcoming October term, which will begin Monday. Liberty Counsel predicts that oral arguments in the case will occur early next year, with a decision issued by the end of June.
Brian Houston reflects on weapons God uses to fight devil before hearing on alleged abuse cover-up

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Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston reflected on the mighty weapons of faith God gives His people to defeat the devil just days before he's slated to go to court over allegations that he helped cover up his father's sexual abuse of a boy.

In a video posted to his Instagram account last Friday, Houston, who founded the global evangelical church network in the suburbs of Sydney in 1983, spoke about 2 Corinthians 10:4.

The verse reads, We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

You have mighty weaponry, an armory available to you and it will pull down strongholds, said Houston. The thing about strongholds is the devil tries to use them to put a stronghold on you on your mind, your thoughts, on your life. And so we decide no, I have mighty weapons.

Houston stated that he believes one of the most powerful weapons we have is prayer. He thanked the many people across the globe who were committed to praying for him and his family.

Prayer changes things, continued Houston, labeling prayer one of the most underestimated spiritual weapons. I love being part of a global family.  I thank God that we are armed for battle.

In August, Australian police charged the 67-year-old Houston with concealing child sex offenses, with him being required to appear at a Sydney court on Oct. 5.

At issue was the allegation that Houston had known about, yet failed to report to authorities, the sexual abuse of a young man by his father, the late Frank Houston, during the 1970s.

In a statement emailed to The Christian Post by Hillsong Church, Houston said that the charges were a shock to me given how transparent Ive always been about this matter.

I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight, stated Houston.

Earlier this month, Houston announced that he was stepping away from his positions on Hillsong leadership boards, though he was retaining his title as senior pastor of the multisite church.

I did this so that these boards can function to their fullest capacity during this season, said Houston in an email, as quoted by the Roys Report.

This doesn't change my role as Global Senior Pastor. I thought it was important to let our church family know in the interests of transparency, and I wanted you to hear it from me directly.

The allegations surrounding Houston mark the latest in a slew of scandals that have plagued the megachurch in recent years.

In late 2020, Hillsong New York City pastor Carl Lentz was fired for moral failings and "leadership issues"

In April, a senior Hillsong staffer in New Jersey resigned over an inappropriate message on social media. That same month, the church's Dallas branch closed after it was revealed that the lead pastor and his wife used church funds lavishly.

In May, Houston told NBC co-host, Savannah Guthrie, that this season has been difficult for them as a church.

[This season in the church] has been difficult, clearly, because of a lot of disappointment in some of the things that have emerged, he said. Some obviously are false. Other things are real."

Houston added, I have reflected many, many times, and I'm acknowledging that mistakes have been made and that there are things where we need to get far better, much better. I'm not shrinking back from that.
Church in Wales to allow pastors to bless same-sex marriages, wont conduct gay weddings

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The Church in Wales, composed of six Anglican dioceses in the United Kingdom, will allow clergy to hold services designed to bless same-sex civil partnerships or marriages. However, the church will not allow clergy to conduct legally binding same-sex marriage ceremonies.

On Monday, the governing body of the Church in Wales passed a bill by more than the necessary two-thirds majority, following a debate at a three-day conference at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.

The bishops approved the bill by a unanimous vote, while the clergy voted 28 to 12 in favor with two abstentions. The laity voted 49 to 10 with one abstention.

The bill's passage will remain in effect for five years for a trial period. However, if any church staff prefer not to participate in the blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions, they can choose not to participate.

Church in Wales Senior Bishop Andy John said he knows the decision to honor and bless LGBT couples in blessing ceremonies would receive backlash from those who disagree. However, he finds the passage of the policy to be a development of the Church.

But every development is to some degree a departure; something changes wherever there is a new expression of practice, he said to the crowd at the meeting. And even when such a change appears consonant with a stated position, it is nevertheless a change.

Bishop Gregory Cameron of St Asaph, who introduced the bill, said, the church has spoken decisively today in favour of blessings.

I come out of this debate with no sense of triumph, he said in a statement, but believing that the Church in Wales has done the right thing under God for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Multiple bishops who introduced the bill stated in an explanatory memorandum in August that they believe the legislation will reveal that loving and faithful commitment is worthy of acceptance by the Church by asking Gods blessing upon their commitment.

The memorandum also acknowledges that the decision would be controversial, but also a step on the way towards repentance of a history in the Church which has demonised and persecuted gay and lesbian people, forcing them into fear, dishonesty and sometimes even hypocrisy, preventing them from publicly living lives of committed partnership.

The Evangelical Fellowship in the Church of Wales expressed disappointment in the passing of the bill.

For many in EFCW, this decision will come with a sense of sadness that the Church in Wales has decided to depart from a traditional understanding of marriage, and with great uncertainty about how to move forward in good conscience, a statement on the EFCW Facebook page reads.

The EFCW executive welcomes any comments that the membership would like to be considered at [a Sept. 20] meeting. It will enable us to ensure that we are properly taking into account the breadth of concerns of the membership.

Before the vote, Bishop John reportedly made an announcement in which he compared the passing of the legislation to other changes in the Churchs history.

When the Church changed its position on forbidding meat with blood in it, or saw that slavery in all and any form was wicked, there was change, he said during the Monday meeting. Mission always lies at the heart of faith.  And being alive to God, to what might happen next, is part of remaining curious and open to new opportunity.

A priest in training for the Church in Wales, Ruth Eleri James, is in a same-sex relationship with her partner, Hannah, a lay member of the governing body.

She told BBC news the final vote is important to her and prays for the day when they can have the sacrament of marriage in a church.

"It will reflect the real love and welcome that we have personally experienced in our local churches, who we know long to be able to offer something to couples who are in same-sex relationships, she was quoted as saying. But it's also important because this is a message to LGBTQ folk in society at large to say their relationships are loved and blessed by God, and that's a message that hasn't been given, certainly in my lifetime, and I long to be able to share that with people.
Controversial Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong, who advocated for LGBT affirmation, dies at 90

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Theologically liberal Episcopal Church Bishop John Shelby Spong, an outspoken advocate of progressive views on LGBT issues and biblical interpretation, has passed away at age 90.

St. Pauls Episcopal Church of Richmond, Virginia, where Spong served as a pastor, announced that he died in his sleep on Sunday morning.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday morning, the church stated in an email.

The Westar Institute, which hosted a critical biblical scholarship gathering known as the Jesus Seminar, honored Spong, a longtime supporter of the organization.

His work and witness have inspired and freed many Westar members and a generation of thoughtful people. May his memory be a blessing, tweeted the Institute.

News has come to us that Westar scholar Bishop John Shelby Spong died peacefully in his sleep at his home this morning. His work and witness have inspired and freed many Westar members and a generation of thoughtful people. May his memory be a blessing.https://t.co/nMrgdGvStP pic.twitter.com/cWd9PpMIFw  Westar Institute, Home of the Jesus Seminar (@WestarInstitute) September 12, 2021

According to the Westar Institute, Spong was born in 1931 and initially identified as a fundamentalist Christian while growing up in North Carolina. He later rejected such views as being detrimental to faith.

He was ordained into the priesthood in 1955 and consecrated as a bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, New Jersey, in 1976. Spong held the position of bishop until 2000.

Spong authored several books, including Living in Sin? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality (1988), Born of a Woman: A Bishop Rethinks the Birth of Jesus (1992) and Why Christianity Must Change or Die: A Bishop Speaks to Believers in Exile (1998).

As the Christian Courier's Wayne Jackson reports, Spong became known for his support of progressive sexual ethics in the 1980s. Specifically, he advocated for the Church to accept sex outside of marriage and the blessing of same-sex relationships.

In 1989, Spong made headlines when he ordained an openly gay priest despite opposition from traditionalist Episcopal Church bishops.

Spong also openly embraced the theory of evolution and denied many of the key teachings of the Bible, including the virgin birth and the historical existence of Judas Iscariot.

[Judas] was a totally fictional character, a totally literary character created by [the] early Christian Church in the ninth decade for [the] sole purpose of shifting blame for Jesus death away from Romans who were certainly responsible for it, and placing that blame on the backs of the Jewish people, Spong reportedly claimed in a 2016 lecture.

Many, including Jackson, have critiqued Spong's work over the years, arguing against the bishops claims about the Bible and morality.

Though Spong claims to have studied the Bible with great intensity, his writings reveal an abysmal lack of knowledge of the sacred text. His ignorance is exceeded only by his arrogant disrespect for the time-tested volume, wrote Jackson.

Not everything that parades under the name Christian is deserving of that appellation. And there is no better example of that maxim than that of John Shelby Spong, the rogue priest who has made a career of bashing the Son of God and disgracing that sacred name before an uninformed public.

In recent years, the Episcopal Church has taken a progressive stance on issues of sexuality, particularly regarding LGBT issues. In 2012, the bishops of the Episcopal Church amended the definition of marriage to accommodate same-sex marriages.

Six years later, the Episcopal Church began requiring all dioceses to perform same-sex marriages, even if the diocese bishop remained opposed. Bishops who have refused to allow same-sex marriages have faced disciplinary action.
Gabby Petito and missing white people syndrome

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Gabby Petito and her fiance, Brian Laundre, started what was supposed to be a four-month cross-country, van-life trip in July. Their trip across America was supposed to end sometime in November.



However their trip  and apparently, Gabby Petitos life  ended sometime in August.

Gabby Petitos last conversation with her family was through a FaceTime call on August 24th. Her last social media post was on August 25th. And her last sighting was at a Wyoming restaurant on August 27th.

Earlier this month, on the first day of September, her fiance  Brian Laundre  returned to their home in Florida with their van and without her.

He hired a lawyer and maintained silence. He refused to speak with the Petito family and he refused to cooperate with the police. So on September 11, Gabby Petito was officially reported missing. The following week, police officers lost track of Brian Laundres whereabouts and reported that he was also missing.

That attracted more media attention to a case that had already received significant coverage across social media and national and international media.

The significant social media attention created several helpful tips for police officers, leading them to discover Gabby Petitos corpse in Wyoming earlier this week.

Naturally, police officers have identified Brian Laundre as a suspect in Petitos murder. Theyre still searching for him.

While police officers are investigating the motives for Gabby Petitos murder, critical race theorists have already determined the motive behind national and international attention to her murder.

According to critical race theorists, Petito shouldnt be solely remembered as a victim of murder  she should also be remembered as a beneficiary of white privilege. Particularly, they believe shes the latest major example of what theyve termed, missing white woman syndrome.

Missing white woman syndrome suggests Western culture  and the world as a whole reinforces white supremacy and white privilege by prioritizing missing white women over non-white missing women. It suggests racism is the basis for why missing white women disproportionately receive more attention than missing non-white women.

If youre surprised critical race theorists would force supposed racism into Gabby Petitos case, you shouldnt be. Critical race theory is designed to identify the supposed role of racism in every facet of society.

As James Lindsey consistently suggests, critical race theorists never ask: Did racism play a role in this instance?. No, they ask: How did racism take place in this instance?



In other words, critical race theorists believe racism is always a factor in everything. This is why, in their minds, we need to be critical of  or deconstruct  every idea or event in our world in order to identify their racist roots or racist results.

In their book, Critical Race Theory: An Introduction, Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic describe racism as:



Ordinary, not aberrational  normal science, the usual way society does business, the common, everyday experience of most people of color in this country.



Therefore, according to critical race theorists  its normal science, ordinary, and the usual way society does business to prioritize Gabby Petito over missing non-white women.

Apparently, in the state of Wyoming  where Gabby Petitos body was foundover 700 indigenous women have been reported missing over the last ten years, but none of the women received the kind of attention Petito received after she was reported missing.

But that isnt an example of white supremacy or white privilege. Since critical race theorists prioritize supposed racism over everything, they refuse to acknowledge inconvenient factors.

For instance, the concept of missing white woman syndrome cannot answer why Gabby Petito is receiving more attention than other missing or murdered white women. Indeed, the concept of missing white woman syndrome includes the role of intersectionality. Particularly, critical race theorists would suggest the reason why Gabby Petito is receiving more attention than other missing or murdered white women is that shes a middle-class white woman.



However, that actually defeats their original premise  since it admits supposed racism isnt the only basis for why shes getting significant attention. If racism isnt the sole or primary reason why Gabby Petito is receiving more attention than other missing or murdered women, then the concept of missing white woman syndrome is a fallacy.

Nevertheless, if Gabby Petito is receiving more attention than other missing or murdered white women because she was a middle-class woman, why is she receiving more attention than other white middle-class women or white upper-class women who are also reported missing?

Racial disparities are not evidence of racial discrimination. Disparities in media attention to missing cases do not independently prove racism.

Interestingly, some of the prominent people complaining about the medias disproportionate coverage of missing cases are members of the media like MSNBCs Joy Reid. The media consistently blames their own supposed failures on society as a whole. If Joy Reid genuinely believes in missing white woman syndrome, why does she participate in it? Why did she only highlight it in a segment about Gabby Petito? Why hasnt she taken the time on her own show to highlight all the non-white missing or murdered women?

There are several reasons why Gabby Petito has received significant attention, and theres no legitimate reason to believe racism is one of these reasons. Petito was a Youtuber with a relatively strong social media following. She was also a member of the close-knit van life community.

The details surrounding her case are also peculiar. Her fiance, Brian Laundre, had a strange return to Florida without her, then he disappeared, prompting a manhunt. His parents allegedly helped him escape police surveillance. The police officers seemingly mishandled the case. Gabby Petito and Brian Laundres consistent social media photos about their van life trip created a social media footprint that attracted social media sleuths and true crime fanatics. These social media sleuths and van life social media influencers produced viral social media posts that provided police officers strong tips, leading them to discover Gabby Petitos body.

Gabby Petito is the victim of an exceptionally odd and evil missing person and murder case. Thats the main reason why her case has received significant attention.

Another reason why her case has received major coverage is that her missing-person case and murder case was unexpected. Clearly, given the reaction to her case  the media believes its abnormal for women like her to become victims of murder. And the media apparently believes its abnormal for people like her fiance to become a perpetrator of murder.

We have higher expectations for men like Brian Laundre. And we have higher hopes for women like Gabby Petito. In other words, we do not have the bigotry of low expectations for people like Brian Laundre and Gabby Petito.

We reserve that for non-white people. Especially, we reserve the bigotry of low expectations for black people.

You see, the reason why hypocrites like Joy Reid in the media do not highlight non-white victims is that if they highlight non-white victims of crime, they would have to highlight non-white perpetrators of crime too.

If members of the media like Joy Reid want to highlight black victims of crime, they would also have to highlight black perpetrators of crime. The media isnt interested in spotlighting the shocking levels of black-on-black crime. They dont care.

The medias reaction to Gabby Petito isnt an example of racism. The medias soft bigotry of low expectations on black-on-black crime is the real example of racism.

In their minds, the good in highlighting black victims of black-on-black crime isnt worth the bad in highlighting black perpetrators of black-on-black crime.

A black persons death is only noteworthy for the media if it involves a white person or a white police officer.

This is why black victims of apparent police brutality receive disproportionately more coverage than white victims of apparent police brutality.

So they refuse to highlight the devastating number of innocent black women and innocent black children who get murdered by black criminals on a consistent basis.

For that reason, across America (and Canada)  police officers are significantly less likely to solve murder cases involving a black victim and an allegedly black murderer. This is why police detectives in Chicago manage to solve only 22% of murders against black Americans.

So missing white woman syndrome isnt the problem. The bigotry of low expectations for non-white people, especially black people, is the real problem.

But in a society where racism is supposedly the norm, why would the media deviate from highlighting what they think is the norm? Why would the media change their narrative? Why would the media highlight inconvenient news?

Why would the media highlight the black faces of murdered victims when they risk highlighting the black faces of their perpetrators too? Why would they participate in something they deem racist?

That is the depressing consequence of the bigotry of low expectations. That is the consequence of critical race theory.

Originally published at Slow to Write.
African Mission Healthcare awards first African woman $500,000 prize for OB-GYN work

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A Ugandan woman became the first African-born doctor to receive Africa Mission Healthcares $500,000 LChaim Prize, one of the most prominent awards in the medical missionary field, to support her work in pregnancy care.

The first Catholic, woman and African to receive the prize, Dr. Sister Priscilla Busingye is the president of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda and a member of the Catholic Banyatereza Sisters of Uganda. She's only one of few OB-GYN specialists in her region.

Knowing that I meet God in every patient gives me great joy, Busingye said.

Busingye received the prize, which is reportedly the worlds largest award dedicated to direct patient care, because African Mission Healthcare determined she could help the most people with it, said Dr. John Fielder, its co-founder and chief executive.

Busingye grew up in an impoverished Ugandan village without access to a doctor, medical equipment or electricity. To attend school as a teenager, she walked 14 miles each way. She learned medicine from the Banyatereza Sisters and devoted her life to serving Ugandas poor.

One defining moment in her life came when she was unable to help a mother in distress.

Lord, give me the opportunity and I will never get tired of helping women, she promised God at the time.

The funds will help Busingye to improve healthcare in Uganda by sponsoring training, establishing new approaches for community outreach and engagement, and transforming the Rwibaale Clinic into a center of excellence for maternal and childcare, Fielder said. The money will allow the clinic to deliver over 1,000 babies each year, provide primary care for 5,100 families in need and train medical personnel to improve healthcare throughout southwestern Uganda.

Sister Busingye and her team of mentors will visit other hospitals in Uganda and help to expand them, he added. Its very important to have a center of excellence that people can look at and say thats the way it should be done.

Fielder runs African Mission Healthcare with cofounder and prize sponsor Mark Gerson. The pair met as roommates in college, both said in an interview with The Christian Post.

The LChaim projects name is Hebrew for to life, Gerson, who is Jewish, said.

It tells us in the Bible 36 times that were commanded to love the stranger. The most profound way to love the stranger is to save their life. Thats the most important and highest thing you can do for someone else, said Gerson. Its all about saving lives.

Gerson and Fielder work to give money in ways that create a lasting impact for good. By giving money to local partners, they try to create institutions that can respond to any crisis rather than putting hasty patches on problems, Fielder said. As someone who worked as a missionary doctor in Africa, Fielder knows the consequences of unwise charitable giving.

If youre going to build an entire system prepared to deal with a lot of different problems, you need to listen to the people on the ground. Donors dont ask about housing problems for medical staff, which are very much needed. If you dont listen to a group on the ground, you dont learn that, he said.

The LChaim Prize goes to long-term Christian missionaries because they best build medical infrastructure in Africa to serve the poor, Gerson said. Money donated to Africa also goes further in saving lives because healthcare costs less there. However, local people often are too poor to buy it.

The per capita income where this health center is located is $250 per person, Fielder said. Healthcare is very cheap in Uganda compared to the U.S., but very expensive for people earning less than $300 a year. We have good contractors, [so] surgeries cost only a couple hundred dollars to do. In Uganda, repairing a fistula costs about $200 to repair. In the U.S., you could pay a couple hundred dollars per stitch for the same thing.
Jewish entrepreneur, wife donate millions for Christian medical missions in Africa

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A Jewish entrepreneur and his rabbi wife have become one of the largest private supporters of Christian medical missionaries in Africa as they have donated millions to support vital health care needs in some of the most impoverished communities in the world.

Mark Gerson and his wife, Erica, have donated well over $10 million to assist Christian medical missions in Africa over the years as they have felt the call from their Jewish faith to love the stranger in a region of the world where access to health care is extremely limited.

Gerson, an investor, businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Gerson Lehrman Group, told The Christian Post in a recent interview that he began giving to

Christian medical missions in Africa thanks to a friend he met at Williams College in Massachusetts in the 1990s.

That friend, Dr. Jon Fielder, traveled to Africa in the early 2000s to serve those impacted by the AIDS pandemic.

He said, I could be doctor No. 700,000 in the U.S.  or become an indispensable source of care for people dying of AIDS in Africa, Gerson recalled Fielder telling him in a conversation they had after finishing his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Probably the biggest humanitarian problem in the world  is a lack of access to doctors to almost anybody in Africa.

Fielder, a Baylor University School of Medicine graduate, moved to Kenya in 2002 to work with World Medical Mission and Africa Inland Mission at Kijabe Hospital. Fielder focused on caring for HIV patients and the training of Kenyan health care providers.

Gerson, his brother, and some of their friends supported Fielders work in Kenya because they saw how dire the need was for trained medical professionals in Africa and understood the value of Christian medical missionaries and mission hospitals there.

Many African countries will have one doctor for anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 people, Gerson, who said. That is not a specialist. That is just one doctor. The availability of treatment is just unavailable for so many people.

Gersons funding of Fielders ministry continued after the Fielders moved to Malawi in southern Africa in 2009.

In 2010, Gerson and Fielder launched African Mission Healthcare, a nonprofit devoted to strengthening mission hospitals to aid those in greatest need, after noticing a lack of consistent financial support for medical missionaries serving on the continent.

Support from the Western church has weakened

Support for missionaries from the Western church has really weakened in the last few decades for a whole variety of sociological reasons, Gerson, who serves as AMHs board chair, explained. One of which is that denominations used to be prevalent and powerful. So the Lutherans, the Methodists, the Baptists, they could effectively tax the churches and denominations and use some of that tax to send missionaries.

Gerson, who also co-founded the Jerusalem-based volunteer medical services organization United Hatzalah, said there were some great and legendary missionary hospitals set up by the denominations from 100 years ago up until about 30 years ago.

As denominations became weaker and Christianity went into more nondenominational evangelical, it is possible, but it is highly unlikely that one church is going to be able to support a hospital in Africa and the missionaries, the philanthropist explained. When they pull their resources into the denominations, it is possible.

Because missionary doctors work for years on end without coming home, the Yale Law School graduate stressed that they dont have the time they need to build relationships with people and institutions in the West that can financially support their work.

They come home after maybe four years and would go on a speaking tour of sorts, get a few churches lined up maybe over the summer and they get a couple of thousand dollars for each one or something, Gerson explained. It was an inefficient and ineffective mechanism to raise absolutely needed support.

In 2010, we said, What can we do to really be the place that missionaries can turn to for the support they need and people can turn to support the missionaries? he added.

According to the AMH co-founder, AMH provides support for three key areas: clinical care, infrastructure and training.

The organization invests in a wide range of infrastructure projects that range from constructing surgical theaters, building housing for medical professionals, spaces for clinical care as well as procuring and installing expensive medical equipment.

AMH has invested over $26.5 million at 47 hospitals across 18 African countries. AMH estimates that its efforts will make possible over 10.7 million patient visits.

Training is core to all that AMH does as the organization has a variety of programs for surgeons, doctors, nurses, anesthetists and nurse anesthetists.

Through 2019, AMH has trained 3,736 medical professionals. Through June 2020, the organization has invested over $15.9 million in direct clinical care and sponsored over 18,619 surgical and corrective procedures with an average cost of $360. Additionally, the organization estimates that it has enabled 611,000 direct clinical visits over the years.

AMH also works to provide mission hospitals with better infrastructure. AMH has done 85 projects across 15 different countries, with an investment of about $7 million, according to Gerson.

For example, he said that some hospitals can spend 40% of their budget on electricity. To alleviate that, AMH has helped construct solar panels at some hospitals to reduce the amount those hospitals spend on power each month from as high as 40% to single-digit percentages.

Housing is another significant problem for medical missionaries looking to serve in rural areas where there is no private housing market available.

The most valuable resource in the African health care setting is personnel. You get this extremely valuable resource of a person who wants to come train at a mission hospital in Africa but the very last step is no housing for them and nowhere for them to stay. So they dont come, Gerson said.

We construct housing and it can cost $15,000 to $20,000 per room. A three-bedroom house we can put up for about $50,000 to $60,000. That house will fund itself forever because it will be owned by the hospital and the rent of whoever stays there will be deducted from his or her pay.

While AMH has become one of the leading organizational supporters of medical missions in Africa, the Gerson family has also doled out much of their own money to fund what's needed.
Missionary work in coronavirus age: Major disruptions but many still going strong

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Earlier this year, when shutdowns over the coronavirus were fairly recent, experts on mission work came together for a podcast to discuss the possible impact of COVID-19 on their efforts.

Hosted by ABWE International in late April, the Missions Podcast episode examined how mission work was going to be impacted, possibly for the long term, by the pandemic.

Experts on the podcast expressed varied concerns over issues like the future of short-term missions and how well funding for organizations will be sustained.

Several months later, representatives of multiple missionary organizations and one megachurch that oversees many missions abroad, have experiences to report about how the pandemic is affecting them.

The Christian Post talked with multiple missions groups about issues including how they are weathering the pandemic and the future possibilities for mission work abroad.

God has blessed us tremendously

Despite a time known for economic downturn and financial uncertainty, multiple mission groups reported having financial stability and even seeing some increases in giving.

ABWE International, a missionary group previously known as the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, has seen a surprisingly high amount of support during the pandemic.

Alex Kocman, director of advancement and communications at ABWE International who was part of the April podcast, told CP that this year is set to be one of ABWEs strongest financial years to date.

Once again, we are elated by Gods faithfulness, said Kocman. Some missionaries saw a decrease in monthly support, but this has not resulted in personnel being pulled from the field.

Simultaneously, those raising support have found it easier to build their support teams through Zoom meetings with church leaders, friends, and other supporters.

Kocman noted that while short-term mission trips were at a standstill, long-term missionaries have continued to deploy to the field this year.

Our overall sense is that God has blessed us tremendously, in spite of global events which one would think would immediately bring missions to a screeching halt, he continued.

Kocman referenced the ABWEs Live Global ministry, an entity launched before the pandemic shutdowns that is centered on using technology to connect Christians in remote locations.

Live Global was uniquely poised for ministry in a pandemic, he explained. We are stunned at the providence of God.

Brian Albrecht, president of MissionGO, a missions group founded in 1943 and with outreach efforts in more than 55 countries, told CP that their finances were stable despite a drop in giving.

For the general fund, which is the administrative budget that keeps the thing going, those donations have dropped, but so far weve been very happy, weve been thankful, weve been praying and God has blessed us and used us, said Albrecht.

Albrecht noted that MissionGO had reserves for their finances so they had no issue with possibly going out of business due to recent declines in giving.

For the time being, according to Albrecht, his organization has been able to pay for things without tapping the reserves, aided in part by the paycheck protection program from the government.

Raising support right now is a difficult thing, he acknowledged, because, if people are concerned about their personal income and whether the family is going to be safe, its going to be harder for them to be generous to help missionaries and nonprofit causes.

Training Leaders International President Darren Carlson, whose organization was founded in 2009 and seeks to give theological training to churches across the world, reported a drop in giving.

Carlson, who was one of the experts on the April podcast, told CP that this decline in support was due to no short-term trips to raise money for, adding that this also meant that expenses had decreased.

But overall, giving is still down, he stressed. Based on talking to other organizations like ours, I would say giving is down 30%. Some organizations have taken PPP funds to offset this.

Radius International President Brooks Buser, who was previously part of the April podcast, told CP that his organization has done pretty good, but believed that this stability may in part be due to them not being a sending agency.

Radius is a little bit different, Buser explained. Were a training school and our specific goal is to train people to get to some of the hardest to reach language groups.

So a lot of our support hasnt been affected by the people that are looking to get involved and that are going to be with us through thick and thin.

The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, which was founded in 1845 and is based in Richmond, Virginia, saw strong giving online this year.

According to IMB spokesperson Julie McGowan, during June 1-Oct. 31, 2019, they saw an increase in digital giving of 47% while in the same time frame this year, they had an additional increase in digital giving of 42%.

The IMB is fueled by a legacy of generous supporters captivated by a seemingly impossible vision for all to know Christ, said IMB Chief Advancement Officer Chris Kennedy in a statement emailed to CP.

Throughout our 175-year history, these sacrificial givers have looked beyond present hardship with hope and continued or even expanded their faithful giving in the toughest times. We fully believe they will maintain this generosity in our present circumstances.

A whole other world for missions

As with so many other aspects of life, overseas missions were deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings.

IMB spokesperson Julie McGowan recounted to CP how much uncertainty they had when the disease was first reported in East Asia in 2019.

The early stages in East Asia were extremely challenging because the situation came quickly, and we had no information about what would lie ahead, explained McGowan.

Many on the mission field were facing insecurity of how their ministries would be impacted throughout the spring. Following the experience we gained in East Asia, personnel in Europe jumped into the next full-blown crisis, which weve seen spread around the world.

IMB was not exempted from the coronavirus, as multiple COVID-19 cases were reported among their personnel across the planet, with the vast majority being mild in symptoms.

Our people have felt the trauma differently, depending on the ways the particular population around them has been impacted, she said. In every place where our personnel have been located, they are thanking the Lord for resources they have in hand to respond to the crisis, whether in their own homes, or extra resources theyve been able to use to help others and to meet needs.

Mission groups reported having to cut short some trips and bring people back to the United States due to the public health concerns arising from the pandemic.

Albrecht of MissionGO said the pandemic has changed missions a lot over this last year and caused several disruptions here, there, and everywhere.

Weve had to rescue several missionaries, said Albrecht. The American embassies were very helpful to us, we were eventually able to get them home. One person was really sick and had to get back and get decent medical treatment out of Africa.

Albrecht also talked about a Middle Eastern missionary who was in the United States when the pandemic began and had to go back to Amman, Jordan to be with his family.

According to Albrecht, they worked with an embassy to get him back home, where he had to quarantine for 14 days at a five-star hotel in Amman which he had to pay for himself.

We have missionaries in all these different places and it turns out to be that different governments have different rules and regulations, but the outcome is that people cant move around, he explained.

In African countries, the internal air travel is shut down. You cant get from place to place, you have to drive through the jungle. We have less people doing that. And so theres lots of disruption and lots of problems that way.

Albrecht recalled how a recent mission trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose infection rate remains fairly small, involved multiple tests for the participants, as well as a two-day sequester.

Theyre testing everybody that comes into the country and you have to quarantine, he said, noting that the mission team got a special dispensation from the usual quarantine rules.

We had the people tested twice before they got on the plane, then they got tested when they landed, and they had to sequester for two days and then because they had to drive up through the jungle, which was another three-day trip, they decided that was good enough that when they got to their destination, if they tested without the disease that they would be allowed to do their work.

Melissa Vandermey, director of communications with MissionGO, described some of the challenges for mission work on the home front, namely the recruitment process.

Before the pandemic, according to Vandermey, a missionary candidate would normally go full time fundraising and doing face-to-face meetings at coffee shops at restaurants, etc.

And now theyre having to do fundraising all over Zoom. So its a whole new world that our missionaries are having to face, she noted.

Vandermey recently spoke with missionaries based in France and how they were going to come back to the United States in a few weeks for home assignments that involve fundraising.

They said it will be very interesting once we get home because it will be: how do we network with people via Zoom, etc.? she added. Its just a whole other world.

A standstill for short-term missions

A major theme reported by multiple groups was the drop in short-term missions, such as those that last only a couple of weeks and often involve philanthropic efforts like medical aid.

Albrecht of MissionGO explained that his organization canceled all of their short-term mission trips that had been planned for the middle and end of the year, with the hope that they can be rescheduled for 2021.

Some trips can be refocused and reprogrammed with flights and things, added Albrecht, cautioning that many who signed up for a trip this year will have scheduling problems next year.

For example, Albrecht cited many short-term missions involve recent college graduates or students who were planning to go on a mission trip during a summer vacation.

That summer you were going to put that aside to go and do that activity, but now youre a year later down the road and hopefully, youve found a job and youre getting more settled, he said. Most places where you find a new job you cant get a lot of vacation, so therefore you cant get the time off to go.

MissionGO plans to, whenever possible, repurpose a short-term mission trip for people that were planning to go abroad this year and will still be willing and able to go next year.

There will probably new people or different people or a mixture of the two that will be going this year, he said. We have a lot of people that are maybes, but the problem is theres so much uncertainty now, you dont know what next year is going to bring.

The longer term reverberations on missions, especially regarding the drop in short-term missions, is still to be seen, Buser of Radius believes, because long-term missions is affected by short-term missions.

People get challenged and commissioned through short-term trips and those have almost entirely stopped for the last six months, explained Buser. So the ripple effects are going to be down the road, two to five years.

While short-term missions saw a standstill earlier this year due to a United States government advisory against global travel, Kocman of ABWE International said they have been able to move more personnel since the advisory was lifted in August.

Thus far this year, ABWE International had 176 short-term workers mobilized and had what Kocma described as a record-breaking 71 mid- and long-term missionaries appointed.

In an ordinary year, the number of short-termers would be far greater, he acknowledged. We have proactively launched an effort to open a new center for short-term missions being developed by Jason Phillips, our most newly appointed executive director.

We are excited at the opportunity to breathe life into our short-term mobilization efforts.

A ray of hope in the midst of a challenging year

Immanuel Bible Church, a nondenominational megachurch based in Springfield, Virginia, was a church that had an extensive missions outreach that shut down during the pandemic.

According to Michael Connor, pastor of Mission and Outreach at Immanuel, his church had 27 international-based missions and normally did about a dozen short-term trips on an annual basis.

We canceled all the short-term trips for 2020. Theres not one that happened, explained Connor to CP, saying the pandemic hit Immanuel pretty severely.

And we also had a number of our international workers who either needed to get out of the country they were in because of COVID lockdowns or have not been able to return there.

Connor nevertheless expressed some optimism about the future of missions, explaining that one long-term impact was enhanced methods of remote communication.

I think thats going to be a gain not just for missions, but for church life in general, he commented. Remote meetings, Zoom face-to-face things, Skype  I think there will be more virtual contacts moving forward.

Recently, announcements have been made by multiple major pharmaceutical companies that they have developed highly effective COVID-19 vaccines which will begin distribution soon.

As the vaccinations are set to begin in December and ramp up in the new year, many mission groups have been looking to how the pandemic will influence how overseas missions are done.

Buser of Radius is hopeful that the distribution of new vaccines being approved for use against COVID-19 could allow for more opportunities for mission work.

He noted that since the vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer require low temperature storage, it is going to be hard to get into really closed access third world country rural locations.

I think theres going to be a growing need for Christians, from people that care about those parts of the world to be involved. So I think its going to result in, Lord-willing, some opening of some doors, Buser said.

Carlson felt that the efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus by some governments might be used to make it harder for missionaries to operate abroad, citing contact tracing as an example.

I think one really, really bad result of contact tracing is that governments are now tracking foreigners more closely, and scrutinizing itineraries and contacts, said Carlson. There are closed countries that will be very challenging to go to moving forward.

And even if Americans get vaccinated, will you be able to gather people in another country legally?

IMB, meanwhile, is developing plans and thoughts about how to move forward with international missions as the COVID-19 vaccine is widely taken, McGowan said.

We believe that God will bless our work in new ways post-pandemic, as we see new efforts that have been thoroughly undergirded in prayer, and as we engage with new partners to partner alongside in the days ahead, she stated.

We also expect there will be a gratitude for freedom to operate in a more normal fashion that will make post-pandemic work even more satisfying than pre-pandemic work, when we were able to do whatever we decided with few obstacles.

She also saw great potential in the usage of online venues for mission work, noting that Southern Baptist workers are spending more time praying personally and with others via the internet.

People are coming to the Lord through new avenues such as social media in greater numbers than prior to the pandemic, she highlighted.

This is a ray of hope in the midst of a challenging year.
UK-based Methodist Church votes to approve gay marriage, recognize cohabitating couples

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The Methodist Church of the United Kingdom passed resolutions to approve the blessing of same-sex unions and recognize cohabitating couples.

The London-based Methodist Conference announced Wednesday that it has voted to confirm the resolutions at its gathering held in Birmingham.

A report on marriage and relationships, God in Love Unites Us, was received by the Conference in 2019 and the local District Synods were asked to consider the provisional resolutions and report back to this years Conference, a statement detailed.

The Conference received a report on the results of the local conferring which showed that 29 out of the 30 Synods confirmed support for the provisional resolutions.

The conference voted 256-45 to allow its ministers to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies and for churches to be locations for such services.

The Rev. Sonia Hicks, the conference's new president, said in a statement that the debate over the resolutions has been conducted with grace and mutual respect.

As we move forward together after this historic day for our Church, we must remember to continue to hold each other in prayer, and to support each other respecting our differences, Hicks said.

Regarding cohabitation, the conference approved a resolution stating that it recognises that the love of God is present either through informal cohabitation or a more formal commitment entered into publicly.

As a Church we wish to celebrate that the love of God is present in these circumstances, even if that grace is not responded to or even discerned by the people concerned, continued the resolution.

The Church has an important calling, therefore, to point to the presence of Gods love within such relationships, and to encourage people to respond to it in the renewing and deepening (by whatever means) of their commitment.

The Rev. David Hull, chair of Methodist Evangelicals Together, a group that opposed the resolutions, called it a very sad day for the Methodist Church.

It's heartbreaking really to see where we've come and the way in which we've got here, and many of us have wept over it, Hull said in an interview with Premier.

In spite of these votes, there are many, many Methodists who still believe that Jesus offers a unique vision for life  one that is rooted deeply in the Bible, that is better than the world has ever known, better than the world will ever know and that includes this teaching on marriage and relationships.

Others have taken to social media to voice their support of the resolutions.

"I am absolutely thrilled that the Methodist Conference has overwhelmingly voted to allow same-sex marriage in their churches," Jayne Ozanne, a gay Anglican evangelical activist and founder of the Ozanne Foundation, tweeted. "This reflects the significant shift that there has been amongst Christian attitudes in England."
UK university approves priest for chaplaincy after rejecting him over tweets on abortion, euthanasia

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An institution of higher education in England has agreed to recognize a Catholic priest as a chaplain after declining to do so due to his tweets about abortion and euthanasia.

Fr. David Palmer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham posted a statement from the University of Nottingham on Twitter Saturday, indicating that the institution had "introduced a revised procedure for the recognition of chaplains of all faiths who are nominated to work in the university Chaplaincy."

The new policy essentially involves a new chaplain going through a one-year trial period to determine if "the role is right for both the individual and the multi-faith environment in Nottingham."

"Following constructive and helpful dialogue with the Diocese of Nottingham over recent weeks, it has been agreed that Father David Palmer will be recognised under this procedure as university chaplain for the Catholic faith," the letter stated.

Palmer responded to the news by proclaiming that he looks forward to "getting on with the job."

Nottingham University have released a statement with the agreement of the Diocese of Nottingham. I look forward to getting on with the job, starting with Mass tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/WOZaHmBaGW  Fr David Palmer (@FrDavidPalmer) September 25, 2021

Palmer announced on Aug. 9 that the bishop of Nottingham asked him to be a chaplain to university students.

Two weeks later, he reported that the University of Nottingham would not "officially" recognize him as a chaplain because of his belief that "assisted dying is killing the vulnerable." He noted that his position on euthanasia aligns with the Catholic Church's teaching on the matter.

"They objected to my Twitter account," he added. "When I asked which tweets they considered 'problematic' they mentioned two  one where I had referred to 'assisted dying' as a plan to 'allow the NHS to kill the vulnerable' I was told that this language was not appropriate."

According to Palmer, the university also expressed concern about one of his tweets calling abortion the "slaughter of babies." He stressed that he "refused to back down and defended both tweets as reflecting Catholic belief."

"The abortion tweet was specifically referring to Joe Biden policies on abortion and his receiving of holy communion regardless," Palmer explained.

On Sept. 9, a group of former lay chaplains at the University of Nottingham wrote a letter to the school's vice-chancellor urging the college to reconsider its refusal to recognize Palmer as a chaplain.

The abortion tweet was specifically referring to Joe Biden policies on abortion and his receiving of holy communion regardless.  Fr David Palmer (@FrDavidPalmer) August 24, 2021

"Fr. Palmer's views on the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death are views we too share," they wrote. "We took the same stance whilst recognised by you as Catholic Lay Chaplains and believe Fr. David's views and language are within the lexicon of mainstream Catholicism. These are fundamental views of the Church, found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and articulated in far more robust terms than Fr. Palmer's by popes and saints down through the ages."

Alleging that the refusal to recognize Palmer creates "the appearance of the deliberate targeting of a religious minority," they shared their belief that "strong articulation of the position of the Church on moral issues in no way negates the ability to offer pastoral support to individuals in their unique moments of need."

"Catholic belief firmly expressed on topical issues currently the focus of national and international debate cannot be a litmus test for a lack of pastoral sensitivity," the former chaplains concluded.

As part of the statement announcing Palmer's appointment, Registrar Paul Greatrix vowed to "fully respect and safeguard our community's freedom of speech and our chaplains' expressions of the tenets of their faith."

The @UniofNottingham claim that Catholic Chaplaincy remains unchanged as the current chaplain would remain, (statement to BBC), referring to the Catholic, assistant, Lay Chaplain. A group of former UoN Lay Chaplains wrote to @ShearerWest to highlight how lacking this truly is pic.twitter.com/S9JXzXlDMq  Fr Jonathan Whitby-Smith (@FrJWhitbySmith) September 13, 2021

In a separate tweet, Palmer expressed gratitude to the "lots of people" who "helped us behind the scenes." He specifically thanked Alliance Defending Freedom International and the Free Speech Union for providing "invaluable" legal advice.

The initial refusal to recognize Palmer as a Catholic chaplain is not the first time the University of Nottingham has faced accusations of expressing hostility toward those who hold pro-life beliefs.

In 2020, midwifery student Julia Rynkiewicz was suspended from her hospital placement due to her involvement with the pro-life Students for Life Society.

After a four-month suspension and a "fitness-to-practice investigation," the University of Nottingham apologized to Rynkiewicz for suspending her and paid her an undisclosed settlement.
Evangelicals push for new bishop after Church in Wales allows pastors to bless gay marriages

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Evangelicals who hold to traditional Christian teaching on sexuality and marriage are pushing for a new bishop to be appointed in the Church in Wales following the results of an early September vote to allow pastors to bless same-sex marriages.

The Church in Wales, composed of six Anglican dioceses in the United Kingdom, does not allow clergy to conduct legally binding same-sex marriage ceremonies. However, in a Sept. 6 vote of 28 to 12 in favor with two abstentions, clergy were approved to host blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions in their churches.

On Monday, members of the Evangelical Fellowship within the Church in Wales expressed formal disagreement with the vote.

In a statement, EFCW addressed the Church in Wales Governing Body, asking for more "clarity and consistency" in the plan to protect and care for dissenting churches and leaders.

EFCW is calling for a new bishop, whom it said, can represent those who "hold to an understanding of the doctrine of marriage as only being between a man and a woman."

The fellowship further expressed that it finds that the Governing Body of the Church in Wales "no longer properly represents the convictions of the wider membership of the Church in Wales."

"[EFCW] deeply regrets the recent decision of the Governing Body to authorise a liturgy to bless same-sex civil marriages and partnerships [and] we recognise the difficulties faced by the bishops and others within the Church in Wales as they have wrestled to bring better pastoral provision for those who are LGBT," the statement reads.

The statement acknowledges that the church has "not always engaged well" with the LGBT community by being "deeply insensitive" and "hurtful."

"This is something of which we repent unreservedly," the statement expressed. "The Good News of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. However, the decision to introduce a rite allowing for the blessing of same-sex unions, while well-intentioned, is the wrong step for the Church to take."

The EFCW finds that the Church in Wales has "departed from" the apostolic faith as revealed in Scripture.

"The only biblical context for sexual activity is heterosexual marriage," the statement argued. "The new rite for the blessing of same-sex unions, which introduces liturgy permitting the blessing of same-sex civil marriages, has, de facto, changed the Church's doctrine on marriage."

EFCW also said they find that the approved vote has caused damage to the Church in Wales' relationship with "the majority of the provinces in the global Anglican Communion"  which has taken a stance "committed to an orthodox understanding of human sexuality."

Relationships with bishops and clerics who choose to perform such blessings are now "impaired," the statement stated.

"This decision has brought disunity to God's Church," EFCW added. "Such disunity is a grave and serious matter which grieves the heart of God. The decision dishonours those who, persuaded that Scripture teaches that sexual activity is restricted to heterosexual marriage, have chosen to remain celibate, often at tremendous personal cost."

As a result of the vote, ECFW claims there are a "significant number of Welsh Anglicans" who are faced with the "tough decisions as to where their future spiritual home lies." There "have been and will be resignations from Clergy, Lay Readers, Worship Leaders, Church Wardens, Sunday School Teachers and parishioners."

"A number have withdrawn their regular giving to their churches. Others are determined to remain in the Church in Wales structure. A significant number are seeking help and guidance on deciding their future in the Church in Wales," the statement adds.

"EFCW is committed to helping in this discernment process, including conversations with those offering alternative Anglican structures, and will continue to offer fellowship for all Evangelical Anglicans regardless of whether they stay in the Church in Wales or leave it."

While some clergy have been told that dissenting ministers will not have to surrender their church buildings for blessing services, the statement warns that other bishops "believe they can exercise their prerogative to insist that a same-sex blessing service take place in any building in their Diocese, regardless of the conscience of the local cleric."

"This needs clarity and consistency across the Province with details on how dissenting PCCs, Lay Officers, congregations (as well as ministers) may be protected and cared for if they do not wish their church buildings to be available for such services," the statement asserts.

Even with the current "difficulties, pain and grief," the fellowship assures that it will continue to place its "hope and trust in God."

"God has not abandoned Wales or His people," the statement concludes. "We pray for all those engaged in proclaiming Christ boldly and faithfully to this nation, for it is in Him that help and salvation are found."
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Debbie Dingell shout over whos a good Christian on Capitol steps

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Two congresswomen got into a heated debate over what it means to be a good Christian shortly after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would codify the right to abortion into federal law.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., got into a heated shouting match on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Friday after the Democrat-controlled House voted 218-211 to approve the Women's Health Protection Act. The bill received the support of all but one House Democrat and was opposed by all congressional Republicans.

Also known as H.R. 3755, the bill seeks to protect access to abortion nationwide and overrule laws and regulations like Texas' controversial Senate Bill 8, which bans most abortions in the state as early as six weeks gestation.

The bill would also invalidate Texas' more recently passed Senate Bill 4, which prohibits a person "from providing an abortioninducing drug to a pregnant woman without satisfying the applicable informed consent requirements for abortions."

A viral video of the shouting match, shared on Twitter, shows Greene heckling Democrats on the steps of the Capitol as they held a press conference about the Democrats' "Build Back Better for Women" campaign after approving the legislation.

"You should all be ashamed. Killing a baby up until birth is a lack of civility. It's called murder!" Greene yelled.

"You should practice the basic thing you're taught in church: respect your neighbors!" a visibly miffed Dingell replied.

Greene did not take kindly to the questioning of her Christianity and she responded forcefully to Dingell.

"Taught in church?" she shot back. "Are you kidding me? Try being a Christian and supporting life."

Dingell furiously shouted back at Dingell: "You try being a Christian ... and try treating your colleagues decently!"

Dingell almost slipped on the steps of the Capitol as she continued her back-and-forth with Greene.

Republican Rep. @mtgreenee gets into a shouting match with Democrats, incl. @BettyMcCollum04 and @RepDebDingell at the Democrats Build Back Better for Women photo-op pic.twitter.com/S3AZX1zfJg  bryan metzger (@metzgov) September 24, 2021

Tricia Flanagan, a Republican congressional candidate from New Jersey, expressed her belief that Greene reflects "REAL Christianity."

Taking to Twitter Saturday, Flanagan asserted that "Debbie Dingell is demanding that Christians be lukewarm. Dingell says be nice, don't make waves, do what you're told."

Debbie Dingell is demanding that Christians be lukewarm.



Dingell says be nice, dont make waves, do what youre told.



REAL Christianity fights back with Truth!



REAL Christianity stands up for Life!



REAL Christianity is ready to ROAR!



Bravo @mtgreenee

with you all the way. pic.twitter.com/tvucwngc6Y  Tricia Flanagan (R-NJ) (@NewDayForNJ) September 25, 2021

"REAL Christianity fights back with Truth! REAL Christianity stands up for Life! REAL Christianity is ready to ROAR! Bravo @mtgreenee  with you all the way," she added.

Meanwhile, Ron Fournier, a Detroit-based communications consultant who formerly worked for The Associated Press and National Journal, suggested on Twitter that Greene did not reflect God's grace.

"@RepDebDingell is classy, caring and kind, a woman filled with God's grace, a dedicated public servant who puts her country above party and power. @RepMTG is none of those things," Fournier contended.

.?@RepDebDingell? is classy, caring and kind, a woman filled with Gods grace, a dedicated public servant who puts her country above party and power. ?@RepMTG? is none of those things. https://t.co/LWTf7J5Ret  Ron Fournier (@ron_fournier) September 25, 2021

While the congresswomen and their supporters debate who's acting more in a Christ-like manner, a recent study from Arizona Christian University shows that of an estimated 176 million American adults who identify as Christian, only 6% actually subscribe to a biblical worldview.

The study showed that most of America's self-identified Christians, including many who identify as evangelicals, believe that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe. At the same time, more than half reject several biblical teachings and principles, including the existence of the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, the study revealed that most Christians believe that all religious faiths are of equal value, that people are essentially good and that they can use acts of goodness to earn their way into Heaven. The study also concluded that most Christians don't believe in moral absolutes, cite feelings, experience or the input of friends and family as their most trusted sources of moral guidance and say that having faith matters more than which faith one chooses to practice.

George Barna, the lead researcher at Arizona Christian University's Cultural Research Center, reacted to the results in a statement.

"Too often, it seems, people who are simply religious, or regular churchgoers, or perhaps people who want a certain reputation or image embrace the label 'Christian,' regardless of their spiritual life and intentions," Barna said.

"'Christian' has become somewhat of a generic term rather than a name that reflects a deep commitment to passionately pursuing and being like Jesus Christ," he added.
Liz Cheney apologizes for previous opposition to same-sex marriage: 'I was wrong'

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Outspoken Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., has apologized for her previous opposition to same-sex marriage as she continues to fight for her political career.

The 55-year-old lawmaker apologized for her previous opposition to gay marriage in an interview with CBS' Lesley Stahl, which aired on "60 Minutes" Saturday.

Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and sister of the openly lesbian Mary Cheney, was pressed by Stahl about her "long-held opposition to same-sex marriage."

Noting that her opposition to same-sex marriage "prompted a bitter falling out with her sister, Mary," who is in a same-sex marriage with children, Stahl asked Cheney, "how do you defend what you did?" Cheney responded by apologizing: "I was wrong."

"I was wrong. I love my sister very much. I love her family very much  and I was wrong," she said. "It's a very personal issue, very personal for my family."

After expressing her belief that her "dad was right" to come out in support of same-sex marriage as she initially doubled down in her opposition, Cheney explained that she has reconciled with her sister.

Elaborating on her new position, she claimed that "We have to recognize  as human beings that we need to work against discrimination of all kinds in our country, in our state."

Six years after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that invalidated state-level same-sex marriage bans nationwide, Republicans have largely avoided campaigning on the issue. Public opinion polling shows widespread support for allowing same-sex couples to marry in the U.S.

The debate about LGBT issues has shifted as Democrats have rallied behind the Equality Act, which they argue is necessary to codify nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community into federal law.

Republicans, meanwhile, have expressed concern about the law's impacts on religious liberty, privacy rights and women's rights. Cheney joined nearly all of her Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives in opposing the measure when it came up for a vote in 2019 and 2021.

The bulk of the interview focused on how Cheney has established a reputation as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, who carried her state by more than 40 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election. She was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach the former president, alleging that he incited an insurrection on Jan. 6.

Cheney's consistent criticism of the former president, who still holds considerable sway within the Republican Party, caused Republicans to oust her from her position as chair of the House Republican Caucus.

Even after the Wyoming Republican Party censured her for her vote in support of impeachment, Cheney continued to focus on the events of Jan. 6. She broke with her Republican colleagues by openly embracing the committee established to investigate the events that led up to the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Cheney's criticism of Trump has caused her to attract many primary challengers as she seeks a fourth term in office. Trump has endorsed Harriet Hageman, a recent entry into the race whom Stahl described as "a longtime Cheney supporter and family friend."

Polls conducted of the race thus far show Cheney losing to primary challengers, two of whom have exited the race following Hageman's entry. A survey conducted in July by McLaughlin & Associates found Cheney winning 23% of the vote against primary challenger Chuck Gray, who captured 25% in a three-way race featuring a second primary challenger, Darin Smith. Both Smith and Gray have since exited the race.

A previous poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates in January found Cheney losing by more than 30 points in head-to-head matchups with potential primary challengers while trailing by a smaller margin in a three-way race.

An April poll conducted by Club for Growth found Cheney losing her primary by 38 points to a "generic opponent," who captured 52% of the vote.

Stahl mentioned in her report that Cheney had received the support of former President George W. Bush. Responding to news that Bush and his former chief strategist Karl Rove would be campaigning on Cheney's behalf, Trump released a statement mocking "RINO former President George 'Dubya' Bush and his flunky Karl Rove" for "endorsing warmongering and very low polling, Liz Cheney."

Trump slammed Bush for getting the United States "in the quicksand of the Middle East and, after spending trillions of dollars and killing nearly a million people." He alleged that "the Middle East was left in worse shape after 21 years than it was when he started his stupidity."

Trump consistently expressed disapproval of Bush's foreign policy dating back to his days on the campaign trail and criticized Cheney for embracing a strongly interventionist foreign policy during his Jan. 6 speech, a clip of which was included in the "60 Minutes" report.
Oklahoma man arrested for allegedly sending death threats to pro-life Texas lawmakers

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A 20-year-old man from Oklahoma was recently arrested for sending death threats to Texas legislators who supported the state's controversial fetal heartbeat abortion law.

Austin Wendell Lund was booked last week by Payne County authorities and faces charges including instigating a terrorism hoax and threatening to perform an act of violence.

Lund allegedly threatened 101 Texas lawmakers, stating on a series of Reddit posts that he was "filled with rage at the Texas abortion law passing." Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act, bans most abortions after a baby's heartbeat is detected, usually around six weeks into pregnancy.

"You are not people to me and if I get the chance I plan to play out my sickest fantasies with your bodies, I fully intend to," Lund allegedly posted, as reported by KOTV of Tulsa, Okla.

Democratic state Rep. Ana Maria Ramos of Dallas, a Texas lawmaker who voted against the heartbeat abortion ban, denounced the death threats against her pro-life colleagues.

"It's never OK," stated Ramos, as reported by local outlet CBS DFW last Friday. "And it's scary for all of us, because these are my colleagues."

"These are human beings, that people on the House floor and in [the] legislature, people have also [been] sacrificing their time to fight for what they feel is best for our country. So, so it's never OK."

Republican state Rep. Matt Shaheen of Plano, a legislator who supported the heartbeat law and was among those threatened, said that getting a death threat was not news, per se.

"You're alarmed at first, but quite frankly, every once in a while, we receive these types of threats," continued Shaheen, as reported by CBS DFW.

Shaheen also defended his support for Senate Bill 8.

"It's really, really simple to me," he said. "If there's a little baby with a heartbeat, it deserves to live. The Declaration of Independence says we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights and among those are life. So that little baby is a little life."

Senate Bill 8 went into effect on Sept. 1, after the U.S. Supreme Court denied the request of abortion providers and advocacy groups to block the law's implementation. The new law allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs illegal abortions or helps a woman obtain an illegal abortion.

The law has garnered much backlash, including a lawsuit by the Biden administration and the publication of a statement signed by more than 50 companies condemning the measure. Notable signatories include Lyft, Yelp and Ben & Jerry's.

Although the law has received intense opposition from pro-abortion groups and the Biden administration, the American public is evenly divided in its views on Senate Bill 8.

A Rasmussen poll conducted shortly after its passage found that a plurality of Americans (46%) support the law while 43% oppose it. At the same time, 46% of Americans said they approved of President Joe Biden's vow to launch a "whole-of-government effort ... to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions."

The threats against the Texas lawmakers come after the pro-life group Texas Right to Life received a bomb threat at it's headquarters in the Houston suburb of Bellaire earlier this month. Police ordered the evacuation of the facility when a suspicious package was delivered.

While the package ultimately did not include an explosive device, the Bellaire Police Department noted in a statement that it's investigating the incident as a "terroristic threat," which is punishable with a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
Pastor pledges to stop eating until Congress passes climate bill but hopes it wont take long

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As Democrats in Congress push to pass President Joe Biden's climate plan in a $3.5 trillion budget bill that would direct billions of dollars to incentivize coal and natural gas-burning utilities to switch over to renewable energy, a Wisconsin pastor pledged to stop eating on Saturday until the legislation is approved or he reaches 6% body fat.

The Rev. Jonathan Barker, a pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, revealed in a Facebook post that he had his last meal of "stir fry vegetables and rice" at 4:26 p.m. Saturday after he felt led by God to embark on a period of fasting and prayer for climate change.

"I have to confess that I have been avoiding this fast. God has been trying to get my attention, but I've kept making excuses," he wrote in the post along with a photo of himself eating in a "Green New Deal" hat.

"Like Jonah, I feel like I was running in the exact opposite way God wanted as I put off this fast. But this morning, like Jeremiah, when I woke up, God put a fire in my bones I could no longer ignore. So this afternoon as I made lunch, I told Rae what God was calling me to do, and she encouraged me to follow my heart."

Barker, whose church is affiliated with the liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, hoped his fast would end as early as Monday. But he will have to wait longer as a motion to move forward with the legislation failed in the U.S. Senate. Senate Democrats will try to pass a bill funding government operations past the yearend before the deadline on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

"The parameters of this fast are going to be a little different. I'm hoping the big climate bill will pass on Monday or early this week and then I'll be done. If that doesn't happen, I'm going to take this one week at a time and closely evaluate how I am feeling each week as I discern whether or not I can continue. Also, if I get to 6% body fat I will immediately stop fasting," Barker wrote. "I would appreciate your prayers for miraculous strength for this fast and quick action in passing this climate bill."

The Kenosha pastor said government action on climate change this week is a "once-in-a-species moment to avoid catastrophic warming."

"The path to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is to pass this big climate bill in the United States and then use that as leverage at COP 26 in Glasgow this fall to convince other countries to take strong climate action as well--they have been waiting for us to act," he wrote.



"What happens this week, and the weeks to come, will be remembered in 500 years as either the moment humanity turned the corner on catastrophic climate change or the moment we missed our last opportunity to act, dooming future generations to intensified wildfires, heat waves, floods, hurricanes, and hundreds of millions of climate refugees," he argued.

"I am praying and fasting that this love-your-neighbor-as-yourself bill passes. And, I call each Christian and person of good will to join me in prayer and fasting that this once-in-a-species bill passes. And as we pray and fast, we need to let our Members of Congress know we are praying and fasting for them to pass this bill."
Mom blasts school board for allowing books promoting pedophilia in school libraries

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WARNING: The following article contains sexually explicit content

A concerned mother has slammed one of the largest school districts in the United States for including sexually explicit books in their high school libraries, which she classified as pornography for their graphic descriptions of sex acts between men and boys.

The parent of a student in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia read aloud sexually explicit material and shared graphic images featured in two books available in the districts high school libraries at a school board meeting on Thursday. A video of her addressing the board, uploaded by the advocacy group Do Better FCPS, has received more than 300,000 views.

Stacy Langton explained, After seeing a September 9 school board meeting in Texas on pornography in the schools, I decided to check the titles at my childs school, Fairfax High School. Langton held up the two books singled out at the Texas school board meeting that are also available in several public high schools in Fairfax County. She said that both of these books include pedophilia, [and] sex between men and boys.

Both books describe different acts, she added. One book describes a fourth-grade boy performing oral sex on an adult male. The other book has detailed illustrations of a man having sex with a boy.

Langton added, The illustrations include fellatio, sex toys, masturbation and violent nudity. She read aloud from one of the books, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe: I cant wait to have your c**k in my mouth. I am going to give you the b**w job of your life and then I want you inside me.

She then read an excerpt from the other book, titled Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison: What if I told you I touched another guys d**k? What if I told you I sucked it? I was 10 years old but its true. I s**ked Doug Gobles d**k, the real estate guy, and he s**ked mine too.

As Langton maintained that this is not an oversight at Fairfax High School, a school board member interrupted and told her that there are children in the audience here.

In an article on Substack, Asra Normani, the vice president for strategy and investigations at the grassroots advocacy organization Parents Defending Education, who attended the meeting, disputed the assertion that children were present at the meeting.

Langton, who didn't appreciate the board member's interruption of her time to speak, added: Do not interrupt my time. I will stand here until my time is restored and my time is finished. These books are in stock and available in the libraries of Robinson, Langley and Annandale High Schools.

A school board member then suggested that teenagers' access to the books is OK because they're only available for high school students. However, the majority of high school students are younger than 18, which is the age of consent in Virginia.

Before her time was up, Langton replied to the board member's assertion, saying, Pornography is offensive to all people; it is offensive to common decency. When Langtons time came to a close, the school board attempted to introduce the next speaker as many in the crowd gave the mother a round of applause.

Langton remained at the podium as parents expressed their anger at the school board by chanting, Go to jail! As a security official tried to escort her away from the podium, Langton alleged that This board is in violation of the law of the state of Virginia called 18.2-376! This board should be charged accordingly!

At last night's @FCPSNews school board meeting, brave mom Stacy Langton revealed porn + pedophilia in library books. The board cut her mic + fled but I was able to record Stacy. Parents yelled, "Shame!" at the board for turning the county into #Fairfaxxx. No rest for @defendinged pic.twitter.com/efbT6c79H2  Asra Q. Nomani (@AsraNomani) September 24, 2021

The law cited by Langton is one of Virginias Crimes Involving Morals and Decency. It declares that It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly prepare, print, publish, or circulate, or cause to be prepared, printed, published or circulated, any notice or advertisement of any obscene performance or exhibition.

Another member of the audience remarked that this is child pornography and every one of you all should be arrested for allowing this bullcrap to be perpetrated in our schools and infecting the minds of these children.

In response to the criticism, one member of the board, Karl Frisch, took to Twitter and implicitly defended the inclusion of the book in high school libraries: Its not every week the School Board receives two exorcisms during public comment. To be clear, nothing will disrupt our Boards commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff. Nothing.

It's not every week the School Board receives two exorcisms during public comment. To be clear, nothing will disrupt our Board's commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff. Nothing. ??????????????????  Karl Frisch (@KarlFrischFCPS) September 24, 2021

Fairfax County Public Schools released a statement Friday announcing that The circulation of these books has been suspended, while a committee reviews and makes recommendations about the text. After outlining the process for the Request for Reconsideration of Library or Instructional Material, the statement indicated that two committees had been formed to determine whether to remove the books from the schools.

VICTORY. BREAKING @fcpsnews was hammered with calls + emails today from angry parents. At 4:46 PM its public relations machine announces: "The circulation of these books has been suspended, while a committee reviews and makes recommendations about the text." It's still #Fairfaxxx pic.twitter.com/P60v8POYwE  Asra Q. Nomani (@AsraNomani) September 24, 2021

Each committee will include two teachers, two parents, one school-based administrator, one member of the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team, and two high school students. Each year, we identify potential committee members by working with our schools and regions. The committee members will be randomly selected from the list, though we will ensure that the students selected are 18 years of age given the concerns.

The controversy is the latest example of school boards facing pushback over some of the material taught to children in public schools. In nearby Loudoun County, Virginia, parents read aloud similar literature their high school children were exposed to in a high school English class at a school board meeting this past spring.

Earlier this month, Mayor Craig Shubert of Hudson, Ohio, called on the school board to resign or face criminal charges for allowing a book titled, 642 Things to Write About.

The book features sexually explicit writing prompts intended for use in a college-level English class taught in the districts high school. Like Langton and parents in Loudoun County, parents of students in the Hudson City School District read some of the sexually explicit writing prompts that children taking the class were asked to write about to the board.

Prompts students were asked to write about included instructions to explain a time when you wanted to orgasm but couldnt and write a sex scene you wouldnt show your mom.

Concerns about the kind of material children are exposed to in public schools have led to the foundation of several advocacy organizations, including Parents Defending Education and the 1776 Project PAC, which seeks to get school board people in there who can actually start reversing it.
Evangelical foster agency can't refuse same-sex couples, UK appeals court rules

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The Court of Appeal in England and Wales has ruled that an evangelical foster agency may not place foster children only in the homes of opposite-sex married couples.

Cornerstone (North East) Adoption and Fostering Service, also known as CornerstoneUK, plans to appeal last Friday's ruling holding that the group could limit families it works with to evangelical Christians but could not require that they be heterosexual married couples.

The three-justice panel of the Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling against Cornerstone. The Christian Institute has vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

"The difficulty with this logic is that it equates religious discrimination with sexual orientation discrimination in all circumstances when that is something that Parliament has not done," the ruling states.

"Parliament has, speaking broadly, chosen to give priority to religious faith in a private context but to give priority to sexual orientation where public services are concerned  always subject to considerations of proportionality in the individual case."

Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute, which is helping to represent Cornerstone, told The Christian Post on Monday via email that the Court of Appeal "wrongly concluded that" Cornerstone was "unlawfully discriminating on grounds of sexual orientation."

"The Courts incorrectly stated that Cornerstone recruits carers on behalf of local authorities and therefore cannot rely on equality law exceptions created for religious organisations," Calvert explained.

"These exceptions protect their ability to make distinctions on grounds of sexual orientation without falling foul of discrimination law. The crucial fact is that Cornerstone recruits carers on its own behalf, not on behalf of local authorities."

Calvert explained that it was "the placing of children which is done on behalf of local authorities." Therefore, "Cornerstone is free to rely on these exceptions which are vital to protecting its distinctively Christian mission."

In 2019, the government's Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (OFSTED) issued a report on Cornerstone concluding that the evangelical agency was "inadequate" due to its policy of only placing children with opposite-sex married couples who agree to the organization's statement of faith.

According to OFSTED, this policy meant that Cornerstone was not compliant with the Equality Act of 2010 and the Human Rights Act of 1998.

Cornerstone disputed the designation, arguing that the charity qualified for exemptions under British law and that its refusal on religious grounds to place children with same-sex couples was justified.

In last Friday's ruling, the Court of Appeal maintained that if "Cornerstone's argument were correct, it could take advantage of the parts of the legislation that protect it and ignore the parts that protect others."

Cornerstone CEO Pam Birtle said in a statement released by The Christian Institute that while she was "disappointed" by the ruling, she believes her organization "won more than it had lost."

"Ofsted's attempt to tell us that we could not work exclusively with Christian carers was rejected by the High Court and has been even more firmly rejected by today's Court of Appeal ruling," stated Birtle.

"We are convinced that equality law protects our ability to operate in a distinctively evangelical way. For the law to do any less would be a breach of human rights and a denial of the values of a liberal democracy."

In the U.S., the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that the city of Philadelphia could not exclude a Catholic charity from its foster care program because the group won't place children with same-sex couples.

Government fails to act neutrally when it proceeds in a manner intolerant of religious beliefs or restricts practices because of their religious nature, wrote Chief Justice John Roberts.

The refusal of Philadelphia to contract with CSS for the provision of foster care services unless it agrees to certify same-sex couples as foster parents cannot survive strict scrutiny, and violates the First Amendment.
DALLAS (AP)  United Airlines says the number of employees facing termination for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has dropped nearly by half, to 320, after more of its 67,000 U.S. workers provided evidence of vaccination.

An airline spokeswoman said Thursday that the declining number of potential firings shows that the company's policy of requiring vaccinations is working.

United Airlines announced in August that it would require U.S. employees to get vaccinated, calling it an important safety measure. Employees faced a deadline this Monday to upload images of their vaccination cards showing that they had gotten at least one shot.

The airline said Tuesday that 593 employees faced termination. On Thursday, United reduced that number and said that more than 99% of its workers have either become vaccinated or applied for a medical or religious exemption. People whose exemption requests are approved will be put on medical or other leave status and could lose their income.

Our vaccine policy continues to prove requirements work," spokeswoman Leslie Scott said in a statement. In less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half."

Chicago-based United has the toughest vaccination policy among major U.S. airlines. Delta Air Lines is requiring vaccination or weekly testing, but will begin charging unvaccinated workers on the company health plan a $200 monthly surcharge starting in November.

American and Southwest have offered incentives for employees to get vaccinated, but have not indicated how they will comply with President Joe Biden's order that employers with more than 100 workers require vaccination or weekly testing. Both airlines are based in Texas, where state officials are trying to limit mandates for vaccination and mask-wearing, and resistance to vaccination is stronger than in many other parts of the country.

Pilot unions at American and Southwest are resisting mandatory vaccination and are pushing instead for alternatives such as COVID-19 testing.

According to their union, 4,200 of American's 14,000 pilots are not vaccinated.

United's experience underscores that very few workers  usually fewer than 1%  are willing to quit or get fired because of vaccination mandates.

Novant Health, a North Carolina hospital system, said this week that about 175 of its 35,000 employees were fired for failing to get vaccinated. At Houston Methodist hospital system, about 150 of the 26,000 employees were fired in June.

Like mask-wearing, Biden's order to require workers at large companies to get vaccinated or tested regularly has become a political issue. A poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Biden's order is supported by three-fourths of Democrats but only one-fourth of Republicans.

Six United employees who got exemptions are suing the airline in federal district court in Texas, claiming they are being discriminated against because of medical conditions or religious beliefs. United has said the lawsuit has no merit.

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David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Droughts that cause leaves to turn brown and wither before they can reach peak color. Heat waves prompting leaves to fall before autumn even arrives. Extreme weather events like hurricanes that strip trees of their leaves altogether.

For a cheery autumnal activity, leaf peeping is facing some serious threats from the era of climate change.

Leaf peeping, the practice of traveling to watch nature display its fall colors, is a beloved annual activity in many corners of the country, especially New England and New York. But recent seasons have been disrupted by weather conditions there and elsewhere, and the trend is likely to continue as the planet warms, said arborists, conservationists and ecologists.

Typically, by the end of September, leaves cascade into warmer hues throughout the U.S. This year, many areas have yet to even pivot from their summer green shades. In northern Maine, where peak conditions typically arrive in late September, forest rangers had reported less than 70% color change and moderate leaf drop on Wednesday.

Across the country in Denver, high temperatures have left dead, dry edges of leaves early in the season, said Michael Sundberg, a certified arborist in the area.

Instead of trees doing this gradual change, they get thrown these wacky weather events. They change all of a sudden, or they drop leaves early, Sundberg said. Its been a few years since we've had a really good leaf year where you just drive around town and see really good color.

The reason climate change can be bad for fall foliage has a bit to do with plant biology. When fall arrives, and day length and temperature drop, the chlorophyll in a leaf breaks down, and that causes it to lose its green color. The green gives way to the yellows, reds and oranges that make for dramatic autumn displays.

Achieving those peak colors is a delicate balance, and one jeopardized by changes in the environment, said Paul Schaberg, a research plant physiologist with the U.S. Forest Service based in Burlington, Vermont. Warm fall temperatures can cause leaves to remain green longer and delay the onset of what leaf peepers look for in terms of fall color, he said.

Worse, dry summers can stress trees and cause their leaves to miss the fall color turn altogether, Schaberg said. A 2003 study in the journal Tree Physiology that Schaberg cowrote stated that environmental stress can accelerate leaf deterioration.

If climate change is going to mean significant drought, that means trees are going to shut down, and many trees are just going to drop their leaves, he said. Severe droughts that really mean that the tree just can't function  that doesn't improve color.

It's happening already. This summer's heatwave in the Pacific Northwest brought temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) to Oregon, and that led to a condition called foliage scorch, in which leaves prematurely browned, said Chris Still, a professor at the Forest Ecosystems & Society department at Oregon State University.

The leaves' pigment was degraded and they fell shortly thereafter, Still said. That will lead to a less scenic fall season in parts of Oregon.

That's a really big example of color change just due to heatwave shock, Still said.

Climate change also poses longer-term threats that could disrupt leaf peeping. The spread of diseases and invasive pests and the northward creep of tree species are all factors tied to warming temperatures that could make for less vibrant fall colors, said Andrew Richardson, a professor of ecosystem science at Northern Arizona University.

The onset of fall colors, which has been drifting later into the fall, could also continue to arrive later, said Jim Salge, foliage expert for Yankee magazine.

My observations in the last decade have had more years that were later than what we would consider historical averages, he said.

The economic impact of poor leaf peeping seasons could also be consequential. Officials throughout New England have said fall tourism brings billions of dollars into those states every year.

Conservationists say that's a good reason to focus on preserving forests and reducing burning fossil fuels. Recent fall seasons have been less spectacular than typical in Massachusetts, but leaf peeping can stay a part of the state's heritage if forests are given the protections they need, said Andy Finton, landscape conservation director and forest ecologist for The Nature Conservancy.

If we can keep the big, important forests intact, they will provide what we've depended on  clean air, clean water, clean forests, as well as fall inspiration, Finton said.
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Texas SB 8, the most restrictive abortion ban in the country, effectively outlawing the procedure after six weeks, has been in effect for almost one month. In that time, hundreds of Texans have been forced to spend hundreds of dollars and drive hours to neighboring states to receive abortion care.

According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, all that traveling Texas women are being forced to do is actually a good thing. In a filing made yesterday, Paxton argued SB 8 was great for interstate commerce.

[I]f anything, the Act is stimulating rather than obstructing interstate travel, Paxton wrote, citing the stories of Texans who were forced to travel to Oklahoma and Kansas to obtain abortions.

The Supreme Court declined to intervene and stop the law from going into effect earlier this month on technical grounds. Because the new law empowers individuals from anywhere to sue doctors in Texas for providing abortions, it was unclear who should be sued to stop the law from going into effect. The court was unconvinced by the argument that judges and county clerks tasked with arbitrating lawsuits under SB 8 were the right defendants. The Biden administration has tried a different tack: citing testimony from doctors in nearby states, the DOJ has argued it has grounds to sue Texas based on the impact SB 8 is having on interstate commerce.

One of those doctors was Dr. Joshua Yap, the sole health care provider at the Planned Parenthood health center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the DOJ suit, Yap testified to an unprecedented surge in demand for appointments from Texans.

In the first two weeks after the law took effect, Yap said that he treated 69 patients from the state of Texas  a 646 percent increase compared to a normal week at the clinic. And he only expects that number to grow: For the two weeks following his testimony, the doctor said, 240 Texans had already made appointments to have abortions at Oklahoma health centers. Those patients, he added, were coming from as far as Austin, Houston, Round Rock and San Antonio  a five to eight hour drive, one-way.

Pregnant people from Texas are scared and are frantically trying to get appointments, Yap said. They are doing everything they can to get to a state that will allow them to terminate their pregnancies.

One of the most heart-wrenching cases, Yap testified, involved a minor who had been raped by a family member and forced to travel from Galveston, Texas, a more than 7 hour drive one-way, to receive an abortion in Oklahoma.

The distance Texans have been forced to travel is just one facet of the burden SB 8 has put on them. Anna Rupani of Fund Texas Choice, which provides financial support for women seeking abortions, told Rolling Stone earlier this month that the cost of abortion care has skyrocketed as travel costs increased, rising from what was $350 on the high end, to more than $2,000 in some cases.

A district court in Austin will hear arguments to suspend the law from the Department of Justice on Friday.
Americans have long had a reputation for being terrible tourists: loud, rude and too often clad in tube socks.

In the years leading up to the pandemic, we got even worse. Not more boisterous or more badly dressed. But  driven by cheap flights and cruises, an explosion of vacation rentals and social media-fueled FOMO  we were flooding the world, and wrecking it.

Countless people benefit from and depend on tourism. But travelers have also contributed to climate change, destroyed coral reefs and driven residents out of cities once praised for their livability. In 2019, passenger planes blasted record amounts of carbon emissions into the air. That same year, Mount Everest was so overwhelmed with trash that China closed the base camp on its side of the peak to tourists without climbing permits. The Louvre got so jammed that workers walked out in protest.

Its not just Americans who are to blame for this mess. There were 1.5 billion international overnight trips in 2019, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization; Europeans accounted for roughly half of these stays, Asians a quarter. But we were the biggest spenders after the Chinese, lavishing some $150 billion on our holidays.

Then the pandemic forced a reset. Now that we are traveling again, we have a chance to usher in a better era. We can stop loving destinations to death.

To do that, we need to travel less  and more carefully.

The last time you planned a vacation, you probably spent a lot of time on research. You may have compared hotel costs and restaurant ratings, or tried to judge the cleanliness of a campground or the walking distance to ski lifts.

What if, in addition to asking how to maximize our enjoyment, we spent some time considering a different question: What impact will my presence have?

Travelers have to do research to get the answer. But if millions of people can scour Facebook, Twitter and other platforms for #travelinspiration, we can mine these sources for context, too. A search for overtourism on Twitter, for example, offers some useful information about fragile destinations to avoid.

This summer, Preethi Harbuck, a travel blogger, canceled a trip to Maui, which was struggling with a COVID surge, a water shortage and a tourist deluge. Her family could have blithely pressed ahead; many others did. But listening to locals on social media convinced her that doing so wouldnt be considerate or responsible.

The vast majority of Hawaiian voices that I could find were saying, Please dont come right now, Ms. Harbuck told me. Her family went to the U.S. Virgin Islands instead.

Approaching travel this way requires a mind-set shift. It may be more pleasurable to browse photos of five-star hotels than it is to review Friends of the Earths annual Cruise Ship Report Card. But there is a payoff: Caring about the places we travel to and the people who live there can make us feel more connected to them.

Some simple changes in how we plan travel can help. Rather than following the crowds, the hashtags or the influencers, look to old-fashioned sources of inspiration, from places mentioned in favorite books to memories of childhood holidays. You could even take that dusty globe off your shelf to get ideas.

Ask yourself what kind of trip youre looking for  a beach escape? a culinary adventure?  then seek out a lower density version of the hot spot you initially had in mind. Opt out of Pariss overheated restaurant scene, for example, and feast in Padua, Italy, or the Mexican state of Chiapas. Skip Yosemite National Park and try Pinnacles National Park, a few hours away. Travel during the off-season, stay in small inns and guesthouses, and explore the areas cuisine as much as possible, to keep your dollars in local hands.

Of course, its always important to keep a close eye on any travel restrictions and recommendations from the places you want to visit  especially now, because of COVID  and make sure to comply with them fully, for your own sake and the safety of others.

One surprising way to be a more conscientious traveler is to book a group tour  with a responsible operator. Tours may get a bad rap from travelers who prize independence and authenticity, but some operators steer visitors away from over-touristed areas and use their deep local knowledge to support off-the-beaten track small businesses, says Megan Epler Wood, the managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University. The kind of company you want to pick can show you how theyre measuring the impact of their travel, she said. Thats an important area where the consumer will have an impact.

Governments and corporations have the most power when it comes to managing tourism, says Wood, but they almost always opt for a more-is-more approach. Decisions about, say, how many flights can land in Maui are often disconnected from the desires and welfare of local communities. Thats why our own choices as travelers are so crucial.

Some of the most fundamental changes we can make start at home. Xavier Font, a professor of sustainability marketing at the University of Surrey in Britain, believes that often, we travel to escape unhappy daily lives. We even binge on travel the way we might on food.

When you can no longer cope with your job and your bills and your pressures, getting on an airplane and going somewhere warmer and sunnier, where youre not held to account, is really tempting, he told me.

One antidote is to find more joy in your everyday life and community. We can start by getting to know our neighbors and neighborhoods better, as many people did during the pandemic. We can forgo the convenience of big box stores and deliveries, and patronize the kinds of small businesses we enjoy browsing in when were abroad.

Organize old-fashioned block parties, as the City of Santa Monica in California is encouraging residents to do, to channel Romes festive piazzas. Seek out nearby hot springs instead of spewing emissions all the way to Iceland. Grow  and share  tomatoes like those that your friend Instagrammed in Greece.

When travel is toxic, locals suffer the most. But it hurts tourists, too. We visit national parks to commune with nature, not overflowing parking lots. Being jostled by a crowd is no way to experience a great work of art or architecture. If we continue to exploit the worlds gifts, we may lose them as they degrade into ruins or are closed to outsiders.

Just as some of us are trying to stop stuffing our closets with disposable fast fashion, lets stop gorging on cheap travel. Planning fewer, longer, more meaningful trips can mean more enduring memories  and destinations.

Sara Clemence is the former travel editor of The Wall Street Journal. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP)  Two former prison guards at Leavenworth Detention Center have been indicted by a federal grand jury on counts accusing them of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison, according to federal authorities.

Jacqueline Sifuentes, 25, of Laredo, Texas, and Cheyonte Harris, 29, of Raytown, Missouri, were both indicted Sept. 22, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release Thursday.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  Five men were indicted Thursday in the fatal drive-by shooting of a 4-year-old girl in Florida.

A Hillsborough County jury formally charged Zvante Sampson, 30; Quandarious Hammond, 28; Jaylin Bedward, 22; James Denson, 24; and Andrew Thompson, 22. They have been taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to a Tampa police news release.
Determined to keep track of their guns, some U.S. military units have turned to a technology that could let enemies detect troops on the battlefield, The Associated Press has found.

The rollout on Army and Air Force bases continues even though the Department of Defense itself describes putting the technology in firearms as a significant security risk.

The Marines have rejected radio frequency identification technology in weapons for that very reason, and the Navy said this week that it was halting its own dalliance.

RFID, as the technology is known, is infused throughout daily civilian life. Thin RFID tags help drivers zip through toll booths, hospitals locate tools and supermarkets track their stock. Tags are in some identity documents, airline baggage tags and even amusement park wristbands.

When embedded in military guns, tags can trim hours off time-intensive tasks, such as weapon counts and distribution. Outside the armory, however, the same silent, invisible signals that help automate inventory checks could become an unwanted tracking beacon.

The AP scrutinized how the U.S. armed services use technology to keep closer control of their firearms as part of an investigation into stolen and missing military guns  some of which have been used in street violence.

The examination included new field tests that showed even low-tech enemies could identify U.S. troops at distances far greater than what contractors who install RFID systems say.

Which is why a spokesman for the Department of Defense said its policymakers oppose embedding tags in firearms except in limited, very specific cases, such as guns that are used only at a firing range  not in combat or to guard bases.

It would pose a significant operations security risk in the field, allowing an adversary to easily identify DOD personnel operating locations and potentially even their identity, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Uriah Orland told AP.

Spokespeople at the headquarters of the Air Force and Army said they did not know how many units have converted their armories.

AP found five Air Force bases that have operated at least one RFID armory, and one more that plans a retrofit.

A Florida-based Army Green Berets unit, the 7th Special Forces Group, confirmed it uses the technology in a few arms rooms. Special forces soldiers can take tagged weapons into the field, said Maj. Dan Lessard, a special forces spokesman. A separate pilot project at Fort Bragg, the sprawling Army base in North Carolina, was suspended due to COVID-19.

The Navy told AP one armory on a base up the coast from Los Angeles was using RFID for inventory. Then this week, after extended questioning, spokesman Lt. Lewis Aldridge abruptly said that the technology didnt meet operational requirements and wouldnt be used across the service.

With unit commanders looking to bolster armory security, defense contractors have offered a familiar technology  one with origins in the development of radar during World War II.

In the U.S. military, RFID use grew in the 1990s, after the first Gulf War showed a need to untangle vast supply chains of shipping containers. Its use has migrated to weapons management in more recent years. Government armories in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere have been outfitted.

Conversions cost thousands of dollars, and sometimes more. Convenience is a big selling point. Instead of hand-recording firearm serial numbers on paper or scanning barcodes one-by-one like a cashier, an armorer can read tags in multiple firearms with the wave of a handheld reader  and without having to see each weapon. The tags tucked inside dont even need batteries.

Contractors that retrofit armories say tags can be read only within a limited range, typically a few dozen feet or less. But in field testing for AP, two prominent cybersecurity experts showed that a tag inside a rifle can be detected from significantly farther, using inexpensive components that fit in a backpack.

Because the hackers were following federal regulations that limit the power of radio signals, their RFID reader system lost the tag at 210 feet (64 meters). Enemies who would not feel so restricted could detect tags miles away, said Kristin Paget, the Hacker Princess who has worked at tech titans including Apple and Tesla.

The RFID system Paget and her hacking partner Marc Rogers cobbled together cost about $500. They said a tinkerer with YouTube access could learn the needed skills.

Executives at two companies that have installed RFID armories at Air Force bases said they had never heard of a 210-foot reading.

One said he didnt believe it. Eric Collins, the CEO of Trackable Solutions, said hed heard concerns about troop tracking for years, but insisted it wasnt a problem because  even with a stronger power source  no reader could find a tag more than several dozen feet away.

RFID in weapons poses absolutely no risk at all, Collins said. He called the Pentagons security concerns invalid: The leadership needs their staff to give them better guidance.

But a top weapons expert from the Marine Corps said he witnessed how tags can be read from afar during training exercises in the Southern California desert in December 2018.

RFID tags on tanks, weapons, magazines, you can ping them and find the disposition of where units are, said Wesley Turner, who was a Marine chief warrant officer 5 when he spoke in a spring interview. If I can ping it, I can find it and I can shoot you.

The Corps has decided not to tag guns because doing so would boost troops digital signature on the battlefield, increasing the security/force protection risks, according to spokesman Capt. Andrew Wood.

In written statements, spokespeople for the Air Force and Army said unit commanders can add RFID systems as a further layer of accountability, but no service-wide requirement is planned.

Policy experts within the Office of the Secretary of Defense appeared unaware that the services have been tagging firearms.

Asked why its branches can field a technology that Pentagon planners consider so risky, Defense Department spokesman Orland first said that the services told the Pentagon they are not tagging guns due to security concerns.

Informed that AP found units which acknowledge using the technology, the Pentagon revised its statement and said it allows service branches to explore innovative solutions. The Defense Department tries to balance pre-emptive prohibitions due to current security risks with flexibility to adopt new technologies when they mature and those risks decrease, Orland said.

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LaPorta reported from Hickman, California, Pritchard reported from Los Angeles, and Hall reported from Nashville, Tennessee. Also contributing were Serginho Roosblad in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, California.

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Contact LaPorta at https://twitter.com/jimlaporta; contact Pritchard at https://twitter.com/JPritchardAP; contact Hall at https://twitter.com/kmhall.

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Email APs Global Investigations Team at investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/. See other work at https://www.apnews.com/hub/ap-investigations.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Arkansas lawmakers considered competing redistricting proposals that would divide the state's most populous county between congressional seats on Wednesday.

The House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committees did not advance any proposals for redrawing districts as the Legislature reconvened to redraw the states four U.S. House boundaries. Both panels showed support for plans that would divide Pulaski County.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A teenage boy was shot and critically wounded Thursday inside a school in Memphis, Tennessee, and police detained a second boy believed to be the shooter. The K-8 school was placed on lockdown and students were taken by bus to a nearby church to be reunited with frantic parents.

Memphis police identified both the victim of the shooting at the Cummings School and the alleged shooter as 13-year-old boys, Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said. Both were students at the school.

The wounded child underwent surgery at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and was expected to recover, officials said. Crowe said the shooting took place in a stairwell. Video footage showed there were no other students in the stairwell when the shooting occured, Crowe said.

The suspect fled the school after the shooting, but later surrendered at a police precinct. He was expected to be charged with criminal attempt of first-degree murder and taken to juvenile court, Crowe said.

Police have not released details about what led to the shooting, where the alleged shooter got the gun, and where on his body the wounded child was shot. School officials said Cummings performs random metal detector scans on students.

We also have to think, How did a 13-year-old get their hands on a gun?' Crowe said. "It's a question we all want the answer to. I'm not sure we'll ever find the full truth. But certainly, it begs of everyone to keep their guns secure."

After the shooting, parents held umbrellas in a light drizzle and talked with each other as they waited for children to arrive at the church. Ebonnie Hayslett rushed to the school to make sure her two nieces were safe.

The worst news you could receive is a shooting at a kids school," she said. "My main concern was the kids being OK, the teachers, the faculty. No one wants to go pick up their kids and be surrounded by SWAT cars and police officers.

A school resource officer who was inside the building responded to the shooting and informed police about it, said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray. A school nurse applied pressure to the child's wound to help stop the bleeding, Ray said.

Students were lined up and taken out of the school into buses, which brought them to the church.

Tempers flared briefly as parents lined up outside the church, demanding information about the shooting and pushing for the release of their kids. When the students were dismissed, some of them were crying and hugging their parents as they left the church.

Ray said emergency procedures were followed closely. He praised teachers and staff for keeping the children calm and safe, and for using training from an active shooter drill held in early September.

Ray became emotional while speaking with news reporters outside Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Were doing all we can to keep our students safe, Ray said. We cant allow our children to hurt from gun violence.

School board president Michelle McKissack acknowledged that the relatively young age of the detained student, 13, was shocking.

A former TV news reporter, McKissack recalled covering the 1998 Westside Middle School shooting in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which was committed by two boys ages 13 and 11. Four students and a teacher were killed, and 10 others were wounded.

It was very shocking today to find out that this was happening at a middle school, McKissack said.

The shooting is the latest in a rash of incidents in the past two years in which children in Memphis have been shot, some fatally.

Dr. Barry Gilmore, chief medical officer at Le Bonheur, said more than 100 children have been treated for gunshot wounds this year at the hospital. He added that Le Bonheur was expected to surpass its single-year record of 135 child gunshot patients, set last year.

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Reynolds reported from Louisville, Kentucky.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday recommended legislators quickly spend most of the $1 billion of federal coronavirus aid the state received this year on infrastructure, economic development and other projects to avoid inflation and rising construction costs.

The second-term Republican governor, in an address at the state Capitol, also recommended using a portion of the states better-than-expected ending fund balance of $1.1 billion in the last two-year budget cycle to provide $207 million in income tax relief to residents and $100 million to bolster the states troubled pension fund, which is threatened to be exhausted in time if lawmakers do not take action.

Burgum, who dubbed his spending plan Accelerate ND, earlier asked state agencies for proposals as a way to set priorities for the federal coronavirus relief money. The proposals totaled nearly $5 billion.

Legislative leaders said they have been meeting for the past several weeks with the governor and agreed in principle to some of the themes in his spending blueprint. The Legislature, which controls spending on state government, will eventually decide where the money goes.

The Legislature is already set to reconvene Nov. 8 to finish work on legislative redistricting. However, lawmakers have just four days left that they can meet until 2023 under the North Dakota Constitution, leaving them little time to squeeze in anything besides redistricting. The Legislature already met 76 of the 80 days allotted under the constitution every two years.

Burgum could call a special session, though, and that would give lawmakers as much time as they need to address the coronavirus funds.

Burgum declined to say if he would do that.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Ray Holmberg, a Republican from Grand Forks, said lawmakers have yet to prioritize how the money would be spent, and would look closely Burgums blueprint. However, he does not think all of the federal money needs to be spent as quickly as possible.

There is something to be said about showing restraint and not spending every penny, said Holmberg, the longtime chairman of the powerful committee.

A previous appropriation of $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus aid last year already has been spent or earmarked for spending.

The more recent round of money must be assigned by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026, under federal rules.

GOP House Majority Leader Chet Pollert said he believed there is some commonality between Burgums wishes and the Legislature on how the money should be spent, particularly on infrastructure projects.

But, he said. legislators are the appropriators and they want input.
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  Murder charges were dismissed Thursday against a man who spent 15 years in prison for the fire-related deaths of five children in suburban Detroit, the climax of an investigation that found misconduct by police and prosecutors.

Juwan Deering will not face a second trial, Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said. A judge granted her request to close the case a week after Deering's convictions and life sentences were thrown out at her urging.

Wearing a three-piece suit, Deering, 50, walked into court shackled at the waist but departed as a free man with no restraints.

Its been a hard uphill battle. ... The sun couldn't shine on not a brighter day. This is the brightest for me," Deering said moments later as family members clung to him on a cloudless morning and other Detroit-area men exonerated of crimes stood nearby.

Deering praised the new prosecutor for her exceptional work.

I told her it took a lot of strength to step up against the status quo, he said.

McDonald, a former judge who was elected in 2020, took a fresh look at Deering's case at the request of the University of Michigan law school's Innocence Clinic.

Favorable evidence, including statements by a fire survivor, was not shared with his defense lawyer before the 2006 trial, and jurors didn't know that jail informants were given significant benefits for their testimony against Deering, McDonald said.

Deering has insisted he was innocent in a fire that killed children in his neighborhood in Royal Oak Township in 2000. No one could identify him as being at the house. Authorities at the time said the fire was revenge for unpaid drug debts.

The prosecutor said a dozen law enforcement professionals last week unanimously determined there was insufficient evidence to tie Deering to the fire. The investigation between 2000 and 2006 was totally compromised by misconduct, McDonald said.

There is only one ethical and constitutional remedy, she said in dropping the case.

Law students earlier had been trying to get a new trial for Deering, arguing that the fire analysis was based on junk science. Those requests were unsuccessful in Michigans appellate courts.

McDonald said it's possible the fire was not an arson as Deering's legal team has long maintained. She said state police are investigating it again.

Once there was a belief that it was intentionally set, it was solve it at all costs. There was an unchecked culture here, said Imran Syed of the law school. Cutting corners has enormous consequences.

Deering could be eligible for more than $700,000 from the state, under a law that pays $50,000 for every year spent in prison if new evidence is cited in a wrongful conviction.

___

Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Leaders of the four parties that made up the last coalition government in the Netherlands agreed Thursday  more than six months after a general election  to join forces again for another four-year term, leading negotiators said.

The decision moves the drawn-out process of forming a new governing coalition into a new phase that involves sketching out a brief policy blueprint for the next four years and selecting ministers. Only then can a new Dutch government be sworn in by King Willem-Alexander.

Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is expected to lead what would be his fourth government, insisted the next administration would not be more of the same even though the coalition consists of the same four parties: Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, the centrist D66, the Christian Democrats and the Christian Union.

There's a huge amount of work to be done, and I think these parties will have to draw up a program to reflect that, Rutte said. It will be a new start, a new culture, with a new program.

It was not immediately clear how long it would take to complete the next round of talks.

The last government quit in January to take political responsibility for a scandal in which the countrys tax authorities wrongly labeled as fraudsters many families who were claiming child welfare benefits.

It was the latest scandal to hit Rutte's third Cabinet amid an increasingly tense relationship with lawmakers and calls for a new culture of openness from the government.

Johan Remkes, the official who led coalition talks in recent weeks, said in his final report that five opposition parties also should be invited to play a role in upcoming negotiations about a brief policy blueprint.

After months of on-off talks, the process of forming a workable coalition finally progressed after D66 leader Sigrid Kaag said Thursday she was prepared to begin negotiations to re-form the four-party Cabinet whose resignation led to a March 17 election,

Kaag long ruled out joining a coalition with the Christian Union party due to ideological differences but removed the condition in recent days in an attempt to breathe new life into the ailing talks.

She said she wants an ambitious policy blueprint for the next government.

This means that the Netherlands will become a climate frontrunner in Europe, that we will make the largest structural investment in education ever and that the Netherlands will take a leading role at the European Union, Kaag said.

She said her party wants the new coalition to be more progressive, more generous, more open and more humane.

But she sounded a note of caution about the next phase of talks.

Will it work? I do not know, said Kaag, who resigned as caretaker foreign minister two weeks ago over the chaotic Dutch evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept to power.

Jesse Klaver, leader of the Green Left opposition party, said the coalition had failed during its last term to tackle crises such as chronic housing shortages, climate change and inequality.

Why would that be different if the coalition continues?" Klaver tweeted. "What the Netherlands needs is change. This is more of the same.

Populist anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders slammed Kaag's decision, saying it was aimed at preventing her party from being punished by voters in the next elections.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  County jails across New Mexico are contending with a high-risk environment for COVID-19 infection at the same time that many more beds are being filled with inmates, an association of county governments announced Wednesday.

Grace Philips, general counsel to New Mexico Counties alliance of local governments, warned legislators that overall coronavirus vaccination rates among staff at county detention centers are lower than the statewide average  61% versus about 71% for adults in general.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  At least 32 people have been killed in Nigerias north after armed groups attacked remote communities in 2 states, authorities said, the latest incident in a spiraling cycle of violence in Africas most populous country.

Local officials and residents told The Associated Press that the killings and the abduction of 24 persons in Niger and Sokoto states were carried out by the marauding gunmen operating across the northwest and central parts of Nigeria who are notorious for abducting hundreds of school children and travelers for ransom.

The attacks happened barely 48 hours after about 40 persons were killed in the northern region in what residents said could be a part of a prolonged religious conflict between Muslim and Christian communities in Kaduna state.

In the north central Niger state, assailants attacked Muya local government area on Tuesday morning, killing 14 people and abducting seven women, according to Garba Mohammed, the chairman of Munya LGA. The police spokesperson confirmed the incident to the AP but said he had no further details.

These bandits invaded one of the communities around 2 a.m. yesterday, set the houses ablaze, burnt the people in their rooms while some of them (the attackers) were standing outside; those trying to escape were caught and slaughtered, said Mohammed.

After the raid in Kachiwe, the assailants went to two more communities nearby, killing 2 persons they saw on their way before killing 16 more residents, the official added.

Mohammed said the gunmen took advantage of the blockade of telecommunications access. Authorities imposed the block to stem the exchange of information between gunmen and local residents who were acting as informants.

During a similar attack in the northwest Sokoto state, 17 persons were abducted from their homes in Sabon Birni local government area, according to Amina Al-Mustapha, the state lawmaker from the affected area.

The bandits attacked the Gatawa community in the neighboring country Niger on Tuesday, less than a week after earlier attacking the area and killing 22 persons mostly security operatives,

We are under bandits now; We are suffering now, the lawmaker said, adding that at least 60% of about 500,000 residents in Sabon Birni have fled the community, some taking refuge in Niger Republic which is just about 100 miles (160 kilometers) away.

Violent attacks by the assailants known locally as bandits are common across the northwest and central parts of Nigeria, especially in remote communities where there is no adequate security presence.

Authorities have said that special military operations targeted at restoring peace in the troubled states have been yielding results with dozens of the assailants often killed when their hideouts in abandoned forest reserves are bombarded.

But Nigerias security operatives, especially those operating in violence hotspots, are still outnumbered by the gunmen who often raid communities in their hundreds. The assailants are made up of various groups and security analysts have said they are mostly young men from the Fulani ethnic group who had traditionally worked as nomadic cattle herders and are caught up in a decades-long conflict with Hausa farming communities over access to water and grazing land.

In Sokoto state, lawmaker Al-Mustapha told AP that the Sabon Birni area had five military bases as of last year, but "now, we have only one in the entire with security operatives present, with the others abandoned after suffering attacks.
BOSTON (AP)  The former head of a Massachusetts homeless shelter stole about $1.5 million in part by secretly renting properties he owned to the shelter at above-market rates, prosecutors said Thursday.

Manuel Duran, 69, then falsely certified compliance with state regulations designed to detect such actions, according to a statement from the office of state Attorney General Maura Healey.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Two more local health department in Michigan rescinded their school masking requirement Thursday despite Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer saying she will not enforce Republican-written budget provisions that threaten funding for counties with COVID-19 orders.

The moves by Allegan County south of Grand Rapids and the Barry-Eaton District west of Lansing came a day after Berrien County in the state's southwestern corner repealed a face covering mandate. The health department for Dickinson and Iron counties in the Upper Peninsula acted last week.

The governor signed the spending plan Wednesday but said two provisions related to local mask and quarantine orders are unconstitutional and have no effect. One reason is the public health law cannot be amended with a budget bill.

The decision to rescind the K-6 mask requirement was not made lightly and has challenged us ethically, professionally and personally, Allegan County health officer Angelique Joynes said in a statement. However, we cannot risk our essential local public health services funding, which is around $1 million of our total budget and provides the ability for us to continue to offer those services."

Eleven health departments covering 15 counties, and nearly half the state's residents, appeared to have stuck with mandates to reduce the spread of the virus as of late Thursday.

Local health departments should keep their mask policies in place, Whitmer spokesman Bobby Leddy said, adding that the state will continue to send funding to the agencies. As the governor has made clear, the budget provisions that attempt to prohibit these policies clearly violate the state constitution.

At least three departments without masking orders rescinded or planned to repeal quarantine orders  St. Clair, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph and Ionia  said Norm Hess, executive director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

By and large, health officers believe that in the end this unenforceability concept will stand and that their money would be released. But for some of them, the very specter of a lawsuit coming their way is really too much risk for them, he said.

He believes the boilerplate language is inapplicable but said health departments should follow their lawyers' advice.

It's very unfortunate that this language was put in there. It has caused huge disruption, which I'm sure for some was the intent. It's very distressing that politics is once again putting public health out there on the tip of the spear, Hess said.

GOP lawmakers say parents, not the government, should decide if their kids wear face coverings to school. Whitmer has declined to reinstate a statewide mask mandate, saying it is better for decisions to be made locally to increase the odds of compliance.

The budget does not restrict schools from requiring masks. The main provision in dispute states that local health departments would lose funding if they have a pandemic order in place when the budget takes effect Friday, unless county commissioners vote to support the order.

Im glad to see some communities are moving back to local control through locally elected officials, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, a Lowell Republican. The Legislature included the mask mandate language in the budget because locally elected boards and parents are the ones who should be making these decisions  not unelected bureaucrats. The House will respond to the governors enforceability analysis soon.

Allegan's health department said it asked the local board to add a resolution to Thursdays meeting agenda backing the mask measure, but it was not included.

___

Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A Maine man has been sentenced to three years of supervised release for making a hoax distress call about a boat taking on water.

A federal judge also sentenced Nathan Libby, 32, of Rockland, to four days of time served and ordered him to pay $17,500 in restitution to the U.S. Coast Guard. Libby communicated a false distress call for a vessel and crew in the vicinity of Spruce Head in December 2020, court documents said.
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP)  Indigenous groups demonstrated in Paraguay's capital Wednesday against a law that makes it a crime to invade private property, and the protest escalated into violence that authorities said saw seven police officers injured, four cars set on fire and other acts of vandalism.

The police command said one officer was hit by an arrow shot by archers from an ethnic group not yet identified. Television coverage showed the commander of a police station about 300 meters (yards) from the Congress building lying on the ground and being hit by demonstrators with stones and sticks. Prosecutors said those protesters could not be identified as Indigenous.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)  Regulators want the family of West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice to pay a penalty and follow through on a promise to fix environmental problems at eastern Kentucky coal mines.

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet asked a circuit judge this week to enforce an agreement over reclamation violations against Justice; his son, Jay Justice; and several family coal companies. It included a $3 million penalty, plus interest, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

In a motion filed in Franklin County, the Kentucky agency wants to revoke five permits at Justice-company mines and seize money that had previously been posted for reclamation. The motion seeks to force the companies to fix the site violations and block any new or amended permits until then.

The Justices and their companies have been provided many second chances to meet their permit obligations and time and again have failed, the motion said.

Lexington attorney Richard Getty, who represents the family, said the states request was unnecessarily severe.

Justice has said many of the violations were inherited when he acquired the properties.

The companies admitted to hundreds of reclamation violations in eastern Kentucky in 2014 and agreed to monitor water quality, fix drainage problems, stabilize landslides, clean out sediment ponds and eliminate highwalls at dozens of mines.

After the companies missed a deadline to fix the issues, the state sued in 2015 to enforce the earlier agreement. A new settlement was reached in 2019 setting deadlines to complete reclamation work at five mines, along with other requirements.

Last year, Justice's companies agreed to pay more than $5 million for thousands of mine safety violations in a civil case brought by prosecutors in Virginia on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Justice blamed a bankrupt United Kingdom bank in a court filing earlier this year for fraudulently inducing him into personally guaranteeing $700 million in loans that were taken out by his companies.

The Republican governor, who Forbes recently took off its list of billionaires because of mounting debt, also revealed in a separate lawsuit that he is personally on the hook for $368 million to Virginia-based Carter Bank & Trust.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont asked the National Guard on Thursday to be ready to help provide critical state services as a deadline looms for state workers to meet his COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

State employees have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday to provide proof of vaccination or compliance with weekly testing requirements if they are not vaccinated.

The governor's office said those who don't meet the mandate will be placed on unpaid leave as soon as Tuesday and no later than Monday, October 11.

I continue to remain optimistic that our employees will submit their testing and vaccination information quickly, Lamont said in a statement. But as we have done throughout the pandemic, we will prepare for the worst to prevent impacts to the critical services the state provides."

Just over 8,000 state employees had not complied with the mandate as of Thursday afternoon, the governor's office said. That represents about 25% of the state workforce. The number of non-compliant state workers has dropped by 2,000 over the past two days, Lamont's office said.

There is no reason all our employees should not be in compliance, Lamont said. "I continue to count on state employees to lead by example and to respect their co-workers and the public by complying with this executive order, which is the law.

Lamont said should the mandate lead to severe worker shortages, he will activate the Guard to support critical health and safety services in the state until replacement employees can be hired or employees comply with the mandate.

The news comes as Lamont's office released numbers showing that 53 people died in Connecticut over the past week from causes related to COVID-19.

That brings the state death toll during the pandemic to 8,629, a number which also reflects the addition of 93 deaths that occurred among Connecticut residents who died out of state during the pandemic. Most of those deaths occurred during 2020, the governor's office said.
LONDON (AP)  A former London police officer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday for the kidnapping, rape and murder of a woman he tricked into his car using his police identification and COVID-19 laws.

Wayne Couzens, 48, was accused of falsely arresting 33-year-old Sarah Everard for violating lockdown restrictions as she walked home from visiting a friend in south London on March 3. Prosecutors said Couzens, who was on the Metropolitan Police force at the time, handcuffed Everard, drove her far outside the city, and then raped and killed her.

He had pleaded guilty to the charges.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Adrian Fulford described the details of the case as devastating, tragic and wholly brutal." Couzens went hunting a lone female to kidnap and rape," having planned the crime in unspeakably grim detail, the judge said.

You have eroded the confidence that the public are entitled to have in the police forces of England and Wales," Fulford told the ex-officer, who had finished working an overnight shift at the U.S. Embassy on the day he kidnapped Everard.

The seriousness of the case was so exceptionally high that it warranted a whole life sentence, Fulford added. The sentence means that Couzens will die in prison with no chance of parole.

The body of Everard, a marketing executive, was found in woodland in Ashford, Kent, about 60 miles (nearly 100 kilometers) southeast of London, a week after she went missing. Prosecutors said Couzens strangled her with his police belt before setting fire to the body.

Couzens joined the Metropolitan Police in 2018 and had worked as part of a team protecting diplomatic locations in central London. During the U.K.s winter pandemic lockdown, he also spent time patrolling the city in search of people violating the governments restrictions on public activity.

He was arrested at his home in Deal in southeastern England after police connected him to a rental car he used to abduct Everard.

Everard's slaying and the officer's arrest prompted an outpouring of grief and anger across Britain, touching a nerve with women particularly because Everard was abducted while walking home along well-lit areas of Clapham and Brixton -- urban, busy areas of the capital frequented by scores of women and girls every day.

The case also raised wider questions about trust in police, with many asking how police vet their officers and others criticizing Scotland Yard for not doing enough to protect women and girls and tackle allegations of sexual violence.

After Couzens arrest, it emerged that he had been accused of indecent exposure at least twice before he murdered Everard, and the police department is being investigated over whether the allegations were dealt with properly.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Metropolitan Police force needed to answer serious questions about all the requirements and checks that should have been put in place regarding Couzens. But Patel backed London police chief Cressida Dick amid calls for the commissioner to resign.

Dick attended Thursday's sentencing hearing. She said outside the Central Criminal Court afterward that she recognized the case had damaged a precious bond of trust between the police force and the city it serves.

This man has brought shame on the Met. Speaking frankly as an organization, we have been rocked," the chief said.

Labour Party lawmaker Harriet Harman led calls for Dick, the Metropolitan Police's first female chief and Britain's most senior police officer, to step down. She said urged the implementation of urgent reforms, including the immediate suspension of officers accused of violence against women.

Women need to be confident that the police are there to make them safe, not to put them at risk," Harman wrote in a letter to Dick. Women need to be able to trust the police, not to fear them.

Also on Thursday, the suspect in a similar, more recent slaying appeared in court accused of the premeditated and predatory murder of a 28-year-old school teacher in southeast London.

Koci Selamaj, 36, is accused of attacking Sabina Nessa as she walked to meet a friend on Sept. 17. Her body was found a day later in a local park.

No woman should have to fear harassment or violence. We will do everything possible to prevent these abhorrent crimes and keep our communities safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A man who threw a Molotov cocktail at an occupied Dover apartment building and smashed its gas meters last summer has been sentenced to five years in prison, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Court documents state that Benjamin Glanden of Camden-Wyoming was arrested in June 2020 after police and the fire marshals office responded to a report of a man trying to start a fire at Liberty Court Apartments.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)  Mesa police fatally shot a suspected bank robber in Tempe, authorities said.

The suspect has not yet been identified following the Wednesday shooting.

Tempe police said officers with the Mesa Police Department were searching for a man who allegedly robbed a bank of more than $1,000 on Monday.

Officers spotted the suspect in his vehicle in a parking lot and told him to get out of the car, but the man refused.

SWAT teams responded and tried to negotiate with the man, who reportedly indicated that he was armed.

Authorities said the suspect got out of the vehicle and was shot. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Authorities said a gun was found near the man after he had been shot.

No police officers were injured, according to authorities.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A judge has recused himself from a case challenging four new laws restricting access to abortion in Montana, a day before he was set to rule on whether to grant an injunction that would delay their implementation.

Unless the new judge grants an injunction Thursday before midnight, the laws will go into effect, putting new limits on access to abortion in the state.

The state had asked for the recusal in a court filing Wednesday, arguing that during a hearing on the abortion cases, District Court Judge Gregory Todd expressed personal bias and prejudice against the state regarding a separate case. That case relates to a new law changing the way judicial vacancies are filled.

Todd recused himself Thursday afternoon and was replaced with District Court Judge Michael Moses.

Planned Parenthood of Montana filed the lawsuit in August seeking to block four laws, including three that are set to go into effect on Oct. 1. The laws would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, restrict access to abortion pills and require abortion providers to ask patients if they would like to view an ultrasound.

The state's move to disqualify Todd from the case was an outrageous delay tactic," said Martha Stahl, president of Planned Parenthood of Montana.

Todd previously said he would issue a ruling on whether to grant a preliminary injunction on or before Thursday. If granted, such an injunction would have stopped the laws from going into effect as scheduled while the legal challenge was underway. It remains unknown if Moses will consider the injunction Thursday before the law goes into effect.

Planned Parenthood of Montana also filed an emergency petition to the state Supreme Court on Thursday asking justices to temporarily block the enforcement of the new abortion laws until the matter of the judge is resolved. That petition was denied after the new judge was appointed.

Planned Parenthood has argued the laws violate Montana's constitutional right to privacy, which they say protects access to abortion before the fetus is viable, generally at 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The suit names Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, a Republican, as a defendant. The state is represented in the case by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal group.

A spokesperson for Knudsen did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

The state has argued the laws should be allowed to go into effect, and that they will help minimize the medical risks during pregnancy. But medical experts and abortion advocates broadly dispute that the new laws would make the procedure safer.

The laws were passed earlier this year by the Republican-dominated Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte, who last November became Montanas first Republican governor in 16 years. His Democratic predecessors blocked previous attempts to limit abortion access.

Montana joins several other GOP-led states in passing additional restrictions on abortion access this year.
BANGKOK (AP)  Myanmars military-installed government on Thursday defended its detention of an American journalist it has now held for four months, without offering any details of the crimes it alleges.

Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun did not elaborate in his response at a news conference to a question about Danny Fenster, who is awaiting trial on a charge of incitement, also called sedition. Fenster, 37, is managing editor of the Yangon-based online news and business magazine Frontier Myanmar.

The charge, used frequently against dissidents and journalists, criminalizes any attempt to cause fear, spread false news, or agitate directly or indirectly a criminal offense against a government employee. It is punishable by up to three years in prison.

Asked about the reason for the arrest, Zaw Min Tun responded: As for journalists, if they do only journalists work, there is no reason to arrest them. Danny Fenster did more than just what a journalist does. He said he could not say more, other than that Fenster was kept detained because he has been charged.

Fenster's lawyer and colleagues have denied any wrongdoing on his part.

Fenster was among about 100 journalists detained since the Feb. 1 military takeover ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. More than half have since been released, but free speech remains under tight restrictions, with independent media forced to operate underground or from outside the country. Resistance to military rule was initially met with widespread peaceful street protests, but security forces used deadly force against demonstrators  killing more than 1,100  and now face violent counterattacks.

Zaw Min Tun denied Fenster's statement in mid-July that he believed he had contracted COVID-19 and was not given medicine he had requested. The authorities at Yangons Insein Prison also have denied he is infected. He also told his lawyer on Sept. 20 that he had not received a COVID-19 vaccination.

Danny Fenster is in good health, said Zaw Min Tun. The COVID-19 vaccine is being given to all those in prisons. It is up to him to decide whether or not to get vaccinated.

Fensters lawyer Than Zaw Aung said Fenster seemed demoralized when he last spoke with him in a video conference during a Sept. 20 court hearing.

His hair grew longer. He seemed disappointed and he told me in a frustrated tone that I have nothing to say, the lawyer said. I asked him if he had been vaccinated by the prison authorities, and he said no. His words showed that he is not feeling well. He didnt request anything.

Fenster was detained at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was trying to board a flight to the Detroit area in the United States to see his family, who are now leading a campaign for his release. The U.S. government and international media organizations backed their call for the release of Fenster and other journalists.

Than Zaw Aung said in July that his client was charged in connection with his previous job as a reporter and copy editor for the online news site Myanmar Now.

Myanmar Now, along with several other media outlets, had its license revoked in early March, banning it from publishing on any platform. However, it has continued to operate online.

Fenster resigned from Myanmar Now in July last year and joined Frontier Myanmar a month later, and it was unclear why he was arrested, his lawyer said.

What I can say is that he was accused as a staff member of Myanmar Now. Im not clear if it concerns a story posted on Myanmar Now or not, he said.
RENO, Nev. (AP)  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Salvadoran immigrant accused of killing four people during a string of crimes in 2019 must be tried separately in both counties where the slayings took place.

Prosecutors argued that Wilber Ernesto Martinez Guzman should be tried for all four killings in Washoe County, where a grand jury indicted him on four murder and five burglary charges.

In a 5-2 decision, the justices agreed with Martinez Guzmans public defenders that he is entitled to two trials, one in Washoe County for the deaths of a Reno couple and another in Douglas County for two women who were fatally shot in separate homes in rural Gardnerville.

The court ordered a Washoe County judge to dismiss the charges related to Douglas County because the grand jury in Reno lacked proper jurisdiction to indict him for those crimes.

The trial had been scheduled to begin early next year in Reno. Martinez Guzman was in the country illegally and had worked as a landscaper at all three properties where the four were killed over a two-week period, police said. They said he confessed to the shootings.

They say he stole a .22 caliber revolver from Gerald and Sharon David's Reno home on Jan. 4, 2019, burglarized and killed Connie Koontz five days later, then did the same to Sophia Renken the next week before burglarizing and killing the Davids on Jan. 15.

Prosecutors said the ruling will further delay a resolution in the case and that they will have to prosecute the same facts twice.

However, Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks said the prosecution remains his highest priority. Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson said the families of the victims know our commitment to seeking justice for the senseless murders of their loved ones.

They are seeking the death penalty if Martinez Guzman is convicted in the killings.

Prosecutors had argued that Nevada law allowed for one trial because the facts in the cases were intertwined, including evidence showing Martinez Guzman shot all four victims with the same gun he stole from the Davids' residence.

Those theories were too speculative and unsupported by the evidence" to allow the Douglas County killings to be tried in Washoe County, Justice Lidia Stiglich wrote in the majority opinion.

Justice Kristina Pickering, joined by Justice Ron Parraguirre, wrote in dissenting opinion that prosecutors had presented enough evidence that all the crimes were interconnected to warrant one trial in Washoe County.

But for obtaining the revolver in Washoe, he could not have committed the Douglas offenses, she wrote.

The majority acknowledged that the case touches on an important and largely unsettled legal question in Nevada: what nexus between where a crime is committed and where it is charged must exist to make venue proper?

While Nevada law provides some exceptions allowing some crimes to be prosecuted in more than one county, the prosecution had failed to satisfy the standards, the court said.

The majority said prosecutors argue that Martinez Guzman had an original plan to rob outbuildings and garages on the three properties and then changed his intent after finding the Davids firearm in Washoe County.

There is no evidence that Martinez Guzman took the firearm in preparation for the burglaries and murder in Douglas County, the ruling says.

In the dissent, Pickering wrote that the Legislature has passed laws to allow some crimes to be prosecuted in more than one county because there's no reason to conduct multiple trials and risk inconsistent results" when crimes are connected enough.

This is to say nothing of the level of extreme anguish communities, victims, victims families and criminal defendants face at the prospect of the sort of duplicate proceedings the majoritys approach would foster, she said.
SALISBURY, N.C. (AP)  Authorities have apprehended a man who they say pulled a gun on a North Carolina sheriffs deputy, then head-butted her before running off from a fast-food restaurant and prompting a search.

News outlets reported a Rowan County sheriffs deputy was going to a drive-thru line early on Wednesday when workers asked her to check on two men who appeared to be passed out in a car in the line, according to a news release. The deputy and a Salisbury police officer dispatched to the scene spoke to one of the men, who kept putting his left hand under his leg despite commands to keep his hands where they could be seen, authorities said.
BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (AP)  Three endangered Florida panthers were killed by separate vehicle strikes earlier this week, officials said.

That makes 18 panther deaths attributed to fatal collisions, out of 24 total deaths this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The remains of a 4-month-old male panther were found Tuesday within Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County, and a 3-year-old male was found dead the same day on the western edge of the park, wildlife officials said. Also Tuesday, the remains of a 10-year-old female were found just north of Southwest Florida International Airport in Lee County.

Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast, but now their habitat mostly is confined to a small region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  A plan to possibly sell the South Florida property where the collapse of a condo building killed 98 people to a United Arab Emirates-based developer was endorsed Thursday by a Florida judge.

Under the plan, the almost 2-acre (0.8-hectare), oceanfront property would be purchased for $120 million in cash by East Oceanside Development. At the same time, an attorney appointed to manage the interests of Champlain Towers South will continue to market the Surfside property, and an auction will be held if competitive bidders emerge willing to pay a higher price.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Michael Hanzman said during a court hearing that he would approve the plan, provided his court maintained jurisdiction over any lawsuits that come out of the proposed sale. He said he didn't want the property tied up in litigation" if the contract falls apart.

The proposed sales contract makes no mention of a memorial that many family members of survivors are pushing for at the property.

The collapse of the 12-story condominium last June is being examined by federal investigators, but homeowner association documents show that the building had many unaddressed repairs for years.

An appraiser has valued all the units of the building at more than $95 million, according to Michael Goldberg, the lawyer handling the interests of Champlain Towers South. Almost $50 million will be coming from insurance coverage.

The valuation of the the condos came from a fair market appraisal" of what they would have sold for the day before the collapse and used comparisons from other, similar properties, Goldberg said.

The judge told the condo owners that they would be able to review the appraisal of their units and he would listen to their concerns, but he still expected many of them would feel their units were being undervalued.

Its a science, not an art, Hanzman said. Its going to be one of those incidents when the perfect is going to have to be sacrificed for the greater good.

Plus, the judge said, if the amount of damage to the building had been known publicly before the collapse, the units probably couldn't be sold."

The judge also asked attorneys in the case to research how any excess between the $95 million appraisal value and a sale valued at $120 million or higher should be distributed. Without yet making a decision, Hanzman said he was inclined toward giving the additional money to the relatives of the 98 people who died in the building collapse.

He urged family members of the deceased and surviving owners not to fight over how proceeds are distributed.

We have 98 people who perished in this. If the choice I have is to give unit owners more, or take the excess and give it to relatives of family members who died, Im going to go with the latter, Hanzman said. These decisions are difficult. Its going to be sad, in my view, if we see unit owners going up against each other on this issue."

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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP.
CHICAGO (AP)  When Democrats passed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, Republicans called it liberal pet projects disguised as pandemic aid.

But now that Republican governors and local leaders have the money in hand, they are using it for things on their wish lists, too.

Alabama lawmakers are advancing a plan to use $400 million of the state's share toward building prisons in what Gov. Kay Ivey says is a great deal for taxpayers. In Texas, a Republican-led county is sending deputies to assist police along the U.S.-Mexico border and pledged to help Gov. Greg Abbott revive former President Donald Trump's plans for a border wall.

In other places, the money has been used to score political points or as leverage in partisan fights over COVID-19 precautions.

Decrying a defund the police, soft on crime liberal agenda, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced $1,000 bonuses for first responders paid for with the relief money. In Wyoming, a Republican legislative leader suggested the money could be used to pay the federal fines of businesses that defy Biden's vaccine mandate.

This probably isn't what the bill's supporters had in mind when Democrats approved the American Rescue Plan along party lines in March, and some Democrats have complained that Republicans are misusing the money. But it's the inevitable result of Washington sending money with few strings attached to places with very different and partisan ideas about how best to spend public dollars.

Democrats also are using the cash to fund their priorities, including expanding Medicaid benefits, putting in place a child tax credit and offering $4 billion in debt forgiveness for farmers of color. In Illinois, Republicans blasted the Democrats who control state government for handing out over $1 billion for capital projects and groups in Democrat-held districts. That included $250,000 for Black Lives Matter to do youth mentoring and $300,000 for a suburban Chicago drill team and drum corps.

The federal aid package provided $350 billion to states, counties, towns and tribes. It was billed as money for fighting the coronavirus, providing economic relief to small businesses and households, replacing revenue that governments lost during the pandemic and improving local water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. It also allowed for premium pay for essential workers, such as police officers, who faced the biggest health risks.

There were some clear restrictions, such as prohibiting funds from being used toward pensions or to cut taxes, and that led Republican attorneys general to sue. But the money came with more flexibility than most federal funding and a longer deadline for spending it. Officials say that will enable governments to deal with the current crisis and make more innovative, longer-term investments.

The Treasury Department says it has received roughly 1,000 public comments on proposed rules outlining how the money may be spent, including requests for clarifications of eligible uses. The department is monitoring expenditures and will require governments to repay any federal dollars that were used inappropriately, an official said.

But what qualifies as fighting COVID-19 or promoting economic recovery is often left up to the people spending the money.

In Galveston County, Texas, Republican county commissioners approved a plan to spend $6.6 million of its total $27 million in coronavirus relief money for security roughly 350 miles (560 kilometers) away on the U.S.-Mexico border. They say the money will protect residents from COVID-19 and other dangers brought by people entering the United States illegally. They approved a disaster declaration that says extraordinary measures must be taken, given an increase in the number of border crossings.

We have a deliberate public health and humanitarian crisis unfolding on our southern border that the Biden administration refuses to address, County Judge Mark Henry said.

So far, the county has spent $165,000 to send three constables deputies and five sheriffs deputies to the border, including to Del Rio, where thousands of Haitians convened recently at a makeshift encampment after crossing the Rio Grande. Galveston County plans to apply for reimbursement from the state, spokesman Zach Davidson said, after Texas legislators voted to approve reimbursements for counties that assist on the border.

In some places, lawmakers say American Rescue Plan dollars intended to make up for lost revenue are fair game to use as they see fit. That's the argument Ivey and other Republicans made as a plan advanced in the statehouse to use $400 million of Alabama's $2.2 billion share toward prison construction. After Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday seeking to block the $1.3 billion construction plan as a misuse of money, Ivey shot back with a letter of her own.

The fact is, the American Rescue Plan Act allows these funds to be used for lost revenue and sending a letter in the last hour will not change the way the law is written," Ivey said. These prisons need to be built, and we have crafted a fiscally conservative plan that will cost Alabamians the least amount of money to get to the solution required.

Asked Wednesday about Alabama's plan, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, I would be surprised if that was the intention of the funding."

Democrats in Texas' congressional delegation want Yellen to block Abbott from using coronavirus relief money for the border wall. They sent a letter after Abbott announced new, tougher plans to fight illegal immigration, including shifting $250 million in state money toward finishing Trump's border wall.

The costly monstrosity certainly should not be paid for directly or indirectly" with coronavirus relief money, the Democrats wrote.

Texas legislators are expected to debate how to use the states share of funds during a special session now underway.

In northwest Iowa, the Republican-led Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted to use about $15 million in rescue funds to cover higher-than-projected costs for a new jail in Sioux City. Some residents said the money could be put to better use, but board members contended that it was a proper use of the money because the larger facility will allow inmates to be less crowded, helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Wyoming, GOP Senate Majority Floor Leader Ogden Driskill suggested to a conservative online publication that a more creative approach to using the money would be to push back against Biden's vaccine mandate by paying any fines imposed on businesses that ignore it.

Its obviously COVID-related, Driskill said.

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Associated Press writers Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  The Taliban on Thursday ordered their fighters to leave private homes they had taken over during last month's blitz when the group seized control of Afghanistan, an apparent effort to impose order among Taliban ranks.

Meanwhile, in the capital of Kabul, the Taliban fired shots to disperse a women's rally demanding equal rights while the regional chief for the International Federation of the Red Cross warned that Afghanistan was sliding into a deep major humanitarian crisis with the coming winter and severe financial shortfalls.

The order by Taliban Prime Minister Hasan Akhund followed recent public statements by Taliban officials hinting at plans to improve organization and marshal fighters. It said Taliban members belonging to the militant group's defense, interior and intelligence agencies who are living in private homes need to report back to military bases" across the country.

In recent weeks, the Taliban abandoned their traditional, civilian dress and donned military fatigues to project an air of authority. Bilal Karimi, a Taliban security official, confirmed the directive to The Associated Press.

The Afghan army abandoned most of its positions or surrendered to the Taliban during the August blitz, allowing Taliban fighters to take over military bases as well.

In Kabul on Thursday, the Taliban fired shots to disperse a small rally of six women outside a local school, demanding equal rights to education. They confiscated posters held by the women that read: Do not burn our books!

Other women coming to join the protest in the Kart-e-Char neighborhood were later told to go home, according to a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing Taliban reprisal. Mawlawi Nasratullah, a Taliban official, later told reporters women had not asked for permission to rally.

Since their takeover, the Taliban have violently dispersed rallies by women demanding that the rights they had gained in the past 20 years in Afghanistan not be taken away. When they last ruled the country in the 1990s, the Taliban had imposed their harsh interpretation of Islamic law or Sharia, banishing women to their homes and denying them the right to education, work and a public life.

At a press conference in Kabul, Alexander Matheou, IFRC's regional director, predicted extremely difficult few months ahead as temperatures drop, compounding food shortages from drought and poverty. Cuts to health services put many vulnerable Afghans, particularly in rural areas, at risk, he added.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is appealing for 36 million Swiss Francs ($38 million) to continue funding health clinics, emergency relief, and other services across Afghanistan's 16 provinces. On Wednesday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric asked donors to fast-track funding for a $606 million flash appeal that is only 22% funded to help 11 million Afghans for the remainder of the year.

There needs to be some solution to the financial flows into Afghanistan to ensure that at least salaries can be paid, and that essential supplies, power and water being two of them, can be procured, Matheou said.

Since the Taliban takeover in mid-August, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have paused disbursements to Kabul, while the U.S. froze billons of dollars in assets held in American accounts by the Afghan Central Bank. Foreign aid previously accounted for nearly 75% of Afghanistans public expenditure, according to a World Bank report.

Cuts to healthcare have resulted in 2,500 health facilities no longer working, and over 20,000 health staff, 7,000 of them women, no longer being paid, said Matheou as he concluded a five-day visit to the country.

The international community is divided over the issue of resuming aid to Afghanistan as the world waits to see whether they will again impose their harsh rule.

China, however, has delivered winter supplies Afghanistan and will soon start flying in food and other supplies as a friendly neighbor, the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday. The shipment arrived on Wednesday night.

China, which shares a narrow border with Afghanistan, has mocked the chaotic end to the U.S. presence in the country, and said Washington was to blame for the intensified hardships now facing the impoverished country under Taliban rule. Beijing has kept its embassy in Kabul open and established diplomatic ties with the Taliban.

Matheou said the diplomatic missions that have remained in Kabul after the Taliban takeover have taken a pragmatic approach to the reality as it stands now" on a Taliban-run Afghanistan. The IFRC envoy also met with representatives from Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey and Russia in Kabul.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Nebraskans who need certain types of surgeries will need to wait longer under a public health measure that will continue through October.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Wednesday that he was extending the measure through Oct. 31 to help short-staffed hospitals cope with existing patients. The directed health measure had been scheduled to expire on Thursday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A lawsuit accuses the Catholic Diocese of Nashville of failing to protect a minor child from sexual abuse by an employee at a Murfreesboro church.

The suit filed on Monday in Circuit Court in Nashville claims the diocese received multiple warnings from parishioners and employees at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church that Michael Lewis had an inappropriate relationship with the plaintiff, who filed the lawsuit under the pseudonym of Jane Doe. Doe says the abuse began in 2014 when she was 13 years old and continued until 2017, when her family cut off contact with Lewis for what the lawsuit says was his controlling behavior.

Several months before that, a parishioner who was also a licensed clinical psychologist had written to then-Bishop David Choby expressing concerns about the relationship between Lewis, then the church's director of religious education, and the girl.

In response, Lewis was given a letter from the diocesean attorney instructing him to follow diocesan safe environment policies and follow professional standards set forth in the Dioceses code of conduct, according to the lawsuit. Lewis refused to sign and resigned his positioin instead, the lawsuit states.

The diocese issued a statement on the lawsuit, saying it would in inappropriate to respond before the diocese's attorneys had a chance to review it.

We encourage everyone who suspects that abuse is taking place to report it to civil authorities, and we pray for everyone involved in this matter, it states.

The suit claims that the letter from the psychologist was just one of many warnings the diocese had about Lewis' behavior. For example, in 2014 a parish employee examined Lewis' diocese-issued cell phone and found he exchanged numerous text messages and pictures with the girl, according to the lawsuit. These exchanges were often lengthy and some occurred late at night, it added.

In response, according to the lawsuit, the parish priest met with Lewis, his wife, and his mother. They told the priest that Lewis loved the plaintiff and wanted to help her, and that she was like family," the lawsuit states. No further action was taken.

Twice, Lewis met with a coordinator for the diocese's Safe Environment Program, which is supposed to help protect children from abuse, according to the suit. It said the coordinator warned Lewis that he was not allowed to be alone with the girl.

Lewis responded by saying he would do what he wanted and he loved Plaintiff like a daughter, according to the lawsuit. No further action was taken, the suit states.

The girl did not fully understand that she had been abused by Lewis until 2019, according to the lawsuit. She filed a police report accusing Lewis of rape and sexual assault in January 2020. He was indicted in June on 10 counts of statutory rape by an authority figure and four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, all felony counts, The Tennessean has reported. Trial is scheduled for next February.

Lewis' attorney did not immediately respond to an email sent late on Wednesday.

It was not until September 2020 that a former parish employee informed Doe of the many letters of concern for her welfare the parish had received.

The lawsuit claims Doe experienced anxiety and panic attacks and has ongoing emotional problems stemming from the abuse she suffered. It seeks a jury trial and damages of an unspecified amount.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina grand jury has indicted a teenager in the fatal shooting of a high school student, and a prosecutor will transfer his case to adult court.

Maurice T. Evans Jr., 15, appeared in juvenile court Thursday for a custody hearing, news outlets reported.

Forsyth District Judge Ted Kazakos confirmed with Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill and Evans attorney, J.D. Byers, that Evans was indicted on a murder charge, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. The grand jury handed down an indictment Monday, but it will remain sealed for 10 days.

Byers asked Kazakos to release Evans to his parents custody with an ankle monitor. Kazakos said that while the juvenile justice system has ankle monitors, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office no longer provides ankle monitors for defendants in adult court. The judge ordered that Evans will remain in custody at a juvenile detention center without bond.

Evans is charged in the Sept. 1 shooting death of William Chavis Raynard Miller Jr. at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem. The newspaper reported that ONeill has said that the shooting was the culmination of a summer-long dispute between Evans and Miller, but he hasn't elaborated. The DA also said Evans was shot earlier in the summer but didn't say what led to that shooting or if anyone was arrested.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Russia is holding up the appointment of independent experts to monitor implementation of sanctions on four African countries, saying the panels proposed by the U.N. secretary-general are not geographically balanced and some members are not impartial, U.N. diplomats said Wednesday.

The Russian refusal to sign off on members of new expert panels is already delaying investigations of sanctions violations in South Sudan, Congo and Central African Republic, said the diplomats, insisting on speaking anonymously to reveal details of what are supposed to be private consultations. The mandate for the panel of experts on Mali expires Thursday.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  U.S. and Philippine military officials have held initial talks to assess the future of their countries 70-year Mutual Defense Treaty, including revising it in a possible move that has made China wary, the Philippine defense chief said Thursday.

The 1951 treaty commits the United States and the Philippines to come to the aid of the other in case of an attack. American officials have repeatedly assured their Philippine counterparts that they would honor their treaty obligations if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under attack in the disputed South China Sea, including by China.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the treaty could be abrogated, replaced or revised after many decades. The treaty alliance is Americas oldest in Asia.

Initial discussions have been made between officials of both militaries to achieve some consensus on how to move forward, Lorenzana said in videotaped remarks at an online forum that discussed issues surrounding the treaty.

While the U.S. welcomes the idea of revisiting the MDT, an outside party does not. When I first broached the idea of revisiting the MDT, the former Chinese ambassador came to me and said, `Please do not touch the MDT, leave it as it is, Lorenzana said, without elaborating.

A Philippine diplomat has told The Associated Press that China may be concerned Philippine and U.S. officials might insert provisions that could threaten Beijings security interests if the treaty were amended. They could recognize, for example, a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas vast territorial claims in the South China Sea on historical grounds, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to speak in public.

China and the Philippines, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have been locked in a tense standoff over territorial disputes in the busy waterway. There are fears that the long-simmering disputes could spark a war that could ruin the bustling economies in Asia and beyond.

Lorenzana said there have been suggestions to revise the treaty to address current regional security concerns, including Chinas use of civilian militias instead of military forces to seize territories in the disputed waters to avoid a military dispute that can give the U.S. and the Philippines a reason to activate their treaty.

Chinese Embassy officials did not immediately react to Lorenzanas remarks. China has warned the U.S. not to intervene in what it says is a purely Asian dispute that governments in the region are trying to resolve peacefully through negotiations.

Washington lays no claims in the disputed waters but has declared that the peaceful resolution of the disputes, along with freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested waterway, were in its national interest.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Hundreds of clinics pushing unproven stem cell procedures caught a big break from the U.S. government in 2017: They would have three years to show that their questionable treatments were safe and worked before regulators started cracking down.

But when the Food and Drug Administration's grace period expired in late May  extended six months due to the pandemic  the consequences became clear: Hundreds more clinics were selling the unapproved treatments for arthritis, Alzheimers, COVID-19 and many other conditions.

It backfired, says Leigh Turner, a bioethicist at the University of California, Irvine. The scale of the problem is vastly larger for FDA today than it was at the start.

The continuing spread of for-profit clinics promoting stem cells and other so-called regenerative therapies  including concentrated blood products  illustrates how quickly experimental medicine can outpace government oversight. No clinic has yet won FDA approval for any stem cell offering and regulators now confront an enormous, uncooperative industry that contends it shouldn't be subject to regulation.

Although emerging research suggests stem cells could someday have broad use for a number of medical conditions, experts say they should not be used outside of well-controlled studies or a handful of established uses. For instance, stem cells collected from blood or bone marrow have long been used to treat leukemia and other blood diseases.

Many clinics use so-called adult stem cells collected from tissue like fat or bone marrow  not the more versatile but controversial stem cells from embryos used in research.

Turner and other experts have tracked the growth of the clinics for nearly a decade. Clinics charge between $2,000 to $25,000 for adult stem cell injections and other infusions which they advertise for an assortment of diseases, including diabetes, autism, cancer, multiple sclerosis and vision problems. Some clinics use stem cells derived from fat, harvested via liposuction then reinjected into patients, aiming to repair joints or fight disease. Others use bone marrow or blood taken from umbilical cords after birth.

There is no government tally of how many clinics operate in the U.S. But Turner counted more than 1,200 of them in 2019, up from the 570 clinics he and a co-author identified in 2016. Hes working on an update but says the number has consistently grown.

The FDA has repeatedly warned Americans to steer clear of unapproved and unproven stem cell therapies, which have occasionally caused blindness, bacterial infections and tumors. During FDA's three-plus years of enforcement discretion, the agency sent formal warning letters to more than a dozen businesses performing the riskiest procedures. Regulators also prevailed in a Florida court case to shutdown a major clinic offering unproven treatments. Another case against a similar prominent company is pending in California.

Its time to actually get the data we need, to assess clinics' stem cell procedures, FDA's Dr. Peter Marks said at an industry conference in June. He pointed to a multiyear effort by FDA to help clinics through the review process.

Many stem cell doctors continue to argue that their in-office procedures are outside FDAs purview. But FDA has concluded that processing stem cells and giving them to patients with serious diseases amounts to creating a new drug, which the agency regulates.

The FDA hasnt disclosed how many clinics sought approval since 2017, but public comments suggest it was troublingly low.

We have been very disappointed in the number of clinics that have come in, FDAs Dr. Wilson Bryan said at the same conference.

Bryan, who directs FDA's cell therapies division, added that he is extremely concerned by how many stem cell and related offerings remain available.

Tracking injuries from the procedures is difficult. Drugmakers and hospitals are required to report drug-related complications to the FDA, but no such requirements exist for individual doctors. And patients often don't know where to report problems.

David Stringham of Provo, Utah, says undergoing a procedure for joint pain at a local clinic was the worst decision of my life.

In 2018, Stringham was looking for an alternative to surgery for chronic pain in his right shoulder and elbows after years of weightlifting. He paid $2,400 for injections of so-called platelet-rich plasma at a clinic. It doesn't involve stem cells but the procedure is similar: doctors take a blood sample, process it to concentrate the platelets and then reinject them into the patient's problem areas in an attempt to speed healing.

The procedure went smoothly, but within hours Stringham was wracked by pain in his back, shoulder and arms.

It was a crazy amount of pain and I kept calling them saying something is not right," said the 51-year-old. And to this day Im not right."

The clinic gave Stringham medication for the pain and told him to be patient. But things didn't improve, even after months of physical therapy. Since then, a neurologist has told Stringham he probably suffered nerve damage at the places where he was injected.

His case was included in a Pew Charitable Trusts review of 360 reported injuries from stem cell and other regenerative procedures between 2004 and 2020. Nearly all the reports came from medical journals, government publications, social media or news reports. Just five came from FDAs database for medical injuries.

There are a lot of holes in the safety system, said Liz Richardson of Pew, who led the project.

The FDA didn't clearly assert its authority over such clinics until 2017. The next year, it began sending form letters to some 400 clinics, warning that they may be violating FDA rules. But the names of the clinics havent been publicized, and such warnings are often ignored.

Traditional medical researchers welcome the FDA actions but say its impossible to gauge their effect.

The business model is this: We can keep offering these products until things get serious with the FDA  and then we can just take down our website', said Laertis Ikonomou, a stem cell researcher at the University of Buffalo who also heads a task force on the topic for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy.

He and other specialists say the clinics have damaged the reputation of legitimate stem cell research while also siphoning off patients who might otherwise enroll in studies.

Lawyers representing stem cell clinics say they have no choice but to resist FDA regulation.

FDA is pushing them into this drug development pathway, which nobody is adopting because it requires a million dollars worth of toxicology and animal studies just to show something is safe for human use, said Marc Scheineson, a former FDA attorney.

For now, people on both sides are waiting to see what FDA does.

We shouldnt feel too confident that the FDA has this wrapped up said Turner, the bioethicist. They really have invested some resources and they are trying to do something here but I think theyre just outmatched and overwhelmed.

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Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose for the third straight week, a sign that the highly contagious delta variant may be slowing a recovery in the job market.

Claims rose unexpectedly by 11,000 last week to 362,000, the Labor Department said Thursday, though economists had been expecting claims to go in the opposite direction. The four-week moving average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, rose for the first time in seven weeks to 340,000.

Since topping 900,000 in early January, applications had fallen fairly steadily as the economy bounced back from last year's shutdowns. But they've been rising along with coronavirus infections.

The applications, which are a proxy for layoffs, remain elevated: Before the pandemic hit the United States hard in March 2020, they were typically coming in at around 220,000 a week.

Americas employers have rapidly increased their hiring since they slashed 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 as the coronavirus outbreak  and the shutdowns meant to contain it  brought economic activity to a near-standstill. Since then, the economy has recovered about 17 million jobs as businesses to open or expand hours and Americans to return to bars, restaurants and hotels.

But hiring, which has averaged more than 585,000 jobs a month this year, slowed to just 235,000 in August as the delta variant disrupted the recovery. Restaurants and bars cut nearly 42,000 jobs last month, the first drop this year. Hiring is expected to pick up to more than 560,000 this month; the Labor Department issues the September jobs report next week.

In a research note, Contingent Macro Advisors said that technical factors  seasonal adjustments and processing backlogs in California, where claims soared by nearly 18,000  were responsible for last week's increase in filings. Overall, the jump in claims in the last three weeks bears close watching but is not yet alarming,'' Contingent said.

Altogether, 2.8 million Americans were receiving some type of jobless aid the week of Sept. 18, down by 18,000 from the week before. Earlier this month, the federal government stopped additional aid  including $300 a week on top of traditional state benefits  that was meant to ease the economic impact of the pandemic.
SEATTLE (AP)  The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously upheld a new tax on big banks aimed at providing essential services and improving the states regressive tax system.

The 1.2% business and occupation surtax  a tax added on top of other taxes  was passed by the Legislature in 2019. It applies to banks that make more than $1 billion in annual profits, but it is assessed only on their economic activity in Washington.

The banking industry sued, saying the tax discriminated against banks engaged in interstate commerce, in violation of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress the right to regulate trade among the states.

The justices ruled that the tax does not discriminate against out-of-state banks.

It applies equally to all financial institutions meeting the $1 billion income threshold, irrespective of whether they are based inside or outside of Washington, Justice Barbara Madsen wrote.

The ruling overturned a decision last year by King County Superior Court Judge Marshall Ferguson, who found that the tax did have a discriminatory effect.

In their challenge, the Washington Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association noted that of the 153 financial institutions that had to pay the tax during the first quarter of 2020, 150 were based out of state. Out-of-state entities paid more than 99.7% of the $34 million collected during that period, an attorney for the groups, former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, told the justices during arguments in May.

But state Solicitor General Noah Purcell said that argument would lead to absurd results: If Washington couldn't impose taxes that are written neutrally but which wind up affecting more out-of-state businesses than in-state ones, the state wouldnt be able to tax tobacco.

Lawmakers said they designed the surtax to help make the state's taxation more progressive by targeting businesses best able to pay. Washingtons middle class and poor residents pay two to six times as much of their income in taxes as the wealthy do, lawmakers found.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, called the ruling "a win for those fighting to make Washingtons tax system fairer.

The Washington Bankers Association said in a statement the industry groups were reviewing their options. Given the potential interstate commerce issue, they could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision.

We continue to believe that a tax that is actually only paid by banks based out of state or otherwise heavily engaged in interstate commerce violates the U.S. Constitution, the statement said.

Further, the statement criticized the Legislature for passing the law in the last few days of the 2019 session, with what it described as limited public input. The first legislative hearing for the measure was on April 26 that year; within two days it had passed both houses and been delivered to the governor.

The case drew a friend-of-the-court brief from labor and community activists, including the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance, who argued that the tax was a legitimate way for lawmakers to target Washingtons regressive tax system.

The fact that the Supreme Court came back with a unanimous decision that referenced these issues  the regressive tax structure, the predatory nature of it, the disproportional impact of it and the state's desire to bring equity to it  is a victory across the board, said Sakara Remmu, lead strategist for the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance.

Another effort by Democratic lawmakers to have the rich pay more in taxes  a capital gains tax due to take effect in January  is also facing a legal challenge. The measure creates a 7% tax on capital gains from stocks, bonds and other assets above $250,000, with exemptions for retirement accounts, real estate and some other assets. It's expected to raise about $445 million a year for early learning and child care programs.

McKenna is also representing groups challenging that tax, saying it is an income tax barred by the state constitution.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Kevin Welner, University of Colorado Boulder

(THE CONVERSATION) Proponents of charter schools insist that they are public schools open to all students. But the truth is more nuanced. As an education policy researcher  and as author of a new book about charter schools I wrote with fellow researcher Wagma Mommandi  I have discovered that charter schools are not as accessible to the public as they are often made out to be.

This finding is particularly relevant in light of the fact that charter school enrollment reportedly grew at a rapid rate during the pandemic. Specifically, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment increased 7% from 2019-20 to 2020-21. The organization says that is the biggest enrollment jump in a half-decade.

In our book, we identify and describe 13 different approaches that charters use to bring certain types of students in and push other kinds of students out.

Here are four examples from our book.

1. Targeted marketing and advertising

By using specific types of language in their promotional materials and by targeting those materials to specific audiences, charter schools often send a message that they are looking for a certain type of student. This is a way for charter schools to reach or appeal to a certain audience but not others, which in turn shapes who ends up applying to a given school.

For instance, Mueller Charter Leadership Academy in San Diego told prospective families that All eligible students are welcome to apply. However, it should be noted that because this is a highly advanced, demanding program, it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Targeted advertising can also carry a message. LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2016 sent out targeted recruitment mailers to area neighborhoods  skipping over the three zip codes for the heavily Black and Latino parts of town.

Theyre sending a message they dont want the kids on the east side of town, Max Brantley, editor of the Arkansas Times, remarked after his newspaper exposed the practice. The school later apologized and explained that its plan was to subsequently reach out to those populations through digital advertising.

2. Conditional applications

Charter schools sometimes require multiple essays or a minimum GPA as a condition for initial or continuing enrollment.

Roseland Accelerated Middle School in Santa Rosa, California, for instance, required applicants to submit five short essays plus an autobiography using well constructed and varied structure.

Minimum GPA requirements can be imposed at the application stage or once admitted. At Lushor Charter School in New Orleans, parents and students are asked to sign a contract that requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA in core subject areas for continued enrollment.

3. Parents required to volunteer

Some charter schools require parents to volunteer a certain amount of time at the school, or pay money in lieu of volunteering. Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Florida, for example, required each family to complete 30 such volunteer hours per year, but allowed 20 of those hours to be purchased  US$100 total to buy out the first 10 hours and $200 more for the next 10 hours. These requirements place an additional burden, in terms of time and money, on families that are already struggling economically.

4. Aggressive use of discipline.

At so-called no excuses charters that sweat the small stuff, students have  at least historically  been subjected to harsh discipline for minor infractions, such as chewing gum or failing to constantly keep their eyes on the teacher during class.

Some of these schools repeatedly suspend students and call parents to leave work to pick up a suspended child. The most high-profile example is Success Academy charter school in Fort Greene, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, where school leaders created a Got to Go list of 16 students who were then subjected to harassing discipline. In one case, a school official threatened to call 911 on a 6-year-old because the child was having a bad day. Nine of the 16 students did in fact withdraw from the school.

Functioning like private schools

Cumulatively, these and the other approaches we detail in our book  titled Schools Choice  make charter schools more like private schools than the public schools they claim to be.

These practices influence which students are admitted to charter schools and then stay in those schools. Charter school choice therefore affects schools demographics, including the degree to which they are segregated.

They affect funding equity as well, since state school-finance formulas often dont adequately account for the actual costs of educating different students. In Pennsylvania, for example, charter schools are funded through a system that creates problematic incentives related to access for students with special needs. As explained in a report by the states bipartisan legislative Special Education Funding Commission, the current funding system provides charter schools the same funding for each student with a disability, regardless of the severity of that students disability.

This creates a strong incentive to overidentify students with less costly disabilities and to under-identify (or under-enroll) students with more severe (or more costly) disabilities, the report states. A speech impediment, for example, is an example of a mild disability, versus a student with, say, a traumatic brain injury, which is a more severe disability. As the report explains, A student with a mild disability can be a financial boon to a charter school, given that the funding the charter receives will exceed the charters cost to educate a child.

Notably, Pennsylvanias funding system does not create these incentives for district-run public schools.

These practices also can play a decisive role for comparisons of academic outcomes between charters and traditional public schools run by a school district. Overall, research consistently shows little if any difference in the average test-score outcomes for the two types of schools. But the comparisons may not be fair and accurate. If charter schools can improve their test scores by screening out students they dont think will do well, it can give them an unfair advantage in comparisons with public schools that accept all students.

Policy incentives revisited

So what can be done to make charter schools more accessible? One way is to change policy incentives such as the Pennsylvania funding system mentioned earlier. States can also change the way they reward schools for how well their students do on tests. Arizona, for instance, has policies that give extra funding to charters and other schools with higher achieving students.

In the final two chapters of our book, Schools Choice, Mommandi and I point to a future with charter schools that dont screen or push out students who are lower achieving or more expensive to educate. First, we hold up examples of charter schools that have resisted the incentives to limit access by, for example, working to support their communities most marginalized students. We then offer a design for a healthier charter school system that doesnt put these exemplary schools at a disadvantage when it comes to accountability and funding systems.

Even in a post-pandemic world, charter school enrollment may continue to grow. But until the public has more access, charters will not be truly public.

[Over 110,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/why-charter-schools-are-not-as-public-as-they-claim-to-be-168617.
MILAN (AP)  Young climate activists denounced Italian police for temporarily detaining delegates who protested peacefully inside their Milan conference before Italian Premier Mario Draghis speech.

Discontent with the three-day conference had bubbled from its start. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg said the delegates had been cherry-picked and that organizers were not really interested in their ideas or input for a document that will be sent to this year's United Nations climate conference.

But the frustration overflowed on the youth event's final day, with minor clashes involving climate activists outside the venue and the police intervention with delegates inside. Half a dozen young activists demonstrated their disillusionment with world leaders' response to global warming by flashing a cardboard sign reading The Emperor Has No Clothes at Draghi, chanting People united will not be defeated, and walking out before he addressed the group.

The delegates said police then detained them, asked to see their passports and photographed their conference badges. They said they were released after about 20 minutes, but the action left them shaken.

Italy's environmental transition minister Roberto Cingolani, who is host of the event, said he did not have details of the police action, but said it appeared to have involved the premier's security detail and be related to tight security around the event.

"There was no violence whatsoever. At the end of the day, it was peacefully fixed,'' Cingolani told a closing press conference.

Saoi OConnor, an Irish activist in the Fridays for Future movement founded by Thunberg, waved at reporters the well-worn cardboard sign that she has carried in demonstrations since 2018 and had flashed at Italy's leader.

They are having police escort us to and from the building, and they are the same police who are brutalizing protesters and keeping our friends out, OConnor said. She criticized the document being finalized inside for the U.N. climate conference.

They are going to say that this is what the youth movement wants, she said. And we will not let them.

Danish delegate Rikke Nielsen estimated that at least one-third of the delegates were not happy with the process that had unfolded at the Milan conference. She said they pushed to include a demand that fossil fuels be abolished by 2030 but wasn't sure if it would end up in the final version.

The document itself was not yet complete by the end of the conference. Organizers said the youth delegates wanted to fine-tune it and had until Oct. 25. Organizers also chafed against suggestions that it was pre-written, saying it was a compilation of suggestions they had received from delegates going into the meeting, and that the three days had been spent hammering out details.

Thunberg, Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate and Italian activist Martina Comparelli delayed a news conference where they planned to discuss their private meeting with Draghi to ensure that the detained delegates were free to move around.

In the end, Thunberg declined to speak to demonstrate discontent with police actions, organizers said.

Come to the demo tomorrow, the 18-year-old Swedish activist said. Thunberg plans to lead what is expected to be Milans largest climate demonstration on Friday.

Comparelli accused political leaders of youth-washing and green-washing -- that is using environmental terminology and recruiting youth activists to make their pledges for reducing greenhouse gas emissions seem legitimate.

They cannot divide us into delegates and non-delegates, into activists that can talk to prime ministers and activists that cannot talk to prime ministers. Activists who are stopped because they are raising cardboard, literally cardboard, she said.

Comparelli said that Draghi was sincere in their private meeting but that she was suspending judgment until a Group of 20 summit scheduled to start in Rome on Oct. 30, the day before the U.N. climate conference begins in Glasgow, Scotland.

Nakate said the premier had promised to use Italys current position as the head of the G-20 to advance their demands that governments follow through on pledges to mobilize $100 billion each year from 2020 to 2025 to fight climate change.

Cingolani, the Italian government minister, said about 60% of the 2020 pledges had been met, acknowledging it wasn't enough.

We are going to keep demanding for climate action, for a future that is livable a future, that is sustainable, a future that is equitable, a future that is healthy for all of us, Nakate said outside the conference venue. We cannot eat coal, we cannot drink oil and we cannot breath so-called natural gas.

Not all the youth delegates were unhappy with the process. Iraqi delegate Reem Alsaffar, 21, thanked organizers for the opportunity to meet other delegates from countries like hers that are under-represented in the climate discussion.

"I think this event really gave us a new chance for hope for representing our countries bringing our thoughts and talents to the spotlight,'' she said during a closing news conference with Cingolani and Britain's Alok Sharma, the president of the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 12 in Glasgow.
Texas officials on Wednesday defended the state's strict abortion law that bars the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy and urged a federal judge to allow the measure to stand.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the court should dismiss the Biden administration's lawsuit seeking to block the measure that has effectively halted most abortions in the nation's second-most-populous state.

The Justice Department, the state said in its court filing, does not have the authority to use the federal courts to enforce a constitutional right to abortion. Rather,the Texas law must be challenged in state court through lawsuits brought by private citizens, Paxton contends.

"If the Department of Justice wants to expand its authority, it should direct its requests to Congress, not this Court," the filing states."At bottom, the federal government's complaint" is that the law is difficult to block in federal court. "But there is no requirement that a state write its laws to make them easily enjoined."

The court filing comes in advance of a hearing scheduled for Friday before U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin. It landed just as the Senate Judiciary Committee was examining the impact of the Texas law that allows individuals to take legal action against anyone who helps a woman terminate her pregnancy and the Supreme Court's refusal to block the law's enforcement immediately.

The ban took effect Sept. 1 after the high court allowed the measure to stand while litigation continues. Abortion rights advocates last week asked the justices a second time to review the six-week ban, which they say clearly conflicts with the high court's rulings that guarantee the right to abortion before viability, usually around 22 to 24 weeks.

The initial request from abortion providers to stop the Texas law sharply divided the Supreme Court, and it was clear from remarks Wednesday from Justice Sonia Sotomayor that those divisions remain.

Sotomayor was among the four dissenters who would have stopped it, and she pointed to the Texas case in a virtual appearance at an American Bar Association convention on diversity. She explained to a questioner that "there's going to be a lot of disappointments in the law, a huge amount."

"As you study cases and look at outcomes you disagree with, it can get frustrating," she said. "Look at me, look at my dissents, OK?" she laughed. "At least I have a vehicle, I have a dissent mechanism that I can explain how I feel."

She continued: "So you know, I can't change Texas's law, but you can. You can and everyone else who may or may not like it, can go out there and be lobbying forces in changing laws that you don't like."

"I'm pointing out to that when I shouldn't because they told me I shouldn't," she said, referencing the practice that justices do not comment on cases that are before them.

"But the point is, there are going to be a lot of things you don't like."

Because of the law, women in Texas are traveling long distances to Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Colorado to terminate pregnancies. The Texas law makes no exceptions for rape, sexual assault or incest.

A dozen other states have passed similar bans on abortion after a physician has detected cardiac activity, usually around six weeks into pregnancy. But federal judges prevented those measures from taking effect because of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 protecting the right to an abortion.

The Texas law is different and specifically crafted to avoid judicial review. State government officials, who are typically targeted in lawsuits to block such measures, are barred from enforcing the ban. Instead, private individuals can file lawsuits against anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion.

Clinic employees, abortion providers and people who provide women with money or transportation to abortion clinics can be targeted in the civil actions with the threat of having to pay at least $10,000.

In Wednesday's court filing, the Texas attorney general said the injunction sought by the Biden administration to block the "Heartbeat Act" is untenable "because Texas could not institute a heartbeat suit against anyone, much less the federal government."

The state rejected the Justice Department's argument that private individuals charged with enforcing the law are essentially "state actors" who can be subject to an injunction from the court.

Paxton also defended the law as constitutional and said it does not conflict with the Supreme Court's decision that said states may not place an "undue burden" on a woman's right to an abortion.

Abortion providers and opponents of the law strongly disagree. About 85 to 90% of women who obtain abortions in Texas are at least six weeks into pregnancy, meaning the law has effectively stopped all abortions in the state.

The law, they say, has also imposed a significant financial, professional and personal burden on the women who now must travel long distances outside of Texas if they want to terminate their pregnancies.

Even if the judge in Austin temporarily blocks the measure, the victory for opponents of the law may be short-lived, according to the attorney general's office. Physicians who perform abortions after the six-week mark, and while an injunction is in place, are not shielded from future legal liability.

If the injunction is later dissolved on appeal, lawsuits can be brought retroactively, and up to four years after the abortion at issue has been performed, according to state officials.

"The threat of liability would remain given the significant possibility that a preliminary injunction would be stayed, reversed, or not turned into a permanent injunction," Paxton said.
On I-5 is a drab stretch of highway, mostly lined by farmland and occasionally broken up with signs condemning California's water use policy.

But one innocuous sign near Bakersfield has long inspired curiosity, befuddlement and hundreds of online dispatches from travelers passing. The sign, just outside the oil derrick town of Lost Hills, reads Tom McCleod slept here in an austere sans-serif font. It raises the question asked again and again by drivers: Who is Tom McCleod?

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Perhaps the first  and only  piece of documentation available online of the sign, aside from the Google Street View shot of the sign, is from a 2009 blog entry by Mike Sakasegawa, a San Diego writer and photographer.

Here's a place whose only claim to fame, what they've decided to proudly display to the world, is that some B-lister that we've all long since forgotten once decided that he couldn't make it all the way to San Francisco or Los Angeles that day and tucked in there instead, Sakasegawa surmised back then.

But even 12 years after he shared his little road-trip dispatch, he's still as far away from solving the mystery as he was when he made that drive.

"I don't really have any more information about that sign than what's in the original blog post," he said in an email.

It was one of those things, he said, that he wanted to dig into but never got around to further investigating.

The curiosity is there. In the 12 years since Sakasegawas post, hundreds of visitors, all wondering the same thing, stopped by to comment. They range from the pleasant (Interesting conundrum! Maybe I'll investigate more when I retire!) to the jokingly conspiratorial (The sign is a foreshadowing of our savior, begins one message).

But one comment, posted by Mark  no surname  in 2012, was the most compelling and detailed, and therefore, seems to be accepted as the definitive explanation.

Mark tells of a wily expatriate hunter and trapper named Tom McLeod, who formed his own nation known as the American Kern Island Republic shortly after the Gold Rush.

It's a great story, almost too great. McLeod was clever, enterprising and singular, a Robinson Crusoe figure who traversed the Central Valley before it got covered in asphalt and farmland. In this telling, McLeod spoke fluent Latin and Greek, bonded with the nearby Yokuts tribes and, most famously, single-handedly seceded from the state to form his own nation. The storys details are so specific, how could it be wrong?

And because the story remains neither debunked nor confirmed, it makes for one hell of an urban legend.

But theres zero documentation of the American Kern Island Republic existing online or in newspaper archives. And messages to the Tachi Yokut Tribe and the Kern County Museum to corroborate this wild tale went unanswered. So, whether Marks post was a tall tale constructed by a historical fabulist or that of a Daniel Defoe in the making, I tried another route.

Will the real Tom McLeod (or McCleod) please stand up?

No one is sure who Tom McCleod is, not even other men all named Tom McCleod or McLeod.

Four guys, all sharing the name with various spellings, spoke to SFGATE about the mysterious sign.

One of our Toms lives in San Francisco. Tom McLeod's an investor at a firm named Saltwater Capital who says he laughed when he received my inquiry.

"Oh man," he said over a LinkedIn message, "I get pinged about this a lot."

He first encountered the sign the same way the rest of us did, on the drive down to Los Angeles from San Francisco about eight or nine years ago. Since then, hes received a handful of messages, all asking him about the mysterious man with whom he shares a name. He even considered putting up an accompanying sign reading, Yes, that Tom McLeod, to complicate the riddle for observant drivers.

I just havent had the moment, he said. Like, its not a thing I think about enough to be like  Well, today Im going to go put up that sign on the highway for the jokes.

For what its worth, he also linked me back to the anonymous comment about McLeod being a California hunter and trapper  proof that Marks comment is slowly becoming its own piece of mythos.

A Southern California man named Tom McCleod  who shares the exact spelling as the name on the sign  had no leads of his own. He had just seen it driving on the 5 and think it's hilarious, he told SFGATE via a Twitter DM.

"Also fascinated by the mystery of the sign, but kind of don't want to know the answer at the same time," he added. "I've searched the internet before, to no avail."

A third McLeod, who runs a trucking software company out of Alabama, would be a convincing candidate considering how many truckers navigate this stretch of interstate, as Sakasegawa pointed out back in '09. Unfortunately, according to a now-deleted article from his alma mater, McLeod didnt do any trucking himself.

He later confirmed that hes not responsible for the sign, but pointed us to a somber lead.

I had a first cousin [named Tommy McLeod], he told SFGATE through a LinkedIn message, who lived in Manteca, CA, played in a rock and roll band and died in a car wreck with his wife in the early 1970s.

He has no proof that the sign honors his late cousin, and another relative who lives in the San Joaquin County town did not immediately respond to a request for comment by the storys publication.

But the fourth McLeod provided perhaps the most definitive lead Ive found during my search. Also the most vexing.

After days of failed phone calls and redirected emails, the fourth Tom McLeod, a Vietnam War veteran who now works as the curator at the Museum of the Pacific in Texarkana, Texas, got back to me. This Tom is closely linked to Pacific Wrecks, a group that seeks to identify and otherwise valorize soldiers who were missing-in-action or prisoners of war.

While hes familiar with the sign on I-5, living on the border of Texas and Arkansas means hes seen stretches of road that few Californians have driven.

And Tom McCleod slept here signs are in Texas and Arkansas, too, he says. Louisiana and Mississippi, as well.

But he has no idea who the guy is.

Its a big puzzle for us also, he said in an email. Apparently someone has more money than brains.

Its perhaps reassuring to know that this mystery potentially extends beyond this small stretch of mid-state freeway, a cross-country piece of folklore for road trippers and lonely truckers. But, if true, it also seems to remove the possibility that McLeod was a forgotten California legend  intelligent, hubristic man, a modern-day Icarus whose ambition overpowered his alliances.

So for now, it seems like the Tom McCleod mystery is still unanswered, a disappointing end to my search, though hopefully not a dead end for other amateur sleuths. (An Instagram account purporting to be getting closer to uncovering the truth everyday did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE, though they seem to know just as little as anyone else does.)

Throughout my whole search, a comment on Sakasegawas blog from four folks on their way to San Diego for a bachelor party stuck in my head. Googling and finding this post has [at] least provided [10 minutes] of distracting conversation, the message reads.

As a purpose, stoking idle chatter on a drive with little else to do isnt much. But its something.
Early in Ghosts of Karabakh, a documentary about the 2020 Karabakh War, journalist Jake Hanrahan interviews a young Armenian soldier stationed at the frontline. A blasted-out tank and bare winter mountains serve as backdrop while Hanrahan asks the soldier whether he believes a ceasefire with the Azerbaijani army will last. The war isnt over yet, the young man replies. Theres a big possibility that the enemy wont stop until theyve taken over all of [Nagorno-Karabakh] and even Armenia. Hanrahans film moves through territories recently destroyed by war and invites locals including veterans, nurses, refugees, and widows to tell their stories before the camera. This isnt the full story of Nagorno-Karabakh, but its a fair attempt to highlight the experience of those who were on the ground for some of the worst fighting the region has seen in decades.

For the documentary, Hanrahan and his team, who make up the independent platform Popular Front, reported only from the Armenian side; Azerbaijan denied them entry. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, too, tried to control the teams access to fixers and locations, so they relied on cooperative locals to travel to shooting locations. When I asked Hanrahan how he approached reporting without access to both sides, he told me context was key. The way of balancing it was just to go into detail, he said. During the war, a lot of the reporting was accurate, maybe in terms of facts, but facts without context are useless.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous enclave in the Caucasus region that is claimed by Azerbaijan but has been inhabited and governed by Armenians. The disputed territory has seen several wars and ethnic cleansing committed by both sides. The most recent fighting began last September and ended with an Azerbaijani victory and ceasefire in November. During that war, the self-determined Artsakh Republicwhere Karabakhs ethnically Armenian population of about 150,000 livewas supported by Armenia. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, received military aid from Turkey. The conflict displaced thousands of Armenians and left a significant portion of Nagorno-Karabakh under Bakus control. Today, tensions along borders remain high, and skirmishes are frequent. Azerbaijan is still holding dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.

I can attest to this recent wars devastating impact: I am an Armenian living in Yerevan, and my relatives and friends have served at the frontlines. In forty-four days, more Armenian soldiers were killed than American soldiers during the entire twenty-year invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. For Armenia and Artsakh, whose combined population is just three million, that death toll is equivalent to a lost generation.

During the war, when I looked for coverage of what was happening in the international press, I found mostly misunderstanding or indifference. Through Twitter, I discovered Popular Front, as well as reports from a handful of independent journalists who visited the frontline under great personal risk to collect firsthand experiences of the war. Their work was and is the exception. The international press remained mostly uninterested. As thousands died in a conflict involving major playersTurkey, Russia, France, and the United StatesWestern news outlets ignored it or engaged in lazy, under-researched storytelling. When Azerbaijan waged an unprecedented drone war against Nagorno-Karabakh, the media silence persisted. The ongoing POW crisis barely appears in the international press.

In Armenia, we relate to the international press the way one relates to a ghosting love interest. You may not care about us, but we hang on your every word. Global headlines register as decrees because they reflect the attitudes of larger countries that decide our fate. Two days before Azerbaijan launched its attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, Americans within Armenia received a US Embassy alert advising them not to travel to the region. It seems world powers knew what was coming before the first shell hit. The local Armenian press, especially independent and investigative reporting, is limited. During the war, news outlets mostly reiterated statements from the government, which meant that the wars devastating reality was hidden from Armenians until the moment of capitulation.

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Because there was so little coverage of the war, every story broaching the topic felt monumental. Armenians fervently collected foreign press articles and shared them on social media. Our collectors enthusiasm, however, soon gave way to frustration because much of the reporting painted an incomplete picture. Major outlets like the Financial Times made embarrassing errors, publishing photos showing Artsakhs capital, Stepanakert, alongside headlines about Azerbaijani cities. Many reports hesitated to identify an instigator to the conflict, employing passive voice to say that fighting had merely erupted. And most of the press failed to point out the power imbalances between the two sides: Azerbaijan is militarily superior, has roughly three times the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia combined, and was backed by Turkey.

In Armenia, we relate to the international press the way one relates to a ghosting love interest.

The majority of coverage simplified the conflicts complicated history, tracing it only as far back as the nineties. The New York Times described Nagorno-Karabakh as conquered land, while the Associated Press emphasized the presence of Armenian troops in the region without mentioning that Armenians have lived there for centuries, alongside Azerbaijanis. Nagorno-Karabakhs population was 94 percent Armenian when the Soviets made it a semi-autonomous part of Azerbaijan in 1923, and roughly 75 percent Armenian when it declared independence in 1991. This act of self-determination led to violence, which turned to war. A ceasefire ended fighting in 1994, when Armenian forces gained control and displaced hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from districts bordering Nagorno-Karabakh. That territorial gain was aggressive. Still, implying Armenians are occupiers in the region is a willful ignorance of history.

For Armenians, the misframed coverage felt personal, as if the world was turning its back. Reporters on the ground, too, noticed errors of omission. It really seemed as though some journalists hit the Nagorno-Karabakh Wikipedia page before churning out their pieces, Lindsey Snell, an independent reporter, wrote to me in an email. Peter Liakhov, an editor of the independent Tbilisi-based news platform, OC Media, noticed a pattern of reporting that defined the conflict through imported frameworks. It takes work to understand what the context is for the conflict geopolitically, nationally, he said. They just slot in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Nagorno-Karabakh based on preconceptions and thats deeply irresponsible. I think it belies a great lack of respect for whats actually happening.

Some of the misunderstanding is surely also due to practical limitations. Covering Nagorno-Karabakh is difficult and dangerous. Azerbaijan and Turkey rank 167 and 153, respectively, on the World Press Freedom Index. Both regimes jail journalists who are critical of their governments. Many reporters who travel to Nagorno-Karabakh find themselves in the line of fire. They spend nights in bomb shelters or face threats from propagandists on social media. For some outlets, the Karabakh conflict is just too remote and too marginal to justify the resources needed to cover it. In its pitching guidelines, Foreign Policy actually names Nagorno-Karabakh as a topic they dont want to hear about unless its relevant or worth reading by someone in, say, Antananarivo

This method of story selection is reductive at best. In a globalized world, everyone is complicit. If youre an American citizen, your tax dollars have directly funded Azerbaijan with military aid. If youre European, your elected officials have been bought by a multi-billion-dollar laundromat set up by Azerbaijans ruling elite. If youre British, your government has lobbied to open mines in territories newly taken by Azerbaijan, and your economy is bolstered by UK companies that are set to develop Shushi, a city Armenians lost during the war, and BP, which is deeply invested in Azerbaijani oil. From a less cynical perspective, the sheer scale of human suffering and the loss of democracy in Karabakh should be enough to garner interest. As Jake Hanrahan puts it: For me, when kids are dying, its important to report it no matter where it is.



Journalism without context always has consequences. The stakes are especially high with Nagorno-Karabakh, where the erasure of a peoples history is beginning to align with physical erasure. Perhaps the most important context left out of virtually all coverage of the war and that of the POW crisis is the violent state rhetoric of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, uses phrases such as remnants of the sword, which refers to Armenian and other non-Muslim survivors of twentieth-century Ottoman persecution. At a meeting with a German municipal delegation, Hajibala Abutalybov, who was the mayor of Baku for seventeen years and a deputy prime minister until 2019, said: Our goal is the complete elimination of Armenians. You, Nazis, already eliminated the Jews in the 1930s and 40s, right? You should be able to understand us. And of course, both states continue to deny the Armenian Genocide, in which Ottoman Turks massacred at least 1.5 million Armenians.

Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, promotes a systemic Armenophobia that has acquired new fascistic forms in the past year. In April, Aliyev opened a victory park to celebrate Azerbaijans gains in Karabakh. The park displays helmets of dead Armenian soldiers and exhibits with mannequins that show Armenians in humiliating poses. Aliyev has said Armenians are being driven out of Karabakh like dogs. And he often makes claims on the territory of nearly half the Armenian Republic. Ongoing altercations along Armenias borders indicate that these arent empty threats.

Any coverage of Nagorno-Karabakh that doesnt address Erdogans and Aliyevs dangerous rhetoric tacitly endorses it. One month into the recent war, Genocide Watch declared that Azerbaijans persecution of Nagorno-Karabakhs Armenians had become a genocide emergency. A few days after that reports release, the New York Times published an article, written by its Istanbul bureau chief, that focused on the shelling of Terter, an Azerbaijani village; it made no mention of the tens of thousands of Armenians whod fled Nagorno-Karabakh due to nonstop bombardment of major towns and cities.

In painful moments, a nation, like an individual, wants to be seen. While Armenians grapple with the aftermath of war, the loss of life and right to ancestral lands, we turn to the outside, hoping our story might be recognized and told. Yet the international press believes a story is only valuable if it serves market interests or is happening in the more important parts of the world. This attitude applies a hierarchy to suffering and inevitably warps the historical recorda history that, for Armenians, has never been set straight.

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Lilit Markosian is a writer and journalist based in Yerevan. She completed her undergraduate degree in creative writing at Columbia University.
In June, the Washington, DC chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists surprised me with their Robert D.G. Lewis Watchdog Award, for an investigative story I wrote about one mans journey through the mental-health and criminal-justice systems. It was the chapters only award to include a cash prize. What to do with it was a no-brainer.

I work at Street Sense Media, a small, nonprofit street paper that heavily relies on intern labor. Weve always done what we could to support our interns in other ways, such as helping them pursue grants and scholarships; still, weve never paid them directly. Now, thats finally about to change: with the help of individual donations, we have begun to offer a needs-based stipend to one student per semester. This step, while significant, moves us only inches towards justice.

Street Sense Media began paying staff in 2005 when an executive director/editor role was created, two years after the organization was founded. Weve been fighting for years to fund more paid positions and expand our programmatic support.

But, until last year, our newsroom relied on what amounts to a single full-time journalistsupplemented by many volunteers, including unpaid internsto get the paper out. That was the system I was hired into and that is the system I have worked to expand: creating more unpaid positions to grow and refine our output, converting general-assignment reporter positions to beat reporters who consistently produce deeper stories, and partnering with professional journalists to provide training and networking opportunities for interns. Alumni have gone on to work for notable local and national media companies, as well as to careers in related fields. Its a fantastic program doing meaningful workif you can afford to work for free.

Unfortunately, we all know the facts: Unpaid internships are racist and classist structures that exploit less-experienced workers. They exclude a broad range of low-income people from opportunities and favor advantaged applicants. Distressingly, unpaid internships will remain competitive for as long as employers and universities favor or require internship experience from young people at the start of their careers without footing the bill.

As nonprofit and for-profit newsrooms alike struggle with sustainability, paying for work you could otherwise get for free can be a hard sell. But relying on any gains achieved through unpaid labor is shortsighted. In the end, budgeting for inclusive pathways into your newsroom and the field at large is absolutely critical for adequately serving a diverse audience.

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Since 1978, the American Society of News Editors (now News Leaders Association) has tracked newsroom diversity through an annual survey, with an initial goal of shifting staff diversity at media outlets to match the demographics of the US by the year 2000. It pushed that deadline back to 2025 due to slow progress and the industry is still on track to miss the mark. Survey data from recent years shows that not one major newsroom has reached racial parity with the census yeta goal post that shifted again with the new 2020 Census data.

Our newspaper covers homelessness and poverty. While poverty intersects with all identities and subpopulations, race is particularly relevant to our coverage. Eighty-six percent of unhoused people in DC identify as Black or African American, five percent identify as Hispanic or Latino, and one percent identify as Asian. Meanwhile, 41 percent of DCs overall population identifies as Black or African American, 11 percent as Hispanic or Latino, and five percent as Asian. The racial diversity of the people writing stories in our newsroom should consistently include people of similar backgrounds.

However, of the more than 150 students I have trained, fewer than 20 were Black. Fewer than 10 were Asian American. I could count the number of Latino students on one hand. Only two interns were Arab American. And those numbers are a direct result of a dearth of applications.

We talk about diversity and inclusion a lot, almost to the point where its a canned phrase. But how many interns, how many low-income folks, are you just going to turn off of journalism because theyre actually compensated if they just go to Google? Katlyn Alo, a newsroom developer with the San Francisco Chronicle who completed a 2016 summer internship for Street Sense Media, told me in an interview. We like to treat young folks like were doing them a favor. And only certain young folks cant afford that illusion.

Alo, a first-generation college student from a low-income background, earned both her bachelors and her masters in communications and media from Stanford University. She discovered journalism halfway through undergrad, and pivoted from biology. She was eager to find an internship that summer to help cement her relatively new path, and received a stipend to support an internship in DC writing articles for me. There was just one problem: the stipend would not be paid until the end of the term, once she could show her clips to prove she had done the work. (The program she participated in was recently changed; now, in cases where students face financial constraints, they can request and receive their stipend earlier in their internship.)

She accepted it anyway, a move she says was not a wise financial decision. She worked as a live-in nanny, looking after three children who were elementary-school age or younger, in exchange for free housing, and maxed out her credit card to pay for Metro fare and groceries. She was committed to making it work, and she didbut at significant personal, emotional, social, and financial costs.

Alo later told me she pretended to be busy, one of those things that you do when youre ashamed, to avoid social engagements with other friends who were interning in DC because she could not afford dining out with them or transportation to meet up. I just never wanted to bring it up. And I dont know if that was pride or if it was some sort of commitment  just being like, You said you would make it work, so make it work, Alo explained. There was one day that my grandmother sent me a money order out of the blue, just because sometimes grandmothers do that sort of thing. I think it was $50, and I almost cried because I would not have been able to get food that week.

According to a 2018 study published by Georgetown University, close to 70 percent of students work while attending college; of those, more than half have no other option. The same study found that students who work more than 15 hours per week are more likely to drop outeven as they incur debtand nearly half of students working more than 15 hours per week had a grade average of C or lower. The type of work is just as important: If a student must work while juggling classes, doing so in a position related to their degree enables them to build professional contacts and refine skills relevant to their industry of choice. Paid internships are the best way to guarantee relevant work.

When people complain about industries like journalism and publishing being incredibly white or incredibly financially privileged, unpaid internships are how that starts.

STREET SENSE MEDIAS NEW STIPEND is modeled after work done by student journalists at the Georgetown Voice, a student-run news outlet at Georgetown University. The Voices fiftieth anniversary brought an unexpected influx of donations. Sienna Brancato, the Voices former editor-in-chief, said in an interview that the publication wanted to do something significant with the windfall. An editorial-board member suggested an internship stipend; the paper had recently published an editorial about the importance of paying interns. Once their colleagues heard the idea, there was no debate; it was an issue they had all faced personally. As a result, after additional fundraising, the Voice distributed four Steve Pisinski Student Journalism Grants last year, named for a Voice founder. Each was worth $2,500.

The Voices new stipend is an extension of the papers approach to student journalism, Brancato told me. The paper welcomes anyone who is interested in reporting to join, and makes training a significant part of its operations; likewise, the grant was open to all studentsnot just those in the journalism programand gave preference to younger applicants, to provide experience and success from as early a point as possible.People can be deterred from pursuing a field if, repeatedly, theyre unable to take advantage of certain opportunities, Brancato said.

Brancato, like Alo, said unpaid internships support an unhealthy workplace culture that tells interns and employees they should feel lucky to be there instead of valuing their labor. When a person is selected for an unpaid position, that says, I see the value of what you can contribute to the team but not so far as that Im going to compensate you for that, Brancato explained.

During the past year, I attended more internship fairs than I ever have before, because the pandemic had forced all of them to take place online. While digital equity and access issues can still limit participation, the registration fees for employers were reduced, and I could make it to two separate universities in a single day without running across town between them. This led to our first-ever internship fairs with Howard University, Trinity Washington University, and Bowie State University. For the first time, I spoke with dozens of students of color in a single semester who were enthused about working for our organizationuntil, that is, I told them that our positions were unpaid.

This detail was made clear in our position postings, but was often and understandably overlooked in the rush to sign-up for one-on-one conversations. When I raised the lack of pay, one student asked me for advice on housing assistancesomething we cover closelyto help avoid eviction when the moratorium was lifted. Another studenta mother with a toddlerhad an impeccable resume, experience, and passion, but needed any work commitment to be compensated with income. Ultimately, only one of the students I spoke with applied. They were hired, but then withdrew from the internship before the semester started, after their advisor warned against becoming overwhelmed by keeping up with school, working to pay their bills, and taking on the internship. We lost talent.

When people complain about industries like journalism and publishing being incredibly white or incredibly financially privileged, unpaid internships are how that starts, Brancato said. When an industry is homogenous, the content that they put out is less likely to be as diverse and all-encompassing of and reflective of the society that its reporting on. And so then people consume that, then that shapes and influences the way that people see the world. And so its just this self-perpetuating loop.

Paid internships are not a silver bullet for fixing journalisms long struggle with diversity, but they are an essential piece of the puzzle.

PAID INTERNSHIPS continue to gain traction. The average hourly wage for undergraduate internsnow $20.76has increased steadily for the past seven years, according to a 2021 report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). While many internships were canceled due to COVID-19 last year, employers surveyed by NACE anticipated that internship hiring would fall by just 0.5 percent this year.

But the number of students seeking an internship is far greater than the number of available positions, and between 30 and 40 percent of all internships are still unpaid. While employees with internship experiences are more likely to be retained by their employer, the majority of interns hired last year were white men, which suggests a disconnect with employer priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion, according to NACE. Paid internships are not a silver bullet for fixing journalisms long struggle with diversity, but they are an essential piece of the puzzle.

We have a number of firms that still practice unpaid internships, which, thats neo-slavery, Esther Odejimi-Uzokwe, program director for 10,000 Black Interns, told The Talent Revolution podcast in June. If you dont have the funds for an intern, then you dont hire an intern. Increase your capacity as a team. This summer, 10KBI recruited hundreds of investment firms to commit to hiring paid interns this summerselected and vetted by the campaignwho would be paid a minimum of the local living wage.

Journalism has seen a few like-minded efforts. The Emma Bowen Foundation has placed more than 1,000 students of color in multi-year media internships over the past three decades. Through its Emerging Reporters program, ProPublica provides $9,000 stipends and mentorship to five college juniors and seniors who are pursuing investigative journalism. The New College of Florida is partnering with employers to provide funds for humanities interns.

Were starting small, providing $2,000 to one part-time intern for each of three semestersa total commitment of $6,000 for one year. That amount was roughly copied from the Voices Pisinski grant, because it had proven to help journalism students in our area and also because the $6,000 total cost seemed like an achievable crowdfunding goal, with my $1,000 prize as seed funding. Still, it should be only a starting point; a decade ago, a low estimate for holding a three-month full-time internship in Washington, DC, was $4,050, and housing, tuition, and transportation costs have only climbed in the years since.

After a few semesters, I hope to have improved diversity among Street Sense Media interns and that well bring in new funders to expand the stipend. Paying all five interns in our newsroom at this rate would cost $30,000 annuallyless than the cost of a salary for a single full-time employee. (This estimate doesnt account for the interns we hire in other departments each semester.) If the amount proves insufficient to make our positions accessible to low-income students, well need to consider increasing how much is paid per student before expanding the number of recipients.

If paid in advance, Alo said the stipend she received for her part-time 2016 internship with Street Sense Media would not have been enough for housing. She still would have had to work as a nanny. But it would have covered most of her food and transit expenses. It was definitely designed to be more supplemental than it was to be something that you could live off of, Alo told me. It would have been enough for me to not carry a balance on a credit card.

Street Sense Media is playing catch up. But thats what any news outlet still offering unpaid internships ought to doand what their audiences, including potential funders, should demand of them.

Industry-wide, progress towards paying interns remains frustratingly slow. Were basically inching there, Alo, who is now working to unionize her department at the San Francisco Chronicle, said. And its never gonna be fast enough, because were talking about really fundamental human needs. Still, she added, were gonna get there.

The viewpoints in this article are the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of Street Sense Media.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Eric Falquero is the editorial director for Street Sense Media, where he got his start as an unpaid intern, taking out additional student loans to cover food and transit while living in Washington, DC, for a summer.
Earlier this month, an Australian court issued a decision in a long-running defamation case of Dylan Voller, who, in 2017, filed suit against a number of Australian media outlets, including Murdoch-owned The Australian and Sky News, for comments made on their Facebook pages by other Facebook users. In effect, the Australian court said the media outlets are legally responsible for the comments their readers left in response to posts, likening them to publishers of those comments for their participation in facilitating, encouraging and thereby assisting the posting of comments by third-party Facebook users. In its ruling, the court added that an attempt by the media companies to portray themselves as passive and unwitting victims of Facebooks functionality was not credible: Having taken action to secure the commercial benefit of the Facebook functionality, the appellants bear the legal consequences.

The ruling doesnt mark the end of the case; as David Rolph, a law professor at the University of Sydney, wrote for The Conversation, Now its been established the media companies are publishers of the comments, Vollers defamation case can start in earnestin other words, its still yet to be decided whether or not the comments were in fact defamatory and what defences the media publishers might have under defamation law. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rolph said the ultimate outcome of Vollers case may depend on whether the media outlets had knowledge of any defamatory comments.

Still, the ruling has sent ripples through Australian media. When it was first released, some speculated that media companies might shut down their comments, or even their entire Facebook presence, for fear of being caught up in similar lawsuits. Dave Earley, the audience editor for the Australian version of the UK-based Guardian, told the New York Times that his newspaper plans to shut off comments on any story that is controversial in order to avoid lawsuits, and limit what it posts to social media. We wont post stories about politicians, Indigenous issues, court decisions, anything that we feel could get a problematic reaction from readers, he said.

The ruling has also had an impact beyond Australia: according to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, CNN says it has shut off all public access to its Facebook pages in Australia because of the ruling. CNN reportedly asked Facebook for help in turning off comments on all of its posts in Australia, but the social network refused. Until recently, Facebook didnt allow comments to be turned off on pages, presumably because they are a significant source of user engagement. It introduced the ability to do so in 2019, after the original Australian court decision in the Voller case, but comments have to be disabled on a per-post basis, rather than across all a publishers pages. In response to CNNs request to turn off all comments, the Journals Benjamin Mullin reports that Facebook instead offered to help CNN disable comments on its posts one by one. As Earley noted, Facebook is not interested in making it easy for page publishers to shut off comments because its to their benefit for there to be comments on everything.

While the Australian ruling might be used as precedent in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, which are part of the British Commonwealth and share similar legal traditions, such a decision seems unlikely to affect the US. Social networks and publishers are protected from that kind of liability by Section 230, a clause in the Communications Decency Act of 1996 that says interactive service providers are not responsible for anything posted by their users. While that might seem like ironclad protection, Section 230 has come under fire from both Democrats and Republicansthe former because they feel social networks dont take down enough disinformation, and the latter because they feel these services censor too much.

Heres more on defamation and the internet:

Defamation : In a piece about the Australian high court ruling, Rolph, the law professor, pointed out that while the decision might open the door to more such defamation lawsuits, Australia has also recently updated the law surrounding defamation , which could make it more difficult for cases like Vollers to succeed in proving defamation. The new laws raise the bar for proving that defamation has occurred, requiring that plaintiffs show that they have suffered serious harm as a result of the comments. They also provide a defense for material that is considered to be in the public interest, which could apply to news stories.

Malicious : For the Nieman Journalism Lab, Josh Benton wonders what the impact might be if a malicious actorlike Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, who financed the lawsuit that bankrupted Gawker Media decided to pursue defamation lawsuits against other companies . I dont expect a ruling like this in the United States anytime soon, Benton says. But other countries across Europe and Asia? Its easy to imagine  especially in less-free countries where the man who lives in the palace would be happy to open up independent media to a whole new genre of lawsuits.

Right and left: In July, CJR invited a wide range of legal and technology experts to do a series of online interviews about Section 230 using our Galley discussion platform. The conversations followed a number of related developments, including an attempt by Senator Amy Klobuchar to amend Section 230 in order to make social networks like Facebook liable for spreading medical disinformation about the COVID pandemic. A group of Republican members of Congress have also proposed their own carve-outs to the law, which they hope they can implement to reduce Section 230s protections for certain things, including the removal of conservative speech by social platforms.

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Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
BOZALAN, Turkey (AP)  As Turkish fire crews pressed ahead Tuesday with their weeklong battle against blazes tearing through forests and villages on the countrys southern coast, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government faced increased criticism over its apparent poor response and inadequate preparedness for large-scale wildfires.

Fed by strong winds and scorching temperatures, the fires that began Wednesday have left eight people dead, forced thousands of residents and tourists to flee homes or vacation resorts in boats or convoys of cars and trucks. Charred and blackened trees have replaced some of the pine-coated hills in Turkeys Turquoise Coast while many villagers lost homes and livestock.

Firefighters on Tuesday were still tackling nine fires in the coastal provinces of Antalya and Mugla that are popular tourist destinations. Other active fires were reported in the provinces of Adana and Isparta. In all, 137 fires that broke out in over 30 provinces since Wednesday have been put out, officials said.

A senior Turkish forestry official described the wildfires as the worst in Turkey in living memory, though he could not say how many acres of forest land the fires had devoured. He also could not estimate how long it would take the crews to put the fires out, saying strong winds were reigniting flames that had previously been brought under control. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations.

As residents lost homes and livestock, anger turned toward the government, which admitted that it did not have a usable firefighting aircraft fleet. Opposition parties accused the government of failing to procure firefighting planes and instead spending money for construction projects that they say harmful the environment.

In the village of Bozalan, in Mugla province, where homes and olive groves were incinerated, residents complained that the governments response was inadequate.

Our fire-extinguishing helicopters were insufficient, said 58-year-old Mahmut Sanli. Our homes burned down. If there was a firefighting crew in our neighborhood, this wouldnt have happened.

Nevzat Yildirim, 30, said he had called authorities in Mugla pleading for help but nothing came.

We tried to protect our own homes through our own means, by filling up buckets. We organized ourselves with neighbors, youths and saved our homes, he said.

Erdogans government has also been accused of compromising firefighting efforts by refusing help from Western nations, including rival Greece, during the early stages of the fires. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli rejected that accusation, saying the government had only refused offers for small water-dumping planes.

The Israeli Embassy said Tuesday that Israel had offered to help but Turkish officials had refused the offer, saying the situation is under control. It said the offer still stands.

Mayors posted videos pleading for aerial firefighting responses to local wildfires while celebrities joined a social media campaign requesting foreign help to combat the blazes. The campaign drew an angry response from a top Erdogan aide, Fahrettin Altun, who said Our Turkey is strong. Our state is standing strong.

Erdogan himself was accused of insensitivity after he threw bags of tea at residents from a bus during a weekend visit to the fire-hit Antalya region.

Fire-dumping planes sent from Spain and Croatia were joining planes from Russia, Iran, Ukraine and Azerbaijan on Tuesday. A total of 16 planes, 51 helicopters and more than 5,000 personnel were tackling the fires, officials said.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 36 people in Mugla and 11 people in Antalya were still being treated in hospitals for fire-related injuries.

Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the fires, including possible sabotage by Kurdish militants. Experts, however, mostly point to climate change as the culprit, along with accidents caused by people.

A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including in Italy and Greece.

The Turkish meteorology authority warned that temperatures would rise between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms around the countrys Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

In Italy, the head of the civil protection agency, Fabrizio Curcio, described the wildfires affecting central and southern Italy as dramatic. Firefighters on Tuesday were fighting seven major blazes in Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata and Puglia, employing aircraft near Matera, in Basilicata and around three fires in Calabria.

The mayor of Altamura, near the southern Italian city of Bari, advised residents to keep windows closed after a fire broke out in a plastics factory warehouse. A helicopter was dispatched near the city of Pescara in Abruzzo to prevent a wildfire from reaching a gasoline depot, while industrial production sites were under threat in the regions foothills.

Italian firefighters have battled more than 37,000 fires since June 15, an 76% increase over last year, when 62,623 hectares (nearly 155,000 acres) were destroyed, according to the Corriere della Sera newspaper. In the Oristano province of Sardinia alone, 20,000 hectares of woodlands have burned, dealing a blow to local beekeeping.

About the photo: A fire engulfs a house in Cokertme village, near Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. As Turkish fire crews pressed ahead Tuesday with their weeklong battle against blazes tearing through forests and villages on the countrys southern coast, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government faced increased criticism over its apparent poor response and inadequate preparedness for large-scale wildfires. (AP Photo/Emre Tazegul)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
BANGKOK (AP)  Bangkok and other areas of central Thailand received new warnings of possible major flooding, even as disaster relief authorities said Wednesday the threat had eased in 13 of 30 provinces elsewhere that were lashed by seasonal monsoon rains.

Seven people have died and two are missing since the weekend from flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Dianmu, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigations said. It announced Wednesday that 197,795 households in 30 provinces, mostly in the north, northeast and central regions had been affected, a 56% increase over the 126,781 reported a day earlier.

Bangkok has had no major flooding yet, but many rural areas have been severely affected. Thai television has shown villagers in several areas walking through chest-high water or being evacuated from their homes on small boats.

However, conditions have improved in 13 provinces around the country, including Chiang Mai, the disaster prevention agency said.

Heavy rains are still forecast for many areas, but the immediate threat triggering warnings to Bangkok and the provinces of Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi comes from water that has flowed down the Chao Phraya River from the north in such quantities that it overwhelmed the capacity of dams and reservoirs to retain it.

The dilemma facing planners is that the dams and reservoirs are used to store as much water as possible to help with irrigation during perennial droughts, but have to be able to cope with the unpredictable overflow during rainy season.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang acknowledged Wednesday on his Facebook page that because the capital is on low-lying ground, it is vulnerable to flooding from the Chao Phraya, and cannot be drained quickly. Parts of the city were inundated in a major 2011 flood, fed primarily by water released from reservoirs in the north.

The governor listed measures the city is taking to cope with flooding, including preparing water pumps that connect to a large drainage tunnel.

While large dams and reservoirs in the north have so far been able to cope with this years rainfall, others closer to Bangkok have approached or exceeded their capacity this month and have had to discharge water.

The most recent flood warnings follow decisions to increase the discharge of water from the Chao Phraya Dam, 190 kilometers (120 miles) north of Bangkok, and the Pasak Jolasid Dam, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the capital.

Another crisis point is in the northeast, where thousands of people have been displaced by floodwaters.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday visited Chaiyaphum, another hard-hit northeastern province, where he offered aid packets.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
NEW YORK (AP)  Prince Andrew has acknowledged through his lawyer that he has been served with a lawsuit by a U.S. woman who says he sexually assaulted her, clearing a hurdle that had stalled legal proceedings for several weeks.

The acknowledgment was confirmed in a joint agreement signed by a lawyer for the British prince, approved by a Manhattan federal judge and entered into the public court record Tuesday.

The court papers said Andrew had been challenging acceptance of the lawsuit until lawyers spoke by phone on Sept. 21. An agreement was signed three days later, according to the order signed by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

In the lawsuit, Virginia Giuffre claims Andrew abused her on multiple occasions in 2001 when she was under 18. His lawyer has called the allegations baseless.

Delivering a lawsuit to a defendant is usually a routine matter but can be more complicated when a defendant resides outside the United States.

A judge must be satisfied that a defendant has been properly notified of the allegations and has a reasonable period of time to respond to them. The prince must file responses to the lawsuits claims by Oct. 29. A conference was scheduled for Nov. 3.

Lawyers for Giuffre had told the judge that theyd delivered the lawsuit to Andrew in numerous ways, though never directly into his hands. At one point, Britains high court accepted a request from Giuffres lawyers to formally contact Andrew about the lawsuit.

Los Angeles attorney Andrew Brettler, who signed the papers on Andrews behalf acknowledging the prince was aware of the lawsuit, had argued at a hearing this month that Giuffres claim was baseless, nonviable and potentially unlawful.

In late 2019, Andrew told the BBC Newsnight program that he never had sex with Giuffre, saying, It didnt happen.

Brettler has said that Andrew cannot be sued because an earlier lawsuit in the United States that was settled absolves our client from any and all liability. That 2009 settlement document, however, remains sealed.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they choose to come forward publicly, as Giuffre has.
SUDBURY, Ontario (AP)  The last four miners trapped deep below the surface in the Totten Mine climbed to safety early Wednesday, the company that owns the mine near Sudbury, Ontario, said.

Vale said the 39 workers trapped by an accident on Sunday climbed a series of ladders with the aid of rescue crews.

This is tremendous news flowing from very difficult circumstances, Vale CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo said in a statement.

The last miner reached the surface shortly before 5 a.m. and was taken away in an ambulance as a precautionary measure, said company spokesman Jeff Lewis.

He walked onto the ambulance and was giving fist bumps to the mine rescue team, Lewis said.

It was a emotional ending to a very stressful exercise, said Gord Gilpin, head of mining for Vales Ontario operations. There were a lot of smiles, a few laughs and fist bumping and congratulations going on.

The workers became trapped on Sunday when a scoop bucket being sent underground detached and blocked the mine shaft while some were as deep as 1,200 meters (nearly 4,000 feet) below the surface, the company said.

Climbing ladders is not part of their daily routine.  That is the reason why we had the medical team here. They will be continued to be monitored for the next three or four days and then well know the extent of the struggles that they had to get up to the surface, said Nick Larochelle, president of United Steelworkers Local 6500.

He said they rested at different points of the climb.

The provinces Ministry of Labor, Training and Skills Development said an inspection team will investigate the incident. Bartolomeo, who was on site, said Vale also will investigate so that the company can learn from it and take steps to ensure it never happens again.

Vale said the workers stayed in underground refuge stations and had access to food, water and medicine before climbing out.

A team of 58 responders from the companys rescue team and the Ontario Mine Rescue agency helped the workers through their lrek up the ladder system, the company said.

The Totten Mine opened in 2014 and produces copper, nickel and precious metals. It employs about 200 people.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SEATTLE (AP)  A timeshare exit firm accused by the Washington state Attorney Generals Office of misleading customers must refund some of its former clients.

The terms of a consent decree filed Tuesday in King County Superior Court say Reed Hein & Associates LLC of Kirkland must give money back to clients who paid the company to help them escape their timeshares, The Seattle Times reported.

The firm also faces $22 million in penalties and legal fees, but will only pay $2.6 million if it adheres to the terms of the consent agreement. The agreement compels the company to halt making inaccurate claims about its abilities to get timeshare owners out of their financial obligations to resort developers.

Reed Hein was established in 2012 by Trevor Hein and Brandon Reed after Reed attended a trade show where he noticed a long line at a booth selling timeshare exit services.

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued Reed Hein last year, alleging the companys promise to get you out (of your timeshare) or give you every penny back was a scam that bilked clients for up to $8,795 per timeshare without delivering results in many cases.

Reed Hein proved unable to help nearly half of its nearly 32,000 clients nationwide, the AG contended in the suit, but made inflated claims to woo new customers. Reed Hein merely provided customers with a script they could use to negotiate their own exits, or advised them to stop making payments on their timeshares, knowing that would lead to a credit-trashing foreclosure, the suit said.

And despite its stated 100% money-back guarantee, many unhappy Reed Hein clients were never able to get a refund, according to the AGs complaint.

Reed Hein deserves its F rating from the Better Business Bureau, Ferguson said in a statement Tuesday. Their dishonesty and reckless behavior had grave financial consequences for its customers.

Steven Fogg, attorney for Reed Hein, cast the consent decree as a win for resort developers selling timeshares.

Reed Hein has also faced litigation from resort developers Diamond Resorts, Westgate and Wyndham, claiming that Reed Hein falsely advertised its ability to get clients out of their timeshare contracts. Reed Hein reached settlements this year with Westgate and Wyndham.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The return of tight quarantine rules in August barred more Filipinos from finding jobs, latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa reported on Thursday about 3.88 million individuals aged 15 and up were unable to find work during the month  climbing from the 3.07 million tallied in July.

The latest figure yielded a national unemployment rate of 8.1%, also worse than the 6.9% rate recorded the month prior.

Main economic hub Metro Manila shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) "with heightened and additional restrictions" from July 30 to August 5 in a bid to quash the increase in COVID-19 cases said to be fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

The region then shifted to a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period starting August 6.

Laguna, a key neighbor of the National Capital Region, also reverted to strict lockdowns during the month.

Other areas in the country were placed under different quarantine levels ranging from modified enhanced community quarantine, GCQ, and modified GCQ.

"Kapag may ECQ, ang apektado talaga ay ang unemployment rate. Malaki ang impact ng ECQ, particularly 'yung National Capital Region," Mapa said during a virtual briefing.

[Translation: When there is an ECQ, the unemployment rate is really affected. The impact of the ECQ is huge, particularly in the National Capital Region.]

Employment rate also dipped to 91.9% against July's 93.1%, translating to 44.23 million out of 48.12 million individuals in the labor force were employed. However, the figure in August was higher versus the 91.3% recorded in April, when the national government imposed hard lockdowns in the NCR Plus bubble.

Mapa also reported a drop in the underemployment rate, which stood at 14.7%. Underemployed Filipinos seeking more work hours or better job opportunities reached 6.48 million in August, down by 2.21 million from July's 8.69 million.

Meanwhile, the country's labor force improved to 48.12 million from 44.74 million in Julycorresponding to a 63.6% labor force participation rate.

Mapa said the increase in labor participation could be attributed to graduates entering the labor market.

Although falling to 24.76 million employed individuals from July's 24.14 million, the services sector continued to have the most gains in the employment hub with 56%.

Agriculture picked up during the month at 25.1% from 22.1% a month earlier. The industry sector's share to total employment, however, went down to 18.9% from 20% in July.

Agriculture and forestry led the major industries with the largest month-on-month growth in employment figures at 1.78 million. Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles came second with 992,000. Manufacturing, other service activities, and fishing and aquaculture followed.

Education posted the biggest drop in employment in August, slashing 238,000 jobs from July. Administrative and support service activities, professional scientific technical activities, construction, and human health and social work activities also saw month-on-month decreases in jobs.

CNN Philippines' Pilar Manuel, Lisbet Esmael contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he may fly to the United States to personally thank the Americans for donating COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines.

Ang bait ng Amerika. Baka pupunta ako doon (America is kind. I might go there) just to thank the American government and the people, he said after confirming with vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. that the U.S. will be donating additional 5 million COVID-19 doses.

Washington has been donating vaccine supply to several countries - including the Philippines -- through the World Health Organization led-COVAX facility.

Duterte has been vocal in criticizing the Western superpower throughout his leadership.

Last year, Duterte even issued an official notice to terminate the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S. This occurred after Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's visa was canceled due to alleged extrajudicial killings during his term as chief of the Philippine National Police from 2016 to 2018 under Duterte's war on drugs.

The termination notice was recalled in July this year after the President's meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.

The chief executive admitted that the American vaccine donations played a role in his decision not to cancel the VFA.

Meanwhile, Duterte also warned Filipinos against getting more than two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, saying it will only cause danger for them.

When you do that, multiple you deprive your countrymen... sa isang bakuna na maibigay doon sa kapwa mo tao, he said.

[Translation: When you do that, multiple, you deprive your countrymen of the vaccine that will be given to them.]

The country has so far received over 71 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and more than 21 million individuals have received full protection from the virus.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) - Users will no longer be able book the Move It motorcycle taxi service from the Grab app temporarily starting Sept. 30.

The Department of Transportation's (DOTR) Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG) on Thursday confirmed the firms' partnership has been suspended.

"Nag-isyu po ang TWG na kung saan po inihihinto po muna ang pag-implement ng partnership ng Move It gayundin po ng Grab," DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor said during the Senate hearing of the department's 2022 budget.

[Translation: The TWG issued an order to suspend the implementation of partnership between Move It and Grab.]

Pastor explained the TWG will further study the tie up while waiting for more important documents from Grab and Move It.

The two companies have partnered to provide motorcycle taxi services to Grab app users just last week.

Move It focuses on motorcycle taxi services while Grab serves as an online platform for delivery, food, rides, and other services.

In a statement, Move It said it's frustrated and disappointed with the suspension. It even decried the decision as a form of "bullying."

"This suspension was orchestrated by a number of stakeholders in the Motorbike Taxi Pilot against Move It - the smallest player in the Pilot," the company said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

"We strongly condemn the maneuvering by the other stakeholders resulting to this suspension as it is anti-consumer, anti-Filipino, and is tantamount to bullying," it added.

The Lawyers for Commuters' Safety and Protection earlier urged the TWG to probe what it called the "backdoor" entry of Grab through Move It.

"The ride hailing company's dubious partnership with Move It is clearly a circumvention of the program's guidelines as the Singapore-based company is not part of the pilot study of the government," the group's spokesperson Atty. Noel Valerio said.

JoyRide, Angkas, and Move It are the only motorcycle ride-hailing companies allowed to join the extended pilot implementation of the government's motorcycle taxi pilot study.

"The backdoor entry of the giant foreign multinational Grab through the help of Move It is tantamount to anti-competition practice as it hopes to dominate the transport market which is disadvantageous to Filipino-owned companies," the group added.

Move It, however, said it has been transparent and forthcoming with their dealing with the TWG and stakeholders.

It added their partnership with Grab has gone through several rounds of discussions with the TWG. "So bakit ngayong naka-launch na kami, tsaka kami ipapasuspend?"

[Translation: Why is it that our partnership is being suspended after we've launched already?]

Grab Philippines, meanwhile, said it's currently engaging with transport regulators and looking forward to resume their partnership soon.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1)  Lawyer and author Alex Lacson, the vice presidential candidate of Kapatiran Party, shared his plans on how to address the countrys current problems if elected.

He said he will start by restructuring the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases by getting the very best from the private sector.

Maraming magagaling na presidente at CEOs from private sector na may expertise in handling this kind of crisis, Lacson told CNN Philippines The Final Word.

[Translation: There are many skilled presidents and CEOs from the private sector who have the expertise in handling this kind of crisis.]

Lacson said he will also ensure that public funds will be used properly to prevent allegations of corruption against some government officials.

The vice presidential hopeful said he will make sure proper measures are implemented to address this, which does not stop at appointing the right person on the job.

When it comes to eliminating illegal drugs, the lawyer said violence should not be used, but instead make sure that the right procedures are still followed.

Above all these, Lacson said his main focus if he becomes the countrys next vice president is utilizing the freedom and flexibility of his office to address unemployment and poverty, which remain to be the biggest problems of Filipinos today.

Lacson previously ran for other government posts, including a Senate seat in 2010, but failed.

So far, he will be going against President Rodrigo Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Dr. Willie Ong.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29)  The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is considering imposing a temporary deployment ban to Saudi Arabia over recent cases of abuse against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, the DOLE-Information and Publication Service (IPS) said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello is studying the recommendation to suspend the deployment of OFWs to the Kingdom.

"Kung hindi po maisasaayos ng foreign employers ang kanilang pagpapalaya baka po mapilitan ang ating pamahalaan na i-suspend ang deployment sa Saudi Arabia," DOLE-IPS director Rolly Francia said.

[Translation: If foreign employers will not free the remaining OFWs, the Philippine government may suspend the deployment to Saudi Arabia.]

At least 16 OFWs have been allegedly abused by a retired Saudi military general since 2018.

Some of the maltreated workers were able to escape, including five Filipino women who returned home last Sept. 2.

Two more OFWs are still in the hands of the allegedly abusive employer.

"Sinampal sila multiple times, walang araw na hindi sila sinasaktan. 'Yung isa sinabunutan hanggang matanggal ang buhok, may pinapaso ng sigarilyo, at sinisipa sa genital area," Blas Ople Policy Center head and OFW advocate Susan Ople told CNN Philippines in an interview.

[Translation: They suffer from physical abuse every day. Their employers slap them multiple times, pull their hair, or burn them with cigarettes. Some of them even experienced being kicked in their genital parts.]

Ople added that the entire household of the retired general maltreated their Filipino workers.

"May isa pa sa kanila pinag-wrap ng droga kasi iyon ang negosyo ng anak ng general," Ople said.

[Translation: One of the OFWs was even told to wrap illegal drugs as ordered by one of the general's children.]

Apart from physical abuse, the OFWs also suffered from verbal and mental torture. They were also not being paid accordingly.

DOLE said the government is exhausting all means to rescue the two remaining OFWs.

Bello is still looking into the impact of a temporary deployment ban on Saudi Arabia, according to the DOLE-IPS.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The Palace has not received any resignation from Cabinet members considering running in next year's elections, spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

However, Roque said that should a Cabinet member file a certificate of candidacy, it would be as good as resigning.

"Wala pa po akong nababalitaan na nagreresign. Ang paghahain ng certificate of candidacy will have the effect of resignation," he said during a televised briefing.

[Translation: I have not received news of anyone resigning. The Filing of a certificate of candidacy will have the effect of resignation.]

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that he is running for vice president in the 2022 polls, but Roque previously said he knows of no rule that a president running for the vice presidency needs to resign.

Earlier this month, the Commission on Elections said candidates for national posts in the 2022 polls can file their COCs from October 1 to 8 at an outdoor tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Comelec said it has set strict rules to ensure physical distancing and to prevent the filing of COCs from becoming a superspreader event. The poll body is limiting the number of people accompanying candidates and requiring negative COVID-19 tests prior to entry.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The witness presented by Senator Risa Hontiveros during a Senate hearing has denied being bribed into testifying against Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., the firm that bagged more than 11 billion worth of contracts to supply medical goods to the government.

Ako po yung unang nag-email sa page po ni Senator Risa Hontiveros para humingi ng tulong po Gusto ko lang pong i-share doon yung mga anomalya po doon sa ginagawa naming face shield, the unnamed witness said in an online media briefing in response to questions raised by Atty. Jaye Bekema, Hontiveros chief legislative officer.

[Translation: I was the first to email Senator Risa Hontiveros page to ask for help. I just wanted to share the anomalies we have been doing with the face shields.]

Only the witness cap could be seen during the virtual interview. It was held to dispute the claims made by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for Pharmally director Linconn Ong, whos now being held by the Senate for allegedly lying during the hearings.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Topacio showed a video of another warehouse staff, who claimed that Hontiveros witness received money from Bekema in exchange for his testimony.

Bekema belied this. She showed the email sent by the witness on Sept. 9, saying that it even took them more than two weeks to vet the information before presenting the testimony during the hearing on Sept. 24.

In the video, the witness introduced himself as a Pharmally warehouse employee and admitted to changing the expiration dates of face shields to be supplied to the government. He added they were told to repack even the dented and dirty medical-grade face shields.

Inamin na rin naman po ni Ms. (Krizle) Mago yun kaya po talagang  totoo po lahat ng sinabi ko, the witness said. Kusang loob ko pong sinabi po sa inyo yun. Wala naman po akong bayad na hiningi po sa inyo.

[Translation: Ms. Mago herself confirmed it, so that means what I am saying is true. I volunteered the information. I did not ask for money in return.]

Pharmallys regulatory affairs head Krizle Grace Mago admitted to swindling the government by tampering with the expiration date of face shields. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee wanted to place her under protective custody to ensure her safety, but they had not been able to contact her since weekend.

Asked if they would file a libel complaint against Topacio, Hontiveros said consultations are underway, but they want to focus now on the Senate inquiry on alleged anomalies in the procurement of medical supplies for pandemic response.

Gusto tayong ilihis ni Atty. Topacio at ng mga kasabwat niya, Hontiveros said. Iyan ay dahil ang mga naghahanap, tulad ng Blue Ribbon Committee, tulad ng aming opisina, ay nakikita na, nasusulyapan na ang landas tungo doon sa katotohanan.]

[Translation: Atty. Topacio and his conspirators want to divert our attention It only shows that the ones investigating, like the Blue Ribbon Committee and our office, are now seeing the right path to the truth.]

She did not name who Topacio's cohorts are, but pointed out that his efforts are not different from President Rodrigo Duterte's attempts to discredit the Senate probe.

Hontiveros said that during the tenth hearing on Thursday, she wanted to know if the supposedly substandard face shields were delivered to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management.

Bekema said nothings certain now because the only recent notice of award available online is for Pharmallys supply of testing kits to the Procurement Service.

Earlier, Pharmallys corporate secretary Mohit Dargani confirmed they have a pending delivery of PPE, including medical-grade face shields, but he did not go into detail.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  Jinggoy Estrada is eyeing a Senate comeback in 2022 and has expressed his views on what can be done to help the country bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

"What I want to happen, right now especially during the time of pandemic...is to create jobs," Estrada told CNN Philippines on Thursday.

In this regard, the two-term senator said the involvement of the private sector is crucial.

"What I feel is the private sector must be involved in helping our government. Kasi itong mga pribadong sektor, ito yung nakakaalam sa mga negosyo. They have the knowledge, they have the capacity to engage in businesses. So, dapat tulungan nila 'yung ating gobyerno para makapag-generate o makapag-create ng trabaho para sa ating mga kababayan," he told News Night.

[Translation: What I feel is the private sector must be involved in helping our government. The private sector knows business. They have the knowledge, they have the capacity to engage in businesses. So, they have to help the government to generate or create jobs for our countrymen.]

Estrada, however, did not lay out details on how to go about his plan.

Estrada also said his father, former president and Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, is aware of his plans to run for office, and that he was supportive of his bid, together with that of his brother, JV Ejercito.

"Ayaw na niyang makialam. 'Matatanda na kayo, you can decide on your own. Basta ako, as a father, I am here to support both of you,'" Estrada said of his father's reaction.

[Translation: He doesn't want to get involved. "You're old enough. As I father, I am here to support both of you."]

READ: Campaign funding 'main consideration' in 2022 Senate reelection bid Ejercito

The former senator said he had spoken with Ejercito, who said he was considering running in San Juan but eventually decided to run for the Senate.

"My appeal only to JV is sana huwag nang magsisiraan, huwag nang magpahapyawan. Let's concentrate on what we can do for our country. As an older brother, I want him to win. I want to win also para mas marami kaming matulungan," he said.

[Translation: My only appeal to JV is I hope there will be no more fighting. Let's concentrate on what we can do for our country. As an older brother, I want him to win. I want to win also so we can help more people.]

Estrada served as senator from 2004 to 2016, the last two years of which were spent in jail due to plunder charges in connection with the pork barrel scam. He was released on bail in 2017 after three years in jail, but his plunder case remains pending.

READ: Senate race shaping up as 'veterans' eye comeback
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) Should Metro Manila extend or ease COVID-19 restrictions by October? The decision will be up to health experts, an official said Thursday.

In a statement, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said the local chief executives would be deferring to the wisdom and knowledge of health experts with regards to the next alert level status that will be implemented in the capital region.

In this case, we leave it up to the decision of the Department of Health, which assesses the COVID-19 situation in the country, factoring in the shift of use of RT-PCR test to antigen test, which are yet to be included in their daily bulletin update, Abalos said.

While the local chief executives are hopeful that the alert level will be downgraded since the number of reported cases has been decreasing in the past few days, they leave the decision to the capable hands of the health experts as people's lives are of primordial importance while at the same time calibrating the economy, he added.

Where mayors stand

Some mayors earlier expressed differing stands on the matter.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said while there was a huge drop in active cases in the city in the past two weeks, restrictions should be eased gradually.

"For me, it's not time yet to be complacent, so I would rather probably extend Alert Level 4 for another two weeks and then observe once again," he told CNN Philippines.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said there was also a downward trend in new infections in the city, but hospitals remain full. She said another week of Alert Level 4 should be enforced to ensure that the decrease in cases is sustained.

Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro supported easing to Alert Level 3 because residents need to make a living. He also cited the lowering of cases, but he said the government needs to reconcile its data on hospital care utilization.

Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco also said their cities are ready for the shift.

Health workers caution vs easing restrictions

A health workers group, however, believes it is not yet time to step down from Alert Level 4 despite the decline in new infections.

Alliance of Health Workers president Robert Mendoza said the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ) with Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila should be extended due to high hospital capacity and shortage of manpower.

"Sana bumaba muna at humupa muna ang dami ng pasyente sa ospital... Hindi na yata kakayanin ng health workers kapag magka-surge ulit," he said.

[Translation: I hope they wait until the number of patients in hospitals goes down. Our health workers cannot bear another surge.]

The NCR was placed under GCQ with Alert Level 4 from Sept. 16 to 30. The DOH will recommend an alert level for October based on the region's COVID-19 risk classification and hospital utilization rate.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  Over 1.2 million additional doses of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine procured by the government and the private sector arrived in the country on Thursday morning.

Those bought by the government would be deployed to Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen, and other cities vulnerable to COVID-19, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez told reporters. Galvez was at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to receive the shipment carrying 1,233,300 Moderna doses.

Meanwhile, 369,000 doses would go to the private sector, according to Raymond Azurin, senior vice president of Zuellig Pharma.

The fresh supply brings the total number of COVID-19 vaccines received by the country to 71.3 million, with 45.2 million shots already administered, he added.

Around 21 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, the vaccine czar said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday issued a subpoena against a Pharmally accountant said to be blocking the release of financial documents needed in the probe on the company.

Committee chairman Senator Richard Gordon asked that accountant Jeff Mariano be required to testify before the panel and submit the files which would back Pharmallys financial statement.

The committees move came after outsourced auditor Iluminada Sebial failed to answer Senator Franklin Drilons questions on the firms financial report, which she audited and signed. Included in the records are over 7 billion in sales and 33 million in donations to different government offices last year.

Sebial said she was merely tapped for a one-time auditing job and that she was only provided by Pharmally with a list of the transactions.

When she asked for the supporting documents, she said Pharmally refused to comply.

One time lang po yung chineck ko nga po yung mga ano, tapos ngayon pong humihingi po ako ng mga documents, ayaw na po nila magbigay, she said.

[Translation: I only audited that one time, and when I later asked for the documents, they refused to provide them to me.]

Asked to specify the person she was referring to, Sebial pointed to Mariano.

Pharmally president Twinkle Dargani confirmed that Mariano is the companys accountant but added that she personally doesnt know Sebial.

4,000 fee

When Gordon asked how much Sebial was paid to examine the company's multi-billion financial statement, the auditor replied that she received 4,000.

Maam, I'm sorry ha. I know nasasaktan kayo nang kaunti dahil parang ang laki-laki ng binubuhat sa shoulder ninyo, tapos 4,000 lamang pala ang sinweldo ninyo, Gordon said. I'm sorry maiipit kayo dito."

[Translation: Ma'am, I'm sorry. I know you're somewhat hurt because you seem to have so much weight on your shoulders, and it turned out you were only paid 4,000. I'm sorry you'll be caught in this.]

Earlier in the hearing, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sebials license may be revoked over her failure to comply with the rules of her profession.

Ang pagkakaalam ko kapag kayoy nag-audit at nag-certify, kailangan meron kayong kopya, he said. Kasi kapag wala kayong kopya na sarili ninyo, pwede kayong mareklamo...at maalisan kayo ng lisensya.

[Translation: To my knowledge, if you audit and certify a report, you should have your own copy. Because if you dont, a complaint may be filed against you and you may lose your license.]

Pharmally is being investigated by both houses of Congress after it bagged billions of pesos worth of contracts from the government despite having only 625,000 in capital. It is also being probed for supplying allegedly overpriced medical items amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  About 75% of adult Filipinos support the single six-year term limit for president as provided by the 1987 Constitution, a Social Weather Stations survey shows.

Conducted last June 23-26, the survey also found that 11% of adult Filipinos disagree with the Constitutional provision on term limit for president while 14% were undecided.

Agreement in all areas was very strong, the SWS said. Visayas was highest at +75 (83% agree, 8% disagree), followed by Mindanao at +64 (75% agree, 11% disagree), Metro Manila at +61 (75% agree, 13% disagree), and Balance Luzon at +60 (72% agree, 11% disagree). The net agreement score was +64, classified by the SWS as very strong also.

Those who disagreed proposed an average of 7.1 years for the term limit, while their proposed average number of terms was 2.1.

Respondents from Metro Manila who disagreed recommended an average of 8 years per term, while those from Balance Luzon wanted 7.7 years, those from Mindanao suggested 6.5 years, and those from Visayas proposed 5.4 years.

The recommended number of terms was 2.4 in Mindanao, 2.3 in Metro Manila, 2 in the Visayas, and 1.8 in Balance Luzon.

Across educational levels, very strong net support was also observed.

It was +62 (74% agree, 12% disagree) among non-elementary graduates, +68 (77% agree, 9% disagree) among elementary graduates, +65 (75% agree, 10% disagree) among junior high school graduates, and +54 (72% agree, 19% disagree, correctly rounded) among college graduates, the SWS said.

Among those who disagreed, college graduates recommended the longest term limit of 9 years, followed by junior high school graduates with 7.8 years, elementary graduates with 5.1 years, and non-elementary graduates with 4.6 years.

The recommended number of terms averaged 2.5 among junior high school graduates, and 1.8 among non-elementary graduates, elementary graduates, and college graduates.

The SWS survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos across the country.

The sampling error margins were 3% for national percentages and 6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30)  The COVID-19 vaccination drive for children aged 12 to 17 will begin next month, but local government units may scramble for additional resources to get started, a Metro Manila mayor said Thursday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro said the region's mayors are hoping that the government will provide them a list of guidelines and an initial inventory of vaccines to prepare for the inoculation of children at the soonest possible time.

"We are hoping to get it at least a week earlier before the actual start of the vaccination. Isa pang bagay dito, pati mga doctors, mga vaccinators kailangan natin silang i-train at ire-orient [Another thing is that our doctors and vaccinators need to be trained and re-oriented], Teodoro said, noting the more delicate process of inoculating children compared to the regular vaccination of eligible adults.

"We will be needing more doctors with expertise and knowledge on how to do pediatric vaccination. Similarly, we need to prepare and be able to address any contingency that might arise during the vaccination process," he said.

Teodoro said the city will need to hire social workers and child psychologists who can properly communicate with children during the vaccination process. Teachers will also be oriented to help secure parental consent.

"Maraming iko-consider plus the emotional and moral condition of the parents dahil iba ito. Hindi lang bata, pati magulang ang papaliwanagan," he said.

[Translation: We need to consider a lot of factors, plus the emotional and moral condition of the parents because this is different. It's not just the children, you also need to explain the process to the parents.]

Marikina City alone expects to inoculate up to 130,000 minors, at least 65,000 of whom are from the city's public high school system, he added.

Teodoro said the city will set up a clinical setting in its designated vaccination centers, since hospitals may pose risks brought by COVID-19 cases.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday gave the go-signal to open the COVID-19 vaccination program to the general public next month, starting with immunocompromised children aged 12 to 17.

Adolescents with comorbidities will fall under the A3 priority sector and will be given Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The Colorado Freedom Fund is hiring Rebecca Wallace as senior policy counsel, the same role she recently left at the Colorado chapter of the ACLU.

Wallace in an interview indicated she took on the challenge for a pair of reasons: It allowed her to focus on her passion for pretrial detention reform and to work with an organization tied more directly into those affected by Colorado's current pretrial policies.

"That is the work that I came to the Colorado Freedom Fund to do and to do exclusively," she said. "I've never been able to focus in on one subject matter, and even though pretrial is still broad in a sense. That's what I'm excited about."

I am beyond thrilled to join @FreedomFundCO and their daily work to Bring Our Neighbors Home. Its been a beautiful 11 years at the ACLU. Time for a new chapter working even closer with community, and especially people directly impacted by the pretrial system. https://t.co/2ggsuJYuQV  Rebecca Wallace (@RWallaceEsq) September 30, 2021

As the ACLUs senior staff attorney and senior policy counsel, Wallace worked extensively on pretrial reform efforts, leading her to fight side-by-side with CFF on a number of criminal justice issues. Those included House Bill 19-1225, which ended monetary bail for some low-level offenses, and Senate Bill 19-191, which standardized times for posting bail and release after bond is posted.

"Those pretrial gains ... were a direct result of years of work that Rebecca had put in, long before I even met her," Elisabeth Epps, CFFs executive director, said in an email that also noted a number of Wallace's other policy wins.

"Rebeccas experience is unparalleled when it comes to liberatory pretrial policy in Colorado. While she comes to us to lead policy work with an emphasis on community-driven legislative efforts, she has also represented plaintiffs in critical lawsuits to right wrongs of pretrial detention, lawsuits that resulted in pretrial reforms that would not have been gained but for her and her colleagues advocacy."

Wallace's policy wins continued last legislative session with the passage of House Bill 1280, which requires courts to hold a bond setting hearing within 48 hours of an arrestee arriving to jail.

While that bill, which Epps described as a "monumental piece of pretrial legislation," was signed into law in July, another key policy in reforming the pre-trial detention process stumbled before reaching the finish line.

Senate Bills 62 and 273 from Sen. Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, represented an initial and subsequently scaled-back effort to clamp down on the use of arrests and cash bail. SB 62, the first of the two measures, died in committee in the Senate before SB 273 was doomed to the same fate in the waning days of session by opposition in committee from a pair of House Democrats.

Sen. Pete Lee scraps jail population reform bill and starts over After three months of fighting with law enforcement over a bill that would limit their abili

Lee told Colorado Politics in June he intends to put the policy back in front of lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session and Wallace said she felt a more "modest" version of the bill could clear the General Assembly in the future.

"This is like an education process that is going to, in the long run, lead to positive reform," she said. "Will it be this year? Will it be next? I guess we'll find out."

Both Wallace and Denise Maes, the ACLUs former public policy director who also worked intimately on policies in SB 62 and 273, resigned from the ACLU earlier this month. According to a report from CPR and The Colorado Sun, Maes cited a shift in direction at the ACLU, which was not going to align with where I was hoping things would go.

That report also noted Epps, who was a key player in rallying support around senate bills 62 and 273, also chose to move on from her role as policy contractor with the ACLU but is leaving the ACLU on good terms and is proud of her work there.
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and nearly every other member of the state's congressional delegation want President Joe Biden to know they support Colorado's bid to host next summer's meeting of leaders from throughout the hemisphere.

In a letter delivered Wednesday, Hickenlooper and the other Colorado lawmakers pitched the state as the ideal location for the ninth Summit of the Americas, an event held every three years that convenes heads of state from North America, South America and the Caribbean.

"This milestone presents a unique opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and expansive beauty that makes the United States so unique," the lawmakers wrote. "We believe Colorado is the perfect candidate to tell this story to the world."

The summit, which hasn't been held in the United States since the inaugural meeting in 1994, is expected to draw around 10,000 visitors, including participants in a heavy schedule of official proceedings, business leaders, security staff and media. The most recent summit took place in 2018 in Lima, Peru.

Organized by Hickenlooper, the bipartisan letter to Biden was signed by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Ken Buck, Doug Lamborn, Jason Crow and Ed Perlmutter, with only U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert missing.

The lawmakers noted that Colorado has a history of hosting "big events with significant lodging needs and security requirements," citing the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs and the Summit of the Eight gathering in 1997.
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Juvenile giraffe pair emigrate from India to Singapore Zoo

It seems like the pandemic is unable to bring all immigration to a halt as the Singapore Zoo recently welcomed two young Rothschilds giraffes from Indias Mysuru Zoo.

With fewer than 2,000 of the subspecies left in the wild, this latest addition to the Singapore Zoos bachelor herd contributes to the managed programme for this threatened subspecies of giraffes.

New kids on the block Balaji (leftmost) and Adhil (rightmost) explore Singapore Zoos giraffe exhibit while a towering Jubilee (middle) keeps a watchful eye over the juvenile brothers. Photo courtesy: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Following a 22-hour inter-state road journey and seven-day sea voyage, the healthy males, Balaji and Adhil, arrived safely on Singapore shores on May 26, 2021. Serving a three-month quarantine since their arrival, both giraffes have since settled well into their new habitat, according to a release.

Zoo guests can come see them at the giraffe exhibit in the parks Wild Africa zone from today.

This is the latest instance in a collaboration between Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and Mysuru Zoo dating back to 2010. Discussions on the animal exchange kickstarted in 2018, long before the birth of the calves in 2020.

The giraffes, both slightly over a year of age, will be a part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) ex-situ programme (EEP) for the species, which aims to maintain healthy and sustainable populations of animals under human care for both conservation and educational purposes.

Wendy Chua, Zoology Curator, WRS, said that zoological institutions have had to rise above the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic situation.

While the COVID-19 situation has impacted the ways in which international zoos collaborate, it has also reiterated the importance of such collaborations to help conserve nature and biodiversity. We hope that guests will also take the chance to learn about the plight of endangered subspecies like the Rothschilds giraffe, and the importance of conservation efforts, she added.

One such challenge was a dearth of suitable air freights to transport the lofty species during the pandemic. As there was a limited window period to ship the fast-growing youngsters before they outgrew all forms of transport, the team explored the option of surface transport.

Detailed preparations were made to minimise the risks and to ensure the journey was as smooth as possible for the giraffes. Road recces and a dry-run simulation involving mock-ups of crates were conducted, in order to map out the best possible route to Mandai once the giraffes had arrived at Jurong port.

The two yearlings were accompanied by two experienced WRS animal caretakers during their nine-day long trip to Singapore in custom-designed crates with adjustable tops to allow the lanky animals to stretch to their full heights for most of the journey while allowing the crates to duck when clearing road infrastructures.

Parmasivam Ramasamy, Curator of Herbivores, WRS, who tended to the giraffes throughout the voyage, shared, We are very excited to welcome these gentle giants to Singapore Zoo, and have since introduced them to our resident father-and-son duo, Marco and Jubilee.

The pair has been adopted by Kuok Singapore Limited Group, whose shipping line PACC Line Pte Ltd was engaged in the pairs sea voyage from India to Singapore.

Balaji, which means strength in Hindi, was named after an Indian prince. Lively and playful Adhil was named after a star in the constellation Andromeda and shares the same name as one of PACC Lines fleet of vessels.

Image 2 (above): Jubilee has naturally slipped into a big brother role and is showing the young brothers the ropes as they settle into their new home at Singapore Zoos Wild Africa zone.

Here, he shares a picture-perfect moment with Adhil (in foreground) while Balaji (partially hidden) forages in the back. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
09/30/2021

Photo (c) bogdankosanovic - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 43,367,242 (43,247,791)

Total U.S. deaths: 695,418 (693,323)

Total global cases: 233,434,862 (232,967,743)

Total global deaths: 4,777,272 (4,769,021)

CDC: Pregnant women should get vaccinated

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is stepping up its campaign to persuade pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In a public appeal, the health agency said vaccination would prevent serious illnesses, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Through September 27, the CDC reports more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women, including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths. Twenty-two deaths occurred in the month of August alone.

Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time  and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for families, said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky. I strongly encourage those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to talk with their healthcare provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.

Study finds lingering symptoms are common

Researchers say about a third of people who recover from COVID-19 have at least one symptom of the illness that may persist for months after diagnosis.

Scientists at Oxford University analyzed data from millions of health records, mostly in the U.S. They found that 36% of recovered patients reported symptoms that emerged after recovery. Some initially had no symptoms at all.

The lingering symptoms include pain in the chest or throat, abnormal breathing, abdominal distress, fatigue, depression, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and muscle pain.

Hundreds of health care workers fired for refusing vaccine

Hundreds of health care workers across the U.S. are headed for the unemployment line. With vaccine mandates now in effect for most U.S. hospitals, employees who refuse to be vaccinated are being fired.

But with hospitals still full of COVID-19 patients, officials are concerned that even a small number of terminations could lead to staff shortages. Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, says the system needs everyone.

"Were seeing a greater need of health care -- there was a lot of deferred care for elective surgeries and behavioral health -- juxtaposed with existing shortages of health care workers, Brownstein told ABC News. Any impact is going to create even more pressure on health care systems."

Around the nation

Arkansas: Arkansas appears to have recovered from the summers COVID-19 surge that pushed hospitals in the state to the brink. The state health department reports that the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas hit its lowest point in two months this week. However, 861 people remain in Arkansas hospitals.

New York: New York Citys vaccine mandate for city schools has survived another court challenge. After initially granting an injunction against the city, Judge Lawrence Love lifted the restraining order on Wednesday, leaving in place the order that school employees must be vaccinated against the virus.

California: A state law giving workers expanded COVID-19 sick leave expires today. Under the law passed in March, people who work for companies with more than 25 employees were entitled to up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related sick leave that could also be used for quarantine time.

Iowa: Hospitalizations in many hard-hit states began to fall over the last two weeks, but Iowa is an exception. State health officials report hospitalizations for treatment of COVID-19 have increased for a 12th straight week.
The Oglala tribal council attempted to impeach Wilson, but he avoided trial. This, as well as frustration at the overall mistreatment that Natives in the region had faced, led members of the Oglala Tribe and activists from the AIM to occupy the reservation town of Wounded Knee on February 27, 1973. Wounded Knee already carried weight as the site of the infamous 1890 massacre, and the symbolic value of choosing this space for the protest was not lost on anyone.

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For 71 days, roughly 200 Native American protesters occupied Wounded Knee and proclaimed themselves the Independent Oglala Nation. As with other occupations, the U.S. government surrounded Wounded Knee, as did Wilsons GOONs. They set up roadblocks to limit travel to and from the occupation. This eventually turned into a full siege. Utilities to Wounded Knee were cut off, and so were supply lines. The FBI attempted to turn the public against the AIM through misinformation that claimed that hostages were held in Wounded Knee. This was ultimately unsuccessful, as the public generally took the Native American side during the occupation.

rlh/Wiki Commons "Anyone who's willing to plunk down in South Dakota deserves all the support they can get."

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As the siege went on, there were incidents of shots being fired by both the government and protesters. On April 26, an occupier named Lawrence Buddy Lamont died after being shot by a sniper. This death marked the beginning of the conclusion, and the occupation was ended by other sides on May 8. Key AIM leaders were arrested for their role in the occupation, but their charges were dropped.

After the occupation, Richard Wilson continued to rule through violence and corruption. He won reelection in 1974 despite many claims of fraud, and some believe that his GOONs killed up to 60 political opponents.

Like other occupation movements on this list, the Wounded Knee Occupation did not grant Native Americans the rights that they wished for, but it did highlight the struggles they faced. This was a highly publicized movement, and without it, the average American likely would have never heard of what Wilson was doing or about the overall conditions faced by the Oglala.

Top Image: Loco Steve/Wiki Commons
All through Israels history, the population fluctuated between repentance and sin. Prophets proclaimed messages to them and when they didnt listen, the nation was taken into captivity and faced droughts and famines as judgment for their behavior.

After the last prophet, there was a dry spell of 400 years without a message from heaven.

The Lord prophesied in Malachi 4:6 NIV, See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.

Before the Father could reveal His Son to Israel and then the world, He had to prepare the nations heart to receive salvation.

Johns preaching started to soften them to hear what God wanted to say. The kingdom of heaven was at hand, but hard hearts would not be able to receive without the spiritual groundwork laid. So, the Almighty sent His man to do that work.

John came in the same power as Elijah and compares to him in these seven ways.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Aaron Burden
Across the ocean in the Middle East sits the nation of Israel. The nation itself is approximately the size of New Jersey, yet this nation has played and will continue to play an important role in the history of the world. Throughout the Bible, the Israelites are referred to as Gods chosen people. If you are new to the faith or even if you arent, you might wonder why did God choose Israel to be his chosen people? I mean what is so special about Israel that makes them different from any other nation? The term itself might make it seem as if God surveyed all the nations of the earth and said, that is the one I will choose. That is not exactly how it happened but the fact that they are referred to as Gods chosen people forces you to ask the question why did God choose Israel to be his chosen people? I pray these reasons I share with you will help you understand this a little better.

1. God did not choose a nation; he chose a man.

So often when you think of Israel you think in terms of a nation of people, which is what they are now, but that is not what they always were. When you read the book of Genesis one thing you will notice is that there is no nation of Israel, that is because it did not exist. For a moment I want you to consider not a nation but a man. The beginning of Gods promise to this nation did not start when they became a nation, it started from one man, Abraham.

The Lord had said to Abram, Go from your country, your people, and your fathers household to the land I will show you.

I will make you into a great nation,

and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.



I will bless those who bless you,

and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.  Genesis 12:1-3

From this promise you see that God did not choose a nation, he chose a man and built a nation from this man. The reason I point this out is because it is not as if God just randomly chose Israel, he made Israel into a great nation and God doing this was a fulfillment of a promise he made to Abraham. This doesnt make Israel more special; it makes God more special because he keeps his promises. When you think of the nation of Israel, even the very land where Israel sits, let it be a reminder that when God says something he will do it. The Israelites were Gods chosen people because they represent Gods faithfulness to Abraham and that he keeps his word.

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.  Genesis 13:14-15

2. God needed a group that would represent his character in the earth.

One of the reasons why God chose Israel to be his chosen people is because he needed someone to uphold his standards in the earth.

Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.  Exodus 19:3-6

One of Gods purposes for Israel was that they would be a people who would obey him and keep his covenants. By doing this they would be Gods representatives in the earth. Israel would be a model of Gods way of living to the nations around them. If you look at the covenant that was made it was a conditional covenant. If they decided to forsake Gods laws and walk in disobedience, which they often did, they would forfeit many of the blessings and privileges that God offered them. However, the objective remained that Gods desire would be for this nation to be a holy nation set apart for his purpose.





Photo Credit: Thinkstock/RomoloTavani

3. God needed Christ to come through a lineage and fulfill the prophecy of Genesis.

The final point to answer the question of why did God choose Israel, and without a doubt the most important purpose for the nation of Israel, is that God was setting up the lineage for which Jesus would come through. This really is the crux of why God chose Israel to be his chosen people. The coming of Jesus fulfilled a major promise that God made to Abraham that everyone on this planet who is living, who will live, or who has ever lived can benefit from.

and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.  Genesis 12:3

How is this even possible that a little nation not much bigger than New Jersey could bless all the peoples on earth? That reason is because from Abrahams lineage we get to the Messiah, Jesus. It is in Jesus that this promise is fulfilled. It is because of Jesus that the offer of salvation flows to every person and all peoples on the face of the earth.

If you fast forward to the book of Revelation, there is a scene where John sees people gathered around the throne. Notice what John says:

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  Revelation 12:9

When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, he had Revelation 12 in mind. He didnt just have one nation in mind, he had all the nations of the world in mind. He chose Abraham, built a nation out of him, which bridges the gap to Jesus. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Genesis, and we understand the result of this promise in Revelation. Notice that people from every nation, every tribe, every language, every people will one day gather around the throne and worship the lamb. I think it is safe to say this is an example of all the people on earth being blessed through the seed of Abraham.

From promise to promise, from covenant to covenant.

I want to take a moment just to make a parallel between the promise God made to Israel and the promise God makes to you and me as believers.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  1 Peter 2:9-10

Thankfully Gods promise did not stop with the nation of Israel. His faithfulness to keep his Word is not just true for Israel, it is true for you. If you have put your trust in Christ as savior, then you are now Gods special possession. You have been called out of darkness and God has saved you so that you could be a light to point people to Jesus. Like Israel, we were once not a people, but now we are the people of God. It is now our responsibility to uphold Gods standard in the earth. The beautiful thing is that this promise, like the one God made to Abraham, will endure forever. Let not only the nation of Israel be a reminder but let the cross of calvary be a forever reminder that God is faithful and that he keeps his word. What he has said he will do. Why did God choose Israel to be his chosen people? Ultimately the cross of calvary and Jesus dying on it is why, and it is because of that same cross, why God chose you to be his special possession.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Luke Franzen
What makes a hard season even harder? When your friends and close ones seem to get everything you've prayed for in the past few months (or years, or decades): a home, a steady and fulfilling job, a marriage, a pregnancy announcement, etc.

So we screw our faces into the best smiles we can muster and say, "I'm so happy for you." But are we really? Or do friends avoid telling us the good news in their lives because they know we'll slump our shoulders and throw a pity party for ourselves?

I can certainly think of a few friends along the waywho will remain namelesswho I purposely avoided telling any good tidings. Why?

Because they'd immediately shove their hands into their pockets, sigh, and say, "Wow, I wish that would happen to me."

So how do we avoid becoming this friend? How do we experience true joy (Colossians 3:15-17) for our friends who seem to accomplish or receive the very things we've yearned for without trying to hold back tears? Let's dive into some of the things to keep in mind.

Tip One: Remember, Everyone Has Mountains

I have an author friend who I couldn't be prouder of. She has gone through so much. But when she friended me on social media, and I saw her picture-perfect profile, I assumed the opposite. She finally messaged me at one point and said, "Instagram lies. I'm living with my parents, after having a fiasco with some former apartment-mates. I can't land a steady job, work until my eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen, and I can't seem to land another publishing contract, even though my agent has tried so hard."

So when she got a contract from Harpercollins (a HUGE publishing house) I didn't harbor resentment. Why? Because I knew which mountains she had to climb to get there.

Jealous of a couple who just got engaged? Who knows how many fights they've endured? Or how many heartbreaks they experienced before this.

Mad at a woman who just got her dream job? She probably got her resume rejected hundreds of times and had to work jobs she hated too.

Everyone has mountains. Even if it seems like something landed in someone's lap, that seldom ever happens. In fact, I don't think I've run into a case in life where event moments like that didn't include some hardship the person had to endure.

Tip Two: God's Timing Works Differently for Everyone

Sure, he bought a house at 22. And you, 46 years old, still live in an apartment, saving up.

One of the most important things to remember is that God sets us on different paths. Some of us have to trek up mountains during certain seasons. Others enter into deep, dark valleys (Psalm 23).

God doesn't want us to compare our lives with others. After all, he uniquely crafted the plan for your life. It would make no sense for you to follow the trajectory of someone else's.

I know that often people can get snagged in this tip because outside pressure and influences say that we have to get married by a certain point, have kids by a certain age, retire by a certain year, etc. And believe me, I want to shake those people who perpetually try to force their timeline onto God's plans for you. Many times I do.

But remember that only God's opinion matters, no one else's. People jeered at Hannah for not producing children (1 Samuel 1). Then God, in his timing, gave her a son who would change the history of Israel forever. Scripture is littered with stories of people who received flack for not accomplishing something by a certain age.

Tip Three: To Be Exalted, You Must Exalt

Matthew 23:12: "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

There's something I tell every writer, advice many of them tend to ignore. "If you want to sell your books, you need to promote other authors." At first, it doesn't make sense. Many authors will selfishly invite all their author friends to like their pagesand refuse to like theirs. Or they'll slide into DMs and ask authors to buy their books when they have no intention of getting the books of their friends.

And this marketing fails every time.

Whereas the authors who regularly share the work of others, who tag their author friends on social media, who cheer on writers when they get contracts, seem to do the best. Why?

Take a look at the two verses above. We exalt others and outdo one another in honor. When this happens, we see that we reap what we sow.

The same goes for difficult periods of life. No one wants someone to comment, on a wedding engagement post, "Gee, if only a guy would finally pay attention to me, maybe I could get married too." Therefore, we should experience joy for our friends when they have uplifting moments because we would love for them to do the same for us. Wonderful and hard seasons exist for everyone. So why not celebrate with a friend when they finally emerge from a dark valley into a place of splendorous light?

Why Should We Uplifting Our Friends in Our Darkest Moments?

Apart from the easy answer, "Because it's biblical" I think it shows us the true test of friendships. Everyone can treat friends and family well when everything goes right in life. I've seen it happen. People treat others to dinners, call more on the phone, etc., when they feel the thrill of God's timing.

But our truest test of character comes when we undergo rough patches and watch others flourish. How do we respond? Do we try to one-up them, take away the spotlight from them, or throw ourselves pity parties to steal attention from them? Or do we celebrate with them, like the older brother should have done when the prodigal son returned (Luke 15)?

Your day in the sun is coming. We all undergo beautiful seasons. So for now, be so joyful for your brother or sister who is experiencing theirs now. You know you'd love for them to do the same to you when your time comes.

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez/Unsplash

Hope Bolinger is an editor at Salem, a multi-published novelist, and a graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. More than 1,100 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her modern-day Daniel trilogy is out with IlluminateYA. She is also the co-author of the Dear Hero duology, which was published by INtense Publications. And her inspirational adult romance Picture Imperfect releases in November of 2021. Find out more about her at her website.
CLINTON  Flowers, stuffed animals, a red tinsel heart and gold sign that reads, Mr. Reynolds we love you, now rest at John Jack Reynolds parking spot at Lewin G. Joel Jr. Elementary School, a tribute for a beloved teacher who died this week.

Reynolds, 57, lived in Westbrook and worked at the elementary school since 1997. This year, he was a kindergarten teacher.

He was found dead Tuesday at the Pattaconk Recreation Area, according to Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesman Will Healey. Foul play is not suspected.

Social media posts, including one with over 130 comments, poured in on Clinton groups, saying Reynolds had a sense of humor and big heart. Many parents of current and former students said Reynolds touched many during his time as a teacher.

Mother Aly Vece said her son keeps asking who will be his teacher now.

Every day after school, Dylan would say, I love Mr. Reynolds. My 11-year-old also had Mr. Reynolds. He really got her to enjoy school. At the beginning, she would cry with separation anxiety from mom, Vece wrote on Facebook.

Reynolds mailed Veces daughter a letter to show how proud he was of her progress in school, she said.

Patty Atwater, a para-educator in Reynolds classroom, said he was a gentleman and scholar who was full of life and wisdom.

Nancy Samler said her son had Reynolds in kindergarten.

He was such a positive, friendly person. The teachers and students at Joel must be devastated, Samler said.

Maria Phillips, whose daughter had Reynolds in first grade, remembered him fondly, calling him quick-witted and smart.

He had his Reynolds kids and once a Reynolds kid, you were always a Reynolds kid, Phillips said, referring his students.

Phillips recalled that when she was going through a divorce, Reynolds took her daughter, now 21, under his wing.

Jack became like a surrogate father, a male role model for her for that year that she was in his class, and followed her throughout her entire school history, she said.

Katie Bruch McCollom has known Reynolds since she was a teenager. Her father, Bob Bruch, mentored Reynolds. McCollom was a colleague when she started teaching, and her son had him as a kindergarten teacher.

Jack was a ray of light at Joel, she said. It didnt matter if a child had him directly as a classroom teacher or if they just passed him in the hall, they knew him from bus duty, they knew him from assemblies. He made every child feel joy and made every child feel special.

He had a gift of making people feel connected and joyful in his presence, she said. I say that he was a teacher of a lifetime for my child.

Clinton Town Council Chairman Christopher Aniskovich released a statement Wednesday, extending the towns condolences to Reynolds family, friends, co-workers and students.

Not only was Jack a great educator, but for those lucky enough to know him, knew him to be a better person, Aniskovich wrote. He will be sorely missed by a community that he did so much for, please keep his loved ones in your prayers.

Susan Braden contributed reporting to this article.

christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday headed toward swift approval of a prison construction package that would tap $400 million of the states pandemic relief funds to help pay for building three new lockups.

The House of Representatives voted 74-26 for the $1.3 billion construction plan and 75-25 to use $400 million from the states share of American Rescue Plan dollars to help pay for the construction. The votes came after Republicans, who hold a lopsided majority in the Alabama Legislature, voted to cut off debate. The bills now move to the Alabama Senate, where lawmakers hope to approve them by the end of the week.

Addressing our decades-long prison infrastructure challenges is not easy, but sometimes, doing the right thing and the hard thing are one in the same," Republican Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement after the House votes.

Ivey and GOP legislative leaders touted the construction plan as a partial solution to the state's longstanding problems in corrections that led the U.S. Department of Justice to sue the state last year. The proposal brought sharp criticism from state Democrats, who argued it will not remedy the prison problems and said the state has needs in health care and education that could be helped by the $400 million.

I'm thinking about families, and how this money was supposed to be an additional injection of resources into the community. All of these folks that have been hurting, and we're using this $400 million to build prisons, said Democratic Rep. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove.

Ivey and Republican legislative leaders have argued that the plan is appropriate because the American Rescue Plan says states can use some of the funds to replace revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic to maintain services.

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said he thought the money would be well spent to improve conditions in prisons.

You've got people who are stacked on top of each other. You've got the safety of the inmates and the people taking care of the inmates. You've got facilities that don't have good plumbing. They are not worth fixing, the Republican said.

The lone Democrat in Alabamas congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, wrote on Twitter that she is disturbed her state is using the pandemic money for prisons, especially as the virus rages in our state.

To be clear, the current state of the Alabama prison system is abhorrent, but the use of COVID-19 relief funds to pay for decades of neglect is simply unacceptable, she said.

The Department of Justice last year sued Alabama, saying male inmates in the state live in prisons riddled with prisoner-on-prisoner and guard-on-prisoner violence."

In a 2019 report that preceded the lawsuit, the DOJ made it clear that new prisons alone will not solve the problems. Federal officials wrote that dilapidated conditions were a contributing factor to what it called unconstitutional conditions but emphasized that, new facilities alone will not resolve the contributing factors to the overall unconstitutional condition of ... prisons, such as understaffing, culture, management deficiencies, corruption, policies, training, non-existent investigations, violence, illicit drugs, and sexual abuse.

Alabama Democratic Party chair and state Rep. Chris England said the prison plan being proposed would not translate into a better system.

We will still be overcrowded. We will still be understaffed. We will still be under-resourced. And if our current commissioner is somehow still working, we will still be mismanaged, England said.

Republican Rep. Steve Clouse of Ozark said new modern prisons  in which prisoners would be housed in cell blocks instead of large dormitories with rows of bunks  would be a foundation for improving the system.

It's a piece of the puzzle. It's a big piece, Clouse said.

The Alabama prison construction proposal calls for at least three new prisons: one with at least 4,000 beds in Elmore County with enhanced space for medical and mental health care needs; a second of the same size in Escambia County; and a womens prison  as well as renovations to existing facilities. Six prisons would close.

The package of bills also includes a retroactive sentencing change that could allow up to 700 nonviolent inmates to seek shorter sentences. The House did not vote on the sentencing bill Wednesday, effectively killing it for the short special session, after it became doubtful that there was enough Republican support to pass the bill.

Outside the Alabama Statehouse, about 40 people, including some parents of inmates, protested the plan and the use of pandemic funds. Carrying a banner that read, Stop the Spending Spree," the group said Alabama had other needs in medical care and education.

All they want is to build these prisons. They don't care about reform, said Sandy Ray, whose son died in a state prison in 2019 following a confrontation with officers.
Determined to keep track of their guns, some U.S. military units have turned to a technology that could let enemies detect troops on the battlefield, The Associated Press has found.

The rollout on Army and Air Force bases continues even though the Department of Defense itself describes putting the technology in firearms as a significant security risk.

The Marines have rejected radio frequency identification technology in weapons for that very reason, and the Navy said this week that it was halting its own dalliance.

RFID, as the technology is known, is infused throughout daily civilian life. Thin RFID tags help drivers zip through toll booths, hospitals locate tools and supermarkets track their stock. Tags are in some identity documents, airline baggage tags and even amusement park wristbands.

When embedded in military guns, RFID tags can trim hours off time-intensive tasks, such as weapon counts and distribution. Outside the armory, however, the same silent, invisible signals that help automate inventory checks could become an unwanted tracking beacon.

The AP scrutinized how the U.S. armed services use technology to keep closer control of their firearms as part of an investigation into stolen and missing military guns  some of which have been used in street violence. The examination included new field tests that demonstrated some of the security issues RFID presents.

The field tests showed how tags inside weapons can be quickly copied, giving would-be thieves in gun rooms and armories a new advantage.

And, more crucially, that even low-tech enemies could identify U.S. troops at distances far greater than advertised by contractors who install the systems.

Which is why a spokesman for the Department of Defense said its policymakers oppose embedding tags in firearms except in limited, very specific cases, such as guns that are used only at a firing range  not in combat or to guard bases.

It would pose a significant operations security risk in the field, allowing an adversary to easily identify DOD personnel operating locations and potentially even their identity, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Uriah Orland told AP.

Spokespeople at the headquarters of the Air Force and Army said they did not know how many units have converted their armories.

AP found five Air Force bases that have operated at least one RFID armory, and one more that plans a retrofit. Executives at military contracting companies said many more units have sought proposals.

A Florida-based Army Green Berets unit, the 7th Special Forces Group, confirmed it uses the technology in a few arms rooms. Special forces soldiers can take tagged weapons into the field, said Maj. Dan Lessard, a special forces spokesman. A separate pilot project at Fort Bragg, the sprawling Army base in North Carolina, was suspended due to COVID-19.

The Navy told AP one armory on a base up the coast from Los Angeles was using RFID for inventory. Then this week, after extended questioning, spokesman Lt. Lewis Aldridge abruptly said that the technology didnt meet operational requirements and wouldnt be used across the service.

Momentum for RFID built within the Air Force after a 2018 case in which a machine gun disappeared from the 91st Security Forces Group, which guards an installation that houses nuclear-tipped missiles. Authorities recovered the weapon, but the incident reverberated across the service.

With Air Force commanders looking to bolster armory security, defense contractors offered a familiar technology  one with a military pedigree.

The origins of RFID trace to World War II and the development of radar. In the U.S. military, use grew in the 1990s, after the first Gulf War showed a need to untangle vast supply chains of shipping containers.

The U.S. military is not alone in employing RFID for firearms management: Government armories in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere have been outfitted.

Armory conversions cost thousands of dollars, and sometimes more. Convenience is a big selling point. Instead of hand-recording firearm serial numbers on paper or scanning barcodes one-by-one like a cashier, an armorer can read tags in a rack of firearms with the wave of a handheld reader  and without having to see each weapon. The tags tucked inside dont even need batteries.

Contractors that retrofit armories say tags can be read only within a limited range, typically a few dozen feet or less. But in field testing for AP, two prominent cybersecurity experts showed that a tag inside a rifle can be read from significantly farther, using inexpensive components that fit inside a backpack.

While the hackers who devised the experiments observed U.S. government restrictions on transmitting signals, enemies who would not be so constrained could detect tags miles away, they said.

Some within the military share the tracking concern.

The Marine Corps has, according to a spokesman, decided across the service not to tag guns.

The use of RFID tags on individual weapons systems increases the digital signature of Marines on a battlefield, increasing the security/force protection risks, said Capt. Andrew Wood.

A top weapons expert from the Corps said he saw how tags can be read from afar during training exercises in the Southern California desert in December 2018.

RFID tags on tanks, weapons, magazines, you can ping them and find the disposition of where units are, said Wesley Turner, who was a Marine chief warrant officer 5 when he spoke in a spring interview. If I can ping it, I can find it and I can shoot you.

The Air Force and Army did not answer detailed questions about use of the technology in firearms. In written statements, spokespeople said unit commanders can add RFID systems as a further layer of accountability, but no service-wide requirement is planned.

Policy experts within the Office of the Secretary of Defense appeared unaware that the services have been tagging firearms with RFID.

Asked why service branches can field a technology that Pentagon planners consider so risky, Defense Department spokesman Orland first said that the services told the Pentagon they are not tagging guns due to security concerns.

Informed that AP found units which acknowledge using the technology, the Pentagon revised its statement and said it allows service branches to explore innovative solutions. The Defense Department tries to balance pre-emptive prohibitions due to current security risks with flexibility to adopt new technologies when they mature and those risks decrease, Orland said.

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HACKERS ON THE HUNT

The two hackers had locked onto their target: The rifle held by a man walking away from them under the scorching summer sun.

Still reading, still reading, still reading, called out one, Kristin Paget, whose prowess has landed her jobs at tech titans including Apple and Tesla  as well as the nickname Hacker Princess.

Here in Californias San Joaquin Valley, in a sloping field surrounded by almond orchards, Paget and her hacking partner Marc Rogers were testing the limits of an RFID system theyd cobbled together for about $500. To see how far they could detect a tag in the rifle, they were telling the man, firearms trainer Michael Palombo, to keep going.

By now more than half a football field away, the hackers had to shout or wave hands to communicate.

Because the hackers were following Federal Communications Commission regulations that limit the power of radio signals, their antenna lost the tag at 210 feet (64 meters).

That is nowhere near the farthest distance possible, according to Paget. She theorizes that a reader with enough of a power boost could detect an RFID tag on the outside of the International Space Station, 250 miles (402 kilometers) above.

Whats more, Paget said, it doesnt take a Chinese or Russian cyber army to take advantage  a tinkerer with YouTube access could learn the needed skills.

Its one of those situations that in the security world we say it keeps honest people honest, or its secure unless theres an attack, said Paget.

Paget warned publicly about the vulnerabilities of RFID in 2010, during presentation at the annual DEF CON hacker convention. From a stage in Las Vegas, Paget broke down a test that read a tag 217 feet (66 meters) away.

Dale Woody Wooden, who at the time was part of naval special warfare, saw that presentation and warned fellow service members.

If the disease is missing weapons and the cure is RFID tags, then you have a cure that is worse than the disease, said Wooden, who after 20 years in the Navy founded Weathered Security, which teaches digital protection to the military and law enforcement. Theyre prioritizing convenience over service member lives.

In the California field tests, Paget and Rogers were prepared to demonstrate what they see as other vulnerabilities created by putting RFID in firearms. They thought about showing how a tag could trigger a roadside bomb, but settled on something more mundane: inventory checks.

One benefit of RFID is that it can reduce daily weapon count drudgery. Instead of cataloging dozens of guns one-by-one, an armorer at the end of an aisle can read all their tags at once.

Rogers demonstrated his doubts by showing how a thief could defeat the system.

Aiming his RFID reader at a rifle inside a hard carry case, Rogers replicated the rifles tag with the lid still closed. Palombo then removed the firearm and Rogers put the cloned tag inside. As a clone, that tag had all the same data as the rifles tag  and indeed, with the case again closed, the RFID reader was fooled into thinking the original tag, and thus the rifle, was still inside.

It took Rogers less than two minutes.

Its the ultimate false sense of security, said Rogers, who designed the hacks on the TV show Mr. Robot and is now vice president of cybersecurity at Okta. It lists all the weapons and tells you that theyre there, but youve never actually seen the weapon.

Executives at two companies that have installed RFID armories at Air Force bases agreed that a corrupt insider could trick the technology.

RFID is not truly an anti-theft system, said Cody Remington, president of Enasys.

The executives also said they had never heard anything like the 210 feet (64 meters) that the hackers achieved.

Remington suggested there might be ways to mitigate the risk, but said he deferred to the Pentagon. Our expertise certainly isnt on the battlefield, he said, our expertise is inside the buildings and tracking where items are.

Another executive said he had been hearing the concern about troop tracking for years. Eric Collins, the CEO of Trackable Solutions, said it wasnt a real life problem because a reader would need a stronger power source, and even then couldnt exceed several dozen feet.

Collins said RFID in weapons poses absolutely no risk at all, especially if the guns stay on base.

He said he didnt believe a tag could be detected from more than 100 feet (30 meters), making the Pentagons security concerns invalid. The leadership needs their staff to give them better guidance, Collins said, because thats not good guidance.

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THE LURE OF RFID

RFID is a relatively expensive solutions for armory management, but the payoff is enticing.

Consider normal inventories. Between physical inspections and voluminous paperwork, counting all the guns on just one base can stretch to days or even weeks. Meanwhile, time seems to stop when a weapon is lost or stolen, as the installation shuts down and search parties launch to find it.

RFID offers a simpler, more efficient system. Which is why two airmen went to an Air Force 2020 Innovation Rodeo  an ideas competition patterned after the TV show Shark Tank  to pitch a project to a panel of senior officers.

The airmen offered another scenario, one service members dread and that RFID promises to eliminate: A thousand troops suddenly need to deploy overseas, fast. To get the weapons they will carry, each must wait in a line that snakes around the building and barely seems to move.

We need to get on board with the 21st century, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Mullins said from the stage.

Though the proposal didnt win that competition, with the support of another federal program it found a home at an armory for security forces that patrol Eglin Air Force Base in Floridas Panhandle.

Open with full operational capability," the RFID armory is a success as promised, according to spokeswoman Jasmine Porterfield. The new system cuts inventory time in half, limiting the need for two armorers and creating more schedule flexibility and training opportunities.

The maximum distance tags can be read, according to experts on the base: about 8 feet (2 meters).

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LaPorta reported from Hickman, California, Pritchard reported from Los Angeles, and Hall reported from Nashville, Tennessee. Also contributing were Serginho Roosblad in San Francisco and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, California.

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Contact LaPorta at https://twitter.com/jimlaporta; contact Pritchard at https://twitter.com/JPritchardAP; contact Hall at https://twitter.com/kmhall.

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Email APs Global Investigations Team at investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/. See other work at https://www.apnews.com/hub/ap-investigations.
Sen. Chris Murphy is urging the quick and safe approval of youth vaccines.

The United States senator  alongside Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)  sent a letter on Wednesday to the Food and Drug Administration, calling on the agency to approve COVID-19 vaccines for children under 12 as soon as science allows.

The letter comes the day after Pfizer submitted clinical trial data to the FDA on children ages 5 through 11.

We write to urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to work as quickly and aggressively as possible to authorize safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for children under the age of 12, the senators wrote.

Pfizer has yet to formally file an application to authorize emergency use, though the pharmaceutical company said they would do so in the coming weeks. The shot may not be authorized until November.

The senators addressed their appeal to Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner of the FDA.

Parents, teachers, and caregivers have been eagerly awaiting a vaccine for children 11 years of age and younger, the senators wrote. It is needed even more now with the rise of the Delta variant.

The senators cited data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Childrens Hospital Association, noting they reported in the last few weeks the largest increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

More than 5.2 million American children have tested positive for COVID-19, the letter read, and over 460 have died. Murphy and his colleagues also raised concerns about the impact of lingering symptoms on the countrys youngest residents.

The prevalence of Long COVID among children is of particular concern for the long-term impacts on their success and health, they wrote.

The senators cited a study conducted in Israel that showed 11 percent of children reported symptoms of Long COVID after contracting the virus.

We urge your continued dedication to help ensure that COVID-19 vaccines for younger children can be authorized as swiftly as possible, they wrote.

Murphy has also been involved in multiple events encouraging vaccination for students at Connecticut colleges, including visits to Southern and Central Connecticut State University over the summer and Quinnipiac University last month.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  An arson investigation was underway after a man wearing an American flag bandanna threw a Molotov cocktail into the headquarters of the county Democratic Party in Austin.

The incendiary device did not ignite when it was thrown at the Travis County Democratic Party headquarters at about 2 a.m. Wednesday, Austin Fire Capt. Brandon Jennings said. A small stack of papers was set on fire, but that was quickly put out by employees of a neighboring business using a fire extinguisher.
Lee Forsyth knows the drill a little too well. When it looks like a storm is heading for his Stratford home, a few houses up from the beach in the Lordship section of town, he slides foot-high slats in front of the garage doors, puts two layers of sandbags inside the doors and runs a hose down the garage floor drain.

The final step is crossing his fingers.

None of this will count for anything with a real storm, he said after completing the usual preparations in advance of Ida, the states third tropical system in a six-week span this summer.

With flood insurance costing him around $3,000 a year, what Forsyth would really like is to elevate the house and knock down that bill. But FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has turned him down twice for a subsidy because his flooding hasnt been severe enough  probably because of the mitigation strategies hes employed.

I almost feel like Im being penalized for going above and beyond, he said.

And for all his effort, its now possible hell be facing higher flood insurance rates.

Thats because FEMA is rolling out a new flood insurance premium assessment system  Risk Rating 2.0  that kicks in for new policies on Oct. 1. Existing policy renewals will switch to the new system beginning April 1, 2022.

But exactly how the new system works and what it means for individual property owners like Forsyth is murky. Even state officials who are experts in the federal flood insurance program are confused.

Its a black box, said Diane Ifkovic, who oversees flood insurance at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and is considered the states go-to authority on all things flood insurance.

Despite the lack of clarity, the new system is already eliciting criticism that FEMA has missed an opportunity to overhaul the fundamental paradigm of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that has existed since its inception in 1968  providing money after a flood to put things back roughly where they were before the flood.

With climate change whipping storms into bigger, stronger, wetter, windier and more frequent events, the notion that just changing the premium system will be enough to lower the climate change flood risk to homes near the water on the shoreline and inland has elicited similar comments from multiple experts: Its a good start, but not enough.

Risk Rating 2.0 is a good step forward, but thats all it is  a step forward, said Steven Rothstein, managing director of the Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets at Ceres, a sustainability investment nonprofit.

Theres more that needs to be done to plan for the physical risk that were seeing more and more, he said, referring to Julys designation as the hottest month on record. We are literally running out of records to break.

But he said its not a matter of just dumping the 53-year-old system. We need to look at both a set of incremental approaches as well as some bold ideas that are different.

Rather than rely on the financial incentive of increasing flood insurance premiums to get homeowners to make the kinds of changes that would make their homes more resilient to climate change generally and sea level rise in particular, many say the bolder ideas would be to keep the flooding from happening in the first place as well as finding newer insurance models the would streamline and speed up the claims process when floods do happen.

Some of those bold ideas would be up to Congress to approve. But in recent years, federal lawmakers have reauthorized NFIP only after a couple of failed attempts in 2012 and 2014, when the real estate industry went ballistic, that included steep premium increases. Members of Connecticuts congressional delegation were among many that had initially supported the changes but then sided with the real estate industry.

An eleventh-hour effort to delay Risk Rating 2.0 implementation began in the last couple of weeks, with letters to FEMA from legislators in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and other flood-prone states. Connecticut did not participate this time. FEMA is reported to have refused to delay.

This time, real estate industry reaction is somewhere between muted and non-existent.

For us, its a sit and wait period, said Michael Barbaro, a broker who handles shoreline properties and a former president of the Connecticut Association of Realtors. He said buyers do ask if properties are in a flood zone.

When the answer is yes? Click. Hang up the phone, he said.

What worries him is the uncertainty around the new system. My buyers  they dont have an appetite for uncertainty.

While Risk Rating 2.0 is still arguably the most dramatic change to flood insurance in its history, some still wonder why FEMA did not opt for more foundational changes to fulfill the basic NFIP mission, as stated in a Congressional Research Service report released this summer.

The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. A longer-term objective of the NFIP is to reduce federal expenditure on disaster assistance after floods, the report read.

And that expenditure is considerable.

Government Accountability Office reports in the last two years noted that as of a little more than a year ago, FEMAs debt was $20.5 billion, despite Congress having canceled $16 billion in debt in October 2017.

And many wonder why 2.0 doesnt do more to address inequity on shorelines, which are rapidly becoming the domain of wealthy owners who can afford to rebuild each time they are crushed by storms while pushing out lower income residents who cant.

The black box

Risk Rating 2.0 all but retires the 50-year standard for determining flood risk and insurance premiums  flood maps. Theyll still be around, along with base flood elevation, a standard for the height at which flooding is likely to occur. But theyll mostly be used for municipal planning and to indicate properties that must have flood insurance if they have mortgages or certain other federally backed loans.

Instead, FEMA will use higher tech measurements to rate property risk than it has used in the past. FEMA will also use a suite of factors it hasnt used before, including distance from the water, types of flooding  inland or coastal, frequency of flooding, ground elevation, first floor height and number of floors, construction or foundation type, the cost to rebuild, prior claims and more.

Theyre factoring it inside that black box, and were not exactly sure how its being spit out the other side, said Ifkovic, who has repeatedly questioned how FEMA measures distance to the water. Were all kind of waiting, to be honest with you.

Before it was pretty clear what they were using. You had a map with a number on it. You had your floor elevation and that was about it. Now theres that other stuff in there, she said. Whats the percentage of how thats weighted?

FEMA would not provide anyone to answer questions, offering via email only general information largely taken, in some cases verbatim, from their website.

What is clear from the FEMA website is that the vast majority of U.S. property owners with flood insurance will see their premiums go up the first year. Rates could increase by as much as 18% a year until they reach actuarial rates, but theres no time limit, and the actuarial rates could fluctuate. More specifically, 66% of policy holders will see premium increases of about $10 a month in the first year, 7% will see increases of $10-$20 a month, and 4% will see increases above $20 a month.

Roughly 23% of policy holders will pay lower premiums, according to FEMAs data, and current policyholders whose rates will go down may be able to switch to that lower rate at their next renewal.

FEMA also provides breakdowns by state. In Connecticut, premium decreases are expected to be higher than the national average  37%. But the highest increases in Connecticut are expected to be higher than the national average  8% in the $10-$20 range and 9% in the more than $20 range. Forty-six percent fall in the up to $10 per-month-increase category.

In Stratford, slightly more than half of policy premiums will increase, almost all of them in the smallest category  up to $10 per month. The rest will decrease  40% of them by the largest category of decline. Other shoreline communities are looking at high rates of increase. In Milford, the number of policy holders who see premium increases could top 70%, while Bridgeport and Branford could reach 60% or higher.

But higher flood insurance premiums aren't just limited to shoreline properties. Those who live along large inland waterways, such as the Connecticut River, will also pay more. In Middletown, for instance, more than 92% of policyholders could be looking at premium increases, including 2.6% that will pay an additional $100 per month.

That data, however, masks data showing that participation in the national flood insurance program in Connecticut has decreased steadily since a small increase that followed Irene and Sandy in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The reasons are unclear.

One possibility, experts say, is that property owners are using private insurance, which is available, though not widely. Another is that lower-income owners have been pushed off the coastline due to rising costs and those coming in are wealthy enough to pay cash for homes. That means even if they are in a flood zone, they would not be required to have flood insurance. And another is that until this summer, flooding events had fallen off and people with non-mandatory policies may have dropped them.

George Bradner, director of the property and casualty division of the Connecticut Insurance Department, said FEMA may have missed an opportunity with 2.0 to devise more inventive ways to structure flood insurance in the face of climate change. But, he said, FEMAs plan as part of Risk Rating 2.0 to provide informational risk scores to homes just outside the 100-year floodplains was a good move, since about 25% of flood losses typically happen outside that floodplain. He hoped it would get those homeowners to purchase flood insurance on their own.

And I hope banks will start saying I want you to have flood insurance because even though youre not in the floodplain  you have a higher risk, Bradner said. Get out of the mantra, 'Youre not in a flood zone, you dont need flood insurance.' We have to stop that conversation.

Bradner also likes FEMA's decision to include replacement costs as a criteria in the premium formula.

A person thats living in a $200,000 home was paying the same price for their flood insurance as a person living in an $800,000 home. So the rates for homes of higher value are going to be more reflective of the value of the higher value property, versus someone thats in a lower value property that was paying the same rate, he said.

But hes less thrilled about the potential for up to 18% premium increases every year.

It gets to the point  when does affordability become an issue? And Connecticut already has some of the lowest up-take rates for flood insurance in the country. Will it just compound the problem? he said.

Another thing hes not too happy about is that FEMA still isnt including sea level rise in its flooding calculations. Thats one of several high-profile considerations many folks think were left out of 2.0.

Whats missing?

That FEMA does not include sea level rise in its flood maps or insurance calculations has been a point of dispute for several years. On one hand, the argument goes, sea level rise is an estimate, not a certainty of how high the water will go.

But, as Bradner points out, if you mandate an elevation to a structure without considering sea level rise, that elevation may be useless in a period of time far shorter than the structure should have lasted.

It may be partly a fundamental failing of the component of insurance that looks at history as a way to gauge the future. Its been likened to driving a car with the front windshield blacked out and two actuaries looking out the back window telling you where to go.

Insuring for climate change requires planning for the future, not planning based on history. But with sea level rise a long-term problem and flood insurance policies issued yearly, how to mesh the two is difficult.

Another part of the flood insurance universe that FEMA did not address when it overhauled premiums is the Community Rating System (CRS), much to the chagrin of just about any municipality thats ever used it.

The CRS establishes municipal guidelines for a number of resiliency measures designed to prevent flooding and thereby reduce the number of insurance claims. Depending on the success of the resiliency measures, which the town pays for, all flood insurance holders will get a discount  anywhere from 5% to 45%. Measures can be as small as minor structural changes to flood-proof buildings and annual inspections of drainage system components to larger, more complex improvements such as more robust stormwater management and the acquisition and relocation of buildings.

But the documentation due to FEMA every five years is hundreds of pages, and the overall program often requires the kind of expertise, such as a floodplain manager or a town planner, that small communities dont have. Of the 1,500 communities that participated in the program nationally, only 19 are in Connecticut. Just about two-thirds of those 19 are on the shoreline, fewer than half of all shoreline towns. New Haven has the largest discount  15%. The rest top out at 10%.

Ifkovic said she doesn't blame towns for not participating, given the amount of work entailed. The Western Council of Governments (WCOG) decided to help out several years ago, grouping four towns  Greenwich, Darien, Norwalk and Danbury  and applying for them. But WCOG found the process so onerous, they gave up.

It was a huge lift, said Mike Towle of WCOG. A bigger lift than we realized.

While there have been some updates to the latest CRS manual, towns would like to have seen a more user-friendly process incorporated into the new flood insurance model or some more efficient way, such as regional configurations or state-run assistance, to get more communities to use it. In the long run, it can help lower flood risk, which in turn would put less stress on the insurance itself.

Other adjustments that were not made that come up for discussion frequently include stricter repercussions, including prohibition from even getting flood insurance for properties that flood frequently  those known as repetitive loss or severe repetitive loss. Those categories are determined by frequency of flooding and payout levels on claims.

And there continues to be discussion about whether the parameters for mandatory flood insurance should be expanded. A GAO report released in July recommended such action.

The Association of State Flood Plain Managers is also advocating for expanding the mandatory purchase requirement. And theyre pushing for changes to the NFIP minimum standard of using base flood elevation. The organization, along with the Natural Resources Defense Council, have filed a petition under the Administrative Procedures Act to begin updating those minimum standards.

We know we can do better; we have to do better from a resiliency standpoint if we expect our houses, our businesses and our infrastructure to withstand the changes in our flood risk over the next 100 years, said Chad Berginnis, ASFPM executive director, who still said 2.0 was drastically needed.

And he said it will help people along shorelines and rivers better understand their true risk.

Often so many people  they look at the FEMA flood map and think its the end-all, be-all totality of their flood risk, he said. "At the federal level, we have got to make sure our programs dont reward stupid behavior. If all you could do is repair or replace back to the original condition  well, thats stupid.

The proposed and the theoretical

The real key may be to prevent or lower the risk of flooding through pre-disaster mitigation  steps homeowners and municipalities can take, such as elevating a house or moving a wastewater treatment plant. The Biden administration is already throwing a lot of money at that sort of thing.

It will be up to Connecticut to figure how to get some of it.

Three programs are slated for infusions of funding. One is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HGMP), with an influx of $3.46 billion, which allows states that receive major disaster declarations due to COVID-19 to use 4% of it for large climate mitigation projects.

Biden wants to double the $1 billion budget for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), a program to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards like flooding. But the administration is looking for shovel-ready projects, which Connecticut has struggled to provide.

And about $160 million would go to the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, which is targeted at reducing repetitive loss risk for properties covered by the NFIP.

The administration also is targeting at-risk communities with these efforts.

But none of these programs or the insurance overhaul itself adopt any of the new, break-the-mold ideas coming from risk and insurance experts.

The Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the University of Pennsylvania has churned out paper after paper on flood insurance issues, including many that focus on the low- and moderate-income community and others who are least able to absorb flood recovery costs, never mind pre-disaster mitigation.

One publication, Improving the Post-Flood Financial Resilience of Lower-Income Households through Insurance, outlines several policy options. Among them: parametric microinsurance. Its a lower-cost approach that sets a threshold, such as wind speed in a hurricane. Once the threshold is met, money is immediately made available, though not as much as traditional insurance.

Because its using a more modern technique, you can essentially have the process be automated and people could even get a payout to their cellphones, said Helen Wiley, a co-author of the paper and a policy analyst and project manager at the Risk Center. In order for it to be cheaper, you dont get rate adjustments. You get X amount if the thresholds are met.

This approach is already in use in developing countries and other emerging economies. Puerto Rico has implemented new regulations essentially to create a microinsurance market.

If it were done right, you would have it such that you use a microinsurance policy, and more people could go this route and have some money after the disaster, Wiley said. It would be a mechanism to help prevent people from going further down the cycle of being worse off after every event.

The paper also suggests finding ways to help lower-income households do pre-disaster flood mitigation, such as elevating a home's mechanicals or installing drainage through grants; discounts; use of less costly techniques and public-private partnerships. They, in turn, would result in lower flood insurance costs. It also examines several community-based models, including having the municipality buy a group policy for use by low-income households, set up local programs to help pay for insurance or provide other financial incentives, such as property tax reductions, to induce people to purchase flood insurance.

The paper notes that North Carolina is piloting a program that provides premium assistance for qualified households to buy federal flood insurance. Portland, Ore., and Syracuse, N.Y., have also tried municipal incentive programs to help lower mitigation costs and other expenses.

The challenge of course is I dont think theres one solution, Wiley said. I think having more programs that are tailored specifically for the LMI (low and moderate income) community is whats going to make sense.

Bradner at the Connecticut Insurance Department has talked for years about insurance models that use incentives for proactive local and state governments.

It doesnt do any good to have one person elevate their house and everyone around them does nothing, he said, recalling a Texas house on stilts that survived a flood while everything around it was obliterated. That person doing their duty protected themselves but, at the end of the day, their house is probably worth nothing. So this really has to become a community effort.

Hes intrigued by the Wharton ideas. Since an entire community can suffer economically when a portion floods, if communities could come up with a way to asses all residents within that community  and obviously it would be weighted towards the greater your risk, the more that you would be assessed  but everyone would be contributing to this policy. Even those with greater risk can pay less because it would be community-based pricing, he said.

Lets put our toe in the water and start having these conversations.

But those conversations can also run headlong into reality.

Real-time on the ground

Its important to look beyond the flood insurance program. There are limitations to a flood insurance program, said Laura Lightbody, project director for the Flood-Prepared Communities program at the Pew Trusts.

She thinks the mitigation investment the Biden administration is making shows the federal government is thinking about risk more broadly.

Its important what FEMAs doing. This [Risk Rating 2.0] is the first and most profound change to the rate-setting system that has happened in decades, and it will be the best and most modern version of a rate-setting system that will reflect todays risk, she said. I think whats important is that we couple it with other parts of a comprehensive flood risk reduction program.

That, she said, means money for pre-disaster mitigation coupled with a real means-tested affordability program paired with Risk Rating 2.0.

She pointed to the CRS as a great candidate for overhaul, saying it needs a stronger incentive mechanism.

She and others point out that a lot of what drives flooding situations are local policies and rules, so communities should think about updating floodplain, zoning and land use regulations. And they need to make some hard decisions.

I feel like were talking out of both sides of our mouth here, she said. We cannot continue to subsidize and bail out beach houses and repetitive loss properties while at the same time we say we cannot continue to keep people in the way of climate change.

Fairfield has had its share of flooding woes with swamped low-lying beach neighborhoods. They are now dotted with dozens of elevated homes along many still low-lying roads.

Keep in mind when we talk about insurance  who does it impact the most? The private property owner. But flooding is a public-private problem, because its not just the house and the property it sits on, but its how do you get there, said Emmeline Harrigan, Fairfields assistant town planner, who said shes pleased with the Biden administration's mitigation effort. But she said the insurance changes are just wait-and-see at this point.

I think the owner has to be responsible for whats private for them, and the towns have to figure out how to improve drainage and figure out how to do all those other public projects where they can. Not everything is solvable.

Sometimes it feels like almost nothing is solvable to Susmitha Attota, the town planner in Stratford.

While Stratford developed a coastal resilience plan five years ago, Attota is reminded constantly of how much effort and time it takes to make the kinds of changes that will help make Stratford  a town that faces flooding from Long Island Sound and two rivers  more resilient.

In 2017, the town applied for funding to build an additional dike around its water pollution control facility, which sits a parking lot away from the Sound and came close to flooding in storms Irene and Sandy. In 2020, they finally heard they would get funding for one-third of the $7.5 million cost. But it took so long, it will probably cost more, she said.

Last year, it applied for BRIC funding for a berm that would help with flooding in other areas but got turned down.

But its the effort to elevate three homes  including Lee Forsyths  on Washington Parkway that continues to drag on. A joint application in 2018 to elevate all of them was turned down. Then the town reapplied for each individually, and one that was considered a severe repetitive loss property was approved. But its unclear how much that homeowner will get. In the meantime, the owner has spent her own money on preliminary drawings, hoping to someday be reimbursed.

One single property took us three years of hard work back and forth, Attota said. I have no idea how to expedite the process, but something has to be done.

The homeowner is frustrated. We have to communicate to the state, the state has to communicate to FEMA, thats the chain right now, she said. Theres also a matter of equity. Imagine if she was a low income homeowner  would she have the time and resources and the patience to do something like this?

Ida dumped 8 inches of rain on Stratford. And while streets flooded all around town and the lot next door was under water, Lee Forsyth's contraptions worked one more time.

Even so, the town will be applying a third time on his behalf for money to elevate his home. If he gets this one, hell have to pay 25% of the cost  which is fine with him  fingers crossed, again.

Kasturi Pananjady contributed to this story.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  More than a year after U.S. health care workers on the front lines against COVID-19 were saluted as heroes with nightly clapping from windows and balconies, some are being issued panic buttons in case of assault and ditching their scrubs before going out in public for fear of harassment.

Across the country, doctors and nurses are dealing with hostility, threats and violence from patients angry over safety rules designed to keep the scourge from spreading.

A year ago, were health care heroes and everybodys clapping for us, said Dr. Stu Coffman, a Dallas-based emergency room physician. And now were being in some areas harassed and disbelieved and ridiculed for what were trying to do, which is just depressing and frustrating.

Cox Medical Center Branson in Missouri started giving panic buttons to up to 400 nurses and other employees after assaults per year tripled between 2019 and 2020 to 123, a spokeswoman said. One nurse had to get her shoulder X-rayed after an attack.

Hospital spokeswoman Brandei Clifton said the pandemic has driven at least some of the increase.

So many nurses say, Its just part of the job, Clifton said. Its not part of the job.

Some hospitals have limited the number of public entrances. In Idaho, nurses said they are scared to go to the grocery store unless they have changed out of their scrubs so they aren't accosted by angry residents.

Doctors and nurses at a Coeur dAlene, Idaho, hospital have been accused of killing patients by grieving family members who dont believe COVID-19 is real, said hospital spokeswoman Caiti Bobbitt. Others have been the subject of hurtful rumors spread by people angry about the pandemic.

Our health care workers are almost feeling like Vietnam veterans, scared to go into the community after a shift, Bobbitt said.

Over Labor Day weekend in Colorado, a passerby threw an unidentified liquid at a nurse working at a mobile vaccine clinic in suburban Denver. Another person in a pickup truck ran over and destroyed signs put up around the clinics tent.

About 3 in 10 nurses who took part in a survey this month by an umbrella organization of nurses unions across the U.S. reported an increase in violence where they work stemming from factors including staff shortages and fewer visitor restrictions. That was up from 2 in 10 in March, according to the National Nurses United survey of 5,000 nurses.

Michelle Jones, a nurse at a COVID-19 ICU unit in Wichita, Kansas, said patients are coming in scared, sometimes several from the same family, and often near death. Their relatives are angry, thinking the nurses and doctors are letting them die.

They cry, they yell, they sit outside our ICU in little groups and pray," Jones said. "Lots of people think they are going to get miracles and God is not passing those out this year. If you come into my ICU, there is a good chance you are going to die.

She said the powerful steroids that have shown promise often make patients angrier.

It is like roid rage on people, she said. Ive worked in health care for 26 years. and Ive seen anything like this. Ive never seen the public act like this.

Across the U.S., the COVID-19 crisis has caused people to behave badly toward one another in a multitude of ways.

Several people have been shot to death in disputes over masks in stores and other public places. Shouting matches and scuffles have broken out at school board meetings. A brawl erupted earlier this month at a New York City restaurant over its requirement that customers show proof of vaccination.

Dr. Chris Sampson, an emergency room physician in Columbia, Missouri, said violence has always been a problem in the emergency department, but the situation has gotten worse in recent months. Sampson said he has been pushed up against a wall and seen nurses kicked.

Dr. Ashley Coggins of St. Peters Health Regional Medical Center in Helena, Montana, said she recently asked a patient whether he wanted to be vaccinated.

He said, F, no, and I didnt ask further because I personally dont want to get yelled at," Coggins said. "You know, this is a weird time in our world, and the respect that we used to have for each other, the respect that people used to have for caregivers and physicians and nurses  its not always there, and it makes this job way harder.

Coggins said the patient told her that he wanted to strangle President Biden" for pushing for vaccinations, prompting her to change the subject. She said security guards are now in charge of enforcing mask rules for hospital visitors so that nurses no longer have to be the ones to tell people to leave.

The hostility is making an already stressful job harder. Many places are suffering severe staffing shortages, in part because nurses have become burned out and quit.

I think one thing that we have seen and heard from many of our people is that it is just really hard to come to work every day when people treat each other poorly," said Dr. Kencee Graves, a physician at the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City.

"If you have to fight with somebody about wearing a mask, or if you arent allowed to visit and we have to argue about that, that is stressful.

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Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte

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Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed to this report from Boise, Idaho. Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.

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Iris Samuels contributed to this report from Helena, Montana. Samuels is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
NEW YORK (AP)  New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has encouraged religious-minded people to get a COVID-19 vaccine by saying it is God's will that they get inoculated.

A lawyer argued before a federal appeals court Wednesday that the Democrat's comments about God could be encouraging hospitals and nursing homes to ignore court orders that  for now  are supposed to prevent them from punishing workers who won't take the vaccine because of religious objections.

Health care institutions across New York this week began suspending workers who failed to meet a state deadline to get a COVID-19 shot. Statewide, about 92% of hospital and nursing home staff had received at least one dose as of the vaccine as of Wednesday morning, according to figures from Hochul's office.

New York's vaccine mandate for health care workers doesn't include a religious exemption, but because of legal challenges, courts have temporarily barred employers from enforcing the mandate against people with a sincerely held religious belief against vaccination.

During court arguments Wednesday, the judges with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan did not appear to be particularly impressed by an argument by Cameron Lee Atkinson, an attorney with We The Patriots USA Inc., a group challenging the state mandate, that Hochul's comments about God were discouraging health care employers from granting religious exemptions.

One of three judges on a panel said Atkinson's claim that Hochul is telling people that God wants you to get the vaccine was not the same as ordering employers to fire workers.

Earlier this week, Hochul, who is Roman Catholic, told a gathering of people at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn that God answered prayers and made scientists, doctors and researchers successfully develop the coronavirus vaccine.

Those who are vaccinated are the smart ones," she said, and added that you know theres people out there who arent listening to God and what God wants. You know who they are.

Attorney Steven Wu, New York's deputy solicitor general, told the appeals court judges that the state is in full compliance with a temporary restraining order granted this month by U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd that prevents disciplinary action against health care workers who have sought a religious exemption.

Hurd is scheduled to rule by Oct. 12 on a request for a more permanent order.

The fact that Hurd's temporary order is already in place left the 2nd Circuit questioning Wednesday whether it needed to take action at all. It made no immediate rulings.

The state health department has set up an operations center to monitor health care staffing, and Hochul tweeted Wednesday that zero health care facilities across the state have been reported closed.

Our 24/7 Operations Center is constantly monitoring developments and working with facilities to troubleshoot any issues, she tweeted. We stand ready to take additional action as needed.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana has recovered a missing lunar rock gifted to the state to commemorate the last manned U.S. mission to the moon after it turned up in the hands of a man who recycles wooden plaques.

The rock from the 1972 Apollo 17 landing was in the possession of the Louisiana State Museum on Tuesday, The Advocate of Baton Rouge reported. It was returned to the state late last year by a Florida man who planned to use wood from the plaque that held it to repair a gun, according to the newspaper.

But the recovery was not revealed until Monday when a journalist and space historian, Robert Pearlman, reported it in the online publication CollectSpace, The Advocate said.

"As you can appreciate, Im just happy that it is here now, museum interim Director Steven Maklansky said.

The lunar fragment was one of hundreds presented to states, territories and foreign nations in the early to mid-1970s by the administration of former President Richard Nixon. They include samples taken by Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 crew during the first moon landing in 1969.

But many of them later went missing.

Louisiana also had an Apollo 11 rock that was thought to be missing, but The Advocate discovered it was in storage at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

How or when the Apollo 17 rock went missing is not clear. It is encased in an acrylic ball that is attached to a wooden plaque with a miniature replica of the state flag and inscriptions.

The Florida man who discovered it told Pearlman he likely bought the plaque at a garage sale at some point in the past 15 years. He had been gathering old plaques to use the wood to refurbish the stocks on his guns, and had recently discovered this one in his collection.

Pearlman said the man did not want to be identified.

Maklansky said the museum still plans to review its authenticity, but officials haven't decided what steps they will take.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  The Biden administration said Wednesday it will draft rules to govern the killing of wild birds by industry and resume enforcement actions against companies responsible for deaths that could have been prevented, a longstanding practice that ended under President Donald Trump.

The move came as North American bird numbers have plummeted in recent decades. That decline was punctuated by news Wednesday that the famed ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 other species of flora and fauna have gone extinct.

Conservation groups, which have urged President Joe Biden to take stronger action to protect wildlife, said the planned rules were urgently needed to hold companies accountable for bird deaths.

But the administration got immediate pushback from the oil industry, which has been subject to some of the most high-profile prosecutions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Most notable was a $100 million settlement by energy company BP, after government investigators concluded the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill killed about 100,000 birds.

The Trump administration ended enforcement against companies for accidental bird deaths in 2017, following pressure from oil companies, utilities and other industries.

The Independent Petroleum Association of America said resuming prosecutions would harm businesses that killed birds through no fault of their own. Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman, top-ranking Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the Biden administration seemed intent on making government as heavy-handed as possible."

Federal officials pledged to be judicious in prosecuting violations of the century-old bird law. Enforcement will be reserved for cases where companies could have foreseen bird deaths but did not take steps to avoid them, said Jerome Ford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assistant director for migratory birds.

The new rule would be prepared over the next year.

In crafting the regulations, Ford said officials would look at a wide range of causes  from collisions with glass buildings, power lines and vehicles, to chemical poisonings and birds killed in oil pits. Hundreds of millions of birds die annually due to industry causes, according to government officials and researchers.

We've lost almost 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, Ford said. We want to create a commonsense approach that works to both conserve birds and provide regulatory certainty to industry."

Under then-President Barack Obama, the Interior Department started to develop a permitting system that would have allowed industry to kill limited numbers of birds, but the work was not finished before the Democrat left office.

The American Bird Conservancy said a permit program would compel companies to take measures such as installing screens to keep birds out of oil pits and turning off or altering telecommunication tower lights to reduce collisions, according to the conservancy.

It's that deer in the headlights situation: The birds are attracted and then disoriented and collide with the towers, said conservancy spokesperson Jordan Rutter.

Trump's ending of prosecutions was among dozens of environmental actions by the Republican that Biden ordered reconsidered on his first day in office. Former federal officials, environmental groups and Democrats in Congress said many of the Trump rules were aimed at benefiting private industry at the expense of conservation.

More than 1,000 North American bird species are covered by the treaty  from fast-flying peregrine falcons to tiny songbirds and more than 20 owl species. Non-native species and some game birds, like wild turkeys, are not on the list.

Former federal officials and some scientists had said billions more birds could have died in coming decades under Trumps rule.

Researchers have said that cats in the U.S. kill the most birds  more than 2 billion a year.

In documents released with Wednesday's proposal, Interior officials said a future permitting system could include exemptions for non-commercial activities or homeowner activities," but did not define them.

Besides the BP case, hundreds of enforcement cases  targeting utilities, oil companies and wind energy developers  resulted in criminal fines and civil penalties totaling $5.8 million between 2010 and 2018.

Enforcement will resume once Wednesdays action goes into effect after 60 days, officials said.

Relatively few enforcement cases end with prosecutions because most companies are willing to take measures to address hazards that their operations may pose to birds, according to wildlife officials.

Courts have been split on whether companies can be prosecuted for unintentional bird deaths.

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Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter: @MatthewBrownAP
Branford Police / Contributed

BRANFORD  A local teen was charged after he allegedly threatened another juvenile while wielding a BB gun, according to police.

Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, police got a call about a juvenile being threatened with a gun in the parking lot of the community center on Church Street. At the time, the parking lot was full to capacity for events at the center and the nearby Hammer Field.
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BRIDGEPORT  Health officials and political leaders, including her potential City Council partner, are questioning council candidate Wanda Simmonss stance on COVID-19 vaccination in the wake of her online comments Tuesday.

Simmons, who announced that she had been diagnosed with the illness over the weekend and was subsequently hospitalized, took to social media to urge residents not to allow her situation to convince them to get inoculated against the coronavirus.

Do not allow my bout with COVID-19 scare you into getting vaccinated!!!, Wanda Simmons posted Tuesday evening on Facebook. Stop allowing people (to) push their agenda onto you.

Her comments questioning coronavirus vaccines come as Bridgeport struggles with a low vaccination rate  58.57 percent of the population has received at least one shot, according to the state. Of the three available vaccines, two require two doses.

According to data from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published Aug. 27, those who are not vaccinated may be more than four times more likely to contract COVID-19, and nearly 30 times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of the disease.

One reason for the low vaccination rate in the city is continued hesitancy among the Black and Hispanic communities.

Simmons is Black, as is Councilman Ernie Newton, her council district running partner in the East End. Each district has two representatives. Simmons defeated incumbent Eneida Martinez, Newtons fellow Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidate, in their Sept. 14 council primary, by 13 votes. Simmons instead had the backing of the Working Families Party.

In contrast to Simmons, Newton has used his role as an elected official and prominent Democratic activist to promote the COVID vaccine. In February he posted a video of himself receiving a shot on Facebook to encourage other Black residents to do so.

Listen, if people dying is not enough to make people realize you should seek counsel from your medic (physician), what can I tell them? Newton said Wednesday of Simmons position. I got my vaccination. Im not a doctor, but my doctor said, Ernie, you need to get it. Youre of the age now  65. You should get it. And I got it.

Simmons vaccination stance is also in conflict with the Working Families position, though that organization on Wednesday said it will continue to endorse her as a champion for her community for many years.

Besides appearing on the Democratic ballot line alongside Newton in Novembers general election, Simmons will also appear on the Working Families line.

Our endorsement is based on a candidates stance on a multitude of issues that impact working class people, from education and economic opportunity, to jobs, immigrant rights, housing, or healthcare, wrote Roger Senserrich, Working Families spokesman, in a statement Wednesday.

But he also emphasized, While we understand that some communities remain vaccine hesitant for cultural, historic, or faith-based reasons, we encourage all Connecticut residents to get the vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities from infection.

In a brief text exchange with Hearst Connecticut Media Tuesday morning, Simmons said she was in an unidentified intensive care unit but declined to reveal whether she had been vaccinated. Tuesday evening, Simmons went back online and provided more details about her treatment and stated her issues with vaccination.

On Wednesday afternoon after a media request to comment on her social media posts opposing the COVID vaccines, Simmons returned to Facebook and wrote, I am not opposed to vaccines. Families should make informed choices for their families. Not be forced, mislead, coerced and mandated! CHOICE.

She also clarified on Facebook she is under excellent care by the amazing staff at Bridgeport hospital and had mistakenly thought I was in ICU from a sign I saw. Simmons also wrote she is not on a ventilator to assist her breathing, a common treatment for severe COVID cases.

Dr. Anthony Santella is the interim chair of the University of New Havens Department of Health Administration and Policy, and that educational institutions COVID response coordinator. He found Simmons Facebook posts troubling and irresponsible, particularly given she is a public figure.

The datas clear both at the state and federal level that unvaccinated persons drive the pandemic, Santella said Wednesday. So when I hear someone who has a platform contribute toward misinformation myths around how the illness works, how its spread, how concerned people should be, its alarming.

Santella continued, Id encourage the individual to look closely at the health system  the state of the health systems in Connecticut  how fragile they become because of COVID and the mental health consequences and burden on health professionals by the unvaccinated.
BRIDGEPORT  Another city official has resigned following criminal charges.

Michael Nastu, an appointed member of the citys Zoning Board of Appeals since May 2020, resigned Wednesday  three months after he was arrested by the FBI on child exploitation charges.

Please accept this as my formal resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals effective immediately. Thank you for allowing me to serve, Nastu stated in his letter received by the City Clerks Office Wednesday morning.

In return, Nastu was mailed a form thank you for your service letter from the mayor. Nastu had served as secretary on the ZBA, according to the citys website.

The mayors office acknowledged receiving the resignation but would not comment on it.

Nastu, 62, is charged with attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

He was arrested June 30 and posted $100,000 bond. He was ordered to have no unsupervised contact with children.

Nastu could not be reached for comment. He is represented by a public defender.

The federal complaint alleges that Nastu used the Kik social media smartphone application in March to start talking with an undercover FBI agent, posing as a 14-year-old girl from Connecticut, prosecutors said.

From March 31 through June 25, Nastu sent the undercover officer sexually explicit messages, along with pictures and videos of male genitalia, prosecutors said. They allege that he also tried to get the officer  who investigators said Nastu believed to be a teenage girl  to send sexually explicit images in return.

Nastu and the undercover officer exchanged messages about meeting in person to engage in sexual activity, prosecutors said, claiming Nastu ultimately opted not to due to the risk of being caught.

Nastu was fired from his job as a food service employee in an Easton school following his arrest, according to a report by News12. His application for the ZBA stated he previously worked in food service in the Trumbull school system.

Nastu joins a number of other city and state officials and representatives who are facing criminal charges.

Recently resigned City Council member Michael DeFilippo is facing federal absentee ballot fraud charges, while City Councilman Alfredo Castillo has pending threatening and breach of peace charges related to an alleged altercation earlier in August with the public facilities chief. Both cases are pending.

City Councilwoman Eneida Martinez, who lost her primary this month to keep her seat, is facing illegal alcohol sales charges related to her operation of a social club where a man was fatally shot to death last year. Her case is pending in Superior Court.

State Sen. Dennis Bradley, D-Bridgeport, is facing federal conspiracy and wire fraud charges, and Board of Education member Jessica Martinez, Bradleys campaign treasurer, is facing federal campaign fraud charges related to Bradleys campaigns for his senate seat. They have pleaded not guilty to the allegations that they tried to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain $179,850 in campaign grants, according to an indictment affidavit. Bradley and Martinez are tentatively scheduled for trial in December.

And fellow Board of Education member Board of Education member Christopher Taylor is facing state kidnapping charges after he was arrested in 2019 and charged with allegedly posing as a police officer and attempting to kidnap a Seymour man at gunpoint. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial in Superior Court in Milford.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  The Connecticut Supreme Court overturned on Wednesday the convictions of a businessman charged in an alleged human trafficking ring that prosecutors said preyed on young men who were mentally ill and intellectually disabled.

Justices ruled 7-0 that prosecutors did not prove Bruce Bemer knew the young men he paid for sex acts were victims of human trafficking.

Bemer, 67, of Glastonbury, who owns the New London-Waterford Speedbowl racetrack and other companies, was convicted by a jury in 2019 of four counts of patronizing a prostitute and one count of accessory to trafficking in persons. A judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison, but he remained free pending his appeal.

While Bemer admitted patronizing prostitutes, which is a misdemeanor, he was charged under a section of the law that makes it a felony to pay someone for sex knowing the person is a human trafficking victim.

Prosecutors said another man charged in the case, Robert King, of Danbury, found the young men at drug rehabs, group homes and other places and brought them to Bemer for sex acts. King, police said, gave the men drugs and took them to other men for sex acts so they could earn money to pay him back for the drugs.

King was convicted and sentenced to more than four years in prison. A third man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year in prison.

Police said they identified at least 15 victims of the trafficking ring but believed there could be dozens more.

Danbury State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky III said Wednesday that he was reviewing the Supreme Court's ruling, but was disappointed given the behavior that was shown to the jury.

Brendon Levesque, a lawyer for Bemer, said the defense position had always been that there wasn't enough evidence to prove the charges.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  The first-degree murder trial of a woman charged in a 4-year-old Jefferson City boy's death will be moved to another county, a Cole County judge ruled Wednesday.

Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson said Quatavia Givens' case would likely be reassigned to a judge determined by the Missouri Supreme Court, KMIZ reported.
BRIDGEPORT  The city and school district have formed a joint committee focused on youth and education.

The group met for the first time via Zoom on Wednesday, mayoral aide Tom Gaudett told Hearst Connecticut Media.

The two groups have pooled federal COVID-relief dollars together, with the district contributing $2 million per year and the city $4 million per year for the next few years.

Committee members have been tasked with evaluating 58 proposals for the government funding that Gaudett described as solid applications. And though the review has only just begun, there are many organizations and programs in Bridgeport that support learning, such as tutoring and college and career preparation, and social services.

The city solicited public input over the summer and received hundreds of responses to a Bridgeport-wide survey, according to Gaudett.

Youth and education was a high priority in terms of how the city should spend ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars, he said of the survey results.

The Ganim administration announced last month that pandemic-era funds would be made available for small businesses and nearly a dozen categories of nonprofit work, including youth and education.

Superintendent of Schools Michael Testani said officials asked him if the school district would match the citys funds earmarked for youth services.

I thought it was a great idea, since one of the requirements of ARP-ESSER (American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Relief) is to involve community-based agencies to provide services to support student learning, social emotional growth, and different physical activities as well, he told the school board.

The city has since raised its contribution, while the schools maintained their $2 million commitment.

Testani suggested last week that he could facilitate meetings, and pictured district staff and two board members would serve on this committee, alongside representatives for the city.

The superintendent said he also supported the plan because community partners could be better positioned than the district to operate at lower costs and outside certain contractual obligations, and to monitor and gather data.

They are and have the capacity to expand if the funding was available, and they also do a much better job in some cases because that is their area of expertise, he said.

Teachers have also added they are burned out and want support from outside partners, while those plugged into the citys many offerings say this is a chance to introduce families to these types of programs.

Theres a lot of parents that dont even know these programs exist, board member Bobbi Brown said last week. I think its a win-win.

The school board voted Monday evening to move forward with the joint committee to distribute pooled relief funds.

And though the funds are allocated for a few years, officials say they would like to see the money go further.

Were hoping that were building capacity within these organizations to keep them going beyond the three years, said Gaudett.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)  A Kansas City, Kansas, man has been sentenced 15 years in prison for attacking an undercover federal agent during a transaction involving a firearm, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Kansas announced Wednesday.

Nicholas Newman, 20, was sentenced this month after pleading guilty in May to forcible assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
RENO, Nev. (AP)  Newly confirmed COVID-19 cases have trended downward in Nevada since a summer peak in mid-July as vaccination rates improve.

But misinformation about the effectiveness of masks and vaccines being spread by a vocal minority poses serious challenges to turning the tide on the resurgent pandemic, Washoe County's health district officer warned Wednesday.

I would say that the misinformation is perhaps a greater challenge that we face than the COVID-19 virus, Kevin Dick told reporters in Reno. We have the vaccine. We can beat the COVID-19 virus. Im not sure we can beat misinformation."

The 14-day rolling average for new daily cases statewide has fallen to 694, the lowest since 648 cases were reported July 15 before a surge fueled by the highly contagious delta variant kept the average above 1,000 from mid-August through mid-September, state statistics showed.

Nevadas test positivity rate is 10.4%, down from 20% Sept. 13. Nearly 65% of Nevada residents age 12 and older have initiated vaccination and 55.6% are fully vaccinated.

Clark County and the Las Vegas area posted the states best numbers, with a 7.9% positivity rate and 614 new cases per 100,000 residents, compared to 16.9% and 1,454 in Washoe County, and 18.3% and 1,707 in all counties outside Washoe, Clark and Carson City.

But Dick said the seven-day average for new daily cases has dropped by more than 100 in Washoe County since mid-September to an average of 204.

It appears we may have peaked and are coming down off that peak, he said.

Nearly 65% of Washoe County residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated and 70% have gotten at least the first shot. In Clark County, with 2.3 million of the state's 3 million residents, those figures are 55% and 65.6%.

The rest of Nevada, outside Washoe, Clark and Carson City, reports 44% of residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated and 48.5% have initiated vaccination.

Improving vaccination rates may indicate the number of naysayers is shrinking, Dick said.

But they are quite vocal and quite aggressive in how they're continuing to try to spread the falsehoods and convince people to not do the safe and effective thing," he said. They are refusing to wear masks and making frankly outrageous claims and comments."

Dick said two studies recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make clear that masks are highly effective at reducing transmission of COVID-19.

One study that surveyed schools nationwide found that transmission rates in schools with universal masking were less than half those of schools without mask mandates. Another conducted in Arizona found that the odds of a school-associated COVID-19 outbreak were 3.5 times higher in schools with no mask requirement than in those with a mask requirement implemented when school started.

Dick said some critics point to packaging on masks that say they don't eliminate the chance of infection.

Eliminating the chance of infection is completely different than severely reducing the chance of infection. The masks' benefit is in hugely reducing the chance of infection, he said.

Likewise, the science shows that while a small percentage of vaccinated people become infected, the vaccine prevents them from being hospitalized and dying and if people do get a breakthrough case, for the most part they are much less severe cases, he said.

Dicks said he continues to hear critics exaggerate potential side effects, including some who refer to the vaccines as the death shot.

We are not seeing anybody dying from getting vaccinated here in Washoe County. We are seeing many dying because they are not vaccinated, he said.

Dick said the latest falsehood being spread is that the availability of Pfizer's booster shot means the vaccine isn't working.

"That couldn't be further from the truth. We have many vaccines and it is quite normal that there be a booster dose administered because we know from our past history with vaccines and the science behind them that there is waning immunity that occurs and that people can be greatly benefited from getting a booster," he said.

Dick said some argue it's a personal choice to get vaccinated. But if they choose not too, I would hope that they make that a personal choice and try to convince others not to get vaccinated by spreading misinformation instead of looking at the science.
As COVID cases have been reported in more than 100 Connecticut school districts, the state has launched a project to test thousands of school-aged children for the coronavirus.

More than 55 percent of school districts in the state have reported at least one COVID case in the past week, according to the latest state data released Thursday.

Of the 204 school districts listed in the Connecticut database, 113 of them have reported COVID infections among students and staff.

Though COVID is widespread in schools, the numbers are low and declining, according to school district officials.

Five of the 113 school districts that reported COVID cases to the state last week have more than six cases in at least one school, according to the data. Due to privacy laws, if any school reports fewer than six COVID cases the state lists it as less than six.

Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said district leaders do not seem to be overly concerned about widespread infections.

I have not heard their concern about mounting numbers, she said.

Though few districts are reporting high COVID numbers in any individual school, there have been some clusters of cases. There are 10 schools in the state with more than six active COVID cases.

In an effort to get a better picture of COVID spread in schools, the state has started Project COVID DeteCT, which keeps schools safe by catching cases before they spread to other students and other staff, according to Department of Public Health spokesperson Chris Boyle.

So far, the program has been rolled out to 38 public school districts, which include 421 individual public schools and 39 individual state-approved private special education programs, and private or charter schools.

The program offers free COVID testing to all students attending a Connecticut public school in grades K-6, as well as unvaccinated students in grades 7-12 in the states largest school districts: Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford and Waterbury.

Were starting next week, said Jonathan Supranowitz, director of communications for the Greenwich school district. Were testing the younger students that are not eligible for the vaccine in Greenwich.

Not every student will be tested for COVID. Supranowitz called it a pool test, and participating students will get tested weekly.

Parents have to sign their children up to be a part of that testing, he said. Whoever has signed up will get tested.

Though Boyle said the states goal is to provide COVID testing to as many students as possible, it will likely be hundreds if not thousands of students statewide.

Though he couldnt share an exact number, Supranowitz said in Greenwich alone, Ill say its in the hundreds.

The state announced Thursday a daily positivity rate of 1.26 percent for new COVID tests  one of the lowest in weeks. Hospitalizations dropped a net of 16 patients for a total of 234. The state also announced Thursday there were 53 COVID-related deaths in the past week, bringing the total number to 8,629 Connecticut residents who have died with the disease.

The state said Thursday 78 percent of children age 16 and 17 had been vaccinated, and 68 percent of children age 12 to 15 have received their doses.

Manchester High School has more COVID cases than any other school in Connecticut with 14 active cases and 40 districtwide, according to the states data.

Greenwich has 12 active COVID cases among students and faculty as of Thursday, according to district data, down two from Tuesday. Westport school officials told parents the district had 15 total COVID infections identified over the past week.

We are actually trending down right now, Supranowitz said. On Tuesday, we added only five new reported positive cases  our lowest since the second week of school.

We are finding that our mitigation strategies are working right now, and overall, the staff, parents and students seem to be very determined to do all of the things to keep us safe, Supranowitz said.

In New Haven, schools spokesperson Justin Harmon said the district had nine active cases and 49 people quarantined as of Wednesday.

Since the start of the school year, 49 individuals have had cases of COVID confirmed after they presented in school  290 individuals have quarantined as a result, Harmon said.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  West Virginia will end September with its deadliest monthly toll from the coronavirus pandemic as officials put a new spin  a 2016 deadly flood  on their exhaustive pleas for residents in one of the lowest vaccinated states to get their COVID-19 shots.

Weve got to act, Gov. Jim Justice said Wednesday. "Thats all there is to it.

Justice and retired National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, who leads the states coronavirus task force, discussed the June 2016 flooding that killed 23 people statewide along with the destruction of countless homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Hoyer spent a great deal of time responding to what the National Weather Service labeled as a 1,000-year flood event. It was the worst in the county where Justice owns the Greenbrier resort.

At a news conference, Hoyer said that while a lot of work was done aimed at mitigating future floods, the same thinking and efforts must be made during the pandemic to avoid what could be far more COVID-19 deaths.

Based on 3,642 total deaths since March 2020, West Virginia is going through the equivalent of 158 2016 flood events, Hoyer said.

Weve got to get people educated and weve got to get vaccinated so that doesnt go up to 200 or 300, Hoyer said. "So West Virginia, please get educated on the value of the vaccine and get vaccinated."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia had the nations lowest vaccination rate among the states per 100,000 population. And it also had the second-highest rate over the past week in cumulative virus cases per capita.

West Virginia hospitals continue to be stressed by the number of COVID-19 patients, including a record 298 in intensive care units.

And there have been 558 virus-related deaths this month alone. That's more than the previous four months combined.

September's toll includes 73 people, or 13% of the monthly total, who were considered breakthrough cases  those were vaccinated but suffered from underlying health conditions.

Justice highlighted the need both for unvaccinated people to get their shots and for those who already have them to consider getting a booster shot.

Were going to lose a bunch of more people, West Virginia. There's no question about that," Justice said. Absolutely, for them, for respect for them, I truly believe that all weve got, all we can possibly do to stop this is to get vaccinated.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
There are various generational differences when it comes to financial habits. Lets begin by talking about bill pay. What is it, and how does it work? If you are familiar with the payments industry, you know electronic bill pay is growing extremely fast. Its fast growth can be compared to Zoomers, whose financial impact is also on the rise. Financial institutions recognize that their future customers or members are Zoomers. They value speed and efficiency, and the most modern payment experience is extremely attractive to Zoomers since some are already paying their phone bills and about 42%, their tuition. Here, find out some critical facts about Zoomers and bill pay from data and Zoomers surveyed for this blog.

Its Faster and Convenient

Since Zoomers have grown up surrounded by technology, mobile payments through their smartphones are a given. They demand newer ways to pay and expect transactions to happen at a faster pace. They want a more seamless experience when it comes to billing and payment services. Therefore, they prefer to pay bills by linking their debit cards, cutting down on paper billing statements, and choosing a digital payment. For Zoomers, it also means reduced paper waste, which they value so highly that they are willing to pay more for ecologically friendly services. As the next generation of workers, generation green, roughly 73% of Zoomers are willing to pay up to a 10% price premium for a more sustainable option. So, if financial institutions wish to attract a larger Zoomer audience, this is a critical factor to consider.

However, lets not confuse a Zoomers interest in digital payments with wanting to bank completely online. Maha, student, and CEO of Maha Cosmetics shared, With a robot representative, it can get tedious because they might not be able to solve your issues. I would prefer [a human representative] so I dont have to drive and be face to face with someone. Its more convenient to do it quickly over a chat box. Financial institutions, while stepping up their game when it comes to automated payments and other advancements, should keep in mind that although the Zoomer generation is very digital, we still expect some sort of human interaction. It adds a more personal touch, especially when Im having an issue on my phone with my payments. I would rather talk to someone to get help, Cristian, a recent graduate and project administrator at ITG Larson, shared.

Credit Scores Are Definitely Important

With many Zoomers currently in college or fresh out of college, many may be in hopes of building up their credit scores. Connecting with financial institutions to obtain a credit card can help them build their score if they pay close attention to their payment history. Maintaining excellent credit habits and a good credit score requires making sure all payments are made on time. This brings up the topic of automated bill payments. They can be easy to process and are used by many Zoomers. But what else could be just as important to having a solid credit score when it comes to automatic payments? Convenience. Its what Zoomers look for when it comes to the services they prefer. Kevin, a recent Zoomer graduate and Software Development Engineer at Amazon, stated he has automated payments set up which are linked directly to his bank account. So essentially, he only [looks] at the statements afterward to make sure the transactions made sense.

Experians 11th annual State of Credit report found that Gen Z has lowered its credit utilization rate and decreased its number of missed payments. The data shows that Zoomers have missed fewer payments than other generations. It serves as evidence as to how much Zoomers care about building their creditwhich means making on-time payments. They are being better educated on credit and can benefit from various tools and sources that provide free credit scores and that show the potential of paying off debt or opening a new credit line.

Zoomers are starting to have long-term goals when it comes to building credit. They dont want to make the same mistakes their predecessors made when it came to debt. One out of every two Zoomers say in the next ten years, owning a home will be their challenge but its something that they plan on working on. I always make sure I schedule my bills ahead of time because Im scared to see my credit score drop, especially now that Im working towards purchasing a home in the next couple of years, Lashawna, a recent graduate and Marketing Coordinator at a mortgage company stated. Zoomers are looking ahead and plan on making careful decisions when it comes to paying off their bills.

It Goes Both Ways

Although not every Zoomer is savvy when it comes to credit or bill payments, a lot of them want to learn more about their finances. I dont know where to begin when it comes to banking, so any help or tips would be great, says college student Kayla from the University of New Haven. For financial institutions to go to schools and colleges and meet Zoomers where they are could serve a tremendous benefit, especially those who are newly entering higher education. Resources should be customized so that they resonate with Zoomers more. That said, offering value-based programs to attract upcoming college students can be highly effective. When coming up with a strategy, keep in mind that becoming educated about the preferences of Zoomers is just as key as effectively teaching them about building credit scores and other important financial decisions.

Read more about Zoomers in Zoomer Generations Core Qualities and Values.

Todays legacy and siloed banking technology infrastructure limit financial institutions ability to rapidly innovate. Its time to look at money movement in a new way. Alacritis Orbipay Unified Money Movement Services does just that. Whether its real-time payments, digital disbursements, or bill pay, our cloud-based platform enables banks and credit unions to quickly and seamlessly deliver modern digital payments and money movement experiences. To speak to an Alacriti payments expert, please call us at (908) 791-2916 or email info@alacriti.com.

Co-authored by Saman Kazmi
Researching stocks involves incorporating multiple sources of information, deduction and strategies, all whilst markets are constantly transforming. Stock traders and investors need to know what information is useful to them as well as the most efficient and accurate way to go about stock research.

This article will explore key aspects of researching stocks:

How to get started

A step by step guide to stock research

Stock r esearch t oolbox

How to do research on stocks: Key takeaways

Just getting started in the stock market? Read our guide to stock trading basics

How to get started with your stock research

Prudent investors do not often make investments without prior research or substantiation as to why the stock is attractive for purchase. Stock research in a general sense begins with an understanding of three key details about a company:

Present financial health Current management Future vision and roadmap

Crucially, one thing many investors fail to do is align a companys values with their own, which is important for finding the best investment that meets their specific goals. Therefore, being mindful of your investment strategy, and why you are looking to invest in stocks can help to guide your decision-making processes.

A Step by Step Guide to Researching Stocks

As well as understanding the current and future position of a company, effective stock research needs to consider the following factors to help investors reach a decision in the effort of meeting their goals and desired strategy:

Time horizon for investment Risk levels Type of stock industry/sector Understanding the company product/service Financial reporting Competitor and industry analysis Following industry experts Using research platforms and terminals Stock order types Broker fees

1. Investment time horizon

Time horizon is important as it allows investors to identify which types of stocks may align with their goals. For example, many young investors with long time horizons are willing to take on more risk when it comes to an investment portfolio. These types of individuals will often prefer more aggressive portfolios which may include growth stocks that carry more expensive valuations.

Because of the longer time horizon, these investors can usually tolerate larger swings in the market. The opposite would be true for shorter time horizons (under five years) as these investors have less tolerance for large drawdowns in the portfolio, as larger adverse market movements can create a long-lasting effect for someone nearing retirement that may need to soon begin drawing income from the portfolio.

2. Risk levels

Risk ties in with time horizon as investors use these two components together to help identify which types of stocks to invest in. Higher risk-seeking individuals will often prefer growth stocks such an Amazon or Tesla; whilst risk-averse investors usually head towards value stocks which often carry lower P/E ratios. These value stocks might be considered as undervalued and potentially attractive for long-term investing.

Regardless of investment style, its important to practice good risk management so that the investor can aim to benefit from upside movement while attempting to minimize downside risk.

3. Type of stock industry/sector

Many investors are familiar with a certain stock sector which can potentially make researching stocks in that sector easier. Understanding an industry allows for more in-depth research in terms of variable inputs and nuances that cannot often be retrieved from financial statements.

The stock market is often divided into eleven sectors, uncover stock sectors for a more structured method to stock research

4. Understand the company product/service

Familiarising oneself with the companys product/service will assist in the later step of competitor analysis. Knowing what makes the companys product/service unique, which includes the cost factor, is crucial for future forecasts.

Many companies have a diverse product/service offering which then makes this step more central to stock research. For example, with multiple products/services, investors need to understand how each offering affects the company with regards to cost, revenue and the future potential of each.

5. Financial reporting

Publicly traded companies publish financial reports which give a quantitative overview of the company. These include Earnings Announcements, which provide vast amounts of information about a companys financial health and performance. From the companys publicly filed reports, investors can identify potential red flags/risks within the company, management capability, debt management and income sources.

Explore the foundations of earnings season and how it fits into stock research

Current financials are not the only important documents to review. Past data can offer investors deeper knowledge and appreciation of where a company comes from as well as how it reacted under previous market conditions. This being said, fundamental analysis involves complex techniques and a thorough understanding of financial statements, mathematical formulas and a solid overall grasp of financial markets.

Uncover some basic tools to help you value a stock!

6. Competitor and industry analysis

There are regular instances whereby companies have direct competitors with the same/similar business models. Therefore, it is a good idea for investors to compare and analyse stocks between these competitors to find discrepancies which could further uncover potential investment opportunities.

The same applies to the industry as a whole. Often there are times where a company within an industry outperforms the industry and its competitors, or vice versa. Delving into why these seemingly perplexing patterns may occur can broaden understanding of how a stock or industry behaves under certain conditions.

Competitor and industry analysis are seen as obvious comparisons to make when researching stocks but, it may be prudent to analyse other markets as well. For example, Royal Dutch Shell Plc may do direct competitor analysis against a company such as BP Plc, but another comparison may be to overlay these companies with that of the underlying oil price. This major commodity (oil) is heavily correlated to the business model, therefore looking outside the scope of the equity markets may uncover some valuable insight.

7. Follow industry experts

A great way to further stock research is by following industry experts, such as highly regarded equity analysts. These experts often publish in-depth stock research which can be a good way to draw comparisons between individual and expert analysis. This is also a good way for investors to broaden equity analysis techniques by studying the analysts approach and what they look for in making investment decisions.

8. Research platforms and terminals

The use of research platforms and terminals such as Bloomberg can give investors/analysts a plethora of additional analytical tools and techniques. These can help investors with efficiency and access to many other financial markets and stocks for comparative purposes.

Quantitative tools are also available on such platforms for more complex types of analysis. These platforms can be costly, so before investing in one, the investor should make sure to consider the expense factor relative to their expected benefit.

9. Stock order types

After the research has been completed, investors will need to place the order to buy the stock. Knowing how order types work in the stock market can help investors to better focus the execution of their strategies.

Liquidity is another concept that can result in varying spreads and pricing. Stock market liquidity refers to the ease at which the company shares can be bought and solid without experiencing large price fluctuations. Large companies with high liquidity such as Apple Inc will often have tighter spreads with a larger volume of shares available to buy/sell at a given price.

10. Broker fees

An important but often overlooked portion of the stock investment process is that of broker fees or commissions. Brokers have differing fees so investors should become familiar with fees in order to avoid any unwanted surprises. These should be available on the broker website and should be transparent.

How to do research on stocks: Key Takeaways

Investors can purchase stocks after doing thorough research; and taking into account as many variables as possible can help the investor to arrive at a more adequate investment decision. This can take many hours of work but sacrificing the time will enable investors to make more informed decisions. Keep in mind the steps outlined above to help streamline the stock research process and employ suitable portfolio management practices.

Learn more about the stock market and getting started
Saturday Kitchen star Aktar Islam has revealed how he was forced spend 51,000 of his own money to defend himself against false claims he had unfairly dismissed a pregnant employee after he closed down his critically acclaimed restaurant Legna.

The chef, 41, who won Great British Menu in 2011 and Gordon Ramsay's The F Word the year before, won an employment tribunal battle last month, after his former Assistant General Manager Sara Cowie claimed she had been fired due to falling pregnant.

Aktar - also runs Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Opheem in Birmingham as well as Argentinean steakhouse Pulperia - sent shocks through the culinary world when his upmarket Italian restaurant suddenly closed in January 2020.

Now, speaking exclusively to FEMAIL he has revealed how he felt 'extorted' out of 34,900 by his former employee - who he had hired due to his close relationship with her long-term partner. He also revealed the battle 'completely devastated' his mental health.

Speaking for the first time about the restaurant's closure, the father-of-one explained how he has battled 'tremendous financial, mental, and emotional strain' to have his name cleared in a tough three-year battle

He believes the claims against him were unfounded because Ms Cowie had been let go due to 'poor performance' before her sacking.

He added that he has battled 'tremendous financial, mental, and emotional strain' to have his name cleared in a tough three-year battle.

Saturday Kitchen star Aktar Islam has revealed how he was forced to close down his critically acclaimed restaurant Legna and spend 51,000 of his own money to defend himself against false claims he had unfairly dismissed a pregnant employee.

Ms Cowie (pictured) was hired as an Assistant General Manager at Aktar's Legna restaurant from 22nd October 2018 having previously worked as a Deputy Manager for Mitchells & Butlers pub group. She is pictured with her partner Ben Ternent

The former F Word winner told FEMAIL: 'Once Legna had been dissolved I was allowed to be brought in personally by the tribunal even though in my opinion and in the opinion of my legal advisors, the evidence was overwhelmingly clear that this was an unfounded claim, this really caused great strain on me mentally and I was questioning the entire process and how it seems that it's designed to extort employers.

'I did no wrong, the business was dissolved yet I was allowed to be brought in personally.

'I worry for those individuals who may have found themselves in a similar position without the ability to defend themselves. What if the pandemic killed my businesses would I have to go into debt to continue to defend myself?'

He added the case 'could have been make or break for his career' and went on for three years throughout the pandemic which decimated the hospitality industry.

He claimed the funds used could have been used to safeguard 100 jobs at his restaurants, which like many others in hospitality, were closed for the best part of over a year.

Ms Cowie was hired as an Assistant General Manager at Aktar's Legna restaurant from 22nd October 2018 having previously worked as a Deputy Manager for Mitchells & Butlers pub group.

The pair mutually agreed to a three-month probation period, even though the standard term within the industry is six months.

Concerns had been flagged to Ms Cowie multiple times throughout November and December regarding her performance - which Aktar described as 'poor'.

In January 2019, at the end of her probation, Ms Cowie was notified that her employment as Assistant General Manager would not continue due to concerns surrounding her job performance.

Aktar pictured appearing on Saturday Kitchen with Jennifer Saunders in 2017

She was offered three alternative roles within the company, with the same salary as hers or up to a 40 per cent more, alongside training funded and administered by the restaurant.

Sara had also expressed interest to other members of staff about other roles within the business that were not frontline hospitality.

Aktar said he gave 'extra support' to Sara, because he had a close relationship with her partner Ben Ternent, who has been his friend for more than 10 years.

Ben also works as a chef in Birmingham and is due to open his own restaurant Chapter in the city soon.

When did Sara fall pregnant and when did she get dismissed from her job at Legna? 13th December: Recruitment agent authorised to find replacements

Recruitment agent authorised to find replacements 17th December Adverts placed on The Caterer to replace Sara

Adverts placed on The Caterer to replace Sara 4th January Acting management team installed

Acting management team installed 8th January Further adverts placed

Further adverts placed 23rd January Sara verbally informed Aktar that she was pregnant (1-2 weeks late on her period)

Sara verbally informed Aktar that she was pregnant (1-2 weeks late on her period) 26th January Sara confirms pregnancy in writing

Sara confirms pregnancy in writing 30th January End of probation meeting as per the contract. Sara offered three non-management roles

End of probation meeting as per the contract. Sara offered three non-management roles 30th January (Afternoon) Sara leaves the business, refuses to work notice and no discussion is entered into regarding the alternative roles that were offered.

Sara leaves the business, refuses to work notice and no discussion is entered into regarding the alternative roles that were offered. 1st February Sara appoints solicitors and lodges her claim at ACAS. Less than 48 hours passed since her end of probation meeting Advertisement

Due to this relationship 'a lot of leniency and exceptions were made for Sara', Aktar said.

Sara received additional support and was allowed to complete the probation period until the end of January instead of being let go along with her co-manager at the end of December.

However, the decision to replace Sara was made on 13 December, six weeks before Aktar was notified of her pregnancy.

Sara notified Aktar that she was pregnant verbally after being 'a week late on her period'.

She then put this in writing three days later, a few days before her dismissal.

Aktar believes it was 'clear from this point that Cowie was laying the foundation for a claim against Aktar and his team', something employment Judge Miller concurred with in court.

Sara did not take the opportunity to explore the other three roles offered by Aktar and his team, and instead forged forwards with her plan, Aktar says.

The tribunal also heard how Sara had contacted Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (known as ACAS) and appointed a solicitor, and drafted a statement within 48 hours of her end of probation meeting ending.

The manager had up to three months to explore the roles that were offered to her before proceeding with bringing forward a claim, yet she made no effort to discuss the roles, two of which were in the same salary band and the other accounts role would have come with a 40 per cent salary increase and training funded by the company.

Sara's initial claim was for 34,900 for unfair dismissal and discrimination despite the irrefutable evidence that her role was in jeopardy even before she fell pregnant because adverts had been posted seeking a replacement for her role whilst she was given the courtesy of working out her probation period.

Sara was contacted by a friend of hers asking to apply for her role, though Sara went on to deny any knowledge of her role being in jeopardy, until court, when text messages were produced proving that she was indeed aware that replacements for her role were being sought.

Aktar decided to dissolve Legna at the end of 2019 meaning he had to fund his defence personally.

He explained: 'I've spent 51,000 and 3 years of my life on defending against this blatantly unfounded claim.

'This has caused tremendous financial, mental, and emotional strain on me as I've had to fund this personally as Legna closed in 2019.

Aktar - also runs Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Opheem in Birmingham as well as Argentinean steakhouse Pulperia - sent shocks through the culinary world when his upmarket Italian restaurant suddenly closed in January 2020.

'These funds would have been of great help considering what the business has had to endure over the last 18 months.

'This is the equivalent of one year rent for one of the restaurants or a years salaries for two trainee chefs.'

'Instead of having these funds available to support and safeguard the jobs of nearly 100 individuals or to invest in a young trainees future I have had to use these funds to defend against a selfish person's greed and desire to use the ACAS system - one that's there to help and support employees who have been wronged by their employers - to attempt to extort funds from me.

'Sara put the potential of financial gain for herself over the job safety for 100 employees and the wellbeing of their families and dependents.

'This is disgusting behaviour.

'They make a point of submitting evidence to the tribunal to confirm I'm a man of means.'

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL he has revealed how he felt 'extorted' out of 34,900 by his former employee - who he had hired due to his close relationship with her long-term partner. He also revealed the battle 'completely devastated' his mental health.

'The strain of this whole situation has had a detrimental effect on the mental health of both myself and my management team, to be accused of something as disgusting as discrimination against a pregnant individual is hurtful as I'm a father and we have many parents within our group and have also supported several individuals through maternity and paternity.

'Also, with the worry of having to divert much needed resources to defend against this was difficult as both of my restaurants have been closed for most part of the last 18 months.'

'Situations like this can unconsciously create biases in an employer's mind and highlights the unfortunate reality whereby people like Sara can take advantage of the system for financial gain.

'The lack of support and awareness puts employers and businesses in difficult situations, in some cases crippling them and forcing them into liquidation.

'Thankfully we continue to support diversity within our team with over 50 per cent of our management team being women, some of whom have been supported by the company through maternity and provided flexibility to work around their childcare needs.

'Sara Cowie's selfish intent hasn't affected my resolve and I continue to support women in hospitality.

Jamie Brown, Partner at Wosskow Brown Solicitors added to FEMAIL: 'We are pleased to see the court dismiss claims against our client for both discrimination and unfair dismissal.

'The termination of employment is always a last resort but, in this case, our client felt strongly that the allegations were unfounded.

'We are proud that we have successfully defended these wrongful claims and thank the Employment Tribunal for their equitable judgement.

'We would like to wish Aktar every success for his future business endeavours.'

FEMAIL has contacted Sara Cowie for comment.
An Australian department store is selling a bargain version of a designer bag beloved by some of the world's biggest stars.

The $25 'Top Handle Bag' from Big W looks remarkably similar to the iconic 'Shoulder Pouch' from Italian fashion label, Bottega Veneta.

But the over-sized style, which has been worn by supermodels including Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, will set you back an eye-watering $5,160.

For mere mortals, it's hard to look past Big W's budget-friendly alternative, which comes in black, mustard and a trendy shade of wasabi green.

Save or splurge: The $24 Top Handle Bag from Big W (left) looks remarkably similar to Bottega Veneta's iconic Shoulder Pouch (right), which will set you back a cool $5,160

Australia's top fashion bloggers have been rocking the piece, with a Melbourne influencer named Bianca receiving gushing responses to it on a recent outfit post.

'Love this look,' one woman wrote, while a second added: 'The bag - nailed it.'

Sydney stylist Donny Galella said luxury houses like Bottega have proved themselves to be master trend-setters, season after season.

'This Spring season soft, slouchy bags are trending thanks to global fashion brand Bottega Veneta,' he said.

'But you can get that Bottega look without the designer price tag at Big W.'

Australia's top fashion bloggers have been rocking the piece, with a Melbourne influencer named Bianca receiving gushing responses to it on a recent outfit post

Sydney stylist Donny Galella said luxury houses like Bottega have proved themselves to be master trend-setters, season after season

Celebrity stylist, Donny Galella (pictured)

Donny has been hard at work hunting for bargain dupes of designer buys.

Earlier this week, he spotted a cut-price version of this season's hottest designer shoe at Big W.

Fashion veteran Donny Galella was browsing online when he saw $20 slides that look almost identical to the double-buckle sandals worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber.

The slip-on style is sold by luxury fashion houses including Fendi and Alexander McQueen for as much as $1,190, but you can get the look for less on Big W's website.

'I personally can't justify these $1,000+ styles, but I know the $20 ones will sell out,' Donny told Daily Mail Australia.

Big W's $20 slides (left) are almost identical to a $1,190 pair from Italian fashion house, Fendi (right)

Luxe for less: The bargain shoes are similar to a style worn by some of the world's biggest stars, including Hailey Bieber (pictured)

And it seems thrifty fashionistas have already caught on - the budget-friendly sandal is no longer available for pick-up from major city stores in Sydney or Melbourne.

Limited sizes can still be ordered direct to your door, but you'd better be quick because they're selling out fast.

While Donny is a fan of the laidback look for summer, there's one twist he can't abide.

'Slides are back, but I really hope the slides with socks trend is dead, it's not a good look,' he said.
A former Disney princess is lifting the lid on what it is really like to work as a theme park character, recalling how 'creepy dads' would hit on her while she was dressed up in costume and how the pressure to look more like Ariel from The Little Mermaid led her to develop an eating disorder.

Sarah Daniels, 32, from Florida, has more than 65,000 followers on her TikTok account, where she fields questions from fans who want to know everything about the nearly 12 years she spent with the company.

The performer, who is now a gamer and musical-theater actor, went viral last week after sharing a video detailing how men would come on to her and slip her their rooms keys when she was dressed as Tinker Bell.

Scroll down for video

Say what? Sarah Daniels, 32, from Florida, opened up on TikTok about the 'creepy dads' who would hit on her while she was working as a Disney princess

Wild: She recalled how married men would hand her their keys to their hotel rooms, particularly when she was dressed as Tinkerbell

'I feel like if dudes are going to be creeps and hit on you, theyre going to hit on you whether or not youre a character or not,' said Daniels, who started working as a cast member at Walt Disney World in Florida when she was 16.

'But there were many moments, especially as Tinker Bell, where I had married men hand me keys to their hotel room and tell me where they were staying.'

In a follow-up video, she explained how she handled the dads without breaking character, admitting she was 'always caught off guard' when men would do this.

'You're not supposed to say no, just straight up. As a face character, no is not in your vocabulary. You have to find ways around no,' she said, giving an example of how she would respond to someone who asked her to fly as Tinkerbell.

'Well, Fairy Mary wouldn't like it because then I wouldn't have enough pixie dust to get back to the mainland, blah, blah, blah. Stuff like that.'

Tough to navigate: In a follow-up video, she explained how she handled the 'creepy dads' without breaking character, saying cast members are never allowed to say no

Usually, when she was having an issue, she would 'divert the attention to the character attendant, and they will take care of the creepy dads for you.'

Daniels' followers seem to be particularly interested in the characters' costumes, including whether or not they smelled.

'So many people ask this question,' she said in a recent video. 'No, they're washed. You don't put one on after someone else has worn it. Everything gets washed. The heads get sprayed. Everything gets cleaned. So, no, typically things don't smell, and if they do smell, you just go pick a different one.'

As to whether or not they are heavy, she said it really depends on the costume because some are more cumbersome than others.

'A lot of princesses have some issues with the skirts being super duper heavy or really heavy wigs, like Rapunzel,' she said. 'I know a lot of friends who have had injuries from those specific wigs and costumes.'

Looking back: Daniels has been candid about the nine-year eating disorder she developed after being cast as Ariel in Voyage of the Little Mermaid show

Outage: 'What ruined my impression of Disney was when I weighed 115 pounds, and I was told my silhouette didn't match Ariel's,' she recalled in one video

What performers wear under their costumes was another point of interest, but that also depends on what character the person is playing. Daniels has taken on the roles of Ariel, Alice from Alice and Wonderland, and both Wendy and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan.

She said face characters  cast members who have costumes that show their faces  typically get to wear whatever they feel like under their work clothes, but Disney princesses are all required to wear bloomers and tights.

Daniels explained that most characters are provided 'basics,' which are gray T-shirts and black shorts with barcodes on them (so they can be scanned out).

'Basics are what people typically wear, and you would bring a few of them because, you know, you typically sweat through shirts during the day,' she said.

Characters sweating in their costumes in the oppressive Orlando heat is definitely one factor that has contributed to the assumption that the costumes smell. Passing out is a real concern, and Daniels said characters have their very own distress signal.

Disney past: The musical theater actor has also taken on the roles of Alice from Alice and Wonderland (pictured) and both Wendy and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan

Answering questions: The former Disney princess insisted the costumes are washed and do not smell, but some are a lot heavier than others

'If you're having trouble and you need to go, you put one hand over one eye and then put the other hand in the air, and that's how they know that you are having trouble,' she shared in one clip.

Daniels has been open about her favorite character to play and how much she loved bringing joy to families, but the positives didn't outweigh the mental anguish she suffered.

In a 2019 interview with the Indianapolis's Star, she detailed how she developed a nearly decade-long eating disorder after being told to slim down to play Ariel in the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show.

'What ruined my impression of Disney was when I weighed 115 pounds, and I was told my silhouette didn't match Ariel's after they had already put me through rehearsal for the show,' she recalled in a recent video.

Daniels said the experience 'launched me into a nine-year eating disorder that cost me thousands in therapy.'

Don't even try it: Daniels warned that cast members aren't allowed to break character and will lose their jobs if they do

Keeping it real: Daniels believes Disney can get away with paying low wages because there will always be a young woman who wants to play a princess

'I'm just turning 32 this year and I finally have an OK relationship with food and my body  I am saying OK, not great,' she added.

Daniels has also shared her thoughts on the low pay, which she doesn't see getting much higher any time soon.

Characters at the theme park only make somewhere between $11 and $20 per hour, but there is still a great demand to be a Disney princess.

'There are many women around the world who want to be a Disney princess. You can see that by just the views on my videos on TikTok,' she said. 'I haven't worked at Disney in a really long time, and people are still really interested in hearing about what it's like to work there.

'So, I think that because so many women will do the job, they don't need to pay more money, if that makes sense. They're like, "Well, there's always some 16-year-old girl who's gonna want to do this.

'There's always someone coming out of college who's gonna want to do this. There's always a girl graduating from high school who's gonna want to do this." And I think they don't respect how hard the characters work, and I don't think they ever will.'
Best friends are turning over $200,000 a week with natural beauty products that women claim have given them 'new skin'.

Founded by Queensland mates Simona Valev and Shannon Lacey in 2018, Rawkanvas is a vegan skincare brand that has been credited with curing chronic conditions including acne, eczema and rosacea.

Kiwi mum-of-two Kori Laine said she will 'swear by it forever' after the $59 Eternal collagen serum and $59 Limelight brightening lotion cleared her spots completely in a matter of weeks.

Ms Laine took to Instagram to praise the chemical-free, scent-free products, saying she feels like she has 'brand new skin'.

Kiwi mum-of-two Kori Laine (pictured before and after using Rawkanvas products) said they have given her 'brand new skin'

The brand (products pictured) is turning over $200,000 a week three years after launching

Packed with powerful natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil and Kakadu plum, the probiotic lotion promises to strengthen the skin's natural barrier function and fight signs of ageing.

Meanwhile the collagen serum is laced vitamin C and seaweed, which work together to clear pigmentation and reveal plumper, brighter skin.

Endorsements like Ms Laine's have sent sales skyrocketing, with Ms Valev and Ms Lacey turning over more than $200,00 per week for the past two months as demand for their range soars.

Last August, the pair revealed how they banked $15,000 in just 30 minutes after launching a clarifying red wine face mask.

Ms Valev and Ms Lacey teased the release of the $54 product on Instagram, and it wasn't long before shoppers snapped it up in their thousands.

'We had a waiting list of 25,000 before we launched at 6pm, and when the red wine mask went out, we were selling a product every 20 seconds,' Ms Valev said.

The duo believe the overwhelming response was largely due to the sheer volume of women suffering from 'mask-ne', a term coined at the start of the pandemic to describe the pimples that erupt in areas where your mask touches your face.

The $54 red wine mask (pictured in use) is made with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which work together to detoxify and purify the skin

What makes the red wine mask special? * It contains active ingredients including Halloysite Clay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes, as well as Kiwi Seed Oil. The mask (pictured) buffs away dead skin cells to uncover a smoother, brighter skin texture * The mask is self-heating, which helps in drawing out pore-clogging dirt and oil, and combats the appearance of breakouts. * It buffs away dead skin cells to uncover a smoother, brighter skin texture and allows increased absorption of other skincare products. * It tones, tightens and boosts collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines for a refreshed glow. * It is scented with Vanilla, Sweet Orange and Clove essential oils. * It is described as microdermabrasion in a bottle, insofar as it works on the texture of the skin. Source: Rawkanvas Advertisement

'It took us 12 months to perfect the formula, but we are really proud of the results,' Ms Valev said.

The mask stands out from others on the market because it is made with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which work together to detoxify and purify the skin.

'It is like microdermabrasion in a jar,' Ms Valev said

'It's a heat warming mask that helps to draw out congestion, refine pores and give your overall complexion a boost.'

The product also contains Kiwi Seed Oil and Halloysite Clay, which help to buff away dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter texture.

Before-and-after photos illustrate just how powerful the natural range is

Weeks after launching, the mask had already attracted rave reviews online, with many describing it as 'divine'.

'I was lucky enough to receive this early and review it. With lockdown in Auckland, I had a bit of a stress breakout arising but using this legitimately made my breakout shrink by the next morning and disappear,' one woman wrote.

A second said it swiftly became her 'weekly mask' of choice.

'I love how fresh and clear my skin looks without using any harsh chemicals,' she added.
US TV host Katie Couric has given a scathing verdict on Britain's royals in a new memoir where she settled scores from her four decades on television.

Over 500 pages in length, Couric tears into ex-boyfriends, former colleagues at NBC and CBS and ridicules Prince Harry, now based in California.

In 'Going There', she describes how Prince Harry, then 27, stank of cigarettes and alcohol when they met in 2012, and how Prince Andrew cozied up to Jeffrey Epstein at a bizarre dinner at his New York mansion.

DailyMail.com has seen the manuscript, which is out in late October and will be accompanied by an 11-city book tour.

Among the celebrities that Couric takes potshots at are Prince Harry, who she met at a polo match in Brazil during his 'wild-oats sowing phase' - two months before his infamous trip to Las Vegas, where he was photographed naked while playing strip billiards' in his hotel room.

She recalled that the smell of cigarettes and alcohol seemed to 'ooze from every pore' in his body.

The TV host was also among those who attended the infamous 2010 dinner at Jeffrey Epstein's house when Prince Andrew was also there.

Couric writes: 'I couldn't imagine what Epstein and Andrew were up to, apart from trying to cultivate friends in the media. Which, in retrospect, they must have figured they'd need when the pedophilia charges started rolling in.'

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US TV host Katie Couric claims in her new memoir that Prince Harry stank of booze and cigarettes when she interviewed him in Belize in 2012

The TV host was also among those who attended the infamous 2010 dinner at Jeffrey Epstein's house when Prince Andrew was also there. Pictured: Andrew and Epstein strolling in Central Park in 2011

She describes Epstein's $75million New York townhouse as 'Eyes Wide Shut with a twist - creepy chandeliers and body-part art'.

Guests ate lasagna out of shallow bowls and Epstein 'held court' in front of the fireplace to the likes of Chelsea Handler and Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, George Stephanopoulos and Charlie Rose.

On the way home her ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin remarked how young the women were who took their coats.

Introducing her interview with Harry on ABC, Couric said the Prince was 'known for his cheeky sense of humour and love of partying a bit'.

Among the celebrities that Couric takes potshots at are Prince Harry. She recalled that the smell of cigarettes and alcohol seemed to 'ooze from every pore' in his body

However, she added: 'But we got to see the warm and personal side when we talked about what his grandmother means to him.'

'When we were young, it was very easy to take our grandmother for granted,' Harry told Couric. 'She was just a grandmother to us and it's only been over the past five, eight to ten years that I've come to understand the huge deal she is.'

He alos opened up about his desire for a family, saying: 'I've longed for kids since I was very, very young. I'm waiting to find the right person and someone who's willing to take on the job.'

DailyMail.com has read the manuscript for Katie Couric's book 'Going There', which is out in late October and will be accompanied by an 11-city book tour

The royals are not the only ones to receive a short shrift in the scathing memoir.

Couric admits that she gave ex-colleague on the Today show Ashleigh Banfield the cold shoulder early in her career because helping her would have been 'self sabotage'.

She rips into Deborah Norville, who she replaced on the TODAY Show, for having a 'relentless perfection' which turned off morning show viewers.

When Couric switched from TODAY to host the Evening News on CBS, staffers fought back with an 'insurgency' which left her feeling like Hillary Clinton because she was so under siege, she writes.

Couric is just as blunt about her love life and says ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin, who was 17 years her junior, was a 'mid-life crisis' while TV producer Tom Werner was a 'textbook narcissist'.

Couric rips into Deborah Norville, who she replaced on the TODAY Show, for having a 'relentless perfection' which turned off morning show viewers. The hosts are pictured in 1990

Couric puts down Martha Stewart, saying it took a 'some healthy humbling (prison will do that . . .) to develop a sense of humor.'

The book has sparked outrage among people who have seen the manuscript, one saying that it 'should be called Burning Bridges by Catty Couric as it literally reads like Kitty Kelley wrote it about Katie', referring to the notoriously snarky celebrity biographer.

'Going There' will be published in late October by Little, Brown and Company

Couric's last major gig was with Yahoo which ended in 2017. Another person said that after this book she will 'never get a job at any television network or cable channel ever again because she attacks everyone'.

'She'll be stuck with her newsletter and Instagram stories for the rest of her working life even though the book oozes of her desperation to be back on network television hosting her own show,' they said.

'Going There' does tell Couric's personal story including a moving chapter about the death of her father, whose shift into PR from journalism to have a steady income for his young family was Couric's inspiration to be a reporter.

But as the book progresses that narrative gets sidelined for sideswipes at people Couric feels have maligned her.

CONTEMPT FOR HER RIVALS

Among the most striking passages is Couric explaining how she didn't stick up for other women at work because she saw them as a threat to her own career.

She admits that she had bad feelings for Deborah Norville even though she replaced her hosting TODAY in 1991.

Norville took two months off for maternity leave and Couric filled in - when Norville didn't return Couric got the job permanently.

Couric claims there were 'residual bad feelings' towards Norville for her obvious differences with Jane Pauley, her former TODAY co-host who left in 1989 under acrimonious conditions.

Couric writes that Norville had a 'major relatability problem' because she was too perfect at a time in the morning when people were still getting ready for the day.

One colleague supposedly told Couric that 'with Deborah, people feel like they need to get dressed before they turn on the TV'.

Couric admits that during her time at TODAY she was unwelcoming to other women because she felt like she needed to 'protect my turf.'

She writes that she was aware that 'someone younger and cuter was always around the corner' and singles out Banfield as an example.

Couric writes: 'For a minute there, Ashleigh Banfield was the next big thing; I'd heard her father was telling anyone who'd listen that she was going to replace me. In that environment, mentorship sometimes felt like self-sabotage.'

Couric's book is over 500 pages in length and she tears into former colleagues at NBC and CBS. She's pictured in 1992 with her colleagues on the TODAY Show. Left to right: Gene Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Deborah Norville. Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Jane Pauley, Katie Couric, Willard Scott, Tom Brokaw

She had little affection for Martha Stewart and at an awards ceremony in 1996 Couric roasted her with a snarky poem which said that 'anything I can do you (Stewart) can do better.'

Stewart was unamused and Couric writes that it took a 'some healthy humbling (prison will do that . . .) to develop a sense of humor.'

Couric left Joan Rivers so angry after asking if she had plastic surgery on her short-lived talk show 'Katie' that they never spoke again.

Backstage, Rivers said of Couric: 'Who does she think she is? She's on her knees blowing 14-year-olds', referring to Brooks Perlin, her much-younger boyfriend.

FAILED RELATIONSHIPS

While Couric writes emotionally about the death of her first husband Jay Monahan from cancer, she also admits that her fame drove a wedge between them.

Couric's celebrity status 'took up residence in our marriage like an overbearing houseguest', as she describes it, and claims that the bigger she got, the smaller Monahan felt.

Couric calls her relationship with Brooks Perlin as something that 'screamed midlife crisis' and that she was 'rebelling' because she had never done anything 'particularly scandalous.'

That rebellion sometimes went too far, like the night she drank so much she ended up in hospital on an IV drip - which she kept top secret, worrying that it would lead to headlines in the New York press like: 'Anchor hits Rock Bottom!'

Couric writes that she regrets moving Perlin into her home without asking daughters so they had to deal with a 30-something guy walking around shirtless

The relationship led to 'distance' between her parents and her children which Couric also regrets.

Couric writes emotionally about the death of her first husband Jay Monahan (pictured) from cancer and admits that her fame drove a wedge between them

Her relationship with Tom Werner ended when he dumped her by email and Couric brands him a 'textbook narcissist' who 'love bombed her' with flowers and gifts

Couric is just as blunt about her love life and says ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin, who was 17 years her junior, was a 'mid-life crisis. Pictured together in 2007

'Going There' describes a bizarre 15 minute date Couric went on with Michael Jackson whose hand felt like a 'dead fish' when she shook it.

Her relationship with Tom Werner ended when he dumped her by email and Couric brands him a 'textbook narcissist' who 'love bombed her' with flowers and gifts.

In her 20s Couric went on a date with Neil Simon, the late playwright who was 30 years her senior.

They got back to his hotel, kissed and he had to stop because of his 'blood pressure medication' - Couric does not clarify what the exact condition was.

Around the same age Couric went for dinner at an Italian restaurant with Larry King, even though he was 24 years older than her.

Afterwards they went back to King's apartment where Couric described him making a 'lunge' for her on the sofa with his tongue and his hands.

She pushed him off and a dejected King said: 'When I like, I really like'.

UNFORCED ERRORS

After leaving TODAY Couric joined CBS to host the Evening News and do special reports for 60 Minutes on a salary of $15million a year, making her the highest paid journalist in the world.

It was a disastrous move and Couric describes how staffers felt she was an 'existential threat' to their existence.

Couric admits to making a number of 'unforced errors' such as giving her office a glam makeover which was out of step with the unfussy culture at CBS.

As CBS executives began talking publicly and privately against her, Couric writes that she suffered 'internal sabotage'.

The book has sparked outrage among people who have read it and one said that it 'should be called Burning Bridges by Catty Couric'. She will 'never get a job at any television network or cable channel ever again because she attacks everyone,' one critic said

Couric claims she was in an 'unwinnable' situation and her team 'thought we'd be greeted as liberators; instead we got an insurgency'.

Things got so bad that Couric felt 'embattled, defensive, misunderstood. I guess you could say I was feeling like Hillary Clinton.'

In 2011 Couric left CBS and felt that she 'never really belonged here' because 'the body had rejected the organ early on'.

While Couric takes aim at numerous people in 'Going There', she does offer some moments of self analysis.

When she joined TODAY, Couric announced to Monahan, her husband at the time: 'I used to want to be the most popular girl in school. Now I'm the most popular girl in the country'.

Monahan called her 'gross' and hit her with a pillow.

After being dumped by Tom Werner, Couric went to a therapist who asked her if she had ever considered the idea that not everyone was going to like her.

Couric writes: 'Honestly I sort of hadn't'.
While Netflix has led the way in streaming X-rated dramas into our living rooms, Amazon Prime is getting in on the action with its own very racy offering that's proving a hit with viewers.

The Voyeurs, which was released on the platform earlier this month, is a psychological thriller following a young couple who start watching their mysterious neighbours having sex.

But their life is soon thrown into turmoil when their peeping turns into an unhealthy obsession, with viewers eventually discovering they're part of a sadistic experiment about the dangers of looking into other people's lives.

The thriller features several full-blown sex scenes, oral sex, nudity, threesomes as well as various disturbing and gruesome scenes that viewers have described as 'twisted'.

The Voyeurs, which was released on the platform earlier this month, is a psychological thriller following a young couple who start watching their mysterious neighbours having sex

The film has left many viewers hot under the collar with erotic sex scenes and 'shaken' by it's unexpected ending, with some viewers calling it 'Fifty Shades with a better storyline'.

The story begins with Pippa (Sydney Sweeney) and Thomas (Justice Smith) who move to a large apartment in Montreal and soon realise they can see directly into their neighbours' flat from their window.

Their neighbours are Seb (Ben Hardy), an artistic photographer, and Julia (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), a former model - who routinely have racy sex in full view of their window.

On their first night the couple begin to watch as Seb performs oral sex on Julia, and while Thomas suspects the pair 'wanted them to watch' - Pippa insists they shouldn't be looking.

The thriller features threesomes, several full-blown sex scenes, oral sex, nudity, as well as various disturbing and gruesome scenes that viewers have described as 'twisted'

But after becoming captivated by the couple's life from afar, Pippa soon buys binoculars so she and Thomas can start watching them more closely.

Soon, they see Seb photographing topless models and cheating on Julia with one of them.

Meanwhile, Pippa starts to pleasure her boyfriend while watching her neighbour in another full on sex scene.

Not content with just watching, the couple decide to sneak into Seb and Juliet's Halloween party and bug their home, quickly hearing an argument between the couple about Seb's alleged cheating.

When Juliet apologises to her boyfriend wearing sexy lingerie and he refuses to accept it because of their argument - Thomas and Pippa become convinced Seb is a gaslighting, abusive partner.

In a strange twist of fate, Julia then becomes one of Pippa's patients at the eye clinic where she works as an optician, with the pair becoming fast friends and agreeing to meet up again.

Soon after Pippa witnesses a threesome between Seb and two models, and anonymously warns Juliet that her boyfriend is cheating - telling her to look for the condom he removed in the bin as evidence.

The story begins with Pippa (Sydney Sweeney) and Thomas (Justice Smith) who move to a large apartment in Montreal, Canada - soon realising they can see directly into their neighbours flat from their window. Pictured, Seb (Ben Hardy) and Julia (Natasha Liu Bordizzo)

The next morning, Pippa sees Seb discover Julia's body in the bathroom, after she seemingly slit her own throat. Thomas blames Pippa for their neighbour's death, and the pair break up.

Despite being heartbroken over their split, Pippa continues to watch Seb having sex, eventually following him to a nearby pub where they get chatting and eventually go back to his home to have sex.

While Pippa is at Seb and Juliet's flat - Thomas goes back to their home where he sips a drink left by his girlfriend in the fridge before throwing the rest in their bird feeder.

The next morning, he's found having hanged himself in his flat, with Juliet assuming he witnessed them having sex and was so devastated he took his own life.

When Pippa goes to Seb's exhibition, she discovers that Juliet is still alive and that their entire exhibition is a warped social allegory based around herself and Thomas' obsessive interest in their neighbours.

They reveal that they own Pippa and Thomas' flat, and that their home is rigged with cameras - something buried in their tenancy agreement - and they have been watching the couple since they moved in.

The film has left many viewers hot under the collar with erotic sex scenes and 'shaken' by it's unexpected ending, with some viewers calling it 'Fifty Shades with a better storyline'

Pictures reveal a topless Pippa taken at her neighbour's flat, the couple watching Seb and Juliet have sex and a disturbing picture of Thomas hanging which prompts outrage at the show.

When Pippa returns home and discovers dead birds littered nearby the bird feeder, and an empty drink in the fridge - she realises that Juliet and Seb orchestrated Thomas' death and made it appear like suicide to add depth to their exhibition.

Pippa, who works as an optician, takes her revenge by spiking Seb and Juliet and using the machine used in laser eye surgery to burn their retinas and blind the couple.

Viewers were hooked by the thriller and couldn't believe the twist ending, with one writing: 'Just finished the movie #TheVoyeurs, it was sooo amazing and messed up, took so many sharp twists. Definitely recommend'.

Another said: 'To me, this is like fifty shades of grey but 50 times better. The characters are likeable, the story is interesting, it's sexy, kinky, tense, thrilling, funny at points. This is like what Fifty Shades of Grey should be, what people pretend it is.'

A third wrote: 'Just finished watching and omfg. I didn't not expect thatttt, LIKE WTF!! I'm SHOOK in a very twisted way, this was a f**king masterpiece (pun intended)'

'Um this film was incredible but so twisty turning, disturbing and intriguing all at the same time. 10/10', said another.

Lead actress Sydney Sweeney, who recently found fame in HBO's hit series White Lotus, previously spoke about her own unhealthy interest in social media, saying it's 'sickening' how much of an impact it has on her

Lead actress Sydney Sweeney, who recently found fame in HBO's hit series White Lotus, previously spoke about her own unhealthy interest in social media, saying it's 'sickening' how much of an impact it has on her.

'It's the most unhealthy part of my life. The fact that I am second guessing and having anxiety over posting a picture is sickening', she told PA.

'I've never seen a movie, especially present day, explore the detrimental side of our society.

'Because you're constantly comparing yourself to their lives, what they're wearing, where they are, what they look like, and I think that's something that Pippa totally has a lot of problems with, and she's comparing herself to across the window and the couple.'

Director Michael Mohan said he was 'thrilled to be bringing back the erotic thriller genre' with Voyeurs.

'We live in a strange era where it is entirely socially acceptable to peer into the lives of complete strangers by looking at the manicured and cultivated version of the lives, they'd like us to think they lead. With 'The Voyeurs,' we're asking a simple question: Is it okay to watch?', he told Variety.
Queen Letizia of Spain was the picture of elegance as she inaugurated the 2021/22 academic year of Professional Training in Haro, La Rioja, Spain, earlier today.

The royal's visit was to celebrate vocational training and the introduction of new professional courses.

Looking typically suave, Letizia, 49, opted for a monochromatic frilled shirt with subtle embroidery of the same colour by brand, Uterque.

Opting for a classic, pared back look, the Spanish monarch chose a sharp pair of plain black trousers that flattered the blouse.

Queen Letizia opted for a monochromatic frilled shirt with subtle embroidery of the same colour by brand, Uterque

Letizia wore slingback court kitten heels with a bow on the toe by designer, Isabel Abdo.

Arriving at the event, the mother-of-two was greeted by officials who proceeded to show her round the hall and introduce her to the course information.

To round it off Letizia wore slingback court kitten heels with a bow on the toe by designer, Isabel Abdo.

The queen had previously stepped out in the same shoes for the Confirmation of her daughter, Princess Leonor.

Arriving at the event, the mother-of-two was greeted by officials who proceeded to show her round the hall and introduce her to the course information.

During her visit, Queen Letizia was shown round a workshop where she viewed a bronze plaque that has been eblazoned with a crown and the words: 'IES Ciudad De Haro'.

The queen wore her signature gold ring by brand Karen Hallam, an affordable European brand

The Queen was intrigued as she was shown a workshop during the course opening in Professional School

Queen Letizia during the course opening in Professional School academic year 2021/2022, Haro

The visit comes a day after Letizia and her husband, King Filipe attended the Prado Museum in Madrid to present the National Culture Awards to those in the creative fields.

The Queen will close her busy week tomorrow by attending the virtual opening ceremony of the World Food Forum, which is held in Rome.

Also in attendance will be Queen Maxima from Holland and global influencers, in a bid to help youth shape future of food.
Prince Albert of Monaco beamed with actress Sharon Stone at a charity screening of No Time To Die in Monte Carlo last night, while his wife Princess Charlene remains in South Africa.

Albert, 60, and the Hollywood star, 63, greeted each other with a friendly kiss on the cheek and chatted as they posted for photos outside Monte Carlo Casino.

Sharon, who looks strikingly similar to Charlene with her svelte figure and cropped blonde hair, looked elegant in a glitzy cocktail dress and matching heels.

This morning Charlene, who shares six-year-old twins Gabriella and Jacques with Albert, shared an Instagram video promoting her anti-poaching charity.

The mother-of-two is in South Africa while she continues to recover from a procedure to treat an ear, nose and throat infection she contracted while on a solo visit to the country earlier this year.

She has not been seen in Monaco since January and is not expected to return until some time next month.

She has missed a string of high profile events including the Monaco Grand Prix and the annual Rose Ball, as well as the two events Albert has attended with Sharon.

EXPERT COMMENT

Albert's A-list guest! Prince Albert of Monaco looked friendly with actress Sharon Stone at last night's No Time To Die premiere in Monte Carlo

Last week: It comes just a week after the pair walked the red carpet at the 5th Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health, where Albert awarded Sharon with a lifetime achievement award

Charlene remains in South Africa while she continues to recover from a procedure to treat an ear, nose and throat infection she contracted while on a solo visit to the country earlier this year. She and Albert released photos from their reunion last month (pictured)

This morning Charlene, who shares six-year-old twins Gabriella and Jacques with Albert, shared an Instagram video promoting her anti-poaching charity, pictured

It comes as a friend said Charlene sees herself as a 'protector of the heirs' and not a royal.

Speaking to People Magazine, a source close to the former Olympic swimmer said: 'She sees herself as the protector of the heirs, as opposed to the princess of Monaco'.

The friend added Charlene 'only felt fully part of the family' after welcoming the twins which gave her 'a kind of security'.

'She's incredibly involved and protective ... in a very loving and providing kind of way, shunning other activities to be with them and making sure that they're kind of living a semi-normal life,' they added.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert has been preparing for his wife's return home after spending most of 2021 apart.

In a previous interview with People, he said Charlene was ready to come home and has been joking that she wants to clandestinely hop on a ship to make her way to Monaco.

Close: Albert gave Sharon a warm welcome to the event in Monte Carlo last night

Earlier this month, he told the magazine: 'She didn't leave Monaco in a huff! She didn't leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else She didn't go into exile. It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated.'

He added that his wife had planned to travel to South Africa to reassess her foundation's work and to spend time with her brother and friends.

How Charlene and Albert made solo outings in South Africa and Monaco during seven months apart January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene May 10 - Albert attends Monaco Gala Awards in Monaco without Charlene May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa June 1 - Prince Albert II, Jacques and Gabriella attend event at Oceanic Museum in Monaco June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip June 5- Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa June 7 - Albert and the twins attend the World Rugby Sevens without Charlene June 17 - Prince Albert attends Red Cross Summer concert in Monte Carlo with his sister Princess Caroline of Hanover June 18 - Prince Albert appears alone Monte Carlo TV Festival June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement. July 3 - Albert appears with glamorous niece Charlotte Casiraghi at the 15th international Monte-Carlo Jumping event, which is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco, July 27 - Prince Albert attends Olympics alone in Tokyo August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa September 23 - Albert attends 5th Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health with Sharon Stone September 27 - Albert attends No Time To Die premiere with Sharon Stone August 31 - Speculation mounts in the media about couple's relationship Advertisement

Albert admitted he 'probably should have addressed' the rumours sooner, but was 'concentrating on taking care of the kids' and believed they would just 'go away'.

'Of course it affects her, of course it affects me,' he told the magazine. 'Misreading events is always detrimental... We're an easy target, easily hit, because we're in the public eye a lot.'

The Princess has missed out on countless public engagements and family events due to her extended stay in South Africa, including her children's return to school.

Last month it was announced that the royal had been admitted to hospital in in the port city of Durban in the southeastern KwaZulu-Natal province after collapsing at home.

'Her Serene Highness (HSH) Princess Charlene of Monaco was rushed to hospital by ambulance late Wednesday night after collapsing due to complications from the severe ear, nose, and throat infection she contracted in May,' her foundation said in a statement.

'The Princess' medical team is currently evaluating her but have confirmed that the Princess is stable,' it said.

Chantell Wittstock, director of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Charlene's sister-in-law, later said that 'she has been released. She was released this morning'. 'Doctors are still establishing exactly what happened,' she said.

Her latest health scare was 'part of the recovery,' Wittstock said. 'She has been in a lot of pain.'

Charlene and Albert reunited last month for the first time in months after the monarch and their children flew to South Africa, but photographs of the pair embracing were branded 'awkward' by a body language expert.

In recent weeks, lifestyle magazines across Europe have speculated feverishly that the royal couple could be headed for divorce. French magazine Madame Figaro stated the images 'failed to convince the Monegasques' amid reports Charlene is looking for a house in Johannesburg.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the magazine asked: 'How long can she remain away from her children, her duties?'

'How long will the fight against rhinoceros poaching remain the Princess of Monaco's top priority? How long will Albert II of Monaco go on bearing this affront, which is becoming ridiculous?'

Historian Philippe Delorme said that 'lots of people got the impression it was an arranged marriage' between Charlene and Albert, adding: 'Albert chose a wife who resembled his mother, and Charlene clearly felt very ill at ease in this Grace Kelly role they wanted her to play.'

Charlene has been in South Africa since at least March, with media reports suggesting she is looking for a house there.

The prince, who already supports two illegitimate children, is alleged to have been in a relationship with a Brazilian woman which resulted in a daughter in 2005.

The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a 'hoax', is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met in 2000.

However, Charlene has publicly supported her husband, and the palace have reiterated she is only in South Africa because she's unable to fly.

On August 13, the Monaco palace released a statement saying Charlene was to undergo surgery.

It read: 'Princess Charlene will undergo an operation today, Friday, August 13, for four hours under general anaesthesia.'

The princess will not return to Monaco until at least the end of October.

Princess Charlene, who has been well enough to conduct interviews from South Africa and has been seen out and about, has used the time to promote her anti-poaching initiative, Chasing Zero.

Charlene's last formal engagement was on January 27 when she joined Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monte Carlo. She has not been seen at home since.

Last Monaco outing together: Charlene and Albert were last pictured together at an official event together in January at the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. Albert has made a few visits to South Africa since

Instead she has been keeping followers updated through social media posts and media interviews, in which she has spoken candidly about missing her children and described her husband as 'her rock'.

Speaking to South Africa Radio 702's host Mandy Wiener, the royal said: '[It's] very frustrating, terribly frustrating. I can't wait to get back to them, I can't wait to see my children.'

Princess Charlene's trials and tribulations in the Monaco royal family 1987 - Bea Fiedler, a German topless model, claims her son Daniel was the prince's son. 1992 - An American national files a paternity lawsuit against the Prince, claiming that he was the father of her daughter, Jazmin Grace. 2000 - Princess Charlene meets Prince Albert at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo 2005 - In May, a former flight attendant claims that her youngest son, whom she named Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, was Prince Albert's child. She states that his parentage had been proven by DNA tests requested by the Monegasque government. On 6 July, a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July, the Prince officially confirms via his lawyer Lacoste that Alexandre was his biological son. 2006 - After a DNA test confirmed the child's parentage, Albert admitted, via statement from his lawyer, that he is Jazmin Grace's father. 2010 - Princess Charlene and Prince Albert announce their engagement 2011 - Princess Charlene was said to have bolted two days before the royal wedding after hearing Prince Albert had a third love child during their relationship. It was alleged that Charlene tried to flee home to South Africa three times before her 'arranged marriage', at one point taking refuge inside her country's embassy in Paris. Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride that she provide him with a legitimate heir. After that she would be free to leave of her own free will. During the wedding, Charlene was in floods of tears, while her husband looked on impassively. Later in the year, Princess Charlene confessed she felt 'very lonely' in Monaco 2012 - Princess Charlene was reported to be 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir. 2014 - Pregnancy was announced in May. In December Charlene gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques. 2017 - Princess Charlene visits Africa, tells media: 'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. It's in my heart and in my veins.' 2019 - In a rare interview, Princess Charlene confessed it is 'sometimes hard to smile' and said the year had been 'very painful'In another interview, she said she found motherhood 'exhausting' 2020 - Charlene debuts a shocking half-shaved hairstyle. It is announced Prince Albert of Monaco will appear in court in the new year to fight explosive claims he fathered a third love child with a secret girlfriend before marrying his now wife Princess Charlene. 2021 - January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. It is the last time she has been seen in Monaco this year. Advertisement

Charlene revealed: 'It's the longest period I've actually been away from Europe, let alone my children, but I'm FaceTiming them most days and they've been here and will be returning to see me again after my procedure.

'It's an amazing opportunity [to be here] but I'm very sad I can't be with my children this summer in Europe.'

She added that she was initially only supposed to be in her native South Africa for ten to 12 days for a conservation trip with her Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation.

However, the royal had a problem 'equalising her ears' and was told by a doctor that she was suffering from a serious sinus infection.

'It's taken time to address the problem that I'm having,' explained Charlene. 'I cannot go into full detail, but I cannot force healing so I will be grounded in South Africa until the end of October.

'The reason being I cannot fly above 3,000 metres otherwise I'll have a problem with my ears.

'I feel well, I feel good, it's just obviously a waiting game for me, but I've had a great opportunity to understand a little bit more about South Africa, the environment, the needs and it's been wonderful to be back in South Africa, and I think at this time it's crucial that people are aware of certain things via my foundation.'

Charlene joined the video interview from bush country in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

She has also shared videos released by the Monaco royal palace to mark her and Albert's 10th wedding anniversary, which took place in July. The couple spent the milestone thousands of miles apart.

But royal sources have suggested the princess has 'no plans' to return soon.

A palace source told Paris Match: 'The Princess has, for the time being, in reality, no intention of returning.'

The separation is also affecting Charlene's relationship with the people of Monaco.

Stephane Bearn uses an impeccably sourced piece in the latest Paris Match to discuss the torturous separation.

He describes subjects in Monaco becoming increasingly angry about their runaway Princess, as they criticise everything from Charlene's mood swings to her appearance.

'In Monaco, since the departure of Charlene, tongues have loosened,' Mr Bearn writes. 'In the whirlwind of a hard-nosed court, her fine shine is rubbing off. Her sad looks are regarded as haggard.

'Disappointed Monegasques talk about her anger, her whimsical moods, which are as changeable as her hair.'

He added: 'The Palace had to invoke a suffering Princess so often that the Monegasques today find it hard to believe. By crying wolf, the mother of Jacques and Gabriella would have discredited and isolated herself.'

During her trip, Charlene also debuted a dramatic new shaved hairstyle.

She showcased the 'French crop' hairdo - featuring a longer strip on top of the head and dramatically shaved back and sides - in snaps shared on her charity's Instagram page in late May.

The royal first stepped out with a dramatic half-shaved head in December 2020 but has since gone even shorter and bolder with the cut.

Charlene and Albert's marriage has been plagued with rumours from the start.

The couple met at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010.

Former Olympic swimmer Charlene reportedly tried to flee Monaco for her native South Africa on three separate occasions before the royal wedding after discovering Albert had allegedly fathered a love child - his third - while they were together.

Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride, saying she could leave once she had provided him with a legitimate heir.

One source said at the time: 'Charlene will provide an heir, then if things don't go well, she will receive a generous divorce settlement once she's served a decent amount of time.'

Charlene was seen in floods of tears on her wedding day in 2011.

Just one year after their wedding, it was reported that Charlene was 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir.

Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques.

In the 10 years since, Charlene has rarely spoken publicly of her experience.

In 2017, the Princess made an emotional return to Africa, where she spoke about how much the continent means to her.

'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. Its in my heart and in my veins,' she told Eyewitness News.

Last year she admitted life was 'very painful', saying: 'I have the privilege of having this life, but I miss my family and my friends in South Africa and I'm often sad because I cannot always be there for them.'
Prince William 'has stepped up' following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and is the one 'paving the way forward' for the British monarchy, rather than his father Prince Charles, a royal expert has claimed.

Robert Lacey, British author of the best-selling book Battle of the Brothers, said the Duke of Cambridge, 39, is now one of the top three figures in the Royal Family.

He told People: 'The British throne has survived beheading, exile and enough scandal to stock entire libraries. Now a new leader - William, not Charles - is paving the way forward.'

Prince William (pictured) 'has stepped up' following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and is the one 'paving the way forward' for the British monarchy, rather than his father Prince Charles, a royal expert has claimed

The author added: 'Following the April death of Grandpa [Prince] Philip, William has stepped up to become one of the top three family figures, adding the ginger of youth to royal strategy.

'It's a crucial inflection point - this heir-in-waiting is under pressure like none before in recent history.'

The historian's remarks come amid great success for William as his new book about his ambitious Earthshot prize has topped the charts as it was released today.

Earthshot: How to Save Our Planet is said to be the definitive book of The Earthshot Prize, and aims to inspire a decade of action to repair our planet, with the Duke of Cambridge penning the foreword.

It's the first publication in Duke of Cambridge's decade-long global environmental competition.

The Prince of Wales attends the No Time To Die world premiere at Royal Albert Hall on September 28 in London

Described online as 'a book of action and optimism to save our planet', it immediately shot to the top of the Amazon bestseller list in several categories including Animal Habitats and the Environment.

The book was co-authored by Colin Butfield, former executive director at WWF, and multi-award-winning producer, director Jonnie Hughes, and has been released alongside a landmark five- part BBC One TV series in the autumn, created by Butfield and Hughes.

Launched by Prince William and the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2020, and inspired by President Kennedy's 'Moonshot ', The Earthshot Prize is the most ambitious and prestigious award of its kind.

It aims to discover and scale the best solutions to help repair our planet over the next 10 years.

The historian's remarks come amid great success for William as his new book (pictured) about his ambitious Earthshot prize has topped the charts as it was released today

Every year from 2021 until 2030, The Earthshot Prize will find and reward inclusive solutions to five 'Earthshot ' goals: protect and restore nature; clean our air; revive our oceans; build a waste-free world; and fix our climate.

The book highlights the urgency of the environmental challenges facing the world while also providing readers with 'inspirational case studies of the incredible solutions happening globally to repair our planet'.

The creative heads behind the phenomenally successful documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet and long-time advisors to The Earthshot Prize, the two co-authors have unparalleled access to the people, science and imagery behind the project.

Their significant TV credits include The Hunt, Our Planet and A Life on Our Planet.
Jenna Bush Hager has opened up about the 'almost evolutionary' experience of holding her newborn niece for the first time, recalling how she felt 'guilt' when she got pregnant with her third child because she knew her twin sister Barbara Bush wanted a baby.

The Today host, who is in Maine helping her sister, called into the morning show on Wednesday to talk about her family's newest addition, Cora Georgia Coyne, whose middle name is a tribute to their father, former President George W. Bush.

'I flew as soon as I could and got to hold her, and it was just one of those life moments Ill never forget,' Jenna, 39, told her co-stars Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie.

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New aunt! Jenna Bush Hager called into the Today show on Wednesday to talk about meeting her twin sister Barbara Bush's newborn daughter, Cora Georgia Coyne, for the first time

Family of three: Barbara, 39, and her husband Craig Coyne, 40, welcomed their first child on Monday in Kennebunkport, near the Bush family compound

Barbara, 39, and her husband Craig Coyne, 40, welcomed their first child on Monday in Kennebunkport, near the Bush family compound.

Jenna has three children of her own  Mila, Poppy, and Hal  and she described how special it is to be able to experience motherhood with her sister for the first time.

'I mean there was something almost evolutionary about it because as yall both know, my sister, we are inseparable, weve done all these things together, and the one thing she hadnt done yet was to have a baby, and so I got to meet that precious little girl yesterday,' she said.

Jenna explained that her sister has always wanted children, and people would constantly ask her when she was going to have a baby.

'When we would write books and travel, people would always say to her, "When are you going to have kids?"' she said. 'And it always kind of irritated me, like ask her about her work, theres other things. But I know that it was something she had in her heart.'

Jenna found out she was pregnant with her third child, two-year-old Hal, just a few months after Barbara and Craig got married in October 2018, and she admitted she was a bit concerned about how her sister would take the news.

Checking in: Jenna told her co-stars Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie that she is in Maine helping out her sister and brother-in-law

Update: Jenna revealed her sister had planned on giving birth in New York, but Cora came six weeks early. She added that the baby will be in the neonatal intensive care unit 'for a little bit'

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'When I got pregnant with Hal there was some guilt a little bit, for both Barbara and then I knew [Hoda] wanted another baby, and my mom said, "Everybody gets their baby in their time." And this is Barbaras time.'

Jenna shared that her sister had planned on giving birth in New York, but Cora came six weeks ahead of her due date and surprised the entire family.

'The nurse said yesterday, "I think its divine intervention,"' she recalled.

She added that the baby is expected to be in the neonatal intensive care unit 'for a little bit,' so she has been driving back and forth to Target to get baby supplies and set up a nursery in Maine.

It's unclear if Jenna's husband Henry Hager is with her, but their three children are staying with Savannah, whose daughter Vale is just a year older than Poppy.

'Poppy has told every single person in the school about her cousin,' she said of her youngest daughter.

She also confirmed that Barbara and Craig gave Cora the middle name Georgia in honor of the baby's maternal grandfather.

Joy: Jenna said she flew to Maine as soon as she could, explaining that holding Cora for the first time was an 'almost evolutionary' experience

Protective: Jenna appears to have lightly blurred the face of the baby girl, perhaps in an attempt to maintain her privacy

'Yes. Henry was like, "Finally somebody named something after your dad,' Jenna said. 'Its in honor of him, and I think thats so sweet. We feel so lucky that he was ours, and I know Barbara wanted to pay tribute to him, so that is where that middle name comes from. Its a big one.'

Barbara and Jenna are named after their paternal and maternal grandmothers, respectively, and they have carried the tradition on with their own children.

Jenna's oldest daughter Mila's full name is Margaret Laura, a combination of her grandmothers' names. Her second daughter was given the name Poppy as a tribute to the little girl's great-grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush.

Meanwhile, her son Hal's full name is Henry Harold Hager, and he goes by his middle name, which comes from his maternal great-grandfather Harold Welch.

Jenna wrote candidly about the 'survivor's guilt' she felt over her surprise third pregnancy and the Bush family's history of infertility in her book Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss.

She admitted that even her parents, George W. and Laura Bush, were worried about Barbara's reaction when she learned she was pregnant with baby Hal, who was born in August 2019.

'They were delighted, but the first thing my father said was, "Have you told Barbara?" I knew my father was worried that Barbara, newly married, would likely be trying soon for a baby if she wasnt already,' she wrote.

Family: Jenna has three children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, with her husband Henry Hager. She noted that Barbara has always wanted to have her own children

Timing: The Today host admitted that she felt 'guilt' when she found out she was pregnant with her third child, Hal, just a few months after her sister's wedding in Maine in October 2018

Wide words: Jenna recalled how her mother Laura Bush eased her worries about Barbara (pictured holding her nephew Hal) by telling her: 'Everybody gets their baby in their time'

'My parents went through so much in order to conceive us, so they are sensitive to the feelings of anyone who does not yet have the babies they want. They thought that if Barbara was trying, she might understandably envy my pregnancy.'

Jenna, who suffered an ectopic pregnancy before having her first child, explained that she and her husband weren't even trying for another baby.

'Henry and I had no plans to have more children. It wasn't even physically likely, Infertility runs in my family, and it was not easy to conceive Poppy. Now I was three years older, two years into what's termed  rather insultingly, I've always thought  advanced maternal age,' she wrote in her book.

'What's more, Henry and I, like many parents of young children, struggle to find time to be ... intimate. If we were to have another baby, it would have to be an immaculate conception.'

Two years after welcoming her third child, Jenna now has the pleasure of being an aunt. She proudly shared the first photos of her newborn niece Cora with her parents on Instagram Tuesday, just hours after the infant's arrival was announced by her elated grandparents.

In one image, Barbara and Craig are seen tenderly cradling their daughter Cora in a hospital bed. Another shows Jenna sitting with her arm wrapped around Barbara as she holds her baby girl.

She also posted two photos of herself holding her niece while wearing a face mask.

Brood: Cora Georgia is the fourth grandchild of George W. Bush and his wife Laura, who are also grandparents to Jenna's three children

Announcement: The former president shared the news of his granddaughter's birth via a press release that was issued on Tuesday, revealing that his daughter gave birth in Maine on Monday

Jenna appeared to have lightly 'muzzed' Cora's face with an editing tool in some of the photos in an apparent attempt to let her sister decide whether to display her newborn daughter's face on social media.

In her caption, she expressed her joy at meeting her newborn niece, while revealing that the baby girl arrived early.

'Dearest Cora Georgia,' she wrote. 'Today is the day I got to meet my most beautiful, precious, feisty, niece (a bit earlier than I expected!).

'I witnessed in awe as my dearest, toughest @barbara.p.bush became a mama. And today is the day I fell in love! Some cousins are anxiously waiting to play with you, but not just yet love. Xx auntie J.'

Baby Cora is the fourth grandchild of former President George W. Bush, 75, and his wife Laura, 74. The 43rd president and first lady announced the happy news in a press release issued Tuesday, calling Cora 'healthy and adorable.'

'With full hearts, Laura and I are delighted to announce the birth of our new granddaughter,' they wrote in a statement.

'Barbara gave birth to Cora Georgia Coyne on September 27, 2021, in Maine  not far from our family home where Barbara and Craig were married.

'Cora is healthy and adorable, and we are proud and grateful.'
The Duke of Cambridge has visited a London homeless charity to celebrate its '40 years of life-changing work' after first visiting with his mother Princess Diana as a young child.

Prince William, 39, stepped out at The Passage in central London to mark the charity's milestone anniversary and make a speech at an awards ceremony for the organisation.

He reminisced about his many visits to the centre, which started alongside his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1993, and includes three secret visits before Christmas 2020.

The royal also shared photographs from his trip on Instagram, including a picture of his mother visiting the centre and chatting with community members.

The Duke of Cambridge (pictured centre) has visited a London homeless charity to celebrate its '40 years of life-changing work' after first visiting with his mother Princess Diana as a young child

Prince William (pictured left), 39, stepped out at The Passage in central London to mark the charity's milestone anniversary and make a speech at an awards ceremony for the organisation

The royal also shared photographs from his trip on Instagram , including a picture of his mother visiting the centre and chatting with community members (pictured)

A touching photo from a visit to the centre in 1993 shows a young Prince William and Prince Harry posing with their mother, Princess Diana, and a resident

William wrote in the caption: 'Over the many years that I have visited The Passage, first with my mother when I was just a small boy, I have developed a great affection for you all.

'Every time I come here, I am touched by the warmth and friendliness, and the dignity and respect you show to everyone who comes through your door.

'I am always so impressed to see and hear the difference that The Passage makes to the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness. Thank you to everyone for your continuous work. W'

The Duke of Cambridge described how his mother Diana started his 'great affection' for workers from a charity helping the homeless.

William (pictured left) reminisced about his many visits to the centre, which started alongside his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1993, and includes three secret visits before Christmas 2020

William (pictured) wrote in the caption: 'Over the many years that I have visited The Passage, first with my mother when I was just a small boy, I have developed a great affection for you all'

In 2019, the duke become the patron of The Passage, an organisation established in 1980 which has gone on to help more than 135,000 people in crisis through its resource centre, homelessness prevention projects and innovative accommodation services.

Diana first took William and brother the Duke of Sussex to the charity in 1993, when the pair were young boys and William went on to make numerous public and private trips to the organisation.

He presented Colin Chilman, 56, with a Outstanding Achievement award after the former alcoholic, who saw Diana bring her sons to the charity, was able to find a job thanks to the organisation.

William told him: 'Colin, what a journey. Well done I am so pleased it's going well.'

In 2019, the duke become the patron of The Passage, an organisation established in 1980 which has gone on to help more than 135,000 people in crisis through its resource centre, homelessness prevention projects and innovative accommodation services

Diana first took William and brother the Duke of Sussex to the charity in 1993, when the pair were young boys and William went on to make numerous public and private trips to the organisation

In his speech at the anniversary celebration, postponed for a year due to Covid, the duke said: 'I find it particularly inspiring to meet former clients who were helped by The Passage's wonderful staff and volunteers in their time of need, and who have come back to help others now that they are doing much better themselves.

'The last 18 months of the pandemic have shown us how much we rely on each other to get by - and just how strong our communities can be when we work together to get things done.'

Mr Chilman now works as a kitchen porter after the charity based in Victoria, central London - which has supported him over 35 years, put him through a hotel training course.

The Duke of Cambridge (pictured left) described how his mother Diana started his 'great affection' for workers from a charity helping the homeless

William (pictured) presented Colin Chilman, 56, with a Outstanding Achievement award after the former alcoholic, who saw Diana bring her sons to the charity, was able to find a job thanks to the organisation

'I am always so impressed to see and hear the difference that The Passage makes to the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness. Thank you to everyone for your continuous work,' said William (pictured right)

He said: 'I remember seeing Diana many years ago and she was with her boys. They were so young.

'I also met William several years ago but I had a long beard. I'm well happy to win this. And extra special to get it from William.

'I just did what I did. From being an alcoholic I quit all that, I went through a bad time and (am) thankful for what has happened.'
An Oklahoma couple and their children have been named America's Kindest Family by Parents magazine after making their late son's dreams for a 'club about kindness' come true.

Luke, 39, and Holly Barron, 38, who share children Reid, seven, Holden, four, and Conley, two, lost their son Keaton to cancer at age eight in 2018.

While hospitalized, Keaton and a family friend came up with the K Club, with Keaton penning the mission statement himself: 'To be kind to others, be courageous, compassionate, and caring.'

Since his death, the Barrons have grown the K Club into a wide-spanning charitable organization that fundraises, donates necessities, throws parties, spreads joy to hurting families covers funeral costs, and even helps families make special mementos to remember their own lost children.

An honor: Luke, 39, and Holly Barron, 38, share children Reid, seven, Holden, four, and Conley, two, and lost their son Keaton to cancer at age eight in 2018. They've been named America's Kindest Family by Parents magazine

Do-gooders: While Keaton was hospitalized with leukemia, he and a friend started K Club, dedicated to kindness, and raised money for charitable causes

Keaton was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age two and a half and battled the illness on and off for years.

But all the while, his family says he a beacon of generosity.

'Even though he lived a life of suffering, he looked out for other people first,' his mother, Holly, told Today.

'He was a saint on earth from the moment he was born, different from anyone we've met. It's a privilege to be his parents,' Holly added to Parents.

'He was always positive, mature, sweet, witty, and kind,' reads their website. 'He charmed the nurses with his generosity and intelligence and always thought of others before himself.

'Despite years of treatment, Keaton never complained about appointments or hospital stays.'

Family friend Marie Jeanne Lopez, who nominated the Barrons, recalled how a then-six-year-old Keaton once got to pick out a toy for himself and got one for his little brother instead.

'He was a saint on earth from the moment he was born, different from anyone we've met. It's a privilege to be his parents,' Holly added to Parents

'Even though he lived a life of suffering, he looked out for other people first,' his mother added

'He realized his brother's life had been turned upside down by his treatment. How many 6-year-olds do that kind of thing?' she said.

In 2018, Keaton was hospitalized with the flu, months before his death. While there, he received a visit from his friend Kay Tangner, and together they started their kindness club, K Club.

They had friends and family join for $1 each  or 'whatever a person can afford'  and planned to donate the funds. They soon reached 1,000 members, and Keaton decided to donate the money to to pay for a well in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, buy part of a cow through Heifer International, buy balloons for other kids at the hospital, get gift cards for their families, and purchase treats for the nurses.

Since his death on May 11, 2018 Holly and Luke have grown it into something he never could have imagined.

'When we're out somewhere, we're always thinking, "What can we do here? How can we help?"' said Holly.

Still going: After his death, Luke and Holly continued to build up the foundation, which raises funds and throws parties for sick kids

Helping hands: They've donated goods to a pregnancy resource center, made hygiene packs for the homeless, and distributed stuffed animals with 'Keaton cards'

In the years since, K Club has spearheaded fundraising efforts to cover the cost of various initiatives.

They've collected donations for a pregnancy resource center, made hygiene packs for the homeless, and distributed stuffed animals with 'Keaton cards.'

Once, for a 'K Boost' to provide some extra happiness, they gave out goody bags at a party thrown by an eight-year-old who was dying.

They also help pay for funerals, and distribute make 'K Packs' for families of children with terminal illnesses. The K Packs include a canvas and paints so the child can leave behind art, plus a recordable book so the family will be able to hear the child's voice after they pass.

'It's an honor to provide a tiny bit of hope or peace in the most unimaginable time in a family's life,' said Holly. 'We feel for every parent who may lose a child and will do anything and everything we can to be there for them.'

Sweet! Their 'K Packs' include a a recordable book so the families of kids with terminal illnesses will be able to hear the child's voice after they pass

Big deal: Parents magazine named the America's Kindest Family and awarded them $10,000

Every month, they also host a LEGO party at Oklahoma Children's Hospital. It's a special tribute to Keaton, who was treated there and loved LEGOs.

'I think Keaton would be pleased with it all, but I don't think he'd be like, "Whoa, this is unbelievable!"' Holly said. 'I think he'd just say, "Yeah, this is what I'd planned. Good job."'

The Barron family was chosen by a panel of judges that included Kristen Bell; Today show co-hosts Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin and Al Roker; kids show creator Angela C. Santomero; Parents Latina editor-in-chief Grace Bastidas; and Parents editor-in-chief.

The family won $10,000 from the magazine, and $15,000 is being donated by Tyson Brand to the local charity Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which was chosen by the Barron family.
Married at First Sight UK fans will finally get to see the finale of the show tonight, after Channel 4 failed to air the last show of the series on Thursday.

Viewers were left fuming last night when they realised the previous episode of the hugely popular reality show was playing instead of the finale in a disastrous blunder for the channel.

Furious fans took to social media to complain, and the episode stopped after the first commercial break.

For the next 30 minutes or so, viewers were faced with a puprple screen with the message 'Programmes will continue shortly', punctuated with ad breaks, before the channel decided to air a repeat episode of Celebrity First Dates from 2016.

A 'sonic wave' which took Channel 4 off the air at the weekend has continued to disrupt programmes throughout the past week.

A spokesperson for E4 said: Following the incident at the weekend, ongoing technical issues have meant that Thursday nights episode of Married at First Sight UK was a repeat from Wednesday 29th September.

'We apologise to the fans of the show and have worked hard to get the episode to you this evening at 9pm. We hope that when you finally watch it you can find out whether Amy & Josh, Tayah & Adam and Morag & Luke renew their vows.'

Channel 4 suffered a disastrous mistake last night after it aired the wrong episode of Married At First Sight UK instead of the finale.

Episode 20  Vow Renewals 2 will air at 9pm on E4, followed by MAFS After, and both episodes will be available on All4 shortly afterwards.

A reunion special scheduled to air on Monday will still go ahead as planned.

The sixth season, which has been airing on E4 for the last three weeks, saw 16 singletons walking down the aisle to marry a stranger, before they embarked on a luxurious honeymoon, and moved in with each other and their fellow couples.

Wednesday nights episode of the hit TV series finished on a cliffhanger, as couple Amy and Josh decided whether to stay together after the experiment or split for good.

And last night fans were looking forward to seeing whether two further couples  Luke and Morag, Tayah and Adam  had decided to stay together after leaving the experiment.

However after realising the same episode as last nights was being aired, E4 stopped the show - instead leaving viewers with a screen reading Programmes will continue shortly.

Viewers were left 'fuming' over the mistake, with one writing: 'Who's getting fired for replaying last night's ep instead of the *actual* finale?'

Another wrote: 'Imagine playing the wrong episode on finale night. So what happens now then? When do we actually see the finale?'

Reaction: Frustrated viewers couldn't believe they were watching the same episode as last night's

Another commented: 'E4 is having a bit of a disaster tonight aren't they?'

Another wrote: 'WTF, why am I watching last nights MAFS, absolutely fuming that they are showing the wrong episode.'

A fourth said: '@Channel4 is having a mare!! Wheres #MAFSUK. Wrong one, frozen screen and now just a load of adverts.

One commented: 'What a mess E4 are making of this. A repeat of yesterdays episode, and now just constant adverts... Some poor person is sat working from home, desperately trying to fix this.'

Shortly after, E4 tweeted: 'Were aware its yesterdays episode of #MAFSUK playing out this evening and apologise'

Later, E4 tweeted: 'Were aware its yesterdays episode of #MAFSUK playing out this evening and apologise.

'Its all down to our ongoing tech issues which were working hard on. Well update here as soon as we know more and when youll be able to see the final episode of MAFS UK.'

It later tweeted: 'To confirm, #MAFSUK and Afters wont be playing tonight.

'Were sorry again  were working to make it available on All 4 and E4 as soon as possible and well update as soon as we know more.

Channel 4, among others, first went dark on Saturday night following a fire at a Red Bee server centre in White City, west London.

The smoke from the flames triggered a safety measure which sucked all the oxygen out of the room - which in turn caused a so-called sonic wave, causing the servers to shut down, sources told the Times.

Channel 4 does not know when normal service will resume while Red Bee Media, which also broadcasts for the BBC and Channel 5, is racing to solve the issue.

The broadcaster was forced to switch to an emergency backup system Sunday but issues have persisted.

The BBC avoided the worst of the disruption as it was able to switch its operation to Salford.

Downdetector reported more than 3,000 outages on Channel 4 from approximately 6.30pm to 8pm Sunday

A spokesperson for Channel4 previously confirmed the channel came off air 'over technical issues and steps were made to right it as soon as possible'.

They added there is no timeline in place as of yet for a full-fix, but engineers are working to resume normal service.

A spokesperson for Red Bee Media confirmed staff were evacuated after a fire at their Broadcast Centre in West London.

They said: 'As a result of this incident and the automatic safety measures set in motion at the time, several services originating from the Broadcast Centre have been disrupted.

'London Fire Brigade attended the scene, and once they had determined that the building is safe, people were allowed to return to the building. We are continuing to work to restore all services and remedy any issues caused by this incident.

'To avoid speculation, we will not make any further statements until all services have been fully restored and we have concluded a full investigation of the cause. We apologise for any inconvenience for our customers and their viewers.'
Children bullied by their siblings are more likely to suffer mental health problems later in life, according to a study.

University of York researchers analysed data from around 17,000 youngsters in the UK from 11 to 17, looking at whether they had been picked on by a brother or sister.

Bullying was defined as hurting a sibling on purpose emotionally or physically, such as fighting and name calling.

The study found children bullied between 11 and 14 were more likely to have mental health issues by their 17th birthday. Data showed they were almost twice as likely to be introverted, compared to children who had good relationships with their siblings.

It also found children who picked on their siblings were just as likely to suffer as their victims, which scientists said was 'of particular note'.

Previous academic papers have found sibling bullying can lead to immediate mental health difficulties and issues at schools.

One in five young people are bullied every year in both the UK and the US, either by siblings or other children at school, activity camps, or other venues.

University of York researchers monitored mental health and bullying among 17,000 British children for more than 20 years (stock image)

Teachers could face an increase in bad behaviour in class after pandemic Teachers may face unprecedented bad behaviour, bullying and fighting due to the damaging effect of school closures on children's mental health, a study warned in March. Poor concentration and restlessness could also cause problems as pupils readjust after a year of disruption. Experts claim it will be as important for teachers to help pupils 'catch up' with their mental health as the emphasis on filling in the gaps in learning. Separate research also revealed that many girls, who are thought to have had more pandemic-related stress than boys, have developed Tourette's syndrome, which causes sufferers to make involuntary sounds and tics. In the first study, researchers at three universities found bad behaviour soared when children went back to school after the previous lockdown, with a rise in tantrums and clinginess being blamed on pandemic stress. According to researchers at the universities of Essex, Surrey and Birmingham, the effects of missing six weeks of school could equate to a 73 per cent increase in challenging behaviour. Their report says that although overall well-being rose when schools reopened in September, the subsequent closure will make any negative effects on children's mental health and behaviour 'likely to continue after the Easter holidays and into next term, if not beyond'. Advertisement

The study  published today in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence  included 17,157 eldest children with at least one other sibling.

There were an equal number of boys and girls in the study, and they were from families receiving child benefits.

Parents  normally the mothers  and children were asked about whether there was bullying going on in the home. This was carried out when the children were 11 and 14 years old.

When the youngsters turned 17 years old the children were asked about their own mental health, as well as the parents.

The researchers found that parents' and children's answers tended to match when the youngsters were 11 and 14 years old, but that there were more differences by the time they were 17 years old.

Bullying was split into four categories: Those who were bullied by their siblings, those who bullied their siblings, those who both bullied and were bullied by their siblings and those who did not bully their siblings.

To determine how upbeat a child was, they were asked to rank their wellbeing and self-esteem.

To measure negative mental health children answered questions that would determine whether they had internalised problems  such as preferring to be alone  and externalised problems  such as being easily distracted and easy to anger.

They were also asked about psychological distress  including how often they felt so depressed they could not be cheered up and how often they were nervous.

Overall, half of the children involved in the study bullied or were bullied by their siblings at age 11. At 14 years old, this had dropped to a third.

Results showed that children who were bullied by their siblings were more likely to suffer from internalised problems, be psychologically distressed and self-harm.

The study did not account for other variables such as wealth and geography.

Children who bullied their siblings were just as likely to suffer mental health problems as those that were victims, strengthening the long-held view that bullies project their own issues onto others.

Lead researcher Dr Umar Toseeb said: 'While sibling bullying has previously been linked to poor mental health outcomes, it was not known whether there is a relationship between the persistence of bullying and the severity of mental health.

'Of particular note was the finding that even those who bullied their siblings, but were not bullied themselves (i.e. the bullies) had poorer mental health outcomes years later.'
Living high up a mountain may protect you from suffering or dying from a stroke, a study suggests.

Ecuadorian researchers looked through more than 100,000 stroke hospitalisations and deaths in the country.

Stroke patients were divided into two groups, based solely on where they lived and its elevation above sea level.

Results showed people living below 2,500m  which includes the entire UK  were more likely to suffer a stroke. And they were also more likely to be hospitalised or die from the condition, one of the most common causes of death.

Academics from Ecuador's Universidad de las Americas were baffled as to why this may be the case.

But they speculated people living at higher altitudes could have grown extra blood vessels in their brain to counteract the lack of oxygen at high altitudes.

When someone has a stroke part of their brain is starved of this vital chemical, which can lead to cell death.

There are around 32,000 strokes a year in the UK, while there are more than 795,000 annually in the US.

Scientists found Ecuadorians living more than 2,500 metres above sea level (yellow and red ) were less likely to suffer a stroke than those living below this altitude (grey and green )

The scientists found that older men were more likely to suffer strokes than younger men, regardless of which altitudes they lived at

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, looked at hospitalisations and deaths in Ecuador between 2000 and 2017.

Men living 2,500m above sea level were 35 per cent less likely to die of a stroke than those at lower altitudes, the researchers said. There was a similar, but not as great, difference for women.

They were also less likely to be hospitalised, the data suggested.

And it found men living at high altitudes developed stroke up to four years later than low altitude dwellers.

What are the main risk factors for stroke? There are several risk factors that increase a person's risk of suffering a stroke. These are: Age

High blood pressure

Smoking

Obesity

Sedentary lifestyle

Diabetes

Atrial fibrillation

Family history of strokes Scientists in Ecuador have also suggested that people who live at higher altitudes are less likely to suffer a stroke. Their research builds on previous papers which also suggested a link between altitude and stroke risk. Advertisement

However, the results were not statistically significant, suggesting other factors may have been involved for the findings.

An analysis on healthcare availability was also carried out.

It found people living at higher altitudes had more hospital beds available (173 per 100,000 people) compared to those at lower levels (128 per 100,000 people).

About 30 per cent of the country's 17million people live in the Andes, which go up to more than 6,000 metres above sea level.

Lead author Professor Esteban Ortiz-Prado said: 'The main motivation of our work was to raise awareness of a problem that is very little explored.

'More than 160million people live above 2,500 meters and there is little information regarding epidemiological differences in terms of stroke at altitude.

'We wanted to contribute to knowledge in this population that is often considered to be the same as the population living at sea level, and from a physiological point of view we are very different.'

The highest point in Britain is Ben Nevis, which stands about 1,300 metres above sea level.

Strokes usually happen when a clot forms inside one of the brain's major vessels, leading to the surrounding tissue being starved of oxygen and dying.

They can also be triggered by a bleed on the brain.

Several factors can increase someone's risk of suffering from the condition including smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.

Symptoms include a sudden numbness or weakness in the face, trouble speaking or confusion and severe headaches with no known cause.

This study builds on previous research which linked living at high altitudes to being less likely to suffer a stroke.
AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against infection - especially among older adults, according to new data from the company's U.S. clinical trial.

The vaccine, developed with researchers from the University of Oxford, was found to be 74 percent effective against symptomatic Covid infection.

Efficacy increased to nearly 84 percent among participants who were aged 65 and older.

This makes AstraZeneca's vaccine less protective against infection than the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines at 88.8 percent and 96.3 percent, respectively, but more protective than Johnson & Johnson's vaccine at 70 percent.

It comes as AstraZeneca plans to seek full approval of the shot with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this fall after numerous setbacks delayed the firm from applying for the faster emergency use authorization (EUA) in the spring.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine was found to be 74% effective against symptomatic infection in results from its large U.S. trial with efficacy increasing to 83.5% among participants who were aged 65 or older. Pictured: Boxes of AstraZeneca's vaccine, June 2021

There were no cases of severe or critical COVID-19 and no deaths among vaccine recipients compared to 8 cases and 2 deaths in the placebo group (above)

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 immunization is known as a viral vector vaccine, the same type of shot that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is.

Viral vector vaccines combine genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid - with the genes of the adenovirus, which causes the common cold.

The portion taken from SARS-CoV-2 codes for the spike protein that the coronavirus uses to enter and infect cells in order to train the body to recognize the virus and induce an immune response if infected.

For the trial, which has results published in The New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, the team looked at 32,000 volunteers in the U.S., Chile and Peru.

Two-thirds of the volunteers received two shots of the vaccine spaced four weeks apart while the remaining one-third received two placebo shots.

ASTRAZENECA'S COVID VACCINE IS MORE PROTECTIVE AGAINST INFECTION THAN J&J - BUT LESS THAN PFIZER AND MODERNA Efficacy of AstraZeneca against infection: 74% Efficacy of Pfizer-BioNTech against infection: 88.8% Efficacy of Moderna against infection: 96.3% Efficacy of Johnson & Johnson against infection: 70% Advertisement

There were no cases of severe or critical symptomatic COVID-19 among the participants who got the vaccine compared with eight such cases among the volunteers who got the placebo.

Additionally, there were two Covid deaths in the placebo group but none among those who received the vaccine.

Researchers determined the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated 74 percent efficacy at preventing symptomatic disease and 83.5 percent efficacy in people aged 65 and older.

'I was pleasantly surprised,' Dr Anna Durbin, a vaccine researcher at Johns Hopkins University and one of the study's investigators, told Reuters of the overall result.

'It was also highly protective against severe disease and hospitalization.'

The most common side effects reported by the vaccine recipients were general pain, headache, injection-site pain and fatigue.

There were no cases of a rare but serious blood clotting side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia that has been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The company had originally planned to file for EUA in the U.S. in spring 2021, but suffered several setbacks starting last year.

In September 2020, the U.S. arm of AstraZeneca'a vaccine trial was paused after a British participant was rushed to the hospital following a serious reaction that triggered spinal cord inflammation.

Then the company did not turn over trial safety data to the FDA for a month, further delaying the study's resumption.

When AstraZeneca released results from an interim analysis of its clinical trial showing 79 percent efficacy in March 2021, U.S. health officials claimed the figure was based on 'outdated information.'

AstraZeneca's vaccine is not likely to be widely used in the U.S. with 184.3 million fully vaccinated and more than 77% of adults with at least one dose

The British drugmaker revised the figure days later to 76 percent.

In April, the firm said it was struggling to pull together the data necessary to apply for emergency use authorization in the U.S.

AstraZeneca said in late July it planned to file for full approval with the FDA rather than seek emergency use authorization.

CEO Pascal Soriot told a media briefing at the time he hoped the vaccine could still play a role in the U.S., even though the process was taking longer than expected.

The company is exploring booster doses for people who have already been vaccinated with two doses of either its own shot or mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna.

Durbin told Reuters she does not expect the vaccine to be used much in the U.S., considering most adults have already received one and children are likely to only be allowed to take the Pfizer shot.

But, she added that securing FDA approval 'does give them gravitas.'
Covid-related stress may have caused millions of women to experience disruptions to their periods, a study suggests.

An American survey of 210 women found 54 per cent experienced changes to their menstrual cycle between July and August 2020.

Half of the women that reported changes experienced longer periods and a just over a third complained of heavier bleeding than usual. Changes in PMS symptoms were also reported by half of the women.

All the woman surveyed were also asked to score their stress levels both prior to, and during, the Covid pandemic through an online questionnaire.

Women who experienced high levels of pandemic stress were more likely to experience period problems such as longer than regular cycle or heavier bleeding a new US study has found

ARE MY PERIODS ABNORMAL? Public Health England's research has revealed nearly half of women  48 per cent  say they struggle with menstrual issues such as heavy or irregular periods. So when should you be concerned about your period? Period pain is common and most women experience it at some time in their life. The pain is usually felt as cramps in the abdomen and is caused by the muscular wall of the womb tightening and temporarily cutting off oxygen. See your doctor if the pain is severe or is suddenly different from what is normal for you, as it can be a sign of endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Irregular periods happen when the length of your menstrual cycle changes. They may be normal or easily explained by hormones, but you should see a doctor if they suddenly become irregular, if they are very close together or far apart (less than 21 days or more than 35 days), or if the periods last longer than a week. Heavy periods, in which a lot of blood is lost, are common but can seriously affect a woman's life. Heavy bleeding is defined as losing 80ml (16 teaspoons) or more in each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both. Heavy periods are not necessarily a sign of an underlying problem but if you notice an unusual amount of blood, or it is affecting your day-to-day life, it's a good idea to visit your GP. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

On average the women reported higher levels of stress during the Covid pandemic than before.

Experts from Northwestern University, who carried out the study warned the stress of the pandemic was likely to blame.

Study author Professor Nicole Woitowich said: 'We know added stress can negatively impact our overall health and well-being.'

But she added 'stress can also disrupt normal menstrual cycle patterns and overall reproductive health'.

Thousands of women have also complained of disrupted cycles after being vaccinated, though none of the women surveyed would have got the Covid jab at the time of the survey.

Professor Woitowich said the findings on stress, published in the Journal of Women's Health, confirmed many anecdotal reports from women of period disruption during the pandemic.

'Given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and its significant impact on mental health, this data is unsurprising and confirms many anecdotal reports in the popular press and on social media,' she said.

She added that the fact women were now experiencing period irregularities due to Covid infection, as well as vaccination against the virus, the pandemic's impact on reproductive health should not be ignored.

'We are already seeing the ripple effects of what happens when we fail to consider this important facet of womens health,' Professor Woitowich added.

'Many are now experiencing menstrual cycle irregularities as a result of the Covid vaccines or infection.'

The UK Government's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which keeps track of vaccine side effects, has recorded 35,707 period problems in women after they received the vaccine.

But experts fear this figure is only the tip of the iceberg because many women who experienced the changes likely did not report them.

However, the reports do not prove the vaccine was to blame.

Period issues reported after getting a Covid vaccine include heavy bleeding, missing periods, and periods being earlier or later than usual.

Some postmenopausal women have also said they experienced vaginal bleeding after being vaccinated.

Britain's medical regulator has refused to accept or deny a link to disrupted cycles, and says most menstrual problems appear to be 'transient' in nature.

But period issues have previously been linked to other vaccines, such as the HPV jab.

However, there is no evidence that Covid vaccines effect fertility, top doctors insist.
It is safe to get the Covid and flu vaccines in each arm at the same time, a study has found.

Research of 700 Britons revealed giving both injections in one visit raised no safety concerns and still produced a strong immune response.

Half of the volunteers were given both injections at the same time, while the others were given the doses separately three weeks apart.

Co-administering the vaccines at the same time only caused 'mild to moderate' side effects, researchers said.

Ministers have already said millions of Britons can get the flu jab at the same time as their Covid booster.

More than 32million people are eligible for a third dose in the coming months  but only six months after their second.

The NHS says most people who can get a booster are also eligible for the annual flu vaccine.

Getting two or more jabs at once is already fairly standard practice throughout the NHS, especially in babies and people travelling to certain destinations.

And people in their 70s are eligible for a one-off shingles vaccine, given alongside the flu jab.

But experts have to test new combinations of vaccines, in case they become less effective when given together or severe side effects.

Research of 700 Britons revealed giving both injections in one visit raised no safety concerns and still produced a strong immune response

The ComFluCOV study aimed to determine whether it was safe to give both jabs at once and whether there were any side effects.

Between April and June, they gave second Covid jabs and one of three flu vaccines to 679 adults from 10 NHS sites across England and Wales who had already received their first dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

The first group of 340 people received their second Covid dose and flu jab at the same time.

Three weeks later, they were given a saline placebo injection.

Number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day rises by 30% in a week to nearly 60,000 The number of Britons catching Covid every day rose almost 30 per cent last week, amid fears a fourth wave of infections is just around the corner. King's College London scientists estimated 58,126 people were getting infected every day in the week ending September 25, up 28.9 per cent from the previous seven day spell. Cases have soared in children ever since millions of youngsters returned to classrooms following the summer holidays. But now infections appear to be spilling over into their parents, a trend MailOnline revealed earlier this week. Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, said cases were now being passed up the 'generational ladder'. He warned families to be careful at this 'critical time' because a 'little caution' could stop hospitals being overrun in the face of another surge this winter. It came as separate Test and Trace figures today showed England's infections rose 18 per cent in the latest week. There were more than 190.000 positive test results recorded in the week to September 22, they said. And Public Health England's weekly surveillance report revealed Covid cases rose in eight in ten local authorities across England last week. Despite a raft of data showing Britain's coronavirus outbreak is still growing, the number of people testing positive shrunk today for the first time in nearly a fortnight. Department of Health statistics showed another 36,480 cases were recorded, down 0.6 per cent compared to the same time last week. They had risen week-on-week for the previous 12 days. Advertisement

The remaining 339 participants were given their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine and a saline injection at their first visit and a flu jab at their second visit.

The researchers, led by a team at the University of Bristol, monitored the patients for six weeks.

The results were published as a pre-print, meaning they have yet to be scrutinised by fellow scientists.

People may have their flu and booster jabs on the same day if their GP surgery, clinic or pharmacy has sufficient supply of both, or may still have them on separate days if both injections are not available.

'Apart from the convenience (and the cost to the NHS/providers), there is no medical or immunological reason to go out of your way to get the vaccines at the same time,' the researchers said.

Dr Peter English, former chair of the BMA Public Health Medicine Committee who was not involved in the study, said the logistics of vaccination a large number of people against the flu and Covid would be 'greatly simplified' if the jabs are given simultaneously.

This is because co-administration is 'much simpler, more convenient for the patient and cheaper for healthcare providers', he noted.

Dr English said: 'I cannot think of any examples where co-administration of vaccines is in any way unsafe (compared to administering them separately); and it is extremely unusual for co-administration to interfere with vaccine effectiveness.

'We would not expect any problems to arise from co administration of flu and Covid vaccines.

'But it is wise and precautionary to check for possible problems in clinical trials before authorising or recommending widespread co-administration. This study does just that.'

However, he noted that getting both jabs at once might not be as necessary as previously thought.

A large proportion of the population is already double-jabbed and 'by the time we gear up to being able to co-administer the two vaccines, it is not clear that we will need to vaccinate any more people against Covid', Dr English said.

But this might change in the future if further doses of Covid vaccines  boosters of current vaccines or newer vaccines tailored to prevent variants  are found to be beneficial, he said.

If this is the case, then co-administration 'might be very valuable', he added.
Blind patients have been able to recognise family members for the first time in years after volunteering for a pioneering gene-editing experiment.

Michael Kalberer, 43, and Carlene Knight, 54, both suffer from an incurable eye disease which robbed them of their vision in adulthood.

Earlier this year, they were among seven patients who allowed scientists to modify their DNA by injecting them with the gene-editing tool CRISPR.

While their vision has not been fully restored, they are able to see colors, navigate hallways and make out silhouettes.

Mr Kalberer, from Long Island, revealed he was able to recognise relatives on the dancefloor of his cousin's wedding, something which had been impossible for years.

He told National Public Radio: 'I could see the DJ's strobe lights change color and identify them to my cousins who were dancing with me. That was a very, very fun joyous moment.'

Ms Knight, from Portland, Oregon, said she could finally see color clearly for the first time since she was a child, which she described as 'just amazing'. To celebrate, she has dyed her hair her favorite color  green.

The pair signed up to receive the experimental treatment at the Oregon Health & Science University in May.

It was the first time CRISPR  which has shown promise in treating conditions like sickle cell disease  had ever been used to edit a person's genes inside their body.

Michael Kalberer, 43, from Long Island, revealed he was able to recognise relatives on the dancefloor of his cousin's wedding, something which had been impossible for years

Carlene Knight, 54, from Portland, Oregon, said she could finally see color for the first time since she was a child, which she described as 'just amazing'. To celebrate, she has dyed her hair her favorite color  green

Both Kalberer and Knight were both born with a rare genetic eye disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

Sufferers have rods and cones - cells that detect dim and bright light, respectively - in the retina that do not function properly.

Some are blind at birth while others experience visual loss over time, which was the case for Kalberer and Knight.

HOW DOES CRISPR DNA EDITING WORK? The CRISPR gene editing technique is being used an increasing amount in health research because it can change the building blocks of the body. At a basic level, CRISPR works as a DNA cutting-and-pasting operation. Technically called CRISPR-Cas9, the process involves sending new strands of DNA and enzymes into organisms to edit their genes. In humans, genes act as blueprints for many processes and characteristics in the body  they dictate everything from the colour of your eyes and hair to whether or not you have cancer. The components of CRISPR-Cas9  the DNA sequence and the enzymes needed to implant it  are often sent into the body on the back of a harmless virus so scientists can control where they go. Cas9 enzymes can then cut strands of DNA, effectively turning off a gene, or remove sections of DNA to be replaced with the CRISPRs, which are new sections sent in to change the gene and have an effect they have been pre-programmed to produce. But the process is controversial because it could be used to change babies in the womb  initially to treat diseases  but could lead to a rise in 'designer babies' as doctors offer ways to change embryos' DNA. Source: Broad Institute Advertisement

LCA is estimated to affect between one and two babies out of every 100,000 births, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Both patients have a version of the disease caused by a defect in the gene CEP290, which regulates a protein that keeps the eye healthy.

While CRISPR normally involves taking cells out of the body, editing them in the lab, and then infusing them back into patients  that's not possible for diseases like LCA.

This is because retinal cells are too fragile to be removed, edit and reinserted, NPR reported.

In the trial, three tiny incisions were made in Knight's left eye and Kalberer's right eye to insert billions of benign virus particles carrying the CRISPR technology.

CRISPR then cut out the genetic mutation of the cells that affect the rods and cones, which spurred the body to produce properly working genes.

Scientists only operated on one eye to begin with, but plan to do the other eye if the patients continue to improve.

Not all patients in the trial saw results, for reasons which are still unknown.

And in those such as Knight and Kalberer, who did see benefit, their vision is still far from perfect.

But the results are so promising that the researchers have been given the go-ahead to move onto a larger group of patients.

Kalberer said the ability to make out shapes and light, and see better through his peripheral, had restored some normality to his life, including being able to eat out.

He added: 'It has enabled me to navigate a plate of food and stab food a little bit easier.

'If I look down at a plate of food and there's spoon or utensil in it I can see the edge of the utensil on the outside of the bowl or plate.

'So those changes are very, very significant to me.'

Both Kalberer and Knight (pictured before the treatment) were both born with a rare genetic eye disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)

Kalberer said the ability to make out shapes and light, and see better through his peripheral, had restored some normality to his life, including being able to eat out

To his surprise, he can also now see colors for the first time in years. He noticed it about a month after the procedure when a red car drove past.

Mr Kalberer has been able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, such as watching the sun set with friends.

Ms Knight is also loving her regained ability to make out colors, telling NPR: 'I've always loved colors.

'Since I was a kid it's one of those things I could enjoy with just a small amount of vision.

'But now I realize how much brighter they were as a kid because I can see them a lot more brilliantly now. It's just amazing.'
Face masks should be brought back in secondary schools immediately, a member of Independent SAGE claimed today.

Guidance saying children should wear coverings in classrooms was dropped in mid-May as part of ending lockdown restrictions.

But with the number of children testing positive for Covid having soared to its highest level since the pandemic began, some academics now want them to return to schools.

Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London, said they should be brought back to schools 'now'.

Addressing a Royal Society for Medicine briefing, she also called for other mitigation measures to come back into use such as keeping doors and windows open.

Current restrictions require school children to test themselves for the virus twice a week using a lateral flow device.

Face masks are already in use at schools in parts of the South West, Cumbria and Northamptonshire.

But this is not Government policy nationwide, although officials have said schools are free to reimpose some Covid restrictions including face masks in the event of an uptick.

Pupils in parts of the South West and Northamptonshire are already wearing face masks in schools (stock image, above)

Public Health England's weekly surveillance report found the case rate among 10 to 19-year-olds (green line) rose to 1,084 cases per 100,000 children last week, the highest on record.

Professor Pagel said: 'I think we need to put mitigations back in schools, particularly masks in secondary schools, now and roll out the vaccine a bit more rapidly.'

She warned the spiralling infection rates in children, risks of them suffering 'long Covid' and a slow vaccine roll out meant action should be taken to limit the spread of the virus.

Teaching unions have already called for face masks to be brought back to schools amid surging Covid cases.

But some experts have warned they will likely further negatively impact children's education, and the evidence on how well they work is patchy.

Scotland  which saw a meteoric rise in Covid cases  required masks in schools when children returned from the summer holidays.

Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of Schools Trusts, said officials needed to weigh up whether face masks should be brought back in schools.

'I am not making the case for face coverings not to be in the classroom, definitely not,' she said. 'I am making a case so that a proportionate decision is made.

'If the risk to children of infection is more significant than the risks for losing education, then there should be a policy for face masks in the classroom.'

But Dr Camilla Kingdon, the president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, called for the last remaining Covid measures in schools to be scrapped.

The college is calling for the end of twice weekly testing for pupils  the only Covid control measure still in use in schools.

She told the briefing: 'The reason that we are saying let's have a conversation about routine lateral flow tests for children is because we want to get into a more normal way of returning to school.

'In a normal winter, if your child is ill, has a fever or a cough, they should not come into school, but if your child is healthy they should come in.

'We are advocating for a conversation on how can we get back to that place where children can rely on being allowed to go to school.'

It comes after a report was published today saying one in six children have a mental health problem and two-thirds say their lives were worse in lockdown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is being trolled over its new announcement urging 'pregnant people' to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The organization issued an 'urgent health advisory' on Wednesday, saying that they 'strongly recommend vaccination for those pregnant, recently pregnant or trying to become pregnant'.

On Twitter, the CDC also released a graphic which included a caption which read: 'Pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 have a 70% increased risk of death'.

The tweet was promptly criticized by dozens of people furious over the fact that the CDC used the phrase 'pregnant people' instead of 'pregnant women'.

'Not interested in medical advice from people who cant figure out which gender can actually get pregnant,' one critic blasted.

Another scathingly wrote: 'This tweet demonstrates one reason why so many people don't respect CDC recommendations. When you use the phrase 'pregnant people' (suggesting men can be pregnant) you undermine your own credibility and cause thinking people to disregard your so called 'science.' Do better.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) is being trolled over its new announcement urging 'pregnant people' to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Dozens of angry Twitter users responded to the CDC's 'woke' announcement

A third person similarly stated: 'Only women are able to get pregnant. Saying 'pregnant people' is unscientific. It might be why many aren't listening.'

Meanwhile, another angry Twitter user claimed the CDC was 'dehumanizing' women by failing to acknowledge them in their new advisory.

Another summed up: 'A woke organization peddling the woke agenda to control every aspect of our lives'.

The CDC has not responded to the backlash.

The advisory comes after new data revealed just under under one-third of pregnant women have been vaccinated, figures from the CDC show.

'Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time - and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for families,' CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a statement alongside the health advisory.

'I strongly encourage those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to talk with their healthcare provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.'

The CDC issued an advisory on Wednesday recommending 'urgent cation' to increase vaccination rates among pregnant women. Pictured: Michelle Melton gets the Pfizer vaccine at 35 weeks pregnantat Skippack Pharmacy in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, February 2021

Just 31% of all mothers-to-be (dark blue line) have been vaccinated with the highest rate among Asian women at 45.7% (pink line) and the lowest rate among black women at 15.6% (orange line)

As of Wednesday, more than 125,000 pregnant women have contracted COVID-19, according to the CDC.

Of those women, more than 22,000 have been hospitalized and 161 died - 22 of those deaths occurred in the month of August alone.

'Cases of COVID-19 in symptomatic, pregnant people have a two-fold risk of admission into intensive care and a 70 percent increased risk of death,' the CDC wrote in its health advisory.

Several studies have found that expecting mothers are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general population.

And, once they do fall ill with the virus, they are more likely to develop severe cases or die from it.

One study from the University of Washington in Seattle found pregnant women infected with Covid were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized with complications and nearly 14 times more likely to die than younger Americans.

Expectant mothers who have COVID-19 also more likely to experience complications with their pregnancies.

A study from the University of Oxford in the UK, found mothers-to-be had a 76 percent higher risk of developing preeclampsia - a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure - and were 59 percent more likely to give birth prematurely.

Despite these risks, just 31 percent of pregnant people were fully vaccinated before or during their pregnancies, CDC figures show.

There are disparities between races/ethnicities with Asian mothers-to-be having the highest vaccination rate at 45.7 percent.

Hispanic pregnant women have lower rates at 25 percent and the lowest rate is among black women at 15.6 percent.

Many pregnant women have been hesitant to get vaccinated due to misinformation that Covid vaccines are linked to infertility.

However, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in expectant mothers - or women looking to become pregnant - and don't raise the risk of miscarriage.

In fact, an Israeli study found that pregnant women vaccinated with Pfizer's shot were nearly five times less likely to be infected than unvaccinated pregnant women.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE PATHFINDERS

by Will Iredale (WH Allen 20, 448 pp)

As they drained beer by the bucketful in the smoky pubs of East Anglia, an elite bunch of boys in RAF blue, all sporting a distinctive golden eagle badge on their uniforms, roared out their signature song.

There was flak, flak, bags of effing flak, in the Ruhr, in the Ruhr, they sang defiantly, to the tune of The Quartermasters Store.

Their raucousness disguised courage and fear, because they knew intimately the risks of bombing Germanys industrial heartland. They were the Pathfinders, a special corps of highly skilled flyers whose responsibility, night after night, was to go some 15 minutes ahead of the 600 or so bombers attacking Germany that night and light up the target for them.

Will Iredale gives recognition to the Pathfinders in a new history book. Pictured: WWII Lancaster bomber and crew

First on the scene in their Lancasters and Mosquitoes, they dropped white flares hanging from parachutes that drifted down like sparkling Christmas trees, illuminating the whole area and causing panic on the ground. These were followed by bright yellow, red and green pyrotechnic markers  glorified fireworks to pinpoint the specific city or factory for a flotilla of planes to aim at.

The Pathfinders took the brunt of the enemys considerable defences before the pack arrived en masse to saturate the targets with their lethal loads.

They would then circle in the sky above the target, checking that the bombs were hitting correctly, dropping more markers if necessary, all the while in danger of being shot down.

They were the bravest of the brave, says Iredale, as he lights up  an appropriate metaphor  the achievements of a group whose contribution to the war effort has not always been recognised.

Their exploits became legends. Ernie Holmes was piloting his Lancaster home after a night raid on Dortmund when a Junkers night fighter spotted him and sped in for the kill. There was a loud bang as shells ripped into his port wing and the plane went into a dive.

As he unstrapped himself, a huge explosion knocked him unconscious. He came to a few seconds later to find himself lying outside the planes nose as it plummeted to earth, the cockpit canopy gone. He was being held in place by his left foot, which was snagged under the instrument panel.

With a superhuman effort, he dragged himself back into the cockpit, freed his foot and just in time pushed himself away from the burning fuselage. His parachute thankfully opened and he dropped into a muddy field, just yards from what remained of his Lancaster.

Apart from a broken nose, he was uninjured. Soon taken as a prisoner of war, he was also, by a miracle, a survivor. (He turned 100 last January.)

Ernie Holmes was piloting his Lancaster home after a night raid on Dortmund when a Junkers night fighter spotted him, apart from a broken nose, he was uninjured. Pictured fifth from left: Ernie Holmes, with other airmen

Iredale believes these 20,000 special men turned the tide of World War II  a big claim but one he argues persuasively in this absorbing history.

Bomber Command had been hitting Germany with night raids since the start of the war and, in the grim days since Dunkirk put Britain on the back foot, it was pretty well the only means of taking the battle to the enemy.

But the hit-rate was dismal. In only one mission in three were bombs dropped within five miles of the target. The simple problem was that, as one senior RAF figure put it, we cannot see in the dark.

In high places, the situation was seen as so catastrophic that there was serious talk of abandoning the whole project of bombing Germany, virtually handing victory to Hitler.

A radical change of tactics was needed, and it came with a plan to take the top pilots and navigators from all squadrons and mould them into an advanced strike force that, once equipped with the latest radar navigation aids, could sneak in and light up targets.

It was a controversial idea. Air Marshal Arthur Harris, the gritty, no-nonsense boss of Bomber Command, opposed it, partly because he hadnt thought of it himself but mainly on the grounds that creaming off the best in this way would foment jealousy and rivalry.

But Winston Churchill  always an enthusiast for elite units (witness the commandos and SOE)  overruled him, and in 1942 the Pathfinders were created, under the command of tough-talking Australian air ace Group Captain Donald Bennett.

An individual Pathfinder would be lucky to still be alive after 12 sorties. Pictured: Aircraft in flight during World War II

Each man was specially selected, then trained to exacting standards way beyond anything else demanded in Bomber Command. One mistake and youre out, Bennett told them.

The terms they signed up to were tough. Each recruit agreed to 45 missions without a break, instead of the standard 30. Crews were expected to reach a target in Germany within a minute of their designated time, a margin of error of ten seconds for every 100 miles flown, despite enemy flak, night fighters and bad weather.

But they were well rewarded. Each man got an immediate promotion in rank and a pay rise  danger money. And they earned every penny of it. Over the next three years, 3,600 were killed in action. An individual Pathfinder would be lucky to still be alive after 12 sorties. The loss rate was so great that 50 new crews had to be recruited every month.

But almost from the start, the mark they made was indelible. The first Pathfinders-led attack left the giant Krupp arms factory in Essen smouldering in ruins, leaving Hitler agitated by the sudden accuracy of the British bombing.

Serious damage was at last being done to Germany, smashing its industry, tying up thousands of big guns on defensive duties when they could have been deployed on other fronts and undermining morale. Overall, the hit rate of Bomber Command soared, until by 1945 it was 95 per cent.

THE PATHFINDERS by Will Iredale (WH Allen 20, 448 pp)

Yet even so, the wily Harris kept sniping away, trying to undermine a project he had never approved of. As Iredale plots these machinations, we see yet again how winning the war was often hampered by rivalries among the very men running it, as much a threat to the survival of the Pathfinders as the Germans were.

By contrast, the Pathfinders themselves were united in a one-for-all, all-for-one camaraderie. This was exemplified by middle-aged Squadron Leader John MacGown, a Wimpole Street eye doctor who joined the Pathfinders as their medical officer. His job was to improve their eyesight, particularly their night vision, which he could have done without ever leaving the airfield, safe on terra firma.

But MacGown insisted on knowing first-hand what his boys went through by joining them on sorties. How else could he treat them unless he knew the mental and physical anguish they endured?

The boys listen to what I say because they know I understand what they have to do, he told his wife. If one crew had a bad trip, he would make it his responsibility to go with them the next time as a gesture of solidarity. They felt reassured at having the Doc on board.

Their commander Donald Bennett sometimes did the same, despite direct orders from Harris not to in case he was shot down, captured and interrogated.

In a high-flying Mosquito, he would circle above the battle in the air, just to experience what his men went through and taking notes on how they could improve their performance. They loved him for it.
BIOGRAPHY

MAKING DARKNESS LIGHT: THE LIVES AND TIMES OF JOHN MILTON

by Joe Moshenska (Basic 25, 464 pp)

The American writer and humourist Mark Twain, in a 1900 speech about The Disappearance of Literature, told his audience: I dont believe any of you have ever read Paradise Lost, and you dont want to.

If your school English lessons involved struggling through Paradise Lost  or any of John Miltons epic works, like Samson Agonistes or Paradise Regained  youll know just what Twain meant. Miltons language may be powerful and beautiful, but along the way you have to grapple with his dense metaphors, labyrinthine sentences and strange word order. The poet T.S. Eliot disliked Milton so much he claimed that he violates the English language.

Joe Moshenska, who is a professor of English literature at Oxford, has penned a biography about the poet John Milton (pictured)

For many admirers, Milton is second only to Shakespeare as Britains greatest ever poet. Wordsworth revered him: Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea/Pure, as the naked heavens, majestic, free. Yet, as this book concedes, Milton has probably provoked more dislike and antipathy than any other English poet.

Born in 1608, Milton grew up in an affluent London household and even as a schoolboy was a brilliant linguist, fluent in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Italian. After Cambridge University he decided that his destiny was to be a poet and spent years immersing himself in theology, philosophy, science, history and literature.

He wrote the pastoral poem Lycidas in his late 20s, which was well received. After two years travelling in France and Italy, he began work as a schoolmaster, tutoring children from well-to-do families. In 1642 he married 15-year-old Mary Powell, but the marriage lasted only a few weeks before she fled back to her family.

Author Joe Moshenska suggests the problem wasnt just the couples 18-year age gap. Milton often thrashed his students if they were cheeky or not concentrating, and Mary hated this. Other biographers have suggested she left because the virginal Milton, traumatised by the reality of a flesh and blood woman, found he was impotent.

Whatever the truth, their brief union was much gossiped about and cemented Miltons reputation as a joyless prudish misogynist, as Moshenska puts it. This episode is said to have inspired George Eliots portrayal of the marriage of the cold, cerebral Mr Casaubon and the lively Dorothea Brooke in Middlemarch.

By now, the country was heading towards civil war as Charles I tried to impose his will on a rebellious Parliament, and Milton, who was staunchly anti-monarchist, was gaining a reputation as a radical, outspoken writer. In 1645 Mary and her family were forced to leave war-torn Oxfordshire for London. Somehow, the couple reconciled and had two daughters.

Pictured: An Arthur Rackham illustration inspired by Miltons Comus

In January 1649 King Charles, wearing an extra shirt so he wouldnt be seen shivering in the cold, was led to the scaffold and executed. Milton, who had enthusiastically defended the right of the people to hold their rulers to account, became an important figure in Cromwells regime, and was appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues, charged with translating government correspondence into Latin and other languages. In his spare time he wrote on a wide range of topics, including two powerful pamphlets on the need for a divorce law, and his Areopagitica, published in 1644, was a stirring defence of freedom of the Press. More than a century later, it would help shape the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment on freedom of speech.

By his early 40s he had lost the sight in both eyes and could only continue his prodigious output with the help of assistants. Even as his sight fell dark, he remained convinced that he was doing Gods work, helping the nation, Moshenska writes. Around this time he wrote the sonnet known as On His Blindness, which contains the famously poignant line: They also serve who only stand and wait.

Mary died shortly after the birth of their third daughter and in 1656 Milton married second wife Katherine, who died two years later. To add to his problems, with the restoration of the monarchy looming, Milton, as a leading Cromwell supporter, had to go into hiding.

For a few weeks he was imprisoned in the Tower of London and must have feared for his life, but was released after paying a hefty fine. He spent the rest of his life living quietly, writing poetry.

His most famous work, Paradise Lost, begun in the late 1650s, was eventually published in 1667. Written in blank verse and stretching to over 10,000 lines, the poem has two main narrative strands: one about Adam and Eve and their expulsion from Eden, the other about Satan and the fallen angels.

Controversially, Milton made Satan a charismatic and compelling figure. William Blake claimed Milton was of the Devils party without knowing it.

Paradise Lost has divided opinion ever since. Samuel Johnson thought it among the highest productions of the human mind, while Edgar Allan Poe sniped that it could only be enjoyed as a series of minor poems.

MAKING DARKNESS LIGHT: THE LIVES AND TIMES OF JOHN MILTON by Joe Moshenska (Basic 25, 464 pp)

More recently Philip Pullman chose a quote from it, his dark materials, as the title of his childrens trilogy  written in part, he said, to evoke the atmosphere of Paradise Lost,which he has loved since childhood.

It is not the job of a biography to make you like its subject, of course, and in Making Darkness Light, Milton comes across as a remote, forbidding figure. The women in his life remain shadowy, but what is known is that by the end of his life Milton had fallen out with all three of his daughters.

Moshenska, a professor of English literature at Oxford, declares that rather than being solely about Miltons life, this is a book about what it means to live with, and to teach, and to be taught by a writers work, and this is a biography where the author keeps elbowing himself into the foreground.

This means the reader gets Moshenskas reaction to Miltons writing, accounts of his travels to places Milton visited, and even imagined conversations. What evidence is there that this dinner, or one like it, ever took place? None at all, he says blithely at one point. I must own up to some self-indulgence.

Some readers may find this delightfully original; I found myself wishing hed spent more time on filling in the historical context. Milton lived in a time of turbulence, but it doesnt come alive.

Moshenska does come into his own when hes talking about Miltons writing. He admits to disliking the way Milton seems to want to bludgeon me or whoever reads his works into submission with his erudition and his eloquence, yet he argues that his poetry is too dazzling to deserve the obscurity into which it has fallen.

Generations of schoolchildren may disagree, but reading Milton, he declares, is valuable and fascinating. . . something worth doing, something worth expending time and energy upon.
Car production decline for a second consecutive month in August with outputs down 27 per cent with manufacturers still struggling to source semiconductor computer chips.

A combination of chip shortages and factories extending their summer shutdowns were the driving force behind the big decline, says the industry trade body.

Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the 'significant' fall in production is 'extremely worrying both for the sector and its many thousands of workers nationwide' with limited outputs expected to drag into next year and the furlough scheme ending today.

The chips are down: UK car production fell by more than a quarter in August as manufacturers struggled to get their hands on semiconductor chips

The chip shortage has been crippling motor manufacturers worldwide in recent months, with car firms struggling to get their hands on supplies as tech companies increase orders for the parts.

Makers have been forced to slow down their assembly lines, cut down on shift rotations and in some cases pause production entirely while chips are in short supply.

This has pushed delivery times for some new cars back by months, with buyers of some Jaguar Land Rover models told they will have to wait more than a year for their motors to arrive.

Car manufacturing is down 32% on 2019 and 42.8% behind the pre-pandemic 10-year average for the first eight months of the year, records held by the SMMT show

The chip shortage has pushed delivery times for some new cars back by a year, with buyers of some Jaguar Land Rover models told they will have to wait more than 12 months for their motors to arrive

Hawes said that while it was not the only factor at play, the impact of the semiconductor shortage on manufacturing 'cannot be overstated' and warned the issue with continue into next year.

With the furlough scheme being wound up today, the SMMT boss called on support from the Government to protect automotive jobs across the country.

'Car makers and their suppliers are battling to keep production lines rolling with constraints expected to continue well into 2022 and possibly beyond,' Hawes said.

Buying a new car in 2021 is harder than finding petrol during a fuel crisis- we explain why... A shortage in microchip supplies is crippling production lines across various industries right now - none more so than car factories. Read our special report to find out why there's a shortage, why they're so vital for new cars and what impact it is having on the used market.

'Job support schemes such as furlough have proven such a lifeline to automotive businesses yet its cessation today comes at the worst time, with the industry still facing Covid-related stoppages which are damaging the sector and threatening the supply chain in particular.

'Other countries have extended their support; we need the UK to do likewise.'

Jim Holder, editorial director at What Car?, said the latest data 'underlines again the crippling impact of the ongoing microchip shortage, and demonstrate how it is undermining the car industries ambitions to bounce back from the impacts of Covid-19'.

He told This is Money: 'Waiting times for some models have now been pushed beyond a year, making it difficult for retailers to manage customer expectations and demand.

'Our own research shows just 13 per cent of new car buyers are willing to wait more than 16 weeks for their next car before they consider alternatives.'

Richard Peberdy, UK head of automotive at KPMG, added: 'Chip shortages continue to bite, but manufacturers will no doubt be reviewing how many cars they make - so lower levels of production will likely persist.

'Fewer cars rolling out of plants has helped to bump-up retail prices and carmakers, alongside retail networks, will want to hold on to the margin theyve gained since the start of the pandemic.

'While production disruption will be hurting efficiency, a reduced volume focused on more profitable models will be an attractive balance that manufacturers wont want to let go of. Over the short term, its helping to cover the costs of huge underutilised plants while they review options to right-size.'

Electrified cars now account for more than one in four new cars built in the UK

While the headline figures around a total dip in outputs makes for concerning reading, there were some positives to take from August's production statistics.

Despite the challenges, outputs of electrified cars - including battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles (HEV) - surged to a new high, representing more than a quarter (27.6 per cent) of all motors made last month as 10,274 units rolled off production lines.

It means UK car factories have turned out 137,031 alternatively fuelled cars since January, which is 51,679 more than the same period in 2020.

Electrified cars, such as the Mini Electric produced at Plant Oxford, now account for more than one in four new models built in the UK as the transition to greener motoring accelerates

Manufacturing for export fell by a third last month, with orders from Australia, US and China all in significant decline

The industry stats released this morning also show that vehicle production for the home market grew 3.3 per cent year-on-year, signalling plenty of appetite for British-built motors from the driving public.

However, a decline of a third (32.5 per cent) in outputs for export hampered UK makers most in August, with faraway markets including Australia, the US and China down 74.9 per cent, 65.7 per cent and 58.7 per cent respectively.

Exports to the EU held up better, down just 4.9 per cent, accounting for almost seven in every 10 cars exported last month.

Production numbers remain higher compared to a Covid-limited 2020, with production 13.8 per cent ahead of a year ago.

However, casting an eye further back, vehicle manufacturing is down 32 per cent on 2019 and 42.8 per cent behind the pre-pandemic 10-year average for the first eight months of the year.
Texas-based Vista Equity Partners is buying UK software group Blue Prism for 1.1bn

A US private equity sharks takeover of a British software group faces stiff opposition after a leading shareholder and local MP spoke out against the deal.

Texas-based Vista Equity Partners is buying Blue Prism for 1.1billion with co-founders Alastair Bathgate and David Moss and chief executive Jason Kingdon set to share a pay pot of more than 130million.

But the takeover is likely to result in heavy job losses at the firms headquarters in Warrington, leading to accusations that the deal is private equity at its worst.

Top ten shareholder Hawk Ridge Capital Management slammed the plans, saying that the 11.25 per share offer was too cheap, and it will not support the transaction.

David Brown, portfolio manager at Hawk Ridge, which owns 3.5 per cent of Blue Prism, said: It is a very low price based on our analysis of comparable companies and transactions.

Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North, said: This windfall for the previous and current bosses of Blue Prism is a bitter wind for their employees.

We want to see growth and loyalty for good, skilled, well-paying jobs, not lose them as the financial toys of American asset strippers.
Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo could be extradited at any moment to Peru after Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson in San Francisco determined Tuesday that there is 'probable cause to believe that Toledo committed collusion and money laundering'

A California federal court judge has cleared the way for former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo to be extradited to Peru where he could face corruption charges, saying that saying evidence of criminality presented in his case were 'sufficient.'

Authorities in Peru have argued that Toledo negotiated bribes with Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht SA while he was president between 2001 and 2006.

The U.S. State Department will decide whether the former president will be turned over to Peruvian authorities. The government in Peru first requested Toledo's extradition in 2018.

The 75-year-old Toledo had repeatedly rejected the allegations, brought forward by the government.

Toledo appeared in court before prosecutors in April 2016 to face accusations that he had purchased a number of properties through Ecoteva Consulting, a company owned by Israeli businessman Yossi Maiman.

He was accused of accepting bribes from Brazilian firms Odebrecht and Camargo Correa for the construction of a highway connecting the neighboring nations. He reportedly used the kickback payments to cover mortgage payments and purchase property under his mother-in-law's name in 2013.

A Peruvian judge ordered his arrest in February 2017 alleging that he had taken at least $20 million in payments Odebrecht due to public works projects that were awarded to the company.

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo (pictured in 2004) is accused of accepting bribes from Brazilian firm Odebrecht during his time as president from 2001 to 2006

The company has admitted that its vast construction empire in Latin America also doled out bribes in many nations.

He was arrested in the U.S. in August 2019 and was released on bail in March 2020.

The ex-president is now living in California, near the Stanford University campus, where he studied and later worked.

Toledo is one of five former Peruvian presidents whom authorities allege have engaged in corrupt acts in recent decades.

Key to the decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson in San Francisco were the testimonies of Jorge Barata, the former Odebrecht head in Peru, and that of Josef Maiman, an acquaintance of Toledo who has said he helped the former president receive bribe money.

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo flanked by former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (left) and former Colombia President Alvaro Uribe at the XVI Andean Presidential Council in Lima, Peru, in July 2005

'Barata and Maiman's testimony, combined with Toledo's admissions in this extradition proceeding that he ultimately received approximately $500,000 in Odebrecht bribe money.. establish probable cause to believe that Toledo committed collusion and money laundering,' the judge wrote in his decision.

Still, Judge Hixson said 'the case against Toledo is not airtight,' adding that witnesses had on occasion contradicted themselves, issues that would have to be resolved in a Peruvian trial.

The United States extradited former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli in 2018.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle flew back from their trip to New York on a private jet provided by the company that made Cindy Crawford the richest supermodel in the world.

Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson and Heidi Klum have all had beauty product lines with direct marketing company Guthy-Renker earning them millions of dollars.

The infomercial specialists made the career of self-help guru Tony Robbins and launched cosmetics with talk show host Leeza Gibbons, Dallas actress Victoria Principle, and celebrity stylist Chaz Dean.

Does that mean Meghan is being courted to do an infomercial?

Time will tell, but Guthy-Renker has had it's share of controversies. It has been fined over illegal business practices in California, placed under federal investigation and sued for $26million by thousands of women who claim its shampoo made their hair fall out, and had commercials banned in the UK for 'misleading' consumers.

Most recently, Robbins was accused this week of spreading Covid misinformation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived back in Santa Barbara on a private jet late Saturday after a two-day jaunt in the Big Apple. DailyMail.com can reveal the plane is owned by direct marketing company Guthy-Renker

The Duke and Duchess's trip on the Guthy-Renker jet could be a sign that Meghan may have teamed up with the company for some sort of endorsement deal

DailyMail.com published exclusive photos of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disembarking from Guthy-Renker's Dassault Falcon jet in their hometown of Santa Barbara on Saturday after a three-day VIP tour of New York City - sparking speculation that Meghan could be planning her own product lines with the controversial company.

Crawford began a series of anti-aging skincare products with Guthy-Renker called Meaningful Beauty in 2005 and marketed them with a slew of on-the-nose infomercials.

In one commercial masquerading as a talk show segment, Crawford is interviewed in front of a studio audience by actress Valerie Bertinelli about her seeming ability to 'defy the aging process', with a honey-toned voiceover asking: 'Is it magic, or could Cindy have a real secret to lasting youth?'

Viewers are told that 'at a secluded natural field, scientists have cultivated a rare melon', claiming that the fruit contains a 'powerful super antioxidant' used in Cindy's creams, designed by anti-aging skincare expert Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh.

Another half-hour infomercial includes a time lapse shot of a regular melon rotting and collapsing in a putrid pile, while 'Dr. Sebagh's Melon' containing the 'youth molecule' stays 'fresh and firm'.

By 2015 Guthy-Renker had aired at least 11 of Crawford's infomercials on national TV including shopping channel QVC. The line added hair products this year.

A move by Meghan into the world of beauty products and infomercials would be highly unorthodox for a royal family member.

Many of the firm's products have celebrity endorsements, including a 'Meaningful Beauty' anti-aging skin cream fronted by Cindy Crawford (pictured)

Crawford became the face of Meaningful Beauty in 2005 and marketed the skincare products with a slew of on-the-nose infomercials

Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson and Heidi Klum have earned millions of dollars with beauty product lines marketed by Guthy-Renker

In an interview in Forbes in August this year, Guthy-Renker co-founder Greg Renker even admitted that Crawford 'took a risk' when she partnered with them in the early 2000s and that venturing into direct-to-consumer marketing at the time 'was not exactly aspirational'.

But the business proved to be extremely lucrative  as Forbes estimates Crawford is now worth $225 million largely thanks to her Guthy-Renker creams.

According to Euromonitor, the global skincare market earned $140 billion in retail sales in 2019 and is expected to reach $181 billion by 2025.

Guthy-Renker's Wen hair products sparked an FDA investigation in 2014 into claims of hair loss and skin irritation

However, Harry and Meghan's public relations team at Sunshine Sachs may have a headache over their possible links to the infomercial giant given its checkered recent past.

Prosecutors from four California counties accused Guthy-Renker in 2019 of charging its customers for repeated shipments of products without their consent.

The firm was forced to pay $1.2million in penalties and 'up to $7.3million in restitution to customers who got automatically-renewed charges without their consent' according to the City of Santa Monica.

Guthy-Renker also paid nearly $8million to settle a lawsuit by customers of their Proactiv acne medicine and Wen hair products who were re-charged without their consent.

Wen previously paid out $26.3million to settle a class action lawsuit of 2,000 women in 2016 after receiving 21,000 complaints about its hair products.

Horrified customers discovered bald patches and skin irritation after using their conditioner, endorsed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean whose A-list clients have included Brooke Shields, Alyssa Milano, and Christina Applegate.

The complaints had also sparked a Food and Drug Administration investigation two years earlier.

By 2015 Guthy-Renker had aired at least 11 of Crawford's infomercials on national TV including shopping channel QVC

Wen's line of hair products were endorsed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean whose A-list clients have included Brooke Shields, Alyssa Milano (pictured) and Christina Applegate

Wen was forced to pay out $26.3million to settle a class action lawsuit of 2,000 women in 2016 after receiving 21,000 complaints from horrified customers discovering bald patches

The FDA issued a safety alert for the brand while it carried out its investigation, and recommended that consumers 'stop using the product and consult with their dermatologist or other health care provider' if they experience a reaction after use.

At the time of the class action settlement, Wen said: 'We continue to provide our hundreds of thousands of customers with the Wen by Chaz Dean products that they know and love. Since the process of litigation is time consuming and costly, we made a business decision to pursue a settlement and put this behind us so that we can focus on delivering quality products.'

The following year Wen also released research from a 2016 clinical study which found no 'toxicological hazard' or 'adverse reaction' in a lab test on over 100 subjects.

One of Guthy-Renker's commercials was banned in the United Kingdom after using celebrities including Katy Perry and Justin Bieber to make misleading claims about their acne product line, Proactiv.

The UK Advertising Standards Agency investigated complaints that the British version of the acne cream did not have the same active ingredients as its US counterpart, and ruled that the commercials were misleading viewers by suggesting the celebrities on camera were continuing to use the products, when in fact they only used them for a few weeks.

Guthy-Renker said at the time that it had 'detailed documentary evidence' showing the celebrities involved used the product and that they provided accurate descriptions of its effects.

Many of the firm's products have celebrity endorsements, including the Meaningful Beauty anti-aging skin creams fronted by Crawford, Sheer Cover mineral makeup promoted by talk show host Leeza Gibbons and the 'In an Instant' makeup line endorsed by model Heidi Klum.

Guthy-Renker is known for its multi-billion dollar sales of celebrity-endorsed beauty products, including acne treatment Proactiv, whose infomercials famously featured Hollywood stars such as Katy Perry (pictured) and Justin Bieber

In 2012, the company's commercials were banned in the United Kingdom after the country's Advertising Standards Authority claimed it was using celebrities to make misleading claims about their acne products

Guthy-Renker helped launch the career of self-help guru Tony Robbins, who was accused this week of spreading covid 19 misinformation.

Robbins spoke at a three-day sales conference in Orlando, Florida last week.

According to a TMZ report published Monday, in his speech the self-help author played down Covid death statistics, saying 1,200 people die every day from car accidents.

The real number is closer to 100 according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2019 data, while on average 2,000 people have died every day from covid in the past two weeks in the US.

Robbins also criticized Covid lockdown night time curfews imposed in Australia, joking that 'we all know the virus sneaks out at night.'

'We're all supposed to be afraid because the unvaccinated people, they're destroying vaccinated people. That's confusing to me. If the vaccine works, you're protected aren't you?' he said, to applause in the Florida audience.

'How could unvaccinated people be a threat to you? Besides that, 100 million Americans are unvaccinated. They're not all crazy people. You know the number one group that is vaccine hesitant in a study? PhDs.'

The luxury 10-seat Dassault Falcon 2000LX plane is owned by Guthy-Renker company GRP Aviation LLC, according to records, but is also rented out to charter service Clay Lacy

An LA to NYC roundtrip charter flight costs around $115,000, according to Clay Lacy. The company however, told DailyMail.com there was not record of the jet being chartered this weekend, likely meaning Guthy-Renker provided the flight for Meghan and Harry

On Saturday the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted disembarking from Guthy-Renker's Dassault Falcon 2000LX private jet in their home town of Santa Barbara on Saturday after a three-day VIP tour of New York City.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the luxury 10-seat aircraft is owned by Guthy-Renker company GRP Aviation LLC, but when the firm is not using its jet it rents it out to a private jet charter service, Clay Lacy.

The Falcon costs around $115,000 for a LA-Big Apple round trip according to Clay Lacy flight quotes for next month.

Prices at the charter jet firm ranged from $61,875 for a Bombardier Challenger 300 to $118,736 for a Beechcraft Hawker 850XP. The Falcon was their second most expensive jet.

But a customer service agent at Clay Lacy told DailyMail.com that they had no charter flights on record for the Falcon on Saturday  meaning Harry and Meghan's flight was provided by the airplane's owner Guthy-Renker, not the charter service.

The firm's two founders, Bill Guthy and Greg Renker, both have properties in Carpinteria near the Sussexes' mansion in Santa Barbara, and are worth over $500million each.
An IT worker for a US software firm has been caught on camera unloading a shotgun on Belarus security forces and killing one before he was gunned down himself amid a violent crackdown of pro-democracy protesters.

Andrei Zeltser, 31, who works for Pennsylvania-based EPAM Systems, resisted arrest during a raid in Minsk and opened fire on the officers, killing one of them, according to the KGB.

They returned fire on the 'terrorist and he was shot dead during the apartment search.

The Investigative Committee of Belarus, which investigates major crimes, said a 31-year-old man was 'liquidated with return fire' after resisting law enforcement officers.

Officers stand outside an apartment in Minsk in preparation for a raid amid a democracy crackdown

There have been reports that Zeltser was a US citizen who was supporting the pro-democracy movement in Belarus, although the US Embassy is yet to confirm his citizenship.

Belarusian authorities have also blocked access to a news site, the latest in a series of steps restricting independent media in the country after it was shaken by a wave of anti-government protests.

The Belarusian Ministry of Information blocked access to the Komsomolskaya Pravda in Belarus website after it ran a story about the shootout.

The news site, the Belarusian subsidiary of a popular Russian newspaper of the same name, published a comment from the opposition supporter's friend, who described him a positive light.

Andrei Zeltser, who works for EPAM Systems, resisted arrest during a raid in Minsk and opened fire on the officers, killing one of them, according to the KGB

There have been reports that Zeltser was a US citizen who was supporting the pro-democracy movement in Belarus, although the US Embassy is yet to confirm his citizenship

The ministry didn't provide any reasons for the decision to block the popular website, which is visited by some 20,000 users daily.

Belarusian authorities reported the incident on Tuesday night, alleging that 'an especially dangerous criminal' opened fire on security officers after they showed up at his apartment looking for 'individuals involved in terrorist activities.'

Footage aired by Belarusian state TV channels showed men in plainclothes, trying to break into an apartment.

Authorities said Zeltser's wife, who was in the apartment at the time, was arrested.

State news agency Belta reported that 'members of an extremist group with ties to the opposition, supposedly, lived in the apartment.'

They returned fire on the 'terrorist and he was shot dead during the apartment search

Authorities said Zeltser's wife, who was in the apartment at the time, was arrested

The US Special Envoy for Belarus, Julie Fisher, said the United States was seeking additional information on whether the victim in the shooting was a U.S. citizen or not.

'This incident appears to provide further evidence of the regime's disregard for human rights and its willingness to utilize extreme methods to threaten perceived political opponents, a pattern which is regrettably well-established in Belarus,' she said in an emailed statement.

The official state news agency Belta reported the man was associated with the opposition movement, citing a lawmaker. The KGB did not identify the man by name or profession but said he was a 'terrorist' - language it uses to describe protesters.

'I can't say or think anything. I'm shocked, I don't understand what's going on,' Belarusian media outlet Nasha Niva quoted Zeltser's mother-in-law as saying. 'Andrei is a very good person, a wonderful son-in-law.'

'Do I consider Andrei a terrorist? Of course not,' she said.

'In response to the lawful demands of law enforcement officers, a 31-year-old resident of Minsk refused to open the door of the apartment and was locked inside it. For the subsequent so-called 'hype', he was filming,' the Investigative Committee of Belarus said in a statement.

Footage aired by Belarusian state TV channels showed men in plainclothes, trying to break into an apartment

'Given the nature of the violence used, armed resistance from a 31-year-old man, he was liquidated with return fire.'

Belarus' authorities often referred to protesters at anti-government demonstrations last year as 'extremists' and 'terrorists.'

The huge protests came after election officials gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in the August 2020 presidential election that the opposition and the West have denounced as a sham.

Lukashenko's government unleashed a violent crackdown on the protesters, arresting more than 35,000 people and badly beating thousands of them.

The chief editor of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Vladimir Sungorkin, said Wednesday that access to its Belarusian website was blocked after it ran a short story containing 'four sentences' from the man's classmate 'about the fact that he was good guy when they studied together, always stood up for the truth.' Sungorkin added that it has become 'very difficult' for journalists to work in Belarus.

After the disputed presidential election last year, authorities in Belarus have shut down the biggest independent media outlets, blocked access to popular news sites and targeted journalists with raids and detentions.

A total of 27 journalists in Belarus are currently behind bars, either already convicted and sentenced or awaiting trials.

EPAM declined to comment immediately.
Personal notes of disgraced ex-CEO Elizabeth Holmes taken during the sudden rise and fall of the blood-testing company she launched show how she idolized Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and navigated the collapse of Theranos.

Holmes is currently on trial for charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud over allegations that she misled investors, patients and doctors about the capabilities of the company's blood-test technology, and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

'Becoming steve jobs,' Holmes wrote to herself in an entry dated April 2, 2015, just as positive media attention was growing for her start-up.

It was part of more than a dozen pages of stream-of-conscious like contemporaneous notes she typed to herself, and which were obtained by CNBC.

In contemporaneous notes ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes wrote to herself, she would compare herself to Steve Jobs, aping his signature look in media appearances, and even kept a photo of the late Apple co-founder in her office, according to an employee

That particular note was related to a conversation Holmes had just had with David Boies, who served as counsel for Theranos, and was likely a reference to a biography published the prior month: Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader, by Brent Schlender.

Holmes had kept a framed photo of Jobs in her office, a former employee told the outlet, and she would mimic his signature black turtleneck-clad look in media appearances.

Holmes would formally receive the comparison she had sought in October of that year, when an Inc Magazine cover story featuring her began, 'You'd have to look really hard not to see Steve Jobs in Elizabeth Holmes.'

Soon, however, word started getting out that Holmes had oversold the capability and accuracy of Theranos' Edison blood testing devices, and that same month John Carreyrou for The Wall Street Journal published the first of a series of reports on errors the machines were producing.

Holmes is now on trial for fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud over allegations that she misled investors, doctors and patients over the capabilities of Theranos' blood-testing technology. She is pictured at the San Jose federal courthouse in 2019

In the latest from her trial, Adam Rosendorff, a former Theranos employee and the first to speak to Carreyrou regarding his doubts about the company, continued his testimony Wednesday.

Rosendorff joined the Theranos in April 2013 as a lab director, and told jurors that he left in November 2014 over misgivings about the company's priorities, according to CNN Business.

'I felt pressured to vouch for tests that I did not have confidence in. I came to believe that the company believed more about PR and fundraising than about patient care,' he said in court Friday.

On Tuesday, he described how he had felt compelled to speak to Carreyrou.

'Even months after I left the company, I felt obligated from a moral and ethical perspective to alert the public,' he said.

Meanwhile, Holmes was writing to herself about ways to escape the scrutiny, and refute what the Journal had published.

Other references in her notes include one regarding former Secretary of State George Shultz (pictured with Holmes behind him in 2015) who sat on Theranos' board of directors, and possibly indicated strategies at keeping doubts about the company's technology under wraps

'Weak accusations - endorses everything - happened - if - true - raise doubt - want - board looks into it - finds nothing to any of it - looked into it - have not looked at it independently,' she wrote in a lengthy note two weeks after the first report.

She also appeared to be psyching herself up.

'Havent addressed  doesnt shake my confidence  my business judgement  no reason  this announcement  know a month from now  business judgement correct at the time. Never for sure,' she continued. 'Put out statement. Faith - Elizabeth, co.

'Point by point refutation statements,' she wrote in notes earlier that day. 'Fearless transparent nothing to hide'

Holmes is accused of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud in her role as CEO of Theranos. She could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted

She continued later: 'Board statement  independent look at accusations by board  making statements  no independent opinion. Unwise board  enter  without judgement - Strategic mistake  WSJ  impression  fight  number accusations  made'

Other notes include Holmes possibly strategizing about keeping doubts about the company under wraps.

'Advice all day  EAH call  talk George off cliff' she wrote on April 29, 2015 in a possible reference former Secretary of State George Shultz, who was on the board of directors.

His grandson Tyler, who was hired by Theranos, had reportedly warned his grandfather about the company's troubles, and he is expected to testify at her trial. George Shultz died in February of this year.

The notes only contain one reference to former Theranos COO Sunny Balwani, CNBC reported.

'Balwani - stopped submitting Edison - off others,' she wrote. The two were dating at the time, and he is scheduled to be tried on the same fraud and conspiracy charges in January.

Holmes' notes contain only one reference to former Theranos COO Sunny Balwani (pictured) and her defense had indicated it will allege that he emotionally manipulated her while they were dating. He is being tried on the same fraud and conspiracy charges at a later date

Holmes' defense has indicated it will assert that hiring Balwani was Holmes' fatal mistake, pinning the blame for the company's failure on him. Unsealed filings have also indicated that her attorneys plan to argue that he emotionally abused and manipulated her. Balwani has denied the accusations.

'Elizabeth saw herself as the brand and driving force of the company. She was not one who was being manipulated by Sunny or anyone. That posture even continued when Sunny left the company in 2016,' another former Theranos employee told CNBC.

Aside from the Wall Street Journal, other notes show Holmes navigating the media landscape.

'Certain platforms  so fabulous  regular people... (Cramer)  Sorkin  mad man  tough,' she said in reference to an October 17, 2015 interview with CBNC's Jim Cramer and Andrew Ross Sorkin.

'Very productive  CBS this morning producers, interview on Friday,' she wrote in another note.

In another she wrote: 'Really smart people picked off mado Not you,' a possible reference to disgraced financier Bernie Madoff, who was convicted of running the largest Ponzi scheme in history in 2009.

But in her more hopeful notes, Holmes outline her vision for Theranos.

'Started  vision  change world. Access to healthcare. Bring down cost. Up efficiency. Min pain'

But, she added, 'Fudge it  if dont understand  want clarified  stop  explore  reserve done  may get to it'
Donald Trump said Stephanie Grisham was 'angry and bitter about her break-up' and Melania discussed her 'failed personal relationships' as they railed against her bombshell allegations in her tell-all memoir.

The former first couple, both of whom the 45-year-old Grisham worked for as press secretary, didn't identify the name of her partner.

But it appears they were referring to Max Miller, a former White House official who is now running for Congress in Ohio with Trump's backing, is 12 years younger than Grisham and apparently split with her after a tumultuous relationship.

An insider close to both Miller and Grisham told DailyMail.com on Wednesday: 'Neither of them were angels - they had a pretty volatile relationship. But even if she laid her hands on him, he should have kept his hands in his pockets.'

Miller is a former Marine Corps reservist, is a member of one of Cleveland's wealthiest families and is a scion to the Forest City Enterprise real estate company.

In June, the 32-year-old Miller got engaged to Emily Moreno, 27, the daughter of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. The pair rekindled their romance after dating briefly in 2015.

Melania Trump's former press secretary Stephanie Grisham arrives for a state dinner at the White House in September 2019 with her boyfriend Max Miller. Donald Trump said Grisham was 'bitter after her break-up' with a man believed to be Miller

It follows allegations this year that he slapped Grisham after she accused him of cheating on her.

Grisham claims in her new book, I'll Take Your Questions Now, that Trump asked her if her boyfriend was 'good in bed'.

She didn't identify who he was referring to, but Miller was her significant other at the time.

The pair were believed to have been together for 18 months and even got a French bulldog named Gus, before the situation is believed to have turned sour.

Miller was dating Grisham in April 2020 when she confronted him in his Washington DC condo, accusing him of cheating on her, sources told Politico.

Three unnamed sources cited by Politico claim he pushed her against a wall, slapped her and threw a dog-toy tennis ball at her.

The report also claims he tried to grab her in the elevator when she was trying to leave.

He has strenuously denied it, Grisham did not comment and the incident is not thought to have been reported to the police.

But according to Politico, it is one of a series of incidents that raise questions about Miller's past.

In June, the 32-year-old Miller (right) got engaged to Emily Moreno, 27, (left) the daughter of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. The pair rekindled their romance after dating briefly in 2015. They are pictured at a Trump rally earlier this year

Grisham claims in her new book, I'll Take Your Questions Now, that Trump asked her if her boyfriend was 'good in bed'. She didn't identify who he was referring to, but Miller was her significant other at the time

Others, the sources say, include him 'upsetting her' then 'going very, very cold'.

Miller's attorney denied all of the allegations in a nine-page letter.

'Mr. Miller has never, ever, assaulted Ms. Grisham in any way whatsoever,' attorney, Larry Zukerman said.

Grisham, who served as Melania Trump's spokesperson and also briefly as White House Press Secretary, did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries at the time of the report.

It also not clear if she expanded on the relationship in the book.

The Politico report says that Grisham had all but moved in with Miller last year despite owning her own condo.

Miller with his new fiancee Moreno earlier this year. She now is a constant fixture at his campaign events

She is said to have confronted him in his apartment and he allegedly slapped her.

'Miller pushed her. He slapped her. She fled. The temperatures that evening dipped into the 40s, and Grisham left with no coat, only her purse,' the report reads.

He denied it but the unnamed sources insisted it was true.

'It happened. It was violent and it was hard for her,' said one of the sources - described as being someone 'very close' to Grisham, but not in the White House,

Another added: 'We just talked and cried. This was not a moment of gossip. This was not a moment of slander. This was a moment of pain and fear.'

Miller has since been a fixture at Trump rallies and Republican fundraising events as he looks to take a seat in Congress.

The former president's first large campaign-style event after leaving the White House was for Miller in Ohio in July.

He was set to take on Anthony Gonzalez , a Republican who voted to convict Trump of impeachment, in the primary. But Gonzalez dropped out and said he won't run again in 2022.

It's not yet clear who he will face in the GOP, but Trump has already endorsed him along with a slew of other candidates in the build-up to the crucial midterms.

Moreno created a dating app for Trump supporters and stands alongside her future husband at campaign events.

According to Politico, Miller also had a special title in the White House: The Music Man.

He would pick music or playlists for Trump's rallies and would often know a track Trump was referring to when he would 'hum a couple of bars'.

In Grisham's book, she claims an aide would play Trump songs from his favorite musicals, including 'Memories' from Cats, to calm him down when his temper flared.
A man accused of unloading a nail gun at a truck driver before mowing him down with his ute has been charged after the ugly road rage incident.

Shocking footage captured the confrontation between three tradesmen during peak hour traffic on Parramatta Road in Burwood, western Sydney, on Wednesday afternoon.

Police allege a Nissan Navara and an Isuzu truck were involved in a minor crash before one of the drivers  a 32-year-old man  got out of his ute and shot an unloaded nail gun at the 55-year-old truck driver.

The younger man returned to the Nissan and drove at the truckie from behind, hitting him with his ute before fleeing, police said.

A man is accused of shooting a nail gun at a tradie before running him down in a road-rage attack on a street in Sydney's inner west

The struck man was treated by paramedics before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with non-life-threatening head and hip injuries.

Police later arrested the 32-year-old man at North Strathfield.

He had minor injuries and was taken to Concord Hospital under police guard.

He was later charged at Burwood Police Station with driving furiously in a motor vehicle to do or cause bodily harm.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on October 26.
Disturbing footage has emerged of police swooping on a car in Sydney's southwest to arrest a mother in front of her screaming, sobbing child.

The video showed the mother repeatedly shouting 'I do not consent, I have not committed any crime' as one officer appears to tell her she is being arrested for 'a police pursuit'.

A uniformed officer and plain clothes officer are then seen ripping open the door of the Toyota and wrestling with the driver and the person filming the scene.

A copy of the video on TikTok had gone viral on Thursday with more than 16,000 views and hundreds of comments, but viewers were divided on who was at fault.

Disturbing footage has emerged of police swooping on a car in Sydney's southwest (pictured) to arrest a mother in front of a her screaming, sobbing child

A longer version of the clip on Facebook shows police having pulled over a car on King Georges Road in Beverley Hills and an officer ordering the driver to put her hands out the window while he waits for back up.

Inside the car the mother tells her daughter to 'never consent' as the officer continues to shout orders from a distance behind the car which are ignored by the driver.

The woman can be held telling her child: 'I haven't broken the law...I've done nothing wrong.'

Another unmarked police car arrives and a plain clothes officer draws his baton as the two men then approach the car.

Inside the car the mother tells her child to 'never consent' as the officer continues to shout orders from a distance behind the car (pictured) which are ignored by the driver

The officer tells her to window down her window and put her car keys on the roof but the woman insists: 'I do not consent officer. I have not committed any crime.'

As the police move in to open the car door and drag her out, she demands: 'What laws did I break? You're scaring my child...'

The second officer again appears to repeat: 'You are under arrest for a police pursuit.'

As the driver's child sobs in terror, the other officer screams at the driver: Get out of the car'

As the mother repeatedly shouts 'I do not consent, I have not committed any crime', one officer appears to tell her she is being arrested for 'a police pursuit'

The video abruptly ends as what appears to be one of the officer's hands grabbing the phone.

TikTok user Action 24 - whose account is filled with clips of police arrests - posted the shorter clip twice but mysteriously took down the higher-viewed version on Thursday morning.

Viewers questioned the context of the arrest and what had happened before the camera started recording.

A uniformed officer and plain clothes officer are then seen ripping open the door of the Toyota (pictured) and wrestling with the driver and the person filming the scene

'I would just question why she was being pulled over to begin with,' wrote one. 'Would not just be random. I'd like the other side of the story.'

Another posted: 'If no law being broken, why are you being so difficult?

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment.
Hold on to your hats! One of the most furious rows of recent decades  when public resistance frustrated a drive by the New Labour government to introduce genetically engineered crops and foods  seems about to reignite.

For after almost 20 years of near-silence over the controversial produce, ministers have this week taken the first step to re-establish it in Britain.

This will make it easier for research to be conducted into crops produced via gene editing, a process allied to  but different from  the genetic modification (GM) so bitterly disputed around the turn of the millennium. And it is just the first of a series of moves to get the genetically engineered produce into our fields and on to our dinner plates.

Old adversaries are dusting off their arguments. But public reaction may now be more favourable.

Activist group Earth First demonstrates against genetically modified crops in 2000

Back in the late 1990s, 60 per cent of the food in supermarkets contained genetically modified ingredients. Some GM crops had been approved: 53 others were awaiting the green light.

Tony Blair  with his usual hubris  was boasting of making Britain Europes GM hub.

When a few voices, led by Prince Charles, raised doubts, he dismissed them as a flash in the pan. But that flash became a conflagration as the public turned against GM and the firms behind it, most notably the U.S. giant Monsanto. The more the public heard, the more questions it had.

These included whether genes would spread from modified crops to create superweeds, whether GM foods were safe to eat and whether the regulations were strong enough. The Mail was active in covering the debate and seeking answers.

Wheat being harvested on the South Downs

Sometimes the discourse got virulent. In 2002, the BBC broadcast a drama on the issue, Fields Of Gold, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Anna Friel, and written by the then editor of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, and novelist Ronan Bennett.

This was branded dishonest by rival newspapers, and as an error-strewn piece of propaganda by the President of the Royal Society, Lord May. Bennett denounced this as an ugly little conspiracy by those with a vested interest in discrediting it and personal grudges to settle.

By 2004, 84 per cent of Britons said they would not eat GM food. Supermarkets had long stopped selling it, in the face of public hostility, and no GM crops have yet been cultivated in Britain. But they went on being grown and eaten widely in America.

Now, after some important scientific advances, both sides again have everything to play for.

The main scientific development is the emergence of gene editing, which involves changing a plant or animals DNA by altering its own genes, through cutting and splicing, thus speeding up a process that might happen naturally.

By contrast, the old genetic modification introduced genes from different species altogether  such as from peppers into bananas, or from jellyfish into mice  which could never happen in nature.

Editing has been made easier by a relatively cheap and simple method, named CRISPR-Cas9, which is colloquially described as genetic scissors.

These tools enable us to harness the richness of natural variation to build better crops, speeding up a process humans have done through breeding for hundreds of years, says Gideon Henderson, chief scientific adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

This weeks move will change regulations by the end of the year to ensure that scientists will no longer have to do risk assessments or obtain permission to carry out field trials. They will be spared a process that takes two months and costs between 5,000 and 10,000.

It is only a start. Ministers say that the next step is introducing legislation that would allow gene-edited food from crops and livestock that could have been created naturally, or through traditional breeding, to be sold without having to go through GM regulations and safety tests.

These changes will only apply in England, since this is a devolved matter. Scotland has already come out against them, and Wales is expected to do the same. They have been made possible by Brexit, because the European Union still insists on treating genetically modified and gene-edited products exactly the same. Dame Ottoline Leyser, who leads UK Research and Innovation, calls this mad.

Back in the late 1990s, 60 per cent of the food in supermarkets contained genetically modified ingredients. Some GM crops had been approved: 53 others were awaiting the green light. Tony Blair  with his usual hubris  was boasting of making Britain Europes GM hub

Proponents say that the new technology  developed by universities in the U.S., Lithuania and Austria  opens up the prospect of products which would benefit health and the environment.

They cite the development of pigs that can fight off porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, which is devastating herds worldwide. Similarly, they say, breeds could be created that resist swine flu or bird flu, not just reducing disease on farms, but helping prevent future pandemics.

Another potentially hugely beneficial development is the unveiling of a gene-edited wheat which produces less of an amino acid that can develop into a cancer-causing chemical called acrylamide when bread is toasted.

Other possibilities range from the trivial  changing the colour of cows coats  to the frankly sinister: a Chinese scientist says he gene-edited two baby girls. But most products, its proponents insist, will benefit us by reducing disease, increasing crop yields and protecting the planet.

And all this, they add, will be achieved by using a simple, swift, precise technology that makes tiny changes, which they liken to editing a giant manuscript by changing a single word.

They say it is so tightly controlled that it only produces predictable results, in contrast to traditional genetic modification, where there is often no way of ensuring precisely where the introduced genes end up.

Meanwhile, they add, it is safe, and only produces changes indistinguishable from those that would happen in nature.

So, for all those reasons, they insist, it should be exempt from GM regulations. Indeed, genetically edited products should not even need to be labelled as such.

Opponents dispute every one of these assurances. They say that the same kind of promises of beneficial new products were made for traditional genetic modification, but never materialised, and never could have done. Meanwhile, conventional breeding succeeded in producing them instead.

They say that even tiny changes to DNA can have big consequences, and gene editing has proved in practice to be neither precise nor predictable, but has had many unintended effects.

At times even genes from other species have been introduced by accident, they claim.

In 2002, the BBC broadcast a drama on the issue, Fields Of Gold, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Anna Friel, and written by the then editor of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, and novelist Ronan Bennett

They cite the development of hornless cattle, which were later revealed by U.S. regulators to contain foreign genes that conferred resistance to antibiotics, possibly creating a risk to consumers.

Similarly, an attempt to edit rice caused a wide range of unintended and undesirable mutations, which actually reduced, rather than increased, yields.

Nor is the process fast, they continue: producing a new gene-edited tomato in Japan took 15 years, which is about the same length of time as by conventional breeding.

As a journalist who has long been critical of traditional GM, I support this weeks announcement, however.

It seems wise to make research easier, especially in an area where Britain is strong.

But given all the as-yet unresolved uncertainties about the technology, it seems wrong to exempt it from all regulation. Above all, it is essential that anything that goes on sale is labelled as GM has to be, so that consumers can choose whether to buy them or not. To fail to do so would be to betray shoppers and treat them with contempt.

That could even cause a greater row than that which doomed GM all those years ago.
Ben Fordham has savaged Malcolm Turnbull in a blistering rant after the former Prime Minister criticised Scott Morrison's submarine deal with the US and UK.

The radio broadcaster accused Mr Turnbull, 66, of being 'bitter', 'unhinged', 'cuckoo' and even acting against Australia's national interest.

In a withering speech on Wednesday, Mr Turnbull slammed Mr Morrison's decision to tear up a $90billion deal for 12 French diesel submarines in favour of eight nuclear-powered boats built with help from the US and UK.

Mr Turnbull - who has frequently appeared in the media to criticise the Morrison government since he was ousted in 2018 - called the move 'deceitful' and revealed he has spoken to Emmanuel Macron even though the French President won't take Mr Morrison's call.

Fordham accused him of harbouring a 'deep, dark hatred' of Mr Morrison and suggested he go kayaking to relax during Sydney's lockdown.

Ben Fordham (pictured with wife Jodie) has savaged Malcolm Turnbull in a blistering rant after the former Prime Minster criticised Scott Morrison's submarine deal with the US and UK

'We know that he's always been bitter since he lost the top job but he appears to be going cuckoo,' Fordham told his 2GB listeners on Thursday morning.

'His consistent attacks on the man who replaced him are becoming unhinged.'

Fordham accused Mr Turnbull - who signed the original deal with France in 2016 - of 'deliberately acting against' Australia's national interest by phoning President Macron.

'He was deliberately trying to damage our relationship with the French even further,' Fordham claimed.

'And why would anyone want to back France over America? Do we want to get into bed with a country that has never won a war or do we want to strengthen our bond with our closest ally?'

Fordham accused Mr Turnbull (pictured with wife Lucy) of 'deliberately acting against' Australia's national interest by phoning President Macron

Malcolm Turnbull's grievances on subs No cost or timeframe for nuclear boats Unclear how Australia will maintain subs given it has no nuclear experience Fears nuclear part of the subs will be built or fitted overseas Fears world will not trust Australia after 'backstabbing' France Advertisement

Fordham then said Mr Turnbull 'just can't get over the fact he was rolled, he misses being Prime Minister.

'He's experiencing what young people call FOMO - fear of missing out. Malcolm, we're all struggling but freedom day is close, hang in there,' he said in reference to Sydney's four-month lockdown which ends on October 11.

Fordham pointed out that it was Peter Dutton not Mr Morrison who ousted Mr Turnbull from office.

'Why the deep and dark hatred of Scott Morrison,' he asked.

'We're now at the point where Mr Turnbull can't go a day without throwing mud at his old colleagues.

'He never misses a chance to smear the Liberal Party that made him famous, that made him PM. He's willing to do anything for revenge.'

Fordham said Mr Turnbull's speech at the press club was 'one of the all-time dummy spits.

'And c'mon Malcolm we know lockdown is tough but there's 12 days until freedom day.

'So maybe get out on the kayak go for a walk with Lucy, do something. Get some fresh air. Because this level of hate and frustration and bitterness cannot be good for your health,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Turnbull's office for comment.

In his speech on Wednesday, Mr Turnbull called the move to scrap the sub deal with France deal 'deceitful' and said countries around the world will no longer trust Australia.

Emmanuel Macron (pictured) has refused to speak to Scott Morrison since the Prime Minister tore up Australia's $90billion submarine deal with France

But the French President has spoken to former leader Malcolm Turnbull (pictured on Wednesday) to express his fury, it was revealed

The French government was blindsided and left furious by the move which was announced by Mr Morrison with Joe Biden and Boris Johnson on September 15.

Mr Macron has since refused to take Mr Morrison's calls - but he has discussed the situation with his 'friend' Mr Turnbull, who signed the original deal with France in 2016.

'I have spoken to Emmanuel Macron. He is a friend and I have stayed in touch with him since I left office. He is one of the great leaders of our times,' Mr Turnbull said.

The former Prime Minister who led from 2015 to 2018 admitted that Mr Macron was furious.

'I am not going to quote him but what you have heard from the French government is held - those are views held right across the board,' he said.

'There is nobody in France that I am aware of saying this is just another commercial deal, too bad. Not at all.

'The foreign minister, when he said it was a stab in the back, was not speaking just for himself, there is outrage. What it tells you is that Australia can't be trusted.'

Mr Morrison (pictured) scrapped a deal to buy 12 French-made submarines in favour of eight nuclear-powered boats in a new deal with the US and UK

Scott Morrison and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris in June

Mr Turnbull said his government had looked into nuclear submarines, but was advised it could not operate such a fleet without a civil nuclear industry.

The Morrison government says a domestic nuclear industry is not needed to support the submarines, as they come with whole-of-life nuclear power plants which do not need further refuelling.

Former prime minister Paul Keating said new pact with the UK and US - dubbed AUKUS - was a sign of the formation of an 'anachronistic Anglosphere' in Asia.

But British high commissioner to Australia Victoria Treadell rejected the assertion.

'This is not an issue of this Anglosphere and I really do think we have to move away from defining countries like Australia, US and the UK as Anglosphere,' she told ABC radio.

Last week in New York, Mr Morrison admitted he knew the French would be furious after he tore up the submarine deal.

The French - who were only told the night before the announcement- have reacted with fury, claiming Australia's move was a 'stab in the back'.

The US and the UK will help Australia build nuclear-powered submarines. Pictured: the UK's Astute class submarine HMS Ambush

'It would be naive to think a decision of this nature was not going to cause disappointment, obviously, to the French,' he said.

'We understand that. We totally acknowledge that. And we knew that would be the case.'

Mr Morrison said he could not tell French counterparts any sooner because the highly secure information about the deal with the US and UK would have leaked to the media or to other nations.

'And at the end of the day, you have to do things that are in Australia's national interest, and our security interests. And that had to be paramount,' he said.

Asked if he'd had the chance to speak to President Macron since breaking the news, he said: 'No, there's not an opportunity for that at this time.

'I'm sure that opportunity will come in time.

'Right now I understand the disappointment and they're working through the consultations with their ambassador's return to Paris and we'll be patient with that.'

Mr Morrison said he told the French many months ago that conventional submarines no longer met Australia's demands - but they were still blindsided.

'The world is a jungle,' ex-ambassador to the US Gerard Araud tweeted on Thursday.

'France has just been reminded this bitter truth by the way the US and the UK have stabbed her in the back in Australia. C'est la vie.'

China has inflamed tensions in the South China Sea in recent years by expanding its claimed territory (picutred in red), to the objection of its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific

The French government later said Australia's decision to ditch the agreement was 'contrary to the spirit of cooperation which prevailed' between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said the change in plan 'marks an absence of coherence that France can only observe and regret'.

The Prime Minister was joined for the AUKUS announcement by US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a historic joint video-link press conference.

None of the leaders mentioned China by name but the West is increasingly concerned about Beijing's growing assertiveness and huge military build-up.

Mr Morrison said Australia needed nuclear submarines because they can travel further and evade enemy detection better than conventional submarines.

China has vastly built up its military in the past few years and now possesses six Shang-class nuclear powered attack submarines, equipped with torpedoes and cruise missiles. This graphic shows a comparison of the two militaries
Ben Fordham has unleashed on the 'utterly disgraceful and lazy' teacher's union for objecting to schools going back a week early because they're 'not ready'.

The 2GB radio host accused the union of trying to find 'excuses not to go back to work' after reading a statement from the Independent Education Union.

'All of this started on July 6, school holidays started then... and you haven't had time to get ready?' he said.

'What have you been doing? The rest of the world has been getting ready for when we return to normal. Absolutely and utterly disgraceful, lazy, and there's no defence for it.'

NSW students are going back to the classroom a week ahead of schedule on October 18 as the state races ahead on reaching key vaccination targets

Ben Fordham unleashed on the 'utterly disgraceful and lazy' teacher's union for objecting to schools going back a week early because they're 'not ready'

Students in NSW are going back to the classroom a week ahead of schedule on October 18 as the state races ahead on reaching key vaccination targets.

Fordham said parents 'can't wait' to get their children back in classrooms because many of them have developed 'depression' as a result of not seeing their friends.

'Now on day 97 of this lockdown you say your teachers are not ready to go back to class one week early?' he said of the union.

IEUA acting secretary Carol Matthews joined his show to claim that teachers across the state hadn't adequate time to get vaccinated.

She said while jabs were made available to educators in Sydney, there were problems with supply, particularly Pfizer, in regional areas.

'The government has to take some responsibility here. If they want to change policy every week they need to consult, they need to support schools,' Ms Matthews said.

'What's the education sector been doing?' Fordham replied. 'You guys are finding excuses not to go back to work.

There are concerns not all teachers will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in time, as NSW students head back to the classroom a week ahead of schedule

Fordham said parents 'can't wait' to get their children back in classrooms because many of them have developed 'depression' as a result of not seeing their friends

Ms Matthews said teachers had been working remotely throughout the pandemic and rejected his suggestion, saying the government were yet to even conduct ventilation checks on classrooms.

'Kids won't be wearing masks, kids won't be vaccinated, so it's easy to compare schools with pubs but none of the protections that apply in pubs will apply in schools,' she said.

'The Victorian government is funding non-government schools to fund their filtration.

'It's not so much a question of the teachers, but the buildings. Are the buildings safe for the students?'

There are reservations about expediting the return to the classroom with NSW Secondary Principals' Council concerned about teacher shortages.

'The return to school must be based on advice from @NSWHealth, must be controlled and safe for our students and staff,' it tweeted.

'Our staff must have time to prepare for any switch from Learning from Home to face to face. We need time for staff and eligible students to be fully vaccinated.'

The Independent Education Union is concerned about a lack of consultation and believes the former staged plan was the safest option.

Ms Matthews told AAP the union had not been consulted and there was a lot of 'nervousness' given how contagious the Delta variant is.

'I don't think people will be ready for those dates to be adjusted,' she said.

'Kids won't be wearing masks, kids won't be vaccinated, so its easy to compare schools with pubs but none of the protections that apply in pubs will apply in schools,' Ms Matthews

Meanwhile, the deadline for health workers to have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination is here. Those who haven't will be forced to take unpaid leave.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said 97.5 per cent of the NSW Health workforce would be vaccinated by Thursday.

'If you don't care enough to get vaccinated and look after your colleagues, if you don't care enough to look after your patients, then you probably shouldn't be in the health system,' he said on Wednesday.

Some 863 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed across the state in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, and a record 15 deaths.

Visits to aged care homes will also be allowed from October 11 with two fully vaccinated people able to visit a resident per day.

Meanwhile, the town of Oberon has been placed into lockdown for one week due to an increased risk of COVID-19 transmissions.

The stay-at-home order applies to anyone who has been in the Oberon local government area from September 20.
A Melbourne radio host has hit out at the decision to charge the Victorian Health Department for the bungled hotel quarantine system.

Tom Elliott said politicians or individual bureaucrats should be charged instead, and expressed fury that taxpayers will be forced to pay any resultant fines.

The 3AW presenter was angry that no-one in Dan Andrews' government is facing ramifications as charges were laid over the bungled quarantine scheme.

Quarantine breaches saw the virus carried into the community by ill-trained workers, leading to the city's 112-day lockdown in 2020.

Melbourne radio host Tom Elliot has exploded, saying taxpayers will have to foot the $95 million bill if the Victorian Department of Health is found guilty of 58 charges (pictured, Mr Elliot with wife Elise Mooney)

WorkSafe Victoria announced yesterday that it was charging the health department with 58 breaches of occupational health and safety.

If a tribunal found the agency guilty by all counts, the government agency will face fines of $95 million.

Elliott fumed the charges are merely a 'box-ticking exercise' so the government can pretend someone has been held accountable for 'one of the most scandalous examples of malfeasance in Victoria's history'.

'To me it looks like a whitewash - no individual is being charged, no-one is threatened with the loss of their job or a personal fine or possibly even jail time.' Elliott said.

He claimed the fines relating to Victoria's bungled hotel quarantine system were merely a 'box-ticking exercise' and that no-one will be held responsible (pictured, a Melbourne quarantine hotel)

'The Department of Health is responsible for billions of dollars of expenditure, on hospitals and so forth - $50 million is a rounding error for them.

'If no-one individually takes the fall... it is a Clayton's punishment - it is no punishment whatsoever'.

WorkSafe alleged the department breached health and safety laws while running the state's hotel quarantine system from March to July 2020.

The virus was carried outside the hotel system by under-trained and under-resourced staff - many of whom had second jobs - and led to the longest lockdown the country has seen so far.

If found guilty on all counts by a tribunal, the agency would be forced to cough up payments of up to $95.12 million, but the consequent hole in the department's budget will be filled up by taxpayers.

Dan Andrews' Department of Health has been charged with 58 offences over the bungled hotel quarantine system that led to the state's 112-day lockdown last year

Failures of Melbourne's hotel quarantine system last year saw the state plunged into a 112-day lockdown that saw thousands of cases and dozens of deaths

Where would the $95.12million fine go? WorkSafe is a Victorian Government agency, but is not funded by taxpayer dollars. Instead it charges premiums from WorkCover, an insurance employers pay to fund compensation to workers injured on the job. It also levies fines for unsafe work practices and draws income from various investments. Should the Victorian Health Department be convicted and fined for the hotel quarantine charges, the money will go to WorkSafe. WorkSafe will use the fine to pay its staff and operating costs, compensate injured workers, and keep WorkSafe premiums down. Advertisement

The department has been charged with 17 offences of failing to provide a safe working environment.

It has also been hit with 41 charges of failing to ensure employees weren't exposed to risks to their health and safety.

WorkSafe alleges the hotel quarantine system put authorised employees and security guards at risk of serious illness or death by contracting Covid.

The agency's investigation has taken 15 months to complete and has reviewed tens of thousands of documents and recorded multiple witness interviews with staff.

WorkSafe alleges security guards weren't provided with proper infection control training and were only provided written instructions for the use of PPE rather than demonstration.

'A review of the material from last year's Covid-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry provided relevant context and information that informed parts of the investigation,' the Health Department's statement said.

'The decision to prosecute has been made in accordance with WorkSafe's General Prosecution Guidelines, which require WorkSafe to consider whether there is sufficient evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether bringing a prosecution is in the public interest.'

WorkSafe alleges that authorised employees and security guards were put at risk of serious illness or death through contracting coronavirus from returning Australians through either working in the hotels or contiminated surfaces

The report found there to be 'considerable and significant problems with the way in which the program operated'

The investigations included examinations of the hotels and security companies that were used by Dan Andrews' government as part of the system.

They also spoke to other government departments and agencies as part of the investigation.

The matter will have a hearing at the Magistrate's Court on October 22, with WorkSafe saying they will make no further comment.

Victoria's Covid-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry led by former judge Jennifer Coate released its final report in December last year after 90 per cent of the cases from the state's second wave were linked to the bungled hotel quarantine system.

The report found there to be 'considerable and significant problems with the way in which the program operated' with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and Health Department disagreeing over who was at fault.

Ms Coate said this 'occupied an inordinate amount of time during the inquiry'.

The DJPR were adamant the Health Department were in charge, while they believed they were only responsible for part of the system and that both were in charge of the programs delivery.

The dispute over the decision to use private security instead of police and defence force personnel was a huge topic of contention within the public, with Ms Coate describing it as 'an orphan, with no person or department claiming responsibility'

The state's health minister at the time Jenny Mikakos and her secretary Kym Peake resigned before the final report was released, with Premier Andrews saying he would have expected them to resign after the report was released anyway.

The dispute over the decision to use private security instead of police and defence force personnel was a huge topic of contention, with Ms Coate describing that policy as 'an orphan, with no person or department claiming responsibility'.

The premier instead said at the time it was 'less about who was engaged' and more about the 'lack of oversight' in the hotel quarantine system.

'If I could then get the daily report that I get now then I would, I would prefer I had that detailed information in an ongoing sense.

'That would allow us to take action so things did not escalate with the virus running wild, with the only remedy of which is to lock the place down.'
A 40-year-old man has died two days after he was assaulted on a garage forecourt, as police arrest a 15-year-old boy over the incident.

Thomas Mallaby, 40, was seriously injured at a service station in the village of Annfield Plain, near Stanley, Co Durham, in the early hours of Sunday.

Police said the death was 'not connected in any way' to the current nationwide problems over fuel deliveries.

A 40-year-old man has died two days after he was assaulted on a garage forecourt, as police arrest a 15-year-old boy over the incident

A spokesman said Mr Mallaby was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary after the assault in Morrison Road but died on Tuesday afternoon.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Monday in connection with the incident and released on bail pending further inquiries, he said.

The spokesman said Mr Mallaby's wife and family are being supported by specialist officers.

Thomas Mallaby, 40, was seriously injured at a service station in the village of Annfield Plain, near Stanley, Co Durham, in the early hours of Sunday

Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton, who is leading the investigation, said on Wednesday: 'This was a truly tragic incident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Mallaby following their devastating loss.

'We are working to establish exactly what happened, but I would like to reassure the community that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.

'Although the incident happened on the forecourt of a fuel station, I am keen to stress that it was not connected in any way to the current issues of fuel shortages.'
Kaleb Cole, 25, leader of the Atomwaffen neo-Nazi group, has been convicted of five felonies for conspiracy, interfering with a federally protected activity, and mailing threatening communications in court on Wednesday

The leader of neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen is convicted of five felony charges and could face a decade in prison for threatening journalists and Jewish activities across three states.

Kaleb Cole, 25, has been convicted of five felonies, including one count of conspiracy and interfering with a federally protected activity and three counts of mailing threatening communications after he and his other group members sent journalists and Jewish activities threatening posters in the mail.

He faces up to a decade in prison at his upcoming sentencing hearing on January 11.

Cole, of Montgomery, Texas, was a leader of a hate group called Atomwaffen Division. He and four others were charged last year with having cyberstalked and sent Swastika-laden posters to journalists and employees of the Anti-Defamation League in Washington, Arizona, and Florida.

The posters included threatening messages like 'You have been visited by your local Nazis,' 'Your Actions have Consequences,' and 'We are Watching.'

The posters also included images such as a hooded figure preparing to throw a Molotov cocktail at a house, and the words 'Death to Pigs' - the same message followers of Charles Manson scrawled in victims' blood during a home invasion murder.

Cole designed the posters, and in January 2020, his co-conspirators 'printed and delivered or mailed the posters' to journalists and other targeted groups, according to the court.

Cole and his three other co-conspirators sent threatening posters in the mail and glued some to the houses of journalists and Jewish activists

'In the Seattle area, the posters were mailed to a TV journalist who had reported on Atomwaffen, and to two individuals associated with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In Tampa, the group targeted a journalist, but delivered the poster to the wrong address. In Phoenix, the poster was glued to a bedroom window at the residence of the editor of a Jewish lifestyle magazine,' the court reported.

Cole has been on law enforcement's radar since at least 2018, when he was stopped at US Customs upon returning from a trip to Europe. Authorities searched his cell phone and found photos of him at various sites throughout Europe, displaying a white supremacist flag and performing the Nazi salute.

Cole (right), standing alongside suspected neo-nazi and Atomwaffen member Aiden Bruce-Umbaugh, at Auschwitz in Germany. Cole has been on law enforcement's radar since at least 2018, when he was stopped at US Customs upon returning from Europe. Authorities searched his cell phone and found photos of him at various sites throughout Europe, displaying a white supremacist flag and performing the Nazi salute

While living in Seattle, Cole had nine guns seized in 2019 after police obtained an 'extreme risk protection order' against him. He is also said to have organized paramilitary-style 'hate camps' in Nevada and Washington

In 2019, Seattle police obtained an 'extreme risk protection order' against him, seizing nine guns from his home. They said Cole had 'gone from espousing hate to now taking active steps or preparation for an impending 'race war.'

Suspected neo-Nazi Aiden Bruce-Umbaugh, 23, was convicted last year to 2.5 years for gun crimes. He admitted to the court he was pulled over with Cole in the car and to possessing AR-15 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and assorted ammunition

Those steps including organizing paramilitary-style 'hate camps' in Nevada and Washington, investigators said.

Kaleb allegedly agreed to organize desert training sessions in Nevada for their Death Valley Hate Camp, according ProPublica.

'Bring your uniform, rifle/sidearm, and whatever camping gear you need,' he allegedly wrote.

Members allegedly arrived in the desert and shot recruitment videos in the sand dunes while holding military-grade weapons, according to ProPublica.

During the trial, victims testified about the impact of receiving the posters, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release. Some temporarily left their homes and installed security systems; one bought a gun and took a firearms safety class; and another left her job as a journalist.

In his closing argument, assistant U.S. attorney Thomas Woods told the jury Cole 'was not simply sending a message of hate, he was sending a statement of terror.'

Cole did not call any witnesses or testify on his own behalf. His attorney, Chris Black, argued that the posters did not constitute threats.

'What we have here is a group of disillusioned young men who want to believe that they are engaged in some sort of propaganda war with journalists and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League,' Black said.

'But they never engaged in violence. They never planned violence. And most importantly, they never intended to communicate an actual threat to commit violence.'

The firearms (above) were found inside the blue Ford Focus they were driving. Police also found a small canister of marijuana and a vial of THC

His three co-defendants pleaded guilty and have already been sentenced, with the other leader of the conspiracy, Cameron Shea, receiving a three-year term.

Shea apologized and said: 'I cannot put into words the guilt that I feel about this fear and pain that I caused.'

Johnny Roman Garza, of Queen Creek, Arizona, was sentenced to 16 months for affixing one of the posters on the bedroom window of a Jewish journalist.

Taylor Parker-Dipeppe, of Spring Hill, Florida, received no prison time for attempting to deliver a flier but leaving it at the wrong address. Parker-Dipeppe was severely abused by his father and stepfather and hid his transgender identity from his co-conspirators - the judge found that he had suffered enough.
Thousands of people have turned out to mourn a Kansas priest as he was laid to rest 70 years after he died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

Mourners filled Hartman Arena for a funeral service for the Reverend Emil Kapaun and later lined streets of Park City to watch his body being carried by a horse-drawn caisson from Veterans Memorial Park to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he was interred.

'We are here today to provide for father what was not provided for him 70 years ago, a mass of Christian burial,' Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Wichita diocese told the crowd.

Speakers extolled Kapaun's Christian love and his courage during his days as a prisoner of war, which he spent providing comfort to his fellow soldiers.

They also said it was appropriate that his body had finally returned to the state where he was born.

'Uncle Emil, welcome home. Home at last,' said Kapaun's nephew, Ray Kapaun during the service.

He praised his uncle's fellow POWs who survived the war and the people of Pilsen, where Kapaun was born, whom he said had helped to keep the priest's story alive in the decades since his death.

Mourners filled Hartman Arena for a funeral service for the Reverend Emil Kapaun and later lined streets of Park City to watch his body being carried by a horse-drawn caisson

Speakers extolled Kapaun's Christian love and his courage during his days as a prisoner of war, which he spent providing comfort to his fellow soldiers

Kapaun's nephew, Ray Kapaun, praised his uncle's fellow POWs who survived the war and the people of Pilsen, where Kapaun was born, whom he said had helped to keep the priest's story alive in the decades since his death

Kapaun, an Army chaplain, was captured in 1950 near Unsan, North Korea, while tending to fellow soldiers. He died in May 1951 at the POW camp while continuing to minister to fellow prisoners. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013.

In 1993, the Catholic church named him a 'Servant of God,' the first step of a lengthy process that could lead to canonization.

In the POW camp, Kapaun (pictured) stole food, volunteered to bury the dead so he could provide clothes to survivors and continually encouraged them to hold onto their faith

During the funeral, the Reverend Matthew Pawlikowski read a statement from Colonel Mike Dowe detailing how Kapaun volunteered to stay behind to care for the wounded before he was captured.

He said at the prisoner of war camp, Kapaun stole food, volunteered to bury the dead so he could provide clothes to survivors and continually encouraged them to hold onto their faith.

Dowe said Kapaun was intentionally left to die in a structure known as 'the death house' by the Chinese Communists who ran the camp 'not because of politics, not because he was a soldier but because he was a shining light in the darkness living out his faith as a Christian. They martyred him.'

Kapaun's remains were positively identified in March and returned to his family last week during a ceremony in Hawaii.

The body was flown back to Kansas, where more crowds gathered on Saturday for a memorial service in Pilsen before his remains were returned to Wichita.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed Wednesday Father Emil Kapaun Day in the state.

She said in a statement that 'He served with honor and dignity, I hope his return home brings relief and closure to his family and his community.'
A former Theranos lab director at its founder Elizabeth Holmes' fraud trial testified that he believed the company's leadership cared more about public relations than the accuracy of its much touted blood tests, and explained why he decided to speak to the press about his doubts.

In testimony that began Friday, continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, and is slated to last through to this Friday, Adam Rosendorff told the court why he decided to go to Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou in 2015 to relay his misgivings about the company's blood testing technology.

Holmes is charged with fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud over allegations that she misled investors, patients and doctors about the capabilities of Theranos' blood-test technology, and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The trial of disgraced former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes continued Wednesday. She is pictured arriving at the federal courthouse in San Jose during jury selection on August 31

Rosendorff joined Theranos in April 2013 as a lab director, and told jurors that he left in November 2014 over misgivings about the company's priorities, according to CNN Business.

Former Theranos lab director Adam Rosendorff told prosecutors in court Tuesday that his misgivings about the accuracy of the company's blood tests led him to speak to former Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou (pictured), whose story was the first to sow doubts about their capabilities

He was the first to blow the whistle regarding the company's troubles to Carreyrou, and Carreryrou's was the first report to sow doubts about the accuracy of Theranos' tests when it was published in October, 2015 and drew further scrutiny that would lead to the company's collapse.

'I felt pressured to vouch for tests that I did not have confidence in. I came to believe that the company believed more about PR and fundraising than about patient care,' Rosendorff said in court Friday.

On Tuesday, he described how he had felt compelled to speak to Carreyrou.

'Even months after I left the company, I felt obligated from a moral and ethical perspective to alert the public,' he said.

After his testimony Tuesday, Carreyrou took to Twitter to confirm the Rosendorff was his initial source.

After the revelation, Carreyrou took to Twitter to confirm that Rosendorff was his initial source for the October, 2015 story

'Without him, I wouldn't have been able to break the Theranos story,' he tweeted. 'Hats off to his courage and integrity. He's one of the real heroes of this story.'

While being questioned by prosecutor John Bostic, Rosendorff insisted that he repeatedly tried to warn Holmes and Theranos' chief operating officer and Holmes' former lover, Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani, that the tests were so rampantly inaccurate that he was being besieged by complaints from doctors.

But Holmes and Balwani seemed more interested in cultivating Theranos' image as a potentially game-changing company than protecting people's health, according to Rosendorff.

'The number and severity of issues had reached a crescendo,' Rosendorff said, noting that the leadup to the commercial launch of the company's tests through Walgreens in particular seemed 'extremely rushed and hurried,' CNN Business reported.

Balwani is also charged with the same fraud and conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be tried in January.

Rosendorff alleged in testimony that he had tried to warn Holmes and Theranos' chief operating officer and her former lover, Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani (right) of inaccuracies in the company's tests

Attorneys for Holmes have argued that that the legal responsibility for the accuracy of Theranos' tests fell on the employees running the lab and not Holmes, which would have included Rosendorff.

In his cross examination of Rosendorff that began Tuesday and continued Wednesday, Lance Wade, an attorney for Holmes pressed him to confirm that his responsibility as lab director was to ensure the accuracy of the company's tests.

'Yes, I endeavored earnestly to fulfill the laboratory director obligations. I faced constraints and pushback from management,' he replied.

Wade continued the line of questioning Wednesday, in exchanges that at times became heated.

Holmes is accused of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud over allegations that she misled investors, patients and doctors about the capabilities of Theranos' blood-test technology. She is seen in a court sketch earlier this month during opening arguments

'You keep saying it's my job, it's my job, but I was part of a large company,' he told Wade,according to the Wall Street Journal.

'I alone fulfilled my duties as lab director, but it's not reasonable to expect I could have guaranteed the quality of services coming out of the lab,' he said.

In later questioning Wednesday, Wade showed the court a series of blood-test validation reports signed-off by Rosendorff from September 2013 to September 2014 that were run through Theranos' proprietary Edison machines.

'You would not have kept signing the validation reports for the Edison if you thought the Edison device was inherently unreliable?' Wade asked, according to the Journal.

'I would not,' Rosendorff replied.

Wade's examination of Rosendorff is expected to last through Friday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's influential sister has been appointed to her highest rank yet at the top of the country's government body.

Kim Yo Jong, 34, a key adviser to her brother, was promoted to a position on the State Affairs Commission, amid a raft of changes approved by the Supreme People's Assembly, the rubber-stamp parliament.

No fewer than nine members of the commission were dismissed, including one of its vice-presidents, Pak Pong Ju, and diplomat Choe Son Hui, a rare senior woman in the North's hierarchy who has played a key role in negotiations with the United States.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, has been promoted to a position on the State Affairs Commission

The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried portraits of the eight new appointees on Thursday, Kim Yo Jong standing out among them both for her youth and as the only woman.

She has often been seen in close proximity to her brother, with whom she went to school in Switzerland, including at his summits with then-US president Donald Trump and the South's leader Moon Jae-in.

Her exact political role has long been the subject of speculation, as has the possibility that she might one day succeed her brother - a transition that would give the socially conservative North its first female leader.

Kim Yo Jong has long been among Kim Jong Un's closest lieutenants and one of the most influential women in North Korea's isolated regime

She has at times made vitriolic denunciations of Washington or Seoul in statements carried by state media, particularly ahead of the North blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border that the South had built and paid for.

Her relatively junior position as a vice department director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party gave those declarations an element of ambiguity, and in some cases, she specifically said she was speaking in a personal capacity.

Her official rank has risen and fallen over time, but her new SAC position is by far the most senior post she has held.

Kim Yo Jong: North Korean leader's newly promoted sister

Sister, adviser, and now top official: the latest promotion of Kim Yo Jong, sibling to North Korea's leader, solidifies her position in Pyongyang's circles of power, analysts say.

She has long been among Kim Jong Un's closest lieutenants and one of the most influential women in the isolated regime, and on Thursday it was made official when state media announced she had been named to the State Affairs Commission (SAC), the country's top government body.

It is a major step up from her relatively junior position as a vice department director in the ruling party, and is likely to heighten speculation that she could be a long-shot candidate to succeed her brother -- whose health is a regular topic of rumour -- in the event of his demise.

Kim Yo Jong was her brother's envoy to the 2018 Winter Olympics

Such a transition would give the socially conservative North its first female leader, but analysts caution it would defy convention.

'Kim Jong Un has raised Kim Yo Jong's status,' said Shin Beom-chul, a researcher at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.

Born in 1988, according to Seoul's Ministry of Unification, Yo Jong is one of three children born to Kim's predecessor Kim Jong Il and his third known partner, former dancer Ko Yong Hui.

She was educated in Switzerland alongside her brother and rose rapidly up the ranks once he inherited power after their father's death in 2011.

Her existence was barely known to the wider world until his funeral, when she was seen on state television standing right behind Kim Jong Un, looking tearful and ashen-faced.

In contrast an inscrutable smile played on her lips when she rode down an escalator at Incheon airport as her brother's envoy to the 2018 Winter Olympics, becoming the first member of the North's ruling dynasty to set foot in the South since the Korean War.

Every detail of her visit was closely watched, from the clothes she wore to the bag she was carrying and even her handwriting.

In keeping with the secrecy shrouding North Korea's leaders, it is not known whether she is married.

Kim Yo Jong has long been among Kim Jong Un's closest lieutenants and one of the most influential women in North Korea's isolated regime

More recently she has often been seen at her brother's side, including at his summits with the South's leader Moon Jae-in and then US president Donald Trump: on their 60-hour train journey to Hanoi for a meeting which then collapsed, she was seen bringing Kim an ashtray when he stepped off for a cigarette break.

She has also regularly issued statements in her own name making vitriolic denunciations of Washington or Seoul, particularly ahead of the North blowing up a liaison office on its side of the border last year that the South had built and paid for.

There was 'no doubt' that Kim Jong Un has an exceptionally close relationship with his sister, said Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

'Jong Un and Yo Jong spent much of their lonely childhood overseas together -- I think this is when they developed something that is similar to comradeship, on top of sibling love,' he told AFP.

Leadership has always been a family affair in the North and other than her brother, Kim Yo Jong is now the highest-ranked member of the 'Paektu bloodline' -- a Northern term for the siblings' grandfather Kim Il Sung and his descendants, who have led the nuclear-armed country since its foundation.

When Kim Jong Un disappeared from public view for several weeks last year it triggered feverish speculation over his health and who might succeed him.

Analysts say Kim Yo Jong's portrayals in state media could be intended to bolster her credibility with the North Korean military and other hawks.

But when the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried portraits of the eight new SAC appointees on Thursday, she stood out among them both as the only woman and for her youth.

Given North Korea's social and political structures, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University, it would be 'very difficult' for Kim to designate his sister as his successor, 'even though she is a member of the Paektu bloodline'.
It's about 10metres long and once served as a dutiful work boat for Australia's Antarctic icebreaker.

The Aurora Australis finished a 30-year stint as the nation's research and re-supply vessel in 2020.

And there are calls to place a miniature reminder of the orange boat, Aurora Australis II, on display in Hobart where its mother ship once called home.

The work boat has been bought by the Aurora Australis Foundation from owners P&O Maritime Services for $1.

There are calls to place a miniature reminder of the orange boat, Aurora Australis II, on display in Hobart where its mother ship once called home

'Hobart had a huge fondness for the Aurora Australis, but many don't realise we have a little part of it left,' former chief scientist of Australia's Antarctic program and foundation board member, Michael Stoddart, said.

'This was its work boat that was kept at the bow and lowered over the side to clear ice from the hose used to refuel the stations, enable scientific work away from the ship, or run mooring lines from ship to shore.

'It has some neat little features including a heated hull to melt the ice.'

Dr Stoddart is working with federal Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, Hobart City Council, TasPorts and Macquarie Point Development Corporation to find space for the boat at the city's waterfront.

The foundation campaigned the government to buy and display the Aurora Australis, which is being revamped overseas by P&O for further polar work.

'We couldn't save the mother, but we can save the baby,' Mr Wilkie said.

'This little orange work boat would wonderfully illustrate Hobart's long history as a gateway to Antarctica since the early 19th century.'

Dr Stoddart said the obvious home for the boat would be the proposed Antarctic and Science Precinct at Macquarie Point.

'However, that's years away yet, so we are really keen to find a space on the waterfront to display the boat temporarily,' he said.

The Aurora Australis is being replaced by the $529million RSV Nuyina which is set to arrive in Hobart on October 16.
Australia has been branded a 'fascist state' on US TV after footage aired on Fox Business of the brutal arrest of a Melbourne man for smoking a cigarette.

Show host Lisa Kennedy, 49, mercilessly mocked the nation with a fake Aussie accent as she railed against lockdowns and border closures in pursuit of Covid zero.

And pundit Steve Hilton, 52, labelled Australia 'insane', 'authoritorian' and 'draconian' for its response to the Covid pandemic.

The outrage was sparked after Kennedy played video of police in Melbourne throwing a man to the ground and handcuffing him for smoking without a mask.

The clip, apparently shot in St Kilda on Saturday, shows at least six police swooping on the man as a woman tries to defend him.

'He has a mask in his pocket, he was just smoking a cigarette, he just came to have lunch with me,' she says, showing her kebab to the camera. 'He lives a block away.'

The man adds: 'I has having a cigarette. I've got two masks in my pocket. What else do you want me to do?'

Police insist: 'He has no valid reason to be here. We told him to move on and he's not wearing a mask.'

The video incensed Fox Business libertarian Kennedy - who is known just by her surname - and sparked a furious on-air rant in her fake Australian drawl.

'Much of Australia is on month three of another crushing lockdown with citizens getting thrown to the ground for a simple smoke break,' she raged.

'The state attacking its own citizens for the crime of...being outside - where Covid doesn't spread. We're seeing old ladies get pepper sprayed in Australia

'And to take one step further, one top official also had a warning for those who refuse the jab, saying life for the unvaccinated is going to be very difficult indefinitely.'

Australia has been branded a 'fascist state' on US TV after footage aired on Fox News of the brutal arrest of a Melbourne man for smoking a cigarette (pictured)

British-born guest Steve Hilton - former advisor to UK Tory Prime Minister David Cameron - joined in the Aussie-bashing and insisted Australians were mad to support the hardline response to Covid.

'The really shocking thing about all this is that most people seem to be okay with this,' he said.

'They've got this insane conviction that they can now have this kind of zero COVID because they're an island and they kept it out.

'They had these incredibly draconian measures in place right at the beginning. And they think they did a good job with that. They think they can keep it up forever.

'It's now kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They feel they have to keep going with it, even though it's impossible.'

Show host Lisa Kennedy, 49, (pictured) mercilessly mocked the nation with a fake Aussie accent as she railed against lockdowns and border closures in pursuit of Covid zero

He added: 'That's why you've got these leaders of the different parts of the country imposing these these unbelievable authoritarian tactics.

'It's really sad, because we think that it's actually a fascist state now. It really is. It's really, really frightening.'

Mr Hilton - who hosts his own show on Fox News - says Australia's reaction to the pandemic could inspire similar crackdowns by other governments around the world.

He added: 'If there's not a massive uprising about this, it does give other governments around the world the idea that, you know what, we can get away with this stuff too.'

He insisted the lockdowns in Australia were not working.

The US has so far had 43.9million Covid cases and 693,000-plus deaths. The UK has has 7.74million Covid cases and 136,000 deaths.

Despite the current NSW and Victoria outbreaks, Australia has had just 103,000 Covid cases and less than 1300 deaths.

Co-host Steve Hilton, 52, (pictured) labelled Australia 'insane', 'authoritorian' and 'draconian' for its response to the Covid pandemic

Hilton insisted all restrictions must end and the country opened up. He compared Australia to Florida, which is currently in the midst of a crippling Covid crisis.

'Either you get there, for example, as Florida did with minimal restrictions, less destruction to people's lives, to children's lives, to small businesses and so on,' he said.

'Or you get there through these draconian rules.'

Florida, which has a similar population to Australia with 21.48million, has had 3.56million Covid cases and 54,067 deaths.

'Western Australia, where the city of Perth is, they have no cases they're free,' he added. 'They don't have the lockdowns, but they're totally sealed off.

'You can't even travel there from the rest of Australia. How long do they think they can keep that going?'

Kennedy added: 'You can't do it indefinitely, because they're going to have another protracted recession. And they can't afford that.'

The outrage was sparked after Kennedy played video of police in Melbourne throwing a man to the ground and handcuffing him for smoking without a mask (pictured)

Australia briefly went into a technical recession at the start of the pandemic last year - the first since 1991 - but immediately bounced back with record growth and a booming economy.

'They did try to hermetically seal the continents,' said Kennedy. 'But all it takes is one case of COVID and the the place catches fire.

'You aren't going to fully contain the virus. you can figure out how to manage it, but you also have to figure out how to live with it.

'And living with it means no lock downs, because lock downs effectively, they're not working.'

Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia a 27 year old man was arrested for not supplying his name and address 'during protests at a park in St Kilda'.

'Officers initially spoke to the man and directed he move on from the area about 1.15pm,' said a spokesman.

'Shortly after, police observed the man return to the park and approached him to confirm his identity.

'The man pushed an officer and attempted to run away so police arrested him to confirm his name and address.

'The man was subsequently issued with a $1,817 infringement notice for failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer directions.

'Anyone who is not satisfied with the infringement notice they have received can appeal the matter.'
A missing father and his three children have remarkably been found safe and well after they went missing from a remote beach almost three weeks ago.

Tom Phillips and his three children, Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick, 6, and Ember, 5, had been missing since September 11 after his ute was found on a beach facing out to sea near the South Waikato settlement of Marokopa, on the North Island of New Zealand.

Police and emergency services alongside hundreds of volunteers and locals spent days searching for the family since Monday, September 13.

A father, Tom Phillips (pictured) and his three children have been found safe and well after they disappeared for nearly three weeks on the New Zealand North Island

The father's sister described the emotional moment fhe family, Tom, Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick, 6, and Ember, 5 walked into the family home

Phillips' sister Rozzi Pethybridge described the unbelievable moment he 'just walked in the door' saying it was the 'best case scenario'.

'I talked to him for about two minutes and there were lots of tears. I want to be respectful of Tom's wishes so I can't say too much at the moment, but Tom was in a helpless place - he chose a safe place to clear his head,' she said to Newshub.

Mayor of Otorohanga Max Baxter expressed the 'overwhelming sense of relief' that the family were safe but mentioned the father did have questions to answer about their disappearance.

'There will be mixed emotions on behalf of the family, there's no question. As the communities will have the same mixed emotions. But at the end of the day there will be an overwhelming sense of relief that the kids are safe and sound.'

The family had been missing since September 11 when Mr Phillips' ute was found facing the ocean on a beach near the South Waikato settlement of Marokopa

It was thought they had been swept off the rocks in stormy weather while the family hoped the father had taken his children on a camping trip

He commended police for their efforts in the extensive search and said he was unaware of where the family had been, remarking 'it is well thought through prior to going bush' so there would be a few questions the family would have to answer.

Police had suspended the search last week after a 12-day operation failed to locate the four.

There were concerns the four had been swept off rocks during stormy weather but family hoped the father had taken his children on a camping trip.

Earlier in the month the children's uncle, Paul Phillips, expressed his worry about the safety of the children.

Police had suspended the search in the Marokopa area (pictured) after 12 days of unsuccessfully trying to find the family

'Our biggest fear is that it's possible that a rogue wave came in and swept them out to sea. Because Tom was an extremely resilient person we're hopeful that Tom has taken the children camping,' Mr Phillips said at the time to The New Zealand Herald.

He said Tom Phillips is a capable hunter who knew how to look after himself and knew his way around the bush.

Their mother thanked the services involved in the search including Waikato Police Search and Rescue staff, Waitomo LandSAR, Hamilton LandSAR, Fire and Emergency New Zealand,and Surf Life Saving NZ.

Mr Phillips' ute (pictured) being found facing the ocean with the keys still under the mat sparked suspicion the family was missing at sea

'We also want to thank the air support units who have been helping with the search, the local Iwi and community for their support, and preparation of food donations, any koha given and the families of everyone mentioned for supporting them during their time helping our family,' she said, commenting she just wanted her children home.

Police area commander Will Loughrin commented after the search was suspended the inquiry phase of the operation was still ongoing with police available to react to new information as it comes forward.

It was initially thought the family was missing at sea after the vehicle was found facing the ocean with the keys still under the mat.

Details of the disappearance and exactly how long they have been in Marokopa since being reported missing have not yet been revealed.
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Brian Laundrie's father was spotted breaking cover at the family home Wednesday to pick up a Dunkin' Donuts delivery and a bunch of flowers that were left on their doorstep in North Port, Florida, as the hunt for his fugitive son continues.

Photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show Christopher Laundrie inching outside momentarily to collect the supplies before he ducked back inside the property that his family used to share with their son's dead girlfriend Gabby Petito.

Brian's mother Roberta was also seen in the doorway helping her husband with the goods but stayed inside away from the crowd of protesters who continued to make their presence known to the couple.

It is not clear who sent the Laundries the bunch of flowers but dozens of bunches have been left at a makeshift memorial to Gabby on their lawn as questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of Brian and what his parents know.

New details have emerged about a camping trip that Brian took with his parents days before Petito was reported missing and around one week before he went on the run.

Documents obtained by Fox News reveal Brian's mom changed her reservation for the campsite to three people from September 6 to September 8, after Brian returned home early from his and Gabby's campervan trip early and alone.

On August 31, she also reportedly canceled a stay for two people from September 1 to 3, suggestion she may have known Brian was heading home the next day.

The FBI is now examining surveillance footage from the Fort De Soto Park campsite where the family's attorney admitted the trio visited and Dog the Bounty Hunter believes Brian could be hiding out.

Federal investigators are also following a lead that Brian bought a burner phone from an AT&T store in North Port on the day he went missing in an outing where he was joined by 'an older woman'.

Brian Laundrie's father was spotted breaking cover from the family home Wednesday as the hunt for his son continues

He picked up a Dunkin' Donuts delivery and a bunch of flowers that were left on the doorstep in North Port, Florida

Christopher Laundrie inched outside momentarily to collect the supplies before ducking back inside the property that they used to share with their son's girlfriend Gabby Petito

Brian's mother Roberta was also seen in the doorway helping her husband with the goods but stayed inside the home

Timeline of missing Gabby Petito's case July 2: Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip

Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip August 12: Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor

Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor Aug. 21: Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah

Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah Aug. 24: Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie

Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie Aug. 25: Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park

Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park Aug. 25 or 26: The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes

The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes Aug. 27: Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone

Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone Aug. 29: The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm

The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm Aug. 30: Petito's mom receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite'

receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite' Aug. 31: Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3

Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3 Sept. 1: Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home

Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home Sept. 4: According to his attorney, Laundrie purchases a new cell phone from a North Port AT&T store which he leaves at his home September 14 and is seized by the FBI

Sept. 6-8: Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6

Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6 Sept. 10: The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home

The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home Sept. 11: Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie

Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie Sept. 12: Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito

Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito Sept. 14: Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack

Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack Sept. 15: Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case

Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case Sept. 16: The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released

The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released Sept. 17: Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her

Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her Sept. 18: North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie

North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie Sept. 19: Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description

Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description Sept. 21: Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation

Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation Sept. 20 - 22: FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve

FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve Sept. 22 : Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13

: Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13 Sept. 23: FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando

FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando Sept. 25: Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie

Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie Sept. 26: A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children

A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children Sept. 27: Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left

Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left Sept. 28: Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son

Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son Sept. 29: Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods

Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods Sept. 30: Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home

Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home Oct. 1: It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida

It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida Oct. 2: Petito's mother creates a new Twitter account and calls for Laundrie to turn himself into authorities in an 'angry' tweet. It is revealed that Petito's family tried to report her missing to North Port Police Department on September 10 but were told to file a report in her last known location Advertisement

Brian was named a person of interest in the homicide of his fiancee Petito. A warrant is out for his arrest for allegedly fraudulently spending $1,000 on Petito's Capitol One Bank debit card between August 30 and September 1.

The young couple set off on a cross-country trip in their campervan back on July 2 and were documenting their travels on YouTube.

Petito was last seen alive on August 24 leaving a motel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Laundrie and last spoke to her mom by phone the following day. Her family said they believe texts from her phone after then were 'suspicious.'

Brian returned to his home in North Port alone on September 1 driving the couple's campervan.

Petito was reported missing on September 11 by her family and her body was discovered in a campsite near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

Her death has been ruled a homicide but the cause of death is not yet clear.

Brian refused to speak to authorities during a week-long search for his missing girlfriend. On September 17, his parents told police they hadn't seen him in three days when he headed for a hike at the nearby Carlton Reserve.

As the manhunt for Brian continues, new details have emerge about his whereabouts between September 1 - the day he returned to Florida without Petito - and September 14 - the day his parents claim they last saw him.

Documents from the Fort De Soto Park reveal Brian's mom Roberta made a booking on August 24 for two people to stay at the campsite from September 1 to 3, Fox reported.

But on August 31 - the day before Brian returned home - Roberta canceled the reservation.

Brian and Petito were not expected to be back in Florida until October after setting out on the four month-long trip on July 2.

On September 3, seven days before Petito was reported missing, Roberta made a new reservation for three people at the same park for the weekend running September 6 through September 8.

A source who used to work at Civic Plus which manages the campground's reservation system told Fox they believe this indicates the Laundries knew Brian was heading home on August 31 and then made new plans to include him in a trip.

Other documents from the park, which is about 75 miles north of the family's home, show the Laundries did check in and out of the campsite on the dates booked.

Brian visited the park with Petito just two months ago with photos showing the young couple at the beach and campsite.

In one photo from the fateful couple's visit, Laundrie and Gabby are seen peering through the bars of a jail cell at an old fort.

'Really nice campground, beautiful area with many hikes and easy walks, the beach, historic sites, really nice camp store and well maintained sites!' the couple said in a review.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office told Fox Wednesday that the FBI is now examining surveillance footage from the area around the campsite as part of the search for Laundrie.

A spokesperson said the footage was being looked at as part of 'the open and active investigation' led by the FBI's Denver field office.

'The surveillance footage is part of that and that's why it is not being released,' they said.

A couple who stayed at the campsite at the same time recalled seeing a red truck with a camper similar to the one now seen parked in the Laundries' driveway.

Marcie and Kenny Newson said they could not confirm physically seeing Laundrie but a selfie from their trip appears to show him walking across the campsite.

'They kept to themselves. They were there and then they weren't', they told NBC 2 .

Another camper whose name appeared on the ledger was celebrating his anniversary with his wife three spots down from the Laundries.

Thomas Rutherford told Fox News that he could 'vaguely remember' spotting the Laundries' vehicle, which they noted due to the novelty of seeing a camper attached to a vehicle.

Dog the Bounty Hunter, who announced he was launching a search for Laundrie at the weekend, has focused his attentions on the coastline and creeks surrounding the park.

He recovered a can of Monster energy drink which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday, Fox reported.

The TV reality star was searching by boats and with K9 units in the area Wednesday.

A spokesperson for him said he has been 'working on very strong leads' and that it 'could very well be the last day of the hunt to apprehend Brian Laundrie'.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie are pictured together during their doomed cross-country trip. He is now on the run

Delivery workers bring items to the Laundrie family home Wednesday while new details emerged about Brian's possible whereabouts

Laundrie's father with several boxes of Dunkin' Donuts which he then took inside the family home

Christopher Laundrie is seen picking up Dunkin' Donuts boxes from outside the family home in North Port, Florida, Wednesday

The parents of Brian Laundrie have been holing up inside their North Port home amid the manhunt for their fugitive son

Dog said Monday night that Laundrie's parents spent the night in the campsite from September 1 to 3, staying in spot number 1.

They returned again with Brian to stay on spot 15 from September 6 to 8, and left without him, Dog claimed.

Records did not show the Laundrie family staying at the park from September 1 to 3.

The Laundries' attorney Steven Bertolino confirmed all three Laundrie family members went camping at the park from September 6, leaving together the next day - September 7.

'They all left the park,' Bertolino said, according to Fox 13.

Bertolino gave the confirmation after initially saying of Dog's allegations: 'I will no longer give that dog credibility or dignify his false claims with the time of my reply.'

If Dog's claims that the Brian's parents left without him are accurate, Brian could have had a nine-day head-start on law enforcement before Christopher and Roberta told police he had vanished.

This would also mean that the Laundries hid from authorities for almost a week that he was not at the family home as cops were denied access to enter the property due to Brian's first amendment rights.

The FBI is also investigating a line of inquiry that Brian bought a burner from an AT&T store in North Port on September 14 - the day his parents claim they last saw him.

It is not clear who sent the Laundries the bunch of flowers but dozens of bunches have been left at a makeshift memorial to Gabby on their lawn

Laundrie is seen picking up the flowers and taking them inside where his wife - Brian's mom Roberta - was seen inside

Questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of Brian - who has not been seen for over a week - and what his parents know

FBI 'seizes footage of Brian Laundrie buying burner phone from Florida AT&T on September 14' Federal investigators believe Brian Laundrie purchased a burner phone at an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida on the day he went missing. FBI agents seized surveillance footage from the store as reports have surfaced that Laundrie may have visited the establishment with an older woman on September 14. This is the day Laundrie reportedly left his parents' home to go for a hike, which is three days after Gabby Petito was reported missing. The seizure comes as internet sleuths have noticed changes to his social media accounts and Lyssa Chapman  daughter of Dog the Bounty Hunter who joined the nationwide search for the 23-year-old on Saturday  confirmed that the FBI believes Laundrie's mother, Roberta, is also using a burner phone. The North Port AT&T store (pictured) declined to comment on the alleged purchase, telling the Daily Mail: 'We are not confirming or denying anything and we are not making any statements' The North Port AT&T store declined to comment on whether Laundrie and Roberta visited the establishment, telling DailyMail.com: 'We are not confirming or denying anything and we are not making any statements.' However, the Laundries' attorney, Steven Bertolino did tell TMZ the family purchased a new phone but he 'believes it's the one Brian left behind at home' and notes that the 'FBI is already in possession of it'. Bertolino's comment echoes a previous statement he made to Insider, stating that investigators were in possession of the device. The lawyer claims the 23-year-old left his wallet and cell phone at his family's home before leaving the residence on September 14. The whereabouts of his fiancee's phone remain unknown. Advertisement

Brian is said to have visited the store to purchase the phone accompanied by an older woman.

Federal agents have seized surveillance footage from the store.

The North Port AT&T store declined to comment on whether Laundrie and Roberta visited the establishment, telling DailyMail.com: 'We are not confirming or denying anything and we are not making any statements.'

No further details about the woman have been revealed but it comes as speculation has been mounting that Brian's mom has also been using a burner phone.

Reporters in Tampa approached the FBI after internet sleuths showed screen grabs of Dog the Bounty Hunter's daughter Lyssa Chapman appearing to confirm the FBI believe Roberta Laundrie is using a burner phone.

It has not been suggested that she is using the burner phone to communicate with her son.

'We do not confirm or deny contact with any individual or entity in order to preserve their privacy, as such, we do not confirm or deny the receipt of any tip. We have no additional comment,' the FBI said, according to 10 Tampa Bay reporter Shannon Clowe.

Lyssa Chapman tweeted that the FBI confirmed the accusations that Roberta is in possession of a burner phone but did not present any evidence of the confirmation.

The Laundrie family attorney said he had 'no comment' about her alleged use of a burner phone but told TMZ the family purchased a new phone but he 'believes it's the one Brian left behind at home' and notes that the 'FBI is already in possession of it'.

Bertolino's comment echoes a previous statement he made to Insider, stating that investigators were in possession of the device.

The Fort De Soto campsite in Florida is seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos. New details have emerged about a camping trip Brian took with his parents there days before Petito was reported missing

The campsite (pictured) is located in Fort De Soto in Pinellas County, Florida, close to St Petersburg and was visited by the Laundries days before Gabby was reported missing

Documents reveal Brian's mom changed her reservation for the campsite to three people from September 6 to September 8 after Brian returned home from his and Gabby's campervan trip early and alone

Two months ago Laundrie and Gabby Petitio visited the same spot and posted photos hiking and showing them relaxing on the beach. They also posted this photo behind bars

Gabby (right) and Brian (left) are pictured at the campsite during the young couple's visit together two months ago

The lawyer claims the 23-year-old left his wallet and cell phone at his family's home before leaving the residence on September 14. The whereabouts of Petito's phone remain unknown.

Internet sleuths have claimed that Brian is using a burner phone after allegedly noticing changes to his Instagram and Spotify accounts since he disappeared two weeks ago.

His Instagram account reportedly went live for three seconds on Monday showing waves and just a peak of an olive green boat, according to Inside Edition.

The account also reportedly unfollowed several people.

There have also been claims online that Brian's Spotify playlist name changed from 'Selfconsomption' to 'Nomatic Statik.' The playlist was reportedly created after Petito's disappearance.

The FBI is examining surveillance footage from the Fort De Soto Park campsite. A map shows the campsite's location to the Laundrie family home and the Carlton Reserve where authorities have focused their search and Laundrie's parents say he was headed

A Fort Meyers couple realized they may have stayed near the family after looking back on photos and seeing a red truck with a camper (left) similar to the one parked in the Laundries' driveway (right)
A hotel quarantine guest heard a man screaming as he was forced into mandatory isolation - two days before he killed himself in his room.

The woman, who is also staying at Novotel Brisbane Airport, claims the middle aged man 'screamed for about half an hour' as he was forced into two-weeks quarantine.

Two days later, a separate guest who was a week into her stay heard welfare officers banging on the door of the room next to hers, demanding the person open up.

'I could hear them calling ''sir, it's Queensland Health, you need to open up'',' and receiving no response from the guest, the woman said on Wednesday.

It wasn't until she saw media reports revealing a 53-year-old aeronautical engineer from Brisbane's northern suburbs had ended his life in the bathroom of his own hotel room that she realised what she had listened to.

The man was on just his second day of mandatory quarantine after travelling to Canberra to visit relatives.

Initially, the woman claims the officers didn't appear particularly concerned when he failed to answer the door and agreed among themselves to return 15 minutes later.

Within 30 minutes, the woman claims she heard more voices and soon after, she watched an ambulance pull into the complex from her window.

The 53-year-old aeronautical engineer from Brisbane's northern suburbs was found unresponsive in the bathroom of his room at Novotel (pictured) near the airport about 5pm on Monday

A hotel quarantine guest heard Queensland Health officers banging on the door of a man who killed himself moments before discovering he was dead

'When I put my rubbish bag outside about 7pm there was a security guard sitting outside the door of the room and at 7.30pm when I collected dinner police were also [there],' she said.

The door to the room was taped up, the woman said.

The man, who has not been publicly identified, had reportedly told his wife he would try to seek an exemption from mandatory hotel quarantine, but it is not yet clear if he went through the process.

His wife told The Courier Mail he suffered serious depression and was particularly distressed after his twin brother died of cancer in 2020.

The man's mother was also diagnosed with the disease.

The guest who initially saw a man screaming said she called reception staff twice in the hours to follow to express her concerns about his health, and is now calling for an investigation into the handling of her complaint.

'He screamed for at least half an hour and I knew he wasn't going to do well,' the woman said.

A second guest at the quarantine facility said just days before the man's death, she witnessed a distressing scene involving a middle-aged male guest

Given his history of mental health issues, the man's wife believes the prospect of being isolated for two weeks in a hotel room may have 'pushed him over the edge'.

'We didn't expect this to happen - it's a shock,' she said. 'I don't understand why we can't do something different for people with major depression who may be at risk of suicide.

'I believe if my husband had been in home quarantine, he'd still be alive - that's my strong belief. There must be options. There must be other ways.'

The woman said she understood the need for quarantine to prevent a viral outbreak in largely Covid-free Queensland, but called on the government to show compassion and consider cases on an individual basis.

'People who are depressed shouldn't be put in hotel quarantine. In my mind that was a factor that may have pushed him over the edge,' she said.

The new widow is now seeking answers as to whether her husband had applied for an exemption from hotel quarantine.

Within 30 minutes, the woman claims she heard more voices and soon after, she watched an ambulance pull into the complex from her window. Pictured: Ambulance arriving at a quarantine hotel

Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy confirmed on Tuesday that the man had died inside the state-run facility.

'I'm not able to go into any more detail at the moment but what I will say is that the matter is under investigation by police, and it will be referred to the coroner following that investigation,' he said.

'I just would like to acknowledge the response of the police and our health staff and other agencies in hotel staff that are working at the hotels, their response to that tragic matter.'

The tragedy came as the Queensland recorded six new Covid cases on Thursday, taking the state's tally to 11 this week alone.

Four cases are linked to the aviation cluster announced earlier this week.

'It looks like we think the event where all these people were exposed and got infected happened on 20 September,' chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

One of the other cases was identified in a pilot who had flown into Townsville, sparking concerns the NRL grand final this weekend will be thrown into chaos if cases continue to spread in south east Queensland as well.

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A drunk Turkish man spent hours helping look for a missing person with a search and rescue party before realising they were looking for him.

Beyhan Mutlu, from Inegol in the north-western province of Bursa, had been drinking with friends when he wandered off into the woods.

His wife was unable to contact the 50-year-old for a few hours and she and his friends decided to alert the police.

A drunk Turkish man spent hours helping look for a missing person with a search and rescue party before realising they were looking for him

While roaming the woods, Mutlu came across a group of rescue workers and volunteers involved in a search mission, unaware they were looking for him.

He joined the group and inadvertently started looking for himself in the woods with the search party.

It was only when one of the rescuers shouted his name and he responded, 'I'm here,' that they realised their error.

Beyhan Mutlu, from Inegol in the north-western province of Bursa, had been drinking with friends when he wandered off into the woods (file image)

He was then taken aside by one of the rescue workers to give a statement in which he was worried about getting into trouble with his family.

He reportedly said: 'Don't punish me too harshly, officer. My father will kill me.'

The rescue workers then gave him a lift home, and it is not clear if he was reprimanded for his actions.

In 2012, an Asian tourist who went missing in Iceland was found in her own search party after she failed to recognise her own description released by police.
Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to restore a hotline between North and South Korea to promote peace in the region despite shrugging off recent U.S. offers for dialogue.

The leader said the US was only providing 'more cunning ways' to conceal its hostility against the North.

Kim's comments carried in a state media report are an apparent effort to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as he wants South Korea to help him win relief from crippling U.S.-led economic sanctions and other concessions.

Kim Jong Un (pictured today) has ordered officials to restore a hotline between North and South Korea to promote peace in the region

In recent days, Pyongyang offered conditional talks with Seoul while performing its first missile tests in six months and stepping up its criticism of the United States.

The United States, United Kingdom and France called for an emergency closed meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday morning on North Korea's recent tests, including its first reported hypersonic missile test this week.

Tuesday's launch was North Korea's third round of missile tests this month and took place shortly before North Korea's U.N. envoy accused the United States of hostility and demanded the Biden administration permanently end joint military exercises with South Korea and the deployment of strategic assets in the region.

During a speech at his country's rubberstamp parliament on Wednesday, Kim said the restoration of cross-border hotlines would realise the Korean people's wishes for a peace between the two Koreas, according to the official Korean Central News Agency quoted.

He refers to a set of phone and fax communication channels between the rivals, which have been largely dormant for more than a year.

During a speech at his country's rubberstamp parliament on Wednesday (pictured), Kim said the restoration of cross-border hotlines would realise the Korean people's wishes for a peace between the two Koreas

The two Koreas briefly resumed communications over the channels for about two weeks this summer, but North Korea later refused to exchange messages again after Seoul staged annual military drills with Washington.

According to KCNA, Kim urged South Korea to abandon 'double-dealing attitude' and 'hostile viewpoint,' saying inter-Korean relations were at a 'crossroads of serious choices' between reconciliation and a 'vicious cycle of confrontation.'

He accused South Korea of worsening tensions by building up arms and conducting military exercises to counter the North.

Kim's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, has recently issued similar demands, saying North Korea can restart talks and rapprochement steps with South Korea if it abandons its double standards and hostile stance.

Some experts say North Korea is pushing South Korea to accept its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, in a bid to receive an international recognition as a nuclear power.

Kim also turned down repeated U.S. offers to resume talks without preconditions, calling it an attempt to hide America's hostility.

Tuesday's launch pf a hypersonic missile was North Korea's third round of missile tests this month

He said Washington's 'hostile policies' and 'military threats' remain unchanged and an attempt to conceal them has been increasingly cunning.

Kim said that 'the U.S. is touting `diplomatic engagement' and `dialogue without preconditions' but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts and an extension of the hostile policy pursued by the successive U.S. administrations,' according to KCNA.

Kim was quoted as saying that 'the U.S. remains utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing hostile policy toward (North Korea) but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so.'

North Korea has long called U.S.-led economic sanctions on it and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul as proof of U.S. 'hostile policies' on them.

The North has said it won't resume nuclear diplomacy with the U.S. unless such U.S. hostility is withdrawn.

U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed hopes to sit down for talks with North Korea, but have also made it clear they will continue sanctions until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearisation. The nuclear talks between the two countries remain stalled 2 { years due to disputes over the U.S.-led sanctions.

Prior to North Korea's claimed hypersonic weapon test, North Korea test-launched a newly developed cruise missile and a ballistic missile from a train, a new launch platform, earlier this month.

Both missiles are nuclear-capable and their flight tests demonstrated North Korea's ability to attack targets in South Korea and Japan, both key U.S. allies where a total of 80,000 American troops are stationed.

Kim Jong Un has still maintained a moratorium on testing a longer-range missile capable of reaching the American homeland, an indication he wants to keep the chances for future diplomacy with the U.S. alive.
The House select committee investigating the January 6 riot has issued subpoenas for 11 people who were involved in events that day - including Trump 2016 spokeswoman Katrina Pierson, and the niece of the former chief of staff.

The committee, which was formed by Nancy Pelosi after Senate Republicans blocked attempts to create a bipartisan 9/11-style panel, announced the new subpoenas on Wednesday.

Its members say they hope to learn more about the events that led up to the deadly riots, including the protests that preceded them.

Last week they subpoenaed Donald Trump's chief of staff, Mark Meadows; his communications chief Dan Scavino; defense official Kashyap Patel; and ally Steve Bannon.

On Wednesday they expanded their list to include many involved in planning a Women For America First rally, which took place in the morning of January 6, before the Capitol was stormed.

Trump supporters are seen on January 6 scaling the walls of the Capitol before storming the building. A House select committee is looking into the lead-up to the insurrection

Katrina Pierson (left) and Maggie Mulvaney were among 11 people subpoenaed on Wednesday for documents relating to their role in the January 6 riot

Donald Trump is seen speaking on January 6, shortly before the crowd surged to the Capitol and broke in

Pierson, who after her work with the Trump campaign set up her own PR and crisis communications firm, was singled out because she was involved 'in the organization of the January 5th and 6th rallies and was in direct communication with the former President about the rallies,' the committee said in a statement.

Also named was Maggie Mulvaney, an advisor to Republican congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia, and whose uncle Mick was chief of staff from January 2019 to March 2020.

The other nine are Amy and Kylie Kremer, founders and leaders of WFAF; Cynthia Chafian, who submitted the first permit application on behalf of WFAF; Caroline Wren, a 'VIP Advisor' for the rally; Justin Caporale, the 'Project Manager' for the event; stage manager Tim Unes; Megan Powers, described on the paperwork for the rally as 'Operations Manager for Scheduling and Guidance'; Hannah Salem, 'Operations Manager for Logistics and Communications', and Lyndon Brentnall, described as 'On-Site Supervisor.'

Amy Kremer, chair of Women For America First, was another of the 11 subpoenaed on Wednesday. She is pictured on January 6 addressing the crowd

Justin Caporale (left, with an event rally organizer in 2016), described as 'Project Manager' for the January 6 Women For America First rally, was also subpoenaed

Kylie Kremer (left) and Caroline Wren were also among the 11 to be told to hand over records

Bennie Thompson, chair of the committee, said that the subpoenas were essential to understand what happened on January 6.

Megan Powers also has been ordered to provide her records of the January 6 rally

'The Select Committee is investigating the facts, circumstances, and causes of the January 6th attack and issues relating to the peaceful transfer of power, in order to identify and evaluate lessons learned and to recommend to the House and its relevant committees corrective laws, policies, procedures rules, or regulations,' he said.

'The inquiry includes examination of how various individuals and entities coordinated their activities leading up to the events of January 6, 2021.'

The 11 will have to sit for depositions next month, and turn over documents related to the planning, funding and participation in the rallies prior to the Capitol attack by October 13.

Adam Schiff, one of seven Democrats on the committee, said last week that the investigation of the January 6 insurrection is moving with 'great rapidity.'
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Legal proceedings have begun against Insulate Britain members who broke a High Court injunction forbidding them from blocking the M25 - and they will face unlimited fines or prison, the Government has warned.

Members of the hated eco-mob have been told they will be served injunction papers by High Court enforcement officers over their series of protests in recent weeks - which saw the activists glue themselves to junctions on the M25 and A20 near Dover.

They have been told the Government is 'knocking on doors' if there is any evidence that they breached the injunction, and that they will be subject to proceedings in the High Court.

It comes after the brazen group taunted Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week as their hypocrite spokesman Liam Norton - who hasn't even insulated his own home - vowed: 'You can't scare us with these injunctions.'

Meanwhile police have criticised the 'flak' they have been receiving from road users online, insisting it has been 'very difficult' to bring charges against the agitators.

A Government spokesperson said: 'Peaceful protest is a fundamental right of our democracy, but we cannot allow this reckless and dangerous behaviour to continue on our roads.

'We are already knocking on doors and serving papers to offenders who will be sent to court and could face fines or prison.

'Police continue making arrests and are working closely with National Highways to shut down these illegal demonstrations and keep the public safe.'

An angry motorist drags away an activist from the Insulate Britain climate change protest group as they block the road near to junction 3 of the M25 motorway near Swanley in Kent for the second time Wednesday

Activists from the Insulate Britain climate change protest group block the road near to junction 3 of the M25 motorway near Swanley for the second time Wednesday

It comes after Insulate Britain protesters blocked the same M25 junction for a second time Wednesday.

The first protest took place at around 7.30am and saw the eco-mob sit down on the carriageway, glue their hands to each other and the road and pour oil, before being led away by police.

However just after 1pm, a second group of protesters descended on the same stretch of road in fresh humiliation for the police and government - with one irate driver taking matters into his own hands as he physically dragged a protester out of the road.

A total of 27 people were arrested and are being held in custody.

The High Court injunction obtained by the Government on September 22 means anyone blocking the motorway could be found to be in contempt of court, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Police have said it is 'very difficult' to bring charges against the activists, who staged their seventh day of action on the M25 on Wednesday.

Lisa Townsend, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, said officers are receiving 'an enormous amount of flak' over their response.

She said: 'It has been very difficult for the police because if they charge the protesters with a relatively minor offence, it is likely to be discontinued.

'If they try to elevate the charge to a more serious one, they are finding it is not reaching the necessary threshold.

'The public deserves to see a response from all parts of the criminal justice system and it is unfair for the police to be blamed if people do not end up before the courts.'

Insulate Britain closed the M25 junction at Swanley in Kent Wednesday- as police and the Government fail to get a grip after two weeks of protests

Police in riot vans and on motorcycles line up before removing the 11 protesters and arresting them

A statement from Insulate Britain said: 'We are going nowhere. You can raid our savings. You can confiscate our property. You can deny us our liberty and put us behind bars.

'But shooting the messenger can never destroy the message: that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air. Boris get on with the job.'

Activists welcomed a pledge by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to insulate every home that needs it in Britain over the next decade.

One woman glued to the road said: 'That's excellent news. Let's get the Labour Party in.

'It would cut UK emissions by 15%, it's the easiest thing to do.'

Another woman added: 'When will the Conservatives do the same thing?'

As well as targeting the London ring road, protesters have blocked other important routes including the A1(M) and A20 near the Port of Dover.

Police have previously warned that the activists are putting lives at risk with their protest - with the Church of England also criticising the demonstrations for 'frustrating' people.

However, among Wednesday's protesters once again was XR-supporting vicar Tim Hewes, who has taken part in at least six blockades yet still remained a free man. He was joined by fellow vicar Sue Parfitt who has attended at least three protests.

Rev Parfitt, from Bristol, said: 'Many people will ask why a 79-year-old Anglican Priest is sitting in the road, causing disruption and how can I justify participating in such actions?

'I simply feel called to do everything in my power to protect God's planet, his creatures and the people. If we are successful in persuading the government to do what is necessary, the actions I'm taking today will help to prevent a much greater harm - no less than the destruction of everything we hold dear.'

Meanwhile, Rev Hewes was previously pictured with his lips sewn shut outside the offices of the Sun newspaper.

In March he was also jailed for 14 days for gluing himself to furniture at the City of London Magistrates' Court and admitted that his activism and the climate emergency has affected his faith in god.

On Wednesday morning, Insulate Britain closed Britain's busiest motorway at Junction 3 in Kent with several members arrested on Monday at Heathrow back again because of the ongoing and embarrassing cycle of forces releasing them without charge.

More than 50 people arrested in connection with the Insulate Britain protest on the M25 some 48 hours ago were released by police Tuesday, allowing them to disrupt rush hour again.

Kent Police took an hour to deal with the incident, which began at around 8am, arresting 11 at the scene. A spokesman said: 'The Swanley Interchange roundabout at J3 of the M25 has now reopened following an earlier protest, which has resulted in us arresting 11 people. Delays remain in the area whilst the backlog of traffic clears. Thank you for your patience'. It is now the third time the junction at Swanley has been shut down by Insulate Britain.

A total of 115 people have been involved in Insulate Britain's campaign of disruptive actions over the last two weeks, with most being arrested multiple times, the group says. The total arrest tally has now reached 438. Only two people from Insulate Britain have so far been remanded in custody.

Activists, who have now blocked the M25 seven times in just over two weeks, continued their campaign despite a High Court injunction the Government said could see them imprisoned, fined heavily, or have their assets seized.

But with only a couple people in custody, the group has vowed to continue the protests infuriating rush hour drivers.

Protesters shutting the M25 for the seventh time including vicar Tim Hewes, centre, who has now been arrested and released on seven occasions

Tim Hewes being arrested on Monday. More than 50 people arrested in connection with the Insulate Britain protest on the M25 48 hours ago were released by police yesterday

Tim Hewes being arrested on September 17 (left) and September 21 (right). He is thought to have attended at least six protests

A police officer talks to Tim Hewes and Sue Parfitt, two vicars who have been involved in Wednesday's protests. Both vicars have also been seen at other protests

Reverend Sue Parfitt was spotted protesting with Insulate Britain during their first protest on September 13 and another on September 21. Pictured left: Rev Parfitt on September 21 and right: On September 13

A police officer drags away an Insulate Britain activist from the M25 after yet another protest

Activists glued themselves to the road blocking traffic as enraged motorists already struggling with fuel shortages shouted abuse

Arrested for a SIXTH time after being repeatedly let go: Eco-hypocrite property tycoon among repeated offenders laughing at the law Joshua Smith has now been arrested six times. He was branded a hypocrite after it emerged he owned a multi-million pound property empire - but the homes had poor insulation, an issue at the heart of the group's agenda. The 28-year-old is heir to a 2million property empire and also has a seven-figure portfolio of his own. However, at least six homes owned by his Oldham-based company have efficiency ratings of E or F, according to the Sun. This means the properties boast little or no insulation and also produce large quantities of extra carbon dioxide. Smith was pictured being held by police by the side of the M25 Wednesday before being led off in a police van. Joshua Smith at yesterday's protest Reverend Hewes, who once sewed up his lips in protest at the influence of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, was part of the mob blocking the M25 Wednesday despite already being arrested numerous times. The activist 'permission to officiate' in the Diocese of Oxford although he does not have a parish. Asked about Rev Hewes last week, a spokesman for the diocese said: 'The actions of Rev Hewes and others, while arguably well-intentioned, have frustrated many people and we're unclear how the actions have been productive in encouraging the urgent change required.' Rev Hewes, a retired dentist, previously said the Bishop of Dorchester, Gavin Collins, who comes under the Diocese of Oxford, had told him 'he does support issues regarding climate change and the environment but not about breaking the law'. Reverend Hewes at yesterday's blockade Advertisement

A senior Kent police officer has said the force is working with prosecutors to seek 'the most appropriate outcome' following Insulate Britain protests in the county.

Kent Police Superintendent Andy Gadd said: 'Officers are continuing to conduct enquiries relating to those individuals arrested in connection with the protests in Dover and on the Kent section of the M25.

'As part of those enquiries, we are liaising closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that the most appropriate outcome is sought, including if any charges can be made.

'Kent Police will continue to monitor the situation, working with neighbouring police forces and partner agencies to ensure disruption to traffic and local communities is kept to a minimum.'

Insulate Britain said in a statement on Wednesday: 'We are going nowhere. You can raid our savings. You can confiscate our property. You can deny us our liberty and put us behind bars.

'But shooting the messenger can never destroy the message: that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air. Boris get on with the job.'

The group, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, is calling on the Government to insulate all homes across the UK by 2030 to help cut carbon emissions.

As well as targeting the London ring road, protesters have blocked other important routes including the A1(M) and A20 near the port of Dover.

Officers made a total of 53 arrests following the demonstration at Junction 14, near Heathrow, on Monday morning - the sixth blockage in two weeks - including the owner of a multi-million pound property empire and a Extinction Rebellion-supporting CofE vicar.

Some protesters glued themselves to each other, to barriers and the carriageway, and blue paint was sprayed onto the road, but all have been released.

The group, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, is calling on the Government to insulate all homes across the UK by 2030 to help cut carbon emissions.

As well as targeting the London ring road, protesters have blocked other major routes including the A1(M) and A20 near the Port of Dover.

The campaign, which entered its third week on Monday, has seen well over 300 arrests.

But the Met Police have confirmed all those taken into custody on Monday have been released under investigation.

Kent Police revealed one person was charged in connection with an earlier Insulate Britain protest, among 96 arrests made by the force.

In an open Letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Insulate Britain vowed to continue their campaign in the face of arrests and injunctions.

They said: 'We are more fearful of the loss of our country than we are of you.

'You can throw as many injunctions at us as you like, but we are going nowhere.

'You can raid our savings.

'You can confiscate our property.

'You can deny us our liberty and put us behind bars.

'But shooting the messenger can never destroy the message: that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air.'

National Highways, which was granted the injunction, and the Department for Transport, have been contacted for comment.

Usual suspects: Property tycoon Joshua Smith and vicar Tim Hewes have been arrested at multiple protests for Insulate Britain

Long queues formed this morning as Insulate Britain bragged that members keep getting arrested and released

Long queues for long-suffering drivers after a seventh day of disruption and the third time they've closed J3 of the M25

Insulate Britain is planning to fill prisons with hundreds of ecoactivists over the next month in an attempt to create a 'political crisis' for Boris Johnson.

The radical group again brought misery to motorists on the M25 yesterday - in clear violation of an injunction which carries with it a maximum sentence of two years in jail.

Some of those involved in the latest protest at Junction 14, near Heathrow, have been arrested up to seven times over the past fortnight, but are yet to be charged. A further 53 arrests were made yesterday morning.

Scotland Yard is 'making inquiries to understand whether those activists are in breach of the High Court injunction'.

But Insulate Britain spokesman Liam Norton said: 'Throw as many injunctions at us as you like, we're going nowhere... You can deny us our liberty and put us behind bars. But that is only shooting the messenger. The truth is that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air.'

Activist Shel MacDonagh claimed that 300 people would need to be jailed in the lead-up to November's UN Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow to 'create a political crisis' big enough for the group to be granted concessions.

She added: 'No one is claiming that forcing the Government to start on [insulation] installation is going to sort out the climate crisis.

The point is to get a win to galvanise the movement.'

Reverend Tim Hewes, 71, was again among the protesters yesterday. He was joined by another 'rebel reverend', Mark Coleman, a former dean of Rochdale. Insulate Britain, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, is calling for the Government to insulate homes to help cut carbon emissions. A Home Office spokesman said last night: 'The more Insulate Britain break the injunction, the more the courts will agree to tougher and broader injunctions and impose tougher sentences. These people are not martyrs. They're idiots gluing their hands to roads.'

The protesters held hands as they sat in front of irate motorists, many of whom have suffered again as they try to get to work

Joshua Smith at yesterday's protest (left) on what is now his sixth arrest. Mr Smith (seen right at an earlier demonstration) was branded a hypocrite after it emerged he owned a multi-million pound housing empire - but the homes had poor insulation, an issue at the heart of the group's agenda

Vicar Tim Hewes (left) was among the eco-rabble yesterday after being spotted at earlier blockade (right)

A spokesman for the group said in a video released Monday that it wasn't 'scared' by the court intervention, adding that its members were 'prepared' to continue being arrested.

The injunction was designed to act as a deterrent after weeks of blockades on both the M25 and A20 near Dover infuriated motorists and large portions of the British public.

But news that the eco-warriors are still being released without conditions, reported by LBC, raises fears that they will continue to wreak havoc and put drivers' lives at risk.

It comes as spokesman for the group Liam Norton - who became a laughing stock last week when it was revealed his own home hadn't been insulated - warned in a video recorded at the weekend and released Monday: 'You can't scare us with these injunctions'.

Donning a black t-shirt and standing in front a bare white wall, he said: 'I'm going to sit in the roads and directly oppose the injunction handed out by the Home Secretary and the Transport Secretary.

'Our message to the Government is that you can't scare us with these injunctions.

'You can send us to prison, and what that will show is the Government's cowardice, because they're actually standing up for powerful interests rather than looking after the interests of the vast majority of the British people.'

He added: 'We just want the Government to get on with the job of protecting the people's future in Britain and also to stop the needless deaths of thousands of our elderly who freeze to death in their homes each year because they have to make that awful decision between heating and eating.

'So our message to the Government is this; You can decide to put us in prison, and we're prepared for that, but what would be better for the country maybe would be to give us a meaningful statement that you are going to get on with the job, so come on Boris, show some leadership, do what you need to do.'

The Metropolitan Police told the Mail Online it could not comment on the breaking of the injunction because it was a 'civil issue'.
A Blue Mountains man is fighting for his life after crashing through his roof and falling three metres into his bathroom.

The man in his 70s is in a critical condition with injuries to his chest and back.

The CareFlight helicopter medical team was called to the Wentworth Falls home on Wednesday afternoon and treated the man at the scene before airlifting him to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.

CareFlight says medics were forced to give the man a blood transfusion mid-air before intubating him and placing him in an induced coma to stabilise him.
An Arizona woman accused of killing her two children who were found decapitated in their Southern California home last year was finally arrested at her home in Tucson on Tuesday and later charged with their murders.

Natalie Brothwell, 44, was taken into custody and is being held at the Pima County Jail pending extradition to California where she allegedly carried out the gruesome murders, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Her 13-year-old daughter, Malaka Taylor, and 12-year-old son, Maurice Taylor Jr., were found decapitated on December 4, 2020 at their home in Lancaster, in the Mojave Desert northeast of Los Angeles.

Brothwell was charged with murder and felony child endangerment and will likely spend decades in prison if convicted, while the childrens father, 35-year-old Maurice Taylor Sr., was earlier charged in their deaths and remains in custody, authorities said.

Natalie Brothwell, 44, was taken into custody on Tuesday and was being held at the Pima County Jail pending extradition to California where she allegedly carried out the gruesome murders

Maurice Taylor allegedly killed the children on November 29, kept the bodies in the home for days and then showed their decomposing corpses to his two other sons.

Taylor faces two felony counts each of murder and child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced in December.

He was also charged with child abuse of the surviving sons, who were 8 and 9 years old at the time.

The children also were forced by Taylor to stay in their rooms without food for several days, prosecutors contended.

The children's father, Maurice Taylor, was arrested last year for his role in the murders and had been held in lieu of $4.2 million bail. If convicted, he faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 57 years to life in prison

The home where the murders were carried out in Lancaster, California. Authorities reported the children were found in separate rooms with stab wounds and lacerations, and had been decapitated

Brothwell's alleged role in the killings wasn't immediately clear from the Sheriff's Department statement, nor was it clear whether Brothwell had attorneys to speak on her behalf.

The Sheriffs officials did not release details about Brothwells specific role in the murder, and there remain questions as to why she was not arrested sooner, given that authorities believe she was in the house at the time of her daughters' deaths.

The children were found in separate bedrooms with lacerations and stab wounds in December.

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said both victims had been decapitated and described the scene as 'brutal'.

Lauren Henry, who used to live next door to the family, told DailyMail.com: 'I remember when each of the four kids were born and I remember the excitement there was surrounding them.

'As they grew up, it was obvious they had a sense for adventure and new experiences, even at a young age. Maliaka was very smart, very adventurous and observant. She really would have grown to reach her potential.

'Mo Jr. looked up to his big sister and admired all she did. Im sure they stuck very close to each other as they grew older and I know they were together in the end. I will always remember their smiling faces.'

Taylor worked at a physical therapy center in Santa Monica before before the murders and had been conducting training sessions online during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of his clients contacted authorities after he failed to show up for scheduled appointments, but the discovery of the bodies was made when authorities while responded to reports of a possible gas leak at a nearby property property on the 45000 block of Century Circle, Lancaster.

On Monday he told the court police and other inmates were trying kill him and said he was an 'educated fitness trainer which is equal to being a doctor'

Taylor had been held in lieu of $4.2 million bail. If convicted, he faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 57 years to life in state prison.

It is unknown what motivated the attack but Taylor's personal training clients told the LA Times they had grown concerned over his well-being earlier in the week before the November murders.

The fitness trainer, who was described as 'mellow' and 'reliable', had sparked concerns when he failed to show up for fitness sessions he had been running over Zoom.

DailyMail.com obtained footage of the father who was handcuffed to a stretcher and wheeled away when authorities arrived at the house in December 2020.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has hinted at even more freedoms for NSW residents come October.

Ms Berejiklian confirmed the government is 'considering bringing some things forward' - once the state double dose vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent.

'I want to foreshadow, whilst we won't announce anything today, the government is considering bringing some things forward with that (80 per cent) milestone,' the NSW premier told reporters on Thursday.

'They won't be major things, but there will be tweaks. 'There are a number of people in the community who have asked us to consider certain things... and (NSW) Health is considering them.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has hinted at even more freedoms for NSW residents come October

Punters in NSW can return to pubs and clubs when the state hits the 80 per cent vaccination mark - tipped to be in October by health experts

'If it is safe to do, we will be able to resume some of those activities at 80 per cent (vaccination) as opposed to 1 December.'

The development comes after it was revealed that major changes to the state's Freedom Plan will mean Sydneysiders can have unlimited bookings at pubs and restaurants - while students will return to the classroom one week earlier than initially flagged.

The cap which restricts booking numbers in hospitality venues will be scrapped when the state hits the 80 per cent vaccination mark, as revealed from a late night crisis cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Punters will be able to book tables at pubs and restaurants for an unlimited number of guests, however venues will still have to abide by strict density rules.

A large portion of NSW students will also resume face-to-face learning on October 18 instead of the previously earmarked October 25.

NSW has now hit 86.7 per cent of first dose vaccinations with 62.9 per cent of eligible adults now fully jabbed.

When 70 per cent of NSW residents are fully vaccinated, punters will be able to enjoy a beer at the pub as hospitality venues are finally allowed to reopen on October 11.

At the 80 per cent vaccination milestone patrons will allowed to drink while standing in hospitality venues, and restaurants and pubs will be able to seat one customer every four sqm inside and two sqm outside.

Socially-distanced reintroductions to hospitality venues and hairdressers will begin from October 11; the Monday after the state was expected to surpass 70 per cent of its population being double-vaccinated.

On Thursday, NSW recorded 941 new Covid cases and six deaths.

Vaccination numbers continuing to rise is key for NSW residents yearning to break free of lockdown restrictions (pictured, a woman getting a jab in Sydney recently)

NSW treasurer Dominic Perrottet also announced the state's JobSaver scheme will be extended to November 30.

'We always said from the outset that success for NSW won't be the Budget position, but keeping as many people in work and as many businesses in business during this difficult time,' he said on Thursday.

'We know that when we do open up at 70 per cent and 80 per cent there will be still some restrictions in place, that businesses will not be operating at full capacity, so by maintaining the NSW government's contribution to this program, it will allow many businesses the support they need as we move from response to recovery.

'Whilst it's going to be a difficult time as we go through that reopening, I'm incredibly confident that the NSW economy will bounce back.'
AFL Grand Final parties and barbecues over the long weekend are directly linked to Victoria's pandemic-record spike in Covid cases, health officials and the premier have claimed.

The state recorded 1,438 new infections and five deaths on Thursday in the largest-one day jump in cases Victoria has ever seen.

The state's tally is creeping up close to the NSW peak, which was 1,599 new Covid-19 cases on September 11.

Premier Daniel Andrews said initial interviews with contact tracers had proven many of the new cases were found in residents who had broken lockdown rules with 'completely avoidable' events.

Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said illegal home gatherings on the long weekend - coinciding with the AFL Grand Final - had generated about 500 more cases on Thursday than authorities had expected.

He said cases had risen sharply in the south-east and eastern suburbs of Melbourne - which had previously been relatively untouched by the outbreak - where 29 per cent of the overnight infections were detected.

Victoria has recorded a massive spike in new Covid cases with 1,438 new infections. Pictured are healthcare workers at a vaccination centre in Melbourne

Premier Daniel Andrews said initial interviews with contact tracers had proven many of the new cases were found in residents who had broken lockdown rules over the Grand Final weekend

'The contact tracers tell us there were significant numbers of social gatherings on Friday and Saturday over the long weekend,' Prof. Sutton said.

'People have dropped their guard and decided that now it's grand final weekend, they deserve a bit of a pay back and a nicer time.'

The five Victorians to die from the virus in the past 24 hours were residents from Melbourne's north - including a woman in her 70s and a man in his 80s from the Whittlesea LGA.

The other deaths were a man in his 70s from Moreland and two men in his 60s and 90s from Hume.

There are now 398 Victorians in hospital with Covid-19, of which 83 are in intensive care and 57 are on a ventilator.

'Actual interviews tell us that many hundreds of people  perhaps thousands - have made choices that mean they're spending time in someone else's home,' Mr Andrews said.

'I know its difficult, we are all longing for that personal connection and to spend time with each other and get back to normal.

'But pretending the rules dont apply to you and thinking Ill be fine and I wont catch this and wont give it to others, well the data and the facts tell a different story.'

Melburnians are pictured exercising along the city's Southbank on Thursday. Victoria is edging closer to the NSW peak in daily cases, which was 1,599 on September 11

Melbourne Demons players celebrate winning the AFL Grand Final at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday. Grand Final parties over the long weekend are directly linked to Thursday's pandemic-record spike in Covid cases, health officials have claimed

The steep rise in case numbers is in line with forecasts that the state could reach 3,000 cases a day by late October.

Almost 79 per cent of Victorians have received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while more than 48 per cent are fully vaccinated.

The announcement comes amid warnings Victoria's overcrowded hospitals are turning into 'apocalyptic war zones' as the Delta outbreak threatens to overwhelm its healthcare system.

An anonymous official said the state's health watchdog Safer Care Victoria had urged the state government to brace for a Covid-related surge in its hospitals when lockdown measures are relaxed.

'They basically told us to prepare psychologically because most of Victoria's going to think "this is great"... as a healthcare worker, itll feel like a war zone,' the official told The Age.

The jump in cases is by far the largest the state has seen during its Delta outbreak

'I just cant fathom it. Some of the hospitals in Melbourne are already apocalyptic.'

The Australian Medical Association's Victorian President Dr Roderick McRae on Thursday morning said the state's hospitals were now in crisis mode.

'Everybody at every stage of the Victorian healthcare system is using the word "crisis",' he told the Today show.

Almost 79 per cent of Victorians have received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while more than 48 per cent are fully vaccinated

'The system is under extreme strain and it's on the back of decades of under-investment.'

He said the already long ambulance and emergency room waiting times in Victoria would be made even worse by rising Covid-19 admissions when the state starts to open up at a 70 per cent double-dose vaccination rate.

'Think of your bathtub - the pipe is blocked and we still are adding more water and as we open up, it's like we are looking to jump in as well and expect the floor to stay dry,' Dr McRae said.

People are seen exercising along the Tan walking track in Melbourne on Sunday, September 19. Victoria recorded 950 new locally-acquired Covid-19 cases on Wednesday

Ambulance ramping Northern Hospital Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/IkydGq0PKw  dramynicho (@DrAmyNicho) September 27, 2021

'We knew that this was going to happen when we did eventually open up. Why wasn't the system better prepared? We've had time.'

Deakin University epidemiology chair Professor Catherine Bennett on Wednesday predicted the outbreak was still a month away from peaking before infections start to drop in late October.

Professor Peter Collignon told the Herald Sun that predictions of 3,000 cases per day in the coming weeks is a 'a bit too pessimistic'.

The Australian Medical Association's Victorian President Dr Roderick McRae on Thursday morning said the state's hospitals were now in crisis mode

He said the forecast didn't take into account that Australia was heading into warmer weather - when respiratory illnesses abate - and that vaccination rates were steadily climbing.

He said the forecast didn't take into account that Australia was heading into warmer weather - when respiratory illnesses abate - and that vaccination rates were steadily climbing.

Victorian acting chief health officer Ben Cowie said on Wednesday the state's outbreak was likely still some time away from reaching its peak.

'We know from both modelling and experience in NSW our case numbers will continue to climb,' he said.

'But it is absolutely with in our power to slow the spread and to prevent thousands of cases and hundreds of people from becoming seriously ill and some people losing their lives.'

Victoria meanwhile has opened the door for residents stranded in Sydney to come home after the state's construction union headquarters were officially listed as a top-level Covid-19 exposure site.

From Thursday, Victorian residents in extreme risk zones such as Greater Sydney can apply for a permit if they are fully vaccinated, test negative within 72 hours of departure and isolate at home for 14 days.

A healthcare worker speaks to a patient before administering a Covid-19 test at a facility in Ballarat in regional Victoria.

Those who have been to an exposure site, are close contacts of a COVID-19 case or with symptoms will be knocked back, while non-Victorians are not eligible.

It comes as the CFMEU's Melbourne headquarters were listed as a COVID-19 exposure site on Wednesday, a week after it was the scene of anti-vaccination protests.

The Elizabeth Street office was named by the Department of Health as a tier-one site for September 20, forcing union staff and officials into isolation for two weeks.

The outside of the building has also been classed as a tier-two venue, with protesters asked to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Four positive cases have been linked to the office so far, and CFMEU state secretary John Setka blamed the 'disgusting behaviour of selfish and reckless' protesters for the outbreak.

Some of about 500 demonstrators threw bottles at Mr Setka and smashed the office's door down on September 20, igniting days of protests that culminated in mobs taking over the West Gate Bridge and Shrine of Remembrance.
A labourer sent a fake positive Covid test result to his boss - sparking a farcical series of events - because he was drunk and drugged up following a big weekend and couldn't face work.

Jamie Pitman-Muir, 23, from Wollongong in NSW, had been drinking and taking Valium when he used a mobile app to change a test result text message to 'positive', according to court documents exclusively obtained by Daily Mail Australia.

Pitman-Muir sent the fake text to his company's emergency contact, Paul Gallo, at 4.15am on August 2.

Pitman-Muir sent the fake Covid test result to an emergency contact at his company at 4.15am on August 2 so he didn't have to work that Monday

Court documents showed the tradie (pictured) admitted using drugs and alcohol before faking a Covid test result

Pitman-Muir got his sickie, but he also forced 25 workmates into isolation and caused panic at a major shopping centre, court documents said.

While he was recovering from his hangover, concerned NSW Health contact tracers launched an investigation into his claims.

A worried Mr Gallo, the emergency contact for Civil Mechanical Engineering Contractors, alerted his company which contacted the health department over the young tradie's text.

The department ordered a shut down and deep clean at CMEC's site and lunch areas at Kotara Homemaker Centre in Newcastle, a police statement of facts said.

Authorities were worried about a major outbreak at the retail superstore - given the busy centre has dozens of big chains including Aldi, Bunnings, Harvey Norman, Freedom and Barbecues Galore.

But Pitman-Muir's story fell apart when contact tracers found he had actually returned a negative test result.

Pitman-Muir's (pictured) story quickly fell apart when questioned by NSW Health investigators

When Pitman-Muir eventually answered a call from NSW Health later the same day, he buckled, admitting he had lied about the positive test result, court documents said.

NSW Health passed the information on to detectives.

The busted labourer turned himself in to NSW Police on August 5, three days after he sent the text.

He was arrested and charged with conveying false information suggesting a person or property was in danger.

Pitman-Muir told police he was affected by alcohol and drugs but said he couldn't remember much of the exchange with Mr Gallo.

He also admitted changing the details of a negative Covid test SMS.

'The accused admitted to falsifying a previous negative text message result and with the use of a mobile application he was able to alter the message so it read positive to Covid,' court documents said.

Authorities ordered the shut down a work site and lunch areas at Kotara Homemaker Centre (pictured) in Newcastle after Pitman-Muir sent a text to his boss falsely claiming he had Covid

Pitman-Muir confessed he 'had consumed an amount of alcohol and Valium and was not fit to attend work on the Monday,' the documents said.

'He recalls speaking to his boss in the early hours of August 2 and informing him that he had tested positive for Covid.

'The accused has a limited recollection of the conversation and text messages exchanged with him.'

Pitman-Muir pleaded guilty to the charge at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday and received a 12 month community corrections order and a $1,500 fine.

He also received a criminal conviction.

'The accused was only wanting to take a sick day from work and had no intention of causing an investigation into Covid tracing and put fear into work colleagues and force the closure of his work site,' court documents said.
Corey Lewandowski has been removed as head of a pro-Trump super Pac and 'will no longer be associated with Trump World' after a donor alleged he made unwanted sexual advances, according a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump.

'Pam Bondi, the very talented and honorable frmr AG of FL, has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action. Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service,' spokesman Taylor Budowich wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.

Lewandowski's ouster came hours after Trashelle Odom, the wife of construction company executive John Odom, claimed that the married father of four touched her repeatedly while seated next to her, followed her around, touched her leg and buttocks, and 'stalked' her at a charity event held at a Las Vegas Benihana last weekend.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, pictured with wife Allison, is being accused of making repeated unwanted advances at a Trump donor at a charity event in Las Vegas last weekend

Hours after the allegations emerged, Trump spokesman Taylor Budowich announced that Lewandowski had been removed as head of the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Action

It will be the second time Lewandowski has been removed from the former president's orbit after he was fired as his campaign manager in 2016.

He would appear to return in 2017 when Trump offered him a job with his administration, which he rejected, telling friends that it was 'beneath him,' the Daily Beast reported.

Three years later Trump appointed him to a Pentagon advisory board in the final weeks of his presidency, which President Joe Biden would block in early February.

Before Odom's allegations became public, sources close to Trump began urging him to ditch the controversial figure, the Daily Beast also reported.

'I said to the [former] president you could use some distance from Corey and that hes embarrassing you,' one of the sources told the outlet. 'He should have let go of Corey years ago, so I dont know if he will now.'

According to Odom's statement, Lewandowski repeatedly remarked about the size of his genitals, Politico reported. He also 'described his sexual performance and showed Odom his hotel room key.'

She said Lewandowski, whose lawyer blasted the claims as 'rumors,' used expletives while speaking about sex as he repeatedly approached her.

The alleged conduct took place during an event at the Westgate Las Vegas hotel for the Victoria's Voice Foundation, which focuses on substance abuse. The publication quotes two people who were there who said Odom appeared uncomfortable, and that Lewandowski appeared to be intoxicated.

Lewandowski, with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (L), spoke outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 3. Bondi will now head up MAGA Action

One person said they saw Odom in tears at an after-party.

'On the evening of September 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada, I attended a dinner to support a charity and spend time with wonderful friends,' she said. 'He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, said vile and disgusting things to me, stalked me, and made me feel violated and fearful,' she said, referring to Lewandowski.

'Mrs. Odom stated that over the course of the dinner, Mr. Lewandowski tried to hold her hand, and she pushed his hand away. He touched her leg, and she moved it away. He grabbed her napkin off her lap and tried to touch her leg again, and she pulled her dress over her leg, to move his hand away and cover her skin,' Odom's lawyer wrote.

The alleged events took place at the Westgate hotel in Las Vegas

Lewandowski served as campaign manager during the key early stages of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, but was fired

The account describes the alleged unwanted advances beginning at a dinner, where the two were seated next to one another.

'I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable,' Odom said. 'I am blessed to have a loving husband and family behind me. I want other women to know that you can be heard, too, and together we can stop terrible things like this from happening.'

Lewandowski lawyers David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld responded to the allegations with a single-line statement to DailyMail.com. It said: 'Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response.'

Lewandowski married Allison Hardy in 2005 and the couple has four children.

He was charged with assault for allegedly grabbing a Breitbart reporter during 2016 campaign, but charges were dropped.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem dismissed rumors that she was having an extramarital affair with Trump confidant Corey Lewandowski as 'total garbage' and a 'disgusting lie' rooted in sexism

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been married to her husband, Bryon Noem since 1992

According to the Odom statement, 'He touched her back and she tried to get away. He described an area where he was sore from a workout, on the side of his butt, but he demonstrated this by touching her thereon the upper side of her rear end. Lewandowski tried to touch her approximately 10 times, and Mrs. Odom always rebuffed him.'

The allegations came at the same time that rumors emerged that married South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was having an affair with Lewandowski.

Noem, 49, dismissed them as 'total garbage' and a 'disgusting lie' rooted in sexism.

Conservative news site American Greatness claimed to have multiple sources with direct knowledge that Noem, a rising star in the Republican Party, was in the midst of a sexual relationship with Lewandowski.

'These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie,' Noem said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. 'These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help. I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work.'

The governor married Byron Noem when she was 20. The couple has three kids.

American Greatness claimed the affair had been going on for months and that Noem's chief of staff Joshua Shields had resigned due to Lewandowski's butting in.
A two-year-old girl is among four people killed in a horrific highway crash after a man drove his car into oncoming traffic - as a witness claimed she saw the driver speeding at up to 180km/hr before the collision.

The infant and two adults in their 30s had no chance of escape after their SUV burst into flames after the head-on crash on the Ipswich Motorway at Redbank at 11.15pm on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old driver who slammed into their car while driving the wrong way down the highway was thrown from his sedan, which also caught fire. He died at the scene.

A woman who was driving west on the motorway said she believes she narrowly missed hitting the sedan moments before the deadly crash.

The debris of Wednesday night's fatal collision is pictured on the Ipswich Motorway on Thursday morning

'I was travelling towards Ipswich on the highway and just passed Redbank,' she told The Courier-Mail.

'Right before the Toowoomba exit I noticed the vehicle travelling towards me. He flashed his lights and was swerving around, he went past me using the right hand lane.'

The woman said the oncoming car appeared to be travelling between 150-180km/h.

She called triple-zero to report the wayward driver, but said by that point it was too late.

'It would have been not even a minute later the crash happened,' she said.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski earlier revealed first responders only discovered there were three bodies in the 4WD after putting out the fire.

Four people including a two-year-old girl were killed in the collision on the Ipswich Motorway south-west of Brisbane. The scene is pictured after both cars caught fire

A woman who was driving west on the motorway said she believes she narrowly missed hitting the sedan moments before the deadly crash. The crash scene is pictured

'It's an absolute tragedy, four lives snuffed out in an instant,' he told Sunrise.

'You can only imagine the tragic scene and the chaos that our first responders have had to deal with.'

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said there would be a investigation into why the driver responsible for the deadly crash was on the wrong side of the road.

'(Its) early days yet for us in terms of investigation, clearly those poor people in the four-wheel drive had no chance,' he said.

The four-wheel-drive's three occupants - two adults and a young child - and the lone occupant of the black sedan, a 34-year-old man, all died at the scene

'They were doing everything that they should be doing, driving on the right side of the road.'

All of the Ipswich Motorway's westbound lanes were closed near the Mine Street exit overnight, before one lane re-opened to traffic at 5am.

The two right westbound lanes were still out of use at 6.30am as road crews repaired bitumen damaged by the collision.

Access has been blocked for motorists heading towards the Cunningham Highway and the Warrego Highway to the west of the crash site.

Queensland Police crash investigators are asking anyone who saw the black sedan before the crash to come forward.
A real estate agent has spammed 300 households with a letter warning them their property values would plunge when a public housing block was built nearby.

Harcourts salesman Chris Parsons claimed many of his clients in Mandurah, south of Perth, planned to sell up rather than have 100 'socially disadvantaged' new neighbours.

Mr Parsons said he and other residents were concerned about the $28.1 million development's 'obvious effect on property values'.

The document, bearing the Harcourts Mandurah letterhead, asked if the home owner had been informed of the new building in their suburb.

Real estate agent spams households with offensive warning about new development to house homeless and 'socially disadvantaged' people

'I am writing to you directly due to your close proximity to the upcoming development of a 50-apartment complex that will house up to 100 homeless and 'socially disadvantaged' residents,' the letter sent on Monday began.

'Many of my previous clients have already come to me with intentions to move out of the area after hearing of what is coming.

'I personally live in and own a home close to this planned development and have my own concerns, including the obvious effect on property values.'

Labor MP Simon McGurk (pictured second right) announcing that the WA Government would increase its investment in Mandurah Common Ground to $28.1 million. The development was this week the subject of a letter saying it would affect house prices

Mr Parsons wrote that he met with the developers and discovered that due to council zoning rules, 'little to no' community consultation was required.

He told residents to call or email him to find out more about 'what this could mean for the future value of your home'.

Outraged recipients posted the letter on local social media groups, speculating that the letter was really a ploy to drive sales.

'To me it looks like a scare tactics letter for him to get you to sell your house. Do your homework. Plus this if it is true is a great project that will help so many less fortunate have a safe, warm place to live,' one local wrote.

Real estate agent Chris Parsons has apologised after spamming households with a warning about a new development to house homeless people in Mandurah, WA

After recipients complained, Mr Parsons wrote a grovelling apology and handed it out to the same 300 homes on Wednesday.

'I would like to apologise for any concerns this has caused, as a resident of this neighbourhood and a local real estate agent I have had discussions with members of the public around this topic and I was looking to gather further information, so that I could be in a better position to assist home owners where I can,' he wrote.

'It was not my intention to generate negativity around this development but instead to get a better understanding of the community sentiment in a small sample area within close proximity to the site.'

Mr Parsons added that he was confident the facility 'will be of benefit to the community' and be well run and maintained by local and state governments.

He wrote that Harcourts Mandurah had collected donations for a homeless support group in the area for more than 10 years.

Chris Parsons issued a grovelling apology letter after his initial letter did not go down well with locals in Mandurah

The company said the initial letter was a case of Mr Parsons 'flying solo' and that it did not believe he was acting with any malice towards homeless people.

'We have investigated the matter and can confirm this is the result of an error in judgement, rather than any deliberate attempt to agitate or create negativity,' Harcourts Australia chief operations officer Lisa Pennell said.

'The agent in question is a relatively new team member and was genuinely attempting to engage with his local community to gauge sentiment and provide advice around the market.

'He personally lives in a property he owns in the direct vicinity of the proposed development.

'Chris is sincerely sorry for any distress caused and the office will ensure appropriate processes are followed for sign off of marketing material going forward.'

Ms Pennell listed 13 charities and seven local businesses Harcourts Mandurah had raised money for and claimed it sponsored 43 local and overseas community organisations.
The Democrat frontrunner in the Virginia governor's race has been condemned by parents after saying they shouldn't tell schools what to teach amid ongoing clashes over Critical Race Theory.

Terry McAuliffe, who previously served as Virginia's governor from 2014 to 2018, made the remark when he went head-to-head with his Republican rival Glenn Youngkin during the final debate of the governor's race Tuesday.

McAuliffe said he is 'not going to let' parents come into schools and veto books from their children's curriculum because - in his view - they shouldn't have control over what is being taught to their children.

'I'm not going to let parents come into schools, and actually take books out, and make their own decision,' McAuliffe said.

'Yeah, I stopped the bill that I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach,' he added.

The Democrat previously vetoed a bill that would have given parents 'the right to veto books.'

McAuliffe's comments come at a time when parents and schools have gone to war across America over the teaching of anti-racist curriculum - also named Critical Race Theory, or CRT - to students.

Virginia, in particular, has found itself at the center of the controversy with districts including Loudoun County and Fairfax County hitting headlines as parents fight back over transgender rights and anti-racist teachings in public schools.

Terry McAuliff - the Democrat frontrunner in the Virginia governor's race - has been condemned by parents after saying they shouldn't tell schools what to teach

The issue was a hot topic of the governor's debate with McAuliffe's stance instantly sparking outrage on social media from parents and conservative thinkers.

Several people blasted the Democrat arguing that teachers' salaries are paid for by taxpayers so 'they work for us.'

'Government, including school boards and teachers, work for the parents,' one parent tweeted.

'We absolutely are able to tell you what we want you to teach and what we don't want you to teach. We are the parents. It seems you all have forgotten that.'

Another person chimed in: 'And we are paying your wages!'

'Let's not forget that our taxes support their salary, receive state money which comes from our property taxes, which in turn supports the PS schools, so the schools, superindents, admins and teachers do work for us as tax payers,', wrote another.

'We have every right to object to the curriculum.'

Another social media user agreed and blasted McAuliffe as 'arrogant' for his comments.

'Exactly, they work for us and we pay their salaries,' wrote another.

McAuliffe (left) went head to head with his Republican rival Glenn Youngkin (right) during the final debate of the governor's race Tuesday

Make sure every parent in Virginia hears this before they vote. https://t.co/iUTIFtWJFG  Stephen Miller (@StephenM) September 29, 2021

'They are our employees and we tell them what they can and can't teach our children. What an arrogant person this man is, and I'm betting has no kids.'

One person simply wrote: 'Teachers work for us and we pay their salaries!'

Other critics slammed school boards Marxist and hit out at McAuliffe for being 'pro-choice' aside from when it comes to education.

'Terry McAuliffe is pro-choice unless the decision belongs to the parents of a school-aged kid,' one person tweeted.

'The Marxist school boards haven't forgotten that they answer to the parents. They just don't care,' another wrote.

McAuliffe's rival Youngkin also took aim at his competitor.

Several people blasted the Democrat arguing that teachers' salaries are paid for by taxpayers so 'they work for us'

'Are you a parent who wants to have a say in your child's education?' he tweeted, along with footage from their debate.

'Too bad. Terry McAuliffe says you have to sit down and shut up.'

In the debate, Youngkin had argued parents should be more involved in decisions in school districts.

'What we've seen over the course of this last 20 months is our school systems refusing to engage with parents,' Youngkin said.

'In fact, in Fairfax County this past week, we watched parents so upset because there was such sexually explicit material in the library they had never seen, it was shocking.'

He added to McAuliffe: 'You believe school systems should tell children what to do. I believe parents should be in charge of their kids' education.'

McAuliffe's rival Youngkin also took aim at his competitor for his comments on Twitter

However some social media users came out in support of McAuliffe, arguing that parents are not qualified to make decisions on curriculum.

'You are parents but are not qualified to be teachers. If you want to teach your kids what YOU want then homeschool them,' one person tweeted.

'And even then the state requires you teach a curriculum.'

Another person agreed: 'Do you tell a surgeon how to teach a resident?? Teachers go to college, earn their degree and should be able to teach our children.

'We need to give teachers back their control because our children are lacking basic skills.'

Others hit back at the claims from some conservatives that they have the power to decide on the curriculum as taxpayers.

'No you vote for a school board to make decisions. Unhappy with what they choose? Feel free to speak up/ petition etc. Petition for a recall even. And get a candidate you prefer in the next time,' one person wrote.

Others hit back at the claims from some conservatives that they have the power to decide on the curriculum as taxpayers

CONTROVERSIES IN VIRGINIA SCHOOLS Virginia has found itself at the center of debates around CRT and anti-racist teachings in schools with two of its counties becoming battlegrounds between parents and school boards. Loudoun County In Loudoun County - the most wealthy suburb in America - parents and school board members have gone head to head over several issues in recent months. In April, the county announced that they planned to allocate more then $6 million to 'equity training' which was met with strong opposition by some parents who claimed the training was part of a CRT push which would lead to students seeing themselves as victims or oppressors, depending on their race. Parents have been demanding the removal of several members of the school district board while school officials insist that CRT is not on the curriculum pointing to 'misconceptions and misinformation' in the media. In June, two people were arrested during a school board meeting that descended into chaos amid debates over CRT teachings and a new transgender policy. In August, the board voted to approve a policy requiring teachers to call transgender students by their chosen pronouns and for trans children to use the lockerroom and bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Earlier this month, the county launched a study into the possibility of giving reparations to black people after it continue segregating schools until 1968 - 14 years after doing so was deemed unconstitutional. FairFax County Fairfax County in Virginia has also been hit with its fair share of clashes in recent months. Calls have been mounting for the removal of one board member Abrar Omeish after she said taking a moment of silence to mark the anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks would cause harm to minorities who faced persecution in its aftermath. Omeish, who has previously sparked outrage for alleged anti-Semitic comments and encouraging high schoolers to remember 'jihad', voted against the resolution. She said it was not 'anti-racist' and failed to address 'state-sponsored traumas.' This came one month after the district was criticized for encouraging students to listen to an audiobook by a non-binary abolitionist suggesting they should not feel safe around police. Advertisement

'In the mean time, the ones there were validly voted in by your community to run it.'

Tuesday's debate was the second and final ahead of the November 2 election for governor of Virginia where Democrats have held the governor's office in Virginia for the last decade.

The two contenders sparred over COVID-19 vaccine mandates which was also debated in the context of schools.

McAuliffe said he would require them for students, teachers and health care workers while Youngkin said he opposed mandates.

McAuliffe is currently leading by a narrow margin of less than three points, according to RealClearPolitics Average.

It is yet to be seen whether the debate around school curriculum will impact the result.

CRT and anti-racist teachings have been a hot topic of debate in the state.

In Loudoun County - the most wealthy suburb in America - parents and school board members have gone head to head over several issues in recent months.

In April, the county announced that they planned to allocate more then $6 million to 'equity training' which was met with strong opposition by some parents who claimed the training was part of a CRT push which would lead to students seeing themselves as victims or oppressors, depending on their race.

Parents have been demanding the removal of several members of the school district board while school officials insist that CRT is not on the curriculum pointing to 'misconceptions and misinformation' in the media.

In June, two people were arrested during a school board meeting that descended into chaos amid debates over CRT teachings and a new transgender policy.

In August, the board voted to approve a policy requiring teachers to call transgender students by their chosen pronouns and for trans children to use the lockerroom and bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

Earlier this month, the county launched a study into the possibility of giving reparations to black people after it continue segregating schools until 1968 - 14 years after doing so was deemed unconstitutional.

Fairfax County in Virginia has also been hit with its fair share of clashes in recent months.

Calls have been mounting for the removal of one board member Abrar Omeish after she said taking a moment of silence to mark the anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks would cause harm to minorities who faced persecution in its aftermath.

Omeish, who has previously sparked outrage for alleged anti-Semitic comments and encouraging high schoolers to remember 'jihad', voted against the resolution.

She said it was not 'anti-racist' and failed to address 'state-sponsored traumas.'

This came one month after the district was criticized for encouraging students to listen to an audiobook by a non-binary abolitionist suggesting they should not feel safe around police.

In Loudoun County - the most wealthy suburb in America - parents and school board members have gone head to head over several issues in recent months. A meeting in June

Parents attend a packed Loudoun County School board meeting in June which descended into chaos

A man is detained after a fight broke out during the Loudoun County School Board meeting

Similar debates around teachings in American schools have rumbled on in recent months - with CRT at the center of much of the uproar.

CRT highlights how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions today.

It has become a key focus on the curriculum of schools over the last year amid the nationwide reckoning for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.

But it has starkly divided opinion.

Conservatives allege that students are being taught a warped version of American history that claims the impact of slavery remains present throughout society.

Critics say the teachings reduce people to 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on skin color.

But supporters say it is vital to understand how race impacts society in order to eliminate racism.
A worker has died in a ground collapse at Fortescue Metals' Solomon Hub iron ore mine in Western Australia.

Fortescue Metals Group released a statement on Thursday confirming a worker had died following an incident at the site in the Pilbara region.

The mining giant announced site operations at the site have been temporarily suspended while an investigation is underway.

Fortescue Metals has closed its Solomon Hub iron ore mine in Western Australia after a worker was involved in a 'significant incident' (stock image)

Fortescue said police were called and support was being provided to employees after the incident on Thursday morning.

Police, Fortescue and WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will investigate while the site is closed temporarily.

'This is a very sad day for Fortescue and all our thoughts are with his family as we provide our full support to them at this very difficult time,' Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said.

'The wellbeing of the entire Fortescue family is our priority with a range of support services available across our sites, including the Fortescue Chaplains and Employee Assistance Program.'

The Solomon site is in the Hamersley Ranges and includes the Firetail, Kings Valley and Queens Valley mines.

Fortescue shares on the ASX were up 0.78 per cent to $14.91 at 11:11 AEST.
Canberra has recorded 31 new coronavirus infections as the ACT opens Pfizer and Moderna vaccine bookings to over-60s.

A source can be found for 17 of Thursday's infections, while at least that number were also in the community while infectious.

Just six are confirmed to have been in quarantine the whole time.

Canberra has recorded 31 new coronavirus infections as the ACT opens Pfizer and Moderna vaccine bookings to over-60s (stock image)

Meanwhile, the ACT has opened its Pfizer and Moderna vaccine eligibility to people aged 60 and older.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has urged people to bring their booking forward to speed the vaccination process.

'There are earlier appointments available and we are very keen to give everyone the opportunity to get at least a first dose before we come out of lockdown in the middle of October,' he told reporters.

Lockdown-hit businesses are also getting additional financial support.

The payments, funded 50-50 by territory and federal governments, are aimed at getting businesses through until mid-October when the ACT vaccination rate is set to hit 80 per cent.
Tasmania may demand visitors quarantine or get negative Covid tests even after the state is 90 per cent vaccinated and Australia's borders open.

Premier Peter Gutwein vowed to keep the island state's borders closed until the lofty immunisation mark was hit, ignoring his agreement to do so at 80 per cent.

But unlike fellow rogue premiers in Western Australia in Queensland, he is mulling even more draconian efforts to keep Tasmania Covid-free.

Mr Gutwein said only fully vaccinated travellers would be allowed in, but those coming from areas with 'significant Covid' may have to jump through more hoops.

Tasmania's premier has doubled-down on his tough border stance, revealing modelling showing likely coronavirus deaths if the island reopened at an 80 per cent vaccination rate

'For example, asking those who want to travel to Tasmania from states that have got significant Covid to be tested in the 72 hours before they leave and have a negative test,' he said.

'We're also considering whether or not there are tests that need to be taken once people arrive within a short period of time and whether or not there may be a short period of quarantine depending on the jurisdiction they're coming from.'

The premier, unlike his counterparts Annastacia Palaszczuk in Queensland and Mark McGowan in WA, promised the border would be open for Christmas.

However, by then state and international borders will be open and NSW and Victoria, at least, will no longer be concerned about case numbers - meaning everywhere will have 'significant Covid'.

Mr Gutwein justified his refusal to open up at 80 per cent vaccination with modelling he claimed showed likely coronavirus deaths at that time.

Over the first six months it would result in 14,900 cases, up to 590 hospital admissions, 97 intensive care admissions and almost 100 deaths, he said.

Mr Gutwein has targeted a 90 per cent full vaccination rate for people over 16 by December 1. He said Tasmania was 'on track' to reach the number and aiming to reopen by Christmas.

He reiterated he wouldn't reopen until all eligible Tasmanians had the chance to be vaccinated and any border decision would be made on public health advice.

'If we were to relax border restrictions at 80 per cent [vaccinated], Covid would enter Tasmania and it would take off,' Mr Gutwein said.

Peter Gutwein on Wednesday outlined what would happen, according to Doherty Institute predictions, if the state allowed travellers from NSW and Victoria with that percentage of its population fully vaccinated

'Some people would get sick, some would get very sick, and unfortunately some Tasmanians would lose their lives.'

The national plan out of Covid-19 aims for easing of restrictions at 80 per cent, although state borders aren't specifically mentioned.

Mr Gutwein joins Mr McGowanMs Palaszczuk in reneging on their agreement to open at 80 per cent of residents over 15, and instead insisting on 90 per cent or higher.

'The reopening of our borders is what we're considering. Other states are considering the reopening of their communities. That's the difference we have in Tasmania,' Mr Gutwein said.

'As we move to reopen our borders, Delta will arrive. And when Delta arrives some people will get sick, some people will get very sick and unfortunately some people will die.

'What we need to do is to get to a point where I can confidently say to myself that every single Tasmanian that is eligible has had the opportunity to have the vaccine.'

Heavy snow blankets the road at the base of Mt Wellington at Fern Tree in Hobart, a popular holiday spot much of Australia may not see for some time

Queensland last week indicated it would watch NSW closely before deciding whether to open for Christmas.

Tasmania has had just one case this year, a NSW traveller who tested positive while in hotel quarantine.

Mr Gutwein said the state was mulling border entry requirements, such as a tests prior to entry, allowing only fully vaccinated people in, and short quarantine periods for some arrivals.

The state government has commissioned Tasmania-specific modelling, to be released in mid-October.

The island state is closed to Victoria and NSW, its two biggest domestic tourism markets, as well as the ACT and New Zealand.

Almost 58 of Tasmania's eligible population has been fully vaccinated, behind only the ACT and NSW.
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Hawaii's Big Island was put on high alert on Wednesday after the Kilauea volcano erupted for the second time this year.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that the eruption began at around 3.20pm when they detected a glow in summit webcam images of Kilauea.

Earthquake activity and ground swelling was also detected in the area earlier in the day.

The eruption is reported to be happening in the Halemaumau crater in Kilauea's summit caldera which is found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Photos taken from the scene show lava pumping out from the surface of a crater, with smoke also pouring into the air.

A previous eruption from the Kilauea volcano in 2018 left 24 people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.

There is no current threat to homes or heavily populated areas on the Big Island but the eruption is being monitored.

The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island erupted for the second time this year on Wednesday

The eruption reportedly began at around 3.20pm when a glow was detected in summit webcam images

The eruption is reported to be happening in the Halema'uma'u crater in Kilauea's summit caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The U.S. Geological Survey sent a warning advisory after the alert level was raised to its highest.

'Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of Halemaumau crater generating lava flows on the surface of the lava lake that was active until May 2021,' the advisory said.

'The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is elevating Kilauea's volcano alert level from WATCH to WARNING and its aviation color code from ORANGE to RED as this new eruption and associated hazards are evaluated.'

The advisory was raised up to a more serious 'watch' status around 10 minutes before the eruption began.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been following the activity of the volcano

The HVO reports that the activity of the volcano has been confined to Halemaumau.

'The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic and uncertain. HVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and will report any significant changes in future notices,' USGS said.

The concern, however, is the level of high volcanic gases that are being released into the atmosphere.

'Large amounts of volcanic gas  primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)  are continuously released during eruptions of Kilauea Volcano,' HVO reported.

'As SO2 is released from the summit, it will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) that has been observed downwind of Kilauea.

'Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock.'

The Kilauea volcano had a massive eruption in 2018 that destroyed hundreds of homes and injured 24 people

An eruption was also reported in December 2020 that continued until May

HVO has also listed a variety of possible hazards including debris and volcanic particles that are prone to fall during eruption.

Local residents have been advised to avoid contact with fallen particles that can cause skin and eye irritation.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, however, has remained open and no road closures have been reported as of yet.

The Kilauea volcano has had relatively minor eruptions in the past with the exception of the 2018 incident.

A small eruption was reported that began in December 2020 and continued until May.

Minor activity from the volcano was also reported in August but only lasted a few days.
A former Instagram model who drunkenly threatened to blow up a plane mid-flight during an explicit-laden rant has made a heartfelt vow to make up for the incident.

During a sentencing appearance at the Christchurch District Court on Thursday, Hannah Lee Pierson, 31, told Judge Kevin Phillips: 'I will redeem myself and be a better person'.

Ms Pierson had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of disruptive conduct towards a crew member and disorderly behaviour after the incident on the Air New Zealand flight from Melbourne to Auckland on November 7 last year.

The court had heard she had consumed a bottle of wine in the toilets at Melbourne Airport before boarding the flight.

Ms Pierson then asked for a glass of wine when the crew began serving food and beverages but she was told it was not included in her ticket, sparking the extraordinary rant where she said several times, 'Get me a f***ing wine or I'll blow up the plane'.

Hannah Lee Pierson, 31, (pictured) told Christchurch District Court she would 'redeem myself' in a heartfelt statement on Thursday as she was sentenced over an altercation on an Air New Zealand flight from Melbourne to Auckland on November 7 last year

The court heard Ms Pierson abused a flight attendant after she was told she would need to purchase wine as it was not included in her ticket

Ms Pierson sounded like a different person in the court today.

'Your Honour, I have thought about this moment over and over again, and I have done a lot of reflecting over the past eight months. I respect, standing here today, that what I did was very wrong, and it was not just one victim but the full aircraft,' she told the judge.

'I truly am remorseful for my actions and very sorry. I can only prove from my actions in the future that I will redeem myself and be a better person.'

In response, Judge Phillips said Ms Pierson was 'a very brave woman' for making the statement.

'This is the start of a new facet of your life,' he said.

Ms Pierson was released on intensive supervision for a year, subject to treatment and counselling conditions.

She was also ordered to pay $500 as reparation for emotional harm done to the flight crew member she abused. It is believed the offer of the amount was made by Ms Pierson.

During a court appearance in April, the court heard Ms Pierson began abusing a flight attendant after being told she would need to buy wine from the menu.

'I don't give a f**k, get me a f***ing wine,' court documents revealed that she yelled.

She then stood up and shouted: 'I'll f***ing get it myself, give me the f***ing wine'.

Ms Pierson then called an attendant a 'b***h' and tried to leave her seat, with crew intervening and directing her to a vacant row.

As she was held there, Ms Pierson grabbed a crew member's arm and squeezed it hard, then started making head movements that made staff believe she was going to headbutt the attendant, the summary said.

While confined in the row, she continuously tried to get out of her seat and shouted several times: 'Get me a f***ing wine or I'll blow up the plane'.

Crew then handcuffed her and strapped her to the chair with spare seatbelts, as she continued her rant.

'I respect, standing here today, that what I did was very wrong, and it was not just one victim but the full aircraft,' Ms Pierson told the sentencing judge

The court summary noted that she had 'total disregard' for the other 72 passengers onboard the trans-Tasman flight, including the young children that were nearby.

She eventually fell asleep 90 minutes before touching down at Auckland airport, but continued to berate the crew when she woke up upon landing.

During the sentencing appearance, it was revealed Ms Pierson faced other charges in Australia which the defence characterised as 'violence-based and alcohol-fuelled'.

Her defence team sought for Ms Pierson to be discharged without conviction so that she could fulfil a desire to train as a nurse but the judge said a decision as to whether she could do so would have to be left to the relevant professional body.
John T. Earnest, 22, (pictured in April 2019) was sentence to life without parole in a California court today

A 22-year-old former nursing student was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday for bursting into a Southern California synagogue on the last day of Passover in 2019 with a semiautomatic rifle, killing one worshipper and wounding three others.

John T. Earnest, who was spared the death penalty, pleaded guilty to 113 hate crimes September 17, one count for each person who was in the synagogue that day.

He killed one and injured three others at the Chabad of Poway, a synagogue near San Diego, on April 27, 2019. He will serve life without the possibility of parole.

Victims and families were given their first opportunity to address the killer directly during victim-impact statements in San Diego Superior Court Thursday.

The 22-year-old did not make a statement at the sentencing.

Earnest's attorney said he wanted to speak but Judge Peter Deddeh refused, saying he did not want the hearing to become 'a political forum' for white supremacist views.

'I'm not going to let him use this as a platform to add to his celebrity,' the judge said.

There was no visible reaction from Earnest, who stared straight ahead.

He pleaded to 113 counts of hate crimes, one for every person in the Chabad of Poway synagogue near San Diego. Earnest shot and kill one victim and injured three others in April 27, 2019. He heard victim impact statements at the sentencing, but he didn't speak, as the judge denied his request for a statement. (pictured at his arraignment in April 2019)

Minutes after the shooting in 2019, Earnest called a 911 dispatcher to say he shot up the synagogue to save white people. 'I'm defending our nation against the Jewish people, who are trying to destroy all white people,' he said.

Earnest, who was 19 at the time, legally bought a semi-automatic rifle in San Diego a day before the attack, according to a federal affidavit, and said he admired the gunman who killed dozens of worshippers at two New Zealand mosques.

He also frequented 8chan, a dark corner of the internet, for those disaffected by mainstream social media sites to post extremist, racist and violent views.

The California synagogue where Earnest fired 10 rounds in April 2019

He entered the synagogue with 10 bullets loaded and 50 more on his vest but fled after struggling to reload.

Lori Gilbert, 60, who was fatally hit twice as she prayed in the foyer. An eight-year-old girl, her uncle, and Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was leading a service on the major Jewish holiday, were hurt.

Gilbert's daughter, Hannah, attended court today and gave a victim impact statement.

She said she hoped her statement visualized 'what white supremacist, bigoted, racist violence looks, smells, sounds, feels and, yes, even tastes like in America in the 21st century - two years ago and now.'

'The voice of my mother is reclaimed within my own,' she said in court. 'John Earnest, your bullets will not wreck through my body today as they did my mother's. She is here. She is alive within my words...You are unable to destroy the truth of my experience as much as you may want to.'

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein (pictured with Gilbert's photo), who was shot in the hand by Earnest, was at the funeral of Lori Gilbert, the lone death in Earnest's shooting. The 60-year-old's family spoke in court Thursday and called her 'the center of her community'

'Lori was the center of her family, the center of her community,' Gilbert's sister Randi Grossman said.

Other victims who spoke wished Earnest a lonely existence in his prison cell.

The Earnest family issued a statement after the shooting expressing shock and sadness, calling their son's actions a 'terrifying mystery.'

Their son was an accomplished student, athlete and musician who was studying to be a nurse at California State University, San Marcos.

'[Our] sadness pales in comparison to the grief and anguish our son has caused for so many innocent people,' they wrote. 'To our great shame, he is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries.

'Our son's actions were informed by people we do not know, and ideas we do not hold,' the family said. 'Like our five other children, he was raised in a family, a faith, and a community that all rejected hate and taught that love must be the motive for everything we do.'

Earnest also faces sentencing in federal court on December 28.

He pleaded guilty to federal charges after the Justice Department said it wouldn't seek the death penalty. Defense attorneys and prosecutors are recommending a life sentence.
News anchor Ashleigh Banfield has blasted ex-colleague Katie Couric's claim her father was touting her as a potential replacement for the former Today star by revealing that he was senile in a care home at the time.

Banfield took particular offense at Couric's claim, exclusively reported by DailyMail.com, that Banfield wanted her job, and that her father was promoting her 'all around town' as a prospective replacement.

'I want to correct the record here, because you went after my dad. It's just not true,' Banfield said of Couric's claim in the upcoming book, called Going There, on her NewsNation show Wednesday night.

She explained that, when she was in Afghanistan with work shortly after the 9/11 attacks, 'there were a lot of reports about it being a very dangerous assignment.'

At that point her father John, a retired architect from Winnipeg in Canada, was almost 80 years old, 'extremely senile', and living in a care home. He died in 2009 aged 85.

Banfield said that a New York Post reporter managed to find a phone number for her father, in the care home, and rang him to ask if he was worried about his daughter.

He told the reporter: 'Yes, and I think NBC should bring her home and gives her a desk job like Katie Couric.'

Banfield said: 'It was a far cry from being even able to leave the facility, let alone telling anyone who would listen.

Ashleigh Banfield on Wednesday night responded to her former colleague Katie Couric's claims in her memoir

Banfield told of how her dad John (pictured in tuxedo and glasses in 1959 when he married his wife Suzanne) was 80 when he was contacted to ask about her reporting from Afghanistan

'That hurt my feelings deeply, and I hope Ms Couric corrects the record on that.'

Banfield began her segment on the book by saying that she was 'stunned, scared and surprised' to learn that Katie Couric had written about her in her memoir, and asked Couric to make amends for a claim that 'hurt my feelings deeply'.

Banfield, 53, was a colleague of Couric, 64, when they both worked on Today.

In her book, Couric writes that she was aware that 'someone younger and cuter was always around the corner' and singles out Banfield as an example.

Couric writes: 'For a minute there, Ashleigh Banfield was the next big thing; I'd heard her father was telling anyone who'd listen that she was going to replace me. In that environment, mentorship sometimes felt like self-sabotage.'

On Wednesday night, Banfield said she was saddened by Couric's attitude, saying that mentoring younger women was something that had given her great happiness.

Couric (left) and Banfield (right) worked together on Today in the early 2000s

'Let's just be clear here,' said Banfield, now the host of Banfield on NewsNation.

She told her viewers: 'I was a bit of a peon at MSNBC back in 2000 when I first met Katie Couric, and she was, you know, the queen of television and nobody was better than Katie.'

The Canadian-born anchor said that she was saddened by Couric's comments, but bore her no ill will and still admired her.

'There is no one better who has ever been on morning television than Katie Couric,' Banfield said.

'I looked up to her for years and years and years, I still do. I still believe she is the best person to have ever graced the screen in that venue.'

Banfield said that, when she was working at NBC alongside Couric, she was just a 'peon' while Couric was 'queen'

Banfield on Wednesday night said she still admired and respected Couric, despite her caustic comments

Banfield told how she was brought to tears by Couric's interview of a Columbine victim and the father of a victim in the wake of the 1999 massacre.

'I remember thinking I want to be just like her,' Banfield recalled.

'There is so much I learned from Katie Couric. And, I'll be honest with you, it saddens me that we couldn't collaborate.'

And she said she was disappointed that Couric felt giving her advice would be 'self sabotage'.

'I think of mentoring women in this business as one of the best investments,' said Banfield, saying it was a myth that you had to climb to the top above all others, because there was room for many women.

'Why do women think there is no room at the top? They all think it's this apex that everyone's going to get boinked off if they dare to climb much higher.

'But the truth is: it is massive. It's a big flat spot right at the top where we can all lift each other up and help each other out.

'It is true what Kennedy once said: A rising tide floats all boats,' she said.

'I am a better journalist today for all the young women I worked with, and gave advice to.'

Banfield concluded by paying tribute to Couric as 'a trailblazer'.

Couric, she said, was 'spunky and awesome and natural and authentic.'

She concluded: 'And I wish her well in life.'

EXCLUSIVE: Katie Couric rips into former TODAY Show colleagues, admits she froze out female rivals to 'protect her turf,' says her toyboy ex was a 'midlife crisis' and takes potshots at Prince Harry who stank of alcohol in her new memoir

Katie Couric spares few from criticism in her new memoir, which she uses to settle scores from her four decades in TV, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Over 500 pages in length, Couric tears into ex-boyfriends, former colleagues at NBC and CBS and ridicules A-list celebrities including Prince Harry.

In 'Going There', Couric admits that she gave Ashleigh Banfield the cold shoulder early in her career because helping her would have been 'self sabotage'.

She rips into Deborah Norville, who she replaced on the TODAY Show, for having a 'relentless perfection' which turned off morning show viewers.

When Couric switched from TODAY to host the Evening News on CBS, staffers fought back with an 'insurgency' which left her feeling like Hillary Clinton because she was so under siege, she writes.

Couric is just as blunt about her love life and says ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin, who was 17 years her junior, was a 'mid-life crisis' while TV producer Tom Werner was a 'textbook narcissist'.

Couric puts down Martha Stewart, saying it took a 'some healthy humbling (prison will do that . . .) to develop a sense of humor.'

Even the Royal family end up in Couric's sights and she describes how Prince Harry stank of cigarettes and alcohol when they met, and how Prince Andrew cozied up to Jeffrey Epstein at a bizarre dinner at his New York mansion.

DailyMail.com has seen the manuscript, which is out in late October and will be accompanied by an 11-city book tour.

DailyMail.com has read the manuscript for Katie Couric's book 'Going There', which is out in late October and will be accompanied by an 11-city book tour

Couric rips into Deborah Norville, who she replaced on the TODAY Show, for having a 'relentless perfection' which turned off morning show viewers. The hosts are pictured in 1990

The book has sparked outrage among people who have seen the manuscript, one saying that it 'should be called Burning Bridges by Catty Couric as it literally reads like Kitty Kelley wrote it about Katie', referring to the notoriously snarky celebrity biographer.

'Going There' will be published in late October by Little, Brown and Company

Couric's last major gig was with Yahoo which ended in 2017. Another person said that after this book she will 'never get a job at any television network or cable channel ever again because she attacks everyone'.

'She'll be stuck with her newsletter and Instagram stories for the rest of her working life even though the book oozes of her desperation to be back on network television hosting her own show,' they said.

'Going There' does tell Couric's personal story including a moving chapter about the death of her father, whose shift into PR from journalism to have a steady income for his young family was Couric's inspiration to be a reporter.

But as the book progresses that narrative gets sidelined for sideswipes at people Couric feels have maligned her.

CONTEMPT FOR HER RIVALS

Among the most striking passages is Couric explaining how she didn't stick up for other women at work because she saw them as a threat to her own career.

She admits that she had bad feelings for Deborah Norville even though she replaced her hosting TODAY in 1991.

Norville took two months off for maternity leave and Couric filled in - when Norville didn't return Couric got the job permanently.

Couric claims there were 'residual bad feelings' towards Norville for her obvious differences with Jane Pauley, her former TODAY co-host who left in 1989 under acrimonious conditions.

Couric writes that Norville had a 'major relatability problem' because she was too perfect at a time in the morning when people were still getting ready for the day.

One colleague supposedly told Couric that 'with Deborah, people feel like they need to get dressed before they turn on the TV'.

Couric admits that during her time at TODAY she was unwelcoming to other women because she felt like she needed to 'protect my turf.'

She writes that she was aware that 'someone younger and cuter was always around the corner' and singles out Banfield as an example.

Couric writes: 'For a minute there, Ashleigh Banfield was the next big thing; I'd heard her father was telling anyone who'd listen that she was going to replace me. In that environment, mentorship sometimes felt like self-sabotage.'

Couric's book is over 500 pages in length and she tears into former colleagues at NBC and CBS. She's pictured in 1992 with her colleagues on the TODAY Show. Left to right: Gene Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Deborah Norville. Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Jane Pauley, Katie Couric, Willard Scott, Tom Brokaw

She had little affection for Martha Stewart and at an awards ceremony in 1996 Couric roasted her with a snarky poem which said that 'anything I can do you (Stewart) can do better.'

Stewart was unamused and Couric writes that it took a 'some healthy humbling (prison will do that . . .) to develop a sense of humor.'

Among the celebrities that Couric takes potshots at are Prince Harry, who she met at a polo match in Brazil during his 'wild-oats sowing phase.'

She recalled that the smell of cigarettes and alcohol seemed to 'ooze from every pore' in his body.

Couric left Joan Rivers so angry after asking if she had plastic surgery on her short-lived talk show 'Katie' that they never spoke again.

Backstage, Rivers said of Couric: 'Who does she think she is? She's on her knees blowing 14-year-olds', referring to Brooks Perlin, her much-younger boyfriend.

MIXING WITH THE NOTORIOUS

Couric was among those who attended the infamous 2010 dinner at Jeffrey Epstein's house when Prince Andrew was also there.

She describes Epstein's $75million New York townhouse as 'Eyes Wide Shut with a twist - creepy chandeliers and body-part art'.

Guests ate lasagna out of shallow bowls and Epstein 'held court' in front of the fireplace to the likes of Chelsea Handler and Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, George Stephanopoulos and Charlie Rose.

On the way home Perlin remarked how young the women were who took their coats.

Couric writes: 'I couldn't imagine what Epstein and Andrew were up to, apart from trying to cultivate friends in the media. Which, in retrospect, they must have figured they'd need when the pedophilia charges started rolling in.'

FAILED RELATIONSHIPS

While Couric writes emotionally about the death of her first husband Jay Monahan from cancer, she also admits that her fame drove a wedge between them.

Couric's celebrity status 'took up residence in our marriage like an overbearing houseguest', as she describes it, and claims that the bigger she got, the smaller Monahan felt.

Couric calls her relationship with Brooks Perlin as something that 'screamed midlife crisis' and that she was 'rebelling' because she had never done anything 'particularly scandalous.'

That rebellion sometimes went too far, like the night she drank so much she ended up in hospital on an IV drip - which she kept top secret, worrying that it would lead to headlines in the New York press like: 'Anchor hits Rock Bottom!'

Couric writes that she regrets moving Perlin into her home without asking daughters so they had to deal with a 30-something guy walking around shirtless

The relationship led to 'distance' between her parents and her children which Couric also regrets.

Couric writes emotionally about the death of her first husband Jay Monahan (pictured) from cancer and admits that her fame drove a wedge between them

Her relationship with Tom Werner ended when he dumped her by email and Couric brands him a 'textbook narcissist' who 'love bombed her' with flowers and gifts

Couric is just as blunt about her love life and says ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin, who was 17 years her junior, was a 'mid-life crisis. Pictured together in 2007

'Going There' describes a bizarre 15 minute date Couric went on with Michael Jackson whose hand felt like a 'dead fish' when she shook it.

Her relationship with Tom Werner ended when he dumped her by email and Couric brands him a 'textbook narcissist' who 'love bombed her' with flowers and gifts.

In her 20s Couric went on a date with Neil Simon, the late playwright who was 30 years her senior.

They got back to his hotel, kissed and he had to stop because of his 'blood pressure medication' - Couric does not clarify what the exact condition was.

Around the same age Couric went for dinner at an Italian restaurant with Larry King, even though he was 24 years older than her.

Afterwards they went back to King's apartment where Couric described him making a 'lunge' for her on the sofa with his tongue and his hands.

She pushed him off and a dejected King said: 'When I like, I really like'.

UNFORCED ERRORS

After leaving TODAY Couric joined CBS to host the Evening News and do special reports for 60 Minutes on a salary of $15million a year, making her the highest paid journalist in the world.

It was a disastrous move and Couric describes how staffers felt she was an 'existential threat' to their existence.

Couric admits to making a number of 'unforced errors' such as giving her office a glam makeover which was out of step with the unfussy culture at CBS.

As CBS executives began talking publicly and privately against her, Couric writes that she suffered 'internal sabotage'.

The book has sparked outrage among people who have read it and one said that it 'should be called Burning Bridges by Catty Couric'. She will 'never get a job at any television network or cable channel ever again because she attacks everyone,' one critic said

Couric claims she was in an 'unwinnable' situation and her team 'thought we'd be greeted as liberators; instead we got an insurgency'.

Things got so bad that Couric felt 'embattled, defensive, misunderstood. I guess you could say I was feeling like Hillary Clinton.'

In 2011 Couric left CBS and felt that she 'never really belonged here' because 'the body had rejected the organ early on'.

While Couric takes aim at numerous people in 'Going There', she does offer some moments of self analysis.

When she joined TODAY, Couric announced to Monahan, her husband at the time: 'I used to want to be the most popular girl in school. Now I'm the most popular girl in the country'.

Monahan called her 'gross' and hit her with a pillow.

After being dumped by Tom Werner, Couric went to a therapist who asked her if she had ever considered the idea that not everyone was going to like her.

Couric writes: 'Honestly I sort of hadn't'.
Shoshana Darke, 51, pictured in mug after her arrest Tuesday for trespassing

The woman thought to be Barry Morphew's girlfriend has been arrested and charged with trespassing after she was allegedly caught on camera removing a package from the home he shared with missing wife Suzanne just days after he was released on bail for her murder.

Shoshana Darke, 51, was arrested Tuesday forallegedly trespassing one day earlier at the property on Puma Path, Salida, which Morphew sold to new owners back in March.

Home security footage captured Darke walking down the driveway Monday afternoon and leaving with a cardboard box tucked under her arm, investigators said.

It is not clear if police have recovered the mystery package from Darke.

Its contents, who the package was addressed to and where it ended up are currently unknown.

The incident came just seven days after Morphew walked free from jail after posting a $500,000 cash bond ahead of his May 2022 murder trial.

Morphew is now staying at another property in Salida in close proximity to the former Morphew family home, according to Darke's arrest warrant.

Darke has also worked as a housekeeper and cleaner at that same property since 2018, the arrest warrant states.

Darke is mentioned in Morphew's affidavit for the murder of Suzanne who vanished without a trace on Mother's Day 2020 after he claimed she had set off on a bike ride from their home.

Several locals told investigators Darke and Morphew are in a relationship.

The pair insisted to investigators they are just friends but they were seen leaving a hotel together on Valentine's Day this year, and Morphew was spotted on multiple occasions visiting her home late at night.

Home security footage captured Shoshana Darke walking down the driveway of the fromer Morphew home Monday afternoon, investigators said (pictured)

Darke is thought to be Barry Morphew's girlfriend. She was arrested and charged with trespassing after being allegedly caught on camera (above) removing a package from the home he shared with missing wife Suzanne

Darke, who told cops that 'a lot of people say I resemble' Suzanne, said she had seen a 'strange vehicle' in the area around the time Suzanne went missing.

According to Darke's arrest affidavit, the 51-year-old trespassed on the former Morphew home to collect the parcel around one hour after it was delivered in a FedEx van.

Darke was caught on surveillance video jogging down the driveway toward the property at 3:46pm, it states.

Photos in the arrest warrant reveal the woman dressed in trousers and a sweater walking toward the property.

Another camera picks her up heading toward the front door of the home.

At 3:47pm, Darke is seen walking away from the property carrying a package under her left arm, the affidavit states.

The parcel was delivered to the home by a FedEx truck just over one hour earlier at 2.32pm.

The property's new owners use the property as a vacation home and have installed security cameras and a 'No Trespassing' sign.

Barry and Suzanne Morphew are pictured together. Barry is accused of murdering Suzanne

The Morphew family home is seen above. Morphew sold the home to new owners in March

The owner reported seeing someone trespassing on the property too police after being alerted by the surveillance feed.

When investigators reviewed the footage, they recognized Darke as the woman in the images, the affidavit states.

They informed the homeowner that she 'is an acquaintance of Barry Morphew'.

The homeowner confirmed she does not know Darke and did not give her permission to enter the property and wanted to press charges.

Darke was arrested in the Maysville area Tuesday and charged with second-degree criminal trespassing.

During her court appearance Wednesday morning, her bond was set at $500, reported Fox 21.

She was ordered to permanently stay away from the home and surrounding property and not to have any contact with the current homeowners.

She will appear in court next in two weeks' time.

Darke and Barry are seen leaving a hotel together on Valentine's Day this year in surveillance footage included in his arrest affidavit

Footage captured the pair checking in to the hotel together on February 12 (left) and then checking out on Valentine's Day (right) - Darke clutching a bouquet of flowers

The same judge - Patrick Murphy - presided over both her case and that of her alleged boyfriend.

According to Morphew's affidavit - finally released earlier this month - investigators received a tip in December that Darke was in a romantic relationship with Morphew.

Investigators interviewed her the following day where she denied their relationship was romantic.

She also said she didn't know Morphew's missing wife but drew parallels with herself.

'She's my age. She's... A lot of people say I resemble her,' she told cops, according to Morphew's affidavit.

Barry (seen in a mugshot) has maintained his innocence

Morphew has also denied any romantic relationship with Darke, claiming they are friends and that his daughters are aware of their friendship.

However, several locals told cops December 2020 and April 2021 that Darke and Morphew were in a relationship, the affidavit states.

Investigators believe the relationship may have begun in July 2020 - two months after Suzanne disappeared.

Surveillance carried out by the FBI also captured Morphew's truck going to and from Darke's home often late at night or staying through the night, according to the affidavit.

Footage also captured the pair checking in to a hotel together on February 12 and then checking out on Valentine's Day - Darke clutching a bouquet of flowers.

Morphew was released from jail September 20 after posting bond.

He left prison arm in arm with his daughters Macy and Mallory who have stood by their father despite him being accused of their mother's murder.

Morphew allegedly murdered his wife who was having an affair and planned to leave him. Suzanne's body has never been found.

He is charged with first-degree murder, evidence tampering and other charges in connection to her disappearance.

Murder suspect Barry Morphew grinned as he walked out of jail on September 20 after posting $500,000 bail

Morphew walked arm in arm with his daughters Macy (left) and Mallory (right) out of jail

A judge ruled this month there is enough evidence to show probable cause that he killed her.

During preliminary hearings in the case, a mountain of evidence was presented against Morphew.

Prosecutors said a bullet had been found in the couple's bedroom next to Suzanne's side of the bed.

Investigators had also discovered an empty tranquilizer dart in the dryer of the home, along with a pair of khaki shorts.

Morphew was caught on security footage in khaki shorts on May 9 - the last day authorities say there is proof of life of Suzanne.

That same day, Suzanne sent a bikini selfie taken at her home via LinkedIn to Jeff Libler - a married father of six children from Indiana with whom she was having an affair, according to authorities.

Morphew's trial with a start date of May 2022.

He has maintained his innocence ever since his wife vanished on May 2020.
Covid-19 cases are soaring in Victoria, but Premier Daniel Andrews' wife Catherine has her husband's back, retweeting an old message of love and support for him on Thursday.

'This man does not stop. Thank you to everyone who is doing the right thing. We are in this together. #istandwithdan,' reads the tweet, originally sent more than a year ago.

Ms Andrews' message of support came after Mr Andrews fielded a press conference for more than an hour after the state recorded its record high number of Covid cases at 1,438 new infections.

Mr Andrews said AFL Grand Final parties and barbecues over the long weekend were directly linked to Victoria's pandemic-record spike in Covid cases of 500 more cases than the previous day.

Catherine Andrews has retweeted a picture of her husband, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, at work, saying 'he doesn't stop'

Victoria's case tally is getting close to the NSW peak, which was 1,599 new Covid-19 cases on September 11.

Catherine and Daniel Andrews have been married for 23 years and she has often stressed how ordinary their lives are.

'We are just normal people, a normal family. We live in an ordinary home in a small street in suburban Melbourne,' she told the Herald Sun in 2015, soon after her husband was elected as Premier.

'Our kids go to local schools. We go to the local shops; there's nothing special about us. Daniel just happens to be the Premier - that's his job.

Victoria has recorded a massive spike in new Covid cases with 1,438 new infections. Pictured are healthcare workers at a vaccination centre in Melbourne

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine pose on the red carpet before the Dior gala ball at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2017

Mr Andrews has an impressive CV herself. She is the director of Indigenous cultural program The Torch and has a masters degree in public history.

Premier Daniel Andrews said initial interviews with contact tracers had proven many of the new cases were found in residents who had broken lockdown rules with 'completely avoidable' events.

Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said illegal home gatherings on the long weekend - coinciding with the AFL Grand Final - had generated about 500 more cases on Thursday than authorities had expected.

He said cases had risen sharply in the south-east and eastern suburbs of Melbourne - which had previously been relatively untouched by the outbreak - where 29 per cent of the overnight infections were detected.

Premier Daniel Andrews said initial interviews with contact tracers had proven many of the new cases were found in residents who had broken lockdown rules over the Grand Final weekend

'The contact tracers tell us there were significant numbers of social gatherings on Friday and Saturday over the long weekend,' Prof Sutton said.

'People have dropped their guard and decided that now it's grand final weekend, they deserve a bit of a pay back and a nicer time.'

There are now 398 Victorians in hospital with Covid-19, of which 83 are in intensive care and 57 are on a ventilator.

'Actual interviews tell us that many hundreds of people  perhaps thousands - have made choices that mean they're spending time in someone else's home,' Mr Andrews said.

'I know its difficult, we are all longing for that personal connection and to spend time with each other and get back to normal.

'But pretending the rules don't apply to you and thinking I'll be fine and I wont catch this and wont give it to others, well the data and the facts tell a different story.'

Melbourne Demons players celebrate winning the AFL Grand Final at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday. Grand Final parties over the long weekend are directly linked to Thursday's pandemic-record spike in Covid cases, health officials have claimed

The steep rise in case numbers is in line with forecasts - disputed by some experts - that the state could reach 3,000 cases a day by late October.

Almost 79 per cent of Victorians have received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while more than 48 per cent are fully vaccinated.

The announcement comes amid warnings Victoria's overcrowded hospitals are turning into 'apocalyptic war zones' as the Delta outbreak threatens to overwhelm its healthcare system.

An anonymous official said the state's health watchdog Safer Care Victoria had urged the state government to brace for a Covid-related surge in its hospitals when lockdown measures are relaxed.

'They basically told us to prepare psychologically because most of Victoria's going to think 'this is great'... as a healthcare worker, it'll feel like a war zone,' the official told The Age.

The jump in cases is by far the largest the state has seen during its Delta outbreak

'I just can't fathom it. Some of the hospitals in Melbourne are already apocalyptic.'



The Australian Medical Association's Victorian President Dr Roderick McRae on Thursday morning said the state's hospitals were now in crisis mode.

'Everybody at every stage of the Victorian healthcare system is using the word "crisis",' he told the Today show.

'The system is under extreme strain and it's on the back of decades of under-investment.'

He said the already long ambulance and emergency room waiting times in Victoria would be made even worse by rising Covid-19 admissions when the state starts to open up at a 70 per cent double-dose vaccination rate.

'Think of your bathtub - the pipe is blocked and we still are adding more water and as we open up, it's like we are looking to jump in as well and expect the floor to stay dry,' Dr McRae said.

People are seen exercising along the Tan walking track in Melbourne on Sunday, September 19. Victoria recorded 950 new locally-acquired Covid-19 cases on Wednesday

It comes as the CFMEU's Melbourne headquarters was listed as a COVID-19 exposure site on Wednesday, a week after it was the scene of anti-vaccination protests.

The Elizabeth Street office was named by the Department of Health as a tier-one site for September 20, forcing union staff and officials into isolation for two weeks.

The outside of the building has also been classed as a tier-two venue, with protesters asked to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Four positive cases have been linked to the office so far, and CFMEU state secretary John Setka blamed the 'disgusting behaviour of selfish and reckless' protesters for the outbreak.

Some of about 500 demonstrators threw bottles at Mr Setka and smashed the office's door down on September 20, igniting days of protests that culminated in mobs taking over the West Gate Bridge and Shrine of Remembrance.
A Victorian rapist who begged his victim not to press charges because he was 'all talk' has been spared extra jail time despite judges finding 14 months wasn't enough.

The man, known only by the pseudonym Jared Daniels, pleaded guilty to raping the young woman in her home after a bucks party on the charter boat they both worked on.

Daniels, then 29, was jailed for three years over the 2017 rape and ordered to serve at least 14 months before becoming eligible for parole.

A Victorian rapist who begged his victim not to press charges because he was 'all talk' has been spared extra jail time despite judges finding 14 months wasn't enough

The woman had become intoxicated on the boat and Daniels, the captain, offered her water and ordered her a ride home. The Uber driver refused to take her because of her level of intoxication so he took her instead.

Daniels raped her in the bedroom of her home, knowing she was unable to consent.

Later, unable to remember what happened, the woman told him she was going to hospital to get tested but he discouraged her.

'You don't need a rape kit. You asked for me, I didn't want to but you kept saying please,' he wrote.

'I have a wife and kids and have never done anything of the sorts (I'm all talk nothing more) ... please don't press charges on me.'

Prosecutors appealed the sentence arguing the total and the non-parole period were manifestly inadequate.

In a judgment released on Thursday three Court of Appeal judges said the total sentence was low but not inadequate.

They agreed the 14 months was insufficient and suggested two years was more appropriate.

But in a twist they used their discretion to decide they would not increase it.

'This is an unusual case where real hardship and damage is likely to ensue to persons other than the offender as the price of extending a non-parole period, shortly to expire, by a period of only eight months,' they said.

Daniels' wife has suffered extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress as a result of his imprisonment while one of his teenage daughters has suffered severe depression, post traumatic stress disorder and periods of unprovoked crying.

The judges said COVID-19 rules meant they had not seen him since May this year.

Daniels' mother also has terminal cancer and her health has been affected by the stress of his imprisonment, they noted. She had only seen him for 20 minutes since he was jailed and fears dying without spending time with him.
Summernats is ready to rev back into action in January, the first time the petrolhead festival will be held in Canberra since the outbreak of COVID-19.

It will be one of the first major events to be held in the national capital following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The four-day car show usually attracts thousands of visitors, but was cancelled for the first time this year due to COVID concerns.

Summernats is ready to rev back into action in January, the first time the petrolhead festival will be held in Canberra since the outbreak of COVID-19

The four-day car show usually attracts thousands of visitors, but was cancelled for the first time this year due to COVID concerns

Festival co-owner Andy Lopez said while border restrictions may prevent some interstate visitors from attending, Summernats would be able to go ahead.

'The event is ready to run and to run in a COVID-safe format - there is absolutely no reason why Summernats shouldn't happen,' Mr Lopez told AAP.

'It will be similar to previous years, but it will be different.'

It's expected that density limits will be enforced at key areas around Summernats for both indoor and outdoor events.

While a final approval for the event would still need be given by ACT authorities, Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the possible return of Summernats.

However, the festival's normal location in Canberra's north has been used as a major drive-through COVID testing clinic since the start of the pandemic.

'We'll do what we need to do to accommodate events, and that may mean either temporarily or permanently shifting testing sites next year,' Mr Barr said on Thursday.

The ACT's COVID roadmap said larger events and gatherings would be able to take place from late November or early December, but exemptions may still be required.

Festival co-owner Andy Lopez said while border restrictions may prevent some interstate visitors from attending, Summernats would be able to go ahead

Mr Lopez said the festival would be a welcome boost for Canberra's hospitality and tourism industry, which has been struggling under COVID restrictions.

It's estimated that Summernats would provide a $30million boost to the local economy.

The festival's co-owner said 2022's Summernats would be able to provide a pathway for other large events to be held in Canberra in the months ahead, after the easing of COVID restrictions.

'Rather than being a test case, we're a role model for other events,' he said.

'We see ourselves as setting a standard where we have a willing, engaged and motivated partner with ACT Health to help figure out the settings and watch them get implemented.'
A key section of the planned $2.3billion electricity interconnector between South Australia and NSW has been given planning approval.

The SA government says NSW has approved the 120km section of the EnergyConnect project from the state border to Buronga, which will allow a direct energy connection between the two states for the first time.

'This is great news for electricity prices, renewable energy projects and jobs in South Australia,' Energy and Planning Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said.

A key section of the planned $2.3billion electricity interconnector between South Australia and NSW has been given planning approval (stock image)

'EnergyConnect will be a freeway for green energy produced in South Australia and exported to New South Wales.'

In SA, transmission company ElectraNet will provide $457million towards the interconnector while TransGrid has committed $1.8billion for work in NSW.

The new line is forecast to cut power bills in SA by about $100 a year for the average household.

Spanning 900km, it will run from Robertstown, in SA's mid-north, through Buronga to Wagga Wagga, with the Robertstown sub-station to be upgraded and a new one built at Bundey.

Another transmission line will be built between Buronga and Red Cliffs in Victoria.

Work is expected to start later this year with the project due to be commissioned in 2023.
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Taliban thugs today pushed women protesters and fired shots in the air to break up a demonstration in Kabul calling for girls to be allowed to attend school.

A group of six women gathered outside a high school in eastern Kabul demanding the right for girls to return to secondary school, after the hardline Islamist group excluded them from classes earlier this month.

Male students have been ordered back to secondary school and university - primary schools having already reopened to boys and girls - but two weeks ago women were told they could not return to education until an 'Islamic environment' was in place.

The women today unfurled a banner that read 'Don't break our pens, don't burn our books, don't close our schools', before Taliban guards snatched it from them.

The militant thugs pushed back the women protesters as they tried to continue with the demonstration, while a foreign journalist was hit with a rifle and blocked from filming. A Taliban fighter also released a brief burst of gunfire into the air with his automatic weapon in an effort to disperse demonstrators.

The demonstrators - from a group called the 'Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women Activists' - took refuge inside the school.

Taliban thugs today pushed women protesters and fired shots in the air to break up a demonstration outside a school in Kabul calling for girls to be allowed to return to secondary education

A Taliban fighter also released a brief burst of gunfire into the air with his automatic weapon in an effort to disperse demonstrators and intimidate journalists

The militant thugs pushed back the women protesters as they tried to continue with the demonstration, while a foreign journalist was hit with a rifle and blocked from filming

Taliban guard Mawlawi Nasratullah, who led the group and identified himself as the head of special forces in Kabul, said the demonstrators 'did not coordinate with security authorities regarding their protest'.

'They have the right to protest in our country like every other country. But they must inform the security institutes before,' he said.

Isolated rallies with women at the forefront were staged in cities around the country after the Taliban seized power, including in the western city of Herat where two people were shot dead.

But protests have dwindled since the government issued an order that unsanctioned demonstrations and warned of 'severe legal action' for violators.

The Taliban follow a strict interpretation of sharia law that segregates men and women, and have also slashed women's access to work.

They have said they need to establish the right conditions before girls can return to the classroom, but many Afghans are sceptical.

The women today unfurled a banner that read 'Don't break our pens, don't burn our books, don't close our schools', before Taliban guards snatched it from them and tried to prevent journalists taking pictures

Taliban guard Mawlawi Nasratullah, who led the group and identified himself as the head of special forces in Kabul, said the demonstrators 'did not coordinate with security authorities regarding their protest'

Taliban fighters also attacked journalists (pictured) who were covering the women's protest outside a school in eastern Kabul

A Taliban fighter gestures to a photojournalist to stop taking pictures of the demonstration outside a school in eastern Kabul after the militants fired shots and pushed women in an effort to force them to disperse

The Taliban's war on women has begun The Taliban's war on women has begun with a 'massive rollback of women's rights', according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The Islamist group, which took control of Afghanistan on August 15, has kerbed women's rights in education, employment, freedom of movement, dress, gender-based violence, access to healthcare and sport, said Heather Barr from the women's rights division of HRW. She added: 'While restricting access to education has been the most high profile abuse, discrimination is taking place systematically across women's lives'. Fighters had promised to respect women's rights and impose a more moderate rule than they enforced in the 1990s, but any hopes those commitments would be honoured have quickly been scuppered. Women have been barred from secondary schools and universities, and banned from playing sport. But Barr said 'even when women/girls are allowed to study or work many fear going outside & say they have to leave education or work because they cannot move safely.' They have been barred from seeing male doctors and nurses, significantly reducing their access to health care, and the system in place to tackle gender-based violence has collapsed. Women have also been excluded from government, which is all-male, and lost the Ministry of Women's Affairs - replaced with the Ministry of Guidance and Call, better known as the morality police. And though the policy has not been imposed nationwide, reports emerged last week of fighters in Herat refusing to let women leave the house without a male relative, a mahram, to accompany them. It came weeks after the Islamists told women to stay home because new fighters who have not yet been trained 'may mistreat women'. Barr said the list of restrictions was growing, saying 'there's been bad news almost every day. And we're ready to add positive news to this list to if there is any. But so far it's been once thing after another' Advertisement

Taliban-appointed Kabul University chancellor Mohammad Ashraf Ghairat announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday.

'I give you my words as chancellor of Kabul University,' Ghairat wrote. 'As long as a real Islamic environment is not provided for all, women will not be allowed to come to universities or work. Islam first.'

Around 9,460 women study at Kabul University, making up 43 per cent of the student body.

Women had been allowed to continue their university education following the Taliban takeover on August 15, provided they learned in segregated classrooms and covered themselves according the group's interpretation of Sharia law.

But Ghairat said there were not enough female teachers for women to continue their studies within an 'Islamic environment', meaning lessons would be halted. He said plans were underway for male professors to teach women from behind screens.

Meanwhile the chancellor said the university, ranked 8,213rd globally, would aim to become 'a hub for all real Muslims around the world to gather, research, study and islamicize the modern science.'

'I am here to announce that we will be welcoming pro-Muslim scholars and students to benefit from a real Islamic environment at KU under the IEA.'

It was the latest sign the Taliban have no intention of imposing a softer brand of rule than the repressive reign in the 1990s, despite promising to do so in front of the international community last month.

Under the Taliban regime in the 1990s women were mostly banned from education and work and were not allowed to leave the house unless accompanied by a male relative.

Since a US-led invasion ousted the Taliban in 2001, significant progress has been made in girls' education, with the number of schools tripling and female literacy nearly doubling to 30 per cent, though the change was largely limited to the cities.

Although still marginalised, Afghan women have fought for and gained basic rights in the past 20 years, becoming lawmakers, judges, pilots and police officers.

Hundreds of thousands have entered the workforce - a necessity in some cases as many women were widowed or now support invalid husbands as a result of decades of conflict.

The United Nations has said it is 'deeply worried' for the future of girls' schooling following the Islamist's takeover of Afghanistan and called on the group to allow female students and teachers to resume education.

Hundreds of women have taken to the streets to protest the Taliban crackdown on their rights but the demonstrations have been violently quashed by militants who have beaten female activists and fired shots in the air at rallies.

Both boys and girls of primary school age have been ordered back to education by the Taliban, but women continue to be excluded from secondary and higher education
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At least 116 people have died in Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot as rival drug gangs fought for two days using guns, grenades and knives, the country's president has revealed.

Six of those killed at Litoral prison, on the outskirts of the port city of Guayaquil, were beheaded while another 80 were injured in clashes which began Tuesday morning and continued overnight Wednesday.

Police are still battling to regain full control over the penitentiary, President Guillermo Lasso said at a press conference at 7pm Wednesday, with some 400 officers in full riot gear deployed into the jail.

Lasso warned that the death toll could keep rising as police retake more of the jail's wings - known as 'pavilions' - while declaring a 60-day state of emergency across the country's entire prison system.

A visibly-emotional Lasso described the riot as 'bad and sad' and blamed the violence on notorious Mexican drugs cartels which he said had infiltrated local outfits. Police commander Fausto Buenano had said that bodies were being found in the prisons pipelines.

The fighting is thought to have taken place between Ecuadorian outfit Los Choneros, who are allied to El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel, and the rival Los Tiguerones and Los Lobos gangs, who are allied to the Sinaloa's rivals the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

At least 116 people have been killed and 80 injured in Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot after rival drugs gangs fought for two days over control of Litoral prison, in the city of Guayaquil (pictured, inmates on the roof on Wednesday afternoon)

Police and soldiers were still battling to regain control of the penitentiary overnight Wednesday, the country's president admitted, as he warned the death toll could rise further as officers push deeper into the jail

A 60-day state of emergency has been declared throughout Ecuador's prison system, allowing the government to deploy the military into jails to restore order (pictured, police officers outside the jail on Wednesday night)

Distraught relatives gathered outside the jail overnight, desperate for news of loved-ones locked up inside - as horror stories emerged of people being beheaded within the prison walls

Gangsters fought with guns, grenades and knives during the bloody prison battle, Ecuador's president said, while the local police chief said that bodies had been found in the pipe system

Riot police stand guard outside the prison on Tuesday evening

A shirtless inmate is seen standing on the roof during the riot at Litoral Penitentiary in the coastal city of Guayaquil on Tuesday

The riot is thought to have been sparked by a birthday party that was thrown for the leader of the Los Choneros gang on September 24. During the party, gang members had boasted that they controlled the jail and taunted their rivals, according to local news site Primacias.

Unwilling to take the provocation laying down, members of the Tiguerones and Lobos gangs planned a revenge attack that they launched on Tuesday morning by crawling through a hole separating the jail wings in which they were housed and into wings holding Choneros members.

Once inside, they began throwing grenades and beheading rival gang members, before the Choneros struck back with gunfire.

Some of the worst violence was concentrated around Pavilions 9 and 10 of the prison, with dozens of bodies found littering the blood-soaked floors.

Outside the prison morgue, the relatives of inmates wept, with some describing to reporters the cruelty with which their loved ones were killed, decapitated and dismembered.

'In the history of the country, there has not been an incident similar or close to this one,' said Ledy Zuniga, the former president of Ecuador's National Rehabilitation Council.

Zuniga, who was also the country's minister of justice in 2016, said she regretted that steps had not been taken to prevent another massacre following deadly prison riots last February.

Earlier, officials said the violence erupted from a dispute between the 'Los Lobos' and 'Los Choneros' prison gangs.

Col. Mario Pazmino, the former director of Ecuador's military intelligence, said the bloody fighting shows that 'transnational organized crime has permeated the structure' of Ecuador's prisons, adding that Mexico's Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels operate through local gangs.

Police officers inside the prison after the riot. It took them more than five hours to gain control of the building with help from the army

A policeman searches the cells at the prison where riots broke out in Guayaquil

Police officers search the cells after the riot

Riot police inside the prison after the chaos was brought under control

A riot policeman clambers over a barbed wire fence outside the prison. It took police and the military more than five hours to regain control of Litoral Penitentiary

'They want to sow fear,' he told The Associated Press on Wednesday, urging the government to temporarily cede control of the prisons to the National Police.

'The more radical and violent the way they murder,' the more they achieve their goal of control, he added.

Ecuador's president said that care points had been set up for relatives of the inmates with food and psychological support. He added that a $24 million program to address the country's prisons will be accelerated, starting with investments in infrastructure and technology in the Litoral prison.

The former director of Ecuador's prison bureau, Fausto Cobo, said that inside penitentiaries authorities face a 'threat with power equal to or greater than the state itself.'

He said that while security forces must enter prisons with shields and unarmed, they are met by inmates with high-caliber weapons.

In July, the president decreed another state of emergency in Ecuadors prison system following several violent episodes that resulted in more than 100 inmates being killed.

Those deaths occurred in various prisons and not in a single facility like Tuesday's massacre.

Previously, the bloodiest day occurred in February, when 79 prisoners died in simultaneous riots in three prisons in the country.

In July, 22 more prisoners lost their lives in the Litoral penitentiary, while in September a penitentiary center was attacked by drones leaving no fatalities.
French fishermen could block the Channel Tunnel linking France and the United Kingdom in protest over the allocation of post-Brexit fishing licences, warned French member of parliament Jean-Pierre Pont on Wednesday.

'Be warned,' said Pont, who is a member of parliament for President Emmanuel Macron's ruling La Republique en Marche party, representing the coastal town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

'Since the British are refusing to honour what they signed, as with other Anglo-Saxons in another area, the French fishermen of Boulogne-sur-Mer may be obliged, after nine months of useless patience, to envisage ways to retaliate against the UK - for example by blocking ports or the entry of lorries towards the UK through the tunnel,' added Pont.

French fishermen could block the Channel Tunnel linking France and the United Kingdom in protest over the allocation of post-Brexit fishing licences, a French member of parliament has warned (file pic)

French skippers blockaded the harbour at St Helier on the Channel Island of Jersey in May when the row escalated over fishing rights

France accused Britain of playing politics with post-Brexit fishing rights on Wednesday, after London granted licenses to fish in its territorial waters to only 12 small French boats out of 47 applications.

Fishing rights have been one of the key battlegrounds between Britain and France in their post-Brexit negotiations.

Earlier this year, a dispute over the licences led both France and Britain to send patrol vessels off the shores of Jersey, which is a self-governing British Crown Dependency.

Diplomatic relations between France and the UK have hit a low point in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told France to get a grip and give allies in the United States and Australia a break over a row about a trilateral nuclear submarine deal that tore up a separate French contract.

Jean-Pierre Pont, a member of Macron's party who represents the coastal town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, made the threat

Emmanuel Macron's hard-left maritime minister, Annick Girardin, railed against London for granting licences to just 12 of the 47 EU small vessels which applied to cast their nets in British waters.

'This is another British refusal to implement the terms of the Brexit deal despite all the work being done together,' said Ms Girardin, who threatened to cut off electricity to Jersey when the row escalated in May.

'French fishing must not be held hostage by the British for political ends,' she added.

France's Europe minister Clement Beaune angrily declared: 'We will not hesitate to take retaliatory action, collectively.'

Britain said the majority of the vessels were denied licences because they failed to provide evidence that they had fished in the six-to-12-mile nautical zone in the years before the UK's referendum on leaving the EU.

The Government of Jersey added to French woes on Wednesday as it announced it has turned down licence applications by 75 French fishing boats.

In a statement, it said that of the 170 boats which applied, 64 were being granted licences, with a further 31 receiving temporary licences to allow them more time to show they have a track record of operating in its waters.

Jersey external relations minister Ian Gorst said the island's government had taken 'a pragmatic, reasonable and evidence-based approach' to the issue.

The rejection of so many licence applications comes amid fears that British waters will again be invaded by furious French fisherman, like the skippers who blockaded Jersey in May.

Last night, Mr Beaune told French TV: 'We understand and we share the exasperation [of our fishermen] because it is simply unacceptable not to respect an agreement that has been signed. We will negotiate until the very last moment to renew some of these permits and obtain some more.

'And yes, we have been saying at every level, including the president [Emmanuel Macron] to Prime Minister Johnson, that we cannot cooperate in confidence on other matters until they abide by the Brexit deal they signed.

'I hope we do not end up in that position, but of course we have said that there are retaliatory measures which are possible according to the Brexit agreement.'

The EU minister added: 'Commercial measures on certain British products, for example. Or on energy matters. We have several areas in which the British depend more on us. And in this over-arching agreement, if they do not respect the part on fishing, we can take measures [against them] together as the European Union and we will not hesitate to do so.'

Olivier Le Nezet, president of Brittany fishermen's committee, called the figure of 12 out of 47 a 'declaration of war on the water and on the land'.

He added that French fishermen would make sure 'not a single British product lands on French soil'.

In May, the row over Channel fishing rights escalated when furious French skippers threatened to block UK goods from entering Calais.

Britain sent two Royal Navy gunships to Jersey after 100 French fishing boats vowed to block the island's harbour.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs insisted last night that almost 1,700 larger French boats have already been allowed to fish off the coast of Britain.

A spokesman said: 'The Government has this year issued a large number of licences to EU vessels seeking to fish in our exclusive economic zone (12-to-200 nautical mile zone) and our territorial sea (six-to-12 nautical mile zone).

'Our approach has been reasonable and fully in line with our commitments in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

'As regards the six-to-12 nautical miles zone, as set out in the TCA, EU vessels must provide evidence of a track record of fishing activity in those waters.' They added: 'We have been considering applications for vessels of under 12m (39ft) in length to fish in this zone.'
Cell phone video captured the harrowing moment a teenage mother from California was shot in the back of the head by a school safety officer, leaving her brain dead.

Mona Rodriguez, 18, is not expected to survive, according to her family, who are pleading with the hospital where she is being treated to keep her on life support.

Rodriguez, who has a five-month-old son, was shot as she drove away from the scene near Millikan High School in Long Beach on Monday.

That afternoon, Rodriguez had gotten into a fight with a 15-year-old girl.

She was struck by a bullet while leaving the school in a car with the father of her child, Rafeul Chowdhury, 20, and his 16-year-old brother. None of the people in the car were students at the school.

Chowdhury and his younger brother are currently being investigated for their alleged involvement in the fight, police told KTLA.

The moment a teenage mother was shot in the back of the head by a school safety officer, leaving her brain dead, has been captured by cell phone video

Mona Rodriguez, a teenage mother, has been left brain dead after being shot in the back of the head by a school safety officer as she tried to flee a fight

The 18-year-old student is on life support and is not expected to survive, according to her family

Video shows the officer fire two shots at the car, which nearly hits him as it speeds out of the parking lot. Chowdhury was driving the vehicle.

Long Beach Police are investigating the officer's use of lethal force. The school safety officer, who has not been named, has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Superintendent Jill Baker told KTLA that safety officers are 'highly trained and held accountable to the established standards in their profession.'

Rodriguez's relatives gathered outside Long Beach Memorial Medical Center for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night after learning that doctors planned to take the gravely injured woman off life support, reported ABC7.

'They're trying to take my sister away,' said Oscar Rodriguez, Mona's brother. 'At first they had told me that I would be able to make the decision, and now they're taking that from me.'

Alex Cervantes, Mona's cousin, told reported she did not deserve to get shot.

'She might have been doing something she wasn't supposed to, but she was unarmed,' he said.

Luis Carrillo, a family attorney, called on prosecutors to bring charges against the officer who shot Rodriguez.

'This officer should be in jail right now,' he said at the vigil. 'The mother is suffering, every family member and friend is suffering.'

A bullet hole is seen in the rear window of a silver sedan that was carrying Rodriguez, her boyfriend and his brother on Monday

Rodriguez's family are demanding that Long Beach Memorial Medical Center keep her on life support

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil outside Long Beach Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday night

Oscar Rodriguez, Mona's brother, said hospital officials had previously told him he would be able to make the decision whether to pull the plug on his sister

Speaking outside the school on Wednesday afternoon, Chowdhury told reporters that the officer had threatened his girlfriend and the 15-year-old girl she had been fighting with pepper spray.

He claimed that the girls stopped fighting, and that the officer did not warn them he would use his gun before firing.

'All we did is just got in the car and left,' Chowdhury said. 'He never told us to stop anytime soon, and the way he shot us, it wasn't right.'

KTLA reported that Chowdhury added that he and Rodriguez had been trying to have a child for some time.

'Now we do, and she [Rodriguez]'s gone,' he said. 'I just got to step up now and play the mother and the father role, and keep my son strong.'

Civil rights activist Najee Ali also spoke outside the school on Wednesday.

'There's no excuse, no justification for this officer shooting in the rear passenger-side window of a car with a woman who's unarmed. Everyone in the car was unarmed,' he said.

Rafeul Chowdhury, the father of Rodriguez's child, told reporters that the officer had not warned before firing his weapon. Pictured: Chowdhury (left) with civil rights activist Najee Ali

Long Beach Police are investigating the officer's use of legal force and the school safety officer, who has not been named, has been placed on leave. Pictured: Millikan High School where the shooting took place

'The fact is, he shot at someone in the passenger seat with no regard for anyone's life in the car.'

'The only way we stop these safety officers from shooting unarmed people and killing them is by having them prosecuted and held accountable for what they've done wrong to members of the community.'

The family have launched up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and legal expenses, and to help support Rodriguez's son.

'Mona is leaving behind her mom, 4 brothers, and her sister but most importantly she's leaving behind her 5 month old baby boy Isael', the page reads.

'She was smart, beautiful, loving and anyone who knew her knew how big her heart was, how full of life she was and how much she loved her family but most especially her son who was her entire life, pride and joy,' Yessica Loza, Rodriguez's cousin wrote on the page.

'We are all heart broken and in pain never did we imagine we would loose[sic] her like this or so soon she had her entire life ahead of her and because of a careless act done by a school safety guard a 5 month old baby boy was left without a mother and we all lost someone we loved so much.'
Public Health England will be formally disbanded today just eight years after it was set up.

The agency is being axed following widespread criticism of its handling of the Covid crisis, which Boris Johnson slammed as 'sluggish' last year.

Its interim chief executive Michael Brodie said it had been a 'unique honour' to be at the helm during the pandemic, but admitted it was 'relentless'.

PHE is being replaced by two new bodies  the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Promotion.

The former will plan and respond to pandemics and biochemical attacks, while the latter will tackle public health problems like obesity and mental health.

PHE was slammed for its Covid response last year, in particular its handling of community testing and tracing and methods of counting deaths.

Ministers blamed the body for pausing community testing and contact tracing last March at a pivotal point in the nation's outbreak.

Some top experts and doctors have defended PHE and accused the Government of scapegoating the agency for its own failings.

In a lengthy Twitter thread last night, interim CEO Mr Brodie said PHE staff had 'given every ounce of everything they have in response to the pandemic'.

Alluding to the idea the agency had been used as a scapegoat, he added: 'I am certain that with the passage of time, the contribution PHE colleagues have made will be celebrated as it should be.'

Public Health England will be formally disbanded today more than eight years after it was set up

Its interim chief executive Michael Brodie said it had been a 'unique honour' to be at the helm during the pandemic, but admitted it was 'relentless'

PHE is being replaced by two new bodies  the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Promotion. Dr Jenny Harries , a former regional director at PHE and deputy chief medical officer for England, has been put at the helm of UKHSA

PHE was formed in April 2013 and brought together more than 5,000 experts from more than 70 organisations into a single public service.

It was tasked with making people healthier and reducing the number of patients needing NHS care.

Mr Brodie hailed the agency for its work on the Ebola outbreak in 2014, Novichok nerve agent poisoning in 2018 and the Covid pandemic.

WHO IS REPLACING PHE? PHE is being replaced by two new bodies  the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Promotion. The OHP will tackle the root causes of ill health, including obesity, smoking and poor mental health. Boris Johnson said it will help Britons to 'lead healthy lives'. The agency will take over the arm of PHE that was responsible for public health campaigns - including putting up posters telling Britons to stop smoking. PHE's pandemic response duties have now been merged with the NHS Test and Trace scheme to form the UK Health Security Agency. Its job will be to plan and respond to viral disease outbreaks including Covid and other external threats to health including nerve agent attacks. Dr Jenny Harries, a former regional director at PHE and deputy chief medical officer for England, has been put at the helm. Advertisement

He tweeted last night: 'Tomorrow we place the final full stop at the end of the Public Health England story.

'Nearly ten years in the making it has been a fascinating tale, punctuated by a number of defining chapters such as Ebola, Novichok, sugar reduction and of course the pandemic.

'I have had the unique honour, privilege and profound responsibility of leading PHE through its final year and through to the transition to the new public health landscape.

'It has been as rewarding as it has been challenging and as enjoyable as it has been relentless. But I wouldnt have changed it for the world.

'The opportunity to work with and support our incredible and selfless scientists and technical experts and watch first hand as they have given every ounce of everything they have in response to the pandemic, has been inspiring.'

Boris Johnson slammed the UK's Covid response as 'sluggish' last year, in what was widely accepted as a dig at PHE.

The agency was blamed for pausing community testing and contact tracing at the start of the pandemic.

In August 2020 thousands of Covid deaths were wiped from the UK's toll after it emerged PHE was using flawed counting methods.

It meant that anyone who died after ever testing positive for Covid was classed as a virus death, even if they were hit by a bus months later.

The following month PHE caught flack after a technical glitch saw nearly 16,000 Covid cases go unreported in England.

The technical error was caused by some Microsoft Excel data files exceeding the maximum size.

It meant that although those who tested positive were told about their results, their close contacts were not traced.

PHE's pandemic response duties have now been merged with the NHS Test and Trace scheme to form the UK Health Security Agency.

Its job will be to plan and respond to viral disease outbreaks including Covid and other external threats to health including nerve agent attacks.

Dr Jenny Harries, a former regional director at PHE and deputy chief medical officer for England, has been put at the helm.

Dr Harries has been advising the Government throughout the current pandemic and oversaw the UK's response to the Russian novichok poisonings in 2018.

She too was embroiled in controversy after defending the decision to scrap testing and contact tracing last March.

PHE's health improvement work, which includes tackling obesity and cutting down on smoking, will be passed to the new Office for Health Promotion.

Announcing the new agency, Mr Johnson said in spring: 'The new Office for Health Promotion will be crucial in tackling the causes, not just the symptoms, of poor health and improving prevention of illnesses and disease.

'Covid has demonstrated the importance of physical health in our ability to tackle such illnesses, and we must continue to help people to lead healthy lives so that we can all better prevent and fight illnesses.'
Detectives are on the hunt for 10 protesters who allegedly caused havoc at a wild anti-lockdown rally earlier this month, with police releasing photos of the men in the hopes they will soon be identified.

It comes as a 21-year-old man who attended the worldwide 'freedom' rally in Kew, in Melbourne's inner east on September 18, was slapped with cuffs on Thursday and charged with assaulting an officer, recklessly causing injury, and hindering police.

Ugly scenes erupted at demonstrations in Richmond, Burnley and Kew leaving six officers in hospital and numerous others injured.

Pictured: A 21-year-old man who attended the worldwide 'freedom' rally in Kew, in Melbourne's inner east on September 18, was slapped with cuffs and charged with assaulting an officer, recklessly causing injury, and hindering police

Investigators swooped on the Brunswick West man with vision of the arrest showing detectives leading him away on a quiet street into the back of a police vehicle.

'In addition to this arrest, police have today released images of ten males who they want to speak to in relation to incidents at the rally,' Victoria police said.

One man police want to speak to is captured wearing protective goggles and a 'Make Australia Great Again' cap, the other is seen in a black face covering and dark sunglasses.

Police believe this man wearing a 'Make Australia Great Again' cap can assist police with their inquiries

Police believe this man wearing a face covering and dark sunglasses can assist police with their inquiries

Anti-lockdown sentiment has been rife in Melbourne with the city having lived under stay-at-home orders longer than any other place in the world.

More than 1,000 demonstrators on September 19 turned out in full-force to protest against the harsh lockdown rules as the riotous mob swarmed in front of traffic in Richmond, in the Victorian capital's inner suburbs.

The violent protesters even overpowered police officers storming through a police blockade.

Seven others may also be able to assist with enquiries in relation to other.

They are urging anyone who may know the identify of the men pictured to come forward and immediately contact police.

The man in the cap and sunglasses (left) along with the man in the motorbike helmet are both sought for questioning by police

One of the ten men whose photo was released is pictured struggling with a police officer

Police want to speak to the man wearing red protective goggles (left) and the man wearing a dark cap (right)

The man pictured may be able to assist police with their inquires related to alleged incidents of affray and assaulting police

The man in the orange hard hat (left) and the man wearing a black cap and dark sunglasses are both sought for questioning by police

Commander Mark Galliott said at the time of the demonstration bottles and stones were thrown at officers and that an emergency vehicle was severely damaged.

'Angry aggressive young males (were) there to fight the police, not to protest about freedoms,' he said.

Demonstrators met outside the Richmond Town Hall on Bridge Road at midday and were seen chanting 'free our children' and 'you serve us' before the protests turned violent.

Scenes escalated as the group reached Burnley Street, with police forced to deploy capsicum spray before arresting dozens of protesters as others taunted and hurled abuse at them.

Police dodged traffic cones, bottles, flares and smoke bombs after angry protesters hurled the items at the blockade.

A frenzied mob of protesters burst through a police line in Richmond and trampled over officers knocked to the ground

Demonstrators stormed through police lines in Richmond and trampled on officers as they tried to fend off the crowd

One woman was seen holding her face in agony as police deployed capsicum spray to try and contain the crowds

The Melbourne protest drew demonstrators of all walks from life, including tradies wearing fluro outfits and youths shielding their faces with masks

Shocking footage captured the moment a mob of frenzied protesters broke burst through a police line while screaming 'f*** you dogs' and trampling on officers knocked to the ground.

At one point a group of protesters reportedly broke through the gate of an apartment complex as police moved in on them.

Just 12 days later Victoria has notched up a record high number of daily Covid cases with 1438 infections, as well as five more deaths.

The 21-year-old placed under arrest has since been granted bail and will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on April 14, 2022.
The Taliban has warned the US it will face 'consequences' if it does not stop flying drones over Afghan airspace.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the group's chief spokesman, accused Washington of violating a peace deal it signed in Qatar by continuing drone patrols over the country.

'We call on all countries, especially United States, to treat Afghanistan in light of international rights, laws and commitments ... in order to prevent any negative consequences,' a statement posted on Twitter added.

American forces fully withdrew from Afghanistan on August 30, handing control of the country back to the Taliban after the government which it spent 20 years and trillions of dollars constructing imploded within a matter of weeks.

But President Biden vowed to maintain 'over-the-horizon' capability in Afghanistan, allowing the US to strike terrorist targets within the country.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Washington of violating international law and peace deals it singed in Qatar by continuing the patrols

The Taliban has called on the US to end drone patrols over the country (file image), warning of 'negative consequences' if they are allowed to continue

That means drones are still flying within Afghan airspace, which Mujahid said violates international laws and should stop.

He did not make it clear what he meant by 'negative consequences' if the drone flights are allowed to continue.

The continued presence of American drones in Afghanistan has already become mired in controversy after a strike on August 29 which the US said targeted ISIS-K bombers preparing an attack on Kabul airport actually blew up a family-of-10.

The strike in Kabul - one of the US military's last acts before its withdrawal - did not kill a single terrorist, senior US general Frank McKenzie has since admitted.

Having originally described the strike as 'righteous', McKenzie was forced to admit that it had actually been 'a tragic mistake'.

Rather than killing a bloodthirsty terrorist, the strike had actually killed an aid worker for an American organization who was applying for US residency along with nine of his family members - including seven children.

McKenzie said the family's car was struck 'in the earnest belief' that it contained explosives and posed an imminent threat.

'I am now convinced that as many as 10 civilians, including up to seven children, were tragically killed in that strike,' McKenzie said.

President Biden vowed to maintain 'over-the-horizon' capability in Afghanistan, allowing the US to strike terrorist targets within the country.

The US drone program in Afghanistan was already under the spotlight after a strike on August 29 targeting ISIS-K members actually killed an aid worker and his family

'Moreover, we now assess that it is unlikely that the vehicle and those who died were associated with ISIS-K, or a direct threat to US forces,' he added.

The strike happened as the aid worker - named as Zamairi Akmadhi - pulled into the driveway of his home close to Kabul airport.

Members of the Ahmadi family were thought to have been walking towards the car of their father, 36, to greet him when they were killed in the explosion.

The youngest child, Sumaya, was just two years old.

The Taliban a swept back into power in Afghanistan last month after most U.S. and other Western troops left, ending a military and diplomatic mission that began soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Taliban leaders deny Islamic State and al Qaeda militants are active in the country, although Islamic State recently claimed responsibility for bomb attacks in the eastern city of Jalalabad.

The Taliban are under pressure from the international community to renounce ties with al Qaeda, the group behind the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington.
The driver who was behind the wheel of a car that claimed the lives of two adults and a two-year-old girl has been identified as a drug-using career criminal.

Calvin Clack, 34, was careening down the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway when he collided head-on with a four-wheel-drive late on Wednesday night.

The electrician and father was killed instantly after the impact of the crash threw him from his black Ford Focus onto the roadway at Redbank Plains.

The three occupants of the other vehicle involved, a 37-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and a two-year-old girl also died at the scene.

Emergency services were called to the Ipswich Motorway at RedBank Plains around 11:15pm on Wednesday night after reports of a two-vehicle crash (pictured, car wreckage at the scene)

Traumatised paramedics who attended the roadside scene said there was nothing they could do to save the occupants inside the four-wheel-drive.

Both cars were on fire when the Queensland Ambulance Service arrived, with the three passengers inside the SUV trapped inside while it burned.

Horrifying footage from the crash site has revealed how the fiery inferno reduced the vehicles to blackened scraps of metal.

Pictured: Calvin Clack

A man who said he had known Mr Clack for several years told the Courier Mail the 34-year-old had been in and out of jail and was known for using drugs.

'Huge user of ice and dealing and that sort of (thing),' he told the publication.

'It's sad. He was a good fella but had a terrible addiction.'

Queensland Police are currently investigating whether Mr Clack was under the influence of drugs when he was behind the wheel on Wednesday.

Police say the black Sedan was travelling east in the west bound lanes of the Ipswich Motorway when the vehicle collided with a four-wheel-drive near Exit 31.

Queensland Ambulance Service Acting Assistant Commissioner David Hartley said his thoughts were with the families of the four people who lost their lives.

He confirmed attending paramedics had been confronted with limited options to save the crash victims after arriving on the distressing scene.

Calvin Clack, 34, (pictured) was careening down the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway when he collided head-on with an SUV with two adults and a two-year-old inside

'Unfortunately due to the scene and the nature of the injuries there was very little paramedics could do when they were faced with that terrible scene,' he said.

'Our paramedics are very resilient people but they have been faced with a very traumatic set of circumstances, and we have very good mechanisms in place to support our staff.'

Queensland Police Acting Inspector Darren Green echoed his counterparts sentiments when he described the crash site as 'extremely graphic'.

Inspector Green said Mr Clack had been catapulted 'some distance' from his vehicle and said the occupants of the four-wheel-drive had been unable to exit the car.

He said identifying the three people inside the SUV had been a difficult process.

'Unfortunately due to the nature of the crash it was very challenging,' the Acting Inspector said.

'The first response crews and assisting crews did very well to identify the family members. It's my understanding they have all been contacted and advised of the situation.'

Since the crash, police have received multiple eyewitness accounts from motorists who witnessed Mr Clack driving dangerously on the wrong side of the road.

Horrifying images from the crash site has revealed how the fiery inferno reduced the two vehicles to blackened scraps of metal (pictured)

One woman said she was forced to swerve to avoid a car she believes was involved in the collision that was travelling at speeds of 150 to 180 kilometres per hour.

She said she made a point of condemning the dangerous antics to her partner and claimed they said 'we hope a family doesn't get caught up in his selfish act.'

Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said the loss of a young life in the gruesome collision had been especially traumatic for first responders.

'Its horrible that people can be quite innocently going about their business and have their lives taken away in an instant by others who are disobeying the law,' he said.

Police have appealed to the public for any DashCam footage that may have captured the movements of the black Sedan prior to the crash.
A desperate search is underway to find a Queensland mother who mysteriously vanished two days ago.

Shana Warwood's family and friends have not heard from her since Tuesday afternoon.

Her loved ones and police have concerns for the Beaudesert woman's welfare.

Police are appealing for the public's help to find missing Beaudesert woman Shana Warwood (pictured)

She is described as Caucasian, 170cm in height, blonde, with heavily tattooed arms and a tattoo of a flower on her neck.

Police believe Ms Warwood may now be in the Gold Coast area.

Police are asking Shana, or anyone with information on her whereabouts, to contact them immediately.
A former New York City Uber driver who was arrested at John F Kennedy Airport in 2019 on his way to Afghanistan was planning to join the Taliban and 'kill Americans' according to prosecutors.

In the opening statements of the trial which began on Wednesday, prosecutors told the Manhattan federal court that Delowar Mohammed Hossain, a 36-year-old from the Bronx, was about to board a plane to Thailand with an ultimate destination of Afghanistan and the Taliban before his plan was foiled at JFK airport in 2019.

Hossain now faces terrorism charges for 'attempting to provide material support for acts of terrorism' over his alleged plot to join the extremist group in Afghanistan, and could be handed decades in prison if convicted.

'He wasn't just any other traveler. He was on a mission to Afghanistan to join the Taliban and kill Americans and he was on his way,' Assistant US Attorney Ben Schrier said in his opening statements.

Schrier said Hossain planned to go from Thailand to Afghanistan and he had already bought supplies to survive in the country.

Meanwhile, Hossain's attorney presented his client as 'wannabe playboy' who was looking to board the flight to Thailand to pursue women while his family were left at home.

Delowar Mohammed Hossain, a 36-year-old from the Bronx, was about to board a plane to Thailand and was allegedly aiming to go to Afghanistan and the Taliban before his plan was foiled at JFK airport in 2019

Prosecutors alleged that Hossain had told an undercover FBI agent that he wanted to kill non-Muslim Americans and was intending to join the Taliban

Hossain, who was born in Bangladesh before emigrating to the US and New York City, was arrested with a variety of personal care items, designer jeans and fragrances in his bag.

The defense and the prosecution traded competing theories on Hossain's true intentions, with each suggesting the other's tale was a cover-up story.

His attorney Andrew Dalack described Hossain as an Uber driver sick of his dead-end job and despairing of his finances and home life who was simply desperate to fly abroad and live a bachelor lifestyle.

Hossain's bag was 'chock full' of lotions, creams, perfumes and designer clothing that he had intended to use to charm women when he landed according to Hossain's attorney.

'These are items of a wannabe playboy,' he said.

Hossain was in possession of $10,000 when he was arrested, which Schrier said was to secure extra supplies for the Taliban when he was arrested at JFK airport in 2019

The day before he was arrested, he asked one of his accomplices  who was in fact an undercover FBI agent  to pick up some extra hair gel, condoms and lubricant before he left, hardly 'the ingredients for a radical Islamist jihad,' Dalack scoffed.

However, Schrier alleged that Hossain was simply buying these items as a ruse throw federal agents off his scent, and claimed the FBI had a voice recording of Hossain declaring that he wants to 'kill non-Muslim Americans' before he dies.

According to the New York Post, Hossain was in possession of $10,000 when he was arrested, which Schrier said was to secure extra supplies for the Taliban.

The former taxi driver had allegedly told undercover informants that his frequenting of bars and strip clubs was a method to 'fool' law enforcement into thinking he was a party animal who would not conduct himself as a strict Muslim and Taliban fighter should.

Hossain reportedly read al-Qaeda literature that gave instructions on bomb-making, and Schrier alleged that the ex-Uber driver wanted to carry out an attack at a NYC military installation but ultimately pulled out because he didn't think he could kill enough people.

But Hossain's attorney claimed that his jihadist aspirations were in fact an act and the product of Hossain's 'wild imagination'.

'It was the warrior act that was the cover story,' Dalack said.

The trial, which got underway yesterday at Manhattan federal court, is expected to continue for several weeks.
Nicolas Sarkozy, France's former president, has been handed a year-long sentence after being found guilty of illegal campaign financing in the 2012 election.

But a judge at Paris's Correctional Court said the 66-year-old, who held office from 2007 to 2012, does not have to go to jail and can serve his term from home by wearing an ankle bracelet.

Prosecutors had been asking for at least six months of actual jail time for Sarkozy, along with a six month suspended sentence. His legal team have filed an appeal, which effectively suspends the sentence until their case is heard.

There was no immediate reaction from Carla Bruni, Sarkozy's wife, who has staunchly defended him against corruption allegations in the past.

Nicolas Sarkozy, who was French President from 2007 until 2012, has been sentenced to one year in jail which he can serve at home with an ankle bracelet over campaign finance violations

Carla Bruni, Sarkozy's wife who has staunchly defended him against corruption allegations, has yet to react to the latest sentence (pictured at Paris Fashion Week last night)

She was photographed on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday night, seemingly unfazed by the impending verdict.

Thursday's sentence comes six months after Sarkozy was handed another one-year jail term with two years suspended for trying to bribe a judge.

At the time, Bruni called the verdict 'senseless harassment' while vowing to fight on so 'truth will see the light'.

Sarkozy's legal team have also lodged an appeal in that case, meaning he remains a free man for the time being.

His legal woes are set to continue, however, with more corruption cases pending including allegations that he received millions in laundered money from former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

There was no immediate reaction from Carla Bruni, Sarkozy's wife, who has staunchly defended him against corruption allegations in the past. She is pictured laughing with Naomi Campbell during Paris Fashion Week last night

It is unlikely that Sarkozy will ever see the inside of a jail cell, but Bruni has alleged that was never the point of the allegations and believes her husband's political opponents wanted to disqualify him from taking another run at the presidency.

'They're all lies, incredible lies. I'm so surprised it lasted,' she told The Times in an interview earlier this year.

'I'm so surprised it became so political, but they achieved their goal because he's out of politics for ever.'

In the campaign financing case, Sarkozy had been accused of spending almost double the 19.5million allotted for reelection campaigns under French law, during the 2012 reelection bid he lost to Francois Hollande.

Prosecutors say Sarkozy was warned close to election day that his campaign had almost reached the spending limit, but that he continued organising large rallies.

The campaign eventually spent nearly 37million, but could not prevent Sarkozy from losing the race.

Sarkozy's allies were then accused of working with a PR company called Bygmalion to cover up the spending.

The court heard how Sarkozy officials came up with the idea of setting up bogus 'conventions' that would appear on false invoices as part of the cover-up.

Sarkozy was not in court and was instead represented by lawyer Thierry Herzog (pictured), with the judge reprimanding him for 'undermining democracy' by not showing up

During the hearing, Sarkozy's legal team told the court that the extra money did not go into his campaign, but instead helped make other people richer.

They denied any 'fraudulent intent' while insisting that Sarkozy did not handle any day-to-day organisation and could therefore not be blamed.

Prosecutors admitted that Sarkozy was not directly involved in the cover-up, but said must have known his campaign over-spent and 'voluntarily' turned a blind eye to it.

Lawyers also argued that, as head of the campaign, he must bear ultimate responsibility for how it was run and financed.

The scandal has become known in France as the 'Bygmalion case', after the PR firm involved in it.

Sarkozy refused to attend court today and left his legal team to represent him, just as he has done throughout the process.

Jerome Lavrilleux, deputy director of Sarkozy's 2012 election campaign, faces journalists as he leaves court after hearing the verdict on Thursday

The snub led to severe criticism, with prosecutors Vanessa Perree and Nicolas Baietto accusing him of 'undermining the values of democracy'.

Sarkozy was in the dock with 13 associates including members of his conservative Republicans party, accountants and heads of the Bygmalion group.

Former colleagues found guilty alongside him included Jerome Lavrilleux and Guillaume Lambert.

Three of the defendants, who were connected to the PR agency Bygmalion, admitted producing fake receipts.

Others are facing charges including forgery, breach of trust, fraud and complicity in illegal campaign financing, and have pleaded not guilty.

Sarkozy, a right-wing conservative whose party was called the UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) had denied any wrongdoing.

In March, Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and influence peddling and sentenced to three years in prison, two of them suspended.

If still found guilty on appeal, he is likely to be able to serve his sentence at the home he shares with his third wife, the former supermodel Carla Bruni, 53, while wearing an electronic tag.

Sarkozy is also facing allegations that he received millions in laundered money from the late Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy's conservative predecessor as President of France, the late Jacques Chirac, received a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption, but this related to his time as Mayor of Paris.

The last French head of state to go to a prison cell was Marshall Philippe Petain, the wartime Nazi collaborator.
Keir Starmer heaped praise on 'winner' Tony Blair today as he demanded angry Corbynites accept Labour has 'changed'.

Sir Keir voiced defiance despite his conference speech being disrupted by barracking yesterday - including when he was talking about the NHS care received by his late mother.

The party leader said showdowns with the hard-Left over internal rules and the minimum wage during the gathering in Brighton had 'got my house in order'.

And he insisted he was now ready to try to emulate former PM Mr Blair by putting forward a policy platform that can take Labour into power.

Sir Keir's supporters have been jubilant about the way the conference went, with the leadership managing to push through crucial changes, including overhauling the disciplinary process to deal with anti-Semitism, and raising the threshold for deselecting MPs.

And his speech yesterday provided very visual evidence of his determination to move on from the disastrous Jeremy Corbyn era, with the leader repeatedly rebutting heckles from activists in the crowd.

Sir Keir Starmer voiced defiance today despite his Labour conference speech in Brighton being disrupted by barracking

Sir Keir said showdowns with the hard-Left over internal rules and the minimum wage during the gathering in Brighton had 'got my house in order'. Pictured, protests during his speech in Brighton yesterday

In a round of interviews this morning, Sir Keir said it was now clear that the 'vast majority' of the party wanted to focus on beating the Tories rather than left-wing dogma.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'When your party changes, when your party dusts itself down and faces the electorate, there are some people who don't like that.

'But if you saw the hall yesterday, the vast majority of people were absolutely with me.'

Sir Keir also rebutted criticism that the 88-minute speech was too long - suggesting that was largely due to the disruption.

'I have been criticised that the speech went on too long. The speech was actually one hour  the extra half an hour was standing ovations and clapping,' he said.

'If you want a sense of where our movement is, they are absolutely behind me in this.'

The Labour leader said that having 'got my own house in order', he was ready to make his case to the country.

In an important symbolic moment, Dame Louise Ellman rejoined Labour during the conference having quit in disgust at the wave of anti-Semitic abuse among activists.

'Having dealt with anti-Semitism, we now need to face the country and make that case,' he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

Sir Keir told his restive party they needed to choose between 'chanting slogans or changing lives' in a combative speech yesterday

Left-wing activists repeatedly tried to disrupt the leader's speech in Brighton yesterday

'We have now created a platform on which we put that alternative case for government.

'Having got my own house in order, which we needed to do, I now have to face the country and set that case out, and I am absolutely looking forward to doing so.'

Mr Blair has been a totemic hate figure for many on the Left, who regarded New Labour as a betrayal.

But Sir Keir described Mr Blair as a 'winner' and said he was able to change lives in government.

The Labour leader told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'Tony Blair was a three-times winner in the Labour Party and we need to get back to winners in the Labour Party.'

He added: 'It was exactly that heckle yesterday  'shout slogans or change lives'.

'That is the choice for the Labour Party. We have changed, this is the platform. We have moved forward and we are going to change lives.'
A 96-year-old Nazi death camp secretary who went on the run in Germany ahead of a murder trial has been caught, the court has said.

Irmgard Furchner, who has been dubbed the 'secretary of evil', had been due to stand trial in Itzehoe Regional Court today on charges of assisting in the deaths of 11,412 prisoners at the Stutthof death camp between 1943 and 1945.

But Judge Dominik Gross was forced to suspend the case at 10.10am and launch a manhunt for the nonagenarian after she failed to appear.

The court heard that she was last seen leaving her nursing home in a taxi before 7.30am and heading towards a local train station.

At 1.50pm, police tracked Furchner to a street in northern Hamburg, roughly five miles from where she was last seen. It is thought that she caught a train into the city, before setting out on foot.

Irmgard Furchner (left and right, in 1944), 96, was supposed to appear before the Juvenile Chamber of the Itzehoe Regional Court today, to face charged of assisting in the murder of 11,000 prisoners at Stutthof concentration camp, 33 miles east of Danzig in Poland.

A judicial officer looks at his watch at the court room in Itzehoe, Germany, after 96-year-old Irmgard Furchner failed to show for her trial this morning

Irmgard Furchner was supposed to appear before the Juvenile Chamber of the Itzehoe Regional Court today, to face charges of assisting in the murder of 11,000 prisoners at Stutthof concentration camp (pictured), 33 miles east of Danzig in Poland

She is now being held at a police station close to where she was found and is being questioned by officers, Bild reported.

The court will now decide whether to remand her in custody. Furchner's original hearing on the murder charges has been suspended until October 19.

Shortly after she went missing, it emerged that she had written a handwritten letter to the court on September 8 saying she would not attend her trial while asking to be tried in absentia - something that is not permitted under German law.

She wrote: 'Due to my age and physical limitations I will not attend the court dates and ask the defense attorney to represent me.

'I would like to spare myself these embarrassments and not make myself the mockery of humanity.'

However, it appears no one believed she would actually attempt to flee the trial.

Christoph Heubner, vice president of the International Auschwitz Committee, said the escape attempt showed 'contempt for the survivors and also for the rule of law'.

It also highlighted potential shortcomings in the justice system, he said. 'Even if the woman is very old, could not precautions have been taken (to prevent her from fleeing)? Where did she go? Who helped her?' he told AFP.

Thomas Walther, an assistant prosecutor in the trial, accused the court of failing in its duty to ensure Furchner would stand trial.

Speaking to German newspaper Tagesspiegel about Furcher's letter, he said: 'The court did not react in any way. You just waited.'

Efraim Zuroff, an American-Israeli 'Nazi hunter' who has played a key role in bringing former Nazi war criminals to trial, said Furchner must now stand trial.

'Healthy enough to flee, healthy enough to go to jail!,' he tweeted.

Prosecutors accuse Furchner of having assisted in the systematic murder of detainees at Stutthof, where she worked in the office of the camp commander, Paul Werner Hoppe, between June 1943 and April 1945.

According to Christoph Rueckel, a lawyer representing Holocaust survivors, Furchner 'handled all the correspondence' for the commander.

'She typed out the deportation and execution commands' at his dictation and initialled each message herself, Rueckel told public broadcaster NDR.

The trial is taking place in a youth court because she was aged between 18 and 19 at the time.

Stutthof, which was located near the Polish city of Gdansk, was the first death camp to be built outside Germany and was constructed in 1939.

Over the six years it operated - until it was liberated by the Allies in May 1945, it is thought some 110,000 people were sent there, of which up to 65,000 died.

Originally built to house Polish intelligence officers and intellectuals, the camp later expanded to include significant numbers of Jews - many of whom were transferred there from Auschwitz or camps in the Baltics - and Soviet prisoners.

The camp had gas chambers where many of the inmates were put to death, but tens of thousands also died due to starvation, disease epidemics, over-work and forced 'death marches'. Of those who died, around 28,000 were Jews.

Furchner was first questioned by police over her involvement in the camp in February 2017, when officers also searched her apartment.

It took four years and eight months to bring the case to trial, which included a medical assessment to decide whether Furcher was fit to stand.

In February this year a doctor ruled the 96-year-old was fit enough, and her hearing was scheduled.

The planned opening of the trial came one day before the 75th anniversary of the sentencing of 12 senior members of the Nazi establishment to death by hanging at the first Nuremberg trial.

Speaking about Furcher's escape bid this morning, Frederike Milhoffer said: 'I have received information that at some time before 7.30am this morning, the accused took a taxi to the underground station at Norderstedt.

'She is therefore officially missing and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.'

Speaking to MailOnline, lawyer Rajmund Niwinski, who is representing seven plaintiffs, said: 'You just have to reckon with things like this happening now and again.

Judicial officers stand in the empty court room of the Langericht Itzehoe court prior to the trial against 96-year-old Irmgard Furchner

The secretary worked for Nazi commandant Paul Werner Hoppe (pictured left), who was convicted by a West German court in 1957 and died in 1974. The Nazis murdered around 65,000 people in Stutthof (pictured right) and its subcamps, which were operational from September 2, 1939 until May, 9, 1945

'After all this is not just a mere history lesson, this is a murder trial so obviously some people just don't want to turn up to trial.'

Furchner was aged between 18 and 19 when she worked as a former secretary for the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp.

She was set to go on trial today on charges of more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder.

Prosecutors argue that she was part of the apparatus that helped the Nazi camp function more than 75 years ago.

In a previous interview with NDR, she claimed she had never actually set foot in the camp itself and insisted she had only learned about the atrocities after the war.

'Torture shows, gas chambers and mass hangings': Horrors of Nazi camp where Jews were sent to die The Stutthof camp was established in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, and enlarged in 1943 with a new camp surrounded by electrified barbed-wire fences. The camp underwent several iterations, initially being used as the main collection point for Jews and non-Jewish Poles removed from the nearby city of Danzig on the Baltic Sea coast. From about 1940 onward, it was used as a so-called 'work education camp' where forced laborers, primarily Polish and Soviet citizens who had run afoul of their Nazi oppressors, were sent to serve sentences and often died. Others incarcerated there included criminals, political prisoners, homosexuals and Jehovah's Witnesses. From mid-1944, it was filled with tens of thousands of Jews from ghettos being cleared by the Nazis in the Baltics as well as from Auschwitz, which was overflowing, and thousands of Polish civilians swept up in the brutal suppression of the Warsaw uprising. As many as 100,000 people would eventually be deported there, some of them moved from other camps abandoned by the Nazis in the later stages of the war. In addition to gas chambers and lethal injections, many prisoners died of disease in the camp's horrific conditions under the supervision of the SS. Around 60,000 people are thought to have died in the camp, while another 25,000 perished while evacuating in the chaotic final weeks of the Third Reich. Finally liberated by Soviet forces in May 1945, the camp is now once again within Poland's borders, with the town going by the Polish name of Sztutowo. Historian Janina Grabowska-Chalka, long-time director of the Stutthof Museum, described everyday life in the camp as brutal. 'In the Stutthof concentration camp, all prisoners, men, women and children, were obliged to work. Hard work that exceeded human strength determined the rhythm of life and death in the camp. 'Stutthof belonged to the camps where very hard living conditions prevailed,' she said. Holocaust survivor Abraham Koryski gave evidence in 2019 in which he detailed the horrors he endured at the Stutthoff concentration camp in World War II. 'We were beaten constantly, the whole time, even while working,' Koryski told the Hamburg District Court, according to DW. He added that SS guards would put on sadistic 'torture shows' including one in which a son was forced to beat his father to death in front of other inmates. Koryski said: 'You didn't know if the officers were acting on orders or if they did it on their breaks.' Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg told the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2017: 'Jewish lives just did not count. We had to assemble in a square. They had erected an enormous gallows with eight nooses hanging down, then one by one we had to watch these innocent men being hanged.' Advertisement

Lawyers say she was 'shielded' from the camp's true purpose by her superiors, while prosecutors say that is impossible given her role as the commander's secretary.

Furcher said she was aware that executions were taking place at the camp, but believed they were punishments for specific crimes - rather than genocidal mass-murder.

Her boss, SS officer Paul Werner Hoppe, was convicted for his role at the camp and sentenced to nine years in prison by a West German court in 1957. He died in 1974.

In evidence during that investigation, given nearly 70 years ago, Furcher acknowledged working for Hoppe but said she knew nothing of the gas chambers.

The state court in Itzehoe in northern Germany said in a statement that the suspect allegedly 'aided and abetted those in charge of the camp in the systematic killing of those imprisoned there between June 1943 and April 1945 in her function as a stenographer and typist in the camp commandant's office.'

Despite her advanced age, she was set to be tried in juvenile court because she was under 21 at the time of the alleged crimes.

The case against Furchner will rely on German legal precedent established in cases over the past decade that anyone who helped Nazi death camps and concentration camps function can be prosecuted as an accessory to the murders committed there, even without evidence of participation in a specific crime.

A lawyer for the defendant told Der Spiegel magazine that the trial would centre on whether the 96-year-old had knowledge of the atrocities that happened at the camp.

'My client worked in the midst of SS men who were experienced in violence - however, does that mean she shared their state of knowledge? That is not necessarily obvious,' Wolf Molkentin said.

According to other media reports, the defendant was questioned as a witness during past Nazi trials and said at the time that the former SS commandant of Stutthof, Paul Werner Hoppe, dictated daily letters and radio messages to her.

Still, Furchner testified she was not aware of the killings that occurred at the camp while she worked there, the German news agency dpa reported.

Initially a collection point for Jews and non-Jewish Poles removed from Danzig - now the Polish city of Gdansk - from about 1940 Stutthof was used as a so-called 'work education camp' where forced laborers, primarily Polish and Soviet citizens, were sent to serve sentences and often died.

From mid-1944, tens of thousands of Jews from ghettos in the Baltics and from Auschwitz filled the camp, along with thousands of Polish civilians swept up in the brutal Nazi suppression of the Warsaw uprising.

Others incarcerated there included political prisoners, accused criminals, people suspected of homosexual activity and Jehovah's Witnesses.

More than 60,000 people were killed there by being given lethal injections of gasoline or phenol directly to their hearts, or being shot or starved. Others were forced outside in winter without clothing until they died of exposure, or were put to death in a gas chamber.

Furchner is the only woman to stand trial in recent years for crimes dating to the Nazi era, as the role of women in the Third Reich has long been overlooked.

But since John Demjanjuk, a guard at a concentration camp, was convicted for serving as part of the Nazi killing machine in 2011, prosecutors have broadened the scope of their investigations beyond those directly responsible for atrocities.

According to Christoph Rueckel, a lawyer representing survivors of the Shoah who are party to the case, Furchner 'handled all the correspondence' for camp commander Hoppe.

'She typed out the deportation and execution commands' at his dictation and initialled each message herself, Rueckel told public broadcaster NDR.

However, Furchner's lawyer told the German weekly Spiegel ahead of the trial that it was possible the secretary had been 'screened off' from what was going on at Stutthof.

At least three other women have been investigated for their roles in Nazi camps, including another secretary at Stutthof, who died last year before charges could be brought.

The prosecutor's office in Neuruppin is currently looking into the case of a woman employed at the Ravensbrueck camp, according to officials at the Central Office in Ludwigsburg.

Among the women to be held to account for their actions during the Nazi era was Maria Mandl, a guard at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, who was hanged in 1948 after being sentenced to death in Krakow, Poland.

Between 1946 and 1948, in Hamburg, 21 women went on trial before a British military tribunal for their role at the Ravensbrueck concentration camp for women.

Prosecutors are currently handling a further eight cases, including former employees at the Buchenwald and Ravensbrueck camps, according to the Central Office for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes.

In recent years, several cases have been abandoned as the accused died or were physically unable to stand trial.

The last guilty verdict was issued to former SS guard Bruno Dey, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence in July at the age of 93.

In a separate case, a 100-year-old man is going on trial next week in Brandenburg for allegedly serving as a Nazi SS guard at a concentration camp just outside Berlin during World War II.

The man, whose name wasn't released in line with German privacy laws, is charged with 3,518 counts of accessory to murder. The suspect is alleged to have worked at the Sachsenhausen camp between 1942 and 1945 as an enlisted member of the Nazi Party's paramilitary wing.
A mother-of-one has revealed the terrifying moment she was left vomiting blood and experiencing severe seizures after a 'quiet' night at the pub with her friend.

Danielle Holmes, 26, believes she was spiked after visiting her local haunt in her hometown of Wetherby, West Yorkshire last Friday, when the night spiralled out of control and she was rushed to hospital.

The social worker student, who only had four drinks, has now been banned from driving for six months and will be monitored by a neurologist.

Ms Holmes is now speaking out about her ordeal after she was left 'locked' in her body and couldn't move whilst doctors battled to save her life.

Ms Holmes (pictured) 'couldn't breathe' after she left the pub to get a takeaway and began vomiting bloody and fitting on the floor

The mother-of-one was locked in her body and couldn't move her legs or arms, whilst doctors warned she may have a cardiac arrest

Ms Holmes (pictured right) credits her friend Brooke Sharpe (left) for saving her life by calling the emergency services and placing her in the recovery position while they waited for an ambulance that rushed them to Harrogate District Hospital in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Ms Holmes revealed that she only had four drinks and is 'lucky to be alive'.

The last thing she remembers was being sat in the pub 'having a laugh' with her friend, Brooke Sharpe, who she credits for saving her life, before leaving to get a takeaway.

She says: 'I ordered my last drink and said "shall we go home because I feel quite drunk".

'We went to go and get a takeaway and as soon as we got in there I said to my friend, "You need to ring an ambulance, I can't breathe. I'm going to die".

'I went outside and waited on the step for her and she came out and I was throwing up blood and started having seizures on the floor and that's when I fully went unconscious.

'Brooke put me into the recovery position and called an ambulance. She saved my life. I could have quite easily gone straight home and that could have happened at home and nobody would have known.'

Ms Holmes was rushed to Harrogate District Hospital in Harrogate, North Yorkshire where she was able to speak or move, and had to communicate to medics using her eyes.

She says: 'When I was in hospital I had an out-of-body experience where I could hear everyone talking, panicking and rushing around trying to help me, but I couldn't actually move anything or give a response.

Ms Holmes (pictured, in hospital) had a series of blood tests, x-rays and a CT scan to determine what had happened to her

'I couldn't feel anything but I could just hear it, it was like I was locked in my own body but my body wasn't moving.

'I came around but I couldn't move my legs, arms or speak. I was just communicating through my eyes.

'The doctors were concerned about the lack of movement in my body and also worried I was going to go into cardiac arrest.'

Terrified Ms Holmes later gained movement in her arms and could speak by 6.30am, but was unable to walk a few hours later.

After being discharged by midday on September 25th, doctors - who have yet to establish what drug she was spiked with - told her she is unable to drive for at least six months in case she suffers another seizure.

Ms Holmes said: 'I was saying to my parents that I don't think I'll go out for a long time and the thought of drinking alcohol just makes me sick to my stomach.

'I've still got the side effects of whatever I was spiked with and the stuff that happened in hospital - the chest pain and the shortness of breath.

'But psychologically I haven't been well since I got out of hospital. I just keep crying, have low moods and not able to understand what happened and why it happened.

'The reason I posted was because I never expected this to happen to me and it's not like we were out in a nightclub and there were loads of people.

'It was a quiet pub and there were about nine or ten people in there, and I would never have said if anyone was to get spiked that it would be in an area like that.'
A safari tour guide was left stunned after witnessing an epic battle between two of Africa's biggest beasts that saw a rhino flip a one-tonne buffalo 'head over heels'.

Braden Colling, 24, was coming towards the end of a tour in Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa, when he spotted a herd of buffalo looking agitated.

He then saw a 2.5-tonne white rhino bull, who appeared to be encroaching on the group.

Incredible footage shows one buffalo break off from the herd to confront the much larger animal in an ill-advised test of strength.

Incredible footage shows the moment a 2.5-tonne rhino sent a buffalo half its size flying after the pair squared off in Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa

The buffalo broke off from the herd to confront the rhino in an ill-advised test of strength

Braden then watched as the rhino toyed with the buffalo before using its horns to throw the animal up into the air, and slam it down onto its side.

Badly defeated, the rhino then ran back to the safety of the herd.

'It was incredible,' said Braden, from Johannesburg. 'When I watched the bull flip the buffalo as easily as it did, it just blew my mind.

'Fortunately neither of the animals had any injuries which was surprising because the buffalo was flipped head over heels.

'I knew rhinos were strong, but this was a real feat of strength. I call them African bush tanks when we're out on tours. They're 2.5 tonnes of pure muscle.

'I'd never seen a rhino and buffalo come to physical blows before this. I don't imagine I will ever see it happen again in my life. I couldn't stop talking about it.

'Typically when the two species do come into contact, they will give each other as much space as possible.

'We were returning back from a game drive when we came across the rhino and buffalo out in the plain. I knew the herd was upset about something but I didn't know what had caused it.

Safari guide Braden Colling, 24, was coming towards the end of a tour when he spotted a herd of buffalo looking agitated by a nearby 2.5-tonne white rhino (Pictured, the buffalo going off to confront the animal)

The rhino toys with the buffalo before using its horns to throw the animal up into the air, and slam it down onto its side

'I could tell the two animals were going to fight so we moved the car around to get closer to the action.

'Buffaloes are very short tempered but normally white rhinos aren't that aggressive because they're plain animals.

'They have to rely on their sense of smell because their eyesight is terrible. I believe the rhino must have been having a bad day and the buffalo pushed its buttons to get it riled up like this.'

'It was incredible,' said Braden, from Johannesburg. 'When I watched the bull flip the buffalo as easily as it did, it just blew my mind'

Braden's recently uploaded video of the encounter, which occurred in October 2019, has been viewed 1million times on social media.

Viewers were amazed at how the rhino tossed the bull 'in the air with not much effort' while others praised the 'buffalo's courage to challenge' rhino.

One commenter said: 'That's amazing. The buffalo is almost one tonne and the rhino tossed it in the air with not much effort.'

Another joked: 'Rhino wins by TKO in the first round.'

One person wrote: 'There is no doubt about the strength of the rhino but hats off for the Cape buffalo's courage to challenge this magnificent animal.'
Department of Transport said it does not want ambulance drivers to change jobs

But paramedics are among the recipients, which could 'tempt people'

1million Brits with Category C licences have been asked to become HGV drivers

The Government sent paramedics a letter that tried to lure HGV drivers back to the industry in a last-ditch attempt to fix the supply chain chaos that threatens to ruin Christmas, it was revealed today.

Nearly 1million people holding a Category C licences have received a letter from the Department for Transport asking them to become HGV drivers if they are not already working in the sector.

But the recipients include ambulance drivers, who are required to have the licence to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes.

Officials promised 'fantastic' opportunities, 'attractive' salaries and bragged about improved employment flexibility.

Paramedics today raised fears the letter will 'tempt' people away from the life-saving profession.

Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, told MailOnline the Government's decision to 'raid healthcare at such a desperate time' shows its 'short-sighted and out of touch perspective'.

But the Department of Transport insisted that it does not want ambulance drivers to change jobs or 'be diverted from their vital work saving lives'. It is unclear how many paramedics received the letter.

The HGV driver sector has been in chaos for weeks due to a long-term shortfall of drivers, which has been spurred on by Covid. Tories have denied Brexit is to blame, with France, Germany and Spain also hit by shortages.

Britons have been struggling to buy fuel for nearly a week because there are not enough drivers to get supplies to forecourts.

Retailers predicted the lack drivers will hit supply chains up to Christmas, making it difficult for shoppers to get hold of essentials such as turkey, alcohol and toys, as well as driving up prices.

The crisis prompted ministers to introduce a temporary visa scheme that will see 5,000 HGV drivers brought in for three-month contracts.

And the army is also being brought in to train lorry drivers in an attempt to quell the delivery problems.

The Department for Transport sent a letter to nearly one million Britons with category C licences asking them to become HGV drivers to relieve pressure on UK supply chains. But the mailing list included paramedics who hold the licence to drive ambulances

Paramedics said the letter will tempt people away from the life-saving profession

WHAT DID THE LETTER SAY? 'We are writing to you, and all HGV diving licence holders, about the national shortage of HGV drivers. 'As you are undoubtedly aware, this has been putting pressure on UK supply chains for some time. 'The Government and the logistics sectors are working on a range of solutions to ease the shortage. 'To those of you who are currently driving, we would like to thank you for the vital service you have provided during the COVID-19 response and the incredibly important role you continue to play in keeping goods moving around the country. 'If you are no longer working in this sector, we would like to take this opportunity to ask you to consider returning. 'Your valuable skills and experience have never been more needed than they are now. 'There are fantastic HGV driving opportunities in the logistics industry and conditions of employment and pay have been improving across the sector. 'As well as attractive pay rates, we are seeing more options for flexible working, fixed hours, fixed days, full-time and part-time. 'Many employers are offering training packages so even if your Driver CPC has lapsed, you can be supported in updating this through classroom or online courses. 'Furthermore, given the significant number of opportunities available, driving can become an entry point into a much wider pool or job roles. 'Businesses of all sizes, in many different sectors, including specialist operators, are looking for drivers. 'There has never been a better time to find the type of HGC driving job you want. 'If you would like to find out more, please visit: Logistics UK - https://logistics.org.uk/skills 'We look forward to hearing from you. 'Baroness Vere of Norbiton. 'Minister for roads, buses and places.' Advertisement

Any ambulance service staff that drive need a C1 licence to be behind the wheel of ambulances, which allows them to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes and is also required to drive a HGV.

The UK has a shortage of more than 100,000 HGV drivers, according to a survey by the Road Haulage Association.

Its members pinned the shortage on drivers retiring, Brexit, people moving to other industry, pay rates and Covid.

Companies are now offering more than 70,000-a-year to entice HGV drivers.

Meanwhile, an ambulance driver's annual salary is around 25,000.

It comes as the NHS is expected to face a crisis this winter due to the expected higher volume of patients over the colder months, as well as dealing with a fourth wave of the pandemic and a bad flu season.

In an attempt to lure people to a career as a HGV driver, DfT asked nearly a million people with category C licences to work in the sector.

The letter states: 'If you are no longer working in this sector, we would like to take this opportunity to ask you to consider returning.

'Your valuable skills and experience have never been more needed than they are now.

'There are fantastic HGV driving opportunities in the logistics industry and conditions of employment and pay have been improving across the sector.

'As well as attractive pay rates, we are seeing more options for flexible working, fixed hours, fixed days, full-time and part-time.'

A paramedic, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'I was pretty taken aback  it was like they were trying to ask me to switch to a better paid job.

'Being a paramedic is a very difficult and I can see some people being tempted which would be very bad news to our industry.'

A DfT spokesperson said: 'We don't want ambulance drivers to change jobs, or to be diverted from their vital work saving lives.

'The letter was automatically sent to almost one million people with HGV driving licences, and it was impossible to narrow the copy-list by profession due to personal data protection.'

But it warned the move was aimed at people who are out of work and have a licence, or those in other sectors and including paramedics in the distribution list was an unintended consequence.

Data protection laws means the DfT could not see the job roles these licence-holders worked in, so they could not narrow circulation based on profession.

Dr Crossland said: 'The government's sacrifice of the NHS began long ago when it allowed chronic staffing, funding and bed shortages to become endemic.

In an attempt to lure people to a career as a HGV driver, DfT asked nearly a million people with category C licences to work in the sector. The letter states: 'If you are no longer working in this sector, we would like to take this opportunity to ask you to consider returning. 'Your valuable skills and experience have never been more needed than they are now'

'But for it to still look to raid healthcare at such as desperate time for staff and patients is indicative of its short-sighted and out of touch perspective.'

Colm Porter, national officer at UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, told MailOnline: 'Adding to the already significant pressure on the ambulance service by robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't going to help.

'Staff shortages and extra demand because of Covid mean crews are so stretched several ambulance services have already called in the military.

'Enticing scarce staff away will pile the pressure onto the service, resulting in long wait 999 times, with potentially deadly consequences.'

No10's Business Secretary admitted yesterday he can't 'guarantee' that the UK's fuel crisis and lorry driver shortage won't hit Christmas for millions.

Kwasi Kwarteng's warning came as retailers predicted a lack of HGVs and delivery drivers will hit supply chains and also force up prices by December.

It came as the UK's roads are clogged with drivers queueing for fuel because of a lack tanker drivers. In a string of crises for the country, soaring gas prices have hit millions in the pocket and a shortage of CO2 hurting the supply of food and drink.
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Police officers investigating the murder of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa have today cordoned off a four mile-long rural road and carefully combed through a woodland area in Kent.

Detectives have today been at a large patch of woodland near Royal Tunbridge Wells as officers widened their search in their probe into Ms Nessa's death.

Search teams with both the Met and Kent Police were seen scouring a field with specialist equipment near a remote spot in an area surrounded by rural farmland, as officers shut off roads for local residents.

Six Met police officers were seen dressed in blue uniforms using sticks to search through the grass of a vast field before making their way towards the roadside to look through leaves and discarded litter.

They are understood to be searching the fields on one side of the road while Kent Police have been tasked with searching through the woods on the other side.

Eyewitnesses say the police conducted thorough fingerprint analysis and waded through residents' front gardens in their hunt for clues.

A spokesperson for the Met confirmed: 'Officers are searching an area of woodland near to Tunbridge Wells in Kent as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Sabina Nessa in Kidbrooke.'

It comes as an ex-Domino's delivery driver accused of beating primary school teacher Sabina Nessa to death 'in a premeditated and predatory attack' was remanded in custody today.

Koci Selamaj, 36, is alleged to have loitered for half an hour in Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London before murdering the 28-year-old woman a few minutes from her home. A post-mortem examination has yet to confirm the exact cause of her death but the attack was said to have involved 'extreme violence'.

Ms Nessa left her house on Astell Road after arranging to meet a friend at The Depot bar in Pegler Square, Kidbrooke Village, south-east London on September 17. Her body was found by a member of the public almost 24 hours later near the OneSpace community centre, hidden under a pile of leaves.

It is claimed her attacker used a 2ft long weapon to strike her repeatedly before carrying her away unconscious.

Police officers scour a rural field on Dundale Road, Kent in connection with the Sabina Nessa murder inquiry on Thursday

Specialist officers cordoned off Dundale Road to local residents and spent hours carefully combing through woodland and fields

Detectives have today been pictured scouring a large patch of woodland in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, as officers widened their search over Ms Nessa's death

Koci Selamaj (left), from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town in the early hours of Sunday. Sabina Nessa (right) was killed as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London, on her way to meet a friend on September 17

Speaking via video link at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Selamaj spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at the hearing

Sabina Nessa, 28, originally from Bedfordshire. Ms Nessa was killed as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London, on her way to meet a friend on September 17

Selamaj, who appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs wearing a green and yellow prison-issue jumpsuit, was remanded in custody after indicating a not guilty plea at an earlier hearing.

The Albanian national, from Eastbourne, Sussex, who heard proceedings through an interpreter, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Selamaj, who has no previous convictions, was described as a quiet introvert by neighbours and local shopowners in the seaside town of Eastbourne.

Until recently Selamaj had been living with his Romanian girlfriend in the flat behind a burger takeaway in the centre of Eastbourne, but the couple recently split up.

A neighbour said: 'On Sunday morning police arrived around 3am. It wasn't until I left at 8am that I saw that they were still here and they've been here ever since.

A worker in a newsagents near the flat where Selamaj was living said he would come in to the shop to top up his phone or energy key, but would not make conversation.

At the Old Bailey, Prosecutor Alison Morgan QC said: 'The defendant is 36 as of this year and had no previous convictions.

'He is an Albanian national. There is nothing to suggest the defendant and the deceased were known to each other.

'The prosecution suggests this was a premeditated and predatory attack on a stranger.

'At the time of these events, the defendant was living at a flat in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

'He has legal status in this country. He was working at a garage in the Eastbourne area.

'On the evening of 17 September, Sabina Nessa made plans to meet with a friend at a bar called The Depot in Kidbrooke Village.

'In order to get to that location, she took a route through Cator Park in Kidbrooke Village.

'She was attacked and killed in Cator Park. Some of her movements through the park and the attack on her were captured on CCTV footage.'

Remanding him in custody Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft, said: 'The next hearing, in this case, will be on 16 December.'

The suspect is understood to have been working as a Domino's delivery driver in Eastbourne and is thought to be originally from eastern Europe

Koci Selamaj, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town in the early hours of Sunday (pictured: Police in Eastbourne on Sunday)

More than 500 well-wishers, including Ms Nessa's sister Jebina, gathered in Pegler Square for a vigil on Friday

Ms Morgan continued: 'Post-mortem examinations are ongoing.

'The pathologist has indicated a number of likely causes of death, but those are ongoing as is the consideration of what else may have happened by way of attack to the deceased at that time.'

Ms Morgan added: 'At the time of these events the defendant was living at an address in Eastbourne.

'He has legal status in this country and he was working at a garage in the Eastbourne area.

Mr Selamaj, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town in the early hours of Sunday, and a light-coloured Nissan Micra was seized in a residential street around half a mile away.

On Friday, hundreds of people - including Ms Nessa's sister - gathered for a candlelit vigil organised in Pegler Square, Kidbrooke, in her memory.

Jebina Yasmin Islam broke down as she addressed crowds.

She said: 'Words cannot describe how we are feeling, this feels like we are stuck in a bad dream and can't get out of it - our world is shattered, we are simply lost for words.

'No family should go through what we are going through.'
A black teenager died in custody two days after a physical struggle with at least three staff members who restrained him, a new report has revealed.

Multiple staff members at the Kansas juvenile facility engaged in a physical struggle with Cedric 'CJ' Lofton, 17, who later died in hospital.

A news release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation detailed the events leading up to the in-custody death of Lofton on Sunday, and identified the Wichita teen for the first time.

An autopsy has been conducted and a cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results, the agency said.

The teenager's encounter with law enforcement authorities began at about 1 a.m. on Friday when officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to a disturbance call and found Lofton outside a house.

The teen appeared paranoid and was behaving erratically, the KBI said. Officers tried to convince him to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody. He resisted by assaulting the officers, according to the release.

After a physical struggle, he was arrested on suspicion of battery of a law enforcement officer. A police report from that incident indicates all three police officers involved were white men.

Lofton was taken to the Sedgwick County juvenile intake and assessment center in a WRAP restraint system, a device described by the sheriff's office as a way to restrain a person who's 'out of control' so they don't hurt themselves or others. The device is comprised of a locking shoulder harness, leg restraints and ankle straps.

Multiple staff members at the Kansas juvenile facility engaged in a physical struggle with Cedric 'CJ' Lofton (pictured), 17, who died in hospital two days later

Once Lofton was at the facility, that device and handcuffs were removed and he was placed in a single holding cell, authorities said.

'When we left the facility, the individual was upright and communicating,' said police spokesman Charley Davidson.

Lofton was later allowed out of the holding cell to use the restroom. When a staff member at the juvenile center tried to escort him back to the holding cell, Lofton assaulted the staff member, according to the KBI news release.

The KBI said multiple corrections staff engaged in 'a lengthy physical struggle' to get him into the holding cell and place him in handcuffs. A police report shows there were black, white and Hispanic staff at the facility.

Once Lofton was under control, corrections staff monitoring him noticed he was unresponsive.

Life-saving measures were initiated, the KBI said. Emergency medical responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 1:55 a.m. Sunday.

A youth justice organization, Progeny, has called for 'a transparent and thorough investigation.'

Lofton was taken to the Sedgwick County juvenile intake and assessment center (pictured) in a WRAP restraint system on Friday

'This is a tragic example of the immense harm caused when young people are placed behind bars, and much worse, restrained like animals under the supervision of adults who are supposed to keep them safe,' the group said in a written statement. 'These facilities are devastating our community. They need to be stopped.'

Wichita pastor Maurice 'Moe' Evans, a director at the Community Empowerment and Resilience Coalition, called the WRAP restraint 'a torture device' that restricts a person's comfort, breathing and circulation. He said authorities don't know if Lofton's injuries came from the police officers' use of the WRAP or from the later altercation at the intake center.

'Something was clearly done incorrectly because the claim that he was just suddenly fine and then all of a sudden went unresponsive and then passed away two days later - that just doesn't happen,' he said. 'There are some extenuating circumstances here that they are not yet sharing. We will get to the bottom of it.'

The WRAP is used in more than 1,400 hospitals, youth detention facilities, sheriff's offices and police departments where people have to deal with combative subjects, said Charles Hammond, president and chief executive officer of Safe Restraints Inc., the company that makes it.

Its purpose is to quickly stop conflict to prevent injury and death, allowing a person to be seated upright so that medical care can be provided, he said, adding the restraint is not a pain tool. It reduces mobility with no breathing restriction, he said.

Evans has also set up a GoFundMe account for the teen's mother, Sarah Harrison.

'The community is preparing to organize around this so this is not something that is just going to go away,' Evans said. 'We are going to find justice for the mom.'
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The number of Britons catching Covid every day rose almost 30 per cent last week, amid fears a fourth wave of infections is just around the corner.

King's College London scientists estimated 58,126 people were getting infected every day in the week ending September 25, up 28.9 per cent from the previous seven day spell.

Cases have soared in children ever since millions of youngsters returned to classrooms following the summer holidays. But now infections appear to be spilling over into their parents, a trend MailOnline revealed earlier this week.

Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, said cases were now being passed up the 'generational ladder'. He warned families to be careful at this 'critical time' because a 'little caution' could stop hospitals being overrun in the face of another surge this winter.

It came as separate Test and Trace figures today showed England's infections rose 18 per cent in the latest week. There were more than 190.000 positive test results recorded in the week to September 22, they said.

And Public Health England's weekly surveillance report revealed Covid cases rose in eight in ten local authorities across England last week.

Despite a raft of data showing Britain's coronavirus outbreak is still growing, the number of people testing positive shrunk today for the first time in nearly a fortnight. Department of Health statistics showed another 36,480 cases were recorded, down 0.6 per cent compared to the same time last week. They had risen week-on-week for the previous 12 days.

King's College London scientists estimated 58,126 people caught symptomatic Covid every day in the week to September 25, the latest available. This was a rise of almost 30 per cent from the previous week

 Slide me  Public Health England's weekly surveillance report showed more than eight in ten local authorities saw their Covid cases rise last week (left) compared to the previous seven-day spell (right)

Children, their parents and young adults all saw their Covid cases rise last week, figures suggested. Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, warned that the infections were now travelling up the 'generational ladder'

Covid cases are rising in all four UK nations. The above graph shows cases are now higher in Wales than in every region of England

Public Health England's weekly surveillance report showed Covid cases rose among children and their parents last week, and remained flat among grandparents. It is feared cases will soon spill over into the most vulnerable age group

The report also showed that infections are now rising in every region of England, ahead of winter

Separate Test and Trace data showed the number of people testing positive for Covid in England rose in the latest week. There were more than 190.000 positive test results recorded in the week to September 22, up 18 per cent in seven days

Britain's Covid cases are down (but only just) Britain's Covid outbreak has shrunk for the first time in nearly two weeks, while hospitalisations and deaths continued to drop, official figures reveal. Another 36,480 people tested positive for Covid across the UK today, a drop of 0.6 per cent compared to the 36,710 infections spotted last Thursday, data from the Department for Health shows. Week-on-week cases had been rising steadily for the previous 12 days. Despite the fall in official numbers, it could be a blip as other surveillance measures today revealed cases are still rising. King's College London data today showed the number of Britons catching Covid every day rose almost 30 per cent last week. Cases have soared in children ever since millions of youngsters returned to classrooms following the summer holidays. But now infections appear to be spilling over into their parents, a trend MailOnline revealed earlier this week. Meanwhile, Covid hospitalisations and deaths continued to fall, with 657 people infected with the virus requiring NHS care and 137 fatalities recorded. Both figures lag several weeks behind cases because of how long it can take for infected patients to become seriously ill. Advertisement

Estimates from the Covid symptom study app  also run by health data science company ZOE  suggested Covid cases rose in all four UK nations last week compared to the previous seven-day spell.

Wales was predicted to have seen the sharpest rise in infections, up 33 per cent in a week to 4,185 cases a day, followed by England (up 29 per cent to 46,275), and Northern Ireland (up 28 per cent to 1,999).

Scotland was predicted to have seen its cases rise by five per cent in the latest week, with 4,185 residents thought to be catching the virus every day.

Professor Spector, an epidemiologist at King's College London, said: 'While the latest ZOE data shows new cases are up on last week, its encouraging to see national hospitalisation rates falling as we approach winter.

'While most cases are still in the young, were seeing infections being passed up the generational ladder, likely from school children to their parents.

'Most of these new adult infections are in the under 50s, who still have a relatively low risk of being admitted to hospital, especially if theyve been fully vaccinated.

'As the winter approaches, its important parents of school-aged children and students dont pass the virus on to more vulnerable grandparents by not recognising simple cold-like symptoms as a possible Covid infection.

'This is a critical time and a little caution could make all the difference in avoiding a winter crisis for hospitals.'

Separate Public Health England data today showed Covid cases rose in 124 of 149 local authorities in the week to September 26, the latest available.

The Isle of Wight saw the sharpest uptick in infections, rising 50.5 per cent in a week (up to 403 cases per 100,000 people in the area).

It was followed by Swindon (cases rose by 41 per cent to 480.9 per 100,000) and Bath and North East Somerset (up 40.6 per cent to 368.7 per 100,000).

On the other hand among the 25 council areas that saw their infections dip in a week, Islington saw the sharpest drop (down 22.8 per cent to 132.6 per 100,000).

Westminster saw the second sharpest dip (down by 19.1 per cent to 135.6 per 100,000), followed by Redcar and Cleveland in the North East (down by 16.5 per cent to 273.3 per 100,000).

PHE surveillance data also showed infections are rising among children, and spilling over into their parents.

But among grandparents infections are remaining at the same level, suggesting they are yet to spill into the age group that is most vulnerable to the virus.

PHE figures showed 10 to 19-year-olds saw their infection rate rise 41 per cent last week (up to 1,084.2 cases per 100,000 people), and among 5 to 9-year-olds it rose 9.7 per cent (543.8 per 100,000).

Among 40 to 49-year-olds Covid cases rose 30 per cent last week (up to 388.7 per 100,000), followed by 50 to 59-year-olds (up 13.7 per cent to 227 per 100,000) and 30 to 39-year-olds (up 8.2 per cent to 263.4 per 100,000).

Covid cases remained flat among grandparents around 100 cases per 100,000 people, and dipped by 11 per cent among 20 to 29-year-olds to 162.3 per 100,000.

Figures also showed Covid cases rose in every region of England last week, with the sharpest uptick in the South West (up by 28.2 per cent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (up 27.9 per cent).

Today's report is the last to be published by Public Health England, before the agency is replaced by the National Institute for Health Protection. The new agency will publish the weekly surveillance report next week.

Separate Test and Trace figures showed some 10.9 per cent of people who tested positive for Covid  around one in nine  were not reached, meaning they were not able to provide details of recent close contacts. This was down from 11.7 per cent in the previous week.

Anybody in England who tests positive for Covid, either through a rapid (LFD) test or a PCR test processed in a laboratory, is transferred to Test and Trace so their contacts can be identified and alerted.

A total of 75.0 per cent of people who were tested for Covid in England in the week ending September 22 at a regional site, local site or mobile testing unit  a so-called 'in-person' test  received their result within 24 hours.

This is down from 87.3 per cent the previous week and is the lowest since the week to July 21.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged that, by the end of June 2020, the results of all in-person tests would be back within 24 hours.

He told the House of Commons on June 3 2020 he would get 'all tests turned around within 24 hours by the end of June, except for difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that'.

Boris Johnson is banking on booster shots for the over-50s and first doses for 12 to 15-year-olds to keep a lid on the virus this winter.

But should the NHS come under severe pressure the Prime Minister has warned some restrictions will have to be brought back, including face masks and social distancing. The Government's scientific advisers say ministers may need to go harder and faster to suppress an outbreak of the virus.

Yesterday Covid cases rose by seven per cent across the UK, marking the twelfth day in a row that the outbreak had grown week-on-week.

Department of Health bosses posted another 36,722 infections, a rise of 6.6 per cent compared to the 34,460 positive tests recorded last Wednesday.

Britain's infections have increased steadily after schools reopened this month, with increased mixing in classes driving up rates in pupils.

Meanwhile, another 150 deaths were added to the Covid death toll, while 659 infected Britons were hospitalised.

Both figures  which lag several weeks behind cases because of how long it can take for infected patients to become seriously ill  are down 10 per cent compared to last week's data.
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The wife of killer cop Wayne Couzens is believed to have silently watched him be jailed for the rest of his life remotely on a court camera feed.

Olena Couzens logged in to view the two-day hearing at the Old Bailey from an unknown location.

The mother-of-two was understood to be among others unable to get to court but wanted to follow the sentencing.

Her husband was sentenced to a whole life order for kidnapping, raping and murdering Sarah Everard and will never be freed.

Couzens stood with his head bowed throughout the sentencing hearing and did not look up as he was ordered by the judge to stand.

He shook slightly as he was jailed in front of his victim's family, who calmly looked on from the well of the court.

Lord Justice Fulford said of Olena to him: 'Your wife and children, who on all the evidence, are entirely blameless will have to live with the ignominy of your dreadful crimes for the rest of their lives.'

Olena Couzens logged onto a remote court feed to follow her husband's two day sentencing in real time on Wednesday

Couzens' wife Olena pictured earlier this year. She has been left distraught and stunned by her husband's actions

Olena Couzens was seen earlier this year but stayed away from the sentencing of her husband for the kidnap,rape and murder

Sarah Everard's parents Jeremy and Susan clasped hands and hugged police officers after Couzens shuffled out of the dock to be taken down to the cells.

Olena's sister says the family still don't understand why he murdered her and their 'heads are spinning' from trying to come to terms with it.

Tetyana Obukhova, 39, who is Olena's twin, told MailOnline: 'I don't know why he'd done what he's done, my head has been spinning for days, weeks while I was trying to understand it.

'I don't know the reasons that made him do it, and I'm not going to speculate.

'He must serve quite a severe punishment for what he's done.'

Ms Obukhova said her sister, Couzens' shattered wife of 15 years, was still living in the UK and she didn't know if she was planning to move with the couple's children back to Ukraine.

Criminal and policeman: Couzens seen left when he was caught and right as he served as a police officer in Kent

While on duty on February 28, he booked a 65.30 hire car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Dover, which he collected on March 3 (pictured), having decided his own was too old and filthy to be passed off as a police vehicle

Just four minutes after Sarah was seen walking down Cavendish Road towards her home, Couzens' hire car, was spotted travelling east, and passing the same camera

Buying a hot chocolate and Bakewell tart at a Costa Coffee  wearing the very same clothes as he had the night before. Just over an hour later, he would dispose of Miss Everard's phone in a flood relief channel in Sandwich  but a fragment was later found in his car

Speaking from her home in Kirovograd, 185 miles south of Kiev, Ms Obukhova insisted that the biggest shock was that on the face of it, Couzens was a 'decent' husband and father.

Olena's sister Tetyana Obukhova, 39, spoke to MailOnline

She added: 'I myself don't know what to think about it. I just don't know perhaps he was in a kind of a state. The man I know, the man I spoke to, he is a decent, good man. He is a lovely husband, my sister never had a bad word to say about him, she never once said he was aggressive, or anything like that.'

Recalling Sarah's killing and Couzens subsequent arrest, Ms Obhukova said: 'She (Olena) learned about Sarah on the day when police came to their house. She didn't have a clue why the police were on their doorstep. She was so shocked when he was arrested.

'I don't think she could ever imagine that he was able to do such things to kidnap a woman.'

In July, Olena told MailOnline about her horror at what Couzens had done and that she kept on asking herself 'why?' because it was 'not human behaviour.'

She added: ''If I had any idea what was going on in Wayne's head, then none of this would've happened but I didn't know anything.

'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle.

'I can't comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. I'm just as puzzled as everyone else.

Couzens' wife Olena (left) is pictured with a friend. Olena's family say they still don't know why he murdered Sarah

'I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house what else did he need? I'm constantly asking myself 'where I did miss the signs?' How on earth could this have happened?'

Ms Obukhova revealed that Olena is likely to remain in England to raise her two children.

She added: 'She is still in the UK, I don't know if she is planning to go to Ukraine. She's got to decide what's the best for her.

'It's hard to guess what she will decide for herself, she's got a job, children are at school there.'
France has ordered anyone aged 12 and older to show a Covid-19 'health pass' to enter public sites in a bid to stave off a winter virus flare-up.

It is an extension of a measure in place for two months for adults visiting restaurants, sport clubs or cinemas.

Authorities are hoping the policy will prevent another wave of Covid cases as colder weather approaches and people spend more time indoors.

The pass, available on paper or as a QR code on phones, proves vaccination, a recent negative Covid test, or inoculation because a person has already had the virus.

France has ordered anyone aged 12 and older to show a Covid-19 'health pass' (pictured) to enter public sites in a bid to stave off a winter virus flare-up

It is an extension of a measure in place for two months for adults visiting restaurants,(pictured, Le Petit Cambodge in Paris) sport clubs or cinemas

Announced by President Emmanuel Macron in July, it prompted millions of people to get the jabs after holding out for months, giving France one of the world's highest vaccination rates.

But thousands of people have turned out in weekly protests, saying the pass discriminates against people opposed to the vaccine because of safety fears or other reasons.

The government is nonetheless preparing a law that would let it keep imposing the health pass if necessary until next summer, calling it a key measure for avoiding another lockdown that would cripple a fragile economic recovery.

Demonstrators carrying a sign reading 'Popular wave against the Health Pass' at a rally against the requirement in Nantes on August 9

Protesters call for 'vaccination freedom' during a rally against President Macron's 'health pass' on September 11

Thousands of people have turned out in weekly protests, (pictured on August 14) saying the pass discriminates against people opposed to the vaccine because of safety fears or other reasons

Around two-thirds of French teenagers are fully vaccinated, compared with 72 percent for the population as a whole.

It comes as the government said pupils from October 4 will no longer have to wear protective face masks in French primary schools in areas with a low Covid-19 infection rate.

Paris and nearby suburbs are not among the 47 metropolitan departments, or administrative districts, where mandatory wearing of masks will be ended.

Only regions with incident rates of less than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, primarily rural areas, will be included in the relaxation. Paris and much of southern France will remain on high alert.

As of Wednesday, France has recorded 116,657 Covid deaths since the start of the pandemic, including 42 in the previous 24 hours.
A 'cruel' and 'manipulative' former policeman who 'systematically' sexually assaulted two girls and a woman during a 'campaign of rape' has been jailed for 33 years.

Former Royal Hong Kong police officer Ken Chik, 63, of Hull, was convicted of 28 offences over a month-long trial in the Yorkshire city.

The offences over his seven-year 'campaign' included rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and cruelty.

The repeated sexual exploitation of his traumatised victims left them with severe psychological problems and one girl wrote in her diary that she suffered 'disgusting, painful, sickening memories'.

Tracy Choi, 37, a 'complicit' woman who joined in with Chik during his 'domineering' sexual abuse, was also jailed for eight years.

Former Royal Hong Kong police officer Ken Chik, 63, of Hull, was convicted of 28 offences during his 'campaign of rape'

Soheil Khan, prosecuting, said that it was a 'campaign of rape' by Chik and the offences were 'frequently planned' by him and involved the 'deliberate isolation of the victims'.

Chik had caused 'emotional degradation and humiliation' and occasionally used physical violence.

'The complainants were told by him not to report the offences,' said Mr Khan.

The two girls were caused 'severe psychological harm'.

Judge Mark Bury said that Chik - who arrived in the UK in the late 1990s - 'systematically' raped one of the girls and humiliated her.

'It involved significant manipulation, psychological coercion and the instilment of fear in her,' said Judge Bury.

'You repeatedly engineered situations to abuse her.'

Choi was involved in some of the sexual offences.

Judge Bury told Chik: 'It's clear to me that you are a cruel, domineering, angry, totally selfish man.'

Chik was 'prone to violent mood swings' and 'exploited' the vulnerability of his adult victim 'cynically' for sex.

He said of her: 'She was psychologically coerced to a high degree. You cynically manipulated a young woman.

'Your offending is characterised by extreme levels of manipulation and humiliation.

'You went to considerable lengths to ensure you were not caught.'

Tracy Choi, 37, a 'complicit' woman who joined in with Chik during his 'domineering' sexual abuse, was also jailed for eight years at Hull Crown Court

Chik told the victims that nobody would believe them if they told anyone what had happened.

One of the girls had written in her diary: 'Why didn't I kill myself to end this suffering?'

She wanted to know when her ordeal would end and Judge Bury said: 'Today. This is the first day of the rest of their lives.'

Judge Bury told Choi: 'You were manipulated. I am satisfied that you became involved in these offences through psychological coercion and bullying.'

But the 'significant sympathy' for her 'evaporates' because she was 'complicit' in rape and 'encouraged' Chik and participated in what happened.

One of the girls said in a statement: 'Physically and psychologically, I felt disgusting, dirty and ashamed.

'He was manipulative and controlling. Ken was addicted to power over vulnerable women and children.'

She had suffered 'traumatising flashbacks weekly' and sometimes 'woke up in a sweat'.

The girl added: 'I am scarred externally and internally from his actions.'

The other girl said: 'This kind of trauma isn't easy to forget. It's ingrained into my mind. There are many ways that Ken has affected me.'

The adult victim said that she had lived with fear and struggled with depression.

She had suffered 'nightmares about falling from a very dark and high-up place' and did not feel safe.

She felt 'worthless', ashamed of herself, 'dirty and unclean' through being raped.

Stephen Robinson, mitigating, said it was a 'campaign of rape' by Chik and there was 'little that can be said' for him. He denied all the offences.

Chik suffered from health problems, including heart trouble.

Julia Baggs, representing Choi, said that the defendant came to Britain from Hong Kong for education when she was 18 but was 'here illegally' and might face deportation.

'She knows that she faces a lengthy custodial sentence,' said Miss Baggs.

'She was particularly susceptible to dominance, control and manipulation.'

Chik and Choi must register as sex offenders for life.

They were also handed an indefinite restraining order concerning the girls.
Mr Justice Fulford, who jailed Couzens for life with no parole today

A great deal has been said in court over the last two days, I emphasise wholly properly, about the devastating, tragic and wholly brutal circumstances of the death of Sarah Everard; additionally, many details as to her demise, along with abundant observations as to what it symbolises, have been publicized by reporters, commentators and many others. No doubt following the sentence that I am about to pass more will be said and written. Given the singular nature of this case, that is entirely unsurprising. But in and amongst the words and the voices, two things must not be forgotten during this sentencing exercise. First, the victim: who she was and what happened to her in early March. Her personal circumstances and the circumstances of her untimely death, coupled inevitably with the impact of what occurred on her family and those who were close to her, are a critical consideration. And, second, notwithstanding that vital factor, the sentence that I pass on the defendant must be just, in the all-important sense that the relevant statutory provisions are to be applied, along with the applicable case law and sentencing principles. To discharge my function faithfully, it is vital, therefore, that I focus solely on the factors that are properly relevant to determining the correct sentence, and nothing else.

The facts of this case, in all their painful detail, are essentially undisputed and they have been rehearsed most carefully and with great clarity by Mr Little Q.C., leading counsel for the Crown. It would serve no useful purpose for me to repeat at length what has already been said. Instead, I intend simply to highlight those aspects of what occurred that are in my view of particular relevance to the issue of sentence. First and foremost, Sarah Everard was a wholly blameless victim of a grotesquely executed series of offences that culminated in her death and the disposal of her body. She was 33 years of age and had been working in marketing since graduating from Durham University, and she was simply walking home mid-evening having visited a friend during the COVID pandemic. She was an intelligent, resourceful, talented and much-loved young woman, still in the early years of her life. I have not the slightest doubt that the defendant used his position as a police officer to coerce her on a wholly false pretext into the car he had hired for this purpose. It is most likely that he suggested to Sarah Everard that she had breached the restrictions on movement that were being enforced during that stage of the pandemic. Any explanation other than coercion fails to take into account her character and the evidence of the occupants of a passing vehicle who saw her being handcuffed. It is to be emphasised that the defendant was long used to exercising this kind of authority given he had previously been a member of the Kent Special Constabulary, moving to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2011. He joined the Metropolitan Police in September 2018 and since February 2020 he had worked for the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, as an authorised Firearms Officer. He had participated in Covid patrols, to ensure that the regulations were enforced.

The evidence against the defendant, painstakingly compiled by the police, was essentially unanswerable. The compelling CCTV compilation, the product of 1800 hours of footage, along with the cell site evidence, revealed with absolute clarity the core essentials of what had occurred. By the time that exercise was complete, there was, in my view, no credible innocent explanation for the evidence gathered against him, and this is relevant to the issue of whether he has expressed genuine remorse or regret. Nonetheless, I need to stress that I have had regard to the defendant's guilty plea to all the charges as one of the mitigating features to be taken fully into account, along with his age (48), his hitherto good character and the fact that he is the father of two children.

The defendant spent at least a month travelling to London to research how best to commit these crimes (as the wholly unexplained visits to the capital on 23 January, 5 February and 14 February). The degree of preparation and the length of time over which it extended is to be stressed. He bought part of the wherewithal to handcuff his victim (a police standard issue handcuff key was purchased from Amazon on 10 February and was found in the front of the Seat), self-adhesive carpet protector film was purchased on 28 February and delivered on 1 March and 14 hair bands were purchased in a shop on 3 March at 8 pm. The protector film had been used but its precise purpose is unknown. The hairbands were either for use in order to maintain an erection or as a means of restraint. This has not been disputed. He hired a car on 28 February which he drove to London on 3 March. He had parked the Seat motorcar in Dover in an area where there were no houses close by, with the result that it was less likely than otherwise would have been the case that there would be witnesses to what occurred, including any signs of distress or resistance by Sarah Everard when she was transferred from the hire car to the Seat. He used, therefore, the hire car, as opposed to his own vehicle, to kidnap Sarah Everard. He took some of his police kit with him to London, clearly in my view for use in this offending. He lied to his family about working a night shift on 3 March and although he was in London that night, he avoided visiting the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command base in Lillie Road. Instead, he covered extensive distances in the capital, beyond doubt, as suggested by Mr Little, hunting a lone young female to kidnap and rape. It follows from this that the defendant had planned well in advance, in all its unspeakably grim detail, what was to occur and when he encountered Sarah Everard all that was missing up to that point was his victim.

He stopped and handcuffed Sarah Everard on the roadside, and as I have already emphasised, he used his position as a police officer to enable this to happen. Her state of mind and what she had to endure over a journey of 80 miles and during the final hours of her life, would have been as bleak and agonising as it is possible to imagine. Ultimately,

she was raped and strangled to death. The defendant would have needed to apply pressure to Sarah Everard's neck for more than two minutes in order to kill her. He took her to a remote area in the vicinity of the Sibertswold cell site, which was nonetheless close to roads which afforded easy access. It is unknown precisely where or when he raped Sarah Everard, although it was most likely to have occurred between midnight and quarter to one. He then drove around the Dover area. Although it is equally impossible to say precisely when or where she was killed, it is highly likely that Sarah Everard had been murdered before 2.34 am when he left the Seat and bought some soft drinks at the BP Dover South Services. The evidence tends to demonstrate that he used Velcro straps to restrain her, given the DNA analysis and where in the car they were found. His general movements in the early hours of the morning are known but precisely what he was doing at various stages, for instance when he travelled towards Ashford, is uncertain. At 8.14 am he bought a hot chocolate and Bakewell tart in Dover.

There can be no doubt as to the increasing sense of desperation on the part of Sarah Everard's family, her boyfriend and her other friends as it became increasingly clear that something untoward had happened to her. Their lives will have been irredeemably blighted by the defendant's crimes. Her parents and her sister Katie read their victim personal statements with great dignity. Along with the other statements which Mr Little summarised in court, they starkly and movingly revealed the true human consequences of this warped, selfish and brutal offending, which was both sexual and homicidal.

The defendant put considerable effort into trying to avoid detection, both before and after these offences. He took Sarah Everard's mobile telephone from her and removed the Sim card. He later disposed of the handset, driving a considerable distance to Sandwich on 4 March, simply to throw it in the river before immediately returning home, arriving at a time which would coincide with him having been on a normal night shift. He acted at home and elsewhere entirely as normal, as evidenced by such prosaic details as booking dental appointments for his children. During the morning of 5 March, the defendant purchased petrol in a plastic container and burnt Sarah Everard's body, along with her possessions and clothing, which had been placed in an abandoned refrigerator in Hoads Wood in Kent. At about the same time he again purchased food and drink for himself, and it was at about this juncture that he calmly organised an appointment by telephone at a local veterinary practice for the family dog (the entire contents of the telephone call were played during Mr Little's opening). Later during 5 March, he moved Sarah Everard's body to a pond that was close by in Hoads Wood, where she was eventually discovered, having used two bags purchased from B & Q in order to transport her remains. On Saturday 6 March, the defendant invented an excuse in an email to his supervisor to avoid further firearms duties and to remain away from work.

Within 3 days of the murder the defendant took his family on a trip to the woods, close by to where he had deposited, burnt, moved and hid the body of Sarah Everard, allowing his children to play in that area. In due course he cleaned the exterior of his Seat motorcar.

He lied when arrested, and initially ran an entirely false account in which he pretended that for two or three weeks he had been acting under the coercion of a gang from one of the Balkan countries who compelled him to abduct girls who he then handed over. He suggested he had delivered Sarah Everard, who was alive, to the gang. With apparent sincerity, the defendant gave the interviewing police officers a wholly false story in which he claimed he was a victim of threats which made him concerned for his family's safety. His account on this issue was highly detailed and it was a complete fiction. CCTV checks rapidly demonstrated he had lied throughout his account to the police. He attempted to erase any records from his telephone by way of a factory reset shortly before the police arrived. He falsely claimed he would do anything he could to help to secure Sarah Everard's release from the gang.

There are five principal issues that I need to resolve. First, was the defendant suffering from a mild depressive disorder at the time of these offences? Second, if so, what relevance is the diagnosis? Third, even though not relied on by the prosecution or the defence what is the significance, if any, of the account the defendant gave to the psychiatrist, Dr Latham? Fourth, did the defendant intend to kill Sarah Everard from the outset? Fifth, what are to be the terms of the life sentence that inevitably must be imposed?

In considering those questions, Mr Sturman QC on behalf of the defendant, for whose restrained and focussed submissions I am grateful, reminds the court that it is undisputed that the appellant had been suffering from a depressive illness, the symptoms of which he has not tried to exaggerate. Mr Sturman urges the court to conclude that the defendant did not depart for London intending to kill his victim and that this intention was formed later. It is suggested, furthermore, that he has done all he is able to demonstrate his contrition. As to question five, Mr Sturman submits that a whole life tariff is an unusual, indeed exceptional form of sentence, that needs to be carefully and unambiguously justified, in that a borderline case should always be met with a determinate term. The importance of the defendant's guilty plea has been properly stressed. Mr Sturman emphasises the ease with which other accused might have advanced wholly false allegations as part of a defence, some of which might have involved slurs on the character and reputation of the deceased. All of that has been avoided by his acceptance of his guilt. He has no prior previous convictions and some of his colleagues have spoken supportively of him. It is particularly stressed that insofar as counsel's extensive researches indicate, there has never been a whole life term which does not come within the categories set out expressly in the relevant provisions. In all the circumstances, whilst it is accepted that the tariff period will be in well in excess of 30 years, the court is urged not to impose a whole life order.

The first question is relatively easy to answer. Dr Latham not only spoke to the defendant but also to his wife, who described the defendant's concerns over problems he was experiencing with his life, and particularly his financial difficulties. He suffered from lack of sleep and, on occasion, bad tinnitus. It seems likely that even though there is no documented history of depression or anxiety in Mr Couzen's medical records, he may have suffered from episodes of mild depression. However, as Dr Latham has observed  and this goes to answer the second question  there is no link between the depression and these offences. At most, this diagnosis is simply part of the overall picture of the factors that contribute to an understanding of the kidnapping, rape and murder.

As to the third question, the significance of the account given by the defendant to Dr Latham, I accept this is not a verbatim account of what the defendant said, and it is only a summary for the purposes of the psychiatrist's consideration of the defendant's mental state. Nonetheless, it is revealing and wholly implausible. He suggested he merely rented a car because he had problems with his own vehicle. There is no evidence of this suggested difficulty with the Seat and this explanation cannot survive the sequence of events prior to the defendant's departure for London and following his return with Sarah Everard, and particularly the manoeuvring of the vehicles. I have no doubt that the defendant wished to use a motor car that was credible as a police vehicle, given the Seat was extremely untidy and given its appearance it was wholly improbable that it would have been used by a police office on duty. Indeed, it was in such a poor state that it may well have alerted his victim that something was amiss with her purported arrest. He also is likely to have wanted to avoid his own car being identified as having been in the relevant area when he kidnapped his victim. The defendant described to Dr Latham having driven around in confusion, but this is entirely at odds with the precise and careful preparatory steps which he had taken for these offences, along with the lengths he went to in the hope of avoiding detection. These I have already described, and they included lying to his family and purchasing the items I have set out, along with the various steps he took following the killing. The vague state of mind that he suggested to Dr Latham is fatally contradicted his proven calculated behaviour over the entire period, including buying food and drink, organising vet and dental appointments, and coolly taking his family on an outing very close to where he had left Sarah Everard's body. I emphasise that during the lengthy process of booking the appointment with the Vet, the defendant sound controlled and normal. This is relevant to the issue of whether the defendant has at any stage expressed any genuine contrition. Notwithstanding his guilty pleas for which he is entitled to the appropriate full credit as a mitigating factor, in my view the defendant has throughout sought to minimise his true responsibility for what occurred, something he had done from the moment he first spoke to the police and lied about the Balkan people- trafficking gang. At no stage has he offered any kind of full explanation as to what occurred.

As to the fourth question  did the defendant intend from the outset to murder Sarah Everard?  this is a difficult issue. On the one hand, it is almost inconceivable that the defendant did not realise that he would not be able to allow his victim to live, given he had posed as a police officer, a revelation which would have greatly narrowed the range of potential suspects. He had made no attempt, moreover, to disguise himself or to prevent Sarah Everard from seeing the registration numbers or the make and models of both motorcars. She would have been able to describe the locations to where she had been driven, having seen the town and street signs en route. His identification based on information from Sarah Everard was inevitable. On the other hand, he did not purchase the petrol until after the murder. I have concluded that given the planning and the thought that went into the kidnapping and rape of his victim, the defendant must have realised that he may well need to kill the woman he intended to abduct and rape, but this did not become a definite outcome until the events had started to unfold and he had got the measure, as it were, of the person he had attacked.

The fifth question is the most difficult. The prosecution submits that this case of murder (and the associated offences of kidnap and rape) is one of such exceptional seriousness that it justifies the imposition of a whole life order in accordance with paragraph 2 of Schedule 21 of the Sentencing Act 2020 because it was committed by a serving police constable when acting as if on duty, and there are particular aggravating features, to which I will turn in a moment.

By statute, cases that have a starting point of a whole life order are those when the seriousness of the offence (or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it) is exceptionally high. Paragraph 2(2) of the Schedule provides a list of cases that would normally fall in this category, namely those, first, involving the murder of two or more persons, where each murder involves a substantial degree of premeditation or planning, the abduction of the victim, or sexual or sadistic conduct; second, the murder of a child if involving the abduction of the child or sexual or sadistic motivation; third, the murder of a police officer or prison officer in the course of his or her duty; fourth, a murder done for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause, or, fifth, a murder by an offender previously convicted of murder. It is clear from the language of the schedule that this is not a closed list of cases. The use of the words 'cases that would normally fall' into this category makes this clear.

The decisions of the Court of Appeal reveal that even when a mandatory life sentence is required, a whole life order is very rarely made. Such a sentence is reserved for the few exceptionally serious offences in which, after reflecting on all the features of aggravation and mitigation, the judge is satisfied that the element of just punishment and retribution requires the imposition of a whole life order. Nothing less will suffice.

The Schedule clearly has the objective of identifying the types or categories of cases which, as a matter of principle, are in themselves so serious that a whole life order ought to be the starting point. I anticipate that only very rarely will situations arise which merit this starting point but which were not included in paragraph 2(2). But the legislators would not have been able to describe every situation that might arise when an offender palpably needs to be treated in the same way as those expressly included in paragraph 2(2). I would stress, therefore, that I have adopted the approach that a judge should only pass a whole life term in a case such as the present if he or she is confronted with a new category of exceptionally serious case that plainly calls to be treated in this way and the decision is, therefore, not a borderline one. Otherwise, a lengthy minimum term will suffice.

The most important question in this sentencing exercise, therefore, revolves around a question of principle: if a police officer uses his office to kidnap, rape and murder a victim, is the seriousness of the offence exceptionally high, such that it ought to be treated in the same way as the other examples set out in paragraph 2(2). In my judgment the police are in a unique position, which is essentially different from any other public servants. They have powers of coercion and control that are in an exceptional category. In this country it is expected that the police will act in the public interest; indeed, the authority of the police is to a truly significant extent dependent on the public's consent, and the power of officers to detain, arrest and otherwise control important aspects of our lives is only effective because of the critical trust that we repose in the constabulary, that they will act lawfully and in the best interests of society. If that is undermined, one of the enduring safeguards of law and order in this country is inevitably jeopardised. In my judgment, the misuse of a police officer's role such as occurred in this case in order to kidnap, rape and murder a lone victim is of equal seriousness as a murder carried out for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. All of these situations attack different aspects of the fundamental underpinnings of our democratic way of life. It is this vital factor which in my view makes the seriousness of this case exceptionally high. Self-evidently, it would need for the police officer to have used his role as a constable in a critical way to facilitate the commission of the offence; if his professional occupation was of little or no relevance to the offending, then these considerations clearly would not apply.

Added to this, the aggravating features in the case are extensive. As I have already rehearsed, there was significant planning and premeditation; the victim was abducted; there was the most serious sexual conduct; the defendant was responsible for significant mental and physical suffering which he inflicted on the victim before her death; and the defendant concealed and attempted to destroy Sarah Everard's body. There is no doubt but that these three offences are inextricably linked and in considering the correct sentence for murder I have taken into account the kidnapping and the rape, in order to pass a single sentence.

I have borne in mind the fact that the defendant pleaded guilty in deciding whether it is appropriate to make a whole life order. This has saved the Everard family and Sarah Everard's friends from enduring a trial. That said, having determined, as I have, that there should be a whole life order, given the misuse of the defendant's role as a police officer and the serious aggravating features, self-evidently there can be no reduction for the defendant's guilty pleas.

Will the defendant please stand.

Wayne Couzens, you kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, having long planned a violent sexual assault on a yet-to-be-selected victim who you intended to coerce into your custody. You have irretrievably damaged the lives of Sarah Everard's family and friends, in the ways to which I have, at least in part, referred. Mrs Everard devastatingly referred to how the wider world has now lost its appeal for her and, I would add, no doubt for many others who cared for your victim, and Sarah Everard's sister referred to the inescapable reality of the many lives you have ruined. You have eroded the confidence that the public are entitled to have in the police forces of England and Wales. It is critical that every subject in this country can trust police officers when they encounter them and submit to their authority, which they are entitled to believe is being exercised in good faith. You have utterly betrayed your family. Your wife and children, who on all the evidence, are entirely blameless will have to live with the ignominy of your dreadful crimes for the rest of their lives. You have very considerably added to the sense of insecurity that many have living in our cities, perhaps particularly women, when travelling by themselves and especially at night. During the period before your arrest, there was never a moment when you gave the slightest indication of regret, following perhaps the realisation of the enormity of the dreadful crimes you had committed. Instead, you simultaneously attended to the inconsequential details of family life whilst grimly covering your tracks, with all the appearance of a man acting with quiet and unconcerned determination. The substantial CCTV footage and similar material does not give the slightest hint of someone in trauma, who has started to have second thoughts in the cold light of day about what they have done. Notwithstanding your guilty pleas, therefore, I have seen no evidence of genuine contrition on your part as opposed to evident self-pity and attempts by you to avoid or minimise the proper consequences of what you have done.

Those consequences are that on the count of murder you will be imprisoned for life and the tariff is a whole life order. I have taken into account the offences of kidnapping and rape in reaching that decision and on those counts I impose no separate penalty.

Take him down.

There are three tributes which I wish to pay. First, I have received the most exceptional assistance from counsel and solicitors on both sides. This has been a case of real legal and tactical difficulty, and the cooperation of the legal profession has been second to none. Mr Little and Mr Sturman particularly have my thanks, along with their juniors.

Second, this has been the most impressive police investigation that I have encountered in the 30 years I have been sitting as a part-time and full-time judge. The speed with which the evidence leading to the arrest of the defendant was secured is highly notable, as has been the painstaking reconstruction of these events using electronic material along with more old-fashioned methods of policing. It cannot be suggested in my view that the Metropolitan Police, even for a moment, attempted to close ranks to protect one of their own. Instead, remorselessly, efficiently and impartially the investigating officers followed all the available leads, resulting in an overwhelming case against the accused. Meriting particular mention are Detective Chief Inspector Catherine Goodwin, Detective Kim Martin and Acting Detective Inspector Lee Tullett. Mr Tullett has been a key figure in the investigation and the preparation of this case, going well beyond what could properly be expected of any police officer, and his role deserves high commendation.

Third, ensuring that this hearing ran smoothly has been no small feat given the number of people to be accommodated in court and via CVP, along with the lingering logistical difficulties posed by the COVID pandemic. The staff at this court have ensured that everything has gone exactly to plan, and I want to acknowledge the incredible hard work and careful thought that has enabled the procedures over last two days to appear so deceptively effortless.
Nigel Farage says his car was hit by a van while hunting for petrol this morning - as the government claims the UK's fuel crisis is showing signs of abating.

The GB News host and prominent Brexiteer shared his ordeal on Twitter in a jibe at government ministers who claimed that the crisis is stablising.

Mr Farage tweeted: 'The government tells us the fuel crisis is easing...I went to 7 petrol stations this morning and there was no fuel at any of them.

'Was then hit by a van whilst stationary at a roundabout. Great start to the day!'

Nigel Farage tweeted that his car was hit by a van while looking for fuel at seven petrol stations this morning

Mr Farage's tweet made a dig at government over ministers' claims that the crisis is 'easing'

Chaos has descended across the UK's 8,380 petrol stations throughout the past week after an estimated 60 percent ran dry of fuel over the weekend.

Ugly scenes unfolded including knife fights on forecourts as panic buying gripped the nation.

London and Bristol were among the worst hit areas on Thursday as UK roads were gridlocked for the seventh day in a row.

Treasury minister Simon Clarke admitted on Sky News this morning that 27 percent of petrol stations are still out of fuel.

Mr Clark said: ' 'I think we are now in a situation where the data is becoming much clearer on this.

'Whereas at the weekend 60 per cent of petrol stations were out of fuel - that was down to 27 per cent as of yesterday.

'The numbers are really moving in the right direction.'

He added that 150 drivers from the army are on standby to help if needed.

On Tuesday, transport secretary Grant Shapps urged drivers to resume their usual routines for filling up vehicles and stop panic buying.

He also claimed there are signs that stocks are getting back to normal under Britain's struggling forecourts.

Long queues are seen in front of petrol stations in London yesterday (Wednesday)

A sign informs customers that fuel has run out at a petrol station in Hemel Hempstead

Motorists queue for fuel at a filling station in Odiham, Hampshire, today (Thursday)

Mr Shapps said: 'There are now the first very tentative signs of stabilisation in forecourt storage which won't be reflected in the queues as yet.'

Sainsbury's told MailOnline today that it has more than 300 petrol stations, with some reopening after receiving more fuel but other closing until they receive more - however, it insisted that all sites continue to receive fuel.

It came as the government advised local councils around the country not to use the phrases 'panic', 'panic buying' or 'stock-piling' in reference to the fuel crisis, in the hope it will reduce queues outside petrol stations.
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Prince Andrew brazenly waved as he was pictured leaving Balmoral today - just days after he officially recognised a sexual assault lawsuit served to him by Virginia Giuffre.

The Duke of York, 61, had been hiding out at the Queen's Scottish estate for three weeks to escape the legal row but was all smiles as he left Balmoral today.

The royal earlier acknowledged the lawsuit against him by Ms Giuffre, who claims Andrew abused her on multiple occasions in 2001 when she was under 18. His lawyer has called the allegations 'baseless' and he has always denied any wrongdoing.

The acknowledgment was confirmed in a joint agreement signed by a lawyer for Prince Andrew, approved by a Manhattan federal judge and entered into the public court record on Tuesday.

Prince Andrew, 61, was all smiles as he left Balmoral today, three weeks after fleeing to the Scottish estate

He was pictured leaving Balmoral just days after he officially recognised a sexual assault lawsuit served to him by Virgina Giuffre.

Pictured: The Duke of York with Virginia Roberts, then 17, and Ghislaine Maxwell in London

The court papers said Andrew had been challenging acceptance of the lawsuit until lawyers spoke by phone on September 21. An agreement was signed three days later, according to the order signed by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

MailOnline had previously reported that Andrew's legal team accepted that he had been correctly served with legal papers by his sex accuser. This has now been entered in the official public record.

Ms Giuffre's lawyer, David Boies, had previously said he expected the prince's US lawyer, Andrew B Brettler, to apply for a 'reasonable' extension to respond to the complaint  and indicated they would likely agree to it.

The prince must now file responses to the lawsuit's claims by October 29. A conference has been scheduled for November 3.

Delivering a lawsuit to a defendant is usually a routine matter but can be more complicated when a defendant resides outside the United States.

A judge must be satisfied that a defendant has been properly notified of the allegations and has a reasonable period of time to respond to them.

Lawyers for Giuffre had told the judge that they'd delivered the lawsuit to Andrew in numerous ways, though never directly into his hands.

At one point, Britain's high court accepted a request from Giuffre's lawyers to formally contact Andrew about the lawsuit.

Los Angeles attorney Andrew Brettler, who signed the papers on Andrew's behalf acknowledging the prince was aware of the lawsuit, had argued at a hearing this month that Giuffre's claim was 'baseless, nonviable and potentially unlawful.'

In late 2019, Andrew told the BBC 'Newsnight' program that he never had sex with Giuffre, saying, 'It didn't happen.'

Brettler has said that Andrew cannot be sued because an earlier lawsuit in the United States that was settled 'absolves our client from any and all liability.' That 2009 settlement document, however, remains sealed.

The court papers said Andrew had been challenging acceptance of the lawsuit until lawyers spoke by phone on September 21. An agreement was signed three days later, according to the order signed by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan

Ms Giuffre is suing the Queen's son for allegedly sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions.

Ms Giuffre claims she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was aged 17 and a minor under US law.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at a Manhattan federal jail in August 2019 while he awaited a sex trafficking trial.

The death was ruled to be suicide.

Ms Giuffre is seeking unspecified damages, but there is speculation the sum could be in the millions of dollars.

Court documents show that lawyers for both sides spoke on September 21 and the time for the duke to respond was extended.

This latest point in the legal process is so a judge can be satisfied that proper notification of the allegations has been delivered to the defendant and they have enough time to respond.

In a previous legal hearing Mr Brettler said that Ms Giuffre had previously entered into a 'settlement agreement' with Epstein in 2009 that would nullify her case.

The 2009 settlement is currently sealed.
The Biden administration is again trying to put an end to former President Donald Trump's so-called 'Remain in Mexico' policy combatting illegal immigration after a federal judge ruled last month that the move to end the program was unlawful.

The Department of Homeland Security released a statement Wednesday announcing its intent to issue a memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the 'Remain in Mexico' program.

The order, according to the statement, will come in the next few weeks.

'A new memorandum terminating MPP will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order,' the DHS press release reads. 'In issuing a new memorandum terminating MPP, the Department intends to address the concerns raised by the courts with respect to the prior memorandum.'

In June 2021, DHS issued a memorandum terminating the MPP that a Texas district court ruled in August violated the law and issued an order requiring the agency to restart the Trump-era program.

In another blow to the Biden administration's attempt to shut down the program, the Supreme Court in August rejected the Justice Department's request to put the policy on hold while litigation over Biden's efforts to rescind the policy was resolved in the courts.

DHS released a statement Wednesday saying they will again try to strike down the Trump-era 'Remain in Mexico' policy. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a press briefing on September 24

The statement comes after a Texas federal court ruled in August that the administration memorandum ending the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) was unlawful

It also comes after thousands of mostly Haitian migrants crossed into the U.S. over the last month. Here the migrants wait in a shelter in Mexico on Tuesday to hear status of their case for asylum in the U.S.

MPP states that illegal immigrants entering the U.S. by way of the southern border may be returned to Mexico to wait during the duration of their immigration proceedings. The deal with Mexico was struck during the Trump administration and makes it so the neighbors to the south are responsible for providing all appropriate humanitarian protections for those seeking entry into the U.S.

DHS assured that until the new memorandum takes effect, it is working to restore MPP in line with order from the Texas court.

'To that end, the Department, working with the Department of State, is engaged in ongoing and high-level diplomatic discussions with Mexico,' the agency wrote. 'Simultaneously, the Department has instituted an interagency Task Force to efficiently rebuild the infrastructure and reapportioning the staffing that will be needed to restart MPP once that concurrence has been obtained.'

'Among many other steps, the Task Force is updating policies and procedures to account for COVID-19 and preparing to put in place contracts to rebuild the soft-sided Immigration Hearing Facilities used for court proceedings associated with MPP. '

President Joe Biden, DHS and its secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, have received a slew of criticism over the prevailing migration and illegal immigration crisis at the southern border  especially after thousands of mostly Haitian migrants set up camp in Del Rio, Texas this month.

DHS ramped up it's deportation efforts after a group of around 15,000 of these migrants set up an encampment under and around the Del Rio International Bridge, then proceeded to used a dam to cross daily between their camp in the U.S. and an area to obtain food and resources in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico.

The agency released partial figures last week showing 12 removal flights had taken 1,401 migrants back to Haiti, but at the time said 3,206 remained in custody and 5,000 were still camped out beneath the bridge in Del Rio. This meant that of the 15,000  5,000 were unaccounted for in those figures.

On Sunday, Mayorkas revealed that 12,000 Haitian migrants were released into the U.S. as they await their immigration hearings and another 5,000 are still being processed. This means at least 17,000 Haitian migrants have illegally entered the U.S. and are seeking asylum.

A group of around 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants set up an encampment near the Del Rio International Bridge this month. An image of the makeshift camp here on September 19

Here Haitians cross the waist-high water in the Rio Grande river on September 23 as they wade back to the U.S. after getting supplies and food from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico

Democrats were enraged when images emerged earlier this month of Border Patrol agents on horseback wielding split-reins. Some accused the agents of using the reins to whip migrants, while agents and witnesses claim they were never used as a weapon, and just a tool to direct their horse and wrangle the illegal border jumpers.

Mayorkas reassigned the agents in the images to administrative duties while an investigation ensues. He also assured civil rights activists, after Representative Maxine Waters called the images 'worse than slavery', that agnets in Del Rio are no longer operating on horseback.

Republicans decried the Biden administration for attempting to dismantle MPP, claiming it is one of the successful programs that helped quell mass migration during Trump's presidency.

Since Biden took office, the rate of illegal immigration has skyrocketed.

July saw the highest number of migrant encounters with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with 213,534. That monthly figure dipped for the first time since Biden took office in August, when 208,887 encounters occurred at the U.S.-Mexico border.

More than 1.2 million migrants have illegally crossed into the U.S. from February to August.

'The Department remains committed to building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system that upholds our laws and values. The Department also continues to process individuals in accordance with U.S. law and our mission,' DHS wrote in their Wednesday statement.
Australia is set to announce a controversial 'no jab, no pay' policy for all health workers which could see thousands forced to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or lose their job.

Scott Morrison is preparing to set out the plan at Friday's national cabinet meeting in a move that will see all states and territories fall under the same national structure.

But with recent violent protests over the issue of mandatory vaccinations, the decision is likely to be met with outrage from vocal Australia's anti-vaxxer groups.

Scott Morrison is preparing to set out the plan at Friday's national cabinet meeting in a move that will see all state's and territories fall under the same national structure

Australia is set to announce a controversial 'no jab, no pay' policy for all health workers which could see thousands forced to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or lose their job

Poll DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff Yes - for all workers No - no one should have to DO YOU AGREE WITH MANDATORY VACCINES FOR SOME WORKERS? Yes - for health care, aged care and hotel quarantine staff 525 votes

Yes - for all workers 755 votes

No - no one should have to 3112 votes Now share your opinion





Under the new rules every worker within the vast health system would be required to follow the mandate, news.com.au reported.

This includes staff at public hospitals, ambulance services, private hospitals, GPs, private nurse offices and consulting offices.

Pharmacies and private pathology labs will also have to abide by the rules, as well as students who are studying to become doctors and nurses and have work placements.

Until now every state has set out their own guidelines for vaccination mandates among health staff.

The majority of states have already introduced deadlines for health workers to get the jab but Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory are still in the midst of drawing their policy.

New South Wales' deadline for health workers to get their first dose ended on Thursday with over 5000 vital frontline staff set to be given the sack as early as tomorrow.

New South Wales' deadline for health workers to get their first dose ended on Thursday with over 5000 vital frontline staff set to be given the sack as early as tomorrow. Pictured: Sydney health workers

NSW Health data shows about 6-7 per cent of all clinical health workers refused to get the jab with many of them in short-staffed regional areas.

NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale admitted there are now 'real concerns' about potential staff shortages and how they will be resolved.

'Those pockets of people who may not be vaccinated, we are working through those issues,' she told reporters.

'We will make sure that services and care for patients is not disrupted.'

Drama over the issue also remains in Queensland with 'any clinical or non-clinical staff member who works in or attends locations where patients are cared for' must get double-dosed by October 31.

But at the moment about 10 per cent of staff remain unvaccinated.

'We know this is critical, we require our health workers to get vaccinated for a range of immunisations and the flu, so this is not uncommon,' Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said.

'This is about keeping them safe, their work colleagues safe, every patient and visitor that walks into their hospital and their own family members.'

Under the new rules every worker within the vast health system would be required to follow the mandate

While medical experts overwhelmingly support vaccine mandates for health workers, anti-vaxxer groups fuelled by unfounded online conspiracy theories are fiercely opposed to the measures.

Controversial backbencher George Christensen has stated 'no jab no pay' policies are equivalent to slavery and 'apartheid' era in Australia.

'This is not an anti-vax thing. This is about freedom, and it's about choice, and it's about saying to both governments and corporations, you know what, we might be your employee but we're not your chattel,' he said in an online broadcast.

'We're no longer in a slave relationship where you can demand certain things be done with my body.

'That's ridiculous. That's a sort of a view from yesteryear, and the whole rationale for mandating the jab in the workplace, it's not fair.

'The mandating, no jab no job rules all the rest of the vaccine discrimination and medical apartheid, certain politicians are proposing, it's not borne out by the facts.'

Controversial backbencher George Christensen has stated 'No jab no pay' policies are equivalent to slavery and 'apartheid' era in Australia

One of Australia's leading Cyber analysts, Ariel Bogle, says the anti-vaxxer movement has been able to amplify their message by using the fears of some healthcare workers.

'Healthcare workers really occupy a position of trust and credibility in our society,' Ms Bogle told the ABC.

'Even a vocal minority of those [healthcare] voices is extremely useful to the anti-vaccine movement.

'It helps create the perception that there is a debate among healthcare workers  between doctors, nurses  about the safety of vaccines when, in fact, there is no such real debate.'
Germany could be set to bring in a speed limit on the country's Autobahns when politicians agree a new government following an election last week.

Politicians have for years debated imposing an 80km-per-hour speed limit on the stretches of road which are famous for allowing motorists to drive as fast as they please.

The Green Party has pushed for the move as it would help reduce CO2 emissions and make roads safer, but has so far failed to push a speed limit through parliament.

But the party emerged as potential kingmakers coming third in the vote last week and could enter either a Traffic Light coalition with the Social Democrats (SDP) and Free Democrats (FDP) or a Jamaica coalition with the ruling CDU/CSU and FDP.

Both coalitions are expected to back the speed limit with the SDP already behind the move and the FDP agreeing to support the restriction as a concession to the Greens if they join the Jamaica coalition.

The Green Party (pictured, party leader Annalena Baerbock) has pushed for the move as it would help reduce CO2 emissions and make roads safer, but has so far failed to push a speed limit through parliament

Germany could be set to bring in a speed limit on the country's Autobahns when politicians agree a new government following an election last week

Greens co-leader Robert Habeck said while campaigning in June the party would immediately introduce an autobahn speed limit if elected.

But it is thought the party will also seek a standard 19mph in cities as well as a 50mph limit on rural roads and push its anti-car policy nationwide once in government, the Local reported.

In the most recent government - a coalition of the SDP and CDU/CSU - the SDP pushed for a speed limit but the policy gained little traction.

Critics of the policy have said German roads are already safe enough and blasted restrictions as an infringement on people's right to drive fast.

The German autobahn is the only European road network to have stretches without a speed limit - although an 80mph max speed is recommended - in a law that was introduced by the Nazi party in 1939.

The 1973 global oil crisis, which increased oil costs by 400 per cent, led to the brief introduction of a speed limit but Germans have had the right to accelerate ever since.

Politicians have for years debated imposing an 80km-per-hour speed limit on the stretches of road which are famous for allowing motorists to drive as fast as they like

Sunday's election saw the SDP win 25.7 per cent of the vote while the CDU/CSU managed on 24.6 per cent - the bloc's worst-ever result in a national election.

The Greens, who made their first bid for the chancellery with co-leader Annalena Baerbock, were running in third place with 14.1 per cent, while the pro-business Free Democrats had 11.5 per cent of the vote.

No winning party in a German national election had previously taken less than 31 per cent of the vote.

The outcome has put Europe's biggest economy on course for lengthy haggling to form a new government while Merkel stays on in a caretaker role until a successor is sworn in.

A three-party governing coalition, with two opposition parties that have traditionally been in rival ideological camps - the environmentalist Greens and the business-friendly Free Democrats - would provide the likeliest route to power for leading candidates the SDP and CDU/CSU bloc.

Chancellery nominees CDU/CSU leader and Merkel's successor Armin Laschet and SDP head Olaf Scholz will be courting the same two parties.

Scholz is understood to be in talks to form a so-called Traffic Light coalition, because of the red, green and yellow party colours, with the Greens and FDP.

Meanwhile Laschet is thought to be exploring a possible Jamaica coalition, after the black, yellow and green of the country's flag, with the CDU/CSU Union, Greens and the FDP.

The Greens traditionally lean toward the Social Democrats and the Free Democrats toward the Union, but neither have ruled out going the other way.

Chancellery nominees CDU/CSU leader and Merkel's successor Armin Laschet and SDP head Olaf Scholz (pictured) will be courting the same two parties

CDU leader and Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet on stage at the party headquarters after the exit polls were broadcast

The Free Democrats' leader, Christian Lindner, appeared keen to govern, suggesting that his party and the Greens should make the first move.

In a post-election debate with all the party leaders on public broadcaster ZDF, Mr Lindner said: 'About 75 per cent of Germans didn't vote for the next chancellor's party.

'So it might be advisable...that the Greens and Free Democrats first speak to each other to structure everything that follows.'

Baerbock insisted that 'the climate crisis...is the leading issue of the next government, and that is for us the basis for any talks...even if we aren't totally satisfied with our result.'

While the Greens improved their support from the last election in 2017, they had higher expectations for Sunday's vote.

The other option would be a repeat of the outgoing 'grand coalition' of the Union and Social Democrats that has run Germany for 12 of Merkel's 16 years in power, but there was little obvious appetite for that after years of government squabbling.

'Everyone thinks that...this "grand coalition" isn't promising for the future, regardless of who is No. 1 and No. 2,' Laschet said. 'We need a real new beginning.'

Scholz said the results were 'a very clear mandate to ensure now that we put together a good, pragmatic government for Germany'.
Anna Sorokin - the fake heiress who swindled banks, hotels and members of New York high society out of $275,000 - has given her first TV interview since her release from prison.

The 30-year-old German citizen, who is currently in ICE custody awaiting possible deportation back to Europe, was freed in February after serving almost four years behind bars after being convicted of grand larceny and theft of services.

Now, Sorokin is sitting down with ABC's Deborah Roberts for a 20/20 special, which is set to in full on Friday.

In a sneak preview of the interview, the convicted fraudster attempts to portray herself in a softer light, saying she never pretended to be from money and she never meant to be deceptive.

'I never had a fraudulent intent - and I guess that's what should really count,' she claims.

Sorokin, who wore heavy make-up and curled her hair for the interview, further stated: 'I would like to show the world that I'm not this dumb, greedy person that they portrayed me to be.'

In 2013, Sorokin arrived in New York City, and pretended to be a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey. She spent the next four years living a life of luxury, often on the borrowed dimes of newly-acquainted friends who believed she was incredibly cashed up.

Anna Sorokin - the fake heiress who swindled banks, hotels and members of New York high society out of $275,000 - has given her first TV interview since her release from prison

The 30-year-old German citizen was freed in February after serving almost four years behind bars after being convicted of grand larceny and theft of services. She is pictured in court in 2019

Sorokin's lawyer also appears in the 20/20 special, attempting to explain his client's actions.

'Anna had every intention of doing things the right way, but she couldn't open those doors without doing something a little bit grey to open the door,' her attorney, Todd Spodek, stated.

'Everyone creates the version of themselves that they want the world to see... Everyone lies when it's convenient to them and Anna did the same thing. She couldn't be 100% honest because no one would listen to her.'

However, the 20/20 special also features an interview with one of Sorokin's former friends, who was left $62,000 in debt due to the fake heiress's antics.

The ex-pal, Rachel DeLoache Williams, tells 20/20 she joined Sorokin on a trip to Morocco in 2017.

Williams believed Sorokin was footing the bill for the lavish vacation but her credit cards mysteriously stopped working.

'[The hotel] said to me, "Do you have a credit card?" So I look at Anna and she's like, "Can we just use yours for now?" Williams recounts in the new TV special.

Later, Williams learned the total amount billed to her credit card was in excess of $62,000.

'She owed me more money than I made in a year,' Williams stated.

The former friend says she then fell behind on her rent and credit card repayments, and was left 'panicking'. She testified against Sorokin at trial.

'To have someone that I had put so much goodwill into turn out to just be like a liar and who had willfully hurt me, was very painful,' she stated.

Sorokin, who wore heavy make-up and curled her hair for the interview, further stated: 'I would like to show the world that I'm not this dumb, greedy person that they portrayed me to be'

The 20/20 special also features an interview with one of Sorokin's former friends, Rachel DeLoache Williams, who was left $62,000 in debt due to the fake heiress's antics

Sorokin's interview with ABC appears to be an attempt to rebrand herself as more innocent and contrite.

Earlier this year she made more obnoxious remarks.

She told Tatler in May: 'It was the prosecutors' job to make me look bad, but in the end, they got upset for how famous I got over it.'

She told The Times in March that prison was a 'pointless' 'waste of time', called the prosecution against her an 'insult to her intelligence' and boasted that guards treated her like a 'celebrity'.

On Twitter, she joked that the only job she would consider is creative director of Goldman Sachs and said 'going to trial is the new sex tape'.

Sorokin is now the subject of an upcoming Netflix project. The streaming giant reportedly paid her $320,000 to consult on a series about her crimes and she has used most of the money to pay off her victims.

Life of luxury! Sorokin (far right) is pictured at a glitzy fashion week party in NYC back in 2014

Sorokin's interview with ABC appears to be an attempt to rebrand herself as more innocent and contrite. Earlier this year she made more obnoxious remarks. Pictured, Sorokin at her sentencing at Manhattan State Supreme Court in May 2019
This is the terrifying moment a woman fended off a leopard with her walking stick when it attacked her outside her own home.

Nirmaladevi Singh, 55, was sitting outside in the Aarey Colony suburb of Mumbai, India, on Wednesday evening, when the leopard pounced.

CCTV footage shows the leopard's eyes glistening in the darkness as it sneaks out of the bushes behind Mrs Singh and attack the unsuspecting woman.

The big catcatches the woman off guard and pushes her to the ground with a powerful claw as she shouts out for help.

This is the terrifying moment a woman fought off a leopard with her walking stick after the animal attacked her from behind outside her Mumbai, India home

Desperate to fend off the leopard, she grabs her walking stick and strikes it as it tries to maul her several times.

After taking a hit to the face the leopard jumps away before scarpering into the bushes as help arrives for the woman.

Ms Singh sustained cuts to her face, elbow, arm, back and leg in the attack, but none of the injuries are thought to be serious. Officials have reported that she is safe and undergoing treatment.

According to the Times of India, the incident is the third leopard attack in a week in the Aarey Colony - a residential area north of Mumbai that neighbours open forest.

Nirmaladevi Singh, 55, was sitting outside on Wednesday evening when the bright eyes of a leopard appeared out of the darkness

Gajanan Hire, of the Thane Forest Division which oversees Aarey Colony, said the claw marks on the woman indicated that the attack was carried out by a sub-adult leopard.

'Immediately after the first attack was reported over a month ago, we sought permission from the principal chief conservator of forests to trap the animal,' he said.

'There is a protocol to be followed before we can lay the trap and which is being done.'

Desperate to fend off the leopard, she grabs her walking stick and strikes it as it tries to maul her several times. After taking a hit to the face the leopard jumps away before scarpering into the bushes as help arrives for the woman

In the meantime, the forest department has installed around ten camera traps in the vicinity of the areas where the recent attacks have taken place.

'We have ordered for more camera traps so as to ascertain whether it is one sub adult or more,' he said.

Aarey forest is one of the greenest areas in Mumbai, but wildlife habitats are reportedly being threatened by construction work and tree cutting.

This has led to several recent incidents of leopards straying into residential areas.
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse took aim at firebrand Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Wednesday while lamenting the way politics is covered in the media in the current partisan climate.

He said he was sick of the media attention on the three lawmakers, who he said 'aren't serious adults.'

'We want to know. What do you think about what Matt Gaetz said, about what AOC said, about what Marjorie Taylor Greene did?,' Sasse says during an anecdote on the kind of questions he gets on Capitol Hill.

'And I don't give a s**t. In a republic, nobody should care about that. You just named three people who aren't serious adults - they don't actually have an agenda for 2030 America.'

The moderate Republican spoke with The Atlantic against the backdrop of Democratic party infighting over President Biden's Build Back Better agenda and Republican stonewalling over government spending. Each side has accused the other of playing politics with taxpayer funds.

Sasse opposes both measures that make up Biden's spending plan, and has been a critic of the president's on numerous issues.

Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse blamed the rise of hyperpartisan figures on an increasingly digitally-focused society

He stood out during the Trump years as well as a frequent target of the former president and voted to impeach him after the Capitol riot.

The lawmaker pointed out that he won re-election in Nebraska with the most votes on record despite opposition from Trump and a state GOP censure.

'I voted for impeachment after the January 6 moment, and so I got censured repeatedly for that. Those censures are news, but the fact that I set the all-time vote record isnt news. The vast majority of people dont want to do politics like this,' he said.

He used the three lawmakers as an example of people who get disproportionate coverage to the amount of people whose views they represent.

'The way we cover politics as short-term tribal reaction to reaction to reaction, its nonsense. And the vast majority of people dont want anything to do with it,' Sasse claimed.

Ocasio-Cortez, Gaetz and Greene frequently appear in headlines for bombastic statements or actions.

He singled out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to say she's not 'the norm' when it comes to the Democratic party's stances

Host Jeffrey Goldberg acknowledged Greene, a staunch Trump ally who was stripped of her committee assignments over her behavior, 'is not the norm among elected Republicans.'

'Nor is AOC the norm, which is why she got eight votes when she tried to take down the Iron Dome funding,' Sasse said.

'And yet the press acts like AOCnot all the press, but its very typical to act like AOC speaks for like 60 percent of 51 percent of the country. That's nonsense.

'Its justthese people are really good at doing short-term screaming.'

Last week Congress voted on a standalone bill granting $1 billion to Israel's Iron Dome. The hastily-introduced measure succeeded by a decisive 420-9 vote. Ocasio-Cortez voted 'present.'

Sasse blamed the dominance of these figures on the loneliness brought on by an increasingly isolated, digital society.

'And that unsettling of community and place raises lots of fundamental questions about what gives people happiness and meaning and connection and neighborliness, and almost everything thats happening in our politics is downstream from that,' he said.

Sasse also took aim at Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor-Greene, both staunch Trump supporters. Sasse was a frequent critic of the former president when he was in office and voted to impeach him after the Capitol riot

The Nebraska senator said Trump and his politics are what lost Republicans their Senate majority in the Georgia elections earlier this year.

'Donald Trump stole the majority, the Senate Republican majority, from our party by electing Democrats in Georgia because he wanted to say the lie that he won the election over and over again,' he said.

Sasse continued, 'Suburban Republican women in Georgia decided to elect Democrats to the Georgia Senate seats, because they were tired of Donald Trump being on the stage, lying that he won an election.'

And just like Americans didn't want Trump's election fraud claims, Sasse claimed, they don't want Democrats' sweeping reforms that he said fellow lawmakers act 'like there some mandate' for.

'The American people dont want this $3.5 trillion, 17-issue area reconciliation bill. And yet people do that because they misread anti-politics as a mandate for something,' he said.

The smaller $1 trillion bipartisan bill that Sasse opposes is coming to a House vote today.
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A police watchdog inspector today admitted she would have 'concerns and reservations' about approaching a lone male police officer at night, following the sentencing of Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens.

Zoe Billingham, a senior inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, also said that she could not say 'with certainty' that the murder of a woman by a police officer in Britain would not happen again.

Her comments came as ex-Scotland Yard chief superintendent Parm Sandhu warned that women police officers tend to not raise concerns about their male colleagues' behaviour because they fear they will be abandoned when calling for backup and 'you're going to get kicked in in the street', adding that male officers tend to 'close rank'.

Ms Sandhu, who now mentors young women becoming officers, also expressed fears that many women would no longer feel confident in getting into a police officer's car, as she described Couzens as 'a monster in uniform'.

The detective also labelled the police service as 'very sexist and misogynistic', and said women had to be 'very careful and weigh which battles you can fight and which ones you can actually win'. And she said 'women officers who are married to police officers won't report domestic violence either because of the same sort of issues'.

In addition, Ms Sandhu said she had been 'contacted all morning by other women to say 'what should we do'?' if approached by a lone police officer and told to get in a car, urging them to call 999 and say they were scared.

Couzens's old boss Dame Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, was today facing calls to resign in the wake of the murder amid demands for urgent action to restore the confidence of women in the police.

Today, Scotland Yard ended a policy of allowing plainclothes officers to patrol alone - after Couzens used it to stage the arrest of Miss Everard.

The Met instantly moved to distanced itself from Couzens yesterday before his sentencing had begun, referring to him as a 'former Metropolitan Police officer' - despite him using his job, police-issued badge, belt and handcuffs to coax his victim into his car before raping and murdering her.

Former DCI Simon Harding, who was a senior investigator on Miss Everard's case, also moved to distance the force from Couzens's sickening crime, as he said 'police officers do not view Wayne Couzens as a police officer', adding, he 'should never have been near a uniform'.

Couzens was accused of indecent exposure in a branch of fast food restaurant McDonald's in Swanley, Kent, three days before Miss Everard died, but was not arrested or taken off duty while the matter was investigated.

The 48-year-old had been accused of the same crime in Dover in 2015, while working as an officer for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. A motorist allegedly saw him driving naked from the waist down, but no arrests were made.

He also allegedly made female colleagues feel uncomfortable and was nicknamed 'the rapist'. Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating whether the allegations were properly dealt with.

Couzens, 48, who was sentenced at the Old Bailey today, strangled 33-year-old Miss Everard with his police belt after kidnapping her in South London under the guise of a fake arrest for breaking lockdown rules.

Zoe Billingham, a senior inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, said that she could not say 'with certainty' that the murder of a woman by a police officer in Britain would not happen again

Scotland Yard chief superintendent Parm Sandhu (pictured on Sky News) warned how in her experience, male officers close rank against female colleagues who raise concerns about their behaviour at work.

Ms Billingham told BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour today that Couzens's actions had struck a 'hammer blow to the heart of policing legitimacy' and that she had the same 'deep, deep anger' that many people felt over the killing.

She added: 'I think this is a watershed moment for policing. I think we cannot abide by the narrative that this was a one-off, that he was a bad'un, and I think every force now in the country must look to re-establish trust and legitimacy.

Wayne Couzens, 48, was handed a whole life order today

'Because what Wayne Couzens did to Sarah Everard has struck a hammer blow to the heart of policing legitimacy in England and Wales.

'It needs to be treated as thus, and I would call on every force in the country to account immediately to its communities as to exactly what it is going to do to ensure that this can never happen again.'

Asked by presenter Emma Barnett how safe she would feel going to a male police officer at night with a problem, Ms Billingham said: 'At this moment in time, like any other woman, I have concerns and reservations, and that's why I say today we cannot dismiss Wayne Couzens as a one-off as a rarity, as an aberration.

'We must see every police force in England and Wales now stepping forward to tell its communities precisely what it's doing to ensure that women are safe. We have yet to see and say with certainty that this may not happen again.'

Ms Billingham's comments came two weeks after she published a report claiming that police chiefs should treat violence against women as seriously as terrorism and stop ditching an 'eye-watering' number of crimes.

Meanwhile Ms Sandhu, who lives in Sevenoaks, Kent, told Sky News: 'Throughout my service there have been incidents of sexism.

A court artist's sketch of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing police officer Wayne Couzens at the Old Bailey in London today

'I was lucky in that I've always managed to stand up for myself at a cost, and there have been hurdles.

Terrified women ask ex-Met chief superintendent what to do if they're approached by a lone officer  as force stops plainclothes officers from patrolling alone Former Scotland Yard chief superintendent Parm Sandhu said she had been contacted 'all morning' by women asking what they should do if they are stopped by a lone police officer and told to get into a car. It comes after Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens used his job, police-issued badge, belt and handcuffs to coax Sarah Everard into his car in London in March before raping and murdering her. Also today, Scotland Yard today ended a policy of allowing plainclothes officers to patrol alone - after Couzens used it to stage the arrest of Miss Everard before raping and strangling her with his police-issue belt. He then set fire to her body in Kent woodland. Parm Sandhu, who left the Met Police two years ago, told BBC Radio 4's World At One today: 'I think that women would hesitate now to get in a car with a lone police officer who's not in a uniform. 'I've been contacted all morning by other women to say 'what should we do'? 'My advice is - and I've said this to my own family members is  if you're stopped by a lone police officer, comply, check that they've got body-worn video, if you're unhappy, phone up 999 and say I'm unhappy and I'm scared. 'Do not get into a car unless it's a marked police vehicle, and insist on them calling another officer or transport so that you can get into a marked police vehicle. 'Police officers can't not arrest women  they still have to arrest women who are on their own who are committing crimes. But, we now need to build in this extra issue, this extra precaution just to make people feel safe and secure.' Advertisement

'I still mentor young women who are joining the police service now. And you do have to be strong, you do have to be able to cope with these things and you do have to call it out.

'But unfortunately the majority of people who in the police service are men, so it's put down to banter and it's put down to 'oh, you can't take a joke'.

'So you have to be careful about which battles you fight, and I think that's why this monster got away with some of the comments and some of the actions that he did at this workplace, which is why they called him 'the rapist' at work.

'But no one was strong enough to actually take it any further, or strong enough to actually make him leave the organisation.'

She continued: 'My biggest concern now is how many women will feel confident in getting into a police officer's car. The police service must be able to protect and serve our communities. We are supposed to be part of the community... So in my view, something has to be done to rebuild that trust and confidence.

Ms Sandhu also said: 'This man is a monster in uniform who had got through vetting procedures, so we need to look at how are we vetting people.''

She also spoke to BBC Radio 4's World At One today, saying: 'I think that women would hesitate now to get in a car with a lone police officer who's not in a uniform.

'I've been contacted all morning by other women to say 'what should we do'? My advice is - and I've said this to my own family members is  if you're stopped by a lone police officer, comply, check that they've got body-worn video, if you're unhappy, phone up 999 and say I'm unhappy and I'm scared.

'Do not get into a car unless it's a marked police vehicle, and insist on them calling another officer or transport so that you can get into a marked police vehicle.

'Police officers can't not arrest women  they still have to arrest women who are on their own who are committing crimes. But, we now need to build in this extra issue, this extra precaution just to make people feel safe and secure. So I think this has absolutely eroded the trust of women in policing.'

She added: 'The police service is very sexist and misogynistic. Unfortunately the majority of police officers are male, and it's put down to banter, it's put down to 'oh, you can't take a joke'. A lot of women will not report their colleagues.'

Asked if she ever experienced something that should have been reported, Ms Sandhu said: 'Yes, I did. But I dealt with it myself. And on one occasion I did report it, and then I was vilified.

'What happens is that male police officers will then close ranks and the fear that most women police officers have got is that when you are calling for help, you press that emergency button on your radio, they're not going to turn up and you're going to get kicked in in the street.

Members of the public wait outside the Old Bailey in London today ahead of the decision over the sentencing of Couzens

'So you have got to be very careful and weigh which battles you can fight and which ones you can actually win.'

Sarah Everard, 33, was raped and murdered in March

Asked if she would not report something because of a 'fear that people will leave you to have your head kicked in', Ms Sandhu said: 'Yes, absolutely, and women officers who are married to police officers won't report domestic violence either because of the same sort of issues. The women becomes the perpetrator as such. There is no support mechanism.'

She added that she thought Dame Cressida should resign, saying: 'We need to review and overhaul the police service. Not just in the Met, we need to review and change it right across the country. I personally haven't got the trust in the Commissioner to make those necessary changes.'

Meanwhile Dame Cressida is facing calls to resign, with Harriet Harman MP asking Home Secretary Priti Patel to take urgent action to 'rebuild the shattered confidence of women in the police service'.

She has told Dame Cressida that she needs to step aside to 'enable these changes to be taken through'.

In a letter to Dame Cressida, the MP for Camberwell and Peckham, who is also mother of the House of Commons and chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, said: 'Women need to be confident that the police are there to make them safe, not to put them at risk. Women need to be able to trust the police, not to fear them.

'I have written to the Home Secretary to set out a number of actions which must be taken to rebuild the shattered confidence of women in the police service.

'I think it is not possible for you to lead these necessary actions in the Metropolitan Police. I am sure that you must recognise this, and I ask you to resign to enable these changes to be taken through and for women to be able to have justified confidence in the police.'

Yesterday: Demonstrators hold placards as they await the sentencing of Wayne Couzens outside the Old Bailey in London

In a second letter to Ms Patel discussing the crimes of Wayne Couzens, she said: 'It is clear that there had been all too many warning signs about him which had been swept under the carpet. It cannot be rebuilt with the attempt to reassure that this was just, as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner said, one 'bad'un'.

Dame Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, is facing calls to resign in the wake of the murder

'Women's confidence in the police can only be rebuilt with substantive and immediate change.'

She called on the Home Secretary to bring forward changes including:

Immediately suspending officers from duty where there is an allegation of violence against women.

Dismissing officers immediately when there is a conviction or admission of such a crime.

Disciplinary action of gross misconduct, leading to dismissal, for failing to report fellow officers for an allegation of violence against women.

Scrutinising someone's attitudes to violence against women, including engaging in violence during sex, as part of vetting of police recruits.

Fresh checks on officers who transfer between forces for allegations of violence against women.

Training for all current serving officers with a course to teach them to 'examine their own attitudes to violence against women and recognise signs in their colleagues'.

Anna Birley, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, said 'very little' has changed since Miss Everard's death and she accused the Government of failing to protect women from violent crime.

The 32-year-old, who is also a Labour and Co-operative councillor for Lambeth Council and has helped organise vigils for Miss Everard and other women murdered in London, said a 'wholesale change within our criminal justice system' is needed.

She said: 'What's depressing is very little has changed. The Government needs to stop dilly-dallying and take tangible action to stop women from being killed.'
Whole life orders are the most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system for those who commit the most serious crimes.

Today, Wayne Couzens, 48, was jailed for the rest of his life with no chance of parole after he 'misused' his 'office and authority' as a Met officer to kidnap, rape and murder Sarah Everard.

He joins a string of some of the country's most dangerous offenders who are expected to die behind bars.

There are 60 criminals still alive who are serving whole life orders, according to government figures to the end of June. In total, 73 criminals have been sentenced to whole life terms.

As a former police officer convicted of kidnap, rape and murder, Couzens is likely to see out his sentence in a Vulnerable Prisoner Unit (VPU) for his own protection. In VPUs, prisoners are segregated from mainstream inmates, since they may be considered possible targets for violence from other prisoners given the brutality of their crimes.

Today, Wayne Couzens was jailed for the rest of his life with no chance of parole

An elderly prisoner walks past the vulnerable prisoners unit (VPU) in Wandsworth Prison, south west London (stock image)

HMP Belmarsh in Thamesmead, east London, is one of the possible locations that Couzens could be sent after his sentencing

One possible location for Couzens immediately after his sentencing is HMP Bellmarsh, which has a VPU, before he is transferred elsewhere.

In an Evening Standard article, ex-Tory MP turned convict, Jonathan Aitken, wrote: 'VPs are mainly sex offenders or nonces although other rare beasts of the prison jungle such as jailed police officers, grasses and inmates with special worries about their personal safety also apply for the special protection of Rule 43.'

While VPUs may offer stricter protection, Jonathan Aitken described them as 'claustrophobic'.

Safety precautions in VPUs have been breached in the past. In 2019, paedophile Richard Huckle, 33, was found stabbed to death in his VPU cell at HMP Full Sutton. Huckle had been serving 22 life sentences for molesting up to 200 children.

Prisoners serving life sentences will never be considered for release, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it.

Milly Dowler's killer Levi Bellfield is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole life orders - for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

Other notorious criminals serving whole life orders include Gloucester serial killer Rose West, who is responsible for the deaths of ten women - many of them tortured and murdered with her husband Fred West, now dead, as an accomplice.

Gloucester serial killer Rose West, who was jailed for life over the murders ten victims between 1973 and 1987

Rose and her late husband Fred West are believed to have tortured and murdered at least a dozen women in their home in Gloucester, including their daughter Heather

Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley were among the criminals serving life behind bars

Rose West was later transferred to HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire in 2019, as rumours circulated about ill health and death threats.

Myra Hindley, who died aged 60 in 2002, was never released from prison despite her long campaign for parole, which was backed by prominent supporters including Francis, Pakenham, Earl of Longford.

Partner in crime, Ian Brady, spent 19 years in mainstream prisons before he was diagnosed as a psychopath in 1985 and moved to the high security Park Lane Hospital, now Ashworth Hospital, in Maghull, Merseyside.

Brady vowed to starve himself in 2012 and unsuccessfully applied to return to prison. He finally died at Ashworth Hospital in 2017 aged 79, after spending 52 years incarcerated.

Michael Adebolajo, one of Fusilier Lee Rigby's killers, is also serving a life term without parole.

Other notorious lifers are Mark Bridger, 55, who abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones in Powys, Wales, in 2012; neo-Nazi Thomas Mair who killed MP Jo Cox; Grindr serial killer Stephen Port; and most recently terror attacker Khairi Saadallah - who murdered three men in a park in Reading.

Levi Bellfield who was found guilty of murdering schoolgirl Milly Dowler in 2003

Before they died, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and doctor Harold Shipman - thought to be one of Britain's most prolific serial killers - were also among those serving whole life orders.

In the past, home secretaries could issue whole life tariffs and these are now determined by judges.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, the Government is trying to expand the use of whole life orders for premeditated murder of a child.

Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebelajo later lost two teeth while being restrained by five officers at Belmarsh Prison

Mark Bridger, 55, who abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones in Powys, Wales, in 2012

Thomas Mair, 58, who shot and stabbed Labour MP Jo Cox outside of her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in 2016

The reforms would also allow judges to hand out the maximum sentence to 18 to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, such as for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life.

It will also give judges the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to impose a whole life order on offenders aged 18 or over but under 21.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was today urged to 'stop blaming everyone else for the fuel shortages' after he claimed petrol supply levels were 'close to normal range' despite South East England still being in a crisis. Nearly one third of petrol stations in the region are still dry or short on supply - with a Petrol Retailers Association survey finding 12 per cent in the South East have run out of fuel, and 17 per cent have one grade of diesel or petrol. Under 75 per cent of petrol stations have both diesel and petrol in London and the South East, as opposed to 90 per cent in other areas - with the figures in contrast to Mr Shapps's claims that the issue is almost entirely over. Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said: 'Grant Shapps must take his head out of sand, stop blaming everyone else for the fuel shortages and concede the most populated part of the UK is still a wasteland for fuel supplies. The reason is almost entirely down to his scaremongering actions over the last two weeks. It could have been avoided.' Pictured: Motorists put fuel into their cars at a Tesco petrol station in South East London today (left), which had some pumps out of fuel (centre), and a man fills a jerry can at a Shell station nearby (right).
A Dallas woman has been charged with orchestrating her American Airlines executive husband's cold-blooded murder by allegedly convincing her boyfriend to shoot him as the married couple walked their dog last year.

Federal court documents that were unsealed on Tuesday allege that Jennifer Faith, 49, used two phony email accounts to dupe her lover, Darren Lopez, into thinking that her husband of 15 years, Jamie Faith, was physically and sexually abusing her, as a way of justifying the murder plot.

'Ms. Faiths alleged murder-for-hire scheme was depraved and calculated,' stated Acting US Attorney Prerak Shah. 'She preyed on her boyfriends protective instinct and his pocketbook in order to convince him to execute her husband.'

Faith was charged on Tuesday with use of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire, which carries a potential death penalty.

Jennifer Faith, 49, (left) has been indicted on a federal murder-for-hire charge for allegedly encouraging her boyfriend Darren Lopez (right) to kill her husband

Jamie Faith (pictured with Jennifer) was killed in October 2020 outside couple's home in Oak Cliff, Texas

Jamie Faith was walking his dog outside the family's grey house in Oak Cliff, Texas (right) when a masked man ambushed and shot him seven times, killing him

Law enforcement officials later recovered the murder weapon, a .45 caliber gun, with Jamie Faith's blood still on it, in Lopez's possession

She was previously charged with obstruction of justice, to which she pleaded not guilty.

Lopez, 49, has pleaded not guilty to a state murder charge and a federal gun offense.

Lopez allegedly gunned down Jamie Faith, an American Airlines technology director, on October 9, 2020, if front of his home in Oak Cliff.

Jennifer told police that she witnessed the shooting but was unable to identify the gunman because he was wearing a face mask and approached from behind. Months later, she went on TV and begged the person responsible for her husband's death to turn himself in.

Jennifer was arrested in February 2021, after police discovered that she had exchanged 14,000 text messages with the alleged gunman, who was believed to be her high school and college sweetheart.

'Jamie Faiths brutal murder was a tragedy,' Shah said. 'His death has been a double blow to his family and friends, who had just begun to absorb the news of his murder when they were confronted with evidence of his wifes alleged involvement.'

A federal prosecutor said in a statement that Jennifer orchestrated a 'depraved and calculated' murder-for-hire plot targeting her husband of 15 years

After becoming convinced that he needed to save Jennifer from her abusive purportedly husband, Lopez allegedly traveled from his home in Tennessee to Dallas on October 8, 2020. Pictured: Lopez outside Pilot Travel Centers truck stop located at 3400 Service Loop Road, West Memphis, Arkansas on October 8

According to a federal indictment, Jennifer allegedly created a fake Gmail account in her husbands name in April 2020. Posing as her husband, Jennifer emailed Lopez multiple times during the spring and summer of 2020, taunting him with 'details of extreme physical and sexual abuse that had never actually occurred.'

Jennifer also attached to her emails fake photos of injuries as bogus proof of the domestic abuse.

'I am telling you to stay away from my family,' she allegedly wrote in an email to Lopez on April 10 while posing as her husband.

'Enjoy knowing you cant do a [expletive] thing about it,' she purportedly wrote in another email to Lopez, attaching close-up photos of phony bruises.

Jennifer also created a fake Gmail account in her friends name on May 13 and sent multiple emails to Lopez, falsely claiming that Jamie was abusing his wife. According to the indictment, she attached stock images of injuries to her emails.

Jamie's killer was seen fleeing the scene in an older model, black Nissan titan with a distinctive white 'T' decal on the lower left side of the rear window. Aerial footage shows the truck matching that description

In her text messages exchanges with Lopez, Jennifer allegedly pleaded with him to remove the 'T' decal from the vehicle after the murder

'Jamie slapped Jen  then he sent the pic of him choking her,' she wrote in an email to Lopez on May 13 while posing as her friend. 'I am asking if you are willing to get involved and help Jen get out of this situation.'

In another email addressed to Lopez, Jennifer allegedly wrote: 'Any ideas how we can help her?'

On May 20, Lopez allegedly replied in an email sent to the fake Gmail account: 'I know I wont feel better about her situation until she is out of the house away from him or she lets me put a bullet in Jamies head.'

Jennifer, still posing as her friend, allegedly wrote back: 'I am also very concerned and if it were up to me, I would tell you to go for it with your idea --- lol; Ill give you an alibi.'

The indictment claims that on October 8 - the day of the Faith couple's 15th wedding anniversary - Lopez drove from his home in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, to the Faiths home in Dallas, where he laid in wait until the early morning hours of October 9.

In December, Jennifer told WFAA she had no idea who the killer was, and cried when appealing to the killer to come forward on television

A friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the Faith family, and Jennifer allegedly used the money to pay Lopez's credit card bills and buy him plane tickets

When Jennifer and Jamie emerged from their home to walk the family dog, Lopez allegedly approached the husband from behind and shot him seven times  three times in the head, three times in the torso, and one time in the groin  before fleeing the scene in his black Nissan Titan pickup truck with a distinctive 'T' decal on the back window.

In the days following the murder, Jennifer and Lopez allegedly exchanged multiple text messages about removing the decal from the boyfriend's truck.

In January 2021, Lopez was arrested in Tennessee. He now faces a state murder charge and a federal weapons charge

A day after the murder, a friend of Jennifer's launched a GoFundMe account to raise money for the family. The newly minted widow allegedly withdrew approximately $58,000 from the fund, which she used to pay for purchases made on two credit cards she gave Lopez.

According to the indictment, Jennifer used some of the GoFundMe money to pay for expenses for Lopez and his family, buy plane tickets for him and his daughters, and pay FedEx to ship her boyfriend a large screen television.

On November 11, Jennifer initiated a life insurance claim seeking approximately $629,000 in death benefits from Met Life. She repeatedly updated Lopez about the status of the claim.

In an interview with the station WFAA in December, Jennifer described her husband's killing and demanded answers.

'We walked out the door and we made it to the house right behind you and I heard running behind me and I turned around and shooting just started,' she said at the time.

'The guy kept shooting and shooting. A neighbor said they saw him attempt to shoot me and the gun was empty. I was running up this driveway and he tackled me, started beating on me, and taped my hands together.'

She also told FOX 4 that it was hard not knowing why her husband was killed, pleading for the killer to come forward.

'It's been horrible, devastating. I teeter between being heartbroken and completely devastated. Every day has been awful,' she said at the time, before Lopez's arrest.

At the time of speaking, police had made no arrests, but had released a description of the suspect's truck which was later found to be Lopez's.

'Somebody has got to know whose truck this is,' Jennifer said. 'It's a black Nissan Titan extended cab. It had a Texas Rangers sticker in the back window. So it was very distinctive from that point.'

On January 10, law enforcement officials invited Jennifer for an interview. She immediately texted her boyfriend, telling him she was 'a ball of nerves now.'

'You dont need to be,' Lopez reassured her, according to the documents. 'Just keep saying what you have been  you will be fine.'

Jennifer allegedly replied that if police ask her about Lopez, she will tell them that he is an old friend going through a divorce.

Jennifer is pictured being booked into jail in February 2021, after cops discovered that she had exchanged 14,000 texts with her husband's suspect killer

'I am going to factory reset my phone on Sunday night after deleting texts,' she added. 'Just thinking in case they pulled phone records and ask.'

On the day of Jennifer's police interview, Lopez was arrested in Tennessee. Cops were said to have recovered the .45 caliber handgun used in Jamie Faith's killing with the victim's blood still on it.

While Lopez was in jail, Jennifer allegedly asked someone to let him know: 'I will always be his.'

Lopez sent a reply to Jennifer through the same person: 'Your knight always.'

A month after Lopez's arrest, Jennifer was booked on a federal charge of obstruction of justice after investigators learned that she and the murder suspect had exchanged 14,000 text messages in October 2020 alone, discussing how they could be together in five years.

The text messages stopped on the day of Jamie's killing, but then resumed a day later.

If convicted of murder, Lopez faces up to a life in state prison. The federal firearm charge against him carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Dog the Bounty Hunter discovered a fresh campsite on Florida's Shell Island during Wednesday's search for Brian Laundrie as a plane flew a sign taunting the 23-year-old fugitive.

The banner, which was flown over the islands off the western coast of Florida, according to Outsider, read 'Aloha Brian Laundrie' and was signed 'Dog'.

The TV reality star  real name Duane Chapman, 68  shared a photo of the banner on his Instagram account, revealing that he was not responsible for the sign.

'Frankly, I wish I had thought of that, but it wasn't our team,' Dog wrote. 'I'd love to shake the hand of whoever is behind the banner, I'll tell you that.'

During a ground search Wednesday, Dog and his team recovered a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday, Fox News reported.

However, the team did not find solid evidence suggesting that Laundrie, who is a person of interest in the homicide of his fiancee, Gabby Petito, 22, is in the woods on Egmont Key - located southwest of Florida's Fort De Soto Park.

Dog is likely not searching on Thursday, but will be following up with leads from his temporary headquarters in the Sarasota area, according to a statement from his spokesperson.

'This has been a very different search,' Dog said. 'Social media has enabled us to do this alongside everyone out there. America is along for the journey with us and I'm ready to do more!'

Dog the Bounty Hunter and his team recovered a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday

The TV reality star flew a banner with a message for Gabby Petito's boyfriend: 'Aloha Brian Laundrie'. The banner flown over the islands off the western coast of Florida

During Wednesday's search, the team did not find solid evidence suggesting that Laundrie is in the woods on Egmont Key. They are likely not searching on Thursday

A map shows the Fort de Soto Park campsite's location, the Laundrie family home and the Carlton Reserve where authorities have focused their search and Laundrie's parents say he was headed

Dog, who announced he was launching a search for Laundrie at the weekend, has focused his attention on the coastline and creeks surrounding Fort De Soto park.

The TV reality star used boats and K9 units top search the area Wednesday.

His spokesperson said he has been 'working on very strong leads' and that it 'could very well be the last day of the hunt to apprehend Brian Laundrie'.

Dog believes it is probable that Laundrie is hiding somewhere in the 1,136 acre Fort De Soto Park area  which is made up of five interconnected islands.

'This would be and could be a perfect spot for him to hide, not too many people out here, but there's a lot of environmental things that we're gonna fight,' he said in a video posted to Twitter.

Brian Laundrie hunt: Fox News Digital follows Dog the Bounty Hunter the moment he comes across a campsite on Shell Islandhttps://t.co/keVNUzVqSK pic.twitter.com/nCovosLO5t  Fox News (@FoxNews) September 29, 2021 Twitter Privacy Policy

Police received two 'public service' 911 calls connected to Brian Laundrie's parents' North Port, Florida home the day before Gabby Petito was reported missing (Pictured: Police at the Laundrie family home on September 24)

It was also revealed Thursday, according to North Port police logs provided to DailyMail.com, that officers received two 911 calls connected to the Launderie family home on September 10  the day before Petito was reported missing.

The were both 'public service' calls, with the first placed just before 4pm and the second around 6.30pm.

It is unclear who called 911 or what those calls entailed as the logs have been partially redacted. However, both calls have been given the brief description of 'problem settled'.

Officers also received three calls connected to the residence on September 11, the day Petito's mother filed a missing persons' report for the 22-year-old.

Those incidents were listed as 'follow up/investigation' and 'agency assist.'

Response to the calls was described as 'problem settled,' 'no police action needed' and 'report submitted'.

On Wednesday, Brian Laundrie's father, Christopher, was spotted breaking cover at the family home Wednesday to pick up a Dunkin' Donuts delivery and a bunch of flowers that were left on their doorstep in North Port, Florida, as the hunt for his fugitive son continued.

Photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show Christopher Laundrie inching outside momentarily to collect the supplies before he ducked back inside the property that his family used to share with their son's dead girlfriend Gabby Petito.

Brian Laundrie's father was spotted breaking cover from the family home Wednesday as the hunt for his son continues

He picked up a Dunkin' Donuts delivery and a bunch of flowers that were left on the doorstep in North Port, Florida

Christopher Laundrie inched outside momentarily to collect the supplies before ducking back inside the property that they used to share with their son's girlfriend Gabby Petito

Brian's mother Roberta was also seen in the doorway helping her husband with the goods but stayed inside the home

Laundrie's mother, Roberta, was also seen in the doorway helping her husband with the goods but stayed inside away from the crowd of protesters who continued to make their presence known to the couple.

It is not clear who sent the Laundries the bunch of flowers but dozens of bunches have been left at a makeshift memorial to Gabby on their lawn as questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of Brian and what his parents know.

New details have emerged about a camping trip that Brian took with his parents days before Petito was reported missing and around one week before he went on the run.

Documents obtained by Fox News reveal Brian's mom changed her reservation for the campsite to three people from September 6 to September 8, after Brian returned home early from his and Gabby's campervan trip early and alone.

On August 31, she also reportedly canceled a stay for two people from September 1 to 3, suggestion she may have known Brian was heading home the next day.

The FBI is now examining surveillance footage from the Fort De Soto Park campsite where the family's attorney admitted the trio visited and Dog the Bounty Hunter believes Brian could be hiding out.

Monday night, the reality star revealed that Laundrie's parents spent the night in the campsite from September 1 to 3, staying in spot number 1.

They returned again with Laundrie to stay on spot 15 from September 6 to 8, and left without him, Dog claimed. Records did not show the Laundrie family staying at the park from September 1 to 3.

The family's attorney, Steven Bertolino, confirmed all three Laundrie family members went camping at the park from September 6, leaving together the next day - September 7.

'They all left the park,' Bertolino said, according to Fox 13.

Bertolino gave the confirmation after initially saying of Dog's allegations: 'I will no longer give that dog credibility or dignify his false claims with the time of my reply.'

On Monday night, the reality star (pictured) revealed that Laundrie's parents spent the night in the campsite from September 1 to 3, staying in spot number 1. They returned again with Laundrie to stay on spot 15 from September 6 to 8, and left without him

If Dog's claims that Laundrie's parents left without him are accurate, the 23-year-old could have had a nine-day head-start on law enforcement before his dad, Christopher, and mom, Roberta, told police he had vanished.

This would also mean that the Laundries hid from authorities for almost a week that he was not at the family home as cops were denied access to enter the property due to Brian's first amendment rights.

Federal investigators are also following a lead that Laudrie bought a burner phone from an AT&T store in North Port before he disappeared. He was said to be accompanied by an 'older woman'.

Bertolino confirmed to ABC News that Laundrie did purchase a new cellphone  which he left behind at his parent's residence before embarking on a hike in the Carlton Reserve on September 14  on September 4, three days after returning home from his cross-country roadtrip.

The lawyer says Laundrie opened a new account at AT&T and the phone, which is currently in the possession of the FBI, was not a burner.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie are pictured together during their doomed cross-country trip. He is now on the run

The North Port AT&T store (pictured) declined to comment on the alleged purchase, telling the Daily Mail: 'We are not confirming or denying anything and we are not making any statements'

Federal agents have also seized surveillance footage from the AT&T store.

The North Port AT&T store declined to comment on whether Laundrie and Roberta visited the establishment, telling DailyMail.com: 'We are not confirming or denying anything and we are not making any statements.'

No further details about the woman have been revealed but it comes as speculation has been mounting that Brian's mom has also been using a burner phone.

Reporters in Tampa approached the FBI after internet sleuths showed screen grabs of Dog the Bounty Hunter's daughter Lyssa Chapman appearing to confirm the FBI believe Roberta Laundrie is using a burner phone.

It has not been suggested that she is using the burner phone to communicate with her son.

'We do not confirm or deny contact with any individual or entity in order to preserve their privacy, as such, we do not confirm or deny the receipt of any tip. We have no additional comment,' the FBI said, according to 10 Tampa Bay reporter Shannon Clowe.

The Fort De Soto campsite in Florida is seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos. New details have emerged about a camping trip Brian took with his parents there days before Petito was reported missing

The campsite (pictured) is located in Fort De Soto in Pinellas County, Florida, close to St Petersburg and was visited by the Laundries days before Gabby was reported missing

Documents reveal Brian's mom changed her reservation for the campsite to three people from September 6 to September 8 after Brian returned home from his and Gabby's campervan trip early and alone

Two months ago Laundrie and Gabby Petitio visited the same spot and posted photos hiking and showing them relaxing on the beach. They also posted this photo behind bars

Gabby (right) and Brian (left) are pictured at the campsite during the young couple's visit together two months ago

Timeline of missing Gabby Petito's case July 2: Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip

Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip August 12: Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor

Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor Aug. 21: Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah

Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah Aug. 24: Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie

Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie Aug. 25: Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park

Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park Aug. 25 or 26: The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes

The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes Aug. 27: Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone

Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone Aug. 29: The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm

The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm Aug. 30: Petito's mom receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite'

receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite' Aug. 31: Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3

Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3 Sept. 1: Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home

Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home Sept. 4: According to his attorney, Laundrie purchases a new cell phone from a North Port AT&T store which he leaves at his home September 14 and is seized by the FBI

Sept. 6-8: Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6

Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6 Sept. 10: The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home

The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home Sept. 11: Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie

Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie Sept. 12: Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito

Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito Sept. 14: Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack

Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack Sept. 15: Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case

Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case Sept. 16: The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released

The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released Sept. 17: Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her

Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her Sept. 18: North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie

North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie Sept. 19: Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description

Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description Sept. 21: Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation

Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation Sept. 20 - 22: FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve

FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve Sept. 22 : Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13

: Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13 Sept. 23: FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando

FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando Sept. 25: Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie

Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie Sept. 26: A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children

A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children Sept. 27: Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left

Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left Sept. 28: Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son

Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son Sept. 29: Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods

Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods Sept. 30: Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home

Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home Oct. 1: It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida

It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida Oct. 2: Petito's mother creates a new Twitter account and calls for Laundrie to turn himself into authorities in an 'angry' tweet. It is revealed that Petito's family tried to report her missing to North Port Police Department on September 10 but were told to file a report in her last known location Advertisement

Dog's daughter, Lyssa Chapman, tweeted that the FBI confirmed the accusations that Roberta is in possession of a burner phone but did not present any evidence of the confirmation.

Internet sleuths have also claimed that Laundrie is using a burner phone after allegedly noticing changes to his Instagram and Spotify accounts since he disappeared two weeks ago.

His Instagram account reportedly went live for three seconds on Monday showing waves and just a peak of an olive green boat, according to Inside Edition.

The account also reportedly unfollowed several people.

There have also been claims online that Brian's Spotify playlist name changed from 'Selfconsomption' to 'Nomatic Statik.' The playlist was reportedly created after Petito's disappearance.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Petito's phone remain unknown.

Laundrie was named a person of interest in the homicide of his fiancee, Petito.

A warrant is out for his arrest for allegedly fraudulently spending $1,000 on Petito's Capitol One Bank debit card between August 30 and September 1.

The young couple set off on a cross-country trip in their campervan back on July 2 and were documenting their travels on YouTube.

Petito was last seen alive on August 24 leaving a motel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Laundrie and last spoke to her mom by phone the following day. Her family said they believe texts from her phone after then were 'suspicious.'

Brian returned to his home in North Port alone on September 1 driving the couple's campervan.

Petito was reported missing on September 11 by her family and her body was discovered in a campsite near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

Her death has been ruled a homicide but the cause of death is not yet clear.

Laundrie refused to speak to authorities during a week-long search for his missing girlfriend. On September 17, his parents told police they hadn't seen him in three days when he headed for a hike at the nearby Carlton Reserve.

As the manhunt for Laundrie continues, new details have emerge about his whereabouts between September 1 - the day he returned to Florida without Petito - and September 14 - the day his parents claim they last saw him.

Documents from the Fort De Soto Park reveal Brian's mom Roberta made a booking on August 24 for two people to stay at the campsite from September 1 to 3, Fox reported.

But on August 31 - the day before Brian returned home - Roberta canceled the reservation.

Brian and Petito were not expected to be back in Florida until October after setting out on the four month-long trip on July 2.

On September 3, seven days before Petito was reported missing, Roberta made a new reservation for three people at the same park for the weekend running September 6 through September 8.

A source who used to work at Civic Plus which manages the campground's reservation system told Fox they believe this indicates the Laundries knew Brian was heading home on August 31 and then made new plans to include him in a trip.

Other documents from the park, which is about 75 miles north of the family's home, show the Laundries did check in and out of the campsite on the dates booked.

Brian visited the park with Petito just two months ago with photos showing the young couple at the beach and campsite.

In one photo from the fateful couple's visit, Laundrie and Gabby are seen peering through the bars of a jail cell at an old fort.

'Really nice campground, beautiful area with many hikes and easy walks, the beach, historic sites, really nice camp store and well maintained sites!' the couple said in a review.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office told Fox Wednesday that the FBI is now examining surveillance footage from the area around the campsite as part of the search for Laundrie.

A spokesperson said the footage was being looked at as part of 'the open and active investigation' led by the FBI's Denver field office.

'The surveillance footage is part of that and that's why it is not being released,' they said.

A couple who stayed at the campsite at the same time recalled seeing a red truck with a camper similar to the one now seen parked in the Laundries' driveway.

Marcie and Kenny Newson said they could not confirm physically seeing Laundrie but a selfie from their trip appears to show him walking across the campsite.

'They kept to themselves. They were there and then they weren't', they told NBC 2.

Another camper whose name appeared on the ledger was celebrating his anniversary with his wife three spots down from the Laundries.

Thomas Rutherford told Fox News that he could 'vaguely remember' spotting the Laundries' vehicle, which they noted due to the novelty of seeing a camper attached to a vehicle.
A horrified surfer has had his beloved Toyota Hiace stolen at the beach with insurers refusing to pay out a cent thanks to the lockbox he attached to its door.

Andrew Grantham, 49, and his wife had caught up with friends to surf at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast in Queensland when he stored his car keys in the security device attached to his van to keep them safe.

But upon returning from the surf and heading towards the showers, Mr Granthams friends noticed his treasured van had disappeared.

Andrew Grantham (pictured), 49, and his wife had caught up with friends to surf at Burleigh Heads in Queensland when he stored his car keys in a security device attached to his van

Walked up to the shower and then just saw a couple of my friends panicking like "wheres your car?" Mr Grantham told A Current Affair.

Thieves had managed to obtain the keys off Mr Granthams van, as Queensland Police confirmed several days later the van had been seen on CCTV being used in a burglary of a resort close by.

Upon returning from the surf and walking to the showers, Mr Granthams friends noticed his treasured van (pictured) had disappeared

Queensland police confirmed several days later the van had been caught on CCTV being used in a burglary of a resort

Mr Grantham said he had used the popular security item for several years like many surfers, and there had never been any issues.

He mentioned the van was in the middle of an overhaul to prepare for a trip around the country with his wife - and they had even left their wedding rings inside.

A lot of hopes and dreams are in that vehicle. Wedding rings. phones, wallets, the whole thing its just gone.

Mr Grantham mentioned the van was in the middle of an overhaul to prepare for a trip around the country with his wife (pictured)

Mr Grantham took to social media sharing images of his van and was willing to provide a reward to be reunited with it but never had any luck.

To make matters worse, Mr Grantham had submitted a claim over the stolen vehicle to his insurance provider Budget Direct, who notified him that using the security device to store his keys was a violation of his insurance policy.

Mr Grantham said: I was contacted and they said, "no your claim has been denied".'

Budget Direct released a statement saying the lockboxes are a 'signal' to potential criminals.

The matter has been considered by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, where the Ombudsman decided in favour of Budget Direct and confirmed that Budget Direct was entitled to deny the claim,' the company said.

The use of lockboxes of this style acts as a signal to would-be criminals that the car is unattended; reveals the location, outside of the car, that the keys are located in; and does not reliably stop cars being stolen.

Mr Grantham was disappointed the insurance company wouldnt cover the loss of the vehicle.

Mr Grantham submitted a claim to his insurance provider Budget Direct, who notified him that using the security padlock (pictured) to store his keys was a violation of his insurance policy

Steve Mickenbecker, the Chief Spokesperson for Canstar, explained: Every insurance policy Ive read says you must take reasonable precautions, reasonable measures to secure your car, some are specific about keys and say "look dont leave them in the car", some say "not in the vicinity of the car".'

Mr Mickenbecker advised people to talk to their insurance company about using certain security devices to ensure their cover wont be invalid.

Mr Grantham has moved to another insurance provider, purchased a cheaper vehicle that doesnt use an electronic key, and has decided to take legal action against Budget Direct.

He shared his story to alert others to read over their policies, so they dont suffer the same fate as him and his wife.
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased last week for the third straight week - even as job vacancies hit a record 10.9million during a nationwide worker shortage.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 362,000 for the week ending September 25, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 335,000 applications for the latest week.

Claims, which have dropped from a record 6.149 million in early April 2020, remain well above their pre-pandemic levels.

Extended government unemployment benefits, coupled with pandemic unemployment benefits created an environment where many Americans were being paid more not to work than to work.

The generous benefits created a nation-wide staff shortage with restaurants, bars and retailers struggling to reopen and keep positions filled.

But with much of those COVID-19 era benefits having ended earlier this month for more than eight million people, it was expected that jobless claims would fall.

Instead, claims have continued to rise as the US reports at least 8.7 million people were still unemployed this month. The latest quarterly report by the DOL showed a record 10.9 million open job vacancies in July.

Economists blame a range of factors including wild fires in California and Hurricane Ida, which devastated the Gulf Coast in late August and caused record flooding in New York and New Jersey in early September, forcing many businesses to close.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits spiked again last week as concerns rise over the surge in Covid-19 infections due to the hyper-contagious Delta variant and its affect on the economy

The DOL predicted that by 2030, employment opportunities will increase further and there will eventually be 11.9million job openings, which the department attributed to 'recovery growth' from COVID-19

Despite the recent increase in claims, the Department of Labor released a statement in September projecting that by by 2030, employment opportunities will increase to 11.9million job openings due to COVID-19 recovery growth.

The new persistent increase also suggests a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, driven by the Delta variant of the coronavirus, could be impacting the labor market.

Last week, the US reported nearly 800,000 new cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. The nation also reported more than 13,600 new deaths.

As of Wednesday, the US saw 123,269 new cases and 2,531 deaths.

'Claims rose again, and now it's evident higher layoffs are a side effect of the Delta wave,' Robert Frick, corporate economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union, said in a statement

The economy created 235,000 jobs in August, the fewest in seven months. Lack of childcare, fears contracting the coronavirus and pandemic-related career changes have been blamed for the worker shortage.

Restaurants and bars alone cut nearly 42,000 jobs last month due to the uptick in COVID, the first drop this year, CBS reported.

'So far, evidence from the states that ended benefits early over the summer suggests that even with the end of unemployment benefits nationally, there is unlikely to be a sudden and large return to the labor force,' said Veronica Clark, an economist at Citigroup in New York.

A separate report from the Commerce Department on Thursday confirmed that economic growth accelerated in the second quarter, thanks to pandemic relief money from the government, which boosted consumer spending.

Gross domestic product increased at a 6.7 per cent annualized rate, the department said in its third estimate of GDP growth for the April-June quarter. That was revised up from the 6.6 per cent pace of expansion reported in August.

The economy grew at a 6.3 per cent rate in the first quarter. Growth, however, looks to have slowed in the third quarter because of the Delta variant as well as shortages of raw materials, which have hurt motor vehicle sales and constrained home building and purchases.

Growth estimates for the third quarter are below a five per cent rate.

'Continued progress on this front should support demand for services,' said Stephen Juneau, an economist at Bank of America Securities in New York. 'We are seeing signs that travel demand is improving. Total card spending has increased.'

President Joe Biden echoed this optimism earlier this month.

'What we're seeing is an economic recovery that is durable and strong. The Biden plan is working, we're getting results,' he said.
A neo-Nazi, who called himself a 'political prisoner,' dressed up as the Joker and talked of 'accelerat[ing] a race war' on social media, sobbed Tuesday during his sentencing for firearms offenses.

Paul Miller, 32, will serve 41 months in jail for possessing ammunition and an unregistered short-barreled rifle, which were uncovered when the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force swarmed his home in Fort Lauderdale.

On March 2, Miller was arrested for lying about his convicted felon status while applying for a concealed carry permit in 2018 - 400 rounds of ammunition and the unregistered rifle were uncovered during the FBI raid on the same day.

The agency ramped up efforts to combat domestic terrorism following the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, and pinpointed Miller. Its Joint Terrorism Task Force swarmed his Fort Lauderdale residence, and found an unregistered rifle and 400 rounds of ammunition.

He told agents that he was preparing for a 'coming civil war', according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Prosecutors argued in court that he was 'on the precipice' of doing something with them. He was convicted June 22.

The evidence against him included hundreds of posts 'publicizing his animosity toward... minorities' and videos he filmed of approaching black individuals, calling them the N-word and threatening to attack them.

Phone calls and messages sent to his online followers from his jail cell in July, showing his confidence in a light sentence, were played by prosecutors during the Tuesday sentencing.

Paul Miller, 32, was arrested in March for lying about his status as a convicted felon when applying for a concealed carry permit in 2018 after the FBI ramped up efforts to combat domestic terrorism following the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol

Phone calls and messages sent to 32-year-old Paul Miller's online followers from his jail cell in July (pictured), showing an apparent indignance at his arrest and confidence in a light sentence, were played by prosecutors during the Tuesday sentencing hearing

'I believe that I'll probably serve, if everything goes well, 18 months if everything goes okay,' Miller tells the caller, imploring the fan to 'spread the word'. His longer sentence led to tears in the courtroom Tuesday.

Miller complains to the caller that his 'life had been ruined': 'Its scary dude, theyre gonna send me to prison, theres nothing I can do about it.'

'I was trying to do everything I could for us, trying to help our cause, trying to help our people and they just destroyed my life, man, they destroyed everything,' he says.

The sentiment contradicts Miller's words to a judge via a Zoom call from a Broward County jail cell in March: 'I am very sorry about this,' Miller told the judge. 'I really am.'

After his jail sentence, Miller will face an additional three years of supervised release, according to prosecutors with the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

'They blew up my house they came with tanks, they pointed guns at me, they pointed flashbang grenades at me... they took my phone, they took my computer, they just ruined my life, man,' Miller says in the June 22 phone call.

Miller's face lit up when the caller told him that his content online had been 'blowing up' and getting '400,000 likes and stuff' on TikTok.

Miller had 40,000 followers on Telegram and had became increasingly popular on Omegle, an online chat app where he harasses women and minorities while dressed as Batman's nemesis, the Joker

He bemoaned that, because his family didn't 'want to get involved with the stuff online' and his fiancee had left him, there was no one to run his social media pages.

In a July 23 message posted for his followers, he assured them that he would resume his online presence upon his release, and that his page wasn't 'losing people.'

'I cant wait to come home to all of you and talk to you all and see how Im going to do things when I come back,' he tells them in the minute-long clip. 'I know it seems like my page is losing people, but its just because its been banned by apple.'

'In here, guys, its like a f***ing dungeon. Im surrounded by these animals. But... once Im sentenced, Ill be sent off to a nicer prison.'

Although his CashApp account was removed by the platform, Miller sought out donations for his family.

In a videos described in his indictment, Miller is seen wearing body armor, flashing weapons and giving Hitler salutes while delivering an ideological lecture urging for a race war

Miller (right) standing with Ian Smith (left) a Bellmawr, New Jersey, gym owner who has attracted media attention for violating New Jersey coronavirus orders

In 2007 and 2009, Miller was convicted of drug manufacturing and distribution, according to New Jersey records, establishing him as a felon.

Miller, who goes by 'Gypsy Crusader', has more than 40,000 followers on Telegram, a messaging app and social media network popular with far-right extremists.

Investigators were suspicious of Miller's social media activity, considering him sympathetic toward and affiliated with the extreme right-wing group the Proud Boys and the 'Boogaloo' movement.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force raided Miller's Fort Lauderdale home and found 400 rounds of ammunition and an unregistered rifle - he told agents that he was stockpiling for a 'coming civil war'

Investigators were suspicious of Miller's social media activity, connecting him as being sympathetic toward and affiliated with the extreme right-wing group the Proud Boys and the 'Boogaloo' movement

During a court hearing in June, Miller pled guilty from his jail cell via Zoom. He was being held there due to his history of threatening behavior

In one of the videos posted online and included in the indictment, Miller is seen donning body armor, flashing weapons and giving Hitler salutes while delivering an lecture urging a race war.

In another video previously uploaded to Bitchute, an internet video sharing platform, Miller shows a pistol and said: 'I am armed to the teeth tonight...I have two new guns.'

'I hate the Jews. I want to gas 'em,' he adds.



When a follower asks if Miller has an army ready, Miller replies, 'I'm trying to build one.'

Several months ago, ADLs Center on Extremism identified Paul Miller as a volatile white supremacist-accelerationist. COE tracked him to Fort Lauderdale and shared significant intelligence with federal law enforcement before today's arrest. https://t.co/aH6nCYPVNR  ADL (@ADL) March 2, 2021

In a October 8, 2020 video posted on Telegraph, Miller (pictured) claimed he was 'doxed' by antifa and the Black Lives Matter movement, furiously blaming them for his radicalization

In a October 8, 2020 video posted on Telegram, Miller claims he was 'doxxed' by ANTIFA and the Black Lives Matter movement, furiously blaming them for his radicalization.

'I'm done with them. I don't want to talk any more. There is no more debate. Alright? There's no more b******t, yeah let's talk it out, yeah let's give them some rights. F**k them. F**k these (N-words). F**k these Jews.'

The current case against Miller came as the FBI's ramped up efforts to detect and combat domestic terrorism following the January 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. Officials warn that far-right extremism poses the greatest threat of violence

Prosecutors (pictured) asserted that Miller was stockpiling weapons for 'a coming civil war' and was 'on the precipice' of doing something with them

In a October 9 video, Miller is seen attending a New Brunswick, New Jersey, Trump rally, where he approaches a black woman holding a 'Black Lives Matter' poster and says, 'only white lives matter' and 'Heil Hitler.'

Miller also became increasingly popular on Omegle, an online chat app where he harasses women and minorities while dressed as Batman's nemesis, the Joker.
Katie Couric wrote sympathetic texts to Matt Lauer after he had been fired for sexual misconduct including one that read: 'I love you and care about you deeply'.

Just as it was revealed that Lauer had preyed on multiple female producers at NBC, Couric texted him 'I am crushed', in one of several messages she reproduces in her new memoir.

In Going There, Couric explains that hosting Today with Lauer for nine years left her feeling sorry for him in spite of the appalling allegations.

She writes that Lauer was a 'decent' man, worries how he will break the news to his kids and she says it felt 'heartless to abandon him.'

Lauer was fired by NBC in November 2017 after reports he had crossed the line with numerous women at the network over many years.

In her new memoir, Katie Couric reveals she sent messages of support to former colleague Matt Lauer after he was fired from NBC for sexual misconduct in 2017

Reports said that he gave one woman a sex toy and an explicit note saying how he wanted to use it on her. He was also accused of showing another woman his penis in his office and played 'f***, marry or kill' in the office.

Lauer's wife Annette divorced him in a stunning fall from grace for somebody who was once the highest paid TV host in the country earning $25million a year.

Since then, journalist Ronan Farrow made the even more serious allegation in his book, Catch and Kill, that Lauer raped Brooke Nevils, a former NBC News employee, at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014.

According to Nevils, she was in Lauer's hotel room when he pushed her onto the bed and asked if she liked anal sex, which she 'declined several times.'

Going There will be published in late October by Little, Brown and Company

Despite this, Lauer 'just did it' to her, without using lubricant making it 'excruciatingly painful.'

Lauer denied Nevils claims but said he was 'truly sorry' for the wider allegations, saying there was 'enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed'.'

In Going There, written long after all the allegations came out, Couric spends pages equivocating about Lauer's behavior.

She writes that 'my heart sank' when she heard that Lauer had been fired and says that she 'couldn't imagine' what it was like to be him.

Couric says there was still a part of her that wondered if the allegations were just wild rumors.

On November 28, 2017, the day Lauer was fired, Couric had a brief text exchange with Lauer which she reproduces in the book.

'I am crushed. I love you and care about you deeply. I am here. Please let me know if you want to talk. There will be better days ahead,' she wrote.

Lauer responded with a blowing kiss emoji.

Couric admits she read about all the 'awful things' Lauer had done but was worried for him and feared he was 'sleepless, haggard, depressed, maybe worse.'

Lauer had served as a co-host of NBC's Today Show from 1997 until his contract was terminated in November 2017 following allegations he sexually harassed an employee

Wife Annette Roque divorced Lauer following the scandal - a stunning fall from grace for one of the highest-paid TV hosts in the country earning $25million a year

Couric claims that it felt 'heartless to abandon him, someone who'd been by my side, literally, for so many years.'

Eventually she came to realize that he could be an 'excellent professional partner, a good friend, and a predator.'

Earlier in the book, Couric writes about her time at Today - where she served as a co-anchor from 1991 to 2006 - and admits that she 'heard the whispers' about Lauer.

She describes how Lauer's wife once calling the control room on a Saturday morning asking for the phone number of a woman she thought was having sex with him.

Another time, Lauer mistakenly sent a Today producer a lewd email suggesting she 'spread butter on her thighs' and invited her to his office and 'wear that skirt that came off so easily'.

Couric realized Lauer had a fling with a production assistant with the same surname as the woman he emailed and had written to her by accident.

Couric's take was that it was 'gross' and that Lauer was cheating on his wife and 'taking advantage' of a young woman on the show.

But she writes: 'The general rule at that time was: it's none of your business'.

Couric, 64, has previously spoken about how difficult the whole Lauer episode was.

Couric admits it felt 'heartless' to abandon someone who had 'been by my side, literally, for so many years'

In November 2019 at the annual Women Who Inspire event, she said that Lauer's firing was 'painful for me on many levels.'

Couric said that was 'especially when it comes to understanding what was going on with Matt, who I think ultimately turned out to be two very different people, in terms of my relationship with him versus some of the other things that were going on.'

Couric, who began her career in 1979, said she came of age in a media culture where 'fraternization existed and was going on unabated, where people were having relationships with other people within the business.'

She said: 'Now, I hope these big broadcast organizations are also having a reckoning and realizing there are certain standards, certain behaviors.'

Going There will be released in late October and will be accompanied by an 11-city book tour and a comprehensive media rollout.

DailyMail.com has already revealed how the book is far less flattering than Lauer about former colleagues, ex-boyfriends and even A-list celebrities.

In Going There, Couric says that she gave Ashleigh Banfield, the NewsNation Prime presenter, the cold shoulder because helping her would be 'self sabotage'.

Couric rips Deborah Norville, who she replaced on Today, for having a 'relentless perfection' which turned off breakfast show viewers.

When Couric switched from Today to host the Evening News on CBS, staffers fought back with an 'insurgency' which left her feeling like Hillary Clinton because she was so under siege

Couric is just as blunt about her love life and says ex-boyfriend Brooks Perlin, who was 17 years her junior, was a 'mid-life crisis' while TV producer Tom Werner was a 'textbook narcissist'.

She also puts down Martha Stewart, saying it took a 'some healthy humbling (prison will do that . . .) to develop a sense of humor.'

Even the Royal family end up in Couric's sights and she describes how Prince Harry stank of cigarettes and alcohol when they met, and how Prince Andrew cozied up to Jeffrey Epstein at a bizarre dinner at his New York mansion.
Millions of Australians are set to be battered by another day of wild weather after a dangerous supercell storm whipped up a terrifying tornado that wreaked havoc across inland NSW.

Severe storms are forecast to lash parts of NSW's east coast and southeast Queensland on Friday as a low pressure system barrels in from the west - before conditions clear for a warm and sunny long weekend.

Meanwhile, other parts of the country - including Melbourne, the ACT, Hobart, and Perth - can expect downpours for days as wet weather lingers into next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for damaging winds, heavy rain and large hail for parts of inland NSW on Friday, as a huge weather system continues to thrash the region.

A tornado (pictured) surged through central west NSW on Thursday, injuring three people, ripping down powerlines and damaging houses and trees

Sydneysiders can expect more rainfall on Friday and Saturday before conditions clear on Sunday (pictured, a walker in the rain in Sydney on Wednesday)

On Thursday, a tornado ripped through central west NSW, injuring three people, tearing down powerlines and destroying buildings and trees in its path.

The violent storm travelled up to 30km on Thursday afternoon and demolished a house at Meadow Flat in the Bathurst region, while at least one other home along with sheds and other structures were also destroyed in the area.

BOM meteorologist Hugh McDowell said widespread rainfall and thunderstorms in inland parts of the state had peaked on Wednesday and Thursday and the weather front was now moving towards the coast.

Giant hailstones up to five centimetres in diameter were recorded in Bourke, in the state's far west, with wind gusts reaching 85km/h.

Walgett in northern NSW saw 60mm of rain - double its monthly average for September - in one day, while Canberra recorded 38mm, or half its September average.

While most communities will only experience showers or rain over the next couple of days, some will see more thunderstorms between now and the weekend, he said.

Friday could bring isolated thunderstorms over central eastern NSW but many locations will be spared storm activity.

'But there will be widespread showers across many parts of the state,' he said.

The BOM said people should monitor for changes in their areas over coming days, with warnings remaining for storms, damaging winds, heavy rain and hail.

Giant hailstones (pictured) measuring up to 5cm wide were recorded in Bourke, in NSW's far west

Queensland and NSW will enjoy balmy temperatures on Sunday and Monday when the storm clears (pictured, Sydneysiders enjoying the sun at Bondi)

Conditions should ease as the trough moves offshore, making for a largely nice long weekend.

'We're looking at dryer and cooler conditions starting to improve from Saturday.

'Sunday looks mostly dry with temperatures above average - even into the 30s - with quite warm conditions developing and that's going to continue until Monday and potentially Tuesday,' Mr McDowell said.

Parts of northern NSW will experience increased bushfire risk, as low humidity combines with westerly winds. Residents in those areas are urged to remain alert for warnings from fire services.

As the weather system charges towards the coast, Sydneysiders can expect a wet Friday with the chance of a possibly severe thunderstorm in the late morning and afternoon.

The wet weather will continue into the start of the weekend, with a few showers on Saturday, before skies clear for a warm Sunday with a top of 27C.

A woman takes a photo of the city skyline as storm clouds gather over Sydney on Thursday

Brisbane can expect similar conditions with severe storms forecast to drench the city on Friday night, with a risk of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding.

But the wild weather will ease overnight to make way for a sunny and hot weekend with a max of 28C on Saturday and 30C on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Melbournians will need umbrellas leading into next week with showers forecast until Wednesday.

Despite the wet weather, temperatures will remain moderate - hovering between the low teens to 21C before dipping below 10C for a cooler week from Tuesday.

Darwin will also see some showers on Friday and Saturday, with the mercury basking between mid20Cs lows and climbing into the low 30Cs.

Dreary weather will dominate the weekend in Canberra, Perth, and Hobart, with showers to linger in all three cities leading into mid-next week.

Canberrans can expect cooler temperatures in coming days with minimums sitting below 10C and highs topping at 20C.

It will be slightly warmer in Perth, with maximums sitting around 20C, while Hobart will remain chillier with tops in the mid teens.

Adelaide will see sporadic showers into next week - but there will be a slight reprieve over the weekend. Showers will ease on Sunday for a max of 19C and low of 12C before dropping to a cool 9C on Tuesday.
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Just one in 300,000 children who test positive for Covid die and even youngsters who haven't been vaccinated face a tiny risk of succumbing to the illness, according to UK Government data.

Figures published by the Department of Health highlight the tiny risk children face from coronavirus, which becomes deadlier the older a person is.

They show around one in 330,000 boys aged between 10 and 14 and one in 200,000 girls of the same age who test positive for Covid end up dying. The rates include both healthy children and those with underlying health conditions which put them at a much higher risk of death.

Separate figures also show unvaccinated children also face smaller odds of succumbing to the illness than fully-vaccinated adults in their twenties  another age-group known to be at little risk.

Britain's vaccine advisory panel, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), has said that the risk of Covid death in a healthy child is around one in 2million.

For comparison, the figures suggest one in every 25 people over the age of 90 who catch Covid succumb to the disease. For people in their 80s it is about one in 90 and those in their 60s have a death rate of about one per 1,000  rates which have been drastically slashed by vaccines.

Scientists today said the findings for children were 'reassuring'. It comes after millions of 12 to 15-year-olds were made eligible for a single dose of Pfizer's jab last week.

The JCVI said earlier this month that immunising them would only provide 'marginal' benefit to their health, which was not enough to advise a mass rollout.

But the experts recommended that ministers sought the advice of Professor Chris Whitty and the chief medical officers in the devolved nations. They came down in favour of expanding the inoculation drive after weighing up the wider benefits to children, claiming that hundreds of thousands of school absences could be prevented.

Latest official figures show that within 28 days of testing positive for the virus, 0.5 girls aged 10 to 14 will die from the virus per 100,000. The figure for boys of the same age is 0.3 per 100,000

Public Health England's report also showed Britons were up to ten times more likely to die from Covid if they were unvaccinated than if they had received both jabs. The above graph shows the Covid death rate among people who had not been jabbed (red) compared to those who had received both doses (blue). The data is for August only and England. The rate for Covid deaths was worked out by dividing the total number of vaccinated and unvaccinated people who died with the virus by the total number of people in each category in the population in England

Public Health England's report showed unvaccinated people were up to five times more likely to be hospitalised with Covid in August compared to those who had got both doses. The above graph shows the Covid hospitalisation rate among the unvaccinated (grey) compared to the vaccinated (black). The rate for Covid hospitalisation was worked out by dividing the total number of vaccinated and unvaccinated people who were admitted to hospital with the virus by the total number of people in each category in the population in England

Earlier this month the JCVI said it could not recommend Covid jabs for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds because the direct benefit to their health was only marginal. It also looked at the risk of health inflammation - known as myocarditis - in young people given the Pfizer vaccine, which was still very small but slightly more common after a second dose

Latest official figures show that within 28 days of testing positive for the virus, 0.5 girls aged 10 to 14 will die from the virus per 100,000. The figure for boys of the same age is 0.3 per 100,000.

Covid is deadlier as people get older  but the risk among 15 to 19-year-olds is still low at 1.1 per 100,000 for girls and 1.9 per 100,000 for boys.

Meanwhile, men aged 50 to 54 face a 72.8 per 100,000 risk of dying once becoming infected, while the figure for women is 43.8.

The risk rises dramatically among the oldest groups, with 4,092 women aged over 90 who catch the virus dying per 100,000, while the figure is 6,035 for men.

Earlier this month, the JCVI said just two healthy children per million would be admitted to hospital for Covid, while those with underlying conditions were more at risk - at 100 per million.

Meanwhile, three to 17 children per million were estimated to develop rare vaccine side effect myocarditis after receiving a single dose of Pfizer. The figure rose to 12 to 34 per million after the second dose.

The graph shows the relative impact on different age groups and appears negative among those aged under 15 because so few deaths have been recorded in the group

One in SIX children have a mental health problem and two-thirds say their lives were worse in lockdown One in six children now have a mental health problem and rates of eating disorders have nearly doubled in young people since 2017, a major NHS study has warned. It found the Covid pandemic may have exacerbated the mental health crisis in young people, with two-thirds of children saying their lives were worse in lockdown. The report estimated 17.4 per cent of children aged six to 16 had a 'probable' mental disorder now, compared to 11.6 per cent, or one in nine, in 2017. In older teens, the prevalence of mental health issues is believed to have risen from one in 10 to one in six, according to the survey of more than 3,600 youngsters. Two-thirds of under-16s claimed lockdowns had made their lives worse, with social isolation and school closures to blame. Meanwhile, the proportion of youngsters with eating problems has almost doubled since 2017 to 13 per cent. Nearly one in six older teens were suspected of having an eating disorder, which could include anorexia and bulimia in extreme cases. Professor Dame Til Wykes, a clinical psychologist at King's College London, said the rises 'may have been accelerated by the pandemic'. She told MailOnline: 'But it seems part of a longer term progression and recognition of mental health difficulties in the young.' Advertisement

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show 23 children aged 14 and under who died this year had the virus listed on their death certificate.

This doesn't mean the virus was the underlying cause in all cases, but catching the virus may have contributed to their death.

The number of children aged five to 14 who will die from the virus is 14 per million, according to estimates from the chief medical officers, which is lower than the risk posed from seasonal flu infections.

And the proportion of children who develop Covid symptoms and require hospital care is 0.1 per cent for under-nines and 0.3 per cent for 10 to 19-year-olds.

Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in medicine at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline: 'JCVI believes that the health benefits of immunizing 12 to 16 year olds is marginal and I think they are right.

'Because younger age groups are even less likely to suffer severe consequences from Covid and possibly be more at risk of myocarditis.

'I do not think JCVI would support immunising children under 11 and I think they would be right.'

But he warned it is difficult to interpret official death data, because it includes fatalities where Covid was a 'coincidental finding' as well as people who died from the virus.

This is 'less of an issue' among older groups because the proportion of all deaths that were due to Covid was high, but could be more inaccurate among children because there was so few deaths.

He added: 'Of course death is not the only adverse outcome of Covid, so should not be all the reason why we decide whether or not to vaccinate any particular age group.

'But all the evidence points to younger age groups having less severe non-fatal disease anyway.'

Professor Helen Bedford, an expert in children's health at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health: It is reassuring that the latest figures from the Department of Health confirm children and young people to be at very low risk of dying from Covid.

'The recent decision to offer Covid vaccine to young people over the age of 12 years is based on its wider benefits such as reducing disruption to schooling.

'A recent UK study showing that most over 12-year-olds were willing to accept the vaccine suggests the programme will be successful.'

Professor David Livermore, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline: 'Vaccination of the elderly and vulnerable is clearly of benefit. Given that vaccine efficacy fades over time, boosters are likely to be warranted for these folks.

'The figures don't however justify vaccinating healthy children, whose death rate from Covid is tiny, at around 0.1 to 1.9 per 100,000.

'What is more, most of the few children who have died had underlying health issues. There is general agreement, and a recommendation from the JCVI, that this minority of unwell children should be vaccinated.'
Liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said Wednesday 'there are going to be a lot of disappointments in the law' as she encouraged young lawyers to be 'lobbying forces' and change laws they don't like.

Sotomayor, who was appointed to the Court by President Barack Obama in 2009, was speaking virtually at a diversity summit hosted by the American Bar Association, which was covered by The Washington Post and CNN. .

Her comments come just weeks after she released a fiery dissent, responding to the Court's conservative majoritys' decision not to step in and stop Texas' restrictive abortion law from going into effect.

Liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said Wednesday 'there are going to be a lot of disappointments in the law' as she encouraged young lawyers to be 'lobbying forces' and change laws they don't like

'There's going to be a lot of disappointments in the law, a huge amount,' Sotomayor told the ABA seminar participants. 'As you study cases and look at outcomes you disagree with, it can get frustrating.'

'Look at me, look at my dissents,' she noted.

'At least I have a vehicle, I have a dissent mechanism that I can explain how I feel,' she added.

In the Texas case, Sotomayor got liberal Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan to sign on to her slapdown.

Chief Justice John Roberts also voted alongside the liberals, but wrote his own dissent.

He was appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, but has turned into a key swing vote.

'The Court's order is stunning,' she wrote.

She called the Texas law - which bars abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and doesn't include carve-outs for incest and rape - 'flagrantly unconstitutional.'

'Last night, the Court silently acquiesced in a State's enactment of a law that flouts nearly 50 years of federal precedents. Today, the Court belatedly explains that it declined to grant relief because of procedural complexities of the State's own invention,' Sotomayor said.

Protesters hold up signs outside the Texas capitol in Austin in response to the six-week abortion bill that went into effect on September 1

Women protest outside Texas' capitol on September 1, the day the new law got implemented

Sotomayor added that a 'majority of Justices have opted to bury their heads in the sand.'

'I can't change Texas' law, but you can,' she continued. 'You can, and everyone else who may or may not like it can go out there and be lobbying forces in changing laws that you don't like.'

'I'm pointing out to that when I shouldn't because they told me I shouldn't,' she commented, referencing how justices aren't supposed to be speaking publicly about cases that are before them.

'But the point is, there are going to be a lot of things you don't like,' she warned.

The Supreme Court's new term kicks off Monday, with liberals fearing that the conservative majority will finally doom the 1973 landmark decision, Roe v. Wade.

Before reexamining the Texas statute, the Court will look at a restrictive abortion law from Mississippi.
A Donald Trump super PAC donor who claims former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski 'stalked' her at a Las Vegas fundraiser has been photographed with Trump and other top GOP officials, including South Dakota governor Kristi Noem.

A super PAC that backs the former president on Wednesday removed Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, from his oversight role  after the donor, Trashelle Odom, made stunning accusations against Lewandowski in a statement.

Trashelle Odom, who is married to Idaho construction executive John Odom, claims Lewandowski touched her repeatedly while seated next to hear at a charity event at a Las Vegas Benihana. According to the statement, he made repeated unwanted advances, followed her around the event, touched her leg and buttocks, and otherwise 'stalked' her there.

She can be seen in images posing with the former president, along with Lousiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.

Trashelle Odom, the Trump donor who has accused Corey Lewandowski of stalking and repeatedly touching her at a Las Vegas charity event, has been pictured with former President Donald Trump. John Odom is pictured left

Her husband, construction exec John Odom, has been pictured with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who was at the Las Vegas event

Her husband, John Odom, has been pictured with Noem, who was also at the Las Vegas event last weekend. Noem issued her own statement Wednesday denying an affair with Lewandowski after a conservative blog published allegations about the pair, calling it a 'disgusting lie.'

In yet another image, Trashelle Odom is pictured with Noem, who is seen wearing jeans, with an American flag in the background.

A Twitter user posted the images Wednesday after Politico broke the news of Trashelle Odom's allegations against Lewandowski.

The posting also included a screen shot of a statement about meeting Trump and other officials in his orbit at a CPAC event  among them My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, Noem, and Louisiana AG Mike Landry.

'As these pictures show John Odom and his wife Trashelle have been trying to jump into Trumps inner circle,' wrote the user.

According to the statement, Lewandowski during the event repeatedly remarked about the size of his genitals, Politico reported. He also 'described his sexual performance and showed Odom his hotel room key.'

It says Lewandowski, whose lawyer blasted the allegations as 'rumors,' used expletives while speaking about sex as he repeatedly approached her.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, pictured with wife Allison, is being accused of making repeated unwanted advances at a Trump donor at a charity event in Las Vegas over the weekend

Trashelle Odom (center right) also has been pictured with Noem, along with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry

The Odoms made a YouTube video where they talk about their racing car company, and talk about upgrading their 2020 Bentley to a Rolls-Royce

Lewandowski's lawyers responded that 'accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute'

A Twitter user posted a screen shot that appears to describe the Odoms' meeting with former President Trump

The alleged conduct took place during an event at the Westgate Las Vegas hotel for the Victoria's Voice Foundation, which focuses on substance abuse. The publication quotes two people who were there who said Odom appeared uncomfortable, and that Lewandowski appeared to be intoxicated. The report says the Las Vegas conference was a four-day event.

One person said they saw Odom in tears at an after-party.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that Lewandowski was separating from the PAC.

Taylor Budowich, communications director for the Save America PAC, said in a statement: 'Pam Bondi, the very talented and honorable [former Florida attorney general], has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action. Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service. He will no longer be associated with Trump World.'

'On the evening of September 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada, I attended a dinner to support a charity and spend time with wonderful friends,' she said. 'He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, said vile and disgusting things to me, stalked me, and made me feel violated and fearful,' she said, referring to Lewandowski.

'Mrs. Odom stated that over the course of the dinner, Mr. Lewandowski tried to hold her hand, and she pushed his hand away. He touched her leg, and she moved it away. He grabbed her napkin off her lap and tried to touch her leg again, and she pulled her dress over her leg, to move his hand away and cover her skin,' Odom's lawyer wrote.

The alleged events took place at the Westgate hote in Las Vegas

A group of GOP donors gathered at the Westgate's Benihana restaurant for the event

In this file photo taken on November 05, 2020, Trump campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski, with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (L), speaks outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the state continues to count votes from the November 3 election. The Save America PAC reported that Bondi would be taking over the oversight role and Lewandowski was no longer part of Trump world

Lewandowski served as campaign manager during the key early stages of Donald Trump's presidential campaign

Lewandowski's lawyers released a statement about 'accusations and rumors'

The statement claims Lewandowski showed Odom his hotel room key'

The account describes the alleged unwanted advances beginning at a dinner, where the two were seated next to one another.

'I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable,' Odom said. 'I am blessed to have a loving husband and family behind me. I want other women to know that you can be heard, too, and together we can stop terrible things like this from happening.'

According to the Times, Lewandowski 'bragged multiple times about how powerful he is' and 'claimed he controls the former president,' and an Odom family lawyer said Lewandowski threw a drink at her.

Lewandowski lawyers David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld responded to the allegations with a single-line statement to DailyMail.com. It said: 'Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response.'

Lewandowski is married to Allison Lewandowski and has four children.

John Odom has been identified as a construction executive, and John and Trashelle are also listed as owners of a racing car company.

The two participated in a YouTube video where they discuss their taste in fine cars as well as racing cars.

Trashelle Odom fielded a question during a chat about what car they would purchase next.

'Whats the next car after the Bentley? We have  is it a 2020? 2020 Bentley. Its my mom mobile. And I do like it. But this is my choice on which car is next, because I drive it. But anyways  every time I want something, hes like no, no, no, this ones better. And I mean, hes not wrong. But, what I want, I want a Rolls-Royce. It was at the Bentley dealership when we went and I was obsessed ever since. The last thing I wanted was the Urus, and now he rents it everywhere we go, she said of the Lamborghini model.

You get the best of both worlds, John Odom interjected. So she wants a Rolls-Royce Cullinan is our next vehicle after that, he added, mentioning a pricey SUV model.

Lewandowski was charged with assault for allegedly grabbing a Breitbart reporter during 2016 campaign, but charges were dropped.

According to the Odom statement, 'He touched her back and she tried to get away. He described an area where he was sore from a workout, on the side of his butt, but he demonstrated this by touching her thereon the upper side of her rear end. Lewandowski tried to touch her approximately 10 times, and Mrs. Odom always rebuffed him.'

As it turns out, Noem, who was pictured with Trashelle and John Odom, was at the charity event in Las Vegas with Lewandowski.

Noem dismissed rumors that she was having an extramarital affair with Lewandowski as 'total garbage' and a 'disgusting lie' rooted in sexism Wednesday, the day the story about Lewandowski appeared.

Conservative news site American Greatness claimed to have multiple sources with direct knowledge that Noem, a rising star in the Republican Party, was in the midst of a sexual relationship with Lewandowski.

'These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie,' Noem said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. 'These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help. I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work.'

The governor, 49, has been married since the age of 20 to Bryon Noem, with whom she has three kids.
Top doctors have warned Australians are dying from treatable conditions because already overburdened hospitals are being hit with a surge in Covid cases.

In recent months, paramedics have had to X-ray and treat patients in car parks and hospital corridors while they wait for space to open up in emergency departments.

When states reopen, experts now fear hospitals could be further overrun because - even at 80 per cent double-jabbed - there will still be five million unvaccinated Australians.

On August 17 at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, more than a dozen Covid patients were treated in the back of ambulances in the car park with X-ray equipment wheeled in (pictured) as patients waited up to five hours to get a bed

Already packed hospitals are dealing with a surge in Covid cases along with staff shortages (pictured: a St Vincent's Hospital registrar and patient in the Covid ward)

A discussion paper voicing concerns was drafted by leading doctors from four states and was this week presented to an urgent meeting of health ministers.

The paper warned hospitals were struggling to cope with the combination of Covid cases and routine care - causing treatment delays for non-urgent conditions that can then turn deadly.

The health ministers were told urgent measures must be put in place to support hospitals.

The specific requests made in the discussion paper include that GPs be redeployed to emergency departments to ease the workload.

Also suggested was giving funding for GPs to work nights and weekends to deal with indirect Covid impacts in the community away from hospitals wards and ICUs.

That thousands of patients with less-serious conditions be transferred out of hospital beds and into at-home treatment where they can be visited by a GP is another option.

Another was to dramatically increase immigration intake for skilled health workers coming from overseas, including doctors and nurses.

A Covid patient is treated in a corridor on the way to isolation at St Vincent's Hospital in June (pictured)

As well as a spike in Covid cases courtesy of large-scale outbreaks of the Delta strain in NSW and Victoria - where there have been hundreds of cases per day - hospitals are also dealing with staff shortages.

Frontline staff have been diverted to Covid testing and vaccination centres across the country, while others have been resigning because of burnout dealing with Covid.

When National Cabinet meets on Friday, a plan to deal surge capacity for ICUs as state open up will be on the agenda.

Paramedics in August revealed they were waiting up to five hours in car parks (pictured) with patients to get into emergency departments such as the one at Westmead Hospital

'The health system doesn't just look after Covid and it's already full. We're seeing... a perfect storm and it's causing the hospital system it to overflow,' Australian Medical Association deputy president Chris Moy told The Australian.

'What happens is people either don't get care or it gets displaced. Diagnoses are made at much later points, and people get worse or they die,' Mr Moy said.

Both the NSW and Victorian health ministers have said there needs to be an increase in funding for hospitals.

'The past 20 months have seen all of the existing problems in our health care and in our hospital system amplified to the level where the system is in crisis like it's never been, in every state,' Victorian health minister Martin Foley said.

President of the Australian College of Emergency Medicine John Bonning agreed saying the overcrowding of hospitals was putting patients at risk.

'Patients are being treated in corridors. People with pneumonia, complications of diabetes, patients with strokes, patients with heart attacks, patients with trauma are sometimes struggling to get a bed for as long as 24 hours. It is dangerous' he said.

State health minsters want the federal government to increase funding to cover 50 per cent of additional costs linked to Covid on the health care system (pictured: emergency medicine staff at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney)

The federal government defended its backing of the public healthcare system ahead of Friday's National Cabinet meeting.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said health system funding had more than doubled to $30billion a year since 2013.

He added state and territory health ministers had recently signed a five-year deal which guaranteed $35billion in finding and that $6billion had also been funded to hospital since March 2020.

In 2020 the federal government agreed to support the healthcare system in every state and territory by helping with costs incurred through Covid outbreaks.

The Commonwealth currently pays 45 per cent of the costs incurred but the states want this increased to 50 per cent.
An apartment bomb blast that injured 16 people in Sweden was allegedly carried out by a man who was due to be evicted from the building alongside his mother on the day of the explosion.

The man, who police haven't identified yet, is wanted on suspicion of public destruction but hasn't been found.

Swedish media have reported that he was a man in his 50s who lived with his mother in the building in Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city.

Senior police officer Anders Borjesson said: 'We still do not know what caused the explosion. The investigation is far from over.

'We still have a lot ahead of us.'

Smoke pours out of apartment windows after an explosion struck the apartment block in the city of Gothenburg at around 5am on September 28

Smoke billows out of windows after the explosion in the Annedal area of central Gothenburg

Swedish media quickly focused on the possibility that the explosion could be related to feuding gangs as the country has seen a rise in violence between organised crime groups.

But police have since revealed they do not believe the blast has any links to gang crime.

Borjesson said that the warmth and the lack of oxygen inside the building had made it difficult for the investigators to do their work.

He declined to give details on the suspect.

The property owner had been trying to evict the man and his mother from their apartment, according to daily newspaper Aftonbladet.

And the local Goteborg-Posten newspaper said an eviction was planned for Tuesday, the day the explosion occurred.

Firefighters tackle the blaze on September 28 in Gothenburg

Paramedics take an injured person away on a stretcher

Smoke pours from the building as a fire engine cherry picker helps to extinguish the blaze

Aftonbladet said police had charged the man with several alleged crimes a week before the blast.

The paper also reported that after he was was not allowed to see his mother at a nursing home due to pandemic restrictions, and he had harassed several people, including the owner of the building.

The explosion rocked the building in central Gothenburg early Tuesday and ensuing blazes spread to several apartments, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. At least 140 apartments were damaged.

One of the four people seriously injured remained in intensive care Wednesday, Gothenburg's main hospital told Swedish broadcaster SVT.
Maggie Murdaugh may have been considering divorce, driving an hour to an attorney's office and looking into the couple's assets just weeks before she and son Paul were found dead at their hunting lodge.

She met with a divorce lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina, according to a law enforcement source close to the murder investigation. The source said she also started looking into ways to support herself.

'She didn't pay close attention to the family money or where it came from,' the source told People magazine about Maggie Murdaugh, 52. 'But now she was starting to look into it.'

Alex's spokesman denied the claims on Thursday, calling them 'totally inconsistent' with accounts from friends and family.

The revelation thickens the plot of the Murdaughs' twisty tale. Alex, 53, was charged with hiring a hitman to kill him for a $10 million life insurance payout, according to authorities, who also launched an investigation into the death of their former housekeeper years before. The attempted hit on September 4 left him only slightly injured.

Last week, Alex's former law firm said the South Carolina legal heir 'lied and stole from us'. It accused him of misappropriating millions in order to feed an addiction to painkillers.

Maggie Murdaugh (right) visited a divorce lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina just weeks before she was found dead from multiple gunshots at home with her son Paul, 22, on June 7

Maggie (right) also allegedly started looking into the couple's financial assets

Alex Murdaugh, 53, weeps during a September 16 bond hearing for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill him so his other son would get a $10 million life insurance payout. He's out on $20K bail

The firm of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, and Detrick (PMPED) released a statement on its website distancing itself from Alex, who had resigned on September 3, a day before the allegedly botched hit.

'We were shocked and dismayed to learn that Alex violated our principles and code of ethics. He lied and he stole from us.

'No member of PMPED was aware of Alex's scheme,' the firm said in its statement.

'When we learned he betrayed our trust, we requested his resignation immediately. We have yet to speak to anyone who was aware of his addiction to opioids.'

Alex Murdaugh's former law firm said the legal heir 'lied and stole from us' after it was revealed that he allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars in order to feed an addiction to painkillers

Alex's coworkers noticed a cooling in him and his wife's relationship before she died. They told People magazine that Maggie no longer came by the office to have lunch with her husband, as she had done in the past.

On Thursday, Alex's spokesman Amanda Loveday called the claims 'totally inconsistent with what we have been told by friends and family members.'

'We have reviewed many years of text messages on Alexs phone, and the conversations between Alex and Maggie portray a very loving relationship,' Loveday said.

'It is our hope that the media will continue to focus on covering the investigation of the person or people responsible for the murder of Maggie and Paul and not reporting salacious stories with no credible sources connected to the Murdaugh family.'

Alex, who comes from a line of top prosecutors in several South Carolina counties, was arrested and charged for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill him.

He's been released from jail and is currently in an out-of-state drug rehab facility.

Alex discovered the bodies of his wife and son, Paul, 22, shot multiple times at their Colleton County home June 7.

His drug addiction got worse and he was in a deep depression when he hired someone to take his life, defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said.

He has been released from jail and is currently in an out-of-state drug rehab facility. Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, Maggie, 52, and son, Paul, 22, shot multiple times at their Colleton County home June 7. From left: Paul, Maggie, Alex, and Buster, 25, the surviving son

The goal was to secure a $10 million life insurance benefit for his surviving son, state police said.

But Alex was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy and filing a false police report - all felonies that could bring up to 20 years in prison if convicted of all three charges. There is no minimum sentence.

The killings of his wife and son remain unsolved.

Police have launched a criminal investigation into the 2018 'trip-and-fall' death of Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper Gloria Satterfield (pictured)

Harpootlian said Alex is adamant he had nothing to do with their deaths.

PMPED's latest statement also addressed a criminal investigation into the February 2018 death of Gloria Satterfield, a family housekeeper.

An attorney for Satterfield's family alleges that Alex encouraged them to use his longtime friend as their attorney without revealing the relationship.

Satterfield died in February 2018 after tripping over the family dog, a lawyer for the sons told media outlets.

Alex spoke to the sons at their mother's funeral and convinced them to hire Corey Fleming as their lawyer for a wrongful death settlement with his insurance company.

But he did not tell them Fleming was an old college roommate and godfather to at least one of his sons.

Alex Murdaugh and Fleming arranged a $505,000 settlement, according to public records, almost a year ago. The sons have not received it, the Satterfields' attorney Eric Bland said.

But since filing the suit, Bland said he learned of a second $4.3million settlement with a different insurer that was never revealed to Satterfield's sons or placed into the public court docket.

Alex Murdaugh (left) is being accused of swindling the sons of his deceased housekeeper out of $4 million. Eric Bland (right) is representing the Satterfield family in a lawsuit on the issue

Bland said he is turning the information over to the State Law Enforcement Division, which is investigating Satterfield's death after a coroner said the accidental death was never reported to her office.

Fleming did not respond to an email or phone message. Alex's lawyers have not commented about Satterfield's death or other lawsuits.

In its statement, PMPED said: 'We have read the media reports about the lawsuit and settlement resulting from the death of Gloria Satterfield.

'If these reports are accurate, we are stunned at what occurred.

'It's important for everyone to know that PMPED did not represent Alex in that case. His insurance company hired counsel to represent him.'

Alex also tried to convince a friend of his son to use the same lawyer, Fleming, again without revealing their friendship as investigators tried to sort out who was driving a boat in a 2019 fatal crash, according to a lawsuit filed this week.

Alex's son would eventually be charged.

Fleming is prominent in a lawsuit by Connor Cook, who was in a boat that crashed, killing a 19-year-old woman.

The night of the crash, investigators were not sure if Cook or Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat.

Alex Murdaugh approached Cook in the hallway of a hospital as Cook headed to get his jaw X-rayed and told him everything would be alright if he would 'keep his mouth shut,' according to Cook's lawsuit.

He then encouraged Cook to hire Fleming as his attorney without revealing their relationship, the lawsuit said.

Fleming became Cook's lawyer and told him not to talk to investigators, setting him up to be falsely identified as the driver of the boat, the suit said.

It was not until Cook hired a new lawyer and spoke to prosecutors that Paul Murdaugh was charged with boating under the influence causing death, a charge pending when he was killed.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating whether Alex Murdaugh or other friends or family members tried to obstruct the investigation into the boat crash as well as the questions surrounding Satterfield's death.

They also are unraveling the shooting of Alex and looking into millions of dollars missing from the law firm that fired him earlier this month.
Keir Starmer set up a potential tax raid on homes and shares under a Labour Government today as he declared it was time 'those with the broadest shoulders should pay'.

The Opposition leader's comments were the latest sign that the party would increase capital gains tax and examine other means that woudl allow it to pour money into the NHS and improvements to the social care system is he were to enter power.

Homeowners don't pay the tax on sales their main homes but it is applied to any other property they own such as holiday homes and rental properties, when they are sold.

And it would directly affect five of his own ministers, whose financial declarations show they own rental properties or shares.

Speaking about Labour's plans for the NHS and care today, Mr Starmer told BBC Radio 4'ds Today programme: 'We have said that those with the broadest shoulders should pay.

The Opposition leader signalled that he would look at increasing capital gains tax and other means in order to pour money into the NHS and improvements to the social care system is he were to enter power.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves used her speech to commit to scrapping business rates, forcing tech giants to pay their taxes and clawing back money wasted on 'failed' Covid contracts.

CGT hike would hit Labour shadow Cabinet - but not Keir If Sir Keir makes it to No10 and raises Capital gains Tax he would personally avoid taking a hit, after getting rid of a house he co-owns in Surrey. He owns a home in London but also had a half-share of his parents 1930s semi-detached home, which was put up for sale last year for 480,000 and sold in July. The sale is in his entry on the register of MPs interests, though it does not disclose the final sale price. The records also show that shadow justice secretary David Lammy owns a rental property in Tottenham, his north London constituency, that provides an oncome of more than 10,000 a year. Similarly Emily Thornberry co-owns a flat in Guildford, Surrey, the town where she was raised. Shadow Housing Secretary Lucy Powell rents out a room in her London flat and is also a shareholder in New Road Management, a property management company. Shadow Welsh secretary Nia Griffiths owns a smallholding in Camarthenshire and Scottish counterpart Ian Murray has a flat in Edinburgh. Advertisement

'We have said that means we have to look at those that get their income from property, from stocks and shares and dividends.'

It would form part of a raft of tax change plans unveiled at the Labour Party Conference this week.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed on Sunday she is looking to increase capital gains tax to target 'people who get their incomes through stocks and shares and buy-to-let properties'.

On Monday she unveiled plans for a review of tax breaks, arguing that, with more than 1,000 reliefs in place, the system is ripe for reform. The move could end tax breaks worth 174billion a year.

Currently people pay Capital Gains Tax at different rates depending on their taxable income

For higher rate payers it is 28 per cent for residential property and 20 per cent for other assets. For those earning less, the rate varies depending on your income, the size of the gain and where it came from.

Ms Reeves also committed to scrapping business rates, forcing tech giants to pay their taxes and clawing back money wasted on 'failed' Covid contracts.

A Labour government would look at existing tax breaks and if they do not 'deliver for the taxpayer or for the economy then we will scrap it'.

But she insisted that Labour has 'no plans' to increase income tax, despite Keir Starmer setting hares running by stating the move is not 'off the table'.

She told the conference in Brighton: 'We will make the tax system fairer, ensuring that the burden isnt just falling on the wages of working people, but that those at the top pay their fair share, too.

'Conference, how can it possibly be right that a police constable on 27,000 should be taxed at 32 pence in the pound, but someone making many times more from buying and selling stocks and shares should pay just 20 pence in the pound?

'That will not stand with Labour. I pledge that as chancellor I will not be balancing the books on the backs of working people.'
Jeremy Corbyn's anti-vaxxer brother Piers was today accused of having 'no shame' after he and his 'gang of goblin' supporters began protesting against lockdowns outside the Old Bailey as Wayne Couzens was jailed for life.

Mr Corbyn told conspiracy-theorist fans that the murder of Sarah Everard 'proved' that lockdown laws were only about 'giving people the powers to execute crimes' and 'nothing to do with controlling the virus'.

The former Labour leader's sibling, a weather forecaster who stood to be Mayor of London this year to 'challenge the coronavirus narrative', was then confronted by Miss Everard's friends and supporters who gathered as Couzens was given a whole life term.

One walked up to him and shouted: 'How dare you hijack Sarah's death for your own cause?' before one of Mr Corbyn's fans said he was right to be there because Couzens used his knowledge of Covid laws to kidnap his victim.

One witness called the protest 'staggeringly inappropriate' while another critic tweeted: 'Piers Corbyn is an unhinged sicko. What are these clowns even protesting?', adding: 'Corbyn and his horrible gang of goblins have absolutely no shame'.

Anti-vaccine activist Piers Corbyn demonstrates outside the Old Bailey as police officer Wayne Couzens was jailed for life with no patrol

Wayne Couzens is the first ever police officer to be given to a whole life term - having used lockdown laws to stage the arrest of Sarah Everard, who he then raped and murdered

Members of the public show support for Sarah outside the Old Bailey in London today as Couzens was sentenced

Multiple chances police missed to identify Couzens as sexual predator 1 - Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London. The Met is being investigated by the IOPC for allegedly failing to probe these two separate incidents, despite apparently being provided with CCTV. Couzens was only identified as a suspect after Miss Everard's murder. 2 - A male motorist reported a man for driving naked from the waist down in 2015. An IOPC inquiry is underway over Kent Police's alleged failure to investigate the report. Couzens was never a suspect at the time. PASSED VETTING FOR ELITE MET ARMED UNIT The Met is also facing questions about how its vetting process failed to pick up concerns around Couzens before he was made an armed officer in its elite Diplomatic Protection Group, which involved him guarding embassies, VIPs and members of the Royal Family. There were numerous clues about Couzens' bad character, including: Couzens used to work at his father's garage in Dover before joining the Kent Special Constabulary at some point after 2002. The court heard a colleague in that year spoke of 'his attraction to brutal sexual pornography' but Jim Sturman QC, defending, said it related to a single incident 'which is almost impossible to examine now';

He allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary - where he was involved in protecting nuclear power stations - because of his inappropriate behaviour around women;

He used prostitutes and had a fake Match.com dating profile despite being married with two children, his trial heard;

In 2018, it has been claimed that he was reported to bosses for slapping a female police officer's bottom at Bromley police station but it appears no action was taken, a source claimed;

While at Bromley, it is also alleged he became the subject of gossip for only stopping female motorists - before taking their details so he could watch their homes - and parking outside schools to leer at mothers and sixth formers;

The Met said: 'Couzens was a serving and vetted police officer when he joined the Met. He had no criminal convictions or cautions and he was not subject to any misconduct proceedings during his time at the MPS. We are aware of no other concerns raised by his colleagues or anyone regarding his behaviour.' Advertisement

Piers Corbyn, the conspiracy-theorist brother of former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, even heckled his own brother as he addressed a climate change event taking place alongside the Labour party conference in Brighton on Sunday.

Couzens' betrayal of his police badge has seen his former boss put in the firing line again.

'Serious questions' need to be answered by the Metropolitan Police, the Home Secretary has said, as she backed Dame Cressida Dick in the wake of Sarah Everard's murder.

The Met commissioner faced more calls to step down amid demands for urgent action to restore the confidence of women in the police after Wayne Couzens was handed a whole life sentence for the killing.

Earlier this month her contract was extended by two years, which means she will continue to lead the Met until 2024.

Speaking at the Home Office, Priti Patel said: 'There are questions, serious questions that need to be answered by the Metropolitan Police ... from the very day that Sarah went missing, I have been, clearly, in contact with the Metropolitan Police and putting forward some questions around the conduct of the potential suspect at the time and all the requirements and checks that should have been put in place.'

When asked if Dame Cressida should resign, she said: 'I will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and the commissioner to hold them to account as everybody would expect me to do, and I will continue to do that.'

Describing Couzens as a 'monster' and the case as 'sickening' and an 'appalling tragedy', Ms Patel said: 'It is right that he has been given a whole-life tariff and with that he can never walk the streets of our country again.'

The Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor also said he did not believe Dame Cressida should resign over the case.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World At One, he said: 'Cressida Dick is not responsible for the individual acts of every police officer, including a police officer of the appalling criminal intent of Wayne Couzens.

'Cressida Dick has a great deal of support from her officers and has led the force with distinction.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also rejected calls for the commissioner to be replaced, telling ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I have worked with Cressida Dick over many years in relation to some very serious operations when I was director of public prosecutions.

'I was pleased that her contract was extended and I support her.'

Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House of the Metropolitan Police told the London Assembly's police and crime committee the actions of Couzens 'constitute a gross betrayal of everything in policing that we believe in, everything that the Met stands for', adding: 'He was one of us and we need to look at ourselves very, very carefully to understand, a, how was he allowed to be one of us, and what does it say about us as an organisation that he was.'

He said: 'I know that the case of Sarah's murderer has raised questions for us, such as on recruitment, vetting and other areas, and we are working hard to strengthen our systems, our practices, and to look at our culture and improve it.

'We know we have to work to rebuild trust and confidence, and we will do all we can to achieve that.'
Gang members inside the notorious Ecuadorian jail where 116 died after rival factions went to war with grenades and guns have revealed the prison was a tinder box ready to explode as bored criminals with arsenals of smuggled in weapons were just waiting for an excuse to do 'evil.'

The high-ranking member of Los Tiguerones blamed boredom for the Tuesday's deadly prison riot at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil - the worst uprising in Ecuador's history.

'We're in a maximum security (jail). We don't have communication with anyone, we do not have a television. We don't have many things.

'What do we do? Evil, kill, sell drugs and many other things.'

He told TC Noticias on Wednesday that his gang spends thousands of dollars to smuggle weapons from the outside.

'A gun is worth $2,000. A rifle is worth $5,000,' he said.

Another high-ranking member of Los Tiguerones, which happens to be linked to Jalisco New Generation Cartel, told TC Noticias that rival members of Los Choneros gang, tied to Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel, 'are people who have a Pablo Escobar complex, who believe they are an almighty God who give orders to kill by phone.'

The shocking revelations followed the deadliest prison uprising in Ecuador's history which took place Tuesday as jail guards and security forces struggled to regain control of the Litoral Penitentiary complex.

Ecuador security forces stand guard near a group of inmates at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where 116 prisoners were killed as a result of a riot between rival gangs that are linked to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Prisoners at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, lie on the ground Wednesday during an inspection a day after a riot left 116 inmates dead and another 80 injured.

A high-ranking member of Los Tiguerones, which happens to be linked to Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel, told TC Noticias that the gang paid $2,000 for guns and $5,000 for rifles that were smuggled into the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where 116 inmates were murdered and 80 were injured on Tuesday. Pictured is one of the weapons that authorities recovered after regaining control of the jail

One of the guns that were recovered by security forces at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, following Tuesday's rebellion that left 1116 inmates dead and 80 injured

The Ecuadorian government initially said at least 40 prisoners had been killed, including six who were beheaded, before a full sweep of the Guayaquil prison led authorities to 75 more bodies, which were discovered in cells, hallways and stuffed inside ventilation system air ducts.

According to President Guillermo Lasso, the rebellion left 80 other prisoners injured as the rival gangs attacked each other with grenades and firearms.

Lasso traveled to Guayaquil on Wednesday after issuing an decree that call for the armed forces unit to assist the National Police in overseeing the security of a troubled prison which is deeply influenced by Mexico's most powerful transnational cartel, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Other military units were also deployed to Ecuador's other prison complexes as part of a 60-day plan in which the government will reform the country's jail security measures, according to Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio.

Lasso is expected to ask the government to provide $24 million in funds for the Litoral Penitentiary.

'It is unfortunate that the prisons are being turned into a territory of power disputes between criminal gangs,' Lasso said while adding that country would not give in 'regaining control of the Litoral Penitentiary and prevent these events from being repeated in some other penitentiary center in Ecuador.'

Policemen search the cells at the prison where riots broke out at the Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Tuesday. President Guillermo Lasso said 116 inmates were killed and 80 were injured

The Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was the site of the deadliest riot in the country's history when 116 inmates were killed and 80 others were injured due to clashes involving gangs linked to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Relatives of inmates embrace outside the Litoral Penitentiary on Tuesday after a riot. Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said 116 prisoners were killed and 80 others were injured

Government and jail officials did not reveal the names of the victims until late Wednesday afternoon.

A woman identified as Nancy told Ecuador newspaper El Universo that she found out her 35-year-old husband was among the fatal victims after she noticed his severed in a video that made rounds on social media.

He had been at the prison for a year and was scheduled to be released in three months.

'He no longer answered when I called him. I went to the (jail) and I was there from 10:00am (Tuesday) listening to the bullets and praying that nothing happened to him, but at dawn (Wednesday) I recognized his head in a video, they had it inside a bag,' she said.

'How am I going to tell my daughter that her father's head was cut off, that's the worst death.'
Elise Stefanik doubled-down on Wednesday on her call for the creation of yet another 9/11-style commission to probe the Biden administration's bungled troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

'The purpose is to make sure we have an independent analysis of the decisions and the mistakes that were made, starting from going into Afghanistan after 9/11, to the failed withdrawal in the Biden administration,' she told Fox News after a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

The GOP Conference chairwoman detailed the commission would consist of ten members appointed by the president and Democrats and Republicans in Congress so a 'wide range' of experience and viewpoints are considered.

Stefanik stressed that a commission of those 'outside of Congress and the Department of Defense' would help ensure an 'independent look' is taken at the 20-year war and the events leading to its end.

She said that she believes the probe into the war and withdrawal is 'very important for taxpayers' since trillions of U.S. taxpayer dollars funded operations in Afghanistan over the last two decades.

The Armed Services panel, which Stefanik serves on, questioned on Wednesday Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and Commander of U.S. Central Command General Kenneth Frank McKenzie about the Afghanistan withdrawal.

GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik doubled-down on Wednesday her call to form a 9/11-style commission to probe the 20-year war in Afghanistan and the bungled withdrawal

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley (left) and Commander of U.S. Central Command Frank McKenzie (right) both said they advised President Joe Biden to keep a troop presence in Afghanistan rather than withdrawing all by the end of August

'Biden is becoming an expert in passing the buck,' she told Fox after the hearing.

She added: 'They pass the buck on every issue of importance, but there is nothing more important for a commander in chief than making decisions when it comes to national security and men and women in uniform.'

'The accountability and responsibility rests with the president,' the GOP Conference chair woman said, 'and for him to pass the buck, and his press secretary to try to blame others is shameful.'

Donald Trump on Tuesday called for the creation of such a commission.

'Congress should set up a 'Commission On the Disastrous Withdrawal from Afghanistan,' to figure out what went wrong, why so many of our Warriors were killed, and why so much money (85 BILLION DOLLARS), in the form of Weapons and Military equipment, was left behind for the Taliban to use  and to sell to other countries,' Trump wrote in a statement sent out from his Save America political action committee email.

Stefanik is part of the House Armed Services Committee, which held a hearing on the Afghanistan withdrawal on Wednesday with Milley, McKenzie and Defense Secretary Lloy Austin (pictured)

'This is without question something that needs to be investigated further,' the former president wrote. 'Thirteen dead AMERICAN HEROES, billions of dollars of equipment, and hundreds of Americans still left behind in Afghanistan with the Taliban!'

Stefanik was 'pleased' Trump called for the creation of the panel.

The bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was widely criticized by Democrats and Republicans, resulted in 13 U.S. troops being killed in an ISIS-K suicide bombing outside the Kabul airport last month.

Final withdrawals at the end of August also saw hundreds of American citizens and their families left behind without any U.S. forces after the Taliban easily took control of the country.

This week, Milley and McKenzie admitted that they did advise Biden to keep some sort of U.S. troop presence in the region. McKenzie said he recommended a skeleton crew of 2,500.

Stefanik warned on Wednesday that the U.S. 'will be less safe than we were pre-9/11' in the coming months after the withdrawal.

After the hearing before the panel on which she serves, Stefanik said of the three top military leaders' testimony: 'My main takeaway is the responsibility and accountability for the failed withdrawal rests only with Joe Biden.'

She said it's 'clear' Biden ignored advice from Milley and McKenzie who say they recommended he maintain a presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in order to 'address our counterterrorism mission.'
A male warden at a federal women's prison in California has been charged with sexual assault of a female prisoner after he took nude photos of her on his phone and digitally penetrated her on multiple occasions.

Ray J. Garcia, 54, who was in charge of directing training on the Prison Rape Elimination Act for new supervisors in 2019 and 2020, has been charged with sexual assault in the Northern District of California.

Garcia was working as an associate warden at FCI Dublin - a federal low-security women's prison near San Francisco that famously housed college admissions scandal Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman - and had the authority to discipline inmates.

He allegedly placed the inmate's hand on his genitals while doing his rounds. When she pushed him away, he reportedly assaulted the unnamed woman, according to newly unsealed court documents.

Warden Ray J. Garcia, 54, of FCI Dublin women's prison has been charged with sexual assault on an inmate in a California court on Wednesday.

He also is accused of digitally penetrating the victim on 'multiple occasions', and requested her and one other inmate to 'strip naked for him' while he took photos.

Garcia also showed pictures of his genitals to the woman on his phone and kept several photos of the victim on his personal computer, according to the complaint filed on September 24.

The warden received sexual assault training - and led training sessions - from the prison.

The complaint also accused Garcia of dissuading the victim from coming forward by telling her he was 'close friends' with the individual in charge of investigating misconduct allegations. He said he could not be fired for his actions.

What is the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003? The Prison Elimination Act was enacted in 2003 and required all federal, state, and local correctional facilities to enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual assault. This includes both inmate-on-inmate and staff-on-inmate assaults. The act required facilities to develop a standard for detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment for rape. It also required the Department of Justice Statistics to provide a yearly report on sexual assault in prisons at both adult and juvenile centers. Source: National Institute of Justice Advertisement

Investigators found hundreds of sexually explicit photos of both male and female genitalia, as well as, nude photos of Garcia on his work phone, which was issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Garcia, who was placed on administrative leave in July, was charged in federal court Wednesday with sexual assault of a ward. He faces up to 15 years in prison with three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

'The BOP takes seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody as well as maintain the safety of correctional staff and the community,' a representative for the Bureau of Prisons told DailyMail.com.

They declined to comment on the women's condition, however, their sexual assault policy states victims of sexual assault will receive prompt attention 'to their physical, psychological, and security needs.'

Since the passing of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 - for which Garcia trained supervisors - the Department of Justice Statistics is now required to perform an annual comprehensive review of prison rape. The report is required to be turned in by June 30 each year.

The 2021 report, which reviewed sexual assault data from 2018, found 27,826 allegations of sexual victimization in 2018, 18,884 allegations were reported by prisons.

Fifty-five per cent of women surveyed reported the assault happened by a staff member.

The report also said the Department of Justice Statistics department has reviewed 7,000 prisons and jails nationwide in 2020.

It is estimated more than 80,000 inmates are sexually assaulted annually, according to RAINN.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit their website to receive confidential support.
Police in North Port, Florida received two 911 calls connected to the home of fugitive Brian Laundrie's parents on September 10  the day before his fiancee, Gabby Petito, 22, was reported missing.

The were both 'public service' calls, with the first placed just before 4pm and the second around 6.30pm, according to police logs provided to DailyMail.com.

It is unclear who called 911 or what those calls entailed as the logs have been partially redacted. However, both calls have been given the brief description of 'problem settled'.

Officers also received three calls connected to the residence on September 11, the day Petito's mother filed a missing persons' report for the 22-year-old.

Those incidents were listed as 'follow up/investigation' and 'agency assist.'

Response to the calls was described as 'problem settled,' 'no police action needed' and 'report submitted'.

Police received two 'public service' 911 calls connected to Brian Laundrie's parents' North Port, Florida home the day before Gabby Petito was reported missing (Pictured: Police at the Laundrie family home on September 24)

Police tape is seen outside the Laundrie family home on September 22

At least 46 emergency calls were made in connection to the residence for various reasons between September 10 and September 27 including 'missing person,' 'disturbance,' 'follow up/investigation,' 'agency assist,' 'special detail,' 'patrol check' and 'public service'.

The provided records indicate that officers most recently received a call connected to the home on Monday at 5.10pm, with calls placed earlier in the day at 8.06am, 8.28am, 1.29pm, 2.45pm and 4.13pm.

North Port police visited the home on September 14, 15 and 16, as well as twice on September 17.

Laundrie's parents reported him missing on September 17, saying they hadn't seen him since the 14.

A nationwide manhunt is underway for 23-year-old Laundrie, who is a person of interest in Petito's homicide.

TV reality star Dog the Bounty Hunter  real name Duane Chapman, 68  has also launched a search for Laundrie, focusing his attentions on the Florida coastline and creeks surrounding Fort De Soto Park.

While Dog searched, a banner was flown over the islands off the western coast of Florida, according to Outsider, reading 'Aloha Brian Laundrie' and was signed 'Dog'.

The TV reality star shared a photo of the banner on his Instagram account, revealing that he was not responsible for the sign.

'Frankly, I wish I had thought of that, but it wasn't our team,' Dog wrote. 'I'd love to shake the hand of whoever is behind the banner, I'll tell you that.'

Dog and his team recovered a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday, Fox News reported.

North Port officers respond to the scene of a protest outside of the Laundrie home on September 17 after residents call the police on protesters that kept shouting 'Where's Gabby?'

Officers were called to the Laundrie family home in North Port, Florida on September 24

However, the team did not find solid evidence suggesting that Laundrie is in the woods on Egmont Key  which is located just southwest of Fort De Soto park.

His spokesperson said Dog is likely not searching on Thursday, but will be following up with leads from his temporary headquarters in the Sarasota area.

'This has been a very different search,' Dog said in a statement released late Wednesday night.

'Social media has enabled us to do this alongside everyone out there. America is along for the journey with us and I'm ready to do more!'

He believes it is probable that Laundrie is hiding somewhere in the 1,136 acre Fort De Soto Park area  which is made up of five interconnected islands.

'This would be and could be a perfect spot for him to hide, not too many people out here, but there's a lot of environmental things that we're gonna fight,' Dog said in a video posted to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

TV reality star Dog the Bounty Hunter (pictured searching for Laundrie on Shell Island on September 29) launched a search for Laundrie, focusing his attentions on the Florida coastline and creeks surrounding Fort De Soto Park

Dog the Bounty Hunter and his team recovered a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday

The TV reality star flew a banner with a message for Gabby Petito's boyfriend: 'Aloha Brian Laundrie'. The banner flown over the islands off the western coast of Florida

Dog believes it is probable that Laundrie is hiding somewhere in the 1,136 acre Fort De Soto Park area  which is made up of five interconnected islands

Monday night, the reality star revealed that Laundrie's parents spent the night in the campsite from September 1 to 3, staying in spot number 1.

They returned again with Laundrie to stay on spot 15 from September 6 to 8, and left without him, Dog claimed. Records did not show the Laundrie family staying at the park from September 1 to 3.

The family's attorney, Steven Bertolino, confirmed all three Laundrie family members went camping at the park from September 6, leaving together the next day - September 7.

'They all left the park,' Bertolino said, according to Fox 13.

Two months ago Laundrie and Gabby Petitio visited the same park and posted photos hiking and showing them relaxing on the beach. They also posted this photo behind bars

Gabby (right) and Brian (left) are pictured at the campsite during the young couple's visit together two months ago

The attorney for the family of Brian Laundrie has confirmed that Laundrie went camping with his parents at Fort de Soto Park five days before Gabby Petito was reported missing. Laundrie had returned home to North Port, Florida on September 1 and Petito was reported missing on September 11. Police and FBI are now searching Cartlon Reserve for any sign of him

Timeline of missing Gabby Petito's case July 2: Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip

Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie left Blue Point, New York for a cross-country road trip August 12: Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor

Police in Moab, Utah respond to a domestic incident involving the couple. Petito tells an officer Laundrie hit her but cops decide she is the primary aggressor Aug. 21: Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah

Petito's father, Joseph Petito, has his last FaceTime video call with his daughter who was in Salt Lake City, Utah Aug. 24: Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie

Petito is last seen at a hotel in Salt Lake City with Laundrie Aug. 25: Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park

Petito makes final call to her mother, Nicole Schmidt, saying she was in Grand Teton National Park Aug. 25 or 26: The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes

The couple chats with the owner of a shop called 'Rustic Row' in Victor, Utah for about 20 minutes Aug. 27: Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone

Video of Petito's van was taken by blogger Jenn Bethune, of Red White & Bethune, around 6.30 pm at the Spread Creek Campground; Petito's mom receives an 'odd text' from her phone Aug. 29: The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm

The day that Wisconsin TikToker Miranda Baker claimed that she and her boyfriend were approached by Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm Aug. 30: Petito's mom receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite'

receives the last text from her phone: 'No service in Yosemite' Aug. 31: Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3

Laundrie's mother Roberta cancels a camping trip for 2 to Fort De Soto campsite for Sept. 1-3 Sept. 1: Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home

Laundrie returns to his parents' home in North Port, Florida in the van without Petito; Laundrie visits sister Cassie at her home Sept. 4: According to his attorney, Laundrie purchases a new cell phone from a North Port AT&T store which he leaves at his home September 14 and is seized by the FBI

Sept. 6-8: Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6

Laundrie and his parents visit Fort De Soto campsite in Florida, records show. The family's lawyer says they stayed only from Sept. 6-7. Brian's sister Cassie joins them - reportedly for the day on Sept. 6 Sept. 10: The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home

The Laundries' neighbor Karyn Roberts says she saw Laundrie at the family home Sept. 11: Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie

Petito's mom reports Petito missing to authorities in New York; Petito and Laundrie's van is impounded by police in Florida that same day but authorities are denied entry to their home to speak with Laundrie Sept. 12: Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito

Grand Teton National Park rangers search for Petito Sept. 14: Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack

Laundrie issues a statement about Petito's disappearance through his lawyer; Laundrie reportedly buys a burner phone from an AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida, with an 'older woman'; Laundrie is reportedly last seen by his parents leaving to go to the Carlton Reserve carrying a backpack Sept. 15: Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case

Laundrie is officially named a person of interest in Petito's case Sept. 16: The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released

The August 12 domestic comes to light with bodycam from one officer released Sept. 17: Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her

Laundrie family attorney confirms his whereabouts are unknown and that his parents last saw him Sept. 14; Cassie tells GMA she last saw him Sept. 1 and describes Petito as 'like a sister' to her Sept. 18: North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie

North Port police and the FBI start searching the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County for missing Brian Laundrie Sept. 19: Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description

Bethune realizes she has video of Petito's van around 12am and submits the FBI with the footage 10 minutes later; Officials find a body near Grand Teton National Park that matches Petitos description Sept. 21: Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation

Coroner confirms remains found in Grand Tetons belong to Petito. Her death is ruled a homicide but her cause of death is still under investigation Sept. 20 - 22: FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve

FBI and North Port police continue search for Laundrie in Carton Reserve Sept. 22 : Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13

: Neighbors say they saw the Laundrie family pack up their detached camper on the day Gabby was reported missing. DailyMail.com photos show the camper was back in the driveway two days later, on September 13 Sept. 23: FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando

FBI issues an arrest warrant for Laundrie for 'use of unauthorized access device' for fraudulently using a Capitol One Bank debit card that was not his between August 30 and September 1 to spend $1,000; A probe is launched into the police handling of the Utah police incident on Aug. 12; Laundrie's parents visit their attorney in Orlando Sept. 25: Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie

Dog the Bounty Hunter joins the search for Laundrie Sept. 26: A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children

A funeral is held for Petito in Holbrook, New York, and her family launch a charity to help parents find missing children Sept. 27: Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left

Manhunt for Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve is scaled back after 10 day search doesn't find him. Dog the Bounty Hunter says Laundrie and his parents stayed at Fort De Soto Park from September 1-3 and September 6-8 - and that on the latter visit only the parents left Sept. 28: Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son

Laundrie's mom is accused of using a burner phone to contact her son Sept. 29: Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods

Documents reveal Laundrie's mom canceled a reservation for the Fort De Soto Park campsite for two from September 1 to 3 and booked for three from September 6 to 8; FBI seizes surveillance footage from site; FBI investigates lead Laundrie bought a burner phone on September 14; Dog the Bounty Hunter searches the area near Fort De Soto finding a recently drunk can of Monster Energy at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods Sept. 30: Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home

Bodycam footage from a second officer at the August 12 incident is released showing a distressed Petito admitting Laundrie hit her; FBI agents collect more evidence from the Laundrie home Oct. 1: It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida

It emerges Laundrie's sister had contact with him after she said she did. The Laundrie family said they believe he is alive somewhere in Florida Oct. 2: Petito's mother creates a new Twitter account and calls for Laundrie to turn himself into authorities in an 'angry' tweet. It is revealed that Petito's family tried to report her missing to North Port Police Department on September 10 but were told to file a report in her last known location Advertisement

Bertolino gave the confirmation after initially saying of Dog's allegations: 'I will no longer give that dog credibility or dignify his false claims with the time of my reply.'

If Dog's claims that Laundrie's parents left without him are accurate, the 23-year-old could have had a nine-day head-start on law enforcement before his dad, Christopher, and mom, Roberta, told police he had vanished.

This would also mean that the Laundries hid from authorities for almost a week that he was not at the family home as cops were denied access to enter the property due to Laundrie's first amendment rights.

Laundrie was named a person of interest in the homicide of his fiancee, Petito.

A warrant is out for his arrest for allegedly fraudulently spending $1,000 on Petito's Capitol One Bank debit card between August 30 and September 1.

The young couple set off on a cross-country trip in their campervan back on July 2 and were documenting their travels on YouTube.

Petito was last seen alive on August 24 leaving a motel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Laundrie and last spoke to her mom by phone the following day. Her family said they believe texts from her phone after then were 'suspicious.'

Brian returned to his home in North Port alone on September 1 driving the couple's campervan.

Petito was reported missing on September 11 by her family and her body was discovered in a campsite near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

Her death has been ruled a homicide but the cause of death is not yet clear.

Laundrie refused to speak to authorities during a week-long search for his missing girlfriend. On September 17, his parents told police they hadn't seen him in three days when he headed for a hike at the nearby Carlton Reserve.

As the manhunt for Laundrie continues, new details have emerge about his whereabouts between September 1 - the day he returned to Florida without Petito - and September 14 - the day his parents claim they last saw him.

Documents from the Fort De Soto Park reveal Brian's mom Roberta made a booking on August 24 for two people to stay at the campsite from September 1 to 3, Fox reported.

But on August 31 - the day before Brian returned home - Roberta canceled the reservation.

Brian and Petito were not expected to be back in Florida until October after setting out on the four month-long trip on July 2.

On September 3, seven days before Petito was reported missing, Roberta made a new reservation for three people at the same park for the weekend running September 6 through September 8.

A source who used to work at Civic Plus which manages the campground's reservation system told Fox they believe this indicates the Laundries knew Brian was heading home on August 31 and then made new plans to include him in a trip.

Other documents from the park, which is about 75 miles north of the family's home, show the Laundries did check in and out of the campsite on the dates booked.

Brian visited the park with Petito just two months ago with photos showing the young couple at the beach and campsite.

In one photo from the fateful couple's visit, Laundrie and Gabby are seen peering through the bars of a jail cell at an old fort.

'Really nice campground, beautiful area with many hikes and easy walks, the beach, historic sites, really nice camp store and well maintained sites!' the couple said in a review.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office told Fox Wednesday that the FBI is now examining surveillance footage from the area around the campsite as part of the search for Laundrie.

A spokesperson said the footage was being looked at as part of 'the open and active investigation' led by the FBI's Denver field office.

'The surveillance footage is part of that and that's why it is not being released,' they said.

A couple who stayed at the campsite at the same time recalled seeing a red truck with a camper similar to the one now seen parked in the Laundries' driveway.

Marcie and Kenny Newson said they could not confirm physically seeing Laundrie but a selfie from their trip appears to show him walking across the campsite.

'They kept to themselves. They were there and then they weren't', they told NBC 2.

Another camper whose name appeared on the ledger was celebrating his anniversary with his wife three spots down from the Laundries.

Thomas Rutherford told Fox News that he could 'vaguely remember' spotting the Laundries' vehicle, which they noted due to the novelty of seeing a camper attached to a vehicle.

Meanwhile, multiple travelers are sharing stories of their encounters with a man they believe to be Brian Laundrie that took place in the days before Petito was last seen alive.

Hunter Mannies, 44, from Louisiana, has said he believes he saw a man matching Laundrie's description at Bullwinkle's Saloon in West Yellowstone, Montana on August 26.

The Fort De Soto campsite in Florida is seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos. New details have emerged about a camping trip Brian took with his parents there days before Petito was reported missing

The campsite (pictured) is located in Fort De Soto in Pinellas County, Florida, close to St Petersburg and was visited by the Laundries days before Gabby was reported missing

Marcie and Kenny Newsom (first and second right) said they could not confirm physically seeing Laundrie but a selfie from their trip appears to show him walking across the campsite

Hunter Mannies, 44, (pictured) believes he had an encounter with Brian Laundrie, 23, in a bar one day before Gabby Petito, 22, went missing

'It was an odd encounter,' Mannies said during a Fox & Friends interview.

'There was a guy by himself at the end of the bar. We really didnt pay him much attention until he got kind of  he just seemed overly invested in our conversation and eventually ended up speaking up.'

Mannies says the bargoer - who introduced himself as 'Brian' - was giving off an 'uncomfortable vibe' during the time he was in the bar, before he interjected in the conversation that Mannies was having with a friend about hunting, guns and politics.

'[Laundrie] abruptly jumped into it with a comment about 'stupid Southerners' and some expletives about Republicans,' he shared.

'I kind of laughed and said, 'Well, where are you from?' and he said, 'New York,' Mannies explained. 'And I said, 'Okay, New York' and he said, 'I have a name, it's Brian,'' Mannies added, speaking with The New York Post.

'I said, 'Let me ask you this, New York. What did you expect to find in a small mountain town in the middle of nowhere Montana? Did you expect to find a bunch of Democrats?''

He added: 'He was overly invested in our conversation. We felt watched. He wasn't talking to the bartenders. He was there alone. It just stood out as odd. He was just mad at the world it seemed like.'

Mannies also said that the bargoer 'he had that serial killer look.' He has reported the encounter to the FBI.

Mannies claims Laundrie was sitting alone at Bullwinkle's Saloon in West Yellowstone August 26

Mannies says the bargoer - who introduced himself as 'Brian' - was giving off an 'uncomfortable vibe' during the time he was in the bar, before he interjected in the conversation that Mannies was having with a friend about hunting, guns and politics

Two women have also come forward, each claiming that they picked up Laundrie who was hitchhiking in Grand Teton National Park.

TikToker Miranda Baker said she and her boyfriend were at Grand Teton National Park on August 29 when Laundrie approached the couple and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm.

'He approached us asking for a ride because he needed to go to Jackson and we were going to Jackson that night. So I said, ya know, "hop in" and he hopped in the back of my Jeep,' Baker explained.

TikToker Miranda Baker (pictured) said she and her boyfriend were at Grand Teton National Park in Colter Bay, Wyoming, on August 29 when Laundrie approached the couple and asked them for a ride at 5.30pm

Baker explained that her, her boyfriend and Laundrie 'then proceeded to make small talk' and found out he had been camping for multiple days without his fiancee.

'He did say he had a fiancee and that she was working on their social media page back at their van,' Baker said.

She also said that Laundrie told her he and his companion were not camping on a regulated campsite through the national park.

'They were camping basically out in the middle of nowhere along Snake River,' she said.

Baker recounted the alleged story Laundrie told her and her boyfriend: 'This is key information. He said that he had hiked for days along Snake River but looking at his backpack, it wasn't full.

'And he said all he had was a tarp to sleep on. And, if you'd think you're going camping for days on end you'd want food and a tent and he had none of that.'

She added: 'He had scruff but he didn't look dirty for someone who was camping for multiple days. He didn't look dirty, he didn't smell dirty, so that part was kind of weird.'

Then, when Baker told Laundrie they were driving to Jackson Hole he supposedly 'freaked out' and asked them to pull over and said: 'Nope, I need to get out right now.'

Baker said they pulled over at the Jackson Dam in Grand Teton National Park, which she noted was not very far from where they originally picked Laundrie up.

He allegedly hurried out of the car and told the couple he would find someone else to hitchhike with.

Police have since told Fox 13 News that Baker's story is 'possibly credible'.

Gabby Petitio's body was found in the Spread Creek campsite in Wyoming on Sunday and the next day her death was ruled a homicide. She is pictured during a police stop in August

Laundrie was last seen on September 14 and his whereabouts remain unknown. He is pictured during a police stop in August

A second woman, Norma Jean Jalovec, also said she picked Laundrie while he was hitchhiking up on August 29.

She claims Laundrie asked her tp drop him off at the gate of the Spread Creek campground and tried to jump out of the car when she offered to drive him inside.

'He got agitated when I said, 'Do you want me to take you past the gate, down the road [to the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area]?'' Jalovec told People.

'He was like, 'No, no, no, no, no. This is fine.' He said, 'Just let me out here. You can let me out here.''

Jalovec said she found his 'antsy behavior' to be odd, noting that he offered her $200 for gas money, even though she only drove him a short distance.

'He was antsy and just wanted to get out at the gate. I said, 'Oh, you don't want your fiancee to see you being dropped off out of an SUV. You want her to think you hiked all the way back.''

She continued: 'But now we all know, obviously, there was a reason why he probably didn't want me to go down that road.'
Nebraska is already promising to defy a Biden proposal that would require banks to hand over data on transactions over $600 on individual bank accounts to the IRS.

'My message is really simple. The people of Nebraska entrusted me to protect the privacy of these accounts and I am not going to comply with this. If the Biden administration sues me, we will take it all the way to the Supreme Court. We are going to fight every step of the way,' state treasurer John Murante told FOX Business.

The proposal, backed by $79 billion in additional funding, would allow the IRS to peer into the aggregate inflows and outflows of a bank account over $600.

This crackdown on unreported income is expected to generate $463 billion over the next decade, according to the Office of Tax Analysis. That money would be used to partially fund Biden's $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation plan.

Murante said he believes other states would also refuse to comply.

'We have members across the country who are committed to limited government and free market approaches, and we are unanimously against this proposal. It is an invasion of privacy and lacks any due process,' he said.

Wyoming Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Tuesday tore into Treasury Sec. Janet Yellen on Tuesday for her support of the Biden proposal.

'Banks do not work for the IRS,' Lummis said. 'This is invasive of privacy. Wyoming's people literally will find alternatives to traditional banks just to thwart IRS access to their personal information, not because they're trying to hide anything, but because they are not willing to share everything.'

Nebraska state treasurer John Murante said he believes other states will also refuse to comply

The senator asked Yellen if she was 'aware how unnecessary this regulatory burden is?'

'Do you distrust the American people so much that you need to know when they bought a couch?' Lummis asked. 'Or a cow?'

'I am astounded by what you're supporting and proposing. I think it's invasive. I think privacy for individuals is being ignored. And I think that treating the American people like they are subjects of the government is unconscionable.'

Yellen told Lummis that she believes the senator is misunderstanding the proposal, as it requires banks to hand over the IRS data on aggregate inflows and outflows of an account for transactions over $600, rather than details on each individual transaction.

Yellen noted that the tax gap is expected to swell to $7 trillion over the next decade, roughly 15% of taxes owed.

The IRS would know how much money is in an individual's bank account in a given year, whether the individual earned income on that account and exactly how much was going in an and out.

'Banks do not work for the IRS,' Sen. Cynthia Lummis said. 'This is invasive of privacy'

Yellen noted that the tax gap is expected to swell to $7 trillion over the next decade

How banks will report your transactions over $600 to the IRS: The answers and (many) questions The Biden administration plan to have banks report all transactions over $600 to the IRS has sparked fury from financial institutions and privacy concerns from Americans. There are also concerns the vast amount of information handed over could be vulnerable to hackers. The full details of how the reporting process have still not been clear, but there are many questions over how the IRS and banks would undertake the scale of such reporting. Here's what is known: - IRS would receive $80 billion in funding to enforce compliance -IRS would get an annual report on money deposited and withdrawn from every bank account -New reporting would build from the 1099 form taxpayers receive when they earn $10 or more in interest from a bank, brokerage, or other financial institution -A line would be added to report gross inflows and outflows an account receives from financial institutions, including bank, loan, and investment accounts, foreign accounts and crypto exchanges -IRS would use this data to conduct more targeted audits -Accounts below the minimum threshold in transactions ($600 in the original proposal would be exempt -New Form 1099 reports would also be required from payment services providers so that businesses cannot shift out of traditional financial institutions to other kinds of platforms and avoid making their income visible to the IRS Banks have raised some security questions. 'How private, how secure is it, and do people want the government combing through their finances at that level?' F&M Bank CEO Mark Hanna said. He said it still isn't clear what the threshold refers to. 'Is it granular on a per-item transaction threshold or is it an aggregate? It's hard to tell at this point. It's all very new, and the information is kind of slowly leaking out, and I don't even know if there is a concerted plan at this point.' Advertisement

'The IRS has a wealth of information about individuals,' she added. Yellen said the proposal would target high earners who have 'opaque sources of income.'

'A $600 threshold is not usually where you're going to find the massive amount of tax data you think Americans are cheating you out of,' the Wyoming Republican shot back.

'That's true but it's important to have comprehensive information,' Yellen said.

The proposal would require banks to report gross inflows and outflows to the IRS, including transactions from Venmo, PayPal, crypto exchanges and the like in an effort to fight tax evasion.

The IRS estimates that compliance on taxes due on wages is 99% while compliance on 'less visible' sources of income is only 45%.

The Treasury Department claimed that the plan would have little effect on 'already compliant' taxpayers, but would help the IRS better target its audits.

'For noncompliant taxpayers, this regime would encourage voluntary compliance as evaders realize that the risk of evasion being detected has risen noticeably,' the Treasury Department said.

Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, IRS chief Charles Rettig - a Trump-era holdover - and a number of Democrats in the Senate, most especially Elizabeth Warren are pushing for the proposal to help fund their $3.5 trillion budget plan.

Other parts of the plan include setting up a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% and a system that prevents multinational companies from registering profits in the lowest-tax jurisdictions and raising taxes on the rich.

Some moderate Democrats are leery of the IRS proposal, and those on the House Ways and Means Committee are reportedly working to bring that $600 threshold up to $10,000. Banks are already required to file a currency transaction report to the financial crimes division of the Treasury on transactions over $10,000 to prevent money laundering.

'We've made some significant movement on the number,' House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal told Bloomberg Monday.

Neal said congressional staff were looking at ways to 'ameliorate legitimate concerns' that the data collection could target lower income taxpayers.

Lawmakers' staff have been working on language to exempt some payments, such as mortgage payments and salary, from the reporting requirements.

Patrick Hedger, vice president of policy at the Taxpayers' Protection Alliance told DailyMail.com the $600 transaction proposal policy would disproportionately hurt the poor.

'You're going to push more folks into small cash transactions, you're going to push more banking offshore ... the big fish out there that do have sizable assets that are that are eligible for taxation offshore.'

'This is the ultimate regressive tax,' Hedger said.

'You're going to end up punishing the worst off among us ... the lower income folks in this country have historically been the targets of aggressive IRS audits because they don't have the CPAs and the lawyers to be able to fight back.'

In a letter to the Senate Subcommittee on Finance, the American Bankers Association, the Bank Policy Institute, the Consumer Bankers Association and others argued that the 'new reporting requirements for financial institutions would impose cost and complexity that are not justified by the potential, and highly uncertain, benefits.'

The trade groups also called the reporting requirements 'subjective.'

'We believe additional reporting requirements guided by subjective criteria have privacy and fairness implications and the potential to put financial institutions in an untenable position with their account holders.'

They instead suggested greater funding for audits.

But IRS chief Rettig, a Trump-era holdover, is in favor of the proposal, along with the increased IRS funding that would come with it.

'Every measure that is important to effective tax administration has suffered tremendously,' Rettig wrote in a letter to Warren earlier this month.

Former Treasury Secretaries Tim Geithner, Jacob Lew, Henry Paulson Jr., Robert Rubin and Lawrence Summers also defended the Biden proposal in a New York Times op-ed. Only Paulson served under a Republican.

'Relying on financial institutions to relay some basic information about account holders is a sensible way forward,' they wrote. 'With better information for the I.R.S., voluntary compliance will rise through deterrence as potential tax evaders realize there is a risk to evasion.'

Steven Rosenthal, senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Institute also said the proposal would not be worth the trouble.

Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, IRS chief Charles Rettig - a Trump-era holdover - and a number of Democrats in the Senate , most especially Elizabeth Warren are pushing for the proposal to help fund their $3.5 trillion budget plan

'In practice, the IRS' task would be daunting and, in fact, bury the agency in a sea of unproductive information,' he said.

'Most individuals earn all of their income from wages and investment returns, which already are reported to the IRS. And larger businesses often are audited by public accounting firms. While those businesses have many ways to reduce their taxes, omitting income rarely is one of them. Why drag these individuals and businesses into the new program?'
An Arizona mom has been arrested for allegedly shooting her two-year-old daughter dead and leaving her six-year-old son in a critical condition.

Reports said that Esther Callejas, 24, wanted the young children to 'go to heaven.'

Callejas phone her husband Emmanuel Isidro and other relative after the shooting on Monday morning, Phoenix police said.

During the calls, she allegedly admitted to shooting the children at their home. Phoenix police spokesman Sergeant Ann Justus confirmed to People that Callejas admitted to the shootings.

Callejas was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on $2million bond.

According to police, Isidro and the other family member immediately called police after speaking to Callejas.

Officers arrived to the family's home where they found the two children with gunshot wounds.

Esther Callejas (pictured) phone her husband Emmanuel Isidro and other relative after the shooting on Monday morning, Phoenix police said

The Arizona Republic reported that Callejas later told police she was planning to shoot the children and take her own life.

Callejas said she had bought a gun and hid it from her husband in the children's room, according to the paper.

'During an interview with police the following day, she admitted to shooting both of her children because she wanted them to go to Heaven,' police said in a statement, according to Fox News.

'She told detectives she planned on killing herself after, but she was unable to reload the gun.' Callejas then reportedly attempted to overdose on pills.

Callejas accidentally shot herself in the hand, before shooting the children, Fox reported.

Callejas was booked into the Maricopa County Jail (pictured) on $2million bond after being arrested on Monday

Her husband said she had been 'depressed' before the incident, according to The Republic.

'This is the worst type of call we can go on as officers. It affects each and every one of our officers,' Justus said in a news conference.

Two weeks prior to the shooting, police responded to a welfare check request by Isidro but neither Callejas nor their children were home.

Fox News reported that Callejas called officers and informed them that everything was fine.

USA: If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, open 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255

UK: Help can be found at Samaritans, their helpline is open 24/7 at 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org

Australia: Advice and support is available through Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Jasmine Hartin is giving her first TV interview since being charged over the death of Belizean police superintendent Henry Jemmot.

The glamorous socialite, 32, shot and killed Jemmott, a 42-year-old father-of-five, on a moonlit pier in Belize back in May, with the case generating headlines around the world.

Hartin - who shares two children with the son of billionaire British politician Lord Michael Ashcroft - has been charged with manslaughter by negligence, but several members of Jemmott's family believe he was murdered.

In a world exclusive, Hartin is sitting down with CBS reporter Peter Van Sant for a special interview set to air on 48 Hours this coming Saturday, where she admits to killing Jemmott - but not deliberately.

'I am not a murderer. That's ridiculous,' Hartin says in a sneak preview of the interview, which was released on Thursday.

For the first time on television, the mother-of-two describes what she says occurred on the fateful night of May 28.

In a world exclusive, Hartin is sitting down with CBS reporter Peter Van Sant for a special interview set to air on 48 Hours this coming Saturday, where she admits to killing Jemmott - but not deliberately

Superintendent Henry Jemmott, a 42-year-old father-of-five, was killed by a bullet from his own service pistol in May

Back at the scene: Jasmine is pictured with Peter Van Sant during the CBS exclusive

The blonde socialite is seen behind bars. She is currently out on bond and is awaiting a trial date

Hartin tells Van Sant that she and Jemmott - who was a friend - walked down to the pier under the cover of darkness, where he taught her how to load and unload his Glock 17 pistol and magazine.

Hartin claims Jemmott wanted her to be able to use a gun for her personal protection.

'He says  "Can you hand me the magazine from the gun?". So, I lean over. I pick up the gun.  I'm trying to get the magazine out. Next thing I know, the gun went off,' Hartin is seen saying in the preview clip.

'And did you have a finger on the trigger?' Van Sant then asks.

'Not that I thought,' Hartin replies.

'Somehow you must have pulled the trigger,' Van Sant responds.

'I'd  I'mI don't know. I  I  I  mean, it was an accident or the gun misfired. But  consciously did I pull the trigger? No,' Hartin says.

Hartin claims Jemmott taught her to use the weapon because he wanted her to have a gun for her personal protection

Hartin is seen in an old video carrying a pump-action shotgun, then pretending to blow smoke from the barrel

The blonde beauty was living the high life before the tragedy occurred on May 28

Hartin's recount contradicts the one she reportedly gave to police just after Jemmott's death, where she allegedly said the gunshot came from a boat which was sailing in nearby waters.

In her 48 Hours interview, Hartin further describes how Jemmott fell straight on top of her after she shot him.

'All I could feel is warmth, and I later then realized he was bleeding on me,' she emotionally states.

Jemmott's sister does not believe the socialite's version of events.

'My brother was shot behind the ear execution style. Jasmine Hartin should be charged with murder, not manslaughter,' Cherry Jemmott says in the CBS preview clip.

In the early hours of May 28, Jasmine Hartin (left) shot Henry Jemmott dead with his own service pistol. She is charged with manslaughter and maintains the shooting was an accident

Hartin - a glamorous blonde - was in a relationship with Andrew Ashcroft at the time of Jemmott's death. Ashcroft is the son of Lord Michael Ashcroft, a British politician with a net worth of around $2.2 billion.

Hartin tells 48 Hours that the media representation of her glamorous life and personality has been distorted.

'People perceive me as being a billionairess and this entitled, spoiled rich girl and this wild, crazy, party girl that's hanging from the rafters,' she states.

'That's not it at all. I'm a businesswoman. I'm a mother. I'm a friend I'm a wife.'

Hartin is awaiting trial, but no court dates have yet been announced.

Lord Ashcroft's son Andrew, 43, and his former partner Jasmine Hartin, 32, who is facing a manslaughter charge in Belize

Andrew Ashcroft claims his ex Jasmine Hartin is unfit to care for twins Charlie and Ellie

The blonde is pictured with her two kids in a social media snap captured before the May shooting

However, the couple have been embroiled in a bitter custody dispute over their twins since Hartin was charged in June.

Ashcroft says his former partner is an unfit mother because of her 'immoral habits' and her involvement in the accidental shooting death of the police officer.

'Her main occupation is socializing and she is addicted to non-prescribed and illegal drugs and is a habitual drunkard,' Ashcroft has claimed in a court summons.

Hartin has rejected the allegations and says Ashcroft has blocked her from seeing her children without any court order or lawful authorization since June 11.

She has also complained to Belizean and Canadian authorities that Ashcroft took their children out of Belize without her permission.

Hartin has claimed no-one from the family of her former partner Ashcroft visited her while she was on bail over the shooting because they had been told they couldn't have 'bad press associated with their reputation'.

She said that although she has had a 'complicated' seven-year relationship with Ashcroft with many 'ups and downs', she has been 'shocked' about the Ashcroft family's treatment of her since her arrest.

Prior to the shooting of Jemmott, Hartin and Ashcroft enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle operating a string of luxurious resorts in Ambergris Caye, a tropical island haven for rich ex-pats off the eastern coast of Belize.

The incident occurred close to this luxury resort operated by Hartin's partner Andrew Ashcroft

Hartin and Jemmott were allegedly practicing shooting on this pier in Belize

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com back in July, Hartin gave her first public account of the shooting saying the gun went off unexpectedly in her hands as she tried to re-insert a clip and hand it back.

'Henry was my friend. It was an accident, I didn't flee the scene. The first thing I did was call the police myself,' she said.

Hartin also revealed that the reason she was practicing with the gun was because an unnamed man had tried to rape her at a party six days earlier.

She was charged with manslaughter by negligence after prosecutors opted against murder or full-fledged manslaughter on the strength of her witness statement insisting it was an accident.

The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of nine months or a fine of around 10,000 Belizean dollars ($5,000 in US money).
A Catholic bishop in Brooklyn has resigned from his position just four weeks after a Vatican investigation cleared him of sexual abuse allegations raised by two men in 2019.

The resignation of bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, 77, was accepted by Pope Francis on Wednesday, less than a month after a probe conducted by the Vatican's own investigative team announced on September 1 that two claims against him did not have 'a semblance of truth'.

The Pope has appointed native New Yorker and leader of the Columbus diocese in Ohio Bishop Richard Brennan to take over in Brooklyn, the Vatican said, while DiMarzio goes into retirement amid claims he sexually abused two boys, one from the age of six, during the 1970s in New Jersey.

The accusers' lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian, has said the two men will both press forward with civil cases against DiMarzio.

'The recent finding of the Vatican clearing Bishop DiMarzio of sexual abuse was the result of a biased investigation rendered by a self-serving Vatican court with a predetermined agenda,' Garabedian said in a statement.

Meanwhile, in a tweet Wednesday, DiMarzio welcomed Brennan to Brooklyn and said he had 'great confidence in his ability to lead' the diocese, without making reference to the abuse claims.

Nicholas DiMarzio, 77, resigned on Wednesday from his post as bishop in Brooklyn just four weeks after he was cleared by a Vatican-led probe into claims he sexually abused two boys in the 1970s

The Pope has appointed Bishop Robert Brennan of Columbus, Ohio, to take over in Brooklyn after DiMarzio's resignation was accepted

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, left, sits alongside Bishop Robert Brennan at the start of a news conference on Wednesday following DiMarzio's resignation

DiMarzio welcomed Brennan to Brooklyn and said he had 'great confidence in his ability to lead' the diocese, without making reference to the abuse claims

Today, I welcome Bishop-designate Robert Brennan, as the eighth Bishop of Brooklyn. I have known Bishop Brennan for many years, and have great confidence in his ability to lead the @BrooklynDiocese, and build upon the pastoral achievements we have made. pic.twitter.com/0BLAXVNENw  Bishop DiMarzio (@BpDiMarzio) September 29, 2021

For the Bronx-born Brennan, 59, it's a homecoming to New York after he was educated at St. John's University in Queens, ordained in Long Island, and made an auxiliary bishop there before being sent to lead the Columbus diocese in 2019.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who as archbishop of New York is the responsible for both the Brooklyn and Rockville Centre dioceses, welcomed Brennan back home.

'During my over 12 years as archbishop of New York, I have come to know him as a fine priest and bishop, a warm individual, and a good friend,' Dolan said.

Dolan, who had appointed an outside firm to investigate DiMarzio, thanked the bishop for his 'zeal and dedication' in leading the Brooklyn diocese for 18 years and said he would continue to be a source of wisdom for the New York church.

Four weeks earlier, the cardinal announced on September 1 that the Vatican closed its investigation into allegations made separately by two men, who accused DiMarzio, of abusing them in the 1970s when he was a priest in New Jersey.

DiMarzio denied the accusations made by his accusers, both of whom have filed civil claims against him.

'I repeat what I have said from the beginning. There is no truth to these allegations. Throughout my more than 50-year ministry as a priest, I have never abused anyone,' DiMarzio said in a statement.

He said he 'fully cooperated' with the investigation and declared he 'remained focused on leading the Diocese of Brooklyn as we are emerging from the darkness of the Coronavirus pandemic,' despite resigning from the post less than a month later.

'I ask for your prayers as I continue to fight against the lawsuits stemming from these two allegations, and as I now look forward to clearing my name in the New Jersey state courts,' the bishop said.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan (left), Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio (center) and Pope Francis (right) share a laugh at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Vatican concluded that allegations of sexual abuse in the 1970s against DiMarzio do 'not have the semblance of truth,' but an attorney for the accusers said they will continue to pursue their civil cases

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio posted a statement on Twitter following the closure of the Vatican's investigation into the sexual abuse allegations made against him on September 1

Dolan, who had appointed an outside firm to investigate DiMarzio, thanked the bishop for his 'zeal and dedication' in leading the Brooklyn diocese for 18 years

Bishop and native New Yorker Robert Brennan speaks as members of the clergy look on after he was appointed to lead the Brooklyn diocese by Pope Francis on Wednesday September 29

The Vaticans handling of the case was being closely watched because it was among the first to come under new procedures put in place two years ago by Pope Francis to address allegations of sexual abuse against some of the churchs highest ranking clergy.

Critics, including the lawyer for his accusers, expressed concern that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, comprised of other bishops, would lack impartiality.

'The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which rendered the decision, is in the business of continuing the secrecy of clergy sexual abuse by hiding the truth,' Garabedian asserted.

One of his accusers, Samier Tadros, said the abuse began when he was 6 years old and a parishioner at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City. He has come forward publicly with his allegations.

Tadros, who is now 48, has demanded $20 million in compensation.

One of DiMarzio's accusers, Samier Tadros, said the abuse began when he was 6 years old and a parishioner at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City (pictured) in Jersey City.

Tadros' Attorney Mitchell Garabedian said the decision to exonerate Bishop DiMarzio was 'subjective and biased because the investigators were controlled by and paid for by the Catholic Church'

In response to the allegations, Cardinal Dolan hired a law firm to conduct an investigation. That inquiry was led by former FBI Director Louis Freeh.

The findings were then forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for its review, which determined that the accusations were baseless.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, more commonly known as SNAP, said it was not surprised by the Vatican's actions and urged New York Attorney General Letitia James to conduct its own investigation.

'Given Bishop DiMarzios high rank in the Catholic Church - and especially given the fact that he had been tapped by Vatican leaders to investigate other prelates accused of wrongdoing - we believe true transparency and accountability will need to come from secular officials in New York and New Jersey, not Rome,' SNAP said in a statement.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, hired a law firm to conduct an investigation, which was led by former FBI Director Louis Freeh (pictured)

The Attorney General's Office did not respond to Dailymail.com's inquiry.

Anne Barrett Doyle, the co-director of BishopAccountability.org, a Boston-based group that has amassed a vast online archive of documents and reports alleging sexual wrongdoing by Catholic clergy, questioned the Catholic Church's transparency in the matter and called on the Church to release all documents related to its investigation.

'Even if their investigation was thorough,' she said, 'only Cardinal Dolan had the power to filter and interpret the evidence before sending' it to the Vatican.

Given the findings of the Vatican body, Dolan said in his announcement, it 'will not authorize any further canonical process to address the accusations.'
Britons have been advised of their rights if they are suspicious about a police officer - and told to refuse to get into a car unless it is a marked vehicle.

Former Scotland Yard senior officer Parm Sandhu has spoken out about what do if you are stopped, after the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard in March.

The Metropolitan Police has also released a statement saying they 'completely hear the legitimate concerns' and gave advice for what is expected during a stop.

It advised women who fear a male police officer might not be genuine to call 999 or 'shout out to a passer-by, run into a house or wave a bus down' for help.

Miss Everard's killer Wayne Couzens posed as an on-duty undercover officer and flashed his warrant card to handcuff her in a fake arrest to get her in his car.

Details of the elaborate deception have led to many people wondering how they will react if a sole police officer attempts to detain them in the future.

Here is what to expect if you are stopped by police, and what your rights are:

Can you ever be stopped by a lone police officer in plain clothes?

Scotland Yard said in a statement that it is 'unusual for a single plain clothes police officer to engage with anyone in London', although it can happen.

They said that an lone officer could be seeking to arrest you, but if they do then you should 'expect to see other officers arrive shortly afterwards'.

As of yesterday the Metropolitan Police announced they would not deploy plain clothes officers on their own.

Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House said: 'We will not operate plain clothes officers on their own. If we do use them, they will be in pairs.'

However he said there will be 'occasions' where that is not possible - such as when a pair of officers are split up - and noted that off-duty officers not in uniform.

Why would you be stopped by a lone police officer?

Police only have the power to stop someone if they have reasonable grounds that you have committed a crime.

The only other time they can is if they think you might be carrying a weapon or doing anti-social behaviour.

If they do think this and they ask for your address and details, you have to answer and if you fail to do this, it could be considered a criminal offence in itself.

What should you do if no police backup arrives?

You would expect a lone police officer who is arresting you to soon be joined by backup, although it is possible that this might not happen and you are still alone.

Metropolitan Police statement in full on police stops What to do if you have concerns an officer is threat to you / How do you prove an officer is genuine? We completely hear the legitimate concerns being raised and we know women are worried. All our officers are concerned about the impact of these horrific crimes on trust in the police and we want to do all we can to rebuild that trust. It is unusual for a single plain clothes police officer to engage with anyone in London. If that does happen, and it may do for various reasons, in instances where the officer is seeking to arrest you, you should then expect to see other officers arrive shortly afterwards. However, if that doesn't happen and you do find yourself in an interaction with a sole police officer and you are on your own, it is entirely reasonable for you to seek further reassurance of that officer's identity and intentions. Our advice is to ask some very searching questions of that officer: Where are your colleagues?

Where have you come from?

Why are you here?

Exactly why are you stopping or talking to me? Try to seek some independent verification of what they say, if they have a radio ask to hear the voice of the operator, even ask to speak through the radio to the operator to say who you are and for them to verify you are with a genuine officer, acting legitimately. All officers will, of course, know about this case and will be expecting in an interaction like that - rare as it may be - that members of the public may be understandably concerned and more distrusting than they previously would have been, and should and will expect to be asked more questions. If after all of that you feel in real and imminent danger and you do not believe the officer is who they say they are, for whatever reason, then I would say you must seek assistance - shouting out to a passer-by, running into a house, knocking on a door, waving a bus down or if you are in the position to do so calling 999. Advertisement

Scotland Yard said in this case that it was 'entirely reasonable for you to seek further reassurance of that officer's identity and intentions'.

The Met said it advises people to 'ask some very searching questions of that officer', including:

'Where are your colleagues?'

'Where have you come from?'

'Why are you here?'

'Exactly why are you stopping or talking to me?'

Former Scotland Yard senior officer Parm Sandhu told ITV's Good Morning Britain that there were things people could do if they were concerned about an arrest.

She said that people should not get into the vehicle unless it's a marked police vehicle and ask to see the radio, or ask the arresting officer to call their colleagues and make sure they are on duty. She added: 'If you're really concerned dial 999.'

What if you are still suspicious of the officer after questioning them?

Scotland Yard urges people to 'seek some independent verification of what they say'.

They advise that if the police officer has a radio, 'ask to hear the voice of the operator, even ask to speak through the radio to the operator to say who you are and for them to verify you are with a genuine officer, acting legitimately'.

Won't officers become annoyed if you keep asking them questions?

Scotland Yard said: 'All officers will, of course, know about this case and will be expecting in an interaction like that - rare as it may be - that members of the public may be understandably concerned and more distrusting than they previously would have been, and should and will expect to be asked more questions.'

What if you still feel in danger?

The Metropolitan Police said gave a series of tips for people who feel in 'real and imminent danger and you do not believe the officer is who they say they are'.

They said it was important to 'seek assistance', giving the examples of 'shouting out to a passer-by, running into a house, knocking on a door, waving a bus down or if you are in the position to do so calling 999'.

What is a 'stop' and how is it different to a 'stop and search'?

A 'stop' occurs when an officer stops and asks you questions, but this is not an official stop and search and you can leave at any moment.

An individual is free to ask whether they are being detained to ascertain if it is a stop and search rather than a 'stop and account'. If you are not being detained, you are free to leave and are not required to give your name and address.

Wayne Couzens sitting in the front seat of the hire car, after he falsely 'arrested' Sarah Everard (seated in the back) outside Poynders Court on Poynders Road in Clapham, South London

On what grounds can an officer search you?

If an officer has reasonable ground to believe you were involve in a crime or possess a prohibited item, they can search you.

This can only be carried out by an officer and they can only search your outer clothing.

Wayne Couzens, 48, tricked Sarah Everard into his car after staging a fake arrest on her

If they are not in uniform, they should show their identity card and you are not required to give your name and address.

If you try to resist the search, an officer can use 'reasonable force' and can also arrest you.

Before the search, police should tell you their name, their police station, what they are searching for and the fact you are entitled to a copy of the search record.

What about if you are suspected of carrying drugs?

If an officer believes you are in possession of a controlled drug, they must tell you the law they are searching you under and the reasons for the search.

The smell of cannabis does not meet the requirements for a stop, according to the College of Policing's authorised professional practice, but it is not legislated.

When can police search you without suspecting criminality?

Police can carry out a search without suspicion of criminality when they are carried out under 'non reasonable suspicion' powers granted to an officer of at least superintendent rank.

These give police the power to carry out stop and searches without suspicion because of an increased fear of violence in an area.

Former Met Police chief superintendent Parm Sandhu said people should act on concerns

These are known as Section 60 searches and can only be applied for a maximum of 48 hours.

During a search, an officer can only ask you to remove outer clothing when in public, such as a jacket, coat or gloves.

They can also put their hand in your shoes, socks and headgear and ask you to turn out your pockets.

When can an officer perform a strip search?

A strip search can take place inside a van or somewhere not in public such as a police tent.

It must be carried out by an officer of the same sex without an officer of the opposite sex in view, and for those aged under 17, it can only take place in the presence of an appropriate adult.

The officer must give an extra reason for the additional search, and that cannot be that nothing was found in the prior search.

Police must fill out a form giving the reasons for a stop and search and give you a copy unless it is not possible.

If you believe it is an unlawful search or the officer was inappropriate, you should let them continue and obtain a copy of the search form, before making a complaint.
An environmental activist who was deceived into a nearly two-year relationship with a married undercover officer has won a landmark tribunal case against the Metropolitan Police for breaches of her human rights.

Kate Wilson, 41, an environmental activist, was duped into a long-term relationship with undercover officer Mark Kennedy, who posed as a green campaigner, shortly after meeting him in 2003.

The pair had a 'whirlwind romance' for more than a year before they split amicably in 2005, when she moved to Spain.

However in 2010, Ms Wilson discovered Kennedy was a married police officer who had been sent to infiltrate the Sumac Centre, a community centre in Nottingham, as part of the Met's National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPIOU).

Kennedy had sexual relationships with as many as 10 other women during his deployment, including one with a woman known only as 'Lisa', which lasted for six years before she discovered a passport in his real name.

He was one of half a dozen undercover officers from the NPIOU or its 'sister unit', the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), who Ms Wilson came into contact with between 1998 and 2010.

Kate Wilson, 41, an environmental activist, was duped into a long-term relationship with undercover officer Mark Kennedy (pictured above), who posed as a green campaigner, shortly after meeting him in 2003

Kate Wilson won a landmark tribunal case against the Metropolitan Police on Thursday for breaches of her human rights

Kennedy spent time at the Sumac Centre in Nottingham, which was said to have been 'used by persons involved in extremism relating to animal rights, environmentalism, anarchy, anti-weapons and war issues and anti-globalisation', the tribunal heard.

He was told to 'develop personal relationships in order to gather pre-emptive intelligence' on activists at the centre, with the help of 'an extensive support system for the purpose of this long-term infiltration', the court previously heard.

He had 'police-issued phones, laptops, passport and bank cards', all in his false identity, and 'had a police-issued van and a flat paid for by the police', Charlotte Kilroy QC, defending, added.

Undercover police inquiry: How officers engaged in abusive, shadowy activities The NPIOU, which existed between 1999 and 2010, and the Met's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), are the focus of a long-running inquiry into their activities after condemnation of undercover tactics. Theresa May established the judge-led Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) in 2015 after independent reviews by Mark Ellison QC found 'appalling practices in undercover policing'. Public outcry was sparked when it was revealed that women had been tricked into sexual relationships with undercover officers and that police spies had used the identities of dead children without their families' permission. Family justice campaigns, including for murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, were spied upon; and there are claims that some officers were arrested or prosecuted for crimes under fake identities, leading to alleged miscarriages of justice for their co-defendants. The mammoth inquiry, which is due to resume evidence hearings in May next year, has cost more than 42 million so far. In hearings this year, the UCPI was told that women's groups, political parties, unions, teachers and students were monitored by undercover police officers engaged in 'political policing' that targeted those perceived to be left wing. It has also heard that sexual activity between undercover police officers and members of the public who did not know their true identities was 'not uncommon' from the mid-1970s. This was just two months after seven other women who were tricked into relationships with police moles received an apology and substantial payouts from the force. Advertisement

At the time, Ms Wilson and Kennedy 'did almost everything together' and the officer 'reported all his activities with (Ms Wilson) to his cover officer, EN31', the tribunal heard, including visits to Ms Wilson's parents.

Ms Kilroy said Kennedy 'used her contacts, her organisational role and her standing to bolster his own credentials as an activist', which allowed him to 'infiltrate new protest groups, gather intelligence and maintain trust'.

Ms Wilson brought legal action against the Met and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal for breaches of her right to freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, her right to privacy and right to freedom of expression.

The Met and NPCC accepted Kennedy's actions amounted to a breach of those rights, but they denied that other officers, apart from Kennedy and his cover officer, knew or suspected Wilson was in a sexual relationship with Kennedy.

However, in a ruling on Thursday, the IPT found the Met's claims undercover officers (UCOs) knew sexual relationships were banned were 'materially undermined by the sheer frequency with which [Kennedy] (and other UCOs) did conduct sexual relationships without either questions being asked or action being taken by senior officers'.

'We are driven to the conclusion that either senior officers were quite extraordinarily naive, totally unquestioning or chose to turn a blind eye to conduct which was, certainly in the case of [Kennedy], useful to the operation,' the tribunal added.

The IPT also found the Met and NPCC's failure to guard against the risk of UCOs entering into sexual relationships with women amounted to unlawful discrimination against women.

The tribunal concluded: 'This is not just a case about a renegade police officer who took advantage of his undercover deployment to indulge his sexual proclivities, serious though this aspect of the case unquestionably is.

'Our findings that the authorisations under [the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000] were fatally flawed and the undercover operation could not be justified as 'necessary in a democratic society' ... reveal disturbing and lamentable failings at the most fundamental levels.'

Mark Kennedy (pictured) was one of half a dozen undercover officers from the NPIOU or its 'sister unit', the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), who Ms Wilson came into contact with

Ms Wilson (pictured outside the Royal Courts of Justice) said her relationship with Kennedy was documented in great detail in police reports

In a statement, Wilson said: 'The events in my case happened years ago, however the failure of the police to protect women from sexual predators within their own ranks, and police attempts to criminalise protesters, are both still very live issues today.'

She added: 'We need to tackle the misogyny and institutional sexism of the police, and there needs to be a fundamental rethink of the powers they are given for the policing of demonstrations and the surveillance of those who take part.'

Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women's Justice who previously represented Wilson, said: 'This excoriating judgment could not have come at a more significant moment when we hear the details of the horrendous murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met police officer, who used deceit with the opportunities of his job to entrap her.

'What is it going to take to transform the culture of policing so that resources are used to protect women from abuse from violence, not to abuse them?'
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Britain's Covid outbreak has shrunk for the first time in nearly two weeks, while hospital admissions and deaths continue to drop.

Another 36,480 positive tests were recorded across the UK, down 0.6 per cent on the 36,710 infections spotted last Thursday. Week-on-week cases had been rising steadily for the previous 12 days.

Despite the fall in official numbers, it could be a blip because other surveillance measures today revealed cases are still rising.

King's College London data today showed the number of Britons catching Covid every day rose almost 30 per cent last week.

Cases have soared in children ever since millions of youngsters returned to classrooms following the summer holidays. But now infections appear to be spilling over into their parents, a trend MailOnline revealed earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Covid hospitalisations and deaths continued to fall, with 657 people infected with the virus requiring NHS care (down by 12 per cent on last week) and 137 fatalities recorded (down by a quarter).

Both figures lag several weeks behind infections because of how long it can take for infected patients to become seriously ill.

Face masks MUST be brought back in secondary schools to curb surging infections, Independent SAGE member says Face masks should be brought back in secondary schools immediately, a member of Independent SAGE claimed today. Guidance saying children should wear coverings in classrooms was dropped in mid-May as part of ending lockdown restrictions. But with the number of children testing positive for Covid having soared to its highest level since the pandemic began, some academics now want them to return to schools. Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London , said they should be brought back to schools 'now'. Addressing a Royal Society for Medicine briefing, she also called for other mitigation measures to come back into use such as keeping doors and windows open. Current restrictions require school children to test themselves for the virus twice a week using a lateral flow device. Face masks are already in use at schools in parts of the South West, Cumbria and Northamptonshire. But this is not Government policy nationwide, although officials have said schools are free to reimpose some Covid restrictions including face masks in the event of an uptick. Advertisement

It comes as:

Face masks MUST be brought back in secondary schools to curb surging infections, Independent SAGE member says;

Astonishing charts show how Covid poses a tiny threat to children: Official data reveal risk of dying from virus is one in 300,000 for 10 to 14-year-olds;

Department for Transport bosses sent paramedics letter trying to lure HGV drivers back to industry with promise of 'attractive' pay to save Christmas  despite fears of NHS winter crisis;

Covid-related stress may have caused millions of women to suffer irregular periods, study suggests;

One in six children have a mental health problem and two-thirds say their lives were worse in lockdown, major NHS study finds.

England recorded 29,826 new infections, 2,911 cases were confirmed in Scotland, while 2,580 were spotted in Wales and 1,163 in Northern Ireland.

Cases are rising gradually in England and Wales, remaining flat in Northern Ireland and falling in Scotland following a surge in infections earlier this month.

Hospitalisations, which have been falling for 16 days across the UK. The 657 new admissions recorded on Sunday  the most recent date figures are available for  is a drop of 12 per cent on the 714 patients who went to hospital one week earlier.

And deaths plunged by 24.7 per cent compared to last Wednesday, marking the biggest week-on-week drop in a month.

Meanwhile, 48.7million Britons aged over 16 have had at least one dose of the vaccine (89.8 per cent), while 44.8million are double-jabbed (82.5 per cent).



Officials have not yet released data on how many Britons have received third doses of the vaccine or how many 12 to 15-year-olds have received their first injection, despite both programmes beginning earlier this month.

It comes as King's College London scientists estimated 58,126 people were getting infected every day in the week ending September 25, up 28.9 per cent from the previous seven day spell.

Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, said cases were now being passed up the 'generational ladder'. He warned families to be careful at this 'critical time' because a 'little caution' could stop hospitals being overrun in the face of another surge this winter.

Britain has seen its Covid cases rise week-on-week for the past 12 days, after yesterday recording 36,722 positive tests  up 6 per cent on last Wednesday. Scotland recorded a meteoric rise in infections after schools went back in mid-August, which prompted fears England would also suffer.

It came as separate Test and Trace figures today showed England's infections rose 18 per cent in the latest week. There were more than 190.000 positive test results recorded in the week to September 22, they said.

And Public Health England's weekly surveillance report revealed Covid cases rose in eight in ten local authorities across England last week.

Estimates from the Covid symptom study app  also run by health data science company ZOE  suggested Covid cases rose in all four UK nations last week compared to the previous seven-day spell.

Wales was predicted to have seen the sharpest rise in infections, up 33 per cent in a week to 4,185 cases a day, followed by England (up 29 per cent to 46,275), and Northern Ireland (up 28 per cent to 1,999).

Scotland was predicted to have seen its cases rise by five per cent in the latest week, with 4,185 residents thought to be catching the virus every day.

ENGLAND: Cases are rising gradually in England, which recorded 29,826 new infections

SCOTLAND: Infections north of the border continue to fall following a spike at the beginning of the month, fuelled by pupils returning to classrooms

WALES: Cases are rising in Wales, where another 2,580 infections were recorded

NORTHERN IRELAND: Covid infections are falling in Northern Ireland, which confirmed 1,163 cases in the latest 24-hour period

Professor Spector, an epidemiologist at King's College London, said: 'While the latest ZOE data shows new cases are up on last week, its encouraging to see national hospitalisation rates falling as we approach winter.

'While most cases are still in the young, were seeing infections being passed up the generational ladder, likely from school children to their parents.

'Most of these new adult infections are in the under 50s, who still have a relatively low risk of being admitted to hospital, especially if theyve been fully vaccinated.

'As the winter approaches, its important parents of school-aged children and students dont pass the virus on to more vulnerable grandparents by not recognising simple cold-like symptoms as a possible Covid infection.

'This is a critical time and a little caution could make all the difference in avoiding a winter crisis for hospitals.'

Separate Public Health England data today showed Covid cases rose in 124 of 149 local authorities in the week to September 26, the latest available.

The Isle of Wight saw the sharpest uptick in infections, rising 50.5 per cent in a week (up to 403 cases per 100,000 people in the area).

It was followed by Swindon (cases rose by 41 per cent to 480.9 per 100,000) and Bath and North East Somerset (up 40.6 per cent to 368.7 per 100,000).

On the other hand among the 25 council areas that saw their infections dip in a week, Islington saw the sharpest drop (down 22.8 per cent to 132.6 per 100,000).

Westminster saw the second sharpest dip (down by 19.1 per cent to 135.6 per 100,000), followed by Redcar and Cleveland in the North East (down by 16.5 per cent to 273.3 per 100,000).

PHE surveillance data also showed infections are rising among children, and spilling over into their parents.

King's College London scientists estimated 58,126 people caught symptomatic Covid every day in the week to September 25, the latest available. This was a rise of almost 30 per cent from the previous week

 Slide me  Public Health England's weekly surveillance report showed more than eight in ten local authorities saw their Covid cases rise last week (left) compared to the previous seven-day spell (right)

Children, their parents and young adults all saw their Covid cases rise last week, figures suggested. Professor Tim Spector, who leads the study, warned that the infections were now travelling up the 'generational ladder'

Covid cases are rising in all four UK nations. The above graph shows cases are now higher in Wales than in every region of England

Public Health England's weekly surveillance report showed Covid cases rose among children and their parents last week, and remained flat among grandparents. It is feared cases will soon spill over into the most vulnerable age group

The report also showed that infections are now rising in every region of England, ahead of winter

Separate Test and Trace data showed the number of people testing positive for Covid in England rose in the latest week. There were more than 190.000 positive test results recorded in the week to September 22, up 18 per cent in seven days

But among grandparents infections are remaining at the same level, suggesting they are yet to spill into the age group that is most vulnerable to the virus.

PHE figures showed 10 to 19-year-olds saw their infection rate rise 41 per cent last week (up to 1,084.2 cases per 100,000 people), and among 5 to 9-year-olds it rose 9.7 per cent (543.8 per 100,000).

Among 40 to 49-year-olds Covid cases rose 30 per cent last week (up to 388.7 per 100,000), followed by 50 to 59-year-olds (up 13.7 per cent to 227 per 100,000) and 30 to 39-year-olds (up 8.2 per cent to 263.4 per 100,000).

Covid cases remained flat among grandparents around 100 cases per 100,000 people, and dipped by 11 per cent among 20 to 29-year-olds to 162.3 per 100,000.

Figures also showed Covid cases rose in every region of England last week, with the sharpest uptick in the South West (up by 28.2 per cent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (up 27.9 per cent).

Today's report is the last to be published by Public Health England, before the agency is replaced by the National Institute for Health Protection. The new agency will publish the weekly surveillance report next week.

Separate Test and Trace figures showed some 10.9 per cent of people who tested positive for Covid  around one in nine  were not reached, meaning they were not able to provide details of recent close contacts. This was down from 11.7 per cent in the previous week.

Anybody in England who tests positive for Covid, either through a rapid (LFD) test or a PCR test processed in a laboratory, is transferred to Test and Trace so their contacts can be identified and alerted.

A total of 75.0 per cent of people who were tested for Covid in England in the week ending September 22 at a regional site, local site or mobile testing unit  a so-called 'in-person' test  received their result within 24 hours.

This is down from 87.3 per cent the previous week and is the lowest since the week to July 21.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged that, by the end of June 2020, the results of all in-person tests would be back within 24 hours.

He told the House of Commons on June 3 2020 he would get 'all tests turned around within 24 hours by the end of June, except for difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that'.

Boris Johnson is banking on booster shots for the over-50s and first doses for 12 to 15-year-olds to keep a lid on the virus this winter.

But should the NHS come under severe pressure the Prime Minister has warned some restrictions will have to be brought back, including face masks and social distancing. The Government's scientific advisers say ministers may need to go harder and faster to suppress an outbreak of the virus.

It comes as a member of Independent SAGE today called for face masks to be brought back in secondary schools immediately.

Addressing a Royal Society for Medicine briefing, Professor Christina Pagel said: 'I think we need to put mitigations back in schools, particularly masks in secondary schools, now and roll out the vaccine a bit more rapidly.'

Professor Pagel, a mathematician at University College London, warned the spiralling infection rates in children, risks of them suffering 'long Covid' and a slow vaccine roll out meant action should be taken to limit the spread of the virus.

Teaching unions have already called for face masks to be brought back to schools amid surging Covid cases.

Guidance saying children should wear coverings in classrooms was dropped in mid-May as part of ending lockdown restrictions.

Meanwhile, latest figures from the Department of Health revealed children who catch Covid face as little as one in 300,000 chance of dying from the virus.

The figures highlight the tiny risk children face from coronavirus, which becomes deadlier the older a person is.

They show around one in 330,000 boys aged between 10 and 14 and one in 200,000 girls of the same age who test positive for Covid end up dying. The rates include both healthy children and those with underlying health conditions which put them at a much higher risk of death.

Separate figures also show unvaccinated children also face smaller odds of succumbing to the illness than fully-vaccinated adults in their twenties  another age-group known to be at little risk.

It comes as the Government sent paramedics a letter that tried to lure HGV drivers back to the industry in a last-ditch attempt to fix the supply chain chaos that threatens to ruin Christmas.

Nearly 1million people holding a Category C licences have received a letter from the Department for Transport asking them to become HGV drivers if they are not already working in the sector.

But the recipients include ambulance drivers, who are required to have the licence to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes.

Officials promised 'fantastic' opportunities, 'attractive' salaries and bragged about improved employment flexibility.

Paramedics today raised fears the letter will 'tempt' people away from the life-saving profession.

But the Department of Transport insisted that it does not want ambulance drivers to change jobs or 'be diverted from their vital work saving lives'. It is unclear how many paramedics received the letter.

And an American survey suggests Covid-related stress may have caused millions of women to experience disruptions to their periods.

A study of 210 women found 54 per cent experienced changes to their menstrual cycle between July and August 2020.

Half of the women that reported changes experienced longer periods and a just over a third complained of heavier bleeding than usual. Changes in PMS symptoms were also reported by half of the women.

All the woman surveyed were also asked to score their stress levels both prior to, and during, the Covid pandemic through an online questionnaire.
Former President Trump blasted Joint chiefs of staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley as 'weak' and 'too afraid' to talk to him after the general admitted in congressional testimony on Wednesday to calling China behind Trump's back.

Milley admitted to calling the Chinese both in January after the Capitol riot on Jan. 8 and in October 2020 to assure them the US would not attack, and promising to give them a heads-up if Trump were going to take any rogue action in his final days in office.

Trump, in a radio interview on the 'The Jason Rantz Show,' said that China was not worried about a nuclear attack from the US but was worried about the tariffs he was imposing.

'Nobody has to get in between me and negotiations,' the former president said of Milley's call.

'China was very concerned about what I was doing economically and nobody has to get in and say, 'Oh, don't worry about things, things will be just fine,'' Trump said. 'Not good. Not appropriate.'

Trump even said that the joint chiefs chairman's actions may have been treasonous.

'Well, I would certainly say it borders on it [treason] because I didn't know about it, and I'm the one that's supposed to know about it,' Trump said.

'He was afraid to come in and talk to me,' Trump added. 'He was a weak sister, I found that out. He was a weak man.'

The former president appointed Milley for the Joint Chiefs chairman role and he was confirmed in September 2019.

'Nobody has to get in between me and negotiations,' the former president said of Milley's call

The bombshell report of Milley's call was first released in 'Peril,' a new tell-all by Bob Woodward and Robert Acosta, before Milley admitted to calling Gen. Li Zuocheng of the People's Liberation Army, in both October 2020 and January 2021 before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

'I was communicating to my Chinese counterpart - on instructions, by the way - to deescalate the situation. And I told him that we are not going to attack. President Trump has no intent to attack, and I told him that repeatedly, and I told him if there was going to be an attack, there will be plenty of communications going back and forth, your Intel system will pick it up.

'I said, I'll probably call you. Everybody will call you. We're not going to attack you, just settle down, it is not going to happen. I did it twice, in October and January.'

'I was communicating to my Chinese counterpart - on instructions, by the way - to deescalate the situation. And I told him that we are not going to attack,' Milley said of the China call

Milley admitted to calling Gen. Li Zuocheng of the People's Liberation Army, in both October 2020 and January 2021 before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday

'With respect to the Chinese calls, I routinely communicated with my counterpart General Li with the knowledge and coordination of civilian oversight,' Milley said in his opening remarks.

He said the calls are part of his job and that such military-to-military communications are critical to prevent war between great powers that possess nuclear weapons.

'The calls on 30 October and 8 January were coordinated before and after with Secretary Esper and Acting Secretary Miller's staffs and the interagency. The specific purpose of the October and January calls were generated by concerning intelligence, which caused us to believe the Chinese were worried about an attack on them by the United States,' Milley said.

'I know, I am certain that President Trump did not intend to attack the Chinese, and it is my directed responsibility and it is my directed responsibility - and it was my directed responsibility by the secretary - to convey that intent to the Chinese.'

He added, 'My task at that time was to de-escalate.'

Milley said he told as much to Beijing during both calls.

'My message again, was consistent: Stay calm, steady and de-escalate. We are not going to attack you,' he said.

Milley said the first call, days before the 2020 election, was made at then-Defense Secretary Esper's direction. Eight people sat in on the call on Milley's side and he said he 'read out the call within 30 minutes of the call ending.

'On 31 December, the Chinese requested another call with me,' Milley said.

He claimed the call was coordinated by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia-Pacific Policy.

Milley also said he informed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows after the call took place.

'Soon after that, I attended a meeting with Acting Secretary Miller and briefed him on the call,' the general said.

Earlier this week Trump hit Milley over his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

'No wonder the Afghanistan withdrawal was such a disaster,' Trump said in a statement.

'"General" Milley spent all of his time talking to these Fake Book writers. That's not a Soldier or General, that's a Public Relations agent.'

'America will continue losing with Milley and woke television Generals who are only looking to be stars!'
An institution representing more than 90,000 school officials across the US begged Joe Biden Wednesday to send FBI and Secret Service agents to protect them from 'mobs' of angry parents irate over vaccine and mask mandates forced upon their children - asserting their protests should be treated as 'domestic terrorism' by 'extremist hate organizations.'

In a letter penned to the president and published online, the National School Boards Association implored the US government to take a stand against these vexed parents, stating that teachers and other school staffers are under 'immediate threat' because of their burgeoning 'acts of malice, violence, and threats.'

The complaint, signed by NSBA President Viola Garcia and Interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven, called upon Biden personally to and use his executive power to mobilize FBI and US Secret Service agents to guard school officials.

Parents across the nation are irate that their children are being forced to get vaccinated and wear masks in order to attend school in certain states

The complaint, signed by NSBA President Viola Garcia (left) and Interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven (right), called upon Biden personally to and use his executive power to mobilize FBI and US Secret Service agents to guard school officials

'The National School Boards Association (NSBA) respectfully asks for federal law enforcement and other assistance to deal with the growing number of threats of violence and acts of intimidation occurring across the nation,' the letter to Biden begins.

The correspondence goes on to mention incidents of 'threats or actual acts of violence' against school staffers, alleging that 'angry mobs' have hindered their ability to hold school board meetings, because of reported outbursts from 'extremist' parents irate over vaccine and mask mandates being pressured upon their students in order for them to go to school.

'As these threats and acts of violence have become more prevalent,' the org asserts in the note, 'NSBA respectfully asks that a joint collaboration among federal law enforcement agencies, state and local law enforcement, and with public school officials be undertaken to focus on these threats.'

A multitude of parents have publicly voiced their outrage by protesting states' mandates on US public schools. The NSBA views these congregations as a threat to staffers and students

The complaint penned to the president implored the US government to take a stand against outraged parents, stating that teachers and other school staffers are under 'immediate threat' because of their burgeoning 'acts of malice, violence, and threats'

The complaint then states that the supposed threats and outbursts - or even alleged acts of violence - are 'impacting the delivery of educational services to students and families,' and causing school board members and other staffers to resign from their respective posts, citing concerns for their safety.

'With such acute threats and actions that are disruptive to our students well-being,' the letter continues, 'we urge the federal governments intervention against individuals or hate groups who are targeting our schools and educators.'

'As the threats grow and news of is being reported, this is a critical time for a proactive approach to deal with this difficult issue.'

One of the protests mentioned in the NSBAs letter, a board meeting in Gwinnett County in Atlanta back in May, was halted by Board Chair Everton Blair after a group of peaceful parent protesters fighting for their kids' rights to not have to wear masks during the upcoming school year, refused to don masks.

Parents all over the US are vehemently against states' vaccine and mask mandates being imposed on their children, but have found themselves unable to peacefully protest at school board meetings

The meeting was put on pause for more than an hour, leaving parents who were against the states mask mandates unable to voice their concerns on the subject.

Mandy Smith, a mother who has two children at Dacula Middle School in Gwinnett County, attended the meeting without a mask and wore an 'Unmask our children' shirt.

Smith argued that she was left unable to air her grievances with the policy because chair members refused to hold the meeting just because they were confronted by protesters.

'They cant proceed with the board meeting but weve been in the same room for over an hour,' Smith said, frustrated. 'We cant talk about the important issues we came here to talk about.'

Another meeting mentioned by the organization in their letter, a School Board meeting in Nevada's Clark County in August, was also spurred to a standstill after parents voiced their opposition to COVID-19 mask requirements and vaccinations.

The School Board left the room three times within the first two hours of the congregation, evacuating the room once for about 10 minutes after being met with jeers by parents unhappy with the mandates being enforced by the public school system.

After the meeting reconvened, the audience again tried to voice their opinions on the controversial matter, and were twice forced to undergo a forced intermission.

Parents are irate about not being able to choose what they think is right for their children - facing an ultimatum of getting them vaccinated and forcing them to wear masks, or not being able to attend school

Eventually, 20 minutes into the meeting, the board ended the assembly after the majority of audience refused to stand by in silence.

One attendee then stood up and addressed the crowd, saying everyone drove out to the meeting and asked if they could continue.

A police officer responded to the attendees, saying that some were violating public meeting law by voicing their outrage.

He then told them that the board wouldnt come back in the room to resume the meeting if the parents continued to speak out of turn.

After another 10 minutes, Cavazos and Superintendent Jesus Jara came back into the room.

'We are not going to have these disruptions,' Cavazos told the crowd, referring to the jeering and protesting by angry parents.

Protesters are seeking medical freedom for their children in schools, instead of decisions being forced upon them by state legislatures

During public comment at the beginning of the meeting, after several hundred parents and some school district employees protested the districts mask policy outside the district headquarters the fay before, attendees argued that the district has no right to promote propaganda' about children needing to get vaccinated.

Some parents said they feel their parental rights are being stripped away.

Melody Hendry, the mother of three children in Clark County schools and a registered nurse, stated that masks arent meant to be worn for an extended period of time and 'the majority of us' feel this is abuse to require them for children.

Another August school board meeting that was suspended and cited in the NSBA's strange supplication to the US president, in the Wall Township of New Jersey, was called to an abrupt end just after roll call, when more than 60 parents peacefully refused to don masks amid another mandate for the 2021 school year.

More than 10 people who allegedly disrupted the meeting were told to leave, and many did on their own accord, while some were escorted out of the room by police.

Protesters of enforced mandates have been met with pushback from school officials during school board meetings intended for the public

One attendee was handcuffed.

'We will not have comments from the audience,' Board President Linda Cavazos told the dissenters, urging police officers to remove any parents being disruptive and shouting out their gripes with the mandates being forced on their children.

In the letter, the organization proceeded to plead with the president.

'There also must be safeguards in place to protect public schools and dedicated education leaders as they do their jobs,' the note asserts, then labeling the outraged parents showing up at school board meetings across the county as right-winged radicals.

'As the threats grow and news of extremist hate organizations showing up at school board meetings is being reported, this is a critical time for a proactive approach to deal with this difficult issue,' the statement reads.

They then ask for 'immediate assistance' to combat these alleged instances, adding that the prospective federal intervention would be 'required to protect our students, school board members, and educators,' from possible 'acts of violence.'

The group also asked the president to enlist the US Postal Inspection Service to help as well, to pour through millions of letters and filter out notes that may threaten staffers and students, and address 'cyberbullying attacks' targeting students and educators alike.

The letter then implored Biden to mobilize these important federal bodies to 'investigate, intercept, and prevent the current threats and acts of violence against our public school officials' by whatever 'extraordinary measures' necessary, 'to ensure the safety of our children and educators.'

The note goes on to praise Biden, while pandering for the president's help, lauding the politician for his response to the coronavirus pandemic.

'NSBA appreciates your leadership to end the proliferation of COVID-19 in our communities and our school districts,' speaking on the president's very public urging for people - including children - to get the vaccine.

The org also applauded the mandates the president has put in place to 'prevent COVID-19 infections among students and educators,' such as 'the use of face masks and other precautions.'

The correspondence then concludes, iterating that the organization 'is committed to working with' the president and his administration 'as a partner to address this crisis affecting Americas public schools.'

'We stand ready to work with you,' the presumptuous plea proclaims.

The NSBA proudly posted the letter to their website Wednesday, sharing a link on Twitter as well.

Biden's administration has yet to respond to the very public appeal for the president's services.

The NSBA's complaint comes as COVID-19 cases among American children continue to drop after reaching record-high levels earlier this month.

More than 206,000 kids and teenagers in the U.S. tested positive for Covid last week, according to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The figure represents an eight percent decrease from approximately 225,000 minors who contracted the virus the week prior.

More than 206,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded among children and teens last week, a 8.4% decline from the 225,000 cases recorded the week before (above)

Because of kids' low risk of severe disease and death, parents and doctors alike are divided down the middle on whether or not to vaccinate kids.

Some medical professionals have suggested that kids do not need to get vaccinated due to their low risk of severe disease and death.

In April 2021 poll, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, parents were asked if they would get their child immunized once a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and available for their child's age group.

Three in 10 parents - 29 percent - of children under 18 said they would get their child vaccinated 'right away' while 15 percent said they only plan to vaccinate their children if the school requires it and 19 percent said their child will definitely not be getting vaccinated.

A July 2021 survey, conducted by CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at Michigan Medicine last month, found that 39 percent of parents said their children already gotten a coronavirus shot.

However, 40 percent of parents also said it was 'unlikely' that their children would be getting vaccinated.

The NSBA oversees 14,000 local public school districts that provide schooling for more than 50 million children across the the country.
Republicans and Democrats tore into Facebook's Global Head of Safety on Thursday in a contentious Senate hearing on Instagram's effect on teenagers.

In a rare show of bipartisan solidarity, senators on the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation confronted executive Antigone Davis on accusations that Facebook knew the mental and emotional harm its practices inflicted on kids and teens for years and continued its practices.

It's the first chance lawmakers have to grill an executive from the company since a whistleblower leaked documents to Congress that show the troubling extent to which Facebook knew and ignored its own research on its dangerous effects on kids.

'Were here today because Facebook has shown us, once again, that it is incapable of holding itself accountable,' Committee Chair Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said at the beginning of the hearing.

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) compared kids' early introductions to Instagram to 'that first childhood cigarette' over the lifelong addictive habits both build.

'For teens, Instagram is worse than a popularity contest in a high school cafeteria,' Markey said. 'Instagram is that first childhood cigarette, aimed to get teens hooked early, exploiting the peer pressure of popularity and ultimately, endangering their health.'

'Facebook is just like big tobacco, pushing a product they know is harmful to the health of young people, pushing it early, all so Facebook can make money. IG stands for Instagram, but it also stands for Insta Greed.'

Senator Ed Markey (left) accused Facebook of being as addictive as cigarettes during a heated hearing with Facebook's Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis (right)

He asked Davis to promise that Facebook will not launch any apps targeting kids that include advertisements from social media 'influencers.'

Davis didn't answer directly but pointed out that Facebook's existing app for young people under age 13, Messenger Kids, doesn't feature any ads.

'It's not acceptable that you don't have answers for these questions right now,' an impatient Markey said.

Facebook has been under fire for the past week after the Wall Street Journal reported internal documents showed that the social media company was aware that Instagram harmed the mental health of young users.

Mark Zuckerberg's company described children aged 10-12 as a valuable 'untapped audience' and even suggested they could appeal to younger children by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever, according to the leaked documents.

It was Facebook's own researchers who alerted the social network giant's executives to Instagram's destructive potential.

Davis issued a stunning dismissal of the damaging report at Thursday's hearing, writing it off as 'not bombshell research.'

She was asked by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) whether Facebook would retaliate against the whistleblower who leaked the research.

Democratic and Republican senators on the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation grilled the Facebook exec

'Senator, we would never take - retaliate against someone for speaking to Congress, that's just not who they are,' Davis replied.

That whistleblower is testifying before Congress next week.

On Monday, the company announced it was pausing development on its Instagram Kids app after blowback from the Wall Street Journal's reporting and longstanding criticism from parents' groups and mental health advocates.

THE DATA FACEBOOK WAS SHOWN ON HOW INSTAGRAM HARMED YOUNG GIRLS AND BOYS Question of the things you've felt in the last month, did any of them start on Instagram? Select all that apply Not attractive 41% (US) 43% (UK) Don't have enough money 42% (US) 42% (UK) Don't have enough friends 32% (US) 33% (UK) Down, sad or depressed 10% (US) 13% (UK) Wanted to kill themselves 6% (US) 13% (UK) Wanted to hurt themselves 9% (US) 7% (UK) Question: In general, how has Instagram affected the way you feel about yourself, your mental health? Much worse US boys and girls: 3% US boys: 2% US girls: 3% UK total: 2% UK boys: 1% UK girls: 2% Somewhat worse US total: 16% US Boys 12% US girls: 18% UK total: 19% UK boys: 13% UK girls: 23% No effect US total: 41% US boys: 37% US girls: 43% UK total: 46% UK boys: 50% UK girls: 44% Somewhat better US total: 29% US boys: 32% US girls: 29% UK total: 28% UK boys: 31% UK girls: 26% Much better US total: 12% US boys: 18% US girls 8% UK total: 5% UK boys: 5% UK girls: 4% Advertisement

Asked by Blumenthal how long the pause will last, Davis said she didn't have a 'specific date.'

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) grilled Davis on why she chose to appear via teleconference instead of in person, despite admitting herself that she's in Washington.

'This is where I was told to come, there's COVID protocols for the safety and security of my family,' Davis replied.

Cruz used her non-appearance as a cudgel to accuse Facebook of avoiding scrutiny.

'Facebook is in the process of hiding. Facebook is in the process of trying to avoid accountability. You are not physically here even though you are blocks away from us,' he said.

'By the way we have hearings every week even with COVID, so it is witnesses that want to hide and avoid us that are not physically here.'

He asked if it was true that Mark Zuckerberg was personally aware of the damaging research leaked by the Wall Street Journal, which Davis said she didn't know.

One troubling data point in the leaked documents is that Facebook was shown data indicating Instagram fueled suicidal thoughts in 6 percent of young American girls and boys, and 13 percent in the UK.

'Has Facebook changed your policies after you had a report that said teenagers using your product were significantly more likely to kill themselves?' Cruz asked.

Davis said Facebook updates its policies on an 'ongoing basis.'

Blumenthal accused Facebook of doing nothing but 'small, marginal changes' to combat its issues.

One of the slides in Facebook's internal presentation was entitled: 'Youth Privacy: Defining five groups to guide age-appropriate design'.

The slide showed 'where we've been, and where we're going' - with diagrams showing that currently those aged under 13 are not theoretically allowed to use the site, but in the future there may be no restrictions, and instead content 'tailored to user maturity'.

Even 'young kids' from 0-4 were included in the chart, suggesting that Facebook may eventually try and recruit infants to their site.

Another slide asked: 'Is there a way to leverage playdates to drive word of hand/growth among kids?'

Researchers wanted to know whether the youngsters were using Messenger Kids - Facebook's early foray into recruiting children to their world, from 2017 - on playdates, and if so, how.

Blackburn asked Davis if their research on kids was done with the knowledge and consent of their parents.

Davis said it was, but didn't say whether she could provide the committee with a tangible consent form.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) said she was 'alarmed' by the revelations from Facebook's internal research.

'This research did nothing more than confirm many of our earlier intuitions and suspicions - social media can dangerous to your mental health,' Murkowski said.

She added that she was 'concerned by the consistent lack of transparency from Facebook.'

'This committee would not be here without the brave whistleblower who stepped up to shed light on this issue.'
More than 60 Florida detectives, with assistance from the FBI, are working to try and find 19-year-old Miya Marcano, who went missing from her Orlando apartment complex last week.

Authorities have conducted 30 searches  some of which utilized helicopters, K9 units and dive teams  spanning across three counties since Marcano went missing, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Sheriff Mina also confirmed that Armando Manuel Caballero, 27, who worked as a maintenance worker at the Arden Villas apartment complex, was the sole suspect in the case.

'We believe that the suspect we had named, Armando Caballero, is responsible. We don't know all the circumstances involved in what happened there, but he is - was obviously - the prime suspect,' Mina said.

Caballero is said to have taken his own life in the paint garage on the complex.

'At this time we don't believe there was another person involved, but remember, I said these investigations constantly shift and change,' Mina added. 'So, we're taking all this information in and we would never ever rule that out but he was the main person we were focusing on.'

Mina said investigators are deploying all possible resources in effort to locate Marcano, noting that they are working to obtain mobile phone data that may aid in the search.

Meanwhile, family members told WESH-TV on Thursday that Caballero's cellphone pinged in New Smyrna, Florida  located about 60 miles from Orlando  shortly after Marcano went missing.

Authorities are continuing to search for missing Florida woman Miya Marcano, 19, and believe now-deceased suspect Armando Manuel Caballero, 27, was responsible for her disappearance

Local authorities, along with assistance from the FBI, have conducted 30 searches spanning across three different Florida counties in an effort to locate Marcano

Armando Manuel Caballero (pictured), 27, was found dead by apparent suicide on Monday morning. He was a 'person of interest' in the disappearance of Miya Marcano and allegedly broke into her apartment just before she vanished

Mina also noted that the main focus of the ongoing investigation is to find Marcano.

'Hundreds of sworn and civilian personnel here at the sheriff's office and beyond have been working around the clock to deploy all the resources at our disposal to Miya,' he said.

The sheriff's department has established a central operations center in Orange County where investigators are processing all tips and leads, as well as communicating with detectives in the field.

Law enforcement officers searched all occupied garage units and storage units at the complex on Thursday morning  six days after investigators began looking for the missing woman.

Marcano disappeared from the Arden Villas apartment complex in Orlando, Florida - where she lived and worked - around 5pm on September 24 when she was finishing her shift.

She was last seen near the garages and storage units at the apartment complex.

A trained search and rescue dog and his handler even drove to Florida from North Carolina to help find Miya.

The case, which has gained national attention, prompted local Congressman Darren Soto to take to Twitter Thursday morning to call on the FBI to join in on the investigation.

Congressman Darren Soto took to Twitter Thursday morning to call on the FBI to join in on the investigation. By the afternoon, Sheriff Mina had confirmed the investigative bureau was assisting with the case

'She could have been brought across state lines, so it's key to have their support,' he wrote.

Hours later he tweeted an update: 'FBI has informed us they are reaching out to our local field office regarding the Miya Marcano case today.'

Mina has since confirmed the bureau's involvement in the case.

On Monday, during a press conference, Mina said of Marcano: Her disappearance is suspicious and our detectives and the family members suspect foul play.'

Signs of a violent struggle, including bloodstains on a pillow, were found at the scene.

Detectives first interviewed Cabellero for tips as he worked in the same apartment complex as Marcano after she was scheduled to catch a flight to Fort Lauderdale that night but never made it to the airport, her family said.

Caballero told police that he last saw her at 3pm on Friday.

Investigators are deploying all possible resources in effort to locate Marcano

On Thursday morning law enforcement officers searched all occupied garage units and storage units at the complex

However, police said Caballero had a maintenance-issued master key fob, which was used to enter her apartment at 4.30pm  a half hour before her shift ended and she disappeared.

His body was found by a 911 caller and deputies released the audio recording of the call.

'We found a suicide on property,' said the woman, whose name was redacted from the recording.

'Someone hung themselves from a garage. They're in our paint garage. It's a male,' the caller added.

'I mean, he's deceased beyond any help?' the 911 operator asked.

The caller responded: 'Um, I believe so.'

According to Law & Crime, court documents stated that his body could have been in the garage since the day Marcano vanished, based on its state of decomposition.

Marcano's father Marlon has posted frequently on social media as the search for his daughter continues.

Marlon Marcano (left), the father of missing Florida college student Miya Marcano (right) is desperate to find his daughter, writing in a recent social media post: 'We're both hurting deeply! I can feel your energy and I know you're feeling mine...Don't give up on me! Send me a sign baby girl. I'm looking for you'

In his most recent post, Marlon appears to be more desperate to find Marcano. 'We're both hurting deeply!' he captioned the photo of him kissing Miya on the side of her head at her high school graduation.

'I can feel your energy and I know you're feeling mine...Don't give up on me! Send me a sign baby girl. I'm looking for you,' he added.

In previous posts Marlon pleaded with people to help him find Miya and asked that everyone share and repost her photo.

He ended each caption with hashtags: 'DaddyDaughter,' 'MyPrincess,' 'MyBaby' and 'WeWillFindYou.'

Tuesday night, a day after Caballero's body was found, Marcano's family held an emotional vigil outside of the apartment building she was last seen at.

Her grandmother was inconsolable as she cried and prayed. 'Protect her lord from the hands of the devil, protect her from the hands of evil,' she said through tears.

Dozens showed up and lit candles around pictures of Marcano on the fifth day of disappearance and shined the flashlight on their cellphones - symbolic of showing Marcano the way home - as reported by CBS Miami.

Relatives were devastated that prime suspect Caballero had been found dead, while the 19-year-old remained missing.

'He killed himself. So he was our lead to Miya and he killed himself. Miyas still missing, Semone Westmaas, Marcano's aunt, told reporters near Cabelleros Camden Club Apartments complex during the search effort.

A day after Caballero's body was found Miya's family held an emotional vigil Tuesday night. Her grandmother (pictured) was inconsolable as she cried and prayed

Dozens showed up and lit candles around pictures of Miya on the fifth day of disappearance and shined the flashlight on their cellphones - symbolic of showing Miya the way home

The vigil was held outside of the apartment building Miya was last seen at, where she also lived and worked

'He killed himself. So he was our lead to Miya and he killed himself. Miyas still missing, Semone Westmaas (left), Miya's aunt, told reporters during the search effort. Meanwhile, Miya's cousin Caili Sue (right) said that Caballero had an infatuation with Marcano, which she repeatedly turned down

He was also reportedly 'infatuated' with Marcano but she had let him know she wasnt interested in him, family members said.

Marcano's cousin Caili Sue confirmed that he had an intense obsession with the missing woman and told Fox 32 Orlando: He was infatuated with her, he was in love with her. I dont know the very specifics of it, but he was constantly texting her and then had left her alone and then went back to texting her again.'

Marc Marcano, her uncle, prepared a group to go door-to-door around Marcano's apartment complex searching for his niece in the case that she was being held hostage.

Marcano, who attended Valencia College, was scheduled to catch a flight to Fort Lauderdale that night but she never made it to the airport, her family said.

Marcano is said to be five feet tall and 130 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. She last seen at around 5pm on September 24 as she finished her shift at Arden Villas Condominiums.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is being asked to call at 407-836-4357.
Two gang members have pleaded guilty in a brazen daylight armed robbery of a $500,000 watch at a Beverly Hills dining area earlier this year.

Malik Lamont Powell, 21, and 18-year-old Khai McGhee faced three federal charges in connection to an incident in March. They were accused of putting a gun to a customer's head at a Beverly Hills restaurant, stealing his Richard Millie watch worth over $500,000, and shooting and wounding a restaurant patron before running off, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Earlier this month, a third man, 41-year-old Marquise Anthony Gardon, also pleaded guilty to two charges in connection to the robbery.

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Three South Los Angeles men face up to 20 years in federal prison following an armed robbery in Beverly Hills earlier this year

Crime scene photos show a heavy policy presence outside of Il Pastaio after the incident

Prosecutors said the three South Los Angeles men were all members of the Rollin' 30s Crips gang.

Prosecutors said that on March 4 the men drove to the swanky Beverly Hills neighborhood with the intention of committing a robbery. After scouting the neighborhood, they decided to target a man wearing the pricey watch outside Il Pastaio restaurant.

Prosecutors said that after holding the man at gunpoint, a struggle for the gun ensued; two rounds were fired from the gun, with one striking a female patron in the leg.

Powell and McGhee pleaded guilty to three felonies: conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, and using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, prosecutors said.

The men face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Following the robbery, surveillance footage of the incident showing the chaotic scene after shots were fired was released.

Il Pastaio is a known celebrity hot spot with a patio in Beverly Hills

A $500,000 Richard Mille watch that is similar to the one stolen at the restaurant

Amanda Shawhan (pictured) was injured following the Beverly Hills armed robbery in March

Jewelry dealer Shay Belhassen has spoken out about having his $500,000 watch stolen in Beverly Hills in a robbery that left a woman shot in the leg

Terrified diners are seen running for their lives. One of the robbers is seen being wrestled to the ground before storming off.

The man with the $500,000 watch, jewelry dealer Shay Belhassen, said he was having lunch when three armed robbers stormed inside, demanding his watch.

He said when he refused to hand it over, and they started shooting. He gave them the watch and they ran away on foot while others ran for their lives.

In an interview with The New York Post, Belhassen said he tried to fight them and even wrestled them to the ground.

'One of them was choking me from the back with a gun to my head, while the other one was grabbing my arm, and the third one was yanking the watch off my hand,' he said.

'I took a chance and grabbed the gun, and wrestled them to the ground. They were trying to pull the trigger.

Drew Hancock said his girlfriend was shot and described the chaos as 'crazy' in an interview with KNBC.

A ricocheting bullet grazed the back of her calf, he told the outlet, and photos show her left leg wrapped in bandages.

She was treated by Beverly Hills Fire Department Paramedics and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the Beverly Hills Police Department said in a press release.

A second victim also was injured and treated at the scene.

Restaurant owner Celestino Drago told KTLA he was just happy no one was seriously hurt.

'I feel good nobody got injured and nobody got killed because all the other stuff can be fixed,' he said. 'I feel bad for the customers, for the city, for the police department, for everybody. You dont expect stuff like this to happen.'
President Joe Biden on Thursday paid tribute to his son Hunter Biden, who has struggled with addiction, by posting a video to Twitter marking the conclusion of National Recovery Month.

'As National Recovery Month concludes, I want to celebrate all of you out there who are in recovery, and let those of you who are not yet in recovery  or who have loved ones with substance abuse disorder  know that you are not alone,' the president said in a two-minute video.

He added: 'This is personal to millions of families. It's personal to my family. My son has written about it.'

Biden's son Hunter, 51, released a book in April of this year titled 'Beautiful Things: A Memoir' where he discussed his family, grief and his struggle with alcohol and drug addiction  specifically to cocaine.

While promoting his memoir in April, Hunter told CBS This Morning that he was smoking crack 'around the clock' and drinking a quart of vodka every day at the lowest points of his drug addiction, which he says stems from the death of his mother and sister when he was two.

Hunter's addiction became quite public during the 2020 presidential campaign when Biden was running against Donald Trump. It also became relevant regarding a gun purchase when on the forms Hunter allegedly broke federal law when claiming he did not have a history of addiction so he could obtain a firearm.

The 51-year-old president's son said in his CBS interview that becoming a laughing stock of the Trump campaign and liability to his father's campaign did nothing to stop his addiction.

'It didn't change my behavior - I still needed to get high and hide and fill that hole,' he said.

In the president's tweet of the video comments on Thursday, he wrote: 'This is personal to me  and I promise you there is hope.'

President Joe Biden marked the end of National Recovery Month by paying tribute to his son Hunter Biden

'This is personal to my family,' Biden said in his pre-recorded remarks. 'My son has written about it'

Hunter (right) has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for years

Hunter published a memoir 'Beautiful Things' this year exploring his grief and addiction

'Treatment works, recovery is possible,' Biden said in his pre-recorded remarks straight to camera. 'And my administration is here to support every person and every family in their journey to recovery.'

Biden then cited the American Rescue Plan  his $1.9 trillion coronavirus economic stimulus bill passed in March. In the legislation, almost $4 billion was dedicated to expanding mental health and substance abuse disorder services.

The president's son claimed in his April interview that he was sober for seven years, from 2008 until 2015, after battling drug and alcohol addiction his entire life.

His brother Beau's death in 2015, he says, sent him hurtling back into addiction.

It all comes from an unresolved feeling of 'not fitting in', he claimed, adding that he thinks is from the trauma of losing his mom, Neilia, and sister Naomi, in a car crash when he was two in 1972.

Hunter and Beau both survived the accident.

'I am more convinced now that trauma is at the center of it. I don't know why I had such a hard time ever admitting that. There's a lot of research that points to the idea that addicts who suffer from addiction suffered from trauma.

'Beau and I never grieved the loss of our mother and sister. We talked about my mom all the time, but the accident no. The darkness that I know my dad suffered isn't something we talked about until much later. This is why I don't want to admit... we probably should have. I think they were trying to protect us,' he said.

Photos from Hunter Biden's laptop were obtained after the FBI seized his hard drive. On right the president's son is seen passed out with a crack pipe in his mouth

As a young adult, he said he slipped into a period that was a 'blur of complete debauchery'.

'Drinking a quart of vodka a day by yourself is absolutely completely debilitating... smoking crack around the clock, drinking insanely lethal amounts of alcohol,' he said.

President Biden declared on August 31 that September is National Recovery Month

'The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an enormous toll on the lives of the American people, especially those struggling with substance use disorder,' the president wrote in his proclamation. 'During National Recovery Month, we celebrate the millions of Americans who have achieved recovery and reaffirm our commitment to helping more Americans overcome substance use disorder and reach recovery.'

'We also support those who are still struggling to achieve recovery and dedicate ourselves to overcoming these challenges together.'

The theme for Recovery Month this year, as deemed by Biden, was 'Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.'

Damning information related to foreign business dealings were found on Hunter's laptop in a DailyMail.com investigation

'During National Recovery Month, we also honor and thank those who have helped our Nation heal and build back better,' the statement from last month reads in using his campaign slogan and agenda proposals. 'In the face of unprecedented challenges this past year, our Nation's health care providers have delivered essential care and hope to individuals, families, and communities in need.'

'On the frontlines of the addiction epidemic, they have ensured our Nation's system of care remains intact, facilitating treatment and recovery. As always, we celebrate the resilience and courage of the recovery community, which serves as a reminder that recovery is possible for everyone.'

Damning images of Hunter were obtained from his personal laptop after the FBI seized his hard drive. Details found off the laptop, including foreign business dealings, were downplayed and in some cases even censored from being shared on social media.

A new book on Biden, however, verified that at least some of the information found on a laptop allegedly belonging to Hunter is real - months after incriminating emails regarding Hunter's dealings with Ukraine were examined in a DailyMail.com investigation.

Materials that were confirmed as real include an infamous 2015 email from Ukrainian businessman Vadym Pozharskyi thanking Hunter for the chance to meet his father, who was then Vice President Biden.

Someone with independent access to Hunter's emails confirmed he received the message.The book 'The Bidens: Inside the First Family's Fifty-Year Rise to Power' by Politico's Ben Schreckinger, released on Tuesday, documents the Biden family's decades-long political life.
In his first interview since Scott Rudin was fired from Broadway's To Kill a Mockingbird over allegations he was abusive to staff, Aaron Sorkin said the disgraced producer 'got what he deserves'.

Rudin was a producer on Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, which is close to returning to the Broadway stage next week.

He has since been replaced by executive producer Orin Wolf after former staffers spoke out about his alleged bullying behavior in April.

In a lengthy interview with Vanity Fair published Thursday, Sorkin branded Rudin a 'higher class of bully' and said he had 'got what he deserves' by being fired.

However, the playwright insists that he was not aware of Rudin's abusive behavior on the To Kill a Mockingbird set, and was referring to his previous experiences working with the producer and stories about his behavior that 'could have been scenes from The Devil Wears Prada.'

'I have my own experience with Scott, and its a higher class of bullying, but I get it.

'The stories that I had heard over the last 12 years were the kinds of things thatthey could have been scenes from The Devil Wears Prada, there was no violence. Theres nothing physical at all in the stories that I heard.'

Sorkin worked with Rudin several times over the years, including on films like 'The Social Network' and his HBO series 'The Newsroom.' He said it was 'painful' to read the accusations in the news and that he feels at fault for some of the abuse because they happened on projects in which Sorkin was most likely involved.

But he refused to go into detail about his own negative experiences working with Rudin, saying he didn't want to kick him while he was down and that if he'd been aware of his Rudin's alleged behavior on his set, he would have taken action.

'Youll see people quoted saying, Everybody knew, everybody knew. And thats ludicrous. Everybody did not know. I certainly didnt know, and I dont know anybody who knew,' he said.

'First of all, I have my own experience with Scott, and its a higher class of bullying, but I get it. The stories that I had heard over the last 12 years were the kinds of things thatthey could have been scenes from The Devil Wears Prada, there was no violence. Theres nothing physical at all in the stories that I heard.'

'Had I known, theres no chance I wouldve tolerated it, theres no chance Bart Sher wouldve tolerated it, that Jeff Daniels wouldve tolerated it. So we didnt know. And once we did, we did something about it.'

In a lengthy interview with Vanity Fair published Thursday, Aaron Sorkin (left) revealed why he took Scott Rudin's (right) alleged history of abuse 'personally' and described the disgraced producer as 'a higher class of bully' after saying he 'got what he deserved'

Rudin was involved with the Broadway productions of To Kill a Mockingbird (pictured), Ivo van Hove's reimagining of West Side Story, The Book of Mormon and The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman

Broadway producer Scott Rudin stepped down from the set of To Kill a Mockingbird in April after accusations of bullying staff were shared to the public.

Shortly after his resignation, Rudin offered to apologize for behavior in an interview with The Washington Post: 'Much has been written about my history of troubling interactions with colleagues, and I am profoundly sorry for the pain my behavior caused to individuals, directly and indirectly.

Several of Rudin's former staffers who worked for him at his Scott Rudin Productions spoke out about his alleged abusive and bullying behavior in a series of interviews with The Hollywood Reporter published in April.

The allegations leveled against the 62-year-old super-producer, which date back decades, range from physical and emotional abuse to bullying and mistreatment.

Many of the former staffers were entry-level employees who worked as assistants fresh out of college.

In one alleged incident in 2012, Rudin was accused of sending a bleeding male assistant to the hospital after smashing an Apple computer monitor on the employee's hand because he couldn't get a seat on a sold-out flight.

Staffers also detailed witnessing him throw laptops at walls, a stapler at a theater assistant and a glass bowl at another employee that smashed after hitting a wall.

In 2018, he threw a baked potato at his then-assistant for not telling him earlier that he had a meeting scheduled with someone from the New York based A24 media company.

Rudin is among the most decorated in the industry and is among the few to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards - otherwise known as EGOT status. He is pictured with Carole Shorenstein Hays, Viola Davis and Denzel Washington at the 2010 Tony Awards

Rudin is pictured second from left on the set of the 2002 film Changing Lanes with Ben Affleck (right) and director Roger Michell (left)

'I went into the kitchen, and I was like, 'Hey, Scott, A24 is on the way up. I'm not sure what it's concerning,'' the unnamed employee said.

'And he flipped out, like, 'Nobody told me A24 was on my schedule.' He threw it at me, and I dodged a big potato. He was like, 'Well, find out, and get me a new potato'.'

Others described Rudin screaming at them from such a close distance that his spit landed on their faces.

'When you feel his spit on your face as he's screaming at you, saying, 'You're worth nothing,' it obviously makes an impact, and we're young,' one of his former assistants said.

'Over his long career, there are hundreds and hundreds of people who have suffered. And some have given up their dreams because he made them feel and believe that they can't do whatever it is they're trying to do.'

One former employee, Caroline Rugo, who worked as an executive coordinator for six months, said she could have sued Rudin but feared being blacklisted in the industry.

'Everyone just knows he's an absolute monster,' Rugo said.

Rudin (pictured), one of the most successful and powerful producers, with a heap of Oscars and Tony's to show for it, has long been known for his torturous treatment of an ever-churning parade of assistants. Such behavior has long been engrained and sometimes even celebrated in show business

Sources told THR that lawsuits or complaints against Rudin's bullying from employees were often quietly settled.

Some employees said he was also vindictive and would go as far as changing credits on IMDb that they had obtained working for him when they quit.

Rudin is among the most decorated in the industry and is among the few to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards - otherwise known as EGOT status.

Of the films he has produced, 23 have won Oscars and 151 have been nominated. Rudin has also won 17 Tony Awards for his work on Broadway.

His film producing credits include: No Country for Old Men, Lady Bird, The Social Network and The Truman Show.

While many in the industry have faced a reckoning in the wake of Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement, Rudin's ex-employees say the super-producer has managed to continue on with his alleged abusive behavior.

No one who spoke to THR alleged sexual abuse of misconduct by Rudin.

His film producing credits include: No Country for Old Men, Lady Bird, The Social Network and The Truman Show. He is pictured above with The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg (left) and True Grit star Jeff Bridges (right)

Separately from the allegations made by his staffers, Rudin's outbursts made headlines back in 2014 when emails he had written about stars, including Angelina Jolie, were leaked when Sony was the victim of hacking.

The most damning batch of emails that were leaked included one in which Rudin and Sony Pictures Chair Amy Pascal exchanged racist comments about President Barack Obama.

They spoke about what Pascal could speak to Obama about at a 2013 event and started listing off films about slavery and naming black actors.

Pascal stepped down as head of Sony in the wake of the hacking saga.

In a separate email, Rudin had called Angelina Jolie 'a minimally talented spoiled brat' while discussing who would direct her upcoming remake of Cleopatra.

Rudin issued an apology in the Sony hacking instance, saying the emails had been 'written in haste'.

'Private emails between friends and colleagues written in haste and without much thought or sensitivity, even when the content of them is meant to be in jest, can result in offense where none was intended,' Rudin said at the time.

'I made a series of remarks that were meant only to be funny, but in the cold light of day, they are in fact thoughtless and insensitive - and not funny at all. To anybody I've offended, I'm profoundly and deeply sorry, and I regret and apologize for any injury they might have caused.'
'Cult mom' Lori Vallow's marriage to doomsday evangelist Chad Daybell was the 'perfect storm' due to their shared belief it was the end times, according to Vallow's brother.

Adam Cox spoke to The Followers: Madness of Two -- a podcast exclusively about his sister's case that 'explores religious fanaticism, brainwashing, greed, and the reality that even the most ordinary people can come to believe extreme ideas.'

Cox said that Vallow was obsessed with death and the afterlife, making Daybell a perfect match.

'They were ready to be taken,' said Cox

Adam's son, Zac Cox, said that his aunt was someone who was already interested in the end of days.

'I don't think there was one kind of leading the other,' Cox said. 'Lori was, before she had even met Chad Daybell, she was listening to podcasts by Julie Roe,' someone who claims to have visions of the end times.

Lori Vallow's marriage to doomsday evangelist Chad Daybell was the 'perfect storm' due to their shared belief it was the end times, according to Vallow's brother, Adam Cox (pictured above)

Cox's son, Zac, said that his aunt was someone who was already interested in the end of days before meeting Daybell

A new podcast attempting to explain how Vallow came under the influence of Daybell and led a seemingly normal woman to allegedly murder her two children spoke to Vallow's brother

Vallow's children JJ, seven, and Tylee, 17, were last seen alive in September 2019, soon after Lori moved from Arizona to Idaho to live with Chad. Their remains were found in June last year

Vallow, 48, is still unfit to stand trial for the murder of her two children and was ordered to remain at a psychiatric facility for at least another 180 days back in early September.

The alleged murderer, accused of killing her two kids JJ, 7, and Tylee, 17, has not made any progress since then, with the judge extending her stay at the state hospital for another 180 days on Wednesday, the outlet reports.

The two are slated to stand trial together once Vallow has been deemed competent.

Adam Cox said that Vallow has written letters to their parents recently, but refuses to talk to the police about the case.

'She's still in the same state of mind ... as far as believing that she's chosen, her and Chad are chosen to be whatever for the second coming,' he said. 'With scriptures, they got all twisted up the way that Chad explained things the way that she interpreted things.'

Pictured: Lori Daybell's dead relatives, which include two ex-husbands and her two children, of which she is facing first-degree murder charges

He added that he believes Lori is mentally ill and drawn to cultish beliefs because her life, highlighted by four failed marriages before she met Daybell, had 'not turn[ed] out the way she thought it would or wanted it to.'

Cox adds that he thinks his sister suffers from mental illness and was drawn to cultish beliefs after four failed marriages and not 'having her life not turn out the way she thought it would or wanted it to.'

'Lori talked about death a lot actually, talked about the next life, how great the next life is and how it's going to be perfect, and how her kids won't have to suffer in the next life,' Adam Cox said. 'If she says, 'I'm not going to tell you where the kids are,' that means the kids aren't alive. And I knew right then and there that the kids are dead.'

Vallow has been confined to a state hospital in the care of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare since June 8 after the judge found her incompetent to stand trial following a psychological assessment performed by a clinical psychologist, according to Fox 13.

'The completed assessment determined that at this time the Defendant is not competent to proceed, and recommends restorative treatment,' the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District of Idaho wrote of the assessment, which had been ordered March 8.

Further details of Vallow's alleged mental illness have not been shared.

A status conference will only be scheduled if and once medical professionals find Lori to be competent before those 180 days are up.

Under Idaho law, the court receives updates on her competency every 90 days.

Her trial cannot begin until the court deems her mentally fit to face a jury.

Daybell has self-published more than two dozen books about near-death and doomsday events.

Tylee was last seen on September 8, 2019. Police were able to find a photo from that day of Tylee on a trip with Vallow, Adam Cox, their brother Alex Cox, and Joshua (JJ) to Yellowstone National Park, according to authorities.

Pictured: a screenshot of Wednesday's virtual status hearing, with Chad Daybell and his lawyer in the upper left hand corner. Lori Daybell was absent due to being unfit to stand trial

JJ, who was adopted and had special needs, was last seen alive on Sept. 23, 2019 at Kennedy Elementary School in Rexburg.

The couple was found in Hawaii in January 2020, at which point authorities gave Vallow until the end of the month to 'physically produce her children.' She did not, and was charged with two counts of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children.

The boys' bodies were eventually discovered buried on the Daybell's property after a nine month search, KUTV reports.

But Vallow and Daybell had never reported the children missing and did not cooperate with investigators before they fled their home in Idaho, police there said.

Chad Daybell was also charged with first-degree murder of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, who was married to Chad when she mysteriously died in Oct. 2019.

Meanwhile, authorities investigating the deaths of Lori's two ex-husbands found that one, Joseph Ryan, had died of natural causes while the other, Charles Vallow, is being investigated by police in Arizona.

A grand jury had indicted both Chad and Lori in May, charging the two with first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of two of her children, who were Chad's step-children.

Chad and Lori Daybell adhered to extreme religious beliefs and were members of a doomsday cult prior to their incarceration.

'That day I just was sick,' Zac said. 'I'm going one day at a time, and it's been really really hard on me. It's hard on me to think about what happened.' Zac lived with Vallow, her fourth husband, Charles, and the kids for more than a year starting in late 2017.

Charles Vallow died in 2019 after being shot by Alex Cox in a confrontation in Chandler, Arizona.

Local medical examiners ruled the death a homicide. Cox claimed self-defense and wasn't charged, however Lori Vallow has since been charged in connection with Charles' death.

Chad married Lori on November 5, less than two months after her children vanished and two weeks after his previous wife Tammy died. The couple are pictured in January in Kauai, where they fled after police began asking questions about where JJ and Tylee were

Investigators believe Lori's brother Alex Cox was involved in the murders of JJ and Tylee. The trio are pictured at Yellowstone National Park on the day Tylee vanished in September 2019

Investigators are seen searching the area of Chad's yard where they found JJ and Tylee's bodies on June 9, 2020

Alex Cox died last December, the caused ruled an apparent blood clot in his lung. He has been named a co-conspirator in connection with the deaths of Lori Vallow's two sond, as well as Daybell's ex-wife Tammy.

Adam and Zac both claimed that Alex had also been poisoned by the end-times beliefs of Daybell and Vallow.

'There's a lot of things I wish I would have done different in 2019 when things were kinda going downhill and before Charles was killed,' Zac said. 'I just wish that I would have said something sooner, and if I had done that maybe they would have listened earlier and things would be different if we would have done something to help .'

Daybell has also been indicted on a charge of first-degree murder and insurance fraud in the death of Tammy. He is due in court next week. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty.

Cox said he and Vallow were raised Mormon, but the family was not strict.

He still says he hopes that there's some form of redemption for his sister.

'I don't know what mental illness does to your brain,' he said.

Either way, 'there's no justice' for JJ and Tylee, Adam said. 'There is no justice for them. That's not for me. That's for the Lord to decide.'

His son disagrees.

'It's life in prison or death penalty,' he said. ' It's not for the Lord.'
Two FBI agents arrived at the Laundrie home in North Port, Florida, this afternoon to collect Brian Laundrie's things for their investigation into his disappearance and the murder of Gabby Petito.

DailyMail.com saw the agents arrive in a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and walk purposefully to the front door, where they were let in. One of the agents was carrying a large paper bag and an evidence receipt as he walked inside the home.

They appeared again behind the screen door of the home preparing to head to the camper van. The female agent appeared to be holding a small sealed bottle.

As the male agent went inside the campera, she pulled the door partially closed to obscure the view from onlookers. The contents of the bottle could obviously be related to DNA or other forensic matter in the hunt for Laundrie. Both agents were wearing latex gloves.

The female agent held a bag full of evidence as they left the home.

The Laundries' attorney Steve Bertolino told DailyMail.com: 'The FBI is at the Laundrie home today to collect some personal items belonging to Brian that will assist the canines in their search for Brian. There is nothing more to this.'

Two FBI agents arrived at the Laundrie home in North Port, Florida, this afternoon to collect missing Brian Laundrie's things for their investigation into his disappearance and the murder of Gabby Petito

DailyMail.com saw the agents arrive in a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and walk purposefully to the front door, where they were let in

They appeared again behind the screen door of the home preparing to head to the camper van. The female agent appeared to be holding a small sealed bottle

The contents of the bottle could obviously be related to DNA or other forensic matter in the hunt for Laundrie. Both agents were wearing latex gloves

The two federal agents then came out of the house and opened up the camper in the Laundrie driveway. The male agent was inside for less than a minute looking around before heading back into the house

The female agent held a bag full of evidence as they left the home

DailyMail.com saw the agents arrive in a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and walk purposefully to the front door, where they were let in

One of the agents was carrying a large bag as he walked inside the home

This could be significant in the manhunt for Brian because the family went camping together to Fort De Soto, 75 miles from their home between September 6 and 8.

An hour after the FBI left, Brian Laundrie's dad Christopher came out to collect the mail.

He shook his head as he walked back to the house from the mailbox after protesters outside the home yelled 'murderer' at him.

Yesterday Dailymail.com entered the vast alligator-infested wilderness where agents have been searching for the boyfriend of tragic Gabby Petito

We followed a trail Laundrie, 23, could have taken if he did indeed go into the menacing swamp after parking his silver Ford Mustang convertible there sixteen days ago.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie are pictured together during their doomed cross-country trip. He is now on the run

He told parents Christopher, 62, and Roberta, 55, that is where he was heading when they say they last saw him leaving their home in North Port, Florida, on September 14.

The scaled-down FBI-led operation to find the fugitive was on day 11 of the search in the 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve, 13 miles from the Laundrie house when we headed inside the forbidding area. Searchers appeared to be very deep inside  and using helicopters.

It had also switched location back to the entrance of Myakkahatchee Environmental Park, which is where Laundrie is said to have parked his car. Certainly, the vehicle did pick up a police warning ticket there on the night of September 14.

Officers from North Port Police, who are assisting, were seen wielding rifles as they cruised back to the entrance in a swamp buggy as we were on the perimeter.

DailyMail.com also headed inside the previously-closed swamp, crossing the bridge from the environmental park and into the main Carlton Reserve.

Narrow, saturated tracks led to the menacing, flooded and often dense jungle-like wilderness where aggressive Cottonmouth snakes are an even deadlier danger than the alligators.

We trod super-carefully after being warned about the snakes and the potential speed of an unseen alligator moving swiftly to attack as it lurked in waterways.

Deep pools of brackish water hiding dangerous wildlife are evident in even the most accessible areas. However, at one point there is a straight currently dry trail that runs for miles, which Laundrie could have taken to cover ground quickly.

Federal investigators believe fugitive Brian Laundrie may be using a burner cell phone that was purchased at and AT&T store in his hometown of North Port, Florida on the day he went missing

This could be significant in the manhunt for Brian because the family went camping together to De Soto National Park, 75 miles from their home between September 6 and 8

Christopher Laundrie inched outside momentarily to collect the supplies before ducking back inside the property that they used to share with their son's girlfriend Gabby Petito

He shook his head as he walked back to the house from the mailbox after protesters outside the home yelled 'murderer' at him

One person close to the search told DailyMail.com: 'I don't believe they're looking for a body, even now. They're still on a manhunt. There have been no signs of buzzards circling, and that's a sure sign of a body in these places.'

Boats were also being used. One was launched into the canal that leads into the Mayakkhatchee Creek, a major waterway leading through the reserve.

TV celebrity Dog the Bounty Hunter was today still pushing his theories that Laundrie is hiding out near Fort De Soto national park where the Laundries camped with Brian earlier this month

We also witnessed FBI agents, with the words 'evidence response team' on their clothing, taking white trash bags away from the site to a nearby hotel where they appear to have set up a center.

The area was badly flooded in recent days, creating even more danger for the searchers, although the waters are receding.

Dailymail.com has already exclusively revealed the view of a local swamp search and rescue expert that Laundrie might have survived just three days because of the dangers  if he went in there.

Mike Hadsell, who runs the volunteer Peace River K9 Search and Rescue Association from Sarasota, said: 'It's like searching in Jurassic Park.

'Even if Laundrie was an experienced survivalist, the chances of him being able to stay out there this long are very slim.'

Meanwhile TV celebrity Dog the Bounty Hunter was today still pushing his theories that Laundrie is hiding out near Fort De Soto national park where the Laundries camped with Brian earlier this month.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Department has said there is no police search for the fugitive in the De Soto area, 75 miles north of his home.

Dog the Bounty Hunter and his team recovered a can of Monster Energy Ultra Gold which appeared to have been freshly drunk at a makeshift campsite deep in the woods at Shell Island along the coastline Wednesday

DailyMail.com also witnessed FBI agents taking trash bags of possible evidence from the swamp to a nearby hotel, where they appear to have set up a center

The FBI's main search area has switched back to the starting point of Mayakkahatchee Environmental Park (pictured) where Laundrie's silver Ford Mustang convertible was parked on the night of Tuesday, September 14

Wednesday afternoon FBI and local law enforcement continued to search the Myakkahatchee Creek and Carlton Reserve in North Port, Florida in the hopes of finding Brian

The TV reality star flew a banner with a message for Gabby Petito's boyfriend: 'Aloha Brian Laundrie'. The banner flown over the islands off the western coast of Florida

However the former bail bondsman  real name Duane Chambers  has been in a boat and searching coastline and creeks, claiming he was acting on information.

His spokeswoman Jennifer Willingham told Dailymail.com: 'This could very well be the last day of the hunt to apprehend Brian Laundrie.

'He's been using a boat. But we don't want other folk piling in with their boats in the area. He's following specific information.'

The mystery of Laundrie's disappearance continued as his parents broke cover at 8.20am Thursday and headed out from their home in their red Dodge Ram pick-up truck.

They made the move after their lawyer Steve Bertolino told Dailymail.com Thursday that they fear for their son. He said: 'Yes, they are concerned about his wellbeing.

'They haven't received any clues about where he is and they do not know where he is.'

Bertolino also referred to stories claiming Brian bought a burner phone on September 14. He told Dailymail.com: 'I can confirm that a phone was purchased on September 4, 2021 and Brian opened an account with AT&T for that phone, not a burner.

'Brian left that phone at home the day he went for a hike in the preserve on September 14 and the FBI now has that phone.'
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy acknowledged Thursday that he supports same-sex marriage, after GOP Rep. Liz Cheney admitted she had been wrong on the issue.

'Look, same-sex marriage is the law of the land,' McCarthy said when asked if he, like Cheney, had a change of heart. 'It's the law of the land. I support the law of the land. I don't see how that's different, I don't see how that's news.'

Coming from liberal California, McCarthy previously backed the federal ban on same-sex marriage, the Defense of Marriage Act, because it had been the 'law' and generally opting not to say if he was personally supportive or against gay people getting married.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy acknowledged Thursday that he supports same-sex marriage, saying he supports gay unions because it's the 'law of the land'

In 2011, McCarthy was among a group of Republican lawmakers who wanted to join a lawsuit to force the Obama administration to defend DOMA, the Clinton-era federal law that defined marriage between a man and a woman.

'The Defense of Marriage Act was passed with bipartisan support over 15 years ago and is the law of the land. When federal laws are the subject of a federal lawsuit, the Department of Justice typically defends those laws in court,' a statement from McCarthy's office said at the time.

'Unfortunately, Attorney General Holder and the Obama Administration have chosen to walk out on their responsibility, and the House has stepped in. Regardless of personal opinion, we cannot pick and choose which laws to support. They are the law and we must defend the law,' the statement said.

House Republicans hired an outside law firm to defend DOMA on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.

During a December 2012 Meet the Press appearance, McCarthy punted on the issue of gay marriage.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said on 60 Minutes that she regretted being against gay marriage as a political position

'I think the Supreme Court will make the decision,' the California Republican told host David Gregory.

In 2008, California voters had voted in favor of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriages in the liberal state, prompting a number of legal challenges.

In June 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage through the case Obergefell v. Hodges, which left the Defense of Marriage Act unenforceable.

Cheney, whose sister Mary is gay, recently told 60 Minutes she had been wrong for coming out against gay marriage.

'I was wrong. I was wrong. I love my sister very much. I love her family very much,' Liz Cheney said.

She had served as McCarthy's No. 3 until the House Republican caucus voted to oust her for being too anti-Trump.

'It's a very personal issue, and very personal for my family. I believe that my dad was right. And my sister and I have had that conversation,' Cheney told 60 Minutes.

The congresswoman's father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, had been publicly supportive of Mary Cheney's marriage to Heather Poe.
A coroner has warned of the risks of party boats after a British clubber drowned in an Amsterdam canal while on a weekend away with his partner.

Wind turbine rigger Neil Stewart, 30, from Newcastle, 'spontaneously' jumped into the North Sea Canal in November 2017 and his body was only found the following month.

Coroner Karen Dilks recorded a conclusion of accidental death by drowning after she heard three days of evidence at an inquest in Newcastle.

The coroner had heard Mr Stewart was drinking during the day when he also took cannabis and cocaine. He was drinking rum and coke on board the boat, it was said.

During the night there was a brief altercation with another guest and Mr Stewart was taken to an outside smoking deck to calm down.

Wind turbine rigger Neil Stewart (pictured), 30, from Newcastle, 'spontaneously' jumped into the North Sea Canal in November 2017 and his body was only found the following month

Ms Dilks said: 'At or around 0043, he jumped suddenly and spontaneously from the middle smoking deck of the party boat into the water, which led to his drowning.'

The skipper took action, stopping and reversing the boat and the water was lit up in a bid to locate Mr Stewart, but a rescue boat on the top deck was not launched.

The coroner said she was limited in what recommendations she could make to the Dutch authorities, as she did not have jurisdiction there.

'This case however tragically highlighted the risks of parties on board a boat associated with alcohol or drugs,' she said.

The coroner will write to the British event organiser, BTID - Bounce Til I Die - which had two representatives at the hearing, with recommendations including that the firm creates a safety policy clearly documenting steps put in place to keep guests safe.

The coroner said this was not a judgment, criticism or punishment for the organisers.

Mr Stewart's fiancee Chelsea Dixon had previously told his inquest how she had organised the weekend away as a surprise and how happy he had been.

Ms Dilks rejected a submission on behalf of Mr Stewart's family to conclude that his death was unlawful, made on the basis that the safety boat was not launched.

Mr Stewart's fiancee Chelsea Dixon had previously told his inquest how she had organised the weekend away as a surprise and how happy he had been.

His mother Alma Stewart told the hearing on Wednesday he had a 'heart of gold', adding: 'The void left behind in our lives can never be filled.'

Earlier in the inquest Mr Stewart's friend and colleague Paul Armes, who was also on the boat, said he realised someone was in the water when the vessel stopped.

He said someone else told him Mr Stewart had climbed three steps before jumping in.

Mr Armes told the inquest he had first aid and water rescue qualifications and wanted to swim across to his friend in the water with a life belt.

He wept as he told the inquest: 'I just wanted to help him.'

Neil's body was recovered the following month. Post-mortem toxicology tests revealed he had taken cocaine during the day. Pictured, police conducting a search

Mr Armes said he saw a safety boat on top of the vessel that could be used in case of an emergency but he told the coroner the crew said it was not safe to deploy it.

Another vessel came alongside and lit up the water with bright lights, and Mr Armes said he could see Mr Stewart in the water for approximately 10 minutes from when the party boat stopped.

When Ms Dixon was asked if she had seen him get into the water, she said no, adding: 'If there was anything else I would wish for in my life, it would be to have an answer to that question.'

Asked if Mr Stewart ever expressed an intention to harm himself, Ms Dixon replied: 'Absolutely not. Neil told me that morning it was the happiest time of his life.

'He always said 30 was going to be his year.'

Ms Dixon said party-goers had not been given advice on how to stay safe while on the boat.

Fellow party-goer Samantha Godkin, who witnessed Mr Stewart hit her friend Paul Tomlinson in the jaw, said guests were given advice before getting on board about how to stay safe.

She said: 'You were advised about the issues of being careful and to keep yourself safe.'
An Afghan sniper who worked with UK special forces 'was shot dead by the Taliban after being told there was no room for him and his family on RAF flight out of Kabul'.

Noor, 29, had been a member of a British-trained Afghan unit known as CF333, but was not rescued in the airlift from Kabul airport that followed the Taliban takeover.

His brother Shakar Chi, 36, who also worked alongside UK special forces and made it to the UK, told the The Times that Noor had waited for days for a rescue flight out of Kabul but was eventually turned away as he didn't hold a UK passport.

Afghan sniper Noor, 29, who worked alongside UK special forces was shot dead by the Taliban 15 days after being told there was no room for him and his family on an RAF flight out of Kabul

Noor's brother Shakar, who uses a pseudonym, boarded a flight on August 27 and was promised by a member of the British army that Noor and his family would also be on a flight 'within 24 hours'.

However, the next day on August 28, the day the last evacuation flights departed from Kabul airport, Shakar spoke to his brother over the phone who revealed that he hadn't got a seat as there was 'no capacity'.

Shakar said that Noor told him that he had been 'kicked out' of the Baron hotel, which was being used by British diplomats and milatary to process those eligible to fly to the UK.

Noor said over the phone that a British soldier had said: 'Theres so many people here with a red [British] passport. We cant take any more people on the flight. We dont have any capacity.

'Thats why they kicked me out,' he said.

Noor's brother Shakar Chi, 36, boarded a flight on August 27 and was promised by a member of the British army that Noor and his family would also be on a flight 'within 24 hours'. Pictured, crowds of people wait outside the airport in Kabul

Fifteen days later, Noor was traced to his sisters home on the edge of the Afghan capital Kabul and murdered by the Taliban.

He was shot three times in the chest and again as he lay on the ground by two gunmen.

Noor is said to have been shot dead while his wife and five children, all under the age of nine  the youngest just ten days old  were at the entrance of the house.

A Ministry Of Defence spokesperson said: 'We recognise the situation during Operation Pitting was incredibly difficult for all involved, and UK personnel worked in a fast-moving and complex situation to evacuate thousands of people in Kabul.'

However, Noor was eventually turned away on the day the last evacuation flights were leaving Kabul as he didn't hold a UK passport and there was 'no capacity'. Pictured: British troops board a flight at Kabul airport on August 28

The MOD added that they do not have a record of an application in this case, and it is understood that Noor did not officially apply to come to Britain under the governments Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.

The murder prompted shock and anger from members of the British military, with former Colonel Ash Alexander-Cooper, OBE, a commander of specialist operations with the SAS, writing in a tweet: For those leaders still unsure, this is not a game, N was executed by the Taliban in cold blood just a few hours ago. His crime ? Years of loyal and professional service, mentored by British units.

There is no amnesty. Abandoned by us, this murder will not be the last.

This is the reality of the new Taliban, Mr Alexander-Cooper said. Talk of inclusivity, diversity and amnesty is a joke and some are falling for it. Wake up.

The murder was one in a series of revenge killings by the Taliban who have gone from house to house hunting those who worked with Western forces.
Alternative theories on the disappearance of RAF gunner Corrie McKeague will be presented at an upcoming inquest, it has been revealed.

The 23 year old, from Dunfermline, Fife, vanished in the early hours of September 24, 2016, following a night out in Bury St Edmunds.

Suffolk Police believe the father-of-one climbed into a bin which was then tipped into a waste lorry, ruling out other theories.

But as part of an inquest in March next year, the force's other lines of inquiry are set to be made public in a 30-page document.

Peter Taheri, counsel to the inquest, told a pre-inquest hearing in Ipswich that Chief Superintendent Marina Ericson of Suffolk Police had prepared a 'statement on alternative hypotheses'.

The witness statement was put together to show what police had considered.

Corrie McKeague (pictured), 23, from Dunfermline, Fife, vanished in the early hours of September 24, 2016, following a night out in Bury St Edmunds.

Suffolk Police believe the airman climbed into a bin which was then tipped into a waste lorry, ruling out other theories. But as part of an inquest in March next year, the force's other lines of inquiry will be made public in a 30-page document (pictured with girlfriend April)

Police officers search a landfill site in search of missing RAF airman Corrie Mckeague on March 8, 2017 in Milton, near Cambridgeshire in England

Mr Taheri said he was awaiting confirmation from the force that this statement was 'ready for onward disclosure' with those involved in the inquest.

Mr McKeague was reported missing two days after he vanished, at 3.42pm on September 26, by colleagues at RAF Honington - and no trace of him has been found since.

An independent review of the police investigation was completed by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit in 2017.

It concluded that the force completed a 'thorough' investigation and explored all reasonable lines of inquiry.

A full inquest, listed for a four-week period from March 7, will consider topics including the collection of the bin, the police search and results of the investigation.

It will also examine 'any risk-taking behaviour' by Mr McKeague, his recent mental state and consumption of alcohol, Mr Taheri said.

Nigel Parsley, senior coroner for Suffolk, said that the disciplinary records of bin lorry driver Martyn Thompson will be shared with counsel to consider whether they 'show a propensity for diligence or not'.

Hayley Saunders, for Mr Thompson, said that Mr Thompson's evidence is that he checked the bin.

Martin McKeague, the father of Corrie McKeague, and his wife Trisha, attend the opening of an inquest in November 2020

Martin said on September 16, on what would have been his son's 28th birthday, that his life 'stopped' the day he went missing (pictured with son Corrie)

Mr Taheri said that he did not believe he 'spotted anything directly relevant' in Mr Thompson's disciplinary records but that they 'could show a degree of carelessness'.

Mr Parsley said that the disciplinary records will be shared with counsel and he would hear any further submissions on their possible inclusion in the inquest at a later date.

Thursday's hearing in Ipswich was attended in person by Mr McKeague's father Martin McKeague, and his wife Trisha.

A further pre-inquest review hearing is to be heard on a date to be fixed.

Martin said on September 16, on what would have been his son's 28th birthday, that his life 'stopped' the day he went missing.

Speaking to The Mirror about the impending inquest, he said: 'I'm still really struggling to come to terms with it.

'It's really important for us as a family - the McKeague family. It will all come out in the end, the truth will be coming out.

'I believe it's important the files and evidence will be read out for everybody to see.'
Fuel thieves have allegedly nicked a staggering 30,000 litres of diesel from a Hampshire service station in a nighttime raid amid the nationwide fuel crisis.

Dave O'Donnell, who runs Portsmouth Truck Stop in Farlington, claimed thieves stole 45,000 worth of diesel by draining his fuel tanks in the early hours on Saturday.

Mr O'Donnell told the BBC that the alleged theft was a 'massive hit' to his family-run business, which has been running for more than 30 years and offers lorry drivers a place to park, shower eat and refuel overnight.

The incident comes amid a nationwide fuel crisis, which has seen drivers forced to queue outside petrol stations for hours, while many stations have been left with dwindling supplies of fuel following mass panic buying.

Mr O'Donnell said CCTV footage, recorded at 12.45am, showed two lorries arriving at the truck stop at around midnight.

In the clip, a person appears to climb on top of one of the fuel tanks and feeds a pipe into it before allegedly pumping the diesel out.

Dave O'Donnell, who runs Portsmouth Truck Stop in Farlington, claimed thieves (pictured on CCTV) stole 45,000 worth of diesel by draining his fuel tanks in the early hours on Saturday

He claimed the footage showed one of the lorries exited the truck stop around an hour later, while the second vehicle left at around 2am.

The business owner claimed his two tankers of fuel, which have a meter in the office showing the amount of fuel left in each one, should have had a total of 43,000 litres in them.

But when he checked the reading on Monday, Mr O'Donnell claimed that there was just 13,000 litres left in the two tanks.

He claimed the alleged theft appeared to be a 'professional job', saying he will be forced to make an arrangement with his supplier to try and 'survive' 'the hit'.

He told the BBC: 'With everything going on with the fuel shortage right now, it's just a crazy time.

'We can still have lorries parked up, but we're turning so many away at the moment and our pumps are still out of action.'

Hampshire Police said it was investigating the incident. MailOnline has contacted the force for further comment.

Mr O'Donnell said the alleged theft has left his supplies low, forcing lorry and HGV drivers who normally use his facilities to queue up at petrol stations and try to get fuel amid the nationwide fuel crisis.

Mr O'Donnell said CCTV footage, recorded at 12.45am, showed two lorries arriving at the truck stop at around midnight before someone (pictured) put a pipe into one of his fuel tanks

Mr O'Donnell told the BBC that the alleged theft was a 'massive hit' to his family-run business Portsmouth Truck Stop (pictured), which has been running for more than 30 years

Panic buying of fuel has escalated in recent weeks and drivers have been forced to queue for hours in a bid to get petrol, with many service stations being left with dwindling or depleted supplies.

Motorists ignored Government pleas for calm as they jammed roads and police had to be called in to marshal drivers amid fears that fuel shortages could bring the economy to its knees.

Ministers have been accused of dooming Britain to a Winter of Incompetence as panic buying of fuel escalated amid talks on giving temporary visas to foreign HGV drivers.

The situation is improving in the North East and Yorkshire but the South East and Midlands are continuing to suffer, leaked Government analysis revealed today.

Average fuel levels at UK petrol stations were at 20 per cent for the third day running today - less than half the normal figure of 43 per cent  but the Whitehall analysis showed a drastically varying picture by region.

London, the South East, the North West, the West Midlands and East Midlands all have fuel levels of below 20 per cent and are labelled 'red' under a traffic light system that is reminiscent of the Government's travel lists.

But fuel levels are improving in the North East, Yorkshire and Wales which have all moved from red to amber, while Scotland is moving from amber to green - and Northern Ireland is already green, reported The Times.

Revelations over the regional variations came as the Government was today accused of 'gaslighting' Britain over the fuel crisis, with Ministers admitting more than a quarter of petrol stations still remain without supplies.

Ministers have been accused of dooming Britain to a Winter of Incompetence as panic buying of fuel escalated. Pictured: Sign outside a petrol station in London on Thursday

London and Bristol were among the worst hit areas today as UK roads were gridlocked for the seventh day in a row while motorists hunt for stations with fuel, carrying petrol cans, plastic jugs and water bottles to stock up.

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told MailOnline today that there might be a case for prioritising supplies to London but the main thing was for people to calm down.

He said: 'London is always the first to panic and the last to get back to normal I suspect what has been going on is since Covid people have abandoned trains and got back in cars. That has created greater demand.'

Sir Iain, who represents Chingford and Woodford Green in North East London, pointed out that many people commuting into London could see petrol stations busy as they travelled on arterial routes, and that 'spooked' them about whether they had enough fuel.

'London will get back eventually when people calm down,' he added. Asked if supplies should be prioritised for the capital, he said: 'I think a bit of both. They have probably got a priority to get the petrol there, but the most important thing is for people to calm down.'

The Petrol Retailers Association said it had surveyed 1,200 fuel stations across the UK today, and 52 per cent of sites reported having both petrol and diesel in stock, 21 per cent had only one in stock and 27 per cent were dry.
Benjamin Elliott, 17, from Katy, Texas, has been charged with murder for allegedly stabbing to death his twin sister, Meghan, which he claimed to have done in his sleep

A 17-year-old Texas boy has allegedly confessed to killing his twin sister but told authorities he was sleeping when he repeatedly plunged a knife into her neck.

Benjamin Elliott was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday on a count of murder for the brutal slaying of Meghan Elliott, which took place inside the family's home in Katy early Wednesday morning.

During a Thursday morning court hearing, a judge set Benjamin's bond at $100,000, but he was not present during the proceedings because he is in the mental health unit.

A prosecutor revealed that Benjamin has admitted to stabbing Meghan, but told deputies that he believed he was sleeping or dreaming at the time, and only realized what had happened when he pulled the knife from his twin's neck.

'The defendant stated after realizing he was not dreaming, he removed the knife and placed it next to the complainant, turned on the light to the bedroom and applied pressure to the wound with a pillow,' a prosecutor stated, according to Click2Houston.

Benjamin then called 911 to report the stabbing, and was instructed by the operator to perform CPR on his sister until paramedics arrived.

While on the call with the emergency dispatcher, the teen alerted his parents, who woke up and rushed into Meghan's bedroom to find their son performing CPR on their daughter.

According to the prosecutors, the parents can be heard screaming and crying in the background.

Harris County sheriff's deputies are pictured on the scene of the fatal stabbing in Katy, Texas

In court on Thursday, attorneys said Benjamin had no history of sleep disorders and had not ingested any drugs or alcohol.

Authorities said the 17-year-old suspect will be tried for murder as an adult.

Benjamin and Meghan Elliott both attended Cypress Park High School, and neighbors recalled seeing them walking together to and from the bus stop, reported 13WMAZ.

One neighbor recounted recently seeing Benjamin open an umbrella to shield his twin sister from the rain.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated on Wednesday that deputies were dispatched to an address in the 4100 block of Brown Meadow Court in Katy at 4.45am and found Benjamin on top of his sister performing CPR on her bed.

Meghan was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds to the neck.

Deputies found the teenage boy performing CPR on his 17-year-old twin in her bedroom

The teen is seen above being detained for questioning after allegedly stabbing his sister in the neck

During a press conference, Sgt. Greg Pinkins, with the sheriff's office's homicide division, revealed that Benjamin was the one who placed the 911 call, summoning deputies to the scene.

Responding officers found the teenage stabbing suspect performing CPR on his twin sister in an attempt to save her life, reported ABC13.

The siblings' parents were at home at the time of the violent incident but were said to be asleep.

Deputies recovered a knife at the scene of the attack, but they had to obtain a search warrant to look for additional evidence inside the family's home because the twins' parents refused to let anyone in.

Pinkens said no motive has been revealed, according to KHOU11.

According to the authorities, there had been a previous call to service at the home on Brown Meadow Court stemming from an unspecified family disturbance.
Wayne Couzens was snared by detectives after the blood of Sarah Everard was found in the seats and boot of his car.

Officers also found semen in the Seat, leading police to deduce that the convicted killer raped the 33-year-old in the car.

Couzens had driven from his home in Kent to London on the night of March 3 to carry out his sadistic crimes.

He hired a Vauxhall Crossland from a rental garage after plotting for over a month, because the car looked similar to an undercover police car.

But he was exposed by CCTV after bus camera footage caught him stopping Ms Everard while the officer carried out a fake arrest for an apparent breach of Covid rules.

Wayne Couzens was snared by detectives after the blood of Sarah Everard was found in the seats and boot of his car

Bus camera footage caught him stopping Ms Everard while the officer carried out a fake arrest in Clapham

A condom packet and three hairbands were found in a compartment under the driver's seat of the car

The footage shows him standing feet away from Ms Everard on the side of a Clapham street moments before her disappearance.

The clip shows Couzens flashing his warrant badge before handcuffing and abducting the advertising executive near her home.

Couzens then drove her 50 miles to Dover in the rental car before he swapped it for his own Seat.

Couzens took her to a rural area and raped her, before later being seen buying Lucozade and other drinks from BP station with her body in boot, after she was believed to have been murdered.

Distressing details of the timeline suggest Ms Everard could have been alive for more than four hours.

She was snatched off the street by 9.30pm and when the killer pulled into the garage at 2.30am, Sarah is thought to have been in his boot, already dead.

Officers also found semen in the Seat, leading police to deduce that the convicted killer raped the 33-year-old in the car

A sachet of lubricating jelly was found in the side pocket of the car which police seized after Couzens' arrest

Couzens sitting in the front seat of the hire car, after he falsely 'arrested' Miss Everard (who is seated in the back) outside Poynders Court on Poynders Road, Clapham. It was only after they left London that she may have realised her fate

Couzens later was seen switching back the cars as he took the Vauxhall back to Enterprise.

He then drove in his own Seat to Sandwich where he dumped Sarah's phone before buying petrol to burn her body.

She was found days later and had to be identified by dental records, but was still wearing a necklace and a gold earring.

Couzens was jailed for life today with no chance of parole

Couzens was arrested on March 9 after detectives traced the hire car back to his address.

They seized his Seat where officers discovered a broken fragment of Ms Everard's sim card and a blood stain which matched her DNA.

Quizzed by police after his arrest, Couzens lied that he had been 'leant on' by an Eastern European gang who threatened to harm his family if he did not agree to pick up a woman and hand her over to the occupants of a van near Maidstone.

Taken to Wandsworth Police Station, he repeatedly tried to self-harm by banging his head on a sink and running into a wall, and was put under constant watch before appearing in court.

He later ditched his story and pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape and murder.

Today, he was jailed for life with no chance of parole after he 'misused' his 'office and authority' as a Met officer.

Lord Justice Fulford told Couzens he is a 'warped' and 'self-pitying' killer who relied on his position and knowledge of Covid-19 lockdown laws to carry out one of the most shocking crimes in recent history.

Wayne Couzens stood but failed to look at the judge or Sarah Everard's family as he was given a whole-life sentence at the Old Bailey - the first ever given to a police officer

Sarah's family wept and made a final brave statement to tell Couzens, 48, 'the world is a safer place without you in it' as he became the first police officer in British history to receive a whole life sentence. The family wiped away their tears and stood to face him as he learnt he would die in prison and was taken to the cells.

Accusing him of 'eroding' public trust in police and making women more frightened to walk the streets, the judge said: 'Sarah Everard was a wholly blameless victim of a grotesque series of offences', adding: 'She was simply walking home'.

The judge made the killer stand and face the court - but he kept his head bowed - as he handed down a whole life term reserved for around 70 of Britain's most dangerous criminals including serial killers and terrorists.

He said: 'Wayne Couzens, you kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, having long planned a violent sexual assault on a yet-to-be-selected victim who you intended to coerce into your custody.

March 8: Detectives show Couzens a picture of his tragic victim

'You have irretrievably damaged the lives of Sarah Everard's family and friends - you have eroded the confidence that the public are entitled to have in the police forces of England and Wales.

'I have seen no evidence of genuine contrition on your part as opposed to evident self-pity and attempts by you to avoid or minimise the proper consequences of what you have done'.

Outside the Old Bailey his former boss Cressida Dick refused to resign but admitted the now-sacked PC had 'brought shame on the Met' and damaged the 'precious bond of trust' between the public and police.

She said: 'Sarah's kidnap, rape and murder was one of the most dreadful events in the 190-year history of the Metropolitan Police Service.

'There are no words that can fully express the fury and sadness we feel about what happened to Sarah. I am so sorry', adding: 'Speaking frankly as an organisation, we have been rocked. I absolutely know that there are those that feel their trust in us is shaken'.
United Airlines announced that its tough mandatory vaccination policy has proven effective and cut the number of employees facing termination nearly in half over just 48 hours.

The Chicago-based airline said that as of Thursday only 320 of their U.S.-based employees have not provided proof of vaccination, marking a nearly 46 percent drop from Tuesday when 593 employees faced termination.

Airline spokeswoman Leslie Scott said the declining number of potential firings is proof that the company's vaccine mandate is effective.

In August, United announced that it would require its 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and gave employees until Monday to upload images of their vaccination cards, proving they'd gotten at least one shot.

United said that as of Thursday only 320 of their U.S based employees are have not provided proof of vaccination down from 593 employees on Tuesday

United Airlines stands out as having the toughest vaccination policy among major U.S. airlines

In August United announced that it would require its 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19

More than 99 percent of its workers have either gotten vaccinated or applied for a medical or religious exemption, the airline said. Employees whose exemption requests are approved will be put on medical or other leave status and could lose their income.

'Our vaccine policy continues to prove requirements work,' Scott said in a statement. 'In less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half.'

In the U.S. military, 93 percent of the 1.4 million active-duty troops received at least one COVID shot after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin mandated them last month.

As of Friday about 97,000 active duty members remain unvaccinated down from 250,000 troops earlier this month.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the rise in vaccinations among troops following the mandate is not surprising.

'We are seeing, as we expected to see, our troops do what is expected of them,' Kirby said at a press briefing.

93 percent of the country's 1.4 million active-duty troops had received at least one COVID shot after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin mandated the shots last month

The various military branches began requiring unvaccinated service members to get the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine following Austin's August 24 memo, which mandated shots even for those who had recovered from a prior infection.

Each service branch has set its own deadline for troops to get the required vaccine, and all are allowing some exemptions for medical, religious or administrative reasons.

The Air Force and Space Force have set a November 2 deadline for active-duty airmen and guardians to be fully vaccinated, while sailors and Marines have until November 28.

The Army will require all active-duty soldiers to be vaccinated by December 15, and all National Guard soldiers will be required to be vaccinated by June 30 of next year.

Kirby said at Friday's briefing that Austin wanted to see the mandate implemented 'in a compassionate way, in a thoughtful way.'

Among other airlines, Delta currently is requiring vaccination or weekly testing, but announced they will begin charging unvaccinated workers on the company health plan a $200 monthly surcharge starting in November.

Texas-based American and Southwest Airlines have offered incentives for employees to get vaccinated, but have not indicated how they will comply with President Joe Biden's order that employers with more than 100 workers require vaccination or weekly testing, AP reported.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly has warned employees to prepare to comply with federal mandates.

'So we at Southwest Airlines may be compelled by federal law to require Employees to be vaccinated, and we will be prepared for that,' Kelly told staff this week.

Pilot unions at American and Southwest are resisting mandatory vaccination and are pushing instead for alternatives such as COVID-19 testing.

According to their union, 4,200 of American's 14,000 pilots are not vaccinated.

Six United employees who got exemptions are suing the airline in federal district court in Texas, claiming they are being discriminated against because of medical conditions or religious beliefs. United has said the lawsuit has no merit.
A heavy goods vehicle driver has died after a crash which also involved three British Army trucks on the A38 in Derbyshire.

Traffic officers are seeking dashcam footage after the collision, which occurred on the northbound stretch of the road close to Mickleover, Derby, at about 1.45pm on Wednesday.

The lorry driver, a 53-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

A heavy goods vehicle driver has died after a crash which also involved three British Army trucks on the A38 in Derbyshire. Pictured: Emergency services workers attend the scene

Derbyshire Constabulary said: 'His family are aware, and our thoughts are with them at this time.

'Detectives investigating the incident are appealing for any drivers with dashcam footage, in particular of the moments leading up to the incident, to get in touch.'

It is not currently known whether the HGV driver or any of the drivers of the three Army trucks were delivering fuel at the time.
The Marine pictured helping hoist a baby over the walls of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul last month is under investigation by the U.S. Military after he appeared on stage with Donald Trump at a rally in Georgia on Saturday.

'The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has initiated a command investigation regarding LCpl Hunter Clark's attendance at the event last weekend to determine if any DoD policies were violated,' Captain Kelton Cochran, a spokesman for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said, according to Task & Purpose.

'Any details pertaining to this incident are not releasable while the investigation is being conducted,' Cochran said.

Lance Corporal Hunter Clark was helping guard the Kabul airport during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in August. A picture of him went viral as he helped save a baby being lifted up by an Afghan outside of the airport walls.

On Saturday, Clark appeared with former President Trump on stage at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center in Perry, Georgia for a massive rally.

An emotional Clark introduced himself as the 'guy that pulled the baby over the wall' and choked up as the crowd chanted 'USA'.

It is, however, against Defense Department rules for active-duty troops to 'speak before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.'

Clark did not wear his Marine uniform while on stage with Trump and he did not campaign for any political candidate  even though the former president was there to rally for three different Republican candidates in Georgia.

The appearance, however, comes as the military is increasingly cracking down on servicemembers' behavior.

Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller was relieved of command after he posted a video to Facebook critical of higher up military leadership and demanding they take responsibility for Kabul falling to the Taliban in the withdrawal.

He is currently being held at the Brig on Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

Marine Lance Corporal Hunter Clark (right) is under investigation after he appeared on stage with former President Donald Trump (left) at a rally in Perry, Georgia on Saturday

Clark introduced himself as 'the guy that pulled the baby over the wall' in the images that went viral from the Kabul airport during the Afghanistan withdrawal last month. There were multiple Marines pictured helping desperate Afghans to safety during the airlift

It is against Defense Department rules for active duty troops to 'speak before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.'

At the event on Saturday, Trump kept 13 front row seats empty with flags on them in honor of the 13 U.S. service members who died in an ISIS-K suicide bombing near the airport last month  11 Marines, a Navy corpsman, and an Army special operations soldier were among the casualties at the airport's Abbey Gate.

Trump invited Clark, who is from Georgia, up on stage on September 25 to say a few words.

'We're also honored to be joined by one of the Marines who bravely served in Kabul during the withdrawal and helped evacuate children over the airport and over the airport wall,' Trump told the crowd.

'You saw him, he did a great job, Lance Corporal Hunter Ian Clark. Lance Corporal, get up here!'

Clark introduced himself as 'the guy that pulled the baby over the wall,' and said it was 'definitely, probably one of the greatest things I've done in my entire life.'

The Marine choked up as he said: 'I just want to thank all the support from y'all. It really means a lot and I'm glad to be home now.'

He then shook Trump's hand as the crowd chanted: 'USA!'

Cochran told Task & Purpose that Clark was not the Marine shown in the viral photo from August 19 of an infant being pulled over the wall.

Multiple Marines were seen helping desperate Afghans to safety during the airlift and Clark did not provide specific details of when he helped the child.

At the rally on September 25, Trump left 13 front-row seats empty with flags on them to honor the 13 U.S. service members who died in the ISIS-K suicide bombing near the Kabul airport in August

A Marine in the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit holds a baby during the evacuation of Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 20
Metropolitan Police has said it could not have stopped Wayne Couzens from murdering Sarah Everard as it pointed a finger at Kent for not properly investigating a 2015 report of indecent exposure linked to the officer's car.

The killer cop, 48, was nicknamed The Rapist because of his inappropriate behaviour around women, had an obsession with 'brutal porn' and flashed McDonald's workers before murdering Sarah Everard on March 3.

But he still passed a vetting process that saw him put in charge of a gun as he stood guard at embassies in London for Met Police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also looking into Kent Police - where Couzens used to work as a volunteer - after it was accused of not investigating reports in 2015 that a man had been spotted driving down a road with no trousers on.

Met Police today said 'one of a range of checks' when Couzens applied to join the force 'may not have been undertaken correctly'.

Couzens' car numberplate was linked to the 2015 indecent exposure but Met Police blamed the Kent force, claiming 'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.'

It comes as a list of eight blunders that left Couzens free to kill were revealed.

Wayen Couzens (pictured), 48, was nicknamed The Rapist by colleagues and had an obsession with 'brutal porn' before committing the gruesome murder on March 3

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London.

The Met is being investigated by the IOPC for allegedly failing to probe these two separate incidents, despite apparently being provided with CCTV. Couzens was only identified as a suspect after Miss Everard's murder.

Questions have also been asked about how the Met Police's vetting process failed to pick up concerns around Couzens before he was made an armed officer in its elite Diplomatic Protection Group, which involved him guarding embassies, VIPs and members of the Royal Family.

Inappropriate Whatsapp messages and how Couzens got his head injuries: The ongoing investigations carried out by IOPC The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has offered an update on investigations linked to Wayne Couzens' gruesome murder. Sal Naseem said: 'I would again wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Sarah Everard's family and all those affected by her death.' She said the watchdog could reveal other investigations - including into inappropriate graphics and discriminatory messages sent by police officers via Whatsapp: An investigation into allegations that a probationary MPS police constable shared an inappropriate graphic, depicting violence against women, with colleagues via Whatsapp. The graphic depicted the murder of Miss Everard by a serving police officer. Though the officer who sent the message was off-duty at the time he was later stationed at the crime scene cordon. The force has not yet decided what action to take. An investigation into the conduct of five officers from three forces and one former officer who allegedly sent discriminatory messages as part of a Whatsapp group between March and October 2019. Three of the serving officers are with the MPS, one from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and one from Norfolk Constabulary. Couzens was previously with the MPS. They are being investigated for gross misconduct for allegedly sending messages of a discriminatory and/or inappropriate nature, and for allegedly failing to challenge the messages sent by the others. Two of the MPS officers and the former MPS officer have also been notified that they are being criminally investigated for improper use of the public electronic communications network under Section 127 of the Communications Act. An investigation into allegations that officers from several forces breached standards of professional behaviour when they used a messaging app to share information connected to the prosecution of Couzens. One officer was investigated for gross misconduct because there was an indication they shared details presented in court from an interview given by Couzens under caution, when there was no policing purpose to do so. A further six officers were served with misconduct notices for not challenging the sharing of the information, and that two of them also joined in the conversation. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding how Couzens sustained head injuries in custody on and March 10 and 12 after he had been arrested on suspicion of murder. A police spokesman said: 'Our inquiries, concluded last month (August), established that the injuries were self-inflicted. We found that correct policies and procedures were followed and we did not identify any conduct or learning issues for the MPS.' Advertisement

A McDonald's worker today claimed Couzens exposed himself to her three weeks before killing Miss Everard as she was working at a drive-thru on the A20 near Swanley in Kent at the start of February.

Couzens was allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary - where he was involved in protecting nuclear power stations - because of his inappropriate behaviour around women.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor said the nickname was known by some officers.

Sir Tom told the BBC Couzens 'also had allegedly a reputation in terms of drug abuse, extreme pornography and other offences of this kind'.

Couzens used to work at his father's garage in Dover before joining the Kent Special Constabulary at some point after 2002.

The court heard a colleague in that year spoke of 'his attraction to brutal sexual pornography' but Jim Sturman QC, defending, said it related to a single incident 'which is almost impossible to examine now'.

The court heard he used prostitutes and had a fake Match.com dating profile despite being married with two children and in 2018, it has been claimed he was reported to bosses for slapping a female police officer's bottom at Bromley police station. It appears no action was taken, a source claimed.

While at Bromley, it is also alleged he became the subject of gossip for only stopping female motorists - before taking their details so he could watch their homes - and parking outside schools to leer at mothers and sixth formers.

The Met said: 'Couzens was a serving and vetted police officer when he joined the Met. He had no criminal convictions or cautions and he was not subject to any misconduct proceedings during his time at the MPS. We are aware of no other concerns raised by his colleagues or anyone regarding his behaviour.'

The force admitted mistakes were made during Couzens' vetting process.

A spokesman added: 'Following his arrest, as the public would expect, we reviewed his vetting. This review confirmed he passed vetting processes. However, it also found one of a range of checks may not have been undertaken correctly.

'This check related to information regarding a vehicle which was registered to Couzens and that was linked to an allegation of indecent exposure in Kent in 2015.

'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.

'However, the review we conducted found that despite this there was no information available to the Met at the time that would have changed the vetting decision. We continue to build up a picture of Couzens career and wider activities.

'We would like to appeal for anyone who has information of concern about Couzens - whether police colleagues or members of the public - to contact us directly.'

A McDonald's worker told MailOnline she saw Couzens pulling up by the order hatch with his trousers down. Met Police has not commented on this claim and the worker did not suggest the Met knew Couzens had done this and allowed him to carry on working.

The staff member - who said she recognised Couzens from the news coverage after he was identified as Miss Everard's killer, told MailOnline: 'The whole has thing left me quite disturbed. He casually pulled up to the serving hatch having ordered his food and I could clearly see that he was naked from below the waist.

'It was not the first time that he had done this when he came to McDonald's, but I was the only female member of staff to report it. I'm glad I took a stand and alerted the authorities because it was the right thing do. But I never imagined that he would go on to murder a woman, it's tragic.'

The devout Christian said she reported the alleged incident to police. MailOnline has contacted the Met for comment.

The Met is already being investigated by the police watchdog for its alleged failure to investigate two flashings later attributed to Couzens at a McDonald's in south London three days before he kidnapped, raped and murdered Miss Everard.

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London (file image)

Couzens used his police ID to carry out a fake Covid arrest, cuffed the 33-year-old in his car and then strangled her using his police belt.

He appeared to shake in the dock as he was handed a full life term at the Old Bailey this morning - as activists with 'Met Police: Blood on their hands' banners protested outside. Lord Justice Fulford said he was a 'warped' and 'self-pitying' killer who used his position and knowledge of Covid-19 lockdown laws to carry out one of the most shocking crimes in recent history.

The McDonald's worker allegedly targeted by Couzens in February said of the incident: 'I believe that the police took action when I reported the matter at the time but I suppose the question is if it was appropriate enough?' she asked.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing Couzens at the Old Bailey in London

Sarah Everard's disappearance sparked a huge manhunt and led to an outpouring of anger about the safety of women on the streets

'A process was underway, they were looking into it but perhaps they could have done more. I never thought it would escalate in the way that it did, and I don't think the police did either.

'I have not spoken about the incident at great length because I don't want to take anything away from Sarah's killing. At the end of the day the focus should be on her and her family and other women who have been killed by men.

'I'm a devout Christian and people in my church have supported me. The whole thing was very disturbing. I no longer work at McDonald's, I'm in a new job and have put the whole thing behind me. It is a closed chapter in my life and I've moved on.'
A ransomware attack led to the death of a baby delivered at an Alabama hospital that was under attack by hackers, a lawsuit says.

Teiranni Kidd, who had gestational hypertension, said she was induced on July 17, 2019 without knowing that a cyber attack at Springhill Memorial Hospital brought down the network and severely limited staffs ability to treat patients, the court filing said.

Her daughter was born at the Mobile hospital with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. It took eight minutes for a neonatologist to arrive at the bedside.

She was diagnosed with brain disfunction caused by lack of oxygen, kidney failure, and a host of ailments.

The infant girl, named Nicko Silar, died from her injuries April 16, 2020.

Teiranni Kidd blamed her daughter's death on a cyberattack that brought down Springhill Memorial Hospital's network. Nicko Silar was born on July 17, 2019, with a brain injury

She was born at Springhill Memorial Hospital, which said it shut its network to protect data

Springhill Memorial Hospital first acknowledged the ransomware attack July 9, when it said the network event would not affect patient care.

It said it shut down its network to protect data July 16, the day Kidd arrived to the hospital with no knowledge of the effect the cyberattack had on operations.

Without the hospital's computer and network systems, doctors and nurses resorted to communicating via text, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing court records.

'We have no computer charting for I dont know how long,' one manager told a nurse, according to the court papers.

'They are printing out the labs in the laboratory and sending them by paper,' texted another employee.

Another nurse sent a text, saying: 'I want to run away.'

The hospital's ineffective and inoperable systems contributed to Nickos injuries and subsequent death, the lawsuit said.

Nicko was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and died months later

The infant suffered from a host of other ailments, including kidney failure, which her mom says could have been avoided if nurses and doctors utilized the proper technologies

Upon information and belief, the only fetal tracing that was available to healthcare providers during Teiranni's admission was the paper record at her bedside, it said.

Because numerous electronic systems were compromised by the cyberattack, fetal tracing information was not accessible at the nurses station or by any physician or other healthcare provider who was not physically present in Teirannis labor and delivery room.

The hospital was negligent in failing to use a fetal scalp monitor that could have been used for fetal tracing during the delivery, the lawsuit said.

'The only fetal tracing that was available to healthcare providers during Teiranni's admission was the paper record at her bedside, a lawsuit filing says of her childbirth experience

It said hospital staff did not recognize the severity of the life-threatening situation.

Labor and delivery nurses failed to adequately monitor, observe, report, treat, and respond to exigent circumstances that should have been known to nursing personnel based on Nicko's fetal tracings and/or would have been known to nursing personnel had adequate fetal tracing been performed with a fetal scalp monitor, the lawsuit said.

The hospital has not publicly identified its hackers, but The Wall Street Journal said a source blamed it on Ryuk, which was targeting hospitals at the time.

The outlet previously reported that Ryuk hit at least 235 general hospitals and other healthcare facilities since 2018.

Ransomware hackers got away with at least $350million last year, according to a Chainalysis report.

Springhill Medical Center president Jeff St. Clair told Dailymail.com that he was proud of the way hospital address worked during the cyberattack.

We stayed open and our dedicated healthcare workers continued to care for our patients, Springhill spokesperson St. Clair told Dailymail.com.

We did this, of course, because our patients needed us and we, along with the independent treating physicians who exercised their privileges at the hospital, concluded it was safe to do so.

He said he couldnt comment further due to pending litigation and patient confidentiality, except what to say what you all know to be true  we love our patients and grieve with them anytime there is a loss.

If the case is proven it court it will be the first known case of a death related to cyberhacking.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has severed ties with Corey Lewandowski, after she denied having an affair with him and after Donald Trump fired him from his operations over allegations he made sexual advances towards a donor.

'Corey was always a volunteer, never paid a dime (campaign or official),' Noem spokesperson Ian Fury said, according to Politico. 'He will not be advising the Governor in regard to the campaign or official office.'

Lewandowski had also been a top adviser to Noem, traveling the country with her in recent months as she rises to stardom within the Republican Party.

Lewandowski has been cast out of Trump world and beyond after Trashelle Odom, the wife of construction company executive John Odom, claimed that the married father of four touched her repeatedly while seated next to her, followed her around, touched her leg and buttocks, and 'stalked' her at a charity event held at a Las Vegas Benihana last weekend.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has severed ties with Corey Lewandowski, following a report that he sexually harassed a wealthy Trump donor. The pair are pictured at the Republican National Convention in 2020

Lewandowski was fired from his role as head of the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Action.

'Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service. He will no longer be associated with Trump World,' Trump spokesperson Taylor Budowich wrote on Twitter.

Separately, conservative news site American Greatness reported this week that Noem and Lewandowski had been having an affair for months, which the South Dakota governor denied.

'These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie,' Noem said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. 'These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help. I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work.'

Trashelle Odom, the Trump donor who has accused Corey Lewandowski of stalking and repeatedly touching her at a Las Vegas charity event, has been pictured with former President Donald Trump. John Odom is pictured left

Corey Lewandoski is pictured above with his wife, Allison, and son

Another Republican politician, Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, distanced himself from Lewandowski on Thursday morning.

'I have known Corey Lewandowski since 2015 when I was an early and steadfast supporter of Donald J. Trump for President,' Herbster, a wealthy agricultural executive, said in a statement. 'Most recently, Corey has been one of my senior campaign advisors as I run for governor of the state of Nebraska. I've asked Corey to step back from this role. Corey and his family will remain in my prayers.'

Lewandowski was removed from the former president's orbit after he was fired as his campaign manager in 2016.

He would appear to return in 2017 when Trump offered him a job with his administration, which he rejected, telling friends that it was 'beneath him,' the Daily Beast reported.

Three years later Trump appointed him to a Pentagon advisory board in the final weeks of his presidency, which President Joe Biden would block in early February.

Before Odom's allegations became public, sources close to Trump began urging him to ditch the controversial figure, the Daily Beast also reported.

'I said to the [former] president you could use some distance from Corey and that he's embarrassing you,' one of the sources told the outlet. 'He should have let go of Corey years ago, so I don't know if he will now.'

Kirsti Noem (third from right) poses alongside her husband Byron (right) and the rest of her family with the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre in the background

According to Odom's statement, Lewandowski repeatedly remarked about the size of his genitals, Politico reported. He also 'described his sexual performance and showed Odom his hotel room key.'

She said Lewandowski, whose lawyer blasted the claims as 'rumors,' used expletives while speaking about sex as he repeatedly approached her.

The alleged conduct took place during an event at the Westgate Las Vegas hotel for the Victoria's Voice Foundation, which focuses on substance abuse. The publication quotes two people who were there who said Odom appeared uncomfortable, and that Lewandowski appeared to be intoxicated.

One person said they saw Odom in tears at an after-party.

'On the evening of September 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada, I attended a dinner to support a charity and spend time with wonderful friends,' she said. 'He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, said vile and disgusting things to me, stalked me, and made me feel violated and fearful,' she said, referring to Lewandowski.

'Mrs. Odom stated that over the course of the dinner, Mr. Lewandowski tried to hold her hand, and she pushed his hand away. He touched her leg, and she moved it away. He grabbed her napkin off her lap and tried to touch her leg again, and she pulled her dress over her leg, to move his hand away and cover her skin,' Odom's lawyer wrote.

The account describes the alleged unwanted advances beginning at a dinner, where the two were seated next to one another.

'I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable,' Odom said. 'I am blessed to have a loving husband and family behind me. I want other women to know that you can be heard, too, and together we can stop terrible things like this from happening.'

Lewandowski lawyers David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld responded to the allegations with a single-line statement to DailyMail.com. It said: 'Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response.'
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Britain is bracing itself for snow and floods with temperatures plummeting by 10C as wintry conditions start to take hold.

Meteorologists believe snow could fall in parts of the UK in the coming weeks with more rain and wind on the way first.

A cold front will strike, bringing floods and stormy weather, with heavy downpours expected.

Britain is bracing itself for snow and floods with temperatures plummeting by 10C as wintry conditions start to take hold. Pictured: a car drives through floods in Glasgow today

The Met Office's Dan Stroud told the Express: 'During the course of Saturday afternoon cloud increasing from the SW with a spell of persistent and at times heavy rain likely to move northeast across the UK.

'Winds strengthening in the south and east late Saturday afternoon and evening with coastal gales, gusting to 60-70mph along the south coast in places.

'The area of organised cloud and rain, locally heavy is expected to clear north and east on Sunday but may persist across the far northeast of Scotland for much of the day where it will remain windy for much of the day, again with coastal gales.'

He added that most of the UK will experience a mixture of sunshine and showers with a risk of thunder after the wet spell.

Meteorologists believe snow could fall in parts of the UK in the coming weeks with more rain and wind on the way first

On Thursday morning, the Milky Way was seen during a stunningly clear night over Bamburgh Lighthouse in Northumberland

In Yorkshire, the Met Office predicts temperatures will fall by as much as 10C with snow expected to fall during the month

In Yorkshire, the Met Office predicts temperatures will fall by as much as 10C with snow expected to fall during the month.

Meteorological expert Dave King said on This Morning: 'It is gonna be bitterly cold and very frosty.

'That's bad news for people with gas and electric because your bills are going through the roof.'

More immediately, Friday will see early outbreaks of heavy rain in the south-east before a mix of scattered showers and sunny spells throughout the country for the rest of the day.

The weekend will see rain spreading northwards and eastwards with persistent and torrential downpours.

Friday will see early outbreaks of heavy rain in the south-east before a mix of scattered showers and sunny spells throughout the country for the rest of the day: Pictured: Glasgow in the sun on Wednesday

Sunday will see blustery and heavy rain with gale force winds predicted in Scotland.

After a sunny end to the summer, a suspected tornado swept through villages in coastal England this week damaging more than 20 homes.

Windows were smashed, roofs were blown off and walls were wrecked by the freak weather event which struck in Humberston, Lincolnshire, and across the Humber Estuary at Thorngumbald, East Yorkshire.

Emergency services, utility workers and council staff headed to the scenes amid a trail of destruction which also left a motorhome on its side after the tornado swept through.
A tiny village is to become the centre of a 'revolution' in the global energy industry and be connected to Morocco - with the world's longest undersea cable costing 16billion.

The scheme will see Alverdiscott in Devon - population 286 - at the end of a line attaching it to North Africa.

The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project says it will import enough sun and wind-generated energy to the UK to supply seven million homes by 2030.

The plan would see 3,800km of subsea cabling connect Morocco's renewable energy-rich Guelmim Oued Noun region with little Alverdiscott, near Barnstaple.

The tiny village Alverdiscott in Devon (pictured) is to become the centre of a 'revolution' in the global energy industry and be connected to Morocco - with the world's longest undersea cable costing 16billion

Agreement has already been reached with the National Grid for voltage source convertor stations to be set up in the village, which has a population of 286.

The man behind the huge project is former Tesco boss Sir David Lewis.

The new electricity generation facility, entirely powered by solar and wind energy combined with a battery storage facility, would cover about 1,500sq km in Morocco and then be connected exclusively to Britain via four HVDC (high voltage direct current) sub-sea cables.

These would plug into Alverdiscott which would host two 1.8GW connections.

Convertor stations in Morocco will change the high voltage alternating current (HVAC) power at the generation site to HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current).

This is then sent through the subsea cable to the converter station in North Devon which changes it back to high voltage power, ready to be injected into the British transmission network.

The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project says it will import enough sun and wind-generated energy from Morocco (pictured) to the UK to supply seven million homes by 2030

Why has Morocco been chosen? Over the last decade, Morocco has been investing in renewable energy projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate Complex, which hold the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project globally, and its wind integrated program. The country also provides excellent conditions to meet the needs for both solar and wind-generated electricity. It has the third highest Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) in North Africa - and even on the shortest winter day still basks in 10 hours of sunlight. XLink also notes that because of the high GHI, solar panels produce around three times more power in Morocco than they would do in the UK. Source: Xlinks Advertisement

In total, four cables, each 3,800km long, will form the twin 1.8GW HVDC subsea cable systems.

They will follow the shallow water route from Morocco to Alverdiscott, passing Spain, Portugal, and France.

A technical feasibility study has already been completed to validate the reliability and cost of the project.

The former Tesco boss is also raising 800m to build three UK production facilities to tap into growing demand for the electric cables used for offshore wind farms and undersea interconnectors.

A spokesman for Xlinks said: 'This 'first of a kind' project will generate 10.5GW of zero carbon electricity from the sun and wind to deliver 3.6GW of reliable energy for an average of 20+ hours a day.

'This is enough to provide low-cost, clean power to over seven million British homes by 2030.

'Once complete, the project will be capable of supplying 8% of Great Britain's electricity needs.

'Alongside the consistent output from its solar panels and wind turbines, an onsite 20GWh/5GW battery facility provide sufficient storage to reliably deliver each and every day, a dedicated, near-constant source of flexible and predictable clean energy for Britain, designed to complement the renewable energy already generated across the UK.'
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified Thursday that she'd like to do away with the debt limit because it made no sense to limit the Treasury Department's ability to borrow money to pay bills already approved by Congress.

'When Congress legislates expenditures and puts in place tax policy that determines taxes, those are the crucial decisions Congress is making,' Yellen said. 'And, if to finance those spending and tax decisions, it's necessary to issue additional debt, I believe it's very destructive to the president and myself, the Treasury secretary, in the situation where we might be unable to pay the bills that result from those past decisions.'

Bumping up the debt ceiling is Congress' next chore with an important deadline, as Yellen has warned the U.S. will hit the limit on October 18 - sending the country into default if fresh legislation isn't passed.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified Thursday that she'd like to do away with the debt limit because it made no sense to limit the Treasury Department's ability to borrow money to pay bills already approved by Congress

Yellen argued 'I believe it's very destructive to the president and myself, the Treasury secretary, in the situation where we might be unable to pay the bills'

On Thursday night, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would suspend the debt limit until after next year's midterms - until December 16, 2022.

But on the Senate side of Capitol Hill, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will offer Democrats no help in raising the ceiling - despite the vote in the past always being bipartisan.

'It should be bipartisan in recognition of the fact that both Republican administrations and congresses and Democratic ones have run budget deficits for most of the post-[World War II] period, with only a few years serving as an exception,' Yellen said at a House Financial Services Committee hearing.

'That requires on a regular basis raising the debt ceiling,' she continued. 'The need to do so has nothing to do with future spending or tax plans.'

Republicans don't want to play ball because they're protesting President Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion 'human infrastructure' bill he hopes to pass in the Senate using the process of reconciliation.

The House passed a stand-alone bill Wednesday night to suspend the debt ceiling until December 19, 2022. Now the issue heads to the Senate where Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he won't give Democrats any help

That allows him to bypass Republicans and get the bill passed using only Democratic votes.

That bill is in jeopardy, however, thanks to moderate Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who are against spending that much.

McConnell and Republicans' resistance to helping lift the debt ceiling will likely force Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to use reconciliation to get that vote through too.

'Republicans in Congress are treating this like a game,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki complained at Thursday's briefing.

Schumer previously tried to hike the debt ceiling using unanimous consent - but McConnell object to the maneuver, tanking it.

He warned that reconciliation could be 'risky' because a single Republican could hold up the bill.

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday morning, Schumer said, 'We are not even asking Republicans to vote yes, even though we know they should, but instead just to get out of the way.'

'Just get out of the way and let us keep the full faith and credit in America's finances intact,' Schumer urged.
A 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murdering after a man died in a park.

Terry Leeks, 46, was stabbed in Northlands Park, in Basildon, Essex, in the early hours of July 11.

Investigating officers today arrested a 14-year-old girl from Wickford on suspicion of murder.

A 15-year-old boy was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Essex Police said both are in custody.

Terry Leeks was stabbed in Northlands Park, Basildon, in the early hours of July 11 and later died in hospital. A total of eight people have now been arrested on suspicion of his murder

A total of eight people have now been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

Police said Terry was found injured in Northlands Park, Basildon, at around 1.35am on Sunday, July 11.

He was taken to hospital where he later died, Essex Police said.

A forensic post-mortem found he had sustained a stab wound to his stomach.

On August 17, which would have been Terry's 47th birthday, his parents paid tribute to him.

They said: 'Were devastated by Terrys death and we desperately need anyone who knows what happened to him to come forwards.

'Terry was always very polite and kind-hearted, he would do anything for anyone.

'We miss him dearly and want those responsible brought to justice.

'So if you have any information about what happened, no matter how small you think it is, please, please, please come forward and report it.'

After his death, Terry's parents said he 'was always very polite and kind-hearted, he would do anything for anyone'. Officers investigating his murder today appealed to anyone with additional information to contact them

Essex Police today said it is continuing to appeal for anyone who has any information about Terrys death to contact the force or Crimestoppers.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, whos leading the investigation, added: 'Were making good progress with our investigation but I believe there are still people out there with information about what happened who havent come forward yet  either to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

'Do it for Terry and do it for his family.'

If you have any information you can report it to Essex Police by calling 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/136379/21.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A cartel released disturbing video footage of the moment 20 of its rivals were lined up side-by-side before they were executed in southwestern Mexico.

Los Tlacos henchmen accused members of the rival La Bandera of 'extorting and killing innocent people' before forcing them to kneel and interrogating them at gunpoint in the middle of a forest in the state of Guerrero.

La Bandera gang is reportedly an armed wing of Guerreros Unidos, the cartel connected to the 2014 kidnapping of 43 students in Ayotzinapa.

At least four of the victims' bodies were found dumped in the trunk of a car that was left abandoned in front of the campaign office of Iguala mayor David Gama Perez on Wednesday morning.

An alleged cartel member of Los Tlacos points his gun at one of the 20 members of La Bandera

One of the four victims found in the trunk of the abandoned car was under investigation for the murder of two men, the Guerrero State Office of the Attorney General said Wednesday

Authorities in Iguala, a city in the southwestern Mexico state of Guerrero, cordon off a street where a car was found abandoned Wednesday morning with four dead bodies. The victims were among 20 members of a gang known as La Bandera who had been kidnapped by rival faction Los Tlacos

It's unknown if the remains of the other 16 victims have been recovered.

A masked armed member of Los Tlacos went on to allege that La Bandera leader Chucho Brito is a close ally of mayor-elect Gama Perez In the shocking video footage that was released on social media.

'People from Iguala, here are all those who extorted money and who were killing innocent people and women,' the rifle-toting cartel member said. 'The trash that had this beautiful city in terror. We told them and the time has come, this turf already has an owner.'

Authorities have only found four of the 20 alleged members of a gang known as La Bandera who were kidnapped and killed by Los Tlacos cartel

According to one of the individuals who were being interrogated, Iguala mayor-elect David Gama Perez had awarded public works projects to Chucho Brito, the alleged leader of La Bandera, a gang linked to the Guerrero Unidos criminal organization. DailyMail.com reached out to Gama Perez's office for comment

He walked down the line and pointed his gun at the heads of ten La Bandera members, asking them to identify themselves.

At one point he interrogates one of the individuals, who admits that Chucho Brito has a direct 'line' with the mayor's office while another La Bandera henchmen says Chucho Brito has has made money off of construction projects that were awarded to him.

DailyMail.com reached out to mayor Gama Perez's office for comment.

According to the Guerrero State Office of the Attorney General, one of the four men found in the vehicle was identified as Luis Angel and was being investigated for the aggravated homicide of two men.

'The State Attorney General's Office will continue with the corresponding investigations to locate him or those who are likely responsible for this criminal act in the northern region of the entity,' the Guerrero State Office of the Attorney General said in a statement.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has launched an investigation after a hack on far-right group the Oath Keepers reportedly revealed it has two active NYPD cops and three New York public officials on its books.

The investigation takes place after an anonymous hacker shared what they claim are emails and membership data from the extremist militia group, who were present at the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.

Eighteen Oath Keeper members have since faced charges from the Capitol riot.

The far-right group's records were sent to a transparency nonprofit group known as Distributed Denial of Secret (DDoSecrets), which shares data leaks with journalists and researchers, and posted online Monday.

Members of the Oath Keepers militia group, including Jessica Marie Watkins (far left) who has since been indicted by federal authorities for her role in the siege on the Capitol, stand among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump occupying the east front steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington

De Blasio (pictured) vowed a 'full investigation into NYPD officers linked to militant right-wing Oath Keepers on Thursday

Three New York City public officials are also part of the leaked membership's logs. They confirmed to WNYC/Gothamist that were previously registered as members of the group but they now claim they are no longer active.

The two NYPD officers whose names are also listed in the hacked records could not be confirmed as active members and so they remain unidentified.

NYPD rules forbid members of the force from forming alliances with organizations 'reasonably believed' to be engaged in criminal activities.

'The Oath Keepers are a vile, extremist anti-government organization,' said Bill Neidhardt, a de Blasio spokesman. 'An immediate internal investigation has been launched.'

The NYPD added 'the incidents are under internal review.'

Yale Law School graduate Stewart Rhodes in 2009 founded the far-right Oath Keepers and has long claimed that more than 30,000 law enforcement officers, soldiers and military veterans as members.

Stewart Rhodes (pictured), founder of Oath Keepers, once said that the government is trying to inflate the rogue actions of a few members into an alleged conspiracy committed by the organization

So far, Dailymail.com, other news outlets and researches have been unable to verify the accuracy of this claim.

One NYPD sergeant's name was listed in the data breach, which details that he is an active member of the department's Firearms and Tactics Session.

The sergeant acknowledged he was an NYPD officer in a phone call made by the Gothamist; and when asked whether he was the person on the list, he declined to comment on his membership status with the militia organization.

Instead, he referred the WNYC/Gothamist to the NYPD's press office.

The information associated with the sergeant's name hinted that the officer joined The Oath Keepers in 2014.

The email address provided includes the term 'nypdcop,' and the entry lists expertise in 'field force operations,' 'incident management,' and 'riot control agents.'

A Staten Island officer's name is also listed in the data breach. It says he is currently assigned to NYPD's Strategic Response Group, a unit that's been regularly deployed to halt riots, including the ones in response to George Floyd's murder in New York City last year.

In another phone call made by WNYC/Gothamist, a man also declined to confirm whether or not he was the officer in question. When his membership with the Oath Keepers was mentioned, the man ceased to talk before asking how his number was obtained. He then declined to answer further questions.

The local news site was able to match dozens of names that appear to go with those of current and former members of NYPD, local courts, and corrections officers in the Big Apple and its jurisdictions, including Nassau County on Long Island, as well as Dutchess and Greene Counties in upstate New York.

Men belonging to the Oath Keepers wearing military tactical gear (pictured) attend the 'Stop the Steal' rally on January 06 of this year in Washington, DC. Trump supporters breached the security surrounding the U.S. Capitol to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election

The Oath Keepers was founded in 2009, the year after the election of Barack Obama. The group's name refers to the oath of enlistment that U.S. military service members swear to 'support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.'

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups and specializes in civil rights and public interest litigation, members of Oath Keepers are encouraged to spread conspiracy theories about voter fraud.

The group claims that there was evidence of election fraud during the 2016 and 2020 elections as it said it encouraged its members to discreetly monitor polling sites.

'People need to be aware of exactly what groups like the Oath Keepers believe,' said Freddy Cruz, a research analyst at Southern Poverty Law Center. 'This argument that they're somehow just defending the Constitution  it's totally bogus.'

Earlier in September, a member of the Oath Keepers in Florida, also an ex-marine, pleaded guilty to charges of obstruction and conspiracy in relation to an official proceeding and for his role in the January 6th Capitol Hill riot.

At least four other people affiliated with the militia group previously pleaded guilty to charges originating from the incident, according to Reuters.

The data hack also contains sensitive information on Ed Keyrouze, chief of staff for the New York Guard, a state volunteer force, and civilian employee of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, which overlooks the state's 20,000 men and women enrolled in the national guard and naval militia.

In the logs, the entry associated with Keyrouze refers to his ability to recruit from NY Army & Air Guard, NY State Guard & USCG [Coast Guard] Auxiliary.'

'There are over 20 riders that work at Natl Guard HQ's (DMNA-NY),' the entry says. 'Some of them are members of Combat Veterans & Patriot Guard. Will work to bring them onboard to Oath Keepers.'

In an email to WNYC/Gothamist, Keyrouze acknowledged that he signed up online for a one-year Oath Keepers membership 'several years back,' but claimed he was not actively involved with the organization.

'I was never active with that group and did not renew dues,' Keyrouze said in his email to WNYC/Gothamist. 'Bottom line, I have no affiliation with that organization and never participated in any activities.'

'I have brought this matter to the attention of the NY Guard Commander and explained what I stated to you above,' he continued in the email.

A demonstrator wears an OathA Keepers anti-government organization badge on a protective vest during a protest outside the Supreme Court in Washington

The logs also mentioned names of some aspiring and current county political officials.

Ralph E Stacy, an Oswego County legislator, who is a member of the Republican Party, is named in the leaks. He said he had filled out a membership form when he was interested in joining the Oath Keepers, but had not had any interaction with them for 'roughly a dozen years.'

'I do not condone what happened at the Capitol building and was not involved in what occurred,' said Stacy, who said he had interacted with anyone involved within the organization.

He also made it clear that he had not participated in the Capitol riot.

'I certainly do believe in the right to peaceful assembly to protest one's cause, but I do not believe in any sort of criminal trespass or criminal activity as a means to an end.'

Thomas Zmich, a Republican candidate for Queens Borough president, whose name and contact information also appear in the data breach, said he was briefly involved with the Oath Keepers New York chapter, but stopped being a part of it after he said the chapter shutdown about three years ago.

In February, the NYPD confirmed to The New York Daily News it was investigating another officer, who was seen with Oath Keeper members hours before the January 6th attacks.

The NYPD did not provide an update on the status of that probe. Dailymail.com said the 'incident is under internal review.'
A Black Lives Matter activist was the target of 'swatting' for a third time after a 911 caller on Wednesday evening claimed they had kidnapped her.

Melina Abdullah, who is suing the Los Angeles Police Department over another swatting incident in August 2020 during which heavily armed officers surrounded her home, was not there when the latest incident occurred.

Capt. Stacy Spell, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman, said the department received a 911 call about 5:45 pm from a person who falsely claimed he had kidnapped Abdullah at gunpoint.

A neighbor who was home noticed the police and Facetimed Abdullah, who saw a fleet of police cars and officers outside with guns drawn, according to KTLA.

Due to the 'serious nature' of the caller's threats to 'do harm' to Abdullah, the department dispatched six police units and a supervisor to the scene, all of whom left 'shortly after it was determined that no ones safety was in danger,' Spell said.

Melina Abdullah, pictured, took to Instagram on Wednesday to denounce the LAPD after the third 'swatting' incident, the second of which to occur within the last week

The BLM activist posted a statement last week to address last Thursday's 'swatting' incident, which occurred the day after she had announced her lawsuit against the LAPD

On the morning of Sept. 23, she was targeted with another false 911 call. An unknown caller claiming to be Abdullahs 11-year-old son (who was in school at the time) falsely claimed that she had overdosed on pills and required medical assistance, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Officers who arrived at Abdullah's home were quickly 'able to determine that she was not in any danger'.

Abdullah posted a statement regarding the Sept. 23 'swatting' incident on her Instagram account, hinting at a connection between the recent 'swatting' events and her lawsuit against the police department, which she publicly announced the dday before the incident.

'While the LAPD response was far more restrained than last year's, and not blatantly violent, it triggered traumas from the previous incident, as I believe was their intent' she wrote.

'I find it incredulous that such an incident would occur less than 24 hours after my attorneys and I announced a lawsuit against the LAPD for their extremely violent response and infliction of harm against me in August 2020.'

'The timing is not coincidental,' she told the Times.

In the incident from last year, a prankster claimed he was going to kill hostages held inside Abdullah's home, causing a response from the police department. In that case, the caller used 'anonymizing technologies' to obscure their identity and location, according to the LA Times.

'Someone, or some force, I suspect they are police, trying to intimidate me out of work, trying to intimidate me out of the movement. I will never give up,' she said during an Instagram live video posted after Wednesday night's incident.

No arrests have been made in any of the three 'swatting' incidents.

'Swatting' is 'making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring a large number of armed officers to a particular address,' according to Oxford Languages.

Abdullah, a co-founder of BLMs LA chapter and a supporter of the defund the police movement, claims the overwhelming police responses were done in retaliation for her activism, and put her and her family at risk.

'This was a clear case of LAPD ... attempting to terrorize us,' Abdullah told the Los Angeles Times.

'They made no attempt to keep me or my children safe, and this was actually an infliction of harm.'

Melina Abdullah (seen above in Los Angeles in June 2020), a co-founder of Black Lives Matter's Los Angeles chapter, is suing the Los Angeles Police Department

On August 19, 2020, the LAPD received a 911 call from someone who claimed he had taken people hostage in Abdullahs home in the Crenshaw section of the city

Abdullah livestreamed the incident on her Instagram account (above)

The Crenshaw home that was 'swatted' is said to be worth between $1.3million and $1.6million, according to realtor web sites

Abdullah's name is also on the deed of another home in the Leimart Park section of Los Angeles that was purchased in 2003. Realtor sites estimate that the home is worth more than $900,000

Abdullah is a divorced mother of three children. According to property records, she owns three homes - two in Los Angeles and one in Baltimore; their total value exceeds $2.2million.

The Crenshaw home that was 'swatted' is said to be worth between $1.3million and $1.6million, according to realtor web sites.

Records indicate that Abdullah and her then-husband, former Hollywood producer Phaylen Abdullah, paid $486,949 for the home back in 2011. The couple obtained a $350,000 mortgage.

Records indicate that Abdullah and her then-husband, former Hollywood producer Phaylen Abdullah, paid $486,949 for the Crenshaw home back in 2011. The couple obtained a $350,000 mortgage

Abdullah's name is also on the deed of another home in the Leimart Park section of Los Angeles that was purchased in 2003. Realtor sites estimate that the home is worth more than $900,000.

According to property records, Abdullah and her then-husband obtained a $120,000 loan to buy the home.

In the case of Abdullah's lawsuit, the LAPD received a 911 call on August 19, 2020, from someone who claimed he had taken people hostage in her home in the Crenshaw section of the city.

The caller told police he wanted to send a message that BLM is a bunch of retards.

News of the lawsuit was reported by the Los Angeles Times. The LAPD declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

Abdullah livestreamed the incident on her Instagram account.

I dont know why they are here, she is heard saying as heavily armed police are seen outside her home.

They have guns pointed at my house. Theres a helicopter overhead.

Nobodys knocked at the door, but apparently theyve made announcements for people to come out with our hands up.

My children are in the house. My children are in the house. I dont know what this is.

I dont know why they are here, she is heard saying as heavily armed police are seen outside her home

Abdullah then stepped outside of the home. An officer then asked her what her address was, and she responded

As Abdullah approached a group of officers, another asked her if she was in danger. She told them she was not

Abdullah then stepped outside of the home. An officer asked her what her address was, and she responded.

Are you looking for me? Abdullah asked. The officer then instructs her to walk over to him, telling her: Youre not in trouble.

As Abdullah approached a group of officers, another asked her if she was in danger. She told them she was not.

'OK. We got a call to this location that there is a male in there holding you guys hostage, and he wants a million dollars or hes going to kill you within an hour,' the officer said.

'Oh my...no,' Abdullah replied.

No one was injured.

At the time of the incident, the nation was in the midst of widespread demonstrations, rioting, and unrest as protesters demanded changes to policing methods in minority communities.

In court papers filed with California Superior Court, Abdullah said she feared LAPD SWAT officers would shoot into her home and wound her children.

Abdullah also said that she feared she would be shot if she followed officers commands and stepped outside.

Abdullah claims the LAPD staged the incident as retaliation for her protesting and activism

Abdullah is a supporter of the defund the police movement that erupted in the wake of the police-involved killing of George Floyd last year. A protest is seen above in LA on June 1, 2020

She accuses the LAPD of failing to contact her beforehand even though they had her contact information.

Abdullah claims the LAPD staged the incident as retaliation for her protesting and activism. She alleges that police did not actually believe that there was a hostage situation in her home.

To bolster her claims, Abdullah said police allowed her security guard, whom the officer did not know, to pass through a perimeter and enter the home as they staged around it.

Two neighbors of Abdullahs were also permitted to go inside to check on her and walk to her side as she stepped outside to speak to officers, according to the lawsuit.

She said the response was 'an attempt to put down protest, to target me as someone who's been very visible and vocal in protesting LAPD.'

Abdullahs attorney, Erin Darlin, told the Times there was ample evidence the LAPD knew or should have known that the call was a hoax.

Darlin also said the LAPD should have known that Abdullah and other high-profile members of BLM would be targets of swatting incidents.

'Especially for someone familiar with police abuse, she's thinking in that moment  a moment of terror  that, "Oh my god, they want to kill me and this is their excuse",' Darling said.
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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reportedly asked his officials whether the department was ready to handle the possibility of up to 400,000 migrants, nearly double the 21-year high seen in July, crossing the border in October.

Despite public attempts to appear in control of the situation at the southwest border, a phone call between Mayorkas and senior officials earlier this week shows a Biden administration scrambling to contain a growing crisis.

Mayorkas asked on the call if the border was ready for a worst-case scenario of 350,000 to 400,000 migrants crossing the border next month, two DHS officials told NBC.

Even the lower estimate would be record breaking, but 400,000 border crossings is nearly double the 21-year high hit in July of 210,000. August saw more than 208,000 encounters at the southwestern border.

The officials said the estimates weren't based on internal intelligence. Instead Mayorkas and others within DHS are worried about a spike in migrants crossing the border if a court-ordered repeal of the Title 42 expulsion policy takes effect today.

Title 42 is a Trump-era Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order that enables any border officer to immediately turn asylum-seekers away during the pandemic regardless of their status.

A group of migrants is processed by immigration officials after crossing from the Mexican border in Roma, Texas, U.S., September 30, 2021

Migrants from Haiti line up to regularise their migratory situation outside of the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees

The Biden administration has rolled back its enforcement of the policy somewhat to allow exceptions for unaccompanied minors and some families with young children.

But immigrant advocacy groups and some of Biden's fellow Democrats are outraged at the White House's continued enforcement and defense of the rule.

DHS is concerned that with Title 42 gone, however, migrants may misinterpret the shift to mean the border is wide open even as Mayorkas himself insisted last week 'our borders are closed' during a contentious Senate hearing.

US District Judge Emmet Sullivan gave the White House 14 days to comply with a September 16 ruling that decided the Trump administration's policy didn't give Biden the authority to block migrants seeking asylum.

Sullivan issued the order after advocacy groups sued the White House.

The administration appealed the ruling but so far the US Court of Appeals has not moved to stop it from expiring.

Biden considered lifting Title 42 in July but officials issued a dire warning: 'We could have a rush at the border. It would be catastrophic.'

The officials who revealed the Mayorkas call said Customs and Border Protection has been given no guidance on what to do when Title 42 ends.

Meanwhile a new caravan of more than '15,000 migrants led by smugglers' is in Mexico and headed for the US border, according to a letter sent to President Biden from Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Marsha Blackburn on Thursday.

The GOP lawmakers say they and thousands of other migrants who have crossed the border this year 'are emboldened' by Biden's more relaxed policies compared to his predecessor.

'We call on you to immediately send a clear and concise signal to the massive caravan en route that they must turn around. Smuggling and trafficking should not be tolerated by the United States,' Graham and Blackburn write.

October's border surge could potentially shatter records already set for border crossings this year

Senators Lindsey Graham and Marsha Blackburn sounded the alarm on the worsening border crisis, urging President Biden in a Thursday letter to 'send a clear message' to a caravan of 15,000 migrants reportedly headed toward the border

'We cannot continue to surrender our southern border to drug cartels and coyotes. An open border like ours is a green light to those who see human life as a commodity.'

Biden's 'continued capitulation constitutes an unconscionable threat to our national security,' they claim.

They end the impassioned letter with another direct appeal to the president to tell the caravan to 'turn around,' adding that 'failure to do so would be patently reckless.'

It comes the same day Mayorkas issued extensive new guidelines on deportations to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a seven-page memo, the DHS chief instructs ICE officers to use discretion and determine whether an undocumented immigrant 'poses a current threat to public safety' in deciding whether to deport them.

Mayorkas privately expressed concern over whether the Department of Homeland Security could handle the border surge

'The fact that an individual is a removable noncitizen should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them. We focus our resources because they are limited, and because of our dedication to doing justice,' Mayorkas wrote.

It comes after a week that saw more than 25,000 Haitian migrants arrive in the border city of Del Rio, Texas, quickly overwhelming local officials there.

Border officials worked to quickly clear them out from an encampment under a bridge where many of the thousands had settled.

Mayorkas told the Washington Post that removing a farmworker 'breaking his or her back to pick fruit that we all put on our tables' would undoubtedly take resources away from apprehending someone who poses a public threat.

Others he instructed ICE to pass over are the elderly and migrants who speak out at public demonstrations, according to the memo obtained by the same outlet.

'It instead requires an assessment of the individual and the totality of the facts and circumstances,' the memo reads.

It leaves little room for ICE to deport anyone other than violent criminals.

For migrants who've been apprehended by ICE and have committed crimes, Mayorkas said agents should consider a broad range of factors: How serious their offense was, whether they used a weapon, past criminal history and even when they arrived in the US or have a mental condition.

He also wants them to look at how the deportation would affect the person's family.

Haitian migrants cross the Guati River during their transfer to a camp where they will sleep to start their journey to the Darien Gap, in Acandi, Colombia on September 28

However, Mayorkas is also giving them more room to weigh all the information for themselves. He's overwritten temporary guidance issued in February that requires ICE supervisors to approve of some deportation cases to ensure agency compliance.

Yesterday, Mayorkas' department tried to put an end to former President Donald Trump's so-called 'Remain in Mexico' policy combatting illegal immigration after a federal judge ruled last month that the move to end the program was unlawful.

DHS released a statement Wednesday announcing its intent to issue a memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the 'Remain in Mexico' program.

The order, according to the statement, will come in the next few weeks.

'A new memorandum terminating MPP will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order,' the DHS press release reads. 'In issuing a new memorandum terminating MPP, the Department intends to address the concerns raised by the courts with respect to the prior memorandum.'

In June 2021, DHS issued a memorandum terminating the MPP that a Texas district court ruled in August violated the law and issued an order requiring the agency to restart the Trump-era program.

In another blow to the Biden administration's attempt to shut down the program, the Supreme Court in August rejected the Justice Department's request to put the policy on hold while litigation over Biden's efforts to rescind the policy was resolved in the courts.

The statement comes after a Texas federal court ruled in August that the administration memorandum ending the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) was unlawful

It also comes after thousands of mostly Haitian migrants crossed into the U.S. over the last month. Here the migrants wait in a shelter in Mexico on Tuesday to hear status of their case for asylum in the U.S.

MPP states that illegal immigrants entering the U.S. by way of the southern border may be returned to Mexico to wait during the duration of their immigration proceedings. The deal with Mexico was struck during the Trump administration and makes it so the neighbors to the south are responsible for providing all appropriate humanitarian protections for those seeking entry into the U.S.

DHS assured that until the new memorandum takes effect, it is working to restore MPP in line with order from the Texas court.

'To that end, the Department, working with the Department of State, is engaged in ongoing and high-level diplomatic discussions with Mexico,' the agency wrote. 'Simultaneously, the Department has instituted an interagency Task Force to efficiently rebuild the infrastructure and reapportioning the staffing that will be needed to restart MPP once that concurrence has been obtained.'

'Among many other steps, the Task Force is updating policies and procedures to account for COVID-19 and preparing to put in place contracts to rebuild the soft-sided Immigration Hearing Facilities used for court proceedings associated with MPP. '

President Joe Biden, DHS and its secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, have received a slew of criticism over the prevailing migration and illegal immigration crisis at the southern border  especially after thousands of mostly Haitian migrants set up camp in Del Rio, Texas this month.

DHS ramped up it's deportation efforts after a group of around 15,000 of these migrants set up an encampment under and around the Del Rio International Bridge, then proceeded to used a dam to cross daily between their camp in the U.S. and an area to obtain food and resources in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico.

The agency released partial figures last week showing 12 removal flights had taken 1,401 migrants back to Haiti, but at the time said 3,206 remained in custody and 5,000 were still camped out beneath the bridge in Del Rio. This meant that of the 15,000  5,000 were unaccounted for in those figures.

On Sunday, Mayorkas revealed that 12,000 Haitian migrants were released into the U.S. as they await their immigration hearings and another 5,000 are still being processed. This means at least 17,000 Haitian migrants have illegally entered the U.S. and are seeking asylum.

A group of around 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants set up an encampment near the Del Rio International Bridge this month. An image of the makeshift camp here on September 19

Here Haitians cross the waist-high water in the Rio Grande river on September 23 as they wade back to the U.S. after getting supplies and food from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico

Democrats were enraged when images emerged earlier this month of Border Patrol agents on horseback wielding split-reins. Some accused the agents of using the reins to whip migrants, while agents and witnesses claim they were never used as a weapon, and just a tool to direct their horse and wrangle the illegal border jumpers.

Mayorkas reassigned the agents in the images to administrative duties while an investigation ensues. He also assured civil rights activists, after Representative Maxine Waters called the images 'worse than slavery', that agnets in Del Rio are no longer operating on horseback.

Republicans decried the Biden administration for attempting to dismantle MPP, claiming it is one of the successful programs that helped quell mass migration during Trump's presidency.

Since Biden took office, the rate of illegal immigration has skyrocketed.

July saw the highest number of migrant encounters with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with 213,534. That monthly figure dipped for the first time since Biden took office in August, when 208,887 encounters occurred at the U.S.-Mexico border.

More than 1.2 million migrants have illegally crossed into the U.S. from February to August.

'The Department remains committed to building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system that upholds our laws and values. The Department also continues to process individuals in accordance with U.S. law and our mission,' DHS wrote in their Wednesday statement.
Metropolitan Police has promised 650 extra officers in busy public places and new patrols tackling sexual assault hotspots following the sentencing of Wayne Couzens.

The force set out five measures to support women and prevent further violence following the murders of Sarah Everard, Nicole Smallman, Bibaa Henry and Sabina Nessa in London this year.

Specialist Predatory Offender Units have been set up since last November, the force said, as it claimed more than 2,000 suspects for domestic abuse, sex offences and child abuse have been arrested.

Meanwhile, Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London.

The Met is being investigated by the IOPC for allegedly failing to probe these two separate incidents, despite apparently being provided with CCTV. Couzens was only identified as a suspect after Miss Everard's murder.

The force set out five measures to support women and prevent further violence following the murders of Sarah Everard, Nicole Smallman, Bibaa Henry and Sabina Nessa in London this year. Pictured, Met police cordoned The Rope Walk in Sandwich after a body was found

But when addressing reports of indecent exposure, the force said 'we believe this is an under-reported crime'. It added: 'We do not underestimate how difficult it can be for people to talk about these offences but we would urge anyone who is the victim of this sort of offending to report it to us quickly so we can respond.

'We are also focused on improving detections both for indecent exposure but for a broader range of offences committed mainly against women.'

The force said it would be 'stepping up reassurance patrols and providing an increased police presence'.

'Understanding the concerns of women in London is really important to us and we are undertaking a range of activity so we can better listen and respond,' the statement read.

Questions have been asked about how the Met Police's vetting process failed to pick up concerns around Couzens before he was made an armed officer in its elite Diplomatic Protection Group, which involved him guarding embassies, VIPs and members of the Royal Family.

A McDonald's worker today claimed Couzens exposed himself to her three weeks before killing Miss Everard as she was working at a drive-thru on the A20 near Swanley in Kent at the start of February.

Couzens was allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary - where he was involved in protecting nuclear power stations - because of his inappropriate behaviour around women.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor said the nickname was known by some officers.

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard (pictured) was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in London

Sir Tom told the BBC Couzens 'also had allegedly a reputation in terms of drug abuse, extreme pornography and other offences of this kind'.

Couzens used to work at his father's garage in Dover before joining the Kent Special Constabulary at some point after 2002.

The court heard a colleague in that year spoke of 'his attraction to brutal sexual pornography' but Jim Sturman QC, defending, said it related to a single incident 'which is almost impossible to examine now'.

The court heard he used prostitutes and had a fake Match.com dating profile despite being married with two children and in 2018, it has been claimed he was reported to bosses for slapping a female police officer's bottom at Bromley police station. It appears no action was taken, a source claimed.

Couzens (pictured) was allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues

While at Bromley, it is also alleged he became the subject of gossip for only stopping female motorists - before taking their details so he could watch their homes - and parking outside schools to leer at mothers and sixth formers.

The Met said: 'Couzens was a serving and vetted police officer when he joined the Met. He had no criminal convictions or cautions and he was not subject to any misconduct proceedings during his time at the MPS. We are aware of no other concerns raised by his colleagues or anyone regarding his behaviour.'

The force admitted mistakes were made during Couzens' vetting process.

A spokesman added: 'Following his arrest, as the public would expect, we reviewed his vetting. This review confirmed he passed vetting processes. However, it also found one of a range of checks may not have been undertaken correctly.

'This check related to information regarding a vehicle which was registered to Couzens and that was linked to an allegation of indecent exposure in Kent in 2015.

'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.

'However, the review we conducted found that despite this there was no information available to the Met at the time that would have changed the vetting decision. We continue to build up a picture of Couzens career and wider activities.

'We would like to appeal for anyone who has information of concern about Couzens - whether police colleagues or members of the public - to contact us directly.'

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London (file image)

A McDonald's worker told MailOnline she saw Couzens pulling up by the order hatch with his trousers down. Met Police has not commented on this claim and the worker did not suggest the Met knew Couzens had done this and allowed him to carry on working.

The staff member - who said she recognised Couzens from the news coverage after he was identified as Miss Everard's killer, told MailOnline: 'The whole has thing left me quite disturbed. He casually pulled up to the serving hatch having ordered his food and I could clearly see that he was naked from below the waist.

'It was not the first time that he had done this when he came to McDonald's, but I was the only female member of staff to report it. I'm glad I took a stand and alerted the authorities because it was the right thing do. But I never imagined that he would go on to murder a woman, it's tragic.'

The devout Christian said she reported the alleged incident to police. MailOnline has contacted the Met for comment.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing Couzens at the Old Bailey in London

Miss Everard's disappearance sparked a huge manhunt and led to an outpouring of anger about the safety of women on the streets

The Met is already being investigated by the police watchdog for its alleged failure to investigate two flashings later attributed to Couzens at a McDonald's in south London three days before he kidnapped, raped and murdered Miss Everard.

Couzens used his police ID to carry out a fake Covid arrest, cuffed the 33-year-old in his car and then strangled her using his police belt.

He appeared to shake in the dock as he was handed a full life term at the Old Bailey this morning - as activists with 'Met Police: Blood on their hands' banners protested outside. Lord Justice Fulford said he was a 'warped' and 'self-pitying' killer who used his position and knowledge of Covid-19 lockdown laws to carry out one of the most shocking crimes in recent history.

The McDonald's worker allegedly targeted by Couzens in February said of the incident: 'I believe that the police took action when I reported the matter at the time but I suppose the question is if it was appropriate enough?' she asked.

'A process was underway, they were looking into it but perhaps they could have done more. I never thought it would escalate in the way that it did, and I don't think the police did either.

'I have not spoken about the incident at great length because I don't want to take anything away from Sarah's killing. At the end of the day the focus should be on her and her family and other women who have been killed by men.

'I'm a devout Christian and people in my church have supported me. The whole thing was very disturbing. I no longer work at McDonald's, I'm in a new job and have put the whole thing behind me. It is a closed chapter in my life and I've moved on.'
In 2019, Emily Hartridge, 35, died after being struck by a lorry while on e-scooter

Shakur Pinnock, 20, died in June six days after he was involved in crash with car

Figures revealed that 383 e-scooter riders were injured in accidents during 2020

E-scooter riders hit and injured 100 road users and pedestrians in the last year

E-scooter riders hit and injured 100 road users and pedestrians last year, it was revealed yesterday.

That breaks down into 21 cyclists, 22 people in vehicles and 57 pedestrians, according to figures from the Department for Transport.

A staggering 383 riders were themselves injured in accidents last year  and one was killed.

This year, another rider, Shakur Pinnock, 20, died in June six days after he was involved in a crash with a car in Wolverhampton.

And in July 2019, YouTube star and TV presenter Emily Hartridge, 35, died after she was struck by a lorry while riding an e-scooter at a roundabout in Battersea, south London.

E-scooter riders hit and injured 100 road users - 21 cyclists, 22 people in vehicles and 57 pedestrians - last year, according to figures from the Department for Transport (file image)

The 2020 figures, which do not distinguish between rented and privately owned e-scooters, will add to long-running safety concerns about the contraptions.

Most of the victims were at least 40 and eight children under ten were also injured.

Thirteen of the pedestrians were seriously hurt. Yet two-thirds of the riders hurt in e-scooter accidents were under 30.

Of these, 123 were aged 20 to 29, 118 were aged ten to 19  and two were under ten.

Private e-scooters cannot legally be used in the UK except on private land.

Many are nevertheless often taken on to roads and pavements.

Dozens of legalised e-scooter rental schemes were launched in cities and towns from July 2020 as part of Government trials. Rental e-scooters are also banned from pavements.

This year, another rider, Shakur Pinnock, 20, died in June six days after he was involved in a crash with a car in Wolverhampton (file image)

But in April, a three-year-old boy suffered two breaks in his collarbone when he was hit from behind by an e-scooter while walking on a pavement with his grandmother in Feltham, west London.

In another alarming incident, a drunken e-scooter rider was stopped by police while using the motorway to get home after a night out in Birmingham in August.

The charity Guide Dogs has called for the sale of private high-speed e-scooters to be banned over fears that those with sight loss are being forced to change their route or even avoid independent travel.

Meanwhile, officials are considering how to help police stop e-scooters and e-bikes from being used to commit crimes.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (Dasa), part of the Ministry of Defence, has asked for extra police powers because it is difficult for officers to halt riders without putting people at risk.

Riders do not always wear helmets, Dasa said, adding: 'The small wheels of e-scooters and high centre of gravity of the rider make the rider vulnerable to injury in the event of a loss of control.'

Dasa also asked officials to look into tracking down suspects electronically after reports earlier this year suggesting that e-scooter crimes are rising.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a new set of guidelines allowing officers to initiate deportations without supervisor approval and encouraging them to look at a broad range of factors before expelling anyone.

'The fact an individual is a removable noncitizen therefore should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them,' the new guidance, authored by Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas, says. 'We will use our discretion and focus our enforcement resources in a more targeted way. Justice and our country's well-being require it.'

Under the new guidelines, set to take effect Nov. 29, agents are instructed to determine whether the severity of the crime warrants deportation, to take into account whether there was a gun or other weapon involved or whether the individual has a prior criminal record.

A group of migrants is processed by immigration officials after crossing from the Mexican border in Roma, Texas on Thursday

The guidelines also outline new factors to lead them 'in favor of declining enforcement action,' such as whether a migrant is a farmworker, is of an 'advanced age,' how long they have been in the US, whether their removal would lead to the loss of a provider or caregiver.

Mayorkas told the Washington Post that removing a farmworker 'breaking his or her back to pick fruit that we all put on our tables' would undoubtedly take resources away from apprehending someone who poses a public threat.

Agents are also supposed to consider whether a migrant has a past criminal history and whether they have shown evidence of rehabilitation or had their record expunged.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers now will have far more discretion over deportations than they do following Feb. 18 guidance, where agents had to get department approval on many cases to make sure they had followed the rules.

Earlier enforcement measures had also encouraged agents to focus on those who had committed an aggravated felony, where Republicans said those convicted of drug offenses and other crimes were left out.

October's border surge could potentially shatter records already set for border crossings this year

Thousands of mostly Haitian migrants were expelled from an encampment under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas

Migrants from Haiti line up to regularise their migratory situation outside of the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees

In July, the Biden administration reversed another Trump-era ruled and banned ICE agents from detaining most pregnant, nursing and post-partum women.

The new directive comes as many migrants from Latin America and now Haiti have been drawn northward to the southern border due to perceived loose enforcement of immigration policies by the Biden administration.

More than 1 million migrants have already been apprehended at the southern border this year, and Mayorkas this week reportedly asked his officials whether the department was ready to handle the possibility of up to 400,000 migrants, nearly double the 21-year high seen in July, crossing the border in October.

The secretary asked on a call with senior officialsif the border was ready for a worst-case scenario of 350,000 to 400,000 migrants crossing the border next month, two DHS officials told NBC.

Agents at the southern border have most recently been strapped with an onslaught of Haitian migrants, over 15,000 of whom camped out in Del Rio, Texas last week.

On Sunday, Mayorkas said that 12,400 migrants, mostly from Haiti, who had been camped out under the Del Rio bridge in recent weeks had been released into the interior of the US.

A group of around 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants set up an encampment near the Del Rio International Bridge this month. An image of the makeshift camp here on September 19

Here Haitians cross the waist-high water in the Rio Grande river on September 23 as they wade back to the U.S. after getting supplies and food from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico

He said that number could go up as 5,000 other cases are still being processed and 3,000 are in detention. A total of 4,000 had been expelled back to Haiti of the roughly 30,000 that have crossed into Del Rio, Texas since Sept. 9.

Yesterday, Mayorkas' department tried to put an end to former President Trump's so-called 'Remain in Mexico ' policy combatting illegal immigration after a federal judge ruled last month that the move to end the program was unlawful.

Mayorkas privately expressed concern over whether the Department of Homeland Security could handle the border surge

DHS released a statement Wednesday announcing its intent to issue a memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the 'Remain in Mexico' program.

The order, according to the statement, will come in the next few weeks.

'A new memorandum terminating MPP will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order,' the DHS press release reads. 'In issuing a new memorandum terminating MPP, the Department intends to address the concerns raised by the courts with respect to the prior memorandum.'

In June 2021, DHS issued a memorandum terminating the MPP that a Texas district court ruled in August violated the law and issued an order requiring the agency to restart the Trump-era program.

In another blow to the Biden administration's attempt to shut down the program, the Supreme Court in August rejected the Justice Department's request to put the policy on hold while litigation over Biden's efforts to rescind the policy was resolved in the courts.
Detectives have arrested a Georgia man for the 1991 slaying of a 17-year-old Massachusetts girl after police said they tracked down an eyewitness, who they had not interviewed and who had been living out of the country.

Rodney Daniels, 48, of South Fulton, Georgia, was arraigned Thursday on a murder charge for the July 1991 shooting death of Patricia Moreno in Malden, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. He was arrested at home Monday.

Moreno was found face down early July 20 that year with a gunshot wound to the head on the fire escape of her foster familys third-floor apartment at 21-23 Henry St., Ryan said in a Wednesday press release.

Daniels dated one of her foster mothers daughters at the time and was at the apartment during the shooting, Ryan said. He told investigators he had been asleep in an armchair when he was awakened by gunfire, and walked onto the fire escape.

Patricia Moreno, 17 (pictured) was found face down in the early morning hours of July 20, 1991 with a gunshot wound to the head on the fire escape of her foster familys apartment - today, 48-year-old Rodney Daniels was arrested at his Georgia home on Monday and arraigned in Malden, Massachusetts today

Rodney Daniels, 48, was dating one of Patricia Moreno's foster siblings when he allegedly killed the 17-year-old. He at the apartment at the time of the shooting and told investigators at the time that he had been asleep in an armchair when he was awakened by gunfire

Police were able to get a warrant for Daniels' arrest after a neighbor living on the floor below Moreno's foster family, who had moved out of the country, told them that she saw a man matching his description on the fire escape after she awoke to the sound of gunfire

Then, the victim's foster mother dialed 911. She and others in the apartment, police said, 'had no information as to the identity of the shooter.'

Investigators determined Daniels had guns around the time of the killing and had 'engaged in threatening behavior toward the victim,' but had insufficient evidence to make an arrest.

After the case was reopened by Middlesex County's Cold Case Unit in 2020 , investigators tracked down a woman who was living on the second floor of the apartment building the night of the murder. She had been living out of the country.

She awoke to a loud noise, she told police, then 'immediately' looked out onto her fire escape. She saw a man matching Daniels' description dart back into the third-floor apartment and shut the door behind him.

With this last piece of evidence, police obtained a warrant for Daniels' arrest.

'This is a case that was solved not by a new development in forensic science, but as a result of relentless investigative work and a change in circumstances for some parties involved,' Ryan said

Moreno's family (pictured) attended Daniels' arraignment today - Moreno's foster mother and the other occupants of the apartment, police said, 'had no information as to the identity of the shooter' at the time of the murder

The murder took place 21-13 Henry Street in Malden, the home of Moreno's foster family

'This is a case that was solved not by a new development in forensic science, but as a result of relentless investigative work and a change in circumstances for some parties involved,' Ryan said.

Before finding the neighbor, detectives revisited the crime scene last year. Based on the position of Moreno's wound and the trajectory of the bullet that hit her, they established that the gun must have been fired from the doorway of the apartment.

'What's important about this case is that time goes by and people feel, "I'll never get that call,"' Ryan told Fox News Thursday.

'After three decades we have taken the first steps today to hold accountable the person who we allege took Tricias life. It is always with mixed emotions that we make these announcements as we know this will not fill the void caused by the loss of a daughter, a sister and a friend to many,' said Ryan in the release.

'When we created a dedicated unit to look at our uncharged cases, we hoped for outcomes like this one. We know that time can change many things and in this case we were able to uncover new information that led us to this arrest.'
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill Wednesday that would require all passengers on domestic flights to be vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test or be fully recovered from the disease.

'We can't allow upcoming holiday air travel to contribute to another surge in COVID cases,' the California Democrat tweeted. 'Today, I introduced legislation requiring passengers on domestic flights to be vaccinated, test negative or be fully recovered from a previous COVID illness.'

Already, passengers traveling into the United States from foreign destinations must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation that says they've recovered from COVID.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill Wednesday that would require all passengers on domestic flights to be vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test or be fully recovered from the disease

In a tweet announcing the bill, Feinstein said she wanted to ensure the upcoming holiday travel season didn't contribute to another surge in COVID cases. Democratic Rep. Don Beyer introduced a similar bill in the House

Additionally, a federal mask mandate for planes, trains and buses has been extended until January 18, 2022.

But unvaccinated and untested passengers are allowed to fly domestically.

A release from Feinstein's office explained the bill would require the leaders of the Health and Human Services department and the Federal Aviation Administration to 'develop national vaccination standards and procedures related to COVID-19 and domestic air travel in order to prevent future outbreaks of the disease.

Businesses that have put vaccine mandates in place have asked for proof in a number of ways - from people having to show their physical cards or showing their vaccination has been verified through a smart phone app, of which there are a number on the market.

Airline CEOs have pushed back and said vaccine and COVID-19 testing mandates would be impractical for companies that move millions of people around each week. 'It would actually bottleneck the domestic travel system,' warned Delta CEO Ed Bastian

While Democrats have been supportive of vaccine and mask mandates, their Republican counterparts have not.

Feinstein would need to pick up 10 GOP votes in the Senate to avoid a filibuster threat

In the House, Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, sponsored a bill that would require airline and Amtrak passengers to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.

President Joe Biden's top medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has previously said he'd support a vaccine mandate for flying.

'It's on the table; we haven't decided yet,' he told The Washington Post earlier this month. 'But if the president said, "You know, lets go ahead and do it," I would be supportive of it,' Fauci added.

Airline CEOs have grumbled about a mandate's practicality.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on CBS Mornings earlier this month that he foresee a mandate being put in place for air travel.

'You also look at the logistical dilemma - we're carrying millions of people a week - of trying to figure out who's been vaccinated, who's not, who qualifies for an exemption,' Bastian said. 'It would actually bottleneck the domestic travel system.'
Slang terms including 'like' and 'oh my days' have been banned by a school to raise literacy standards.

Ark All Saints academy in south London has drawn up a list of phrases that pupils must avoid in class and in written work.

One is 'he cut his eyes at me', which the Collins dictionary says is Caribbean and means to turn away sharply while closing one's eyes.

Other words include 'long', meaning boring, or 'bare', meaning very.

'Fillers'  punctuating conversation with 'like' and 'you see'  is also forbidden as well as words including 'basically', 'that's long', 'that's a neck', 'wow', 'cuss' and 'oh my god'.

Lucy Frame, the principal at the school in Camberwell, told the Guardian: 'None of the words or phrases listed is banned from general use in our school or when our students are interacting socially.

Terms such as 'like' and 'oh my days' are banned at Ark All Saints in south London (file photo)

'But this list is used in some formal learning settings to help students understand the importance of expressing themselves clearly and accurately, not least through written language in examinations.'

One of the phrases, 'Oh my days', appears in lyrics by Stormzy and inspired a line of t-shirts after it found fame when used by footballer Jeremie Frimpong in a post-match interview.

A 2019 survey found slang was the most common reason for English GCSE failures.

However, Dr Marcello Giovanelli, senior lecturer in English at Aston University, warned: 'Dismissing students' home or own use of language may have negative effects on identity and confidence.'

Tony Thorne, a language consultant at Kings College London and the director of the Slang and New Language Archive, said it wasn't about 'good or bad' language but rather 'appropriate language' for the learning environment.

Dr Natalie Sharpling, who teaches applied linguistics at Warwick University, said language use should be celebrated. She said teachers should not worry about specific words but focus on the 'content'.

One of the phrases, 'Oh my days', appears in lyrics by Stormzy (pictured at Reading Festival in August) and inspired a line of t-shirts after it found fame when used by footballer Jeremie Frimpong in a post-match interview

She said it would be a shame if all students were taught they could only be successful by speaking a certain way.

The south London school isn't the only educator to try to curb the rise in GCSE failures because of use of slang.

Birmingham, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic school asks its pupils to achieve 'eloquence' by avoiding colloquialisms.

Students are asked not to use works including 'like' or 'so' in their academic speech and writing.
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Met chief Cressida Dick faced a clamour to resign last night after she admitted Sarah Everard's murder had corroded trust in the police and brought 'shame' on her force.

In what was described as Scotland Yard's 'darkest day', a string of MPs, including the chairman of the women and equalities select committee, said Dame Cressida should go.

They said it was clear she could not restore faith in Britain's biggest police force after one of her officers, Wayne Couzens, was sentenced to a whole-life term for Miss Everard's murder. Home Secretary Priti Patel said the force had 'serious questions to answer'  and refused to give the beleaguered Met Commissioner her public backing.

Met chief Cressida Dick faced a clamour to resign after she admitted Sarah Everard's murder had corroded trust in the police and brought 'shame' on her force

The case has triggered immense public and political outrage after it emerged Couzens abused police powers to 'arrest' and abduct the 33-year-old marketing executi

As it was revealed police may have had enough information to identify Couzens as a sexual deviant before he raped and killed Miss Everard, Dame Cressida gave a humbled apology on the steps of the Old Bailey.

But as she apologised on behalf of the force, the Yard chief was heckled by protesters shouting 'resign'. Miss Everard's family said the world was a 'safer place' after 48-year-old Couzens was sentenced to die in prison, with the judge saying his 'warped, selfish and brutal offending' had 'eroded' confidence in British policing.

The case has triggered immense public and political outrage after it emerged Couzens abused police powers to 'arrest' and abduct the 33-year-old marketing executive.

Last night, fresh details emerged of a string of Scotland Yard blunders over his vetting and missed opportunities to catch a monster in their midst. On a damning day for the Met, it emerged that:

Scotland Yard are investigating whether Couzens committed other crimes while in uniform  with officers fearing there could be more victims;

The force failed to vet the firearms officer properly and didn't check his vehicle, which would have revealed it was linked to an indecent exposure in Kent;

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary is now examining Met procedures;

Just 72 hours before the murder, police received CCTV of Couzens flashing two female members of staff at a drive-through restaurant, but officers failed to link it to him;

Met Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave fought back tears as he admitted the case had caused such 'corrosion' of trust in police that he would advise his own daughters to dial 999 if they didn't trust a police officer on their own;

Extraordinary details emerged of Couzens' attempt to moonlight as an actor in gangster films;

The Met pledged to deploy 650 new officers and increase patrols to do more to protect women and girls;

Almost 800 officers and staff from Scotland Yard have faced sexual misconduct allegations since 2010, with at least 44 convicted of sexual offences;

There are a series of police watchdog inquiries into the conduct of 15 officers and one former officer linked to the Everard case, many of whom are Met officers.

Met Police chief's dossier of shame In July 2005, Dame Cressida Dick was in charge of the operation which saw innocent electrician Jean Charles de Menezes shot dead on a Tube train after he was mistaken for a terrorist who was under surveillance

In 2014, she sanctioned the creation of Operation Midland, the disastrous investigation into spurious VIP child sex abuse allegations that saw innocent men pursued by the force

In 2019, Dame Cressidas force was widely criticised for its light-touch policing of Extinction Rebellion protests, which blocked several key areas of London l

In March this year, the Met was criticised over its heavy-handed policing of a vigil for murdered Sarah Everard at Clapham Common. But its tactics were later cleared by a watchdog.

In June, she was accused of obfuscation for thwarting the Daniel Morgan inquiry teams attempts to access sensitive documents, leading to delays that cost the taxpayer millions. The report found that her force was institutionally corrupt

Dame Cressida also faced criticism over Julys security shambles which saw ticketless fans storm Wembley Stadium before the England-Italy Euros final Advertisement

It emerged last night that Scotland Yard failed to vet Couzens properly.

Officers did not check his vehicle records, which would have revealed a link to an indecent exposure in Kent in 2015 when Couzens was reported by a male motorist for driving around naked from the waist down.

Despite this failure, Mr Ephgrave provoked astonishment when he said Couzens would still have got into the force even if vetting officers had known, because Kent Police failed to identify Couzens  then one of their own special constables  as the driver and decided it did not merit any further action.

In another missed opportunity, 72 hours before the murder, staff at a drive-through McDonald's restaurant in Swanley told police that two female staff members had been flashed by a motorist who exposed himself on February 7 and again on February 27.

But despite being given CCTV evidence and the number plate of Couzens' car, detectives did not link the two incidents to the killer officer.

Had he been identified as a suspected sex offender, Couzens is likely to have been suspended and had his warrant card removed.

Mr Ephgrave said he didn't know whether Miss Everard's murder could have been prevented if vetting checks had been carried out properly , saying: 'If any of those things had been in a different order, would the outcome have been different? Well maybe.'

Mr Ephgrave admitted trust in the police had been seriously damaged, adding: 'One of my daughters said to me, 'Dad, what am I supposed to do if I get stopped (by a policeman) coming home?' ' Dame Cressida faced fury from campaigners and MPs who questioned whether the sexual deviant could have been stopped years earlier. It is understood that Dame Cressida will be called in by the Home Secretary following next week's Tory party conference to discuss the issue.

In July 2005, Dame Cressida Dick was in charge of the operation which saw innocent electrician Jean Charles de Menezes shot dead on a Tube train after he was mistaken for a terrorist who was under surveillance

In 2019, Dame Cressidas force was widely criticised for its light-touch policing of Extinction Rebellion protests, which blocked several key areas of London

A Whitehall source told the Mail that 'belief' in the Commissioner's leadership of the Met was 'slipping away', ministers were frustrated with a 'lack of accountability' at the force and that Britain had been 'let down'.

Miss Patel said: 'There are questions, serious questions that need to be answered by the Metropolitan Police.' Asked if Dame Cressida should resign, she said only: 'I will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and the commissioner to hold them to account as everybody would expect me to do, and I will continue to do that.'

Tory MP Caroline Nokes, the chairman of the women and qualities select committee, said Dame Cressida should go. 'It's going to be an enormous job to rebuild trust in the Met after what has happened and I don't think that she is the person to do this,' she added.

In 2014, she sanctioned the creation of Operation Midland, the disastrous investigation into spurious VIP child sex abuse allegations that saw innocent men including Harvey Proctor (pictured) pursued by the force

Dame Cressida also faced criticism over Julys security shambles which saw ticketless fans storm Wembley Stadium before the England-Italy Euros final

'I don't think anyone can underestimate the damage done to the trust and confidence of women as a result of this horrifying case.

'The Met needs to have change at the top and Dame Cressida must go.'

Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse tweeted: 'I can't see how else trust in the police can be restored unless Cressida Dick resigns for failing to spot a dangerous criminal in her force.'

Former Labour minister Harriet Harman also demanded her resignation.
New York City public school teachers have asked the Supreme Court for an emergency order to block Mayor Bill de Blasio's COVID-19 vaccine mandate from going into effect Friday.

The group of four teachers sent a petition to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor arguing that the mandate not only places an 'unconstitutional burden' on the city's 148,000 school workers, but also 'threatens the education of thousands of children.'

The petition argues that their rights are being violated because they do not have the option to undergo regular COVID-19 testing instead of getting the shot. Other essential workers - including NYPD cops - have been given that testing option instead.

Teachers across all public schools in the Big Apple have up until 5pm Friday to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk losing their jobs.

When the school day starts the following Monday - October 4 - all teachers and staff arriving for work across the city's public schools must have received at least their first dose of the vaccine.

Unlike most vaccine mandates put in place such as by the federal government and private businesses across the country, the rule does not allow unvaccinated employees to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing instead of getting the shot.

Instead, anyone still unvaccinated by the deadline, will be ousted from their jobs.

New York City public school teachers have asked the Supreme Court for an emergency order to block Mayor Bill de Blasio's (pictured) COVID-19 vaccine mandate from going into effect

Pre-K students and staff at Phyl's Academy in Brooklyn, New York City. Teachers across all public schools in the Big Apple have until 5pm Friday to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk losing their jobs

The New York Department of Education employs 148,000 school workers, including 75,000 teachers.

De Blasio said Monday that 87 percent of all Department of Education employees in the city were already at least partially vaccinated, including 90 percent of teachers and 97 percent of principals.

This means around 7,500 teachers - 10 percent of all those in the city's public schools - could be out of work by Monday.

Vaccination rates are lower - 82 percent - among other school workers, meaning thousands of support staff could also face the chop, plunging hundreds of schools into staffing crises.

In the 12-page petition, filed Thursday, the group of teachers argues the City of New York, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 'created an Executive Order that places an unconstitutional burden on public-school teachers' - something they describe as the 'epitome of government overreach.'

The mandate 'forces unvaccinated public-school employees to go on unpaid leave for nearly a year', the petition says.

The group say the mandate unfairly forces teachers out of work when other city employees including those who are also in contact with children can instead opt for weekly testing.

The group of teachers argue that the mandate not only places an 'unconstitutional burden' on educators but also 'threatens the education of thousands of children'

They argue that teachers should also have the option to undergo COVID-19 testing rather than being forced to take the shot.

'As the number of unvaccinated is small compared to that of the vaccinated, there is no basis to mandate vaccines in lieu of weekly testing,' the petition said.

As well as the impact on school staff, the petition argues the mandate also 'threatens the education of thousands of children in the largest public-school system in the country and violates the substantive due process and equal protection rights afforded to all public-school employees.'

The petition was sent to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (pictured)

A spokesperson for the Department of Education pushed back on the petition telling CBS Local that the mandate is 'firmly grounded in science and the expertise of public health officials from across the nation.'

Sotomayor, who is the justice for the second circuit including New York, Connecticut and Vermont and so rules on emergency matters in the Big Apple, is expected to make a decision on the petition Friday - ahead of the vaccination deadline.

The last-ditch effort from the group comes after weeks of toing and froing over the mandate which saw a temporary block lifted Monday.

A Brooklyn judge earlier ruled in favor of the city, which led to a group of teachers filing an appeal.

Last Friday, an appeals judge sided with the teachers, putting a block on the mandate going into effect.

This meant the city couldn't enforce the rule until a three-judge panel decided whether it was constitutional, forcing de Blasio to amend his rules and allow for weekly testing of staff.

But a panel of federal judges reversed this decision Monday evening, lifting the block and giving de Blasio's administration the green light to enforce the mandate.

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan dissolved the temporary injunction Monday evening and denied the original motion.

De Blasio announced back in August that all school employees - including teachers, custodians and cafeteria workers - were required to get at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination by September 27.
This is the shocking reality of the Taliban amnesty for Afghans who worked for Britain. Ahmeds shoulders, back and buttocks are covered in bruises where he was struck with a steel cable and rifle butts.

The photograph was taken by the Daily Mail on Monday, ten days after the assault in his home, in front of his terrified family.

His injuries have had time to fade. One can only imagine what they looked like shortly after being inflicted.

Ahmeds crime was to have worked as an interpreter at the British embassy in Kabul. His further misfortune was to be one of those who were inexplicably left behind by the UK Government following the countrys chaotic evacuation last month.

Ahmeds shoulders, back and buttocks are covered in bruises where he was struck with a steel cable and rifle butts

I met Ahmed with his colleague Shoaib at a secret location. They are among five out of 24 British embassy translators who are still in Afghanistan. Shoaib is being hunted by the Taliban and has spent the past month in hiding. So far he has not been located. Ahmed was less lucky.

It was late evening and there was a knock on my door, he recalls. When I answered it, two armed men immediately pushed inside and started hitting me.

My wife was screaming and my children crying. The Taliban were trying to pull me out of the door and my family were begging them to stop. Eventually they left me there, saying, We will be back to punish you more. Since then I have left my home and gone into hiding. My little daughter is especially worried. It has been traumatic for us all.

More so, since his name was one of those leaked in a potentially fatal Ministry of Defence data breach last week.

The plight of embassy interpreters has been taken up by the Mails award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign. We revealed how the chief embassy translator with 17 years service for the UK was rejected for relocation three weeks after being shot in a Taliban ambush. He was one of more than 20 initially refused sanctuary because they were employed through contractors rather than directly by the Foreign Office.

The photograph was taken by the Daily Mail on Monday, ten days after the assault in his home, in front of his terrified family

Within hours of the case being raised, then Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab ordered the decision be reversed and many are now in the UK after escaping on evacuation flights. But not everyone was rescued in time.

Ahmed and Shoaib were employed by the Canadian contractor GardaWorld, which supplied translators and guards to the embassy. Both had worked for foreign contractors for the past 16 years. They were marked men.

Earlier this year we applied for the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme but were refused because we were not directly employed by the embassy, Ahmed says. Then the policy changed and the British said every contractor at the embassy would be granted a visa.

In late July and August most of our colleagues received calls to say they had been accepted for evacuation. But I was not.

His eligibility confirmation only came through on August 24 when the evacuation was almost over and security was worsening. It was too late. He tried to go to the airport with his wife and four children but was turned back by the Taliban.

He was then one of more than 200 embassy contractors and dependents bussed to the airport on August 26. They waited for hours in the heat until almost 6pm when the first Islamic State suicide bombs exploded among waiting would-be evacuees nearby.

Then the Taliban started shooting in the air and firing tear gas which came into our bus and it was hard to breathe, Ahmed says.

We got a call from inside the airport telling us to leave and find a safe place. Later that night the interpreters and families were again called to the airport  and again were not allowed inside.

Last week, Ahmeds situation grew worse, thanks to the MoD blunder. He found himself one of the 255 former employees of the embassy and military whose names, emails and photos were compromised in a round-robin email sent by mistake from London. My family are now even more worried, he says. One of my relatives called me and said I saw your name! and I said No, and he said Yes, I saw your name and email.

That list was forwarded and now it has gone viral.

He shows me a social media post which does indeed contain the list with his name on.

Ahmed says: Every time [the British] do something we are further compromised. We were called three times to go to the airport and so each time we would put on our rucksacks and go, and the Taliban and their informers saw us going.

Then we were sent back home and had to face the consequences. We are under such great stress.

He adds: Last night there was a Taliban arrest in a different part of my apartment building. They went to the home of a former special forces soldier. Everyone was told to switch off their phones and no males were allowed into the building for two hours. After that they took the guy away but we felt that we would be next. The Taliban fighters were everywhere.

Ahmed is bewildered and resentful. The BBC evacuated everybody from here this week (70 local staff and their dependants according to sources) and they were not in more danger than us.

This is the shocking reality of the Taliban amnesty for Afghans who worked for Britain

The Nowzad animal clinic [run by former Royal Marine Pen Farthing] was totally evacuated, including all the dogs. They were not in more danger than us.

There is a small light at the end of this dark tunnel. On Friday he received a new email from ARAP, bearing a new personal reference number. It could mean a step closer to safety  if the Taliban dont find him again first. There is no such encouragement for his colleague Shoaib, who has yet to receive any indication from Britain that he is eligible for evacuation. A mixed martial arts expert, he worked as an armed close protection officer for foreign VIPS before working at the embassy.

He is from the Panjshir, where his home has been commandeered by the Taliban as a military HQ. They were asking questions about who owned the house and one of my cousins, the motherf*****, gave them my name and told how I worked in Kabul for the British, he says. Everyone wants to survive. People are under a lot of pressure to inform, even on their relatives.

He HAS moved into a safe house in Kabul and changed his appearance. One change is not of his own doing. His hair has started to turn white. He is only 31.

Earlier this week, Mail photographer Jamie Wiseman and our local fixer were briefly held at gunpoint by Taliban fighters. They were near an address that had been an orphanage where Jamie had taken pictures 20 years ago. It is now the home of the deputy chairman of Kabuls main electricity company. The Taliban were lying in wait to arrest the executive for reasons that were not made clear.

It comes as an Afghan sniper who served alongside British forces and missed out on one of the final mercy flights from Kabul was executed by the Taliban.

Noor, 29, and his family waited for days in the Baron hotel, the British base at the edge of the airport, but could not make it on to a plane to freedom, his brother revealed yesterday.

Within two weeks, Noor was shot repeatedly by two gunmen in front of his young family.

In Kabul, the Taliban were said to have announced the closure of driving schools for women. Barbers are reportedly being banned from trimming beards. And now a further nail has been driven into the coffin of Afghan female rights. The Taliban have banned women from classes or work at Kabul University until an Islamic environment is created.

The Taliban grip on all aspects of life continues to tighten.
Tennessee's ousted vaccine chief who was accused of mailing a dog muzzle to herself as part of an intimidation hoax appears to have been vindicated after Amazon said a credit card she reported lost last year was used to make the purchase from a fake account set up in her name in Washington state.

Dr. Michelle Fiscus was the top state health official in charge of Tennessee's vaccine rollout when she was fired in July in what she said was a political move by state Republicans angered by a memo she sent arguing that minors can be vaccinated without parental permission.

Shortly before her removal, she a received a package containing the dog muzzle in the mail, and quickly gave national interviews to CNN and the New York Times, touting the dog muzzle 'threat' as evidence of her political persecution.

On Thursday, Amazon confirmed through a spokesperson that the account which had ordered the muzzle was fraudulently created by an unauthorized person who had used Fiscus' credit card, according to the Charlotte Observer.

'The Tennessee Department of Safety failed to thoroughly investigate this incident. I look forward to understanding the rest of the story, including the sender of the muzzle and the motives behind the State of Tennessee's continued obstruction of our efforts to discover the truth,' Fiscus told to WSMV after Amazon's confirmation appeared to support her side of the story.

Shortly before her firing, Dr. Michelle Fiscus (pictured) claimed someone anonymously sent a dog muzzle to her state office through Amazon in the mail in an attempt to intimidate her

During an appearance on CNN, Fiscus told Anderson Cooper there was no note to accompany the package, and that Amazon refused to reveal the sender

Fiscus had asked for an investigation into the muzzle controversy.

'At first, I thought that was a joke and contacted a few friends, and then, when no one claimed it, I realized that that was something that was sent to me as some kind of a message,' Fiscus told CNN.

After an investigation, however, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security found that the muzzle had been ordered using her credit card, and Fiscus was accused of orchestrating a hoax to drum up sympathy.

'Hold tight. No I did not send it to myself,' Fiscus insisted on Twitter after the findings of the investigation emerged in mid-August.

'Regarding the muzzle: I ASKED Homeland Security to investigate the origin,' Fiscus wrote, pointing to evidence that the Amazon account used to send the muzzle had been created in Washington state.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security investigation had found the package containing the muzzle traced back to an Amazon account in Fiscus' name.

Following questions from investigators, Fiscus provided information for an Amazon account in her name which was a different account than the one used to purchase the muzzle.

Investigators subpoenaed Amazon for information on all accounts associated with Fiscus, and found that the credit card used to purchase the muzzle was the same card associated with her primary Amazon account.

The muzzle is seen in an evidence photo by state investigators, who determined that the muzzle was purchased with Fiscus' own credit card and closed the case

An evidence photo shows the Amazon package used to ship the muzzle to Fiscus

'The results of this investigation indicate that purchases from both Amazon accounts were charged to the same American Express credit card in the name of Dr. Michelle D. Fiscus,' an investigative report stated.

'At this time, there appears to be no threat toward Dr. Fiscus associated with receipt of the dog muzzle. This case is closed,' wrote Special Agent Mario Vigil.

Investigators determined that her own credit card was used to purchase the muzzle

Fiscus pointed to data (above) showing the Amazon account used to send the muzzle had a login history in Washington state, saying that it showed her innocence

Fiscus maintained that she did not mail the dog muzzle to herself in a tweet

However, the Amazon account used to send the muzzle showed a login history from Washington state in March of this year, which Fiscus pointed to as evidence that she did not create the account.

According to recent emails to Fiscus from Amazon, however, the company wrote that, 'We believe that an unauthorized party has registered an account with your AmEX ending in 2008,' according to WSMV.

Amazon now says the account set up to send the muzzle was fraudulently created with an old credit card of Fiscus'

In exchanges with American Express, a representative with credit card company reported that the card number ending in 2008 was associated with a card she had reported lost in 2020, WSMV also reported.

At the time she received the muzzle, Fiscus was already facing political heat over her push to vaccinate kids over 14 without parental permission.

In July, Fiscus said she was presented with a letter of resignation and a letter of termination amid scrutiny from Republican state lawmakers over her department's outreach efforts to vaccinate teenagers against the virus.

'At first, I thought that was a joke and contacted a few friends, and then, when no one claimed it, I realized that that was something that was sent to me as some kind of a message,' Fiscus said of the muzzle (pictured)

Fiscus, who was the medical director for vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programs at the Tennessee Department of Health, chose to be fired and said she was not given a reason for her ouster.

But the expert added that she believes her termination came because she sent out information on May 10 about the mature minor doctrine, according to News Channel 5.

'I was told that I should have been more 'politically aware' and that I 'poked the bear' when I sent a memo to medical providers clarifying a 34-year-old Tennessee Supreme Court ruling,' Fiscus said.

'I am not a political operative, I am a physician who was, until today, charged with protecting the people of Tennessee, including its children, against preventable diseases like COVID-19.'

The doctrine is a rule of law in the US and Canada arguing that an unemancipated minor may have the maturity to choose or reject health care treatment without the knowledge of their parents, and should be allowed to do so.

Dr Michelle Fiscus was fired in July after she published a memo supporting teenagers over the age of 14 getting a Covid-19 vaccine without parental permission

Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee's administration and the Health Department declined to comment on the firing, citing personnel matters.

In a June committee meeting, Republican lawmakers criticized the letter that she was told had been 'blessed by the governor's office'.

Tennessee has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Only 45 percent of the state's nearly seven million residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Republican lawmakers also admonished her agency for its communications about the vaccine, including online posts.

One graphic, featuring a photo of a smiling child with a Band-Aid on his arm, said: 'Tennesseans 12+ are eligible for vaccines. Give COVID-19 vaccines a shot.'

During the hearing, Republican Rep. Scott Cepicky held a printout of a Facebook ad touting eligibility for teens and called the agency's advocacy 'reprehensible,' likening it to peer pressure.

Asked about the hearing last month, Gov. Lee said generally that the state will 'continue to encourage folks to seek access - adults for their children, and adults for themselves to make the personal choice for vaccine'.

The firing of Fiscus came amid scrutiny from Republican state lawmakers over her department's efforts to vaccinate teenagers against COVID-19. Pictured: Boy, 12, is given COVID jab on May 13

Two weeks after the hearing, the Health Department told county-level employees to stop vaccination events aimed at teens and to halt online outreach to them, The Tennessean reported, citing emails it obtained.

Fiscus said that issues on vaccine communication first arose last fall, before the shots were federally authorized.

She said health officials asked for permission to start messaging about how COVID vaccines would be safe, effective and well-studied - which was denied.

The governor's office then controlled communication, while Fiscus added that the state's public messaging began this May.

'When the vaccines did finally become available, the messaging that came from the governor's communication team was, 'Talk to your doctor to see if COVID-19 vaccine is right for you',' Fiscus said.

'We tried to explain that this is not a foot powder. This is the life-saving tool that we have to fight this pandemic and that we should be strongly encouraging people to get vaccinated.'

Following the scrutiny from Republican state lawmakers, Fiscus said she was given both a resignation letter and a termination letter on Monday, but chose to be fired claiming she 'didn't do anything wrong'.

Fiscus then penned a blistering 1,200-word response to the decision in which she fumed that she is ashamed of Tennessee's leaders and afraid for her state.

'I don't think they realized how much of an advocate I am for public health and how intolerant of injustice I am,' Fiscus told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

She said she was 'angry for the amazing people of the Tennessee Department of Health who have been mistreated by an uneducated public and leaders who have only their own interests in mind.'

Fiscus also claimed that the Tennessee Department of Health has halted all outreach efforts around any kind of vaccines for children, not just COVID ones, which confirmed through department documents.

The decision to end vaccine outreach and school events came from Health Commissioner Dr Lisa Piercey, according to the publication.

The Health Department will still send postcards reminding adults to get their second dose of the COVID vaccine, but teenagers will be excluded from the mailing list so it is not interpreted as 'solicitation to minors'.



Some Democrats criticized the firing, with state Sen. Raumesh Akbari alleging that Fiscus was 'sacrificed in favor of anti-vaccine ideology.'

House Speaker Cameron Sexton was one of few Republicans to weigh in, saying through a spokesperson that health officials made the decision internally.

Sexton's spokesperson, Doug Kufner, said: 'While members have expressed concerns about the department's recent vaccine marketing strategy, Speaker Sexton will not speculate on the factors that went into this decision.

'However, Speaker Sexton does believe that those who have voiced their dissent agree with yesterday's outcome.'

Meanwhile, Republican state Sen. Richard Briggs, a physician, said he's unsure why Fiscus got fired, but added that 'it would be wrong if the reason for her firing was because she had a campaign to try to get our children vaccinated'.

He said he doesn't want to second-guess the department, but 'because of the way it at least looks superficially without the details being known, there probably needs to be some clarification'.
Nicolas Sarkozy's wife has posted a smouldering picture welcoming the former French president into their home after he was sentenced to a year of house arrest.

Supermodel Carla Bruni, 53, shared a photograph to Instagram showing her embracing her husband in her arms alongside a lengthy swathe of text written by Sarkozy in French to thank his supporters.

Sarkozy was handed a 12-month sentence by a judge after being found guilty of illegal campaign financing in the 2012 election.

The judge at Paris's Correctional Court said the 66-year-old, who held office from 2007 to 2012, could serve his term from home - where he will have to wear an ankle bracelet.

Prosecutors had been asking for at least six months of actual jail time for Sarkozy, along with a six-month suspended sentence. His legal team have filed an appeal, which effectively suspends the sentence until their case is heard.

Supermodel Carla Bruni, 53, shared a photograph to Instagram showing her embracing Sarkozy in her arms inside their home alongside a lengthy swathe of text in French

Nicolas Sarkozy, who was French President from 2007 until 2012, has been sentenced to one year in jail which he can serve at home with an ankle bracelet over campaign finance violations

Bruni was photographed on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday night, seemingly unfazed by the impending verdict.

Bruni posted a message from her husband to Instagram which translated to English as: 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart all those who have stood by me to demonstrate their friendship at the moment when I have been condemned for having exceeded the limit of my campaign accounts during the 2012 presidential election.

'Your constant, faithful, courageous support gives me the confidence to pursue this fight if necessary for truth and justice. I ask simply that the same rights are applied for me as would be for any other litigant.

'Yet this has been once again scorned by the ignorance of the decisions of the constitutional council. We cant be punished twice for the same deeds. Its the reason for which I have filed an appeal so that the court rules.

'I will keep going with this quest which exceeds my personal case because everyone could one day find themselves faced with injustice. Its the certainty of justice which gives me the energy to overcome the challenges and resist empty attempts at humiliation.

Bruni posted a message from her husband to Instagram which translated to English as: 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart all those who have stood by me'

'I will be happy to see you this Saturday in Paris, at 11am at the Lamartine library. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Nicolas Sarkozy.'

Bruni was photographed on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday night, seemingly unfazed by the impending verdict.

Thursday's sentence comes six months after Sarkozy was handed another one-year jail term with two years suspended for trying to bribe a judge.

At the time, Bruni called the verdict 'senseless harassment' while vowing to fight on so 'truth will see the light'.

Sarkozy's legal team have also lodged an appeal in that case, meaning he remains a free man for the time being.

His legal woes are set to continue, however, with more corruption cases pending including allegations that he received millions in laundered money from former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Bruni, Sarkozy's wife, who has staunchly defended him against corruption allegations in the past, is pictured laughing with Naomi Campbell during Paris Fashion Week last night

It is unlikely that Sarkozy will ever see the inside of a jail cell, but Bruni has alleged that was never the point of the allegations and believes her husband's political opponents wanted to disqualify him from taking another run at the presidency.

'They're all lies, incredible lies. I'm so surprised it lasted,' she told The Times in an interview earlier this year.

'I'm so surprised it became so political, but they achieved their goal because he's out of politics for ever.'

In the campaign financing case, Sarkozy had been accused of spending almost double the 19.5million allotted for reelection campaigns under French law, during the 2012 reelection bid he lost to Francois Hollande.

Prosecutors say Sarkozy was warned close to election day that his campaign had almost reached the spending limit, but that he continued organising large rallies.

The campaign eventually spent nearly 37million, but could not prevent Sarkozy from losing the race.

Sarkozy's allies were then accused of working with a PR company called Bygmalion to cover up the spending.

The court heard how Sarkozy officials came up with the idea of setting up bogus 'conventions' that would appear on false invoices as part of the cover-up.

Sarkozy was not in court and was instead represented by lawyer Thierry Herzog (pictured), with the judge reprimanding him for 'undermining democracy' by not showing up

During the hearing, Sarkozy's legal team told the court that the extra money did not go into his campaign, but instead helped make other people richer.

They denied any 'fraudulent intent' while insisting that Sarkozy did not handle any day-to-day organisation and could therefore not be blamed.

Prosecutors admitted that Sarkozy was not directly involved in the cover-up, but said must have known his campaign over-spent and 'voluntarily' turned a blind eye to it.

Lawyers also argued that, as head of the campaign, he must bear ultimate responsibility for how it was run and financed.

The scandal has become known in France as the 'Bygmalion case', after the PR firm involved in it.

Sarkozy refused to attend court today and left his legal team to represent him, just as he has done throughout the process.

Jerome Lavrilleux, deputy director of Sarkozy's 2012 election campaign, faces journalists as he leaves court after hearing the verdict on Thursday

The snub led to severe criticism, with prosecutors Vanessa Perree and Nicolas Baietto accusing him of 'undermining the values of democracy'.

Sarkozy was in the dock with 13 associates including members of his conservative Republicans party, accountants and heads of the Bygmalion group.

Former colleagues found guilty alongside him included Jerome Lavrilleux and Guillaume Lambert.

Three of the defendants, who were connected to the PR agency Bygmalion, admitted producing fake receipts.

Others are facing charges including forgery, breach of trust, fraud and complicity in illegal campaign financing, and have pleaded not guilty.

Sarkozy, a right-wing conservative whose party was called the UMP (Union for a Popular Movement), had denied any wrongdoing.

In March, Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and influence peddling and sentenced to three years in prison, two of them suspended.

If still found guilty on appeal, he is likely to be able to serve his sentence at the home he shares with his third wife, the former supermodel Bruni, while wearing an electronic tag.

Sarkozy is also facing allegations that he received millions in laundered money from the late Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy's conservative predecessor as President of France, the late Jacques Chirac, received a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption, but this related to his time as Mayor of Paris.

The last French head of state to go to a prison cell was Marshall Philippe Petain, the wartime Nazi collaborator.
Victoria's worsening Covid-19 crisis has raised fears that lockdown could be extended and the state's roadmap to freedom pushed back.

The state experienced its worst day yet of the pandemic after reporting a record 1,438 new cases on Thursday.

The astronomical spike in cases has been blamed on illegal AFL gatherings over the weekend with warnings from one doctor that case numbers could spike up to 6,000 a day.

The grim warning has residents concerned that premier Daniel Andrews will have to revise his roadmap to freedom and delay the reopening of the state.

Victoria's worsening Covid-19 crisis has raised fears that lockdown could be extended and the state's roadmap to freedom pushed back

The grim warning has raised fears that premier Daniel Andrews will have to revise his roadmap to freedom and delay the reopening of the state

Melbourne GP Mukesh Haikerwal warned case numbers would 'double and double again'.

'I'll say it again,' he told The Today Show on Friday. 'They will probably double and double again.'

'We have got to have good testing, good contact tracing. Keep the things going around ventilation.

'Then we have to remember, we have done over 230 days in isolation, the most locked down city in the world in Melbourne.'

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it would be 'devastating' if the plans to reopen the state were delayed.

'For the rules to change at this stage would be devastating for so many people,' Ms Capp said.

'They really want to know that if we do the right thing and hit the restrictions, if we get vaccinated, that we can still open.'

Mayor Capp said plenty of attention had been given to the number of infections and death toll caused by the virus but not enough to the silent victims.

'But we're not counting the daily cost of lockdowns and border closures, both on health and on the economics, and we really need to start focussing on how do we live with this virus and get ourselves open,' she said.

Of the new cases reported on Thursday, health authorities believe at least 500 are linked to AFL gatherings last weekend across Melbourne.

Of the new cases reported on Thursday, health authorities believe at least 500 are linked to AFL gatherings last weekend across Melbourne

Covid-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said if the jump in numbers becomes a trend, Victoria will go from being just below the Burnet Institute's roadmap-linked case projections to the worst scenario of up to 2,900 daily infections by late October

Covid-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said if the jump in numbers becomes a trend, Victoria will go from being just below the Burnet Institute's roadmap-linked case projections to the worst scenario of up to 2,900 daily infections by late October.

'We know that everyone is fatigued, tired of this. But today is a significant setback in how we manage this outbreak,' Mr Weimar told reporters.

He urged anyone who went to any gathering at the weekend to get tested, whether they or their companions are displaying symptoms or not.

Mr Andrews said the state would continue with its plan to get out of lockdown.

But he added there may need to be a pause if numbers reach an unsustainable level before October 26, when 70 per cent of the eligible population is expected to be fully vaccinated.

To help bring that target and the 80 per cent fully vaccinated benchmark forward, the time between Pfizer vaccine doses will be halved to three weeks in Victoria.

Despite the federal government expanding Pfizer eligibility to Australians over 60 from Friday, the change is not being implemented in Victoria's state-run hubs

The interval change kicks in from Monday, allowing anyone who has received their first Pfizer dose to bring forward their second. The state's vaccine booking system will be updated overnight on Sunday.

There will also be a shift in 88,000 Moderna vaccines from community pharmacies to state clinics to hasten the rollout, with pharmacists struggling to cope with the sudden demand.

Despite the federal government expanding Pfizer eligibility to Australians over 60 from Friday, the change is not being implemented in Victoria's state-run hubs.
Four people were killed and two more left fighting for life after the sedan they were travelling in crashed into a truck in a horrific head-on collision.

Police said the sedan was heading east along Dohertys Road in Truganina in Melbourne's west when it crashed head-on into the truck near Forsyth Road about 7.30pm.

Two of the car's occupants died at the scene and another two were pronounced dead as they arrived at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Four people have been killed and two more left fighting for life after the sedan they were travelling in crashed into a truck in Truganina in Melbourne's west

Two of the car's occupants died at the scene and another two were pronounced dead as they arrived in hospital

Two others who were inside the car are in hospital with life-threatening injuries, a Victoria Police spokesman said.

'The driver and sole occupant of the truck was taken to hospital for observation,' the spokesman said.

Fire Rescue Victoria said rescue crews pried the sedan driver and his five passengers from the car after all six trapped were inside the vehicle.

Fire Rescue Victoria said rescue crews pried the sedan driver and his five passengers from the car

Images from the scene showed the sedan with its side doors removed.

Dohertys Road is still closed between Forsyth Rd and Dunmore Drive while detectives investigate the circumstances behind the crash.

Any witnesses to the collision or anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Kamala Harris' office is doing damage control after the vice president did not push back on a George Mason student who accused Israel of 'ethnic genocide,' and even told the student 'your truth must be heard.'

After the remarks generated pushback, Harris senior staff reached out to the influential Democratic Majority for Israel to reaffirm the vice president's support of Israel.

Her staff also checked in with Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., president of the Bipartisan AntiSemitism Taskforce, according to Politico.

The source said it was 'fair to say that the group of House Democrats that super care about this noticed it and talked about' the apparent support of the ethnic genocide comments.

Mark Mellman, president of the Democratic Majority for Israel, told Politico that Harris staff had reassured his group the vice president 'strongly disagrees with the George Mason students characterization of Israel.'

'We were pleased Vice President Harris's senior staff reached out to us today to confirm what we already knew: Her 'commitment to Israel's security is unwavering,' Mellman said

Harris' staff also checked in with Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., president of the Bipartisan AntiSemitism Taskforce, after she didn't push back on a student accusing Israel of genocide

The interaction came as Harris made a surprise visit on Tuesday to a political science class at George Mason University in northern Virginia to encourage voter registration and discuss voting rights.

As Harris took questions after speaking, one of the female students voiced her concerns about US financial and military support for Israel and Saudi Arabia.

'I see that over the summer there have been, like, protests and demonstrations in astronomical numbers standing with Palestine, but then just a few days ago there were funds allocated to continue backing Israel, which hurts my heart because it's ethnic genocide and displacement of people, the same that happened in America, and I'm sure you're aware of this,' the student said, as Harris nodded.

The student went on to express her belief that the funding would have been better spent helping Americans struggling with housing and health care costs instead 'to inflaming Israel and backing Saudi Arabia and what-not.'

The student says she felt that she had to raise the issue, saying: 'It affects my life and people I really care about's lives.'

'I'm glad you did,' Harris responded. 'And again, this is about the fact that your voice, your perspective, your experience, your truth, should not be suppressed and it must be heard, right? And one of the things we're fighting for in a democracy, right?'

Vice President Kamala Harris has angered supporters of Israel by expressing support for a college student who accused the country of ethnic genocide against Palestinians

The interaction came as Harris made a surprise visit on Tuesday to a political science class at George Mason University in northern Virginia to encourage voter registration

From awkward laughter over Afghanistan withdrawal to 'narcissistic' cookies, Kamala sparks outrage May 29: Harris tweeted a picture of herself smiling with the caption, 'Enjoy the long weekend' the Friday before Memorial Day. After facing a barrage of criticism that she was ignoring the somber occasion, Harris tweeted a number of tributes to fallen service members. June 6: Harris handed out cookies to reporters on Air Force Two that were decorated with her own face. Critics slammed the bizarre cookies as 'narcissistic' but an aide later explained that they were a 'gift' to Harris from a staffer that the VP wanted to share. June 8: Harris snapped at NBC News anchor Lester Holt when he asked why she had not yet visited the border, despite being appointed Biden's border czar. 'And I haven't been to Europe,' she responded. August 20: Harris drew criticism for laughing awkwardly when a reporter questioned her on the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Observers have noted that Harris has a tendency to chuckle when faced with uncomfortable questions. Advertisement

The House last Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill to send Israel $1 billion for its Iron Dome defense system, a measure that was bitterly opposed by a handful of the most left-wing Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

'Unity should never be at the expense of telling anyone personally that, for the sake of unity, 'Oh, you be quiet about that thing. You suppress that thing. Let's not deal with that thing.' That's not unity. True unity is everyone in that room has a voice,' the vice president continued.

'The point that you are making about policy that relates to Middle East policy, foreign policy, we still have healthy debates in our country about what is the right path, and nobody's voice should be suppressed on that,' she added.

The exchange drew criticism from Republicans and supporters of Israel, including Senator Ted Cruz's spokesman Steve Guest, who called the interaction 'unbelievable' in a tweet.

On Sunday, the deadliest violence in several weeks between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in the West Bank erupted when Israeli troops conducted a series of raids against suspected Hamas militants.

Five Palestinians were killed and two Israeli soldiers were seriously wounded in the ensuing gun battles.

The region has seen an increase in fighting in recent months, with tensions fueled by Israeli settlement construction, heightened militant activity in the northern West Bank and the aftermath of a bloody war between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip last May.

The Israeli military said it had been tracking the Hamas militants for several weeks and that the raids were launched in response to immediate threats.

In his first address to the United Nations general assembly on Monday, new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made no mention of Israel's decades-long conflict with the Palestinians, instead seeking to portray Iran as a menace to global security.

Harris speaks to students in a political science class at George Mason University during a surprise visit to campus on Tuesday in Fairfax, Virginia

A visibly distraught Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez is comforted by Rep. Barbara Lee after House passes bill giving Israel $1 billion for its Iron Dome defense system

In his first address to the United Nations general assembly on Monday, new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made no mention of Israel's decadeslong conflict with the Palestinians

Harris last month had a phone conversation with her new Israeli counterpart, President Isaac Herzog.

On the call, Harris expressed her strong commitment to Israel's security and reiterated the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a State Department summary.

The two leaders also discussed the urgency of efforts to address the effects of climate change, according to the readout.

Harris thanked Herzog for Israeli assistance in Central America by providing water catchment systems to Guatemala, and training farmers in 'climate-smart' agriculture.
Special Counsel John Durham issued a new round of grand jury subpoenas in connection with his running two-year probe of alleged FBI misconduct, including to a law firm with Democratic ties.

Reports of the new subpoenas comes two weeks after Durham charged Michael Sussmann, a lawyer with Democratic ties, with lying when he brought information to the top lawyer at the FBI.

The subpoenas came in September after Sussmann was charged, CNN reported, and went to his former law firm, Perkins Coie.

The firm has done work for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign, and former partner Mark Elias retained political intelligence firm Fusion GPS, which went on to help fund the infamous 'dirty dossier.'

The network reported only that Durham has sought additional documents from the firm, in a probe that has so far failed to meet expectations by Donald Trump supporters eager to discredit the original Russia probe and some fo the federal investigators who carried it out.

Special counsel John Durham (left) told the Justice Department he is seeking to indict Democratic cybersecurity lawyer Michael Sussmann (right) in a case questioning who Sussmann's client was when he initially expressed suspicions to the FBI about Trump's relationship with Russia in September 2016

The request could signal a new effort to obtain more information about the origins of the dossier and efforts to highlight Trump Russia ties  including one pushed by Sussmann that didn't pan out.

Durham's team in the Sussmann indictment suggested a theory that Trump rival Hillary Clinton's campaign used Perkins Coie to push information to FBI about Russia and Trump in an effort to hurt his 2016 campaign

A firm representative did not respond to a request by DailyMail.com for comment.

Durham, a US attorney who was brought on during the Trump administration and provided protections by former Attorney General Bill Barr, last month obtained a grand jury indictment of Sussmann.

It stems from when Sussmann brought information to the FBI in the fall of 2016, when Sussmann says computer experts brought him information about a potential link between the Trump Organization and Russian Alfa Bank.

Perkins Coie LLP

According to the indictment, Sussmann 'lied about the capacity in which he was providing the allegations to the FBI' when he met one-on-one with FBI General Counsel James Baker.

That prompted to Baker to assume he was acting merely as a 'good citizen' rather than as a 'paid advocate or political operative.'

He stated falsely that he was not doing the work 'for my client,' according to the indictment. Sussmann had handed over three 'white papers' as well as computer files containing evidence of the reported secret channel.

Durham has already obtained billing and other information from the firm in connection with the Sussmann indictment. The new indictments could be used to burnish that case or to expand the probe.

At issue is whether Sussmann was truthful when he stated to Baker that he was not acting on behalf of a client. Perkins Coie also was representing Trump rival Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Marc Elias, a former lawyer with the firm, retained the company Fusion GPS, which ultimately hired ex British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, who compiled the infamous dossier on Donald Trump.

The indictment notes media reports on a 'mysterious computer back channel' between the Trump Organization and Russia  at a time when Trump was already under heavy scrutiny for his favorable comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But when the FBI investigated it, the allegations did not pan out.

The indictment calls Sussmann's 'lie' a 'material' one, because it 'deprived the FBI of information that might have permitted it more fully to assess and uncover the origins of the relevant data and technical analysis including the identities and motivations of Sussmann's clients.'

It states that Sussmann, a law firm, and a tech executive 'had coordinated' with 'representatives and agents of the Clinton Campaign' about the data and 'written materials that Sussmann gave to the FBI and the media.'

Sussmann represented the Democratic National Committee in connection with 'the hacking of its email servers by the Russian Government,' according to the indictment, and was 'advising the Clinton Campaign in connection with cybersecurity issues.'

The FBI found there was 'insufficient evidence' of such a back channel, and that an email server at issue was not in fact owned or operated by the Trump Organization.

There were not other people present during the Sussmann-Baker meeting that is the source of the lying charge. After the meeting, Baker met with another FBI official, whose notes on their talk said Sussmann 'said not doing this for any client.'

But the notes also said 'Represents DNC, Clinton Foundation, etc.', indicating Sussman did not shield his ties.

Lawyer Michael Sussman was indicted and charged with lying to the general counsel of the FBI about the 'capacity' in which he was sharing information about potential Trump-Russia ties

Special Counsel John Durham brought the indictment two years after he began his probe of alleged FBI misconduct in the Russia probe

It says when Sussmann testified before Congress in 2017, he said he brought the allegations forward 'on behalf of my client.'

Sussmann, a former federal prosecutor, 57, who now works as a partner at the Perkins Coie, which represented the Democratic National Committee when Russia hacked its servers back in 2016.

The indictment alludes to the dossier, which included salacious and unverified allegations about Donald Trump's conduct in a a Moscow hotel room during the Miss Universe pageant in 2013, noting that 'Law Firm-1' 'retained a particular investigative Firm ... to gather information regarding Trump's purported ties to Russia.'

The indictment cites multiple times when Sussmann wrote down in internal billing records that he was working for the Clinton Campaign, although according to press reports the law firm was on retainer with the campaign.

It says a tech company executive gathered information and worked with Sussmann 'with the goal of creating a "narrative" regarding the candidates ties to Russia. It also cites internal communications of tech company staff expressing doubts about the worth of some of the digital information they were gathering at the executive's behest, with some referring to 'holes' in the argument,

Sussmann's lawyers deny the charges, which they termed 'baseless.'

'Michael Sussmann is a highly respected national security and cyber security lawyer, who served the U.S. Department of Justice during Democratic and Republican administrations alike, lawyers Sean Berkowitz and Michael Bosworth said. Any prosecution here would be baseless, unprecedented, and an unwarranted deviation from the apolitical and principled way in which the Department of Justice is supposed to do its work. We are confident that if Mr. Sussmann is charged, he will prevail at trial and vindicate his good name.'

Earlier, Durham told the Justice Department he was seeking to indict the lawyer in a case questioning who Sussmann's client was when he initially expressed suspicions to the FBI about Trump's relationship with Russia in September 2016.

The accusation centered around a meeting Sussmann on September 19, 2016 with James A Baker, the FBI's top lawyer that year, according to people familiar with the matter. As reported by the New York Times they spoke on condition of anonymity.

At the meeting Sussmann allegedly gave the FBI data and analytics from cybersecurity researchers who thought the numbers might be evidence of hush-hush communications between Trump Organization's computer servers and Alfa Bank - a Kremlin-linked Russian financial institution.

The Times reported that the FBI concluded the researchers' concerns had no merit. The special counsel who proceeded Durham, Robert S Mueller III, ignored the matter completely in his final report.

According to The Times investigators are now examining whether Sussmann was secretly working for the Clinton campaign, although he has denied the accusations.

Durham had a deadline of this weekend to bring the accusations to light and set the investigation in motion due to a five-year statute of limitations for such cases.

Sussmann's division at Perkins Coie is separate from the firm's political law group, which represented the Democratic party and the Hillary Clinton campaign, as reported by The Times.

However, an indictment is not guaranteed and on rare occasions grand juries will decline a request such as Durham's.

But Sussmann's lawyers Sean Berkowitz and Michael Bosworth of the firm Latham & Watkins are expecting their client to be indicted, as reported by The Times, and also denied that he made any incorrect statements.

'Mr Sussmann has committed no crime,' they said.

Berkowitz and Bosworth insisted their client was representing the cybersecurity expert he mentioned to the FBI and he was not at the meeting with Baker for anything to do with the Clinton campaign.

The lawyers added: 'Any prosecution would be baseless, unprecedented and an unwarranted deviation from the apolitical and principled way in which the Department of Justice is supposed to do its work.

'We are confident that if Mr Sussmann is charged he will prevail at trial and vindicate his good name.'

Ex-President Donald Trump has long accused the democratic party and Perkins Coie of looking to find unfair suspicions about Trump's supposed ties to Russia. Trump supporters have been notoriously suspicious of Perkins Coie too

Sussmann's lawyers told the Justice Department that he originally organized the 2016 meeting because he and the cybersecurity researchers believed The New York Times was about to publish an article on the Alfa Bank data.

As reported by The Times, Sussmann wanted to give the FBI a heads-up before the paper ran the story which, in fact, they never did. The Times did, however, publish an article mentioning Alfa Bank six weeks later.

Any indictment of the former prosecutor would attract significant political attention, according to The Times, and Durham is using a grand jury to examine Sussmann's data from Alfa Bank.

He has allegedly been on the hunt for any evidence that the numbers were false or skewed but to date there has been no public sign that the data was fabricated.

And while Attorney General Merrick B Garland has the authority to overrule Durham, he did not, according to a spokesman. Garland and his spokesman declined to respond to The Times's request for comment.

The only inconsistency Durham has been able to find to date is that Baker supposedly told investigators he remembered Sussmann telling him he wasn't arranging the meeting on behalf of any client.

Then, in a deposition before Congress in 2017 Sussmann testified otherwise, saying that he sought the meeting on behalf of an unidentified client who was a cybersecurity expert and assisted in data analyzation, as reported by The Times.

Durham later suspiciously acquired internal billing records from Perkins Coie that show Sussmann logged certain hours as working on the Alfa Bank matter and billed the time to Clinton's 2016 campaign. Oddly enough, those working hours did not include the time he spent at the meeting with Baker, according to The Times.

But Sussmann's lawyers argued the billing records were misleading because their client was not charging the cybersecurity expert for work on the Alfa Bank matter. According to The Times he simply needed to show internally that he was working on something.

The Times also noted that Marc Elias, a fellow partner at Perkins Coie who served as the general counsel for the Clinton campaign, did not respond to inquiries and left the firm last month.

Elias allegedly spoke about the Alfa Bank matter with Sussmann. Elias and the Clinton campaign paid a monthly retainer to Perkins Coie and therefore claimed that Sussmann's logged hours did not result in any additional charges.

When Durham knuckled down on his attempts to indict Sussmann in October 2020, The Times reported that the cybersecurity researcher who originally brought the concerns to Sussmann hired a lawyer - Steven Tyrrell.

Tyrrell told The Times that his client thought Sussmann was representing him at the meeting with Baker. The lawyer didn't reveal the identity of his client for fear of harassment.

'My client is an apolitical cybersecurity expert with a history of public service who felt duty bound to share with law enforcement sensitive information provided to him by DNS (Domain Name System) experts,' Tyrrell told The Times.

He added: 'He sought legal advice from Michael Sussmann who had advised him on unrelated matters in the past and Mr Sussmann shared that information with the FBI on his behalf.

'He did not know Mr Sussmanns law firm had a relationship with the Clinton campaign and was simply doing the right thing.'

Ex-President Donald Trump has long accused the Democratic party and Perkins Coie of looking to find unfair suspicions about Trump's supposed ties to Russia.

Trump supporters have been notoriously suspicious of Perkins Coie too, especially when Elias commissioned a research firm to look into Trump's relationship with Russia on behalf of Democrats.

According to The Times, Durham's team has stirred up more skepticism in recent months after suggesting a theory that the Clinton campaign used Perkins Coie to submit unreliable information to the FBI about Russia and Trump in efforts to hurt his 2016 campaign.
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Wayne Couzens exchanged misogynistic, racist and homophobic texts with his police colleagues who are now facing a criminal investigation, it has been claimed.

Five serving officers, three of whom work for the Metropolitan Police, and one former officer, allegedly shared horrific content with Sarah Everard's killer on a WhatsApp group in the months before the murder.

After his arrest in March, detectives found the 'vile' texts on his phone which the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IOPC) said were of a 'discriminatory and/or inappropriate nature'.

Aside from the three serving officers working for the Met, one under investigation is from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and another works for Norfolk Constabulary, according to The Times.

The former officer in the group also previously worked for the Met, whose chief Dame Cressida Dick is yet again facing calls to resign.

When Sue Fish, a former chief constable of Nottinghamshire, was asked on Times Radio if she believed the police force was institutionally misogynistic, she replied: 'Yes, I do. And thats not just the Metropolitan Police, thats policing, structurally, across the country.'

Wayne Couzens (left) exchanged misogynistic, racist and homophobic texts with his police colleagues who are now facing a criminal investigation, it has been reported, as Dame Cressida Dick (right) faces calls to resign

The police watchdog is investigating the conduct of 15 officers and one former officer linked to the Sarah Everard (pictured) case

The IOPC said in a statement: 'They are being investigated for gross misconduct for allegedly sending messages of a discriminatory and/or inappropriate nature, and for allegedly failing to challenge the messages sent by the others.

'Two of the MPS officers and the former MPS officer have also been notified that they are being criminally investigated for improper use of the public electronic communications network under Section 127 of the Communications Act.

FEAR THAT STOPS US NAMING MALE PCS A former Scotland Yard chief superintendent said female officers were afraid to report male colleagues for misconduct due to fears their calls for help would be ignored if they were assaulted on the street. Parm Sandhu, 58, also called for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick to resign over the Couzens case because the force needed a leader who was not afraid of 'turning over those stones and finding those awful reptiles underneath it'. Parm Sandhu (pictured), 58, said female officers were afraid to report male colleagues for misconduct Miss Sandhu, who successfully sued the force for discrimination last year, told BBC Radio 4's The World at One she had been 'vilified' when she raised concerns about her own treatment. She added: 'A lot of women will not report their colleagues. 'What happens is that male officers will then close ranks and the fear that most women officers have got is that when you are calling for help, you press that emergency button or your radio, they're not going to turn up and you're going to get kicked in the street.' In an interview with Times Radio, Miss Sandhu, said it was time for Dame Cressida, who recently extended her contract for an additional two years, to leave the role. She said: 'The buck stops with the boss and the boss is Cressida. This has happened on her watch. 'We need a new set of fresh eyes, somebody who's going to be independent.' Advertisement

'Criminal or gross misconduct investigations do not necessarily mean that charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.'

The police watchdog is investigating the conduct of a total of 15 officers and a former officer linked to the Ms Everard case.

Asked earlier whether Couzens was a 'bad apple' in the police or an extreme example of an institutional problem, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: 'I'm wrestling with that myself.'

Others under investigation by the IOPC include a Scotland Yard probationer on the cordon at the scene where her body was discovered.

He is alleged to have sent a shocking WhatsApp message showing how a policeman could abduct and kill a woman as a joke.

Two other constables on probation are also being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct over allegations they shared the graphic and failed to challenge it.

Another inquiry is underway separately into Police Federation members accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour by sharing information linked to the case on a secure messaging app.

The IOPC has said it will seek to conclude the investigations 'as swiftly as possible'.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that 771 Met officers and staff have faced sexual misconduct allegations since 2010, with at least 44 convicted of sexual offences.

Freedom of Information figures reveal that 163 were arrested and 83 were sacked without notice.

Of those arrested, 78 were charged and 44 convicted.

At least 18 were jailed and nine were given suspended jail sentences.

The allegations included rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault and abusing a position of power for sex.

Some 89 per cent of officers and staff members who faced an internal investigation over complaints were male. Formal action was taken in 156 cases.

As well as the sackings, 46 people retired or resigned once the complaint against them was upheld.

Of the sexual misconduct claims, it was found that there was no case to answer or the allegation was unsubstantiated on 446 occasions.

The force is Britain's largest, with 43,000 officers and staff.

It has 25 per cent of the total police budget for England and Wales.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said last night: 'We take any police-perpetrated abuse incidents extremely seriously and they are regularly scrutinised at a senior level.

'Any allegation, disclosure or conviction of sexual harassment or abuse perpetrated by an officer or member of staff is robustly investigated.'

He stressed: 'Tackling sexual offences is a priority for the Met  and that includes when our own officers or staff are accused of offences.

'The Met will not hesitate to bring forward prosecutions and disciplinary procedures where there is evidence to do so.'

It comes as Met chief Cressida Dick faces a clamour to resign after she admitted Sarah Everard's murder had corroded trust in the police and brought 'shame' on her force.

In what was described as Scotland Yard's 'darkest day', a string of MPs, including the chairman of the women and equalities select committee, said Dame Cressida should go.

They said it was clear she could not restore faith in Britain's biggest police force after one of her officers, Wayne Couzens, was sentenced to a whole-life term for Miss Everard's murder.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the force had 'serious questions to answer'  and refused to give the beleaguered Met Commissioner her public backing.

As it was revealed police may have had enough information to identify Couzens as a sexual deviant before he raped and killed Miss Everard, Dame Cressida gave a humbled apology on the steps of the Old Bailey.

But as she apologised on behalf of the force, the Yard chief was heckled by protesters shouting 'resign'.

Miss Everard's family said the world was a 'safer place' after 48-year-old Couzens was sentenced to die in prison, with the judge saying his 'warped, selfish and brutal offending' had 'eroded' confidence in British policing.

The case has triggered immense public and political outrage after it emerged Couzens abused police powers to 'arrest' and abduct the 33-year-old marketing executive.

This is the moment Wayne Couzens staged his fake arrest to lure Sarah Everard into being handcuffed and put in the back of his car. Criminologists suggest his cold confidence on the night he snatched Miss Everard could mean this was not his first attack - despite never being convicted of prior offences

Officers did not check his vehicle records, which would have revealed a link to an indecent exposure in Kent in 2015 when Couzens was reported by a male motorist for driving around naked from the waist down.

Despite this failure, Met Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave provoked astonishment when he said Couzens would still have got into the force even if vetting officers had known, because Kent Police failed to identify Couzens  then one of their own special constables  as the driver and decided it did not merit any further action.

In another missed opportunity, 72 hours before the murder, staff at a drive-through McDonald's restaurant in Swanley told police that two female staff members had been flashed by a motorist who exposed himself on February 7 and again on February 27.

But despite being given CCTV evidence and the number plate of Couzens' car, detectives did not link the two incidents to the killer officer.

Had he been identified as a suspected sex offender, Couzens is likely to have been suspended and had his warrant card removed.

Mr Ephgrave said he didn't know whether Miss Everard's murder could have been prevented if vetting checks had been carried out properly , saying: 'If any of those things had been in a different order, would the outcome have been different? Well maybe.'

Quizzed by police, Couzens (pictured in handcuffs) lied that he had been 'leant on' by an Eastern European gang who threatened to harm his family if he did not agree to pick up a woman

Mr Ephgrave admitted trust in the police had been seriously damaged, adding: 'One of my daughters said to me, 'Dad, what am I supposed to do if I get stopped (by a policeman) coming home?'

It is understood that Dame Cressida will be called in by the Home Secretary following next week's Tory party conference to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, detectives from the Met Police are actively investigating if Couzens is connected to any further historic crimes.

Officers this evening appealed for any so-far unknown victims of the sexual predator to contact them if they were targeted by him.

The Met action emerged hours after criminologists told MailOnline his crime suggested 'he had done this before'.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'As you would expect we continue to make enquiries to establish whether he has been involved in other criminal offences. As these investigations are ongoing we are unable to go into further detail although, at this time, we have not identified anything that is of the same level of seriousness as the crimes he has been sentenced for.

'We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about any criminality they believe Couzens was involved in.'

Criminologists Professor David Wilson and Dr David Holmes both say it is unlikely that this is Couzens first major crime

The killer rapist, 48, who staged a fake arrest as a ploy to trap Ms Everard in the back of his car, was this morning sentenced to a whole life order for his barbaric crimes.

But experts say the confidence in which he carried out the abduction shows he had done it before. And the way he disposed of Miss Everard's body by burning her remains signalled 'experienced behaviour'.

The killer cop was nicknamed The Rapist because of his inappropriate behaviour around women, had an obsession with 'brutal porn' and flashed McDonald's workers before murdering Sarah Everard on March 3.

But he still passed a vetting process that saw him put in charge of a gun as he stood guard at embassies in London for Met Police.

The IOPC is also looking into Kent Police - where Couzens used to work as a volunteer - after it was accused of not investigating reports in 2015 that a man had been spotted driving down a road with no trousers on.

Met Police admitted 'one of a range of checks' when Couzens applied to join the force 'may not have been undertaken correctly'.

Couzens' car numberplate was linked to the 2015 indecent exposure but Met Police blamed the Kent force, claiming 'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.'

It comes as a list of eight blunders that left Couzens free to kill were revealed.

CCTV footage (pictured) captured by a passing bus showed Miss Everard in the back seat of Couzens' hire car after she was falsely 'arrested'

The deranged Met Protection Officer, who was wearing his police belt containing handcuffs, can be seen producing his warrant card as he claimed Miss Everard had breached Covid restrictions

Couzens' car is seen driving along Cavendish Road at 9.32pm, just minutes before he pulled over and stopped Miss Everard

Miss Everard was taken out of the hire car and forced into Couzens' own car (pictured) in a switch made at 11.30pm on North Military Road in Dover, Kent

How events in the Sarah Everard case unfolded 2015: Kent Police allegedly fail to investigate an indecent exposure incident linked to Wayne Couzens.

September 2018: Couzens transfers to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).

2019: Couzens and his wife buy a small area of woodland off Fridd Lane in Ashford, Kent.

February 2019: The Pc joins a response team covering the Bromley area of south London, having initially served in a Safer Neighbourhood Team.

February 2020: He moves to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command to patrol diplomatic premises, mainly embassies.

February 2021: The 48-year-old is linked to two allegations of indecent exposure in London, which it is claimed Scotland Yard failed to investigate.

February 28: Couzens books a white Vauxhall Astra from a car hire firm in Dover, Kent, using his personal details and bank card. He also purchases a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector on Amazon.

March 2: 7pm - Couzens starts a 12-hour shift at his base in West Brompton, west London.

March 3: On the day of her disappearance, Sarah Everard visits a friend in the Clapham Junction area and uses her bank card to buy a bottle of wine in Sainsbury's in Brixton Hill, south London, on her way.

4.45pm - Couzens collects the hire car.

9pm - Ms Everard leaves to walk home, some 2.5 miles away.

9.13pm - She calls her boyfriend for a little over 14 minutes.

9.15pm - Ms Everard is captured alone on CCTV at the junction of Bowood Road and the South Circular.

9.28pm - The next sighting is on Cavendish Road and she is still alone.

9.32pm - Ms Everard is caught on the camera on a marked police car.

9.35pm - A bus camera captures two figures on Poynders Road standing beside a white Vauxhall Astra parked on the pavement with hazard lights flashing.

9.38pm - Another bus camera captures the same vehicle with the two front car doors open.

- March 4: 1am - Having travelled out of London, the car is in the Tilmanstone area of Kent.

8.30am - Couzens returns the hire car used in the abduction.

8.10pm - Ms Everard is reported missing by her boyfriend, Josh Lowth.

March 5: The case is escalated and the Specialist Crime Unit becomes involved. Couzens, who is due to be off until March 8, reports to work that he is suffering with stress.

2pm - He buys two green rubble bags for 9.94 at B&Q in Dover.

March 6: Couzens emails his supervisor that he no longer wants to carry a firearm. He orders a tarpaulin and a bungee cargo net on Amazon which are shipped to him the next day.

March 8: The officer reports in sick on the day he is due to return to work.

March 9: 7.11pm - Couzens' phone is wiped of all data.

7.50pm - Couzens is arrested at his home in Deal, Kent. In a brief interview, he tells a story about being threatened by an Eastern European gang.

March 10: At around 4.45pm, a body is discovered in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent, and later formally identified by dental records. It is around 100 metres from land owned by Couzens.

March 11: Couzens answers "no comment" in formal interviews.

March 12: 8.45pm: Couzens is charged.

July 9: Couzens pleads guilty to murder when he appears at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh high security jail.

September 29: Couzens faces a possible whole life order when he is sentenced. Advertisement

In summarising the case as he sentenced Couzens, Lord Justice Fulford spoke at length at the detailed plans he had made to snatch a victim off the street.

He told the Old Bailey the killer 'spent at least a month travelling to London to research', adding 'The degree of preparation and the length of time over which it extended is to be stressed'.

The Met Police did not respond to whether he was being linked to any other serious crimes today. His previous force Kent is not believed to be looking at any historic offences.

But criminologist Professor David Wilson told MailOnline: 'I am absolutely convinced he is being looked at for other things. Everything revealed yesterday suggests Couzens has behaved in this way before.

'It suggests to me this wasn't his first offence. Nobody moves into this type of behaviour overnight  they are a long time in the making. Nothing would surprise me about Wayne Couzens and Wayne Couzens' previous offending.

CCTV footage of Miss Everard captured earlier on the night she was kidnapped in March, sparking a nationwide hunt

Miss Everard queued at Sainsbury's with a bottle of red wine as she headed to see a friend for dinner after work

Just hours before she was abducted and murdered Miss Everard was enjoying a normal Wednesday evening

Miss Everard walked from her home to see a friend via a Sainsbury's in Brixton Hill, south London

CCTV taken at 5.52pm on March 3 showed Miss Everard walking along Craster Road in Brixton, south London

'I would treat him in the same category as John Worboys  because of the circumstances of him using his occupation to target lone women.

'He was engaged in a lot of planning. One of the riskiest things was he drove her 80 miles with a handcuffed woman in the back of his car.

'The fact he did suggests he thought he was safe and that must come from the fact he has done something similar in the past.

'What was unusual  and suggests his experience  was his disposal of the body. Burning someone's remains is a good way to get rid of it. All of that suggests this is experienced behaviour.'

Miss Everard's boyfriend Josh Lowth arrives for the sentencing of her killer, policeman Couzens at the Old Bailey

Couzens, 48, was today given a whole life sentence for kidnap, rape and murder of Miss Everard. He will die in jail

This fridge was used by Couzens to burn Miss Everard's clothing and body just yards from his own plot of land. Criminologists have told MailOnline that his meticulous planning for the disposal of Miss Everard's body shows 'experienced behaviour', suggesting he may have struck before

The two vehicles used in killer cop's horrific crime: How Couzens used a rental Vauxhall Crossland and his own Seat family vehicle to commit his horrific crime. First, prowling central London for a lone woman before parking up in Clapham and confronting Miss Everard

The Old Bailey heard horrific details of the serving police officer's deceit and Sarah's final hours before she was raped, murdered and burned in a pre-meditated attack that was weeks in the planning:

Prosecution say five words summarise what PC Wayne Couzens did to Sarah Everard: 'Deception, kidnap, rape, strangulation, fire';

Friends in Deal said Couzens was regularly seen wearing his police belt with handcuffs and pepper spray, when not on duty, and he lied that he was an undercover police officer;

In December 2020 he joined Match.com and said he had no wife and children. He also signed up to an escort agency;

In January 2021, Couzens worked on COVID patrols and 'used this knowledge' to kidnap his victim, who he stopped after doing laps of west and south-west London on the night of March 3, 2021;

On February 10 he bought a 'police standard issue handcuff key with double locking pin' from Amazon, which he used on his police-issue cuffs to detain Sarah Everard and force her into his hire car;

On February 28, Couzens booked a hire car online from Enterprise and ordered a 100m roll of carpet protector film from Amazon, used to line the boot where he eventually kept Sarah's body;

He had told his wife that he was working a night shift when he grabbed Sarah - in fact he was off duty and cruising the streets looking for a victim;

A couple driving past witnessed the kidnapping. Couzens using his warrant card and handcuffs to make a false arrest. They believed she had 'done something wrong' so didn't intervene;

A former boyfriend said Sarah was 'extremely intelligent, savvy and streetwise' and would never get into a stranger's vehicle 'unless by force or by manipulation', which is exactly what Couzens did;

Sarah was driven 80 miles to the Kent coast, where she was raped and murdered after a five-hour ordeal;

In 2019 Wayne Couzens bought plot of woodland in Hoads Wood near Ashford. He bragged it was 'perfect for day trips' - but it's where he burned Sarah's body and dumped it in bags in shallow water;

Couzens took his family on a trip to the woods where he burned Miss Everard's body - allowing his children to play near where it was dumped;

Phoned vet to arrange for an appointment to see his dog and handed in his Met Police firearms licence;

Lied about being forced to 'pick up a girl' by an Eastern European gang who threatened his family;

Admits to killing her with his belt - with prosecution saying injuries were consistent with his police belt;

Couzens repeatedly self-harmed in his cell, as police divers found Miss Everard's phone in the River Stour;

Miss Everard's father demanded killer 'look me in the face', mother said she was 'haunted' by murder and sister called Couzens 'a monster';

Court also heard how Couzens was 'attracted to brutal sexual pornography'.

It comes as Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London.

'Nothing can bring her back - but knowing he will be imprisoned forever brings some relief': Sarah Everard's family react to Couzens' whole life term Police officer killer of Sarah Everard (pictured) was sentenced to life without parole today 'We are very pleased that Wayne Couzens has received a full life sentence and will spend the rest of his life in jail. Nothing can make things better, nothing can bring Sarah back, but knowing he will be imprisoned forever brings some relief. 'Sarah lost her life needlessly and cruelly and all the years of life she had yet to enjoy were stolen from her. Wayne Couzens held a position of trust as a police officer and we are outraged and sickened that he abused this trust in order to lure Sarah to her death. The world is a safer place with him imprisoned. 'It is almost seven months since Sarah died and the pain of losing her is overwhelming. We miss her all the time. She was a beautiful young woman in looks and character and our lives are the poorer without her. We remember all the lovely things about Sarah - her compassion and kindness, her intelligence, her strong social conscience. But we especially like to remember her laughing and dancing and enjoying life. We hold her safe in our hearts. 'We are immensely grateful to the police and legal team who worked on Sarah's case. We cannot thank them enough for their meticulous and painstaking work and for their constant support. We also send our heartfelt thanks to our family and friends for comforting us through this terrible time.' Advertisement

The Met is being investigated by the IOPC for allegedly failing to probe these two separate incidents, despite apparently being provided with CCTV. Couzens was only identified as a suspect after Miss Everard's murder.

Questions have also been asked about how the Met Police's vetting process failed to pick up concerns around Couzens before he was made an armed officer in its elite Diplomatic Protection Group, which involved him guarding embassies, VIPs and members of the Royal Family.

A McDonald's worker today claimed Couzens exposed himself to her three weeks before killing Miss Everard as she was working at a drive-thru on the A20 near Swanley in Kent at the start of February.

Couzens was allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary - where he was involved in protecting nuclear power stations - because of his inappropriate behaviour around women.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor said the nickname was known by some officers.

Sir Tom told the BBC Couzens 'also had allegedly a reputation in terms of drug abuse, extreme pornography and other offences of this kind'.

Couzens used to work at his father's garage in Dover before joining the Kent Special Constabulary at some point after 2002.

The court heard a colleague in that year spoke of 'his attraction to brutal sexual pornography' but Jim Sturman QC, defending, said it related to a single incident 'which is almost impossible to examine now'.

The court heard he used prostitutes and had a fake Match.com dating profile despite being married with two children. In 2018 it has been claimed he was reported to bosses for slapping a female police officer's bottom at Bromley police station. It appears no action was taken, a source claimed.

While at Bromley, it is also alleged he became the subject of gossip for only stopping female motorists - before taking their details so he could watch their homes - and parking outside schools to leer at mothers and sixth formers.

The Met said: 'Couzens was a serving and vetted police officer when he joined the Met. He had no criminal convictions or cautions and he was not subject to any misconduct proceedings during his time at the MPS. We are aware of no other concerns raised by his colleagues or anyone regarding his behaviour.'

The force admitted mistakes were made during Couzens' vetting process.

A spokesman added: 'Following his arrest, as the public would expect, we reviewed his vetting. This review confirmed he passed vetting processes. However, it also found one of a range of checks may not have been undertaken correctly.

'This check related to information regarding a vehicle which was registered to Couzens and that was linked to an allegation of indecent exposure in Kent in 2015.

'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.

'However, the review we conducted found that despite this there was no information available to the Met at the time that would have changed the vetting decision. We continue to build up a picture of Couzens' career and wider activities.

'We would like to appeal for anyone who has information of concern about Couzens - whether police colleagues or members of the public - to contact us directly.'

Meanwhile, a McDonald's worker told MailOnline she saw Couzens pulling up by the order hatch with his trousers down. Met Police has not commented on this claim and the worker did not suggest the Met knew Couzens had done this and allowed him to carry on working.

The staff member - who said she recognised Couzens from the news coverage after he was identified as Miss Everard's killer, told MailOnline: 'The whole has thing left me quite disturbed. He casually pulled up to the serving hatch having ordered his food and I could clearly see that he was naked from below the waist.

'It was not the first time that he had done this when he came to McDonald's, but I was the only female member of staff to report it. I'm glad I took a stand and alerted the authorities because it was the right thing do. But I never imagined that he would go on to murder a woman, it's tragic.'

The devout Christian said she reported the alleged incident to police. MailOnline has contacted the Met for comment.

'I can never hold her again': Sarah's mother Susan says she now hugs daughter's dressing gown Susan Everard, mother of Sarah Everard Sarah Everard, 14th June 1987 to March 2021 Susan Everard, Sarah's mother 'Sarah is gone and I am broken hearted. She was my precious little girl, our youngest child. The feeling of loss is so great it is visceral. And with the sorrow come waves of panic at not being able to see her again. I can never talk to her, never hold her again, and never more be a part of her life. We have kept her dressing gown - it still smells of her and I hug that instead of her. 'Sarah died in horrendous circumstances. I am tormented at the thought of what she endured. I play it out in my mind. I go through the terrible sequence of events. I wonder when she realized she was in mortal danger; I wonder what her murderer said to her. When he strangled her, for how long was she conscious, knowing she would die? It is torture to think of it. Sarah was handcuffed, unable to defend herself and there was no one to rescue her. She spent her last hours on this earth with the very worst of humanity. She lost her life because Wayne Couzens wanted to satisfy his perverted desires. It is a ridiculous reason, it is nonsensical; how could he value a human life so cheaply? I cannot comprehend it. I am incandescent with rage at the thought of it. He treated my daughter as if she was nothing and disposed of her as if she was rubbish. 'If Sarah had died because of an illness, she would have been cared for. We could have looked after her and been with her. If she had died because of an accident, people would have tried to help - there would have been kindness. But there is no comfort to be had, there is no consoling thought in the way Sarah died. In her last hours she was faced with brutality and terror, alone with someone intent on doing her harm. The thought of it is unbearable. I am haunted by the horror of it. 'When Sarah went missing we suffered days of agony, not knowing where she was or what had happened to her. Then, when Sarah's burnt remains were found, we spent two terrible days waiting for tests to show how she had died, fearing she had been set alight before she was dead - the thought was appalling. 'Burning her body was the final insult, it meant we could never again see her sweet face and never say goodbye. 'Our lives will never be the same. We should be a family of five, but now we are four. Her death leaves a yawning chasm in our lives that cannot be filled. I yearn for her. I remember all the lovely things about her: she was caring, she was funny. She was clever, but she was good at practical things too. She was a beautiful dancer. She was a wonderful daughter. She was always there to listen, to advise, or simply to share with the minutiae of the day. And she was also a strongly principled young woman who knew right from wrong and who lived by those values. She was a good person. She had purpose to her life. 'My outlook on life has changed since Sarah died: I am more cautious; I worry more about our other children. I crave the familiarity and security of home; the wider world has lost its appeal. It is too painful to contemplate a future without Sarah, so I just live in the here and now. I think of Sarah all the time, but the mornings and evenings are particularly painful. In the morning I wake up to the awful reality that Sarah is gone. In the evenings, at the time she was abducted, I let out a silent scream: Don't get in the car, Sarah. Don't believe him. Run! 'I am repulsed by the thought of Wayne Couzens and what he did to Sarah. I am outraged that he masqueraded as a policeman in order to get what he wanted. Sarah wanted to get married and have children, now all that has gone. He took her life and stole her future and we will never have the joy of sharing that future with her. Each day dawns and I think, Sarah should be here, leading her life and embracing new experiences. She had so many years ahead of her. 'I don't know how anyone could be so cruel as to take my daughter's life. What I do know is that Sarah will never be forgotten and is remembered with boundless love. 'I cling on to memories of Sarah, I hold them tight to keep them safe. The other night, I dreamt that Sarah appeared at home. In my dream I held her and could feel her physically. Jeremy was there, we were comforting her, saying 'it's alright Sarah, it's alright'. I would give anything to hold her once more; I hope I dream that dream again.'

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The Met is already being investigated by the police watchdog for its alleged failure to investigate two flashings later attributed to Couzens at a McDonald's in south London three days before he kidnapped, raped and murdered Miss Everard.

Depraved Couzens used his Metropolitan Police-issue warrant card and handcuffs to snatch Miss Everard as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham, south London, on the evening of March 3.

Couzens, a firearms officer, had clocked off from a 12-hour shift at the American embassy that morning but in the time leading up to the kidnap had cruised the capital looking for a victim.

He posed as an undercover officer to stage the fake arrest before driving to a secluded rural area near Dover in Kent, where he parked up and raped Miss Everard.

Prof Wilson added: 'The detail that were released were all about behaviour and they were practiced and controlled.

'They were quite obviously related to his sexual fantasies. In my experience nobody makes their sexual fantasies a reality overnight.

'The fake arrest may well be a signifier in his behaviour. He is quite clearly interested in uniform, sadism and masochism, control and handcuffs.

'His nickname was apparently 'the rapist' at work, he had obviously other complaints of indecent exposures to women previous to Sarah's murder.

'We have to take these indecent exposures as a very serious indicator of abhorrent sexual behaviour.

'He is 48 years old, this is not a 25-year-old who is at the beginning of his offending career.

'This is somebody who is mature who has had a lot of life experience and that is an indicator his past life needs looking into.'

Criminal psychologist Dr David Holmes agreed police should appeal for any more potential victims of Couzens.

He told MailOnline: 'This is unlikely to be his first offence, he has just not been caught before. I think some kind of public appeal would be a good idea.

'This kind of behaviour does not suddenly emerge. The cold, calm way he did it would say this is something that was part of his repertoire.

'It may be his first killing but I would have thought he had toyed around with this and possibly have a long litany of encounters where he has used his ability to have power over others.

'This pretty unlikely to be the first time he has done something of this nature.'

Married father-of-two Couzens burned Miss Everard's body in a refrigerator in an area of woodland he owned in Hoads Wood, near Ashford, before dumping the remains in a nearby pond.

Lord Justice Fulford, handing him a rare whole life order, spoke of the detailed planning he had carried out before he struck.

He said: 'The defendant spent at least a month travelling to London to research how best to commit these crimes.

'The degree of preparation and the length of time over which it extended is to be stressed.

'He bought part of the wherewithal to handcuff his victim - a police standard issue handcuff key was purchased from Amazon on 10 February and was found in the front of the Seat - self-adhesive carpet protector film was purchased on 28 February and delivered on 1 March and 14 hair bands were purchased in a shop on 3 March at 8pm.

'The protector film had been used but its precise purpose is unknown. The hairbands were either for use in order to maintain an erection or as a means of restraint. This has not been disputed.

'He hired a car on 28 February which he drove to London on 3 March. He had parked the Seat motorcar in Dover in an area where there were no houses close by, with the result that it was less likely than otherwise would have been the case that there would be witnesses to what occurred, including any signs of distress or resistance by Sarah Everard when she was transferred from the hire car to the Seat.

'He used, therefore, the hire car, as opposed to his own vehicle, to kidnap Sarah Everard. He took some of his police kit with him to London, clearly in my view for use in this offending.

'He lied to his family about working a night shift on 3 March and although he was in London that night, he avoided visiting the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command base in Lillie Road.

'Instead, he covered extensive distances in the capital, beyond doubt, as suggested by Mr Little, hunting a lone young female to kidnap and rape. It follows from this that the defendant had planned well in advance, in all its unspeakably grim detail, what was to occur and when he encountered Sarah Everard all that was missing up to that point was his victim.'

March 5: The case is escalated and the Specialist Crime Unit becomes involved. Couzens, who is due to be off until March 8, reports to work that he is suffering with stress. At 2pm he buys two green rubble bags for 9.94 at B&Q in Dover (pictured)

Susan Everard, Miss Everard's mother, told Couzens he disgusted her and she was haunted by what he did to her daughter

Sarah's father Jeremy, mother Susan, sister Katie and brother James are pictured arriving at the Old Bailey at a previous hearing. They confronted Couzens yesterday with heart-breaking impact statements but the cowardly killer refused to look at them from the dock

Yesterday's hearing saw the chilling moment Miss Everard was handcuffed in the back of killer cop Couzens' hire car before he drove her 80 miles to her death.

Footage taken from a passing dashcam shows the 33-year-old stood on a pavement on Poynders Road in Clapham as Couzens, who was wearing handcuffs on his police belt, speaks to her.

The twisted Met Protection Officer can be seen producing his warrant card as he claimed Miss Everard had breached Covid restrictions.

Couzens then cuffed her hands behind her back, leaving her incapable of undoing the seatbelt he strapped around her after ordering her into the back of his rental car.

She was then driven for two hours to Dover where he forcibly moved her from the hire car into his own black Seat before continuing along remote back roads to Hoad's Wood where he raped her, strangled her with his belt and stashed her body in a fridge.

CCTV footage showed the moment he went on to visit a BP garage in Dover on Friday, March 5 to buy and fill a petrol canister - believed to have been used to burn Miss Everard's body

Couzens entered a petrol station in Dover to buy a cannister he would go on to fill with petrol

A large number of significant items were found at his home, prosecutor Mr Little said. These included the beige hairbands he was seen buying in Tesco (pictured)

Couzens left the Tesco Superstore in Kensington, west London, after buying a pack of 14 hairbands at 8pm on March 3

Pictured: Items recovered from the car used by Couzens in the murder of Miss Everard

Whole life orders: the sentences that see killers die behind bars Whole life orders are the most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system for those who commit the most serious crimes. If handed such a sentence, Wayne Couzens will join a string of some of the country's most dangerous offenders who are expected to die behind bars. There are 60 criminals serving whole life orders, according to Government figures to the end of June. They will never be considered for release, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it. Milly Dowler's killer Levi Bellfield is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole life orders  for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy. Other notorious criminals serving whole life orders include: Gloucester serial killer Rose West, Michael Adebolajo, one of Fusilier Lee Rigby's killers; Mark Bridger, who murdered five-year-old April Jones in Wales; neo-Nazi Thomas Mair who killed MP Jo Cox; Grindr serial killer Stephen Port; and most recently the Reading terror attacker Khairi Saadallah, who murdered three men in a park. Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and doctor Harold Shipman  thought to be one of Britain's most prolific serial killers  were also among those serving whole life orders. In the past, home secretaries could issue whole life tariffs and these are now determined by judges. Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, the Government is trying to expand the use of whole life orders for premeditated murder of a child. The reforms would also allow judges to hand out the maximum sentence to 18 to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, such as for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life. We will also give judges the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to impose a whole life order on offenders aged 18 or over but under 21. Advertisement

Miss Everard's devastated family listened from the public gallery as the Old Bailey heard harrowing details of how Couzens took her to a rural area and raped her, before later being seen buying Lucozade and other drinks from BP station with her body in boot, after she was believed to have been murdered.

Distressing details of the timeline suggest Miss Everard could have been alive for more than four hours in the back of Couzens' car. She was snatched off the street by 9.30pm and when the killer pulled into the garage at 2.30am, Sarah is thought to have been in his boot, already dead.

The court heard he confessed to a psychiatrist that he had strangled Miss Everard with his belt, and the prosecution said her injuries were consistent with ones that would have been caused by his police belt.

Couzens - who had prepared for the abduction by buying a rental car and a sheet of film from Amazon - hid her body inside a fridge in a patch of rubbish-strewn woodland before torching it.

Footage released by police showed the moment Couzens rented the car he would go on to use to prowl the streets of London for almost two hours before picking up Miss Everard.

While on duty on February 28, he booked a 65.30 hire car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Dover, which he collected on March 3, having decided his own was too old and filthy to be passed off as a police vehicle

The CCTV clip showed Couzens calmly laughing with a female attendant. He joked 'you've put me on the spot' while trying to remember his phone number as she took his details.

He went on to visit a Tesco store in west London to buy a pack of 14 hairbands just an hour before Miss Everard was abducted on March 3, before making further trips to a B&Q two days after Miss Everard is believed to have been killed. He also visited a Homebase in Folkestone on the morning of Monday, March 8.

CCTV footage showed the moment he went on to visit a BP garage in Dover on Friday, March 5 to buy and fill a petrol canister - believed to have been used to burn Miss Everard's body.

Just days after the murder, the father-of-two took his wife and children on a family trip and allowed the youngsters to play near a pond where he had dumped Miss Everard's remains, the prosecution said.

Couzens was arrested at his home in Deal, Kent, after police connected him to a hire car he used to abduct Ms Everard, whose remains were found by police dogs on March 10.

Taken to Wandsworth Police Station, he repeatedly tried to self-harm by banging his head on a sink and running into a wall, and was put under constant watch before appearing in court.

He was sacked from the force after he pleaded guilty in July to her kidnap, rape and murder.

Before the attack members of the public had noticed Couzens wearing his police belt when not on duty, with a pair of handcuffs and black pepper spray holder.

'This is the type of equipment that it can be inferred that the defendant was wearing when he kidnapped Sarah Everard,' said Mr Little.

A Met Police statement released on Thursday said: 'It has to be the case that officers are able, on occasion, to take some or all of their equipment with them, between places of duty and where needed, travelling to and from work. They do not require explicit permission.'

Couzens is shown a photograph of Miss Everard on a phone by a detective while being questioned by police at his home in Deal, Kent, in March

Police search woodland near to where Miss Everard's body was found. Couzens burned her body and dumped it in a pond

Miss Everard's family leave the Old Bailey after a previous hearing where Couzens made two guilty pleas. Her father Jeremy is seen on the left, with her sister Katie can be seen on the right.

Mr Little said: 'It was not unusual for officers on PaDP to take personal protective and other equipment (including body armour and handcuffs) home with them from the Lillie Road base - they were required to undertake frequent training, at a number of different locations, to which they would travel directly.

'For convenience, they would often take home the kit needed.

'Two members of the public had independently noticed seeing the defendant when he was not on duty wearing his Police belt with handcuffs and a rectangular black pouch (similar to a pepper spray holder) attached to it (whilst out in Deal walking his dog; and when attending a local computer hardware repair shop in the town).

'This is the type of equipment that it can be inferred that the defendant was wearing when he kidnapped Sarah Everard.

'It is instructive that in relation to the incident in the repair shop that when the owner asked the defendant jokingly if he was 'into kinky stuff' when he referred to the handcuffs that were visible on the defendant's belt. The defendant said 'I am an undercover police officer'.

Footage released by police showed the moment Couzens rented the car he would go on to use to prowl the streets of London for almost two hours before picking up Miss Everard

The CCTV clip showed Couzens calmly laughing with a female attendant. He joked 'you've put me on the spot' while trying to remember his phone number as she took his details

Couzens' car is pictured arriving at New Street in Sandwich at 9.32am on March 4 before he threw away Miss Everard's phone

On March 4 Couzens threw Miss Everard's mobile phone into a channel at Sandwich, only for it to be retrieved by a diver as part of a search of the waterway. Pictured, Couzens' car was parked at Guildhall Car Park for ten minutes

'As he said that the defendant chuckled but then opened his jacket a little more to reveal his Police issue kit.'

On Wednesday, Ms Everard's parents and sister Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick also attended court to hear how one of her own officers had abused his position to carry out his crimes, which shocked the nation.

In a statement before the sentencing started, the Met said: 'We are sickened, angered and devastated by this man's crimes which betray everything we stand for.

'Our thoughts are with Sarah's family and her many friends. It is not possible for us to imagine what they are going through.

'We recognise his actions raise many questions and concerns but we will not be commenting further until the hearing is complete.'

A number of areas were searched in Clapham as police tried to look for missing Sarah before the hunt moved to Kent

'I hate that I wasn't there to save her', says Sarah Everard's sister Katie Katie Everard, sister of Sarah Everard Victim personal statement Katie Everard, sister of Sarah 'You treated Sarah as if she was nothing. Placed more emphasis on satisfying your sick disgusting perversions than on a life. Her life. You disposed of my sister's body like it was rubbish. Fly-tipped her like she meant nothing. She meant everything. We couldn't even see her, she was so badly burnt. Her brain was removed from her skull to check for trauma and cause of death - I still don't know if they put her brain back in her head or whether it is lying next to her body in her coffin. 'Shards of her kneecap were returned to us to be placed with her body - shards that you knocked when moving her burnt body from the fridge you had used to hide her and conceal the fire. We are still missing her hyoid bone from her throat, which is being checked to see the force you used to strangle her, to determine how long she may have survived. We know it was broken. Her burnt body still had her necklace and one earring in her ear - the other had fallen from her ear because it had burnt off. 'You hear from the police that it takes around 2 minutes to strangle someone. And around 8- 10 seconds for them to lose consciousness. At first there is a sense of relief at hearing that your sister might only have been aware of what was happening for 8-10 seconds. But have you put your hands around your neck and tried pushing hard? 8-10 seconds now seems a long time. 'You used your warrant card to trick my sister into your car. She sat in a car handcuffed for hours. What could she have thought she had done wrong? What lies did you tell her? When did she realise that she wasn't going to survive the night? 'I'm constantly replaying in my head - did you rape her, then kill her? Did you kill her while raping her? You get small nuggets of information and the thought process starts again. Your semen and blood were found in your car. So this suggests you raped her in the car. You find out you may have used a belt to strangle her. New horrendous images forming. 'You stopped to get a Lucozade and water at a petrol station. Was she still alive at this point? Bound in your car? I am horrified by your ability to flit between what you did and normal everyday actions. Your casual demeanour on CCTV was very upsetting and shocking to see. 'We had to go to the flat and pack up Sarah's whole life - washing left hanging up, half sewn outfits, deliveries waiting to be returned, packages waiting at the door ready to be opened. All signs of a life waiting to be lived - chores to be done, ready for her to return and continue when she got home. But she never got home because a predator - you - was on the loose. Prowling the streets for hours looking for his prey. 'You can't comprehend what you are being told when it happened because it is so horrific. Some sort of sick waking nightmare. You can't imagine anyone could do such a thing. 'You are waiting to hear anything from the police. Every bit you get is different. You hear her body has been found. Then you find out she has been burnt. So badly burnt you can't see her. Can't see her again to say goodbye. The first thought you have in your head after despair and shock is - was she dead before you burnt her? Imagine that even having to be a thought. You find out no soot was found in her lungs which suggests she was burnt after you murdered her. Imagine being relieved to hear your sister was dead before she was burnt. 'I replay it continuously round in my head. What you may have said to her, what she may have said back, when she realised she was in grave danger and was not going to survive. Hoping my sister was unconscious and drugged, but we know that was not the case - no drugs found in her body, no trauma to the head. Burst blood vessels in her brain from your strangulation. Which meant she was conscious when you were doing these unfathomable things to her. My only hope is that she was in a state of shock and that she wasn't aware of the disgusting things being done to her by a monster. When you forced yourself upon and raped her. When you put your hands around her neck and strangled her. 'It disgusts me that you were the last person to touch her perfect body and violate her in the way you did. The last person to see her alive and speak to her. How scared she must have been. The last moments of her life not with loved ones, but frightened and fighting for her life. I hate to think of her being so scared and alone and that in her last moments she had no one with her. No kindness. I hate that I wasn't there to save her. To stop you. I find it hard to believe she is not just living her own life and sick at the thought that her last moments on this earth alive were so horrific. 'How dare you take her from me? Take away her hopes and dreams. Her life. Children that will never be born. Generations that will never exist. Her future no longer exists. The future I was supposed to live with my sister no longer exists. You have ruined so many lives. 'Sarah is the very best person with so many people who love and cherish her. I want to speak to her and hug her and hear her laugh and go out for dinners and drinks and dancing. All those conversations we can never have. There were so many things I wanted to share with her - trips abroad, being each other's bridesmaid, meeting her babies and being an 'Aunty, growing old together and seeing who got the most wrinkles. We weren't even halfway through our journey and you took it all away! 'I feel like I live in a make-believe world. As if nothing is real. I have to pretend because the thought of not having Sarah forever is too hard to bear. A lifetime now seems a very long time. 'I should never have to write a eulogy for or bury my little sister. There is no punishment that you could receive that will ever compare to the pain you have caused us. We can never get Sarah back. The last moments of Sarah's life play on my mind constantly. I am so disgusted and appalled. It terrifies me that you have such disregard for a person's life. You have taken from me the most precious person. And I can never get her back.' Advertisement

Police scramble to defend themselves over Sarah Everard: Met says they could NOT have stopped Wayne Couzens from murdering the 33-year-old but point finger at Kent force for not properly investigating report of indecent exposure

Metropolitan Police has said it could not have stopped Wayne Couzens from murdering Sarah Everard as it pointed a finger at Kent for not properly investigating a 2015 report of indecent exposure linked to the officer's car.

The killer cop, 48, who was nicknamed The Rapist because of his inappropriate behaviour around women, had an obsession with 'brutal porn' and flashed McDonald's workers before murdering Sarah Everard on March 3.

But he still passed a vetting process that saw him put in charge of a gun as he stood guard at embassies in London for Met Police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also looking into Kent Police - where Couzens used to work as a volunteer - after it was accused of not investigating reports in 2015 that a man had been spotted driving down a road with no trousers on.

Met Police today said 'one of a range of checks' when Couzens applied to join the force 'may not have been undertaken correctly'.

Couzens' car numberplate was linked to the 2015 indecent exposure but Met Police blamed the Kent force, claiming 'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.'

It comes as a list of eight blunders that left Couzens free to kill were revealed.

Wayen Couzens (pictured), 48, was nicknamed The Rapist by colleagues and had an obsession with 'brutal porn' before committing the gruesome murder on March 3

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London.

The Met is being investigated by the IOPC for allegedly failing to probe these two separate incidents, despite apparently being provided with CCTV. Couzens was only identified as a suspect after Miss Everard's murder.

Questions have also been asked about how the Met Police's vetting process failed to pick up concerns around Couzens before he was made an armed officer in its elite Diplomatic Protection Group, which involved him guarding embassies, VIPs and members of the Royal Family.

Inappropriate Whatsapp messages and how Couzens got his head injuries: The ongoing investigations carried out by IOPC The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has offered an update on investigations linked to Wayne Couzens' gruesome murder. Sal Naseem said: 'I would again wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Sarah Everard's family and all those affected by her death.' She said the watchdog could reveal other investigations - including into inappropriate graphics and discriminatory messages sent by police officers via Whatsapp: An investigation into allegations that a probationary MPS police constable shared an inappropriate graphic, depicting violence against women, with colleagues via Whatsapp. The graphic depicted the murder of Miss Everard by a serving police officer. Though the officer who sent the message was off-duty at the time he was later stationed at the crime scene cordon. The force has not yet decided what action to take. An investigation into the conduct of five officers from three forces and one former officer who allegedly sent discriminatory messages as part of a Whatsapp group between March and October 2019. Three of the serving officers are with the MPS, one from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and one from Norfolk Constabulary. Couzens was previously with the MPS. They are being investigated for gross misconduct for allegedly sending messages of a discriminatory and/or inappropriate nature, and for allegedly failing to challenge the messages sent by the others. Two of the MPS officers and the former MPS officer have also been notified that they are being criminally investigated for improper use of the public electronic communications network under Section 127 of the Communications Act. An investigation into allegations that officers from several forces breached standards of professional behaviour when they used a messaging app to share information connected to the prosecution of Couzens. One officer was investigated for gross misconduct because there was an indication they shared details presented in court from an interview given by Couzens under caution, when there was no policing purpose to do so. A further six officers were served with misconduct notices for not challenging the sharing of the information, and that two of them also joined in the conversation. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding how Couzens sustained head injuries in custody on and March 10 and 12 after he had been arrested on suspicion of murder. A police spokesman said: 'Our inquiries, concluded last month (August), established that the injuries were self-inflicted. We found that correct policies and procedures were followed and we did not identify any conduct or learning issues for the MPS.' Advertisement

A McDonald's worker today claimed Couzens exposed himself to her three weeks before killing Miss Everard as she was working at a drive-thru on the A20 near Swanley in Kent at the start of February.

Couzens was allegedly nicknamed 'The Rapist' by colleagues in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary - where he was involved in protecting nuclear power stations - because of his inappropriate behaviour around women.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor said the nickname was known by some officers.

Sir Tom told the BBC Couzens 'also had allegedly a reputation in terms of drug abuse, extreme pornography and other offences of this kind'.

Couzens used to work at his father's garage in Dover before joining the Kent Special Constabulary at some point after 2002.

The court heard a colleague in that year spoke of 'his attraction to brutal sexual pornography' but Jim Sturman QC, defending, said it related to a single incident 'which is almost impossible to examine now'.

The court heard he used prostitutes and had a fake Match.com dating profile despite being married with two children and in 2018, it has been claimed he was reported to bosses for slapping a female police officer's bottom at Bromley police station. It appears no action was taken, a source claimed.

While at Bromley, it is also alleged he became the subject of gossip for only stopping female motorists - before taking their details so he could watch their homes - and parking outside schools to leer at mothers and sixth formers.

The Met said: 'Couzens was a serving and vetted police officer when he joined the Met. He had no criminal convictions or cautions and he was not subject to any misconduct proceedings during his time at the MPS. We are aware of no other concerns raised by his colleagues or anyone regarding his behaviour.'

The force admitted mistakes were made during Couzens' vetting process.

A spokesman added: 'Following his arrest, as the public would expect, we reviewed his vetting. This review confirmed he passed vetting processes. However, it also found one of a range of checks may not have been undertaken correctly.

'This check related to information regarding a vehicle which was registered to Couzens and that was linked to an allegation of indecent exposure in Kent in 2015.

'Kent Police investigated this allegation and decided to take no further action. Our review found that the record of this allegation and outcome may not have been found during the vetting checks.

'However, the review we conducted found that despite this there was no information available to the Met at the time that would have changed the vetting decision. We continue to build up a picture of Couzens' career and wider activities.

'We would like to appeal for anyone who has information of concern about Couzens - whether police colleagues or members of the public - to contact us directly.'

A McDonald's worker told MailOnline she saw Couzens pulling up by the order hatch with his trousers down. Met Police has not commented on this claim and the worker did not suggest the Met knew Couzens had done this and allowed him to carry on working.

The staff member - who said she recognised Couzens from the news coverage after he was identified as Miss Everard's killer, told MailOnline: 'The whole has thing left me quite disturbed. He casually pulled up to the serving hatch having ordered his food and I could clearly see that he was naked from below the waist.

'It was not the first time that he had done this when he came to McDonald's, but I was the only female member of staff to report it. I'm glad I took a stand and alerted the authorities because it was the right thing do. But I never imagined that he would go on to murder a woman, it's tragic.'

The devout Christian said she reported the alleged incident to police. MailOnline has contacted the Met for comment.

The Met is already being investigated by the police watchdog for its alleged failure to investigate two flashings later attributed to Couzens at a McDonald's in south London three days before he kidnapped, raped and murdered Miss Everard.

Couzens has been linked to an incident three days before Miss Everard was kidnapped which saw two members of staff being flashed at a branch of McDonald's in south London (file image)

Couzens used his police ID to carry out a fake Covid arrest, cuffed the 33-year-old in his car and then strangled her using his police belt.

He appeared to shake in the dock as he was handed a full life term at the Old Bailey this morning - as activists with 'Met Police: Blood on their hands' banners protested outside. Lord Justice Fulford said he was a 'warped' and 'self-pitying' killer who used his position and knowledge of Covid-19 lockdown laws to carry out one of the most shocking crimes in recent history.

The McDonald's worker allegedly targeted by Couzens in February said of the incident: 'I believe that the police took action when I reported the matter at the time but I suppose the question is if it was appropriate enough?' she asked.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing Couzens at the Old Bailey in London

'A process was underway, they were looking into it but perhaps they could have done more. I never thought it would escalate in the way that it did, and I don't think the police did either.

'I have not spoken about the incident at great length because I don't want to take anything away from Sarah's killing. At the end of the day the focus should be on her and her family and other women who have been killed by men.

'I'm a devout Christian and people in my church have supported me. The whole thing was very disturbing. I no longer work at McDonald's, I'm in a new job and have put the whole thing behind me. It is a closed chapter in my life and I've moved on.'

'Take off your mask and look at me: Sarah's father Jeremy says the murder is 'in my mind all the time' Jeremy Everard, father of Sarah Everard Sarah Everard, 14th June 1987 to March 2021 Sarah's father Jeremy Everard 'The impact of what you have done will never end. The horrendous murder of my daughter, Sarah, is in my mind all the time and will be for the rest of my life. 'A father wants to look after his children and fix everything and you have deliberately and with pre- meditation stopped my ability to do that. 'Sarah was handcuffed and unable to defend herself. This preys on my mind all the time. I can never forgive you for what you have done, for taking Sarah away from us. 'You burnt our daughter's body - you further tortured us - so that we could not see her again. We did not know whether you had burnt her alive or dead. You stopped us seeing Sarah for one last time and stopped me from giving my daughter one last kiss goodbye. 'Her body fell apart when she was moved. Her brain and neck bones were removed for months by the pathologist and her body was difficult to preserve so we had to use the services of a specialist embalmer to enable a dignified burial. 'All my family want is Sarah back with us. No punishment that you receive will ever compare to the pain and torture that you have inflicted on us. 'You murdered our daughter and forever broke the hearts of her mother, father, brother, sister, family and her friends. 'Sarah had so much to look forward to and because of YOU this is now gone forever. She was saving to buy a house and looking forward to marriage and children. We were looking forward to having grandchildren. We loved being a part of Sarah's world and expected her to have a full and happy life. The closest we can get to her now is to visit her grave every day.' Advertisement

Shopping in Tesco and B&Q for his kidnap, rape and kill kit: Footage shows Wayne Couzens buy rubble bags, hairbands and a jerry can he used in sickening murder of Sarah Everard

Chilling footage shows Wayne Couzens shopping for rubble bags, hairbands and a jerry can full of petrol he would use in the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard.

Wayne Couzens, 48, used his Metropolitan Police-issue warrant card and handcuffs to snatch Ms Everard as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham, south London, on the evening of March 3.

The firearms officer, who had clocked off from a 12-hour shift at the American embassy that morning, drove to a secluded rural area near Dover in Kent, where he raped Ms Everard.

In disturbing footage, released by the Met Police today, Couzens is seen on March 3, the night of Ms Everard's disappearance, at a Tesco Superstore in Kensington, west London, at 8pm.

He buys a pack of 14 hair bands, which were said to be a 'significant' purchase and part of his plans.

Couzens had strangled marketing executive Ms Everard, who lived in Brixton, south London, with his police belt at or before 2.30am the following morning.

On March 5, at 11.05am, Couzens is seen buying a petrol canister and filling it up at a BP forecourt in Whitfield, Dover.

Three hours later, CCTV shows him wearing a pale blue face mask while shopping at a B&Q hardware shop in Dover, where he buys two green rubble bags for 9.94.

Pictured: A canister used by Wayne Couzens in the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard

Pictured: Part of the equipment used by Couzens in the killing of Miss Everard

Pictured: Couzens' equipment recovered from his police locker

Among exhibits the police used to catch Couzens was a roll of plastic floor protector tape

Pictured: Handcuffs recovered from Couzens' work locker following the murder of Miss Everard

Couzens bought a pack of 14 hair bands, which were said to be a 'significant' purchase and part of his plans

A key recovered from the car used by Couzens, who killed Miss Everard

Ms Everard's mother Susan said at the Old Bailey that Couzens 'treated my daughter as if she was nothing and disposed of her as if she was rubbish'.

She added: 'When Sarah's burnt remains were found, we spent two terrible days waiting for tests to show how she had died, fearing she had been set alight before she was dead - the thought was appalling.

'Burning her body was the final insult, it meant we could never again see her sweet face and never say goodbye.'

On March 6 Couzens ordered a tarpaulin and a bungee cargo net on Amazon, which were shipped to him on March 7.

He then calls in sick on March 8, when he was due to return to work.

On March 9 his phone is wiped of all data at 7.11pm, less than an hour before he is arrested at his home in Deal, Kent, at 7.50pm.

The next day, Ms Everard's body was discovered in a wooded area of Ashford, Kent, around 100 metres from land owned by Couzens.

Pictured: Equipment recovered from Couzens' work locker following Miss Everard's death

Lubricating jelly recovered from the car used by Couzens, who killed Miss Everard

Three hours later, CCTV shows him wearing a pale blue face mask while shopping at a B&Q hardware shop in Dover, where he buys two green rubble bags for 9.94

On March 5, at 11.05am, Couzens is seen buying a petrol canister and filling it up at a BP forecourt in Whitfield, Dover

Couzens (left, in his uniform with his police belt circled; and right, in a court sketch) kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in depraved crimes after he had finished his shift

In disturbing footage, released by the Met Police today, Couzens is seen on March 3, the night of Ms Everard's disappearance, at a Tesco Superstore in Kensington, west London, at 8pm

She was later formally identified by dental records.

On Wednesday, Ms Everard's parents and sister condemned her killer as he sat quaking in the dock with his head bowed at the start of his sentencing at the Old Bailey.

Her father Jeremy Everard demanded the killer look at him as he said: 'I can never forgive you for what you have done, for taking Sarah away from us.'

Susan Everard said she was 'incandescent with rage' at what he had done, saying he disposed of her daughter 'as if she was rubbish'.

She added: 'I am outraged that he masqueraded as a policeman in order to get what he wanted.'

Sister Katie Everard wept as she said: 'My only hope is that she was in a state of shock and that she wasn't aware of the disgusting things being done to her by a monster. When you forced yourself upon her and raped her.'

Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick also attended court to hear how one of her own officers had abused his position and used his warrant card to kidnap Ms Everard 'by fraud' before detaining her 'by force'.

Prosecutor Tom Little QC suggested the case was so exceptional and unprecedented that it could warrant a whole life order, meaning Couzens would die in jail.

Opening the facts of the case, he said Miss Everard's disappearance was one of the most widely publicised missing person investigations the country has ever seen.

After her body was discovered a week later, it became summarised on social media by the hashtag 'she was just walking home', which did not completely describe what had happened, he said.

'Whilst it is impossible to summarise what the defendant did to Sarah Everard in just five words, if it had to be done then it would be more appropriate to do so as deception, kidnap, rape, strangulation, fire,' said Mr Little.

The court heard Ms Everard was described by a former long-term boyfriend as 'extremely intelligent, savvy and streetwise' and 'not a gullible person'.

He said he could not envisage her getting into a car with someone she did not know 'unless by force or manipulation', said the prosecutor.

Couzens had worked on uniformed Covid patrols in late January to enforce coronavirus regulations, so would have known what language to use to those who may have breached them, he continued.

He is thought to have been wearing his police belt with handcuffs and a rectangular black pouch, similar to a pepper spray holder, when he kidnapped Ms Everard as she walked home.

'The fact she had been to a friend's house for dinner at the height of the early 2021 lockdown made her more vulnerable to and more likely to submit to an accusation that she had acted in breach of the Covid regulations in some way,' said Mr Little.

The court heard how Couzens had booked a hire car before going out 'hunting' for a lone young female to kidnap and rape.

Chilling CCTV footage played in court showed Couzens raising his left arm, holding a warrant card, before handcuffing Miss Everard and putting her into the back of the car.

A passing couple witnessed the kidnapping but mistook it for an arrest by an undercover officer, the court heard.

Mr Little said: 'She was detained by fraud. The defendant using his warrant card and handcuffs as well as his other police issue equipment to effect a false arrest.'

Couzens worked for the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command after joining the Met in 2018, having transferred from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

He was sacked by the force after entering guilty pleas.

Scotland Yard said in a statement ahead of the sentencing hearing: 'We are sickened, angered and devastated by this man's crimes which betray everything we stand for.'

Killer cop's 'wife silently watched him face justice': Wayne Couzens' spouse is believed to have logged in to court feed remotely to hear sentencing - as her sister says family's 'heads are still spinning' from trying to comprehend crime

The wife of killer cop Wayne Couzens silently watched him be jailed for the rest of his life remotely on a court camera feed.

Olena Couzens logged in to view the two-day hearing at the Old Bailey from an unknown location.

The mother-of-two was believed to be among others unable to get to court but wanted to follow the sentencing.

Her husband was sentenced to a whole life order for kidnapping, raping and murdering Sarah Everard and will never be freed.

Couzens stood with his head bowed throughout the sentencing hearing and did not look up as he was ordered by the judge to stand.

He shook slightly as he was jailed in front of his victim's family, who calmly looked on from the well of the court.

Olena Couzens logged onto a remote court feed to follow her husband's two day sentencing in real time on Wednesday

Criminal and policeman: Couzens seen left when he was caught and right as he served as a police officer in Kent

Sarah Everard's parents Jeremy and Susan clasped hands and hugged police officers after Couzens shuffled out of the dock to be taken down to the cells.

Olena's sister-in-law says the family still don't understand why he murdered her and their 'heads are spinning' from trying to come to terms with it.

Tetyana Obukhova, 39, who is the older sister of Olena, told MailOnline: 'I don't know why he'd done what he's done, my head has been spinning for days, weeks while I was trying to understand it.

'I don't know the reasons that made him do it, and I'm not going to speculate. He must serve quite a severe punishment for what he's done.'

Ms Obukhova said her sister, Couzens' shattered wife of 15 years, was still living in the UK and she didn't know if she was planning to move with the couple's children back to Ukraine.

While on duty on February 28, he booked a 65.30 hire car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Dover, which he collected on March 3 (pictured), having decided his own was too old and filthy to be passed off as a police vehicle

Just four minutes after Sarah was seen walking down Cavendish Road towards her home, Couzens' hire car, was spotted travelling east, and passing the same camera

Buying a hot chocolate and Bakewell tart at a Costa Coffee  wearing the very same clothes as he had the night before. Just over an hour later, he would dispose of Miss Everard's phone in a flood relief channel in Sandwich  but a fragment was later found in his car

Speaking from her home in Kirovograd, 185 miles south of Kiev, Ms Obukhova insisted that the biggest shock was that on the face of it, Couzens was a 'decent' husband and father.

She added: 'I myself don't know what to think about it. I just don't know perhaps he was in a kind of a state. The man I know, the man I spoke to, he is a decent, good man. He is a lovely husband, my sister never had a bad word to say about him, she never once said he was aggressive, or anything like that.'

Recalling Sarah's killing and Couzens subsequent arrest, Ms Obhukova said: 'She (Olena) learned about Sarah on the day when police came to their house. She didn't have a clue why the police were on their doorstep. She was so shocked when he was arrested.

'I don't think she could ever imagine that he was able to do such things to kidnap a woman.'

In July, Olena told MailOnline about her horror at what Couzens had done and that she kept on asking herself 'why?' because it was 'not human behaviour.'

She added: ''If I had any idea what was going on in Wayne's head, then none of this would've happened but I didn't know anything.

'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle.

'I can't comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. I'm just as puzzled as everyone else.

'I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house what else did he need? I'm constantly asking myself "where I did miss the signs?" How on earth could this have happened?'

Ms Obukhova revealed that Olena is likely to remain in England to raise her two children.

She added: 'She is still in the UK, I don't know if she is planning to go to Ukraine. She's got to decide what's the best for her.

'It's hard to guess what she will decide for herself, she's got a job, children are at school there.'

Police watchdog boss admits she wouldn't approach a lone policeman at night as ex-Met Chief Superintendent says women PCs don't raise concerns about male colleagues' behaviour 'because they might not come to their aid when they need help'

A police watchdog inspector has admitted she would have 'concerns and reservations' about approaching a lone male police officer at night with a problem, following the sentencing of Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens.

Zoe Billingham, a senior inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, also said that she could not say 'with certainty' that the murder of a woman by a police officer in Britain would not happen again.

Her comments came as former Scotland Yard chief inspector Parm Sandhu warned how that in her experience, male officers close rank against female colleagues who raise concerns about their behaviour at work.

Ms Sandhu, who now mentors young women becoming officers, also told of her concern over how many women would feel confident in getting into a police officer's car, and described Couzens as 'a monster in uniform'.

Couzens's old boss Dame Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, is facing calls to resign in the wake of the murder amid demands for urgent action to restore the confidence of women in the police.

The Met instantly moved to distanced itself from Couzens yesterday before his sentencing had begun, referring to him as a 'former Metropolitan Police officer' in a statement despite him using his job and police belt to kill her.

Also yesterday, former DCI Simon Harding, who was a senior investigator on Miss Everard's case, said that 'police officers do not view Wayne Couzens as a police officer' and that he 'should never have been near a uniform'.

Couzens was accused of indecent exposure in a branch of fast food restaurant McDonald's in Swanley, Kent, three days before Miss Everard died, but was not arrested or taken off duty while the matter was investigated.

The 48-year-old had been accused of the same crime in Dover in 2015, while working as an officer for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. A motorist allegedly saw him driving naked from the waist down, but no arrests were made.

He also allegedly made female colleagues feel uncomfortable and was nicknamed 'the rapist'. Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating whether the allegations were properly dealt with.

Couzens, 48, who was sentenced at the Old Bailey today, strangled 33-year-old Miss Everard with his police belt after kidnapping her in South London under the guise of a fake arrest for breaking lockdown rules.

Zoe Billingham, a senior inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, said that she could not say 'with certainty' that the murder of a woman by a police officer in Britain would not happen again

Scotland Yard chief inspector Parm Sandhu (pictured on Sky News) warned how in her experience, male officers close rank against female colleagues who raise concerns about their behaviour at work.

Ms Billingham told BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour today that Couzens's actions had struck a 'hammer blow to the heart of policing legitimacy' and that she had the same 'deep, deep anger' that many people felt over the killing.

She added: 'I think this is a watershed moment for policing. I think we cannot abide by the narrative that this was a one-off, that he was a bad'un, and I think every force now in the country must look to re-establish trust and legitimacy.

'Because what Wayne Couzens did to Sarah Everard has struck a hammer blow to the heart of policing legitimacy in England and Wales.

'It needs to be treated as thus, and I would call on ever force in the country to now account immediately, not tomorrow, today to account immediately to its communities a to exactly what it is going to do to ensure that this can never happen again.'

Asked by presenter Emma Barnett how safe she would feel going to a male police officer at night with a problem, Ms Billingham said: 'At this moment in time, like any other woman, I have concerns and reservations, and that's why I say today we cannot dismiss Wayne Couzens as a one-off as a rarity, as an aberration.

'We must see every police force in England and Wales now stepping forward to tell its communities precisely what it's doing to ensure that women are safe. We have yet to see and say with certainty that this may not happen again.'

Ms Billingham's comments came two weeks after she published a report claiming that police chiefs should treat violence against women as seriously as terrorism and stop ditching an 'eye-watering' number of crimes.

Meanwhile Ms Sandhu, who lives in Sevenoaks, Kent, told Sky News: 'Throughout my service there have been incidents of sexism. I was lucky in that I've always managed to stand up for myself at a cost, and there have been hurdles.

'I still mentor young women who are joining the police service now. And you do have to be strong, you do have to be able to cope with these things and you do have to call it out.

'But unfortunately the majority of people who in the police service are men, so it's put down to banter and it's put down to 'oh, you can't take a joke'.

'So you have to be careful about which battles you fight, and I think that's why this monster got away with some of the comments and some of the actions that he did at this workplace, which is why they called him 'the rapist' at work.

A court artist's sketch of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing police officer Wayne Couzens at the Old Bailey in London today

'But no one was strong enough to actually take it any further, or strong enough to actually make him leave the organisation.'

She continued: 'My biggest concern now is how many women will feel confident in getting into a police officer's car. The police service must be able to protect and serve our communities. We are supposed to be part of the community... So in my view, something has to be done to rebuild that trust and confidence.

Ms Sandhu also said: 'This man is a monster in uniform who had got through vetting procedures, so we need to look at how are we vetting people'.

Whole life order: Wayne Couzens joins 60 of Britain's most dangerous criminals including Rose West and Levi Bellfield spending their ENTIRE lives behind bars  so will he spend the rest of his days on a notorious BEAST Wing?

Whole life orders are the most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system for those who commit the most serious crimes.

Today, Wayne Couzens, 48, was jailed for the rest of his life with no chance of parole after he 'misused' his 'office and authority' as a Met officer to kidnap, rape and murder Sarah Everard.

He joins a string of some of the country's most dangerous offenders who are expected to die behind bars.

There are 60 criminals still alive who are serving whole life orders, according to government figures to the end of June. In total, 73 criminals have been sentenced to whole life terms.

Couzens may see out his sentence in a Vulnerable Prisoner Unit (VPU) for his own protection, as he is likely to be considered a possible target for other inmates given the brutality of his crimes of kidnap, rape and murder.

Today, Wayne Couzens was jailed for the rest of his life with no chance of parole

But even the safety precautions in VPUs have been breached in the past.

In 2019, paedophile Richard Huckle, 33, was found stabbed to death in his VPU cell at HMP Full Sutton. Huckle had been serving 22 life sentences for molesting up to 200 children.

Prisoners serving life sentences will never be considered for release, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it.

Milly Dowler's killer Levi Bellfield is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole life orders - for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

Other notorious criminals serving whole life orders include Gloucester serial killer Rose West, who is responsible for the deaths of ten women - many of them tortured and murdered with her husband Fred West, now dead, as an accomplice.

While serving at Long Newton Prison in Durham, Rose West was known to have formed a friendship with Moors murderer Myra Hindley.

The twisted pair's relationship was featured in an ITV documentary, 'Rose West & Myra Hindley: Their Untold Story' which aired in September last year.

Viewers of the documentary later applauded prisoner Julie McAllister, who told film-makers how she had punched West in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Miss McAllister, herself a mother, said: 'She was standing in the queue, talking to the prisoners about how she'd cook them cakes.

'I tapped her on the shoulder and I punched her straight in the face. Caught her in the eye, because you could hear the thud when she hit the floor.'

On Twitter, @andygibsonTV posted: 'I think your criminal record should be wiped clean for doing that fantastic public service.'

Rose West was later transferred to HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire in 2019, as rumours circulated about ill health and death threats.

Michael Adebolajo, one of Fusilier Lee Rigby's killers, is also serving a life term without parole.

Other notorious lifers are Mark Bridger, 55, who abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones in Powys, Wales, in 2012; neo-Nazi Thomas Mair who killed MP Jo Cox; Grindr serial killer Stephen Port; and most recently terror attacker Khairi Saadallah - who murdered three men in a park in Reading.

Levi Bellfield who was found guilty of murdering schoolgirl Milly Dowler in 2003

Gloucester serial killer Rose West, who was jailed for life over the murders ten victims between 1973 and 1987

Rose and her late husband Fred West are believed to have tortured and murdered at least a dozen women in their home in Gloucester, including their daughter Heather

Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and doctor Harold Shipman - thought to be one of Britain's most prolific serial killers - were also among those serving whole life orders.

In the past, home secretaries could issue whole life tariffs and these are now determined by judges.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, the Government is trying to expand the use of whole life orders for premeditated murder of a child.

Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebelajo later lost two teeth while being restrained by five officers at Belmarsh Prison

Mark Bridger, 55, who abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones in Powys, Wales, in 2012

Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley were among the criminals serving life behind bars

Thomas Mair, 58, who shot and stabbed Labour MP Jo Cox outside of her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in 2016

The reforms would also allow judges to hand out the maximum sentence to 18 to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, such as for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life.

It will also give judges the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to impose a whole life order on offenders aged 18 or over but under 21.
How was a man such as Wayne Couzens ever allowed to put on a police uniform?

Here was an individual who indecently exposed himself (three times that we know of), who was addicted to 'brutal' pornography, who habitually visited prostitutes, and who was reportedly the subject of three harassment claims by female officers after his arrest.

Yet he progressed, effortlessly it seems, up the career ladder  from Kent Police to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, which provides security at sites such as Sellafield, to the Met, which he joined as a firearms officer before finally being assigned to the elite diplomatic protection group, where he carried out armed patrols at embassies in London.

Everyone can now agree that Couzens 'should never have been near a uniform', to quote a senior detective on the case who has since left the Met.

Couzens, who raped and murdered Sarah Everard, touted himself as an actor on an online talent directory, with his profile (above) including a picture of him in uniform

His role as a policeman, we now know, was not incidental to the events of the evening of March 3. Couzens flashed his warrant card at Sarah (pictured) and staged a false arrest

Couzens' car is seen driving along Cavendish Road at 9.32pm, just minutes before he pulled over and stopped Miss Everard

But the crucial question is: could  or, to be more precise, should  Scotland Yard have done more to uncover the murderer in its midst?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened separate inquiries into a number of officers linked to the case  some dealing specifically with whether opportunities were missed to stop Couzens before his behaviour escalated.

Wayne Couzens, 48, tricked Sarah Everard into his car after staging a fake arrest on her

This suggests there is a case to answer, and that the criticism the Met is now facing is not just based simply on hindsight.

So it was pointless  and rather foolish  of the Met (or, rather, its press office), in the circumstances, to refer to Wayne Couzens as 'former PC Wayne Couzens' when issuing a statement about the date of his sentencing following his conviction at the Old Bailey.

He was very much a current, not 'former', police officer when he killed 33-year-old Sarah Everard.

His role as a policeman, we now know, was not incidental to the events of the evening of March 3. It was part of his modus operandi, intrinsic to his sick plan, as he hunted for a lone female.

Couzens flashed his warrant card at Sarah, staged a false arrest, then handcuffed her for breaking Covid rules, bundled her into a hire car and strangled her with his police-issue belt hours later. The murder weapon was found at the Met base in Brompton, west London.

Quizzed by police, Couzens (pictured in handcuffs) lied that he had been 'leant on' by an Eastern European gang who threatened to harm his family if he did not agree to pick up a woman

CCTV footage (pictured) captured by a passing bus showed Miss Everard in the back seat of Couzens' hire car after she was falsely 'arrested'

The fact Couzens was a police officer  someone who Sarah should have turned to for protection  has come at a time when, rightly or wrongly, public trust in the police has been severely undermined.

Timeline: How events in the Sarah Everard case unfolded 2015: Kent Police allegedly fail to investigate an indecent exposure incident linked to Wayne Couzens. September 2018: Couzens transfers to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC). 2019: Couzens and his wife buy a small area of woodland off Fridd Lane in Ashford, Kent. February 2019: The Pc joins a response team covering the Bromley area of south London, having initially served in a Safer Neighbourhood Team. February 2020: He moves to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command to patrol diplomatic premises, mainly embassies. February 2021: The 48-year-old is linked to two allegations of indecent exposure in London, which it is claimed Scotland Yard failed to investigate. February 28: Couzens books a white Vauxhall Astra from a car hire firm in Dover, Kent, using his personal details and bank card. He also purchases a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector on Amazon. March 2: 7pm - Couzens starts a 12-hour shift at his base in West Brompton, west London. March 3: On the day of her disappearance, Sarah Everard visits a friend in the Clapham Junction area and uses her bank card to buy a bottle of wine in Sainsbury's in Brixton Hill, south London, on her way. 4.45pm - Couzens collects the hire car. 9pm - Ms Everard leaves to walk home, some 2.5 miles away. 9.13pm - She calls her boyfriend for a little over 14 minutes. 9.15pm - Ms Everard is captured alone on CCTV at the junction of Bowood Road and the South Circular. 9.28pm - The next sighting is on Cavendish Road and she is still alone. 9.32pm - Ms Everard is caught on the camera on a marked police car. 9.35pm - A bus camera captures two figures on Poynders Road standing beside a white Vauxhall Astra parked on the pavement with hazard lights flashing. 9.38pm - Another bus camera captures the same vehicle with the two front car doors open. - March 4: 1am - Having travelled out of London, the car is in the Tilmanstone area of Kent. 8.30am - Couzens returns the hire car used in the abduction. 8.10pm - Ms Everard is reported missing by her boyfriend, Josh Lowth. March 5: The case is escalated and the Specialist Crime Unit becomes involved. Couzens, who is due to be off until March 8, reports to work that he is suffering with stress. 2pm - He buys two green rubble bags for 9.94 at B&Q in Dover. March 6: Couzens emails his supervisor that he no longer wants to carry a firearm. He orders a tarpaulin and a bungee cargo net on Amazon which are shipped to him the next day. March 8: The officer reports in sick on the day he is due to return to work. March 9: 7.11pm - Couzens' phone is wiped of all data. 7.50pm - Couzens is arrested at his home in Deal, Kent. In a brief interview, he tells a story about being threatened by an Eastern European gang. March 10: At around 4.45pm, a body is discovered in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent, and later formally identified by dental records. It is around 100 metres from land owned by Couzens. March 11: Couzens answers "no comment" in formal interviews. March 12: 8.45pm: Couzens is charged. July 9: Couzens pleads guilty to murder when he appears at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh high security jail. September 29: Couzens is handed a whole life order when sentenced. Advertisement

Experts and campaigners have urged police forces and government agencies to tackle violence against women with the same urgency and resources that are dedicated to the prevention of terrorism.

Met Commissioner Cressida Dick, in particular, is fighting the perception that she has not done enough to keep women in London safe following a spate of 'stranger killings' which culminated this month in the death of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa, 28, who was attacked in south-east London on her way to a date.

Revelations about Couzens' behaviour will only strengthen that feeling. While the 48-year-old appeared to be a happily married father-of-two, nothing could have been further from the truth.

On February 28, just three days before he kidnapped, raped, and murdered Miss Everard, we now know he exposed himself in a McDonald's restaurant in Swanley, Kent.

Staff at the drive-thru told police that two female colleagues had been flashed on two earlier occasions that month.

'The whole thing has left me quite disturbed,' revealed one of the (now former) McDonald's workers who was on duty at the time.

'He pulled up to the serving hatch having ordered his food and I could clearly see he was naked from below the waist.

'It was not the first time he had done this when he came to McDonald's, but I was the only female member of staff to report it. I believe that the police took action when I reported the matter at the time. A process was under way.

'They were looking into it but perhaps they could have done more. I never thought it would escalate in the way it did and I don't think the police did either.'

Two officers are now being investigated by the IOPC for possible breaches of professional standards relating to the complaint.

The watchdog is also looking into a 2015 incident, when Couzens was reported by a male motorist for driving around his native Kent  where he served as special constable between 2006 and 2010  naked from the waist down.

It is easy to blame the police when things go wrong and ignore the pressures many officers are under at a time of rising crime and depleted manpower. Nevertheless, earlier opportunities to arrest Couzens were missed.

Were there any other red flags? It seems there were. Since his arrest, at least three female officers, it is alleged, have come forward and accused him of harassing them.

Former Met chief superintendent Parm Sandhu offered one controversial explanation for the timing after Couzens was jailed yesterday. 'The police service is very sexist and misogynistic,' she told the BBC.

'A lot of women will not report their colleagues. What happens is that male police officers will close ranks, and the fear that most women police officers have got is that when you are calling for help... they're not going to turn up and you're going to get kicked in the street.'

It's certainly a scenario that has played out on TV in crime dramas such as Line of Duty. But what a damning picture Miss Sandhu paints of some real police officers  albeit a minority.

Couzens certainly epitomised the stereotype.

Apart from the flashing and harassment allegations, the Old Bailey was told he was attracted to 'brutal' pornography and frequently visited prostitutes.

In February, the month before he kidnapped Sarah, he contacted a sex worker going by the username 'escourtbabygirl'.

He is believed to have used a B&B in Dover, about a 20-minute drive from the home in Deal he shared with his wife and children, to pay for sex.

In December, he set up a page on dating website Match.com, claiming that he was separated and living in Canterbury.

He also touted himself as an actor on an online talent directory, with his profile including a picture of him in uniform. He described himself as an officer specialising in counter terrorism, contrary to police guidance.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem has said of Miss Everard's killer: '[His] betrayal of the public's trust in him as a police officer can only have added to her family's distress.'

The question is: Should he have been a serving police officer at all on the night he murdered Sarah?
A fully-stocked petrol station in London turned away angry motorists this week while James Nesbitt filmed scenes for Channel 4's Suspect.

Pumps at a Texaco garage in Vauxhall, south London, were closed off for seven hours on Thursday morning while film crews worked on the forecourt.

An ambulance driver was among the motorists who were unable to refuel at the petrol station, which had been refilled at 11.30pm on Wednesday, The Sun reports.

30 minutes after the pumps were refilled, signs were put up refusing entry to the public while Channel 4's Suspect was filmed - with drivers not allowed to enter until 7am the next morning.

A fully-stocked petrol station in London turned away angry motorists this week while James Nesbitt filmed a scene for Channel 4's Suspect (pictured)

Images showed Nesbitt holding a cigarette packet in the driver's seat of his character detective Danny Frater's BMW as he went about his work.

Lighting and sound equipment was also brought onto the forecourt by crews during the filming session.

Speaking about the closed pumps, the ambulance driver, who returned the next day, told the publication: 'There were people queuing for hours. When we were turned away a lot of drivers got angry, shouted abuse and sounded their horns.'

The garage's independent owner, who was only identified as Suki, revealed a technology error was ultimately to blame though after the computer system running their tills failed - meaning the inability for customers to buy fuel was a coincidence.

Pumps at a Texaco garage in Vauxhall, south London, were closed off for seven hours on Thursday morning while film crews worked on the forecourt

30 minutes after the pumps were refilled, signs were put up refusing entry to the public while Channel 4's Suspect was filmed - with drivers not allowed to enter until 7am the next morning

They said: 'The plan had been to allow the public to continue using the pumps.'

The owner added that filming could not be cancelled to open the remaining pumps because they were contractually obliged to allow the filming session.

A spokesman for the show told The Sun that the garage's forecourt had been closed between midnight and 5am on Thursday morning - with the area in use safely zoned off and clearly visible to motorists from a distance.

MailOnline has approached Channel 4 and Texaco for comment.

Images showed Nesbitt holding a cigarette packet in the driver's seat of his character detective Danny Frater's BMW. Lighting and sound equipment was also brought onto the forecourt during the filming session

It comes as leaked Government analysis revealed that the UK petrol crisis has a North/South divide - with the situation improving in the North East and Yorkshire but the South East and Midlands continuing to suffer.

Average fuel levels at UK petrol stations were at 20 per cent for the third day running today - less than half the normal figure of 43 per cent  but the Whitehall analysis showed a drastically varying picture by region.

London, the South East, the North West, the West Midlands and East Midlands all have fuel levels of below 20 per cent and are labelled 'red' under a traffic light system that is reminiscent of the Government's travel lists.

But fuel levels are improving in the North East, Yorkshire and Wales which have all moved from red to amber, while Scotland is moving from amber to green - and Northern Ireland is already green, reported The Times.

Revelations over the regional variations came as the Government was today accused of 'gaslighting' Britain over the fuel crisis, with Ministers admitting more than a quarter of petrol stations still remain without supplies.

London and Bristol were among the worst hit areas today as UK roads were gridlocked for the seventh day in a row while motorists hunt for stations with fuel, carrying petrol cans, plastic jugs and water bottles to stock up.

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told MailOnline today that there might be a case for prioritising supplies to London but the main thing was for people to calm down.

He said: 'London is always the first to panic and the last to get back to normal I suspect what has been going on is since Covid people have abandoned trains and got back in cars. That has created greater demand.'

Sir Iain, who represents Chingford and Woodford Green in North East London, pointed out that many people commuting into London could see petrol stations busy as they travelled on arterial routes, and that 'spooked' them about whether they had enough fuel.

BRISTOL -- Long queues for petrol at Asda Longwell Green in Bristol yesterday morning as the fuel supply crisis continued

'London will get back eventually when people calm down,' he added. Asked if supplies should be prioritised for the capital, he said: 'I think a bit of both. They have probably got a priority to get the petrol there, but the most important thing is for people to calm down.'

The Petrol Retailers Association said it had surveyed 1,200 fuel stations across the UK today, and 52 per cent of sites reported having both petrol and diesel in stock, 21 per cent had only one in stock and 27 per cent were dry.

Northern Ireland has not suffered from the fuel supply crisis because of the Northern Ireland Protocol which effectively puts a trade border in place along the Irish sea. The Protocol means companies in Northern Ireland qualify from a European fuel rebate, and have access to what is described as an 'all-Ireland solution' for fuel.

Meanwhile in Scotland, most petrol stations are now trading normally - with the main issues being at sites in more populated areas in the central belt region, which became overwhelmed. The PRA also told MailOnline that 'density of population' was a major reason why the crisis had not been so bad in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Australia's overseas travel ban may be lifted as soon as next month, but only for states that have surpassed 80 per cent of residents being double-vaccinated.

Daily Mail Australia understands that Prime Minister Scott Morrison will inform state and territory leaders of his plans at a National Cabinet meeting on Friday to conditionally restart overseas travel.

Returning travellers may be allowed to home quarantine for seven days instead of the current two-week mandatory hotel quarantine and may be able to skip it altogether if coming back from a country which shares a 'travel bubble' with Australia.

Australia is in talks to set up quarantine-free travel bubbles with the UK, US, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Pacific islands such as Fiji for the fully vaccinated. Pictured: London's Big Ben

Travellers (pictured at Sydney Airport in December) may be allowed to home quarantine for seven days on return instead of the current two-week mandatory hotel quarantine

Mr Morrison is not expected to announce a date when international travel will restart but government sources say the borders could open in November for some states.

The Prime Minister will hold a press conference at 1pm AEST - ahead of the national cabinet meeting at 2pm.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was disappointing her government had not been given a heads-up on the change, which runs counter to her strict state border restrictions.

'I'm not going to agree to anything when I haven't seen any formal paperwork,' she said.

Australians have been banned from leaving the country since March 18, 2020 under strict biosecurity laws to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

The biosecurity laws are currently in place until December 17 but can be tweaked or removed at any time.

On current projections NSW will hit the 80 per cent vaccination rate on October 16. Victoria will reach the mark on November 23, Queensland on December 8 and Western Australia on December 15.

The re-opening of the international border would mean that NSW and Victoria residents will be able to fly to London or New York before Brisbane or Perth due to state border closures.

Meanwhile, Australia remains in long-held talks to set up quarantine-free travel bubbles with the UK, US, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Pacific islands such as Fiji for the double-vaccinated.



Japan is one of the countries in discussions with Australia over a travel bubble. Pictured: Osaka

Annastacia Palaszczuk slams Scott Morrison's plan to open up the borders fuming no one told HER Annastacia Palaszczuk has blasted Scott Morrison for not telling her about plans to open the international border as early as November for states that hit the 80 per cent vaccination rate. But Ms Palaszczuk is furious the Prime Minster did not give her a heads up. 'It has not been distributed in any papers to national cabinet prior to national cabinet's meeting,' she said in her press conference on Friday morning. She refused to support the idea because she hasn't seen any paperwork. 'I'm not going to agree to anything when I haven't seen any formal paperwork,' she said. 'It would be irresponsible and I think that Queenslanders would expect me to see some paperwork, to understand the issues before an announcement is made. 'So it's a bit disappointing that we haven't been given that due courtesy before national cabinet.' Asked if Queenslanders will be allowed to go on holiday overseas when 80 per cent are fully vaccinated, Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted to see everyone eligible - which is all overs 12s - be offered a vaccine first. 'We need to be in a situation where every eligible person, so every eligible person in that cohort is offered a vaccine,' she said. 'It would be great to see the Federal Government focusing on a national campaign to really drive those vaccination rates up. 'We've got to make sure that we're getting out to the Indigenous communities. That the people with a disability are getting vaccinated, and of course, I've said previously - we need to have a plan for those children who will be unvaccinated.' Children under 12 are not eligible for Covid-19 vaccination because trials are still ongoing. Advertisement

Eventually, the Covid-19 arrival caps for Australian citizens will be removed and hotel quarantine will be scrapped in favour of home quarantine in states that sign up, with New South Wales and South Australia currently running trials on that.

But quarantine may be scrapped entirely for double-vaccinated people coming from travel bubble countries, provided they test negative on arrival.

Such arrangements would mirror the New Zealand travel bubble that was in place between April and July before New South Wales suffered its Covid outbreak.

Earlier this month Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said discussions were ongoing with several countries with high vaccination rates to determine what kind of quarantine arrangements would be needed.

'With New Zealand we were able to do that quarantine-free. It would be great if we could get that up and running again,' he told Nine's Today show.

'Then we're in discussion with the Pacific islands, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the US, the UK on what those travel arrangements will look like.

'Hopefully we'll be able to have home quarantine, we'll be able to limit the time of quarantine and, ultimately, quarantine-free travel. It could require some testing. All those discussions are in place,' he said.

A travel bubble could be set up with Fiji (pictured) so Australians can finally go on holiday

Trade Minister Dan Tehan wants a travel bubble with the US. Pictured: The Grand Canyon

Asked if the quarantine requirements could differ from state to state, Mr Tehan said: 'We'll work that through with the states and territories. We have a very important trial taking place in South Australia at the moment on home quarantine.

'NSW have indicated that they want to move to home quarantining as well. As we keep rolling out these trials, the hope is also we can look at, perhaps, seven days in home quarantine with testing either side because the more we can limit that time in quarantine, obviously the better, the better for bringing returning Australians home, the better for international students to be able to return.

'So all that will be worked through with the states and territories.'

Mr Tehan said Tourism Australia was 'sending those positive messages out there, that our borders are going to be open before Christmas and we want to make sure that we're welcoming people.'

NSW is conducting a four-week trial of seven-day home quarantine for returning Australians with the aim of stamping out hotel quarantine by the time the borders open late this year.

We can't live in a hermit kingdom, we have to rejoin the world NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet

Qantas is preparing to restart international flights on December 18 for the fully vaccinated.

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia earlier this month, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said NSW residents will be able to fly to London and New York before Perth or Brisbane because Western Australia and Queensland are still pursuing a Covid elimination strategy and keeping their borders closed.

Asked if that was an absurd situation, he said: 'That's just the reality.

'We're talking about returning international students, we're talking about returning Australians. We're opening up businesses and the next step is opening up borders,' he said.

'If we can lead the way on international travel that's going to be a great thing for the state.

'And hopefully that will then lead to other states following us. It might be ironic that you can get to Bali before you can get to Broome but that's where we're heading.'

The Treasurer said premiers in other states who are nervous about opening up will be eventually pushed into action by their voters who will want to travel once more.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet with his budget papers

'What I want to see in the other states is that as we move through this period and as we rejoin the world, that other states and the Australian people will say well ''we want to have that too'' and that means living alongside the virus,' he said.

'There is no evidence of Covid going away and we can't hide from it indefinitely.

'We can't live in a hermit kingdom, we have to rejoin the world.

'It's pretty clear that NSW and Victoria will be the two states that move together on achieving that,' he added.

Mr Perrottet said international travel was crucial to Australia's success, with tourism bringing in $42billion a year to the NSW economy.

'Over time our role as a government is to lead our people into great opportunity and prosperity and it's not just for us, it's for our kids as well and that's our focus and I think overtime that's where Australians will want to be,' he said.

Mr Perrottet said hotel quarantine will be replaced by home isolation this year and then removed altogether for the fully vaccinated next year.

'My expectation is that we will get through this trial and if it's successful we will shift from hotel quarantine to home quarantine and the next step after that is just logical,' he said.

'If somebody is fully vaccinated, coming from overseas, they shouldn't be treated any differently from people who are vaccinated who are living here. As we rejoin the world, it will make no sense for people [to quarantine].

'And Australians as well, if we're going to be travelling overseas we don't want to do seven days or 14 days quarantine either. That's just not going to work.

'Ultimately we're going to end up in a situation where right across the world the majority of people have been vaccinated and we move on and enjoy the opportunities we had before this virus came to be.'

Australians will be allowed on overseas holidays even if some state borders are still closed when 80 per cent are vaccinated. Pictured: Sydney passengers before lockdown
The millionaire owner of a care home where a resident died of cold after both boilers broke preferred to have things fixed with Sellotape rather than pay to have them replaced, a court heard.

Doreen Osborne, 95, was rushed to hospital after complaining she felt freezing following three weeks without central heating at Pine Heath care home as winter set in.

Staff had resorted to wearing their coats indoors as temperatures plummeted, yet director Kaldish Singh, 56, failed to authorise replacing the two boilers, the court heard. His company was fined more than 80,000 after a judge slammed his cost-cutting at the expense of safety.

Doreen Osborne died in November 2016 after being taken to hospital in 'a severely hypothermic state', with a body temperature 9C below normal

The millionaire owner of the Pine Heath care home, where Mrs Osborne had been paying 500-a-week for her care, preferred to have things fixed with Sellotape rather than pay to have them replaced, a court heard

The alarm was raised in November 2016 after retired Sainsburys worker Mrs Osborne  who was paying 500-a-week for her care after selling her home in London  was taken to hospital in a severely hypothermic state, her body temperature 9C below normal. She died later that day. I blame the care home for her death, her daughter, Susan Sampson, 73, said in 2018. She was without proper heating for three weeks. She was depressed about it, and would say, Im freezing. I dont know what to do with myself.

Mrs Osbornes room had been particularly draughty as a window would not close properly. Paramedics found five other residents suffering from hypothermia, and it emerged that one of the 1960s boilers heating the home near Holt, Norfolk, had stopped working five months earlier, Chelmsford magistrates court was told.

Staff reported that Mr Singh refused to pay to replace them, said James Marsland, prosecuting. One told investigators he seemed like a wealthy man but very tight, the court heard. He would prefer something to be mended with Sellotape rather than replaced.

Mrs Osborne's daughter Susan Simpson said, in 2018: I blame the care home for her death. She was without proper heating for three weeks. She was depressed about it, and would say, Im freezing. I dont know what to do with myself

The home was shut down six months later after Care Quality Commission inspectors found a string of failings.

District Judge Timothy King imposed a fine of 81,000 plus 5,500 in costs after Essex-based Diamond Care (UK) Limited pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe care and treatment.

The case came after the homes owner and manager were interviewed on suspicion of Mrs Osbornes manslaughter by gross neglect but the Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no action against them.
The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from an allergic reaction after eating a baguette, have welcomed a new law in her name saying their daughter would be very proud.

Natashas Law, which comes into force today, requires all food retailers to display full ingredient and allergen labelling on every food item made on the premises and pre-packed for direct sale.

Fifteen-year-old Natasha died in July 2016 after she ate a baguette she was unaware contained hidden sesame seeds which she was severely allergic to.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died from an allergic reaction after eating a baguette. Natashas Law, which comes into force today, requires all food retailers to display full ingredient and allergen labelling on every food item made on the premises and pre-packed for direct sale

Her parents Tanya and Nadim, who set up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, campaigned for the change after the food labelling scandal was exposed at their daughters inquest in 2018.

Mr Ednan-Laperouse said: Natashas Law is about saving lives and marks a major milestone in our campaign to support people with food allergies.

His wife added: Nothing can bring Natasha back but we know she would be very proud a new law in her name will help others.

Natasha went into anaphylactic shock within minutes of take off on a British Airways flight to France after buying a sandwich at a Pret-A-Manger branch in Heathrow airport.

The 15-year-old knew she was allergic to milk, eggs, banana, nuts and sesame seeds so along with her dad, Nadim, had checked the label carefully.

But the artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette contained sesame seeds that were baked into the dough and so not visible or listed in the ingredients.

She fell ill while in the air and despite efforts to give her adrenaline shots, she was unable to breathe and suffered a heart attack and later died in a French hospital on July 17, 2016.

Natasha, who lived in Fulham, west London, had been travelling to Nice with her father and best friend Bethany when tragedy struck.

Nadim, 56, administered two Epi-pens - which delivered potentially lifesaving adrenaline to his daughter as she struggled to breathe - but they did not work and she suffered multiple cardiac arrests.

Since her death Natashas parents - Nadim and mum Tanya - waged a tireless campaign to strengthen food labelling rules and better protect the estimated two million food allergy sufferers in Britain.

Natasha's parents Tanya (right) and Nadim (centre) set up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and campaigned for the change after the food labelling scandal was exposed at their daughters inquest in 2018. Here they are pictured with their son Alex (left)

A loophole in the law meant Pret - and other firms like it - were not obliged to provide a full list of allergens on products made in their stores.

Now from today, Natashas Law comes into force that will require more pre-packaged food like takeaway sandwiches, cakes and salads to have their full ingredients and allergy details listed on the item.

Changes ushered in by the law will apply to businesses selling their own pre-packaged food at other outlets they run - which will include market stalls and mobile food vans.

Under current legislation, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing.

As a result, there was no specific allergen information on the packaging of the baguette that caused Natashas fatal reaction.

Mr Ednan-Laperouse added: 'Natashas Law is vital to protect the 2 to 3 million people in the UK living with food allergies from life-threatening allergic reactions.

'This change in the law brings greater transparency about the foods people are buying and eating; it will give people with food allergies confidence when they are buying pre-packaged food for direct sale such as sandwiches and salads.

'Everyone should be able to consume food safely.'
The Pentagon has confirmed that senior Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad was killed in a US drone strike in Syria, claiming no civilians were harmed after a bungled strike in Afghanistan killed 10 innocent people, including seven children.

The strike on Abu-Ahmad was carried out on September 20 in the Idlib province of Syria, where a vehicle traveling on a rural road in rebel-controlled territory was struck, but the identity of the target was not confirmed until Thursday.

US Central Command did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com regarding what aviation asset was used in the strike.

'Salim Abu-Ahmad was responsible for planning, funding, and approving trans-regional al-Qaeda attacks,' Army Maj. John Rigsbee, a CENTCOM spokesman, told Military Times on Thursday.

The Pentagon has confirmed that senior Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad was killed in a US drone strike in Syria. The aftermath of the September 20 strike is seen above

The charred vehicle, split in the middle, lay on the side of the rural road in an orchard

Smoke rises in the distance at the site of the September 20 strike that killed Abu-Ahmad

'There are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike. This strike continues U.S. operations to degrade international terrorist networks and target terrorist leaders who seek to attack the U.S. homeland and its interests and allies abroad,' he added.

Little is know about Abu-Ahmad, whose name does not seem to appear on US or EU sanctions lists of known terrorists.

The strike in Syria was conducted hours before the Pentagon said that an Air Force general officer would conduct an investigation into the bungled August 29 drone strike in Afghanistan that killed an innocent aid worker and seven children.

Drone strikes on foreign terror suspects have generated controversy for years, garnering both support and condemnation.

Former President Donald Trump touted his January 2020 strike killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani as one of his signature achievements in office.

Following the strike in Syria last week, Syria's Civil Defense team, known as White Helmets, said an unidentified body was lifted from the car along the Idlib-Binnish road east of Idlib province.

The charred vehicle, split in the middle, lay on the side of the rural road in an orchard.

The strike was conducted near the town of Binnish in northwest Syria

This picture taken on September 20, 2021 shows a vehicle destroyed in a US drone strike, on the northeast outskirts of Syria's rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib

Wreckage is seen following the drone strike, on the northeastern outskirts of Syria's rebel-held northwestern city of Idlib

U.S. Central Command said later that American forces conducted a 'kinetic counterterrorism strike' near Idlib province targeting a senior leader of the militant group Al Qaeda, whom they did not initially identify.

'Initial indications are that we struck the individual we were aiming for, and there are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike,' said Navy Lt. Josie Lynne Lenny in a statement.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain, said the vehicle carried a militant from one of the radical groups operating in the province. The Observatory didn't identify the group but said it was linked to Al Qaeda.

The U.S. has carried out attacks in Idlib before, targeting Al Qaeda militants and the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was hiding in the province after fleeing from eastern Syria.

A drone is seen in Idlib province around the time of the strike on September 20

Syria's Civil Defense team, known as White Helmets, said an unidentified body was lifted from the car along the Idlib-Binnish road east of Idlib province

Large parts of Idlib and neighboring Aleppo province remain in the hands of Syrian armed opposition, dominated by radical groups including the once Al Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

The Idlib region is dominated by the former Al Qaeda affiliate, but other rebels and other jihadists are also present.

There are also over 4 million civilians living in the area, most of them displaced from previous bouts of violence in Syria's 10-year conflict.

Jihadist factions have been the target of Syrian, Russian, US and international coalition strikes in the past.

Nine jihadists were killed in October 2019 in Russian air strikes on Idlib province, while a US strike a month earlier killed at least 40 jihadist leaders.

The Syrian government has vowed to restore control of all of territories outside of its control, but a cease-fire negotiated last year in Idlib has tenaciously held.

Syria's war has killed around half a million people since starting in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiraling into a complex battlefield involving foreign armies, militias and jihadists.

Developing story, more to follow.
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Israel has become the Covid capital of the world despite leading the charge on vaccines, in a clear warning sign that Britain, the US and other highly-immunised nations are still vulnerable to another wave.

Stats compiled by Oxford University-backed research team Our World in Data shows there were a record 1,892 Covid cases per million people in Israel on Wednesday  nearly 0.2 per cent of the entire population in a single day.

That was significantly higher than second worst-hit Mongolia, where the rate was 1,119 per million, and double the figures for Kosovo (980), Georgia (976) and Montenegro (909), which rounded out the top five.

The figure only looks at one day's worth of tests and Israel's high rate is thought to have been driven up by a huge testing push ahead of schools reopening there.

But the country has consistently reported some of the highest infection rates in the world since mid-August amid an unprecedented third wave, despite being one of the most vaccinated nations in the world.

For comparison, 522 people per million in the UK tested positive yesterday and the figure was closer to 595 in the US. It suggests protection gained from vaccines is starting to buckle in the face of the highly-transmissible Delta variant.

While Israel is seeing record case numbers in its fourth wave, the jabs are still protecting against severe illness with Covid deaths running at about half of the level of its second wave, even though fatalities have risen sharply in the last month.

Israel has been offering booster jabs to people over the age of 60 since July, and data suggests the scheme has helped to curb rising hospital admissions. The country has since expanded the top-up drive to everyone over 12 who has already had two doses.

With Israel acting as the 'canary in the mine', the UK has been urged to 'stop hanging around' and launch a mass booster jab programme to avoid a deadly wave this winter.

But the Government's advisory panel has yet to sign off on the plans  leaving the country lagging behind Israel and the US, which is also offering third injections to everyone given two doses.

Prominent SAGE member 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson today said he expected a surge in cases in winter but is unsure if it will be large enough to warrant rolling back restrictions. Other experts fear the return of schools in England this week and next will cause infections to explode.

Israel has become the Covid capital of the world just months after leading the charge on vaccines, according to data that shows jab protection is waning. Stats compiled by an Oxford University-based research platform show Israel recorded 1,892 cases per million people on Wednesday  nearly 0.2 per cent of the entire population in a single day. That was significantly higher than second worst-hit Mongolia where the rate was 1,119 per million and double the figures for Kosovo (980), Georgia (976) and Montenegro (909), which rounded out the top five

While Israel is seeing record case numbers, the jab is still offering protection against severe illness with Covid deaths running at about half of the level of the second wave, even though fatalities have been rising sharply since last month. There is now growing pressure for Britain to roll out a booster vaccine programme like Israel is doing

Britain's independent vaccine advisory panel, said it was waiting on more evidence that these people would benefit from another dose and claimed that the 'vast majority' of Britons still had high protection  despite the UK's cases trending in the same direction as Israel's

Israel has been offering booster jabs to people over the age of 60 since July and has managed to curb rising hospital admissions in the age group as a result. Professor Eran Segal, a mathematician at the country's Weizmann Institute, tweeted today that hospitalisations had started to fall just two weeks after the top-up campaign started. This graph shows how Covid hospitalisations have started to level off in Israel just two weeks after its booster programme began. When the drive was started hospitalisations were doubling every week. Predictions suggested this would continue (green line). But just two weeks after the jabs were given out actual hospitalisations have slowed (blue line)

Key JCVI expert says it's 'highly likely' UK will have a mass booster vaccine programme but admits decision may not happen for WEEKS Britain is 'highly likely' to go ahead with a Covid booster programme, one of No10's top vaccine advisers insisted today amid mounting pressure on the Government's expert panel to hurry up and sign off on a top-up drive. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which guides ministers on the roll-out, is still yet to give the green light to plans to re-vaccinate 32million over-50s. Yesterday, the panel announced around half a million immunocompromised people be given a third dose to 'top up' their immunity  but stressed this was not the start of any booster programme. Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt called on the UK to 'stop hanging around' and follow in the footsteps of Israel, which has already recommended all over-12s get a booster jab. Its top-up drive has already helped blunt rising hospitalisations, data suggests. Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the JCVI, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think it is still highly likely that there will be a booster programme.' But he added: 'I can't definitively say that there will be because we have not made that decision yet.' And he warned any scheme was unlikely to start for weeks because the expert committee  made up of 16 of the country's top scientists  was still ironing out who would be eligible. Patience with the scientific committee is wearing thin in No10, which had hoped to start rolling out extra jabs by Monday. Studies have shown vaccine-triggered immunity can wane over time  especially among the elderly, who are the most vulnerable to the virus. Advertisement

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)  No10's independent advisory panel  said it was waiting on more evidence on who would benefit from another dose and claimed that the 'vast majority' of Britons still had high protection.

Last night, the JCVI finally signed off on plans for third vaccine doses but they will only be given to half a million Britons with severely suppressed immune systems.

MailOnline understands the JCVI is waiting on more trial data from UK studies before signing off on a mass booster programme.

The group believes the UK is in a unique situation compared to countries like Israel and the US because it went with a much longer two dose strategy.

Britons had their shots spaced out by up to 12 weeks instead of the recommended three-week gap, which officials believe has generated better immunity in the population.

That decision was hugely controversial at the time but the fact it seems to have paid off has meant the JCVI isn't concerned about being an international outlier.

As well as boosters, the panel has also resisted calls to routinely vaccinate children, despite countries like the US, Canada and France all pressing ahead with those plans.

A source close to discussions told MailOnline: 'The JCVI is made up of very experienced scientists and clinicians who are used to operating under pressure and used to being lobbied about vaccinations.

'But it is also absolutely committed to basing decisions on the best available science and protecting the public.'

Real-world data from the UK, US and Israel already shows vaccine efficacy has started to wane.

US health chiefs this week released figures showing the Pfizer and Moderna jabs now only cut the risk of hospitalisation by around 75 per cent against the Delta variant in very elderly people, compared to 95 per cent when the shots first became available.

And a British study by King's College London last week found two doses become noticeably less effective at stopping infections within months.

Protection after two shots of Pfizer decreased from 88 per cent at one month to 74 per cent at six months and for AstraZeneca, effectiveness dropped from 77 per cent to 67 per cent.

One of Britain's top Covid experts, Professor Paul Hunter, yesterday said he saw no reason 'whatsoever' why it had taken No10's advisers so long to sign off on booster dose plans.

A study by King's College London last week suggested vaccine immunity against infection is already waning. Scientists monitored break-through Covid infections in 1.2million people who had received two doses of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. They found that immunity wanes over time. For the Pfizer jab (blue line) it dropped from 88 per cent protection against infection to 74 per cent up to six months after the second dose. And for the AstraZeneca jab (pink line) it dropped from 77 per cent to 67 per cent five months after the second dose. Experts suggested the effectiveness could drop to 50 per cent by the winter

According to a study being reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, protection against hospital admission from the virus drops to as low as 75 per cent in under a year in some vulnerable people, from 95 per cent shortly after vaccination. Pfizer's (blue could be as low as 75% in over-75s) while Moderna's is around 80% in that age group

Covid cases fell in FOUR-FIFTHS of areas in England towards the end of August, data shows Covid cases fell in four-fifths of areas in England towards the end of August, official data revealed today. Public Health England's weekly report said 117 out of 149 councils saw their cases drop in the week to August 29 compared to the previous seven-day spell. The agency said cases had dropped among children, teenagers and young adults who have the highest infection rates in the country  but had risen slightly among the over-40s. This matched official figures from the Covid dashboard which showed England's cases fell five per cent in the last week of August. Department of Health figures also indicated the country's daily infection figures are still falling, with yesterday's tally of 24,723 nearly a 10 per cent drop on the week before. But despite the promising reports, a symptom-tracking app today claimed infections in the country were rising. King's College London scientists estimated 46,000-odd people were catching the virus every day across the country last week, up 20 per cent on a fortnight ago. The team also suggested there were 57,000-odd Covid infections a day across the UK as a whole. The scientists rely on more than a million people reporting their symptoms to a mobile app and whether they have tested positive to estimate Covid cases. But some experts have warned the study  which is also run by health company ZOE  is no longer reliable because it now struggles to distinguish Covid from other common viruses. Fears are growing that England will face an explosion in Covid cases over the coming week as millions of children return to classrooms following the summer holidays. Scotland has seen daily infections hit a record-high since its schools reopened in mid-August. Advertisement

The infectious disease expert, from the University of East Anglia, called for over-80s and immunocompromised people to get their shots 'pretty soon'.

And former UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who chairs the Commons health committee, said Israel's campaign was reducing rates of severe illness.

'The clear lesson for the UK seems to be to get on with booster jabs, not just for the clinically vulnerable but for everyone,' added the former health secretary.

'The latest study from King's College London showed vaccine effectiveness dropping after six months, so why are we hanging around?'

Sajid Javid revealed the Government was continuing to plan for a wider booster programme to begin this month, which could include elderly people and patients with underlying conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Meanwhile, a 'significant surge' in cases is expected in the UK but it is too early to say whether that might mean the relaxation of restrictions needs to be rolled back, a leading expert said today.

'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson, whose modelling was instrumental to the UK going into lockdown in March 2020, said if daily cases start going above 100,000 to 150,000 there will be 'significant demands on the health system'.

The scientist, from Imperial College London, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said it will be for the Government to decide on potential measures and would not be drawn on what form they might take.

Speaking to reporters during a webinar on Thursday, he said there are concerns about the effect schools reopening could have on virus spread, especially with the more transmissible and now-dominant Delta variant.

He said: 'We expect to see quite a significant surge in cases, to some extent in hospitalisations, but whether that's going to require any rolling back of the relaxation of restrictions is too early to say. It really depends on the level of healthcare demand.'

He said if an unvaccinated population of 5 or 10 per cent all got Covid in a short period of time it would result in a 'large healthcare burden, and a large number of deaths' and that it could also 'have a risk of significantly overwhelming health systems even in high income countries such as the UK'.

He said it is hard to predict how long any rise in case numbers, as seen in Scotland after schools went back, would go on for.

Just half a million Britons with severely suppressed immune systems will be invited for a third Covid jab in the UK after the Government's vaccine advisory panel finally signed off on plans for boosters doses on Wednesday. Patients who are eligible are listed above

PHE's weekly report showed Covid cases fell among under-40s at the end of August, in the latest week data is available. But they rose in older age groups

Covid cases in England were also recorded as falling across England's nine regions. The South West had the highest infection rate, although this fell sharply compared to the previous seven-day spell.

Gavin Williamson backs Covid jabs for 12-year-olds: Education Secretary says he 'very much hopes' the JCVI will sign off on the plans Gavin Williamson today piled pressure on the Government's vaccine advisory panel to sign off on plans to jab children as young as 12 against Covid. During a round of interviews this morning, the Education Secretary said he 'very much hoped' the group would come down in favour of routinely inoculating youngsters aged 12 to 15. He suggested the delayed decision was making parents anxious about sending their children back to classrooms this week after the summer break. 'I think parents would find it deeply reassuring to have a choice of whether their children should have a vaccine or not,' he told BBC Breakfast. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)  an independent body which advises No10 on the Covid jab roll-out  is still weighing up the risks and benefits of vaccinating children. In guidance published in July, the group said the small risk of heart inflammation from vaccines outweighed the tiny threat coronavirus poses to them. It was also not convinced that vaccinating children solely to protect adults justified the move and raised doubts about the true prevalence of long Covid in youngsters. But pressure has been mounting on the JCVI to green light the move and bring Britain in line with US and Israel, after Covid cases skyrocketed in Scotland when classes went back after the summer break in mid-August. There are fears of a similar big bang in cases now that schools across the rest of the UK have started to restart. The country is already recording 35,000 infections each day and hospitalisations are creeping up. But Professor Anthony Harnden, one of the chief scientists on the JCVI, said today the group would do what's best for children 'no matter what other people outside the committee think'. Only over-16s are routinely eligible at the moment but younger children who are vulnerable to live with at-risk adults can be jabbed. Advertisement

He said: 'Obviously the relationship between case numbers and hospitalisations has changed now, fundamentally because of vaccination. So we can cope with much higher numbers of cases per day and still maintain hospitalisations at, well, the Government would say acceptable levels, and deaths would be even lower, but that only holds for so long.

'So if we do get above 100,000/150,000 cases a day, then we start seeing very significant demands on the health system, and it will be up to the Government to decide at that point, or at some maybe earlier point, what the implications are for policy.

'I'm not going to get drawn on what that might be.'

On Wednesday, the Government said there had been a further 35,693 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK.

The figures followed a bank holiday weekend when there is usually a lag in reporting deaths and cases.

Meanwhile, new daily symptomatic cases of the virus in the UK were up 10% on last week, according to the Zoe Covid study with King's College London (KCL).

They estimated there are currently 57,158 new daily symptomatic cases in the UK on average, based on test data from up to five days ago, an increase from 51,961 new daily cases last week.

Researchers estimated that in the double-jabbed population there are currently 17,342 new daily symptomatic cases in the UK.

They said cases in this group have been rising steadily for the last week and now make up 30% of all new daily cases.

On average 1 in 90 people in the UK currently have symptomatic Covid, they added.

Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the study and professor of genetic epidemiology at KCL, said: 'The UK has enjoyed a restriction-free summer unlike most of Europe and even though a large majority of UK adults are now vaccinated, the rise in cases, as well as hospitalisations and deaths is one of the highest in Europe.

'This is evidence that without at least some restrictions Covid will continue to spread.

'Fully vaccinated people are getting Covid, but not only are they often unable to spot the signs of infection due to the Government's outdated list of symptoms, we've seen evidence that the protection provided by vaccines is wearing off.'

He advised people to be responsible in trying to stop the spread by wearing masks, particularly in crowded places, good handwashing and social distancing where possible.

The latest Test and Trace figures showed the number of people testing positive in England has fallen slightly.

A total of 198,626 people tested positive for the virus at least once in the week to August 25, down 1 per cent on the previous week.

The number of people testing positive has been around 200,000 in the five most recent weeks of data.
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Environmentally-conscious students in the Netherlands have developed a 'completely self-sufficient' solar-powered electric camper van.

The vehicle, called Stella Vita, provides enough energy to drive, take a shower, watch TV, charge a laptop and even make coffee or cook a meal on a small stove, thanks to solar panels on its roof.

It's the creation of about 20 students who make up the Solar Team Eindhoven, a research group at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

About 20 of the team are now taking the fetching blue-and-white car van on a 1,864-mile (3,000 kilometre) road trip throughout Europe, ending at Spain's southernmost city, Tarifa  although they're alternating inside the van as it's only designed for two people.

The solar-powered vehicle is on display on a closed road, in Guyancourt, south of Paris. It's the creation of a group of students at the Solar Team Eindhoven, a team of about 20 enthusiastic and ambitious students at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands

The ambitious group of Dutch students has reimagined van life and is hitting the road to Portugal. Just don't call their groundbreaking new solar-powered vehicle a campervan - it's a 'self-sustaining house on wheels'

STELLA VITA SPECS Top speed: 75 miles per hour Range: 454 miles in the day, 373 miles at night Power: Solar energy Facilities: Stove, sink, bed, on-board information system Advertisement

The sleek but odd-looking mobile home took a test drive last week at a Renault facility outside Paris last week.

Now, the students are hitting the road. During the tour, they're making stops in various cities to organise different events and show 'what is already possible for a sustainable future in terms of energy and mobility'.

Two people can live and drive in Stella Vita at one time. But the students insist their unique vehicle is not technically a camper van.

'We call it a self-sustaining house on wheels,' said Lotte van Dasler, part of Solar Team Eindhoven.

'We are independent in terms of our energy. A camper isn't, and we are. So I think that we make something new. New concept, new idea and new future  sustainable future.'

Solar Team Eindhoven wouldn't disclose the price of the vehicle to MailOnline, but said many of the parts were sourced for free.

'We get a lot of parts from partners for free and they also don't ask money for their engineering support,' Kjell Revenberg at Solar Team Eindhoven told MailOnline.

'All the students that take part in this project also don't get paid. So those things really work to our advantage, while some things are bought that would be cheaper if it was put in a production line.

'All in all it is invaluable as we put so much of our time and energy in this project to inspire the whole society.'

Stella Vitta is being driven from Eindhoven to Spain's southernmost city, Tarifa - a 1,864-mile (3,000 kilometre) road trip via various cities to organise different events

On the roof, solar panels generate enough energy to drive and live off the grid, while an on-board information system shows just how much of that energy you use when you cook, take a shower or watch TV.

The roof also slides up when stationary, making it slightly reminiscent of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as it flew through the air in the classic 1968 film.

There's also room for a double bed, dining table, sitting area and sink next to the stove, as well as seat for two passengers up front, including the driver, as well as a basic toilet and shower on board.

It also has a roof that slides up when stationary, making its solar panels stick out, maximising the amount of energy generation

With the solar panels stuck out, Stella Vita is slightly reminiscent of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as it flew through the air in the classic 1968 film (pictured)

On a sunny day, Stella Vita is capable of traveling 454 miles (730 kilometers) at a top speed of 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour), the team say.

And thanks to its 60 kilowatt hours battery it can drive 373 miles (600 kilometers) at night when there's no solar energy.

Once it's parked and its roof unfolded, it boasts 188 square feet (17.5 square meters) of solar panels  about as much as an average home's roof can accommodate.

Designed by the solar team of Eindhoven University of Technology, Stella Vita is equipped with solar panels on the roof, through which the vehicle generates enough energy to drive, shower and watch TV

Stella Vita includes room for a double bed, dining table, sitting area and sink next to the stove - although it's a bit of a squeeze, meaning passengers may still be smelling the cooking fumes from dinner as they drift off to sleep

Stella Vita is pictured here earlier this month in front of the Arcade du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium. Its European tour is intended to 'show the rest of the world what is already possible for a sustainable future in terms of energy and mobility'

The team's experimental road trip to Tarifa got off to a less than perfect start with drive train problems, meaning Stella Vita was carried on a trailer from Eindhoven to Brussels and from the Belgian capital to Paris.

At the test drive last week near Paris, project manager Laura Van Houtum said, 'We just want to make kilometers to make sure that these small troubles are not going to come up again.'

But its creators are sure that their mobile home is part of a drive to tackle climate change by harnessing renewable energy sources.

'We want to show that the future that we think is ... 10 years ahead of us is already here,' said Van Dasler.

Stella Vita has solar panels on its roof, meaning it doesn't need charging stations. The vehicle generates enough solar energy to drive, shower, watch TV, charge a laptop and make coffee

On a sunny day, Stella Vita is capable of traveling 454 miles (730 kilometers) at a top speed of 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour)

The solar-powered vehicle in motion in a closed road, in Guyancourt, south of Paris. It's a mobile house in which you can live, work and live while traveling on the energy of the sun

Its creators are sure that their mobile home is part of a drive to tackle climate change by harnessing renewable energy sources. The vehicle is pictured here in Brussels

A staff member (right) introduces a perplexed-looking visitor to the Stella Vita vehicle in Brussels, Belgium on September 20
Facebook has revealed a set of slides and research showing the impact Instagram has on teenagers' mental health, as its bosses prepare to face a Senate grilling.

The social media giant came under criticism over internal data showing its Instagram app damaged the mental health of teenagers, particularly those already struggling.

Antigone Davis, global head of safety at Facebook, will face a US Senate hearing later today, where she is expected to argue for the positive impacts of the image sharing social media app, based on the recently revealed research.

'Our research showed that many teens who are struggling say that Instagram helps them deal with many of the hard issues that are so common to being a teen,' Davis' written testimony is expected to say.

However, research published by Facebook seems to counter this claim, suggesting those who have a lower life satisfaction are more likely to say Instagram makes their mental health worse than teens who are satisfied with their lives.

The Facebook research also found that 'one in five teen girls say Instagram makes them feel worse about themselves.'

Facebook has revealed a set of slides and research showing the impact Instagram has on teenagers mental health, as bosses prepare to face a Senate grilling

According to the documents, Facebook had known for two years now that Instagram is toxic for young girls but continued to add beauty-editing filters to the app, despite six per cent of suicidal girls in America blaming it for their desire to kill themselves

The company published a blog post on Sunday arguing that teenage girls who use Instagram actually end up feeling better about themselves. As evidence, it cited the above chart

THE DATA FACEBOOK WAS SHOWN ON HOW INSTAGRAM HARMED YOUNG GIRLS AND BOYS Question of the things you've felt in the last month, did any of them start on Instagram? Select all that apply Not attractive 41% (US) 43% (UK) Don't have enough money 42% (US) 42% (UK) Don't have enough friends 32% (US) 33% (UK) Down, sad or depressed 10% (US) 13% (UK) Wanted to kill themselves 6% (US) 13% (UK) Wanted to hurt themselves 9% (US) 7% (UK) Question: In general, how has Instagram affected the way you feel about yourself, your mental health? Much worse US boys and girls: 3% US boys: 2% US girls: 3% UK total: 2% UK boys: 1% UK girls: 2% Somewhat worse US total: 16% US Boys 12% US girls: 18% UK total: 19% UK boys: 13% UK girls: 23% No effect US total: 41% US boys: 37% US girls: 43% UK total: 46% UK boys: 50% UK girls: 44% Somewhat better US total: 29% US boys: 32% US girls: 29% UK total: 28% UK boys: 31% UK girls: 26% Much better US total: 12% US boys: 18% US girls 8% UK total: 5% UK boys: 5% UK girls: 4% Advertisement

Facebook has been under fire for the past week after the Wall Street Journal reported internal documents showed that the social media company was aware that Instagram harmed the mental health of young users.

For some of the Instagram-devoted teens, the peer pressure generated by the visually focused app led to mental-health and body-image problems, and in some cases, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.

It was Facebook's own researchers who alerted the social network giant's executives to Instagram's destructive potential.

Those revelations in a report by The Wall Street Journal, based on internal research leaked by a whistleblower at Facebook, have set off a wave of anger from lawmakers, critics of Big Tech, child-development experts and parents.

Davis is expected to tell the lawmakers that Facebook works to prevent children under 13 from gaining access to platforms that aren't suitable for them.

The company is developing features to protect young people on its platforms, using research and consultations with outside experts to make the users experience positive, Davis is set to testify.

Ahead of the hearing, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said in a statement that 'Facebook knows that its services are actively harming their young users'.

She cited Facebook's in-house analysts who 'performed a series of deep dives into teen use of Instagram, documents that have since been published by Facebook, revealing, 'aspects of Instagram exacerbate each other to create a perfect storm.'

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called the hearing 'Protecting Kids Online' following the Wall Street Journal's reporting.

The internal Facebook research, carried out in part to know which areas of Instagram put teens at risk, showed that among girls who said they had recently felt sadness, 57 per cent said Instagram made things better, Davis' prepared remarks show.

She says Facebook has a history of using its internal research as well as outside experts and groups to inform changes to its apps.

'The goal is to keep young people safe on the platforms and ensure that those who aren't old enough to use them do not.'

Among teenage girls who felt loneliness, 51 per cent said Instagram had a positive impact, according to the testimony she is expected to give today.

Instagram has attempted to rebut claims that it is harmful for a sizeable percentage of teenagers, but the underlying research does reveal some major areas of concern.

The publication of the deep dive by Facebook analysts includes annotations from the firm, to put the more controversial aspects of the research into context.

Antigone Davis, global head of safety at Facebook, will face a US Senate hearing later today, where she is expected to argue for the positive impacts of the image sharing social media app, based on the recently revealed research

Facebook sees 'tweens' aged 10-12 as 'untapped' wealth Facebook described children aged 10-12 as a valuable 'untapped audience' and even suggested they could appeal to younger children by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever, according to leaked internal documents. The Silicon Valley company formed a team to study ways to get tweens - those aged 10 to 12 - to use their platform, after becoming concerned by the threat from rivals such as TikTok and SnapChat. 'Why do we care about tweens? They are a valuable but untapped audience.' said one document from 2020, obtained by The Wall Street Journal. It continues: 'Our ultimate goal is message primacy with US Tweens'. Advertisement

One slide suggested that for many teenagers having the perfect image, feeling attractive and having enough money were feelings that started on Instagram.

But Facebook's annotation says this shouldn't be an estimate of average experience among teen users, suggesting it is instead a snapshot of some users.

It is unlikely that the research, or the annotations added by Facebook, will be enough to calm those criticising the platform for the way it looks after children.

The committee's chairman, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and its senior Republican, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, sit on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Blumenthal is a leading liberal, a former federal prosecutor who has pursued powerful industries over consumer protection issues and stressed civil rights.

Blackburn, a solid ally of former president Donald Trump, is an outspoken conservative and abortion foe who has repeatedly accused Facebook, Google and Twitter of censoring those viewpoints.

The Instagram revelations have brought them together to call Facebook to account.

'This hearing will examine the toxic effects of Facebook and Instagram on young people and others,' Blumenthal said in a statement, adding it 'is one of several that will ask tough questions about whether Big Tech companies are knowingly harming people and concealing that knowledge.'

'Revelations about Facebook and others have raised profound questions about what can and should be done to protect people.'

In a separate hearing on Tuesday, a Facebook whistleblower will testify about the company and how it handles children's safety online at a Senate hearing featuring Blumenthal and Blackburn.

The senators did not disclose any information about the whistleblower.
Mont Blanc  Europe's second highest peak  has shrunk by 3 feet (1 metre) since 2017 thanks to climate change, French geographical experts announced yesterday.

The Alpine peak, which sits on the border of France and Italy, was measured during mid-September at 15,773.65 feet, down from 15,776.64 feet four years ago.

In fact, the team noted, the mountain has been losing an average of 5.1 inches (13 cm) in height each year since precise measurements began being taken in 2001.

The highest reading, taken in 2001, had Mont Blanc standing at 15,783.79 feet.

These findings come amid growing concerns worldwide over the loss of glacial ice, with Mont Blanc not the only peak being diminished by a changing climate.

Last month, for example, experts from Stockholm University reported that Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest peak, lost almost 6.5 feet of height in the last year.

The tallest and most prominent mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus, which lies in the Caucasus. Its western summit reaches 18,510 feet.

Mont Blanc  Europe's second highest peak, pictured  has shrunk by 3 feet (1 metre) since 2017 thanks to climate change, French geographical experts announced yesterday

Mont Blanc: The highest mountain in Western Europe Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe and the eleventh tallest summit in the world. It lies on the border between Italy and France and ownership of the summit was long a subject of dispute. The peak forms part of the larger 'Mont Blanc Massif', a range which is popular among walkers, climbers, skiers and snowboarders alike. Advertisement

Mont Blanc is measured every two years in order to help create a model of the ice sheet and to provide data to various specialists for analysis.

'Now it's up to climatologists, glaciologists and other scientists to look at all the data collected and put forward all the theories to explain this phenomenon,' the experts said in a press conference held in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, at the foot of Mont Blanc.

According to the researchers, the height of the mountain varies from year-to-year because the summit is covered with a layer of permanent snow, one whose depth varies with wind intensities and precipitation levels.

Exceptional weather conditions during this year's excursion mean that this latest measurement is the most accurate taken to-date.

'Since the dawn of time, the altitude of Mont Blanc has varied continuously,' the geographers explained.

The rock that makes up the mountain, they added, peaks at 15,721.78 feet (4,792 metres) above sea-level.

Mont Blanc (pictured), the team noted, has been losing an average of 5.1 inches (13 cm) in height each year since precise measurements began being taken in 2001

Although the measurements of Mont Blanc are taken biennially, officials revealed yesterday that they had opted not to publish the 'exceptionally low' figure of 15,767.81 feet (4,806.03 metres) they previously reached back in 2019.

This reading, they explained, was felt should be taken with 'a pinch of salt', leading them to decide to wait for the 2021 measurement 'for more scientific explanations.'

Furthermore, the team said they are wary of rushing to any quick interpretation of their dataset.

'We should not draw hasty conclusions about measurements which have been carried out only since 2001 with this kind of precision,' said the team's Denis Borel.

The Alpine peak (inset), which sits on the border of France and Italy (depicted), was measured during mid-September at 15,773.65 feet  down from 15,776.64 feet four years ago
It's a mystery that has puzzled scientists for years - why are some twins born identical and others aren't?

While it was long presumed that identical twins occurred at random, a new study suggests that this isn't actually the case.

Instead, researchers from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam claim that it is down to a 'signature' in their DNA, which persists from conception to adulthood.

About 12 per cent of pregnancies start out as a multiple, but only two per cent of both the babies are carried to term - a condition known as 'vanishing twin syndrome'.

Until now it was thought the appearance of identical twins, which rarely run in the family, was completely random, but the team say it is down to their DNA.

The authors say this DNA signature allows them to identify if an individual was conceived as an identical twin, even if they are not known to be a twin.

They can't yet say when these signatures appear, and so need to investigate further whether they are inherited from parents or appear randomly when the egg splits.

Scientists may be close to finding a solution to a long-standing mystery over why some twins are born identical, and it is down to a 'signature' in their DNA. Stock image

Twins: Explained Twins are two individuals who form in the same uterus. FRATERNAL TWINS (non-identical) Two eggs are fertilised by two sperm and both implanted into the walls of the uterus at the same time. These eggs form separately, in separate sacs adjacent to each other and share 50 per cent of their DNA the same as with non-twin siblings. They can be different genders, though most are same-sex twins and they tend to run in families. IDENTICAL TWINS A single egg is fertilised by one sperm and embeds in the uterus wall, but at some point, it splits from one zygote into two. Most identical twins split within eight days of conception. They rarely run in families and there is evidence of common markers found in identical twins genomes. Advertisement

Jenny van Dongen, Dorret Boomsma and colleagues studied large international twin cohorts to identify signatures in DNA that were specific to identical twins.

The researchers discovered 834 points across the genome of identical twins, born after the fertilised egg splits into two embryos.

They say this measure of DNA can be used to determine whether someone was an identical twin with 80 per cent accuracy.

This would allow them to identify those who lost a twin in the womb, or were separated from a twin at birth.

What the team can't yet say is whether the DNA markers are why someone is an identical twin, or whether they happen after the random splitting of a fertilised egg.

However, evidence of the genetic markers specific to identical twins could help treat congenital disorders that disproportionately affect that group, including spina bifida.

To find the markers the team scanned the DNA of over 3,000 identical twins using blood and cheek cell samples, and compared them to those from fraternal twins.

In total they examined 400,000 locations in the genome of every individual.

This allowed them to find about 800 of those locations had differences in methylation.

This is an important process involved in protecting and repairing DNA, as well as producing energy and preventing cancer.

Finding the differences in so many locations sets identical twins apart from everyone else, the researchers explained.

'It's likely something established very early on that is propagated to subsequent cells,' van Dongen told Science.

Some of the changes made sense to the researchers, as they provide tags on genes involved in cell adhesion that could influence the splitting of an egg into two.

Other changes made less sense, including some at the ends of chromosomes, as they are linked to ageing - but identical twins have similar lifespans to non-twins.

Identical twins have a specific DNA signature that persists from conception to adulthood, experts from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands said. Stock image

It will require more extensive research to determine whether these changes are caused by the egg splitting, or are there from the beginning.

Nancy Pedersen of the Karolinska Institute, not involved in this study, told Science the findings offer 'fascinating insights into potential mechanisms in [identical] twinning' that could shed light on rare disorders involving genetic changes.

Its other use will be in determining whether someone was ever a twin - as, in some cases a 'vanishing twin' will appear on an ultra sound, but in many cases it is absorbed without leaving a trace.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
NASA has blasted Jeff Bezos' space firm Blue Origin in leaked documents, over the billionaire founder's decision to take the space agency to court.

Bezos' firm is suing NASA due to the space agency opting to only give SpaceX a contract to build a lunar lander for upcoming missions to the Moon.

Now, it's revealed the US space agency believes Blue Origin seeks to 'prioritise its own fortunes over that of NASA, the United States, and every person alive today'.

NASA argues in legal filings that Blue Origin is jeopardising its attempts to send its first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972 as part of NASA's Artemis program, potentially by hurting it financially with the court case.

The hundreds of pages of legal filings from 'cash-strapped' NASA were obtained by The Verge through a Freedom of Information Act request.

NASA argues in legal filings that Blue Origin is jeopardising its attempts to send the first humans to the Moon for more than 50 years. Pictured, the NASA globe at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Billionaire American businessman Jeff Bezos (pictured) owns space firm Blue Origin, which is suing NASA over SpaceX's $2.9 billion lunar lander contract

SPACEX'S STARSHIP TO GO TO THE MOON IN 2024 SpaceX's HLS Starship will include the company's tested Raptor engines, along with pulling inspiration from the Falcon and Dragon vehicles' designs. It will feature a spacious cabin and two airlocks for astronaut moonwalks. Work started on designing the lunar vehicle in May 2020 and work will now begin to fully build it thanks to a NASA $2.89 billion contract. The initial contact covers an uncrewed demonstration mission, and a crewed lunar landing in 2024. It is also planned future lunar landings will be made using Starship HLS. It is equipped with a complement of thrusters used on the final descent and takeoff from the surface of the moon. The final design will have a 100 day loiter capability in lunar orbit allowing for more trips to the lunar surface. It also is designed to carry extra propellant to allow for an emergency ascent from the moon. Length : 50 m (164 ft 1 in)

: 50 m (164 ft 1 in) Width : 9 m (29 ft 6 in)

: 9 m (29 ft 6 in) Payload : 100200 t (220,000440,000 lb)

: 100200 t (220,000440,000 lb) Status : In development

: In development First launch : Uncrewed 2023

: Uncrewed 2023 Applications : Reusable lunar lander Advertisement

'NASA now finds itself in a position to resume human space exploration beyond low earth orbit,' part of the filing reads.

'One-in-a-generation momentum can be easily undone by one party  in this case Blue Origin  who seeks to prioritise its own fortunes over that of NASA, the United States, and every person alive today who dreams to see humans exploring worlds beyond our own.

'Plainly stated, a protest sustain in the instant dispute runs the high risk of creating not just delays for the Artemis program, but that it will never actually achieve its goal of returning the United States to the Moon.

'What begins as a mere procurement delay all too easily turns into a lack of political support, a budget siphoned off for other efforts, and ultimately, a shelved mission.'

In the documents, NASA has also claimed that Blue Origin 'gambled' with its proposal to build a lunar lander for the Artemins missions by hoping NASA would be willing to negotiate Bezos' firm $5.9 billion price tag.

Blue Origin could have offered NASA a lower price for the contract, but it didn't, as it expected NASA to be open to negotiations, NASA has alleged.

'Blue Origin made a bet and it lost,' the NASA filing adds.

But Blue Origin disagrees with NASA's assessment, Megan Mitchell, Blue Origin's vice president of government relations, told The Verge.

'I wouldn't say that we didn't offer our best offer when we put in our proposal ... I think we did give a great offer,' she said.

'I'm not going to comment on NASA characterising it as gambling  we disagree with that.'

The upshot is that SpaceX is now working on the 'Starship Human Landing System (HLS)', a special lunar lander variant of its Starship spacecraft to get astronauts to the Moon and back.

The ongoing saga between NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX now spreads back some time. SpaceX has already carried several cargo payloads and astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for the space agency in recent years.

Pictured, SpaceX founder Elon Musk. His company has been awarded a contract from NASA to build a lunar lander - at the expense of Blue Origin

GEO REJECTS BLUE ORIGIN PROTEST On July 30, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) denied protests filed by Blue Origin and Dynetics. The two firms had filed a protest with GAO after NASA opted to go with SpaceX's design for a lunar lander. But GAO concluded NASA did not violate any laws or regulations in doing so. 'GAO denied the protest arguments that NASA acted improperly in making a single award to SpaceX,' the agency said in its statement. Advertisement

But in April, SpaceX, owned and founded by Elon Musk, was awarded a lucrative $2.9 billion contract to build the lunar lander spacecraft for the planned Artemis program that would carry NASA astronauts back to the moon for the first time since 1972.

Blue Origin was one of three hopefuls for the contract, along with SpaceX and defence contractor Dynetics Inc.

The Bezos-owned firm had hoped NASA would pay $5.9 billion for two alternative landers, as had happened in the past, but funding cuts led to NASA picking just the SpaceX lander for $2.9 billion.

Shortly after NASA announced it would go with SpaceX alone, Blue Origin and Alabama-based Dynetics filed a 50-page protest to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a congressional watchdog.

In response, Elon Musk teased his fellow multibillionaire rival, tweeting that Bezos 'can't get it up (to orbit) lol.'

The appeal accused NASA of 'moving the goalposts at the last minute,' but was denied by GAO officials.

Blue Origin also published a series of negative infographics, calling the SpaceX lunar lander project an 'immensely complex and high risk' approach for sending the first woman and next man to the moon in 2024.

Bezos  who also founded Amazon back in 1994 and took a trip into space this July  published an open letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in July, offering NASA $2 billion for a contract to build a lunar lander for the upcoming Artemis missions.

'We stand ready to help NASA moderate its technical risks and solve its budgetary constraints and put the Artemis Program back on a more competitive, credible, and sustainable path,' Bezos said in the respectfully-worded letter, but NASA wasn't moved.

After NASA announced Space X would be the sole contractor, Elon Musk tweeted that rival Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin 'can't get it up (to orbit)'

An illustration of the SpaceX Starship human lander design that will carry the first NASA astronauts to the surface of the Moon under the Artemis program in 2024

A rendering of Blue Moon, the lunar landing vehicle Blue Horizon intended to develop for NASA

In a stunning gear change, Blue Origin then filed a lawsuit against NASA in August, claiming the $2.9 billion lunar lander contract was unfairly awarded to SpaceX, leading to NASA's now-disclosed legal filings.

That month, Musk tweeted the suggestion that Bezos retired as CEO of Amazon at the start of the year 'in order to pursue a full-time job filing lawsuits against SpaceX'.

Only two days ago, at the the 2021 Code Conference, in Beverly Hills, California, Musk himself blasted Bezos, saying you 'cannot sue your way to the Moon, no matter how good your lawyers are'.

A spokesperson for Amazon told MailOnline: 'SpaceX has a long track record of suing the US government on procurement matters and protesting various governmental decisions.

'It is difficult to reconcile that historical record with their recent position on others filing similar actions.'

Elon Musk (left) has blasted Jeff Bezos (right), over the Amazon founder suing NASA, saying you 'cannot sue your way to the Moon, no matter how good your lawyers are'

In August Musk tweeted the suggestion Bezos 'retired in order to pursue a full-time job filing lawsuits against SpaceX.' The law suit against NASA is one of the things that could lead to a delay in the Artemis lunar landing mission; the other is the spacesuits (pictured) which are apparently unlikely to be ready by 2024

Musk responded to the Amazon statement by tweeting: 'SpaceX has sued to be *allowed* to compete, BO [Blue Origin] is suing to stop competition.'

SpaceX's partly reusable 23-story Falcon Heavy, currently the most powerful operational space launch vehicle in the world, flew its first commercial payload into orbit in 2019.

In May 2020, SpaceX successfully transported NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on a 19-hour journey to the ISS  marking the first crewed test flight of the firm's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

In the process it became be the first crewed launch from the US into orbit since NASA's space shuttle program ended in 2011.
A giant moth with the longest 'tongue' (proboscis) of all the world's insects  reaching a 11.2 inches  is a species in its own right, scientists have decided.

Hailing from Madagascar, the Darwin's Moth (Xanthopan praedicta) was labelled a subspecies of the the African mainland's Morgan's Sphinx (Xanthopan morganii).

However, researchers from the Natural History Museum, London and the National Museum of Natural History, Paris have proven that it is distinct in shape and genome.

The moth is notable for having been predicted to exist by Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution, some 40 years before it was recorded in the wild.

Darwin had deduced that an insect with a long proboscis would have to exist in order to pollinate an orchid species he studied that bore an unusually long nectary.

A giant moth with the longest 'tongue' (proboscis) of all the world's insects  reaching a 11.2 inches  is a species in its own right, scientists have decided. Pictured: a Darwin's Moth (Xanthopan praedicta) pollinating the Madagascan orchid Angraecum sesquipedale

DARWIN'S MOTH STATISTICS Species: Xanthopan praedicta Other names: Wallace's Sphinx Location: Madagascar Predicted: 1862 Discovered: 1903 Proboscis length: 11.2 inches Feeds on: the nectar of the orchid Angraecum sesquipedale Advertisement

A fresh study on the insects was undertaken by the Natural History Museum's Microlepidoptera ('smaller moths') curator David Lees and his colleagues.

The team compared 77 Xanthopan moths from Madagascar with 47 from mainland Africa  looking at such properties as scale colour patterns, proboscis length, shape, wingspan and genitalia across both sexes.

They also undertook a genetic analysis known as 'DNA barcoding', which allows species to be identified from a short section of DNA from a specific gene or genes.

Dr Lees and colleagues found that Xanthopan praedicta is significantly different from its mainland cousins, with a DNA barcode that is around 7.8 per cent distinct and proboscises that are typically some 2.6 inches longer.

Surprisingly, the longest proboscises of the Darwin's Moth were found among the males of the species.

This was despite proboscis length generally increasing with wingspan and female moths tending to be larger overall.

Hailing from Madagascar, the Darwin's Moth (Xanthopan praedicta, bottom left) was labelled a subspecies of the the African mainland's Morgan's Sphinx (Xanthopan morganii, top right). However, researchers from the Natural History Museum, London and the National Museum of Natural History, Paris have proven that it is distinct in shape and genome  with a DNA barcode that is 7.8 per cent distinct and proboscises that are around 2.6 inches longer

One moth studied had a mouthpart that reached 11.2 inches in length.

'Imagine my excitement as I unrolled and measured the proboscis of a male Xanthopan in the Madagascan rainforest, realising that it was probably the global record holder,' said Dr Lees.

'The taxonomic change we now propose finally gives long deserved recognition, at the species level, to one of the most celebrated of all [Madagascan natives].'

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Antenor.

One moth studied had a mouthpart that reached 11.2 inches in length. 'Imagine my excitement as I unrolled and measured the proboscis of a male Xanthopan in the Madagascan rainforest, realising that it was probably the global record holder,' said Dr Lees
Nearly two dozen Blue Origin employees have accused Amazon boss Jeff Bezos of creating a 'toxic' work environment where the company sacrificed safety to work at 'breakneck speed' in order to win the billionaire space race.

In an essay published on Thursday, Alexandra Abrams, the former head of Blue Origin Employee Communications, along with 20 employees said the priority was to 'make progress for Jeff' as he competed with Elon Musk and Richard Branson to make it to space first.

They claimed that the most common question at high-level meetings was: 'When will Elon or Branson fly?' and safety concerns were ignored because they would have 'slowed progress'.

'Progress at Blue Origin was smooth and steady and slow, until Jeff started getting impatient that Elon and Branson were getting ahead, and then we started feeling this increasing pressure and impatience that would filter down from leadership,' Abrams told CBS Mornings on Thursday.

Ultimately, Branson flew to the edge of space first, on July 11 - nine days ahead of Bezos. Musk, who leads SpaceX, has not flown into space himself, but his company sent four civilians into space on September 15, flying 360 miles above the Earth.

The essay is the latest blow to Bezos and Blue Origin, who has filed a lawsuit against NASA over its decision to only award Musk's SpaceX the contract to build a lunar lander.

In leaked documents, NASA blasted Blue Origin over Bezos' decision to take the space agency to court.

The U.S. space agency believes Blue Origin seeks to 'prioritize its own fortunes over that of NASA, the United States, and every person alive today'.

Blue Origin is suing NASA due to the space agency opting to only give SpaceX a contract to build a lunar lander for upcoming missions to the Moon.

Musk commented on the Blue Origin lawsuit on Wednesday, telling CNBC reporter the company is 'suing to stop competition,' whereas SpaceX has sued to be 'allowed to compete.'

NASA argued in legal filings that Blue Origin is jeopardizing its attempts to send its first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972 as part of NASA's Artemis program, potentially by hurting it financially with the court case.

In the aforementioned essay, the employees said they felt 'unease' when Bezos blasted into space with three other civilians on an unpiloted rocket, with some unable to watch the event. Most said that with their concerns over safety, they would not fly in Blue Origin rockets at all.

Nearly two dozen Blue Origin employees have accused Jeff Bezos of creating a 'toxic' work environment where the company sacrificed safety in order to win the billionaire space race. On July 20, Bezos, along with his brother, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen , test pilot, Wally Funk, and his brother Mark headed into space - nine days after Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson

In an essay, Alexandra Abrams, the former head of Blue Origin Employee Communications, along with 20 employees said the priority was to 'make progress for Jeff' as he competed with Elon Musk and Richard Branson to make it to space first. On Thursday, Abrams said: 'Progress at Blue Origin was smooth and steady and slow, until Jeff started getting impatient that Elon and Branson were getting ahead, and then we started feeling this increasing pressure and impatience that would filter down from leadership'

Ultimately, Richard Branson flew to the edge of space first, on July 11 - nine days ahead of Bezos. Elon Musk, who leads SpaceX, has not flown into space himself, but his company sent four civilians into space on September 15, flying 360 miles above the Earth

At least 13 of the 21 signees to the essay were engineers at the company, who said that staying on schedule trumped safety. One engineer said that 'Blue Origin has been lucky that nothing has happened so far'.

In the essay, the group noted that in 2018 a team had documented more than 1,000 problem reports related to the engines that power Blue Origin's rockets, which had never been addressed.

They noted that they were concerned they were seeing 'history repeating itself', referring to the Challenger disaster.

'Should we allow commercial entities intent on flying an increasing number of people to space to make the same errors and accountability oversights that led to past disasters? NASA, as a civilian agency, is accountable to the public. Blue Origin, a private company, is not,' the group noted.

The essay is the latest blow to Bezos and Blue Origin, who has filed a lawsuit against NASA over its decision to only award Musk's SpaceX the contract to build a lunar lander

Other concerns included engineers working long hours, more than was reasonable or manageable, and the group claimed that requests by for additional engineers, staff, or spending were frequently denied, 'despite the fact that Blue Origin has one of the largest single sources of private funding on Earth'.

They added that they were often told to 'be careful with Jeff's money,' to 'not ask for more,' and to 'be grateful.'

Abrams said on Thursday morning that 'you cannot create a culture of safety and a culture of fear at the same time. They are incompatible.

'Oftentimes when I tried to reconcile what I was hearing from engineers close to the vehicle versus leadership, I would often go to leadership ... and often the response would be to say that the person [engineer] does not have a high enough risk tolerance.'

Abrams added that if she were to face Bezos she would tell him that she 'really wished he was the person we thought he was, and that Blue Origin was the company we all thought it was going to be.'

The group sent the essay to the FAA ahead of its publication on Thursday morning.

'The FAA takes every safety allegation seriously, and the agency is reviewing the information,' a spokesman for the agency told DailyMail.com in an email.

In the essay, the group further claimed that workforce gender gaps resulted in a 'particular brand of sexism,' where senior leaders, including one in CEO Bob Smith's (pictured with Bezos) inner circle, were 'consistently inappropriate with women'

The employees said they felt 'unease' when Bezos blasted into space, with some unable to watch the event at all. Most said that with their concerns over safety, they would not fly in Blue Origin rockets at all

In the essay, the group further claimed that workforce gender gaps resulted in a 'particular brand of sexism,' where senior leaders, including one in CEO Bob Smith's inner circle, were 'consistently inappropriate with women.'

The senior leader was was reported to HR multiple times for sexual harassment, but Smith allegedly made this person a member of the hiring committee for filling a senior HR role in 2019, and no action was taken against him.

Another person called women 'baby girl,' 'baby doll,' or 'sweetheart' and asked about dating lives.

The essay also cites a former NASA astronaut and Blue Origin 'senior leader' who told women he was working with they should ask his opinion 'because I am a man.'

'We found many company leaders to be unapproachable and showing clear bias against women,' the essay reads.

'Concerns related to flying were consistently shut down, and women were demeaned for raising them.

'When one man was let go for poor performance, he was allowed to leave with dignity, even a going-away party. Yet when a woman leader who had significantly improved her department's performance was let go, she was ordered to leave immediately, with security hovering until she exited the building five minutes later.'

Many of the essay's authors wrote the company never considered environmental impacts of the company's operations until the last minute, citing the company's headquarters in Kent, Washington that was 'built on wetlands that were drained for construction

The essay notes that the toxic culture has taken a toll on the mental health of many employees, including some who have 'experienced periods of suicidal thoughts.'

'Former and current employees have had experiences they could only describe as dehumanizing, and are terrified of the potential consequences for speaking out against the wealthiest man on the planet,' the essay reads.

'One senior program leader with decades in the aerospace and defense industry said working at Blue Origin was the worst experience of her life.'

A Blue Origin spokesman told DailyMail.com in an email: 'Ms. Abrams was dismissed for cause two years ago after repeated warnings for issues involving federal export control regulations.

'Blue Origin has no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind. We provide numerous avenues for employees, including a 24/7 anonymous hotline, and will promptly investigate any new claims of misconduct. We stand by our safety record and believe that New Shepard is the safest space vehicle ever designed or built.'

Many of the essay's authors wrote the company never considered environmental impacts of the company's operations until the last minute, citing the company's headquarters in Kent, Washington that was 'built on wetlands that were drained for construction.'

'All of us joined Blue Origin eager to innovate and to open access to space for the benefit of humanity,' the essay reads. 'We believe exploring the possibilities for human civilization beyond Earth is a necessity.

'But if this company's culture and work environment are a template for the future Jeff Bezos envisions, we are headed in a direction that reflects the worst of the world we live in now, and sorely needs to change.'

On July 20, Bezos, along with his brother, Mark, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen and test pilot, Wally Funk, headed into space.

Funk became the oldest person to ever fly to space at 82 years old.

At 18 years old, Daemen became the youngest person, first teenager, and first person born in the 21st century to travel to space.

Earlier this week, Blue Origin announced its second space mission, scheduled for October 12.

Dr Chris Boshuizen, co-founder of Planet Labs and partner at venture capital firm DCVC and Medidata co-founder Glen de Vries into space on the New Shepard rocket.

In an email obtained by DailyMail.com, the company said the other two astronauts would be announced 'in the coming days,' though speculation rose last week when legendary Star Trek actor William Shatner was reported to join the crew.
Children sleep less and have poorer quality slumber if they use smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices at night, a new study has warned.

Those aged between six and 15 years old are most likely to be affected, the researchers said, blaming video gaming, computers, phones, internet use and watching television.

In children aged five and under, television and tablets were the main culprits for shorter sleep.

Children sleep less and have poorer quality slumber if they use smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices at night, a new study has warned (stock image)

How much sleep do children need? According to the NHS, the recommended sleep durations are: Babies 4 to 12 months old - 12 to 16 hours including naps Toddlers 1 to 2 years old - 11 to 14 hours including naps Children 3 to 5 years old - 10 to 13 hours including naps Children 6 to 12 years old - 9 to 12 hours Teenagers 13 to 18 years old - 8 to 10 hours Advertisement

The research by the University of Southern Denmark reviewed 49 studies published between 2009 and 2019, with the studies involving between 55 and 369,595 children.

Experts looked at the association of electronic media use, including media type and duration, with sleep patterns.

The authors considered bedtime and sleep onset, sleep quality (waking up at night), sleep duration and daytime tiredness.

They found a link between electronic device use and delayed bedtime and poor sleep quality in children aged six to 12, while screen time among teenagers aged 13 to 15 was associated with problems falling asleep.

Social media use was also to blame for poor sleep quality among teenagers, the researchers said.

They say this interactive media may be overly stimulating, which may explain why the age group get less sleep.

In all age groups, exposure to blue light from screens may suppress the production of melatonin  the hormone that regulates sleep  leading to poorer sleep duration and disturbing the natural sleep-wake cycle, the study found.

Researchers found a link between electronic device use and delayed bedtime and poor sleep quality in children aged six to 12, while screen time among teenagers aged 13 to 15 was associated with problems falling asleep (stock image)

Lisbeth Lund, lead author, said: 'It is important that children and adolescents get sufficient sleep to avoid negative health consequences.

'We also understand that media is an important part of our lives.

'Our findings suggest that parents may wish to regulate how much their children are engaging with electronic media to potentially improve sleep.'

The 49 studies reviewed included children from North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other Western countries.

However, the authors of the research said most of the studies were observational and therefore did not allow for conclusions about cause and effect or the direction between the association of media use and sleep quality.

They said more research was needed to draw solid conclusions about electronic media's impact on sleep.

'Public awareness and interventions could be promoted about the potential negative impact on children's sleep of electronic media devices that are used excessively and close to bedtime,' the researchers wrote in the paper.

A previous study has also warned that spending more than an hour a day watching programmes on devices may increase the risk that toddlers will have emotional and behavioural issues.

These issues include hyperactivity, poor concentration, short attention spans and trouble connecting with other children and forging friendships.

The researchers, led by social scientist Janette Niiranen of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, speculated that devices are reducing the time that children spend reading, playing and interacting with family, or other youngsters.

The latest research has been published in the journal BMC Public Health.
Work on the telescope began in 2011 and will launch no later than May 2027

It's expected this telescope will find a 'significant number of rocky worlds in and beyond the region where liquid water may exist'

All design and developmental engineering work has finished on the telescope

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which has been delayed several times, has passed a key milestone ahead of its expected 2027 launch to search for rogue planets that may harbor life.

All design and developmental engineering work has finished on the telescope, which was renamed last year for Nancy Grace Roman, one of the first women to work at NASA and a central figure in the development of the Hubble Telescope.

The telescope, which has a cost of more than $3 billion, will be used to peer into deep space, looking at the infrared version of the universe.

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NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope passed a key milestone. All design and developmental engineering work has finished on the telescope

It's expected this telescope will find rogue planets (pictured), including a 'significant number of rocky worlds in and beyond the region where liquid water may exist'

This will allow astronomers to have a wider field of view and be able to observe more planets, galaxies and stars.

In addition to using infrared to find more galaxies and stars, it's widely expected that the Roman telescope will find a 'significant number of rocky worlds in and beyond the region where liquid water may exist,' according to a statement.

Roman's capabilities give it the ability to look at the same infrared resolution that Hubble has, only 200 times larger.

It will also be able to conduct surveys of space that would take 'hundreds of years' with Hubble, the statement added.

It will have a nearly eight-foot wide mirror that reflects stellar light towards imaging sensors for processing.

The telescope is being worked on by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA JPL and Caltech.

'After seeing our extensive hardware testing and sophisticated modeling, an independent review panel has confirmed that the observatory we have designed will work,' said Julie McEnery, the Roman Space Telescope senior project scientist in the statement.

'We know what it will look like and what it will be capable of. Now that the groundwork is laid, the team is thrilled to continue building and testing the observatory they've envisaged.'

Work on the project began in 2011, and in February 2020, it passed a set of final design milestones and was approved for hardware testing to ensure its durability in orbit.

'With this review complete, we enter the exciting phase where we will assemble and test the Roman hardware that we plan to fly,' Jackie Townsend, deputy project manager, added.

'When all our flight hardware is ready in 2024, we'll hold the System Integration Review and integrate the Roman observatory. Finally, we'll test the whole observatory in environments that simulate launch and our orbit to make sure Roman will work as designed.'

The mission is slated to launch no later than May 2027.

In May 2020, the name of the telescope was changed to honor Nancy Grace Roman from the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope.

In May 2020, the name of the telescope was changed to honor Nancy Grace Roman (pictured). She organized a large collection of astronomers and engineers from around the country to create a plan for what would become the Hubble Telescope, and in 1978 she helped convince congress to approve its $36 million development

Roman began her career working on spectral classification, which involved using powerful telescopes to separate stellar light into a spectrum and using the color information to calculate the size and distance of each star.

In 1959, she joined NASA's Office of Space Science as its chief of astronomy and relativity.

She was an early champion of the idea of putting a large telescope into orbit around the Earth to collect lightwave data from deep space that would undetectable at ground level because of atmospheric interference.

She organized a large collection of astronomers and engineers from around the country to create a plan for what would become the Hubble Telescope, and in 1978 she helped convince congress to approve its $36 million development.
A 7,200-year-old skeleton of a young female discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has been identified as a 'new type of ancient human' from a group called the Toaleans, who only died out 1,500 years ago.

An international research team isolated DNA from the ancient homo sapien, who was found in a cave called Leang Panninge ('Bat Cave') on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Christened Besse, she is the first known skeleton from an early foraging culture called the Toaleans  'seafaring hunter-gatherers' who lived in South Sulawesi from 8,000 to 1,500 years ago.

Besse, who was found buried in a foetal position and partially covered by rocks, was somewhere between 17 to 18 years old at time of death, researchers think.

Stone tools and red ochre  iron-rich rock used to make pigment  were found in her grave, along with bones of hunted wild animals.

Besse is a rare 'genetic fossil', and shares about half of her genetic makeup with present-day Indigenous Australians and people in New Guinea and the Western Pacific islands.

This includes DNA inherited from the now-extinct species of humans called Denisovans  the distant cousins of Neanderthals whose fossils have only been found in Siberia and Tibet.

It remains unclear what happened to the Toalean culture and its people.

Photo shows the jaw and teeth of Besse, who was found buried in a foetal position and partially covered by rocks in a cave called Leang Panninge ('Bat Cave') on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi

Sulawesi, the world's eleventh-largest island, is part of a geographical transition zone called Wallacea

MEET BESSE THE 'GENETIC FOSSIL' Besse, who was found buried in a foetal position and partially covered by rocks. Stone tools and red ochre  iron-rich rock used to make pigment  were found in her grave, along with bones of hunted wild animals. She was somewhere between 17 to 18 years old at time of death, researchers think. Besse shares most genetic drift and morphological similarities with present-day Papuan and Indigenous Australian groups. But what makes her special is the fact she belonged to a group with an ancestral history that was unlike that of any previously known human population. Advertisement

Archaeologists affectionately dubbed her Besse in a nod to a custom among royal families of bestowing this nickname on newly born princesses before they were formally named.

Selina Carlhoff, doctoral candidate at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and lead author of the study, isolated DNA from the petrous bone of the skull.

'It was a major challenge, as the remains had been strongly degraded by the tropical climate,' she said.

Through radiocarbon dating the team was able to determine the age of Besse's remains to be between about 7,300 to 7,200 years old.

The Toalean culture, of which Besse was part, has only been found in a relatively small area on Sulawesi's southern peninsula.

Sulawesi, the world's eleventh-largest island, is part of a geographical transition zone called Wallacea and is one of the 'Wallace Islands'.

The new study, published in the latest edition of Nature, marks the first time ancient human DNA has been reported from Wallacea.

Besse is also the first relatively complete skeleton to be found alongside securely dated artefacts of the Toaleans, according to study co-leader Professor Adam Brumm at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

Stone arrowheads, known as Maros points, are up to 8,000 years old. They are considered typical of the Toalean techno-complex developed by the people living in the south of the island of Sulawesi

Who were the Toalean people? The Toaleans were early hunter-gatherers who lived a secluded existence in the forests of South Sulawesi from around 8,000 years ago until 1,500 years ago, hunting wild pigs and collecting edible shellfish from rivers. Among the objects manufactured by the people of the Toalean culture are the characteristic stone arrowheads known as Maros points, collected by researchers. Toalean artefacts have only been found in one small part of Sulawesi, encompassing about 6 per cent of the total land area of the island. 'This suggests that this past culture had limited contact with other early Sulawesi communities or people in nearby islands, existing for thousands of years in isolation,' said study co-author Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a researcher at Pusat Penelitian Arkeologi Nasional, Indonesias national archaeological research institute. The research team has found no evidence that the group Besse belonged to left descendants among today's population in Wallacea. It also remains unclear what happened to the Toalean culture and its people. Advertisement

'The Toaleans were early hunter-gatherers who lived a secluded existence in the forests of South Sulawesi from around 8,000 years ago until 1,500 years ago, hunting wild pigs and collecting edible shellfish from rivers,' Professor Brumm said.

Among the objects manufactured by the people of the Toalean culture are the characteristic stone arrowheads known as Maros points, collected by researchers.

Toalean artefacts have only been found in one small part of Sulawesi, encompassing about 6 per cent of the total land area of the island.

'This suggests that this past culture had limited contact with other early Sulawesi communities or people in nearby islands, existing for thousands of years in isolation,' said study co-author Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a researcher at Pusat Penelitian Arkeologi Nasional, Indonesias national archaeological research institute.

The research team has found no evidence that the group Besse belonged to left descendants among today's population in Wallacea.

It also remains unclear what happened to the Toalean culture and its people.

People who live in Sulawesi today seem to largely descend from Neolithic farmers ('Austronesians') who arrived in the region from Taiwan some 3,500 years ago.

The scientists do note, however, that more extensive genomic sampling of Sulawesi's diverse population could reveal evidence for the genetic legacy of Toaleans.

'The discovery of Besse and the implications of her genetic ancestry show just how little we understand about the early human story in our region, and how much more there is left to uncover,' Professor Brumm said.

Like the genome of the indigenous inhabitants of New Guinea and Australia, Besse's genome contained traces of Denisovan DNA.

Photo shows Besse's 'almost completely preserved skeleton' as it was found in Leang Panninge

The Denisovans are an extinct group of archaic humans known primarily from finds in Siberia and Tibet.

'The fact that their genes are found in the hunter-gatherers of Leang Panninge supports our earlier hypothesis that the Denisovans occupied a far larger geographical area,' said study author Professor Johannes Krause of the Max Planck Institutes for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.

It's possible Denisovans and the first modern humans (ancestors of today's indigenous Australians and Papuans) bred in Wallacea.

These ancestors likely entered Wallacea some 65,000 years ago after spreading from Eurasia towards Oceania.

The Leang Panninge cave on the southern peninsula of Sulawesi, Indonesia, in which Besse was found

Excavations at Leang Panninge cave, where ancient rock art depictions of animals have previously been reported

The Wallace Islands were 'stepping stones' in this journey prior to them reaching Oceania around 50,000 years ago.

'The geographic distribution of Denisovans and modern humans may have overlapped in the Wallacea region,' said co-author Professor Cosimo Posth of the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tubingen, Germany.

'It may well be the key place where Denisova people and the ancestors of indigenous Australians and Papuans interbred.'

Analyses also revealed something unexpected in the genome of Besse  a deep ancestral signature from an early modern human population of Asian origin.

Excavations at Leang Panninge cave on Sulawesi, where there's historically been a lack of conservation efforts

This group did not intermix with the predecessors of Aboriginal Australians and Papuans, suggesting it may have entered the region after the initial peopling of the supercontinent known as Sahul.

'It is unlikely we will know much about the identity of these early ancestors of the Toaleans until more ancient human DNA samples are available from Wallacea,' said Indonesian senior author Professor Akin Duli from the University of Hasanuddin.

'But it would now appear that the population history and genetic diversity of early humans in the region were more complex than previously supposed.'

Toalean foragers were the earliest inhabitants of Sahul, the supercontinent that emerged during the Ice Age when global sea levels fell, which exposed a land bridge between Australia and New Guinea.

'To reach Sahul, these pioneering humans made ocean crossings through Wallacea, but little about their journeys is known,' Professor Brumm said.

Pictured, a map of the landmass of Sahul, with modern-day coastlines overlain in white

Ancestors of Besse were among the first modern humans to reach Wallacea, but instead of island hopping eastward to Sahul they must have just remained in Sulawesi.

If so, it may have been the forebears of Besse who created the very old cave paintings recently found in South Sulawesi, recently reported by Griffith University researchers.

This rock art dates to at least 45,500 years ago and includes what may be the earliest known human representations of animals.

Sulawesi is one of a group of islands known as the Wallacean Islands, where there's been a historical lack of investment in conservation, according to Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.
McDonalds isnt known for having regal restaurants - but there are uber-posh exceptions.

An elegant Golden Arches outlet is housed inside a 19th-century mansion in Freeport, Maine - with a sign carrying the fast-food chain's famous logo subtly perched on the front lawn.

The building has a colonial facade, and inside, customers feast on lobster rolls and Big Macs in a sophisticated dining room, complete with a stately fireplace and candlesticks.

The McDonald's in Freeport, Maine (pictured above), opened its doors back in 1984 (cc by 2.0)

The original mansion was built by Maine merchant William Gore around 1850

According to the Freeport Historical Society, the property - known as 'Gore House' - is a 'combination of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture' and was built by Maine merchant William Gore around 1850.

In the early 1980s, McDonalds tried to introduce the chain to the town, but locals objected - the trademark red and yellow architecture of the fast-food restaurant went against the towns strict building design codes.

McDonalds made a compromise. In late 1983, the Freeport Zoning Board of Appeals permitted the chain to put a restaurant inside the historic Gore House.

Citizens in Freeport were angry when the McDonald's Corporation bought the Gore house, the Freeport Historical Society reported in the 1996 book Images of America: Freeport.

Gordon Hamlin, a spokesman for the North Main Street Neighborhood Organization, which opposed the restaurant at the time, told the New York Times they were really disappointed with the decision.

'The exterior of the home was preserved to keep with the aesthetic of the centuries-old coastal town [of Freeport],' McDonald's says

The sophisticated dining room comes complete with a stately fireplace and candlesticks

Meanwhile, McDonald's corporate media spokesperson Stephen Leroy told the publication: 'What we are doing there is something we probably have never done before in terms of design and the amount of time and effort involved.

'We are willing to spend the money to make it compatible with the area, the history, the community and the people who live there.'

The McDonalds Corporation explained in a recent Instagram post: The exterior of the home was preserved to keep with the aesthetic of the centuries-old coastal town.'

The restaurant opened its doors in 1984 and remains a hit with fast-food lovers today. Tying in with the grandeur of the architecture, the early interiors featured carved wooden dining chairs and Roman window blinds.

Contemporary wooden booth-style seating and industrial hanging lights were introduced in recent years. The walls are plastered with giant archival photographs of Freeport landmarks

A drive-thru was built on one side of the mansion, tucked out of sight of the main road.

Cyndi and Ron Lydick have owned and operated the business since 2007. 'People love visiting just to see the uniqueness of the restaurant,' Ron told the McDonalds Corporation.

McDonalds added: Ron and Cyndi work closely with the Freeport Historical Society to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the town, working together to make sure the location honours the legacy of the city and the building itself.

The McMansion's interior underwent a modern renovation in the past few years, introducing contemporary wooden booth-style seating and industrial hanging lights.

Staying true to the building's Freeport roots, the walls were plastered with giant archival photographs of local landmarks, with golden information plaques sharing facts about the areas history.

On the walls, golden information plaques share facts about Freeport's history

The traditional wooden seating in the dining room was updated, and the fireplace was remodelled with red brickwork and a slick white paint job.

Technology was also integrated into the makeover - today, standalone touchscreen robots take your order inside.

Outside, wooden benches and picnic tables are dotted between colourful beds of flowers.

Lobster rolls are served in the summer months, but otherwise, the fare is typical McDonald's.

'McDonalds' is written above the front door, but the signage is subtle. One Yelp reviewer admitted they drove by not even realizing it was a McDonald's.

A discreet Golden Arches sign is perched on the estate's front lawn (cc by 2.0)

The traditional wooden seating in the dining room (pictured) was updated in recent years

Pictured above is the restaurant before its renovation. Today, standalone touchscreen robots take your order inside

'It's a McDonald's with a twist because it simply does not look like any Golden Arches you have ever seen. Kudos to corporate for approving such a wonderful design,' wrote another.

A third was enamoured by the grand decor, writing: Food is standard Mickey D's, but the setting is worth going for. Set in an old house but with all the comforts. Even a fireplace.

Theres another McMansion in New Hyde Park, New York.

Originally built as a farmhouse in 1795, the Long Island property was converted into a mansion for Joseph Denton, a descendent of one of the founders of the town of Hempstead in the 1860s.

In 1988, the building was designated as a historic landmark, so McDonald's restored the building, mimicking the building's 1920s look, before opening it in 1991.
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Fascinating photographs show how Qatar's capital city has undergone an incredible transformation over the past 50 years.

Then and now pictures, courtesy of Qatar Tourism, illustrate how Doha's landmarks and landscapes have changed dramatically over a period of time that amounts to a blink of an eye, historically.

For example, the Sheraton Grand Hotel was once the only building to mark the flat stretch of sand along the West Bay area. A glittering skyline of sci-fi-style skyscrapers has since sprouted by the water's edge.

As this rapid development got underway, notable pieces of Qatari history - such as the Barzan Towers and the Al Zubarah Fort - were preserved and restored. And there's more besides.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: 'Qatar has a fascinating history for such a small country, stretching back way into the annals of ancient human history. Yet no period has been as dramatic and transformational as the past 50 years, where huge infrastructure programmes have made modern Doha essentially unrecognisable from how it used to be.'

Scroll down to see the astonishing contrast between past and present...

 Slide me  WEST BAY SKYLINE: The picture on the left, taken in the late 1970s, shows the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in West Bay being constructed. Over the decades, a stunning transformation of the area took place. In contemporary Doha, the Sheraton stands among a forest of sci-fi skyscrapers

 Slide me  SHERATON HOTEL: Shaped like a pyramid and built on the shores of Doha Bay, The Sheraton opened on February 22, 1982. The hotel's steel frame and prefabricated panels were new methods of construction in Qatar at the time

 Slide me  NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR (NMOQ): The Old Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani is one of Dohas most recognisable landmarks. The palace is now encased by the UFO-like National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), which opened its doors as a museum in 2019. The museum was designed by French architect Jean Novel, who was inspired by the form and shape of a desert rose

 Slide me  OLD SHEIKH'S PALACE: To the left, you'll see the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani as it appeared in 1960. Known as 'The Old Palace', the grand building was constructed during the early 20th century. The palace, which once stood as the seat of government in Qatar, has been restored several times over the years

 Slide me  TOWER IN AL BIDDA PARK: The photograph on the left was taken around 1959, showing the tower on an old fort in Al Bidda Park. The tower was reconstructed as part of the restoration of the park, which is near Doha Bay

 Slide me  DOHA POST OFFICE: The main post office of Doha was constructed in 1979, and it's still in operation today. The distinctive design of the roof helps to bring light into the space while keeping the building cool

 Slide me  CENTRAL BANK: The snapshot on the left dates back to the 1970s. Originally known as the Qatar Monetary Agency, the Qatar Central Bank HQ was established in 1973. Once it was founded, the bank issued a new currency called the Qatari Riyal, which is still the country's official currency

 Slide me  BARZAN TOWERS: To the left, the Barzan Towers are seen circa 1959. The watchtowers were built in the late 19th century. At 16 metres (52.4ft) in height, their name was inspired by their stature - in Arabic, 'barzan' means 'high place'. Bringing them back to their former glory, the towers underwent a restoration in 2003

 Slide me  VIEW FROM GULF HOTEL: On the left, you'll see the view from the Gulf Hotel in the 1970s, after construction on the Sheraton Grand had been completed. In the decades that followed, the rise of skyscrapers on the horizon dramatically transformed the view. Large construction projects and new beaches have also altered the vista

 Slide me  AL KAHRABA STREET: Al Kahraba street in the Msheireb area of central Doha has been transformed as part of the Msheireb Downtown Doha programme, which is 'the worlds first sustainable downtown regeneration project'. The project is reviving the old commercial district with contemporary Qatari architecture

 Slide me  AL KAHRABA STREET: Al Kahraba street was the first street in Qatar to be fully lit. Its name derives from this fact - kahraba means electricity in Arabic. The photograph on the right was captured in 2021. Al Kahraba street, and the surrounding area, are now home to luxury townhouses, premium apartments, hotels, museums, and offices. According to Qatar Tourism, the area 'blends Qatari heritage and aesthetics with modern technology'

 Slide me  SOUQ WAQIF: Cast your eye to the left and you'll see the traditional Souq Waqif marketplace in the 1970s. Fast forward to the modern-day and the Souq Waqif remains an important part of daily life in Doha. Thanks to its central location in the city, the souq attracts locals and tourists alike

 Slide me  SOUQ WAQIF: The Souq Waqif is built on the site of Dohas century-old trading market, near the waterside. In the 70s, the marketplace had space for visiting vehicles to park alongside the shops. Today, however, most drivers park in the area's underground car park

 Slide me  SOUQ WAQIF: The Souq Waqif fell into decline near the end of the 20th century. Further destruction occurred in 2003 when a fire ravaged most of the marketplace. In the years that followed, plans were put in place to restore the Souq Waqif to its original historical appearance, and this restoration was finally completed in 2008. The Qatar Tourism board says the restoration 'has been an incredible success and it [the Souq Waqif] has become one of Dohas most popular sites'

 Slide me  AL ZUBARAH FORT: The image on the left was captured in the 1950s and shows the Al Zubarah Fort, which is the most prominent feature of the Unesco-listed Al Zubarah Archaeological Site. It's also the youngest feature, having been built in 1938. The Al Zubarah Fort, which has been described as a 'pristine' example of a typical Arab fort, features one-metre-thick (3.2ft) walls, which helped to ward off invaders and keep rooms cool throughout the sweltering heat of the summer

 Slide me  DUKHAN AIRPORT: Pictured on the left is the old Dukhan Airport control tower, which was constructed in the 1930s. It was located in Qatar's first-ever airport, which was made obsolete by the grand opening of the Doha International Airport in 1959. On the right, you'll see that the original Dukhan Airport was recently restored
Colson Smith has revealed he still sees 'that fat kid' when he looks in the mirror- despite his staggering 10stone weight loss.

The Coronation Street actor, 23, overhauled his health and fitness at the start of lockdown last year by taking up running.

And in an interview with Runner's World, Colson, who plays Craig Tinker in the ITV soap, talked about how he used to go running in the dead of night in disguise, his self image confidence battle and how he used to be bullied over his fuller figure growing up.

Colson Smith has revealed he still sees 'that fat kid' when he looks in the mirror- despite his staggering 10stone weight loss (pictured right after weight loss, right in January 2020)

Colson spoke of how he used to go running in disguise and only at night as he was too 'embarrassed' over his size prior to his 10 stone.

'Every run until at least May was for the benefit of losing weight, but then something clicked and it wasn't about that any more. I became more interested in what running actually was,' he said.

'My first runs were in the witching hour, pitch black, I had a snood and a cap on. I did not want to be seen.

Working up a sweat: The Coronation Street actor, 23, overhauled his health and fitness at the start of lockdown last year by taking up running

'But then you see other people who look like you, who are in the same position as you, and the inhibitions start to run off. Running does give you confidence.

'You're not doing it for anyone else, and no one else is going to do it for you. Once you have that idea in your head, you're on to a winner.'

Colson has shed an impressive amount of weight and become a fitness enthusiast after 'self-harming' with food.

Candid: Colson admitted that he used to go running in disguise and only at night as he was too 'embarrassed' over his size prior to his 10 stone weight loss

Desperate measures: In a candid Instagram post in which he shared a video of the first time he went running, the actor, 22, showed how he used to cover up in a cap and a scarf

On still seeing the 'fat kid' in the mirror, Colson said: 'That fat kid is the kid that I've looked at every day in the mirror and I still see him now.

'It's a battle I'm probably going to carry with me for the rest of my life. You don't shrug off that kind of thing so easily.

'But I'm not going to take a big pay cheque to hold up a pair of my old trousers. I want to tell the story my way.'

Starting out: Talking about the trolling he received before losing weight, the actor revealed that he first got vile comments when he was just 11-years-old (pictured in 2011)

Colson revealed he decided to lose weight at the end of 2019 after he assessed his relationship with food, asking Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod if his weight loss could be incorporated into a storyline for his character Craig Tinker.

The star admitted lockdown could have been a 'perfect excuse' for him to put weight on but instead it forced him to 'stop and refocus'.

Talking about the trolling he received before losing weight, the actor revealed he first got vile comments when he was just 11-years-old and he also experienced a 'difficult' time in school due to being the 'odd one out'.

He said: 'Being the kid who was on telly definitely put a target on my head. I got a hard time at school. I got a hard time for my job, and a hard time for the way I looked, so it was the worst of both worlds.'

Read all about it: Read the full interview in the November 2021 issue of Runners World

And Colson has said most of the trolling is over his appearance.

'You do get people saying: "Oh my god, you were amazing in Corrie tonight," but I'm less likely to acknowledge that than the ones saying: "You are literally the worst actor I've ever seen." The comments are mostly about my appearance. I'd say pretty much 99.9% of anything that's written about me, I do see,' Colsonadmitted.

But the actor remains positive about his new-found vigour for exercise and how it has transformed his health- both physically and mentally.

He said: 'Doing that morning run meant I had achieved something every day, even when work wasn't happening [due to Covid]. I had 40 minutes to an hour to talk to myself, go over my to-do list in my head.

'Then you're on a buzz because you've done a run and you're one step ahead of yourself.'

Read the full Colson Smith interview in the November 2021 issue of Runners World UK, on sale from the 30th of September 2021, also available as a digital edition.
Keanu Reeves says his comic book BRZRKR is 'an examination of' violence.

The Matrix actor, 57, spoke with People on Wednesday about the project, which he penned with Matt Kindt.

'We are looking at violence in the impulse of violence and how it's used, and how it tries to be controlled,' Reeves told the publication. 'And trying to understand the character that we might not be able to relate to it, being immortal, but we relate to the idea of wanting to be immortal.'

The latest: Keanu Reeves, 57, says his comic book BRZRKR is 'an examination of' violence. The actor was snapped last year in LA

The storyline of the comic book is centered on Berzerker, an immortal hybrid of God and man who has a strong tendency toward violence, impacting his sanity. The character eventually winds up in the employment of the U.S. government to find out the truth about his life.

The A-list actor told the outlet that people 'can relate to the idea of the imagination of' immortality, which fuels the storyline of BRZRKR, which was illustrated by Marvel artist Ron Garney.

'We have vampiric stories that speak about that,' he said. 'But that's part of the human condition, whether it's the living condition of our mortality or human wish-fulfillment that we don't have mortality.

'In the context of violence, which is everywhere, it's survival, it's conquest, it's eating. So it plays everywhere, and we're trying to look at it from different ... It's an examination of it.'

Driving force: The A-list actor told the outlet that people 'can relate to the idea of the imagination of' immortality, which fuels the storyline of the comic

Life's a beach: Reeves was snapped in June 2019 in Malibu

Kindt said that he, Reeves and Kindt worked on the project for 'at least two years,' much of it remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Reeves told the outlet of working on the comic book amid multiple film projects such as The Matrix Resurrections and John Wick: Chapter 4: 'How do we find the time? Because we love it. That was what we did. We love it.'

Others working on the comic include Rafael Grampa (covers and character designs), Bill Crabtree (colors) and Clem Robins (lettering).

In March, the first comic in the 12-issue series was released, selling more than 615,000 copies, Deadline reported.

Also that month, Netflix obtained the rights to the adaptation, which will be a feature project and an anime spinoff show in which Reeves will make cameos.

BRZRKR Vol. 1, with the first four issues, is set to be released October 5.
Irena Srbinovska proudly worked as a nurse for a decade before finding love with Locky Gilbert on The Bachelor last year.

And after taking 12 months off, the 32-year-old has now revealed she is ready to get back into her uniform and return to the hospital ward.

She was asked about her career and if she had any advice for new graduates during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday.

Back to work: Irena Srbinovska proudly worked as a nurse for a decade before finding love with Locky Gilbert on The Bachelor last year. And after taking 12 months off, the 32-year-old has now revealed she is ready to get back into her uniform and return to the hospital ward

She shared a photo of herself during her time at Geelong Hospital and explained she had been in the profession for more than 10 years, working in a range of roles.

'I have taken some time to get back into it but I am finally going back to work... watch this space. News coming soon!' she added.

Her advice for new graduates was to 'try out everything' and 'don't be afraid to ask questions', adding: 'That's how we learn. And never think you know everything; we are always learning.'

Profession: 'I have taken some time to get back into it but I am finally going back to work... watch this space. News coming soon!' she said during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday. Irena has spent the last 12 months travelling around Australia with boyfriend Locky Gilbert (pictured)

She also advised nurses to look after their mental health, adding: 'Burnout is a real thing and in order to be able to look after others we need to look after ourselves.'

Irena's career update comes after she found love with former Australian Survivor star Locky Gilbert on season eight of The Bachelor last year.

Since falling in love, the couple have spent plenty of time travelling across Australia.

Hidden heartbreak: While they've been enjoying their travels, the couple did reveal July they'd suffered a miscarriage 'a few months' into their relationship

While they've been enjoying their travels, the pair did reveal July they'd suffered a miscarriage 'a few months' into their relationship.

They told Who magazine losing their baby was a 'devastating low'.

Irena said the miscarriage may have been linked to the stress she was going through in the aftermath of The Bachelor.

Devastating: Irena told Who magazine the miscarriage may have been linked to the stress she was going through in the aftermath of The Bachelor

'During our first few months together I unfortunately suffered a miscarriage,' Irena said. 'But Locky was my rock and having his support made me love him even more.'

Locky added: 'We are just normal people and while we put ourselves in the spotlight, you never know what is going on in our lives that day.

'If you have to say something, then direct it at me, not my girl.'

Sad: 'During our first few months together I unfortunately suffered a miscarriage,' Irena said. 'But Locky was my rock and having his support made me love him even more'

Locky and Irena remain hopeful of starting a family together in the near future and said they have already chosen names for the two children they plan to have.

'We aren't spring chickens, so it'll happen sooner rather than later,' Locky added.

Contact Pregnancy Loss Australia if you have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth and need support, or Sands on 1300 072 637
Babymoons used to be a chance for couples to enjoy a last holiday before their lives were turned topsy-turvy by the birth of their first child.

But heavily pregnant Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh  who has a 16-month-old daughter, Sienna  has decided she also needs one before the arrival of her second baby.

The 32-year-old, whose greatgreat-grandfather invented Quality Street chocolates, has headed off to Marbella, Spain, with her husband, Hugo Taylor, 35, her costar in the Bafta-winning TV series.

Heavily pregnant Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh  who has a 16-month-old daughter, Sienna  has decided she also needs one before the arrival of her second baby

The 32-year-old, whose greatgreat-grandfather invented Quality Street chocolates, has headed off to Marbella, Spain, with her husband, Hugo Taylor, 35, her costar in the Bafta-winning TV series

On Her PMs Secret Service! Carrie sneaks in to 007 launch

As the Prime Ministers wife, attending the most anticipated showbusiness event in years, Carrie Johnson could have been beaming for the cameras on the red carpet at the world premiere of the James Bond film No Time To Die.

However, I can reveal that she sneaked in to the Royal Albert Hall through a side door, in an effort to avoid attention at all costs. And Boris Johnson was not by her side.

It would look highly frivolous for the Prime Minister to attend a James Bond premiere while the country is in the midst of a fuel crisis, my Government mole tells me. 007 would be proud of her efforts to go undetected.

Yesterday, Boriss former right-hand man, Dominic Cummings, attacked No 10s chief of staff, Dan Rosenfield, for attending the premiere. If true chief of staff was at Bond, as NHS staff queuing for petrol, he should be fired instantly, Cummings thundered.

As the Prime Ministers wife, attending the most anticipated showbusiness event in years, Carrie Johnson could have been beaming for the cameras on the red carpet at the world premiere of the James Bond film No Time To Die. However, I can reveal that she sneaked in to the Royal Albert Hall through a side door, in an effort to avoid attention at all costs

In Boriss absence, Carrie, 33, was accompanied by her dashing friend Josh Grimstone, 28, who is Michael Goves most loyal special adviser. Hes worked for the powerful Gove in three separate departments. Grimstone, pictured with Carrie, has known her since she was communications chief of the Conservative Party.

He attended her wedding and shes described him as one of her favourite people. The pair were previously known for their partying antics, and are said to have bonded over the best places to go nightclubbing.

Pregnant Carrie looked radiant in a blue, crushed velvet dress and was doubtless disappointed not to be pictured on the red carpet alongside the royals.

Boris will definitely have been left shaken and stirred by his no-show. Hes admitted his childhood dream was to become the womanising agent. I had witnessed Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever, and I knew the kind of guy I wanted to be, he said. I wanted to be Bond.

A No 10 source tells me: James Bond is a great British success story and its important to support our cultural sector.

In Boriss absence, Carrie, 33, was accompanied by her dashing friend Josh Grimstone, 28, who is Michael Goves most loyal special adviser

The Queen is known for her sweet tooth and now she wants an ambitious new pastry chef whos willing to travel with her. The Demi Chef de Partie (Pastry) will be based at Buckingham Palace, but must be willing to cook at other royal residences. The salary is described as competitive and the successful candidate will be offered accommodation and all meals provided. Sweet.

Kathy loves her new Beta male

Saucy novelist Kathy Lette was heartbroken when her marriage to lawyer Geoffrey Robertson collapsed after 28 years. Now, the best-selling author of HRT: Husband Replacement Therapy and Dead Sexy has found love again  with theatre musician Brian ODoherty, seven years her junior.

Having been married to two brilliant alpha men, Ive now got a beta male, and beta is better because they love to shop and mop, cook and clean, says Lette, 62, whose first husband was media exec Kim Williams. Brian does all my chores, but is secure enough in his masculinity not to find that threatening.

Saucy novelist Kathy Lette was heartbroken when her marriage to lawyer Geoffrey Robertson collapsed after 28 years. Now, the best-selling author of HRT: Husband Replacement Therapy and Dead Sexy has found love again  with theatre musician Brian ODoherty, seven years her junior

Britt: Bond needs bikinis

Daniel Craigs woke 007 has left former Bond girl Britt Ekland bemused.

Of course, theres not going to be a lot of bikini girls running around, because that would be politically incorrect, which is a little sad, but I understand it, says Ekland, who played Mary Goodnight in The Man With The Golden Gun. Maybe the viewing audience dont want to see that any more  they probably just want to see more Aston Martins and guns and things hidden in strange places. I dont know.

For me, being a Bond girl, the whole idea of Bond is the Aston Martin, 007, the gun and the bikini.

Distinguished political documentary maker Michael Cockerell, whos interviewed our 12 last Prime Ministers, admits to breaking strict rationing rules at his local petrol station in Londons Notting Hill. I filled up my VW Polo, but this got me in trouble because the assistant said Id broken the rules and taken 53 worth, which exceeded the 30 limit, he tells me at the launch of his book, Unmasking Our Leaders, at the Polish Hearth Club. I said I didnt see the notice because it was blowing in the wind. Like the most smooth-talking politicians, Cockerell clearly has an answer for everything.

Chefs go to war and theres a lot at steak

Here are two chefs with serious beef. Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge, who was criticised after I reported that he was selling steak and chips for 87 at his gastropub, has now hit out at a rival chef, Salt Bae (real name Nusret Gokce), for charging even more.

Celebrity favourite Salt Bae has opened a VERY swanky restaurant in Knightsbridge, where he sells a gold leaf covered Tomahawk steak for 630. BBC presenter Kerridge has responded by erecting a sign outside his restaurant, The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Bucks, which advertises his Tom-ahawk steak as not 630.

But he claims that criticising expensive steaks is like like shouting at an expensive car.

Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge (right), who was criticised after I reported that he was selling steak and chips for 87 at his gastropub, has now hit out at a rival chef, Salt Bae (real name Nusret Gokce, left), for charging even more
Katie Price will miss her eldest son Harvey's talent show competition, Autism's Got Talent, due to being in rehab.

The mother-of-five was set to make an appearance at the Saint Ives event, hosted by the Anna Kennedy charity, on October 2, however will no longer be able to support 19-year-old Harvey in person after being ordered to rehab by a judge at Crawley Magistrates' Court in West Sussex, The Sun reports.

On Thursday MailOnline obtained photos of Katie, 43, going to The Priory clinic after admitting crashing her BMW while double the drink-drive limit in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Missing out: Katie Price, 43, will miss her eldest son, 19-year-old Harvey's talent show competition, Autism's Got Talent, due to being in rehab (pictured at the event in 2019)

Crash: Katie crashed her BMW while double the drink-drive limit in the early hours of Wednesday morning (pictured)

Katie and Harvey are both ambassadors for the autism charity and the former glamour model even joined her son on stage at the event in 2019.

A source told the paper: 'Katie's family and friends are desperate to get her help.

'They packed her bags as soon as the court hearing was over and are hoping The Priory will provide the support Katie needs to overcome her issues.'

Katie flipped her car near her Sussex home before dawn on Wednesday following an all-night alcohol and cocaine bender.

Rehab: On Thursday Katie was pictured in the passenger seat near The Priory rehab clinic after flipping her car near her Sussex home before dawn after an all-night bender

Jail: Katie was threatened with jail after she pleaded guilty to three charges of drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance (pictured: Katie leaving Crawley Magistrates' Court in West Sussex beneath a blanket on Thursday)

After being rescued by a local resident, Price was arrested on suspicion of driving while above the legal limit for alcohol and drugs - and tested positive for cocaine.

She was threatened with jail after she pleaded guilty on Thursday at Crawley Magistrates' Court to three charges of drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

But prosecutors dropped a drug-driving charge in light of her guilty drink-driving plea.

Price could still face jail when she is sentenced in December, but she checked into the Priory on Thursday. The model has no driving licence after being disqualified for two years in October 2019 - and has been banned from the roads six times in total.

Not out of the woods: Price could still face jail when she is sentenced in December, but she checked into the Priory on Thursday

The three charges were using a motor vehicle on a public place without third party insurance; driving while unfit to drive through drink; and driving while disqualified. Price had been taken to hospital but is not thought to have been badly injured.

Price was told that her sentencing had been deferred for 11 weeks until December 15 to allow her to have treatment at The Priory and speak to the probation service.

Chair of the bench Julie Hutton told her she could leave but warned her against driving in the interim, saying: 'You are free to go and good luck at the Priory.'

Ms Hutton then handed Price an interim driving ban, warning her: 'We regularly send people to prison for driving whilst disqualified.'

Ambassadors: Katie and Harvey are both ambassadors for Autism's Got Talent and the former glamour model even joined her son on stage at the event in 2019

Important: Autism's Got Talent is an annual event that showcases talented performances by adults and children with autism (Katie and Harvey pictured at the event in 2019)

Price left the court with a blanket over her head and wearing pink slippers, with her father Paul Price who drove her away in a blue Fiat 500 as she ducked in the seat.

Katie is an avid disabilities campaigner and was nominated for an National Television Award at this month's ceremony for her BBC film Harvey And Me.

The documentary captured the highs and lows of Harvey transitioning into adulthood and Katie's journey into researching for a specialist college that caters to Harvey's complex needs.

The teen is on the autism spectrum and was born with disabilities including partial blindness, ADHD and Prader-Willi syndrome.
Jorgie Porter put on a loved-up display with her boyfriend Ollie Piotrowski on Wednesday night.

The couple were pictured holding hands as they arrived at Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Hanna Miraftab book launch Brains Are The New T*ts at FireFly in Manchester.

Hollyoaks actress Jorgie, 33, put on a busty display in a off-the-shoulder white crop top, which she layered underneath an oversized khaki blazer while making their way to the event.

Smitten: Jorgie Porter put on a loved-up display with her boyfriend Ollie Piotrowski on Wednesday night

Jorgie teamed the look with flared jeans, white peep toe mules and a Chanel handbag.

Ollie, meanwhile, cut a casual figure in a plaid shirt, dark jeans and trainers.

Once inside the event Jorgie posed with a glam Rachel Lugo and Hanna.

Strike a pose: Once inside the event Jorgie posed with a glam Rachel Lugo and Hanna Miraftab

Earlier this month, Jorgie and Ollie celebrated their anniversary with dinner at The Ivy in Manchester.

It comes after the soap star revealed she 'misses' posing for lads' mags because they were 'empowering' and 'great money,' while insisting she will now only strip off for her beau Ollie.

She said to The Sun in April: 'I miss the lads' mags shoots. It was great money back then! I loved doing them. It was empowering as well.

'But it wasn't all the posing. It was the confidence that was important. That's what makes you sexy. I feel very grateful that I got to do all the lads' mags.'

Racy confession: It comes after the soap star revealed she 'misses' posing for lads' mags because they were 'empowering' and 'great money,'

Back in 2011, Jorgie was ranked 50th in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

She was also shortlisted in the Sexiest Female category at the Soap Awards in 2012 and 2013 during her original Hollyoaks stint.

Going onto speak of Ollie, she added: 'I never imagined wanting to settle down with someone so much. It's like this club we've just found and I'm like, "Ah, I get it now!" I've joined the love club.'

The blonde beauty went Instagram official with businessman Ollie in October.

Speaking on her Loose Lips podcast with co-host Samira Mighty a month after going public with their romance, Jorgie discussed her future with Ollie.

'I am just so happy and very content and happy right now. I'm having the best time,' she said.
Television presenter Laura Csortan has revealed the reality of dating as a busy single mother in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The 44-year-old told Jana Hocking's Kinda Sorta Dating podcast this week the dating scene was 'tough' for her personally.

'It's hard being a single mum and trying to date,' Laura said.

Love under lockdown: Laura Csortan, 44, has revealed the reality of dating as a single mother in Sydney during an interview on Jana Hocking's Kinda Sorta Dating podcast this week

'I have found it harder since having a little girl, but I don't know whether it is coming from me or the dude,' she added.

Laura said her 'time is precious' because of her daughter Layla, four, adding that it's also hard trying to find a man who is after something serious.

She explained there are 'too many players' in Sydney, but she has no chance of meeting anyone interstate because of Covid.

Reality: The television presenter explained there are 'too many players' in Sydney, but she has no chance of meeting anyone interstate because of Covid

Laura said she was using Raya, an exclusive dating app for famous singles, which was a sore point for podcast host Jana who keeps getting rejected from the app.

The guest added that she has dated younger men in the past, which is a popular trend for women in their forties, but these men have their challenges too.

'They have been really excited for it in the beginning,' she said.

Searching for love online? Laura said she was using Raya, an exclusive dating app for famous singles, which was a sore point for podcast host Jana who keeps getting rejected from the app

'My last relationship was with a younger guy but then the cracks started to show several months with the experience,' she added.

Laura went on to mention that some single men label a woman's child a 'S.O.C.K' meaning 'some other c**t's kid'.

The former beauty queen concluded by saying that lockdown with a four-year-old child has been like 'survival mode' for her.
He has been enjoying newlywed bliss after tying the knot with fellow male model Fernando Casablancas last month.

But Jordan Barrett was back to his day job on Wednesday, strutting his stuff on the runway in the Balmain Spring/Summer 2022 show during Paris Fashion Week.

The 24-year-old Aussie catwalk star modelled a black leather jacket that featured heavy gold chain detailing.

Back to work! Jordan Barrett strutted stuff in an edgy leather ensemble at the Balmain Spring/Summer 2022 show during Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday

His look was teamed with black T-shirt and leather trousers with straps and pockets down each leg.

The ensemble was completed with a pair of lace up patent combat boots to add to the edginess.

His deep blonde hair was styled in waves that perfectly framed his visage and chiselled good looks.

Jordan was in his element as he paraded the fashion forward look by the French designer.

Edgy: The 24-year-old Aussie catwalk star modelled a black leather jacket that featured heavy gold chain detailing

His appearance at the Balmain show comes after he tied the knot with fellow male model Fernando in an intimate wedding in Ibiza in August.

The ceremony was attended by no more than 15 of Jordan's closet friends.

Among there was supermodel Kate Moss and her daughter Lila, Georgia May Jagger and American playwright Jeremy O. Harris.

Congratulations! His appearance at the Balmain show comes after he tied the knot with fellow male model Fernando in an intimate wedding in Ibiza in August

'It was very spontaneous, but his wedding planner Serena Cook was able to pull some strings to make sure it was very special since his Aussie family couldn't attend,' a source told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

'Champagne and cocktail drinks were flowing, it was very relaxed. Kate (Moss) brought out the rings, and really made sure it was special for him.'

Jordan looked suave dressed in a black sleeveless silk top, which he wore unbuttoned paired with a matching pants.

'It was very spontaneous, but his wedding planner Serena Cook was able to pull some strings to make sure it was very special since his family couldn't attend,' a source told Daily Mail Australia

His beau Fernando meanwhile opted for a black mesh sleeveless top with matching pants.

The striking model completed his look wearing a gold head chain from Messika by Kate Moss.

Jordan - who is signed to Kate's modelling agency - appears to have a good relationship with Kate and her daughter Lila.
Love Island twins Jess and Eve Gale headed on a night out in London once again on Wednesday.

The party lovers commanded attention in their skintight outfits as they made their way to MKNY house in Mayfair for drinks and dinner with friends.

Jess, 22, showed off her jaw-dropping cleavage in a nude jumpsuit while Eve flaunted her bronzed legs in a blue/ grey unitard.

Here come the girls: Love Island twins Jess and Eve Gale headed on a night out in London once again on Wednesday

Jess opted to go bra-free for the outing and put on a daring display in the one-piece which featured a cut out section on the bust.

She added a boost to her height with clear sandals and amped up the glamour with a Dior saddle bag.

Eve meanwhile layered a cropped padded jacket over her thigh-skimming lycra unitard.

Busty: Jess, 22, showed off her jaw-dropping cleavage in a nude jumpsuit. She opted to go bra-free and put on a daring display in the one-piece which featured a cut out section on the bust

Designer garb: She added a boost to her height with clear sandals and amped up the glamour with a Dior saddle bag

Leggy: Eve meanwhile layered a cropped padded jacket over her thigh-skimming lycra unitard

She wore her long blonde locks in a plait and enhanced her deep tan with false eyelashes and a glossy lip.

The sisters looked ready to paint the town red as they strutted down the street and posed for photographs.

The stunning sisters rose to fame on the 2020 winter series of the ITV2 show, however they failed to find love. With Jess splitting from Ched Uzor after the sereis finished.

The pair faced a bit of backlash when they jetted to Dubai in December, due to the Covid pandemic.

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.
Linda Evangelista took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate National Son Day by calling 14-year-old son Augustin James the 'light of my life.'

The supermodel, 56, who shares her son with Salma Hayek's now-husband Francois-Henri Pinault, shared an older picture of her son as a small child on the beach standing next to a heart with the 'Augie + Mommy' in the sand.

The Canadian star made headlines last week when she claimed she has been 'brutally disfigured' from the rare side effects of a cosmetic procedure she underwent five years ago, as she explained her absence from the spotlight.

The supermodel took a tentative step back into the public eye when she blamed her 'reclusive' behaviour on a disfiguring procedure.

Inspiration: Linda Evangelista took to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate National Son Day by calling 14-year-old son Augustin James the 'light of my life' a week after revealing she had been left 'deformed' by a botched cosmetic treatment

Linda's tribute to her son is a rare social media appearance and her first since she revealed her heartache over her medical emergency.

In the social media statement, the Nineties-icon claimed she had been 'permanently deformed' due to a rare side effect from the fat-reducing procedure.

According to Linda, she had undergone a CoolSculpting procedure to 'decrease' her fat cells, but instead the procedure 'increased' her fat cells, a peril she insists she was not warned of, so is now seeking legal action.

She has developed paradoxical adipose hyperplasia - a rare, previously unreported adverse effect of cryolipolysis, which has been reported in of 0.0051% of the 1.5 million CoolSculpting procedures performed worldwide.

Her love: The supermodel, 56, shares her son with Salma Hayek's now-husband Francois-Henri Pinault (Linda and Augustin in 2014)

Announcement: The Canadian star made headlines last week when she claimed she has been 'brutally disfigured' from the rare side effects of a cosmetic procedure she underwent five years ago, as she explained her absence from the spotlight

Details: The Canada-born model released a statement about the legal moves ongoing in the situation

Changing look: Linda shared snaps on social media in 2019, yet kept her face largely obscured beneath hats and her body entirely off-camera

With this condition, the treated area becomes larger, rather than smaller, in the weeks after the procedure. It can leave a 'painless, visibly enlarged, firm, well-demarcated mass' underneath the skin.

Linda's statement read: 'Today I took a big step towards righting a wrong that I have suffered and have kept to myself for over five years...

'To my followers who have wondered why I have not been working while my peers' careers have been thriving, the reason is that I was brutally disfigured by Zeltiq's CoolSculpting procedure...

Changes: She lamented the life-changing impact of the procedure which had the reverse of the desired effect (pictured left in 2017 and right in 1990)

'[It] did the opposite of what it promised. It increased, not decreased, my fat cells and left me permanently deformed even after undergoing two painful, unsuccessful corrective surgeries. I have been left, as the media described, 'unrecognizable.''

The model claimed she wasn't properly warned of the potential side effects associated with the CoolSculpting procedure. She went on: 'I have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia or PAH, a risk of which I was not made aware before I had the procedures...

'PAH has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression, profound sadness, and the lowest depths of self-loathing. In the process, I have become a recluse...

Then: She has one child, an 14-year-old son named Augustin, with former flame, French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, who is now married to actress Salma Hayek (pictured while pregnant in 2006)

LINDA'S POST-PROCEDURE TRANSFORMATION 2019 Linda's last appearance was on social media two years ago. Her face was largely concealed by hats in a duo of images she uploaded, with her transformed image barely-visible. In another image taken during a horseride, Linda wore a mask over her face, as well as a hat and sunglasses As well as keeping her face partially hidden in the images, Linda did not let any of her body be seen in the images. 2017 Sightings of the star in 2017 saw the biggest change in her appearance fresh from undergoing the ill-fated treatment the previous year. She was seen in New York and Tokyo, during which she had a fuller face and seemed somewhat puffy as she was showing the aftermath of the side effects, which she has since lamented on social media. 2016 According to her statement, Linda would have undergone the CoolSculpting in 2016. One of her rare sightings was in April of that year, when she was again seen in Tokyo. During the appearance, she was seen looking different to her appearances the previous year, in which she was seen looking more svelte. Clad in all-black, the supermodel made a low-key arrival and went make-up free for the outing. 2015 The year before Linda underwent her CoolSculpting, the star was looking wholly more like her runway self, as she took to the red carpet at the Met Gala in May. In June, she was again seen on the red carpet, this time at the Fragrance Awards. Advertisement

'With this lawsuit, I am moving forward to rid myself of my shame, and going public with my story. I'm so tired of living this way. I would like to walk out my door with my held held high, despite not looking like myself any longer.'

During a cryolipolysis procedure, also known as body sculpting, a device that's usually set below freezing temperature is applied to fat deposits, which causes cell death in the fat tissue.

The body can then pass the dead fat cells.

She described developing Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, a rare condition sometimes observed after similar procedures in which adipose tissue (or body fat) increases after procedures known as cryolipolysis, even though they usually decrease adipose tissue.

Dramatic return: Supermodel Linda is pictured left, in 2017, AFTER having the procedure and BEFORE the procedure - right in 2005

According to Healthline, the increased fat deposits aren't harmful, but they also don't appear to go away on their own over time. The 'very rare' condition is most common in men who have undergone cryolipolysis, though it can still affect women.

Linda singled out the Allergan subsidiary Zeltiq for allegedly performing the botched procedure without informing her of the potential negative side effects.

Linda previously told the Mail On Sunday that she hadn't had any work done and hoped to grow old gracefully.

She said: 'There was a picture of me in the press recently just after I'd had a facial, in which I was wearing no make-up. It was claimed that I had had this and that procedure done, and it was rubbish...

Changes: Linda was showing her evolving appearance in 2017 (left) when she was pictured in Tokyo shortly after undergoing the procedure, while she looked different at the Met Gala in 2015 (right)

'I probably will have surgery  not right now, but I am getting close. If it's important to me I will have it, and announce that I've had it.'

The model muse was best known in the nineties as one of the world's six supermodels, a group which also included Naomi, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss.

The comment in her statement about her peers 'thriving' comes after her peers reunited on the Versace runway in 2017 - with the 'Originals' gathering to showcase the latest collection.

Donatella Versace gathered Claudia, Naomi and Cindy alongside Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni to walk the runway following on from their frequent appearances for the brand in their heyday.

Starring role: The comment in her statement about her peers 'thriving' comes after her peers reunited on the Versace runway in 2017 - with the 'Originals' gathering to showcase the latest collection - with Linda notably absent

Star: Linda (left) was notably absent from the 2017 Versace reunion, despite being a stalwart of the brand's campaigns (pictured in 1991 alongside Cindy, Naomi and Christy Turlington L-R)

Linda got her start in modelling at the age of 16 when she took part in the Miss Teen Niagara beauty pageant, where she was spotted by a representative from Elite Model Management.

Her unique and versatile look meant that Linda was able to snag a multitude of modelling jobs, quickly becoming one of the highest paid models in the industry.

She was famed for her - frequently misquoted - comment in a 1990 Vogue interview in which she said: 'We have this saying, Christy [Turlington] and I we don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day.'

This transcended into various popular quotations including: 'I don't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day' and 'I never get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.'
Ant Middleton has blasted British TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins for using a promotional photo of him and his fellow instructors to advertise the show overseas even after his controversial sacking.

The former soldier, 41, who is now the chief instructor on SAS Australia, expressed anger on Instagram after discovering his image was still being used to promote the UK program on Australian on-demand platform 7plus.

'Ive just seen an advert of SAS UK on 7+ here in Australia!' he wrote.

Firing back: Ant Middleton (pictured) has blasted British TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins for using a promotional photo of him and his fellow instructors to advertise the show overseas even after his controversial sacking

'Funny how the UK cancel culture "supposedly" sacked me but theyre still willing to make money from my profile, my brand, my name, my work and my show!'

Middleton pointed out that the advertisement for the British series coincided with the latest season of SAS Australia airing on Channel Seven.

'Now that Ive opened up a market for myself in Australia they are capitalising on my success! Laughable, hypocritical and shameful but business is business and thats exactly what it is just business, baby!'

'Laughable, hypocritical and shameful': The former soldier, 41, who is now the chief instructor on SAS Australia, expressed anger on Instagram after discovering his image was still being used to promote the UK program on Australian on-demand platform 7plus (pictured)

'Its all about the money,' he added, using the hashtag #FightCancelCulture.

Many of Middleton's Instagram followers agreed with his sentiments.

'Rocks in their heads,' replied rugby league player George Burgess, whose brother Sam is currently competing on SAS Australia.

'Cancel culture is why none of us can say a word about the state the world is in,' commented Bra Boy and SAS Australia competitor Koby Abberton.

'Now that Ive opened up a market for myself in Australia they are capitalising on my success': Middleton pointed out that the advertisement for the British series coincided with the latest season of SAS Australia airing on Channel Seven

British musician Jude Moore said: 'The UK love to cancel! Keep shining, brother.'

Middleton was dropped as the chief instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins by Britain's Channel 4 due to complaints about his 'personal conduct'.

He had earlier faced controversy for offensive tweets he posted in relation to Black Lives Matter protesters and Covid-19.
Kyle Richards during a talk show visit Wednesday refuted a recent DailyMailTV exclusive report involving Lisa Vanderpump and rumors about Erika Jayne.

The 52-year-old reality star and her older sister Kathy Hilton, 62, made a joint appearance in pajamas for a slumber party on Watch What Happens Live.

'Any idea what the number one question for you was tonight?,' show host Andy Cohen, 53, asked Kyle.

Slumber party: Kyle Richards during a talk show visit Wednesday refuted a recent DailyMailTV exclusive report involving Lisa Vanderpump and rumors about Erika Jayne

'Oh, I have a very big idea,' Kyle replied.

'Ashley from Cedar City, Utah: What do you think about LVP saying you were the one spreading rumors about Erika and Tom Girardi's finances at Andy's baby shower and is it true Kyle Richards?,' Andy said.

Kyle said she got numerous texts saying it was a 'joke' and revealed that she was willing to respond in a 'classic LVP manner'.

'I mean, Andy, I mean, I would never say something like this, ever. But one could argue perhaps that maybe her memory is fading along with her relevance. Because she wasn't even at the baby shower,' Kyle said in a spot-on impersonation of Lisa and her British accent.

Family affair: The 52-year-old reality star and her older sister Kathy Hilton, 62, made a joint appearance in pajamas for a slumber party on Watch What Happens Live

'But I would never say something like that. You can think about that though I'm just saying,' Kyle added.

DailyMailTV reported exclusively earlier this week that Vanderpump reluctantly identified Kyle as the source of rumors about Erika and Tom, 82.

Vanderpump was pressed by DailyMailTV after former RHOBH star Camille Grammer let slip that she knew about certain troubles between Erika and Tom years before they came public.

Top question: 'Any idea what the number one question for you was tonight?,' show host Andy Cohen, 53, asked Kyle

Last week someone asked Camille on Twitter about whether she'd known of Erika Jayne's personal drama prior to her joining the cast to which she replied: 'Yes. One of the housewives mentioned it at Andy's baby shower.'

Vanderpump and Kyle had a falling out that culminated with Ken Todd infamously giving Kyle the boot from their Villa Rosa mansion.

'It didn't surprise me when Camille told me that it was Kyle that had told her the gossip about her supposed friend Erika Jayne,' Lisa admitted to DailyMailTV. 'That's how Kyle works.'

Andy also wore pajamas and insisted they indulge in the slumber party tradition of talking behind somebody's back in a segment titled 'Eri-Can You Tell Me?'.

'What was your first thought when Erika told you the story about the burglary and the car accident?,' Andy asked.

'Well, it sounded crazy. But I've never known Erika to be a liar. So it sounded crazy, but our lives are kind of crazy,' Kyle answered.

Embezzlement scandal: Tom Girardi, shown with Erika in 2016, is currently under investigation amid accusations he 'misappropriated at least $2 million' meant for the families of those killed in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash in Indonesia in 2018

'During the beach picnic, why do you believe Erika tacked on the word ''allegedly'' when Dorit [Kemsley] mentioned Tom being unconscious?,' Andy quizzed her.

'My guess is that she was advised legally to say allegedly,' Kyle replied.

'Do you believe it was a conscious effort on Erika's part to wear non-waterproof mascara during her park meetup?,' Andy then asked Kyle.

Party tradition: Andy also wore pajamas and insisted they indulge in the slumber party tradition of talking behind somebody's back in a segment titled 'Eri-Can You Tell Me?'

'Well, here's the thing. I know a lot of people talked about it. Her eyes are always watering, tearing. She has an eye issue where it always runs, so does Sutton [Stracke]. So, I've seen it happen before, so I didn't think about it,' Kyle said.

'Considering Erika said she's been living with this version of Tom for years, what did you think of his demeanor when you went to their home for the astrology party last season?,' Andy asked.

'I thought he seemed normal. But then a friend of mine whose mom has dementia, she said, ''I saw something in his eyes that seemed a little vacant, like my mom.'' I remember I told you that. Anyway, I don't know. I thought he seemed fine at the time, but I don't live with him,' Kyle said.

Running mascara: 'Well, here's the thing. I know a lot of people talked about it. Her eyes are always watering, tearing. She has an eye issue where it always runs, so does Sutton [Stracke]. So, I've seen it happen before, so I didn't think about it,' Kyle said of Erika's running mascara

Pillow fight: Kyle and Kathy also answered shady questions about each other with an option to hit their sister with a pillow if they didn't like the answer

Kyle and Kathy also answered shady questions about each other with an option to hit their sister with a pillow if they didn't like the answer.

The episode also featured a surprise visit from Melissa Gorga, 42, from The Real Housewives Of New Jersey.

Her husband Joe Gorga sat with Melissa in the audience.

Family affair: After the taping, the sisters were joined by Kathy's daughter Nicky Hilton

Good vibes: The trio of ladies were all smiles

Fashion first: Nicky looked stunning in a sleeveless patterned mini dress

Gorgeous: Kathy looked fashionable in all black with a feathery detail at the hemline of her trousers

Good spirit: Kyle had a big smile on her face as she was greeted by several fans

How sweet: She happily signed movie posters for her upcoming return to the horror franchise with Halloween Kills
Pauline Hanson is 'disappointed' in Jessica Rowe after the veteran journalist removed their podcast interview following backlash on Twitter.

Rowe, 51, had been fiercely criticised for giving a platform to the One Nation politician, 67, and eventually caved into pressure from activists by pulling Hanson's episode of the Jess Rowe Big Talk Show just hours after publishing it on Wednesday.

The Queensland Senator called her backflip the latest example of 'cancel culture' killing free speech in Australia.

Furious: Pauline Hanson (pictured last November) is 'disappointed' in Jessica Rowe after the veteran journalist removed their podcast interview following backlash on Twitter

'Last night at 9:56pm, my office received an email to advise a podcast I'd participated in some weeks ago with Jessica Rowe was being pulled,' Hanson said in a statement on Thursday.

'I note throughout the day [it was published] that Jessica was sent several tweets condemning her for conducting a non-political interview with me.

'We discussed my grandkids, family, how to cope with public pressure and depression, as well as some other non-controversial matters in a 30-minute podcast.

'Twitter haters bombarded Jess online to a point where she obviously felt pressured to remove the podcast.'

Angry: The Queensland Senator called Jessica's backflip the latest example of 'cancel culture' killing free speech in Australia. Her office also released this mock-up parodying Rowe's podcast artwork, dubbing it 'The Jess Rowe Big Fail Show'

Hanson added that a producer from podcast platform LiSTNR had advised her the episode was being permanently removed.

'Cancel culture in this country is killing debate, freedom of speech, and shutting down conservative political representation,' she continued.

'While I'm disappointed with Jess and her manager's decision to remove the podcast, I also recognise how much pressure keyboard warriors can put on a person like Jessica who openly discussed with me in the interview how public opinion has impacted her mental well-being.

'The removal of this innocuous podcast is a step in the wrong direction for conservative Australians.'

When it comes to giving a platform to controversial public figures, Rowe learned this week you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

The former Studio 10 host faced intense backlash on Wednesday for interviewing Hanson on her podcast, eventually deleting the episode just hours later and issuing an apology for her error of judgement.

Can't win: Rowe (pictured) faced intense backlash on Wednesday for interviewing Hanson on her podcast, eventually deleting the episode just hours later and issuing an apology for her error of judgement

While left-leaning Twitter users celebrated this as a victory, other listeners argued Rowe should have stood by her initial decision to interview Hanson, whose views on immigration have made her one of Australia's most divisive political figures.

'It's a shame you've been bullied into taking it down,' one fan wrote on Instagram.

'I thought it was really admirable that you were willing to interview and have a human conversation with someone whose views were so different from your own.

Controversy: While left-leaning Twitter users celebrated this as a victory, other listeners argued Rowe should have stood by her initial decision to interview Hanson (pictured in 2019), whose views on immigration have made her one of Australia's most divisive political figures

'It's so easy to never interview anyone controversial. You did a brave thing, but it seems people weren't able to see that, which is small-minded of them.'

A similar comment read: 'So the bullies win. It's okay for them to have their 'free speech' but not for anyone else who differs in opinion.'

A third critic added: 'Disappointed to hear that you had no choice but to remove that podcast. I think there was nothing wrong with interviewing Pauline.

'Shame': Listeners said Rowe should have stood by her initial decision to interview Hanson, whose views on immigration have made her one of Australia's most divisive political figures

Having her say: Real Housewives of Sydney star Krissy Marsh commented: 'I never listened to it but now I wish I had... has coronavirus made everyone super PC?'

'Just because the views are not shared doesn't mean you can't interview that person. We don't all have to have the same opinions in life.'

Real Housewives of Sydney star Krissy Marsh commented: 'I never listened to it but now I wish I had... has coronavirus made everyone super PC?

'I know you are super-smart and an amazing wife, mother and journalist. When did the world stop wanting to hear other people's opinions? Why do we all have to agree? Why have journalists if it's not to delve and deliver?

'If we only want our own opinions then...'

Differing opinions: Others argued Hanson didn't deserve a platform because of her extreme views, which now include spreading misinformation about Covid-19

'Educating': Disability activist Carly Findlay commented: 'I hope you're listening. Many of us commented on your post and by deleting it, you deleted the work we put into educating you'

However, others argued Hanson didn't deserve a platform because of her extreme views, which now include spreading misinformation about Covid-19.

'Correct move to delete and listen [to feedback]. Perhaps also reflect on the diversity (or lack of) in your guests to date. It's up to us to do better,' a listener wrote.

Another added: 'Thank you for doing that. I briefly saw your teaser post for the episode earlier today [Wednesday] and I had to quickly scroll past it.

'I refuse to give any energy to someone who has caused so much pain for my community and other ethnically diverse Aussie communities.'

Disability activist Carly Findlay commented: 'Thank you. I really hope you're listening. Many of us commented on your [previous] post and by deleting it, you deleted the work we put into educating you.

'I look forward to seeing you platforming some people who do good.'

Regrets: Rowe confirmed in a statement on Wednesday evening she had asked for her interview with Hanson (pictured) on the The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast to be deleted, just hours after it went live. She had mostly avoided politics during the chat, instead focusing on Hanson's love life, children, 2003 jail stint, and even her favourite cocktail

Rowe confirmed in a statement on Wednesday evening she had asked for her interview with Hanson on the The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast to be deleted, just hours after it went live.

'There has been much reaction and comment to my podcast conversation with Pauline Hanson today. Pauline's political views are the opposite of mine. I have never agreed with her on those issues. Never will. Kindness is at the heart of who I am,' she said in a statement on Instagram.

'Amongst the comments today I heard from some who I admire enormously including Nakkiah Lui and Grace Tame and I want to thank them especially for their candour.

'This will be the start of a bigger conversation for me and with those who this topic directly affects. I've asked LiSTNR to remove the episode ASAP. Thank you, everyone.'

Divisive: Rowe thanked her critics for their 'candour' and said she'd asked LiSTNR to delete the podcast episode

Rowe had mostly avoided politics during her chat with Hanson, instead focusing on her love life, children, 2003 jail stint, and even her favourite cocktail.

But she was nonetheless criticised for giving a platform to the polarising senator.

'Wow, I'm really shocked that someone with such a bright, positive vibe would interview someone like Hanson who is openly and unapologetically racist. Disappointing, Jess,' tweeted one fan.

Australian of the Year and activist Grace Tame added: 'This is how discrimination and hate is subtly enabled and normalised. Everyone's entitled to their own views but not all views should be valorised by promoting their source.

'Pauline doesn't need help to be heard, but those whose oppression she's both driven and reinforced do.'

Not happy: Rowe was criticised on Twitter for giving a platform to the polarising senator

'Bad move, Jess. I understand you mean well, but the divide between good and bad is glaringly obvious Hanson is cold hearted, that's it,' another listener commented.

'There is absolutely no way I could engage with Pauline Hanson or anyone like her. Racists must be called out,' a fourth added.

Yet another wrote: 'Jessica Rowe! Pauline Hanson? Really? Bad move, dude.

'I hope you know what you are doing is heartbreaking and vile. Thank you for reminding me that as a child of brown immigrants, I do not belong. Giving this divisive politician a platform is completely unfathomable.'

Hanson spoke to Rowe about her time in prison after being sentenced to three years behind bars in 2003 for electoral fraud and fraudulently obtaining electoral funding.

'When they stood up and they gave that guilty verdict, I just shut down,' she recalled. 'I couldn't believe it.'

'Then they came and put the handcuffs on me, took me down to process me, put into a strip search, then put into a van and taken to the watch house all night.'

She said she was taken to prison the next day and went through the 'whole process' at jail, which involved being photographed and having her details 'put into the system'.

Hanson explained she was put into the hospital ward because she had spiralled into a deep depression and wasn't eating.

Her convictions were later overturned by the Queensland Court of Appeal and she was released after spending 11 weeks behind bars.

She rejoined One Nation in 2013 and was became leader of the party the following year.

Tough: Hanson spoke to Rowe about her time in prison after being sentenced to three years behind bars in 2003 for electoral fraud and fraudulently obtaining electoral funding

Elsewhere in the podcast, she told Rowe her favourite alcoholic beverage was rum topped with lime cordial.

'These days I don't mind a gin and tonic,' she said. 'But I also like my Bundaberg rum full of ice in a glass and you top it up with lime cordial.

'Plenty of ice, fill up your whole glass, half Bundy and half lime cordial.'
She recently rang in her 41st birthday on Marlon Brando's private island in French Polynesia.

But it was back to work for Rebel Wilson on Wednesday, with the Pitch Perfect star glamming up for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Vanity Fair Premiere party in Hollywood.

Rebel showcased her astounding recent weight loss in a shimmering black jacket dress.

Holiday's over! It was back to work for Rebel Wilson on Wednesday as she glammed up for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Vanity Fair Premiere party in Hollywood

The garment featured a deep plunging neckline that highlighted Rebel's cleavage.

The Sydney-born star wore her blonde tresses swept up into a high bun for the red carpet outing.

Her dramatic weight loss was evident in Rebel's slender legs and noticeably slimmer face.

Losing it: Rebel, 41, showcased her astounding weight loss in a shimmering black jacket dress

Her minimal makeup featured lightly applied foundation and a dab of nude lipstick.

On Tuesday, Rebel shared several sizzling throwback snaps from her 41st birthday celebrations to Instagram as she wished for sunnier climes.

The Bridesmaids star showed off her incredible 66lbs (30kg) weight loss in a plunging red swimsuit as she posed up a storm.

Strike a pose: Rebel worked her angles inside the glam party, showing off her stunning dress by the bar

Glam: The actress was looking glam top to toe with her chic up-do and kitten heels

Hanging out: Rebel caught up with TV presenters Marissa Montgomer and Carly Steel

Glam exit: Rebel flashed a huge smile as she left the all-star party with her friends later in the evening

The sexy one-piece featured a zip which she pulled down to unveil a hint of cleavage, while she accessorized with some yellow-tinted sunglasses.

She looked like she was having a great time as she posed on a piece of wood in the clear blue sea and threw her arms in the air.

She penned in the caption: 'It's never too late to improve yourself - to improve your health, your heart, your happiness, your harmony.

Wow! Rebel showed off her incredible 66lbs (30kg) weight loss in a plunging red swimsuit in throwback snaps from her 41st birthday on Marlon Brando's private island on Tuesday

Looking good: The sexy one-piece featured a zip which she pulled down to unveil a hint of cleavage, while she accessorized with a cap and some sunglasses

Happy: She looked like she was having a great time as she posed on a piece of wood in the clear blue sea and threw her arms in the air

'For everyone out there just trying to be a lil bit better this week: go for it! Every bit counts. Every effort is worth it. You're worth it.'

In a previous set of pictures from the trip she also posed on the shoulder of a strapping man who worked at the resort, who lifted her up in the ocean while she excitedly raised her arms in the air.

Alongside the images, Rebel wrote: 'Adventuring on the remote islands of French Polynesia is ABSOLUTE PARADISE.

Feeling 41 and thriving! Rebel wore a black cap in previous snaps she shared from the vacation

Paradise! In a previous set of pictures from the trip she also posed on the shoulder of a strapping man who worked at the resort, who lifted her up in the ocean while she excitedly raised her arms in the air

'I've loved learning about how @thebrandoresort is conserving their eco-system and the environmentally friendly ways they do things on the island.

'Thank you to all the amazing staff who made my birthday so magical, you guys have literally and spiritually 'lifted me up.''

Rebel had been celebrating in the tropical paradise with a number of her famous pals, including Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Chrissie Fit and Carly Steel.

Marlon Brando had purchased the private island, called Tetiaroa, after filming Mutiny on the Bounty there in the 1960s.

Friends: Rebel had been celebrating in the tropical paradise with a number of her famous pals, including Anna Kendrick and Carly Steel

Paradise: Marlon Brando had purchased the stunning private island, called Tetiaroa, after filming Mutiny on the Bounty there in the 1960s. The resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches, with Kim Kardashian famously holding her 40th birthday on the island in 2020

Change: Rebel had documented her incredible weight loss journey, which she dubbed as her 'Year Of Health', throughout 2020

The resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches, with Kim Kardashian famously holding her 40th birthday on the island in 2020.

Rebel had documented her incredible weight loss journey, which she dubbed as her 'Year Of Health', throughout 2020.

On Saturday, she told The Weekend Briefing podcast on LiSTNR that she was 'proud' of herself as reflected on her hard work over the past year.

The actress explained that her weight loss was about a lifestyle change and to be a 'healthier version' of herself, rather that reaching a certain weight.

Feeling like a new woman! Rebel recently said she is 'proud' of becoming a 'healthier version' of herself following her incredible weight loss journey

'To me what the year of health was, was just being a healthier version,' she said, noting that working on her fertility and curbing emotional eating were her goals.

'It wasn't about losing a set amount of weight, although I did put a goal original of 75 kilos so I could have something tangible to work towards. But it's not about a number or a dress size, or anything like that.

'It was just about being the healthiest version of me and I dedicated all of 2020 to doing that, and I'm proud of myself,' she said.
Jake Gyllenhaal and his girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu made their first red carpet appearance together at the 59th New York Film Festival.

The Nightcrawler actor, 40, and 25-year-old French model, who first began dating in 2018, looked blissful while supporting his sister Maggie at her directorial debut for The Lost Daughter on Tuesday night.

Cadieu, who is also a student at Columbia University, shared a laugh with her beau's older sibling, who attended with her husband Peter Sarsgaard.

Happy couple: Jake Gyllenhaal and his girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu made their first red carpet appearance together at the 59th New York Film Festival

As the group posed for photos together, Jake looked absolutely smitten as he held onto Cadieu's waist.

For the occasion, the Gyllenhaal siblings appeared to coordinate in velvet ensembles, while Cadieu wore a cream turtleneck dress with a black belt.

Their outing comes just two days after attending the Tony Awards together, but choosing to walk down the red carpet separately.

Lots of love: The Nightcrawler actor, 40, and 25-year-old French model, who first began dating in 2018, looked blissful while supporting his sister Maggie at her directorial debut for The Lost Daughter on Tuesday night

Friendly: Cadieu, who is also a student at Columbia University, shared a laugh with her beau's older sibling, who attended with her husband Peter Sarsgaard

Cozy: As the group posed for photos together, Jake looked absolutely smitten as he held onto Cadieu's waist

The lovebirds were first spotted walking together in Paris in December 2018 and that following year they were photographed together in New York City.

In August 2019, Cadieu was seen supporting the actor at the opening of his play which garnered the nomination, and marked his third role on Broadway.

That same month a Page Six insider reported that she had met Gyllenhaal's family and that they had taken a vacation to Martha's Vineyard.

A month prior, in July 2019, he had said on Sunday TODAY that he desired to start a family eventually. 'I do hope to be a father one day,' he told host Willie Geist.

Stylish: For the occasion, the Gyllenhaal siblings appeared to coordinate in velvet ensembles, while Cadieu wore a cream turtleneck dress with a black belt

Going strong: The lovebirds were first spotted walking together in Paris in December 2018 and that following year they were photographed together in New York City

Though he has enjoyed previously high profile relationships with the likes of Kirsten Dunst, Reese Witherspoon and Taylor Swift he had spoken about the importance of keeping his personal life underwraps.

'I consider intimacy to be very important and I don't think everybody needs to know about my family or my personal details,' he told The Guardian in 2017.

'I think when you're in a relationship, you are constantly scrutinized...I would love to not talk about my personal life.'

Perfect match: That same month a Page Six insider reported that she had met Gyllenhaal's family and that they had taken a vacation to Martha's Vineyard

The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

The anticipated movie had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, where Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

It tells the story of Colman, as Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Johnson) and her young daughter, prompting memories of her own early motherhood to come back and unravel her.

The film will drop on Netflix on New Year's Eve after a two-week limited release in US movie theaters.
Zooey Deschanel and her boyfriend Jonathan Scott were just one of many high profile couples at the Academy of Motion Pictures premiere party.

On Wednesday evening the 41-year-old comedic actress and her beau of two years, 43, coordinated in elevated floral looks while attending the star studded event in Los Angeles.

The $484 million museum is the first-ever space dedicated to all things movies, and the party served as yet another celebration ahead of its public opening on September 30.

Night out: Zooey Deschanel and boyfriend of two years Jonathan Scott were just one of many high profile couples who attended the Academy of Motion Pictures premiere party on Wednesday evening

For the occasion the New Girl star stunned in a pink and black printed dress with a high neck and lace up bustier.

The floor length gown was adorned with a landscape pattern and she opted for cohesion by way of pink satin heels and a black purse with pink trimming.

And on her arm was the Property Brothers star who wore a navy suit jacket embroidered with roses.

Letting his jacket do all the talking he donned a pair of simple navy slacks and a delicately polka dotted button down.

The duo looked loved up as they walked the red carpet, and at one point Zooey was seen tenderly resting her head on Scott's shoulder.

Loved up: The comedic actress and Property Brothers star first linked up in September 2019, shortly after she split from husband of four years, Jacob Pechenik

A look: The New Girl star's look for the evening included a pink and black printed dress with a high neck and lace up bustier

The pair was first publicly linked in September 2019, just one week after the actress revealed she was splitting from husband of four years Jacob Pechenik, with whom she shares son Charlie, four, and daughter Elsie, six.

She and Scott had first met on the Carpool Karaoke segment of James Corden's The Late Late Show and recently celebrated two years together where she dubbed him 'my favorite.'

And the Canadian reality star recently dished about their relationship in conversation with ET, gushing sweetly 'I know I am dating up!'

'It means I just need to keep raising the bar and keep up with those expectations,' he continued to say.

Others in attendance at the event included White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney, Rebel Wilson, H.E.R., Robert Pattinson, Jacqueline Bisset and Adriana Lima.

Dating up: The Canadian reality star recently dished about their relationship in conversation with ET and gushed sweetly 'I know I am dating up!'

Mom's night out! The Celebrity Dating Game host is a mother of two and shares both son Charlie, four, and daughter Elsie, six with Pechenik

The museum was originally slated to open in 2017 but faced numerous construction delays, however, in 2020 it was announced that the space had reached its $388 million pre-opening fundraising goal.

High profile donors included Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand and former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger.

The space itself was designed by Renzo Piano and boasts four full floors of gallery space with cinema touchstones on display, with an additional two theaters inside.

Among the legendary film touchstones on display are the Rosebud sled from Orson Welles' Citizen Kane, Star Wars droids C-3P0 and R2-D2, the Mount Rushmore backdrop from Alfred Hitchcock's North By Northwest, a full sized shark model from Jaws and Dorothy's red slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

The museum officially opens to the public on September 30.
Olympia Valance is preparing to sashay onto the dancefloor for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars: All Stars.

And the former Neighbours star, 28, was seen arriving for a day of rehearsals in Sydney on Wednesday, alongside her professional dance partner Gustavo Viglio.

The younger sister of Holly Candy showed off her toned abs as she entered a dance studio wearing a crop top and skintight leggings.

Top of the crops! Dancing with the Stars contestant Olympia Valance (left) arrived for a day of rehearsals in Sydney on Wednesday, alongside her professional dance partner Gustavo Viglio

The Playing for Keeps star teamed a white cropped tank with a pair of black leggings.

She styled her dark hair loosely over her shoulders and kept Covid-safe by wearing a face mask.

Olympia, who is engaged to AFL star Thomas Bellchambers, sipped an iced coffee as she walked inside carrying a beige Louis Vuitton bag.

Designer duds! Olympia, who is engaged to AFL star Thomas Bellchambers (not pictured), sipped an iced coffee as she walked inside carrying a beige Louis Vuitton bag

Ready to go! She was joined by Italian dancer Gustavo and some friends

She made her way into the studio with Italian-born Gustavo and some friends.

Earlier this week, Olympia shared a picture on Instagram of herself and Gustavo from rehearsals and said how much fun they're having.

'God we're having fun!!!! @gustavoviglio THANK YOU for pushing me harder and harder every single day, but also for making me laugh just as hard,' she wrote.

Another spin on the dancefloor! Olympia previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2019 alongside professional partner Jarryd Byrne

She added: 'Every day is a joy. Your energy is infectious and I just adore you!! @dancingau ALL STARS BABY!!! Let's do thissssss.'

Olympia previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2019 alongside professional partner Jarryd Byrne.

They were the fourth pair to be eliminated from the show.

Dancing with the Stars: All Stars will air next year on Seven, featuring the likes of Grant Denyer, Courtney Act, Kylie Gillies and Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Sam Armytage has shared the shocking truth about the Sunrise interview that left her fearing for her life.

The 45-year-old made headlines in 2016 following a cringeworthy skit with Sex and the City star Kristin Davis, in which Sam wore a blonde curly wig and pretended to play Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw.

The awkward segment - which was later slammed by Kristin herself - led to the breakfast TV host receiving a barrage of violent threats on social media.

Speaking about the incident on the Brains Trust podcast this week, Sam revealed she never wanted to do the 'dumb' skit, but felt pressured to participate by Sunrise producers who thought it would be funny.

'The day before that [skit], upstairs in the office when the producers were like, "We're gonna do this tomorrow," I just thought, "Really? That's so lame."

'I'd have days where I was like, "I've got a journalism degree from university, do I really have to do this stuff?" But you do it because it's your job.'

The truth about Sam's worst moment on Sunrise: Sam Armytage (pictured) has claimed she never wanted to do her infamous 2016 skit with Sex and the City star Kristin Davis that led to her receiving 'death threats' - but felt pressured by producers who said it would be funny

Sam said she could never understand why she received the brunt of criticism, even though Natalie Barr and Edwina Bartholomew had also participated in the skit.

'It was like, "Well, hang on, why am I getting singled out on this stuff?"' she said.

'It was very wearing. I had many moments where I was deeply upset and I had many, many times where I would call my mum in tears.'

Cringe: During the cringeworthy skit Sam (left) wore a blonde curly wig and pretended to play Sarah Jessica Parker's SATC character, Carrie Bradshaw. Pictured with (L-R) Edwina Bartholomew, Natalie Barr and Kristin Davis, who was deeply unimpressed by the segment

Sam went on to reveal the terrifying abuse she received from trolls after the segment, including death and rape threats.

One of her properties was also repeatedly vandalised, prompting Sam to eventually sell the home out of fear for her own safety.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment on Sam's claims.

'That's so lame': Speaking about the incident on the Brains Trust podcast this week, Sam revealed she never wanted to do the 'dumb' skit, but felt pressured to participate by Sunrise producers. Pictured with Edwina Bartholomew, who did not receive the same level of backlash

During the 2016 segment, Kristin was asked to re-enact a scene from Sex and the City in which her character announced her engagement to the other cast members.

Kristin had appeared on the Seven program in the hope of speaking about her work with refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

'Oh, you guys. I don't know what is happening,' she said when asked to participate in the skit. 'You guys really crack me up.'

Sickening: Sam went on to reveal the terrifying abuse she received from trolls over the segment, including death and rape threats

Sam, Edwina and Natalie changed into costumes for the role play.

Natalie sported a ginger cropped wig to resemble the signature haircut of character Miranda Hobbes, played by Cynthia Nixon.

Edwina, on the other hand, didn't have to do much because her straight blonde hair already made her the Samantha Jones of the group.

Role play: During the 2016 segment, Kristin (right_ was asked to re-enact a scene from Sex and the City in which her character announced her engagement to the other cast members

Kristin told the hosts after the skit: 'I just want you to know I have never done this. I don't know that this is a great idea frankly. No offence.'

She later complained on Twitter that she had not been given enough time to discuss her charity work during her appearance Sunrise.

'Hopefully someone will let me talk about @Refugees', the actress tweeted.
Less than a week after hitting the market and sparking a bidding war between multiple studios and streaming services, George Clooney and Brad Pitt's new film has found a home at Apple.

The project will be written, directed and produced by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home), with Clooney producing through his Smokehouse Pictures company and Pitt producing through his Plan B shingle.

Apple reportedly beat out Netflix, Sony and Lionsgate for the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter, with Amazon, Annapurna, Universal, MGM, and Warner Bros. also said to have been in on the bidding war.

Project: Less than a week after hitting the market and sparking a bidding war between multiple studios and streaming services, George Clooney and Brad Pitt's new film has found a home at Apple

Producer: The project will be written, directed and produced by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home), with Clooney producing through his Smokehouse Pictures company and Pitt producing through his Plan B shingle

Bidding: Apple reportedly beat out Netflix, Sony and Lionsgate for the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter , with Amazon, Annapurna, Universal, MGM, and Warner Bros. also said to have been in on the bidding war

The story will center on two 'fixers,' played by both Clooney and Pitt, who both work alone... but whose paths cross when they're assigned to the same job.

Clooney and Pitt are longtime friends, having first starred in Ocean's Eleven, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in December.

They also returned to star in the sequels Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen, and also in the Coen Brothers movie Burn After Reading.

Fixers: The story will center on two 'fixers,' played by both Clooney and Pitt, who both work alone... but whose paths cross when they're assigned to the same job

Friends: Clooney and Pitt are longtime friends, having first starred in Ocean's Eleven, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in December

Pitt also had a brief cameo in Clooney's directorial debut, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

The project also expands Apple Original Films' growing lineup of original feature films, with some high-profile talent on both ends of the camera.

Among their other projects are Emancipation with star-producer Will Smith from director Antoine Fuqua.

Cameo: Pitt also had a brief cameo in Clooney's directorial debut, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

They also have Killers of the Flower Moon from director Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

Other projects include Spirited, a musical version of Charles Dickens' holiday story starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer plus Raymond and Ray starring Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke.

No production schedule or release date has been given for this untitled project, though it may have to wait until after director Watts tackles Marvel's new Fantastic Four movie.

Projects: They also have Killers of the Flower Moon from director Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro

Pitt currently has two movies in post-production, both of which are slated for 2022, Bullet Train (April 8, 2022) and Lost City of D (April 15, 2022).

He is currently filming writer-director Damian Chazelle's new film Babylon, which is set within the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Clooney is set to star in Ticket to Paradise, starring alongside Julia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd.

Pitt's project: Pitt currently has two movies in post-production, both of which are slated for 2022, Bullet Train (April 8, 2022) and Lost City of D (April 15, 2022)
Heather McDonald on Wednesday took to Instagram with the latest salvo in an ongoing social media spat with Chrissy Teigen.

The rift between McDonald, 51, and Teigen, 35, had seemingly began after McDonald was critical of a social media post from Teigen downplaying her glamorous image, which McDonald called 'humble brags' and outdated.

Teigen, seemingly responding to the 51-year-old comedian, said 'F*** off' and 'why people follow people they hate us [is] beyond me.'

The latest: Heather McDonald, 51, on Wednesday took to Instagram with the latest salvo in an ongoing social media spat with Chrissy Teigen, 35

The Southern California native on Wednesday responded, 'I do not hate anyone,' as she went into more detail about her rationale in her words toward the Lip Sync Battle star.

'When Chrissy posted the flattering photo of herself in glam and a nipped in waist, claiming it was in fact unflattering,' McDonald said, 'I merely was pointing it out that many of us now see the humble brag attempt and call BS.'

McDonald pointed out Teigen's stint as a judge of comedians on the NBC series Bring The Funny, alongside, comedians Kenan Thompson and Jeff Foxworthy

'Now since she considers herself a comedian, and was literally a judge on TV of comedy, I was praying that she come up with some new material for her social media,' said McDonald.

Sensitive: Before coming to her own defense, the 35-year-old revealed she may be 'a little sensitive' about the matter since McDonald's critical remarks coincidentally fell on the one year anniversary of her pregnancy loss

To conclude her indirect response to Heather, Chrissy wrote: 'Why people follow people they hate us [sic] is beyond me'

Firing back: Chrissy Teigen seemingly fired back at Heather McDonald (right) after the comedian called her a 'hypocrite' for recently posting that she doesn't care about looking 'perfect' on Instagram

She again pointed out her doubt toward Teigen's sincerity at posting an unflattering photo.

'Maybe today Chrissy can squeeze the outside of her thigh and highlight a cellulite dimple so the world can again remember how real she is,' she said. 'Chrissy is just a mom/super model who actually eats and is super authentic.'

McDonald went on to say that she would add more thoughts on the topic during her upcoming shows at the Irvine Improv from Friday thru Sunday.

Teigen previously seemingly fired back at Heather McDonald after the comedian called her a 'hypocrite' for recently posting that she doesn't care about looking 'perfect' on Instagram.

Before coming to her own defense, the 35-year-old revealed she may be 'a little sensitive' about the matter since McDonald's critical remarks coincidentally fell on the one year anniversary of her pregnancy loss.

Teigen began: 'I didn't sleep at all a last night, as John [Legend] can attest. I was up sick, sobbing, as my phone popped up the memory of being in the hospital exactly one year ago, losing our baby.

'Maybe I'm a little sensitive today but f**k off.'

Comment section: Though it's unclear whether or not McDonald follows Teigen, the comedian did leave her initial criticism in the comment section of the model's Monday Instagram post

Interesting choice: Heather appeared to take the most issue with the photograph Chrissy chose to use as proof that she doesn't 'care about curating [her] Instagram to be perfection'

The loss of Chrissy and her husband John Legend's son Jack occurred 'halfway through' her pregnancy after she experienced uncontrollable bleeding that forced her to be hospitalized.

On September 30, 2020, Teigen revealed the loss publicly and explained that they were 'unable to stop the bleeding' which led to Jack being unable to get 'the fluids he needed' to survive.

She and John had conceived Jack naturally, whereas their other two children, daughter Luna and son Miles, were conceived using IVF treatments.

To conclude her indirect response to McDonald, Chrissy wrote: 'Why people follow people they hate us [sic] is beyond me.'

The comedian did leave her initial criticism in the comment section of the model's Monday Instagram post. Heather appeared to take the most issue with the photograph Chrissy chose to use as proof that she doesn't 'care about curating [her] Instagram to be perfection.'

The portrait in question, which Teigen deemed 'unflattering,' showed her in full glam with her eyes closed and mouth slightly open.

Loss: The loss of Chrissy and her husband John Legend's son Jack occurred 'halfway through' her pregnancy after she experienced uncontrollable bleeding that forced her to be hospitalized. On Tuesday, she paid homage to Jack in an emotional IG post (seen above)

'These humble brags of "this is an unfiltered picture so say whatever mean thing you want so people will actually write nice things since I still actually look great" is so 3 years ago, Chrissy,' wrote Heather. 'You know what is curated, your Twitter.'

After leaving her comment, McDonald reposted it to her own Instagram page, adding: 'I cannot take it. Swipe RT. Im just having one of those days where I had to point out the #hypocrite on IG.

'I cant be the only one that can see through this BS. Prayers for Chrissy that she comes up with some new ideas,' concluded the TV personality, who received supportive comments from Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent and more verified Instagram accounts.

Shortly after seemingly calling out the comedian on her Instagram Story, Chrissy took a moment to further pay homage to Jack.

'And to the son we almost had. a year ago you gave me the greatest pain I could ever imagine to show me I could survive anything, even if I didnt want to,' captioned the star, who included a heartbreaking image of herself crying in a hospital bed as John consoled her.

'i didnt get to take care of you but you came and went to get me to love myself and take care of myself because our bodies are precious and life is a miracle. they told me it would get easier but yeah, that hasnt started yet. mom and dad love you forever,' the post concluded.
GWS list boss Jason McCartney insists the Giants have not spoken about trading Stephen Coniglio to an AFL rival as they weigh up the midfielder's future as club captain.

Coniglio's form has dipped since he was appointed skipper two years ago and he managed just seven games in 2021 as he battled ankle and toe injuries.

The 27-year-old midfielder has five years left to run on a contract reportedly worth about $1 million a season and it has been suggested the Giants could attempt to offload him in order to relieve salary-cap pressure.

Originally from Western Australia, Coniglio has naturally been linked with a move to Fremantle, who are trying to build a list capable of playing finals.

'Fremantle haven't asked the question,' McCartney told Trade Radio on Thursday.

'We've spoken to nearly all the clubs ... but it's not something we've discussed (and) it's not something another club's discussed with us.'

McCartney indicated the Giants will not be major players in the trade period, which begins on Monday.

However, key forward Jeremy Finlayson has been given permission to explore his options as he seeks more family support after the birth of his first child.

The 25-year-old recently met with Port Adelaide.

'He's very happy at the club, just has some concern for support around their young family now,' McCartney said.

'I know his partner Kelly is from Port Lincoln initially, but she's lived in Melbourne as well, and Jeremy's parents now live in Brisbane, so it was a pretty open book.'

The Giants are unlikely to give up pick two in November's national draft despite some interest from clubs that are interested in moving up the order.

'We've got pick two, we've got pick 13 and we've got an academy player in Josh Fahey, who we like, out of Canberra,' McCartney said.

'We might only have the three picks and that might be our list changes this year.'
Former Married At First Sight bride Stacey Hampton has defended herself after revealing to her followers that she wasn't in any rush to get the Covid vaccine.

The 27-year-old posted a video to her Instagram Stories on Thursday in response to an article Daily Mail Australia had written about the mother-of-two 'not rushing' to get vaccinated.

'I'm going to try and summarise this really quick,' the former reality TV star began. 'But basically this morning the Daily Mail released an article saying I was anti-vax because I'm not vaccinated.'

Strange: Former Married At First Sight bride Stacey Hampton has defended herself after revealing to her followers that she wasn't in any rush to get the Covid vaccine

'That's not the case at all,' she continued. 'I just know there's a high demand in the vaccinations and there are people who generally need it for their job, for their employment, for their underlying diseases, issues, things like that.'

Stacey then reiterated her previous point about 'not rushing out' to get the vaccine, claiming that she doesn't want to be 'selfish'.

'I'm not going to rush out and grab it and be selfish and let them wait when they need it,' she continued.

Her reason: The former Married at First Sight bride stood by her previous point about 'not rushing out' to get the vaccine, claiming that she doesn't want to be 'selfish'

'I will go get one when the time is right. Doesn't mean I'm anti-vax, it means I'm waiting. I don't need it right now, I'll get it when I'm ready,' the TV bride added.

She captioned the last section of her video clip: 'Don't put words in my mouth please.'

Daily Mail Australia did not claim that Stacey was an anti-vaxxer.

'Don't put words in my mouth please': The reality TV star responded to a Daily Mail Australia article and incorrectly purported that the article claimed she was an anti-vaxxer

The previous article that she refers to in her video was focused solely on her response to getting the Covid vaccine.

Covid-19 can cause serious illness, ongoing health problems and even death.

The coronavirus vaccine is a safe and vital measure being taken to protect the community from the spread of the virus.

The vaccines being rolled out in Australia are designed to ensure that even if you do contract Covid, you won't get seriously ill.

No rush? The previous article that Stacey refers to in her video was focused solely on her initial response to getting the Covid vaccine during an Instagram Q&A with her followers

Stacey's admission comes just months after she pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a Covid direction last year.

During a closed hearing at Adelaide Magistrates Court in June, she was ordered to pay a total of $1,676 - including a $1,000 fine plus court fees.

No conviction was recorded, and two similar charges were dropped.

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia at the time, she played down the incident as 'a little hiccup' with her essential worker paperwork.
She is known the world over for her talent and charm.

And Olivia Colman flashed her lovable megawatt smile as she posed up a storm at the New York Film Festival this Wednesday night.

The 47-year-old Oscar winner was attending the festival premiere of her latest movie The Lost Daughter and could be spotted mingling with her co-stars.

Looking fab: Olivia Colman flashed her lovable megawatt smile as she posed up a storm at the New York Film Festival this Wednesday night

Olivia slipped into a flowing robe-like frock that featured color-blocking in hot pink, dark brown and a deep shade of orange.

The drapery of the gown gave it a regal air befitting an actress who has racked up a slew of awards playing English queens.

Olivia, who won an Oscar as Queen Anne and two Emmys as Elizabeth II, accentuated her unmistakable gamine features with makeup.

She wore her hair in an elegant coiff and added a touch of dazzle to her ensemble with a pair of glittering earrings.

Place to be: The 47-year-old Oscar winner was attending the festival premiere of her latest movie The Lost Daughter and could be spotted mingling with her co-stars

On the town: Olivia slipped into a flowing robe-like frock that featured color-blocking in hot pink, dark brown and a deep shade of orange

What a night: During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson and their director Maggie Gyllenhaal

During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson and their director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris.

During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie.

Lineup: As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris

So sweet: During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie

Swanking about: Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival

Details: She slid her enviably trim flame into a full-sleeved floor-length bias cut black gown and wore her hair in a flapper chic bob

Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival.

She slid her enviably trim flame into a full-sleeved floor-length bias cut black gown and wore her hair in a flapper chic bob.

At one point the stars were also interviewed onstage, where Olivia could be glimpsed having a laugh at something Ed was saying.

Jessie plays a young version of Olivia in the film, which will drop on Netflix on New Year's Eve after a two-week limited release in US movie theaters.

Dynamic duo: At one point the stars were also interviewed onstage, where Olivia could be glimpsed having a laugh at something Ed was saying
A former Married At First Sight bride has shared her very relatable kitchen disaster.

Natasha Spencer revealed the nightmare in a photo shared to her Instagram Stories on Thursday.

The picture showed Natasha's destroyed kitchen benchtop after her blender exploded while trying to make a smoothie.

Blended disaster: Married at First Sight's Natasha Spencer has shared her very relatable kitchen disaster after her blender exploded while she tried to make a green smoothie

'Mercury retrogade,' the reality TV star captioned the image.

Last month Natasha issued a dire warning for future contestants of Married at First Sight.

The former bride revealed she still battles anxiety from her time on the series and was taken to hospital last year amid concerns she would self-harm.

The reality of reality TV: Last month Natasha issued a dire warning for future contestants of Married at First Sight. The former bride revealed she still battles anxiety from her time on the series and was taken to hospital last year amid concerns she would self-harm

She told The Daily Telegraph's Confidential that Channel Nine needs to take complaints 'seriously' and make mental health a bigger priority.

Married At First Sight is being investigated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) after receiving a high volume of viewer complaints amid claims of mental abuse, gaslighting and domestic conflict during this year's season.

'MAFS showed me everything that I didn't want in life,' Natasha told the paper.

'MAFS showed me everything that I didn't want in life': Natasha revealed she still battles with anxiety from her time on the series and was taken to hospital last year amid concerns she would self-harm

The influencer has been on the receiving end of trolling from social media users since debuting on last year's season, resulting in her ongoing battle with anxiety.

After being rushed to hospital last year, Natasha cut out alcohol and sees a psychologist.

'I still have episodes of anxiety but I'm doing pretty damn good. I'm working with a psychologist and I probably will for the rest of my life,' she confessed.
AFL superstar Lachie Neale and his wife Julie have announced the arrival of their first child together, a baby girl named Piper Rose Neale.

The former Brownlow medallist's wife shared the joyful news to her Instagram page on Thursday.

'Piper Rose Neale and just like that all the years of dreaming, wishing, longing don't seem to matter because here you are in my arms after all,' Julie wrote.

It's a girl! AFL superstar Lachie Neale and his wife Julie (pictured) have welcomed their first child together

'I won't take a second of you for granted my little P, mama loves you beyond words,' she added.

Alongside the sweet caption, Julie shared an adorable image of herself lying next to her newborn daughter.

Lachie also shared the image to his Instagram story and wrote: 'My girls'.

New arrival: The former Brownlow medallist's wife shared the joyful news to her Instagram page on Thursday

Lachie and Jules proudly announced they were expecting a baby girl back in March.

'Can't wait to meet you baby girl,' the Brisbane Lions midfielder wrote in the caption, alongside a baby emoji and a pink ribbon.

Jules also shared the same picture on Instagram, affectionately calling their unborn child 'Baby Neale.'

She wrote in the lengthy caption: 'We have dreamt about meeting you for a long time now little one. The road to you was long and trying but I wouldn't change it for the world. It has changed me.

Growing family: Lachie and Jules proudly announced they were expecting a baby girl back in March

'The journey to you has made me realise I am stronger than I ever thought I could be and I can do anything with your dad's support.

'You were definitely worth the wait and I am so ready to hold you in my arms and be your mumma baby girl,' she added, before sending 'extra love' to other women trying to conceive saying: 'You are so strong, I see you, I am you.'

Lachie and Jules tied the knot in November, 2018, in Perth.

He switched teams from Fremantle to the Lions after seven seasons in order to settle down in Brisbane with Julie shortly after they wed.

He explained at the time that a move to Brisbane had been difficult for Julie, who had built a hairdressing business 'from scratch' and had to give it up to build a relationship across the country with him.
Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie failed to impress the judges with their kitchen renovation on The Block this week.

The stylish granddads made a huge mistake with their pantry that judges Shaynna Blaze and Neale Whitaker couldn't look past.

While most traditional pantries feature shelves in the kitchen or butler's pantry, Mark and Mitch decided to install pantry drawers in the island bench.

The Block's Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie made a HUGE mistake in their kitchen renovation... so can you spot the problem?

The judges explained how the lack of storage in the kitchen could be a problem for buyers.

'There's a cooktop, there's a dishwasher, there's a sink, there's an oven, there's no pantry at all,' Shaynna Blaze said as she inspected the butler's pantry.

'No pantry! That's crazy. So all your food storage here is either in the fridge or it's in the drawers,' Neale Whitaker added.

Decision: While most traditional pantries feature shelves in the kitchen or butler's pantry, Mark and Mitch decided to install pantry drawers in the island bench

The feedback landed Mitch and Mark at the bottom of the leader board with 22.5 points.

Despite the criticism, both Mitch and Mark seemed thrilled with how their kitchen turned out and defended their decision to install pantry drawers in the island.

Mark explained during judging: 'In a lot of modern living these days it's actually more accessible so you're not getting to the back of a cupboard.'

Not impressed: The judges explained how the lack of storage in the kitchen could be a problem for buyers

'You pull the drawers out, you see everything from the top.'

Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum were Kristy and Jesse, who landed the top score of 29.5.

They were followed by Ronnie and Georgia in the second place, with 27 points.
She made a name for herself cracking up the nation alongside Angie Kent on Gogglebox Australia.

But Yvie Jones prefers a quieter life these days, away from the glare of the spotlight.

Speaking to News.com.au on Thursday, Yvie, 48, described her Melbourne home as her 'safe place', and revealed how she keeps it that way.

The simple life: Former Gogglebox Australia star Yvie Jones [pictured] has revealed her quiet new life away from the spotlight - and why she 'sages' her home after visitors leave

'I actually start my day quite relaxed and I sage it after anyone has visited. I'm a strong believer in energies,' she told the publication.

Despite being known for her outrageously funny antics on-air, it seems Yvie has grown accustomed to her now-mellow life.

'I keep my bedroom for just sleeping or meditating in, it's a sacred place,' she added.

Outside of her sanctuary, the bubbly blonde is still eager for a lively chinwag.

Earlier this month, Yvie and Angie reunited for a new podcast called Two Girls, One Pod.

They're back! Earlier this month, Yvie and Angie reunited for a new podcast called Two Girls, One Pod [both pictured]

The news was first shared by NovaFM's official podcast Instagram, alongside an illustration of the pair.

According to the post, fans can expect the besties to 'be talking about all the things you love them for - raw, unfiltered and honest chats between two best mates'.

In a video uploaded on Angie's account, the two are seen recording their podcast after they were reunited two years since parting ways when Angie appeared on The Bachelorette.

The loveable duo also noted that they're so serious about rebuilding their community of Goggleboxers, they've renamed their joint Instagram account to reflect their podcast.

They're back! The news was first shared by NovaFM's official podcast Instagram, alongside an illustration of the pair

'We've turned our old Gogglebox Instagram into our new Two Girls One Pod instagram account. So head on over there and give it some lovin and keep up to date on all the madness,' Angie added.

'You can also send us an email or a DM with any topics you would like us to discs or people we can chat to on the pod.'

Angie and Yvie became household names in Australia when they were couchmates on Gogglebox Australia between 2015 and 2018.

After quitting the show in 2019, they joined season five of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Erika Jayne appears to be on the hunt for a new abode as she was seen looking at a single bedroom apartment for rent in West Hollywood on Wednesday.

The reality star, 50, is currently embroiled in her estranged husband Tom Girardi's embezzlement scandal - where he stands accused of taking settlement funds that were meant to help families of plane crash victims.

Erika cut a casual figure for the outing as she donned a grey jumper with matching tracksuit bottoms.

House hunt: Erika Jayne appears to be on the hunt for a new abode as she was seen looking at an single bedroom apartment for rent in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star also sported a pair of white trainers while she styled her platinum blonde locks into an updo.

During Wednesday's episode of RHOBH, Erika told her co-star Kyle Richards that she has 'zero dollars'.

Erika branded broke life 'f***ing bulls***t' as Kyle listened on, and the pair both enjoyed what appears to be very expensive champagne while on a vineyard trip.

Erika has denied knowing anything about her husband's situation, but Tom, 82, recently claimed otherwise telling a reporter 'I think she does'.

Scandal: The reality star, 50, is currently embroiled in her estranged husband Tom Girardi's embezzlement scandal - where he stands accused of taking settlement funds that were meant to help families of plane crash victims

Giardi, 82, who once had an estimated fortune valued at $264million, was recently seen leaving a lunch at an upscale restaurant in Los Angeles with some friends when he was asked if Erika knew about the situation.

A cameraman asked the disbarred lawyer, via PageSix, about Jayne as he said: 'Did Erika know anything? Everyone wants to know.'

Tom - who is accused of embezzling millions of cash meant for plane crash victims, and has been forced into bankruptcy - stood quiet for a few seconds before one of his friends tried intervening and eventually convinced him to keep walking.

Before heading off, the co-founder of downtown Los Angeles law firm Girardi & Keese finally answered the question about the woman he's been married to since 2000 saying: 'I think she does.'

Casual: Erika cut a casual figure for the outing as she donned a grey jumper with matching tracksuit bottoms

Erika has repeatedly denied any knowledge of wrongdoing but fellow Housewives stars have reportedly said they were aware of the scandal.

Camille Grammer claimed she heard of her and Girardi's financial difficulties at Andy Cohen's 2019 baby shower, Page Six reported.

Fellow reality star Bethenny Frankel said Girardi's woes were the 'worst kept secret' in LA, claiming he owed her late ex-boyfriend Dennis Shields $500,000.

According to Page Six, Jayne remained silent when she was asked about Giradi's comments.

Claims: Erika has denied knowing anything about her husband's situation, but Tom, 82, recently claimed otherwise telling a reporter 'I think she does'

Last month, DailyMail.com revealed that Girardi is now living in a senior living home in Burbank, California after saying goodbye to living lavishly in his $13 million Pasadena mansion.

The former attorney is currently facing claims of allegedly embezzling settlement funds that were meant to help the families of plane crash victims.

It was also revealed that Girardi - who has now been placed under a conservatorship - has been federally disbarred by California Federal Court.

It's quite the change of scenery for Girardi, who has now moved out of his palatial Pasadena mansion, that was once on the market for $13million.

Pricing for Belmont Village Senior Living in Burbank is said to be between $4,545 - $4,750 a month for a private suite.

Couple: Erika has repeatedly denied any knowledge of wrongdoing but fellow Housewives stars have reportedly said they were aware of the scandal (pictured with Tom)

The facility has staff available 24/7, and boasts community chef-prepared dining with 24 daily choices of meals.

Costing for the facility depends on the room type and level of care that is required.

Girardi's move also follows claims from Jayne who said last week that she's been receiving death threats after it was claimed she allegedly spent $25million from Girardi's law firm on credit card purchases and fees for her glam squad.

Lawyers for the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy of the Girardi Keese firm allege the company transferred the money to Jayne's EJ Global LLC, according to a letter they sent to her lawyer, reports claimed last week.

The letter will be filed with the bankruptcy court as a part of the legal proceedings, a source told the outlet.

Former home: The reality star previously put her sprawling Pasadena mansion on the market for $13million amid her divorce

Erika filed for divorce from Girardi in November and has denied wrongdoing after the law firm filed for bankruptcy and he was accused of misappropriating $2million intended for victims of Indonesia's Lion Air 610 crash.

The reality star previously put her sprawling Pasadena mansion on the market amid her divorce.

Rrika listed the 10,277 square foot, four bedroom, six bathroom abode she shared with Tom for $13 million.

The lavish listing is a strong signal the divorcing couple are divvying up their joint assets.
She took the runway by storm, following in her famous mum Kate Moss' footsteps at Milan Fashion Week.

And Lila Moss turned up the glamour once more as she celebrated her 19th birthday in style on Wednesday in true supermodel style.

The up-and-coming model put her petite figure on display in a plunging metallic dress and black cowboy boots as she took to Instagram alongside her pals Tabby Kenton and Stella Jones.

Birthday girl: Lila Moss (left) celebrated her 19th birthday on Wednesday in a metallic dress and black cowboy boots for a slew of Instagram snaps. Pictured with Tabby Kenton (right)

The teenage star looked gorgeous as she showcased her toned pins in the thigh-skimming number, accessorizing with a pretty cross necklace.

She styled her luscious locks into a sleek style, and donned a dewy palette of make-up including a sweep of bold red lipstick.

The blonde beauty posed up a storm for a number of photos on her social media channel, which appeared to be taken at the Dazed & Confused magazine event on the same day.

Beauty: The up-and-coming model put her petite figure on display in the sideboob-baring number alongside her pal and fellow model Stella Jones (left)

Gorgeous: The teenage star looked gorgeous as she showcased her toned pins in the thigh-skimming number, accessorizing with a pretty cross necklace

Her birthday snaps come as the beauty followed in her supermodel mother Kate's footsteps as she strutted down the catwalk at the Versace and Fendi special event during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday.

Lila looked every inch the style icon in in a gold and white swimsuit with an elaborate pattern.

She donned a stunning Fendi jacket with beautiful gold embroidery with the colour matching the Fendi statement necklace which glistened under the bright lights at the venue.

Pout it! She styled her luscious locks into a sleek style, and donned a dewy palette of makeup including a sweep of bold red lipstick

Paving the way: Her birthday snaps come as the beauty followed in her supermodel mother Kate's footsteps at the Versace special event during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday

Lila's famous mother Kate, 47, was in attendance at the event to watch her daughter.

Kate shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties.

Jefferson and Kate - who dated from 2001 to 2004 with Lila being born in 2002 - have an amicable relationship and would ensure their daughter spent a regular amount of time with each of them in her childhood.

Back in 2016, Jefferson admitted that despite Lila having two famous parents, she found them both to be 'deeply uncool'.

Wow! She took the runway by storm, following in her famous mum Kate Moss' footsteps at Milan Fashion Week

The happy couple: Kate shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties (Jefferson and Kate pictured in 2001)

Support: Lila's famous mother Kate was sitting was in attendance at the event to proudly watch her daughter

Speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine, he explained his daughter keeps himself and her model mother rooted in the 'real' world.

Despite her mother's status as a bonafide British icon, thanks to her status in the fashion industry, and Jefferson's own achingly cool CV, Lila - wouldn't label her parents as cool.

'She thinks me and her mum are deeply uncool,' he explained. 'I dont think her music tastes are cool  Capital radio and Justin Bieber. She keeps me real.'

While Lila still has a good relationship with both parents, she is often seen out with mum Kate as she is signed to her modelling agency.
Rapper G-Eazy turned heads on Wednesday when he stepped out rocking a cool tiger print jacket in New York.

The hitmaker, 32, looked hot in a pair of tight black jeans, which he paired of with a crisp white shirt and complemented the look with a pair of black pointed boots.

The Oakland California native accessorized with a gold chain and matching bracelet.

Sultry: Rapper G-Eazy turned heads on Wednesday when he stepped out rocking a cool tiger print jacket in New York and tight trousers

Wearing his short dark hair in a slicked down style, the sexy rapper looked sultry as he mingled with the crowds in Brooklyn.

The star has been linked to a sting of beauties following his split from actress and model Ashley Benson.

The couple enjoyed a whirlwind romance which lasted less than a year.

On-trend: The Oakland native accessorized with a gold chain and matching bracelet.

Following the split the No Limit rapper had been romantically linked to number of women Including Playboy model Josie Canseco.

Earlier in September he was spotted getting getting amorous with a mystery brunette whilst out for dinner in New York.

Meanwhile, his ex Haley celebrated her 27th birthday on Wednesday by sharing the first pictures of her two-month-old son Ender Ridley Aydin's face.

The first-time mother - who boasts 64.2M social media followers - captioned her Instagram post: 'The best birthday gift there is!'

The snaps were actually taken back on September 21 with little Ender being held by her partner, Alev Aydin.

Before Aydin, the New Jersey-born pop star previously romanced Evan Peters, Yungblud, G-Eazy, Machine Gun Kelly, and Lido.

The star has been linked to a sting of beauties following his split from actress and model Ashley Benson

Cute: Meanwhile, G-Eazy's ex Haley celebrated her 27th birthday on Wednesday by sharing the first pictures of her two-month-old son Ender Ridley Aydin's face
The movie boasts an a-list cast, and the stars were out in force to party following the New York Film Festival premiere of The Lost Daughter on Wednesday night.

Leading lady Olivia Colman reunited with her co-star from The Crown, Josh O'Connor at Altro Paradiso in NYC.

The onscreen mother and son from the Netflix hit, cosied up for the cameras as they partied with an all-star crowd. Josh played Prince Charles in Netflix hit The Crown alongside Olivia as his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Royal ties: Olivia Colman reunited with her co-star from The Crown, Josh O'Connor at the afterparty for the NYFF premiere of her new movie The Lost Daughter on Wednesday

Josh, 31, put his arm around Olivia, 47, as they shard some drinks at the plush NY venue.

Olivia was still looking glam in her red carpet ensemble, of a bold colour block dress and glittering diamonds.

Josh also caught up with his pal Paul Mescal, who stars alongside Olivia in The Lost Daughter.

The movie's writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal was also celebrating the premiere, alongside her actor brother Jake.

They go way back: Josh played Prince Charles in Netflix hit The Crown alongside Olivia as his mother Queen Elizabeth II (pictured in series four)

Olivia's fellow leading lady Dakota Johnson was looking gorgeous in her racy black corset as she let her hair down at the party.

The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

The anticipated movie had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, where Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

Hanging out: Josh also caught up with his pal Paul Mescal, who stars alongside Olivia in The Lost Daughter

Gorgeous: Olivia's fellow leading lady Dakota Johnson was looking gorgeous in her racy black corset as she let her hair down at the party with Paul

Wow: Dakota looked incredible in her racy sheer corset and leather trousers for her big night out in NYC

Sizzling: Dakota added killer heels to her glam gothic look as she strutted inside

Stunning: The Fifty Shades star flashed her physique in the lingerie as she headed to the party

Time to party: The film's writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal was radiant in blue velvet

Multi talented: Maggie was in great spirits as she headed inside to celebrate her new movie

It tells the story of Colman, as Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Johnson) and her young daughter, prompting memories of her own early motherhood to come back and unravel her.

The film will drop on Netflix on New Year's Eve after a two-week limited release in US movie theaters.

For her big night, Olivia slipped into a flowing robe-like frock that featured color-blocking in hot pink, dark brown and a deep shade of orange.

Family affair: Maggie's actor brother Jake Gyllenhaal supported his sister on her big night

Wowing the crowds: Jake's girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu looked stunning in white

Sharp: Jake was dapper in a green velvet suit, coordinating with her sister Maggie

Always stunning: Olivia wowed in a bright colour block dress for her big night

Stars: Olivia also posed for snaps with her co-star Dagmara Dominczyk, who looked gorgeous in her off-the-shoulder velvet number

Onscreen and offscreen talent: Dagmara caught up with her director Maggie and the film's producer Osnat Handelsman-Keren

Holding court: Maggie was in her element as she partied with friends and colleagues

Talent: Jake caught up with the film's star Ed Harris, another big talent attached to the movie

The drapery of the gown gave it a regal air befitting an actress who has racked up a slew of awards playing English queens.

Olivia, who won an Oscar as Queen Anne and two Emmys as Elizabeth II, accentuated her unmistakable gamine features with makeup.

She wore her hair in an elegant coiff and added a touch of dazzle to her ensemble with a pair of glittering earrings.

Lead: The Lost Daughter sees Colman play Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Johnson)

Looking fab: Olivia flashed her lovable megawatt smile as she posed up a storm at the New York Film Festival for the movie earlier on Wednesday night

What a night: During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota and their director Maggie

During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson and their director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris.

During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie.

Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival.

She slid her enviably trim flame into a full-sleeved floor-length bias cut black gown and wore her hair in a flapper chic bob.

Lineup: As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris

So sweet: During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie

Swanking about: Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival

Bold: Dakota looked straight out out a scene from her raunchy Fifty Shades movie trilogy at the premiere

Beauty: Like Johnson, the older sister of fellow actor Jake Gyllenhaal opted for a revealing look with a plunging neckline and a pair of statement earrings

Sibling love: Maggie's handsome younger brother, 40, also made an appearance at the star-studded event to support her directorial debut
Dakota Johnson looked sensational while cosying up to actor Paul Mescal following the New York Film Festival premiere of their film The Lost Daughter on Wednesday.

Taking to a star-studded afterparty, the Fifty Shades Of Grey star, 31, sent temperatures soaring as she showcased her svelte waist in a racy black coset.

Letting her gorgeous chocolate tresses down for the night of fun, she appeared to be in high spirits while Normal People's Paul, 25, wrapped a loving hand around her shoulder.

Hot stuff: Dakota Johnson looked gorgeous in a racy black corset as she cosied up to Paul Mescal at the afterparty for the NYFF premiere of The Lost Daughter on Wednesday

The Irish actor beamed from ear-to-ear while sharing the embrace with the Hollywood star, who he had clearly built up chemistry with while filming the project.

The daughter of Melanie Griffith continued her ensemble with a pair of black leather trousers and a matching blazer, while accessorising with a delicate silver chain.

Paul kept things casual in a buttoned-down blue stripy shirt and brown blazer.

Dakota's fellow leading lady Olivia Colman reunited with her co-star from The Crown, Josh O'Connor at Altro Paradiso in NYC.

Stunning: The Fifty Shades star flashed her physique in the lingerie as she headed to the party

Wow: Dakota looked incredible in her racy sheer corset and leather trousers for her big night out in NYC

The onscreen mother and son from the Netflix hit, cosied up for the cameras as they partied with an all-star crowd. Josh played Prince Charles in Netflix hit The Crown alongside Olivia as his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Josh, 31, put his arm around Olivia, 47, as they shard some drinks at the plush NY venue.

Olivia was still looking glam in her red carpet ensemble, of a bold colour block dress and glittering diamonds.

Josh also caught up with his pal Paul, who stars alongside Olivia in The Lost Daughter.

Hanging out: Paul also caught up with his pal Josh O'Connor, star of The Crown

Royal ties: Olivia Colman looked delighted to be reunited with her co-star from The Crown, Josh at the star-studded party

They go way back: Josh played Prince Charles in Netflix hit The Crown alongside Olivia as his mother Queen Elizabeth II (pictured in series four)

The movie's writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal was also celebrating the premiere, alongside her actor brother Jake.

The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

The anticipated movie had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, where Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

Lead: The Lost Daughter sees Colman play Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Johnson)

Anticipated: The Lost Daughter is a psychological drama written and directed by Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante (pictured: Dakota Johnson)

Time to party: The film's writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal was radiant in blue velvet

Multi talented: Maggie was in great spirits as she headed inside to celebrate her new movie

It tells the story of Colman, as Leda, a college professor, who while on a summer holiday, finds herself becoming obsessed with another woman (Johnson) and her young daughter, prompting memories of her own early motherhood to come back and unravel her.

The film will drop on Netflix on New Year's Eve after a two-week limited release in US movie theaters.

For her big night, Olivia slipped into a flowing robe-like frock that featured color-blocking in hot pink, dark brown and a deep shade of orange.

Family affair: Maggie's actor brother Jake Gyllenhaal supported his sister on her big night

Wowing the crowds: Jake's girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu looked stunning in white

The drapery of the gown gave it a regal air befitting an actress who has racked up a slew of awards playing English queens.

Olivia, who won an Oscar as Queen Anne and two Emmys as Elizabeth II, accentuated her unmistakable gamine features with makeup.

She wore her hair in an elegant coiff and added a touch of dazzle to her ensemble with a pair of glittering earrings.

Looking fab: Olivia flashed her lovable megawatt smile as she posed up a storm at the New York Film Festival for the movie earlier on Wednesday night

What a night: During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota and their director Maggie

During the red carpet portion of the event she stood for a group shot with her co-stars Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson and their director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris.

During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie.

Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival.

She slid her enviably trim flame into a full-sleeved floor-length bias cut black gown and wore her hair in a flapper chic bob.

Lineup: As the evening wore on they were also joined by their castmates Peter Sarsgaard, Dagmara Dominczyk, Paul Mescal and Ed Harris

So sweet: During the big premiere the director and stars also gathered together onstage where Olivia was seen warmly embracing Maggie

Swanking about: Maggie, whose new movie is adapted from a book by the hit Italian author Elena Ferrante, went for Old Hollywood glamour at the New York Film Festival

Bold: Dakota looked straight out out a scene from her raunchy Fifty Shades movie trilogy at the premiere

Beauty: Like Johnson, the older sister of fellow actor Jake Gyllenhaal opted for a revealing look with a plunging neckline and a pair of statement earrings

Sibling love: Maggie's handsome younger brother, 40, also made an appearance at the star-studded event to support her directorial debut
Erin Holland rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion.

And on Thursday, the model, 32, made a style statement as she broadcast from the Women's International Test match on the Gold Coast.

The former Miss World Australia cut a chic figure in a designer beige coat, matching pants and a white shirt.

Stylish! Erin Holland cut a chic figure in a designer coat as she broadcast from the Women's International Test match on the Gold Coast

She teamed her stylish ensemble with a pair of strappy beige stilettos.

Erin styled her long brunette locks in curls and let her natural beauty shine, opting for a neutral palette of makeup.

It comes after Erin revealed the one valuable lesson she learned after her gruelling stint on SAS Australia.

Chic: The former Miss World Australia looked stylish in a designer beige coat, matching pants and white shirt

The model opened up about her time on the military-style show, saying that she learned a valuable lesson following her appearance on the hit Channel Seven series.

Speaking to Popsugar last week, Erin said she learnt it was okay to fail.

'Failure is actually okay, and it probably was the biggest lesson for me in this entire thing was learning how to fail and how to be okay with it and to realise the limits,' she told the publication.

Natural beauty: Erin styled her long brunette in curls and let her natural beauty shine, opting for a neutral palette of makeup

Erin said she found her limit was a '91-kilo man on my back' - referring to when chief drill instructor Ant Middleton told her to carry actor Dan Ewing.

The former Miss World Australia struggled to carry Dan before handing her number in and quitting the show.

Regardless of the short stint, Erin believes she walked away from the show learning more about herself and her own capabilities.
David Tennant's latest project will see him take on the role of Alexander Litvinenko in an upcoming ITV drama, Litvinenko.

The Scotsman, 50, will portray the former Russian Federal Security Services and KGB officer, whose death from polonium poisoning in November 2006 triggered one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police.

Written by Lupin and Criminal screenwriter George Kay, the four-part drama will tell the story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked for ten years to prove who was responsible for Alexander's death.

New opportunity: David Tennant will take on the role of former Russian Federal Security Services officer Alexander Litvinenko in upcoming ITV drama, Litvinenko

The drama, directed by Jim Field Smith, will depict how in November 2006, two police officers were called to University College Hospital in London to interview Alexander, who was in declining health after he claimed to have been poisoned on the direct orders of Vladimir Putin.

During the police interviews, Alexander provided meticulous details from his hospital bedside about the events leading up to his illness.

His information would ultimately help detectives track down two Russians who had poisoned Litvinenko with Polonium 210, a highly toxic radioactive substance.

Significant: The former Russian Federal Security Services and KGB officer's death from polonium poisoning in November 2006 triggered one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police

George said it was a 'privilege' to pen the 'essential' story.

He explained: 'In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder. He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him.

'It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified. Their stamina, hard work and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write.'

Plot: Written by George Kay, the four part drama will tell the story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked for ten years to prove who was responsible for Alexander's death [Alexander pictured above in 2002]

Fighting: The drama also focuses on the story of Marina, played by Margarita Levieva, Alexanders fearless, dignified widow [the couple pictured on their wedding day in Moscow, 1994]

The drama also focuses on the story of Marina, played by Margarita Levieva, Alexanders fearless, dignified widow who fought tirelessly to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husbands killers and acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder.

Litvinenko is produced with the support of many of the key individuals involved in the investigation and subsequent public enquiry.

Former Scotland Yard officers Clive Timmons and Brent Hyatt will be played by Mark Bonnar and Neil Maskell respectively.

Patrick Spence, one of the executive producers, said: 'This one is a privilege, a once in a career opportunity to tell a story about a family and a police team who have shown such courage and resilience that it has inspired us all.'



Trying: Maria fought tirelessly to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husbands killers and acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder [pictured in 2018]
She pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance after her horror crash on Tuesday.

And on Wednesday night, Katie Price's ex-fiance Kris Boyson cut a sombre figure during night out at the W Hotel in London.

Just hours earlier, his glamour model ex entered rehab following her admission of taking drugs after crashing her BMW.

Out and about: On Wednesday night, Katie Price's ex-fiance Kris Boyson cut a sombre figure during night out at the W Hotel in London

Kris was dressed in head-to-to black, with his chain necklace and statement watch on display as he strolled out of the hotel.

The fitness fanatic failed to raise a smile while clutching onto his mobile phone during his low-key exit.

Katie now faces jail after pleading guilty to three charges of drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance at Crawley Magistrates Court.

But prosecutors dropped a drug-driving charge in light of her guilty drink-driving plea. It came just days after family and friends rallied round her following her arrest.

Low-key: Kris was dressed in head-to-to black, with his chain necklace and statement watch on display as he strolled out of the hotel

Old times: Kris was previously engaged to mother-of-five Katie Price, with their pair getting engaged in July 2019, before separating four months later (Pictured in July 2018)

Katie, who was already banned from driving, flipped her car on a country road at 6.20am near West Grinstead, close to her home.

After being rescued by a local resident, she was arrested on suspicion of driving while above the legal limit for alcohol and drugs - and tested positive for cocaine.

The model told police: 'I was just going to my friend's house. I know I shouldn't. I've been banned four times. I took drugs. I should not be driving. I admit it all.'

Katie could still face jail when she is sentenced in December, but checked into the Priory yesterday. The model has no driving licence after being disqualified for two years in October 2019 - and has been banned from the roads six times in total.

The three charges were using a motor vehicle on a public place without third party insurance; driving while unfit to drive through drink; and driving while disqualified. Price had been taken to hospital but is not thought to have been badly injured.

Katie's fiance Carl Woods posted a statement on his Instagram on Tuesday, saying 'Katie is a rough diamond, she has her imperfections, however they make her perfect to me'.

Getting help: Katie checked into The Priory rehab clinic on Wednesday after flipping her car before dawn after an all-night bender (pictured in 2017)

The TV personality was told that her sentencing had been deferred for 11 weeks until December 15 to allow her to have treatment at The Priory and speak to the probation service.

Chair of the bench Julie Hutton told her she could leave but warned her against driving in the interim, saying: 'You are free to go and good luck at the Priory.'

Ms Hutton then handed Price an interim driving ban, warning her: 'We regularly send people to prison for driving whilst disqualified.'

A drugs wipe gave a positive reading for cocaine, prosecutor Debbie Jones said. But Joe Harrington, defending, added: 'She has had a lot of personal problems recently.

'Currently she is in the process of bankruptcy proceedings, so her house may be repossessed. So, quite a lot going on in this lady's life, a really difficult period.'

Mr Harrington added that the driving was a 'one-off' incident. He said Katie had been at home and feeling lonely and decided to go to see a friend.

All over: Kris moved on with Bianca Gascoigne but their relationship came to an end in February after ended their 11 months together

The defence solicitor, who had asked magistrates to defer the sentencing for several weeks, said: 'As I understand it, she had been drinking, she was lonely.

'And she decided to go and see a friend who lived a relatively short distance away and that is when the incident happened.'

Mr Harrington said: 'There was never any premeditation that she would drive the car. She was drinking, she was lonely and decided to go and see a friend who lived the shortest distance away.'

How The Priory's former clients include Lily Allen, Johnny Depp and Amy Winehouse - and it costs around 6,800 a week The Priory is one of the most famous mental health care providers in the world, known for treating A-list celebrities including Lily Allen, Johnny Depp, and Amy Winehouse at its flagship hospital in Roehampton, South West London. Built in 1811 before being converted into a hospital in 1872, the group now has more than 500 sites across the country, with around 7,000 beds available. The Priory's flagship clinic in Roehampton The Priory in Roehampton helps 90 patients at a time, and costs around 6,800 a week. Although their flagship hospital is extremely expensive, around 70 per cent of patients across their hospitals are referred by the NHS. In 2016, The Priory was branded 'unsafe' in a devastating report by an official watchdog following a series of suicides and self-harming incidents by patients. One of the rooms at The Priory Roehampton That included the death of Stephen Bantoft, 49, who hanged himself less than three hours after checking into an acute psychiatric wing at the hospital. He was the fourth apparent suicide in a Priory Group facility in as many years. Advertisement

While on the journey. she lost control of the car and over compensated her steering and the car rolled onto its side. She was rescued by a local man named Mr Marchant.

Her roadside alcohol reading was 66 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath - which is nearly double the legal limit of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres.

Mr Harrington said Katie - who used to be known as Jordan - had not meant to break her driving ban and was not flouting the ban by routinely driving around.

The court heard that Katie already had an appointment booked with The Priory at 1.30pm today which she had to break as she was in custody.

The solicitor said: 'She says that she had a meeting with the Priory at 1.30pm. We've been in contact with them and she will go from here to there. She is going for an assessment. There is no reason why she wouldn't be admitted to The Priory today.'

Mr Harrington described Katie as a successful businesswoman and mother, saying she was finding it hard to deal with being apart from her children and was lonely.

He said: 'Harvey (her son) is in residential accommodation. It's not been easy for her and she misses him greatly.'

Her other children Junior, Princess, Bunny and Jett are understood to be staying with their fathers Peter Andre and Kieran Hayler.

Mr Harrington added: 'Obviously, Ms Price is a talented lady. She is a good businesswoman who has done well over the years but here we are.'

Katie appeared in the dock on Wednesday wearing a pink jumper, and spoke to one of the officers next to her while the two magistrates rose to consider their decision.

Chair of the bench Ms Hutton then handed Price an interim driving ban, warning her: 'We regularly send people to prison for driving whilst disqualified.'

Katie was told that her sentence would be deferred on the condition that she have treatment at the Priory Centre and not commit any further offences.

She will also be banned from driving in the interim. Price was told she must also engage with the probation service so a report can be prepared.

It came despite Ms Jones telling the court: 'I have been instructed to say the Crown are very concerned if she is allowed to walk out of court today.'

It comes after a source told MailOnline yesterday: 'Katie is on a downward spiral. After an all-night bender. It's a new low, even by her standards.'

Another source told the Daily Mirror: 'Katie is a total mess at the moment. Her partying is out of control and has really ramped up over the last few weeks.'

It has been claimed that the former glamour model had been driving in a car that was given to her as a gift by Carl several weeks before the crash, The Sun reports.

A source said: 'Katie was only given the car by Carl a month or so ago. She'll be gutted it's now written off. But the important thing is that she's OK. It's just a car.'

Katie Price appears with her sister Sophie Price on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday

Price spent five weeks at The Priory last October and vowed this year to take regular drugs tests if anyone challenged her sobriety.

She previously said she had used cocaine in the past to 'block things out' because she 'couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel' due to her mental health issues.

Yesterday, a photograph tweeted by a local police officer showed a damaged BMW lying on its side across both lanes, its front lodged in the hedgerow, after the crash.

A local said: 'Luckily no other vehicles were involved in the crash and it happened away from houses. It sounds like the person behind the wheel is going to be OK.'

Price has experienced a turbulent year, and was recently seen with bruising to her face after an alleged assault at her home in Essex.

What he says: Her fiance Carl Woods said on Instagram that he will 'always be there' for the 'rough diamond'

A source said: 'Katie rolled her car and was in a bad way when police arrived. She's in hospital now and everyone is desperately worried about her.'

Driving while disqualified can result in a maximum sentence of 26 weeks in prison. It comes as Price's family last night expressed fears for her mental health.

They said in a statement: 'We have for some time been concerned about Kate's wellbeing and overall mental health. Today our worst fears nearly came true.

'As a family we have been and will continue to help Kate get the help she needs. We hope that she will realise that she cannot battle her issues alone.'

With Harvey: Katie told GMB of her pain that being disqualified from driving meant she could not visit son Harvey (pictured on September 9) at his residential college

The smash came a day after Katie said being disqualified from driving meant she could not visit her disabled son Harvey at his residential college in Gloucestershire.

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'Harvey's in Cheltenham now, he keeps ringing me saying, 'Mummy I miss you, I need your kisses and cuddles', so it is quite hard.

'Because obviously I don't get my licence back until December, so I can't just whizz in the car down there and it's not close.'

Her fiance Carl Woods said he will 'always be there' for the 'rough diamond', writing on Instagram yesterday: 'Relationships are tested, people test each other.

'But when you love someone like I love Katie, you enjoy the highs and good times together. And that bond is tested during the low and difficult times together.

'Katie is a rough diamond. She has her imperfections however they make her perfect to me. She just needs that extra help to be polished.

'The sunlight will shine through her once again and the sparkles that she brings to everyone will return. I love you Katie 100%. My dolly, always here, always will be.'
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She's taken the runway by storm at various Fashion Weeks worldwide.

And Gigi Hadid strutted her stuff again as she walked for the Coperni show at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday.

The model, 26, showcased her incredible taut abs in an extreme orange cut-out crop top and silver low-waisted skirt at the fashion show - which was her first show in the French capital.

Runway-bound: Gigi Hadid showed off her taut abs in an extreme orange crop top and low-waisted skirt as she walked for the Coperni show at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday

Gigi looked nothing short of sensational as she strutted her stuff in the daring ensemble which put nearly the entirety of her taut and toned torso on display for the vying fashionistas in the FROW to see.

The star channeled 90s vibes with her outfit, pairing the sequined maxi skirt with a pair of platform sandals.

The beauty straightened her new mahogany locks and sported a subtle palette of makeup for the show.

In true model behaviour, Gigi pouted as she rocked the runway, flashing her winning smile as she reached the end of the walkway before turning around.

Enviable figure: The mother-of-one flashed some underboob as she turned to the side

New hairdo: The beauty straightened her new mahogany locks and sported a subtle palette of makeup for the show

The industry superstar shined bright on the runway, putting her modelling skills to good use.

Gigi was joined by a slew of other models on the runway, who also donned sizzling outfits just like her own as they prepared to sashay the stunning styles down the runway for all to see.

Gigi kept calm backstage, posing up a storm with her model pals before hitting the runway.

A natural: Gigi kept calm backstage, channeling her nerves into taking great photos behind the scenes

Posers: The star posed up a storm with her model pals before hitting the runway

Stylish: One of her fellow models looked stylish in a silk orange top and white sequin micro skirt as they were pictured together

Elegant: Another looked elegant in a silver lace cowl-neck dress, which showed a peak of her bare skin

Glamour girls: The backstage bustle was filled with fun and glamour

One of her fellow models looked stylish in a silk orange top and white sequin micro skirt as they were pictured together.

Another looked elegant in a silver lace cowl-neck dress, which showed a peak of her bare skin.

One model showcased her toned pins in a sequined silver bodysuit, which boasted long sleeves and a high neck.

Meanwhile, another fashion mogul bared all in a black mesh top and mini skirt ensemble.

Wow! She showcased her enviable figure in the tiny top

Sweet: Gigi posed with Sebastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant

Good company: Gigi was joined by a slew of other models on the runway, who also donned sizzling outfits just like her one

All that glitters: One model showcased her toned pins in a sequined silver bodysuit, which boasted long sleeves and a high neck

Dare to bare: Meanwhile, another fashion mogul bared all in a black mesh top and mini skirt ensemble

Beautiful: Blogger Rania Fawaz also headed up the event, looking sleek in an all-black ensemble while Leia Sfez looked elegant in black and pinstripes

Coperni, the Parisian ready-to-wear and accessories brand, seemed proud to showcase a variety of body-types and figures at their show - making efforts to broaden their view of beauty.

The New York Times noted that 'the models are once again very young and very thin' back in Milan Fashion Week, whilst they said 'on the runways of New York there were some efforts to expand the definition of beauty to encompass the true spectrum of body types.

They also wrote that: 'Gigi Hadid is strutting her stuff as a new mother, but generally in the Wow, youd never know shed just had a baby category.'

Making waves for the future: Coperni, the Parisian ready-to-wear and accessories brand, seemed proud to showcase a variety of body-types and figures at their show. Pictured left: Paloma Elsesser

New mother: The New York Times wrote that: 'Gigi Hadid is strutting her stuff as a new mother, but generally in the Wow, youd never know shed just had a baby category'

Chic: Marie-Victoire and Nina Kravitz were all upping the glam on the FROW
They are one of the most famous mother-daughter duos in the world.

And, Lila showed off her model physique in a semi sheer maxi dress as she joined her mum Kate, 47, who chucked her hard-partying life in 2017, displayed the radiant spoils of her teetotal ways at the bash in Mayfair, London on Wednesday night.

The stunning pair were joined by Kate's beau Nikolai von Bismarck for a night at celeb hotspot China Tang to celebrate Lila's 19th birthday.

What a pair! Lila Moss, 19, showed off her model physique in a semi sheer maxi as she dined in London on Wednesday with her mum Kate, 47, who commanded attention in a green coat

Kate wore her statement coat over a little black dress, while carrying her belongings in a large Fendi Fendace Roma Handbag.

Lila looked sensational, clad in a sheer black animal print frock which left her underwear on show.

She accessorised with a large sparkling necklace and held onto a bouquet of flowers, shoes and other presents as she left.

Kate was seen leaving and hugging Nikolai as they left the restaurant, but then went separate ways in separate cars while Lila travelled with her mother.

Loving life: The stunning pair were joined by Kate's beau Nikolai von Bismarck for a night at celeb hotspot China Tang to celebrate Lila's 19th birthday

Fun with mum: Lila could be seen laughing happily as she sat in the back seat of the car with a friend while her mum road up front

While the group were putting on a rollicking display, Kate's fun will have stemmed from good clean roots as she has now been sober for nearly four years.

The supermodel, 46, was once known for her wild ways, but her longtime friend, DJ Fat Tony, revealed last year that she is now clean.

Her producer pal - who himself has been sober for 13 years - said in an interview: 'Kate's been clean for over two years. Me and my sober mates now have a better time than we ever did when we used to drink and take drugs.'

Kate was a member of The Primrose Hill Set - a name given to the all-star group of edgy residents of the leafy neighbourhood, who were known in their heyday for their raucous behaviour with stories of their antics becoming the stuff of legend.

Divine While the group were putting on a rollicking display, Kate's fun will have stemmed from good clean roots as she has now been sober for nearly four years

After attending a week-long detox in Turkey back in June 2015, the runway sensation wound up being escorted off an easyJet flight home after her airport drinking session took a heavy turn.

The turnaround may come as a shock given that Kate's love of boozing, which reportedly extended to flutes of prosecco at 8am and glasses of wine and vodka at lunch, saw friends coin her the nickname 'The Tank'.

The catwalk queen admitted she's tried to cut down on caffeine and nicotine, and enjoys having more quiet nights in.

Wowzer! Lila looked sensational, clad in a sheer black animal print frock which left her underwear on show

Kate shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties.

Jefferson and Kate - who dated from 2001 to 2004 with Lila being born in 2002 - have an amicable relationship and would ensure their daughter spent a regular amount of time with each of them in her childhood.

Back in 2016, Jefferson admitted that despite Lila having two famous parents, she found them both to be 'deeply uncool'.

Birthday babe: She accessorised with a large sparkling necklace and held onto a bouquet of flowers and other presents as she left

Fond farewell: Kate was seen leaving and hugging Nikolai as they left the restaurant, but then went separate ways in separate cars

Sensational: Kate showed off her supermodel pins in strappy black heels as she descended the stairs from the restaurant

Whoops: Lila looked less happy about her pal kissing her head

Speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine, he explained his daughter keeps himself and her model mother rooted in the 'real' world.

Despite her mother's status as a bonafide British icon, thanks to her status in the fashion industry, and Jefferson's own achingly cool CV, Lila - wouldn't label her parents as cool.

'She thinks me and her mum are deeply uncool,' he explained. 'I dont think her music tastes are cool  Capital radio and Justin Bieber. She keeps me real.'

While Lila still has a good relationship with both parents, she is often seen out with mum Kate as she is signed to her modelling agency.

Famous parents: Kate shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties

Mummy's girl: While Lila still has a good relationship with both parents, she is often seen out with mum Kate as she is signed to her modelling agency

Low-key: Nikolai wore an all-black outfit save for a red patterned shirt which peeked out beneath his jumper

Mwah: The couple said goodbye after dining together at the swanky eatery

It comes after Kate's half-sister Lottie Moss, 23, posed for a sizzling Instagram selfie on Wednesday, days after boasting about her wild sex life.

The model flaunted her tanned and tattooed physique while posing in a hot pink bikini for her latest social media post.

The blonde looked incredible in the minuscule two-piece, snapping the photo in a full-length mirror.

Mum and dad: Lila's dad is journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom mum Kate was in a relationship in the early Noughties (Jefferson and Kate pictured in 2001)

Gorgeous: It comes after Kate's half-sister Lottie Moss, 23, posed for a sizzling Instagram selfie on Wednesday, days after boasting about her wild sex life

Lottie also showed off her Hey Kitty tattoo on her arm and a peek at another inking under her bust in the two snaps.

With a golden tan and glam hair and makeup, the look was complete.

The sizzling selfies come days after Lottie spoke candidly about her relationship with The Vamps' Tristan Evans for the first time - and claimed she has sex every morning.

The model, who is the half sister of Kate Moss, spoke about how she is sex-positive, and doesn't shy away from baring all on social media.

'I do OnlyFans and I feel like its always been stigmatised as dirty and disgusting, but sex is great. Sex should be fun and light and a good conversation topic. Everyone has sex, so why should it be shameful?' she told The Sun.

Wow: The model, 23, flaunted her tanned and tattooed physique while posing in a hot pink bikini for her latest social media post

Morning glory: The selfies come days after Lottie spoke candidly about her relationship with The Vamps' Tristan Evans for the first time - and claimed she has sex every morning

'Its something everyone does in the morning. When they wake up, everyone brushes their teeth and everyone has sex. Not at the same time... well, maybe. It depends on the position! Im very sex-positive.'

Last year she admitted to being pansexual - and said that anyone who isn't on board with that gets shown the door.

'The people I date are very accepting of my choices, and if not, the door is that way! It's so important to get tested and know the status of your sexual partners.'

'Tristan is the kind of guy that would be proud to get tested. I wouldnt get along with someone who didnt want to promote sexual health.'

Candid: The model, who is the half sister of Kate Moss, spoke about how she is sex-positive, and doesn't shy away from baring all on social media

Lottie recently confirmed her romance with the rocker as they made their first public appearance together.

It was revealed at the end of July that Lottie and Tristan were an item, after they were spotted getting up close and personal in Notting Hill two weeks earlier, before he spent the next evening cooking for her during a cosy night in together.

Edgier than her usual type, Lottie has previously dated Made In Chelsea boys Alex Mytton and Sam Prince.

Meanwhile, Tristan got engaged to model Anastasia Smith in April 2018, after dating for four years, but by the autumn the pair had split, removing all pictures together from their social media profiles. Anastasia is now engaged to another man.
She debuted her bleached blonde eyebrows on Instagram last week.

And Amelia Hamlin, 20, showed off her new look to her friends when she stepped out in Paris on Tuesday.

The American actress's brows were clear to see as she wore a knitted pink, orange and red vest in the sunny early autumn weather.

Unique new look: Amelia Hamlin, 20, continued to show off her bleached eyebrows to her friends when she stepped out in Paris on Tuesday in a cosy sweater vest

Her arms were left exposed to the air as she walked, with her long brown hair gently brushing her arms and tumbling down onto her back.

She wore a pair of black trousers which matched her comfortable shoes and she carried a large black bag over her shoulder packed full of belongings.

The film star, who split from Scott Disick, 38, earlier this month, could be seen laughing as she enjoyed the company of friends who she met at a local cafe.

Testing the water: The American actress previously debuted her unique look on Instagram after bleaching her eyebrows ahead of Paris Fashion Week

Laugh a minute: The film star, who split from Scott Disick, 38, earlier this month, could be seen laughing as she enjoyed the company of friends who she met at a local cafe

Keeping it casual: The model wore a pair of black trousers which matched her comfortable shoes and she carried a large black bag over her shoulder packed full of belongings

Catch-up: Amelia appeared deep in discussion with her pals

Amelia debuted her bleached brows on Instagram recently in preparation for Paris Fashion Week.

The star shared a before shot of her eyebrows, showing herself with brushed brown brows.

She could be then seen posing for the camera as she wore the solution to dye them a brighter colour.

Moving on: She showed no signs of heartache after her split from Scott

Model figure: Amelia teased a hint of her toned abs in the knitted vest

Exploring Paris: She chatted to her pal as she walked the streets of the French capital with a pal

The place to be: Amelia has arrived in Paris for the city's Fashion Week

Oversized: The fashionista later layered a black blazer over the pink knitwear

The star then posed up a storm in a number of pictures, showing off her new look.

In one snap she could be seen holding her phone up to the mirror and pulling a sultry look, showing her eyebrows which appeared less prominent.

From another angle, the features of her face could be seen to be much more yellow after taking time for the colour to develop.

Time to change: The star shared a before shot of her eyebrows on Instagram, showing herself with brushed brown brows

Buffering: She could be then seen posing for the camera as she wore the solution to dye them a brighter colour

Picture perfect: The star then posed up a storm in a number of pictures, showing off her new look as she took snaps of herself on her phone

Split: Amelia was previously dating Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Scott Disick before the couple split after 11 months together at the start of September

Amelia was previously dating Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Scott Disick before the couple split after 11 months together at the start of September.

The two reality stars were first romantically linked in October 2020 but an insider told UsWeekly: 'Amelia was the one who ended things.'

The reality star and model 'needed a break from one another, that was clear,' another insider told E! News.

'They are in different places and trying to figure out if it's time to move on and if they are really done.'
Hugh Jackman has shared some of the highlights from his recent trip to France.

Posting to his Instagram on Thursday, Hugh, 52, wrote: 'Thank you to the South of France for making me feel so welcome. The beauty, the people, the food  all amazing.

'And now, Im homeward bound. NYC! Im on my way!' he added.

Holiday spam: On Thursday, Hugh Jackman (pictured) shared the highlights from his recent trip to the South of France

Alongside his sweet but short caption, Hugh shared a gallery of images documenting his travels.

In a few images, The Greatest Showman appears to be all smiles as he poses for a selfie while in the scenic region of France.

Meanwhile, another two images were taken by the Wolverine actor, showcasing his delicious assortment of breakfast foods.

Of course, he was sure to have a French favourite, the humble croissant.

Happy traveller: The Greatest Showman appeared to be all smiles as he posed for a selfie in the scenic region of France

His latest post comes after Hugh shared a sweet tribute to Blake Lively in celebration of her 34th Birthday.

On Saturday, the actor talked about his love for Betty Buzz, Blake's brand new sparkling mixer line, before taking a moment to praise the Gossip Girl star.

Hugh then took a cheeky dig at her husband and his good mate Ryan Reynolds, 44, amid their long-running fake 'feud'.

Flying high: Hugh also managed to capture images from above the region

Stunning sunsets: In his post, he gave fans a glimpse at the jaw-dropping French Riviera

When in France: The Wolverine actor showcased his delicious assortment of breakfast foods. Of course, he was sure to have a French favourite, the humble croissant

'This is not an ad, I'm not a paid spokesperson. I wasn't even asked to do this video,' Hugh said to assure his followers watching the video.

'But Deb and I love Betty Buzz. We love every flavour. Some of us even like it with a little nip added,' the X-Men star continued.

He added: 'But more importantly we love the woman who created it, Blake Lively.'

The Wolverine actor shared some of Blake's positive qualities after stating that she was 'one of a kind'.

Refreshing: The Aussie actor talked about his love for Betty Buzz - Blake's brand new sparkling mixer line

'You are fun, you are creative, you are sunshine seven days a week,' Hugh said before making a cheeky dig at Blake's husband Ryan Reynolds.

'You are a saint for marrying that man. Sorry, not sorry,' he jokingly quipped.

It didn't take long for the Deadpool star to chime in and respond to Hugh's remark, writing, 'This wasn't part of the deal when I bought this video on Cameo.'

Cameo is a website where people can purchase video messages from celebrities.
Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo discussed what it was like to reunite with former castmate Kate Walsh in the 18th season, which premieres Thursday night on ABC.

'Kate's so fun!' the Massachusetts-born 51-year-old told People on Thursday.

'She moved to Australia, so I really haven't seen her or hung out with her. I have so much affection and love for the original cast. We all went through something that only we can understand.

'Kate's so fun!' Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo (L) discussed what it was like to reunite with former castmate Kate Walsh (R) in the 18th season, which premieres Thursday night on ABC

'So it's always just really fun and very emotional, to be honest. When any of the original cast members get together, we always start crying, and we're like, "Why are we crying?"'

Ellen added: 'The writers are trying to figure it out, and I try not to pressure them. So it's a huge job they have. And that's really all I can say about it.'

In the first image of the SAG Award-winning duo in season 18 of the hit Shondaland series, they're operating on a patient together at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

The 53-year-old NoCal native played Dr. Addison Montgomery - who's the estranged wife of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) - from 20052012 on Grey's before landing spin-off Private Practice from 2007-2013.

The Massachusetts-born 51-year-old (pictured September 19) told People on Thursday: 'She moved to Australia, so I really haven't seen her or hung out with her...When any of the original cast members get together, we always start crying, and we're like, "Why are we crying?"'

'The writers are trying to figure it out!' In the first image of the SAG Award-winning duo in season 18 of the hit Shondaland series, they're operating on a patient together at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital

Excited? The 53-year-old NoCal native (R, pictured 2006) played Dr. Addison Montgomery - who's the estranged wife of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) - from 20052012 on Grey's before landing spin-off Private Practice from 2007-2013

Kate teased on September 2: I'm so excited to be home again joining Shonda, Ellen, and the rest of the incredible cast. This season, just wait until you see what she has in store for you'

'Well, well, well, would you look who it is. That's right, my loves, Dr. Addison Montgomery is coming back to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital,' Kate teased on September 2.

'And I'm so excited to be home again joining Shonda, Ellen, and the rest of the incredible cast. This season - 18, whew! - just wait until you see what she has in store for you.'

Meanwhile, Pompeo earns an eye-popping $575K/per episode to produce and star as Dr. Meredith Grey, which makes her the highest-paid actress on a primetime drama.
Chloe Sims said au revoir to Essex on Wednesday as she jetted off to Paris for Fashion Week.

The TOWIE star paraded her slender figure in all black attire and was bound to turn heads in the city of love.

Meanwhile, her sister Demi and Amy Childs were among the remaining TOWIE cast who headed to Peterborough for a Love Match evening with dating professionals.

From Essex to Paris! Chloe Sims jetted off to the French capital for fashion week on Wednesday whilst her sister Demi and Amy Childs embarked on a Love Match evening

Amy sported a stunning cream ensemble that was emblazoned with jewels around the collar, sleeves and slit of the thigh-skimming skirt.

She carried her belongings in a large Fendi bag and wore her signature shades.

Demi cut a notably more laid-back figure for the evening in the cathedral city and rocked a graphic slogan tee, baggy leather trousers and a loose plaid jacket.

Date night: Demi Sims (r) and Amy Childs (l) were among the remaining TOWIE cast who headed to Peterborough for a Love Match evening with dating professionals

Fashion: The TOWIE star paraded her slender figure in all black attire and was bound to turn heads in the city of love

Paris: Vas J Morgan was pictured alongside Chloe as they revelled in the Fashion Week celebrations

Double trouble: The Sims clan was well and truly out in full force, with middle sister Frankie also arriving for filming

Arrival: The girls showed off their unique styles as they stepped out of a taxi

Evening in Peterborough: Frankie posed next to Roman Hackett, who has been attempting to get close to Demi in previous instalments of the ITVBe show

Catch up: Roman and James Bennewith aka Diags engaged in a conversation

The Sims clan was well and truly out in full force, with middle sister Frankie also arriving for filming.

She looked a vision in her get-up, perfectly colour coordinating as she posed next to Roman Hackett, who has been attempting to get close to Demi in previous instalments of the ITVBe show.

Budding Hollywood star James Lock and best friend Pete Wicks didn't miss out on the trip and enjoyed the day's festivities whilst they cruised around the city.

Having fun: Budding Hollywood star James Lock (bottom) and best friend Pete Wicks (above) didn't miss out on the trip and enjoyed the day's festivities whilst they cruised around the city

Eye on the prize: Lockie looked in high spirits during filming

Vroom vroom: The best pals looked as though they were having bundles of fun

Helping hand: Pete guided Lockie into the sidecar

Glam: Chloe Brockett, who admitted to a brief fling with Lockie over the summer, snatched up the Love Match evening opportunity and wowed in a figure-tight dress that drew attention to her curves

Handsome: Pete stuck to his typical look before layering up with a brown leather jacket and helmet

Chloe Brockett, who admitted to a brief fling with Lockie over the summer, snatched up the Love Match evening opportunity and wowed in a figure-tight dress that drew attention to her curves.

Saffron Lempriere completed the cast for the Love Match evening and wore a satin blue blouse.

In one capture from their Peterborough getaway, it looked as though 'Guru' Pete was advising his pals as they lined in formation to listen.
Kaia Gerber shared a bikini-clad snap of herself from the set of FX's American Horror Story: Double Feature the morning after Wednesday night's premiere.

'Spending the summer doing what I love most with some pretty incredible people!' the 20-year-old DNA Model - who boasts 8.3M social media followers - gushed.

'Episode one of Death Valley is out! Thank you to everyone who put in so much hard work over the last few months - especially the incredible crew on @ahsfx, who is always the first there and the last to leave.

Sitting pretty! Kaia Gerber shared a bikini-clad snap of herself from the set of FX's American Horror Story: Double Feature the morning after Wednesday night's premiere

The 20-year-old DNA Model gushed: 'Spending the summer doing what I love most with some pretty incredible people! Episode one of Death Valley is out!'

'None of this would have been even remotely possible without all of you amazing and talented people, who each bring something so special to set every single day.'

Kaia - who has a four-episode arc in season 10 - posted a picture of the outside of her trailer labeled with the name of her character Kendall Carr.

Gerber shared an image of her handsome castmates Nico Greetham and Isaac Cole Powell, who portray Cal Cambon and Troy Lord, respectively.

The YSL Beauty stunner took a sneaky snap of her co-star Rachel Hilson - who plays Jamie Howard - sleeping on a carpet in the corner of a room.

Home away from home: Kaia - who has a four-episode arc in season 10 - posted a picture of the outside of her trailer labeled with the name of her character Kendall Carr

Twosome: Gerber shared an image of her handsome castmates Nico Greetham (L) and Isaac Cole Powell (R), who portray Cal Cambon and Troy Lord, respectively

Caught ya'! The YSL Beauty stunner took a sneaky snap of her co-star Rachel Hilson - who plays Jamie Howard - sleeping on a carpet in the corner of a room

Coffee, anyone? There must have been some long shooting days as Kaia also shared a picture of all three of her castmates snoozing as a crew member mugged behind them

'Meet the luddites!' In part two of AHS: Double Feature - titled 'Death Valley' - four college kids kick off their summer break with a glamping trip to Palm Springs

'Some film from our first episode': However, they're horrified to discover a herd of cattle split in half, some of which are still mooing

There must have been some long shooting days as Kaia also shared a picture of all three of her castmates snoozing on the pavement as a crew member mugged behind them.

In part two of AHS: Double Feature - titled 'Death Valley' - four college kids kick off their summer break with a glamping trip to Palm Springs.

However, they're horrified to discover a herd of cattle split in half, some of which are still mooing.

While attempting to escape the grisly scene, their car stalls as a bright light from a UFO/UAP shines on them.

Abducted! While attempting to escape the grisly scene, their car stalls as a bright light from a UFO/UAP shines on them

Who will believe her? Gerber's character goes from being a 22-year-old Harvard University student, who 'dreams of being a doctor to the stars,' to becoming impregnated by aliens

Mind-blown emojis: The Rostam video star Instastoried a video of her name in the opening credits of the first episode titled 'Take Me to Your Leader'

Her biggest fan: Kaia's famous mother Cindy Crawford (2-L, pictured in 2020) was especially proud, sharing two Instastories of her daughter on TV

The 55-year-old nineties supermodel gushed via Instastory: 'So exciting watching @kaiagerber on @ahsfx!'

Gerber's character goes from being a 22-year-old Harvard University student, who 'dreams of being a doctor to the stars,' to becoming impregnated by aliens.

The Rostam video star Instastoried a video of her name in the opening credits of the first episode titled 'Take Me to Your Leader.'

Kaia's famous mother Cindy Crawford was especially proud, sharing two Instastories of her daughter on TV.

The 55-year-old nineties supermodel gushed via Instastory: 'So exciting watching @kaiagerber on @ahsfx!'

Jet-lagged: Gerber flew from her native Los Angeles to JFK Airport in New York on Wednesday

Masked up! The Calvin Klein brand ambassador chatted on the phone while clad in a black blazer over a teal hoodie, blue jeans, and black boots

Solo trip: Kaia was last seen in public with her boyfriend of a year - Euphoria star Jacob Elordi - on Saturday at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opening gala where they made their official red carpet debut as a couple

Gerber flew from her native Los Angeles to JFK Airport in New York on Wednesday.

The Calvin Klein brand ambassador chatted on the phone while clad in a black blazer over a teal hoodie, blue jeans, and black boots.

Kaia was last seen in public with her boyfriend of a year - Euphoria star Jacob Elordi - on Saturday at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opening gala where they made their official red carpet debut as a couple.

The Australian 23-year-old is Gerber's first public romance since ending her two-month fling with SNL star Pete Davidson in December 2019.
It's one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.

But Jerry Seinfeld dashed hopes for a Seinfeld reunion during a press junket promoting the show's debut on Netflix.

'There's absolutely nothing going on,' Jerry, 67, insisted in response to reunion rumors at Citi Field on Wednesday, according to People.

'There's absolutely nothing going on': Jerry Seinfeld once again dashed hopes for a Seinfeld reunion during a press junket promoting the show's debut on Netflix; pictured September 29, 2021

'I am very much a nostalgia person. I love to go to my house where I grew up on Long Island,' he said. 'It's one of the reasons I love the Mets because I loved it when I was a kid, and it makes me think back to that time.

'But I like to go forward in life. I believe that going forward. I don't know what we would do that would be good.'

Though Jerry is happy with the way the series ended, he also warned fans that there's a chance the cast 'wouldn't be as good' on the reunion stage.

The actor also shared a story revealing his reasoning for ending the show after nine years.

Hit show! The wildly successful series about friends living in New York ran from 1989 to 1998

'I remember I was in a cab one time, and the cab driver said to me, "Why did you stop doing that show? It was very successful,"' he recalled.

'And I said to him, "Well, I was at a point, we had done it for nine years, and I realized I could go off the air right now, and I could be a legend in the sitcom world, or I could make some more money. I could risk that to make some more money."

'I said, "What would you do?" [to] the cab driver, he said, "I go for legend." I said, "Yeah, that's what I thought."

'I could be a legend': Seinfeld said he decided to end the show after nine years because he could 'be a legend in the sitcom world'

Lights, camera, action: Though Jerry shot down hopes for a future Seinfeld reunion, the cast did reunite for an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2009; pictured April 2021

'So, we went for legend. That's why we're not coming back.'

Though Jerry shot down hopes for a future Seinfeld reunion, the cast did reunite for an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2009.

Last year, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Larry David also reunited for a virtual fundraiser for the Texas Democratic Party last year.

The beloved series about a comedian and his friends living in New York City ran from 1989 to 1998. Fans can binge watch every episode of the series when it lands on Netflix on October 1st.
After an investigation, Chrisley Knows Best's Todd and Julie Chrisley were found to be 'unfairly targeted' in their tax evasion case due to their celebrity status.

'So blessed and grateful for all of those that knew the truth and stood with us side by side to reveal it,' Todd - who boasts 4.9M social media followers - wrote on Thursday.

'So much more is still to come about how this entire tax situation came about and how all parties were seeking recognition based on lies, criminal conduct, and trying to advance their careers.

Legal win: After an investigation, Chrisley Knows Best's Todd and Julie Chrisley were found to be 'unfairly targeted' in their tax evasion case due to their celebrity status (pictured in 2019)

Todd wrote on Thursday: 'So blessed and grateful for all of those that knew the truth and stood with us side by side to reveal it. So much more is still to come about how this entire tax situation came about and how all parties were seeking recognition based on lies, criminal conduct, and trying to advance their careers. We stand steadfast in our faith and look forward to every dirty deed being exposed with more truth than anyone could ever imagine, stay tuned'

'We stand steadfast in our faith and look forward to every dirty deed being exposed with more truth than anyone could ever imagine, stay tuned.'

The Atlanta couple's attorney Christopher S. Anulewicz said in a statement that the Georgia Department of Revenue 'utilized unauthorized means to pursue information about them.'

Much of the corruption was due to the DOR's Office of Special Investigations former director Joshua Waites, who resigned from his $107K/year position last year after lying about having a degree in criminal justice.

The investigation uncovered pictures of Waites posing on Todd and Julie's seized furniture and filing an improper request with the US Treasury to access their bank accounts.

The Atlanta couple's attorney Christopher S. Anulewicz said in a statement that the Georgia Department of Revenue 'utilized unauthorized means to pursue information about them'

Disgraced: Much of the corruption was due to the DOR's Office of Special Investigations former director Joshua Waites (pictured), who resigned from his $107K/year position last year after lying about having a degree in criminal justice

'Dirty deeds': The investigation uncovered pictures of Waites posing on Todd and Julie's (pictured September 2) seized furniture and filing an improper request with the US Treasury to access their bank accounts

The Chrisleys filed suit against Joshua in 2019, accusing him of illegally sharing confidential grand jury and tax information with their estranged daughter Lindsie.

Turns out the reality stars only owed $77K in state taxes between 2008-2016 - not $2M as accused - for one incorrect filing and they even overpaid in some of the years.

Regardless, Todd and Julie remain under federal indictment after a grand jury indicted them in 2019 on 12 counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion.

Alleged affair? The Chrisleys filed suit against Joshua in 2019, accusing him of illegally sharing confidential grand jury and tax information with their estranged daughter Lindsie (pictured September 7)

Investigation: Turns out the reality stars (pictured March 18) only owed $77K in state taxes between 2008-2016 - not $2M as accused - for one incorrect filing and they even overpaid in some of the years

Only the first step: Regardless, Todd and Julie remain under federal indictment after a grand jury indicted them in 2019 on 12 counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion

Face up to 30 years in prison: The Chrisleys (pictured in 2019) have plead not guilty to all charges and claim a 'disgruntled embezzling employee' framed them for the financial crimes

The Chrisleys - who face up to 30 years in prison - have plead not guilty to all charges and claim a 'disgruntled embezzling employee' framed them for the financial crimes.

Aside from their 32-year-old estranged daughter, the couple are proud parents of son Kyle, 30; daughter Savannah, 24; son Chase, 25; son Grayson, 15.

Catch more of the family in the ninth season of Chrisley Knows Best airing Thursdays on USA Network followed by the third season finale of spin-off Growing Up Chrisley.

2020 family portrait: Aside from their 32-year-old estranged daughter, the couple are proud parents of son Kyle, 30; daughter Savannah, 24; son Chase, 25; son Grayson, 15 (also pictured with Todd's mother Faye and granddaughter Chloe)
Zoe Kravitz has been channeling the pain of her recent divorce into her music.

Speaking with AnOther, the actress, 32, revealed the upcoming solo album she had been working on with producer Jack Antonoff for several years would be about 'love and loss.'

'I wrote it over a long stretch of time, subconsciously just capturing this range of emotions, which has been interesting to look back on and see what I was writing about them, then and now and in between,' she said.

'Break-ups are sad': Zoe Kravitz has been channeling the pain of her recent divorce into her music; pictured with ex Karl Glusman in 2019

'It's personal. It's about love and loss. I got married. I got divorced. Separations, break-ups are sad but are beautiful things too.

'It's about the bittersweetness, that beginning and that end. It's so complex, that space, when you're in between heartbroken and mourning the loss of something and excited for what's ahead of you,' she said.

Zoe finalized her divorce from Karl back in August, eight months after filing for divorce from him after just a year and a half of marriage.

They were wed at the Paris home of her father Lenny Kravitz in June 2019.

Happier times: Kravitz finalized her divorce from Glusman in August 2021; pictured 2017

In attendance at the ceremony were her Big Little Lies co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, as well as other celebrities.

Nowadays, Zoe has been in a new romance with actor Channing Tatum.

PEOPLE reported in early September that the duo were 'inseparable' and that they have 'cute and flirty chemistry.'

An insider added that Zoe thinks Channing 'has depth both as an actor and a person,' and that he 'likes that she is independent and outspoken as well as bright.'

New couple alert! The actress is now in the throes of a new romance with Channing Tatum

The pair first met when Zoe approached Channing about starring in her directorial debut  a film called P***y Island.

In a joint interview with Deadline in June  two months before they stepped out together  Kravitz praised the actor and called him her 'first choice.'

'Chan was my first choice, the one I thought of when I wrote this character....I got the sense he's a true feminist and I wanted to collaborate with someone who was clearly interested in exploring this subject matter.'

And Tatum told the publication that he 'didn't know her' personally before she called him up but was thrilled to be selected for a type of role that no one gives him 'a chance' to play usually.

'When Zoe called me about this, I was shocked. I didn't know her. I'd watched her in movies, knew she produced High Fidelity and had seen that, but I didn't know she was creating on a level like this, where she wanted to direct.'

The pair both attended the Met Gala but walked the red carpet separately. They were seen mingling inside before leaving the event together, and heading to an after party where they reportedly 'did not take their hands off of each other.'
Girls creator Lena Dunham called on some retro Hollywood inspiration for a trio of wedding day looks at her surprise London nuptials to Luis Felber last weekend.

The 35-year-old television producer and actress sported three different wedding dressed inspired by Claudia Schiffer, Priscilla Presley, Pattie Boyd and Sharon Tate, she told Vogue on Wednesday.

All custom looks, the bespoke dresses were created by Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane for Lena's special day which saw close friend Taylor Swift serving as one of her bridesmaids.

Kane told Vogue the he was channeling the 1960s for Lena's ceremony look and was inspired by the wives of the Beatles, Priscilla Presley, June Carter and Sharon Tate.

'I knew she loved the '60s, and she was looking at brides like Sharon Tate, June Carter Cash, and Priscilla Presley. There's also something about the Holy Communion world, even though she's Jewish,' Kane explained.

'For me, growing up in Scotland, it was a big deal. Your Holy Communion and the perfect little dress. It was so weird that children were dressed up in these bridal outfits. We liked that subversive world. That's what Lena loves too,' he continued.

Dunham added: 'Then Christopher was like, 'You look like you're either at a first Communion or a Madame Alexander doll.''

'I knew she loved the '60s, and she was looking at brides like Sharon Tate, June Carter Cash, and Priscilla Presley. There's also something about the Holy Communion world, even though she's Jewish,' designer Christopher Kane explained (1967, Elvis and Priscilla Presley's wedding)

Inspiration! Lena's lashey, vintage glam look was taken from an old runway photo of 90s supermodel Claudia Schiffer (Schiffer in 1991)

Her lashey, vintage glam look was taken from an old runway photo of 90s supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

'It was a light lip, cat-eye, lots of lashes, and then this bow in her hair. The only thing I truly knew I wanted was to have a bow on top of my head,' Lena explained.

'I added some Pattie Boyd references from her wedding to George Harrison, and then I added some Sharon Tate references as well. She had the best wedding dress in history.'

Previously, Lena had worked with Kane on her campy red carpet look for the 2019 Met Gala where she donned matching minidresses with her best friend/Girls co-star Jemima Kirke.

'I added some Pattie Boyd references from her wedding to George Harrison, and then I added some Sharon Tate references as well. She had the best wedding dress in history,' Lena gushed (Tate pictured on her wedding day with director Roman Polanski)

Her second look of the day was a modified version of something the designer sent down the runway in his spring 2018 collection. Vogue reported that it featured statement sleeves and an embroidered bodice.

Lena's most avant garde wedding day ensemble was her third dress that featured custom artwork of the bride and groom created by Kane.

'I wrote on it Lena and Lu and the date of their wedding,' the designer told told Vogue. 'It was a wedding gift from me to them.'

First photos of the happy occasion were shared to Dunham's Instagram account showing her white lace ceremony dress.

History: Previously, Lena had worked with Kane on her campy red carpet look for the 2019 Met Gala where she donned matching minidresses with her best friend/Girls co-star Jemima Kirke

'9*25*21 - and that's when she became the nanny...' Lena captioned the photograph.

Lena and Luis said 'I do' beneath a makeshift chuppah at Soho's Union Club in London after just one month of wedding planning and several months of dating.

Photos from the festivities were also posted in the Vogue article detailing their engagement, nuptials, and precautions taken to protect guests from COVID.

Recalling their engagement, Luis, a musician who performs as Attawalpa, told the site: 'Well, you were not feeling well, and I asked to visit you in the hospital, and I stayed longer than I was supposed to stay.

'And I just thought, that left me with a funny feeling seeing you not feeling well. And then the next day when you got back, we were in bed, and I said, 'I just I don't ever want you to go through that on your own again.' And you said, 'Oh, I want to marry you someday.'

'And I said, 'Why don't we make that someday, soon day?' The next day, I went for a walk with my friend Tom, and he was going on about his life, and I was like, 'I think I proposed to Lena last night.' And when I got home, we made it real.'

'He does the engagement story better than I do,' Lena added.

The pandemic hung heavily in the air as the couple planned their nuptials, with several guests having to drop out after contracting the virus.

In order to ensure everyone's safety, guests had to present proof of vaccination and undergo two lateral flow tests.

Safety: In order to ensure everyone's safety, all 60 guests had to present proof of vaccination and undergo two lateral flow tests at the couple's intimate affair

'I'm immune compromised, so I take COVID restrictions really seriously,' Lena told the site, 'but it's important to both of us. Lu wants to keep me safe, and he wants live music to come back, and he is also just thoughtful about human safety in general!'

The couple also had masks available for guests to wear at the wedding, and the venue was laid out to allow for adequate distance between everyone.

Lena says an estimated 60 guests were in attendance and Lena had an astounding nine bridesmaids by her side, which included the likes of Tommy Dorfman, future sister-in-law Alma-Kori Felber, and Taylor Swift.

'I spent so much time during the pandemic talking to my girlfriends about our feelings over FaceTime, but a few of my best friends I haven't seen in over a year,' Lena said.

'And, you know, my girlfriends have had to deal with a lot of not-so-happy things with me in our adulthood, so to be able to celebrate something joyful and use it as an excuse to be together was very special.'

And the party continued after the ceremony with their fun-filled reception.

Aww: The couple had their first dance to This Will Be Our Year by the Zombies, and had seven different wedding cakes for guests to feast on

The couple had their first dance to This Will Be Our Year by the Zombies, and had seven different wedding cakes for guests to feast on. There was a main cutting cake and six small baked goods.

Lena first revealed she was dating Felber during an interview with The New York Times back in April.

'It's been a few months. I feel really lucky,' she said, adding that Felber was, 'the greatest person I've ever met.'

After People reported over the weekend the couple tied the knot, Luis subsequently confirmed the nuptials in an interview with the New York Times.
Tarek El Moussa and his fiancee Heather Rae Young will be giving their fans an intimate glimpse of their wedding after deciding to televise the celebration.

The 40-year-old Flip Or Flop star and the 34-year-old Selling Sunset fixture revealed to ET on Wednesday that they'll be documenting their walk down the aisle for the hour-long special Tarek And Heather: The Big I Do.

The new open approach is a departure for the couple, as Heather shared that the two originally wanted a private affair away from the cameras.

Going public: Tarek El Moussa, 40, and fiancee Heather Rae Young, 34, revealed to ET that they planned to film their wedding for a special titled Tarek And Heather: The Big I Do

'When we decided to do a wedding special, it wasn't an easy decision because a wedding is so beautiful and intimate and private so we actually went back and forth for months deciding,' she explained.

'It was a no, it was a hard no. For a long time it was a no, and as things started going on and then, like, the tux fitting with Brayden and Taylor's dress shopping, we were [thinking] how cute would that be to film?'

But Heather also wanted to push back against the perception of some fans, who found their love to be 'cheesy' or 'not real,' so she and Tarek decided to share their wedding with the public.

'We want people to see the journey of our love and our wedding and bring people into our lives but it was a big decision, because our lives are out there so much,' she continued. 'We were just saying, "Do we want this moment to be private or do we want the world to see it?" So, I hope the world is happy that we're filming it.'

Heather added: 'We really are so in love.'

Change of heart: Tarek and Heather originally wanted a private Mexican wedding but decided to televise their nuptials with a California coastal ceremony

Family affair: Tarek's daughter Taylor, 11, will be both the maid of honor and the flower girl, while Brayden, six, will be the ring bearer

They're now planning on a coastal California ceremony, though they had originally prepared for a private Mexican wedding before difficulties arose and they switched wedding planners.

Their current plans call for a family affair, with Tarek's daughter Taylor, 11, whom he shares with his ex-wife Christina Haack, serving as both the maid of honor and the flower girl.

'We don't mess with Taylor. Taylor's the boss,' Tarek joked.

His son Brayden, six, will be the ring bearer, though Heather admitted she was 'nervous' about him being in charge of the bands.

The lovebirds have taken a creative approach to invitations and the seating arrangements.

Going all out: They shared that exes aren't invited and no plus ones are allowed. Tarek even joked that he'll seat friends who don't like each other together

Perfection: 'I'm a perfectionist and I have high standards for things and I want everything to be perfect,' Heather said

Heather previously said none of the exes would get invitations, and invited guests won't be able to bring anyone in order to keep the reception 'intimate.'

'We didn't even give anyone plus ones because we wanted it to be all of our best friends, so I think the seating chart is going to be the hardest thing,' she said.

Tarek seemed to delight in the power to create awkward interactions among their disparate friends.

'Well, to be honest I'm a little bit more evil than she is so I'm trying to put my friends together that don't like each other and make them sit together, make it a real fun wedding,' he joked.

On Instagram on Wednesday, Heather shared with a fan that her favorite color was pink, and their wedding will feature plenty of the color, along with more elegant 'Blacks, golds, whites [and] champagnes.'

'I'm a perfectionist and I have high standards for things and I want everything to be perfect for not just me and Tarek, but everyone in our wedding and our moms and our sisters and the kids and, I want everyone to feel special, not just me,' she added.

The Netflix star admitted that it was impossible to plan her wedding without thinking about the needs of friends and family.

'Everyone's like, "It's about you!" I'm like no, it's not, it's about all of us. This is a day for our whole family and our best friends.'

Soft: Heather said the couple want their Newport Beach house to feel 'very sexy,' which is why they covered the bedspread, headboard and curtains with velvet

Redoing: They're currently renovating the home, with many of the changes to the rooftop area, which Heather said 'really made us fall in love with this house'

The couple have been hard at work renovating their Newport Beach home throughout the past year, though flooding in November 2020 significantly delayed the work.

Heather said the couple want their house to feel 'very sexy,' which is why they covered many of its surfaces with soft materials.

All the curtains are velvet, the headboard is velvet, our bedspread is velvet,' she said.

Much of the changes have been to the rooftop, which they've converted into a space to hang out with friends and barbecue.

'It's going to look like a backyard but it's on a rooftop,' Heather explained, adding that it 'really made us fall in love with this house.'

The couple even spent a whopping $30,000 just to renovate their closet, but they'll either have to knock down some walls or downsize their possessions, as the space still isn't large enough to accommodate all their clothing.

Packed: The couple even spent a whopping $30,000 just to renovate their closet, but it still isn't large enough to accommodate all their clothing

The couple's bubbly interview comes days after Tarek tested positive for Covid-19 infection.

The HGTV star is fully vaccinated, and sources told TMZ that he tested negative multiple times immediately afterward, so it's unclear if it was a breakthrough infection or just a false positive.

However, Tarek played it safe and quarantined from his series Flipping 101 despite not having any symptoms.

The reality star first met Heather during July 4 celebrations in 2019, and the two were officially linked just a month later.

The couple got engaged just over a year after meeting during a late-July trip to Catalina.
Alessandra Ambrosio effortlessly blended boho-chic and red carpet dressing on Thursday when she attended Isabel Marant's Spring/Summer 22 fashion show in Paris.

The runway star, 40, teamed a dazzling, semi-sheer sequin dress with a pair of knee-high black boots and tucked her glossy loose tresses beneath a leather baker boy cap.

Showcasing her trim waistline with a studded bohemian belt, Alessandra toted her belongings in an over-the-shoulder bag complete with floor-length leather tassels.

Effortless: Alessandra Ambrosio, 40, effortlessly blended boho-chic and red carpet dressing on Thursday when she attended Isabel Marant's Spring/Summer 22 fashion show in Paris

Tresses: The runway star teamed a dazzling, semi-sheer sequin dress with a pair of knee-high black boots and tucked her glossy loose tresses beneath a leather baker boy cap

The model was joined at the show by the likes of actress Isis Valverde and fashionista Thassia Naves alongside models Carlo Sestini and Caro Daur plus designer Xenia Adonts.

Model Isabeli Fontana was also in attendance and cosied up to Alessandra for photos.

It comes after Alessandra and her beau Richard Lee enjoyed a trip to Zion National Park after she stormed New York Fashion Week runways.

The loved-up couple shared plenty of fun snaps from the trip on Instagram.

Trim: Showcasing her trim waistline with a studded bohemian belt, Alessandra toted her belongings in an over the shoulder bag complete with floor-length leather tassels

Cat eye: The brunette beauty drew attention to her eyes with flicks of heavy black eyeliner and made her pout pop with a swipe of lipgloss

Kiss kiss: She blew a kiss and waved to onlookers while clad in her dazzling ensemble

Stunning: Her flawless features were enhanced with a sexy make-up look

Fellow model Richard has accompanied his girlfriend on numerous trips over the course of the summer.

Alessandra shares nine-year-old son Noah Phoenix and 12-year-old daughter Anja Louise with Re/Done denim co-founder and Jamie Mazur, whom she split from in 2018.

The Brazilian native and her 40-year-old former fiance never wed, but they were together for a decade.

Alessandra's romance with Wilhelmina model Richard marks her first public romance since ending her two-year relationship with Alanui co-designer Nicolo Oddi last year.

Friends: The model was joined at the show by the likes of actress Isis Valverde and fashionista Thassia Naves

Fellow model: Model Isabeli Fontana was also in attendance and cosied up to Alessandra for photos

Pre-show photos: Spanish model Andres Valencoso leaned into Alessandra for a friendly snap

Pictured: Carlo Sestini, Caro Daur and Xenia Adonts pose together before the models took to the runway

The catwalk model - who became a US citizen on September 4 - frequently documents her glamorous, globe-trotting lifestyle on social media to her 10.3million followers.

On the career front, Alessandra co-founded her second swimwear brand GAL Floripa with her younger sister Aline and best friend Gisele Coria in March 2019.

The mother-of-two, who retired her Victoria's Secret 'wings' in 2017, previously ran her eponymous swimwear line Ale By Alessandra from 2014 to 2018.

Stylish: Others in attendance included Camila Coelho (L) and Leonie Hanne (R)

Gorgeous: Tiny hemlines and off-the-shoulder detailing were the order of the day

Beach beauty: As well as monochrome duds, some models walked in colourful beachwear

Pushing the boundaries: The catwalk was also a display of daring additions

Fashion-forward: Designs included bold and clashing prints and wearing bikinis as outerwear

Walk this way: Some bright and skin-flashing pieces were showcased on Thursday

Getaway: It comes after Alessandra and her beau Richard Lee enjoyed a trip to Zion National Park after she stormed New York Fashion Week runways
As the guitar-smashing heartbeat of The Who, Pete Townshend wrote, in My Generation: 'I hope I die before I get old.'

But now, aged 76, he has discovered old age can be rather lucrative.

I can reveal that Townshend has managed to sell his home in South-West London, which was marketed at 15 million  a huge profit on the price he paid for it in 1996.

'I can confirm that the sale was completed,' his spokesman tells me. 'I'm afraid that we are not allowed to reveal the price, nor the identity of the buyer, due to a confidentiality clause.'

Pete Townshend (pictured in November 2019) has managed to sell his home in South-West London, which was marketed at 15 million  a huge profit on the price he paid for it in 1996

The six-bedroom, Grade I-listed Georgian house (pictured) called The Wick, in Richmond, was previously owned by Oscar-winning Ryan's Daughter actor Sir John Mills

The famous history of Grade I-listed Georgian house, The Wick Built in 1775, the Wick is a Georgian-style house in Richmond, London, overlooking the River Thames. It became the family home of Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills in the 1950s. Pictured: Ronnie Wood with his wife Krissy Findlay outside The Wick in 1974 During those years, the house saw many star-studded guests pass through the door including Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and The Queen Mother. Mills sold it to Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones in 1972 who built a recording studio in the basement. In this studio, musical royalty including David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney would frequently come to jam and Wood recorded two solo albums there. From 1996-2021 it was owned by Pete Townshend of the Who. Advertisement

But a source tells me: 'Townshend is delighted that it managed to fetch the asking price. He has made many millions.'

The six-bedroom, Grade I-listed Georgian house called The Wick, in Richmond, was previously owned by Oscar-winning Ryan's Daughter actor Sir John Mills and later by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood.

Whoever has bought it will be following in some famous footsteps.

Since Wood became the mansion's owner in the early 1970s, it has been a 'party palace' for rock royalty  guests to have walked through its doors include Sir Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Eric Clapton.

In the 1970s rehearsals took place in its studio during the day, while nights would be spent in impromptu music sessions, with Wood and Jagger on guitar and Bowie singing.

Townshend bought the house from George Michael's music publisher Dick Leahy  the man who signed the Bay City Rollers  for an undisclosed sum.

The luxury property, built in 1775, has five bathrooms, a swimming pool and panoramic views over the Thames.

Townshend, who lived there with his composer wife Rachel Fuller, built a new conservatory and vinery.

As well as the music studio, the home boasts chandeliers, ornate plasterwork and artwork  and even rooms for dogs.

It was home to the Mills family in the 1950s.

The sound of the wind around the house reportedly inspired Mary Hayley Bell, wife of Sir John, to write Whistle Down The Wind, later adapted into a film starring their daughter, Hayley Mills.

The couple sold The Wick in 1956 and bought it back again in 1964 before it passed to Wood.

While the Duchess of Cambridge attracts all the headlines with her dresses, the original designs for some of Princess Anne's are to go under the hammer.

Next month, Ewbank's auctioneers will be selling off a collection of drawings and documents relating to Sir Norman Hartnell's creations, including his designs for the Queen's daughter.

RITCHIE DISHES UP PUB LOVE

Having made his name with violent films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Guy Ritchie knows a thing or two about rolling with the punches.

And the film director is determined not to let his hopes of becoming a landlord go up in flames after a destructive fire in June at his Mayfair pub, The Lore Of The Land.

Guy Ritchie (pictured with Jacqui Ainsley) he has kept his pub company afloat with a substantial loan after his Mayfair pub, The Lore Of The Land, went up in flames in a fire

I can reveal that he has kept the pub company afloat with a substantial loan. Newly published accounts for his Fatboy Pub Company Ltd show Ritchie topped up the funds.

Before the blaze, pub-goers could enjoy venison from Ritchie's Wiltshire estate and beers he brews himself.

Oscar-winner Sir Ridley Scott was lucky enough to have attended the Royal College of Art at the same time as David Hockney.

But the Blade Runner and Gladiator director says being a student alongside Britain's greatest living painter put him off art for a while.

'I paint a lot,' says Scott. 'I was always frustrated at art school. I was good technically, but I was at college with David Hockney and used to watch him and think: 'I'll never do that.' But I started repainting ten years ago.'

ROGER THAT: THE OTHER 007'S LEGACY

While James Bond star Daniel Craig was centre stage at No Time To Die's world premiere in London, one of his predecessors was getting all the attention in Monaco.

The late Sir Roger Moore, who moved to the principality in 2002, was honoured at a screening that also served to launch the Roger Moore Award, to be given to an emerging film-maker in 2022.

At No Time To Die's world premiere in London, Bond predecessor, the late Sir Roger Moore, was honoured at a screening that also served to launch the Roger Moore Award

The actor's son, film producer Christian, 48, attended with his wife Lara and their three children  Jessie, 20; Tristan, 11; and Max, nine (pictured left).

Sir Roger said of Monaco: 'It's the only place in the world where you can park a Bentley without someone coming along with a key and scratching it.'

Fiery Marco Pierre White once handed back his three Michelin stars because he refused to be judged by people he considered to have less culinary knowledge than himself.

But fellow TV chef Rick Stein claims he's wrong.

'Awards are so important,' he tells me at the launch of his book, Rick Stein At Home, at Soho's Groucho Club. 'The whole team benefits from getting a Michelin star.'

SUGAR'S TOUGH-TALKING PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE LORD

Fans of The Apprentice can now have no-nonsense Lord Sugar utter his famous catchphrases in their own offices.

The business tycoon has designed a range of pens  called The A-Pen-Tice  that play phrases, including a cheeky dig at the presenter of the U.S. edition: 'I'm much better than Donald Trump, for sure.'

Fans of The Apprentice can now have no-nonsense Lord Sugar (pictured in October 2016) utter his famous catchphrases in their own offices

The business tycoon has designed a range of pens  called The A-Pen-Tice  that play phrases, including a cheeky dig at Donald Trump, the presenter of the U.S. edition

At 10 each (from https://styltom.co.uk/products/sugarpens), all proceeds will go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity.

'I have been a supporter of GOSH for many years,' Lord Sugar tells me. 'To support it, I have made some talking pens, which are quite fun.'

Harry Potter star Timothy Spall admits he has the emotional maturity of a child.

'I don't feel that much different from when I was nine,' jokes the 64-year-old. 'I might be riding up to quite a precocious 11-year-old, emotionally.

'Age is a funny thing. You gather wisdom, you gather experience, but fundamentally you don't really feel that different in yourself.'
Phoebe Dynevor looked effortlessly stylish as she led the stars at Annabel's For The Amazon in London on Thursday night.

The Bridgerton actress, 26, looked lovely in a black midi dress with pearl buttons for her glamorous evening out at the private member's club.

Joining Phoebe for the fundraiser was Winnie Harlow, 27, who wowed in a strapless black sheer dress for the event.

All eyes on her: Phoebe Dynevor (L) and Winnie Harlow (R) looked effortlessly stylish as they led the stars at Annabel's For The Amazon in London on Thursday night

Phoebe cinched in her waist with a black belt, while teasing a glimpse of her toned pins thanks to the gown's thigh-high slit.

The Neflix star added a boost to her height with black strappy sandals and wore her strawberry blonde locks in a sleek centre-parting.

Phoebe appeared in high spirits as she flashed a smile for cameras while posing in front of a rainforest billboard.

Gorgeous: The Bridgerton actress, 26, looked lovely in a black midi dress with pearl buttons for her glamorous evening out at the private member's club

Chic: Phoebe cinched in her waist with a black belt, while teasing a glimpse of her toned pins thanks to the gown's thigh-high slit

Departure: Phoebe left Annabel's with a male companion

Winnie looked every inch of her model status as she posed up a storm in the strapless black dress.

Featuring a chiffon skirt and a sparkly black belt, the fashionista cut a glamorous figure at the fundraising event aimed to plant one million trees in the Amazon rainforest, in partnership with The Caring Family Foundation for One Tree Planted.

She wore her hair up in an elaborate do and sported diamond earrings.

Wow: Winnie posed with Idris Elba's wife Sabrina Dhowre, 32

Strike a pose: Winnie looked every inch of her model status as she posed up a storm in the strapless black dress

Effortlessly stylish: Sabrina caught the eye in an elegant black evening dress with a fitted detail that drew attention to her slender physique

Family: Phoebe is the daughter of Coronation Street star Sally Dyenvor

Career: Phoebe is best known for her starring role as Daphne on Bridgerton

Big screen: The star will make her feature film debut in the upcoming drama The Colour Room

Dapper: Phoebe's male pal sported a black suit with a matching bow tie

Winnie posed with Idris Elba's wife Sabrina Dhowre, 32, who caught the eye in an elegant black evening dress with a fitted detail that drew attention to her slender physique.

Meanwhile Idris, 49, looked suitably dapper in a black dress shirt and matching trousers as he posed for photos alongside his wife.

The couple were arm in arm as they greeted fellow guests after making their way inside the iconic members only venue, a mainstay on the London party circuit since its launch in 1963.

Loved-up: The couple were arm in arm as they greeted fellow guests after making their way inside the iconic members only venue, a mainstay on the party circuit since its launch in 1963

Fundraiser: Sabrina cut a glamorous figure at the fundraising event aimed to plant one million trees in the Amazon rainforest

Turning heads: Featuring a chiffon skirt and a sparkly black belt, the fashionista cut a glamorous figure as she made her way up the steps

Walk this way: Winnie strutted into the venue in platform boots and had no trouble walking in them

There she is: Winnie certainly made an entrance as she left her car to make her way into the fancy club

Ajak Deng showed off her style in a silk dress with a side split and a Chanel handbag, while Emma Weymouth arrived with her husband Ceawlin Thynn the Viscount of Weymouth.

The Strictly star, 35, oozed sophistication in a black spaghetti strap dress which had studded detailing across the bust.

Clara Paget, meanwhile, was a vision in gold as she donned a silky dress and black court shoes. The model, 33, received a coveted invite to the event and later enjoyed cocktails with her pals.

Beauty: Ajak Deng showed off her style in a silk dress with a side split and a Chanel handbag

Say cheese: Tinie Tempah and Emma Weymouth beamed for the camera as they posed for a snap

Catch up: Tinie and Idris looked cool as they posed for a photo

Star-studded guestlist: The rapper also mingled with Gary Kemp at the event

Elegant: Emma, 35, oozed sophistication in a black spaghetti strap dress which had studded detailing across the bust

Date night: The Strictly star was joined by her husband Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth

Golden girl: Clara Paget was a vision in gold as she donned a silky dress and black court shoes

Dolled up: (L to R) Richard Caring, Patricia Caring, co-host Winnie, co-host Sabrina and Idris Elba

Cocktails: (L to R) Ajak , Georgia Lewis Anderson, Clara and Asa Butterfield enjoyed some drinks

Smile for the camera: Patricia and Richard beamed as they posed for a photo with Phoebe

Amazing: Annabel's has installed a huge tropical decoration, featuring parrots and jungle greenery, in front of its elegant Berkeley Square facade

Wow factor: The exterior of the famous club in Berkeley Square was covered in elaborate decorations, while staff are also dressed up to reflect the theme of the night

Annabel's - which is frequented by celebrities, aristocrats and royalty - installed a huge tropical decoration, featuring parrots and jungle greenery, in front of its elegant Berkeley Square facade ahead of Thursday's event.

The charity event, hosted by The Caring Family Foundation in partnership with One Tree Planted, aims to help save the Amazon rainforest and raise awareness of the deforestation crisis.

The dinner will be hosted to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting the tropical rainforest and the indigenous people of the worlds rainforests in the their efforts to safeguard the area impacted by the recent wildfires.

As part of the event, the organisers have made a commitment to plant one million trees by March 2023, which equates to approximately 600 hectares of forest restored, or the equivalent to 4.2 Hyde Parks.
Jessie James Decker's mother Karen Parker was a constant fixture in her hit reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On on E!, earning her a legion of fans.

And on Thursday, Jessie, 33, posed up a storm with her mom, 54, as they promoted a new collection for her Kittenish label.

Jessie and Karen looked like sisters in the series of snaps showcasing the elegant pieces from the new collection.

Striking: Jessie James Decker's mother Karen Parker was a constant fixture in her hit reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On. And on Thursday, Jessie, 33, posed up a storm with her mom, 54, as they promoted a new collection for her Kittenish label

Jessie and her youthful looking mother looked like siblings in the series of snaps showcasing the Mama Karen X Kittenish collection.

Jessie wrote: 'My beautiful mama has always loved our pieces and is always so excited to wear them but she had expressed to me that some of these pieces even though they're amazing and beautiful she didn't feel comfortable wearing them.'

Adding: 'Her question was always "Why so many cropped shirts Jess?" So I listened and here we are. My mom is a classy lady and she wanted to create a collection that would fit everyone and make everyone feel beautiful! So here it is yall! A @kittenish collection for everyone thanks to @mamakarenparker #mkxkittenish.'

Karen is mom to Jessie, Sydney Rae, 30, and John James, 27 and grandmother to six: Jessie's three kids Vivianne, seven, Eric II, six, and Forrest, three; and Sydney's daughters Brooklyn Rae and Blaire Bear Victoria, and John James' daughter Emerson Grace.

They could be twins! Jessie and Karen looked like sisters in the series of snaps showcasing the elegant pieces from the new collection

Family: Jessie and her youthful looking mother looked like siblings in the series of snaps showcasing the Mama Karen X Kittenish collection

Looking good: Jessie wrote: 'My beautiful mama has always loved our pieces and is always so excited to wear them but she had expressed to me that some of these pieces even though they're amazing and beautiful she didn't feel comfortable wearing them'

Stunning: Adding: 'Her question was always "Why so many cropped shirts Jess?" So I listened and here we are. My mom is a classy lady and she wanted to create a collection that would fit everyone and make everyone feel beautiful! So here it is yall! A @kittenish collection for everyone thanks to @mamakarenparker #mkxkittenish'

Even more: Jessie and Karen seen baking in the kitchen

Family: The mother-daughter team looked just like sisters, despite a 21 year age difference

Playful: Jessie and Karen trying their cookies they are making

Karen had her first child - Jessie - at the age of 21 at an American military base in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy.

Jessie, Sydney and John's biological dad's identity is not known.

In the early 2000s, Karen married US Air Force member Steve Parker, who had two children from a previous relationship: Ashley and Alex Parker.

The mother of three has a food and lifestyle blog called Mama Karen's Kitchen, where she briefly talked about her story.

Throwback: Karen had her first child - Jessie - at the age of 21 at an American military base in Veneto, Italy; Jessie as a baby

Another one: Karen seen with Sydney when she was just a baby

'I'm married to the love of my life, Steve. We met relatively later in life and perhaps that is one of the many reasons we hold our love so dear. Like most women, I have had my share of heartache and also made my share of mistakes. I don't regret the heartache, because those experiences changed me and allowed me to grow. If you are going through a hard time I hope one day the hurt will give way to love as it did for me.'

She also sells a recipe e-book called Karen's Kitchen, Recipe For My Daughters.

Karen also appeared on Jessie's hit reality show Eric & Jessie : Game On, which aired between 2013-2014 and a third season in 2017.

Love of her life: In the early 2000s, Karen married US Air Force member Steve Parker, who had two children from a previous relationship: Ashley and Alex Parker
She is a successful model and presenter known for her age-defying looks.

And Lisa Snowdon once again turned heads as she attended a VIP party to celebrate the launch of new book Cocktales at Nobu Hotel in London's Portman Square on Thursday.

The TV star, 49, was effortlessly chic in a flirty red and black patterned dress, which she teamed with a pair of sexy black knee-high boots.

Stunning: Lisa Snowdon once again turned heads as she attended a VIP party to celebrate the launch of new book Cocktales at Nobu Hotel in London's Portman Square on Thursday

Lisa allowed her glossy brunette locks to fall about her shoulders in loose waves, while she highlighted her naturally pretty features with a dewy make-up palette.

The This Morning fashion expert was in good spirits as she mingled with other partygoers while celebrating Stephen Webster's new book.

Among the attendees were influencer Amanda Cronin, who looked simply fabulous in a white sequinned mini dress which featured structured shoulders.

Lovely: The TV star, 49, was effortlessly chic in a flirty red and black patterned dress, which she teamed with a pair of sexy black knee-high boots (pictured with Amanda Cronin)

Amanda teamed her outfit with gold chain-topped white ankle boots and a statement blue necklace.

The beauty styled her blonde tresses in soft waves and upped the glam with a generous helping of shimmering lip gloss.

Amanda appeared in her element on the night as she posed up a storm in her thigh-skimming ensemble.

Wow: Among the attendees were influencer Amanda Cronin, who looked simply fabulous in a white sequinned mini dress which featured structured shoulders

Work it: Amanda appeared in her element on the night as she posed up a storm in her thigh-skimming ensemble

Fabulous: Lisa and Amanda looked amazing as they posed alongside Noelle Reno

Dressed to impress: The ladies donned their best ensembles for the glitzy book launch

All smiles: Amanda also cuddled up to Anastasia Webster for a smiley snap

The ladies were all smiles as they mingled with fellow book fans including Noelle Reno.

The American presenter cut a chic figure in a white shirt teamed with a long black skirt and snakeskin boots.

The trio also took the opportunity to pose with man of the moment Stephen Webster, who looked thrilled as he stood between the ladies for a snap.

Other attendees on the night included Yasmin Mills and Jori White.

Her style: The American presenter cut a chic figure in a white shirt teamed with a long black skirt and snakeskin boots

Radiant: Noelle showcased her beauty with a light palette of make-up

Say cheese: The trio also took the opportunity to pose with man of the moment Stephen Webster, who looked thrilled as he stood between the ladies for a snap

Elsewhere, Lisa has recently spoken out about her 30 year battle with depression, telling Platinum magazine that she has had to work hard to find inner peace.

She said: 'Its been a journey for the last 30 years  different therapies, different treatments, different wellness retreats, different meditation.'

She continued on: 'This is hard work that Ive done on myself for a long time and Im just finally getting to an age where Ive got some self-acceptance and Im feeling at peace, no longer angry and letting go of a lot of that hurt, anger and pain that you bury when youre younger.'

Strike a pose: Lisa caught the eye in her her stylish dress as she mingled with her fellow fashionable ladies

Hey there: Other attendees on the night included Yasmin Mills and Jori White, who stood out in a bold purple hat

Bold choice: Yasmin certainly didn't fade into the background with her colourful patterned maxi dress

Lisa, who is engaged to fiance George Smart, 41, will turn 50 next January, and she says it's her relationship with herself that has taught her the most over the years.

She explained: 'Youre living with your head for the rest of your life, so make sure thats a really nice place to live.

'Find out why you do the things you do, the way you think, the way you react, what pushes your buttons, learning about myself has been hugely empowering.'

Lisa explained how she believes hitting rock bottom in her life enabled her to rise back up and gain inner strength.

The broadcaster says she doesn't regret her past and now has tools to cope with life that she didn't have in her younger years.
She's the Australian entrepreneur behind the clothing brand Bianca and Bridgett and the 'breast lift in a box', Booby Tape.

And Bianca Roccisano looked like a million bucks as she went on a shopping spree with a friend in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The glamorous businesswoman, 34, was her own best advertisement in a white $240 dress from her fashion label as she turned heads on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Shopping up a storm! Booby Tape co-founder Bianca Roccisano (left) looked glamorous as she went on a shopping spree in Beverly Hills with a friend (right) on Wednesday

Her chic frock featured billowing sleeves and a mini-skirt design.

She teamed the look with a pair of snakeskin sandals, oversized black sunglasses and a $10,000 Hermes Kelly bag.

Bianca accessorised with diamond jewellery, opted for a full face of makeup and styled her hair neatly straightened.

Dolled up: She teamed white $240 dress from her own fashion label with a pair of snakeskin sandals, oversized black sunglasses and a $10,000 Hermes Kelly bag

Snap happy: At one point, she snapped photos of her gal pal as they strolled down Rodeo Drive

At one point, she snapped photos of her gal pal as they strolled down Rodeo Drive.

Her friend looked equally stylish in a black mini dress and beige leather-look boots.

Bianca also shared her own picture from the day on Instagram, captioning it: 'What a dream to back on Rodeo.'

Before heading to LA, she had enjoyed a short trip to Dubai.

Bianca and her sister Bridgett, 30, are co-founders of the eponymous clothing label Bianca and Bridgett and beauty brand Booby Tape - which has been described as a 'breast lift in a box'.

LA living: Bianca also shared her own picture from the day on Instagram, captioning it: 'What a dream to back on Rodeo'

The Victorian sisters now sell Booby Tape products in more than 35 countries.

Their standard breast tape, which launched in 2018, retails for $21.95. One of their latest products sold out in just 24 hours.

The women told Daily Mail Australia last year they'd noticed there was a gap in the market for products focusing on supporting women's breasts.

'It's been crazy; we have been overwhelmed with the global response and support we have received from customers,' Bianca said.

Co-founders: Bianca and her sister Bridgett are co-founders of the eponymous clothing label Bianca and Bridgett and beauty brand Booby Tape - described as a 'breast lift in a box'

Success: Their standard breast tape, which launched in 2018, retails for $21.95. One of their latest products sold out in just 24 hours

'We believed the business had potential from the start, but we didn't expect the growth to be so rapid.'

The brand has more than 1,000 stockists in Australia, America, China and the UK.

Speaking to Forbes earlier this year about creating their multimillion-dollar business, Bianca said they started with just $15,000, which came from their fashion line.

'We started the business with $15,000  $1,000 of which we spent on a photo shoot,' she said.

'Even though we only had a little bit of product at the time, our philosophy was that if we wanted to be a global, multimillion-dollar brand, we needed to like one.

'It's an Australian-born company and we started this. And due to the branding and the marketing - which we're very hands-on with - it looks like a global brand.'
Nicki Minaj set pulses racing as she reinvented her looks once again with new blonde hair.

The 38-year-old rapper smoldered in new photos and a short video posted to her Instagram on Thursday to highlight the new thigh-length hair.

In addition to revealing her newest hairdo, she flaunted her curvaceous figure in a skimpy Dolce & Gabbana ensemble.

Blond beauty: Nicki Minaj, 38, looked like a Barbie doll in new photos posted to Instagram on Thursday showing her with long blond hair

Nicki posed in front of a large wooden door while whipping her wig so the pin-straight hair cascaded down one shoulder and rested against her side.

She contrasted the light look with a black leather bustier and added some extra luster with Dolce & Gabbana panties decorated with sparkling silver sequins.

The Anaconda rapper highlighted her toned legs and elevated her stature with black platform heels that strapped around her ankles.

She completed her look with long pink nails, silver Cuban links around one wrist and a thick jeweled choker with a smaller strand of diamonds below it.

Striking: She contrasted the light look with a black leather bustier and added some extra luster with Dolce & Gabbana panties decorated with sparkling silver sequins

Nicki let the photos do the talking and simply captioned them with a knife emoji.

A short video in a companion post showed her slinking toward the camera, before crouching down.

Then, she rose again and stretched her arms out wide as if to mimic a peacock's feathered display while crossing her legs.

She captioned the post with balletic pointe shoe.

Showing off: A short video in a companion post showed her slinking toward the camera, before crouching down

Majestic: Then, she rose again and stretched her arms out wide as if to mimic a peacock's feathered display while crossing her legs

The day before, Nicki worried fans that a beef was brewing when she commented about not being invited to her friend Lil Wayne's birthday party.

After the rapper Mack Maine shared a photo from the celebration, which featured a beaming Drake with Wayne, Nicki commented, 'I had so much fun,' while adding a puzzled emoji and tagging Mack, Drake and Wayne.

Mack replied: '@nickiminaj Lawwwdddd dont do it like that Nicketo! This s*** was so last minute. We could run it back deaux. It wasnt complete without you.'

But the hitmaker clarified she wasn't mad at Wayne for not inviting her in an Insta Stories post from later on Thursday.

'Can't even joke nomo chile...these blogs so thirsty to post smthn for y'all to hate under,' she captioned a screenshot of her original comment.

'The obsession is a diff kinda real. We weren't even in the same State. Just a lil jokey joke between me & my boo Mack.'

Fooling around: The day before, Nicki sarcastically commented 'I had to much fun' on a photo taken at Lil Wayne's birthday party  which she didn't attend  though she clarified she was just joking

Nicki concluded by reminding her 159 million followers that Thursday marked her son Papa Bear's first birthday.

'Have a blessed day y'all. I sure will. That's why y'all pressed,' she wrote, adding the hashtag, '#HappyPapaBearDay.'

Although the Monster rapper has shared plenty of cute photos of her son, she's been cagey about his real name.

Although she often calls him Papa Bear, it appears to be a nickname, but she has never shared her son's true name.

Birthday boy: Thursday also marked the first birthday of Nicki's son, whose real name hasn't been shared, though she has nicknamed him Papa Bear

Nicki shares Papa Bear with her husband Kenneth Petty, 43, whom she married in 2019.

Just over a week earlier, Jennifer Hough, the woman who accused Petty of rape in 1994 made an appearance on The Real to delve into her experiences both with Petty and Minaj.

Hough, who appeared with her lawyer Tyrone A. Blackburn, recently filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the couple, claiming that they have harassed her to get her to drop her accusations against Petty.

'[Petty] did something a long time ago and he had consequences that he was supposed to stick with. What they did to me and my family wasn't OK,' she said.

'It wasn't right and it doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't matter what your status is, you can't intimidate people to make things go better for you. And that's what they did.'

Family: She shares her son with husband Kenneth Petty, 43, who pleaded guilty in 1995 to a felony county of attempted rape

She shared details of the 1994 incident crime, which led Petty to plead guilty to attempted rape the following year.

Hough, who was only 16 at the time, said she was walking with Petty when he suddenly pulled at her jacket.

'I felt something in my back so I just assumed there was a gun,' she said. 'And I started walking. And I'm pleading with him the whole way, trying to understand what he wants.'

She claimed that Petty said she 'knew what he wanted' before the alleged assault.

'I didn't know why it didn't dawn on me to like really fight,' she mused. 'I just held on to my pants and he held my arms down and squeezed the sides of my stomach so hard. I let go and as soon as I let go he grabbed my pants. It was like a tug of war and after a while I just got tired.'

She added that the convicted felon 'stood in the mirror and beat his chest' after the attack.

Once she was free, she alerted a security guard at a school nearby, who contacted the police on her behalf, leading to Petty's arrest.

Opening up: Jennifer Hough, 43, the woman who accused Petty of rape in 1994, appeared on The Real Wednesday in an interview saying she's 'tired of being afraid' as she opened up about her experiences with both, past and present

Both Petty and Minaj have said that the encounter was consensual and that Hough was in a relationship with Petty at the time, but she denied those claims.

She admitted to worrying when Petty married Minaj that she would be dragged into the spotlight due to his past conviction.

Hough said she was 'so afraid of being found out,' and 'so afraid of being known as the person he violated.'

She continued, claiming that Minaj had tried to pay her off to make her recant her accusations.

Harassment: Hough claimed that Minaj and Petty harassed her and tried to pay her to recant her allegations, especially after he was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender in California

'She called me and she said that she got word that I was willing to help them out in a situation,' she said. 'I didn't understand what she was referring to. She offered to fly me and my family to LA. I turned it down. And I told her, woman-to-woman, this really happened. And I hadn't spoken to her since.'

After Petty was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender in California, Hough said the harassment from the couple picked up, as they allegedly tried to pay for her silence.

Just days after he accepted a plea deal, Hough filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Eastern New York against Minaj and Petty.
Dame Arlene Phillips is the first I'm A Celebrity contestant to be confirmed for this year's show, according to reports.

At 78, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene will be the oldest celebrity contestant to have taken part in the competition, with the title previously going to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's father Stanley, who was 77 at the time of his 2017 stint.

News of Arlene's signing was reported by The Mirror, with sources telling the paper the former dancer will have no trouble handling the chilly interior of North Wales' Gwrych Castle - where the show is to be held for the second year running - as she is 'strong and tough'.

Exciting: Dame Arlene Phillips, 78, is the first I'm A Celebrity contestant to be confirmed for this year's show, according to reports (pictured this year)

No trouble: A source said Arlene will have no trouble handling the chilly interior of North Wales' Gwrych Castle (Gwrych Castle pictured behind hosts Ant and Dec)

They told the paper in full: 'Arlene is strong and tough and her energy is boundless.

'No doubt she'll have the group dancing around the campfire in a bid to beat the cold and keep morale high. Should be fun.'

Arlene - who was born in 1943 in Prestwich, Lancashire, before moving to London where she rose quickly through the dance industry's ranks - will also be the first contestant in the show's history to hold the title of Dame.

Arlene's representatives declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. ITV has also been approached for comment.

Another first: Arlene will also be the first contestant in the show's history to hold the title of Dame (pictured in 2019)

In 2018 Harry Redknapp was crowned King of the Jungle at the age of 71, while Caitlyn Jenner entered the jungle in 2019 aged 70.

Arlene was famously booted off Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel in 2009 and replaced by Alesha Dixon who was 35 years her junior.

In the wake of the panel switch-up, the BBC received more than 1,350 complaints, mostly accusations of ageism, and Arlene emerged as a reluctant poster girl for the wronged older woman.

Even the late, dear Sir Bruce Forsyth said she should never have been sacked.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in June, Arlene recalled the year as 'a desperately low time' as her manager and friend Michael Summerton had just died from cancer.

Former title holder: Boris Johnson's father Stanley held the previous title of oldest ever I'm A Celeb contestant, with the star being 77 at the time of his 2017 appearance (pictured in 2019)

Impressive: In 2018 Harry Redknapp was crowned King of the Jungle at the age of 71

She explained: 'There was a phone call from [BBC Radio] 5 Live at 7.05am. I picked up the phone thinking it must be something to do with Michael. But no, it was 5 Live saying do I want to talk about Alesha Dixon taking over from me on Strictly.

'In shock and trying to compute, I said, ''No, I'm sorry, I have a bereavement,'' and put the phone down. I knew nothing about it until then.'

She added: 'The BBC must have known it had been leaked. Somebody should have been round to my house but I didn't talk to anyone from the BBC until almost 1pm.'

It comes after I'm A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec were seen filming a trailer for 2021's series earlier in September.

Strictly days: Arlene was famously booted off Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel in 2009 and replaced by Alesha Dixon who was 35 years her junior

The presenting duo transformed into knights to film the opening segment on horseback in Wales.

It seemed Ant, 46, had pulled the short straw as, while his best pal Dec, 45, roamed the vast field on an imposing white horse, he trotted around on the back of a considerably shorter pony.

Swapping Australia's New South Wales for Britain's North Wales, the show's upcoming twentieth series marks the second year running to be set away from its infamous down-under hotspot due to Australia's ongoing lockdown.
They first said 'I do' in a courthouse ceremony before celebrating in grand fashion with a massive wedding in South Carolina.

And Hailey Bieber honored husband Justin on their third anniversary with gorgeous throwback snaps from the event at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina on Sept. 30, 2018.

The 24-year-old supermodel simply stunned in her custom Off-White, off-the-shoulder Virgil Abloh wedding dress in the series of photos shared to Instagram on Thursday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs.: Hailey Bieber honored husband Justin on their third anniversary with gorgeous throwback snaps from the event at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina on Sept. 30, 2018

She simply captioned the social media series with the date of their anniversary: '9.30.18.'

Justin and Hailey were caught in a moment of pure bliss as he pulled her in for a romantic kiss in one shot.

The couple exchanged vows in front of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Usher and Jaden Smith in the Somerset Chapel within the grounds of the lavish hotel.

Queen: The 24-year-old supermodel simply stunned in her custom Off-White, off-the-shoulder Virgil Abloh wedding dress in the series of photos shared to Instagram on Thursday afternoon

Just the two of us: Justin and Hailey were caught in a moment of pure bliss as he pulled her in for a romantic kiss in one shot

Hailey looked stunning in the mermaid-style dress and told Vogue that she had the 39-year-old fashion designer in mind for her special day due to their longtime friendship and despite lack of experience in designing wedding dresses.

She said: 'From day one, I said I want Virgil to do my dress. I didn't want somebody who was a wedding dress designer.

'I just feel like my style and street style is a part of who I am and Virgil has always been in my corner from the beginning and I just feel like it's cool to see such an intricate gown from him.'

Bling, bling: The couple showed off their impressive collection of new baubles in one snap, jewelry that was estimated to be worth a total of $750,000

Gorgeous: Justin and Hailey exchanged vows front of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Usher and Jaden Smith - in the Somerset Chapel within the grounds of the Montage Palmetto Bluff hotel

Perhaps the most talked about part of her wedding day look was the long veil, which looked to be about 12-foot, which featured Abloh's signature branding of quotation marks and signature branding which read "TILL DEATH DO US PART" at the end of the dramatically long chiffon headpiece.

Their jewelry for the big night alone included a $500,000 Tiffany engagement ring, $100,000 Audemars Piguet watch, $25,000 Lavender grillz and $123,000 diamond earrings.

Justin admitted last year in his Seasons YouTube series that Hailey took the lead in the planning of their big day.

He noted that Hailey 'was involved in pretty much all of the decision making as far as the wedding was concerned. I just basically showed up.'

She said: 'He tried the cakes, he helped pick out color schemes, he looked at all the vision boards and said "this looks cool."'
She has lost well over 30kg during her 'year of health' throughout 2020.

And Rebel Wilson showed just how much she has transformed her body as she attended the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Vanity Fair Premiere party in Hollywood on Wednesday.

As the Aussie actress posed side-on, she showed off her super slender waistline.

Her waist has whittled away! Rebel Wilson looked a shadow of her former self as she showed off her tiny torso in a very sexy plunging sequin dress while attending the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Vanity Fair Premiere party in Hollywood on Wednesday

The 41-year-old star drew attention to her midsection by wearing a stunning shimmering tuxedo dress, which was buttoned at stomach.

The LBD also flaunted an abundance of the Pitch Perfect star's cleavage and her toned legs.

The Sydney-born star wore her blonde tresses swept up into a high bun for the red carpet outing.

Dazzling: The 41-year-old star drew attention to her midsection by wearing a stunning shimmering tuxedo dress, which was buttoned at stomach

Her dramatic weight loss was evident in Rebel's noticeably slimmer face.

Her minimal makeup featured lightly applied foundation and a dab of nude lipstick.

On Tuesday, Rebel shared several sizzling throwback snaps from her 41st birthday celebrations to Instagram as she wished for sunnier climes.

The Bridesmaids star showed off her incredible 66lbs (30kg) weight loss in a plunging red swimsuit as she posed up a storm.

Holiday's over! It was back to work for Rebel Wilson on Wednesday as she glammed up for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Vanity Fair Premiere party in Hollywood

Losing it: Rebel, 41, showcased her astounding weight loss in a shimmering black jacket dress

Strike a pose: Rebel worked her angles inside the glam party, showing off her stunning dress by the bar

Glam: The actress was looking glam top to toe with her chic up-do and kitten heels

The sexy one-piece featured a zip which she pulled down to unveil a hint of cleavage, while she accessorized with some yellow-tinted sunglasses.

She looked like she was having a great time as she posed on a piece of wood in the clear blue sea and threw her arms in the air.

She penned in the caption: 'It's never too late to improve yourself - to improve your health, your heart, your happiness, your harmony.

Wow! Rebel showed off her incredible 66lbs (30kg) weight loss in a plunging red swimsuit in throwback snaps from her 41st birthday on Marlon Brando's private island on Tuesday

'For everyone out there just trying to be a lil bit better this week: go for it! Every bit counts. Every effort is worth it. You're worth it.'

In a previous set of pictures from the trip she also posed on the shoulder of a strapping man who worked at the resort, who lifted her up in the ocean while she excitedly raised her arms in the air.

Alongside the images, Rebel wrote: 'Adventuring on the remote islands of French Polynesia is ABSOLUTE PARADISE.

Feeling 41 and thriving! Rebel wore a black cap in previous snaps she shared from the vacation

Paradise! In a previous set of pictures from the trip she also posed on the shoulder of a strapping man who worked at the resort, who lifted her up in the ocean while she excitedly raised her arms in the air

'I've loved learning about how @thebrandoresort is conserving their eco-system and the environmentally friendly ways they do things on the island.

'Thank you to all the amazing staff who made my birthday so magical, you guys have literally and spiritually 'lifted me up.''

Rebel had been celebrating in the tropical paradise with a number of her famous pals, including Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Chrissie Fit and Carly Steel.

Marlon Brando had purchased the private island, called Tetiaroa, after filming Mutiny on the Bounty there in the 1960s.

The resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches, with Kim Kardashian famously holding her 40th birthday on the island in 2020.

Rebel had documented her incredible weight loss journey, which she dubbed as her 'Year Of Health', throughout 2020.

On Saturday, she told The Weekend Briefing podcast on LiSTNR that she was 'proud' of herself as reflected on her hard work over the past year.

The actress explained that her weight loss was about a lifestyle change and to be a 'healthier version' of herself, rather that reaching a certain weight.

'To me what the year of health was, was just being a healthier version,' she said, noting that working on her fertility and curbing emotional eating were her goals.

'It wasn't about losing a set amount of weight, although I did put a goal original of 75 kilos so I could have something tangible to work towards. But it's not about a number or a dress size, or anything like that.

'It was just about being the healthiest version of me and I dedicated all of 2020 to doing that, and I'm proud of myself,' she said.
Poh Ling Yeow's age-defying appearance has been the talk of the town since her first appearance on MasterChef in 2009.

And the discussion was sent into overdrive on Wednesday when the popular chef shared a stunning photo on Instagram of herself cooking in her kitchen.

Fans couldn't get over the star's wrinkle-free visage in the image, with many refusing to believe she's actually 48 years old.

What's her secret? MasterChef fans couldn't get over this age-defying image of Poh Ling Yeow, which she shared to Instagram on Wednesday

'When the secret ingredient in the cooking challenge is water from the fountain of youth,' one fan wrote in disbelief.

'You are just so damn beautiful! Of course I admire all your amazing skills as well!' another chimed in, while a third added: 'Damn girl!'

'Looking smoking hot, lovely. Getting your grove back. Love seeing that smile. Such a gorgeous face, as well as a great cook!'

In the photo, Poh looked at least half her age as she beamed for the camera in a crop top while wearing headphones and striking red lipstick.

'Damn girl!' Fans couldn't get over the star's wrinkle-free visage in the image, with many refusing to believe she's actually 48 years old

The popular chef rose to fame on the first season of MasterChef Australia, placing second to Julie Goodwin.

She went on to launch a successful career in the food industry, and hosted several cooking shows on ABC and SBS.

In February, Poh announced she had split from her second husband, Jono Bennett, after six years of marriage and 12 years together in total.

Fame: The popular chef rose to fame on the first season of MasterChef, placing second to Julie Goodwin. She went on to launch a successful career in the food industry, and hosted several cooking shows on ABC and SBS. Pictured as a special guest on MasterChef in 2021

Over: In February, Poh announced she had split from her second husband, Jono Bennett, after six years of marriage and 12 years together in total. Pictured: The pair in 2016

She told The Weekend Australian: '2021 is about me doing the things I love and remembering who I am without another person. Jono and I broke up.'

Before meeting Jonathan, she was married to Matt Phipps for a decade.

Poh has said she and Jonathan will remain friends despite their divorce, much like her and Matt have done.
Even though the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has denied that it has recently purchased a new fleet of armoured vehicles, Foota Hype is insisting that the organization has indeed done so, and is up to some form of military mischief.

On Sunday, the JDF issued a media release rubbishing a video that had been circulating on social media claiming that it had, among other things, just received a huge shipment of armoured vehicles.

However, a day later Foota drew for a 15-month-old press release, which was released from June 2020 when the JDF made its last update to its fleet of vehicles. The music selector declared on Instagram, that it was evidence, supposedly emanating from the robust sleuth work which he had undertaken.

Since JDF want tell lie lets give the ppl some truth, Foota captioned the post.

The release was published by French aerospace and defence transportation company Thales Group, from which the JDF had bought its last batch of armoured vehicles earlier that year. That release was circulated globally at the time, including in the local media.

While the majority of Footas followers praised him for being adept at unearthing information, others dismissed him as a mischief-maker, for trying to qualify the contents of the video in which the commentator claimed armoured vehicles had been purchased to be used in the future, to bully members of the population who were not vaccinated.

One sharp-eyed follower pointed out that the post he shared was written 15 months ago and was therefore, not only stale news, but unconnected to the video.

I think these were purchased longtime. Check the date on that article, kingston3boy said.

Which country in the world dont buy vehicles for them army Foota? Thats not a big issue that information is from last year get ur facts right, kirk.gregory.5o5 rebuked.

His post was met with dismay by many of his followers including though Tanya Stephens, who apparently thought the video was authentic and related to Footas press release post.

To fight CRIME??????? Then watch the political gymnasts twist up fi justify thissigh, she said.

Foota, thats why they put jamaica in full lockdown, so they could sneak the tanks in , another follower said.

The Thales Group release shared by Foota is titled Jamaica flexes crime fighting muscle by boosting fleet of Thales Bushmaster Protected vehicles, and can also be found on the Paris-headquartered companys website.

It noted that JDF had spent what it described as a substantial purchase of seven million Eros (J$1.2 billion) to bolster and upgrade its fleet of Thales Bushmaster Protected Vehicles.

This included six additional Bushmasters, three troops carrier and three ambulance versions, bringing its fleet to 18, and significantly strengthening the defence forces ability to fight crime while simultaneously keeping its soldiers protected and comfortable.

The cost of the vehicles did not go down well with some persons who read the release, as they contended that at no time should the vehicles be prioritized over essential amenities such as hospitals and schools.

Whats the point of an army for Ja? Wtf going to invade us, Haiti? Cayman? Kmt. Send JDF gaa Afghanistan since dem waa nuff up, kochapips said.

Those armoured vehicles been in Jamaica forever. When I was a child in da 70s we use to call them soldier lorry.they just upgrading to more modern models of it but dat cudda wait. Dat 6/7 mil euros would have done well in an area of more concernjob development/opportunity/farms /factory etc, one follower, paulbuchanan66 lamented.

Thales spoke glowingly of its ballistic protected mobility Bushmaster vehicles, which it said was multifaceted and combat-proven and specially designed to protect and transport up to ten people in extreme environments and hostile territory and would lead to enhanced safety and security for soldiers and their police counterparts on joint crime fighting operations across Jamaica.

According to the company, the Bushmaster saves lives on and off-road, providing an excellent balance of protection, mobility and space and features that provide power and supplementary air conditioning when the engine is off, allowing the vehicles to maintain a comfortable temperature in the hot Jamaican climate.

The ambulance versions, it said, would give JDF soldiers the ability to evacuate and treat injured police officers under the protection of the Bushmaster rather than having to deploy vulnerable unarmored vehicles into dangerous situations.

However, one US Army soldier who was following the thread, said the JDF had made a very poor purchase as the vehicles were accident-prone.

Watch how these gonna turnover often worst vehicle U.S Army ever built we dont even use those shits killed too much people so if they crashing the jump outs imagine how much of them gonna crash and flip in these, he said.

Some of Footas followers said told him that they did not see an issue with the defence force purchasing new armoured vehicles, arguing that criminals were getting access to more sophisticated weapons by the day and so the military has to be properly equipped as a result.

Bad man never stop buy artillery soh wah if the force get some new thingunu same one bawl seh police and soldiers nah do dem work.roll out dem bloodclaat yes mi wah cah stop at a bar have a drink and feel safe  zazzy.t. declared.

But Foota responded: @zazzy.t its for u weh ago deh a di bar lol if u nuh tek di jook.

Others said Foota was irresponsible for claiming that there were plans afoot to depopulate the island. In a stern rebuke, zilla876_850, sought to invalidate Footas claims.

Whats strange in this? This is nttn new every military in the worls spends million in military defence. Unu just a look something fi put on social media fi ppl think unu a freedom fighter or for the ppl. At this point the all a unu a do the same thing the politicians them a go, he said.

Him making it seems like the military getting new or better equipments is because the government a plan fi go kill off ppl.or use them fi fight ppl. This is misinformation and will force ppl to go take step to start a war they can never win. The military DNT have to buy nttn else to take over Jamaica. If the jdf go all out in a matter of days the entire country will be over run, he added.

He continued: The JDF have so much things in their arsenal that the regular man will never see. So stop gas up the ppl them fi tek up something pon them head them cant manage. At the end of the day a foreign you dey stop bredda unu a do too much now.

He also supported another follower who said that was entertainers like Foota who are living outside of Jamaica who have been egging on the people to rebel and demonstrate in the streets.

Yes man mi notice it And them bow down to anything American government sent them way. Come next week when them cant enter or leave America without the vaccine just what how much a them ago go silent or tek it under style and still play hypocrite, he said.

He also upbraided Foota for opting to remain in the US, instead of choosing deportation to his homeland after his detention.

Since him love Jamaica suh much and willing fi fight fi it tell him fi fly home and go pon the battle field with the ppl them. Or why him never go home the other day when America did ago dip him he tek jail house ova Jamaica, he said.

Mi nuh listen them when them talk caz them just a look likes and fame them just love chat and a far them dey and this will not affect him. Why when dem did ago dip him the other day him stay a jail rather than come a him yard a free man?
Declaring that she had no criminal intent, American entrepreneur and social media star Jayda Cheaves says bringing her gun along on a private jet to Jamaica was an honest mistake and that she has learned her lesson.

Cheaves and an associate Gregory Wright were charged on Monday after two 9mm pistols and 15 rounds of ammunition were found in their possession as they were trying to depart the Sangster International Airport. On Wednesday, they pled guilty to the charges in the Western Regional Gun Court in Montego Bay, St James, and were fined a total of $1.6 million Jamaican dollars (approximately $10,600 USD).

Thank you all for your concerns, she wrote on her Instagram Story yesterday. We are good and out of court! It was an honest mistake and believe me when I say I learned my lesson.

Cheaves was in Jamaica at the time, celebrating her 24th birthday. While the two firearms were legally obtained in the United States, they were classified as illegal in Jamaica since she and Wright had no permit to take them onto the island.

The YouTuber was represented by Martyn Thomas, who told the Jamaica STAR that she [Cheaves] was advised they could have travelled to Jamaica with the firearm.

You cant rely on someone elses advice, whether it be travel agents or another person. As an individual, with a legal firearm, you have to do your own checks and thats where she was at fault, Thomas added.

However, commentators like Dancehall selector and producer Foota Hype were left fuming yesterday after the pair promptly paid their fine and departed the island.

NOW: American social media sensation Jayda Cheaves and her entourage depart the St James Parish Court. Cheaves and Gregory Wright, a member of her travelling party, were charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. They have paid a fine and will be leaving today. pic.twitter.com/fppImbX5Wm  Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) September 29, 2021

Julez Santana have him gun and go inna airport and figot seh him have the gun and him run out ah the airport and cut. Still two year him get ah prison, Foota said during his SUHVYVA GODCAST yesterday on YouTube, in reference to the rapper who took a gun into a New York-area airport in 2018.

So mi nuh understand what kinda powers them have, fi cross international waters and enter a foreign country and get arrested and within a day and half, you gone home..mmm mm.

This look ah way, and mi ah seh, if them can be non-Jamaican and come violate the country suh, why Tommy Lee or Laden wasnt given the opportunity to pay a fine and go home? he continued.

In March 2021, Dancehall star Tommy Lee Sparta was sentenced to three years after he pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a gun and ammunition, while Dancehall artist Laden was sentenced to four years for the same charge, after he too pleaded guilty in December 2020.

When one follower pointed out that Tommy Lee Spartas illegal gun was reportedly linked to two murders, Foota responded Jamaican police dont know if them [Cheaves and Wright] gun have body on them, them dont even know if since them deh a Jamaica an them put no body on them.

Ballistics nah come back inna two day, so how the case done within two day, Foota added. You know how much man deh a jail four, five years ah wait pon ballistics.

Cheaves, who is also known as Jayda Wayda, is the mother of rapper Lil Babys son.

Her lawyer has laid blame on the Jamaica Customs Agency for the blunder.

They are allowed to travel with their firearm as long as it is in a firearm safe, but the blunder I lay at the foot of customs, he said. What usually happens is the firearm is checked on, the airline is to notify customs that a firearm is on board and then customs should meet the plane to take control of the firearm and then hand it over thereafter once they ensure the holder had the requisite permits. At the same time, there was a mishap which caused the firearm to be handed over to her.

According to the STAR, neither defendant was required to surrender their fingerprints to the police.

Meanwhile, the incident will not affect the Cheaves future travel to Jamaica, according to her lawyer. My client even asked when we were finished if she would be able to come back to Jamaica because she loves Jamaica and she had a great time and her Ladyship Justice Wiltshire said shes free to come back anytime she wants, Thomas shared. Its just unfortunate that she came to celebrate her 24th birthday, had a lovely time but it was just this situation that put a damper on it.

In her Instagram Story post yesterday, Cheaves said I had a ball out here [Jamaican flag emoji] best birthday ever.
State-owned IOB was placed under PCA in October 2015 on account of high non-performing assets (NPAs) and negative return on assets (RoA). (Twitter)

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday lifted the prompt corrective action (PCA) restrictions from Indian Overseas Bank after an improvement in its financials.

State-owned IOB was placed under PCA in October 2015 on account of high non-performing assets (NPAs) and negative return on assets (RoA). The bank was barred from increasing risk-weighted assets.

Following IOBs exit, now only Mumbai-based Central Bank of India remains under PCA restrictions. Kolkata-based UCO Bank had exited the PCA framework earlier this month.

The RBI said the performance of IOB was reviewed by the Board for Financial Supervision. It was noted that as per its published results for the year ended March 31, 2021, the bank is not in breach of the PCA parameters. The bank has provided a written commitment that it would comply with the norms of Minimum Regulatory Capital, Net NPA and Leverage ratio on an ongoing basis and has apprised the RBI of the structural and systemic improvements that it has put in place which would help the bank in continuing to meet these commitments, said the central bank in a statement.

As on March 31, the Chennai-headquartered lender's net NPA ratio stood at 3.58 per cent, down 186 basis points (bps) from the same period last year. Its total capital adequacy ratio under Basel III was at 15.32 per cent, up 460 bps from Q4 of FY20.

A bank is placed under PCA if it overshoots the limit on bad loans or fails to comply with capital adequacy ratios. Under PCA, the bank faces RBI restriction on dividend distribution, branch expansion, management compensation or requiring promoters to infuse capital.
Both government officials and IT employees say that they have not heard of any company advising its employees for vaccination or asking them to come to office from October 4. (DC)

Hyderabad: Word that IT companies in the city are resuming work from office starting Monday next week has begun doing the rounds. In a tweet that has been doing the rounds on Thursday evening, it said: First-hand news! To report from - Oct 4, 2021. Software Cos in Cyberabad & Financial dist make one-on-one enquiries with staff to ascertain whether their staff have taken the second jab and direct them to come to office from Monday (sic).

However, both government officials and IT employees say that they have not heard of any company advising its employees for vaccination or asking them to come to office from October 4.

Denying this claim, state principal secretary IT Jayesh Ranjan told Deccan Chronicle that the information in the online message was not true.

Everything given in the message is wrong. We are encouraging people to work from office, but there has been no instruction issued to companies asking them to check on the vaccination status. There will be no such thing. Most companies that I have interacted with have agreed to having fully vaccinated employees, he said.

IT employee associations too say they have not heard of any such instruction. Rather, IT companies have made it clear that they would work from office only by the next year.

As per the information we received, and from the surveys we conducted, IT companies would call their employees back to the office from next year, possibly the second week of January onwards, said Kiran of the Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA).

Similarly, founder of the Telangana IT Association Sandeep Kumar Makhtala said, IT companies have learnt that the existing work-from-home model is more economical. They are saving close to `5,700 per chair. So the idea of calling the staff back to work right now is far-fetched.
Going by the latest track of the weather system, the to-be-developed Shaheen was located 190 km away from Gujarat coast and 200 km near to Karachi coast in Pakistan as on Thursday evening. (AFP)

Vishakhapatanam: The remnants of Cyclone Gulab that originated in the Bay of Bengal and travelled south India triggering heavy rains have now regained their strength to emerge as another cyclone in the Arabian Sea, as previously reported by Deccan Chronicle as a rare weather phenomenon in the meteorological world.

After making landfall at Srikakulam district on September 26, Gulab weakened into the next lower levels like deep depression. These remnants of Gulab then absorbed a sufficient amount of moisture while passing through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state before entering the Arabian Sea where conditions favoured for emerging of another cyclone, mostly on October 1.

The new cyclone, to be named Shaheen, a name suggested by Qatar, is going to hit the Pakistan coast. Interestingly, Pakistan suggested the name Gulab.

Going by the latest track of the weather system, the to-be-developed Shaheen was located 190 km away from Gujarat coast and 200 km near to Karachi coast in Pakistan as on Thursday evening.

"By any chance on October 1, Shaheen will officially be formed and chances are high for increasing its strength as a severe cyclone. It is a rare phenomenon that a cyclone that travelled more than 3,000 km from one coast to another," a senior IMD official told this newspaper.

When contacted, the Delhi-based IMD director-general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, who is affectionately known as Cyclone Man of India for accurately predicting the track of cyclone, said, "Yes, another cyclone named Shaheen will be forming over the Arabian Sea. It will be moving away from Indian coast towards Pakistan-Makran coast."

IMD Hyderabad Centre director K. Nagaratna recalled that cyclone Gaja also had similarities with Gulab. The Gaja developed in the Bay of Bengal in November 2018, moved over south India through Tamil Nadu before regaining energy in the Arabian Sea along the Kerala coast. But the storm was not as big as the Gulab, she added.

Nearly 51 cyclones formed in September between 1891 and 2021, while 124 in October and 145 in November, according to data from the IMD.
The local authorities, collectors, and the commissioner had been told to monitor strict standard operation procedures. (Representational Image: PTI)

Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued an order for re-opening of all schools in Mumbai for classes 8 to12 from October 4 with all COVID-19 protocols.

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal said that for now, the Civic body is reopening the schools for classes 8 to 12 from October 4 and for the rest, the decision will be taken in November.

"We are reopening schools for classes 8th to 12th in Mumbai with effect from 4th Oct, and for the rest of the classes, we will make a decision in November. All COVID19 SoPs issued by the government will be implemented," Chahal said.

Last week, the state education minister Varsha Gaikwad announced that the Maharashtra government had decided to reopen schools from October 4.

She informed that schools will be reopened in a phased manner. "In rural areas classes will resume from standard 5th to 12th and in urban areas from standard 8th to 12th. Local authorities have been given powers to monitor guidelines set by the government."

The government is making efforts to bring all the students back to school. The local authorities, collectors, and the commissioner had been told to monitor strict standard operation procedures (SoPs).

The education minister also clarified that there is no compulsion to attend physical classes. Students can attend online classes too. They will come to school only with the consent of their parents.
The Union Department of Expenditure (DoE) this year brought in new rules for ensuring funds flow to the states for the CSS. (Photo: PTI/File)

Amaravati: The State Bank of India has rejected Andhra Pradesh government's Rs 6,500 crore 'overdraft' for implementing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in the state.

With its coffers completely dry, the state government sought the overdraft to be used as working capital by five nodal implementing agencies "against securitisation of fund balances available in the Single Nodal Accounts (SNA)."

The state sought to escrow the Central funds in the SNA and raise the overdraft and, accordingly, Finance Secretary (Budget and Institutional Finance) K V V Satyanarayana wrote a letter early this month to the SBI seeking sanction of Rs 6,500 crore.

The "unusual and unheard of" request by the Finance Secretary left top bureaucrats baffled since it only further exposed the state government's perilous financial condition.

"Seeking a (regular) loan is one thing but trying to get an overdraft by escrowing Central funds is utterly foolhardy. This could also invite the Centre's wrath and jeopardise the schemes," a top bureaucrat observed.

For implementing the CSS, the state government is required to share a part (up to 40 per cent) of the overall cost of each scheme.

The Union Department of Expenditure (DoE) this year brought in new rules for ensuring funds flow to the states for the CSS, under which primarily the state is required to open a Single Nodal Account in a scheduled commercial bank for each scheme, mapped in the Centre's Public Financial Management System.

The new rules are meant to ensure "effective cash management and improve transparency in public expenditure management."

Officials aver the Centre's new system was basically to prevent diversion of CSS funds for "other purposes" by the state government.

Funds will be released strictly on the basis of balance funds (Central and state share) available in the SNA, as per the DoE rules.

While the Centre releases 25 per cent of the scheme amount at the beginning of the financial year, release of additional Central share will be based on the transfer of stipulates state share into the SNA.

The new rules have only exposed the state of AP's finances as it is in no position to transfer any amount to the SNAs for any CSS.

"More than Rs 6,000 crore of Central funds are held up so far this year because we are unable to chip in our share for different CSS. Unless we not only release the money (state share) but also spend it according to the norms, there is no way to get the releases from the Centre," a Principal Secretary said.

There has been no progress in any of the CSS in AP due to severe dearth of funds, he pointed out.

Left with no other option, the state desperately wanted to borrow money from banks to fulfil its share in the CSS.

"The request for overdraft facility cannot be acceded to as the same does not comply with the Bank's policy guidelines and regulatory directions for lending to state-owned corporations," the SBI said, in reply to the Finance Secretary's letter.

Interestingly, the state government early this month appointed retired chairman of SBI Rajnish Kumar as its Advisor (Economic Affairs), with the rank of a Cabinet Minister, considering his "vast experience in handling large credit and project finance."

That, apparently, cut no ice with the bank management.
In the previous rankings also, the VPT was the second cleanest port in the country, he added. (AFP Photo)

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) emerged as the second cleanest port in the country for the year 2019, according to the latest declarations from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, VPT Chairman K.Rama Mohana Rao said that Cochin would be the first cleanest port among 12 major ports in the country followed by the Vizag port as per the Ports is concerned.

However, as per the category of Union of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the VPT would be the third cleanest wing. While the Cochin ports topped all, the second prize went to the Shipping Corporation of India.

In the previous rankings also, the VPT was the second cleanest port in the country, he added.

A third party would visit the ports, study and submit the reports to the ministry to declare the ranks.

During 2019, the VTP conducted various programmes as part of Swachh Bharat from September 16 to 30. The programmes included cleaning programmes in the port area, Gnanapuram, followed by awareness programmes and street plays, door-to-door campaignings at Salagramapuram Type-II Quarters with respect to sanitation behaviour among others.
After considering the difficulties of the beneficiaries, the state government has taken a crucial decision to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the beneficiaries during the pension distribution. (Representational Image: PTI)

Vijayawada: The AP government has eased the norms for YSR Pension Kanuka social security pensions by way of resolving the problems in their distribution and offering a portability facility.

As per the new norms, beneficiaries residing out of their hometowns for the past six months due to personal, family, health or other reasons can receive social security pension in the areas of their current stay by registering their details thereof in the concerned village/area secretariats.

It had been reported that many beneficiaries who went to other places, be they to their childrens homes or for family, health and other purposes are not in a position to return to native places often and hence they were barred from getting pensions. The ruling party leaders took the issues to the notice of the government.

After considering the difficulties of the beneficiaries, the state government has taken a crucial decision to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the beneficiaries during the pension distribution.

The Society For Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) CEO A. Md Imtiaz has asked all district rural development agency (DRDA) project directors to implement the order. He said this benefit will be available only for those who have left their hometowns six months ago.

He advised the officials to immediately implement the guidelines on pension portability; and orders have been issued to all offices to this effect. He explained that to avail the benefits of this service, the beneficiaries have to register their names in the village or ward secretariats of areas where they currently reside.

The officials said the beneficiaries have to certify that they have been in other areas for six months. The officials also said the beneficiaries would be mapped to the secretariat by the village/ward volunteer where the beneficiaries reside.
Though the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has sanctioned Rs 94 lakh for the Konda Reddy fort illumination project and delinked it from the state government, KMC is making efforts to own up the iconic symbol. (Twitter)

Kurnool: The Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC) general body passed 21 resolutions unanimously, including taking up Kondareddy forts beautification at a cost of Rs 2 crore, widening of roads, public parks and drainage, according to mayor BY Ramaiah.

Though the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has sanctioned Rs 94 lakh for the Konda Reddy fort illumination project and delinked it from the state government, KMC is making efforts to own up the iconic symbol, he said.

He said that the municipal complex would be demolished for a new shopping complex while the road from the fort to district court would be used exclusively as a tourist zine.

One irritant is the road leading to the SP's office abutting the fort. The police department is putting spokes and scuttling the efforts of the civic body and ASI. Ramaiah said that the police would be asked to have a different approach road.

The police are not keen on protecting their own lands. For example in Betehamcherla town, land earmarked for police quarters was used for laying a road to the house of a top politician suiting Vastu beliefs. A local alleged that the public is barred from using the police quarters road, which is an outright misuse of official power.

A water storage tank will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 199.90 lakh at Somisetty Nagar and the council has decided to call for tenders. There will be garbage transport stations at two different places in the city at a cost of Rs 8.85 crore.

Panyam MLA Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, KMC commissioner DK Balaji and others participated.
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Thursday expressed disgust over party workers' protest outside Kapil Sibal's house after he raised questions over the functioning of the Congress and asked AICC chief Sonia Gandhi to take strong action against those involved.

Asserting that differences of opinion and perception are integral to a democracy, Sharma, who along with Sibal is part of the 'Group of 23' which last year had written to Gandhi seeking organisational overhaul of the party, said intolerance and violence is alien to the Congress values and culture.

"Shocked and disgusted to hear the news of attack and hooliganism at Kapil Sibal's house. This deplorable action brings disrepute to the party and needs to be strongly condemned," Sharma said in a series of tweets.

He asserted that the Congress has a history of upholding freedom of expression.

Those responsible must be identified and disciplined, Sharma said.

"Urging Congress president Smt Sonia Gandhi to take cognisance and strong action," he said in a tweet.

Hours after he raised questions over the functioning of the Congress, Sibal on Wednesday came under attack from several quarters with party workers also protesting outside his house here.

In the wake of several Congress leaders quitting the party and its Punjab unit in turmoil, Sibal has demanded that an immediate meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) be convened and wondered who in the party was taking decisions in the absence of a full-time president.

Sibal said at a press conference that the G-23 grouping is "not a Jee Huzur 23" and will continue to put forth the views and will continue to repeat the demands.

Carrying 'Get Well Soon Kapil Sibal' placards and raising slogans against Sibal, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) workers had protested outside his Jor Bagh residence, saying they were "hurt" by his remarks.

The protesters raised slogans against Sibal, asking him to "leave the party".
Thiruvananthapuram: A government is also assessed based on the actions of the police and therefore, the force should always act keeping in mind the best interests of the general public, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday.

"You (police) deal with the people very closely and the government is assessed by the people based on how you perform your duties. Therefore, your duties should be performed keeping in mind the interests of the general public," the Chief Minister said in his online speech at the passing out parade of 2,362 police personnel.

He also said that the objective of 'Nava Keralam' can only be achieved if there was an environment of peace and communal harmony in the state and to ensure that, the police have a big role to play.

"Therefore, you all should take up the responsibility very seriously," he told the newly inducted officers.

He also said that the present batch of officers have been provided a variety of training to deal with the changing times and the new challenges -- like COVID-19 -- effectively, as they were posted in various wards during the prevailing pandemic.

"As a result, you (officers) have been able to watch closely how things work," the Chief Minister said.
Kolkata: Heavy rain since early Wednesday has left many parts of Bhowanipore in south Kolkata waterlogged 24 hours before the Assembly constituency goes into a crucial byelection to decide Trinamul Congress boss Mamata Banerjees fate as West Bengal chief minister.

Many roads of the constituency, where young BJP leader and lawyer Priyanka Tibrewal is standing against Ms Banerjee, were found under water, slowing traffic till the afternoon. This has posed a question how voters will step out of their homes Thursday to exercise their franchise amid the forecast of another spell of heavy rain.

The weather forecast also threw senior TMC leaders into worry. Fearing a low turnout of voters at the polling booths on Thursday and its impact, they swung into action to restore normalcy on a war footing. The leaders included outgoing Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim.

He said: The rainfall was recorded at around 100 mm. Water will recede within four-five hours as soon as the rain stops. Altogether, 13 pumping stations are working. A heavy-duty pump was also brought from Howrah for use.

On the difficulties faced by Bhowanipores voters, the state transport minister added: People will be able to cast their votes. Its our challenge to pump out water from low-lying areas like Ward 70 and Alipore.

But his colleague in the Kolkata Municipal Corporations board of administrators, Tarak Singh, who is in charge of the civic sewerage and drainage, said: Water should have receded according to our system. But the system is failing.

The Election Commission, which is closely monitoring the situation, also offered assistance to voters if they face difficulties. It was suggested they could contact the EC on its website so it could organise pick up and drop facilities for them to reach the booths and return home, sources said. Each booth will also be provided with a pump to drain out water.

Like Bhowanipore, two more seats, earlier won by the TMC in the state, will go for Assembly polls Thursday. These are Shamshergunj and Jangipur in Murshidabad, which have a high Muslim population. The Assembly polls in these seats were earlier deferred after two candidates died of Covid-19 in April.

At Jangipur, a state police constable, Tarun Mondal, 44, who was on poll duty, was found lying unconscious at Dhuliyan Municipality guest house under mysterious circumstances in the morning. He was from Balurghat in South Dinajpur. He was rushed to Jangipur Hospital, where he died later. The body has been sent for post-mortem.

Former TMC minister Zakir Hussain, who is contesting from Jangipur, is believed to have an edge over Sujit Das of the BJP. Shamshergunj is, however, likely to witness a close fight between Jaidur Rahman of the Congress and Amirul Islam of the TMC.
Renukacharya and Jeevaraj were political secretaries to former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Bommai's predecessor, as well.

Bengaluru: BJP MLA M P Renukacharya and former legislator Jeevaraj Dwaramakki have been appointed as Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's political secretaries.

Renukacharya represents Honnali assembly constituency, while Jeevaraj had earlier represented Sringeri.

Official notifications issued on September 29 states that the appointments are with immediate effect.

The appointments are with cabinet ranking and both will be entitled to all the facilities given to a cabinet Minister.

Renukacharya and Jeevaraj were political secretaries to former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Bommai's predecessor, as well.

Renukacharya is a Yediyurappa loyalist and was aspiring to become a Minister.

Both on Thursday met Chief Minister Bommai and greeted him, the CMO said in a statement.
A smile and a girlish grimace at parrots perched on her arms and head.

Moist eyes at a farewell gathering, when the applause wouldnt stop.

Other than when she had famously rolled her eyes at something Russian President Vladimir Putin muttered, never in 16 years did the world ever see outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel come as close to a public display of emotion, as in recent weeks, which she hoped were her last, before stepping down as Germanys second-longest serving head of government.

However, the results of last Sundays German elections mean that Ms Merkel must wait to head for her country home. Her conservative CDU-CSU has been beaten by its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), by 10 seats. As the SPD has expressed reluctance to enter another alliance with the CDU-CSU, both parties will seek the support of the third and fourth largest winners: the Greens, who saw their best ever tally of 118 seats, and the Free Democratic Party (92 seats). The Greens are ideologically closer to the SPD, while the FDP is better aligned to Ms Merkels CDU-CSU. Negotiations are in full swing but could drag on for months. If all fails, a grand coalition may emerge the only solution again.

One thing, however, seems certain. Since the Chancellor is always drawn from the winning party, the SPDs Olaf Scholz will, in all likelihood, head Germanys next government.

During Angela Merkels 16 years in office, the worlds most powerful woman leader faced one crisis after another. There were the Euro/Greek crises, Libyan and Syrian conflicts, the face-off between Russia and Ukraine. Ms Merkel made unpopular moves like admitting nearly a million Syrian refugees into Germany. Right-wing intolerance grew across Europe. Berlins relations with Donald Trump grew frosty. Then came Covid-19 and, most recently, the ignominious withdrawal of American as well as of German Nato troops from Afghanistan.

But Ms Merkels acumen lay in backing up unpopular moves with populist ones which ensured her political longevity. Her likeability across party lines can be attributed to humility. She may have been the worlds most powerful woman leader, but Ms Merkels approachability and complete lack of arrogance won her admirers around the world.

The Merkel era has certainly seen shortcomings too. Digitisation and telecom connectivity in Germany leave much to be desired. Ms Merkels critics say she paid little attention to infrastructure, and fault her for going slow on climate reforms. It will be up to her successors to address those lacunae. But will they work on intensifying bilateral ties with India too?

Ms Merkel visited India several times and bilateral ties are very good. But unlike the UK and France, Germans and Indians remain quite alien to each other. There are several reasons. Both the UK and France have deep colonial roots across the world, including in India. They left their languages behind and are well-versed with the Indian/South Asian way of doing things. Thats not so with Germany.

Berlin often refers to Indo-German ties as one based on the common values and principles of democracy, free and fair trade and rules-based international order. But the truth is, that as far as this region goes, Germanys gaze remains steadfastly focused on the Peoples Republic of China, where those lauded values dont hold good.

Germany and China are each others largest trading partners. In 2020, the trade volume exceeded $100 billion. (It is barely $11 billion with India). Many German companies make huge profits by cheaply manufacturing in China. Consequently, their CEO have pressured Berlin to not speak out against China, whenever inconvenient reports of child labour, sweat shops and human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet crop up. It was only in 2016, when Chinese companies bought out several large German firms, that worry set in. This was compounded by the rapid arrival of cheap Chinese goods via rail links to Germanys doorstep. Even France has called for a tougher stand against China, but Germany has not played ball so far, afraid of the economic price it may have to pay. While protests were going on in Hong Kong and Uighurs were being brutally suppressed, Ms Merkel made her 12th trip to China along with a business delegation.

German diplomats say their countrys foreign policy is unlikely to see too many changes, even under a new government. This means that while Berlin may send the odd frigate to the South China Sea as a token gesture of solidarity with its Western allies and even invest in the odd development project in the Indo-Pacific region, it will steer clear of military groupings like AUKUS which clearly target China.

In Afghanistan too, Germany saw a rerun of an old Western dream: of establishing democracy. It was only after the disastrous withdrawal of the United States and Nato that German diplomats privately admit it was a mistake.

For decades, German Chancellors always clubbed the rare trip to India with one to Pakistan and spoke of Kashmir as a disputed territory. Its only since the late 1990s that visitors from Berlin began to book separate tickets to India, acknowledge Indias state of Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan as the source of cross-border terrorism directed at India.

Public knowledge of India remains scanty or deeply flawed. There is little or no interest in India in German newsrooms (many owned by conglomerates with business interests across the globe, including in China) and freelancers cover India remotely from Singapore or Bangkok. Consequently, orientalist exotica persists. A small item on a single violator of Indias child marriage or dowry laws in a local paper is enough to prompt an entire page on Indias evils in a German publication. A meeting set up by a local stringer with one devadasi in a dimly-lit room leads to a headline reading many Indian women become temple prostitutes.

While foreign policy may not change to any great extent, one aspect of last Sundays election may have repercussions for both India and China.

Most young Germans voted  not for Mr Scholzs SPD or Ms Merkels CDU-CSU, but for the Greens and the FDP. This can be both good and bad news. On the one hand, there may be increased and unrealistic pressure on energy-hungry India to meet its emissions targets. But both Germanys Greens as well as the election winning SPD have criticised human rights violations in China and called for a serious dialogue on the subject with Beijing.

This means that Berlin may stop deluding itself at last and acknowledge the looming threat that China poses to the world.
Ola Electric on Thursday said it has raised over $200 million (about Rs 1,484.7 crore) in funding from Falcon Edge, SoftBank and others, valuing the electric vehicle maker at $3 billion (about Rs 22,272 crore).

Ola will accelerate development of other vehicle platforms including electric motorbike, mass market scooter and its electric car, a statement said.

The funding will further strengthen Ola's 'Mission Electric' that urges the industry and consumers to commit to electric and ensure that no petrol two-wheelers be sold in India after 2025, it added.

We're proud to lead the EV revolution from India to the world. India has the talent and the capability to build technologies of the future for the industries of the future for the entire world. I thank our existing investors and welcome new ones to Ola," Ola Chairman and Group CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said.

Also Read | Price war buzzes in electric scooter segment as Ola plans to disrupt

In July, Ola Electric had announced signing a $100 million (about Rs 744.5 crore) 10 year-term debt financing agreement with Bank of Baroda.

In the past, Ola Electric has raised funding from investors, including Tiger Global and Matrix India.

Earlier this month, Ola had stated that the sales of its S1 electric scooters crossed Rs 1,100 crore in two days. The two e-scooters - Ola S1 and S1 Pro - were unveiled in August this year. The purchase window will re-open in November.

Ola has completed phase-1 construction of its manufacturing plant, spread across 500 acres, in Tamil Nadu. The company had announced an investment of Rs 2,400 crore towards the facility. The factory will be run entirely by women and employ over 10,000 women at full scale.

The company had previously stated that it would initially start with 10 lakh annual production capacity and then scale it up to 20 lakh, in line with market demand, in the first phase.

Ola Electric had claimed that its plant - when fully completed - would have an annual capacity of one crore units, "that is 15 per cent of the world's entire total two-wheeler production".

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Sliding for the third straight day, equity benchmark Sensex dropped 287 points on Thursday amid losses in index majors Reliance Industries, Infosys and ICICI Bank as monthly derivatives expired.

After a volatile session, the 30-share BSE index ended 286.91 points or 0.48 per cent lower at 59,126.36. Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined 93.15 points or 0.53 per cent to 17,618.15.

PowerGrid was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding around 3 per cent, followed by Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, Bajaj Auto, SBI and M&M.

On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, NTPC, Sun Pharma and HUL were among the gainers.

According to traders, expiry of monthly futures and options (F&O) contracts induced volatility during the session.

Also Read | Rupee falls for 5th straight session, settles 9 paise down at 74.23 against US dollar

"Indian markets started mixed following mixed Asian markets cues as China official data shows unexpected contraction in factory activity. During the afternoon session, markets scaled back to trade in green due to buying in consumer durables, realty and telecom stocks," said Narendra Solanki, Head- Equity Research (Fundamental), Anand Rathi.

Further, traders took solace from Commerce Minister's statement that India and the US should engage in a much bigger way and New Delhi is ready to expand the economic partnership with the US, Solanki added.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai and Seoul ended with gains, while Hong Kong and Tokyo were in the red.

Exchanges in Europe were largely trading with gains in the afternoon session.

Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude rose 0.24 per cent to $78.28 per barrel.

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YouTube will block all anti-vaccine content, moving beyond Covid-19 to include content that alleges vaccines cause chronic health effects or contains misinformation on the substances in vaccines, it said in a blog post on Wednesday.

The online video company owned by Alphabet Inc is also banning prominent anti-vaccine activists, taking down several channels, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing YouTubes Vice President Of Global Trust and Safety Matt Halprin. These include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Joseph Mercola, who have long been high-profile figures in the anti-vaccine movement.

The move comes as YouTube and other tech giants like Facebook Inc. and Twitter Inc. have been criticized for not doing enough to stop the spread of false health information on their sites.

Even as YouTube takes a tougher stance on misinformation, it faces backlash around the world. On Tuesday, Russian state-backed broadcaster RT's German-language channels were deleted from YouTube, as the company said the channels had breached its COVID-19 misinformation policy.

Russia on Wednesday called the move "unprecedented information aggression," and threatened to block YouTube.

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Wall Street has been a booming place over the past year and a half even as the wider US economy has suffered -- a trend that an entire generation of young investors has both noticed, and cashed in on.

Known as the YOLO generation -- after the saying "you only live once" -- the good fortune these new entrants to stock trading have had is sometimes viewed with skepticism by older investors who have seen the market boom and bust in the past.

There's also the fact that young traders are some of the most eager proponents of soaring "meme stocks" like GameStop and AMC.

Outsiders may dismiss investors under the age of 35 as dangerously optimistic, but they generally see themselves as better informed than their elders and ready for anything -- even a crash.

Most are too young to have seen their portfolios sunk by the dot-com bubble's bursting in 2000, or perhaps even the 2008 financial crisis.

The market's swoon in the spring of 2020, which lasted only about three months during the worst Covid-19 shutdowns, did not really register as a crisis.

In June, a survey showed 72 per cent of investors under the age of 34 felt confident in their portfolio decisions, according to E-Trade.

"For their entire adult life, the market has gone up," marketing professor Scott Galloway said in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, adding that many seem to believe this will continue.

Philip Fernbach, a professor at the University of Colorado and co-director of the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making, warned that many young investors may be getting ahead of themselves.

"Overconfidence can lead us to take on too much leverage," he told AFP, adding that there could "potentially be a wake-up call... down the line if the market has a sustained decline."

Some 80 per cent of investors born in the late 1990s and after are willing to take on debt to invest, according to an April poll from MagnifyMoney.

"People are trying to get rich overnight on a low probability bet, which is exactly what gambling is," Fernback said. "That's a huge part of what's going on here."

But Jonathan Royere, a 25-year-old programmer, considers this view of today's young investors an inaccurate stereotype.

"When they see YOLOs and everything, that's what draws attention," he said. "That's not what most people do.

"It would just be like, oh, you see (that) Instagram model doing something stupid online, and you think all women act like that on Instagram? Well, that's not true."

Royere maintains that many young investors are clued in to the mores of the market, understanding that "2008 is not over," he said.

"I think the education part is what makes this different," he said.

Ryan Scribner, a personal finance and investor personality who has 738,000 subscribers on Youtube, say his generation "has just really figured out how to collectively research together and share information in the forums."

Far from cocky, many are circumspect about the market's prospects and quick to recognise how central bank maneuverings have juiced recent gains.

"There's a broad understanding that equity performance had been driven by Fed policy," said Evan Domingos, a 21-year-old undergraduate at Wheaton College who trades equities.

Royere maintains that the "younger generation is more prepared for a market crash than the older ones," noting that his cohort sees the Federal Reserve's influence and knows "the music will stop."

Scribner, for his part, has organised his portfolio with an eye towards a possible crash, giving priority to lesser-known names.

Domingos also thinks his generation will probably adapt to market shifts.

"It's not entirely proven if newer traders will be able to shift gears with the market but adaptability shown by retail traders with market volatility and down cycles such as during the 2018 US-China trade (conflict) and the Covid-19 pandemic would suggest so much," Domingos said.

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Recent accidents at multi-storeyed buildings in Bengaluru have exposed the lacunae in the building by-laws adopted by the BBMP, structural and civil engineering experts say.

While the civic body invoked the National Building Code, 2016, to prohibit modifications to balconies following the deadly fire in Devarachikkanahalli on September 20, it ignores the same statute when it comes to monitoring the structural stability of old buildings.

Srikanth Channal, Chairperson of the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Bengaluru, said that the city wasn't following the practice of assessing the structural safety of old buildings. "As per the NBC, 2016, buildings older than 25 years have to be assessed for their safety once in five years. But that is not being followed in Bengaluru because the BBMP has not added the NBC to its building by-laws," he added. "It's dilly-dallying on implementing the NBC in spite of multiple requests."

Dr Aswath M U, a structural engineer and principal of the Bangalore Institute of Technology, said that the NBC offered guidelines for every type of building, including on their maintenance. "Had these guidelines been adopted and followed by the BBMP, such incidents could have been easily averted, he said.

He added that if the civic body lacked manpower to implement the NBC guidelines, it could put the onus on property owners. All it has to do is adopt the NBC, he said.

Officials say the by-laws do not mandate the BBMP engineers or property owners to check the condition of a building once the occupancy certificate has been issued. The NBC also mandates structural changes to a building only after the competent authority gives approval. But in the case of the building that collapsed in Lakkasandra on September 27, officials had found out that the owner had constructed an additional structure that added to the load.

Channal is of the view that safety and stability certifications should be provided by professionals because not all engineers are qualified to assess the structural stability of a building.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta acknowledged that the civic body had received requests for including the NBC in the building by-laws and promised that it was working towards the same.

"The BBMP by-laws are a work in progress. We have drafted a copy which has to be approved by the administrator and then sent to the government. Hopefully, we will move closer to these rules soon," he said.

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With the transfer stock option on the Co-WIN portal introduced just two months ago, several private hospitals in the city are able to give their vaccine vials to smaller hospitals in need.

Introduced on August 1, the transfer stock option requires the transferring hospital to upload information to the Co-WIN portal such as the CVC (Covid vaccination centre) ID, vaccine brand, batch number, dose per vial, total vials, total doses, number of vials transferred and total number of doses transferred.

Also Read | Co-WIN certificates to mention date of birth of fully vaccinated travelling abroad

This has vastly improved accountability for the vials and enabled hospitals to share the unused doses instead of waiting for the manufacturer to supply.

Suguna Hospitals head Dr Ravindra Ramaiah recently transferred 1,000 vaccine doses to a neighbourhood hospital. He had earlier bought 1,350 doses from a hospital that could not exhaust the vials due to low demand but had to ensure paper trail to establish documentary proof of the vials origin.

Now, with the batch number also being uploaded when the transfer happens, in case of an adverse reaction or non-maintenance of cold chain, or suspected counterfeit vaccines, the source of the vials is known. If there are fake vaccine vials in the market or not-of-standard-quality ones, well know where it came from, said Dr Ramaiah.

Also Read | India reports 23,529 new Covid-19 cases, 311 deaths

Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar recently received 25,000 vials from Chennai, which it dispersed to the groups home care division in Bengaluru, besides sending some stock to nursing homes in the vicinity.

If there is a delay in supply by (vaccine manufacturer) Serum Institute of India, this system ensures interoperability of vaccine vials, the hospitals medical superintendent Dr Govindaiah Yatheesh said.

After this feature was introduced, everything was officially on record, he added. Earlier, if we shared our vials with Rajshekar Hospital or Prashanth hospital, they used our CVC ID. Our hospital staff had to vaccinate the beneficiaries. Now, we just transfer the stock.

Also Read | Answers to your questions about Covid booster shots

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) president Dr H M Prasanna said his hospital gave 1,300 vaccine doses to the diagnostics chain Care and Cure and another 800 doses to Brookefield Hospital.

Small players must wait for 15 days for supplies from the manufacturer, he said. Across six zones of Bengaluru, hospitals are on WhatsApp groups where they request for vials and those who have stock document the transfer on Co-WIN.

An Aster Hospital group spokesperson noted that the transfer option has cut down vaccine vials wastage. By using the Co-WIN portal, the hospital can track visibility of stock supplies real-time, he said.

Vaccine availability is monitored and managed through the stock transfer option where hospitals with additional vials share it with other hospitals in the group.

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With the worlds oldest population, rapidly declining births, gargantuan public debt and increasingly damaging natural disasters fueled by climate change, Japan faces deep-rooted challenges that the long-standing governing party has failed to tackle.

Yet in choosing a new prime minister Wednesday, the Liberal Democratic Party elected the candidate least likely to offer bold solutions.

The partys elite power brokers chose Fumio Kishida, 64, a stalwart moderate, in a runoff election for the leadership, seeming to disregard the publics preference for a maverick challenger. In doing so, they anointed a politician with little to distinguish him from the unpopular departing leader, Yoshihide Suga, or his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, Japans longest-serving prime minister.

Elders in the party, which has had a near monopoly on power in the decades since World War II, made their choice confident that, with a weak political opposition and low voter turnout, they would face little chance of losing a general election later this year. So, largely insulated from voter pressure, they opted for a predictable former foreign minister who has learned to control any impulse to stray from the mainstream party platform.

In a sense, you are ignoring the voice of the rank and file in order to get somebody the party bosses are more comfortable with, said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University in Tokyo.

But choosing a leader who lacks popular support carries the risk of a backlash that leaves the party weaker after the election and makes Kishidas job harder as the country slowly emerges from six months of pandemic restrictions that have battered the economy.

Kishida will need to win the publics trust to show that he is not just a party insider, said Kristi Govella, deputy director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

If challenges start to arise, she said, we could see his approval ratings decrease very quickly because he is starting from a point of relatively modest support.

Kishida was one of four candidates who vied for the leadership post in an unusually close race that went to a runoff between him and Taro Kono, an outspoken nonconformist whose common touch has made him popular with the public and with rank-and-file party members. Kishida prevailed in the second round of voting, in which ballots cast by members of Parliament held greater weight.

He will become prime minister when Parliament holds a special session next week, and will then lead the party into the general election, which must be held by November.

In his victory speech Wednesday, Kishida acknowledged the challenges he faces. We have mountains of important issues that lie ahead in Japans future, he said.

They loom both at home and abroad. Kishida faces mounting tensions in the region, as China has grown increasingly aggressive and North Korea has started testing ballistic missiles again. Taiwan is seeking membership in a multilateral trade pact that Japan helped negotiate, and Kishida may have to help finesse a decision on how to accept the self-governed island into the group without angering China.

As a former foreign minister, Kishida may have an easier time managing his international portfolio. Most analysts expect that he will maintain a strong relationship with the United States and continue to build on alliances with Australia and India to create a bulwark against China.

But on the domestic front, he is mostly offering a continuation of Abes economic policies, which have failed to cure the countrys stagnation. Income inequality is rising as fewer workers benefit from Japans vaunted system of lifetime employment  a reality reflected in Kishidas campaign promise of a new capitalism that encourages companies to share more profits with middle-class workers.

Japans accumulated debt is growing, and the gap between rich and poor is growing, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo. I dont think even a genius can tackle this.

On the pandemic, Kishida may initially escape some of the pressures that felled Suga, as the vaccine rollout has gathered momentum and close to 60% of the public is now inoculated. But Kishida has offered few concrete policies to address other issues like aging, population decline or climate change.

In a magazine questionnaire, he said that he needed scientific verification that human activities were causing global warming, saying, I think thats the case to some extent.

Given the enduring power of the right flank of the Liberal Democratic Party, despite its minority standing in the party, Kishida closed what daylight he had with these power brokers during the campaign.

He had previously gained a reputation as being more dovish than the influential right wing led by Abe, but during the leadership race, he expressed a hawkish stance toward China. As a parliamentary representative from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons, but he has made clear his support for restarting Japans nuclear power plants, which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago.

And he toned down his support for overhauling a law requiring married couples to share a surname for legal purposes and declared that he would not endorse same-sex marriage, going against public sentiment but hewing to the views of the partys conservative elite.

I think Kishida knows how he won, and it was not by appealing to the general public, it was not by running as a liberal, but courting support to his right, said Tobias Harris, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington. So what thats going to mean for the composition of his Cabinet and his priorities, and what his partys platform ends up looking like, means he could end up being pulled in a few different directions.

In many respects, Wednesdays election represented a referendum on the lasting clout of Abe, who resigned last fall because of ill health. He had led the party for eight consecutive years, a remarkable stint given Japans history of revolving-door prime ministers. When he stepped down, the party chose Suga, who had served as Abes chief Cabinet secretary, to extend his bosss legacy.

But over the past year, the public grew increasingly disillusioned with Suga, who lacked charisma and failed to connect with average voters. Although Abe backed Sanae Takaichi  a hard-line conservative who was seeking to become Japans first female prime minister  to revitalize his base in the partys far-right, analysts and other lawmakers said he helped steer support to Kishida in the runoff.

As a result, Kishida may end up beholden to his predecessor.

Kishida cannot go against what Abe wants, said Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister who challenged Abe for the party leadership twice and withdrew from running in the leadership election this month to support Kono.

I am not sure I would use the word puppet, but maybe he is a puppet? Ishiba added. What is clear is, he depends on Abes influence.

During the campaign for the party leadership, Kishida appeared to acknowledge some dissatisfaction with the Abe era with his talk of a new capitalism. In doing so, he followed a familiar template within the Liberal Democratic Party, which has been adept at adopting policies first introduced by the opposition in order to keep voters assuaged.

Thats one of the reasons why they have maintained such longevity as a party, said Saori N. Katada, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California. Kishida is definitely taking that card and running with it.
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed his willingness to restore stalled communication lines with South Korea in early October to promote peace while shrugging off US offers for dialogue as "cunning ways to conceal its hostility against the North, state media reported Thursday.

Kim's statement is an apparent effort to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as he wants South Korea to help him win relief from crippling US-led economic sanctions and other concessions. Pyongyang this month has offered conditional talks with Seoul alongside its first missile firings in six months and stepped-up criticism of the United States.

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting on Thursday at the request of the United States, United Kingdom and France on North Korea's recent tests.

Read more: North Korea's Kim condemns US dialogue offer as 'petty trick'

During a speech at his country's rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday, Kim said the restoration of cross-border hotlines  which have been largely dormant for more than a year  would realize the Korean people's wishes for a peace between the two Koreas, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim still accused South Korea of being bent on begging external support and cooperation while clamoring for international cooperation in servitude to the US, rather than committing to resolving the matters independently between the Koreas.

Kim repeated his powerful sister Kim Yo Jong's calls for Seoul to abandon double-dealing attitude and hostile viewpoint over the North's missile tests and other developments, saying the fate of inter-Korean ties is at a critical juncture. Some experts say North Korea is pressuring South Korea to tone down its criticism of its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by UN Security Council resolutions, in a bid to receive an international recognition as a nuclear power.

South Korea's Unification Ministry responded that it'll prepare for the restoration of the hotlines that it said is needed to discuss and resolve many pending issues. It said the stable operation of the channels is expected because their restoration was directly instructed by Kim Jong Un.

On the United States, Kim Jong Un dismissed repeated US offers to resume talks without preconditions, calling them an attempt to hide America's hostile policy and military threats that he said remain unchanged.

The Biden administration is touting diplomatic engagement' and dialogue without preconditions' but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts and an extension of the hostile policy pursued by the successive US administrations, Kim said.

He added: The US remains utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing hostile policy toward (North Korea) but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so.

North Korea has long called US-led economic sanctions on it and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul as proof of US hostile policies on them. Kim Jong Un has said he would bolster his nuclear arsenal and not resume nuclear diplomacy with Washington unless such US hostility is withdrawn.

US officials have repeatedly expressed hopes to sit down for talks with North Korea anywhere and at any time, but have maintained they will continue sanctions until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearisation. The diplomacy has been stalled for 2  years due to disagreements over easing the US-led sanctions in return for limited denuclearization steps.

Prior to the launch Tuesday of what North Korea said was a new hypersonic missile, it also this month launched a newly developed cruise missile and a ballistic missile from a train. Both of those weapons could carry nuclear bombs to attack targets in South Korea and Japan, both key US allies where a total of 80,000 American troops are stationed.

Kim said in his parliament speech that a spur has been given to ... developing a powerful new weapon system capable of thoroughly containing the military moves of the hostile forces. He accused the United States and its vassal forces of creating a 'neo-Cold War and ordered officials to work out tactical measures on US relations.

Kim Jong Un maintains a moratorium on testing a longer-range missile capable of reaching the American homeland, an indication he wants to keep alive chances for future diplomacy with the US.

After nearly 10 years in power, Kim Jong Un has said North Korea is facing its worst-ever crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, the US-led sanctions and natural disasters. In his latest speech, he claimed progress toward the troubled economy but urged stronger efforts to tighten epidemic prevention measures and fulfill other objectives set during a January ruling Workers' Party congress.

Meanwhile, Kim's sister was elected as a member of the State Affairs Commission led by her brother during this week's Supreme People's Assembly session, KCNA reported. The appointment of Kim Yo Jong, who already is a senior Workers' Party official who handles Pyongyang's relations with Seoul, is another sign Kim is solidifying his family's rule in the face of the difficulties.

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Charity food banks in Britain are "preparing for the worst" as the government starts winding up emergency aid measures put in place to cushion the coronavirus pandemic's impact on millions of workers and low-income households.

An extra weekly payment of 20 pounds ($27) to support the country's poorest families will be cut next month, and more than a million workers face an uncertain future as Britain becomes the first big economy to halt its Covid-19 jobs support scheme.

Food banks, which hand out staple goods from dried pasta to baby food, are especially concerned about the loss of the top-up to the Universal Credit (UC) benefit, which is claimed by almost 6 million people, according to official statistics.

"You're going to have parents who are going without food so their kids can eat," said Garry Lemon, policy and research director at the Trussell Trust, which supports more than 1,200 food bank centres across Britain.

"I've been speaking to lots of food banks in recent weeks and they are absolutely preparing for the worst ... They are doing everything they can to ensure they have got enough food to be able to cope with the increase in need."

The British move comes as other countries start wrapping up state aid programmes announced last year as Covid-19 battered the global economy.

In the United States, pandemic unemployment benefits that supported millions of jobless, gig workers and business owners came to an end in early September, a month after a moratorium on residential evictions expired.

Australia and Canada have also announced plans to end income subsidies in the near future.

A British government spokesperson said the income benefit increase was always intended to be temporary and had been effective in softening the pandemic's impact on family finances, adding that the focus now was on helping people back to work.

'Downward spiral'

But anti-poverty groups said the loss of the benefit bonus would deal a heavy blow to low-income Britons.

It also comes as rising gas prices usher in higher domestic energy bills, with the average household expected to pay 139 pounds more each year.

"The last time I used it (a food bank) the kids hadn't had dinner for six days," said Emma, who has three young children and asked to be identified only by her first name.

Emma said the family was behind on paying bills due to financial stresses from the pandemic and the benefits cut would hit them hard.

"Once you're in that financial downward spiral, it's so hard to get back out of it because you're constantly running behind," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

"The one bill you can amend from week to week is your food bill," said Emma, who is sharing her experiences with the Covid Realities research project that tracks the impact of the pandemic on low-income parents and carers.

Emma said she went to a food bank every few months - aiming to minimise visits so as not to deprive anyone in an even worse position.

"It's going to be more regular (now)  it makes me so upset because it's something that we never thought we'd have to do. We're not a well-off family but we've never been this bad before. I can't see a way out of it," she said.

'Near full capacity'

Nationwide, more than 800,000 people will be pushed into poverty by the benefit cut, according to British think-tank the Legatum Institute.

A fifth of the benefit's claimants said they would "very likely" need to skip meals once the uplift is withdrawn, found a survey of more than 2,000 people carried out for the Trussell Trust.

A similar number said they would struggle to afford to heat their homes.

"Independent food banks are bracing themselves for a surge in demand as well as the challenges of food supply shortages and a reduction in donations," said Sabine Goodwin, the coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network.

At Moray Food Plus, a food bank in Scotland, Mairi McCallum said they were already running "at almost full capacity".

"We're concerned about the negative impact the UC cut will have and the strain this will put on our organisation," McCallum said. "There's only so much more we are able to do."

At one East London food bank, where a stream of visitors arrived to pick up bags of store cupboard essentials, organisers have already had to limit the total lifetime number of visits to 12 per household.

"We're always getting new clients," said Jemima Hindmarch, a spokesperson for The Bow Foodbank, adding that they "constantly" worry about having enough supplies.

The impact of the benefit cut and rising heating costs over the winter months is likely to be "catastrophic" for people already struggling to cope, she said.

"It's pushing people just a little bit lower below that poverty line."

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The trilateral AUKUS security alliance complements partnerships like Quad and there was a "very warm embrace" of the deal by India and Japan as both the countries totally understood and supported what it is seeking to achieve, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.

He said Quad comprising India, Australia, the US and Japan, is not an alliance and it is a practical partnership of like-minded democracies and economies coming together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and deal with some of the world's biggest challenges.

When asked about ways to balancing the relationship between India and China in the backdrop of Beijing's recent comments that the Quad is meant to counter its influence in the Indo-Pacific, Morrison said he does not see the region in such "binary terms"

Also Read | AUKUS submarine deal 'very tricky' for nuclear inspectors: IAEA chief

"I don't think India and Australia consider it as something that needs to be balanced in relation to China. That's not the objective. Our objective working together is to ensure that we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, and everybody who wants to participate in that, including China, is a welcome partner in that cause," he said.

The Australian prime minister was speaking at an online media briefing that came six days after the first in-person summit of the Quad in Washington that was hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Morrison and outgoing Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

"We don't really want to see the region in such binary terms. That's not how the Quad is approaching the challenges that we see in the region," he said, according to the transcript of the briefing released by his office.

"Of course, we want to deter any type of behaviour that threatens peace and security in the region, that threatens the development and prosperity of countries in the region, or in any way seeks to limit their sovereignty or what their access to the freedoms that exist under international law," he said.

On AUKUS (Australia, the UK and the US) pact that will facilitate Australia getting technology to build nuclear-powered submarines, Morrison said it will complement partnerships like the Quad rather than taking away anything from them.

Also Read | The relevance of a diminished Quad

"There was a very warm embrace of the AUKUS announcement by our Quad partners. Narendra (Modi) and Yoshi (Japanese PM) totally understood and supported what we were seeking to achieve there. And they totally were positive about how it complemented the Quad," Morrison said.

The alliance, increasingly seen as an effort to counter China's influence in the South China Sea, was announced by US President Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Morrison two weeks back.

France reacted angrily to the formation of the new alliance as it resulted in Paris effectively losing a multi-billion dollar deal to build 12 conventional submarines for Australia. France is also upset over its exclusion from the alliance.

He said Australia has direct bilateral partnerships with the US and the UK and they are its formal allies.

"So what was great in the Quad when I spoke to both prime ministers before the announcement, the day before, they were pretty much there at hello. They totally understood it, understand its strategic significance, the direction, how it was going to help and add to what we're all doing," Morrison said.

"And I thought that was very positive. I think that just showed the instinctive nature of that Quad partnership. We sort of all know where we're each going and how we're operating. And so we're quite synchronised," he said.

The Australian PM said that one of the goals that India and Australia and Japan have is to continue to encourage the US and Europe for greater economic engagement within the Indo-Pacific.

He said the Quad is also going deeper into critical and emerging technologies, particularly in rare earth, and the supply chain for rare earth and critical minerals.

"The manufacturing capabilities that exist within India, combined with the resource strengths of Australia in this field, provide a natural partnership," he said.

"And when you link that with the advanced economies in the US and Japan, it is a natural, a very natural partnership that is seeking to create more secure, more reliable, and more competitive supply chains in the rare earths space, through to end-user products," he added.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned a US offer of dialogue as a "petty trick", state media reported Thursday, and accused the Joe Biden administration of continuing a hostile policy against his nuclear-armed country.

Talks between Pyongyang and Washington have been effectively at a standstill since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and then-president Donald Trump over sanctions relief and what North Korea would be willing to give up in return.

Under Biden, the United States has repeatedly offered to meet North Korean representatives anywhere, at any time, without preconditions, while saying it will pursue denuclearisation.

Read | N Korea's Kim wants to restore hotlines with South Korea soon

But Kim condemned the declarations as "no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts", the official KCNA news agency reported.

The new administration was pursuing "military threats" and a "hostile policy" unchanged from the past, "but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so", he said in a lengthy address to the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), North Korea's rubber-stamp parliament.

Pyongyang has been largely biding its time in recent months as it assessed the Biden government and focussed on domestic issues.

It has been behind a rigid self-imposed blockade since early last year to protect itself from the coronavirus pandemic, with the economy suffering as a result and trade with key partner China dwindling to a trickle.

But Kim's speech was the latest in a series of actions with international ramifications this month.

This week, North Korea tested what it said was a hypersonic gliding missile, and earlier this month announced it had successfully fired a long-range cruise missile, after holding a scaled-down military parade.

Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes are banned under UN Security Council resolutions, and it is subject to multiple international sanctions as a result.

Also Read | North Korea fires unidentified projectile; criticises US 'hostile' policy

The United States condemned this week's launch, but says it has no hostile intent towards Pyongyang and as recently as Wednesday, its North Korea envoy Sung Kim reiterated the offer of dialogue.

"We are strongly committed to finding a diplomatic path to complete the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," he told reporters. "That hasn't changed at all.

"We had made a number of approaches to the DPRK and proposed dialogues on wide ranges of topics, but we haven't heard back and we hope to hear back soon."

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Thursday on North Korea, at the request of the United States, France and the United Kingdom, diplomatic sources told AFP Wednesday.

North Korea has not shown any willingness to give up its arsenal, which it says it needs to defend itself against a US invasion.

Kim's speech indicated Pyongyang would keep improving its capabilities unless Washington changed course, said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

"It has come to a judgement that it has no choice but to get ready for a long-haul approach with the US, meaning it will continue developing strategic weapons while keeping a stable peace mode with the South."

Washington and Seoul are security allies, and the United States stations around 28,500 troops in the South to protect it from its neighbour. Last month, the two held joint military drills that always infuriate Pyongyang.

The North has repeatedly excoriated the South and its President Moon Jae-in since the collapse of the Hanoi summit, and blown up a liaison office on its side of the border that Seoul had built.

At the UN General Assembly this month, Moon reiterated his call for a formal declaration of the end of the Korean War, where hostilities ceased in 1953 with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.

But Kim said the South was "in servitude to the US", and that an end-of-war declaration could only come with "mutual respect" and an end to the "unfair and double-dealing attitude and hostile viewpoint".

Nonetheless, he expressed a willingness to restore North-South communication lines in early October.

Seoul is also spending billions on military development as both Koreas build up their weapons capabilities in what could become an arms race on the peninsula, with ramifications for neighbouring Japan, China and the wider region.

This month, South Korea successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) for the first time, making it one of a handful of nations with the advanced technology.

This week, it held a ceremony to launch its third submarine capable of carrying SLBMs.

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A decision on Bharat Biotechs submission seeking emergency use listing (EUL) for its Covaxin Covid-19 vaccine will be made in October, the World Health Organization has said.

The status of assessment for Covaxin is ongoing. Bharat Biotech had submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) on April 19 for its vaccine.

The latest Status of Covid-19 vaccines within WHO EUL/PQ evaluation process guidance document dated September 29 on the WHO website said that the decision date for Bharat Biotechs Covaxin is October 2021.

Read more: Floundering private sales of vaccine in India deal blow to Russia's Sputnik V

The WHO said it began rolling data of the vaccine on July 6. Rolling data allows the WHO to start its review right away, as information continues to come in, to accelerate the overall review process.

According to the WHO, submissions to WHO for prequalification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential.

If a product submitted for assessment is found to meet the criteria for listing, the WHO will publish the results widely.

Duration of the emergency use listing process depends on the quality of the data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer and on those data meeting WHO criteria, according to the agency.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and AstraZeneca and Oxford University's Covishield are the two widely used vaccines in India.

Bharat Biotech recently said it submitted all data pertaining to Covaxin to the WHO for EUL and is awaiting feedback from the global health watchdog. "#COVAXIN clinical trial data was fully compiled & available in June 2021.

All Data submitted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Application to World Health Organization in early July. We have responded to any clarifications sought by #WHO and are awaiting further feedback," Bharat Biotech had tweeted earlier this month.

We are diligently working with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest, the company had said on Tuesday.
Voting for bye-elections to Bhabanipur seat, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting, and two other constituencies began early on Thursday amid tight security and measures to tackle rain.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is the Trinamool Congress candidate in the Bhabanipur by-election in south Kolkata, while the BJP has fielded Priyanka Tibrewal, and CPI(M)'s Srijib Biswas is in the fray.

The bye-elections will be held in south Kolkata's Bhabanipur, besides Jangipur and Samserganj seats in Murshidabad district.

Also Read | Heavy security cover for Bhabanipur bypoll, arrangements in place to tackle rain

A total of 72 companies of central forces have been deployed in the three constituencies, of which 35 were sent to Bhabanipur alone. Three personnel will man each of the 287 booths at the 97 polling centres in Bhabanipur, an election official said.

The Election Commission has asked the Irrigation Department to be on alert owing to inclement weather conditions and all polling stations were directed to keep pumps ready to drain out floodwaters.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed within 200 metres of the polling centres.

Kolkata Police, which will be in charge of security outside the booths in Bhabanipur, has already set up pickets across 38 locations in the constituency, a police officer said.

There will be heavy deployment of forces, including quick response teams, in Bhabanipur. Security has also been heightened in Jangipur and Samserganj seats.

Votes polled on Thursday will be counted on October 3. Banerjee will fight BJP's Priyanka Tibrewal, and CPI(M)'s Srijib Biswas in Bhabanipur.

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A 28-year old female Air Force officer at the Air Force Administrative College here who was sexually assaulted, has levelled serious charges against the IAF authorities, including subjecting her to a banned finger test and also forcing her to withdraw the complaint against the accused Flight Lieutenant.

The charges found place in the FIR registered by the police based on the complaint by the woman officer at the All Woman Police Station, after the IAF authorities including College Commandant failed to take action till September 20 on the incident which happened on September 10.

The woman also alleged she was subjected to 'two-finger test' at the Air Force Hospital to ascertain rape, which was banned by the Supreme Court a few years ago. Police had arrested the accused Amitesh Harmukh on September 25 and he is in judicial custody.

Both the rape victim and the accused, hailing from Chhattisgarh, were part of a training course and had attended a party in the officers' mess on the night of September 9. The woman officer in her complaint said the incident occurred in the wee hours of the next day when she was sleeping after taking medicine for her leg injury and was assaulted by the drunk officer, who had narrated the incident to two of her batchmates who recorded the conversation between the trio.

She approached a wing commander on the incident and came to the room along with a woman wing commander, who 'advised' her to think about the future including the name and respect of the family, based on which she communicated to one of her friends that she was not going to lodge any complaint.

However, as both the wing commanders again approached her and told her to either file the complaint or give in writing that the episode was consensual, she subsequently mustered courage and decided to file the complaint, amid the finger test in the evening in the hospital.

The victim further said she had handed over the mattress which had strains of semen to two women doctors, the FIR said. After cajoling by two senior officers, who informed that the test was negative, the commandant asked her to withdraw the case in writing saying if pursued, it will be flashed in the media and bring disrepute to the Air Force and herself, police said.

However, she went to the city police commissioner's office on September 20 and from there the all-woman police station registered the case. When contacted, a senior IAF officer, on condition of anonymity, refused to comment on the issue as the matter was in court and sensitive.

Meanwhile, the IAF had filed a petition in the court that local police has no right to arrest the officer and only the defence court is the jurisdiction where a court martial can be conducted and therefore hand over him the accused to the IAF.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the second phases of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation on Friday, his office said.

In line with the vision of the prime minister, SBM-U 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have been designed to realise the aspiration to make all cities garbage free and water secure, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Thursday.

Modi will launch the two initiatives at 11 am at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre here, it said.

Read more: Is Bengaluru clean? Survey gets a flood of public response

These flagship missions signify a step forward in the march towards effectively addressing the challenges of rapidly urbanising India and will also help contribute towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the statement said.

Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore as well as ministers of urban development of states and union territories will also be present on the occasion.

SBM-U 2.0 envisions to make all cities 'garbage free' and ensure grey and black water management in all cities other than those covered under AMRUT, make all urban local bodies open defecation free plus and those with a population of less than one lakh as open defecation free plus, thereby achieving the vision of safe sanitation in urban areas.

The mission will focus on source segregation of solid waste, utilising the principles of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of all types of municipal solid waste and remediation of legacy dumpsites for effective solid waste management, the statement said.

Read more: Man contributes towards Swachh Bharat in his own way

The outlay of SBM-U 2.0 is around Rs 1.41 lakh crore, it said. AMRUT 2.0 aims at providing 100 per cent coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections and 100 per cent coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities by providing around 2.64 crore sewer or septage connections, which will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas, the PMO said.

AMRUT 2.0 will adopt the principles of circular economy and promote conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies, it said. The mission will promote data-led governance in water management and technology sub-mission to leverage the latest global technologies and skills, it said. 'Pey Jal Survekshan' will be conducted to promote progressive competition among cities.

The outlay of AMRUT 2.0 is around Rs 2.87 lakh crore, the statement said. SBM-U and AMRUT have contributed significantly to improve urban landscape during the last seven years, PMO said.

The two flagship missions have augmented the capacity to deliver basic services of water supply and sanitation to the citizens, the statement said. 'Swachhta' has become a jan andolan today, all urban local bodies have been declared open defecation free and 70 per cent solid waste is being scientifically processed now, the statement said.

AMRUT has been ensuring water security by adding 1.1 crore household water tap connections and 85 lakh sewer connections, thus benefiting more than 4 crore people.

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Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Thursday expressed disgust over party workers' protest outside Kapil Sibal's house after he raised questions over the functioning of the Congress and asked AICC chief Sonia Gandhi to take strong action against those involved.

Asserting that differences of opinion and perception are integral to a democracy, Sharma, who along with Sibal is part of the 'Group of 23' which last year had written to Gandhi seeking organisational overhaul of the party, said intolerance and violence is alien to the Congress values and culture.

Read more: Ghulam Nabi Azad demands CWC meeting; Kapil Sibal slams Congress leadership

"Shocked and disgusted to hear the news of attack and hooliganism at Kapil Sibal's house. This deplorable action brings disrepute to the party and needs to be strongly condemned," Sharma said in a series of tweets.

Shocked and disgusted to hear the news of attack and hooliganism at Kapil Sibal's house. This deplorable action brings disrepute to the party and needs to be strongly condemned.  Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) September 30, 2021

He asserted that the Congress has a history of upholding freedom of expression.

Those responsible must be identified and disciplined, Sharma said.

"Urging Congress president Smt Sonia Gandhi to take cognisance and strong action," he said in a tweet.

Those responsible must be identified and disciplined.

Urging Congress president Smt Sonia Gandhi to take cognisance and strong action .  Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) September 30, 2021

Hours after he raised questions over the functioning of the Congress, Sibal on Wednesday came under attack from several quarters with party workers also protesting outside his house here.

In the wake of several Congress leaders quitting the party and its Punjab unit in turmoil, Sibal has demanded that an immediate meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) be convened and wondered who in the party was taking decisions in the absence of a full-time president.

Carrying 'Get Well Soon Kapil Sibal' placards and raising slogans against Sibal, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) workers protested outside his Jor Bagh residence, saying they were "hurt" by his remarks.

"The workers went there on their own accord as they felt hurt by Sibal's remarks. They just expressed their disappointment over the remarks," a senior DPCC functionary said on condition of anonymity.

Read | We are G-23, not Ji-huzoor 23: Sibal slams Cong bosses

The protesters raised slogans against Sibal asking him to "leave the party".

Several leaders hit out at Sibal for what they said was questioning the leadership from which he had earlier "benefitted".

Youth Congress chief Srinivas B V said on Twitter, "Listen 'Ji-Huzoor' :- The 'President' and 'Leadership' of the party are the same, who always ensured your entry in Parliament, made you a 'minister' during the good times of the party, when in opposition, ensured your entry into Rajya Sabha, always rewarded with responsibilities in good and bad times. And when the 'time' came for struggle, then..."

Congress general secretary Ajay Maken and Chhattisgarh minister T S Singhdeo hit out at Sibal for his remarks.

Manickam Tagore, a permanent invitee to the CWC, took a swipe at Sibal over his remarks, saying on Twitter, "Symbol of sacrifice Smt Sonia Gandhi ji is the congress president. It's unfortunate learned people also speak the language of sanghis and help them indirectly. Why?"

Delhi Congress leader Alka Lamba also slammed Sibal, alleging that she kept requesting him in the 2020 assembly elections to come to Chandni Chowk and campaign but he did not come.

"The workers whom Sibal called for a meeting at his home ahead of the polls, they joined Aam Aadmi Party the next day.... Will the Congress run on these people's strength?" Lamba said on Twitter.

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Nearly five months after two women had escaped from a critical care centre here, the Delhi Police's anti-human trafficking unit of the Crime Branch rescued them from a red-light area in Pune, police said on Wednesday.

The two women, along with eight others, had managed to escape after breaking open the window of the bathroom of a critical care centre in Dwarka in May, they said.

These two are among the 13 women in their 20s who were rescued from GB road in Kamla Market in March and were later lodged at a critical care centre in Dwarka, as per orders of the Child Welfare Committee, the police said.

With the help of a mobile number, the police managed to ascertain the whereabouts of these two women and later managed to trace one of them, a resident of Nepal, from Pune on the night of September 26 and on the same day, another woman (25) was also rescued from there, said a senior police officer.

Both the women were brought to Delhi and medically examined. Their statements have been recorded and the two women are now lodged in Nirmal Chhaya, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Monika Bhardwaj.

A letter has also been written to the Department of Women and Children to look into proper rehabilitation of the two women, she said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said mutual trust despite different ideologies is the strength of democracy.

Responding to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's requests regarding a few projects for the development of the state during a virtual programme, Modi thanked the veteran Congress leader for having faith in him.

"I was listening to the chief minister of Rajasthan. He has given a long list of projects. I thank the chief minister of Rajasthan that he has so much faith in me. His ideology, (political) party are different and my ideology, party are different but this friendship, trust and faith is a big strength of democracy," he said.

Addressing the programme for the foundation laying of medical colleges in Banswara, Sirohi, Hanumangarh and Dausa districts and the inauguration of the Institute of Petrochemicals Technology in Jaipur, Gehlot requested the prime minister to approve a medical device park in Jodhpur and a bulk drug park in Kota.

He also sought the Union government's support to revive drug-manufacturing company RDPL, which was a joint venture of the Centre and the state.

Talking about the challenges in service delivery, Gehlot said due to distances, the service delivery cost, be it in the health or in the education sector, from district to district and village to village is high in Rajasthan as compared to other states.

He also said 30 of the 33 districts in the state will have medical colleges by 2023. Fifteen medical colleges are already there and 15 more will be ready by 2023, the chief minister said.

Gehlot urged the prime minister to take a decision regarding medical colleges in the remaining three districts of Rajsamand, Pratapgarh and Jalore.

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Former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday met Home Minister Amit Shah 11 days after he resigned as CM saying he was humiliated and later snubbed Gandhi siblings as inexperienced.

After having an hour-long meeting with the Home Minister, Singh drove to an undisclosed location in a different car from the one in which he had come to Shahs residence.

Met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Discussed the prolonged farmers agitation against farms laws and urged him to resolve the crisis urgently with repeal of the laws & guarantee MSP, besides supporting Punjab in crop diversification, the former CMs media advisor tweeted quoting Singh along with pictures of his meeting with Shah.

Read | A high command laid low by a maverick

Singh is also likely to meet some of the senior leaders from the G-23 from Congress in the national capital. Former Union Minister and a prominent leader of the group Kapil Sibal on Wednesday stressed that the Congress should have a full fledged president and expressed anguish that the current developments in Punjab could be advantageous to ISI and Pakistan.

Singhs media advisor tweeted the video clip of Sibals press conference saying thats exactly the point Captain Amarinder has been making".

Singh had come to Delhi on Tuesday, a day which saw the dramatic resignation of Punjab Congress Navjot Sidhu, prompting the former CM to needle the party leadership saying he had already said that Sidhu was not stable, not fit for Congress.

Singh, who earlier used to say that he will abide by all the decisions of Sonia Gandhi, did not meet any of the Gandhis in the last two days.

The former Chief Ministers meeting with Shah happened on Wednesday after speculations emerged that Sidhus resignation row could be heading for a resolution with the Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi reaching out to him while Sidhu does not have many options after having quit the BJP in the past, slamming the Akalis till now and AAP having launched an attack on him.

The former CM had on Tuesday alleged that Sidhus resignation as Punjab Congress chief within two months of appointment suggests he is preparing ground to leave Congress and join another party ahead of Punjab Assembly polls

Adding fire to the fuel, On Wednesday morning, Amarinder's advisor had tweeted a news headline - Punjab: Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns and Congress finds itself in a royal mess.

Read | Congress hits out at Home Minister Amit Shah after his meeting with Amarinder Singh

On Tuesday, Singhs media advisor had also said that too much was being read into Captains visit to Delhi and that he was on a personal visit, during which he would meet some friends and also vacate Kapurthala house for the new CM. Amarinder, himself had said that he had to go for some work and that the media was unnecessarily indulging in speculation.

However, the very nature of the meeting after speculations about Amarinder cosying up to BJP leaves enough room for future alignments even as this cannot be ruled out completely that Captain is leveraging this meeting to send a message to the Congress leadership.

This was Captains first visit to the national capital after his resignation on September 18.

Singh on the day of putting down his papers asserted that politics is not a static game but a moving game and that "there are options in. When the options come, I will see. One task has been completed. There could be other tasks. In politics options are never closed. I am 80-year-old and can work for 10 more years. I am not the one to leave this way.

Days later, he made his first direct attack on Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi saying, Fact is the Gandhi siblings are inexperienced and their advisors are clearly misguiding them. I was prepared to leave politics after victory but never after a loss.

Making it clear that he is not ready to hang his boots yet and still sees an active political role for him, Singh had dismissed the age-theory saying you can be old at 40 and young at 80.

The option being speculated is Captain forming his own party that could work out its role after elections depending upon its performance, rather than straightway joining the BJP and giving it a face. BJP is not a strong force in Punjab and is limited to a few seats and hence, finds itself hunting for candidates in large number of seats where its erstwhile decades-long ally Akali fought from. Akali Dal walked out from NDA last year opposing the three contentious farm laws and had later announced an alliance with Mayawatis BSP this year.

Farmer protest is also an issue on which the former Punjab Chief Minister and the BJP are on different pages. It remains to be seen if Captain chooses to hitch his wagon to the BJP and what formulae the central government works out.

Meanwhile, former Union Minister Manish Tewari, who is close to Captain, said that there must be a very valid and cogent reason if the former chief minister is meeting the Home Minister and highlighted the security challenges in a border state like Punjab.

Without taking any names, he, however, said the Punjab issue was completely mishandled and cited how there was no such problem related to Punjab affairs when party leader Asha Kumari was the AICC in-charge for the state. This was an indirect attack on the incumbent AICC-in-charge for Punjab Harish Rawat.

Former Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha, who was sacked last year, tweeted, A short story on Punjab: Congress under Captain Amarinder Singh looks solid, in pole position. Sidhu revolts. Delhi encourages him. Sidhu becomes State chief. Delhi humiliates Captain. Captain resigns. Channi becomes CM. Sidhu resigns. Someone in Delhi needs to be sacked.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a very successful visit to the US during which he held his maiden bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden and had a good candid and substantial exchange with like-minded Quad leaders at their first in-person summit, India's envoy here has said.

Remarks by Indias Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, came at a dinner event hosted by Indiaspora on Wednesday.

We just had a very successful visit here, Sandhu said.

The dinner was attended by the whos who of the Indian-American community.

Eminent members of the Indian-American community had gathered for the first time in the national capital after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.

During the visit, there was an important bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, the first one since the Biden-Harris administration was inaugurated in January this year.

Read | PM Modi's incongruous speech at the UN

The two leaders had earlier met in 2014 and 2016 when Biden was the vice president of the country.

So, it was not the first time they were meeting, but the bilateral meeting was very good, Sandhu said in his first public appearance after last weeks visit of prime minister Modi.

The interaction with Vice President Kamala Harris went very well, he said.

The Quad summit hosted by Biden at the White House and attended by Modi along with their counterparts from Japan and Australia really went off very well, he said.

There was a good candid and substantial exchange between all the four leaders," he said, adding that there are practical areas in which the corporation is moving quite ahead.

Also Read | Playing cards: Dalit, OBC, Hindutva, good governance

In fact, in vaccines, all the four countries are bringing their respective strengths together and we are on our way to producing one billion vaccines in 2022 which will be distributed over the Indo-Pacific particularly in Southeast Asia, Sandhu said.

During his stay in Washington DC, Prime Minister Modi had two other bilaterals with Prime Minister Scott Morrison from Australia and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan.

During his trips, the US handed over 150 historic antiquities to India, which the prime minister took with him on his return to India.

From Washington DC, the Prime Minister went to New York where he addressed the UN General Assembly.

Quickly running through some of the important areas during the trip in addition to the strategic ones, Sandhu said the prime minister had a good exchange on regional issues as well as other international challenges.

Quad is a group of like-minded countries which are coming together because today's challenges are much international in nature. For example, Covid, he said.

The US, India, Australia and Japan had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

In affordable health care, he said, India is an important partner.

There is tremendous scope for us, bilaterally to help each other and also to third countries, he said.

As India resumes its export of vaccines, he noted there would be close cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries

Digital, IT, startups and innovation holds a lot of promise in the bilateral relationship with the US. Climate change, environment and knowledge and education are other major areas of cooperation between the two countries.

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Amid the ongoing crisis within the Punjab Congress, former PCC Navjot Singh Sidhu will meet CM Charanjit Singh Channi in a move that is being seen as a means to placate the leader. Meanwhile, the Congress slammed Amit Shah following a meeting between him and former CM Amarinder Singh.
A couple running a tea stall in Kerala, known for their world tour passion, is all set to pack their bags for their 26th international tour.

Vijayan and his wife Mohana will be visiting Russia this time and he even has a wish to click a photo with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They will be on a six-day tour from October 28.

The couple who are in their early seventies has been carrying out international tours from 2007 onwards, beginning with UAE. From the earnings from the tea shop they used to save a portion daily for fulfilling their travel desire. So far they have visited 25 countries, the last one being Australia and New Zealand in 2019 November.

Vijayan says that Covid indeed delayed their next travel plan. They had even made arrangements for the Russian tour earlier this year as the Covid scenario was settling. However, with the onset of the second wave of Covid they had to postpone it. Unlike the previous trips, this time their family members including their two daughters would be also accompanying them.

"I have a wish to see Putin and if possible to have a photo clicked with him. I am trying to get in touch with some Malayalis in high positions in Russia to see if it would be possible," Vijayan told DH.

The travel passion of this couple had already received much attention and some prominent travel groups had even made them brand ambassadors. Hence the couple is getting sponsorships for traveling now.

On Wednesday, Kerala Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas called on the couple at their tea shop to greet them.

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There cannot be factions in a church and having such divisions would only hurt the Almighty, the Kerala High Court said on Thursday. It also warned that anyone who acts contrary to the 1934 Constitution in churches belonging to the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church will "face the wrath of law".

The court was hearing one of several pleas before it seeking police protection to perform religious services in churches belonging to the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church in view of difference of opinion between the Orthodox and Jacobite faction with regard to the constitution to be followed.

While the Orthodox faction is following the 1934 Constitution of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Jacobites claim the church ought to be governed by a 2002 constitution adopted by them and they also formed a new sabha  'Yacobaya Suriyani Christiani Sabha'.

The issue was settled by the Supreme Court in 2017 by holding that the 1934 constitution would be followed in the churches belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Also Read | After 'Narcotic Jihad' row, Catholic Church in Kerala decides to be 'guarded' in its future sermons

Justice Devan Ramachandran said he will not permit any church under the Malankara sabha to act contrary to the 1934 Constitution and anybody who stands against it would "face the wrath of the law". Justice Ramachandran said he does not wish to send the police to enter the churches and maintain law and order, but if he is forced to do so, he will.

Right at the commencement of hearing of the matters, the judge said, "There are no factions. There is only one church. Unless you stop calling them factions, the disputes won't stop. "This is a dispute going on for more than a century. Who is it helping? It will not help the ordinary devotee. This factionalism cannot go on."

The court further said that factionalism will have to stop "if this community wants peace". The "wise men" at the top of these two "so called factions" have to understand that "the litigative travel is over" and they have already travelled far and wide. "It is time to stop," it said and added that "the Berlin wall in your minds has to come down. If Germany can be unified, then why not this church".

The court said no vicar or any member of the clergy or a committee member of the church who has been appointed under the 1934 Constitution can be obstructed from entering the church to perform their respective functions. Even the parishioners who are part of the Malankara sabha cannot be prevented from entering the church, it added.

"I am appealing to every one of you to act civilly and according to the rule of law. There is no point in two sets of people fighting each other and bleeding to death for no reason." "I really fail to understand who will benefit out of all this? Definitely not the Almighty. The Almighty would be pained to see all this."

The court observed that the government cannot be put to fault as it has its limitations, but the people have to understand that they cannot go on like this, as they were not going anywhere. "It is going towards a dead end, a cul-de-sac, your parishioners need to understand that. They need to understand we are not dealing with aliens. We are dealing with our own people. You all have the same genetic composition. You all have blood running through your veins," the judge said.

"Look at the predicament of the state. If it comes in with force, there will be bloodshed. For what purpose? Everyone, the government, is taking a soft position. But I will not. I do not mince words," Justice Ramachandran said during the hour-long hearing.

He said if things, especially the mindset, does not change going forward, then the future generations would also be fighting each other and it will be dangerous.

The court then listed the matter for hearing on October 5, by when the parties have to indicate their respective stands. "Let us see if there is a change in mindset by then," the court said.

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In a significant statement, Maharashtra deputy chief minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar urged the Centre not to discriminate between states while providing assistance in case of natural calamities.

The statement assumes political importance in wake of the fact that Pawar, the states finance and planning minister, being made the convenor of a ministerial panel on GST system reforms by the Centre.

Pawars statement on Thursday came in the backdrop of the devasting floods in Marathwada and Vidarbha which were triggered by Cyclone Gulab.

Maharashtra relief and rehabilitation minister and senior Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar on Wednesday had stated that the Centre had sanctioned only Rs 1,100 crore of the Rs 7,700 crore aid demanded by the state government to deal with damages caused by various natural calamities this year.

Also Read | 436 lives lost so far in Maharashtra this monsoon

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole had also accused the Centre of indulging in favouritism and not providing necessary help to the state, which faced a series of natural calamities.

Between May and September this year, the coastal state faced two cyclones  Tauktae and Gulab  besides mega-floods in which over 500 people have lost their lives so far.

In 2020, it bore the brunt of Cyclone Nisarga.

The Central government should not discriminate between (different) states when it comes to providing financial assistance needed to help people hit by natural calamities. My (cabinet) colleague Vijay Wadettiwar had stated a day ago that damages that Maharashtra suffered are to the tune of Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 crorea large area is affected, said Pawar.

All states are in Indiaall states are working.we must not discriminate among the states, he said.

Pawar also said that the survey of flood-affected areas is being done and drones could also be deployed for the same.

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Keeping a child in the custody of the mother appears more natural and conducive to his welfare and development, the Bombay High Court said on Thursday, while refusing to direct a television actor to hand over the custody of her five-year-old son to her estranged husband.

A division bench of Justices S S Shinde and N J Jamadar was hearing a habeas corpus (produce the person) petition filed by the husband seeking a direction to the actor to hand over the custody of their son to him.

The court, while refusing to hand over the custody of the child, said there was no material, which prima facie indicates that the custody of the child with the mother was detrimental to his welfare and development.

At such a tender age, a child needs the company of the mother, and hence, keeping him in her custody appears more natural and conducive for the development of the child, the court noted.

Also Read | Customary divorce a 'social evil' that can never be approved by law: Gujarat HC

Ordinarily, the amount of love, affection, care and protection, which a mother can provide to a child of such tender age, cannot be expected to be provided by the father or any other person. This does not necessarily reflect upon the unsuitability of the father and other relations, the court said.

The bench, however, noted that the child needs the love and affection of both parents, and hence, access should be given to the father. The court also directed the actor to allow daily access to the father, through video-conference for half an hour and physical access twice a week.

We hope and trust that the petitioner (father) and respondent No 2 (the actor), who claim to be adept at playing characters, in reel life, act in the best interest of the child, in real life, the court said in its order.

The actor's husband in his plea had claimed that she had illegally kept his son away from him. The petitioners advocate Swapana Kode sought custody of the child to be handed over to the father claiming that he had quit acting to take care of the boy and that his estranged wife was unable to pay attention to the child's needs and well-being, as she was constantly busy with her professional commitments.

Also Read | Ensuring husband loses his job amounts to mental cruelty, is ground for divorce: SC

The actor's advocate Hrishikesh Mundargi opposed the plea and argued that the child was happy with his mother and that it would be detrimental to his growth and well-being if his custody was handed over to the petitioner.

The bench, in its order, noted that due to marital discord, the couple had developed a strong animosity towards each other and in such cases, where the parents are at loggerheads, the parameters for determination of proper custody of a child is well recognised.

The bench refused to accept the petitioner's argument that his wife, being an extremely busy actor, was not in a position to devote time and effort towards the upbringing of their son. In our view, the issue of welfare of the minor cannot be determined on the sole parameter of the work commitment of one parent and the availability of ample time with another. The fact that respondent No 2 is a busy actor, cannot be construed to unfavourably judge her suitability to have the custody of the child, the court said.

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It has been more than 10 months since a group of farmers organisations started their protest on the borders of the national capital against the three farm laws passed by Parliament in September last.

Over the past few months, however, the farmers refrain has gradually shifted from demanding a rollback of the farm laws and making minimum support price for farm produce the law to defeating the BJP and its allies in the upcoming elections. Perhaps they have come to the conclusion that their demands wont be fulfilled if the BJP continues in power.

The change in the narrative of the farmers leaders is indicative of attempts to shift the battleground from the Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders of the national capital to that of electoral politics, without actually taking a political plunge themselves.

Farmers leaders at the recent Kisan Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh spoke of defeating Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the UP elections next year and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, without indicating whether they would themselves jump into the fray to do so.

Read | Why farmers' protest receives more response in northwest India

A section of farmers leaders, such as Gurnam Singh Chaduni of the Haryana chapter of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, exhorted other leaders attending the Muzzaffarnagar meeting to contest elections to ensure the real welfare of farmers.

Chaduni had contested elections in the past from the Ladwa Assembly seat in Haryana and lost his security deposit, finishing seventh. He is now keen to test the electoral waters in Punjab.

Rakesh Tikait, the son of veteran farmers leader late Mahendra Singh Tikait, had contested the Assembly polls in UP on the Bhartiya Kisan Dal ticket and lost miserably. He had tried his luck again in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as a Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate but failed to garner even 10,000 votes.

Since emerging as the face of the farmers agitation after the January 26 violence at the Red Fort, Tikait has been insisting that he is not interested in contesting elections and would remain apolitical.

The political ambitions of some farmers leaders have caused unease within the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the conglomeration of farmers organisations leading the protests, which is keen to keep the agitation apolitical and retain the moral high ground.

With elections due in Punjab and UP, the SKMs 40-plus groups are debating amongst themselves their approach to electoral politics. The SKM has also widened the attack on the Modi government, criticising its policies such as the National Monetisation Pipeline, disinvestment, besides issuing statements on every other major issue dominating the headlines.

Like the anti-corruption agitation in 2011, with Anna Hazare as the figurehead, during the Congress-led UPA government, the SKM, too, has declared its intent to oust the ruling dispensation. Like the Anna movement, the SKM, too, has received support from a large section of opposition parties.

But the similarities between the two agitations end there. The anti-corruption agitation during the UPA years had a strong organiser in Arvind Kejriwal, who managed to create a strong buzz across the country against corruption by effectively rallying the media against the then ruling Congress.

Read | Bharat Bandh: A year on, farmers' stir stays strong

The farmers agitation, despite claims of a national footprint, has found resonance largely in Punjab, Haryana and western UP. It lacks a clear leader and the diverse group of 40 leaders of farmers unions largely confined to some districts in each of the three states appear to pull in different directions.

The selective protests against the lathi-charge on farmers in Haryana, by staging a sit-in in Karnal, that led to violent clashes with the police, and the muted response to similar action in Congress-ruled Punjab, too, had caused some disquiet within the SKM.

The farmers organisations are resolute in their objective to overthrow the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and at the Centre, and appear ambiguous when it comes to extending support to Congress in Punjab. They have not presented an alternative vision that they would like to see implemented if the BJP is ousted from power, which could prove to be a handicap when it campaigns against the saffron party.

In the states where caste plays an important role in voting patterns in elections, the Congress, too, appears keen to endear itself to the Scheduled Caste voters by highlighting the first Dalit Chief Minister of North India in Punjabs Charanjit Singh Channi, hoping to benefit from the move in Uttarakhand and UP.

Moreover, the farmers issue has so far seemed to resonate more in western UP than in the rest of the state. The BJPs attempts to reach out to voters with a religious message of the Ram Temple, the return to power of Taliban in Afghanistan and the threat it poses to India, appears to have a stronger appeal in UP.

The BJP, too, has been guarded in responding to the farmers sustained attack on them by arguing that they also believe that the farmers should not go empty-handed from their agitation sites.

If the farmers leaders decide to take the political plunge, they may find themselves pitted against the same section of opposition parties who are supporting them rhetorically but may be unwilling to cede political space to them.

Will the farmers leaders be able to script a success story like Kejriwals AAP? Will they be able to field virtual nobodies in the elections and ensure their win? Or will the agitation gradually fade away after the UP elections? We will know in the next few months.
The fallout of Navjot Singh Sidhu's shenanigans in Punjab has hit the Congress Party's next-generation leaders - Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. While criticism by the media and Opposition politicians was predictable, rumblings within the party itself should be a cause for worry. This includes not only the voluble G-23 but others in the party who may feel that the leadership tends to reward outside talent. Triggered by the Sidhu embarrassment, such responses could turn into hostility against Rahul Gandhi's efforts to rejuvenate the party by inducting new faces.

It would be wrong to see the induction of 'outsiders' in the Congress as mere disbursal of patronage. The new inductees have political skills rather than the long political genealogies of some who exited the party. Moreover, they are ideologically opposed to the exclusionary and majoritarian ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and are inclined to work for the marginalised and poor.

This clear game plan follows from Rahul Gandhi's widely reported statement in July to workers of his party's social media department, "There are many people who are not scared, but outside the Congress. All these people are ours. Bring them in," he had said, adding, "And those scared within our party should be shunted out. They can go to RSS people, let them enjoy. We do not want them. We want fearless people. This is our ideology."

Read | 'Those in power hurt': Cong on Amarinder-Shah meet

There can be little doubt that Rahul Gandhi is trying to rebuild the party  going back to its ideological moorings as a Left-of-Centre, secular organisation that cares for the marginalised and the poor. This is a process of renovation and re-energising the party. It must not be seen by those within the party as a demolition exercise.

Rahul Gandhi's induction of Kanhaiya Kumar and Jignesh Mevani and the political excitement caused by the choice of Charanjit Singh Channi, a Dalit Congressman, as the new Chief Minister of Punjab have once again demonstrated the power of ideology as an instrument of political mobilisation. As the most outspoken critic of the majoritarian Hindutva ideology of the BJP, Rahul Gandhi must know better than anyone else that this process will have to be continued. For the Congress party not only needs a Kanhaiya Kumar and a Jignesh Mevani but scores of prominent civil society activists, young and old leaders emerging out of the agitations of farmers, workers and tribals. It needs them in droves and not in dribs and drabs. However, he will have to rally the entire party behind his ideological battle instead of serving ultimatums to his critics.

There are murmurs that the current party leadership places a greater premium on rank outsiders while long-term loyalists are ignored. Responses against the induction of former Communist Party of India member and Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar have stoked reds-under-the-bed fears. Others wryly remark that perhaps they would have to make a detour via another party to be noticed.

Other inductees who have been seen as threatening the precedence of party loyalists are Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief, A Revanth Reddy was in the Telugu Desam Party before he joined the Congress in 2017. Prior to that, he was in the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, having started his political career as a student leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad affiliated to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In Maharashtra, the Congress has appointed Nana Patole as the Maharashtra PCC chief. He joined the party after resigning as a BJP MP. In Karnataka, the Congress's potential chief ministerial face Siddaramaiah came from the Janata Dal (Secular). He became the Congress chief minister in Karnataka and is currently the leader of the Opposition in the state legislative assembly.

Unlike Navjot Sidhu, however, each one of them has done their best to live by the Congress ideology, leaving their previous ideologies behind. In the inimitable words of Siddaramaiah, "A daughter-in-law comes as an outsider but soon becomes an insider."

But like the proverbial mother-in-law, those already in the party seem to mistrust the daughters-in-law as "outsiders". They forget that the Congress was a capacious tent that grew by actively ushering in those agitating outside as long as they adhered to the party's overall vision. For the better part of the post-Independence period, those who saw their future and fortune with the Congress were welcome inside. If today, people want to join the party even when the party's political prospects have taken a downward slide, Congressmen ought to celebrate the fact and hope that this process gathers momentum.

However, to prevent alienation within the party, the Gandhis will have to turn to internal dialogue, debate and discussion, which seems absent for now. A situation in which a few prominent activists are inducted but a dozen others exits will not rejuvenate the party. Among the so-called letter writers of the G-23 group of Congressmen, could anyone have doubted the loyalty of a Ghulam Nabi Azad, an Anand Sharma or a Verappa Moily to the party? Party leaders need to ask why these hard-core loyalists suddenly turned dissenters.

When the party finds itself at political crossroads, and its members are uncertain of what the future holds for them and the party, then it is all the more imperative that there are extensive discussions for choosing the way forward. The party no longer holds the "Chintan Shivir" (brainstorming sessions) to decide on crucial issues. Despite announcements that a "Chintan Shivir" like the one in Pachmarhi and Shimla will be held to decide the way forward and for strengthening the party, nothing seems to fructify. The Covid pandemic cannot continue to be the perpetual excuse for not holding internal dialogue within the party or even organisational elections.

(The writer is a journalist based in Delhi)

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The Food and Drug Administration has authorised Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine booster shots for certain older Americans and those considered at high risk for complications from Covid-19. Here are answers to some of your questions.

Who is eligible for a booster shot?

Last week, the FDA authorised booster shots for a select group of people who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Eligible people include Pfizer recipients who are 65 and older or who live in long-term care facilities.

The agency also authorised boosters for adults who are at high risk of severe Covid-19 because of an underlying medical condition as well as for health care workers and others whose jobs put them at risk.

People with weakened immune systems who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines also are eligible for a third shot at least four weeks after their second dose.

Read | What are the side effects of the Covid booster shot?

For these patients, the third shot is not really a booster dose but is now part of the recommended immunisation schedule for those with compromised immune systems who dont generate a robust response after just two shots. About 3% of Americans are in this group for a variety of reasons, including those who received an organ transplant.

Will people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines be eligible for a booster shot?

Regulators have not made additional recommendations about booster shots for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but officials say those may come soon.

The Moderna vaccine uses similar technology as the Pfizer vaccine, and the company has applied for FDA authorisation of booster shots.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given as a single dose and uses a different method to stimulate antibodies to the virus.

The company has not submitted an application for boosters to the FDA, but it has reported that two doses of its vaccine delivered 94% efficacy against mild to severe Covid-19 in the United States, up from 74% conferred with a single shot.

What underlying medical conditions are eligible for booster doses?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the risk of complications from Covid-19 is highest for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, chronic lung or kidney disease, heart disease, dementia and certain disabilities.

A CDC scientific committee said that people who are over 50 and have underlying medical concerns should get boosters, but it advised people 18 to 49 with at-risk conditions to make decisions based on their individual risk.

Read | Booster shots necessary to beat Covid-19: Anthony Fauci

The category of immunocompromised people who are eligible for a third Pfizer or Moderna shot (technically not a booster dose) includes people who are undergoing cancer treatment; those who have received an organ or stem cell transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system; people with primary immunodeficiency, or advanced or untreated HIV infection; or people taking high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune response.

What professions are eligible for boosters?

The FDA authorised booster doses for workers whose jobs put them at high risk of exposure to potentially infectious people. So far that list includes health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, and people who work in homeless shelters or prisons.

The CDCs advisers said boosters should not be given to so many healthy people since the vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness, but in an unusual move, that decision was reversed by Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director.

How and when can I get a booster if I qualify?

The White House began promoting and rolling out a plan for booster shots Friday. Health departments, pharmacies and doctors offices will dispense boosters much the same way that they administered the first and second doses.

Call ahead to find out about scheduling, and bring your vaccine card. Proof of an underlying medical condition wont be required, but you may want to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

You will be able to find more information about getting a booster shot on your states health department website or pharmacy websites.

People who are immunocompromised also can talk to their physicians about the best way to get a third shot. Since the FDA fully approved the Pfizer vaccine as a two-dose regimen last month, physicians have had broad latitude to prescribe a third dose to people they deemed in need of one.

What if its been less than six months since I was vaccinated?

While people who are severely immunocompromised can get a third shot sooner, everyone else who qualifies should wait until at least six months after their second shots. In addition to a lack of safety data, getting a booster too soon is probably a waste of a dose and may not increase your antibodies in a meaningful way.

Will a third dose ever be available to the general public?

While the Biden administration has said it supported booster shots for everyone who is eight months post-vaccination, the plan has been rejected by FDA scientists.

But the recommendation could change as more data becomes available on the durability of vaccine antibodies over time.

The good news is that the consensus in the scientific community is that all the vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from Covid-19.

What are the side effects of booster shots?

While data is limited, so far reactions reported after the third mRNA dose from Pfizer or Moderna were similar to those of the two-dose series: Fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and, overall, most symptoms were mild to moderate, the CDC says.

A survey from Israel, where booster shots already are being given, found that 88% of Pfizer vaccine recipients said that in the days after the third dose, they felt similar or better to how they felt after the second shot.

About one-third of respondents reported some side effects, with the most common being soreness at the injection site, and 1% said they sought medical treatment because of one or more side effects.

Can I mix Covid vaccines?

Its not recommended. For now, Pfizer vaccine recipients are advised to get a Pfizer booster shot, and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson recipients should wait until booster doses are approved for their manufacturers vaccine.

Some people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are seeking a Pfizer booster shot on their own.

San Francisco health officials have said that they will accommodate these requests as long as people consult with their doctors first.

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The renamed mid-day meal scheme PM Poshan Abhiyaan - with a sub-scheme Tithi Bhojan - tickled Twitter users of the state, as Kannada activists lashed out at the direct adoption of Hindi in Central schemes.

Tithi, which means date, is also translated as a day when oblations are offered in memory of dead relatives. Kannada tweeple latched on to this meaning to take a dig at the Centre, resulting in humourous exchanges in social media.

This is the second time this year that the direct adoption of a Hindi word for a scheme or event organised by the Central government became a subject of mockery. In April, Karnataka government was forced to rename 'Tika Utsav' - meaning vaccination ceremony to 'Lasika Utsav', after several people pointed out that Tika also refers to a posterior organ in Kannada.

According to the Centre, PM Poshan Abhiyaan will enforce 'Tithi Bhojan' - a community participation programme to provide special food to children on festive/specific days by people.

"Tika Utsav, Tithi Bhojan - Perils of Hindi imposition and blind Delhi Bhakti," wrote Kannada activist Ganesh Chetan on Twitter. Another user Chaitanya S noted that though 'Tithi Bhojan' was the right usage for special meals in Hindi, it is embarassing for Kannadigas (considering its meaning). "Please understand why it is wrong to simply borrow names from other languages," he said.

Vinay, responding to a post by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje about the scheme asked, "Sister.. Can you read and write? What's this non-sense Tithi Bhojan? do you understand the meaning?"

User @Hosamaniraju responding to Shobha's post said that it was the turn of 'Tithi' after 'Tika'. "Comedy of Hindi imposition," he said.

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The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition against the anointment of a minor as the seer of Udupi's Shiroor Mutt saying there is no constitutional or statutory bar on anyone becoming a 'Sanyasi'.

The petitioner P Lathavya Acharya, who is a secretary and managing trustee of Sri Shiroor Mutt Bhakta Samiti, Udupi and three others of the Samiti questioned the anointment of Aniruddha Saralathaya (Sanyas name Vedavardhana Teertha), who is under the age of 18 years.

The division bench of acting Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sachin Shankar said the petitioner failed to make out any violation of any statutory or constitutional provisions by the anointment of Saralathaya as the head of the Shiroor Mutt.

"The courts are certainly not meant to write the religious text, however, they are under an obligation to follow the religious text in the matter of cases dealing with religious dispute and to follow the old practices, which are prevalent in religion so long as they do not violate constitutional rights of an individual," the benched noted.

Citing the example of Buddhism where children become monks, the bench said there was no rule as to the age when a person can be initiated into 'Sanyas'.

It also said, "The court is not a theological wizard and shall be transgressing its role as a constitutionalist authority by interfering with the essential religious practice, which is certainly not at all opposed to public order, morality, health or any other fundamental right."

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Kudalasangama-based Panchamasali Mutt Seer Basava Jaya Mrityunjaya Swami exuded confidence that the Bommai-led government would provide 2 A reservation benefits to Panchamasali Lingayat community by the end of October. "If not, our agitation will continue till the order is issued," he said.

Speaking to media persons on Thursday, the seer said the joint convention of the Panchamasalis will be held on October 1 in Bengaluru to discuss the next course of action. Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Chairperson K Jayaprakash Hegde has also made a positive remark on according 2 A reservation benefits to the community. The process of including Panchamasalis under 2 A category is almost complete. The commission has to submit a report to the government in this regard.

Referring to the Public Works Minister C C Patil's statement in Gadag, the seer said the minister promised, in the name of Kittur Rani Chennamma, that the demand would be met without fail. So people of the community are hopeful that the government would issue an order in October.

When questioned on the decline in numbers of posts in various departments of the government and no regular appointment, the seer said over seven lakh posts are vacant in various departments of the government. Besides, the government is filling the posts on contract basis. "Getting 2 A reservation benefits for the community is our main goal. Later, we would urge the government to fill the vacant posts."

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Released: September 30, 2021

Delaware County participates in National Faith & Blue Program

Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders is spearheading an initiative to include Delaware County law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and the community in the National Faith & Blue event, which takes place Oct. 8-11 this year.

Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and more unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses, and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused, in-person, socially distanced and/or virtual activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.

Delaware County will kick off the weekend with a Peace, Justice, & Unity March on Friday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. Law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and the community are invited to gather at Second Baptist Church (400. E State St., Media, PA) at 1:00 p.m. and march down State Street to the Delaware County Courthouse, where more information about Faith & Blue will be shared.

Speakers at the press conference will represent law enforcement and faith-based organizations and include:

Sherriff Jerry Sanders

Media Police Chief Marty Wusinich

Rev. Mays from Second Baptist Church

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer

Bishop Febus AM Hunter, Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County

You can learn more about National Faith & Blue here: https://faithandblue.org/
No resolution has yet been reached regarding the Year 13 students unable to access A' Level Irish in any post-primary school in Derry.

Speaking to Derry Now, Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhein, the chief executive of Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta, described the situation as 'an absolute disaster.'

Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta is an arm's-length body which advises the Department of Education and the Education Authority on issues relating to Irish-medium education,

As reported in last week's paper, at the start of this academic year it emerged, at least, three Year 13 students from three different post-primary schools in the city who had chosen to study A-Level Irish had been unable to do so.

Following publication of the article, Derry News was contacted by parents from County Derry and Tyrone whose children were facing the same situation.

According to one concerned parent, Ciara Mac Giolla Fhiondain, there were no schools in South Derry providing A-Level Irish in June this year.

She said: That included St Patrick's College in Maghera, which up to four years ago had an Irish-medium unit funded by the school itself; St Columb's College in Draperstown; St Pius X College, Rainey Endowed School, Sperrin Integrated College and St Mary's Grammar School in Magherafelt. Eventually, St Mary's said they would teach it as part of the Magherafelt Learning Partnership.

Thankfully, however, St Patrick's College, the school which my daughter, Saorla, attends, tried its very best to help her get A-Level Irish. It joined the Magherafelt Learning Partnership to ensure she could access the subject. As a result, Saorla now travels from St Patrick's College to St Mary's Grammar School three times a week.

A teacher at Bunscoil Naomh Brid, Tirkane in Slaughtneil, Gemma Brolly, who is the Aontu representative for East Derry and the party's spokesperson for education, said she was extremely disappointed to learn pupils across the North were being denied the same opportunities she had had at school.

She added: I developed my love and knowledge of the Irish language at secondary level and was lucky enough to avail of tuition in Irish to A-Level. There is a surge of interest in the language with more than 7,000 children in Irish-medium education. However, there is a big gap in the provision for language acquisition through English-medium schools, from primary level upwards.

There are cognitive advantages of learning additional languages, yet the Department of Education does not seem to wish to support and foster an interest in bilingualism.

There appears to be a policy of undermining the language. Last year, Aontu notified the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) of our disappointment and disapproval at the decision to remove the speaking element of the Irish language examination.

RELATED

Anger at lack of Irish A-Level provision in Derry schools No access for Year 13 students 'grossly unfair'

A few months later, we have a situation where pupils are being forced to drop the Irish language altogether. This is completely unacceptable. I have already contacted a number of organisations to express my disappointment on this matter and offer our support in reversing this.

We in Aontu will strive to ensure all young people have the opportunity to continue in their studies of the Irish language, as is their right vindicated by the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child, said Gemma Brolly.

According to Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhein, A-Level Irish cannot currently be studied in Omagh in County Tyrone, either.

He said: That is absolutely disastrous, particularly given the very strong culture that existed in Omagh over a long number of years of young people going through education right up to A-Level and then going on from A-Level to university.

Ultimately, there is a statutory duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education. That, of course, should mean any young person, be they in Derry, Belfast or anywhere else, should have and be afforded the right to have access to the full range of the curriculum through the medium of Irish and the right to sit their A-Level in Irish.

These young people who want to do A-Level Irish are the future teachers for our sector, they are the future practitioners but they are not coming through, those opportunities are not being encouraged and facilitated, in keeping with the statutory duty of the Department of Education.

This is a legal duty on the Department of Education and it is not being fulfilled.

Is there a strategy in place at the highest level, at departmental level, to continue to promote and encourage the development of Irish-medium education and A-Level Irish provision, given there is a legal duty? How is that given effect? What is the Department of Education doing to meet this? Does it have an actual strategy?

If you take the example of Wales, the government there has been very up front and open and said, 'We want to increase the number of people who are sitting Welsh A-Level and we want to increase the number of people who are attending Welsh-medium education', and it took proactive steps to bring that about. Contrast that with the approach here, which is 'stand off-y' at best, said Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhein.

Mr Mac Giolla Bhein contended the Department of Education in the North had no coherent strategy or policy in place to encourage or facilitate Irish-medium education.

He added: We are seeing from the highest levels of education a greater emphasis being placed on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The Department of Education, which has the responsibility for language teaching, needs to re-focus and put a re-emphasis on the teaching of languages. It needs to provide more opportunities and celebrate languages more.

I have no doubt, this in turn would be replicated within schools. Governors would feel more assured in terms of providing support and providing opportunities to young people, concluded Mr Mac Giolla Bhein.
A whale carcass washed up on a County Derry beach will not be removed, said the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The minke whale carcass has been decomposing since it was stranded at Balls Point, near Bellarena, on September 21.

Correspondence issued by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots, and seen by Derry Now, said it is 'not feasible' to move the carcass and that it will be left to decompose naturally.

"Officials from my Department visited the site on 23 September to ascertain details about the animal, which I can confirm was a juvenile Minke whale, approximately 6.5m in length," he said.

"This information will be sent to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme which coordinates the investigation of whale, dolphin and propoise strandings around the UK.

"My officials have reported the incident to the Receiver of Wreck at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who has responsibility for dealing with stranded cetaceans.

"However, it is not always feasible to remove animals of this size and when they are not located in areas frequented by the public or other health and safety considerations, they are often left in-situ to decompose naturally.

"Allowing this to happen will have ecological benefits to many species," he added.

A Departmental notification tag has now been added to the carcass, meaning DAERA have deemed no further action is required.

"During this visit my officials met the landowner and provided advice in relation to stranded cetaceans. The landowner confirmed he intends to leave the carcass to decompose naturally," added Minister Poots.

This week, a local marine scientist told the County Derry Post the carcass would pose a health risk as it continued to decompose.
Bengali actress Srabanti Chatterjee files for divorce a third time, husband hits back at actress for calling him impotent

Bengali actress Srabanti Chatterjee had filed for divorce with her husband Roshan Singh. The duo had been living separately for quite some time and finally filed a divorce petition at the Alipore Court in Kolkata on September 16 this year. While that is one thing, what has left a large section of her followers shocked are the allegations she has labelled against her estranged husband.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Srabanti  (@srabanti.smile)

While Srabanti has refrained from making any comment in public or to the media, her soon-to-be ex-husband Roshan has claimed that she has labelled some grave allegations against him in her private circle. Talking to Anandabazar Patrika, Roshan claimed that Srabanti has body-shamed him. Talking in Bengali, he said, " I am in touch with many of Srabanti's friends. I have heard from them that she called me fat, and due to excess weight, I am impotent and unable to consummate. I have to hear such dirty allegation!"

He also said that the actress has allegedly called him a 'thief' in her friend circle and said that he has taken a crore from the actress. He also claimed that even his family has not been spared and that Srbanti called up his ex-girlfriends and told them about their divorce.

Srabanti has not opened up about the matter yet! This was Srbanti's third marriage. She had tied the knot in 2003 with Bengali filmmaker, Rajiv Kumar Biswas when she was just 16. They had decided to part ways after 13 years in 2016. After that, Srabanti had found love in model Krishan Vraj and had married him in 2016. However, in 2017, she got divorced from him. She then met Roshan Singh at a resto-pub in Kolkata in 2018 and they got married in 2019.
Bhramam actress Raashii Khanna on the Malayalam Film Industry: "You are actually expected to act, can't be just a good looker"

Actor Raashi Khanna says it takes more than just "good looks" to survive in the Malayalam film industry as the focus is on getting good performance out of artistes. Since her debut with 2013's Shoojit Sircar-directed "Madras Cafe", Khanna has worked in Tamil and Telugu industries, featuring in movies like "Bengal Tiger", "Supreme", "Jai Lava Kusa", "Tholi Prema", "Imaikkaa Nodigal" and "Prati Roju Pandage". She ventured into Malayalam movies with the 2017 action thriller "Villain", co-starring veteran actor Mohanlal. Khanna said she is fascinated with the kind of risks the filmmakers from the Malayalam film industry take. Even artistes are constantly pushing the envelope with their work.

"I did 'Villain' with Mohanlal sir but I am not sure if I was registered that much in the industry. I felt as an actor, I wanted to tap this market also. In the Malayalam industry, you are actually expected to act. You cannot sail through without acting. You can't be a good looker and just be in that industry. It doesn't work that way. There are so many daring actors in that industry who will choose characters which many in any other industry would not," the 30-year-old actor told PTI in an interview.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raashii Khanna (@raashiikhanna)

Khanna is currently gearing up for her second Malayalam feature, "Bhramam", in which she stars alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran. An adaptation of Bollywood hit "Andhadhun", the movie sees her taking on the role that was played by actor Radhika Apte in the 2018 original. The actor said "Bhramam", directed by cinematographer-turned-director Ravi K Chandran, offered her the opportunity to establish herself as a performer in the Malayalam industry.

"While Radhika's character was edgier, my character is a little bit mellow. All characters, however, are extremely grey. It is a remake but it still feels original because actors have brought their own personalities to the characters we are playing," she added.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raashii Khanna (@raashiikhanna)

When Khanna was offered the film, she went out of her way to be a part of it and accommodated other projects to make space for it, the actor said.

"When this film came to me, I had no dates at all. But I really wanted to do it, so I fought with people and got those dates. The fact that Ravi sir thought I could recreate Radhika's role in itself was a huge compliment."

"Bhramam" follows the story of a pianist who pretends to be blind but gets embroiled in a murder. While filmmaker Sriram Raghavan set "Andhadhun" in Pune, Chandran mounted the remake in Kochi, Kerala. For Khanna, who was born and brought up in Delhi, it was crucial to not look "out of place" in "Bhramam".

"Ravi sir was certain that she should look local, people should relate to her. Which was difficult because I am not from that region and I could not look out of place. So the way I dress was focused on. He was clear he didn't want any make up. He wanted my hair and clothes to look a certain way, which probably in other commercial films I would not have been ok with. But here I was totally on board."

The actor said the brief by Chandran for the film was to approach it with a "clean slate" like a newcomer.

"I have realised, every time I have done a Malayalam film, I have grown as an actor. Ravi sir wanted me to undo everything I had done before. I felt there was a lot of responsibility on my shoulder and I hope people like my work," she added.

Jointly produced by AP International and Viacom18 Studios, "Bhramam" also stars Unni Mukundan, Sudheer Karamana and Mamta Mohandas in key roles.
Sardar Udham: Director Shoojit Sircar says he did not feel 'guilty' about releasing the film on OTT

Director Shoojit Sircar on Thursday said he does not view opting for a digital release for his upcoming feature "Sardar Udham" as a "mistake" because the decision was taken keeping in mind the best interest of the film. Headlined by Vicky Kaushal, the film is gearing up to be released on Amazon Prime Video on October 16.

"Sardar Udham", which was completed in 2019, was earlier expected to release theatrically. During the trailer launch of the film, Sircar was asked if he feels he could have waited longer for cinema halls to reopen so that the movie could have had a big screen release.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

"It's a tricky question. There's a destiny for every film and 'Sardar Udham' landed on Amazon Prime. When I shot the film, this wasn't the situation. We shot the film for cinemas. I do not feel guilty that it's releasing on (a digital platform). We decided that this will go on the digital platform. I didn't feel that this was a mistake I was making," the filmmaker told reporters.

The Maharashtra government recently allowed cinema halls in the state, a prime market for Bollywood films, to resume operations from October 22. Last year, during the coronavirus pandemic-induced nationwide lockdown which resulted in cinema halls being shut across the country, Sircar's "Gulabo Sitabo" was one of the first films to head to the OTT platform.

Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, the film also premiered on Amazon Prime Video in June. The filmmaker said he is "impatient" and wants to showcase his work to the audience as quickly as possible, which is why both "Gulabo Sitabo" and "Sardar Udham" didn't wait for the reopening of cinema halls.

"What I also experienced after 'Gulabo Sitabo' was the reach the film got. I thought this film ('Sardar Udham') also needs a huge global platform, apart from our Indian territories. That was also a good reason for me to go ahead. Yes, the cinematic experience of a theatre will be surely missed, but it is not a compromise on the cinematic narrative. It'll be as cinematic on a big screen as it is on a small screen," Sircar added.

The film is a biopic on freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India in 1940, to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The Amazon original movie, penned by Ritesh Shah and Shubhendu Bhattacharya, is produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar.
Vicky Kaushal reveals Sardar Udham Singh is 'not the most easy role to touch', says he related to the freedom fighter's angst

Actor Vicky Kaushal on Thursday said playing the titular role in "Sardar Udham" was a tough nut to crack but growing up listening to the stories about the patriot he felt a deep connection with his on-screen character.

Helmed by Shoojit Sircar, the upcoming film is a biopic on the lesser-known story of freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India in 1940, to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

During the trailer launch of the film, Kaushal said Sardar Udham Singh was one of those freedom fighters of the country who got lost in the history books.

"When you go back to our history books, they get lost in a line, paragraph or a page in the book. Sardar Udham Singh was probably that one line, paragraph or a page in the book.

"But because I had heard his stories from my grandparents and parents, there was always this connect straight from my core where I related to that man. I related to his angst," Kaushal told reporters here.

The "Uri" star said the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a shocking episode which "hit home in the most brutal way".

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

Calling "Sardar Udham" a story of courage, Kaushal said he wanted to challenge himself with this role.

"A person who had taken a note to avenge that bloodshed, not in India but by crossing borders 100 years ago, went to the heart of the British empire... For me it is a story of resilience, bravery, patience and a passionate person.

"Through this film I wanted to explore that factor in me also. It's not the most easy role to touch. It's also a character that isn't widely documented in our history books," the 33-year-old actor said.

Written by Ritesh Shah and Shubhendu Bhattacharya, the film is scheduled to be released on Amazon Prime Video on October 16.

Kaushal said there was such dearth of published material on the freedom fighter that his only approach to build the character was to rely completely on Sircar.

The actor said if one attempts to read books on Sardar Udham Singh, they would find "different stories about the same person".

"You'll find different names, identities and faces. How do you tap into what was the core of the person? The only way to play this part was to completely surrender to Shoojit's vision.

"The more I heard him, I realised that the way he understands that era, the way he studied the freedom struggle, Sardar Udham Singh, Shaheed Bhagat Singh... I've never met anyone like him," he added.

Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, the film also stars Banita Sandhu and Amol Parashar.
Minister Coveney announces Irelands Expo 2020 plans

Press release

Minister Simon Coveney, T.D, today launched Irelands programme for Expo 2020 Dubai, which will see an array of Irish cultural performances and business activities over 6 months at the post-pandemic international gathering.

Announcing Irelands Expo plans, Minister Coveney said:

Expo advances our economic interests and contributes to important debates about the future of our shared planet. It strengthens our voice and our reputation in the world at a time when Ireland is a member of the UN Security Council.

We are bringing a whole-of-Government approach to Expo 2020 in Dubai. My Department is working with partners across Government, State Agencies, business, arts and culture, academia and the creative industries to ensure a high-impact Irish presence in Dubai. Expo will provide a platform in raising awareness of Ireland as a place to live, study and work, and a destination to visit as well as highlighting a great country in which, and with which, to do business.

Expo provides a great opportunity to discuss and debate the major global issues of our day, from climate and sustainability to diversity and education.

Irelands programme has been developed around the theme of human creativity, which speaks to our history and culture, but also addresses important current issues in the age of artificial intelligence and robotics. Irelands Expo theme will allow us promote our future competitiveness and will be explored through debates and discussion forums and via a cultural programme built around music, design, literature, creative writing and film.

ENDS

Notes to Editors Expo 2020 bring the world together in a grand and common project to find solutions to a fundamental challenge facing humanity. This challenge is addressed via the Expos theme, which acts as a springboard for what participants will showcase and what intellectual and cultural events will be organised. The Dubai hosts have secured the participation of almost all of the member-states of the United Nations. Irelands participation in Expo 2020 Dubai advances Irish economic interests and contributes to important debates about the future of our shared planet. This will be the first truly global, post-pandemic international gathering and is an important platform for promoting Irelands post-Covid recovery. This is an All-of-Government approach led by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This Team Ireland approach will see Government and State Agencies working closely with Irish business, cultural and community sectors to strengthen Irelands international reputation and reach. The primary purpose of the Ireland Pavilion at Expo, designed by OPW architects, is to provide an environment in which pavilion staff and visitors can engage on a personal level with exhibitions, displays, workshops, businesses, and performances. Business and Enterprise Programme There will be a strong focus across the six months of Expo on business and enterprise, including: Enterprise Ireland will resume (post-Covid) trade missions to the region, including to WETEX (Water, Energy, Environment Technology Exhibition, Dubai Airshow, and Arab Health - aligning with Expo - bringing Irish companies to the fore creating continual business opportunities throughout Expo.

IDA Ireland will present Irelands FDI story and proposition in the Ireland pavilion and will have focused communications campaign in the region to coincide with Expo.

Ireland as a location to study, undertake research, and innovate will be highlighted through seminars, networking events and keynote addresses, led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).

Bord Bia will showcase the very best of Irish food and drink, including events that will gather top chefs, hotel & restaurant owners, and sectoral influencers.

Tourism focused events and communications initiatives will feature throughout Expo, with a comprehensive programme with Tourism Ireland & Failte Ireland.

Irish business will feature in all of the 10 thematic business forums of Expo, and opportunities to engage with international companies during relevant business events within and aligned with Expo, including Arab Health, will be maximised. Irelands We are the Makers exhibition will show world leading examples of Irish science, innovation and creativity. the Design and Craft Council of Ireland is the principal design partner, showcasing outstanding examples of Irish design. The Dubai Irish Business Network (IBN), working with Irelands Embassy in UAE, and State Agencies will hold a series of business events throughout Expo, with a focus on opportunities in the region.

Irelands presence will amplify the importance of technology in the Irish economic success story, and the value proposition of Ireland and Irish companies. Creative Programme A music programme has been developed in partnership with the National Concert Hall. Literature Ireland has undertaken a translation of Seamus Heaneys 100 Poems into Arabic to mark Irelands participation in Expo Dubai. Literature Ireland is also translating a selection of other well-known Irish poems into Arabic, which will be available to visitors to the pavilion to raise awareness of Irelands long and rich literary tradition. Fighting Words was set up by Roddy Doyle and Sean Love to help children and young people, and adults who did not have the opportunity as children, to discover and harness the power of their own imaginations and creative writing skills. Fighting Words will bring a programme of story-writing workshops to Dubai. The emergence of Irish Architecture onto the world stage will be highlighted by a pavilion exhibition - The Architecture of Creative Learning - showing the globally acclaimed work of leading Irish architecture on education projects from primary to third level. Screen Ireland has provided a portfolio of Irish films, including animation, for screening at Expo. Riverdance - reimagined for Expo A special Riverdance production, Riverdance at Expo with 25 live performances on the main stage in Jubilee park - the largest performance venue at Expo Dubai - and a programme of 52 masterclasses and pop-up musical and dance performances.

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While conversations around social media and mental health have been doing the rounds for years, it had always remained unclear whether the faces behind social media platforms were aware of the rise in mental health issues in correspondence to app use, and whether they were keen on doing anything about it. However, recently, Facebook released data from an internal study that showed that the brand is fully aware of the impact of Instagram on the mental health and well-being of its users. In fact, the report categorically states that 30% of teenage girls who were dissatisfied with their appearance felt worse about themselves after using Instagram.

This report isnt new; the data was shared internally at Facebook in 2019, with plenty of time having passed since then for the company to do something concrete about it. Introducing features that hide vanity metrics, such as likes, is akin to fighting a forest fire with a water bottle - yes, these metrics inspire social comparison, however, it is the content shared by users that also makes way for feelings of inadequacy.

How Instagram content inspires the objectification of teens

Facebook has shrugged off responsibility for content many times in the past (although it does exercise vast censorship from time to time during unique circumstances like a global pandemic). One cannot necessarily blame the social media platform for this - there is a very thin line between keeping an eye on content, and policing creators on the basis of subjective morality. However, it is clear that the massive rise in the objectification of young teens (demonstrated by the fact that 52% of adolescents have posted what they deemed as seductive pictures, and 39.2% of young girls have posted images in revealing clothing) has stemmed from the widespread adoption of Instagram.

Studies have also shown that social media holds the power to shape young girls identity and self-expression, with a number of ill-effects such as decreased cognitive thinking, increased misogyny, poor mental and physical health (in the form of eating disorders, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem), and highly unrealistic views about body image being at the forefront.

Additionally, the objectification of young teens also perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes about women, while also increasing the likelihood of violence against women due to rampant depersonalisation. The latter occurs through images that focus more on a womans body than her face, stripping away any sense of identity and presenting the subject as an object.

These occurrences are not new. In fact, scientists have been studying the impact of social media on children and adolescents for years now. However, what merits a revised conversation around this is Facebooks insistence that it does more good than harm.

Facebook combats accusations of negative impacts with a positive impacts study.

With a US Senate meeting scheduled for Thursday, Facebook plans to highlight positive impacts of the social media platform gleaned through an internal study.

"Our research showed that many teens who are struggling say that Instagram helps them deal with many of the hard issues that are so common to being a teen said Antigone Davis, the Head of Safety at Facebook.

Davis also stated that users aged under 16 who sign up on Instagram are defaulted to a private profile for their safety. However, this merely adds an additional step to garnering followers - approving people who have sent a follower request - and does not do much else to create a positive space for young teens, or even protect them from predators. Moreover, if youve ever expressed a passing interest in Reels, and looked at the content posted in India, youll find a lot of young children posting what can be classified as suggestively obscene content. As these reels are available for viewing on the main trending page, its unclear how privacy features here.

While Facebook will be demonstrating its positive impacts in a hearing titled Protecting Kids Online this Thursday, a whistleblower from the company will appear for a separate hearing on Tuesday to talk about how Facebook handles childrens safety.

Of the most commonly used social apps, the top three apps - Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp - all belong to Facebook itself. This makes scrutinising the companys safety policies, specifically those targeted towards children and young teens, incredibly important.

Social media is a relatively new tool of communication. Its sociological impacts may run quite deep, however, were just beginning to scratch the surface of how it can truly alter the world.

Also Read: Instagrams new favourites feature now gives you more control over your feed
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By MIKE SCHNEIDER

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.  Applying to be one of the first workers at Walt Disney World, high school graduate George Kalogridis made a split-second decision that set the course for his life: he picked a room where prospective hotel workers were being hired.

Chuck Milam got a tip about a job opening from a transplanted Disney executive whose new house he was landscaping. Earliene Anderson jumped at the chance to take a job at the new Disney theme park in Florida, having fallen in love with the beauty of Disneyland in California during a trip two years earlier.





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Strategic energy planning for equity and resilience

Imagine a school campus free of diesel emissions from buses, limiting harmful exposure to air pollutants and strengthening students academic performance.



By JACK NEWMAN

Sazan Environmental Services

Newman

While K-12 schools account for less than 1% of the nations greenhouse gas emissions, they present a transformational role in advancing the clean energy economy, through direct investments in electrification, renewable energy and education.

Developing a strategic energy plan can guide K-12 schools through implementation strategies for energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy, while responding to goals identified by key stakeholders and the broader community. Based on early engagement with facilities maintenance staff, utility representatives, teachers and students, paired with a thorough review of school policies and board resolutions, a clean energy strategy can also serve as an implementation framework for valuable new funding resources, energy grants and incentives.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Image courtesy of Sazan Environmental Services [enlarge] Edwin Wanji, founder and CEO of Sphere Solar Energy, working with students on clean energy education.





Imagine a school campus free of diesel emissions from buses, limiting harmful exposure to air pollutants and strengthening students academic performance. Bus electrification is just one of the many upcoming changes anticipated for K-12 schools across the country aimed at reducing reliance on combustion-based engines for the nations 500,000 school buses.

Will this opportunity for electromobility take precedent over heating system conversion, lighting retrofits, or solar photovoltaic (PV) installations with energy monitoring dashboards for student education? A strategic energy plan driven by key stakeholders vision statement, developed in support of established performance metrics and goals, can be the roadmap for prioritizing energy upgrades.

The Washington State Energy Strategy convened a task force of industry exports with targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities and vulnerable populations, resulting in aggressive replacement goals of short-haul vehicle classes (like school buses) with electric vehicles. This intentional engagement at the outset of the strategic planning process enabled a more-diverse set of evaluation metrics to determine what success looks like for everyone in our growing communities. With equity, social and environmental justice outcomes informed by an engagement process designed to reduce implicit bias of decision-makers, a strategic energy plan can help the transition to an equitable clean energy future, as described by Washington states new strategy.

As new approaches for community engagement garner more inclusive results, K-12 schools are well underway with clean energy implementation. As of April, 7,332 K-12 schools in America use solar power, with 5.3 million students attending schools with a solar PV installation. In Seattle, approximately 800 kilowatts of solar PV capacity is installed across Seattle Public Schools, providing energy cost savings and opportunities for student education.

CLEAN ENERGY LABORATORY

The strategic energy planning process also builds relationships with potential partners, such as Bonneville Environmental Foundations Clean Energy Bright Futures Program, the Sustainability Ambassadors, and existing student coalitions. Including educational outcomes in energy plans can accelerate connections between demonstration projects and opportunities for career-connected learning. Student participation in project planning, implementation, measurement and evaluation can provide technical skills and important insight into potential career pathways after graduation.

Using peer-to-peer education tactics demonstrated by the Sustainability Ambassadors program, K-12 students have been successful in obtaining internship roles at leading solar contractors and other clean energy industry firms. This strategy is of particular interest for Washington-based clean energy firm Sphere Solar Energy, whose mission to engage BIPOC students to accelerate career connections in the energy industry has been recognized by the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED). As a recipient of the Seattle OED Career Connected Learning grant, Sphere developed a clean energy program plan in partnership with educators, students and industry professionals.

The strategic energy planning process also aligns with important grant funding requirements, such as the Washington Department of Commerce Clean Energy Fund grants, to verify energy performance for a set period after grants are awarded and equipment is installed. Using the Department of Energys Strategic Energy Planning process is a proven framework for aligning goals with projects and funding streams for implementation.

A coordinated asset management approach for strategic clean energy investments can also prioritize efficiency, conservation, renewables and resiliency measures to meet new requirements, such as the Clean Buildings Act in Washington. Utility engagement on Clean Buildings Act compliance ties into Early Adaptor Incentives, as well as alignment with current and future energy performance targets under the new Washington State Energy Code (2018) and Clean Energy Transformation Act. Developing a clean energy task force is an important strategy to prepare and finalize strategic plans, resolutions, and cyclical renewal schedules for critical school infrastructure.

At the nexus of climate adaptation and COVID-19 response, a new wave of funding resources is anticipated to achieve healthy building powered by clean energy. Training students and the broader K-12 community to participate as co-leaders in this process can help shape a more equitable clean energy industry. Demonstration projects, like Snohomish County PUDs Arlington Microgrid, shed light on the potential for battery electric buses to power the grid during an earthquake. A recent series of grant awards for Grid Modernization projects includes several school districts on similar electric bus initiatives.

Through careful and engaged strategic energy plan development, K-12 schools can achieve measurable success on clean energy investments while advancing goals that strengthen community resilience and career-connected learning opportunities for students.

Jack Newman is director of Clean Energy Solutions at Sazan Environmental Services and serves as board president at Solar Washington, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing Washingtons solar industry. While K-12 schools account for less than 1% of the nations greenhouse gas emissions, they present a transformational role in advancing the clean energy economy, through direct investments in electrification, renewable energy and education.





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Trauma-informed design in schools

Bassettis inspiration for trauma-informed design grew out of its work with the Truman Elementary School project.



By LORNE MCCONACHIE

Bassetti Architects

McConachie

Supporting traumatized children is a critical issue facing our schools. Mid-pandemic, 90% of our children have experienced toxic stress. Over 60% of our kids have experienced trauma.

The trauma can range from substance abuse, violence and homelessness to poverty, racism and the pandemic. Trauma alters brain function. Critical thinking skills are overwhelmed by a focus on hypervigilance and survival. Triggering causes difficulty regulating emotions and trouble with attention, memory and learning. Our most vulnerable children from marginalized communities are the worst hit.

While a caring adult and supportive school culture are the first lines of defense, the built environment can play a crucial role. In response to the challenges, Bassetti Architects has been compiling best practices of trauma-informed design (TID) as a tool to assist designers and educators to think creatively about shaping supportive learning environments. They developed a TID checklist compiled of research and lessons learned from trauma-informed care practitioners and educators.

Photos by Benjamin Benschneider [enlarge] The learning stair provides a space for large presentations, small group activity and individual study, as well as refuge for children needing a place to retreat from traumatic stress.





Truman Elementary School in Vancouver incorporates many ideas in the TID checklist. The replacement school was planned for 600 students of diverse backgrounds including: 60% eligible for free and reduced lunch, 20% English-as-second-language learners, and a transient population of 20%. This diversity led school staff to emphasize equal opportunity for all students regardless of economic, transience or language barriers.

The inspiration for trauma-informed design grew out of our work with the gifted Truman faculty. Principal Theresa Davis-Turner summed up the dedication:

At Truman we say all students are my students. We share the responsibility for the education and well-being of all Truman students. This is evident in our intentional design to provide flexible shared open spaces (learning studios and learning stairs) that classrooms can extend into. The design process was incredible. Truman teachers described our work while Bassetti staff listened and then designed a structure to support the work we described. This collaboration produced a building that provides multi-tiered supports for academic and social/emotional learning.

Davis-Turners summary centers on educating the whole child  encompassing the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each student. The subsequent design provides a learning environment that supports academic success coupled with the social/emotional needs of students.

Truman is organized around a central entry with quieter learning studios to the south and energized movement/gathering spaces to the north. Traditional school spaces  classrooms, library, cafeteria  are augmented with safe spaces where counselors, therapists and psychologists can work directly with students.

The welcoming entry enhances the involvement of the broader community in student success. Arrival occurs at a highly visible drop-off/gathering area. This visibility is critically important for students dealing with trauma who can be hyper-vigilant as to whos coming and going. Adjacent to the entry is the Family-Community Resource Center dedicated to family-focused uses. It serves as an essential nexus of communication between parents, volunteers, school staff and caregivers providing services to children facing trauma.

The south wing of the school contains six learning studios surrounding a centralized library, art lab, maker lab, and multi-use learning stair uniting the two stories. Both learning studios and centralized shared spaces were designed with an eye to academic excellence and TID.

[enlarge] Outdoor areas beneath a grove of mature evergreens provide choices for individual, small group or large group play.





The learning studios house layers of spaces with perimeter classrooms, shared co-op spaces, small group areas and project-based learning studios. The spaces support personalized and differentiated learning pathways for each student. The flexible, open concept with ample acoustic attenuation adapts to one-on-one, group, or hands-on learning while enhancing vital collaboration among teachers.

The variety and scales of spaces are also important in supporting traumatized children. Kids dealing with acute stress often need help from counselors and/or a place of refuge to rebalance. Individual or small group learning can be critical for re-engagement. Projectbased learning studios and flexible co-op spaces support all children in their natural urge to explore, tinker and create. Exploratory projects can also help traumatized students refocus.

Additionally, Truman houses four specific layers of support for children struggling with emotional balance. First, each classroom offers a light-filled bay window with a comfortable bean bag to help children gather themselves, nap or just cool down. The importance of emotional recognition and self-regulation without removal from class is critical.

The second layer, within the shared co-op space, is a graphic sensory circuit that helps students, needing to move or fidget, reset themselves. Third, an adult-supervised motor support circuit designed for children working through deeper emotional challenges. The final layer is a safe room with soft finishes where children who are terrified, angry or out of control can let out their rage under the watchful eye of a caring adult. The dreadful impacts of trauma can vary from a need for quiet withdrawal to screaming anger.

Centralized spaces in the learning studios provide vital shared resources for all students and places of refuge within eyesight of caring adults for children dealing with trauma. These spaces support large and small group learning. Flexible furniture, cozy corners, niches, nests and thoughtful transparency offer children a variety of places that can be transformed to meet their needs. Whether a student is retreating from bustling daily activities, observing others but not ready to participate, or engaging with classmates in collaborative exploration, learning areas at Truman provide spatial options to support both academic and social/emotional needs.

The schools more active north wing houses movement, dance, music, physical education, performance, dining and gathering spaces. A fitnasium, in lieu of a gymnasium, encourages movement in all forms both indoors and out. The multi-use commons is a large flexible space used for daily lunch and whole school gatherings. A raised platform supports presentations and benches provide students a safe perch along the edge of the busy space.

The commons opens to a playground and grove of mature trees where biophilic connections invite play and stress reduction. Structured and unstructured play provides children with choices in the type of activities in which they engage. All children, particularly those experiencing trauma, can choose between individual, small or large group activities. A courtyard connecting the north and south wings provides secure enclosure, a place for reflection, or cloistered outdoor learning.

From its inception, Truman Elementary School sought overarching design characteristics supporting academic excellence and social/emotional well-being. As our schools emerge from the damaging impacts of the pandemic, we must take account of the debilitating effects of traumatic stress our children have experienced. Whether a simple remodel funded by the American Recovery Act or new construction, the thoughtful inclusion of trauma-informed design ideas can help shape educational environments for healthy, engaged learners.

Lorne McConachie is a principal of Seattle- and Portland-based?Bassetti Architects, where he has cultivated a 36-year career of creating personalized, collaborative spaces that support differentiated learning, engaged communities and sustainable connections to place.





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How schools and designers can manage crises

Remote, hybrid or outdoor: which instruction style did it best during the pandemic?



By TRAVIS HAUAN

Rice Fergus Miller

Hauan

Crisis demands fast and effective solutions in an ever-changing playing field. When schools began closing rapidly in early 2020, no one could have predicted how they would adapt, or how students would succeed amid unprecedented challenges.

The three commonly seen methods of instruction that bubbled to the surface were: fully remote distance learning, a hybrid between remote and limited in-class learning and outdoor in-person learning. We interviewed three schools that each approached education differently during the first year of the pandemic: Catalyst Public School in Bremerton, Silverwood School in Poulsbo and Lincoln Park Elementary School in Douglass Park, Oregon. Each school, regardless of the teaching method, succeeded in maintaining safety, fostering student success and boosting enrollment the following year by employing timeless management and instruction techniques.

ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY

Images courtesy of Rice Fergus Miller [enlarge] Catalyst is a tuition-free, nonprofit charter school in Bremerton, open to all students regardless of ability, need or zip code. Rice Fergus Miller completed a full renovation of the 20,000-square-foot building in 2019, including 12 classrooms plus a cafeteria, meeting rooms and faculty space.





The cornerstone to success for every school interviewed was community engagement. Creating early standards for communication and procedures for teachers, families, students, as well as getting buy-in from each, was paramount to success. This included everything from how and when students would return to the classroom, how assignments would transfer back and forth and even how families marinated safety protocols at home. While each school approached this differently, the same objective emerged: clear and regular communication between teachers, and families allowing for deft adaptability as needed.

 Remote

Apart from video conferencing platforms, many schools and districts adopted communication apps to bridge communication delay and develop a network of accountability between faculty, students and parents.

Catalyst is a community charter school located in Bremerton. It quickly selected an app called EdLight as an educational platform to facilitate communication. This app allows the school to publish critical class-wide or school-wide messages from the school to parents on a secure connection. Additionally, it connects students and teachers to send and receive assignments and feedback immediately.

 Hybrid

When moving to hybrid learning, Catalyst continued to use EdLight to maintain an assignment collection and as the standard communication platform. The app allows students to take photographs of their assignments and upload them immediately to the platform. The instructor can digitally review and comment on assignments that are immediately accessible to students. As classes split between in-person and digital learning, a tool for seamless connection with students became invaluable.

 In-person

Silverwood School is an independent outdoor school, located in Poulsbo. It was dedicated to maintaining in-person learning throughout the pandemic. Limited by technology, it employed a different approach to engage its community. Silverwood hired a 0.5 FTE liaison that assisted each teacher and staff to regularly check in with families and ensure students and families had the resources they needed. The liaison provided much needed support and would even deliver or pick up supplies if needed. According to Lisa Heaman, the head of school at Silverwood, Hiring the liaison early on was one of the best decisions we made. It made everything run much smoother. For the 2021-22 school year, Silverwood has adopted a digital communication platform, much like Catalyst, for faculty to family engagement.

MODIFY YOUR SPACE

[enlarge] Classroom windows maximize natural light and add views of Sinclair Inlet.





Have you ever draped a blanket over a window to reduce glare, or opened a door with your elbow because your hands were full? Modifying your physical environment based on immediate need provides valuable information to inform how a space may not be meeting its potential. During the pandemic, examining how schools modified their physical space to meet safety protocol has provided critical feedback for how to better design instructional spaces for future use.

 Remote

Digital engagement can have just as much of a physical impact on students, families and faculty as a school building. For remote learners, all three schools issued tablet devices that were consistent, and all connected to the same video-conferencing platform. For Catalyst, much of the digital space arrangement came from the video conferencing platform and working with students to set up their dedicated space at home. During student orientation, Catalyst and Douglass Park gave each student and family a packet of manipulatives (depending on the grade) that the student was responsible for and could use during remote classes.

 Hybrid

When students came back, each school used the guidelines for social distancing, sanitization, mask wearing and ventilation upgrades, where possible. For Catalyst, it had recently moved into a new building and had enough space to have all students at school but keep reduced class sizes to maintain 6 feet of separation.

For Catalyst, two things it would do differently: Install operable windows in the classrooms for natural ventilation; and provide more covered outdoor space (tents in the parking lot dont last long in the rain).

 In-person

With the outdoors as your classroom, air quality isnt usually an issue, unless it is during forest fire season. Silverwood students spend most of their time outside, but when they were inside, social distancing and safety precautions were paramount. As Heaman stated, Early on, our mantra was, everyones health and safety (is) our priority. Early on, Silverwood installed air filtration systems in every room in the school.

Additionally, it modified its classroom spaces to offer the greatest amount of flexibility. This meant that much of the furniture had to be removed so that 6 feet of social distancing could be maintained. Some teachers had students use their own yoga mats and work off the floor and on trays, other teachers used surfboards, a floor-seated desk students can pick up and move easily inside or outside. When they werent using either, a soft seat on the grass or tree stumps worked just as well.

MAINTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability sustained each school to stick to its safety procedures, ensure academic rigor and foster student success. Creating a culture of accountability among staff, students and families resulted in zero COVID-19 cases at each school.

 Remote

For remote learning, the challenge of fostering regular participation from students became one of the biggest struggles. Amanda Gardner from Catalyst said, I noticed that students who had done an academic year before became much more passive during remote learning. Luckily that went away when (the students) returned this year and they were very excited to start school again. During full remote learning, one positive way schools ensured they were staying on track was by inviting other school instructors to sit in on virtual classes and offer feedback.

Teachers used different icebreakers and digital techniques to get students to keep their cameras on and stay engaged during live teaching sessions. Both schools that offered remote learning stated live teaching sessions were much more successful in engaging the student than assignments sent back and forth with no or limited teaching sessions.

For remote learners, success relied heavily on the instructor and families to stay on top of communication to ensure students remained engaged.

 Hybrid

Hybrid split-class learning brought the benefit of smaller class sizes but with the challenge of contact tracing and remote learning. The accountability for hybrid learning combined the physical challenges of safety and sanitation with the pedagogical accountability of remote learning.

 In-person

Heaman described how creating a culture of accountability among the faculty helped maintain the rigor of the school even when everyone felt fatigued. For Silverwood, creating a culture of accountability early on for the facility, families and students is what sustained them throughout the year with no COVID-19 cases on campus.

In developing the safety plan for Silverwood, Heaman thought through in detail every step a student would take through their day at school. From that they limited the amount of material that would pass from teacher to student, making it simpler to trace who touched what.

VALUABLE INSIGHT

Three different learning methods offer valuable insight to how schools adapted to maintain safety and academic success during the first year of the pandemic. Each school successfully engaged families, students and faculty to create a community united to keep everyone safe and help students succeed. Each school modified its physical and digital space in various ways as it quickly adapted to new scientific research and emerging data.

Fostering a culture of accountability was vital in maintaining academic rigor and health safety. As we move forward into more unknown territory for education, the lessons learned during this last year of school will aid in planning for the future of education for years to come.

Travis Hauan is an architectural designer and associate at Rice Fergus Miller. He works in the firms housing, community and education studios.





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WASHINGTON  The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners have contributed $1,900,848 in grant funding for wildlife habitat enhancement, research and hunting heritage efforts across Washington.

Eleven projects that benefit are in Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Kittitas, Skamania and Yakima counties. There are an additional four projects of statewide benefit.





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On the Block: $11M deal breathes new life into a nearly dead downtown hotel

The almost century-old Hotel Seattle, at 315 Seneca St., has sold for just under $10.9 million, according to King County records. The buyers were three local LLCs associated with an investor group led by Curran Hagstrom, his brother Collin Hagstrom and Giovanni Napoli. Public records indicate a loan from Sound Community Bank.

This is our first foray into hotel ownership, says Curran Hagstrom. Accordingly, they've partnered with Weinstein AU and Columbia Hospitality  the same duo involved in the award-winning gut renovation and design of what's now the State Hotel, formerly the Eitel Building. The latter was landmarked, which is not the case for the Hotel Seattle, where Weinstein filed its early plan in June.

The new owners will rename the hotel, which they hope to reopen in 2024.

A straight renovation job with no change of use will likely not require design review. (The State/Eitel was basically disassembled behind its crumbling facade, with new structural supports built within.)

Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge] Better days lie ahead for the old and somewhat derelict hotel, which awaits some TLC before hosting new guests in 2024.





The seller was Heart of Seattle, associated with the Neyhart family, which acquired the 78-room hotel circa 1977 for an unknown amount. It was then known as the Heart of Seattle Hotel. It opened in 1926 as the Continental Hotel.

Dylan Simon, Jerrid Anderson and Brandon Lawler of Kidder Mathews represented the family. The deal was nominally worth about $139,102 per room. That figure excludes the retail and restaurant space  the latter once occupied by Bernard's, the basement dive bar. The nail salon still seems to be operating. The 11-story building has 36,240 square feet, which equates to about $300 per square foot.

KM put the building on the market this spring; it had closed earlier during the pandemic. Offers were due in April. There was an early renovation plan about that time from Graham Baba Architects for prospective buyer ASH NYC, which was evidently outbid by the local group.

The hotel is between Fourth and Third avenues, and a few steps from University Street Station. It's operated in recent years as a budget operation, and is in somewhat shabby condition. The four concrete entry canopies were added circa 1962.

The new owners are experienced multifamily investors who also happen to be well-known brokers  for Westlake Associates and Institutional Property Advisors. (Those firms had no role in the hotel deal.)

No contractor has been selected yet, says Curran Hagstrom, who calls the property an historic but currently tired building, with a ton of character and charm.

He continues, At first we were somewhat dismissive of it, given the hotel's condition and the partners' past experience in multifamily, not hospitality. At the same time, he says, the partners had plenty of experience fixing up old apartment buildings from the 1920s, so they weren't daunted by the prospect of a major renovation. We've absolutely familiar with tackling old buildings and rehabbing them. We'll give it some TLC.

And when it comes to a new hospitality venture, We're intentionally going in with a humble mindset. We know what we know, and we know what we don't know. That's where Columbia Hospitality comes in.

Also, the partners liked the opportunity to make a mark in downtown Seattle, particularly when it  and hospitality in particular  has been so badly battered by the pandemic. COVID's not going away, but at some point the pandemic will. And tourists will return to downtown, we hope.

We do plan to designate it as a landmark, he says of the hotel. (BOLA Architecture + Planning will consult on that.) Whether that comes before or after the renovation is still TBD; Weinstein will likely decide that strategy  and what to do with the awful '60s addition to the lower facade.

Touring the building was like stepping back in a time machine, says Hagstrom. Employee timecards remained in their slots, waiting to be punched. The vending machines were still stocked with stale candy. There were napkins and placemats on the tables at Bernard's, along with dusty sauerkraut dispensers awaiting the ghosts of patrons past.

And what of Bernard's? Hagstrom has eaten there, but has no fond memories of that dungeon, a widely shared sentiment. He anticipates that space, as with the State Hotel, will probably flip to back-of-house operations, maybe a gym, etc. Instead, as Weinstein did at the State, the lobby could be opened up with a bar and restaurant to invite people in.

In a sense, the hotel was frozen in time  per Hagstrom  well before the pandemic. After four decades of neglect, it'll reawaken in a new century.





Got a tip? Contact DJC real estate editor Brian Miller at brian.miller@djc.com or call him at (206) 219-6517.





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REDMOND  In two related deals between the same parties, West77 Partners has sold two hotels to Lennox Capital Partners of Dallas.

Public records indicate loans from East West Bank that total about $25.5 million.





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SEATTLE (AP)  A timeshare exit firm accused by the Washington state Attorney General's Office of misleading customers must refund some of its former clients' money.

The terms of a consent decree filed Tuesday in King County Superior Court say Reed Hein & Associates LLC of Kirkland must give money back to clients who paid the company to help them escape their timeshares, The Seattle Times reported.





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News

Saltillo names soccer complex after former Parks & Rec director

Adam Robison | Daily Journal Members of former Saltillo Parks and Recreation Director Andy Loden's family watch as a sign is unveiled naming the late city official in honor of the sports complex he helped build during a short unveiling ceremony on Sept. 28, 2021. Loden died in March 2020 after a sudden illness. Adam Robison | Daily Journal Rita Loden, Andy Loden's widow, wipes tears from her eyes as former Saltillo Mayor Rex Smith speaks of the he spent working with Loden Tuesday during the dedication of the Andy Loden Soccer Complex at the city's sportsplex on Sept. 28, 2021. Adam Robison | Daily Journal Lexi Loden, Andy Loden's daughter, looks up at the new sign that was unveiled Tuesday honoring her late father on Sept. 28, 2021. Adam Robison | Daily Journal Rita Loden gets a photo of the Andy Loden Soccer Complex sign that was unveiled honoring her late husband Tuesday in Saltillo on Sept. 28, 2021. Adam Robison | Daily Journal Andy Loden Soccer Complex

SALTILLO  The city of Saltillo honored one of its own Tuesday, naming the soccer complex at the local sportsplex after the former Parks & Recreation director who fought to bring it to life.

City officials, family and friends gathered for a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the arch at the Andy Loden Soccer Complex at the W.K. Webb Sportsplex. A lifelong Saltillo resident, Loden joined the department in 2004 and was named director in June 2018.

During his tenure, Loden worked tirelessly to expand the programs offered to children in Saltillo. He was instrumental in creating soccer, basketball and tennis programs for youth.

Loden's efforts were cut short when he struck with a sudden and inevitably fatal illness in March 2020.

Current Saltillo Park & Rec director Alex Wilcox knew of Loden and his efforts while working for Tupelo. When he was hired last fall, one of his goals was to begin working on something to honor his predecessor.

Former Mayor Rex Smith said Loden's death was a shock to everyone, but the soccer complex was his his dream, and it will become his legacy.

"He's got this generation (of kids)," Smith said. "One day, someone will look up at this arch and ask, 'Who is Andy Loden?' The kids here today will be able to say, 'He was the one who started all this.'"

Steve Dillard served multiple stints as the Saltillo Parks & Rec director. Even though he was the boss, he always considered Loden his co-director.

Dillard recalled just how bad the dirt was under the soccer complex and how much work Loden had to do to transform them into the pristine fields played on today.

"It took a lot of work, but he loved it and took a lot of pride," Dillard said at Wednesday's ceremony. "He was a great man. I hope this will be a tribute to him for years and years and years.

While he was well regarded for his hard work and his passion for putting Saltillo first, Loden was also known for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.

"Andy was easygoing and always had a dry sense of humor," Smith said.

Dillard agreed, and said Loden always helped his crew start their days off in the right frame of mind.

"He would always add some levity to the Tuesday morning department head meetings," said Dillard.

Nathan Murff served as an assistant coach when Loden took over the Saltillo Junior Legion baseball team from 2002 through 2004.

"He kept us laughing," Murff said. "We would ride with him. All he had to do was start laughing and he would get us going. We'd be laughing so hard we couldn't breathe."
First-class may be going the way of the Dodo (becoming less and less distinguishable from business class), but private jets appear here to stay.

To that end, Qatar Executive  a subsidiary of Qatar Airways  recently celebrated the order of a lavish new jet which will next year be added to their private jet roster.

Todays showcase of the #G700 in Doha marks one year to the delivery of the aircraft to #QatarExecutive in 2022, the airline announced last week.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Qatar Executive (@qatarexecutive)

Equipped with the all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and an advanced high-speed wing design, the G700 is able to fly at record-breaking speed and range with what has been described as outstanding environmental efficiency.

The G700 will form part of Qatar Executives state-of-the-art fleet of long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. Qatar Executive has ordered 10 of the worlds largest business jets, and will take delivery of the very first aircraft off the Gulfstream assembly line in Georgia, U.S. in 2022.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: We take great pride in the expansion of Qatar Executive throughout the ongoing pandemic. The arrival of the Gulfstream G700 in Doha emphasises our position as one of the leading business jet aircraft service provider in the Middle East and around the world.

As the global launch customer for this technologically-advanced jet, we look forward to welcoming the G700 into Qatar Executives fleet in 2022 and continuing to set new standards in air travel for years to come.

As a launch customer, we are also proud to reaffirm our commitment to addressing climate change and other environmental impacts through the addition of the technologically advanced G700 to our fleet.

Qatar Executive, a fleet of first class jets, created in 2009, caters to global business travellers. Last year Qatar Airways introduced a new feature to this Executive program, which it calls The Diamond Agreement.

An Unparalleled Private Jet Travel Programme, Qatar Executives new Diamond Agreement offers maximum flexibility at industry leading pricing. How? Customers are able to pre-purchase flight time at fixed-hourly rates on state-of-the-art long-range and ultra-long-range private jets.

The Diamond Agreement is precisely tailored to the individual customers needs and requirements, offering a truly unique flying experience.

To join this program, customers purchase a minimum of 50 hours flight time, without any associated membership fees. The all-inclusive and fixed-hourly rates cover both flight hours and taxi time.

Designed to simplify private jet travel, pre-purchased Diamond Agreement hours have no minimum annual usage and no maximum carry-over, making the Diamond Agreement program unrivalled in terms of its flexibility. Qatar Executives customers are also offered guaranteed availability for reservations booked from just 72 hours in advance.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Qatar Executive (@qatarexecutive)

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said of the agreement: As part of Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Executive offers an exceptional travel experience for private jet customers. With the Diamond Agreement, we can now offer even more flexible and bespoke travel options for Qatar Executive passengers, who can continue to expect our high levels of service and safety onboard our state-of-the-art aircraft.

But how much, exactly, does it cost to fly on Qatar Executive?

When DMARGE contacted Qatar Airways they were unable to provide any particular pricing range/options for Qatar Executive because the offering is all price upon application.

Qatar Executives services and price list, which outlines the price of everything from baggage pet handling ($158) to lavatory service ($165), starts to give you somewhat of an idea of what you might be up for.

However, were not the first sleuths to try and figure this out.

According to Insider, Qatar Executives Gulfstream G500 costs around $160,000 to fly from New York to London. We imagine the G700 will cost something similar (or more).

The G500 can seat 13 passengers and can travel 5,200 miles on a full tank, which means it could fly non-stop from Hong Kong to London.

It has high-speed WiFi, a satellite phone, a coffee maker, a fridge, and even an oven, Insider reports.

Read more about Qatar Executive (and the flat hourly rate payment option) here. In the meantime, well continue wondering how much the G700 would cost to charter

Read Next
Dundalk Chamber Vice President Una McGoey is calling on members of the public and the business community to get behind the Shop Local Vouchers this Christmas and give them as Christmas presents to family and staff.

Commenting on the announcement that there are now over 360 local shops and businesses redeeming Shop Local Gift Vouchers, Una said: With over 4 million sold to date since they launched five years ago, they have been a resounding success Una said.

Every 10 spent locally on Irish products generates more than 40 of benefit to the local community in terms of employment, according to the Chamber.

The retail sector employs more people than any other sector in the Irish economy. Retailers and suppliers are currently under significant pressure and its now more important than ever to shop local.

Local shops use local services such as accountants, insurance brokers and suppliers.

Paddy Malone PRO of Dundalk Chamber is also asking local employers to get behind this voucher scheme and give the Shop Local Gift Vouchers as the Christmas bonus this year. Paddy said: "Employers can save 56% on staff rewards by giving employees a Shop Local Gift Voucher instead of cash.

Businesses can reward their staff with a 500 tax free payment.

"You are entitled to give one each year.

"Under the Small Benefits Exemption Scheme, company Directors and Employees can receive a non-cash bonus of up to 500 in value on a completely tax-free basis each year and he would encourage all employers to buy this voucher for the town.

"By buying the Shop Local Gift Vouchers not only can you save money by taking advantage of the Government Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, but it is also a fully deductible business expense for your company.

"If you havent availed of the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme so far in 2021, I would encourage you do so before 31st December 2021 and use Shop Local Gift Vouchers for this."

Paddy also stated that Directors of a limited company can avail of a 500 tax free payment as they are considered an employee of the business.

Unfortunately, this benefit does not apply to Sole traders / Partnerships however it would apply to their employees.

He added: " The added advantage of these vouchers is that they do not expire over time unlike other vouchers.

If you want to buy vouchers you can purchase online on www.dundalk.ie/vouchers or directly from the Dundalk Chamber Offices by calling Tel: 042 9336343 or email accounts@dundalk.ie

You can also buy them from a number of agents throughout the town including Dundalk Credit Union Market St and the Ramparts, McEvoys, Michael Smyths, Flanagans Mace, Finnegans Louth Village, Centra Blackrock, Victorys and Weldons Dunleer, Sheelans Riverstown, Valentines Carlingford and Barrys Shop Omeath- check out the full list of outlets who are redeeming the Shop Local Gift Vouchers visit http://shoplocal.dundalk.ie


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IVE been wanting to visit Baltimore for ages, attracted by the famous beacon that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, so when I heard that pirates had stormed into the village centuries ago, that was a done deal.

On a sunny Saturday morning we started making our way to this beautiful place.

Got my camera ready, the kids were excited for this small trip.





As we passed through Bandon, Dunmanway and Skibbereen, I kept thinking about the story I was going to tell, about the terror a pirate attack brought to an otherwise quiet town, about how tough life was back then.

Baltimore Castle.

Pirates that sailed from Algeria caused mayhem and grief. The Sack of Baltimore happened on June 16, 1631.

Why did pirates sail from the Mediterranean all the way to Ireland? And why did they storm into Baltimore? Were the people of Baltimore betrayed?

Learn a bit more in my video...
Digital Desk Staff

A retired senior garda has been arrested under anti-gangland legislation as part of a high-level investigation into alleged linkages with a major organised crime group.

The man was apprehended in an operation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation during which 30kgs of cannabis herb, with an estimated street value of 600,000, and 47,000 in cash was seized in searches of five premises in Dublin.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the NBCI team arrested one male under the Criminal Justice Act 2006, relating to alleged activities enhancing the ability of a gang to carry out serious crime.

The arrest is understood to be the culmination of an extensive investigation by elite detectives in the NBCI, including an examination of alleged links with a significant organised crime group.

While there are suggestions which group it is, this could not be confirmed.

It is understood that Garda Commissioner Drew Harris would have been kept briefed about the investigation, given the seriousness of it.

The commissioner has placed this issue at the top of his agenda since he took up his position.

A statement relating to the operation was issued earlier by the Garda Press Office.

On Wednesday 29th September, 2021, personnel attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) participated in an organised crime-related operation, in the course of which five searches were conducted in Dublin.

In the course of the operation thirty (30) kgs of cannabis herb with an estimated street value of 600,000 (subject to analysis) and cash in the amount of 47,000 was located and seized.

It said a male was arrested in the course of the operation on suspicion of involvement in offences contrary to the provisions of section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, relating to alleged enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation to commit or facilitate a serious offence.

The arrested person is detained at Irishtown Garda Station, pursuant to Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

This allows for a maximum period of seven days detention, following consecutive application to the courts.
A group of former and current Blue Origin employees have accused the company of fostering a "toxic environment." In an essay written by former head of employee communications Alexandra Abrams and 20 co-authors, the group claims some senior leaders at Blue Origin "have been known to be consistently inappropriate with women."

The essay states that one executive has been reported to human resources multiple times for sexual harassment. Another former exec used condescending language to women and inappropriately enquired about their personal lives. The group says that person had a "close personal relationship" with Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos and was only removed from the company after groping a female subordinate.

"We found many company leaders to be unapproachable and showing clear bias against women," the group wrote. "Concerns related to flying New Shepard were consistently shut down, and women were demeaned for raising them." The essay details several instances of how men and women are treated differently at New Origin, such as one man receiving a going-away party after being fired and a female leader who was let go being ordered to leave the premises right away.

"The workforce dedicated to establishing this future 'for all' is mostly male and overwhelmingly white," the group said. "One-hundred percent of the senior technical and program leaders are men."

Joe Raedle via Getty Images

The group details other concerns, such as Blue Origin ignoring safety and environmental issues. The authors say, for instance, that despite the company's mission to "build a better world," none of them "has seen Blue Origin establish any concrete plans to become carbon neutral or significantly reduce its large environmental footprint."

They say that "professional dissent" is stifled, with CEO Bob Smith asking one of the group not to make it easy for workers to ask questions during company-wide town halls. The essay's authors state that Smith asked for a list of "troublemakers or agitators" within the company so that senior leaders could "have a talk" with those in their divisions.

On top of that, the essay makes reference to history's worst space race between Bezos, Elon Musk and Richard Branson. "Competing with other billionaires  and 'making progress for Jeff'  seemed to take precedence over safety concerns that would have slowed down the schedule," the authors claimed.

The group concluded the essay by saying that Bezos and other Blue Origin leaders should be held to account and learn how to run a company that's respectful and responsible. "In our experience, Blue Origins culture sits on a foundation that ignores the plight of our planet, turns a blind eye to sexism, is not sufficiently attuned to safety concerns, and silences those who seek to correct wrongs," they wrote. "Thats not the world we should be creating here on Earth and certainly not as our springboard to a better one."

A Blue Origin spokesperson sent the following statement to Engadget:
Facebook has published two slide decks detailing its research into how Instagram affects teens mental health. The slides were heavily cited by The Wall Street Journal earlier this month in a story that reported the companys own researchers had found that Instagram is harmful for a sizable percentage of teens, particularly teenage girls.

Instagram has attempted to rebut those claims, saying that its research was mischaracterized. But the ensuing backlash has already forced the company to pause its work on an Instagram Kids app. It also raised pressure on Facebook to release the underlying research, which the company ultimately agreed to do. Facebooks head of safety is scheduled to testify at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on child safety on Instagram Thursday.

The slides offer a rare glimpse into how Facebook researches thorny issues affecting its own services. Many include lengthy annotations with additional context on the more controversial aspects of the research. For example, a slide titled The Perfect image, feeling attractive, and having enough money are most likely to have started on Instagram, states that the information in the slide should not be used as estimates of average experience among teen users.

Facebook

Other annotations, like one on a slide, titled One in five teens say that Instagram makes them feel worse about themselves, with UK girls the most negative, attempt to downplay the findings. This research was not intended to (and does not) evaluate causal claims between Instagram and health or well-being. (That line is repeated on several other slides.)

The research also offers insight into what type of content is positively perceived by teens on Instagram. One slide states that meme accounts are among the content that make teens feel the best.

Facebook

The release of the research is unlikely to quiet Facebooks critics, particularly those in Congress who were already deeply suspicious of the companys attempts to woo children onto its services. Some Democratic lawmakers have called on the company to abandon its work on Instagram Kids entirely. For Facebook, younger users are not just one of the most important demographics, but one where the company has been consistently losing out to rivals like Snapchat and Instagram.

Other research, also conducted by Facebook and published by The Wall Street Journal this week, found that Facebook has been struggling to keep tween and teens engaged. In one slide, which has not been made public by Facebook, the company discussed whether young childrens playdates could be used as a growth lever for Messenger Kids. Facebook later said that it was an insensitive way to pose a serious question and doesnt reflect our approach to building the app.

Update 9/29/21 11:32PM ET: The Wall Street Journal has published internal documents, including ones Facebook didn't include in its report about how Instagram affects teens' mental health.
Honda builds much more than cars and trucks  power equipment, solar cells, industrial robotics, alternative fuel engines and even aircraft are all part of the company's production capacity. On Thursday, Honda announced that it is working to further expand its manufacturing portfolio to include Avatar-style remote telepresence robots and electric VTOLs for inter- and intracity commutes before turning its ambitions to building a fuel-cell driven power generation system for the lunar surface.

For its eVTOL, Honda plans to leverage not only the lithium battery technology it's developed for its EV and PHEV vehicles but also a gas turbine hybrid power unit to give the future aircraft enough range to handle regional inter-city flights as well. Honda foresees air taxis as a ubiquitous part of tomorrow's transportation landscape, seamlessly integrating with both autonomous ground vehicles and traditional airliners (though they could soon be flown by robots as well). Obviously, the program is still very much in the early research phase and will likely remain so until at least the second half of this decade. The company anticipates having prototype units available for testing and certification by the 2030s and a full commercial rollout sometime around 2040.

Honda will have plenty of competition if and when it does get its eVTOLs off the ground. Cadillac showed off its single-seater aircar earlier this year, while Joby (in partnership with NASA) already has full-scale mockups flying. In June, Slovakian transportation startup, Klein Vision, flew from Nitra and to the Bratislava airport in its inaugural inter-city flight  and then drove home after the event. But building a fleet of flying taxis is no easy feat  just ask Bell helicopters  and we're sure to see more companies drop out of the sector before eVTOLs become commonplace.

Carlo Allegri / reuters

Honda reps also discussed the company's future robotics aspirations during a media briefing on Wednesday. The company envisions a future where people are unencumbered by space and time, where telepresence robots have visual and tactile acuity rivalling that of humans. Rather than hopping on a plane to inspect remote factory floors or attend product demonstrations in person, tomorrow's workers may simply don VR headsets and step into the body of an on-site humanoid robot.

The company announced that it wants its Avatar Robot  a newly refined iteration of the Asimo (above)  put into practical use in the 2030s and will conduct technology demonstration testing by the end of Q1, 2024 in order to meet that goal. But before that happens Honda reps noted that the company has work to do downsizing the robot's hand hardware and improving its grasping dexterity.

JAXA/Honda

Honda also has big plans for its space ventures including working on ways to adapt its existing fuel cell and high differential pressure water electrolysis technologies to work on the lunar surface as part of a circulative renewable energy system.

This system would use electricity gathered from renewable energy sources (like solar) to break the molecular bonds of liquid water, resulting hydrogen and oxygen. Those two elements would then be run through Honda's fuel cell to generate both electricity and supply the lunar habitats with oxygen for breathing and hydrogen for rocket fuel.

The company also hopes to utilize the more-nimble Avatar hands its developing as manipulators on a fleet of remote controlled lunar rovers which will perform tasks on the lunar surface rather than subject astronauts to the moon's many dangers. Honda has partnered with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and began joint research into both of these systems in June.
EV automaker Nikola has signed a memorandum of understanding with Opal Fuels to build and operate hydrogen fueling stations across North America. Under the preliminary agreement, the two companies will work to co-develop the technology necessary to accelerate the adoption of fuel-cell electric vehicles. They also plan to explore the use of renewable natural gas.

Initially, they say they plan to focus on infrastructure for private shipping companies before looking at whether it makes sense to make something similar available to the public. To date, Opal has built more than 350 renewable natural gas stations.

Today marks another important step forward in Nikolas stated energy infrastructure plans and its focus on providing hydrogen fueling services to customers, said Pablo Koziner, the president of Nikolas energy and commercial operations.
First announced back in January at Samsung's Galaxy S21 event, Hyundai revealed on Thursday that its upcoming GV60 crossover will be the first to work with the phonemaker's newfangled Digital Key  at least for GV60 owners living in Korea.

The Digital Key utilizes NFC and ultra wideband (UWB) technologies to grant drivers passive access to their vehicles  that is, so long as your Galaxy phone is in your possession, the vehicle will open automatically as you approach. The key can also be shared with "family and friends" according to a Thursday media release from Hyundai, though they'll need to own a Galaxy S21+ or Ultra, Note20 Ultra, or a Z Fold 2 or 3 for it to work. The system is designed to run on Android 12 and later, assuming your phone has a UWB chip, though it will also operate via NFC if you don't.

Hyundai touts Samsung's embedded Secure Element (eSE) in terms of data protection and notes that the UWB-based transmission system is highly resistant to interception, cloning or jamming. Whether that security scheme will stand up to a mugger bonking you on the head, then taking your phone and your car remains to be seen. The digital key feature is expected to launch in Korea by the end of this year.

Google announced back in May that it planned to begin offering its own digital key system  separate from what Samsung has developed  on "select Pixel and Galaxy phones" with UWB capabilities. We've now seen UWB in the Galaxy, does that mean the Pixel 6 could offer it as well?
The drama, litigation and tweets continue between Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and all those space-faring companies. As reported by CNET, Musk told Code conference attendees Bezos should put more effort into "getting into orbit than lawsuits," and that you couldn't "sue your way to the Moon" as Blue Origin allegedly tried when it lost its lunar lander bid.

SpaceX

NASA legal documents have revealed the space agency felt Blue Origin "gambled" with its originally proposed $5.9 billion lunar lander price. Bezos' company allegedly set the price far higher than necessary, expecting (hoping?) NASA to award the contract and negotiate a lower cost. Further, it assumed NASA would get the full funding from Congress needed for that initial price. That didnt happen.

Blue Origins VP Megan Mitchell told The Verge the company rejected NASA's views. She felt it made a "great offer" and that it disagreed with how NASA had framed its bid.

An Amazon representative also got in touch with Engadget to remind us that SpaceX has a "long track record" of suing the US government over contracts and other decisions. Yes, were aware.

In the end, SpaceXs lower bid of $2.9 billion was picked by NASA, despite Blue Origins subsequent challenges and a last-minute $2 billion bid  almost a third of its original proposal.

 Mat Smith

New look, same tricks.

Engadget

Valentina Palladino puts the latest Fitbit through its paces. Dont expect any major shakeups, but we do get a more modern fitness tracker. Not only is it thinner, lighter and less bulky than the Charge 4 but it now has some features previously reserved for Fitbits full-fledged smartwatches, the Versa and Sense. At $180, you will pay a premium for those updates.

Continue reading.

Disney+ will have one more big show before 2021 is over.

Disney

Disney vowed The Book of Boba Fett would premiere this December, and it's making good on its promise  barely. Its revealed the Mandalorian spin-off will debut December 29th on Disney+, replete with a little bit of teaser art you can see above. Wed explain more, but spoilers abound. For everyone already caught up with The Mandalorian, click on.

Continue reading.

You look familiar, Alexa.

If you were following along with all the Amazon product announcements yesterday, you might have experienced a dose of tech deja vu. Cherlynn Low felt exactly that. With products that borrowed heavily from the likes of Fitbit, Nest (both Google properties now), as she put it, Amazon's biggest innovation increasingly seems to be: being cheap. Aside from that robot.

Continue reading.

The company also revealed $250 ANC headphones promising 30-hour battery life.

Sony's flagship noise-canceling headphones and tech-filled true wireless earbuds have both been updated for 2021. Now, the company's more affordable options are getting the same treatment. With the WF-C500, you can pick up a solid set of true wireless earbuds capable of handling immersive 360 Reality Audio for $100. And if over-ear noise-canceling headphones are more your vibe, the WF-XB910N pairs ANC (active noise cancellation) with 30-hour battery life for $250.

Continue reading.

The biggest news stories you might have missed

Facebook publishes slides on how Instagram affects teen mental health

Valve is reportedly working on a standalone VR headset

Apple finally lets you rate its apps on the App Store

That show with a golden arm returns, thanks to Roku

Nintendo denies it supplied developers with tools for a 4K Switch

Jeep's Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid will arrive in early 2022

GM's new software hub will update your next EV like a smartphone

Google wants to streamline the tricky process of assigning addresses in rural areas

Engadget Deals: SanDisk memory cards are discounted for today only on Amazon
Hard Luck Love Song is a story we've heard before - sort of. We see the pool hustler, the wannabe musician, the rekindling of old friendships. However, the film, in an incredibly delicate and nuanced way, softly plays the chords of the human condition, allowing them to crescendo into vibrant and important conversations by the viewers. Such was the case when I was able to sit down with the stars of the film, Michael Dorman and Sophia Bush.

The movie is based on the song Just Like Old Times by Todd Snider. Dorman and Bush play old loves, Jesse and Carla, that reconnect. The song silently sets the rhythm of the film, the movie feels like a poignant musical moment that may not ever happen again. As a musician in his personal life, Dorman feels similarly about the songs he plays when he is with friends.



All I can say is that, in any instance, whenever I'm sitting with friends or, y'know, people that I love and care about, if someone asks me to play something I always make it up on the spot. It's always a song I'll never remember, I'll never play again, it's just something that's purely for the moment.

There is also a lot going on in this political moment in our country. (What a seamless segue!) Both Dorman and Bush are both activists, constantly striving to utilize their platforms to impact meaningful change. Bush testified in front of the House Select Subcommittee on Vaccines to address the vaccination of young people. In the end of Hard Luck Love Song, a police officer shoots a black man. Slightly later in that film, the officer says, "I'm a cop. I can do anything I want." This small moment but provocative statement casts a pointed light on issues in our country today including, but not limited to, qualified immunity and the 18 months since Breonna Taylor was killed. When this was brought up, the John Tucker Must Die actress eloquently pointed out:

It's not lost on me that today we're all sitting down, and you're asking me this question about Breonna Taylor who was killed 18 months ago, we're talking about this one the day when the three surviving members of the Tulsa race masacre are seeing their first day in court in Oklahoma. The centennial was honored in June of 2021. This happened in 1921. It's taken a hundred years. And calls from all over the country and all of the world for the legal system to even begin to have a conversation about paying attention.

This stark reality is upsettingly powerful. The disparity of it inherently asks the question What else can be done? "I think whatever the issues are that create that kind of systemic oppression, that create the impediments to justice, those impediments, those hurdles have to be removed so that we as a society can get honest about our ills and our misdeeds so that we can move forward and not repeat them," Bush again smartly answered. We have to understand the past in order to keep from repeating the past.

For everything that was said, check out the interview below!

While these deep conversations may not happen within the film, this one was born because of it. Be sure to watch Hard Luck Love Song in theaters on October 15th.
Is any publicity good publicity for Dog the Bounty Hunter?

It seems like right now is the perfect time to shop for a new TV series as the 68-year-old tries to locate Gabby Petito's missing fiance, Brian Laundrie.

According to Variety, Thinkfactory Media is currently looking for a new series that would star Duane Chapman, more popularly known as Dog.

Thinkfactory Media is also behind other reality shows such as "Mama June: From Not to Hot," "Marriage Boot Camp," and "Rat In the Kitchen."

The outlet revealed that the potential new show would follow Dog's everyday life as he looks for criminals, including Brian Laundrie.

The famous reality star has been updating his fans and Gabby Petito supporters about his ongoing search for Brian, who is the "person of interest" in her murder in the past few days.

What Were Dog The Bounty Hunter's Shows?

He previously starred in a series for A&E titled "Dog the Bounty Hunter," which ran for eight seasons.

But Dog's reality TV career didn't stop there because he later starred in a series "Dog and Beth: On the Hunt," which aired for two years.

He also starred in a show with his late wife, who died in 2019 after losing her fight with cancer.

A&E even documented Beth's cancer diagnosis in one episode aired in 2017 titled "Dog and Beth: Fight of Their Lives."

READ ALSO: Brian Laundrie's Parents Hiding Something? Sketchy Incident Happened Days After Son Returned Home

Dog the Bounty Hunter's Updates on Brian Laundrie

Dog and his crew have recently discovered a makeshift campsite as they continued to hunt for Brian Laundrie.

A can of Monster drink was also spotted at Fort De Soto Park that showed no signs of faded colors or rust, suggesting that it was recently just discarded.

As they continued to search the place, Dog said in a Wednesday update video how the area could be a perfect spot for him to hide.

He went on to say, "Not too many people out here, but there's a lot of environmental things we're gonna fight. The search now is really on."

Early this week, Dog also received a tip that Brian and his parents' gone camping at the site on Sept. 6, only a few days after Gabby was reported missing.

When they checked out two days later, on Sept. 8, Dog claimed that Brian wasn't with his parents.

However, both Chris and Roberta Laundrie confirmed that they went camping with their son on Sept. 6 but denied that he didn't return home with them.

READ MORE: Brian Laundrie Subreddit Suggests He Is The Victim and Not Gabby Petito -- Here's What They're Saying
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned from New York on a private plane furnished by the business most notable for making Cindy Crawford the world's wealthiest supermodel. Is there a possibility that Meghan Markle will be the next Cindy Crawford?

Or how about the next Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, and Heidi Klum? All the aforementioned names had beauty product lines with Guthy-Renker, which brought them millions of dollars.

If Meghan Markle is being courted by Guthy-Renker with all this special treatment, her career is likley to change very soon. If she appears in an infomercial, she can possibly earn BIG by doing something a royal has never done, as reported by Daily Mail UK.

After a three-day VIP tour of New York City, DailyMail.com published exclusive photos of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disembarking from Guthy-Dassault Renker's Falcon jet in Santa Barbara on Saturday, sparking speculation that Meghan could be planning her own product lines with the controversial company.

ALSO READ: Jennifer Aniston Says 'Marriage is Off the Table' But Ready for a 'Confident' Boyfriend

It remains to be seen whether such a deal can happen, but it's already established that Guthy-Renker has been involved in a number of controversies. This can make the image of Meghan Markle be the talk of the town once more. It has been penalized in California for illegal business tactics, placed under federal investigation and sued for $26 million by thousands of women who say their shampoo caused them to lose their hair, and its ads have been prohibited in the United Kingdom for misleading' consumers.

Crawford and Guthy-Renker launched Meaningful Beauty, an anti-aging skincare line, in 2005, and promoted it with a flurry of on-the-nose infomercials. Crawford is questioned in front of a studio audience about her apparent ability to "defy the aging process" in one advertisement masquerading as a chat show piece, with a honey-toned voiceover asking if the whole thing is "magic."

Guthy-Renker has shown at least 11 of Crawford's infomercials on national television by 2015, including on the retail channel QVC.

This year, the range expanded to include hair products. Meghan's foray into the realm of beauty goods and infomercials would be very unusual for a member of the royal family. It's simply unorthodox. More so when the company has a very dubious record.

Harry and Meghan's public relations team at Sunshine Sachs are likely to be exhausted from doing damage control if possible links to the infomercial giant will further continue.

But then, since stepping down from her senior royal position and taking her husband into the US with her, it's not as if they have been acting in royally orthodox manners.

ALSO READ: Camila Cabello Went Mad After Shawn Mendes Broke Up With Her Publicly?- Cause of Recent Fight Revealed [REPORT]
Has Reese Witherspoon had an affair while still married to Jim Toth, her husband? According to a malicious report, she did when she and Troth were reportedly in a rough patch.

According to Woman's Day, which is the one to break the "news," Witherspoon did not bother hiding the fact that she's seeing another man. Reportedly, Witherspoon attended a large Hollywood party with a man other than her spouse.

At the time, the actress and Toth were allegedly going through a difficult patch. Still, the mystery companion reportedly had got tongues buzzing. A source then suddenly revealed that Toth has already repeatedly put up with Witherspoon treating him poorly and even told friends he could no longer hold on.

Nobody knew who the man was, but Witherspoon was reported to be very gleeful and couldn't stop laughing all night. Gossip Cop challenged this report and said none of the insider's info actually checked out. Best evidence? Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth are still very much married to date.

READ NOW: Henry Cavill Wants To Be In a 007 Film But NOT as James Bond Following Huge Rejection; What Will His Character Be?

The magazine even said that the malicious report propagated the poisonous belief that men and women can't be friends without romance, and that women can't have both a job and a family. If it is true in the first place.

The thing is, Gossip Cop said it never heard another word about the mysterious man. Witherspoon and Toth are still blissfully married, seeing how she just recently posted a summer photo of them on Instagram, which sent their fans gushing.

Moreover, Witherspoon has been quite busy doing promotion for Season 2 of The Morning Show to even probably have an affair. Gossip Cop claimed that there are other rumors about the actress cannot be believed, such as how she she and bestie Jennifer Aniston are arguing again about who gets to be top dog on the show. Because the AppleTV+ series is in its second season, these stories are exceptionally ridiculous. If they didn't like each other, why would they bother returning?

READ ALSO: Dog The Bounty Hunter Using Brian Laundrie Case As Part of Possible Reality Series? [DETAILS]
Oisin Murphy escaped death after a horrifying pre-race fall during a parade ring at Salisbury.

On Thursday, Murphy joined the other jockeys at the Salisbury racecourse in the U.K. The champion rider came with his 2-year-old horse, Oasis Gift, which was up to mark its debut in the event.

However, Murphy faced a dreaded accident before the race after his horse went out of control as it dashed across the parade ring.

In a now-viral video, the champion jockey can be seen holding on for his life as his horse continued to buck. It eventually threw the rider in a railing and plunged into the rail headfirst.

Oasis Gift, meanwhile, ran through the fence and left the poor injured rider.

Oisin Murphy currently receiving medical attention after this incident pic.twitter.com/5XfbZjQ2IW  GG (@ggcouk) September 30, 2021

The medical team on-site immediately checked Murphy's status before rushing him to the NHS London hospital. Fortunately, he only sustained a few cuts on his face.

Another jockey replaced him on his two remaining rides. The event's staff also caught his horse and ensured its safety.

After receiving his treatments, the 26-year-old Irish horse racing jockey gave an update to his fans. He confirmed that he received stitches on his lip and face before getting discharged.

"Thanks to all the medical staff @salisburyraces + the hospital @NHSEnglandLDN I've had a few stitches to my lip + face. I've been discharged already. Very grateful to their work and all the kind messages," he wrote on his Twitter account.

Can Murphy Race Again?

Since the champion jockey only sustained minor injuries, he can still compete in his next scheduled events. In fact, he confirmed his return in the saddle at Ascot on Friday.

He is also up for the Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Instead of his 2-year-old horse, he will be riding a Japanese racehorse, Chrono Genesis. The 5-year-old horse has a high draw in stall 14.

For his Sunday schedule, Murphy will be competing for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

READ ALSO: Christiane Amanpour Reveals Update on Grueling Ovarian Cancer Battle: 'It Can Be Scary'

After the incident, several witnesses recalled the terrifying event that occurred before their eyes.

Racing TV host Lydia Hislop, who was trackside during the event, noted that Murphy could walk on his own and slowly got into an ambulance.

"He was within seconds attended to by medics at the racecourse, who were with him as he sat down. He was perhaps in shock for quite some time," she said, per The Sun.

Meanwhile, Salisbury's clerk of the course Jeremy Martin that Murph was literally thrown into the parade ring rail but remained conscious afterward.

READ MORE: Dog the Bounty Hunter Concludes Wednesday Brian Laundrie Search with a Bad News
2021-09-30

Maeci

Yesterday Deputy Minister Marina Sereni chaired the second meeting of the Coordination Panel on Afghanistan with representatives of civil society organisations, local authorities, and the other administrations involved. At the centre of the discussion was an examination of the humanitarian situation and the identification of priorities with a view to programming the allocation of resources. In particular, it was decided to activate two technical groups with the task of better preparing the discussions of the Panel with regard to the needs of humanitarian assistance and the prospects for Afghan citizens in the neighbouring countries.
2021-09-30

Maeci

The Italian Embassy in Berlin hosted the presentation of the Guide to the Berlin school system, the result of a collaboration between the Schools Office of the Italian Embassy, the Bocconcini cultural association, and the Berlin Comites. For several years now, Berlin has been becoming a pole of attraction for young people and families; the Guide is designed to facilitate orientation in the German education system, which has a strongly federal character.





At the presentation, Ambassador Armando Varricchio said in a Europe without borders, it is all the more important to focus on the training of the new generations. School is the first step in a life experience that will lead each child to develop their skills to the maximum and to find their own pathway. Learning is undoubtedly the passe-partout" he concluded "for making the most of all the opportunities offered by today's European mobility: a context in which we no longer speak of emigrants or foreigners, but of citizens of a shared home".
Realeza

La Reina Sofia, impecable en la inauguracion del curso de la Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia
GBP/USD Tumbles to Nine-Month Low

The Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) continued falling to a nine-month low today, as the UKs ongoing supply chain crisis and a risk-off market mood pressure the pair.

GBP/USD is currently trading at around $1.3425, down 1% from $1.3551 at the beginning of todays session.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Slump on Supply Chain Crisis

The Pound (GBP) has continued to lose ground against the US Dollar (USD) today, despite signs that the UKs fuel shortages are beginning to stabilise, as fears over the countrys wider supply chain crisis persist.

The fuel outages that have caused significant disruption in the UK in recent days are showing signs of stabilising. A government source said that 16% of petrol stations are now fully supplied with fuel, compared with 10% at the peak of the crisis and 40% during periods of normal activity.

In addition, the government will be deploying military drivers to deliver fuel over the next few days in order to address the remaining shortages.

However, despite signs the current fuel crisis is fading, there are fears that ongoing issues in the UKs supply chains will resort in more shortages and crises over the next few months.

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to reassure the public that the government was managing the situation. He did, however, admit that the country could face challenges in other parts of its supply chain. In a TV interview, Johnson said:

What we want to do is make sure that we have all the preparations necessary to get through until Christmas and beyond  not just in the supply of the petrol stations, but all parts of our supply chain. Youre seeing the global economy really sucking in a huge amount at the moment, for gas, for lorry drivers. There are shortages around the world  but weve got to make sure we have everything in place as the recovery continues, and thats what were doing.

Despite Johnsons reassurance, GBP investors remain anxious. There are worries that continued supply chain disruption could cause significant damage to the UKs post-pandemic economic recovery.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Strengthen amid Risk-Off Market Mood

Meanwhile, the US Dollar is surging today as a prevailing risk-off market mood supports the safe-haven currency.

Numerous factors are damaging risk sentiment today. First off, the European energy crisis  which has caused significant disruption in the UK recently, causing factories to pause production and small energy firms to fold  is beginning to have a similarly pronounced effect on mainland Europe.

There are also fears that the crisis could presage a global energy crisis. As many economies have shifted away from dirtier fuels such as coal in an attempt to reduce emissions, demand for gas has surged. Meanwhile, gas stores in Asia, Europe and the US are unseasonably low. If we experience a cold winter, there could be an intercontinental scrabble for liquefied natural gas (LNG), driving prices even higher.

China is already experiencing shortages and power cuts amid dwindling coal supplies and tougher emissions rules. Residential households have been experiencing power outages while some factories are having to halt production to avoid exceeding energy limits.

With shortages and shipping disruption already hitting global supply chains, there are concerns that the power cuts could further exacerbate the issues facing global trade, thereby denting the worlds economic recovery.

In addition, the US treasury secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the US could run out of money by 18 October after Senate Republicans blocked attempts to raise the borrowing limit.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Yellen wrote:

At that point, we expect Treasury would be left with very limited resources that would be depleted quickly. It is uncertain whether we could continue to meet all the nations commitments after that date. We know from previous debt limit impasses that waiting until the last minute can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States for years to come'.

Meanwhile, economists and Federal Reserve officials have warned that if the US were to default, it could be a potentially catastrophic event for the US economy.

Rather counterintuitively, this news is actually supporting the US Dollar by adding to risk-off market mood.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Sterling to Remain Subdued?

Looking ahead, if risk appetite remains low and investor anxiety high then USD may hold strong against GBP.

For the Pound, the length and severity of the fuel shortage could dictate GBP exchange rates in the near term. If the governments mobilisation of reserve drivers fixes the fuel crisis soon, Sterling could recover some ground. However, the underlying supply chain crisis is likely to persist for a while.
Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE SIN OF SILENCE

"All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good to do nothing."

-- Edmond Burke

The Iranian American communities painfully acknowledge the cost of silence. They deem:

 WHEN Iranian citizens for centuries allowed Arab Shi'a clerics to degrade them in countless ways, Iranians allowed the degradation.

 WHEN Iranians were perpetually deceived, dominated, and punished, Iranians allowed the perpetual punishment.

 WHEN Iranians allowed themselves to become an easy target for play-actor, cloaked in holy cloth, Iranians allowed the systematic destruction of their society, their nation.

 WHEN Christians and Jews who were solid citizens of Iran centuries before the advent of Arab Islam were designated by the Arab clergy as "Najis" dirty, untouchables, Iranians allowed the designation.

The Koran says, "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for friends. They are friends one to another, he among you who takes them for friends is one of them. Lo, Allah guides not wrongdoing folks" Koran Chapter 51. Elsewhere the Koran says, "We gave separate commends for each race, had Allah wanted all as one community, Allah would have done so" (Koran chapter 48).

The Christians and the Jews carried the spirit of modernity, reform, progressive mind, which unsettles Iran's Arab Shi'a ayatollahs with their antiquated Arab Islam.

Christians and Jews were instrumental in all changes toward modernity and industrialization. Iran's first modern medical facilities, pharmacies, industries, theaters, movies, and almost all current conveniences were often introduced or made by non-Muslim Iranians.

Iranians resolutely believe, if there is one single plague that most afflicted a nation, it is the seventh-century Arab's intrusion into the land of Persia, and the introduction of Arab Islam by infuriating Arab raiders, a minority not only lives off the others but also controls the others.

UNFORTUNATELY, some of the current American leadership chumming up to the same Islamist the Shari'a, Taqiyah (permissible lie in Koran), and other misleading Shi'a canons used in the seizure of power from the semi-Democratic government of the Shah by Iran's Arab Taliban in the 1979 epoch that allows no freedom.

When most secular Iranians fled the barbarous Islamic regime to America, they never expected that their great new host nation would soon become the focal point of the battle between truth and deception, duplicity, and honesty, transparency as revealing, covert, and misleading all of which the Democratic leadership is involved and accused of.

"The fault is not in our stars, but ourselves, that we are underlings."

--Shakespeare

GEORGE H. HASSANZADEH born and raised as a Shi'a Muslim in Iran is the author of 'Iran: Harsh Arm of Islam' and the upcoming book 'First Comes the Mosque.' Hassanzadeh is recognized as an expert in Islam, Shi'a, Shari'a, and the infallible Arab Shiite clerics forcing medieval rule and a system of mind control in the 21st century.

George H. Hassanzadeh is a U.S. Army Veteran and lives in California, U.S.A
The top doctor at UT Health San Antonio Physicians in San Antonio has a grim warning for Texas: The pandemic could be even deadlier this fall and winter compared to the same time last year.

I hate to be doctor doomsday, said Dr. Robert Leverence, the chief medical officer for UT Health Physicians in San Antonio. But if vaccine rates dont get up significantly and if people go back to normal routines, factors are aligning with this being a particularly bad surge.

Leverence said there are two key conditions contributing to his grim winter forecast. First, children, who make up 20 percent of the population, are attending school in-person this year. While kids arent as likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19, they can still put older people, such as grandparents and parents, at risk of transmission.

On ExpressNews.com: This Texas city says it's the first to reach herd immunity against COVID-19

Another factor Leverence noted is that the brutal delta variant surge from this summer is subsiding later than last years spike in hospitalizations and deaths.

The summer 2020 wave functioned as a springboard for the winter surge, Leverence said. Our summer surge this year was not only higher but has lasted much longer. The tail end of it is already extending into the fall and winter and will once again act as a biological springboard for winter.

The doctor said the unvaccinated need to get vaccinated.

Not next month, but now, Leverence said.

On ExpressNews.com: Texas still has one of the nation's worst COVID death rates at 280 per day, even as delta subsides

Leverences warning is contrary to the latest COVID-19 modeling that forecasts a possible decline in cases and deaths through the spring without a significant winter surge. These projections are largely based on peoples behavior, vaccination rates and often dont account for deadlier or more transmissible mutations of the virus.

The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicts that daily deaths in Texas will decline from the 200s and high 100s in September to 53 by the end of the year. The worst case scenario is that deaths remain in the mid to upper 100s if 100 percent of people go maskless, according to the prediction.

The institute also forecasts that daily infections could steadily decline before picking up by the end of the year.

These models are important but are also dependent on the things that we do, Leverence said.

On ExpressNews.com: Fair Oaks Ranch man who defrauded ex-San Antonio police officers sentenced to 11 years in prison

About 62 percent of Texans 12 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. About 66 percent of Bexar County residents have received both vaccines.

In order for the virus to stop spreading, experts believe that between 85 and 90 percent of the population needs to be immune, either by vaccination or natural infection.

The delta surge, however, is finally subsiding in Texas and hospitalizations are declining.

There has also been a concerted effort to promote the vaccine booster shot. The Pfizer vaccine may also be available for children 5 and 11 years old as early as October.

We are moving in the right direction, Leverence said. But Im worried with all of the attention on the booster and childhood vaccines, that now may be the time for some other action because the likelihood of a winter surge is pretty significant.

Timothy.Fanning@express-news.net
The widespread attention surrounding the case of Gabrielle Petito helped authorities find a body believed to be a man who had been missing since last month, in the same national forest in Wyoming where Petitos remains were discovered, officials said.

Search teams Tuesday found the body of a man fitting the description of Robert Lowery in Teton Pass, a heavily forested area in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, according to Teton County Search and Rescue. The area is about 17 miles from where Petitos remains were found Sept. 19.

Lowery, 46, from Houston, was last seen Aug. 20. A cause of death is under investigation, officials said.

The Teton County Sheriffs Office had been investigating Lowerys disappearance and received tips over the weekend about where he might have last been seen, authorities said. Based on the tips, search teams found a body matching his description near Black Canyon Trail, a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.

Officials said the attention on Petitos case helped bring light to that of Lowery, a father of two who had left Houston for Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Aug. 19, according to KPRC 2, a Houston TV station.

The authorities said that Lowery had canceled his mail before leaving Houston, The Jackson Hole News&Guide reported. Leigh Lowery, his sister, also told the newspaper that he had recently acquired both a sleeping bag and a tent, adding that her brother had no camping experience.

Teton County Search and Rescue and Lowerys family did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday.

Petito, 22, was reported missing this month after she did not return from a cross-country van trip with her fiance, Brian Laundrie. Her body was later found in the area of Grand Teton National Park, and the FBI ruled her death a homicide. Laundrie, whom the police have called a person of interest in the case, remains missing.

Petitos disappearance has drawn widespread media coverage, which some have criticized as disproportionate, considering the lack of attention given to hundreds of disappearances that dont involve white women.

Joseph Petito said in a news conference Tuesday that social media users had been amazing and influential in his daughters case, and that the same level of attention should be given to everyone.

Authorities in Wyoming are also searching for Cian McLaughlin, who went missing in Grand Teton National Park several months ago.

The National Park Service said in late June that McLaughlin, 27, had been seen on a hiking trail near Taggart Lake on June 8. The hiking destination of McLaughlin, who is believed to be from Ireland, was not known.

An earlier missing persons report described McLaughlin as last wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, a red watch, shorts, a bucket hat and round sunglasses, park officials said, adding he had a noticeable tattoo on his left forearm.

Search efforts for McLaughlin have included over 40 park staff, five search and rescue dog teams, members of Teton County Search and Rescue and the Teton Interagency Helicopter.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
San Antonio Independent School Districts new interim superintendent, Robert Jaklich, says he has three responsibilities right from the start  to tear down walls, build bridges and light fires.

On Thursday, his second day on the job, Jaklich stopped by Woodrow Wilson Elementary School to start building bridges by being formally introduced to news media and to make a promise to some of his youngest students.

I make a pinky-promise to you that we are going to always do our best, to always think whats best for you in every decision that we make in our school district, Jaklich told the 11 kindergarteners in Celeste Garcias classroom.

The students held up tiny fingers to accept his vow, acting by default on behalf of the more than 45,000 SAISD students Jaklich assumed responsibility for when he was hired Sept. 21.

The SAISD board of trustees selected Jaklich to replace Superintendent Pedro Martinez, who recently became CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

We were grateful that he accepted the invitation to apply for the job, SAISD Board President Christina Martinez said of Jaklich at the event. We could not be in a better place to be doing the work that we are doing right now, which is keeping our kids safe, bringing them into school where we know they need to be, supporting our teachers who are working so hard during this pandemic and, of course, supporting all of our staff.

Josie Norris /San Antonio Express-News

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio ISD board names Robert Jaklich, a veteran superintendent, as interim leader

The change of leadership comes amid some of the most challenging times for public education in recent history as school systems face continuous hurdles thrown up by the coronavirus pandemic.

Like many Texas school districts, SAISD is fighting Gov. Greg Abbott to keep its masking requirement. And alone among them, it has ordered its employees to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15 and is locked in a court battle with the state over that, too.

The district has gained national attention for its response to the pandemic. Jaklich made it clear that he doesnt plan to change it.

Keeping our students safe, keeping our staff safe is our number one priority, he said. The best place for our students is to be at school, and we have to create a safe environment for them. So we are committed to doing everything we are doing now and even more in the future, if those opportunities arise.

Jaklich retired in 2019 after 40 years in education, 10 of them as a superintendent at first Harlandale ISD and later Victoria ISD.

The only difference in taking this leadership role as interim, Jaklich said, is having a somewhat clear deadline on his tenure. Everything else about the job is the same, he said.

Ill be the interim superintendent until they find a replacement, sometime at the end of the school year, Jaklich said. Im not working like Im an interim, Im working like Im a superintendent and Im committed 100 percent.

Josie Norris /San Antonio Express-News

He echoed former Superintendent Martinezs concern over staffing shortages. Filling the more than 100 teaching openings at SAISD is among the districts most pressing tasks, he said, along with addressing performance gaps among students who spent most of last school year learning virtually.

On the horizon is the deadline for staff vaccinations. The former superintendent had indicated the district could begin separation talks with the fewer than a dozen employees who refuse to vaccinate and have not provided a medical or religious exemption.

Martinez, the board president, said that could take some time.

A teacher leaving from the district is a process, Martinez said. As we approach that date, we will be making very conscious decisions about how we work with our staff. We dont want to cause any more harm at this time. We know that children are reliant on the adults that show up every single day.

Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox

Despite the ongoing battles, Jaklich  like the board of trustees  says he believes in the districts ability to attract a good pool of candidates to take over as the permanent leader. He has spent the past three years helping school districts search for superintendent candidates, he said, and he approached the interim position the same way he would have approached a permanent job offer, by looking at the numbers first and evaluating the districts standing.

Jaklich acknowledged the job came at a challenging time. But, he said, there was plenty that attracted him to SAISD and his plan is to work to keep strengthening it.

If we do the work that I believe we can, the search wont take long, Jaklich said. If we prolong the search, I didnt do my job, and Im going to definitely do my job.

For now, the job involves a lot of listening. He hopes to get a better grasp of what the district and the community need.

Then the tearing down of walls and construction of bridges will begin.

If we listen to the whispers, we wont have to hear the screams, Jaklich said, quoting a Cherokee proverb. And thats really important. No surprises  Lets be open and honest with what we hear, and lets not be afraid to address and take care of it.

danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH
Over the past week, Democrats have peppered state Sen. Joan Huffman with questions about the racial and ethnic composition of newly drawn political districts.

The Houston Republican, the chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, did not have answers  but that was on purpose.

We drew these maps race blind, Huffman said, making an argument she is likely to repeat multiple times over the coming weeks. We have not looked at any racial data as we drew these maps.

Still, there are clear racial implications in the proposed maps, which have so far been released for the 38 Texas congressional districts, the Texas House and Senate, and the state Board of Education. The congressional and Senate maps have drawn the most attention for their changes, as advocates accused lawmakers of intentionally packing Black and Hispanic voters into already-Democratic districts to shore up Republican districts elsewhere.

Texas 4 million-person population growth over the past decade has been driven almost entirely by people of color, especially Latinos, but the proposed maps for the state Senate and Congress do not create any new districts where those voters are a majority. The state Senates draft redistricting map would eliminate a district where people of color collectively are a majority.

The result: While Texas has roughly equal proportions of Hispanic and Anglo residents, there are twice as many majority-Anglo congressional districts in the state (19) as majority-Hispanic districts (9) in the Republican-proposed maps, according to an analysis by the Texas Hearst Data Visualization Team. And the disparity is wider with the new maps.

The people that are in power know where the Anglo voters are, said Renea Hicks, an Austin attorney who represented Democrats in the last redistricting court battle. And so they created districts to advantage Anglo voters across the state. They had to have done it purposely. If you threw darts, you couldn't accidentally give that much power to Anglo voters.

IN-DEPTH: Over 1 million Houston voters change congressional districts under GOP redistricting plan

The race-blind argument is not a new one, and a similar assertion was central to Republican lawmakers defense during the last redistricting battle a decade ago. In 2011, then-Deputy Attorney General David Schenck said the state would prove race-blind voting patterns as it fought legal challenges to the maps GOP legislators had drawn, the Texas Tribune reported at that time.

Not long after that testimony, a panel of federal judges in San Antonio found that  contrary to the legislators assertions  the Republicans had intentionally discriminated against voters of color when drawing statehouse maps. The legal fight extended roughly seven years, ending with a 5-4 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that Republican lawmakers hadnt purposefully diluted the voting power of Black and Hispanic Texans.

It is a legal strategy to say that racial data was not used while drawing the maps, advocates and attorneys say, even though the statistics are readily available online. Theoretically, if racial data were not used, then the lawmakers could be shielded from claims they intentionally discriminated against minority voters.

But Hicks says that wasnt true in 2012 and its not true now. You have to be blind to think theyre race blind, Hicks said.

Map drawers  or attorneys working with them  must at least review race data to confirm compliance with the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which ensures that minority representation is not diluted during the redistricting process. Technically, lawyers or staffers could review the draft maps for racial compliance and allow the legislator proposing them  in this case, Huffman  to testify truthfully that she never looked at race data.

RELATED: Houstons Black Democrats slam congressional redistricting plan

Both Republicans and Democrats know that the maps will end up in court either way, and their statements during committee hearings could be used as evidence.

This way, it does what you need to do, from a legal perspective, to check out whether the map complies, said a GOP consultant with knowledge of the process. But youre doing it in a way where the racial data, it cant be alleged that its used inappropriately.

Overall, Republicans prioritized incumbent safety this year, shoring up GOP representation in districts that have shifted purple over the past decade, said GOP strategist Brendan Steinhauser.

The Republicans did really well in the 2020 election, Steinhauser said. And I think the Republican Party kind of believes that it's more important to lock in the gains over the next 10 years than to try and be too aggressive.

Protecting the white Republicans of Texas

At the start of the hearing last week, Huffman said she considered seven main priorities when drawing the districts, none of which included racial equity. She said she ensured the maps complied with the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, but also factored in equal population numbers and incumbent priorities, among other issues.

Its not an option for legislators to rely solely on racial and ethnic data when redrawing political maps, as that could also present legal challenges, said Adam Podowitz-Thomas, the senior legal strategist for the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. But it is necessary to consider at least some of that data to guarantee that minorities have an opportunity to have their voices heard, he said.

Legislators across multiple states have used the race-blind argument this year, he said, especially in areas where activists have questioned the racial equity of proposed maps.

Civil rights groups in Texas have already raised red flags over the maps proposed by Texas Republicans, saying there are obvious signs of intentional racial gerrymandering  a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

There are currently 18 majority-Anglo districts in the congressional map, nine majority-Hispanic districts and nine with no majority, based on the Hearst analysis of 2020 Texas voting age population. The proposed map, with two new districts, proposes 19 majority-white districts, nine majority-Hispanic districts and 10 with no majority.

In the Texas Senate, where there are 31 seats, there are currently 15 majority-Anglo districts, seven majority-Hispanic districts and nine with no majority. In the proposed map, there are 16 majority-Anglo districts, seven majority-Hispanic districts and eight with no majority.

The proposed Texas House map, released Thursday, reduces the overall number of majority-minority districts. Currently, 67 districts are majority-white; the new map proposes 72 districts that have mostly white voters.

Gary Bledsoe, the president of the Texas NAACP, said the map was skillfully drawn to dilute minority voting strength, especially in major metro areas where Black and Hispanic voters make up large portions of the population. In many cases, the proposed maps pack voters of color into small districts that are all but guaranteed to elect Democrats, while districts around them grow whiter and more Republican.

They know about the division of racial voting between the two major parties, Bledsoe said. So any time you suggest that you took an action because of a partisan issue, youre just simply using party as a proxy for race.

Its also necessary to factor in Texas history of racial discrimination during the redistricting cycle, Bledsoe said. That history had previously subjected the state to judicial preclearance, which required the U.S. Department of Justice to review proposed changes to political maps  but the U.S. Supreme Court essentially gutted that requirement in 2013.

This is the first cycle that Texas has not had to seek that pre-approval. But Bledsoe said he expects racial discrimination to come to the forefront of any battle over this years maps, whether in or out of court.

State legislators have already raised concerns that the proposed congressional map redraws lines in the Houston area to pair two Black members of the U.S. House of Representatives, essentially pitting them against each other. While members of Congress dont have to live in the districts they represent, the pairing sets up a difficult re-election bid if a current member chose to run in a surrounding district that has been altered to improve Republican prospects.

State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, sent a letter to Huffman on Thursday asking her to address the radical and unneeded changes to the two local congressional districts that include the majority of Black voters in Harris and Fort Bend counties.

This week, the League of United Latin American Citizens made an early threat to sue Republican lawmakers if they do not revisit the maps. The Senate Redistricting Committee is hosting a hearing on today to hear feedback on the congressional map.

Domingo Garcia, the national president of LULAC, said it would have been easy for legislators to literally just draw a triangle in North Texas and create a majority-Latino district. The same could be said elsewhere across the state, including Houston and South Texas, where Hispanic populations have boomed over the past decade, he added.

The 2020 Census indicated that Latinos now make up about 39.3 percent of Texas entire population, nearly matching the non-Hispanic white population, which comprises 39.7 percent. Nearly 18 percent of Texans are two or more races, 12 percent are Black, and 5 percent are Asian.

It clearly shows that there was intentional racial discrimination and an intentional attempt to pack and crack, especially Latino voters, but also African American voters throughout the state in order to rig the system in favor of incumbents  but more specifically, the white Republicans of Texas, which are a minority of the state, Garcia said.

Jasper Scherer contributed reporting.

cayla.harris@express-news.net
A 76-year-old San Antonio man was sentenced Thursday to 60 years in prison for two counts of producing child pornography of two victims he sexually abused.

The Bexar County Sheriffs Office started to investigate Paul Charles Zappe III in January 2020 after a utility company technician working on Zappes home computer system accidentally brushed the mouse or keyboard, opening the screen to a child porn image.

He consulted with a co-worker, who helped report the matter, according to court records.

The investigation uncovered Zappe had molested the special-needs children, whose parents he befriended while volunteering with a fraternal organization, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson told Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia.

Thompson said the investigation found Zappe may have had a sexual interest in children for much of his adult life. The abuse of the childrenone is autistic and has other conditions, and the other was born with a brain conditiontraumatized them so much that one is afraid to take a bath.

What hes done to these special-needs children, whose parents trusted him ... shows exactly the kind of person he is, Thompson said.

Zappes lawyer, Cynthia Orr, said Zappes family disclosed that he suffered miniature strokes that might have changed his character and cognitive ability, possibly resulting in his committing the crimes.

Orr said Zappe previously pleaded guilty to child abuse in state court and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Garcia sentenced Zappe to 30 years in prison on each federal charge, stacked the sentence, and ordered Zappe to pay $81,000 in restitution to each of the two children.

On ExpressNews.com: SA man charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child porn

The state and federal sentence will run concurrently, though unlike the state system, there is no parole in the federal system.

Reading from a prepared statement, Zappe said he agreed that proceeds from his house cover any costs necessary for restitution or the childrens well-being.

I pray daily for forgiveness, Zappe said, adding that he is trying to understand why he committed the crimes.I did a terrible wrong.

After Garcia admonished him because his statement sounded like a contract, Zappe offered an apology.

I do apologize to the children, he said. Im extremely sorry for what happened.

guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
Starting tomorrow, high school and college students can start the annual process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Completing the FAFSA allows colleges to determine a students federal aid eligibility, opening the door to federal grants, work-study and loans that make paying for school manageable.

Having been a first-generation student herself, San Antonio Education Partnerships Fatima Montez said she knows the process can be confusing but encourages students to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. The outreach and alumni coordinator shared tips this week on how to help the process run smoothly. Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, also has some advice that it has shared on its website and social media.

1. Gather important documents

Students filling out the FAFSA will need a social security number, bank statements and records of investments, records of untaxed income, and a username and password known as an FSA ID according to the FSA website. Federal income tax returns, W-2s and other records of money earned are also required.

On ExpressNews.com: Filling out FAFSA should not be optional

Most people will need to enter similar financial information about their parents as well, but there are some circumstances outlined on the FSA website that could excuse someone from having to do that. However, FSA does not recommend submitting the FAFSA form without parent information unless there is no other option; in a recent Tweet the office explained that without parent information, a student may not be eligible for certain funding opportunities.

An alien registration number is also needed for people who are not U.S. citizens.

2. Dont wait -- do it now

Montez said that working on the FAFSA immediately will help prevent delays and will allow ample time for students to ask questions or get additional documentation that they maybe didnt realize they needed.

And even though the 2022-2023 FAFSA form is open through June 30, 2023, there are other deadlines that come sooner. The Texas priority consideration deadline is Jan. 2022. Montez said that individual colleges often have their own priority deadlines, so it is better to wrap it up now than wait until it is too late.

FSA also says that some states and schools have a limited amount of aid so finishing up the form quickly is important.

3. Beware of scams

Students should never have to pay to work on their FAFSA, Montez stressed. If anyone offers to help but only for a fee, Montez recommends that students seek out free options instead.

This is also a time of year, Montez said, when students should also be wary of offers they get that seem too good to be true.

Around the time when students are applying for scholarships, applying for financial aid, people are trying to take advantage of that, she said.

4. Ask for help when needed

If a student needs help filling out their FAFSA form or deciding if a financial aid offer they got is legitimate, Montez said they can head on over to cafecollege to speak with an adviser. The free college resource center is run by the San Antonio Education Partnership and offers in-person and virtual appointments.

On ExpressNews.com: Trinity University and Texas State University make Princeton Review's top college list

But other resources are available throughout the community, Montez said, since many colleges and high schools have their own offices where students can get similar assistance.

5. Dont stop at FAFSA

Even when the FAFSA form is sent in, Montez said the job is not done. The form is a super important step for students, she said, but there are other things to look out for as well.

FAFSA is the first step of the how am I going to pay for college process, she explained. Students should be looking for scholarships, looking at the institutions that they want to apply to, and seeing what financial aid opportunities are available there and making themselves aware of those opportunities so they're not missing out on any potential funding or scholarships.

For people whose financial situation changed since 2020, additional steps may also be needed once the FAFSA form is completed. FSA recommends that students fill out the 2022-2023 form as the instructions guide them to, but then contact the schools financial aid office immediately to request an aid appeal. Then the students will need to provide documentation to their school to show proof of circumstances that lead to a loss of income such as a layoff or higher medical expenses.

megan.rodriguez@express-news.net
Dusk fell on the spacious courtyard of the Claude W. Black Community Center as District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and some 30 others honored the memory of Joe Webb Sr., a former District 2 councilman who reportedly died of complications of kidney failure. He was 86.

Webb was elected in 1977 and went on to serve District 2 for seven terms  14 years. To date, he is tied with former District 3 Councilwoman Helen Dutmer for longest-serving councilperson in the citys history, based on municipal data reviewed by the city clerks office.

During his tenure, Webb had a hand in developing projects and organizing events that routed funding and attention toward the historically neglected East Side. His efforts included the erection of the Alamodome, the construction of the Durango Bridge and the formation of the local Martin Luther King Jr. March, McKee-Rodriguez said.

The current councilman was born four years after Webb stepped down in 1991.

Before there was a lens of equity, there was Joe Webb, and District 2 wasnt receiving our fair share in terms of infrastructure, sidewalks, streets, drainage  any of those things. But he fought to make sure that, of the pot, D2 was getting a significant amount, McKee-Rodriguez said Wednesday.

On ExpressNews.com: Helen Dutmer, champion of Southeast Side, dies at 99

Jessica Phelps /Staff photographer

In a brief ceremony that culminated in a vocal performance of Serving the Lord Will Pay Off After While by Farrah Kay, Webbs friends and family members, including his son, Vincent, and his niece, Lisa Jackson, spoke eloquently about Webbs life and work. Their speeches were short but sweet and filled with telling personal anecdotes. Beverly Watts-Davis, the chief operating officer of the WestCare Foundation, recalled that Webb once persuaded the National Guard to tear down a derelict nursing home as a military exercise.

Now, I want you all to know  Joe Webb, he made that happen. That building came down, she said.

That sounds like Joe, someone in the audience said at one point.

Webb was born in Beeville in 1935 and moved to San Antonio with his first wife in the 1950s. While he came from absolutely nothing, Jackson said, Webb would eventually become the first African-American to manage an H-E-B store in San Antonio and the first African-American to open a full-service grocery in San Antonio, according to his obituary.

He was definitely a trailblazer. You know, he wouldnt have lasted as long as he did if he didnt shake the table, and so I think, innately, a lot of my actions and what I hope to do on the council are inspired by him, said McKee-Rodriguez, who took office in June 2021.

Even after Webb retired from public service, he continued to take an active interest in community life. Well into his 80s, he was involved in recruiting members and organizations for the San Antonio branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), said Gregory Hudspeth, Ph.D., the branchs president.

However, Hudspeths relationship with Webb began decades before the turn of the millennium: The two were colleagues at H-E-B when Hudspeth was pursuing his bachelors degree in the late 1960s. Hudspeth remembers Webb as an engaging and caring boss who made excellent conversation and took pains to ensure that Hudspeths cashier shifts never conflicted with his classes.

Jessica Phelps /Staff photographer

He was the store manager, and obviously he had his responsibilities there, but his responsibilities also were personal as well. And that was getting to know his employees and working with them and having a sense of care for them, Hudspeth said.

While Hudspeth did not attend the vigil, many other friends and acquaintances of Webbs did. Joy Guy-Blake, the constituent services representative for District 2, first met Webb when she was 5 years old because her father and Webb worked as stonemasons together. She described him as a kind person who used his status as a local business owner for good.

Related: San Antonio community icon Joe Webb Sr. dies at 86

If someone needed to buy a loaf of bread, he had a grocery store, so he would give people credit because thats what he did, she said, referring to WebbWay, the short-lived supermarket Webb founded in 1983.

When Kay finished singing, the attendees filed out to the parking lot for the finale. People holding bunches of blue and silver balloons handed them out as Webbs relatives made small talk.

Jessica Phelps /Staff photographer

Thats my great-grandson, an elderly man said, pointing to a little boy.

Once the frenzy of distribution had subsided, McKee-Rodriguez began to count down from three. On one, everybody present released their balloons into the sky.

Up they floated, colorful bubbles backlit by the fading sun.

caroline.tien@hearst.com
A federal government shutdown, a real possibility in these polarized times, would devastate the economies of military-dependent cities across the country  including the one that calls itself Military City USA.

Congress on Thursday approved legislation to keep the government funded until Dec. 3, providing a temporary reprieve. The funding issue is intertwined with a partisan divide over how to raise the governments borrowing limit by Oct. 18 so the United States does not default on its debt for the first time in its modern history.

If negotiations founder and a government shutdown materializes  and lasts more than two weeks  some 75,800 military and civilian workers in San Antonio would miss paychecks.

That, in turn, would jeopardize payments for rent, home mortgages, cars, credit cards and more.

Its a real shame, and any American taxpayer should be livid at the partisan gridlock that is threatening a government shutdown while we are working feverishly to sustain safety nets for a nation that has seen the devastating impacts of a global pandemic. I mean, its inexcusable, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said before Congress approved the stopgap funding measure.

Its political brinksmanship with the collateral damage being the American public.

The military remains the No. 1 economic driver of the San Antonio area, with an impact of $41 billion, well ahead of the local health care and biosciences industry, which is conservatively measured at $32.6 billion, said Richard Perez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, weve been down this road before. And, you know, were talking about peoples lives here, Perez said.

And I think that while the military has contingency plans, I really think its the civilians that are working in military jobs that will take the hit, he added. These are not the best-paid people in the world, right? And with the COVID that weve been dealing with, you talk about the worst timing in the world.

Joint Base San Antonio  comprising Fort Sam Houston, Randolph and Lackland AFBs and the Camp Bullis training range  is the largest joint base of 21 across the nation. San Antonio also is home to nearly 103,000 military retirees and 200,000 veterans.

All combat medics are trained in San Antonio. So are Air Force recruits, instructor pilots and those who fly remotely piloted aircraft and the C-5M Super Galaxy, a strategic transport plane. That training would go on no matter what.

But military paychecks would not. A shutdown would dry up not just soldiers bank accounts but all that economic activity thats generated by the government: the social services, the construction and infrastructure, said Steve Nivin, associate professor of economics at St. Marys University. The economys recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic, but theres still a good ways to go.

Proportionately, a shutdown would affect some Texas cities even more heavily than it would San Antonio. Fort Hood, home to 42,347 soldiers, airmen and civilians, is the No. 1 employer in Killeen. The Red River Army Depot is Texarkanas biggest employer, with 3,500 civilian workers who repair and refurbish vehicles.

Texas has 15 major military installations in all, including Fort Bliss in El Paso, Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, and naval air stations in Corpus Christi and Kingsville.

William Luther /Staff

All the bases play major roles in their local economies. Laughlin AFB and Naval Air Station Kingsville are the top employers in their counties.

It would be catastrophic to the community if the payroll didnt come in, former Killeen Mayor Dan Corbin said.

As the crisis loomed, the Pentagon warned of a possible pay cutoff in a Sept. 24 letter to service members from Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

The letter did not say whether basic housing allowances, which troops use to pay rent and mortgages, would be interrupted or whether military retiree checks would be imperiled as well. The Pentagon did not respond to questions about that.

Hicks letter said a list of current military operations deemed necessary for national security will be supplied by the Pentagon.

These activities will be excepted from the effects of a lapse in appropriations and will continue to be carried out: all other activities  including, with few exceptions, temporary duty travel  would need to be shut down in an orderly and deliberate fashion, she wrote.

Civilian employees not needed to support the troops would be furloughed. Those deemed necessary would continue to work even if they are not paid, but historically their numbers have been small.

Army and Air Force national guard units would suspend drill weekends and would not be paid until they could make up the drills later. Nevertheless, the guard would continue critical missions that include homeland defense, deployment readiness and helping civilian health care institutions deal with COVID, a National Guard Bureau spokesman said.

A shutdown wouldnt be a first for military personnel. In 2019, as 800,000 federal workers were idled, 42,000 active-duty Coast Guard members missed paychecks.

On ExpressNews.com: Anger among Coast Guard families grows as shutdown stalemate ensues

Because government shutdowns, like hurricanes, have become a part of their lives, Erin Picou and her husband, a chief petty officer in the Coast Guard, have managed to save enough money to keep paying the mortgage on their home in Texas City if a shutdown happens this year. Both are real estate agents, with older kids who can be left at home while they work.

But the saved money will only go so far.

We cant just do it forever, said Picou, 39. We dont know how long its going to take.

In 2013, half the Pentagons civilian workforce  more than 400,000 employees  were sent home. In San Antonio, about 23,000 civilians were furloughed for 16 days and were paid later. That shutdown happened after U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, persuaded GOP congressional leaders to make defunding the Affordable Care Act a condition of keeping the government running.

During President Donald Trumps administration, Democrats voted with the GOP to help Trump add $7 billion to the national debt. Republicans now are insisting Democrats raise the government debt limit without their votes because Democrats want to spend billions on a variety of programs the GOP opposes.

Democrats could raise the debt limit in a majority vote using a parliamentary maneuver called budget reconciliation, but its a lengthy, complex process. Democrats have insisted that Republicans were responsible for much of the debt now on the table and should agree to increase the limit.

As the drama played out in Washington, it was falling flat elsewhere.

Anybody who is out in middle America tries to be practical, and there are folks in D.C. (for whom) politics comes before pragmatism, and thats hard for me, it really is, said Jerry Sparks, a civic leader who chaired the Texarkana Chamber of Commerces base closure committee. Thats a hard pill for me to swallow.

The repeated inability to adjust the nations debt limit is tied up in partisan polarization, the fact that the parties increasingly cannot work together, said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

There was a time, he said, when the parties could work together on basic things like the debt limit, like keeping the government running, like national interests  particularly foreign policy. All thats gone. Its all gone.

sigc@express-news.net
In days of yore, beasts called city columnists roamed American newsrooms. They often wrote angrily and were immensely talented. Almost always, they were white men  Mike Royko in Chicago, Jimmy Breslin in New York, Herb Caen in San Francisco.

And Roddy Stinson in San Antonio.

A beloved colleague and doting grandfather but equally a feared metro columnist for the San Antonio Express-News from 1974 to 2008, Stinson died Wednesday of urethral cancer. He was 81.

His friends and even some of his targets over the years recalled him as both a curmudgeonly scold and a scholarly, hardworking, high-impact writer  someone who championed the fixed-income retiree and stood up for the voiceless mechanic or janitor while repeatedly lancing City Hall politicians.

Roddy had a gene that simply wouldnt let him side with the powerful and the wealthy, especially when their victims were powerless, said former Mayor Henry Cisneros, who, at times, drew Stinsons ire.

But Stinson was just as tough on hypocritical advocates for the poor who were demagogic, hyperbolic and had let power go to their heads, Cisneros continued. He was an equal opportunity scold.

Roddy Frank Stinson was born in Mount Vernon in Northeast Texas on Sept. 17, 1940, to a homemaker mother and science teacher father who moved the family to Marshall in 1942.

Raised in what he called a strict Southern Baptist home, Stinson attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, where he met his future wife, Myrna Floy Willis, and then attended the University of Texas at Austin.

On ExpressNews.com: Clack: Cotrells art of teaching changed lives

In Marshall, Stinson and his wife were college cheerleaders. He told a Texas Public Radio audience in 2016 that he married a woman who was actually named Miss Christian Citizen of the Entire Campus and confided that he had not tasted beer, wine or alcohol of any kind until he was 34.

Dope, to me, was a Methodist, he joked to the crowd. And heroin would have been Dale Evans (the wife of TV cowboy legend Roy Rogers). But he went on to explain that, years later, as a street-tough columnist, he would sometimes interview drug dealers and prostitutes for riveting columns about San Antonios underbelly.

Well into his 70s, colleagues confirmed, Stinsons beverage of choice when they gathered at a bar would be a Coke.

While living in Memphis, Tenn., where he worked for the Southern Baptists Brotherhood Commission, he and his wife became members of Prescott Memorial Baptist Church and, according to the Stinson family, were instrumental in making Prescott the first racially integrated Southern Baptist church in the mid-South.

The effort drove away about a third of the congregation, Stinson later told the TPR crowd.

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Before the relentless seduction of social media, in a time when American newspapers molded the public discourse of their towns, Stinson did the nearly impossible: He wrote a column six days a week. Some years it was seven days, with one day a week devoted to answering reader mail.

There would be more than 9,000 columns in all, in the honored tradition of crusading journalists, comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.

Back then, city columnists were the giants of journalism, recalled former Express-News reporter John MacCormack, himself a member of the Texas Institute of Letters. Roddy was often on the front page. And if he was on your trail, you had better take his phone call or youd find yourself being roasted in print until you did.

Stinsons readers, whom he sometimes called lambkins, grew familiar with the term squandermania to describe public spending he considered frivolous, excessive or wasteful  because so much public spending, to him, fit those categories.

He was a tough columnist, but a gentle man, recalled former Express-News editorial page editor Bruce Davidson, now an adviser and spokesman for Mayor Ron Nirenberg. He was a teacher in the newsroom and nurtured many reporters over the years. He was a very skilled wordsmith, and economical. He would cut to the core of a story in a beautiful way.

Stinson wasnt given the time and resources to do months-long, data-driven investigations. But he didnt just ruminate on issues and call people names. His fans remember how he proved the Air Force poisoned the soil of Kelly Field with chemicals which contaminated water in the subsoil, as former Express-News publisher Charles Kilpatrick once noted.

Pulitzer Prizes have been awarded for research less significant than Roddys one-man campaign to document that pollution and its effects on nearby neighborhoods, Kilpatrick added.

If asked, Stinson would say his highest achievement was a successful campaign to force City Hall to let voters decide whether to freeze the tax valuation on the homesteads of property owners when they reach 65. That proposition passed with 82 percent of the vote and is still in effect.

A bantamweight in stature, Stinson could deftly deflate the pompous. In 1994, he excoriated the English-only movement that was popular in some circles, writing that it was proof positive that a lot of folks who call themselves conservative are just garden-variety bullies who hide behind the label.

In the same column, Stinson suggested that a readers English-only supervisor might benefit from simply asking his Spanish-speaking employees to teach him some vocabulary.

And I guarantee that you will become smarter, he preached, and with some practice, less of a dyspeptic jerk.

As one might guess, Stinson was not quite so irascible off duty. His son, John, recalled in a Facebook post a childhood of church youth softball leagues in the 1970s, Friday nights at Lubys and a party central home full of high school friends who liked his dad.

Just last year, before he began calling friends to say his health was failing, Stinson posted a love note to his wife, Myrna, on Facebook: In October 1960, a 20-year-old college junior coed and her senior boyfriend split. Needing a date to an upcoming church hayride, she half-jokingly asked her sophomore cheerleading partner if he would take her. Being no fool, he enthusiastically obliged. Thus began a 60-year love affair. Happy 81st birthday, Myrna Willis Stinson, from your profoundly grateful fill-in date!

When he had a slow day on the job, Stinson relied on the veteran columnists best friend  a mailbag of outraged missives sent by adoring readers. Aggrieved bus riders, utility customers, teachers who fell victim to permissive parents  he gave them all a voice.

Sometimes, a few words from one of Roddys Rangers appearing in Stinsons must-read column was enough to rein in ongoing abuse and hold the perceived evil-doers accountable.

His practical and tenacious writing style on civic issues was always on point with my grandparents, working-class family and neighbors, former Mayor Ed Garza said. Roddys column was the inner voice that tugged at our conscience and heart.

bselcraig@express-news.net
A San Antonio man who was discovered with images of child pornography and bestiality on his cellphone has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Isidro Ibarra Moreno pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony, the Bexar County District Attorneys Office said in a statement released Thursday.

Moreno was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Ron Rangel in the 379th District Court. He faced up to 10 years in prison. Once released, he must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received numerous cyber tips in early 2021 that pointed to multiple images of child abuse being stored on particular digital accounts.

The tips were sent to the Child Exploitation Unit of the Texas Attorney Generals Offices Southern Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, which discovered hundreds of child abuse images linked to Morenos digital accounts, the DAs Office said.

On ExpressNews.com: Alamo Heights ISD employee gave teenage girl vodka and then sexually assaulted her, affidavit says

Authorities executed a search warrant on Morenos cellphone, which discovered bestiality and additional images depicting child abuse. Moreno was arrested in July and pleaded guilty before he could be indicted.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales said that although Moreno did not physically harm the children depicted in the terrible images in the case, someone did.

Sharing and viewing these images only encourages the people committing these abusive crimes to keep doing it, Gonzales said in the statement.

Assistant District Attorney Benton Leachman of the DAs Public Integrity and Cyber Crime Division prosecuted this case.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
A former White House chief of staff and a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were among the victims of an international identity theft scheme that officials said was the largest ever to target military members and veterans and their families.

John Kelly, who served in the Trump White House, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, who held the militarys top post in the Obama years, had their personal info captured by members of an international ring.

The scheme targeted more than 3,300 active military members and veterans, extracting more than $1.5 million from them. Not all 3,300 victims had money stolen, according to the Justice Department.

Word that the 3,300 whose information was compromised by the breach included Kelly and Dempsey became public Thursday as a member of the ring was sentenced for his role.

Fredrick Brown, 39, was a civilian employee of an Army medical brigade when he stole identifying information from Defense Department computers and distributed it to four co-defendants. They used it to access the victims veteran-benefits, bank and mortgage accounts  wiping some of them out completely.

Brown was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia also ordered Brown to pay $2.3 million in restitution  the total that prosecutors claimed the ring tried to steal.

2 1 of 2 Evan Vucci /Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade /U.S. Army Show More Show Less



Many of the accounts were at USAA and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, both based in San Antonio, records show.

Brown, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in late 2019 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, just two months after he and the four others were charged in San Antonio.

I just want to apologize to the victims and the families, Brown told Garcia on Thursday.

Neither Kelly nor Dempsey could be reached for comment Thursday, though both were alarmed by the breach.

Members of the ring rented hotel rooms in the Philippines using the name of Kelly or his namesake son, said Justice Department Trial Lawyer Ehren Reynolds.

Someone from the ring also posed as Dempsey over the phone to try to transfer money out of one of his accounts, according to a memorandum of the investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Pentagons criminal investigations arm.

Between July 2014 and September 2015, Brown took screenshots while he worked as a civilian records administrator with the Armys 65th Medical Brigade at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea, according to his plea deal.

But for this defendants conduct, none of this could have happened, Reynolds told the judge.

The information included Social Security numbers, Defense Department identification numbers, dates of birth, and contact information of veterans, their relatives and others who have some affiliation with the military, including civilian employees.

Brown sent the information to co-defendant Robert Wayne Boling Jr., 38, an American living in the Philippines, knowing that Boling and other co-defendants would pose falsely as the victims to wipe out their bank accounts or divert their benefits to accounts set up by the fraud ring. They recruited money mules  people in the U.S. who allowed the ring to use their bank accounts for the fraud, records show.

The ring victimized active-duty members and veterans and their families. The ring also often targeted those with higher disability ratings because the perpetrators figured they received bigger amounts from their disability, resulting in bigger payouts for the ring members, according to Reynolds.

The memo from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service said the ring tried to take Dempseys money in the early months of 2015.

Impersonating Dempsey by phone, a member of the conspiracy was able to use information Brown stole, as well as information from Dempseys credit report, to bypass security measures and to take control of his bank account. In several successive calls, the individual attempted to establish a wire transfer of funds from the account to a recipient in the Philippines.

But corporate security from the bank caught the fraud before the wire could be successfully executed. The bank, which is not specified, was able to link the caller to about 200 other similar attempts to take control of bank accounts of military-affiliated individuals, the memo said.

Gen. Dempsey informed me that while he did not ultimately lose money from the scheme, he was troubled to learn that identity thieves had access to his PII and were able to exploit it in this manner, DCIS agent Shonn Dyer-Jones wrote in the memo. As a consequence of these events, Gen. Dempsey relayed that he was forced to engage with multiple financial institutions to change passwords and establish other heightened security measures on his accounts.

The ring also scammed Kelly, in summer 2017, when he was transitioning from homeland security secretary to begin his stint as Trumps chief of staff, the memo said.

In June that year, the ring compromised Kellys account in a Defense Department self-service log-on portal that gives individuals affiliated with the Defense Department or the Veterans Affairs Department access to several military-focused websites using a single username and password.

And in August 2017, members of the conspiracy used Kellys information to apply online for a Military Star credit card, a special credit card for military members. Over the course of the next month, the Military Star credit card was used to make reservations at several hotels in Manila, Philippines, in Kellys name and in his wifes name, the memo said.

Kelly told Pentagon investigators that he received a Military Star billing statement showing charges from International Cruise & Excursion, a travel service for military members that arranges hotel-related bookings.

Gen. Kelly indicated that when he received the statement, he did not have a Military Star card, and had never used services from ICE, Dyer-Jones wrote. Gen. Kelly indicated that he believed the charges had been incurred by his son (also named John Kelly), who was deployed at the time, and Gen. Kelly paid the charges. However, upon conferring with his son, Gen. Kelly determined that the charges were completely unauthorized by Gen. Kelly or anyone in Gen. Kellys family.

Reynolds also highlighted a digital communications exchange between Boling and Brown. In it, Boling allegedly complained to Brown about Veterans Day because the banks were closed during the holiday and Boling and his minions could not run scams that day.

Browns lawyer, Michael Gross, said Brown was struggling with opioids and alcohol at the time. Gross said Brown also reimbursed victims with $30,000.

Gross argued that Brown was less culpable than his co-defendants, had less control in the stealing and distribution of money, and received less than the others.

The only thing Mr. Brown did was get the (personal identifying information), Gross said, arguing that he should get a sentence comparable to the only other defendant sentenced so far.

Besides Brown, Trorice Crawford, 34, of San Diego, was sentenced in summer 2020 to 46 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $103,700 in restitution.

Boling and Australian citizen Allan Robert Kerr, 30, and South Korean citizen Jongmin Seok, 44, were arrested in August 2019 in the Philippines or South Korea and are awaiting extradition.

Reynolds said the Pentagon has implemented significant security enhancements to prevent further breaches.

guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
Years ago, Laura Barberena took a class with Matthew Dowd.

Dowd, the superstar political strategist who guided George W. Bush to reelection victory in 2004, was teaching a campaign politics course at the University of Texas at Austins LBJ School of Public Affairs, along with fellow Team Bush alum Mark McKinnon and documentary filmmaker Paul Stekler.

Barberena, a San Antonio-based Democratic consultant, knew she had to take the class when she saw who the instructors would be. She came away thoroughly impressed with Dowd.

He was very smart, a good communicator, Barberena said Thursday.

Sometimes you have professors and they espouse their own political views, but my perspective was that he opened the floor and the guest speakers came from all sides of the political spectrum. And because of his experience, he would give wonderful anecdotal stories to put theory to practice.

On Wednesday, Dowd announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Texas lieutenant governor. Like many members of her party, Barberena is enthused about Dowds potential impact.

I think he represents the quintessential Texas centrist, she said. He wants to solve problems, be a public servant. The question is persuasion. Can he do himself what he teaches others to do?

Dowd has nearly 40 years of experience in politics but has never himself been a candidate. We dont know how Democratic primary voters will respond to someone who helped elect a Republican president  a president who not only launched the disastrous Iraq War but who also made opposition to gay marriage a key part of his 2004 campaign strategy.

Only a few hours after Dowds announcement, the campaign of his chief primary foe, Houston accountant Mike Collier, zeroed in on Dowds Republican history.

After 20 years working to elect Republicans across the country, we welcome Matthew Dowd back to the Democratic Party, Collier deputy campaign manager Ali S. Zaidi said. Mr. Dowd  you may notice things have changed a lot since you were working for Republicans.

The thrust of the Collier primary campaign has been established: paint Dowd as a political opportunist and a fake Democrat out of touch with the partys base.

The strategy would have a better chance of success if not for the fact that Collier himself is a former Republican who switched parties only eight years ago to run for state comptroller. Like Dowd, Collier is a 60-year-old white man who identifies as a centrist. You wont find much separation between them on the issues.

Dowd, a former chief political analyst for ABC News, is Collier with a touch of star power and charisma.

His bromance with Bush aside, Dowds career has been defined by an attachment to political moderates: Dick Gephardt, Jake Pickle, Lloyd Bentsen and Bob Bullock.

Dowd worked for Bush partly because he liked the man on a personal level, but also because Bush, as Texas governor, had worked so successfully, in a bipartisan fashion, with Bullock.

In 2007, Dowd denounced the Iraq War and criticized Bush for a lack of accountability.

I thought we could change Washington, and it became worse, he told the Austin American-Statesman.

Dowds Republican history will be problematic for him in the Democratic primary, but it could work to his advantage in a general-election race against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a polarizing culture warrior more consumed with suppressing the rights of transgender individuals and propagating the great replacement theory than addressing health care, public education or the states faulty power grid.

Ronald Reagan connected with disaffected Democrats in the 1970s and 1980s because he had been a Democrat and understood the language of that party.

Dowd will know how to speak to alienated Texas Republicans, because hes one of them.

As someone who spent three decades crafting the messages of elected officials (and teaching college students how to do it well), Dowd also possesses a level of political skill that Collier cant match.

In the 2006 book Applebees America, Dowd and his co-authors made the case that political success comes from establishing a gut connection with voters that transcends policy positions.

The whole idea, Dowd said in an interview to promote the book, is whether its a business like Applebees or a politician or a church, you have to find a way to connect with the American people thats not about the price or the food.

Dowd will be speaking to Texans angry with state leaders whove flourished through relentless rancor and division.

(Patrick) does not believe in the common good, Dowd said in his announcement video. He puts his me over our we.

If Democrats have any shot at unseating Patrick, thats the theme they need to drive home.

ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
Senate Bill 8, otherwise known as the six-week ban, has been law for a month, and Texans already are feeling its insidious effects.

Fearful of frivolous lawsuits, three abortion clinics in San Antonio have stopped offering abortions. Recently, one of our own community members, Dr. Alan Braid, chose to uphold the oath he took out of a duty to care for his patient and performed an abortion despite the states newest restriction.

This brave decision has led to expensive lawsuits from two out-of-state plaintiffs, one seeking damages up to $100,000, plus the cost of attorneys fees. The plaintiff is not from our community, nor does he have a vested interest in this community, but he could be awarded at least $10,000 because Dr. Braid made the right choice for his patient.

SB 8 forces Texans to make impossible health care choices and empowers anti-abortion activists to use our legal system to harass those who choose to do the right thing. As U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, Texas enacted SB 8 in open defiance of the Constitution.

We know SB 8, and other attacks on a persons right to choose, will not end abortions. They will only make abortion care more difficult and dangerous to obtain, especially for the most vulnerable. Abortion is, and always will be, essential health care.

SB 8 is more than just an anti-abortion bill. It is a direct challenge to our judicial system, democracy and Constitution. While the six-week ban is a massive attack on our constitutional right to choose, there are also unprecedented legal provisions in SB 8.

In May, when SB 8 came to the House floor for a vote, I was prepared to offer several amendments addressing concerns regarding the bills private cause of action clause. Private cause of action means that anyone can sue another person suspected of providing, aiding or abetting an abortion. Effectively, enforcement is not the states responsibility but instead is bounty-style process with rewards of at least $10,000.

The actual reach of these provisions has yet to be seen, and the bill leaves us with more questions than answers on what will constitute aiding and abetting. It is nearly impossible to obtain an abortion without support or assistance in some manner. A woman may interact with dozens of professionals, not just the physician performing the abortion. She may seek consultation with her family, friends and religious leaders before making a decision. And once she has decided to move forward with the process, she may need a ride  by way of public transportation, Uber or Lyft, and she may need financial assistance through her bank, a loan or donations. Under SB 8, any of the people involved, whether or not they support the choice she makes, are at risk of being sued.

The Texas Womens Health Caucus, or TWHC, led the legislative fight against SB 8. Members of the TWHC and I prepared amendments, debated and appealed to our colleagues with data and public opinion to convince them to vote against the bill. We worked in tandem with advocacy groups to facilitate discussions about the consequences Texans would face if the bill became law and amplified the messages of hundreds of Texans who testified against the bill in committee. Ultimately, we could not stop the six-week ban from passing.

However, hope is not lost.

San Antonians, we will not waiver in our commitment to fight against these attacks in the Capitol and in the courts. SB 8 is unlike anything we have seen before  a de facto prohibition on abortions.

We can overcome this egregious barrier that seeks to divide communities and turn neighbors against each other, but it will not be a simple or short road. Please talk to the people in your networks and help spread the facts about this bill and the negative impacts it will have. If you can, please donate to or volunteer with organizations in the community doing this important work.

If you are a person seeking abortion care, please visit needabortion.org for information on abortion care in Texas. Together we will overcome this unconstitutional attack on our rights. We find solace in the knowledge that the fight for freedom is never over, but justice can be found along the way. We hope you stand with us.

Ina Minjarez has served as state representative for House District 124 since 2015 and is the Texas Womens Health Caucus whip. The caucus has 52 members and includes San Antonio state Reps. Diego Bernal, Liz Campos, Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Trey Martinez Fischer.
City aviation officials latest effort to add more direct flights at San Antonio International Airport will cost taxpayers as much as $820,000  plus free rent at the Convention Center for a speed dating-type aviation meeting.

The money spent on the Routes Americas conference set for Feb. 15-17 will be well worth it, San Antonio Aviation Director Jesus Saenz Jr. said in a statement.

Airline route planners will meet with airport officials from North, Central and South America  and theyll be doing so in San Antonio, giving the city and the airport an opportunity to showcase itself. Local airport officials will have a chance to show airlines opportunities to support new routes to and from San Antonio, Saenz said.

Manchester, England-based Informa Markets, which will run the event, typically organizes several such conferences a year around the world. They offer airports an opportunity to meet airline executives one-on-one. There also will be conference speakers.

San Antonio International has long struggled to attract direct flights to the destinations passengers crave, and the effort has taken on more importance as it works to rebound from losses during the pandemic. While airlines are steadily adding flights at San Antonio, the airports post-pandemic recovery remains well behind the national average  and is eclipsed by gains at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 70 miles to the north.

San Antonio now has service to about 40 destinations, about half the number available to passengers flying from Austin.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio airports recovery could be slowed by airlines preference for flights from Austin

Questionable thesis

But aviation and convention center experts say Saenzs thesis of Routes Americas benefit is questionable. Airlines add routes when they determine there is passenger demand and can make a profit, they say, not because their route-planning executives spend a few days enjoying restaurants on the River Walk or a roller-coast ride at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Aviation consultant Michael Boyd annually hosts from eight to 12 airline CEOs at his aviation forecast summit, which is rotated each year to a different city. But, he said, he would not claim the city that hosts his program will land more air service.

We would never tell a community that because were bringing eight CEOs from around the world youll get more service. Its just not provable, said Boyd, president of Boyd Group International in Denver.

Another aviation consultant, San Francisco-based Henry Harteveldt, said that bringing airline route planners to San Antonio does help them become more familiar with the city and the airport.

However, paying $820,000 in sponsorship fees and other costs is an enormous investment and has a very uncertain degree of payback, he said. So the airport and others in the community who are helping sponsor Routes are definitely making a risky bet.

The spending was approved last month by the City Council as part of a $3.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2022.

Saenz said in his statement that the cost to the city of hosting the event is estimated to be $610,000 rather than $820,000. We expect to offset many of the expenses through sponsorships and in-kind partnerships, he said.

He did not explain what those sponsorships and partnerships would be and whether the city, which owns San Antonio International Airport, would be selling them.

Money allocated for the conference will be used to cover receptions, host exhibits and provide local tours for the expected 1,200 participants, Saenz said.

At a virtual press conference in December 2020 that was covered by the Express-News and other local media, Informa Director of Events Steven Small announced San Antonio had won the bid for the event.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio to host air travel conference in early 2022

Its extremely competitive, he said, without naming other bidders or the incentives San Antonio aviation officials had agreed to give.

Small, who is based in Manchester, England, did not respond to repeated email requests for comment.

Saenz also appeared at the announcement event, hailing the Routes conference as an unparalleled opportunity. Mayor Ron Nirenberg also made a cameo appearance touting the news.

A growing trade war

Routes is also conducting its San Antonio conference without paying any rent for facilities. The Convention Center has waived its rental fee, said Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, executive director of the citys Department of Convention, Sports and Entertainment Facilities.

The decision to waive the rent was based on the estimated economic impact generated by the event and the opportunities resulting from showcasing San Antonio to airline and network executives, she said in a statement.

The payments for the Routes conference are the latest example of what has become a common phenomenon in the convention and meeting industry in San Antonio and nationwide  giving incentives to meeting organizers.

In one case, San Antonio tourism officials have committed to spending $5.8 million to host the U.S. Travel Associations annual conference in 2023. The money will go to cover rent at the Convention Center, and to pay for lavish parties for attendees and the expenses of travel journalists.

Another $3.7 million was allocated for incentives to other organizations to have their meetings in San Antonio in the next two years.

The incentives signify an arms race between cities that have too much convention space and too few conventions, said Heywood Sanders, a public policy professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who has written extensively about the convention business.

On ExpressNews.com: Its an arms race: San Antonio plans to spend record $5.8 million to attract 2023 convention

Sanders said the problem has only been exacerbated with the rise of pandemic virtual meetings and hybrid formats. Even when a city nails a conference, the economic impacts are often less than promised by incentives, such as the ones San Antonio is giving the Routes conference.

This is part and parcel of the same kind of peculiar dynamic in which there are grand promises of business to come if only we spend this much money now, he said.

Ultimately, Sanders said, airlines will add routes at San Antonio International when the market supports them.

The amusing thing in this case is the assumption that you can wine and dine and entertain individuals to get them to make decisions that dont make market sense, he said.

Memphis International Airport, which sponsored a Routes conference in 2018, said it did see additional routes and destinations added in 2019. But airport spokesman Glen Thomas said its difficult to make a direct correlation.

Typically, its difficult to say whether or not a new flight addition can be attributed to a particular conference. These conversations are usually continuations of other discussions that have taken place over time, he said.

At the virtual press conference back in December, Small said Informa Group had hired consultants who had shown that previous host cities receive a larger share of new air service than cities where a Routes conference has not been held.

Cant register yet

Saenz touted Smalls statement in his email to the Express-News, but its not clear the aviation director has seen the study. He did not respond to an email asking for the study, which has not been publicly released.

Aviation consultant Harteveldt said he wouldnt put much faith in the study.

On ExpressNews.com: Jefferson: Major announcement about revival of San Antonios tourism sector doesnt live up to the hype

Any organization that conducts studies but wont release the details of it doesnt have a valid study, he said. So I question the Routes study. Its self-interest, its conducted in the interest of the sponsor, and unless they share the data and you can really analyze it objectively, I view it as suspect.

While the San Antonio Routes Americas conference is just 4 months away, its impossible to actually register for it. The Routes website allows participants to express interest by email, but offers no formal registration link. The Convention Center is not listed as the site of the program, nor is a host hotel listed.

Sanders said that is highly unusual.

If theyre advertising the conference at this point, you would think theyd have those details nailed down, he said.

But Sanders said its a peculiar time for the convention industry, with conventions canceling or deciding to conduct meetings virtually or with a hybrid format combining virtual and in-person meetings.

This 2021 Routes Americas conference was originally scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia, in February. But the conference was moved to May 4-6 in Orlando, Fla. The date was changed again, and conference was finally held June 23-35 in Orlando using a hybrid approach.

randy.diamond@express-news.net


Croatia Airlines is putting a greater focus on secondary cities as the carrier seeks new opportunities and looks to become more competitive. Following the recent announcement of its new limited operations between Osijek and Munich, the carrier says it will explore opportunities to extend the flights and add more routes. Furthermore, it is considering additional operations from Skopje, as well as introducing services from Ljubljana. We decided to commence flights between Osijek and Munich because they will provide good connections to the rest of Europe. This service will be operated on a two-month trial basis, but we are in discussions over a three-year contract, Croatia Airlines CEO, Jasmin Bajic, said. The Osijek flights, launching November 15, will be maintained with the routing Zagreb - Munich - Osijek - Munich - Zagreb. Croatia Airlines is putting a greater focus on secondary cities as the carrier seeks new opportunities and looks to become more competitive. Following the recent announcement of its new limited operations between Osijek and Munich, the carrier says it will explore opportunities to extend the flights and add more routes. Furthermore, it is considering additional operations from Skopje, as well as introducing services from Ljubljana. We decided to commence flights between Osijek and Munich because they will provide good connections to the rest of Europe. This service will be operated on a two-month trial basis, but we are in discussions over a three-year contract, Croatia Airlines CEO, Jasmin Bajic, said. The Osijek flights, launching November 15, will be maintained with the routing Zagreb - Munich - Osijek - Munich - Zagreb.





The Croatian carrier is also considering the W route pattern for other flights in the region. It is looking into the possibility of linking Skopje and Ljubljana. Over 40.000 passengers flew between Macedonias and Slovenias capital cities each year prior to the bankruptcy of Adria Airways in late September of 2019. The route has been unserved since. Ljubljana Airports operator Fraport Slovenija had previously expressed interest in Croatia Airlines serving Vienna, Skopje, Prague and Copenhagen. Earlier this month, Mr Bajic said the carrier is in talks with Slovenian authorities over improving Ljubljanas connectivity. Croatia Airlines is potentially interested in establishing flights from Ljubljana Airport in order to enable passengers from Slovenia to connect to European destinations, the carrier said.





The developments come as Ryanair continues to expand at Croatia Airlines main hub of Zagreb with the arrival of a third aircraft and eight new routes in December. The budget carrier has said it is in discussions with the airport to base an additional two jets next summer season. However, Ryanair group CEO, Michael O'Leary, noted the company wants Croatia Airlines to be a "living and healthy" carrier, as they do not have the same passenger structure nor fly to the same destinations and airports. "We care that Croatia Airlines lives, and we did not come here to destroy it, but we came to create healthy competition, and just as the route to Dublin did not destroy Polands LOT or Aer Lingus, neither will it destroy Croatia Airlines", Mr O'Leary said.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Sheriffs deputies punched a Black man so brutally while booking him into a north Louisiana jail two years ago that they broke his nose and left eye socket, civil libertarians said in challenging Louisiana's one-year statute of limitations on lawsuits alleging police abuse.

Jarius Brown, who had been arrested by a state trooper on a stolen vehicle charge in 2019, was so traumatized by the unprovoked attack that he dared not speak to the ACLU of Louisiana until recently, legal director Nora Ahmed said in an interview Tuesday.

The jailhouse beating took place in the DeSoto Parish seat of Mansfield, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Shreveport, on Sept. 27, 2019. The ACLU is asking a judge to find Louisiana's one-year time limit unconstitutional so the lawsuit filed Friday can proceed. Only Louisiana , Kentucky and Tennessee allow so little time to sue police, Ahmed said.

Brown's account of the beating is consistent with an extensive history of violence and police brutality committed by members of Louisiana law enforcement, the ACLU official said in a news release. That conduct has unfortunately been present for decades and has been implicitly endorsed by Louisiana State Police troopers and officials  the very force that initiated Mr. Browns arrest."

The lawsuit cited an article in a series of Associated Press reports on a decade-long pattern of state police hiding videos and other information about violence by troopers.

Capt. Nick Manale, head of state police public affairs, said the agencys legal staff had not received the lawsuit but will review it when it arrives. From the information you provided, it appears that the Trooper is only alleged to have been involved in the arrest and not the use of force incident, he wrote in an email.

The suit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Shreveport against former DeSoto Parish deputy Javarrea Pouncy and two unidentified officers  a second deputy and the state trooper who arrested Brown.

The sheriff's office declined to respond in detail to the lawsuit.

This matter has been investigated both internally and by the Louisiana State Police. The matter is now in litigation, therefore, our office will have no further comments to provide at this time, Deputy Mark Pierce, a sheriff's office spokesman, said in an email Tuesday.

State police had investigated at the sheriffs offices request, Manale said Wednesday. He said video from a state trooper's body camera was provided to the district attorneys office as part of the original charge.

KSLA-TV reported in July 2020 about the video, which shows Brown straining to answer basic questions while apparently trying to remain conscious after the beating. The recording shows Brown's face bruised, his left eye swollen shut and bloody saliva stringing from his mouth.

Brown had just been processed and was wearing inmate's clothing when he was brought before the officer, the station reported. On camera, the officer asks a deputy, "What happened to him? He resisted? and the deputy nods yes.

Pouncy did not respond to a call or a text to two phone numbers identified in an online database as possibly his. He no longer works for the sheriff's office or for the Coushatta Police Department, where KSLA reported he was working a year ago. The lawsuit said Pouncy left the sheriffs office after coming under investigation.

Records in the DeSoto Parish District Attorney's Office indicate that the matter was sent there as a malfeasance case which state police investigated, said Shawn Parker, an investigator for Charles Adams, who took office in January.

Although Brown can be heard in the video asking to go to a hospital, he was not taken to one until another deputy saw his condition, according to the ACLU. It said the deputies accused of beating him were with him at the hospital during treatment for a broken nose, a broken bone around his left eye and abrasions on his left eyelid, among other things.

Brown's complaint is just one of 400 the organization has received alleging racist policing in Louisiana, eight of them in DeSoto Parish, the ACLU said.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected other challenges to Louisiana's one-year statute of limitations, Ahmed said. However, she said, she believes hers is the first challenge to bring up arguments raised in recent articles by legal scholars.

The lawsuit is the 22nd in the ACLU of Louisiana's Justice Lab campaign to expose and litigate against police brutality and racism, the organization said.

___

AP news researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report.
Three Democratic members of Congress on Thursday offered deeply personal testimony about their own abortions as a congressional committee examined how to respond to conservative states that are passing laws limiting abortion access.

Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said she was raped on a church youth trip. Rep. Barbara Lee of California said she received a back-alley abortion in Mexico after a teenage pregnancy. And Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she opted for an abortion after being told her pregnancy would be high risk for her and the baby.

Choosing to have an abortion was the hardest decision I had ever made, but at 18 years old, I knew it was the right decision for me, Bush told the House Committee on Oversight Reform.

The hearing comes weeks after a Texas law took effect that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with no exception for rape or incest. Other conservative states are considering similar measures.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is weighing the fate of a Missouri law that bans abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy, also with no rape or incest exceptions. And, the U.S. Supreme Court in December will hear arguments over a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The hearing also looked at what the federal government can do to ensure abortion access. Options include ending the Hyde Amendment, which restricts government funding for most abortions, and passing a law guaranteeing a womans right to an abortion. The House passed that measure last week, but Republican opposition would almost certainly doom it in the Senate.

Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democrat from New York, said the majority of Americans support abortion rights.

But with a hostile Supreme Court, extremist state governments are no longer chipping away at constitutional rights -- they are bulldozing right through them, Maloney said.

Republican Rep. James Comen of Kentucky said the oversight committee should focus on problems with President Joe Biden's administration, not a state matter over which it has absolutely no jurisdiction. Another Republican, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, said abortion only compounds the sorrow.

Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, or even the result of horrific circumstances, ending that child's life with an abortion to empower or protect the, quote, freedom, end quote, of the mother is not an answer," Foxx said.

Bush, a 45-year-old first-term lawmaker from St. Louis, testified that she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 1994 and went on a church youth trip to Mississippi. She said she befriended a man who was about 20. She said they flirted and he asked to go to the room she was sharing with another girl. Her roommate was already asleep when the man showed up.

I answered the door and quietly told him he could come in, imagining that we would talk and laugh like we had done over the phone, Bush said. But the next thing I knew, he was on top of me, messing with my clothes, and not saying anything at all.

When it was over, Bush said, she was confused."

I was embarrassed, I was ashamed, she said. "I asked myself, Was it something Id done?

About a month later, soon after she turned 18, Bush learned she was pregnant.

To all the Black women and girls who have had abortions or will have abortions -- know this: We have nothing to be ashamed of, Bush said.

Jayapal said her first child, Janak, now 25, was born prematurely and weighed less than 2 pounds, which resulted in medical conditions that frequently required his hospitalization. Jayapal said other stresses combined with the sick baby resulted in postpartum depression so bad that she contemplated suicide.

She said that when she became pregnant again, she consulted with doctors who told me that any future pregnancy would likely also be high risk to me and the child, similar to what I had gone through with Janak."

I very much wanted to have more children, she said, "but I simply could not imagine going through that again.

Ending the pregnancy was "the most difficult choice I've made in my life, but it was my choice, Jayapal said.

Lee became pregnant at age 16 in the mid-1960s. Abortion in California was illegal at the time so a family friend helped send her to a back-alley clinic in Mexico," she said.

She had no ill effects from the procedure, but she said many other women weren't so lucky in that era.

In the 1960s, unsafe septic abortions were the primary killer  primary killer  of African American women, Lee said.

A Republican lawmaker had her own personal story about an abortion that didn't happen.

Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida said her mother suffered a stroke while pregnant with Cammack's older sister. Years later, when pregnant with Cammack, Cammack's mother was urged by doctors to have an abortion.

But because of her strength," Cammack said, she chose life.

___

Salter reported from O'Fallon, Missouri.
Jeff Bezos, who is the inventor of Amazon and the original rocket man who spent $5.5 billion to fly four minutes in space, has a new and exciting mission. He wants to turn back the hands of time.

He isnt investing in H.G. Wells time machine; hes pumping money into a start-up company thats developing technology to reverse the aging process and prolong life.

According to the MIT Tech Review, which I usually read after I finish the National Enquirer, Bezos is pouring cash into the anti-aging company Altos Labs. Not to be confused with Altoids, which are those curiously strong peppermint breath mints that dont prolong your life, but could mess up your stomach if you eat too many.

Altos is reportedly looking for scientists committed to research that will reverse the process of aging cells, and they plan to open institutes in California and Cambridge. They should also consider one on Sunset Boulevard because theyd get a lot of walk-in traffic.

The company is said to be developing biological reprogramming technology. I generally associate reprogramming with places such as North Korea and the Planet of the Apes, so it doesnt sound like something Id spend my Social Security check on. Better to squander it at Mohegan Sun.

Would you like to have technology plugged into your nervous system the way they did in Blade Runner and I, Robot? Were all familiar with the Six Million Dollar Man. Pretty soon, well have the Six Billion Dollar Human. Real science, it seems, is crazier than science fiction.

Bezos, as you know, revolutionized the retail industry when he gave us Amazon, which is the largest online retailer in the universe. With the success of Amazon came neighborhood gridlock. I used to live on a quiet suburban street, but now its like Grand Central Terminal the day before Thanksgiving. Delivery trucks constantly drive up and down the street, and the neighborhood dogs snarl and bark like theyre possessed.

Because of Amazon, theyre tearing down shopping malls and putting up apartments, casinos and cannabis distribution centers. I suppose I should look on the positive side. Amazon can use its drones to start shipping weed, which will keep people who are high off the road.

What troubles me is that even though Bezos built a space ship to take us to Pluto, hes wasting his money on scary technologies when there are much more urgent matters to consider.

Sure, I understand that celebrities are committed to eternal life on Earth because they dont believe in eternal life in heaven. Larry King, along with many others, wanted to be frozen so he could come back in 100 years. In addition to the celebrities, there are probably hundreds of politicians who crave this sort of stuff because it would let them raise taxes into the third millennium and no term limits could stop them.

Jeff Bezos and I share one thing in common. No, I didnt go to Princeton. No, I dont have a space ship, although I may start building one if things keep getting worse. And no, Im not a trillionarie although Im still trying to make my first billion. What we have in common is were both bald.

So heres some free advice from one bald guy to another. Use your hard-earned cash to solve the baldness pandemic. There are an estimated 35 million bald men in America, and about 21 million women who suffer hair loss.

For decades, weve been told that a cure for person pattern baldness is just around the corner, but we still havent reached that corner. Im pleading with Bezos to tackle the baldness crisis first ... and then he can unearth the secrets to eternal life.

Anti-aging technology will only mean that Joe Biden and Donald Trump can keep fighting for decades instead of becoming roomies in a federally funded assisted living facility. It will also mean Nancy Pelosi may become the first member of Congress to serve for a century.

Lets put quality before quantity. When that fateful day of reckoning comes, we wont be judged by how long we lived or how popular we were or how many galas we attended. Well be judged on the good that we did or didnt do.

And quite honestly, a full head of hair will make me want to do a lot more good than I do now.

Former Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time Editor Joe Pisani can be reached at joefpisani@yahoo.com.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 63F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 42F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
The government has been accused by a cross-party group of MPs of leaving 'glaring holes' in post-Brexit agri-food and livestock trade rules, leaving the UK at a 'competitive disadvantage'.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) warns that UK businesses are 'at risk of closing' while the government 'stalls' on measures to facilitate the movement of livestock.

In its new report published today (30 September), the cross-party committee identified an 'effective ban' on the export of live animals to the EU for breeding, despite continued imports of livestock from the trading bloc.

There are, the report finds, solutions for the problems threatening exporters' livelihoods, animal welfare and UK biosecurity, but the "government's low-priority approach to implementation fails to recognise the significance of stakeholders' concerns".

The committee urges the government to adopt a 'pragmatic' approach in talks with the EU, ensuring that border controls are operational at both UK and EU borders no later than March 2022.

The report says Number 10 must work with the EU to establish border control posts (BCPs) capable of processing live animals 'as a matter of urgency', allowing renewed exportation of livestock to the EU.

It also raises concerns about the 'unintended consequences' of banning the export of live animals for slaughter, including increased travel time between farm and slaughter due to 'scarce provision of specialist domestic abattoirs'.

Therefore, the committee says the government must 'support and bolster' a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the UK.

The report finds a 'direct link' between the government's current policy of limiting journey times for animals transported to slaughter, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs.

The UK must also regain access to the EU's Animal Disease Notification System, allowing easier monitoring of animal diseases, the cross-party group of MPs suggest.

Neil Parish MP, chair of EFRA said the solutions were "evident and ready, but the government seems unprepared to press go".

British breeding stock is an important export - one that has shrunk to nothing while the government drags its heels setting up the border controls the industry needs," he said.

"It must now demonstrate its willingness to accept the scale of the problems, and act with urgency to address the threats to British businesses, animal welfare and biosecurity."

The committee's report also expresses concern regarding reduced movement of horses between Britain, Ireland, and France, a trade that brings 'significant economic benefits' to the UK.

The MPs' report calls for a European-wide agreement on high health status horses to allow for their expedited movement.
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant for thieves seeking to steal diesel as the current fuel crisis continues to impact the country.

The government has said there are signs that the petrol crisis - which has seen long queues outside forecourts across the UK - is 'stabilising'.

However, farmers are still being urged to remain vigilant and to strengthen security, in case a prolonged shortage sees fuel thieves return to the countryside.

Issuing the warning, NFU Mutual said price rises and fuel shortages in the past had seen criminals target farms more frequently.

In 2020, even during a year of lockdowns, thieves continued to steal fuel in large quantities, the rural insurer said.

Its claims data found the average cost of diesel theft in the countryside was 2,120, and in 2019 the average was 2,327.

Rebecca Davidson, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual said: Fuel theft not only grinds farm work to a halt but criminals often cause damage getting into tanks and spilling fuel.

"Often the consequence of attack is escape of fuel with the potential for serious pollution problems, which are difficult and extremely costly to clean up and which may present increased fire risks.

It comes as the insurer recently invested over 430,000 in new initiatives to tackle rural crime this year.

This includes sponsoring two trials of connected farms using Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology and sensors to detect threats.

The technology provides alerts and notifications when there is activity outside and fuel tank levels change.

To protect fuel, NFU Mutual has issued the following advice to farmers:

Tank, contents and location

 Record the number, location, tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled and regularly check levels.

 Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the farmhouse. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they cant be seen by occupants.

 Ideally tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.

 Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.

Site security

 Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked, and block exit points that arent used.

 Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.

 Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.

Vehicles and machinery

 Use locking caps.

 Keep tractors and powered machinery locked up and out of sight from public roads and footpaths when not in use to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks.

 Check your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.
2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

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The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
The African nation of Kenya has reopened its borders to Indian travellers. Heres what you need to know



Great news for lovers of the wildlife experience. The African nation of Kenya, known for its almost-incomparable safari experiences at Maasai Mara, has reopened its borders to travellers from India. The temporary ban on passenger flights from India was lifted after being suspended from May 2021 when the spike in COVID-19 cases caused a panic.



Last week, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said in a statement that the African nation has reopened its borders for Indian travellers, which were closed for a brief period due to the second wave of COVID-19.



The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed that flights from India to Kenya can now resume, which it hoped would give impetus to travels that have been curtailed by the pandemic. As before, the flight schedule offers three direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.



Travellers from India who are in possession of a negative RT-PCR test result, the test conducted 96 hours before travel, will be exempt from quarantine.



The visa application continues to be online as one of the social distancing measures appropriate to this time of the pandemic.



As per the statement, the yellow fever vaccine continues to be mandatory for Indian travellers across all age groups; visitors would also need to possess a valid vaccine card upon their arrival into Kenya.



Why You Should Consider Kenya



One of the few long-haul destinations currently open to Indians, Kenya is the destination of a lifetime. Its wildlife parks offer some of the best sightings in the world, and you will also find sun-kissed beaches and bustling cities. The capital city Nairobi is surprisingly like an Indian city, the wildlife reserves of Amboseli (against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, which, FYI, is sited in Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (above) are amazing (a safari here, it goes without saying, is a must).











Dont forget to put Lamu (above) on your itinerary. Sign up for a guided walk to truly appreciate three aspects of this heritage town: its doors, cats and architecture. Or head to Malindi, a popular beach destination perfect for families.



Images: Shutterstock



Also see: West Bengal's wildlife sanctuaries are now open
Image: Shutterstock

With the massive increase in the crises around the world, this year at the United Nations General Assembly, Slovakian President Zuzana AAAaputova had this reminder on the first day of debate: We cannot save our planet if we leave out the vulnerable  the women, the girls, the minorities.

However, gender parity at the UN still does not seem to be near our sight. It is going to take more than a couple of years to see this change. While there were 8 women speaking at the UNGA, only five spoke across the first three days of the summit. These women included Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina and New Zealand's Jacinda Arden who were taking the rostrum or giving their address in a prerecorded video.

As the first female president in the history of my country, the burden of expectation to deliver gender equality is heavier on my shoulder," said Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania. While addressing equality, she said, "COVID-19 is threatening to roll back the gains that we have made, She was the only woman to address the General Assembly on Thursday, 23rd September.

Despite 13 women in the assembly making up a mere 10 per cent of speakers over the course of the first four days, they represent an increase from the previous year, when a mere nine women spoke over the course of the entire session. There were also three more female heads of states and governments this year, moving from 21 in 2020 to 24.

There can be no democracy, no security and no development without one-half of humankind, President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia said on Wednesday, 22nd September, also emphasizing women's vulnerability in society.

The theme of this kind of vulnerability has been at the forefront of the discussions, ranging from climate change, coronavirus and conflict.

This increase in the number of women in the UN is slow, however, the hope lies in the fact that it is present. The increase of female diplomats in a forum such as the United Nations implies that there will be a higher representation of women - from a female perspective, which is imperative - across the globe in a forum that has the capability to help.
Many of you may recognise local resident Tony Benham as the organiser of Remembrance Sunday ceremonies and Wally from Yasam Icin Yars (Race For Life Turkey)  well you may not recognise him dressed as Wally!

Wheres Wally?  Tony ready for Yasam Icin Yars (Race For Life Turkey) 2019. Photo by Norman Clark.

This year, coronavirus pandemic allowing, Tony plans to take part in the Frontier Walk to raise money for ABF The Soldiers Charity.

Fethiye Times met with Tony to find out more.

Fethiye Times meeting with Tony at Nefes Breakfast Salon

A bit about Tony

My name is Tony Benham and I am a retired Firefighter now residing with my wife, Sonia, and 16-year-old daughter in Ovack. We have owned property here for 16 years and moved out here in 2016.

In 2018, I inaugurated the first Remembrance Sunday here in Ovack.

I had always attended the ceremonies in the UK, from being a flag bearer as a Cub Scout, to taking my daughter as a babe in arms.

2018 was a massively significant year as it was the centenary of the start of The Great War.

I was given permission to hold a ceremony by the local Mayor and advertised it locally. The response was very good and people asked if it would become an annual event.

We held a second ceremony last year, which coincided with the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturks. Our ceremony was a remembrance of both occasions and was attended by British and Turkish people standing shoulder to shoulder.





I have been interested in the World Wars since studying the subject to GCSE level at school, helped by a very passionate and knowledgeable teacher.

My father also had a passion for the subject and built a cabinet for the purpose of displaying family war medals.

When I joined the Fire Service in 1985, I found myself working alongside many ex-servicemen, who were drawn to the disciplined environment, similar to what they had been used to during their time in the services.

How did I get involved with the Frontline Walk?

I lost my Father in 2014 and inherited the box of medals and some of the paperwork from his efforts to trace relatives from the World Wars.

Having also gone through a personally challenging couple of years between 2013-2015, including the death of my father, I wasnt in a particularly good place.

And then, in 2015, I saw the Frontline Walk on Facebook.

I turned to my then girlfriend  now wife  and said, if I get through this, Im going to sign up for this walk

And thats what Tony did.

This was in the October of 2015. Tony walked it again in 2017 and 2018.

What is The Frontline Walk?

ABF The Soldiers Charity is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) was founded in 1944 to ensure that soldiers returning from World War Two were well cared for. Since then, the welfare of soldiers, past and present, and their families has been at the heart of everything the charity does.

The Frontline Walk is a sponsored trek following in the footsteps of those who fought in WWI or WWII whilst supporting the soldiers and veterans of today.

Covering 100km of the Western Front, the Walk starts at Lochnagar Crater, the location of the start of the Battle of the Somme, and finishes at the Menin Gate, with the Ceremony of the Last Post.

Click here to see the full itinerary for the Western Front route.

Tony with Barney who stood on an IED in Afghanistan. He was given a hand up by the charity and is now an ambassador for them. Photograph taken at the Ulster Tower.

Click here to read Barneys story.

Andy suffered catastrophic injuries in an IED explosion while serving with The Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009. He has overcome his injuries to become a passionate ambassador, speaker and fundraiser for the Soldiers Charity.

Click here to read Andys story.

More than just a walk

Tony talks about his experience of the walk.

Back to back days of walking make it a fairly tough challenge. Your feet take a pounding, where you are, the purpose of the walk and the camaraderie carry you through.

The walk takes in memorials such as the Thiepval Memorial, the Ulster Tower, Vimy Ridge, Tyne Cot Cemetery and ends at the Menin Gate in Ypres, one of the most visited war memorials in Western Europe.

In 2018, there was one of many emotional moments when I found my great uncle George Charles Benham remembered on the Arras Memorial. He was in the 2nd/10th London (Hackney) Regiment.

The memorial commemorates 35,942 soldiers of the forces of the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand, with no known grave, who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918.

Tony (centre) and two ex-service pals from Northern Ireland, about to lay wreaths at The Menin Gate.

 I was able to lay a wreath, both at the memorial in Arras where he is named, and at the Menin gate on the last evening of the walk, a truly humbling and very emotional experience. Indeed, the whole walk is a roller coaster of emotions.

An emotional moment as Tony (centre) and two ex-service pals from Northern Ireland, lay wreaths at The Menin Gate.

The Frontier Walk 2021

The walk was postponed last year due to Covid 19 however, Tony plans to take part in this years walk which is scheduled to take place between 13  17 October.

Sponsor Tony

Im taking part in an event for ABF The Soldiers Charity, raising funds for soldiers, veterans and their families. Ive joined their Fundraising Army  I started at Private and have been challenged to see how far I can rise! Please support if you can.  Tony Benham

Anthony Benham  Fundraising for The Front-line Walk 2021

www.soldierscharity.org
So many readers of our pages have such a profound love of Fethiye and the surrounding region they have made it their home while others will visit as often as they can  whether thats twice, three or even four times a year.

But, if your own love affair is from a distance or if COVID-19 has thrown up barriers its impossible to cross right now, it may easy to hop on a plane to your happy place as often as youd like.

That doesnt mean your love for the region is any less strong though  and we were reminded of that by some lovely words and pictures we received recently from Canadas Suzanne Rolland.

A love story

Responding to request for albums of pictures from readers of favourite locations and themes, Suzanne writes: I have completed ten trips from Canada to Turkey and always I am in love with its people, landscape, seaside, food, wine, scenery to the point where I hold the Turkish sun in my hands at sunset on the Fethiye promenade.

Turkey is the land for me to experiment with new things  like having a glass of Turkish wine during a family trip on a gulet; like paragliding at 76 over Oludeniz; like smoking a water pipe; like climbing to the top of the Kas amphitheatre .. all of them were wonderful moments in my life.

Readers albums

The pictures below reflect some of those magic moments for Suzanne  but do you have similar memories of a special place you have visted in Turkey you would like to share with our readers? If so, why not submit them for consideration?

They dont need to be a particular shape but, to reproduce on the website, they do need to be of a reasonable resolution  perhaps 1mb or more.

The subject is up to you but  like Suzanne  wed also ask that you include a few details about yourself, what inspired you to take the images and a little bit about them.

Please feel free to submit your album of no more than 15 images and the relevant details to fethiyetimes2017@gmail.com and well do the rest.

Well look forward to hearing from you 

Trying out the nargile 

You cant visit Cals at sunset and not take a picture
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If youre an ardent fan of Kartik Aaryan and follow him on social media, you know by now that his upcoming film Freddy has been very close to his heart. The actor constantly shares behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets  without revealing his look and also gives us glimpses of the shoot location. In the past few days he has been telling his fans and followers that the shoot for Freddy is coming to an end and how it's making him sad and last evening the makers have finally wrapped the film and Kartik Aaryan has something special to share.



This morning Kartik Aaryan took to his social media and shared a couple of pictures and videos from the last day of Freddy shoot. While his pre-last day captions were emotional, the last day was filled with fun and lots of mad moments. In the series of videos shared by the actor, Kartik is seen wearing a white tee and so does the entire team, and we see director Shashanka Ghosh writing a note on the back of his tee. We further see how Kartik Aaryan and the team cut a cake and there is a lot of madness on the set to the heartthrob shooting Shashanka on his mobile camera. We even see a selfie with the films leading lady Alaya F. Check out the post for yourself and one is in for some fun.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

Kartik Aaryan has been shooting for Freddy for the past few months all over the city and some prime locations in south Mumbai. He even went to Panchgani to shoot the climax of the film. Other than Freddy, the actor has also been shooting to wrap up Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 which he has shot over the entire pandemic in parts. BB 2 has got a theatrical release date which happens to be March 25, 2022.
TOKYO, Sept 30, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for August 2021 are summarized below.I. Production1. Domestic ProductionMazda's domestic production volume in August 2021 decreased 53.7% year on year due to decreased production of passenger and commercial vehicles.[Domestic production of key models in August 2021]CX-5: 11,596 units (down 46.5% year on year)MAZDA3: 5,247 units (down 47.7%)CX-30: 2,905 units (down 48.6%)2. Overseas ProductionMazda's overseas production volume in August 2021 decreased 53.4% year on year due to decreased production of passenger and commercial vehicles.[Overseas production of key models in August 2021]CX-30: 7,583 units (down 35.2% year on year)MAZDA3: 5,844 units (down 34.4%)MAZDA2: 1,601 units (down 64.7%)II. Domestic SalesMazda's domestic sales volume in August 2021 decreased 25.4% year on year due to decreased sales of passenger and commercial vehicles.Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 4.0% (down 1.4 points year on year), with a 2.0% share of the micro-mini segment (down 0.5 points) and a 3.3% total market share (down 1.0 points).[Domestic sales of key models in August 2021]MAZDA2: 2,571 units (up 29.9% year on year)CX-5: 1,226 units (down 24.5%)MAZDA3: 890 units (down 46.3%)III. ExportsMazda's export volume in August 2021 decreased 10.7% year on year due to decreased shipment to North America, Oceania and other regions.[Exports of key models in August 2021]CX-5: 20,956 units (up 17.8% year on year)MAZDA3: 6,333 units (down 27.2%)CX-9: 3,918 units (down 32.0%)IV. Global SalesMazda's global sales volume in August 2021 decreased 7.3% year on year due to decreased sales in China, Japan and other regions.[Global sales of key models in August 2021]CX-5: 31,274 units (down 0.5% year on year)MAZDA3: 15,399 units (down 21.0%)CX-30: 15,333 units (down 3.8%)For more information, visit https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2021/202109/210929b.html.Source: MazdaCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 29, 2021) - Canada Computational Unlimited Corp. (TSXV: SATO) (the "Corporation") announces today that Canada Computational Unlimited Inc. ("CCU.ai"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, completed the early repayment of loans payable which are repayable in Bitcoin on September 29, 2021 (the "Termination Date").

Description of the BTC Loan Agreements

On June 30, 2019, CCU entered into bitcoin loan agreements (the "BTC Loan Agreements") pursuant to which it borrowed a total of 118.4743 bitcoins ("BTC") from eight shareholders of CCU: Romain Nouzareth, Mathieu Nouzareth, Julien Romanetto, Frederic Montagnon and four other arm's length shareholders of CCU (collectively, the "Lenders").

The BTC Loan Agreements provided CCU the ability to elect to repay in BTC according to pre-established phases as described in the BTC Loan Agreements:

Early Repayment Phases

Phase 1: Each month until the mining equipment is connected, the Borrower will pay each Lender 0.075 BTC.

Phase 2: From the time the mining equipment is operational until the Borrower has repaid each Lender 3 BTC, the Borrower will pay to such Lender 85% of the BTC created using the mining equipment, less the electricity costs and the pool costs (1%) (the "Contribution Margin").

Phase 3: For 18 months after the end of Phase 2, repayment of 50% of the Contribution Margin.

No security was granted by CCU on any of its assets in connection with the BTC Loan Agreements, nor are there any securities of CCU or the Corporation to be issued in repayment of the BTC Loan Agreements.

Repayment of the BTC Loan Agreements

CCU made all payments required under Phase 1 of the BTC Loan Agreements until connection of the mining equipment. On the Termination Date, CCU and the Lenders agreed to proceed with the early repayment of all outstanding indebtedness under the BTC Loan Agreements and the payment of all other amounts owed to the Lenders pursuant to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the BTC Loan Agreements (the "Early Repayment"). The Corporation and CCU decided to proceed to the Early Repayment in order to reduce the Corporation's indebtedness and free mining capacity for other purposes. As of the date of the Early Repayment, a total of 12.1643 BTC were still outstanding and owed to the Lenders by CCU, representing an aggregate amount of C$641,123. CCU proceeded to the repayment in Bitcoins of amounts equivalent to C$27,044 to Romain Nouzareth, C$11,789 to Mathieu Nouzareth, C$214,340 to Julien Romanetto, C$324,531 to Frederic Montagnon and C$63,418 to four other arm's length shareholders of CCU. Dollar amounts in this press release are based on the price of BTC as of September 29, 2021 for an amount of US$41,286, as indicated on Yahoo Finance

The result of the Early Repayment is that CCU has no further indebtedness under the BTC Loan Agreements. The payment of the balance was made in BTC and resulted in a gain of settlement of debt of an estimated amount of C$77,000.

Related-party Transaction

Pursuant to the BTC Loan Agreements, Romain Nouzareth, Mathieu Nouzareth, Frederic Montagnon and Julien Romanetto initially each loaned to CCU 5 BTC, 2.18 BTC, 60 BTC and 39.64 BTC, respectively.

Romain Nouzareth, Mathieu Nouzareth, Julien Romanetto and Frederic Montagnon are shareholders and insiders of the Corporation and constitute related parties, as such term is defined under applicable Canadian securities law. The Early Repayment constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Early Repayment of the BTC Loan Agreements is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the amounts repaid to related parties are below 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. The Early Repayment was approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on September 28, 2021. The Corporation did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the date of the Early Repayment of the BTC Loan Agreements as the intention of the Corporation to accelerate the payment had not been confirmed at that time.

Romain Nouzareth beneficially owns or controls 11,079,552 shares of the Corporation, representing approximately 17.39% on an undiluted basis and 15.48% on a fully diluted basis of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation; Mathieu Nouzareth beneficially owns or controls 8,326,710 shares of the Corporation, representing approximately 13.07% on a non diluted basis and 11.64% on a fully diluted basis of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation; each of Julien Romanetto and Frederic Montagnon beneficially owns or controls 6,405,722 shares of the Corporation, representing approximately 10.06% on a non diluted basis and 8.95% on a fully diluted basis of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation. The Early Repayment of the BTC Loan Agreements does not affect or change the percentage of securities of the Corporation beneficially owned or controlled by each of Romain Nouzareth, Mathieu Nouzareth, Julien Romanetto and Frederic Montagnon.

About the Corporation

The Corporation operates a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral bitcoin mining center with a contract of 20 MW of stable, eco-friendly energy. The company's high-density calculation centers are built for high-grade cryptocurrency mining, AI data processing, and fintech infrastructure.

Founded in 2017, the Corporation is led by technology entrepreneurs, electricity and ventilation experts, network specialists, and Canadian industrialists. Since its inception, the company has pursued a vision of environmental stewardship throughout the mining process. The excess supply of renewable energy in the province of Quebec has made this endeavor feasible and a great base for growth.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Corporation cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

For additional information, please contact:

Canada Computational Unlimited Corp.

Romain Nouzareth

Chief Executive Officer

rnouzareth@ccu.ai

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98101


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Perrigo Co. plc (PRGO) said it agreed to pay 297 million euros to settle tax dispute with the Irish Office of the Revenue Commissioners as the settlement removes a major uncertainty that has been a significant distraction to the company over the last three years.



'While we continue to believe that our tax positions were correct and would ultimately have been confirmed through the tax appeal process, we recognize that this process was uncertain and could take many more years to complete,' the company said.



Perrigo noted that it will pay 297 million euros as a full and final settlement of all liabilities arising from the sale of the Tysabri patents and to be taxed in periods fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2021 inclusive.



Irish Revenue Department will give Perrigo credit for certain taxes already paid and for certain unused R&D credits, all of which will be applied against the 297 million euros figure, such that the total cash payment that Perrigo will be making to Irish Revenue as part of the settlement will be 266.1 million euros.



The settlement provides that no interest is due and no penalties apply.



Perrigo expects to execute a formal settlement agreement with Irish Revenue in the coming days. The company will make a payment of 266.1 million euros to Irish Revenue within seven days after the parties execute the settlement agreement. The company expects to fund the settlement through cash on hand.



The Irish Office of the Revenue Commissioners issued the Notice of Amended Assessment dated November 29, 2018. It had claimed income tax payable in the amount of approximately 1.6 billion euros, not including interest or penalties.



On July 9, 2021, Irish Revenue acknowledged that not all relevant facts were known to them when they issued the Notice in 2018 and that, accordingly, Irish Revenue would not object to certain adjustments that would result in an aggregate reduction of more than 660 million euros from the income taxes claimed in the Notice as issued.



Separately, Perrigo said Wednesday that it has received 355 million euros in cash on behalf of Alychlo NV and Holdco I BE NV or 'Sellers' in payment of the previously announced arbitration award issued in favor of Perrigo Ireland. The award was issued August 27, 2021, by a tribunal sitting under the rules of the Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation and related to claims arising under the Stock Purchase Agreement between Sellers and Perrigo Ireland dated November 6, 2014.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

PERRIGO-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
GURUGRAM, India, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipsy, a SaaS-based smart logistics management platform provider, announced that it's now a remote-first organization. Shipsy's talent pool can now indefinitely work from home (WFH).

According to research, remote working was gradually picking up pace at a global scale. Between 2005 and 2018, remote work grew by 173% and that by 2025 it was supposed to become a widely accepted reality. As much as 88% of global companies offered remote work for all their employees during COVID. Shipsy is one such organization. The pandemic drove businesses to accept this future of work five years early.

Having said that, to foster innovation and collaboration, Shipsy is opening hot desks across the country for Shipsians to get together as and when needed. The organization will be leveraging coworking and on-demand workspaces to provide employees with state-of-the-art office environments.

"Remote working is a reality now. Employers can no longer expect people to follow conventional work schedules and norms. We are crafting modern policies that enable our people to work from the location of their choice. Access to advanced collaboration tools and superior connectivity are rapidly eliminating stigmas associated with WFH and virtual hiring," says Soham Chokshi, CEO and Co-Founder, Shipsy.

Since the beginning of this year, and despite movement restrictions, Shipsy has been scaling up its hiring operations across India, the Middle East and the US. The development is critical to support the organization's hyper-growth momentum and its aggressive plans to expand across geographies.

"We have increased our workforce by more than 25% this year via efficient remote onboarding and engagement operations. Having said that, we understand that preferences vary when it comes to working from home or office. Hence, we will also ensure our people have access to a proper physical office setup on-demand," Chokshi added.

About Shipsy:

Shipsy's smart logistics management platform empowers global businesses to optimize, automate, track, and simplify end-to-end supply chain operations. Founded in 2015 in Gurugram, the company leverages AI and big data to design and develop low-code SaaS solutions to improve operational efficiency across industries. The brand has recently set its regional headquarters in Dubai. Last year the company raised $6M in Series A round led by Sequoia Capital India's Surge and existing investor Info Edge.

Media contact:

media@shipsy.io

+91-9867999866
SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon has settled a labor dispute with two former employees it fired last year after they spoke out publicly against the company's decisions on climate action as well as warehouse conditions during the pandemic. Terms of the settlement were not immediately available. 'We have reached a mutual agreement that resolves the legal issues in this case and welcome the resolution of this matter,' an Amazon spokesperson reportedly said. The e-commerce giant had fired employees Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa in April 2020 for publicly criticizing conditions at its warehouses as being unsafe during the coronavirus pandemic. Cunningham and Costa, both worked as user experience designers for Amazon, were warned earlier for criticizing the company's climate policies. Amazon then said Cunningham and Costa were fired for 'repeatedly violating internal policies.' But the National Labor Relations Board had determined they were fired illegally and said in April 2021 it would issue a complaint for unfair labor practices, if the online retail giant does not settle the case. Cunningham and Costa said Wednesday in a joint statement posted on Twitter that they have reached an agreement to settle the charge against Amazon. They also added that Amazon will pay them lost wages and will be required to post notices informing employees that they can't be fired for organizing and exercising their rights. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Decision taken to move the highest dose of THR-149 (0.13mg) into Part B of the study based on favorable safety profile and positive efficacy data



Oxurion is moving into Part B of study evaluating THR-149 against aflibercept

THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of the 40-50% of DME patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGF therapy

Leuven, BE, Boston, MA, US - September 30, 2021 - 07.00 AM CET - Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR), a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, today announced positive data from Part A of its Phase 2 study ("KALAHARI") of THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for the treatment of DME. Based on these data the Company has decided to move the highest dose of THR-149 (0.13mg) into Part B of the study, which is expected to begin shortly.

THR-149, is being developed as a potential new standard of care intravitreal (IVT) therapy for the 40-50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 acts through inhibition of the plasma kallikrein-kinin (PKaI-Kinin) system, a validated VEGF-independent target for DME.

Arshad M. Khanani, M.D., M.A., Director of Clinical Research at Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, Nevada, US, comments: "I am excited to see the results from Part A of the KALAHARI study, which was conducted in patients who have shown suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. These patients currently have limited treatment options, and the mean BCVA gains of + 6.1 letters at 3 months with stable CST in patients treated with the highest dose of THR-149 is encouraging. I am looking forward to recruiting patients into Part B of this trial. I am hopeful that the KALAHARI study will demonstrate that THR-149 could benefit the 40-50% of DME patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGFs."

The Phase 2 KALAHARI study is a two-part, randomized, prospective, multi-center study assessing multiple injections of THR-149 in DME patients who have previously shown a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. The endpoints of Part A of the study were safety (n= 23) and efficacy (n = 20).

In Part A of the study, three dose levels of THR-149 (0.005mg, 0.022mg and 0.13mg), each administered in three monthly IVT injections, were evaluated in order to select the best dose for Part B of the study.

Results from Part A showed that all dose levels of THR-149 had a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events being observed. All adverse events in the study eye were mild to moderate in intensity and no severe ocular adverse events were reported.

Finally, no inflammation was seen in the study eye of any patient at any dose evaluated in Part A of the study.

When assessing efficacy, three IVT injections of THR-149 (0.13mg) delivered the most promising results in terms of Best Corrected Visual Accuity (BCVA), the primary endpoint for registration in DME, and also delivered a stable Central Subfield Thickness (CST), a promising result in a population were if left untreated CST would be expected to deteriorate.

No patients in the high dose group (n = 8) required rescue medication.

In terms of BCVA, the highest dose delivered a mean 6.1 letter improvement at Month 3. The range of BCVA changes with the highest dose was -0.4 to 12.6 letters at Month 3.

In terms of CST, the highest dose showed a stable CST (mean change of 13 m) at Month 3. The range of CST changes with the highest dose was -37.1 to 63.6 m at Month 3.

Oxurion intends to present a more complete data set from Part A of the KALAHARI study at an upcoming leading ophthalmology conference.

Based on these data, the Company will shortly start Part B of the study which will enroll just over one hundred patients who have previously shown a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy, and where THR-149 will be evaluated against aflibercept, the current standard of care, as the active comparator.

Final topline results from the KALAHARI study are expected by mid-2023.

Tom Graney, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Oxurion, comments, "The positive data from Part A of the KALAHARI study provides proof of concept for multiple injections of THR-149 in this important DME patient population and is a significant de-risking event for the Company. We are pleased to be able to proceed into the second part of the study, where we hope to confirm THR-149's ability to address the significant unmet need in this patient population that experiences a suboptimal response to anti-VEGFs and currently lacks adequate treatment options. I would like to thank the patients, physicians, and the clinical teams for their support in completing Part A of this important study. These very encouraging results with THR-149, alongside the initiation of our Phase 2 ("INTEGRAL") study with THR-687, a pan-RGD integrin antagonist, being developed as a potential first line therapy for DME patients, gives Oxurion one of the most exciting pipelines in ophthalmology today."

END

For further information please contact:

Oxurion NV

Tom Graney

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +32 16 75 13 10

tom.graney@oxurion.com (mailto:tom.graney@oxurion.com)









Michael Dillen

Chief Corporate Development

Tel: +32 479 783583

Michael.dillen@oxurion.com (mailto:Michael.dillen@oxurion.com)



EU

MEDiSTRAVA Consulting

David Dible/ Sylvie Berrebi/Frazer Hall

Tel: +44 20 7638 9571

oxurion@medistrava.com (mailto:oxurion@medistrava.com)









US

Westwicke, an ICR Company

Christopher Brinzey

Tel: +1 617 835 9304

chris.brinzey@westwicke.com (mailto:chris.brinzey@westwicke.com)

About Oxurion

Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, which are designed to better preserve vision in patients with retinal vascular disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients worldwide as well as other conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Oxurion is aiming to build a leading global franchise in the treatment of retinal vascular disorders based on the successful development of its two novel therapeutics:

THR-687 is a highly selective pan-RGD integrin antagonist that is initially being developed as a potential first line therapy for DME patients. Positive topline results in a Phase 1 clinical study assessing THR-687 as a treatment for DME were announced in 2020. Oxurion is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial ("INTEGRAL") evaluating THR-687 in patients with DME. THR-687 also has the potential to deliver improved treatment outcomes for patients with wet AMD and RVO.

THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor being developed as a potential new standard of care for the 40-50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 has shown positive topline Phase 1 results for the treatment of DME. The company is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial ("KALAHARI") evaluating multiple injections of THR-149 in DME patients previously showing a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. Following positive data from Part A of this Phase 2 study (dose selection), the Company has initiated Part B of the study.

Oxurion is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol OXUR. More information is available at www.oxurion.com .

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.
Reached nearly 29 million patients to date in 2021 through our flagship programs and strategic innovative brands





Announced a planned 10-year commitment with historically black colleges and universities to address root causes of systemic disparities in health outcomes





Continued our global health leadership with positive phase 2b results for our next generation antimalarial therapy ganaplacide in combination with lumefantrine which support its continued development





Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across our value chain by 2040

Basel, September 30, 2021 - At its eighth annual ESG investor event hosted today, Novartis shared progress against its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets and updated on its most material ESG topics (https://www.novartis.com/our-company/corporate-responsibility/reporting-disclosure/materiality), including access to medicines, patient health and safety, innovation and ethical standards.

"ESG is central to the Novartis strategy and is critical to delivering on our purpose to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. Coupled with our inspired, curious and unbossed culture, we believe ESG efforts on our most material topics will help drive our overall performance as a company and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders," said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. "Looking ahead, we are renewing our focus on our ESG material topics, redoubling our efforts on improving access to medicines and accelerating our journey toward a zero-carbon future."

Access to medicines remains one of the world's biggest healthcare challenges, and as confirmed by the recent Novartis materiality assessment, it remains one of the most material ESG topics for the company. The WHO estimates that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to basic medicines. Guided by the Novartis Access Principles (https://www.novartis.com/our-company/corporate-responsibility/expanding-access-healthcare/access-principles) and taking local economic realities into account, Novartis applies a broad range of approaches to ensure medicines can be available where they are needed, including tiered pricing, innovative business models and emerging market brand strategies. The Access to Medicines Index has repeatedly recognized our efforts, ranking Novartis 2nd in the 2021 index and highlighting Novartis as the only company with equitable access strategies in low-income countries across its portfolio.

Making innovation accessible and affordable in low-income settings

Over the last 12 months, we have made significant progress against our 2025 Patient Access Targets, which are linked to a sustainability bond (SLB) issued in September 2020. By 2025, we aim to increase patients reached in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with strategic innovative therapies by 200% and the Novartis Flagship Programs (malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease and leprosy) by 50%. Strategic innovative therapies are non-generic therapies that have been designated as strategic based on factors such as patient impact, innovation and commercial viability. In 2021, we have already reached 0.8 million patients with our strategic innovative therapies to date versus our target for 1.6 million patients by 2025. We have also increased the number of patients reached by our flagship programs to 28.0 million to date (vs our 2025 target of 22.6 million), while achieving two significant milestones in our malaria program: we have delivered more than 1 billion antimalarial treatment courses since 1999; and we have positive phase 2b results for our next generation antimalarial therapy ganaplacide in combination with lumefantrine which support its continued development. In addition, the Novartis sub-Saharan Africa strategy is delivering a sustainable business model demonstrating a 29% increase in patients reached (H1 2021 vs H1 2020) coupled with a 22% increase in net sales during the same time period.

Pioneering access solutions for our innovative therapies

For all its new medicines, Novartis aims to systematically integrate access strategies to reach underserved patients. In alignment with our access principles, we aim to expand access to our innovative therapies in areas of high unmet need. Earlier in September, Novartis announced an agreement with NHS England as part of a pioneering population health management approach to enable broad and rapid access to its first-in-class cholesterol-lowering medicine, inclisiran (Leqvio). Population health brings together existing but disconnected data in order to enable doctors to get the right treatments to the right people quickly and across large populations. Over the next three years, approximately 300,000 patients at high risk of a second cardiovascular event are expected to be treated with inclisiran in the community setting. With around 7.6 million people across the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, causing more than a quarter (27%) of all deaths each year, the NHS has recognized cardiovascular disease as the single biggest area in which lives can be saved over the next 10 years.

Collaboration to address healthcare disparities in the U.S

In July, Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation announced a planned 10-year collaboration (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-pledges-10-year-commitment-morehouse-school-medicine-26-historically-black-colleges-universities-medical-schools-and-other-leading-organizations-co) with Coursera, the National Medical Association, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Morehouse School of Medicine and 26 additional Historically Black Colleges, Universities and Medical Schools (HBCUs) to design programs that address the root causes of systemic disparities in health outcomes and create greater diversity, equity and inclusion across the research and development ecosystem.

The commitment includes a pledge of USD 20m to help prepare up to 1200 Black and African American students to become the next generation of leaders in health, science, technology and business in collaboration with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and plans to establish three digitally enabled research centers at Morehouse School of Medicine, including a clinical trial center of excellence to increase diversity among clinical trial investigators and participants. In parallel, Novartis announced a new commitment to diversity in clinical trials (https://www.novartis.com/sites/www.novartis.com/files/commitment-for-diversity-in-clinical-trials.pdf) with a new target to embed diversity and inclusion principles in 100% of Phase 3 studies with US participation. In the next phase, we aim to expand our efforts to clinical trials in Canada and the UK.

Accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions

As a leading medicines company, Novartis is acutely aware of the impact that climate change has on human health and changing disease patterns. Novartis aims to be a leader in environmental sustainability and a catalyst for positive change. The company is making steady progress versus its 2025 target to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations, with a 28% reduction in carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2) to date from a 2016 baseline. Further strengthening its already ambitious targets for full carbon neutrality by 2030, Novartis is committing to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2040.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "can," "will," "expect," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "accelerates," "targets," "to increase," "achieve," "commitment," "to address," "continued," "to achieving," "strategy," "purpose," "to improve," "drive," "deliver," "remains," "estimates," "to ensure," "innovation," "aim," "aims," "strategic," "pioneering," "to reach," "to expand," "to enable," "expected," "collaboration," "pledge," "to establish," "accelerating," "ambitious," "committing," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding our environmental, social and governance activities; or regarding potential new indications for existing products, potential product launches, or regarding potential future revenues from such products; or regarding our commitment to address root causes of systemic disparities in health outcomes; or regarding research and development activities and timelines; or regarding current and potential future or pending collaborations and alliances; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including with respect to current, planned and potential future actions in the areas of access to medicines, global health challenges, and ethics, risk and compliance; or regarding our ambition to achieve carbon neutrality through global initiatives across our operations.. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. In particular, our expectations could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; the potential that the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected from the collaborations described, may not be realized or may be more difficult or take longer to realize than expected; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com).

More information about the Novartis ESG practices is available at https://www.novartis.com/investors/environmental-social-and-governance (https://www.novartis.com/investors/environmental-social-and-governance)

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews (https://twitter.com/novartisnews)

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library)

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com (mailto:media.relations@novartis.com)

# # #

Novartis Media Relations

E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com (mailto:media.relations@novartis.com)

Antonio Ligi

Novartis External Communications

+41 79 723 3681 (mobile)

antonio.ligi@novartis.com (mailto:antonio.ligi@novartis.com)







Julie Masow

Novartis US External Communications

+1 862 579 8456

julie.masow@novartis.com (mailto:julie.masow@novartis.com) Katerina Kontzalis

Corp. Affairs & Global Health Communications

+41 79 797 8393 (mobile)

katerina.kontzalis@novartis.com (mailto:katerina.kontzalis@novartis.com)

Novartis Investor Relations

Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944

E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com (mailto:investor.relations@novartis.com)
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - E-Sun Electronics Limited (E-Sun LTD.), a member of the Decentralized Wireless Alliance and a high-quality hotspot manufacturer of Helium (HNT) Network, has now obtained Helium (HNT) taking orders approval and decided to officially start taking orders for its first product, Panther X1, in China Mainland.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8247/98108_11185d0974e86959_002full.jpg

Orders are available from 30th September 2021 through the official website panther.global.

Hotspot Details

LoRa Specifications

LoRa Frequency Band: 470~510MHz

LoRa Channel Plan: CN470

Channel Capacity: 8 channels

LoRa Output Power Maximum: 30dBm

Receiving sensitivity: -141 dBm @SF12 BW 125kHz; -127 dBm @SF7 BW 125 kHz; -111 dBm @FSK 50 kbps

Platform

CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz

RAM: 4G DDR4

Storage: 64GB TF Card

WIFI: IEEE 802. 11b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth: 5.0 BLE

Input Voltage: DC 12V

Connectors

Antennas: SMA Female

Ethernet: RJ45 Ethernet jack (10/100/1000 port)

Power: 5.5*2.1mm, 12V DC

In terms of hardware security, Panther X has considered three levels of measures. The higher the level, the safer.

Level 1: protect swarm_key with ATECC608A compatible ECC chips.

Level 2: Base on Level 1, the SSH access of the hotspot adopts a password-free scheme, which is carried out entirely through the private key, but the private key is not stored on the hotspot.

Level 3: Base on Level 2, add firmware signature support, do not support third-party firmware upgrade.

About Panther X (E-Sun Electronics Limited)

E-sun Electronics Ltd, founded in 2014, is an intelligent manufacturing company based in Hong Kong. Panther X series Hotspot is E-sun's competitive product in the domain of IoT in the future decade. Panther X is committed to the perfect combination of blockchain technology and the Internet of Things, powering Helium to achieve global network coverage and application launch quickly.

Contact:

Robert Fan

robert@panther.global

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98108
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK car production declined sharply in August largely due to the global shortage of semiconductors, data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, or SMMT, showed on Thursday. Car output declined 27 percent year-on-year in August. This was the second consecutive fall in production. The lobby said global chip shortage as well as some extended summer factory shutdowns dented overall performance. Production for domestic market grew 3.3 percent, while that for foreign market was down 32.5 percent. About 29,200 cars were shipped overseas, with the decline driven by falling exports to faraway markets including Australia, the US and China. Production in the year-to-date remained up, by 13.8 percent, to 589,607 cars, driven by exports with 83.2 percent of everything made heading for markets abroad. Carmakers and their suppliers are battling to keep production lines rolling with constraints expected to continue well into 2022 and possibly beyond, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
AIM and Media Release

30 September 2021

BASE RESOURCES LIMITED

Kwale mining lease extension secured and royalty discussions finalised

African mineral sands producer and developer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya and Base Titanium Limited, Base Resources' wholly owned Kenyan Subsidiary, have signed Deeds of Variation for the Kwale Special Mining Lease 23 (SML 23) that give effect to the following:

An extension of the mining lease boundary of SML 23 to incorporate the Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves 1 that previously fell outside the SML 23 boundary.

that previously fell outside the SML 23 boundary. An increase in the rate of royalties payable to the Government of Kenya , such that: For the period from the date of first export of minerals to 30 June 2018, the royalty is increased to 3%. For the period from 1 July 2018 to the end of SML 23, the royalty is increased to 5%.

, such that:

Prior to being varied, the applicable royalty rate under SML 23 was 2.5% and it is on this basis that royalties have been paid. However, from first export of minerals, royalty costs have been provided for, and expensed, by the Company at an assumed royalty rate of 5%, based on an expected outcome from the long running discussions with the Government of Kenya. In consideration for entry into the Deeds of Variation, in particular agreement to a royalty for the period to 30 June 2018 at a rate lower than had been accrued, Base Titanium will withdraw its claim for refund of VAT receivables related to the construction of Kwale Operations.

On the basis of values at 30 June 2021, the net effect of the above is:

Payment by Base Titanium of US$18.6 million for the agreed increases in royalty rates, consisting of the 0.5% increase for the period to 30 June 2018 and the 2.5% increase for the period from 1 July 2018.The related accruals will be extinguished.

for the agreed increases in royalty rates, consisting of the 0.5% increase for the period to and the 2.5% increase for the period from 1 July 2018.The related accruals will be extinguished. A net US$3.2 million expense will be recorded in the Company's financial statements, consisting of the write back of the excess 2% royalty accrual for the period to 30 June 2018 , totalling US$12.8 million , and the write-off of the construction period VAT receivable of US$16.0 million .

[Note (1): For further information, refer to Base Resources' announcement on 20 August 2021 "Updated Kwale South Dune Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimates".]

Managing Director of Base Resources, Tim Carstens, said:

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the Government of Kenya. With the land acquisition processes proceeding to plan and nearing completion, mining is now scheduled to continue on the Kwale South Dune until December 2023."

"With the recently released Bumamani Pre-Feasibility Study supporting further extension to Kwale mine life to mid-2024, the focus is on completing the Definitive Feasibility Study and securing the required tenure arrangements. Looking further ahead, we are pursuing wider exploration opportunities in both Kenya and northern Tanzania."

ENDS.

For further information contact:

James Fuller, Manager Communications and Investor Relations UK Media Relations Base Resources Tavistock Communications Tel: +61 (8) 9413 7426 Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Mobile: +61 (0) 488 093 763 Tel: +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Email: jfuller@baseresources.com.au

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The Company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 3, 46 Colin Street

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 (0)8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 (0)8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISOR

RFC Ambrian Limited

Stephen Allen

Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500

JOINT BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800

JOINT BROKER

Canaccord Genuity

Raj Khatri / James Asensio / Patrick Dolaghan

Phone: +44 20 7523 8000


Synairgen plc

('Synairgen' or the 'Company')

Non-Executive Director Appointment

Southampton, UK - 30 September 2021: Synairgen plc (LSE: SNG), the drug discovery, development and commercialisation company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Theodora Harold as an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company and Chair of the Audit Committee with immediate effect.

Theodora has over 20 years' experience in the biotech sector and is currently CEO of Crescendo Biologics Ltd. She was previously part of the founding management teams of both PsiOxus Therapeutics Ltd and Mission Therapeutics Ltd. Theodora has previous non-executive director experience at Chronos Therapeutics Ltd.

Theodora is also a Chartered Accountant having qualified at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Simon Shaw, Chair of Synairgen, commented: "I am delighted to have Theodora joining the Board at this pivotal transition point for Synairgen. Her breadth and depth of experience brings a welcome new perspective to the Board and her expertise in the life sciences andbiotech industries will be of great value to Synairgen particularly as we move into a new phase of rapid change with our Phase III trial for SNG001 (inhaled interferon beta) nearing completion."

Theodora Harold, newly appointed Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee added: "Building on the ground-breaking work of ProfessorSir Stephen Holgate and his team at University of Southampton, Synairgen is at an important stage in its growth as it looks to expand access of this innovative inhaled interferon beta treatment to patients, particularly those severely ill with COVID-19. This is an exciting time to join the Synairgen team, andI look forward to working with Simon and the Board in pursuing a successful future for the Company."

As required under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, further disclosures on Ms Harold are as follows:

Ms Theodora Caroline Harold, aged 47, has held the following directorships and/or partnerships in the past five years:

Current directorships and/or partnerships:

Crescendo Biologics Limited





Past directorships and/or partnerships:

Chronos Therapeutics Ltd

Dreadnought Ltd

Cambridge Consultancy Services Ltd

Orlixus Ltd

Ms Harold holds no ordinary shares in the Company.

There is no further information on Ms Harold required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Synairgen plc

Richard Marsden, Chief Executive Officer

John Ward, Chief Financial Officer

Brooke Clarke, Head of Communications

Tel: + 44 (0) 23 8051 2800

finnCap (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, Kate Bannatyne, Charlie Beeson (Corporate Finance)

Alice Lane, Sunil de Silva (ECM)

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Numis Securities Limited (Joint Broker)

James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7260 1000

Consilium Strategic Communications (UK Financial Media and Investor Relations)

Mary-Jane Elliott, Jessica Hodgson, Carina Jurs

synairgen@consilium-comms.com

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

MKC Strategies, LLC (US Media Relations)

Mary Conway

MConway@MKCStrategies.com

Tel: +1 516 606 6545

Notes for Editors

About Synairgen

Synairgen is a UK-based respiratory company focused on drug discovery, development and commercialisation. The Company's primary focus is developing SNG001 (inhaled interferon beta) for the treatment of COVID-19 as potentially the first host-targeted broad-spectrum antiviral treatment delivered directly into the lungs. Granted Fast Track status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and deemed an Urgent Public Health study by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Synairgen's Phase III clinical programme is currently evaluating nebulised SNG001 in patients across 17 countries. In a Phase II trial in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, SNG001 demonstrated a greater than twofold chance of recovery to 'no limitation of activities' versus placebo.
Synairgen plc

('Synairgen' or the 'Company')

Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Scaling up and preparing for Phase III COVID-19trial data read-out

Webcast today at 13:00 BST

Southampton, UK - 30 September 2021: Synairgen plc (LSE: SNG), the drug discovery, development and commercialisation company, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen, said:"The need for an effective, broad-spectrum antiviral to treat patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 remains urgent. While vaccines have played an important role in reducing many of the risks associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thousands of patients continue to require hospital treatment in the US and Europe every day with acute symptoms from COVID-19. This, coupled with the potential of waning immunity and the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, highlights the urgent need for additional effective antiviral therapies.

"The Phase III SPRINTER trial of SNG001 is progressing well, with the last patient expected to be enrolled during November. SNG001 is an inhaled, broad-spectrum antiviral interferon beta (IFN-beta) formulation, which is delivered directly to the lower respiratory tract, stimulating the lungs' immune defences, and has an established safety profile.Positive data from this trial would represent a major breakthrough in the battle against COVID-19. To ensure we can get this treatment to patients as quickly as possible, we are preparing to engage the US FDA on a potential application for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA)and have aligned withpartners with COVID-19 expertise for distribution and in-market support."

Operational highlights(including post period end)

Synairgen's wholly-owned lead programme SNG001 has potential value in three settings:

COVID-19 patients hospitalised due to severe lower respiratory tract (LRT) symptoms;

Government stockpiling for future pandemic preparedness; and

Severe viral lung infections caused by regular common cold and flu viruses that lead to hospitalisation.





Earlier work establishing safety, dosing regimen, and patient selection, has been instrumental in paving the way for rapid and significant progress during this pandemic.

Phase III trial progressand preparation for regulatory submissions

Good progress with the global Phase III SPRINTER study of Synairgen's interferon beta (IFN-beta) formulation, SNG001, being developed for hospitalised (non-ventilated) patients suffering from COVID-19 infection, with approaching 80% of trial participants enrolled to date. Due to the sporadic nature of the pandemic in different regions, we now expect the last patient to be enrolled during November, with top line results expected in early 2022





Progression of commercial scale manufacturing processes for drug substance and drug product





Continued engagement with the US FDA on requirements and content for regulatory submissions





Continues to build distribution, pre-commercialisation and commercialisation capabilities





Experienced, commercially-focused senior leadership team appointed in manufacturing, communications and corporate affairs, and commercial positions. Use of third party COVID-19-experienced contractors for distribution and in-market support





Other operating highlights

Positive results from in vitro studies showing antiviral activity of IFN-beta against key COVID-19 variants announced in May 2021, with further testing underway





Combined data from the hospital and home cohorts of Synairgen's Phase II study showed that the more breathless patients are significantly more likely (>3 fold) to recover on SNG001 than placebo





Phase II recruitment completed for study of SNG001 in the ongoing US government funded ACTIV-2 trial evaluating patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in the home setting. Results are being assessed to determine whether SNG001 will be progressed into the Phase III part of this Phase II/III trial





Financial highlights

Loss before tax for the six months ended 30 June 2021 was 38.89 million (30 June 2020: 5.07 million loss) Research and development expenditure for the six months ended 30 June 2021 was 36.91 million (30 June 2020: 4.47 million) as the Company advanced its Phase III clinical trial and scaled up its manufacturing activities Administrative expenses for the six months ended 30 June 2021 were 1.99 million (30 June 2020: 0.60 million) as the Company built up its management infrastructure and invested in pre-commercialisation activities





Research and Development tax credit increased from 1.11 million to 5.97 million with scale up of qualifying activities





Cash balances of 46.21 million at 30 June 2021 (10.88 million at 30 June 2020)





Results webcast details

A webcast will be hosted by Synairgen's management team at 13:00 BST, followed by a Q&A for analysts.

The webcast link can be accessed here:

https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/Synairgen/events/28f37f03-c7dd-4071-b047-66b191931742

To access details for the analyst Q&A, please contact: synairgen@consilium-comms.com

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR').

For further enquiries, please contact:

Synairgen plc

Richard Marsden, Chief Executive Officer

John Ward, Chief Financial Officer

Brooke Clarke, Head of Communications

Tel: + 44 (0) 23 8051 2800

finnCap (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, Kate Bannatyne, Charlie Beeson (Corporate Finance)

Alice Lane, Sunil de Silva (ECM)

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Numis Securities Limited (Joint Broker)

James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7260 1000

Consilium Strategic Communications (Financial Media and Investor Relations)

Mary-Jane Elliott, Jessica Hodgson, Lucy Featherstone

synairgen@consilium-comms.com

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

MKC Strategies, LLC (US Media Relations)

Mary Conway

MConway@MKCStrategies.com

Tel: +1 516 606 6545

Notes for Editors

About Synairgen

Synairgen is a UK-based respiratory company focused on drug discovery, development and commercialisation. The Company's primary focus is developing SNG001 (inhaled interferon beta) for the treatment of COVID-19 as potentially the first host-targeted broad-spectrum antiviral treatment delivered directly into the lungs. Granted Fast Track status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and deemed an Urgent Public Health study by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Synairgen's Phase III clinical programme is currently evaluating nebulised SNG001 in patients across 17 countries. In a Phase II trial in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, SNG001 demonstrated a greater than twofold chance of recovery to 'no limitation of activities' versus placebo.

Founded by University of Southampton Professors Sir Stephen Holgate, Donna Davies and Ratko Djukanovic in 2003, Synairgen is quoted on AIM .

OPERATING REVIEW

Summary

For many years, Synairgen has been developing SNG001, an inhaled, broad-spectrum antiviral interferon beta (IFN-beta) formulation, which is delivered directly to the lower respiratory tract, stimulating the lungs' immune defences. The Company continues to develop SNG001 for (i) COVID-19; (ii) future pandemic preparedness; and (iii) patients hospitalised with severe viral lung infections. Earlier work, establishing safety, dosing regimen, and patient selection has been instrumental in allowing Synairgen to make rapid progress during this pandemic.

During the first half of the year, Synairgen has focused on progressing the 610-patient global Phase III SPRINTER trial of SNG001 for the treatment of patients hospitalised with COVID-19. In parallel, the Company is building the infrastructure necessary to enable access to SNG001 in the US under a potential EUA for patients requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19, followed by a Biologics Licence Application (BLA) and Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) elsewhere. Positive data from this trial would represent a major breakthrough in the battle against COVID-19.

The clinical need for SNG001 in COVID-19

Despite the vaccination programme in the US, the number of patients being admitted to hospital remains significant. There are currently around 10,000 new patients hospitalised with COVID-19 each day, contributing to a shortage of available hospital capacity and poor outcomes for patients with other conditions.1

While vaccines have done much to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19, there is growing evidence that protection from the virus afforded by vaccines is not comprehensive and may decline over time. Variant strains of SARS-CoV-2 also appear to pose varying degrees of risk to the efficacy of the currently approved vaccines. As evidence grows that vaccine efficacy may decline over time, the protocol of the SG018 trial was amended to include vaccinated individuals. Currently, where this amendment is approved, 25-30% of patients entering the trial are vaccinated.

Accordingly, the need for effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19 is clear.

There is an accumulating body of academic literature demonstrating the benefits of IFN-beta. Viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, have evolved mechanisms that evade the immune system. One of these mechanisms is the suppression of IFN-beta production by cells, IFN-beta being an essential driver of multiple antiviral defences. Suppression of IFN-beta in an organ such as the lungs gives an advantage to the virus, allowing it to replicate unhindered and spread through the lungs causing cell death and inflammation.

It has been shown in in vitro experiments that adding IFN-beta can upregulate antiviral responses in cells and protect against infection with a broad range of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, individuals who produce less IFN-beta due to their genetic makeup or naturally-occurring antibodies against other interferons have been associated with a greater risk of developing severe viral lung illness. By administering IFN-beta protein directly into the airways via a nebuliser, the aim is to restore IFN-beta levels and to 'switch on' antiviral defences to clear the virus.

The challenge with IFN-beta has been delivering it in the right formulation, at the right dose, in the right patient, at the right time. Over the last 15 years Synairgen has:

Developed a formulation containing IFN-beta protein delivered locally to the lungs through inhalation;

Conducted multiple Phase I/II clinical trials in asthma, COPD, and COVID-19, totalling 339 patients who were treated with SNG001; and

Demonstrated successful activation of antiviral activity in the lungs by observing biomarkers, efficacy signals in patients with lower respiratory illness, and a good tolerability profile.





When the COVID-19 pandemic started, a Phase II trial of SNG001 in hospitalised COVID-19 patients was initiated by the Company in March 2020. The data from this Phase II placebo-controlled study of 101 randomised COVID-19 hospitalised patients showed that SNG001 given for 14 days was associated with greater odds of improvement versus placebo on the WHO Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement (OSCI) and more rapid recovery to the point where patients were no longer limited in their activity, with a greater proportion of patients recovering during the 28-day study period.

Phase III SRINTER trial progress

The clinical trial team, working alongside Parexel, has gained trial approvals in 17 countries for SG018, and initiated over 100 trial sites. This activity, especially movement of trial supplies across borders, has been very challenging due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Despite this, the Company's strategy of setting up trial sites in various countries has been successful. The first patients were recruited in January 2021 in the UK, and the trial is approaching 80% enrolment of patients out of the targeted 610. The Company anticipates the last patients will be entered into the trial during November 2021, and top line results are expected in early 2022.

Regulatory, distribution and in-market support (conditional on successful Phase III readout)

The Company is expediting preparations to file an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) in the US for patients requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19, followed by a Biologics Licence Application (BLA) to enable commercial launch.

Synairgen has been awarded Fast Track status by the US FDA and is preparing for pre-submission meetings in the US and EU to confirm the contents of the marketing applications and plans to request expedited reviews.

Preparations are underway for distribution and in-market support activity such as pharmacovigilance, medical affairs to support health care professionals, and patient support programmes. The Company is negotiating with several organisations, all of whom have relevant experience dealing with COVID-19 and can provide these and other services to enable a successful launch.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing pharmaceutical products has been very challenging due to COVID-19, with shortages in key ingredients, components, equipment and manufacturing slots. Despite these challenges, during 2021, Synairgen has undertaken the following activities:

Process qualification commercial scale manufacturing batches of the drug substance (the raw ingredient IFN-beta) have been made with our partner Akron Biotechnology;

Drug product in pre-filled glass syringes (the finished format, ready-to-use) has been made in partnership with Catalent at commercial supportive scale;

Completed a drug product manufacturing commercial scale batch (currently under testing) using polyethylener blow-fill-seal container technology to mitigate against the global supply chain shortages of medical grade glass and the reduction of available syringe filling manufacturing slots caused by the number of vaccines and therapeutics in development for COVID-19;

Long term stability studies ongoing for both drug substance and drug product to support regulatory submissions; and

Built inventory of certain specific long-lead time items needed to administer the drug to patients.





As a result, the Company expects to have tens of thousands of treatment courses available to the market should an EUA be granted. With government support, the Company has the potential to increase capacity to approximately 100,000 treatment courses per month.

Other in vitro and clinical progress - COVID-19

In vitro studies

SNG001 potently reduced virus to undetectable levels in cells infected with the 'Wuhan-like' Germany/BavPat1/2020 strain, and Alpha and Beta SARS-CoV-2 variants. Concentrations of IFN-beta, readily achievable in the lungs following inhaled delivery, that gave 99% inhibition (IC 99 ) were 9.5, 24.7 and 14.8 IU/mL respectively. Further research is underway to assess SNG001 against other variants.

SG016: Combined data from h ospital and home cohorts

In April 2021, Synairgen published data from the home cohort of its SG016 Phase II trial of inhaled interferon beta in 120 COVID-19 patients.

Most of the home-initiated patients exhibited only mild disease which Synairgen believes compromised the possibility of showing treatment effects in this patient population. It was decided therefore to analyse the subset of patients with the most severe symptoms in a post-hoc analysis, including an analysis of the combined data from the home and hospital cohorts of the Phase II study. The analysis showed that the more breathless patients are significantly more likely (>3 fold) to recover on SNG001 than placebo, reinforcing our confidence in the design of the ongoing Phase III trial in hospitalised patients.

ACTIV-2 progress

This US National Institute of Health (NIH) Phase II/III ACTIV-2 study is led by the NIAID-funded AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). The trial is an adaptive, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial which involved treating 110 patients with SNG001 in a home-based setting. Phase II is now completed, and a review is underway to determine whether SNG001 should be advanced into the Phase III part of the trial.

Potentialindications for the use of SNG001,beyond COVID-19

In addition to addressing the most pressing need for COVID-19 therapeutics, Synairgen believes there are two additional potential markets for SNG001: future pandemic preparedness and severe viral lung infections requiring hospitalisation.

Pandemic Preparedness

A positive result in the Phase III trial in COVID-19 patients would give strong support for the use of SNG001 as a broad-spectrum antiviral for future respiratory virus outbreaks or pandemics. With these characteristics, interested governments may consider SNG001 as a suitable option for stockpiling, providing enough treatment courses to protect a certain percentage of their population.

Severe viral lung infections requiring hospitalisation

Beyond COVID-19, there remains a significant need for a broad-spectrum antiviral to treat patients hospitalised due to chest infections caused by regular respiratory viruses such as influenza, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus (common cold). Indeed, collectively, these viruses are associated with approximately half of all 'chest infection' hospitalisations. Influenza is the most common cause, followed by RSV (one of the common cold viruses) in children.

In in vitro experiments, IFN-beta has demonstrated activity against all these viruses. Following a positive outcome from the Phase III trial in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, the Company will initiate a programme aimed at securing a marketing authorisation for SNG001 to be used as a broad-spectrum antiviral for patients admitted to hospital with severe viral lung infections.

Strengthening leadership team for the future

During 2021, the Company has made key hires in commercial, manufacturing, corporate affairs, and regulatory, and bolstered teams in the areas of clinical and quality, in advance of results from the ongoing Phase III trial.

This is part of our broader capability enhancement which, combined with significant support from a wider network of third-party providers, will provide a strong basis from which to apply for an EUA and subsequent BLA and MAAs, with a view to launching as soon possible if approvals are granted.

Recent hires joining the management team include:

Richard Hennings: Richard joined as Chief Commercial Officer in March 2021, having previously held commercial leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, Novartis and AstraZeneca.

Richard Francis: Richard joined in September 2021 as Head of CMC, bringing more than 35 years' experience in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of many biopharmaceutical products including Cablivi, Orthoclone OKT3, Remicade, and ReoPro.

Brooke Clarke: With more than 30 years of strategic communications and corporate affairs experience, including most recently leadership roles at Shire plc and Hikma plc, Brooke joined in September 2021 as Head of Communications.





FINANCIAL REVIEW

Statement of Comprehensive Income

The loss from operations for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (H1 2021) was 38.90 million (six months ended 30 June 2020 (H1 2020): 5.08 million loss; year ended 31 December 2020 (FY 2020): 17.74 million loss) with research and development expenditure amounting to 36.91 million (H1 2020: 4.47 million; FY 2020: 15.50 million) and other administrative expenses 1.99 million (H1 2020: 0.60 million; FY 2020: 2.25 million).

Research and development expenditure of 4.47 million in H1 2020 was focused on the Phase II SG016 hospital trial, increasing stocks of active and placebo syringes for future clinical trials and completing the SG015 COPD study. On the back of the successful results from the SG016 hospital study a fundraising was undertaken in October 2020 to enable progression into Phase III and scale up of manufacturing activities.

The most significant clinical expenditure in H1 2021 has been on the Phase III SPRINTER study, as discussed earlier in the report, with recruitment commencing in January 2021. The other items of clinical expenditure related to the SG016 home study, which completed during the period, and the ACTIV-2 trial.

The remainder of the research and development expenditure has been focussed on upscaling SNG001 manufacturing activities and procuring long lead time components. Drug substance manufacturing (with Akron Biotechnology) has completed Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) and a number of drug substance batches have been manufactured. Some of this drug substance has been shipped to Catalent for fill/finishing into glass syringes and PPQ batches have been manufactured. PPQ preparatory work has been undertaken by Woodstock Sterile Solutions for polyethylene blow-fill-seal containers. Investment has also been made into release assay development at a US-based supplier.

Other administrative expenditure has increased from 0.60 million in H1 2020 to 1.99 million in H1 2021 on account of (i) the establishment of a commercial team, which is preparing for SNG001 launch; (ii) the increase in finance and administration headcount to handle the higher volumes of activity; and (iii) higher investor relations activity costs.

The research and development tax credit increased from 1.11 million in H1 2020 to 5.97 million in H1 2021 on account of the increased qualifying expenditure.

The loss after tax for H1 2021 was 32.92 million (H1 2020: 3.96 million; FY 2020: 13.92 million) and the basic loss per share was 16.47p (H1 2020: 3.11p loss; FY 2020: 9.46p loss).

Statement of Financial Position and Cash Flows

At 30 June 2021, net assets amounted to 52.37 million (30 June 2020: 11.58 million, 31 December 2020: 85.14 million), including cash balances of 46.21 million (30 June 2020: 10.88 million, 31 December 2020: 74.98 million).

The principal elements for the 28.76 million decrease in cash balances during H1 2021 (H1 2020: 8.43 million increase, year ended 31 December 2020 (FY 2020): 72.52 million increase) were:

Cash used in operations 28.67 million (H1 2020: 4.63 million outflow, FY 2020: 24.73 million outflow);

Research and development tax credits received of nil (H1 2020: nil, FY 2020: 0.91 million);

Share issue proceeds (net of costs) nil (H1 2020: 13.22 million, FY 2020: 97.89 million); and

Net settlement of options nil (H1 2020: nil, FY 2020: 1.29 million).

The other significant changes in the statement of financial position were:

Current tax receivable: 30 June 2021: 9.74 million, 30 June 2020 1.98 million, 31 December 2020: 3.77 million, reflecting the higher research and development tax credits due;

Trade and other receivables: 30 June 2021: 1.14 million, 30 June 2020: 0.38 million, 31 December 2020: 9.37 million. The 31 December 2020 balance included a number of manufacturing prepayments relating to drug substance manufacture, for which product was received during H1 2021; and

Trade and other payables: 30 June 2021: 4.95 million, 30 June 2020: 1.98 million, 31 December 2020: 3.28 million, reflecting the increase in operating activities.





SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

The SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a significant global threat. The potential for waning vaccine efficacy and the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the urgent need for additional effective antiviral therapies. Most immediately, there is a significant need for a drug for the hospitalised patient at the time of admission that lowers the risk of further deterioration, reduces the duration of hospital stay, and enhances the chance of recovery following discharge.

Synairgen is focused on completing its 610 patient Phase III SPRINTER trial with top line data expected in early 2022. Positive results from this would mark a major breakthrough in the treatment of COVID-19, and a transitional milestone for Synairgen.

In the meantime, Synairgen is building capabilities in the areas of regulatory, manufacturing, supply chain, and in-market support.

Synairgen has been progressing SNG001 as a broad-spectrum antiviral for many years. The Company's earlier work, establishing safety, dosing regimen, and patient selection has been instrumental in allowing it to make rapid progress during this pandemic and, whilst Synairgen waits for the results of the SPRINTER trial with confidence, it remains grateful to everyone who has continued to work tirelessly to advance the programme.

REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review. Accessed Sept 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html)





Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Unaudited

Six months

ended 30

June

2021 Unaudited

Six months

ended 30

June

2020 Audited

Year

ended 31

December

2020 Notes 000 000 000 Research and development expenditure (36,906) (4,474) (15,495) Other administrative expenses (1,991) (602) (2,246) Total administrative expenses and loss from operations (38,897) (5,076) (17,741) Finance income 9 9 19 Finance expense (2) (6) (10) Loss before tax (38,890) (5,073) (17,732) Tax credit 2 5,971 1,111 3,816 Loss and total comprehensive loss for the period (32,919) (3,962) (13,916) Loss per ordinary share 3 Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (pence) (16.47)p (3.11)p (9.46)p

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Share

capital Share

premium Merger

reserve Retained

deficit Total 000 000 000 000 000 At 1 January 2020 1,094 28,262 483 (27,586) 2,253 Issue of ordinary shares 400 13,600 - - 14,000 Transaction costs in respect of share issue - (782) - - (782) Recognition of share-based payments - - - 67 67 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (3,962) (3,962) At 30 June 2020 1,494 41,080 483 (31,481) 11,576 Issue of ordinary shares 505 86,570 - - 87,075 Transaction costs in respect of share issue - (2,405) - - (2,405) Recognition of share-based payments - - - 140 140 Net settlement of share options - - - (1,291) (1,291) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (9,954) (9,954) At 31 December 2020 1,999 125,245 483 (42,586) 85,141 Recognition of share-based payments - - - 148 148 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (32,919) (32,919) At 30 June 2021 1,999 125,245 483 (75,357) 52,370



Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2021

Unaudited

30

June

2021 Unaudited

30

June

2020 Audited

31

December

2020 Notes 000 000 000 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 46 11 44 Property, plant and equipment 212 292 250 Right-of-use assets 13 175 94 271 478 388 Current assets Inventories - 41 41 Current tax receivable 9,742 1,976 3,771 Trade and other receivables 1,137 383 9,372 Cash and cash equivalents 46,214 10,884 74,976 57,093 13,284 88,160 Total assets 57,364 13,762 88,548 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Lease liabilities - (43) - Current liabilities Trade and other payables (4,948) (1,978) (3,279) Lease liabilities (46) (165) (128) (4,994) (2,143) (3,407) Total liabilities (4,994) (2,186) (3,407) Total net assets 52,370 11,576 85,141 Equity Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent Share capital 1,999 1,494 1,999 Share premium 125,245 41,080 125,245 Merger reserve 483 483 483 Retained deficit (75,357) (31,481) (42,586) Total equity 52,370 11,576 85,141



Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the six months ended 30 June 2021

Unaudited

Six months

ended 30

June

2021 Unaudited

Six months

ended 30

June

2020 Audited

Year

ended 31

December

2020 000 000 000 Cash flows from operating activities Loss before tax (38,890) (5,073) (17,732) Adjustments for: Finance income (9) (9) (19) Finance expense 2 6 10 Depreciation of property, plant & equipment



45



45



90 Depreciation of right-of-use assets 81 81 161 Amortisation 5 5 9 Share-based payment charge 148 67 207 Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital (38,618) (4,878) (17,274) Decrease in inventories 41 - - Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables 8,235 (243) (9,244) Increase in trade and other payables 1,669 488 1,789 Cash used in operations (28,673) (4,633) (24,729) Tax credit received - - 910 Net cash used inoperating activities (28,673) (4,633) (23,819) Cash flows from investing activities Interest received 10 7 31 Purchase of intangible assets (7) - (37) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (7) (36) (39) Net cash used in investing activities (4) (29) (45) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares, gross - 14,000 101,075 Transaction costs in respect of share issues - (782) (3,187) Net settlement of share options - - (1,291) Principal paid on lease liabilities (83) (123) (196) Interest paid on lease liabilities (2) (3) (15) Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (85) 13,092 96,386 (Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents (28,762) 8,430 72,522 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 74,976 2,454 2,454 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 46,214 10,884 74,976



Notes to the Interim Financial Information

for the six months ended 30 June 2021

1.Basis of preparation

Basis of accounting

The interim financial information, which is unaudited, has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies expected to apply for the financial year to 31 December 2021 and in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The accounting policies applied in the preparation of this interim financial information are consistent with those used in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The interim financial information does not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and does not comply with all the disclosure requirements in IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

Financial information

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2020 does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditor's Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Financial information is published on the Company's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the directors. The directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial information contained therein.

Going Concern

The directors have prepared financial forecasts to estimate the likely cash requirements of the Group over the next twelve months, given its stage of development and lack of recurring revenues. In preparing these financial forecasts, the directors have made certain assumptions with regards to the timing and amount of future expenditure over which they have control. The directors have attempted to take a prudent view in preparing these forecasts, recognising the inherent variability in costs of the ongoing Phase III clinical trial of SNG001 in COVID-19 patients, the manufacturing scale up and the commercialisation preparation activities.

The directors' plans reflect their expected ability to complete the Phase III clinical trial, and certain manufacturing scale-up and commercialisation preparation activities utilising existing cash resources at the date of this report - should the Phase III clinical trial outcome be successful, the directors would seek to raise the further funding required to complete submissions of marketing authorisation applications and full commercialisation activities.

The current cash resources are sufficient to cover the above plans up to and including the read-out of the Phase III results and existing committed costs for the next twelve months to September 2022, regardless of the outcome of the currently ongoing Phase III trial.

After due consideration of these forecasts and current cash resources, the directors consider that the Group has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future (being a period of at least twelve months from the date of this report) and, for this reason, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Approval of financial information

The 30 June 2021 interim financial information was approved by the Board of Directors on 29 September 2021.



Notes to the Interim Financial Information

for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (continued)

2.Tax credit

The tax credit of 5,971,000 (six months ended 30 June 2020: 1,111,000; year ended 31 December 2020: 3,816,000) comprises an estimate of the research and development tax credit receivable in respect of the current period.

3.Loss per ordinary share

Unaudited)

Six months)

ended 30)

June)

2020) Unaudited)

Six months)

ended 30)

June)

2020) Audited)

Year)

ended 31)

December)

2020) Loss attributable to equity holders of the Company (000) (32,919) (3,962) (13,916) Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 199,914,402 127,318,567 147,120,120

The loss attributable to shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of calculating the diluted loss per ordinary share are identical to those used for basic loss per share. This is because the exercise of share options would have the effect of reducing the loss per ordinary share and is therefore antidilutive. On 4 June 2021, 831,725 options were granted to employees. At 30 June 2021 there were 9,503,004 options outstanding (30 June 2020: 10,042,735 options outstanding; 31 December 2020: 8,671,279 options outstanding).

The movements on share capital and share premium were as follows:









Number of shares Ordinary shares of 1p each

000



Share) premium) 000)







Total) 000) At 1 January 2020 109,433,442 1,094 28,262) 29,356) Issue of ordinary shares 40,000,000 400 13,600) 14,000) Costs of issue of shares - - (782) (782) At 30 June 2020 149,433,442 1,494 41,080) 42,574) Issue of ordinary shares 50,480,960 505 86,570) 87,075) Costs of issue of shares - - (2,405) (2,405) At 31 December 2020 and 30 June 2021



199,914,402



1,999



125,245



127,244



INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO SYNAIRGEN PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes 1 to 3.

We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM which require that the half-yearly report be presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be adopted in the Company's annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity', issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM.

Use of our report

Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM and for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

Reading

Date: 29 September 2021

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Novartis (NVS) said it is making steady progress versus its 2025 target to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations, with a 28% reduction in carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2) to date from a 2016 baseline. Further strengthening its already ambitious targets for full carbon neutrality by 2030, Novartis is committing to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2040. At its eighth annual Environmental, Social and Governance or ESG investor event hosted Thursday, Novartis said it is renewing its focus on ESG material topics, redoubling efforts on improving access to medicines and accelerating journey toward a zero-carbon future. By 2025, the company aims to increase patients reached in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with strategic innovative therapies by 200% and the Novartis Flagship Programs (malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease and leprosy) by 50%. In 2021, the company has already reached 0.8 million patients with its strategic innovative therapies to date versus its target for 1.6 million patients by 2025. The company said it has also increased the number of patients reached by its flagship programs to 28.0 million to date compared to 2025 target of 22.6 million. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 2.00 am ET Thursday, the Office for National Statistics releases UK final GDP data for the second quarter. According to first estimates, the economy had expanded 4.8 percent sequentially after falling 1.6 percent in the first quarter. Ahead of the data, the pound retreated from its early highs against its major rivals. The pound was worth 1.3435 against the greenback, 150.27 against the yen, 1.2544 against the franc and 0.8631 against the euro at 1:55 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

In line with its guiding principle of transparency in sustainable development and in engaging with civil society, TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) is publishing on its website the Environmental, Safety and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and the biodiversity implementation strategy of the Arctic LNG 2 project, in which the Company holds a direct and indirect1 21.64% stake.

Based on the ESHIA and in accordance with the most stringent international performance standards, Arctic LNG 2 has defined a set of actions that will be implemented to minimize the environmental and social footprint, and to deliver a positive impact on biodiversity and the surrounding communities. These measures will be monitored by third-party organizations, including all of the international credit agencies that will be contributing to the project and have engaged in a demanding dialogue with the project team to reinforce its commitments on the basis of IFC (International Finance Corporation) Performance Standard 6.

The biodiversity protection strategy of the project will be based on the following plans and programs:

the Biodiversity Conservation Management Program (BCMP) in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation;

the Biodiversity Management Plan(BMP) setting out the commitments and measures identified in the ESHIA in order to avoid, minimize and, if necessary, compensate the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems;

the Biodiversity Action Plan(BAP) setting out the specific commitments and actions taken by the project in accordance with IFC Performance Standard 6 requirements for No Net Loss in Natural Habitats and a Net Gain in Critical Habitats;

theBiodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Program (BMEP)to measure the outcomes of the biodiversity plans implemented.

These plans and programs will be published by TotalEnergies as they are approved.

"As a major player in the energy transition, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. This is why we have pledged to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to the conservation of biodiversity", said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. "The development of the LNG projects in which we are participating in Northern Russia generates legitimately high expectations in terms of protection of the environment and biodiversity. We take these expectations seriously and responsibly. With our partners, we are mobilizing significant resources to ensure that these projects are implemented and operated in an exemplary manner. Our commitment to our stakeholders is to answer their questions transparently and to share studies and documentation with them."

About Arctic LNG 2

The Arctic LNG 2 project is currently under construction and comprises three liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains of 6.6 million tons per annum (Mtpa) nominal capacity each. To reduce environmental footprint the trains will be installed on Gravity Based Structures (GBS) which will be anchored on the banks of the Ob river, on the Gydan peninsula.

TotalEnergies holds a 10% direct interest in the project, alongside Novatek (60%), in which TotalEnergies has a 19.4% stake, CNOOC (10%), CNPC (10%) and a Mitsui-Jogmec consortium (10%).

The first train shall start delivery of LNG to international markets in 2023. This LNG will, in particular, meet the growing energy needs of Asian countries where it will replace coal in power generation, hence contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

About TotalEnergies' Biodiversity Ambition

As a major player in the energy transition, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. The Company has pledged to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to the conservation of biodiversity.

Aware of the challenges related to environmental management and the use of the planet's natural resources, TotalEnergies strives to manage the environmental effects of all its projects and operations according to the Mitigation Hierarchy principle of avoidance, minimization, restoration and offsetting.

On the occasion of the preparation of the United Nations Plan for Biodiversity, TotalEnergies reasserts its commitments to protect biodiversity:

Respecting its voluntary exclusion zones; Managing biodiversity in its new projects; Managing biodiversity at its existing sites; Promoting biodiversity.

Read more about it

____

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

Cautionary Note

This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies "Company" and "Company" are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1 Through its 19.4% stake in Novatek, which owns 60% of the Arctic LNG2 project

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210929006032/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPress

Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@totalenergies.com
Zaandam, the Netherlands, September 30, 2021 - Ahold Delhaize announces today that it is appointing Natalia Wallenberg as Chief Human Resources Officer.

Natalia Wallenberg will join Ahold Delhaize from Syngenta Group, a global agricultural technology business with more than 49,000 associates, working across 90 geographic markets, generating $23 billion in sales. She served Syngenta Group for nearly nine years, most recently working as the Global Head of Human Resources for the Crop Protection division, based in Basel, Switzerland. She also served for three years as Global Head of HR for the Syngenta Seed Division, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois. Prior to Syngenta, she served in HR leadership roles at Renaissance Capital and IKEA Real Estate, both located in Moscow, Russia.



Frans Muller, CEO Ahold Delhaize, said: "I am excited to have Natalia join my Executive Committee as Global CHRO. She brings a broad international perspective, having lived and worked in both Europe and the United States, and a wealth of experience shaping and implementing effective business and HR strategies, leadership and culture development, organization transformation, and talent management."

Natalia Wallenberg said "I am thrilled to join Ahold Delhaize, with its focus on health and sustainability, inclusivity, and value for customers. It is energizing to be part of a company with a growth-oriented culture and local brands that positively impact more than 50 million shoppers every week. Additionally, the values of the organization, especially care, courage and teamwork are ones that I share and am proud to promote. I look forward to helping Frans and the company continue its transformation while cultivating its great diverse talent and purpose-driven culture."

Natalia is Belarussian and holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the International Academy of Information Technologies in Belarus, and an MA in Counselling jointly granted from the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences in Russia and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

-ENDS-

Cautionary Note

This communication includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words and expressions such as excited, focus, look forward, continue or other similar words or expressions are typically used to identify forward-looking statements.



Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results of Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (the "Company") to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the Company's public filings and other disclosures. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company's management and assumptions based on information currently available to the Company's management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

For more information:

Press office: Isabelle Meltzer, +31 6 13369521

Investor relations: +31 88 659 5213

Social media: Instagram @Ahold-Delhaize / LinkedIn: @Ahold-Delhaize

About Ahold Delhaize

Ahold Delhaize is one of the world's largest food retail groups and a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce. Its family of great local brands serves 54 million customers each week, both in stores and online, in the United States, Europe, and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 410,000 associates in 7,137 grocery and specialty stores and include the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading online grocers in the Benelux and the United States. Ahold Delhaize brands are at the forefront of sustainable retailing, sourcing responsibly, supporting local communities and helping customers make healthier choices. The company's focus on four growth drivers - drive omnichannel growth, elevate healthy and sustainable, cultivate best talent and strengthen operational excellence - is helping to fulfil its purpose, achieve its vision and prepare its brands and businesses for tomorrow. Headquartered in Zaandam, the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels stock exchanges

Attachment
ISTANBUL, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival) is a traditional Chinese day of celebration that evolved from paying homage to the full moon that coincided closest with the beginning of autumn. On this day, the full moon in the sky becomes an object to which those far from home express the longing they feel for their birthplace and the place where they grew up while wishing for the family to reunite and spend the important holiday together. In Turkey, where Eastern and Western civilizations meet, the moon is also an important cultural symbol, conveying happiness and good fortune. To celebrate this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, SPIC's Turkish and Chinese employees in Turkey gathered, to share and experience the traditions of both cultures and celebrate the joy brought about by the event.

Since ancient times, people throughout China have retained the traditions that have been handed down through generations, engaging in folkloric activities such as lighting lanterns, admiring the full moon and eating mooncakes. Coincidentally, Turkey also has a traditional snack that is shaped like a crescent moon, locally known as "moon bun". Much like the Chinese mooncake, it is made of baked dough with a variety of fillings, and is a local favorite.

The moon forms a full circle on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a concept to which much importance is attached in Chinese culture as it denotes the meaning of reunion or getting together. Although SPIC's Chinese employees find themselves far away from their families and hometowns during this key holiday while they work on an overseas project, they can express their longing for home when they look up and see the full moon in the Turkish sky. "This is the third Mid-Autumn Festival I have spent in Turkey, where I have not only grown so much, but also formed important friendships with my Turkish colleagues," said Chen Zhou, currently a member of the team based in SPIC Shanghai Energy Technology Development's Turkish offices and working on the company's local construction project for more than two years. "I wish my family well, and I hope that we can successfully complete the power project as soon as possible. The project that we are working on will help Turkey thrive!"

SPIC Shanghai Electric Power Turkey branch organized a unique traditional Chinese and Turkish poetry reading event on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Turkish employees could feel the homesickness being expressed by their Chinese colleagues when they heard the words of such traditional poems as "Looking up, I find the moon bright; bowing, in homesickness I'm drowned." Through the moving verses of the poems penned by the famous 13th century Turkish folk poet Yunus Emre such as "The heart gives a shelter to friends" and the Chinese staff appreciated Turkey's long history and philosophical tradition.

"As the bright moon shines over the sea, from far away you share this moment with me." The colorful Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations not only strengthened the relationship between SPIC's Chinese and Turkish employees, but also gave the Turkish colleagues an opportunity to learn more about the traditional Chinese culture. The joy of the event can be summed up in a few poetic words: "the moon is full, the mooncake is round, and human relationships are harmonious."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1636876/Image1.jpg
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The unsurpassed NASHA technology, which is still used today as the benchmark for fillers, was pioneered by Galderma

Galderma, the world's largest independent dermatology company, today marks the 25th anniversary of RESTYLANE. The original non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid filler restores, enhances and refreshes the youthful-looking appearance of the skin. Since launching in Europe in 1996, RESTYLANE has celebrated many milestones across the globe. This includes the first approval for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 and in China by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), (formerly China Food and Drug Administration or CFDA) in 2008.1,2

Now, in its 25th year, the RESTYLANE portfolio continues to grow and expand. Earlier this month, RESTYLANE EYELIGHT launched as a targeted treatment solution to combat under-eye shadows.In February 2021, the FDA approved RESTYLANE DEFYNE for the augmentation and correction of mild to moderate chin retrusion for adults over the age of 21.3 These approvals mark major successes for the industry-standard filler.

The RESTYLANE portfolio offers the world's most diverse range of fillers by using two complementary gel technologies, the non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) process and Optimal Balance Technology (OBT).4 These technologies provide personalized, natural-looking results which deliver long-term satisfaction and leave individuals filled with confidence.5,6,7 Evidence shows that 99% of people would recommend a treatment with RESTYLANE to a friend.8 Beyond high treatment satisfaction, RESTYLANE has become a trusted brand among health care professionals, with 50 million administered treatments and counting.9

"The depth of experience from RESTYLANE over the last 25 years has enabled us to build upon our expertise to innovate and develop new formulations and treatments. With over 30 ongoing pipeline projects in aesthetics alone, we will continue to enhance our diverse and broad portfolio of sophisticated brands to advance dermatology for every skin story." Flemming rnskov, M.D., MPH, Chief Executive Officer, Galderma

About Galderma

Galderma is the world's largest independent dermatology company, present in approximately 100 countries. Since our inception in 1981, we have been driven by a complete dedication to dermatology. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of sophisticated brands and services across Aesthetics, Consumer Care and Prescription Medicine. Focused on the needs of consumers and patients, we work in partnership with health care professionals to ensure superior outcomes. Because we understand that the skin we're in shapes our life stories, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

About Galderma's RESTYLANE portfolio

RESTYLANE is the original non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid filler with over 25 years of achievement and over 50 million treatments worldwide. NASHA and OBT technologies make RESTYLANE the world's most diverse range of fillers to deliver truly individualized results.4,10

The RESTYLANE portfolio of products includes RESTYLANE, RESTYLANE LYFT, RESTYLANE KYSSE, RESTYLANE VOLYME, RESTYLANE DEFYNE, RESTYLANE REFYNE, RESTYLANE EYELIGHT and RESTYLANE SKINBOOSTERS.

Beyond developing new products to meet the needs of consumers, we offer a premium training program to ensure health care practitioners know how to use Galderma products in the most secure and efficient way. The Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network (GAIN) connects an international faculty of aesthetic experts and injectors across the globe. GAIN is one of the world's leading platforms for extensive training, knowledge sharing and expertise for health care practitioners supporting them in their practice.

In September 2021, BeNeLux, France, Germany, the Nordics, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland launched RESTYLANE EYELIGHT

References

1 FDA. Summary of safety and effectiveness data. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf2/P020023b.pdf Last accessed September 2021

2 Restylane SFDA certificate. 2008.

3 Restylane DEFYNE. Instructions for Use. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2021.

4 Data on file (MA-33939).

5 Philipp-Dormston WG, et al. Evaluating Perceived Naturalness of Facial Expression After Fillers to the Nasolabial Folds and Lower Face With Standardized Video and Photography. Dermatol Surg. 2018 Jun; 44(6):826-832.

6 Talarico S et al. High Patient Satisfaction of a Hyaluronic Acid FillerProducing Enduring Full-Facial Volume Restoration: An18-Month Open Multicenter Study. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Dec; 41(12):1361-9.

7 Cartier H et al. Perioral rejuvenation with a range of customized hyaluronic acid fillers: efficacy and safety over six months with a specific focus on the lips. J Drugs Dermatol 2012; 11(1 Suppl):s17-26

8 Andriopoulos B et al. Poster presented at AMWC 2019.

9 Data on file (MA-39680).

10 Ohrlund A. Poster presented at AMWC 2019.

Job code: GL-RES- 2100254

Date of preparation: September 2021

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005053/en/

Contacts:

Lauren Starr

Head of Franchise Communications

Email: lauren.starr@galderma.com

Phone: +41 79 771 52 45
Companies collaborate to deploy first-of-its-kind solution

Amobee, a global leader in advertising technology that unifies audiences across TV, digital and social, and ID5, the market-leading identity solution provider, today announce an industry-first cross-device graph, which will support Amobee's identity capabilities in the EMEA region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005076/en/

Amobee's agnostic approach to identity focuses on ingesting and stitching together multiple meta graphs, allowing marketers to deploy a combination of solutions fit to their bespoke needs. Given the challenges posed by Europe's fragmented advertising ecosystem, Amobee sought a solution that would offer local and international media buyers a holistic view of devices, persons and households. Amobee's evaluation criteria included compliance with GDPR and regulatory practices, existing EMEA scale, and the ability to integrate with their other user and panel-based identity strategies. ID5's vision, product and long-term viability scores exceeded all other providers evaluated.

The pairing of ID5's universal identifier and cross-device graph improves audience addressability and reach across cookieless environments, driving more efficient performance, and greater transparency into campaign measurement across all digital advertising environments, including CTV, without relying on traditional identification methods.

ID5's strong privacy-first approach to identity has been pivotal to this European partnership. The identity solution provider is powered by a privacy-by-design technology that follows the IAB Europe Transparency and Consent Framework as well as the strictest regulatory standards. ID5 only uses consented signals to generate an ID and to reconcile it across domains and devices which ensures that consumers' privacy preferences are respected and enforced in the advertising value chain.

Joseph Quaglia, VP of Sales and Business Development at ID5: "We are excited to welcome Amobee as ID5's newest partner, the first to leverage ID5's cross-device solution for Europe. The partnership demonstrates Amobee's vision for a more privacy friendly advertising industry and is an investment in next generation identity solutions. By choosing ID5 to solve for some of the gaps created due to the deprecation of cookies, Amobee is ensuring they will continue to lead the market in targeting, optimization, and performance measurement across all digital devices well into the future."

Piper Heitzler, Head of Growth, EMEA at Amobee: "Given our unique position to connect, rather than compete, with identity solution providers, we welcome ID5's capabilities into our larger identity offering as we seek out innovative cookie alternatives. After a rigorous review of all the identity provider options in the EMEA region, it was quickly evident that only ID5 has proven success in navigating the fragmentation of the European programmatic ecosystem by driving collaboration, at scale, across publishers, supply side and data partners in all major markets."

About ID5

ID5 was created to improve online advertising for consumers, media owners and advertisers, with the ultimate goal to help publishers grow sustainable revenue.

ID5 provides the advertising ecosystem with a transparent, scalable and privacy-compliant identity infrastructure. Its solution improves user recognition and match rates and provides a stable, consented and encrypted user ID to replace third-party cookies and MAIDs. This enables publishers to better monetize their audiences, advertisers to run effective and measurable campaigns, and platforms to maximize the value of data and inventory for their customers.

Created in 2017 by seasoned ad tech professionals, ID5 services clients globally. For more information about ID5 and its solutions, please visit: www.id5.io

About Amobee

Finally, there's a technology that understands how people consume content today. Only Amobee makes it easy for you to find your audience-no matter where they are, no matter what they're viewing. We help brands, agencies, and media companies unify audiences to optimize advertising results across all linear TV, connected TV, and digital, including social media to deliver the results that drive customer growth. Amobee is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singtel, one of the largest communications technology companies in the world, which reaches more than 675 million mobile subscribers. The company operates across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. For more information, visit amobee.com or follow @amobee.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005076/en/

Contacts:

Michael Shmarak

Blast PR for Amobee

312-919-9222; michael@blastpr.com
The European Commission's newly published announcement on its review of Solvency II rules for European Union (EU) insurers and reinsurers offers a more generous package than most commentators had expected. However, AM Best feels that question marks remain over the extent to which the measures will contribute to EU policy objectives for green investment, and other investment and insurability related targets.

A new Best's Commentary, "More Generous: European Commission Proposes Solvency II Review Rules", notes that the Commission's proposed changes overall are somewhat more favourable for insurers' stated regulatory solvency than the advice proffered by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority in December 2020.

Nonetheless, according to the commentary, the Commission's review is not all good news for (re)insurers. It also outlines a reduction in discount rates over the longer term, albeit this will be phased in over several years.

In its communique, the Commission said its proposals could release up to EUR 90 billion of capital and stated that it intended some of that capital would support the implementation of the European green deal.

However, AM Best sees scope for doubt that the freeing up of capital either by reducing capital requirements or by increasing available capital will necessarily lead to an increase in green or even real economy investment on a similar scale.

To access a complimentary copy of this special report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=313075.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005221/en/

Contacts:

Tony Silverman

Director, Credit Rating

Criteria Research Analytics

+44 20 7397 0264

anthony.silverman@ambest.com

Richard Banks

Director, Industry Research EMEA

+44 20 7397 0322

richard.banks@ambest.com

Edem Kuenyehia

Director, Market Development Communications

+44 20 7397 0280

edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com
Elanders' Board of Directors has decided to change the publication date of the Quarterly Report January-September 2021 to Friday October 15 at 07:30 CET instead of Thursday October 14 as earlier announced. The publication of the Quarterly Report on October 15, 2021, will be followed by a conference call at 09:30 CET, hosted by President and CEO Magnus Nilsson and CFO Andreas Wikner.

We invite fund managers, analysts and the media to participate in the conference call. Please see below details to join the conference.

To join this event, please use the below Click to Join link 5-10 minutes prior to start time, where you will be asked to enter your phone number and registration details. Our Event Conferencing system will call you on the phone number you provide and place you into the event. Please note that the Click To Join link will be active 15 minutes prior to the event.

CLICK TO JOIN





Use the Click to Join option above for the easiest way to join your conference or use one of the access numbers below:

Sweden: +46 (0)8 5033 6573

Germany: +49 (0)69 2222 13426

UK: +44 (0)330 336 9104

USA: +1 929-477-0630

Participant Passcode: 630232

Agenda

09:20 Conference number is opened

09:30 Presentation of quarterly results

09:50 Q&A

10:30 End of the conference

During the conference call a presentation will be held. To access the presentation, please use this link:

https://www.elanders.com/presentations

For further questions, please contact

Magnus Nilsson, President and CEO, telephone: +46 31 750 07 50

Andreas Wikner, CFO, telephone: +46 31 750 07 50

Attachment
Revenues up by 81% to 49.6 million in first half of 2021

EBIT increase by 271% to 3.0 million vs first half of 2020

MBH Corporation now comprises 25 companies across 8 verticals

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / The Directors of MBH Corporation PLC ("MBH") (OTCQX:MBHCF)(FRA:M8H), a diversified investment holding company, are pleased to release the results for the half year ended 30 June 2021, highlighting the continued success of the Company's growth and diversification strategy.

For the half-year period, the Company achieved revenue growth of 81% to 49.6 million (1H 2020: 27.4million) and a net profit after tax of 1.9 million. Earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") increased by 271% to 3.0 million (1H 2020: 0.8 million). The financial figures include the results of 4 companies acquired in 1H 2021, 3k Engineering, Boulder Sausage, 4X Taxis and Intercity Taxis.

Callum Laing, CEO, MBH Corporation PLC: "We are pleased to deliver this strong half-year report and solid growth in both revenue and EBIT. Although various pandemic related lockdowns and restrictions are still in place for the Group's Antipodean and Asian companies, it is worth noting that more than 60% of the revenue and 90% of the EBIT of the Group occurred from April onwards. A telling example of the power of the Group to generate revenue and profits as we slowly emerge from the global pandemic situation"

Solid financial position

The balance sheet of the Group remains strong with a net asset position of 62.7 million as of 30 June 2021. By comparison, as of 31 December 2020 the net asset position was 59.8 million. The net cash position (which includes bank overdrafts) for the first 6 months of 2021 was 6.3 million, an increase of 0.5 million from 31 December 2020. Cash generated from operating activities for 1H2021 was 3.8 million. The total number of shares outstanding as at 30 June 2021 was 73,681,548.

Callum Laing adds: "Year to date we have announced 5 further acquisitions for the Group: 3Ks Engineering, Boulder Sausage, 4X Limited Taxis, InterCity Taxis and VistaCare. We are cautiously optimistic that our businesses have regained some momentum and believe that despite ongoing challenges our companies are well equipped to keep delivering services to their clients and positive results to all our shareholders"

The complete 2021 half-year report is available on the Group's website at www.mbhcorporation.com/financial- half-year-report-2021

Webinar 'Meet the Principals':

Join all our Principals on 21st October 2021, 3.00pm GMT [UK], to hear how they have performed over the last six months. Please register in advance for this webinar here:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/live-principals-event-tickets-175846711247

Ends/

Contacts for IR and media enquiries:

- MBH Corporation plc, Charlotte Williams, charlotte@unity-group.com, +44 (0)770 396 3953

- Perception A, Phil Anderson & Charlie Nelson, phil@perceptiona.com, +44 (0)776 749 1519

About MBH

MBH Corporation plc (M8H:GR) is a diversified investment holding company, listed on the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf Stock Exchanges and the OTCQX in New York (MBHCF). The company acquires small to medium enterprises across multiple geographies and sectors that are well established, profitable and looking to scale. By leveraging the Agglomeration strategy, MBH Corporation plc is able to create substantial shareholder value through the consistent and accretive acquisition of excellent companies.

mbhcorporation.com

SOURCE: MBH Corporation Plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666223/MBH-Corporation-PLC-Builds-Significantly-on-2020-with-Growth-in-Revenue-of-81-in-First-Half-of-2021
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - 3i Group Plc (III.L), a multinational private equity and venture capital company, announced on Thursday that Simon Thompson would not seek re-election as chairman of the board at the company's 2022 Annual General Meeting. It further said, David Hutchison, senior independent director and chairman of 3i's Valuations Committee, is scheduled to become non-executive chairman of the board, following the announcement of the half-year results on November 11. The London-headquartered 3i Group also announced the appointment of Lesley Knox as a non-executive director of the company, effective from October 1. The selection process was conducted by a sub-committee of the nominations committee and included consideration of both internal and external candidates. The sub-committee was also assisted by Russell Reynolds Associates. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Cantourage and FarmaGrowers have signed an agreement in order to bring new, innovative genetics to the EU medical markets

New South African product is cultivated with use of sophisticated sensor-driven, soil-free plant growth system leading to efficient and consistent production of highly potent genetics

FarmaGrowers will be onboarded on Cantourage's Fast Track Access Platform and first products are expected to be in German pharmacies by the end of the year

BERLIN, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- European medical cannabis leaders Cantourage and South Africa-based farming enterprise FarmaGrowers have today confirmed an agreement to supply South African medical cannabis dried flower products to German pharmacies.

The agreement means that Germany's growing number of currently more than 128,0001 patients will now have access to South African medical cannabis dried flower products for the first time.

Since June 2021, Cantourage has used its Fast Track Access Platform to introduce medical cannabis strains from both Jamaica and Uruguay to German pharmacies. The platform involves use of a proprietary large-scale process to reduce microbial load of imported cannabis without the use of irradiation - thereby securing continuous product supply while maintaining the natural terpene profile of the medical cannabis products.

The new South African product is cultivated in FarmaGrowers' controlled-environment indoor facilities, created by South African crop management supplier GreenZone. FarmaGrowers further enhances its medical cannabis production through the application of AEtrium, a sensor-driven, soil-free plant growth system from Californian agricultural supplier AEssense Corporation.

Philip Schetter, CEO of Cantourage, commented: "Our partnership with FarmaGrowers is a really key milestone and Cantourage is proud to be able to bring African medical cannabis to Germany. We have been working hard since the launch of our new platform in June to ensure that the European market can be quickly opened up to new types of products that can potentially offer new and broader benefits to patients in Germany and throughout the EU. We would like to thank NICE Partners for helping to establish our partnership with FarmaGrowers."

Mario Marais, Executive Director and co-founder of FarmaGrowers, added: "FarmaGrowers has worked exceptionally hard over the past few years to develop high-quality medical cannabis using sustainable cultivation methods. We are extremely excited to be able to bring these products to patients and pharmacies in Europe thanks to our collaboration with Cantourage. We look forward to strengthening the relationship and helping to ensure that growing numbers of patients throughout Germany can have their needs met with product from South Africa".

Established in 2019 in Brits, a rural town in the South African province of North West, family-owned FarmaGrowers specializes in the cultivation, manufacture and export of medicinal cannabis. FarmaGrowers leverages South Africa's mild, sunny, seasonal climate and high average daily hours of sunlight to produce high-quality and environmentally sustainable medical cannabis.

1Source: Prohibition Partners website, 5 March 2021https://prohibitionpartners.com/2021/03/05/german-government-answers-medical-cannabis-questions/

About Cantourage GmbH

Cantourage is a leading European medical cannabis company. The Berlin-based company was founded in 2019 by industry pioneers Dr Florian Holzapfel, Norman Ruchholtz and Patrick Hoffman. Cantourage enables producers from across the world to bring their product into the growing and profitable European market more quickly and cheaply, while guaranteeing and further developing highest European quality standards. It offers products in all relevant market segments: dried flowers, extracts and Dronabinol.

About FarmaGrowers

A large family-owned vegetable farming enterprise located in Brits, South Africa. FarmaGrowers is now also a globally certified GMP and GACP production supplier of medicinal cannabis for global customers. FarmaGrowers' introduction video is available here. For more information, visit: www.farmagrowers.co.za

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639678/Cantourage_FarmaGrowers.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639679/Cantourage_FarmaGrowers_Logo.jpg


THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch biotechnology company Micreos announced it has secured another 32 million in funding to further develop its endolysin platform technology, based on targeted killing of only unwanted bacteria. This funding round will help Micreos accelerate its clinical development programs for atopic dermatitis, diabetic (MRSA) wounds and bloodstream infections, based on its pharmaceutical lead compounds, XZ.700 and SP.800.

Endolysins as precision anti-bacterials

In its search for solutions, Micreos' researchers, in close collaboration with the Swiss Federal Technology Institute ETH Zurich, turned to nature's own precision anti-bacterials, named endolysins. Unlike antibiotics, these highly specific enzymes have the ability to target only unwanted bacteria, while preserving the microbiome, comprising billions of 'good' bacteria, essential for our health. Endolysins are safe and environmentally friendly. Because of their working mechanism, development of resistance is not expected.

Addressing unmet medical needs

XZ.700 targets Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including the antibiotic-resistant MRSA, while preserving Staphylococcus epidermidis, considered to be beneficial on the skin and conducive to wound healing. SP.800 targets all staphylococcal species.

The XZ.700 and SP.800 clinical development programs includes the following indications:

Atopic Dermatitis: Micreos is conducting a Phase I/IIa study to evaluate the world's first pharmaceutical endolysin as a topical therapy in humans. In Atopic Dermatitis patients, the skin microbiome is unbalanced with an over-proliferation of S. aureus , that is considered to be a causative and aggravating trigger, and viewed as an independent cause of itch, irritation and infection.

, that is considered to be a causative and aggravating trigger, and viewed as an independent cause of itch, irritation and infection. Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Infection of foot ulcers is a common, often severe complication in diabetes. S. aureus has emerged as a serious source of infections in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and is the most frequent pathogen isolated. If left untreated, severe complications can arise, including amputation.

has emerged as a serious source of infections in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and is the most frequent pathogen isolated. If left untreated, severe complications can arise, including amputation. Bloodstream Infections: S. aureus is a common cause of deadly bloodstream infections, with an increasing proportion of infections due to MRSA. This often leads to sepsis syndrome, with a high mortality rate.

is a common cause of deadly bloodstream infections, with an increasing proportion of infections due to MRSA. This often leads to sepsis syndrome, with a high mortality rate. Cancer: Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the immune system, located in the skin. It has now been discovered that S. aureus bacteria on the skin produce staphylococcal enterotoxins that stimulate the growth of malignant T-cells.

"We're beginning to appreciate that the importance of biodiversity extends beyond the rainforest, right up to our very own bodies and wellbeing. Clinical studies demonstrate the interplay between the commensal microbiota on and inside our bodies, and our immune system, as demonstrated by the emergence and increase of many chronic diseases and even certain forms of cancer. This new paradigm requires a new approach, which we have embraced as our mission," says Mark Offerhaus, founder and CEO of Micreos.

About Micreos.
LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, and the fourth time in the last six years, Mayer Brown has been named "European Law Firm of the Year - Transactions" at the 2021 Global Derivatives Awards hosted by GlobalCapital. The awards spotlight the leading firms, services and products in the global derivatives markets.

GlobalCapital highlighted the firm's work in developing innovative solutions for clients, as well as its transaction volume and the firm's cohesive work across its European offices.

Edmund Parker, global head of the Derivatives & Structured Products practice at Mayer Brown, said, "We once again thank GlobalCapital for its recognition of our global practice and thank our clients for their continuing support."

The firm previously was awarded GlobalCapital's "European Law Firm of the Year - Transactions" award in 2020, 2018 and 2017; "European Law Firm of the Year - Regulatory" award in 2016 and GlobalCapital's "Global Law Firm of the Year (Overall)" award in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, Mayer Brown also was named "US Law Firm of the Year - Transactions," following our win as "Americas Law Firm of the Year (Overall)" in 2019 and 2018, and "US Law Firm of the Year - Regulatory" in 2017 and 2016 at GlobalCapital's Americas Derivatives Awards.

The winners of the Global Derivatives Awards 2021 were judged by nominees' innovations in product and service, commitments to new markets, improvements in efficiency, liquidity and market stability, as well as client guidance.

GlobalCapital is a leading news, opinion and data service for people and institutions using and working in the international capital markets. Over the last three decades, it has built a reputation of providing clearly-voiced, lively coverage of key markets based on the comments of those who work in them, together with a wealth of transaction data and archive material.

Mayer Brown is one of a select few firms with a leading derivatives and structured products practice in New York, London, continental Europe (in particular, Germany), and Hong Kong. The practice is recognized by Chambers Global for Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Securitisation & Derivatives (Global); Chambers UK for Capital Markets: Derivatives (London firms); Chambers USA for Capital Markets: Structured Products (Nationwide) and for Derivatives (Nationwide); IFLR1000 for Capital Markets: Derivatives (United Kingdom and United States); the Legal 500 UK (London firms) for Derivatives (including Commodities); and the Legal 500 US for Structured Finance: Derivatives & Structured Products and Tax: Financial Products.
- Pioneering Research into Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) (*) and Contribution to Treating Involuntary Movement Caused by Parkinson's Disease -

TOKYO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honda Foundation, the public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro and currently led by President Hiroto Ishida, is pleased to announce that the Honda Prize 2021 will be awarded to Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, Professor Emeritus of Joseph Fourier University and Chairman of the Board of Clinatec, both of France, for his contribution to pioneering research and practical application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the treatment of involuntary movement caused by progressive Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.

(Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202109210324-O3-UtH2e7LX)

(Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202109210324-O2-qCGj2TiR)

The Honda Prize, established in 1980 and awarded once each year, is an international award that recognizes the work of individuals or groups generating new knowledge to drive the next generation, from the standpoint of ecotechnology. Dr. Benabid was the first to make use of DBS for the treatment of involuntary movement, caused mainly by progressive Parkinson's disease, and to succeed in its practical application. DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in the subthalamic nucleus in the brain. Stimulation by high-frequency electric current from electrodes reduces tremors and restores the motor function of Parkinson's disease patients. Recognition of its effectiveness in clinical studies led to the dissemination of DBS worldwide, with more than 150,000 patients undergoing this procedure to date.

If involuntary tremors cannot be controlled with drug therapy considered best suited to treat Parkinson's disease, a surgical procedure known as thalamotomy was commonly performed to destroy a tiny portion of the brain. On the other hand, DBS is a reversible procedure in which the implanted electrodes can not only be removed but also adjusted to fine-tune the strength of the current. DBS can be used to treat not only Parkinson's but also dystonia and other motor disorders, and contributes to improving the quality of life of many, including restoring the ability to stand alone, for example. The Prize will be awarded to Dr. Benabid for this innovative treatment method, which is worthy of the highest recognition.

This year, the presentation ceremony for the 42nd Honda Prize will be held on November 17, 2021, in an online format, to be broadcast in Japan, France and various other countries.

(*) DBS: Electrodes are implanted around the subthalamic nucleus of the brain, along with a stimulation generator placed in the chest. The two are connected with a lead for high-frequency electrical stimulation. This aids in restoring movement functions, and curbing tremors and other symptoms for improved mobility in everyday living.

For more information about the press release and CV of Dr. Benabid, please refer to the Honda Foundation via: URL: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/news/view_en/1504

Official website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading New Zealand-based children's clothing company Jamie Kay is delighted to launch their beautiful new vintage-look "Camille" range on 30 September. Ensuring little ones everywhere are stylishly dressed in cozy knitwear, adorable cord overalls and dresses, and beautiful winter hats.

Jamie Kay has been producing original, high-quality children's clothing for boys and girls aged 0 months to 10 years since 2013. Their designs are snapped up by customers all over the world. Thanks to its unique and exquisite pieces made to exceptional quality standards, the brand has built a loyal following of expectant moms, parents, and grandparents seeking style and practicality.

Cozy and Adorable Childrenswear for Fall and beyond

The all-new Camille collection has the vintage look and feel Jamie Kay customers love, reinvented with delicate embroideries and floral prints. From snug cable knits and gorgeous rompers to embroidered cord dresses, soft tulle skirts, and toasty lace tights, the Camille collection will keep children super cozy and stylish this fall and beyond

This colorful collection includes pieces in a variety of warm shades that are perfect for the changing seasons - tawny, birch marle, cedar, pepper marle, barley, ash rose marle, and floral prints, to name a few. Parents can choose to layer up for winter days or down for spring evenings to create unique color palettes and styles for their child. Camille clothing and accessories pair effortlessly with the Jamie Kay favorites that fans will already have in the closet.

Every piece in the collection has been designed with care in Jamie Kay's New Zealand studio. The team has spent years perfecting their design process and listening to customer feedback - they know exactly how to create the perfect outfits for precious little ones.

Gorgeous Practical Styles that Stand the Test of Time

Jamie Kay childrenswear offers exceptional quality and versatile styles that are perfect for a range of seasons and occasions.

The Camille collection has been designed with style, practicality, and durability in mind. Jamie Kay hopes the new range inspires parents to dress their child in sumptuous fabrics and stunning designs that can be worn time and again. The fabric of every piece has been chosen with care to ensure that children are comfortable, warm, and can play freely.

For the thousands of customers who fall in love with Jamie Kay clothes, there's also a loyalty program that delivers generous rewards.

Unique Designs and Outstanding Quality

The Team at Jamie Kay explains how a sense of community and creating timeless styles is at the heart of the brand, "We craft timelessly stylish children's clothing that is beautiful, practical, and loved by the Jamie Kay community. Delivering outstanding quality is a top priority to us, so our team works tirelessly to create adorable children's clothing to a consistently high standard that our loyal customers can rely on."



And the Camille collection is no different - gorgeous fabrics and stylish designs will keep little ones looking gorgeous and feeling toasty this fall and into spring.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1634565/Jamie_Kay_Camille.jpg .
30September 2021

Acron's Shareholders Approve Dividends

Acron summed up the results of its extraordinary general meeting held on 29 September 2021 in the form of absentee voting. The shareholders resolved to partly distribute Acron's retained earnings for previous years as proposed by the Board of Directors.

Dividends on Acron's outstanding ordinary shares will amount to RUB 30 per share. The record date is set for 11 October 2021. Total amount allocated for dividends is RUB 1.103 billion.

MediaContacts

Sergey Dorofeev

Anastasiya Gromova

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor Contacts

Ilya Popov

Sergey Smirnov

Strategy and Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic seaport terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron subsidiary North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP) holds mining leases and an exploration permit for ten parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish GrupaAzoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe.

In 2020, the Group sold 7.8 million tonnes of its main products to 74 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe, and the United States as key markets.

In 2020, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 119,864 million (USD 1,661 million), with EBITDA of RUB 35,311 million (USD 489 million). Acron's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.




SINGAPORE, Sept 30, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed an Automated Vaccine Inoculation Dispenser (AVID) system, which replaces the manual step of filling injection syringes with vaccine liquid. AVID is customised for the vaccination centres which are set up by the Ministry of Health and operated by private healthcare providers.AVID was designed to address the labour-intensive steps of the vaccination process to reduce the workload of healthcare providers, increase accuracy and productivity, and enhance personal safety as well.AVID was developed by researchers from A*STAR's Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), in collaboration with local systems integrator Sysmatic Global. The innovative HealthTech solution is the first of its kind to automate the extraction of vaccines from vials using a combination of robotic parts, smart sensors and digital technologies.AVID currently supports the management of vials used to contain the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, with potential to be customised for the Moderna Vaccine as well.How it works:- After thawing of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, it is diluted in the vial.- Typically, healthcare providers would then have to extract individual doses of the vaccine (0.3 mL for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine) using syringes. One vial of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine contains six doses of vaccine after dilution[1].- AVID automates this step of extraction of the vaccine from the vial into six individual syringes, including the dispersing of bubbles inside the syringes.- AVID also automatically uncaps and recaps the syringes during the transfer of vaccine from vials to syringes.- It is easy to use at just the push of some buttons, only needing simple training without any special qualifications required.Benefits:- Reduces workload of healthcare providers, by freeing them from the manual step of extracting vaccines from vials to syringes.- Allows more focused attention by healthcare providers on interacting and communicating with people receiving the vaccinations.- Increases productivity at vaccination centres via introduction of automated processes that are accurate, consistent, and fast.- Reduces risks of cross-contamination and vaccine wastage via safe handling by the machine.- Improves safety for healthcare providers by reducing the handling of sharp syringes during the extraction step.- The machine's small footprint and low weight (less than 25kg) means it can be easily deployed to any vaccination centre.Development and Deployment:- AVID was developed within six weeks from conceptualisation. It is the result of a collaboration between A*STAR's ARTC and SIMTech, which provided expertise in robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, and Sysmatic Global which designed, integrated and constructed the machine.- AVID has been deployed to at least seven vaccination centres so far, which administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Thomson Medical, a vaccination centre operator, also supported A*STAR in the development and trials of the machine.[1] Health Sciences Authority, Singapore - Fact sheet for healthcare providers administering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine https://bit.ly/3ikKZYtFor media queries and clarifications, please contact:Mr Robin ChanHead, Corporate CommunicationsAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchTel: +65 6826 6281Mobile: +65 9830 2610Email: robin_chan@hq.a-star.edu.sgMr Khoo Kiak NeeDirector, Sysmatic GlobalTel: +65 6246 6859Mobile: +65 9688 2502Email: knkhoo@sysmaticgpl.comAbout the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.Follow us on- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASTARSG/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astarsg/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astarsg/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/astartv- Twitter: https://twitter.com/astarsgAbout Sysmatic GlobalSysmatic Global Pte Ltd was established in 2010, as an appointed agent & solution provider for Nitto Seiko, Japan, assembly products. Through the years, we had developed our own design team and evolved to a system integrator providing innovative automation solution improving customer factory productivity and quality. Coupled with In-house Precision Machining & Sheetmetal fabrication facilities, we strike to provide a full turnkey solution to our customers.Source: A*STARCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
The SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy will build an expanding group of leaders in research, advocacy, mentorship, and science communication

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and the University of Birmingham have announced the establishment of the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy fund. The new endowment was announced this morning, during SPIE Photonex Vacuum Technologies in Glasgow, Scotland.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005066/en/

University of Birmingham students pictured in the UK Quantum Technology Hub, home to the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champions Academy. (Photo: Business Wire)

The $400,000 gift from the SPIE Endowment Matching Program will be matched 100% by the university, and the $800,000 fund will create and support the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy. The cohort-focused program will engage in areas of public interest in the fields of quantum technology and biomedical imaging and data sciences: one of the first projects will address pandemics. The program will be led by Professor and Principal Investigator of the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing Kai Bongs, and Professor of Computational Life Sciences Iain Styles

The SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy will support University of Birmingham students in a variety of ways which include expanding cross-disciplinary educational opportunities in optics and photonics; offering students hands-on support and training to become influential science communicators and advocates of optics and photonics; and by utilizing a range of stipends, awards, and activity grants, which will be supplemented with professional development and mentoring opportunities from the university's academic leaders as well as from external experts.

The program will focus particularly on students in underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and PhD students in order to establish and build a broad, diverse, and inclusive network of science advocates, especially in the area of optics and photonics.

"We are delighted to be able to work with SPIE to launch this unique Academy at the University of Birmingham," said Professor Bongs. "This initiative will help to accelerate the growth of optics and photonics expertise, which will have great impact far beyond the university. Our hope is to not only encourage this learning, but to also create awareness of the huge importance of this subject area in tackling real-world problems."

"By equipping early-career optics and photonics researchers and PhD students with skills in advanced data analysis, we will help to accelerate the translation of these exciting technologies from the laboratory to their adoption in real-world applications," added Professor Styles. "Our SPIE Champions will be able to work with experts in diverse application areas such as healthcare and climate monitoring to develop end-to-end optics-based solutions with integrated analytics for some of our most pressing challenges."

"By offering direct, experiential training in quantum technology and biomedical imaging as well as highlighting various career options in the field, the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy will develop a natural pipeline of future professional scientists and engineers in these fields," noted SPIE President David Andrews. "And by encouraging students to actively raise awareness of the impact of optics and photonics to their contemporaries, peers, and younger colleagues, the program will be creating visible, engaged role models for future generations."

The SPIE Endowment Matching Program was established in 2019 to increase international capacity in the teaching and research of optics and photonics, and to date has given more than $3.4 million in matching gifts, resulting in more than $9 million in dedicated funds. The SPIE Endowment Matching Program supports optics and photonics education and the future of the industry by contributing a match of up to $500,000 per award to college and university programs with optics and photonics degrees, or with other disciplines allied to the SPIE mission.

About SPIE

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves more than 258,000 constituents from 184 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2020, SPIE provided over $5 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources. www.spie.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005066/en/

Contacts:

Daneet Steffens

Public Relations Manager

daneets@spie.org

+1 360 685 5478

@SPIEtweets
Allows Organizations to Easily, Immediately Meet OWASP Guidelines for Mobile App Security, While Fully Protecting Customer Experience

Approov, creators of advanced API threat protection solutions, today introduced the Mobile Certificate Pinning Generator, a free tool to help mobile-first companies make Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks targeting mobile app APIs a thing of the past. It enables organizations to simplify what has long been a complex and little understood recommendation: certificate public key pinning. Approov is also offering a free webinar at 1 pm EDT, October 7, 2021, entitled: Let's Make MitM Attacks a Thing of the Past.

Without the use of certificate pinning, connections are only secured by the trust store held on the client device. This trust store can be manipulated by an attacker to allow data interception. Furthermore, interception becomes possible if any trusted Certificate Authority (CA) were to issue a fraudulent certificate, allowing backend servers to be impersonated.

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) recommends: "You should pin anytime you want to be relatively certain of the remote host's identity or when operating in a hostile environment. Since one or both are almost always true, you should probably pin all the time."

However, recent research reveals that certificate pinning is not widely used, even in critical industry verticals such as financial services and healthcare.

Certificate public key pinning lets an app definitively confirm the identity of any server it is connecting to, preventing any possibility of data interception. Certificate pinning is widely recognized as an effective defense against MitM attacks. Indeed, in recent years, both Google and Apple have moved to integrate certificate pinning capabilities directly into their mobile Operating Systems. However, providing the correct pinning configuration remains complicated but this is now addressed by this new free tool.

Cybersecurity researcher Alissa Knight said: "In my research on the security of financial and health care apps, Woman in the Middle attacks were a primary attack surface I could exploit, since in all cases pinning was not implemented and its absence was easy to exploit. I could use the information gained to mount automated attacks on APIs. Pinning the channel between mobile apps and their APIs should be a priority for all mobile-first companies, and would make it much harder for attackers to exploit their mobile apps to exfiltrate sensitive data on them and their customers."

The Pinning Generator Tool

The tool simplifies the creation and ongoing management of pinning configurations for mobile apps, ensuring configurations are consistently and correctly generated across Android and iOS.

The free tool from Approov lets organizations more easily deploy pinning across Android and iOS apps. It also provides helpful guidelines to help organizations manage configuration activity.

The tool can automatically extract pins from live APIs and from certificates provided in a wide range of formats. The pin information is generated automatically in the correct form for Android and iOS to be pasted directly into the app's configuration.

It is offered free of charge at https://approov.io/tools/static-pinning, with in-depth documentation describing its capabilities at https://blog.approov.io/our-pinning-configuration-tool.

The Limitations of Static Pinning

Some DevOps teams express concern about deploying certificate pinning due to concerns around certificates needing to be changed. Such situations can require the deployment of a new version of the app, with a risk of downtime and some users failing to upgrade. This occurs because the pinning set in the app is static and can only be updated by an app change.

Moreover, the generator tool provided pinning mechanism may not support the full range of Operating System versions that the app may need to be deployed onto.

Security-aware organizations are deploying the Approov solution, which protects against automated attacks on APIs, but also manages pinning using an innovative dynamic approach.

The Approov API Threat Protection Platform provides:

Full dynamic pinning capability: pins can be updated over-the-air as required without the risk of app downtime due to a certificate change,

Pinning implementations across a wide range of frameworks supporting Android 5 or iOS 10 and above, and

Advanced detection of Frida and other invasive tools, ensuring the server side can thwart attempts to bypass pinning for MitM analysis.

Anatomy of Mobile App API Attacks

Attacks enabled by MitM analysis are a real and growing security threat to mobile apps and APIs. They are conducted as follows:

The attacker intercepts traffic between mobile app and API using a proxy tool. The attacker gains secrets and information which can be used to access the API. Using the secrets and keys which have been harvested, the attacker creates a script which impersonates the app to the API and accesses unauthorized data.

"Mobile apps are now more than ever the lifeblood of organizations large and small," said Approov CEO David Stewart. "Not pinning API connections is like leaving your front door open to MitM attackers, and organizations must act immediately to deploy pinning. Step one is to put a mechanical lock on the door which will deter many attackers, although it carries the risk of the key being lost or copied. Step two is to employ an electronic lock which can be instantly controlled and remotely configured. Based on our considerable experience of helping our customers, we are well qualified to help accelerate the elimination of MitM attacks completely."

Attend the webinar on October 7th, 2021 which describes the risks of MitM Attacks and the steps that can be taken to eliminate them completely register here: https://www.approov.io/for/mitm-webinar/

About Approov:

Approov solutions help stop API abuse at the edge, and prevent security breaches in mobile channels. With more businesses moving to digitalization and future-ready services that utilize mobile API connections, securing those connections properly can get overlooked or not fully implemented for all possible threats, exposing organizations and their users to breaches, fraud, denial of service, and other forms of API abuse.

Approov API Threat Protection provides a multi-factor, end-to-end mobile API security solution that complements identity management, endpoint, and device protection to lock-down proper API usage. It ensures that only safe and approved apps running in safe environments can successfully and securely access an organization's APIs, and turns away unauthorized accesses by attacker scripting, bots and fake or tampered apps. For more information, please visit https://approov.io/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005335/en/

Contacts:

Dan Chmielewski

Madison Alexander PR, Inc.

714-832-8716

C: 949-231-2965

dchm@madisonalexanderpr.com
SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") is very pleased to report more nickel results at the Company's Lappvattnet nickel deposit in Sweden. Today's results are assays for holes LAP21-01, -03 and -04, highlighted by hole LAP21-04.

Drill Hole LAP21-04 Highlights:

Upper zone grading 1.84% Nickel over 5.0 metres including 6.06% Nickel over 0.3 metres and 4.08% Nickel over 0.55 metres

Lower zone grading 1.21% Nickel over 15.0 metres

Nickel zones contained within a broader 36.0 metre interval grading 0.93% Nickel from 49.0 to 85.0 metres down-hole

Top of the nickel intercept just 40 metres below surface

Results Table:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ni % Cu % Co % PGEs (g/t) LAP21-04 49.00 85.00 36.00 0.93 0.22 0.02 0.280 upper zone 49.00 54.00 5.00 1.84 0.52 0.03 0.233 49.00 50.95 1.95 2.61 0.56 0.04 0.127 50.40 50.95 0.55 4.08 0.05 0.06 0.110 52.35 52.65 0.30 6.06 0.09 0.11 0.190 lower zone 70.00 85.00 15.00 1.21 0.19 0.03 0.297 LAP21-03 36.40 37.60 1.20 1.49 0.29 0.04 0.177 LAP21-01 43.00 44.00 1.00 1.06 0.25 0.02 0.080 57.00 75.00 18.00 0.49 0.09 0.01 0.082 72.05 72.30 0.25 2.80 0.21 0.06 0.230 74.35 74.60 0.25 1.42 0.18 0.02 0.110 PGEs (g/t) = platinum (Pt) + palladium (Pd) + gold (Au) Length = core length in metres

Nickel mineralization in hole LAP21-04 comprises two nickel zones hosted at the lower and upper contacts of the host peridotite intrusion. The lower zone is confined within the intrusion whereas the upper zone extends in overlying sedimentary gneisses. Nickel mineralization consists of blebby and disseminated sulphides with local semi-massive and massive sulphide sections. The top of the upper nickel zone is located 40 metres below surface. Assays from variably mineralized peridotite between the two zones range from 0.06 to 2.00% Ni (average ~ 0.4% Ni).

Hole LAP21-04 was drilled on Section 9E, and hit nickel mineralization approximately 25 metres up-dip of LAP21-05 which intersected 2.62% Ni over 5.65 metres within a 14.00 metre interval grading 1.40% Ni (see news release dated September 21, 2021 which includes a map showing drill sections). LAP21-04 was one of three holes drilled on Section 9E testing a 90-metre interval up-dip of historic hole 2007-04 (0.97% Ni over 17.0 metres from 92.0 metres). Hole LAP21-04, along with LAP21-03 and LAP21-05 were all drilled at location 1,741,549mN and 7,165,169mE (RT90-2.5 co-ordinates) at an azimuth of 340 degrees. LAP21-05, a 100.3 metre hole, was drilled at a dip of -85 degrees, LAP21-04 was drilled 98 metres at a dip of -75 degrees, and LAP21-03 was drilled 77.5 metres at a dip of -45 degrees. Historic hole 74209 (2.87% Ni over 2.81 metres from 39.24 metres) is located between LAP21-03 and LAP21-04. LAP21-01 was drilled on Section 8E (see news release dated August 31, 2021).

Holes LAP21-01, -03 and -04 are part of the Company's 15-hole phase one drill program (expanded from 10 holes) covering a strike length of 140 metres across the Lappvattnet deposit (see news releases dated August 19 and 31, and September 15 and 21, 2021). The goal of the program is to test the shallow western part of the deposit with a series of tight-spaced holes. The Company just completed drilling hole LAP21-15. Results have now been reported for holes LAP21-01 to LAP21-04, and partially for LAP21-05. Once all data is received and modelled, a plan will be formulated for the next phase of exploration.

Drill core was logged and tagged for sampling at the Company's core logging facility in Lycksele then shipped to ALS Minerals' Core Services Laboratory in Mala. Core was sawed on site in Mala by ALS staff and prepped sample material was sent to ALS's Lab in Ireland. Core was analyzed for multi-elements using code ME-MS41, Cu OG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Cu, NiOG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Ni, and Pt, Pd, and Au were analyzed using fire assay method PGM-ICP27. Blanks and certified standards are routinely included in sample batches for quality assurance and control.

Gungnir's nickel resources in Sweden include Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget. In 2020, the Company updated both resources which collectively total 177 million pounds of nickel (see Technical Report with an effective date of November 17, 2020). The properties are accessible year-round with good transportation and industrial infrastructure including shipping facilities, and are located about an hour drive from Boliden's mill complex.

Nickel resources:

Lappvattnet: Inferred Resource of 780,000 tonnes grading 1.35% nickel for 23.1 million lbs (10.5 million kg) of nickel.

Rormyrberget: Inferred Resource of 36,800,000 tonnes grading 0.19% nickel for 154 million lbs (70 million kg) of nickel.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Jari Paakki, P.Geo., CEO and a director of the Company. Mr. Paakki is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Gungnir Resources

Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V) with gold and base metal projects in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include the Knaften project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. East of Knaften, the Company holds two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, with updated nickel resources. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Jari Paakki, CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Head Office/Investor Relations

Phone: +1-604-683-0484

Jari Paakki, CEO

Email: jpaakki@eastlink.ca

Chris Robbins, CFO

Email: robbinscr@shaw.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "feel," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "subject to," "will," "would," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations and plans of future exploration activities; receipt of data and modelling in the future; and Gungnir's plan for development of its properties and the timing thereof.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Canadian and global economy and Gungnir's business, and the extent and duration of such impact; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the anticipated timelines. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on Gungnir's properties; that Gungnir may not be able to complete its planned drilling as anticipated; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; ability to access capital markets; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; receipt of required licenses, permits and approvals; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666177/Gungnir-Hits-Two-Nickel-Zones-in-Hole-LAP21-04-150-Metres-Grading-121-Nickel-and-50-Metres-Grading-184-Nickel
Letter Highlights Elimination of Toxic Debt, Decreased Payables, and Plans to Use Board Member and Practicing Neurologist Dr. Jerry Smartt Jr. in a More Active Role

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Stevia Corp. (OTC PINK:STEV) ("Stevia Corp" or the "Company"), a healthcare company focused on the commercial development of products that support a healthy lifestyle announced today that it has published a letter to shareholders from the Company's Chairman and President Kenneth Maciora.

The letter is published in its entirety below:

Dear Valued Shareholder:

If you have been a shareholder of Stevia Corp. for many years, I thank you for your commitment to our business and we hope we can reward you this year. If you are a new shareholder, thank you for your decision to become a shareholder of Stevia Corp.

Effective June 1, 2021, I became the Chairman and President of Stevia Corp. I have almost 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. With that experience comes knowledge and wisdom and I hope I can bestow that knowledge and wisdom onto the fortunes of Stevia Corp. both over the short and long term.

My first priority was to restructure the debt of the company and especially the toxic debt. As part of this restructuring, it was important to preserve the equity for our shareholders. I immediately proposed to the debt holders an exchange of debt for restricted stock. After some negotiations, three debenture/note holders agreed to exchange and settle the debt for restricted stock. The principal amount of the debt was $1,500,000 plus accrued interest and the three note/debenture holders settled for 41,500,000 restricted shares. The sum of the principal and accrued interest exceeded $3 million. As a result of these debt settlements, the company has no toxic debt. For the purposes of this shareholder letter, toxic debt is debt that converts into equity typically at the option of the lender at prices which are a function of the stock price around the time period that the conversion takes place.

Our second priority was to immediately begin work on filing the necessary disclosure documents and financial statements to become current in our public company reporting obligations. Although we are not a SEC reporting company, we had certain obligations under the new disclosure rules promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and not complying with these new rules would have severely affected the value of our company. We completed these obligations and filings within a few weeks of the SEC mandated deadline. We thank Matthew McMurdo Esq. and David Natan for their assistance to file the disclosure documents and to complete the unaudited financials.

During the past few weeks, we also had discussions to settle payables of the company. Our former Chairman and CEO George Blankenbaker has agreed to settle all payables he believed he had against the company for 1,000,000 (1 million) restricted common shares of Stevia Corp. We also have agreed in principle to completely settle two payables with vendors of the company for less than $10,000. The total amount owed was approximately $50,000.

Over the next few weeks, we believe the company will be virtually debt free with a small amount of completely manageable payables which will allow Stevia Corp. to create an explosive foundation for potential growth. As we build our company and as we generate cash flow, that cash flow and new investment can be used to grow the company instead of paying off debts and old bills. For a small company, we are in an enviable position. For a small company, it's the right and only position.

On June 1, 2021 and simultaneously with my acceptance to become an officer and director of Stevia Corp., I requested that all officers and directors of the company other than Dr. Jerry Smartt resign their positions as directors and officers of the company. As our old shareholders know, much of the company's former focus was its operations in Asia. Although Mr. Blankenbaker and Mr. Ong worked tirelessly to build the company, the strategy of producing and selling products in Asia was not a prudent business strategy. For the future of this public company, the focus will be in either acquiring a successful business with exponential upside or to grow successfully from within. Our preference is to capitalize on the ample opportunities within the United States.

During the management transition, I had an excellent discussion with Dr. Jerry Smartt Jr. who I first met approximately 6 years ago. Dr. Smartt is a respected neurologist in America's heartland with an impeccable reputation as a practicing and successful physician in Indiana. Dr. Smartt received his Doctorate of Medicine from Indiana University. He completed his neurology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Smartt is Board Certified in Neurology. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Smartt is also an active volunteer with the American Heart Association.

We are announcing for the first time that Dr. Smartt has given Stevia complete approval to use his likeness to brand products in the future. As we review merger and acquisition opportunities, we are also assessing the potential to grow from within using Dr. Smartt's story and reputation as the face behind some of our products in the future. For an accretive acquisition or merger candidate, Dr. Smartt is a valuable asset to the company, and I can't thank him enough for his support.

Besides being virtually debt free, we also are in an extraordinary position to merge, acquire or grow from within. All three options will be weighed. Of course, the ultimate decision will strongly consider what is the best decision for shareholders. That remains our top priority.

Our short-term 30-day goals are as follows:

Complete all remaining note and debenture issues by seeking a legal opinion to write off all remaining notes and debentures. Reduce all payables amounts to less than $40,000. Complete small private placement for working capital. Continue to review merger and acquisition opportunities. Begin search for additions to Advisory Panel and Board of Directors.

Over the next 90 days or much sooner, we fully intend to be able to provide clarity to our shareholders on whether we will grow from within or whether we will acquire or merge with a successful, revenue generating business. We are assessing opportunities on a daily basis. Since we are averse to reverse splitting the stock anywhere near the current stock price levels, we try to communicate with any potential suitors that we are averse to reverse stock splits unless any such reverse stock split would clearly be done to increase shareholder value (for example, up listing to a more senior exchange).

Since I took over the company, we have revived the Twitter Account. We will reserve the right to communicate to our shareholders through Twitter and we encourage all shareholders to follow us on Twitter @steviacorp.com.

In closing, we appreciate the loyalty and enthusiasm being displayed by our shareholders. We hope to deliver more good news in the very near future.

Thank you and respectfully,

/s/ Kenneth Maciora

Kenneth Maciora

Chairman and President

Stevia Corp.

About Stevia Corp.

Stevia Corp. is a farm management company and healthcare company focused on developing highly nutritional, high value products through proprietary plant breeding, excellent agricultural methodologies and innovative post-harvest techniques. Stevia Corp was founded on the principal of implementing socially responsible, sustainable, quality agribusiness solutions to maximize the long-term efficient production of nutritional crops.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release, which are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate.

Contact:

Kenneth Maciora

President

Stevia Corp.

(917) 670-9541

steviapresident@gmail.com

SOURCE: Stevia Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666173/Stevia-Corp-Issues-Shareholder-Letter
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks gained ground on Thursday after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Senators have reached a deal to avoid a government shutdown on October 1. The Senate will vote on legislation today, which will keep the government funded through December 3. Senate Republicans blocked the House plan on Monday amid clashes over raising the debt ceiling. The pan European Stoxx 600 rose half a percent to 457.40 after rising 0.6 percent in the previous session. The German DAX was marginally higher while France's CAC 40 index gained 0.4 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up half a percent. Swedish engineering company Sandvik Group was moving lower after announcing it has completed the acquisition of CNC Software Inc. Clothing retailer H&M dropped 1 percent despite posting a 14 percent sales growth in the third quarter. Cloud communication services provider Sinch jumped 4.3 percent after it agreed to buy email delivery platform Pathwire for $1.9 billion. Belgian retailer Colruyt plunged 7.3 percent after lowering its full-year guidance. Mining stocks rebounded, with Anglo American rallying nearly 3 percent. Antofagasta and Glencore both rose about 1 percent. Drinks giant Diageo rallied 2.2 percent. After reporting a strong start to the fiscal year, the company said that it expects organic operating margins to benefit from a further recovery in sales volumes. Online fashion brand Boohoo slumped 12 percent after warning on its profit margins. In economic releases, the euro zone jobless rate fell to 7.5 percent in August from 7.6 percent in July, Eurostat data showed - matching forecasts. The German unemployment rate held steady at seasonally adjusted 5.5 percent in September, data published by the Federal Labor Agency revealed. The expected rate was 5.4 percent. The U.K. economy grew more than initially estimated in the second quarter on robust consumption, revised data from the Office for National Statistics showed. Gross domestic product grew 5.5 percent sequentially instead of 4.8 percent growth estimated previously. The expansion has reversed first quarter's 1.4 percent contraction. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Department store chain Kohl's is recalling SONOMA Goods For Life-branded Ultimate Oversized Antigravity Chairs citing fall risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 31,000 units of Antigravity Chairs in numerous colors. The chairs have an aluminum frame, a fabric seat/back, and a removable head pillow that is attached with Velcro. The tubes of the aluminum legs are square. The chairs, manufactured in China, were sold at Kohl's stores nationwide and online at www.kohls.com from January 2019 through June 2021 for about $240. According to the agency, the chair can break or collapse when weight is applied, posing a fall hazard. The recall was initiated after the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based company received 18 reports of the chairs breaking or collapsing, including two reports of minor injuries. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled chairs and return them to the nearest Kohl's store for a full refund, while consumers without a receipt will receive a store credit. In similar recalls, Costco Wholesale Corp. in early September called back about 70,000 units of Ivena 20' teak shower benches citing risk for falls after receiving reports of 81 incidents of the shower benches collapsing, breaking during use, or falling apart. TJX in mid-August called back about about 4,300 units of counter stools sold at HomeGoods and Homesense Stores citing fall and injury hazards. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DGAP-News: Cryptology Asset Group PLC / Key word(s): Statement/Cryptocurrency / Blockchain

Cryptology's estimated NAV per share as of 29/09/2021 is 9.28



30.09.2021 / 12:29

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Corporate News

Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c. ("Cryptology")

Malta, 30.09.2021

Cryptology's estimated NAV per share as of 29/09/2021 is 9.28

China once again "bans crypto" as crypto markets remain relatively flat

Malta, 30.09.2021. Cryptology Asset Group (ISIN: MT0001770107; Ticker: CAP:GR), a leading European holding company for crypto assets and blockchain-related business models, announced its most recent weekly estimated Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share of 9.28.

The Chinese government recently hinted at a complete ban on all crypto transactions in a release. While similar actions have occurred before, it now seems China has begun to take action against Bitcoin and crypto, forbidding crypto exchanges from offering their services to Chinese citizens.

GBC AG, an independent capital markets research firm, issued an updated report on Cryptology after the share split with a "BUY" rating. Adjusting for the 20-1 stock split, GBC increased its price target to 18.35. The shares closed yesterday at 7.70, implying well over a 50% discount to GBC's price target.

Cryptology CEO, Patrick Lowry, said "China's crackdown on crypto is unfortunate for the people of China, but it presents an immense opportunity for Europe and the United States to further embrace what cryptographic technology offers to foster a global and transparent financial ecosystem."

Cryptology shares currently trade on several German exchanges including Borse Dusseldorf, Gettex and Tradegate. In order to increase trading liquidity and open up to new shareholder groups, Cryptology is currently exploring an international listing.

About Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c.

Cryptology Asset Group (ISIN: MT0001770107; Ticker: CAP:GR) is a leading European holding company for crypto assets and blockchain-related business models. Founded by Christian Angermayer's family office, Apeiron Investment Group, and crypto-legend Mike Novogratz, Cryptology is the largest publicly traded holding company for blockchain- and crypto-based business models in Europe. Noteworthy portfolio companies include crypto-giant and EOSIO software publisher Block.one, leading HPC provider Northern Data, commission-free online neobroker nextmarkets, and crypto asset management group Iconic Holding.

Media Contact:

Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c.

Jefim Gewiet (COO)

66/67, Beatrice, Amery Street,

Sliema SLM 1707 Malta

E-mail: info@cryptology-ag.com

30.09.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. (CSE:YUM)(OTCQB:KOMOF)(FRA:9HB) ("Komo"), a premium frozen plant-based food company, announces the launch of new packaging created for large scale distribution and enhanced shelf appeal.

The new packaging was developed with sustainability in mind, while complying with requirements from retail chains. Komo will maintain using aluminum trays for its ready-to-bake frozen plant-based entrees. Aluminum is a 100% recyclable substrate that is one of the few materials that can be recycled indefinitely. Response from Komo consumers is that the aluminum trays allow for convenient and easy baking and disposal. The secondary sleeve packaging surrounding the trays are now made with recycled paper. The new design also has printed lot codes and a tamper evidence seal to ensure enhanced product safety and traceability. The new packaging allows Komo to expand its retail footprint by meeting the requirements of national retail grocery chains.

Komo's research reveals consumer pain points around plant-based eating center around the lack of convenience, over-processed ingredients and lack of food satisfaction. Komo aims to provide a solution through its easy, wholesome and hearty vegan favourites. Changes to product formulations launched with the new packaging include a shortened ingredient list to ensure all ingredients are understandable, real and simple. Building on its mission to create wholesome plant-based food, Komo highlights Canadian-grown organic green lentils in these updated formulations. In addition, all 'natural flavours' have been formulated out of products. Komo will continue to use herbs, spices, and vegetables to provide the hearty experiences in its meals. Komo consumers are asking for more nut-free and soy-free options. Komo's ready-to-bake line will now be free from nut ingredients as reflected in the new packaging. Komo's Shepherd's Pie will also be soy-free.

"Consumers know they are in for a premium taste experience from the moment they first see Komo products in the freezer of their trusted grocery stores," says Komo CEO William White. "We believe our new packaging will meet and exceed customer expectations."

The new retail packaging will be live for direct-to-consumer and retail orders in approximately 2 weeks.

About Komo

Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. is a premium plant-based food company that develops, manufactures and sells a variety of plant-based frozen meals that are always hearty, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients. At Komo, our mission is to help make plant-based meals a staple on every dinner table by sharing our love for feel-good food that connects the people to the planet. We believe plant-based eating is the future and - Change can start with a single biteTM. Our experienced plant-based innovation and development team recreates vegan versions of traditionally cheesy and meaty classics, with 100% plants. Komo's products are sold direct-to-consumer through our eCommerce website and a distribution network of online and brick and mortar grocery, convenience and natural retailer channels. Our operating subsidiary Komo Comfort Foods launched in 2021 with our flagship products: plant-based Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie and Chick'n Pot Pie and has recently launched a new line - Komo Plant-Based Meal HelpersTM - versatile meal starters to allow the creation of many dishes at home. All of our products are 100% plant-based, made with wholesome ingredients, free from preservatives, and frozen for freshness. Freezing products is a natural and effective way of keeping food products for longer without having to use any preservatives. Komo's meals have a 1-year frozen shelf life.

Learn more at: www.komocomfortfoods.com and follow on Instagram: @komocomfortfoods

For further information, please contact:

William White, President & CEO, Komo Plant Based Foods Inc.

will@komoeats.com

1-866-969-0882

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Komo's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Komo's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, Komo's product development plans, its ability to retain key personnel, and its expectation as to the acceptance of its products by consumers constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Komo disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: KOMO Plant Based Foods Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666208/Komo-Plant-Based-Foods-Launching-New-Retail-Ready-Packaging-with-Enhanced-Shelf-Appeal
Strategic partnership making Bambuser and live shopping a European showcase for innovative retail

PARIS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser today announced that it has been selected to join Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance, a unique program dedicated to the future of retail and consumer experiences. As a partner of the initiative, operated by the leading provider of credit and other financial services to individuals across Europe, Bambuser's Live Video Shopping technology will represent the future of commerce at the Echangeur center of innovation in Paris. Bambuser's technology will be on continuous display for business leaders touring the showroom. Additional benefits to Bambuser include increased exposure to the program's large network of customers and prospects, and access to Club de l'Echangeur, a space reserved for retail customers in France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, UK, and Sweden.

The Echangeur program was established in 1997 as a strategy incubator for companies needing insights during a period of rapid digital transformation throughout the business world. The program continues to offer businesses a look into the future of retail from its facilities, with a 100 square meter demonstration area highlighting the latest technological developments of innovators driving the evolution of the customer journey. Echangeur also regularly publishes reports that put into perspective the technological and service innovations moving the world of commerce.

The partnership closely follows Bambuser's selection for La Maison des Startups LVMH, the technology accelerator for LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which gives the company a dedicated space in Paris' Station F startup campus.

"As Bambuser's rapid growth continues, it's important for us to expand on our current leadership position throughout Europe and be present in our key markets," said Sophie Abrahamsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Bambuser. "We are confident that, by partnering with one of the largest banks in Europe and working directly with the largest luxury conglomerate in the world, we are establishing Bambuser as the leading B2B livestream shopping provider in France and beyond."

Contact information

Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB | +46 8 400 160 00 | press@bambuser.com

Certified Adviser

Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | certifiedadviser@penser.se

About Bambuser



Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps, and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters is in Stockholm.

About Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance



Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance is a technological and marketing center that analyses the latest trends in retail and anticipates their impacts on commerce. It is a reference for all the companies, which aim to innovate right by getting inspiration from the best practices in retail and the new usages of consumers. Its experts help you to build a best in class vision thanks to an immersive and innovative approach in customer relationship. Their analyses are based on returns on experiences, best practices and emerging trends.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-joins-echangeur-bnp-paribas--strengthening-the-presence-in-the-french-market,c3424398

The following files are available for download:
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday despite a surprise U.S. inventory build. Expectations of a continued supply deficit supported prices. Brent crude futures for December delivery edged up 16 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $78.25 a barrel, while U.S. oil futures for November settlement were up 22 cents, or 0.3 percent, at $75.05. Data released by U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed crude stockpiles increased by about 4.6 million barrels in the week ended September 24, rising for the first time in eight weeks. Markets had expected crude stockpiles to see a drop of 4.5 million barrels in the week. The EIA's report also showed gasoline inventories rose by 200,000 barrels last week versus an expected increase of about 700,000 barrels. Distillate stockpiles rose by 400,000 barrels compared to an expected decline of 2.2 million barrels. The American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported crude oil inventories rose by 4.1 million barrels last week. Citigroup expects oil balances to be in a 1.5 million-barrel-per-day deficit on average over the next six months, even with continued supply increases. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, a grouping known as OPEC+, will be meeting on Monday to discuss production plans. The group is expected to hold to a pact on adding 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) to their output for November. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
GREATER NOIDA, India, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi participated at the three-day Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo in mid September, strengthening its brand image and attracting significant attention from visitors.

The company's Hi-MO 5 series was of particular interest, with its future prominence in ultra large scale utility projects a frequent focus of on site discussions.

LONGi signs partnership agreement with Power n Sun during REI 2021

LONGi and the UAE's Power n Sun, the largest solar distributor in the Middle East, have announced the signature of a partnership agreement to expand their already strong relationship to the Indian & Sri Lankan markets. The agreement was formally signed during REI 2021 by Mr. Arijit Mitra, LONGi Solar's DGM for channel business in India & Sri Lanka and Mr. L. K. Verma, Managing Director of Power n Sun.

"This partnership is in line with the vision to exchange each other's expertise and jointly serve the Indian and Sri Lankan PV markets with world-class modules through the distribution channel. The partnership will support the presence of both parties in all areas of solar business and also help us further enhance our brand", commented Pradeep Kumar, LONGi's Managing Director for India and Sri Lanka.

"LONGi is the world's largest solar company with a production capacity of over 50GW. Breaking records by shipping over 24GW of modules globally last year, LONGi is committed to maintaining its leadership in the manufacturing of monocrystalline silicon products and to delivering higher efficiency to its partners. Through its ongoing partnership with Power n Sun, the company will continue to grow its footprint in the Indian subcontinent to ensure top-quality products are delivered to the region," he added.

Pradeep Kumar, LONGi Managing Director, recognised as among most powerful solar business leaders at REI 2021

SolarQuarter published the 4th edition of its 'Power100' list - the 100 most powerful solar business leaders in the Indian PV industry - at REI 2021. Pradeep Kumar, Managing Director for LONGi India, was recognised within this prestigious list for his significant contribution in the field of solar PV.

LONGi sees great potential for 182mm modules to reach shipment share of 70% next year

LONGi is the leading player in this area, contributing close to 58% of total shipments in Q2 2021. According to industry data, high-efficiency mono PERC modules are now the preferred product, making up over 70% of India's total shipments in the quarter.

In terms of the overall development of the PV industry, the 182mm size modules promoted by LONGi will be released in large quantities during the second half of this year and the company foresees 182mm accounting for more than 50% of module shipments to existing domestic and overseas markets in 2021, going on to achieve a 70% share in 2022.

LONGi solution-related services

LONGi has been launching solution-related services for many of its core customers, offering solutions for projects in periods of power station development to help maximize revenue during the construction phase of a station. Additionally, a digital energy service platform with a complete set of service tools has been built and developed internally over a period of one and a half years, with this business now expanding on a large scale.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639686/LONGi_signs_partnership_agreement_Power_n_Sun_REI_2021.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/781516/LONGi_Solar_Logo.jpg
YANTAI, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 Shandong Conference on Tourism Development was successfully held in Yantai from September 22 to 24. The opening ceremony of the conference 'A Heartfelt Pledge of Love for Yantai', a large original cultural performance, was very impressive. The dream-like performance of 1,000 drones showcased the characteristic cultural elements of Yantai and brought a veritable wonderland to the skies. 22 national, provincial, and municipal media outlets, as well as Yantai TV, provided live streaming of the event, which was watched online by more than 17 million people, according to the People's Government of Yantai.

During the conference, in order to to fuel the development of the tourism industry with guidelines and policies, Shandong Province government released a series of documents, including Measures to Accelerate the Construction of Key Cultural Tourism Projects and to Facilitate Effective Investment.

One of the main activities of the Conference, the 2021 International Coastal Leisure Forum, was a discussion platform aimed at transforming Yantai into an fantastic coastal city. This forum employed measures such as establishing the only data center coastal leisure base in China backed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, releasing the Chinese Coastal Leisure City Competitiveness Report, naming the List of the Top 10 Livable Cities and the Top 10 Emerging Coastal Leisure Cities, and forming the Coastal City Tourism Alliance to spearhead the development of coastal cities. In addition, the conference staged four visiting projects with the theme All The Way To Yantai, the Coastal Wonderland and selected Chaoyang Street in Yantai Mountain as the focus neighborhood. Additionally, it also created two two-day tours on the theme Love for Traveling in Wonderland, integrating classic scenic spots, building new projects, and incorporating a spectacular night tour experience.

The organizers were intent on invigorating the city by organizing the event as seamlessly as possible, and by so doing, the conference was a cultural and tourism feast that highlighted the unique characteristics of Shandong, showcased the image of Yantai, embodied the spirit of the times, and promoted the fast pace of development. It was a truly impressive and exciting event, that clearly demonstrated the passion, hospitality, and openness of more than 7.1 million Yantai people. Standing at the forefront of China's reform and opening-up policy, Yantai impressed the world again as the core of the new growth drivers.

Next, Yantai will take the success of this event as a new starting point and fully capitalize on the influence of the conference. It will also implement the guiding principles by, for example, invoking the Municipal Committee's 1+233 working system and the 12335 central urban construction ideas, launching an in-depth three-year action program on the high-profile development of the cultural tourism industry, accelerating the creation of the cultural and tourism development industry chain, and speeding up the construction of a more dynamic city of culture and highe-profile tourism. It will achieve this by focusing on relevant projects to enhance growth drivers, creating better products to promote consumption in the sector, emphasizing the fusion of the overall industry, increasing marketing to improve the image of Yantai, and strengthening service delivery to upgrade quality all-round.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402474

Caption: The opening ceremony of the 2021 Shandong Conference on Tourism Development

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Caption: The performance

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Caption: Suochengli

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Caption: Chaoyang Street

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Caption: 2021 International Coastal Leisure Forumnational Coastal Leisure Forum
Not for release, publication or distribution in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan



BLACKROCK GREATER EUROPE INVESTMENT TRUST plc

LEI - 5493003R8FJ6I76ZUW55



Tender Offer



The Board of BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc (the Company) announces that it has decided not to implement a semi-annual tender offer in November 2021.



Over the six months to 31 August 2021, the average premium to net asset value (cum income) (NAV) was 1.9%. Since the end of January 2021, the Company has been issuing shares from treasury as the shares have consistently traded at a premium to net asset value. The shares are currently trading at premium to net asset value of 3.0%. The Board has therefore concluded that it is not in the interests of shareholders as a whole to implement a semi-annual tender offer in November 2021.



The Board will continue to monitor the Company's discount/premium to NAV and will look to buy back shares and/or operate six monthly tender offers if it is deemed to be in the interests of shareholders as a whole.





30 September 2021





For further information, please contact:



Melissa Gallagher - 020 7743 3893

BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited



Tunga Chigovanyika - 020 7397 1915

Cenkos Securities plc


DONGYING, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 3-day 14th China (Dongying) International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition held in Dongying, Shandong province came to a successful conclusion on September 29.

The Information Office of the People's Government of Dongying explained that the theme of this exhibition was A Connected World Driven by Innovation. Reached agreements totaled 4.16 billion yuan and 262 foreign and 297 domestic trade contracts (intention agreements) were signed during the event. More than 1,300 exhibitors were attracted by this immersive cloud exhibition, demonstrating in excess of 17,000 products covering 18 categories. These included oil drilling equipment, exploration equipment, and collection and transmission equipment. The total number of visits was over 270,000.

With the new and comprehensive online cloud exhibition platform, full use was made of cloud display, cloud diversion, cloud interaction, and cloud negotiation, taking the exhibition level and the standard of service to new heights. The exhibition featured dedicated display areas to showcase the growing trends and the latest developments in digital oil exploration, equipment manufacturing, and petroleum and petrochemical industries in a cutting edge, three-dimensional manner of presentation. 234 new products and 181 new technologies were debuted, and comprehensive oil field development service technologies, such as oil and gas exploration and integrated drilling packages, took center stage.

Over the past 14 years, the annual China (Dongying) International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition has attracted more than 7,400 exhibitors and 970,000-plus visitors. It has facilitated the execution of 1,796 foreign trade contracts and agreements, encompassing in excess of 70 countries and regions, and has thereby become a driving force in Dongying's industry transformation and development. It is a growth driver in the petroleum equipment industry base, a display window for publicity, and a new development bellwether of the global petroleum equipment industry.

As is well known, Dongying is at the center of the Yellow River Delta, a pivotal city for oil in China. Dongying's petroleum equipment industry, its main industry, has a virtually complete industry chain that brings together research and development, manufacturing, service, and domestic and international trade. The city is now the petroleum equipment manufacturing base of China.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402659

Caption: The 14th China (Dongying) International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition kicked off on September 27.

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Caption: An exhibitor introducing products in the live streaming room at the 14th China (Dongying) International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment & Technology Exhibition

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Caption: An assembly worker busy catching up with orders in Kerui High-end Petroleum Equipment Industrial Park, Dongying, Shandong

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Caption: A technician processing orders in a workshop of Shandong Yonglijinggong Petroleum Equipment Co., Ltd.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Empress Royalty Corp. (TSXV:EMPR)(OTCQB:EMPYF) ("Empress Royalty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it is funding an additional payment of US$2.5M gold stream agreement (the "Stream") on the Sierra Antapite producing gold mine in Peru.

"The result of increasing the stream from 2.25% to 3.375% of the Sierra Antapite gold production will provide immediate additional revenue into Empress," stated Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President of Empress Royalty. "With the increase in revenue combined with our development stage projects advancing on schedule, we are forecasting significant revenue next year. We continue to build the fundamentals of our business with a diversified portfolio and a robust pipeline creating value for our shareholders."

As previously announced on July 28, 2021, Empress Royalty executed a US$10M gold stream agreement on the payable gold production from the Sierra Antapite mine in Peru at 20% of the gold spot price. The Stream is up to 4.5% of the payable gold production of the first 11,000 gold ounces and 1% thereafter for life of mine. Empress Royalty initially funded US$5M in exchange for receiving an immediate stream percentage of 2.25% and retained the right to fund an additional US$5M in order to receive the remaining 2.25% stream percentage. Empress Royalty and Sierra Antapite have now agreed that the Stream may be funded in three tranches instead of two. Accordingly, Empress Royalty is funding an additional US$2.5M on September 30, 2021, which has resulted in the Stream being 75% funded and Empress Royalty receiving 3.375% of all gold production from the mine.

Empress Royalty is no longer pursuing discussions with Accendo Banco respecting potential debt financing (see press release dated August 31, 2021). The Company is currently in discussions with alternative financial groups to provide a debt facility on terms substantially similar terms to those it was negotiating with Accendo Banco. Empress Royalty will provide further updates as they are known.

ABOUT EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.

Empress Royalty is a new royalty and streaming creation company focused on providing investors with a diversified portfolio of gold and silver investments. Since publicly listing in December 2020, Empress Royalty has built a portfolio of 17 precious metal investments and is actively investing in mining companies with development and production stage projects who require additional non-dilutive capital. The Company has strategic partnerships with Endeavour Financial and Terra Capital which allow Empress Royalty to not only access global investment opportunities but also bring unique mining finance expertise, deal structuring and access to capital markets. Empress Royalty is looking forward to continuously creating value for its shareholders through the proven royalty and streaming models.

ON BEHALF OF EMPRESS ROYALTY CORP.

Per: Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, CEO and President

For further information, please visit our website at www.empressroyalty.com or contact Kaitlin Taylor, Investor Communications, by email at info@empressroyalty.com or by phone at +1.604.331.2080 .

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements about Empress Royalty's expectations regarding the Alliance Agreement which are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "anticipates", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Although Empress Royalty believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include Empress Royalty not being successful in identifying suitable investment opportunities, being able to successfully complete technical, financial or legal diligence in respect of investment opportunities it has identified, being able to negotiate and enter into binding agreements for royalty or stream deals with potential counterparties, actual production by companies in our portfolio meeting anticipated production; volatility in the price of gold and silver, risks inherent in the mining industry to which the companies in our portfolio are subject, the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the companies in our portfolio, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations and the accuracy of the mineral reserves, resources and recoveries set out in the technical data published by the companies in our portfolio. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are referred to the risk factors and contained in Empress Royalty's' most recent annual information form for a description of the principal risks affecting Empress Royalty, its business and its securities. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and Empress Royalty undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Empress Royalty Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666210/Empress-Royalty-Increases-Gold-Stream-on-Sierra-Antapite-Mine-and-Seeks-New-Debt-Provider
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne Plc - Change of Auditor

30 September 2021

Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, Plc

("Hydro Hotel" or the "Company")

Change of Auditor

Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, Plc announces that UHY Hacker Young LLP have been appointed as auditors to the Company following the resignation of Mazars LLP. Mazars LLP have confirmed that there are no circumstances connected with their ceasing to hold office which they consider should be brought to the attention of the Company's members or creditors.

The Directors of Hydro Hotel accept responsibility for the content of this announcement.

Enquiries:

Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, Plc

Sally Gausden

Company Secretary Telephone: +44 1323 431 200 Peterhouse Capital Limited

AQSE Corporate Adviser

Mark Anwyl Telephone: +44 20 7469 0930

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation EU 596/2014 as it forms part of retained EU law (as defined in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Alternative IQ today announced the Top Contenders for the 2021 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, the highest honour in Canada's hedge fund industry. Winners will be announced at the Canadian Hedge Fund Awards Virtual Presentation Event streaming on-line at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 19th.

The annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards help investors identify the best performing hedge funds by recognizing winners in 5 performance measures across 5 categories as well as the Overall Best Canadian Hedge Fund. The awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, with Fundata Canada collecting and tabulating the data to determine the winners.

A total of 226 Canadian Hedge Funds were included in the 2021 CHFA program. For the full Directory of Canadian Hedge Funds, check here: http://alternativeiq.com/hf-directory/ where you will also see a chart of Average Performance by Hedge Fund Category.

In alphabetical order, the Top Contenders for 2021 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards are:

Overall Best 2021 Canadian Hedge Fund:

(based on 10 year best combined annualized return and Sharpe ratio).

Arrow Performance Fund

Blair Franklin Global Credit Fund

DKAM Capital Ideas Fund

GFI Good Opportunities Fund

Groundlayer Alpha Fund LP

King & Victoria Fund LP

ROMC Fund

Venator Founders Fund

WARATAH Income

WARATAH Performance

2021 CHFAwards - Equity Focused:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Agilith North American Diversified Fund AlphaNorth Partners Fund BT Global Growth Fund LP Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP Goodwood Fund King & Victoria Fund LP MMCap Canadian Fund Palos WP Growth Fund Polar Micro-Cap Fund XIB Fund AlphaNorth Partners Fund Bloom Burton Canadian Healthcare Fund LP BT Global Growth Fund LP Covista Value Fund LP Dynamic Global Growth Opportunities Fund Lynwood Opportunities Fund Palos WP Growth Fund Pathfinder Resource Fund Portland Focused Plus Fund LP Tempered Global Value Fund AlphaNorth Partners Fund BT Global Growth Fund LP Covista Value Fund LP Dynamic Global Growth Opportunities Fund GFI Good Opportunities Fund MMCap Canadian Fund Pathfinder Partners' Fund Peregrine Investment Management Fund LP Portland Focused Plus Fund LP Venator Select Fund Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio Arrow Performance Fund Covista Value Fund LP Forge First Long Short LP Lionguard Opportunities Fund Lynwood Opportunities Fund NewGen Equity Long-Short Fund LP Pathfinder Resource Fund Polar Long/Short Fund (Canada) WARATAH Income WARATAH Performance Arrow Performance Fund Covista Value Fund LP Dynamic Global Growth Opportunities Fund GFI Good Opportunities Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund MMCap Canadian Fund NewGen Equity Long-Short Fund LP Pathfinder Partners' Fund WARATAH Income WARATAH Performance

2021 CHFAwards - Credit Focused:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Focus Asset Management Credit Opportunities Fund Fulcra Credit Opportunities Fund Goodwood Milford Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund East Coast Investment Grade Fund II (Arrow) East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Goodwood Milford Fund Marret Diversified Opportunities Fund Marret Investment Grade Hedged Strategies Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP East Coast Investment Grade Fund II (Arrow) East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Fulcra Credit Opportunities Fund Goodwood Milford Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Income Opportunities Fund Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund

2021 CHFAwards - Credit Focused (Cont'd):

Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio BMO AM Global Absolute Return Bond Fund East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Marret Diversified Opportunities Fund Marret Enhanced Tactical Fixed Income Fund Marret Investment Grade Hedged Strategies Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Income Opportunities Fund Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Fulcra Credit Opportunities Fund Marret Enhanced Tactical Fixed Income Fund Marret Investment Grade Hedged Strategies Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Income Opportunities Fund Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund

2021 CHFAwards - Market Neutral:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Amethyst Arbitrage Fund (Canada) CC&L Global Market Neutral Formula Growth Alpha Fund HGC Fund LP (The) Lionguard Conservative Fund PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund WARATAH One X CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral Galliant Market Neutral Fund HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund WARATAH One WARATAH One X Amethyst Arbitrage Fund (Canada) CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund Formula Growth Alpha Fund Galliant Market Neutral Fund HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity WARATAH One Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral Galliant Market Neutral Fund HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund WARATAH One WARATAH One X Amethyst Arbitrage Fund (Canada) CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund Formula Growth Alpha Fund Galliant Market Neutral Fund HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity WARATAH One

2021 CHFAwards - Global Macro/Managed Futures/Multi-Strategy:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Auspice Diversified Trust Fieldhouse Enhanced Pension Plus Fieldhouse Second Phase US Systematic Long/Short Equity K2 Principal Fund LP (The) K2 Principal Trust (The) Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Meckelborg MFG Diversified Strategy Fund Palos Income Fund, LP SMI Opportunities LP Viewpoint Global Risk Parity LP AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP Auspice Diversified Trust Forge First Multi Strategy LP K2 Principal Fund LP (The) K2 Principal Trust (The) Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Meckelborg MFG Diversified Strategy Fund Palos Income Fund, LP Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) SMI Opportunities LP AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP K2 Principal Fund LP (The) K2 Principal Trust (The) Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Meckelborg MFG Diversified Strategy Fund Palos Income Fund, LP Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) SMI Opportunities LP Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP Capstone Non-Traditional Equity Pool Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP K2 Principal Fund LP (The) K2 Principal Trust (The) Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund MacNicol & Associates Alternative Asset Trust Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) TURN8 Alternative Fund AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP Capstone Non-Traditional Equity Pool Fund Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP K2 Principal Fund LP (The) K2 Principal Trust (The) Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Palos Income Fund, LP Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) TURN8 Alternative Fund

2021 CHFAwards - Private Debt:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Bridgeport Alternative Income Fund Celernus Pivot Private Credit Fund Invico Diversified Income Fund Next Edge Private Debt Fund Ninepoint Alternative Income Fund Ninepoint Monroe U.S Private Debt Fund Portland Private Income Fund Purpose Specialty Lending Trust Qwest Productivity Media Income Trust Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust Cortland Credit Strategies LP Invico Diversified Income Fund Next Edge Private Debt Fund Ninepoint Alternative Income Fund Ninepoint Canadian Senior Debt Fund Ninepoint TEC Private Credit Fund Portland Private Income Fund Qwest Productivity Media Income Trust Rockridge Private Debt & Real Estate Pool Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust Bloom Burton Healthcare Lending Trust Cortland Credit Strategies LP Invico Diversified Income Fund Next Edge Private Debt Fund Ninepoint TEC Private Credit Fund Portland Private Income Fund

The 14th Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards - Virtual Conference and Presentation Event

Starting at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021, online viewers including Canada's hedge fund managers, individual and institutional investors, investment advisors, industry experts and analysts will find out who are the recipients of this year's Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, and will also hear short presentations from industry colleagues. Speakers include Steven Palmer, Founding Partner and CIO, AlphaNorth Asset Management, Chung Kim, Portfolio Manager, Arrow Capital Management, Tim Elliott, President at Connor, Clark & Lunn; Mike MacBain, CEO and CIO, East Coast Fund Management, Sandy Liang, Partner and Portfolio Manager, Purpose Investments, and Andy Yan, Senior Associate at Waratah Capital Advisors.

Fundata Canada and KPMG are the Principal Sponsors of the 2021 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program. This year's virtual event would simply not be possible without their generous support and that of all its partners, including Contributing Presenters: AlphaNorth Asset Management, Arrow Capital Management, Connor, Clark & Lunn, East Coast Fund Management, Purpose Investments and Waratah Capital Advisors; Supporting Hedge Funds: AIP Asset Management, GFI Investment Counsel, HGC Investment Management, and Picton Mahoney Asset Management; Associate Sponsors: National Bank, Osler, RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, SGGG Fund Services, Sigma Sandbox, SS&C Technologies, and TD Bank; and Media Partner: Newsfile.

For more information about the CHFA program and to register for the on-line event, go to: www.alternativeiq.com or call:

Julie Makepeace

Managing Director, Alternative IQ

jmakepeace@alliancesalesandmarketing.com

416-906-3782

About Alternative IQ: Alternative IQ is dedicated to celebrating, supporting and expanding Canada's Hedge Fund Industry. AIQ produces the annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program and its presentation event held in Toronto each October (performance as at June 30th), along with THE Canadian Hedge Fund Conference. Alternative IQ also produces the annual CHFA Winners Showcase Investor Conferences, at which the Managers of award-winning hedge funds present to investors, and produces various other programs and publications serving the hedge fund industry in Canada. Alternative IQ is a division of Alliance Sales and Marketing, Inc.

About the Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards: The Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards were first held in 2008 and have a two-fold objective: firstly, to recognize and celebrate the talent in Canada's hedge fund industry and, secondly, to raise awareness of that expertise throughout the wider investment community. The Canadian Hedge Fund Awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, with Fundata Canada managing the collection and tabulation of the data to determine the winners.

- 30 -

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98085
Plurilock selected as "Authentication Solution of the Year" for its high-margin, proprietary DEFEND continuous authentication product

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, has been named "Authentication Solution of the Year" as a winner of the 2021 Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, for its cutting-edge DEFEND continuous authentication product.

The Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, held by Tech Breakthrough, are an annual, international competition that honors top companies for their innovations in the cybersecurity industry.1 The awards recognize achievements in several categories including cloud security, mobile security, risk management, and identity management.2 The awards program received over 4,000 nominations across the categories this year, and previous winners include Fortinet, McAfee, LastPass, and LexisNexis.3

Plurilock's proprietary DEFEND solution uses micro-expressions, based on a user's keyboard and mouse movements, to create a unique behavioral biometric user signature that continuously authenticates identity throughout the workday.

"We are honored to be a recipient of the Authentication Solution of the Year award from Tech Breakthrough," said Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "Our DEFEND product is unique in its ability to continuously authenticate users throughout the workday without friction, addressing the critical need for advanced identity assurance in light of the growing cyber threat and incidence of cyber attacks. This award serves to further validate our work, being named alongside several big players in the cybersecurity space."

About Tech Breakthrough

Tech Breakthrough is a leading market intelligence organization that helps bold thinkers share their ideas and innovations with the audiences that matter.4 The mission of Tech Breakthrough is to research, analyze and highlight the leaders and innovators in the world's most competitive technology sectors.5

About Plurilock

Plurilock provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely while reducing cybersecurity friction. Plurilock offers world-class IT and cybersecurity solutions through its Solutions Division, paired with proprietary, AI-driven and cloud-friendly security through its Technology Division. Together, the Plurilock family of companies delivers persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Ian L. Paterson

Chief Executive Officer

ian@plurilock.com

416.800.1566

Roland Sartorius

Chief Financial Officer

roland.sartorius@plurilock.com

Prit Singh

Investor Relations

prit.singh@plurilock.com

905.510.7636

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

https://cybersecuritybreakthrough.com https://cybersecuritybreakthrough.com https://cybersecuritybreakthrough.com https://techbreakthrough.com/ https://techbreakthrough.com/

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - C3 Metals Inc. (TSXV: CCCM) ("C3 Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assays from a further seven holes from its ongoing drilling program at the Jasperoide Copper-Gold Project, Southern Peru. All seven holes were drilled on Line JAS2750 at the Montana de Cobre zone, located 50 metres north of high-grade copper-gold mineralization reported on Line JAS2700 (Press release dated September 8, 2021). Drilling continues to intersect high-grade copper-gold mineralization across the shallow dipping skarn domain that is laterally extensive for 400m to 600m and varies from 100m to 150m in true thickness.

Drilling at the Cresta Verde zone is progressing well, testing a high-priority coincident magnetic - IP anomaly located approximately 2 kilometres north-northwest of Montana de Cobre. The target measures 1200m by 600m and drill holes JAS4350-02 and JAS4350-03 intersected significant intervals of pervasive garnet-diopside-magnetite skarn alteration with up to 90% pyrrhotite and pyrite and with visible chalcopyrite mineralization. The JAS4350 drill collar is approximately 700 metres northwest of historical drill hole JADD11-20 which tested the southern extent of the anomaly and intersected 23.5m of 1.86% Cu1 from 19m downhole.

Drilling Highlights:

Copper-gold mineralization intersected over broad intervals on section JAS2750 includes:

JAS2750-05

229.45m @ 0.99% Cu and 0.43 g/t Au from surface

including 23.44m @ 1.98% Cu and 0.96 g/t Au from 69.2m

including 80.0m @ 1.89% Cu and 0.78 g/t Au from 130.4m

JAS2750-04

123.15m @ 1.28% Cu and 0.50 g/t Au from 66.1m

JAS2750-06

104.0m @ 0.90% Cu and 0.32 g/t Au from surface

from surface 12.6m @ 1.57% Cu and 0.29 g/t Au from 121.3

JAS2750-07

106.1m @ 0.99% Cu and 0.28 g/t Au from surface

from surface 25.65m @ 1.23 % Cu and 0.03 g/t Au from 122.3m

Additional high-sulphidation feeder structures intersected in JAS2750-03. Better assays include:

JAS2750-03

5.3m @ 0.56g/t Au, 2.91% Cu and 16.26g/t Ag from 101.3m

Multiple porphyry vectors point to a causative intrusive source that is potentially central to the mineralization at Cresta Verde and Montana de Cobre

Assay results are pending for a further 10 drill holes

Drilling is ongoing at the Cresta Verde Zone on section line JAS4050

Kevin Tomlinson, President & CEO of C3 Metals, commented,

"As we continue to define the high-grade oxide skarn at Montana de Cobre we are very excited to be drilling the first coincident magnetic/IP geophysical target some 2 kilometres to the north at Cresta Verde. Our geologists have logged sulphide mineralization including chalcopyrite, together with molybdenite, associated with intense skarn development in two of the first three holes at Cresta Verde. Importantly these observations associated with a strongly coincident IP and magnetic anomaly together with the presence of high-sulphidation feeder structures and chalcopyrite-bearing porphyry fragments are indicative of proximity to a causative porphyry intrusion.

Jasperoide displays all the characteristics of a large mineral system with kilometre-scale copper skarn development associated with major structures and multi-phase intrusions. Over 80% of historical holes were drilled to less than 250m depth, just touching the surface of this large-scale hydrothermal system. We are very encouraged by the drill results to date and look forward to further drilling to evaluate and develop the full potential of the property."

A total of 34 drill holes have been completed to date with drilling now progressing on Line JAS4050 (Figure 1).







Figure 1: Montana de Cobre Drill Collar Locations and the Magnetic Analytical Signal Image

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/98099_d5adbaf4a443cbd4_001full.jpg

Three drill fans in seven holes were completed on Line JAS2750, defining a strongly mineralized skarn body with a shallow westerly dip that is contiguous for over +550m laterally (Figure 2).







Figure 2: Jasperoide Cross Section JAS2750 (50m window)

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/98099_d5adbaf4a443cbd4_002full.jpg

Drilling on Line JAS2750 demonstrates that skarn alteration and copper-gold mineralization thicken to the northeast, where drill holes JAS2750-04, 05, 06 and 07 intersected pervasive garnet diopside and magnetite skarn that is strongly oxidized to over 200m in depth. Secondary copper species comprise malachite, chrysocolla and azurite, occurring as disseminations, infill and in cm-scale veins (Figure 3).







Figure 3: (Left) JAS2750-06 (122.7m). Sample interval 122.1 - 122.9 (0.80m) assayed 2.57% Cu and 0.28g/t Au showing chrysocolla veins with interstitial malachite. (Right) JAS2750-04 (151.95m). Sample interval 150.9 - 151.2 (1.3m) assayed 8.30% Cu and 0.52g/t Au showing chrysocolla and malachite.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/98099_fig3.jpg

The most westerly drill fan (JAS2750-01 and 02) intersected narrow zones of skarn mineralization with the best interval assaying 16.75m @ 1.36% Cu and 0.47g/t Au in JAS2750-01.

Drill hole JAS2750-03 intersected multiple high-sulfidation (acid) epithermal veins similar to drill hole JAS2700-04 (Press release dated September 8, 2021), with the best assay being 16.55m @ 1.60% Cu and 0.58g/t Au. Multiple cavities were encountered in this hole which was stopped short of target depth.

Table 1. Significant Drilled Intercepts on Section Line JAS2750

Hole From To Length Cu

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Mineralization Style JAS2750-01 55.65 72.40 16.75 1.36 0.47 0.96 Skarn JAS2750-02 60.56 73.80 13.24 0.24 0.23 0.80 Skarn JAS2750-02 84.15 90.00 5.85 0.61 0.18 0.94 Skarn JAS2750-02 115.68 136.40 20.72 0.70 0.78 0.23 Skarn JAS2750-03 61.40 85.00 23.60 0.42 0.12 2.15 Skarn JAS2750-03 86.00 93.60 7.60 NSA 0.43 2.65 Epithermal JAS2750-03 95.30 98.40 3.10 0.21 1.32 5.50 Epithermal JAS2750-03 101.30 106.60 5.30 2.91 0.56 16.26 Epithermal JAS2750-03 117.20 133.75 16.55 1.60 0.58 5.23 Epithermal JAS2750-04 13.10 19.14 6.04 0.27 0.14 0.50 Skarn JAS2750-04 66.10 189.25 123.15 1.28 0.50 3.27 Skarn JAS2750-05 0.45 229.90 229.45 0.99 0.43 2.34 Skarn Includes 69.20 92.64 23.44 1.98 0.96 3.69 Skarn Includes 130.40 210.40 80.00 1.89 0.78 4.15 Skarn JAS2750-06 0.80 104.80 104.00 0.90 0.32 1.77 Skarn JAS2750-06 121.30 133.90 12.60 1.57 0.29 1.70 Skarn JAS2750-07 1.50 107.60 106.10 0.99 0.28 2.74 Skarn JAS2750-07 122.30 147.95 25.65 1.23 0.03 0.88 Skarn

Notes :

Significant intercepts are reported as length-weighted averages exceeding 0.20% Cu, with less than 5m of consecutive internal dilution. Arbitrary top cut of 5g/t on gold assays has been used, copper is uncut. True width of down-hole intersections reported are estimated to be approximately 60-90% of the down-hole lengths.

Cresta Verde Drilling

The Company recently completed airborne magnetic and ground IP surveys across the permitted area, defining several coincident magnetic (Figure 1) and IP chargeability anomalies (Figure 4). Modelling and inversion of the geophysics data indicates the magnetic and IP chargeability anomalies strengthen with depth and therefore represent compelling drill targets.







Figure 4: Jasperoide Chargeability Model at 650m Level

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/98099_d5adbaf4a443cbd4_005full.jpg

Three holes were completed at Cresta Verde approximately 2km to the north of Montana de Cobre on Line JAS4350, for a total of 1429.1 metres. The holes were targeted on large-scale and cohesive IP chargeability and magnetic anomalies defined from the recently completed ground IP and airborne magnetic surveys (Figures 1 and 4).

JAS4350-01 drilled northeast (065 degrees azimuth) and was designed to test a large north-south oriented magnetic anomaly. The hole intersected a multi-stage intrusive complex that is locally endoskarn altered and is cut locally by sulphide veinlets.

JAS4350-02 drilled southwest (245 degrees azimuth) and tested a separate target comprising a coincident magnetic and IP chargeability anomaly measuring 1200m by 600m. Moderate to strong skarn alteration with significant sulphide mineralization was intersected from surface to 330m depth. A hydrothermal breccia with a massive sulphide matrix was intersected from 260m to 310m depth. The breccia zone contains up to 90% sulphides that are dominated by pyrrhotite and pyrite, overprinted by late-stage chalcopyrite and molybdenite mineralization (Figure 5). From 330m to the end of the hole at 705.5m is equigranular diorite cut by millimetre to metre-scale pyrrhotite veins with chalcopyrite along vein selvages. The hole was terminated in mineralization due to rig capacity.







Figure 5: (Left) JAS4350-02 (272.3m) showing brecciated skarn with massive pyrrhotite matrix and later stage chalcopyrite mineralization as infill. (Right) JAS4350-02 (327.5m) showing massive pyrrhotite and pyrite with disseminated molybdenite (blue).



To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/98099_fig5.jpg

JAS4350-03 intersected strong skarn alteration from surface to the end of the hole, containing significant pyrite and pyrrhotite mineralization with later-stage chalcopyrite as infill. This hole was abandoned at 381m depth after intersecting a large north-south fault.

Drilling is progressing on Line JAS4050 to test for southern extensions to the large-scale coincident IP chargeability and magnetic anomaly. The hole is drilling southeast and intersected massive magnetite skarn with significant pyrite and visible chalcopyrite mineralization from 100m depth and is currently at 210m depth.

Summary

Drilling at Montana de Cobre continues to demonstrate that the mineralized skarn is significantly oxidized to over 200m depth and is laterally extensive for over 400 metres on Lines JAS2650, JAS2700 and JAS2750. Copper mineralization is dominated by secondary copper species and drilling continues to confirm broad intervals of high-grade copper-gold mineralization at the northeast area of the Montana de Cobre zone.

The recently completed 1,800 line kilometre helicopter-borne magnetic / radiometric survey and a 43 line kilometre ground Induced Polarisation (IP) survey has identified four large scale and coincident magnetic and IP Chargeability anomalies within the permitted area. Drill holes JAS4350-02 & 03 both intersected significant sulphides that are coincident with the largest IP Chargeability anomaly, located at Cresta Verde zone. A review of the 3D IP model indicates chargeability anomalies converge at depth and demonstrate a cohesive system of high chargeability that is centrally located between the Cresta Verde and Montana de Cobre zones, representing a compelling drill target.

Drilling and exploration studies continue to support the interpretation of a concealed porphyry copper system at depth, with important vectors including:

Porphyry style alteration and veining

Coincident magnetic and IP chargeability anomalies

Mineralized porphyry fragments

Sulphide veining with late-stage chalcopyrite

High-sulphidation feeder structures

Molybdenite mineralization

The Company is awaiting results from soil sampling and surface mapping programs which are expected to aid in the design of deeper drill holes to target interpreted stacked skarns and an interpreted concealed porphyry system at depth.

Additional results will be released as they become available. Assays are pending for all three holes on Line JAS4350 and the rig is currently positioned on Line JAS4050.

References for Historical Data

1 Data retrieved from Hochschild Mining's database and internal reports. Hochschild was operator of the Jasperoide Project from 2011 to 2012 and completed two drill programs. C3 Metals has access to the entire drill database and believes that reporting of the information was to industry standard practice.

For additional information, contact:

Kevin Tomlinson

President & CEO

ktomlinson@c3metals.com

Alec Rowlands

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 416 572 2512

arowlands@c3metals.com

ABOUT C3 METALS INC.

C3 Metals Inc. is a junior minerals exploration company focused on creating substantive value for its shareholders through the discovery and development of large copper and gold deposits. The Company's flagship project is the 57km2 Jasperoide high-grade copper-gold skarn and porphyry system located in the prolific Andahuaylas-Yauri Porphyry-Skarn belt of Southern Peru. Mineralization at Jasperoide is hosted in a similar geological setting to the nearby major mining operations at Las Bambas (MMG), Constancia (Hudbay) and Antapaccay (Glencore). C3 Metals also holds a 100% interest in five licenses covering 207 km2 of highly prospective copper-gold terrain in Jamaica, and a 100% interest in two porphyry copper-gold properties, with one under option to Tocvan Ventures, covering 304 km2 within the Cascade Magmatic Arc in southwestern British Columbia.

Related Link: www.c3metals.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.

QP Statement

Stephen Hughes, P.Geo. is Vice President Exploration and a Director for C3 Metals and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Hughes has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the written disclosure contained herein.

Technical Program

C3 Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC protocol for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses. Chain-of-custody protocols are designed to ensure security of samples until their delivery at the laboratory.

Half core samples are analysed by 4-Acid digest ICP-MS finish for 60 elements, including pathfinder REE elements with pulps from samples reporting greater than 1.0% copper being re-assayed by the ore grade method. Gold is analysed by 30g Fire Assay AAS finish, with pulps from samples reporting greater than 5ppm re-assayed by 1kg Screen Fire Assay. The Company inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control.

COVID-19 Protocols

The Company continues to implement its COVID-19 safety protocols at site to ensure the safety of employees and the communities surrounding the Jasperoide project area.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the exploration operations of the Company and the timing which could be affected by the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, and regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

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HOUSTON (dpa-AFX) - Schlumberger and AVEVA announced an agreement to integrate edge, AI and cloud digital solutions. Schlumberger said the partnership brings together its edge and cloud solutions with the AVEVA PI System to seamlessly liberate access to data. Initial focus of the collaboration includes linking edge systems to applications in the DELFI cognitive E&P environment. Rajeev Sonthalia, president, Digital & Integration, Schlumberger, said: 'By integrating our domain expertise, secure edge technology and digital applications in the DELFI environment with AVEVA, we will enable customers to increase efficiency and transform their production operations.' The companies also plan joint technology integrations, sales and service support, and go-to-market activity. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The two companies now have partnerships in four markets, building on previous success in Florida and Massachusetts

SLANG products will be available in 15 states, Canada and Puerto Rico

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - SLANG Worldwide Inc. (CNSX: SLNG) (OTCQB: SLGWF) ("SLANG" or the "Company"), a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a diversified portfolio of popular brands, today announced its entry into the West Virginia and Pennsylvania markets via a strategic partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Corp. ("Trulieve"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company based in the United States. With the addition of these two states, SLANG's products will soon be available in 15 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Under the agreement, Trulieve will have exclusive access to the entire SLANG portfolio of brands. Additionally, SLANG will sell packaging to Trulieve, and will receive royalties on product sales at their locations in both states, as well as on wholesale revenues to third-party dispensaries. Product launches in both states are expected in 2022.

Chris Driessen, CEO of SLANG, said, "We are thrilled to announce two more strategic partnerships with Trulieve in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We look forward to working with Trulieve and building on our existing successful partnerships in Florida and Massachusetts."

Pennsylvania, the fifth-most-populated state in the country, has a robust medical marijuana market and Governor Wolf included adult use marijuana on his legislative agenda as announced in January 2021.1 The state has seen immense success with its medical marijuana market, which is expected to reach 1 billion dollars in sales by 2023, according to one report.

"Trulieve and SLANG have enjoyed a successful partnership in Florida and as we expand nationally, we are excited to bring SLANG products into select new states," commented Valda Coryat, Chief Marketing Officer of Trulieve. "We recently announced the launch of SLANG in Massachusetts and now we will add two more states within our northeast hub where patients will find SLANG products on Trulieve's shelves and available in dispensaries throughout those states as we build upon our wholesale distribution model."

West Virginia currently has a medical marijuana program and as of June 30, 2021, the state has 2,305 patients enrolled. Additionally, the state's Governor Jim Justice recently revealed that he is open to the possibility of adult-use cannabis legalization in the state. [2]2

Trulieve has made several advances in the state and is expected to be the largest dispensary owner and producer in West Virginia. In July 2021, Trulieve began cultivation at their 100,000 square foot facility in Huntington, West Virginia.

Driessen continued, "With Trulieve's best-in-class infrastructure, operational excellence and SLANG's portfolio of brands, these partnerships are expected to be successful in two emerging markets that have tremendous upside, especially when you consider the potential regulatory changes in both markets."

To be added to SLANG's email distribution list, please email SLNG@kcsa.com with "SLNG" in the subject.

About SLANG Worldwide Inc.

SLANG Worldwide Inc. is a global leader in the cannabis CPG sector with a diversified portfolio of popular brands distributed across the United States. SLANG specializes in acquiring and developing market-proven regional brands as well as launching innovative new brands to seize global market opportunities. For more information, please visit www.slangww.com.

About Trulieve

Trulieve is primarily a vertically integrated "seed-to-sale" company in the U.S. and is the first and largest fully licensed medical cannabis company in the State of Florida. Trulieve cultivates and produces all of its products in-house and distributes those products to Trulieve-branded stores (dispensaries) throughout the State of Florida, as well as directly to patients via home delivery. Trulieve also has operations in California, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Trulieve is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF.

To learn more about Trulieve, visit www.Trulieve.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the terms of the partnership with Trulieve, the launch of SLANG's brands in Pennsylvania and West Virginia in 2022, potential regulatory changes in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia and expected success of SLANG's brands in both such states.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of SLANG at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, resolutions and guidelines, market risks, concentration risks, operating history, competition, the risks associated with international and foreign operations and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in SLANG's annual information form dated April 29, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SLANG is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

Media and Investor inquiries

Investors@SLANGww.com

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson / Elizabeth Barker

SLANG@kcsa.com

[1] https://local21news.com/news/local/gov-wolf-to-outline-agenda-for-2021-discuss-covid-19-relief-efforts

[2]2 https://www.mpp.org/states/west-virginia/

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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. ("A2Z" or the "Company") (TSXV:AZ)(OTCQB:AAZZF), today announced that it has signed a sales partnership agreement with Tulik Sky to support the Company's expansion in North America of its Cust2Mate Smart Cart Platform.

A2Z's state-of-the-art Cust2Mate Smart Cart streamlines the shopping experience by recognizing every purchased item and enabling in-cart payment so that shoppers skip lines, while also allowing retail grocers to direct shoppers to discounted products and in-store promotions to efficiently manage and move inventory.

"We are very excited to partner with Tulik Sky to help drive our expansion throughout North America," stated Rafi Yam, CEO of Cust2Mate. "Tulik Sky was founded by Mr. Ronny Laish who has substantial background in the retail and food industry, highlighted by his tenure as CEO of Touch Food Israel and as the former Head of Consumer Goods at Hyundai, as well as VP Business Development at xCircular. We look forward to working with his firm to help us penetrate this significant market."

Ronny Laish, CEO of Tulik Sky, commented, "We are thrilled to partner with Cust2Mate to providing our industry and sales expertise to support the company's growth in North America. We have full confidence that this innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the retail shopping space in many unique and important ways and we look forward to supporting Cust2Mate as the Company continues to expand on a global scale."

About A2Z Smart Technologies Corp

A2Z Smart Technologies Corp. creates innovative solutions for complex challenges. A2Z's flagship product is the world's first proven-in-use mobile self-checkout shopping chart. With its user-friendly smart algorithm, touch screen, and computer-vision system, Cust2Mate streamlines the retail shopping experience by recognizing purchased products and enabling in-cart payment so that customers can simply "pick & go", and bypass long cashier checkout lines. This results in a more efficient shopping experience for customers, less unused shelf-space and manpower requirements, and advanced command and control capabilities for store managers. Cust2Mate's SAAS-based software solution also provides a supermarket heat map for targeted advertising, direct marketing and special promotions that generate increased revenues and profits for retailers.

Additional A2Z products include advanced automotive fire prevention systems and portable energy systems. The goal of all A2Z's products is to save time, save money and save lives.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way issued any judgments on the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the results of exploration activities - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States or elsewhere. These securities have not been, and will not be, registered in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered or exempt therefrom.

Contact Information:

IMS Investor Relations

John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau

Telephone: 203.972.9200

Email: jnesbett@imsinvestorrelations.com

A2Z Smart Technologies Corp.

Gadi Levin, Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: +972-8-932-4333

Email: gadi@a2zas.com

SOURCE: A2Z Smart Technologies Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666230/A2Z-Signs-Sales-Partnership-Agreement-For-North-America
MONTREAL (dpa-AFX) - Bombardier, Inc. (BBD_B.TO, BBD_A.TO) announced Thursday a firm order for 20 Challenger 3500 business jets to a customer who wishes to remain confidential. This is Bombardier's largest business jet transaction of 2021, representing a value of $534 million U.S., based on current list pricing. This significant order comes just days after the unveiling of the Challenger 3500 business jet, an evolution of the best-selling Challenger 350 aircraft, on September 21. The new Challenger 3500 aircraft is ideally suited to meet a growing demand for business travel and is expected to enter service in the second half of 2022. This new business jet boasts a redesigned interior featuring the patented Nuage seat, a masterpiece of comfort inherited from Bombardier's large-cabin Global aircraft. The stunning new passenger spaces offer a host of new technologies, including the industry's first voice-controlled cabin, wireless chargers throughout the cabin, and the only 24-inch, 4K displays in its class. The altitude in the cabin is 31% lower than that of its predecessor. The Challenger 3500 aircraft was designed through a sustainable lens and will be the first business jet in the super mid-size segment with an Environmental Product Declaration. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Wall Street firms back AlphaSense as the leading market intelligence and search platform, used by clients now spanning the majority of S&P 500 companies across all sectors of the economy

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New York-based AlphaSense, the leading market intelligence and search platform, today announced its $180 million Series C financing round led by Viking Global Investors and the Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), joined by Morgan Stanley, Citi, Bank of America, Barclays, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital, Cowen Inc., and AllianceBernstein, as well as existing investors. The capital infusion will be used to further invest in product development, content expansion and customer support, and to drive organic growth as well as acquisitions. The company previously closed a $50 million Series B in July 2019, which included prominent investors such as Innovation Endeavors, Jim Simons' Euclidean Capital, Soros Fund Management LLC, and Tribeca Venture Partners.

AlphaSense's technology leverages AI and NLP to extract relevant insights from an extensive universe of public and private content, including over 10,000 premium business sources. This enables professionals to make critical decisions with confidence and speed, thus improving business performance and outcomes.

The Series C funding announcement closely follows AlphaSense's recent expansion of Wall Street Insights (WSI), which provides content from the world's top analyst teams and brings together an exclusive collection of research and proprietary technology under one platform. As the most recent addition, earlier this year AlphaSense formalized a partnership with Citi, becoming its only provider of aftermarket research to the corporate market. Notably, many of WSI's content providers are participating as strategic investors in this financing round.

AlphaSense's recent growth has been driven by strong adoption in the corporate market, alongside continued penetration across financial services. The company's customer base now includes the majority of S&P 500 companies, over 75% of the S&P 100, 70% of the top asset management firms, 76% of the top consultancies, all of the largest 20 pharmaceutical companies, and leading companies in wide-ranging industries such as energy, industrials, consumer goods, and technology. In addition to growth across industries, user adoption per customer has increased nearly 20x, with the platform appealing to knowledge workers across a wide range of roles including strategy, competitive intelligence, investor relations, corporate development, and financial analysis, in addition to investment analysts and portfolio managers.

"AlphaSense provides relevant market intelligence to many of the world's leading companies, helping them to make impactful decisions more effectively," said Holger Staude, a Managing Director within the Growth Equity business at Goldman Sachs. "Just like search engines have become large businesses on the consumer side, we believe AlphaSense has an opportunity to help the business world extract key insights from the vast volumes of unstructured business information."

This funding round will be used to invest in product development, and expand content offerings-today covering both public and private companies and including company filings, event transcripts, news, trade journals, regulatory content, equity research, and more-to deliver ever more relevant and accurate search results for users around the world. As it expands internationally, AlphaSense will continue investing in global and foreign-language content, as well as grow its customer service teams in North America and Europe, and its engineering teams in Finland, India, and New York.

"Every company's destiny is the cumulative sum of the decisions it makes," said Jack Kokko, CEO of AlphaSense. "Our platform, with search technology combined with exclusive content, helps companies across all industries make better decisions more confidently and quickly. We are excited that the world's top investment banks are joining this round along with preeminent pre-IPO growth investors like Viking Global and GS Growth. This kind of strategic investment is unique and further validates our mission."

About AlphaSense

AlphaSense is a market intelligence platform used by the world's leading companies and financial institutions. Since 2011, our AI-based technology has helped professionals make smarter business decisions by delivering insights from an extensive universe of public and private content-including company filings, event transcripts, news, trade journals, and equity research. Our platform is trusted by over 1,800 enterprise customers, including a majority of the S&P 500. Headquartered in New York City, AlphaSense employs over 450 people across offices in the U.S., U.K., Finland, and India. For more information, please visit www.alpha-sense.com .

About Viking Global Investors

Founded in 1999, Viking is a global investment management firm that manages approximately $48 billion of capital for its investors. It has offices in Greenwich, New York, Hong Kong, London, and San Francisco and is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.vikingglobal.com .

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management Growth Equity

Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management provides clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. Since 2003 the Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has invested over $13 billion in companies led by visionary founders and CEOs. The team focuses exclusively on investments in growth stage and technology-driven companies spanning multiple industries, including enterprise technology, financial technology, consumer and healthcare. For more information, please visit www.growth.gs.com .

Media Contact

Name: Caitlin Kelly

Email: alphasense@vividand.co

Phone: (843) 817-0330

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/947841/AlphaSense_Logo.jpg
Acquisition expands MCC's footprint in Northern Europe

Cincinnati and Stavenger, Norway, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Multi-Color Corporation, one of the largest label companies in the world, today announced the acquisition of Skanem Group's label operations in Europe and Thailand from the Skanem Group.



The transaction is expected to close during Q4 2021. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Multi-Color Corporation is acquiring seven of Skanem Group's facilities in Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Thailand. The transaction excludes Skanem's label operations in India and Kenya.

Nigel Vinecombe, CEO of Multi-Color Corporation, said: "Skanem Europe gives MCC broader access to home and personal care, regional food and beverage, and other specialty markets, as well as an experienced team capable of building on existing and new growth opportunities. Skanem Thailand complements MCC Thailand and provides scale in this sizeable and growing Southeast Asian market. For a long time, we have recognized the success Ole Rugland and team have had building an impressive portfolio of customers and operations and we are delighted MCC has been chosen to support future success."

Ole Rugland, Executive Chairman of Skanem Group, said: "Over the last 20 years, we have built a profitable and competitive label business in Europe, India, Africa and Southeast Asia. We have now reached a stage where our business in Europe and Southeast Asia, by joining a global player like MCC, will give possibility for further growth. In these regions, MCC and Skanem are highly complementary and we believe that this will create new opportunities for employees and add value to our customers. The Skanem Group will continue to invest in India and Africa where we see exciting opportunities for further growth and expansion."

About Multi-Color Corporation

Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A. based Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), established in 1916, is a leader in global label solutions supporting a number of the world's most prominent brands including leading producers of Beverage, Wine & Spirits, Food & Dairy, Personal Care & Beauty, Home Care & Laundry, Healthcare, Durables & Technical and Automotive & Chemicals. MCC serves national and international brand owners in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, China, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand with a comprehensive range of the latest label technologies in Pressure Sensitive, Cut and Stack, Wraps, Aluminum, In-Mold, Shrink Sleeve and Heat Transfer. MCC employs over 9,000 associates across over 70 label producing operations globally.

For additional information on Multi-Color Corporation, please visit http://www.mcclabel.com (http://www.mcclabel.com/).

About Skanem AS

Founded in 1905 and headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Skanem Group is a leading provider of pressure sensitive labels to international and regional customers in the food, personal care, home care, automotive and other markets.

For additional information on Skanem AS, please visit http://www.skanem.com (http://www.skanem.com)

Contacts

For Multi-Color Corporation:

Sharon E. Birkett

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

513-345-5311

InvestorRelations@mcclabel.com (mailto:InvestorRelations@mcclabel.com)

For Skanem AS:

Ole Rugland

Executive Chairman

+47 911 69 155

ole.rugland@skanem.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / AurCrest Gold Inc. (the "Company" or "AurCrest") (TSXV:AGO) wishes to acknowledge The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 30th, Canadians reflect on the relationship, past and present, between those whose ancestry has always been attached to these lands and those whose ancestry comes from abroad.

Ian Brodie-Brown, a Director of AurCrest, stated: "As a Canadian of European descent and Director of Business Development at AurCrest Gold, I would like to extend my most sincere apologies to the members of our Board and management of Annishnawbe descent and to all the members of your families and communities for the situation that has occurred in our country between our people."

We at AurCrest are a publicly listed company, of which 3 board members are of Annishnawbe descent. We seek the cultural, social and business leadership of members of the First Nations community and their voice and guidance in our search for resources and business in their traditional territory, and wherever that search may take us. We are guided by clause 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (the "TRC Report") and particularly clause 92.ii.

Business and Reconciliation

92. We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:

Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

AurCrest and Big Tree Carbon Corp invite all corporations and citizens to seek guidance and understanding through the findings of the 94 calls to action of the TRC Report.

I would like to ask everyone to join us this year, to alter the actions and understanding of our relationship with one another, so that we may be one society under the identity of many, for the benefit of all.

Sincerely,

Miigwech,

Ian Brodie-Brown,

Director of Business Development

AurCrest Gold & Big Tree Carbon Corp.

ABOUT AURCREST GOLD INC.

AurCrest is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties. AurCrest has a portfolio of properties in Ontario, which include the Richardson Lake, Ranger Lake and Bridget Lake gold properties.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

AurCrest Gold Inc.

Christopher Angeconeb

President and C.E.O.

(807) 737-5353

christopherangeconeb@gmail.com

Ian Brodie-Brown

Director of Business Development

(416) 844-9969

ianbrodiebrown@gmail.com

Forward Looking Statement:

Some of the statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various risks. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risks associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. AurCrest undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: AurCrest Gold Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666183/AurCrest-Gold-Acknowledges-the-National-Day-for-Truth-and-Reconciliation
Senator Mike McGuire to attend Oct. 5, "Galley" Hosted, SGCA Event

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / FinCanna Capital Corp. ("FinCanna") (CSE:CALI)(OTCQB:FNNZF) an investment company for the U.S. licensed cannabis industry, is pleased to announce its portfolio company QVI Inc. doing business as the "The Galley", on Oct. 5 is hosting the Sonoma County Growers Alliance (SCGA), first in-person event in 2021 featuring Special Guest California State senator Mike McGuire. As previously announced, FinCanna has signed a binding Letter of Intent to increase its investment to 100% ownership of QVI Inc.

Annie Holman, Founder and CEO of QVI said, "We've always been hugely supportive of the SCGA and fully subscribe to their goals and objectives. This industry will continue to thrive and grow as a function of the cooperative and united efforts of cannabis operators like ourselves and the SCGA is a driving force in this regard. We are proud to do our part in bringing our cannabis colleagues together at the Galley and it is a testament to the importance of the SCGA agenda that Senator Mike McGuire has chosen to attend"

The SGCA's first in-person event in 2021, features Special Guest, California State Senator Mike McGuire. Oct 5, 5:30 - 8:30 pm at The Galley 3230 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa CA 95407. For tickets visit https://scgalliance.wildapricot.org

SCGA is a leading cannabis industry advocacy organization focused on the specific needs of industry participants in Sonoma county, some of their main policies and initiatives include;

Engaging with & educating the local community on regulated cannabis

Hosting events, educational workshops and providing resources specific for cultivators

Continued advocacy for lower barriers to entry for farmers

Working to craft improvements and make the Sonoma County Cannabis Ordinance less restrictive

Supporting Sonoma County and the incorporated cities to align with current state legislation and regulations

Improve access to the regulated market for existing operators

Representing Sonoma County cannabis in state, national and international policy initiatives through the Origins Council Government Affairs Program.

Joanna Cedar, SCGA Board Member and Chair of the Policy Committee, states "We are thrilled to be back and look forward to welcoming State Senator Mike McGuire. The Galley is the perfect place to hold our inaugural 2021 mixer and we appreciate Annie's commitment to our mission and to the local cannabis community."

FinCanna CEO, Andriyko Herchak, added, "We've always been supportive of industry organizations and advocacy groups like the SGCA that work to create a better more inclusive and prosperous environment for legal cannabis businesses. Annie has continually endeavoured to be a force for positive change in the sector and the involvement of the Galley in this first in-person event of the year is a testament to that spirit."

About FinCanna Capital Corp.

FinCanna is an investment company that provides growth capital to rapidly emerging private companies operating in the licensed U.S cannabis industry. FinCanna is focused on delivering high impact returns to its shareholders by way of a strategically diversified investment portfolio.

For additional information visit www.fincannacapital.com and FinCanna's profile at www.sedar.com

About QVI

QVI Inc, which stands for Quality, Value and Integrity, doing business as "The Galley", is an 8,300 sq. ft. state of the art cannabis-infused co-manufacturing facility is built to FDA and CDPH standards located in Santa Rosa CA. "The Galley" has been fully operational since June 2020 and continues to aggressively add to its book of business of cannabis brand manufacturing clients.

The company attributes the acceleration of customer demand from a growing roster of in-state and out-of-state brands to its automated manufacturing expertise, superior production quality and its "one stop shop" capability to produce virtually all high-value cannabis products including, Edibles, Topicals, Tinctures, Chocolate, Hard Candies, Gummies and Beverages under one roof. Additionally, its outstanding R&D team has the ability to assist brands in launching not only new individual products but whole new product lines. The Galley's operational design also positions the business to rapidly scale production as demand escalates towards its. For more information about "The Galley" please visit thegalleysr.com

QVI's immediate goal is to become the premier contract manufacturer in California, the largest single market in North America and, upon success, to license products nationally and globally.

FinCanna Capital Corp.

Andriyko Herchak, CEO & Director

Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

CALI@kincommunications.com

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements about the potential acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of QVI; market for, and effectiveness of, QVI products or services, the ability of QVI to commence and expand operations and generate sales, revenues profits and positive cashflows, the operating capacity of QVI's facility, and FinCanna's ability to earn and realize revenues from its investee companies. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks that the acquisition of 100 % of QVI may not complete as currently anticipated, or at all; and risks identified in the CSE listing statement available at www.SEDAR.com and other reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the respective companies undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: FinCanna Capital Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666205/FinCanna-Portfolio-Company-QVI-Inc-a-Cannabis-Co-Manufacturer-to-Host-Sonoma-County-Growers-Alliance-First-In-Person-Event-in-2021
New data-enhanced instrumentation technologies will improve the accuracy of the results, in line with stringent regulatory requirements, finds Frost & Sullivan

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A range of trends, including rapid population and economic growth, globalization, and urbanization, is driving the demand for food and other goods and services. This demand, in turn, is placing unprecedented pressure on producers to increase production and reduce cycle times. In an environment of enhanced safety consciousness, supply chain stakeholders must adhere closely to all regulations and obtain the required certifications. A sustainable way for stakeholders to resolve these challenges is to adopt next-gen product and sample testing solutions that employ emerging technologies such as automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analysis.

Frost & Sullivan's latest article, Transformation Strategies for Achieving the Environmental and Food Safety Testing Lab of the Future, analyzes the value that automated testing technologies can bring to brands in an era of remote working. It gives labs a deep understanding of the current market environment and where they need to start on the automation lifecycle.

To download the complimentary white paper, please visit: http://frost.ly/6fw

"Industry 4.0 technologies seemed like a pipe dream in laboratory testing services, even until 18 months ago. Although forward-looking analytical instrumentation vendors started infusing advanced automation technologies into their instrumentation, testing labs were yet to be convinced of their business case," observed Kiran Unni, Industrial Technologies| Vice President at Frost & Sullivan. "However, with COVID-19 accelerating the digital transformation of businesses, stakeholders all along the supply chain have begun to adopt robotics and sensors to remotely monitor the testing processes and results.

"As we design our next generation of instruments, we are looking to incorporate more sensing technologies to give users a truly digital experience," noted August Specht, VP of R&D for Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry atThermo Fisher Scientific. "Our solutions will address the customer demand for increased workflow automation through robotics and automated algorithms that can connect the user to the instruments remotely. The testing systems will also meet the need for superior diagnostics, better data access for users all over the world, and remote training for employees and customers."

Overall, testing technologies that simplify remote operations will be pivotal to labs' digital transformation for several reasons:

As food supply chains become global, food testing labs must adhere to local and international governing rules.

Laboratories need to ensure quicker turnaround times to keep pace with demand.

Modern data analysis and software that can generate rapid and accurate reports will expedite flag reviews and enhance the capabilities of the testing laboratory.

A shortage of personnel with the right background and training has intensified the need for more advanced automation technologies.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Jaylon Brinkley

P: +1 210 247 2481

E: Jaylon.Brinkley@frost.com

http://www.frost.com
On 30 September 2021, Aema Groupe acquired Aviva France, after obtaining the necessary authorisations from the regulatory authorities. This large-scale operation places Aema Groupe in the 5th position of the French insurance industry. It concretises the original ambition of Macif and Aesio Mutuelle, founders of Aema Groupe, to build a leading mutual insurance group that now protects over 11 million French people.

'The creation of Aema Groupe was the culmination of the ambition of two companies, Aesio Mutuelle and Macif, to join forces to build a large-scale mutual insurance group capable of offering the broadest possible protection to its policyholders, both today and tomorrow. The acquisition of Aviva France is the first phase in this process. This transaction, which was completed in less than a year and ahead of schedule, demonstrates our ability to build a strong and innovative player that meets the growing needs of society as a whole'. - Adrien Couret - Managing Director of Aema Groupe

An acquisition that confirms the relevance of the Aema Groupe model

Thanks to its economic significance and strategic importance, this transaction brings Aviva France under the French mutual insurance umbrella. Aema Groupe thereby demonstrates its ability to expand and serve a wider range of policyholders (individuals, professionals, self-employed persons, companies) with a comprehensive range of solutions. This multi-brand, multi-network, multi-business group is strengthening its positions in all areas of insurance thanks to its complementary expertise. As a resolutely mutualist group, it will also make the voice of its members and customers heard in the public debate on social issues relating to protection and retirement.

'We are very proud to welcome this fine company as the third pillar of Aema Groupe, alongside Macif and Aesio. With Aviva France, we are creating a leading French mutual insurance group. From now on, Aviva France, supported by its 4,500 employees, will keep growing within our common structure. It will accomplish this while retaining its identity and its specific characteristics, with the same determination to provide increasingly relevant and sustainable insurance solutions to its 3 million policyholders, including the 760,000 members of AFER'. - Pascal Michard, Chairperson of Aema Groupe.

New management for Aviva France

Following the acquisition, Aviva France has formed its new board of directors, which has appointed Jean-Philippe Dogneton as Chairperson and Philippe-Michel Labrosse as Chief Executive Officer of Aviva France.

'In addition to enriching our diversity, the arrival of Aviva France within our group will enhance our diversity and gives us new responsibilities vis-a-vis the policyholders, the members and the clients we deal with on a daily basis. This acquisition will enhance the synergies of skills and expertise and the mutual know-how to enrich our offers and services. We are extremely proud and happy to welcome the Aviva France teams who share our values of solidarity and commitment'. Jean-Philippe Dogneton, Assistant Managing Director of Aema Groupe, Managing Director of Macif and new Chairperson of Aviva France

I would like to thank the Board of Directors of Aviva France for trusting me to anchor the company to Aema Groupe, its new parent company, and to keep it on the path to success with the support of all its employees, networks and partners'. Philippe-Michel Labrosse Managing Director of Aviva France.

Aviva France will be rebranded with a gradual roll-out.

This acquisition involved Lazard as lead M&A advisor, Credit Suisse as financing and M&A advisor, White Case LLP as legal advisor, Kearney for strategy, EY for accounting and financial analysis, Prim'Act for actuarial services, and Fromont Briens for employment law.

Key figures:

14.5 billion euro in turnover;

18,000 employees;

11 million policyholders;

Property Casualty: 5 billion euro in premium income;

Health Personal Protection: 3 billion euro in premium income;

Life business: 6.5 billion euro in premium income;

Assets under management: 195 billion euro.

Leading positions in the business lines:

5th largest insurance company in France;

2nd largest player in home and car insurance;

3rd largest mutual group in individual and group health;

5th largest player in life insurance;

6th largest player in asset management.

About Aema Groupe

Aema is the mutual insurance group formed by the merger of Aesio Mutuelle and Macif.

With more than 11 million policyholders, it employs 18,000 people

and generates a turnover of 14.5 billion euros in France.

Aema Groupe envisions a fairer and more humane world every day by making foresight a central part of the relationship with its members, policyholders and corporate clients.

Find out more: aemagroupe.fr

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005554/en/

Contacts:

Press

Valerie Imparato vimparato@macif.fr +33 6 10 24 48 68

Catherine Meddahi c.meddahi@agence-influences.fr +33 6 08 14 49 70
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Element 29 Resources Inc. (TSXV: ECU) (OTCQB: EMTRF) ("Element 29" or the "Company") announces the results of its Annual General Meeting, provides an update on the current 4,000 metre ("m") drill program at its Elida Copper Project ("Elida") located in central Peru, and announces Richard Osmond, Element 29's Chairman, as Interim CEO.

Annual General Meeting Results

All matters submitted to the shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular, dated August 24, 2021, were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on September 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm PST in virtual format, including:

Election of nominees Richard Osmond, Peter Espig, Patrick Elliott and Michael Doggett to the Board of Directors of the Company;

Re-appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants as auditor for the ensuing year and authorization of directors to fix their remuneration;

Ratification and Approval of the Stock Option Plan; and

Approval of the Share Unit Plan.

The Company would like to thank shareholders for their continued support.

Elida Drill Program

The Phase 1 diamond drill program at Elida (as announced on August 4, 2021) is in progress with the first two holes, totalling 980 m, already completed on Target 1. Assay results from these holes are pending and will be released as soon as they are available. Currently, there are two drill rigs operating at Elida focused on drilling the next two holes into Target 1 (see Figure 1). The second drill rig was mobilized to site and began drilling on September 8, 2021 to help the Company meet its objective of completing the proposed drill program by the middle of Q4, 2021 (see Image 1).

The 4,000 m drill program at Elida is focused on Target 1 and was designed to supplement data from 18 historical drill holes, with the following program objectives:

Achieve a drill hole spacing that is appropriate for estimating a potential mineral resource for a portion of Target 1; Investigate the vertical continuity and zonation of mineralization in Target 1, and; Improve the confidence of mineralization boundaries at Target 1 interpreted from previous drilling and outcrops.

Interim CEO Appointment

With the retirement of Brian Booth on September 25, 2021, the Company's Chairman, Richard Osmond, has stepped in to assume the role of Interim CEO. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Osmond is the best person to steer the Company through this transition given his close knowledge of the projects as well as the Company's strategic objectives.

The search for a new CEO is ongoing and progressing well.

Richard Osmond, Chairman and Interim CEO, states, "We continue to work hard on creating shareholder value from our work programs. We are pleased to report that the drill program at Elida remains on budget and on time with assay results expected in Q4 2021. Likewise, the drill permits for Flor de Cobre, our other highly prospective copper project in Peru, are progressing very well with drilling expected to begin soon after completion of the drill program at Elida."

About Elida

Elida is a porphyry copper-molybdenum exploration project within a property composed of 28 mining concessions totaling 19,210 hectares that are 100% owned by Elida Resources S.A.C., a Peruvian subsidiary of Element 29. The property contains a large, 2 x 2 kilometre ("km") alteration system enclosing a cluster of porphyry centres that represent five distinct exploration targets. A first-pass drill program consisting of 18 diamond drill holes totaling 9,880 m completed in 2014/15 identified significant copper, molybdenum, and silver mineralization associated with a quartz monzonite porphyry stock at Target 1. The remaining four large targets are untested. Under the current drill permit, the Company can elect to drill test all identified targets.

The Elida project is located in central Peru, approximately 85 km inland from the Pacific coast at moderate elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 m and close to transportation and power infrastructure, including a 45 mega-watt hydroelectric generation facility situated 15 km from the project.

Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Paul Johnston (P.Geo.), the Company's Vice President of Exploration, who is Element 29's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

About Element 29 Resources Inc.

Element 29 Resources Inc. is an emerging copper exploration and development company focused on advancing its portfolio of Peruvian projects towards development in one of the lowest-risk mining jurisdictions in the world. Element 29's growth strategy is led by our strong board and management, who have a proven track record of discovery and delivering significant value to our shareholders.

The Company's principal objective is to explore and develop its flagship Flor de Cobre porphyry Cu-Mo project located in southern Peru, 26 km southeast from Freeport-McMoRan's Cerro Verde Cu-Mo mine. At the same time, the Company intends to build on its potential copper inventory with continued exploration on its Flor de Cobre project as well as its remaining 22,000 ha of mining concessions in Peru including the recently discovered Elida porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag system located in central Peru and 85 km from the coast. Both projects are well located for future mine development and will benefit from nearby infrastructure including roads, powerlines, ports, water, and a skilled workforce.

More information is available at www.e29copper.com.

For more information:

David Jan

Investor Relations

1-888-246-7881

info@e29copper.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "Forward-looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute Forward-looking Statements. Words such as "will", "intends", "proposed" and "expects" or similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Forward looking Statements in this press release include statements related the Company's resource properties, and the Company's plans, focus and objectives.

Forward-looking Statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include uncertainties related to fluctuations in copper and other commodity prices, uncertainties inherent in the exploration of mineral properties, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other risk factors set forth in the Company's prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Element 29 to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any Forward-looking Statement. Any Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Figure 1: Target 1 showing existing and planned drill holes. The horizontal projection of mineralized intervals is shown as grey bands on the existing drill holes.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7414/98102_002db8ad1453daba_001full.jpg







Image 1. Two drill rigs operating on Target 1 at Element 29's Elida copper project.

To view an enhanced version of Image 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7414/98102_002db8ad1453daba_002full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98102
- Need to serve patients suffering from chronic diseases to reduce burden on hospitals and healthcare clinics creates opportunities

- Adoption of advanced imaging equipment such as PET-CT scan in mobile hospital units in the U.S. makes North America a significant market for mobile hospitals

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing need for medical assistance, inadequate availability of static medical centers at remote locations, and renovations of existing hospitals are some of the key factors driving the mobile hospitals market. Mobile hospitals are an extension of a hospital or a clinic that have emerged to be a viable solution for treating isolated and underserved populations. Mobile hospitals also play a role in coordination during emergencies such as accidents and natural calamities. The growing government funding to expand healthcare services is also providing impetus for the development of mobile hospitals.

The role of mobile hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened the effectiveness of the model for healthcare services on the wheels. Mobile hospitals served to be the medium to reach out to COVID-19 patients that did not have access to medical care at fixed locations. These services improved assistance in tracking and testing critical care patients, improved support for registering health reports and medical appointments, and increased the overall rate of patient care. Owing to this, governments are evaluating if mobile hospitals can be an extension of healthcare services in general.

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The mobile hospitals market is anticipated to reach the valuation of US$ 52.8 Bn by 2031.

Mobile Hospitals Market - Key Findings of Report

Demonstrated Effectiveness for Emergency Healthcare for War, Natural Calamities-afflicted Individuals Manifests Growth

The effectiveness and service rendered via mobile hospitals for calamities and wars have magnified the confidence for them to be part of mainstream healthcare services. The outbreak of diseases and incidence of injury during situations of crisis requires emergency medical care to prevent it from deteriorating. The unavailability of regular healthcare services at remote and interior locations bank upon mobile healthcare to serve the affected. This manifests the demand in the mobile hospitals market.

The need to serve the armed forces at combat sites for healthcare emergencies is expanding the growth horizon of mobile hospitals market. Mobile hospitals for the armed forces have evolved considerably from predecessor military field hospitals equipped to render emergency procedures. This involves significant design consideration of mobile hospitals to serve the armed forces.

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With advancements in transportation and improved logistics for movement of emergency vehicles, the positioning of mobile hospitals has become easier. This will be favorable for the mobile hospitals market.

Need to Support Mainstream Health Services to Serve Rising Population with Chronic Diseases Fuels Demand

The rising need for timely healthcare to serve the growing population with chronic diseases is creating opportunities in the mobile hospitals market. Changing lifestyle and rising pollution have led to the surge in incidence of chronic diseases such as COPD and diabetes. Individuals with chronic diseases are subject to sudden attacks that may require immediate healthcare to prevent it from worsening. Mobile hospitals equipped with emergency response teams have emerged to be useful for monitoring vitals of patients in such situations and even transporting them to hospitals for further treatment.

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Rapid urbanization and rampant industrialization in India have led to high incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Government consideration for investing in mobile hospitals in the country to prevent the burden on hospitals will stimulate growth of the mobile hospitals market in Asia Pacific.

North America, however, will continue to account for the leading share of the mobile hospitals market. The adoption of advanced imaging equipment such as PET-CT scan within mobile hospital units in the U.S. will cement growth of the mobile hospitals market in the region.

Mobile Hospitals Market - Growth Drivers

Demand for emergency healthcare services in war combat areas, natural calamities-afflicted regions drives mobile hospitals market

Patient confidence in mobile health services during COVID-19 to prevent the risk of infection at static hospitals to strengthen growth of the mobile hospitals market

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Mobile Hospitals Market - Key Players

Some of the key players operating in the mobile hospitals market are Alvo Medical Aspen Medical, Saba Palaye, Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, U-PROJECT, La Clinica Health Centers, CGS Premier, Lamboo Medical, Vetter GmbH, EMS Healthcare Ltd., Coastal Community Health Services.

Global Mobile Hospitals Market: Segmentation

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Type

Accident & Emergency Care Facility



General Surgery Facility



Diagnostics & Imaging Facility



Specialized Surgery Facility



Dental & Ophthalmic Facility



Others

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Function

Observation



Therapy/Treatment



Consultation



Intensive Care



Others

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Region

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



Germany





U.K.





France





Italy





Spain





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan





Australia & New Zealand

&



Rest of Asia Pacific



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico





Rest of Latin America



Middle East & Africa

&

GCC Countries





South Africa





Rest of Middle East & Africa

Modernization of healthcare in terms of both infrastructure and services have pushed the healthcare industry to new heights, Stay Updated with Latest Healthcare Industry Research Reports by Transparency Market Research:

Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market: The global hospital infection therapeutics market is characterized by increase in incidence of infections of resistance bacteria. The market is witnessing gradual rise in research and development activities to develop novel antibiotics, which are supported by government policies. Hence, the global hospital infection therapeutics market was valued at US$ 14.4 Bn in 2017 and is projected to expand at a significant CAGR of 2.4% from 2018 to 2026.

Healthcare Informatics Market: Companies in the healthcare informatics market are realizing this importance and emphasizing on the role of informaticists whose skills are critical for the judicious use of data in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and among electronic health record vendors.

Hospital Supplies Market: The global hospital supplies market may have grown steadily over the years, due to the rapid developments in the healthcare sector. Hospital supplies are mainly consists of the supplies such as disinfectant and sterilization equipment, transportation and mobility aids equipment, patient examination devices, operating room equipment, and syringes and needles.

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Glass Bonding Adhesives Demand in Asia Pacific to Reflect High Single Digit Growth Over the Forecast Period

The glass bonding adhesives market study by Fact.MR offers compelling insights into key growth drivers and restraints impacting the market through 2031. The survey offers glass bonding adhesives demand outlook and studies opportunities existing in key segments, including product type and end use industry. It also highlights strategies adopted by market players to increase glass bonding adhesives sales

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global glass bonding adhesives market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7% over the assessment period 2020-2030.

Rising demand for glass bonding adhesives from various industries including automotive, aerospace and electronics enabling the market growth. As per a report by United Nations, the global urban population is forecast to increase at 70% by 2050. Urbanization is expected to result in higher demand for construction activities globally, subsequently creating a conducive environment for sales of glass bonding adhesives.

Besides these, increasing preference for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles across the globe is presenting a positive demand outlook. The ability of glass bonding adhesives to offer cost-effective adhesion along with excellent vibrational damping properties is bolstering scope for application in the automotive sector.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=5442

Spurred by the growing demand, leading manufacturers are incorporating polyurethane, silicone, and epoxy among others in the manufacturing of glass bonding adhesives. Access to diverse resources of raw materials will enable sustainable growth in the market through the forecast period.

Availability of labor at affordable cost, expansion of the manufacturing sector, and rising foreign investment will position Asia Pacific as a highly lucrative market. Meanwhile, demand outlook for North America will remain optimistic owing to the presence of robust automotive industry and growing industrialization.

"Spurred by the expansion of building & construction industry, the demand for glass bonding adhesives will continue soaring in the forthcoming years. Apart from this, manufacturers are focusing on introducing new range of products, which will aid the expansion of the market in the coming years," says a Fact.MR analyst

Key Takeaways from Glass Bonding Adhesives Market Survey

Driven by expansion of commercial sector, demand in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a high pace over the forthcoming years.

is anticipated to grow at a high pace over the forthcoming years. Backed by rapid industrialization, North America market for glass bonding adhesives will expand at a high rate in the near future.

market for glass bonding adhesives will expand at a high rate in the near future. Growth prospects are likely to remain positive for Europe market owing to increasing demand from electronics and automotive industries.

market owing to increasing demand from electronics and automotive industries. The demand outlook for China remains optimistic as automotive production continues to pick up pace in the country.

remains optimistic as automotive production continues to pick up pace in the country. Based on type, the demand for UV curable glass bonding adhesives is surging at a rapid pace due to their flexibility and high adhesion capacity.

Key Drivers

Increasing demand from automotive sector is propelling glass bonding adhesives sales.

Growing demand for green and sustainable adhesives is catering to the glass bonding adhesives market growth.

To learn more about Glass Bonding Adhesives Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=5442

Competitive Landscape

Glass bonding adhesives manufacturers are focusing on new product offerings to enhance their product portfolio. Besides this, market players are focusing on acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen their footprint.

For instance, in 2017, H.B. Fuller announced the acquisition of Royal Adhesives & Sealants for $ 1.575 billion. This acquisition makes H.B. Fuller the world's largest provider of adhesives for insulating glass and commercial roofing applications along with expanding Fuller's product offering in engineering, durable assembly and construction adhesives.

Ashland announced the launch of its new adhesives called Purethane Water-based Laminating Adhesives, designed for bond laminating of flexible packaging materials.

Some of the leading players operating in the glass bonding adhesives market profiled by Fact.MR are:

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA ( Germany )

) H.B. Fuller Company (U.S.)

Sika AG ( Switzerland )

) Dymax Corporation (U.S.)

3M (U.S.)

(U.S.) DowDuPont (U.S.)

KIWO ( Germany )

More Valuable Insights on Glass Bonding Adhesives Market

Fact.MR, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global glass bonding adhesives market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2020 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on glass bonding adhesives market with detailed segmentation:

Type

UV Curable

Epoxy

Cyanoacrylate

Polyurethane

Silicone

Others

End-use Industry

Building & Construction

Automotive & Transportation

Electrical & Electronics

Healthcare

Industrial Assembly

Woodworking

Others

Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia & ASEAN

& ASEAN Oceania

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Key Questions Covered in the Glass Bonding Adhesives Market Report

The market survey also highlights projected sales growth for glass bonding adhesives market between 2020 and 2030

The report offers insight into glass bonding adhesives demand outlook for forecast period 2020-2030

Glass bonding adhesives market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Glass bonding adhesives market analysis identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Chemical & Materials Domain -

Silicone Adhesives Market- The silicone adhesives market will grow in response to increased demand for sealants with excellent chemical and physical qualities in the construction, automotive, electrical, and electronics industries, among others. Silicone adhesives are increasingly being used for structural metal bonding, external interior trim, and glass bonding, which is projected to help the market gain traction in the near future. Silicones also have exceptional adherence to car wrappings and films. Because of their superior conductive qualities, silicone adhesives will continue to gain popularity, particularly in the electronics industry.



Construction Adhesive Market- End-user need for heat- and moisture-resistant adhesives, as well as quick-fixing adhesives, continues to fuel construction adhesive demand. The building business has expanded dramatically during the last few decades. Construction adhesive is used by construction businesses for water proofing, repairing leaky roofs, and other uses. Construction adhesive is being used to replace traditional methods of material attaching such as nuts and bolts, wood glue, and contact cement. In addition, rising investment in commercial developments in developing countries has boosted construction adhesive demand.

UV Cured Adhesives Market- The electronics and medical sectors, which account for the majority of the industry, are driving growth in the UV cured adhesives market. Medical applications are expected to drive the market in the short term, due to the demand for UV cured adhesives for quick ventilator assembly lines and swab manufacture. During the short-term forecast period, the gradual adoption of electronics and optical devices is expected to have a domino effect on the growth of the UV cured adhesives market. Overall, the market is expected to grow 2.1X during the forecast period.

About Fact.MR

Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That's why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range - from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & chemical and materials, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we'll be an able research partner.

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DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SAIC Motor autonomous new energy concept car "Kun" - Star Exhibits of China Pavilion at 2020 Expo Dubai, was virtually unveiled at the Shanghai World Expo Museum.

Dubai Expo will officially open on October 1st; SAIC Motor latest concept car "Kun" will form the most dazzling exhibition items together with China Beidou Satellite and China High-speed Railway, demonstrating the powerful innovative strength and unique technological charm of China's high-end manufacturing to the world. At the same time, SAIC Motor's self-owned brands MG and MAXUS will provide latest models as the official designated vehicles for the China Pavilion during the Expo.

A vision of "Smart Mobility" for a better life

The World Expo, with a long history of more than 160 years, is known as the "Olympic event in the economic, technological and cultural circles" and has become a global stage for displaying new concepts, new ideas and new technologies. "Everything starts with the World Expo." The trains, lights, telephones, airplanes, highways and other technologies and concepts that were first launched at the World Expo have gradually entered people's daily lives and have strongly promoted the continuous progress of human society.

At the 2010 Expo Shanghai, SAIC Motor built an automobile enterprise pavilion, depicting a desirable picture of "Direct to 2030" with zero emissions, zero traffic accidents, stay away from dependence on oil and away from traffic jams.

At 2020 Expo Dubai, SAIC Motor will bring the "Kun" concept jointly created by the forward-looking design teams of Shanghai and London. Citing the legend of "leviathan" in Zhuangzi's Carefree Soaring, inspired by "the world and China, the mountain and the sea", the concept "Kun" integrates bio-intelligence interaction, photosynthetic energy, zero-gravity seat, holographic image interaction and advanced autonomous driving technologies, presents a beautiful picture of smart mobility that is not limited by space in the future and the fusion of human and vehicle environments. It will bring a unique experience of "a glance at technology, a glance at the future, and a glance at China" to the Expo's global audience.

A "green and smart" Chinese brand image

SAIC Motor is representing China's automobile industry and actively establishes a "green and intelligent" innovative image at the Expo Dubai. SAIC Motor has established a global automotive industry chain including R&D, marketing, logistics, parts, manufacturing, finance, second-hand cars and etc. Its products and services are welcomed by more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

Relying on the advantages of innovative technologies such as new energy vehicles and intelligent networking, SAIC Motor is actively creating differentiated international competitiveness. From January to August this year, sales in overseas markets exceeded 370,000 units, with a year-on-year increase of 106.4%, ranking No. 1 in overseas sales of Chinese auto companies. Among them, MG brand reached 182,000 units with an increase of 83.9% year-on-year. MG Sales in developed countries accounted for nearly 40% and winning the "China Single Brand Overseas Sales Champion". The NEV sales of self-owned brands in developed European countries was nearly 19,000, a year-on-year increase of 133%, ranking in the forefront of vehicle segments in countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. At the same time, the "i-Smart" intelligent networking system has been popular among consumers in Thailand, India, Indonesia and other countries. It has been used on more than 30 overseas models and has activated more than 130,000 users.

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LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB:TGCB), an emerging developer of proactive cyber threat intelligence applications and solutions, today announced that the Company has been invited to present at the Fall Harvest - Best Ideas from the Buy-Side conference, which is being held virtually on October 5 - 8, 2021. Shannon Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Tego Cyber, will present at the conference.

Tego Cyber is scheduled to present on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 9:30 AM Eastern Time. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay: here. Management will be available for one-on-one meetings to be held throughout the conference.

To receive additional information, request an invitation or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, please email angie.goertz@issuerdirect.com.

Investors can register here.

About the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Harvest Best Ideas Conference

The MicroCap Rodeo is back with its "Best Ideas" conference. This conference is a virtual conference that brings you the top 36 best ideas from the buy side. Qualified institutional investors recommended each of the 36 companies represented as one of their best ideas.

About Tego Cyber Inc.

Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB:TGCB, "the Company") was created to capitalize on the emerging cyber threat intelligence market. The Company has developed a cyber threat intelligence application that integrates with top end security platforms to gather, analyze, then proactively identify threats to an enterprise network. The Tego Threat Intelligence Platform (TTIP) takes in vetted and curated threat data and after utilizing a proprietary process, the platform compiles, analyzes, and then delivers that data to an enterprise network in a format that is timely, informative, and relevant. The threat data provides additional context including specific details needed to identify and counteract threats so that security teams can spend less time searching for disparate information. The first version of the TTIP will integrate with the widely accepted SPLUNK platform to provide real-time threat intelligence to macro enterprises using the SPLUNK architecture. The Company plans on developing future versions of the TTIP for integration with other established SIEM systems and platforms including: Elastic, IBM QRadar, AT&T Cybersecurity, Exabeam, and Google Chronical. For more information, please visit www.tegocyber.com.

Tego Contact: Tego Cyber Inc.

8565 S Eastern Avenue, Suite 150

Las Vegas, Nevada 89123

USA

Tel: 855-939-0100 (North America)

Tel: 725-726-7840 (International)

Email: info@tegocyber.com

Web: tegocyber.com

Facebook: facebook.com/tegocyber

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tegocyber

Twitter: twitter.com/tegocyber Tego Investor Relations: Crescendo Communications, LLC

Tel: 212-671-1020

Email: TGCB@crescendo-ir.com SOURCE: Tego Cyber Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666175/Tego-Cyber-To-Present-at-Microcap-Rodeos-Fall-Harvest--Best-Ideas-From-the-Buy-Side-on-Tuesday-October-5-2021
A record 16,010 tonnes of copper produced in the month ended September 20

More than 46,750 tonnes of copper produced year-to-date to September 20

2021 production guidance range for copper in concentrate raised to 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes

Floated concentrate grade improved to 55.7% copper; average plant flotation recovery increased to 85.1%; both nearing nameplate design

Phase 2 concentrator construction now more than 50% complete

Mining crews delivered 384,000 tonnes of ore grading 5.58% copper in September, including 141,000 tonnes grading 7.32% copper from the centre of the Kakula Mine

Surface ore stockpiles continue to grow; now hold 3.66 million tonnes grading 4.73% copper, containing more than 173,000 tonnes of copper

Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairs Robert Friedland and Yufeng "Miles" Sun announced that ramp-up of Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 1, 3.8 million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) concentrator plant continues to advance ahead of schedule, with 319,795 tonnes of ore milled in September, exceeding the monthly design run rate of 316,667 tonnes at an average feed grade of 6.0% copper.

A total of 16,010 tonnes of copper in concentrate were produced (filtered product) and a total of 16,503 tonnes floated in the reporting month ended September 20th - Kamoa Copper's fourth full month of production - establishing a new monthly record and nearing the Phase 1 target output of 16,666 tonnes per month, or 200,000 tonnes per annum. The difference between filtered and floated copper is approximately 500 tonnes in inventory in the concentrate thickener and the filter feed tank.

The average floated concentrate copper grade in September improved to 55.7%, up from approximately 48% in August. A total of 46,764 tonnes of copper in concentrate had been produced year-to-date as of September 20, 2021, for delivery to either the Lualaba Copper Smelter near Kolwezi, or to international markets.

Copper flotation recoveries improved to an average of 85.1% during September, up from an average of 83% during August. The Phase 1, steady-state-design copper recovery is approximately 86%, depending on ore feed grade.

A daily record copper recovery of 88.3% was achieved on September 12th and a daily floated copper production of 721 tonnes was achieved on September 15th. Subsequent to the reporting period, a daily milling record of 12,596 tonnes and a daily crushing record of 14,778 tonnes were achieved on September 27th.

Chart 1: Cumulative tonnes of copper produced May 2021 to September 20, 2021. The August total has been adjusted to reflect cumulative copper produced to August 20, 2021 (the new monthly reporting cut-off date).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/98125_9c42f7a8846f69af_002full.jpg

Mark Farren, Kamoa Copper's CEO, commented on September's operating performance: "The Kamoa-Kakula team has worked tirelessly to bring the Phase 1 concentrator to steady-state performance. We are very pleased with the September results, where we exceeded steady-state design parameters for ore throughput and were close to achieving steady-state design copper recovery and monthly copper production.

"There are a number of additional adjustments being incorporated into the Phase 1 processing circuit, which will enable the concentrator to achieve better results in the next quarter. These adjustments, which also will be incorporated into the Phase 2 processing circuit, should position us to achieve 2021 copper production in the upper end of our previous guidance of 80,000 to 95,000 tonnes. This gives us the confidence to raise the range to 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes.

"Mining production was steady at 384,000 tonnes produced from the Kakula and Kansoko mines. The mining teams now are well established and are able to consistently outperform our internal budget. We have established a solid base of skilled and motivated Congolese workers, who no doubt will carry us through the ramp-up of Phase 2 and subsequent expansions of our mining footprint. It also is encouraging to note that the Phase 2 concentrator construction remains solidly ahead of schedule and on budget."

Ivanhoe's production guidance for contained copper in concentrate at Kamoa-Kakula in 2021 has been raised to 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes. The figures are on a 100%-project basis and metal reported in concentrate is prior to refining losses or deductions associated with smelter terms. The guidance assumes ramp-up continues in line with published technical disclosures.

Performance guarantee tests were successfully completed on the Phase 1 concentrator plant during the first three days of September. The performance tests involved a 72-hour continuous run at steady-state design, or above, ore throughput and grind.

Kamoa-Kakula is fast tracking the commissioning of an additional concentrate filter, which has been installed alongside the Phase 1 filter, to be able to take advantage of copper feed grades and milling rates in excess of design parameters. The additional concentrate filter is expected to be fully operational in early October 2021, enabling the Phase 1 concentrator to produce more copper than its design capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes per year.

Watch a new video showcasing the ramp-up of copper production at Kamoa-Kakula and the production of blister copper at the local Lualaba Copper Smelter: https://vimeo.com/618907781/0e2fd0ca11

Phase 2 concentrator plant overall construction more than 50% complete, with the current focus on structural steel, mechanical, piping and platework (SMPP) erection and installation

Construction of the second 3.8-Mtpa concentrator plant (Phase 2) is progressing well, with the overall project more than 50% complete; engineering and procurement activities are effectively complete with fabrication at 86% complete. Civil construction works also are effectively complete, with the focus now on erection of structural steel and the installation of platework and equipment. A 400-tonne crane (the largest in the DRC) has arrived on site and has been used to lift the tailings thickener rake into position. The crane also will shortly be used to install the ball mills, the ball mill shells, girth gear and ball mill ends, all of which are on site.

The bulk of the 2,193 tonnes of structural steel and the 570 tonnes of platework is on site and the bulk of the 18,644 metres of piping is en route to site. The six-kilometre tailings return water piping has been delivered to site and installation is nearing completion. More than 418 truckloads of Phase 2 construction equipment and materials already have been delivered to site and another 49 truckloads are en-route. The Phase 2 concentrator remains on track for completion in Q3 2022.

Commissioning of the Phase 1 backfill is advancing well with C4 (hot commissioning) activities. More than 7,250 cubic metres of paste backfill have been pumped to an underground trial stope in the Kakula Mine.

The two time-lapsed videos below highlight Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 2 construction efforts, including lifting the ball mills, flotation cells and the tailings thickener.

Video 1: https://vimeo.com/616144971/c0c90f41cf

Video 2: https://vimeo.com/616147092/a718a29b98

Installation of the Phase 2 ball mills is advancing quickly.



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The first six flotation cells for the Phase 2 concentrator have been installed, with installation of the Phase 2 ball mills underway in the background.

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Members of the construction team with a section of a Phase 2 ball mill shell.

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Lifting the Phase 2 secondary screen pan feeder into place.

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Mechanic Kabuanga Clement installing a safety railing inside the Phase 2 high-pressure-grinding-rolls (HPGR) stockpile tunnel.

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Nadege Santos, Construction Secretary (left), and Doralie Kona, Construction Engineer in training, at the Phase 2 concentrator plant.

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A 3D rendering of the Phase 2 flotation cells under construction alongside the Phase 1 flotation cells. The picture below shows current construction progress of the Phase 2 cells, which is 52% complete.

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A 3D rendering of the Phase 2 high-pressure-grinding-rolls (HPGR) plant under construction alongside the operating Phase 1 HPGR plant. The picture below shows current construction progress of the Phase 2 plant, which is 54% complete.

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A 3D rendering of the Phase 2 high-pressure-grinding-rolls (HPGR) plant under construction alongside the operating Phase 1 HPGR plant. The picture below shows current construction progress of the Phase 2 plant, which is 71% complete.

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Mining continues ahead of schedule, adding to the surface ore stockpiles

A total of 384,000 tonnes grading 5.58% copper was mined during the period from August 21 to September 20, including 141,000 tonnes grading 7.32% copper from the Kakula Mine's high-grade centre and 36,000 tonnes grading 4.89% copper from the Kansoko Mine.

The project's surface stockpiles now contain approximately 3.66 million tonnes of high-grade and medium-grade ore at an estimated, blended average of 4.73% copper. Contained copper in the stockpiles at the end of August now totals more than 173,000 tonnes (the current copper price is approximately US$9,200 per tonne).

In September, crews began transporting high-grade ore from the surface stockpile near the Kakula southern decline directly to the Phase 1 concentrator plant or to the main surface stockpiles near the Kakula northern decline.

Chart 2: Cumulative tonnes and grade of ore stockpiles at the Kakula and Kansoko mines - May 2020 to September 2021.

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Chart 3: Growth in contained copper in ore stockpiles at the Kakula and Kansoko mines - May 2020 to September 2021.

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The Kakula Mine, concentrator plants and main ore stockpiles at Kakula's northern declines (in red circle). The blended stockpiles currently contain approximately 1.80 million tonnes grading 5.04% copper.

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The Kakula southern decline and ore stockpiles containing a combined 1.33 million tonnes grading 4.65% copper (consisting of 602,000 high-grade tonnes @ 6.19% copper and 732,000 medium-grade tonnes @ 3.39% copper).

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The Kansoko Mine and ore stockpiles containing a combined 521,000 tonnes grading 3.88% copper (consisting of 162,000 high-grade tonnes @ 5.82% copper and 359,000 medium-grade tonnes @ 3.00% copper).

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Figure 1: Underground development completed at Kakula Mine to September 28, 2021 (in black).

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Kakula is projected to be the world's highest-grade major copper mine, with an initial mining rate of 3.8 Mtpa at an estimated, average feed grade of more than 6.0% copper over the first five years of operations, and 5.9% copper over the initial 10 years of operations. Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 200,000 tonnes of copper per year, while the Phase 2 expansion is forecast to increase production to approximately 400,000 tonnes of copper annually. The project is on track to complete the Phase 2 expansion in Q3 2022. Based on independent benchmarking, the project's phased expansion scenario to 19 Mtpa would position Kamoa-Kakula as the world's second-largest copper mining complex, with peak annual copper production of more than 800,000 tonnes.

The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0.8%) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (20%). A 2020 independent audit of Kamoa-Kakula's greenhouse gas intensity metrics performed by Hatch Ltd. of Mississauga, Canada, confirmed that the project will be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of copper produced.

Study work advancing to accelerate Phase 3 mine and concentrator expansion

Study work for the Phase 3 mine and concentrator expansion is underway, which includes optimization work to determine mining production capacity and costs at the various mining areas on the Kamoa-Kakula complex, including expanded facilities at the Kansoko Mine, Kamoa North (including the Bonanza Zone) and Kakula West.

This work also will determine the optimal sizing of the Phase 3 concentrator, which was outlined as a further expansion of 3.8 Mtpa in the Kamoa-Kakula Integrated Development Plan announced in September 2020. In addition, the studies will take into consideration the expected timeline for the upgrade of turbine 5 at the Inga II hydropower complex to provide 162 megawatts of renewable hydropower, as well as the construction of a direct-to-blister smelter.

Once the optimization work is completed, Kamoa Copper will advance into a more detailed phase of design and engineering work with its objective to accelerate the Phase 3 concentrator expansion.

Pipe fitters Thara Ngoie (left) and Fanfan Kapepe installing pumps in the new pumping station at the Kansoko Mine.

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(L-R) Kamoa Copper's Pontien Kalala, Jan Strydom and Mark Farren inspecting the first mined-out stope in the Kakula Mine being filled with paste backfill. Approximately 50% of the tailings are mixed with cement and pumped back underground to fill mined-out tunnels.

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Mwadingusha hydropower plant fully operational and providing enough clean electricity for Kamoa-Kakula's phases 1 and 2; Kamoa Copper's green energy focus now shifting to the Inga II hydropower plant as the source of additional clean electricity for Kamoa-Kakula expansions

All six new turbines at the Mwadingusha hydropower plant now have been synchronized to the national electrical grid, with each generating unit producing approximately 13 megawatts (MW) of power, for a combined output of approximately 78 MW.

Kamoa-Kakula's energy company has agreed to assist with the maintenance of the Mwadingusha turbines and a maintenance agreement between the state-owned power company SNEL and Ivanhoe Mines Energy is being drafted.

The Mwadingusha hydropower refurbishment project was awarded the 'Best Public- Private Partnership Project of the Year' at the recent 2021 DRC Energy Conference in Lubumbashi, organized by the Federation des Enterprise du Congo (the DRC Business Federation).

Ivanhoe Mines' Louis Watum (left) and Bosco Kayombo, CEO of SNEL (right), receiving the award for the 'Best Public-Private Partnership Project of the Year' from Eve Bazaiba, Deputy DRC Prime Minister (centre).

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In early August 2021, Kamoa-Kakula's energy company signed an extension of the existing financing agreement with SNEL to upgrade turbine 5 at the Inga II hydropower complex. Since June 2021, rehabilitation scoping works and technical visits have been conducted by Stucky Ltd., of Renens, Switzerland, and Voith Hydro of Heidenheim, Germany, a leading engineering group. Voith, the contractor for the turbine 5 upgrade, has successfully rehabilitated two turbine generators at the adjoining Inga I hydropower plant, a project that was financed by the World Bank.

Early works related to the removal of sand from area around turbine 5 is in progress, which will allow the engineering team to complete the scoping work. Ivanhoe expects to soon be in a position to provide an update on the expected upgrading costs for turbine 5 as well as the expected timeline for completion of the upgrading project.

Turbine 5 is expected to produce 162 MW of renewable hydropower, providing the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and the planned, associated smelter with abundant, sustainable electricity for future expansions.

Kamoa Copper partnership continues COVID-19 vaccination efforts for employees and residents who live in host communities

Kamoa-Kakula has successfully focused on prevention, preparation, and mitigation in managing the risks associated with COVID-19. Large-scale testing, combined with focused preventative measures, ensured that positive cases were quickly identified, isolated, and treated, with cross contamination kept to a minimum. Maintaining this high standard of risk management remains the main focus to prevent future cases.

With the support of the Democratic Republic of Congo government, UNICEF and other stakeholders, Kamoa Copper SA completed its first round of COVID-19 vaccinations in June 2021. In conjunction with the DRC government's extended program of vaccinations, the second round of COVID-19 vaccinations at Kamoa-Kakula commenced in mid-August. The vaccine is available for all Kamoa Copper employees, contractors and residents living in the mine's host communities.

The Kamoa COVID-19 hospital continues to treat patients when required, as construction progresses well for the expansion and upgrade of the primary healthcare wing. Kamoa-Kakula's highly experienced medical team applies the latest medical treatments, supported by a world-leading emergency response and paramedic team.

As the pandemic evolves, the medical team at the Kamoa hospital continues to review and update risk mitigation protocols, while ensuring that new medical advances are investigated and applied to protect the health and safety of employees and community members.

A yellow-billed kite flying above the Kamoa-Kakula Mine. Kamoa Copper is focused on being responsible stewards of the environment, helping to protect the region's flora, fauna and biodiversity.

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Alice Mboy, Kamoa Copper's Senior Community Relations Officer, presenting awards to students at the Muvunda primary school graduation ceremony. The new school in the village of Muvunda is a Kamoa Copper community initiative to increase education opportunities for families living near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.

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Qualified Persons

Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature regarding development scenarios at the Kamoa-Kakula Project in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Amos is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is Kamoa Copper's Head of Projects. Mr. Amos has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

Other disclosures of a scientific or technical nature regarding the stockpiles in this news release have been reviewed and approved by George Gilchrist, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Gilchrist is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Resources of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Gilchrist has verified the other technical data related to the stockpiles disclosed in this news release.

The stockpile grade estimates contained in this release are based upon bulk ore sampling from material being fed to the plant from surface stockpiles, and underground vertical channel sample profiles from recent development. Channel sample profiles are cut approximately 15 metres apart in 1-metre vertical increments across the full vertical exposure using a handheld grinder, with a 100-to-150-gram sample collected. The samples are pulverized at the project's onsite laboratory and analyzed using a portable XRF (pXRF) instrument. Kamoa Copper has routinely analyzed its exploration drill core for copper using pXRF, in addition to analysis at a commercial laboratory using four acid digest and ICP-OES. This data has demonstrated that pXRF results can be relied upon for grade control and run-of-mine sampling. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this news release may not add up precisely.

Ivanhoe has prepared an independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the Kamoa-Kakula Project, which is available on the company's website and under the company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com:

Kamoa-Kakula Integrated Development Plan 2020 dated October 13, 2020, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd., China Nerin Engineering Co., Ltd., DRA Global, Epoch Resources, Golder Associates Africa, KGHM Cuprum R&D Centre Ltd., Outotec Oyj, Paterson and Cooke, Stantec Consulting International LLC, SRK Consulting Inc., and Wood plc.

The technical report includes relevant information regarding the assumptions, parameters and methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Kamoa-Kakula Project cited in this news release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal joint-venture projects in Southern Africa: the development of major new, mechanized, underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula copper discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and at the Platreef palladium-rhodium-platinum-nickel-copper-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kamoa-Kakula began producing copper concentrates in May 2021 and, through phased expansions, is positioned to become one of the world's largest copper producers. Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi are being powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity and are projected to be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of metal produced. Ivanhoe Mines has pledged to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine when large-scale electric, hydrogen and hybrid underground mining equipment become commercially available. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper discoveries on its Western Foreland exploration licences in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.

Information contacts

Investors: Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 / Media: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Such statements include without limitation, the timing and results of: (i) statements regarding Ivanhoe's guidance for contained copper in concentrate expected to be produced by Kamoa-Kakula for 2021 has been tightened to 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes; (ii) statements regarding the expectation that Phase 2 of the project's development when the Kakula concentrator processing capacity doubles to 7.6 Mtpa is to be commissioned in Q3 2022; (iii) statements regarding Kakula is projected to be the world's highest-grade major copper mine, with an initial mining rate of 3.8 Mtpa at an estimated, average feed grade of more than 6.0% copper over the first five years of operations and 5.9% copper over the initial 10 years of operations; (iv) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 200,000 tonnes of copper per year, and Phases 1 and 2 combined are forecast to produce approximately 400,000 tonnes of copper per year; (v) statements regarding based on independent benchmarking, the project's phased expansion scenario to 19 Mtpa would position Kamoa-Kakula as the world's second largest copper mining complex, with peak annual copper production of more than 800,000 tonnes; (vi) statements regarding Kamoa-Kakula will be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of copper produced; (vii) statements regarding the adjustments being incorporated into the Phase 1 processing circuit should position Kamoa-Kakula to achieve 2021 copper production in the upper end of the previous guidance of 80,000 to 95,000 tonnes; (viii) statements regarding approximately one half of the mine's tailings will be sent back underground; and (ix) statements regarding an upgraded turbine 5 at Inga II is expected to produce 162 megawatts of renewable hydropower, providing the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and associated smelter with abundant sustainable electricity for future expansions.

As well, all of the results of the Kakula definitive feasibility study, the Kakula-Kansoko pre-feasibility study and the Kamoa-Kakula preliminary economic assessment, constitute forward-looking statements or information, and include future estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future production, estimates of cash cost, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, estimates of capital and operating costs and the size and timing of phased development of the projects. Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Project, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include: (i) the adequacy of infrastructure; (ii) geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in regulations; (xii) the compliance by joint venture partners with terms of agreements; (xiii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiv) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; (xv) the ability to raise sufficient capital to develop such projects; (xvi) changes in project scope or design; and (xvii) political factors.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed below and under "Risk Factors", and elsewhere in this release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.

The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth below in the "Risk Factors" section in the company's 2021 Q2 MD&A and its current annual information form.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Appia Energy Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I.F) (FSE: A0I.MU) (FSE: A0I.BE) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce that the Company has retained the services of consultants Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited ("WGM") based in Toronto as advisors to the Alces Lake Rare Earth Element (REE) Project. WGM will be monitoring progress on the project pursuant to issuing a technical report (National Instrument 43-101) following the conclusion of the current exploration program later this year.

With a wide base of international experience spanning 60 years, WGM is well known for its expertise in exploration and mine development. The WGM project team comprises geologists, metallurgical engineers and minerals economists with significant experience related to exploration for rare earths and the related concentration, processing, production and marketing of rare earth products. All are Qualified Persons in accordance with National Instrument 43-101guidelines.

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Al Workman, P.Geo., Vice-President of WGM.

2021 Alces Lake Activity

Approximately 7,200 metres of drilling has been planned to test the near-surface and down-plunge extents of new and existing rare-earth targets and total metreage could exceed 10,000 metres. More than 4,000 metres is dedicated to identifying the depth potential of the WRCB zones and help complete the understanding of this significant discovery. Drilling continues and exploration results will be released as received and analyzed by the company. Analysis of the summer exploration and drilling program will follow and may lead to the preparation of an NI 43-101 (Technical Report with 3D Geophysical-geological Models & Preliminary Economic Assessment) report after the end of the 2021 drilling program. The Alces Lake project encompasses some of the highest-grade total and critical* REEs and gallium mineralization in the world, hosted within a number of surface and near surface monazite occurrences that remain open at depth and along strike.

* Critical rare earth elements are defined here as those that are in short-supply and high-demand for use in permanent magnets and modern electronic applications such as electric vehicles and wind turbines (i.e: neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb)).

About Appia

Appia is a Canadian publicly-listed company in the uranium and rare earth element sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements, gallium and uranium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 83,706 hectares (206,842 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 12,545 hectares (31,000 acres), with rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario.

Appia has 107.9 million common shares outstanding, 128.4 million shares fully diluted.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Drivas, CEO and Director: (cell) 416-876-3957, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) appia@appiaenergy.ca

Frederick Kozak, President: (cellular) 403-606-3165 or (email) fkozak@appiaenergy.ca

Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) fvandewater@rogers.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98129
FN Media Group Presents Microsmallcap.com Market Commentary

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The African Energy Chamber has entered into agreements with the Nigerian government in order to attract new investment into the nation's rich oil resources. The newly-passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is designed to attract further global investment to the Niger Delta, the largest oil-producing region in the continent. New oil corporations such as Decklar Resources Inc. (TSXV:DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF) are following suit and have set up new drilling operations that are prepared for near-term production . Oil investment continues to ramp up worldwide as Africa Oil Corp (TSX:AOI) (OTC:AOIFF) announces promising second quarter results amid growing oil production revenues. As oil prices rise, major oil company ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) has reported a quarterly income just shy of $1 billion and exceeded investor expectations. Oklahoma oil producer Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE:DVN) announced $155 million in dividends for its shareholders as the global energy market continues to expand. Finally, Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) has recently paid out healthy quarterly dividends of $0.90 per share to its investors. New developments in the global oil and gas market are showing growth for investors.

Nigeria Seeks New Investment Through Passing Petroleum Industry Bill

The Nigerian government has been positioning itself to meet the demand of the ever-growing energy market through new legislation. Through the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the nation hopes to attract investment into energy projects through domestic and international companies.

As of today, Nigeria remains the leading oil producer of Africa , with just under 2 million barrels extracted from the Niger Delta every day. Nigerian oil production sits at a value of roughly $143 million per day or $52 billion per year. While most of this production is dominated by foreign oil corporations like Royal Dutch Shell, Decklar Resources Inc. (TSXV:DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF) is taking advantage of unique proven undeveloped opportunities in a unique way. The low-risk energy company is establishing drilling operations over previously discovered and ignored oil deposits in the Delta. Due to the local scale of the operations, the company is partnering with local communities and providing infrastructure development opportunities in the region.

On September 1, Decklar Resources Inc. announced that Oza 1 has been re-entered successfully with old tubing and completion equipment removed, well maintenance performed, and the deeper zones cemented off to isolate them from the target reservoirs. A new wellhead has been installed, the site prepared and production testing equipment installed for the re-completion of the target zones in the Oza-1 well.

Then on September 30, Decklar announced that it has completed initial flow testing of the remaining two target zones, which offered promising well deliverability and commercial flow rates. According to the update, the initial flow testing of the L2.4 sand resulted in a flow rate of 10.3 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day and L2.2 sand resulted in a flow rate of 1,361 bopd. Following successful testing, the company expects the well to be put on commercial production after the completion equipment is installed.

"We are very pleased with these initial test results from the first three target zones of the Oza-1 well re-entry," said Decklar Resources CEO Duncan Blount. "After such promising well deliverability and commercial flow rates, we now look forward to completing the remaining Oza-1 well testing activities as we work towards commencing commercial production."

Decklar Resources also recently closed a purchasing agreement with Purion Energy Limited in order to expand operations into the local Asaramatoru Oil Field, which is also located in OML 11, the same block where Decklar is currently developing the Oza Oil Field. Asaramatoru, which was formerly operated by Shell Petroleum Development Co. of Nigeria, was awarded to Prime and Suffolk by the Nigerian government in 2004 as part of the first Marginal Field Program. Prime and Suffolk reentered the existing two wells and commenced initial production testing activities in 2014, producing an average of 2,700 b/d of oil during intermittent production over 3 years.

Decklar Resources and Prime are now moving forward with a full field development plan that will include expansion of the processing infrastructure to enable handling and processing of up to 20,000 b/d of crude for the expected peak production levels and includes installing a 10 km export flowline from the field to a tie-in point at the Oloma flow station, which is connected to the Bonny export terminal, the largest on the African continent.

Sustainability Initiatives Attracting New Investment to Energy Companies

Decklar Resources Inc. (TSXV:DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF) is spearheading its new oil developments through cooperation with existing oil industry personnel in the Delta. The company has appointed a management team that is focused on sustainable development of infrastructure for communities surrounding the oil fields.

Africa Oil Corp (TSX:AOI) (OTC:AOIFF) recently announced high revenues for Q2 2021 and the receipt of dividends from its 50% acquisition in Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras (NYSE:PBR). Africa Oil Corp has a substantial interest in expanding crude production networks. Its acquisition of Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras is in line with capital flows into the 70% ESG ranked company, a current investment trend reflected in other oil companies.

Along with its net-zero emissions goals, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) has actively pursued more favorable ESG investment metrics in order to attract new capital. The company was recently downgraded in ESG risk from "Severe" to "High" in its measured exposure to social, environmental, and governance issues. The move to decrease ESG risk from the industry leader is being made to capitalize on the recent investment trend.

More companies are following suit, and Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE:DVN) has managed to secure a rank of 27 out of 282 oil and gas producers . This puts the company in the top 9.5% percent of producers in the industry in terms of ESG metrics. This move attracts shareholders who are currently seeking large returns in the energy industry with a relatively lower impact on the environment. More oil companies across the globe are following suit.

Finally, Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) is following up on its goals in its 2020 sustainability report citing a profitable recovery from recent geopolitical turmoil in oil markets. The company seeks to follow new standards for ESG accounting transparency in order to encourage more responsible development in its regional interests. The company is primarily focused on oil production sites in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Proposals of new models for energy production are setting the recent tone for oil and gas development. Decklar Resources Inc. (TSXV:DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF)is following suit through low-risk developments at a local scale in the Niger Delta.

For more information on Decklar Resources Inc. (TSXV:DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF), please click here.

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Media Contact:

FN Media Group, LLC

info@financialnews.com

+1(561)325-8757
September 30, 2021

Unique five-year agreement will help Philadelphia-based health leader integrate and standardize innovative cardiovascular care, helping to deliver on the quadruple aim

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Philadelphia, PA - Royal Philips part of Main Line Health , today announced they have entered a five-year strategic partnership focused on integrated cardiovascular solutions. Working together, Philips and Main Line Health will develop an ecosystem of clinically-enabled cardiovascular solutions that will allow Main Line Health to standardize and integrate technology across its network, helping to unlock patient data for better clinical decisions, while optimizing workflows for a better patient and staff experience. In addition, the partnership aims to help Main Line Health drive predictability and consistency in costs, as well as focus on clinical and technical training.

Providing care to the Philadelphia region and its western suburbs, Main Line Health is committed to delivering advanced medicine to treat and cure disease, while also playing an important role in prevention strategies and disease management. At its core are four of the region's most respected acute care hospitals - Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospitaland Riddle Hospital. Moreover, Main Line Health conducts clinical research in the latest health care innovations and trains physicians and other health care providers to ensure its staff can provide the best, most advanced care to the communities they serve.

"Through this innovative business model, we will have a technology partner who can help us adopt the solutions that will not only help us drive operational efficiency, they will allow us to expand the type of quality care our patients have come to expect," said Trudy Mazzone, MS, BSRT, (R), System Director, Main Line Health Cardiovascular Services and Co-director, Lankenau Heart Institute.

"By partnering with Philips, we will be able to continue our world-class cardiovascular care system-wide, including fully renovating and installing state-of-the-art Philips equipment to provide advanced cardiovascular and neuro care at Bryn Mawr Hospital and Paoli Hospital," said William Gray, MD, System Chief, Cardiovascular Diseases, Main Line Health and Co-director, Lankenau Heart Institute. "This will allow us to define a strategy for the future, adopting novel technology as it evolves."

This long-term strategic partnership will uniquely focus on integrated cardiovascular solutions. As part of the partnership, a dedicated team of Philips solutions architects will work collaboratively with Main Line Health to understand their challenges and develop technology plans around the cardiovascular service line. These technology plans are tailored to their needs with three objectives in mind: clinical, operational and business model innovation.

Philips brings over a century of experience in healthcare, providing best practices in world class facility planning and design, intelligent technology implementation, data analytics and IT integration, and education management, as well as workflow and performance optimization.

"Healthcare technology is evolving at a rapid rate and partnering with Main Line Health will allow us to understand patient needs and workflows, map them to the right solutions and help them to deliver on the quadruple aim," said Vitor Rocha, Market Leader for Philips North America. "Together we can help them keep pace with technology, allowing them to focus on what is most important: providing high quality care, positive patient outcomes and a superior patient experience for their community."

William Gray has a consulting relationship with Philips.

For further information, please contact:

Philips

Silvie Casanova

Philips North America

Tel: +1 781 879 0692

silvie.casanova@philips.com

Joost Maltha

Philips Global Press Office

Tel: +31 610 558 116

Email: joost.maltha@philips.com

Main Line Health

Samantha Krouse

Manager, Communications

Tel: +1 484 580 1059

Krouses@mlhs.org

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips.

About Lankenau Heart Institute

The Lankenau Heart Institute is Main Line Health's premier, comprehensive cardiovascular medicine and surgery program. The Lankenau Heart Institute brings together the clinical expertise of all four Main Line Health acute care hospitals and community cardiology practices to ensure that patients receive a level of quality, service, and experience that is unprecedented in the region. Through the system-wide coordination of services, the Lankenau Heart Institute delivers preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative cardiovascular services at each of our locations including Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital.

Lankenau Heart Institute continues to be a pioneer in the use of beating-heart techniques and robotic-assisted procedures for coronary artery revascularization, minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches for valve repair and replacement, and complex aortic surgeries. With our growing experience and focus on minimally invasive techniques, Lankenau Heart Institute has expanded participation in clinical trials year over year. Our physicians are frequently invited to participate in clinical/medical device trials, many of these designed to facilitate minimally invasive procedures/approaches.

With a collaborative team of expert consultative cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and specially trained nurses and technologists, the Lankenau Heart Institute is dedicated to managing and treating patients with heart failure, aortic disease, coronary and peripheral vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders and valve disease. Our team of cardiologists and cardiac specialists provide patients and their families with expert cardiac care, close to home.

About Main Line Health

Founded in 1985, Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs. Main Line Health's commitment-to deliver advanced medicine to treat and cure disease while also playing an important role in prevention and disease management as well as training physicians and other health care providers-reflects our intent to keep our community and ourselves well ahead. A team of more than 10,000 employees and 2,000 physicians care for patients throughout the Main Line Health system.

At Main Line Health's core are four of the region's most respected acute care hospitals-Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital-as well as one of the nation's recognized facilities for rehabilitative medicine, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital.

Main Line Health also includes Mirmont Treatment Center for drug and alcohol recovery; Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice, which includes skilled home health care, hospice and home infusion services; Main Line Health Centers, primary and specialty care, lab and radiology, and other outpatient services located in Broomall, Collegeville, Concordville, Exton, King of Prussia and Newtown Square; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, a biomedical research organization; and Main Line HealthCare, one of the region's largest multispecialty physician networks.

Main Line Health is the recipient of numerous awards for quality care and service, including System Magnet designation, the nation's highest distinction for nursing excellence and the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE) Excellence Award. Main Line Health is committed to creating an environment of diversity, respect and inclusion and has proudly embraced the American Hospital Association's #123forEquity Pledge to Act to eliminate disparities in care. We are dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, education and research to help our community stay healthy.

Attachments
17 Progressive-Minded CEOs Commit to Diversity, Equity Inclusion Pledge Already

CREW Network has launched the CRE Pledge for Action, an industry-first, CEO-driven initiative that is designed to advance women, and elevate actions that encourage greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the commercial real estate industry. Seventeen CEOs from leading commercial real estate (CRE) industry companies have already made a commitment. By signing on, these progressive business leaders are pledging to take action and hold themselves and their employees responsible for implementing initiatives that advance women and DEI.

"The CREW Network CRE Pledge for Action is a relevant, meaningful and actionable initiative that aligns well with the significant transformation currently underway globally," said Wendy Mann, CREW Network CEO. "CEOs from leading commercial real estate companies understand they must be proactive and quickly act to address this fundamental issue in the workplace. CREW Network applauds those who've joined with us already, and we encourage and urge more firms across the CRE industry to be a part of this ground-breaking initiative."

CRE Pledge for Action CEO Signatories

Holly Neber AEI Consultants

Mark Rose Avison Young

Sonny Kalsi BentallGreenOak

Ric Campo Camden

Bob Sulentic CBRE

Gil Borok (U.S.) and Brian Rosen (Canada) Colliers

Barbi Reuter Cushman Wakefield PICOR

Michael Nolan Fidelity National Financial

Dennis Gilmore First American Title Insurance Company

Eric Frank LightBox

David Taylor Locke Lord

Angela Mago KeyBank

Jonathan Gitlin RioCan

Peter Miller Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Pam Scamardo TPK Properties and The C.R.E.A.T.E. Wealth Network

Larry Heard Transwestern

A growing body of research reveals that stronger business outcomes directly correlate with diverse teams and inclusive workplaces. However, commercial real estate, an industry serving many diverse populations, has a workforce that remains predominately male and white. According to CREW Network, the leading producer of research on gender and diversity in commercial real estate, very little progress has been made in the last five years.

In commercial real estate, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges for women and stalled their progress in the industry. Yet it also presented new opportunities to change the industry culture and remove persistent workplace barriers. CREW Network's latest industry research paper, A Catalyst for Change: COVID-19's Impact on Women in Commercial Real Estate examined the pandemic's impact on women globally and in the industry, especially women of color.

The following insights were taken from CREW Network's July 2021 survey of 1,018 commercial real estate professionals across more than 25 specializations and more than 10 sectors in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada:

54% said they missed out on deals

23% said compensation decreased

78% said they were forced to leave jobs

38% believe the pandemic stalled progress for women

50% said their career priorities have changed

70% of companies created new employee work policies as a result of the pandemic

The 2020 CREW Network Benchmark Study: Gender and Diversity in Commercial Real Estate, conducted in partnership with the MIT Center for Real Estate, had found that:

Women earn 10% less than men in base salaries and 56% less in commission and bonuses annually

Women occupy 37% of the industry

Women hold just 9% of C-suite positions

Only 16% of CRE workplaces have 25% or more staff that are from diverse backgrounds

Understanding these disparities and the lack of progress for women and all forms of diversity in commercial real estate, CREW Network is asking pledge signatories to take action, and in turn, improve performance, drive growth, and enhance employee engagement. The pledge supports the advancement of women and other individuals in underrepresented groups including but not limited to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and age. Each signatory has committed to adopt the following six goals:

Partner with CREW Network to support our mission to transform the industry by advancing women and begin your efforts now to make change. Close the compensation gap in our industry by conducting a pay equity study in your company. Increase inclusion in your company through senior executive sponsorship of women and/or other individuals in underrepresented groups within the company. Advance women to your company's top roles to achieve gender diversity in leadership. Increase diversity in your company and in the industry through intentional recruiting and hiring of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Implement accountability strategies in your company to measure progress.

"These are intentional, meaningful and measurable goals that will have lasting impacts on the industry. By committing to this pledge, CEOs are taking the steps necessary to drive change, and demonstrating that leadership and accountability start at the top," said Mann. "For the commercial real estate industry to become gender balanced and more diverse, we need the hundreds of CEOs in this industry to commit to diversity."

The CRE Pledge for Action is a step toward advancing women and DEI in the commercial real estate industry. Every CEO in the commercial real estate industry is encouraged to sign on and commit to real change. Visit the pledge landing page at crewnetwork.org to learn more about this effort.

About CREW Network

CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network is the premier business network dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. CREW Network members comprise nearly 12,000 professionals in 76+ markets worldwide and represent all disciplines of commercial real estate. Learn more at www.crewnetwork.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005241/en/

Contacts:

Laura Lewis

Chief Communications Officer, CREW Network

785-856-8275

LauraL@crewnetwork.org



Connect Media

Jennifer Little

949-235-7690

jlittle@connectcre.com
Hotwire, the global tech communications consultancy, is welcoming new leaders as the company continues further expansion of its capabilities and adds new, innovative brands to the client roster.

Hotwire is building on its strategic acquisition of McDonald Butler Associates to unlock new possibilities of growth and present clients with a more robust communications offering and access to new skills and services. This new level of communication has been designed to build brand reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver revenue growth, igniting the entire marketing ecosystem and supporting CMOs in growing their businesses.

"Technology and innovation leaders are continuing to manage complexity and are seeking out solutions to support," said Heather Kernahan, global CEO of Hotwire. "This year we took steps to narrow the gaps that exist between marketing and sales with new integrated offerings and strengthened our relationships with clients as they navigated major shifts in their business. We're also working with some amazing new brands and deepening our expertise and leadership across key areas of the business."

New Leaders Support Rapid Growth

Hotwire continues to add senior leaders in strategy, planning, digital and client consulting to its teams across the world. This past quarter key hires have been made in Germany, the U.K., and the U.S.

In Germany, Martin Opercan joined Hotwire as a Senior Director, Strategic Growth and will be responsible for client strategy and planning. Martin brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications and business development and most recently oversaw the Munich office for diffferent.

Rebecca Rhodes and Anastasia Pavolva recently joined the Hotwire U.K. team. Rebecca is Head of Planning and before joining Hotwire, ran her own consultancy, SuperHuman and also previously was Global Chief Creative Officer at Golin. Anastasia is a Strategy Director with experience working in global agencies such as Ogilvy and in brand management at Procter Gamble.

In the U.S., two new Senior Vice Presidents will join the leadership and client services team. Andrea Holland has worked in tech comms across large global brands including Intuit, PayPal and LegalZoom as well as early stage B2C tech startups. Andrea is a PR instructor and author for LinkedIn Learning and most recently ran her own consultancy, DialedPR. She also founded the nation's #1 jobs site for PR professionals looking for remote work, RemotePRJobs. Jessica Heagerty comes to Hotwire from Dell Technologies where she held roles in Analyst Relations and Field Marketing. Jessica started her career working for global brands in leading communications agencies.

Tech Innovators Choose Hotwire to Ignite New Opportunities

As Hotwire continues to provide a new level of communication expertise helping companies build brand reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver revenue growth, it's igniting the entire marketing ecosystem and supporting ambitious companies in growing their businesses.

New clients include fast growing and global innovators who selected Hotwire for its technology and innovation expertise and consultancy approach. Most recently, Hotwire signed on Aircall, BAM Karaoke, Bright Machines, Cobrainer, QA, Rocket App and Splashtop.

Award Winning Client Work and Global Recognition

Hotwire and individuals across the agency continue to gain recognition for leadership and impactful client work. Ludi Garcia, Managing Director of Hotwire Spain, was recently recognized as the #1 most admired communications professional in Spain by SCOPEN and Hotwire was named Best Comms PR consultancy, as voted for by PR professionals working in agencies.

Hotwire's work on Zoomtopia, Zoom's annual conference, received Honorable Mention for Ragan Comms' Media Relations Award for Virtual Event and is shortlisted in the PR report awards.

The company was also recently named in the Propel 100 list as one of the most influential PR agencies in the world in 2021.

Expanding Partnerships in The Tech Ecosystem

Hotwire is partnering with organizations across the world who are working to advance technology innovation and the leaders pushing the industry forward. The company is now a member of Tech UK, which brings together people, companies and organizations to realize the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve.

Hotwire is also a sponsor for Get On Board, which is a week of education and training to prepare women leaders for Board positions. The company is also a sponsor of Alley to the Valley, a community of accomplished women who fast-track business opportunities for each other. Hotwire supports board readiness and women in leadership with Executive Thought Leadership and Media Training and Speaker Readiness services.

To learn more about Hotwire, visit https://www.hotwireglobal.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005562/en/

Contacts:

Hotwire

Kelsey Quickstad

kelsey.quickstad@hotwireglobal.com
GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent weeks, the first hydrogen engine independently developed by GAC was successfully ignited, marking the entry of GAC Group technology into the zero-carbon emission era.

This exciting technology leap also demonstrates the strength of GAC MOTOR's commitment to new energy and a new era for the automobile industry.

Cutting Edge In-House Technology

The zero-carbon emissions engine was independently developed based on GAC's fourth-generation engine technology. GAC Group holds completely independent intellectual property rights to the technology.

Using core hydrogen engine technology as a foundation, GAC R&D Centers optimized the technology with a number of innovations.

These include the newly developed combustion chamber, which improves the mixing process of hydrogen and air, and improvements to the hydrogen supply system, which improves power density and reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage.

The new engine also boasts improved heat dissipation capacity, further minimizing combustion risks. By strengthening engine pistons, piston rings and connecting rods, heat dissipation has been improved in both the cylinder head and cylinder block, a seemingly small change that creates a big improvement in reliability and operation. The target thermal efficiency of this engine is expected to exceed 44%, a leading domestic standard.

Looking to a Greener Hydrogen Future

The stable operation and superior performance output of the GAC hydrogen engine is just one example of the many ways GAC MOTOR is moving towards the manufacturing of the future.

The GAC R&D Centers will continue to carry out thermodynamic calibration and mechanical development of the hydrogen engine, with the eventual aim of loading the entire whole vehicle.

GAC will also work collaboratively to promote industrial chains for hydrogen production, storage and hydrogenation processes. This means promoting the full use of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower, and improving the safety and quality of hydrogen storage.

Craftsmanship in the Detail

Technology innovation and Chinese craftsmanship are two of the core brand values that identify GAC MOTOR as a company.

Continually working away at engine technology, chipping away to improve every aspect of both engine technology and driver experience - this is what makes GAC MOTOR a cutting-edge automobile manufacturer.

With this exciting new leap in engine technology, we're excited to see how much more GAC MOTOR can do to improve the mobile lives of customers around the world.

Let's GO AND CHANGE.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639832/GAC_MOTOR.jpg
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB: TGCB) ("the Company") a company created to capitalize on the emerging cyber threat intelligence market. CEO of the Company, Shannon Wilkinson, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "Tego Cyber is a cyber threat intelligence company," explained Wilkinson. "We created the company to capitalize on the gaps within the emerging cyber threat intelligence market, which is the fastest growing segment within cyber security," she explained. "We've developed a threat intelligence platform that basically integrates into leading security platforms."

"Could you give us a summary of your 10K annual report?" asked Jolly. "We're still considered a development stage company," said Wilkinson. "We've been in R&D so our current revenues are fairly small right now, but our cash position compared to a year ago is much better," said Wilkinson, adding that the Company currently has an excess of $1.5 million. "We had about $583,000 compared to $81,000 a year ago."

"We really think right now with the position that we are in that we have sufficient working capital to finish up the development of our application and get to profitability," continued Wilkinson.

Jolly then asked about the progress of the Company's beta testing. "There will be some really exciting news in the coming weeks," said Wilkinson. "We've completed the beta testing of our first integration of our threat intelligence application," she shared. "We are finalizing the commercial launch as we speak," said Wilkinson. "There was some news recently about a partnership here in Las Vegas with a company here called IONnovate," she said. "We've spun off another development team that will be focused on additional integrations."

"What makes your application special?" asked Jolly. "Tego Cyber provides additional context to the threat data, which turns it into intelligence," said Wilkinson. "The other thing that makes us different is the integration into the SIEM platform," she added. Wilkinson also shared that the Company's application also differs in its ability to look further into cyber security threats after they happen. "If you only look forward, you'll never catch the potential compromise of your network in the past, either weeks or months."

"How do you intend to market your product?" asked Jolly. "We have employed a hybrid sales staff," said Wilkinson, adding that the Company also works with channel partners and consultancies. "We're partnering up with those kinds of partners to basically target the existing Splunk users," explained Wilkinson, before elaborating on the potential of Splunk's existing customer base. "The market's potential as well for this product is exponential."

To close the interview, Wilkinson encouraged listeners and shareholders to learn more about the Company's current projects, as well as the emerging cyber threat intelligence industry, by checking out their website and social media platforms.

To hear Shannon Wilkinson's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7951943-tego-cyber-inc-discusses-results-of-annual-10k-report-and-upcoming-application-commercialization.

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/.

About Tego Cyber Inc.

Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCQB: TGCB) was created to capitalize on the emerging cyber threat intelligence market. The Company has developed a cyber threat intelligence application that integrates with top end security platforms to gather, analyze, then proactively identify threats to an enterprise network. The Tego Threat Intelligence Platform (TTIP) takes in vetted and curated threat data and after utilizing a proprietary process, the platform compiles, analyzes, and then delivers that data to an enterprise network in a format that is timely, informative, and relevant. The threat data provides additional context including specific details needed to identify and counteract threats so that security teams can spend less time searching for disparate information. The first version of the TTIP will integrate with the widely accepted SPLUNK platform to provide real-time threat intelligence to macro enterprises using the SPLUNK architecture. The Company plans on developing future versions of the TTIP for integration with other established SIEM systems and platforms including: Elastic, IBM QRadar, AT&T Cybersecurity, Exabeam, and Google Chronical. For more information, please visit www.tegocyber.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release, those which are not purely historical or which depend upon future events, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future constitute forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also consult the risks factors described from time to time in the Company's Reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Annual Reports to Shareholders.

Tego Contact:

Tego Cyber Inc.

8565 S Eastern Avenue, Suite 150

Las Vegas, Nevada 89123

USA

Tel: 855-939-0100 (North America)

Tel: 725-726-7840 (International)

Email: info@tegocyber.com

Web: tegocyber.com

Facebook: facebook.com/tegocyber

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tegocyber

Twitter: twitter.com/tegocyber

Tego Investor Relations:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

Tel: 212-671-1020

Email: TGCB@crescendo-ir.com

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

(602) 821-1102

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98128.
Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - International Prospect Ventures Ltd. (TSXV: IZZ) ("International Prospect" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jason Libenson to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Libenson has been involved in the financial services sector over the last ten years, where he served in senior roles for various asset managers. He has experience raising capital for junior mining companies through different investment vehicles such as mutual funds, hedge funds and flow-through funds. Mr. Libenson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University and resides in Toronto.

The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Libenson will further complement the Board's abilities as the Company moves forward, and extends him a warm welcome.

Jason Libenson added, "I am very happy to join Glenn Mullan and his experienced Board of Directors at International Prospect Ventures. I want to play a vital role in developing the Company's gold interests in Australia and Uranium projects in Canada."

The Company's Board has granted incentive stock options to its directors, officers, employees and consultants entitling the purchase of an aggregate 700,000 common shares at a per share price of $0.15 for a period of 3 years.

About International Prospect Ventures Ltd.

International Prospect Ventures is a junior mineral exploration company that primarily holds interests in mining claims located in the eastern Pilbara Region, Western Australia, within an area southeast of Karratha where multiple early-stage gold discoveries have been reported. The Company's other assets include a 100% interest in the Matoush-Otish Mountain Uranium Project, located in the Otish Basin, Quebec, a 100% interest in the Porcupine Miracle Gold Prospect, consisting of nine mining claim cells located in Langmuir Township, Ontario, and a 100% interest in the Beartooth Island Uranium Prospect, Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. International Prospect Ventures continues to evaluate additional opportunities.

For additional information, please contact:

Martin Walter

President/CEO

2864 chemin Sullivan

Val-d'Or, Quebec J9P 0B9

Tel.: 416-389-5692

Email: martin.walter@iprospectventures.ca

Jason Libenson

Director

Tel.: 647-534-9884

Website: www.iprospectventures.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98105
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Graphano Energy Ltd. (TSXV: GEL) (the "Company") is pleased to confirm initiation of public trading.

Graphano Energy is an energy metals company focusing on mining opportunities that exploit the current Electric Vehicle Revolution. EV manufacturers and associated battery companies are looking for supply chains as it relates to graphite, lithium, nickel and manganese.

According to a new market research report published by Meticulous Research [1], the electric vehicle market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.6 % from 2020 to 2027 to reach $2,495.4 billion by 2027. In terms of volume, this market is expected to reach 233.9 million units by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 21.7% from 2020. This growth in electric vehicles production is expected to fuel a significant demand for battery minerals like lithium and graphite.

The company's current principal asset is the Lac Aux Bouleaux (LAB) Graphite Property, which lies adjacent to the south border of TIMCAL's Lac des Iles graphite mine in Quebec which is a world class deposit and was producing 25,000 tonnes of graphite annually. There are several graphite showings and past producing mines in its vicinity. Graphite is commonly found in the Grenville Province rocks throughout this region and has been commercially mined from a number of deposits located between Mount Laurier in the north to the Ottawa River in the south. Prospecting, mapping, trenching, ground geophysical surveying and sampling is currently underway and initial results will be provided shortly.

Luisa Moreno, CEO comments: "We are thrilled to finally be trading and getting on the path to building shareholder value. We have a solid graphite asset which serves as a foundation for building an energy metals portfolio. The company intends to seek out other opportunities with an energy metals theme and technology around EV batteries.

Please refer to our website at Graphano.com for a detailed and comprehensive corporate profile.

About Graphano Energy

Graphano Energy Ltd. is a mining company that is focused on evaluating, acquiring and developing energy metals resources from exploration to production.

Graphite is one of the most in-demand technology minerals that is required for a green and sustainable world. Our property, located in Quebec, Canada, has historically been an active area for natural graphite. With the demand for graphite growing in some of the most prominent and cutting-edge industries, such as lithium batteries in electric cars and other energy storage technologies, we are developing our project to meet the demands of the future.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Luisa Moreno

CEO and Director

graphano@gmail.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.

[1] Meticulous Research, April 2021, "Electric Vehicles (EV) Market by Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles, LCVs, HCVs, Two-wheelers, e-Scooters & Bikes), Propulsion Type (BEV, FCEV, HEV), End Use (Private, Commercial, Industrial), Power Output, Charging Standard, and Geography"

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98132
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG), an insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting services firm, on Thursday said it acquired Alpha Surety and Insurance Brokerage, LLC for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2002, the Little Rock, Ark-based Alpha Surety focuses primarily on selling direct and wholesale commercial surety bonds in key industry sectors, including money transmitters, cryptocurrency, professional employer organizations, debt managers, mortgage, finance lenders, fundraisers, and others. The team serves clients throughout the U.S., as well as Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Illinois-headquartered Arthur said in a statement. Alpha Surety is expected to continue to operate from its current location under the direction of Kevin Garvin, head of Gallagher Affinity. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon (AMZN) announced a settlement with Kelly Fitzpatrick and Sabrina Kelly-Krejci who used social media to promote the sale of counterfeit luxury fashion goods in Amazon's store. Fitzpatrick and Kelly-Krejci are prohibited from directly or indirectly selling any products of any kind on Amazon's store in the future. Fitzpatrick and Kelly-Krejci will make settlement payments to Amazon, which will be donated to charities, the company said. Amazon said these individuals conspired to promote counterfeit luxury brand products on social media sites and directed customers to product listings in Amazon's store that evaded counterfeit measures, while the products shipped to customers would be the counterfeit items promoted on social media. Kebharu Smith, director of Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit, said: 'This settlement sends a strong message to would-be bad actors that Amazon will find you and hold you fully accountable.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
A recent study published by FMI on the tower crane rental market provides in-depth analysis of trends and opportunities affecting the demand outlook through 2031. The report uncovers scope for expansion across key segments in terms of product type, lifting capacity, design type, vendor type, and applications.

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As per a comprehensive study conducted by FMI, the global tower crane rental market is projected to top US$ 6.49 billion in 2021. Driven by the growing dependence of small and medium enterprises on rental services due to their inability to afford cranes, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2021-2031 in comparison to 1.5% CAGR registered between 2016 and 2020.

Rapid urbanization, government initiatives adopted to promote the construction of smart cities and investment in infrastructural expansion of the power generation sector across underdeveloped and developing economies are estimated to favor the market growth.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-13954

According to a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Government of India has launched House Fall All, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), and Smart City Mission, allocating US$ 1.89 billion for these initiatives in 2021. Similar upcoming construction projects will steer the demand for rental tower cranes. On the back of this, FMI has forecast the market to register 4.8% year-on-year (YoY) in 2021.

As per FMI, the top-slewing tower cranes rentals are projected to account for maximum demand in the design type segment. Owing to the fast-paced industrialization along with increasing application across seaports and residential & commercial construction projects, the demand for top-slewing tower cranes is estimated to account for nearly 60.4% of the overall market by the end of 2021.

"Rising stringent regulation implemented to minimize industrial operations emitting toxic fumes and increasing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) between rental tower crane providers and government for infrastructural development are expected to enable growth in the market," says the FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from FMI's Tower Cranes Rental Market Study

The U.S. is forecast to contribute the highest sales in North America , driving the regional market at a healthy CAGR of 5.7% over the assessment period.

, driving the regional market at a healthy CAGR of 5.7% over the assessment period. China is anticipated to dominate the market in East Asia , accounting for nearly 76.7% of the sales in the region by the end of the coming decade.

is anticipated to dominate the market in , accounting for nearly 76.7% of the sales in the region by the end of the coming decade. Favored by the presence of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the country, the market in Germany is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2031.

is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2031. India is projected to emerge as one of the most remunerative markets in South Asia , accounting for around 43.1% of the demand share by 2031.

is projected to emerge as one of the most remunerative markets in , accounting for around 43.1% of the demand share by 2031. Among the vendor vertical, the OEM segment is estimated to gain 170 BPS over independent service providers, accounting for 40.2% of the total sales.

Full Report Previews Analysis@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/tower-crane-rental-market

Key Drivers

Rising investment in unique infrastructures, massive statues, and skyscrapers worldwide is increasing the demand for tower crane rentals.

Regulations implemented to encourage sustainable production activities across construction industry by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Pollution Control Agency are encouraging industry players to opt for rental tower cranes in the U.S., thereby, is driving the market growth in North America .

Key Restraints

Lack of skilled professionals to operate tower cranes and increasing number of accidents due to lack of crane operation experience are hampering the market growth.

Increasing brand consciousness and aggressive marketing strategies is making the entry of new entrants difficult in the market, which is in turn, posing a challenge for market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Top players operating in the global tower crane rental market comprise Konecranes, Al Faris, Kanamoto Co., Ltd., Mammoet and Uperio Group. These players are anticipated to account for nearly 41% of the overall market share, as per FMI.

Leading players are emphasizing on procuring novel equipment and widening their fleet size to address the surging demand for rental tower cranes. Besides this, some of the key companies are adopting inorganic strategies such as collaborations, partnerships, and agreements with end-users and regional distributors to strengthen their foothold. For instance,

In July 2021 , Maxim Crane Works , L.P., one of the largest Crane Rental Company, announced purchasing 51 grove cranes from Manitowoc, a U.S.-based tower crane manufacturer, to expand its product portfolio and consumer base in the U.S.

, , L.P., one of the largest Rental Company, announced purchasing 51 grove cranes from Manitowoc, a U.S.-based tower crane manufacturer, to expand its product portfolio and consumer base in the U.S. In September 2021 , Konecranes, a manufacturer and service provider of cranes and lifting equipment, won an order of 14 process crane from a German multinational conglomerate company, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, for Shipbuilding hall in Kiel, Germany .

Some of the leading players in the market profiled by FMI are:

Konecranes

Liebherr

Mammoet

Maxim Crane Works , L.P.

, L.P. Morrow Equipment Company

Morwest Crane & Services

Bigge Crane and Rigging Co.

Stafford Crane Group

Leavitt Cranes

United Crane & Rigging

Locabens Equipamentos

Grumont Equipamentos Ltda

JASO Group

Arcomet

WOLFFKRAN International AG

Uperio Group

Al Faris

KAR Group

CC Crane Hire

Industrial Leasing Corporation

Kanamoto Co., Ltd.

Tat Hong Holdings Ltd.

Action Construction Equipment Ltd.

For information on the Research Approach used in the Report, Request Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/tower-crane-rental-market/table-of-content

More Valuable Insights on Tower Crane Rental Market

FMI in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global tower crane rental market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in tower crane rental market with detailed segmentation:

By Lifting Capacity:

Up to 5 Tons

5 - 10 Tons

10 - 20 Tons

20 - 50 Tons

Above 50 Tons

By Product Type:

Self-Erecting

Hammerhead Crane

Luffing Jib Tower Crane

Mobile Tower Crane

By Design Type:

Top Slewing Tower Crane

Bottom Slewing Tower Crane

By Vendor Type:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Independent Service Provider

By Applications:

Building and Construction

Residential and Commercial



Industrial



Civic Infrastructure

Marine and Sea Ports

Mining

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Contact Sales for Further Assistance in Purchasing this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/13954

Key Questions Covered in the Tower Crane Rental Market Report

The market survey also highlights projected sales growth of the tower crane rental market between 2021 and 2031

The report offers insight into tower crane rental demand outlook for 2021-2031

Tower crane rental market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Tower crane rental market analysis identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Browse Extensive Coverage of our Ongoing Reports:

Crane Motors Market: The market is set to witness steady growth during 2021-2031. Sales of crane motors is expected to expand at CAGR of 5 to 6% during 2021 to 2031.

SElectrostatic Coalescers Market: The need to tackle mature oilfields by upstream facility and increase their business will show a CAGR of 2 to 3% in the forecast period 2021-2031 of the Electrostatic Coalescers market as per research estimates

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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Future Market Insights,

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With a global set of LPs from Europe, Asia and the U.S., the VC firm's fourth fund will support disruptive Enterprise 4.0 companies from around the world.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley-based venture capital (VC) firm Benhamou Global Ventures (BGV), which invests in Enterprise 4.0 companies globally, today announced its fourth fund, closing at $110M, 60% larger than its third fund.

As the innovation landscape rapidly enters a new technological era, further ignited by the COVID-19 pandemic, BGV will use this new capital to invest in startups at the intersection of global innovation and Enterprise 4.0. BGV brings deep operational expertise to its portfolio companies, and actively works with CEOs to build value in the companies they create while providing the necessary capital to scale globally.

BGV's immigrant origins have enabled the firm to relate to and connect with the challenges of being an immigrant founder. The firm's cross-border investment strategy allows BGV to source the most promising, capital-efficient startups originating in innovation hubs outside of Silicon Valley and help them scale in the U.S. Currently, 60% of BGV's portfolio companies were founded outside of Silicon Valley across France, Israel, India and other parts of Western Europe.

"For BGV, if you are a talented entrepreneur, it doesn't matter where you're from. What matters is that your idea and your company are innovative, unique, and transformative across global markets," said Eric Benhamou, Founder and General Partner at BGV. "We're grateful to the many new global investors who placed their trust and capital in us. We are proud to close this fourth fund and will continue our work helping the next generation of cross-border entrepreneurs in their company building journey."

With this fourth fund, BGV will focus exclusively on the Enterprise 4.0 domain. Enterprise 4.0 describes AI-first B2B startups that apply deep tech to novel data sets coupled with workflow automation. Most importantly these startups do so without introducing unintended race, gender or age bias while addressing data privacy and security concerns and providing transparency. The BGV team has thought deeply about the importance of ethical AI as it relates to B2B implementations and recently established a diverse community of entrepreneurs and industry executives to democratize the evolution and growth of Ethical AI Governance. This new fund will allocate capital towards companies implementing cutting-edge AI solutions in ways that are ethical and serve to deliver strong returns while improving the world around them.

Often holding seats on the boards of its portfolio companies, BGV has a hands-on, long-term approach to investments. The VC firm helps startups accelerate market validation and de-risk execution in order to scale and compete on a global playing field, both within and outside of the US.

Totango, a poster child BGV portfolio company founded in Israel recently closed a $100M growth investment on the heels of a record 2020 breakout year. Totango experiences significant growth as digital transformation continues to accelerate, driving many businesses to invest massively in customer success. Their success was fueled by a compelling product-led growth sales motion in the US coupled with an award-winning AI-powered product platform.

About BGV:

BGV is a venture capital firm with deep Silicon Valley roots and an exclusive focus on global Enterprise 4.0 technology innovation. The partnership sources companies from innovation hubs around the world and deploys financial and human capital from seed stage to IPO. With offices in Palo Alto, Tel Aviv, Paris, and Mumbai, BGV has championed a cross-border venture investing model with a portfolio representing businesses in the US, Israel, Europe, and India. Visit www.bgv.vc to learn more.

Contact: Shayna Zeigen

BAM Communications

619-922-2483

bgv@bamtheagency.com

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30September 2021, 17:15 CET

ArcelorMittal, the world's leading steel and mining company, today announces that Stefan Buys has been nominated Executive Vice President of ArcelorMittal and appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Mining, effective 1 October 2021. Stefan replaces Simon Wandke who is retiring, following a career of 40 years in the Mining industry, the last 11 of which have been with ArcelorMittal.

Stefan is a seasoned mining and heavy industry executive with extensive experience in diverse commodities and countries. He joins ArcelorMittal from Rio Tinto Iron Ore where, as managing director of Pilbara Mining, he supervised the iron ore mining operations in Western Australia. Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Stefan worked for BHP as Asset President of the Olympic Dam operation in South Australia and he later led a global project to standardize operations design as project director organization design. Previously, he has also been responsible for Xstrata's operations in Chile, as chief operating officer North Chile. Prior to that, he held general manager roles in Xstrata's ferrochrome operations and sales and marketing businesses in South Africa.

Stefan started his career as a metallurgical engineer in training at Iscor's (now ArcelorMittal's) Vanderbijlpark works. He has a degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Commenting, Aditya Mittal, CEO ArcelorMittal, said:

"Stefan is an extremely capable and accomplished leader who knows the mining industry very well and is passionately committed to the priorities of the business. With his extensive global experience, he is well placed to join ArcelorMittal and lead our global mining business. I am very pleased to welcome him to the company, and I am confident that he will build on the progress Simon has made. I would also like to thank Simon, who has been with ArcelorMittal for eleven years, with the last six years as CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining. We wish him a happy retirement and every success for the future."

Stefan Buys said:

"Joining ArcelorMittal as CEO of its mining business is a great honour for me, and I am looking forward to the challenge. Like many industries, mining will transform as a result of digitalisation and the drive to decarbonize. I am looking forward to working with the team to execute ArcelorMittal's Mining's growth plans while at the same time responding to the trends that will shape the industry in the longer-term. There is a lot to do and I can't wait to get started."

ENDS

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 17 countries. In 2020, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $53.3 billion and crude steel production of 71.5 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 58.0 million metric tonnes.

Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future.

ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit:http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/
WESTMINSTER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB:BLGO), a developer of sustainable cleantech technologies and full-service environmental engineering company, released a "Letter to Stockholders" discussing the development of several key strategic partnerships and other business initiatives aimed at expanding the company's commercial reach. The Letter to Stockholders is available below.

Dear Stockholder,

I write to provide an update on the progress that BioLargo and its business units have made in positioning the company to be the go-to provider for innovative, effective, scalable solutions to challenging environmental problems. I also want to share some insights into the strategic partnerships under development and how they will help grow our top-line revenue and achieve positive cashflow in our future.

In this letter, we won't be able to cover all the details that would meet the standards of our periodic reporting. That level of detail will have to wait for our next quarterly report, which will publish in November. In some situations, we are just now seeing the early launch of an important venture, and in some cases those ventures need to mature before they will become material. Nonetheless, these are important for you, as a BioLargo stockholder, to understand and be apprised of, as we believe they hold great promise for a profitable future.

For many of these initiatives, a common theme is that these partnerships are intended to create opportunities for revenue channels for our patented technologies without requiring dramatic expansion of BioLargo's infrastructure and without requiring significant intake of new investment capital.

In many cases, these initiatives may require that our partner secure capital or dedicate financial resources to execute the plans described below. They are also subject to the inherent risk of execution, regulatory barriers, competition, and other customary business risks. Be assured that as each of these initiatives advance, we will update the information with more details.

Let's jump in:

Garratt-Callahan Product Launch

We are launching a new wastewater treatment product with Garratt-Callahan, the largest privately owned water treatment company in the United States, founded in 1904. In early 2021, Garratt-Callahan enlisted the help of our engineers to complete the design of a device, based on Garratt-Callahan's patented process, that would salvage usable water from commercial facilities' wastewater streams. Garratt-Callahan's goal for the product is for BioLargo to provide manufacturing, and Garratt-Callahan to sell to its new and existing customers.

Over the next few weeks, we will be finishing manufacturing the first units for final operational testing to verify its functionality before its full launch in early 2022. Garratt-Callahan aims to deliver 25-35 units of this new product to its customers in the first year alone, with each unit selling in a range that we believe will be competitively priced in the $100,000-$500,000 range. Additional opportunities with Garratt-Callahan, such as product development, manufacturing, and the sale of other BioLargo products, are being discussed.

Garratt-Callan issued a press release about the partnership that contains this quote from their Technical Project Manager, Kelle Zeiher Ph.D: "Garratt-Callahan was delighted to partner with BioLargo on a liquid discharge and waste minimization project. The heart of the process - developed and patented by Garratt-Callahan scientists - needed the expert equipment and manufacturing capabilities that BioLargo adds to bring it to fruition. The resulting collaborative breakthrough, with its modular design, allows small- and medium-volume manufacturers to approach the industrial gold standard of 'zero liquid discharge' without the million-dollar capital investments often required by traditional technologies."

PFAS Treatment Projects

Our PFAS chemical water treatment device, the Aqueous Electrostatic Concentrator (AEC), is making progress towards a commercial launch that we expect to occur in the first half of 2022. We recently launched a formal testing program (https://www.biolargoengineering.com/biolargo-pfas-testing-program/) that we believe will help develop market exposure for the AEC in advance of its commercial launch.

The PFAS testing program provides a valuable service to water agencies by testing their PFAS-contaminated water to help them identify, design, and optimize the best set of treatment equipment, typically including an AEC, for their specific PFAS contamination challenge. The service, which is the first stage of BioLargo's multi-stage commercial process for its PFAS treatment business, assures clients that subsequent on-site piloting of the AEC and other PFAS treatment equipment will be successful.

Our first two client opportunities are with a leading municipal water agency in California and a U.S. federal agency. Additional client opportunities of similar magnitude are in the pipeline. As the first step in serving these clients, we have recently received the necessary quantities of their PFAS-contaminated water to begin processing through our PFAS testing program as the first step in our piloting and proposal process.

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a class of man-made chemicals that contaminate all types of surface and groundwater sources, including drinking water, across the United States. The chemicals have been linked to myriad health problems, spurring the Federal government to legislate new drinking water standards as part of their PFAS Action Act of 2021, which is currently in the Senate. Consequently, this market is estimated to grow to a size of up to $80 billion a year, and our technology could become leading solution in the market based on its claims of cost-efficiency and low waste production. The size of projects for this technology are expected to range from $500,000 to as high as $30 million.

To access this market quickly and effectively, we are bringing on board experienced water industry sales representatives, and will partner with other water treatment equipment and service providers who will act as distributors and re-sellers for the AEC. We intend to secure those partnerships after the next phase of our commercial launch, the execution of initial commercial trials, is complete.

We will soon be showcasing the AEC with a demonstration unit at the WWOA (Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association) trade show in La Crosse, WI, as well as at the Pollutec wastewater conference in France, both of which occur in October of this year.

New Consumer Product Partnership

Over the past six months, we have developed a relationship with a company founded by highly accomplished industry executives from the consumer packaged goods industry who have executed successful launches of at least five blockbuster products, that intends to launch a new consumer product based on our patented BioLargo technology. Our partner, Ikigai Holdings, LLC, has completed preliminary testing, developed the brand, and is in the process of developing television commercials and other marketing materials. It intends to begin test marketing the first product in the coming weeks, and assuming that test marketing phase is successful, will launch the product with the goal to sell to the major retailers in the United States.

Our agreements provide that we will be the manufacturer of the new product (or products), and they will finance and manage roll-out, distribution, and marketing. We are excited about the potential for this partnership to create significant new revenue channels for BioLargo, but of course, at this point, as confident we are in our new partners, our legal advisors remind us that we cannot predict the future or whether the new product(s) will ultimately find success in the marketplace. With that caveat in place, our partners tell us that the initial television launch will provide highly reliable data indicating the size of the consumer market opportunity. Based on these results, a go-to-market strategy will be determined, and production will be planned.

Jane Pak, Co-Founder of Ikigai Holdings, offered us this quote: "Creating a mass-market brand begins with finding superior products with unbeatable claims. Our research validated that the current leading odor eliminating products are inferior to the CupriDyne formula and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to disrupt the consumer odor elimination category with such a compelling offer."

Aquaco Partnership to Launch AOS in California Agriculture Market

We have signed a "memorandum of understanding" with Aquaco Resources, Inc., to sell water treatment equipment and provide engineering solutions for its customers. Founded by Pat McEntee, a former executive at Oracle, IBM, and ABC/Disney, Aquaco is dedicated to delivering best-of-class technical solutions to manage the water needs of agriculture and food processing industry clients. Its marketing strategy involves developing strategic alliances with leading universities, cities, industry associations, researchers and multiple technology and service companies to deliver modern, long-term, practical solutions for the issues of water scarcity, water quality, delivery and reuse which are crucial to every agriculture producer in California. Aquaco will also offer its customers flexible long-term financing options and dedicated local services to ensure customers' water security into an uncertain future.

Aquaco is drafting a series of agreements that would ensure BioLargo and its engineers an important role in its operations. Aquaco anticipates that once the venture is operational, it will expand nationally and at capacity, its goal is to generate revenues in excess of $100 million annually after at least a 4-5 year ramp-up period.

Other Important Commercial Progress

While some of this has been reported in recent months, we think it prudent to highlight the ongoing organic growth of business and new relationships at BioLargo below.

South Korean joint venture: Our joint venture with one of the leading wastewater treatment technology companies in South Korea is beginning to make progress after experiencing delays during COVID. Our partners in South Korea continue to press ahead toward meaningful success with comprehensive client testing, commercial validation, and initial sales.

Cannabis industry: Our distributor's work in the cannabis industry was likewise slowed due to the pandemic-related closing of trade shows, but our partners are confident that their investment in marketing and branding efforts will support expansion of their "Cannabusters" brand of our odor-control technology, especially as that industry returns to trade show activity, which is a key facet of marketing products such as this.

CupriDyne Clean: Very recently, ONM Environmental was recently notified of an award for a multi-year contract to be the exclusive supplier of air quality control chemistry to a major municipality. We did experience some slowdown in sales of our odor and VOC control operations (ONM Environmental) in early 2021, due in large part to the COVID pandemic, but we are now seeing that operation return to more consistent base-line revenues. Their work with some of the biggest customers in the industry shows signs of expansion with more bids, more third-party engineering firms specifying our solutions, and more big customers now realizing the depth of our capabilities and services.

Engineering division: We announced in June that our engineering division, BioLargo Engineering, Science & Technologies (BLEST), had secured over $1.2 million in new contracts with external clients. As you might imagine, BLEST is in growth mode and will require more team members given the significant business opportunities already under way. They are working to expand staffing and increase their revenues, and at the same time are hard at work helping to launch our AOS and AEC water treatment systems.

AOS pilot project: We are excited about our ongoing pilot for our Advanced Oxidation System (AOS) water treatment system at the municipal wastewater treatment pilot near Montreal, Quebec. Just last week, the scientists operating the pilot confirmed it removed pharmaceutical micropollutants and simultaneously disinfected the wastewater, while consuming minimal electricity - a remarkable and unique value proposition in the wastewater treatment world. We just recently produced a short film highlighting the AOS pilot project in Quebec, which is operating and collecting positive results. Watch here: https://biolargo.blogspot.com/2021/09/biolargo-aos-water-treatment-technology.html

Our scientists have been invited by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service to showcase our AOS and AEC technologies at the Pollutec international environmental conferences and trade show (https://www.pollutec.com/en-gb.html), in France this October, where our team will have the opportunity to talk about these breakthrough technologies and their role in water treatment to potential clients in the European market. In particular, the team will focus on marketing these technologies as solutions to emerging water contaminants like micropollutants and PFAS.

Clyra Medical: Finally, our subsidiary Clyra Medical Technologies, which is commercializing medical products based on our patented technologies pursuant to a license agreement, recently launched a new product, Bioclynse, the first efficacious, safe, and long-acting wound irrigation solution that can be used throughout the entire surgical procedure, with no need to rinse out. Clyra has recently landed its first repeat orders from hospitals using the product, and Clyra management is excited about its future. Help spread the word about this great product with medical professionals, as we believe this product and products stemming from it have the potential to improve best practices in surgeries into the future. Clyra is organizing resources and relationships to expand its marketing and sales efforts for this great product.

Financial Achievements

We have current financing in place to meet our short-term capital needs as we continue to grow our business and convert the projects described above into assets and partnerships that generate significant revenue, cash flow, and ultimately profits.

Our balance sheet has improved dramatically. As previously reported, we have continued to reduce our debt, including the payoff of $406,000 in convertible debt due in August 2021 through the payment of cash and equity, as reported on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2021. Since December 31, 2019, the company has reduced its debt by over $4 million.

Other than debt owed by our partially owned subsidiary Clyra Medical, and a $50,000 fixed-price convertible note due in 2023, only Small Business Association loans through the PPP and EIDL programs totaling $464,000 are outstanding, and of that, we've applied for forgiveness on $314,000, and the remainder is low interest and paid over 30 years.

Concluding Remarks

The management team at BioLargo knows that to achieve its objective of being a go-to provider of environmental solutions and become a hub in the marketplace, we have to complement our technical and executive excellence with the right strategic partners who can help increase our commercial reach. The relationships that I have detailed in this letter demonstrate our capacity to implement this approach.

As a result, both myself and our management team have never been more excited and optimistic than we are today. We know that we have the talent (in our expert science and engineering team), the necessary tools (in our unparalleled technologies), and the opportunity (in market needs) to convert this company into a cleantech powerhouse.

With the formation of these new partnerships and the launch of the ventures you've read about above, we are very close to unlocking the potential of our technologies in our pursuit to make life better. We have other high-impact business opportunities that are in various stages of development, and we are excited to provide more information about each of these initiatives as they unfold.

Sincerely,

Dennis P. Calvert

President & CEO

BioLargo, Inc.

About BioLargo, Inc.

BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB:BLGO) invents, develops, and commercializes innovative platform technologies to solve challenging environmental problems like PFAS contamination, advanced water and wastewater treatment, industrial odor and VOC control, air quality control, and infection control. With over 13 years of extensive R&D, BioLargo holds a wide array of issued patents, maintains a robust pipeline of products, and provides full-service environmental engineering. Our peer-reviewed scientific approach allows us to invent or acquire novel technologies and develop them to maturity through our operating subsidiaries. With a keen emphasis on collaborations with academic, municipal, and commercial organizations and associations, BioLargo has proven itself with over 80 awarded grants and numerous pilot projects. We monetize through direct sales, recurring service contracts, licensing agreements, strategic joint venture formation and/or the sale of the IP. See our website at www.BioLargo.com.

Contact Information

Dennis P. Calvert

President and CEO, BioLargo, Inc.

888-400-2863

Safe Harbor Act

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include without limitation those about BioLargo's (the "Company") expectations regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; anticipated revenue; and plans for future operations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; the effect of regional economic conditions on the Company's business, including effects on purchasing decisions by consumers and businesses; the ability of the Company to compete in markets that are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change; the ability of the Company to manage frequent introductions and transitions of products and services, including delivering to the marketplace, and stimulating customer demand for, new products, services, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the dependency of the Company on the performance of distributors of the Company's products. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

SOURCE: BioLargo, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666282/Letter-to-Stockholders-BioLargo-Positions-for-Expansive-Commercial-Reach-Through-Strategic-Partnerships
DGAP Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on the Change in Share Capital of H-Share



30.09.2021 / 18:00

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG Announcement on the Change in Share Capital of H-Share Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 30 September 2021 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) published an announcement on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with regard to the Change in Share Capital of H-Share. The details are set out as follows: Conversion status of H-share related convertible bonds: In September 2021, a cumulative amount of HKD 38,000,000 H-Share related convertible bonds were converted into H-Shares of the Company, and the cumulative number of H-Shares formed as a result of the conversion was 2,045,209 shares, accounting for 0.02% of the total share capital of the Company before the conversion of H-Share related convertible bonds in this month. As of 30 September 2021, a cumulative amount of HKD 7,542,000,000 H-Share related convertible bonds were converted into H-Shares of the Company, and the cumulative number of H-Shares formed as a result of the conversion was 400,412,183 shares, accounting for 4.26% of the total share capital of the Company before the conversion of H-Share related convertible bonds in this month. Status of outstanding convertible bonds: As of 30 September 2021, the amount of H-Share related convertible bonds not yet converted was HKD 451,000,000, accounting for 5.64% of the total number of H-Share related convertible bonds issued. I. Background of the issuance and listing of convertible bonds On 27 October 2020, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) issued the Approval of Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. to Issue Overseas Listed Foreign Shares and Convertible Corporate Bonds (CSRC License [2020] No. 2768), approving: (1) Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the "Company") to issue not more than 2,856,526,138 overseas listed foreign shares (including additional shares issued upon exercise of conversion rights by holders of convertible bonds of not more than HKD 8 billion or equivalent in foreign currencies), with a par value of RMB 1 per share, all of which are ordinary shares. Upon completion of this issuance, the Company may list on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter referred to as "HKSE"); (2) The Company's wholly-owned overseas subsidiaries, guaranteed by the Company, will issue overseas corporate bonds not exceeding HKD 8 billion or its equivalent in foreign currency convertible into overseas listed foreign shares of the Company (hereinafter referred to as "H-share convertible bonds"). On 23 December 2020, 2,448,279,814 H-Shares of the Company were listed and traded on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the relevant exchangeable bonds to convertible bonds program became effective and operational after the listing, the total amount of effective H-share convertible bonds was HKD 7,993,000,000. II. Changes in Share Capital From 01 September 2021 to 30 September 2021, the changes in the Company's share capital were as follows: Class of shares Before the changes

31 July 2021 Number of the current changes (shares) After the changes

30 September 2021 Number of shares (shares) Proportion Number of convertible bonds to shares Number of shares (shares) Proportion Listed domestic shares (A-shares) 6,308,552,654 67.16% - 6,308,552,654 67.14% Overseas-listed shares (D-shares) 271,013,973 2.89% - 271,013,973 2.88% Overseas-listed shares (H-shares) 2,814,293,988 29.96% +2,045,209 2,816,339,197 29.97% Total number of shares 9,393,860,615 100.00% +2,045,209 9,395,905,824 100.00% Note: This Announcement has been prepared in both Chinese and English. Should there be any discrepancies or misunderstandings between the two versions, the Chinese version shall prevail. IR Contact:

Yao Sun (Sophie) - Haier Smart Home Germany

T: +49 6172 9454 143

F: +49 6172 9454 42143

M: +49 160 9469 3601

Email: y.sun@haier.de About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized mass production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as smaller household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

30.09.2021 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Combined organization is positioned to be the industry's most owner-focused, experiential management company and an employer of choice

BOSTON, MA and THE WOODLANDS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Two storied hotel and resort management companies have aligned forces, creating one powerhouse organization strategically positioned for the future of the global hospitality industry: Benchmark Pyramid. With a worldwide portfolio of 210 properties and annual operating revenue under management of more than $3 billion, the new company captures the passions and unique strengths of Benchmark Global Hospitality, a celebrated leader in the development and management of independent and lifestyle properties, and Pyramid Hotel Group, with its history of success across branded/franchise and resort properties. Benchmark Pyramid's combined centers of excellence will make it the property manager and employer of choice as it delivers improved and accelerated results focused on service to owners and hotel guests.

The new entity is backed by each company's respective longtime investment partners, Gencom and TZP Group. Serving as co-chairs are Pyramid Hotel Group co-founder Rick Kelleher and Benchmark founder Burt Cabanas-both hospitality industry visionaries who built their respective companies from the ground up.

A meeting of minds between hospitality industry innovators

Leading the new company are CEO Warren Fields, formerly CEO and founding partner of Pyramid Hotel Group, and President Alex Cabanas, the former CEO of Benchmark Global Hospitality. Its European platform will continue to be led by Frank Croston, CEO of U.K.-based Hamilton Hotel Partners, a Pyramid Hotel Group Company.

"Entertaining the idea of a merger has always been about finding the right fit in terms of both business strategy and employee culture," said Fields in announcing the merger. "We recognized early in our discussions there were unique and exceptional advantages in combining the respective strengths of our organizations. Together, Benchmark Pyramid has the depth, capability and DNA to innovate and lead for years to come, which will significantly increase owner value, employee advancement opportunities, and portfolio growth."

"Since the beginning, specialization and differentiation have been the focus of our merger conversations," said Alex Cabanas. "Our goal is to be the best in independent and brand management as well as the most experiential hotel company in the industry for our guests, our employees and the communities we're in."

Expanded service offering and strengthened divisions

Specifically, Benchmark Pyramid will provide a wider range of specialized services going forward while continuing to offer all services available before the merger. Across the diverse portfolio of properties, its core businesses include management of independent, lifestyle, soft brand, full-service and select-service hotels and resorts, as well as corporate conference centers, day meetings and event centers. It also offers a full range of hospitality advisory and technical services, from experiential on-property innovation to receivership, asset management, project management and Benchmark's ACCESS platform; and real estate investments and partnerships.

About Benchmark Pyramid

Benchmark Pyramid was formed by the 2021 merger of two hotel and resort management companies, creating the most owner-focused, experiential company in the industry and its best workplace. The organization's global portfolio spans 210 properties in the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. It maintains offices in Boston; The Woodlands, Texas; Cincinnati; and London. For more information, visit www.benchmarkpyramid.com.

About Gencom

Founded in 1987 by Karim Alibhai, Gencom is one of the nation's leading domestic and international investment and development firms specializing in hospitality with further emphasis on the luxury, mixed-use sector as well as related operating platform investments. Headquartered in Miami, Gencom is fully integrated and highly diversified, with expertise in virtually every aspect of development, acquisition, financing, asset management and sales of hospitality properties. Gencom has had success not only in developing, purchasing and exiting single assets and hotel portfolios, it also has been successful in creating, purchasing and growing hospitality platform investments, throughout the United States, Caribbean and Europe, including Gencom American Hospitality, Summerfield Suites, Carnival Resorts and Interstate Hotels. Gencom companies' successful track record has led to significant ventures with prominent institutional investors, prominent family groups and other strategic partners both domestically and internationally. For more information about Gencom, please visit www.gencomgrp.com.

About TZP Group

TZP Group, a multi-strategy private equity firm managing approximately $2.2 billion across its family of funds including TZP Capital Partners, TZP Small Cap Partners, TZP Strategies and TZP Strategies Acquisition Corp., is focused on control, growth equity and structured capital investments in business services, technology, and consumer companies. TZP has recently launched an Impact Investing strategy that invests in mission-oriented businesses addressing key U.N. Sustainable Development challenges.

Founded in 2007, TZP targets companies with solid historical performance and sustainable value propositions and aims to be a "Partner of Choice" for business owners and management teams. TZP seeks to invest primarily in closely held, private companies in which the owners desire to retain a significant stake and partner with an investor with complementary operating and financial skills to accelerate company growth, increase profitability, and maximize the value of their retained stake. TZP leverages its investment professionals' operating and investment experience to provide strategic and operational guidance and is dedicated to long-term value creation. For more information, please visit www.tzpgroup.com.

Media Contacts:

Trish Nugent / Jenna Bush

Mower

pnugent@mower.com / jbush@mower.com

212-284-9935 / 212-284-9936

From left: Benchmark Pyramid CEO Warren Fields and President Alex Cabanas

SOURCE: Benchmark Pyramid

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/665999/Uniquely-Different-Better-Together-Benchmark-Global-Hospitality-and-Pyramid-Hotel-Group-Announce-Merger
Hericourt and Grenoble, September 30, 2021

GAUSSIN and HRS have entered into a strategic partnership including the supply of 36 hydrogen refueling stations by HRS

before 2026.

HRS will subscribe to a capital increase of GAUSSIN

up to 7 million euros

GAUSSIN (EURONEXT GROWTH: ALGAU - FR0013495298) , pioneer of clean and smart freight transport, and HRS - Hydrogen-Refueling-Solutions (EURONEXT GROWTH ALHRS FR0014001PM5) , European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, announce signing today a term-sheet to implement a partnership, with exclusivity on European Union territory, for the supply of 36 HRS hydrogen refueling stations between 2021 and 2026, aiming to support the rollout of GAUSSIN's turnkey hydrogen mobility solutions for on-road and off-road applications.



On the occasion of this operation, HRS will subscribe to a capital increase of GAUSSIN for a total amount of 7 million in cash, at the unit subscription price of 6.20 for the new shares.

A PACKAGED OFFER TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO HYDROGEN AND SATISFY STRONG DEMAND FOR H 2 MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

The involvement of HRS with GAUSSIN's hydrogen ecosystem and its expertise in the field of refueling station, a key component of the value chain, will enable each partner to join forces to propose a global offer for low-carbon mobility, accelerating the adoption of this energy perfectly suited to GAUSSIN's heavy vehicle applications.

In detail, the partnership aims to develop a turnkey solution marketed by GAUSSIN, comprising zero-emission vehicles for multiple uses (airports, logistics, ports, Smart Cities, roads) resulting from technological innovations in its research and development center, and the latest-generation HRS hydrogen refueling station. The stations will be manufactured on the HRS site in the Grenoble metropolitan area.

As part of this exclusive partnership on European Union territories, it is planned that HRS will supply a minimum of 36 hydrogen stations to GAUSSIN or its customers over a period of five years. They can, if they wish, rely on the new leasing solution established with BNP PARIBAS Leasing Solutions. The agreement foresees a gradual ramp-up, starting with the supply of 4 stations of 200 kg/day in 2021/2022, the first two will be ordered within 30 days of HRS's subscription to GAUSSIN's capital increase.

WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE EUROPEAN HYDROGEN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

HRS also announces today that it has undertaken to subscribe to a 7 million capital increase in GAUSSIN (6.20 per share). The partnership between the two companies aims to work jointly on the development of the hydrogen sector in Europe, where heavy mobility is set to play a major role in the coming months.

"HRS's expertise and its international recognition in the field of hydrogen refueling stations makes us confident in our ability to deliver robust and reliable solutions while simplifying our value proposition for our customers with a packaged offer integrating the production and distribution of hydrogen, in addition to GAUSSIN vehicles, together with all the associated services." said Christophe Gaussin, Chairman and CEO of GAUSSIN.

"This is a historic agreement for the deployment of hydrogen in Europe. Our new collabaration both commercial and capitalistic, with a player as dynamic and ambitious as GAUSSIN, will allow progress in structuring the sector and help accelerate deployment of our hydrogen mobility solutions. Large-scale projects are emerging, thanks to European stimulus plans. With this new partnership, the first global turnkey offer will meet this massive demand through the joint innovation of our two groups," added Hassen Rachedi, Founder and Chairman and CEO of HRS .

About GAUSSIN

GAUSSIN is an engineering company that designs, assembles and sells innovative products and services in the transport and logistics field. Its know-how encompasses cargo and passenger transport, autonomous technologies allowing for self-driving solutions such as Automotive Guided Vehicles, and the integration all types of batteries, electric and hydrogen fuel cells in particular. With more than 50,000 vehicles worldwide, GAUSSIN enjoys a strong reputation in four fast-expanding markets: port terminals, airports, logistics and people mobility. The group has developed strategic partnerships with major global players in order to accelerate its commercial penetration: Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics in the airport field, Bollore Ports and ST Engineering in ports and Bluebus for people mobility. GAUSSIN has broadened its business model with the signing of license agreements accelerating the diffusion of its technology throughout the world. The acquisition of METALLIANCE confirms the emergence of an international group present in all segments of intelligent and clean vehicles.

In October 2019, the group won the World Autonomous Vehicle Transport Competition "Category leader" - "Better energy and environmental sustainability".

GAUSSIN has been listed on Euronext Growth in Paris since 2010 (EURONEXT GROWTH - FR0013495298).

More information on www.gaussin.com.

Contacts

GAUSSIN Ulysse Communication

Christophe Gaussin, invest@gaussin.com Nicolas Daniels, ndaniels@ulysse-communication.com

+33(0)3.84.46.13.45 +33(0)6.63.66.59.22

Charles Courbet, ccourbet@ulysse-communication.com

+33(0)6.28.93.03.06

LHA Investor Relations - USA RooneyPartners - USA

Jody Burfening, jburfening@lhai.com Jeanene Timberlake, jtimberlake@rooneypartners.com

(212) 838-3777 (646) 770-8858

More information on Gaussin is available on www.gaussin.com

ABOUT HRS

Founded in 2004, Hydrogen-Refueling-Solutions (HRS), formerly TSM, is pioneer in hydrogen mobility. European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, for over ten years, the Company has been committed to reducing transport emissions.

Thanks to its unique experience and know-how, HRS has developed a complete range of hydrogen refueling stations for all types of fuel cell vehicles that is perfectly suited to the needs of a fast-growing European market. At its Champ-sur-Drac site, HRS has mass production capacities that enable it to assemble up to 60 units per year in record time, in as little as 8 weeks. A new 14,300m2 production unit, planned for the fall of 2022, in the Grenoble metropolitan area in Champagnier (Isere), will increase HRS's production capacity to 180 stations per year.

The Company posted 2019-2020 revenue of 10.5 million. As of June 30, 2021, the company had 41 employees. (ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 - ticker symbol: ALHRS).

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Gregoire SAINT-MARC

hrs@actus.fr

Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 94 Press Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Anne Catherine BONJOUR

acbonjour@actus.fr

Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 93

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2021 / Black Tusk Resources Inc. ("Black Tusk" or the "Company) (CSE:TUSK)(OTC PINK:BTKRF)(FRA:0NB) is pleased to announce results from reconnaissance exploration on the South Rim property located in central British Columbia. The South Rim property comprises four claims totalling 1,771.33 hectares. The project is located approximately 140 kilometres south of Smithers, in central British Columbia.

The highest gold result returned from the surface rock sampling is 1.5 grams per tonne (ppm) taken from a two metre wide shear zone containing vuggy quartz. This shear zone, where mapped, appears to be quite extensive and may require more in-depth sampling to ascertain the full gold potential. Other veins typically returned 0.1 to 0.4 grams per tonne, with up to 4.9 grams per tonne silver, from narrow veins or float blocks.

Black Tusk's geologic crew visited the property between August 12 and August 16 to map and sample documented mineral showings as well as testing of other areas. Access was by helicopter from Smithers, BC.

The Black Tusk crew obtained 19 rock samples from the property during the site visit. The majority of these were of vuggy quartz-carbonate veining (epithermal style), some locations of which were documented in previous reports (see news releases dated July 19, 2021 and August 18, 2021).

Summary of 2021 reconnaissance rock sampling

Sample Type UTMZn X Y Description Au ppm Ag ppm SRPG-01 chips 9 U 613893 5922973 Quartz Vein 0.01 0.11 SRPG-02 grab 9 U 613924 5922958 Quartz Vein 0.05 4.9 SRPG-03 grab 9 U 614131 5922478 Float, volcanic breccia 0.05 0.58 SRPG-04 chips 9 U 614075 5922378 Volcanic breccia with veining <0.01 0.05 SRPG-05 grab 9 U 614073 5922388 Float, quartz vein, vuggy <0.01 0.19 SRPG-06 grab 9 U 613485 5923257 Float, quartz vein, vuggy 0.03 0.55 SRPG-07 chips 9 U 613438 5923285 Stinger quartz veins in volcanic <0.01 0.07 SRPG-08 grab 9 U 613328 5923398 Float, quartz vein, vuggy 0.03 0.9 SRPG-09 chips 9 U 613249 5923436 5-10cm quartz quartz vein in volcanic breccia 0.01 0.03 SRPG-10 chips 9 U 613276 5923494 Quartz vein 10-30cm rusty with dyke or shear zone 0.18 1.12 SRPG-11 chips 9 U 612782 5923689 3 meter silicified dacitic dyke with fine pyrite <0.01 0.02 SRPG-12 grab 9 U 612760 5923679 Grabs of assorted vein and volcanic rocks 0.12 0.83 SRPG-13 chips 9 U 615533 5922305 Silicified and potassic altered volcanic 0.04 0.02 SRPG-14 chips 9 U 612082 5923756 5-10m wide alteration zone, quartz veins and pyrite 0.17 2.97 SRPG-15 chips 9 U 612065 5923854 2m wide shear with vuggy quartz 1.5 2.88 SRPG-16 chips 9 U 610773 5924318 black volcanic silicified and fine pyrite, minor veins <0.01 0.05 SRPG-17 chips 9 U 613118 5924622 Quartz carbonate breccia vein, about 30cm 0.39 1.52 SRPG-18 chips 9 U 613122 5924631 Quartz vein 30-40cm wide vn in rusty volcanic 0.17 0.76 SRPG-19 grab 9 U 613325 5926507 Rusty oc along stream bank with minor carbonate veining <0.01 0.11

The rock sample results support that the quartz and carbonate vein system(s) sampled on the property contain elevated gold and silver values, although the historically reported higher values were not verified by the 2021 sampling. The rock types encountered, and the veins that were sampled, appear consistent with the descriptions provided in assessment reports summarizing the historic work.

Rock samples obtained during site reconnaissance were continuously under control of the Black Tusk crew and were dropped directly to ALS Labs in Kamloops BC. ALS Labs have been directed to process samples for gold content using their code AU-AA26 (fire assay and AAS), and silver using their code AG-OG62 (acid digestion with HCl leach, ICP AES). Samples will also be screened for 51 elements using ALS code ME-MS41 (aqua regia with ICP-MS finish). Black Tusk will continue to undertake Quality Assurance and Control by placing a "standard materials" packet into the sample stream. A single standard was inserted into the sample submission for the South Rim reconnaissance rock sampling. The standard performed as expected.

The property lies within geologic terrain that hosts the Huckleberry Copper-Molybdenum Mine (closed) located 23 kilometres to the north of the South Rim Property. The Huckleberry Mine contains remaining reserves of 35 million tonnes of proven and probable grading 0.32 % copper and 0.01 % molybdenum, with measured and indicated resources of 180 million tonnes grading 0.32 % copper and 0.01 % molybdenum (Imperial Metals website, February, 2020)

The Ootsa Project is located on the south shore of the Nechako Reservoir, 6 km from the Huckleberry copper-molybdenum mine. The Ootsa project contains an estimated measured and indicated resource of 224 million tonnes grading 0.22 % copper, .021 % molybdenum and 0.15 gpt gold (Surge Copper Corporation website, January, 2020).

(The reader is cautioned that resources that exist on regional or adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of potential on the Black Tusk -South Rim Project.)

Perry Grunenberg, P.Geo, a qualified person, as that is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has compiled and reviewed this news release, and undertook the August 2021 exploration work on the South Rim project.

In closing, Black Tusk Resources announces the resignation of Siahar Kadach from the board of directors, and Black Tusk appoints Mr. Kwaku Ashong to the Board. Mr. Ashong has worked in the communications industry for over the past decade and brings a wealth of bussiness and investment knowledge. Black Tusk welcomes Mr. Ashong to the Board of Directors.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Richard Penn

CEO

(778) 384-8923

South Rim Property Southern Portion (helicopter at center bottom)

South Rim Property Alpine Terrain

South Rim Property Rusty Shear Zone with Vuggy Quartz Veins (epithermal system)

South Rim Property Quartz Breccia Vein (epithermal style)

SOURCE: Black Tusk Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/666295/Black-Tusk-Resources-Inc-Provides-Results-From-The-South-Rim-Gold-Project-Central-British-Columbia
DGAP-News: ADM Energy PLC / Key word(s): Half Year Results

ADM Energy PLC: Interim Results



30.09.2021 / 18:39

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014 (WHICH FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC UK LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.





30 September 2021



ADM Energy plc



("ADM" or the "Company")



Interim Results





ADM Energy plc (AIM: ADME; BER and FSE: P4JC), a natural resources investing company, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021.





Investment Highlights:



OML 113 - Aje Field, Nigeria (9.2% equity investment) - Two wells (Aje-4 and Aje-5) producing at an average of 1,360 bopd (H1 2020: 2,126 bopd), equating to a current net rate to ADM of 125 bopd (H1 2020: 106 bopd) The drop in volume reflected the decision by the JV partners to continue a more thorough and extended period of maintenance on the FPSO while oil prices were depressed. - Total gross production volume of approximately 246,240 barrels of oil from 1 January to 30 June 2021 - 15th Lifting in April 2021 marked the first lifting since the Company finalised an agreement in December 2020 to consolidate its interest in the asset - Acquired an indirect interest in a Risk Sharing Agreement (RSA) for the development of the Barracuda Field



Superdielectrics - Disposed of 188,778 shares in Superdielectrics Ltd for a total consideration of 849,501, a profit of 656,003 on ADM's original investment



Corporate Highlights: - Extended strategic alliance MoU with Trafigura for a further 12 months to develop African energy projects and provide conditional pre-finance of up to US$120 million - Raised 1,220,000 in an equity fundraising in March 2021 - Post period, ADM strengthened the Board and technical team by adding high-calibre individuals with industry expertise and experience: o Oliver Andrews, former Chief Investment Officer at the African Finance Corporation, appointed Non-executive Chairman

o Industry veteran Dr Babatunde Pearse appointed to the technical team as Chief Engineer to oversee the next phase of development at Aje









Enquiries: ADM Energy plc +44 20 7459 4718 Osamede Okhomina, CEO www.admenergyplc.com Cairn Financial Advisers LLP +44 20 7213 0880 (Nominated Adviser) Jo Turner, James Caithie Arden Partners plc +44 20 7614 5900 (Lead Broker) Paul Shackleton Hybridan LLP +44 20 3764 2341 (Joint Broker) Claire Louise Noyce ODDO BHF Corporates & Markets AG +49 69 920540 (Designated Sponsor) Michael B. Thiriot Luther Pendragon +44 20 7618 9100 (Financial PR) Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore



About ADM Energy PLC



ADM Energy PLC (AIM: ADME; BER and FSE: P4JC) is a natural resources investing company with an existing asset base in Nigeria. ADM Energy holds a 9.2% profit interest in the oil producing Aje Field, part of OML 113, which covers an area of 835km offshore Nigeria. Aje has multiple oil, gas, and gas condensate reservoirs in the Turonian, Cenomanian and Albian sandstones with five wells drilled to date.



ADM Energy is seeking to build on its existing asset base in Nigeria and target other investment opportunities across the West African region in the oil and gas sector with attractive risk reward profiles such as proven nature of reserves, level of historic investment, established infrastructure and route to early cash flow.







Operating Review



ADM continued to make progress on its strategy to build a multi-asset portfolio by targeting projects with highly attractive risk-reward profiles. In particular, the six months to 30 June 2021 marked the first full period since the Company consolidated its position in OML 113, increasing ADM's profit interest from 5% to 9.2%, and resulted in a significantly higher rate of net production.



The Company was active in pursuing new opportunities and extended its MOU with global trading house Trafigura Pte Ltd ("Trafigura"). Post period, the ADM further strengthened its Board and technical team with the appointment of Oliver Andrews as Non-executive Chairman and Dr Babatunde Pearse as Chief Engineer.



OML 113 - Aje Field



In the six months to 30 June 2021, oil production continued from two wells at the Aje Field (Aje-4 and Aje-5) at an average of 1,360 bopd (H1 2020: 2,126 bopd). Total gross production volume amounted to approximately 246,240 barrels of oil. Following the completion of the transaction with EER (Colobos) Nigeria Limited ("EER") in December 2020, the Company benefitted from an increased 9.2% profit interest in the field. As a result, the net rate of production attributable to ADM increased to 167 bopd (H1 2020: 106 bopd).



In April 2021, the Company announced the completion of the 15th Lifting at the Aje Field for a total of 225,000 barrels (52,000 barrels were left in the tank). In this first Lifting since ADM consolidated its interest in the Aje Field, the Company received a net share of 27,675 barrels, which equated to ADM's paying interest of approximately 12.3%. The proceeds of the Lifting were applied against the project debt, significantly reducing the outstanding balance.



Superdielectrics



In May 2021, the Company completed the sale of 188,778 shares in Superdielectrics Ltd ("Superdielectrics") for a total consideration of 829,501, a profit of 656,00 on ADM's original investment. The sale followed a funding round by Superdielectrics in October 2020 that valued ADM's total holding at 877,500, representing a total book profit of 677,625 and an increase in value of approximately 340%. ADM retains a holding of 6,222 shares in Superdielectrics following the sale.



OML 141 - Barracuda Field



In March 2021, the Company acquired an indirect interest in a Risk Sharing Agreement ("RSA") for the development of the Barracuda Field. Located in OML 141, the Barracuda Field is an existing discovery and near-term production asset, which covers 103 km2 in the swamp/shallow waters of the Niger Delta. The Company has commissioned a Competent Person's Report ("CPR") on the Barracuda Field. ADM has received a draft of a preliminary report however it is not yet finalised pending further technical appraisal. Once finalised, ADM will be in a better position to conclude the full CPR report as well as its strategy for the Barracuda field.



Extension of Trafigura MOU



Access to capital is a key competitive advantage for ADM and supports the Company's strategy to acquire undervalued assets and unlock value. In January 2021, the Company announced a 12-month extension to its indicative MOU with Trafigura, the multi-billion-dollar global trading house. The intention is to create a strategic alliance where ADM will act as the sponsor for investment opportunities, with Trafigura providing up to US$100 million in approved project finance as well as up to US$20 million of convertible loan notes. The Company has engaged Trafigura on a number of potential deals to date and this extension is a reflection of the strong relationship between both parties.





Corporate Developments



Post period, the Company appointed Oliver Andrews as the new Non-executive Chairman following the departure of Peter Francis due to personal circumstances. Mr Andrews is the former Chief Investment Officer at the Africa Finance Corporation, one of the largest investment funds in Africa. Over the last 35 years, he has overseen investments of approximately US$10bn and originated investments deals in natural resources and infrastructure across the continent, worth US$100bn.



In addition, ADM further bolstered its technical team to advance the Company's existing assets and evaluate new prospects. Having last year enlisted non-Board advisors, Darrell McKenna and Dr Satinder Purewal as Lead Technical consultants, the Company appointed Dr Babatunde Pearse, as Chief Engineer post period. Dr Pearse is an industry veteran with an extensive background with International Oil Companies ("IOC"s). He is primarily responsible for planning the next phase of the Aje development and oversees Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") studies to support the Final Investment Decision.



Financial Review



On 24 March 2021 the company announced an oversubscribed fundraising. The company issued 28,710,250 shares at 4.25p for a total amount of 1,220,000 before expenses.



On 8th April 2021, the company issued 443,627 shares to settle various loans. 208,333 shares were issued at 2.4 pence per share, 235,294 shares were issued at 4.25 pence per share.



On 28th April, the company announced it completed a controlling interest in a Risk Sharing Agreement for the development of the large-scale Barracuda Field in OML 141. Initial consideration was $0.25m along with 5,657,912 of ADM shares at a price of 7 pence per share.



On 4th May 2021, ADM's CEO Osa Okhomina purchased 480,446 ordinary shares at 3.45 pence per share.



On 22 June 2021, the company announced it had extended 2 loan agreements. 100k had been extended to 31 December 2021, and 100k has been extended to 30 June 2022. 4,705,882 new warrants were issued in respect of the loan extension.















UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2021 Unaudited

6 months

ended

30 June

2021 Unaudited

6 months

ended

30 June

2020 Audited

Year ended

31 December

2020 Notes '000 '000 '000 Continuing operations Revenue 785 ? 799 Operating costs (1,124) ? (1,423) Administrative expenses (1,173) (938) (2,616) Impairment of investment ? (4,628) Consultancy fee income ? 353 Operating loss (1,512) (938) (7,515) Movement in fair value of investments ? ? 678 Finance costs (25) (37) (67) Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (1,537) (975) (6,904) Taxation ???????? ? ? Loss for the period (1,537) (975) (6,904) Other Comprehensive income: Exchange translation movement (62) 529 (233) Total comprehensive loss for the period (1,599) (446) (7,137) Basic and diluted loss per share 2 From continuing and total operations (1.1)p (1.5)p (8.7)p

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2021 Share capital Share premium Exchange translation reserve Other reserves Retained deficit Total



equity '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 At 1 January 2020 8,817 34,012 (617) 870 (28,152) 14,930 Loss for the year ? ? ? ? (6,904) (6,904) Exchange translation movement ? ? (233) ? ? (233) Total comprehensive expense for the year ? ? (233) ? (6,904) (7,137) Issue of new shares 633 2,544 ? (134) ? 3,043 Share issue costs ? (21) ? ? ? (21) Issue of convertible loans ? ? ? 17 ? 17 Warrants issued in settlement of fees ? ? ? 170 ? 170 Warrants exercised ? 56 ? (106) 50 ? At 31 December 2020 9,450 36,591 (850) 817 (35,006) 11,002 Loss for the period ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? (1,537) (1,537) Exchange translation movement ???????? ???????? (62) ???????? ???????? (62) Total comprehensive expense for the period ???????? ???????? (62) ???????? (1,537) (1,599) Issue of new shares 348 1,283 ???????? ???????? ???????? 1,631 Share issue costs ???????? (43) ???????? ???????? ???????? (43) Issue of warrants ???????? (9) ???????? 65 ???????? 56 At 30 June 2021 9,798 37,822 (912) 882 (36,543) 11,047

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 JUNE 2021 Notes Unaudited

30 June

2021 Unaudited

30 June

2020 Audited

31 December

2020 '000 '000 '000 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Intangible assets 16,430 16,212 16,007 16,430 16,212 16,007 CURRENT ASSETS Investments held for trading 28 200 878 Inventory 104 740 32 Trade and other receivables 137 337 109 Cash and cash equivalents 137 52 30 406 1,329 1,049 CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 3 4,123 2,761 4,206 Borrowings 3 195 ? 235 4,318 2,761 4,441 NET CURRENT LIABILITIES (3,912) (1,432) (3,392) NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Convertible loans 398 ? 284 Other borrowings ? ? 297 Decommissioning provision 1,073 ? 1,032 1,471 ? 1,613 NET ASSETS 11,047 14,780 11,002 EQUITY Ordinary share capital 9,798 8,965 9,450 Share premium 37,822 34,310 36,591 Other reserves 882 720 (35,006) Currency translation reserve (912) (88) 9,450 Retained deficit (36,543) (29,127) 36,591 Equity attributable to owners of the Company and total equity 11,047 14,780 11,002





UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2021 Unaudited

6 months

ended

30 June

2021 Unaudited

6 months

ended

30 June

2020 Audited

Year ended

31 December

2020 '000 '000 '000 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Loss for the period (1,537) (975) (6,904) Adjustments for: Fair value adjustment to investments ? ? (678) Warrants issued in settlement of fees 56 ? 170 Finance costs 25 37 67 Impairment of intangible assets ???????? ? 4,628 Decommissioning charge 51 ? ? Depreciation and amortisation 48 43 85 Operating cashflow before working capital changes (1,357) (895) (2,632) (Increase) in inventories (72) (740) (32) (Increase)/decrease in receivables (28) 177 303 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 324 999 1,410 Net cash outflow from operating activities (1,133) (459) (951) INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES Proceeds on disposal of investments 850 ? ? Purchase of investments ???????? ? ? Development costs (180) ? (181) Net cash outflow from investment activities 670 ? (181) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issue of ordinary share capital 932 352 848 Share issue costs (43) (8) (21) Proceeds from short term loans ???????? 170 278 Repayment of borrowings (352) 170 278 Net cash inflow from financing activities 537 514 1,105 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing and total operations 74 55 (27) Exchange translation difference 33 (18) 42 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 30 15 15 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 137 52 30









NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY REPORT



1. The financial information set out in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The group's statutory financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2020, prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and on the same basis and using the same accounting policies as used in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. The interim financial statements have not been audited or reviewed in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagement 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Going concern

At 30 June 2021, the Group recorded a loss for the period of 1,599,000 and had net current liabilities of 4,318,000 after allowing for cash balances of 137,000.



The Directors have prepared cashflow forecasts for the period to 30 September 2022 to assess whether the use of the going concern basis for the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. In the short term, the Group will require further additional funding in order to meet its liabilities as they fall due and continue to operate as a going concern. The Directors have taken into consideration the level and timing of the Group's working capital requirements (which takes into account recent reductions in costs and control of discretionary spending to preserve cash flow) and has also considered the likelihood of successfully securing funding to meet these needs. In particular, consideration has been given to ongoing discussions around further third-party investment and the extent to which these discussions are advanced both in respect of short and longer term funding. The Directors acknowledge that while they have an expectation that funding will be secured based on this assessment, at the date of approval of these financial statements, no such funding has been unconditionally committed. Therefore, while the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has the ability to raise the additional finance required in order to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, the uncertainty surrounding the ability and likely timing of securing such finance indicates that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Were no such funding to be secured, the Group would have no realistic alternative but to halt operations and prepare its financial statements on a non-going concern basis.





2. Earnings per share

The basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue. Six months ended

30 June

2021

(unaudited) Six months ended

30 June

2020

(unaudited) Year ended

31 December

2020

(audited) Weighted average number of shares in the period 140,486,609 65,616,001 79,594,655 Loss from continuing and total operations (1,537,000) (975,000) (6,904,000) Basic and diluted loss per share: From continuing and total operations (1.1)p (1.5)p (8.7)p



3. No interim dividend will be paid. 4. Copies of the interim report can be obtained from: The Company Secretary, ADM Energy plc, 60,Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0HR and are available to view and download from the Company's website: www.admenergyplc.com. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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HRS to Supply 36 Hydrogen Stations by 2026

HRS to invest 7M in GAUSSIN stock

GAUSSIN (EURONEXT GROWTH: ALGAU FR0013495298), pioneer of clean and smart freight transport, and Hydrogen-Refueling-Solutions (HRS) (EURONEXT GROWTH ALHRS FR0014001PM5), European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, announced the signing today of a term sheet to implement an exclusive partnership. As part of this partnership, HRSwill supply 36 hydrogen stations between 2021 and 2026 in the European Union. The agreement is intended to support the rollout of GAUSSIN's turnkey hydrogen mobility solutions for on-road and off-road applications.

As part of the agreement, HRSis investing7 million in newly issued shares of GAUSSIN at the unit subscription price of 6.20 per share.

A TURNKEY OFFER TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO HYDROGEN AND SATISFY STRONG DEMAND FOR H2 MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

The integration ofHRS into GAUSSIN's hydrogen ecosystem and the contribution of its station expertise, a key component of the value chain, will capitalize on the strengths of each partner, enabling the offer of a comprehensive, low-carbon mobility solution, helping to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel, which is perfectly suited to GAUSSIN's heavy vehicle applications.

The details of the partnership include the development of a turnkey solution marketed by GAUSSIN comprising zero-emission vehicles for multiple uses (airports, logistics, ports, Smart Cities, roads) resulting from technological innovations in its research and development center, and the latest-generation HRShydrogen refueling station. The stations will be manufactured on the HRS site in the Grenobloise metropolitan area.

As part of this exclusive partnership, HRS will supply a minimum of 36 hydrogen stations to GAUSSIN or its customers over a period of five years, optionally supported by a new leasing solution established with BNP PARIBAS Leasing Solutions. The agreement provides for a gradual ramp-up beginning with the delivery of four 200 kg/day stations in 2021/2022, starting with two 30 days after HRS has invested in newly issued GAUSSIN shares.

TOGETHER SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN HYDROGEN INDUSTRY

HRS will also subscribe to a capital increase of GAUSSIN of 7 million (6.20 per share). The partnership between the two companies is aimed at facilitating a joint approach to the development of the hydrogen sector in Europe, with heavy mobility set to play a major role in the coming months.

"HRS's expertise and its international reputation in the field of hydrogen stations makes us confident in our ability to deliver robust and reliable solutions while simplifying our value proposition for our customers with a turnkey solution integrating the production and distribution of hydrogen, in addition to GAUSSIN vehicles, together with all the associated services," said Christophe Gaussin, Chairman and CEO of GAUSSIN.

"This is a historic agreement for the deployment of hydrogen in Europe. Our new partnership, spanning both commercial aspects and investment, with a player as dynamic and ambitious as GAUSSIN, will allow progress in the structuring of the sector and help accelerate the rollout of our hydrogen mobility solutions. Large-scale projects are emerging, thanks in large part to support from numerous European stimulus plans. Our new partnership will allow the first comprehensive turnkey offer to satisfy this massive demand through joint innovation from our two groups," added Hassen Rachedi, Founder and Chairman and CEO of HRS.

About GAUSSIN

GAUSSIN is an engineering company that designs, assembles and sells innovative products and services in the transport and logistics field. Its know-how encompasses cargo and passenger transport, autonomous technologies allowing for self-driving solutions such as Automotive Guided Vehicles, and the integration all types of batteries, electric and hydrogen fuel cells in particular. With more than 50,000 vehicles worldwide, GAUSSIN enjoys a strong reputation in four fast-expanding markets: port terminals, airports, logistics and people mobility. The group has developed strategic partnerships with major global players in order to accelerate its commercial penetration: Siemens Postal, Parcel Airport Logistics in the airport field, Bollore Ports and ST Engineering in ports and Bluebus for people mobility. GAUSSIN has broadened its business model with the signing of license agreements accelerating the diffusion of its technology throughout the world. The acquisition of METALLIANCE confirms the emergence of an international group present in all segments of intelligent and clean vehicles.

In October 2019, the group won the World Autonomous Vehicle Transport Competition "Category leader" "Better energy and environmental sustainability".

GAUSSIN has been listed on Euronext Growth in Paris since 2010 (EURONEXT GROWTH FR0013495298).

More information on www.gaussin.com.

ABOUT HRS

Founded in 2004, Hydrogen-Refueling-Solutions (HRS), formerly TSM, is pioneer in hydrogen mobility. European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refuelling stations, for over ten years, the Company has been committed to reducing transport emissions.

Thanks to its unique experience and know-how, HRS has developed a complete range of hydrogen refuelling stations for all types of fuel cell vehicles that is perfectly suited to the needs of a fast-growing European market. At its Champ-sur-Drac site, HRS has mass production capacities that enable it to assemble up to 60 units per year in record time, in as little as 8 weeks. A new 14,300m2 production unit, planned for the fall of 2022, near Grenoble in Champagnier (Isere), will increase HRS's production capacity to 180 stations per year.

The Company posted 2019-2020 revenue of 10.5 million. As of June 30, 2021, the company had 41 employees. (ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 ticker symbol: ALHRS).

More information on Gaussin is available on www.gaussin.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005881/en/

Contacts:

GAUSSIN

Christophe Gaussin, invest@gaussin.com

+33(0)3.84.46.13.45

Ulysse Communication

Nicolas Daniels, ndaniels@ulysse-communication.com

+33(0)6.63.66.59.22

Charles Courbet, ccourbet@ulysse-communication.com

+33(0)6.28.93.03.06

LHA Investor Relations USA

Jody Burfening, jburfening@lhai.com

(212) 838-3777

RooneyPartners USA

Jeanene Timberlake, jtimberlake@rooneypartners.com

(646) 770-8858

HRS CONTACTS

Investor Relations

ACTUS finance communication

Gregoire SAINT-MARC

hrs@actus.fr

Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 94

Press Relations

ACTUS finance communication

Anne Catherine BONJOUR

acbonjour@actus.fr

Tel. +33 1 53 67 36 93
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") announced that it has made a preferred equity investment of up to $245 million in Easton Energy LLC ("Easton"). Easton is a Houston based midstream company focused on developing infrastructure assets that support the transportation, storage, and processing of natural gas liquids (NGL), refined products, and petrochemicals along the Gulf Coast. Easton's assets include liquid hydrocarbon salt cavern storage facilities in Markham, Texas, and roughly 450 miles of pipelines that connect key product markets along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.

GIP is making the investment through Global Infrastructure Partners Capital Solutions Fund II ("GIP CAPS II"), part of GIP's Credit platform ("GIP Credit"). The Easton investment represents the second commitment made by GIP CAPS II. CAPS provides customized credit financings for infrastructure issuers in GIP's core sectors of midstream energy, power, renewables, energy transition, transport and water/waste, while leveraging GIP's significant operating expertise.

Proceeds from the investment will be used to fund the organic growth of Easton's asset base and other strategic growth opportunities, with a tailored delayed draw structure to support both existing and future growth projects.Easton is backed by Cresta Fund Management, a growth-oriented, middle market-focused private equity firm that invests in sustainable and conventional energy, industrial, materials, and agricultural infrastructure. The highly experienced Easton management team brings considerable experience in managing natural gas liquids and feedstock transportation and distribution services.

Denny Sreckovic, Managing Director at GIP, said: "We are very pleased to have entered into this transaction with Easton and its sponsor, Cresta.Easton's assets provide services that are core to its Gulf Coast midstream and petrochemical customers. This investment exemplifies GIP's ability to provide tailored financing solutions for high quality, critical infrastructure projects and partner with experienced management teams and sponsors."

Brad Ramsey, President and CEO of Easton, said: "We welcome this opportunity to partner with GIP, a leading infrastructure investor with experience in the midstream sector. GIP was able to tailor a Preferred Equity financing structure that optimally supports our continued growth capital needs and complements our existing capital structure. We view GIP as an important financial partner as Easton looks to continue its strategic infrastructure expansion."

Evercore acted as financial advisor to Easton and the company received legal counsel from, Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Latham & Watkins provided legal counsel to GIP.

About Global Infrastructure Partners

Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") is an independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP's teams are located in 10 offices: London, New York, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP Credit provides financing solutions and makes debt and non-common equity investments in infrastructure assets and companies. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.

About Cresta Fund Management

Cresta Fund Management ("Cresta") is a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in sustainable and conventional energy and industrial infrastructure. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Cresta Management's founding partners are seasoned industry veterans who bring value across the investment cycle from initial diligence through business operations. For more information, please visit: www.crestafunds.com.

About Easton Energy

Easton Energy ("Easton") is a Houston based midstream company focused on developing infrastructure assets that support the transportation, storage, and processing of natural gas liquids (NGL), refined products, and petrochemicals. Easton's primary assets include liquid hydrocarbon salt cavern storage facilities at Markham, TX and approximately 450 miles of product distribution pipelines that connect key product markets along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. For more information, please visit: www.eastonenergy.com.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil futures settled higher on Thursday, lifted by reports that China has ordered state-owned energy companies to secure winter supplies. Oil also found support on reports that Citigroup expects oil balances to be in a 1.5 million-barrel-per-day deficit on average over the next six months, even with continued supply increases. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for November ended higher by $0.20 or about 0.3% at $75.03 a barrel. Brent futures were up $0.16 or 0.19% at $78.25 a barrel a little while ago. WTI futures gained about 9.5% in September. In the latest quarter, oil futures gained 2.1%. Data released by U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday showed crude stockpiles increased by about 4.6 million barrels in the week ended September 24, rising for the first time in eight weeks. Markets had expected crude stockpiles to see a drop of 4.5 million barrels in the week. The EIA's report also showed gasoline inventories rose by 200,000 barrels last week versus an expected increase of about 700,000 barrels. Distillate stockpiles rose by 400,000 barrels compared to an expected decline of 2.2 million barrels. Traders now await a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, collectively called OPEC+, on Monday. The group is meeting to decide on crude production levels. The group is widely expected to hold to a pact on adding 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) to their output for November. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced today that ITA, the new national airline of Italy, has agreed to lease 31 new ALC aircraft consisting of 15 A220s, two A320neos, nine A321neos and five A330-900neos on long-term lease from ALC's orderbook with Airbus. The 31 aircraft will deliver to the airline progressively beginning in the second half of 2022 through early 2025.

In addition to these 31 ALC Airbus aircraft, ITA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 28 new aircraft: 10 Airbus A330neo aircraft for long-haul flights, seven Airbus A220 family regional jets and 11 Airbus A320neo family aircraft (deliveries for the latter to start after the completion of the business plan).

Overall, ITA will lease a total of 56 new Airbus aircraft over the course of the plan (13 long-haul jets, including the ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, and 43 short and medium-haul aircraft).

"Air Lease Corporation is pleased and proud to be the launch Lessor for ITA to supply the new airline 31 new Airbus jet aircraft, including the most modern A220 and A320/321neo family jets, as well the latest environmentally friendly widebody aircraft on long-term operating leases from ALC's orderbook. These transactions will allow ITA to operate the most technologically advanced new aircraft to cover ITA's European and Intercontinental route network with great efficiency," said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "We look forward to a long-term successful partnership," he said.

The Executive Chairman of ITA, Alfredo Altavilla, said: "The strategic partnership with Airbus and ALC is crucial for ITA to jumpstart our Business Plan aiming at achieving our targets of a new environmental-friendly fleet with significantly lower operating and leasing costs. I want to thank both Christian Scherer, CCO of Airbus, and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, for their trust in the future of our brand-new airline."

"ITA has done a thorough clean sheet aircraft evaluation and has chosen Airbus across all segments. This is very gratifying and a testimony of the great value of the Airbus product range. It sets a benchmark in driving the decarbonization and efficiency agenda. From the start, we have been working closely with ITA, listening carefully to their requirements. Today we are proud and grateful to be alongside ITA in building its future together. Grazie Mille!" said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005957/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Mary Liz DePalma

Vice President, Investor Relations

Email: investors@airleasecorp.com

Jason Arnold

Assistant Vice President, Finance

Email: investors@airleasecorp.com

Media:

Laura Woeste

Senior Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: press@airleasecorp.com

Ashley Arnold

Manager, Media and Investor Relations

Email: press@airleasecorp.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The number of unvaccinated employees at United Airlines has dropped from 593 to 320 after airline warned that it would fire employees failing to comply with Covid-19 vaccine requirement. United Airlines on Thursday said that more employees have uploaded proof of Covid-19 vaccination, with just 320 employees left to get the jab. According to United Airlines, nearly 99.5% of its US employees have been vaccinated, excluding those with exemptions. 'Our vaccine policy continues to prove requirements work - in less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half, dropping from 593 to 320,' United said in a statement, according to CNBC. United has the strictest vaccine mandate policy of any U.S. airline. In August, the company had told its 67,000 U.S. employees that they must be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the fall to continue working there. Some 2,000 United employees have sought exemptions for medical or religious reasons. The company earlier had said that employees who receive such exemptions would be placed on temporary unpaid leave. Early this month, six employees of United Airlines filed a lawsuit against the company's compulsory-vaccine policy. According to the lawsuit, the company did not discuss with employees its vaccination policy. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
IFF (NYSE: IFF) today announced that Andreas Fibig, IFF's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire after a 10-year tenure with the company and more than seven years as IFF's Chairman and CEO. The Board of Directors is evaluating candidates to succeed Mr. Fibig as CEO with the support of a leading executive search firm. Mr. Fibig looks forward to continuing in his role as Chairman and CEO until a successor is named, which is expected by early 2022, and he has agreed to stay on for a period of time to support a seamless transition. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Fibig will also step down from IFF's Board of Directors.

"Over the past several years, Andreas has successfully led IFF through some of the most significant milestones in the company's history," said Ed Breen, Lead Independent Director of IFF. "IFF has benefited from his experience and commitment to transformation that redefines the possibilities for our industry. Our future is bright as IFF is well-positioned to drive long-term value creation for all stakeholders. The Board and I are grateful for everything Andreas has helped IFF accomplish. We wish him all the best and appreciate his ongoing leadership to ensure a smooth transition as we search for his successor."

"Leading this 132-year-old iconic company through a true transformation this past decade has been an honor," said Andreas Fibig, Chairman and CEO. "With the company delivering strong sales growth and the integration of Nutrition Biosciences well underway, I feel now is the right time to let the next chapter of IFF's legacy begin. We have created an unrivaled platform that is a true innovation partner to our customers and instilled a real purpose within our company to become a global leader in sustainability. Of all we have accomplished at IFF, what I am most proud of is that IFF has returned to its rightful place as the clear leader in our field, extending its illustrious legacy and poised to define the evolution of our industry for years to come. IFF has never been in a better position, and I look forward to watching its next chapter unfold."

Cautionary Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains "forward-looking statement" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," "target," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, including assumptions and projections, for all forward periods. Our actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: (1) disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from COVID-19 and other public health crises; (2) risks related to the integration of N&B and the Frutarom business, including whether we will realize the benefits anticipated from the acquisitions in the expected time frame; (3) unanticipated costs, liabilities, charges or expenses resulting from the Frutarom acquisition and the N&B Transaction; risks related to the restrictions that we are required to abide by in connection with the N&B Transaction; (4) our ability to provide the same types and level of services to the N&B Business that historically have been provided by DuPont, and our ability to maintain relationships with third parties and pre-existing customers of N&B; (5) our ability to realize expected cost savings and increased efficiencies of the Frutarom integration and our ongoing optimization of our manufacturing facilities; (6) our ability to successfully establish and manage acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures or partnership and to manage and complete divestitures or dispositions; (7) the increase in our leverage resulting from the additional debt incurred to pay a portion of the consideration for Frutarom and its impact on our liquidity and ability to return capital to its shareholders; (8) our ability to successfully market to our expanded and diverse Taste customer base; (9) our ability to effectively compete in our market and develop and introduce new products that meet customers' needs; (10) our ability to retain key employees; (11) changes in demand from large multi-national customers due to increased competition and our ability to maintain "core list" status with customers; (12) our ability to successfully develop innovative and cost-effective products that allow customers to achieve their own profitability expectations; (13) disruption in the development, manufacture, distribution or sale of our products from natural disasters, public health crises, international conflicts, terrorist acts, labor strikes, political crisis, accidents and similar events; (14) the impact of a disruption in our supply chain, including the inability to obtain ingredients and raw materials from third parties; (15) volatility and increases in the price of raw materials, energy and transportation; (16) the impact of a significant data breach or other disruption in our information technology systems, and our ability to comply with data protection laws in the U.S. and abroad; (17) our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, regulatory requirements and industry standards, including regarding product safety, quality, efficacy and environmental impact; (18) our ability to react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and demands, including increased awareness of health and wellness; (19) our ability to meet consumer, customer and regulatory sustainability standards; (20) our ability to benefit from our investments and expansion in emerging markets; (21) the impact of currency fluctuations or devaluations in the principal foreign markets in which we operate; (22) economic, regulatory and political risks associated with our international operations; (23) the impact of global economic uncertainty on demand for consumer products; (24) our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with compliance with, U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws; (25) our ability to successfully manage our working capital and inventory balances; (26) the impact of the failure to comply with U.S. or foreign anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; (27) any impairment on our tangible or intangible long-lived assets, including goodwill associated with the acquisition of Frutarom; (28) our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; (29) the impact of the outcome of legal claims, regulatory investigations and litigation, including current and future developments involving tax matters in Brazil; (30) changes in market conditions or governmental regulations relating to our pension and postretirement obligations; (31) the impact of changes in federal, state, local and international tax legislation or policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with respect to transfer pricing and state aid, and adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes; (32) the impact of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union; (33) the impact of the phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on interest expense; and 34) risks associated with our CEO transition, including the timely identification of a successor CEO and the impact on employee hiring and retention.

The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the Company (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the Company. Please refer to Part I. Item 1A., Risk Factors, of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2021 for additional information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. We intend our forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of such statements and do not undertake or plan to update or revise them as more information becomes available or to reflect changes in expectations, assumptions or results. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this report or included in our other periodic reports filed with the SEC could materially and adversely impact our operations and our future financial results. Any public statements or disclosures made by us following this report that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in or accompanying this report will be deemed to modify or supersede such outlook or other forward-looking statements in or accompanying this report.

Welcome to IFF

At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, scent, health and biosciences, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at iff.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005950/en/

Contacts:

Michael DeVeau

Chief Investor Relations Communications Officer

212.708.7164

Michael.DeVeau@iff.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Eric Finlayson, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaizen Discovery Inc. (TSXV: KZD) ("Kaizen" or the "Company") announces that at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on September 27, 2021 (the "Meeting"), all directors nominated as listed in the management information circular dated August 18, 2021 (the "Circular") were elected. Shareholders voted to set the number of directors at six (6) for the forthcoming year.

The detailed results with respect to the election of directors are as follows:

Director Votes

For % Votes

Withheld % David Boehm 268,009,200 99.98% 48,600 0.02% Jay Chmelauskas 268,009,200 99.98% 48,600 0.02% Eric Finlayson 268,009,200 99.98% 48,600 0.02% Terry John Krepiakevich 267,984,200 99.97% 73,600 0.03% Ricardo Labo 267,983,890 99.97% 73,910 0.03% Blake Steele 268,009,200 99.98% 48,600 0.02%

Kaizen reports that shareholders voted in favour of the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration.

In addition, the Company received disinterested shareholder approval for the Company's long-term equity incentive plan and the deferred share unit plan. Shareholders also voted to re-approve the Company's stock option plan, all as more particularly described in the Circular.

Kaizen reports that shareholders voted in favour of a resolution to approve the consolidation (the "Consolidation") of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation shares, or as may be determined by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") at its sole discretion and as more particularly described in the Circular. The ability of the Board to proceed with the Consolidation remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval. The Company will announce by news release should it decide to proceed with the Consolidation.

Debt Settlement

At the Meeting, shareholders entitled to vote on such resolution in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") approved the debt settlement arrangement with Kaizen's majority shareholder, Ivanhoe Electric (BVI) Inc. ("Ivanhoe Electric BVI").

On September 30, 2021, the Company issued 148,062,778 Shares at C$0.05 per Share to Ivanhoe Electric BVI in settlement of all outstanding indebtedness owed to Ivanhoe Electric BVI being CAD $7,403,138.90 (comprised of the principal amount of US$5,242,000 and accrued interest thereon of US$568,485)1 (the "Debt Settlement").

The Shares issued to Ivanhoe Electric BVI are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day from the date of issue. As a result of the Share issuance, Ivanhoe Electric BVI now owns 544,289,707 Shares in the Company, representing an approximate 82.68% interest in the Company.

The Debt Settlement constituted a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101 and required "minority approval" of shareholders in accordance with MI 61-101. Pursuant to Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, the Company was exempt from obtaining a formal valuation in respect of the Debt Settlement. A full description of the Debt Settlement, including the review and approval process adopted by the Board and the special committee, was included in the Circular provided to shareholders in connection with the Meeting.

The Company will file a material change report in respect of the closing of the Debt Settlement. However, the material change report will be filed less than 21 days prior to the closing of the Debt Settlement, which is consistent with market practice and which the Company deems is reasonable in the circumstances.

About Kaizen

Kaizen is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with exploration projects in Peru and Canada. More information on Kaizen is available at www.kaizendiscovery.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Eric Finlayson, Interim Chief Executive Officer and President

Information contact

Ran Li +1-604-689-8765

info@kaizendiscovery.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Consolidation and filing of a material change report. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the Company's receipt of all necessary regulatory, stock exchange and third party approvals. In addition, forward-looking statements are also based upon assumptions about general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; and currency fluctuations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

1 C$1.2741 based on the Bank of Canada daily exchange rate on September 29, 2021.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98179
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) ("World Copper" or the "Company") reports that, pursuant to their news release dated September 7, 2021, the Company has closed a first tranche of the Placement. On September 29, 2021 the Company issued 1,657,500 Units for gross proceeds of $659,000.00. Each unit consists of one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional share of the Company for a period of two years from the date of issuance at a price of $0.60 per share. The expiry of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") is equal to or greater than $1.00 for a minimum of twenty consecutive trading days and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants.

Finder's fees were paid to MJP Justus Inc. ($7,000.00 and 17,500 warrants), Viking Infrastructure Systems Inc. ($11,760.00 and 29,400 warrants), MMP MunichMining Partners GmbH ($7,350.00 and 2,625.00 warrants) and, StephenAvenue Securities Inc. ($2,520.00). Warrants issued pursuant to finder's fees are non-transferable.

All securities issued in the Offering have a four-month hold period, during which time the securities may not be traded. Closing of the Offering is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

The net proceeds from the Offering are intended for exploration of the Escalones and Cristal properties in Chile and, general working capital.

This press release does not constitute an offer of sale of any of the foregoing securities in the United States. None of the foregoing securities have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

ABOUT WORLD COPPER LTD.

World Copper Ltd., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is a Canadian resource company focused the exploration and development of its copper porphyry projects: Escalones and Cristal in Chile, and Zonia in Arizona. Two of these projects have estimated resources with significant soluble copper mineralization, and there are at least two other copper porphyry targets with exciting potential to expand the resource base. The Zonia project is being acquired as part of the previously announced merger transaction with Cardero Resource Corp. Please refer to news releases dated June 9th, 2021 and April 20th, 2021 for more details and for the current status of the transaction.

About Escalones

The Escalones porphyry-skarn copper-gold project has estimated inferred resources of 426 million tonnes of 0.367% total copper within the oxidized zone, based on nearly 25,000m of drill core from 53 holes. The 3.45 billion pounds of copper should be amenable to heap leaching with an average recovery of 71%. The Company is focused on exploring the Mancha Amarilla target immediately to the south of the existing resource. In addition, three significant hydrothermal alteration zones, each measuring between 2,000m and 3,000m in diameter, lie 8-10km to the north of the main discovery.

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability as there is no certainty that all or any part of the resources will be converted into reserves. Inferred resources are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. It is reasonably expected that the inferred resources could be upgraded to indicated resources with continued exploration.

About Zonia

The Zonia project is in Yavapai County, Arizona, and consists of 261 mineral claims and additional surface rights, all totaling 4,279.55 acres. It is a near-surface, copper-oxide resource and a brownfields site having already been mined in the late 1960s and '70s. The Project is at the PEA level and has been significantly de-risked with over 50,000 metres of drilling completed to date and with substantial amounts of detailed engineering completed. Further details can be found here.

The World Copper team has a unique skill in navigating the mining sector within Chile, with some members having worked in the country for more than 40 years and with discovery success.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WORLD COPPER LTD.

"Nolan Peterson"

NolanPeterson

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Henk van Alphen or Michael Pound

Phone: 604-638-3665

E-mail: info@worldcopperltd.com

Media inquiries:

Nancy Thompson, Vorticom, Inc.

Phone: 212-532-2208 or 917-371-4053

Investor relations inquiries:

John Liviakis,

Liviakis Financial Communications Inc.

415-389-4670

Follow Us:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldCopperLtd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldCopperLtd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldcopperltd

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the Company's expectation that it and Cardero will be able to complete the Proposed Transaction, including entering into a Definitive Agreement, the closing and amount of the Private Placement, that Zonia can be advanced utilizing low-cost open pit mining and heap leach, the results of the PEA, including, without limitation the NPV6%, IRR, estimated costs, average rate of production, the anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the timing for the closing of the Proposed Transaction, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it will be able to negotiate and enter into a Definitive Agreement, and that it will obtain TSXV acceptance and the required corporate approvals of the Proposed Transaction and the Consolidation, that there will be investor interest in the Private Placement, market fundamentals will result in sustained copper and precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Company's projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of such projects and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Escalones Project and the Cristal Project, the reasonability of the economic assumptions at the basis of the results of the PEA for the Zonia Project, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in the Private Placement, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including acceptance of the Proposed Transaction, the Private Placement and the Consolidation by the TSXV), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

**NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES**

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98183.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2021) - Tudor Gold Corp. (TSXV: TUD) (FSE: TUC) (the "Company" or "Tudor" or "Tudor Gold") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Assignment and Assumption Agreement") with certain royalty holders (together, the "Assignors") to acquire the Assignors' right, title and interest in and to the Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement (the "Royalty Agreement") pursuant to which the Assignors held, among other rights, a 1.02 % net smelter return on certain key claims of the Treaty Creek Property and a 0.51 % net smelter return on the other claims of the Treaty Creek Property (the "NSR"). In consideration for the assignment and assumption of such rights, Tudor agreed to issue the Assignors an aggregate of 5,000,000 common shares in the capital of Tudor (the "Consideration Shares"). Half of such Consideration Shares shall be subject to the statutory four month and a day restriction on trading and the remaining half of such Consideration Shares shall be subject to a 10-month contractual restriction on trading.

Pursuant to the terms of the Royalty Agreement, American Creek Resources Ltd. ("American Creek") also held certain buyback rights in respect of the NSR. Tudor is also pleased to announce it has entered into a termination agreement (the "Termination Agreement") with American Creek. Pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement, American Creek agreed to terminate the Royalty Agreement in its entirety in consideration for Tudor's issuance to American Creek of 100,000 common shares in the capital of Tudor (the "Termination Shares"). The Termination Shares shall be subject to the statutory 4 month and a day restriction on trading.

The Termination Agreement and the Assignment and Assumption Agreement are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Walter Storm, President and CEO, stated: "With Tudor Gold's exploration success and the continuing expansion of the Goldstorm Deposit, the termination of the NSR is an important step to minimizing the potential royalties payable on the project."

About Tudor Gold

TUDOR GOLD Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development company with properties in British Columbia's Golden Triangle (Canada), an area that hosts producing and past-producing mines and several large deposits that are approaching potential development. The 17,913 hectare Treaty Creek project (in which TUDOR GOLD has a 60% interest) borders Seabridge Gold Inc.'s KSM property to the southwest and borders Pretium Resources Inc.'s Brucejack property to the southeast. In April 2021, Tudor published their 43-101 technical report, "Technical Report and Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of the Treaty Creek Gold Property, Skeena Mining Division, British Columbia Canada," dated March 1, 2021 on the Company's Sedar profile. The Company also has a 100% interest in the Crown project and a 100% interest in the Eskay North project, all located in the Golden Triangle area.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

TUDOR GOLD CORP.

"Walter Storm"

Walter Storm

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.tudor-gold.com or contact:

Chris Curran

Head of Corporate Development and Communications

Phone: (604) 559 8092

E-Mail: chris.curran@tudor-gold.com

or

Carsten Ringler

Head of Investor Relations and Communications

Phone: +49 151 55362000

E-Mail: carsten.ringler@tudor-gold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including completion of the transactions contemplated in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the Termination Agreement. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will be able to complete the transactions contemplated in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the Termination Agreement and that the Company be granted approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for such transactions. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the failure to complete the transactions contemplated in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the Termination Agreement; market or business conditions; regulatory changes; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98193
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Amazon-owned grocer Whole Foods Market, on Thursday announced his plans to retire next year. In a letter addressed to employees, Mackey said he will step down on September 1, 2022. Whole Foods Chief Operating Officer Jason Buechel will take over the rein of the company after his retirement. 'I'd like to share some news with you before it's announced publicly. September marked Whole Foods Market's 43rd anniversary (including 2 years at Safer Way-the precursor to Whole Foods) and I've decided that it's time to begin to transition my role as CEO to the next generation of leadership. I have thought long and hard about this, and while it is still surreal to write, I have decided to retire on September 1, 2022. That is just about 11 months from today,' Mackey wrote in the letter. Mackey had co-founded Whole Foods in 1980 and led the Austin-based company through its $13.7 billion acquisition by e-commerce giant Amazon.com. Mackey said he is 'ready to pursue some of my other life passions' and said Buechel is well-prepared for the role of CEO. 'Jason is a true servant leader and champion of Whole Foods' culture and values, and he will lead the company into the future. Jason was my personal choice to replace me as the CEO and I'm pleased Amazon leadership agreed that he is the right person for the role,' Mackey said about Buechel. Jason joined Whole Foods in 2013 as Global Vice President and Chief Information Officer and was promoted in 2015 to Executive Vice President before being named Chief Operating Officer in 2019. In addition to being responsible for the operations of all WFM stores and facilities, he also currently oversees technology, supply chain and distribution, and Team Member Services. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Advent France Biotechnology (AFB), a Paris, France-based regulated investment firm dedicated to life sciences, held the first closing of its second fund, at 86M ($102M).

The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Fonds national damorcage 2 (the French Seed Fund 2) managed on behalf of the French State by Bpifrance, participated in the fund, along with corporate ventures including Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Pierre Fabre and a major Asian pharmaceutical company, family offices and AFBs management.

This new fund, dedicated to early-stage investments in European life sciences companies with a focus on France, will build on the investment strategy of AFBs first fund, launched in 2017  which resulted in the creation and/or funding of 15 startups. Among these, the creation of Gamut Therapeutics, merged in less than a year with gene therapy company SparingVision, the initial funding of Agomab, which has recently raised its Series B $74M (61.5M) funding with major US crossover investors, and the creation of several startups developing therapeutics in oncology and immunology. As of today 14 of the 15 portfolio companies in AFBs first fund are financed in syndication.

Led by Alain Huriez, MD, chairman and managing partner, AFB will continue to work closely with leading European research institutions and their technology transfer offices, as well as with European venture capital partners, to select and back entrepreneurs and early-stage companies with the potential to deliver therapeutics. AFB will predominantly invest in Europe, with a focus on France, Spain and Belgium.

The fund plans to select and finance two startups before the end of this year.

FinSMEs

30/09/2021
EquityBee, a Palo Alto, Calif.- and Tel Aviv, Israel-based employee-focused stock options funding solution, raised $55m in Series B funding.

The round, which brought total funding to $83M, was led by existing investor Group 11, with participation from new investors Israel-based Greenfield Partners, as well as existing investors Battery Ventures, Local Globe/Latitude, Altair and ICON.

The company intends to use the funds to advance development of its proprietary technology platform, expand product and service offerings, and accelerate leadership hiring in its Palo Alto- and Tel Aviv-based offices.

Led by Oren Barzilai, co-founder and CEO, EquityBee leverages a proprietary financial technology-driven platform to provide funding to startup employees of growth stage to pre-IPO companies. By working with the company, employees receive capital to exercise stock options before they expire, which enables them to participate in their companies liquidity events and actually get what they earned.

Since 2020, EquityBee has seen over 500% year over year growth in total capital raised from its Investor Network to exercise employee stock options. The number of employees funded through the platform has increased by over 350%. EquityBees Investor Network, including family offices, funds, and high net-worth individuals, grew by over 430%.

FinSMEs

30/09/2021
Reachdesk, a London, UK-based provider of a SaaS global intelligent gifting platform, raised $43M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Highland Europe with participation from Highland Capital, HubSpot Ventures, and RLC Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to invest further into product development, grow its list of technical integrations, curated marketplace vendors, and global warehouse partnerships, and expand into new regions.

Launched by Alex Olley, Jay Radia, Meelan Radia and Alex Correia-Santos in 2019, Reachdesk is a SaaS platform empowering companies to create and scale their corporate gifting campaigns across the world. The platform, which integrates with thousands of SaaS platforms, serves such brands as ZoomInfo, ZScaler, Hootsuite, SimilarWeb and many others, across more than 144 countries. It currently has offices in London, New York, and Lisbon and looks to expand its presence across the US, Australia, New Zealand and APAC later this year.

FinSMEs

30/09/2021
Tasq.ai, a Tel Aviv, Israel  based AI powered Labeling Platform for AI, raised $4M in seed funding.

Backers included a group of angel investors, which includes Wixs former Head of AI, Professor Shai Dekel.

The company intends to use the funds for rapid market expansion, including opening field offices in New York and Chicago, and continue building out its R&D team in Israel. The new offices will be responsible for sales and business development, including signing partnership agreements to bolster its pool of data annotators further.

Led by Co-founder and CEO Erez Moscovich, Tasq.ai is a data annotation platform provider enabling the building of AI by combining ML models and proprietary technology to deconstruct complex image data. The platform is already partnered with several of the worlds largest ad networks and enables clients such as Intel and many others to build AI. Its applicability spans verticals such as autonomous vehicles, e-commerce, agriculture, drones, and more.

FinSMEs

30/09/2021
Eva Gibson, Flagler Alum and Published YA Author's Books Delve into Difficult Topics to Help Readers Realize They're Not Alone.

Eva Gibson was in the middle of a cross-country move with a new baby and a lot of change ahead. She was touring isolated rental properties with a dwindling phone signal when she looked out onto a river in the middle of rural Kentucky, standing alone on a cliff. As she stood there, she had a thought, anything could happen out here, and no one would know. That little, random thought led her to write her latest novel, Where Secrets Lie.

The story slowly unspooled from there into something bigger and darker than I realized it could be at the time. Thats usually how my book ideas begin: a single line or few words of dialogue, paired with a vivid visual image.

When Eva Gibson graduated from Flagler with a degree in English and Communications and Journalism back in 2000, she had no idea shed wind up a published Young Adult author.

Years ago, during my first attempt to write a full-length novel, I had the idea that Id pull a John Irving and follow the main character from childhood through adulthood and into old age. That didnt work out at all as a whole, but I realized in the process that I was most invested in the main characters teen years, her coming of age experience, and the way it set the foundation for her future.

This realization led her to write novels like Where Secrets Lie, which follows a teenager named Amy Larson, who returns to River Run, Kentucky, for the summer. There, she must confront her romantic feelings for her childhood best friend, Teddy, while searching for his missing sister, leading them to uncover the dark history of their small town.

For Eva, its the ability to watch a young character grow into themselves that fascinates her and inspires her to write from their perspective.

Writing a young adult character through a story arc, allowing them to fail, and learn, and recognize their flaws and weaknesses for the first time lends a specific weight to the narrative that to me is often absent from adult novels.

Eva had no idea that small moment in rural Kentucky would inspire a novel that Simon and Schuster would later publish. She also had not anticipated that two of her books, Together We Caught Fire (2020) and Where Secrets Lie (2021), would be published during a global pandemic. Or that the pandemic would inspire her to write two more novels in the span of two years: her upcoming YA pop horror novel, Frightmares, which will be released in July 2022, allowed her to escape, while her other upcoming book helped her to confront the anxiety she felt at the time.

That (Frightmares) was pure escapist fun and a great way to distract me from day-to-day stressors. The other is a contemporary coming of age road trip story, which acted as more of an introspection into my own anxiety surrounding the pandemic.

She continues, I had my kids at home doing distance learning all last school year, so I had to shift my writing time to late at night after they went to bed. It was exhausting, but the one thing I know about writing is you have to seize every spare moment to get the words on the page until an idea becomes a book. All the inspiration in the world wont matter if you dont put in the work to make it happen.

Growing up, writers like Judy Blume, Jerry Spinelli, and Christopher Pike inspired her to make her dreams of becoming a Young Adult writer a reality. Just as those authors moved her, she hopes young readers will be similarly affected by her novels.

I hope they find something to love in my stories, whether its the plot, the writing style, the dialogue, or a favorite character. Eva continues, My books delve into difficult topics such as death, trauma, substance abuse, and mental health issues, and may not be for everyone, but I want the readers who connect with those issues on a personal level to find validation in that recognition and realize theyre not alone.

For aspiring novelists, her advice is to stay true to the stories you want to tell, do your research, learn to love rewriting, and remain determined.

Write the stories you love in the genre that speaks to you, regardless of marketplace trends. Write your stories honestly, at a pace that works for your life. However, writing for enjoyment and writing with the goal of publication are two very different things, and every aspiring author needs to be aware of the nuances if the end goal is to see their books in print.

She adds, Prepare to be patient, flexible, and tenaciousmany authors dont sign with an agent or get a book deal with their first novel, or even their second or third. The people who succeed, however, are the ones who dont give up. What that success looks like is up to you.

Tagged As
At their Search On livestream event yesterday, Google unveiled their latest AI-based feature called Multitask Unified Model (MUM) for Google Search. The feature enables the ability to combine images and text into a single query, introduces a new Things to know section in Search results and more. Along with this, Google also introduced updates to the About This Result feature in Search.

With MUM, Google Search will soon let you ask text queries in combination with image searches via Google Lens. Once you perform an image search, you can add a text query that is based on the context of the image that you searched. For example, when youre looking at a picture of a shirt, you can ask Google to find you the same pattern  but on another article of clothing, like socks.

Within regular Search results, Google plans to introduce a new Things to know section, where Google will automatically understand the relevant topics that you might want to explore and connect you with content on the web that you wouldnt have otherwise found.

For example, if you search for acrylic painting, Google can identify more than 350 topics related to acrylic painting, and help you find the right path to take if you want to explore.

Another capability that Google has unlocked is the ability to narrow or broaden your search query based on your primary search query. For example, from searching about acrylic paintings, you can search for specific techniques such as puddle pouring or broaden the search like other painting methods and famous painters.

For videos, Google can now use MUM to identify key moments in videos and show related topics, even if they arent explicitly mentioned in the video. For each related topic, Google will provide links to dig deeper and learn more.

Next, Google Search introduced updates to their About This Result feature, which now has expanded panels to show the following:

See more information about the source : For Wikipedia, youll be able to read what a site says about itself in its own words, when that information is available.

: For Wikipedia, youll be able to read what a site says about itself in its own words, when that information is available. Find what others on the web have said about a site : Read what others on the web have written about a site, such as news, reviews and other helpful background context.

: Read what others on the web have written about a site, such as news, reviews and other helpful background context. Learn more about the topic: In the About the topic section, you can find information such as top news coverage or results about the same topic from other sources.

Inspiration can strike at any time.  Soon youll be able to use #GoogleLens to instantly search for products within images while browsing on the Google app on iPhone. And psst Lens is coming to Chrome on desktop too  #SearchOn pic.twitter.com/HTQCz7sjoO  Google (@Google) September 29, 2021

Lastly, Google Lens on iOS is getting an update that will you to search for any product within an image and Google Lens is also coming soon to Google Chrome on the desktop.

All the new changes and features with MUM will come roll to Google Search in the coming months, while the updates to the About This Result feature will be rolling out in the coming weeks in English in the United States and later to more regions.
NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Big Idea Ventures LLC , the global leader in early-stage alternative protein investing, announces the launch of the Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) fund, and has selected NC State University as its inaugural collaborator. GFRP is a $125 million target fund that will fuel economic development in rural communities across the United States through the commercialization of food and agricultural technologies, protein innovation and other university intellectual property.



Big Idea Ventures was founded to solve the worlds greatest challenges by backing the worlds best entrepreneurs, said Andrew D. Ive, founder and managing general partner. This new fund will widen our scope to capture breakthrough technologies from world-class universities that will impact the global food supply chain. The goal is to drive job creation and entrepreneurship in rural communities hungry for economic development and have them continue to be the centers of food innovation and production for generations to come.

The GFRP fund will establish at least five venture centers to facilitate collaboration with multiple leading U.S. universities. BIV venture center staff will work with the universities to identify and evaluate new developments with the strongest commercialization potential and the fund will then invest in new companies formed around the groundbreaking research. These new companies will be headquartered in rural communities near the collaborating universities and the GFRP team expects the first of these new companies to be established in North Carolina.

We are excited to launch Generation Food Rural Partners with NC State as our first university collaborator, said Tom Mastrobuoni, chief investment officer for Big Idea Ventures. We chose NC State because of its forward-looking investments in plant science and plant-based food innovation and its historical excellence in plant breeding and agricultural research. We want to help universities like NC State benefit from the formation of these new businesses while demonstrating the commercial value of university research. We believe GFRP will drive more scientists to pursue additional research and encourage other entrepreneurs to establish their companies near our venture centers in rural America.

NC State is a top-ranked land-grant university globally recognized as a research powerhouse. Researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alone were awarded $96.5 million in grants last year and exceeded $130 million in research expenditures in more than 600 active research programs in on-campus labs, field labs, farm fields, and in the states network of 18 research stations.

We are thrilled that Big Idea Ventures has recognized NC States world-class agricultural research capabilities, and this opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission to create prosperity for our state and reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of this university. With our Think and Do mindset, we believe research has its greatest value when its at work in the real world creating opportunities and solving problems. Were delighted to be working with this team from the very beginning, said Wade Fulghum, assistant vice chancellor for research commercialization.

North Carolina has the third most diverse agricultural economy and the most entrepreneurial farmers and agribusinesses in the nation, said Richard Linton, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With their investment in NC State research and programs such as the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative and the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab, we believe we have a complete innovation ecosystem to attract and support the best researchers and food entrepreneurs in the world.

Venture support is critical to the further development of rural businesses and infrastructure, said Sen. Brent Jackson, N.C. Senate. Bringing food manufacturing companies directly to the source of the agricultural products they need will be a game-changer for our farmers, our rural communities, and the entrepreneurs who take advantage of this opportunity. Only 20 percent of the states agricultural GDP comes from food manufacturing. Expanding the states food manufacturing capabilities in rural communities is a key area of focus for the North Carolina General Assembly.

This cutting-edge venture reflects the potential for innovation to help bridge the urban, rural economic divide, said Sen. Paul Newton, N.C. Senate.

This exciting opportunity is a recognition of the incredible natural and human resources we enjoy in our state, and Im proud to support ongoing entrepreneurial collaborations that benefit our citizens, said Rep. Kristin Baker, N.C. House.

About Big Idea Ventures

Founded in 2018, Big Idea Ventures is solving the world's greatest challenges by supporting the worlds best entrepreneurs. We're a venture capital fund investing in and partnering with the most innovative companies and founding teams to bring big ideas to the world. For more information visit www.bigideaventures.com.

Media Contacts

Big Idea Ventures | Worth Sparkman, worth@bigideaventures.com, 479-236-0674

NC State University | Richard Campbell, rtcampbe@ncsu.edu, 919-513-3128
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TOWER ONE WIRELESS CORP. (CSE: TO) (OTCQB: TOWTF) (Frankfurt: 1P3N) (Tower One or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a long term debt financing arrangement (the Funding Partnership) with Itau Corpbanca Colombia S.A. (Itau) and a new local partner in Colombia (the Local Partner) for an aggregate loan of US$25,000,000 (the Loan).



A total of 75% of the Loan will be advanced by Itau and will be secured against the Companys newly completed towers which are constructed under the Funding Partnership. The Loan from Itau will be advanced in two tranches with interest payable by the Company to Itau every three (3) months at a rate of 4.615% + Indicador Bancario de Referencia (IBR) in respect of the first tranche and 4.39% + IBR in respect of the second tranche. The Loan from Itau will have a term of 9.5 years.

A total of 25% of the Loan will be provided by the Local Partner. The amount advanced by the Local Partner will accrued interest thereon at a rate of 6.2% per annum. The Company is required to repay the principal and accrued interest on the amount of the Loan advanced by the Local Partner at the earlier of the Companys election to acquire the Local Partners interest in the Funding Partnership or on the Companys disposition of the towers constructed under the Funding Partnership.

Alejandro Ochoa, Tower One Wireless Corp CEO says, This new financing and partnership will allow us to keep on growing in our plan to connect Colombia. The proceeds will be used to continue with the deployment of over 300 towers in the next 12 months. Meanwhile we are devoting our efforts to building a strong backlog for construction, as of today we have more than 400 towers in the pipeline and several alternatives to expand it further.

About Tower One

Tower Ones principal business is to build, own and operate multi-tenant wireless telecommunications infrastructure (towers) in Latin America. Tower One leases space on its towers to mobile network operators. The Company is focused on the build to suit tower industry whereby a long-term lease is secured with a tenant prior to building a tower. The Company owns and operates towers in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico, with a combined population of approximately 160 million people).

Contact Information:

Corporate Communications

Tel: +1 917 546 3016 E-mail: info@toweronewireless.com Website: www.toweronewireless.com

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.



FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which include regulatory approvals and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as may, expect, estimate, anticipate, intend, believe and continue or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Companys expectation of obtaining the acceptance of new towers by the Companys customers. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific that contributes to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. In particular, forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the advance and repayment of the Loan and interest under the Funding Partnership; and, the Companys intended use of proceeds of the Loan. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the Funding Partnership may not proceed as anticipated or at all; that the proceeds from the Loan may not be advanced, repaid or used as anticipated; the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, present and future business strategies, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information referenced herein, whether as a result of new information events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- True North Mortgage, a trusted Canadian brokerage company, announced today that their advertised 5-year fixed mortgage rate went up several times over the course of the day, from 1.79 per cent to now sitting at 1.99 per cent at the time of this release.



After months of lows, and continued historical lows during the pandemic, were wondering if this is the turning point for fixed rates, says Scott Haggar, Marketing Manager of True North Mortgage. Weve been watching the 5-year rate climb several times today, with many lenders raising their rates. These increases come after lenders last week lowered their fixed mortgage rates.

A sudden rate increase has been on everyones radar during the past couple of days. Market watchers noticed a sharp climb in the Bank of Canadas long-term bond yields earlier this week, after a downward trajectory the past few months. Yesterday, the government benchmark 5-year bond yields climbed to a high point this week of 1.9 per cent, harking back to pre-pandemic days.

Banks use the 5-year bond yield market to determine their fixed mortgage rates, using the forecasted earnings from bond investments to cover the costs and possible losses incurred through their mortgage lending. So, when bond yields rise, fixed rates usually follow.

What does this sudden rate increase mean for their True North Mortgage clients? Mr. Haggar states, Even though the 5-year fixed rate increased today, rates are still really low. If rates continue to climb, getting your mortgage or renewal will cost that much more. True North Mortgage has access to thousands of mortgage products, and the 5-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular with their clients.

Rates may still be tempered as Canadas sketches out an economic recovery, but with this marked rise in the popular 5-year fixed mortgage rate, theres definitely a change in the mortgage-rate winds.

About True North Mortgage: Opening its first retail store in Calgary, Alberta in 2006, True North Mortgage now has 11 convenient locations across Canada. Through a unified, highly-trained brokerage model, they provide better rates and mortgages anywhere their clients are in Canada, with an easy application process available online, on chat, over the phone, or in person at their store locations. True North Mortgage was recently named the Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine (CMP) Top Brokerage of 2021.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Haggar, Marketing Manager

True North Mortgage

scott.haggar@truenorthmortgage.ca

truenorthmortgage.ca
CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maunzi, created by the company Gold Rabbit, has launched a campaign through Kickstarter.

Introducing Maunzi

Maunzi, a set of coding blocks that can create any robot desired, has launched a campaign through Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/817561134/imagination-becomes-a-reality. Express creativeness and learn the fundamentals of coding at the same time with Maunzi.

Maunzi does not simply make a soulless robot. The robot made with Maunzi can make various movements using cubes with different functions and be infinitely configured through a customized coding system. The Maunzi robot is also 100% compatible with Lego and controllable through coding, remote control, and voice control.

Limitless Fun with Diverse Cubes

Maunzi provides everyone with limitless fun. Robots made using Maunzi are brought to life through different Maunzi blocks with different characteristics.

Essential Cube includes window cube, which receives and delivers the movement commands from the app and charging cube, which provides the power for movements.

includes window cube, which receives and delivers the movement commands from the app and charging cube, which provides the power for movements. Action Cube helps block robots move with more vividness and allow more fun in controlling the robot with various movements.

helps block robots move with more vividness and allow more fun in controlling the robot with various movements. Sensor Cube senses the surroundings and allows the cubes to react accordingly.

senses the surroundings and allows the cubes to react accordingly. Connecting Cube connects each block and carries the commands to them.

Various Ways to Enjoy Maunzi

Coding through Maunzi LAB, people can easily approach coding and real Android JAVA script. While having fun with Maunzi, people can also conveniently increase their coding skills

through Maunzi LAB, people can easily approach coding and real Android JAVA script. While having fun with Maunzi, people can also conveniently increase their coding skills Remote Control is available as well. Similar to controlling an RC Car, people can use the remote control feature in the Maunzi app to freely control the robot.

is available as well. Similar to controlling an RC Car, people can use the remote control feature in the Maunzi app to freely control the robot. Voice Control is also possible. People can use their voice to give commands and control the robot in real time.

Simple and Convenient

People may now wonder if it would be difficult to assemble and control Maunzi robot since it involves coding and cubes with different functions. Not at all. The process of assembling the cube and controlling it through coding is made very simple. Since it is compatible with Lego, people can simply assemble the cubes like Lego. Coding is also made simple with the Maunzi LAB app provided by Maunzi.

Easy, Fun, and Educational

Maunzi was created to capture both fun and educational at the same time. As people enjoy creating robots with Maunzi, they are also being educated with coding. With Maunzi, they can explore the limits and expand their imagination and creativeness, creating the robot of their dreams.

Introducing the Maunzi Team

We have been studying Maunzi robot for eight years. Our team includes robot engineers, designers, educators, and software developers. We have completed product testing and usability testing targeting consumers in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany and other countries alike. We make top-quality robots and finished all preparations for mass production. We are ready to provide everyone with the best robots.

Contact: first@maunzi.com

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Dublin, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sulfur Fertilizers Market Research Report by Type, by Formulation, by Crop Type, by State - United States Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market is projected to grow with a significant CAGR in the forecast period. Economic development and substantial infrastructure development have constituted regional revenue generation. Further, the patterns associated with domestic production, import and export, and consumption have helped market participants to analyze and capitalize on potential opportunities. Besides, the qualitative and quantitative parameters provided in the report with detailed analysis highlights the driving and restraining factors of the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market.



The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period.



This research report categorizes the Sulfur Fertilizers to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Based on Type, the Sulfur Fertilizers Market was studied across Elemental Sulfur Fertilizers Markets, Sulfate Fertilizers, and Sulfates of Micronutrients.

Based on Application, the Sulfur Fertilizers Market was studied across Band, Broadcast, Foliar, and Seed RoW.

Based on Formulation, the Sulfur Fertilizers Market was studied across Dry Formulation and Liquid Formulation.

Based on Crop Type, the Sulfur Fertilizers Market was studied across Agrium Inc., Coromandel International Limited, ICL Fertilizers Ltd., The Mosaic Company, and Yara International ASA.

Based on State, the Sulfur Fertilizers Market was studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.



The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Sulfur Fertilizers Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.



The report provides insights on the following:

Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets

Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments

The report answers questions such as:

What is the market size and forecast of the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market during the forecast period?

Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

What is the market share of the leading vendors in the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?

What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the United States Sulfur Fertilizers Market?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Overview



5. Market Insights



6. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Type



7. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Application



8. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Formulation



9. Sulfur Fertilizers Market, by Crop Type



10. California Sulfur Fertilizers Market



11. Florida Sulfur Fertilizers Market



12. Illinois Sulfur Fertilizers Market



13. New York Sulfur Fertilizers Market



14. Ohio Sulfur Fertilizers Market



15. Pennsylvania Sulfur Fertilizers Market



16. Texas Sulfur Fertilizers Market



17. Competitive Landscape







For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/svo145

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
McHenry, IL, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medela, the most trusted breast pump brand in North America*, today announced a collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff introducing a limited-edition product collection curated by the fashion designer and breastfeeding advocate.

As a mom of three, I know breastfeeding is a commitment, but its also one of the best things I could give my babies. Having what I needed when I needed them helped me keep going, said Rebecca Minkoff. My collection with Medela features the Medela Pump and Baby Bag introduced last year and some must-have Medela items that made a difference to me as a pumping and nursing mom.

Building on the multi-year partnership between the two brands, the collection features Rebeccas must-have Medela items and the Medela Pump and Baby Bag designed by Rebecca and first introduced at NY Fashion Week 2020, which is available in limited supply.

Rebecca Minkoff's Must-Have Mom Collection  features the Rebecca Minkoff Tote designed for Medela and the mom-favorite Freestyle Flex TM breast pump. This is available in limited quantities and will only be available while supplies last.

 features the Rebecca Minkoff Tote designed for Medela and the mom-favorite Freestyle Flex breast pump. This is available in limited quantities and will only be available while supplies last. Breastfeeding Essentials by Rebecca Minkoff includes everything a new mom needs, hand-picked by Rebecca. The bundle features the award-winning Pump In Style with Max FlowTM, Easy Expression Hands-Free Bra, Medela Baby Day & Night Pacifier Set (2) with Pacifier Clip, Quick Clean TM Micro-Steam Bags (5-ct), Breast Milk Storage Bags (100-ct), Purelan TM Lanolin, and Safe & Dry TM Bra Pads (120-ct).

At Medela, were focused on making sure moms have the support they need to meet their personal breastfeeding goals, explains Nancy Heaton, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Medela Americas. Rebecca has done so much to advocate for breastfeeding from encouraging moms to normalizing the discussion, she was a natural partner for us to introduce this limited collection within the Medela Family TM experience, and we look forward to introducing other collections curated by other influential moms in the future.

The Rebecca Minkoff Medela collection is available exclusively at ShopMedela.us. Shoppers can sign up for Medela Family to save up to 36% on the Rebecca Minkoff bundles. Medela Family members get access to exclusive offers and can use the free app for real-time tracking and personalized science-based pregnancy and breastfeeding tips, as well as leverage a unique virtual milk storage feature that makes it easy to see whats on-hand for baby at any time.

Medela is focused on expanding the support available to new parents, introducing new digital resources and breastfeeding products throughout the year. Recently, Medela introduced its new Silicone Breast Milk Collector as a companion to breastfeeding, collecting each precious drop of breast milk and Medela Baby, the companys new category expansion, featuring a full range of pacifiers for infants through 18 months and beyond. Purelan delivers protection for breastfeeding moms with its advanced formulation of medical-grade, single-ingredient lanolin. Medela Family, the new mobile app for breastfeeding parents, is now available for free on iOS and Android devices.

About Medela

Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding and baby products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.medela.com.

* Voted most trusted breast pump brand by United States and Canadian shoppers based on the 2021

BrandSpark American and Canadian Trust Studies

Medela wordmark and logo and Easy Expression are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Freestyle Flex, Medela Family, Pump In Style with MaxFlow, Quick Clean, Micro-Steam, Safe & Dry and Purelan are trademarks of Medela.

Attachments
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christina Lake Cannabis Corp. (the Company or CLC or Christina Lake Cannabis) (CSE: CLC) (OTCQB: CLCFF) (FRANKFURT: CLB) is pleased to announce that it is observing excellent results from the initial harvest of its 2021 growing season. In addition to favourable weather conditions in which CLCs advanced proprietary genetics have performed especially well, these results can also be attributed to the implementation of optimized harvesting and trimming techniques coordinated under the leadership of the Companys Master Growers, who have more than 25 years of experience in cultivating cannabis in southeastern British Columbia. These optimized techniques seek to improve process efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of finished product. Additionally, by using a new material separation method, Christina Lake Cannabis will be able to enter additional market segments by adding pre-rolled products, kief, premium hashish (commonly referred to as hash), and rosin concentrates. Furthermore, the Company has implemented new industrial-grade trimming and destemming equipment with the ability to process up to 2,250 lbs (wet)/450 lbs (dry) and 2,400 lbs (wet)/480 lbs (dry) per hour, respectively. By enhancing its ability to reduce raw biomass (i.e., removing leaves, stems, and other components of cannabis plants not used in processing), the Company expects to realize significant cost efficiencies in producing extracted material and distillate for licensed customers and producers.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/304bd53c-7076-4beb-9f3e-18e49941d742

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.



As of this writing, Christina Lake Cannabis Master Growers have identified the 2021 crop as being more robust than the crop from the previous growing season, with many plants currently exceeding ten feet in height. This performance is expected to surpass that of last year based on climate forecasts for the rest of the growing season, which currently suggest that the optimal conditions will prevail through the balance of the harvest season. More than 90 experimental proprietary cannabis strains, which are continuing to perform exceptionally well as detailed in the Companys July 14, 2021 press release, are being cultivated alongside the seven proven strains that comprise the majority of this years crop. Several experimental strains that have demonstrated a strong natural resistance to mold and pests as well as above-average THC levels, are currently contenders for addition to the Companys grow profile for its 2022 growing season. This approach to curating proprietary strains of cannabis continues to provide a unique competitive advantage to the Company, which can utilize its ample acreage to conduct extensive research and development to maximize its per-gram THC yield.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb8e9f4c-540b-4616-adef-1b24ca9fc562

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.



Christina Lake Cannabis expects to complete harvesting this years crop by the end of October 2021, and intends to begin sales initiatives for its new product ranges in Q4 2021 to complement its existing offerings, for which the Company has already established a strong sales pipeline. CLC is continuing to fulfill orders from its licensed producer accounts as quarter-over-quarter sales continue to grow.

Additional information on sales can be expected in the Companys soon-to-be-released Q2 2021 quarterly financial statements.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/362ce793-16b7-448d-bf18-4f22bec715f0

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.



Joel Dumaresq, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Christina Lake Cannabis commented, As we begin to wrap up our second growing season, weve picked up many valuable insights with respect to operating efficiently and ensuring a consistently high-quality output of finished product. With the significant investment weve made into our new industrial-grade trimming and destemming machinery, coupled with the more than 100 proven and proprietary experimental strains with impressive THC yields, we are well-positioned to enter new segments of the cannabis market to further expand our sales pipeline.

In addition to the above operations update, and in recognition of the progress the Company has made this year in growing sales, it has granted the President of CLC 1,000,000 restricted share units (RSUs) under the Companys shareholder-approved restricted share unit plan (the RSU Plan). An allocation of 250,000 of the RSUs vest immediately upon issuance, with the balance to vest in three increments of 250,000 over 18 months. The RSUs entitle the holder to acquire one common share (a Share) of the Company underlying each such RSU by delivering a notice of acquisition to the Company in accordance with the RSU Plan. In accordance with the RSU Plan, the RSUs were priced at $0.37 based on the closing price of the Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) on September 29, 2021.

About Christina Lake Cannabis Corp.

Christina Lake Cannabis Corp. is a licensed producer of cannabis under the Cannabis Act. It has secured a standard cultivation licence and corresponding processing/sales amendment from Health Canada (March 2020 and August 2020, respectively) as well as a research and development licence (early 2020). CLCs facility consists of a 32-acre property, which includes over 950,000 square feet of outdoor grow space, offices, propagation and drying rooms, research facilities, and a facility dedicated to processing and extraction. CLC also owns a 99-acre plot of land adjoining its principal 32-acre site, which enables the Company to grow at a much larger scale. CLC cultivates cannabis using strains specifically developed for outdoor cultivation and in its inaugural harvest year produced 32,500 kg (71,650 lb) on its existing facility before developing an adjacent 99-acre expansion property. Such an expansion will ultimately bring CLCs annual cultivation footprint to over 4.35 million square feet, which could enable at least 150,000 kg (330,693 lb) of low-cost, high-quality, sun-grown cannabis to be produced annually by the Company.

On behalf of Christina Lake Cannabis Corp.:

Joel Dumaresq

Joel Dumaresq, CEO and Director

For more information about CLC, please visit: www.christinalakecannabis.com

Jamie Frawley

Investor Relations and Media Inquiries

jamie@clcannabis.com

416-268-9432

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, would, project, should, believe and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this News Release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Companys disclosure documents which can be found under the Companys profile on http://www.sedar.com .

Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms
MENLO PARK, Calif., FOSTER CITY, Calif. and HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edison Oncology Holding Corp. (Edison Oncology), a company established to develop new therapies targeting the fight against cancer, and Apollomics Inc. (Apollomics), an innovative biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of mono- and combination oncology therapies, reported that the first patient was dosed with EO1001 (APL-122) in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. EO1001 is a potent irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has demonstrated inhibition of EGFR (ErbB1), HER2 (ErbB2) and HER4 (ErbB4) as a single agent in laboratory studies.



We are thrilled to see our first patient treated with EO1001 and hope that the potential safety and efficacy suggested by our preclinical data has the potential to translate into clinical benefits for patients suffering from cancer, said Jeffrey Bacha, B.Sc., MBA, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Edison Oncology. Our preclinical studies have shown that EO1001 is potent against multiple activating mutations in the intracellular domain of EGFR. We look forward to the results from this first clinical trial as we believe EO1001 has the potential to address unmet medical needs in many types of cancer including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and glioblastoma.

The Phase I/IIa clinical trial will enroll up to 50 patients and is being conducted in Australia under contract service provided by Senz Oncology Pty Ltd. The objective of this first-in-human clinical trial is to examine the safety and tolerability of EO1001 in patients with metastatic or advanced stage ErbB-1(EGFR), ErbB-2(HER2) and/or ERbB-4 (HER4) positive cancer. Patients with relapsed ErbB-positive cancers in solid tumors, including patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, will be enrolled at several clinical sites in Australia.

Sanjeev Redkar, PhD, Co-Founder and President of Apollomics, added, We are pleased to achieve this important milestone in the development of EO1001 which we refer to as APL-122. In preclinical models, APL-122 demonstrated activity in ErbB positive tumors and the ability to penetrate and treat cancers in the CNS. Therefore, this Phase I/IIa study is inclusive of patients with brain metastases. Advancing into human clinical trials marks a pivotal step in our development of this promising cancer therapy.

Dr. Sophia Frentzas, medical oncologist and clinical researcher at Monash Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia and Principal Investigator for the clinical trial said, ErbB positive tumors represent a significant patient population with unmet clinical needs. These include patients with HER2 (ErbB2) positive breast cancer and EGFR (ErbB1) mutant lung cancer who have acquired resistance, or are refractory, to frontline targeted therapy. They also include those patients with other tumour types where the ErbB pathway has been increasingly shown to be a clinically significant oncogenic driver (e.g. GBM, endometrial, ovarian, bladder cancer and others). Cross-talk between ErbB family members is implicated in resistance to treatment and the growing incidence of central nervous system metastases plays a significant role in patient morbidity and mortality. In particular, the latter presents a significant limitation with currently available targeted therapies. EO1001 is an oral, brain-penetrating, uniquely potent, pan-ErbB inhibitor. We look forward to exploring its safety and efficacy in this first-in-human trial.

On February 9, 2021, Edison Oncology and Apollomics announced an exclusive licensing agreement whereby Apollomics will develop and commercialize EO1001 (APL-122) globally, except in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

About EO1001

EO1001 is an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has demonstrated inhibition of EGFR (ErbB1), HER2 (ErbB2) and HER4 (ErbB4) as a single agent in laboratory studies. EO1001 is potent against mutations in the intracellular domain of EGFR that are typically found in diseases such as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) including T790M, L858R and d746-750, HER2 (ErbB2) which is prominent in breast cancer, and against the EGFR-variant III (EGFRvIII) that is characteristic of glioblastoma. In preclinical trials, EO1001 has been well-tolerated and demonstrated the ability to enter the central nervous system (CNS) following oral dosing and activity against treatment-resistant EGFRvIII-driven tumors, including malignancies in CNS, in vivo. EO1001 is referred to as APL-122 by Apollomics.

About Edison Oncology

Edison Oncology was founded in 2018 by experienced life science industry veterans to develop and commercialize new therapies targeting the fight against cancer. Edison Oncology leverages a deep understanding of cancer biology and cancer pharmacology in order to identify and advance underdeveloped drug candidates with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve survival outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

About Apollomics Inc.

Apollomics Inc. is an innovative biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of monotherapies and combination therapies of tumor-targeting and immuno-oncology agents. The Companys product pipeline has several programs at different stages of development, including novel, humanized monoclonal antibodies that restore the bodys immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells, and targeted therapies against uncontrolled growth signaling pathways. Apollomics has operating entities in Foster City, California, USA, Hangzhou and Shanghai, China. For more information, please visit www.apollomicsinc.com.

Edison Oncology Contacts:

Company Contact:

Jeffrey Bacha

Chief Executive Officer

(650) 690-1927

jb@eohc.com

Media and Investor Relations Contact:

Amato & Partners, LLC

Investor Relations Counsel

admin@amatoandpartners.com

Apollomics Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Wilson W. Cheung

Chief Financial Officer

(650) 209-4436

wcheung@apollomicsinc.com

U.S. Media Contact:

Remy Bernarda

Corporate Communications

(415) 203-6386

remy.bernarda@apollomicsinc.com
New York, NY, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Facts and Factors have published a new research report titled Agile Development and Testing Services Market By Methodologies (Scrum, Kanban and Lean), By Services Management (Development and Testing), By Project Execution (Delivery and Product Development), By Service Type (Professional and Managed), By Testing Type (Functionality, Security, and Automation): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2021  2026 in its research database

According to the latest research study, the demand of global Agile Development and Testing Services Market size & share expected to reach to USD 30 Billion by 2026 from USD 20 Billion in 2020, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026

Global Agile Development and Testing Services Market: Overview

Physical systems and a virtual environment are combined in the construction of the complex IT infrastructure, which necessitates routine testing and inspections for proper feedback and continuous deployment. Due to reasons such as constantly shifting needs, a lack of data sources technical capabilities, or inappropriate quality assessment, digital firms' quality assurance, and accreditation teams often battle to find the right balance between program stability and duration. The notion of Continuous Integration (CI) is well-known in the industry, but there remained a gap in the deployment process, which provided an opportunity for agile development and testing market. Demand for software development is increasing as organizations around the world become more digital. In addition, growing organizations are leading the way in terms of enhancing their efficiency by automating their testing operations. As a result, the rising need for consistent and timely delivery is propelling the market forward. Furthermore, the market is benefiting from the introduction of agile and DevOps approaches to project management.

Request Your Free Sample Report of Global Agile Development and Testing Services Market @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/agile-development-and-testing-services-market

(The free sample of this report is readily available on request).

Our Free Sample Report Includes:

2020 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis

COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis Included

205+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research)

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request

2020 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends

Includes Updated List of tables & figures

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis

Facts and Factors research methodology

(Note: The sample of this report is updated with COVID-19 impact analysis before delivery)

Industry Major Market Players

Xoriant Corporation

Cognizant

SolutionsIQ

Tech Mahindra Limited

Mindtree Limited

Salesforce.com

Celerity

Wipro

TCS

Accenture

Capgemini

IBM

Infosys

EPAM Systems

HCL Technologies

Amdocs

Atos

To know an additional revised list of 2020-2021 top market players, request a sample report: https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/agile-development-and-testing-services-market

Key questions answered in this report:

What is the projected market size & growth rate of the Agile Development and Testing Services Market?

What are the key driving factors for the growth of the Agile Development and Testing Services Market?

What are the top companies operative in Agile Development and Testing Services Market?

What segments are covered in Agile Development and Testing Services Market?

How can I get free sample report/company profiles of the Agile Development and Testing Services Market?

Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/buynow/su/agile-development-and-testing-services-market

Market Dynamics

Digital Transformation of Businesses

The rise of the IT industry and the adoption of cloud services across sectors have created demand, but due to a large number of software development companies in the market and growing awareness of agile project management approaches, the market concentration is fragmenting and is expected to continue in the forecast period. For instance, in January 2019, Xoriant, a Silicon Valley-based technology-oriented engineering, programming, and technology solutions firm, signed a memorandum of understanding with Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), a leading engineering institution in Pune with a National accreditation level of A++ rating. Xoriant will build Centers of Excellence for VIT in digital technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and data science, according to the MoU. For the teachers and students of VIT, Xoriant plans to host creative sessions and set up labs with a training program curriculum developed by skilled technological professionals.

Developments in quality assurance (QA) and testing are strongly connected with software development in the digital world. The senior management has made ensuring a flawless client experience service top quality assurance (QA) priority. As a result, decision-makers are focusing on the importance of software quality in improving customer experience. Capgemini's Agile Managed Testing Services (MTS) is a comprehensive quality check and testing professional service approach. Through OneShare, it allows for quick deployment of test environments also while providing information and architecture to facilitate iterative deployment. To provide quality control, Agile MTS combines detailed test advice and test services.

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Global Agile Development and Testing Services Market: Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Market Size 2020 Value USD 20 Billion Market Forecast for 2026 USD 30 Billion Expected CAGR Growth CAGR 18% from 2021-2026 Base Year 2020 Forecast Year 2021-2026 Top Market Players Xoriant Corporation, Cognizant, SolutionsIQ, Tech Mahindra Limited, Mindtree Limited, Salesforce.com, and Others Segments Covered Methodologies, Services Management, Project Execution, Service Type, Testing Type, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Pricing Options Request customized purchase options to meet your research needs. Explore purchase options

Global Agile Development and Testing Services Market: Segmentation

The global agile development and testing services market is segmented into methodologies, services management, project execution, service type, and testing type. The methodologies segment is categorized into the scrum, kanban, and lean. Development and testing are categorized under the services management segment of the global agile development and testing services market. The project execution segment is bifurcated into delivery and product development. The service type segment is classified into professional services and managed services. The testing type is bifurcated into functionality, security, and automation.

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Global Agile Development and Testing Services Market: Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific Is The Fastest-Growing Region

Due to rapid digitalization adoption in China and India, Asia Pacific would be the fastest-growing market throughout the forecast period. India's government has created investment and scheme plans to support the country's digitization. The Indian government's National Digital Literacy Mission to promote digital literacy is expected to drive the market size in the future. The project entails the training of 52.5 lakh people across the country in information technology. India is the main center for outsourcing IT software and services due to the availability of experienced IT people at affordable wages. Furthermore, the expansion of the online retail industry in China, Malaysia, and India, owing to rising consumer money and lifestyles, provides an opportunity for software testing businesses to improve user experience. The presence of large online retail firms like Alibaba and Amazon in the region is projected to increase demand for web and application testing services. Certain developments are anticipated to grow during the forecast period.

Browse the full report Agile Development and Testing Services Market By Methodologies (Scrum, Kanban and Lean), By Services Management (Development and Testing), By Project Execution (Delivery and Product Development), By Service Type (Professional and Managed), By Testing Type (Functionality, Security, and Automation): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2021  2026 at https://www.fnfresearch.com/agile-development-and-testing-services-market

The global agile development and testing services market is segmented as follows:

By Methodologies:

Scrum

Kanban

Lean

By Services Management:

Development

Testing

By Project Execution:

Delivery

Product Development

By Service Type:

Professional

Managed

By Testing Type:

Functionality

Security

Automation

For media inquiry, mail to: sales@fnfresearch.com

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Boston, Massachusetts, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HYCU, Inc., a pioneering enterprise software company specializing in multi-cloud data management, today announced Extreme Solution, a Google Cloud partner focused on aligning innovative technology solutions to help customers with their digital transformation initiatives, is the latest solutions provider to join the HYCU Cloud Services Provider Program. A leader in cloud-based technology software solutions with more than 20 years of experience servicing customers across Egypt, UAE and North America, Extreme Solution is used by millions of users across a number of industries for Mobile and Web Solutions Development, Public Cloud and mission-critical Infrastructure initiatives.

For more than 20 years, we have built a strong reputation on digital success for our customers to get the best ROI with cloud-native solutions that grow and scale as our customers grow and scale, said Sherif Kozman, CEO at Extreme Solution. We have aggressive growth goals and in order to meet them, we need to partner with and round out our offerings with companies like HYCU. HYCU cloud-native data migration, protection and recovery software as a service is easy to use and deploy and helps us meet the demanding data protection needs for our customers and partners regardless of location, be it physical, virtual or Google Cloud-based.

HYCU solutions were designed specifically to meet the cloud-native data protection and data management needs of next-generation on-premises and cloud services, managed services and systems integrators. HYCUs Cloud Services Provider Program allows Extreme Solution to cost-effectively scale growth and their customers adoption with simplicity and ease of use.

We are thrilled at the continued interest in our Cloud Services Provider Program, said Michele Lynch, EMEA Channel Director, HYCU Inc. With HYCU, Extreme Solutions partners and customers alike gain a powerful as a service data management solution to deploy for their customers. As a true cloud-native service, HYCU has quickly become a key building block for a financially rewarding model to help our partners be more profitable and to assist in their aggressive business expansion plans. Welcome Sherif and the entire Extreme Solution team to the HYCU family.

Extreme Solution will be showcasing the latest HYCU solutions at The Techne Summit in Alexandria, Egypt from October 2-4.

To learn more about the HYCU Cloud Services Provider Program, visit https://www.hycu.com/service-providers/ or contact info@hycu.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MorganFranklin Consulting, a leading management and technology advisory firm that specializes in solving complex transformational challenges for its clients, has named Sue Ulrey an executive director.

With more than 20 years of experience helping companies manage risk to achieve strategic priorities and optimizing performance, Ulrey brings proven expertise in supporting and guiding organizations on their path to operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Sues record of excellence, agility, and deep proficiency in helping companies drive strategic value through effective governance, enterprise risk management, and controls are instrumental to MorganFranklin and our clients, said Amy Hover, managing director of risk advisory services at MorganFranklin.

Prior to joining MorganFranklin, Ulrey successfully oversaw risk management, internal controls, quality assurance, data analytics, and contract compliance engagements for numerous publicly traded and midsized organizations across a range of industries, most notably, the financial and health care markets.

Ulrey previously served as vice president and national practice advisory leader at Global Commerce & Information, Inc. (Global CI). As a former Big 4 managing director and principal at a top 15 CPA firm, Ulrey led global multi-year risk advisory projects, and is a recognized thought leader and a highly sought-after speaker. She has presented at many professional and industry conferences on a wide range of internal audit, risk management, internal audit quality, and compliance topics.

I feel very privileged to join MorganFranklin and proud to bring my experiences and skills to support both our exceptionally talented people and our clients, said Ulrey. I look forward to continuing the successes and culture that MorganFranklin has established.

Ulrey holds a masters in business administration from Butler University in Indianapolis and a bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. She is a licensed chartered accountant (FCA), certified fraud examiner (CFE), and a certified internal auditor (CIA).

About MorganFranklin Consulting

MorganFranklin Consulting is a management advisory firm that works with leading businesses to address critical finance, technology and business objectives. MorganFranklin is headquartered in the Washington D.C. area with regional offices in New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The firm supports clients across the globe. For more information visit: www.morganfranklin.com.

About Vaco

Vaco delivers critical talent solutions to companies in the areas of consulting, project resources, executive search, direct hire and strategic staffing with expertise in numerous areas including accounting and finance, technology and operations. Vacos family of brands includes Pivot Point Consulting, a best in KLAS health care IT solutions provider; Focus Search Partners, a retained executive search practice; and MorganFranklin Consulting, Vacos methodology-driven global consulting platform. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve more than 12,000 clients across the globe with more 9,800 employees. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazines list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 14 years and was named to Forbes 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021 lists of Americas Best Recruiting Firms.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Swann Security and Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) announce their partnership to be the presenting sponsors of NASCAR driver, Ryan Vargas, during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 on Oct. 23. Swann Security is a three-decades-old veteran in DIY security products. NFM is owned by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway and is the largest home furnishing store in North America.

In anticipation of the weekend's NASCAR race, Ryan Vargas will be meeting fans at the Nebraska Furniture Mart Kansas City location on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT. The address is 1601 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111, and this location can be seen from the Kansas Speedway.

"We are exhilarated to be Ryan Vargas's presenting sponsor for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 along with our retail partner Nebraska Furniture Mart," says Leslie Conover, Vice President of Sales for Swann. "We will be cheering him on from the sidelines and glad Ryan Vargas is helping us share the importance of home security with the NASCAR audience."

Swann will have sales and promotional pricing on their bestselling DVR security camera kits at Nebraska Furniture Mart from the appearance throughout the weekend.

Tune in to see the Number 6 Chevy Camaro with a custom Nebraska Furniture Mart and Swann Security wrap on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2:00 p.m. CT on NBC, MRN, and NBC Sports.

"We are very excited to partner with Ryan Vargas and the Swann Security team for the upcoming race just across the street from NFM here in KC," says Nastasia Williams, NFM Store Director. "The evening at our store will be a great opportunity for our customers to meet Ryan Vargas as he prepares for the race and we wish him all the best as he strives to race all the way to victory lane."

For more information about Swann products and to learn more about their NASCAR ambassadors, visit them on the web at https://www.swann.com/us/ambassadors.

To keep up with Ryan Vargas, follow his social media pages and visit his official website at https://www.ryanvargas.com.

About Swann:

Swann is a veteran in the global security camera market and has been in this business for over three decades. Founded in Melbourne, Australia, Swann creates innovative DIY security solutions including their patent-pending Enforcer Series product line, which offers enhanced crime deterrence with red and blue flashing lights, spotlights, and sirens, combined with mobile alerts, when unwanted activity is detected. Also, Swann is the only brand on the market that offers a complete lineup of inter-connectable wired and wireless security solutions via the Swann Security app that is completely integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa. As the global leader in wired, DIY security solutions, Swann helps its customers protect their homes, businesses, and garages no matter where life takes them - around the world or around the track. Follow Swann on social media to stay updated on the latest products and news: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Nebraska Furniture Mart:

Nebraska Furniture Mart was founded by Rose Blumkin in 1937 in the basement of her husband's pawn shop in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1983, investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority interest in NFM and made it part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Today, NFM is one of the nation's largest home furnishings retailers, selling furniture, flooring, appliances, and electronics. NFM currently has locations in Omaha, Des Moines, Iowa, Kansas City, Kansas, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. For more information on Nebraska Furniture Mart, visit www.nfm.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Swann Security

Tiffany Woo

Tiffany@presspassla.com

310-817-0230

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Andy Shefsky

andy.shefsky@nfm.com

402-818-2796

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Photos and sample kits are available for review



SEATTLE, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dream Dinners, which pioneered the meal kit concept nearly 20 years ago, and DoorDash (NYSE: DASH), the nation's leading last-mile logistics platform, are announcing a new partnership that will make Dream Dinners family meal kits available on-demand for the first time.

Dream Dinners operates 69 franchised and company-owned local kitchens in 22 states. Co-founder/CEO Tina Kuna is credited with creating the retail meal prep concept in suburban Seattle in 2002. What began as a casual gathering of working moms to assemble family meals quickly grew into the nations first meal kit chain.

While some customers still assemble kits themselves, most pick up ones made for them or have them delivered. Kits are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients then frozen, eliminating planning, shopping and chopping. Cooking the meals takes as little as 30 minutes.

According to Statista, meal kit sales are expected to grow to over $7.6 billion in U.S. dollars by 2024. They totaled about $2.5 billion in 2017.

Local Dream Dinners kitchens are offering DoorDash customers a box of three ready-to-cook medium meals, which feed up to three people for $75 (fees apply), or three large meals, which feed up to six, for $150 (fees apply). Customers choose from five family-friendly options.

Octobers menu features:

Layered Ravioli Bake  Cheese ravioli, Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, and mushrooms, tossed in a robust marinara sauce.

Thanksgiving Burger with Rosemary Shoestring Fries  Stuffing seasoned turkey burgers with a cranberry mayo spread and French fried onions on a brioche bun served with a gravy dip.

Caribbean Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Glaze  Juicy roasted pork tenderloin in savory honey glaze with mustard and Caribbean herbs and spices.

Countryside Chicken Fricassee  Sauteed chicken breasts cooked in a creamy French white wine sauce with mushrooms, carrots, and celery.

Chicken Yakitori Over Jasmine Rice  Diced chicken stir-fried and simmered in an Asian-infused sauce of soy, sesame, ginger and brown sugar served over jasmine rice.

As Dream Dinners heads into our 20th year, we are excited to partner with DoorDash as its first national meal kit offering on the Marketplace, Kuna said. This opportunity allows us to reach a new, younger customer base, increase our brand awareness and serve a wider audience of families as they gather around the table and enjoy pre-prepped homemade meals."

Prior to partnering with DoorDash, customers needed to order meal kits in advance. This move to on-demand service is an important step in making the Dream Dinners concept more relevant to todays consumers, Kuna added. It also will benefit franchisees. Kuna noted that Dream Dinners customers may still place monthly orders directly with local kitchens.

We are excited to continue our mission of empowering businesses to thrive online and provide a new way for Dream Dinners fans to order and enjoy their family meals, said Jack Momeyer, Senior Director of Sales at DoorDash. Dream Dinners has built an incredible product and we are proud to be their partner and help bring their vision to more customers nationwide.

Local kitchen participation and menu choices may vary.

Dream Dinners meals are now available in 48 of the 50 U.S. states. Customers not served by a local kitchen or DoorDash may take advantage of Dream Dinners recently expanded online home delivery program .

About Dream Dinners, the Original Meal Kit Company

Founded in 2002, Dream Dinners mission is to make gathering around the family table a cornerstone of daily life. Guests choose from seasonal, rotating monthly menus, with meal kits prepared from fresh ingredients then frozen until cooked. They are available in the Continental United States at one of 69 retail kitchens or through Dream Dinners home delivery service. Learn more at www.dreamdinners.com and www.dreamdinnersfranchise.com .

About DoorDash

DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 4,000 cities and all 50 states across the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. Founded in 2013, DoorDash enables local businesses to address consumers' expectations of ease and immediacy and thrive in today's convenience economy. By building the last-mile logistics infrastructure for local commerce, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time.

Contact:

Ritter Communications, Brad Ritter

BRitter@bradritter.com

740.815.1892

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MONACO, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costamare Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: CMRE), an international owner and provider of containerships and dry bulk vessels for charter, announced the election of two Class II directors at the Companys annual meeting of stockholders held virtually today.



The elected Class II directors are Gregory Zikos and Vagn Lehd Mller. Each Class II director was elected to hold office for a term ending at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2024 and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.

Stockholders also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A. as the Companys independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

About Costamare Inc.

Costamare Inc. is one of the worlds leading owners and providers of containerships for charter. The Company has 47 years of history in the international shipping industry and a fleet of 81 containerships, with a total capacity of approximately 581,000 TEU and 37 dry bulk vessels with a total capacity of approximately 1,910,000 DWT. Five of our containerships have been acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed with York Capital Management by vessel-owning joint venture entities in which we hold a minority equity interest. The Company's common stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols CMRE, CMRE PR B, CMRE PR C, CMRE PR D and CMRE PR E, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as believe, intend, anticipate, estimate, project, forecast, plan, potential, may, should, could and expect and similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Companys belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Companys control. It is possible that actual results may differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect future results, see the discussion in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34934) under the caption Risk Factors and the Companys Results for the Second Quarter ended June 30, 2021 on Form 6-K (filed on July 28, 2021 with the SEC) under the caption Risk Factor Update.

Company Contacts:

Gregory Zikos - Chief Financial Officer

Konstantinos Tsakalidis - Business Development, Investor Relations

Costamare Inc., Monaco

Tel: (+377) 93 25 09 40

Email: ir@costamare.com
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bona Fide Masks Corp. (www.bonafidemasks.com), part of the Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Ball Chain) family of companies out of Mount Vernon, New York, announces the expansion of their wholesale offering. While Bona Fide Masks  will continue to deliver the most trusted and authentic masks to households globally, they are pleased to offer discounted pricing for large orders. Building off the success of their B2C businesses, the company has made significant investments which include an additional 1,800 square ft. warehouse that is dedicated to the mask division, as well as an increase in their mask inventory. Bona Fide Masks currently stocks millions of masks in their Mt. Vernon, NY Factory.

To enhance Bona Fide Masks' commitment to the wholesale marketplace, Bona Fide Masks has just expanded their senior team with the recent hires of a new Chief Operations Officer, Director of Sales, Director of Marketing & PR and additional Customer Service Representatives. These positions will help support the growth of this new commercial model and support expansion for all lines of businesses within the family of businesses within Ball Chain.

"Our goal behind expanding our offerings to wholesale pricing is to provide our commercial partners with access to the highest quality, authentic masks that are delivered with an unmatched transparent and trusted global supply chain. We recognize the critical need for masks across multiple sectors including schools, healthcare facilities, large corporates, government entities and more. We want to provide our wholesale partners with an opportunity to meet these critical needs with the safest masks in the marketplace. We are also excited to continue to grow our team at Ball Chain. Our new team members come from a range of Fortune 500 business pedigrees including finance, media, and software sales. We are excited to bring new talent, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to our team while maintaining our core values of trust, integrity, and always doing the right thing." - Bill Taubner, Company President.

Prospective wholesale customers can contact sales@bonafidemasks.com for more information on discounted pricing and overall strategy. Purchase orders are accepted with a net 30-day term for government, military, schools, and other organizations pending credit approval. Bona Fide Masks is proud to be the #1 Distributor of Powecom  in the USA and Canada and Exclusive Distributor of the KN95-SM. Additionally, Bona Fide Masks is the Authorized Distributor of Harley masks in the USA and Canada. The company continues to establish direct and recognized relationships with the top esteemed mask providers ensuring customers receive the most trusted and authentic masks on the market.

Bona Fide Masks is now shipping Powecom KN95 masks to the new GB2626-2019 standard, which includes Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask (sold in white and black), Powecom KN95 Respirator Mask - Headband Style (sold in white and black), and the children's KN95-SM. For more on Bona Fide Masks, visit www.bonafidemasks.com.

More about Ball Chain Manufacturing. Co., Inc.:

Family-owned and -operated since 1938, Ball Chain is the only major U.S. manufacturer of metal ball chain and attachments. The company's ball chain is featured in window roller shades, light fixtures, plumbing devices, keychains and jewelry items. Headquartered in Mount Vernon, New York. with global distribution, Ball Chain designs and fabricates innovative products while providing exemplary customer service. After entering the interior design market with ShimmerScreen decorative metal curtains, the company further diversified its offerings with the launch of LogoTags, a promotional products division. Ball Chain is proud of its commitment to the American workforce and the environment. The company has earned industry recognition for its responsible business practices, including "green business" certification from the Green Business Bureau (GBB) and certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Media Contact:

914.664.7500

Bill Taubner, President

Cristina Chianese, Director of Marketing

Ball Chain Mfg. Co., Inc. / Bona Fide Masks Corp.

info@bonafidemasks.com

Source: Bona Fide Masks Corporation

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WESTPORT, Conn., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HMG Strategy, the Worlds #1 digital platform for enabling technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world, is excited to be hosting its in-person 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit on October 14. HMG Strategys highly interactive events bring together the worlds most distinguished and innovative security and business technology leaders to discuss the most pressing leadership, strategic, cultural, technology and career challenges and opportunities that they face today  and into the future.



The 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit, taking place at the Hilton Americas  Houston from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT, will focus on the fresh mindset needed by CIOs and business technology executives to drive business innovation with the CEO and line-of-business leaders, along with the role that these executives play in fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.

As global businesses continue to expand their digital capabilities and services, CIOs, CDOs, CTOs and other technology executives are expected to reimagine and reinvent the business and help to design the future workplace, said Hunter Muller President and CEO at HMG Strategy. The authentic and compassionate leaders that business technology executives have demonstrated since March 2020 will continue to serve them well in shining a light towards a brighter future for all employees and stakeholders.

Top-tier CIOs and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit will include:

Bhupesh Arora , VP & CIO, Magellan Midstream Partners L.P.

, VP & CIO, Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. Jesse Carrillo , SVP & CIO, Hines

, SVP & CIO, Hines Mike Coogan , Director of Information Security and CISO, Waste Management

, Director of Information Security and CISO, Waste Management George Crawford , CIO/CISO/Partner, Catapult Energy Services Group LLC

, CIO/CISO/Partner, Catapult Energy Services Group LLC Jeff Fleece , CTO, Digital Technology, Baker Hughes

, CTO, Digital Technology, Baker Hughes Stephanie Franklin-Thomas , VP, CISO, ABM

, VP, CISO, ABM Scott Glenn , Partner, BearingPoint

, Partner, BearingPoint Keith Landau , Managing Director, Information Technology Services, Deloitte

, Managing Director, Information Technology Services, Deloitte Tom Peck , EVP, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Sysco

, EVP, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Sysco Dr. Kenneth Russell , Chief Innovation Officer, Curran Biotech

, Chief Innovation Officer, Curran Biotech Allan Sommer , Vice President, Capgemini

, Vice President, Capgemini Teresa Tonthat , VP of Information Services and CISO, Texas Childrens

, VP of Information Services and CISO, Texas Childrens Clif Triplett , Executive Director, KEARNEY

, Executive Director, KEARNEY Allen Wuescher, VP & CIO, Toshiba

Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit include Akamai, Auth0, BearingPoint, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Houston, Skybox Security, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for this in-person event, click here.

HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Dallas CIO Executive Leadership Summit at the Westin Galleria Dallas on October 7. Timely topics to be explored at this in-person event will include innovative approaches to winning the global war for talent.

World-class CIOs and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Dallas CIO Executive Leadership Summit on October 7 will include:

Mike Anderson , Chief Digital and Information Officer, Netskope

, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Netskope Renee Arrington , President, COO & Director, Pearson Partners International, Inc.

, President, COO & Director, Pearson Partners International, Inc. Patrick Benoit , VP & Global Business Information Security Officer, CBRE

, VP & Global Business Information Security Officer, CBRE Jeevan Bobbili , Head of IT Commercial Operations and Automation, Alcon

, Head of IT Commercial Operations and Automation, Alcon Nellson Burns , VP IT & CIO, Daltile-Mohawk Industries

, VP IT & CIO, Daltile-Mohawk Industries Kevin Christ , Partner, Concentre

, Partner, Concentre Mark Connelly , CISO, Boston Consulting Group

, CISO, Boston Consulting Group Mignona Cote , Head of Security AWS Global and Strategic Accounts, Amazon Web Services

, Head of Security AWS Global and Strategic Accounts, Amazon Web Services Jamey Cummings , Partner - Cybersecurity and Technology, JM Search

, Partner - Cybersecurity and Technology, JM Search Chris Gates , Group CIO and SVP Hosting Services, Allstate

, Group CIO and SVP Hosting Services, Allstate Vipin Gupta , CIO, Toyota Financial Services

, CIO, Toyota Financial Services Michael McNeil , Chief Information Security Officer, McKesson Corporation

, Chief Information Security Officer, McKesson Corporation Lety Nettles , EVP and CIO of Innovation and Business Products, LPL Financial

, EVP and CIO of Innovation and Business Products, LPL Financial Ed Robben , Interim CIO, Orthofix

, Interim CIO, Orthofix Tania Salarvand , Managing Director, Globant

, Managing Director, Globant Neelu Sethi , SVP & CIO, Reddy Ice

, SVP & CIO, Reddy Ice Angela Venuk, CIO, Gamestop



Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Dallas CIO Executive Leadership Summit include Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, Citrix, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, NPower, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, Productiv, RingCentral, Rubrik, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Dallas/Fort Worth, Skybox Security, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Dallas CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here.

HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! New Jersey CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 30. Timely topics to be explored in this highly interactive digital event include how CIOs and business technology executives can help drive innovation, grow the business and identify and execute on new business models and go-to-market strategies. Business technology executives will also share best practices for leading and building a high-performance culture.

World-class CIOs and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! New Jersey CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 30 will include:

Roota Almeida , CISO, Delta Dental of NJ and CT

, CISO, Delta Dental of NJ and CT Judith Apshago , Vice President, Information Technology, Amtrak

, Vice President, Information Technology, Amtrak Christopher Callahan , CISO, The Weichert Companies

, CISO, The Weichert Companies William Compton , SVP & CIO, Integra Life Sciences

, SVP & CIO, Integra Life Sciences Jerry Flasz , EVP, Technology and Global Services and Chief Information Officer, Becton, Dickinson and Company

, EVP, Technology and Global Services and Chief Information Officer, Becton, Dickinson and Company Patrick Ford , CISO, Americas Region, Schneider Electric

, CISO, Americas Region, Schneider Electric Robert Galvin , CTO, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

, CTO, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Rocco Grillo , Managing Director  Global Cyber Risk Services & Incident Response Investigation, Alvarez & Marsal

, Managing Director  Global Cyber Risk Services & Incident Response Investigation, Alvarez & Marsal Jon Harding , Global CIO, Conair LLC

, Global CIO, Conair LLC Dutt Kalluri , SVP, Global Digital & Technology Transformation, Broadridge

, SVP, Global Digital & Technology Transformation, Broadridge Wafaa Mamilli , EVP, Chief Information & Digital Officer, Zoetis

, EVP, Chief Information & Digital Officer, Zoetis Quintin McGrath , Senior Managing Director, Technology Management & Enablement, Global Technology Services, Deloitte

, Senior Managing Director, Technology Management & Enablement, Global Technology Services, Deloitte Brian Mecca , EVP, SIM New Jersey

, EVP, SIM New Jersey Anne Plese , Senior Director, Product Marketing, Rimini Street

, Senior Director, Product Marketing, Rimini Street Joseph Puglisi , Former VP IT, Nice-Pak Products, Inc.

, Former VP IT, Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Scott Strickland , EVP & CIO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

, EVP & CIO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Muddu Sudhakar , CEO, Aisera

, CEO, Aisera Gabrielle Wolfson, CIO & CDO, Quest Diagnostics

Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! New Jersey CIO Executive Leadership Summit include Aisera, Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, ManageEngine, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, Rimini Street, Inc., RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM New Jersey, Skybox Security, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! New Jersey CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here.

To learn about all of HMG Strategys Upcoming CIO & CISO Summits, click here.

HMG STRATEGYS 2021 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AWARDS

The HMG Strategy 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards honor exemplary technology leaders and leadership teams who are delivering exceptional value to their organizations. This award recognizes those who have reimagined and reinvented themselves to place their organizations on the fast track to groundbreaking transformation in dynamic times. Technology executives and their teams who receive these awards are being recognized for accomplishments in the following areas: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Leading into the C-suite; Creating New Go-to-Market Business Models; Modernizing Enterprise Architecture; and Building a Culture of Trust.

To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards and to nominate a deserving executive, click here.

About HMG Strategy

HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for connecting technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. The HMG Strategy global network consists of more than 400,000 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, CDOs, senior business technology executives, search industry executives, venture capitalists, industry experts and world-class thought leaders. HMG Strategys global media model generates more than 1 million impressions per week, providing vast opportunities for business technology leaders and sponsor partners to promote themselves and their brands.

HMG Strategy was founded in 2008 by Hunter Muller, a leadership expert who has worked side-by-side with Fortune 2000 executives with strategic planning and career ascent for the past 30+ years. HMG Strategys regional and virtual CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, authored books and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven guidance from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, CDOs and technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy offers a range of peer-led research services such as its CIO & CISO Executive Leadership Alliance (CELA) program which bring together the worlds top CIOs, CISOs and technology executives to brainstorm on the top opportunities and challenges facing them in their roles.

HMG Strategys Research Stack is a unique set of research services that are designed to keep business technology executives up to speed on the latest and global geo-economic trends that are impacting businesses and industries.

HMG Ventures is a venture capital unit thats designed to connect CIOs, CTOs, CISOs and other technology executives with innovative early-stage technology companies from Silicon Valley to Tel Aviv. HMG Ventures provides technology executives with a window into hot emerging technology companies that can help move the needle for their businesses while also offering these executives unparalleled personal investment opportunities. One early-stage investment in an enterprise-level AI-powered service management provider has generated a 100X return.

HMG Strategy also produces the HMG Security Innovation Accelerator Panel, a new webinar series thats designed to connect enterprise technology and security leaders with the most innovative technology and cybersecurity companies from across the world.

To learn more about the 7 Pillars of Trust for HMG Strategy's unique business model, click here.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74c5a9dd-1577-44cd-8c42-9f8e2b96d28d
DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NCK Capital ("NCK"), a Dallas-based private equity firm specializing in management buyouts, corporate divestitures, and recapitalizations of lower, middle-market businesses, has sold The Ogle School ("Ogle") to an affiliate of RLJ Equity Partners ("RLJ") based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Ogle provides best-in-class education to students pursuing a career in the beauty industry. It opened its doors in 1973 and has expanded to nine campuses in Texas. Ogle offers a student-centered, salon-modeled education that provides exceptional training enabling real-world success.

NCK partnered with the management team and Greyrock Capital Group while leading the control buyout of Ogle in December of 2014. Throughout NCK's partnership, Ogle accomplished many goals, including generating outstanding outcomes for its students, sustaining substantial growth in students and graduates served, and earning a much-deserved reputation in its industry as one of the top providers of beauty education in the United States.

"We joined the spirited Ogle nation when we acquired the company a little over six years ago. It has been a great investment and rewarding professional experience for us and our firm. We are very proud of what the Ogle team has accomplished, and we enjoyed helping the school achieve its goals," commented NCK Co-Founder Grant Kornman.

"The team at NCK Capital were great partners. Over the years, multiple private equity firms have owned Ogle, and NCK's approach to business building was very different and a big part of our success. They were always excited to roll up their sleeves and help. It was great to work with a partner like NCK. It is a firm comprised of entrepreneurs who know how to build companies and deal with real-world operational challenges instead of getting lost in spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. They challenged us and filled in gaps where needed," said John Blair, President and CEO of Ogle.

Michael Kornman, Co-Founder of NCK Capital, added, "John and his team are exceptional leaders, and they have built a strong culture that always put the interests of students first. It was a very successful partnership, and we are very excited to see Ogle continue its rapid growth and offer its outstanding training to even more students throughout the country under the ownership of RLJ."

Sam Snyder, partner at Greyrock Capital, noted, "The Ogle investment was a roundly first-class experience and franchise victory. Not only was Ogle led by a seasoned management team responsible for driving a winning, student-led culture and executing on successful growth initiatives, but also supported by differentiated sponsorship from NCK that helped Ogle target and achieve compelling operational and capital improvements and efficiencies."

Capstone Partners represented Ogle as the exclusive financial advisor, Loeb & Loeb served as transaction counsel, and Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd. was regulatory counsel.

For More Information Contact Grant Kornman at 214-617-2089 / grant@nckcapital.com or Michael Kornman at 214-617-2084 / michael@nckcapital.com

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ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volkert, Inc., recently acquired Kennedy Engineering & Associates Group, LLC (KEA Group), a transportation engineering firm focused on planning, design, environmental, and CEI services. These four groups work closely together in a collaborative environment, ultimately ensuring quality infrastructure projects.

In addition to traditional infrastructure engineering services, KEA Group also provides dispatchers for the Georgia Department of Transportations Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP).

We are pleased to bring KEA Group on board, says Volkert Chairman of the Board and CEO David Allsbrook. Its geographic footprint and unique service offerings will help us grow our presence in Georgia and Florida.

KEA Group was founded in 2003 and has established a reputation for understanding and meeting client needs and requests. The KEA Group team works together with government agencies, including federal, state, and municipal; planning agencies; and commercial developers.

Lori Kennedy built KEA Group over 20 years and has had a long-term working relationship with Volkert, explains Volkert East Division president David Webber. We are gaining 68 exceptional employees.

We have worked with Volkert for years and are excited to join forces, comments KEA Groups founder and president Lori Kennedy. Like KEA Group, Volkert is client focused and is committed to providing excellent service. By combining our resources, we can all continue to push our industry forward and improve our nations infrastructure.

KEA Groups headquarters1720 Peachtree Street, Suite 405, Atlanta, GA 30309and its Chipley, Florida, office are now operating as Volkert offices.

About Volkert: Volkert is an award-winning professional services firm committed to expanding, enhancing, and protecting the built and natural environments. Planning, design, and engineering are at the heart of Volkerts practice. Consistently ranked among the nations top 100 engineering firms, Volkert is proud to serve its valued clients with innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to existing and emerging challenges in the transportation, nature-based and green infrastructure, energy, and program management sectors.

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New York, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Consumer Electronics E-Commerce Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth And Change To 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151611/?utm_source=GNW

23 billion in 2020 to $343.34 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The change in growth trend is mainly due to the companies stabilizing their output after catering to the demand that grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The market is expected to reach $511.06 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 10%.



The consumer electronics e-commerce market consists of sales of electronic goods that include video products such as television, navigation products, digital cameras and accessories, digital camcorders and accessories, e-Readers, DVD and Blu-ray players, audio products such as MP3 players and accessories, home theatre audio systems and components, musical instruments and mobile electronics, and others.The market consists of revenues generated by the establishments by the sales of these video and audio electronics.



Ecommerce refers to businesses, companies, and individuals selling goods or services electronically.



The consumer electronics e-commerce market covered in this market is segmented by product into video products, audio products, others; business model: business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C).



The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.



The lack of an integrated end-to-end logistics platform for delivery of electronics purchased online is a key factor challenging the growth of this market.This is because supply is more important that demand, and in developing countries, there is a significant logistical barrier.



For instance, in India, there are 6000 cities and 600,000 villages that account for nearly 70% of the countrys population.The retail e-commerce can deliver to only an estimated 200 cities in India which means for a major proportion of population these services are not available.



The logistics performance differs significantly in each country.The differences include local logistics infrastructure, delivery choices, mode of delivery, and warehousing.



These poise challenges for businesses keen to expand across borders. Additionally, catering services for same-day and next-day deliveries, along with managing change requests for time slots simultaneously, is another major ongoing logistical challenge for retailers. These factors are therefore hindering the growth of consumer electronics e-commerce market.



Augmented reality (AR) technology enhances online shopping experience.AR technology is a solution for online shoppers uncertainty about a product that they wish to purchase online.



AR solutions allow customers to visualize products in real time, from the comfort of their homes.The 3D visualizations via AR provide opportunity for customers to see how products could look in their space before they commit to purchase.



They can try different options and choose the best product.It reduces the inconvenience due to the return/exchange of products, and saves time and cost of returns.



AR helps online retailers significantly reduce returns by providing try-before-you-buy digital experience. For example, Augment is an augmented reality tool that allows customers to view a product in real time. Augment helps customers to rotate and see products so that it can be visualizes in a natural setting. Also, customers can change the product colours and finishes.



Consumers are shifting from offline to online shopping, and this factor is the key driving factor of consumer electronics e-commerce market. Globally, nearly 53% of the global population (more than 4 billion people) is connected to the internet, and nearly all of them (92.6%) go online using their mobile devices. Internet connectivity has presented an opportunity of hassle-free shopping - anytime, anywhere. The internet accessibility, mobile technology and digital innovations are changing consumers shopping experiences. With the building customers trust in buying high-value products including electronics on the Internet, the number of online shoppers is skyrocketing. Therefore, with the increased penetration of online shopping in consumers lives, the value of electronics e-commerce market is expected to only rise but not slowdown.



Amazon.com Inc. signed pacts with the Future Group to sell products from Indias second largest brick-and-mortar retailer on its online marketplace. Amazon will become the authorized online sales channel for Future Retail Ltd.s stores, which sell everything from groceries to cosmetics and apparel, according to an exchange filing Monday. The e-commerce giant will also have a tie-up with Future Consumer Ltd. that makes consumer goods like packaged snacks and household cleaners.



The countries covered in the market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151611/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________
Houston, Texas, United States, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iCRYO today announced it will host its inaugural Elevate Conference in from April 21  24, 2022, in South Shore Resort and Marina in League City, TX. The event will have an open invitation to all franchisees, area developers, stakeholders, and corporate team members.

Building on their continued growth of locations in development expanded service offerings, and the companys record for most locations opening their doors in a year, Elevate will be an opportunity for individuals to learn about whats on the horizon for iCRYO, learn more about business tactics, and hear big names speak about the future of Health and Wellness. iCRYO is currently in talks with A-list celebrities and some of the biggest names in the business to take the stage at the inaugural event.

"We are thrilled to bring the 1st Annual iCRYO Conference "Elevate" to the brand. It is going to be an amazing weekend of team building, education, and of course some fun mixed in. This weekend will be the epitome of what the iCRYO Culture is all about, said COO and Co-Founder, Kyle Jones. To have all our franchisees, corporate team, vendors, and investors in the same place for an entire weekend are going to be one for the books. I look forward to the 2022 conference setting the bar for years to come!"

As health and wellness continue to lead conversations around the world, iCRYO is focused more than ever to work, learn, and provide the best services possible to current and future guests.

iCRYO will share additional program information in future releases at iCRYO.com.

About iCRYO

Headquartered in Houston, TX, iCRYO is setting the standard for health and wellness nationwide. As the leading franchise in the industry, iCRYO is an affordable, convenient and professional franchise that offers Cryotherapy, iV Infusions, and additional wellness services to the communities in which they are located. iCRYO offers a turnkey franchise system for business owners. Whether it be a retail location or an addition to a gym or existing business, we have the systems and comprehensive training in place to provide safe wellness services in your area. Its mission is to elevate the lifestyle of our team members and guests while raising the bar in the health and wellness market. To learn more, visit www.icryo.com.

Connect / Follow iCRYO: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Franchise LinkedIn

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English French

PRESS RELEASE

AB SCIENCE PRESENTS ITS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2021 AND THE KEY EVENTS OF THE PERIOD

Financial information Operating loss of 6.0 million, a 12.4% reduction in expenses as compared to 2020 Significant financial visibility, with a cash position of 17.7 million as of 30 June 2021, plus 3.3 million of 2020 tax credit to be reimbursed by the Public Finance Department and with off-balance sheet commitments received amounting to 90 million



Clinical development Progressive resumption of masitinib clinical studies Launch of antiviral treatment in Covid-19 Publication of long-term survival data in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Launch of a new proprietary compound (AB8939) in clinical phase with the launch of a Phase I/II study in acute myeloid leukaemia Positive results of the Phase 2B/3 study with masitinib in prostate cancer



Paris, September 30, 2021, 7pm CET

AB Science SA (Euronext - FR0010557264 - AB) today reports its revenues for the first half of 2021 and provides an update on its activities.

FINANCIAL SITUATION KEY ELEMENTS AS OF 30 JUNE 2021

Decrease of the operating l oss

The operating loss as of 30 June 2021 was 6,040 K, compared with 6,895 K as of 30 June 2020, a decrease in the operating loss of 855 K (12.4%). This decrease is mainly due to the decrease in research and development costs during the period.

Strengthening of the cash position and financial visibility

Total cash and current financial assets amounted to 17,646 K as of 30 June 2021. This amount does not take into account the 3.3 million of 2020 tax credit to be reimbursed by the Public Finance Department.

In addition, the amount of off-balance sheet commitments received as of 30 June 2021 was 90 million. These commitments include:

A loan agreement for a total amount of 15 million signed with the EIB in November 2020

A firm financing option from historical shareholders for an amount of 25 million in the next 12 months, at the initiative of AB Science

A commitment of an additional 50 million euros, at the rate of 25 million per year from the first anniversary date, 1 July 2022, subject to an absence of event clause significantly unfavorable





Off-balance sheet commitments are detailed in paragraph 22 of the appendix to the half-year consolidated accounts.

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT KEY EVENTS DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2021 AND SINCE JUNE 30, 2021

Progressive resumption of patient enrollment in ongoing masitinib studies

AB Science announced the progressive resumption of patient enrollment in the confirmatory Phase 3 study (AB19001) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the confirmatory Phase 3 study (AB15003) in mastocytosis and the Phase 2 study (AB20001) in Covid-19.

This resumption follows the decision in June 2021 to voluntarily suspend the inclusion of new patients in clinical studies with masitinib after the detection of a potential risk of ischemic heart disease with masitinib, and the validation by the ANSM of a risk management plan proposed by AB Science to reinforce patient safety.

Launch of an antiviral treatment for Covid-19

Publication in the journal Science





AB Science announced publication of a peer-reviewed article titled Masitinib is a broad coronavirus 3CL inhibitor that effectively blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the journal Science. The article reports on research that identifies masitinib as a broad antiviral agent capable of treating SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), including demonstration of in vivo activity in mice, with efficacy maintained, in vitro, against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Launch of a second Phase 2 study in Covid-19





AB Science announced it has received approval to commence a second Phase 2 study in Covid-19. This study will evaluate the antiviral efficacy of masitinib at 3 different dosages, administered as an add-on to best supportive care, with respect to placebo plus best supportive care. The primary efficacy objective will be to demonstrate that masitinib can reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) faster than a placebo control group, which will receive best supportive care. The population of study AB21002 therefore targets ambulatory (non-hospitalized) patients with mild disease or hospitalized patients without requirement for non-invasive ventilation (a score of 4 and 5 on the WHO clinical progression scale for COVID-19).

Collaboration with the University of Chicago in order to develop masitinib back-ups as antiviral drugs





AB Science together with the University of Chicago, announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement for conducting research on the prevention and treatment of humans infected with nidoviruses, coronaviruses and picornaviruses.

Under this agreement, AB Science will supply masitinib and more than 130 other AB Science proprietary drugs that have demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CL-Pro via virtual screening methodology, and will benefit from the proprietary research platform of the University of Chicago.

Publication of long-term data showing that masitinib extended survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by 25 months, provided that treatment starts early in disease course

The survival analysis followed all patients originally randomized in study AB10015 for an average duration of 75 months from the date of diagnosis. In ALS patients with mild or moderate disease severity at baseline, it was seen that treatment with 4.5 mg/kg/day masitinib as an add-on to standard riluzole prolonged survival by 25 months relative to those treated with riluzole alone, with a 44% reduced risk of death. Patients with mild or moderate disease severity correspond closely to the patient cohort enrolled in confirmatory phase 3 study, AB19001.

This new survival data has been published in in the peer-reviewed journal Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders.

Launch of a Phase I /II study with AB8939 in acute myeloid leukemia

AB Science announced that its clinical trial with AB8939 in adult patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been approved by Health Canada.

AB8939 is a new generation synthetic microtubule destabilizer with the ability to overcome multidrug resistance and the potential for broad applicability as a potent anticancer drug.

The therapeutic potential of AB8939 has been demonstrated by preclinical results. In vivo data in a mouse model showed that AB8939, administered alone or in combination with Ara-C, increased survival compared to Ara-C alone.

AB8939 was entirely discovered by the laboratories of AB Science, which retains full ownership of intellectual rights, and is an example of AB Sciences focus on innovative drug development focused on improving patients lives.

Clinical results in Prostate C ancer

Masitinib Phase 2B/3 study (AB12003) in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) eligible to chemotherapy met its predefined primary endpoint. The study results were presented at the American Urological Association (AUA) 2021 Annual Meeting, held on September 10-13, 2021.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2021

The operating loss at of June 30, 2021 was 6,040 K, compared to a loss of 6,895 K as of June 30, 2020, i.e. a decrease in the operating loss of 855 K (12.4%).

Operating revenues, exclusively consisting of revenue from the operation of a veterinary medicine drug, amounted to 818 K as of June 30, 2021, compared to 807 K one year earlier.

Operating expenses amounted to 6,858 K as of June 30, 2021, compared to 7,702 K as of June 30, 2020, a decrease of 10.9%.

Marketing expenses decreased by 47.4% from 449 K as of June 30, 2020 to 236 K as of June 30, 2021.

Administrative expenses increased by 25.2%, from 1,059 K as of June 30, 2020 to 1,326 K as of June 30, 2021.

Research and development expenses decreased by 13.4%, from 6,121 K as of June 30, 2020 to 5,299 K as of June 30, 2021. This variation is explained by the end of a number of studies where masitinib is being developed, which has led to a decrease in clinical costs (clinical partners, hospitals, laboratories, etc.).





The financial income as of June 30, 2021 is a gain of 1,386 K compared to a loss of 1,897 K one year earlier.

As of June 30, 2020, the loss of 1,897 K is mainly related to the recognition in the IFRS consolidated accounts of the change in fair value of financial liabilities. This change resulted in a non-recurring, non-cash loss.

The gain of 1,386 K as of June 30, 2021 is also and mainly related to the recognition in the IFRS consolidated accounts of the change in fair value of financial liabilities. This variation generates a non-recurring gain with no effect on cash. As these liabilities are mainly composed of instruments convertible into ordinary shares, their fair value varies according to the price of the AB Science share, i.e. a decrease over the half-year.

The net loss as of June 30, 2021 amounts to 4 655 K compared to a loss of 8 801 K as of June 30, 2020.

The following table summarizes the consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2021 prepared in accordance with IFRS, and comparative information with the first half of 2020:

In thousands of euros, except for share data 30/06/2021 30/06/2020 Net turnover 818 807 Cost of sales and marketing expenses (233) (523) Administrative expenses (1,326) (1,059) Research and development expenses (5,299) (6,121) Operating income (6,040) (6,895) Financial income 1,469 186 Financier expenses (83) (2,083) Financial income 1,386 (1,897) Net income (4,655) (8,801) Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax 184 88 Total comprehensive income for the period (4,470) (8,713) Basic earnings per share - in euros (0,10) (0,23) Diluted earnings per share - in euros (0,10) (0,23)





30/06/2021 31/12/2020 Cash and cash equivalents 17,646 20,660 Total Assets 28,454 29,688 Equity (14,470) (19,549) Non-current financial liabilities 17,350 23,979 Trade payables 12,909 13,286 Current financial liabilities 5,832 4,370

OTHER CORPORATE INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2021

State-guaranteed loan (PGE)

AB Science has obtained in March and April 2021 the agreement of Societe Generale, Bpifrance and Banque Populaire for a total of 6 million euros in financing in the form of a state-guaranteed loan (PGE - pret garanti par lEtat), in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each bank provided a loan of 2 million euros. This loan is 90% guaranteed by the French State, with an initial maturity of 12 months and an extension option of up to five years, exercisable by AB Science.

Agreement with historical shareholders to implement a joint strategy to increase the value of masitinib

AB Science announced that it has signed an agreement with historical shareholders to implement a joint strategy to increase the value of masitinib. Under this agreement, these historical shareholders, representing today 8.7% of the company's share capital, undertake to act in concert with the founding shareholders of AB Science in order to:

study strategies to optimize the value of masitinib, in particular in the context of a potential strategic alliance with one or several pharmaceutical company(ies) for the clinical development and commercialization of masitinib in one or more major indication(s), and/or in one or more major region(s); and

to study the opportunity of listing AB Science on a foreign market, in particular the NASDAQ (through an American Depository Receipts program).

The agreement will be implemented subject to the condition of obtaining a final exemption decision from the French Autorite des Marches Financiers, free and clear of any appeal, confirming that there is no need for a public offer.

This agreement also includes the signature of a firm financing option for an amount of 25 million over the next 12 months, at the initiative of AB Science. These financings will have to be carried out within the framework of the "private placement" or "capital increase reserved for categories of persons" resolutions that are currently in place. With this agreement, AB Science's financial visibility is extended beyond 24 months. This funding commitment may be increased by an additional 50 million euros, at the rate of 25 million euros per year from the first anniversary date, subject to a clause of absence of significantly unfavorable event.

Finally, this agreement includes a lock-up by certain minority shareholders on 1.8 million shares for a period of three years (or until the implementation of the value enhancement strategy if this occurs before the end of the three-year period).

Changes in the Board of Directors

AB Science has announced the reorganization of its Board of Directors with the co-optation of four new independent directors, Cecile de Guillebon, replacing Nathalie Riez, Catherine Johnston-Roussillon, replacing Emmanuel Mourey, Guillemette Latscha, replacing Beatrice Bihr, and Renaud Sassi, replacing Jean-Pierre Kinet.

Shareholders' agreements expiring in 2021

Some agreements expire in 2021. All these agreements are described in chapter 8.5 of the annual financial report as of December 31, 2020.

Other events

Other securities transactions





During the first half of 2021, 21,845 share subscription warrants were granted.

Other information





AB Science confirms its eligibility for PEA-PME (a share savings plan aimed at providing finance to SMEs) in accordance with decree no. 2014-283 of 4 March 2014 taken for the application of article 70 of law no. 2013-1278 of 29 December 2013 of finance for 2014 fixing the eligibility of companies for PEA-PME, i.e. less than 5,000 employees on the one hand, an annual turnover of less than 1,500 million euros or a total balance sheet of less than 2,000 million euros, on the other hand.

About AB Science

Founded in 2001, AB Science is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), a class of targeted proteins whose action are key in signaling pathways within cells. Our programs target only diseases with high unmet medical needs, often lethal with short term survival or rare or refractory to previous line of treatment.

AB Science has developed a proprietary portfolio of molecules and the Companys lead compound, masitinib, has already been registered for veterinary medicine and is developed in human medicine in oncology, neurological diseases, inflammatory diseases and viral diseases. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: AB).

Further information is available on AB Sciences website:

www.ab-science.com.

Forward-looking Statements - AB Science

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates as well as the assumptions on which they are based, statements based on projects, objectives, intentions and expectations regarding financial results, events, operations, future services, product development and their potential or future performance.

These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate" or "plan" as well as other similar terms. While AB Science believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of AB Science and which may imply that results and actual events significantly differ from those expressed, induced or anticipated in the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include the uncertainties related to product development of the Company which may not be successful or to the marketing authorizations granted by competent authorities or, more generally, any factors that may affect marketing capacity of the products developed by AB Science, as well as those developed or identified in the public documents published by AB Science. AB Science disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update the forward-looking information and statements, subject to the applicable regulations, in particular articles 223-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulations.

For additional information, please contact:

AB Science

Financial Communication & Media Relations

investors@ab-science.com

Media Relations  USA

RooneyPartners

Kate Barrette

kbarrette@rooneypartners.com

+1 212 223 0561

Media Relations  France

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

arouille@newcap.fr

+33 (0)1 44 71 00 15





Attachment
New York, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Smart Home Security Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth And Change To 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151586/?utm_source=GNW

49 billion in 2020 to $2.7 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth is mainly due to the companies resuming their operations and adapting to the new normal while recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market is expected to reach $5.05 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 16.9%.



The smart home security systems market consists of sales of smart home security devices and related services.Smart home security devices can be connected to Wi-Fi and accessed from anywhere using smartphones, smartwatch or voice.



The security devices produced includes devices such as smart alarms, smart cameras, smart locks, smart detectors, and others. This market does not include the installation of these devices and/or integration with the home set-up.



The smart home security market covered in this report is segmented by product into smart alarms, smart camera and monitoring system, smart locks and sensors, smart detectors. It is also segmented by application into independent homes, apartments, condominiums and by component into hardware, software, service.



The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.



The high installation costs of smart home security devices is restraining the growth of smart home security market.Being a relatively new technology, the setup cost for smart home security systems and the cost of other related expenses such as utilities, maintenance, and repair of the technology are high as well.



Cost of home security devices depends on the plan of the installation and size of the property.Installation of alarm systems and security cameras is more expensive when compared to other smart home security devices.



The basic smart home security system consisting of a burglar alarm, thermostat, outdoor lighting and a backdoor lock which can be controlled from remote device costs $2,500. And an advanced and high-end security and home automation systems cost $1.8 million. For instance, in 2019, the cost range for installation of basic security cameras is $663 - $2,019.



Smart home security systems manufacturers are increasingly integrating technologies with visual recognition based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) in security devices.AI is developing to a new stage where the security confirmation and authentication will be processed from face and visual recognition.



Home security systems such as consumer video cameras are integrated with AI technology with a new security validation framework to enhance safety and security through facial recognition, fingerprints and voice recognition.AI is proposed to be applied in smart alarms to create databases of all incoming alerts, which then could be analyzed to predict false alarms.



For instance, in 2019, SimCam Lab, a home security and automation system provider, presented the SimCam home security and home automation camera that utilizes AI "SimCam Alloy" for recognizing faces and monitoring pets, objects and others.



In July 2018, Amazon acquired Ring, a home security company for $1 billion.This acquisition would expand Amazons product portfolio and help capitalize on the rising demand globally for home security product.



Ring is a smart home automation and security systems company manufacturing home security devices, video doorbells, indoor & outdoor security cameras and other products. Ring was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, US.



The smart home security market is driven by increasing crime rates across the globe.With the increasing crime rates, the consumers are increasingly focusing on safety and security systems especially in residential areas.



Smart home devices such as smart alarms, smart cameras, and smart lockers are being preferred by the households to be more safe and secure.According to home burglary statistics, 88% of all burglaries are residential in nature and there is 300% possibility of theft in homes without security systems.



According to a NCRBs 2019 crime statistics, in 2019, 1,833 violent crimes were registered in the Himachal compared to 1,861 identified in 2018.



Californias Senate Bill 327, states the security regulations to be followed for all devices that connect to the internet including smart home security systems.The bill requires the manufacturer of such a device to be equipped with appropriate security features, designed to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or information disclosure.



The bill states that the information collected by the device should be appropriate and protected from unauthorized use.Also, if the device needs to be used outside the local area network, the user should generate a new password other than the one allotted to it by default, in order to prevent attack by hackers.



This bill is proposed to be effective from January 1, 2020, in California, US.



The countries covered in the market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06151586/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Researchers at UC San Francisco and UC San Diego have mapped out how hundreds of mutations involved in two types of cancer affect the activity of proteins that are the ultimate actors behind the disease. The work points the way to identifying new precision treatments that may skirt side effects common with much current chemotherapy.



The effort, dubbed Cancer Cell Mapping Initiative (CCMI), is led by Nevan Krogan, PhD , director of UCSFs Quantitative Biosciences Institute and Trey Ideker, PhD , professor at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center , who are also co-senior authors on a set of three related studies that describe the map. The papers appear September 30 in Science.

This is an entirely new way to do cancer research, said Nevan Krogan. Krogan noted that targeted treatments based simply on DNA sequencing of tumors havent been as effective as hoped. We realized we need another way to look at cancer that takes it a step beyond DNA.

The bottom line is that were elevating the conversation about cancer from individual genes to whole protein complexes, Ideker said. For years different groups have been discovering more and more gene mutations that are involved in cancers. But now were able to explain these mutations at the next level  by looking at how the different gene mutations in different patients actually have the same downstream effects on the same protein machines. This is the first map of cancer from the protein complex lens.

Looking Beyond Gene Mutations to the Protein Disruptions They Cause

The team looked at proteins, which carry out the vast majority of functions in the bodyand which take on a collection of forms that far outnumber our genes, providing a much more expansive view of the activity underlying cancer.

DNA contains the instructions for building proteins, which then interact with other proteins, almost always in large groups called complexes. These protein complexes regulate an activity or turn a function on or off. If the underlying DNA has a mutation, the resulting protein complexes will as well.

These gene mutations can affect how well the resulting protein complexes do their jobs. For example, a particular interaction between two proteins might be crucial to repairing damaged DNA. If the mutated version of one of those proteins is shaped differently than normal, it may not interact correctly with the other protein, and the DNA might not get repaired, leading to cancer.

Mapping Protein Mutations

There is a subset of genes that are commonly mutated in cancer, Krogan said, and each of these genes can be mutated in hundreds of different ways. In addition, the function of a particular protein may be different in different types of cells, so a mutation in a breast cancer cell might have different effects on protein complexes than that same mutations effect in a cell in the throat.

CCMIs goal was to map the constellation of protein complexes formed by approximately 60 proteins commonly involved in either breast cancer and cancers of the head and neck, and to see what each looked like in healthy cells. Alongside that effort, they created maps of how protein complexes are affected by hundreds of different gene mutations in two cancerous cell lines.

Doing so presented a formidable computational challenge. But the CCMI collaboration allowed the team to use advanced and novel data analyses to reveal not only whether the mutation affected interactions between proteins, but to what extent.

That kind of detail shows us how well an existing drug might work, or explains why it doesnt, Ideker said.

The most powerful aspect of these extensive protein interaction maps is that they can shed the same light on many other conditions, Krogan said. For example, the team is also at work on similar studies of protein interactions in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as infectious disease.

Collaboration is Key

Krogan and Ideker see the CCMI collaboration as the real source of strength behind the approach.

We're not only making connections between different genes and proteins but between different people and different disciplines, Krogan said. Those collaborations have built up an infrastructure that allows them to integrate an array of types of information and push the boundaries of whats possible in applying data science to complex diseases.

Were in the perfect position to take advantage of this revolution on every level. I couldnt be more excited than I am right now. We can do such damage to cancer.

Funding: This research was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (U54 CA209891, U54 CA209988, 5F30CA236404-02) and the National institutes of Health (F32 CA239336, R50 CA243885, S10 OD026929) as well as other public and philanthropic sources.



About QBI: The Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) fosters collaborations across the biomedical and the physical sciences, seeking quantitative methods to address pressing problems in biology and biomedicine. Motivated by problems of human disease, QBI is committed to investigating fundamental biological mechanisms, because ultimately solutions to many diseases have been revealed by unexpected discoveries in the basic sciences.

Follow UCSF

qbi.ucsf.edu | Facebook.com/qbiucsf | Twitter.com/qbi_ucsf | YouTube.com/qbitvucsf

About UCSF: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is exclusively focused on the health sciences and is dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. UCSF Health, which serves as UCSFs primary academic medical center, includes top-ranked specialty hospitals and other clinical programs, and has affiliations throughout the Bay Area. UCSF School of Medicine also has a regional campus in Fresno. Learn more at ucsf.edu or see our Fact Sheet .

Follow UCSF

ucsf.edu | Facebook.com/ucsf | Twitter.com/ucsf | YouTube.com/ucsf

Media contacts:

Gina Nguyen, 646-326-8936

GinaT.Nguyen@ucsf.edu | @QBI_UCSF

Robin Marks, 415-663-6768

Robin.Marks@ucsf.edu | @UCSF

Heather Buschman, 858-249-0456

hbuschman@health.ucsd.edu | @UCSDMedSchool

Videos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff38e633-ed60-481f-8b22-a0f73929a7a9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20119a6f-0bbc-42aa-aa8f-adc435b88697
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Sales up 22% in the first half of 2021 despite conservative plans in hospitals

ISO13485 certification by AFAQ/AFNOR of the group's new industrial activities and start of integrated production by Safe Medical

Operating profit of -4M, at the level of the first half of 2019

End of 8.4 million bond financing line

Eragny-sur-Oise, France, September 30th, 2021 at 5:35 p.m. CET  Safe (FR0013467123  ALSAF), a company specialising in the design, manufacture and marketing of ready-to-use technologies for back surgery, with a particular focus on the safety of emergency vertebral fractures, publishes its half-yearly financial results as of June 30, 2021 and announces Safe Medical's ISO13485 integrated manufacturing certification.

Safes half-year financial report will be available by September 30th in the Investors > Documentation section of the Companys website ( www.SafeOrthopaedics.com ).

Revenues as of June 30, 2021

In thousands of euros IFRS 30/06/2021 30/06/2020 Revenues  Direct sales 773 882 Revenues  Indirect sales 556 843 Revenues - Production subcontracting 776 Adjusted total revenues 2 105 1 725 Other income 4 3 Purchases used and changes in inventories (1 425) (1 211) External costs (973) (939) Personnel costs (3 341) (2 413) Other operating expenses (377) (357) Operating income / (loss) before non-recurring items (4 006) (3 191) Other operating income (expenses) (6) 0 Operating income / (loss) (4 012) (3 191) Financial income / (loss) (204) (352) Net income / (loss) (4 216) (3 543)



In the first half of 2021, sales rose by 22% (after application of IFRS 15) compared with the first half of 2020, despite the deployment of white plans in hospitals leading to the postponement of surgeries classified as "non-urgent". This change is mainly due to the integration of Safe Medical sales following its entry into the scope of consolidation at the end of July 2020. On a like-for-like basis, Safe Orthopaedics sales were down 23% despite strong growth of 190% in Germany (197k in H1 2021 vs. 68k in H1 2020) and in the United States, where the group has recruited a sales manager and initiated direct marketing.

The increase in personnel expenses, resulting from the integration of Safe Medical and its Tunisian subsidiary in July 2020 carried out to ensure a return to growth following the health crisis, combined with the control of external expenses and the correlation between the level of sales and purchases consumed, allow the group to post an OIR identical to that of the first half of 2019.

Since the acquisition of LCI Medical, renamed Safe Medical, the group has made significant investments in its French industrial site, subsidized to the tune of eight hundred thousand euros as part of the government's stimulus plan, and has announced the start of integrated production following the Safe Medical AFAQ certification audit and the annual audit by GMED, Safe Orthopaedics' notified body.

"Safe Group closes the first half of 2021 with an overall half-year sales growth of 25% {excluding IFRS15 impact} compared to the first half of 2020 driven by a 67% sales growth in the second quarter. In addition, our Group has completed its strategic transformation in record time: one year after the acquisition of LCI Medical, the certification of our integrated production site provides us with the means to accelerate our innovation, reduce our manufacturing lead times and secure the implementation of the new regulatory requirements imposed by the MDR," commented Pierre Dumouchel, Chairman and CEO of Safe Group. "The launch of Sicamore, Hickory and the finalization of SORA by Safe Orthopaedics, combined with Safe Medical's new industrial services, reinforces our strategy of being the leader in orthopaedic ready-to-use products, while providing our sales teams with the prospect of sustained growth in the coming quarters.

As a reminder, the revenue for the first half of 2019 was 2,041k and allows us to note that, despite the impact of the health crisis still being very significant in the first half of 2021, the group's revenue has exceeded its first half 2019 level.

Safe Medical's new ISO 13485-certified cleanroom infrastructure marks the beginning of the cleanroom packaging activity.

This new activity is designed to support Safe Medical's return to growth, which has already been observed in the first half of the year, and will enable the company to offer its customers the entire subcontracting chain, from production to packaging in an ISO 7 environment offering them reduced production times, cost savings and unique innovation support.

Cash position

At June 30, 2021, the Group's audited cash position amounted to 3.9 million, compared with 3.2 million at the end of June 2020. As a reminder, the balance of the stimulus package grant still to be received is 400k. In addition, as indicated in the conversion monitoring document for the second financing program, available on the company's website in the section Investors > Documentation, all of the OCEANE bonds in the program were converted by September 22, 2021.

Next financial publication

Third quarter 2021 sales, October 7, 2021 (after market close)





About Safe Group

The Safe Group is a French medical technology group that brings together Safe Orthopaedics, a pioneer in ready-to-use technologies for spinal pathologies, and Safe Medical (formerly LCI Medical), a subcontractor of medical devices for orthopaedic surgery. The group employs approximately 150 people.

Safe Orthopaedics develops and manufactures kits combining sterile implants and single-use instruments, available at all times to the surgeon. These technologies are part of a minimally invasive approach aimed at reducing the risk of contamination and infection, to the benefit of the patient and with a positive impact on hospitalisation times and costs. Protected by 18 patent families, SteriSpineTM kits are CE marked and FDA approved. Safe Orthopaedics is headquartered in the Paris region (95610 Eragny sur Oise - France) and has subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, the USA and the Lyon region where the manufacturing company is located.

For more information: www.SafeOrthopaedics.com

Safe Medical (formerly LCI Medical) produces implantable medical devices and ready-to-use instruments. It has an innovation centre and two production sites in France and Tunisia, offering numerous industrial services: design, industrialisation, machining, finishing and sterile packaging. Supported by the French recovery plan in 2020, the company is investing in additive printing and will be operational in 2022 with this new technology.

For more information: www.safemedical.fr

Contacts

Safe Orthopaedics

Francois-Henri Reynaud

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Tel: +33 (0)1 34 21 50 00

investors@safeorthopaedics.com

Press Relations

Ulysse Communication

Pierre-Louis Germain / +33 (0)6 64 79 97 61 / plgermain@ulysse-communication.com

Bruno Arabian / +33 (0)6 87 88 47 26 / barabian@ulysse-communication.com

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Chicago, Illinois, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Illinois State Bar Association has awarded UIC Laws Fair Housing Legal Clinic its 2021 Illinois State Bar Associations Excellence in Legal Education Award, which honors a law school program that emphasizes real world skills for students.

UIC Laws Fair Housing Legal Clinic was nominated for the award by Charles Perkins (15) a compliance examiner at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Neel Rana (17), an associate at Skarzynski Marick & Black LLP; and former Lieutenant Governor, Evelyn Sanguinetti (98). All three are graduates of the Law School and Clinic.

The Clinic gave me the tools to later become a litigator, adjunct professor of law, city councilperson and the nations first Latina Lieutenant Governor, said the Hon. Evelyn R. Sanguinetti (98). These tools continue to help me as the Executive Director of HOPE, the states largest and oldest fair housing center. For these reasons, the Clinic was the most appropriate candidate to receive this award.

Since 1992, the Fair Housing Legal Clinic has represented victims of housing discrimination in Chicago. Clinic students participate in all phases of the process from intake to trial and participate in policy and legislative initiatives to advance housing equity. The Clinics nationally recognized testing program is an invaluable resource in developing investigative and analytical skills needed for a successful law practice. Clinic alums have gone on to work for HUD, the Department of Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and private law firms. Many credit their time at the Clinic as contributing to their successful transition to practice.

This award is really a testament to the vision of Professors Michael Seng and Bill Caruso, who created the Clinic, and the fine work of our students, said Allison Bethel, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Fair Housing Legal Clinic. Their efforts have helped break down the barriers of housing segregation and build bridges to opportunity. We appreciate the ISBA recognizing our work in the fight to end housing discrimination.

The ISBA Committee on Legal Education, Admission and Competence established "The Excellence on Legal Education Award" in 2015. In order to qualify for the award, nominees must be a program, class, clinic or other initiative focused on teaching practical skills at an ABA-accredited law school affiliated with the ISBA. The program must also provide students with an opportunity to practice identifiable, practical legal skills, including but not limited to, skills related to advocacy, transactional representation, law office management or ethics.

About University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

UIC Law is the 16th college at the University of Illinois ChicagoChicagos largest university and its only public Carnegie Research 1 institution. Located in the heart of the Citys legal, financial and commercial districts, UIC Law is recognized as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation and is a leader in providing access to underrepresented students.
OAKDALE, Minn., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cashe Software, a leading provider of agency management software, is pleased to announce that Samantha Frederick, a leader in Home and Community Based Services, has joined the company as the Product Owner for Pavillio, their flagship product.

After six years with MRCI, where she was Director of Client Directed Services, Samantha brings 15+ years of industry expertise in HCBS to her role as Product Owner with Cashe. Samantha is passionate about staying ahead of national trends and remains at the forefront of industry changes including EVV, CFSS, and Waiver Reimagine.

"We are thrilled to welcome Samantha to the team, as she is a proven industry leader and expert in multiple areas of HCBS advocacy. She possesses unique insights into the experience of all agency owner-operators, as well as the ability to identify areas for growth, and opportunity within the industry." - Praba Manivasager, President, Cashe Software.

As a power user of Cashe Software, Samantha understands the value that Cashe's software can have on agency operational excellence, and the impact on cash flow, and ultimately client care.

"I'm excited to work with Cashe to integrate my knowledge of industry best practices with their cutting-edge software to elevate service delivery for individuals with disabilities and touch as many lives as possible. I have seen what Pavillio is capable of and the opportunities are endless." - Samantha Frederick

Cashe Software is Minnesota's leading provider of agency management software for Home and Community Based Services agencies. For more than 15 years, Cashe has made a difference in the lives of people in need by providing technology and services to simplify and streamline the administrative side of care. Cashe supports more than 375 agencies caring for more than 60,000 Minnesotans.

Cashe Software | Pavillio - Cashe Software for Home and Community Care

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Praba Manivasager Email: praba@cashesoftware.com

Phone: 612-290-5886

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Aarhus, 30 September, 2021 - Trifork, a provider of NextGen IT-services and solutions, has through its Labs business made a financial investment in Develco, that develops solutions within IoT (Internet of Things), wireless communication and embedding software in electronic devices, thereby supporting Triforks Smart Building business area. Trifork Labs, which acts as Triforks research and development arm through investments in innovative technology start-up companies, now holds a 40% share in Develco.

There are rapid developments in intelligent digital solutions specifically in the construction industry and its broader applications. Solutions, that not only increase comfort and make life easier, but also solve problems we didnt even know we had. This is what we focus on in Trifork Smart Building and with our Labs investment in Develco, we are now closer to very experienced IoT capabilities so that we can cover the entire value chain and can help our customers get their products to market faster. says Sren Eskildsen, head of Trifork Smart Building.

Trifork and Develco have been working together for several years, creating the perfect cohesion between hardware and software, namely user-friendly and safe solutions to operate the products.

We have known and worked with Trifork for several years and are very excited to become close partners with Trifork because it so obviously strengthens both companies for the benefit of our customers. With Triforks international profile, we will have a much wider reach and also the opportunity to serve our existing customers even better. Therefore, we expect an accelerated growth of IoT solutions in the near future. Says Jacob Bjerre from Develco.

For more information contact:

Peter Rrsgaard, Trifork CMO, pro@trifork.com, +45 2042 2494

Jakob Bjerre, Develco CEO, jbj@develco.dk, +45 4177 8818

About Develco

Founded in 1989, Develco is an independent development partner, offering a full-service concept with focus on product development and management. Develco develops products based on electronics and embedded software, wireless communication technology and IoT solutions combined with strong project management. Customers include construction companies with their own product range as well as companies looking for an experienced technology partner to realize the good idea.

Read more about Develco on

www.develco.dk

About Trifork

Trifork Group, headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, with offices in more than 11 countries in Europe and North America, is an international IT group focusing on the development of innovative software solutions. The group was founded in Denmark in 1996 and now has more than 900 employees in 57 business units, focusing on three vertical business areas: Digital Health, FinTech and Smart Buildings and three horizontals: Cloud Operations, Cyber Protection and Smart Enterprise. Trifork optimizes its customers business by delivering effective and user-friendly digital solutions. As part of its innovation program, Trifork produces technical content in collaboration with hundreds of tech-experts from the leading universities and startups. With the GOTO brand and its YouTube tech-channel, Trifork serves a world-wide tech community of more than 240,000 people and with more than 25 million views since its inception. Triforks R&D is anchored in the Trifork Labs, where Trifork continuously co-founds and develops IT start-up companies. The startups deliver technology that Trifork uses to produce innovative solutions for customers. Read more on www.trifork.com





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MARIETTA, Ga., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In July 2021, Angela Merkel made her last visit to the United States as a German chancellor, which included visits with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and several other government officials.

Universe Language, a diversified language translation and interpretation company founded in 2005, was selected to provide interpretation services for this high-profile appearance. Services included conference interpretation equipment, remote captioning, and bridge systems to integrate in-person attendees with remote captioners and viewers, including both German and English language media outlets.

This event not only involved high-profile clients, but also required services to be available for in-person attendees, while also managing remote services for media outlets and people viewing the program via streaming services. Additionally, there were strict U.S. Secret Service and German clearance, security and access requirements, as well as all safety precautions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic that Universe Language needed to account for.

Universe Language was selected to interpret this visit because of its deep expertise with hybrid events and integrations, which bridge in-person and virtual environments.

Since the main task for this event was to ensure a successful hybrid approach, Universe Language used a proprietary remote captioner called a hybrid bridge system, meaning that services were delivered in-person (in an auditorium) and from a distance (remote captioning). Both services needed to be executed flawlessly and easily so that people attending the meetings, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as people viewing the program online via streaming services all had a seamless experience.

In addition, technical challenges needed to be accounted for when merging virtual and physical environments including transmission lag time. Broadcast streams normally have a delay of up to 30 seconds due to the time the video and the audio data takes to travel from the place where it is captured to the streaming outlet. Universe Language has perfected minimizing lag times so that the language interpretation and the captioning are synchronized to what is being seen on screen, making the program, interpretation and captioning flow coherently and seamlessly.

Very few conference interpretation and captioning outlets attempt to work in both on-site and remote environments simultaneously, and even fewer are able to do it successfully. Universe Language has been perfecting these systems since the advent of COVID-19 and now has the expertise to set them up confidently at permanent venues as well as for short-term events. In fact, according to Carlos Solis, head of technology at Universe Language, helping train the audio visual, streaming and broadcasting companies was one of my favorite parts of Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit. Since they had never worked in a hybrid environment before, I enjoyed sharing the latest technologies and best practices to make it a successful event.

https://www.universelanguage.com/

Contact:

Giovanna Serrano

1-888-731-7609
SALISBURY, N.C., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food Lion Feeds is donating 5 million meals* equaling $500,000 to 11 Feeding America partner food banks throughout its 10-state footprint. The significant donations of gift cards, announced during Feeding Americas Hunger Action Month, will assist these food banks in meeting unprecedented demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America estimates that due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, more than 42 million people may experience food insecurity, including a potential 13 million children (up from 10 million children prior to the pandemic).



Since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, Food Lion Feeds has donated the equivalent of 220 million meals to hunger relief efforts.

No one should have to choose between paying for dinner or rent, or gas or groceries, but far too many of our neighbors are faced with those impossible decisions every day, said Meg Ham, President, Food Lion. Our neighbors are counting on us. Thats why we continue to stand with our longstanding community partners to fight hunger and nourish neighbors in the towns and cities we serve.

The gift cards will allow families to purchase grocery items of their choice and will be distributed at the discretion of the food banks during their upcoming, existing food distributions.

Food banks receiving gift cards through the most recent $500,000 donation include:

Food Bank of Delaware (Newark, DE)

Feeding the Valley Food Bank (Midland, GA)

Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland (Elizabethtown, KY)

Maryland Food Bank (Baltimore, MD)

MANNA Food Bank (Asheville, NC)

Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC (Raleigh, NC)

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (Raleigh, NC)

Harvest Hope Food Bank (Greenville, SC)

Chattanooga Area Food Bank (Chattanooga, TN)

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (Nashville, TN)

Food Bank of Southeastern VA and the Eastern Shore (Norfolk, VA)



Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailers hunger-relief platform, Food Lion has donated more than 750 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 through a combination of product, financial and equipment donations; disaster relief and recovery efforts; volunteer hours by associates; in-store retail campaigns; and the companys food rescue program.

For more information on Food Lion Feeds commitment to fight hunger, visit foodlion.com/feeds.

*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.

About Food Lion

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 82,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 750 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com or job applicants may visit www.foodlion.com/careers .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04129b0d-2581-4c50-b63c-be27f5830696
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion no later than November 15, 2021 in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. ("Boston Beer" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAM) from April 22, 2021 through September 8, 2021 (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges violations of the Securities Act of 1934.



If you purchased Boston Beer securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit The Boston Beer Company Inc Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Rujul Patel toll free at (877) 779-1414 or rpatel@bernlieb.com

According to the complaint, Boston Beer issued materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose adverse facts pertaining to the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Boston Beer specifically failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Boston Beers hard seltzer sales were decelerating; (2) that, as a result, Boston Beer was reasonably likely to incur inventory write-offs; (3) that the Company was reasonably likely to incur shortfall fees payable to third party brewers; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Boston Beers financial results would be adversely impacted; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 22, 2021 after the market closed, the Company reduced its full year 2021 guidance, expecting earnings per share between $18 and $22, down from a prior range of $22 and $26. Boston Beer cited softer-than-expected sales in the hard seltzer category and overall beer industry and also stated that it had overestimated the growth of the hard seltzer category in the second quarter.

On this news, the price of Boston Beer shares fell $246.54, or 26%, to close at $701.00 per share on July 23, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

On September 8, 2021, after the market closed, the Company withdrew its 2021 financial guidance, citing decelerating sales of hard seltzer products. The Company also stated that it expects to incur hard seltzer-related inventory write-offs, shortfall fees payable to 3rd party brewers, and other costs for the remainder of fiscal 2021.

On this news, Boston Beers share price fell $21.09, or 3.7%, to close at $538.31 per share on September 9, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 15, 2021 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased Boston Beer securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/thebostonbeercompanyinc-sam-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-fraud-stock-438/apply/ or contact Rujul Patel toll free at (877) 779-1414 or rpatel@bernlieb.com

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2021 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Rujul Patel

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

https://www.bernlieb.com

(877) 779-1414

rpatel@bernlieb.com
Governor Northam Breaks Ground on $300 Million Project to Widen Route 58

Investments in infrastructure continue to make the Commonwealth safer

MEADOWS OF DANGovernor Ralph Northam today broke ground on a $300 million project to widen 7.4 miles of Route 58 in Patrick County over Lovers Leap Mountain. The groundbreaking is the next phase of a larger project to create a continuous four-lane highway between Virginia Beach and Interstate 77.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Fred Clifton Park in Meadows of Dan at an overlook near Route 58.

Route 58 is a vital road for locals, tourists, and commercial traffic, connecting southern Virginia from the beach to the mountains, said Governor Northam. By widening this key section, the project will open up this part of Southwest Virginia to faster, safer travel and more economic investment.

This project is a part of the U.S. Route 58 Corridor Development Program. It was enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1989 to enhance economic growth potential and provide an adequate, modern, safe, and efficient highway system along Virginia's southern boundary.

Every year, thousands of commuters, travelers, and truckers take Route 58 as they travel along our Commonwealths southern border, said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. This project represents a continuation of a multi-decade investment in the people and communities of Rural and Southwest Virginia.

The project will address the safety challenges caused by the steep angles and winding curves that drivers encounter on Lovers Leap Mountain. This two-lane section of Route 58 currently is restricted to tractor trailers. This restriction will be removed once the improvements are completed.

The widening of Route 58 is being completed under an agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Branch Civil Inc. The agreement is in accordance with the Public Private Transportation Act, which allows private entities to propose innovative solutions for designing, constructing, and financing transportation projects.

Once the General Assembly prioritized funding for the project, the Virginia Department of Transportation and our partner Branch Civil used an innovative progressive design-build approach to refine the design and advance the project to construction, said Commissioner of Highways Stephen Brich. This was the first time this contracting style was used in Virginia and supported a new level of engagement between the Virginia Department of Transportation and our contracting partner.

The project starts a quarter mile west of the Poor Farmers Farm store in Vesta and continues 7.4 miles eastward. The work on the expansion will end when it connects to the existing four-lane section of the Route 58 Stuart Bypass.

The construction on Route 58 will include widening the road to four lanes, improving alignments and grades, expanding the shoulders, adding turn lanes at all secondary road connections, and enhancing the Lovers Leap Overlook. In addition, brake check areas and escape ramps for trucks will be added.

The mountainous terrain and amount of excavation required make this project a significant amount of work. More than 10 million cubic yards of soil and rock on Lovers Leap Mountain will need to be excavated at elevations that range between 1,300 and 3,000 feet.

Since representing Patrick County in the House of Delegates, I have fought hard for the widening of Route 58 from Stuart to Interstate 77, prioritizing through Lovers Leap, by successfully introducing legislation to widen Route 58, said Delegate Charles Poindexter. Since all the construction and environmental studies have now concluded, construction for this much needed project can now begin. I am excited for Patrick County, our region, and the expanded opportunities for the enhanced movement of imports and exports through the Port of Virginia.

There are two additional projects to widen Route 58 between Virginia Beach and I-77. These include projects at Vesta (four miles) and Crooked Oak (7.2 miles).

# # #
It has been rumoured for a while now, but now the word is out: the Formula 1 circus will race at the Losail International Circuit of Qatar. And not just for one season. No, to add lustre to the addition of the circuit, the circuit signed a contract for no less than ten years from 2023!

What does the track look like?

Racing in the Middle East is hot. We already had races in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and this year Saudi Arabia makes a debut appearance, but now Qatar has been added to the racing calendar. And so Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will be battling it out for the title at the Losail International Circuit.

The circuit is for many unknown. Formula 1 has never raced there, so many people will ask: what kind of circuit is it? Well, as you can see on the onboard video below, it will certainly not be a boring race.
Now that the addition of the Qatar Grand Prix is finally official this means that there will be four races in the Middle East on the calendar. Besides Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia they will also race at the Losail International Circuit. At least for one year. In 2022 there will be no race in Qatar, but from 2023 the race will be on the program for ten years.

Ecclestone no fan

The idea is to race on a brand new circuit during those ten years. The confirmation of the race in Qatar shows once more how the regime has changed after Bernie Ecclestone handed over Formula 1 to the American Liberty Media. Ecclestone himself was no fan of a race in Qatar.

In an old interview that the former Formula 1 boss had with Reuters, it can be noted that Ecclestone didn't really want another race in the Middle East. "I think we have enough here, don't you?" the Briton told reporters at the 2015 Bahrain Grand Prix when asked about the possibility of a race in Doha. Qatar was reportedly close to hosting a Formula One race at the time.

Deal with Bahrain

"I made a deal with the people in Bahrain and they said, 'If we are going to do something new in this area, whatever we do, will you give us the guarantee that you will not organise another race in this area, in the Gulf'," Ecclestone recorded at the time. Five years later a Qatari Grand Prix will be held after all and the race will remain on the calendar for quite some time.
Similarly to a potato, plantains are a versatile starch that can be eaten in many different ways  but have you tried Mofongo?

The plantains are mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilon, a mortar and pestle. It is usually served with fried meat or seafood.

Eduardo Aquino, owner of La Cabana Food Truck said, mofongo is a must at any Puerto Rican restaurant. When you think of Puerto Rico, you think of that dish.

ALLEKO/Getty Images/iStockphoto

When it comes to mofongo at restaurants, Vincent Placeres owner of MonfonGo in Hartford, New Britain and Windsor said one thing he noticed when ordering this dish was the wait time, which inspired him to open a fast Chipotle-style eatery for mofongo. Anytime Id go get mofongo Id have to wait 15-20 minutes for them to make it, or the person who makes it was not in so they were not selling it for the day because no one knew how to make it, he said.

"I could not find that island flavor anywhere and I wanted to replicate it but with my twist. I didn't want people waiting 15-20 minutes so I wanted to do it like a grab and go but still enjoy the atmosphere," said Placeres.

Over in Bridgeport, Tana Medina said her dad opened El Coquito Restaurant because he wanted to show the city of Bridgeport what authentic Puerto Rican food was all about. It is hard to find mofongo that tastes like its from the island. Thats why we opened our own restaurant because it tastes like if grandma made it, she said.

Here are 4 places in Connecticut where you can try mofongo:

MofonGo Hartford, New Britain, Windsor Adobo chicken mofongo from MofonGo in Hartford, New Britain, and Windsor. Jailene Cuevas Owner Vincent Placeres has been a chef for 20 years and when it came to opening a Chopt-style fast eatery in 2016 like MofonGo, he said it was a must for him to provide high-quality cuisine. I wanted to create a recipe where at all my locations, its going to taste the same and youll know its from me, he said. We take fresh quality ingredients from the island, add a little American cuisine twist with and we enhance it. Local food Youtuber Daym Drops is also co-owner of the Windsor location.

El Coquito Restaurant Bridgeport View this post on Instagram A post shared by El Coquito Restaurant (@elcoquitoct) For 35 years, El Coquito Restaurant has provided dishes from the island to Bridgeport. Eddie Reyes, owner, started off his business selling ice cream but then branched out to his roots selling authentic traditional Puerto Rican food. Like every dish here, the mofongo is made with so much love and passion. That is what makes our mofongo so unique, said manager Robert Medina.

La Cabana Food Truck Bridgeport Mofongo with "pernil" (pork shoulder) from La Cabana Food Truck in Bridgeport, Conn. Contributed by La Cabana Food Truck Puerto Rican owner and chef Eduardo Aquino opened La Cabana because he said he wanted the Bridgeport community to have a "nice grub." Our mofongo is not traditional. It has its own unique flavorful taste and the perfect amount of meat and plantain in every bite, he said. Aquino suggests trying their famous alcapurrias (a fritter made of green bananas and yautia (taro root) stuffed with meat), while waiting for the mofongo to be ready.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union's executive branch proposed Wednesday to tighten visa restrictions on members of President Alexander Lukashenkos regime as allegations mount that Belarus is using migrants to destabilize the 27-country bloc.

EU members Poland and Lithuania are struggling to cope with an unusually high number of migrants, most from Iraq and Afghanistan, arriving at their borders with Belarus in recent months. Poland deployed troops and declared a state of emergency. Dozens tried to cross into Lithuania overnight.

The migrant influx began a year ago after the EU slapped sanctions on Lukashenkos government over the August 2020 presidential election, which the West views as rigged, and the Belarus security crackdown on the opposition and peaceful protesters that followed.

Now, the European Commission wants EU member countries to consider suspending parts of a visa facilitation agreement with Belarus that took effect in July 2020. The deal was meant to improve ties and draw the former Soviet country closer to Europe.

The proposal would hit Belarusian officials, including members of the government, lawmakers, diplomats, and top court representatives. It would increase travel red tape and require them to provide extra documents and pay more for visas.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson described Lukashenko as really desperate, and claimed that he is even trying to make money off migrants who can afford to pay 10,000 euros (about $11,650) to go to Belarus.

He is trying to destabilize the European Union by bringing in migrants, and facilitating them, and pushing them into the European Union, Johansson told reporters as she announced the visa proposal. This is a way for Lukashenko to also earn money.

He is actually deceiving people to pay a lot of money just to be trapped and tricked, she said, citing reports from the EUs police and border agencies. Migrants are put up at a very nice hotel in Minsk, she said, and helped to the border, but then get trapped when they cant enter the EU.

But the commission is also concerned about developments along the Polish border. The government wants to extend the state of emergency there for another 60 days. Johansson will travel to Warsaw on Thursday for talks with Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski.

Around 1,400 people who entered Poland without authorization are being held in guarded centers for foreigners. The nationalist government alleges that some migrants have ties to terrorist and criminal groups and pose a security threat.

Polish authorities are also sending text messages to mobile phones in the border area. The Polish border is sealed. BLR (Belarus) authorities told you lies. Go back to Minsk! Dont take any pills from Belarusian soldiers, the messages read.

Asked whether she supports Poland extending the state of emergency at the border, where at least six migrants have died and about 600 border guards backed by about 2,500 troops are stationed, Johansson underlined the importance of transparency and respecting EU legislation and values.

It is important that we are firm towards Lukashenko, but it is also important that we show that this is a European border. Its not only a Polish border, she said.

In Lithuania, 63 people were refused entry from Belarus overnight in the biggest number of migrant arrivals on a single day this month. The Baltic country has been a favored target of Lukashenko since key Belarus opposition figures fled there last year.

More than 4,000 people have tried to cross the border since August. Lithuania has started building a fence along its 678-kilometer (424-mile) border with Belarus.

___

Monika Scislowska reported from Warsaw, Poland. Liudas Dapkus contributed to this report from Vilnius, Lithuania.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  Myron Dewey, a filmmaker and journalist who helped draw worldwide attention to the concerns of Native Americans fighting an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, has died.

Dewey, a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, passed away Sunday when his car crashed in rural Nevada, the Nye County sheriff said. The 49-year-old had posted footage on Twitter a day earlier from a central Nevada military installation where he and other members of local tribes have long protested the proposed expansion of a U.S. Navy bombing range.

Dewey won acclaim for his live footage of the 2016 demonstrations over the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Reservation, which straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. His visuals of Native Americans being sprayed with water cannons in freezing weather were viewed by hundreds of thousands after appearing online and in the news.

He later co-directed the documentary Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock, which outlined the demonstrators motivations  to preserve the environment and fight for clean water.

Friends and relatives said they will remember Dewey for his commitment to advocating for Native Americans, for being a devoted friend and family member and for the authenticity of his work.

He was able to show a perspective and viewpoint that was simply being ignored because of the systemic oppression our people have encountered as long as weve been here, said Dewey's cousin Lance West. It was his story to tell, and only someone like him could share it in a manner that really spoke to us.

Dewey was among a group of Native journalists arrested during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests when he filmed employees of the company constructing the pipeline. The Morton County sheriff accused him of stalking private security workers using a drone video recorder, but prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges.

His footage from the fight's front lines was one episode in a long career of chronicling Indigenous and environmental issues throughout North America.

Dewey founded the media production company Digital Smoke Signals, which produced work about schools on reservation land in Nevada and about tribal land management practices in the Pacific Northwest.

In recent months, he participated in demonstrations against a proposed lithium mine near the Nevada-Oregon border and the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation. Environmentalists and local Native Americans oppose the project, saying it would desecrate land the Northern Paiute and Western Shoshone consider sacred and have adverse environmental impacts on the region's residents.

Dewey, who primarily resided in Schurz, Nevada, on the Walker River Paiute Reservation, started his career as a wildland firefighter in Nevada. He also worked as a professor, teaching courses on film at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies and on digital media at Northwest Indian College in Washington state. He leaves behind a wife, Deborah Parker, five children and a nephew whom he considered a son.

His every breath was a fight for his people, Parker told Indian Country Today, noting Dewey also was passionate about sharing his experiences as a Native American boarding school survivor. He didnt want to be silent when others wanted him to be. He didnt want the atrocities to go unnoticed or unrecognized.

___

Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
GREENWICH  About 30 Greenwich Hospital employees are in danger of termination if they do not get a COVID-19 vaccine or opt for weekly testing.

Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly on Wednesday said Greenwich Hospital is enforcing a vaccine and/or testing mandate and those who are not vaccinated or do not submit to weekly testing by Thursday will be subject to termination.

Theyll receive their first warning this week, followed by a second warning and then our policy is the third warning is the final one, Kelly said. We hope we dont get there with anyone.

Of the 1,878 employees at Greenwich Hospital, Kelly said 40 of them have received valid exemptions, leaving a total of 30 who must have at least one vaccine shot by Thursday or face weekly testing for COVID-19 to insure were protecting our community.

The employees who have received exemptions will undergo the weekly testing.

A similar policy kicked in for Greenwich Public Schools staff on Monday. District employees either must be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Those that dont will be placed on unpaid leave for a maximum of five days and if they have not been vaccinated or agree to weekly tests after that period, the district will begin the process of terminating their employment.

According to the Director of Communications Jonathan Supranowitz, with more than 2,000 employees, the district needs extra time to accurately record all of the information to ensure everything that was submitted was received and allow staff ample time to submit their information if unexpected issues occurred.

We have a small handful of staff who have received reminders but we are optimistic that most of our staff will be compliant by the end of the week, Supranowitz said on Wednesday.

First Selectman Fred Camillo had originally set a Sept. 27 deadline for people working as town employees to either be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing but he has said he no longer thinks that is necessary. On Wednesday, he said he has not yet received the numbers of how many town employees have been vaccinated but he feels optimistic.

Its looking good, Camillo said. Most of the departments are really high in the 80s or even in the 90s. Were in good shape. We dont have final numbers yet. ... Were still trying to determine if were going to have a deadline. If all in all were in the aggregate at 90 percent, that begs the question of if were at herd immunity (among town employees). We havent gotten that far yet. Were telling people to still wear a mask in a town building. I know a few of those who are not vaccinated but are still doing the right thing by wearing a mask. Thats all we can ask. I respect whatever the reasoning is for not getting it. Certainly the ones I spoke to are doing the right thing and we see the results of it.

After an uptick in cases last week, which followed three weeks of a downward trend, the curve in new cases again dipped lower this past week. On Wednesday, Camillo said there have been 36 new cases of COVID-19 among residents over the past seven days, which is down significantly from the 69 new cases that had been reported the week before.

Of all the cases in town, 52 are considered active by the Department of Health, which is down 16 from the week before. And this comes as the number of residents who are partially vaccinated has gone up to 85.87 percent of the 52,482 eligible people in town while those who are fully vaccinated has also increased to 79.37 percent.

Camillo did report that the number of residents who have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 has increased by three to 93.

Thats all good news there except for unfortunately the number of deaths going up three, Camillo said.

Kelly on Wednesday said there were four COVID-positive patients at Greenwich Hospital , two of whom were unvaccinated. The hospital has one COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit on a ventilator.

And throughout the Yale New Haven Health System, of which Greenwich Hospital is a part, there were 58 COVID-positive patients, down 15 from the week before.

Greenwich Hospital is taking more appointments now to provide booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine. Kelly said the appointments will be throughout the YNHHS and aimed toward people who are long-term care residents, for those 65 and older and for people age 18 to 64 with underlying conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure because they work in industries like health care.

We will keep watching the Center for Disease Control (and Prevention) and see what (guidance) is coming out, Kelly said.

Currently, only the Pfizer booster is being recommended with instructions to be given no less than six months after their second dose of that vaccine. Speaking as a registered nurse and not on behalf of YNHHS, Kelly said she would recommend getting it.

If the booster is available to me and I meet one of these criteria, I would go ahead and get it, Kelly said. I see no reason not to. I see all the reasons that it could benefit.

The appointments, which will begin Oct. 2, can be made online at www.ynhhs.org/covidvaccine and Kelly said people  who must wear a mask  will be able to come to Greenwich Hospital. Walk-ins will not be allowed. Appointments must be made in advance.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
The Honor 50 was introduced in China back in June, and quickly became  big part of the brands revival at the domestic scene. The company CEO hinted the series is scheduled for a global rollout in Q4, and today we got a more specific date - October 26.

According to the PR department of Honor, the Snapdragon 778G-powered phone will first hit the United Kingdom and markets in the European Union. Other markets like Russia, UAE, Latin America, and Malaysia will get it at a later date, with specific region availability to be detailed later on.

The Honor 50 has a 6.57 OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP main camera, and a 32MP selfie shooter. It runs Android 11 with Magic UI on top and comes with support for Google Services out of the box.

Rumors suggested it will be the only phone of the series to hit Europe - the Honor 50 Pro with a bigger screen and faster charging is nowhere to be seen.
Motorola Tab G20



Released 2021, October 02

305g, 8.2mm thickness

Android 11

32GB storage, microSDXC

6.5% 28,860 hits

12 Become a fan

8.0" 800x1280 pixels

5 MP 1080p

3 GB RAM Helio P22T

5100 mAh Li-Po

Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
There is another affordable 5G Nokia phone on the way  two, in fact, but today the rumor mill surfaced detailed specs for only one of them. The Nokia G300 5G will be based on the same Snapdragon 480 that was used in the recent G50 as well as the X10 and X20 (speaking of, the other upcoming phone we mentioned is the Nokia X100).

HMD Global never released a Nokia G30, so this isnt a sequel. Its not exactly an upgrade over the G20 either, at least as far as cameras and batteries are concerned. Though this one has a much more powerful chipset (its not hard to beat a Helio G35) and 5G connectivity.

The Nokia G300 has a 6.57 LCD with 720 x 1,600 px resolution (20:9 aspect ratio). There isnt anything special to mention here, if this has a toughened glass, it wasnt mentioned in the leaked materials. Anyway, it is about the same size as the G20 display (6.52) and smaller than the G50 (6.82 is a stretch for 720p+).

We mentioned the cameras and they include a 16 MP main cam, 5 MP ultra wide and a 2 MP depth sensor, plus an 8 MP selfie camera on the front. For comparison, the G50 has a 48 MP main module, as does the G20 (which also adds a 2 MP macro camera to the mix). The G10 has a 13+2+2 MP setup, so the G300 camera falls somewhere between the G10 and G20.



Nokia G300 5G (leaked images)

Theres also the battery, a 4,470 mAh Li-Ion cell. Not bad, but the G20 has a 5,050 mAh capacity, the G50 is thereabouts as well. It is unclear is fast charging will be supported (the G50 does 18W).

The Nokia G300 5G will run Android 11 out of the box (one of the few remaining clean versions, mind you). It will come with 64 GB of built-ins storage plus a microSD card for up to 1 TB more.

Again, all of these are leaked specifications and that leak didnt include price. How much can the G300 cost? Well, the G20 launched at 160, but that is a 4G-only phone, so of course it is cheap. The G50 will be available soon at 270. The X10 was 310 at launch (its less now) and that one has a 1080p+ display, a 48 MP main cam and 18W fast charging. Plus, 3 years of OS updates instead of 2 for the G-series.

So, the Nokia G300 should cost between 160 and 270. Of course, that is just a guess, the real info should arrive at HMDs October 6 event (which will bring a Nokia tablet too).

Source
The vivo X70 series was announced on September 9, and three weeks later the manufacturer brought the lineup to the global audience. During a launch event, the vivo X70 Pro and vivo X70 Pro+ were introduced to the Indian audience, and we know they will arrive in other countries as well.

vivo X70 Pro

The flagship vivo X70 Pro+ is powered by a Snapdragon 888+ and has a tremendous camera setup, while the vivo X70 Pro is a tad more affordable but still running on the mighty Dimensity 1200 chipset. The vanilla vivo X70 was missing from the event, as we received a confirmation from company executives that it was intentionally left out, but it might arrive to India.

vivo X70 Pro+

The vivo X70 Pro and vivo X70 Pro+ promise to redefine photography, thanks to a third-generation gimbal camera system. The manufacturers partnership with Zeiss is continued in this generation of X smartphones, and they also have a T* coating on the lenses to reduce glare from photos and videos.

The partnership extends beyond hardware as the German optics company also provided the know-how for creating great bokeh images in different styles, depending on the focal length of the lens.



vivo X70 Pro in Black and Aurora Dawn  vivo X70 Pro+ in Black

The vivo X70 Pro will be offered in Black color or an Aurora Dawn gradient and will cost INR46,990 ($630/545) for 8/128 GB, INR49,990 ($670/580) for 8/256 GB, or INR52,990 ($715/615) for 12/256 GB. The vivo X70 Pro+ will be sold in Black, the Orange vegan leather option is still limited to China. It will cost INR79,990 ($1,075/930) and will arrive with 12/256 GB memory.

Pre-bookings for the phones are already open. The Pro will start selling on October 7, while the Pro+ is scheduled for October 12. Users will also be able to purchase the 50W Wireless Flash Charge stand for INR4,499 ($60/52).

Source 1  Source 2




Haiti - Mexico : Voluntary return to Haiti of 70 Haitians





The Government of Mexico as announced last weekend https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34849-haiti-mexico-haiti-will-open-consulates-in-the-states-of-chiapas-and-tabasco.html has resumed its Voluntary Return Flights Program in agreement with the Haitian Government.



On Wednesday a first flight of 70 people (41 men, 16 women and 13 minors) was transferred from Villahermosa, in the south-east of the country, to Port-au-Prince, informed the National Institute of Migration (INM) of Mexico in a press release.



"This program is part of the agreements [...] between the representatives of the Government of Mexico and Haiti, in order to meet the needs of people of Haitian origin, located on the national territory," said the INM.



Marcelo Ebrard, Mexican Foreign Minister said Tuesday, September 28, that the Mexican Commission for Refugees is processing around 13,000 asylum applications from Haitian citizens. He stressed that many Haitians who have arrived in Mexico cannot apply for refugee status because they have already obtained it in other countries.



Recall that last week, several thousand migrants, mostly from Haiti, were dislodged from a border camp between the cities of Del Rio, in Texas, and Ciudad Acuna, in Mexico. More than 3,700 Haitians were deported by plane to Port-au-Prince https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34863-haiti-migration-crisis-the-usa-repatriated-more-than-3-700-haitians-in-8-days.html , more than 12,000 have remained in the United States and about 8,000 have returned to Mexico, where they are wondering whether or not to stay. In total, nearly 30,000 migrants have arrived at the Mexican-American border since September 9, 2021. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34828-haiti-flash-no-more-migrants-under-the-del-rio-bridge.html



In addition, in the south of the country, nearly 19,000 other migrants, mainly Haitian, but also Cubans, Venezuelans and Africans are massing at the Colombo-Panamanian border in order to continue their journey to the North (USA) in search of a better life. They waits in small groups for the very expensive guides, to cross the dangerous "Darien Gap" an area of marshes and hostile forests of about 8,000 km2 where 3 groups of rebels clash...



Read also on the Haitian migration crisis in the USA :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34863-haiti-migration-crisis-the-usa-repatriated-more-than-3-700-haitians-in-8-days.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34828-haiti-flash-no-more-migrants-under-the-del-rio-bridge.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34830-haiti-flash-biden-denounces-the-treatment-of-haitians-at-the-border-and-takes-responsibility-for-it.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34820-haiti-flash-us-special-envoy-to-haiti-daniel-foote-resigns.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34812-haiti-migration-crisis-congresswoman-maxine-waters-revolted-and-angry.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34807-haiti-politic-dhs-does-not-tolerate-abuses-against-migrants.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34805-haiti-justice-two-un-agencies-concerned-about-the-american-deportation-of-migrants-to-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34804-haiti-flash-haitians-attack-american-pilots-and-injure-three-ice-agents.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34799-haiti-usa-democrat-nancy-pelosi-in-defense-of-haitians-stranded-at-the-mexican-border.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34797-haiti-migration-crisis-the-government-calls-for-solidarity-with-our-compatriots-in-difficulty.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34786-haiti-flash-joe-biden-orders-the-deportation-of-thousands-of-illegal-haitian-migrants.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34770-haiti-flash-thousands-of-haitian-migrants-detained-in-the-usa-in-a-makeshift-camp.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34734-haiti-politic-200-illegal-haitian-migrants-intercepted-in-mexico-returned-to-guatemala.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34669-icihaiti-chiapas-a-caravan-of-haitians-marches-towards-the-usa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34658-haiti-mexico-muscular-interception-of-migrants-dozens-of-haitians-arrested-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34626-haiti-politic-more-expulsions-of-haitians-under-joe-biden.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34268-haiti-mexico-more-than-2-000-illegal-haitian-migrants-arrive-in-tapachula.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33352-haiti-flash-joe-biden-expels-more-haitians-than-donald-trump.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





2 days of strikes announced

Protestant institutions including schools and universities except hospitals are called to observe a day of strike Friday, October 1st to protest against general insecurity and the assassination of deacon Sylner Lafaille and the kidnapping of his wife https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34844-haiti-flash-the-first-baptist-church-of-port-au-prince-victim-of-heavily-armed-men.html For their part, trade union associations including public transport announces a day of general strike warning Monday October 4 to denounce the growing insecurity and the fuel crisis.



Post-earthquake damage, loss and needs assessment

Simon Dieuseul Desras Minister of Planning launched on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 September 2021 workshops in the 3 departments of the South as part of the post-earthquake damage, loss and needs assessment exercise (PDNA). These workshops, which took place simultaneously, are the basis for the recovery and reconstruction of the southern region. With the collaboration of the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the American Agency for International Development (USAID-Haiti) and Swiss Cooperation, the Government has initiated the process of evaluating reconstruction costs.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34644-haiti-politic-launch-of-the-workshop-on-the-assessment-of-post-earthquake-damage.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34600-haiti-flash-post-earthquake-situation-report-partial-assessment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34571-haiti-earthquake-reconstruction-will-cost-$112-billion-first-assessment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34543-haiti-flash-at-least-266-national-schools-damaged-or-destroyed.html



Transnational crimes

Leon Charles, the Commander of the Haitian National Police met with the former military attache at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Colonel Salomon Sanchez and Colonel Manuel Joaquin Socias who now assumes this function. Charles took stock of the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries in order to combat transnational crimes.



Earthquake : WFP has already delivered more than 335 aid trucks

With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-Haiti) the logistics operation of the World Food Program (WFP) directs humanitarian convoys transporting food and urgent relief items to the areas affected by the earthquake of August 14th. To date, WFP convoys have delivered more than 335 trucks of medical supplies, food and relief items to help families affected by the earthquake in the departments of Grand Anse, Nippes and South. WFP also delivers supplies via barges where road access is limited.



Earthquake : Demolition and clearing continues

Post-earthquake operations linked to the demolition and clearing of school buildings, health facilities and damaged residences, which represent imminent dangers to the lives of populations, are continuing in the South region.



Canada : Haitian Embassy closed

The Embassy of Haiti in Canada is informing the Haitian community and the general public that its premises will be closed on Thursday, September 30, 2021 on the occasion of the "National Truth and Reconciliation Day". Activities will resume on Friday October 1st, 2021.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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From One Montana

One Montana's Master Hunter Program is accepting applications Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for the 2022 program.

Class locations include Missoula in March, Helena in April, Big Timber in April, and Havre in May. Each class will consist of two three-day consecutive weekends, Friday through Sunday. A two-day weekend rendezvous in June is also required for qualifications, field exercises and the final exam.

The Master Hunter Program is an advanced education program for hunters who want to continue to add to their knowledge and skills. A primary goal of the program is to build trust...
Sheriff's office won't charge Cawthorn for having knife at School Board meeting

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying it was made aware of allegations that U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn had taken a knife into a Henderson County School Board meeting and that at its discretion had declined to bring a criminal misdemeanor charge.

Here's the statement:

"On Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at approximately 14:10 hrs the Henderson County Sheriffs Office was made aware of photos and allegations concerning Congressman Cawthorns alleged possession of a knife at a Henderson County School Board meeting on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. The Henderson County Sheriffs Office, as well as N.C. General Statutes, allow for officer discretion concerning most misdemeanor offenses. This discretion considers the totality of the circumstances to include the intent of a person.



"Although unacceptable, occasionally a person inadvertently possesses a knife on educational property or other property where such possession is prohibited. During such an encounter, such as a sporting event, it is not uncommon for a HCSO Deputy Sheriff to issue a verbal warning and have the knife and or person removed from the premises.



"The Henderson County Public Schools Administrative Office building, located on Fourth Avenue West in Hendersonville, has now been clearly marked as an educational facility which prohibits weapons on or in the property at all times. Congressman Cawthorn is now aware that the administrative offices of the school system is considered educational property and NO WEAPONS are allowed.



"Please let this serve as a reminder to all citizens that weapons are prohibited on ALL school campuses, as well as ALL properties owned and or operated by the school system. This prohibition applies at all times in the state of North Carolina.

We appreciate members of the public working together to keep our schools and community safe.



"The Henderson County Sheriffs Office will have no further comment regarding this incident."
RESIDENTS are trying to a stop a 15m high 5G phone mast being erected outside their homes.

CK Hutchison Networks has applied to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, for permission to install the mast on the pavement outside Swiss Farm in Marlow Road, Henley.

The company says it is in the process of building the UKs fastest

5G network but this requires equipment and antennas that are quite different.

It says the design of the mast would minimise the visual impact on the street scene by integrating with the existing street furniture.

But residents of Marlow Road say the mast would be an eyesore and are concerned that it could affect their health.

Joseph Borlase, managing director of Swiss Farm holiday park, said the mast would tower above his parents house about 20 yards away from the proposed location and it would ruin the approach to Henley for drivers coming from the Marlow direction.

He said: It could be seen from all over Swiss Farm, which is a beautiful tourist spot and home to hundreds of people.

The way I heard about it was from some activists putting a letter through my door.

Initially I didnt think much of it as I thought, Itll be a small antenna being put up nearby but I went on to the councils planning portal and was horrified.

It looms over everything and its close to the farmhouse. Its close to my house, my parents house, my sisters house and the holiday park. My parents are distraught. My mother has thought about moving home because shes that upset.

Mr Borlase, who has been running Swiss Farm since 1997, said he also concerned about the unknown effects of the mast.

I question the health risks of it, he said. Theres no background on the application so it could be releasing radiation everywhere  its the fear of the unknown.

I dont want to stand in the way of progress but without them specifying what its going to achieve, I just dont know. There has been no consideration for people.

His parents, Stephen and Karin Borlase, say they object to the mast in the strongest terms.

In a letter to this weeks Henley Standard, the couple say: We have had neither notice of this nor the courtesy of a consultation.

Had it not been for the fact that we are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so the application requires planning permission, we would have known nothing about it until it appeared uninvited to overshadow our lives.

Apart from the questionable health risks associated with these installations for all those living in their shadow, it would be a constant eyesore, not only to anyone entering or leaving the town along our leafy road, but also to all the residents of Swiss Farm Park homes and the thousands of tourists who we welcome each year from all parts of the world. It would be visible from every corner of our beautiful camping fields.

The evidence as to the safety of these masts is far from conclusive. Many people do not choose to question it but our research has shown us that we should be concerned.

This mast would tower over the nine dwellings almost directly beneath it and a proportion of the 87 homes on the residential site.

Many people with sensitivity to electro-magnetic waves have reported, among many other health problems, a continuous humming sound which can seriously interrupt sleep. We have to ask why should such an intrusive and contentious piece of technological equipment be placed in such a conspicuous and unsuitable place?

We were expecting a much-needed pedestrian crossing be put near our busy entrance shortly, not this monstrosity.

Residents spoke against the application at a meeting of Henley Town Councils planning committee, which recommended it is refused.

Louise Pearson, of Marlow Road, said: Why put it so close to houses when there are two large rugby pitches and two huge fields next to the river across the road?

David Palmer, who lives in Swiss Farm, said: While even at my age I am all for new tech knowledge, the effects on public health are still a million miles away and before these installations are put close to peoples homes more should be done about the safety aspect on health.

If we have to have a mast there is plenty of open space in the area away from homes where it could be sited but no doubt big business will get its way despite any valid objection.

Michael Carver, of Wargrave Road, said: It should be considered that a mast of 15m is totally inappropriate within such close proximity to housing. Aesthetically, the mast would be an eyesore so close to Henley. This should be placed in an area less close to housing.

CK Hutchison Networks said other areas were considered. Henley Road in Marlow was discounted due to the proximity to Grade II listed buildings and Fair Mile in Henley was discounted due to the residential amenity issues.

The district council is due to make a decision by next Thursday.
JOHN HOWELL has blamed the fuel supply crisis on people panic buying.

The Henley MP said there was no shortage of fuel and accused the media for exacerbating the problem.

He was speaking after long queues formed at filling stations as drivers scrambled to fill up before the pumps were emptied.

The problem was caused by a shortage of lorry drivers which led to delays in fuel deliveries.

However, it was appearing to ease this week as more deliveries were made and the high demand seen at the weekend slowed.

Filling stations were forced to close temporarily or introduce a maximum 30 limit due to demand.

Mr Howell said: Im obviously very concerned and in particular about the emergency services if they are struggling.

But I do think this is a result of panic buying when there is no shortage of fuel in the refineries.

The fuel industry said people will go back to their usual consumption in two to three days. Personally, I do have a lot of blame to put on the media for the panic buying and I do not support it. I have not filled my car up.

The Esso garage in Reading Road, Henley, closed at lunchtime on Saturday when it ran out of both diesel and supreme diesel.

A forecourt sign read: Due to the current unprecedented customer demand for fuel and associated supply challenges, we have taken the decision to introduce a limit of 30 per customer on all our grades of fuel. This excludes HGV drivers and the emergency services.

This is a company decision to ensure all our customers have a fair chance to refuel and to enable our sites to carry on running smoothly.

We kindly ask everyone visiting our sites to treat our colleagues, supply chain partners and customers with respect during these very challenging times.

The Esso garage in Knowl Hill, Wargrave, was closed over the weekend due to the lack of fuel. Queues of cars built up at Sonning Common Garage.

Managing director Philip Mullin said: People are going from one station to the next.

The biggest concern is the queue which is going down the road. Were trying to get a one-way system but on occasion we have people trying to come in from the other way and cut to the front of the queue.

Weve limited it to 30 per car to try to get through the queue quicker. Providing fuel is not our main business and its difficult for the maintenance and MOT side of things as the guys cant get the vehicles in or out.

We first noticed the problem on Friday as we had a queue outside and normally its quite quiet. We had a queue all day and we had to shut at 2.30pm as we had run dry.

Lots of people think were making money from it but you only make money if you have a Greggs or a Costa inside. Were only a small shop and theres no money to be made from fuel.

Mr Mullins had a delivery of fuel on Monday but was expecting to run out again before his next scheduled delivery yesterday (Thursday). He said: Hopefully by next week it will have calmed down a bit.

Businesses that rely on fuel were also suffering, including Regatta Car and Van Hire in Newtown Road, Henley, where trade virtually vanished.

Peter Lucas, co-founder, said his said: Weve noticed a drop over the past week. People are concerned that if they rent a vehicle they wont be able to fill it up when they return it or they will get stuck somewhere. They dont want to take the risk.

Local people are probably more confident as they wont use as much fuel but people who want to use a van, for example, are probably needing it to travel longer distances so they are a bit worried.

Asif Choudry, managing director of Henley Taxis in Market Place, said: Like everyone else, weve been waiting in long queues. Were carrying on as normal and if we cant get fuel in Henley we have to go into Oxford  you can find fuel somehow.

Weve noticed these issues since the end of last week but filling stations have more deliveries coming in now so fingers crossed it goes back to normal.

Lizzie Gloyens, quality and compliance manager for Henley Care, a home healthcare service, said care workers should have been a priority for getting fuel like NHS staff. Weve just been queuing for it and just doing what everyone else is doing, she said.

Were trying to keep staff updated on what petrol stations are opene and were doing okay as long as it doesnt go on for much longer.

Hopefully it will resolve itself soon or I can imagine it would have a more detrimental effect.

The Government has suspended competition law to allow oil firms to target fuel deliveries at petrol stations in parts of the country that need it most. It was also considering deploying the army to deliver fuel.

Mr Howell said: The Government has done everything it can to make sure the situation can be managed.

The problem wont be solved long term by getting more HGV drivers. Those who are wanting to go back to the old system need to bear in mind drivers have nowhere to stop thats safe and they have to sleep in cabins and go to the toilet in a field and are paid pennies. Thats no way to run an industry and that needs to be solved first.

The lack of HGV drivers has hit other industries, including pubs, breweries and farms.

It is estimated that the UK is short of about 100,000 HGV drivers, which has been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.
Each year the Jewish community celebrates Sukkot together ... this year Chabad of Altamonte Springs brought it to the community.

The Chabad of Altamonte Springs Sukkah Mobile visited homes or businesses for a 15-minute safe, socially distant, private Sukkah celebration for families. Shake the lulav, enjoy a fresh baked kosher bite, and enjoy the warmth and joy of the Sukkah!

The Sukkah Mobile was generously sponsored by Darryl Baumstein of Construction Services, in loving memory of Roz Baumstein.
Camp Nai Nai Nai in early September 2021 drew some 100 adults in their 20s and 30s to have fun, make new friends and do Jewish.

Under a perfectly blue sky, the campers gathered around Lillian Feldman-Hill as she showed them how to create a combustible mixture using water, soap and butane. Then she demonstrated how to blow huge fireballs with just cornstarch and a blowtorch.

Welcome to Camp Nai Nai Nai, a Jewish summer camp experience for adults.

Held on Labor Day weekend just before Rosh Hashanah, the camp drew some 100 adults in their 20s and 30s from throughout North America to have fun, make new friends and do Jewish.

The camp, whose session over the holiday weekend marked its first in-person experience since the onset of the pandemic, was born in 2017 of an effort to find ways to get young adults more involved in Jewish community. The camp targets those in the age range with the lowest levels of affiliation with Jewish community life.

Camp Nai Nai Nai is a program of Moishe House, a leading organization in engaging young Jews around peer-led programs, including some of whom live in subsidized co-living spaces. Unlike the events that Moishe House offers year round, Camp Nai Nai Nai provides an escape from the mundane and a chance to have fun like a kid again.

"Camp Nai Nai Nai represents a unique part of the year," said Ira Markowitz, who was participating at camp for his third year. "It's a place where the ordinary limitations of life are effectively suspended. You have more time to focus on the stuff you want to do as opposed to the stuff you have to do."

This session, held Sept. 3-5 at a lakeside retreat in rural Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, featured the typical camp activities like a mud obstacle course, slip 'n' slide kickball, zip lines, color war and sing-alongs, as well as more adult offerings such as alcohol, fire play and a workshop on being kinky.

There were also three varieties of Shabbat services and plenty of Shabbat-friendly play shops, such as Israeli dancing and a session called "Funny They Don't Look Jewish," which focused on Jewish characters in superhero comics.

The campers came from as far as Texas and Canada. Some were Moishe House residents; others were regulars at Moishe House events. But plenty are not active in their Jewish communities back home and were looking for an opportunity to connect with Jewish peers in a fun, non-stressful environment.

"It's nice to be around something familiar and being able to connect with people who share the same kind of identity with you," said Joel Ravitz, 32, who traveled to the camp from New Jersey with his younger brother, Lloyd.

The campers came from a variety of races, genders, sexual identities and Jewish backgrounds.

"There aren't obstacles here to being yourself and exploring who you are," said Cleo Daniels, a nonbinary Mizrahi person of color with disabilities. "It's so accessible for anyone to tap into anything and to be supported. Nobody is asking me to be anything less than authentic.

"I feel the wider Jewish world needs to learn from here about creating affordable and engaging ways of uplifting our inner child and making it a package for all sorts of people. There's no agenda here. There's no fundraising. You can come with whatever interests you have."

Due to COVID-19, the camp had to make some changes: There were 100 campers rather than the usual 300, and the retreat was moved to Labor Day weekend from its traditional time on Memorial Day weekend.

All campers and counselors had to be vaccinated against COVID and present a negative PCR test upon arrival. The camp also ended a day earlier than normal so campers could return home before Rosh Hashanah. Many campers expressed disappointment at the abbreviated session - they wanted to stay longer.

On the final morning, the campers participated in a "Survivor"-themed color war in which they had to complete an obstacle course, build a raft to cross the swimming pool and take on multiple rounds of challenges that ranged from freestyle rapping to yoga. The points were made up and the winner didn't matter: The idea was to cement new friendships and, as with regular Jewish summer camp, leave the campers with a positive experience and lifelong memories.

"What we're doing here at camp is pretty special: It's three or four days, but people develop really deep connections with one another and have a very special time here," said Ben Suster, 27, a third-year counselor and former Moishe House resident.

Camp Nai Nai Nai is planning additional camp experiences in 2022 on the East and West coasts, as well as in the Midwest.

The camp has been hugely popular since its inception. This year, spots filled up within a week of the dates being announced. There was no camp in 2020 due to the coronavirus, though Nai Nai Nai did hold several online activities. But it was clear campers were aching for in-person contact.

"We know people are just itching to get together, and with precautions we can do it all safely," said Lisa Klig, the camp director. "It's a very valuable experience for everyone involved."

This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with Camp Nai Nai Nai, the ultimate Jewish summer camp for adults in their 20s and 30s, powered by Moishe House. This article was produced by JTA's native content team.
Fradels Story, my third book since 2016, is especially sweet as it was co-written with my mother, Frances Cohen.

Ever since I could remember, my mother was the family storyteller. Give her an opening, and Fran, or Fradel as she was known to her close family, would regale any audience with family stories of her grandparents and parents lives in Russia, her early years of marriage to My Bill Cohen, and their life in small towns in the North Country. She told of raising four children, watching them leave for college and for marriage, and their returning with her grandchildren to visit her and my father in their beloved cottage on Lake Champlain.

As my parents got older, my mother realized that she needed to record these stories. We never were one for video cameras and tapes, so she began jotting them down on paper.

In 2006, after a number of health setbacks, my three siblings, our spouses, and I insisted that my parents sell their condo in Florida and move back up north. That May, they moved into Coburg Village, an independent living facility only four miles from our home.

Soon after moving in, my mother called me to tell me she was joining a monthly writing group to finally finish all those stories she carried in her head and on those scraps of paper. When she brought her first story to the group, her accounting of why she and my father moved to Coburg, she was surprised to find that the group enjoyed her writing style.

Mom rarely had difficulty finding a topic and writing it down with pen on paper. However, the group leader requested that the stories be typed so they could eventually be published in the semi-annual collection and distributed to Coburg residents. My mother asked me to type them. While I was at it, could I do some proofing and minor revisions so that they would read more smoothly?

Thus began our five-year collaboration. Every month, about a week before the group met, my mother would give me her hand-written story. I would do some editing. Her oral stories evolved into polished narratives  funny, poignant, sad, and sometimes painful, but always entertaining.

When my father passed away in November 2008, my mothers contribution for December was an open letter to my father. She wrote that she was moving into a smaller apartment down the hall.

Wherever I go, you also go in spirit, she wrote.

Grieving quietly, she continued with her life at Coburg, going to the concerts, visiting with friends and family who were always stopping by to see her, and continuing with her writing. All the children asked her to write about our births and early childhood, but she always postponed those stories, focusing on the Old Country, her childhood, her Bill.

On Dec. 22, 2010, my mother had a heart attack. The doctors recommended hospice care and living her remaining time to the fullest. She complied, enjoying visits and calls from the children, grandchildren, her extended family, and the many friends she and my father had made in their lifetimes. She kept writing.

In February 2011, with my sister Laura and me sitting close by, my mother shared her story, The Birth of My First Child, with her writing group. She described her joy in having a beautiful little girl and her fears that she would not be able to be a good mother. The last words, written in pencil on the bottom, were To be continued ... She died four weeks later, the day of the clubs March meeting.

I had made a promise to myself that one day I would gather her stories in a book. When COVID-19 shuttered so many of my activities, I decided that it was time. Over the past 18 months, I have worked on editing, filling in the gaps, and finally ordering the stories in chronological order to make the book flow smoother.

I too had family stories, articles I had written over the years capturing memories of our old Victorian in Upstate New York, our cottage on Lake Champlain, my fathers obsession with boats, bugs, and bats; my mothers words of wisdom; my siblings accomplishments. I decided to include those in the book.

By this March, I was ready to send my first draft to my editor, Mia Crew. She was responsible for formatting the book for paperback and Kindle format as well as inserting the 80+ photos, many of them family pictures that dated back to 1914. Fradels Story has been launched on Amazon, in time for my target, Sept. 1, what would have been my mothers 104th birthday.

My parents were not wealthy people. They had little of material value: a wedding ring, my Grandmother Ethels engagement ring, two beautiful, framed pictures of my father at 13 and my mother at six, a few nice dishes. As my siblings and I sadly dismantled Moms apartment, my daughter was surprised that I wanted so little. Its okay, Julie, I said. I have her stories.

And now, I can share them with my large close knit family, with an incredible network of friends who personally knew my parents or knew their legacy, and hopefully hundreds of others who may find their own lives reflected in this collection.

Fradels Story is available on Amazon.com.
(JTA) - Were it not for Rudolph Vrba and Alfred Wexler, would the world today know the true extent of the mass murder the Nazis inflicted during the Holocaust?

The two men, both Slovak Jews who escaped from Auschwitz, secretly recorded fastidious notes about details of the death camp unknown to the outside world. These included schematics of the gas chambers, the Nazis' use of the deadly chemical Zyklon-B, the number of prisoners being brought in to their deaths every day and the planned construction of a new rail line for deporting Hungarian Jews directly to the camp. The information the men smuggled out of Auschwitz formed the basis for the Vrba-Wetzler Report - the first time the international community had heard of much of these horrors.

The new Slovakian film "The Auschwitz Report," directed by Peter Bebjak, somewhat clunkily dramatizes Vrba and Wexler's 1944 escape and attempt to get their message to an outside world still largely ignorant of what was transpiring at the camps. This being a Holocaust film, Bebjak also spends considerable time (a full half of his 94 minutes) re-enacting the hell of the camp itself.

These early sequences - Nazis beating a man to death, shooting a father's daughter in front of him, stacking naked dead bodies like meat - are stomach-churning in a familiar way, and serve as the film's intent to align itself with more brutal siblings like "Son of Saul" rather than softer works like "Life is Beautiful." Whether you find such scenes a necessary tool of the "never forget" philosophy will likely depend on how many Holocaust movies you've already seen, and how many more you feel like you can tolerate.

The escapees are referred to in the film as "Freddy" and "Walter" and played by Noel Czuczor and Peter Ondrejicka. In one of the movie's bolder (or perhaps simply more economical) choices, there is nothing inherently heroic or special about these men. We know just as much about their back stories as we do about any of the other prisoners, which is to say, none - we only meet them in Auschwitz. This helps Bebjak and his co-screenwriters, Tomas Bombik and Jozef Pasteka, avoid the ugly yet typical Holocaust-movie misstep of casting the survivors in a more favorable light than everyone else, as though they simply had more strength of will than the ones who didn't make it.

But this approach also has a downside. None of the Jewish prisoners in "The Auschwitz Report" come off as real people whose lives have value outside of their striped uniforms. In fact, the only prisoner who's given a bit of individual back story is pointedly referred to as a Franciscan. An early fake-out scene, in which one of the protagonists imagines himself being hanged by the camp's gates, is meant to shock our senses; but the prisoners are so interchangeable that it has the opposite effect.

A 10-minute, unbroken sequence at the very end of the film seems to finally get at the moral concerns the filmmakers are after: Namely, how do you convince people of something so shocking that it defies belief? After they've fled the camp and spent several days trekking through the woods, Freddy and Walter finally reach the Polish-Slovak border (this being during the First Slovak Republic's brief existence as a Nazi-aligned "free" state) and, with help from the burgeoning Slovak resistance, get themselves an audience with a British member of the International Red Cross. Only, he doesn't believe their account.

The aid worker (John Hannah) notes that reports from his colleagues who've visited the camps make no mention of death squads, and that everything he's seen indicates the Nazis are treating their prisoners humanely - a reflection of the real-life deception the Nazis played on the international aid community. He only snaps out of it when told that his colleagues, too, had been murdered by the Nazis. "It's not just Jews!" the Jewish men tell him, in one of the only lines of dialogue in the film that mentions Jews at all.

It's here, at the intersection of desperate pleas and uncaring bureaucracy, where we begin to understand why the Holocaust was allowed to continue for so long, while the world stood silent. The film's provocative ending credits try to continue this theme; Bebjak underlays them with an audio montage of modern-day world leaders (including, yes, some familiar American voices) spouting hateful, nativist views. Some also traffic in Holocaust denial and Nazi appreciation.

"The Auschwitz Report" is hardly the first film of our modern era to try to make these connections, and the unfortunate truth is that some artists concerned about fascism and Nazis can draw that link more convincingly than others. By focusing so much on the unimaginable nightmare of Auschwitz itself, and very little on the actual work of the protagonists trying to convince people those nightmares were real, the film comes up short in its plea for us to grapple with the facts of history.

The real-life Vrba became a significant figure in the post-Holocaust Jewish landscape, appearing in Claude Lanzmann's "Shoah" and remaining intensely outspoken about what he saw as the moral failings of the international community that did not quickly act on his report. Though the report did help to save more than 100,000 Hungarian Jews from being deported to Auschwitz, many more perished at the camps before action was taken. "The Auschwitz Report" emphasizes this point, in its endless depictions of the camp's horrors. And yet, it's hard not to feel like this film's real story - the psychological gap between those horrors and an uncaring outside world - has yet to be told.
Malka Brenner Webman passed away on Sept. 23, 2021. She was the devoted and loving wife of Neil Webman, mother of Ed Webman (Marcia Tabak), Debra Webman (Jim Clark), and Lisa Webman Medin (Mark Medin), grandmother of Drew Winter, Joseph Webman, Alexa Rifkin (Zach Rifkin), Rachel Medin (Gil Chen-Zion), Danielle Medin and Adam Webman. She was predeceased by her parents Max and Rebecca Brenner and her brother Macy Brenner (Goldy Brenner). Malka had a sharp wit and could be formidable. She was a voracious reader, a life-long student, an ardent supporter of the arts, a Gator & Magic fan, and a businesswoman. She enjoyed seeing her friends at bridge, book club, and mahjongg and loved sharing regular dinners with family and friends.

Malka was born in New York, N.Y., and moved to Orlando when she was 10 years old and always thought it was a special place. Malka attended Cherokee Jr. High and graduated from Orlando High School, (in the last class of OHS in 1952). She started college at the University of Missouri, and then transferred to the University of Florida, to be closer to her boyfriend, Neil, whom she later married in 1954, at the Sky Room of the Angebilt Hotel. She graduated with high honors from UF with a degree in English and then taught at Edgewater High School. After the birth of her children, she joined her family's business, Brenner's Dress Shop. Malka took pride in dressing generations of brides during her years at Brenner's, retiring in 1997. Malka and Neil had a great marriage and partnership, and when they retired, they embarked on exploring the world. They traveled far and wide, attending family celebrations, summering in the Berkshires, and visiting sites in all 50 states. International travel also intrigued them: hiking in the Canadian Rockies, safari in the Masai Mara, New Year's in Hong Kong, exploring Machu Pichu, the temples of Katmandu, traversing India from the Taj to Auroville, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Alps of New Zealand, and starkness of Antarctica as well as countless trips to Israel to see family. They were able to visit all seven continents and enjoyed a good meal at each stop.

Malka enjoyed many places and many things, but her favorite things, were her people.

Private family services and burial were held at Temple Israel Cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Family Services (Family Stabilization Program) and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Services entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel. 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810. 407.599.1180. http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com
(JTA)  The sponsor of a bill that would have made Burlington, Vermont, the first city in America to divest from Israel is withdrawing his legislation, citing concerns that it would promote antisemitism.

Councilmember Ali Dieng, who sponsored the resolution, said Monday afternoon that he would withdraw it at the council meeting scheduled for the same evening, and refer the resolution for reconsideration at the councils racial equity committee. The citys Jewish mayor also publicly expressed concerns about the resolution.

Dieng told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that conversations he had with community members in recent days changed his mind and led him to believe that BDS is one-sided and that it contributes to antisemitism.

A lot of community members who are Jewish have been experiencing antisemitism for a very long time and I didnt know about it, he said in an interview. We are a small community and I want to make sure everyone feels safe. Many people [who supported the resolution] are not happy with me, but I think it is the right thing.

Dieng also said that, going forward, he would like to avoid focusing on international issues at the expense of local concerns.

My focus as an elected official should be on here first, he said.

Diengs reversal came moments after Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger came out with a statement opposing the resolution. Weinberger, who is Jewish, has the power to veto council resolutions, but he didnt specify whether he intended to use it on the BDS measure.

While I support efforts to advance full equality and human rights for all and am deeply troubled by the current status of Israeli-Palestinian relations, I cannot support the Resolution that has been submitted to the City Council for action tonight, Weinberger said in the statement. Specifically, I oppose the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement that seeks to weaken and delegitimize an important and long-standing partner of the United States, the democratic State of Israel.

Weinberger also criticized the timing of the vote on the resolution, which would have fallen between the sacred days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Cities such as Berkeley, California, and Portland, Oregon, have voted to divest from certain companies targeted by BDS activists, but no city has voted to support the BDS movement as a whole. In May, the City Council of Cambridge, Massachusetts, voted down a resolution that would have formally discouraged municipal contracts with certain companies that do business with Israel.

The proposed, nonbinding resolution in Burlington explicitly endorsed the movements tenets around land, citizenship rights and the rights of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return to areas they lived in prior to the 1948 formation of the State of Israel.

In the lead-up to the anticipated vote, many leaders of the states roughly 7,100-member Jewish community organized to defeat the resolution. They sent letters, authored petitions, and hired a communications firm.

Tobie Weisman, director of Jewish Communities of Vermont, attacked BDS in a press release, saying it stoked divisiveness. Avi Zatz, a Jewish student leader at the University of Vermont, located in Burlington, said in the same release that the resolution would make it harder to be Jewish on campus. In May, a supportive Instagram message from UVM Hillel directed at Jewish students on campus was met with vulgar and damaging comments and prompted a conversation with the universitys Bias Response Team, UVM Hillel said.

Rabbi Amy Joy Small at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington said in the statement that criticism of Israel by BDS advocates crosses the line into antisemitism.

The language and tones of the resolution and the BDS movement show themselves to be a new form of antisemitism, Small said in a statement. Even when Jewish organizations are critical of Israel, there is a shared understanding that this is in the context of concern and love for the Jewish people.

Some are skeptical about Diengs change of heart and plan to attend the city council meeting just in case.

You never know whats going to happen last minute with politicians, Zatz said in an interview.

Vermont is the site of an important related battle involving the movement to boycott Israel. In July, the states world-famous ice cream maker, Ben & Jerrys, announced it would stop selling its products in Israeli settlements in West Bank. The company said its decision was not a boycott of Israel, where it would continue to operate, but a rebuke of Israeli policy toward Palestinian land.

Many BDS activists praised the move, while pro-Israel advocates called on Ben & Jerrys to reverse what they considered an unjust decision that demonizes Israel and results in antisemitic violence in the United States. On Friday, Arizona became the first state to formally divest from Ben & Jerrys parent company Unilever over the decision.
(J. The Jewish News of Northern California via JTA)  The California Legislature last week passed a bill requiring ethnic studies for all California public school students, as Jewish lawmakers and activists continued to disagree on the merits of a model curriculum.

The bill mandating ethnic studies would make the state the first in the nation to require such curricula, which examines race and ethnicity with a focus on people of color.

The liberal California Legislative Jewish Caucus had criticized the original model of a proposed curriculum, introduced in 2019, saying it carried an anti-Jewish bias. They and others charged it painted Israel in a negative light, barely mentioned antisemitism and included a rap lyric that they said contained an antisemitic trope.

Assembly member Jose Medina, the author of the bill to mandate ethnic studies and a staunch supporter of the discipline, also signed a letter condemning the draft (Medina is one of a handful of non-Jewish members of the Jewish Caucus). Gov. Gavin Newsom said at the time that the curriculum as drafted would never see the light of day, and the model was revised.

The bill encourages the use of the revised version of the curriculum, which was approved by the state Board of Education in March, includes two lessons on Jews in California  one on American Jewish identity and another on the experience of Mizrahi Jews, or Jews from the Middle East. Sections deemed anti-Israel and antisemitic were removed.

In a joint statement Wednesday, the Jewish caucus expressed its sincere hope that the ethnic studies requirement would benefit students across the state, pointing to guardrail language that it helped insert into the legislation in order to ease the worries of Jewish groups. That language prohibits discrimination in ethnic studies courses based on religion and nationality  including against Israelis  and prohibits the use of the original draft.

Despite the guardrails, however, a handful of the original drafters of the 2019 curriculum began working directly with school districts to implement ethnic studies courses. The model curriculum is expected to be used as a blueprint in schools across the state, but while California encourages its use, the legislation also allows districts to use existing curricula or, if they choose, to adopt a locally developed course approved by the school board.

The bill now heads to Newsoms desk.

Although the revised curriculum satisfied some Jewish organizations, including the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, others remain fiercely opposed to the bill. In a statement last Thursday, the antisemitism watchdog Amcha Initiative denounced its passage and urged a veto by the governor, arguing it does not do nearly enough to prevent overtly antisemitic and anti-Zionist content from being taught in classrooms.

The debate over ethnic studies in California has become a flashpoint in the larger national debate over what schools should teach about history and racism in the United States. Supporters say that ethnic studies can paint a more complete and inclusive picture of the experiences of the states diverse populations. Opponents charge that such programs teach a version of critical race theory, a legal and educational framework that says racism is built into the countrys institutions, that heightens tension between races and amounts to progressive indoctrination.

Jewish critics of the ethnic studies curriculum see it as a foothold for marginalizing Jews and demonizing Israel.

David Bernstein, founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, said in a statement, We have been warning the Jewish community that critical race ideology will continue to give rise to antisemitism and anti-Israelism.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an extra $1 billion in funding for Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system, following a pushback effort from Israel-critical progressives that had limited reach.

The vote Thursday was 420-9, with two voting present. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to be approved.

Israel asked the Biden administration for $1 billion to replenish the batteries depleted during its conflict with Hamas in May. The Biden administration agreed, and the Democratic leadership inserted the request into a broader spending bill this week.

A number of progressives objected, saying that they were caught off-guard by the request at the last minute. The leadership pulled the item out of the broader funding bill and set up a standalone vote for Thursday.

Pro-Israel groups anxiously tracked the vote to see how extensive the influence was of the Squad, the grouping of leftists in the Democratic Party who in May directed their fury at Israel during the Gaza conflict.

But most progressives in the Democratic caucus, including those who vocally opposed the insertion in the broader funding bill, ultimately backed the Iron Dome funding, which was limited to Israels defense system and not to any offensive artillery. The nay votes, in the end, numbered only nine and included just four members of the six-member Squad  including Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., who had enjoyed positive relations with many in the mainstream Boston Jewish community prior to her outspoken criticism of Israel in May.

Among other members of the Squad, Jamaal Bowman of New York voted for the funding and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York voted present. The no votes included one Republican, Thomas Massie of West Virginia.

The debate beforehand engendered a bitter exchange between one Squad member, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich, who is Palestinian American and who voted no, and Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., who is Jewish and chairman of the Middle East subcommittee. Tlaib called Israel an apartheid state and Deutch said that was antisemitism.
(JTA)  Hundreds of Iraqi civic leaders and activists attended a conference calling for the country to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.

But Iraqs government rejected the call and is now seeking to arrest the leaders of the conference and may also try to arrest other attendees for the crime, under Iraqi law, of aiding and abetting ideas that support Zionism, according to Haaretz. Earlier, governmental leaders had said in a statement that the demand for normalization of ties with Israel was not representative of the populations [opinion] and that of residents in Iraqi cities, according to AFP.

The conference, held on Friday in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil, featured speakers from groups across Iraqi society calling on Iraq to join the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements signed last year between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The conference was sponsored by the Center for Peace Communications, an American organization that promotes ties between Israel and the Arab world.

In addition to the UAE and Bahrain, Israel is in the process of establishing full diplomatic relations with Morocco and Sudan. Before last year, Israel had relations with only two of its neighbors  Egypt and Jordan. The majority of the region still does not have relations with Israel, though Israel has long maintained warm ties to Kurdish leaders in Iraq.

We demand full diplomatic relations with the State of Israel, said Wisam Al-Hardan, a leader of an American-allied Iraqi coalition of militias, according to the Times of Israel. He called for a new policy of normalization based on people-to-people relations with the citizens of that country.

Al-Hardan, who is now one of the leaders facing arrest, also published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Friday calling for normalization of ties with Israel. He also lamented the driving out of Iraqs Jewish community after Israel was founded.

Iraq and Israel have fought multiple times throughout their history. Iraq was one of the nations that attacked Israel upon its founding in 1948, and sent troops to fight in later Arab-Israeli wars. In 1981, Israel bombed a nuclear reactor in Iraq, which was then led by Saddam Hussein, to eliminate its nuclear weapons program. In 1991, during the Gulf War, Iraq bombed Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid praised the conference on Friday, calling it a source of hope and optimism, according to the Times of Israel.
(JNS)  Jewish Democratic Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) is introducing legislation that would make a two-state solution official U.S. policy.

Named the Two-State Solution Act, it states that only the outcome of a two-state solution can both ensure the state of Israels survival as a democratic state and a national home for the Jewish people and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own, Politico first reported.

It further states that the West Bank, including eastern Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, are occupied territorieswording that should be referred to consistently in official U.S. policies, communications and documents.

The legislation also labels Israeli settlements in these occupied territories and inconsistent with international law, while settlement expansion, demolitions of Palestinian homes, revocations of residency permits and forced evictions of Palestinian civilians by Israel [all] impede the establishment of a Palestinian state and violate the human rights of the Palestinian people.

The legislation has already gained the support of 18 Democratic co-sponsors, including Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

In addition to the legislations push to codify a two-state solution, Levin also lays out several key proposals to encourage the outcome, which are likely to generate debate and objections from more moderate pro-Israel lawmakers.

Among the proposals, Levins legislation calls for labeling products made in the disputed territories as made in West Bank/Gaza and not Made in Israel; conditioning U.S. foreign aid to Israel; supporting humanitarian aid to the Palestinians for human rights, democracy and rule of law; the reopening of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, as well as the PLOs mission in Washington, D.C.; and reforming the Palestinians pay for slay practice.

The bill will likely face an uphill battle in the House, especially from more moderate pro-Israel Democrats. These Democrats will likely object to portions of the legislation, such as conditioning of American aid to Israel, which touched off a firestorm in Congress in May when several progressive lawmakers led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sought to block U.S. military sales to Israel during the 11-day conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

One Democratic member told JNS that this bill will never see the light of day.

While the Biden administration has renewed calls for a two-state solution, restored U.S. aid to the Palestinians and is pushing for the reopening of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, it remains unclear if its foreign-policy team or congressional leadership will support the legislation, according to Politico.

The Israeli government is opposed to the reopening of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid calling it a bad idea.

Nevertheless, it highlights the ongoing rift in the Democratic Party over Israel, which was on display this week when progressive lawmakers forced the removal of U.S. funding of Israels Iron Dome air-defense system from budget legislation.

In addition to being supported by several progressive lawmakers, the legislation is also being backed by the left-wing Jewish group J Street, with its president Jeremy Ben-Ami calling it the single-most comprehensive piece of legislation on the two-state solution that Ive seen since Ive been working on this issue.

AIPAC, however, has come out against the legislation.

While the bill has laudable objectives, it is unbalanced and seeks to impose a solution on Israelis and Palestinians rather than encouraging direct negotiations between the parties. Therefore, we oppose the bill, AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittman told JNS.

Going further, the CUFI Action Fund slammed the legislation, saying it has no chance to pass Congress.

Despite its seemingly innocuous name, this legislation is just another assault on Israel from the fringe-left. The American people are pro-Israel, and as a result, this legislation is destined to fail. Rep. Levins bill will never reach the presidents desk, Sandra Parker, chairwoman of the CUFI Action Fund, told JNS.
(JTA)  Los Angeles main teachers union voted Thursday to indefinitely postpone a motion in favor of boycotting Israel.

For months, the United Teachers of Los Angeles, which has approximately 30,000 members, has been debating a motion to support BDS, or the movement to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel. The motion was first raised in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in May. It has since been adopted by several local chapters of the union.

The resolution calls for the union to endorse the international campaign for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against apartheid in Israel, according to a copy of the resolutions text in the publication Left Voice. It also declares the unions solidarity with the Palestinian people because of the 3.8 billion dollars annually that the US government gives to Israel, thus directly using our tax dollars to fund apartheid and war crimes.

Los Angeles union was far from alone in taking up the BDS issue this year. Teachers unions in San Francisco and Seattle approved BDS resolutions, while the National Education Association, the largest national teachers group, voted down one motion in support of Palestinians and critical of Israel. (The other major national union, the American Federation of Teachers, has never taken up BDS, which its president opposes, on a national scale.)

Supporters of such motions tend to say that theyre consistent with unions historical support of oppressed peoples, while opponents tend to say that they overly simplify a complex and divisive conflict, unfairly single out Israel or are antisemitic.

Related: Shut up and teach? Why labor unions like mine weigh in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

On Thursday, the Los Angeles teachers union effectively voted not to vote on BDS. (The city council in Burlington, Vermont, did the same thing earlier this month.) The unions House of Representatives approved a motion, put forward by the unions board, that the motions on Israel/Palestine from the May 2021 Area meetings be postponed indefinitely. The motion to postpone said that BDS was an extremely divisive issue that would seriously damage union unity at a time when we need solidarity in our coming contractual battles.

Because the meeting, held remotely via Zoom, focused on the motion to postpone, union members never actually debated the BDS resolution itself. Instead, the debate over whether to postpone the vote served as a proxy for the debate over whether to boycott Israel, and members echoed arguments that have become familiar in BDS debates across the country.

Those who supported holding a vote on BDS depicted supporting Palestinian rights, and opposing Israel, as a moral imperative.

I think theres a feeling in general that were taking sides in a war, but as time goes on people are realizing this is an oppressor vs. oppressed situation, said union member David Feldman. Referring to Israel, he said, This is a Jim Crow or apartheid situation. What makes this situation one in which we have to take a stand is that American taxpayers fund what goes on there directly.

Those who opposed holding a vote said wading into the issue would only damage the union or even open it up to claims of antisemitism.

I have never seen a more divisive motion, said union member John Perez. This motion would be used by our enemies and they will hit us over our heads until doomsday.

More than once, union president Cecily Myart-Cruz urged members to remain calm while debating the issue, or to at least not interrupt each other.

We know that this is a heated conversation and people are going to speak, she said. So I would just ask that we dont unmute ourselves to give your comment.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken marks the anniversary of the Abraham Accords with, clockwise, diplomats from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Bahrain, on Sept. 17, 2021.

WASHINGTON (JTA) - Wrapping up the feel-good-fest that marked the first anniversary of the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements between Israel and four Arabs states, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave a shout-out to the big guy who started it all.

No, not Donald Trump, but Abraham himself.

"Abraham, in our Bible, had the temerity to engage God, to argue with God, to ask why, and maybe more important, to ask why not," Blinken said at the virtual get-together Friday that marked the Sept. 15, 2020, anniversary (a day or so late, but Yom Kippur got in the way).

"And I think each of you and each of your countries asked, 'Why not?' And the answer now we see before us with the accords, with normalization, and with the manifest benefits that it's bringing to people not just in the countries concerned, but I think increasingly more broadly."

By invoking Abraham, Blinken put to rest any concerns that President Joe Biden was anything less than fully committed to the accords, despite the fact that they happened under Trump.

The friendly back-and-forth between Blinken, who is Jewish; the foreign ministers of Israel and Morocco; the former holder of that post in the United Arab Emirates; and the Bahraini ambassador to the United States covered what has become familiar territory: Praising the gains already made and pledging to expand the agreements.

But it was the tone that stood out, down to Blinken not just saying Abraham's name, but in his assigning a quasi-religious significance to the accords by noting the shared Jewish and Muslim investment in the original founding father. Blinken and the Arab diplomats also made sure to wish Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, in attendance, a happy new year.

This was a shift from how the Biden administration has discussed the accords to date. Previously, Biden officials appeared to hesitate even to use the term "Abraham Accords," which has rankled the deals' architects under Trump. Insiders told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Biden's team had been hesitant to bring religion into any diplomatic brokering.

The Trump administration's architects of the Abraham Accords had been worried, given Democratic revulsion for all things Trump, that Biden would scupper the deals altogether, even though he had made clear while campaigning that normalizing ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors was a rare point of agreement between himself and Trump.

Those worries receded as Biden pledged to uphold the incentives for the accords: the sale of F-35 stealth combat jets to the UAE, the recognition of Morocco's claim to the Western Sahara and the repeal of terrorist designations that have inhibited relations between Sudan and the international community.

Friday was also the 43rd anniversary of the Egypt-Israel Camp David peace agreement brokered by President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat who was not shy about mixing religion and diplomacy. Blinken noted the coincidence and said that part of the Biden administration's agenda would be to deepen the existing peace treaties between Israel, Egypt and Jordan.

"We'll work to deepen Israel's longstanding relationships with Egypt and Jordan  partners critical to the United States, Israel and Palestinians alike," Blinken said. He noted that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett this week traveled to Cairo to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the first such visit between Israeli and Egyptian heads of state in a decade. "The negotiations between Israel and Jordan around new agreements on water and trade show how these relationships continue to build on the trailblazing agreements signed decades ago.

While those agreements are decades older than the Abraham Accords, what's missing from Israel-Egypt and Israel-Jordan relations are the people-to-people interactions - the normalization - that has flourished since the Abraham Accords signing. Blinken detailed the gains so far of normalization and its opportunities.

"The United Arab Emirates has pursued significant investments in strategic sectors in Israel, including energy, medicine, technology, healthcare," he said. "Private firms across your countries are working together on everything from desalinization to stem cell therapies."

Blinken even made mention of the recent establishment of ties between Kosovo and Israel, which the Trump negotiating team had taken to including in the Abraham Accords package despite key differences in context, including that it was Kosovo that hankered for years for Israeli recognition, not the other way around.

Missing from the get-together was Sudan, where there have been signs of unease with its new Israel relationship (including a Sudanese Olympic athlete dropping out of competition this summer to avoid facing an Israeli opponent). A Sudanese diplomat has said the country would need to have a formal signing agreement at the White House before establishing further public ties with Israel.
(JTA)  The man who opened fire on a synagogue in Poway, California in 2019, killing one and injuring three, has pleaded guilty to a 113-count federal hate crime indictment.

The guilty plea comes with a recommended sentence of life in prison plus 30 years. The charges the shooter faced, which also relate to his arson of a mosque a month earlier, carried a maximum sentence of the death penalty.

The defendant entered a synagogue with the intent to kill all those inside because of his hatred for Jewish people, and days earlier used fire in an attempt to destroy another sacred house of worship because of his hatred for Muslims, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in a statement Monday. There is no place in American society for this type of hate-fueled violence.

On April 27, 2019, the final day of Passover, John Earnest, a white supremacist, walked into the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California, near San Diego, and began shooting at worshippers. The attack occurred six months to the day after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, which killed 11 Jews at prayer.

Earnest killed one woman, Lori Gilbert Kaye, and injured three others, including Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein and a child. In a manifesto, he mentioned the shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand six weeks earlier.

Two more fatal antisemitic attacks would occur later that year, in Jersey City and Monsey, New York.

This nation stands with Lori Gilbert Kayes family and the survivors of these unspeakable acts of terror, said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman in a statement. We emphatically reject the defendants hate, racism and prejudice, and we hope the conclusion of this case brings some measure of comfort to all those affected by his heinous crimes.
(JNS)  A group of pro-Israel academics, activists, government officials and members of the media held a virtual conference strongly criticizing the Durban conferences against racism, which from its first and most notable conference in Durban, South Africa, in 2001 singled out and demonized the Jewish state.

The Sept. 19 conference focused on various parts of the legacy left by not only the first Durban conference, where Israel was labeled an apartheid state, and, according to many of the speakers, Zionism was linked to racism in the lexicon of left-wing groups, but also follow-up conferences in 2009 and 2011. It came ahead of the fourth iteration  Durban IV  which was held on Sept. 22 at U.N. headquarters in New York City.

Organizer Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and president of Human Rights Voices, opened up the virtual program and introduced speakers throughout the day. In-between, short segments focused on the hypocrisy of many of the nations involved in the conference, juxtaposing the speeches from their U.N. representatives with atrocities in most cases still occurring within their own nations.

Among those who spoke were Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, actor Jon Voight, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and director of global social action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Others included Muslims, Christians, Arabs, Africans and African-Americans.

Twenty years ago, the enemies of the Jewish people were given a powerful weapon of global proportions  a United Nations world conference ostensibly to combat racism. The gathering in Durban, South Africa, for all nations, as well as thousands of members of civil society and non-governmental organizations, became a festival of hate directed at one people and their nation  the Jewish people, Bayefsky said in her introduction. Participants, both governmental and non-governmental, made the calculated decision to demonize, exclude and isolate Jews and the state of Israel. For some, it was their primary goal. For others, placated by results on different issues, such an outcome was an acceptable price to be paid, a legitimate sacrifice on the altar of multilateralism.

She said the goal of Sundays conference, titled Fight Racism, Not Jews: The United Nations and the Durban Deceit, was to continue to expose related deceit, double-talk and discrimination. The event was co-sponsored by the Human Rights Voices, Touro College Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, and CAMERA.

The United States, Israel and as many as 30 other countries are expected to boycott Durban IVa record number to date.

Still, the failure of countries around the world that did not boycott the conference, even if they disagreed, along with human rights Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) that continue to put stock in the Durban process, said Erdan, is what has given rise to todays wave of antisemitic incidents.

Those who stayed silent when anti-Israel activists called on Hitler to finish the job cannot pretend to be shocked when anti-Israel activists assault Jews on the streets or called to rape Jewish women, he said. A direct line connects the legitimizing of antisemitic tropes at Durban to the mainstreaming of those same tropes by certain members of Congress. And a direct line connects the exclusion of Israel from the fight against racism to the attempts by BDS to exclude Jewish students from progressive spaces.

Bayefsky, Cooper and others had attended the 2001 conference and gave vivid descriptions of what devolved into an antisemitic confab, where Jews were demonized in rhetoric and in political cartoons similar to propaganda during the era of the Holocaust. Materials such as Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion were distributed in and around the conference.

Many Jews had attended the conference in post-apartheid South Africa, believing it to be an opportunity to develop a plan to combat racism in the world.

Cooper, who attended the conference as a spokesman for the Jewish groups, said that they were committed to the ideals the conference was supposed to have represented. He said while the Jewish groups tried to protest the antisemitic exhibitions at the conference by groups such as Egypts lawyers union, their complaints fell on deaf ears.

When they attempted to hold a press conference, they were rushed by a phalanx of Iranian women dressed in black who tried to destroy our one unified interaction with the media.

In another instance, the Jewish delegation was prevented by police from going to the Jewish community center after the road was closed off by a 20,000-strong protest from labor unions who were bussed-in to protest, holding signs such as Hitler was right.

All of this took place under the banner of the United Nations, under the lead of the world uniting against racism and hate, and actually pulled off and orchestrated by our supposed comrades in the world of non-government organizations and human rights activism. It was a really crushing blow, said the rabbi.

Pompeo followed Erdan and likewise called the conference a deceit. The Durban Declaration is laced with antisemitism, and the goal of those who celebrate it is not racial equality but the undermining and eventual destruction of the State of Israel, he said.

He said the Durban conference was the birthplace of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel. He also noted that the Durban Declaration and its aftermath was one of the reasons that the Trump administration rejected the adoption of the United Nations annual budget.

Israel stands now, just as it always has, as the sole truly democratic state in the Middle East. Its a diverse nation, home to citizens of varied faiths and backgrounds, said Pompeo. Israel citizens are guaranteed freedom of religion under Israeli law and are each accorded the same rights, regardless of their race or their creed. Christian and Muslim communities alike within Israels borders are protected from attack by Israels military and security forces.

Israels not an apartheid state, and any conference seeking to promote such a baseless assertion must be recognized for the sham that it is, he continued, emphasizing that anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Denying Israel its right to exist by falsely labeling it as an apartheid state is at the core of what the Durban Declaration asserts. We all must commit ourselves to standing against such deceit.
(JNS)  Try painting a swastika on the wall of a synagogue, and youll be arrested and charged with vandalism and probably serve jail time for a hate crime. But a federal appellate court has just gone out of its way to grant constitutional protection to signs bellowing Resist Jewish Power and Jewish Power Corrupts at Jews attending synagogue services every Sabbath morning for the past 18 years in Ann Arbor, Mich. The judges didnt bother to explain why menacing Jewish Americans coming together to worship is less intimidating than cross-burnings were to church attendees in African-American churches in the South. The Supreme Court said in 2003 (Virginia v. Black) that cross burning carried out with the intent to intimidate is  proscribable under the First Amendment. No sane American thinks otherwise today.

A decision rendered by three federal judges on the eve of Yom Kippur should send shivers down the collective spines of the American Jewish community. Since September 2003, a group of Ann Arbor residents has been harassing Jewish attendees at Saturday-morning services in Beth Israel Synagogue, a Conservative congregation, by gathering between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and posting 18 to 20 aggressive signs on grass near and opposite the synagogue. The signs challenge Jewish Power, and attack Israel as apartheid and as responsible for a Palestinian holocaust. They demand a boycott of Israel and an end to U.S. aid to Israel. But their timing and location demonstrate that they address Jews coming for religious observance, whether or not they support Israel. It takes only a rudimentary knowledge of history to recall that the Third Reich began a program that murdered millions with similar harangues against the Jewish religion by hostile hordes at the doors of Jewish synagogues.

Beth Israels members suffered these meticulously timed taunts and the citys refusal to prevent them for years, but finally took their tormentors to federal court with a complaint alleging 13 violations of federal law and 10 violations of state law. They encountered a district court judge who, they later alleged, should have been disqualified because she had pre-determined the outcome of the lawsuit. The judge brusquely dismissed the congregants lawsuit on the ground that they experienced only intangible injury, such as extreme emotional distress. This harm, she said, was not concrete enough to give them standing to file a lawsuit in a federal court.

The Jews took their case to the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The only issue for appeal was the trial judges ruling aborting their claims at birth because they had no standing. They also asked that the district judge be disqualified from the case if the appellate court agreed that they had standing to pursue their claims. The American Civil Liberties Union entered as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to teach the judges that gathering when the Jews came to worship on Saturday mornings and posting hostile signs while the worshippers were arriving and during their religious services was protected as Free Speech by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The three judges assigned to hear the appeal included the Sixth Circuits Chief Judge, Jeffrey Sutton, a former law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia and visiting lecturer at Harvard Law School. Judge Sutton is widely respected among lawyers. He was a frequent oral advocate in the Supreme Court before assuming judicial robes. Among his most successful presentations to the High Court was his winning argument that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act  enacted by an almost unanimous Congress to protect religious liberty  was unconstitutional.

The first seven pages of a 13-page majority opinion written by Sutton and joined by a retired Circuit Judge conclude persuasively that the Jewish congregants have standing to pursue their claim. That should have ended the appeal in the congregants favor. But rather than sending the case back for a trial before an impartial judge, Sutton proceeds in the last five pages of his opinion to throw out all claims on the ground that the content and form of the protests demonstrate that they concern public matters: American-Israeli relations. The Saturday-morning gatherings and the aggressive posters are, in his opinion, squarely within First Amendment protections of public discourse in public fora and are shielded by the robust protections that the First Amendment affords to nonviolent protests on matters of public concern. He then dispatches the arguments to the contrary with blinding speed.

This is a frightening phenomenon in todays America. The voracious wolf of rank Jew-hatred is cloaked in the sheeps fleece of American-Israeli relations. Why do Ann Arbors anti-Israel zealots find it most meaningful to express their public discourse in public fora on Saturday mornings between 9:30 and 11:30 adjacent to a synagogue? Is this truly public discourse on matters of public concern? Are those who gather for two hours on Saturday mornings really trying to persuade the Jewish congregants with their placards? Or are they harassing and intimidating a religious minority that has suffered centuries of intolerance and hatred?

With all respect to Chief Judge Suttons legal acumen, there are solid reasons in federal and Michigan law to sustain the Jewish worshippers claim that gatherings and placards designed to harass and intimidate Jewish worshippers are not shielded by the Constitution. Even Sutton acknowledges in his cursory review of the complaint that the claims cannot be called frivolous.

Federal law gives the Jewish congregants only until Sept. 29, when Jews around the world will be celebrating Simchat Torah, to file a request with the Sixth Circuit to have the appeal considered anew by the full court of 16 active Circuit Judges (along with the senior judge who agreed with Sutton and is entitled under federal law to sit on a rehearing). Six of the Sixth Circuits current judges were appointed by President Donald Trump and four by President George W. Bush. They, along with the courts only active Jewish judge, may disagree with Suttons summary rejection of the plaintiffs 23 legal claims. If the appeal is reheard, the court may hear and learn from many more friends of the court than the ACLU, which was the only amicus curiae in the argument before three judges that looked like only a technical legal dispute over standing.

William L. Shirer, author of the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, was the most authoritative eyewitness and reporter of life in Germany in the years leading to the Holocaust. He kept a daily personal journal that was published in 1941 titled Berlin Diary. A telling entry is April 21, 1935, which was Easter Sunday and Passover. Shirer noted that he took the weekend off, and he reported, The hotel mainly filled with Jews and we are a little surprised to see so many of them still prospering and apparently unafraid. I think they are unduly optimistic.

How right he was. Less than five months later, the Nazis formally codified Jew-hatred with the Nuremberg Laws, which deprived Germanys Jews of citizenship and all basic human rights.

Action is needed now if we learn the lesson of history. The late Todd Beamer said it in a heroic effort on the hijacked Flight 93 to avert another 9/11 tragedy, OK. Lets roll.

Nathan Lewin is a criminal defense attorney with a Supreme Court practice who has taught at Georgetown, Harvard, University of Chicago, George Washington and Columbia law schools.
Netflix renews My Unorthodox Life for second season

By Gabe Friedman

(JTA)  Netflix is bringing back My Unorthodox Life, the reality series about a formerly Orthodox fashion mogul and her family, the streaming giant announced Monday.

No details about the content of season two or any approximate release date were disclosed.

The series follows Julia Haart, who left the Orthodox community she grew up in in Monsey, New York, to become CEO of the Elite World Group fashion model agency. Over the course of nine episodes, she and her four children wrestle with how to adapt their varying levels of Jewish practice in secular New York City society.

The show sparked a wide array of debates in different Jewish communities and drew some criticism for its portrayal of Orthodox communities as harshly restrictive.

Before you judge the show, maybe you might want to watch the show? Haart told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency after the series debuted in July. Because they had the word unorthodox in it, people have made a thousand assumptions without actually taking the time to listen to what I actually have to say.

More than 30 countries stay away from UN anniversary marking Durban conference

By Ron Kampeas

(JTA)  More than 30 countries sat out the United Nations commemoration of the 2001 Durban conference, notorious among Jewish groups for devolving into antisemitism and virulent anti-Israel activism.

Thank you for your withdrawal from the 20th anniversary event of the UNs Durban Conference, Israels foreign ministry tweeted on Wednesday as country delegations, already in New York to attend the annual General Assembly, gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Durban.

At least 33 countries boycotted the commemoration, including the United States, Britain, Canada, France, and Australia.

In the end, the day-long commemoration did not refer to Israel and the Palestinians; its focus was on reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent, according to a United Nations release.

Still, Israel sees the original conference as so tainted by anti-Jewish animus that it urged boycotts of its commemoration.

The original Durban Conference, a UN-hosted event, became the worst international manifestation of antisemitism since WWII, the Foreign Ministry said in its tweet.

In his opening remarks, Antonio Gutteres, the U.N. secretary-general, noted a troubling rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, and the mistreatment of minority Christians.

Hate crime charges filed in May fight with Jewish diners at LA restaurant

By Ben Sales

(JTA)  Two men involved in a brawl at a Los Angeles restaurant in May, whose viral footage was widely viewed as an example of rising antisemitism during the recent conflict in Israel and Gaza, now face hate crimes and assault charges.

On May 18, the suspects, Xavier Pabon, 30, and Samer Jayylusi, 36, approached a West L.A. sushi restaurant by car as part of a pro-Palestinian protest caravan, announcing Israel kills children via a loudspeaker. The cars stopped at a red light near a group of Jewish diners. L.A. County prosecutors accuse the men of then taking part in beating up a diner who swung a metal stanchion at them.

Video of the fight went viral on social media and was seen as symbolic of a spike in antisemitism in the United States surrounding the May conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Multiple Jewish security organizations recorded increases in reports of antisemitic incidents that month.

The men have each been charged with two counts of assault and a hate crime.

A hate crime is a crime against all of us, L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement on Tuesday. My office is committed to doing all we can to make Los Angeles County a place where our diversity is embraced and protected.

Earlier this year, a lawyer for Pabon, Mark Kleiman, told the Forward that his client was not driven by antisemitism and said he was acting in self-defense.

Eyewitnesses accused the protesters of shouting antisemitic slurs, including asking who was Jewish, which Kleiman denied. The protesters and the diners both accused each other of instigating the fight by throwing glassware.

Kleiman could not immediately be reached for comment.

97-year-old former member of Nazi death squad dies at home in Canada

By Ben Sales

(JTA)  A translator for a Nazi death squad died at home in Ontario at the age of 97, ending a decades-long effort to deport him from Canada for his role in the murders of tens of thousands of Jews.

Helmut Oberlander, who was born in Ukraine in 1924, had long said that he was forced on pain of death at age 17 to become an interpreter for Einsatzkommando 10a, a Nazi unit. The death squad killed nearly 100,000 people, most of them Jews, according to the CBC. Oberlander had not been accused of directly taking part in killing anyone.

In 1954, he emigrated to Canada and hid his activities during the war, eventually raising a family. His Nazi past appears to have been discovered as early as the 1960s. In the mid-1990s, the government began the process of revoking his citizenship, which succeeded after repeated appeals. He was in the midst of deportation hearings when he died on Wednesday.

Bnai Brith Canada, a Jewish organization, had fought for years for Oberlanders deportation.

The peaceful demise of Helmut Oberlander on Canadian soil is a stain on our national conscience, Michael Mostyn, Bnai Brith Canadas CEO, said in a statement. The fact is that this country slammed its doors on Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis, then allowed some of their tormentors into Canada and failed to deport them.

Kathryn Hahns next Jewish role: Joan Rivers

By Gabe Friedman

(JTA)  Showtime is producing a limited series on the late Jewish comedy legend Joan Rivers, and its lead actress should not come as a surprise.

Kathryn Hahn, the non-Jewish star known for playing a rabbi on the very Jewish series Transparent among other Jewish roles, will portray Rivers, who died in 2014 after complications from a surgery.

The series The Comeback Girl will focus on the years in the 1980s after Rivers dealt with a string of professional defeats and contemplated suicide. Rivers often referenced her Jewishness in her stand-up comedy and left donations to several Jewish institutions in her will.

Hahn, who grew up Catholic but is married to Jewish actor Ethan Sandler, will also soon appear in The Shrink Next Door on Apple TV+, an adaptation of a 2019 reported podcast about a Jewish psychiatrist on the Upper West Side of Manhattan who takes control of the life of one of his Jewish patients.

In 2016, Hahn talked to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about her research for the role of Rabbi Raquel on Transparent.

Playing a rabbi on this show has changed me in so many ways I cant articulate. Its perfect timing for me in my life as a mom with two kids and wandering spirituality, she said at the time.

Ukraine passes law banning antisemitism

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  Ukraines parliament has passed a law stating that antisemitism and its manifestations are banned in that country.

The law, which passed on Wednesday thanks to a majority of 283 lawmakers out of 450, is unusual in that it also proscribes antisemitic sentiment as illegal. Most countries with laws against antisemitism, such as Germany, France and the Netherlands, criminalize various expressions of antisemitic hatred but not the condition of harboring it.

The Law on Prevention and Counteraction to antisemitism in Ukraine defines antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, expressed as hatred of Jews. It lists examples of this, including Holocaust denial and calling for, concealing or justifying the killing or harm of persons of Jewish origin.

The law does not mention Israel rhetoric, but Ukraine is a cosignatory to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which defines some anti-Israel speech as antisemitic. The bill also does not address the growing phenomenon in Ukraine of glorifying Nazi collaborators as national heroes. And it does not stipulate punishments for those found guilty of violating the law.

Six lawmakers voted against, 40 abstained and 33 were not present during voting, according to the website of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine parliament. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is Jewish and was elected in 2019, needs to sign the law for it to become effective.

Jewish aide to Ukraines president survives assassination attempt

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  A Jewish aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky survived an assassination attempt near Kyiv on Wednesday.

Several shots were fired at the car of Sergey Nachmanovich Shefir, a former television producer whom Zelensky appointed as his top aide. Shefir was not injured but his driver was hit by three bullets in his leg and is being treated in a hospital for non-critical injuries.

Shefir and his brother Boris both worked with Zelensky, who is also Jewish, when they were all part of the show Servant of the People. That show starring Zelensky launched his political career, and he was elected president in 2019.

Police are investigating the incident, which they say could be an attempt at intimidation by local oligarchs or the work of Russia, which has had a territorial dispute with Ukraine since 2014.

Zelenskyy, who is now in New York and is preparing to speak at the UN General Assembly, recorded a video message in which he called Shefir a close friend and promised a strong response.

Gantz holds call with Austin to discuss how to halt Iran nuclear program

(JNS)  Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz held a call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday, said Gantzs office in a statement.

The defense ministers discussed regional developments, including the need to stop the Iranian nuclear program from advancing and U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, added the statement.

Minister Gantz also thanked Secretary Austin for the continued support of the U.S. administration and the Pentagon for the processes to equip Israel with the means necessary to defend itself and its citizens, it said.

Gantz conducted a brief but intensive visit this summer to the United States, where he helped secure a restock of $1 billion worth of Iron Dome interceptors, weeks after Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip fought an 11-day conflict that saw Palestinian terror factions firing more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli population centers.

The Iron Dome air-defense system intercepted some 90 percent of projectiles heading into built-up areas, according to Israeli military assessments.

Under an Israeli-American ten-year MOU signed in 2018, the United States contributes $500 million a year towards Israels multi-layered defense systems.

Mark Zuckerberg and wife donate $1.3 million to 11 Jewish groups

(Israel Hayom via JNS)  Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are donating $1.3 million to 11 Jewish organizations, eJewish Philanthropy reported, citing a spokesperson for the couple.

The funding comes from the Chan-Zuckerberg family office, not the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI).

According to the report, nine of the organizations receiving funding serve families and young people in the San Francisco Bay Area. The other two are national organizations: OneTable, which helps Jews host Shabbat dinners; and PJ Library, which provides free books to Jewish families.

The recipients include three schools: Contra Costa Jewish Day School in Lafayette, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto and the Jewish Community High School of the Bay. Three California summer campsURJ Camp Newman, Camp Ramah in California and Camp Tawongawill also receive funds.

The local Jewish Family and Childrens Services and Jewish Community Relations Council, in addition to the Oshman Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, also received support.

The couples primary home is in Palo Alto.

Mark and Priscilla are proud to support the important work each of these organizations does in building communities, education, celebrating traditions and faith, and giving people a voice, especially in fighting antisemitism, said the spokesperson.

This report first appeared in Israel Hayom.

Bipartisan bill urges EU to designate Hezbollah fully as terrorist organization

(JNS)  A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill on Thursday that calls on the European Union to fully designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

The legislation, introduced by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), seeks to encourage the 27-nation block to designate both its military and political wings as terrorist entities. Currently, the E.U. only includes Hezbollahs military wing on its list of sanctioned terrorist organizations.

The United States makes no distinction between its branches and includes Hezbollah in its entirety on the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organization List. Several individual E.U. member states also recognize this, including Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Slovenia.

Hezbollah is a brutal terrorist organization notorious for operating throughout the Middle East, said Blackburn. However, it derives both financial support and political legitimacy from every region of the world. The European Union cannot enable terrorists by allowing them to participate in diplomacy.

The American Jewish Committee, which has long advocated for governments to label Hezbollah as a terrorist group, praised the bill.

We encourage swift passage of this important bipartisan resolution in the House and Senate. It is past time for the E.U. to do the right thing and correct the fiction of a bifurcated Hezbollah it endorsed nearly a decade ago, said its CEO David Harris.

Mistakenly believing it can tame Hezbollahs behavior, a proposition unsupported by evidence, the E.U. has created military and political wings within Hezbollah, when, in reality, it is a single, unified terrorist entity, he added.

AJC said that designating Hezbollah in its entirety would empower European governments to take stronger steps to prevent the group from organizing and fundraising within member countries borders. It could also lead to the issuance of arrest warrants against members and active supporters of Hezbollah, the freezing of its assets in Europe and a prohibition of fundraising activities on its behalf.

Abraham Accords nations issue first joint statement at UN

By Ariel Kahana and Dean Shmuel Elmas

(Israel Hayom via JNS)  For the first time since signing the Abraham Accords, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco issued a joint statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Based on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 on women and security, the statement stressed the value of womens influence on human-rights matters, peace, sustainable development and security, and called on member states to integrate women in peace processes and conflict-prevention.

Ambassador of Bahrain to the U.N. Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri introduced the statement on behalf of the four nations.

We call upon all member states to strongly commit to ensure that women have a seat at every table, that they are heard and that they can contribute to find solutions and prevent conflict, he said. Only then can we have a peaceful and equal society.

The statement had been endorsed by the U.N.s University for Peace, and was supported by 52 member states, including Turkey.

This report first appeared in Israel Hayom.
(JNS)  Its been a year since Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, and many fans still mourn her loss. Thats not just because a true pioneer for women in the legal profession deserves to be honored as a role model or even because of the odd  and not entirely apt  pop-culture-icon status she achieved late in late as the notorious RBG.

The recent passage of draconian restrictions on abortion by Texas in a piece of questionable legislation designed to evade judicial scrutiny has sent many of her liberal admirers into a state of panic. The pro-choice Ginsburg was replaced on the U.S. Supreme Court by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, whose sympathies clearly lie with the pro-life movement. The Texas law, which creates a bizarre situation where the enforcement of an abortion ban after a fetus is six weeks old  a time when many women dont even know theyre pregnant  is dependent on individual citizens bringing lawsuits against providers of the procedure. That seems likely to fall when it is eventually brought before the U.S. Supreme Court on its merits, rather than on a technical legal issue on which the conservative majority ruled it had no choice but to let it stand.

The abortion debate is divisive and bitter enough on its own with both sides clearly holding to strong positions rooted in their ideas about morality and rights. But as we saw during the Barrett confirmation hearings, the question of whether it was appropriate to disqualify her from consideration for the high court (or even a lesser federal appeals court) because she was a faithful Catholic is something that some on the left actively considered. Given the bad press that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) received for claiming that Catholic dogma lives loudly within you, they backed down on that point even though Democrats opposed her confirmation on a party-line vote (with only one Republican joining them in 52-48 vote).

But with the court set to hear arguments on a challenge to a more straightforward Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks, the question of Barretts faith and that of any other conservative whose principles might incline them to let that law stand is again at issue.

Veteran New York Times Supreme Court reporter and current opinion writer at the newspaper Linda Greenhouse has now broken what she calls a taboo by writingearlier this month that its time to call out those who invoke God as their inspiration over legislation or perhaps even deciding court cases.

Greenhouse, who is an ardent advocate of abortion rights, thinks theres no possible reason for overturning the high courts 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion just because some people think God is telling them to do so.

Thats an argument that resonates with the liberal and secular majority of American Jewry. Most are still stuck in the mindset of late 19th- and early-20th-century immigrants who believed that the greatest threat to the rights of Jews came from believing Christians either in Europe or the United States. Its also true that even religious Jewish perspectives on the abortion issue differ significantly from that of Catholics and evangelical Protestants as the unwillingness of even most Orthodox Jewish groups to endorse the Texas law indicated.

Polls have consistently shown that most Americans are in the mushy middle on the issue, opposing complete bans but supporting strong restrictions, including requiring parental consent. That means that there is plenty of hypocrisy on this issue from both sides. Pro-lifers ignore the dilemma presented by the sort of law that is likely unenforceable, in addition to arguments that the mothers well-being must also be taken into account. The pro-choice camp speaks as if the fetus has no rights and that life doesnt really begin before birth. Yet they prefer to remain oblivious to the fact that when babies are wanted, their humanity is acknowledged as soon as the pregnancy is discovered and celebrated with sonograms (a crucial technological breakthrough that did exist when Roewas decided) posted on social media and gender reveal parties. The arguments over the Mississippi law will also point out that science has now advanced to the point where fetuses can, with proper medical care, survive outside the womb far earlier than in the past, though not at 15 weeks, as the state itself acknowledged.

However the courts or legislatures come down on this issue, Greenhouses idea that there is something illegitimate about politics being influenced by faith is not only wrongheaded, but utterly divorced from American political and social traditions. John Adams spoke for almost all of the Founding Fathers when he noted: Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. The notion that the First Amendment to that Constitution was provided to ensure protection from religion rather than for it is a notion that was not invented until nearly two centuries after it was adopted.

Moreover, it was seemingly only yesterday when liberals were advocating for infusing faith into politics when causes like that of civil rights were largely championed by religious believers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The same was true in the early 19th century when it was evangelicals who were fighting a lonely and uphill battle on behalf of the abolition of slavery in both Britain and the United States.

As I noted at the time of Barretts confirmation, what she has said about the role her faith tradition has played in her life and ought to play in that of others was very little different from some of the same things said by Ginsburg about her faith and tradition, even if she was not as overtly religious and generally came down on different sides on many issues.

But it appears that for many Americans, including Jews, our common belief in the importance of the value systems that religion provides is being swept aside because of disagreements about specific issues.

Many on the left are so angry about conservative beliefs that they now stand ready to downgrade First Amendment rights if that is the price that must be paid to advance issues on which they feel strongly, like gay marriage or abortion. The problem here is that even if you agree about shifts in the law on those points, those changes cannot be accompanied by a willingness to treat those who disagree because of their religious faith as second-class citizens whose rights can be ignored or trampled upon at will. Religious liberty is still Americas first freedom and cannot be overridden except in the most extreme circumstances.

At the heart of the issue is not merely contempt for conservative Christians as well as Orthodox Jews who may share some of their concerns. Its a belief that religious freedom merely means the right to practice your faith in the privacy of your home rather than unashamedly in the public square. That doesnt seem like much to ask, yet in an era when politics has replaced religion for so many Americans, its more than many liberalsno matter their ethnicity or nominal religious identityseem willing to grant.

You may not think you have much in common with legislators in states who advocate abortion restrictions or Supreme Court justices who make decisions about the right to life or the rights of believers that you may disagree with. But if, as Greenhouse advocates, were going to say that speaking of being influenced by your faith must no longer be permitted, thats a blow to religious liberty that all people of faith, including Jews, must always resist.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNSJewish News Syndicate. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.
(JNS)  The heroes of our generation are slipping away. And unless you were among the fortunate few to have gone to meet them in the former Soviet Union during the decades from 1970s to the 1990s, you probably dont know about those Jewish heroes and heroines whose actions defined moral courage and stamina in the face of relentless government persecution.

But for those Americans who did travel to the USSR, meeting with Jewish refuseniks denied the right to emigrate had a profound impact on them. Just ask anyone who ever met Ida Nudel.

With her death in Jerusalem just before Yom Kippur at the age of 90, another mega-symbol of the Soviet Jewish emigration movement has left us.

Instead of allowing Idas life to lapse into forgetfulness, we must learn from her because what she did in Moscow serves as a model for generations.

Ida was a tiny woman who stood tall against the Kremlin and the fearsome KGB security apparatus empowered to persecute and intimidate by any means Jews intent on leaving the USSR.

What she did during her struggle for a visa to emigrate makes her a symbol of resistance for the ages.

While fighting for her own visa, she championed the desperate situation of refuseniks who had been arrested, and sentenced to prison and forced labor camps for their emigration activity.

For the prisoners of Zion, she was their Guardian Angel, their Mama.

Her efforts for them were often at personal risk. She went on a hunger strike to protest an arrest. She collected goods for parcels she sent to prisoners filled with goods we sent with Western tourists. The packages she sent passed inspection of prison guards and included items like childrens gummy vitamins (which appeared to be candy), white chocolate, warm underwear and the 3-D postcards the guards favored. She wrote to them and their families, advocated on their behalf to Soviet officials and American congressmen who came to Moscow to meet with refuseniks and dissidents. Never did she let those prisoners of Zion feel they were alone.

Finally, eight long years after she first applied to emigrate, in 1978, still denied the right to leave she hung a sign in her apartment reading KGB, give me my visa to Israel. She was dragged away and, like some of the Jewish prisoners she was defending, sentenced to four years of exile in the brutal reaches of Siberia. The only woman in the barracks, she was condemned to reside with the crudest, roughest of Russian low-life convicts, sleeping with a knife under her pillow.

Never did we at the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews let Ida Nudel think she was alone.

We enlisted womens groups and congressional wives in her struggle. We took her cause to the White House, U.S. State Department and Congress. We designated International Womans Day as Ida Nudel Day and sent her flowers by way of protest to the Soviet embassy. When a refusenik who visited her in Siberia brought back the report that she was suffering in the Siberian winter, I sent a tourist to Moscow with my new sheepskin coat in his suitcase. It went from Chicago to Moscow, and from Moscow, it traveled thousands of kilometers to Ida in the frozen steppes of Siberia.

After 16 years of struggle, Ida Nudel was finally given permission to leave in 1987. She was one of the celebrity refuseniks that Mikhail Gorbachev gave as a gesture before his upcoming summit with Ronald Reagan. Undersecretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, Ambassador Richard Schifters eyes filled with tears when she called from Jerusalem to tell him, Im home.

A refusenik pariah under relentless KGB surveillance and intimidation, this tiny woman exerted her moral freedom by taking responsibility for doing good in a country governed by evil. In doing so, she earned the love and respect of the Soviet Jewish Prisoners of Zion, as well as high-powered names such as U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, actress Jane Fonda, billionaire Armand Hammer, and, of course, those of us in the West and Israel who met her and worked on her behalf.

May the courageous moral freedom to exert responsibility even when surrounded by evil be the legacy that Ida Nudel bequeaths to all of us and our children.

Pamela Braun Cohen was the national president of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews (UCSJ). She is the author of Hidden Heroes: One Womans Story of Resistance and Rescue in the Soviet Union.
(JNS)  The United Nations held a major international convening on Sept. 22 to mark the 20th anniversary of its World Conference Against Racism, held in Durban, South Africa in 2001. In many ways, that conference has marked us more than we mark it. For supporters, it was an epoch-making event: an awakening about racism for a world then not yet woke. At the same time, it was what we might now call a super-spreader event, causing a new anti-Zionist variant of the worlds oldest hatred to go viral. This month, as we observe this anniversary of the worst post-Holocaust internationa...
At least twice this week, far-left Jew-hating Congressional Squad members again endangered Jewish (and Arab) lives. On Sept. 21, Squad members  led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Betty McCollum (D-MN), and also including Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)  coerced the Democratic House leadership to remove $1 billion of funding to replenish Israels Iron Dome defense system, by threatening to vote against a key Democratic bill to increase the debt ceiling and continue funding the U.S. government. The House then passed the government funding and debt-limit increase bill without the Iron Dome allocation.

The Squad members thus demonstrated that endangering Jews and Israel is their top priority  even more important to them than keeping the U.S. government operating, and even more important to them than enacting their $3.5 trillion spending agenda.

And this all occurred just days after Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Mark Pocan, with the support of other Squad members, introduced an amendment to block a previously approved sale of defensive precision kits to Israel. Removing the antisemitic Squad members from their committees is long overdue, and the reasons keep piling up.

Iron Dome replenishment has been needed since May, when Israel had to expend Iron Dome interceptor missiles to intercept many of the 4,369 rockets that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched at Israeli civilians between May 10 and May 21, 2021. The U.S. promised replenishment at that time.

On May 20, 2021, after pushing Israel to enter into a ceasefire before Israel could finish destroying Hamas rocket arsenal, President Biden stated that the Iron Dome system, which our nations [the U.S. and Israel] developed together  has saved the lives of countless Israeli citizens, both Arab and Jew. I assured [Prime Minister Netanyahu] of my full support to replenish Israels Iron Dome system to ensure its defenses and security in the future. (Remarks by President Biden on the Middle East, White House Briefing Room, May 20, 2021.)

The U.S. promise to replenish Iron Dome thus appears to have been a quid pro quo for Israel agreeing to a premature ceasefire.

Hamas has ignored the ceasefire, and again fired rockets at Israel in recent weeks. In addition, Hezbollahs arsenal of 150,000 rockets and Iranian rockets in Syria gravely threaten Israels citizens. Without the defensive Iron Dome, which destroys incoming rockets mid-air, Israels alternatives for stopping Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian rocket attacks would include massive bombing, ground operations and retaking portions or all of Gaza.

Replenishment of Iron Dome is thus urgently needed.

ZOA appreciates Republicans and moderate Democrats efforts to restore the Iron Dome funding derailed by the Squad. House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced a separate bill to replenish Iron Dome; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) pledged to call for a vote by the end of the week; and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) introduced a continuing resolution that would restore the Iron Dome replenishment funding.

However, ZOA is deeply concerned that Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy stated that he prefers to delay consideration of Iron Dome replenishment funding until year-end. Delayed consideration could thwart funding altogether. And delayed replenishment could destroy many Jewish and Arab lives.

Morton A. Klein is president of the Zionist Organization of America.
Pipeline

30 September 2021

The City of London Corporation approved plans on 21 September to transform the former Snow Hill Police Station, off Holborn Viaduct in the City, into a hub by Premier Inn hotel.

The Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee voted to unanimously approve the plans to convert and extend the existing building on Snow Hill in Farringdon. The heritage-led plans involve retaining the historic police station building fronting Snow Hill with the new hotel bedrooms designed around a new atrium and remodelled building to the rear.

The development, which is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, will provide 219 hub by Premier Inn bedrooms in the Culture Mile.

The new hotel will also include a curated cultural offering to celebrate the history of the site and will incorporate a permanent exhibition with narratives of the local and surrounding area such as St Sepulchre Church, the Old Bailey, the former Newgate Prison and the ghost of Cock Lane.

The development promotes active transport with a provision of cycle parking internally, compliant with the London Plan, and additional short stay cycle parking externally, proposed on Snow Hill.

The City of London Corporation recently approved ambitious plans for a new flagship combined courts facility and state-of-the-art headquarters for the City of London Police at Fleet Street to better serve the needs of a modern, busy Square Mile.

On opening, the Snow Hill hub by Premier Inn will be Whitbread's third hub by Premier Inn hotel in the City of London. Other locations in the Square Mile include Bank and Tower Hill.
Appointment

30 September 2021

Four Seasons has appointed Sebastien Carre as Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

An accomplished hotelier with more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience, Sebastien's regional role includes oversight of the resort in Mauritius as well as the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island.

Sebastien has enjoyed an impressive career that has seen him work in luxury hotels in a wide range of destinations from Tahiti to Provence, Bora Bora to Sharm el Sheikh, and even a prior tenure in Mauritius.

He has returned to the Indian Ocean island from Johannesburg where he was working as Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.

In addition to the island's reopening, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has made several culinary enhancements, with the addition of a brand new bar and the extension and complete re-design of Bambou Beach restaurant.
Appointment

30 September 2021

As AC Hotel Miami Dadeland looks to its opening later this fall, Marriott International and Concord Hospitality Enterprises are pleased to announce the appointment of Irma Salinas to the role of food and beverage manager for the property. Salinas brings a combined total of more than 25 years of hospitality knowledge and experience to the fashion-forward hotel located in the heart of South Miami's growing cultural hub.

As food and beverage manager at AC Hotel Miami Dadeland, Irma Salinas will bring five-star service and etiquette to the European-inspired hotel as she manages food and beverage operations within budget and to the highest standards, leads the culinary team by attracting, recruiting, training and appraising talented personnel, designs unique menus, and complies with food and safety regulations.

Born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Salinas learned the ins and outs of a kitchen and gained much of her cooking knowledge thanks to her grandmother. In 2011, Salinas moved to the United States with her family where she found many opportunities to work and learn in the industry that she loved, including attending the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts where she received the highest level of culinary and hospitality management education before graduating in 2013. Shortly after, Salinas decided to take on the food and beverage industry full time after accepting a position as Chef Tournant at the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel Coconut Grove, FL. where she worked beneath the head chef, helping with various culinary duties and further refining her five-star culinary expertise.
Press Release

30 September 2021

On the heels of the 16th Hotel Investment Conference - South Asia (HICSA 2021), Marriott International today announced it has signed 22 new hotel agreements in South Asia  comprising India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal  in the past 18 months, expecting to add more than 2,700 rooms to its fast-growing portfolio. Marriott International currently is the hotel chain with the largest number of rooms in the South Asia region and expects to continue its solid growth with these new signings.

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In a highly unpredictable year, these signings are a testament to Marriott Internationals resilience and agility in driving strong growth within a hospitality landscape that continues to evolve, commented Rajeev Menon  President Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. It is a sign of confidence from our owners and franchisees who have been an integral part of our growth journey.We are grateful for their continued support and trust in the power of our brands as we continue to welcome back travelers.

These signings reinforce our commitment to South Asia as a high potential region where we continue to grow and engage with an expanding customer base by introducing more of Marriotts brands and unique experiences in exciting destinations, emphasized Kiran Andicot - Regional Vice President Development, South Asia, Marriott International. We look forward to the opening of these new hotels in the future and to exploring future development opportunities throughout the region.

Owner Desire for Luxury Brands

More than a third of the newly signed projects in South Asia in the last 18 months include hotels and resorts in the luxury-tier, comprised of brands such as JW Marriott and W Hotels. This reflects travelers growing demand for bespoke and superb amenities and services. Travelers can anticipate the debut of the W Hotels brand in Jaipur with W Jaipur

in 2024. Once opened, the hotel expects to disrupt the norms of traditional luxury with its iconic service, infectious energy, and innovative experiences. Rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole  present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit. Expecting to debut across several distinctive locations within South Asia over the next five years, travelers can look forward to JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa located at one of Indias most prominent wildlife sanctuaries, The Ranthambore National Park; JW Marriott Chennai ECR Resort & Spa on Indias beautiful Southern coastline; JW Marriott Agra Resort & Spa in the land of the TAJ MAHAL; and the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Goa and Shimla  two of Indias most famous resort destinations  with JW Marriott Hotel Goa and JW Marriott Shimla Resort & Spa.

JW Marriott Hotel Bhutan, Thimphu is expected to mark the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Bhutan, is anticipated to open in 2025 and offer curated experiences that celebrate the peaceful spirit of the land.

Maldives anticipates its second JW Marriott hotel in 2025, when the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Embhoodhoo Finolhu - South Male Atoll featuring 80 pool villas is expected to open. The signing follows the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, strengthening Marriotts footprint on the famed leisure destination.

Select Brands Continue to Drive Growth

Comprised of brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels and Moxy Hotels, Marriotts select brands also continue to resonate in South Asia representing more than 40 percent of the 22 newly signed hotel projects. The Moxy brand, known for its experiential, playful style and approachable price point, is expected to debut in India and Nepal with Moxy Mumbai Andheri West in 2023 and the Moxy Kathmandu in 2025.

Secondary and tertiary markets remain a focus for Marriott International in India, leveraging strong demand by owners and travelers for select brands. Designed for the modern business traveler, the Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott brands are committed to smart and thoughtful guest service, no matter the purpose of their trip. With the recently signed agreements, Courtyard by Marriott expects to add five new properties to an existing operating portfolio of 20 hotels across South Asia. Four of these properties are expected to open in the next five years and will be located in leading tier-two markets within India: Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur; Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli; Courtyard by Marriott Goa Arpora; and Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi. Fairfield expects to add two new properties in Jaipur. In Sri Lanka, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo expects to mark the debut of the Courtyard brand in the country, slated to open in 2022.

Premium Brands Cement Their Foothold

Expected to further the growth of premium brands in South Asia, the recent signings include the Katra Marriott Resort & Spa

in India and the Le Meridien Kathmandu, which is expected to be the debut of the Le Meridien brand in Nepal. Additionally, the Bhaluka Marriott Hotel expects to mark the entry of the Marriott Hotels brand in Bangladesh, anticipated to open in 2024.

Marriott International is well-positioned in South Asia with 135 operating hotels across 16 distinct brands in five countries, aimed at providing differentiated experiences across traveler segments. The brands currently operating in South Asia include: JW Marriott, St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection in the luxury segment; Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Tribute Portfolio, Le Meridien, Renaissance and the Marriott Executive Apartments in the premium segment; Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Fairfield by Marriott and Aloft Hotels, in the select service segment.
Press Release

30 September 2021

City Portal sees impressive growth with more than 100 partners globally

Airbnb sets goal of 250 partners by 2022

Portal use has increased this year

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One year ago, an innovative idea  a private-sector company helping to facilitate regulation by the public sector  became a novel Airbnb product called the City Portal. This first-of-its-kind resource for local governments was built by Airbnb developers and informed by a decade of knowledge gained from our work with cities around the world.

Government officials wanted more insights into Airbnbs presence in their neighborhoods, tools to help enforce their laws, and better access to Airbnb when help was needed. As cities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, our work with tourism organizations has made clear that local travel insights are also valuable. The City Portal, a product unique to Airbnb and the tech world, does all of this and more.

In its inaugural year, the City Portals utility and the continued demand for it has become clear  all the more so as the pandemic and remote-work trends driven by the pandemic have sped up the mainstreaming of home sharing. At Airbnb, we recently announced our 1 billionth guest arrival.

Today, were providing an update on the City Portals significant expansion in the last year and our goals for the future.

The City Portal today

The City Portal was launched with 12 pilot partners comprised of local governments and tourism organizations from around the world. Over the past year, we have undertaken a roadshow to educate and subsequently partner with local governments and tourism organizations. Today, were proud to announce that we now have more than 100 City Portal partners across the globe. From Hawaiis Kauai County and the Paris region, to the UK and Tasmania, the City Portal is a product that is being utilized globally.

We have also continued to scale the product to make it easier for our partners to use, the results of which have been realized through higher adoption rates. The City Portal has seen a nearly 50 percent increase in usage by our partners since January*.

The City Portal works much like a backdoor pass to Airbnbs platform with which our enforcement team can utilize to query listings and directly access advertisements and other pertinent data. Kaaina Hull, Kauai County (Hawaii) Planning Department Director

How the City Portal is being used

In Sacramento, the city uses the City Portal to enforce its registration requirement. Since its integration with the Portal, the city is able to quickly take action on listings violating the citys short-term rental law.

Airbnb worked with us to integrate its City Portal into our short-term rental registration requirement. I wish other platforms would go to the lengths that Airbnb has to ensure that we have what we need to enforce our short-term rental laws, said Darrell Steinberg, Mayor of Sacramento.

Since November 2020, we have fielded more than 1,000 enforcement requests from partners with City Portal compliance tools.

The City Portals utility is not limited to helping cities as they develop and enforce fair short-term rental laws. The product was built and released mid-pandemic, helping cities and tourism organizations plan for the eventual return of tourism more effectively. For example, destination marketing organization partners can see top source cities and countries of Airbnb guests and adjust their marketing accordingly.

In Dordogne, France, the city has been preparing for the post-pandemic recovery of its tourism industry and is using the travel insights provided by the City Portal to inform their marketing.

Dordognes exceptional historical and natural heritage has been a perfect fit for travelers in search for authenticity, nature and well-being that has driven the recovery of the tourism sector since 2020. This new partnership with Airbnb will give us valuable information on these recent evolutions of travel patterns and help us develop a winning strategy with all the local players for the future of local tourism, said Christophe Gravier, Director of Dordogne-Perigord Tourisme.

The next year of the City Portal

We continue to have ambitious goals for the City Portal. In the next year, the City Portal will undergo continued scaling and expansion. By September 2022, our goal is to have more than 250 City Portal partners across the globe. To do this, we are expanding our City Portal team to ensure that local governments and tourism organizations interested in gaining access to the City Portal are able to do so quickly and efficiently.

Those interested in becoming City Portal partners can visit Airbnb.com/CityPortal

*According to internal Airbnb data comparing January 2021 to July 2021.
Press Release

30 September 2021

LBA Hospitality, based in Dothan, Ala., and 3H Group, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., announced the formation of their new strategic alliance, which empowers LBA Hospitality and 3H Group to enlarge their respective companies while remaining focused on expansion of their hotel management platform. As evident from historic accomplishments, both companies are leaders in hospitality management and development, and this alliance sets them up for continued success as they merge their shared vision and expertise.

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By forming this alliance, each company can capitalize on their respective strengths. For 3H Group, that involves concentrating on hotel development, asset management, and owner representation. For LBA Hospitality, it means expanding their award-winning third-party hotel management program throughout the United States.

This alliance is a strategic move in our overall growth that will position our companies for the future and will allow our teams to share best practices to achieve top performance within the hospitality industry, said Hiren Desai, President and CEO of 3H Group.

The like-minded companies have a depth of experience in hotel management with over 90 properties in 11 states among their portfolios. 3H Group and LBA Hospitality have been recognized for their passionate company cultures with shared values of teamwork and respect for associates.

Partnering with 3H Group will propel us to achieving our business goals across the United States, and we look forward to accomplishing great things together, said Beau Benton, President of LBA Hospitality. LBA proudly empowers employees, and we find common ground with Hiren, the 3H Group team and their culture of respect and service.

Beyond their strong work ethic, commitment to hospitality and a service-centered approach, 3H Group and LBA Hospitality also share a history of philanthropic outreach in the communities where they work. Employees at both firms have given countless hours and significant monetary donations to nonprofits, with overlapping areas of focus on healthcare, education, and shelter.

The companies intend to retain all positions under this new relationship with plans for rapid growth across the United States and an initial focus on identifying best practices, cost advantages, and evaluating and improving efficiencies through shared technology and human resources. 3H Group and LBA Hospitality plan to share a regional office in Chattanooga as well as keep the existing corporate headquarters of LBA Hospitality in Dothan, Ala.

About 3H Group

Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, 3H Group has become a prominent and respected name in the hospitality industry since the companys inception in 2000. With the addition of co-working, residential, and retail endeavors, 3H Group continues to expand beyond its horizon. Consistently internationally ranked as a top hospitality management and development company, 3H Group creates exceptional experiences for guests and business partners. The 3H Group commitment to core values of honesty, hard work and hospitality enables the company to build and enrich communities. For more information, visit 3H.Group.
Press Release

30 September 2021

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), today introduced a new hotel prototype option to accelerate its growth in destinations where guests want to stay and developers want to invest. Designed specifically for secondary and leisure markets, the prototype option will help provide developers the flexibility to build Cambria hotels at a reduced cost, while maintaining the sense of space, sense of place and the core brand hallmarks upscale guests prefer.

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"Cambria Hotels is a strategic, long-term priority for Choice Hotels, as is lowering the total cost of ownership for our franchisees across our well-segmented brand portfolio. With this focus at the forefront, we created a new prototype option that provides developers with more ways to build a Cambria hotel, which we expect will allow us to rapidly advance our upscale brand growth," said Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. "Cambria has always offered flexibility for owners, and this new prototype with custom design options offers developers the right-sized Cambria for the right market to help maximize their investment  while also preserving the core upscale brand hallmarks guests love."

Building on the strong value proposition that developers have come to expect from the Cambria Hotels brand, the new prototype option offers:

A cost-effective prototype: The ability to develop hotels in secondary and leisure markets that demand a lower cost-per-key by reducing square footage in the right places by 20%, while staying true to the upscale brand characteristics guests desire.

The ability to develop hotels in secondary and leisure markets that demand a lower cost-per-key by reducing square footage in the right places by 20%, while staying true to the upscale brand characteristics guests desire. Operationally efficient: Optimized staffing structure with a reduction in FTEs from current brand requirements, due to reduction in rooms, public areas and the Housekeeping Upon Request model to drive performance.

Optimized staffing structure with a reduction in FTEs from current brand requirements, due to reduction in rooms, public areas and the Housekeeping Upon Request model to drive performance. Streamlined F&B concept: Right-sized bar and enhanced marketplace, with a 35% smaller kitchen featuring programmable vector cooking technology and a reduced culinary staffing model.

Right-sized bar and enhanced marketplace, with a 35% smaller kitchen featuring programmable vector cooking technology and a reduced culinary staffing model. A new option to grow with Cambria : Opportunity to bring Cambria Hotels' modern, design-forward experience to over 300 secondary and leisure markets where a significant portion of upscale-branded hotels are 15 years or older.

: Opportunity to bring Cambria Hotels' modern, design-forward experience to over 300 secondary and leisure markets where a significant portion of upscale-branded hotels are 15 years or older. Flexible design : Custom design options to build Cambria hotels in the right markets, including:

: Custom design options to build Cambria hotels in the right markets, including: Streamlined structural design at entry canopy, lobby, and journey to room. Customization that allows for locally inspired art and lobby packages, with the ease of 50% computer-aided design drawings and standard furniture, fixtures and equipment that considerably lowers the expense of design and architecture services to complete the build. All the core brand hallmarks that guests have grown to love from Cambria, and which drive brand preference and value for developers.



"Since the beginning of 2020, we've increased the Cambria portfolio by 16% as we brought the brand to more urban markets. In fact, the brand has now entered eight of the top 10 markets and 36 of the top 50 in the United States," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "As we continue to focus on operational efficiencies and increasing owner profitability, we have identified a significant growth opportunity in secondary and leisure markets which will bring Cambria's defining brand hallmarks to a wider customer base in new markets coast to coast. This new prototype option will help accelerate expansion into these areas where our design-forward experience and upscale service will be best-in-market, translating to increased performance for owners."

The new Cambria prototype option will continue to deliver the brand hallmarks and signature amenities that appeal to modern travelers, including:

Casually tailored sensibility and locally inspired design, reflecting the unique personality of the surrounding community.

Bar-forward food and beverage concept, featuring freshly made food, local craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Also features an elevated marketplace for to-go options including a selection of adult beverages like canned cocktails and splits of wine.

Contemporary, sophisticated and spacious guestrooms, complete with stylish fixtures, abundant lighting and plush bedding.

Luxe spa-inspired bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors.

Arrival advantage that gives guests precious minutes back through visual orientations of their priority needs, allowing them to identify key areas of the hotel, such as the front desk and elevator, immediately upon arrival.

Outdoor spaces for productive work or relaxation.

"The Cambria brand has expanded through new construction and adaptive reuse projects, and this new prototype option builds on that with a flexible, cost-efficient design for developers in markets that have a distribution potential to significantly grow the existing Cambria customer base," said Mark Shalala, senior vice president of development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "This new option will be extremely appealing to a broader pool of developers across multiple segments, applicable to developers focused on midscale, upper midscale and upscale projects. Whether it's an upscale developer pursuing opportunities in leisure destinations or a traditionally midscale developer looking to capture upscale demand in secondary or smaller markets, this option gives developers flexibility to customize their project to the market and creates opportunities for more owners to grow with Cambria."

There are currently over 130 Cambria hotels open or in the pipeline across the U.S. in popular cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. For more information on the new prototype and Cambria Hotels development opportunities, visit choicehotelsdevelopment.com/cambriahotels.
The National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Houston will be held in the spring, the organization announced Wednesday after previously canceling the convention because of COVID.

The NRA rescheduled the meeting to May 27 through May 29. The conference, which marks the groups 150th year, was originally scheduled to be at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Sept. 3 to Sept 5.

The NRA community was disappointed when high COVID rates in Harris County led to the cancellation of this marquee event, the NRA said Wednesday on Twitter.

On HoustonChronicle.com: NRA cancels annual meeting in Houston because of COVID

The delta variants rise last month dashed hopes of a Houston hotel recovery as it prompted hotel room cancellations and forced the NRA, Walmart and others with large events scheduled to reconsider. Houston First, the citys convention and visitors bureau, said it worked with the NRA to reschedule the event quickly to accelerate the citys hotel recovery.

The NRA meeting was forecast to draw 55,000 attendees and $16.7 million in spending.

I am proud of the excellent work our sales team did to find a great solution not only for the NRA but also for our hospitality community as it continues to recover from the pandemic, said Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman. This convention will be a huge boost to our local economy and will be a great addition to our already stacked convention calendar in 2022.

The NRA has been fraught with controversy. Last year, the New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the gun rights group over questionable expenditures. The NRA is based in Virginia but was chartered as a nonprofit in New York. Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine also sued the NRA Foundation, the NRAs charitable arm, accusing it of diverting funds to NRA to help pay for lavish spending.

The NRA declared bankruptcy earlier this year and sought to move its state of incorporation from New York to Texas, but a judge blocked the move in May, saying the NRAs bankruptcy was not filed in good faith.

Includes material from the Associated Press.

amanda.drane@chron.com

Twitter.com/amandadrane
Renewable Energy Group will not renew its lease at a biodiesel plant in Seabrook, the company said Wednesday, with plans to shut down the plant in November.

The facility, capable of producing 35 million gallons a year, couldn't process multiple feedstocks, the company said.

"The plant has run very well but has always been relatively challenged due to its leasing agreement coupled with a lack of Renewable Energy Group's hallmark multi-feedstock processing capability, said President and CEO Cynthia CJ Warner.

GROWING DILEMMA: Should oil refiners move to biofuels or stick with what they know?

Renewable Energy Group, a global producer and supplier of renewable fuels, acquired and commissioned the plant in 2008. The company said it is working to find new jobs within the company for its Seabrook employees.

It is never an easy decision to shut down a plant, Warner said. We greatly appreciate the team at Renewable Energy Group Houston for their dedication to safety and operational excellence.

Despite the announcement, Warner said the company remains focused on executing its growth strategy.

We will continue to work with our existing customers and vendors to provide clean fuel solutions that are delivering meaningful carbon reduction today, Warner said.

Refiners are turning to biofuels, including those made from agricultural products, because they release fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. But production has declined as feedstock prices rise.

Moreover, the Renewable Fuel Standard, a federal program that requires transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum amount of renewable fuels, requires that some transportation fuels come from biofuels.

The closing of the Seabrook plant leaves 14 biodiesel plants operating in the Gulf Coast region, down from the 18 in 2019. Almost 75 operate in the U.S., the Energy Department said.
Owners of a small business in Bellaire say they are shocked and appalled at one woman's response after they publicly condemned Texas' new abortion ban.

Breakfast restaurant, Dandelion Cafe, located at 5405 Bellaire Blvd., called on its followers and other local businesses to stand with them for women's rights on Instagram Monday by showing many of its employees wearing tape with hand-written messages targeting the new law that went into effect on Sept. 1.

The messages read: Abortion is Healthcare, Laws off our bodies, bodily autonomy for all, and 86 the Abortion Ban.

"The six week abortion ban attacks us ALL," the caption read. "And until we all have bodily autonomy, WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT FREE."

LATEST ON BAN: 'Save Chick-fil-A' case could impact the future of Texas abortion ban

But not everyone agreed with their stance.

Owner Sarah Lieberman said one woman commented expressing opposing views and began tagging others trying to get them involved. They responded on their business page explaining their intent but said it started getting out of hand so they removed her post and disabled all the comments.

"We can't please everyone and we respect other people's opinions, but we do not tolerate disrespect," she said. "We werent trying to argue. We just wanted to talk about the 1973 project and say womens health is important."

From there she alleges the woman retaliated by posting a lie in a local community Facebook group alleging that Dandelion Cafe has roaches in its food and that the staff was aware.

Lieberman who co-owns the five-year old cafe with her partner and main chef, JC Ricks, said they use the business to represent their values especially when things affect them and their staff personally. It's something they've done before, Ricks said, with the Black Lives Matters movement and in support of I'll Have What She's Having, a nonprofit organization that advocates for women's and mental health.

Although they expected some backlash, they thought this was too far.

SURVIVAL MODE: Chain restaurants are closing in on Houston's Asiatown. How Shabu House is fighting to survive

"When she posted that its clearly lies," Lieberman said. "No one knew anything. We definitely dont have roaches and the staff wouldnt not care. We hire for personality. We always get good reviews on our staff."

Lieberman said they don't know the woman personally and don't recall seeing her at their cafe. She messaged the woman privately requesting she take the post down.

"We have 20 employees that we support and youre messing with our livelihood," she said, "and we really appreciate it if you take it down. I even told her if you want to have a conversation you can take it out on me and we can handle it personally, but please do not take it out on my staff."

The woman has not responded to requests for comment, but a Yelp user with a similar name posted that after reporting roaches at The Dandelion she is being bullied and harassed.

Dandelion Cafe called on the community to help and were showered with love and support.

"We support you!" wrote Facebook user Mandi McGrath Reynado. "I also will now make it a point to visit more often. Thanks for supporting important causes!"

Others commented focusing on the restaurant's cleanliness.

"We love you!!!!" wrote Tiffany Thompson Munro. "Clean place and spectacular food! Ignore the haters!"

"I love your restaurant," wrote Francis Cook. "Its so clean and I have NEVER seen dirt or bugs EVER. Haters going to hate."
This article was originally posted in February 2019.

Houston's most glamorous TV news anchor, Dominique Sachse, has been a fixture at KPRC Channel 2 for more than 25 years.

You likely already know that Sachse co-anchors the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts at Channel 2, where she started as a morning traffic reporter.

You may also know that Sachse began her career in journalism in radio. She was a Metro traffic reporter for a variety of radio stations and a disc jockey at Mix 96.5.

What you may not know is that the Emmy Award-winning TV news anchor has a passion for dance, is a former lifeguard and is originally from Miami, Florida.

Here, she shares some fun facts:

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Dave Rossman/For the Chronicle

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ABC-13 anchor Art Rascon is leaving TV after 23 years.

In an email to ABC-13 staff, Rascon wrote: My dear friends, after 36 years of reporting the world, and more than 28 years with the ABC/Disney company, its time to pursue other opportunities ... Thank you for such an incredible and rewarding journey. ... It has been such a blessing to witness history in a remarkable way. Truly, I have had the best job in the world.

MEDIA DEPARTURES: Houston anchor Dominique Sachse leaving KPRC after 28 years on TV

The veteran broadcast journalist announced hes looking forward to life off air with a variety of religious and community service projects, and plans to leave the station at the end of the year.

Rascon joined ABC-13/KTRK-TV Houston in 1998. Before joining KTRK, he worked as a national correspondent for CBS News and a reporter for the ABC-owned station in Los Angeles. He has reported from more than 70 countries and five continents, and covered news in nearly every state in the United States.

MORE ON THE RASCON FAMILY: KPRC's Jacob Rascon gave up national news, now competes against dad back home

He passes his legacy on to his son, Jacob Rascon, who joins ABC-13 as a new anchor and reporter beginning 2022.

I remember visiting the station as a kid and meeting Dave Ward, Deborah Duncan, Wayne Dolcefino and Marvin Zindler, Jacob said. The fact that Im now following in their footsteps and my fathers, who is the consummate journalist and an even better person, makes me immensely proud.




When Jessica Pearsall speaks her native Spanish, people often are surprised. Some are even shocked.

Pearsall, who is Black and a native of Panama, proudly identifies as Afro-Latina because it captures her Spanish and Afro-Caribbean roots, she said. Speaking Spanish is as much a part of her identity as her homeland, but when she moved to the U.S. with her family age 10, she felt pressure to pick a side.

Black or Latino  not both.

I always had to pick a camp, she said. Being multicultural was not celebrated, so I never felt like I completely fit in here or that I could be myself. Ive had constantly to explain that Spanish is my first language. I grew up in America, but Central America is where I was at home.

As the national recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month continues through Oct. 15, those with both African and Latino roots are often left out of the celebration. Some may argue its because the term Hispanic is Eurocentric, excluding those who have no cultural ties to Spain. Others say that racism and colorism in the Latino community complicate matters.

It all means that Afro-Latinos often live in two worlds and feel invisible. Its time to recognize their greatness.

We come in all different colors and backgrounds. People forget that, said Pearsall, who lives in Sugar Land with her husband, who is African American. The couple has a 17-year-old daughter and 24-year-old son who embrace their Latino and Black heritage. They grew up listening to Pearsalls parents tell stories of life in Panama. Her grandfather was a cook in Colombia who traveled to Panama for a better life; her paternal grandfather moved from Barbados to work on the Panama Canal.

Pearsalls children are multicultural, but even in school, teachers would change their profiles to indicate Black or Hispanic, not both. That cant be good for a childs self-identity.

But Pearsall is hopeful things are changing.

A Pew Research study reports that of the 46.8 million people who identify as Black, another 2.4 million, or 5 percent, self-identify as both Black and Hispanic. That number has more than doubled since 2000. Also, according to the 2020 Census, there has been a nearly 130 percent jump in people who identify as multiracial. The number of Americans who identify with more than one race is growing faster than those who check a single race.

We need a holistic representation of the Spanish-speaking world, said Sumor Sheppard, a Spanish professor and program coordinator of foreign language at Prairie View A&M University. We talk about what it is to be Hispanic, but the stereotype doesnt reflect the multiracial reality.

More 20 years ago, I attended the first meeting of Black villages in Mexico in a poor rural area south of Acapulco. The children surrounded me because, although I was a stranger, my brown skin tone was like theirs. I was not aware then that many African people who were enslaved were brought to Mexico, Brazil and other Central and South American countries. I was not even really aware there were Black Mexicans.

More education about the history of slavery would help bring greater understanding that Latino culture also encompasses people of African descent, Sheppard said.

Most people dont know that the largest number of African slaves were brought to Brazil, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, she said. That is not included in most classes and textbooks. When you dont have that knowledge, it falls on the individual to have to educate and explain.

With the growing diversity of the American population, more Afro-Latinos, including celebrities, are speaking out about their heritage. Actress Tessa Thompson (Creed and Sylvies Love), whose father is Afro-Panamanian and mother is of Mexican descent, has shared her pride in being Afro-Latina.

My mom is a woman of color even though she might not be readily identified as such, and I feel like because of that, she always gave me space to explore my identity, get in touch with who I am, Thompson said at Essences 11th annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2018. Even though she is not a Black woman, throughout my life, she filled me with such pride of being one. She told me that my broad features and my brown skin were beautiful, when classmates did their best to convince me otherwise.

For every public display of Afro-Latino pride, there are blunders that can set efforts back  The movie In the Heights cast only light-skinned actors in lead roles about New Yorks Washington Heights community, which is mostly Afro-Dominican. The films co-creator Lin-Manuel Miranda later apologized on Twitter.

There are many movements gaining traction on social media that help to combat the belief that Black people have not made contributions to Latino culture, said Sheppard, who cited the United Nations declaration of the international decade (2015-24) of people of African descent, which promotes awareness, respect and protection of African descendants. Its a powerful movement to bring awareness and embrace people who are fellow human beings who have been erased.

Madolyn Marin, a deputy with the Harris County Sheriffs Office, said although she experienced racism, growing up Black and Mexican was joyful with lots of family surrounding her. Her mother is Mexican American and one of six; her father is African American and the youngest of 12. There was one time in elementary school, Marin said, when her teacher refused to let her to check the Hispanic box on a standardized test because of the color of her skin.

I embrace both cultures though Im not fluent in Spanish, but I had a quinceanera. Both cultures are exciting to me, and in my family it meant there was always something to celebrate.

For Sarah Guardiola, who is Mexican American, and fiance Ramone Dixon, who is Black, holiday celebrations are a blended mix of tamales and tortillas, along with greens and cornbread. But as they prepare to marry in November, theyve had some real conversations about how theyll raise their children as both Black and Mexican.

Its important that our children not have to worry about where they fit in, Dixon said. The world will not be perfect, but when a kid knows who they are, they know how to be themselves. Our child will be confident in who they are because we are. So, their only issue will just be finding those kids who can relate to them.

Guardiola grew up in a small town in West Texas with a majority-white population. She wants her future children to know about her familys rich Texas roots.

Moms family didnt cross the border, the border crossed them, she said. I want my children to know that we are Mexican and Texan. We are proud of that.

Patrick Moreno-Covington calls himself Blacktino, a mix of Black and Latino. His father is Black and his mother is Mexican American; they met as students at the University of Texas at Austin. Now, Moreno-Covington said, hes teaching his 9-year-old son Nathan about their cultural mix, and hes preparing him for how the world may perceive him.

People always say Im half of this or half of that, but I dont think about it that way, he said. Im both. Im Black and Latino. Ive never felt burdened by it. People are prejudiced and want to paint you a certain way. My mom did a good job in introducing me to both cultures.

Moreno-Covington earned a masters degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University and spent time in Mexico studying the countrys Afro-Latino history and culture.

Theres more recognition now, especially with the heightened racial awareness, and more discussions about the systemic effects of racism, he said. Being Black and Latino offers such a perspective. Its like a mirror reflecting on Black, Latino and even white culture and finding the bonds between two rich dynamic cultures and feeling comfortable in both spaces.

The beauty of being raised both Black and Latino, he said, is having a keen sense that even though the world has many issues with race, it provides an inner strength to thrive.

Theres a resourcefulness and resiliency that is a common bond between Black and Latino cultures. They share an ability to make something beautiful out of something ugly.

joy.sewing@chron.com
Simply put, Faith Fighting Cancer in Montgomery County (FFC) is a group of dedicated volunteers who raise donations to help cancer victims and their families in the Montgomery County area.

Money raised through its legendary Christmas Tea in December and in other ways directly addresses needs with funds that may not be available through any other program.

The next event takes place Saturday, Oct. 16, at Hello Beautiful, a fashion boutique for women (and gentlemen who purchase gifts). Its at 3915 West Davis (Texas 105 W) in Conroes H-E-B Center.

The appropriate title for the day of shopping is Power-of-Pink Shop-a-Thon.

Hello Beautifuls owner Judy Burks again will feature fabulous raffle items, according to volunteer publicist Kay Homan. Raffle tickets cost $5 each or five for $20.

Judy has been a fantastic supporter of Faith Fighting Cancer for many years, Homan noted. If you cant shop Oct. 16 you can just shop any other day that week. If you mention FFC, it will still benefit.

On a regular basis Burks provides precious heirloom tea cups that add a unique touch to FFCs Christmas Tea, which is an annual fundraiser. It repeatedly draws a sold-out crowd of mothers, grandmothers and young ladies for a day of traditional celebration with charmingly decorated trees, imaginative decor, and delightful refreshments.

Boutique hours are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Hello Beautiful may be reached at 936-756-3700.

Faith Fighting Cancer in Montgomery County is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. It provides emotional and financial support for cancer victims and their families in Montgomery County.

After much thought and consideration, the Board of Directors of Montgomery County Heritage Museum announced its new director. She is Suann Hereford, a well-known Conroe resident, involved in life in Montgomery County for decades.

She comes with many qualifications.

Suann has dedicated more than 30 years to being a dedicated student guidance counselor that includes every facet of personal and academic development. Her service emphasizes success in problem solving and resolution, networking, communication, teamwork, academics and personal achievement.

From January 1999 to August of this year, Suann was academic Counselor at Lone Star College Kingwood. She conducted orientation sessions for groups of incoming students, comparing entrance requirements with transcripts and advising students on advancement. She communicated with her advisees about success and to address concerns, and with her contemporary advisors. She maintained winning ways in advising students in choice of majors, class loads, and academic success.

At one time, Suann was a counselor in a school in The Woodlands in Conroe District, and taught life science, earth science and health, also in CISD.

Her academic credits include Texas A & M  a Ph.D. Educational Development with emphasis on adult teaching and learning, as well as Master of Education emphasizing community health and planning; Master of Arts: Counselor Education from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, plus a Summa cum Laude Bachelors degree in health education with English minor, and even more accomplishments.

With all this, Suann still made time to volunteer with various service organizations in Montgomery County. Some of these include high offices in East Montgomery County Rotary as well as Assistant Governor District 5910 comprised of East Montgomery County, Cleveland and Dayton; she began volunteering with Salvation Army in 1991 and is currently advisory Council Secretary.

She served as Chairman of Bear and Doll Tea Committee for New Caney Education Foundation and as president and secretary since becoming a member in 2013; and in New Horizons organization since 2014.

Professional and service volunteer work has been with Teachers and Professional Womens organizations; Daughters of the American Revolution; Colonial Dames of the 17th Century; Daughters of 1812; Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Huguenot Society of Texas. Whew! Sue Hereford has accrued even more credits, but youll have to ask her when you visit the museum in Candy Cane Park, off Interstate 45 N.

The legions of friends that the late Lee Pruitt collected in the arts community and elsewhere will note that a memorial service for him is set at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 in the Montgomery United Methodist Church on Texas 105 W. in Montgomery.

His daughter Merri Pruitt Littleton mentioned that Lees son Randy Pruitt preceded him in death; as did his beloved wife Shirley Pruitt also widely known in the local arts community, and mourned more than a year ago.

According to Merri, Lees death was from cancer. He was born Leland Wiley Pruitt to an Army doctor and a nurse on June 10, 1929 in San Francisco and left this life Aug. 1 in Houston. His early years were spent in San Antonio, the Philippines, and in Indiana, where he earned a degree from Indiana University then moved to Houston.

Metcalf Funeral Directors is in charge of services. Tributes and photos may be posted on its website.

Peggie Miller may be reached at pegmiller01@gmail.com.
The San Jacinto Museum of History is calling for volunteers to help prepare for its first Texas Memorial Illumination to honor Texans killed in battle in the nations wars.

During the Nov. 13 event, participants will be able drive across the site from 6 p.m. to midnight and observe the 21,500 luminaries, which are paper lanterns containing lit candles, that will be placed throughout the battlegrounds and on the steps of the San Jacinto Monument. The number represents Texas millitary deaths in conflicts from the Texas Revolution to Afghanistan.

I think our community is ready to demonstrate patriotism, and really eager to do something to show we care (about veterans), said Gina Manlove, spokesperson for the San Jacinto Museum of History and one of the organizers of the event.

The luminaries will represent people from different backgrounds, religions and politics. It will be a time to reflect, said Manlove.

This isnt about politics, but the sacrifice they gave, she said.

Sidelined last year by the pandemic, organizers of the Texas Memorial Illumination have had to wait for the time put things in motion and need more volunteers to pull the large-scale event off.

In just a few months, weve gotten 840 volunteers on board and still need a good 200 more, Manlove said.

Texas Memorial Illumination When: 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Site, One Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas 77571 Cost: free to the public; voluntary donations can be given at the entrance. Website:https://bit.ly/2XWsVMY To volunteer:https://bit.ly/3kVdxtD See More Collapse

Volunteers will prepare bags and candles on Oct. 30. At sunset on Nov. 13, and the volunteers will light the luminaries and conduct their own ceremony before the gates open at 6 p.m. that night.

It takes a large-scale effort to put this on, Manlove said.

Organizers encourage that groups of about 15 come in as a team, which will make it easier to be assigned a task, although if an individual wants to participate, they will be used in the effort.

Community and civic groups, teachers and members of area ROTC units are expected to attend the event, and elected officials such as state Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) and representatives from the Texas Historical Commission are slated to be on hand. Co-chairs of the event include U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville) and former U.S. Rep. Gene Green, a Houston Democrat.

Emails and responses from various groups, said Manlove, demonstrate that the event is something that people want to experience.

Part of the allure of this project is that people are eager to have this in their community and proud that the state of Texas has approved an undertaking in Houston, she said.

Since 1939, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and Museum of History has been dedicated to the soldiers who contributed to the independence of Texas. At 567 feet, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war monument in the nation and stands amid more than 1,000 acres of battleground. It was the ideal site to pay tribute to all Texans lost in war, said Manlove.

Manlove and museum historian, Denton Florian, were inspired by traditions that take place at Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland as well as events at the Pennsyvania sites of Valley Forge and Gettysburg.

We wanted to have a low-cost but high impact event, Manlove said.

Florian had attended the annual illumination event at the Antietam Civil War battleground, where 23,000 lanterns are lit across the site to mark that engagements 23,000 casualties. Thousands come for the event at the site of the deadliest one-day battle in American history.

It has become the No. 1 interpretive event in that area, Manlove said. If they can do it, we can. People get it when I talk about fallen patriots on the battleground, and you see that light bulb off; so this is the perfect place to do this.

Representatives from the Antietam event, scheduled this year for Dec. 4, are mentors of the San Jacinto illumination, said Manlove.

While Antietam is marked by low open fields, San Jacinto is a wetlands area with massive oaks. The logistics of the two events are different because of geography, but the impact, said Manlove, should be the same. She hopes the first illumination turns into an annual tradition for Texans in the region to have their own grand-scale memorial ceremony.

Part of our mission is to provide a visually inspiring remembrance, Manlove said.

With the looming monument as a backdrop, visitors will drive through clearly defined paths across the lit battleground, through wooded areas, past the reflection pool and to the fields where the Texas Army soldiers camped the night before the battle on April 21, 1836.

For me and the Blue Star Moms, the Texas Army Moms army and for most of volunteers and their families, its very personal, Manlove said.

Held on the Saturday between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, the illumination is meant be one of observance.

Many of the volunteers and other participants of the illumination will be paying tribute to lost loved ones. For Manlove, whose uncle was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, the Texas Memorial Illumination is a way for families like hers to recognize that service.

My uncle came back from Vietnam a changed man. He was very quiet about his service and did what he was asked to do. I want to honor that, she said. The purpose of this event is to remind people that freedom is not free  there is always a cost.

yorozco@hcnonline.com
MONROE, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina father was arrested after he boarded a school bus and cursed at a group of elementary school students over how they had treated his child, according to a sheriff's office.

The Union County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that Demor Lee Brooks of Monroe was charged with trespassing on a school bus, refusing to leave and disorderly conduct on a school bus.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  The widow of a man who died last year after being struck by a car driven by South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has reached an out-of-court settlement after threatening a lawsuit, the two sides confirmed Wednesday.

Ravnsborg pleaded no contest to a pair of traffic misdemeanors in the crash that killed Joseph Boever, who was walking alongside a rural highway late the night of Sept. 12, 2020. Ravnsborg was ordered to pay $500 fines on each charge, as well as court costs.
The Army Corps of Engineers is still working on its environmental review for the sweeping $29 billion plan to protect the Houston region against storm surge, but a big-picture analysis shows various wildlife could be harmed. The agency plans to minimize and mitigate that where possible.

IKE IMPACTS: Crushed turtles and shrinking wetlands: How the proposed Ike Dike could affect wildlife and plants



Here are some of the animals that could be affected, according to the latest Corps report.

Piping Plover

Lorraine Minns / Audubon Photography Awards

The project could damage habitat for this threatened shorebird at the east end of Galveston Island and at Bolivar Flats. They generally return to the same place each year. Construction noise and light could also affect their behavior.

Rufa Red Knot

Arthur Morris/Getty Images

This threatened shorebird is known to share the same habitat as Piping Plovers and is expected to be impacted by that loss of habitat too. They also return to the same place as they migrate.

West Indian Manatee

Padre Island National Seashore

These are considered extremely rare in Texas, but the construction of the gates could alter manatees' migration, eating and reproducing. Noise underwater can also interrupt their ability to communicate, and increased traffic could result in collisions between the animals and boats.

Sea Turtles

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Dredging can injure or kill sea turtles such as the endangered Kemps Ridley, and reduce their ability to see. The report also notes turtles could be crushed when the storm surge gates are closed.

Red drum

Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

This common game fish is among the 16 key estuarine species that have life cycles between the bay and the ocean, which could be impacted by the reduced water flow.

Bottlenose Dolphin

James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle

Construction noise can stress dolphins, which rely on sound for activities such as communication and foraging. The gates could also hinder their movements or separate social groups if closed.

American Eel

DeAgostini/Getty Images

Adult eels spawn in the ocean and juvenile eels move back to rivers and estuaries for up to 30 years before reproducing. The gates could impede their access to the bay system.
2 1 of 2 Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Courtesy / Courtesy Show More Show Less



Two months after a pair of workers died, LyondellBasell is preparing to restart the acetic acid unit at its facility near La Porte where the chemical disaster occurred. Officials expect to have it back online in October.

The company blamed an unnamed contractor for the July 27 incident, saying in a news release that the hired crew went beyond the scope of the permitted work and removed a valve cover, creating an opening to the process allowing the reactor contents to escape.
Every week, a member of the Houston Chronicles COVID team answers readers questions about how the virus works, what to expect with the vaccine and other concerns on Houstonians minds. This week, we dive into what you need to know ahead of booking your holiday travel, eligibility questions surrounding booster shots and questions you may have about continuing insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines.

Fully vaccinated Americans who have traveled internationally must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure for their returning flights to the U.S.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are not fully vaccinated can fly to the U.S., but they will experience stricter testing and contact tracing protocols.

SHARE YOUR STORY: Are you a Houston-area health care worker battling the frontlines of the pandemic?

They must be tested within 24 hours of boarding a flight to the U.S., as well as undergo testing upon return to the country. It remains to be seen how the federal government will enforce the testing requirement upon return.

Am I eligible for a booster?

People with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients, are eligible for a third dose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people age 65 years and older, long-term care home residents and people age 50 to 64 years old with underlying health problems should also receive the booster shot six months after the initial Pfizer series.

Those who are 18 to 64 who have occupational or institutional reasons are also eligible for the third shot. That includes health care workers, but also jail inmates or homeless shelter occupants.

Its people who live or work in settings that put them at risk, said Dr. Melanie Mouzoon, managing physician for immunization practices at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

People in the 18- to 49-year-old age group with underlying medical conditions are also eligible. Its not as strongly recommended for them, Mouzoon said. They are encouraged to seek advice from their personal physician.

Do I need to bring proof that Im eligible for my booster?

It varies. Its best to check with the clinic or organization administering the shot, but some health care professionals say its unlikely.

MORE COVID NEWS: COVID's rate of community spread in Houston, including delta variant, on the decline

We're not going to act as gatekeepers, Mouzoon said. If people present and say they're at increased risk because of their occupation, we're going to say, roll up your sleeves. It's really not our job to withhold the vaccine from people.

Can I mix shots to get a booster?

Mixing is a bad idea. It likely wouldnt do much harm, but it hasnt been researched.

It's not likely to be dangerous. However, nobody knows how effective it would be, Mouzoon said. And we do know the effectiveness of booster doses for the same type of vaccine you got the first time around.

Currently, Pfizer is the only shot that has been given the go-ahead for third-shot boosters. Patients who received a Moderna or Johnson & Johnson jab for their first doses should wait until those brands boosters are approved to return for a follow-up shot.

Are COVID vaccines still free?

Yes, they are still covered for both insured and uninsured people.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), which says its the largest provider in the state, covers COVID-19 booster shots at no costs to members for in and out-of-network claims through the end of the public health emergency, spokesperson James Campbell said.

Following the end of the public health emergency, we will cover the COVID-19 vaccine as a preventive service, including COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses, Campbell said.

Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University, said people can expect coverage for the indefinite future whether they have insurance or not.

A VULNERABLE POPULATION: New moms fight for their lives away from newborns, as Houston sees rise in pregnant COVID patients

I think we can expect coverage by various sources for the indefinite future, Ho said, mainly because we are in a public health emergency and everyone realizes we need to eliminate any barriers.

She noted that some insurers have backed off of covering COVID treatments, but will continue to cover vaccines because its more cost effective.

The reasoning is: If you took the vaccine, that is your protection and youre not going to have a hospitalization and any other high costs, Ho said.

becca.carballo@chron.com
The coastal barrier proposal now headed for Congress has been pitched as the best way to protect the Houston region from a severe hurricanes storm surge. But planners are still working out a significant component: What will it mean for Galveston Bays plants, fish and wildlife?

The picture forming so far is one of shrinking wetlands, endangered turtles potentially crushed by giant storm-surge gates and threatened shorebirds seeing impacts to their critical beach habitats.

Army Corps of Engineers staff are required to consider how projects could affect the environment. Galveston District officials intend for the first time ever in the region to do that in multiple steps, an approach they argue is necessary because of how long it will be before construction starts and how much hinges on the final design specifics.

On HoustonChronicle.com: The proposed Ike Dike could threaten these Gulf of Mexico animals

But advocates insist more detailed, up-front environmental analysis should have been done already, especially since the potential impacts to the ecosystem are vast. Bayou City Waterkeeper and Healthy Gulf leaders wrote to the Corps that they feared the only reason that a complete review was deferred was so the agency could get congressional approval faster.

For some, the plan has already taken too long to come together. The idea for an Ike Dike grew from the early imaginings of a Texas A&M professor after Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Gulf Coast with a deadly storm surge in 2008. The final proposed Coastal Texas Study wont stop the worst surge, but supporters say it will provide at least some protection as sea levels rise and storms likely strengthen.

Lawmakers next year are expected to tackle whether to approve the project. The financial cost is estimated to be $29 billion. The environmental cost is not so clear.

On HoustonChronicle.com: What you need to know about the final Houston Ike Dike plan

Multi-step review

To figure out how it might affect the nature around it, planners divided the project into 16 parts. They completed the environmental review for six environmental restoration projects. For the rest, they plan to do further analysis as they put together the engineering and design. This will have to be finished before construction begins.

The project includes components up and down the coast, and centers on a series of gates that would stretch from the east end of Galveston Island across the mouth of Galveston Bay to Bolivar Peninsula. Theyre meant to stop storm surge as high as 22 feet from pushing into the bay and up the industry-lined Houston Ship Channel, causing an environmental disaster.

The Corps plan also includes gates on Dickinson Bayou and Clear Lake, dunes on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula and barriers to encircle the backside of the island.

Each of these will interrupt habitats when they are built, such as wetlands and oyster reefs, and as time passes. The gates are of particular interest: Though they would normally be open, their foundations would still restrict the flow of water between the bay and Gulf of Mexico by about 10 percent  causing a number of potential impacts.

Planners wrote in their report that to study these individual pieces step-by-step would let them focus on the decisions ready for discussion now, have more public participation as the design progresses, and allow for the consideration of avoidance, minimization, and mitigation planning using more up to date information.

To employ this approach nationwide is common, said Jon Brightbill, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who specializes in environmental law. Details may develop as an agency continues to work on a program, and all the needed information might not be available right away to decide how to address it.

Still, some local organizers still have concerns about a massive project being approved before more is known: They havent done the studies that you would expect to see before making such a big investment, said Danielle Goshen, water policy and outreach specialist with the Galveston Bay Foundation, as she visited wetlands in Seabrook to show a Chronicle reporter what could be lost.

On HoustonChronicle.com: The final Ike Dike plan won't protect against every storm

Potential impacts

For now, the agencys latest 645-page report sketches a broad picture of potential impacts as theyre currently understood.

With less water potentially moving in and out of the bay, its water quality could change, its salinity could be slightly altered and the habitats of endangered and threatened species could be affected. High tide is expected to be half an inch lower, and low tide is expected to be half an inch higher, so Goshen pointed out that some wetland plants could die.

Life on the bottom of the seafloor will literally be dug up when the gates are installed.

The Corps noted that it aimed to minimize impacts and intends to plant new wetlands and create oyster reefs elsewhere. Still, the report said, since the barrier would be located at the primary exchange point between the Gulf of Mexico and the Galveston Bay, one of the largest estuaries on the Gulf Coast, the potential for adverse indirect impacts could be far reaching.

Theres further concern for the fish that depend on currents to move them in and out of the bay at various life stages. Take the red drum. These fish spawn offshore, then tides and currents carry the larvae and baby fish into the bays. They move to quiet, back areas of the bay to grow. When theyre older, they move back to the Gulf, and the cycle repeats.

The gates restricting water flow could inhibit that process, though Corps researchers so far are optimistic. Their initial calculations found very similar particle movements with or without the gates. But advocates have criticized them as rudimentary. The report concedes that the calculations dont account for all the intricate behaviors of an alive biological larvae.

Possible problems dont stop there: Habitat for piping plover, a threatened species, at the end of Galveston Island and around Bolivar Flats could be eroded. So Corps staff were trying to figure out how to prevent or mitigate that. Construction noise could affect how marine mammals such as manatees communicate, and the increased boat traffic could cause collisions. Dolphins could get trapped by dredge equipment.

The Corps also hadnt ruled out construction during nesting season for turtles, said Kimber De Salvo Anderson, Gulf program coordinator for the Turtle Island Restoration Network.

That is among the issues De Salvo Anderson believes should be considered immediately. When it comes to conservation, the advocate noted, every turtle egg and nest mattered.

emily.foxhall@chron.com
Harris County and the city of Houston this week blasted the Texas General Land Offices revised plan for distributing billions in federal Hurricane Harvey aid, saying that while it is an improvement over the $0 the state originally awarded the local governments, it still is woefully inadequate.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Steve Costello, Houstons chief recovery officer, said in a letter Wednesday that GLOs proposal to send $750 million to Harris County and still nothing to Houston ignores what Congress wanted when lawmakers approved the aid package for Texas in 2018  to help communities devastated by Harvey.

It is unconscionable that the State would expect that this amount in any way represents an amount that is sufficient to address the extensive mitigation needs in Houston and elsewhere in Harris County, the pair wrote the land office.

The city and county want at least $1 billion each, which they say is fair since that sum would be roughly half of the $4.3 billion in federal aid that GLO manages and Harris County has about half of all the residents in the 49 counties eligible for the funds.

They suggested the state could abandon its proposal to send more aid to regional government entities, including the Houston-Galveston Area Council, to free up more money for Houston and Harris County.

GLO spokeswoman Brittany Eck questioned whether the city of Houston is a reliable steward of federal aid, noting that the city has spent just 9 percent of the federal housing aid dollars it received last year. She said the agency also has launched an investigation into whether Houston was following program regulations, a week after the citys housing director alleged Mayor Sylvester Turners administration had steered an affordable housing contract to a specific developer.

The dispute with GLO has enormous consequences: Harris County is counting on federal aid to help complete projects in its $2.5 billion flood bond program and Houston desperately wants to improve urban drainage so neighborhoods no longer flood before stormwater can flow into bayous.

The GLO in May announced the results of a $1 billion funding competition for the disaster mitigation aid, which completely shut out the city and county governments, despite the fact that Harris County sustained the most fatalities and property damage from the 2017 storm.

A Houston Chronicle investigation found the scoring criteria GLO used discriminated against populous areas and the state disproportionately steered aid to inland counties with a lower risk of disasters than coastal ones most vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. Land Commissioner George P. Bush claimed falsely that federal rules were to blame for the result.

After criticism from Houston-area Democrats and Republicans alike, the GLO said it would revise its plan for spending more than $1 billion in additional federal aid it has yet to distribute. Instead of holding a second scoring competition as originally planned, GLO intends to award $750 million directly to Harris County, which it can share with Houston and other cities at its discretion.

An additional $667 million would be divided amount regional government entities, including the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development must approve the revised plan.

In a letter of its own to GLO on Wednesday, Harris County walked a fine line between thanking the state for offering the $750 million and making a case for why it remains insufficient.

Given its own need to fund flood bond projects, the county is disinclined to share its allocation with cities within its boundaries. Instead, County Administrator Dave Berry said county leaders support Houstons request for a $1 billion allocation.

The majority of the amount the State of Texas (federal) allocation  by far  was due to Hurricane Harvey and the documented damage suffered in Harris County and the city of Houston, Berry wrote. Congress clearly intended for this money to go to communities most impacted and distressed by Harvey.

Eck said lawmakers in Washington could have mandated certain sums go directly to Houston and Harris County, but chose not to.

Berry added that the GLOs plan to send additional aid to the Houston-Galveston Area Council is an impractical solution, since its board of directors is dominated by smaller government entities. Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath, chairman of the H-GAC board, did not respond to a request for comment.

The cancellation of the second funding competition also dashes the hopes of other local governments that had hoped to see their projects funded after being snubbed in the first round. Aransas and Nueces counties, where Harvey made landfall, did not receive a dime. Neither did Jefferson County, which suffered widespread flooding and recorded the highest rainfall totals during the monster storm.

Officials in each coastal county were baffled when communities with a lower risk of disasters  some more than 100 miles inland  won funding for their projects.

zach.despart@chron.com
The Texas House of Representatives on Thursday released its first draft for the chambers new district lines, rearranging boundaries to shore up support for the GOP majority.

Its the same strategy that has been evident in other political maps the Republican-controlled Legislature has drawn this year, calculated to maintain a red majority in a state that has slowly trended more Democratic for years. In 2018, Democrats picked up 12 seats in the House, putting them within nine seats of the chambers majority.

The Democrats had hoped to make up that difference in the 2020 elections but ended up with no net gain  giving the GOP total control over the redistricting process.

The map gives Republicans a slight advantage, said Ross Sherman of the advocacy group RepresentUs, which works with the Princeton Gerrymandering Project to grade redistricting proposals. This seems to be a trend this cycle: another map producing safe seats and insulating politicians from their constituents.

The Gerrymandering Project gave the proposed House map a C in fairness for its GOP advantages. Its the highest grade a Texas map has received so far, after proposals for congressional and state Senate maps earned F grades.

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, blasted his GOP counterparts Thursday for taking away majority-minority districts under the proposal, despite the states population growth among people of color.

Republicans continue to carve up communities and tilt the system, making free and fair elections impossible under the proposed House map, he said.

RELATED: GOP lawmakers swear new Texas redistricting maps are 'race blind,' as they did a decade ago

Speaking in general about the maps, GOP strategist Brendan Steinhauser said the Republicans tried to lock in the gains they earned during the 2020 election, rather than be too aggressive and shift blue seats their way.

The House seats currently are divided almost equally between districts that favored Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. The current map includes 76 Trump-led districts and 74 Biden-led districts, but the new map shifts that support to 86 in favor of Trump and 64 in support of Biden.

Texas grew by roughly 4 million people over the past decade, a surge driven almost entirely by people of color, especially Latinos. Updating the political maps is required every 10 years, to account for such shifts.

Still, the proposed House map reduces the number of majority-minority districts by voting age population. Previously, 67 districts were majority-white; the new map proposes 72 districts that have mostly white voters.

Those numbers change dramatically when evaluating estimates for adult citizens. Using those figures, the House currently has 83 majority-white districts, compared with 89 under the new map. And while the current districts include 33 with Hispanic majorities and seven with Black majorities, those numbers would fall to 30 and four, respectively.

These maps do nothing but preserve the status quo at the expense of Black and brown Texans, said Anthony Gutierrez, the executive director of the good-government group Common Cause Texas.

There are also nine proposed districts in which sitting House members would be paired, meaning their home addresses overlap in the same seat. House members must live in the district they represent, and pairing often forces one of the members to step down, or they run against each other.

TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday

In six of those districts, at least one of the paired members has announced other 2022 plans, avoiding re-election conflict. But the map sets up for fights in three of the districts  one between Democrats in El Paso and two between Republicans in the Hill Country and in Fort Bend County.

State Rep. Lina Ortega, D-El Paso, who is paired under the proposal with a fellow Democrat, state Rep. Claudia Ordaz Perez, said the proposal was the worst possible outcome for our community.

The Texas House map filed today reduces El Pasos representation by drawing two Hispanic, women incumbent members who represent border districts into one House district, Ortega said in a statement. This is a direct attack on our border community and weakens the representation of minorities in the Texas Legislature.

The proposal is all but certain to change over the coming weeks. It must pass the House and the Senate and earn Gov. Greg Abbotts signature before becoming law.

The biggest changes in the new map appear to be centered in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, where district boundaries have changed significantly.

Districts in Bexar and Harris counties would not undergo the dramatic changes proposed for Texas congressional districts, which lawmakers have greater flexibility to reshape.

In most cases, the Texas Constitution prohibits state House districts from spanning multiple counties in urban areas such as San Antonio and Houston.

Still, lawmakers were able to reinforce GOP-controlled seats in their proposed map where the partys support has eroded in recent years, offloading Democratic voters from those areas to districts that are already blue.

For example, the map appears to fortify two red-leaning suburban seats in west Harris County represented by state Reps. Mike Schofield of Katy and Lacey Hull of Houston. The map suggests giving some of their blue-leaning precincts to a seat represented by state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, making his district more Democratic.

cayla.harris@express-news.net

jasper.scherer@chron.com
The first sign that Gov. Greg Abbotts approach to the surge of migrants at the border was shortsighted and politically motivated was when he referred to it as a game.

Were gonna start by helping these 34 (border) counties respond by increasing arrests, Abbott told Sean Hannity on Fox News on June 3. We got a new game in town in the state of Texas thats going to begin next week.

The game deployed about 1,000 state troopers to the border to arrest migrants on trespassing charges which would have them spend half a year in jail, if not a year in jail, Abbott said proudly. Apparently, nobody told Abbott, a former Texas attorney general, that his approach was predicated on flagrant violations of state law.

TEXAS POLITICS: Abbott's four-county 2020 election audit wasn't big enough for Trump

Hundreds of migrants arrested for trespassing have now been jailed for weeks with no charges filed against them, and dozens more have been jailed for more than a month without being appointed a defense attorney, as required in cases involving indigent defendants and Class B misdemeanors or higher offenses. State law requires defendants to be released on cashless bonds or have their bail reduced if the state is not ready for trial before certain deadlines are met. For most trespassing cases, prosecutors must file charges within 15 days.

We shouldnt be surprised that state District Judge Roland Andrade, a Republican, took a close look at this process and decided to grant the release of 240 migrants being jailed in Kinney and Val Verde counties on cashless personal bonds. There are thousands of others who have been arrested since June under Abbotts executive order, with many likely facing the same backlogged courts that prompted Andrade to act in his cases.

Abbott essentially set up an ad hoc criminal justice system solely for the purpose of processing alleged migrant trespassers. Local officials have scrambled to not only find space to jail suspects  migrants were being held in state prisons outside of the counties they were arrested  but have also had to recruit judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys  all at a steep cost. Lewis Owens, Val Verde County judge, expects to submit an invoice to the state between $380,000 to $400,000 for the extra staff and overtime the county has had to pay.

Is it sustainable? It cant be, Owens told the editorial board Wednesday. Why would we want it to be? Why would we want to keep throwing this amount of money at (border security)?

Owens said Abbotts approach has helped reduce the crossings in his county, but at what he called an unsustainable cost. He also worries that migrants are simply crossing at other locations to stay ahead of the enforcement efforts.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Abbott offers to hire any Border Patrol agents who lose jobs over horseback controversy

What happens next to the migrants whove been released is anyones guess. Federal authorities may take them into custody or deport them or screen them for asylum. Some will be released into the United States while they await immigration proceedings. Nothing Abbott has done on the border has stemmed the overall tide of migrants willing to risk a dangerous border crossing into America, most of whom are fleeing poverty, violence or environmental disasters.

Abbott is right about this much: The influx of migrants across Texas border with Mexico demands stepped-up attention from the Biden administration. But ad hoc games on the part of attention-seeking governors wont substitute for needed federal action, including comprehensive immigration reform, more judges and resources for backlogged immigration courts and increased diplomatic efforts on the ground in troubled home countries. Biden has work to do, but Abbotts expensive, burdensome border security initiatives are nothing more than a lesson on what not to do.
Regarding Houston-area cops sue Tesla after autopilot system is blamed for crash, (Sept. 28): It is not just robots that have trouble interpreting extraordinarily bright police car lights, it is human drivers too. These lights make all lane markings disappear and make judging distance difficult. While TxDOT regulates excessive glare from other vehicles, its recommendations for emergency vehicles are dangerously outdated. Newer low glare LED lighting designed for traffic stops highlighted in Police Chief Magazine was found to dramatically reduce collisions with police cars in a Massachusetts study.

While the flexibility and cheapness of LEDs is a huge advantage, their misuse  whether it is on police cars, car headlights or exterior lighting  is glare on steroids which blinds instead of illuminates. The lighting industry seems to financially thrive on creating products that do not work. We need education for our leaders to stop this bamboozle resulting in expenditures of thousands of dollars to install lighting that blinds. If sheer brightness worked, Houston would be the lowest crime and lowest accident city in the world. The responsible use of low glare LED lighting design would double down on energy savings, help us see far better, speed up recovery from power outages and create a beautiful and safe nightscape.

Houston strives for a Vision Zero future to reduce accidents. But right now what we have is zero vision.

Deborah Moran, Houston

Kowtowing to Trump

Regarding Editorial: Stay! Audit! Trump commands - and Abbott obeys, (Sept. 27): It has become laughable to think how deeply Greg Abbott bows to the former president. At what point will certain Republicans face the fact that they were whipped in the last presidential election? Better yet, when do they stop supporting the former presidents assertion that the election was stolen from him? The notion is becoming stale; the same parroted lines have been worn threadbare, and the most recent failure to find even a shred of voting irregularities in Arizona should give reasonable Republicans pause. A long, deep, complete pause. Yet here is Greg Abbott, initiating an embarrassing audit in his own red state; picture a majority of Texas residents scratching their heads, struggling to understand. Time to get some new material and stop the useless, fruitless search for the boogeyman inside the voting machines. Work for the people, not for the last guy to inhabit the White House.

Brenden McBride, Katy

Regarding Texas announces details for two-phase election audit of 2020 results in four large counties, (Sept. 28): If Im not mistaken, Harris County has replaced all of the voting machines that were used in the 2020 election with new machines. Hopefully the Texas Secretary of States Office wont have to dumpster dive to test the old ones.

Joseph Quinlan, Houston

Regarding Theres no need for a 2020 election audit in Harris County  or anywhere else in Texas, (Sept. 29): Its a mystery how an audit of an election nearly a year after the fact, ordered by the man who was defeated nationally, would show transparency or improve trust in the voting process.

The craven kowtowing by our governor and other Trump acolytes just confirms the rot that pervades the Republican party, infesting the political system with mistrust and lack of clear policy.

A waste of time, money and more credibility by a party that acts more socialistic than the Democrats they excoriate.

Bob Gayle, Houston

Investing in youth

Regarding Biden plan seeks to expand education, from pre-K to college, (Sept. 26): I remember reading the Sept. 10 article, Scarcity of skilled workers poses challenges for infrastructure plan, and thinking, does everyone see the great opportunity to put young Americans into well-paying, badly-needed jobs?

With older workers retiring, and an upsurge in construction, new help is needed. But skilled laborers are made, not born. President Bidens plan for two years of free community college could put young men and women into the workforce while helping rebuild our aging infrastructure and renew our power grid. Older homes could be weatherized, pipe leaks could be mended and broadband installed.

Our national security depends on a skilled, well-paid labor force. When you need a plumber, you need a plumber now, and not next week.

Just as a high school education became free on a wide scale in the 19th century, free higher education could pay off many times over in the 21st.

Nancy Perich Daly, Houston

Regarding Opinion: Its time for us to live up to our Statue of Liberty ideals, (Sept. 27): I was moved and impressed by the three letters from juniors in high school, Evan Banchs, Ryan Lade and Nick Wachel. The letters were well-written and thoughtfully addressed pressing national issues. They reflect well upon the intelligence of these young students, and the excellent teaching of writing and history that each has, obviously, received.

Jim Greenwood, Houston
It feels like sticking my foot into a hot hornets nest. Right on time, the pain shoots up my entire leg, making it hard to walk. Each agonizing step is a reminder of a minor health issue that should have been easily remedied all those years ago, but wasnt. All because I, like so many others in Texas, didnt have access to affordable health care.

For people like me with chronic pain, standing can be excruciating. This pain limits the hours I can work and activities I can participate in with family and friends. Yet, throughout the pandemic, I have regularly reported for a job as a grocery store clerk, ready to provide the same level of care for my customers that Ive always shown despite the now-added danger of contracting the virus myself. No matter what happens, someone has to do the essential but risky jobs to keep our state going. Ive felt a sense of duty and pride in serving my community during such a terrible time.

The looming concern of COVID-19 has never gone away. As an essential worker, I have increased exposure not just to the virus but to other hazards that could require medical care. Like many, contracting the virus would be a disaster for me and my family. Although my work is essential, it doesnt come with health insurance.

My part-time job earns me just enough cash to help contribute to some basic needs for my family and put myself through college. But my paycheck is still too much to qualify for Medicaid under Texas rules and, yet, too little to qualify for subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Sadly, Im not alone in this. In 2019, 766,000 Texans were caught in the Medicaid coverage gap with no way to get affordable health insurance; of those, 209,000 were essential workers like me. And the gap persisted through the pandemic. Thats because Texas has refused to expand Medicaid.

But now our members of Congress and senators have a critical opportunity to step in and ensure hundreds of thousands of their constituents in the same position as me can get access to necessary care by closing the coverage gap in the upcoming recovery legislation.

My inability to access health insurance has negatively impacted my health for years. In 2019, an ingrown toenail turned into permanent nerve damage because I couldnt afford to see a doctor. The pain disrupts my sleep, sapping my energy and increasing my anxiety.

Because I am in the coverage gap, something as minor as an ingrown toenail has changed my life. That should never happen.

When my chronic pain became too much to bear, I went to clinics that work with uninsured people, but I still had to pay for visits and treatment that totaled at least $200. That may not sound like much to many people, but for me, its almost a weeks paycheck. Thats money I needed for tuition.

Its too late for me to be able to reverse the agony I feel day in and day out. I desperately wish I had the resources to see a specialist in order to better manage it, because it continues to disrupt my life. But the care I need is out of reach so long as I remain uninsured.

A number of my family members are also in the coverage gap. Being insured and having access to affordable health care would lift a weight for all of us. I would be devastated if a family member had to endure the pain I have experienced due to a lack of insurance.

Health care shouldnt be a luxury.

Texas members of Congress and senators have a chance to extend health coverage to myself and thousands of other essential workers this fall through recovery legislation thats on its way to the Senate for a vote. Essential workers have made sure that our fellow Texans are fed, healthy and safe throughout the pandemic. Its time that our elected officials took action to make sure we and our families are healthy and safe, too, by closing the coverage gap.

Amber Ayala is an essential worker who interns at the Children's Defense Fund and is a 2021 graduate of the University of Houston.
The only two Black members of Congress from Houston are blasting the Texas Senates proposed redistricting map as unnecessary surgery to the regions Black communities that smacks of racial discrimination.

In a strongly worded letter, U.S. Reps Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green said they oppose the Republicans proposed redrawing of their districts and say they were not consulted before the map was released to the public.

The map makes radical and unneeded changes to the two local congressional districts that include the majority of Black voters in Harris and Fort Bend counties, the letter to the Texas Senate Redistricting Committee states.

There are massive changes for Harris County in the congressional redistricting plan the Texas Senate released earlier this week. The county would still have nine members of Congress, but the district lines would be dramatically altered to improve the re-election chances of current Republicans and create a new congressional seat that appears to have been drafted to ensure another Republican would be elected to Congress.

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The map would have a dramatic impact on the districts represented by Jackson Lee and Green, changing who represents 200,000 mostly Black residents.

Jackson Lees 18th Congressional District would not only lose Third Ward but also downtown Houston, the University of Houston and Texas Southern University  some of those areas would instead be shifted to the 29th Congressional District, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia.

HOUSTON IMPACT: Over 1 million Houston voters change congressional districts under GOP redistricting plan

And the Republican map would put Jackson Lees home in Riverside Terrace into Greens 9th Congressional District, meaning she would not even be able to vote for herself unless she moved. It would also put Jackson Lees main district office for the 18th in Greens district, forcing her to move it.

No other member of the large Texas delegation is so severely impacted by the proposed map, the letter notes, pointing out that Jackson Lees 18th Congressional District has roots that tie back to Barbara Jordan, who in 1972 became the first Black woman to represent Texas in Congress.

Jackson Lee, a former Houston City Council member, is one of the longest-serving members of Congress from Texas, having first been elected in 1994. Only Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, has been in Congress longer. The Third Ward has been a core piece of Jackson Lees congressional district since her first election.

State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, who is leading the map drawing, insisted again on Thursday that the maps were drawn blind to race but acknowledged that she had received recommendations from the Texas congressional delegations Republicans and built off of that.

Under questioning from Texas Senate Democrats from Houston, Huffman said none of the Texas Democrats in Congress approached her as the maps were being formulated.

Huffman said Jackson Lee and Green have time to propose changes to the map.

I welcome your input and your concern about your community, Huffman said.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

While Jackson Lee and Green would still have majority Black districts, portions of their districts would be chipped off into surrounding districts. Areas that Green represents around the Texas Medical Center would shift into a redrawn 7th Congressional District now represented by Democrat Lizzie Fletcher.

Jackson Lees district would lose Sunnyside and the MacGregor area to Greens 9th District.

Houston-based Democrats in the Texas Senate made an all-out push to support Jackson Lee and Green on Thursday.

State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said it would be hard to miss how Jackson Lees home address was being put into Greens congressional district. No other two members are being so severely impacted, Whitmire told Huffman.

I think thats pretty shocking to those who are paying attention to this process and are concerned about communities of interest going forward, Whitmire said.

Once every 10 years after the U.S. census, the Texas Legislature is required to redraw all congressional lines to make sure each of the states congressional districts are equal in population.

Lawmakers are racing against the clock to get the new lines in place by November, when candidates begin qualifying to run for congressional districts.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
WASHINGTON  A national group focused on registering young voters is turning its attention to Texas ahead of the midterm elections, planning to spend millions in the state as it aims to get hundreds of thousands of new voters on the rolls.

NextGen America, a progressive group that claims to have registered 1.4 million 18- to 35-year-old voters since 2013, hired longtime Austin labor organizer and former U.S. Senate candidate Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez as its new president and says it wants to register 150,000 new Texas voters by November 2022 and another 350,000 by the 2024 elections.

The group, founded by billionaire hedge fund manager and 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer, is the latest left-leaning organization to home in on Texas as Democrats continue to push to make the state more competitive, despite a disappointing 2020 election cycle for many Democratic candidates. NextGens announcement comes as the states marquee races, including for governor and lieutenant governor, are still taking shape.

CAMPAIGN SEASON UNDERWAY: Ex-George W. Bush strategist launches bid against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

NextGen argues young voters will be key to a Democratic resurgence in the state. One-third of the states eligible voters are under 30, and 411,000 Texans turn 18 each year. And young Texans are so far not registering to vote at the same rate as older Texans. In 2018, 60 percent of eligible young Texans registered to vote compared with 79 percent of the states overall eligible voters.

The group says it plans to spend $32 million in eight states  Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada. Much of that will be spent in Texas, where NextGen has set its most ambitious registration goals of any of the states, though the group could not say how much exactly it plans to spend in the state.

As any Texan would tell you, whoever determines the future of Texas gets to determine the future of this country, Tzintzun Ramirez said. Texas is representative today of what minority rule looks like and what it could look like for the rest of the country. But it doesnt have to be that way. We believe young people in Texas hold the power, with the power of their vote, to determine a new direction on every single major issue and challenge our country faces.

Texas Democrats agree. NextGen rolled out its plan with an open letter to young Texans signed by dozens of Democratic elected officials and activists, including a slew of Congress members, Beto ORourke, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and his brother, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Mayors Sylvester Turner of Houston and Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Young Texans are the life, the vitality and the future of our state, the letter says. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way  least of all a certain class of Texas politicians whose power in Austin and Washington, D.C., far exceeds their actual support in our communities.

NextGen is launching its effort with voter-registration events Thursday at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg and Saturday at the University of Houston, where Steyer, Tzintzun Ramirez, Hidalgo, Julian Castro and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston are expected to attend. The group plans to send text messages to 300,000 unregistered Texans in its first week. From there, NextGens efforts will include paying a team of canvassers in Texas, as well as partnering with existing voter outreach groups in the state.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The effort comes after national progressive groups poured millions into Texas in 2020 in hopes of electing Democrats and came away with scant results. Democrats lost every statewide race, even as President Joe Biden came closer than any of the partys presidential candidates in decades, losing to former President Donald Trump by 6 percentage points.

ben.wermund@chron.com
A Texas law professor who has criticized the states new abortion ban warned U.S. senators on Wednesday that the danger of its rollout is far bigger than just abortion.

A world in which our constitutional rights are worth nothing more than the whims of 50 state legislatures is not a federal system, said Steve Vladeck of the University of Texas at Austin. Its not a system with the rule of law. And frankly, its not a system that is going to be sustainable in the long term.

The remarks came as congressional Democrats hold hearings this week on the new law, which prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and allows nearly anyone to sue those who help a pregnant person obtain an abortion.

Wednesdays hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee focused especially on the U.S. Supreme Courts decision not to intervene before the law took effect on Sept. 1, essentially cutting off access for seven million women of reproductive age in the state. Most people are not yet aware theyre pregnant at six weeks.

MEDICAID IMPACT: Texas abortion ban defies Medicaid protections for rape, incest victims

The courts five most conservative justices allowed the law to roll out with a short, late-night order in which they cited the unusual, private-citizen enforcement strategy. Republican-appointed Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three liberal justices in dissent, saying the court should block the law until it has time to fully vet its merits  as it often does with other laws.

Texas Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz strongly defended the ban on Wednesday, and called the hearing itself a sham.

What this is really about is trying to demonize Texas and trying to demagogue on the question of life, Cruz said. Texas made a perfectly reasonable decision to protect life, he added. Life is valuable.

Vladeck and others countered that the law has deprived women of their constitutional right to abortion as established in Roe v. Wade and upheld in several subsequent rulings. The court is scheduled to hear a case later this year on whether to formally roll back those protections, long a goal of anti-abortion activists.

After nearly 50 years, the Supreme Court has effectively overturned Roe for one in 10 women of reproductive age in this country, said Fatima Goss Graves, who heads the National Womens Law Center. And if you can upend our constitutionally protected right to abortion in a one paragraph opinion, where does it end?

State Rep. Donna Howard, an Austin Democrat, said the ban is undercutting other health efforts, since many of the abortion clinics also provide non-abortion related care. Texas has one of the countrys highest uninsured rates and some of its worst health outcomes among low-income women and women of color.

We have much difficulty now with women getting the health care that they need, Howard said. This is going to make it even worse.

jeremy.blackman@chron.com
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'Stories for Good' at BCC

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold "Stories for Good: A Celebration of Diversity in Our Community" on Friday, Oct. 8 from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

Sponsored by the Education Subcommittee of BCC's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, the event is designed to make connections through stories that explore, celebrate and analyze diverse identities, what it means to support each other in a diverse community, and the impacts of equity and inclusion efforts at BCC.

The free event includes a keynote speech by local drag queen Boxxa Vine, breakout sessions encouraging discussion and interaction, a Q&A session and a drag show.

All segments of the event are open to students, faculty and staff at BCC as well as the general public. The keynote speech, Q&A session and drag show will be live streamed, and the breakout sessions will be both in person and virtual. For links to the events, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/storiesforgood.

The schedule of events is as follows:

9 am: Keynote speech by drag queen Boxxa Vine (Koussevitsky Arts Center, Room 111)

10 am: Breakout sessions (various locations)

11 am: Breakout sessions (various locations)

12 pm: Q&A panel with Boxxa Vine, fellow drag queens Angel South and Noelle Diamond, and drag king Fausto, followed by a drag show with Boxxa Vine, Angel South and Noelle Diamond (Koussevitsky Arts Center, Room 111)

In the keynote speech, Boxxa Vine will talk about being a drag queen, the nuances and challenges of creating events specifically for LGBTQ+ performers, and the importance of different styles of drag. Drag and performance art will be discussed not only as a means to help others express themselves freely, but also as a way to create and foster diversity, equality and inclusion.

A mix of students, faculty, and community members will lead breakout sessions featuring a variety of discussions, presentations and group activities centered on diverse perspectives in the Berkshires and at BCC.

Bios of Keynote Speaker, Panelists and Performers as included in a press release:

Boxxa Vine (Aaron Johnson) is a Pittsfield-based drag queen and costume creator with a flair for the dramatic and theatrical. A self-taught seamstress, she has worked on pieces that have appeared locally, across the country, and on shows such as "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "The View." She is a six-time Miss Gay pageant title holder (Western Massachusetts, Boston, Central New York, Camp Capital New York, Werrrk.com and the Berkshires) and spends most of her free time trying to get new and exciting drag events going in and around the Berkshires. Visit BoxxaVine.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram (@BoxxaVine).

Angel South (Josh Schnoop) was born and raised in Dalton, Massachusetts. Now located in Sheffield, she has been doing drag in the Berkshires and surrounding areas since 2015. After winning a local competition, her love for makeup and the art of drag skyrocketed. She is an emotion-filled performer with heart, and passion. When not performing on stage, she can be found in Great Barrington as Joshua, a hairstylist and makeup artist at Michele's Salon and Day Spa who helps people transform, just like herself when she becomes Angel South. Follow her on Instagram (@asthmatic.smoker).

Noelle Diamond (John MacDonald) is a fun and energetic drag performer in the Albany area. Winner of Albany's Ultimate Dueling Divas and The Drag Battle Royale, she has been performing since 2015, leaving a trail of glitter everywhere she goes. You can usually find Noelle performing and doing costume changes at the night club, wearing a panda sweater and reading to children at the local library, or crying over her sewing machine she thought was broken but is actually just not threaded properly. Follow her on Instagram (@noelle.diamond).

Fausto (Dr. Roxana A. Curiel) is an assistant professor at the Scranton University Department of World Languages and Cultures. Her work analyzes representations of bodies that challenge normative notions of citizenship, gender, and race in Mexico, Central America, and the Latinx diaspora in America. Engaging in a queer curatorial practice, she examines photographs from the Mexican revolution (1910), representations of Black and Indigenous femme bodies, films, lucha libre shows, anti-police protests, and drag king interventions  all informed by her collaborative performances as Fausto.
Williamstown Looking for Residents' Suggestions for ARPA Funds

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Select Board on Monday discussed potential uses for $2.2 million the town is in line to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act.

And it asked residents to come up with more ideas for the windfall.

The $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed earlier this year in Washington, D.C., includes money designated for municipalities. Interim Town Manager Charlie Blanchard explained to the Select Board that the town already had received a little more than $1.1 million for costs incurred by Dec. 31, 2024. The remainder of its $2,222,073 allocation will be available no sooner than August 2022, Blanchard said.

Town Hall already has identified two modest expenditures that can be charged against the federal funds, he said: a $5,000 grant to the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism this past summer and a $38,101 grant to Berkshire Housing Development Corp. for unbudgeted expenses completing the 330 Cole Ave. affordable housing complex.

In addition, Blanchard suggested three more uses totaling less than $600,000 of the $2.2 million to address infrastructure needs: $500,000 for a sewer replacement project on South Street that was in the town's calendar year 2020 capital plan but shelved because of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic; $60,000 for design work to replace the 1880s water main that serves a cluster of 20 homes in the White Oaks area north of Sand Springs Road; and $30,000 for a permanent solution to an erosion issue along the Hoosic River near the intersection of North Street (Route 7) and Syndicate Road.

The design of a permanent fix for the North Street issue is work the town is required to complete by next March under a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection permit issued to allow installation of riprap at the erosion site this summer, Blanchard told the board. It is unknown the scale or potential cost of the permanent solution that engineers will design.

The White Oaks water system replacement project is estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $1.4 million, but Blanchard told the board that the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has told the town that project would be a candidate for funding under the federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities project.

The notion of using ARPA funds to make a project "shovel ready" for a different infusion of federal funds appealed to one member of the Select Board.

"I like the idea of using these things for design dollars," Hugh Daley said. "Because then that's us using someone else's money to apply to use someone else's money."

The total of the expended funds ($43,101) and suggested uses in a memo Blanchard gave the Select Board comes to about $633,000 or 28 percent of the $2.2 million in local ARPA funding.

Unlike 2020's CARES Act stimulus bill, the uses of ARPA funds need not be directly tied to COVID-related expenses, but there are limitations on how municipalities can spend the money.

According to guidance on the commonwealth's website, there are four broad categories for uses of the local funds: to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts; to provide premium pay to employees providing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency; to provide government services to the extent of a government's reduction in revenue due to COVID-19; and to invest in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

The state specifically notes that the ARPA funds cannot be used to offset property tax cuts.

"I wanted the board to think about what other possible uses for ARPA funds come to mind that we should be thinking about and considering," Select Board Chair Andy Hogeland said. "Town hall has their initial list. But the eligible projects are broader than that.

"This is an open invitation for the board and the town to look through the eligibility criteria  that gives you a general sense of what's allowed and what's not allowed. But I think at this point, we're looking for ideas. Take a look at the criteria and have at it. Let us know your thoughts, and we'll consider everything that comes in."

In other business on Monday, the board changed the term of one recently appointed member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee from one year to two years and named another DIRE Committee member, Andrew Art, as a voting member of the Town Manager Search Advisory Committee. And Hogeland and Jeffrey Johnson agreed to work together on crafting the Select Board's report to the DIRE Committee on how the board has complied with a 2020 annual town meeting mandate to work on creating a more equitable, inclusive community.

During the public comment period at Monday's meeting, Janice Loux pressed the Select Board members on whether they were in favor of using transfers from other line items in the fiscal year 2022 budget to cover expenses related to a pair of severance agreements signed in FY21 or they would support the idea of a special town meeting, as suggested by a member of the town's Finance Committee last week.

Only two members of the Select Board directly answered the question. Wade Hasty, who was elected to the board in the spring, after the severance agreements were in place and the FY22 budget was finalized, said he would be comfortable with holding a special town meeting. Hogeland said that the line item transfer route would be more efficient and save the town the expense of holding a special town meeting.

During a protracted back and forth with the board, Loux suggested that the money needed to fill holes in the FY22 budget could detract from the town's ability to fully fund a study commissioned to assess what it means for community members to feel safe in Williamstown.

Johnson assured her that would not happen.

"I believe it's not if/or," he said. "It's how do we do both, and I'm absolutely committed to trying to figure out how to continue to fund the social work piece and the CARES project.

"If [Blanchard] makes a statement that we've hit a period where he is looking for input from the Select Board because the town can't figure out how to do this, that would be something in my head would mean we'd have to reconvene and figure out how to find the funding. That would be where special town meetings, and all those things, in my head, would come into play.  I just don't know if we're at that point."
Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington announces the expansion of the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force to include section to focus on violent crimes including domestic and sexual assaults and human trafficking. Harrington says the expansion of the task force will "enhance our collective investigation into violent crimes and bring equity to every victim in Berkshire County." PreviousNext

DA Harrington Creates Task Force Section to Tackle Violent Crime



Hinsdale Police Chief Susan Rathbun says the partnership will bring expertise and resources to the work local police do every day. HINSDALE, Mass.  Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington has expanded the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force to include a violent crime section.

This section will zero in on sexual assaults, high-risk domestic violence, and human trafficking cases by uniting county police departments to collaborate on investigating these crimes.

"I am honored to be the first female Berkshire district attorney, and I have made it my mission to use my position to lift women and girls up in our community," Harrington said during a press conference at the Hinsdale Fire Department on Wednesday.

"Women belong at every table where decisions are being made, but we cannot achieve gender equity without safety, existing safely in our communities should not be a privilege, it is a right and the greatest tool that I have to promote the safety of the people that I serve is to equitably distribute law enforcement resources."

The violent crimes section will support local departments in complicated and complex criminal investigations that would often be the sole responsibility of a patrol officer and will initiate and execute investigations that cross town borders.

For smaller communities who struggle with budgets, it aims to provide equal resources needed to carry out thorough and equitable police investigations.

State Rep. Paul Mark and Hinsdale Police Chief Susan Rathbun spoke to this need.

Mark  who resides in Peru  said Hinsdale is one of the largest towns he serves despite it being comparatively small. He spoke for himself and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who was also in attendance.

"As a really small town, what we face as a challenge, almost every single day is the ability to get funding, to get the resources we need to try to make sure that we can handle the issues that we have in these small towns, the same issues that are found all over this county, all over this region and really throughout the state," he said.

"Places like Hinsdale are constantly up against the lack of a revenue base, the lack of support and resources coming in from the state."

Rathbun has been a sexual assault investigator and knows that it takes time, resources, and most importantly passion to do the work. She said she is thankful for this partnership.

"Small agencies like mine rise to the occasion when asked to do more for less, we do not sacrifice public safety when faced with staffing and budgetary challenges," the chief said.

"I see this partnership as a tool to enhance the work we do every day and to bring the additional expertise and more resources and the ability to be more proactive policing to each and every section of Berkshire County."

The section consists of eight officers from five different police departments: Hinsdale, Great Barrington, Lee, North Adams and Pittsfield. Police chiefs from Berkshire communities have been given the option to assign officers to it.

All the county police chiefs signed a memorandum of understanding for the violent crime section and the DA's state police unit will provide additional training for participating officers.

The Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force was established in the 1990s and was formerly called the Berkshire County Drug Task Force. It began as a collaboration between detectives in the Pittsfield Police Department and evolved to be dedicated to investigating major drug trafficking operations.

This work will be continued with the addition of the new section.

"Today's expansion will build on that legacy and broaden its impact to touch some of our most vulnerable victims, this section will not take the place of individual department investigations, it will enhance our collective investigation into violent crimes and bring equity to every victim in Berkshire County," Harrington explained.

"The state police detective unit assigned to my office will continue to lead investigations in unattended deaths and homicide, the existing Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force members will continue to investigate large-scale drug and gun distribution networks, and the violent crime section will provide additional resources to tackle historically under-investigated, gender-based violence in our community."

Harrington expects there is a particular amount of overlap between human trafficking and narcotics cases because they "tend to go hand in hand," she said. The violent crime section will be working very cooperatively with the existing task force.

Elizabeth Freeman Center Executive Director Janis Broderick spoke to iBerkshires about the need for trauma-informed care for victims and prosecution of those who commit domestic and sexual violence.

"Domestic, dating, and sexual violence are tragedies and outrages in Berkshire County and they are crimes that are very different than any other crimes, they are so personal, traumatizing, and people who are trained to work with trauma victims and understand the dynamics of domestic of domestic and sexual violence is critical to addressing these cases," she said.

"I think we, in addition, we need to ensure that survivors have support through this process and ultimate protection, but it is important to hold perpetrators accountable and to track who those perpetrators are."

In 2017, Stockbridge, Adams, Pittsfield, and North Adams ranked first, third, fifth, and sixth, respectively, in the highest rate of rape reported in Massachusetts according to FBI statistics. Law enforcement investigated the domestic violence murders of 10 women and children in Berkshire County in the last five years.

On top of that, an estimated 52 percent of victims nationwide reportedly do not report violent crimes because they simply don't think that it will help. Marginalized groups in particular are wary of reporting because they don't trust the system.

Harrington said violence is not just an urban problem because domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assaults are "incredibly common" in rural areas.

She attributed the county's economy and significant addiction rates as contributing factors for human trafficking victims.

"We have a tough economy, we have a 6 percent of our population who struggles with addiction to opioids, we have a lot of vulnerable people here and we have a lot of vulnerable women in particular," Harrington said.

"And now with COVID and the lasting ramifications of that, human trafficking looks different."

She explained that human trafficking can look like landlords pressuring tenants for sexual favors in return for rent and people being trafficked to support their addiction.

There is a mixture of adults and minors who are trafficked in Berkshire County. Harrington identified a large concern for teenagers being subjected to trafficking while utilizing different kinds of virtual platforms.

"There is a huge need to better explain that to the community, and there are people who can do that better than I can," she added. "So that will definitely be part of our efforts to explain that, what human trafficking really looks like in our community."



State Rep. Paul Mark says the new section will provide more equitable resources for small towns. Harrington said prosecutors in her office who are reading police reports are not necessarily recognizing the signs of trafficking. Part of this work is training prosecutors and advocates to be able to identify trafficking so that they can intervene.

The violent crime section will be paid out of the DA's office budget as the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force is. Harrington estimates that it will be similar in cost to the task force at around $110,000.

The section members will be deployed on an as-needed basis. She believes the most significant need will be after the patrol does their initial investigation.

Officers in this section have reportedly been selected because they set a high standard of treatment towards the victims from all walks of life and this new section sends a strong message to all victims of violence that they are seen.

"We believe you, we take your trauma seriously and will thoroughly investigate," Harrington said.

"As your DA I pride myself on being solutions-oriented, I have reformed my office to prioritize violent cases over misdemeanors, I advocate for public health responses to public health problems, and we are working with community organizations to build economic and social resiliency in our neighborhoods to prevent violence."
Tamarack Hollow Berkshire Drum and Dance Fest

WINDSOR, Mass.  The 12th annual Tamarack Hollow Berkshire Drum and Dance Fest is Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Windsor Town Park.

The event featured drum classes with Namory Keita from Guinea, West Africa and dance class with West African dancer Seny Daffe w/ lead drummers Namory Keita & Aimee Gelinas and members of Gaia Roots and the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers.

The drum fest is an annual community experience to gather and celebrate in the spirit of the drum. Classes will be led by master drummer & "Djembe Fola" Namory Keita from Sangbarala, West Africa with a West African dance class at 3pm featuring: Seny Daffe from Guinea, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers led by Aimee Gelinas and members of Gaia Roots.

The rain location is Windsor Town Hall.

10:30-12 & 1-2:30 Intergenerational drum classes with Namory Keita (registration required, $30 per class, per person; drum rental $5)

3pm Intergenerational West African Dance Class w/ Seny Daffe featuring drumming with Namory Keita, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers led by Aimee Gelinas and members of Gaia Roots. $30 per class, per person

The fest will also include a world marketplace and refreshments.

Email Director Aimee Gelinas at aimee@gaiaroots.com to register for drum and dance classes. Masks required for all classes. No walk ins please, registration required.

Fest proceeds will support the artists and the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center's year round environmental education for all ages, the "Raise the Roof" fund to build a sustainable nature and cultural education center and to continue to conserve 32 acres of highland boreal forest in Windsor for future generations.

Tamarack Hollow is a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization whose mission is to "Inspire environmental and cultural awareness, appreciation and stewardship." Visit the website or Facebook event page for more info.
Hannah Olson had everything going for her. She received her bachelor's degree in just three years from Boston University and landed a dream job at a design firm in Washington, D.C. There was just one problem: Olson was sick, extremely sick.

In her sophomore year, she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, which required numerous doctors visits, medications, and antibiotic treatments through an arm catheter. At one point, she was on an IV for up to six hours a day. She was forced to quit her design agency job because of the treatment.

"I began to worry that there was no place for people like me struggling with illness or a disability in the workplace," says Olson.

In 2018, Olson, with co-founder Kai Keane, launched Chronically Capable, a platform that connects chronically ill and disabled professionals to employers prepared to offer flexibility to employees. Its users now include more than 50,000 job seekers and more than 50 employers. Companies such as WhatsApp, Postmates, Google, and Levi Strauss post full- and part-time jobs, as well as contract and freelance work. While the service is free to job hunters and individuals, employers pay the Austin-based company a recruiting fee, which depends on the size of the employer. Startups and small companies can pay on a per job basis, while midsize organizations usually pay $5,000 to $15,000 a year on average and larger companies $30,000 to $100,000.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ youth suicide-prevention, signed on in July. Employees had encouraged it to explore subscriptions to job boards and networking groups such as Chronically Capable, says Cristina Ciprian-Matthews, the nonprofit's chief people officer. "Our recruitment team is intentional about diversifying our candidate sourcing strategies to expand the number of applicants with a variety of lived experiences," she says.

Chronically Capable offers support to members, which helps differentiate it from similar websites, such as Horizontal Talent and Joonko. Through its Club Capable community, members share their experiences, including how to make sure they're treated fairly once hired. The website also offers mentorship connections and virtual events to bring members together to swap stories about finding work with a chronic illness.

"We have purposefully built a space where people can find support at any point in their career journey," says Olson.

The company's biggest challenge has been educating potential customers, she says. While many companies want to support employees with chronic illnesses, they sometimes lack the know-how or resources. What's more, it can be a tall order to cater to an employer's needs and wants, depending on where it might be in its journey of cultivating an inclusive workplace, she says. Sometimes, she notes, Chronically Capable has had to turn clients away.

"We pick and choose employers," Olson says, adding that the retention rate of workers hired through the platform has been 100 percent in the past 17 months. "We work only with companies that are really committed to putting in the work."

The Hiring Crisis

More than 157 million people in the U.S. have a chronic illness, generally classified as a condition lasting longer than a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deanna Beauchamp, who lives in Texas, is among them. She has multiple sclerosis and gave up her teaching job during Covid after being denied the option to work remotely. In a search for remote work, she came across Chronically Capable and attended one of its virtual events.

"I was very reluctant to admit that I was sick to others, but I felt a belonging and a deep connection for the people in the meeting," says Beauchamp. "Their stories were real, and they needed work, just like I did."

About a month after sharing her resume on the platform, Chronically Capable connected Beauchamp with Noodle Partners, a New York-based education-technology company that helps students find higher-education opportunities. Beauchamp landed a fully remote job with the company in 2020.

There's no doubt that the pandemic has upturned the hiring and recruiting world. In May, more than nine million Americans reported an inability to find jobs, while companies said that more than nine million job openings were left vacant, according to The Wall Street Journal. This is in part due to many workers moving during the pandemic to more remote areas where jobs aren't as available and also to many people seeking more-flexible work options, such as working from home.

More companies new to remote hiring are looking for recruiting platforms designed for job seekers looking for remote work, Olson says. She says her company has seen 900 percent revenue growth since March, and is projecting $1 million in annual revenue for 2021.

Ironically, the huge growth has created a staffing crunch for Chronically Capable. Its three full-time employees haven't been able to keep up with the inbound interest. Olson says she is looking to close on at least a $1 million pre-seed investment round this fall to help with growth, including hiring a few more employees.

"People with chronic illnesses and disabilities have very few safe spaces to actually ask for what they need for jobs access," says Brian Truong, a partner at Graph Ventures, a venture capital firm that invested in Chronically Capable. "There's an entire talent pool of people who've been excluded from all sorts of jobs, particularly in knowledge work, and Chronically Capable bridges that information asymmetry."

After more than five years of heavy antibiotic treatment, Olson no longer needs to be hooked to a catheter. She says she still has Lyme symptoms and related conditions, such as heart and thyroid issues, but she's doing better.
Jessica Stuart learned the hard way the risks of relying on independent contractors. In 2016, her Washington, D.C.-based production company, Long Story Short Media, filmed in 40 states and hired local crews for each project. The next year, it got slapped with an insurance audit, requiring Stuart to get proof from each of her vendors that they all carried workers' compensation insurance -- or be on the hook for back payments. "It took us down this massive rabbit hole," she says, "looking at: Is it 52 or $100 that we owe to Montana, because we filmed there for two days?" Many companies rely on employer of record firms -- like TriNet or NPI -- to avoid headaches. But if you plan to handle compliance in-house, here's what to know.

Know your ABCs.

Federal and state worker-classification laws vary widely, so consult with a lawyer who's well-versed in the rules everywhere you operate, says Tracey Diamond, a labor and employment attorney at law firm Troutman Pepper. In some states, independent contractor relationships are subject to the "ABC test," meaning you must show that a) the contractor's work is not under your company's direction and control, b) it is outside the course of your company's usual business, and c) the contractor has an independent business to do that work.

Beware the permalancer trap.

If a contractor works for you full time and has no other clients, and you're exercising control over that contractor's work, it's time to consider reclassification, says Craig Gehring, co-founder and CEO of MasteryPrep, a test-preparation company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that employs about 50 staffers and 150 contractors. "Let's say we have this person who's writing items for us every day, and they're following all our guidelines, and they're coming to all of our company meetings. They're just an employee at that point," Gehring says. "Let's not try to figure out how we can color outside the lines."

Gauge your risk tolerance.

Hiring independent contractors instead of employees can save you 15 to 30 percent on payroll taxes and benefits, says Richard Reibstein, co-head of law firm Locke Lord's independent contractor compliance practice. But if you're caught misclassifying, what you'll owe in back taxes, benefits payments, fines, and federal penalties could easily obliterate those savings. And that's if you don't get sued. If you operate in multiple states, Gehring advises mitigating that risk by tailoring your policies to the one with the strictest laws.
Daniel Craig has recalled his audition for the role of James Bond and how he thought the invite was initially a joke.

Speaking to The New York Times, Craig, whose last film as Bond is now in cinemas, admitted that he thought he would be someone who was just amongst the mix  someone to dismiss, he told the publication.

He went on to say that, at best, he thought hed be offered a role of a villain: Here you go, have a baddie, he recalled.

Soon after the audition, he was cast as Ian Flemings famous spy, first playing the role in Casino Royale, which was released in 2006. His follow-up films were Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and the newly released No Time To Die, which is Craigs final outing as Bond.

Reviewing the film this week, The Independent said: Cary Joji Fukunaga has made a smashing piece of action cinema with No Time to Die  its just a shame it had to be a Bond film. For all the delays, the rumours around Danny Boyles departure, the months spent building up Daniel Craigs final farewell in the role, whats most disappointing about the film is how strangely anti-climatic the whole thing feels.

(Universal)

[Its a ] film that doesnt quite know what to do or what it is  it only knows that Craig lies at the very heart of it.

Meanwhile, Craig said it is not his problem who the next Bond will be, during an awkward interview exchange with an Australian reporter at the world premiere of No Time To Die.

The European correspondent for Nine News, Brett McLeod, asked the 007 alumni whether he would do a Sean Connery and reprise the role in the future, triggering a very blunt response from the star: Nope, definitely not.

The journalist continued by asking Craig whether he had any preference as to who should replace him as Bond, drawing out another point-blank response: Not my problem.

No Time To Die is in UK cinemas now and will be released on 8 October in the US.
Dir: Cary Joji Fukunaga. Starring: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, Ana de Armas. 12A, 163 mins.

Cary Joji Fukunaga has made a smashing piece of action cinema with No Time to Die  its just a shame it had to be a Bond film. For all the delays, the rumours around Danny Boyles departure, the months spent building up Daniel Craigs final farewell in the role, whats most disappointing about the film is how strangely anti-climatic the whole thing feels. The core premise, with a script partially credited to Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, is simply more generic spy nonsense: a biological weapon of mass destruction known only as Heracles, now given a technological edge, has been stolen from a secret laboratory by the villainous SPECTRE. Craigs Bond, whos in both hiding and retirement on a remote tropical island, looking as scraggly as Tom Hanks in Castaway, is inevitably pulled into the fray.

The man behind the curtain, the billed villain of the piece, is Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), whos really just a loosely tied fistful of character traits pulled from the Bond villain playbook. The lair, the henchmen, the personal vendetta  its the same ideas recycled without much flair. Malek himself gives almost nothing to the role beyond the accent and the fake scars he wears. Will the Bond franchise ever be able to move past the damaging trope of associating facial disfigurements with villainy? Some nods to the past are more welcome than others. Craigs Bond, early on, echoes the words of George Lazenby in On Her Majestys Secret Service, famously uttered while he clutched the dead body of his wife Tracy (Diana Rigg): We have all the time in the world.

When Craig says that same line, the strings of Louis Armstrongs We Have All the Time in the World swelling in the background, it takes on a new meaning. The irony isnt so much that the blissful happy ending promised at the end of Spectre, as he swanned off in the arms of Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), isnt built to last, but that Craig himself knows that its time for him to say goodbye to the role. No Time to Die is at its very best when it allows the actor room to take his final curtsy with both grace and style, allowing him to leave the franchise with not only a good dollop of dignity, but a reminder that he gave Bond a soul.

And he is brilliant in No Time to Die, in a way that outshines everything around him. His granite-carved features crumple in just such a way, always at the right moment  his Bond contains an ocean of battered emotions trying to reach the surface.

And he will be remembered, too, as a consummate action star, ever since he landed that first brutal punch in 2006s Casino Royale. No Time to Die is at its best when Fukunaga is given the freedom to match that energy. The director has taken all of his experience in prestige television, including his work on True Detective and Maniac, and delivered a Bond that is so thrillingly tense, it veers into something close to horror. There are scenes in No Time to Die that suggest this might be the franchises own Dantes Inferno  whether 007 is descending into a mist-clogged European forest or a Bacchanalian party in a crumbling Cuban mansion. Its surprisingly grotesque. And occasionally almost poetic.

But Fukunagas more radical vision of Bond is fleeting. Its a good film thats been forced to rattle around in the Bond universe like a loose cog. Has Hollywoods obsession with connectivity, sparked by the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, poisoned the Bond franchise for good? Possibly.

The film soon devolves into a rotating sideshow of old characters and plot points. The blissful happy ending that he was promised at the end of Spectre, in the arms of Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), doesnt last long  of course. Christoph Waltzs now imprisoned Blofeld makes a dutiful appearance. As does Jeffrey Wrights CIA agent Felix Leiter. Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), Q (Ben Whishaw), and M (Ralph Fiennes) all hover round the edges. These are strands, characters and ideas that have been pulled together without much thought. Theyre here because it feels like they should be, to give Craig his last hoorah. Meanwhile, the franchise still cant move on from how perfect a Bond girl Eva Green was in Casino Royale, and Lea Seydoux is forced to contend with that fact, five films on.

To find out what others are saying and join the conversation scroll down for the comments section or click here for our most commented on articles

And despite Phoebe Waller-Bridges much-publicised contributions to the films script, No Time to Die hardly feels like the radical feminist rewrite we were promised. To her credit, the women (minus Seydouxs character, whos always sullen) get to have fun instead of merely traipsing around like over competent femme bots. Ana de Armass newbie agent Paloma feels like the audition for her upcoming Marilyn Monroe biopic, and Lashana Lynch, as a rival 00, is such a force of charisma that it feels pointless to look for a new Bond when surely the future of the franchise is already standing right there.

But beyond any potential for future appearances, they only serve as accessories to a film that doesnt quite know what to do or what it is  it only knows that Craig lies at the very heart of it.
Jubilant Britney Spears supporters outside court in Los Angeles have celebrated their idols legal victory over her father.

During a contentious hearing on Wednesday (29 September) inside a Los Angeles courtroom, a judge ruled Jamie Spears that should be suspended from his daughters conservatorship.

The arrangement controlling the pop superstars life could be terminated by the end of the year.

Jamies removal comes after a lengthy campaign from the dedicated group of fans who consider themselves members of the #FreeBritney movement.

Scores of supporters gathered outside Los Angeles Superior Court and celebrated wildly when news of Jamies departure seeped out.

Benjamin Elgar, a 20-year-old musician originally from Paris but now living in Los Angeles, attended court alongside 31-year-old stylist Christian Barrios.

Reacting to Jamies suspension, Elgar told the PA news agency: Its good news, hes not here anymore, hes gone. I think its good he got suspended and [the conservatorships] not been terminated so they can have time to investigate more, everything thats been going on.

Shes going to be free after everything that has been happening, all her fans and media and all the documentaries that came out really made a lot of pressure on the court to speed up the process.

Ecstatic Britney fan celebrates the news (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock)

Alex Garcia is a 28-year-old sales worker from Sacramento, California. He described his mood as ecstatic.

He said: Ive been here since May 2019, to every rally, and to finally feel vindicated and feel so proud, were ecstatic.

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Of the moment the news was announced, Garcia said: We were screaming our heads off. Everything we worked for, its here.

Another fan, who goes by the name Jakeyonce, attended court dressed in a Free Britney T-shirt along with pink glasses bearing the same slogan.

The 20-year-old told PA: This is major. I was so emotional, I could not believe it. We are not used to having good news here.

This is a very new, incredible thing. Its a new thing for most people here, its sad.

Were used to having delivered bad news after bad news, show trial after show trial, abuse after abuse.

To finally get some good news and see she might be actually coming out of this, some of it due to the support out here, is amazing, its incredible.

Jubilant fans gathered outside the courthouse (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock)

Dustin Strand, a 29-year-old hairstylist from Phoenix, Arizona, said he was thrilled by Jamies suspension.

Im so happy, he said. Britney got exactly what she wanted, her dads out.

I think I was more in shock, it was so surreal. Just to be here for three years trying to support Britney, and now its finally happening.

Its a surreal and exciting moment.

Additional reporting by Press Association
David Tennant will portray former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in a new ITV drama, it has been announced.

The Scottish Doctor Who star will lead the series  which is the brainchild of Lupin creator George Kay  following his critically acclaimed performance as serial killer Dennis Nilsen in ITVs Des.

Litvinenko will tell the story of his fearless widow, Marina (Margarita Levieva), who fought tirelessly to convince the British government to publicly name her husbands killers and acknowledge the Russian States role in his murder.

The drama, co-produced by ITV and Nordic Entertainment Group, will also focus on the Scotland Yard officers who worked for a decade to uncover those responsible for the murder of the Russian defector.

Litvinenko died 22 days after being poisoned with a rare and hard-to-detect radioactive substance, Polonium-210, at a London hotel in 2006.

During police interviews from his hospital bed, he provided investigators with meticulous details of the events leading up to his illness, which helped them to track down his killers.

Marina Litvinenko, the widow of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, leaving high court after attending the first day of the inquiry into her husbands death (Getty Images)

In a statement, ITV said the series was being created with the support of many of the key individuals involved in the investigation and subsequent public inquiry.

In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder, Kay said in a statement.

He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him. It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified.

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Their stamina, hard work and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write.

Executive producer Patrick Spence said: This one is a privilege, a once-in-a-career opportunity to tell a story about a family and a police team who have shown such courage and resilience that it has inspired us all.

Along with Tennant and Levieva, Litvinenko will also star Catastrophes Mark Bonnar, and Small Axes Neil Maskell.
Season 41 of Survivor premiered on 22 September, with a new group of castaways heading to an island where they compete against each other in a series of challenges.

They must survive said challenges in order to win the $1m (744,000) prize.

During last weeks (29 September) episode, titled Juggling Chainsaws, players saw more advantages being introduced as they began to debate what and how they could plan for the future.

The description of the episode teased: Immunity challenges get interesting when a new idol is introduced that has a special twist.

The episode ended with neurosurgeon David Voce being voted off the Yase team.

For this season, the competition series returned to Fiji, where it has been filmed several times before.

Specifically, this season is taking place on the Mamanuca Islands, a volcanic archipelago and popular destination for tourists.

Returning host Jeff Probst announced the location in March this year, at the same time as he announced the shows return to production.

Fiji has invited us back to their beautiful country to shoot season 41, he said in a video shared on social media.

We have all of our Covid protocols in place so that everybody in Fiji will remain safe, all of our crew will be safe and of course our players will be safe.

Probst added: I cant remember a time when Ive been this pumped to shoot Survivor, and Ill you why: the past year has reminded me  and I hope its reminded you  that you got to live your life like its one big great adventure, and Survivor fulfils that. So I am thrilled to say I will see you on the island for Survivor 41. Lets do it!

Survivor airs on Wednesdays at 8pm Eastern and Pacific times on CBS in the US.
Authorities in northern China killed three housecats, who had tested positive for Covid-19 recently, over fears of further transmission of the virus to other residents provoking strong criticism from locals and experts.

The three cats were put down on Tuesday evening by officials in Chinas Harbin who said there was no cure for treating the viral contagion in animals. The authorities also said that the infected cats would have endangered the owner and other residents of the housing complex, according to the local reports.

Miss Liu, the pet owner, had tested positive for coronavirus on 21 September but left food and water out for her cats before isolating herself. Shortly after, a community worker carried out tests on the cats and all three cats tested positive for the virus twice, prompting authorities to take action.

Despite appeals from the cat owner, the three cats were put to sleep in what has been viewed as a harsh and extreme measure by Chinese authorities to control the disease spread.

"I firmly disagree with this approach! To put it bluntly, its a crude, simplistic and lazy form of management, just in order to dodge responsibility, said one social media user on Weibo.

Asking authorities to look for another solution than to kill an animal, Dr Vanessa Barrs, a professor at City University of Hong Kong said that there have been no confirmed reports of transmission of infection from cats to humans.

"So far, in the whole pandemic, there have been no confirmed reports of cat to human infection, unlike the situation with farmed mink in Europe, where transmission from Covid-19 infected mink to humans occurred," she said.

The situation, Ms Barrs said, is very different for pet cats and dogs and other solutions can be implemented for animals.

Virology professor Dr Rachel Tarlinton said that surface transmission is rare, minimizing the fears and risks.

It doesnt seem very realistic that cats would contaminate the environment so badly that they would be a risk for their owner to re-contract Covid-19, Dr Tarlinton, who teaches at Britains University of Nottingham, said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the virus that causes Covid-19 can be transmitted from people to animals, especially in cases where a close contact is established. However, the risk of animals spreading the virus SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be low, the CDC says.

From research conducted early on in the outbreak of the pandemic as to the origins of Covid-19, the zoonotic theory, where the virus was passed from bats to humans, possibly via intermediary species such as pangolin and bamboo rat, has been heavily favoured by the scientific community.

"Some coronaviruses that infect animals can be spread to people and then spread between people, but this is rare. This is what happened with SARS-CoV-2, which likely originated in bats," the CDC said.

However, a new team is to be appointed by the World Health Organisation to restart its investigation into the origins of Covid, which will also explore the possibility that the virus leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan. This follows the publication of a US report last month which concluded that both the zoonotic and the so-called lab leak theory were possible.

In the last 24 hours, China recorded 11 new Covid-19 cases, out of which eight were tracked down to Harbin.

A total of 949 patients are being treated for Covid-19 in the Asian country which has reported 96,106 infections and 4,636 deaths.
Kassy James rakes debris outside her mother-in-laws home in Chauvin, Louisiana nearly one month after Hurricane Ida destroyed most of the homes on their street.

I dont even know what day it is sometimes, she says. When is it gonna end, you know? Pray for better days. Thats all you can do.

After Ida ripped apart her home on 29 August, Ms James now shares the small apartment in the backyard with her mother-in-law, fiance, and four children, including a one-month-old.

A tent she received from a nearby emergency supply centre is now her safest shelter.

It feels impossible sometimes, like its never going to end, she says.

Next door, Durle Blanchard treads through pieces of ceiling that collapsed into his home, where mould and mildew have taken over walls and whats left of the ceiling after Ida lifted his roof, now stacked in a mound of debris on the other side of the street. His home is among thousands covered with a temporary tarp to keep out the rain.

A snowman decoration, among the last pieces of his familys Christmas village to survive the storm, is propped against a fence near a sign reading Dont Take! We Lost Enough.

Mr Blanchard  who has lived in his home for nearly 40 years  raised the building several feet after flooding from Hurricane Rita in 2005. Hurricane Gustav ripped off his roof in 2008.

Now this one came, it took the whole roof off, he says. Everything  every room is damaged. I cant live like that.

FEMA denied Mr Blanchard temporary housing and personal property coverage because he has home insurance, though his insurance company told FEMA that his plan does not include housing, he said. He cant move into a hotel or shelter in another state  he needs to be able to get to work, and he needs to stay close to home so he can start cleaning, ripping out sheetrock and salvaging what he can before he rebuilds.

By the end of the week, he hopes to buy a camper he can park in his driveway for him and his wife, son and two grandchildren.

The only thing we need is a house. Thats it, he says. I dont need new clothes. I can go buy new clothes. I can go buy me a lot of stuff we need.  Its not our first rodeo, but this was the worst wed ever seen.

After her mother-in-laws home in Chauvin, Louisiana was destroyed in Hurricane Ida, Kassy James and her family live in a small apartment in the buildings backyard. (Alex Woodward)

Stories like theirs are in the thousands in Terrebonne Parish and across the state. For at least 30 miles along Highway 56, from Houma to Chauvin and Cocodrie, and along the surrounding streets, the insides of gutted homes fill the shoulders of the road.

Insulation and sheetrock, refrigerators, wooden cabinets, mattresses and couches are heaped by piles of collected tree branches and whole trees that tractors have pulled to the curb. Strips of metal roofs  torn apart by powerful winds  curl above hundreds of homes.

Officials estimate 13,000 homes in Terrebonne were destroyed, and roughly 60 per cent of everything below the intracoastal canal approaching the Gulf of Mexico is uninhabitable.

The familiar sight of blue-tarped roofs has returned across south Louisiana, from New Orleans and its surrounding suburbs to homes left standing at the states remote points near the Gulf.

The growing climate crisis has warmed the Gulf, fuelling stronger storms that tear into a Louisiana coastline eroded by rising waters and an oil and gas industry that has carved into critical wetlands that provide a natural protective barrier.

Some homes appear split in two. Many have completely collapsed, exposing a still-standing refrigerator or stove inside. The damage is overwhelming, touching hundreds of miles of the state, with increasing devastation the further south one goes.

Residents are living in tents, trailers and campers, or in their moulding, storm-damaged homes, relying on their cars for air-conditioning and to charge their phones.

Drivers honk and wave at utility trucks and cherrypickers repairing thousands of miles of power lines, and electricity and running water are slowly returning to homes in harder-hit parts of the state, but residents are not able to live inside them.

Many landlords have also effectively evicted people in apartment buildings after catastrophic damage to their properties, according to officials.

A vast network for mutual aid groups, faith-based organisations and volunteers filling cargo vans with food and supplies was on the ground days before government agencies headed to impacted areas.

If people could spend a day, or even just somehow get an idea of how people are being forced to live right now, in these coastal communities that got hit, it would blow their minds, says Louis Michot of the band Lost Bayou Ramblers. Mr Michot has helped organise supply runs and food distribution across the state.

They would not think this is America, he tells The Independent. People living in their houses and trailers that lost their roofs, that are soaked, that are mouldy  theyre still getting water in their house, theyre sleeping on the floor, because all their bedding and linens are mouldy, and they dont have the resources to just go buy everything new right now. They barely have enough gas to get to the gas station.

Officials in Terrebonne Parish have requested 10,000 trailers from FEMA for residents whose homes are unliveable. None have been delivered.

FEMA has paid for hotel rooms for roughly 3,200 households in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, according to the agency, but residents and state and local officials have grown frustrated with the agencys response and lack of a clear timetable for more immediate housing needs.

Officials have demanded that the federal agency do more to stem the growing housing crisis, confirming their long-held suspicions that the federal government  which they believe has neglected or abused the largely lower-income bayou communities for decades  has abandoned them.

State Representative Tanner Magee, whose district includes Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, has urged Governor John Bel Edwards for help, warning of a mounting humanitarian crisis.

These citizens, along with all who advocate for an end to their plight, are crying out for a basic human need: Safe and decent housing, he wrote in a letter to the governor. These Louisiana citizens urgently need some form of housing that is safer and more secure than a tent or a partly sheltered area of a decimated structure that was once a home.

In a statement on Twitter, he was even more direct: Theres only one conclusion that can be reached from [FEMAs] continued inaction  its on purpose.

They act like an insurance company, delaying their response to drive down the costs as people get frustrated and move on, he added. Its easy when youre the bureaucrat not sleeping in a tent.

FEMA has approved more than 500,000 requests for relief sending $639m in grants directly to survivors in Louisiana, as of 28 September, the agency said in a statement. That includes $112.4m in grants to people living in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, according to the agency.

The agency is urging impacted residents to utilize the assistance currently being provided to them which may include transitional sheltering assistance, and rental assistance which is money to temporarily rent housing, such as a house, apartment, or a hotel or motel room while repairs are being made to their primary residence.

Short-term housing aid includes financial help for basic repairs and rental assistance to help people relocate.

One FEMA official told CBS News that trailers may not be available for residents until November.

In Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, a sign above Interstate 10 reads NO FEMA ROOMS, NOT AVAILABLE.

The Ward 7 Citizens Club in Chauvin, Louisiana has been transformed into a food bank and supply centre after Hurricane Ida. (Alex Woodward)

Keisha Foret tells a woman inside the Ward 7 Citizens Club on Highway 56 to go get you a box and start shopping.

The building has been transformed into a food bank and supply centre, where residents can fill cardboard boxes with diapers and baby food, canned goods, cleaning supplies, clothing and medicine. Supplies are coming in by the truckloads.

American Red Cross vans and US Army National Guard service members distribute hot meals, water and ice in the parking lot. Doctors and nurses with Southeast Louisiana Medical Mutual Aid set up a clinic to help fill prescriptions and provide care.

Ms Foret, a past club president, helped open the building two days after the storm.

The day after the storm someone was reaching out on Facebook trying to find someone to open, she says. Nobody was responding, so I just commented on it and said, Yes, yall can use the building, yes, yall can use the property, and I really dont care who got something to say about it. This organisation is for the citizens.

Keisha Foret sits in the parking lot of the Ward 7 Citizens Club in Chauvin, Louisiana. She lives in a camper there after her home was destroyed in Hurricane Ida. (Alex Woodward)

She relies on volunteers and help from friends and family to sort through donations and distribute supplies  its tiresome work, but its a welcome distraction. Ms Foret now lives in a camper in the rear parking lot of the building after Ida destroyed her home in Chauvin. Her mobile home was too old to be insured, she says.

I just try to stay busy. Im going to eventually have to face whats next  where Im going to go, what Im going to do, what steps we gotta take, she says. I really dont have time to focus, sit down and stay on the phone and kind of just wait to hear from FEMA.  I just cant find it in me to close these doors, as long as I know the need is needed, I just cant. Im collecting my little $200 on unemployment. Its all I can do.
Video game company Valve is secretly working on a virtual reality headset codenamed Deckard, according to leaks and a new report.

Company patent applications reference the device via its codename, with multiple iterations of the headset discovered alongside a proof of concept version, first found by YouTuber Brad Lynch.

The device will seemingly use SteamVR in both a prism and standalone system layer, and although it is unclear exactly what those descriptions refer to standalone could mean that the system will work without a connection to a computer.

Valve, according to sources who have spoken to Ars Technica, reportedly had two designs for virtual reality headsets: one that would connect to a PC, and one that would use a built-in processor.

Other specifications found include references to 160MHz wireless signals, which could point to a standalone system but would also match the Wi-Fi 6 controller found in Facebooks Oculus Quest 2 headsets, so is not a guarantee. There is also a hint of processing built-into the headset as opposed to sending calls to a gaming PC.

According to Ars, Valve initially had difficulty getting inside-out tracking, which use cameras mounted on the headset to map the room, to meet the quality of the Oculus Quest 2, but such systems may have improved in quality since.

In the future, virtual reality devices could use lenses that are closer to a users face, which may offer better weight distribution, comfort, and performance  and it is suggested that is the direction Valve is now moving towards.

Valve did not respond to a request for comment from The Independent before publication, but a virtual reality headset is not the only product the company has coming.

The Steam Deck, a handheld computer similar to the Nintendo Switch, was announced last July. As well as being able to play games on its own screen, it would also have an accompanying dock to plug it into external displays.

As Ars points out, though, Valve has a long record of starting projects and then killing them before the consumer sees them, such as the infamously rumoured Half Life 3 video game, but these hints indicate that a standalone VR headset from the company is at least being considered.
Sarah Everards death sent shockwaves across the UK and galvanised mass outrage over womens safety back in March. Today, the man who kidnapped and murdered her was handed a whole life sentence.

Police officer Wayne Couzens strangled Everard after handcuffing and kidnapping her in south London under the guise of a fake arrest for breaking lockdown rules, driving his victim 80 miles away, raping her and dumping her body in woodland.

At the time, the 33-year-olds murder seemed to mark what felt like a turning point; women everywhere spoke up about feeling unsafe walking home alone, thousands took to the streets in protests and laid flowers at her vigil, men asked what they could do to help, the government promised things would change. It felt as if gendered violence and the culture of misogyny that feeds it would be tackled once and for all.

Violence against women is all too common place

In the short time since Everards murder, its difficult to see whats changed though. Last week the death of Sabina Nessa  a 28-year-old primary school teacher who was killed as she walked to a bar near her flat in Kidbrooke, south-east London  reignited the conversation around womens safety.

Koci Selamaj, 36, of Eastbourne, east Sussex, appeared before magistrates earlier this week charged with her murder.

Other investigations include Maria Rawlings, 45, who was beaten and strangled as she walked home in Romford, east London in May. Valentin Lazar, 20, from Barking, east London has been charged with her murder.

Agnes Akom, 20, went missing from her home in north-west London in May. Lorry driver Neculai Paizan, 63, of Notting Hill, west London, denies her murder.

PCSO Julia James who was killed while walking her dog in the Kent countryside in April. Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, Kent, is accused of her murder.

Sabina Nessa (PA Wire)

And yet tragically, those cases are a drop in the ocean  Womens Aid say a man murders a women every three days.

So whats being done to help women feel safer on the streets?

One of the measures Home Secretary Priti Patel announced in July as part of a radical programme of change was to create an online tool called StreetSafe, which allows people to anonymously pinpoint locations they felt vulnerable walking in and why. It launched at the beginning of September and you can add to the database at police.uk/streetsafe.

The Ministry of Justice commissioned a 24/7 rape and sexual assault helpline. The number is 08 08 16 89 111 and theres a live chat. But call 999 in an emergency.

There were many calls for misogyny to be named a hate crime in the wake of Everards death, and a bill doing just that is making its way through the parliamentary bill process at the moment (currently in its second reading in the House of Commons).

Its important because it will make motivation by misogyny an aggravating factor in criminal sentencing and it will require police forces to record misogyny as a crime  in a way thats never been done before.

The governments plans also included the introduction of roles such as Violence Against Women and Girls Transport Champions, who would help tackle the problems faced by female passengers. Two female executives in the West Midlands were announced as the first champions in July. Plans also include a dedicated police officer in charge of tackling violence against females.

Rape culture in education settings is due to be tackled as well  with the Department of Education and the Office for Students set to work together to look into sexual harassment and abuse in higher education.

A report from Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on 17 September urged cross-system change to tackle the epidemic. But Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Womens Aid, says the report highlighted that the overall police response to VAWG (violence against women and girls) is inadequate, inconsistent and flawed.

So do women feel as if the streets are getting any safer?

Couzens may be spending the rest of his life in jail but Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, says the handing down of a long prison sentence must not distract us from all the work that needs to be done to protect women. The sentencing of Couzens wont leave women feeling less afraid. We know that the risk and fear of male violence is woven into the fabric of most women and girls daily lives.

After all, as she points out, Couzens engaged in other forms of abuse in the lead up to the murder. The connections between so called lower-level offending and the escalation to other harms must be further explored if we are to end and prevent violence against women.

Its why whats perceived as low-level sexism or offences are dangerous and predatory. And women need to feel able to report such incidences and feel listened to.

Nazeer says the police need to work urgently to restore the confidence of women. Female confidence in the police dropped dramatically following Couzens arrest and this was underpinned by the heavy-handed and inappropriate treatment of women attending the vigil to remember her life.

The police need to urgently address the culture of sexism that exists, prioritise violence against women and girls to the same level as terrorism and utilise their funding to ensure that they tackle the issues of male violence towards women.

Gendered violence and the misogynistic culture that feeds is so widespread and runs so deep that Nazeer says institution and systemic change is needed and that police need to work with specialist womens organisations to make sure victims are getting the right help and response when they report a crime.

Far too many women continue to tell us that their experiences at the hands of violent men are belittled, disbelieved and dismissed by police and the criminal justice system, the very services that are supposed to protect us, she says.

Convictions for rape are woefully low and prosecutions are actually falling.

Too many violent and abusive men escape justice because lenient sentencing does not reflect the severity of their crimes. For too long violence against women and girls has been the poor relation when it comes to apprehending, monitoring and sentencing offenders, and this is borne largely out of out-dated sexist and misogynistic attitudes.
Tess Holliday has called out media publications for publishing photos of her eating during a recent trip to Disneyland.

On Tuesday, the body positivity activist addressed paparazzi photos published by the DailyMail and DailyMirror on Twitter, where she accused the outlets of choosing photos of her at my most tired and only in the moments when I was eating food.

This week, I went to Disneyland with my family. In the 10 hours I was there, I walked MILES, went on rides, and yea, ate some great food. The @DailyMail and @DailyMirror decided to share some paparazzi photos of me at my most tired and only in the moments when I was eating food, Holliday wrote alongside screenshots of the photos published by the outlets.

In the photos, which include captions such as: A Mickey ice cream proved just too tempting, Holliday can be seen eating various snacks at the amusement park.

In a series of follow-up tweets, Holliday then claimed that the photos were chosen specifically to show the version of me that THEY want the world to see: a fat person eating and being tired, with the plus-size model noting that smaller bodied public figures can eat whatever they want and somehow thats either ignored or seen as cute.

After questioning why the photos of her are newsworthy, Holliday revealed that she would be using the opportunity to show some of the positive moments of joy and excitement that she experienced during the outing with her four-year-old son Bowie.

What they didnt share was me and Bowie sharing all of our ice cream and taking bites one after the other and laughing. What they didnt show was the reality of my life - that I am lucky to be in a position to spend a great day with my son at Disney, she wrote alongside various photos she took during the visit.

The 36-year-old then accused the media of telling everyone who looks like me that they are worthless when they publish photos of her through the lens of their fat phobic assumptions and of creating a breeding ground for body shaming comments.

According to Holliday, the medias harmful behaviour needs to be rejected in order to create a kinder world, with the model explaining how it can also be harmful to others who look like her.

Its corny and its harmful - not just to me, but to every single person who looks like me, which is a huge percentage of the world right now, she continued. To my community of fat folks/those that struggle with your body image: yall are seen, valued, and appreciated just as you are RIGHT NOW.

The body positivity advocate concluded the Twitter thread reminding her followers and fans that they are worthy of love, no matter what they look like.

Hollidays tweets resonated with her followers, with many sharing messages of support and encouraging her not to let the photos bother her.

Dont let them bring you down. You are beautiful and an inspiration, one person tweeted, while another said: Hope you had an amazing day and enjoyed everything you did and ate! You look cute in all of these images.
The volume of house hunters searching for properties near commuter stations has surged between June and August, according to a website.

The biggest jump recorded by Rightmove during the period was in Chelmsford where searches more than doubled (a 107% increase).

The rise in searches near commuter stations suggests more people are looking for a quicker route to work on office days, as people adopt flexible working routines, Rightmove said.

Searches for homes near MediaCity tram stop in Manchester have surged (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

The analysis compared searches for stations across Britain in June 2021 with August 2021, to measure the impact of the gradual return to office working.

Tim Bannister, Rightmoves director of property data, said: While the demand to relocate or search for more space has by no means gone away, the numbers suggest that this will need to be balanced with easy transport access on office days, which has understandably been lower on the agenda for many over the last 18 months.

Here are the top increases in buyer searches for homes near stations, comparing June with August, according to Rightmove:

1. Chelmsford Station, 107%

2. Liverpool Lime Street Station, 59%

3. Sittingbourne Station, 47%

=4. Crewe Station, 32%

=4. Hassocks Station, 32%

=4. MediaCityUK (Manchester) tram stop, 32%

=7. Southampton Central Station, 30%

=7. Chesterfield Station, 30%

9. Folkestone West Station, 27%

10. Kettering Station, 26%
Israel's foreign minister headed to Bahrain on Thursday, the first high-level visit to the small Gulf state by a senior Israeli official since the signing last year of a landmark agreement to establish diplomatic ties.

Yair Lapid flew to Bahrain's capital, Manama for meetings with his Bahraini counterpart and to inaugurate Israel's embassy. It will be the first official visit by an Israeli Cabinet member.

After Lapid lands, Bahrain carrier Gulf Air will launch its first direct flight between Manama and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli diplomatic delegation was to meet with its Bahraini counterparts and sign a raft of agreements to further cement bilateral ties. The two countries had long enjoyed clandestine security ties over a shared distrust of regional rival Iran, but only last year took the relationship public.

Israel established formal diplomatic relations with four Arab states last year as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Lapid has already visited the United Arab Emirates and Morocco and opened Israels diplomatic offices there since he became Israel's foreign minister in June.

Bahrains first ambassador to Israel arrived earlier this month and presented his credentials to Israels figurehead president on the anniversary of the signing of the accords.

The deals to establish relations with Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and the UAE were the first peace accords between Israel and Arab states in decades, after peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1995.

The deals enraged the Palestinians who felt a betrayal of their national cause. They saw it as an abandonment of a longstanding commitment in the Arab world not to normalize relations with Israel until there was progress in resolving the decades-long conflict with the Palestinians.
Police in the Netherlands and Germany have arrested nine suspected members of a gang responsible for a string of robberies targeting ATMs in Germany and for setting up a training center for blowing up cash machines, European Union police agency Europol said Thursday.

The makeshift training facility in the central Dutch city of Utrecht helped unmask the gang during an 18-month cross-border investigation, according to Europol. Police in the northern German city of Osnabrueck said they became suspicious when a 29-year-old Dutch man there ordered several ATMs, saying they were for an art project in the Netherlands.

Instead, the machines were delivered to a warehouse in Utrecht, where the man and an accomplice tested ways of blowing them up to get at cash inside and made video recordings of their efforts, the police agency said.

The pair was ordering different models of ATMs and recording tutorials on how to most effectively blow them up, Europol said in a statement.

Police in the central Netherlands said the 29-year-old ultimately was killed in September 2020 while testing an explosive device at the training center. An accomplice was injured and arrested. Their identities were not released, in line with Dutch and German privacy laws.

Dutch police arrested three suspects Tuesday and raided seven properties, where they found equipment used for blowing up ATMs. Osnabrueck police said the arrests brought the number of suspects detained during the investigatio to nine.

The three suspects arrested this week are expected to be sent to Germany to face prosecution.

The gang is accused of blowing up at least 15 ATMs across Germany, causing millions of euros (dollars) in damage.

Some 414 ATMs were blow up across Germany in 2020, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year. German authorities believe about two-thirds of the suspects come from the Netherlands, where heightened security measures imposed by Dutch banks resulted in criminal activity shifting to Germany.

The cross-border investigation worked brilliantly, Osnabrueck police chief Michael Massmann said. This is a big blow against the international scene thats blowing up ATMs and their criminal activities.

Thanks to our investigation, we managed to get at the people involved in the organization and logistics for the first time, he added. Were going to stay on the case and not let up.

____

Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed.
The head of the World Bank held talks Thursday with Sudan s transitional leaders, focusing on the country's daunting economic challenges and a reform program the African nation is undertaking to overhaul the battered economy.

David Malpass landed in Khartoum late Wednesday, the first visit by a World Bank president to Sudan in around 50 years. From the Sudanese capital, he delivered a virtual address to the annual meetings of the financial institution and the International Monetary Fund on Thursday.

Sudanese Prime Minister Aballa Hamdok called the visit a historical moment for his country, which is on a fragile path to democracy after a popular uprising led to the militarys overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

This transition can only succeed if it is anchored on economic opportunity for all Sudanese, irrespective of gender, geography, race, religion, or income level, Hamdok said. Our economy requires deep, fundamental reforms."

Sudan embarked on what Hamdok called homegrown economic reforms last year. The program is meant to transform Sudan's economy and have the nation rejoin the international community after over two decades of isolation.

Battered by years of mismanagement and sanctions, Sudan was also plunged into an economic crisis when the oil-rich south seceded in 2011 after decades of war, taking with it more than half of public revenues and 95% of oil exports.

Sudan's government program, backed by the World Bank and the IMF, has included a series of austerity measures such as floating the currency and slashing fuel subsidies. The measures have led to hikes in the price of fuel and other essential goods.

Malpass welcomed Sudan's bold reforms," re-engagement with the international community, and the clearance of its its overdue payments to the World Bank after the U.S. provided bridge financing of $1.15 billion.

The debt clearance has allowed the government to access new types of international financing for the first time in nearly three decades. The World Bank said in May it has allocated $2 billion to Sudan to finance big infrastructure projects along with others over the next 12 months.

Finance Minister Gibreil Ibrahim hailed Malpass' visit as a sign that Sudans integration into the international community is progressing in strides."

Malpass, however, warned about tensions between the generals and civilians in the government, which have increased over the past week after authorities said they foiled a coup attempt on Sep. 22.

Its critical to avoid political slippages, because there is no development without peace and stability," he said.

Still, thousands of Sudanese took to the streets in Khartoum and elsewhere on Thursday to demand an exclusively civilian transitional government. The protesters also accused the generals of derailing its transition to democracy.
A man has appeared in court accused of the premeditated and predatory murder of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa.

Garage worker Koci Selamaj allegedly attacked Ms Nessa as she walked through Cator Park to meet a friend at a restaurant on 17 September.

It is claimed he used a two-foot long weapon to repeatedly strike her, before carrying her out of the park in Kidbrooke, southeast London.

Ms Nessas body was found covered in leaves near a community centre nearly 24 hours later.

The exact cause of her death is yet to be confirmed by post-mortem examinations, but the attack was said to have involved extreme violence.

Mr Selamaj, an Albanian national living in East Sussex, was arrested in Eastbourne in the early hours of Sunday, and charged with her murder the following day.

A light-coloured Nissan Micra was seized from a nearby residential street half a mile away.

Mr Selamaj appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday  the same day police officer Wayne Couzens, who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, was sentenced to a whole life sentence.

Prosecuting, Alison Morgan QC told the court there was no indication the defendant knew Ms Nessa, and it was a premeditated and predatory stranger attack.

During the hearing, Mr Selamaj  who has already indicated he will deny murder  spoke to confirm his name and date of birth before a timetable for the case was set.

Dressed in a prison-issue green and yellow top, he appeared in court by video link from Wormwood Scrubs assisted by an Albanian interpreter in court.

Judge Mark Lucraft QC set a plea hearing for 16 December, and remanded the defendant into custody.
The wife of the police officer who murdered Sarah Everard has said she saw no signs he was acting strangely before he carried out his crimes.

Wayne Couzens, 48, was sentenced on Thursday to a full-lift prison term for the kidnap, rape and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, who went missing in March while walking home from a friends flat in South London.

But the former Metropolitan Police officers wife of 15 years, Elena Couzens, has said she is as puzzled as everyone else as to what led her husband to kill a complete stranger.

If I had any idea what was going on in Waynes head, then none of this wouldve happened but I didnt know anything, Ms Couzens, 38, told MailOnline.

He didnt appear to be acting strangely. I didnt notice anything was wrong. Im working full time, most of the time Im dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle.

I cant comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. Im just as puzzled as everyone else.

I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house what else did he need? Im constantly asking myself where I did miss the signs? How on earth could this have happened?

Detectives say Couzens has still refused to reveal why he murdered Ms Everard.

Ms Couzens added: The only thing I can think of is manic depression. I know he suffered from depression, but it was always such a subtle thing, you couldnt always tell what it was.

Hed be up and down. Sometimes hed feel really happy and energised and hed start doing things around the house. But I cannot explain why he did this.

However, adjourning the sentence, Lord Justice Fulford made reference to the psychiatric report on the defendant which, by his plea, did not amount to a defence of diminished responsibility.

Officers had arrested Couzens after linking a white Vauxhall Astra hire car captured on several CCTV cameras to Ms Everards abduction and discovering it was rented in his name.

In a police interview, he concocted an elaborate story and claimed to be having financial problems.

He said he had got into trouble with a gang of Eastern Europeans who threatened him and his family. A gang demanded he deliver another girl after underpaying a prostitute a few weeks before, he said.

He claimed that he had kidnapped Ms Everard, drove out of London and handed her over to three Eastern European men in a van in a layby in Kent, still alive and uninjured.

Meanwhile, police found out that Couzens and his wife had bought a small patch of woodland in 2019, in Ashford. Ms Everards body was later found around 100 metres outside the property boundary.

Ms Couzens added she had contacted the family of Ms Everard after her husbands arrest.

I had a conversation with the officers asking them to pass on my condolences. I am sorry that this happened, what happened to Sarah should not happen to any woman but her family are grieving, she said. The feelings Im going through, they are going through much worse. It is horrendous.
A woman has been charged with causing actual bodily harm after nine Chinese students were hit over the head in a string of attacks in Sheffield.

Shan He, 33, will appear at the citys magistrates court on Wednesday accused of assaulting her victims from behind  some of them with a blunt instrument.

Pictures posted to social media showed several woman had been left bleeding heavily following a series of incidents - all said to have occurred close to University of Sheffield buildings between 7 and 26 September.

The arrest came after one student wrote to the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester saying that students in the South Yorkshire city were living in fear.

Writing via Twitter, she added: We are afraid that one day, somebody might die from such incident.

The Consulate-General responded by urging the university bosses to "take decisive measures" to protect potential victims.

A university spokesperson said it was aware someone had now been arrested.

They added: "We were saddened to learn of these incidents and are doing everything we can to support the students involved and assist the police in their investigation.

"The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority and we take incidents like this extremely seriously."

South Yorkshire Police said officers had increased patrols to provide reassurance following the arrest of Ms Shan, of Edward Street.

Chinese students make up 16 per cent of the universitys student population and pay an estimated 26 per cent of all tuition fees there  making it the most reliant on East Asian students in the country.
The serving Metropolitan Police officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered marketing executive Sarah Everard was sentenced at the Old Bailey in London on Thursday.

Wayne Couzens, 48, has pleaded guilty to the charges against him and faces life in prison following the harrowing murder that rocked the nation and sparked fresh calls for tougher police action on violence against women.

At the beginning of Couzenss two-day sentence hearing on Wednesday, the court heard how the married father-of-two used his Metropolitan Police-issue warrant and handcuffs to snatch Ms Everard, 33, off a dark street in south London on 3 March as she walked home from a friends house in Clapham, south London.

Couzens, a firearms officer, told Ms Everard, described by her family as a shining example to us all who brought so much joy to our lives, she had broken lockdown rules in a fake Covid arrest and bundled her into his car.

Having finished a 12-hour shift at the American embassy that morning, Couzens drove Ms Everard to a secluded rural area near Dover in Kent, where he parked up and raped her.

Ms Everard, who was originally from Durham but lived in Brixton, south London, had been strangled with Couzenss police belt by 2.30am the following morning.

Couzens burned her body in a refrigerator in an area of woodland he owned in Hoads Wood, near Ashford, before dumping the remains in a nearby pond.

He was arrested at his home in Deal, Kent, after police connected him to a hire car he used to abduct Ms Everard, whose remains were found by police dogs on March 10.

Couzens was sacked from the force after he pleaded guilty in July to her kidnap, rape and murder.

On Wednesday, Ms Everards parents and sister condemned her killer as a monster as he sat quaking in the dock of the Old Bailey with his head bowed for the start of his sentencing.

Reading a statement to the court, Ms Everards mother, Susan Everard said her daughter spent her last hours on Earth with the very worst of humanity.

She lost her life because Wayne Couzens wanted to satisfy his perverted desires, she said.

In July, it emerged that Couzens had been accused six years earlier of indecent exposure. The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation into whether or not Kent Police handled the incident properly.

He was also accused of indecent exposure in south London just days before he would go on to murder Ms Everard.

Couzens pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping Ms Everard at the Old Bailey on 8 June, when he also accepted responsibility for her death. His sentencing began on Wednesday.

A month later, on 9 July, he pleaded guilty to her murder and faces life behind bars.

The court heard how Couzens hired a car and bought a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector in the days prior to the murder.

The defendant, who was a serving police officer at the time, had continued to work despite a complaint of indecent exposure three days before Ms Everards murder.

Couzens was accused of exposing himself in front of a woman at a fast food restaurant in south London on 28 February. The incident was recorded on CCTV and reported to the Met Police by restaurant staff that night.

At the time, Couzens had been working as a diplomatic protection officer in a Westminster-based unit in the Met which protects high-profile individuals and buildings in London. He had been primarily guarding embassies.

He had been working a 12-hour shift at his base in West Brompton, west London, the day before Ms Everards disappearance.

The Met Police have said he was not on duty at the time of Ms Everards disappearance.

On 5 March, the police officer, who was due to be off until 8 March, reported to work that he was suffering with stress. He emailed his supervisor the following day, saying that he no longer wanted to carry a firearm.

Couzens, who was born in Dover in 1973, had also served in the in the 3rd battalion of the Army Reserves for two years from 2002.

The defendant began working for the police later in life. Couzens worked as a mechanic in his familys garage in Dover for more than two decades, beginning as an apprentice in 1990 until 2011. His older brother, David Couzens, is also a police officer who joined the force in 1999.

He was working as a traffic officer with Kent Police in Folkestone by 2008 before joining the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and worked at the Dungeness Nuclear Power station in Kent.

He transferred to the Met Police in 2018, working in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

Additional reporting by Press Association
A previous allegation of indecent exposure against Wayne Couzens may have been missed during his vetting process, the Metropolitan Police has admitted as investigations continue into whether Sarah Everards killer was responsible for other unsolved crimes.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said the force had a number of inquiries still ongoing to establish whether Couzens was responsible for any other criminal activity.

The murderer will die behind bars after receiving a whole life term for the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Everard, but questions remain about whether the Met could have spotted some of his troubling behaviour earlier.

Couzens was accused of indecent exposure in June 2015

A vehicle registered to Couzens was linked to a report made to Kent Police in 2015 but the killer was never named as a suspect and the investigation concluded with no further action taken. Couzens was accused of driving naked from the waist down in Kent.

Nick Ephgrave, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said had the force known about the outcome of the Kent investigation, Couzens would still have passed their vetting process.

He told reporters during a briefing at Scotland Yard: As soon as we realised he was a police officer we reviewed in full the vetting processes.

One of a number of checks that forms part of the vetting process may not have been undertaken properly when it was done.

It related to information regarding a vehicle that was registered to Couzens and was linked to an allegation of indecent exposure made to Kent Police in 2015.

He was nicknamed the rapist

The court heard Couzens colleagues knew he was attracted to violent sexual pornography.

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor confirmed earlier on Thursday that Couzens was known as the rapist by other officers at times during his career.

This was because he had a reputation in terms of drug abuse, extreme pornography and other offences of this kind.

Couzens accused of indecent exposure days before Everards death

Two other allegations of indecent exposure were made against Couzens in the days before he abducted Sarah Everard in south London on 3 March this year.

Mr Ephgrave revealed one of these claims was made just 72 hours before he snatched the marketing executive off the street as she walked home before going on to rape and murder her.

Couzens received a whole life term for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (Metropolitan Police/PA)

He said the allegation was correctly recorded but police had not completed the investigation at the time of Ms Everards abduction.

The assistant commissioner said it was very hard to know whether what happened to Ms Everard may have been avoided if any of those things had been in a different order.

Wearing his handcuffs while off-duty

Couzens was reportedly known to wear his police belt and handcuffs even while he was off-duty.

When two people had seen him wearing the kit in a computer hardware store, he told the owner: I am an undercover police officer.

He was also reportedly spotted by a member of the public wearing his handcuffs and police kit while out walking his dog in Deal.
Whole life orders are the most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system for those who commit the most serious crimes.

After being handed such a sentence, Wayne Couzens will join a string of some of the countrys most dangerous offenders who are expected to die behind bars.

There are 60 criminals serving whole life orders, according to government figures to the end of June.

They will never be considered for release, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it.

Milly Dowlers killer Levi Bellfield is thought to be the only criminal in UK legal history to be serving two whole life orders  for her murder, the killings of Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.

Other notorious criminals serving whole life orders include: Gloucester serial killer Rose West; Michael Adebolajo, one of Fusilier Lee Rigbys killers; Mark Bridger, who murdered five-year-old April Jones in Wales; neo-Nazi Thomas Mair who killed MP Jo Cox; Grindr serial killer Stephen Port; and most recently the Reading terror attacker Khairi Saadallah, who murdered three men in a park.

Before they died, Moors murderer Ian Brady and his girlfriend Myra Hindley, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and doctor Harold Shipman  thought to be one of Britains most prolific serial killers  were also among those serving whole life orders.

In the past, home secretaries could issue whole life tariffs and these are now determined by judges.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently going through parliament, the government is trying to expand the use of whole life orders for the premeditated murder of a child.

The reforms would also allow judges to hand out the maximum sentence to 18- to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, such as for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life.

It will also give judges the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to impose a whole life order on offenders aged 18 or over but under 21.

PA
An environmental activist who was tricked into a sexual relationship with an undercover officer for nearly two years, has won a landmark tribunal case against the Metropolitan Police.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) concluded that Kate Wilsons right to freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, her right to privacy and right to freedom of expression had all been breached.

In a statement released following the ruling on Thursday, Ms Wilson said sexual predators within the police and attempts by officers to criminalise protesters are both still very live issues today.

In 2003 Ms Wilson, now 41, began a relationship with Mark Stone shortly after meeting him in the same year.

They quickly got swept up in a whirlwind romance but Ms Wilson was unaware that Stone was a serving undercover police officer for the Met.

The pair split up amicably in 2005 after Ms Wilson moved to Spain. Five years later in 2010, she found out that her former lover was a police officer called Mark Kennedy.

He had been sent to spy on activists as part of the Mets National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPIOU).

Mr Kennedy had sexual relationships with as many as 10 other women during his deployment, including one with a woman known only as Lisa which lasted for six years before she discovered a passport in his real name.

He was one of half a dozen undercover officers from the NPIOU or its sister unit, the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), who Ms Wilson came into contact with between 1998 and 2010.

Ms Wilson brought legal action against the Met and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) at the IPT for breaches of her human rights.

The Met and NPCC accepted Mr Kennedys actions amounted to a breach of those rights, but they denied that other officers, apart from Mr Kennedy and his cover officer, knew or suspected Ms Wilson was in a sexual relationship with him.

However, in its ruling the IPT found the Mets claims undercover officers (UCOs) knew sexual relationships were banned were materially undermined by the sheer frequency with which [Kennedy] (and other UCOs) did conduct sexual relationships without either questions being asked or action being taken by senior officers.

We are driven to the conclusion that either senior officers were quite extraordinarily naive, totally unquestioning or chose to turn a blind eye to conduct which was, certainly in the case of [Kennedy], useful to the operation, the tribunal added.

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The IPT also found the Met and NPCCs failure to guard against the risk of UCOs entering into sexual relationships with women amounted to unlawful discrimination against women.

The tribunal concluded: This is not just a case about a renegade police officer who took advantage of his undercover deployment to indulge his sexual proclivities, serious though this aspect of the case unquestionably is.

Our findings that the authorisations under [the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000] were fatally flawed and the undercover operation could not be justified as necessary in a democratic society ... reveal disturbing and lamentable failings at the most fundamental levels.

Ms Wilson said in her statement: The events in my case happened years ago, however the failure of the police to protect women from sexual predators within their own ranks, and police attempts to criminalise protesters, are both still very live issues today.

Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Womens Justice who previously represented Ms Wilson, said: This excoriating judgment could not have come at a more significant moment when we hear the details of the horrendous murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met police officer, who used deceit with the opportunities of his job to entrap her.

What is it going to take to transform the culture of policing so that resources are used to protect women from abuse from violence, not to abuse them?

The ruling comes on another difficult day for the Met, which is facing fresh scrutiny after one of its serving officers used his powers to kidnap, rape and murder London marketing executive Sarah Everard.

Wayne Couzens pleaded guilty to all the charges against him and was on Thursday sentenced to life in prison.

In the first day of his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, it emerged that Couzens was accused of indecently exposing himself in south London just days before he murdered Ms Everard.

Dame Cressida Dick, the Met chief who came under fire earlier this year over her forces handling of protests in the wake of Ms Everards death, is facing fresh calls to resign.

Harriet Harman, the Labour MP who chairs parliaments joint human rights committee, said in a letter to Cressida Dick that it was not possible for her to stay in post as womens confidence in the police has been shattered.

When asked earlier if Dame Cressida should resign, Priti Patel, the home secretary, said: There are important questions and questions that Ive been asking, and challenges: we have to be honest about this in particular to this case, but also the conduct of that serving officer and conduct of policing more broadly. So, I will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and the commissioner to hold them to account as everybody would expect me to do, and I will continue to do that.

Additional reporting by Press Association
Britains drug laws are racist and need to be overhauled, a former government adviser has said.

Lord Simon Woolley, who used to lead the governments race disparity unit, said the 50-year-old Misuse of Drugs Act should be reviewed, as it is a tool of systemic racism.

The crossbench peer also urged healthcare professionals to speak out about the benefits of reforming the existing rules.

He added that any review should examine whether decriminalising drug use could be part of the solution.

Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Lord Woolley, said that the current legislation failed all of society, but disproportionately affected black communities.

He added that a punitive drug policy is one of the most tangible and damaging means by which racism is felt in these communities.

Drug prohibition is racist in its DNA and in its impact on our society today, he wrote.

It is rooted in a series of attacks, in the US, the UK, and elsewhere, on non-white communities and the substances they were associated with  regardless of whether they actually took those drugs in high numbers.

He also recalled his own experiences of being stopped and strip-searched, noting the profound dehumanisation of such police action.

You are stripped bare and have to crudely show that you have nothing hidden anywhere.

The sense of being both powerless and humiliated instils anger and deep distrust in not only law enforcement but also the authorities that sanction it.

His message comes shortly after drug-related deaths in England and Wales reached their highest-recorded levels, with 4,561 deaths by drug misuse identified last year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Meanwhile, the death rate from drugs in Scotland continues to be the worst in Europe.

In response to Lord Woolleys comments, a Home Office spokesperson said illegal drugs blight our communities and ruin lives. They added that the governments whole system approach sought to crack down on criminals in the drugs trade and to drive down drug supply.

Additional reporting by PA
The wife of a man recently sentenced to less than five years in prison for choking a woman to death in sex has said the rough sex defence trivialises violence against women.

Sam Pybus was sentenced to four years and eight months earlier in September for killing Sophie Moss, a vulnerable 33-year-old who has two young children, at her home in Darlington in County Durham.

Teesside crown court heard Pybus, who will only have to serve half his sentence in prison, employed prolonged pressure to Moss neck for tens of seconds or minutes while having consensual sex in the early hours of 7 February.

Speaking to The Independent, Louise Pybus, an English teacher who was married to Pybus for almost five years but is now divorcing him, said: Im desperate not just for his sentence to be extended, but I want to make sure no other man can use the rough sex defence, which is just trivialising violence against women and girls.

Sam Pybus has been jailed for four years and eight months (PA)

Ms Moss death comes after the so-called rough sex defence was outlawed in the UK at the end of April via the domestic abuse act  with campaigners celebrating the decision to tackle the rising number of killers claiming women died during rough sex in court proceedings.

Increasing numbers of women are being seriously injured and killed in incidents dubbed sex games gone wrong. In 1996, two women per year were killed or injured during what the defendants referred to as consensual rough sex, but this figure had soared to 20 women by 2016.

Ms Pybus, who lives near Darlington, claimed her husband subjected her to emotional abuse and sexual violence during their relationship.

She said: A few months ago, I was scared for my safety, and I was trying to get a non-molestation order.

Non-molestation orders, which can last up to a lifetime, often restrict where abusers can go or whom they can approach, and can be used to prevent a partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence against a victim or their child.

Ms Pybus added: Ive blocked him from trying to write to me from prison. His letters to me from prison show he seems not to have taken responsibility for his actions.

Pybus, who had been seeing Moss for three years, had consumed 24 bottles of Amstel lager over the course of 10 hours that day.

He left our house while I was asleep upstairs, his 29-year-old wife told The Independent. He drove to Sophies flat after drinking 24 bottles of beer, that is what the courts have said, but it was more than that. We broke up when he committed that atrocious act.

She said she had no idea her 32-year-old husband had been having an affair until the police informed her of what had happened  adding that detectives initially told her he had been arrested on suspicion of murder without telling her who the victim was.

Ms Pybus added: But then two detectives said they needed to interview me again. They said Did Sam ever strangle you during sex? He did at the beginning of our relationship and I hadnt wanted him to. He quickly got the impression I didnt want to, then it stopped.

He was exploiting and taking advantage of her. It wasnt an affair, it wasnt a relationship, as she was a vulnerable woman. Louise Pybus

Ms Pybus, who has almost finished a PhD in Linguistics, claimed her husband would manipulate her during their relationship.

The cheating is not the focus, it is the lack of respect for women that infuriates me, she added. He had no respect for me at all. He never apologised for anything. He was very good at playing the victim. He couldnt see things from other peoples perspectives.

Ms Pybus, who said she did the bulk of the household chores during their relationship, explained the case has had a profound impact on her mental health.

She added: Im still on sedatives to get to sleep at night. I cant sleep without them. It breaks my heart that Sophie Moss had two kids who are going to be able to see the way their mum died, and was made out to be responsible for her own death.

He was exploiting and taking advantage of her. It wasnt an affair, it wasnt a relationship, as she was a vulnerable woman.

The decision to hand Pybus a sentence of less than half a decade in jail sparked a ferocious backlash among politicians, campaigners and members of the public. MPs previously told The Independent the maximum sentence for stealing pets is longer than the jail sentence handed to Pybus  warning his sentencing is a travesty of justice which tells women their lives do not matter.

Earlier in the month, the government revealed a new criminal offence of pet abduction will be rolled out after a surge in thefts during the pandemic, but a maximum jail term for the offence has not yet been unveiled. Pet theft presently falls under the Theft Act 1968 with a maximum jail sentence of seven years.

Recommended Attorney General reviewing length of jail term of man who strangled woman during sex

Harriet Harman, the Labour MP who chairs parliaments joint committee on human rights, wrote to the attorney general earlier in the month to object to the unduly lenient sentence  calling for the case to be referred to the Court of Appeal. Suella Braverman, the attorney general, is due to make a decision about the case next week.

Ms Pybus said her husband went from job to job, spending a lot of money, and simply wanted to lead the single life  adding that she sometimes could not track him down for days when he was out binge drinking.

She added: If he wasnt at the pub or at work, he was in bed and the curtains were closed. I love now being able to get up in the morning and just being able to open the curtains.

It is like a dimmer switch being turned off once you leave them. It takes so long to break away from the manipulation. I can see him for what he is now and that is an emotional abuser and an abuser of women.

The court heard after Pybus woke up and found Moss naked and unresponsive, he chose not to dial 999 or give her first aid, but instead waited in his car for 15 minutes before driving to a police station to hand himself in.

In 45 per cent of cases where a man kills a woman during sex and alleges she gave her consent, the rough sex defence succeeds, which leads to the killing being prosecuted under manslaughter or not even regarded as a crime.

For decades, for centuries, mens violence against women has been accepted as just one of those things. There is now a modern twist on this which uses womens sexual empowerment as a precept by exploitative men who are exercising control over women, Labours Ms Harman previously told The Independent.

It is a cruel irony womens sexual empowerment is used against them by their killers.
A former Big Brother contestant who heckled Sir Keir Starmer during his conference speech on Wednesday said she expects to be thrown out of the Labour Party.

Carole Vincent, 67, a carer from the Leyton and Wanstead constituency in east London, was among a group of party members who taunted the Labour leader and waved red cards at him as he closed the party conference in Brighton.

Ms Vincent told journalists after the speech that it was an absolute disgrace the Labour Party was not supporting a 15 an hour minimum wage and she expected Sir Keir to face a leadership challenge at some point.

She added: He had ignored  and this conference has ignored  people that have been standing up and asking him to guarantee the 15 per cent rise for the NHS, a 15 minimum wage.

Ms Vincent, a contributor to Socialist Worker who was previously stood for election for George Galloways Respect party, now fears she will be kicked out of Labour after goading the leader.

She told The Times: I will get expelled for this but Im a principled, decent, hardworking person. It is an absolute disgrace that Keir Starmer [was] not supporting a 15 minimum wage . . . its disgusting. He doesnt represent the roots of a Labour movement and party.

They dont represent the red flag, thats for sure. The red flag was built out of the blood, toil and sweat of the trade union movement, and thats not what were seeing here.

The 67-year-old heckler was previously a contestant on Big Brother 8 in 2007, where she came in fifth place.

Ms Vincent was also previously accused of taking a truncheon from a police officer during an anti-war rally that was organised after a state visit to London by former US President George Bush in 2008.

She was cleared after an intervention from left-wing politician Tony Benn who acted as a witness in her case.

Asked about the hecklers on BBC Radio 4s PM programme, Labours shadow secretary of state for child poverty Wes Streeting said: If you are going to do the work of the Conservative party for them, out you go, you wont be missed.
New Zealand politicians on Thursday passed a law that makes plotting a terrorist attack a crime, fixing a legal loophole that was exposed earlier this month by a violent knife attack.

The new law had been months in the planning but was hurried through Parliament after an extremist inspired by the Islamic State group grabbed a knife at an Auckland supermarket on Sept. 3 and began stabbing shoppers. He wounded five while two others were injured in the chaos. All have been recovering.

Police officers shot and killed the extremist, Ahamed Aathil Samsudeen, after they said they confronted him in the supermarket and he charged at them with the knife. Authorities had been following him for 53 days straight, worried he planned to launch an attack at any moment after he was released from prison in July. However, police had found no legal reason to detain him.

A year earlier, prosecutors had unsuccessfully tried to charge Samsudeen with terrorism after he bought a large hunting knife and was found with violent Islamic State videos.

Prosecutors argued there was evidence he purchased the knife with the intention of killing people and to further an ideological cause. But a judge ruled the act of buying a knife wasn't enough to proceed with the case.

The judge found New Zealands anti-terror laws didn't specifically cover plots. That could be an Achilles heel, the judge acknowledged at the time, adding that it was not up to a court to create new laws.

After the attack this month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed to pass the new legislation by the end of September. But Ardern also said that even had the new law been in place, it may not necessarily have stopped Samsudeen.

This bill strengthens our counterterrorism laws to better prevent and respond," said lawmaker Ginny Andersen, from the liberal Labour Party And these changes will also enable police to intervene earlier. If it saves lives, and makes New Zealanders safer, I believe that is a good thing.

New Zealand's terrorism laws date back to soon after after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S. Changes were recommended after a 2019 attack, in which a white supremacist gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers.

The conservative National Party joined Labour in voting in favor of the bill, which passed by 98 votes to 22. But some of Ardern's traditional liberal allies in Parliament voted against it.

The Green Party said their members were worried the new law had been rushed through without enough consultation, and that the definition of terrorism had been expanded to the extent it risked capturing direct action, activism, and protest.

The Greens said they were also worried that some experts had characterized the new offense as a thought crime," and that accompanying powers allowing authorities to carry out warrantless searches increased the risk for human rights abuses.

The new crime of planning a terrorist attack comes with a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. The bill also criminalizes travel to or from New Zealand to carry out an attack, and weapons or combat training for a terrorist attack.

Ardern has also been examining whether changes are needed to New Zealand's deportation laws and policies after authorities canceled Samsudeens refugee status on the basis of fraud in 2019 and ordered him deported back to Sri Lanka. An appeal by Samsudeen was still pending when he launched his attack.
The chief of the Metropolitan Police should step down in the wake of the killing of Sarah Everard, a senior MP has said.

Harriet Harman, who chairs parliaments joint human rights committee, said in a letter to Cressida Dick that it was not possible for her to stay in post as womens confidence in the police has been shattered.

Ms Harman, a former interim Labour leader, said a number of actions were required to rebuild confidence and that they could not be carried out with Dame Cressida in post as Met police commissioner.

In a separate letter to the Home Secretary Priti Patel Ms Harman spelled out a seven-step plan to reform the police in the wake of the killing, which was carried out by a serving police officer, reportedly with the aid of his warrant card and handcuffs.

She said that all serving police officers against whom there was an allegation of violence against women should be suspended, and that this should become routine.

Ms Harman said any officer who admitted or was found guilty of such an offence should be immediately dismissed from the force, that all recruits should be pre-screened for their attitudes towards women, and that officers who transfer between forces should face checks.

She also called for all serving officers to be given a training course asking them to examine their own attitudes to women, and that anyone who failed to report an officer for an allegations of violence against women should be dismissed from the police service.

The MP's call for Dame Cressida to go follows a call on 9 September when figures including Baroness Lawrence, Lady Brittan, and Alastair Morgan  high profile victims of police injustice  also said she should step down.

Ms Harmans call is a break from her partys position, as Keir Starmer as repeatedly defended the Met Commissioner and said she should not be replaced.

He had told ITV's Good Morning Britain programme earlier on Thursday: "I have worked with Cressida Dick over many years in relation to some very serious operations when I was director of public prosecutions. I was pleased that her contract was extended and I support her."

Sir Keir called for a new victims law that would "better provision in relation to violence against women and girls in law".

Following Ms Harman's comments, a spokesperson for Sir Keir's office confirmed the leader was not calling for Dame Cressida to resign, and said: "Keir has said that there has to be a review to get to the bottom of how this individual was able to be in the position he was. There were signs and evidence of past behaviour that should have been looked into properly and this needs to be investigated. To ensure this never happens again, we need systemic change.

Wayne Couzens, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murder, abducted the 33-year-old as she walked home from visiting a friend's house in south London on 3 March this year.

The officer was sentenced on Thursday to a whole-life prison term as a judge said he had displayed no evidence of genuine contrition.

There have been many warnings about perpetrators of male violence against women within the police force, which she has not acted on, and she has not heeded, Ms Harman told BBC News.

It was on her watch that Wayne Couzens' offences, that he'd carried out, sexual offences, a few days before, were swept under the carpet, by his colleagues and not investigated. So, she also responded by saying he was a 'bad 'un', like it was one bad apple. I think she showed that she is not the person to be the change that is necessary.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA

She added: I think the Home Secretary will ask herself: does she as Home Secretary need to make absolutely certain that that precious bond of trust between women in London, and the police is absolutely secure as Home Secretary, she is found to know that that is her responsibility. She's bound to know that there needs to be dramatic, and immediate action and she will also know that she will not be able to rely on Cressida Dick to take these forward with determination. And therefore, I think that she will want to ask Cressida Dick to resign.

Speaking to broadcasters, Ms Patel was asked whether the Commissioner should resign, and replied: There are important questions and questions that Ive been asking, and challenges: we have to be honest about this in particular to this case, but also the conduct of that serving officer and conduct of policing more broadly. So, I will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and the commissioner to hold them to account as everybody would expect me to do, and I will continue to do that.

Meanwhile Yvette Cooper, the chair of parliaments home affairs select committee, called for an inquiry. She said the full, independent investigation should look into violence against women and girls in the police service.
A minister has admitted it is impossible to know how many people will lose their jobs this winter as the government today ends the furlough scheme 18 months after it was introduced.

Simon Clarke  the chief secretary to the Treasury  added that job losses were part of the process , but stressed that at some point the emergency measure which has supported millions of jobs had to end.

Introduced in March 2020 by the chancellor Rishi Sunak, the furlough scheme originally paid 80 per cent of workers wages to a maximum payment of 2,500 each month, with the support being wound down over the summer.

It comes amid warnings the country faces a tidal wave of job losses as the scheme closes, while other support, such as the universal credit 20-per-week uplift, supporting low-income families, also ends.

Uncertainty remains for the future of around one million workers who were expected to be still receiving support through the financial scheme at the end of September, according to the latest Office for National Statistics estimates.

Asked on Sky News how many job losses there would be, Mr Clarke said: Its impossible to put an estimate on. Obviously there will be a variety of outcomes, I dont have an estimate with me today.

There will be some job losses, but there are also vacancies in the labour market for people to move towards and a huge range of support to help them do that.

Furlough has protected 11.6 million jobs in total during the course of its time  at some point you have to end these emergency measures, they are extraordinary and they are extraordinary for a reason.

He went on: Peoples jobs will be created just as some have very sadly been lost, that is the part of the process of ending this crisis and going back to normal.

According to new research published last night by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) workers in London are in the most precarious position, having been more likely to be furloughed over the summer than other parts of the country.

Coupled with higher rates of redundancy and lower rates of re-employment, the fiscal watchdog said: These challenges compound to heighten the risk of longer-term unemployment in the capital.

The IFS said employees in the capital accounted for 16 per cent of the redundancies made during the pandemic while 44 per cent of those who lost their jobs found new work within six months  compared with 58 per cent of workers for the rest of the country.

Mr Clarke also defended the imminent cut to universal credit, describing it as an enormously expensive mechanism, adding: Had we maintained this uplift, wed be talking a penny on income tax.
Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have remained steadfastly silent amid intense public scrutiny as their son Brian became the subject of a nationwide FBI manhunt.

Chris, 62, and Roberta, 55, live in a normally quiet suburban neighbourhood in North Port, population 75,000, about 50 miles north of Fort Myers.

Like their son Brian, the couple have led a nomadic life; public records show Chris has lived all over New York state including Woodhaven, Bayport, Bohemia, Maspeth, Forest Hills and Sayville.

During Brians teenage years, they lived on Long Island, where he met Gabby Petito while attending Bayport-Blue Point High School.

A Laundrie neighbour confronts a protester on Wednesday evening (Fox News)

From 2011 to 2020, Roberta was listed as working for the Suffolk County Government in an office position.

Chris Laundrie also lived in Hanaha, South Carolina, before moving to North Port in 2017, like millions of so-called snowbirds seeking the warmer climate of Florida.

Upon settling in North Port, Chris and Roberta established Juicer Services, a company that sells and services commercial juicing equipment. He is the president while Roberta is the vice president of the company, which is based in North Port.

The business is listed as temporarily closed.

Chris is affiliated with the Florida Democratic Party.

Gabby Petito moved in with the Laundries sometime in 2020. She lived under the Laundrie family roof, and it was there that the couple converted a Ford Transit van to travel around the USA on their ill-fated van-life trip.

When North Port Police showed up at the family home on 11 September, the Laundries appear to have been ready for them.

They refused to speak with authorities, who seized the young couples van, and handed over contact information for their lawyer Steve Bertolino.

Since then, the only public statements to come from the Chris and Roberta Laundrie have been through their lawyer.

Chris and Roberta Laundrie do not know where Brian is. They are concerned about Brian and hope the FBI can locate him, Mr Bertolino said earlier this week.

Laundries sister, Cassie, gave her only public statement on 17 September, revealing she had not spoken to her brother since he returned from his trip.

Cassie Laundrie told ABCs Good Morning America that she hopes Ms Petito will be found, in the first public interview given by a member of the Laundrie family.

Obviously me and my family want Gabby to be found safe, she said.

Shes like a sister and my children love her, and all I want is for her to come home safe and found and this to be just a big misunderstanding, she told GMA, while praising her brother for being a great uncle.

Since 16 September, the Laundrie family home has been besieged by protesters who have staged daily demonstrations outside calling for Chris and Roberta to cooperate with the investigation into their son.

A camping trip taken by the Laundries in early September has also come under the microscope.

On 6 September, Brian and his parents travelled to the Fort De Soto Park and are believed to have spent two days at the campsite.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie visited the Fort De Soto historical Fort in February (Instagram/GabbyPetito)

The timing of this trip is significant, as it was around the time that Ms Petitos mother Nichole Schmidt was desperately trying to reach Brian and Roberta to find out why communication with her daughter had suddenly stopped.

Ms Petitos father has been particularly scathing in his public comments about the Laundries, and police have urged them to come forward with any information that could help find their son.

Hundreds of concerned members of the public have also left flowers at a makeshift memorial at the home.

A neighbour of the Laundrie family was arrested on Wednesday for alleged battery of a protester.

Duane Dog the Bounty Hunter Chapman announced he was joining the search on Saturday, and showed up at the North Port home, only for Roberta to call the police on him.
The remains of the missing 18-year-old woman Brynn Bills are believed to have been found in a shallow grave with fresh dirt outside a home in Michigan, police have said.

Ms Bills, who went missing last month, was connected to the body that was found through tattoo markers after it was discovered in Alpena Township on Tuesday, according to Michigan State Police.

An autopsy will attempt to establish the cause of death.

Ms Bills was last seen on 1 August in Alpena. Investigators said that an anonymous tip prompted them to look for Ms Bills at a home on Naylor Road, where they found the body.

The tip led us to an area where we had seen that there was some fresh dirt and something that looked like it had been dug up recently, First Lieutenant John Grimshaw said at a press briefing, according to Fox News. So it was easy to locate, there were several spots on the property like that, so we narrowed our search to those and thats where we found the body.

It took us a long time to find the remains and to get her out of there, he added.

Police said the home where the body was found belongs to Joshua Wirgau, 34  a person of interest in the death of Ms Bills. Mr Wirgau was not at the home when police searched the property.

Following an unrelated incident that took place earlier this week, Mr Wirgau was already in custody on charges of unlawful imprisonment and felonious assault.

Police said Mr Wirgau has a lawyer.

Since the investigation was ongoing, further information wasnt immediately available.
Californias governor has signed a bill that clears the way for a valuable parcel of beachfront land near Los Angeles to be returned to the descendants of a Black family who had it seized nearly 100 years ago.

The move by Gavin Newsom allows Los Angeles County to return the Bruces Beach property in Manhattan Beach, which was taken from Willa and Charles Bruce under eminent domain by the city in 1924.

I want to apologise to the Bruce family, said Mr Newsom as he put his signature on the paperwork that will sign the transfer of ownership into law.

The parcel of land, which faces directly onto the Pacific, has been used as a public park and could be worth as much as $75m.

The Bruce family bought the land in 1912 for $1,225 and created a beach resort popular with Black families who wanted to enjoy a trip to the beach.

The resort included a bath house, a cafe and a dance hall, but quickly became a target of racist opposition and even a 1920 attack by the Ku Klux Klan.

The city, under pressure from its white residents, condemned the property, and other Black-owned parcels around it, and seized it with the stated goal of building a park.

The resort was forced out of business and the Bruce family lost their land in 1929, but the land remained undeveloped for decades and was transferred to the state in 1948 and the county in 1995.

Current state law requires Los Angeles County to use Bruces Beach for public recreation and bans the county from transferring it, but Senate bILL 796 signed by Mr Newsom scraps those restrictions.

The California Legislature gave its final approval to the measure earlier this month.

The land in the City of Manhattan Beach, which was wrongfully taken from Willa and Charles Bruce, should be returned to their living descendants and it is in the public interest of the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Manhattan Beach, and the People of the State of California to do so, the bill states.

State Senator Steven Bradford, who authored the bill, welcomed the governors signature on it.

Im honored for this governor to have the courage to do the right thing, said Mr Bradford at Thursdays outdoor signing at Bruces Beach.

If you can inherit generational wealth, you can inherit generational debt. The city of Manhattan Beach owes a debt to the Bruce family.

The state of California owes a debt to the Bruce family, and the county of Los Angeles owes a debt to the Bruce family, and our governor today is here to fix his signature to this bill to pay that debt to the Bruce family.

After Mr Newsom signed the bill, he handed his pen to Anthony Bruce, whose great-great grandparents had once owned the land.

As Governor of California, let me do what apparently Manhattan Beach is unwilling to do: I want to apologise to the Bruce family, said Mr Newsom

And he added: I really believe this can be catalytic. What were doing here today can be done and replicated anywhere else. Theres an old adage: Once a mind is stretched it never goes back to its original form.
The Coast Guard says that a report it received of a plane crash off the coast of California was unfounded.

Sea and air rescue teams scrambled after someone on a boat reported that they had seen a low flying aircraft near Carlsbad, California, that they thought may have crashed into the ocean.

But officials called off the search on Wednesday afternoon after it became apparent that there had been no accident.

Coast Guard spokesman Adam Stanto said the person on the boat reported seeing the plane on the emergency channel but said they did not see any crash or debris floating in the water.

But he said it was important for the agency to follow-up on any reports of plane crashes.

Sometimes we get false reports, sometimes we get real actual cases, he said.

The initial report was that the plane may have come down six miles off the coast of Carlsbad, according to FOX5.

Oceanside Police Department said its Harbor Unit was out on the water around 30 miles north of San Diego to search for anyone in need of help, along with ground units to be stationed near the beach.

News channel helicopter video shows emergency vehicles lined up along the coast road, with rescue boats on the water and a US Coast Guard helicopter in the air.
The wife of Alex Murdaugh met with a divorce attorney just six weeks before she and her son were killed, a source has told People magazine.

According to the source, who People said worked in law enforcement, Maggie Murdaugh drove to Charleston, South Carolina in late April to meet with the lawyer and discuss the possibility of divorcing her husband. The source also said Ms Murdaugh was beginning to dig through her familys finances.

She didnt pay close attention to the family money or where it came from, the source told People . But now she was starting to look into it.

On 7 June, Ms Murdaugh and her 22-year-old son, Paul, were found dead of gunshot wounds.

In a statement to The Daily Beast , a representative for Alex Murdaugh vigorously denied that his marriage had been in trouble.

We have reviewed many years of text messages on Alexs phone, and the conversations between Alex and Maggie portray a very loving relationship, Mr Murdaughs spokesperson, Amanda Loveday, told the Beast . It is our hope that the media will continue to focus on covering the investigation of the person or people responsible for the murder of Maggie and Paul and not reporting salacious stories with no credible sources connected to the Murdaugh family.

The meeting is just the latest wrinkle in the swirl of bizarre incidents tied to Mr Murdaugh, a former attorney and heir to a powerful family of lawyers in South Carolina.

When Maggie and Paul were found dead, Mr Murdaugh was the one who reported finding their bodies. Then, in September, Mr Murdaugh himself was shot , but survived. Since then, he has admitted to arranging his own shooting as part of a $10 million insurance fraud scheme.

Meanwhile, based on information they uncovered in relation to the first two murders, police have reopened investigations into the deaths of Mr Murdaughs housekeeper and a seemingly unrelated teenager who died under mysterious circumstances.

Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were killed at their Islandton estate (Handout)

A lawyer for Mr Murdaugh, Richard Harpootlian, has repeatedly said his client had nothing to do with the deaths of his wife and son.

He is totally distraught, Mr Harpootlian told NBC News. He did not murder them.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has confirmed that the FBI is helping with the myriad investigations related to the Murdaughs.

I have been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the United States Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina, SLED chief Mark Keel said last week.

From very early on in this investigation SLED has utilized federal resources as needed. We will continue to call upon our federal partners as their assistance is needed to successfully investigate and prosecute specific aspects of these cases.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Murdaughs lawyer for comment, but has not yet heard back.
Police in Florida have admitted they didnt see Brian Laundrie when they went to his parents home on 11 September, raising questions about when the missing suspect was last at the house.

North Port Police seized a van belonging to Gabby Petito from the Laundrie family home that evening after she was reported missing by her mother Nichole Schmidt.

Spokesman Josh Taylor told media on Wednesday police didnt spot Mr Laundrie that night. The Laundries refused to cooperate with authorities and gave them the contact details for their family attorney.

His parents told authorities he left the house on 14 September to go hiking in the nearby Carlton Reserve, but didnt report him missing until three days later.

The Laundrie familys movements are being freshly scrutinised after it emerged they went camping at the Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County on 6 September.

Brian Laundrie also bought a new cellphone around the time he went missing.

His parents have denied any involvement in their sons escape.

Gabby Petitos remains were found in a national forest in Wyoming on 19 September. Her death has been ruled a homicide after a preliminary autopsy, but no cause of death has been released.

Mr Laundrie has been charged with fraudulently using a bankcard in the days after Ms Petito is believed to have died.
A Florida sheriff has criticised police for allowing Brian Laundrie to leave his parents home while his girlfriend Gabby Petito was missing.

Grady Judd, the sheriff of Polk County, weighed in on the North Port Police Departments handling of the case during a press conference on Thursday.

He said while his office was not directly involved in the investigation, he could speculate based on information he had gleaned from news reports.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was critical of the police for allowing Brian Laundrie to leave his parents home (WFLA)

I can tell you, at this sheriffs office, when he showed up with her car and she was no place to be found, we would have never let him out of our custody that day, Mr Judd said during a press conference on an undercover child porn operation .

Other than that, Im not sure where their investigation is.

Mr Judd added that a 12 August incident in Moab, Utah, where police were called after receiving reports that Mr Laundrie had hit and slapped Ms Petito, was a clear case of domestic violence.

I can tell you that according to Florida law, when she was the victim of domestic violence originally, he wouldve been arrested, he said.

The Moab Police Department has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the 911 call on 12 August.

Bodycam footage shows Ms Petito was visibly distraught as she told police officers she had been the main aggressor.

Moab police chief Bret Edge has taken a leave of absence and the police officers involved are under investigation.

Meanwhile, two FBI agents entered the Laundrie family home in North Port on Thursday afternoon.

The agents arrived at the home of Christopher and Roberta Laundrie at about 1:20pm, and briefly entered a camper parked in the driveway.

They left around 20 minutes later carrying a bag.

The Laundries attorney said the officers had gone there to collect personal items belonging to Brian Laundrie to assist in the police dog units search for the missing man.

Laundrie returned to his parents Florida home on 1 September without Ms Petito.

North Port Police seized their van on 11 September, but admitted they did not see Mr Laundrie when they attended the family home.

His parents say he left the home on 14 September to go for a hike in a nearby reserve, and was only reported missing three days later.
The remains of the missing 18-year-old woman Brynn Bills are believed to have been found in a shallow grave with fresh dirt outside a home in Michigan, police have said.

Ms Bills, who went missing last month, was connected to the body that was found through tattoo markers after it was discovered in Alpena Township on Tuesday, according to Michigan State Police.

An autopsy will attempt to establish the cause of death, police said the results will be shared with the public but may take months to arrive.

Ms Bills was last seen on 1 August in Alpena. Investigators said that an anonymous tip prompted them to look for Ms Bills at a home on Naylor Road, where they found the body.

The tip led us to an area where we had seen that there was some fresh dirt and something that looked like it had been dug up recently, First Lieutenant John Grimshaw said at a press briefing, according to Fox News. So it was easy to locate, there were several spots on the property like that, so we narrowed our search to those and thats where we found the body.

It took us a long time to find the remains and to get her out of there, he added.

Police said the home where the body was found belongs to Joshua Wirgau, 34, whos a person of interest in the death of Ms Bills. Mr Wirgau was not at the home when police searched the property.

Following an unrelated incident that took place earlier this week, Mr Wirgau was already in custody on charges of unlawful imprisonment and assault with a dangerous weapon.

He is a person of interest, obviously. He is the homeowner where there was a deceased body found on it, so he is a person of interest, Lt Grimshaw said. He has an attorney.

Police added that there are other persons of interest in the investigation.

Lt Grimshaw said that the family of Ms Bills is coping as well as can be expected.

Ms Bills would have turned 18 on 12 August, but her father, Duane Bills, told The Alpena News on Wednesday that he doesnt think she reached her birthday.

They found her, so, obviously, somebodys got some answering to do on the subject, Mr Bills said.

Court records indicate that Mr Wirgau has been charged multiple times previously, including for sexual assault and drugs violations.
Two men in Missouri are accused of keeping a missing woman locked in a cage in a state of partial nudity, according to court records obtained by local media.

Police charged James Phelps, 58, and Timothy Norton, 56, with kidnapping 33-year-old Cassidy Rainwater, who was reported missing on 25 August after not being seen or heard from for six weeks.

Mr Phelps allegedly told investigators that Ms Rainwater stayed with him at his home in rural Missouri, near the city of Lebanon, until she could get back on her feet, before suddenly leaving in the middle of the night.

But in court documents seen by Kansas City news channel WDAF, prosecutors say they found seven photos on Mr Phelps phone of Ms Rainwater being held partially nude in a cage on his property.

Police have not said whether Ms Rainwater is still alive.

Cassidy Rainwater (Dallas County Sheriffs Department)

According to prosecutors, an anonymous tipster had reported the photos existence to an FBI agent in Kansas City on 16 September, leading them to search Mr Phelps phone and interview Mr Norton, a trucker.

Mr Phelps had previously claimed that he had not seen Ms Rainwater since she went out to meet an unknown car at the end of his driveway. Detectives noticed that his property appeared stripped.

Under interview, Mr Norton allegedly admitted that he had gone to Mr Phelps home on 24 July at his request to help restrain Ms Rainwater. Both men are now being held without bail, with a court date set for 5 October.

The Dallas County, Missouri Sheriffs Office said: Due to the extreme nature of the crime and the continuation of the investigation, additional details cannot be released at this time. There is no immediate danger to the public.
A Texas woman who made a desperate plea to find her husbands killer a year ago has now been accused of orchestrating the crime with the help of her boyfriend.

Jennifer Lynne Faith had said last year that she was not supposed to be widowed at 48 and urged the killer to come forward. I just hope that at some point, maybe this person can recognise the gravity of what theyve done and [can] feel some sort of guilt, she had said in a tearful plea on 2 December.

On 9 October Jamie Faith, an American Airlines technology director, was gunned down while he and his wife were walking their dog. In January, Ms Faiths long-distance boyfriend Darrin Rubin Lopez has been indicted for the murder.

Almost a year later, police say they have found evidence to show that Ms Faith engaged in a depraved plot to kill her husband and manipulated her boyfriend into committing the crime. In February this year, the police had charged her with destruction of evidence in the case.

Court documents alleged that Ms Faith impersonated her husband and another friend to send emails to her boyfriend. In these emails, she insinuated that she was being sexually and physically abused by her husband, allegedly provoking Mr Lopez to kill Faith.

There is no evidence to prove these accusations against her husband, authorities said.

Prerak Shah, acting US attorney for the northern district of Texas, said the womans act was depraved and calculated. She preyed on her boyfriends protective instinct and his pocketbook in order to convince him to execute her husband. Jamie Faiths brutal murder was a tragedy, Mr Shah said.

Ms Faith and her boyfriend exchanged more than 14,000 calls and texts during the month of the murder, according to a report by WFAA, ABCs local affiliate.

One time, Ms Faith, posing as her husband, sent a picture of two men sexually abusing an unidentified woman to Mr Lopez. Good stuff, an email to Mr Lopez on 9 May 2020 said. Enjoy knowing you cant do a f*****g thing about it.

Still impersonating her husband, she also sent pictures showing injuries that she claimed were from an assault. These were, in fact, from a 2012 accident.

Another set of emails were sent to Mr Lopez from an account expressing concern over how Ms Faith was being treated by her husband. These were also sent by Ms Faith, authorities say.

After the series of emails and exchanges over months, where Ms Faith allegedly faked assault and torture at the hands of her husband, Mr Lopez went from Tennessee to Dallas last October to gun down Mr Faith, prosecutors say.
Brian Laundrie returned home from a dream van-life trip without his girlfriend Gabby Petito on 1 September.

In the days after he returned to his parents North Port Florida home, he ignored the desperate pleas from Ms Petitos family trying to find out why she suddenly stopped communicating with them.

Since then, Mr Laundrie has gone on the run from authorities, been named a person of interest in his girlfriends disappearance, and been charged with fraudulently using a bank card to obtain $1,000 in cash after Ms Petitos death. While an arrest warrant allows authorities to take Mr Laundrie into custody, he has not been accused of a crime related to Ms Petitos demise.

As the case attracted national media attention and was pored over by an army of digital sleuths, video emerged of the couples van parked on the side of a dirt road in a remote area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Authorities narrowed their search for Ms Petito and on 19 September, announced they had found remains belonging to the missing woman.

As the manhunt for Mr Laundrie approaches its third week, here are the key unanswered questions in the case.

FBI agents have reportedly visited an AT&T store where Brian Laundrie was spotted buying a burner phone on 14 September (Instagram)

Where is Brian Laundrie?

Brian Laundrie is the subject of a nationwide manhunt led by the FBI and involving local law enforcement agencies in at least five states.

Police seized the van on 11 September from his parents home, but have since admitted they didnt spot Mr Laundrie that day.

According to a statement made by Mr Laundries parents to North Port Police, he left home on 14 September claiming to be heading to the Carlton Reserve near his home.

When he didnt return the next day, they reportedly went looking for him and found his Ford Mustang vehicle parked near the reserve.

His parents informed authorities hed disappeared on 17 September, and said he had left home without his wallet or cellphone.

North Port Police initially led the search of the reserve using drones, all-terrain vehicles, dogs and inflatable boats. They were joined by several police forces and a specialist dive unit from the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office.

The search of the 25,000-acre, alligator-infested reserve was hindered by torrential downpours.

An experienced rancher who lived beside the reserve for the past 30 years says there is no chance anyone could have survived there.

The search has since been scaled back.

I dont think youre going to see those large scale types of efforts this week, department spokesman Josh Taylor said.

As police scoured the Carlton Reserve, sightings of Mr Laundrie came in from the Florida panhandle and Mobile, Alabama.

Each sighting was reported to authorities, investigated, and ruled out.

Another witness came forward to say he was confident he had seen Mr Laundrie hiking the Appalachian Trail on Saturday 2 October.

Dennis Davis, 53, said a man in a vehicle pulled up next to him to ask for directions on Waterville Road near the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Mr Davis, an engineer from Florida, said he has no doubt the man was Mr Laundrie.

Dog the Bounty Hunter has joined the search for Brian Laundrie (Fox News)

The FBIs Denver office is leading the nationwide search for the missing 23-year-old. They took over as the lead agency from North Port Police this week.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Petitos parents said the Laundries had not helped them locate their daughter, and they doubted that they would assist authorities to find their son.

After being inundated by requests from fans, Duane Dog the Bounty Hunter Chapman joined the search for Mr Laundrie at the weekend, and has claimed he is following up on strong leads received from the public.

Questions remain about exactly when Mr Laundrie left his parents home, what possessions he had with him, whether hes been receiving assistance from anyone since he left, and how police failed to anticipate he would leave the house.

Authorities are working on the assumption that Mr Laundrie is still alive and is actively evading their attempts to locate him.

Friends have said he is a skilled survivalist who has spent months living alone in the wilderness along the Appalachian Trail.

Other theories have suggested he may have left the country, committed suicide, or been attacked by wildlife.

Until a definitive answer is found, the Petito family will not receive closure.

A sign in support of Gabby Petito in Holbrook, Long Island (Bevan Hurley/The Independent)

How did Gabby Petito die?

Ms Petitos remains were located near Spread Creek, Wyoming, in an area where bears, mountain lions and other dangerous wildlife are known to frequent.

Her death was declared a homicide after the results of a preliminary autopsy by Teton County coroner Dr Brent Blue were released on 21 September.

They believe Ms Petito died sometime in late August, but so far, no further information has been released about how she died.

Experts say it could be some time before a cause of death is publicly released.

Her parents had been expecting to bring Ms Petitos remains home to Long Island prior to a memorial service held in Holbrook on Sunday.

But they were forced to display an empty urn at the ceremony, after it emerged Ms Petitos remains were still being investigated by authorities.

Where is Brian Laundries phone?

On Wednesday, it emerged that Brian Laundrie purchased a new burner phone in the days before he went missing.

Mr Laundrie was seen buying the phone in the company of an older woman at an AT&T store in North Port Florida.

FBI agents went to the store and obtained CCTV footage in recent days, the celebrity news site reported.

Laundrie family attorney Steve Bertolino confirmed the phone purchase on Wednesday, but said he believed Mr Laundrie left the burner phone at home.

To my knowledge they did purchase a new phone and its the same phone that Brian left home and which the FBI is in possession of.

The FBI is refusing to comment on whether the phone they have is Mr Laundries regular phone, or the recently purchased burner.

An image from Gabby Petitos Instagram shows her and Brian Laundrie at Fort De Soto Park in Florida (Instagram / Gabby Petito)

Why did the Laundries go camping, while ignoring desperate requests for help from the Petitos?

Among the more puzzling aspects of this case is a camping trip taken by Mr Laundrie and his parents, Christopher and Roberta, to the Fort De Soto Park campsite in Pinella County over the Labor Day weekend.

Its been confirmed that the Laundries arrived at the campsite on 6 September, and they stayed either one or two nights.

Brian Laundrie had visited the campsite with Ms Petito in February, posting photos as they explored the abandoned ruins there.

Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have denied any knowledge of their sons whereabouts, or Ms Petitos death.

They initially declined to speak to authorities and ignored text messages from Ms Petitos mother Nichole Schmidt.

 Gabby Petito investigation: 911 call reveals Brian Laundrie seen hitting, 'slapping' her before disappearance

Could authorities in Utah have done more to protect Ms Petito?

Police in Moab, Utah, responded to a 911 call on 12 August after a witness said they saw Mr Laundrie hitting and slapping his girlfriend.

Bodycam footage was later released, and shows a distraught Ms Petito tell officers she was responsible for starting the argument,

The almost hour-long video shows officers from Moab City Police Department separating Ms Petito and Mr Laundrie.

She told officers she slapped her fiance because she feared he was going to drive off without her following an argument. The incident was classed as a mental/emotional health break rather than a domestic assault.

The incident is the subject of an investigation by the City of Moab.

At this time, the City of Moab is unaware of any breach of Police Department policy during this incident. However, the City will conduct a formal investigation and, based on the results, will take any next steps that may be appropriate.

Domestic violence experts who reviewed the footage say better training of domestic violence is required to recognise when victims are in potential danger.

Investigators are continuing to search for Brian Laundrie (Instagram)

Will Brian Laundrie be charged in connection to Gabby Petitos death?

Mr Laundrie is wanted on charges of bank fraud, and will be arrested if he is found.

Many have questioned whether he will face homicide charges, or be named a suspect in his partners death.

The FBI has jurisdiction over any further federal charges, and have given no indication of additional charges against Mr Laundrie.

They may want to wait until the autopsy is completed and a cause of death has been released.

We urge individuals with knowledge of Mr Laundries role in this matter or his current whereabouts to contact the FBI, special agent in charge Michael Schnedier said.

A special hotline has been set up at 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171, and tips can also be submitted at www.:/fbi.gov/petito.

The FBI have vowed to bring anyone who is complicit in Ms Petitos death to justice.
A teenage boy was shot and critically wounded Thursday at a school in Memphis, Tennessee, and police detained a second boy believed to be the shooter. The K-8 school was placed on lockdown and students were taken by bus to a nearby church to be reunited with frantic parents.

Memphis police identified both the victim of the shooting at the Cummings School and the shooter as male juveniles." The victim was 13, Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said, but he declined to release the age of the suspect. He said both were students at the school.

Certainly, at this point, we need everyone to be praying for that child and the child's family so he can make a full recovery, he said of the victim.

He said the suspect fled the school after the shooting, but later turned himself in at a police precinct.

Parents held umbrellas and talked with each other in a light drizzle as they waited for children to arrive at the church. Ebonnie Hayslett rushed to the school to make sure her two nieces were safe.

The worst news you could receive is a shooting at a kids school," she said. "My main concern was the kids being OK, the teachers, the faculty. No one wants to go pick up their kids and be surrounded by SWAT cars and police officers.

A school resource officer who was inside the building responded to the shooting and informed other officials inside the school, said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray. Students were lined up and taken out of the school into buses, which brought them to the church.

Tempers flared briefly as parents lined up outside the church, demanding information about the shooting and pushing for the release of their kids. When the students were dismissed, some of them were crying and hugging their parents as they left the church.

Ray said emergency procedures were followed closely, and he praised teachers and staff for keeping the children calm and safe. He became emotional while speaking with news reporters outside the church.

Were doing all we can to keep our students safe, Ray said. We cant allow our children to hurt from gun violence.
Dogs are getting ill more often from edibles they find on walks, as an increasing number of states across the US legalise cannabis, according to a leading animal charity.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that calls to its poison hotline suggest that marijuana toxicity in dogs has increased with the number of states where it can be legally sold.

Most of those calls are from cannabis edibles found at the owners home, but an increasing number are from drugs found on walks in the wild, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Between Between 2017 and 2020, the number of national calls for canine cannabis consumption rose from 1,436 to 3,923 cases, said Tina Wismer, senior director of the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

Officials say that those figures are likely just a fraction of the real number of marijuana poisonings of pets across the country.

California legalised recreational marijuana in November 2016, and in the four years that followed animal poisoning call numbers increased by 276 per cent.

In Colorado, which legalised it in 2012, poisoning calls are 11 times higher than they were before.

Edibles are a threat to dogs because they are designed for significantly heavier human consumers.

If you ask any of our emergency room veterinarians, they would all say that the number of cannabis-intoxicated dogs has increased by leaps and bounds since legalisation of medical and then recreational marijuana for humans, Karl Jandrey, a professor of veterinary sciences at UC Davis told the newspaper.

Avoidance is the only prevention, added Mr Jandrey. Dogs get into many things outside and inside the house.

Ms Wismer, who is also a veterinarian, said telltale signs of marijuana toxicity in dogs include unsteadiness on their feet, depression, dilated eyes, dribbling urine, sensitivity to touch and sound, slow heart rate and even low body temperature.

And symptoms usually begin to show 20 to 40 minutes after the animals exposure to the drug.

Recreational use of cannabis is legal in 18 states and Washington DC, and another 13 states have decriminalised it.
At least 116 people killed and 80 were injured in the worst bloodbath ever in a jail in Ecuador, it was announced on Wednesday, forcing the South American country to declare a state of emergency in the prison system. At least five of the dead were beheaded, according to officials.

The carnage at the Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil erupted after a battle broke out on Tuesday night among gang members of international drug cartels vying to capture control of the facility.

Announcing the state of emergency at the prison facility, President Guillermo Lasso handed over federal powers which include deploying police and soldiers inside the prison.

The countrys national police service said it had sent in 400 officers to restore order.

President Guillermo Lasso described the gang war as bad and sad, and said: It is regrettable that the prisons are being turned into territories for power disputes by criminal gangs. I ask God to bless Ecuador and that we can avoid more loss of human life.

While it remained unclear if the authorities had regained complete control of the facility, the president said he will be acting with absolute firmness to ensure swift capture of power back in the hands of officials.

He promised additional security forces and funds to avoid a repeat of such prison wars. He also announced that the family members of inmates would get food and psychological support. A programme worth $24m focusing on infrastructure and technology in the Litoral facility will be sped up, the president added.

Preliminary visuals from inside the prisons Pavilions 9 and 10 showed a gory battlefield-like situation with dozens of bodies piled up inside. The gang rivals came to blows with firearms, knives and bombs, according to officials. Some bodies were also found in the pipes of the prison, regional police commander Fausto Buenano said on Tuesday.

Family members and relatives of the deceased inmates were seen crying outside the prison morgue as they described how the bodies of their jailed loved ones were decapitated and dismembered.

Ecuador is no stranger to prison violence  this is the third prison fight resulting in mass deaths in the country this year, but Tuesdays bloodbath is the deadliest so far.

At least 79 people died in February and more than 100 died in July in similar clashes in Ecuadors prisons, with the latter forcing the president to announce a state of emergency. While in July, the clashes and death toll were spread across several prisons, Tuesdays death toll was particularly stark for being isolated to just one prison.

The violence was condemned by Ecuadorian leaders who criticised the federal administration for not taking steps to prevent such gang wars despite the February riot.

In the history of the country, there has not been an incident similar or close to this one, said Ledy Zuniga, the former president of Ecuadors National Rehabilitation Council.

Seeking a temporary handover of the countrys prison system from the government to the national police, Colonel Mario Pazmino, the former director of Ecuadors military intelligence, said the fighting shows how transnational organised crime has permeated the structure of Ecuadors prisons.

Mexicos Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels operate through local gangs, Mr Pazmino said.

Additional reporting by agencies
The disappearance of van-life adventurer Gabby Petito captured public attention like few other cases in recent living memory.

Ms Petito, 22, set off from her home in Long Island, New York, with boyfriend Brian Laundrie on 2 July for the adventure of a lifetime, taking in national parks and camping grounds across the United States.

The couple were seasoned travellers, and spent months preparing for the trip, converting a Ford Transit van and researching campsites and routes.

They documented the trip on their YouTube account Nomadic Statik, and on Instagram accounts.

But behind their seemingly picture-perfect lives, their relationship was under immense strain.

On 12 August, a witness called 911 to say he had seen Mr Laundrie hitting and slapping Ms Petito in Moab, Utah.

The couple were separated for the night, but police say they didnt have enough evidence to press domestic violence charges.

Ms Petito suddenly stop communicating with her parents in late August. Her remains were located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on 19 September after the case received enormous interest from media and online.

Mr Laundrie returned to his parents home in North Port, Florida, on 1 September, and ignored the desperate attempts from Ms Petitos parents to make contact with their daughter.

He left his parents home on 14 September and is currently the subject of a nationwide manhunt.

Many questions are left unanswered by the case and what really happened between the pair before Ms Petitos death.

US reporter for The Independent Bevan Hurley, who is based in New York, has been covering the case and was at the memorial service for Ms Petito on Long Island on Sunday.

He will be on hand to answer questions about what has happened so far and the ongoing manhunt for Mr Laundrie. Bevan will hold an ask me anything in the comments below at 6pm BST, 1pm EST, today, 30 September.

All you have to do is register to submit your question in the comments below. If youre not already a member, click sign up in the comments box to leave your question. Dont worry if you cant see your question  they will be hidden until Bevan join the conversation to answer them. Then join us live on this page at 4pm as he tackles as many questions as he can.
A Harvard professor is warning using the term trigger warning may itself trigger the negative reaction it is intended to prevent.

New psychological research suggests that not only do trigger warnings not work, but they could also have the opposite effect in some cases, Harvard Law School professor Jeannie Suk Gersen writes in The New Yorker.

Prof Gersen notes that "trigger warning" was included alongside "killing it" and "take a stab at" in a list of phrases that could trigger victims of violence and should be removed from everyday use.

The "Suggested Language List", developed by Brandeis Universitys Prevention, Advocacy, and Resource Center, says that "warning can signify that something is imminent or guaranteed to happen, which may cause additional stress about the content to be covered".

"We can also never guarantee that someone will not be triggered during a conversation or training; peoples triggers vary widely, the reasoning goes.

Harvard University has been at the centre of the "trigger warning war" waged at college campuses across the United States.

And while both sides of that war are seemingly converging at the similar conclusion that trigger warnings should not be used, the reasons are vastly different.

As Prof Gersen highlights from one study at Harvard, people who received trigger warnings felt greater anxiety reading the same passages as people who did not receive trigger warnings. Another study found trigger warnings may prolong the distress of negative memories.

"The perverse consequence of trigger warnings, then, may be to harm the people they are intended to protect," Prof Gersen concluded.

In other respects, she adds, trigger warnings seem to have less impact than their critics, who say theyre a way for students to simply avoid ideas that challenge their beliefs.

"That opposition is part of broader worries about teachers coddling students, cultivating their fragility, or shielding them from discussions that might expand their minds," she writes.

That argument against trigger warnings was first laid out by New York University social psychologist Jonathan Haidt six years ago in the book he co-authored, The Coddling of the American Mind.

Prof Haidt writes that the modern usage of trigger warnings originated in the early days of the Internet in self-help messaging boards and feminist forums. It broke into the mainstream and college campuses in 2011 and continued until reaching its peak in 2015.

In a 2015 essay in The Atlantic, Prof Haidt notes a previous New Yorker piece from Prof Gersen in which she described the difficulties of teaching rape law in the age of trigger warnings.

Some students, Prof Gersen wrote, pressured professors to avoid teaching the subject to protect themselves from distress. She compared it to teaching "a medical student training to be a surgeon but who fears hell become distressed if he sees or handles blood".

Prof Haidt argued there is a deeper problem with trigger warnings that defy the most basic tenets of psychology: overcoming a fear, phobia or PTSD is best done by exposure therapy, not avoidance.

"Students who call for trigger warnings may be correct that some of their peers are harbouring memories of trauma that could be reactivated by course readings. But they are wrong to try to prevent such reactivations," he writes.

"The expansive use of trigger warnings may also foster unhealthy mental habits in the vastly larger group of students who do not suffer from PTSD or other anxiety disorders," he adds.

"People acquire their fears not just from their own past experiences, but from social learning as well. If everyone around you acts as though something is dangerous  elevators, certain neighbourhoods, novels depicting racism  then you are at risk of acquiring that fear too."
An Alabama woman whose baby died during a ransomware attack on the hospital where she was giving birth has sued the institution for negligence and wrongful death.

In court papers filed last June, lawyers for Teiranni Kidd of Mobile, Alabama accuse Springhill Memorial Hospital and its parent company of not doing enough to prevent the cyberattack and of conspiring to hide its severity.

Ms Kidds daughter, Nicko, was born in July 2019 with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, which elevated her heart rate, gave her severe brain damage, and led to her death nine months later.

The problem normally have been visible on a large screen at the central nurses station, but that system had been locked down by hackers demanding a ransom payment, leaving only a paper print-out at Ms Kidds bedside to register the danger.

Teiranni Kidd... was not told that the hospital's computer systems had been hacked, that they were not operating as needed, and that patient safety was implicated and could be compromised, the lawsuit says.

It then describes how the ransomware shut down the hospitals computer systems for days on end, forcing nurses and doctors to use outdated paper heartbeat charts and hand-delivered documents.

Nurses and other healthcare personnel were forced to use outdated paper charting methods and paper documentation to record and document Teirannis labour and Nicko's delivery, it says.

Some of the paper forms used outdated terminology and had not been used in years...

As a result, the number of healthcare providers who would normally monitor her labour and delivery was substantially reduced, and important safety-critical layers of redundancy were eliminated.

The suit contends that if Ms Kidd had known the extent of the cyberattack she would have chosen to have her baby elsewhere.

Ms Kidds complaint, first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, was originally filled in January 2020 and amended that June after Nickos death.

If her claims are proven, it would be first death conclusively tied to ransomware attacks, which have sown chaos around the world by shutting down computer systems in hospitals, transport networks, gas pipelines and beyond.

Springhill Hospital denies any wrongdoing. Its chief executive Jeffrey St Clair told the Journal that it had stayed open because patients needed its services and its physicians had deemed it safe to do so.

According to the Journal, court documents show how Springhill medics scrambled to keep their hospital running in the wake of the attack, which had reportedly been running for eight days when Ms Kidd arrived.

We have no computer charting for I dont know how long, one manager said. I want to run away, said a nurse in a text message.

Jeffrey Planchard, an anaesthesiologist who worked at Springhill during the outage, told the Journal that losing access to medical records put lives at risk.

He said that usually, nurses would instinctively check the main screen throughout the day, but instead it fell to a single nurse on Ms Kidds ward to notice the problem on printouts from a bedside heart rate monitor.

In the aftermath of Nickos birth, text messages published by the Journal show Katelyn Parnell, the attending obstetrician, telling the nurse manager: "I need u to help me understand why I was not notified."

To another colleague, she texted: It just sucks. Totally preventable. I know bad things happen and sometimes you can't control it, but this was preventable.
New York Gov. Kathleen Hochul has encouraged religious-minded people to get a COVID-19 vaccine by saying it is God s will that they get inoculated.

A lawyer argued before a federal appeals court Wednesday that the Democrat's comments about God could be encouraging hospitals and nursing homes to ignore court orders that  for now  are supposed to prevent them from punishing workers who won't take the vaccine because of religious objections.

Health care institutions across New York this week began suspending workers who failed to meet a state deadline to get a COVID-19 shot. Statewide, about 92% of hospital and nursing home staff had received at least one dose as of the vaccine as of Wednesday morning, according to figures from Hochul's office.

New York's vaccine mandate for health care workers doesn't include a religious exemption, but because of legal challenges, courts have temporarily barred employers from enforcing the mandate against people with a sincerely held religious belief against vaccination.

During court arguments Wednesday, the judges with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan did not appear to be particularly impressed by an argument by Cameron Lee Atkinson, an attorney with We The Patriots USA Inc., a group challenging the state mandate, that Hochul's comments about God were discouraging health care employers from granting religious exemptions.

One of three judges on a panel said Atkinson's claim that Hochul is telling people that God wants you to get the vaccine was not the same as ordering employers to fire workers.

Earlier this week, Hochul, who is Roman Catholic told a gathering of people at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn that God answered prayers and made scientists, doctors and researchers successfully develop the coronavirus vaccine.

Those who are vaccinated are the smart ones," she said, and added that you know theres people out there who arent listening to God and what God wants. You know who they are.

Attorney Steven Wu, New York's deputy solicitor general, told the appeals court judges that the state is in full compliance with a temporary restraining order granted this month by U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd that prevents disciplinary action against health care workers who have sought a religious exemption.

Hurd is scheduled to rule by Oct. 12 on a request for a more permanent order.

The fact that Hurd's temporary order is already in place left the 2nd Circuit questioning Wednesday whether it needed to take action at all. It made no immediate rulings.

The state health department has set up an operations center to monitor health care staffing, and Hochul tweeted Wednesday that zero health care facilities across the state have been reported closed.

Our 24/7 Operations Center is constantly monitoring developments and working with facilities to troubleshoot any issues, she tweeted. We stand ready to take additional action as needed.
A 20-year-old North Carolina student, who was hesitant about getting the coronavirus shot, died of complications after catching Covid-19 three days after returning to college.

Tyler Gilreath, a student at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, died on Tuesday after testing positive for the coronavirus, which he contracted just days after returning to college.

The student, according to his mother Tamra Demello, thought his age would protect him from the virus. "I cajoled, encouraged, threatened, and nagged for him to get vaccinated. He was too busy and/or concerned about the possible long term heart issues," Ms Demello shared on social media.

Gilreath had agreed to get the vaccine as soon as he moved to school but did not get the chance.

"I am devastated beyond belief," his mother added.

Gilreath fell severely ill just three days after moving to college and developed a sinus and staph infection that went on for three weeks before moving into his brain. He developed a brain abscess that ruptured last week. He was briefly conscious after going to the hospital, but the blood flow to his brain stopped. Eventually last Friday a scan showed that he had irreversible brain damage.

He died on 28 September after he was taken off life support.

His mother maintains that Gilreath did not have any pre-existing health conditions. He was a computer science student and loved to wakeboard, water ski, and snow ski.

Ms Demello urged parents to "use whatever guilt tactic" it takes to convince their children to get vaccinated.

"Legally, they are adults. You really can't actually make them go. But I would use whatever guilt tactic I could possibly come up with. I would try taking them to see if they would go," she told reporters.

Gilreath has signed up to be an organ donor when he got his license. "Tomorrow his body will be harvested so up to 80 people can live or enjoy more normal lives with the gift of his organs, skin, tendons, ligaments, etc," his mother wrote.

"He will live on in my heart and through those recipients. I know he is with god, but the hole in my life he leaves will never go away," she added.

As colleges and universities in the United States get ready to open their campuses for the fall semester, education administrators across the country have made vaccination a prerequisite condition for students and faculty.
For many Americans, the first sign of the crisis was the appearance of a large encampment of migrants under a bridge in the city of Del Rio, Texas. Accompanying images of border patrol agents on horseback corralling desperate people as they tried to cross the Rio Grande was seized upon as a symbol of a failed immigration policy.

But to those unlucky enough to be in the camp, the crisis began years before, many thousands of miles away. The crisis was not here, but in the country they left behind, and on the perilous road that brought them here.

It was endless hunger, says Andre, a 24-year-old Haitian who travelled for a month and a half to reach Del Rio with his wife and infant daughter. We saw a lot of people die. We walked for days through the jungle.

Andres journey was typical of the roughly 15,000 Haitians who arrived at the US-Mexico border last week. Their stories tell of a determination to reach America despite the overwhelming risk, and suggest that no amount of deterrence at the border will stop more from taking the journey.

Speaking to The Independent at a migrant transfer centre in Houston with his wife and child, Andre, who gave only his first name, recounts his harrowing journey to America, and a new life.

Most of the Haitians who were stranded under the bridge in Del Rio did not come directly from Haiti, but from countries in South and Central America, places to which they had fled from their home country years earlier. Many believed the chances of them being allowed to enter America had improved when Joe Biden became president  others simply could not afford to live in their temporary home any longer.

US border patrol agent tries to stop a Haitian migrant from entering America (AFP via Getty)

Andre came from Chile, where he has lived for five years since escaping Haiti. He left a country that was convulsed by insecurity, poverty and violence. In Chile, at least at first, he was able to find some work. More recently it became almost impossible, and so he decided to leave. It was a gamble: if he was caught, he might be sent back to Haiti. But he was struggling to earn enough to feed his family, which now included an infant daughter.

There was no security [in Haiti]. It wasnt safe for my family there  they dont care about life, Andre says. In Chile it was a little better but it was not stable. I was always struggling to find work and I couldnt go to school.

They would have to travel more than 4,000 miles to the US border, but they were not alone  thousands of other Haitians were setting out on the same journey. The crossing from Colombia to Panama was the most treacherous, the family was forced to walk for days through dense jungle with hardly any food between them.

At one point my friend had a can of soup and we shared it between six people. We were so hungry, Andre says. My baby would always tell me that she was hungry, but I had nothing for her, he adds, as his two-year-old daughter plays around him.

Not everyone made it.

There were too many dead people along the way. There was starvation and dehydration. If the river caught you, it caught you. Some people didnt make it through the mountains. There were entire families that died, he says.

Migrants, many from Haiti, at an encampment along the Del Rio International Bridge, Texas (AP)

It wasnt just the treacherous terrain that threatened them. Andre and his family were robbed, subjected to threats of rape, and heard of killings by a group of thieves who were also Haitian.

They said they were going to help us, Andre says of the thieves. Then they ordered us all to strip and if we didnt have money they threatened to rape the women. We had $20 between us  I held $10 and my wife $10, so they left us alone. But a friend of mine was killed. He didnt have any money.

When Andre and his family made it to the Mexico-US border, they followed a crowd. A rumour spread on social media and by word of mouth that it was possible to cross at Ciudad Acuna. Hundreds set off in that direction, then thousands. When they reached Ciudad Acuna they decided to cross fast because they had heard that the Mexican authorities would treat them badly.

The family crossed the Rio Grande river in a large group, but when they got to the other side they were corralled under the International Bridge that connects the US to Mexico.

The sudden arrival of a large number of migrants and refugees at Americas border sparked a media firestorm. Some 15,000 people, mostly Haitians, were held there. They made shelter out of anything they could find  cardboard boxes, plastic and blankets.

Republican politicians rushed to the border for media appearances, pointing to the crowd as a symptom of an open border policy pursued by Mr Biden. Texas governor Greg Abbott instructed a convoy of state police vehicles to form a steel barrier at the border in a show of force for the cameras.

Andre and his family were unaware of the political fight that was raging over their arrival. He was just focused on staying alive.

We didnt eat for six days, he says. We couldnt sleep because the ground was too hard. Some people came to donate food but the authorities would only give some of it out.

A Haitian migrant talks to a Mexican police officer blocking access to the Rio Grande river so that immigrants can't use it to cross into the US (AP)

For those six days, Andre and his family camped under the bridge. They did not see the border patrol guards on horseback corralling a group of migrants, photos of which went viral and prompted widespread criticism from Mr Biden and Democrats.

The Department of Homeland Security eventually processed the thousands who had been trapped under the bridge and Andre and his family were driven from the border to a nearby transfer centre run by a local charity. They were given bags of toiletries, food and welcomed. It was the first time he felt safe for more than a month. After a brief pitstop, a bus took them to another transfer centre in Houston. From here, migrants usually call family members to arrange flights across the country, where they continue their asylum claims.

Andre and his wife have no family in the United States  they will be starting out on their own. When asked why he decided to come to America, Andre says he just wanted a life, and to help his family back in Haiti, especially his widowed mother.

I am the first person in my family to do this. Whatever money I make here will go to my family back home, he says. I have a lot of responsibility, the 24-year-old adds.
The Senate narrowly approved President Joe Biden s pick to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday, giving the bureau a director who is likely to embrace an aggressive watchdog role, similar to how the agency operated under former President Barack Obama

Rohit Chopra's nomination was approved 50-48, with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier having to cast a tie-breaking vote to end debate. Republicans were united in opposition to Chopra.

Before his approval, Chopra held one of the Democrat seats on the Federal Trade Commission, often using his position to publicly advocate for higher penalties and enforcement against companies found to have committed wrongdoing. A then GOP-controlled Senate unanimously confirmed Chopra to his FTC commissioner job in 2018, a point Democrats made during debates about his nomination when it became clear no Republican would vote to approve him this time.

Chopra, 39, also held several high-ranking positions at the CFPB during the Obama administration, including the top job handling student-loan issues.

Chopra has a long history of protecting consumers, said Sen. Sherrod Brown D-Ohio, who is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

Chopra is the CFPB's third permanent director since the bureau was created by the Dodd-Frank Act, the law passed after the 2008 financial crisis that overhauled the entire banking and financial system. Kathy Kraninger, who was former President Donald Trump's choice to run the bureau, was asked to resign by Biden on his first day in office.

During the Trump administration, the CFPB drastically scaled back its enforcement actions, both in number and size, and it relegated concerns, such as fair lending, to a much smaller position inside the bureau. It was a stark contrast to how the bureau was run under the Obama administration, when it aggressively collected fines from banks and credit card companies and returned billions of dollars in damages to borrowers.

Biden's choice for the CFPB's acting director, Dave Uejio, has used his position to pivot the bureau sharply back to its original mission.

Chopra was there at the bureau's beginnings, brought on by then Harvard Professor Elizabeth Warren to help launch the bureau.

He is a terrific champion for consumers & will be a fearless leader of the Bureau. Lets get to work!, Warren, now a U.S. Senate Democrat from Massachusetts, said on Twitter after he was confirmed.

Republicans have long held an ideological opposition to the CFPB, due to its structure with a single director and because it is funded through the Federal Reserve instead of the traditional congressional appropriations process. That criticism abated somewhat when Kraninger ran the bureau due to her more business-friendly approach.

"I have grave concerns that Commissioner Chopra would return the CFPB to the lawless, overreaching, highly politicized agency it was during the Obama administration," said Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, the ranking Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, during his speech opposing the nomination.
The US government is on course to run out of ways to pay its debts in a matter of days, leaving it potentially set to default for the first time in history unless Congress can work together and pass a piece of legislation to raise the federal governments borrowing limit.

The government is funded through 3 December thanks to a stopgap spending bill passed by the House and Senate; however, a separate deadline looms for the countrys ability to make payments on outstanding loans, payments which if not made would affect the US credit rating and could lead to a recession.

A statement from the US Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, said that the federal government will run out of money it has already borrowed on or around 10 October; should the US Congress miss that deadline and fail to pass an extension of the debt ceiling, the government could default on its debt for the first time in history, a move that could have dire consequences for borrowing in the future.

As the Senate wars over the debt ceiling, which on Monday drew the ire of President Joe Biden, they also continue to debate the Democrats $3.5 trillion infrastructure package, which party leaders are hoping to pass simultaneously.

Republican leaders say no GOP votes to raise the debt limit

The GOP has remained unified on falsely claiming that the debt limit is part of a Democratic plan to borrow more money in order to fund President Joe Bidens $3.5 trillion infrastructure plan, when in reality many agencies of government will not function after 10 October regardless of whether or not the infrastructure bills pass.

We will not provide Republican votes for raising the debt limit, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said recently during a floor speech. Bipartisanship is not a light switch ... that Democrats get to flip on when they need to borrow money and switch off when they want to spend money. Democrats voted with Republicans on several occasions to raise the debt limit when Donald Trump was president.

Mr McConnell reiterated on Monday in a letter to the White House that the Democrats should pass an extension on the debt ceiling on their own through the reconciliation measure; doing so would likely significantly alter or doom entirely Mr Bidens $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill.

Democrats demand bipartisanship

Extensions of the debt ceiling have been largely bipartisan in years past; the longest government shutdown in history occurred over the winter of 2018-2019, when for just over 30 days the federal government was paralysed by former President Donald Trumps demand that any bill to fund the government include billions of dollars meant for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The election of a Democratic-led Congress led to the end of that shutdown, with the House and Senate passing bills to fund the government that did not include border wall funding and the president opting instead to declare a national emergency and reallocate funding himself.

On the debt limit, Democrats are hoping to avoid using reconciliation to raise the debt limit.

Going through reconciliation is risky to the country and is a non-starter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday at a news conference.

Going through the long, convoluted, difficult reconciliation process with debt limit is very, very risky, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said, adding: Were not pursuing that.

As the two parties play chicken, the deadline for raising the debt limit and preventing thousands (if not more) federal workers from going without a paycheck looms less than two weeks away.

In his own address on Monday, Mr Biden made clear that Republicans were refusing to pay debts that they themselves were responsible for incurring; he pointed to $8 trillion added to the debt under the Trump administration as evidence.

Theyre responsible for more than $8 trillion in bills from the previous administration, said Mr Biden.

Folks watching at home, you should know that this is the Republican position. Here it is: Republicans wont raise the debt limit to cut their own spending, he added.

Government facilities would close during a crisis

A debt default could have disastrous impacts on federally funded facilities, including public parks and other federal buildings.

Amid debate over a government-funding bill, which did ultimately pass both houses of Congress, career public servants expressed frustration over the federal government teetering between crises.

One official with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expressed exasperation over Congresss inability to reach a deal (so far) in the midst of a major public health crisis in a statement to The Washington Post.

Come on, government leaders, can you guys work just as hard [as] were working so the government can keep functioning? they said. Were trying to get our shit together, couldnt you get your [s***] together, too?
The House of Representatives voted to lift the debt limit on Wednesday evening, but the bill faces long odds in the Senate.

The House vote comes just days after Senate Republicans blocked legislation that not only would have suspended the debt limit but would have also continued funding the government after 30 September.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed optimism after the vote.

We are very, very proud of our members for doing that, Ms Pelosi told a gaggle of reporters Wednesday evening, chiding them for asking about other subjects such as infrastructure. This was a great victory and youre ignoring it.

On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the department would run out of resources to prevent a default on the nations credit by 18 October in her testimony to the Senate Banking Committee.

The full faith and credit of the United States would be impaired, and our country would likely face a financial crisis and economic recession, Ms Yellen said.

The vote is one of many responsibilities Congress faces at the moment. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has pledged that Republicans will not vote to help with raising the debt limit. At the same time, Congress must pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running by the end of the year.

Ms Pelosi said the Senate will send a continuing resolution on Thursday.

Well get two of those challenges off the table, which are time-consuming, she said.

At the same time, Ms Pelosi faces a caucus that is divided about voting on legislation to improve the nations infrastructure, with moderates wanting to vote on a bill that passed with votes from both parties through the Senate. But progressives want to wait until another bill with multiple social welfare programs passed through a process called reconciliation is finalized.
A House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has subpoenaed 11 officials who were involved in planning rallies in support of former President Donald Trump ahead of the violent attack, including one the day of the siege.

The announcement follows a first round of subpoenas last week that targeted former White House and administration officials who were in contact with Trump before and during the insurrection.

Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the committee, said in a release that the inquiry includes examination of how various individuals and entities coordinated their activities leading up to the events of January 6.

The panel has ramped up its investigation in recent weeks as it attempts to dissect the origins of the insurrection by Trumps supporters and how to prevent it from ever happening again.

The Trump loyalists beat and injured police as they battled their way inside the building, destroyed property and sent lawmakers running for their lives. Repeating Trumps lies about widespread election fraud, they interrupted the certification of President Joe Bidens victory and left the U.S. Capitol deeply shaken.
A masked arsonist threw a Molotov cocktail into a local Democratic Party headquarters in Texas, fire officials say.

Surveillance video shows the man, wearing a mask and an American flag bandana over most of his head, approaching the Travis County Democratic Partys office at about 2am on Wednesday, carrying what appears to be a bottle with some cloth or paper sticking out of it. Minutes later, he throws something at the office, and there is an explosion inside, causing a small fire.

Austin Fire Department officials say by the time they got to the scene, employees from a nearby business had already put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.

AFD captain Brandon Jennings told KXAN the damage could have been much worse, but luckily the incendiary device malfunctioned.

It does appear that there were some papers or something  that were also lit on fire, but the actual device that was thrown or placed did not ignite, Mr Jennings said.

The AFDs arson department is investigating the incident, he added.

Katie Naranjo, chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, said no staff were harmed during the incident, and only minimal damage was done to the building.

She did say, however, that this appeared to be a politically motivated attack, as evidenced by a threatening note left near the building.

We will not be intimidated, and we will not be threatened by any individual who takes such a cowardly act as to attack a democratic institution, Ms Naranjo said at a press conference. Anyone who wears an American flag as a bandana, and then throws a Molotov cocktail with fireworks into a building, and leaves a threatening note, is a coward.

On Thursday, MSNBCs Rachel Maddow reported that the FBI is treating the attack and letter as a credible threat.

Ms Maddow said the exact content of the letter has not been released, but sources had told her the gist of it.

The note says, in essence: This is a warning, this will continue to happen, because Democrats can keep states like New York and California, but not Texas, she said.

Ms Naranjo, in an appearance on Ms Maddows show, said that she had a message for the attacker.

Democrats in Texas are unafraid, she said. You will not silence us.
Stephanie Grisham was the least publicly conspicuous of all Donald Trumps press secretaries, declining to hold a single White House press briefing during her nine-month tenure in 2019-20. When she left the job to become chief of staff to Melania Trump, her public profile sank even further.

But now, eight months after the Trump administration ended, she is suddenly a household name. Her tell-all book about her time in the White House, Ill Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw In The White House, has caused a furore before even appearing in print, with early extracts painting a picture of the 45th president thats by turns grisly and bizarre.

Ms Grisham has seemingly nothing to say in her former bosss defence, and there are naturally plenty of questions being asked about why did not speak up earlier. But for now, its time to take stock of what shes claimed so far.

Trumps psychology

One of the most left-field claims in Ms Grishams book is that an ex-boyfriend of hers on the Trump staff was assigned to play the president his favourite show tunes  among them Memory, from Cats  to bring him back from the brink of what the author describes as a terrifying rage. Dubbed the music man, the aide is thought to be Max Miller, who is now a congressional candidate in Ohio.

Ms Grisham generally paints a picture of Mr Trump as psychologically volatile and insecure, alluding not just to his rage but his vanity. She claims that he tended to his own hair with a huge pair of scissors that could probably cut a ribbon at an opening of one of his properties  and that he once called her from Air Force One to deny Stormy Danielss description of his penis as looking like Toad, the anthropomorphic mushroom character from Mario Kart.

That paranoid streak also extends from the personal to the political, Ms Grisham writes, with Mr Trump apparently refusing anaesthesia during a colonoscopy so as to avoid handing over political control to his vice president, Mike Pence.

And on the matter of message control and image management, Ms Grisham claims that the president told her flat out to issue a blanket denial of E. Jean Carrolls claim that he raped her in a department store in the 1990s. You just deny it, she recalls him saying. Thats what you do in every situation. Right, Stephanie? You just deny it.

The family

Ms Grisham doesnt spare the other Trumps in her account. As she tells it, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner regarded themselves as members of the royal family of the United States  so much so that they tried to barge in on a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, which would have been a major breach of royal protocol. (They were ultimately unable to fit on the helicopter.)

Mr Kushner, she writes, was sometimes known as the slim reaper because of his propensity for inserting himself into other peoples projects, damaging and derailing them, and then leaving the original manager to take the blame.

However, it is Melania Trump whose portrait has gotten the most press attention, unsurprisingly given that Ms Grisham worked directly for her in the administrations last phase. The first lady was reportedly berated by the president himself after she wore a jacket reading I really dont care, do u? on a visit to a migrant detention facility. She was apparently unleashed by the myriad reports of her husbands infidelity and hush money payments to former lovers, and made sure she appeared on the arm of an attractive military aide in public.

Ms Trumps political disengagement also comes in for criticism. She apparently went to bed before the results of the 2020 election began to trickle in, only waking up to appear on stage with her husband at 2:30am. The first lady also apparently refused an opportunity to denounce the attack on the Capitol on 6 January, bluntly refusing to put her name to a tweet condemning lawlessness and violence.

The wider world

The most alarming headlines generated from Ms Grishams book focus on reports of Mr Trumps behaviour towards Vladimir Putin, specifically at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka.

According to Ms Grisham, the president explicitly told his Russian counterpart that he was only acting tough for the cameras, facetiously wagging his finger and saying dont interfere in our elections. The Russian president, she says, appeared to be trying to throw Mr Trump off by bringing along an attractive female translator  and by faking a cough in an attempt to trigger Mr Trumps famous germaphobia.

Mr Trump also apparently spent a meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussing almost anything other than politics  as one Washington Post reporter put it, focusing on how gallbladders work, the many deadly creatures of Australia and why rich guys love space.

And on a more sinister note, he also came back from a visit from North Korea determined to see the press thrown out of the White House altogether. Not that Ms Grisham was upset about not having to throw herself on the mercy of the briefing room.

I knew that sooner or later, she writes, the president would want me to tell the public something that was not true or that would make me sound like a lunatic.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that Democrats proposed social welfare bill is the culmination of her work in Congress, but she was mum on whether it would be her swan song legislation.

The speakers words come as the House is set to vote on the first piece of Democrats major legislation when it takes up a more than $1 trillion package to improve the nations infrastructure that passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis in July. Ms Pelosi had promised moderate Democrats that the bill would receive a vote later on Thursday.

At the same time, many progressive Democrats, such as Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, say they will not vote for the bill until there is also a vote for a separate bill with social welfare initiatives such as child care, care for seniors and people with disabilities, paid family leave and efforts to combat climate change. That would go through the Senate through a process called reconciliation to sidestep a Republican filibuster. It would require a bare majority vote rather than the 60 needed to overcome a GOP filibuster. However, the Democrats razor-thin margins in the Senate leaves no room for defections.

I just told members of my leadership that the reconciliation bill was a culmination of my service in Congress because it was about the children, she said. Their health, their education, the economic security of their families, a clean, safe environment in which they could thrive.

But the news comes as Sen Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat who is often the tie-breaker in the 50-seat majority, raised serious objections to the reconciliation bill in a statement Wednesday evening.

What I have made clear to the President and Democratic leaders is that spending trillions more on new and expanded government programs, when we cant even pay for the essential social programs, like Social Security and Medicare, is the definition of fiscal insanity, Mr Manchin said.

But Ms Pelosi said that she was confident in Mr Manchin being an ally.

You think Im going to talk about my conversations with Joe Manchin in here, she told reporters.

Ms Pelosi also praised her caucus for voting to raise the debt limit and sending the legislation to the Senate but added that she thought it was peculiar that Congress keeps relying on stopgap funding measures.

For some reason, weve put ourselves in a situation to vote on this each year, she told reporters. Well have to examine that process.

But the House speaker dodged the question when she was asked if this would be her final piece of legislation, since in 2018, she pledged that she would retire at the end of this Congress.

The fact is if were really going to be building back better, we have to give women the opportunity to work in the work place, she said.
Virginias second gubernatorial debate was interrupted on Tuesday night when a third party candidate began shouting from the audience.

Princess Blanding, a progressive candidate of the Liberation Party, drowned out Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin as she accused the debates hosts of unfairly excluding her.

I am on the ballot! Why am I not on the stage? the candidate shouted. This is not democracy!

Moderator Chuck Todd tried to calm Ms Blanding down, repeatedly saying thank you and all right, but she continued to yell.

Finally, Mr Todd pulled the plug on the segment, calling over security.

All right, were gonna take a quick commercial break, he told the TV audience. Well be right back.

Outside the forum, Ms Blanding defended her actions.

I just made it very clear that I am a candidate, to let Virginians know that their censorship of my candidacy is racist, it is very sexist, it is very oppressive, and its a form of voter suppression, the Libertarian told CNN reporter Eva McKend . Their goal is to make sure that Virginians dont know that I exist so they feel they have to choose between the lesser of two evils.

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the debate, had not responded to The Independents request for comment at the time of publication.
Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema, one of the most conservative members of the Senates Democratic caucus, is the subject of much consternation among her colleagues, angry at Ms Sinema for thwarting progress on President Joe Bidens legislative plan to update Americas infrastructure and expand many social programs.

The senator is one of two holdouts seen as standing in the way of the passage of a $3.5 trillion bill, set to work its way through the Senate via reconciliation, a procedural tactic requiring a bare 51-vote majority rather than the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster. The other Democratic lawmaker is West Virginias Joe Manchin, who comes from a far more conservative state than Ms Sinema.

Ms Sinemas state, Arizona, voted for Mr Biden in the 2020 presidential election, and the states other US senator has already committed to voting for the legislation. Mr Manchin is also seen by Senate Democratic leadership as more likely at the present time to vote for the bill, putting the focus squarely on Ms Sinemas shoulders.

That anger felt by progressives exploded on to Twitter and in the press this week, as House members pilloried Ms Sinema and Mr Manchin alike for the sheer evasiveness with which they have responded to questions from the media and their own colleagues regarding their specific issues with the $3.5 trillion bill.

The President keeps begging her, tell us what you want. Put a proposal forward, Rep Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, told CNN on Tuesday.

One Senator, Kyrsten Sinema, is holding up the will of the entire Democratic Party, he said, adding, Why is it that one senator should have this much power? Were in a democracy.

"The President keeps begging her, tell us what you want. Put a proposal forward," says Rep. Ro Khanna of Senator Kyrsten Sinema.



"One Senator, Kyrsten Sinema, is holding up the will of the entire Democratic Party." pic.twitter.com/kxVP9fGZCG  Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) September 29, 2021

We still have had no interaction, no negotiation with Senators Manchin and Sinema on what is it that they do like. We know what they don't like, said Rep Pramila Jayapal, chair of the House Progressive Caucus and a leader of the House Democrats vowing to oppose the compromise bill if the reconciliation package doesnt pass first.

But what do they want to do of the Democratic agenda?" she added during an MSNBC interview.

Many House Democrats have vowed to stand up to the pair with their own promise to vote against a separate $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure compromise package passed through normal means in the Senate in August.

For months, Speaker Nancy Pelosi had insisted that she stood with progressives and would not bring up the compromise package until the reconciliation bill passed; now, she faces a massive rebellion in her caucus threatening to tank the compromise bill if she does not hold to the plan of voting on the reconciliation bill first.

The fates of both bills now remain uncertain, and the White House has met with Ms Sinema, Mr Manchin, Ms Pelosi as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer all within the past 24 hours.
A drunk Turkish man who was reported missing found himself after inadvertently joining the search party sent out to look for him

Beyhan Mutlu, who is living in Inegol in the northwestern province of Bursa, was reported missing on Tuesday.

His family alerted authorities after he failed to return home from a drinking session with friends and didnt return phone calls.

Officials said Mr Mutlu, 50, wandered into a forest and could not be found by his friends, Turkish media outlet Daily Sabah reported.

A search party was dispatched to the area and Mr Mutlu ended up meeting them in the woods, according to the report.

Officials reportedly had no idea that Mr Mutlu was the man they had been looking for and he joined the search party for several hours before finding himself.

Reports say Mr Mutlu became aware that he was the one the search party was looking for after they began shouting his name.

Authorities reportedly took a statement from Mr Mutlu before taking home to his loved ones.

In 2012, an Asian woman on a visit to Iceland got mixed up in a similar incident.

She was reported missing after failing to return to her tour bus while on a trip to Icelands southern volcanic region near the islands Eidgja canyon, a remote but popular walking area for visiting tourists.

The tour company driver waited for an hour. When the woman failed to turn up, he alerted police and search teams were dispatched to the area shortly afterwards.

They started combing the barren treeless hillsides looking for an Asian woman described as 5ft 2in and wearing dark clothing.

The expedition was only called off at 3am after it emerged that the woman had been on the bus all along and had even participated in the search, having had no idea that she had been reported missing.
As he contemplates his second custodial sentence this year and awaits further criminal trials, it is all but certain that Nicolas Sarkozy will not spend a single night in a cell.

This fits in with the convention that high-ranking French politicians never actually go to prison, no matter what their crimes.

Judge Caroline Viguier on Thursday made clear that Sarkozy could serve a year for illegal campaign financing at home with an electronic bracelet.

This is despite Sarkozy also being a former interior minister  the French equivalent of home secretary  who was known for his reactionary views about locking up convicted criminals.

When he initially became one himself on 1 March, Sarkozy was also the first ever former president in the history of France to be sentenced to jail time for crimes committed while in office.

His conviction for corruption and influence peddling in connection with bribing a judge earned him a year in a cell, with two suspended.

But he immediately appealed  meaning the entire punishment was suspended until another hearing on a date to be fixed. He has also appealed against Thursdays illegal financing conviction.

The French criminal justice system is notoriously slow, and he it could be many months, if not years, before the appeals are finally heard.

In June last year, Sarkozys former prime minister, Francois Fillon, and his British wife, Penelope Fillon, were given prison sentences after being found guilty of fraud, but both are still at liberty.

Judges sitting at the Paris Correctional Court ruled that the couple had created fake jobs that paid Ms Fillon the equivalent of close to 1m in public funds.

Fillon was given a five-year sentence, with three years suspended, but remains free while appealing. His wife received a three-year suspended sentence.

In 2011, Sarkozys one-time political mentor and predecessor as president, the late Jacques Chirac, was convicted of embezzlement and misusing public funds.

He was tried in absentia, however, because of his alleged poor health at the time.

Chiracs crimes related to his time as Paris mayor, and he was given a two-year suspended prison sentence, so also avoided a cell.

Beyond his appeals, Sarkozy will spend the coming months defending himself in a range of other cases.

Within a month of losing his presidential immunity from prosecution in 2012, the Paris home he shares with his third wife, the former supermodel Carla Bruni, was raided by the fraud squad.

Sarkozy has since been indicted on numerous allegations, including that he accepted millions in illegal funding from the late Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy has denied any wrongdoing in all of the cases, and his lawyers have indicated that he will continue appealing all judgments against him.

The last French head of state to see the inside of a cell was Marshal Philippe Petain, the wartime Nazi collaborator.
A 96-year-old German woman facing charges in a juvenile court of aiding and abetting the murder of thousands of Nazi concentration camp prisoners was caught and detained by police several hours after she fled from her nursing home on Thursday just as her trial was about to start.

Irmgard Furchner, who worked as a secretary at the Stutthof concentration camp when she was 18, was detained by police as she was walking alongside a busy road in the same town as her nursing home  Itzehoe. She was taken to police headquarters for questioning, according to a report in Bild newspaper.

Earlier on Thursday just hours before her trail was set to begin, Ms Furchner made a dramatic and unexpected escape. Authorities announced that she had failed to arrive at a local court when scheduled, even though she had left her nursing home in Quickborn, Pinneberg, in a taxi. An arrest warrant was then issued for the elderly woman.

The accused suspect is on the run, Friederike Milhoffer, a spokesperson for the court in Quickborn, had told reporters at the court house stunned by the turn of events that delayed the start of the trial. She took a taxi in the morning and was heading towards the train station. Officials say that they had been unable to trace her journey after that.

There were more than 50 journalists and spectators waiting for the start of the trial inside the courthouse  including 12 people representing joint plaintiffs. The trial was set for 37 days of testimony and was expected to last until next June.

The defendant is leading the court by the nose with her behaviour, said Onur Ozata, a lawyer representing two of the joint plaintiffs, annoyed by the ease with which Ms Furchner had briefly escaped justice. She doesnt feel bound by the law. The authorities have got to do everything they can because anything less would be unbearable for survivors of the camp.

In one of the last trials of people charged with aiding and abetting murder in the Nazis camps, Ms Furchner has been accused by prosecutors of assisting murder in 11,387 cases and complicity in seven cases of attempted murder while she worked as the first secretary to the Stutthof concentration camp commandant, SS Major Paul Werner Hoppe.

The entrance to the former Stutthof concentration camp (AP)

In an unusual twist, Ms Furchner is being tried in the juvenile chamber of the district court because she was only 18 when she began working at the camp in 1943. She had previously worked in a similar capacity for Dresdner Bank in Marienburg, which is now Malbork in Poland.

Only in the last decade or so have German prosecutors brought charges against a number of former concentration overseers, even if they had only played minor roles. It is seen as a last chance to get justice for the millions killed during the Holocaust.

The efforts to track down supporting figures began in earnest after the precedent-setting trial of John Demjanjuk, a former camp guard at Sobibor death camp, who was convicted in 2011 of aiding and abetting the murders of 28,000 people.

Earlier this year, prosecutors charged a 100-year-old man with being an accessory to 3,518 murders while he was allegedly a guard at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp during the Second World War.

Ms Furchner has insisted to prosecutors that she did not know of any executions at the camp or about the systematic killing of Jewish prisoners, Polish partisans and Soviet prisoners of war even though, according to German media reports, her office had a view of the camps crematorium. More than 65,000 prisoners were killed at the camp, according to the German Nazi documentation centre in Ludwigsburg.

Her lawyers were expected to defend Ms Furchner in court by saying she was simply a small cog in the machinery, a clerical worker who simply wrote and read letters for Hoppe but never hurt anyone in the camp or was aware of what was happening.

I was the stenographer for Commandant Hoppe and his assistants but did most of my work for Hoppe, Ms Furchner testified as a witness in 1954 in an earlier trial against the camp leaders, adding she knew nothing of the camp killings. I handled all the correspondence with the SS Economic Administration Office.

Yet state prosecutor Maxi Wantzen has said that Hoppe was responsible for carrying out the execution orders at the camp, compiling deportation lists for Auschwitz-Birkenau and ordering mass murder through poison gas at the Stutthof gas chamber. Others at the camp were shot, hanged, or tortured to death under his orders.

Ms Furchner had passed a recent physical examination after an earlier test had postponed any trial because she was found to be suffering from cardiovascular problems.

She met her future husband at the camp  an SS officer named Heinz Furchtner who was two decades her senior. They married in 1954. He died in 1972. She moved into the nursing home in 2014.

Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centers office in Jerusalem, said that if she is healthy enough to flee, she is healthy enough to be incarcerated. Her flight, he added, should also affect the punishment.
A British rapper described by police as one of Europes most wanted Isis foreign terrorist fighters was arrested when he was living in a flat with a terrace, a sauna and nearly 50,000 in bitcoin, according to newly released court papers.

Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 31, who performed as Lyricist Jinn, travelled to the Middle East in 2013 then returned to Europe where police suspect he was about to lead an attack.

Spanish police posted a video of the arrest operation in April last year, branding Mr Abdel Bary one of Europes most wanted Daesh foreign terrorist fighters.

He was detained alongside two other men in Almeria, southern Spain.

The Spanish judge initially declared no details of the police operation could be released as is often the case in Spain, but this week lifted this court order.

Mr Abdel Bary denied any involvement with Isis and said he had arrived in Spain from Italy in March 2020 in search of work.

Police found Mr Abdel Bary living in an Airbnb flat with a sauna, his own laptop, a series of mobile phones and nearly 50,000 worth of bitcoins, according to court papers seen by El Pais newspaper.

The three men rented the flat with a terrace, views and a sauna (which) Abdel Bary had definitely used because he left his clothes inside, the documents said.

Police arrested the suspects when they ordered a food delivery to the flat where they were staying and officers confirmed they had found Mr Abdel Bary.

The three men left their computers in common areas of the flat.

All this implies a personal relationship between the flat mates which is very different from typical immigrant flats where they share common expenses, the court papers said.

According to police, the group rented three different flats at the same time in Almeria, a city in southern Spain.

Abdel Barys links with Isis did not presage a peaceful stay in European space, but forced us to think about an operational return with fatal consequences for public security, the report added.

In an interview in prison with police and his lawyers, Abdel Bary condemned the actions of terrorist organisations, according to the court documents.

Alvaro Duran, lawyer for Abdel Bary, said police had not found any connection between his client and Isis.

They have not seized any propaganda videos of imams, he added.

In 2014, Abdel Barys father pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiring to kill in the 1998 Al Qaeda bombing of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Adel Abdel Bary, an Egyptian, was jailed for 25 years.

After serving 21 years of his sentence, he was deported from the US to Britain last year because of fears he would die of Covid-19.
Scientists may have gotten closer to solving a mystery in how identical twins are formed after conception.

Dutch researchers have been exploring how a fertilised egg, known as a zygote, splits into two embryos with significantly similar genes in each.

The reason why the egg splits is unknown  but the main theory has been that the process happens randomly.

This is unlike the process whereby non-identical twins develop as a result of two separate eggs being fertilised by two sperm  a process that runs in families, unlike monozygotic twinning, researchers said.

Now, scientists led by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam believe they have found a common signature on the DNA of identical twins.

Their study looked at the epigenetic changes in the twins DNA, which control the expression of genes but not the DNA sequence itself.

It found that identical twins from across the world shared similar chemical marks at 834 points across their genomes, which are each of their full sets of DNA.

It is yet to be proved that the chemical marks on the DNA causes a zygote to split, but the scientists said that it is a plausible working theory.

Assistant professor Jenny von Dongen said: We may have identified a mechanism that causes cells to split. Its also possible that these changes arise after the cells separate.

The researchers hope that the finding of the common marks could also be helpful for a wide group of people, such as those who believe they may have had a twin that vanished in their mothers womb.

The scientists said the finding could help determine with up to 80 per cent accuracy whether someone is an identical twin, had been separated from their twin at birth, or unaware they had lost their twin in the womb in what is known as vanishing twin syndrome.

The syndrome develops in as many as 12 per cent of pregnancies, but just under 2 per cent of mothers end up carrying both to term  resulting in many people unaware that they had a twin.

The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
First things first: its Keeshy-now. Call it Chizzy-now and the locals wont know what youre talking about. Second thing: be prepared for your friends to ask you where it is. And, for that matter, where Moldova is.

The country is a former Soviet state on the far eastern edge of Europe, sandwiched between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east. And its less than three hours flight away from London. Its also the poorest country in Europe by pretty much every measure  as well as one of the least visited by tourists.

The capital, Chisinau, has a population of 600,000, and has everything you might want from a city  museums, galleries, shops, bars, markets, restaurants, decent wifi and above all, cheap prices. Were talking 1.30 for a pint. And no stag parties yet.

Plus (and its a big plus) Moldova is the wine capital of Europe, with an annual wine festival every October (2-6 October this year), when around 100 producers from all over the country descend on the capital (some in horse and cart) to showcase their wares, along with traditional costumes, dancing, music and barbecue food. Whats not to like?

What to do

Explore on foot

Chisinau is a small compact city so its easy to walk around. Get your bearings at the neoclassical Nativity Cathedral, with its distinctive dome. Youll probably be staying near its home in Cathedral Square, a popular spot for canoodling teenagers to meet. Or the nearby Triumphal Arch celebrating the Russians victory over the Ottoman Empire 200 years ago.

Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, named after Moldovas 15th-century national hero Stephen the Great (youll see his statue outside the park named after him) and youll hit the shopping district and sprawling market area. Walk the other way and youll see vast government buildings. If youre wondering why the road is so unnecessarily wide  the Soviets liked to be sure they could get tanks into town at a moments notice.

Venture further afield and you may stumble upon hidden delights like the Armenian Church, the Afghan war memorial, the Bulgarian memorial chapel and the modest Chisinau spring monument (which gave the city its name) at the foot of a hill topped by one of Chisinaus oldest buildings, the Mazarachi church. You might also wish to visit the moving memorial on the corner of Jerusalem Street  all thats left of the Jewish ghetto that once housed 50,000.

Severe Soviet architecture lingers at venues such as the National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Getty)

Brush up on Moldovan history

The imposing National Museum of History is worth a visit, not least to get a grasp of the complicated background to the country formerly known as Bessarabia (and Moldavia), which has at times been part of both Romania and the USSR. A little off the beaten track youll find the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, though the spectacular neo-Moorish building itself, resembling a mosque, is arguably more impressive than the contents, which are heavy on archaeological artefacts and dinosaur bones (and not in English). The National Arts Museum combines the best of both: housed in a grand 19th century building that somehow survived Soviet conversion, its gleaming-white interior houses columns and a geometric staircase  and impressive exhibitions ranging from religious iconography to contemporary artists.

Enjoy the park life

For a change of scene, the wide-open green spaces of Valea Morilor Park are a pleasant 30-minute walk from the city centre. Its not exactly historic: it was created in the 1950s as a Soviet-style Central Park of Culture and Rest, and the lake is not only manmade but hand-dug. But its a serene spot, and very popular with the locals for walking, jogging and swimming off its artificial beach. Its must-see feature is a long, waterfall-trimmed staircase with romantic views over the lake.

The showpiece steps at Valea Morilor Park (Getty)

Further afield

Get out of town might seem an odd suggestion for a city break, but most of Chisinaus delights can be done in a day. A trip to the Moldovan countryside, however, is like a journey back in time. Nowhere more so than Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), an Insta-perfect destination just 40 miles northeast of the capital. Wander around the village of Butuceni, with its gaily painted cottages, before climbing up to the white belltower and stone cross on top of the cliff with spectacular views across the Raut river. Then clamber down a stone staircase into the limestone cliff to discover the 13th century cave monastery  complete with resident elderly Orthodox monk.

Or take the 90-minute bus to Bender and cross the border into the breakaway republic of Transnistria  a country that does not officially exist. This self-declared independent communist state between Moldova and Ukraine has its own currency (coloured plastic coins!), border guards and police force. A visit to the capital Tiraspol is a throwback to Soviet times, with Lenin statues, tanks on pedestals  and an excellent brandy distillery. Day trips are easy and cheap by bus from Chisinau.

Where to stay

Of the many hotels clustered around Cathedral Square, Bristol Central Park Hotel has doubles from 54, B&B (bristol.md). A little further out, Home Sweet Home has doubles for 35 (home-sweet-home.hotel-chisinau.com) and the highly rated Amazing Ionika Hostel is central, with dorm beds from 7 and individual doubles from 18 (facebook.com/amazingionikahostel).

Where to eat

Moldovan cuisine is not likely to lead to any Michelin stars any time soon and, like most of eastern Europe, vegetables are regarded with suspicion, unless pickled. Specialities to look out for include the polenta-like cornmeal porridge mamaliga, cabbage rolls (golubti) and soups like borsch (beetroot), zama (chicken and noodle), and chorba (meat and veg), solyanka (ditto), which are often sour.

Another unique foodstuff to try is placinta  a pastry stuffed with a range of savoury or sweet fillings, not all of them involving cabbage  and a puff pastry adaptation called vertuta. La Placinte is an excellent chain serving its namesake in many varieties.

For a traditional Moldovan meal, La Taifas offers a pricier and more touristy experience with waiters in traditional costume. Or for something a bit different, Gok-Okuz serves the cuisine of Uzbekistan and Gagauzia  an autonomous region in the south of Moldova. Theres upmarket Asian food at Jeraffe and there are plenty of fast-food options, both international and local  try pastries at the ubiquitous Franzeluta, or pick up a pastrami at one of the Carmez stores, easily spotted by their gaudy red signs.

Traditional Moldovan pumpkin vertuta (Getty/iStock)

Where to drink

Coffee: Every few yards theres a hole-in-the-wall offering a murky black shot of caffeine for loose change. For a better (and pricier) freshly-brewed coffee, try Tucano  Chisinaus answer to Starbucks  where youll find the local laptop brigade hunched over their screens with a flat white and a muffin. Just like home. Or, for a fairly authentic French atmosphere, not to mention tasty patisseries and croques monsieurs, go for a cafe au lait at nearby Creme de la Creme.

Wine: Moldova has more grapevines per capita than anywhere in the world, and it makes some exceptional wines. Unfortunately for us, most of it gets snapped up by the Russians. But things are changing. As well as popular tours and tastings of wineries outside Chisinau, there are several wine bars in the capital, like Carpe Diem, whose owners have a family vineyard near Codru in the far south of Moldova; Embargo Wine and Vinoteca Invino. Or buy bottles directly from Cricova Wine Shop and book a tour of the winery and its underground limestone tunnels, where Putin keeps his private collection. Regent Holidays runs a six-day Taste of Moldova group tour during the Wine Festival.

Beer: The craft beer revolution has reached Moldova too, with several breweries in Chisinau and others around the country. So while tattooed-and-bearded hipsters are thin on the ground, youll have no trouble finding a locally brewed pale ale. At the superb Taproom 27 just off the main drag, you can sample some of the bewildering array of local brews from Labrewtory, Litra or Tenemur, or an Elvis Porter from Duhoi. Or try all of them by ordering a flight of small glasses that go down rather too well with their addictive macaroni cheese balls. Theres even a craft brewery, Lumen Craft, at Chisinau airport.

Where to shop

The citys central market sprawls for half a mile along Stefan cel Mare Blvd. Great for fruit and veg, its also the place to buy one of those furry deerstalkers  or a caciula, a boxy traditional Moldovan sheepskin hat. For souvenirs, cross the road to the Artists Square (Arbat to the locals), full of traditional musical instruments (pipes and flutes of various kinds) and Soviet memorabilia (medals, badges, pins). Or pick up souvenirs ranging from national costume to carpets, woven baskets and carved wooden trinkets.

For further souvenir hunting, Bucuria is a local confectioner specialising in chocolate-covered fruits - prunes being a particular favourite. Look out, too, for local delicacies like rose petal and white cherry marmalade. For something to drink with it, buy some local brandy (a match for Cognac, say the locals) at Calarasi Divin.

Architectural highlight

If youre a fan of Soviet architecture then check out the City Gates of Chisinau (Getty)

A short walk from the Triumphal Arch and Stefan cel Mare Park youll find a mind-boggling collection of vast buildings: the Soviet-built parliament building (shaped like an open book), the garish, cathedral-like Presidential Palace (once the Supreme Soviets HQ), and the Modernist monstrosity of the 18-storey Ministry of Agriculture (which looks like the worlds biggest conference hotel). Many of the older buildings have fallen into disrepair and have been vandalised. An exception is the beautifully preserved City Hall, built in the Italian Gothic style by the 19th century Russian architect Bernardazzi, who designed many of the citys public buildings.

Nuts and bolts

What currency do they use?

Moldovan lei. 1 is approximately 26 lei.

What language do they speak?

Romanian is used by 80 per cent of people; English and Russian are also widely spoken.

Should I tip?

Usually 5-10 per cent is expected, even if service is included on your bill.

Whats the time difference?

Moldova is two hours ahead of the UK.

How should I get around?

The city is small enough to walk around and there are plenty of cabs. The trolley bus is the best bargain at 1 leu (0.05p) for a journey.

Whats the best view?

Order a cocktail or dine on Asian fusion food at Zaxi, the eighth-floor restaurant and bar atop the Radisson Blu Leogrand just off Cathedral Square.

Insider tip

Watch your step. Street lighting  and proper pavements  are still a luxury here leaving you on dark, uncertain ground at night. You might easily find yourself (as I did) in pitch black, only a few metres away from the central squares, stumbling along roads pitted with potholes and bumping into passers-by. Keep your mobile phone torch handy.

Getting there

Trying to fly less?

You can travel from the UK to Moldova entirely by train. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV and an ICE train on to Munich, via Stuttgart. From Munich you can take either a sleeper train, Kalman Imre, or a Railjet train to Budapest; from there, take the Ister sleeper train to Bucharest. Finally, take the Prietenia sleeper train to Chisinau.

Fine with flying?

Wizz Air flies to Chisinau from Luton. Regent Holidays organises various trips to Moldova for groups and individuals, including the Taste of Moldova group tour for the National Wine Festival  held this year from October 2-6  from 1,175pp.
Ten years after Congressional Republicans caused an unprecedented downgrade of Americas credit rating by holding the US public debt hostage in their bid to weaken a first-term Democratic president, its deja vu all over again.

In a Tuesday letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that it will be uncertain whether the US Treasury could continue to meet all the nations commitments after 18 October, when it will run up against the limitations of a 1917 law which restricts the governments ability to issue new bonds.

Giving the Treasury license to issue the financial instruments needed to pay Congress bills normally requires legislation to pass without a Senate filibuster. But so far, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to allow any bill that would avert the economic carnage of a default to pass the upper chamber.

Mitch is doing what Mitch does, said former GOP representative Joe Walsh, who described the tactic as political hardball meant only to make the Democrats hurt.

Neither party cares about the debt, he added.

Before passage of the Second Liberty Bond Act, Congress approved the issuance of new bonds on a case-by-case basis. But the exigencies of Americas involvement in the First World War forced Congress to enact a more flexible arrangement, which gave the Treasury the ability to issue debt up to a statutory limit.

And for many years after that, the limit became a non-issue. When it needed to be raised, Congress raised it rather than risk the catastrophic economic consequences that would arise if America failed to pay its bills. The practice became so routine that in 1979 the House of Representatives adopted a parliamentary rule that automatically raised the limit each time Congress passed a budget.

But when the GOP retook the House under then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, the then-ascendant House Republican Conference made a show of scrapping that rule as a putative demonstration of their fiscal responsibility. In explanation, they falsely claimed that raising the debt limit was the same as authorizing new spending when in reality, the Treasury issues new debt to pay bills Congress has already incurred with prior spending bills.

It was no coincidence that the GOPs sudden aversion to issuing new debt to pay bills arose during Bill Clintons presidency. Republicans, led by Gingrich, threatened to refuse to increase the debt ceiling if Clinton didnt scale back his plans for new spending on education, environmental programs and Medicare. The dispute caused what was, until 2019, the longest ever partial shutdown of the US government.

Since then, the GOP has learned that weaponizing Americas credit limit is a handy way to hamstring Democratic presidents. After Tea Party-infused Republicans took the House during Barack Obamas first term, they brought the economy to the brink of crisis in 2011 and 2013 by playing chicken over whether the US would default on its debts. Those concerns disappeared when Donald Trump controlled the executive branch, but with Biden now in the White House, the GOP is once again making use of a favored tactic for hurting the presidents congressional allies.

[McConnell] knows the Democrats are in a real bind this week, said Walsh. Hes not gonna help at all, so hell play Russian roulette with the debt ceiling. Walsh later added that McConnell and his own former GOP colleagues probably want the US to default on its debt so they can blame Biden for the resulting economic crash.

Bruce Bartlett  a former Reagan administration treasury official who in 2002 told the Senate Finance Committee that the debt limit should be deemed unconstitutional under a clause of the 14th Amendment, which says US public debt shall not be questioned  said in a phone interview that the number of Republicans who see a default as a win because it would hurt the Biden administration is relatively small.

There are some, but I dont think there are very many of them  and theyre all f**king morons who know absolutely nothing about finance, or how the Treasury operates or anything else, he explained. He later suggested that McConnells aim in trying to force Democrats to raise it on a party-line basis might be more narrowly targeted. McConnell, Bartlett suggested, is trying to force Senate Democrats to use so-called reconciliation rules  which allow budget-related legislation to pass with only 51 votes  because such provisions can only be passed a limited number of times each fiscal year.

The former Treasury official blamed Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumers incompetence for giving the Kentucky Republican an opening to put a damper on Democrats plans. I think Schumer has been utterly inept in the way hes handled all this, he said. McConnell is simply taking advantage of an opportunity that the Democrats gave to him. They could have handled this in a more timely manner and gotten this all taken care of, but they d**ked around and got themselves into this situation. He also predicted that McConnell would relent and allow a limited increase for a few weeks so a broader compromise could be crafted  and that the Republican leader would be hailed as a hero for it.

Bartlett added that McConnell is also trying to get Democrats to increase the debt ceiling by a specific amount rather than suspended it as was done under previous Republican presidents. He wants them to be forced to raise the debt limit as it was traditionally done to a new dollar level. That way, it makes it easier for him to say the Democrats increased the debt by X trillion dollars, he said. Now, I think thats chicken-s**t high school crap, but thats part of whats going on here.

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele also had harsh words for Schumer and Senate Democrats for not anticipating how McConnell would weaponize the nations credit, though he called McConnells tactics political bullying of the first order.

McConnell has effectively and consistently neutered the Democrat majority on everything from SCOTUS nominations to now raising the debt ceiling, Steele said. Democrats continue to act like Republicans are playing by the same set of rules.

He later added that Schumer and Congressional Democrats were suckers for doing so, and said they are playing right into the GOPs hands by not being able to get out of their own way. With opponents like the Democrats, McConnells strategy is so obvious: Weaken confidence in the economy, exploit continued mixed messaging on Covid, do not get in the way of certain efforts by states on voting rights  rinse, repeat. Win 2022, he explained. Republicans are playing to take the House and Senate. Democrats dont know how to keep either.
Shoojit Sarkar's Udham Singh is an ode to the freedom fighter who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by shooting Michael ODwyer in London in 1940.

While earlier Irrfan Khan was supposed to star in the film, Vicky Kaushal has done a tremendous job too, it seems.

Twitter

In this intriguing trailer, Kaushal transforms himself into a revolutionary and we are bowled over.



They fired 1,650 rounds of bullets. He only fired 6, but the impact of those 6 has got etched deeply into the hearts of freedom fighters and the generations that followed.

The trailer sheds light upon the undying bravery, fortitude, and fearlessness of an unsung hero, from the deeply buried annals of our history.



About the film, Vicky Kaushal at the trailer launch said, "The story of Sardar Udham Singh is one that enthralled and inspired me. It represents strength, pain, passion, extraordinary courage and sacrifice, and many such values that I have tried to do justice through my character in the film. The role called for a lot of physical, and even more mental preparation to get into Udham Singhs shoes and bring to life the story of a man whose heroism and grit stand unmatched."



The movie also stars Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Banita Sandhu and Kirsty Averton in pivotal roles and Amol Parashar in a special appearance.

Sardar Udham is all set to be released on Amazon Prime Video on Oct 16.
Getting hospitalised with COVID-19 can be a stressful experience, especially if the patient is critical, has breathing difficulties or has developed pneumonia.

The hospital stay can be prolonged and can stretch to weeks or months before the condition of the patient is discharged.

But this comes at a high cost and can run into several lakhs, which makes it unaffordable for a large section of our society.

BCCL

Adding to this is how private hospitals are inflating the bills, despite almost all states have placed caps on how much they can charge for treatment.

Across the country, several private hospitals have been fined and even had their license revoked for allegedly overcharging for COVID-19 treatment.

Overcharging patients

A recent survey conducted in Maharashtra has found that as many as 75 per cent of COVID-19 patients were overcharged by private hospitals.

"We surveyed the cases of 2,579 patients, spoke to their relatives and audited the hospital bills. Ninety-five per cent of them were admitted to private hospitals. We found that 75 per cent were overcharged. On average, the amount that was overcharged ranged between Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh," Dr Abhay Shukla of the Jan Aarogya Abhiyan, an umbrella group of activists working in the healthcare sector said.

Reuters

What makes it even worse is that nearly half of these patients died during treatment.

Most of these patients were hospitalized during the second wave of the pandemic. There were at least 220 women among these patients who shelled out between Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakh more than the actual bill, while in 212 cases, the patients or their relatives paid more than Rs two lakh in excess, Dr Shukla claimed.

This is despite the Maharashtra government fixing rates of treatment of COVID-19 at private hospitals.

Many of these patients or their families faced a financial crisis, were forced to sell off jewelry, borrow from relatives or even take out loans from money lenders to settle the bills, he said.

BCCL

Seema Bhagwat, who lost her husband to mucormycosis, a fungal infection that some COVID-19 patients contracted, said he was in the hospital for 38 days and they were given a bill of Rs 16 lakh.

"Still, I paid three EMIs of the bank. There was insurance cover for the bank loan, but because I approached them late, they are denying my claim. How can they expect me to submit my husband's death certificate the day after he died? I am not begging for help. But the hospital bill should be audited and if I have been overcharged, the difference should be refunded to me" she said.

Shakuntala Bhalerao, convenor of the Abhiyan, said what is lacking is a law to regulate hospitals. She added that a draft of the clinical establishment bill which seeks to create a regulatory mechanism is gathering dust.

BCCL

"We fought two cases in Pune recently and the hospitals returned Rs 83,000 and Rs 90,000. They even admitted that they had overcharged. But we can not fight each and every such case. There has to be some state mechanism to protect patients," Bhalerao said.

Mukund Dikshit, a senior activist, recounted that a police complaint had to be filed in Nashik because a hospital refused to hand over a patient's body over unpaid bill. "After intervention by the police and some activists, the body was handed over, but the hospital faced no action," he said.
The month of October is full of festivals and celebrations all over India. Many private and public sector banks will remain closed next month due to additional bank holidays. Banks will be shut for 21 days in October 2021 Including second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines Banks will be closed on all public holidays with some regional holidays depending on the particular state. Regional holidays are decided by respective state governments.

The month of October observes 21 bank holidays and the first holiday starts from Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October and other holidays like Durga Puja and Dussehra will be observed on 15 October 2021 which are applicable to all banks in India except Imphal and Shimla.

Bank holidays in October 2021:

Date Day Holiday State October 1 Friday Half Yearly Closing of Bank Accounts Gangtok October 2 Saturday Gandhi Jayanti All over India October 3 Sunday Weekend Holiday All over India October 6 Wednesday Mahalaya Amavasya Agartala, Bengaluru, Kolkata October 7 Thursday Mera Chaoren Houba of Lainingthou Sanamahi Imphal October 9 Saturday Second Saturday Holiday All over India October 10 Sunday Weekend Holiday All over India October 12 Tuesday Durga Puja (Maha Saptami) Agartala and Kolkata October 13 Wednesday Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami) Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi October 14 Thursday Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Navami)/Ayutha Pooja) Many states across the country October 15 Friday Durga Puja/Dasara/Dussehra All over India except Imphal and Shimla October 16 Saturday Durga Puja (Dasain) Gangtok October 17 Sunday Weekend Holiday All over India October 18 Monday Kati Bihu Guwahati October 19 Tuesday Id-E-Milad/Eid-e-Miladunnabi/Milad-i-Sherif (Prophet Mohammads Birthday)/Barawafat Many states across the country October 20 Wednesday Maharishi Valmikis Birthday/Lakshmi Puja/Id-E-Milad Holiday Agartala, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Shimla October 22 Friday Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi Jammu, Srinagar October 23 Saturday Fourth Saturday Holiday All over India October 24 Sunday Weekend Holiday All over India October 26 Tuesday Accession Day Jammu, Srinagar October 31 Sunday Weekend Holiday All over India





People will not face any problem in bank-related work as holidays are not frequent or at short intervals and ATMs and cash deposits will continue to function and will face any problem while depositing or withdrawing the money. These holidays may vary from state to state as holidays are determined keeping in view the local festivals.

According to the Reserve Bank's calendar, apart from the weekend, there are 16 bank holidays in October month. The central government has divided the holidays into three categories, under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. In these three categories  Holidays under Negotiable Instruments Act, and Real-Time Gross Settlement Holiday and Banks Closing of Accounts.

Those who have to complete the important work related to the bank in October, should see the list of holidays and plan their work in advance.

Check out the state-wise list of bank holidays in October 2021:

1. October 1 (Friday) - Half Yearly Closing of Bank Accounts Holiday

Banks will be closed in Gangtok for any public service due to the half-yearly closing of bank accounts on 1st October. The annual financial event called Half Yearly Closing is held every year on 30 September and 1st October. These two days will focus on closing their accounts, tackling their balance sheets and a round of business accounts and settling various payments.

2. October 2 (Saturday) - Gandhi Jayanti Holiday

2nd October Gandhi Jayanti Holiday | Photo: TOI Bangalore

Banks across the country remain closed on 2nd October to mark the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This day is also called Gandhi Jayanti.



3. October 3 - Sunday Holiday

All the private and government banks remain shut across the country on Sunday, 3rd October.

4. October 6 (Wednesday)- Mahalaya Amavasya Holiday

Banks remain closed in Agartala, Bengaluru, Kolkata on the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya on October 6, 2021. Mahalaya Amavasya also called Sarvapitri Amavasya is a special day when we express our gratitude to our pitrs or ancestors.

5. October 7 (Thursday) - Mera Chaoren Houba of Lainingthou Sanamahi Holiday

Banks will remain closed on Tuesday, 7 October, 2021 due the religious festival, Mera Chaorel Houba or Mera Chaoren Houba which is celebrated across Imphal, Manipur.

6. October 9 - Second Saturday Holiday

Banks will be closed due to the Second Saturday of the month on 9 October.

7. October 10 - Sunday Holiday

All the banks across the country will be closed on Sunday, 10 October, 2021 due to weekly off.

8. October 12 (Tuesday) - Durga Puja (Maha Saptami) Holiday

Banks will remain shut on Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 on the occasion of Durga Puja (Maha Saptami) in Agartala and Kolkata.

9. October 13 (Wednesday) - Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami) Holiday

Banks will remain closed due to Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami) in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi.

10. October 14 (Thursday) - Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Navami)/Ayutha Pooja)

On 14 October, banks will be closed on the occasion of Durga Puja/Dussehra (Maha Navami)/Ayutha Pooja) at Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Shillong, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

11. October 15 (Friday) - Durga Puja/Dasara/Dussehra Holiday

Dussehra Celebration | Photo: BCCL

All the banks across the country except those in Imphal and Shimla remain closed on the occasion of Durga Puja, Dasara and Dussehra (Vijaya Dashmi) on Friday, 15 October 2021.



12. October 16 (Saturday) - Durga Puja (Dasain) Holiday

Banks will remain closed on the next day of Dussehra on Saturday, 16 October 2021 due to the celebration of Durga Puja (Dasain) in Gangtok.

13. October 17- Sunday Holiday

All the banks will be closed on 17 October, Sunday.

14. October 18 (Monday)- Kati Bihu Holiday

Banks across Guwahati will be closed on Monday, 18 October, 2021, on the occasion of Kati Bihu, an important Assamese festival of Assam.

15. October 19 (Tuesday) - Id-E-Milad/Eid-e-Miladunnabi/Milad-i-Sherif (Prophet Mohammads Birthday)/Barawafat Holiday

Banks will be close in several cities and states like, Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bhopal, Chennai, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram across the country to celebrating Id-E-Milad/Eid-e-Miladunnabi/Milad-i-Sherif (Prophet Mohammads Birthday)/Baravafat on Tuesday, 19 October, 2021.

16. October 20 (Wednesday) - Maharishi Valmikis Birthday/Lakshmi Puja/Id-E-Milad Holiday

Maharishi Valmikis Birthday, Lakshmi Puja and Id-E-Milad will be celebrated on Wednesday, 20 October, 2021 and banks will be closed in Agartala, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Shimla on the occasion.

17. October 22 (Friday) - Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi

Eid Celebration | Photo: BCCL

Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi is going to be celebrated on Friday, 22 October and all the banks will be closed in Jammu, Srinagar.

18. October 23 (Saturday) - Fourth Saturday Holiday

Banks across the country will be closed on the fourth Saturday on 23 October, 2021.

19. October 24- Sunday Weekend Bank Holiday

All the banks in the country remain closed on their weekly off on Sunday, 24 October, 2021.

20. October 26 (Tuesday) - Accession Day Holiday

Banks will remain closed on the state holiday observed as Accession Day in Jammu and Srinagar on Sunday, 26 October, 2021. The Day is a public holiday in Jammu and Srinagar, commemorating 26 October 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh signed off the Instrument of Accession, in which Jammu and Kashmir joined the Dominion of India.

21. October 31- Sunday Weekend Holiday

Sunday, 31 October, 2021 would be the last and 21st holiday of October. All the banks will remain closed on this day.
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A jury has awarded $1.3 million to a Rhode Island woman who underwent gallstone surgery that resulted in months of complications because of negligence from Kent Hospital.

The jury reached a verdict Thursday, finding both Dr. Brian Reed and Kent Hospital negligent in the care of Ashley Vickers, The Providence Journal reported.

Vickers, 33, went to Reed at Kent Hospital for gallstone surgery in 2014 and returned to the hospital the next day because of pain and bleeding.

Over the course of two months, she continued to check in and out of Kent Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital with a sliced bile duct that was leaking into her abdomen, a pretrial memorandum said.

In order to fix the damage to her organs, Vickers had to undergo reconstructive surgery, including having her small intestine cut and rerouted.

According to the Department of Health, Reed is no longer licensed in Rhode Island.

Today, her abdomen is now a completely altered system of scar tissue and changed anatomy, and she carries risk into the future, Vickers lawyer, Michael P. Quinn Jr said.

Raina Smith, a spokesperson for Care New England, which owns Kent Hospital, declined to comment.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. and New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) Commissioner Margaret Garnett announced the indictment of Dragonetti Brothers Landscaping, Nursery, & Florist (DBLNF) and D.B. Demolition Inc., as well as their respective presidents Nicholas Dragonetti and Vito Dragonetti for evading more than $1 million in insurance premiums while working on City of New York contracts for sidewalk and road repair.

The defendants are charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with various counts of insurance fraud, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and penalties for fraudulent practices under New York states Workers Compensation Law.

The indictment follows a joint investigation led by the Manhattan District Attorneys Offices Construction Fraud Task Force and DOI, with assistance from the New York City Business Integrity Commission (BIC).

When companies evade insurance premiums, they put their workers at risk of not receiving adequate insurance to cover on-the-job injuries, Vance said in a press release issued by his office. Inadequate coverage is a particularly concerning prospect in the construction industry, where workers put their bodies on the line. As alleged in this case, the defendants devalued their workers livelihoods by insuring them for lower-risk work while simultaneously sending them to carry out demolition projects and operate heavy machinery.

Since 1998, DBLNF has secured more than a hundred New York City contracts for parks landscaping and maintenance, as well as for sidewalk reconstruction and pedestrian crosswalk ramp construction. Sidewalk and ramp construction workers have higher-risk jobs than landscapers or florists which include demolishing and replacing pavement and ramps, and accordingly, a higher workers compensation insurance classification.

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, between 2017 and 2019, DBLNF intentionally misclassified numerous employees on its applications to the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) for workers compensation insurance in order to avoid paying the required premiums.

DBLNF bid on and won contracts for excavation, sidewalk reconstruction and pedestrian ramp replacement for residential blocks throughout the city totaling millions of dollars and falsely classified 217 laborers, foremen and heavy-equipment operators as florists, office workers or sales representatives. As a result, DBLNF evaded more than $1 million in insurance premiums.

During the same time period, D.B. Demo also misclassified several workers in NYSIF paperwork, claiming the individuals were office workers while simultaneously listing them as commercial drivers in paperwork filed with BIC, the agency that oversees the private carting industry in New York City. In total, D.B. Demo evaded more than $81,000 in insurance premiums.

Source: Manhattan District Attorneys Office

Topics Fraud New York Contractors
Funds managing nearly $30 trillion in assets called on Wednesday for 1,600 of the worlds most polluting companies to urgently set science-based emissions reduction targets.

The 220 investors, including Fidelity International and Amundi, said they had written to CEOs of firms they invest in demanding targets that would help cap global warming at no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels by 2050.

Climate Change Ranks as Top Concern for Insurers, Replacing Pandemic 50 Companies Worldwide Are Highly Exposed to Physical Climate Risks, Say Investors

Their call comes just over a month before world leaders meet in Britain for the latest round of global climate talks, with all countries challenged to set tougher targets as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced.

The group said in a statement that the companies in question collectively account for 11.9 gigatons of so-called Scope 1 and 2 emissions, those tied to their operations, which totalled more than the European Union and United States combined.

It said Hyundai Motor Co., chemicals company BASF and German airline Lufthansa were among those approached.

A Lufthansa spokesperson pointed to the airlines commitment to be net zero by 2050, and halve its net carbon emissions and be carbon neutral in its ground operations by 2030.

The other two companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Coordinated by non-profit disclosure platform CDP, the institutions said they wanted all the companies to set targets through the Science-Based Targets Initiative, an independent body that checks they are robust.

As long-term investors seeking to allocate capital responsibly, we expect our portfolio companies to develop, commit to and execute on science-based emissions reduction plans aligned with the Paris Agreement, said Barnaby Wiener, head of sustainability and Stewardship at MFS Investment Management.

The group did not specify in its statement what if any action its signatories would take if companies did not do as asked, but as shareholders they can ultimately use their voting powers to attempt to force change if it is not forthcoming.

(Reporting by Simon Jessop; editing by Alexander Smith)
Lockton Names WTWs Danyluk as Head Intl Property in Wholesale P/C

Lockton, the worlds largest privately owned independent insurance broker, has appointed Andrzej Danyluk as head of International Property within the Wholesale Property & Casualty (P/C) division.

In his new role in London, Danyluk will be responsible for developing and growing the international property portfolio of clients in close collaboration with Locktons international offices and partners.

Danyluk joins from Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where he led the international property team in Great Britain. Prior to working for WTW, Danyluk spent almost four years at Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT), where he latterly served as head of the Power and Renewable Energy Broking team.

At Lockton, Danyluk is set to expand the strong international property portfolio in London, reporting into Simon Scholfield, head of Wholesale P/C. He will work in close partnership with Locktons rapidly growing international offices to support both new and existing clients.

***

HSB Promotes Prentice to Cyber Product Lead

Specialist engineering and technology insurer HSB has appointed Mathew Prentice as cyber product lead.

Based in Birmingham, England, and reporting to Andy Bazley, underwriting strategy manager, Prentice will be responsible for the development and implementation of HSBs underwriting strategy for the computer and cyber account.

Prentice will be focused on the overall underwriting strategy for HSBs computer and cyber portfolio and the growth of the account as part of HSBs strategic priorities.

He was promoted from his previous role of senior underwriter at HSB, having joined the company as an underwriter in 2014 from Aviva.

A subsidiary of Munich Re, HSB is a specialist insurer and provider of inspection and risk management services. HSBs insurance offerings in the UK and Ireland include construction, equipment breakdown, cyber and computer, and energy covers. HSB blends its engineering expertise, technology and data to craft inventive insurance and service solutions for existing and emerging risks posed by technological change.

***

Castel Hires Apollos Ker to New Role of Head of Performance

Castel Underwriting Agencies Ltd., announced the appointment of Doug Ker to the newly created role of head of performance.

Ker will be responsible for working with the firms underwriting cells to enhance profitability. He will work across Castels UK and European regulated businesses.

He joins Castel from Apollo Syndicate Management where he was underwriting business partner overseeing underwriting governance and business development. He has more than 15 years insurance and reinsurance industry experience and was previously head of international underwriting operations with Aspen.

Topics Cyber Property Willis Towers Watson Lockton
Ford Motor Company has been charged in a federal lawsuit with violating the law when it made a conditional offer of hire to a pregnant applicant but failed to hire her even though she was qualified and passed a company physical.

In its lawsuit filed in Chicago, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleged Ford violated federal employment law when it refused to hire a pregnant applicant to work at its stamping plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois, due to her pregnancy.

According to the EEOCs lawsuit, a female applicant received a conditional offer of hire in June 2019 to work at the Chicago Heights stamping plant, subject to passing a physical, drug test, and background check.

During her pre-employment physical with a Ford physician in August 2019, the woman disclosed she was pregnant. Fords doctor cleared her for hire, but Ford did not schedule her for her first day of work. The woman repeatedly called Ford to find out when she would begin working and was given various answers, until she was told in late October 2019 Ford was no longer hiring.

This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against applicants or employees because of their sex, including pregnancy.

The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Ford Motor Co., Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-05089) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its voluntary conciliation process.

The EEOC seeks back pay, and compensatory and punitive damages as well as injunctive relief.

Source: EEOC

Topics Lawsuits Illinois
This summer marks three years since the NotPetya malware attack, which has been called the most devastating cyber attack in history. While cyber experts say cybersecurity and prevention strategies have since evolved in many ways, they also warn another crippling attack is never far off.

Were always one attack away from another market-wide event, said Conan Ward, president of MGA/MGU Operations at QOMPLX, a Reston, Va.-based intelligence data analytics company that specializes in insurance and cybersecurity.

The NotPetya malware attack that began in Ukraine in June 2017 ultimately caused more than $10 billion in damage and wreaked havoc on major companies, including shipping company Maersk and pharmaceutical company Merck, which respectively lost up to $300 million and $870 million, according to reports.

What Cyber Insurance Industry Learned from 2017 Hacks Cyber experts say a lack of experience and data are behind the industrys under-preparedness in a constantly evolving cyber risk environment. Was It an Act of War? Thats Merck Cyber Attacks $1.3 Billion Insurance Question. Merck estimated initially that the malware did $870 million in damages. It was stunned when most of its 30 insurers and reinsurers denied coverage because the policies specifically excluded an act of war. U.S. Says Russia to Blame for NotPetya Cyber Attack The U.S. statement cane after the British government attributed the attack to Russia, a conclusion already reached by many private sector cyber security experts. Reinsurers Look at Cybers Massive Growth PossibilitiesWith Caution Reinsurers admit they are sometimes challenged to close the protection gap for new and emerging risks such as cyber.

The NotPetya attack dramatically highlighted the potential for systemic vulnerabilities, and how it can have a major financial impact on the global economy, said Oliver Brew, head of client services at cyber insurance analytics company, CyberCube.

Not only that, but the attack also illustrated ambiguities in cyber insurance policies, fueling the conversation around silent versus standalone cyber in a quest for greater clarity, according to Brew.

The attack acted as a catalyst for regulators to increase scrutiny on the issue, he said.

Silent cyber refers to potential cyber exposures contained within traditional property and liability insurance policies which may not implicitly include or exclude cyber risk, according to insurance broker Marshs website. This has led to a lack of clarity in some cases regarding how cyber events are covered under various insurance policies, such as property policies, cyber experts said.

Standalone cyber insurance, on the other hand, refers to a dedicated cyber insurance policy that can be purchased separately by insureds and has been touted by the insurance industry as a product providing greater coverage clarity.

There is a fundamental difference between dedicated cyber policies and this idea of either silent cyber or partial coverage grants, Ward said. What NotPetya really laid bare was this idea that if youre selling a half-baked cyber coverage grant inside of some other policy, youre playing with fire. And if youre an insured, youre not buying a product thats fit for purpose.

Ward said it is the responsibility of insureds to understand their cyber risk and purchase a product that best fits their needs.

What I think you saw with NotPetya is that people were not buying enough [dedicated cyber] because they had this sort of half-baked, silent cyber grant in other policies, he said. Buyers dont want to have to pay for dedicated cyber coverage, but at the same time, theyre not buying the right tool for the right job. A cyber grant inside of a property policy doesnt do the kinds of things you need it to do.

With this in mind, he added the onus is on buyers to buy an appropriate amount of limit in considering what an artisan level attack could do to their business.

Its not as simple as getting a cyber write-back in all of the policies you already buy, he said.

At the same time, he said its on the insurance industry to fully understand the cyber insurance market and the cyber products it is offering to clients.

I think the industry learned a valuable lesson [from NotPetya], which is, at least to a degree, dont cover something like cyber that you really dont understand, he said. I think we as an industry have a history of doing that. We want to provide super broad coverage thinking were helping, and the reality is, we dont always understand the ripple effects involved.

Acts of War and Standalone Cyber

In the case of Merck for example, most of its 30 insurers and reinsurers denied coverage under the companys property policies for damage resulting from NotPetya even though the policies provided $1.75 billion worth of coverage for catastrophic risks including the destruction of computer data, coding and software, Bloomberg reported. This is because Mercks property policies specifically excluded acts of war, Bloombergs report stated.

Everyone fundamentally understands why you would exclude war in a property policy, Ward said. Its a systemic risk that no company could hope to cover.

Fueled by the need for coverage limits that adequately cover increasingly sophisticated cyber incidents, such as NotPetya, the insurance market has since begun to shift toward standalone cyber policies, said Caroline Thompson, head of underwriting at cyber insurance provider Cowbell Cyber.

When cyber attacks started to evolve and use technology to execute an attack by a person or group that was associated with a government or organization, it created a need for cyber terrorism to be explicitly covered under a [standalone] cyber policy, she said, adding that at Cowbell Cyber, we strongly believe that only standalone cyber insurance can provide a detailed and precise definition of what the policy intends to cover, which ultimately results in higher policyholder satisfaction and a smoother claim process.

Pandemic Cyber Risk

With NotPetya still fresh in the insurance industrys rearview mirror, Brew agreed that cyber coverage is constantly evolving to keep pace with emerging areas of risk. He pointed to whats happening now with the COVID-19 crisis as one major example.

Indeed, in an interview for Insurance Journal TV, Scott Fouts, vice president of Hub Internationals Risk Services division, stated that with many companies employees working remotely due to the ongoing pandemic, the likelihood of having a cyber attack right now is pretty high.

He said companies can combat this heightened cyber risk by ensuring they have a good IT team in place, their technological infrastructure is set up correctly, and security measures are in place to educate employees and respond if an incident does occur.

I think theres probably a little bit of false security working from home, Fouts said.

This, coupled with the fact that attackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods, has created a greater risk environment for a large attack, Ward said.

The broad [attack] methods are largely the same, but the tools they use are changing all the time. Artisan-level malware is now in the hands of a ton of attackers, he said.

Brew said the insurance industry can prepare by supporting clients to improve proactive risk mitigation strategies, develop realistic disaster scenario frameworks to understand the implications and manage capital to address exposures and maintain a sustainable market.

Looking forward, Thompson added that cyber insurance offerings should be built using data, artificial intelligence and continuous underwriting that ingests new data in real time and rapidly responds to todays ever-changing threat landscape.

At this stage of maturity in the cyber insurance market, open communication and transparency are critical to support a healthy growth of the cyber insurance market, she added.

Most of all, she emphasized that it is important for insurers to understand the cyber risks related to their insureds.

Because, she said, there is always going to be another attack.

Topics Cyber Reinsurance Market Property
Citigroup Inc. on Wednesday pressed a federal appeals court to let it recoup about $504 million of its own money that it accidentally wired Revlon Inc. lenders, saying its mistake did not entitle them to a huge windfall.

The banks lawyer Neal Katyal said the lenders had six red flags of the error, and had not expected the cosmetics company controlled by billionaire Ronald Perelman to repay them for another three years.

If you hit rewind here, its not unfair, Katyal told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan. The parties get returned to the position that they bargained for.

But one member of the three-judge panel said a key precedent from New York states highest court appeared to leave legal questions about Citigroups payment and the lenders response unanswered, and which perhaps that court should answer first.

Each of those issues is really a question of policy, Circuit Judge Pierre Leval said. We would largely be guessing.

The case stemmed from New York-based Citigroups August 2020 prepayment of an $894-million loan for Revlon, which lacked enough cash to repay it, that was not due until 2023.

Rather than return their share of the money, 10 asset managers whose clients included the Revlon lenders kept it.

Banks Seeking New Protections in Wake of Citigroups $900M Mistake

They said Citigroup, acting as Revlons loan agent, paid exactly what was owed, and they had no reason to believe a sophisticated bank would err so badly.

The asset managers included Brigade Capital Management, HPS Investment Partners and Symphony Asset Management, among others.

On Feb. 16, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled against Citigroup, saying the prepayment was a discharge for value, and the asset managers were not on notice of Citigroups blunder.

Those managers deserve finality, their lawyer Kathleen Sullivan told the appeals court.

She also said the prepayment seemed plausible because Perelman had previously bailed out Revlon.

Theyd seen it before, she said.

But Katyal said the banking industry wires $5.4 trillion each day, and mistakes will happen.

Industry groups have said a ruling against Citigroup could expose banks to excessive liability risks, and destabilize the approximately $1.2 trillion U.S. syndicated loan market.

The case is In re Citibank August 11, 2020 Wire Transfers, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 21-487.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York Editing by Nick Zieminski)
About 70,000 students across southeast Louisiana remain out of school because of Hurricane Idas destruction to classroom buildings a month ago, state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told lawmakers on Sept. 28.

Thats nearly 1 in 10 of Louisianas K-12 students  largely in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist and St. Charles parishes  who remain idled by the Category 4 storm, which wrecked several parishes when it struck Aug. 29.

More than 300,000 students were forced out of school immediately after Ida, but many have returned to class as power and water were restored across the region.

Frankly, I am impressed with the speed that this is taking place, Brumley told the Senate Education Committee. These system leaders have done an excellent job.

But in the hardest-hit areas, Ida flooded schools, ripped off classroom roofs, blew out parts of buildings and wrecked buses, making it more difficult to get children back into learning environments. Internet service is out in areas, making virtual learning impossible. And some teachers and school staff are living out of their districts because their homes were destroyed or heavily damaged.

More schools reopened this week, and others are scheduled to come online throughout October.

Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin said 10 of its 30 schools reopened Sept. 27, with more restarts planned in the coming weeks. St. Charles Superintendent Ken Oertling said a quarter of his parishs 19 school sites should reopen next week, while others could take weeks longer. Two high schools will have to share space on one campus, he said.

Its kind of hard to comprehend the amount of damage, Oertling said.

He said the school district gave each student a Chromebook laptop ahead of Ida to ready for virtual learning if schools were heavily damaged. But he said online learning is not an option for his schools right now.

We have no internet, Oertling said. Electricity returned last week, but the parish still faces rolling outages.

Brumley didnt have an estimate for the rebuilding costs for school damage but expected it would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Although school systems have insurance coverage, testimony from individual systems suggested that wouldnt be enough to cover the full repair costs, leaving assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help fill the gaps.

For example, Martin said the Lafourche Parish school system has $20 million in property insurance coverage but estimates repair and mitigation costs will top $100 million. The school districts annual budget is $126 million a year for its 14,000 students.

But FEMA aid involves bureaucratic hurdles and provides reimbursement after money is spent.

The superintendents didnt get much encouragement from the experiences that Calcasieu Parish Superintendent Karl Bruchhaus described in seeking reimbursement for his schools rebuilding costs related to Hurricane Laura. That storm ravaged southwest Louisiana when it roared ashore as a Category 4 storm in August 2020.

Every school has reopened in Calcasieu Parish, but some are still under repair and have leaks whenever it rains, Bruchhaus said. The school district borrowed money to help cover upfront rebuilding costs while awaiting FEMA reimbursement, but the superintendent said construction on school repairs had to shut down because the district is having cash flow problems awaiting more than $120 million in expected FEMA payments.

On the construction side, were out of cash. Thats been a challenge, Bruchhaus said.

In addition, the states homeland security office has been sitting for months on a few million dollars in FEMA reimbursements owed to the school district while reviewing paperwork and contracts to ensure they meet federal requirements.

Thats unacceptable, unreasonable and unconscionable, said Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields, a Baton Rouge Democrat.

Under pressure from lawmakers, homeland security Director James Waskom pledged to send the Calcasieu Parish school system a check for any money it was withholding for its paperwork review.

But Bruchhaus said he needs the heftier amounts awaiting payment from FEMA for months to resume construction work on school buildings.

Sen. Bodi White, a Republican whose Baton Rouge area district saw severe flooding in 2016, warned that FEMA moves slowly, but that the federal agency is critical to recovery.

Its just going to take patience, a lot, White said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Louisiana K 12
Arthur J. Gallagher& Co. has acquired Little Rock, Ark.-based Alpha Surety & Insurance Brokerage LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, Alpha Surety focuses primarily on selling direct and wholesale commercial surety bonds in key industry sectors, including money transmitters, cryptocurrency, professional employer organizations, debt managers, mortgage/finance lenders, fundraisers and others. The team serves clients throughout the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Alpha Surety will continue to operate from its current location under the direction of Kevin Garvin, head of Gallagher Affinity.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Topics Mergers A.J. Gallagher
In what may be a sign of the climate times, a Florida county has declared a local state of emergency after a weather event  even without hope of much assistance from the state or federal government.

The declaration by county commissioners in Citrus County, north of Tampa, came not because of a hurricane or tropical storm, but after excessive amounts of rainfall this year that have left roads and buildings flooded, according to officials at a Tuesday commission meeting.

The declaration only allows some residents without flood insurance to qualify for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, in order to make basic repairs. The county does not qualify for federal emergency assistance because the damage is not countywide, officials said.

Theres simply nothing we can do, county Commissioner Jeff Kinnard said, after dozens of angry residents pleaded for help at the meeting. FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is not coming to our rescue. I know thats not what you want to hear.

The predicament reflects what climate and insurance experts have said is a new reality: Areas that were not often subject to excessive rain or flooding are now seeing it more frequently. Many residents are not in an established flood zone and do not carry flood insurance on their property.

And with FEMAs new Risk Rating 2.0 set to take effect tomorrow, many homeowners may soon find the National Flood Insurance Program too pricey, officials said.

To add uncertainty to the picture, the NFIP is set to expire today unless Congress acts to renew it. If the program is not reauthorized, NFIP claims for existing policies would still be paid, but the agency could not sell any new policies or renew existing ones, federal officials have said.

And a potential shutdown by the federal government, perhaps as soon as tonight, could also disrupt implementation of FEMAs flood-risk rating. Analysts with the Pew Charitable Trusts and federal officials have said the new rating system is designed to be more equitable, based on many more factors than simply a propertys proximity to a flood zone. About a fifth of NFIP policyholders would see a decrease in premiums under the new ratings, but millions more could see spikes in prices.

That has prompted members of Congress from Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and other coastal states to urge their colleagues to force FEMA to postpone implementation of the new rating system.

Citrus County officials did not say how many local property owners are without flood insurance, or how many may face higher premiums. But speakers at the commission meeting called the situation heartbreaking and dire, with some residents forced to consider abandoning their homes. The county, home to famous freshwater springs and manatee refuge areas, this year received more than 60 inches of rain, shattering a record that had stood since 1915. Like officials in several parts of Florida, changing climate events have left Citrus County searching for solutions. In this case, the county does not qualify for a state emergency declaration, which could have paved the way for millions of dollars in aid.

There is really not a whole lot that the county can do, said the countys emergency operations director, Amanda Woodward.

The emergency declaration will at least allow county workers to assess the flood damage. To attain a local state of emergency, the governor must certify the declaration. For county residents to qualify for the 1% SBA loans, at least 25 homes without flood insurance in the county would have to have suffered at least a 40% loss, a county official explained.

Topics Florida Flood
A federal judge Tuesday suspended South Carolina from enforcing a rule that banned school districts from requiring masks for students.

Parents of disabled children, helped by the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the state saying the ban discriminated against medically vulnerable students by keeping them out of public schools as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The South Carolina Department of Education said Wednesday that it will follow the ruling, telling school districts that they have the discretionary authority to require masks.

The mask ban has been forcefully backed by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster and GOP lawmakers who said parents should decide whether students wear masks, not school officials.

The ruling wasnt even a close call, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis wrote, stopping the state from enforcing a one-year ban placed in the budget.

It is noncontroversial that children need to go to school. And, they are entitled to any reasonable accommodation that allows them to do so. No one can reasonably argue that it is an undue burden to wear a mask to accommodate a child with disabilities, Lewis wrote.

Lewis compared the General Assembly preventing mask requirements to telling schools they can no longer install wheelchair ramps.

Masks must, at a minimum, be an option for school districts to employ to accommodate those with disabilities so they, too, can access a free public education, the judge wrote.

McMasters spokesman Brian Symmes said the ruling isnt the last word in the case.

The governor strongly disagrees with the courts decision and will defend a parents right to decide whats best for their children up to the United States Supreme Court, if necessary, Symmes said in a statement,

The ruling wasnt a surprise because the rights of medically fragile students were violated, said Susan Mizner, director of the ACLUs Disability Rights Program.

The courts decision today makes clear that state legislators and Gov. McMaster cant sacrifice the health and safety of students with disabilities for the convenience of others, Mizner said in a statement.

The Republican-dominated South Carolina House put the provision into the budget in June when the state was seeing an average of about 150 new COVID-19 cases a day.

Not long after the delta variant caused a spike in cases similar to last winter before vaccines were widely available. Well over 21,000 students have been infected with COVID-19 this school year and nearly 100,000 have had to quarantine because of close exposure, according to state health data.

The budget provision didnt outright ban districts from requiring masks, but said state money couldnt be used to enforce a mask requirement. State money is tied into most regular school funding, although some lawmakers told school boards they could require masks and hire employees to enforce the requirement with federal COVID-19 relief money.

Several districts have gone ahead and required masks. Other school boards have asked lawmakers to come back into session and change the rules, which they so far have refused to do. They have been joined by groups of doctors, teachers and school administrators.

Attempts to get the state Supreme Court to allow mask requirements in schools or overturn the provision have failed.

Lewis wrote in her ruling that she was following federal anti-discrimination law and not making a comment on whether the General Assemblys provision was COVID incompetence.

Some have also contended that the politicalization, by both opponents and proponents, of the decision to forbid local school districts from requiring students to wear a mask at school is gravely wrong. Literally. But, that question is not before the Court, the judge wrote.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Training Development K 12 South Carolina
If doctors offer differing opinions on a work injury, a judge must appoint a third physician to help settle the matter, according to Floridas workers compensation rules. And an administrative law judge must consider a contingent argument raised by an insurer, not just the initial argument, a Florida appeals court said Wednesday.

Floridas 1st District Court of Appeals, which is assigned all workers compensation appeals, found in ABM Industries vs. Maritza Valencia that the workers comp judge in Miami had employed some tortured logic in siding against the employer/carrier and not allowing a third doctor, known as an expert medical advisor.

The administrative law judge, Margret Kerr, had reasoned that because the insurer had not authorized the claimants choice of physicians, and Kerr had not formally accepted the doctor until later, no differing doctors opinions had existed during a hearing.

This reasoning is flawed, as a matter of both logic and law, appeals court Judge Susan Kelsey wrote.

The comp judge, after rejecting the carriers first argument, also failed to address the second, contingent argument, the court noted. The appeals court on Wednesday reversed and remanded the case to the judge of compensation claims, requiring the use of an expert medical advisor.

The case began in 2019, when the claimant was mopping an office space for ABM Industries and slipped and injured her knee. Under Florida law, the employer chooses the treating physician. The employers chosen doctor, Dr. Orestes Rosabal, opined that surgery was not necessary and released Valencia to return to work.

Claimants in Florida can make a one-time request for a change in treating physicians. Valencia requested another orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Edward Lazzarin. The adjuster did not respond to the request for almost two weeks, well after the five-day statutory deadline, then named a third physician. Meanwhile, Lazzarin recommended surgery for the workers knee.

ABM Industries, a facilities management company with operations in Miami, and ACE Insurance had made a two-pronged argument to the comp judge. The employer/carrier argued that the adjusters response should not be considered late  and Lazzarin should not be authorized  because the claimant had faxed the request for a change in doctors to the adjuster, instead of the insurers attorney, as the insurer had requested. The request was sent to a seldom-used fax number for the adjuster, and the insurer was not copied, per standard procedure, ACEs lawyer, David Gold, told the Insurance Journal.

The employer and insurer also hedged their bets and argued that if Lazzarin was, in fact, deemed to be authorized, then an expert medical advisor must be appointed to resolve the conflict between the doctors opinions, as required by workers compensation statute in Florida.

Judge Kerr found that the carriers response was late and that Dr. Lazzarins recommendation held sway. She awarded medical and indemnity benefits for temporary partial disability. Upon the insurers motion for rehearing, the comp judge reasoned that Lazzarin was not actually authorized until the final judgment was entered. Thus, no conflict existed with the employers doctor, and there was no need to address the issue of an expert medical advisor.

That made no sense, Gold said. We had worked hard to preserve that issue.

The appeals court agreed.

Logically, the JCCs labor was incomplete until she addressed the E/Cs well-preserved, contingent argument that if claimants choice of Dr. Lazzarin was valid under the circumstances, then Dr. Lazzarin was authorized, his opinion conflicted with Dr. Rosabals, and an EMA was required, the appeals judge wrote.

The court said that previous court rulings have underscored the necessity of an expert advisor in most cases when physicians opinions conflict. On the issue of ignoring a contingent argument by a litigant, the appeals court noted the broader implications: Although the issue on appeal arises in a workers compensation case, it can happen in other contexts, the DCA wrote.

It remains to be seen if the contingent argument tactic will now be employed more often by insurers. Gold said the circumstances for this case were fairly unique and may not apply to other litigation. On the issue of expert medical advisors, the DCA ruling reinforces and clarifies what the law is, Gold noted. The law is clear: When you have conflicting doctors opinions, an expert medical adviser must be appointed.

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Florida
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Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions.

Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020
One of my favourite flagships of 2021 is the Oppo Find X3 Pro 5G. Like all flagships, its an expensive phone but delivers on all the key areas of battery life, camera quality, screen, and performance. However, for those not willing to shell out so much money on the latest and greatest, Oppo have a more budget-friendly option with near flagship-level performance and features in the Find X3 Neo 5G.

Design

Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G with the Oppo Enco X earbuds and Oppo Band. Picture: Noel Campion.

The Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G is stylish with ultra-thin bezels, a slim design and a gorgeous textured back that not only looks great but makes the phone easier to grip with less fear of dropping it. Additionally, you get a transparent silicone case in the box which is a welcome inclusion, along with a pre-installed screen protector.

Like its more expensive sibling the Find X3 Pro, the Neo has rounded corners around the screen and the glass curves over the sides however, the sharper corners around the body make it a more rectangular shape with a flat top and bottom.

My review model in Starlight Black has a textured matte back that doesnt attract fingerprints like it would if it were glossy and it has a two-tone metallic look thats fairly unique.

Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G features the Snapdragon 865, a flagship CPU from last year. Picture: Noel Campion.

In the top left is the camera system which features a quad lens layout. Three of the lenses are stacked vertically while the fourth is much smaller and in a rectangular shape. Inside the raised camera module youll also find a dual-LED flash as well as a colour temperature sensor used to accurately measure white balance.

The Neo feels light and comfortable in the hand for a large phone at 184g. Compared to many large screen flagships its narrow enough to make it comfortable to hold and use single-handed  I dont have petit hands. Measuring 159.9 x 72.5 x 7.99mm its not a small phone so those with smaller hands beware.

The front display is 6.5-inches FHD+ (2,400x1080px) AMOLED with a 92.1% screen-to-body ratio. The top left corner of the screen has a small hole-punch cutout for the 32MP selfie camera. On the bottom of the display is an in-screen fingerprint sensor. I found this reliable and fast to unlock but you can also use face unlock for those times when you dont have to wear a mask.

The top bezel has a speaker while the bottom edge has a down-firing speaker that works in combination to provide stereo audio. Also on the bottom is the dual SIM tray, mic and USB-C charging port. The top only has a mic but theres no 3.5mm jack. To Oppo's credit, they supply a decent pair of USB-C headphones in the box.

On the left side are volume up and down buttons while on the right is the power button which features a small green accent.

Display

Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G has a 6.5-inch OLED display. Picture: Noel Campion.

The 6.5-inch display has a 90Hz refresh rate that makes everything feel smooth and slick from scrolling through social feeds to playing the latest games. As youd expect from a top-rate OLED panel, you get inky blacks and a partial peak brightness of 1,100 nits.

Everything looks excellent on this display with vivid colours and theres support for HDR10+ for the best possible image quality for HDR content on streaming platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Its hard not to be impressed by the image quality when you watch shows like Our Planet in HDR on Netflix.

The stereo speakers are decent too with support for Dolby Atmos and while it isnt as good as the latest iPhones, it does provide a wide soundstage that enhances the experience.

Cameras

Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G with quad-cameras. Picture: Noel Campion.

A quad-camera system comprises a 50MP main camera, plus a 16MP ultra wide-angle

camera, a 13MP telephoto camera (5x hybrid zoom) and a 2MP macro camera. The main camera supports OIS and EIS image stabilisation. The front selfie camera is a 32MP shooter.

The Neo does an excellent job of being easy and quick to capture the moment. The main camera is the best of all the cameras as is the case with most phones but I was impressed at how well the colour temperature sensor managed to maintain colour consistency when shooting between cameras in good light. However, it didnt always get it right with exposure shifting between cameras at times.

Oppo Find X3 Neo 5G in Starlight Black. Picture: Noel Campion.

Night mode works on all three cameras but the main lens is sharper with better details in shadows and has less noise.

Other camera features include an excellent portrait mode, HDR, AI scene detection that works in both video and photo and a good selection of filters. You can also shoot in JPEG or HEIF file formats as well as H.265 or H264 video codec formats.

The 2MP macro lens is not great, as it is with every other phone Ive used with a 2MP or even 5MP macro camera. It works fine but I find the main lens will do a better job if you crop in afterwards.

Video performance is excellent with impressive stabilisation, especially from the main camera. You can capture video up to 4K at 60fps but theres no 8K which no one uses anyway.

Performance

The power button on the Neo with green accent. Picture: Noel Campion.

The 90Hz display helps to maximise performance from the Snapdragon 865 chipset. This is paired with the Adreno 650 GPU, 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage but some may lament the lack of a microSD card slot. Personally, Ive never required more than 256GB of storage but your mileage may vary.

With 12GB on my review device, everything was smooth and snappy. In everyday use, I never felt it was a step down from other devices equipped with the latest Snapdragon 888 chipset including the Find X3 Pro.

The Neo also supports 5G and WiFi 6 for future-proofing both of which are far from mainstream yet.

Battery performance is stellar too and with medium use, I never struggled to get through a day on a single charge. Unfortunately, theres no wireless charging option but you do get a 65w charger in the box that can take you from flat to 100% in a little over 35 minutes thanks to Oppos SuperVOOC 2.0 Flash Charge technology. And, five minutes on the charger should provide up to four hours of video playback.

Verdict

Oppo Ireland has a complete line of contemporary phones from the affordable A53 to their flagship the Find X3 Pro. The Find X3 Neo 5G sits right in the middle and offers many of the flagship features without flagship prices. Youre buying into a mature and feature-rich system in Oppos ColorOS that gets regular security and OS updates. On the downside, theres no wireless charging or any official waterproof rating and at 729.99, its not the cheapest mid-range phone out there but its certainly one of the best.

Available from Eir.ie, Three.ie and Currys.ie in galactic silver and starlight black.
The Hairy Bikers Go North

BBC2, 8pm

Hairy Bikers Go North

Manhunt: The Nightstalker

Virgin Media One, 9pm

Martin Clunes in Manhunt: The Night Stalker

Season 2. Episode 1: Martin Clunes is DCI Colin Sutton in this tense, gripping true-life crime drama which profiles search for a serial rapist known as The Nightstalker who terrorised elderly people across London in the 1990s

Hector - Eire Nua (New Series)

TG4, 9.30pm

Hector: Eire Nua, with Pierre Monjarret at Lough Derg

Hector begins his travels around Ireland in his hometown of Navan where he meets Nigerian radio star Yemi Adenuga. He meets the Kislinas from Latvia who came here for work and New Yorker Jeaic who came for the language. Hector then goes fishing with a French fisherman that has made county Clare his home. He meets Victor, a Russian man that learnt his impeccable Irish in Moscow. He discusses the daily struggles that radio presenter Ola Majekodunmi experiences when trying to work with the Irish language and hears a heartwarming tale of nurse Patricia's first time arriving in Ireland.

Sport

UEFA Champions League: Legia Warsaw v Leicester City, 5.30pm. Europa League Group Stage: Celtic v Bayer Leverkusen, 8pm, BT Sport

The Problem with Jon Stewart

Apple TV+

Comedian and activist, Jon Stewart, deep dives into important topics in the US, bringing those impacted by issues together with people with a hand in creating them in the hope of finding a solution.

Radio

Lets Dive In, RTE Jr, 7pm: Julie and Phil slip into the Critter Shed with snake expert Collie Ennis to ask the question  why dont we have any native snakes in Ireland?

The Alternative, 2FM, 10pm: The Upsetter, Lee Scratch Perry, was an inestimable source of inspiration and innovation in a production and artist career that ran from reggaes beginnings, through dub and electronica, to the post-genre picture, before his passing in August. Dan Hegarty presents highlights from a 2005 performance originally recorded for RTS Couleurs 3 in Switzerland.
A status yellow rain warning has been issued for three counties on the west coast of Ireland.

Met Eireann is forecasting heavy rain with accumulations of 30mm in areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway.

The warning comes into effect at 9pm on Wednesday and will last until the same time on Thursday.

The rest of the country will see lots of cloud cover with scattered showers of rain, especially in west Munster, Connacht and Ulster, but in the southeast, there will be some strong sunshine in places.

Temperatures will vary between 13C to 16C throughout the day dropping to 6C in parts later tonight.

This evening will also see rain in many areas, but also strong blustery winds throughout the night.

Friday will see heavy showers over the western half of the country with the possibility of some isolated thunderstorms; highest temperatures of 11C to 14C with fresh gusty winds expected.

The forecaster has also issued a yellow gale warning for all Irish coastal areas on Friday, due to come into effect at midnight tonight.

Met Eireann says west to northwest winds will reach gale force 8 at times throughout tonight and into tomorrow morning.

The warning expires at midday on Friday.
A mentally ill woman who believed she was possessed by the spirit of Princess Diana and killed her housemate before cutting off his genitals to "protect Prince William" has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court.

Grace Miano (53) had been charged with the murder of Malawian man Limbani 'Robert' Mzoma (27) at Tudor Lawns in Foxrock, Co Dublin, on November 1, 2018.

The jury took just under two-and-a-half hours to reach their unanimous verdict today. Ms Miano, who is also known as 'Margaret Sloane', told the court on the first day of the trial on Monday that she was pleading "not guilty by reason of insanity".

Justice Paul McDermott thanked the jury and excused members from jury service for a period of 10 years.

At a previous hearing, a consultant psychiatrist told the Central Criminal Court that the accused was, in his opinion, "possibly the most floridly schizo-affected person" he had ever met.

Her defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, yesterday told the jury that Ms Miano on occasion "believed she was effectively possessed by Princess Diana, who came to tell her what she had done. She was not in her right mind, and claims that the day after [the killing], Princess Diana told her she was the one who did it," he said.

Counsel had said that the delusions were "as real as they could be to her" and added that the medical opinions were "all one way".

The trial has heard from consultant psychiatrists that Ms Miano told gardai that she killed Mr Mzoma to "protect Prince William" and had cut off his genitals after death "to protect women". She also told psychiatrists that she had been inhabited by the spirits of Princess Diana and other British royals to stop a plot by Kate Middleton who was trying to put Prince William and Prince Harry in danger.

After the verdict was delivered, Mr James Dwyer SC said that the State's application was for Ms Miano to be examined at a designated centre for 14 days to see if she is in need of inpatient treatment.

Mr Justice McDermott granted the application and remanded Ms Miano to reappear at the Central Criminal Court on October 11 for the production of a psychiatric report.

The judge extended his condolences to Mr Mzoma's family who "suffered greatly with the loss of a valued member of their family".

Grounds for acquittal

In his charge to the jury this morning, Justice Paul McDermott said that the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was open to the jury. The judge said that both the defence and prosecution consultant psychiatrists had told the court that this was the appropriate verdict to return.

Mr Justice McDermott said to the jury of seven men and five women that if they were satisfied that Ms Miano killed Mr Mzoma, "then you have to consider the state of mind of whether or not she intended to kill or cause serious injury".

Mr Justice McDermott said that there were three criteria under which a person might be found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity according to the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act of 2006.

Firstly, he said, was the question of whether or not the person knew the nature and quality of their actions, secondly whether that person did not know what they were doing was wrong and, finally, if the person was unable to refrain from committing the act.

The judge told the jury that only one of the three criteria was needed for the accused to be considered for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. He said that both psychiatrists agreed that Ms Miano qualified under two criteria: that she did not know what she was doing was wrong and that she was unable to refrain from her actions.

The judge said that if the jury was satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt with the evidence of the medical experts in the case that Ms Miano was operating under a mental disorder then the law recognises that it does not require a conviction regarding a criminal offence.

He said the accused person has a burden to establish that they were insane at time, "in that she did not have the capacity to commit murder, as it is claimed she lacked that capacity because of her illness to have responsibility for those acts".

He told the jury that both psychiatrists independently concluded forms of paranoid schizophrenia as a defective disorder affecting Ms Miano.

"They do not differ that the accused was suffering from, at the time, paranoid schizophrenia," he said.
The UK government has said legal proceedings have begun against green activists who face fines or prison for blocking the M25.

Protesters from Insulate Britain, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, have been warned by the Government they will be served injunction papers by High Court enforcement officers over their series of protests in recent weeks.

Activists were told if there is evidence that they have breached the injunction they will be subject to proceedings in the High Court, where they could face unlimited fines or jail.

Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain (Steve Parsons/PA)

A Government spokesperson said: Peaceful protest is a fundamental right of our democracy, but we cannot allow this reckless and dangerous behaviour to continue on our roads.

We are already knocking on doors and serving papers to offenders who will be sent to court and could face fines or prison.

Police continue making arrests and are working closely with National Highways to shut down these illegal demonstrations and keep the public safe.

The action comes after Insulate Britain targeted the same junction of the motorway twice in six hours on Wednesday.

Protesters from Insulate Britain blocking a roundabout (Insulate Britain)

Activists glued themselves to the road on a roundabout at junction 3, the Swanley Interchange in Kent, at around 7.30am on Wednesday.

Eleven people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway and conspiracy to commit criminal damage as the demonstration was cleared.

But the group returned at 1pm when a further 16 arrests were made for the same offence.

All 27 people are being held in custody.

The High Court injunction obtained by the Government on September 22 means anyone blocking the motorway could be found to be in contempt of court, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Police have said it is very difficult to bring charges against the activists, who staged their seventh day of action on the M25 on Wednesday.

Lisa Townsend, Surreys Police and Crime Commissioner, said officers are receiving an enormous amount of flak over their response.

She said: It has been very difficult for the police because if they charge the protesters with a relatively minor offence, it is likely to be discontinued.

If they try to elevate the charge to a more serious one, they are finding it is not reaching the necessary threshold.

The public deserves to see a response from all parts of the criminal justice system and it is unfair for the police to be blamed if people do not end up before the courts.

A statement from Insulate Britain said: We are going nowhere. You can raid our savings. You can confiscate our property. You can deny us our liberty and put us behind bars.

But shooting the messenger can never destroy the message: that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air. Boris get on with the job.

Activists welcomed a pledge by Labour leader Keir Starmer to insulate every home that needs it in Britain over the next decade.

One woman glued to the road said: Thats excellent news. Lets get the Labour Party in.

It would cut UK emissions by 15%, its the easiest thing to do.

Another woman added: When will the Conservatives do the same thing?

As well as targeting the London ring road, protesters have blocked other important routes including the A1(M) and A20 near the Port of Dover.
Wayne Couzens has been sentenced to a whole life term for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard.

Handing down the sentence, the UK judge described policeman Wayne Couzens' rape and murder of Sarah Everard as 'warped and brutal'.

He faces life behind bars for the crimes against the 33-year-old in March.

The then-serving officer used handcuffs to falsely arrest her in south London before killing her.

The 48-year-old used his Metropolitan Police-issue warrant card and handcuffs to snatch Ms Everard, 33, in a fake arrest as she walked home from a friends house in Clapham, south London, on the evening of March 3.

The firearms officer, who had clocked off from a 12-hour shift at the American embassy that morning, drove to a secluded rural area near Dover in Kent, where he parked up and raped Ms Everard.

Wayne Couzens, right, was caught on CCTV approaching Sarah Everard (Met Police/PA)

The marketing executive, who lived in Brixton, south London, had been strangled with Couzenss police belt by 2.30am the following morning.

Married Couzens burned her body in a refrigerator in an area of woodland he owned in Hoads Wood, near Ashford, before dumping the remains in a nearby pond.

He was arrested at his home in Deal, Kent, after police connected him to a hire car he used to abduct Ms Everard, whose remains were found by police dogs on March 10.

Couzens was sacked from the force after he pleaded guilty in July to her kidnap, rape and murder.

On Wednesday, Ms Everards parents and sister asked Couzens to look at them as they read their victim impact statements.

Sarah Everard was snatched by Wayne Couzens while walking home from a friends house (Met Police/PA)

Barrister Tom Little suggested the case was so exceptional and unprecedented that it could warrant a whole life order, meaning Couzens will die in jail.

But Couzenss barrister, Jim Sturman on Thursday urged the judge to impose a determinate sentence, which would mean he would be eligible for release in his 80s.

He said: He was invited to look at the Everards. He could not I am told. He is ashamed.

What he has done is terrible. He deserves a very lengthy finite term but he did all he could after he was arrested to minimise the wicked harm that he did.

Mr Sturman said Couzenss guilty pleas had saved the Everards the terror of what the verdicts would be.

Wayne Couzens was said to be too ashamed to look at the family of his victim in court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

He said his family struggled to reconcile how the man they loved who had given no indication of violence towards the person could have behaved in this way.

Mr Sturman added: He appeared to be living a life as a law-abiding man with a loving family and his colleagues described him as calm and friendly.

Nothing I say today is at all intended to minimise the horror of what the defendant did that night and after.

He makes no excuses for his actions, he accepts he will receive, and he deserves, a severe punishment.

No right-minded person can feel anything other than revulsion for what he did.

He does not seek to make excuses for anything that he did and he is filled with self-loathing and abject shame. And he should be.
Interview International Pressure Essential in War Against Junta: Myanmar's UN Ambassador

U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations, gives the three-finger salute to show solidarity with the anti-regime movement in the country while addressing the General Assembly on Feb. 26, 2021.

Myanmars ambassador to the United Nations, U Kyaw Moe Tun, and two ministers from the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) last week met Derek Chollet, a senior member of the US Department of State.

Myanmars military regime has accused U Kyaw Moe Tun of high treason, asked the UN to hand him over and hopes to replace him with Colonel Aung Thurein.

The Irrawaddy asked U Kyaw Moe Tun why he did not address the UN General Assembly and about his discussion with Chollet, a counselor at the department and a senior policy advisor to the US secretary of state.

What did you discuss with the US counselor?

Deputy foreign minister U Moe Zaw Oo and I met him last Thursday in New York. NUG ministers Daw Zin Mar Aung, U Aung Myo Min and advisor to the NUGs Human Rights Ministry U Aung Zaw Moe joined the meeting online. The US Department of State released a statement about it. The Burmese side explained the situation on the ground, including human rights violations by the military. We also discussed humanitarian aid, COVID-19 prevention and the provision of COVID-19 vaccines. As the US is planning to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar it was on the agenda. We also discussed US assistance in establishing democracy in Myanmar.

Was the meeting a signal the US government has recognized the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar?

The US has not officially recognized the NUG. But as it is officially holding bilateral talks with the NUG we can say that it is beginning to recognize the NUG. The US statement also expressed support for the NUG, so we dont need to explain further.

China, Russia and ASEAN agreed to keep you as the ambassador to the UN until November. Why have countries with close ties to the military regime agreed to that?

It is difficult for me to say. As everyone knows, almost no UN members have recognized the military council. Though the military council dismissed me, the UN and member states recognize me as the permanent representative. I think most countries want to maintain continuity. The UN is an inter-governmental organization and decisions are made by consensus. So it was decided by consensus to keep me. The credentials committee tries to avoid discord between member states. It recommends what is generally acceptable to all members. The credentials committee, I understand, has had informal meetings with member countries about my case.

As ASEAN, the European Union, US and UK reached an agreement, other countries have also agreed to keep me in my position. So my guess is they accepted it because it was acceptable to members. The credentials committee will have a formal meeting in November and review the issue and report to the General Assembly.

There were reports that the UN and China agreed to keep you until November on the condition you do not address the General Assembly. What will be the consequences of not addressing the General Assembly?

The General Assembly is not a week-long meeting. It started on September 14 and continues until September 2022. There will be plenary sessions throughout the year. The six standing committees will meet simultaneously for the rest of this year. Our delegation will be able to speak at the plenary sessions and standing committees. We agreed [not to address the general debate] to best serve our country in the long term.

So you will address later meetings?

There is the disarmament and international security committee, economic and financial committee, social, humanitarian and cultural committee, political and decolonization committee, administrative and budgetary committee and legal committee. We have opportunities to address those meetings about the situation in Myanmar. We believe we will convey the voices of Myanmars people through those channels.

We heard it will not be decided until December whether you keep your position. What will happen if the UN refuses to recognize either you or the military appointee until next September?

My understanding is that there will be a meeting in November [to discuss Myanmars representation]. The credentials committee has used the word continuity, so I understand I will remain in my position for the 76th session. I am not sure about how they will decide but what was agreed at the 75th session will probably be continued throughout the year.

If the UN recognizes the junta, will the regime enjoy impunity for its human rights violations and international crimes?

From what we can see, Myanmars people and the international community are vocal in their opposition to the military council. It does not receive international recognition. [Junta recognition] is unlikely considering the provisions in the UN Charter and the global commitment to democracy and human rights. For example, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals call for humanitarian perspectives. So it will be ridiculous if human rights cannot be protected in the real world while every country is underscoring human rights. So I believe it will not happen. If it happened it would bring a review of the UN. The UN says it always heeds peoples voices so we firmly believe it wont ignore us.

The UK government has expressed concerns about the NUGs declaration of a peoples war against Myanmars military. Has the UK discussed its concerns with you?

There has been no direct discussion with me. Some countries have expressed concerns. We understand the concerns. We also have concerns about anything that can be harmful to the people. But the military brutally cracked down on peaceful, unarmed protesters. We have continuously asked the international community to intervene against the military. But they have responded with neutral statements. And some countries imposed sanctions.

We are grateful but our people have gone through violence and inhumane repression for months and suffer greatly. Many are suffering from mental trauma.

As you know young activists jumped from a building [in Yangon] to avoid capture by junta troops. Not everyone can take similar action. They jumped because they would rather die than be captured. There were widespread calls to fight the regime. We have to listen to the people. We have to resist for our safety. The international community must understand what we are going through. When there is a confrontation between the armed and unarmed, the unarmed suffer more. We have to fight when we can no longer take it.

We want it to end and we have to strengthen the forces inside the country with greater unity and accelerate the momentum. We need international support to increase that momentum. We can end the suffering if the military faces domestic and international pressure.

You may also like these stories:

No Future for Myanmar People Unless Spring Revolution Succeeds

We Believe Nothing From a Dogs Mouth: Myanmar Democracy Activist

Myanmars COVID-19 Third Wave Yet to Peak
Burma Around 60 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Fighting With Resistance Forces

A Loikaw PDF volunteer during a firefight with junta troops at Kone Thar village near Kayah States capital, Loikaw, on Wednesday. / Loikaw PDF

Around 60 junta soldiers and six civilian resistance fighters were reportedly killed during fighting in Sagaing and Magwe regions and Kayah State on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, a combined force of Karenni civilian resistance fighters from Loikaw and Demoso townships in Kayah State and Moebye and Pekon townships in neighboring Shan State and the Karenni Army, the armed wing of Karenni Nationalities Progressive Party, ambushed a 40-vehicle military convoy at Kone Thar village near the Kayah capital, Loikaw.

During 10 hours of fighting, an estimated 30 junta soldiers were killed and around 30 injured while five of the attackers were killed, according to the Karenni resistance forces.

The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force said it destroyed a military vehicle carrying weapons.

The Moebye Peoples Defense Force (PDF) in Shan State said it attacked Battalion 422, which was using artillery against resistance forces near Kone Thar village, in an attempt to allow the trapped convoy to escape.

In the afternoon, the Pekon PDF attacked a junta headquarters in the township which was firing artillery at villages.

Karenni resistance against the junta started in late May in Kayah and Shan states after regime forces escalated attacks on peaceful anti-regime protesters across the country.

Fierce fighting is occurring in Bawlakhe, Demoso, Hpruso and Loikaw townships in Kayah State and Moebye, Pekon and Pinlaung township in southern Shan State.

The junta has deployed hundreds of reinforcements from other states and regions and has been indiscriminately firing artillery at villages.

It is also laying landmines in residential areas while conducting raids in Kayah State.

More than 25 junta soldiers were killed in Gangaw Township, Magwe Region, on Wednesday when resistance forces and the Chin National Army from neighboring Chin State ambushed around 100 junta troops. The soldiers were planning to raid villages in the township, a resistance fighter told The Irrawaddy on Thursday.

In retaliation, junta troops burned down eight Hnan Khar village houses in the township in a third attack on the village.

More than 50 houses in the village were torched by junta soldiers during raids on Sept 10 and 13.

The Kani PDF attacked military boats carrying food, weapons and around 200 troops on the Chindwin River in the Sagaing Region township on Wednesday.

The vessels heading north from Monywa were attacked four times, according to the Kani PDF.

The group reported heavy military casualties, the death of one PDF member and six injuries.

A member of the Kani PDF told The Irrawaddy that heavy homemade weapons were successfully used against the military vessels.

The number of military casualties is unknown.

Fighting has increased across Myanmar since Sept 7 when the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) declared its peoples war against the junta.

The regime has since escalated inspections, arrests, raids and violence, including burning down and bombarding residential areas, especially in Sagaing and Magwe regions and Chin and Kayah states.

Between Sept 21 and 27, 224 junta soldiers were killed and 38 wounded during 211 incidents, including 17 attacks by ethnic armed groups and 41 by civilian resistance forces, according to the NUG.

Almost 60 civilians were killed and 28 wounded during the incidents, including 52 acts of junta violence.

Rakhine State is the only area of Myanmar where the junta is not facing regular attacks.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Even More Ruthless Than Predecessors in Legal Persecution of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Anti-regime protesters in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in February. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmars deposed President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Naypyitaw Council chairman Dr. Myo Aung earlier this week pleaded not guilty to charges of incitement brought by the military regime that removed Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February.

The regime led by coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has brought 11 charges against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and two each against U Win Myint and Dr. Myo Aung. It is well known that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was subjected to decades of oppression by successive military regimes. But legal persecution is not new to U Win Myint and Dr. Myo Aung, either.

However, the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in an unknown location and the attempt to imprison her on baseless charges indicate that Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing is more ruthless than his predecessor, Senior General Than Shwe.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest three times spanning a total of 15 years between 1989 and 2010 by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and its successor, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Deposed president U Win Myint and Dr. Myo Aung were also the political prisoners of previous regimes.

As Daw Aung San Suu Kyis popularity grew along with that of the pro-democracy movement in 1988, she was put under house arrest for the first time in July 1989 under Section 10 (b) of the 1975 State Protection Act. The provision carries three years in prison and she was due to be released in July 1992. But in 1991, the regime changed the law and increased the prison term to five years.

The amendment meant Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be kept under arrest for two more years. Her release was due in July 1994, but the regime refused to free her, saying she had been detained under a decree from July 1989 to July 1990, so that period would not be counted in her five-year house arrest. Thanks to the regimes crafty interpretation, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had to spend six years in total under house arrest and was only released in 1995.

In September 2000, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was forcibly stopped at Yangon General Railway Station as she was attempting to leave for Mandalay to campaign for her party. She was taken back to her home in Yangons Bahan Township where she spent one year and eight months in confinement until May 2002, without having committed any offence.

Just before her second house arrest, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her entourage, while traveling to Kunchangon and Kawhmu townships, were beaten and placed under house arrest for two weeks. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was snatched and taken home by six policewomen from Dala on the opposite bank of Yangon. Among those who were placed under 14 days of house arrest was Dr. Myo Aung, who later served as Naypyitaw Council chairman in the NLD government that was ousted this year.

The public support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not wane, despite the regimes hope that she would fade into obscurity after years of separation from the public. This led to the attempted assassination of the NLD leader while she was on a campaign trip in Tabayin in May 2003. She escaped the attack and was sent to Insein Prison, then again locked up at her house.

Her third house arrest began in May 2003. Under the law, the maximum punishment is five years in prison, but again the regime counted the prison term as starting from May 2004. Then, US citizen John Yettaw trespassed upon her lakeside residence in early May 2009, two weeks before her scheduled release from house arrest.

This illegal visit prompted prosecution of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under Section 22 of the State Protection Act. People believed the regime used it as an excuse to confine her until the 2010 general election was complete.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was detained at the officers quarters of the Correctional Department inside Insein Prison and for the first time put on trial. She was sentenced to three years in prison with labor in August 2009.

Consequently, Home Affairs Minister Major General Maung Aung read Snr-Gen Than Shwes instruction before the judges, diplomats and journalists that she would only have to serve half of the jail term no matter how many years she was handed by the court. The remainder of the sentence would be suspended and she would be freed from having to serve it if she behaved well. She was placed under house arrest. As scripted and directed by the regime, she was released from house arrest on Nov. 13, 2010, five days after the regime held a general election.

Two years later, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi entered the parliament, which was dominated by the ex-generals. Her NLD won a majority in the general election in 2015 and formed the government for the first time, 25 years after winning the 1990 general election, only for the regime to refuse to hand over power. It was the first civilian government in more than five decades, since the 1962 coup by Gen. Ne Win.

In the 2020 poll, the NLD again secured an electoral mandate to manage the country for five more years. However, the Myanmar military, which has never enjoyed public support and has never been able to remove Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmars political leadership role, seized power in a coup in February this year. She was arrested for the fourth time at the age of 76 and is being held in an unknown location in Naypyitaw

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is facing 11 chargesincluding absurd accusations like illegal possession of walkie-talkies and misuse of land for a foundation named after her late mothera larger number than was brought by former military dictators Senior General Saw Maung and Snr-Gen Than Shwe.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Still Denies Australian Advisors Access to Lawyer

Anti-regime protesters call for Sean Turnell's release in February in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmars junta is still not allowing lawyers to meet Sean Turnell, an Australian adviser to the ousted civilian government, and four senior government figures, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who face trial this week.

Weekly hearings in the case against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, her Australian adviser Sean Turnell, former planning and finance ministers U Kyaw Win and U Soe Win and deputy planning and finance minister U Set Aung commenced last Thursday.

They were accused of violating the colonial-era Official Secrets Act after being detained amid the February coup. The case was originally due to be heard in Yangons Eastern District Court but in June the Union Supreme Court ordered that it be transferred to Naypyitaw.

The lawyers have applied to hold private meetings with their clients.

The lawyers didnt have a chance to meet their clients in person, according to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis legal team on Thursday. The judge said he will hear arguments from both sides in the next adjournment.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi faces 10 charges, including the illegal possession of walkie-talkies, violation of COVID-19 restrictions, sedition, Official Secrets Act breaches and corruption allegations. One more case against her was recently filed in Yangon.

Her lawyers said they asked for private meetings for the Official Secrets Act charges. The 76-year-old has four court appearances this week  on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday  facing 10 charges.

On Thursday, a police officer told the lawyers for the five defendants that they could not all fit in the small courtroom.

Each defendant was limited to two lawyers in the special court, according to the lawyers.

Turnell has also been charged under the Immigration Act. His family and the Australian government have repeatedly demanded his release.

The Australian Embassy told ABC on Monday that a consular official was not yet allowed to observe the court on Sept. 23, when he appeared in court.

On Thursday, an embassy representative went to Naypyitaw but was denied access to the special court, according to the defense lawyers.



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Burma Myanmars UN Ambassador to Stay On: UN Sources

Myanmar people rally in New York on Sunday to support U Kyaw Moe Tun, the Myanmar Ambassador for the UN, ahead of the UNGA and Credential Committee meeting on Tuesday. / Kyaw Soe Latt

The United States and China have brokered an agreement that will effectively block Myanmars military rulers from addressing the United Nations General Assembly next week, according to diplomats, dealing a blow to the juntas quest for international legitimacy after it took power in a coup earlier this year, Foreign Policy reported.

This will be a big blow to the junta and coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. At the same time, U Kyaw Moe Tun will not represent the countrys National Unity Government, made up of ousted Burmese leaders and anti-coup protesters, and must refrain from denouncing the militarys power grab. The move will also delay any effort by Myanmars rulers to press for UN membership to recognize it as the legitimate government in Myanmar, at least until November.

What we are hearing, and this seems to be increasingly solid, is that the credential committee will defer. They will say they cant draw a firm conclusion now, and that will encourage [U Kyaw Moe Tun] to stay on, said Richard Gowan, the UN representative at the International Crisis Group.

Apparently, there has been a quiet gentlemans agreement that the current ambassador will keep a low profile during [this] high-level week and wont use it as an opportunity to attack the regime, Gowan added.

The arrangement has been informally endorsed by representatives of the European Union, members of ASEAN and Russia, according to Foreign Policy.

Several members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), which led Myanmars government before it was ousted by the military on Feb. 1, have said that China was quietly lobbying at the UN to keep U Kyaw Moe Tun in the UN seat but not allowing him to speak. Chinese diplomats also indicated that they are not sure to back the regime at the United Nations on this issue.

China has in the past backed the regime at the United Nations Security Council.

Chinas special envoy Sun Guoxiang made a discreet visit to Myanmar in late August. He met with Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the regimes Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin and Minister for the Union Government Office Lieutenant General Yar Pyae.

During a weeklong visit, the Chinese envoy encouraged the military junta to talk to the detained ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and also appealed to it not to disband the NLD.

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Burma Price of Fuel in Myanmar Has More Than Doubled Since Juntas Coup

A graph shows the fuel price increase since the February 1 coup.
Silver Sands

The saga over the Silver Sands Beach Resorts three oceanfront suites has ended. For nearly three years the owners of the 56-unit resort have been in conflict with Village, County and State officials over additions to the original design of the oceanfront units damaged by Hurricane Andrew.

They will be exactly as they were before the hurricane, said Pepe Barasoain, the resort manager. Construction has started up again recently and he anticipates the three units being completed by November.

Problems with the reconstruction began when the Village realized it had mistakenly issued a permit for the units in violation of the beach preservation ordinance. The permit also did not comply with state and county requirements restricting a two-story structure seaward of the coastal control line.

Turning on the light

Cape Florida Lighthouse reopens

This weekend, the Cape Florida Lighthouse will move from its Dark Ages to its Renaissance.

Closed for public safety reasons since 1988, the lighthouse will be reopened with public celebration activities throughout the day on Saturday at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Entrance fees to the park will be waived during the days festivities, which will include tours of the lighthouse area, historical re-enactments of events with characters in lighthouse history, a fly-by of Coast Guard helicopters and fireworks.

The exciting thing is the public gets to experience everything first for free, park manager Lee Niblock said. A dedication will be held from 8-9 p.m. when a U.S. Navy Cologuard will kick off the relighting ceremony.

Event sponsors include the Village of Key Biscayne and the Ocean Club, along with the Sonesta Beach Resort. The $1.5 million restoration project was spearheaded by Dade Heritage Trust and the Florida Park Service eight years ago.

Lighthouse poems

By Irene Morales, 4th grade

L - lighting everyones way

I - illuminating lantern

G - giving everyone light

H - housing for its keeper

T - tallest information station

H - helpful in any way

O - overlooking the water

U - unique in every way

S - scenic view

E - everlasting light

By Victor Ramirez, 2nd grade

I love our lighthouse by the sea

It will soon have a light for all to see

It will welcome sailors to the Key

The lighthouse is special for you and me.

Our lighthouse will soon stand tall

The hurricane did not win after all.

Carrying the torch

Calusa Playhouse unsafe

The Village permit to restore the Calusa Playhouse has expired and Village officials have determined the structure is unsafe. In a recent field inspection, representatives from the Village Building, Zoning and Planning department observed the historic theater, which is within Village limits, to be vacant, unguarded and open at the front gate as well as the rear of the structure, which was closed by the county for public-safety reasons in January 1995 and burned by fire one month later.

The permit to restore the playhouse expired in March and no measures have been taken to bring the building into compliance. According to Village Building Director John Little, officials last summer applied for a variance for the reconstruction of the playhouse from Dade County. We received plans to upgrade the playhouse and issued a permit and pretty much edited it for people to move on it, he said.

Grand Bay

The first Grand Bay residences will soon be ready for occupancy .

Closings on units will begin in October, said Shannon Shelby, director of marketing at Grand Bay Residences. Once buyers close and receive their certificate of occupancy, they can begin to move in. Were very pleased with sales and the quality of the buyers, Shelby said.

Ground has not broken on the hotel portion of the Grand Bay project. Shelby said the developer would break ground on the second residential building once most of the units in the first building are sold.

Our new cartoonist

Peter Evans has joined The Islander News as staff cartoonist. Evans is a freelance marketing advertising consultant who also has experience as a copywriter, art director, photographer, and television commercial director. Evans has lived on Key Biscayne for 28 years.

Church bells

Here on the island of Key Biscayne were graced with two churches from which emanate the ethereal sound of church bells. They are a midday respite during the hectic work week, a chance to spiritually refuel. On Sundays, the bells are a call to worship, sounding the start and end of church services. Their Sunday morning sound peels the layers of memory back to small towns of Cuba or the hamlets of New England and the midwest.

I think they remind many of the old country, said Father Jose Hernando of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Although the ringing sounds come from the bell towers of both St. Agnes and St. Christophers by-the-sea Episcopal Church, some may be surprised to know the bells are not rung by people but are recordings.

The bell at St Christophers was purchased by T.O. Sykes in memory of his father. The bell was originally placed atop the cistern at the old Matheson coconut plantation and was moved to its present location in 1967.

Those lazy days of summer

Megan, Alexandra and Justin Andrews hosted playmates for an end of summer bash. A balloon toss and water slide was followed by a snappy Macarena.
Datto, the leading global provider of cloud-based software and security solutions purpose-built for delivery by managed service providers (MSPs), today announced the commercial availability of Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure, a comprehensive Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solution that protects MSPs and their client's data in the public cloud in the event of malicious ransomware attacks, security breaches, and vendor outages.

Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure is architected to leverage the secure Datto Cloud to address a critical and unmet need for MSPs--the added protection and recovery of data in the public cloud through multi-cloud replication. This comprehensive data protection, management, and streamlined recovery is delivered at a predictable cost and without the need for MSPs to piece together individual technologies or depend solely on Microsofts data backup services.

An increasing number of Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are opting to host their infrastructure and applications in the public cloud, with worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services forecasted to grow 23.1% in 2021 to total US$332.3 billion, up from US$270 billion in 2020, according to a forecast from Gartner. This has been a key growth area for MSPs as they support their clients and shift to Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) models.

Microsoft Azure has been proven to be the leading public cloud provider over other large providers for businesses in the beginning to middle stages of public cloud adoption, such as MSPs. Azure provides reliable cloud services for building, deploying, and managing intelligent applications. While Microsoft is responsible for the security of the physical hosts, network, and data centres, its shared responsibility model states that the customer is responsible to secure and protect all applications, data, and endpoints contained within Azure. In this model, MSPs carry the responsibility to ensure they have reliable business continuity solutions in place to protect their clients workloads across on-premises servers and the public cloud.

Industry Leading Security and Continuity

Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure performs more frequent backups than other solutions and reduces the risk of data loss or prolonged system downtime due to ransomware and public cloud outages. Further, MSPs can now eliminate single-cloud risk by having the ability to restore data from either Microsoft Azure or the immutable, private Datto Cloud as secondary system protection. With this solution, MSPs can offer their clients the scalability and efficiency of the public cloud while feeling confident their clients cloud data is backed up and can be recovered within minutes  even if there is an Azure outage.

Designed for Growth

Purpose-built to help MSPs scale and grow their business, Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure delivers a predictable pricing model. One easy-to-understand, flat-fee bill accounts for all associated BCDR costs - all achieved with zero egress costs for MSPs. This solution creates a durable margin opportunity, eliminates the need to estimate public cloud service costs or handle unexpected charges, and reduces the total cost of ownership for MSPs. In addition, Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure is cloud-native to enable MSP partners to quickly scale endpoints, while providing high levels of security and reliability.

Simple User Experience

MSPs have direct access to Dattos award-winning 24/7/365 support team and will no longer need to manage multiple vendors or integrate third-party technologies. The flexible turnkey solution requires minimal training and enables MSPs to manage both on-premises and cloud backup workloads from a single multi-tenant dashboard.

The ongoing cyberwar against ransomware underscores the importance of closing the gap in security for MSPs utilising the public cloud, said Datto chief product officer Radhesh Menon. We architected Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure from the ground up with the key design goals of providing comprehensive protection and rapid recovery and an extra layer of protection through multi-cloud replication to Dattos private cloud. In addition, Datto is able to deliver predictability on margin to bring confidence to MSPs that their time and investments in hybrid cloud protection are both secure and profitable.

Key features and benefits of Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure include:

Efficient deployment: Delivers fast and easy onboarding with a 3-click set-up process that enables a first backup within 15 minutes.

Delivers fast and easy onboarding with a 3-click set-up process that enables a first backup within 15 minutes. Hybrid data protection: Provides data protection for both on-premises and Azure virtual machine (VM) workloads from a single portal.

Provides data protection for both on-premises and Azure virtual machine (VM) workloads from a single portal. Multi-cloud replication: Eliminates single-cloud risk with secondary replication to the secure and reliable Datto Cloud for better Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and performs backups every hour for a one-hour Recovery Point Objective (RPO).

Eliminates single-cloud risk with secondary replication to the secure and reliable Datto Cloud for better Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and performs backups every hour for a one-hour Recovery Point Objective (RPO). End-to-end protection: Ensures consistent management and protection from endpoint to server to cloud by leveraging Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure in tandem with the Datto Unified Continuity product suite.

Ensures consistent management and protection from endpoint to server to cloud by leveraging Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure in tandem with the Datto Unified Continuity product suite. Cloud Deletion Defence: Enables easy recovery of the entire dataset of backups deleted during an agent deletion or when deleting all cloud backups.

Enables easy recovery of the entire dataset of backups deleted during an agent deletion or when deleting all cloud backups. Virtualisation to the Datto Cloud: Allows MSPs to recover workloads within seconds in the event Azure has an outage.

Allows MSPs to recover workloads within seconds in the event Azure has an outage. Automatic boot verification of backups: Validates that backups are running as expected with patented screenshot verification.

The driving force behind our clients desire to migrate to the public cloud is two or threefold, said Rick Topping, VP of operations at Ceeva, an MSP in Pennsylvania and beta customer of Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure. Companies understand their responsibility to ensure data is available to employees at all times and realise it needs to be kept as safe and secure as possible in todays environment. Our clients sometimes find it difficult to host an on-premises system and receive the same features and functionality available with a cloud-based system. Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure provides those capabilities. As we help our clients on their journey to the cloud, this solution gives us the same data protection and business continuity that were used to with Datto SIRIS and provides the reliability and trust known with Datto.

Datto Continuity for Microsoft Azure is available immediately in the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand through an Early Access Program that includes introductory pricing until December. Global availability with additional integrations and feature enhancements is expected by the end of 2021.
COMPANY NEWS by ConnectWise: ConnectWise , the leading provider of intelligent software and expert services for technology solution providers (TSPs), today announced the dates and locations for its 2021 IT Nation events. Of the four conferences, two will be onsite with a hybrid virtual option to expand access to all who are interested in the content and community but unable to attend in person.

Kicking off the 2021 event calendar is IT Nation Secure, which will be offered in both virtual and in-person conference formats. The in-person event will take place in Orlando, Fla. Like last years inaugural event, IT Nation Secure will provide TSPs with a deep dive into cybersecurity training and education. As an industry event like IT Nation Connect, attendees are not required to be ConnectWise partners in order to participate. Registration for IT Nation Secure is now open. To register, please visit this link.

IT Nation Explore, which is focused on product training, will be a virtual-only event in order to create opportunities for more ConnectWise product users to engage with the conference. The event will be held this summer, and specific dates will be announced soon.

IT Nation Connect (APAC) will be returning to Gold Coast, Australia in September. This event will be in-person only.

Capping off the year is IT Nation Connect in Orlando in November. Like IT Nation Secure, IT Nation Connect will be offered virtually as well as an in-person option in Orlando, Fla. As always, IT Nation Connect will provide intensive thought leadership and training for TSPs, including cybersecurity training.

Registration for IT Nation Explore, IT Nation Connect and IT Nation Connect (APAC) will be open soon.

We couldnt be more thrilled about this years IT Nation line-up. Anchored by our two Orlando events -- IT Nation Secure in June and IT Nation Connect in November -- with IT Nation Explore and IT Nation Connect Australia in between, these are the premier conferences for TSPs in the industry, said Craig Fulton, chief customer officer, ConnectWise. With IT Nation Explore, we realize its a huge ask and expense to ask partners to take time away from work to travel across the country, so this year we are making it a virtual-only event, which will allow us to engage as many partners as possible.

The safety of IT Nation attendees is a top priority for ConnectWise. As such, all IT Nation in-person events will adhere to COVID-19 protocols, subject to change. This includes face masks, temperature checks, social distancing, hand sanitizer & hand washing, hotel sanitizing procedures and interaction levels. More details can be found here.

Ultimately, we want to make our events more accessible to all, and to educate and provide resources to as many partners as possible, continued Fulton. We understand not everyone is ready to attend in-person events, but after talking to our partners who are ready to meet in-person, we want to create opportunities to make that happen. We also recognize the importance of providing a safe environment for attendees, so we will be following to COVID-19 protocols for in person events.

IT Nation Conference Schedule

IT Nation Secure - June 21-23, Orlando - Focus: Cybersecurity. Audience: Owners, leaders and technical teams who are cybersecurity-focused.

IT Nation Explore - Summer 2021, Virtual Event - Focus: Product Training. Audience: ConnectWise product users.

IT Nation Connect (APAC) - September 1-3, Gold Coast, Australia - Focus: Product/Security/Thought-Leadership Training (In person only). Audience: ConnectWise product users as well as TSP owners and leaders looking to grow their businesses and teams.

IT Nation Connect (North America) - November 10-12, Orlando - Focus: Thought Leadership/Training for TSPs. Audience: TSP owners and leaders looking to grow their businesses and teams.

About IT Nation

The IT Nation is a global community of peers, thought leaders, and experts dedicated to pushing you and the industry to new heights. Between conferences, in-depth product trainings, and community-based events, youll never miss an opportunity to engage with your fellow IT Nation voyagers and help each other reach success. Wise Together. Rise Together.

About ConnectWise

ConnectWise is an IT software company powering Technology Solution Providers to achieve their vision of success in their As-a-Service business with intelligent software, expert services, an immersive IT community, and a vast ecosystem of integrations. The unmatched flexibility of the ConnectWise platform fuels profitable, long-term growth for our Partners. With an innovative, integrated, and security-centric platform, ConnectWise enables TSPs to drive business efficiency with business automation, IT documentation, and data management capabilities. And increase revenue using remote monitoring, security, and backup disaster recovery technologies. Visit ConnectWise.com.
Honor, the budget smartphone line formerly owned by Huawei, has become the third highest selling device in China, overtaking Xiaomi, the technology analyst firm Counterpoint Research says.

Counterpoint did not provide numbers, but said the brand had increased its sales by 18% month-on-month in August making it one of faster growing brands.

vivo was the top brand in August with 23% of the market while OPPO grabbed 21%. Honor was third with 15%.

Honor's success has not gone unnoticed in the US, with some government agencies reported to be debating whether to place it on an export blacklist, the same as was done to Huawei.

the Washington Post, four agencies "couldnt agree on whether a business that Huawei sold last year posed a significant threat to US national security". The Pentagon and Energy Department wanted to blacklist Honor, while the Commerce Department and the State Department were opposed.

Honor was sold to a group of 30 agents and dealers operating under the name Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology in November last year.

Huawei decided to sell the unit because of its financial issues, with its own business affected by the lack of top-line chips and also its inability to use Google's proprietary mobile apps due to American sanctions.

The last time Honor made an appearance in the top three among smartphone vendors was in August last year.

Commenting on the brand's showing, Counterpoint research director Tarun Pathak said: "After being spun off from Huawei, Honor was able to restore ties with component players. Since then, leveraging its strong R&D capabilities, Honor has launched new products and has been on a rapid recovery path in China.

"The Honor 50 series has been an instant success in the mid-segment. Honor is also targeting the premium segment with the Magic series, thus expanding its portfolio across price bands.

"There was also a pent-up demand from the loyal Huawei and Honor consumers who held on to their devices and did not switch to other brands.

"Its strong relationships with distributors also helped Honor relaunch products on a large scale. Honors resurrection will further intensify competition in the Chinese market in H2 2021.

Counterpoint senior analyst Varun Mishra said over the last 12 months, a reshuffle had taken place in the Chinese market.

"OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi all have aggressively expanded their presence in China in terms of products, market share and distribution. Apple with its iPhone 13 launch also has a significant opportunity to capture Huaweis premium segment," he said.

"Therefore, the competition is likely to intensify further in H2 2021. Honor will be expanding its portfolio further across price segments and geographies.

"However, market share growth outside China is likely to be gradual, as loyalty in the mid-segment remains low and Honor will also have to rebuild its distribution network.

"Then, there are also intensifying component shortages which can likely hinder Honors expansion in 2021. Besides smartphones, Honor is also expanding into devices like laptops, tablets, and wearables under its 1+8+N strategy, which aims to drive growth in segments beyond smartphones.
Global ICT giant Fujitsu has made two strategic appointments to its Australian and New Zealand health industry team as part of its expansion in the ANZ health sector.

Fujitsu has announced the appointment of Ian Manovel as Head of Industry, Health, Australia and New Zealand and Anthony Wang as Digital Transformation Director, Health, Australia and New Zealand.

Fujitsu says in his new role Manovel leads the companys expansion in the ANZ health sector and is responsible for the health industry strategy, transformation agenda, sales growth and customer service management.

And Fujitsu says Wang is responsible for delivering the best of Fujitsu innovation to our customers to lead and support them on their transformation journeys.



Manovel has spent 30 years working in the healthcare sector, including 12 years as a hospital and community pharmacist in Australia and the United Kingdom.

As an entrepreneur, he has founded medicines management, training and consulting companies. In his most recent role as Health Industry Partner for DXC Technology, Ian engaged with executive leadership teams to deliver government and healthcare consulting transformation projects, Fujitsu said.

His prior roles include Health Innovation Principal Director at Accenture, Health Industry Lead at NPS MedicineWise and Associate Director of Analytics and Business Development at Bupa.

Wang (pictured above) joins Fujitsu with more than 20 years experience in enterprise IT strategy development and delivery and after completing his medical degree and working as a doctor, he completed a degree in computer engineering.

He has held roles at AMP Financial services, Optus and Accenture. In his most recent role as Chief Technology Officer at Ramsay Health Care, Anthony spearheaded large-scale digital initiatives including the first doctor-based mobile application to access the Australian federal governments My Health Record and the first digital patient flow program in Australian private hospitals, Fujitsu said.

Graeme Beardsell, CEO, Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, said, These strategic appointments demonstrate Fujitsus commitment to driving positive transformative change in a sector that is under unprecedented pressure.

Ian (Manovel) brings proven leadership and a wealth of knowledge and health industry experience to this pivotal role and Im delighted to welcome him to Fujitsu.

Graeme Beardsell said: Im pleased to welcome Anthony (Wang) to our health industry. He brings extensive medical knowledge and health-industry experience to this role. He will be instrumental in enabling Fujitsus health sector customers to embrace digital transformation and make a positive impact on society.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian Manovel said, Digital transformation services are vital to support healthcare systems to improve health outcomes for people around the world. I am focused on finding new ways to drive healthcare innovation using digital technologies to achieve the best possible health outcomes.

I look forward to working with Fujitsus customers on purposeful innovation and transformation that will help to shape the future of healthcare delivery across Australia and New Zealand.

On his appointment Anthony Wang said, The health sectors major challenge is how it will transform into a patient-centric, technology-enabled post-pandemic world, while continuing to deliver healthcare seamlessly.

With Fujitsus breadth of technology capabilities and ability to invest and develop new assets, we will turn those over-the-horizon health care visions into reality.

I am looking forward to harvesting the power of AI, machine learning, quantum computing, analytics, and internet-of-medical-things to solve those challenges currently in the too-hard basket.
The head of global cyber-security company Group-IB has been arrested by authorities in Russia over alleged treasonous activities against the state, with the company claiming that he is innocent.

Group-IB is headquartered in Singapore and its founder, Ilya Sachkov, was taken into custody on Tuesday, a Reuters report said.

The Russian news agency TASS claimed Sachkov had been accused of working with intelligence services from other countries.

In a statement, Group-IB said it was looking at the charges made by Moscow's Lefortovo Court on Tuesday and expressed confidence that Sachkov was innocent.

Group-IB is confident in the innocence of Ilya Sachkov. Co-founder and CTO Dmitry Volkov to assume leadership of the company



All the companys offices around the world continue providing support to customers and partners as usualhttps://t.co/wZrMP5Bprz  Group-IB Global (@GroupIB_GIB) September 29, 2021

"Group-IBs communications team refrains from commenting on the charges brought and the circumstances of the criminal case due to the ongoing procedural activities," the company said.

"It is also reported that Group-IB co-founder Dmitry Volkov will assume the leadership of the company in the near future.

"All of Group-IBs divisions will continue operating as usual. Group-IB thanks its customers, partners and journalists for their support."

The company said the reason for the search was not yet clear, but added that all other offices around would continue providing support to customers and partners.

The decentralised infrastructure of Group-IB allows us to keep our customers data safe, maintain business operations and work without interruption across our offices in Russia and around the world," Group-IB said.
Global cyber security firm Kaspersky claims to have discovered a new backdoor it has named Tomiris which shows signs of being connected to the same actor behind the attacks on SolarWinds which were revealed last year.

Kaspersky's researchers Ivan Kwiatkowski and Pierre Delcher said in a blog post that the actor in question, known by the moniker DarkHalo, had probably used the access to SolarWinds' Orion network monitoring software servers to collect information that had been used to create Tomiris.

The research was presented at Kaspersky's annual Security Analyst Summit which is being held online this year due to the pandemic.

News of the SolarWinds attacks came to light in December 2020. Both FireEye and Microsoft describing the attack as a global one, with a trojan being implanted into a file which was part of updates for the product; the compromised file was given the name SUNBURST. The Orion monitoring software runs on Windows.

After the SolarWinds attacks were made public, there was no further major discovery involving the alleged actor behind them.

But Kwiatkowski and Delcher said they had found traces of a successful DNS hijacking attack against several government organisations in a country which was part of the Commonwealth of Independent States a name given to countries that came into being as a result of the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

A timeline summing up the different steps of the campaign. Courtesy Kaspersky

The attackers' path was tracked and it was found that a Web interface of a corporate email service, ZImbra, was being used, with users being sent to a fake copy of the same.

While the researchers found that the backdoor was in the main used to set up shop in a victim's system and then download additional malicious components, what was downloaded was unknown.

"However, one other important observation was made: the Tomiris backdoor turned out to be suspiciously similar to Sunshuttle  [the] malware deployed as a consequence of the infamous SUNBRST attack," Kwiatkowski and Delcher said.

They cited the following similarities between the two malware components to justify their reasoning that there was a common author:

Both Sunshuttle and Tomiris were written in the Go programming language.

Both backdoors used a single encryption/obfuscation scheme to encode both configurations and network traffic.

Both used scheduled tasks for persistence, and utilised randomness and sleep delays to remain hidden.

There was enough similarity in the two programs' general workflow - notably how features were distributed into functions - to suggest it was an indication shared development methods.

English errors were found in Tomiris ("isRunned") and Sunshuttle ("EXECED" instead of "executed") strings, which could be taken to mean that non-native English speakers were involved. The DarkHalo actor has been claimed to speak Russian.

Tomiris was found in networks where Kazuar  the backdoor known for code overlaps with SUNBURST  was present.

Kwiatkowski and Delcher were cautious in their conclusions. None of these items taken individually is enough to link Tomiris and Sunshuttle with sufficient confidence. We freely admit that a number of these data points could be accidental, but still feel that taken together they at least suggest the possibility of common authorship or shared development practices, said Delcher.

And Kwiatkowski added: "If our guess that Tomiris and Sunshuttle are connected is correct, it would shed new light on the way threat actors rebuild capacities after being caught. We would like to encourage the threat intelligence community to reproduce this research and provide second opinions about the similarities we discovered between Sunshuttle and Tomiris."
New Do Not Call register subscription fees will apply from tomorrow - 1 October - following completion of a public consultation process by the telecommunications industry regulator ACMA.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority last raised Do Not Call Register subscription fees in 2017 and the Authority says the new fees represent. an increase of about 11%.

The new fees are set out in the Do Not Call Register (Access Fees) Amendment Determination 2021 (No.1) .

The Do Not Call Register Act 2006 prohibits an entity from making an unsolicited telemarketing call or sending an unsolicited marketing fax to a number on the Do Not Call Register (DNCR) - and to avoid contravening the regulatory obligations, a telemarketer or fax marketer can check, or wash, its contact lists against the numbers on the DNCR.

The ACMA sets the fees to access the Do Not Call Register in accordance with the Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines and publishes an annual Do Not Call Register Cost Recovery Implementation Statement, which details the process of recovering costs.

The ACMA says its 202021 cost recovery review anticipates an estimated:

under-recovery of $0.19 million in 202122

under-recovery of $0.33 million in 202223

over-recovery of $0.16 million in 202324.

According to the ACMA, this will lead to a cumulative under-recovery of $0.30 million at the end of the current DNCR contract in September 2023.

The primary reason for the under-recovery of direct costs is decreased industry demand for DNCR services and an associated decline in revenue from subscription fees, the ACMA notes.

An increase in fees is therefore required to align expenses and revenue to achieve cost-recovery at September 2023.

We are consulting on the proposal to amend the Do Not Call Register (Access Fees) Determination 2017 to increase subscription fees by 11% from 1 October 2021.
A joint parliamentary committee has proposed that an amendment to the laws governing critical infrastructure be split up into two, in order to pass what it says are "urgent reforms".

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security said in a statement on Wednesday that emergency powers which were part of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 should be passed immediately.

The bill expands greatly the sectors that are covered to include communications, financial services, data storage and processing, defence industry, higher education and space technology.

Companies from these sectors would have to compulsorily report to the government if they suffered cyber attacks. They would also have to allow government security experts to step in and do what whatever was deemed necessary to stop an attack progressing.

This power is similar to what the FBI exercised in April this year, when itto clean up the mess left by attacks on on-premise Microsoft Exchange Server installations.

This was done after obtaining court orders to access hundreds of vulnerable machines in the US and remove Web shells.

But the Australian powers do not require any court order for intelligence agencies to act in this manner. The Opposition Labor Party expressed concern about the lack of any independent permission for, or judicial review of, such actions. But it agreed with the government on everything else.

Technology firms have pointed out that government intervention of this kind could often make matters worse. But that has fallen on deaf ears.

The PJCIS said it had made 14 recommendations about the bill, including a split into two bills:

"Bill One for rapid passage  to expand the critical infrastructure sectors covered by the Act, introduce government assistance measures to be used as a last resort in crisis scenarios as well as mandatory reporting obligations; and

"Bill Two for further consultation  including declarations of systems of national significance, enhanced cyber-security obligations and positive security obligations which are to be defined in delegated legislation."

Under the so-called last resort provision, the Australian Signals Directorate or Australian Cyber Security Centre would be able to gain access to corporate servers and tell the company what to do, or not to do, in the event of an attack.

The head of the PJCIS, Liberal Senator James Paterson, said: The Committee received compelling evidence that the complexity and frequency of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure is increasing globally. Australia is not immune and there is clear recognition from government and industry that we need to do more to protect our nation against sophisticated cyber threats, particularly against our critical infrastructure.

However, as the regulatory framework is still undergoing co-design with each of the eleven sectors and will not be finalised until after passage of the bill, many businesses have expressed concern about this uncertainty and asked for the entire bill to be paused in the current economic climate.

While sympathetic to the concerns of industry leaders, the Committee does not believe that pausing the entire bill is in Australias national interests given the immediate cyber threats that our nation faces.

The Committees recommended solution allows for the urgent measures to pass now to equip the government with the emergency powers it needs while allowing additional time for co-design to overcome the concerns of industry about the regulatory impact.

The passage of both bills is essential because cyber-security is not just the governments job. Industry has a role to play too and the second bill which imposes obligations on businesses is an important part of a comprehensive response to the serious challenges we face."
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.
During his appearance before Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) in January 2020, a US-based Gambian professor described former president Yahya Jammeh as deeply suspicious, cynical and narcissistic. His assessment may not be shared by all but most Gambians would agree that Jammeh mastered the art of divide and rule. After two and a half years of public hearings before the TRRC, old scars of Jammehs rights violations have reopened and divisions he had sowed resurfaced.

We found very divided communities especially in Foni, Jammehs birth region, said Tuti Nyang, a reconciliation officer with the Truth Commission. I remember we went to a community in Foni, and they were saying that at their Gamo [annual Islamic gathering] that year, most of their food was wasted because whereas they used to do it as a whole community, different clans decided to not join them. The TRRC was at its peak. Revelations were being made. Accusations and counter-accusations were going on. It broke the community ties. In one community a fight broke out because the victims were being blamed that their stories were made up.

Communities more divided than ever

Reconciliation should not be expected as soon as the transitional justice process finishes. It needs concrete steps and actions to be decided, taken and implemented, said Didier Gbery of the International Center for Transitional Justice, an NGO.

Nyang and her colleagues have held close to 30 peacebuilding meetings in various communities across the country. A few additional person-to-person reconciliation events were organized by the TRRC. Yet for both the Commission and the government, reconciliation has seemed to remain on the back burner. Reconciliation is at the core of the Truth Commissions functions but we came into the Commission to do reconciliation jobs with no strategy. There was no foundation. And there was no general consensus on how we want reconciliation to take place in the Gambia, said Nyang. The political commitment is not even there for the right reconciliation approach. The communities today are more divided than ever before. If you open a wound and do not clean it properly, it will not heal. The difficult and the uncomfortable conversations need to happen, she continued.

Yahya Jammehs farm in Kanilai

Haruna Jammeh, a cousin of Yahya Jammeh, whom the former president has allegedly murdered with his sister.

Such sensitive and uncompleted conversations have seemed to affect even the heart of the family of the former dictator himself. Yahya Jammehs own family relationships were indeed wrecked after he allegedly killed his cousin Haruna Jammeh and Harunas sister Masie Jammeh.

I used to call my Dads phone every day hoping he would pick up, recounts Isatou Jammeh, a daughter of Haruna Jammeh, in an interview with Justice Info. She has now joined the campaign to bring the former leader  who lives in exile in Equatorial Guinea  to justice.

Yahya and Haruna grew up, with several other cousins, in the house of Isatous grandfather, Buruma Jammeh. Buruma, a farmer, was a brother of Jamus Junkung Jammeh, the father of Yahya. Growing up in Kanilai, a town in southern Gambia, bordering Senegals Casamance, Yahya lived and worked in the farm rearing animals with his cousins, including Haruna, his biological brother and his sister, Masie.

Masie would grow to be the custodian of the shrine, an important place of worship in the Jammeh family. Haruna would become a manager at a local hotel, a job he kept until 1996.

Yahya started a farm in Kanilai after he took power through a military coup on July 22, 1994. Harunas love and skills for farming would come in handy and he accepted the presidents offer to work at his farm, even though his family had cautioned him against it, according to Isatou. Haruna took the job and moved to Kanilai, occasionally visiting his family in Serrekunda, next to Gambias capital city, on weekends.

The disappearance of Haruna, Jammehs cousin

However, unlike his other cousins, Haruna did not have a very smooth relationship with Yahya and their relations worsened after the president started a witch-hunt in Kanilai in the early 2000s, beginning with his own family. All the old women in the house, he gave them a concoction to drink and most of them lost their lives, claimed Isatou. My Dad was against this.

In August 2005, Haruna called to tell his wife about his soured relations with Yahya. Isatou was 11. A few days later, he disappeared. His car was found around Kanfenda, a small village about 10 minutes drive from Kanilai. Harunas brother would occasionally call to assure the family that Haruna was alive and would join them soon. But Haruna never reappeared and rumour kept circulating about his fate.

In 2013, Yahya Jammeh granted a general amnesty, releasing political prisoners. Harunas name was 45 on the list. But he was not released. In 2014, the truth began to come out when Bai Lowe, a driver of the Junglers  a hit squad on the orders of president Jammeh  gave an interview to US-based Fatu Radio from Germany where he lived in exile. He said he witnessed the execution of Haruna Jammeh. (Last March, Lowe was arrested in Hannover by German authorities.)

Then came the TRRC.

In July 2019, Jungler Omar Jallow confessed to participating in Harunas execution. And according to him, Harunas sister was also executed a few months later. Masie was the custodian of the shrine in Kanilai. She was threatening that the gods will be angry with Yahya for spilling the blood of a family member. I think he got irritated because of that, said Isatou.

The law of silence

For 14 years, I have not set foot in my village, Isatou continued. It is a taboo, she said, to even talk about Haruna and Masie in the family. Harunas biological brother still lives in Kanilai; he does not talk about it, she said. Suspicion has grown about who may be complicit in the murders. Silence, too, has deepened. Haruna and Masies death are said to be Gods wish, without ascribing blame to anyone.

The family is so divided because of all these violations, Isatou lamented. Sometimes, I worry if I get a husband, who would give my hand in marriage?

In this context, the main political news this month was the alliance between two former enemies: President Adama Barrows National Peoples Party and Yahya Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction party. The price of this form of reconciliation is said to be to grant Yahya Jammeh an amnesty and allow his return from exile with the benefits of a former president. But reconciliation is more than Yahya Jammeh coming back to take his assets, said Nyang. You are only going to make one part of society happy and antagonize the other part. The Truth Commission was established to right the wrongs. The wrongs havent even been properly established, then you bring something else
The long-awaited findings of a probe into crimes committed under Gambias former dictator Yahya Jammeh, which were to be released on Thursday, have been delayed, investigators said.

A panel called the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) had been scheduled to ceremonially hand over its findings to President Adama Barrow.

But the final report will now be released at a later date, a member of the TRRC told AFP, saying, We are not yet ready.

The TRRC was set up in 2017 following Jammehs defeat to Barrow in elections in December 2016.

After a six-week standoff that ended in military intervention by neighbouring countries, Jammeh flew to Equatorial Guinea.

Styled on the lines of South Africas post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the TRRC heard testimony from nearly 400 people from January 2019 to May 2021 on Jammehs 22-year dictatorship.

Witnesses gave chilling evidence about state-sanctioned torture, death squads, rape and witch hunts, often at the hands of the Junglers, who acted as Jammehs death squads.

The TRRC was not empowered to prosecute those responsible for the crimes, and Barrow has long said he will await its report before seeking any further action against his predecessor.

Supporters of the 56-year-old ex-dictator want him to return from exile.

But many in the poor nation of two million people have also called for him to be returned home for prosecution.
A Rwandan court on Thursday sentenced a prominent YouTube commentator and genocide survivor to 15 years in prison for inciting violence after she hit out at President Paul Kagame on her channel.

Yvonne Idamange is one of a number of people who have fallen foul of the authorities after turning to the video-sharing platform to publish content critical of the Kagame government, raising concern among international rights groups.

The 42-year-old mother of four, who was not in court for the verdict, was convicted of six charges, sentenced to 15 years behind bars and fined the equivalent of $2,000  less than the 30 years and $6,000 sought by the prosecution.

Idamange, who survived the 1994 genocide, was arrested in February for exhibiting behaviour that mixes politics, criminality, and madness, police said at the time.

The Kigali High Court found her guilty of inciting violence and public uprising, denigrating genocide artefacts, spreading rumours and violent assault, among other charges.

The accusations were based on comments on her popular YouTube channel Idamange in which she accused Kagame and his government of dictatorship, and of exploiting the genocide without giving enough welfare to the survivors.

Her YouTube channel boasts 18,900 subscribers and an average of 100,000 views per video.

Idamange had accused the court of bias and boycotted proceedings in June after her request for the trial to be broadcast online was rejected by the court.

Rwanda, ruled by Kagame since the end of a genocide which left some 800,000 mainly ethnic Tutsi dead, has often come under fire for rights abuses and a crackdown on freedom of speech, critics and the opposition.

In March, Human Rights Watch voiced alarm over Kigalis crackdown on people using YouTube or blogs to speak out about sometimes controversial issues in Rwanda.

HRW said then that at least eight people reporting or commenting on current affairs  notably the impact of strict anti-Covid measures which have hit the poor hard  have been threatened, arrested, or prosecuted in the past year.

It pointed to a 2019 statement by Kagame to highlight the dangers faced by those using online platforms: Those that you hear speak on the internet, whether they are in America, in South Africa, or in France, they think they are far.

They are far, but they are close to the fire. The day they get closer, the fire will burn them.

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GOOGLE
Dimitris Kiriakakis - Unsplash

Denison has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, and the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Today, the company provides complete yachting services worldwide, including superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction. With larger yachts comes the luxury of tender storing capacity. The best superyacht toys let you relax, play, and explore a destination. You could be sipping a cocktail on an inflatable island one minute, and the next, youre deep diving in a submarine. Whether youre into sailing, surfing, snorkelling, relaxing, or being a kid, superyacht toys are improving each year. The toys make all the difference. Based on multiyear experience in superyacht sales and charter, Denison Yachting shares a list of the 10 coolest toys that you can add to a superyacht.

Denison Yachting

1. Triton 660/2

Its tough to compete with a luxury two-seater submarine that can reach depths of 660 feet. Triton 660/2 is built to explore the worlds most remote destinations, like Antarctica or Australia. With this submarine, you can dive far enough underwater to see photo-luminescent creatures, rare invertebrates, and large pelagic mammals. And by pelagic mammals, we mean diving alongside penguins as they leap from icebergs in Antarctica.

Denison Yachting

2. AquaBanas Pop3 Pool Resort

The Pop3 Pool Resort is the best way to enjoy the water in comfort and style. While it looks like a 4-day mission to inflate, you can customize the island and add different elements. You can add king lounges, decks, docks, swim platforms, party cabanas, or a pool. AquaBanas can even add your yachts branding and colors.

Denison Yachting

3. Red Shark Water Bike

Not every yacht has a gym, and you dont need one if you have a Red Shark bike. When youre anchored off the coast of Mallorca and want to explore around the cliffs and archipelagos, this water bike will get you there. And boy, is it a great workout! This water bike is an inflatable, portable, eco-friendly toy for fitness or adventure. Its also convenient to store on your yacht.

Denison Yachting

4. FunAir Climbing Wall

Fitness can be fun. Especially when youre scaling the port side of a yacht on an inflatable rock climbing wall. This FunAir Climbing Wall is great for guests of all ages. It features handholds, climbing ropes, and courses to suit differing abilities. Its easy for the crew to inflate with a RapidFlate system. Race you to the top.

Denison Yachting

5. WASZP Foil Racing Boat

If youve always wanted to race like youre in Americas Cup, then youll want to add a WASZP foil racing boat to your superyacht. The foil design creates a fast, stable platform with good performance. The foils are not sharp and provide the safest experience for those learning to foil for the first time. There are enough controls to keep the sailing entertaining for the experienced sailor.

Denison Yachting

6. Seabob F5 SR

Seabobs are known and loved as a favourite superyacht toy. But the Seabob F5 SR is a game-changer. It has a 10% performance boost increasing the underwater speed to 12 mph and the surface speed to 14 mph. The Seabob F5 SR also comes with 2 cameras  one facing outward to capture the underwater world, the other is an action selfie cam (because who doesnt love those bubbly underwater smiles?). You can upgrade this Seabob with your favourite colours or branding for the icing on the cake.

Denison Yachting

7. Tandem Jetovator

Did you know those water jetpacks that were super popular in 2018? How much more fun would they be if you could fly with two people? The Tandem Jetovator makes that possible. Its a superyacht toy that looks like a motorbike without wheels. Its propelled by a hose and can be controlled from the front or rear seat. Its a great toy for beginners who want to fly safely with an instructor.

Denison Yachting

8. FunAir Big Air Blob

Despite an incredibly awesome name, Big Air Blob is also a super cool toy that guests will enjoy on your yacht. Its purposely engineered for superyachts, with side stabilizing outriggers to handle ocean waves and a fitted cradle to keep the blob safely positioned away from the hull. Jump from the top of the yacht, onto the blob, to launch the person flying into the air for the ultimate thrill.

Denison Yachting

9. LIFT EFoil

Alright, alright, there are plenty of different versions of an electric hydrofoil surfboard, but the LIFT eFoil has the best reviews. Its fast, light, and durable with an improved battery for ride times of 120 minutes at 30 miles per hour. It looks more intimidating than it is  seriously, its a toy for beginners and pros. The new models have four available size options, with new shapes for better maneuverability, plus nine advanced hydrofoil wing options. Surfs up.

Denison Yachting

10. RoboSea Robo-Shark

This Robo-Shark is an underwater drone that looks and moves like a shark. It comes with automatic obstacle avoidance and a multi-joint caudal fin that reduces water noise. The Robo-Shark is perfect for professional or aspiring photographers as it can be fitted with nearly any camera, communication, or sensor rig. Why does it look like a shark? So it can get close to marine life and snag the best footage.

With these choices, we are sure your boat would be loaded with the best selection of yachts toys for your private or commercial yacht charter!
LAFAYETTE, LA As September comes to an end, the Louisiana Peer Association Action Advocacy Coalition is having their first annual recovery month outreach event.

This is all in efforts to help those high school and college students that are dealing with mental health right now during the pandemic.

The Louisiana Peer Association Action Advocacy Coalition is holding a virtual conversation where students hopped on and expressed their thoughts on overcoming mental health during these challenging times.

I'm trying to be on campus as much as I can, just being normal again, just seeing a lot of people because last semester there was like no one on campus. Morgan Demary Said.

Anxiety is continuing to grow throughout Louisiana and even here in Acadiana for young adults trying to deal with the overwhelming pressure of Covid-19

Usually a day in Covid sort of blurs by. You dont really get to do anything. Having it be assignment by assignment helps the time pass a little bit. Mya Cooke Said.

Lafayette native, Pasqueal Ngyen says as the first annual recovery month outreach event begins, she hopes it can help change lives.

I have experience either in mental health issues or substance use issues. I have been able to overcome both of those things by seeking services in the community. Pasqueal Ngyen Said.

Ngyen says its been hard to pull young adults out of this dark whole during this pandemic. This is why she is encouraging those to try to attend these virtual events live to help understand the root of this problem and how we all as a community can grow from it.

To learn more about this event, click here
LAFAYETTE, La. - This week, The Senate Grand Old Party (GOP) blocked a Democratic bill that would've suspended our country's debt limit.



"I am thinking that at the last minute there will be a better solution," said Rice.

Photo courtesy of Pixaby Photo courtesy of Pixaby

Now Democrats are racing to find another solution as governemnt funding is set to run out in just a few days. So, what's at stake if that happens?



"I could live probably, but at a reduced scale," said Rice.

For one, a spike in unemplyment.



"I wouldn't have as much money," said Rice.

Second, missed social securty checks and military payments.



"This is how we pay our rent," said Guillory.



"I pay my rent with that," said Smith.

Deomcrats and Republicans couldn't see eye to eye. Wondering how can we keep government funding going and not increase our already staggering national debt toll of $26.7 trillion dollars.

Residents here in Louisiana say they can't afford to think about that. Yvonne Guillory is busy being a full time caregiver to her ill husband.

"This is the only income that's coming in and if we don't pay our rent you know were going to be on the street," said Guillory.

80 year old Carol Rice says she needs her social securty checks.

"It would cut my income drastically and change my standard of living. I might have to move to a different place or move in with my son," said Rice.

Richard Smith is worried about caregivers.

"If you need somebody to come and stay with you. If you get down, sick and you need somebody to come stay with you until you get back on your feet," said Smith.

Now if The Federal Government does run out of money it's predicted that'll it happen by October the 18th unless congress raises the debt limit. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the federal government's cash flows are "subject to unavoidable variability."
CARENCRO, LA (KADN)- The Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a $750 reward to anyone who can help find a suspect in the shooting of a dog in Carencro.

The dog is known as Bullseye and he is referred to as the neighborhood pet. He is a stray that roams around the Wilderness Trail neighborhood in Carencro and those familiar with him say that they dont know why someone would want to harm him.

This dog didn't hurt anyone. This dog will come over he was as sweet as can be. He was very disciplined, he listened to you whenever you talk to him, he didn't try to jump on you like most dogs do when they get excited, he let you pet him, he let you play with them. I can't imagine anybody who would want to try to hurt an innocent animal like that, Donna Lowe, a resident in Wilderness Trail, said.

Lowe, like others, was in disbelief when they found out that Bullseye was shot. She had just seen him a few days prior.

A person from the area posted in the Wilderness Trail Facebook group that they notice that Bullseye was under their car, suffering from a bullet wound.

It broke my heart immediately because I knew he needed vet care at that point, she said.

Lowe immediately contacted her friend Amber Richard, who rescues animals, to step in and help.

Richard brought him to the Lafayette Veterinary Care Center where it was confirmed that he was shot. The bullet entered his side and fractured his back left leg.

Bullseye was later transferred to the Humane Society in New Orleans for more affordable treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery and later be put up for adoption. Lowe says Bullseyes future family will be lucky to have him

Hes very well behaved, well-mannered disciplines. I think that he would make a really good pet. He was very friendly, she said.

According to Jeff Dorson, the Humane Society of Louisiana is offering a $750 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for shooting Bullseye.

Somebody took a gun pointed at him and shot him with the intent probably to kill him, and an entered near his spine on the back end of his body, and ended up shattering his back, left leg. Untreated eventually he would die from infection, Dorson said.

Bullseye will be having surgery to save his left leg and the Humane Society is covering all of his hospital costs.

Dorson said whoever is responsible for this should come forward.

Anytime an animal is injured like this, deliberately, it's a criminal offense, he said.

Bullseye will be heading to surgery on Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery. Once healed, he will be brought back to Lafayette and put up for adoption.

Those wishing to donate to Bullseye's medical care can donate online through the Humane Society's website at www.humanela.org, through its PayPal account at humanela@gmail.com, or by sending a check or money order to P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174. All donations are tax-deductible.

If you are interested in adopting Bullseye message Amber Richard on her Facebook account.
Song Joong Ki's Kdrama Vincenzo made waves in the Hallyu world in the first half of 2021, but did you know that the A-lister earned a ton of money in the 20-episode series?

In the latest episode of Mnet's TMI News, the variety show revealed the top 10 celebrities who earned the best profit in the first half of 2021.

How Much Did Song Joong Ki Make in 'Vincenzo'?

According to the program, the 36-year-old star sits in the top seven with 168,000 USD or 200 million won per episode, making him one of the highest-paid South Korean actors.

As for his mega-hit tvN series "Vincenzo," which stars Jeon Yeo Been and Ok Taecyeon, Song Joong Ki reportedly took home a staggering 3,400,000 USD or 4 billion KRW just in the crime drama alone.

On top of this, the South Korean heartthrob currently has six endorsements, gaining a total of 2,500,000 USD or 3 billion KRW in his current advertisements, which varies from health, tech, cosmetics, and more.

With this, Mnet's "TMI News" concluded that Soong Joong Ki's total revenue for the first half of the year alone soared to 5,900,000 USD or 7 billion KRW.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Song Joong Ki Shares Thoughts on Failures and Jealousy + Admits He Used to Compare Himself to Others

So How Rich is Song Joong Ki?

Debuted in 2010 and within a span of six years, his popularity skyrocketed after being casted in "Descendants of the Sun," where he met his then-wife, Song Hye Kyo.

The melodrama opened a lot of doors for the actor and led him to star in notable projects such as "The Battleship Island," "Arthdal Chronicles," "Space Sweepers," and of course, "Vincenzo."

With his decade-long career, the Hallyu star not just cemented his name in showbiz but also raked millions due to his numerous series and movies.

According to celebeatonline.com, Song Joong Ki's net worth is estimated to be at $15 million in 2021.

Song Joong Ki's New Drama 'The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate'

After his mega-hit Kdrama "Vincenzo" and blockbuster movie "Space Sweepers," the 36-year-old star is set to return as a chaebol in "The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate."

After being rumored to make a comeback on the small screen, JTBC finally confirmed that Song Joong Ki would star in the fantasy drama alongside "Hospital Playlist" actress Shin Hyun Bin and Lee Sung Min.

In the webtoon-based series, the actor will take on the role of Yoon Hyun Woo, a secretary of a wealthy family and will be reincarnated as the chaebol family's youngest son, Jin Do Joon.

Song Joong Ki's 'Bogota: City of the Lost'

Apart from the small screen, the Hallyu star will also appear in an upcoming thriller crime movie.

Set in Colombia, "Bogota: City of the Lost" follows the story of a young South Korean who left the country for Colombia in the 1990s.

Song Joong Ki will be working together with Lee Hee Joon, Ryu Seung Beom, and Jo Hyun Chul as the lead stars.

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Netflix unveils the latest teaser of Han So Hee's new drama "My Name" alongside Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Hee Soon, and more.

In the trailer, the up-and-coming actress, who took on the role of Yoon Ji Woo, lives a double life as she sacrifices her name and future to hunt down her father's murderer.

'My Name' Trailer Shows What Prompted Han So Hee's Bittersweet Revenge

In a short clip, Netflix shared a sneak peek of Yoon Ji Woo's background.

Fueled by revenge, she witnessed how a mysterious man brutally killed her father on her 17th birthday.

With her desire to hunt down the man responsible for his father's death, Yoon Ji Woo sought help from her father's old friend, Choi Moo Jin (Park Hee Soon), who is also the head of the largest drug organization in South Korea.

The phrase "Revenge needs no name" flashed across the screen as Moo Jin instructed her to infiltrate the police under her new name Oh Hye Jin.

It came after the Dongchun faction boss revealed that the police were the culprit behind his father's death.

Now living a new life under a new name, Oh Hye Jin dons a police uniform and transforms as an undercover agent working together with Jeon Pil Do (Ahn Bo Hyun), a Drug Investigation Unit police detective and under the supervision of team leader Cha Gi Ho (Kim Sang Ho).

Prior to joining the team, Gi Ho asked Hye Jin her reason for joining the police, to which she answered, "I want to catch someone."

Han So Hee stuns fans with her impressive combat skills in the new trailer as she single-handedly beats down her opponents.

However, after being officially a member of the Drug Investigation Unit, Cha Gi Ho revealed that their next target is Choi Moo Jin, who happens to be his longtime nemesis.

"The boss of the biggest drug ring, Dongcheon. Don't mind others. Get Choi Moo Jin," Cha Gi Ho mentioned as he briefed the team.

This will leave Yoon Ji Woo caught up in the confusing situation.

"My Name" release date is slated on October 15, with a total of eight episodes exclusively on Netflix and will be released in 190 countries.

Han So Hee's new drama is helmed by PD Kim Jin Min, the genius behind "Lawless Lawyer" and the psychological Kdrama "Extracurricular."

From 'The World of the Married' to 'Nevertheless' to Action-Packed Kdrama 'My Name'

Interestingly, the upcoming Netflix series is far different from Han So Hee's previous roles.

To recall, her fame skyrocketed after landing the role of the young and beautiful mistress Yeo Da Kyung in "The World of the Married."

It was then followed by another hit series, "Nevertheless," with South Korean heartthrob Song Kang.

Apart from "My Name," the 26-year-old beauty will also star in another thriller Kdrama "Hard Creature," with Park Seo Joon.

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Excited for the much-awaited Kdrama Now, We Are Breaking Up, starring Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong? Here's a sneak peek to their first script reading held last April.

SBS new primetime Friday-Saturday Kdrama Now, We Are Breaking Up is about to meet the viewers this coming November! Dr. Romantic 2 director Lee Gil Bok and writers Je In and Kang Eun Kyung are in charge of the series.

SBS Drops Now, We Are Breaking Up Script Reading Stills Ahead of Premiere

Before the filming production begins, the Kdrama Now, We Are Breaking Up cast gathered for the first time in early April for their script reading.

Lead actors Song Hye Kyo, Jang Ki Yong, Choi Hee Seo, Kim Joo Heon, Park Hyo Joo, Yoon Nam Woo, Yoon Jung Hee, Joo Jin Mo, and Cha Hwa Yeon were all present along with the writers and director.

As the head of the design team of a known fashion company, Song Hye Kyo turned into a trendy and intelligent stylist named Ha Young Eun. Wearing a black leather jacket over a simple top makes Song Hye Kyo look appealing in the eyes of everyone. She also exuded her solid acting chops and high level of immersion into her role.

Jang Ki Yong warmly welcomed everyone and appeared with a bright aura. He is Yoon Jae Guk in the drama, a rich and famous freelance photographer who also has the brains and looks. From his gaze and expressions, Jang Ki Yong gave life to his character well.

A Glimpse to Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong's Chemistry

Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong already displayed their amazing teamwork as they established a romantic atmosphere during the event. Their eye contacts already gave so much emotion as they immersed themselves in their characters.

Kim Ju Heon, who made an outstanding performance in the hit Kdrama It's Okay Not to Be Okay, will work again with top-notch actors through Now, We Are Breaking Up. He is expected to play as Seok Do Hoon, the CEO of a PR company.

The versatile actor amplified his role by fully establishing his strong emotions to express the identity of his new character.

Choi Hee Seo is Hwang Chi Sook, the director of the fashion label's design team. She may look strong on the outside but hides all her disappointments and loneliness on the inside. Her character transformation is one of the things to look forward to in the drama.

Yoon Na Moo and Park Hyo Joo will appear in the drama as a married couple. Meanwhile, respected and talented veteran actors Cha Hwa Yeon, Joo Jin Mo, Choi Hong Il, and Nam Gi Ae wowed everyone in the room with their stable and powerful acting. Yura and Yoon Jung Hee added more positive energy with their fresh and unique acting styles.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Song Hye Kyo, Kim Nam Gil, and Honey Lee to Dominate the SBS Primetime with Their Upcoming K-dramas

What are you most excited about Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong's first Kdrama Now, We Are Breaking Up? Let us know in the comments!

For more K-Drama and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Former GFriend member Sowon and iKON's Chanwoo are teaming up for a chilling drama for the first time!

Various broadcasting media reported on September 30, that Kim So Jung also known as Sowon and iKON's maknae Chanwoo are cast to lead the upcoming horror romance series "Chilling Roommate."

Chilling Roommate to Have iKON's Chanwoo and Sowon as Leads

"Chilling Roommate" is a combination of cinema and drama (cine-rama) which means it will be produced as both a film and drama. The series is combined with horror, romance, and comedy genres, and it will depict the story of Jung Se Ri, who has the ability to see ghosts, she meets Song Ji Chan, a man who finds himself turned into a ghost. After their unexpected meetings they end up living together and will soon develop special feelings with each other.

Sowon's to Have Her Acting Debut in Chilling Roommate

Idol-turned actress Sowon takes the role of Jung Se Ri, a kind-hearted and bright character, even though how bubbly she is, Se Ri still struggles to live because she can see ghosts. This marks Sowon's debut as an actress.

She was the second GFriend member who was confirmed to have a lead role following Yerin. In early August, Yerin was announced to have her acting debut and is expected to meet the viewers with her new Kdrama "The Witch Shop: Reopen" that is slated to premiere in December. Yerin will be working with CIX member Yonghee.

iKON's Chanwoo to Make a Drama Comeback After 8 Years

On the other hand, iKON's Chanwoo plays the character of Song Ji Chan, a self-centered second-generation chaebol who got entangled in an accident. His personality starts to change when he finally meets Jung Se Ri.

Aside from being a member of the famous K-Pop boy group iKON, he already built his acting portfolio before and played various minor roles in dramas such as The Heirs (2013), No Limit (2009), The Slingshot (2009), Boys Over Flowers (2009), and Cain and Abel (2009).

Fans are excited to see him act again after a very long time. This time, Chanwoo will already be playing a lead role alongside another idol.

Chanwoo and Sowon displayed their romantic chemistry during the first script reading of the "Chilling Roommate." Joining them in the project are Lee Yoo Jin, Lee Joong Mun, Kim Ye Ji, Song Young Sook, Park Sang Ho, and Joo Soo Kyung.

In addition, CGV and Contact Media will join forces to produce the cine-rama into one story. It has been said that a film version will be released first followed by a drama version where the viewers can watch via YouTube and other online streaming platforms.

"Chilling Roommate" will meet the viewers both in theaters and primetime in the first half of 2022.

What are your thoughts about Chanwoo and Sowon's first Kdrama together? Share it with us in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Shai Collins.
By Jason Hanna, Leyla Santiago and Sara Weisfeldt, CNN

(CNN) -- The FBI visited Brian Laundrie's family home in North Port, Florida, again on Thursday afternoon amid the ongoing search for him.

Two FBI agents arrived to the home in a black SUV and brought a large brown paper bag inside. They did not depart with the same bag. One agent also briefly climbed into a camper van parked on the property.

Steven Bertolino, the Laundrie family attorney, told CNN the FBI was there to collect items which could assist them in the search for Brian.

"The FBI is at the Laundrie home today to collect some personal items belonging to Brian that will assist the canines in their search for Brian," he said. "There is nothing more to this."

The home visit comes amid the weeks-long search for Laundrie, whose parents told authorities they last saw him on September 14 when he left home to go to a nearby nature reserve. His fiancee Gabby Petito disappeared late last month and was later found dead in Wyoming near where the couple had last been seen together.

Though authorities have not explicitly connected Laundrie to Petito's death, they are looking for him, in part as a response to a federal arrest warrant accusing him of illegally using another person's debit card.

The sequence of events since he returned to Florida without her on September 1 has also been clarified further in recent days. Prior to his disappearance -- before Petito was reported as missing -- Laundrie went camping with his family at a campground dozens of miles from their home between September 6 and 8, officials said.

In addition, on September 4, Laundrie purchased a cell phone at an AT&T store in North Port, Bertolino told CNN. When asked for comment, AT&T referred CNN to law enforcement. According to Bertolino, Laundrie left the phone at his parents' home and the FBI has it. It is unclear what happened to Laundrie's previous phone.

A publicly known timeline of Laundrie's movements this month, along with case milestones, looks like this:

September 1: He returned from the cross-country road trip, without Petito, to the home he shared with his parents in North Port, according to police.

September 6-8: The Laundrie family stayed at Fort De Soto Campground, about 75 miles from their home, county officials said. Brian's mother, Roberta Laundrie, was checked in at a waterfront site on these dates, according to a Pinellas County Parks campground check-in report provided to CNN.

Bertolino has said Brian and his family were at the campground September 6-7, and that they left the campground together.

The FBI is in possession of surveillance video from the park from that time frame, a spokesperson for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

The weekend of September 10: This was the last weekend that a neighbor of the Laundries, Karyn Aberts, says she saw Brian Laundrie at his home.

September 11: Gabby Petito's family reports her missing after not being able to get in touch with her. North Port authorities go to Laundrie's home that night and ask to speak with him and his family, but are "essentially handed the information for their attorney," city police spokesperson Josh Taylor has said.

September 14-17: Laundrie's parents have said they last saw him leaving their home, with a backpack, on September 14, and that he said he was going to a nearby sprawling nature reserve, according to police. The parents told police this on September 17, three days after he allegedly left, police said.

September 19: Petito's remains are found in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. A coroner later made an initial ruling that her death was a homicide.

As for the Florida campground that the Laundrie family visited in early September, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said it is not currently investigating at the campground, and it is "unaware of any confirmed sightings of Brian."

Attorney for Petito's family skeptical that Laundrie's family will help FBI search

On Tuesday, an attorney for Petito's family expressed skepticism that Laundrie's parents would help in the FBI's ongoing search for him.

"The Laundries did not help us find Gabby. They're sure not going to help us find Brian," family attorney Richard Stafford said. "For Brian, we're asking you to turn yourself in to the FBI or the nearest law enforcement agency."

Speaking at a news conference alongside Petito's parents and stepparents, Stafford said the FBI had asked them not to discuss the relationship between the families. He said they were confident the FBI would thoroughly investigate the case and get justice for Petito.

Petito's parents and stepparents also announced the creation of the Gabby Petito Foundation, which they said would help keep alive her memory and help families in similar situations. And they revealed they got matching tattoos reading, "Let it be," in a script that their daughter designed.

"I wanted to have her with me all the time," her mother, Nicole Schmidt, said.

For their part, Laundrie's parents affirmed they do not know his whereabouts two weeks after he was last seen, according to Bertolino, their attorney.

"Chris and Roberta Laundrie do not know where Brian is. They are concerned about Brian and hope the FBI can locate him," Bertolino said Monday night. "The speculation by the public and some in the press that the parents assisted Brian in leaving the family home or in avoiding arrest on a warrant that was issued after Brian had already been missing for several days is just wrong."

Mystery deepens

Petito, 22, and Laundrie, 23, spent their summer traveling in a white van through the American West while she posted about their adventures across social media.

Those posts abruptly stopped in late August, and Laundrie returned to his parents' home in North Port with the van but without his fiancee September 1, according to police. Petito's family, unable to get in touch with her, reported her missing September 11.

Petito's remains were found in a camping area in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest on September 19, near where the couple had last been seen.

In Florida, authorities conducted a large-scale search for Laundrie for a week at the Carlton Reserve. Police say his parents told them September 17 that three days earlier he'd indicated he was going to that area.

The reserve is a sprawling swampland that stretches over 25,000 acres in southwest Florida, authorities said. A source close to the family told CNN that Laundrie left his parents' home without the cell phone and his wallet and his parents were concerned that he might hurt himself.

The FBI, which has taken over the case, is leading a more targeted search based on intelligence, North Port police said, and agents visited his parents' home to get personal items that would assist with DNA matching, multiple news outlets have reported.

A federal warrant for his arrest was issued on suspicion of his using "unauthorized devices" stemming from his alleged actions following Petito's death.

Laundrie allegedly used a debit card and PIN for accounts that did not belong to him for charges exceeding $1,000 between August 30 and September 1, according to a federal indictment.

An attorney for Laundrie's family emphasized in a statement that the warrant was not for Petito's death but related to activities that allegedly took place afterward.

Two separate rewards totaling $30,000 have been offered to anyone who provides law enforcement officials with Laundrie's whereabouts.

The unanswered questions about what happened to Petito have spurred digital detectives to comb through the couple's online trail to try to solve the case and surfaced reports that tension may have been building between the couple.

The focus on Petito's case has also highlighted the tens of thousands of missing persons' cases across the country and raised questions about why some of those cases garner such intense interest and others do not.
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore.  Search and rescue teams are scouring the area along Highway 138 near Toketee Falls in Douglas County after 43-year-old Branda Hoyle disappeared from a family outing over the weekend.

Hoyle was out with family members on Saturday near the Lemolo Forebay 2 campground north of Toketee Lake when she walked away from the group. When she didn't return, her family became concerned and started looking for her. They later called 911 when they found no sign of her.

Search and rescue efforts have been underway since Saturday, with no new information on Hoyle's whereabouts.

As hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are in the area this weekend, be aware that Branda is still missing and report any information that may be helpful to searchers," said Lt. Brad O'Dell with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Something as simple as a piece of clothing or a cellphone can help solve this case.

Hoyle is described as being 5-foot 7-inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, blue jeans and brown Ugg style" boots. She is believed to be suffering from a mental health crisis and may be disoriented, DCSO said.

With the rains we've recently experienced and the colder conditions at night coupled with her lack of preparedness for being out for this period of time make us extremely concerned for her welfare," O'Dell continued.

DCSO has received help from the Jackson and Lane County SAR teams, Oregon State Police, and PacifiCorp.
EUGENE, Ore.  Bi-Mart announced Thursday that the company will leave the pharmacy business, selling all 56 of its pharmacies in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington state to Walgreens. The sale includes all of Bi-Mart's prescription files and inventory.

Bi-Mart stores aren't going anywhere, but the company's pharmacies will either shut down and transfer prescriptions to nearby Walgreens locations or remain operating under the Walgreens brand in "select areas where Walgreens does not have nearby stores," primarily in rural Oregon.

Bi-Mart said that pharmacies in the Portland metro area and in several other markets have already been closed, with prescriptions transferred to Walgreens.

This decision, while difficult, is strategically important as we move to strengthen our solid financial position and expand our plans for future growth in the Northwest, said Rich Truett, president and CEO of Bi-Mart. Bi-Marts core business is healthy and strong, however over the years factors such as increasing costs and ongoing reimbursement pressure has led in part to our decision. We look forward to partnering with Walgreens to transition our pharmacy staff and members as seamless as possible.

Transfer of most prescription files is set to begin in October and be completed by January, "subject to customary closing conditions." Pharmacists and pharmacy staff at Bi-Mart locations will have an opportunity to apply for open positions at Walgreens.

Walgreens is pleased to introduce more patients to our trusted pharmacy services, that we currently provide in over 9,000 locations in communities across the country including more than 70 across Oregon, said Rob Ewing, regional vice president of Walgreens. We look forward to welcoming Bi-Mart patients to Walgreens pharmacy services, as well as providing employment opportunities to Bi-Mart pharmacy associates in available positions throughout our stores where they can continue to meet the needs of their patients.

Patients whose prescriptions are being transferred will be notified by mail, the companies said, and both Bi-Mart and Walgreens pledged to work together on a smooth transition for patients.

Financial terms of the deal between Walgreens and Bi-Mart were not disclosed.
Airlines are promoting Kelowna connections to Seattle, the U.S., and Mexico but YLW does not yet have permission to re-start its international flights.
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The idea was to try working in Rome for a year and see how it went. This sensible American plan collapsed under the weight of Italian bureaucracy.

Luckily I didnt investigate every angle before starting off; if I had known the true lay of the land I might not have kept going after that Italian medical license like a donkey after his carrot. Id have taken a job in some clinic in the Bronx, where Id be seeing four patients an hour to this day. Instead, I made those steps you cant retrace: gave up my three-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side with views of the Empire State Building and the Tri- borough Bridge, and sold my Dodge Challenger convertible to a pinky-ringed Turkish importer-exporter who planned to strip it down to the skeleton of an Oriental low-rider.

Months beforehand I started focusing my Manhattanite efficiency on getting registered in Italy, my Italian husband leading me by the hand through the wilderness of Old World red tape. The first step was getting my documents together, an Italian ritual repeated before every encounter with officialdom. Sticking to a list kindly provided by the Italian Consulate, I collected my birth certificate, passport, high school diploma, college diploma, college transcript, medical school diploma, medical school transcript, certificates of internship and residency, National Board Examination certificates, American Board of Internal Medicine test results, and specialization diploma. Then I got them transfigured into Italian by the one person in New York authorized by the Italian Consulate to crown his translation with an imprimatur. We judiciously gave him a set of our own translations as crib notes, tailored by my husband to match the Rome medical school curriculum.

Susan Levenstein is an internal medicine physician and author of Dottoressa: An American Doctor in Rome.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, An American doctor in Rome.

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Do you know someone who might enjoy this episode? Share this episode to anyone who wants to hear health care stories filled with information, insight, and inspiration.

Hosted by Kevin Pho, MD, The Podcast by KevinMD shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from.
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For years, the surgical practice has been an essential medicine to treat many diseases, such as benign lesions or neoplasms, deliveries, cesarean sections, infections, obstructions, bleeds, and cardiovascular diseases. In many cases, the standard of care is surgical intervention as the first-line treatment and often curative. Without surgical care, a health care system is inept at running properly.

The dilemma with surgical practice and its globalization is that it requires the coordination of skilled human resources, specialized supplies, and infrastructure, which is lacking in many developing countries.

Today, international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Bank base their support strategies on improving those countries health care system components for implementation in surgical practice. To date, this goal has not been achieved, and many communities still lack access to safe, affordable, and timely surgical and anesthesia care. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery placed this estimate at nearly 5 billion people globally.

Epidemiology of surgery: a point of concern

In 2010, 32.9 percent of all deaths worldwide were attributed to conditions requiring surgical care which were unmet. This number greatly exceeded the number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.

Many countries with developing economies have not considered surgical care a public health priority. However, surgically treatable conditionssuch as cataracts, osteomyelitis, hernias, obstructed labor, otitis media, and a wide variety of inflammatory diseases add a chronic burden of ill health to populations. These acute and chronic conditions take a severe human and economic toll and often lead to acute, life-threatening complications.

It is estimated, approximately 77.2 million disability-adjusted life-years could be averted by primary, life-saving surgical care, annually. Furthermore, as with so many global health challenges, the burden of untreated surgical conditions falls heaviest on individuals living in low- and middle-income countries.

On the African continent, for example, there are fewer physicians per population than on any other continent. Furthermore, surgeons are even more scarce: predominantly practicing in urban enclaves leaving rural regions the most underserved. Additionally, according to a 2009 report, only 46 percent of births in sub-Saharan Africa are attended by skilled personnel, compared with 96 percent in Europe. They also found, on average, two physicians and 11 allied health staff to serve 10,000 people. This is in dramatic contrast with the continents European counterparts 32 physicians and 79 allied health staff to serve a comparable population size. This information can even be extended to regions in Asia and Latin America.

Health disparities

In low-income countries, death and disability from diseases that are surgical have received little attention and are not fully understood; failure to recognize and address the substantial human and economic cost of untreated surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries slow progress toward a wide range of global health and development goals.

Also, securing and maintenance of surgical facilities within the current global health framework is costly, complex, and challenging, even more so when cooperation from government and financial institutions is required.

International proposed strategies to speed up surgical globalization

The concept of globalization. First, the concept of globalization must be taken into account. Per the Cambridge Dictionary, the term globalization means A situation in which available goods and services, or social and cultural influences, gradually become similar in all parts of the world. If applied to medical practice, globalization implies the accessibility of proper medical services in all parts of the world, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.

Health care management. The surgical system goes beyond an operating room, surgeon, and sterile environment. It also needs a functional blood bank, qualified staff, and an interpersonal network that starts from the community. An operating room does not stand for anything if it is not involved in a functional first-level health system with its communitys and surgical equipment suppliers cooperation.

Expanding accessibility. Regarding accessibility and delays in surgical care, the Three Delays framework, first described by Thaddeus and Maine in 1994, is often employed to elucidate this particular deficiency. The delays include: 1) Delays in seeking care, 2) reaching care, and 3) receiving care once the patient arrives at the facility.

Governments, for-profit and not-for-profit institutions, and global organizations should strive to address these three backlogs by ensuring adequate community health education and transportation infrastructure and providing health care facilities with the necessary personnel, technology, and supplies.

Increase the workforce: education, training, incentives. Human capital is the single most important asset of any health system. According to the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery, a significant global surgical workforce shortage is furthermore exacerbated by an unequal distribution of said workforce, both within and between countries. This creates a substantial inequity in health care.

Bearing the aforementioned in mind, it should come as no surprise that low-income countries are disproportionately affected by low surgical workforce densities. It is therefore of paramount importance these deficiencies be remedied alongside medical infrastructure development.

While acknowledging the importance of a diverse, multidisciplinary health system, the primary focus should be placed on developing and retaining the three most critical elements of the surgical workforce: surgical, anesthetic, and OB/GYN providers.

Increasing the availability of these providers in low- and middle-income countries centers around education and financing. We must first start with student preparedness. Increasing access to primary and secondary education for all children is of paramount importance. Additionally, an intensive undergraduate-graduate-professional education, training, and retention framework needs to be established and nurtured. Recruitment, matriculation, and minimization of attrition throughout the education process, followed by retention of graduated surgical workforce professionals once their education is completed, will ensure a steady-state supply of human resources. This is the bedrock of how to meet the surgical needs of citizens of the countries. Only then may facilities, ancillary services, standards, and quality assurance needs be competently addressed.

Jeremy Goodwin is a medical student.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Here is some background information about the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen on October 12, 2000.

Facts

In October 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by suicide bombers, while in port in Aden, Yemen, for refueling. The attack was attributed to al Qaeda and foreshadowed the attack on the United States less than one year later on September 11, 2001.

The explosion ripped a hole in the hull of the ship, killing 17 US sailors. Thirty-nine others were injured.

Timeline

October 12, 2000 - During a refueling stop in the harbor of Aden, the USS Cole is attacked by suicide bombers in a small boat laden with explosives.

October 13, 2000 - The FBI arrives in Yemen to investigate the bombing.

October 16, 2000 - The Yemeni government acknowledges the USS Cole has been the target of a terrorist attack. Initially, it considered the explosion to have been an "accident," set off by a detonation on board the ship.

October 30, 2000 - The USS Cole begins its return to the United States, leaving the port of Aden. It is brought back to the United States by a Norwegian transport ship.

December 2000 - Yemeni officials arrest suspects Fahd al-Quso and Jamal al-Badawi. Additionally, US and Yemeni officials identify Abd al Rahim al-Nashiri as a key figure in the bombing.

January 9, 2001 - The Department of Defense issues a report on the USS Cole attack which does not assign blame but finds significant shortcomings in security against terrorist attacks.

January 19, 2001 - The results of a US Navy investigation are released, concluding that the incident could not have been prevented.

March 1, 2001 - Al-Jazeera broadcasts Osama bin Laden reading a poem mentioning the attack. ''In Aden, the young man stood up for holy war and destroyed a destroyer feared by the powerful.''

June 2001 - A video circulates showing followers of bin Laden training in Afghanistan, singing, "We thank God for granting us victory the day we destroyed Cole in the sea."

October 12, 2001 - The USS Cole Memorial dedication ceremony takes place at Norfolk Naval Station.

November 2002 - US officials announce al-Nashiri, an alleged planner of the attack, has been captured and is being interrogated at a secret location.

April 2003 - Pakistani officials announce they have arrested suspected USS Cole attack planner Walid bin Attash, also known as Khallad (or Khalid) bin Attash.

May 15, 2003 - The Justice Department announces indictments against al-Badawi and al-Quso for their roles in the USS Cole attack. Three unindicted co-conspirators are also named: bin Attash, al-Nashiri and bin Laden.

November 29, 2003 - The USS Cole departs on its first overseas deployment since the bombing. The hallway floor on the ship now features 17 stars, one for each of the sailors killed.

July 2004 - Yemen charges six men in the Cole bombing. Five accused in court are al-Badawi, Maamoun Msouh, al-Quso, Ali Mohamed Saleh and Murad al-Sirouri. Al-Nashiri will be tried in absentia as he is in US custody. Also, the judge names two of the suicide bombers for the first time, Ibrahim al-Thawr and Abdullah al-Misawa.

July 16, 2004 - Family members of the sailors killed file a lawsuit against Sudan for more than $100 million, alleging the Sudanese government provided support that allowed al Qaeda to attack the USS Cole.

September 29, 2004 - A judge in Yemen sentences al-Badawi and al-Nashiri to death for organizing the attack on the USS Cole. Al-Quso is given a 10-year jail sentence, Msouh, eight years, and both Saleh and al-Sirouri are given five year sentences. Yemeni authorities say all six defendants belong to the al-Qaeda network.

February 26, 2005 - A Yemeni appeals court reduces al-Badawi's death sentence to 15 years in jail but upholds the death sentence against al-Nashiri. The court also reduces Msouh's sentence from eight to five years.

February 3, 2006 - Interpol announces al-Badawi's escape from jail.

September 2006 - Al-Nashiri, who has been held at various undisclosed locations by the CIA, is transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison.

March 19, 2007 - Hearing transcripts are released by the Defense Department in which bin Attash confesses to his role in the attack.

March 2007 - Pentagon transcripts of a military tribunal are released in which al-Nashiri claims he made a false confession because he was tortured. The CIA has previously admitted al-Nashiri was among terrorist suspects subjected to waterboarding while being interrogated.

March 14, 2007 - Ruling at the end of a two day civil bench trial, US District Judge Robert Doumar finds Sudan liable for the USS Cole attack.

July 25, 2007 - Judge Doumar orders the Sudanese government to pay close to $8 million to the families of the sailors killed.

June 30, 2008 - US military prosecutors charge Guantanamo detainee al-Nashiri with murder for allegedly planning the attack on the USS Cole. Al-Nashiri is the first alleged Cole plotter charged by the US, and has been in US custody since 2002.

December 19, 2008 - The Defense Department formally approves war crimes charges against al-Nashiri. Al-Nashiri has been imprisoned at Guantanamo since 2006.

February 5, 2009 - Susan J. Crawford, the top legal authority for trials at Guantanamo, drops all charges against al-Nashiri to uphold US President Barack Obama's executive order freezing pending cases. The suspect remains in prison and may face new charges.

February 6, 2009 - Obama meets relatives of victims of the Cole bombing and September 11th attacks to explain his rationale for ordering the Guantanamo detention center to be closed and delay the military trials of terrorist suspects being held there.

2010 - Fifteen injured sailors and three surviving spouses file a federal lawsuit claiming the Sudanese government provided material support to the terrorists responsible for the attack. According to the plaintiffs, the Republic of Sudan provided funding, training and additional support to al Qaeda. They are seeking assets in Sudanese banks to compensate for the injuries and deaths.

April 20, 2011 - The Defense Department announces new charges against al-Nashiri: planning the attack on the USS Cole in 2000, the attempted attack on the USS The Sullivans in 2000 and the attack on the French oil tanker MV Limburg in 2002. He faces the death penalty.

November 9, 2011 - Al-Nashiri's trial begins at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

March 30, 2012 - The US District Court issues a final judgment awarding $314,705,896 in compensatory and punitive damages to the plaintiffs who filed suit again the Sudanese government for their role in assisting the terrorists in the execution of the USS Cole bombing.

January 2014 - The Republic of Sudan appeals the decision made by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals claiming it was not properly alerted to the plaintiff's claims, and the proper procedures were not followed.

April 29, 2014 - A US court concludes that Sudan had provided al Qaeda with aid that led to the attack, awarding the families $35 million in compensation.

September 23, 2015 - The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals denies the Sudanese government's appeal and orders Sudanese bank assets to be turned over.

November 1, 2017 - The military judge, Air Force Col. Vance Spath, finds the chief defense counsel, Marine Brigadier General John Baker, guilty of contempt for disobeying orders after he excused the three defense attorneys who quit in October. Baker is sentenced to 21 days confinement and is fined.

June 18, 2018 - Baker's conviction is overturned in federal court.

January 1, 2019 - Al-Badawi is killed during an airstrike in Yemen, according to a statement from US Central Command.

March 26, 2019 - The US Supreme Court rules 8-1 against victims and families of the USS Cole attack in their lawsuit against Sudan, saying that the victims did not properly serve notice of their lawsuit to the government of Sudan.

February 12, 2020 - Sudanese officials announce Sudan will pay a $30 million settlement to the families of 17 US Navy sailors killed in the 2000 bombing in a bid to get itself removed from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. Sudan's government "explicitly denies" its involvement in the attack and says the payout is intended to "settle the historical allegations of terrorism left by the former regime.

March 31, 2021 - US Secretary of State Tony Blinken says in a statement that the United States has received the $335 million settlement from Sudan that will be paid out to victims and families of individuals impacted by the 2000 attack on the USS Cole, the 1998 bombings at the US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya and the murder of a USAID employee in Khartoum. A State Department spokesperson says the $335 million from Sudan is "in addition to $72.5 million in an already paid private settlement with a number of USS COLE victims."

Casualties

Hull Maintenance Technician Second Class Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter, 21

Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, 35

Mess Management Specialist Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis, 19

Information Systems Technician Timothy Lee Gauna, 21

Signalman Seaman Cherone Louis Gunn, 22

Seaman James Rodrick McDaniels, 19

Engineman Second Class Marc Ian Nieto, 24

Electronics Warfare Technician Second Class Ronald Scott Owens, 24

Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer, 22

Engineman Fireman Joshua Langdon Parlett, 19

Fireman Patrick Howard Roy, 19

Electronics Warfare Technician First Class Kevin Shawn Rux, 30

Mess Management Specialist Third Class Ronchester Manangan Santiago, 22

Operations Specialist Second Class Timothy Lamont Saunders, 32

Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr., 26

Ensign Andrew Triplett, 31

Seaman Craig Bryan Wibberley, 19

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Factories in China are struggling at a time when the world's second largest economy has to contend with yet another concern: a growing power supply crunch.

A government survey of manufacturing activity released Thursday fell to 49.6 in September, down from 50.1 in August. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction  and in this case, it was the first time the official survey showed activity shrinking since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Factories are getting dinged by the soaring cost of energy, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics, which added Thursday that high-energy businesses have not been prospering.

"The big picture is that industry was coming off the boil even prior to the latest power shortages," wrote Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist at Capital Economics, in a Thursday research note.

A boom in construction and manufacturing drove much of China's economic recovery this year, and continues to play a vital role in growth.

But that work requires tons of power and thus massive amounts of coal. Power shortages began to bite in June but have worsened since then as coal prices have soared and China's provinces have tried to meet Beijing's targets to reduce carbon emissions.

The worsening power crunch has triggered blackouts for households and forced factories to cut production  a threat to the country's vast economy that could place even more strain on global supply chains.

Companies in the country's industrial heartlands have been told to limit their energy consumption in order to reduce demand for power, according to state media. The problem prompted China's State Grid Corporation to say this week that it would "go all out to fight the tough battle of power supply," making every effort to secure residential consumption.

Evans-Pritchard noted that the latest surveys took place before most of the impact from the latest power shortages was felt.

"Since then, power shortages have intensified," he added, pointing out that media reports suggest factories in more than 20 provinces have had to scale back production.

Thursday's data wasn't all bad. A private survey of manufacturing activity, the Caixin Purchasing Managers' Index, rose from 49.2 to 50, indicating stable levels of activity in September compared to a decline in August.

And an official index of non-manufacturing business activity rose to 53.2 from August's 47.5, a sign that the services sector is recovering. Flagging consumer demand has been a concern in China this year.

But the overall economic picture is troubling. Analysts at Nomura and Goldman Sachs trimmed their forecasts for Chinese growth in 2021 in recent days over the power shortage problems. The Goldman analysts noted this week that there's "considerable uncertainty" headed into the final quarter of the year, given that the Chinese economy already faces risks because of the debt crisis at embattled conglomerate Evergrande.

"There is still some scope for a further recovery in services activity as disruptions from the pandemic ease," Evans-Pritchard wrote. "But industry looks set for further weakness."

 CNN's Beijing bureau contributed to this report.

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IDLEYLD PARK, Ore.  The search continues for a Roseburg woman who disappeared in the Toketee area on Saturday.

The Douglas County Sheriffs Office said they are very concerned for 43-year-old Branda Hoyle with recent rainy weather and temperatures dropping at night.

When Hoyle walked away from family during an outing in the Lemolo Forebay #2 area, she wasnt prepared for being out in the wilderness for that period of time, authorities added.

Family members started looking for Hoyle when she didnt return and called 911 when they were unable to find her.

Search efforts have been underway since Sept. 25 and there is no new information in the case, the sheriffs office said.

As hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are in the area this weekend, be aware that Branda is still missing and report any information that may be helpful to searchers," said Lt. Brad O'Dell. Something as simple as a piece of clothing or a cellphone can help solve this case.

Hoyle is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs about 200 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, blue jeans and brown Ugg boots. Authorities believe she is suffering from a mental health crisis and may be disoriented.

The Jackson County and Linn County sheriffs office search and rescue teams are assisting with the search, along with Oregon State Police. Anyone with information can call 541-440-4471.
VENETA, Ore. -- In what could be a sign of the times, some fire departments in Oregon are gearing up to add ballistic vests in order to protect themselves from shooters.

In Portland, officials confirmed the city will order 200 vests in the near future. And that has a lot of local departments talking about doing the same. But they aren't cheap. Prices vary for each vest, but departments are looking at roughly $700 per person once they are fitted.

Lt. Tressa Miller of Lane Fire Authority told KEZI she's always been an advocate for incorporating bulletproof vests for that extra layer of protection. She said they're more important than ever, with more reports of firefighters getting shot or stabbed in the line of duty.

RELATED: POLICE IDENTIFY SUBJECT IN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING, FIRE

"We go into a lot of scary situations. We knew the job was dangerous when we took it, but if we can do something to make our folks safer, it's probably a step in the right direction," Miller said.

Miller said they've seen a drastic change of attitude in how society responds to them, and where it's headed isn't looking any safer. But she said it'll cost a pretty penny to incorporate these vests into their gear, and it's money they probably don't have right now due to the high demand for materials worldwide.

They also are a large agency with more than 78 active responders.

"You've got two different threats to look at: you've got ballistic rounds that are being fired, but you've also got sharp objects," Miller said. "It's going to be a large undertaking."

Miller said she has two old bulletproof vests from her past law enforcement job. She told KEZI she's worn hers out in the field on numerous occasions after she was assaulted on the job but thankfully made it out alive.

As of now at Lane Fire Authority, there is no policy in place to wear one. But she said the conversation has started. Miller hopes they'll start incorporating bulletproof vests into their everyday gear soon.
Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness used the opportunity of Minister O Briens visit last week to urge him to take a message back to Dublin with him.

Speaking at the opening of the new LIHAF road in Kilkennys Breagagh Valley, Mayor McGuinness said there it was vital the northern ring road was completed as soon as possible. He said it would improve economic activity and attract business.

It would be absolutely fantastic for us. Its been an issue that has been on the agenda ever since I have been on the council, and I would just like to ask you to bring that back to the table and fight the cause for us."

Meanwhile, Kilkenny County Council has a brief ready for tender to procure consultants to prepare a Strategic Assessment Report on the proposed Ring Road extension. The report will play a vital role in how the design and planning phase of this important strategic project for Kilkenny proceeds.

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick says the completion of the ring road has to be at the forefront of the development of Kilkenny: Without the extension of the Ring Road we cannot develop as a city and county, he noted.

Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Colette Byrne highlighted earlier this year the project has been tied up in the court system for years and Covid-19 has also had an impact.
The new Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sean Clancy, formally took up his new role yesterday.

Lt Gen Clancy joined the Irish Defence Forces in 1984 as a cadet and commenced his flight training in 1986. He has flown both fixed and rotary wing aircraft and has accumulated nearly 5,000 flight hours. He is a qualified type and instrument-rating examiner, a qualified flight simulator instructor and has most recently held type, instrument and NVG ratings on the AW139.

According to a Defence Forces statement, Lt Gen Clancy has been a driver of change and a champion for innovation within the Defence Forces. He played a central role in the development of the Irelands first Emergency Aeromedical Service established in 2012. He has been a strong advocate for leadership and was the co-author of the Defence Forces Leadership Doctrine published in 2016. He subsequently led the team who developed the current vision and values-based strategy for the Defence Forces post the publication of the White Paper on Defence.

Lt Gen Clancy, Minister Simon Coveney and Vice Admiral Mark Mellett

He has served in appointments including Squadron Commander, Wing Commander, Senior Staff Officer Operations, Senior Staff Officer Personnel, Chief of Air Staff Support in Air Corps Headquarters and Director of Strategic Planning Branch, Chief of Staff's Branch, Defence Forces Headquarters. Prior to promotion he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) as well as General Officer Commanding, Irish Air Corps and Director of Military Aviation.

Lt Gen Clancy has spent a considerable period of his career as a Search and Rescue pilot and was the commander of the crew who received the Marine Medal for Meritorious Service in 2002. He has served for a year with the European Union Force in Bosnia as the military advisor to the Force Commander and spent two years as a non-permanent member of SHIRBRIG, the UN standby Brigade.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Trinity College, Dublin and a Masters in Military Leadership and Defence Studies from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He is a graduate of the Defence Forces Command and Staff College where he was the recipient of the Lt Gen Tadgh ONeill Award. In 2017 he completed a Diploma in Advanced Management Performance with Smurfit Business School.

Lt Gen Clancy is married to Caroline. They have three children and live in Dublin.
(CNN) - Here is a look at the life of North Korean government official Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un. Little is known about her as the family is notoriously secretive.

Personal

Birth Date: September 26, 1987 or 1988 (Widely believed to be in her early 30s, though her reported birth year varies.)

Father: Kim Jong Il

Mother: Ko Yong Hui

Marriage: Choe Song

Children: Information unavailable publicly

Education: Kim Il Sung University

Education and Family

Attended school in Bern, Switzerland, around the same time as her brother Kim Jong Un in the late 1990s. She studied under various pseudonyms.

One of at least five known siblings. She is the youngest child of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and Ko Yong Hui. She is the sister of the current leader Kim Jong Un. Her grandfather was North Korea's first leader.

Political Career and Public Appearances

2007 - Named junior cadre in the ruling Korean Workers' Party (WPK).

2009-2011 - Works in the National Defense Commission and serves as Kim Jong Il's personal secretary

December 2011 - Attends her father's state funeral.

March 2014 - Attends the Supreme People's Assembly elections. This is her first public appearance alongside her brother and the first public mention of her name by North Korean state media.

October 2014 - According to a Seoul-based think tank run by North Korean defectors, Kim briefly takes charge of the country while her brother is reportedly ill with gout or diabetes.

2014 - Is appointed vice director of the Workers' Party of Korea Propaganda and Agitation Department.

January 11, 2017 - The US Treasury Department releases a statement that designates and sanctions Kim in response to "human rights abuses and censorship activities."

October 8, 2017 - January 2021 - Alternate member of the WPK's Politburo. It is unclear in what capacity she has served in this position. On some lists she is not named, leading to speculation that she has been demoted and reinstated more than once. As of January 2021, she no longer appears as an alternate member. She has also been alternately listed as "first vice department director" to "vice department director" of the Politburo.

February 9, 2018 - Kim attends the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. She is the first member of the North's ruling dynasty to visit the South since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

February 10, 2018 - Meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and issues a formal invitation to Moon from Kim Jong Un to travel to North Korea for what would be the first meeting of Korean leaders since 2007.

June 12, 2018 - Attends the US-North Korea summit in Singapore as envoy for Kim Jong Un, meeting US President Donald Trump.

February 27-28, 2019 - Attends the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

March 12, 2019 - North Korean state media announces Kim is elected to the Supreme People's Assembly.

September 30, 2021 - North Korea's state-run media announces Kim is now a member of the State Affairs Commission (SAC), the country's ruling body headed by her brother. A seat on the SAC is the highest official position she has held.

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ROCHESTER, Minn. - Nearly a month after Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a category 4 hurricane, clean-up efforts are still underway. Tens of thousands of volunteers have traveled to the south to help. Among them, is a Rochester woman.

More often times than not, the very first organization people think about when it comes to natural disasters is the American Red Cross. And when it comes to the Salvation Army, it's helping the homeless population, but we're learning it goes way beyond that.

Rebecca Snapp with the Rochester Salvation Army spent two weeks cleaning up the damage Ida left and helping victims get food and shelter. She explained after being in social work for years now, she thought she knew what she was getting into when arriving in Louisiana two weeks ago. But she learned way more than she was anticipating.

Aside from helping people rebuild their lives again and have access to everyday necessities like food and water, Snapp also gained a deeper understanding of the work she does.

The reason the organization is even able to do volunteer work like this is because of support from the community. "And it's interesting too because it's not just financial support. It's volunteers, it's advocacy. We talk a lot about the non-profit sector about awareness campaigns and how important they are," explained Snapp. "Because a lot of people don't think of awareness as being paired with a call to action. There's a way for everyone to take action, to participate in an organization or a cause that they really feel strongly about or that can really help people."

Snapp got to see firsthand why it's so important to have emergency disaster service teams across the nation because disasters can strike at any given place and time. "Yes, we don't get hurricanes here. But we get tornadoes here, we have fires here, buildings will collapse here, mudslides will happen here, floods happen here," she explained. "There's all sorts of things that do happen in our community. It's important that we have a disaster response team in this area for when those things do happen just so that we can quickly take care of people."

Even though we weren't directly impacted by Hurricane Ida in Minnesota, millions of people were and are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. Snapp said we can be part of the solution to help out in any way we can.

It's time to dust off the old coats because Rochester Salvation Army's Annual Coat Drive is coming up next week. It's on Saturday, October 9th. Snapp explained the Rochester Salvation Army is also starting to gear up for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. She said they're needing more help this year than ever before.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. - Health officials in Olmsted County on Thursday announced their plans for the Pfizer booster shot.

Here's how each health service will handle the situation:

Olmsted County Public Health Services

For booster shots, OCPHS will be contacting individuals originally vaccinated by OCPHS based on their eligibility and providing instructions on how to get their vaccine booster. COVID-19 vaccine boosters will not be provided during seasonal influenza vaccine clinics.

Mayo Clinic

The four populations eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine booster doses at Mayo Clinic are:

People over age 65.

People ages 5064 with underlying medical conditions.

People ages 1849 with underlying medical conditions, based on individual benefit and risk.

People ages 1864 with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 that puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19, including severe COVID-19.

Mayo Clinic began offering booster vaccines to eligible patients and staff on September 24, 2021. Patients 65 and older will be contacted through Patient Online Services and by letter.

Patients and staff at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection or who have underlying medical conditions such as obesity, asthma and diabetes, and where occupational exposure to COVID-19 would put them at high risk of severe infection will not receive formal communication from Mayo Clinic. If you fall into one of these categories and are six months past your initial Pfizer vaccination series, you should schedule an appointment online using Patient Online Services.

Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) booster shot plans

Due to the number of patients eligible, OMC will be prioritizing individuals 65 years of age and older for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster, followed by individuals 5064 years of age with underlying medical conditions based on CDC recommendations. OMC will be contacting patients who qualify and providing information on how to schedule an appointment. OMC will reach out through email, OMC MyChart, or the telephone appointment reminder system.

Local pharmacies

Many pharmacies are also providing COVID-19 vaccine boosters. You can find a location on the MDH Vaccine Finder website.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - In the first few weeks of school, the Minnesota State Patrol has pulled over an alarming number of drivers who have violated school bus laws.

More than 100. That's how many Minnesotans have broken the law by either going around a stopped school bus or completely ignoring the stop-arm when it's out. That's the most recent data from the Minnesota State Patrol.

First and foremost, when you see yellow flashing lights on a school bus, that does not mean to speed up and try to pass them. It's like a yellow traffic light, you're preparing to stop. When the lights are flashing red, you need to come to a complete stop. And not every student will be crossing the street, but that doesn't give drivers the go-ahead to continue moving forward.

Jon Goetz with First Student in Rochester said his company hasn't been able to report the number of violators they've experienced this year just yet.

Goetz explained the bus drivers actually go around to the little ones in school to teach them safety lessons for when they ride the bus. He said it's up to the public to also do their part to keep everyone safe on the streets.

Student's safety needs to be at the top of everyone's mind. "If they see a school bus stopped, they need to not be in a hurry. They need to use patients, they need to consider, 'hey, that could be my son, my daughter, my grandson, my granddaughter.' Be careful," he explained. "Whenever you see a school bus, it should raise a red flag. I need to be careful around this bus, there are kids around."

Goetz said nowadays, people are in a hurry and don't have patience. "People need to have patience. My bus drivers, I keep teaching patience to them," he explained. "We have a great bunch of people driving buses this year and they're fun to be around."

There is still a bus driver shortage nationwide and Goetz said First Student is looking for about three or four more drivers.

Catching these violators could soon become easier. This year, the Minnesota State Legislature approved $15 million in grants to go to school districts and bus companies so they can put cameras on all bus stop-arms. Districts or companies will apply for the grants and the state will issue about $7.3 million in 2022 and 2023.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Yesterday, U.S. federal wildlife officials announced that the ivory-billed woodpecker is set to be removed from the endangered species list and declared extinct.

The woodpecker is one of 22 other species of birds, fish, mussels, and wildlife to be declared extinct.

Minnesota is not home to any endangered species.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo Naturalist Jaide Ryks said the reason these animals are becoming extinct may not be the answer we want to hear...

"Climate change is a big part of it, but with climate change comes us...it's people," said Ryks. "It's deforestation, it's moving into their territories. There are also genetic variation decreases. So if a species doesn't have a lot of genetic diversity, they can't fight off diseases as well, they can't repopulate as well because there's a lot of inbreeding. But that also stems from deforestation and us moving into their territories"

The U.S. wildlife agency said the proposal to de-list these 23 species will be open for public comment until the end of December.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Since the beginning of this year, the Community Outreach Team in Olmsted County has been assisting law enforcement with more than 600 calls.

A team of four specialists has responded to crisis calls with law enforcement for the past nine months now. One specialist we spoke with, Teri Dose, said at first, everyone involved was a little hesitant to launch the program, but they realized how much it was needed.

Dose pointed out that if you have a mental illness and you are struggling, it can be intimidating to have several officers show up at your home. "When we walk in, you can literally just see the shoulders drop and everybody's like, 'oh, okay I can talk now,'" she explained. "There are times that we just ask the officers to just away a little bit and let me chat with this person for a little while. That helps immensely to just take the anxiety out and bring everything down a bit."

Their main job is to help deescalate crisis calls. But just recently, all through word of mouth, Dose was able to connect an RPD officer who had an extra washing machine with a Rochester woman who needed one. Dose said that's just a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes.

At the end of the day, Dose said building relationships between law enforcement and the public is one of their top priorities. "There's definitely a need. The officers want us there, they like us there," she explained. "We respect them, they respect us. It's just a very good collaborative, working relationship that we have with them."

Dose said one of her favorite parts of the job is being able to follow up with the people involved in the calls. That's something that the officers or deputies don't necessarily have time for.

Dose is hoping in the future, the Community Outreach Team can grow because the data is showing it's needed.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Authorities are trying to track down a person who allegedly robbed a man of his wallet before hitting him with an object in the head.

Police said it was reported at 1:56 a.m. near Kwik Trip on S. Broadway Ave. and 20th St.

A 44-year-old male victim was walking when a vehicle pulled up and a passenger demanded he turn over his wallet. The victim was hit in the head with a hard object and blacked out.

Once he regained consciousness, he walked to Kwik Trip and called the police. The victim declined to go to the hospital.

The vehicle was described as a black or gray Mitsubishi Eclipse.
HAMPTON, Iowa  The man accused of killing a 23-month-old child is pleading not guilty.

Jhonny Junior Salvator Suarez Rivera, 24 of Humboldt, is charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death.

Authorities say Rivera was the caretaker of his girlfriends 23-month-old son when the child was taken to Franklin General Hospital on August 1, 2020, and was pronounced dead about an hour after arriving.

Court documents state an autopsy conducted two days later concluded the child died from multiple blunt force injuries and classified the death as a homicide. Investigators say Rivera could not provide any explanation for the boys death, other than speculating the child might have choked on a piece of chicken and thrown a tantrum.

Riveras trial is scheduled to begin on February 22, 2022, in Franklin County. He remains in the Hardin County Jail on $1 million bond.
MASON CITY, Iowa  Two guilty pleas are entered for a double-stabbing in Mason City.

Dominic Fogarty, 17 of Rowan, and Jaden Edel, 18 of Belmond, have both entered guilty pleas to two counts of willful injury.

Mason City police say those two and David Gordon, 17 of Belmond, attacked a juvenile male and an adult male in the area of 15th Street NE and N Pennsylvania Avenue on April 1. One victim was stabbed in the back and the other was stabbed in the head.

Gordon is still pleading not guilty to first-degree robbery and willful injury causing serious injury.

Edel is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11 and Fogartys sentencing is set for October 27. Gordon is scheduled to stand trial beginning October 19.
MASON CITY, Iowa - On Tuesday, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution declaring the county a 'Second Amendment Sanctuary,' joining 17 other Iowa counties that have issued such resolutions.

But with the terminology being fairly recent, what does it mean? Hart Brothers owner Kemlin Hart explains what it signifies.

"They're not going to let the federal government come in and say, 'were going to restrict here, this small thing.' They're going to take the Second Amendment at its face value as to how the state or county interprets it, and they're not going to enforce the laws driven down by the federal government."

Hart is a firm believer in Second Amendment rights. However, he feels there's a bit of a slippery slope with the issue, as he notes of some possible ambiguity on certain rules depending on the jurisdiction.

"It makes me wonder how much it is politics instead of real getting things done. Does a magazine restriction on deer hunting, for example, cause someone to say, 'it's a sanctuary county, because we could use whatever we want?' Where is that line drawn? Because it's not written up pretty clear, it makes it tough to say, 'that's what you get if you check on that box for 'I want our county or state to be a sanctuary area.'"

As to when Iowa could be declared a Second Amendment Sanctuary state, Hart feels it's likely due to Iowa's already strong supportive stance on Second Amendment rights.

"Having everybody that's on board with the pro-2A type stuff, I think we have a good amount of pendulum swing in our direction."

In Hancock County, the Board of Supervisors have been discussing the issue of declaring the status in their county.

Almost 2,000 counties in 17 states have sanctuary status, according to SanctuaryCounties.com.
Farmers considering a burn on CRP or prairie land need to look at climate and weather conditions as well as having the right manpower on hand.
Longtime KMA announcer Don Hansen (center) holds the official statement from Mayor Dick Hunt (right) proclaiming Thursday, September 30th, 2021 as Don Hansen Day in Shenandoah. Gregg Connell, executive vice president of the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association and part owner of KMAland Broadcasting LLC, also saluted Don on the final day of his 50-year broadcasting career.
COVID financial relief on the way for MU students
History of Missouri executions

By Wilson Truong, KOMU 8 Reporter

If Ernest Johnson does get executed on Oct. 5, he would become the second man to be executed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, alongside Walter Burton, who was executed in May 2020.

Johnson would also become the third man to be executed under Gov. Mike Parson, joining Barton and Russell Earl Bucklew, who was executed in October 2019.

Thirty-eight executions happened under Gov. Mel Carnahan, while 21 executions happened under Gov. Jay Nixon.

In Missouri, there have been 90 executions since the U.S. Supreme Court re-instituted its death penalty in 1976, according to Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC). That is fifth most in the country since 1976. Only Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Virginia have had higher death penalties in that same time frame.

Before 1976, according to the DPIC, the state had 285 executions. Most of the deaths were hangings, until 1936 when lethal gas became an option to use in executions. Missouri didn't begin using lethal injection until 1987.

There has been some success with getting out of death row in the state. Four people have been exonerated from death row and another four have been granted clemency.

There have been attempts by state politicians to get rid of the death penalty. Multiple politicians from both sides of the political aisle have attempted to put forth bills that would either repeal, abolish or change how the death penalty would be approached, according to the Missouri Times.
Klete Keller at the Capitol riot in 2021, left, and the US Swimming Olympic Trials in 2008.
KakaoBank CEO Yoon Ho-young speaks during a press conference held on July 20 at Conrad Seoul on Yeouido, Seoul. Yonhap



By Anna J. Park



KakaoBank is taking gradual steps to diversify its revenue channels by focusing on overseas markets, especially in Southeast Asia.



According to a recent report published by S&P Global Market Intelligence, the internet-only bank could be able to tap into millions of international users of Kakao's widely used mobile messaging app beyond its home market. The report particularly mentioned Thailand and Indonesia as potentially viable markets.



"KakaoBank could target Thailand and Indonesia in its international plans, as these fast-growing economies are already the largest overseas markets for Kakao Corp.'s instant messaging platform, KakaoTalk," the S&P report stated. "Southeast Asia could be an appealing destination for KakaoBank, given the growth prospects of the region."



Based on the bank's IPO back in August  through which the firm raised $2.2 billion  KakaoBank is known to have ample cash resources available to fine-tune its overseas business plans. KakaoBank plans to seek strategic growth in the Asian region in the longer term, after consolidating its retail position in the domestic market. Once the bank starts to advance overseas, it is expected to establish a regional joint venture.



The report also forecasts that part of the raised capital could be used in the acquisition of fintech companies, citing the bank's prospectus written for its IPO in the summer.



"A combination of finance and big-tech, such as KakaoBank, could be an appealing partner for companies in Asia," the bank's spokesperson said, Thursday.



By the first half of this year, the number of KakaoBank customers reached 16.7 million, a 34 percent increase from the end of 2019. The bank also succeeded in generating a net profit within two years of its 2017 launch.



This performance was largely attributed to KakaoTalk's ubiquity among consumers; about 90 percent of Koreans use the mobile instant messenger. Following improvements in the local market, KakaoBank's international expansion into other countries is somewhat inevitable, given similar cases of other big-tech financial firms.



Naver's messaging subsidiary Line, a popular messaging service in Japan and countries in Southeast Asia, established a digital bank operating in Thailand and Indonesia.






By Lee Kyung-min







A record-high 450 firms were provided with government assistance in seeking a greater domestic market presence and overseas business opportunities at the Korea Public Procurement Expo 2021. The expo is being held at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province from Wednesday to Friday.







The three-day annual event, organized by the Public Procurement Service (PPS), is the only public procurement fair where support for the expansion of excellent small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is provided.







This year's event seeks to create public demand for new high-tech products by incorporating public inquiries on the use of artificial intelligence technology, research-intensive products such as 3D printers, as well as goods made by startups, thereby bolstering innovation and growth at competent local firms.







The number of halls and booths at the fair has increased to include a display of virus containment-related products, such as COVID-19 test kits, along with a variety of other innovative goods.







Fifteen exhibition halls were set up to display products to help visitors understand the latest market trends, including electronic appliances, office equipment, machinery, and construction environment and safety equipment.







Alongside the event at the KINTEX, the PPS held an online meeting where 43 buyers from 17 countries, including the U.S. and Chile, offered one-on-one export consultations to 147 domestic companies seeking to expand their businesses overseas.







Last year's event was attended by 58 overseas buyers from 29 countries. Twenty international organizations and procurement authorities provided consulting services for 600 projects.







PPS Administrator Kim Chung-woo said that under his leadership, the agency will continue to help many innovative products from outstanding local SMEs enter the global procurement market.







"This year, the PPS policy drive seeks to prioritize increasing the purchase of innovative products made by budding startups with great potential, which in turn will help the country's innovation and growth. The Korea Public Procurement Expo continues to expand, and so will our capacity and experience to assist local businesses," he said.










By Lee Hyo-jin



The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has called on the government to improve the working conditions of crew members of foreign nationality working on fishing boats here, many of whom suffer from violations of human rights due to excessively long working hours, as well as economic exploitation and physical abuse by their employers.



The NHRCK asked the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Thursday, to implement measures to protect the human rights of foreign nationals working on local fishing boats hired under the Seafarers' Act.





The offices of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea / Korea Times file
Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong will fly to France next week to attend a ministerial council meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) aimed at discussing pandemic-stricken economic and other challenges, the ministry said Thursday.





Chung is scheduled to attend the annual Meeting of the OECD Council at the Ministerial Level (MCM) set to open Tuesday for a two-day run, the foreign ministry said. South Korea is a co-vice chair of the meeting this year alongside Luxembourg, with the U.S. as the chair.







This year's MCM, under the title "Shared Values: Building a Green and Inclusive Future," brings together top government officials of the 38 member countries to discuss policies and ways to promote cooperation on common global issues such as a post-COVID-19 economic recovery and climate change among others.







During the meeting, Chung will deliver remarks on the OECD's role in overcoming the shared global challenges and Seoul's efforts in helping with this.







While in Paris, Chung is also expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with his counterparts from other countries, including Luxembourg and Hungary, as well as with OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann.







Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Second Vice Science Minister Cho Kyeong-sik will also attend the meeting, the ministry said. (Yonhap)










In this April 23 file photo, police officers stand at the outer entrance of the Urumqi No. 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in western Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. AP-Yonhap





China pushed back against criticism of policies in its Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region (XUAR), calling them "a legitimate struggle against terrorism" in an event that its delegation to the United Nations organized with the participation of Russia and other allies.



The two-hour virtual event called "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" was hosted by China's UN ambassador Zhang Jun, and featured a slate of XUAR government officials including Shawkat Imin, chairman of the standing committee of XUAR's parliament. It took place separately but at the same time the United Nations Human Rights Council was in regular session.



Members of the council have accused China of subjecting Uygurs and other Muslim minorities to forced labor and mass internment.



The US government and Canadian and British parliaments have accused Beijing of genocide. Earlier this year, the US, EU, UK and Canada banded together to sanction Chinese officials over the suspected human rights abuses.



In an apparent swipe at former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo's charge that China's XUAR policy of mass detention is "the stain of the century", Zhang said that China's critics "fabricated the lie of the century about the genocide".



"The fact is, over the past couple decades, the Uygur population in Xinjiang has increased from 5.2 million to 11.6 million, while the average life expectancy has increased from 38 years decades ago to 72 years today," he said.



A video production about Xinjiang followed Zhang's remarks.



"A legitimate struggle against terrorism and extremism has been raised in Xinjiang" and "the tendency of frequent terrorist activities has been effectively curbed", according to the narrator.

"In Xinjiang, the principle of freedom of religious belief enshrined in the national constitution has been implemented in entirety," the narrator added.



Stepan Kuzmenov, the head of the Russian UN delegation's human rights section, attended the event virtually along with UN representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Cuba, Eritrea and Morocco. The event also included pre-packaged video productions featuring Uygurs expressing their support for Beijing's policies in the region.



Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch China director, said Beijing's effort at the UN to portray Xinjiang as a paragon of religious and ethnic harmony will not likely sway any countries outside its diplomatic orbit. Richardson has been sanctioned by the Chinese government.



"When you've got some of the worst human rights violators in the world by your side, you know, to try to lend to your perspective of credibility, you're probably not going to do very well," Richardson said.



Beijing's "unwillingness, both to take seriously and try to factually address the ... information that has been published substantiating what in our view rises to crimes against humanity, doesn't do a whole lot for your argument", she added.



Members of the Uygur diaspora have also criticized Beijing's efforts to counter the messages that they have been delivering.



"I think a genuine smile is something that we, as human beings, can see," said Rayhan Asat, a US-based human rights advocate, in a Wednesday event hosted by the Atlantic Council, referring to interviews with Uygurs that the Chinese government promotes. "And [that] fake, very much scripted language  any person with common sense and intelligence can [see through it]."





Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Zhang Jun speaks during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council at the 76th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, U.S., Sept. 23. Reuters-Yonhap
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Mostly cloudy with some showers this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 74F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Progress is being made on the city's newest BMX trail system.

Located throughout the Riverbluffs, NoMad Trails Development has completed the first five miles of the hiking and riding trails. The final project will be 15 to 20 miles of trails.

"Right now we're doing the cross-country multi-use phase for hikers and trail runners and people who just like to trail ride their bikes," said Brett Schoffner, owner of NoMad Trails. "We have about five miles that we've gotten done this past spring and fall. And then in November we'll be starting the downhill portion of everything and be building downhill courses for people to be able to ride and shuttle."

NoMad Trails is located in Kansas City. The company creates mountain biking trails throughout the entire country.

The city is wonderful and super supportive of us which is awesome," Schoffner added. "Giving us freedom to create something really special here.

St. Joseph's trail supervisor, Lee Clark, has been assisting on the project since day one. Clark had the idea of creating a mountain bike trail in St. Joseph six years ago. Now, he is watching it come to life and putting his handprint in the creation of it every step of the way.

"So far it's been a dream, because this is my passion," said Clark. "I have the privilege of being the person who's going to take care of all of this after it's been completed."

Clark originally worked for NoMad. When the city began working on the project, a new position was created specifically for trail supervision, and Clark knew he had to be the man on the job.

"What I originally envisioned wasn't even close to what they've done so far and what they're going to even do. Even the stuff that they've done so far has overshadowed anything I could've contemplated in the past," Clark explained. "Knowing what they have planned for the futureoh my gosh, it's going to be awesome."

NoMad Trails is headed to Minnesota for the month of October to work on trails there. The construction group will return to St. Joseph in November to begin the downhill portion of the trails.

All of this will tie into Wyatt Park when that bridge gets built across Highland this fall. Theyll (the city) be starting construction on that next week when we leave," said Schoffner.

The project is expected to take three years to complete. Phase 1 of the downhill trails should be completed in June of 2022 according to NoMad.

Bathrooms and a shuttle service are in the works to be added to the project. Add-on decisions will be discussed at future city council meetings.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Staying on top of mental health has been a challenge for Missouri Western State University counselors.

On Wednesday help arrived in the form of a partnership announced between the university and the Family Guidance Center which provides mental health counseling.

Kristina Hannon, Co-CEO, Family Guidance Center said she is looking forward to working with students, and added that it was important to address the complex issues they can face in-person vs. virtually.

"So much of our work is done in people's homes or in schools," Hannon said. "It can be really hard to discuss depression and suicidality over a screen."

Hannon also said challenges when it comes to addressing mental health remain, one of the biggest is staffing.

"We don't have enough people going into this workforce to meet the demand," Hannon said.

The shortage comes as more young people are needing mental health services.

Hannon said it can be hard in many cases to find a mental health professional, she recommended people to be more observant of others behavior, and if they see something wrong to talk about it.

if you see something with somebody, say something," Hannon said. "Start to get comfortable with that conversation."

MWSU president Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy said it's just as important to look inward.

"Knowing to recognize your own signals, signs, and emotions, learning how to respond to them, and learning how to seek out help in a healthy way is incredibly important," Kennedy said.

The center and the university hope their partnership draws more attention to the topic of mental health and puts more students on a positive path.

"Well being today means not only your physical well-being, but your mental well-being," Kennedy said.

In addition to the full-time clinician, the family guidance center will also make a psychiatric provider available as needed.
ROME, SEP 30 - A 22-year-old man died overnight after being stabbed in a fight involving several young people at Pessano con Bornago, a town near Milan, Carabinieri police said on Thursday. The man died after being taken to Monza hospital with stab wounds to the chest. A 16-year-old boy was also injured in the fight. He suffered head wounds and was taken to Melzo hospital. He is not in a life-threatening condition, sources said. A large knife was found by police at the scene. (ANSA).
BARI, SEP 30 - A 31-year-old man with a record for robbery was killed in an ambush on the seafront in the southern city of Bari on Wednesday night, police said Thursday. Bari native Ivan Lopez was hot by at least three shots, they said. The victim was riding an electric scooter on the northern seafront when a hitman drove up to him in a car, got out, shot him and fled the scene, police said. Police said it was probably a mafia hit. The ambush took place in the San Girolamo quarter of the Puglia capital, where the Strisciuglio clan operates. Police said Lopez did not belong to the clan. (ANSA).
ROME, SEP 30 - The Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday won the best commercial project of the year prize at the prestigious Construction Innovation Awards in the United Arab Emirates, a statement said. The pavilion created by Carlo Ratti, Italo Rota, Matteo Gatto and F&M Italy with general contractor RAQ is set to be one of the star attractions at the World Fair, which kicks off on Friday. The Italy Pavilion is forecast to attract as many as 28,000 people a day for a potential total of more than five million visitors over the six-month period of the event, thanks in part to its strategic position, organizers have said. The pavilion is located between the "Opportunity" and "Sustainability" areas in the Expo 2020 Dubai site and it is close to the park enhances. This gives visitors an excellent view of the pavilion, as no structures are blocking vision of it from the front or side. Furthermore, the Italy Pavilion is also situated near the pavilions of India, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan and the United States. (ANSA).
TRENTO, SEP 30 - A 23-year-old Nigerian woman has fled ritual violence inflicted on her in her home country because she is an albino and graduated at Trento university in northern Italy. Speaking after becoming the first person to benefit from an asylum seeker university programme and graduate in Comparative European and International legal studies, Joy Ehikioya said "this is a story of violence, of ancestral superstitions, and still more violence. It is also a story of involuntary emigration, something close to deportation. And, in the end, the story of reclaiming one's own name: reclaimed, re-learned". Ehikioya's bravery and determination enabled her to leave Nigeria, where she was abducted and raped as an albino and used in a 'magic' rite, and get into the University of Trento's pioneering asylum seekers' programme. The northern university offers the course entirely in English. (ANSA).
ROME, SEP 30 - The government is set to pass a package of measures to help the construction industry, Infrastructure Minister Enrico Giovannini told an ANSA Forum on Thursday. "The construction sector is overheating, with difficulties in finding labour, especially workers with certain skills," Giovannini said. "And we have a sharp increase in the prices of raw materials. "The government has already intervened in relation to this and in October there will be a decree to compensate companies who have seen their costs explode on the basis of old contracts"., (ANSA).
He was known as El Padrino  the Godfather  and, as co-founder of the once-dominant Guadalajara drug cartel, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo reigned over Mexicos multibillion-dollar narco-commerce with all the ruthlessness and aplomb of the fictional Don Corleone.

The former street cop and bodyguard turned-drug kingpin counted police commanders and politicians among his protectors and supplicants.

But eventually, Gallardo went too far. The international outrage following the 1985 murder in Mexico of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Enrique Kiki Camarena, eventually led to the fall of Gallardo and his close associates and the splintering of their nationwide criminal network.

The fallout of Camarenas murder  and the unraveling of Gallardos cartel  continues to be felt in Mexico to this day, influencing law enforcement, politics and how modern cartels operate. Even though Gallardo was arrested decades ago, the case made the news again this week when a Mexican federal court sentenced Gallardo to 37 years in prison for the murder of Camarena and a Mexican pilot, Alfredo Zavala.

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As part of Wednesdays court decision, Gallardo also was ordered to make the equivalent of $1.18 million in reparation payments, presumably to the families of the victims.

Gallardo, now in his early 70s, has been in Mexican custody since 1989, when intense pressure from U.S. authorities led Mexican authorities to arrest him.

But the kingpins case had dragged on for decades in Mexican tribunals amid a plethora of legal maneuvers and a court ruling throwing out a previous 40-year sentence against Gallardo. It is said to be one of the longest judicial proceedings in Mexican criminal history. Several more years of appeals are possible, authorities say, even though Gallardo has already served the bulk of his term.

The official sentencing comes 32 years after Camarena  the DEA agent and former Calexico cop and U.S. Marine  was brazenly snatched in broad daylight in Guadalajara. Camarena was kidnapped while walking along a street to meet his wife for lunch. Zavala, who was assisting Camarena in his undercover investigations, also disappeared.

Exterior of the house in Guadalajara where Enrique Kiki Camarena was tortured in 1985. (Rick Tulsky / Los Angeles Times)

The Camarena case, which has inspired films, books and television series, put the public spotlight on the organized and brutal nature of Mexican drug-trafficking rings. The intense law enforcement focus ultimately contributed to altering the makeup of the drug gangs, but did not come close to putting an end to the illegal cross-border commerce.

In a sense, the takedown of the Guadalajara cartel set a template for the Mexican drug wars that have raged to this day  often with much more bloodshed and brutality than in the heyday of Gallardo and his henchmen.

After Camarena disappeared, an irate Reagan administration pressed the Mexican government to find him. U.S. customs officials all but shut down the nearly 2,000-mile-long border, triggering a binational crisis.

It was a low point in U.S.-Mexico relations perhaps unmatched until President Trump took office in January amid threats to build a border wall, slap a tariff on Mexican imports and carry out large-scale deportations of Mexican citizens in the U.S. illegally.

The bodies of Camarena and Zavala were found, a month after their February 1985 disappearances, near a ranch in the western state of Michoacan. Their remains showed signs of torture.

The subsequent manhunt for the killers was called the largest in DEA history. Suspicion immediately fell on the Guadalajara cartel and its three principal figures: Gallardo, Ernesto Don Neto Fonseca and Rafael Caro Quintero, all giants of the Mexican demimonde, subjects of corridos (ballads) and legends.

In his undercover work, Camarena had developed an extensive informant network that led to large-scale seizures of marijuana and destruction of pot plantations in northern Mexico, authorities say. His murder was called payback for the damage done to the Guadalajara mob.

Mexican authorities soon rounded up Fonseca and Caro Quintero, but Gallardo  reportedly protected by authorities  was not arrested until 1989.

Though Gallardo remains in prison, Fonseca was transferred to house arrest in 2016 under terms granted to elderly prisoners with health problems.

Caro Quintero was released from prison in 2013 on a legal technicality, to the dismay of U.S. authorities  who have offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his capture or conviction. Both Mexican and U.S. officials are seeking Caro Quintero.

In 2016, Caro Quintero gave an interview from hiding to Mexicos Proceso magazine denying any role in Camarenas murder and rejecting reports that he had returned to the drug world.

Amid continuing demand for drugs in the United States, experts say, the destruction of the Guadalajara cartel resulted in a fragmenting of the market and the emergence of distinct regional cartels.

Among them was the Sinaloa cartel of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and other criminal mobs in Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and elsewhere. All built on the sophistication of the Guadalajara cartel, with its close ties to South American cocaine producers. The evolving U.S. appetite for heroin, amphetamines and other illicit substances has been a boost for the trafficking enterprise.

Under pressure from U.S. authorities, Mexican officials have taken down one drug lord after another. Critics question, however, whether the kingpin strategy has exacerbated the problem, amid escalating national homicide rates. Violent junior sicarios, or hit men, and other would-be successors now regularly battle for leadership after the incarceration or murders of their bosses.

The arrest of Guzman, and his extradition this year from Mexico to the United States, is a case in point. His absence and the subsequent leadership void have spurred violent clashes among competing blocs fighting for control of Guzmans fractured empire.

An undated file photo of Enrique Kiki Camarena. His murder strained relations between the U.S. and Mexican governments. (Associated Press)

Mexican drug gangs since the 1980s have diversified into other fields  including extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking and the forced takeover of legitimate businesses.

Like their predecessors in the Guadalajara cartel, Mexicos current narco-leaders maintain financial and social ties to police and elected lawmakers. The nexus among gangs, law enforcement and politicians  and the resulting impunity for many criminals and corrupt officials  continues to bedevil reform efforts in Mexico.

For U.S. anti-drug authorities, a key lesson of the Camarena killing was the need for an immediate and robust response to any menace to its personnel.

Because of the Camarena case, even the mere allegation of a threat is the tripwire that unleashes DEAs fury, Jay Bergman, former regional director of the DEAs Andean office, told the Los Angeles Times in 2015. The message is loud and clear: Just thinking about harming an agent will turn your world upside down.

Cecilia Sanchez in The Times Mexico City bureau and special correspondent Chris Kraul in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville

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After visiting a splash pad in Texas, a child died Monday after acquiring a rare infection commonly known as a brain-eating amoeba.

Brain-Eating Amoeba at Texas Splash Pads

The incident happened in the city of Arlington in Texas, which is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.

According to ABC News, the boy died at the hospital on September 11 after he was infected by a Naegleria fowleri amoeba.

City officials and Tarrant County Public Health were notified on September 5 regarding a child who had been hospitalized with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is a rare infection with a high fatality rate caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.

Moreover, after officials learned about the child's illness, city health officials started their investigation and have closed all of the city's public splash pads.

Also, city officials said after they forwarded a sample from the splash pads to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC confirmed there was a presence of the amoeba in water samples from the Don Misenhimer Park splash pad on Friday.

READ MORE: Suspect Behind Dismembered Bodies Found in Burning Dumpster in Texas Arrested; Reveals "Killings Were Part of Biblical Sacrifice"

Negligence on Water Chlorination Readings Resulted in the Boy's Death

Based on the review conducted by city officials, they have discovered that there were lapses in the water-quality testing at several parks in the area, which allowed the amoeba to kill the life of an innocent child.

Deputy City Manager Lemuel Randolph said a review identified that there were gaps in their daily inspection program. He said that those gaps resulted not only in them not meeting their maintenance standards at their splash pads but also in causing the life of a boy.

Furthermore, city officials said that the records gathered showed that two of the four splash pads at Don Misenhimer Park and the Beacon Recreation Center did not have consistent records from the Parks and Recreation employees. They added that in some cases, they did not even conduct the water quality testing, which was required to the facilities prior to its opening on a daily basis.

The city officials stated the Don Misenhimer splash pad's water chlorination readings were not documented on two of the three dates that the child was there in late August and early September.

Meanwhile, the city officials clarified that Arlington's drinking water supply was not affected. The splash pad is equipped with a backflow prevention device primarily designed to isolate its water from the city's water distribution system.

On the other hand, the CDC shared that Naegleria fowleri infections are considered rare. So far, they have just 34 cases reported in the U.S. from 2010 to 2019. CDC added that people are infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose. It usually happens when people go swimming or diving in lakes and rivers, the CDC added, NBC reported.

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This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Child dies of amoeba likely contracted at Texas splash pad, officials say-CBS News


U.S. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is currently criticizing Biden and his administration because of the rising issue at the Del Rio border. As of the moment, thousands of refugees are currently stuck in the borders.

According to Clayton News Daily's latest report, the issue began when Haiti's president was assassinated. On the other hand, there was also a large earthquake, with a 7.2 magnitude strength, that killed around 1,000 residents. Aside from these, there is also a tropical storm that ravaged their country.

Because of all these major events, Haitians are left with no choice but to seek some assistance at the border of Del Rio.

Around 30,000 Haitians are expected to travel north. Based on the images provided by various news websites and publishing companies, their situation is far from worst.

Ted Cruz Says Del Rio Border is Biden Cages

Fox News reported that Ted Cruz is now challenging U.S. President Joe Biden, together with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), as well as other democrats, to travel to the southern border and see the issue there.

READ MORE: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Files Lawsuit Against Biden Administration for Its Catch-and-Release Border Policy

"I challenge every one of them: I challenge Biden, I challenge Harris, I challenge AOC, who famously had a picture of her pretending to cry in front of a cage with children," said Cruz.

"Come down to the Biden cages now, which are bigger and more full," he added.

On the other hand, he mainly targeted AOC, asking her to actually cry in front of the Haitian refugees at Del Rio. Aside from this, the senator also said that Biden and his administration are trying to hide the crisis, relying on media to cover it up for them.

Ted also explained that the issue would become less severe if Biden would bring back the recent policies, which were instituted by the former American leaders.

Border Counties Want To Sue Biden?

Yahoo News reported that even the border counties are not happy with how the Biden administration handles the crisis in Del Rio.

Val Verde County Commissioner Beau Nettleton said that it is time for cities and border counties to join forces so that they could file a case against the current president.

However, their plan is not yet finalized. Right now, it seems like Joe Biden and other democrats are really in a bad place because of the sudden issues that the U.S. government is facing.

READ NEXT: Nearly 4,000 Haitian Migrants Expelled From U.S. in 9 Days as Deportation Flights Continue
E-commerce mogul Amazon has found itself entwined in a legal battle with Macy's over the department store chain's attempt to block Amazon from using its space for a billboard advertisement.

Macy has displayed its name on a billboard above its flagship store in Manhattan's Herald Square for 60 years but had to take it down after failing to renew its contract with the space's landlord, according to a CBS News report.

Macy's claims that a 1963 agreement prohibits other retailers from advertising on the billboard, according to a lawsuit it filed against commercial real estate firm Kaufman Organization.

The complaint added that Macy's would suffer "incalculable damage" if Amazon were to advertise on the billboard.

Benjamin Brotzman, a principal in Macy's retail group, noted in the court filings that it would be as if a competitor hung its "flag" on top of Macy's flagship department store and announced victory.

Brotzman added that one should imagine if Pepsi were advertising on a Coca-Cola building or Mercedes on a BMW dealership.

Macy's agreement with the Kaufman Organization had already expired on August 31; and by that time, the commercial real estate firm was already talking with a known online retailer.

Macy's believed the other party to be Amazon.

Meanwhile, representatives for Amazon and the Kaufman Organization have yet to comment on the matter.

Macy's spokeswoman said in an email that the department store chain still has rights linked to advertisements at the corner of Broadway and 34th Street.

She added that they expect to realize the benefits to the said right and have asked the court to protect them, according to a CNBC report.

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Amazon Launching its Own Department Store

Amazon was reportedly eyeing to launch its own chain of department stores, with a focus on apparel, electronics, and household goods.

However, an Amazon spokeswoman said that they do not comment on rumors and speculations, according to a Washington Post report in August.

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, noted that traditional department stores have been declining for years due to failure to innovate and adapt.

Saunders, who is with the research and consulting firm that tracks the retail market, added that stores such as Macy's, J.C. Penney, and Kohl's had about 15 percent of retail sales in 1985, which now account for less than three percent.

Reports noted that the online retail giant was looking at Ohio and California for its department stores' locations.

Saunders said that if it manifests in a serious way, this can pose a serious threat to traditional department stores.

He further claimed that the traditional department stores' defenses are very weak due to lack of innovation, adding that the last thing they need is "to fend off a new invader to their space."

As of June 30, Amazon had $443 billion in annual sales and was expected to surpass Walmart by next year.

Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos and started as an online bookseller in 1994. It has gained momentum when it took over Whole Foods Market in 2017.

READ MORE: Amazon to Allocate $18 Billion to Help Small, Medium-Sized Businesses

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Amazon is set to open department stores - What it means for the e-commerce giant - from CNBC Television




Olympic swimmer Klete Keller on Wednesday pleaded guilty on a charge that stemmed out during the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Keller pleaded guilty on a single charge of obstructing an official proceeding, with a sentence ranging from 21 to 27 months. The swimmer pleaded guilty as he appeared briefly in a federal court located in Washington.

READ NEXT: Haiti PM to Hold Elections, Modify Constitution by Next Year

The Olympic swimmer pleading guilty stemmed out after he was arrested by law enforcement authorities in his Colorado home in January.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon from the District of Columbia accepted Keller's guilty plea, The Guardian reported.

Prosecutors asked Judge Leon to postpone Keller's sentencing, arguing that the Olympic swimmer agreed to cooperate on the Capitol riot's investigation, and he can be called to testify in related court proceedings.

Keller was among the more than 600 individuals charged after taking part in the Capitol insurrection, following former President Trump's speech.

Olympic Swimmer Klete Keller: Attorney Says Athlete "Embarrassed"

Originally, Keller, a former Olympic swimmer who won two gold medals, faced seven charges in February, but prosecutors agreed to drop the six charges filed against him.

Klete Keller's lawyer, Edward McMahon, told the judge on Wednesday that the Olympic swimmer is "trying to make amends for his terrible mistake." McMahon also pointed out that Keller was also embarrassed and plans "to start his life over."

It can be recalled that Keller was widely recognized in photos and videos recorded inside the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. His recognition was because of his height, as an FBI charging document described the swimmer as "one of the tallest individuals in the video" that was seen in the Capitol's rotunda.

According to reports, Keller was wearing a Team USA jacket when he attended the Capitol riot.

USA Swimming Team on Klete Keller's Arrest

As the swimmer was seen wearing a team U.S.A. jacket when he swarmed the rotundas of the U.S. Capitol, the swimming team was quick to condemn Keller's participation in the insurrection, saying that his actions do not represent the "values or mission" of their team.

The team went on, emphasizing that Keller was not a part of U.S.A. swimming since 2008.

Keller was known to be a five-time Olympic medalist who faced Australian swimmer, Ian Thorpe, and won against him at the 2004 Athens games. Keller represented team U.S.A. back then.

House Panel for the Capitol Insurrection Issues Subpoenas Against Officials Who Planned Trump Rallies

As Keller pleaded guilty on a charge connected to the Capitol riot, the panel investigating the January 6 incident subpoenaed 11 officials on Wednesday, who were involved in organizing rallies to show support for former President Donald Trump.

Among the individuals whom the panel issued subpoena was veteran GOP fundraiser, Caroline Wren, who was named a "VIP Advisor." According to reports, Wren was involved in a call before the pro-Trump rally with members of several groups listed as rally participants, organize credentials for the VIP attendees. Other individuals who were subpoenaed were not furthered.

Apart from the organizers, the said subpoena would also collect information on associated entities on the "planning, organization, and funding" of the Trump rallies, as well as how individuals and entities coordinated their activities leading up to the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

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Written By; Joshua Summers

WATCH: Former Olympic Swimmer Klete Keller Pleads Guilty to Felony, Will Cooperate in Capitol Riot Investigate - From WUSA 9
The Department of Homeland Security has prohibited charter flights from landing in the U.S. The said flight was carrying more than 100 Americans, U.S. green card holders, and evacuees from Afghanistan.

Bryan Stern said that DHS will not allow a charter on an international flight into a U.S. port of entry, according to an NBC News report.

Stern is the founder of the non-profit group Project Dynamo.

Stern said that he had been sitting for 14 hours at Abu Dhabi airport after landing from Kabul. He added that the flight had 117 passengers, including 59 children.

Stern was among the group of U.S. military veterans, current and former officials, and others to create an evacuation operation for those who were left in Afghanistan.

Embassy staff in the UAE has been checking the accuracy of the passengers that were in the charter flight, according to a State Department spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that the DHS is coordinating with the embassy staff to ensure passengers are screened and vetted before allowing them to land in the U.S., according to a Reuters report.

The spokesperson added that they expect passengers to continue their travel tomorrow morning.

Stern said that DHS had identified to authorities at the Abu Dhabi airport one person among the evacuees as "a problem." However, he did not know whether it was the reason behind the landing rights being denied.

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that all U.S.-bound charter flights should adhere to the protocols that were established before being cleared for departure, according to The Hill report.

U.S. President Joe Biden has earlier said that it remains their top priority to get Americans and green card holders out of Afghanistan.

READ NEXT: 2 Afghan Refugees Staying in Wisconsin Arrested for Trying to Rape Child, Strangle Woman

Americans Stuck in Afghanistan

U.S. officials noted that about 100 Americans and legal permanent residents are still stuck in Afghanistan, which is now under the control of the Taliban.

However, veteran-led groups involved in the evacuation operation say that they believe the number may be more than 100 U.S. citizens left behind in the country, according to a Daily Mail report.

Afghan Rescue Crew member, Jean Marie Thrower, said that the true number of stranded Americans could be around 400 to 500.

Thrower added that many do not want to leave the country without bringing Afghani relatives and orphaned Afghan children they have adopted.

She said that they should be taken to a refugee camp and have them vetted, but they should not be left behind.

When the U.S. left Afghanistan, about 124,000 people were airlifted out of Kabul. Officials struggled to provide an estimate of how many Americans and permanent residents were unable to leave.

About 5,500 Americans were counted in the 124,000 people that left after the immediate collapse of the country with the Taliban taking the reins.

The Taliban had started to show their tactics when they hanged dead bodies last week, alleging the dead bodies to be part of a kidnapping plot.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden's Administration Praises Taliban Days Before 9/11 Anniversary, Says Militant Group Is a "Professional" in Dealings

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: First passenger flight departs Afghanistan since US withdrawal - from Al Jazeera English






A deaf Colorado man said that two Idaho Springs police officers had slammed him to the ground, tased him, and arrested him despite his attempts to tell them that he could not understand their police commands.

Brady Mistic was wrongfully jailed for four months over the incident on Sept. 17, 2019, and has filed a lawsuit against the police officers, according to an NBC News report.

The officers involved in the lawsuit were Officers Nicholas Hanning and Ellie Summers. Idaho Springs and the Clear Creek County Board of Commissioners were also included.

Mistic filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court last month. It noted that Mistic was alleged to have run a stop sign before he pulled into the parking lot of a laundromat, while unaware that the police had followed him into the parking lot.

READ NEXT: Chicago Cops Turned Their Backs on Mayor Lori Lightfoot at Hospital After Ella French Shooting

Deaf Colorado Man Arrested

Mistic was blinded by the lights of a parked police cruiser moments after exiting his car, with two Idaho Springs police officers starting to shout commands at Mistic.

The officers claimed that Mistic had resisted arrest, but the Colorado man said he could not hear them as he is deaf in both ears and isn't able to lip-read, according to an NPR report.

Mistic uses American Sign Language to communicate. He argued in his lawsuit that the police violated his civil rights when they violently arrested him without warning.

Raymond Bryant, Mistic's attorney, said that they went to force unreasonably fast and rashly, without any legitimate justification for using force.

He also cited that it is particularly problematic for a person who is disabled like his client.

The lawsuit also noted that Mistic was in jail for more than four months only to have the charges against him dropped eventually.

The Idaho Springs Police Department had released a statement and said that the two officers did not know that Mistic was deaf during the encounter.

The police department had also maintained that Mistic resisted arrest, prompting one of the officers to break his leg.

Former Idaho Springs Police Chief Christian Malanka had also reviewed the matter and found that the officers' actions were right at the time, the department added.

Mistic had also yelled "no ears" after he was on the ground to try to communicate to the officers that he was deaf.

The lawsuit claimed that the officers had ignored him. It also added that emergency medical staff called to the scene noted that Mistic was deaf but neither of the officers tried to have an ASL interpreter around.

Bryant had also argued that his client did not resist arrest but had put his hands up when officers approached him.

The lawyer noted that a person would have to know that they're under arrest to resist arrest.

Mistic was looked at by the doctors and was charged with assaulting officers and resisting arrest, according to a New York Post report.

Mistic is seeking monetary damages for physical and emotional harm, as well as pain and suffering. He was also asking for compensation for permanent scarring and economic damages.

READ MORE: Killer Dad Chris Watts Spends 36th Birthday Alone in Prison: 'He's an Outcast,' Says Source

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WATCH: RAW: Officer explains why man who is deaf was arrested following traffic stop - from 9News






Officials from a Texas border county will sue the Biden administration over the more than 30,000 Haitian migrants that surged in their state.

Officials from the Val Verde County, the county in Texas that oversees the international bridge in Del Rio where the migrant encampment was held, voted unanimously on Tuesday resorting to legal action against the Biden's administration.

The said move aims to force lawmakers to take action on the record-high illegal border crossings.

Val Verde County Commissioner Beau Nettleton, who leads the charge with the lawsuit, said that he had enough of the ongoing immigration crisis at the border.

"We've talked about immigration reform for as long as I can remember," Nettleton said, adding that even though both parties had control of Washington in the last 20 years, they "still failed to do anything" about the immigration crisis that they have at present time.

READ NEXT: Nearly 4,000 Haitian Migrants Expelled From U.S. in 9 Days as Deportation Flights Continue

Texas County to Collaborate With Other Border Counties in Challenging the Biden Administration

Val Verde County officials would also seek help from other border counties in legally challenging the Biden administration to make them act on the migrant surge.

Nettleton shared that it is the time for their fellow border counties and cities to join forces and challenge the immigration policies of the United States that prompted the largest influx of migrants at the southern border.

However, the Val Verde County Commissioner acknowledged that he still does not have the answer if the immigration crisis would be solved by a lawsuit. However, he said that the move "draws attention" to the problem.

"They took the same oath of office that I did, which was to uphold the Constitution," Nettleton said about the officials from the Biden administration, adding that lawmakers need to "comply with that oath and do their job to stop" the ongoing migrant surge.

The commissioner also noted that the Texas county he oversees has a 50 percent population sitting underneath the international bridge where the Haitian migrant encampment was established.

"How is a town of this size, with our tax base supposed to deal with that problem [Haitian migrants surge]," Nettleton underscored.

It can be recalled that the migrant encampment under the international bridge in Del Rio was emptied in the previous week, and reports noted that the last group of Haitian migrants was transferred to Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition.

Although Nettleton shared the plans about border counties seeking legal action against the Biden administration, it was not clear when the Texas county would file the said lawsuit.

Mexico Deports 70 Haitian Migrants Back to Haiti

The U.S. was not the only country where Haitian Migrants continue to flood. On Wednesday, Mexico sent at least 70 Haitian migrants back into their home country by plane.

The Mexican government confirmed that the move was a part of an "assisted voluntary return" to Haiti, as Mexico's Interior and Foreign Ministries highlighted in the statement that the flight is included in an agreement between authorities of Mexico and Haiti.

The said group of Haitian migrants that were flown back to their home country included 13 children

An estimated of 8,000 haitian migrants went to Mexico in fear of being deported back to Haiti. Thousands of Haitian migrants were reported to gather in the city of Tapachula.

READ NEXT: 'Horrible': Kamala Harris Condemns Border Agents Using Horses and Whip-Like Cords to Disperse Haitian Migrants

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: How the Expulsion of Haitian Migrants is Affecting the Crisis-Torn Nation - PBS NewsHour
The death toll from a prison riot in Ecuador rose to more than 100, with 52 other inmates reported injured. The riot started between rival gangs in the overpopulated and understaffed prison system.

Ecuador's prison bureau confirmed the count through a tweet on Wednesday evening after Tuesday's riot at a prison in Guayaquil, southwest of the capital, Quito, Aljazeera reported.

Regional police commander Fausto Buenano earlier said that the death toll from the prison riot was at 30. Buenano noted that the bodies found in the prison's pipelines were still being identified.

Police and military officials had managed to take back control in the prison five hours after the riot ensued. Buenano said several weapons had been seized.

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said it was unfortunate that criminal groups are attempting to turn prisons into a battleground for power disputes, Reuters reported. He added that he prayed they could avoid more loss of human life.

READ NEXT: Over 100 Undocumented Migrants From Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador Found Inside 2 Tractor-Trailers Near Texas Border

Prison Riot in Ecuador

Ecuador's prosecutor's office noted that six of the slain prisoners at Penitenciaria del Littoral had been beheaded.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has condemned the violence, while Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to launch a full probe to hold those responsible accountable.

Lasso said the government would allot more funds for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security.

More than 500 officers were involved in controlling the riot inside the prison, with military officers providing assistance the following day.

The prison riot that occurred on Tuesday followed a previous similar wave of violence in two of the country's prisons, which had killed 22 inmates.

The wave of riots prompted Ecuador's president to declare a state of emergency in the prison system, The Washington Post reported.

Three prison brawls in February had caused the deaths of 80 inmates. It was considered at the time to be the worst prison riots in Ecuador's history.

The fighting had ensued between rival gangs after the killing of the leader of Los Choneros, a local gang that has risen to prominence for controlling drug-trafficking routes between Colombia and Ecuador.

Bolivar Garzon, the country's newly appointed director of prisons, said it was unfortunate that this is happening to their country, calling the series of prison riots a "particularly difficult year." The newly appointed director of prisons noted that he hopes they can start to initiate change.

The government launched a new program in 2019 to improve infrastructure and technology in its prisons. However, it did cut the project's budget the following year by more than 70 percent.

The country's Ombudsman's Office noted that with more than 100 deaths this week, the death toll in prisons has surpassed 221 this year. Last year, there were 103 killings in prisons. Garzon said the president's state of emergency in the prison system is still being imposed.

READ MORE: 10 of 13 Killed in California Crash Were Mexicans Who Entered U.S. Through Hole in Border Fence

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WATCH: Deadly Prison Riot Between Rival Gangs - From On Demand News






Mexico and Russia have inked a deal on cooperation in space exploration during the Russian delegation's visit for the 200th anniversary of the country's independence on Tuesday.

Salvador Landeros Ayala, director of the Mexican Space Agency, signed the agreement with the deputy general director of the Russian State Space Corporation, Sergey Valentinovich Saveliev, Mexico News Daily reported.

The deal covers collaboration on outer space exploration and the use of space equipment and technologies that could result in manned space travel and shared use of spacecraft launched services.

Areas of cooperation also include astrophysical research and planetary studies, satellite communications, remote observation of Earth from space, and information sharing.

It also involves the study of space biology and medicine, spatial meteorology, and the mitigation or reduction of space debris.

According to Landeros Ayala, Russia's pioneering activities in space have been an inspiration for the whole world, particularly Mexico. He cited the journey of Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin, who was the first human to travel into space in 1961, El Universal reported.

After that achievement, Landeros Ayala said Gagarin visited Mexico, and a year later, the National Commission for Outer Space was created, which was the precursor of the current Mexican Space Agency.

"So we have a long history of good relations (with Russia)," he noted.

Last July, Mexico has joined Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Ecuador in a deal to create a Latin American regional space agency.

READ NEXT: Mexico Creates National Guard Special Team to Recover Stolen Archaeological Pieces

Mexico, Russia Also Signs Deal on Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation

Aside from space exploration, a memorandum of agreement between the Russia-Mexico Entrepreneurial Committee and the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology was also signed.

Russia's Labor and Social Protection Minister Anton Kotyakov earlier discussed with Mexican Economy Minister Tatiana Clouthier prospects for bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Russian news agency TASS reported. Kotyakov has also met with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Mexico remains to be Russia's second-largest trading partner in the Latin American region after Brazil. Mexico imports mostly metallurgical and chemical products from Russia, with over 25 percent of Mexican exports are vehicles and their spare parts.

Mexico's Space Agency

Meanwhile, Mexico's Space Agency had also partnered with Airbus to extract resources on the Moon. According to The Register, the aerospace company, together with the Mexican Space Agency, will start a project called Dereum Labs to develop an end-to-end process from regolith identification and work on the technologies needed for lunar resources extraction.

Airbus and Mexico are not the only ones seeking tech to extract resources on the Moon. The Artemis Records governing NASA's upcoming lunar mission also include a legal framework to make moon mining allowable. Japan has also signed up on the contract, with China starting to survey the Moon for resources.

Victor de la Vela, head of Airbus in Latin America & the Caribbean, said the agreement between Mexico is the first step in a fruitful collaboration with the country, according to an Airbus press statement.

Carlos Mariscal, CEO of Dereum Labs, said they envision an interplanetary economy. Mariscal added that "in a few years, the industries that today are not related to space will be doing business on the Moon, Mars and beyond."

Landeros Ayala said they "are very pleased" with Mexico's partnership with Airbus since the main objective of the Mexican Space Agency is to promote talent and entrepreneurship among the "new generations."

Airbus is known to be the pioneer of sustainable aerospace and constantly innovates to provide technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace.

READ MORE: Parts of Amazon Rainforest in Brazil Are Being Illegally Offered for Sale on Facebook Marketplace

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WATCH: Mexico's Morelos-3 Satellite: One Of The Most Advanced Satellites - From MAXICO MEXICO






After discovering his connection with the narcotics operation from California to Delaware, a federal jury has convicted a cocaine smuggler associated with the Sinaloa cartel.

The man reportedly built a drug bunker with a secret entrance, compartment, and tunnel under his Bear home to conceal his drug operations.

Cocaine Smuggler Builds Drug Bunker Under Home

According to Delaware Online, Omar Morales Colon, 44, is now facing a minimum of 10 years in prison for the crimes. He was indicted on several charges in 2017, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Based on the reports from the police and prosecutors handling the case, Colon and other individuals who were associated with the Sinaloa cartel brought a total of 77 kilograms of cocaine coming from the state of California to Delaware in four-foot-tall, welded-closed oxygen tanks.

After successfully delivering the drugs, the drug traffickers then used the same tanks to carry back their profit of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Investigators noted that the deals happened at least four times between December 2016 and June 2017. Prior to the 77-kilo delivery, the first three trips of the group involved 20 kilograms of cocaine per delivery.

Omar Morales Colon was arrested after their fourth trip. It happened shortly after meeting his cocaine supplier in a hotel parking lot in Christiana. Colon was caught giving the supplier an amount of $382,045 in cash in exchange for the 17 kilograms of cocaine.

When the law enforcement raided Colon's home, they discovered the sophisticated tunnel system hidden behind a false fireplace made as a cover. The tunnel that was found led the authorities to an underground bunker, where Colon grew his marijuana supply.

At the time of Colon's 2017 indictment, a special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Philadelphia field office, Shawn Ellerman, said the bunker and tunnel were estimated to be 2,000 square feet with 20-foot ceilings. Colon had allegedly created a hydroponic grow lab there.

Ellerman said at the time that the tunnel was something that the DEA usually deals with in the southwest portion of the country. Authorities confirmed that Colon and other members of "this narcotics trafficking organization" were associates of the Sinaloa cartel. The infamous Sinaloa cartel was a well-known and well-established drug trafficking organization in Mexico.

A year after Colon's first indictment for the drug operation in 2018, he was indicted once again for using the drug venture to buy properties in the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Aside from Omar Morales Colon, his wife, Shakira Martinez, and their company, Zemi Property Management Incorporated, were charged with several drug and money laundering offenses.

READ NEXT: Major Drug Bust: 47 Charged in Bust of Cocaine, Meth Pipeline From California to Western Pennsylvania

'Longest Ever' Smuggling Tunnel in U.S.-Mexico Border

U.S. officials have discovered the longest smuggling tunnel ever found on the border with Mexico in August 2019. Mexican officials have identified the tunnel's entrance, and U.S. authorities mapped it.

When they searched the tunnel, which stretches for 4,309 ft., authorities found air ventilation systems, lift, rail track, drainage, and high voltage electrical cables inside.

The said tunnel was connected from an industrial site in the Mexican city of Tijuana to the San Diego area in California. Authorities linked the tunnel with the infamous Sinaloa cartel.

READ MORE: CBP Officers' Weeklong Operation Resulted to Seizure of More Than $2 Million Worth of Drugs at El Paso Ports of Entry

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Record-length U.S.-Mexico Drug Tunnel Discovered - From CBS Evening News
Former leaders of three Mexican drug cartels, who are imprisoned at the Altiplano maximum-security federal prison in Mexico State, have filed a joint complaint about their current jail conditions.

The three leaders of Mexican drug cartels demanded protection because they claimed they were being harassed and psychologically tortured by the prison staff.

Leaders of Mexican Drug Cartels Experience Harassment and Psychological Torture in Mexico Prison

According to Mexico News Daily, the complainants were the former leader of the Knights Templar cartel in Michoacan Servando Gomez Martinez; Fernando Sanchez Arellano, the former leader of the Tijuana Cartel in Baja California; and former Gulf Cartel leader in Tamaulipas, Mario Cardenas Guillen.

It was also signed by Javier Adrian Salazar Ortiz, a former head of the Los Zetas cartel; and Hugo Guerrero Encinas, a former member of the Sinaloa cartel, Milenio reported.

The judge who accepted the lawsuit junked the request of the Attorney General's Office to dismiss the case. The judge made it clear that in due course, the court "will issue the resolution that corresponds in law."

The head of the Federal Institute of Public Defense in Mexico State has appointed a public defense lawyer "to represent, guide or advise" the complainants.

The defender has already accepted and asserted the position of the complainants. In the next few days, the judge is expected to make a ruling that will define whether to proceed with the case.

READ NEXT: Sinaloa Cartel Boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman Considers Mistresses as 'Vitamins' Who Keep Him Young

Mexican Drug Cartel Leaders Turned Into Complainants

Mario Cardenas Guillen, who is recognized by the aliases "M-1" and "El Gordo," served his first stint in prison from 1995 to 2007, and he was released after he finished his sentence.

Mario Cardenas Guillen was arrested a second time in 2012 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Servando Gomez Martinez, known as "La Tuta," was arrested in 2015.

He was charged with organized crime, drug trafficking offenses, and kidnapping. Gomez was sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2019 for the abduction of a businessman in 2011.

The Mexican drug cartel leader has faked a heart attack that allowed him to join Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's second prison escape in 2015.

Known as "The Engineer," Fernando Sanchez Arellano was arrested in 2014 for money laundering.

Hugo Guerrero Encinas, known as "El 01," was reportedly a former lieutenant of Noel Salgueiro Nevarez, the founding leader of the group of hitmen called Gente Nueva of the Sinaloa cartel responsible for the killings in Chihuahua and Sonora.

Javier Adrian Salazar Ortiz, on the other hand, was the former head of the Los Zetas cartel in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas.

READ MORE: Son of Mexico Official, Who Sang Tributes to Jalisco Cartel Boss 'El Mencho,' Shot in the Head at Cemetery

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Getting tortured in a Mexican Prison | Roger Reaves and Lex Fridman - From Lex Clips
The Oireachtas womens caucus recently met with Caucus Leaders and members from the US House of Representatives and the Northern Irish Assembly for the first time ever.

Chair of the Oireachtas womens Caucus, Fianna Fail Senator Fiona OLoughlin, led the Irish Caucus in the meeting.

The Newbridge politician said about the meeting: "I was honored to join my colleagues as Chair of the Oireachtas Women's Caucus on the inaugural interparliamentary dialogue with the US and Northern Ireland caucus chairs and members."

"I was pleased to see such a wide-ranging discussion, and such engagement from members of our Caucus."

Senator O' Loughlin continued: "The issues facing women in politics transcend geography, and it was clear when speaking to Co-Chair of the US Caucus Rep. Madeline Dean, and Chair of the N.I. Caucus Clare Bailey MLA, that as female representatives, we face the similar challenges: and the women we represent face similar challenges."

"I look forward to engaging with the Interparliamentary Caucus on an ongoing basis.

This forum will provide us with an opportunity to learn from and inform female representatives from across the political spectrum- both North, South and across the Atlantic.

We need to see uniformity of access to healthcare, to education and we need to support women to enter public life. The barriers for female politicians need to be addressed, in the Republic, in the North and around the world: that is what this interparliamentary caucus will seek to do."

Senator OLoughlin concluded: "I want to thank the members of the Caucus who engaged in todays dialogue. There is a considerable body of work before the Caucus, and this dialogue will help to inform us further as we tackle the big issues facing the women of Ireland."

As outlined by the Oireachtas, the Irish Women's Parliamentary Caucus, which was established in 2017, serves as a cross-party forum for Irish women parliamentarians to discuss and campaign on issues predominantly affecting women.

It is arguably best known for moving motions on period poverty in the Dail and Seanad in March of 2019.

Senator Fiona O' Loughlin, who is also Chair of the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia, recently enjoyed success when she persuaded the Council of Europe to prioritise Dementia and Alzheimers care at an EU level.

In related local news, Sonya Kavanagh made Kildare County Council history as the first-ever woman to be elected as its Interim Chief Executive.
The Social Democrats (SD) of Kildare-North has accused Kildare County Council (KCC) of not doing enough when it comes to Human Rights issues.

The party claimed that there were "deficiencies" in KCC's engagement with members of the Travelling community around housing.

Explaining its position, it pointed to a 2019 invitation from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission which called on all local authorities to complete an equality review in respect of Traveller-specific accommodation.

They claim that the ensuing report identified three common issues among all county councils: they did not spend the funds they were allocated, there was evidence of poor information gathering to inform decision-making and identifying Travellers true accommodation preferences.

SD Cllr Aidan Farrelly previously told KCC on Monday that he wanted the council to outline its plan  including indicative timelines  in order to progress these recommendations.

He said: "We need to sit up and listen and act."

"I welcome the confirmation that the Council will begin a mid-term review of the current Traveller accommodation programme in Q4 of this year, and I also acknowledge the Councils confirmation that an analysis of the 2019 and 2020 funds allocated and drawn down for Traveller specific accommodation is completed by Q1 of 2022."

Cllr Farrelly continued: "I have asked that in the lead up to what I assume will be a public consultation process, that a list of services, NGOs and stakeholders to be included in the consultation is circulated in advance.

However, its disappointing that the council has refuted the IHREC recommendation of employing a Traveller liaison officer.

A tenant liaison officer is not a social worker, and while I credit those in place to support Travellers for their continued work, its not enough."

He concluded: "What I am hearing on the ground is at times completely at odds with the picture offered by the council in this report."

Cllr Farrelly added that he was also critical of the use of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which he said is not an appropriate intervention for anyone, but in particular for Travellers, who he claimed are 22 times more likely to be discriminated against in the private rental sector.

"I have asked the council to reconsider its position and decision not to employ a tenant liaison officer," he added.

Fellow SD Kildare-North party member Nuala Killeen made headlines yesterday when she hit out at Taoiseach Micheal Martin's recent comments regarding Ireland's planning laws.
A Councillor from Kildare has described the suggestion made by a Galway-based TD to make the US holiday of Thanksgiving into a bank holiday as "embarassing."

It follows the news that an additional bank holiday is being proposed for frontline workers as part of the government's pandemic bonus strategy.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender quote-tweeted the suggestion mentioning Thanksgiving, which was originally made by Fine Gael's Ciaran Cannon.

The Newbridge politician said: "This is embarrassing, honestly just another attempt from FG to celebrate the British colonising and slaughtering people."

"Can't celebrate the black and tans I know lads let's go further back and to another country no one will notice."

This is embarrassing, honestly just another attempt from FG to celebrate the British colonising and slaughtering people.



Can't celebrate the black and tans I know lads let's go further back and to another country no one will notice https://t.co/21VIoxy2Zv September 29, 2021

Cllr Pender's latter comment appears to be a sly reference to Fine Gael controversially unveiled plans to commemorate English Black and Tans troops at a ceremony in January 2020.

The commemoration was later cancelled following public outcry.

Cllr Pender previously suggested on his official Twitter account that the bank holiday should commemorate St Brigid's Day or the Celtic holiday of Imbolc.

He explained: "Not that I care all to much about bank Holidays because regardless of the job I've been in I've always had to work them, But why not St Brigids Day/Imbolc which as I've said before allows for the celebration of something that represents both Pre Christian & Post Christian Ireland."

"Not to mention we already have a holiday around Samhain, Yule, Bealtaine and Eostre. Litha and Lughnasadh are kinda covered Imbolc and Mabon are the only points on the Celtic calendar we don't have holidays for so if we want to celebrate heritage why not pre Christian heritage?" he added.

Not that I care all to much about bank Holidays because regardless of the job I've been in I've always had to work them



But why not St Brigids Day/Imbolc which as I've said before allows for the celebration of something that represents both Pre Christian & Post Christian Ireland  Cllr Chris Pender (@ChrisPenderKE) September 29, 2021

Not to mention we already have a holiday around Samhain, Yule, Bealtaine and Eostre. Litha and Lughnasadh are kinda covered



Imbolc and Mabon are the only points on the Celtic calendar we don't have holidays for so if we want to celebrate heritage why not pre Christian heritage pic.twitter.com/XfHYLYv6JC  Cllr Chris Pender (@ChrisPenderKE) September 29, 2021

Thanksgiving takes place on the last Thursday of November each year and is modeled on a 1621 feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people as a result of a successful harvest.

While it continues to be a popular holiday in the US, it nevertheless has drawn criticism over the years, with many claiming that it serves as a celebration of the conquest of Native Americans by European settlers.

Both Imbolc and St Brigid's Day take place on February 1.
A Minister from Kildare has urged farmers to sign up to a farming programme worth 10 million.

Deputy Martin Heydon, who is also Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, made the call on social media.

The Fine Gael TD said: "Some 4,500 farmers have already signed up to the new agriculture.ie 10m soil sampling programme."

He added: "The samples will analyse soil nutrients as well as soil carbon levels."

"The application window closes next Friday, 8 October."

Deputy Heydon also tagged fellow Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine Charlie McConalogue and Green Party Senator Pippa Hackett in his post.

Some 4,500 farmers have already signed up to the new @agriculture_ie 10m soil sampling programme. The samples will analyse soil nutrients as well as soil carbon levels. The application window closes next Friday, 8 October @McConalogue @pippa_hackett https://t.co/aJeGl8h8Lb September 30, 2021

The pilot programme was originally launched on September 21, and aims to put soil carbon, soil health and fertility at the centre of Ireland's future agricultural model.

Minister McConalogue explained to Agriland.ie that the programme would provide national baseline information on soils across Irish farms.

According to Deputy Heydon's Dept, the incentive for the farmer is to receive comprehensive soil analysis reports with next generation data which, along with advisory support, will be used as a soil management tool on the farm.

This is important as understanding the link between animal health and soil health, especially with the focus on soil pathogen assessment, also provides farmers with the information to adapt strategies to minimise anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

Deputy Heydon recently offered his condolences to the food company Glenisk following a devastating factory fire in its factory at Tullamore.
An Irish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has said artists rights across Europe must be protected.

The European Parliaments Culture and Education Committee has called for the creation of an EU-wide framework on working conditions and minimum standards for all artists.

It comes in the wake of a devastating year for the creative sector across the bloc due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, spoke about the importance of supporting our artists and said, "The arts is a huge employer in Ireland and across the EU and artists rights must be protected. There are big differences between Member States in Europe regarding support, social benefits and definitions of an artist. We need to fix that."

She said the arts sector has been through "an enormously challenging time" and that the European Union must do all it can to help the sector recover.

Calls from MEPs have also been made for more recognition of arts-based education degrees as well as for strongly enforced protections for works and their creators in copyright legislation.

The Culture and Education Committee has set out a resolution to establish a common framework for working conditions and minimum standards for all EU countries.

This will be put to a vote by European Parliament in October.
Superstar Latvian duo Kristine and Margarita Balanas, mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty, violinist Mairead Hickey and pianists Gary Beecher and Fiachra Garvey will perform over a single weekend at Russborough House.

The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival has launched its inaugural Winter Weekend, a mini-festival running from Friday November 12 to Sunday 14.

Founded six years ago by Wicklow pianist Fiachra Garvey, the West Wicklow Festivals flagship summer programme has quickly built a stellar reputation for its inviting mix of world-class performances and creative family events.

The Festivals new Winter Weekend promises to condense the wonderful music and warm Wicklow hospitality that audiences have come to expect from the summer Festival, into a single November weekend at Russborough House.

The West Wicklow Festival Winter Weekend begins on Friday 12 November 8pm, with a collaboration between celebrated Irish violinist Mairead Hickey and Wicklow-born Fiachra Garvey, a multi award-winning pianist and the Festivals Artistic Director.

Together they will present four extraordinary masterpieces for violin and piano, taking their audience from the noble intensity of Brahms First Violin Sonata to the contrasting darkness and light in Debussys swansong Sonata. Their programme also includes a quarter million miles from the moon by Irish composer Deirdre McKay and the irresistible drama of Richard Strauss Violin Sonata.

On Saturday 13 November 8pm, Latvian sisters Kristine and Margarita Balanas, a tour de force violin and cello duo, will give their debut Irish performance. Two of the most exciting and versatile artists of their generation, they are known for their distinguished artistry and mesmerising stage presence and have dazzled audiences all over the world in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Laeiszhalle Hamburg, Foundation Louis Vuitton, Royal Festival Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Philharmonie, Berlin. Their concert will feature music by JS Bach, Ravel, Handel, Vivaldi, fellow Latvian composer Peteris Vasks and a newly arranged commission by Irish composer Anne-Marie OFarrell called A Russborough Diversion.

Leading Irish mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty and pianist Gary Beecher bring the West Wicklow Festival Winter Weekend to a close on Sunday 14 November 3pm. The duo will present a programme of pure beauty featuring songs by Schubert, Debussy, Grieg as well as some well-known and loved Irish and English songs  the perfect way to round off the Festival and a Sunday afternoon at Russborough!

West Wicklow Festival Founder and Artistic Director Fiachra Garvey commented: Im delighted to announce the West Wicklow Festivals inaugural Winter Weekend, taking place from the 12th-14th November 2021 at our beloved musical home, Russborough. The Festival team and I are so excited to finally welcome everyone back to live performances. With that in mind, rather than waiting until our next flagship festival in May 2022, were thrilled to present an additional musical treat for our audiences this November with 3 fabulous concerts. We invite you to come and support live music again in the most glorious and inspiring of settings.

For further information about the West Wicklow Festival and to book tickets, please visit westwicklowfestival.com

The West Wicklow Festival is funded by the Arts Council and supported by Wicklow Arts Office.
The repair of a major leak in Ballinamore, saving more than 330,000 litres of water per day, is good news for the future of Leitrims water supply.

The repair will provide residents and businesses of the town and surrounding areas with a more reliable water supply by reducing the amount of clean drinking water lost underground.

Repair of the leak at Ardrum, Ballinamore has saved enough clean water to supply almost 2,560 people or the population equivalent of Manorhamilton and Kinlough for the day.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Leitrim County Council, recognised that the water supply in Ballinamore was subject to a high level of leakage but there was a challenge in locating the water loss due to the limited information on the underground public network.

An extensive review of the network was carried out before crews were able to locate the leak and plan the repair.

Irish Water and Leitrim County Council worked together to ensure the successful completion of the project and invaluable local knowledge helped minimise disruption to the local community.

Speaking about the success of the repair, Declan Cawley, Networks Regional Lead with Irish Water, said, Following intensive investigative works, a substantial public water mains leak was detected in Ardrum, Ballinamore with 330,000 litres of clean drinking water lost underground every day. No water was surfacing so the data obtained from our review was imperative for us to locate the leak.

Securing the water supply in Leitrim remains a focus for Irish Water and Leitrim County Council and our efforts to further drive down leakage in the area will help meet the future demands for the county. In 2018, the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2020 it was 40% and Irish Water is currently on course to achieve a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.

We would like to thank the communities, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation as we continue to deliver vital network improvement works across Leitrim to helping safeguard the countys water supply.

Speaking about the project, Peadar Griffin, Senior Executive Engineer with Leitrim County Council said, As a result of the collaboration between Leitrim County Council and Irish Water, customers are enjoying a more secure and reliable water supply.

We were losing valuable clean drinking water underground and water is precious, so to have fixed the leak and improved the network is a great win.

The Ballinamore find is just one example of how Irish Water is working with local authorities across the country every day to reduce leaks. As part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, 500 million is being invested up to the end of 2021 to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing old and damaged water mains. This will ensure a safe, reliable water supply, which is vital for our health, our environment and our growing population and economy.

Irish Water continues to work with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

For more information, please visit our National Leakage Reduction Programme project page.
A pilot nightclub event will take place tonight, the first of its kind in Ireland which could lead to a safe return of all venues in the coming weeks.

It has been over 18 months since people have been allowed to enter nightclubs and indoor venues in Ireland, but tonight the Button Factory in Dublin will welcome back 450 people for the test event - 60 per cent of its capacity.

A number of DJs will take to the stage to perform for those with Digital Covid Certs proving vaccination or recovery.

Patrons will also have to provide negative Antigen tests.

Among the performers will be Sunil Sharpe, founder of the Give us the Night campaign which seeks to change Ireland's late-night licensing laws.

At a Dail committee meeting earlier this year, he said the impact of the pandemic on the cultural industries has been 'swift and brutal' and that a way of life has been frozen.

He said venues are under threat as business owners consider more financially viable tenants.
It's not often that a space mission gets its own reality TV style documentary on Netflix, but that's exactly what a mission called Inspiration4 has been getting this month.

We've already had a bit of controversy this year as two well known billionaires (Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos) went on short rocket trips to the edge of space.

The Inspiration4 mission was quite different, mainly as it was an orbital flight. The previous two launches were straight up and down affairs giving everyone on board less than 10 minutes of weightlessness, this time the crew of four were in space for three days, making a complete orbit of the earth every 90 minutes, and they safely landed off the coast of Florida last Sunday.

The entire flight was paid for by the American billionaire Jared Isaacman who used it to raise funds for a children's cancer research hospital: St. Judes. He donated $100 million to the hospital and by raffling one of the seats on the flight brought in a further $113 million.

There is a further link to St. Judes Hospital in that one of the crew, Hayley Arceneaux, is a childhood cancer survivor who was treated there and now works in St. Judes as a nurse. She will also notch up some other firsts on the flight as she will be the youngest American to fly to space and the be the first person in space with a prosthesis.

The other members of the crew are Christopher Sembroski, who is a friend of the raffle winner who couldn't make the trip and Dr Sian Proctor, a geologist and space artist.

All four had to go through a training regime which while not as rigorous as that of a professional astronaut, was still pretty tough and involved sessions in a centrifuge and Zero-g training on a plane nicknamed the vomit comet.

This was the first time that space tourists have gone on an orbital trip since 2009, when the founder of Cirque du Soleil visited the International Space Station (ISS).

The crew of Inspiration4 is the first crew of all private citizens flying on a private spacecraft to orbit the earth. All of the hardware for the mission was built by SpaceX and had already been used to fly NASA astronauts to the ISS.

email limerickastronomyclub@gmail.com
THE first graduands of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), will be conferred at a special ceremony at the newly named TUS Gaelic Grounds, it has been announced.

The ceremony will take place at the home of Limerick GAA to allow for the historic in-person graduation. Last year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, all LIT and AIT conferring ceremonies were held virtually.

From tomorrow, LIT along with Athlone IT will become TUS, Irelands newest TU and therefore the new graduants will receive their qualification from the technological university, presented by the newly appointed TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane.

The conferring ceremony will take place over four sessions during November 9 and November 10, with the students of each faculty (Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment; Limerick School of Art and Design; Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology; and Faculty of Business & Humanities) gathering with their families to receive their parchment in person.

Commenting on the announcement, outgoing President of LIT and incoming President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said: Graduation day is always a special day - for the graduands, their families and the LIT, soon to be TUS, community. Days like these mark significant milestones in peoples lives and they allow our soon to be graduates to recognise the commitment, ability and perseverance that got them to this day."

He added that everyone associated with the new TU are delighted to be able to gather again in person to mark the momentous occasion.

"It is important that our graduands can celebrate this day with their family and friends who supported them, and the staff who worked with them over the last number of years. November 9 and 10 2021, will celebrate the first graduates of the new TU in the newly named TUS Gaelic Grounds, said Prof Cunnane.

Chairman of Limerick GAA, John Cregan says he delighted the Gaelic Grounds can host the graduation ceremony. Limerick GAA are delighted to welcome the announcement by the new Technological University that the first graduation is to be held in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. This is a further example of the excellent working relationship that exists between Limerick GAA and Professor Vincent Cunnane and his management team," he said.

All graduands will also be contacted directly with the specific arrangements for their Conferring Ceremony.
LIMERICK TDs have questioned a new survey which has shown they have more than 6m in assets and pension pots.

A major two-month survey by the Irish Independent has revealed data of all the TDs across the state, concluding that they share a total of 181m in financial assets.

Here in Limerick, the data revealed that its seven Dail deputies have some 6.07m between them.

This week, the Limerick Leader has made contact with all seven deputies, with Willie ODea responding, as well as Fianna Fail colleague Niall Collins, Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan, Fine Gaels Kieran ODonnell and Independent Richard ODonoghue.

Mr ODea, whose financial assets top 2.26m according to the survey, says its absurd and gives a very false impression to value people in accordance with their pension.

For many people, the old age pension is around 500,000. So everyone who qualifies for this is worth 500,000  Im sure theyve no idea theyre worth this much! If this were true, half the country would be millionaires, he said.

Mr ODonoghue (pictured below) said: People can be asset-rich but cash poor, and added he has not declared land he owns, including his home.

He said this is because its not only his, but his familys. It is this which explains why he appears to have the lowest figure in terms of financial assets, in Limerick  just 78,068.

Mr Collins, a Minister of State for Skills and Further Education  who the study shows has financial assets of 981,802  said: I dont understand how they compiled the figure for myself. I dont own any assets apart from my private residence. Presenting individuals' assets without reflecting the liabilities of the borrowings they have against these assets is meaningless.

The Limerick TD (pictured below) said the only asset he has is his home in Patrickswell, which he has a hefty mortgage on with his wife.

The survey showed some high-profile Independent and Sinn Fein TDs earning money from property, including, notably, party president Mary-Lou McDonald having 1m of property and land, and Tipperary TD Michael Lowry with 2.7m under this column.

The Healy-Rae brothers have between them 6.07m of land and property  the same amount of financial assets of Limericks entire squad of TDs according to the survey.

I think its quite insightful for the public to read about the housing stock owned by TDs, opined Mr Collins.

But Mr ODonoghue hit back, and said that if there were an economic crash in the morning, You could draw a line straight down the middle of what they have.

Its not what it seems, Mr ODonoghue  a builder by trade  says.

He criticised what he described as career politicians, saying that many Independent TDs have earned their money and pensions from previous jobs, while party members have high pensions.

I see Mary-Lou had 1.9m and Micheal Martin has 3.1m. Its a fair thing to achieve from a person who has not been self-employed, added the Independent.

The second highest Limerick TD with 1.1m, according to the chart, Deputy Kieran ODonnell, only responded to confirm the 335,000 property listed with his name is one he owns with his wife.

City polltopper Mr Quinlivan (pictured)  who has estimated financial assets of 442,759  said: Over the last number of years, we have seen pay increases for TDs. Some of these have come at a time when people are struggling to keep their heads above water to pay their household bills.

Minister of State for the OPW Patrick ODonovan, whose financial assets on the chart totalled 778,790 did not return calls. Neither did first-time TD Brian Leddin, whose reported financial assets are worth 417,534.
LIMERICKs best known busker is over the moon after an Italian company agreed to provide him with a new accordion.

For decades, Tom McNamara, who is 84, has played music across the city. But inevitably, his squeeze-box has suffered a bit of wear and tear in that time.

One of his neighbours highlighted to the Limerick Leader last month that the musician needs a new instrument.

After we carried the story, the president of a company in Italy which has been producing accordions since 1863 said he wanted to donate a brand new instrument to Tom.

Giansandro Breccia leads Pasco Italia, which is based in Castelfidardo in central-eastern Italy, known as the capital of accordion builders.

Speaking to this newspaper, he said: I read your story about Tom on the internet. Some Irish friends of mine confirmed to me that he is very popular not only in Limerick, but all across Ireland. My idea came immediately, why not [donate]?

Im 60 years old, and I have passed my life in the music business. I know for any musician, his instrument is like a child. So I understand Tom is looking for a new baby after a long time, added the companys president.

The accordion, a brand new Paolo Sporani elite model, the most popular in Ireland, is now winging its way from Italy to Limerick, and Tom said he is delighted.

Youre making my life start again, he beamed. It means so much to me. Im absolutely over the moon, I didnt expect that at all. Its fantastic, and I thank him very much.

In a video produced by media agency Southern, Tom revealed it was his father who taught him to play the melodeon and he started playing on a regular basis after his mother passed away.

Following the damage to his original instrument, he wasnt able to play some of his favourite tunes.

But once the new piece arrives from Italy, there will be some sweet music in the air over the streets of Limerick once again!
IRISH Water has announced it's to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Hospital village as part of a major investment programme.

The plant is one of twenty one across the country which have been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme.

The State-owned utility says the works, when complete, will provide for additional capacity for growth in Hospital and the surrounding areas.

Working in partnership with local authorities such as Limerick City and County Council, the investment in the local wastewater infrastructure will provide additional capacity for the development of new homes, while ensuring that wastewater continues to be treated to an appropriate standard.

Irish Water says it has announced these projects now to enable Local Authorities to make plans on housing and development into the short and medium term supporting their regional and local development plans.

Commenting on the announcement, Margaret Attridge, Regional Operations Manager for Irish Water, said: The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh OBrien recently announced the Housing for All plan and this is one of Irish Waters key initiatives in supporting the delivery of this plan. Irish Water is able to confirm that the green light has been given for this project in Hospital which will improve treatment capacity. This will unlock growth and development in the area by ensuring the treatment infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the local community."

Irish Water says the funding has been allocated for the upgrade works and that the projects were selected following detailed consultation with Local Authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment.

"We would also like to thank local councillors across the country of their engagement with us on highlighting the areas most in need, said Ms Attridge.

The project in Hospital will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals. Further updates on the budget and timelines for delivery will be provided in due course.

Separately, Irish Water says details of the current Capital Investment Plan and planned investments in each county will be published in the coming weeks.
The new Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces has said he is "absolutely committed" to addressing the concerns raised in the Women of Honour documentary.

Lieutenant General Sean Clancy was promoted to the appointment by the government today.

He said he was "moved by the courage of those who spoke" in the RTE documentary, which uncovered allegations of bullying, sexism and sexual assault in the Defence Forces.

Speaking in a video through the Oglaigh na hEireann Twitter page, the Lieutenant General said, "There is no place for inappropriate or toxic behaviour in the Defence Forces. Leaders have a responsibility to manage the authority associated with rank and ensure the vulnerable are protected."

He continued: "Loyal and faithful service to the state is the foundation on which our organisation is built. It is embodied by you, our members, and needs to remain part of the continuous effort to deliver a fit-for-purpose organisation for the benefit of the state. My first duty and priority is to ensure your continued development and wellbeing."
BEST-SELLING author Patricia Scanlan, broadcaster and writer John Creedon, and Irish Ambassador to the USA Dan Mulhall lead the line-up of guest speakers at this years Eigse Michael Hartnett festival which opens in Newcastle West this Thursday.

The three-day festival, which was online last year due to Covid-19, features a full programme of live events for 2021 and is taking place in a year when Michael, had he lived, would have reached his 80th birthday.

We are delighted to be back again with live, in-person events, said Vincent Hanley, a member of the voluntary organising committee. On opening night, best-selling author Patricia Scanlan will be guest speaker joined by Limerick tenor Derek Moloney for what promises to be a celebratory get-together.

Also tonight, the Michael Hartnett Poetry Award will be presented to this years winner, Ceaiti Ni Bheildiuin, by the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler.

The programme continues on Friday with New Voices, readings from emerging poets, Rafael Mendes and Natasha Remoundou and will also feature school visits and workshops with poet and spoken word performer, Colm Keegan.

This Friday, I'll be reading my poems at the @EigseMHartnett festival honouring one of my favourite poets of all time. Honoured to be invited and listen to the work of such inspiring fellow poets. TY, @dedaluspress @patboran_poet for the steady wings

More:https://t.co/g0d9d8BjaM pic.twitter.com/YaGlEZlpXo  Dr Natasha Remoundou (@NatashaRemound1) September 29, 2021

Friday evenings big event will see poets Moya Cannon and Sean Lysaght on stage along with string quartet Capriccio. This event will honour the memory of the late Sheila ORegan, a member of the organising committee.

Saturday promises to be a busy day, beginning with a reading from Limerick poet Bernie Crawford. Colm Keegan will hold a workshop for adult writers and those wishing to take part should email info@eigsemichaelhartnett.ie

Then, at 1.30pm, one of the countrys best loved broadcasters, John Creedon will take his listeners on a journey through the townlands and byways of Ireland and will read from his book, That Place We Call Home.

The Michael Hartnett Memorial Lecture makes a comeback this year and Dan Mulhall, the Irish ambassador to the USA, will be in the limelight as guest speaker in mid-afternoon.

Also on Saturday afternoon, Castle Capers, an outdoor, free event will take place in the shadow of the towns historic Desmond Hall. It will be a mix of music, starring Abby Butler, Ger Wolfe and the Colaiste Ide agus Iosef Trad Group, with poet Colm Keegan. This is a family friendly event open to all.

The festival will close on a high note with authors Louise Nealon (Snowflake) and Kathleen McMahon (Nothing but Blue Sky) and music from violin duo, Lucia and Maria.

Welcoming this years festival, Limerick City and County Council Arts Officer, Pippa Little said Limerick Arts Office is delighted to work in partnership with the Eigse Michael Hartnett Literary and Arts Festival Committee, on what is a celebration of creativity.

There is an appetite for live events and the excitement at the opportunity to attend and participate is palpable, the festival line up is a joy this year.

Many of the events taking place during Eigse Michael Hartnett 2021 are free and some events will be streamed.

For more information and all details, visit eigsemichaelhartnett.ie.
NEW DELHI : The telecom reforms announced by the government recently will enable Vodafone Idea (Vi) to invest in new technology and services, including 5G, whenever the ecosystem is ready, the company's Non-Executive Chairman Himanshu Kapania said.

During Vi's annual general meeting held online on Wednesday, Kapania said the telecom reforms will not only provide immediate financial relief to the operators through a four-year moratorium on government dues but will also give an impetus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India.

In mid-September, the government had announced a series of measures to provide relief to the telecom operators and boost investment in the telecom infrastructure. The immediate relief comes in the form of a four-year moratorium on all dues that are to be paid to the government.

"The moratorium for the next four years on all government dues, including spectrum liability and AGR dues as per the recent Supreme Court order, will enable Vodafone Idea to further boost its 4G coverage and capacity and provide deeper rural connect.

"It will also allow the brand to invest in new technologies and services, including 5G, whenever the ecosystem is ready and spectrum affordable," Kapania said.

Vi had a total gross debt of 1.91 lakh crore, excluding lease liabilities and including interest accrued, but not due as of June 30, 2021. The debt comprises deferred spectrum payment obligations of 1.06 lakh crore and an AGR liability of 62,180 crore that are due to the government and debt from banks and financial institutions of 23,400 crore.

The company had posted a consolidated revenue of 9,152.3 crore during the April-June 2021 period, and the finance cost was 5,228.4 crore.

Kapania, who replaced Kumar Mangalam Birla on the company's board in August, said the government's reforms will address some of the long-standing issues in the sector. They will help telecom operators manage their free cash flows and enable investible funds in the hands of telecom operators for fresh capex deployment in building long-term digital infrastructure.

"Through this telecom structural reforms landmark decision, the government has truly demonstrated their commitment to establishing a healthy market structure of at least three private players," Kapania said.

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Jakarta: A defence pact between Australia, the United States and Britain is no threat to Indo-Pacific stability and is not aimed at any one country, a U.S. envoy said on Wednesday, amid concern in a region where China's influence is on the rise.

Indonesia is worried that the pact, known as AUKUS, under which Australia will obtain nuclear submarine technology from the United States, would worsen an "arms race and power projection" in the region.

Malaysia's concerns are similar, while neighbour the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, is behind it.

"This will reinforce our ongoing cooperation with key countries like Indonesia to make sure that we have a free and open Indo-Pacific that respects the rule of law," U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, Sung Kim, told a virtual forum.

Kim said he is not worried about an arms race or nuclear proliferation, calling it a "forward looking, positive" initiative that would work in Indonesia's favour.

AUKUS is largely seen as a response by Western allies to avert a Chinese hegemony in Southeast Asia and beyond, particularly the South China Sea, a conduit for a third of ship-borne trade, in which Beijing claims historical sovereignty.

Indonesia earlier this month increased patrols in response to American and Chinese vessels.

"We are not asking any countries, including Indonesia, to make choices between U.S. and any other country," Kim said of AUKUS, adding the three allies have strong respect for the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

Kim also praised Indonesia's climate change efforts, particularly reducing greenhouse gas emission and deforestation.

Asked about its restive easternmost region of Papua, Kim said Washington did not support separatism anywhere, but did have concerns over fundamental freedoms in the militarised region and urged talks between the government and local communities.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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China stepped in to buy a stake in a struggling regional bank from China Evergrande Group as it seeks to limit contagion in the financial sector from the embattled property developer.

Evergrande agreed to sell a 20% stake in Shengjing Bank Co. to the local Shenyang government for 10 billion yuan ($1.55 billion), with the bank demanding that all proceeds go to settle debts with the lender, according to a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange. In that case, the sale would do little to help Evergrande pay its massive debts to bond holders and homebuyers.

The sale illustrates how authorities are taking steps to minimize fallout to the banking system from the worsening liquidity crisis at Evergrande as they try to avoid a bailout. At least 10 banks told investors earlier this month that they have sufficient collateral for loans to the developer and that risks are under control. Hong Kongs central bank asked lenders to report their exposure to Evergrande Group, according to people familiar with the matter.

Maintaining social and financial sector stability is still the overarching policy objective of the Chinese government," said Nicholas Zhu, a senior analyst at Moodys Investors Service. Authorities, including local governments, will take policy measures and assume coordination roles to ensure that the resolution of Evergrande does not cause social or financial instability."

In a sign of investor nervousness toward the banking industry, Dongguan Rural Commercial Bank Co. plunged on its debut in Hong Kong. The lender listed its exposure to the real estate sector as a risk factor in a preliminary prospectus, saying the industry accounted for 8.8% of its commercial loans as of March 31.

Evergrande will sell about 1.75 billion non-publicly traded domestic shares in Shengjing Bank to Shenyang Shengjing Finance Investment Group Co. at 5.7 yuan apiece, according to the statement. The developers stake in the lender will drop to 14.57% after the latest transaction, which requires relevant approvals. Evergrande raised about 1 billion yuan from a previous stake sale of Shengjing Bank in August.

The transaction underscores the mounting pressure on billionaire Hui Ka Yan to spin off and sell assets to pay down a mountain of debt. Evergrandes original 36% stake in Shengjing Bank was among its most valuable financial assets, worth about $2.8 billion. That holding became less appealing as regulators toughened oversight on dealings such as preferential lending and bond purchases between banks and their largest shareholders.

Evergrande shares climbed 15% in Hong Kong, paring their year-to-date decline to about 80%. Its dollar bond due 2022 fell 1.3 cents on the dollar to 24.9 cents, set for a fresh record closing low, according to Bloomberg-compiled prices. Shengjing Bank rose 1.4%.

The bank posted a more-than 60% drop in first-half profit due to a decline in net interest income and higher impairment losses on assets.

The companys liquidity issue has adversely affected Shengjing Bank in a material way," Evergrande said in the statement, adding that the introduction of the purchaser will help to stabilize the banks operations.

A report in May from Caixin Medias WeNews said the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission was examining more than 100 billion yuan of transactions between the two. Evergrande boosted its stake in Shengjing Bank in 2019, following a request from authorities who wanted to recapitalize the lender, Bloomberg reported last year.

Evergrande is facing mounting pressure to repay its debts. The firm has already fallen behind on its payments to banks, suppliers and holders of onshore investment products. Its made no public statements on an $83.5 million coupon that was due Sept. 23 and at least several holders had said they hadnt received the funds.

Fitch Ratings downgraded the developers credit rating to C from CC on Wednesday, saying Evergrande likely missed interest payment on senior unsecured notes and entered a 30-day grace period.

The developer needs to pay a $45.2 million coupon on Wednesday for a dollar bond that matures 2024, Bloomberg-compiled data show.

With so many upcoming coupon payments towards year-end, selling non-core assets is the most efficient way for Evergrande to raise funds," said Steven Leung, executive director of UOB Kay Hian. The central government is watching very closely" on the proceeds from asset sales, he said.

(Updates prices)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2021 Bloomberg L.P.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Doctors and pharmacies are rapidly signing up patients for Covid-19 booster shots, many without requiring proof of eligibility under standards that federal officials set last week.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have authorized a third shot of the vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE for a wide swath of the US population. Anyone over age 65 is eligible for a booster shot, as is anyone over 18 with a pre-existing condition predisposing the person toward a severe case of Covid-19. Also eligible are those with a job or living situation that poses a higher risk of contracting Covid-19. Boosters for all patients must be given at least six months after an initial Pfizer vaccine course.

Patients who received initial doses of the vaccines made by Moderna Inc. and Johnson & Johnsonarent eligible yet. Approval of a booster regimen for those patients is expected in the coming months. The FDA did amend its emergency-use authorization in August, however, to allow a third Moderna dose for immunocompromised people.

Debbie Hirsch, a 67-year-old retired special-education teacher who received the Moderna vaccine initially, wasnt going to wait; she made an appointment on Monday at her local CVS Health Corp. pharmacy in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. A nurse there gave her a third Moderna shot, no questions asked, she said.

Ms. Hirsch, whose husband is recovering from heart surgery, said she checked a box on the CVS website attesting that she was immunocompromised, even though she doesnt qualify. FDA guidelines for patients receiving a third Moderna jab include patients who take medication to suppress their immune systems and cancer patients currently undergoing treatment.

I felt I fell under that category where youre above 65, and your immunity starts to wane, even though Im not undergoing chemotherapy or anything like that," Ms. Hirsch said.

CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis said the chain is administering third Moderna doses only to eligible immunocompromised people but said it is following CDC guidance to allow patients to self-attest to their eligibility without requiring documents of proof.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Monday that all adult residents of the state who have been vaccinated for at least six months should seek a booster. If youre 18 or above, you will qualify in some way," Gov. Justice said. I would really highly encourage you to run to the fire again and get that booster shot."

A spokesman for the governor said he was encouraging all eligible West Virginians to seek a booster, adding that the CDCs guidance, interpreted broadly, allows all healthcare workers, retail workers and anyone who works indoors around other people to qualify."

White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said at a media briefing Tuesday that more than 400,000 people received a Covid-19 vaccine booster at U.S. pharmacies last weekend. Nearly 1 million people have scheduled appointments to get their booster shots, Mr. Zients said.

Valencia Jennings is 27 years old and works in the human-resources department of a hospital in Memphis, Tenn. She says she has no underlying medical conditions but got her first doses of the Pfizer vaccine earlier than most people, in December 2020, because she is technically a healthcare worker.

I interact with a lot of people on a daily basis, and I dont know anyones vaccination status," she said. She received her Pfizer booster on Monday from a clinic in the hospital.

Other patients said that pharmacies werent asking for confirmation of eligibility beyond their online scheduling tools. Lauch Hines, a retirement adviser from Campobello, S.C., got his Pfizer booster on Monday after calling around to local pharmacies.

They just said, Come on down and bring your vaccine card," said Mr. Hines, who is 75.

Michele Cozadd, a former supply-chain information technologist from Columbus, Ohio, who lives on disability because of a brain aneurysm three years ago, said she got her booster this week without any questions from her pharmacist.

Even on the scheduling app it didnt ask me if I had a pre-existing condition or a high risk factor," said Ms. Cozadd, 46.

People who feel that they are at high risk of serious Covid-19 will do whatever they can to get a booster shot, including skirting eligibility requirements, said Neil Sehgal, a professor of health policy at the University of Maryland.

Some of the demand were seeing for boosters is the shadow of policies weve had before that failed to mitigate the spread of Covid," Mr. Sehgal said. "Thousands of people are still dying each day. Were not out of the woods yet."

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A Chinese driver has successfully sued Tesla for fraud over his purchase of a second-hand Model S, adding to a run of setbacks for Elon Musk's electric-car pioneer in one of its most important markets.

A Beijing court found Tesla had misrepresented the condition of the car bought by Han Chao for 379,700 yuan ($58,700) on the automaker's official used-car platform, according to a copy of the verdict Han posted to his Weibo account. The car was found to have undergone major repairs following an earlier accident, with the court dismissing Tesla's defense that signs of welding indicated no "structural change."

Tesla was ordered to refund the cost of the car and pay damages of three times the purchase price -- taking the total payout to more than 1.5 million yuan, according to the copy of the ruling Han posted. It's the first time Palo Alto, California-based Tesla has been hit with such a large penalty in China, local media outlet Caijing reported. Calls to the ruling court, Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court, went unanswered.

While Tesla has won legions of loyal fans around the world, in China it has also tangled with a number of vocal disgruntled customers, who have used social media campaigns to rally support. In the most high-profile case, a female customer clambered atop a Tesla exhibit at April's Shanghai auto show in a protest that quickly went viral.

The run of bad publicity, along with increased regulatory scrutiny of safety, security and customer service issues, ended Tesla's honeymoon in China, including being the only foreign automaker allowed to wholly own its local operation. China, the world's biggest EV market, is key to Musk's global ambitions and Tesla's road to sustained profitability.

"The verdict can be regarded as a milestone in consumer rights protections against big companies," said Zhang Xiaoling, a partner at Beijing-based Haodong Law Firm. "The case may boost the confidence of consumers facing a similar situation and probably will bring more followers," she said. Zhang specializes in consumer-rights law and is running another case against Tencent Holdings that will be heard in November.

Han has been a constant thorn in Tesla's side since launching his suit, using his Weibo account to provide a running commentary on his case and highlight others' grievances with the EV maker, including a Model X owner who also successfully sued for fraud after his electric motor didn't match his vehicle registration. That driver won a refund and further damages equal to the purchase price.

Indeed, the dispute between Han and Tesla has now descended into a legal tit-for-tat. Tesla is suing Han for damaging courtesy cars and for slander, after he called the automaker a "hooligan company" and accused it of lying to the court on his Weibo account. The automaker has also said it will appeal the fraud ruling.

"We look forward to and believe that the court will finally adjudicate in accordance with the law," Tesla's legal team posted on the company's official account in response to a local media outlet's Weibo post. Tesla's China office provided no further comment beyond the posts.

In return, Han is suing Tesla for defamation, claiming it has portrayed him as a behind-the-scenes organizer of the Shanghai auto show protest. While he has been in touch with the woman, he says he had no role in the protest. He says Tesla is seeking more than 5.85 million yuan in damages from him and requested the court freeze his assets.

Han, who declined to be interviewed, said on Weibo he fought the case for 755 days.

"The principal is never be intimidated by unfairness or formidable rivalry, no matter how flamboyant or strong it looks," Han posted to his 120,000 followers. "Right is right. Wrong is wrong."
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U.S. TV distributor Dynamic Television has picked up worldwide distribution rights to Australian crime thriller series Savage River.

The show, about a female ex-con who is accused of a fresh murder, is directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker, Stateless) and stars Katherine Langford (Thirteen Reasons Why, Knives Out).

The 657 minute series is co-created by writers Belinda Bradley, Franz Docherty and lead writer Giula Sandler (Murders at White House Farm, Glitch). After being developed and commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the show is produced by Aquarius Films, whose principals Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford also take writing credits.

The production, filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria state, received major production investment from the federal governments Screen Australia and additional financial support from Film Victoria and The Post Lounge.

The crew is top notch. It includes: Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Don McAlpine (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Moulin Rouge!); production designer Jo Ford (The Secrets She Keeps, Picnic at Hanging Rock); costume designer Maria Pattison (Berlin Syndrome, Ms Fishers Modern Murder Mysteries) and composer David Hirschfelder (Elizabeth, Shine, Strictly Ballroom).

The story involves a woman who returns to her hometown after eight years in prison. But the close-knit community of Savage River is not about to let her forget the past and when a murder occurs the woman is immediately suspected. As she sets out to prove her innocence, she uncovers long-buried secrets.

The scripts have the timeless, universal appeal of the crime TV genre coupled with very distinctive, original characters and the unique specificity of the Australian rural and social landscape, said Staniford and Fielder in a statement. Jocelyn, at the helm of all six episodes, is one of the most talented Australian directors working today and her previous work is a testament to her unique artistic vision. Aquarius has past credits including Berlin Syndrome, Dirt Music and Lion.

 Savage River is a compelling and suspenseful mystery and I look forward to working with the extremely talented Katherine Langford in the lead role, said Moorhouse.

 Savage River is a superbly written crime drama from immensely talented filmmakers, said Daniel March, managing partner for Dynamic Television. Were excited to acquire a series that is sure to be gripping, compelling and will deliver what global audiences crave.

Dynamics series include The Cartels Creepshow, Netflixs Ginny & Georgia, Baltasar Kormakurs Icelandic crime drama Trapped, and the hit Scandinavian crime procedural The Sommerdahl Murders.

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Florian Gallenberger, the director behind John Rabe, a historical drama about the Nanking Massacre in China, and Colonia, a political thriller set in Chile against the backdrop of the 1973 military coup, has made his first comedy.

Its Just a Phase, Honey, which had its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival, offers a hilarious look at a married couple, played by Christoph Maria Herbst and Christiane Paul, who, in the midst of a mid-life crisis, attempt a trial separation.

The film is an adaptation of Maxim Leo and Jochen-Martin Gutschs bestseller, which comprises 25 short, unconnected anecdotes. Gallenberger and co-writer Malte Welding had to create a major plotline that included the various scenes of the book.

We had to and did take some liberties with the novel in order to make it into one story instead of 25 little funny moments, Gallenberger explains.

Poking fun at the near-50 crowd, the film wrestles with the questions and anxieties of growing old. Its an attitude towards life: youre not as young as you used to be but you dont think that youre old  youre in between, notes Gallenberger. Am I young? Am I old? And the whole insecurity of looking back, asking yourself, Was that it? Is there something new to come? I think thats something that I can strongly relate to from my own life.

Herbst, known for his starring role in the hit series Stromberg, a German version of The Office, and for his impeccable comic timing, made Gallenbergers first comedy an enjoyable experience.

Hes such a great partner, the filmmaker stresses. With Christoph Maria Herbst we had someone who is an outstanding comedian, who has done a lot of comedy and who is an actor who knows very well what and how hes doing. He has an amazing awareness about himself in a most positive way. That kind of gave me the feeling of being on the safe side  knowing that together we will find the right way of how to tell this story and make his character believable and very funny at the same time.

Paul likewise shines in her role as wife breaking away in an effort to experience more from life. While not widely known as a comedic actress, Paul very much has a comedic gene, Gallenberger adds. (Indeed, she has also recently displayed those chops in a small but significant role in the French-Belgian-German comedy series Parlament.)

We just enjoyed that everybody was able to bring something to the party that was enhancing the whole thing.

Produced by Benjamin Herrmann of Majestic Filmproduktion, the company he runs with Gallenberger, Its Just a Phase, Honey is sold internationally by Beta Cinema. The movie hits German cinemas Oct. 14 via Majestic Filmverleih.

Gallenberger and Hermann are eager to team up with the cast for a follow-up, depending on the pics performance. We love the characters, he says, adding that it would be a shame not to take them on an all-new adventure. If it does then it could be a very nice idea to continue something that was joyful for everybody.

Gallenberger is also working on a very different project, a modern adaptation of Zen in the Art of Archery, the 1948 book by German philosophy professor Eugen Herrigel.

Describing it as a classic novel of Zen Buddhist literature, Gallenberger notes that the book itself doesnt really have a plot but rather provides an account of Herrigels experience in 1920s Japan studying Kyudo, the art of Japanese archery, under a Zen master.

This book has been one of the most important books to me in my life, he says.

Gallenberger is creating a plotline for the film that incorporates the books main elements, namely the relationship between student and master, and that places the story in the present day. He hopes to shoot the film at the end of next year if everything goes well. Current COVID-19 restrictions make travel to Japan for necessary research difficult, however. A large portion of the story will also be set in the country.

Additionally, Gallenberger plans to team up again with actor Ulrich Tukur, who starred in John Rabe and also appears in Its Just a Phase, Honey, for an installment of German pubcaster ARDs long-running Tatort crime drama movie series.

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Jamie Spears no longer holds any keys to the Britdom. A judge on Wednesday suspended Britney Spears dad from his role as conservator of her $60 million estate effective today.

I believe that the suspension of [James Spears] is in the best interest of the conservatee, Ms. Britney Spears, Judge Brenda Penny said. The current situation is untenable.

Penny set a follow-up hearing for November 12th to consider full termination of the conservatorship. Spears lawyer Mathew Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor, tells Rolling Stone that the hope and expectation is that the conservatorship will be terminated on that date with no order for any further mental evaluation. Mr. Spears himself, in his last filing, said not once or twice, but three times, that no mental evaluation was necessary. Britney doesnt believe a mental evaluation is necessary, and I certainly dont, so thats telling, Rosengart said as he left the courthouse. What today was about was suspending Jamie Spears, receiving the files, receiving the communication between Jamie Spears and his representatives, and we succeeded in every regard, on all of those fronts.

During the hearing, Rosengart said the court had a mountain of evidence mandating the suspension, chiefly his own clients sworn testimony to the court over the summer. It was Britney Spears who testified he is toxic in her life. It was Britney Spears who testified he was cruel, Rosengart told the judge. My client will be so extraordinarily distraught if Mr. Spears remains conservator for one more day.

Jamies lead lawyer, Vivian Thoreen, argued against the suspension, saying it would be more expedient simply to terminate the conservatorship on Wednesday without the interim step of suspending her client. She argued Jamie has faithfully and loyally served his daughter and wasnt comfortable handing over her finances to a temporary replacement. But the judge sided with Britney, appointing the singers choice of certified public accountant John Zabel to assume control of her finances as her conservatorship winds down. Penny ordered Jamie to turn over all the conservatorship assets to Zabel.

Penny said the pleadings in the case convinced her that Jamies position at the helm of his daughters estate created a toxic environment for his daughter. The pivotal decision came after the pop star made searing statements in open court in June and July, accusing her dad of steering an abusive and demoralizing conservatorship that left her feeling bullied and alone.

He works me so hard, Britney told Judge Brenda Penny on June 23rd, calling Jamie an ignorant father who should be in jail for the way he treated her. How come I was always threatened by my dad and anybody that participated in this conservatorship, if I dont do this, what they enslave me to do, theyre going to punish me?

Im not happy. I cant sleep. Im so angry its insane. And Im depressed. I cry every day, she said. I just want my life back. Its been 13 years, and its enough. Its been a long time since Ive owned my money. And its my wish and my dream for all of this to end without being tested.

Britney claimed the conservatorship granted in 2008 amid concerns over her mental health and possible substance abuse forced her to work against her will, compelled her to take powerful drugs that left her feeling drunk, cut her off from friends and led her to believe she couldnt remove an IUD to try for another child.

Since she first spoke up June 23rd, Judge Penny allowed her to hire new lawyer Mathew Rosengart in July and to address the court for a second time.

This conservatorship is literally allowing my dad to ruin my life, she said during that second round of surprise telephone testimony played live in a Los Angeles courtroom. Her back-to-back statements sparked a firestorm of support from the #FreeBritney movement and set the stage for her July 26th petition asking to suspend and remove Jamie.

Outside the courthouse on Wednesday, the atmosphere was jubilant. Scores of #FreeBritney supporters cheered the ruling as Rosengart stepped up to a battery of microphones to address the media and fans. Today is a great day, he said. Its a great day for Britney Spears and its a great day for justice. And theres definitely something to celebrate. But its also a solemn day. Britney Spears has been faced with a decade-long nightmare, a Kafkaesque nightmare orchestrated by her father and others, and Im so proud of her for her courage, her strength, and her poignancy. And Ive only been on this matter a couple months, but Im proud to say weve gotten to know each other very well, and shes so pleased, and shes so thankful to all of you.

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PBS dominated the documentary portion of this years News and Documentary Emmys, landing ten awards overall  including three for POV, two for Independent Lens and two for Frontline, which are three of the public broadcasters long-running, signature series.

Netflix followed with four wins, then Showtime with three. The documentary Emmys were awarded on Wednesday by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the second of two individual ceremonies; categories honoring TV news were handed out on Tuesday.

Tonight, we celebrate these documentary professionals who in the unprecedented year of 2020 delivered the insightful, clear, factual and timely filmmaking necessary to make sense of the tumultuous times that we live in, said Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS.

Ozy CEO Carlos Watson had originally signed on to host the documentary ceremony, but bowed out earlier this week following a New York Times article chronicling questionable claims and practices inside his company. Instead, the ceremonys three presenters shared hosting dutires: Columbia Journalism School professor and documentary filmmaker June Cross; documentary filmmaker C.J. Hunt (The Neutral Ground) and documentary filmmaker (The Slow Hustle) and actor (Body of Proof) Sonja Sohn.

In a year where we received more than 1,200 documentary entries, in an era where, thanks to the advent of streaming television, more people can now see this amazing work on demand across our nation, tonight we celebrate these brave filmmakers for opening their lens and our eyes to the world around us and helping us to better understand the events that affect our everyday lives in remarkable ways, said Terry OReilly, Chairman, NATAS.

The 42nd Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards honors programming content from more than 2200 submissions that originally premiered in 2020, judged by a pool of 950 peer professionals from across the television and streaming/digital media news and documentary industry.

Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary

Independent Lens (PBS)

Belly of the Beast

Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary

Kingdom of Silence (Showtime)

Outstanding Social Issue Documentary

POV (PBS)

The Rescue List

Outstanding Investigative Documentary

Athlete A (Netflix)

Outstanding Historical Documentary

Frontline (PBS)

Once Upon A Time In Iraq

Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary

Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (PBS)

Outstanding Science and Technology Documentary

The Surgeons Cut (Netflix)

Outstanding Nature Documentary

The Last Ice (National Geographic)

Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary

Frontline (PBS)

Amazon Empire: The Rise and Reign of Jeff Bezos

Outstanding Short Documentary

POV Shorts (PBS)

The Love Bugs

Best Documentary

POV (PBS)

Advocate

Outstanding Interactive Media: Documentary

In Event of Moon Disaster (moondisaster.org/MIT Centre for Advanced Virtuality)

Outstanding Writing: Documentary

The Story of Plastic (Discovery Channel)

Writers: Kyle Cadotte, Tony Hale, Megan Ponder, Deia Schlosberg, Brian Wilson, Stiv Wilson

Outstanding Research: Documentary

Independent Lens (PBS)

Feels Good Man

Outstanding Direction: Documentary

The Trade (Showtime)

Director: Matthew Heineman

Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary

The Trade (Showtime)

Directors of Photography: Jacopo Campaiola, Pablo Durana, Nicholas Kraus, Ross McDonnell, Max Preiss

Outstanding Editing: Documentary

Father Soldier Son (Netflix)

Editor: Amy Foote

Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction: Documentary

Alien Worlds (Netflix)

Creative Directors: Paul Simpson, Simon Wood Graphics Producer Sebastian Read

Outstanding Music Composition

Primates (PBS)

Composers: Adam Lukas, Denise Santos

Outstanding Sound

Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (PBS)

Outstanding Lighting Direction and Scenic Design

Alabama Snake (HBO Documentary Films/HBO)

Breakdown by Network, Show, Program or Segment

PBS 10

POV 3

Frontline 2

Independent Lens 2

Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool 2

Primates 1

Netflix 4

Athlete A 1

Father Soldier Son 1

Alien Worlds 1

The Surgeons Cut 1

Showtime 3

The Trade 2

Kingdom of Silence 1

Discovery Channel 1

HBO 1

moondisaster.org / MIT Centre for Advanced Virtuality 1

National Geographic 1

The 42nd Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards were produced by NATAS with Adam Sharp and Steve Ulrich, Executive Producers. The ceremong was directed and co-executive produced by David Parks of Viewfinder, and is available on the web at Watch.TheEmmys.TV and via The Emmys app.

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European producers swapped notes about financing challenges, the talent crunch, distribution bottlenecks and rights retention at the Zurich Summit.

Speaking in the session Creative Financing and Producing in Europe, Giorgos Karnavas, co-founder of Greeces Triangle of Sadness producer Heretic, spoke of the challenges of finding crew given that so many were booked on big budget projects for streamers.

Greece has seen an influx of foreign shoots, such as Knives Out 2, with productions attracted by its generous 40% tax credit and because Covid-19 rates were relatively low at the beginning of the pandemic, allowing it to open up quickly to international productions.

Gudny Hummelvoll, the CEO of Nothing to Laugh About and Occupied producer Hummelfilm, expressed fears that many European producers are unable to hold on to IP given the streamers preference for buying out films, and might end up becoming service producers.

Hummelvoll is a member for the European Producers Club, which in May issued a Code of Fair Practices for streamers when commissioning content from indie producers.

The EPCs code comprises four basic principles covering crucial bones of contention such as the right for European indie producers to retain IP; to have access to streamer viewing data; and to become the exclusive conduit through which U.S. streamers can access European soft money.

She echoed these calls at the Summit, calling for more transparency over data, adding: I think we have to fight to keep the IP and also keep the diversity of the content that we produce.

Karnavas said that producing European films was always difficult and it will be difficult given the competition. Theres a lot of projects out thereso you need to have a good project. He also spoke of the importance of building organic co-productions rather than simply going to places to ask for money and trying to fit in.

He added that, in some ways, the European system for funding film is pretty healthy, citing the competition among many countries to attract productions with generous tax rebates. Combined with state funding, pre-sales and public TV funding you have the tools to make it happen.

Hummelvoll noted that tax incentives were welcome, but that  at a time when the environment is high on the agenda  it feels bad moving productions back and forth all the time we should try to find ways to work on greener productions at the same time as how to collaborate.

There was also debate about whether James Bond film No Time to Die would kick start the cinema-going habit once again among audiences, and whether the post-COVID-19 stock of movies sitting on shelves and waiting to be released would find an audience.

Im not very optimistic, said Dan Wechsler, founder of Switzerlands Bord Cadre Films. Our arthouse distributors are suffering a lot. The whole chain is suffering, I can see that some theaters are going to close. We need some strong films to give confidence to people to come back. He noted that 15 years ago Geneva had 15 arthouse cinemas, but now had just three.

Wechsler also spoke of the importance of film festivals returning strongly post-COVID-19, given their crucial role as a platform for arthouse films.

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Mission Produce celebrated the grand opening of one of its largest facilities on Wednesday with both local and state guests including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who prompted a discussion about the value of Laredo toward the state and the country as its largest land port.

"I am proud to welcome Mission Produce's new distribution center to Laredo, spurring economic growth and creating even more good-paying jobs for generations of Texans to come," Abbott said. "The entire community of Laredo and investments from great companies like Mission Produce play pivotal roles in Texas' economic success story, and together we will keep the Lone Star State the best place to live, work and raise a family."

Teclo Garcia, the Laredo Director of Economic Development, was a proponent of the new investment by Mission Produce CEO Steve Barnard, as he believed having the largest avocado company in Laredo would bolster the citys economy.

He explained that the company had directly invested $50 million to build the new facility, situated close to the city limits off Mines Road. Through discussion with Barnard, and an eight-year tax break, the deal was made eight months prior to the grand opening as construction of the mega center began in the summer of 2020.

After the eight years, the company will start paying 100% of their taxes, which would go into the citys general fund. Aside from those funds, Garcia believes that large companies like Mission bring additional revenue-creating opportunities, such as more bridge crossings per day.

The facility spans 33 acres with 81,000 sq. ft. of storage space. Within the facility, it holds four giant coolers, 66 refrigerated dock positions, approximately 900 staging and inspection positions, and 10 ripening rooms to allow for year-round production and stock.

The new facility has prompted the search for employees, and Barnard said that as of Tuesday approximately 70-80 have been employed.

We want to keep people, he said. We want to keep good people that are committed.

According to Garcia, experts from throughout Texas and California were brought in to oversee the ripening rooms as they find local employees. The estimated number of total employees to be hired is around 120, with the possibility of more being hired per peak seasons.

Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz believes that the new facility will develop growth within the economy starting with the job opportunities that pay a livable wage. However, the number of all warehouse and administrative positions or their salaries are still unclear.

Per a job posting by Mission Produce, active two days prior, a forklift driver posting states that the company will pay $14.50 an hour while a CDL Class A Driver pays between $20-25 an hour. Both are full time positions, with four forklift drivers and two CDL drivers being sought, per the posts.

Regardless, Saenz says that the new company and job opportunities acts as a multiplier for economic growth.

This sentiment was echoed by Abbott, who recognized the importance of Laredos role in the position as a land port. And despite the pandemic creating a price increase for avocados, Mission still expanded into Texas. Furthermore, Abbott added that a component of economic growth within Texas is keeping taxes low, having reasonable regulations and supporting right-to-work laws and a superior work force.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the distribution of avocados, he said.  This project and the entire Laredo community are part of the great Texas economic success story.

We will keep Texas the No. 1 state in the United States for doing business.

Elaborating on the impact Laredo has on the country, both Saenz and IBC Board Chairman Dennis Nixon provided some key figures.

According to Saenz, Port Laredos trade value in July was $141 billion, and the city is close to becoming the top port of produce and cold storage, behind The Valley.

Nixon said that 40% of Mexican imports into the United States travel through Laredo. Because of this, he believes that if the Port of Laredo does not work, Texas and the nation does not work. This prompted him to request the governor focus on ways to reduce congestion within the port and its bridges to alleviate and improve the export and import operations.

The project is part of the ongoing efforts to continue to dominate the worlds supply line of avocados and is part of a decades long effort by Mission. According to Barnard, the company was founded in 1983 and has been worked in countries across the globe to continue to provide avocados year-round. After working with Dole Asia and in Mexico, Mission was able to get a hold of a year-round supply of avocados that resulted in an avocado revolution.

Through new techniques and technology, a test began at a Ralphs Grocery store which determined that people often looked for ripe avocados and that 100% of the time would leave empty-handed if they couldnt find one. Thus, the ripening rooms provided the year-round ripe avocados and the overwhelming demand resulted in Mission working in Peru to produce the necessary supply.

73% of the consumption in the U.S. comes from Mexico, so the importance of this facility is critical, Barnard said. That percentage might not change, but the volume overall number is going to keep going up. This facility is giving us a lot of flexibility; we can bring product here, we can bag it, we can ripen it, we can use it to backfill other facilities.

As of the grand opening, the facility is still only partially utilized and is still being worked on. In the meantime, he added that the possibility of providing a space for third party produce may be available. While still smaller than their production facility in Peru, growth is still on the horizon and Laredo is now a central hub for the transportation of avocados.

Ultimately, the prospect of two new land bridges to Mexico is exciting, Barnard said, as the flow of goods may be sure to benefit from additional lanes, resulting in a larger influx of revenue for Laredo-based companies handling goods.

cocampo@lmtonline.com
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Ethiopia said Thursday it is kicking out seven United Nations officials whom it accused of meddling" in the country's internal affairs, as pressure grows on the government over its deadly blockade of the Tigray region.

The expulsions are the government's most dramatic move yet to restrict humanitarian access to the region of 6 million people after nearly a year of war. The U.N. has become increasingly outspoken as the flow of medical supplies, food and fuel has been brought to a near-halt.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked by the announcement and expressed full confidence in U.N. staff, saying they are guided by impartiality and neutrality. In a statement, he said the U.N. is engaging with Ethiopia's government in the expectation that the concerned U.N. staff will be allowed to continue their important work.

Ethiopias government has accused humanitarian workers of supporting the Tigray forces who have been fighting its soldiers and allied forces since November. Aid workers have denied it. Thousands of people have died in the conflict marked by gang rapes, mass expulsions and the destruction of health centers, with witnesses often blaming Ethiopian soldiers and those of neighboring Eritrea.

The U.N.'s humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, this week told The Associated Press that the crisis in Ethiopia is a stain on our conscience as children and others starve to death in Tigray under what the U.N. calls a de facto government blockade. Just 10% of needed humanitarian supplies have been reaching Tigray in recent weeks, he said.

The remarks were one of the sharpest criticisms so far of the worlds worst hunger crisis in a decade, with some 400,000 people facing famine conditions. Memories of the 1980s famine in Ethiopia, which killed around 1 million people and produced images that shocked the world, are vivid in his mind, Griffiths said, and we fervently hope (this) is not happening at present.

The AP, citing witness accounts and internal documents, last week reported the first starvation deaths since Ethiopias government imposed the blockade in June in an attempt to keep support from reaching Tigray forces.

A statement from Ethiopia's foreign ministry said the seven U.N. officials must leave the country within 72 hours. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Dina Mufti didn't respond to a request for details of their alleged interference.

The U.S. condemned the expulsions, with White House press secretary Jen Psaki agreeing that Ethiopias crisis is a stain on our collective conscience that must stop.

Depriving your own citizens of the basic means of survival is unacceptable, she said, and warned that Washington could impose financial sanctions on those who obstruct humanitarian assistance to the people of Ethiopia.

Asked why the Biden administration isnt taking action now, Psaki responded that absent clear and concrete changes, we will. She added that the White House is looking to see meaningful steps within weeks toward a negotiated ceasefire.

On September 17, President Biden issued an Executive Order establishing a new sanctions regime that authorizes the imposition of targeted economic sanctions in connection with the crisis in northern Ethiopia," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Thursday. We will not hesitate to use this authority or other tools to respond to those who obstruct humanitarian assistance to the people of Ethiopia."

The people expelled include five with the U.N. humanitarian agency, including deputy coordinator Grant Leaity, one from the U.N. human rights office and the one UNICEF representative in the country, Adele Khodr. A spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and some of the individuals expelled didnt immediately comment.

Findings from a joint investigation into the war by the U.N. human rights office and the government-created Ethiopian Human Rights Commission  a rare setup that has drawn concern and criticism  are scheduled for release on Nov. 1. It wasn't immediately clear if the probe will be affected by the expulsion of a U.N. member of the joint team, Sonny Onyegbula.

The expulsions come as the U.N. also responds to the war's spread into Ethiopia's neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced. What is chilling and revealing about the U.N. officials' expulsion is that it comes when the U.N. and other aid agencies are needed most in most parts of Ethiopia, tweeted Mehari Taddele Maru, a professor of governance at the European University Institute.

Earlier, Ethiopia's government suspended the operations of two major international aid groups  Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Committee  accusing them of spreading misinformation about the war.

The government is so wary that humanitarian workers boarding rare flights to Tigray have been told they couldn't bring such items as can openers, multivitamins and medicine, even personal ones, as well as the means to document the crisis, including hard drives and flash drives.

Griffiths told the AP he too was searched, with authorities examining everything in his bag and questioning why he was carrying earphones.

For months, humanitarian workers have been increasingly hesitant to speak openly about the government's blockade of Tigray for fear of losing access to the region. But the lack of fuel and other supplies has left many without the means to help as some people starve.

They've got their fists around our throats with white knuckles strangling us, one humanitarian worker told the AP this week on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. They just let us gasp from time to time so we don't die.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  President Joe Biden's administration says it has followed a court order to schedule an offshore oil and gas lease sale for the Gulf of Mexico after the Democratic president's moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on federal lands was blocked by a judge.

The sale will be livestreamed from New Orleans on Nov. 17, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced in a news release Thursday. Bidding will be only by mail; walk-in bids won't be accepted, it said.

The agency postponed lease sales scheduled in March to comply with Bidens executive order to combat climate change. Scientists urge immediate action to slash greenhouse emissions to avoid the worst consequences of global warming, including devastating storms, floods, wildfires and droughts.

But Louisiana and 12 other states sued, and in June a federal judge found that the government had omitted steps required for such actions. The administration said in August it would comply while appealing the judges order.

The Biden Harris Administration is continuing its comprehensive review of the deficiencies associated with its offshore and onshore oil and gas leasing programs, the bureau's statement said.

The sale will cover roughly 136,000 square miles (352,000 square kilometers) located from 3 miles to 231 miles (five to 370 kilometers) offshore in the Gulf of Mexico with water depths ranging from 9 feet to more than 11,115 feet (3 to 3,400 meters).

Less than 2% of available water bottom was leased in August 2020.

The agency said lease stipulations will protect biologically sensitive resources, mitigate potential adverse effects on protected species, and avoid potential conflicts between oil and gas development and other activities and users in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia joined Louisiana in challenging the lease sale suspension.

The scheduling is welcome news for the American worker and our national security, said Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association.

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico supports more than 345,000 jobs, many of which are accessible, high-paying and cannot be easily substituted, and generates vital government revenues for conservation and recreation programs, he said.

And, he said, U.S. offshore oil and gas produces less carbon than imports that would be needed if U.S. wells all shut down.

Several environmental groups sued Interior Secretary Debra Haaland in August, trying to prevent the sale. The lawsuit, brought by Friends Of The Earth, Healthy Gulf, the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity, contends that the bureau didnt meet a legal requirement to carefully study the sales environmental impacts and substantially underestimated such effects..

Climate change is rapidly intensifying Gulf storms, fueling uncontrollable wildfires in the West and threatening numerous species with extinction, said Kristen Monsell, oceans program litigation director for the Center for Biological Diversity. We need to end offshore oil drilling, not burden future generations with this dirty and dangerous folly.
QUITO, Ecuador (AP)  A battle between gangs in a prison killed at least 116 people and injured 80 in what authorities are calling the worst penitentiary massacre in Ecuador's history. At least five dead were reported beheaded, officials said Wednesday.

President Guillermo Lasso decreed a state of emergency in Ecuador's prison system, allowing the government to deploy the police and soldiers to penitentiaries among other powers. Authorities attributed Tuesday's bloodshed at the Litoral penitentiary in the coastal city of Guayaquil to gangs linked to international drug cartels fighting for control of the lockup.

Lasso, visibly affected, said at a news conference that what was happening in the Guayaquil prison was bad and sad and he could not for the moment guarantee that authorities had regained control of the lockup.

It is regrettable that the prisons are being turned into territories for power disputes by criminal gangs, he said, adding that he would act with "absolute firmness to regain control of the Litoral prison and prevent the violence from spreading to other penitentiaries.

Images circulating on social media showed dozens of bodies in the prisons Pavilions 9 and 10 and scenes that looked like battlefields. The fighting was with firearms, knives and bombs, officials said. Earlier, regional police commander Fausto Buenano had said that bodies were being found in the prisons pipelines.

Outside the prison morgue, the relatives of inmates wept, with some describing to reporters the cruelty with which their loved ones were killed, decapitated and dismembered.

In the history of the country, there has not been an incident similar or close to this one, said Ledy Zuniga, the former president of Ecuador's National Rehabilitation Council.

Zuniga, who was also the country's minister of justice in 2016, said she regretted that steps had not been taken to prevent another massacre following deadly prison riots last February.

Earlier, officials said the violence erupted from a dispute between the Los Lobos and Los Choneros prison gangs.

Col. Mario Pazmino, the former director of Ecuador's military intelligence, said the bloody fighting shows that transnational organized crime has permeated the structure" of Ecuador's prisons, adding that Mexico's Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels operate through local gangs.

They want to sow fear, he told The Associated Press on Wednesday, urging the government to temporarily cede control of the prisons to the National Police. The more radical and violent the way they murder, the more they achieve their goal of control, he added.

Ecuador's president said that care points had been set up for relatives of the inmates with food and psychological support. He added that a $24 million program to address the country's prisons will be accelerated, starting with investments in infrastructure and technology in the Litoral prison.

The former director of Ecuador's prison bureau, Fausto Cobo, said that inside penitentiaries authorities face a threat with power equal to or greater than the state itself. He said that while security forces must enter prisons with shields and unarmed, they are met by inmates with high-caliber weapons.

In July, the president decreed another state of emergency in Ecuadors prison system following several violent episodes that resulted in more than 100 inmates being killed. Those deaths occurred in various prisons and not in a single facility like Tuesday's massacre.

Previously, the bloodiest day occurred in February, when 79 prisoners died in simultaneous riots in three prisons in the country. In July, 22 more prisoners lost their lives in the Litoral penitentiary, while in September a penitentiary center was attacked by drones leaving no fatalities.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri law seeking to ban most abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy led to a legal battle Wednesday before the state's highest court over whether the people's right to overturn laws passed by the Legislature has been illegally limited by procedural hurdles.

The case before the Missouri Supreme Court won't ultimately affect the fate of the anti-abortion law  which currently is blocked by a separate federal court case  but could determine how easy or difficult it is for people to force a statewide vote on future laws they don't like.

The Missouri case is one of several battles around the nation over state election laws that supporters describe as safeguards but which opponents contend are unjustified limits on democracy.

Missouri's constitution includes a referendum right that allows people to challenge a law passed by Legislature by gathering petition signatures to put the measure to a public vote. Petitions must be submitted to the secretary of states office 90 days after the end of the legislative session during which the law passed.

A separate state law dating to 1997 requires petitions to contain an official ballot title certified by the secretary of state, and another law sets forth procedural deadlines for the secretary of state to approve that ballot title.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the group No Bans No Choice challenged those laws after Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft used much of the allotted time, leaving them little opportunity to gather enough signatures to force a referendum on the 2019 abortion law.

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem struck down the laws in December, ruling that the State may not constitutionally delay the circulation of a referendum petition for the purpose of certifying a ballot title. The state appealed to the Supreme Court.

Attorney Jason Lewis, who argued on behalf of Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt, defended the laws as reasonable regulations of the referendum process. Schmitt's office argued in court filings that the ballot title requirement creates order and consistency, prevents voters from being confused or misled by complex bills, and promotes informed voter choices about whether to sign referendum proposals.

But the ACLU said in court filings that there is conflict between the Constitution, which reserves a right of referendum to the people, and the two statutes, which curtail that right.

The Legislature shouldn't be given the tools to narrow or broaden that right beyond what the constitution provides, said ACLU attorney Jessie Steffan, of St. Louis.

During questioning Wednesday, Supreme Court judges Brent Powell and Patricia Breckenridge honed in on where to draw the line between reasonable and unreasonable regulations of the referendum process. They noted that based on when a bill is passed by the Legislature, opponents might have several months to gather signatures  as was the case in a successful referendum overturning a 2017 labor union law  or a matter of just weeks, as was the case with the abortion law.

Steffan argued that any law impeding the gathering of referendum signatures should be unconstitutional. Lewis said the fact that scenarios exist allowing enough time for signature gathering means the laws regulating referendums cannot be declared unconstitutional on their face.

The 2019 abortion law that prompted the legal fight sought to ban the procedure at eight weeks of pregnancy, except for cases of medical emergencies. It included a stairstep of other abortion bans at 14, 18, or 20 weeks should one of the earlier-term restrictions get struck down in court. It also sought to ban abortions based solely on race, sex or a diagnosis indicating Down syndrome.

The abortion law has never been enforced, because a federal judge blocked it a day before it was scheduled to take effect. The full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week on an appeal of the injunction, but a ruling isn't expected for at least several weeks.

___

Follow David A. Lieb at: http://www.twitter.com/DavidALieb
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Six-year-old Skylar Crocker has the usual kindergarten-age knacks under her belt  an early riser to get a head start on playtime, a bedtime pusher, and a big dreamer. She's also a published author.

The Cole Elementary School student is the youngest child of Tony and Ashley Crocker and the author of "A Sky Full of Emotions," a book published in June which encourages kids to express their emotions.

Ashley tells MySA her daughter approached her with a dream of writing a book last Christmas. Mom admits she initially didn't know how feasible a book by a young author would be until she remembered a family friend, Kim Green, had history in the publishing industry as an editor.

Ashley says Green assured her that she could make Skylar's dream happen. The little girl and Green worked in tandem over a six-month span, connecting via Facetime meetings, when Skylar would share her journal entries for book inspiration. For quick follow-ups, Skylar would send voice memos from her iPad.

Courtesy, Crocker Family

The children's book captures the real-life emotions Skylar experiences throughout her day, starting with the excitement that wakes her up early, anxious to get to the school playground for fun before the bell rings. Then, a little uneasiness about sharing her favorite toy at school.

Ashley jokes that Skylar took some artistic liberties when illustrating the happiness she feels about finding the tempura sushi her mom packed in her lunch. Skylar's mom says she doesn't ever pack her daughter sushi, but she's picking up on her hints. Skylar also shares an emotion many kids can sympathize with while learning in a pandemic world  the sadness of not being able to see her friends in-person at school sometimes. The day ends with being a little upset with mom for cutting playtime with her big brothers short, Tony Jr. and Marcel, for bedtime.

Courtesy, Crocker Family

Ashley says she tucks her in and soothes her over by telling Skylar, "Sky, your emotions are like the rain, tomorrow after the rain, it's going to be a new day."

Her new day as an official author has Skylar dealing with overwhelming amounts of excitement, mom says. Her teacher Cynthia Gallardo incorporated the book into lesson plans and the little girl is signing copies for her principal, Tod Kuenning.

Ashley gets emotional when describing her daughter's reaction to being able to hold a tangible copy of the book in her tiny hands.

"She said 'Mommy I did it, I can't believe I did it,'" Ashley remembers. "She was overcome with joy. It was a beautiful thing to see her book coming to fruition."

Skylar's book ends with four blank journal pages where the little readers can jot down their emotions too.

Ashley says she didn't do much marketing to promote the book, she just wanted to support her family's mission of supporting everyone's emotions and showing that they are important and valid. She's also happy her young daughter already has the experience of devoting some of her free time to focusing on her project and working with an editor.

"I hope that this just gives her the confidence that if she sets her mind to something, she could definitely do it," Ashley adds.

Skylar's book is available for purchase on Amazon.
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

View Results
Longford's health services have been forgotten once again it was claimed this week as HSE chiefs confirmed St Joseph's Care Centre was not in line for state of the art acquired brain injury unit.

The news was delivered for the first time in writing to representatives on the HSE's Dublin Mid Leinster Health Forum at a meeting last week.

It came less than six weeks after Health Minister Simon Donnelly revealed no money was ever put in place for the project after being first mooted four years earlier by then Health Minister Simon Harris.

Cllr Paraic Brady spoke of his disappointment at the announcement and argued how the county had once more been made to suffer from budgetary constraints.

It was with disbelief that we were told that the brain injury unit not being considered, never mind looked at for possible funding, he said.

It's disappointing that the midlands region and Longford has been forgotten about once again.

In its official correspondence delivered to elected members of the Dublin Mid-Leinster Forum meeting last week, HSE senior executives said St Joseph's in conjunction with St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire was not currently under consideration for a dedicated neurological facility but stopped short of giving any explanation as to why such a stance was being taken.

Cllr Brady said greater clarity was still required following a government commitment in 2017 to undertake a multi million euro revamp of the centre.

The outgoing minister at the time gave a commitment to the people of Longford by saying it was ideally located for a brain injury unit, he said.

Now, to be told four years later that the tables have turned is nothing short of shocking.
A court has heard how a Dublin man travelled to Longford during the height of Ireland's Covid-19 pandemic to attend his wife's nephew's funeral.

Judge Marie Keane described as nonsense Thomas Lawrence's decision to go some 70 miles outside of Level 5 lockdown travel restrictions last March.

The accused, of 9 Greenfort Park, Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to being in breach of public health guidelines when stopped by Garda Robert Charmin at Main Street, Townparks, Longford on March 13 2021.

The court was told by Mr Lawrence's defence solicitor that the father of seven did not go inside the church to attend the funeral mass and instead stayed outside.

He was given an on the spot ticket of 100 and unfortunately never got as far as paying it, his solicitor said.

He did bring it (100) with him.

Judge Keane said however, she was not open to accepting that sum, saying: He (Mr Lawrence) needs to dig deeper.

I am prepared to deal with it by way of 150 to the Little Blue Heroes (a non for profit charity aimed at helping families who have children undergoing long-term medical treatment for serious illness) as it was the Gardai who had to come out and deal with this type of nonsense.

After a brief exchange, Judge Keane accepted a payment of 120 and duly struck out the case.
Work is underway on the upgrade of four of the countys eight Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and co:worx in Edgeworthstown.

Funding for the work (234,677.84) was announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD under the Connected Hubs Call in July.

BCPs provide free hot-desks, co-working and training facilities for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs. The facilities also offer start-ups office space for hire at a minimal rate.

The broadband connection points that already exist at Abbeyshrule Airfield; Moydow Community Centre, Mullinalaghta Community Centre, and the Latin School Community Centre, Moyne are being upgraded to provide additional functionality, privacy and an improved equipment offering.

This round of funding will also enhance the offering to be provided at the co:worx digital and e-working hub which is currently in development in Edgeworthstown.

The primary objective of the Connected Hubs Call is to support and complement the development of a National Hub Network, which is a key action of the Rural Development Policy  Our Rural Future and the National Remote Working Strategy  Making Remote Work.

The aim of the call was to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading existing hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), while continuing to support Covid-19 measures.

Upgrade Progress

The upgrade funding is being administered by Longford County Council.

The project involves the local authority working in collaboration with local broadband connection point committees to include upgrades like privacy booths, screens, and additional desks, chairs and equipment. It will mean that the locations will be able to facilitate things like podcasting and web/teleconferencing for example.

Procurement for the upgrade of all five eligible sites is at an advanced stage and construction work at the Latin School Community Centre in Moyne is also well underway.

Welcoming the progress, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said, I want to congratulate the award-winning IT Department and the Regeneration Section of Longford County Council because a lot of time and effort has been put into the development of this hub network and Im delighted to see it both coming to fruition and going a step further with the upgrade.

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, We can see the statistics coming through, that the broadband connection points are already proving to be very popular for use by students, remote workers and people in need of a separate working space since the official launch in June. Longford will continue to be forward-looking when it comes to developing these facilities and helping people to experience a better work-life balance.

Skillshare courses

A number of BCP sites around county Longford have started hosting additional free activities including for example, a series of online workshops on art in Moyne, online painting classes in Mullinalaghta as well the recently announced Skillshare courses  all of which is part of the Connected Communities initiative.

The Skillshare courses are available at four digital hubs including Abbeyshrule Airport, Latin School Community Centre Moyne, Moydow Community Centre and Mullinalaghta Community Centre.



The courses facilitate access through the digital hubs to six-month-long inspiring classes, details of which are available on www.longfordcoco.ie.



Access to digital hubs and the securing of course places can be arranged by emailing Christine Collins, Broadband Officer for County Longford at: broadbandofficer @longfordcoco.ie
A Lithuanian man who had hoped to return to work hours after appearing in court last week charged with being at the wheel while disqualified was told by a judge: I hope you brought your toothbrush

Aurimas Valavicius, of 26 Abhainn Glas, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford was only seven months into a ten year driving disqualification when he produced a false driver's licence to Garda Robert Charmin at Pound Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on October 5 2020.

Garda Charmin said he pulled in the accused behind the wheel of a seven series BMW before asking him for his driver's licence.

The court was told Mr Valavicius handed over a Lithuanian based document which Garda Charmin explained immediately arose suspicion.

The licence was missing a mumber of security features, he said.

That prompted Garda Charmin to carry out further enquiries into both its authenticity and the driver's identity upon which it was discovered Mr Valavicius had been banned from driving previously.

Garda Charmin said the vehicle Mr Valavicius was driving was also impounded.

Asked by presiding Judge Marie Keane as to the accused man's background, Garda Charmin said Mr Valavicius had 21 previous convictions to his name, a number of which were for road traffic related offences.

These included a ten year driving ban in February last year for no insurance and a further six year disqualification the following month for the same offence.

In defence, solicitor Frank Gearty admitted to having been left bemused as to his client's erratic motoring behaviour which paled in comparison to his conduct as a taxpaying member of the public.

There seems to be a whole series of road traffic offences and suspended sentences, he said, in reference to his client's criminal past.

It definitely is a very frustrating case.

Mr Gearty said Mr Valavicius'  propensity to drive and disregard court orders was in stark contrast to a man who upheld a strong work eithic.

He said Valavicius was even focused on returning to work at local meat factory Green Farm Foods after last Tuesday's court sitting, something Judge Keane quickly shot down.

Well, I hope he brought his toothbrush, she told Mr Gearty in response.

The long serving local solicitor said his client was a father of two children, both of whom are under the age of ten.

In a last ditch attempt to spare his client from a possible custodial sentence, Mr Gearty told of how Mr Valavicius had naievely obtained the false licence.

No excuse is being offered, Mr Gearty said in terms of Mr Valavicius' decision to get behind the wheel of a car on the day of the incident.

He purchased the licence from a man in a pub in Dublin and it was missing very clear numbers.

Judge Keane was not of a mind to take on boad those assertions as she once again called into question the actions of the accused.

He (Mr Valavicius) seems to have gone back to the same pub to get the same document, she said, when referencing one of the defendant's previous convictions for providing false details to gardai.

He has habitually driven without insuarance.

Mr Gearty agreed and repeated his own irritation at his client's choice of etiquette which led up to his latest summons being issued against him.

It's frustrating to see a taxpaying person who is compliant in so many other ways and yet you have this weak point, he said in connection to Mr Valavicius' previous road traffic indiscretions.

Rarely am I speechless, but I would plead withthe court to perhaps consider a suspended sentence and maybe allow him time to come back into court, Mr Gearty added, in also suggesting a possible heft fine for his client.

Judge Keane said while Mr Gearty's efforts were well placed and eloquently delivered. she had no option but to hand down a prison sentence to Mr Valavicius.

I have to protect the people on our streets, she told the court.

This man is engaging in deliberate fraud in relation to insurance and he has no respect for the law.

She consequently sentenced Mr Valavicius to four months in prison.
Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Anne Rabbitte TD today launched the sixth annual Someone Like Me primary schools competition.

The prestigious national art competition is organised by the National Disability Authority as a national celebration of the things that unite children of all abilities and a way of developing more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities.

Minister Rabbitte encouraged primary school pupils across Longford to follow the lead of the more than 8,000 children who have taken part over the last five years, learning about inclusivity and diversity through the medium of art.

The Minister stated that: One in seven people in Ireland has a disability and research shows that persons with disabilities report more social isolation and less participation in social activities than those without a disability.

Covid-19 gave us all an insight into what it is like to feel socially isolated. Positive attitudes support persons with disabilities to take part in society and so it is vital that we place ability under the spotlight as a way of fostering positive attitudes amongst all our young people to enable everyone to feel a valued member of society.

In what is an Olympic year, we only have to look to our Olympians and Paralympians to see how, as a nation, we have celebrated each athletes ability, rejoicing in their incredible collective success. Similarities exist between all people and ability unites us not just in sport but in day-to-day life.

I would like to congratulate the National Disability Authority for their commitment to supporting teachers by providing in-depth cross-curriculum lesson plans so that pupils can take part in this competition in an easy and meaningful way.

The Someone Like Me art competition junior and senior lesson plans will be delivered to every primary school in Ireland over the coming days. They are also available on the Someone Like Me website to enable children who are taught at home to also take part.

The competition, which offers a range of prizes up to the value of 750, is open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and entries are welcome from individual pupils, a class pod or even a whole school as a combined effort. Entries can come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from a poster or collage to a papier-mache or mixed media sculpture.

There will be a junior and senior category winner in every county, along with an overall national winner. The deadline for entries is Friday, December 3, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

More information can be found at www.someonelikemeartcompetition.ie
Longford-based Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy has said that the recent 'Women of Honour' documentary painted the Defence Forces in a very poor light.

Speaking in the Seanad on the second stage of Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020; Senator Carrigy stressed, "There must be a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of harassment, bullying or violence in the workplace, whether in the Defence Forces or any other workplace."

He welcomed the fact that Defence Minister Simon Coveney met a number of the women featured in the documentary and the commitment he gave that this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with strongly.

Minister Coveney remarked, "I had the privilege of meeting the group that is now referred to as the 'Women of Honour'and also a group of serving women of various ranks from the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The accounts of the experiences they have had in the Defence Forces are totally unacceptable in the context of the kind of Defence Forces we should have whereby everybody, regardless of their gender or background, should be able to develop careers in a positive, protective and safe environment. That has not been the experience for far too many people.

"I want to say that I believe the women and am determined to ensure that the culture which allowed women to be bullied, sexually harassed and treated unfairly needs to change, and will change. We will introduce a comprehensive review mechanism, which will be independent of the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence, in order to ensure that we do an extremely in-depth piece of work here."

On the Bill, Senator Carrigy stated, "I welcome the Bill and the changes that are set out including amending the Defence Act 1954 to remove references to the enlistment of minors; providing a legislative basis to allow members of the Reserve Defence Force serve in support of the permanent forces at home and abroad; and amending the Act to underpin practice in relation to the day-to-day operations and control of the Permanent Defence Force engaged in international operations.

"It is right and proper that Members of the House recognise the great work done and sacrifices made by our full-time and reserve personnel. In particular, we are grateful for the excellent reputation our Defence Forces have gained abroad on peacekeeping missions. Earlier this year, Brigadier General Maureen O'Brien was appointed to the United Nations as deputy military adviser in the office of military affairs at the department of peacekeeping operations, which is a significant role. My cousin, Captain Marie Carrigy, read the Proclamation in front of the GPO only last Easter.

"We currently have 561 brave women and men of the Defence Forces serving overseas in peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world. Irish troops were first deployed on UN missions in 1958. Since then, not a single day has passed without Irish participation in UN peace support operations. This is a unique record and one of which we can be proud. This commitment to international peacekeeping is a practical expression of the values we hold dear as a nation and our commitment to the UN and multilateralism. Since Ireland's first deployment, 87 members of the Defence Forces and a member of An Garda Siochana have lost their lives in the service of peace overseas. We remember them today.

"There are a number of issues in the Defence Forces. One is pay and remuneration for personnel. We need to make the forces more attractive so that young people making a decision on a future career will have a long-term career available to them. That issue needs to be looked at."

Senator Carrigy added, "As the Minister will be aware, I come from Ballinalee, which is the home of General Sean MacEoin. In 1922, General MacEoin took command of Custume Barracks in Athlone from the British and later went on to serve as Chief of Staff before entering political life and serving as Minister for Defence in the 1950s. It is important that this link is maintained and strengthened.

"Columb Barracks in Mullingar and Sean Connolly Barracks in Longford have closed in recent years. I ask that the Department examine strengthening the role of Custume Barracks in Athlone and maintaining that strong link that goes back to the foundation stone of our State, be it in re-establishing the barracks as the third brigade in Athlone, relocating the brigade commander, perhaps from Cathal Brugha Barracks, or re-establishing non-commissioned officer training at the barracks. I ask the Minister to take back to the Department the message that the barracks be strengthened. There is a fear in this regard and I ask that the matter be looked at."
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Gusbourne PLC - Ashford, England-based wine producer - Reports net revenue growth for the six months to June 30 of 63% to GBP1.5 million from GBP890,000 posted for the first half of 2020. Pretax loss widens to GBP1.9 million from GBP1.6 million year-on-year as administrative expenses increase to GBP2.1 million from GBP1.5 million. "Current trading continues to reflect strong sales growth, and we remain confident about the long term prospects for the business based on continued growth in direct to consumer sales, international expansion, and building direct relationships with key customers in the UK hospitality trade," says Chief Executive & Chief Winemaker Charlie Holland.







Getech Group PLC - Leeds-based provider of geoscience data - Reports revenue up 16% year-on-year in the six months to June 30 of GBP2.4 million from GBP2.1 million. Pretax loss, however, widens to GBP634,000 from GBP561,000 posted in the first half of 2020, as administrative expenses increase to GBP2.0 million from GBP1.8 million. "The first half of 2021 has been a period of fundamental change and significant progress at Getech; gearing the group for growth in multiple facets of the Energy Transition," says CEO Jonathan Copus.







Global Resources Investment Trust PLC - London-based investment firm - Concludes its preparations for its re-launch as a natural resources investment trust. For the first time in a number of years the company reports a profit GBP366,000 for the six months to June 30 compared to a loss of GBP288,000 posted for the first half of 2020. This was achieved largely as a result of the profit on the sale of the company's stake in Siberian Goldfields Ltd, but was assisted by the waiver of fees by directors and by advisers.







Wishbone Gold PLC - Gibraltar-based precious metals trading and exploration company - Reports pretax loss of USD658,399 for the six months to June 30 compared to GBP350,136 posted for the first half of 2020. Throughout the half year the company continued its expansion in exploration, predominantly in Patersons Range area of Western Australia.







Alien Metals Ltd - London-based exploration and development company - Reports pretax loss of GBP816,000 for the six months to June 30 compared to GBP416,000 loss posted for the first half of 2020. "The first 6-months of calendar 2021 have seen a number of positive developments for Alien. The company has continued to advance its understanding of the Hamersley iron ore projects in Western Australia, which has seen two successful drilling programmes executed at the Hancock DSO prospect, with the company having just released its maiden inferred JORC compliant resource with plenty of upside potential remaining on both tenements," says Chair Dan Smith.







African Pioneer PLC - Isle of Man-based natural resources company - Reports widened pretax loss of GBP183,649 for the six months to June 30 versus GBP16,108 loss posted for the first half of 2020. Total income rises to GBP17,081 from GBP4,285. The company started trading in London in June. Since then its main focus is on evaluating and advancing the Namibian and Zambian projects as the Botswanan projects are subject to the conditional Botswana licence sale agreement.







Thor Mining PLC - London-based exploration and development company - Reports widened pretax loss for the financial year to June 30 of GBP2.1 million compared to GBP922,000 posted the year before. The company says it is advancing its diversified portfolio of precious, base, energy and strategic metal projects across US and Australia. Its focus is on progressing its copper, gold, uranium and vanadium projects, while seeking investment or joint venture opportunities to develop its tungsten assets.







Strategic Minerals PLC - minerals production & development company - Reports revenue decline to USD1.5 million for the six months to June 30 from GBP1.7 million posted a year ago. In September 2011, Strategic Minerals acquired the distribution rights to the Cobre magnetite tailings dam project in New Mexico, US, a cash-generating asset, which it brought into production in 2012 and which continues to provide a revenue stream for the company. The company's pretax profit rises to GBP388,000 from GBP261,000 year-on-year. "It is the board's view that the second half of the year will also prove profitable resulting in an overall profit for the 2021 financial year. This view is based on expected continued demand at Cobre, and the reduction in the charge for share-based payments which were reflecting the options which expired at June 30," says Managing Director John Peters.







European Metals Holdings Ltd - Australian mineral exploration and development company - reports revenue for the financial year to June 30 of USD1.1 million, up from USD183,824 posted for financial 2020. Pretax loss narrows to USD4.0 million from USD4.6 million year-on-year. "As the lithium market moves into deficit, we anticipate the continuation of strong prices in the foreseeable future," notes Executive Chair Keith Coughlan.







Bay Capital PLC - India focused investment manager - Reports pretax loss of GBP89,500 for the period to June 30 from its incorporation on March 31. The loss reflects operating expenses incurred during its admission to the main market of the London Stock Exchange.







JPEL Private Equity Ltd - investment company - Reports net asset value per share as at June 30 of USD2.03 compared to USD1.61 posted the year prior. During the financial year to the end of June, the company's NAV was positively affected by two largest underlying portfolio company investments, being MBI Holdings and Milestone Investisseurs.







Supply@Me Capital PLC - London-based fintech company - Reports revenue of GBP271,000 for the six months to June 30 versus none posted for the first half of 2020. Pretax loss narrows to GBP1.7 million from GBP2.8 million year-on-year amid continued investment in technology, operations and hiring new senior team members. ""While our efforts have not necessarily been borne out in this set of numbers, we have built a strong pipeline of new business, some of which we expect to come into play by year-end. We are poised to seize the multitude of opportunities available to us, including the first monetisation transactions on our platform, and more," says CEO Alessandro Zamboni.







CIP Merchant Capital Ltd - closed-end investment management company - Reports swing to profit of GBP6.1 million for the six months to June 30 versus GBP4.9 million loss posted for the first half of 2020. During the period, the company invested in HSS Hire Group PLC, Ixico PLC and Vertu Motors PLC and secured an option with certain shareholders of 7Star Srl to potentially acquire a further equity interest of up to 42% for a nominal consideration. CIP reports NAV per share at 88.85p on June 30 versus 77.84p at the end of 2020.







Savannah Energy PLC - Africanafocused company - Reports revenue growth in the six months to June 30 to USD99.4 million from USD91.7 million posted a year prior. Pretax profit jumps to USD7.7 million from USD1.2 million year-on-year. Average realised gas price of USD4.2 million cubic feet of gas, up from USD3.9 recorded a year ago. Average realised liquids price of USD63.5 per barrel versus USD48.3 recorded for the first half of 2020. The company reiterates 2021 guidance, with revenue greater than USD205.0 million from upstream and midstream activities associated with the company's three active Nigerian gas sales agreements and liquids sales from the company's Stubb Creek and Uquo fields.







Scirocco Energy PLC - Leeds-based investment company - Reports a swing to a pretax profit of GBP1.8 million from GBP1.3 million loss posted for the first half of 2020. The company partially exited its shareholding in Helium One realising GBP3.3 million in proceeds during the period. "Since we emerged from 2020 the board of directors has implemented a change of investment policy which targets assets within the European sustainable energy and circular economy markets. This policy will see Scirocco allocating capital in assets which support the energy transition and offer a stable, growing source of cash flow going forward," notes Non-Executive Chair Alastair Ferguson.







Rockhopper Exploration PLC - Salisbury, England-based oil & gas exploration and production company - Reports revenue for the six months to June 30 of USD347,000 versus GBP2.5 million posted for the first half of 2020. Pretax loss narrows to USD3.3 million from USD226.8 million year-on-year. The company reports a sharp reduction in exploration and evaluation expenses to USD131,000 in the first half from USD223.6 million a year ago. Administrative expenses reduced to USD1.6 million from USD2.7 million year-on-year.







Nostra Terra Oil & Gas Co PLC - London-based oil & gas exploration and production company - Reports revenue growth in the six months to June 30 to USD963,000 from USD417,000 posted for the first half of 2020. Pretax loss widened to USD269,00 from USD437,000 year-on-year. Nostra Terra reports 25% increase in total production for the period to 15,211 barrels oil from 12,152 barrels oil in the first half of 2020. Average production during first half stands at 84 barrels of oil equivalent per day net to Nostra Terra versus 67 a year ago.







East Star Resources PLC - London-based investor in mineral resources - Reports pretax loss of GBP239,334 for the period to May 31 from incorporation in mid-November 2020. During the period, the company was primarily concerned with listing on the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange. The company started trading in London on May 4 and enjoyed 2 months of trading before entering a temporary suspension to facilitate a potential takeover transaction.







Great Western Mining Corp PLC - company which operates mining concessions in the US state of Nevada - Reports pretax loss of EUR427,590 for the six months to June 30 compared to EUR487,441 posted for the first half of 2020. "We are focused on fast-tracking the exploitation of precious metals to achieve early gold and silver sales and are well funded both to extend our drill programme and to finance the first phase of a processing plant for spoil heap material," says Chair Brian Hall.







Cizzle Biotechnology Holdings PLC - London-based company developing a blood test for the early detection of various forms of lung cancer - Reports pretax loss of GBP3.2 million for the six months to June 30 versus just GBP8,000 loss posted for the first half of 2020. During the period the company completed of the acquisition of CBL and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange. "Our next steps will be to consider how we can broaden the use of our technology for widescale screening in doctor's office testing," says Chair Allan Syms.







VPC Specialty Lending Investments PLC - investment company - NAV per share rises to 106.19p on June 30 from 89.78p posted the year before. The company reports share price as at the end of June of 84.00p, representing a 21% discount to NAV. VPC declares dividend of 2.0p per share for the half year to June 30, unchanged year-on-year.







Bezant Resources PLC - London-based copper-gold exploration and development firm - Reports pretax loss of GBP510,000 for the six months to June 30, widened from GBP261,000 posted for the first half of 2020. The half-year has been very active in the company's mission to drive the company towards copper and gold, with a view to establish new positions, consolidating current positions and monetarising legacy positions. "We look forward to adding value to all of projects during the second half and will keep shareholders fully advised of our progress in this exciting new age metal arena," says Executive Chair Colin Bird.







Panthera Resources PLC - London-based exploration and development company - Says pretax loss widens in the financial year to March 31 to USD2.3 million from USD1.1 million posted the year prior. During the year, the company has refocused itself towards its gold projects in West Africa while continuing its efforts to unlock the significant potential value of the Bhukia project in Rajasthan, India.







Fragrant Prosperity Holdings Ltd - British Virgin Islands-based special purpose acquisition company - Reports pretax loss of GBP241,709 for the financial year to March 31 versus GBP191,778 loss posted the year before, which represents ongoing administrative expenses as well as any costs incurred in identifying potential transactions. The company says it continued to review a number of potential acquisition opportunities across the sector but none of which met the necessary criteria for selection as at the end of the year.







Africa Opportunity Fund Ltd - Cayman Islands-based closed-end investment company - Reports NAV per share of USD0.988 as at June 30, up from USD0.551 posted the year ago. The company says NAV per share further rises to USD1.012 on September 17. The fund declares an annual dividend per share of USD0.0096 for 2020.







By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The number of cars built in the UK last month fell by 27% compared to a year ago, new figures show.

A total of 37,246 cars left production lines, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders.

Output was affected by the continuing global shortage of semiconductors leading to production stoppages, as well as the timing of some summer factory shutdowns.

Production of the latest battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars reached a new high, representing more than a quarter of all cars made, said the SMMT.

Car building for the UK market increased by 3.3% in the month, but exports fell by a third.

A total of 29,200 cars were shipped overseas, with the decline driven by falling exports to markets including Australia, the US and China.

Production in the year to date remains up, by 14%, said the SMMT.

Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: "Another significant decline for UK car production is extremely worrying both for the sector and its many thousands of workers nationwide.

"While not the only factor at play, the impact of the semiconductor shortage on manufacturing cannot be overstated.

"Carmakers and their suppliers are battling to keep production lines rolling, with constraints expected to continue well into 2022 and possibly beyond.

"Job support schemes such as furlough have proven such a lifeline to automotive businesses yet its cessation today comes at the worst time, with the industry still facing Covid-related stoppages which are damaging the sector and threatening the supply chain in particular.

"Other countries have extended their support; we need the UK to do likewise."

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
It's been little more than a month since Kalashnikov-toting Taliban fighters in their signature heavy beards, hightop sneakers and shalwar kameezes descended on the Afghan capital and cemented their takeover. Now theyre vying for a seat in the club of nations and seeking what no country has given them as they attempt to govern for a second time: international recognition of their rule.

The Taliban wrote to the United Nations requesting to address the U.N. General Assembly meeting of leaders that is underway in New York. They argue they have all the requirements needed for recognition of a government. The U.N. has effectively responded to the Taliban's request by signaling: Not so fast.

Afghanistan, which joined the U.N. in 1946 as an early member state, is scheduled to speak last at the General Assembly leaders' session on Monday. With no meeting yet held by the U.N. committee that decides challenges to credentials, it appears almost certain that Afghanistan's current ambassador will give the address this year  or that no one will at all.

The U.N. can withhold or bestow formal acknowledgement on the Taliban, and use this as crucial leverage to exact assurances on human rights, girls' access to education and political concessions. This is where the power  and relevance, even  of the 76-year-old world body still holds.

Afghanistan is a good, and perhaps extreme, representative case study of precisely why the United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II, said Rohinton Medhora, president of the Center for International Governance Innovation in Canada.

If youre the U.N. and you want to represent the family of nations, then you want absolutely everyone of the family there  even you know, the distant cousin that not everyones proud of, he said. So the U.N. needs Afghanistan and countries to demonstrate the value of many of its operations."

In Afghanistan, the United Nations can deploy the weight of its vast aid and development programs to show just how crucial its often underfunded agencies are in providing stability and security. The country is facing multiple humanitarian crises and near-total poverty due to fallout from the political situation.

There are already growing calls for aid to be contingent on ensuring girls' access to education. Despite promises to be inclusive and open, the Taliban have yet to allow older girls back to school, have curtailed local media freedoms and returned to brutal practices like publicly hanging dead bodies in city squares.

Taliban does not represent the will of the Afghan people, Afghanistans currently accredited ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Nasir Andisha, told The Associated Press.

If the United Nations recognizes the Talibans claim to power, Andisha said, then it sends a corrosive message to others  be it in Yemen or in Myanmar  that they can take up guns, create violence, join with U.S.-designated terrorist groups.

I think for the world, for the United Nations, its time to use this as a leverage, Andisha said.

The Talibans appointed U.N. representative, Suhail Shaheen, a former negotiator and political spokesman, told The Associated Press that his government should be admitted into the club of nations and that all borders, territory and major cities of Afghanistan are in our control.

We have support of our people and because of their support, we were able to continue a successful struggle for independence of our country which culminated in our independence, he said. "We have all the requirements needed for recognition of a government. So we hope the UN as an neutral World Body recognize the current government of Afghanistan.

More than a dozen ministers in the all-Taliban Cabinet are on a U.N. blacklist, including the groups foreign minister, whom Andisha and other Afghan diplomats abroad are refusing to speak to.

Andisha was serving in Geneva under the U.S.-backed government of Ashraf Ghani when the president fled Afghanistan Aug. 15 to seek refuge in the United Arab Emirates as the Taliban encircled the capital. Ghanis government swiftly fell thereafter.

Andisha is still holding meetings with representatives from countries around the world, imploring them to push for the resuscitation of intra-Afghan peace talks. He wants the United Nations to make clear that joining its ranks is not only about holding a country under the barrels of your guns and having enough population taken hostage.

Meanwhile, Qatar has urged countries not to boycott the Taliban, and Pakistan called on nations to avoid isolating the Taliban, and to incentivize them to hold to their promises of renouncing terrorism and being inclusive.

During the Talibans repressive time in power in the late 1990s, only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recognized their legitimacy. During that era, the U.N. refused to recognize their government and gave Afghanistans seat to the previous, warlord-dominated government.

The group was then ousted from power in 2001 by a U.S.-led coalition after the 9/11 attacks for harboring al-Qaida.

The United States, which withdrew all its forces from the country last month in a chaotic airlift that ended Americas forever war," says it is critical that the international community remains united in ensuring the Taliban meets a range of commitments before granting legitimacy or support beyond humanitarian aid.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this is the message he delivered to the U.N. Security Council and others on the sidelines of the General Assembly this week.

The U.S. has significant leverage when it comes to the Taliban," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Friday. But we have all the more leverage when we work in coordination and in harmony with our allies and partners around the globe, he added.

Medhora, of the Center for International Governance Innovation, said the U.N. has levers it can use through its various agencies, such as UNICEF, which focuses on children, UNHCR, which assists refugees, and the World Food Program, all where the actual work of the U.N. gets done." This is another area where the United States has major sway as the the largest donor to the United Nations, contributing nearly one-fifth of funding for the bodys collective budget in 2019, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

In multiple U.N. speeches this past week, a number of world leaders mentioned Afghanistan, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Afghanistans neighbors, such as Pakistan, Iran and Uzbekistan.

Enayat Najafizada, who runs an independent think tank in Kabul that monitors security issues in Afghanistan's provinces, said the U.N. should also facilitate negotiations between Afghan groups and bring the various countries with a history of meddling in the nation on board for the sake of regional security.

Without forming an inclusive government, the country will move to a civil war, said Najafizada, founder of The Institute of War and Peace Studies.

Although what comes next for Afghanistan is far from certain, it is clear the Taliban do not want to be seen as global pariahs, said Kamal Alam, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

"They want a seat at the U.N. They want to go to Davos. They like the private jet lifestyle, he said, referring to the group's political elite who reside in exile in Qatar.

But thats only the political leaders. The foot soldiers on the ground, theres no such thing as the new Taliban, he said. There is no new Taliban. Everything theyre doing is a tactic to get recognition as well as not be isolated.

___

AP journalists Matthew Lee and Kathy Gannon contributed to this report. Dubai-based AP correspondent Aya Batrawy has covered the U.N. General Assembly since 2019. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ayaelb
Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned as the Punjab Congress president, days after the party high command replaced Captain Amarinder Singh with Charanjit Singh Channi as chief minister.

The news spread like wildfire and became fodder for people on Twitter who made memes on the entire situation and even dragged Archana Puran Singh into it. Before Archana, Navjot was the permanent guest judge on The Kapil Sharma Show.

People started making memes on how Navjots resignation can be a threat to her position in the show. The actor has now made a statement that she is ready to quit if Navjot Singh Sidhu wants to return.

Speaking with Times Of India, Archana Puran Singh said, If Sidhu would seriously re-enter the show in my place, I will have many other things to do, which I have refused in the past few months. Since I am shooting for two days a week for the show, I can't take up any assignment, which is out of Mumbai or India. In the past few months, I got several opportunities to shoot in London and other foreign countries but I had to say no because of my commitment to the show.

Not just the people on social media platforms, the cast too has joked about how Sidhus return can be problematic for Archana. Addressing these jokes, Archana said, Kapil's show writers come up with all kinds of jokes and I can't help but laugh at them because they are funny. It is a task to come up with gags every day and keep the show running for the last 10 years. But all those who feel I don't have anything to do in the show should come on the sets to see how it is not easy to sit 6-7 hours in a particular position, facing the stage. I have to constantly sit in an angle for 4-7 hours on that sofa and face the stage, listen to every joke that's cracked, and then react to it.

Recently, in an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, Archana had revealed how she received congratulatory messages when Sidhu became the Punjab Congress chief. Mujhe itne phoolon ke bouquets aaye hai, mubarak ho, Archana maam kyunki woh wahaan par ban gaye (I got so many flower bouquets and congratulatory messages when Sidhu took up the post), she shared.

Archana has been judging comedy shows for a long time even when the concept of these shows wasnt very popular. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for her and whether we'll see Sidhu return to the show or not.
The trailer of Vicky Kaushals much-awaited film, Sardar Udham, has been dropped today and it has piqued the curiosity of the viewers as the quality of the trailer is on Hollywood's level. The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar and marks the collaboration between Sircar and Vicky Kaushal for the first time.

They both are masters of their crafts and the result of their dedication is right in front of us as the trailer offers an insight into Udham Singh's operation, from the planning stage to the execution, but doesnt give away everything. Its after long that we are seeing a trailer thats perfectly edited.

Heres the trailer:

The trailer keeps you at the edge of your seat and looks really promising. Vicky is seen as Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O' Dwyer, former lieutenant governor of Punjab, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. In the trailer, you will see Vicky in various avatars, proving again that he is one of the most versatile actors we have in Bollywood.

People have also given it a big thumbs up and have already declared that Vicky deserves a National Award for this role. They have also appreciated the cinematography and how the trailer does justice to all the hype around the film.

 YouTube/Amazon Prime Video

 YouTube/Amazon Prime Video

 YouTube/Amazon Prime Video

Here's the official synopsis:

The film, Sardar Udham, is the story of Sardar Udham Singh, a gallant and patriotic man who fought selflessly and courageously against the British subjugation of India. The film focuses on the undeterred mission of Sardar Udham to avenge the lives of his beloved brethren who were brutally killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919.

Speaking about the film, Vicky, in a statement, said, The story of Sardar Udham Singh is one that enthralled and inspired me. It represents strength, pain, passion, extraordinary courage and sacrifice, and many such values that I have tried to do justice through my character in the film. The role called for a lot of physical, and even more mental preparation to get into Udham Singhs shoes and bring to life the story of a man whose heroism and grit stand unmatched.

The movie also stars Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Banita Sandhu, and Kirsty Averton in pivotal roles and Amol Parashar in a special appearance.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Barysevich receives the Ambassador of Lebanon

On September 30, 2021, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mikalai Barysevich received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to the Russian Federation and to the Republic of Belarus concurrently Chawki Bou Nassaron on the occasion of presenting copies of his Credentials.

During the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest to promote comprehensive Belarusian-Lebanese cooperation, first of all in trade and economic spheres.

A particular attention was paid to the issues of holding political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries and organizing the next meeting of the Joint intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation.

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It's Affirmative Action Plan Season!

Each year, staff in the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity complete Miamis affirmative action plan for women and minorities and its affirmation action plan for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, collectively known as the Affirmative Action Program. Please contact OEEO if you would like to learn more.

Across the Divide Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2021

The Across the Divide Conference is the primary Diversity and Inclusion showcase for Miami University, with a goal to promote a deeper community understanding of the key issues and diversity activities across the institution. The theme for the 2021 conference will be Achievement & Opportunity. This years conference will be in hybrid format on October 8, 2021, from 8 a.m.  4:30 p.m.



Please follow this link to register for the event.

Miami Wins HEED Award for the Second Consecutive Year!

Once again, Miami has been awarded the 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine!

Recruitment Resources

The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is now offering a new recruitment resource, INSIGHT Into Diversity, to departments. The OEEO will automatically post all unclassified and faculty job advertisements at no cost to departments. We will be collecting data over the next year to determine the impact of this new resource.



Additionally, if your department holds a membership with an organization that is dedicated towards advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, please let us know. We are continuously looking to advance our recruitment efforts and resources. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Training

The OEEO and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion conducted 7 faculty search committee trainings encompassing 12 searches, and 6 harassment and discrimination prevention, Title IX, and/or duty to report training sessions in September.



The OEEO, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, and Academic Personnel will once again offer unclassified search committee training later this semester. Please stay tuned for dates and times.



Please contact (513) 529-7157 should you have any questions about the process for scheduling your faculty search committee training or wish to schedule Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Duty to Report training for your department.

Staff Highlights

Meet OEEO's newest student worker:

Adeline Hatfield

Adeline is a sophomore Education Studies & Political Science major from Akron, Ohio. On campus, she is a member of Chi Omega Sorority, the Urban Cohort, and the Honors College. Adeline is excited for the opportunity to be a student employee in OEEO this fall!

Meet OEEO's Associate Director (Investigations and Training):

Collin Baer

Collin joined the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity in 2018. He investigates complaints of harassment or discrimination based on protected class across the university, and allegations of sexual misconduct violations when an employee is accused. Collin also conducts training pertaining to these issues, including reminding every Miami employee of their Duty to Report. Collins professional background includes several years of corporate workplace investigations across the country and equal opportunity investigations for the state of Nebraska. Collins personal background includes marching band at the University of Nebraska, playing in and organizing Ultimate Frisbee leagues, and singing karaoke.

OEEO Term of the Month

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications include the essential education, experience, training, certifications, and/or licenses necessary to perform the essential duties of the position, and should be objective, position-related, and measurable.

Please remember that all University employees who become aware of alleged discrimination or harassment must REPORT IT in order to promote a University environment free from discrimination and harassment and to promote equal employment opportunity. Retaliation must also be reported.

*Miscellaneous reports are those that do not lead to a formal resolution procedure (investigation). The OEEO will meet with parties even when the reported behavior would not violate policy to see if an informal resolution would be appropriate. Additionally, the OEEO refers any report that is not based on a protected class issue to the appropriate office for response and resolution.
University commemorates 175th anniversary of Miami Tribes removal from homelands

By Jessica Rivinius, university news and communications

Miami University will hold a Day of Reflection on Oct. 11 to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Miami Tribes removal from their homelands, which include what is today Oxford, Ohio. All are invited to attend and participate in the solemn program, which begins with a talk at 10 a.m. in the Art Museum Sculpture Park, includes a walk of reflection through campus, and concludes with closing remarks at Bonham House at about 10:45 a.m.

The Day of Reflection seeks to acknowledge and remember the history of the Myaamia people and the hardships their ancestors endured. In October 1846, the Miami Tribe was forcibly removed from their homelands. On Oct. 11, the Tribe passed through Butler County on the Miami and Erie Canal, along the Great Miami River, as they were taken to a new reservation in what would later become Kansas.

The program will begin with a talk from Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Douglas Lankford on the lawn of the Art Museum at the A Tribe Named Miami, A Surveyors Stake, a Town Named Oxford sculpture. His talk will focus on the effects of the removal, and the hurt and loss it caused.

The event will continue with a walk through Miamis Arts Quad, past the universitys sundial, to Bonham House, home to the Myaamia Center, the research arm for the Tribe. Pieces of colored fabric will be tied to trees along the walking route to commemorate each of the 330 Tribe members who were removed.

On the Bonham House lawn, Daryl Baldwin, executive director of the Myaamia Center, will discuss the Tribes revitalization and healing, while looking to the future. Afterward, Miami President Gregory Crawford will speak to reaffirm the universitys commitment to its partnership with the Tribe, the wellbeing of its people, and their quest to heal from  and reclaim  their history.

The Art Museum parking lot will be reserved for special guests and those who need assistance on the morning of the event. If you work on campus, we encourage you to park in your normal parking location and either walk to the Art Museum or ride the BCRTA Western Campus/North Loop bus (U4).

For off-campus guests, free parking will be available at the Boyd Hall parking lot (551 Western College Drive, Oxford, OH 45056). A shuttle will be provided to the Art Museum. The last shuttle will depart the parking lot at 9:50 a.m.

The event will take place rain or shine. If severe weather causes the event to be postponed, the university community will be notified.

Mark your calendar: A Day of Reflection
Applications for training grants through Going PRO Talent Fund accepted starting September 30

Applications for training grants through Going PRO Talent Fund accepted starting September 30

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021

Media Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731

LANSING, Mich.-Michigan employers looking to take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund program will be able to apply for a share of at least $40 million in competitive training funds available to Michigan businesses today, Sept. 30. The Going PRO Talent Fund helps individuals secure employment, industry-recognized credentials and strong wages by providing training grants to Michigan businesses to support employees in high-demand, skilled trades industries.

Going PRO Talent Fund provides grants to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. New this year is a priority on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on providing grants for minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, Individual With A Disability (IWD) owned or a Geographically-Disadvantaged Business.

"It is our mission to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all," said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director. "Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion ensures these underrepresented populations stay competitive and are afforded opportunities to succeed. A more diverse workforce brings fresh ideas to businesses, leading to a stronger Michigan economy."

Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and industry recognized.

"Since the program's launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for more than 121,000 Michigan workers, supporting the needs of over 40,000 business, upskilling the workforce and contributing to the increase in post-secondary credentials supporting the Governor's Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training.

Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded to employers through the Michigan Works! network (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local MWAs and other partners to develop an appropriate, realistic training plan.

"The Going PRO Talent Fund is essential to helping Michigan businesses meet the growing demand for skilled workers and provides individuals with industry-recognized credentials that lead to higher wages," said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. "Employers increasingly seek out Michigan Works! services and see the workforce system as a partner to better support their business goals and the goals of their employees."

Among other responsibilities, employers are expected to provide financial or in-kind contributions in support of the training project, as well as use Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) and MWAs to recruit for job openings.

Businesses interested in learning more or applying for funding should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Contact information can be found at MichiganWorks.org.

The application period ends Oct. 28, and selected applicants will be announced in December 2021.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

The Governor's Sixty by 30 program aims to help 60% of working-age Michiganders achieve a certificate or postsecondary degree by 2030. Find out more at Sixtyby30.org.
Chinook and coho salmon runs begin as DNR gears up for egg takes

Chinook and coho salmon runs begin as DNR gears up for egg takes

Aaron Switzer , 231-325-4611, ext. 115 Natural Resources

Sept. 30, 2021

The days are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change and the salmon are starting their annual spawning runs - all signs that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is preparing for Chinook and coho salmon egg takes.

Managing Michigan's world-class fisheries is dependent on egg takes each fall. Salmon return to the rivers and streams where they were hatched or stocked. To aid in annual egg collection, the DNR has strategically placed weirs in rivers with high concentrations of spawning salmon.

DNR facilities begin operations in mid-September and complete the process in late October for all Pacific salmon egg takes. Though the egg collection work is scheduled, the DNR team will act only when there are sufficient numbers to indicate the fish are ready. Conditions can vary day to day.

DNR staff conduct egg takes not only to support Michigan's yearly fish production goals, but also to assist other Great Lakes states in meeting their fishery needs. This season, portions of Michigan-collected eggs will be directed to Illinois and Indiana.

Chinook egg takes occur on the Little Manistee River at the Little Manistee River Weir facility. This work typically occurs during the first week of October. The DNR plans on collecting 2.5 million eggs for Michigan's waters, as well as 600,000 eggs for Indiana and 800,000 eggs for Illinois, in support of each state's salmon stocking programs.

Coho egg takes on the Platte River at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery typically occur during the third week of October. The DNR plans on collecting 3 million eggs for Michigan's waters, as well as 1.1 million for Indiana and 1 million for Illinois.

All eggs collected for out-of-state needs are reared in that state's hatchery facilities and stocked in the Great Lakes.

Egg take operations are open to the public to allow visitors to see these amazing fish and the process of harvesting their eggs. Weir tours combined with education and outreach efforts bring classrooms and hundreds of students to the facilities every year to learn about the life cycle of fish, invasive species, the history of salmon in the Great Lakes and the DNR programs that manage and sustain these prized fisheries.

For a detailed explanation of the life cycle of a Chinook salmon, view our Chinook Salmon Lifestages video. To learn more about the work at Michigan's state fish hatcheries or to plan a trip to see the egg take activities, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.

For everyone's safety, visitors are encouraged to wear face masks when inside buildings open to the public.

An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Salmon eggs: Brian Haffner, a DNR fisheries technician out of the Platte River State Fish Hatchery, holds a pail of coho salmon eggs collected during the fall 2018 salmon run.
Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant to Boost High-Tech Business Growth in Cass County, Creating 248 Jobs and Generating $14 Million in Investment

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant to Boost High-Tech Business Growth in Cass County, Creating 248 Jobs and Generating $14 Million in Investment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant to Boost High-Tech Business Growth in Cass County, Creating 248 Jobs and Generating $14 Million in Investment

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Gov. Whitmer announced that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to the Midwest Energy Cooperative in Cassopolis, Michigan to construct the needed road, sewer, and water infrastructure to support the 234-acre Southwest Michigan Advanced Research and Technology Park (SMART Park). This EDA grant, to be matched with $6 million in local funds, is expected to create 248 jobs and generate $14 million in private investment.

"We are grateful to our federal partners for investing in Michigan by supporting the Southwest Michigan Advanced Research and Technology Park," said Governor Whitmer. "This grant will help us continue to usher in a new era of prosperity by creating 248 jobs and generating $14 million in private investment, making a lasting positive impact on our communities."

"President Biden is committed to supporting local efforts to create new jobs and opportunities in communities impacted by nuclear plant closures," said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. "This investment leverages Cass County's assets - high-skilled workforce, access to major rail and fiber broadband - to attract new businesses and build regional economic resiliency."

"The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Midwest Energy Cooperative's efforts to build an industrial and tech park that will create much needed, good-paying jobs," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. "This investment will diversify the local economy by attracting high-tech companies involved in the critical solar, fiber optics, data-hosting, agriculture and food sectors as the region prepares for the closure of the Palisades Nuclear Plant."

This project is being funded under EDA's Assistance to Nuclear Closure Communities program. Closures of nuclear power plants throughout the United States have had a significant impact on the economic foundations of surrounding communities through sudden job losses and a reduction to the local tax base. EDA has a history of success working with communities facing structural economic adjustments to diversify and strengthen their economies for the future, including those impacted by nuclear power plant closures.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

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Governor Whitmer Announces Key Appointments to Cabinet, State Agencies, and Executive Staff

Governor Whitmer Announces Key Appointments to Cabinet, State Agencies, and Executive Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Announces Key Appointments to Cabinet, State Agencies, and Executive Staff

New Directors of State Budget Office, DTMB, Global Michigan, and new Chief Compliance Officer and Policy Director in executive office

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced several appointments and staff filling high-level roles in state government. The governor welcomes these talented individuals, all of whom have a depth of experience, a wealth of subject area knowledge, and extensive management expertise.

"The State of Michigan will benefit from all of today's appointments, and I look forward to working with this talented group of people to put Michiganders first and get things done," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "We have an unprecedented opportunity right now to usher in a new era of prosperity for our state, and I am proud to have a skilled, experienced team by my side as we work together to deliver real change on the kitchen-table fundamental issues that make a difference in people's lives."

Christopher Harkins will serve as the state's new Budget Director. Christopher is currently the Director of the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, a role he was appointed to by Senate Republicans, since January 2019. He has several years of experience in Michigan state government at the State Budget Office and the House Republican Policy Office. Christopher received his master's from Pennsylvania State University and his undergraduate degree at MSU.

"It is an honor to serve my State in this capacity and I want to thank Governor Whitmer for the opportunity," said Christopher Harkins. "Budgets are the embodiment of the priorities of our citizenry, and I look forward to putting my state budget experience to work to once again find common ground with the legislature as we create another strong budget for next year."

Julia Dale will serve as the State of Michigan's new Director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB). Julia most recently served as an Assistant Attorney General and Section Head of Business and Charities Section in the Office of the Attorney General and previously worked in various high-level roles at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Julia received her J.D. at Wayne State University and her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University.

"The ability to serve the people of Michigan under Governor Whitmer is a tremendous honor," said Julia Dale. "I look forward to building on the Department's exceptional customer service to Michigan residents, state employees, and businesses."

"I am so grateful to outgoing DTMB Director Brom Stibitz for his years of service at the department," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Director Stibitz led the state through historic crises and facilitated a smooth transition to remote work for thousands of state employees to help ensure Michiganders got the resources they needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our families, communities, and small businesses are better off today because of the incredible work he did as director. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Poppy Sias-Hernandez will serve as the new Executive Director of Global Michigan while continuing her role as the state's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Poppy has served in the executive office since day one of the Whitmer administration in two roles, first as the West Michigan Regional Director of Community Affairs and currently, as the state's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Poppy received her master's from Western Michigan University and her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

The governor also made two changes to her executive staff.

Maria Martinez, formerly Deputy Legal Counsel to the Governor, was selected to serve as Chief Compliance Officer. Maria joined the executive office in December 2020 and brings experience as a former in-house counsel for a Michigan business and working as an attorney at Bodman PLC, a Detroit-based law firm. Maria received both her J.D. and undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

Marc Rehmann was selected to serve as the governor's Policy Director. Marc joins the administration after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), a Senior Campaign Manager at the Center for American Progress, and a legislative aide to U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke (D-TX). Marc received both his J.D. and undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

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Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant for U-M Flint to Support Over 300 Jobs and $10.4 Million in Investment in Flint

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant for U-M Flint to Support Over 300 Jobs and $10.4 Million in Investment in Flint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant for U-M Flint to Support Over 300 Jobs and $10.4 Million in Investment in Flint

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Whitmer announced that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.8 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan, to construct the university's new College of Innovation and Technology. This EDA grant, to be matched with $4.9 million in local funds, is expected to create 126 jobs, retain 175 jobs, and generate $10.4 million in private investment.

"We are grateful to Secretary Raimondo and the Biden Administration for investing in University of Michigan-Flint's College of Innovation and Technology," said Governor Whitmer. "This grant will help us usher in a new era of prosperity by supporting over 300 good-paying jobs and generating $10.4 million in private investment."

"The University of Michigan-Flint is a pillar of excellence in the community and continues to offer residents access to a college degree as an investment in their future," said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. "This grant to build the College of Innovation and Technology will create jobs and strengthens UM-Flint as a higher institution committed to student success. The City of Flint looks forward to supporting this work and our continued partnership to get residents back to work and back to school."

"Thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for their support for a new College of Innovation and Technology building at UM-Flint," said University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Deba Dutta. "This catalytic investment in support of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development will serve as the entryway for industry and community partners to advance economic growth in the region. We are grateful to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other UM-Flint partners for their generous financial support of this transformational project. Our industry partners have been instrumental in the success of this proposal, and we continue to benefit from their shared vision and collaboration as we help prepare the Flint region and the state of Michigan with a workforce for Industry 4.0."

"Programs housed in the new building will help to build the regional talent pipeline by providing upskilling and reskilling programs in high demand areas such as cybersecurity, AI, mobility and other emerging technology areas. The facility will help grow university training and research expertise, expand problem-solving capacity of graduates and validate market-ready innovation." said University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Deba Dutta.

"The pandemic exposed the need for economic diversification and resiliency in many regions across the United States," said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. "This EDA investment on the University of Michigan-Flint campus will fuel innovation and entrepreneurship and ensure our nation recovers from the pandemic and builds back stronger."

"This catalytic investment in Flint, Michigan, will connect industry partners with the university to spark job creation," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. "This project will provide for the construction of the new 17,000-square foot Innovation and Technology Center, a one-stop business gateway for training and research, innovation and job recruitment."

This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau's flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

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Bad Axes main coffee establishment will soon have a new location and is partnering with an area school district to make it happen.

Emmas Coffee House plans on opening its first expansion location in Pigeon by the end of October, which will be done in partnership with the Laker School Districts SAIL Academy.

Brad Severance, one of Emmas owners, said Laker Schools approached the business about working together on a work study program for the SAIL Academy, which offers individualized learning and apprenticeship programs for its students. The program allows students ages 16 and older an opportunity to earn high school credit while acquiring on-the-job experience.

We had always wanted to do another location, Severance said. This is a good opportunity to expand.

The Pigeon Emmas location will be at the former Independent Bank on Main Street across from the Shell gas station, which it will share with the SAIL Academy.

Severance said the new Emmas will be scaled down compared to the original Bad Axe location, centered mainly on taking window and drive-thru orders, but the menu offerings will remain the same. Outdoor seating will be provided.

The SAIL Academy students will work as staff members at Emmas, learning the ins and outs of the hospitality industry and gettin a look at how a small business operates. They can only work a maximum of four hours a day so they can still focus on their schoolwork.

Obviously we cant work them too much because they are minors, Severance said.

Severance, who also operates the Club Fitness gym with locations in Bad Axe and Caseville, feels that within another couple of years, if the Pigeon location works about, Emmas will be expanding again.
If it wasnt for wanting to be closer to family, Joan Sattelberg would still be serving the residents of Elmwood Township.

She has been on the board for so long she isnt exactly sure how long she has been on it.

I think I started in the early 1980s," she said. "Ive enjoyed being on the board and the only reason Im resigning is we are moving to be closer to our family, otherwise I would stay on. Ive enjoyed it. As a trustee you dont have the workload that some of the other positions do.

Over the years weve had some good board members without a lot of drama.

For her years of dedication and service she received a special state tribute. Senator Kevin Daleys aide Matthew Bierlein presented the resolution to her.

Wording on it says that Ive been on the township board for over 40 years, but I think they are counting some of the years my mother-in-law served," Sattelberg said. "She was township clerk for a few years. I think Ive been on the board more like about 35 instead of 40.

It is with deep appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism that Joan Agatha Sattelberg has put forth on behalf of the people of Elmwood Township that we offer this expression of our thanks and best wishes on the occasion of her retirement as trustee, reads the state resolution.

She officially retired this month.

The plan is to move to Florida in October.

She noted although the current township hall was there when she started on the board, there have been a lot of improvements and upgrades made to the hall.

Her services to the community included serving on the ambulance board representing her township. She was a paraprofessional in the Cass City School District for about 20 years.

She was also the township assessor for a few years, but then dropped that to concentrate on raising a family. She also worked at the Cass City State Bank for about 10 years.

We applaud Joans accomplishments and are sincerely grateful for the way in which Tuscola County has benefited from her many contributions," the tribute noted.

The tribute was signed by Sen. Kevin Daley, Rep. Phil Green, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist ll.
MANISTEE  Ten counties in northern Michigan will need 15,000 units of housing until 2025. That is what Yarrow Brown of Housing North said when she gave a virtual PowerPoint presentation on housing needs to the Manistee Housing Commission during their monthly meeting.

Housing North covers 10 counties in northern Michigan from Manistee to Emmet. The presentation on Tuesday noted what the organization is doing to address those needs. Brown said 900 units  both rental and ownership units  are needed in Manistee County.

She said one of the main focuses is on so-called "attainable" housing, which is housing for people who make within 80-120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This income bracket faces challenges because people who make 80-120% of the AMI are ineligible for rental assistance but also unable to afford the current market rate.

The presentation that Brown gave included a graph which showed that people who make 120% of the AMI could afford market-rate housing. She noted there are no easy solutions nor a silver bullet to fix the problem but said the organization is working with many others to come up with solutions.

One of those is the Housing Ready program. This program creates three-year positions for a person to address problems within a certain community. Housing North employs a person in Charlevoix and Emmet counties. This person would be working in the county they are assigned but would have a fiduciary responsibility to Housing North.

Brown said that this is a "boots on the ground" position that would try to build local housing capacity, identify development opportunities, and find ways to garner new investment. Brown said they have raised 80% of the funds needed to fund the position for a person to be assigned to Manistee County. This position will cost around $90,000. Brown asked the housing commission for $10,000 a year for the next three years to fully fund the position.

She said they have raised $63,000 from several "community partners" including the Manistee County Community Foundation, the Manistee Downtown Development District, the United Way as well as the city and county of Manistee.

The person hired for the position would ideally have a bachelor's degree and some experience but Brown said, "It's a tricky position to figure out what qualifications you want." She said the position description would be similar to the person they hired for Emmet County but that she is working with a group to make it more conducive to what Manistee might need.

Also at the commission meeting was a discussion of the closing of the RAD Conversion of the Century Terrace and Harborview apartment complexes. Residents of those complexes will have to sign a new lease after the closing RAD conversion, according to Clinton McKinven-Copus during the Manistee Housing Commission meeting on Tuesday held via Zoom.

McKinven-Copus said, "the RAD conversion of Century Terrace and Harborview is now slated to occur between Oct. 14 and Oct 22."

He said the conversion had "two-hold ups." One of the hold-ups was because of an environmental review by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy(EGLE). The second hold-up was because of legal documents that are also under review by Housing and Urban Development attorneys at the Detroit Field office.

Currently, Commonwealth Management Corporation (an arm of Commonwealth Development Corporation) is managing the Low-Income Tax Credit Program for the next three years. The housing commission will take over the management of the Low-Income Tax Credit Program after five years. The RAD conversion changes Century Terrace and Harborview from public housing financed by HUD, into the LITC program which allows for private financing from third parties like Commonwealth Development.

McKinven-Copus said Commonwealth Management is bringing in representatives from Oct. 4-Oct. 22 to screen the current residents of Century Terrace and Harborview for eligibility for the LITC program.

However, he said that "all of our current residents under the RAD conversion provisions are guaranteed the right to continue in our housing." He said the screening process is simply a paperwork requirement of the Low-Income Tax Credit program.

McKinven-Copus said once the legal review and environmental review paperwork is signed, the commission will have a closing date on the RAD conversion, and then the housing commission will set up meetings will the residents of Harborview and Century Terrace to sign a new lease.

To watch a recording of the meeting, go here.

RELATED:

Housing commission proposes new affordable housing development

HUD awards over $300,000 to Manistee Housing Commission

Manistee has a housing crunch. Here is what you need to know.

Manistee Housing Commission updates city council on RAD program
MANISTEE  The annual Life Chain is returning Sunday to Manistee and the public is invited to take part in the pro-life event.

"Each year on the first Sunday of October, people across the country gather along a major street in their hometown to pray and hold signs displaying the sacredness of human life," reads a news release.
Looking for something to do? Here is a list of local events. The next collection of things to do in Manistee County and beyond is set to run on Oct. 7.

To submit an event, email the time, date and location information to advocate@pioneergroup.com.

SEASONAL EVENTS

 Frankfort Farmers Market, May through October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Open Space Park on Main Street, Frankfort

 Manistee Farmers Market, through Oct. 2, Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, Veterans Memorial Park, Manistee

 Elberta Community Farmers Market, Thursdays through Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to noon, Waterfront Park on Center Street in Elberta

 Honey Bee Market, Mondays 1-7 p.m., St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S. Pioneer Road, Beulah

 Iron Fish Distillery Spring Roll Sundays, noon to 5 p.m., 14234 Dzuibanek Road, Thompsonville

 Downtown Ludington Final Friday Experience, last Friday of the month

 Manistee Historical Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 425 River St., Manistee

 Bear Lake Area Historical Museum, 1-4 p.m. Saturdays through October, corner of Main and Virginia streets, Bear Lake

 Benzie Area Historical Museum, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 6941 Traverse Ave., Benzonia

 Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays through October, 9991 Marilla Road, Copemish

 Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 217 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington

 Historic White Pine Village, 12:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 1687 South Lakeshore Drive, Ludington

 The Kaleva Bottle House is open through October from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In December, it will be open with holiday decorations and refreshments from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

 Open Manistee Senior Softball team events through fall. Weather permitting. Pick-up games Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. Info: Bill Mason 248-672-8929

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 30

 7:30 p.m., Le Cirque Esprit at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee

Oct. 1-30

 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, Its A Guy Thing a showcase of all male artists hosted by the Manistee Art Institute, 437 River St. In Manistee. Info: Kerry Schubach, 231-690-5326

Oct. 1

 6:30-9 p.m., Its A Guy Thing, a showcase of all male artists, opening reception, hosted by the Manistee Art Institute, 437 River St. In Manistee. Info: Kerry Schubach, 231-690-5326

 7:30 p.m., Le Cirque Esprit at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee

Oct. 2

 10-11:30 a.m., Michigan Convention of States town hall, at Benzie County Eagles Lodge, at 71 Lake St. in Frankfort

 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fall into Quilting Craft and Quilt Show, Norman Township Hall, at 1273 Seaman Road, $2 admission

 11 a.m., Manistee County Democratic Party rally for womens reproductive rights at Manistee City Hall, 70 Maple St. in Manistee

 11 a.m., Rally for Choice, Benzie County Government Center, 448 Court Place in Beulah

 Noon to 5 p.m., Artist Bernadette Zachara-Marcos' exhibit starts at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. Exhibit continues Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. through Oct. 15.

 5-7 p.m., Gala to celebrate the James Earl Jones/Donald Crouch mentorship project at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee. Reservations at allartsmanistee.com

Oct. 3

 2:30-3:30 p.m., Life Chain, a nationwide event, will be held along U.S. 31 in Benzie County beginning at the M-115 intersection and could stretch as far as Grace Road. Info: Roger Stanwick, 231-620-2700

Oct. 7

 6-10 p.m., Onekama 150 Gala, Portage Point Resort, located at 8567 Portage Point Drive in Onekama
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia and Kosovo have reached an agreement to deescalate tensions on their mutual border that have been triggered by a dispute over vehicle license plates, a European Union mediator announced Thursday.

We have a deal! After two days of intense negotiations, an agreement on de-escalation and the way forward has just been reached, EU mediator Miroslav Lajcak tweeted.

Last week, Kosovos government deployed special police forces to the border crossings to impose a new rule of removing Serb license plates from cars coming into the country, saying that a 10-year-old deal had expired. Pristina said they were replicating what Serbia had done for the past decade.

Protesting the new Kosovo rule, Kosovo Serbs blocked the border with trucks, and people could only cross on foot. Serbian military jets and helicopters have been flying close to the border with Kosovo in an apparent show of force.

Lajcak tweeted the agreed three-point plan that calls for the withdrawal of special Kosovo police unit from the border crossings as well as the lifting of the Kosovo Serb blockades.

The NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, or KFOR, will be deployed to the border to maintain a safe and secure environment and the freedom of movement, the agreement says.

KFOR, with around 4,000 troops from 28 countries, is led by NATO but is supported by the United Nations, the European Union and others. Its aim is to stave off lingering ethnic tensions between majority Kosovo Albanians and minority Kosovo Serbs after Kosovo broke away and became independent from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia, supported by its allies Russia and China, doesn't recognize the statehood of its former province which is recognized by the United States and most of the West.

The EU welcomed the agreement and urged both parties to constructively engage in the dialogue in order to make swift progress on comprehensive normalization of their relations."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was on a tour of the Balkan region, welcomed the deal between Kosovo and Serbia.

Its good for the whole region, she said. The dialogue now needs to continue.

The agreement also said that instead of removing license plates and issuing temporary ones, both Serbia and Kosovo will introduce stickers that will be put over the existing car registrations, adding that this is a temporary measure until a permanent solution is found.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he is personally very happy about the deal that preserves peace in the region.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that Kosovo special police will leave the border area as long as Kosovo Serbs lift the barricades. He said that KFOR will remain at the border for about two weeks to verify that everything is safe."

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AP Writers Samuel Petrequin in Brussels and Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, contributed.
When it comes to a good lunch, Im pretty willing to go anywhere in the area as long as Im back at my desk within an hour or so. Thankfully, there are some great restaurants that dont require a long commute, one of those being Basil Thai Bistro.

I remember eating my first Thai food when I was a teenager and I took a trip with my dad to visit a couple in Huntsville, Alabama. His friends, who are literal rocket scientists and love a good adventure, took us out to dinner at a Thai restaurant. I recall my uncertainty about trying a completely new ethnic food, but my palate was widened when I tasted pad thai.

Basil Thai Bistro opened as Midlands only Thai restaurant in 2013 along Wackerly Street. and moved to 416 E. Ellsworth St. in the downtown area in 2017. The move was a welcome one for me, as its only just a hop, skip and jump from the Daily News office and is ideally located if I want to have a take-out dinner.

Upon entering Basil Thai Bistro, I detected the slightest trace of spices permeating the air. The restaurant was relatively busy, given the noontime hour, but a host was able to escort me to a table in quick fashion. I took a moment to appreciate the decor, which was stylish and hinted at the rich Thai culture.

As I have admitted in past columns, once I find a certain dish I like at a restaurant, I tend to stick with it, only deviating if I taste something else I enjoy from a companions plate  with their permission, of course. This time I ordered a lunch portion of pad thai and, because I was feeling adventurous, an appetizer of golden triangles, which the waitress explained are like spring rolls, just in a different shape.

The golden triangles came out hot and fresh, five piled on a plate, accompanied by sweet and sour sauce. Indeed, the dish looked as if egg rolls got on the wrong side of a rolling pin, with a crispy wonton shell encasing a mix of chicken, vegetables and herbs. The filling was hot enough that I could only consume one of them, blowing intermittently, before the main course came; it provided a good lesson on patience and self-discipline. The sweet and sour sauce was tangy and complimented the triangles savory insides.

It had been a while since I had eaten Basil Thais pad thai, but it was just as good as I remembered it. Rice noodles were soaked with a red sauce that turned them a light shade of pink. Mixed in were an egg, green onions, bean sprouts, all topped with ground peanuts. Among the choice of meat were beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, tofu, shrimp and seafood. I opted to go with the chicken, which gave a nice mild flavor to the meal. The flavors and textures within the dish melded well together, creating a slightly sweet taste that would compliment any spice added. Since I am spice heat intolerant, I went without any added seasoning, though diners who are more daring than I might enjoy mild or even medium spice levels. The lunch portion size was more than enough to make two meals for me.

If noodles arent your thing, Basil Thai Bistro has a wide selection of dishes from fried rice and wok fries to curries and specialties like lemongrass chicken. No matter what youre craving, whether it be spicy or savory or somewhere in between, theres always a new culinary journey to be enjoyed here. Cheers!

Out to Lunch with Tori appears each Thursday in the Midland Daily News. Victoria (Tori) Ritter can be reached at vritter@mdn.net
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California's reservoirs are so dry from a historic drought that regulators warned Thursday it's possible the state's water agencies won't get anything from them next year, a frightening possibility that could force mandatory restrictions for residents.

California has a system of giant lakes called reservoirs that store water during the state's rainy and snowy winter months. Most of the water comes from snow that melts in the Sierra Nevada mountains and fills rivers and streams in the spring.

Regulators then release the water during the dry summer months for drinking, farming and environmental purposes, including keeping streams cold enough for endangered species of salmon to spawn.

This year, unusually hot, dry conditions caused nearly 80% of that water to either evaporate or be absorbed into the parched soil  part of a larger drought that has emptied reservoirs and led to cuts for farmers across the western United States. It caught sate officials by surprise as California now enters the rainy season with reservoirs at their lowest level ever.

Nothing in our historic record suggested the possibility of essentially that snow disappearing into the soils and up into the atmosphere at the level that it did, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said. These climate changes are coming fast and furious.

California's State Water Project  a complex system of dams, canals and reservoirs  helps provide drinking water to about 27 million people in the state. In December, state officials will announce how much water each district can expect to get next year.

Thursday, Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said the agency is preparing for what would be its first ever 0% allocation because of extraordinarily dry conditions.

Its a done deal, were sure that we will get a zero, said Demetri Polyzos, manager of resource planning for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California that provides water for about 19 million people. These are uncharted territories, what we are seeing.

The December announcement acts as an initial estimate. It could change later if things improve. That's why this winter is so important. It's impossible to predict with accuracy how much rain and snow California will get this winter. But if it's anything like the last two winters, there will be even bigger problems.

California's water year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. The 2021 year ends Thursday, and it was the second driest year on record, according to the Department of Water Resources. California had its warmest ever statewide monthly average temperatures in October, June and July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information.

The 2021 water year began with reservoirs at 93% capacity. But California won't have that cushion this year. The state's reservoirs are at 60% of their historic average, state officials said.

The State Water Project provides about 30% of the Metropolitan Water District's supplies, with the Colorado River supplying about 25%. The district also has some local supplies, including water it has in storage.

Last month, the agency declared a water supply alert and called for voluntary conservation. They're offering rebates for things like more efficient shower heads and appliances and replacing grass lawns.

Despite the severity of the drought, Gov. Gavin Newsom has not declared a statewide emergency. Instead, he has declared emergencies in 50 of the state's 58 counties, an approach his administration says is driven by lessons learned from the most recent drought when the state imposed restrictions statewide.

(Water agencies) have explained to us that one size fits all mandates from Sacramento sometimes have unintended consequences, Crowfoot said.

Still, California's water supplies are in poor condition heading into the rainy season. In July, Newsom asked everyone to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15%. But in the first three weeks after that request, Californians reduced their water usage by just 1.8%, state officials said.

In a call with reporters on Thursday, Crowfoot said mandatory water restrictions need to be on the table. But he indicated those restrictions likely wouldn't come until state officials have a better idea of how much water the state will get this winter.

This winter will be determinative in terms of what additional actions we need to take on conservation, Crowfoot said. We'll be watching.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Iowas largest public school system will offer drive-through COVID-19 tests starting next week, in an effort to counter rising virus infections since the governor discontinued a statewide testing program.

Des Moines Public Schools officials said Thursday that they have entered an agreement with Nomi Health to offer testing from Monday at two city locations. It's the same Utah-based company that the state contracted with in April 2020 to provide Test Iowa services  widely available free tests at accessible drive-through locations.

Gov. Kim Reynolds discontinued that program on July 16, saying demand for testing was at its lowest in more than a year, vaccines were widely available and virus activity had decreased. The state instead made at-home test kits available; users must send samples to a laboratory and wait sometimes several days for results. COVID-19 tests also can be conducted by health care providers, pharmacies and other retail testing site. Iowans have since complained that testing is not convenient and results are slow.

Cases began climbing again in mid-July and continued to surge as the delta variant gained a foothold and vaccination hesitancy slowed efforts to stop high-level spread. COVID-19 cases climbed rapidly through August and September.

Iowa continues to see more than 1,500 cases a day and more than 600 people are currently in hospitals with COVID-19. The state has recorded more than 370 deaths since broad statewide testing stopped with a total death toll of 6,563.

Just 53.9% of the state's population is fully vaccinated.

Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst said shes heard from constituents and experienced herself the difficulty in finding testing facilities and long wait times for results.

She said its frustrating that Reynolds rejected $95 million in federal funding that could have been used for school tests so that parents would not have to have health insurance pay for them.

Frankly, this is another example of the governors failed leadership on this issue. We should not still be struggling to find tests in September of 2021, Konfrst said.

The Iowa Department of Public Health and Reynolds office did not immediately respond to messages.

Des Moines schools spokesman Phil Roeder said the district will incur only minimal costs related to the testing program; Nomi Health will either be reimbursed by an individual's insurance or will submit a claim for federal health program grant funds for the uninsured.

Since the beginning of the school year, increasing numbers of schools have had coronavirus outbreaks. State data indicates that 24% of positive cases in the past week were children age 17 and younger, which would be more than 2,000 children infected in the past seven days.

Since the school year started, the Des Moines district has recorded 149 positive cases among staff and 654 among students.

The district will provide a priority access line for students, their families and staff, and a line for the general public.

"Our priority at DMPS throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to meet the educational needs of our students while doing everything we can to keep them and our staff healthy and safe, said Superintendent Thomas Ahart,

The Sioux City school board voted Monday to purchase more than 7,000 rapid COVID-19 tests using $40,000 of federal emergency education funds.
MANCHESTER  A juvenile has been arrested in connection with a June shooting, the Manchester Police Department said Thursday.

The juvenile, whose age was not released, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, criminal attempt to commit first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery and carrying a pistol without a permit, police said.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russian authorities are seeking to detain a prominent investigative journalist, in another sign of increased government pressure on independent media, opposition supporters and human rights activists.

Russias Federal Security Service, the FSB, issued a statement Thursday accusing Roman Dobrokhotov, founder and managing editor of The Insider news site, of illegally crossing the Russian border into Ukraine last month, bypassing the established checkpoints.

The FSB said it plans to put Dobrokhotov on a wanted list with the goal of his detention and criminal prosecution. If charged and convicted, Dorbokhotov could face up to two years in prison.

Dobrokhotovs lawyer Yulia Kuznetsova told the independent Russian TV channel Dozhd that the journalist has been on the FSBs wanted list since Sept. 23.

Russian media reported on Thursday morning that police raided the homes of Dobrokhotov and his parents. According to lawyer Kuznetsova, the journalist's wife was taken in for questioning. Dozhd reported that Dobrokhotov's father was taken in for questioning, too.

Two months ago, apartments of Dobrokhotov and parents were again raided  in connection with a defamation case. These searches came several days after The Insider was declared a foreign agent  a label that implies additional government scrutiny and carries strong pejorative connotations that may discredit the recipient.

The Insider, a Russian news outlet registered in Latvia, has worked with the investigative group Bellingcat on high-profile cases such as the nerve agent poisonings of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

In recent months, the government has designated a number of independent media outlets and journalists as foreign agents and raided the homes of several prominent reporters. The publisher of one outlet that released investigative reports on alleged corruption and abuses by top Russian officials and tycoons close to Putin was outlawed as an undesirable organization.

Two other news outlets shut down after authorities accused them of links to undesirable organizations.

The Kremlin, however, has denied that it is stifling media freedoms and insists that the foreign agent designation doesnt bar outlets from operating.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Turkey intends to seek compensation for its removal from a U.S.-led stealth fighter jet program, possibly during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden on the margins of a Group of 20 meeting next month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Erdogan, speaking to journalists during a flight back from a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, also said there would be no turning back from deal with Russia for Turkeys acquisition of S-400 advanced missile defense systems. That deal led to NATO-member Turkeys removal from the international program that produces F-35 fighter jets.

Erdogan said he hoped to meet Biden at the G-20 meeting in Rome to discuss the F-35 project, including a $1.4 billion payment Turkey had made before its ouster from the program. Another meeting between the Turkish and U.S. leaders could also take place on the sidelines of a November climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, Erdogan said.

We made a $1.4 billion payment, what will become of that? Erdogan said. We did not - and do not - earn this money easily. Either they will give us our planes or they will give us the money.

Asked about Turkeys plans to purchase additional S-400 systems despite threats of further U.S. sanctions, Erdogan responded: The S-400 process continues. There is no turning back. His comments were reported by the private Turkish news channel NTV and other media.

Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program and its defense officials were sanctioned after the country bought the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system two years ago. The U.S. strongly objects NATO members using the Russian system, saying it poses a security threat to the F-35s.

Turkey maintains the S-400's components could be used independently without being integrated into NATO systems and therefore pose no risk.

The U.S. also sanctioned Turkey for its purchase under a 2017 law aimed at pushing back Russian influence. The move was the first time that the law, known as CAATSA, was used to penalize a U.S. ally.

Erdogan's talks with Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi focused on steps that would deepen defense cooperation between Turkey and Russia, including partnerships for aircraft engines, fighter jets and submarines, the Turkish leader said.

Russia also could be involved in the construction of Turkeys second and third nuclear power plants, and of a space launch platform, he said.

Erdogan traveled to Sochi to discuss the situation in Syria, where Turkey and Russia back opposing sides in the conflict. Russia is the main ally of the Syrian government, while Turkey supports groups that have fought to unseat Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Russian and Turkish troops have, however, cooperated in Syrias northwestern Idlib province - the final holdout of rebel forces - and in seeking a political solution in the country.

Erdogan said he and Putin agreed to continue to work together toward restoring calm in Idlib.
Dr. Angela Ryan should be elected to the Board Of Assessment Appeals in Cromwell. As a 20-year resident of Cromwell, she has been active in the community as well as having been a full-time consulting pharmacist throughout the state of Connecticut. CVS recognized her attention to detail, her work on opioid addiction prevention programs in area schools, and her overall commitment to her patients by presenting her with their prestigious Paragon award.

I am sure her hard work, dedication, and commitment will be a welcome addition to the assessment appeals process in Cromwell.
MIDDLETOWN  City health and other officials visited Middletowns newest COVID-19 testing site on Thursday, where locally invented, drive-up saliva tests are being administered to the public for the first time.

At Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West St., Mayor Ben Florsheim said it was the first saliva test he had taken since the start of the pandemic, adding that it was much easier than those involving a nasal swab. I know people that are almost phobic of the nose one, he said.

Acting Health Director Kevin Elak spoke about the importance of having easy access to testing, especially as new variants continue to emerge.

With the delta variant, the symptoms are much milder, especially for people who are vaccinated, Elak said. We encourage everyone if they are experiencing any symptoms to get tested.

People might dismiss their mild symptoms as a cold or allergies, he said, however, those individuals might be more inclined to get tested if its convenient.

Quick and easy testing is more important now that many employers are mandating the vaccine, the mayor said.

Those that choose not to get vaccinated will likely have to submit to weekly testing, Florsheim said. Its becoming just as important as it was in the beginning.

Mark Kidd, laboratory director for Wren Laboratories, is the inventor of this test used at the new site. He said that between 70 and 80 percent of the individuals who are tested are doing so for work reasons, and, already, there are some regulars at the site. They include police officers, school bus drivers, and school-age children not yet eligible for the vaccine.

Essentially, were keeping Connecticut running, Kidd said.

He and his team developed this new type of test at their laboratory in Branford. It test differs from other saliva-based tests in that it includes a liquid stabilizer that immediately kills any virus in the saliva sample, but does not diminish the virus RNA levels. This allows for accurate results no matter how long it takes for the sample to be tested, Kidd said.

Since the lab is in Branford, samples are processed nearby, and results can be made available in 24 hours.

None of this would be possible without the church, also the location of a weekly vaccination clinic. The Rev. Moses Harvill said the church made its property available throughout the pandemic in an effort to bring hope to the community.

Were trying to meet needs, and this is one of the greatest needs Ive seen in our community in my lifetime, Harvill said. The church is a safe, trusting place where people feel comfortable, he added.

The Rev. Robyn Anderson is executive director of the Ministerial Health Fellowship, which works against health disparities and advocates for those disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

She echoed Harvills statement. People feel safe and secure at the church, Anderson said.

The new drive-up testing site, located in the church parking lot, runs Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

For information, visit the health office website at middletownct.gov.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited injured U.S. troops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Thursday night.

There are 15 Marines at the hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, who were wounded in an Aug. 26 suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. The attack occurred as the U.S. government was arranging evacuations of Americans, Afghans and allies before the nearly two-decade war in Afghanistan officially ended Aug. 31.

Eleven Marines were also killed in the attack, as well as one Army solider and one Navy corpsman. Biden traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday to witness the return of their remains to U.S. soil in a solemn dignified transfer.

One of the wounded Marines was in critical condition. Three were in serious condition and 11 in stable condition.
Cpt. Kelsey Boursinos just arrived in Hawaii to serve with the 25th Infantry Division in September, but before she could settle into her new assignment, she quickly found herself at the center of a controversy regarding her hair.

Two senior enlisted leaders blasted her for having what they saw as unauthorized French braids. The problem: She was in the right and wearing her hair in accordance with new hair policies set for women five months ago.

Military.com spoke with eight women serving in the Army across different units and bases, all of who have similar stories of mostly male senior leaders telling them their hair is out of regulation, or that they disapprove of their hairstyle, despite fresh Army guidance granting women more flexibility with braids, ponytails and highlights.

The Army is at a cultural turning point, as the force, and Defense Department as a whole, aims to make the military a much more inclusive force. For civilians, simply allowing a braid or ponytail might sound inconsequential.

But for women serving, the change in hair policy was largely seen as Army leaders for the first time listening to women, who the force is increasingly reliant on, and breaking away from its tunnel vision of catering to men. The updates were praised by the Armys rank and file, especially among the some 181,000 women serving on active duty, the Reserve and National Guard.

Boursinos, a signal officer, started wearing her hair with two braids during her time in the Captains Career Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia, when the Army updated its uniform and grooming regulations in May.

Read Next: Senator Calls for Massive Investigation into What Went Wrong in Afghanistan

Not a single time was I asked or questioned about it; thats why I was so caught off guard, Boursinos said in an interview with Military.com.

Yet when Boursinos was at a patching ceremony, an event that welcomes new soldiers to the division, a male command sergeant major told her that her braids were unauthorized.

She said the sergeant major told her that her braids had to come together to form a single braid, an incorrect interpretation for the rules that allow women to have two braids. Given Boursinos was familiar with regulations on womens hair, she was confident she was in the right, but told the sergeant major she would double-check the policy.

Later, a second male command sergeant major was quick to pile on with a false correction.

There was another sergeant major who was just standing behind me and waiting for me to start walking to my car, and he approached me, introduced himself and told me my hair wasnt in regulation, Boursinos said.

He told me that the reg is clear and black and white and that I needed to set an example. I dont expect people to know every regulation, but I do expect people to ask if they dont know or do the research before making the correction, she said.

Cpt. Kelsey Boursinos is shown wearing two braids. (Photo courtesy of Cpt. Kelsey Boursinos)

The following day, she emailed the two sergeants major and attached the updated policy, noting that her hair was indeed authorized. But the two men dug their heels in, emailing her that they were tracking the policy and that she wasnt following it.

Now they're just choosing to ignore it, she said. She now carries the regulation at all times. I think its an older generation not wanting to conform to change.

Neither command sergeant major is in Boursinos unit, and she says she feels supported by her chain of command. The incident spurred a quick probe from the 25th IDs inspector generals office, which concluded the braids were authorized, according to documents reviewed by Military.com. The divisions public affairs also posted the changes for womens hair to social media in a short campaign to educate the force after the incident, given some of the divisions most senior enlisted leaders seemingly werent aware of it.

The way Boursinos sees it, if an officer can catch flak from senior leaders even when she provides the regulation, that is a red flag for how women more junior might be treated in the ranks, and if leaders are going to nitpick policies and be wrong, that raises questions on whether they can handle larger challenges.

It sounds silly because its hair, right? But having the experience I had, I think about someones ability to lead. If were stuck on someones hair, how are we treating people on bigger issues? she said. The regulation exists for a reason; we dont get to pick and choose what we follow. I am worried about how more junior female soldiers are treated.

Giving women more flexibility

The Armys new set of long anticipated revisions allowed women to have more comfortable hairstyles that make them more effective in training and combat, and reduce the risk of injuries, migraines, and hairline damage associated with constantly having hair pulled back.

The changes included allowing women to keep their hair in a single ponytail, two braids or a single braid; twists; or cornrows that may come together in one or two braids or a single ponytail. Braids and singular ponytails may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms. Theres no minimum length, but a ponytail or braid may not extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades while standing at attention. Women can also have highlights in their hair, so long as the highlights are a natural color.

The changes were widely covered in the press, including Military.com, major national papers and cable news, in addition to the Armys own publicly available press release and multiple social media posts by top leaders.

However, while the text of the rules are clear, a force-wide brief provided to Military.com on the changes did not include a photo of a woman with two braids, but includes photos showing most other adjustments to hair policy.

An Army-wide briefing shows new hair regs for women. (U.S. Army graphic)

One Army official who worked on the policy changes told Military.com that one of the prime motivations for updating the hair policy for women was that more flexible hair styles can alleviate chronic tension on the hair and scalp, which can lead to traction alopecia, a hair loss condition caused by hair constantly being pulled. Its a condition for which veterans can claim disability through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Another motivator was making women more functional in combat. The previous rules were strict, generally only allowing women to have their hair in a bun, which makes wearing helmets almost impossible. In combat, and training events such as marksmanship, women were already having to ditch having their hair in a bun, and wear their hair in, at the time, unauthorized ponytails or just let their hair down.

It saves the hairline for one, and the VA money; it helps equipment fit better. All we did is codify what was already happening in [combat] units, the Army official told Military.com in an interview on the condition of anonymity.

Battle braids

One woman, a non-commissioned officer, or NCO, who spoke to Military.com on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, is currently deployed with an Army unit overseas and keeps her hair in braids, mostly to make it easier to wear a helmet on combat missions and training.

An NCO above her in the chain of command told her that her braids were unauthorized. Being an NCO herself, and the only woman on the mission, she is frustrated that men who have blown off learning the rules for women still feel the need to comment about her hair. She showed the NCO the new policy and said he didnt like being corrected and that he has a history of making women change their hair to conform to a bad interpretation of the rules.

I have to know all the male regulations, and some senior leaders arent taking the time to learn all the female standards, she said. There's an intimidation factor. He corrected me in front of my soldiers; he didnt have to undermine me like that.

Back in the U.S., before the deployment, she said this NCO made two women dye their hair a flat color despite the rules clearly approving highlights so long as they are natural colors or do not show a vast difference between shades of natural colors, such as natural black hair with blonde highlights, according to the policy.

They knew they could have [highlights], but were intimidated, she said.

A junior soldier who spoke with Military.com on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation also said she was told she couldnt have natural, conservative highlights in her hair, which the new rules allow. She also was told to ditch her ponytail.

An Army-wide briefing on new hair regs for women shows the accepted styles for ponytails. (U.S. Army graphic)

My master sergeant called me out in front of the entire office, she said. My hair is really short in a ponytail, I had a chief warrant officer say they didnt like seeing that in the office.

Another woman, a corporal in the National Guard, was told her ponytail was unprofessional immediately following the new rules and told Military.com she just wore a bun to not deal with her platoon sergeant asking her about it. He was recently promoted to a new unit, and she now wears a ponytail without hassle.

But it isnt exclusively blasting women for changes to grooming standards they either dont know about or understand.

One of the soldiers said that some of the comments seemed specifically designed to alienate women in the ranks.

Some push things harder on females than others; it becomes about picking on the female.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Army to Allow Long Ponytails in All Uniforms, Top Enlisted Leader Says
The former Marine corporal couldn't believe that two generals and the defense secretary kept saying, over two days of confrontational hearings, that they were "surprised" at the quick collapse of the Afghan army and the Taliban's takeover of Kabul without a fight.

If they had asked any enlisted member among the more than 800,000 U.S. troops who served in Afghanistan over 20 years, the brass would have known that it was a bad bet to count on the Afghan security forces to provide cover and time for the American withdrawal, said Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

When it came his turn for questions at a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday, Gallego, an enlisted combat veteran of Iraq, told Army Gen. Mark Milley, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that their trust in the Afghan army to hold off the Taliban was misplaced at best, especially after the U.S. withdrew support and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

He wanted to know why U.S. intelligence appeared to be clueless on the lack of resistance put up by an army trained and equipped by the U.S. at a cost estimated at $83 billion.

Gallego said that "after speaking to a lot of service members, enlisted service members that have served for decades in and out of Afghanistan -- they were always telling me something extremely different from what I was getting from reports of many of you generals here, that the Afghan army was not ready, that they were not going to be sustainable on their own."

"You know, how did we miss that?" he asked. "How is it that a lot of 18-, 19-year-olds, mid-20-year-old E-5s were predicting this, yet some of our greatest minds, both on the civilian side and the uniformed side, absolutely missed this?"

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McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, agreed with Gallego and said one of the lessons learned from the chaotic U.S. withdrawal was that top commanders must do a better job of listening to the concerns in the ranks.

"I think it's a reasonable criticism," McKenzie said. "We'll have to take a look at how we actually remain connected to the people who are down at the advisory level.

"I'm conflicted by that as well, I'll be very candid with you," he told Gallego. "And we will certainly take a look at that because I've heard that same strain myself. It's harder to get the truth as you become more senior. We, perhaps, need to look at ways that's conveyed in a more rapid and effective way. I'll accept that criticism."

The civility of the exchange between Gallego and the generals stood out in a rancorous hearing marked by angry calls from Republicans on the committee for Milley, McKenzie and Austin to resign.

In his testimony Wednesday to the House, and on Tuesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Austin, a retired Army general who served in top commands in Afghanistan and Iraq, said, "The fact that the Afghan army we and our partners trained simply melted away -- in many cases without firing a shot -- took us all by surprise. It would be dishonest to claim otherwise."

Way too late, the U.S. military leadership came to the realization that the $83 billion effort to train and equip an Afghan security force capable of supporting and defending a democratic government in Kabul was fundamentally flawed.

Milley said in his testimony Tuesday and Wednesday that trying to build up an Afghan army in the "mirror image" of the U.S. military was destined to fail, but the warning signs were there almost from the start.

U.S. and coalition advisers were attacked repeatedly, either by Afghan troops themselves or by insurgents who infiltrated their ranks, in what came to be known as insider attacks, or "green on blue" incidents.

Then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy pulled French troops out of Afghanistan in 2012 after four French troops were shot and killed in an insider attack in eastern Afghanistan.

Sarkozy said he could not continue the mission when French service members were being targeted by the troops they came to help. France "is at the side of its allies, but we cannot accept that a single one of our soldiers be killed or wounded by our allies," he said. "It is unacceptable; I will not accept it."

At the time, U.S. and coalition commanders became so concerned about the possibility that their Afghan allies might turn on them that they implemented additional vetting procedures and designated some soldiers as "guardian angels" to watch over their troops as they worked with the Afghans.

From 2007 to 2012, insider attacks killed 52 U.S. troops and wounded 48, according to the Brookings Institution's Afghanistan Index, but the number of attacks dropped off significantly as U.S. and coalition forces began withdrawing and reduced their combat role.

Still, the Afghan forces fought and died in staggering numbers despite the constant criticism of their competence. The U.S. estimates that more than 60,000 Afghan military and police were killed.

The blame for the complete collapse of Afghan forces rests with the U.S., said retired Army Lt. Col. Jason Dempsey, a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq and a senior adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

"We're the ones who built a national army in our image" without taking into account the culture and traditions of the Afghans, Dempsey said.

"It was the easy thing and only thing for the [U.S. military] institution to do," he added. The result was that the U.S. ended up "pushing billions of dollars into unrealistic structures" and "contributed to the illegitimacy of the Afghan government and particularly its perceived illegitimacy in the eyes of the [Afghan] people."

"It briefed well in periodic reports to Congress]," Dempsey said, "but was an absolute failure in execution. At end of day, we went along with this design for a national army for a nation that did not exist."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: After Afghanistan: The Legacy of Two Decades of War
The dangers that kept the U.S. in Afghanistan for so long are already accumulating again, little more than a month after the last troops left in a chaotic withdrawal.

The al-Qaida terrorist group that drew America into the country two decades ago is poised to come back under the ruling Taliban regime, or it never left at all, depending on whom you ask.

It may be only one to two years before the group could again threaten the U.S. homeland, according to a conservative estimate the Defense Intelligence Agency and the CIA disclosed in September. Then, there was the last spasm of violence before the complete pullout of U.S. forces in Afghanistan -- a suicide bombing that killed 13 troops that was attributed to a competing terrorist group, the Islamic State-Khorasan.

Under that looming terrorism threat, former defense officials, lawmakers and experts believe a new U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan is likely, maybe even inevitable, in what could be an echo of the withdrawal a decade ago from Iraq that cleared the way for the rise of the Islamic State and years of horrific attacks, killings and more war.

"We are going to have to send U.S. military forces back in some form to Afghanistan," said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. "I don't have a crystal ball -- I don't know if that is six months or six years -- but the disaster in Iraq took three years to unfold."

Then-President Barack Obama declared the Iraq war over in 2011. Over the next three years, the Islamic State group grew into a Mideast regional power with control of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city. It sponsored attacks in the U.S. and around the world, slaughtered ethnic minorities, and released videos of the beheadings of aid workers, tourists and journalists, including American James Foley, in a display of barbarity that swiftly drew recruits to form a pseudo-state before American forces returned.

Afghanistan, where more than 800,000 U.S. troops fought over four presidencies to ensure it wasn't a terrorist plotting ground, could be the site of the next war on terrorism. But this time, the military may face even tougher conditions, with the region's remote geography, a lack of bases on the ground, a Taliban regime in control of government, and allies who led a quick initial invasion victory 20 years ago either missing or in exile.

The Pentagon insists it can take out terrorist threats with "over the horizon capabilities," or long-distance surgical strikes. But there is skepticism over the effectiveness of such strikes, which would be carried out by troops and aircraft stationed more than a thousand miles away. A botched drone strike on Aug. 29 as the U.S. evacuated Kabul showed how such strikes can go wrong -- 10 civilians, including seven children, killed by mistake due to bad intelligence collected from the air.

"I would love to say we have this magic ability to reach in and kill any bad guy, and maybe we'll kill a few of them," Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), an Air Force veteran who served in the war in Afghanistan, said in an interview. "But man, we run the real risk of just creating more enemies than we do killing them."

New World or Old Safe Haven

The White House sought to turn the page on the war and shift focus as the dust settled in Kabul, even as concerns grew.

President Joe Biden gave an address Aug. 31, telling the country that he "ended 20 years of war" and that the terrorist threat held at bay for so many years by a U.S. military presence had moved elsewhere. It was an effort to explain a military-led withdrawal and evacuation that saw desperate Afghans clinging to a plane departing Kabul, the deadly suicide bombing, and finally the tragic U.S. airstrike that killed only civilians.

"This is a new world. The terror threat has metastasized across the world, well beyond Afghanistan," said Biden, pointing to Syria, the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021. (Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla/U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Biden's top military adviser, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, and the head of U.S. Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie would later testify on Sept. 28 to the Senate Armed Services Committee that they recommended maintaining troops in the country.

But the Pentagon would instead keep an eye on the region from afar, Biden said in his address. Afghanistan was a priority, but no longer a top priority.

On the same day as Biden's address, al-Qaida released a statement praising what it called a Taliban victory over the "filth of the Americans," according to a translation posted by the Long War Journal, a publication of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The United Nations Security Council had reported in June that large numbers of al-Qaida fighters and other extremists aligned with the Taliban remained in Afghanistan. The group was present in 15 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces but was laying low and minimizing communication with Taliban leaders to avoid international attention, the U.N. reported.

"In many ways, we're in the exact same place we were 20 years ago, and that is with a Taliban-al-Qaida safe haven in Afghanistan," Bowman said.

Top Pentagon officials acknowledged the terror group, which plotted the 9/11 attacks, still had a presence in Afghanistan during hours of questioning from the Senate committee on Sept. 28. The group's original leader, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a U.S. special operations raid on a Pakistan compound in 2011.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there were still "remnants" in the Taliban-ruled country, and Milley told the committee al-Qaida exists and wants to regroup from there to strike the U.S.

"Folks, we are going to pay for what we just did," Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said during the hearing. "I got young kids, y'all got kids and grandkids, and we're going to be back in there fighting."

Few Levers Left to Pull

Any U.S. military return to Afghanistan would likely require a major emergency, something akin to the Islamic State group's surge through Syria and northern Iraq in 2014, said retired Gen. Joe Votel, who served as head of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, and also led Army Rangers in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Public horror and outrage fueled a years-long U.S. air campaign, which was assisted by a small number of ground troops working with local Syrian and Iraqi forces. A military presence remains in Iraq, but Biden ordered the combat mission to end this year.

"I could definitely see us responding to a threat [in Afghanistan], and I would certainly hope that we would," Votel said in an interview.

But he said any military operations are likely to focus more narrowly on specific targets there, rather than trying to solve conditions in the country that created them. The U.S. poured $2.3 trillion into rebuilding Afghanistan over the 20-year war in hopes of creating a functioning democratic government, according to Brown University's Cost of War project, though that government and its security forces crumbled within days during the Taliban advance over the summer.

Over-the-horizon capabilities, the airstrikes carried out from distant bases, are now the first line of defense, mainly because military options are otherwise limited following the withdrawal.

"We have very few levers in Afghanistan right now because we've completely pulled out," McKenzie said in his Senate testimony.

The U.S. military lost its ground base in Kabul, the partnership with elite Afghan commandos who were the most effective of the U.S.-trained troops, and much of its intelligence feed, making what was set to be a difficult mission over a remote, landlocked country even harder, said William Wechsler, senior director of the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council.

"Whether we like it or not, we are now in a race, and the race is between the Salafi jihadists' predictable efforts to build external attack capacities and our efforts to establish an acceptably effective over-the-horizon counter-terrorism capability," said Wechsler, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for special operations and combating terrorism during the Obama administration.

Lack of Intel and Hard Geography

Austin told the Senate that the military's use of over-the-horizon strikes is fairly common and effective. He pointed to a September airstrike in Syria that the Pentagon said killed an al-Qaida terrorist leader.

"Over-the-horizon operations are difficult but absolutely possible, and the intelligence that supports them comes from a variety of sources and not just U.S. boots on the ground," Austin told the Senate committee on Sept. 28.

But Retired Gen. John Allen, now the president of the Brookings Institution, said that type of intelligence is crucial for such operations. Allen was the NATO International Security Assistance Force commander in Afghanistan, and also served as special presidential envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, the U.S.-led group of nations that fought the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

"Over-the-horizon targeting implies that you have eyes on the target, you've got some form of boots on the ground or intelligence development capability that's on the ground," Allen said in a Middle East Institute discussion Sept. 16. "We have none, we've basically given it up."

The last U.S. airstrike of the Afghanistan war, which mistakenly killed 10 civilians in a home near the Kabul airport, illustrated how horribly wrong operations overseen from abroad can go.

After receiving conflicting intelligence about the home being used by ISIS-K for a planned attack drawn from video captured by six Reaper drones watching from above, a strike team located abroad launched a Hellfire missile that killed an aid worker as well as seven children.

"I would reject a parallel between this operation and an over-the-horizon strike against an ISIS-K target, again, because we will have an opportunity to further develop the target and time to look at pattern of life," meaning long-term monitoring of targets, McKenzie said in a Sept. 17 briefing admitting the botched strike. "That time was not available to us because this was an imminent threat to our forces."

During the war against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, the presence of special operators on the ground was key to targeting the enemy.

But the withdrawal and the loss of the Kabul airport and Bagram airport, one of the most capable and advanced in the region, has hobbled the ability to insert troops if needed and has put any U.S. aerial operations up against the difficult geography of the country.

"The distances here are considerable, and it's hard to cover the distances and sustain these efforts when you have a dynamic threat on the ground," Votel said.

Iran airspace is a no-go for the military, and Allen said Russian President Vladimir Putin will likely try to block any attempts by the U.S. to set up operating bases in the former Soviet republics of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan that box in Afghanistan in the north.

U.S. military strikes could then be dependent on Pakistan giving clearance to fly through its territory. But Islamabad may feel pressure to ally with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, leaving access an open and troubling question as its relationship with the U.S. evolves post-withdrawal, according to Allen.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declined to say whether arrangements have been made with Pakistan for the U.S. to use its airspace for over-the-horizon strikes.

As intelligence and access have grown harder, the U.S. also faces a third challenge: the loss of local partners. Indigenous forces were key in both the early days of the Afghanistan war and the operations against the Islamic State in the Middle East.

Afghanistan's Northern Alliance opposition in the Panjshir Valley proved capable in 2001 and gave the U.S. military a toehold. A fledgling anti-Taliban resistance in Panjshir has now been snuffed out as would-be opposition leaders fled into neighboring countries.

The strategic difficulties with continuing military operations in Afghanistan, and the grim terrorism assessments, came as Congress and the Pentagon wrestled with the legacy of the 20-year war.

"I don't think it's pre-ordained that we're going to have to go back," Austin told senators.

The question is what would prompt the military to go back in, and whether it would take another attack on the U.S. homeland, Kinzinger said. Or would it require a steady drumbeat of attacks and atrocities like those committed by the Islamic State in the vacuum left in northern Iraq and war-torn Syria during the last decade?

"I think it's one thing to reintroduce troops into Iraq like we did, but Afghanistan is a whole different thing," Kinzinger said. "That's a frightening idea."

-- Travis Tritten can be reached at travis.tritten@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @Travis_Tritten.

-- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey.

Related: After Afghanistan: The Legacy of Two Decades of War
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., on Thursday proposed a bill that would establish a multiyear investigation into the two-decade war in Afghanistan and what went wrong.

"I want to have a real comprehensive look at the 20 years of war. I think the American people are owed that," Duckworth told Military.com in an interview. "Certainly, the service members who served there and those who laid down their lives and their families deserve that."

The U.S. war in Afghanistan cost 2,461 American service members their lives, including 13 troops who were killed during the chaotic exit in the conflict's closing days. And critics say the U.S. has little to show for the more than $2.3 trillion it spent on the conflict.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told lawmakers during a contentious hearing Tuesday that the U.S. lost the war, a damning admission from top brass, but said the defeat and swift fall of Kabul was the result of two decades of poor decisions across multiple administrations.

Key examples he noted were the U.S. shifting focus to Iraq and not killing Osama bin Laden at Tora Bora soon after the 2001 Afghanistan invasion.

Read Next: US Troops Go to Court Seeking Vaccine Exemption for Those Who've Had COVID-19

"It wasn't lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months. There's a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back," Milley told lawmakers Tuesday.

"Whenever you get some phenomenon like a war that is lost -- and it has been, in the sense of we accomplished our strategic task of protecting America against al-Qaida, but certainly the end state is a whole lot different than what we wanted," he said. "So whenever a phenomenon like that happens, there's an awful lot of causal factors. And we're going to have to figure that out. A lot of lessons learned here."

Duckworth, an Army National Guard veteran who lost both her legs in Iraq, wants the commission to be completely detached from Congress and the four previous White House administrations. No one who had any involvement in the war would be allowed to be a part of the investigation, according to her bill. As an example of those who could serve on the commission, she suggested pre-9/11 defense secretaries.

"I want to make it completely independent of the political process. We aren't appointing anyone that is currently serving in Congress; in fact, no one on the commission could have been in a decision-making position during the war," Duckworth said.

The investigation itself would look at a wide range of issues from the war, including decisions made by the departments of defense and state, and the effectiveness of congressional oversight.

Duckworth expects the investigation to take several years, but wants it to zero in on the U.S. failure to properly prop up a democratic Afghan government, as well as the massive amount of cash that was wasted on botched contracting projects or ended up in the pockets of corrupt Afghan officials.

"I want a deep dive into the corruption of the Afghan government and why we weren't ever able to address this issue," she said.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Contradicting Biden, Top Brass Testify They Advised Him to Keep Troops in Afghanistan
A sword-wielding man dressed as a ninja attacked several special operations soldiers who were training at a California airport, reportedly forcing them to shelter in a hangar and inflicting wounds that required stitches.

The bizarre assault took place at Inyokern Airport, an airfield in the Mojave Desert about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, sometime after 1 a.m. on Sept. 18, according to what appears to be a military incident report shared on Instagram and Reddit.

Records from the Ridgecrest Police Department seem to confirm some details in the document posted to social media in a photo late Wednesday that said two soldiers had to receive stitches before returning to duty.

Their names were redacted in the photo shared on social media, but one was identified as a staff sergeant and the other as a captain. The details suggest that they are members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, an elite helicopter unit known as the Night Stalkers.

The staff sergeant was sitting outside the administration building at the airport hangar smoking a cigarette when he was approached by an unknown person wearing full ninja garb, the photographed document states.

It is unclear from the records whether the man was an actual practitioner of ninjutsu.

Do you know who I am? the ninja asked, to which the soldier replied no, according to the document, which has not been independently verified.

Do you know where my family is? the black-clad man then asked. The staff sergeant again answered no.

The person in ninja garb began to slash at (the soldier), striking his phone and his knee and leg, the record states.

The staff sergeant took off running across the parking lot to escape the attacker, and then he jumped a fence and entered the administrative building, where he and the captain locked doors and called 911.

Meanwhile, the man dressed as a ninja was kicking and punching doors and windows before leaving to grab a large block of asphalt, which he heaved through the window of the administration building.

The captain was struck by the chunk of asphalt, said the document on social media.

The first assistance call was recorded about 1:20 a.m., the Ridgecrest Police Department log shows. A man with a sword was in a parking lot, and there was at least one victim, the log states.

About 30 minutes later came a second call via 911: 26 spec op military members doing training at the airport, the log states. Hunkered down in a hangar wondering where help is.

The ninja fled and was arrested elsewhere, according to the document shared on social media.

It indicates that the soldiers were with F Co., 2nd Battalion, 160th SOAR, which had been tasked with support at Fort Irwins National Training Center.

The incident report photo was shared Wednesday on the Instagram meme page Daddy SOARbucks before appearing on Reddit.

The Daddy SOARbucks page posted several more memes mocking the company and the battalion over the incident.

The regiment did not immediately respond to a query seeking confirmation of the information shared on social media. It was unclear which law enforcement agency responded to the calls.
The soldiers and Marines who landed on the island of Peleliu during World War II were about to take on an entirely new doctrine of island defenses implemented by the Japanese. It would force the Americans to commit more men and resources while inflicting much heavier casualties on the invading forces.

But the Americans didnt know that. They thought they would be able to clear the island of its defenders in just four days. It would take two months to capture Peleliu, and more than 2,200 of them would be killed or wounded. Luckily, for the Marines, they had corpsmen like Pharmacists Mate Third Class Eleuterio Joe Marquez.

A Los Angeles native, Marquez was just 19 years old and had been in the Navy for only a year before landing on the 13-square-mile island. The son of Mexican immigrants, he was class president in high school and a star athlete. He briefly worked as a mechanic before joining the Navy. It was a risky job.

He and the Marines and soldiers on Peleliu had to fight through artillery barrages, intense Japanese fortifications and snipers hell-bent on killing corpsmen. In the first month of the battle, 59 corpsmen were killed in action.

Eleuterio "Joe" Marquez survived the war and died in 2015 in Riverside, California.

Marquez stuck to his training, establishing an aid station where he could administer first aid and plasma and send wounded troops back to the ships. He also went on patrols with his Marines as they fought along the north-south axis of Peleliu. One daunting task still lay ahead: taking the position Marines called Bloody Nose Ridge.

On Oct. 11, 1944, Marquez and his unit climbed Bloody Nose Ridge in an attempt to dislodge the Japanese from their fortifications in the mountainside. The defenders of Peleliu had excavated bunkers and other concrete bases inside the caves of the island and would attack unsuspecting American troops from these positions.

After two days of fighting, the Marines stopped to take a quick break in the dark when they came under intense mortar, grenade and small arms fire. Shrapnel and coral fragments tore through Marquezs legs and the legs of his Marines. Severely wounded, he dragged himself into action. He started tending to the wounded and sent up a flare to let others know they needed assistance. Marquez heard another corpsman volunteer to help, and the two of them set to work.

When the sunrise arrived, so did more Marines bearing stretchers. More corpsmen arrived on the scene as well. Marquez told the newcomers that he and the other corpsman had tended to the wounded through the night, but all he got in return were looks of disbelief. The new Marines told Marquez they were the only other unit in the area, and there could not have been another corpsman in the area.

"On one of the ridges rugged slopes, Marines take aim at the enemy." (National Archives)

Marquez was dumbfounded and found himself slightly afraid. A cold shiver went down his spine. He never knew who -- or what -- helped him and his Marines survive through the night or whether it was a figment of his imagination. He did not get treatment for his wounds until all of his Marines were carried to relative safety.

Maquez was awarded the Navy Cross for his work on Peleliu, the first American of Mexican descent to receive the honor. He would carry the coral fragments in his legs for the rest of his life. Marquez survived the war and another enlistment afterward. He died in 2015 at age 90.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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The introduction of the M16 as the standard infantry rifle for the U.S. military was supposed to be a revolution. After spending a few years with the bulky M14, American soldiers were going to carry a new, lightweight rifle that had a larger-capacity magazine and lighter ammunition that was just as deadly.

Instead of making the lives of U.S. troops easier, it threatened them, almost from the start. The rifles were delivered to troops in Vietnam in 1965 without cleaning kits or manuals on how to clean them. The rifles would stop working in the middle of firefights, spent cartridges would not extract automatically and American soldiers and Marines were found dead next to disassembled rifles.

It wasnt just the rifles engineering that hurt its ability in combat. The new 5.56 round used a dirtier kind of powder as a propellant. It made the weapon more likely to jam. American troops didnt help much, either; they believed the marketing information of the rifle and thought the weapon was self-cleaning.

Always a good idea. (U.S. Army)

In 1967, the M16A1 was introduced, and the newest iteration included a number of fixes intended to address the problems noted by U.S. troops in combat. A chrome-plated bore was part of the new weapon to fix the corrosion and extraction problems. An improved buffer was added to reduce wear while firing on automatic.

Most importantly, the new M16A1 came with a cleaning kit, lubricant and an entertaining field manual, drawn by Will Eisner, the former Army comic artist who designed vehicle manuals in World War II. It was called The M-16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventative Maintenance, otherwise known as Department of the Army Pamphlet 750-30.

The first chapter is titled How to Strip Your Baby and features a female guide who looks like an actress who could have been lifted from any of the teen beach movies of the 1950s and 60s, using GI slang from Vietnam. Another character is a female magazine named Maggie who tells troops how to handle her, especially in the heat and humidity of Vietnams jungles. Other chapters include Sweet-16 and All the Way with Negligee.

No innuendo here. (U.S. Army)

Eisners comic manual was a masterwork that U.S. troops actually read and learned quickly. The common misconceptions about the rifle, along with the mechanisms that most often saw dirt, debris and damage (and thus special cleaning), were addressed. Maggies issues, corrosion caused by Vietnams humid climate that could cause rifles to jam up, also were addressed by the manual.

The comic was easy to read, entertaining and -- above all -- a familiar look to American GIs in Vietnam. Many of them would have been familiar with The Spirit, a comic about a Batman-like masked vigilante he created before the United States entered World War II.

By 1968, more American troops in Vietnam began to accept the use of the rifle as malfunction incidents decreased dramatically. The powder used in the 5.56 cartridge was upgraded to reduce the fouling of various parts of the weapon. By 1969, the M16A1 was fully accepted as the standard infantry weapon for the U.S. military.

The manual even featured slang used by GIs in Vietnam. "Numbah One" means "best," and is mimicking the accent of South Vietnamese English speakers. (U.S. Army)

Reports even indicated that the M16A1 and its new configuration actually saved more lives in Vietnam than would have been saved if the M14 had been the standard weapon.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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In July 1940, things looked bleak for the British. France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway had fallen to the German war machine, rationing of food and other goods was instituted and Allied forces were forced to withdraw from the beaches of Dunkirk.

All hope was not lost. In May, a new prime minister had taken power in London, one who would not appease Nazi Germany nor accept any talk of surrender. After the fall of France, Winston Churchill famously said: The 'Battle of France' is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin."

He was right. In order to successfully launch Operation Sea Lion, the German invasion of Britain, Hitler needed the English Channel cleared of Royal Navy ships and the skies free from interference by the Royal Air Force. He would get neither.

From July through October 1940, RAF pilots engaged the German Luftwaffe over the skies of England, both by day and by night. Luftwaffe commander Hermann Gorings plan was to first destroy the RAF, either in the skies or on the ground while targeting British aircraft production facilities. He wanted to end RAF bombing runs on Germany while blocking British ports from the air.

With the Royal Air Force out of the way, Goring then would order the destruction of military and economic targets throughout the United Kingdom, completely unopposed. The British had a shortage of skilled pilots, but international volunteers from at least 14 countries werent going to let the Germans have their way. Outmanned and outgunned, the RAF and its civilian ground spotters fought on for months.

126 German aircraft or "Adolfs" were claimed by Polish pilots of 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. The count here is featured on a Hawker Hurricane in 1940. (Sikorsky Museum, London)

More than 1,500 British and Allied airmen were killed in the fighting, and the RAF lost more than 1,740 aircraft. Even after terrorizing British citizens by bombing London and other major cities nightly during The Blitz of 1940-1941, the Germans did not achieve superiority by air or by sea, and Britain lived to continue the fight to free Europe from the Nazi stranglehold.

Now, every September, the Royal Air Force -- along with American fighter units who served as volunteers during the Battle of Britain -- commemorate the victory with the ritualistic burning of a wooden piano. The piano is delivered in a ceremony, often ceremoniously hacked to pieces by airmen wielding axes and sledgehammers. Then, its set ablaze.

No one knows for sure how the tradition started. Some believe that the shortage of gentlemanly pilots led the RAF to recruit men who werent considered gentlemen at all. These pilots were forced to take piano lessons so they could earn the title. At the first opportunity, these stressed-out pilots were said to have burned the piano. No piano, no lessons, just air combat.

The Battle of Britain was fought between July 10, 1940 and Oct. 31, 1940. (Ministry of Defence)

A more likely explanation, according to one Air Force historian, says that a group of RAF pilots were entertained nightly by one of their own who was an exquisite pianist. After one particularly brutal mission over the skies of England, their beloved melodic wingman did not return. The pilots, knowing the piano never again would play the music they loved so dearly -- and that their comrade never would be replaced -- burned it.

This is the most likely explanation, because it reflects what the modern piano-burning ceremony is actually about: remembering those who fought and those who died during the Battle of Britain and to honor the sacrifices made by all those who kept Britain for the British people.

A piano is burned to commemorate the lives lost during the Battle of Britain at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Sept. 18, 2020. (U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class David Busby)

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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The Yankees announced theyve reinstated Jonathan Loaisiga from the 10-day injured list. To open space on the active roster, New York optioned Andrew Heaney to their rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate.

This surely isnt the result New York envisioned when they acquired Heaney just before this summers trade deadline. Heaney owned just a 5.27 ERA at the time, but the Yankees bet that his high-end strikeout and walk rates (28.2% and 7.7%, respectively) would translate into stronger future results.

That hasnt yet proven to be the case. Heaney was installed into the Yankees rotation over the first month after the trade, but he was tagged for 18 runs in 26 innings, largely thanks to a staggering nine home runs allowed. New York moved him into the bullpen after that rough start, but hes been even less effective in that new role. Over seven relief outings, the southpaw has served up eleven runs in 9 2/3 frames, including four more long balls. Heaney has actually continued to post decent strikeout and walk numbers in pinstripes, but hes been so homer-prone that hasnt mattered.

Its an especially inopportune time for Heaney to post arguably the worst season of his career. Hell hit free agency for the first time this winter, coming off a campaign in which hes tossed 129 2/3 innings of 5.83 ERA ball between Anaheim and the Bronx. Hell present a rather difficult evaluation for teams. Because of his strong strikeout and walk rates, Heaneys SIERA remains quite good (3.83). Of the 122 pitchers with 100+ innings, only four have a worse home run rate than Heaneys 2.01 HR/9, though, and his second half struggles became significant enough the Yankees have bumped him from the active roster for a few of their most important games of the year.

Heaney has more than five years of major league service time, meaning he could not be optioned without consenting to a minor league assignment. Presumably, the Yankees offered him the choice of agreeing to the option or being designated for assignment (which almost certainly wouldve resulted in him being released). Rather than refuse the assignment and be cut from the organization altogether, hell head to the complex in hopes of straightening things out. He remains on the 40-man roster and could still be a depth option should the Yankees qualify for the postseason.

Loaisiga will try to help the Yankees get to the playoffs, as he returns after a three-week absence due to a shoulder strain. He has been among the clubs most effective relievers this season, tossing 68 frames of 2.25 ERA ball. The Yankees have reeled off seven consecutive wins to put themselves in great position to land a spot in the AL Wild Card game, but theyll need to at least take a game or two in their final couple series with the Blue Jays and Rays to feel completely comfortable about their chances of nailing that berth down.
The twists and turns for Thrissur-based Dhanlaxmi Bank do not seem to end. At the annual general meeting (AGM), the lenders shareholders rejected the appointment of its statutory auditors and branch auditors. The shareholders also refused to give authorisation to the board of directors of Dhamlaxmi Bank to appoint and fix remuneration of auditors.

Out of the 7.28 crore valid votes, over 65% or 4.76 crore voted against the proposal to appoint B Vijayaraghavan & Co as statutory auditors and authorise the board to fix the firms compensation.

While approving audited financial results, the shareholders passed a resolution to re-appoint CK Gopinathan. Mr Gopinathan and his two family members together hold close to 10% stake in the Bank.

Last week, three people, including former directors, had filed a petition in Kerala High Court (HC) seeking a seat on the Banks board. Dhanlaxmi Banks shareholder KN Madhusoodan, and P Mohanan and Prakash DL have approached the HC seeking a direction to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Dhanlaxmi Bank to inform the members about the candidature of the petitioners for the office of the director as mandated under Section 160(2) of the Companies Act.

The petitioners allege that their candidature for board was rejected even when the nomination committee had cleared the proposal. The proposal also included reappointment of B Ravi Pillai, who holds a 10% stake in Dhanlaxmi Bank.

At present, there are four non-executive directors, two additional directors, who the RBI nominates, and the managing director (MD) on the board of Dhanlaxmi Bank. G Subramonia Iyer is the part-time chairman of Dhanlaxmi Bank. CK Gopinathan is the director, while Dr Capt Suseela Monon R and G Rajagopalan Nair are independent directors. RBI had nominated Dr G Jagan Mohan and DK Kashyap on the Banks board. Shivan JK is the managing director and chief executive (CEO) of Dhanlaxmi Bank.

Last year in September, Dhanlaxmi Banks MD and CEO Sunil Gurbaxani was voted out by shareholders during the AGM. Mr Gurbaxani was appointed as MD and CEO of the Bank for three years, from 27 February 2020.

The ordinary resolution moved for Mr Gurbaxanis appointment was defeated, with 90.49% of the votes polled against the proposal as per the regulatory filing. Only 9.51% of the votes were polled in favour of his appointment. ( Read: Dhanlaxmi Banks RBI-appointed MD Sunil Gurbaxani Voted Out during AGM

In June 2020, Sajeev Krishnan, part-time chairman and independent director, another independent director KN Murali and G Venkatnarayanan, who was additional director, had resigned from the board of Dhanlaxmi Bank citing personal reasons. All three had worked at senior levels on the State Bank of India (SBI) group and had a good track record.
"The critical assumption of democracy is information, that everyone has equal access to information. Right to Information (RTI) Act is not merely a law but is very critical to the foundation of democracy. It is not just a law but the architecture of our constitution and is a vital link. A lot of our problems can be solved if we are just transparent in our functioning!" says Yogendra Yadav, founding president of Swaraj Abhiyan and one of India's leading psephologists.

He was speaking at a new RTI series called "Conversations on RTI with Shailesh Gandhi", launched by Moneylife Foundation.

"If transparency seeps into all sections of the society, we can automatically be a better democracy. Transparency is not just a process but a mindset. Unfortunately, the information commissioners' and the court's role as guardians of the RTI Act have not been formed. So the promise of RTI hasn't quite been delivered," he added.

Mr Yadav is also associated with the farmers' agitation going on for the past year against the three farm laws.

"The Union government repeatedly claims that it held multiple consultations with around 93 lakh farmers and stakeholders before passing the three controversial farm laws, but they cannot give you a list of even 93 farmers. In December 2020, RTI activist Anjali Bharadwaj wrote to every possible government authority seeking information on the consultation, including location and minutes of the meeting. And you know what the answer was? No record! The same government that says they have consulted 93 lakh farmers no less, they cannot even give you a list of 93 stakeholders," he says.

Political parties in India do not want to come under the ambit of the RTI Act. There have been multiple movements asking political parties to be brought under the purview of the RTI. A central information commission (CIC) judgement ordered six political parties to come under RTI.

Joining the conversation, Mr Gandhi said, "While they have not opposed it in court, they lawlessly disobey the rules and most other parties in the country have pushed back against this move. Swaraj Abhiyan, of which Mr Yadav happens to be the founding president, is the only party in the country which has suo moto offered to come under RTI. They have even appointed a public information officer (PIO) to answer RTI queries."

Commenting on this, Mr Yadav says," You give us a lot of credit, but honestly, the simple thing is, when the six parties refused to follow the Commission's order, many of us were there on the streets protesting against the parties. This was in early 2012 or so, and I remember we were protesting in Jantar Mantar on why political parties do not obey this order of the CIC. After that, I was involved in a group that founded a political party, so how can I not obey this? It would be utterly ridiculous, utterly duplicitous. So I do not think we deserve that much credit, but I am glad my colleagues remembered that."

Mr Yadav also shared a provision from the constitution of Swaraj India "This is article 7th of our constitution, and it simply says, there shall be a right to information in the party available to party members as well as the general public so that anyone can ask me questions about the functioning of Swaraj India and I am obliged to respond to that."

Sharing an instance where they received an RTI, Mr Yadav said, "While we are not that important to be flooded with RTI questions, I do remember, last year we received an RTI predictably from someone not happy with our party and they wanted to find out what we have done with sexual harassment issues. That is the other thing our party has, an internal complaints committee (ICC). So we made available every single document, we, of course, get some routine enquiries as well, but we have done that."

RTI is an essential tool in a democracy. Asking Mr Yadav about his thoughts, Mr Gandhi pointed out, "Without RTI, a democracy cannot exist".

"We all say we love democracy. We all almost worship democracy. We live in an age where you cannot speak against democracy. Worshipping can mean two things. One is the idea of democracy, the values of democracy and that human beings can make their own decision. But the second is a mechanism that says you hold elections every four to five years to elect representatives, and there is a procedure for voting. We somehow expect the second to deliver the first. But why do we expect this humanly designed mechanism to deliver somehow all the beautiful things that we call values of democracy?" the founder of Swaraj Abhiyan says.

According to Mr Yadav, who TV viewers fondly remember as a psephologist during the general elections, consumers and citizens are kings, and they are the ones who take decisions. But in reality, he says, the whole business depends on certain assumptions.

"The critical assumption is information, access to it, and everyone has equal access to making their information known to others. RTI is not merely a law passed by the Union of India. It is critical to the very foundation of democracy in a sense that RTI is a law and critical to the architecture of our constitution. It is the missing link that has been supplied. It has not worked as well as it could have, but it is an absolutely vital link in our democracy. Simply because we have elections every five years does not make us a democracy."

Asking Mr Yadav's thoughts on the usefulness of RTI for movements, Mr Gandhi asked: "What can movements do and how will it benefit them?"

He said, "One of the most important things that have happened which I noticed, Shailesh ji you would probably notice it from one end, and I notice it from the other, is a fusion of RTI activism with ground activism. Earlier, when the RTI movement just began, there were divides between the RTI activist and the other activists, who used to do memorandums and they used to have contempt for RTI activists, ye toh ghar beite kaam karte hay, AC room mein kaam karte hay (They sit at home and work, they sit in AC rooms and work and not on the ground level)."

"Over the last few years, I see there is a bit of fusion. Both need each other, and before you go for dharna pradarshan (protests), you need information that can be obtained by filing RTIs. Another thing I see which I do not know if it is your experience, is when people to go government offices and say, sir ye information chaiye, (Sir I need this information) some of the PIO refuse. But they say, aap aisa karo, aap RTI daal do and mein aapko information de dunga (you do one thing, file an RTI application and I will give you the information)."

When asked about Indian democracy and the RTI Act 10 years in the future, Mr Yadav concluded on a sombre note, "The future of RTI is inextricably linked to the future of our democracy. I wish I could say nice things, but honestly, Shailesh Ji, I am very concerned. Let us face it; the first republic, which was inaugurated in 1950, was over in 2019. Some could say 2014, and some say 2019. The second republic is yet to be born."

A Q&A followed the conversation with participants. Sucheta Dalal founder Trustee of Moneylife Foundation, asked, "Today we live in times where we have an unprecedented amount of for want of better word transparency. Information is easily available; you have Google, giving you everything; every individual can publish and be heard if he wants to. How information is spread is also different. At the same time, you also have extreme polarisation, indoctrination and closing of minds. Would you like to share your views on that?"

Mr Yadav responded, "There is a lot of information, but you need the right frame to receive, capture, and categorise them. Information by itself is of no use. It will be like classified ads in newspapers that tell you nothing, and you need frames. But something happened in our country. Those frames did not come from academic thinking, unlike in the west. When I look at politics today, what strikes me is not merely the fact that there are no ethics and morals. That is all right. That is happening in politics all over the world at different points in time. What strikes me is the sheer lack of political judgment of the top leaders. Some of our top political leaders have an abysmal judgment of politics, and I suspect that their judgment is so poor because the frame through which they could make judgments has collapsed.

"So the broad point I was making is that, yes, the frames have collapsed. The quality of political judgment has declined and therefore, what we need are people who can make sense of the world of politics. This is what is needed; this is what is so desperately missing right now."

You can watch the entire session here:
September 30, 2021

60 Hours After Publishing A Fake News Report On Afghanistan The New York Times Still Spreads The Story

On Tuesday I provided that the New York Times and CNN were spreading fake news about Taliban policy in Afghanistan by quoting a hoax tweet from an imposter's Twitter account.

Forty-eight hours later both stories are still uncorrected despite the fact that many have have pointed out the 'error' in them.

The Washington Post though, which had also run a story quoting the tweet, has applied a correction. On top of its piece it now says:

Correction: An earlier version of this article attributed comments to Mohammad Ashraf Ghairat, the new chancellor of Kabul University, that appeared on a Twitter account in his name. Subsequent messages on the account asserted the actual user was a Kabul University student who tweeted fake words to raise awareness of the Talibans policy. The article has been corrected.

Further down it explains:

Adding to the uncertainty were messages that appeared this week on a Twitter account in the name of Mohammad Ashraf Ghairat, appointed last week as the universitys chancellor. One warned that women would not be able to allowed to attend universities or work. Some suggested the messages were the work of an impostor. On Wednesday, new tweets appeared on the account saying the user was a 20-year-old student of the law and political science faculty who had been pretending to be the new chancellor with fake words that he hoped would awaken Afghans, and the world to put pressure on Taliban to open the schools and universities.

"Some suggested" does an awful lot of work here when one considers that 'some' included various Afghan media and the University of Kabul and that its 'suggestion' was a statement which explicitly denied that its chancellor has any social media accounts. 'Some suggested' also proves that the original article was never fact checked.

What this suggests to me is that the 'journalist' and 'editors' at the Washington Post were just as lazy as those at the New York Times, CNN and elsewhere. That they did not even attempted to verify the person behind that Twitter account or the content of the tweet. It was too conforming with their own myths and opinions about the Taliban to be held in doubt.

Moreover they still have not explained who the person behind the imposter account, which is now back online, really is and what its real motives are. Nor have they explained the real official Taliban policy with regards to the university.

I for one, judging from the language in the imposter latest Twitter thread, have strong doubts that the person behind the fake Mohammad Ashraf Ghairat account is a real Afghan student or even in Afghanistan. I find it way more likely that the imposter is part of an anti-Taliban astroturf campaign.

Now let us recall that the media who run this fake story and their 'journalists' are the very same who have for years accused Russia and other countries of providing 'fake news' just because some stories on Russia Today did not fit with their own warped worldview. It is obvious now that it was just another incident of them projecting their own attitude towards truth onto others.

Posted by b on September 30, 2021 at 14:27 UTC | Permalink

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Fall is only a week old but preparations for winter  and for any deep freezes like Winter Storm Uri in February  are underway.

The Railroad Commission is part of those preparations under Senate Bill 3, which was signed into law this summer to shore the states electric grid. Christi Craddick, one of the three elected commissioners, detailed the agencys activities during a visit to her native Midland.

One thing we recognized during the storm was that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas didnt realize how dependent the oil and gas industry was on electricity, she said. During the legislative session, legislators tapped the agency to work with ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to improve knowledge of where infrastructure is.

The commission is also part of the Texas Electricity Supply Chain Security and Mapping Committee established by SB3, with the commissions executive director serving as vice chair. As part of the mapping effort, Craddick said the agency may be asking operators for new information, such as the location of compressor stations, to gain a better understanding of the route natural gas takes from the wellhead to the compressor station to the pipeline to the power generating station.

The agency asked for and received $3 million for the mapping process, funding that will also help hire 130 more people to serve as inspectors to ensure that, once all infrastructure is in place, those facilities meet what she calls vibrant, best practices to meet weatherization standards. The updated maps are due by Sept. 1, 2022.

The commission is also one of seven state agencies that are part of the Texas Reliability Council, which must issue reports on the reliability and stability of the states electricity supply chain to legislators by Nov. 1 of even-numbered years.

Last week the agency issued a request to operators of 76 disposal wells to reduce injection volumes in an effort to address recent seismic activity in the Midland-Odessa area. Induced seismicity is an issue the agency takes seriously and has been working to address for several years, said Craddick, noting that the agency has hired a seismologist and worked to update injection rules.

Weve been watching the Midland Basin area and communicating with operators, asking them to scale back injection rates, Craddick said. We recognized this spring, even this summer, that wasnt enough. The volume reductions requested in last weeks letter are voluntary but strict, she said. In addition, the agency wont be issuing permits for new disposal wells in the area for the next year.

Flaring remains another issue the commission continually addresses, and Craddick pointed out that flaring statewide has fallen more than 75 percent since August of 2019, to 0.57 percent as of July. She said new data sheets issued by the agency are providing better information and staff members, more aware of concerns around flaring, are asking hard questions of applicants rather than simply granting requests. Helping the issue is the addition of pipeline capacity and other infrastructure to handle gas production, she said. The volume of gas produced in Texas, which has remained flat at 26 billion to 28 billion cubic feet a day, has now surged to 34 Bcf, she said, based largely on higher prices.

Should President Bidens infrastructure legislation pass, she said it could contain funding to help the commission increase the number of orphaned wells to be plugged. Though the agency routinely exceeds the 1,400 wells per year target set by the legislature, about 7,000 wells remain to be plugged and those federal dollars could help improve the pace.

Craddick anticipates a modest uptick in industry activity as more wells are drilled and service companies employ more people to meet demand for completions and well servicing. It wont be quick or significant, she said.

From what I hear, it will be measured as companies work within their means, Craddick said.
Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen might be one of Midlands best-kept secrets.

The restaurant is attached to the gym Telos Health and Conditioning at 4400 N. Big Spring St. When the restaurant opened in May, it didnt have any social media accounts, but word of mouth still had people coming through the doors. Owner Orlando Castillo opened Telos Health and Conditioning 11 years ago. He wanted to add a restaurant to provide a full-cycle service to clients.

Its every fitness person's dream to provide a full-circle service to customers, he said. We want to have the fitness side and the food side for the whole wellness holistic type of business.

Want to go? Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen is now on Facebook, Instagram @harvest_nk and check out its website. See More Collapse

Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen focuses on healthy wraps, bowls, cauliflower crust pizzas, smoothie bowls, burgers, smoothies and salads. The restaurant also serves coffee and workout recovery drinks.

Pizzas werent even on our radar, but we thought we would add a carb option with a cauliflower pizza, he said. Some people have said the pizza is the best in town.

The restaurant has also started serving brunch on Saturdays. The brunch menu also offers something for families. The restaurant has started serving waffle platters with fruits, sausage, bacon, eggs and waffles. Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen will also have a wine and beer beverage permit soon to serve mimosas at lunch.

Castillo added that they also offer healthy Mexican food options like quesadillas and street tacos. The restaurant offers wagyu steak in the Harvest steak quesadilla and steak street tacos, which also feature black beans, corn, cheddar cheese and sides of salsa and guacamole.

Being the Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen we wanted people to connect with it as their kitchen, he said. People can ask for specialized kitchens, we just have to try it out first.

The restaurant regularly asks patrons on the restaurants Instagram page what patrons would like to see Harvest Neighborhood Kitchen add to the menu. The staff also has a big part to play in what goes on the menu. One employee has a love for baking and that has translated to the restaurant offering healthy sweets and pastries. The restaurant had paleo lemon-blueberry bars and sweet potato chocolate chip cookies on Wednesday.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Castillo said eventually he wants to be open for evening hours once he finds enough staff.

The Bites

--Eccentric Brewing Co. is releasing a limited-time Texas-grown and made beer. The Lone Star Estate will be available at the brewerys taproom at 1402 Cotton Flat Road on Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. until supplies last.

--La Mision restaurants 1008 South Big Spring location is closed. The restaurant will open at 119 Tradewinds Blvd.

--Lo. St. Books has started a happy hour 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Select drinks and bites are $5.

--Fat Birds Wing Bar is now open for lunch, starting at 11 a.m. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 3209 Courtyard Drive Suite L.

--Sewell Family of Companies is hosting Dine and Donate Week at Press Cafe for Pink the Basin. During Oct. 18-23, 100 percent of all sales will be donated to Pink the Basin.
DALLAS (AP)  Eight people, including four firefighters, were injured Wednesday morning in an explosion at an apartment complex in south Dallas, authorities said.

Three firefighters were critically injured, while the other was discharged after receiving hospital treatment for minor injuries, said Dallas Fire-Rescue Jason Evans. Four civilians were hospitalized in stable condition.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A judge dismissed a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Evel Knievels son a year ago against the Walt Disney Co. and movie company Pixar over a Toy Story 4 daredevil character named Duke Caboom.

Were obviously disappointed, Kelly Knievel said in a Monday email. We are considering our options at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

U.S. District Judge James Mahan in Las Vegas dismissed the case against Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on Sept. 23.

The judge wrote that while the Caboom character was reminiscent of Knievel, Disneys use of Evel Knievels likeness contains significant transformative elements and is not a literal depiction.

An email message from The Walt Disney Co. spokesman Jeffrey R. Epstein said he was traveling and unavailable for immediate comment.

Kelly Knievel, head of Las Vegas-based K and K Promotions, had characterized the Caboom character as a direct knock-off of the legend and historical significance of Knievels father, the famous stunt motorcyclist who died in 2007 at 69 in Florida of lung disease.

The lawsuit filed in September 2020 accused Disney and Pixar of intentionally modeling the Toy Story 4 character on Knievel, whose stunts included motorcycle jumps in 1967 over the Caesars Palace fountain in Las Vegas  including a spectacular near-fatal crash  and in 1975 over a row of buses at Wembley Stadium in London.

Evel Knievel was seriously injured many times during more than 75 motorcycle jumps. He survived a 1974 rocket-motorcycle shot over Snake River Canyon in Idaho that ended with the machine parachuting to the riverbank below.

The lawsuit noted an Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy released in 1973 featured a Knievel action figure clad in a white helmet and jumpsuit with red, white and blue embellishments on a motorcycle that could be propelled with a wind-up device.

The court filing pointed to the film character and his Duke Caboom Stunt Cycle, described by Disney Pixar as a 1970s-era daredevil based on Canadas greatest stuntman, clad in a white jumpsuit and helmet with Canadian insignia.

The judge said the film character has a different name and clothing, is Canadian rather than American, and wears a mustache and different hair color and style than Knievel.

Duke Caboom is not a carbon copy of Evel Knievel minus a few details, Mahan wrote. The Duke Caboom action figure is a representation of Disneys expression in the film and not an attempt to imitate Evel Knievel.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 40-year-old Palestinian man in the Gaza Strip on Thursday as he was setting bird traps near the Israeli border, his family said. The military said it was investigating.

The shooting came hours after two other Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. The shooting in Gaza occurred just before noon, near the Bureij refugee camp.

Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers are bitter enemies that have fought four wars since 2007  most recently in May. The border area remains volatile and three Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed in clashes in the area in recent weeks.

There were no signs that Mohammed Abu Ammar was involved in militant activity when he was shot Wednesday.

His cousin, Othman Abu Ammar, said Mohammed, who lived in Bureij, earned a living by setting traps in the area and catching birds that he would sell.

No armed groups claimed him as a member, and there were no uniformed militants at his funeral.

However, his body was later wrapped in a green Hamas flag before it was buried. Militant groups often rush to wrap bodies of people killed in fighting with Israel to help boost their public standing.

Gaza militant groups, including Hamas, issued a joint statement saying Israel had crossed all red lines and that the killing will call for harsh responses of a special kind.

In a statement, the army said it spotted three suspects approaching the separation fence.

One of the suspects was seen carrying a suspicious backpack and digging in the ground," it said, adding that troops at the scene fired towards the suspect. It said it was aware of reports that a man had been killed and was investigating.

Earlier Thursday, Israeli police shot a Palestinian woman who allegedly attempted to stab an officer in Jerusalem's Old City. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the incident occurred outside an entrance to a flashpoint holy site known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, home to the Al Aqsa Mosque, and to Jews as the Temple Mount.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the woman as 30-year-old Isra Khzamiah from a northern West Bank town near the city of Jenin, an area where tensions have run high following an escape by Palestinian prisoners from an Israeli prison earlier this month.

Palestinians have carried out a number of car-ramming, shooting and stabbing attacks targeting Israeli security forces and civilians in recent years in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. The Palestinians and Israeli human rights groups say security personnel often use excessive force and in some cases have killed people mistaken as assailants.

Israel captured east Jerusalem and the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel annexed east Jerusalem  home to holy sites to Jews, Christians and Muslims  in a move unrecognized by the international community and considers the city its undivided capital. The Palestinians seek the West Bank as part of a future independent state, with east Jerusalem as their capital.

In a separate incident, Israel's paramilitary border police force said it killed a Palestinian man who opened fire on troops as they conducted an arrest raid in the northern West Bank.

The official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, reported that a 22-year-old man was killed and two others wounded.

The shooting occurred in Burqin, a town near the northern West Bank city of Jenin that was the scene of a major gunbattle between Israeli troops and Palestinians earlier this week in which two Palestinians were killed and two Israeli soldiers seriously wounded during a raid targeting a Hamas militant cell.
Xtra Insights' Bethaney Lawler Named General Manager

In Australia, media research specialist Xtra Insights has named Bethaney Lawler General Manager, in addition to her existing role as Head of Radio Audience Measurement.



The Brisbane, Queensland-based company offers consulting to deliver audience and customer insights to its clients. Using digital and mobile technologies, the firm conducts music and content research, and it also offers CATI room facilities and access to audience panels.



Lawler, who has been with Xtra Insights for the past fourteen years, takes on the additional role from next week as part of a recent internal restructure. She will now be charged with day-to-day operations, as well as guiding the company's future direction. While Lawler steps into the role of General Manager, Paul Amos will continue as MD, moving his focus from daily operations to innovation and special projects.



Amos comments: 'Bethaney has built up a remarkable level of knowledge and understanding of the research business in her time at Xtra. She's played a key role in the implementation of Regional Radio Audience Measurement in Australia and has managed numerous research projects across different countries and cultures. Armed with that experience, and a style of her own, she is the perfect person to lead Xtra into the future'.



Web site: www.xtrainsights.com .




Illinois community colleges have a multi-billion dollar impact on the states economy and will be integral in making a recovery from the pandemic an equitable one, according a new report from the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies.

The Illinois Community Colleges Economic Impacts and Student Employment Outcomes report said the indirect economic output tied to community colleges in 2020 was $3.5 billion. Directly, the states 48 community colleges employed 32,867 people in 2020 at a total salary of $1.3 billion.

Lazaro Lopez, chair of the Illinois Community College Board, said at a news conference unveiling the study that it proves what an economic force the states community college system is.

As the largest workforce training provider in Illinois, community colleges create an educated and skilled workforce that addresses current and future needs of many critical industries throughout our state, he said. And through this work, community colleges provide a substantial economic benefit for the state and local communities where they reside.

An investment in a completed associate degree is worth $238,000, according to the report, meaning someone completing a degree can expect to earn that much more over 40 years than if they did not.

The internal rate of return on their investment is 26.8%, according to the study. In other words, if a student put $33,368 in an investment that returned 40 annual payments equivalent to the earnings gains from an associate degree, they would earn interest at a rate of 26.9%.

Thats factoring in an assumed cost of $31,883 for the degree, including tuition and other expenses as well as opportunity cost, which includes time spent at school instead of work.

Brian Richard, one of the studys authors from NIUs Center for Governmental Studies, said the report is based on actual earnings of graduates, rather than just national averages.

Something unique about this is we attached, connected, actual students records with actual wage records, so the numbers in this study reflect the reality of what those students experienced in the workforce, not just some estimates based on national averages and things, he said at the news conference. The numbers reflect the true experience of those students that have graduated over the past 10 years or so.

A degree or even a short-term, narrow certificate can lead to higher wages and more likely long-term employment, said Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.

More than 84% of graduates with a long-term certificate or an (associate of applied science degree) are employed in jobs in their chosen career field within a year of graduation, he said. And five years after graduation, graduates with an associates degree who then transfer to a four-year institution have employment rates of 85%.

For those that earn short-term certificates, Durham said electrical and power transmission installers can earn close to $70,000, while those going into the field of fire protection can earn more than $54,000. Heating and air conditioning jobs can pay more than $48,000, while various other programs can lead to salaries for $36,000 to almost $44,000, depending on the program.

Attendees also praised the states Workforce Equity Initiative, an annual investment of $18.7 million from the ICCB which allows colleges to remove barriers to student success, which may include free tuition, childcare, transportation, and educational supplies for minority populations in at-risk communities, according to its website.

LaCrea Lott, a student at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield through the WEI program, said it has given her the opportunity to advance to higher heights within the medical career, whereas before, it seemed impossible to do.

WEI has helped me to intensify my education and training to the next level, Lott said. With the supports of the program, like free tuition, providing the technical support during the pandemic and the flexible class schedule, I was able to successfully complete my medical assistant credential.

The WEI program and community colleges in general could be an important tool in recovering from the pandemic, according to the study, because minority workers saw a disproportionate unemployment toll amid business closures, and community colleges serve a substantial portion of African American and Latinx students.

Durham said community colleges faced challenges in the early days of the pandemic, as much of the training they provide is hands-on. While that led to some enrollment downturns at the height of economic shutdowns, he said, enrollment seems to have rebounded a bit, although official numbers for the year are not released yet.

According to the report, as the long-term economic changes caused by the pandemic become more apparent, community colleges and other parts of the workforce development system can help retrain those that have permanently lost their jobs.
An auditor general review of Illinois State Polices handling of Firearm Owners Identification Card and Concealed Carry License applications shows ISP is not following the law.

The audit was for 2018 and 2019. Even before the pandemic, there were delays in applications being processed in the time frame allowed by law. Delays impacted around one in 10 applicants in 2018 and increased to about one in four in 2019.

For 2020 and into 2021, years not part of the audit, the average wait times were far beyond the 30 days allowed by law.

Average processing times has dropped from 205 days in July of 2021 to less than 190 days in September of 2021, ISP said in the auditors report.

New firearm owner cards are to be processed within 30 days and renewals within 60 days.

Concealed carry licenses must be completed within 90 days with an additional 30 days if no fingerprints are provided. Around 93% of the concealed carry licenses applications were completed on time in 2018, but that dropped to less than half, or 48%, completed within the time frame allowed by law.

Before the audit was released, state police said it has decreased the backlog, but not entirely. Illinois State Police said it has reduced backlogs by 89% for renewals and 75% for new applicants.

State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, said the problem with the persistent delays is new applicants rights are being denied.

If youre applying for a renewal of your card, at least we have it in place where that card gets extended even though you dont get the new card in the mail, but for new applicants we are literally violating their constitutional rights, Butler told WMAY before the audit was released.

The audit also revealed ISP recovered a fraction of revoked firearm owner cards and concealed carry licenses. The report shows ISP recovered fewer than half the number of revoked firearm owner cards in 2018 and fewer than a third in 2017. The agency had even fewer recovered concealed carry licenses that were revoked, as low as 14% in 2019.

Among six total recommendations from the auditor general, one was to streamline the process all together and eliminate duplication and manual checks.

State police responded to some of the audits recommendations that a law recently enacted through House Bill 562 will help modernize the process.

Butler has a recommendation.

I think we just need to get rid of the FOID card, Butler said. I think in todays environment where we have instant background checks  I bought a handgun last year, went through the process, got the background check, waited the 72 hours. You didnt need a FOID card to make that purchase with that stuff in place.

The audit said state police recognized that essentially anything checked during a firearm owner background check is also checked during [a Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program] transaction when someone buys a firearm.

Another recommendation from the auditor general was to ensure all applicants are dealt with within the time frames allowed by law. Illinois State Police officials agreed and said theyre hiring more personnel, but blamed extensive delays on social unrest and the pandemic, though the pandemic and social duress in 2020 was not part of the audited years.

Another recommendation was to ensure sheriffs are notified and for state police to work with local law enforcement to obtain revoked firearm owner cards. Illinois State Police said it is actively working and holding seminars in its zones, but said it has limited ability to comply with the recommendation without any authority to force compliance with outside agencies.

The next recommendation was to include enforcement details to ensure consistent enforcement across the state. ISP said a new statewide gun coordinator will be staffed starting in October.

The fifth recommendation was for state police to establish a case management system for appeal and update administrative rules for an appeal process. State police agreed and laid out steps to comply. It notes administrative rules filed Aug. 30 more accurately reflect its appeals process and HB562 brings about extensive changes with a process laid out.

The final recommendation was for state police to update administrative rules to reflect the process for determining issuance date and expiration. Illinois State Police said its submitted such rules.

The firearm owner card and concealed carry licenses process faces about a dozen lawsuits from gun groups in state and federal courts.
Fire heavily damaged a South Jacksonville house late Wednesday.

South Jacksonville firefighters were called to 216 E. Greenwood Ave. about 10:35 p.m. and arrived to find a front bedroom of the house fully engulfed in flames, according to South Jacksonville Fire Chief Rich Evans.
PARIS (AP)  French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was convicted Thursday and sentenced to a year of house arrest for illegal campaign financing of his unsuccessful 2012 reelection bid, will appeal the ruling, his lawyer said.

The court said Sarkozy would be allowed to serve the one-year sentence at home by wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Sarkozys lawyer, Thierry Herzog, noted that the sentence corresponds to the maximum his client faced. He said he had spoken with Sarkozy, who had asked him to appeal.

The verdict won't be enforceable pending appeal, he added.

Sarkozy, Frances president from 2007 to 2012, had vigorously denied wrongdoing during the trial in May and June.

Sarkozy wasn't present at the Paris court for the ruling. He is accused of having spent almost twice the maximum legal amount of 22.5 million euros ($27.5 million) on the reelection bid that he lost to Socialist Francois Hollande.

The court stated that Sarkozy knew the legal limit was at stake and voluntarily failed to supervise additional expenses.

Thursday's verdict comes after Sarkozy, 66, was found guilty on March 1 of corruption and influence peddling in another case. He was given a year in prison, and two years suspended, in that case but is free pending appeal.

It is the first time in Frances modern history that a former president has been convicted and sentenced to a prison term for actions during his term. Sarkozys predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was found guilty in 2011 of misuse of public money during his time as Paris mayor and was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

In the campaign financing case, prosecutors concluded that Sarkozy knew weeks before the 2012 election that his expenses  which are strictly limited under French law  were getting close to the legal maximum. They accused him of having ignored two notes from his accountants warning about the money issue.

The court on Thursday said despite being aware of the risk of exceeding the limit, he chose to organize many rallies, including giant ones. These rallies have been approved by Nicolas Sarkozy and he took advantage of them, the court said.

During the trial, Sarkozy told the court the extra money didn't go into his campaign, but instead helped make other people richer. He denied any fraudulent intent. He also insisted he didn't handle the day-to-day organization because he had a team to do that and therefore couldn't be blamed for the amount of spending.

In addition to the former president, 13 other people went on trial, including members of his conservative Republicans party, accountants and heads of the communication group in charge of organizing the rallies, Bygmalion.

They have all been found guilty, with sentences going from a suspended prison sentence to two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet. Various charges include forgery, fraud and complicity in illegal campaign financing.

Some have acknowledged wrongdoing and detailed the system of false invoices that aimed to cover up the overspending.

Sarkozy retired from active politics in 2017, but is still playing a role behind the scenes. French media have reported that he is involved in the process of choosing a conservative candidate ahead of France's presidential election next year.
For six decades, Morgan County Audubon Society members have been exploring nature and their love of birds.

Started on Oct. 5, 1961, the Jacksonville Nature League was formed by 24 residents who wanted to share their love for nature. It was renamed the Morgan County Audubon Society in January 1962, when it became a chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, said Allen Yow, society newsletter editor and secretary for the Illinois Audubon Society.

They wanted a nature organization for the community, Yow said.

Since its beginnings, the organization has expanded. It now has about 40 regular members and a youth branch, the Morgan County Audubon Society Young Explorers club, which started in 2018.

Club activities vary, with members sharing their interests with members of the club and community.

From Pat Wards maple syrup demonstration to the Firefly Festival and Walk, the society and its members try to help connect the community with nature and its resources. The organization helps arrange bird-watching trips and other opportunities to explore.

Our members have introduced hundreds of people to the joys of bird banding, Yow said. Weve banded more than 5,000 birds at Happy Hollow alone over the years for scientific research.

The club also helps with statistical gathering and scientific research, Yow said.

Since the mid-1960s, the members have conducted various bird counts, Yow said. Our birders not only cover Morgan County, but they go all over to help with counts and census reporting.

Part of what the club does is educate the public about nature, Yow said.

We want to share our interest in wildlife with others, he said. We want to introduce people to the resources we have here in the community. People dont necessarily think we have some of these wild areas, but we do.

Activities for both clubs have been minimal during the past year because of the pandemic, but both groups plan to begin meetings again soon, Yow said.

Morgan County Audubon Societys first meeting of 2021 will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 870 W. College Ave. The club meets the second Friday of each month and meetings are open to the public. All club activities are free.

The Young Explorers program will begin this winter. Yow is developing the schedule of events and hopes to release it in November, he said.

We were able to do some Zoom stuff (last winter), but we are hoping to have in-person meetings in December, he said.

While they dont have anything planned for the organizations anniversary next month, they are hoping to celebrate their six decades with the community in the spring, Yow said.

We really want to find a way to celebrate with the community, he said.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to restore stalled communication lines with South Korea in coming days while shrugging off U.S. offers for dialogue as cunning ways to conceal its hostility against the North, state media reported Thursday.

Kims statement is an apparent effort to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as he wants South Korea to help him win relief from crippling U.S.-led economic sanctions and other concessions. Pyongyang this month has offered conditional talks with Seoul alongside its first missile firings in six months and stepped-up criticism of the United States.

The U.N. Security Council delayed an emergency closed meeting to discuss North Koreas recent tests from Thursday morning until Friday at the request of Russia, China and other council members who said they needed more time to prepare, diplomats said. The meeting was requested by the United States, the U.K. and France.

During a speech at his countrys rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday, Kim said the restoration in early October of cross-border hotlines  which have been largely dormant for more than a year  would realize the Korean peoples wishes for a peace between the two Koreas, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim still accused South Korea of being bent on begging external support and cooperation while clamoring for international cooperation in servitude to the U.S., rather than committing to resolving the matters independently between the Koreas.

Kim echoed his powerful sister Kim Yo Jongs calls for Seoul to abandon double-dealing attitude and hostile viewpoint over the Norths missile tests and other developments. Some experts say North Korea is pressuring South Korea to tone down its criticism of its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, as part of its quest to receive an international recognition as a nuclear power.

South Koreas Unification Ministry responded that itll prepare for the restoration of the hotlines that it said is needed to discuss and resolve many pending issues. It said it expects them to operate smoothly because their restoration was directly instructed by Kim Jong Un.

On the United States, Kim Jong Un dismissed repeated U.S. offers to resume talks without preconditions, calling them an attempt to hide Americas hostile policy and military threats that he said remain unchanged.

The Biden administration is touting diplomatic engagement and dialogue without preconditions but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts, Kim said.

He added: The U.S. remains utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing hostile policy toward (North Korea) but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so.

He has warned he would bolster his nuclear arsenal and stay away from negotiations with Washington unless it drops its hostile policy," a term used to describe the U.S.-led sanctions and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul.

U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed hope to sit down for talks with North Korea anywhere and at any time, but have maintained they will continue sanctions until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearization. The diplomacy has been stalled for 2  years due to disagreements over easing of sanctions in return for limited denuclearization steps.

China, North Koreas last major ally, said Thursday it hopes the hotlines restoration would help improve ties between the two Koreas. But it also urged the U.S. to roll back some of the sanctions targeting the Norths civilian economy.

The U.S. should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. It should invoke the rollback terms of the Security Councils (North Korea)-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions.

President Joe Biden told the U.N. General Assembly last week that his administration would seek serious and sustained diplomacy to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

North Koreas outreach to Seoul came after South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who seeks progress in his appeasement policy on North Korea before he leaves office next May, proposed a symbolic peace declaration during his U.N. speech last week.

Kim Jong Un will likely continue to use South Korea to move the Biden administration in its favor, Kwak Gil Sup, head of One Korea Center, a website specializing in North Korea affairs, wrote on Facebook. Hell make more outright attempts to wedge South Korea and the U.S. apart. Its a highly sophisticated strategy to make the best use of the impatience of the (Moon) government preoccupied with producing progress in its peace process on the Korean Peninsula in its final months in office."

Meanwhile, Kims sister was elected as a member of the State Affairs Commission led by her brother during this weeks Supreme Peoples Assembly session, KCNA reported. The appointment of Kim Yo Jong, who already is a senior ruling party official who handles Pyongyangs relations with Seoul, is another sign Kim is solidifying his familys rule in the face of mounting economic difficulties caused by the pandemic and the sanctions.

___

Associated Press journalists Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  An international representative of ethnic Rohingya refugees was shot to death in a camp in Bangladesh by unknown gunmen late Wednesday, police said.

Mohibullah, who was in his 40s, was a teacher who emerged as a key refugee leader and a spokesman representing the Muslim ethnic group in international meetings. He visited the White House in 2019 for a meeting on religious freedom with then-President Donald Trump and spoke about the suffering and persecution faced by Rohingya in Myanmar.

That same year, he was bitterly criticized by Bangladeshi media after he led a massive rally of 200,000 refugees to mark the second anniversary of the crackdown by Myanmars military that caused about 700,000 Rohingya, including Mohibullah, to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

The unidentified attackers shot Mohibullah at the Kutupalong refugee camp at Ukhiya in Coxs Bazar district, said Naimul Haque, a commander of the Armed Police Battalion in Coxs Bazar. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead.

No groups claimed responsibility and it was not clear immediately who was behind the attack.

Human Rights Watch called Mohibullah a vital voice for the Rohingya community. He always defended the rights of the Rohingya to safe and dignified returns and to have a say in the decisions concerning their lives and future. His killing is a stark demonstration of the risks faced by those in the camps who speak up for freedom and against violence, Meenakshi Ganguly, the rights group's South Asia director, said in a statement.

Mohibullahs death undermines not only the struggle of Rohingya refugees for greater rights and protection in the refugee camps, but also their efforts to safely return to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladesh authorities should urgently investigate Mohibullahs killing along with other attacks on Rohingya activists in the camps," she said.

Amnesty International condemned the killing and urged Bangladeshi authorities and the U.N. Refugee Agency to work together to ensure the protection of people in the camps, including refugees, activists and humanitarian workers from both the Rohingya and local community, many of whom have shared concerns about their safety.

Violence in the refugee camps in Coxs Bazaar has been a growing problem," said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty Internationals South Asia Campaigner. "Armed groups operating drug cartels have killed people and held hostages. The authorities must take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed."

Overall, Bangladesh has been sheltering more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar after previous waves of persecution.
Getty Images

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalitions next Looking for Lincoln Conversations event will look at The Road to the Emancipation Proclamation.

The program will look at the behind-the-scenes that led President Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, one of the most well-known documents of his presidency and American history.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Morgan Marietta, University of Massachusetts Lowell

(THE CONVERSATION) The Supreme Court begins its annual term on Oct. 4, 2021, with a packed agenda highlighted by three claims of violations of constitutional rights. One is about religious rights. A second is about gun rights.

And the biggest case this year is a challenge to abortion rights. Several states are asking the justices to reconsider Roe v. Wade  the landmark 1973 ruling that established the constitutional right for a woman to terminate a pregnancy, regardless of the moral beliefs of other citizens.

Abortion

The case is Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health. The Mississippi legislature passed the Gestational Age Act in 2018, banning abortions after 15 weeks. The law was challenged and is currently on pause until the Supreme Court hears arguments on Dec. 1, with a decision expected by June 2022.

Since 1973, the Supreme Court has recognized a fundamental right for a woman to make her own decision about bearing a child, up until the point of viability  when the fetus can survive on its own outside of the womb, which is at approximately 24 weeks of gestation.

However, several states have passed laws intentionally challenging the constitutionality of Roe by lowering the threshold to 15 weeks, as in Mississippi, or six weeks, as in Texas. The Republican legislatures of those states are hoping that a more conservative Supreme Court will overturn or modify the 1973 ruling.

Public opinion on abortion has remained remarkably stable in an era of political polarization. From the 1970s to now, around 20% of Americans have consistently believed abortion should be illegal under all circumstances. Another slightly larger group has believed it should be legal under all circumstances. And the largest group of Americans  around 50%  has favored legal availability with some restrictions.

The core legal question since 1973  and especially with the case before the court  is what kind of restrictions should be permissible.

The justices will consider the longstanding debate over whether the Constitution protects a right to choose, or instead whether abortion falls outside of the realm of rights and squarely in the realm of majority rule to be decided by regular legislation.

But there is also a second question addressed in Roe, which is more often overlooked: whether a fetus is a person who also has rights, or instead whether a fetus is an aspect of the pregnant woman, whose rights are predominant. The Constitution provides no guidance on that second critical question, which is at the heart of the Mississippi case.

The court in 1973 decided that personhood does not emerge at conception nor wait until birth, but emerges during the course of the pregnancy at the point of viability. Hence, according to Roe, states could ban abortion after 24 weeks, but not before.

As an observer of constitutional politics, I suspect that if the court were ruling on this question for the first time, likely six of the justices would assert that the Constitution contains no specific right to abortion, instead leaving that decision to each state. They may also believe that decisions on the emergence of personhood, and therefore when abortion could be limited, are best left to individual states.

But Roe has been in force for almost 50 years and is often considered a super precedent, with even more force than other longstanding decisions. Chief Justice John Roberts has displayed a high regard for following precedent, while some of the more conservative justices like Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas believe that precedent is no reason to prolong what they believe to be an error. Whether the court will leave Roe undisturbed, overturn Roe entirely, or maintain the principle of abortion rights while allowing states to lower the threshold of fetal personhood from 24 weeks to 15 weeks  or lower  is difficult to predict.

Guns

The court first recognized a fundamental right of citizens to bear arms for personal protection in the landmark rulings in D.C. v. Heller in 2008 and MacDonald v. Chicago in 2010. What has not been decided is how far the right extends outside the home. Can local governments limit the right to just protecting the home, or do citizens have a broader right to carry concealed weapons while out in society?

In New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the plaintiffs argue that the Second Amendment requires something more than the current practice of limiting licenses to carry concealed firearms to rare circumstances. Technically a private citizen can be granted a permit, but the stringent requirements in New York mean that in practice almost no licenses are issued.

In the plaintiffs view, a rule requiring a proper cause to award a license  such as being in imminent danger from a known source  limits the right to select people, rather than applying the Bill of Rights to ordinary people. The court will have to draw the lines regarding where, and to whom, the Second Amendment extends.

Religion

A clear trend on the current court is toward greater protection of religious liberty. This traces back to the controversial Hobby Lobby ruling in 2014, which allowed religious businesses to claim exemption from health care laws they say infringe on their beliefs. Most recently, in Fulton v. Philadelphia in June 2020, the court ruled in favor of a religious charity that had been excluded from the city of Philadelphias adoption programs because the organization refused to serve same-sex couples who wished to adopt or foster a child.

Many of the recent rulings expanding religious liberty were decided 7-2 or even 9-0 among the justices, with only the two most liberal justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, sometimes dissenting. Now Sotomayor stands alone in rulings that would go 8-1, or, with the two more moderate liberals dissenting as well, 6-3.

However, when religion meets public education, the divide on the court becomes more dramatic between the conservatives and the liberals. In 2020, five justices struck down the exclusion of a US$150 tax credit for private school tuition when applied to a religious school, saying that if a state provides a benefit regarding private secular schools, it cannot deny the same opportunities to parents who choose religious schools. Four justices dissented on the grounds that any funding that benefits religious schools violates the First Amendment by creating impermissible entanglement between the government and religion.

This year, the court must decide if the same principle applied in the scholarship ruling applies at a larger scale. The state of Maine, where many communities do not have local public schools, reimburses a students tuition to attend private schools. But it doesnt pay the same tuition for private religious schools.

In Carson v. Makin, the court will determine if a state may deny a public benefit on the grounds that it will be used to pay for explicit religious instruction, or whether the First Amendment demands entirely equal financial treatment of religious and secular private schools.

In each of these three major cases, a now conservative-dominated court  especially after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was replaced by Amy Coney Barrett  may move American constitutional law in a new direction.

[Understand whats going on in Washington. Sign up for The Conversations Politics Weekly.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/us-supreme-court-gets-set-to-address-abortion-guns-and-religion-168720.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  West Virginia's largest outdoor festival on the third-highest U.S. bridge next month was canceled Wednesday, a week after a group representing parachutists bailed out.

The Bridge Day Commission voted unanimously to cancel the Oct. 16 event on the New River Gorge Bridge.

Marcus Ellison, an organizer for a group of BASE jumpers, cited concerns about available health care in case of an emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic in announcing last week that the group would not participate. Some hospitals in southern West Virginia have been inundated in recent weeks with COVID-19 patients with a few saying their intensive care units were at capacity.

Ellison also was concerned there could be an insufficient number of bus drivers to transport BASE jumpers from the bottom to the top of the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville on Oct. 16.

The well-being of my jumpers is the number one priority as an event organizer, Ellison told the Bridge Day Commission on Sept. 22.

BASE stands for building, antenna, span and Earth, the fixed objects from which jumpers leap.

Prior to the meeting, the Fayette County Commission, which has a representative on the Bridge Day Commission, alleged a small group of individuals acted to influence the BASE jumping group to cancel its participation.

The county commission said in a statement that Ellison was misled "to believe the jumpers he represents would not have the support they required to efficiently reach the jump site or have access to medical care should they suffer an injury. This small group knew the BASE jumper withdrawal would likely result in the cancellation of Bridge Day  and, they were right."

Ellison said the statement, which did not identify the individuals or small group, was just flat-out not true.

Since I've been involved with the BASE side of things since 2015 as the organizer, we've always done things as a team, Ellison said in a telephone interview Wednesday night. We all talk and discuss things and that's not just me or one other person on the commission. That's the entire body. That's how it's always worked and that's how it works the best, when we all discuss things in the open and come to the proper decision on how to move forward with the event. And that's what we did.

There's no conspiracies.

The county commission statement said volunteers would have been sought from other counties in case not enough bus drivers were available and that other resources would have been made available to accommodate the needs of anyone who became sick or injured.

Tens of thousands of people typically show up from around the world on the third Saturday of October to watch parachutists, zip liners and rappellers on the 876-foot-high (267-meter) bridge. Bridge Day is the only day of the year that the bridge is open to pedestrian traffic.

Last year's Bridge Day was canceled due to the pandemic.

Ellison, who grew up in the region around the bridge, said he's already looking forward to planning next year's event.

There's no other group of people that is more willing to be out there on that bridge on Bridge Day than myself and the BASE jumpers that I represent.

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Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
If the 2020 election proved anything, its that our system worked.

The Department of Homeland Security called the 2020 election the most secure in American history and still, the former president and his allies are smearing state election officials for no other reason than they are disappointed they lost. Even worse, some Republicans are using off-the-wall conspiracies as a reason to pass new laws to restrict voting options that performed beautifully in the 2020 election and led to record voter turnout numbers for both parties!

Here in America, every person who meets the proper legal requirements has the right to vote. And, when they do, their votes should be counted. This is basic. And, now is the time to solidify those promises with the Freedom to Vote Act.

The bill was largely influenced by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin as a compromise to the Democrats first attempt at voting rights reform, which was widely rejected as a massive, federal overreach. And, it has a number of reforms that Republicans ought to like and make our elections systems even stronger and instill some much-needed confidence into the process.

This bill would accomplish a number of things to bring all states in line to provide a set of fundamental guarantees to voters. It establishes things like secure automatic online voter registration practices, early voting options, strong voter maintenance list standards to keep the voting rolls clean, and protections for military ballots. There are voter identification standards for in-person voting. In the past, Democrats have resisted these conversations, but now they see the value in how consistent practices create trust in our systems, something sorely lacking on the national level today.

The bill also would require a baseline of standards for mail-in voting. Many states expanded the ability to vote by mail during the pandemic, and those systems performed beautifully. There is simply no reason to restrict those options now, given their track record of success. Voting by mail is a necessary option for people people who have trouble physically appearing in person to vote  whether they are working, live in a far-off rural area, are in college, disabled, elderly, or otherwise unable to travel and stand in line to vote  by declaring that all registered voters may request mail-in ballots.

Although some states choose to conduct their elections entirely by mail, that system should never be forced upon the states by the federal government. This bill puts the power to decide how to vote in the hands of the voter, not the government.

The bill also asks states to use voting systems that use paper ballots that can be verified by voters, so in the event an audit is needed, there is no question about its accuracy. To help, grants will be available for the states to create ballot tracking systems and purchase modern quality voting equipment. Without verified paper ballots and tracking, there isnt even a dependable way to even audit elections, should that be necessary.

Voters in one state should be able to trust that their fellow voters in another state have a similar set of standards for their elections.

Given the high stakes of our national elections, its long past time to implement these basic guarantees for the voters participating in those elections.

Amanda Carpenter is director of Republicans for Voting Rights and former communications director for Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. She wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Can the American lobster fishermen survive new restrictions on their activities thanks to the endangered species listing of the Atlantic right whale?

For centuries, North Atlantic right whales were aggressively hunted for their meat and their oil, which was used to keep lamps lit and to make soap.

These iconic 50-foot long dark blue and white whales were even named the right whale to hunt, as they were often found near the shore, can only swim slowly (6 mph), and float when killed. But by the early 1900s they had become a rare sight and in 1935 the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, banned hunting them. But the population failed to rebound, and in 1970 the U.S. added the Northern right whale to its new Endangered Species List.

Despite these protections, only 400 remain, and human interactions still present the greatest threat, with entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes the leading causes of mortality. Since 2017, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has documented 34 dead whales (21 in Canada; 13 in the U.S.), and 16 whales with serious injuries from entanglements or vessel strikes. In an attempt to conserve and rebuild the population, NOAA announced new regulations in August on the Maine lobster and Jonah crab industries, including the closure of large parts of the Gulf of Maine to lobstering between October and January and requiring more traps per trawl to reduce the overall number of lines in the water.

Not surprisingly, the fishing industry isnt happy.

This is incredulous, says Crystal Canney, executive director of Protect Maines Fishing Heritage Foundation. The whale deaths are not in Maine at the hands of Maine lobstermen  instead of saving right whales, what this decision has done is endanger not only the livelihoods of many of our lobstermen and women but also their lives.

The Maine Lobstermens Association is also apprehensive about the new regulations. In a statement, the group maintains that a historic number of right whales have died in Canadian waters over the past five years and yet Canada has not implemented protections comparable to the U.S. Furthermore, the latest scientific evidence points to a change in right whale migration patterns, away from Maine waters and into Canada and other areas.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the Maine lobster industry has not had a documented entanglement with a North Atlantic right whale in over 17 years and has never been known to kill or seriously injure a right whale, notes the Maine Lobstermens Associations Patrice McCarron. She adds that NOAAs new regulations are just the first round of economic impacts and that future restrictions will likely destroy Maines iconic lobster fishery.

Meanwhile, environmental advocacy group Oceana says the new rules dont go far enough, stressing that potentially fatal entanglements are still likely, particularly for juveniles, the fastest growing segment of the right whale population.

EarthTalk is written by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss. Send questions to question@earthtalk.org.
Review: Titane is feral and wildly original cinema View Photo

 Titane  is a shock to the system.

Unbound by genre, decency or form, French writer-director Julia Ducournaus Palme dOr recipient is pulsating and passionately defiant cinema that nearly defies explanation. Or at least explanation can hardly do it justice (neither does a simple R rating); this is just something that needs to be experienced. I cant promise that youll like it, but Im not even certain the concept of like and dislike even apply to Titane. And dont worry, even with the unhinged violence and gore, theres been no reports yet of fainting in any Titane screenings, as was the case with her first film Raw.

Part of the reason why its so hard to explain what Titane is about is because it is continually changing its shape. Even the official synopsis takes a pass and simply gives a dictionary definition for the title. Ducournaus Titane has shades of Lynchian-sensuality and Cronenbergian-madness, but its also all her own. Its even quite funny at times.

The film begins with its focus on a girl, Alexia, who gets a titanium plate in her head after a car crash and quickly develops a lust for cars. We move to an adult Alexia, played by the beguiling Agathe Rousselle, who is a dancer in her 30s doing a job that involves writhing sensually in neon fishnets atop a muscle car adorned with flames. A fan follows her into the parking lot and when he forces himself on her, she kills him. To come down from the incident, she, well, makes love to a car.

Neither the killing nor the fling with the car are isolated incidents for Alexia. In addition to sometimes having to defend herself from predators, she is also apparently a serial killer whose weapon of choice is the single metal chopstick she uses to pin her hair back. This is all captivating enough and set to a poppy, decade-jumping soundtrack that could inspire some jealousy from Quentin Tarantino.

But the film then makes an abrupt shift  when Alexia starts amassing an on-screen body count and becomes a hunted suspect, she decides to pose as a boy (now adult) who went missing 10 years ago. She tapes down her breasts and (surprise!) pregnant belly, cuts her hair, breaks her nose and shaves her eyebrows. The boys dad, Vincent (Vincent London), immediately buys Alexia as Adrian. And in another gear shift, soon Vincent and Adrian are living together.

This chapter moves away from murder and sex and becomes about love and lies and acceptance (and also drugs). Vincent, in addition to being a beefy, stern leader of a group of young, male emergency responders, yearns for a connection with his long-lost son. He also seems to have a pretty bad heroin habit, but he keeps that to himself at night.

Adrian/Alexia also essentially stops speaking (though Rousselles eyes and movements are as feral and captivating as ever) and the film turns its focus to Vincent, who blindly accepts this stranger as his son despite all the signs that something is not right.

The oddest and perhaps most shocking thing about the whole experience of Titane, which again, includes impregnation by a vehicle, is that somehow you come to feel for Alexia and Vincent and their strange connection in spite of everything. It doesnt all work, but Titane is a messy, provocative and wild piece with attitude and style that is never uninteresting.

Titane, a Neon release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for language, graphic nudity, disturbing material, sexual content and strong violence. Running time: 104 minutes. Three stars out of four.

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MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

-

Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr

By LINDSEY BAHR

AP Film Writer
Film review: With humor, Venom 2 leans into relationships View Photo

 Venom: Let There Be Carnage  is best when its not trying to be a comic book movie.

That fact may not bode especially well for future spinoffs and integrations within the so-called Spider-Verse, but one senses that director Andy Serkis, screenwriter Kelly Marcel and star/producer Tom Hardy are aware of this weakness. And they made the smart choice to lean into the oddball relationship between Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote Venom.

There is nothing remotely necessary about this sequel, which is itself a fruitless line of judgment to get into when it comes to any movie let alone franchise building blocks. But that also seems to free Venom 2 to get weirder and more irreverent than the first movie, when it seemed like no one could decide how seriously they were taking themselves. Turns out not very was the right answer.

Here we meet up with Eddie and Venom in what Serkis has called their odd couple phase. Eddie is in full bachelor mode as his ex, Anne (Michelle Williams), has recently gotten engaged to Dan (Reid Scott, who is a perfectly game and unflappable punching bag).

Eddie and his symbiote live in his tiny San Francisco apartment in near squalor and bicker all day long and it is really quite amusing. Venom loves to give advice  relationship and otherwise. Its like an ongoing inner monologue, just with an oily alien whose ideal meal is human brains (dont worry, Eddie has instituted a chicken and chocolate only rule). In one scene set to Lets Call the Whole Thing Off, Venom decides the only way to cheer Eddie up is to make bacon for breakfast.

Unfortunately because it is still a superhero adjacent movie, we cant just watch Eddie go about his days sweaty and bothered with his chatty symbiote never giving him a moment of peace. There must be a villain and a threat and some ridiculous motivation as to why Eddie and Venom have to get involved at all.

This is where Woody Harrelson comes in, as the lovesick serial killer Cletus Kasady who wants Eddie (who is apparently still working as an investigative journalist) to write his life story. Harrelson seems to be having fun as the psychopath murderer who only wants to get back to his true love, played by an offensively underutilized Naomie Harris.

Later, Cletus will get his own symbiote and become the titular Carnage. And even as the movie devolves into garish and nonsensical action (in Grace Cathedral of all places), it still retains enough awareness to have Carnage sincerely shout the title of the movie at a climatic moment.

Its hard to overstate just how much the relative success of this film comes down to Hardy and his go for broke performances as Eddie and Venom. Perhaps the gimmick is a little one note, but its still silly fun hearing Venom use the same intonation whether hes saying, Let me eat him or No! I get brain freeze when Eddie says hes going to get ice cream.

And Serkis was an inspired choice to take over the efforts from Ruben Fleischer. Who better than Golum to find the good stuff in a split personality mo-cap/CG performance? Its just too bad it also requires the superhero hook to justify its weird existence.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage, a Sony Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of violence and disturbing material. Running time: 97 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

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MPAA Definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr

By LINDSEY BAHR

AP Film Writer
Rohingya refugee leader shot dead in Bangladesh camp View Photo

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  An international representative of ethnic Rohingya refugees was shot to death in a camp in Bangladesh by unknown gunmen late Wednesday, police said.

Mohibullah, who was in his 40s, was a teacher who emerged as a key refugee leader and a spokesman representing the Muslim ethnic group in international meetings. He visited the White House in 2019 for a meeting on religious freedom with then-President Donald Trump and spoke about the suffering and persecution faced by Rohingya in Myanmar.

That same year, he was bitterly criticized by Bangladeshi media after he led a massive rally of 200,000 refugees to mark the second anniversary of the crackdown by Myanmars military that caused about 700,000 Rohingya, including Mohibullah, to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

The unidentified attackers shot Mohibullah at the Kutupalong refugee camp at Ukhiya in Coxs Bazar district, said Naimul Haque, a commander of the Armed Police Battalion in Coxs Bazar. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead.

No groups claimed responsibility and it was not clear immediately who was behind the attack.

Human Rights Watch called Mohibullah a vital voice for the Rohingya community. He always defended the rights of the Rohingya to safe and dignified returns and to have a say in the decisions concerning their lives and future. His killing is a stark demonstration of the risks faced by those in the camps who speak up for freedom and against violence, Meenakshi Ganguly, the rights groups South Asia director, said in a statement.

Mohibullahs death undermines not only the struggle of Rohingya refugees for greater rights and protection in the refugee camps, but also their efforts to safely return to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladesh authorities should urgently investigate Mohibullahs killing along with other attacks on Rohingya activists in the camps, she said.

Amnesty International condemned the killing and urged Bangladeshi authorities and the U.N. Refugee Agency to work together to ensure the protection of people in the camps, including refugees, activists and humanitarian workers from both the Rohingya and local community, many of whom have shared concerns about their safety.

Violence in the refugee camps in Coxs Bazaar has been a growing problem, said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty Internationals South Asia Campaigner. Armed groups operating drug cartels have killed people and held hostages. The authorities must take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.

Overall, Bangladesh has been sheltering more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar after previous waves of persecution.

By JULHAS ALAM

Associated Press
North Koreas Kim seeks better ties with South, but slams US View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to restore stalled communication lines with South Korea in coming days while shrugging off U.S. offers for dialogue as cunning ways to conceal its hostility against the North, state media reported Thursday.

Kims statement is an apparent effort to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as he wants South Korea to help him win relief from crippling U.S.-led economic sanctions and other concessions. Pyongyang this month has offered conditional talks with Seoul alongside its first missile firings in six months and stepped-up criticism of the United States.

The U.N. Security Council delayed an emergency closed meeting to discuss North Koreas recent tests from Thursday morning until Friday at the request of Russia, China and other council members who said they needed more time to prepare, diplomats said. The meeting was requested by the United States, the U.K. and France.

During a speech at his countrys rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday, Kim said the restoration in early October of cross-border hotlines  which have been largely dormant for more than a year  would realize the Korean peoples wishes for a peace between the two Koreas, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim still accused South Korea of being bent on begging external support and cooperation while clamoring for international cooperation in servitude to the U.S., rather than committing to resolving the matters independently between the Koreas.

Kim echoed his powerful sister Kim Yo Jongs calls for Seoul to abandon double-dealing attitude and hostile viewpoint over the Norths missile tests and other developments. Some experts say North Korea is pressuring South Korea to tone down its criticism of its ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, as part of its quest to receive an international recognition as a nuclear power.

South Koreas Unification Ministry responded that itll prepare for the restoration of the hotlines that it said is needed to discuss and resolve many pending issues. It said it expects them to operate smoothly because their restoration was directly instructed by Kim Jong Un.

On the United States, Kim Jong Un dismissed repeated U.S. offers to resume talks without preconditions, calling them an attempt to hide Americas hostile policy and military threats that he said remain unchanged.

The Biden administration is touting diplomatic engagement and dialogue without preconditions but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts, Kim said.

He added: The U.S. remains utterly unchanged in posing military threats and pursuing hostile policy toward (North Korea) but employs more cunning ways and methods in doing so.

He has warned he would bolster his nuclear arsenal and stay away from negotiations with Washington unless it drops its hostile policy, a term used to describe the U.S.-led sanctions and regular military drills between Washington and Seoul.

U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed hope to sit down for talks with North Korea anywhere and at any time, but have maintained they will continue sanctions until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearization. The diplomacy has been stalled for 2  years due to disagreements over easing of sanctions in return for limited denuclearization steps.

China, North Koreas last major ally, said Thursday it hopes the hotlines restoration would help improve ties between the two Koreas. But it also urged the U.S. to roll back some of the sanctions targeting the Norths civilian economy.

The U.S. should avoid repeating empty slogans, but rather show its sincerity by presenting an appealing plan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. It should invoke the rollback terms of the Security Councils (North Korea)-related resolutions as soon as possible and make necessary adjustments to relevant sanctions.

President Joe Biden told the U.N. General Assembly last week that his administration would seek serious and sustained diplomacy to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

North Koreas outreach to Seoul came after South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who seeks progress in his appeasement policy on North Korea before he leaves office next May, proposed a symbolic peace declaration during his U.N. speech last week.

Kim Jong Un will likely continue to use South Korea to move the Biden administration in its favor, Kwak Gil Sup, head of One Korea Center, a website specializing in North Korea affairs, wrote on Facebook. Hell make more outright attempts to wedge South Korea and the U.S. apart. Its a highly sophisticated strategy to make the best use of the impatience of the (Moon) government preoccupied with producing progress in its peace process on the Korean Peninsula in its final months in office.

Meanwhile, Kims sister was elected as a member of the State Affairs Commission led by her brother during this weeks Supreme Peoples Assembly session, KCNA reported. The appointment of Kim Yo Jong, who already is a senior ruling party official who handles Pyongyangs relations with Seoul, is another sign Kim is solidifying his familys rule in the face of mounting economic difficulties caused by the pandemic and the sanctions.

___

Associated Press journalists Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report.

By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG

Associated Press
Mexicos govt says it found body disposal site near border View Photo

MEXICO CITY (AP)  An apparently long-running extermination site has been found outside Mexicos northern border city of Nuevo Laredo, officials said Wednesday night.

The location was discovered some weeks earlier and is being investigated within the context of dozens of reported disappearances along a segment of the highway connecting Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey since 2012, the National Search Commission said.

The characteristics of the place allow the inference that it is an extermination site that has been used for years and until very recently, which will have to be confirmed by experts, the commissions statement said. This is the first site of these dimensions found in Nuevo Laredo.

Searchers found burned human remains on the ground, multiple possible clandestine graves and a clandestine crematorium, it said.

Drug cartels frequently use such sites to burn or dissolve the bodies of their victims.

Located across the border from Laredo, Texas, Nuevo Laredo has been dominated for years by the Northeast Cartel, a fragment of the old Zetas cartel.

The head of the governments National Search Commission, Karla Quintana, had told the W Radio station Tuesday that a clandestine crematorium of considerable size had been found just outside Nuevo Laredo, along with burned bone fragments. She said it had been set up and operated years ago, but had also recently been used.

Families of dozens of people who went missing on the highway between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo this year expressed anger at the report, complaining that they had not been informed of the situation.

Angelica Orozco, who leads the relatives group United Forces for Our Disappear in Nuevo Leon state, which borders Nuevo Laredo, said Wednesday that it is very worrisome for us that the commission has come out with such alarmist statements without informing us.

Her group said in a statement Tuesday that these statements totally re-victimize, and cause anguish and torture for the relatives of the disappeared, because many may assume their loved ones may have been killed and burned there.

The commissions statement Wednesday night called for the inclusion of families of the missing in the efforts to investigate the site.

At least 71 people went missing earlier this year as they drove on the highway between the industrial hub of Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo. The victims include at least a half dozen U.S. residents.

Most of the missing are men who drove trucks or taxis on a road that local media have dubbed the highway of death. But the missing also include women and children and men driving private cars. Activists say about a half dozen men have reappeared alive and badly beaten after being abducted on the highway, and all they will say is that armed men forced them to stop on the highway and took their vehicles.

Quintana said earlier this year the disappearances may be related to turf battles between the Jalisco and Northeast cartels.

Raymundo Ramos, a human rights activist in Nuevo Laredo, said authorities have released little information about the discovery, but that in the past such sites have been found with large metal drums where bodies are soaked in diesel and burned beyond recognition.

They should guarantee that (victims) relatives have access to the information, Ramos said of authorities.

Despite alerts from relatives of the missing in May, the state government of Nuevo Leon, where Monterrey is located, didnt warn people against traveling on the highway until almost a month later, activists say. Authorities have since increased policing and security on the highway.
Calaveras County New Cases Per Day View Photo

Tuolumne Public Health reports 20 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesdays report with 194 active cases including 4 who are hospitalized. Of Tuolumnes population eligible to be vaccinated 59% have been vaccinated. Tuolumne Countys active community cases were above 200 for 49 days between August 2 and September 19 with a high of 407, during the previous surge active cases were above 200 for 36 days between November 15 and December 20 with a high of 350.

The total current case rate, a 14-day average for Tuolumne County is down to 43.3 from 44.9 per 100,000 population. A total of 4,610 have been released from isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, there have been 103 deaths and 1,620 inmate cases with none currently active, for a total of 6,523 positive COVID-19 cases.

Todays newly reported cases include 6 cases age 17 or younger and 3 cases are age 60 and older. The gender and age breakdown is; 1 boy age 0-11, 1 girl and 4 boys age 12-17, 2 men age 18-29, 1 woman and 2 men age 30-39, 2 women and 1 man age 40 to 49, 1 woman and 2 men age 50-59, 1 woman age 60 to 69, and 2 women age 70 to 79.

Of the 20 new community cases, 16 were unvaccinated and 4 were vaccinated.

Calaveras County Public Health reports 15 new Covid cases since yesterdays report. Active cases increased to 107, including 1 current Covid hospitalization. There are 7 new cases age 0-17 and no new cases in individuals age 65 years old or older. Since the pandemic began Calaveras has had 538 Covid-19 positive children who are 17 and under and 603 Covid-19 positive people 65 and over. Calaveras has vaccinated 53.2% of their eligible population.

COVID-19 Testing Public health recommends if you believe you have been exposed to COVID, schedule an appointment to get tested 5 days after exposure and if you are having any symptoms, please get tested right away. The Tuolumne County State testing site is open 7 days a week beginning from 7 AM to 7 PM at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Appointments can be scheduled at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123 the same website and phone number can be used to schedule tests in other counties. Testing is also available through some pharmacies, at Rapid Care, the hospital emergency department if you are experiencing any symptoms, or contact your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 Vaccines Tuolumne Public Health says There are positive actions that we can take to protect ourselves and those around us from illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Vaccination is the most important step we can take to reduce the spread of disease, and reduce the impact to our healthcare system. In addition, the continued practice of other preventive actions like wearing a mask in public, keeping your distance, avoiding crowds, washing hands, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick will help slow the spread of the virus.

Vaccine appointments can be made at local pharmacies and through myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Anyone 12 and older is eligible for a COVID vaccine, Pfizer is approved for anyone age 12 or over. In Calaveras, mobile vaccination clinics now do COVID-19 testing. For COVID-19 testing times and locations go to: https://covid19.calaverasgov.us/. Walk-ins only for COVID-19 testing. No appointment is needed. Register online to reduce waiting time: https://bit.ly/3wpNEUU. The Pfizer vaccine requires 3 weeks between doses and the Moderna requires 4 weeks. The J&J vaccine requires only one dose. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot information is here. Call or email with any questions you may have Tuolumne is available at (209) 533-7440 Health@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov, Mariposa at (209) 259-1332 or mariposacovid19@gmail.com more numbers are available on our COVID-19 vaccine page here.

County/Date

Tier Color Active

Cases New Cases

Total Cases COVID

Deaths Amador 9/28 125 22 3,116 52 Calaveras 9/29 107 15 3,437 73 Mariposa 9/29 56 4 1,078 13 Mono 9/29 73 0 1,315 5 Stanislaus 9/29 1,797 112 73,821 1,272 Tuolumne 9/29 190 20 6,523 103
Meeting on Stewart Street Shelter View Photo

Sonora, CA  The public will once again have a chance to weigh in on the Stewart Street Shelter in Sonora.

The original meeting, scheduled for August 30, was canceled after the Washington Fire broke out on August 26th. It was a viral meeting only, the rescheduled meeting titled Stewart Street Shelter: What Comes Next is in person with face masks required. The meeting will not be available via Zoom but will be live-streamed on the Citys website at www.sonoraca.com.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those needing assistance are asked to notify the Community Development Department at 209-532-3508 ext. #2, or rkellogg@sonoraca.com. 48 hours in advance. That will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

As reported earlier here, there will be presentations and those in attendance are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 94 N. Washington Street on Tuesday, October 12th. It begins at 5:30 p.m.
Divided UN extends its mission in Libya till after elections View Photo

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to extend the U.N. political mission in Libya until after the countrys critical presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for late December.

However, the U.N.s most powerfule body remained divided over the withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign forces from the oil-rich North African nation and the missions leadership.

The vote extended the current mission until Jan. 31 to ensure the United Nations can continue supporting Libyas transitional government. The Dec. 24 elections aim to reunite the country after a decade of turmoil.

The end-of January date also coincides with the end of U.N. special envoy Jan Kubis contract  a subject of a dispute between Western nations and Russia on where he should be based. Kubis currently works out of Geneva but a strategic review of the mission, known as UNSMIL, included having its chief relocate to Libyas capital, Tripoli. The West strongly backed this, especially in the run-up to the elections, but Russia opposed.

Earlier, the Security Council had extended UNSMILs mandate for only two weeks because of disputes between the West and Russia over the withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces as demanded in an October 2020 cease-fire agreement between rival Libyan governments in the countrys east and west.

Facing rival Western-backed and Russian draft resolutions  both almost certain to be defeated  and Thursdays end of the current mandate, council members decided to simply extend it without any updates or changes.

Britains U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed regret that not all council members supported its compromise draft resolution, stressing that Libya is at a critical point and that its essential that the elections take place on time and are credible and inclusive.

She urged Security Council members to insist on implemention of the cease-fire agreement, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, without qualification and without delay.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the consensus on the resolution shows international support to the Libyan people at a very sensitive and very momentous stage leading up to elections. He said implementing the strategic reviews recommendations should wait until after the election.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the country between a U.N.-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities loyal to commander Khalifa Hifter in the east. Each have been backed by different armed groups and foreign governments.

Hifter launched a military offensive in 2019 to capture the capital, a campaign backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and France. But his march on Tripoli ultimately failed in June 2020, after Turkey sent troops to support the Libyan government, which also had the backing of Qatar and Italy. This paved the way for the October cease-fire agreement and a transitional government charged with leading the country to Dec. 24 elections.

Thursdays vote postponed a Security Council statement on mercenaries and foreign fighters and Kubis base.

The British draft resolution had called on all countries to comply with the U.N. arms embargo on Libya, including by ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel. It also expressed concern at the impact of the Libyan conflict on neighboring countries.

The Russian draft meanwhile called on all Libyan parties to fully implement the October 2020 cease-fire agreement, and urged all countries to pull their foreign forces and mercenaries out of Libya in a synchronized, parallel, balanced and phased withdrawal.

The U.N. estimated in December 2020 that there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians. But diplomats said speakers at an informal council meeting in late April declared that there were more  including 13,000 Syrians and 11,000 Sudanese.

Last September, U.N. experts monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Libya said the warring parties and their international backers  the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Jordan vs Turkey and Qatar  violated a U.N. arms embargo on the oil-rich north African country.

Their report also said 11 companies violated the arms embargo, including the Wagner Group, a private Russian security company. In May 2020, the panel said Wagner provided between 800 and 1,200 mercenaries to support Hifter, the eastern Libyan commander.

The British draft had also said the U.N. mission chief should be based in Tripoli, and asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to retain Kubis as special envoy for six months to focus on engaging with the Libyan actors, and with the international actors to end their role in the conflict.

The Russian draft was similar but asked Guterres to retain Kubis for six months with further extensions for a period to be decided by the Security Council  which would have given Russia veto power over any decision on the special envoys tenure and base of operations.

By EDITH M. LEDERER

Associated Press
After 15 years in prison, man cleared in deaths of 5 kids

After 15 years in prison, man cleared in deaths of 5 kids View Photo

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  Murder charges were dismissed Thursday against a man who spent 15 years in prison for the fire-related deaths of five children in suburban Detroit, the climax of an investigation that found misconduct by police and prosecutors.

Juwan Deering will not face a second trial, Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said. A judge granted her request to close the case a week after Deerings convictions and life sentences were thrown out at her urging.

Wearing a three-piece suit, Deering, 50, walked into court shackled at the waist but departed as a free man with no restraints.

Its been a hard uphill battle.  The sun couldnt shine on not a brighter day. This is the brightest for me, Deering said moments later as family members clung to him on a cloudless morning and other Detroit-area men exonerated of crimes stood nearby.

Deering praised the new prosecutor for her exceptional work.

I told her it took a lot of strength to step up against the status quo, he said.

McDonald, a former judge who was elected in 2020, took a fresh look at Deerings case at the request of the University of Michigan law schools Innocence Clinic.

Favorable evidence, including statements by a fire survivor, was not shared with his defense lawyer before the 2006 trial, and jurors didnt know that jail informants were given significant benefits for their testimony against Deering, McDonald said.

Deering has insisted he was innocent in a fire that killed children in his neighborhood in Royal Oak Township in 2000. No one could identify him as being at the house. Authorities at the time said the fire was revenge for unpaid drug debts.

The prosecutor said a dozen law enforcement professionals last week unanimously determined there was insufficient evidence to tie Deering to the fire. The investigation between 2000 and 2006 was totally compromised by misconduct, McDonald said.

There is only one ethical and constitutional remedy, she said in dropping the case.

Law students earlier had been trying to get a new trial for Deering, arguing that the fire analysis was based on junk science. Those requests were unsuccessful in Michigans appellate courts.

McDonald said its possible the fire was not an arson as Deerings legal team has long maintained. She said state police are investigating it again.

Once there was a belief that it was intentionally set, it was solve it at all costs. There was an unchecked culture here, said Imran Syed of the law school. Cutting corners has enormous consequences.

Deering could be eligible for more than $700,000 from the state, under a law that pays $50,000 for every year spent in prison if new evidence is cited in a wrongful conviction.

___

Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez

By ED WHITE

Associated Press
Lawsuit: Black base worker faced racism, told to keep quiet View Photo

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  A Black civilian grounds-keeping and kitchen worker at a U.S. Air Force base in Wyoming was retaliated against and ultimately fired for complaining when other workers called him racial epithets, a lawsuit said.

A supervisor told Bryan Wheels to keep quiet about the racial harassment, which began soon after he was hired in 2015 and continued through 2017, said the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit against Spokane, Washington-based Skilskin.

After laying off Wheels in December 2017, Skilskin didnt follow its practice of honoring his seniority by rehiring him that winter. Instead, the nonprofit gave a job to a less-senior white employee, the EEOC said in its lawsuit filed Monday in Wyoming U.S. District Court in Cheyenne.

The company didnt offer a Wheels a job the following spring, either, the lawsuit said.

Its quite concerning how egregious the conduct was and that the employer didnt take care of it, EEOC regional attorney Mary ONeill said Thursday. Theres such a low percentage of African Americans in Wyoming. We worry when theres very few African Americans in the workplace and theres hostility like this.

Wheels was the only Black member of the Skilskin contract crew at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which oversees 150 Minuteman nuclear missiles in underground silos in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado.

Skilskin hires people for contract business and government jobs in Wyoming, Washington and Montana, according to the companys website.

The nonprofit subjected Wheels to severe and persistent racial harassment, the lawsuit said.

At one point, after Wheels complained about a coworkers racist comments, a supervisor put him on a two-man grounds crew with the worker who made the remarks, the lawsuit said.

The EEOC sought to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with Skilskin but was unsuccessful, according to the federal agency.

Phone messages left Wednesday with Skilskin and F.E. Warren Air Force Base seeking comment on the lawsuit werent immediately returned.

By MEAD GRUVER

Associated Press
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (AP)  Nearly a century ago, white leaders of a Southern California city robbed a Black family of their prime beachfront land and legacy.

Descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce  including the couples great-great grandson  returned to the scene of the crime in Manhattan Beach on Thursday to watch Gov. Gavin Newsom sign the law that allows ownership of the property to be transferred back to the family.

The move was hailed as a major milestone in the fight for reparations and the return of lands stolen from people of color.

There are other families waiting for this very day, to have their land returned to them, Patricia Bruce, a cousin of Willa and Charles Bruce, told The Associated Press.

Amid rampant forced segregation in 1912, the Bruces built the first West Coast resort for Black people. Situated along what became one of Southern Californias signature beaches fronted by rows of multimillion-dollar homes, it included a lodge, cafe, dance hall and dressing tents.

The Bruces and their patrons faced constant racism and harassment. There even was an attempt to burn the resort down. The Manhattan Beach City Council eventually used eminent domain to take the land from the Bruces in the 1920s, purportedly for use as a park.

Yet the land lay unused for years until was transferred to the state in 1948. In 1995, it was transferred to Los Angeles County for beach operations. It came with restrictions limiting the ability to sell or transfer the property, which could only be lifted through a new state law.

The legislation unanimously approved by state lawmakers was necessary to allow the start of the complex legal process of transferring ownership of what was once known as Bruces Beach.

The journey here was far from easy, said Kavon Ward, a Black resident who learned of the property's history and founded Justice for Bruce's Beach.

Ward also cofounded Where Is My Land, an organization that aims to return land taken from Black Americans and get restitution. The organization is looking at several other unspecified projects, including one in California, to see if its goals are possible.

With a half-dozen descendants of the couple present Thursday, Newsom apologized for how the land was taken before signing the bill during a ceremony at the property.

The Bruces have found mercy in the unfailing love of Jesus Christ, said Anthony Bruce, the familys great-great grandson, as he read a prayer during the ceremony.

Newsom suggested the move could be the start of broader reparations.

This can be catalytic, he said. What we're doing here today can be done and replicated anywhere else.

County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who led a government push to transfer the land, said the heirs would almost certainly be millionaires now if the property had not been taken.

The law was used to steal this property 100 years ago, and the law today will give it back, Hahn said.

Newsom said the Bruces could have become like other leading Southern California entrepreneurs, like the Getty family that garnered fame for its oil wealth and art collection.

The Bruces' property along the south shore of Santa Monica Bay encompasses two parcels. The county's lifeguard training headquarters building sits there now, along a scenic beach walkway called The Strand that is lined with luxury homes overlooking the beach.

In Manhattan Beach, an upscale Los Angeles seaside suburb, the population of 35,000 is more than 84% white and 0.8% Black, the city website says. This year, the City Council formally condemned the efforts of their early 20th century predecessors to displace the Bruces and several other Black families.

The county, meanwhile, has outlined steps needed to move forward with the transfer, including assessing the value of the parcels and trying to find a means to lessen the tax burden on the heirs.

The county also needs to vet the legal heirs of the Bruces and possibly find a new site for the lifeguard training headquarters. One option would have the heirs lease the land back to the county for continued use.

Patricia Bruce, 65, of Hawthorne, said the family has not yet decided what it will do with the property.

___

Associated Press writer John Antczak contributed to this report.
BEIJING (AP)  Chinese leader Xi Jinping paid respects at a solemn commemoration Thursday for those who died in the struggle to establish Communist Party rule, as he leads a national drive to reinforce patriotism and single-party authority.

Xi and the six other members of the partys all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee led aged veterans and government and military leaders in paying their respects at the Monument to the Peoples Heroes in the center of Tiananmen Square while a military band played.

While Xi, who heads the party and also serves as state president, made no remarks, Premier Li Keqiang spoke at a reception Thursday evening on the eve of National Day Friday.

The Martyrs Day ceremony underscores the stress Xi places on Communist traditions after establishing himself as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, who founded the People's Republic in 1949 after sweeping to power in a bloody civil war. This year's ceremony follows commemorations of the centenary of the founding of the party in 1921.

While building up a cult of personality, Xi has pushed a hardline on foreign policy and a crackdown on free speech and political opposition in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong. Relations with the U.S. have sunk to their lowest level in decades, with Beijing issuing a bevy of complaints on issues from human rights to Washington's support for Taiwan.

China claims the self-governing island democracy as its own territory and threatens to use military force to bring it under Beijing's control. Xi, who also controls China's vast military, has upped that threat by sending military aircraft into airspace near the island on a near-daily basis while ground troops conduct drills on the coast opposite.

In his National Day comments, Li praised the government's performance over the past year and reiterated its key policies.

We will continue to fully and faithfully the principles of one country, two systems ... and maintain long-term prosperity and stability, Li told the gathering, referring to formula under which Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 that pledged it would be permitted freedoms not found in mainland China.

On Taiwan, Li said Beijing would also continue to promote peaceful development of cross-strait relations relations and reunification of the motherland."

We will firmly oppose and deter any Taiwan independence separatist moves or external interference," Li added. Working on the principle of mutual respect and equality, China will step up exchange and cooperation with other countries to jointly tackle global challenges and promote the recovery and growth the world economy."

Tiananmen Square and surrounding roads were closed off for Thursday's ceremony, which began with a trumpet fanfare, the singing of China's national anthem and a minute of silence.

Steps and the upper level of the monument, an obelisk standing 10 stories partially carved with images from the struggle to establish Communist rule, were covered in red carpet.

The ceremony also featured a choir of children wearing the white shirts and red scarves of the party's Young Pioneers youth organization singing their anthem, We are the heirs of communism."
Kohl's/Hearst Newspaper

Recently, I made a very big mistake when traveling to Nashville. No, I didnt get arrested for getting too rowdy on Broadway  I didnt bring a good raincoat.



Ive never been to Tennessee before, so I wasnt sure what to expect when I saw rain predicted for my entire trip. Is it like Florida, where it rains for a few minutes and then stops? Or is it like New Jersey, where it rains heavily for 10 minutes, then on and off drizzles for the rest of the day? I probably should have looked it up, because it was neither: It rained non-stop for virtually the four days I was there. I feel like "monsoon" is an accurate description, but that may be on the dramatic side.



Id grabbed a windbreaker right before leaving for my flight, hoping it would be enough protection from the rain. It wasnt. It was like Id worn a paper coat. The pouring rain decimated my windbreaker. I got soaked from head to toe. My underwear wasnt even safe.



Once we realized the rain wasnt going to let up, a panic search for umbrellas and raincoats ensued. My friend and I could not find a raincoat anywhere in the city, all we could find were $100 sweatshirts in boutique stores. Even Urban Outfitters had nothing when it came to outerwear. We managed to find some quality umbrellas in a Walgreens in our panic, but we wound up needing to venture outside of the city to a nearby Kohl's to find any offerings of raincoats.

Women's London Fog Hooded Zip-Front Rain Coat London Fog kohls.com $105.00 Shop Now

That is where I found this London Fog Rain Coat. Kohl's had some Columbia jackets and Zero XPosure raincoats, but this London Fog coat stuck out. Probably because the price tag was $105 and I've never spent that much on a jacket meant simply for rain before. It was much thicker and sturdier than the other raincoats available. I also had a 30% off Kohl's coupon.
Investigators in the disappearance of Gabrielle Gabby Petito announced Sunday that they have discovered a body fitting the description of the van life blogger in the national forest in Teton County.

The discovery of the body comes days after Petitos family reported the 22-year-old missing on September 11th, and weeks after they last heard from her while she was visiting the national park with her now-missing fiance Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in her disappearance.

The FBI, Jackson Police Department, Teton County Sheriffs Office, and the National Park Service confirmed the news at a press conference Sunday afternoon. While the coroner had not 100% positively identified Petitos body, her family was notified of the death. Cause of death has not been determined at this time, the FBIs supervisory senior resident agent Charles Jones said, visibly emotional. This is an active investigation.

The live update has concluded and we will share a recording soon. Our statement is attached & we have no additional comment at this time. #FBIDenver & our partners extend our condolences to Gabby's family. We thank the public for your generous support of this investigation. pic.twitter.com/kZiSVmJtqv  FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 19, 2021

A representative for Laundrie did not immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment.

Laundrie returned home to Florida on September 1st with Petitos van, but without his fiancee. After failing to get an explanation from the 23-year-old Laundrie about the status of their daughter, Petitos family filed a missing person report on September 11th. Laundrie lawyered up soon after and refused to speak to police about what occurred.

On Friday evening, September 17th, Laundries parents allowed North Port, Florida, police officers to enter their home; it was at that point that they revealed they hadnt seen their son Brian since Tuesday, September 14th. As of Sunday evening, Laundrie was still missing.

For six days, the North Port Police Department and the F.B.I. have been pleading with the family to contact investigators regarding Brians fiancee, Gabby Petito, the North Port Police Departments statement said. Friday is the first time they have spoken with investigators in detail.

In the week since Petito was declared missing, social media, and especially TikTok, became fixated on the case, with the hashtags #findgabby and #gabbypetito generating tens of millions of views. (One TikTok user, in a series of videos, also detailed an encounter she and her boyfriend allegedly had with a hitchhiking Laundrie  but not Petito  on the evening of August 29th near Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park.)

On Saturday, the FBI announced they were beginning search efforts in the vicinity of Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area within the Grand Teton National Park:

The #FBIDenver Field Office and its Wyoming Resident Agencies, in coordination with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Teton County Sheriff's Office & Jackson Police Department, have been conducting ground surveys at the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area. pic.twitter.com/95HjWcEuDU  FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 19, 2021

According to an August 12th police report, the pair had fought in the weeks before Petito was reported missing. In Moab, Utah, a person called the police after witnessing some sort of altercation between Petito and Laundrie outside a shop. Officers pulled them over in the van, and decided the incident had been more of a mental/emotional health break than a domestic assault.

Laundrie and Petito both told officers Petito suffers from severe anxiety. According to a statement they made to officers, they had argued, and Laundrie had told Petito to take a walk and calm down. She had not wanted to be separated from him and had slapped him. He grabbed her face and pushed her back as she pressed upon him and the van. Laundrie had tried to lock her out of the van but she entered through the drivers side door and climbed over him as he drove away.

Neither Laundrie nor Petito wanted to file charges against each other, so officers separated them for the night, sending Laundrie to a hotel and leaving the van with Petito.

Petitos family last received a text message from their daughters phone on August 30th, No service in Yosemite. Yosemite is approximately 900 miles away from Yellowstone, Petitos last known location. Petitos parents believe their daughter did not send that text message.
Another TikTok is upsetting San Antonio officials.

User @luhlmanzz2x shared a video to the platform earlier this week detailing an apparent prank where an unidentified user  who only has the single video on their profile  poured dishwashing liquid into a popular downtown fountain.

A shot of the persons hand shows them squeezing a bottle of green Palmolive soap into Fountain Cove, the picturesque fountain that is steps away from the Tower of the Americas. With each quick clip that follows, the usually clear water is instead replaced with foam that fills the fountain area and spills out onto the walkway.

Some people can even be seen taking pictures in front of the fountain, to which @luhlmanzz2x proudly claims that they got everybody and they mama taking pics.

The TikTok ends by showing four empty bottles of dishwashing liquid, not including the green Palmolive bottle seen earlier in the video, and reads, Little do they know, referencing the bystanders seemingly unaware of the prank.

In the comments, @luhlmanzz2x claims that they were just trying to clean the fountain and admits to pouring in like 8 bottles.

The video has amassed more than 188,200 views since it was posted, as well as upwards of 22,800 likes and nearly 500 comments. The majority of those comments come from users amused by the video, with some hoping for a part two and a few even wanting to do something similar in other cities.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Other users were concerned about potential environmental effects brought on by the littering. Although the fountain area doesn't drain out to another collection of water, a number of individuals pointed out the fountain's proximity to the River Walk and the San Antonio River.

The prankster doesnt seem to be concerned about any wrongdoing. When another user pointed out that the act could lead to jail time, they simply responded, Yes soap is [going to] get me years in the joint, accompanied by a laughing emoji.

The San Antonio River Authority, however, says it looks down on public littering, which dumping dishwashing liquid is definitely considered.

The health and quality of the San Antonio River has a direct correlation to the action of the people that live and interact with this important resource, says the organization in a statement to MySA, calling the river a symbol of pride for the Alamo City.

A San Antonio River Authority spokesperson says that the organization does not condone this type of behavior given the harm it can cause to area creeks and rivers.

Since the City of San Antonio operates the Tower of the Americas and surrounding areas, the municipal government would decide how to handle the incident, not the River Authority.

MySA also reached out to the Citys Parks and Recreation department, but did not hear back in time for publication. We may just have to wait and see whether the folks behind the viral TikTok will face charges.
NEW YORK (AP)  Brace for a rude surprise on your winter heating bills.

After years of unusually inexpensive levels, the price of natural gas in the United States has more than doubled since this time last year. In Europe and Asia, wholesale prices are more than five times what they were a year ago.

The surging costs have coincided with a robust recovery from the pandemic recession, with more homes and businesses burning all forms of fuel. That intensified demand is poised to contribute to higher heating costs in many areas of the world.

Having enjoyed a prolonged period of low prices, consumers of natural gas are facing the burden of far more expensive fuel  and the prospect of much higher heating bills this winter.

Consumers got used to very low prices last year, because with the pandemic everything was shut down," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. "Now, everythings coming back online, industry is returning and natural gas is being used again in very large quantities. And thats pushing up the price.

In Europe and Asia, some companies that rely on natural gas have been forced out of business because of the higher prices. Four small British energy companies failed in recent weeks. Fertilizer producers, which use natural gas as a feedstock, are struggling. So are heavy industries that require significant heat, such as aluminum or cement producers.

Power companies in Europe and Asia are engaged in bidding wars over shiploads of liquid natural gas, thereby driving up the cost. Prices are also spiking in the U.S., which converts some of its natural gas into liquid and ships it to Europe and Asia. Those higher costs are showing up in gas bills for consumers around the globe. Analysts expect those prices to rise further through winter, when customers are most reliant on the fuel.

The main reason natural gas prices have jumped is that demand for fuel has accelerated as economies have recovered from the damage caused by the pandemic. But there's another key factor too: There's simply less gas on the market.

The factors that have diminished the supply are varied. When the pandemic was raging, oil prices tumbled and producers ran low on money to drill. Once they curtailed drilling for oil, they also retrieved less gas, because most wells pump both oil and gas out of the ground at the same time.

What's more, Europe burned through significant natural gas last winter to heat homes during frigid weather, leaving storage tanks with little fuel. Then the summer was less windy than usual, so wind turbines didn't generate as much energy as expected. That, in turn, led nations to burn more natural gas, further depleting reserves.

At the same time, Russia reduced its natural gas supply to Europe, noted Carlos Torres Diaz, an analyst at Rystad Energy. All those factors combined to send natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketing to roughly $26 per million BTUs, compared with just $4 at the same time last year.

A similar pattern occurred in China and Japan: Power plants burned more natural gas than usual to cool homes on a series of unusually hot days. Prices surged to $29 per million BTU in Asia, Rystad Energy calculated, from $5 a year ago.

Ira Joseph, an analyst at S&P Global Platts, noted that demand for liquid natural gas has been robust, even at much higher prices. In Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan and Indonesia, prices are so high that power companies will likely burn oil instead, according to Rystad. For the earth's environment, that could become an alarming trend. Burning oil generates more climate-harming emissions than burning natural gas.

The wholesale price of natural gas in the U.S. has exceeded $5, up sharply from $2 to $3 during most of the past two years. That's the highest price since 2014, though it's well below levels reached in the 2000s, when prices surpassed $10 per million BTU.

And drought-stricken places such as Brazil have been left with less hydropower and are burning more natural gas instead, adding to global demand and leaving even less gas on the market.

For customers in the U.S., Europe and Asia, winter heating bills could be sharply higher. In the U.S., according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, natural gas bills could be as much as 30% more for consumers this winter, with the average cost to heat a home rising to $750, from $572 over the same months last winter.

Oil prices, too, have surged  to nearly $80 a barrel in Europe and $75 in the U.S. Just as with natural gas, a key reason is that producers sharply curtailed drilling during the pandemic. Another reason is that some power providers switch to burning oil for power generation if the price of natural gas goes too high, thereby increasing demand for oil and driving prices still higher. The cost to warm homes with heating oil or propane could surge 40%, according to NAEDA.

All of that could cause hardships for customers who were already struggling. The energy assistance association helped a record 1.2 million households pay their cooling bills over the summer  a level of aid up 46% from last year and the most in the program's 40-year history. The increase was due in part to the higher temperatures that many experts have attributed to climate change.

The need for assistance through the winter will likely grow for low-income families, with federal unemployment aid having recently run out.

The ending of unemployment, for those families, puts them at greater risk for all expenses, not just energy bills, Wolfe said.

Natural gas producers in the U.S. might benefit from higher prices for gas sold in the United States or overseas. Yet there's a limit to how much they can export to Europe and Asia. Facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast that export liquid natural gas, or LNG, are all shipping at capacity.

Some companies have wanted to expand those export facilities or build new ones. But because gas prices were so low over the past few years, these companies couldn't find enough buyers who wanted to sign long-term contracts. That could change, though, as buyers scramble for fuel.

A lot of them might be rethinking their strategy and say, OK, maybe it's worth signing long-term contracts at a more certain price, rather than being a risk and try to get gas or LNG in this volatile market,  Diaz said.

Once those export facilities line up more long-term contracts, they could land the additional investment they need to complete the projects.
Nearly 100 people have penned digital signatures in a local petition asking for a street name change in Southtown to honor historic San Antonio labor leader Emma Tenayuca.

In the 1930s, San Antonio was home to the nation's largest pecan shelling industry, with nearly 400 factories. The wages and conditions did not reflect the robust operation, however. Tenayuca, then 21, led a strike of 12,000 shellers against pecan plants after they attempted to cut already dismal wages. The strikers fought through tear gas and billy clubs. More than 1,000 workers, including Tenayuca, were jailed. A deal was eventually struck to pay the pecan plant workers a minimum wage. Today, the strikes are respected as some of the first and largest actions in the fight for Mexican-American civil rights in U.S. history.

Virginia Hartung, a public history graduate student at St. Mary's University, is the organizer behind the movement. Hartung, who is from Sinton, Texas near Corpus Christi, says she was first introduced to the tenacity of Tenayuca during her undergraduate years at the University of Texas at San Antonio when she met Keli Rosa Cabunoc, the actress who played the historic figure in a play about her life.

Enthralled by the knowledge Cabunoc shared, Hartung dove deeper into the history and focused her capstone work on Tenayuca. She built a self-guided map of key places in Tenayuca's life and memorials dedicated to her, a Twitter account sharing bits of knowledge, such as the family name was supposed to be Teneyuca, with an E. Tenayuca believed that there was probably a misspelling at her baptism.

The street name change is the newest component of Hartung's work.

"I was shocked that there are so few official monuments to Emma," she adds. "Part of the reason I wanted to try and get the name changed is because I knew people would be interested in doing so. Its amazing to see the community contributing to make this happen."

The petition is asking city council to consider renaming Beauregard Street to honor Tenayuca. Hartung says the street currently honors P.G.T. Beauregard, the Confederate general who led the first shots at Fort Sumter to start the Civil War. The organizer says the early response indicates locals are ready to move forward with place names that better reflect San Antonio's culture and history.

"San Antonio is ready to make a change to honor people who have actually contributed to the betterment of the city," she says. "Its a small step forward but it can be used as an opportunity to heal old wounds."

Hartung's goal is to receive 1,000 signatures. She has not met with residents of Beauregard Street yet. The King William Association was not immediately available to return requests for comment as of this write.

Hartung is planning on constructing a Dia de Los Muerto ofrenda for Tenayuca to be part of Centro Cultural Aztlan's 44th exhibition on Tuesday, November 2. The design will incorporate a QR code which will direct the public to the petition.

She's hoping to take the petition to city council in December.
Josh Richie /New York Times

MIAMI (AP)  A passenger on an American Airlines flight that landed at Miami International Airport opened an emergency door and walked onto the wing as the plane reached the terminal, authorities said.

Flight 920 from Cali, Colombia, had just landed in Miami Wednesday night when the incident happened.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the timeline of SAISD's mandate.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has a message for teachers at one San Antonio district.

On Wednesday, September 29, the Texas politician tweeted he's "fighting" for the rights for all the unvaccinated employees at San Antonio Independent School District. The local district mandated that all staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19, a violation of Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order that bands government entities, such as school districts, from requiring individuals to be vaccinated.

"The governor has made it very clear  the way through the pandemic is through personal responsibility, not government mandates," Paxton stated in a news release. "To all of the employees in San Antonio ISD who have decided not to get a COVID-19 vaccine at this time: We are fighting for your rights, and we fully expect the courts to stop the district's unlawful mandate."

The district's mask mandate, which was announced in August by former Superintendent Pedro Martinez, said it was essential for operating schools safely, and was reinforced by a 6-1 vote of the SAISD board on a resolution affirming it.

Paxton's office first sued the school district after Martinez announced August 17 that all SAISD employees had to be vaccinated by October 5, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The state dropped the lawsuit after Martinez clarified he wouldn't enforce the mandate until the FDA gave its final approval to a vaccine, which came on August 23.

Days later, Abbott issued a new executive order that prohibits mandated vaccines, regardless of whether the vaccine is fully approved or authorized for emergency use only. Abbott's declaration put SAISD's policy in violation of this order.

"San Antonio ISD blatantly violated the law by forcing employees to get vaccinated or be terminated from employment," Paxton stated in his release.

On September 23, State District Judge Angelica Jimenez ruled the governor and the attorney general have the legal authority to proceed with a lawsuit against SAISD, according to the Express-News. The district challenged the state's claim of jurisdiction.
In the early morning hours of September 29, a male suspect threw a crudely made Molotov cocktail into the headquarters of the Travis County Democratic Party in East Austin, igniting a small fire. Along with the incendiary device was a still-unreleased note, described as threatening and political in nature.

Immediately denounced as an act of terror by TCDP and some local politicians, it is also being treated as a "credible threat" by the FBI, according to the Rachel Maddow Show. Hours after the fire at the TCDP headquarters, a person matching the suspect appeared on surveillance footage vandalizing a downtown Austin building that houses the Travis County Attorney's Office.

"Now, we can tell you tonight that the party has been told the FBI is treating this as a credible threat. We can also tell you this attack was accompanied by a written threat to Texas Democrats," the MSNBC host said during her Wednesday broadcast.

Katie Friel/MySA

Joining Maddow during the show was TCDP chair Katie Naranjo, who elaborated on the investigation.

"The lieutenants who we met with this morning as well as the captain of the arson unit for Austin Fire Department, as well as the FBI and Travis County Sheriff's Office who [are] also investigating another incident nearby, as well as Austin Police Department, have all let us know that they are open active investigations, that they are following leads, and that they do feel confident that some of those leads are going to get them to the perpetrator," Naranjo said.

"We may not always agree about what comprehensive safety looks like in our community," she added, "but there are good people and public servants who serve our community and we have to lift them up."

Maddow goes on to detail the violence perpetrated against democrats, highlighting the attack on a Biden campaign bus driving on I-35 just north of Austin during the 2020 campaign, and the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

"You can't blame them for doing it, but physical violence and intimidation worked in that instance," Maddow said of the Biden bus attack. "Physical violence and intimidation works unless it's punished and when it isn't punished when people get away with it, they do it more."
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Patient readers, I will return with more on the overly dynamic Capitol Hill situation shortly. lambert UPDATE All done!

Bird Song of the Day

Another busy day in Papua!

Wild Bird Diseases Update: Feeding Restrictions Are Lifted [Birds & Blooms]. we have an update on a new mystery illness that affected birds in certain regions of the U.S. There is good news to sharecases of this mystery bird disease are no longer being reported. All 11 states that had issued do-not-feed recommendations have now lifted their restrictions, or they were allowed to expire. This means you can safely start feeding birds in your yard again. The biggest question is whether this ailment is contagious. So far we dont know, so its best to continue to be cautious and keep cleaning your feeders regularly. If you find birds suffering or dying from these symptoms, dont pick them up unless youre wearing rubber gloves. Dont take them to a wildlife rehab center without calling first to make sure they are prepared to receive such birds. Call your state wildlife agency, because most of these wildlife departments are keeping track of reports. If birds with these symptoms are again found near where you live, most scientists and wildlife professionals agree that its best to take down all bird feeders and bird baths right away. Wash them thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution, rinse them very well, and keep them down for at least a couple of weeks. If this mysterious ailment is contagious, feeders and baths would be prime areas for it to spread from one bird to another. We shouldnt take that chance. Birds can find abundant natural food, which would be the safer option in this unusual situation.  Unusual?

* * *

#COVID19

At reader request, Ive added these daily charts from 91-DIVOC. The data is the Johns Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site. I feel Im engaging in a macabre form of tape-watching.

Vaccination by region:

A little jump in the Northeast, oddly. Job mandates? Otherwise, so far as I can tell, Bidens speech had no impact at all. If the measures he announced have any impact, that has not appeared yet. I would bet that the stately rise = word of mouth from actual cases.

55.5% of the US is fully vaccinated (mediocre by world standards, being just below Czech Republic, and just above Switzerland and Malaysia). We are back to the stately 0.1% rise per day; yesterdays 0.3% is no more. However, as readers point out, every day those vaccinated become less protected, especially the earliest. So we are trying to outrun the virus (I have also not said, because its too obvious, that if by Bubba we mean The South, then Bubba has done pretty well.)

Case count by United States regions:

I have drawn an anti-triumphalist black line to show how bad the case level still is, despite the press having decided (it seems) that Covid is no longer a story (except for Bubba death bed conversions, and vax vax vax).

Simply tape-watching, this descent is as steep as any of the three peaks in NovemberJanuary. Its also longer than the descent from any previous peak. The question is whether we will ascend to a second (or third) peak, as in last December-January, or not, as in last August. Note also that the regions diverge: The South, which drove the peak, is finally dropping. The West was choppy too, and is now falling. Ditto the Midwest. However, all this drama has masked the steady rise in the Northeast.

We could get lucky, as we did with the steep drop after the second week in January, which nobody knows the reasons for, then or now. Todays populations are different, though. This population is more vaccinated, and I would bet  Ive never seen a study  that many small habits developed over the last year (not just masking). Speculating freely: There is the possibility that natural immunity is much, much greater than we have thought, although because this is America, our data is so bad we dont know. Also, if the dosage from aerosols drops off by something like the inverse square law, not linearly, even an extra foot of distance could be significant if adopted habitually by a large number of people. And if you believe in fomites, theres a lot more hand-washing being done. On the other hand, Delta is much more transmissible. And although readers will recall that I have cautioned against cross-country comparisons, Im still not understanding why were not seeing the same aggregates in schools that weve see in Canada and especially the UK, despite anecdotes. Nothing Ive read suggests that the schools, nation-wide, have handled Covid restrictions with any consistency at all.

NEW From CDC: Community Profile Report September 29, 2021 (PDF), Rapid Riser counties, this release:

Better everywhere, including the Northern Latitudes and even the Rockies. Speculating freely: One thing the consider is where the red is. If air travel hubs like New York City or Los Angeles (or Houston or Miami) go red that could mean (a) international travel and (b) the rest of the country goes red, as in April 2020 and following. But Minnesota is not a hub. If Minnesota goes red, who else does? Well, Wisconsin. As we see. Remember, however, that this chart is about acceleration, not absolute numbers. This map, too, blows the Blame Bubba narrative out of the water. Not a (Deliverance-style) banjo to be heard. Previous release:

(Red means getting worse, green means bad but getting better.)

Test positivity:

An unprecedented, enormous drop in the South. Almost no rebound. Surely data? It seems not. Ive never seen anything like it. Did Walmart roll out a home test kit in all the states of the South, simultaneously?

Hospitalization (CDC). Everything works again today, CDC, good job:

From this chart, pediatric hospitalization, in the aggregate, is down. I should dig out some regional or better yet county data.Here the CDCs hospitalization visualization, from the Community Profile report above:

Alabama now out of the red.

Death rate (Our World in Data):

Total: 713,969 711,222 . I have drawn an anti-triumphalist black line to show how bad the death rate still is. Looks like a downward trend, mercifully. We approached same death rate as our first peak last year. Which I am finding more than a little disturbing. (Adding: I know the data is bad. This is the United States. But according to The Narrative, deaths shouldnt have been going up at all. Directionally, this is quite concerning. Needless to see, this is a public health debacle. Its the public health establishment to take care of public health, not the health of certain favored political factions.) (Also adding: I like a death rate because it gives me a rough indication of my risk should I, heaven forfend, end up in a hospital. I should dig out the absolute numbers, too, now roughly 660,000, which is rather a lot.)

Covid cases worldwide:

European exceptionalism?

* * *

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune

They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

Biden Administration

NOTE: Time-stamps are publication dates, not event dates. Nevertheless, they approximate the sequence of events. Lifes rich pageant: [09-30, 1:34PM] Fresh Out Of Meeting With Pelosi, Jayapal Says There Still Arent The Votes For BIF To Pass Today [Talking Points Memo]. When asked if Pelosi said during the meeting that the bipartisan infrastructure bill vote would happen today, Jayapal said to a group of us that theres always a chance. She reiterated that Pelosi will not bring a bill to the floor if she lacks the vote to pass it  she knows because Ive been very transparent and clear with her about where our members are that there arent the votes to pass it, Jayapal said. All kinds of things could happen very quickly, she said. All I can say is we said that were gonna stay here all weekend if we need to to see if we can get to a deal, but if we cant, then well have to continue to work on it until we do.'  Godzilla vs. Mothra! [09-30, 12:52PM]. Pelosi vows to press ahead with make-or-break infrastructure vote [Financial Times]. Pelosi, a longtime legislator with a record of emerging victorious from tough negotiations, has repeatedly said she will not hold a vote until she is confident she will win. Yet despite the Speakers optimistic tone on Thursday, many on Capitol Hill remained sceptical that she would be able to get the infrastructure package over the line this week.  Hence the word defiant in Axioss headline. UPDATE [09-30, 12:34PM] Manchin says his spending limit is $1.5 trillion [The Hill]. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced Thursday that his top-line spending number for the budget reconciliation package is $1.5 trillion, far below the $3.5 trillion spending goal set by the budget resolution that he and every other Senate Democrat voted for last month. My top-line has been $1.5 [trillion], he said, explaining that he doesnt want to change our whole society to an entitlement mentality. Manchin also said that he had shared his figure with President Biden.  This is retrading the deal with a vengeance. So why hasnt Biden threatened to site a nuclear waste dump in one of Manchins coal mines? [09-30, 11:58AM] Entering Pelsois office: head of the Progressive Caucus @RepJayapal and @RepEscobar  Emily Wilkins (@emrwilkins) September 30, 2021 [09-30, 11:56AM] Pelosi defiant on infrastructure vote [Axios]. Its still unclear what time the House will vote on the bill, as well as whether there will be a vote at all, as negotiations on the issue are developing every hour. [09-20, 11:14AM] REPORTER: If the [infrastructure] vote happens today are you confident that it will pass? HOYER: Nope.  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) September 30, 2021 UPDATE [09-30, 11:05] From Pelosis presser: Speaker Pelosi: "You cannot tire. You cannot concede. This is the fun part."  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 30, 2021 UPDATE [09-30, 11:04AM] From Pelosis presser: Speaker Pelosi, moments ago, when asked by press about her dialogue with Joe Manchin: "You think I'm going to talk with you about my conversations with Joe Manchin in here? What are you going to do, promise not to tell anyone?" If anyone has savvy to navigate this, it's Pelosi.  Duty To Warn  (@duty2warn) September 30, 2021 Yes, shes still sharp. UPDATE [09-30, 10:58AM] From inside the presser: PELOSI: "I just told members of my leadership that the reconciliation bill was a culmination of my service in Congress Remove all doubt in anyone's mind that we will not have reconciliation. We will have a reconciliation bill. That is for sure."  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) September 30, 2021 A reconciliation bill is an adroit use of the indefinite article! And I cant imagine Jayapal was reassured. [09-30, 10:45AM] Pelosis weekly presser: As readers know, I far prefer transcripts, but I watched this one for the news value. Ive never seen Pelosi live for an extended period; it was interesting. Shes still sharp, as the exchanges with reporters show. But oh, that walk off the podium and out: The Biden Shuffle. UPDATE [09-20, 10:30AM] We arent backing down, because  even though big corporations and a few conservative Democrats are against us  70% of people want paid leave, childcare, climate action, affordable housing, and health care. And we will deliver.https://t.co/SSTo9Cyf8D  Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) September 30, 2021 Right before Pelosis presser.. UPDATE [09-30. 9:34AM] Manchin says reconciliation bill must include controversial Hyde Amendment [The Hill]. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said late Wednesday that an expansion of Medicaid that Democrats are seeking to pass as part of their massive reconciliation bill must include the Hyde Amendment to get his support. Yeah, were not taking the Hyde Amendment off. Hydes going to be on, Manchin told National Review when asked about a proposed Medicaid-like program in the reconciliation bill. It has to be. It has to be. Thats dead on arrival if thats gone, Manchin, who has described himself as pro-life, and proud of it, added.  Sounds like a poison pill, to me. UPDATE [09-30, 4:30AM] White House gives a wink to progressives as they threaten Bidens infrastructure bill [Politico]. One by one, liberal lawmakers have announced that they will vote to defeat a bipartisan infrastructure bill if moderate Democrats and the White House do not offer a firm outline for an accompanying social and climate spending package as well. And just as tensions within the party were at a seeming boiling point this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) turned it up even further, urging House Democrats to vote against that bipartisan infrastructure bill when it is scheduled to hit the floor on Thursday. Though some of those same progressives have loudly complained that President Joe Biden isnt doing enough to reach out to them individually on his legislative agenda, the White House seems utterly unbothered by it. Instead, theyre hoping that the prospect of a progressive revolt will only add to the pressure theyre attempting to exert on Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the two moderate Senators most noncommittal about supporting a party-line reconciliation bill. Two sources familiar with the White Houses messaging to progressives said that officials have made it clear to them that they are not displeased with all the talk about voting down the infrastructure package. * * * Yesterday * * * UPDATE [09-29, 03:39PM] White House believes Sinema supports passing reconciliation bill this year [The Hill]. The White House believes Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) supports passing a large reconciliation package this year, press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday. Our sense is she does, Psaki said when asked if President Biden believes Sinema is in favor of moving a bill with various Democratic priorities. Asked if the administration believes Sinema supports doing it this year, Psaki said: Thats our sense.'  Well, thats reassuring. UPDATE [09-29, 5:54PM] Schumer, Pelosi toil to ease cross-Capitol rifts over Biden agenda [Politico]. Democratic senators are watching Pelosis House machinations on the bipartisan infrastructure bill with exasperation, worried the speakers planned break from the two-track process that coupled Bidens jobs and families plan to a roads and bridges bill will provoke disaster. Schumer told his members that he had not been consulted about Pelosis plan to decouple the two and forge ahead with a solo vote on the bipartisan bill this week. Democrats who wrote the bipartisan infrastructure bill are agog that Pelosis progressive members might tank it or get it pulled from the floor. UPDATE [09-29, 12:05AM]. When youve lost Jonathon Chait: Chait understands the stakes. pic.twitter.com/nBoJnR4mkG  Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) September 29, 2021 * * * Top Democrat says Biden failed to take clear-eyed look at Afghanistan [WaPo]. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) faults President Bidens administration for not taking a clear-eyed look at the capabilities of the Afghan government and its security forces ahead of the Aug. 31 American withdrawal after 20 years of war. But I think the thing that ultimately, you know, made it hard for them to make that clear-eyed hard set of decisions is the Ghani government, Smith said, referring to former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani. The Ghani government wasnt saying when you pull out, were going to bail. They were telling us the exact opposite. Smith also said he was working with the top Republican on the committee, Rep. Mike D. Rogers (Ala.), to set up a bipartisan task force to look at the war over its two-decade span, one of many efforts he hopes to see in the aftermath of the withdrawal.  Oh, good. Funny how open season on Biden started immediately after he ended a war. UPDATE The sucking political void of Democratic centrists [The Week]. The remarkable thing about the key votes on this package  Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), the latter of whom increasingly seems to be the most stubborn holdout  is how they refuse to say outright what they want. This is political centrism as a vacuous nullity, a lidless reptilian eye ever gazing into a lightless political tomb where no truth is spoken and nothing ever happens. Let me review some background. Since the passage of the American Rescue Plan in March, the Democratic Party has been stuck in a prolonged negotiation about how it will use its majority. First, a handful of Senate Democratic moderates insisted on negotiating an infrastructure bill with Republicans  which, to my surprise, the GOP was willing to do, almost certainly because Republicans correctly calculated it would drive a wedge deep into the Democratic coalition. The result was a dressed-up highway bill: some money for Amtrak and other mass transit and much more money to cement pollution-spewing car dependency. On balance, its barely better than nothing. On the other side of the wedge, distrust of moderate Democrats grew. Democratic leadership and progressive Democrats determined, once the bipartisan infrastructure bill was done, to negotiate a big reconciliation bill (to address health care, paid leave, climate change, and all other priorities) without Republican involvement. Then, the two bills would pass together so neither Democratic faction could betray the other. After spending precious months of this Democratic-majority Congress on that deliberation, now the moderates are trying to renege on the deal, demanding the bipartisan bill be passed before theyll consider passing the reconciliation package. Realistically, they want to kill the Democratic bill.  Well, it makes sense that the moderates are not agreement-capable. After all, the United States isnt.

Realignment and Legitimacy

There Just Arent Enough College-Educated Voters! [Ruy Teixeira, The Liberal Patriot]. Quoting a great slab of this: In 2012, the difference in Democratic support between college-educated and noncollege (working class) voters in the Presidential election was about 4 margin points (Catalist data, two party vote), with college voters being more favorable to the Democrats than noncollege voters. In 2016 that difference ballooned to 18 points. And in 2020, it went up again to 22 points. Democrats seem remarkably relaxed about this polarization, despite liking to style themselves as the party for working people. One reason for this is the general perception that the college-educated population is growing while the working class is declining. True as far as it goes but the fact remains that noncollege voters far outnumber college voters. In the 2020 Catalist data, the tally was 63 percent noncollege/37 percent college. That means that any given shift among noncollege voters is significantly more consequential than a similarly-sized shift among college voters. This situation will continue for many election cycles, as the noncollege voter share is likely to decline only gradually. Another reason for Democratic complacency is the firm belief that Democrats working class problem is solely confined to whites and that white working class voters are so racist/reactionary that it is a badge of honor to ignore them. This is highly questionable as a matter of political strategy and arithmetic, given that they are 44 percent of voters and a lot more than that in key swing states and districts. But there is a deeper problem. The perception that nonwhite working class voters are a lock for the Democrats is no longer tenable. In the 2020 election, working class nonwhites moved sharply toward Trump by 12 margin points, despite Democratic messaging that focused relentlessly on Trumps animus toward nonwhites. According to Pew, Trump actually got 41 percent of the Hispanic working class vote in 2016. Since 2012, running against Trump twice, Democrats have lost 18 points off of their margin among nonwhite working class voters. Given this development, how did the Democrats manage to win in 2020? In broad brush terms, Democrats modest gains among the white working classstill by far the largest part of the working classwere about enough to cancel out the nonwhite working class losses, thereby allowing the Democrats white college gains to put them over the top. But if both segments of the working class move in tandem against the Democrats, that will be a big, big problem that gains among college voterseven if they continuemay not solve. Savagely ironic, since nobody was more influential ideologically than Ruy Teixeira in the Democrat turn from the working class; his concept of the coalition ascendant was the justification not only for identity politics (and the dense thicket of NGOs that support it), but for the pervasive Democrat belief that they never actually had to deliver on anything, because demographics would to their work for them. Biden, interestingly, seems to have abandoned that notion, or is old-fashioned enough never to have bought into it.

Stats Watch

Corporate Profits: United States Corporate Profits [Trading Economics]. Corporate profits in the United States climbed 10.5% to a record high of USD 2.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2021, after rising 4.5% in the previous period and compared with a preliminary estimate of a 9.7% jump. Undistributed profits climbed 21.4% to $1.03 trillion and net cash flow with inventory valuation adjustment, the internal funds available to corporations for investment, advanced 7.9% to $3.08 trillion. Also, net dividends rose 3.8% to $1.41 trillion.

Employment Situation: United States Jobless Claims 4-week Average [Trading Economics]. The 4-week moving average of US jobless claims, which removes week-to-week volatility, rose to 340.0 thousand in the week ending September 25th, from 335.75 thousand in the previous period.

Manufacturing: United States Chicago PMI [Trading Economics]. The Chicago Business Barometer fell to 64.7 in September of 2021, the lowest level since February and down from 66.8 in August. Figures came slightly below market forecasts of 65. Order backlogs saw the largest decline, followed by supplier deliveries and new orders. Only employment increased through the month.

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Real Estate: Whats Google Up To? [Boondoggle]. Tech giant Google recently announced that it bought a building in New York City in a massive $2.1 billion deal, which is the largest real estate purchase in the U.S. since the pandemic began. Google also said it would not avail itself of the corporate subsidy programs offered by New York State when it builds out a new campus centered on that building. A Google spokesperson reportedly specifically confirmed that the corporation wont be applying for two of New Yorks largest tax handout programs. This is the third straight subsidy-free new office facility Google has announced, following those in San Jose, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina. My guess is that Google learned from the public relations fiasco that was Amazons HQ2 experience. Though Amazon did receive a major subsidy from Virginia for its new headquarters, the further we get from that episode the more it looks like a strategic blunder. Not only did it help galvanize an anti-corporate power movement in New York State, but since then, more and more communities have organized opposition to local Amazon subsidies. The Teamsters union has also sensed an opportunity to challenge Amazon at the local level and moved in. The combination of normal people seeing hundreds of cities joining an Amazon competition that was rigged from the start, the corporations sky-high pandemic profits, and former CEO Jeff Bezos penchant for being in the news for everything from divorces to taxpayer-funded space flights has put the spotlight on Amazons actions in a way that it wasnt pre-HQ2. In many ways, Amazon has made the transition to full political villain. Google sees that, and would like to avoid a repeat.

Shipping: California Ports 24-Hour Operation Is Going Unused [Wall Street Journal]. A pilot program offering 24-hour container operations at the Port of Long Beach hasnt attracted any truckers more than two weeks since the extended hours began, highlighting challenges facing Southern California seaports as dozens of ships back up off the coast.. Mario Cordero, the executive director of the Port of Long Beach and a proponent of 24-hour operations, said the port has asked major retailers to direct truckers to use overnight gates, but it will take time to set up new work patterns. We need their buy-in so they can direct their drayage companies to move this cargo, he said. Drayage companies, which specialize in hauling cargo by truck from ports to local yards and distribution facilities, say the overnight system is burdensome. Truckers can only make an appointment to pick up a container if they are able to drop off a specific type of container and chassis during the same run. Getting everything to match up can be difficult, said Matt Schrap, chief executive of the Harbor Trucking Association. I commend [Total Terminals International LLC, among the largest terminals at Long Beach] for what they are trying to do, said Mr. Schrap, who represents hundreds of West Coast motor carriers. But if you cant get the appointment in the first place because it doesnt line up, then it doesnt make a difference. TTIs Mr. Peratt noted the terminal accepts containers from seven ocean carriers but that truckers are limited by the types of chassis they are able to drop off.

Shipping: Why Container Ships Cant Sail Around the California Ports Bottleneck [Wall Street Journal]. Newly arriving vessels are adding to a record-breaking flotilla waiting to unload cargo that on Sunday reached 73 ships. Big vessels are continuing to join the bottleneck, experts say, because shipping lines and their cargo customers have few options for resetting countless supply chains moving goods into the U.S. that have been constructed over decades around the critical San Pedro Bay gateway now staggered by the overflowing demand for imports. Shipping executives say other West Coast ports, like Oakland or Seattle, simply arent large enough to handle the hundreds of thousands of containers that Los Angeles and Long Beach unload, store and move by truck or rail each week. Shipping into the East Coast was the great secret for those of us advising early in the crisis, said Bjorn Vang Jensen, vice president of global supply chain at Denmark-based marine data company Sea-Intelligence ApS. But the secret got out and now those ports are just as screwed as other ports are because everyone wants to go there. In recent weeks, the Port of Savannah has had 20 or more ships at anchor waiting for a berth.

Mr. Market: The problem with individual stock buying [Felix Salmon, Axios]. Buying and selling individual stocks is a hobby for rich people that, over the course of the pandemic, also became a hobby for millions of new investors using free trading apps. But given the number of conflicts involved, its a hobby that many people should probably give up. The recent headlines mostly concern boomers whose formative investment years predate the height of the passive revolution. As apps try to make stock-picking easier and more delightful, in the words of Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev, its becoming increasingly likely that well see similar headlines about the boomers kids.

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Todays Fear & Greed Index: 29 Fear (previous close: 26 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 25 (Extreme Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Sep 29 at 12:58pm.

The Biosphere

US to declare ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more species extinct [Guardian]. The US Fish and Wildlife Service officially proposed taking 23 plants and animals off the endangered species list Wednesday, because they have not been spotted in the wild and are believed to be completely gone from an earth experiencing human population growth and a climate crisis. Only 11 species previously have been removed due to extinction in the almost half-century since the Endangered Species Act was signed into law. The move underscores an extinction crisis that is growing worldwide. The rate at which extinction would naturally occur is about one to five species per year, according to Michael Reed, a biologist at Tufts University. He adds that now, species are going extinct at 1,000 to 10,000 times that background rate.

Health Care

Why We Need to Upgrade Our Face Masksand Where to Get Them [Scientific American]. There is now a cornucopia of high-filtration respirator-style masks on the market, including N95s, Chinese-made KN95s and South Koreanmade KF94s. They have been widely available and relatively affordable for months and provide better protection than cloth or surgical masks. Yet it was not until September 10 that the CDC finally updated its guidance to say the general public could wear N95s and other medical-grade masks now that they are in sufficient supply. Still, however, the CDC continues to recommend that N95 respirators should be prioritized for protection against COVID-19 in healthcare settings, wrote CDC spokesperson Jade Fulce in an e-mail to Scientific American last week. Essential workers and workers who routinely wore respirators before the pandemic should continue wearing N95 respirators, she continued. As N95s become more available they can be worn in non-healthcare settings, however, cloth masks are an acceptable and recommended option for masking. The agency announced in May that supplies of approved respirator masks had increased significantly. When asked why it only updated it guidance on N95 use by the public in September, Fulce replied that the CDC regularly reviews and updates its guidance as more information becomes available.'  As I suspected. Note that the rewriting of history on CDC mask policy is positively Orwellian, but in the present day, Scientific American is doing OK.

The 420

New York misses deadline to allow medical cannabis home-grows [Times-Union]. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act allows limited home cultivation of medical cannabis. But it also specifies that patients will not enjoy that right until after the Office of Cannabis Management issues regulations governing it, which it was obligated to do no later than six months after the effective date of the law. But after a series of delays, staffing of that office is still underway. That means lawmakers intention for the law to allow medical marijuana card holders to begin growing plants this week is on hold indefinitely. The delay is the latest in a series of stumbles in the medical cannabis program, and they are occurring in spite of the explicit intent of legislators who drafted and championed the new law.

Has Florida kept Black marijuana farmers from succeeding? [Tampa Bay Times].  Its been a long four years for Floridas Black farmers. In 2017, the Legislature passed a law that created the modern Florida medical marijuana industry. It set steep barriers to entry. It limited the number of licenses the state could award to companies. By no later than Oct. 3 of that year, a new marijuana license was to be given to a business owner belonging to a Pigford Class  one of two groups of Black farmers who had won a judgment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for that agencys history of racial discrimination. One full presidential term later, no such cannabis license has been awarded.

The Agony Column

What If Trigger Warnings Dont Work? [The New Yorker]. Because trigger warnings involve assumptions about emotional reactions, particularly with respect to P.T.S.D., psychology researchers have begun to study whether trigger warnings are in fact beneficial. The results of around a dozen psychological studies, published between 2018 and 2021, are remarkably consistent, and they differ from conventional wisdom: they find that trigger warnings do not seem to lessen negative reactions to disturbing material in students, trauma survivors, or those diagnosed with P.T.S.D. Indeed, some studies suggest that the opposite may be true. A large study by Jones, Bellet, and McNally found that trigger warnings reinforced the belief on the part of trauma survivors that trauma was central (rather than incidental or peripheral) to their identity. The reason that effect may be concerning is that trauma researchers have previously established that a belief that trauma is central to ones identity predicts more severe P.T.S.D. [Harvard Ph.D. candidate Benjamin] Bellet called this one of the most well documented relationships in traumatology. The perverse consequence of trigger warnings, then, may be to harm the people they are intended to protect.  I would imagine this applies as well to centering trauma victims in policy decision-making about what caused their trauma?

Zeitgeist Watch

Why Is Every Young Person in America Watching The Sopranos? [New York Times]. One oddity that cant be ignored in this Sopranos resurgence is that, somewhat atypically for a TV fandom, there is an openly left-wing subcurrent within it  less I feel so seen by this lefty than intricate knowledge of different factions within the Philadelphia D.S.A. lefty. This is especially true on Twitter, where just about everything takes on a political valence. But it goes beyond that: Theres a Socialist Sopranos Memes account on Facebook with 22,000 followers, run by a Twitter user called @gabagoolmarx. Theres a podcast called Gabagool & Roses, the ONLY leftist Sopranos podcast, a presumably ironic claim, because theres also the much more popular Pod Yourself a Gun, which frequently brings in guests from the expanded Brooklyn leftist podcast scene. The queens of downtown leftish podcasting, at Red Scare, sell Sopranos-inspired merch; the Irina Thong ($21) and Capo Tee ($30) both have the podcasts name styled just like the Bada Bings logo. The leftist Sopranos fan is now such a well-known type that it is rounding the corner to being an object of scorn and mockery online.  Well, Stalin was a theology student

Inside the secret meat menu at exalted vegan spot Eleven Madison Park [Page Six]. Just call it Eleven Madison Pork: It emerges the citys most exalted vegan restaurant has a secret meat room for the mega-rich. This May chef Daniel Humm had announced with much flowery fanfare that his Eleven Madison Park restaurant would reopen in June from its pandemic closure with a fully plant-based vegan menu. But not just any meager meatless menu: Its 12 courses for $335. The eaterie would only use animal products by offering milk and honey for coffee and tea service, he insisted. However, it seems those principles are off the plate in the restaurants private dining room  which insiders tell Page Six is targeted to corporate events and is a big money-maker for the establishment. The private dining room at Eleven Madison Park comes complete with a meat-heavy menu that includes foie gras, beef tenderloin, roasted chicken and pork.  Eaterie. Ouch. From the savage New York Times review: In tonights performance, the role of the duck will be played by a beet, doing things no root vegetable should be asked to do. The [beet] at Eleven Madison Park tastes like Lemon Pledge and smells like a burning joint. 

Guillotine Watch

Elizabeth Holmes deferred to her COO-boyfriend when running Theranos, her lawyers argue [Yahoo News]. In the documents, Holmes contends that alleged abuse by her onetime boyfriend  former Theranos COO and president Ramesh Sunny Balwani, who also faces criminal charges  influenced her beliefs about the startups operations and financial well being.  The COO was the CEOs boyfriend? Really?

Class Warfare

Well, of course:

This looks like a fascinating essay from anthropologist @RyanCecilJobson , and an important book https://t.co/P9f398xHUc  FocaalBlog (@FocaalBlog) September 30, 2021

News of the Wired

The frozen calm of normalcy bias [Gizmodo]. From 2013, still germane. People seeking shelter during tornadoes and cyclones are often called back, or delayed, by people doing normal activities, who refuse to believe the emergency is happening. These people are displaying whats known as normalcy bias. About 70% of people in a disaster do it. Although movies show crowds screaming and panicking, most people move dazedly through normal activities in a crisis. This can be a good thing; researchers find that people who are in this state are docile and can be directed without chaos. They even tend to quiet and calm the 10-15% of people who freak out. The downside of the bias is the fact that they tend to retard the progress of the 10-15% of people who act appropriately. The main source of delay masquerades as the need to get more data. Scientists call this milling. People will usually get about four opinions on whats going on and what they should do before taking any action  even in an obvious crisis. People in emergency situations report calling out to others, asking, Whats going on? When someone tells them to evacuate, or to take shelter, they fail to comply and move on, asking other people the same question. More complicated, from a policy standpoint, is the need to personalize the risk. This information  that the present disaster will harm you, yes you, so take action  is the hardest to accurately disseminate. People mill, asking for opinions, because they want to be told that everything is fine. They will keep asking, and delaying, until they get the answer they want.  Milling around wont be helpful during the Jackpot

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Yves here. We are already seeing how well autonomous cars are working out with Teslas Autopilot racking up more casualties, the latest being cops in Texas. Of course, those are unintended casualties. Autonomous weapon s are supposed to inflict only intended casualties. But as this post warns, like Tesla, they regularly go outside their scope.

And thats before getting to the concern that low-end versions could be built cheaply, meaningly lots of people who are only moderately tech-savvy could play warlord.

By James Dawes, Professor of English, Macalester College. Originally published at The Conversation

Autonomous weapon systems  commonly known as killer robots  may have killed human beings for the first time ever last year, according to a recent United Nations Security Council report on the Libyan civil war. History could well identify this as the starting point of the next major arms race, one that has the potential to be humanitys final one.

Autonomous weapon systems are robots with lethal weapons that can operate independently, selecting and attacking targets without a human weighing in on those decisions. Militaries around the world are investing heavily in autonomous weapons research and development. The U.S. alone budgeted US$18 billion for autonomous weapons between 2016 and 2020.

Meanwhile, human rights and humanitarian organizations are racing to establish regulations and prohibitions on such weapons development. Without such checks, foreign policy experts warn that disruptive autonomous weapons technologies will dangerously destabilize current nuclear strategies, both because they could radically change perceptions of strategic dominance, increasing the risk of preemptive attacks, and because they could become combined with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons themselves.

As a specialist in human rights with a focus on the weaponization of artificial intelligence, I find that autonomous weapons make the unsteady balances and fragmented safeguards of the nuclear world  for example, the U.S. presidents minimally constrained authority to launch a strike  more unsteady and more fragmented.

I see four primary dangers with autonomous weapons. The first is the problem of misidentification. When selecting a target, will autonomous weapons be able to distinguish between hostile soldiers and 12-year-olds playing with toy guns? Between civilians fleeing a conflict site and insurgents making a tactical retreat?



The problem here is not that machines will make such errors and humans wont. Its that the difference between human error and algorithmic error is like the difference between mailing a letter and tweeting. The scale, scope and speed of killer robot systems  ruled by one targeting algorithm, deployed across an entire continent  could make misidentifications by individual humans like a recent U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan seem like mere rounding errors by comparison.

Autonomous weapons expert Paul Scharre uses the metaphor of the runaway gun to explain the difference. A runaway gun is a defective machine gun that continues to fire after a trigger is released. The gun continues to fire until ammunition is depleted because, so to speak, the gun does not know it is making an error. Runaway guns are extremely dangerous, but fortunately they have human operators who can break the ammunition link or try to point the weapon in a safe direction. Autonomous weapons, by definition, have no such safeguard.

Importantly, weaponized AI need not even be defective to produce the runaway gun effect. As multiple studies on algorithmic errors across industries have shown, the very best algorithms  operating as designed  can generate internally correct outcomes that nonetheless spread terrible errors rapidly across populations.

For example, a neural net designed for use in Pittsburgh hospitals identified asthma as a risk-reducer in pneumonia cases; image recognition software used by Google identified African Americans as gorillas; and a machine-learning tool used by Amazon to rank job candidates systematically assigned negative scores to women.

The problem is not just that when AI systems err, they err in bulk. It is that when they err, their makers often dont know why they did and, therefore, how to correct them. The black box problem of AI makes it almost impossible to imagine morally responsible development of autonomous weapons systems.

The Proliferation Problems

The next two dangers are the problems of low-end and high-end proliferation. Lets start with the low end. The militaries developing autonomous weapons now are proceeding on the assumption that they will be able to contain and control the use of autonomous weapons. But if the history of weapons technology has taught the world anything, its this: Weapons spread.

Market pressures could result in the creation and widespread sale of what can be thought of as the autonomous weapon equivalent of the Kalashnikov assault rifle: killer robots that are cheap, effective and almost impossible to contain as they circulate around the globe. Kalashnikov autonomous weapons could get into the hands of people outside of government control, including international and domestic terrorists.

Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, CC BY

High-end proliferation is just as bad, however. Nations could compete to develop increasingly devastating versions of autonomous weapons, including ones capable of mounting chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear arms. The moral dangers of escalating weapon lethality would be amplified by escalating weapon use.

High-end autonomous weapons are likely to lead to more frequent wars because they will decrease two of the primary forces that have historically prevented and shortened wars: concern for civilians abroad and concern for ones own soldiers. The weapons are likely to be equipped with expensive ethical governors designed to minimize collateral damage, using what U.N. Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard has called the myth of a surgical strike to quell moral protests. Autonomous weapons will also reduce both the need for and risk to ones own soldiers, dramatically altering the cost-benefit analysis that nations undergo while launching and maintaining wars.

Asymmetric wars  that is, wars waged on the soil of nations that lack competing technology  are likely to become more common. Think about the global instability caused by Soviet and U.S. military interventions during the Cold War, from the first proxy war to the blowback experienced around the world today. Multiply that by every country currently aiming for high-end autonomous weapons.

Undermining the Laws of War

Finally, autonomous weapons will undermine humanitys final stopgap against war crimes and atrocities: the international laws of war. These laws, codified in treaties reaching as far back as the 1864 Geneva Convention, are the international thin blue line separating war with honor from massacre. They are premised on the idea that people can be held accountable for their actions even during wartime, that the right to kill other soldiers during combat does not give the right to murder civilians. A prominent example of someone held to account is Slobodan Milosevic, former president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, who was indicted on charges against humanity and war crimes by the U.N.s International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

But how can autonomous weapons be held accountable? Who is to blame for a robot that commits war crimes? Who would be put on trial? The weapon? The soldier? The soldiers commanders? The corporation that made the weapon? Nongovernmental organizations and experts in international law worry that autonomous weapons will lead to a serious accountability gap.

To hold a soldier criminally responsible for deploying an autonomous weapon that commits war crimes, prosecutors would need to prove both actus reus and mens rea, Latin terms describing a guilty act and a guilty mind. This would be difficult as a matter of law, and possibly unjust as a matter of morality, given that autonomous weapons are inherently unpredictable. I believe the distance separating the soldier from the independent decisions made by autonomous weapons in rapidly evolving environments is simply too great.

The legal and moral challenge is not made easier by shifting the blame up the chain of command or back to the site of production. In a world without regulations that mandate meaningful human control of autonomous weapons, there will be war crimes with no war criminals to hold accountable. The structure of the laws of war, along with their deterrent value, will be significantly weakened.

A New Global Arms Race

Imagine a world in which militaries, insurgent groups and international and domestic terrorists can deploy theoretically unlimited lethal force at theoretically zero risk at times and places of their choosing, with no resulting legal accountability. It is a world where the sort of unavoidable algorithmic errors that plague even tech giants like Amazon and Google can now lead to the elimination of whole cities.

In my view, the world should not repeat the catastrophic mistakes of the nuclear arms race. It should not sleepwalk into dystopia.
Yves here. Wowsers. Its one thing to see the putative but really not workers party in the US, the Democrats, happily don neoliberal clothing because TV ad costs. The Democrats at least can fall back on the excuse of a two-party system.

From Clive, who attended the Labour conference, via e-mail:

Too knackered to do anything sensible by way of reportage as just got back and getting out of Brighton is a mare at the best of times as is the M25 in the rush hour but conference is over and all I can say is it wasnt overall as bad as it could have been, but only because when you know youre at rock bottom hope torments you that the only way is up. So Ill have to settle for a brain-dump, with apologies. Now we know: Keir Starmer wont generate a surge of support | Aditya Chakrabortty | The Guardian is probably the most accurate and objective summary Ive come across. Starmer is setting himself up, unrepentantly, as the heir to Blair. The 15 minimum wage defeat was the bitterest pill to swallow. The Corbyn faction made compromise proposals behind the scenes, Im told 12.50 was bartered down to with 15 being an aspiration. Throw in a over the lifetime of a Labour government (so wed be talking up to 8 or 9 years away) and likely incremental rises just through keeping the minimum wage in line with average earnings grown would have almost got you to that. Rumours are that Johnson will make it 10 by the next election anyway. So the refusal by Starmers clique to not only go to 15 but to reject any promises to increase the minimum wage was just direction-of-travel setting. That direction being, of course, pro business. All in all, even despite Starmers protestations about electability being everything, were a party that still much prefers agitating and opposing rather than any prospect of power. My lingering sense from the Conference is that its all just so much more fun. You can tell yourself how very, very clever you are (a perennial fault of us lefties), indulge yourself in make-believe while declaring yourself the most rational people because, after all were clever, arent we? You dont have to answer any questions you dont like, you can memory-hole entire episodes from your priors and pet your hobby horses. Governing makes this a lot harder, if not impossible. Itll take, I reckon, another electoral defeat, possibly two, before theres any chance of a wakeup call being heeded.

Davids response:

Why am I always reminded of Satan in Paradise Lost?

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. I think we tend to forget how absorbing, and for some people fulfilling, the internal politics of any organisation can be. Ive known people in organisations in various countries whose lives were utterly consumed with power struggles and ideological clashes to the exclusion of everything else. And thats just in universities. The fact is that you can have a good career as a senior Labour Party apparatchik without ever having to dirty your hands with power. Its all there in any political party: publicity, fame of a sort, your mug on TV, relative VIP status, alliances, treason, revenge, blackmail, power struggles, money for consultancy, a book or two . I mean, why sully your hands with power? Takes the enjoyment out of politics. The fact is that historically the Left has never really wanted power. The exceptions (from Lenin to Mitterrand) not only wanted it, they knew what to do with it. At least you could say that Blair and Clinton were interested in power, even if they hijacked otherwise innocent and harmless parties. Starmer just doesnt seem to be interested in anything very much. Even John Crace seems to have gone off him.

PlutoniumKun points out that the Left does not have to be a bunch of wanking losers:

I hate to keep banging on the drum, but the European left needs to study Sinn Fein. They are the model of how a left wing party should focus on one thing only  power. In the early 1980s they could barely muster about 3% of the vote in the Republic and maybe 10% at most in Northern Ireland. As a party, they are probably even more split internally on left/right, woke/traditional groups, but they never let that get in the way of relentlessly growing their vote share in every election north and south of the border. It helps that they know their enemies  they hate the internationalist left as much as the right, and they are helped by being focused on a nationalist agenda. But they have pretty much vanquished all their enemies/rivals on the left and have taken huge chunks out of their centrist/nationalist alternatives (Fianna Fail in the Republic and the SDLP in the north). They do it partly by thinking long term  their own leader was poached from FF as a student  they saw her potential and deliberately recruited her. They have no problem with shoving media friendly (usually female and blonde) faces over local activists if needed to win seats. They have no embarrassment about waving the national flag. They revel in the hatred from the Dublin and Belfast mainstream media and establishment and make no attempt whatever to court them. They focus relentlessly on populist issues such as housing and health. They never let a desire for consistency or messaging get in the way of what is needed to win a vote. They use the European Parliament and the NI process as a means to develop relationships in the US and Europe to undermine any attempt by the mainstream to marginalise them (its hard to marginalise a party which can arrange photoshoots with Bill Clinton and Obama). There is every chance that in 3 years they will be the largest party following elections north and south of the border. I cant think of any other example around the world of a political party winning elections in two entirely separate national jurisdictions with two different electoral systems. Given that both the north and south are only marginally urban societies with a very large conservative rural population that is a pretty impressive achievement, especially when you compare it to the pathetic performance of the left in most of Europe.

Were about to see in the US if mere progressives (albeit young ones who also have generational differences in priorities from party elders) have the cojones to tell the leadership that the usual bait and switching of the Left is no longer on.

By Caroline Molloy, editor of openDemocracy UK and OurNHS, a journalist and speaker. She has written extensively on politics, public services and the welfare state, and has a particular interest in public services and technology. Originally published at openDemocracy

Keir Starmers long-awaited, first in-person speech to Labours annual conference was predictably dull: a history lesson focused on the industrial revolution and the Blair government, while skipping silently over everything from Clement Atlee to Jeremy Corbyn.

In terms of policy, there was a pledge to spend more on young peoples mental health  without mentioning the widespread privatisation of that service, which currently sees almost half of its NHS funding being funnelled into private health companies.

There was also a vow to give our young people the tools of the future in terms of digital and life skills. Briefings ahead of the speech suggested that, on this, what Starmer had in mind was training young people to understand their credit scores, their private pension savings, and the contracts their landlords ask them to sign.

So, Keirs big offer? A Labour government that will teach you to better navigate the choppy waters of capitalism, while paying another company to soothe your worries when the stress becomes overwhelming.

All we have to do is to learn to adapt, he said, while labouring a long analogy about his fathers factory and the need to re-tool ourselves.

Young people want more. Far from embracing their destiny as simply Uber-riding, Airbnb-ing, Deliveroo-eating freedom fighters, as Liz Truss, now the foreign secretary, memorably described them in 2018, they want the certainty and security of publicly owned services. Polls routinely show that  just as much as their parents and grandparents  young people support public ownership of everything from buses to energy and water to health services.

According to shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, these arent bread and butter issues.

But tell that to the young person seeing their hope and security eroded by the daily grind of what Reeves calls everyday economics. They arent wanting jam on it, as my mother would say. Theyre just sick of theirprivatised bus service jacking up fares and cutting services they rely on to get to college, work or play. Despairing of being unable to afford their own place, given sky-high, privatised utility bills and private rents. Fed up with being paid poverty wages by privatised care companies and call centres, which duck even the minimal adult minimum wage requirements by hiring the young. Stressed by having to compete everywhere  in endless tests, in their online brand  in a desperate attempt to win a decent opportunity in a country where, after nearly four decades of privatisation, everything is a marketplace.

And only the privileged can turn to their families for help, with many parents facing the same issues as their children.

No wonder young people are miserable  and thats before you even get to the impact of global threats such as the pandemic, climate change, right-wing-funded culture wars, and the way Brexit has ended chances of social mobility.

Starmer is quite right to zoom in on mental health  but despite his promises to prioritise prevention, his speech suggests that, in reality, hell treat symptoms, not causes.

A pledge for more money to fund support in schools to access treatment more promptly through local mental health hubs will be welcomed by mental health charities. But Starmer said nothing of the fact that young peoples mental health is in the state its in, in part because in recent years its been the most heavily privatised section of our NHS. Currently, 44% of NHS spending in this area goes to the private sector, rising to 97% of all NHS spending when it comes to the most troubled young people. And there have been numerous horror stories about the results.

Starmer did rightly say that the future of the NHS couldnt just be about more money. Was he going to acknowledge the need to stem the billions leaking out to the private sector? No  instead he enthused about how health would be remade by a bewildering array of robots and virtual reality. I could talk about this all day, he said, sounding in reality about as tech-savvy as Boris Johnson in his infamous UN technology speech about how your mattress will monitor your nightmares.
There are many examples that show America cannot pretend to be a civilized country, and one of them is Rikers Island. The infamous detention center has been in crisis for year, and the situation has become visibly critical (no pun intended) as 12 inmates have died so far this year out of a total population of about 6,000. Mind you, no one is incarcerated at Rikers as the result of a conviction. They are instead being held either for having been charged with nearly always minor criminal act, awaiting a hearing, or for an allegation of a minor parole violation.

Rikers is getting some overdue attention after years of neglect becauese some New York Congresscritters demanded that Mayor Bill de Blasio Do Something after two inmates died in one week. The facility has gone into crisis due to half-hearted reforms stalling and as well explain below, Covid producing both higher levels of incarceration as judges go back into lock em up mode due to rising crime rates, and effective staffing levels collapsing as guards call in sick, either out of Covid fears1 or simply loathing how a terrible job has gotten even worse.

Corey Stoughton, attorney-in-charge at the special litigation unit of the Legal Aid Society, describes Rikers as a 21st Century Newgate prison in a talk with New York Magazine:

For the benefit of those who might not be aware or following it closely, what is the current situation like on Rikers Island? Its hard to find the words to describe how bad it is right now on Rikers Island. I think most people understand that jails and prisons are not pleasant places. But this is a level of depravity and inhumanity that is really shocking to imagine happening in the greatest city in the world. You have people who are warehoused in large rooms for days and even weeks at a time with no toilets or showers, defecating on the floor, urinating on the floor. Not getting access to regular food or adequate water. And for a population that has, really, an overwhelming number of medical and mental-health-care needs, not getting access to basic and necessary medical and mental-health care. And so thats why weve seen [all the deaths] this year, two in the past week alone, and its because people who are sick cant get doctors and die for lack of medical care, urgent medical care. And people are in mental-health crisis, self-harming and even dying by suicide, because basic protocols around mental-health screening and self-harm prevention are not being followed.

Rikers has long been one of the worst facilities in the US. Although there have been off and on calls to clean up Rikers, the horrific treatment of one inmate, Kalief Browder, gave impetus to reform efforts. Browder committed suicide in 2015, two years after having been detained for three years when the charge against him was eventually dropped. More detail from Slate in an interview with the New York Times Jan Browder:

Kalief Browder was a 16 year old who had been accused of stealing a backpack from someone in the Bronx. And he was held on Rikers Island for three years and spent much of that time in solitary. This was before a lot of the reforms around solitary confinement for young people went into effect or was even really discussed in a huge way. So he was pretty much tortured during his time there. He was assaulted by correctional officers, assaulted by other detainees. He was the victim of what became known as the program, which meant if you defied a correction officer, they would allow other detainees to assault you. And so there was video of Kalief Browder being badly beaten by other detainees.

De Blasio, who whines a lot, seems aggrieved that hes getting no respect for what hes done to fix Rikers, which has now been revealed to be inadequate. He led an effort to end solitary confinement for minors, and had gotten the population of Rikers down from peak levels of nearly 12,000, but that was also partly due to crime rates falling.

In 2018 (notice how long after after the uproar in the wake of Browders death) De Blasio announced an $8 billion plan to close Rikers and replace it with four facilities, each in one borough save Staten Island. But real estate interests residents went into NIMBY mode, delaying the planned completion date from 2026 to 2027.

Covid initially enabled reformers to cut the Rikers population further. Again from Slate:

The citys plan to close Rikers is ambitiousThese facilities are intended to be more humane holding places, closer to inmates own communities, with space dedicated to educational programs and big visiting areas. Then the pandemic hit. And while COVID exposed all the ways inmates were at riskbecause of inadequate hygiene and an inability to social distancefor a brief moment, for advocates, the pandemic presented an opportunity. There became this very urgent push to empty the jails. You had the district attorneys throughout the city, the mayors office, the police departmentit was all hands on deck trying to figure out who could be released safely back into the community You also had bail reform in the background, which also helped in bringing the jail population to the lowest it had been since the 1940s. It dropped to about 3,900 people. During the summer, you suddenly saw a spike in crime. And around the same time, there was also a quiet reversal of some of the reforms that had been made under the bail law earlier in the year, which, along with the effort to save people from dying of COVID, also led to people being released on certain offenses that were no longer bail eligible. But because crime went up, you had the police department and their unions now pushing this idea that it was because of bail reform or it was because people were released at the height of the pandemic, although there was no data to show any correlation. You had judges who then were, instead of sending someone to a rehab program or a program to deal with the nature of the crime that theyve been accused of, now sending them to Rikers, because they dont want to be the judge who let someone out who ended up committing a heinous crime. And so you saw this vision that you dont have to incarcerate everyone for everything sort of explode.

As the building plans stalled, correctional workers representatives charge that the city allowed the already-decrepit Rikers to fall further into disrepair. Population increases made an already bad situation vastly worse. Staffers are regularly calling in sick, putting the ones that do turn up under an impossible work load. From ABC New York:

The city is blaming a dangerous understaffing problem, not because there arent enough correction officers on the payroll, but because nearly a third of the ones who do work for the city are routinely calling in sick. The city has sued the officers union over alleged absenteeism. Not to speak to us, not to come here in four years and then blame us for the staffing crisis that he created? Were tired of being scapegoated, said Benny Boscio with the Correction Officers Benevolent Association. The union president is telling a different story  a story of a dangerous job in antiquated facilities and of a workforce ravaged by COVID and forgotten by a mayor intent on closing Rikers altogether Boscio said the mayor let the jail fall apart because of his ideology of closing Rikers.

De Blasio, who had not visited the facility in four years, got a Potemkin tour. Again from ABC New York:

[President Benny Boscio with the Correction Officers Benevolent Association] said Mondays tour was sugar-coated. You walk in there now you can smell fresh paint, he said. They moved the inmates out of the intake area and put them in another intake area. They didnt show him what he needed to see. The mayor met with no incarcerated people Monday, he met with no correction officers, and he declined to say what it was about his visit that bothered him so much.

Contrast de Blasios view with what legislators who got the real tour saw (hat tip Tom H):

 I want to share more about what I witnessed at Rikers Island yesterday. We broke into groups to inspect different parts of the sprawling facility. I spent several hours at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center. https://t.co/SAiz2iI8hl  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

There's garbage everywhere, rotting food with maggots, cockroaches, worms in the showers, human feces and piss. Most of the toilets are broken so men are given plastic bags to relieve themselves in.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

Most of the people I met were not at Rikers for serious allegations. One got into a fist fight at a barbecue. Many had accidentally made a small technical violation of their parole.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

There's a lot of serious mental illness and many hadn't been given their prescription medication for months. I met multiple men with broken hands and legs that were not being treated.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

Because of the lack of security, everyone's scared their going to be injured or killed. Most people have fashioned some kind of homemade weapon to defend themselves.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

Men were calling out phone numbers to me, saying things like, Please call my grandma and tell her where I am! Or would burst into tears and say Ive been praying you would come! Save us! We are going to die!  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

One of the officers told me, "At this point we are on the prisoners' side. We are all forgotten. We live here too. Triple shift by triple shift.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

One of the officers told me, "At this point we are on the prisoners' side. We are all forgotten. We live here too. Triple shift by triple shift.  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

Here's what we can do: 1. Pressure DAs to stop asking for cash bail and consigning people who haven't been convicted to this horror house 2. @NYCMayor must use his power to release people rapidly 3. @GovKathyHochul should immediately sign the Less is More legislation  Emily Gallagher (@EmilyAssembly) September 14, 2021

Two state legislators who visited Rikers spoke to CBS News:

ABC News gave another account of the horrific conditions:

There is another obvious reform to implement. Electronic monitoring. Nearly all of the accused who are released turn up for hearings. Ankle bracelets would reassure judges who worry about becoming scapegoats in a crime uptick. They also would be a lot cheaper, even before you get to the health risks to inmates and guards.

Finally, as bad as Rikers is, it is ranked as one of the ten worst prisons in the US. That means there are another 9 within hailing distance of awfulness. I wonder if there are large gaols in other advanced economies that like Rikers are more cesspit than holding tank.

____

1 Recall GMs recap of a study published by the CDC on Covid in prisons:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7038e3.htm?s_cid=mm7038e3_w Useful example of what happens in an contained population, in this case a prison 80% vaccination, and relatively recent too  half were 4-6 months from second dose, the rest less than that  resulted in 70% attack rate among the vaccinated (and 93% in the unvaccinated) Attack rates in the 4-6 months groups  89% Moderna held the best  40% attack rate. Pfizer at 81%, but its not clear if those are matched by time from second dose.

The union representing the correctional workers has complained of the lack of PPE.
A Williamson County Health Department nurse holds a the first distributed vial of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine on Dec. 21, 2020.
(Natural News) As concerns grow about the strict limits being placed on the movement of unvaccinated people in Australia, a new online directory has been launched listing businesses that are willing to open their doors to all customers regardless of their vaccination status.

The Open For All initiative, which is being run by volunteers, reports that hundreds of businesses have already signed up to be featured on their site, particularly customer-facing businesses such as those in the beauty and fitness industries.

The launch came not long after the government of NSW became the countrys first jurisdiction to create a roadmap for the state to move away from lockdowns. Their solution involves preventing people who are not vaccinated from entering indoor establishments.

For example, the NSW Government Freedoms For Fully Vaccinated People webpage says that the area will begin to reopen when they have reached their target of 70 percent of residents being fully vaccinated. At this time, only people who are fully vaccinated will have access to the freedoms allowed under the reopening NSW roadmap.

This means that only those who have gotten the vaccine will be allowed to participate in gatherings in homes, which will be capped at five visitors, as well as weddings, funerals and a broad range of venues including retail stores, gyms and hospitality. Masks will remain mandatory in all indoor spaces, so it is not clear why people who are unvaccinated will not be allowed to enter. It appears that those who have not gotten the vaccine will be effectively confined to their homes indefinitely  with no visitors, of course.

While not all jurisdictions have adopted the same stance, many Australians fear similar roadmaps are in the works for their area. A volunteer for Open for All said that it is not surprising so many businesses are taking a stand because vaccine passports create a host of business challenges. The group points out that in order for the country to recover from the pandemic economically, it is essential that all Australians are included in its reopening.

Anyone can visit the Open for All website and search for businesses that are welcoming everyone. A pull-down menu at the top of the page allows people to select the type of business they are looking for, whether it is a bank, pet store, beauty store or any other type of venue. A second pull-down menu allows them to refine by location before being presented with a list of matching businesses. This is useful not only for those who are not willing to take on the vaccines risks and still wish to participate in society but also those who may already be vaccinated but resist the idea of vaccine passports and want to support businesses that are taking a more inclusive approach.

Another step closer to a CCP-style social credit system

The CEO of Australian storage giant Kennards Storage, Sam Kennard, is one of the businesses that is being listed on the site. Kennard told The Epoch Times: Vaccine passports will put the population on a slippery slope of ever-increasing government oversight, intrusion, and surveillance of our lives. Why not facial recognition check-ins? Geo-tracking? And eventually social credit scores?

It isnt hard to imagine that all this is just bringing us one step closer to the social credit system being used by the Chinese Communist Party to control the population of China by ranking citizens and punishing them for things like buying too many video games and posting on social media, with penalties ranging from slower internet to being banned from accessing better hotels and higher education. What once seemed unimaginable to most of us living in free nations is starting to look frighteningly possible.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NSW.gov.au

BusinessInsider.com
(Natural News) Weve all seen the videos from Australia. Police chasing down and beating a helpless woman, shooting rubber bullets at construction workers who violate that countrys draconian lockdown rules. A 12-year-old girl gets pepper sprayed for not wearing a mask.

(Article by Leo Hohmann republished from LeoHohmann.com)

Watch the horrific excuse for policing below.

How Australia plans on beating COVID

pic.twitter.com/sZMZN9ePti  Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) September 18, 2021

In another video [fast-forwarding to the 3:30 mark and be forewarned, the language is bad], police pepper spray a girl for not wearing a mask.

Do not be fooled into thinking this is just an Australian thing, never to happen in America.

Check out below whats going on in Israel, where IDF soldiers are being forcibly jabbed in the middle of the night.

There have also been scenes from Canada caught on video, most notably the case of Pastor Artur Pawlowski, who was arrested and dragged off by a SWAT team in the middle of a busy highway, that would make you swear you are looking at the East German Stasi in action, not the Canadian police.

Everything the Australian, Israeli and Canadian governments are doing in terms of using force to brutally put down all resistance to their draconian mandates and restrictions are things the current regime in Washington not only wants to do but claims it has the legal authority to do.

Bidens people admit he has been in discussions about closing down interstate travel to the unvaxxed and barring them from air travel. In the new Amerika, these are privileges, they tell us, not rights.

If they believe they can get away with it, they will do it.

Australia, Canada and Israel are the models for the Great Reset, a system designed to tag, track and monitor the behavior of every human being as if they were a unit of livestock. This global reset demands your total obedience.

As Biden loves to remind us with his build back better mantra, he and his people are fully on board with the Great Reset, as laid out by the World Economic Forum and now being implemented in Australia, Israel, Germany, Canada and other formerly free countries.

So, Americans need to prepare now for the day when the regime in Washington goes full Nazi. In fact, some are already describing the scenes in Australia as a civil war. Too bad the Aussies gave up their rights to own firearms years ago, because I truly believe Biden would have already launched similar crackdowns if he didnt have the Second Amendment to contend with.

But again, dont be fooled. The globalist cabal to which Biden answers will continue to move the Great Reset deconstruction of America forward. He just has to go about it more craftily than his counterparts in Australia and Israel.

If you dont believe the U.S. federal government claims the authority to round up and detain its political enemies under the guise of a health emergency, please take a gander at the sweeping powers Congress has granted to the federal health bureaucracy.

According to the CDC website, Congress granted authority to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which then delegated this power to the CDC, to establish quarantine and isolation protocols [i.e. internment camps]. The CDC also claims it has the right to use state and local police to enforce these protocols. The CDC makes no bones about the nature of its assumed powers when it states, rather bluntly:

In addition to serving as medical functions, isolation and quarantine also are police power functions, derived from the right of the state to take action affecting individuals for the benefit of society. The federal government derives its authority for isolation and quarantine from the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Under section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S. Code  264), the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to take measures to prevent the entry and spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the United States and between states. The authority for carrying out these functions on a daily basis has been delegated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The above quote is bureaucratic lingo for a boot on your face.

The CDC goes on to say:

Public health authorities at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels may sometimes seek help from police or other law enforcement officers to enforce a public health order.

I asked constitutional attorney John Whitehead if the CDCs claim of unilateral authority to operate internment camps is legitimately derived from the U.S. Constitutions commerce clause. And would this be a legitimate use of police powers?

Not as the people who wrote the Constitution saw it, but as the people in Congress today see it, and in the courts, yes, said Whitehead, president and founder of the Rutherford Institute. The founders wrote the Constitution in such a way as to establish separation of powers, so power would not rest in the hands of any single person or entity  but now it does. All power is in the hands of the deep state.

Although the CDC does not use the word camps on the web page cited above, they do use the word detain.

Whitehead investigated this issue for his 2015 book Battlefield America and concluded that the camps were already in place.

In 2006 the Bush administration awarded a $385 million contract to KBR Corp. a subsidiary of Haliburton, to build the detention centers.

This is documented on page 54 of Whiteheads Battlefield America: The War on the American People.

We called the government agency that let the contract and asked if this was for camps and they would not respond. I talked to a former NSA agent who said theyve built them but theyre on military bases and theyre ready to go. There are a lot of private prisons run by corporations that could be used as internment camps as well. So theyre already there, and with the president being able to declare a national emergency, such as Proclamation Number 7463 [declared by George W. Bush in 2001], and Congress has never reviewed any of these emergencies to see if theyre justified, its going to happen. And they can work with the local police to pull this off.

The CDC further states that Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

May have a contagious disease? Did you catch that clever choice of words? You could be completely healthy, but if the government declares you may carry a contagion, it claims the right to have you isolated and interned somewhere away from your home.

See, DHS issues terror alert equating Americans who oppose government Covid restrictions to 9/11 terrorists

Another key word in the above-quoted CDC verbiage is protect. Its critical to note that in Joe Bidens Sept. 9 nationally televised speech in which he announced shot mandates for all federal workers and all private-sector workers at companies with 100 or more employees, he said his objective was to protect the vaccinated from the unvaccinated.

While that statement made no logical or scientific sense, it made perfect sense from the standpoint of the new American dictatorships political agenda, the onset of which I believe was announced in that Sept. 9 speech.

Bidens choice of words  hes protecting the vaccinated  sets the stage for a future rounding up of unvaxxed Americans.

Before you can round them up, however, you first must demonize them.

God created each individual person as sovereign over their own bodily integrity. When it comes to human rights, it matters not whether this injection is safe and effective. No entity has the right to violate that bodily integrity and mandate someone to receive an unwanted injection. Any person or entity that claims such a right has illegally claimed ownership of your body. Thats an act of war.

The Bible says that in the end times a system, global in scope, will arise and deceive many. That system will demand that every human being on the planet, rich and poor, slave and free, take its mark, either in their right hand or their forehead, and this mark will be required in order to buy, sell or conduct commerce of any kind.

Will this be a literal mark, as so many preachers, novelists and filmmakers suggest? It could be but I wouldnt bank on it. The head represents your mind or how you think. The hand represents your actions. Do you think and act in concert with the rising one-world system?

The gene-based injections are likely not the mark but they appear to be an important precursor. The digital vaccine passports being rolled out worldwide represent an even bigger leap, in my opinion, toward the mark. But one can see how all of these seemingly isolated steps are tied together in a chain that inevitably leads to the mark.

Anyone who accepts the vaccine has made that first critical decision that aligns them with the worlds advancing beast system.

Some did it innocently and will redeem themselves by rebelling against vaccine passports and refusing to work for, or do business with, any entity that requires people to show their digital papers. These digital papers this will start out as a health passport app on your cellphone but will evolve into a biometric global ID system tied to ones bank account.

While some of the vaccinated will rebel and come over from the dark side, dont expect this to happen en masse. Dont expect millions to suddenly grow a spine, take a stand for freedom and refuse to participate in the burgeoning digital money system thats connected to the digital health system. Very few have courage. Thats why they accepted the vaccine in the first place.

Most accepted the beasts needle in their arm citing one or more of the following reasons:

They swallowed the lies of the beast, which told them the jab would be good for their health.

They submitted to the pressure of the beast to get the jab even though they had strong suspicions that it would not be good for their health.

They wanted to preserve their place within the beast system that is tightening its grip on the world. I want to travel. I want to eat out at restaurants. I want to go on a cruise. I want to attend ball games, concerts, I want, I want, I want

From the start, they believed all of the lies of the beast  that if they just wore the mask, if they just social distanced, if they just didnt go to church, if they just didnt open their business, if they just got the shot, things would soon return to normal and we could all go back to our former lives.

Some will wake up and realize they were duped. But most will remain zombies, following whatever orders proceed from the mouth of the beast.

They thought they joined the winning side, but one day they will wake up and realize what a horrific mistake they made. They have chosen to yoke themselves to a cruel master that will not be easily pacified  not by a mask, not by standing on the little X at their local big-box store, not by getting the shot and not by accepting the QR Code on their cellphone.

See The Rising Biomedical Security State is Determined to Use Covid to Reduce Every Human Being to a QR Code

The beast lied about the shots being good for their health, lied about things going back to normal, and the beast will continue to tell more lies about the unvaccinated spreading the virus, which is opposite of the truth  its the vaxxed who are the super spreaders. They will endure a lifetime of sickness, and whats worse is the beast now claims ownership over their bodies. No, breaking loose from this beast will not be easy. It may require a divine epiphany.

The big push now is to get the children injected. You can hardly turn on a TV without seeing a commercial or some propagandist posing as a journalist urging parents to get their child jabbed.

Those who listen to these lies and choose to get their kids injected with the experimental mRNA gene therapy will go down in history as the most gullible, most clueless, most undiscerning of the current age. They will be like the Germans who obeyed the lies of the Nazis. They walked their children right into the beast system of slavery.

We are living in a surveillance state operated by public-private partnerships, very similar to the fascist Nazi system that overtook Germany. And that surveillance state, years in the making and culminating in the Great Reset, is just starting to come into full bloom.

Google predicted [about ten years ago] that by 2029 artificial intelligence [AI] would fuse with the human mind, Whitehead said. Elon Musk said at least when theres an evil dictator thats human its going to die, but with AI it will live forever. Everything is being watched. Basically everything on the internet is run by AI. Social credit scoring is going to be done by AI and its going to be categorized.

Whitehead believes the movie and comic-book series V for Vendetta reveals clues about how AI might work.

So when a so-called extremist wakes up and decides I am not going to do this any longer, a SWAT team will come and get him and take him to a camp. And if these camps are on military bases, they arent going to find you. People will just disappear.

For clues into how these elites think, read some of the writings of the early eugenicists in the 1920s. Many saw the masses of human beings as no more than animals to be tagged, used up and done away with at a time of the elites choosing.

This is the same mentality of the elites who run the modern global deep state, from the United Nations and the World Economic Forum down to the Washington bureaucracy, the corporate boardrooms and healthcare conglomerates.

Democrats and the Republicans are simply along for the ride. Both are diligently promoting the experimental mRNA gene therapies. Both are supporting red flag laws that allow the government to bar military veterans from owning guns. They still cant see whats going on, that forced masking was designed to condition people for forced injections, and that forced injections are designed to condition people to accept vaccine passports, and that vaccine passports are designed to condition people for a Chinese-style social-credit scoring system tied to their bank accounts.

Ultimately, the plan is to tattoo a QR code containing all of ones personal information, including their social credit ranking, on every persons body. This could very well be the mark of the Beast. The technology already exists, developed at MIT with funding from Bill Gates.

These are times that call for wisdom, discernment, courage, endurance and resolve.

Will you answer the call?

Read more at: LeoHohmann.com and GreatReset.news.
(Natural News) The new fake governor of New York has announced that any state employee who is fired for not being able to show a Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine passport will not be allowed to collect unemployment insurance.

Kathy Hochul is apparently trying to compete with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the title of worst female tyrant in America as she reportedly wages full economic war against unvaccinated workers in her state.

After a judge temporarily halted Andrew Cuomos mandate, which was passed on to Hochul after his departure, Hochul decided to punish the unvaccinated in a different way by depriving them of unemployment.

What this means is that unvaccinated workers in New York will not receive any help from the government, should they be unable to find other work. Many could end up on the streets in order to save lives.

The only exception to Hochuls decree is a doctor-approved medical exemption. Anything else will not be accepted and the person will be kicked to the streets like trash for refusing the jab.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is eagerly on board with Hochuls agenda, having announced that he already has thousands and thousands of vaccinated, experienced substitute teachers waiting in the wings to replace all of the unvaccinated teachers who are being tossed to the curb for their non-compliance.

2nd Circuit Court of Appeals blocks NYC from mandating covid jabs on teachers

There is a roadblock, though. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stop that bars the city from enforcing any vaccine mandate on teachers. A three-judge panel will pick up the case next and expedite a resolution by the end of September.

Union leaders who support the mandate but not its rapid timeline for implementation are also speaking out against Hochul and de Blasio, both of whom are desperately trying to force everyone to get jabbed at warp speed.

CSEA is supporting of efforts to keep our state workplaces safer, but these changes must respect the legal bargaining rights of workers, said CSEA spokesman Mark Kotzin in defiance of the mandate.

There is already a widespread shortage of health workers due to the mandate, and now the government of New York wants to create similar worker shortages across other sectors.

Not only will this hurt the unvaccinated who refuse to comply, but it will also hurt the states economy. Large gaps in the workforce will need to be filled or else key sectors and essential services will collapse.

Hochul is planning to roll in National Guard troops to fill the empty health care slots, and she may even send troops into the states public schools to play-pretend as substitute teachers just to own the non-jabbed.

Such coercion is strictly prohibited under the law, both constitutionally and as established by the Nuremberg Code. But when has that ever stopped an American politician from committing crimes against humanity?

These tyrants need to be burned at the stake, wrote one commenter at Reclaim the Net.

They are going to start a war! wrote another. When you put people in a position where they have nothing to lose, they become very dangerous.

Others echoed the same thing, asking how this is legal and why there are not more people fighting these mandates in court. All it takes for evil to triumph, after all, is for good men to do nothing.

The entire mandate program is profit driven, as in, it is the only thing keeping Wall Street afloat today, another wrote in speculation as to the true driving factor behind all the covid tyranny.

To learn more about how government fascists are using covid to erase the Constitution, visit Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) New York Governor Kathy Hochul called on vaccinated congregants in a Brooklyn-based evangelical megachurch to promote the New York vaccine mandates because unvaccinated people arent listening to God and what God wants.

Hochul said that God had answered prayers about the pandemic, adding that He made the smartest men and women  scientists, doctors and researchers  and he made them come up with a vaccine.

The governor made the remarks at the Christian Cultural Centers Sunday morning services before New Yorks vaccine mandate for healthcare workers went into effect on September 27. I need you to be my apostles, she said. Jesus taught us to love one another. And how do you show that love but to care about each other enough to say, Please get the vaccine because I love you and I want you to live.'

On August 16, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the New York Department of Health regulation that mandated all healthcare workers in the state to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by September 27, with exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons, or risk termination.

On August 26, only days after Hochul was sworn in as New Yorks first female governor, the New York Public Health and Planning Council approved an emergency regulation that completely removed the religious exemption, leaving only the medical exemption in place.

The state labor department also noted that employees who were terminated for refusing to get vaccinated will not be eligible for unemployment benefits unless they receive a doctor-approved exemption.

Healthcare workers file lawsuit against NY State

This sparked a group of healthcare workers to file a lawsuit against the state, arguing that their constitutional rights were violated upon issuing the mandate with no exemption for sincere religious beliefs.

Judge David Hurd of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York temporarily blocked the mandate for those seeking religious exemption, pushing back the requirement for at least two more weeks until October 12. Only then will the judge decide whether or not to make the preliminary injunction more permanent. (Related:New York initiates medical martial law rollout with troops to take over hospitals where unvaxxed health care workers are being fired en masse.)

According to the lawsuit, all 17 plaintiffs conscientiously objected on religious grounds to get the vaccine because they employ fetal cell lines derived from procured abortion in testing, development or production of the vaccines.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information, a research and resource arm of the National Institutes of Health acknowledged in a recent paper that religious opposition to receiving COVID-19 vaccines stems from the fetal cell lines that are linked to abortion. The cells in question are the HEK 293 kidney cells that came from an elective abortion performed in 1972 in the Netherlands.

It was reported that the HEK 293 kidney cells are present in either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, but were only part of the post-production process of the final product: that is, they are not part of the vaccine, but were instead test subjects that were used to help determine its effectivity. Other vaccines, such as Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, however, did use fetal cells in the actual production process.

Despite what the NCBI calls an ethical vaccine research and policy controversy, Hochul said that shes unaware of major religious groups that prohibit its followers from getting inoculated, saying that everyone from the Pope on down is encouraging people to do so.

In a public service video promoting vaccines, Pope Francis said that getting the vaccines that are authorized by the respective authorities is an act of love.

He also made several announcements via social media to promote COVID-19 vaccines, saying that they promote the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable.

This view is not limited to the Catholic faith, either. In March, evangelist Franklin Graham said that if there were vaccines available in the time of Christ, Jesus himself would have made reference to them and used them.

Get more news and updates about COVID-19, vaccines and other related treatments at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

WesternJournal.com

News.Yahoo.com
(Natural News) The CEO of BigPharma company Pfizer has said that life in the United States should be back to normal within a year. He claims this will be thanks to his companys Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla made this comment on Sunday as he was interviewed regarding how his companys COVID-19 vaccine has been approved as a booster for the elderly and other communities supposedly at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Within a year, I think we will be able to come back to normal life, said Bourla on Sunday during an appearance on mainstream media outlet ABCs program, This Week.

Bourlas prediction is in line with the same one made by Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel on Thursday. He said this return to normalcy will be facilitated by the ability of big pharma companies like Moderna and Pfizer to produce even more COVID-19 vaccines.

If you look at the industry-wide expansion of production capacities over the past six months, enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this earth can be vaccinated, said Bancel.

Pfizer CEO believes variants will still appear and his companys boosters will still be necessary

Both Bourla and Bancel believe COVID-19 boosters will be necessary for the return to normalcy.

I dont think that [returning to normal] means that the variants will not continue coming, and I dont think that this means that we should be able to live our lives without having vaccinations, said Bourla.

The Pfizer CEO even suggested that it might be necessary for people to receive coronavirus vaccine booster doses annually to maintain a normal life. (Related: The scam never ends: Pfizer CEO predicts emergence of vaccine-resistant strain  and a new booster shot to treat it.)

The most likely scenario for me is that, because the virus is spread all over the world, that it will continue seeing new variants that are coming out, he said. Also we will have vaccines that they will last at least a year, and I think the most likely scenario is annual vaccination, but we dont know really, we need to wait and see the data.

Out of the three widely available COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., only Pfizers has been approved as a booster for fully vaccinated individuals. On Friday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky authorized the distribution of Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines for people in high-risk settings.

Elderly Americans and adults in high-risk institutional and occupational settings who were fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible for booster doses at least six months after their last shot.

Bancel expects the U.S. and other countries to approve more COVID-19 boosters for fully vaccinated people. This is supposedly because people who are at risk of COVID-19 and were vaccinated early undoubtedly need a refresher.

Modernas booster only contains half the dose of the original vaccine, which means more of them will be available once regulatory authorities approve it for distribution.

The volume of vaccine is the biggest limiting factor, said Bancel. With half the dose, we would have three billion doses available worldwide for the coming year instead of just two billion.

The composition of Modernas boosters will remain the same as the original. But the company is already working to create an altered COVID-19 vaccine that will supposedly be more efficient against coronavirus variants.

We are currently testing delta-optimized variants in clinical trials, said Bancel. They will form the basis for the booster vaccination for 2022. We are also trying out delta plus beta, the next mutation that scientists believe is likely.

Learn more about how big pharma companies like Pfizer and Moderna are pushing people to take more COVID-19 vaccines at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Reuters.com

CNBC.com
(Natural News) Jeffrey Prather knows exactly how to call the early reports claiming the Arizona election audit a victory for President Joe Biden well ahead of the announcement of its actual results.

They are information influence operations, prepping the information battlefield. They are trying to do damage reports already ahead of time, Prather says during his program the Prather Point on Brighteon.TV. You have to understand that they are simply trying to influence you. The first rule of war is knowing that you are in one.

True enough, theres more to the Arizona election audit than just the final tally. While the results of the hand recount in Maricopa County have seen Bidens margin of victory increase by 360 votes, the bigger picture shows irregularities in the states election process. (Related: CNN caught harassing election workers during Arizona audit.)

Arizona election audit reveals hints of election fraud

Cyber Ninjas, a Florida-based firm hired to lead the audit, has found that the official results and the final records of who voted are off by 11,592, which is more than the election margin.

Arizonas official results say Biden won the state by only 10,457 votes. He is the first Democratic presidential nominee to win Maricopa County in 72 years, and with a rather stout margin of over 45,000 votes.

The hand recount has found 99 additional votes for Biden and 261 fewer votes for former President Donald Trump. But thats not the real story.

How can you certify results that the county cant event back up? Liz Harrington, Trumps spokesperson, asks in a Twitter post.

Harrington adds that there are 23,344 mail-in ballots counted from people that should not have received their ballots by mail because they had moved, as well as 10,342 voters with the same first name, middle name, last name and birth year who voted in multiple counties.

The Maricopa audit report says none of the countys election numbers match; ballot images are either corrupt or missing; election data is apparently intentionally deleted; illegal ballots have been counted from people who had moved; ballots have been duplicated more than once; and serial numbers are missing.

What has been found is both encouraging and alarming. On the positive side there were no substantial differences between the hand count of the ballots provided and the official canvass results for the county, the report says.

Election audit report says Maricopa County did not fully cooperate with the process

Authors of the report criticize the countys recordkeeping, cite issues with some of its election systems and propose some reforms to the states election processes. They scold Maricopa County for not fully cooperating with the process and say that this prevented a complete audit.

Had Maricopa County chosen to cooperate with the audit, the majority of these obstacles would have easily been overcome, the report says.

With the blueprint of potential election fraud finally revealed, Republicans are looking to conduct similar reviews in other states. Republicans in both the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania legislatures are moving forward with similar investigations into the 2020 race.

In Wisconsin, two separate election reviews are underway. One is by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau, and the other by a pro-Trump former state Supreme Court justice.

In Pennsylvania, Republican legislators in the Senates Intergovernmental Operations Committee voted earlier this month to subpoena voters personal information  including addresses, drivers license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers  in preparation for a new review of the states 2020 election results.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are planning to change election laws in time for the 2022 mid-term elections. The Senate is likely to hold committee hearings and possibly recommend legislation before the Legislature gets back to work in January.

Prather also tells his viewers that the Arizona election recount is far from over. He says that Arizona GOP leader Kelli Ward is demanding a full canvass of the election. Ward insists that the audit results indicate possible malfeasance. (Related: Arizona Senate attempts to seize all Maricopa County voting machines for full forensic audit.)

Watch the Sept. 24 episode of the Prather Point here:

You can catch new episodes of the Prather Point with Jeffrey Prather every Friday at 10-11 a.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Follow VoteFraud.news for more news and information related to election fraud.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

WSJ.com

CBSNews.com

12News.com
(Natural News) Several state troopers in Massachusetts have opted to walk away from their jobs rather than get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

According to the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM), dozens of troopers have submitted their resignation papers because of the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Some have spoken with the human resources department to evaluate what their pensions would be if they choose to retire.

The state is requiring all executive department employees to show proof of vaccination by Oct. 17 or risk losing their jobs. About 20 percent of State Police employees are not vaccinated.

Last week, a judge denied a request from the State Police union to put a hold on Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Bakers vaccine mandate for troopers.

Throughout COVID, we have been on the front lines protecting the citizens of Massachusetts and beyond. Simply put, all we are asking for are the same basic accommodations that countless other departments have provided to their first responders, and to treat a COVID-related illness as a line of duty injury, SPAM says in a statement released following the judges decision.

Some troopers who have already submitted their resignation papers plan to return to other departments offering alternatives like mask-wearing and regular testing. (Related: 65% of San Diegos police force might quit due to covid vaccine mandate.)

With the State Police critically short-staffed, troopers from specialty units that investigate homicides, terrorism, computer crimes, arsons, gangs, narcotics and human trafficking have been asked to return to uniformed patrol.

SPAM President Sgt. Michael Cherven says some of the troopers he represents may be recruited away from Massachusetts State Police if the mandate does not include some accommodations. The union has 1,800 members.

They have opportunities to return to the municipal departments where they came from. There are opportunities outside of Massachusetts. New Hampshire and New Jersey state police associations have reached out, says Cherven.

WBZ security analyst Ed Davis says State Police are already facing a staffing shortage for several reasons. COVID is certainly one of them. Theres also the situation that occurred across the country after the George Floyd murder. Police are rethinking whether they want to stay in the business, says Davis.

Baker has no intention to retract or modify the mandate. I think its critically important for public officials who deal directly with the public on a regular basis, who have no idea whether the people their dealing with are vaccinated or not. And those people who are dealing with them ought to believe that they are vaccinated, says Baker.

Many police officers and their unions oppose vaccine mandates

Many police officers and their unions are opposing vaccine mandates. John Catanzara, the president of Chicagos Fraternal Order of Police, which represents the citys rank-and-file officers, has made it clear that he does not intend to comply with vaccine mandates.

It cannot be mandated. Its that simple, Catanzara tells the Chicago Sun Times. Our members dont want to be mandated to do anything like that.

Catanzaras remarks come after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots declaration that city employees will be required to get vaccinated. We absolutely have to have a vaccine mandate, says Lightfoot. Its for the safety of all involved, particularly members of the public who are interacting with city employees on a daily basis.

Chicagos vaccine mandate takes effect on Oct. 15, but Catanzara remains firm with his stance.

This vaccine has no studies for long-term side effects or consequence, he says. To mandate anybody to get that vaccine without that data as a baseline, amongst other issues, is a hell no for us.

The same scenario is playing out in cities and towns across the country. Police unions in Tulsa, Seattle and Syracuse have pushed back against vaccination requirements.

Just days after New York Mayor Bill de Blasios announcement that the citys Department of Education employees must receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27, the citys largest police union tells its members in an email that it would take legal action to defend their right to make such personal medical decisions if they face the same requirement.

A union spokesman has confirmed the contents of the email.

While it is not clear what percentage of officers across the country have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, vaccination rates in some of the largest police departments in the U.S. are below the national rate.

Chicago, which has the countrys second-largest force, does not track vaccinations. A police spokesman said in late August that only 47 percent of New Yorks uniformed and civilian employees are vaccinated. (Related: Anti-vaccine mandate Freedom Rally in NYC draws in thousands of supporters.)

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, noted at the time that 79 percent of New York residents 18 and older have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. That means members of the police department are more vaccine-hesitant than the general population, says Hotez.

Healthcare workers prefer losing their jobs than risking their lives

Many healthcare workers also prefer losing their jobs than risking their lives by taking the experimental COVID-19 vaccines.

Jerry Jasper, CEO of Brownfield Regional Medical Center in Texas, tells local news station KCBD that President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate for healthcare workers could lead to the facility being shut down. Probably 20 to 25 percent of my staff will have to go away if thats the case, says Jasper.

As a hospital that services low-income and elderly people, Brownfield Regional Medical Center is dependent on Medicare and Medicaid. Bidens vaccine mandate covers all employees of hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.

According to the White House, the mandate applies to nursing home staff as well as staff in hospitals and other CMS-regulated settings, including clinical staff, individuals providing services under arrangements, volunteers and staff who are not involved in direct patient, resident or client care. CMS refers to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Its huge in our rural community as all the other rural communities, says Jasper, speaking of the Medicaid funding stream. We all have high poverty levels and stuff like that, so a lot of Medicaid usage in our communities and stuff like that.

Another Texas hospital CEO has said that the jab mandate could hurt his organization too, which is 70 percent vaccinated. Well, it would be devastating for the community, Seminole Hospital District CEO Larry Gray tells KCBD. We have a large percentage of our revenue that comes from Medicare, Medicaid and those kinds of products.

The Seminole Hospital District operates an assisted living home, a healthcare center and a hospital. What happens to individual choice and medical decisions between the patient and their doctor, which is all of the things that were trying to support? asks Gray.

In New York, Lewis County General Hospital in Lowville has shut down maternity services because dozens of staff members quit rather than get COVID-19 vaccines.

Lewis County General Hospital CEO Gerald Cayer says 165 out of the hospitals 464 employees have not been vaccinated, and 30 formally resigned over the vaccine mandate. The maternity ward alone has had six resignations.

We are not alone. There are thousands of positions that are open [in the northern part of the state] and now we have a challenge to work through, you know, with the vaccination mandate, says Cayer. Our hope is as we get closer [to the deadline], the numbers will increase of individuals who are vaccinated, fewer individuals will leave and maybe, with a little luck, some of those who have resigned will reconsider.

Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to vaccine mandates and coronavirus vaccines.

Sources include:

Boston.CBSLocal.com

NBCNews.com

LifeSiteNews.com

NPR.org
(Natural News) New FBI crime data has revealed that the murder rate in the United States increased by a whopping 30% in 2020, the greatest single-year increase in the national murder rate since the 1960s.

(Article by Richard Moorhead republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

The 21,570 murders in the United States are the most since the year 1995, during the mid-1990s crime spike which Congress met with new federal sentencing and criminal justice laws. The advent of 21st century surveillance technology also contributed to a decrease in crime and the imprisonment of repeat offenders. FBI Uniform Crime reports released Monday summarized crime findings of 2020.

The murders in 2020 represented a 29.4% increase from 2019. The phenomenon appears closely related to the rise of the Black Lives Matter street terror movement, and an increasing willingness on the part of Democrat-governed large cities to tolerate crime. Murders spiked in the summer of 2020, following the controversial death of Minneapolis man George Floyd.

2020 also witnessed increasing hostility towards city police departments, with city governments standing by as massive left-wing riots engulfed urban centers. Failing criminal justice policies have contributed to the creation of urban blight in inner-city neighborhoods, engulfed by drug use, crime and homelessness.

Violent crime in general also increased, with the Uniform Crime Report concluding that for the first time in four years, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation increased when compared with the previous years statistics, with the 1.3 million violent crimes representing a 5.6% increase from 2019.

Criminal justice experts believe national murder rates have continued to increase in 2021 during Joe Bidens term as President. With municipalities increasingly unwilling to adopt tough-on-crime policies, its likely crime will further engulf troubled urban communities until voters elect tough-on-crime leaders.

Support Big League Politics by making a donation today. You can also donate via PayPal, Venmo or donate crypto. Your support helps us take on the powerful and report the truth that the mainstream media wants to silence.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com and Violence.news.
(Natural News) Ports in the U.S.s West Coast report record congestion, with a satellite image showing more than 60 ships waiting to dock. A sudden surge in American purchases ahead of the holidays alongside a massive backlog is responsible for this congestion. Labor shortages at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach also worsen the situation.

A satellite image reveals about 62 vessels waiting outside the L.A. and Long Beach ports. According to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, 42 container ships are physically at anchor and 20 vessels are in drift areas near the ports. The two ports in the West Coast move 40 percent of containers in the U.S. and serve as the main entry points for goods coming from China.

The ports have had congestion since August 2021, with an initial 44 ships off the coast of California waiting to dock and unload their goods. The number of ships awaiting to dock at the ports has risen by 70 percent since then, the longest queue since the start of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In response to the congestion, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) has begun testing a 24/7 pilot program. The program expands cargo pickup to include hours where there is less traffic in the area  allowing for faster deliveries.

Truckers will find they are never too early or too late for their appointments from 11 p.m. to 1:30 am at the [Long Beach] terminal. For truckers with appointments during this period, the terminal will allow access whenever they arrive, Total Terminals International (TTI), the ports operator, says in a statement posted by the POLB.

POLB Executive Director Mario Cordero adds: We are in the midst of [a] historic surge in cargo, and our terminal operators and other supply chain partners are giving it their all to keep it all moving. We welcome this pilot project by TTI as a first step toward extending gates to 24/7 operations, and we encourage our cargo owners and trucking partners to give this innovative program a try.

The port congestion sends repercussions throughout the supply chain

Meanwhile, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia says the two southern California ports are working with the Department of Transportation and the Biden administration to reduce delays for ships. A statement from his office says the city has been working closely with the administrations Task Force on Supply Disruptions and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the matter.

The statement also acknowledges the POLBs 24/7 pilot program. These changes are  intended to support the beginnings of a vision for 24/7 operations at the port, it says. Aside from this, the statement from Garcias office mentions that the POLB is building additional rail lines to meet the need for  more efficient cargo flow.

Incidentally, the traffic jams at the two ports come as the U.S. and other major economies are approaching normalcy almost two years since the pandemics onset. However, the situation still shows two vulnerabilities. First, it reflects the messy reopening of businesses after prolonged lockdowns and closure orders. Second, it exposes the fragility of supply chains. (Related: Worsening shipping crisis will affect retail supply lines and shopping for holidays.)

The increased demand for goods and labor shortages in seaports and other facilities do not only affect goods transported by sea. Goods transported by land also bear the brunt of these setbacks, with delivery company FedEx serving as an example. The logistics firm is rerouting more than 600,000 packages daily amid labor shortages affecting it and other U.S. companies.

According to FedEx COO Raj Subramaniam, understaffing problems are to blame for widespread inefficiencies at the shipping company. He adds that major shipping hubs such as the one in Portland operate at 65 percent of the staffing needed to handle its normal volume. Due to the labor shortages, the FedEx hubs divert about a quarter of the packages that normally come through. (Related: Second wave of a global shipping nightmare now taking shape  expect SHORTAGES of everything.)

Subramaniam explains that the diverted packages must then undergo rerouting and processing, which drives inefficiencies in our operations  and in turn higher costs. He adds: These inefficiencies included adding incremental linehaul and delivery routes, meaning more miles driven and higher use of third-party transportation to enable us to bypass Portland entirely.

CaliforniaCollapse.news has more articles about the congestion at the Long Beach and L.A. ports.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

POLB.com

LongBeach.gov

FoxBusiness.com
(Natural News) Bishop Leon Benjamin of the Virginia-based New Life Harvest Church talks about Americas awakening with podcast host Ann Vandersteel. The Steel Truth host joined the pastor on the Sept. 27 edition of his program B-alert News airing on Brighteon.TV. According to Vandersteel, the different crises America is facing have the unexpected outcome of showing the truth to people.

Benjamin first asks how and why Americas love for Jesus Christ fell by the wayside and where did Americans go wrong. He cites the song After The Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind and Fire as an illustration of how Americans went away from Christs love. The songs lyrics state: After the love has gone, what used to be right is wrong; can love thats lost be found?

The pastor continues asking: What happened? What went wrong? Did America make a wrong turn? However, he expresses optimism that America will find its way back. I believe that there is still hope. There is a way that we can come back to God  [and] fall in love with Jesus again, Benjamin says.

Vandersteel then provides an answer to Benjamins question. You say where did we go wrong. [We] took a left turn and  Hollywood took over, [alongside] the demons that have cast a spell on all those people, she says. The Steel Truth host adds that because of this, she has stopped following pop culture  to the point of avoiding regular supermarkets where she buys food. I just know that I dont [want to] be a part of it, Vandersteel says.

But she once again encounters pop culture when she reads about news featuring musicians Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. The two recording artists have recently called on people to question the system.

Minaj has urged Americans to open their eyes following her ban from Twitter. She questions the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, alleging that an acquaintance of hers has become impotent after getting the shot. You should be able to ask questions about anything youre putting inside your body, Minaj says in defense of health freedom. Meanwhile, Rihanna has worn a shirt with a print that says think while its still legal  a subtle jab at Hollywood propaganda. (Related: Left-wing media goes after rapper Nicki Minaj in escalation of war over her comments warning about COVID-19 vaccine.)

Vandersteel: Truth is the greatest equalizer

Vandersteel believes Minaj and Rihanna questioning the narrative is something to be optimistic about. She tells Benjamin: I think Hollywood is waking up, which means Satans spell thats being cast over these people is being broken. The Steel Truth host adds that people starting to question things is a sign that the U.S. is getting ready to turn around and come back to Jesus.

She adds: Sad to say, these people will reach more people than us  and thats okay as long as we can save them. [We] know Jesus is our savior. I think this countrys gonna be alright.

In addition, Vandersteel touches on how the truth safeguards Americans from the establishments propaganda and lies. Truth is the great equalizer. [When] people finally get facts and truth, they wield a mighty sword  and I think America is starting to wield that mighty sword and [people are] starting to prop themselves up, she tells Benjamin. Vandersteel continues: You know, its like [in the letter to the Ephesians]  put on the armor of God. Americas now [putting on] the armor of God and putting down the propaganda.

The host of Steel Truth, which airs Mondays to Fridays on Brighteon.TV, mentions the COVID-19 pandemic having a silver lining. According to her, it has awakened more American families to the truth. [They] sent people home with their families  and they didnt think about the consequences of their demonic actions. We connected with the family, we found strength in that, and we said We cant just watch this mainstream media, lets start surfing the web. And [families] started to find people all over the place that were presenting truth with facts and open-source material, Vandersteel says. (Related: Media, social media propaganda collusion to censor truth has backfired as multiple conspiracy theories have been proven true over the last few days.)

Furthermore, Vandersteel notes that the grievances mentioned in the Declaration of Independence mirror Americas current predicaments. She says that these grievances serve as the playbook for the Deep State. She adds: Its the same things over again because these Satanic demons are not smart, they dont have an original thought, they just repeat history and they think were too stupid to see it. Well, guess what  were awake.

Watch the full Sept. 27 episode of B-alert News with Bishop Leon Benjamin by clicking here. B-alert News airs every Monday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern time, on Brighteon.TV.

Awakening.news has more articles about Americans waking up from the establishment propaganda and seeing the truth.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

NationalFile.com

TheGatewayPundit.com
(Natural News) Climate alarmists are hyping articles that greatly exaggerate claims by California experts that the states future coastal sea-level rise by 2050 could be 3.5 feet.

The coastal sea level rise prediction by the states experts is based on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change computer climate model scenarios. It ignores the coastal seal level rise tide gauge recorded at numerous California locations, which demonstrates that the sea-level rise remains consistent with past periods and is not increasing despite assertions.

The reports that supposedly address the states sea-level rise issues are devoid of assessments of actual long-time periods from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tide gauge data measurements. These data demonstrate that at numerous locations, the rate of Californias coastal sea-level rise is consistent with, and not increasing over the last century as people are led to believe.

The NOAA data for the 97-year long coastal sea level rise trend in Los Angeles is about four inches per century and not 3.5 feet in less than 30 years. The states lower estimate of 3.5 feet rise by the year 2050 is 26 times greater than the average rate compared to NOAAs data at numerous coastal locations including San Diego, La Jolla, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Port San Luis, Alameda and San Francisco. In these places, the tide gauge shows that these locations average only 1.6 inches of coastal sea level rise in the next 30 years. The higher estimate of six feet of sea-level rise is 54 times greater than the measured NOAA tide gauge measurements. (Related: Sea level rise has SLOWED DOWN since 2002, totally contradicting the climate change science narrative.)

The NOAA tide gauge data updated through 2020 estimates that the global absolute rate of sea-level rise is about 0.7 inches per decade, far below the claims being made by Californias experts.

The speculative climate model-driven scenarios are inappropriate for establishing Californias government policy, which commits trillions of dollars in mandated actions based on nothing but politically driven guesswork. It deliberately and systematically ignores the NOAA-measured data.

Sea level rise prediction not likely to come true

In 2017, glaciologists Robert DeConto and David Pollard said in a paper that several massive glaciers in Antarctica were much more unstable than originally thought. These glaciers in the frigid west were predicted to increase global sea levels by more than three feet by 2100 and could destroy the homes of over 150 million people worldwide.

However, upon revisiting the results, they have lowered some of the worst-case projections for the 21st century, saying that Antarctica may only contribute to about a foot of sea-level rise by 2100. This finding came after the team improved their own ice model, which is said to be closer to predictions made by others.

The worst-case skyrocketing sea level scenario seems extremely unlikely within the next decade. In their research, DeConto and his colleagues say that theres a tipping point of global temperature rise before the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is set to slip into rapid collapse.

The researchers champion an idea called marine ice-cliff instability or MICI, which maintains that the West Antarctic glaciers will eventually crumble under their own weight by the middle of the next century, and the mechanism could send ocean levels soaring.

While the idea may need honing, it is cinematic. It focuses on warm ocean waters that will eventually chew away floating ice shelves from the Antarctic glaciers today. Other researchers find this possibility somewhat fantastical. Frank Pattyn, a glaciologist at the Free University of Brussels said that European modelers are skeptical of the marine cliff idea, adding that it has not been observed as such a scale.

Dan Martin, a computational scientist at Lawrence Berkely National Lab, argued that his and his colleagues work showed that ice cliffs may simply be a product of running a computer model of ice physics at low resolutions. Eric Larour from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also presented the possibility that the physics of the Earth itself may counteract the rapid ice-cliff collapse.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

TheAtlantic.com
(Natural News) There are any number of reasons to strip all funding from the FBI and dismantle the agency altogether, including mounting evidence over a number of years that the bureaus primary function appears to be entrapping otherwise innocent Americans in crimes like domestic terrorism so they can continue justifying their budget and existence.

The most recent case in point: The FBI had informants (and likely agents) involved in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Last month, Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Revolver News revealed details seen in federal court papers listing unindicted co-conspirators who were allegedly involved in the Capitol riot. In the past, that term has been employed by federal prosecutors to indicate FBI informants and undercover agents who were involved in fomenting illicit illegal behavior from individuals who otherwise would not have committed any crime.

In the case of the Capitol assault, several hundred supporters of President Donald Trump were swept up in the moment and encouraged by those same operatives to storm the Capitol while lawmakers were meeting inside to certify the election theft on behalf of Joe Biden. In fact, The New York Times reported just this week that an FBI informant (at least one) was actually inside the Capitol too, but of courses that person did not get arrested like more than 500 others so far.

So knowing all of this, it should not come as a surprise that this garbage agency was sent to question patriot groups involved in trying to rescue Americans and legitimate allies from Afghanistan after the most pathetic president ever, Joe Biden, left them behind last month following a deadly, chaotic and poorly executed pullout.

Politico reported the details:

The FBI has been reaching out to members of the veterans groups working to evacuate American citizens and at-risk Afghans and inquiring about their activities, in at least one case visiting a group leader at his home.

Agents have visited, emailed and called members of Task Force Pineapple and Task Force Dunkirk, two of the more prominent organizations, and other groups with a host of queries. The Bureau has asked groups about financial records, to provide manifests and make sure no federal laws are violated, according to eight group members and congressional aides familiar with the moves.

Mind you, theyre concerned these patriots might be breaking some U.S. laws, but the bureau has no problem with its own agents, say, lying on applications filed with the FISA court to spy on a member of the 2016 Trump campaign.

Agents have gone to the home of Scott Mann, founder of Task Force Pineapple, according to Tim Parlatore, who is legal counsel for the group. He claimed that such visits from the FBI are normal and that the organization cooperated fully, but lets be clear and honest: No visit from the FBI is normal. That doesnt even make any sense.

Any time you get visited by the FBI or contacted by an entity like that, its concerning, one person affiliated with the groups, who, like others spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic, told Politico.

Lets recall that the Biden regime, including the president himself and many Democrats, claimed that all Americans who wanted to leave Afghanistan had been evacuated; that lie was quickly refuted by interviews from Americans still in the country and abandoned by the regime in the days and weeks since.

And besides, if that were true, these volunteer groups would not have formed because there would have been no one for them to rescue.

The regime currently in power is the most anti-American in the history of the country. No president since the Nixon administration has eft Americans behind in a country after a war.

Sources include:

Yahoo.com

NaturalNews.com

Politico.com
(Natural News) An investigative report published by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has revealed that 131 federal judges violated U.S. laws and judicial ethics by overseeing court cases involving companies in which they or their family owned stocks.

Since 1974, federal law has required judges to be knowledgeable about their financial interests and the interests of their spouses or children. The judges cited in the report have not made the proper disclosures and often netted thousands of dollars as a result of ruling favorably for large corporations in which they own stocks.

The WSJ has reviewed financial disclosure forms filed annually for 2010 through 2018 by roughly 700 federal judges who reported holding individual stocks of large companies and then compared those holdings to tens of thousands of court dockets in civil cases.

They found that 129 federal district judges and two federal appellate judges had at least one case in which stock they or their family owned was a plaintiff or defendant.

Amount doesnt matter

The stockholdings of those judges have exceeded $15,000 in 173 cases and $50,000 in 21 of those cases  although the amounts dont matter under the law.

The ethics code for federal judges requires recusal when a judge has a financial conflict, regardless of the substance of the judges actual involvement in the case, the Judicial Conferences Committee on Codes of Conduct wrote in a letter to a judge earlier this month.

Overall, the WSJ has examined 685 lawsuits in which federal judges had a financial stake in the outcome yet failed to recuse themselves. The fallout could be hundreds of cases being overruled.

Perhaps by design, those judges offer some of the lamest excuses about their violations.

I dropped the ball, says Judge Lewis Babcock of the District Court of Colorado when asked about his recusal violation.

Babcock has simply blamed flawed internal procedures. He has owned thousands of dollars in Comcast stock and has overruled a lawsuit against the company. Comcast is the parent company of NBC News.

Judge Timothy Batten, Sr. of the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia says: I had no idea that I had an interest in any of these companies in what was a most modest retirement account. Batten claims that his account is managed by a broker. He previously owned stocks in JPMorgan Chase and ruled favorably for the bank in several court cases when his account was still active.

Actions speak louder than words

In some instances, the intent is rather obvious. The WSJ investigation has found 61 judges or their families not only holding stocks in companies that were plaintiffs or defendants in the judges courts but also trading the stocks during cases. (Related: Yet another corrupt judge BLOCKS Trump from trying to break Big Pharmas drug price monopoly.)

At an Ohio-based appeals court, Judge Julia Smith Gibbons wrote an opinion that favored Ford Motor Co. in a trademark dispute while her husband held stocks in the automaker. After she and the others on the three-judge appellate panel heard arguments (but before they ruled), her husbands financial adviser bought two chunks of Ford stock  each valued at up to $15,000, according to her disclosure form.

Frequent violators

Some judges are frequent violators. A recusal violation in isolation could be viewed as an oversight, but the WSJs investigation raises a more systemic problem of judges chronically neglecting their duty to disqualify in such cases, says Charles Geyh, a law professor at Indiana University, who specializes in judicial conduct, ethics and accountability.

Judge Janis Sammartino of California traded in stocks of Bank of America Corp., CVS Health Corp., Deutsche Bank AG, Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., HSBC Holdings PLC, JPMorgan, Pfizer Inc., Public Storage, Wells Fargo & Co. and Microsoft Corp. while hearing 18 lawsuits involving one or more of those companies, the WSJ has found. In all, she has heard 54 cases involving companies held in her familys trusts.

Sammartino has referred questions from the WSJ to William Cracraft, a spokesman for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She asked me to let you know that her stocks are in a managed account, so shes not seeing as how there could be a conflict, says Cracraft. Shes not inclined to discuss her private business with you since it is all in managed accounts, and she thinks thats sufficient.

However, an opinion by the Judicial Conferences Committee on Codes of Conduct in 2013 stated that judges must bow out of cases involving stocks they own in accounts run by money managers.

Excuses, excuses

Sammartino has since informed the court clerks office of the conflicts, and the office has filed a letter notifying parties to the cases with violations identified by the WSJ.

Judge Sammartino was not aware of this financial interest at the time the case was pending, the letter says. The matter was brought to her attention after disposition of the case. Thus, the financial interest neither affected nor impacted her decisions in this case. However, the financial interest would have required recusal.

Judge Rodney Gilstrap, chief of the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, has the largest number of conflicts based on the WSJ analysis. Gilstrap has 138 cases assigned to him involving companies in which he or his wife held an interest.

He has argued that theres no need to recuse himself from some cases because they required little or no action on his part, and in other cases because the stocks were in a trust created for his wife. I take my obligations related to potential conflicts/recusals seriously, Gilstrap says in an email. Throughout my judicial career, I have endeavored to comply with all such obligations, and I will continue to do so.

Let me be the one

In at least 18 instances, judges disqualified themselves over conflicts, only to have the case reassigned to a judge who also had a conflict but did not recuse.

In 2015, Judge Robert Cleland in Michigan bowed out of a suit by an injured motorist against insurer Allstate Corp., whose stocks the judge had been buying and selling that year.

The case was reassigned to Judge Gershwin Drain, who also owned Allstate shares. Judge Drain heard the case and wrote a ruling denying a request by the motorist to move the dispute to state court. The case then settled on undisclosed terms.

Follow Corruption.news for more news and information related to corruption involving big corporations.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

MSNBC.com
(Natural News) Harvard Business School (HBS) in Boston, Massachusetts has just experienced a significant Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak despite more than 90 percent of students and staff being fully vaccinated.

The school has a population of more than 1,700 students who are enrolled to earn a two-year MBA degree. According to the schools COVID-19 data, 95 percent of the students and 96 percent of staff are already fully vaccinated. But this status as a nearly 100 percent fully vaccinated educational institution did not stop the coronavirus from making its way through the students and staff.

COVID-19 cases in Harvard started rising in September, with two-thirds of all COVID-19 cases recorded in the month coming from students. One statement from the HBS said COVID-19 cases among MBA students surged by 20 percent in just three days.

Our positivity rate is 12 times that of the rest of Harvard, said HBS Dean Srikant Datar. These distressing figures are so high that they have attracted the scrutiny of local public health officials.

Harvard Business School reverts almost entirely to online instruction

To avoid further scrutiny from the public and to preserve the image of Harvard, Datar and several of the universitys administrators have announced that HBS will instruct almost all of its students online until at least Oct. 30. This change affects almost all first-year and some second-year courses.

This is one of the first instances of a major university halting in-person instruction due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

The university said it made this decision after receiving advice from public health officials employed by the city and the state.

In addition to forcing graduate students back indoors for at least another week, HBS announced that it is increasing the number of COVID-19 tests it forces upon students to three per week. The universitys previous requirement was for fully vaccinated students to get tested once a week and unvaccinated students to get tested twice per week.

Mark Cautela, spokesman and head of communications for HBS, said in a statement that the business school is also requesting that students avoid participating in social gatherings with anybody outside of their households and instead socialize with friends online.

Cautela added that students should avoid gathering indoors without masks or traveling in groups.

Contact tracers who have worked with positive cases highlight that transmission is not occurring in classrooms or other academic settings on campus, said Cautela. He further claimed that the transmission is occurring only among members of the school whenever they are unmasked.

Several of the MBA students enrolled at HBS said that some of the COVID-19 cases among their ranks were due to students going to off-campus parties. Some of the parties mentioned include one Great Gatsby themed house party attended by several hundred people.

Another possible point of infection mentioned was one large group trip to Puerto Rico that involved dozens of first-year MBA students.

Harvard has disavowed being involved in the planning or execution of any of the events.

If it is true that the students contracted the coronavirus outside of the classroom, then it begs the question of why the university is keen to end in-person classes and shift students to online instruction.

According to Harvard, graduate students represent the majority of active COVID-19 cases on campus. The university administered 41,864 COVID-19 tests between Sept. 20 to Sept. 25. Those tests turned up 74 positive results. Of those 74, 60 came from graduate students. (Related: Harvard professor: Make the burden of being unvaccinated so high that people comply.)

As of press time, the university has 28 students in quarantine who tested positive for COVID-19. Another 87 students are in forced isolation after significant exposure to a COVID-19 positive person.

Learn more about how being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 does not offer significant protection against the virus by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

CNBC.com

WSJ.com
(Natural News) A nurse from Alberta, Canada, has written a letter debunking the myth that hospitals are being overrun with patients because of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

In truth, this person contends, the only crisis is a staffing crisis that has been brewing for decades.

Do not believe the hype, she says.

Even so, this individual expects to be terminated within the next few weeks for refusing to take an Operation Warp Speed jab in compliance with her employers demands.

I am a loyal, reliable employee that has not had a sick day in 2 years, yet I will be terminated, she laments.

As you probably well know by now, the official government claim is that hospitals are full of patients because some people are refusing to get vaccinated. The government also says that all doctors and nurses who refuse the jab have to be fired because they are supposedly putting patients at risk.

None of this is true, of course, but when has the truth ever mattered to the engineers of this contrived plandemic? Not once that this writer can recall, anyway.

We have had 3 COVID deaths in 2 years, this nurse went on to reveal in her letter.

I am personally familiar with 2 of these deaths and both patients had life threatening pre-existing conditions. One of the patients that died was fully vaccinated.

The nurse went on to explain that one of the patients received a positive PCR test, followed by a negative rapid antigen test. This just goes to show that even the tests are flawed and unreliable.

These tests are not reliable and even the CDC said they should not be used, the nurse says. This is why there are so many people testing positive yet have no symptoms of illness.

Canadas corrupt socialist medicine policies are partially to blame for staffing crisis

As for the alleged bed crisis, the nurse says that this is a lie as well. She says she has been watching closely the number of acute care and ICU beds throughout her region and there is nothing out of the ordinary taking place.

What we do have is a staffing crisis, she says.

This crisis is due to an aging population of both patients and staff. We started the year out with 10 doctors in my town. Three doctors have moved away. Two doctors are over 70 and are not covering our emergency department anymore. So, we are down to five doctors to work in their private practice AND to cover the emergency department 24/7.

Another factor is Canadas health care system policies, which cap the number of patients a doctor can bill for on a daily basis. This means that doctors are not seeing every patient who needs care because they are not being paid to provide that care past a certain point.

Sorry, but you cant expect these doctors to work for free, the nurse says.

This whole disastrous situation is part of the reason why more than 3,100 doctors and counting have signed on to a letter calling for criminals like Tony Fauci to be held accountable for committing crimes against humanity.

None of this would be happening, at least not to this degree, had there never been a plandemic in the first place.

Do we have a crisis? Yes, we do but it has nothing to do with COVID, the nurse reiterates. The crisis is from aging staff that have not been replaced with younger people. It is a problem of an aging demographic and poor planning by health authorities.

More of the latest about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) deception within the health care industry can be found at Propaganda.news.

Sources for this article include:

HenryMakow.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) If you are wondering why ivermectin has dominated the mainstream news cycle recently, the answer is Pfizer, which is right now trying to pirate the drug in an attempt to create a new blockbuster cash cow.

On Monday, the pharmaceutical giant announced to the world that it is launching an accelerated Phase 2/3 trial for a new covid prophylactic pill that strangely enough sounds like ivermectin under a new name.

Pfizer says that its new drug for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) will act as a potent protease inhibitor. It just so happens that ivermectin does the exact same thing, which is why some are now jokingly calling this new drug Pfizermectin.

This is not to say that whatever drug ends up being commercially released by Pfizer will be exactly the same as ivermectin, just to be clear. Chances are it will be tweaked and tinkered with to be less effective than real ivermectin because the powers that be do not want people to actually stay protected against and heal from covid.

No, they would rather hijack certain elements from real ivermectin and use them to create a new, proprietary (patented) medicine that will likely cost orders of magnitude more than the real thing, generating a massive new profit stream for Pfizer.

Ivermectin, it is important to note, has already saved millions of lives in India, Brazil and elsewhere where it is available to the public. Since ivermectin is hard to come by in North America, very few people have been able to benefit from its use.

Why do Americans keep letting Big Pharma pull these kinds of stunts?

Some suspect that the new Pfizer drug, called PF-07321332, really is just ivermectin repackaged. The plan, they say, is to jack up the price sky high so only the rich can afford to use it.

After all, real ivermectin is dirt cheap, if only Americans could get politicians, Big Pharma and other terrorists out of the way from restricting its use.

They have done this so they can make this drug more expensive than Ivermectin, despite the fact, they are the same drug, joked one person on Twitter, emphasizing that this statement was meant to be sarcasm.

They say there is some truth to every joke, though, and perhaps this person is right. Perhaps Pfizer has stolen an inexpensive, off-patent drug and is repackaging it as its own to charge gobs more money for it.

In the world of the common man, this is called theft. But in the world of Big Pharma and Wall Street, it is apparently just another too big to fail act of capitalism, or whatever it is they are calling this irredeemably corrupt society these days.

What this all suggests is that very soon, Pfizer will be raking in the cash by selling horse paste under a different name. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will more than likely stop calling it that, and suddenly everyone will be saying that Pfizermectin is the cure for the plandemic.

It is all so predictable, at this point, if only more people took notice and actually cared. Big Pharma continues to rake the public over the coals, destroying lives while enriching itself at our expense  and we all just keep letting it happen.

Moderna and their executives have already shown the world with their actions that they see COVID as manna from heaven  to quote legendary defense attorney Johnny Cochran  a new profit center that will keep shareholders in butter brickle, especially since the companies have quietly raised prices on their vaccines, reports Zero Hedge.

To keep up with the latest news about Pfizers attempted theft of ivermectin, visit Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Legal experts are preparing to defend natural immunity from Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection as a sufficient alternative to getting vaccinated.

More people are being coerced by their employers or by their local and state governments to get vaccinated against COVID-19 under the threat of unemployment. The federal government has also decided to step in with new regulations that mandate vaccination for everyone in businesses with over 100 employees. Such a move would force over 100 million Americans to get vaccinated, if they arent already.

Fortunately, this rule has received a lot of pushback. Many lawyers are working to get the courts to recognize natural immunity to COVID-19 from a prior coronavirus infection as a credible legal exemption against mandatory vaccinations.

I think that a judge might reject a rule thats been issued by a body, like the U.S. Department of Labor or by a state, that has not been sufficiently thought through as it relates to the science, said Erik Eisenmann, an attorney specializing in labor and employment law.

Right now, I think its been easy for employers and the medical community to say the vaccine is always better, added Eisenmann. But the science evolves and there are new strains.

For Eisenmann and many other lawyers preparing to defend natural immunity in the courts, they are turning to one report out of Israel that strongly suggests that natural immunity provides significantly better protection against COVID-19 than getting fully vaccinated by the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Todd Zywicki, a law professor for George Mason University and a senior fellow for the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, argued that government and private entities alike have a right to take reasonable precautions against the spread of disease. But their power to do so has limits.

Zywicki explained that these limits are grounded in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, a Supreme Court decision from 1905 that upheld a state vaccine mandate for smallpox. He believes this precedent may be challenged if a case is brought before the Supreme Court that has enough legal and scientific backing.

That was a different medical era, said Zywicki. There was no way to confirm whether you had a prior infection and recovery, which is obviously the case now.

Zywicki believes a modern legal analysis of vaccine mandates should consider a later Supreme Court ruling  Buck v. Bell from 1927  which solidified the right of individuals to make decisions concerning their bodies. The ruling argued that even prisoners cannot be subjected against their will to state-mandated medication.

Understandably, we are repulsed by that sort of attitude: that the government can do anything to you just because they think its a convenient way of dealing with some social problem, said Zywicki.

Lawmakers fighting for recognition of natural immunity in legislatures

As Zywicki, Eisenmann and many other lawyers fight for the recognition of natural immunity in the courts, Republicans in Congress are attempting to pressure the CDC to do the same.

In the Senate, Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas recently sent a letter to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky calling on her agency to recognize natural immunity against COVID-19. (Related: Sen. Rand Paul does not plan to get COVID-19 vaccine, explains he has natural immunity which is vastly superior compared to artificial vaccine immunity.)

Marshall, a licensed physician, led the 13 other senators and representatives that make up the GOP Doctors Caucus in a letter to Walensky, warning her that not recognizing natural immunity to COVID-19 could have wide-ranging implications.

The U.S. Department of Defense vaccine mandate has the potential to lead a national security crisis by separating up to 20 percent of our military personnel, many of whom likely have natural immunity, read Marshalls letter.

Published and submitted journal articles verify immunity from natural infection and innate immunity in measuring an individuals level of protection to COVID-19, continued the letter. One study examining this found that patients who recovered from COVID-19 could produce long-term immune response.

The group is demanding the CDC to look at all available data and to use the technology available to it to establish better patient-centered solutions that prove a persons natural immunity to COVID-19 produced a sufficient level of protection.

We urge the CDC to acknowledge natural immunity and work with other federal agencies to ensure all future guidance, policies and federally-funded research take this evidence into account and build off it.

Learn more about the sidelining of powerful natural immunity to COVID-19 by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

WakingTimes.com

TheCut.com

MSN.com

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) More than 200 business owners in New York City have filed a class action lawsuit against corrupt Mayor Bill de Blasio and his continued Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic tyranny.

The coalition of freedom fighters seeks to end all Chinese Virus fascism in the Big Apple and return everything back to the old normal. Their suit alleges that the latest imposition of vaccine mandates is the final straw and entirely unconstitutional.

On August 17, de Blasio signed Emergency Executive Order 225, which mandates that all indoor establishments throughout the city to not permit a patron, full- or part-time employee, intern, volunteer, or contractor to enter covered premises without displaying proof of vaccination and identification bearing the same identifying information as the proof of vaccination.

If a patron refuses to show proof of injection, he or she can alternatively show a negative test result. However, the tests are so unreliable and fraudulent that this option is also problematic.

Anyone caught forging a Fauci Flu shot certificate could be punished with a seven-year prison sentence  that is how crazy the Branch Covidians have become in trying to force everyone into their religion of medical fascism.

Based on all this, the Independent Restaurant Owners Association Rescue decided to sue de Blasio directly, which its members believe will be the first domino that eventually puts an end to this type of tyranny not just in New York City but all across the country wherever it is rearing its ugly head.

Weve been fighting with the governor and the mayor from the beginning, trying to get us open, get people to be allowed back in here, stated Alison Marchese, co-owner of Maxs Es-Ca Italian Restaurant. I dont know any restaurant owner whos been sleeping at night.

This last mandate is, again, over the top for us, she added. We definitely dont see how we can be responsible for checking peoples IDs and vaccination cards. We dont want to be separating our customers telling people they cant come in.

Vaccine passport schemes are destroying small businesses

Once again, the goal seems to be to use the Wuhan Flu as an excuse to destroy independent businesses in the United States  mainly those that are small and run by families.

Just like in the early days of the plandemic with the lockdowns, vaccine passport schemes threaten to destroy all small businesses that are affected by them. Large corporations, meanwhile, will rake in all the extra business.

Its a lose-lose for us, Marchese laments. We are making people angry either way  if we dont check for vaccines people are mad at us as if we dont care about the wellbeing of the customer. If we do, theyre labeling us as communists. So, there is no way we can win with this.

This is the type of division that the Branch Covidians wanted all along. The Chinese Virus was the final death blow to an already divided country, and it is now working marvelously to drive the last nail in the coffin as designed.

What de Blasios mandate does specifically is weaponize the private sector against the citys nine million unvaccinated residents, many of whom are minorities. Keep in mind that New York City also has a new mask mandate in place, which also hurts small businesses.

The stress levels that this brings to all of us is just to the moon, adds Max Calicchio, Marcheses business partner. Trying to follow these mandates, going through two years of COVID with these restrictions, it really bleeds you out.

To read more about how the Chinese Virus plandemic is precipitating a global economic collapse, visit Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) An anonymous letter from someone who calls himself Spartacus has emerged to condemn the global medical establishment for using the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic as an excuse to try to enslave the entire world under tyranny.

This individual would seem to have extensive knowledge about the situation, so it is worth taking a look at even if there is no face to match the name.

The Chinese Virus, he warns, has been used to turn the free world into a totalitarian prison camp. And the damage this biowarfare attack is causing has only just begun.

We, along with countless others, have been victimized and gaslit by propaganda and psychological warfare operations being conducted by an unelected, unaccountable Elite against the American people and our allies, the letter reads.

Our mental and physical health have suffered immensely over the course of the past year and a half. We have felt the sting of isolation, lockdown, masking, quarantines, and other completely nonsensical acts of healthcare theater that have done absolutely nothing to protect the health or wellbeing of the public from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This is not even the worst of it, though. Now, we are having to contend with the so-called vaccines that were brought into existence under Operation Warp Speed, one of Donald father of the vaccine Trumps proudest accomplishments.

Thanks to Trumps fast-tracked injection program, we are now having to watch as far-left Democrats, mostly, forcibly jab as many people as they can get away with jabbing.

We have been told that we will be fired and denied our livelihoods if we refuse to vaccinate, Spartacus laments. This was the last straw.

Let the people have ivermectin already!

The letter does not merely tell us what we already knew, however. It contains thousands of hours worth of evidence, some of it leaked from Wuhan, China, showing that the whole plandemic is a power-grab sham.

Not only that, but the so-called treatments that the establishment is allowing are all injuring and killing people. Meanwhile, remedies like ivermectin that actually work are difficult to obtain because the government refuses to acknowledge them.

Current treatment protocols (e.g., invasive ventilation) are actively harmful to patients, accelerating oxidative stress and causing severe VILI (ventilator-induced lung injuries), the letter explains.

The continued use of ventilators in the absence of any proven medical benefit constitutes mass murder.

Instead of helping people boost their immune systems naturally while taking common sense measures to keep themselves as safe as possible while still living their lives, the government has instead chosen to fearmonger about Chinese Germs while providing no real solutions.

Potentially millions of people have already died from taking the vaccine cure when staying safe for most people simply means consuming immune-boosting foods, drinking plenty of water, getting natural sunshine, remembering to get enough sleep, and living life as normal.

This is especially true for youth, which have basically a zero percent chance of ever getting sick from covid. And yet untold millions of them are being told they must wear a mask in the classroom and avoid socializing with their friends on campus.

Vaccines will do more harm than good, the letter further reveals.

The antigen that these vaccines are based on, SARS-CoV- 2 Spike, is a toxic protein. SARS-CoV-2 may have ADE, or antibody-dependent enhancement; current antibodies may not neutralize future strains, but instead help them infect immune cells. Also, vaccinating during a pandemic with a leaky vaccine removes the evolutionary pressure for a virus to become less lethal.

You can read the full letter in its entirety at this link.

To keep up with the latest news about Chinese Virus tyranny, be sure to visit Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheAutomaticEarth.com

Yahoo.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Fuel shortages in the U.K. have prompted many to rush to gas stations to fill their vehicle tanks to the brim. The shortages come amid panic-buying by Britons and a dearth of truck drivers to deliver fuel to gas stations. However, some criminals have resorted to drilling holes in the fuel tanks of parked vehicles to obtain much-needed fuel.

Two vehicles in the English city of Birmingham have fallen prey to these fuel thieves. One of the victims, Shadrack Olaloko, takes to social media to describe what happened to his car. What these guys did was they came and drained out all my fuel in the tank, he says. According to Olaloko, he takes his cars safety seriously through practices such as locking it when he leaves.

In a video, he shows how the thieves forced his cars fuel tank cap open through the hatch in the side of his car. He then explains that the criminals went underneath and drilled the fuel tank to obtain the diesel.

They made a hole in my tank. Can you see? They made a hole and drained out all the diesel  a full tank. They drained everything out and then they left, Olaloko remarks. He also notes that the van parked next to his car has also suffered the same fate, as evidenced by the pools of fuel on the ground.

The mad frenzy for fuel appears to have been triggered by fuel companies announcing delivery restrictions and closing some service stations due to the lack of truck drivers delivering fuel. Britons have rushed to gas stations to fill up their cars as a result, with long lines of cars at gas stations that still have fuel stocks. (Related: Collapse accelerates as fuel rationing begins in Europe.)

According to the Petrol Retailers Association, 90 percent of its member gas stations have their fuel stocks running dry. Meanwhile, motoring goods company Halfords reports that sales of jerry cans for fuel have spiked by 1,656 percent. Thus, some gas stations themselves have implemented measures to prevent people from hoarding fuel. The EG Group, which operates 400 service stations, has imposed a fuel purchase limit of 30 pounds (US$40) on every driver.

Boris Johnson mulls tapping the military to help address fuel shortage

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering the deployment of the British Army to help address the fuel shortages. Johnsons plan, dubbed Operation Escalin, involves hundreds of service members being called in to ship fuel to gas stations with empty reservoirs. However, the plan is not without its issues.

News Chant reports that Operation Escalin will take up to three weeks to implement. Furthermore, it adds that soldiers needed for the plan could already be on different deployments and some others might be reservists. However, Environment Secretary George Eustice says there are no plans at the moment to mobilize military personnel toward driving fuel trucks.

Meanwhile, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng remarks: While there has always been, and continues to be, plenty of fuel at refineries and terminals  we are aware that there have been some issues with supply chains. The official nevertheless reassures that fuel supply will continue unimpeded. We have long-standing contingency plans in place to work with industry so that fuel supplies can be maintained and deliveries can still be made in the event of a serious disruption, Kwarteng says.

Aside from Operation Escalin, Downing Street has also announced the issuance of 5,000 short-term visas for truck drivers valid for three months. Business groups in the U.K. however criticize the move as insufficient, The Glasgow Times reports.

Ruby McGregor-Smith, president of the British Chamber of Commerce, compares the move to throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire. She says that even if these short-term opportunities attract the maximum amount of people allowed under the scheme, it will not be enough to address the scale of the problem that has now developed in our supply chains.

British Retail Consortium Food and Sustainability Director Andrew Opie agrees with Smiths thoughts. He says the limit of 5,000 short-term truck driver visas would do little to alleviate the current shortfall, and has called for visas to be extended to all sectors of the retail industry. (Related: Supply chain issues plaguing U.K., food shortages worsening.)

Collapse.news has more articles about the effects of fuel supply shortages.

Sources include:

TheSun.co.uk

MSN.com

UK.NewsChant.com

GlasgowTimes.co.uk
(Natural News) First year students at the University of Bath have been given armbands by authorities to signal whether theyve been double-vaccinated, with unvaxxed students having to wear a different colour.

(Article by Paul Joseph Watson republished from Summit.news)

Freshers have been given wristbands to signal whether they are vaccinated against coronavirus amid anger at emerging two-tier university campuses, reports the Telegraph.

Students arriving this week at the University of Bath have been given a different coloured wristband on club nights if they can prove in advance they are double jabbed, or have Covid-19 immunity.

Those who cannot prove theyve been vaccinated are forced to enter a different queue in a clear example of segregation.

Bath is a notoriously left-wing city, as is its main university.

Vaccine passports are being enforced on campuses despite the governments inability to impose them on the country after studies found they would be discriminatory and ethically unsound.

Students at Sheffield University must also prevent a COVID pass to gain access to enter freshers events or union nights out, meaning those who fail to comply will miss out on a social life altogether, with one student revealing how he felt excluded and feared being shamed in front of friends.

Students at Oxford and Cambridge are also being asked to disclose their vaccination status.

We are worried that some universities appear to have implemented what amounts to a vaccine passport via stealth, said Arabella Skinner, the director of parents group UsForThem.

The idea of making students display their private medical information in such a public way is unacceptable. This echoes examples of discrimination we have seen in schools through the pandemic and raises concerns of a two-tier system for students to access education.

Vaccine passports have largely proven to be ineffective everywhere theyve been adopted, including in France where in many cases they are not even enforced.

After Israel set up one of the worlds first vaccine passport schemes, it experienced a record new wave of COVID infections.

Read more at: Summit.news
(Natural News) Drs. David John Sorenson and Vladimir Zelenko have released a new report that suggests millions of people have already died from Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines.

While the official government count is only in the thousands, Sorenson and Zelenko say that the true number of serious adverse events caused by the shots is significantly higher.

The Vaccine Death Report, as they are calling it, sticks strictly to solid facts. There are no unfounded claims and the data presented is clear and verifiable. All associated references are included for proper peer review.

The data shows that we are currently witnessing the greatest organized mass murder in the history of our world, the report states.

The severity of this situation compels us to ask this critical question: will we rise up to the defense of billions of innocent people? Or will we permit personal profit over justice, and be complicit?

Already, lawyers are networking to prepare class action lawsuits in response to the reports finding. This is a global genocide in action and many, sadly, still believe that it is about public safety.

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are rising up against this criminal operation, the report states. To all who have been complicit so far, we say: There is still time to turn and choose the side of truth. Please make the right choice.

CDC health care fraud detection whistleblower says VAERS wildly underreports vaccine injuries, deaths

At the very least, there are five times more deaths from the jabs than are being reported. In all likelihood, the actual figure is much higher.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) currently logs more than half a million cases of severe side effects from the shots, including stroke, heart failure, blood clots, brain disorders, convulsions, seizures, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, life-threatening allergic reactions, autoimmune disease, arthritis, miscarriage, infertility, rapid-onset muscle weakness, deafness, blindness, narcolepsy and cataplexy.

That half a million figure was from back in August, by the way. The latest numbers, once they get released, are likely to be much higher. And again, this is only a fraction of the true overall number of incidents that never even make it into VAERS.

A health care fraud detection expert from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently came forward with a sworn testimony about how the VAERS database, while extremely useful, is under-reported by a conservative factor of at least 5.

Part of the problem is that deaths are only attributed to the vaccines if they occur outside of a two-week window. Those that occur within that window are not logged because the CDC does not consider a person vaccinated until 14 days have passed post-injection.

On top of that, a private researcher told Sorenson and Zelenko that there are at least 150,000 cases that are missing from the VAERS database entirely. Nobody knows how many of these are injuries and how many are deaths, but it is suspicious nonetheless.

The VAERS database only captures about one percent of vaccine adverse events to begin with, so the numbers provided there are definitively too low. Extrapolating the data reveals that millions of potential cases of vaccine injury and death are simply missing from the official reporting.

Adverse events from drugs and vaccines are common, but underreported, says Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc.

Although 25% of ambulatory patients experience an adverse drug event, less than 0.3% of all adverse drug events and 1-13% of serious events are reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Likewise, fewer than 1% of vaccine adverse events are reported.

The latest news about the wave of injuries and deaths caused by Chinese Virus shots can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Principia-Scientific.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Medical freedom rights attorney Thomas Renz has announced that nearly 50,000 Medicare patients died within 14 days of getting vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), but these deaths were never logged or published in the government datasets.

The reason for this is that the government does not consider someone to be vaccinated until 14 days after they receive an injection. This means that if a person who took a Wuhan Flu shot dies 13 days later, that death basically disappears down the memory hole.

Renz made the announcement on behalf of a whistleblower with access to the true data who came forward to blow the lid on this major coverup. What is essentially happening is that the government is burying covid vaccine deaths by using a deliberately faulty metric to track them.

In a presentation, Renz explained that he is currently involved with multiple lawsuits filed against numerous federal agencies that are engaging in fraud while violating peoples medical freedom rights.

The whistleblowers pulled their data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which contains the records of some 59.4 million Medicare beneficiaries. Broken down by age category, here is what it shows for persons who died within 14 days of a COVID-19 vaccine:

 Younger than 81 years old: 19,400 deaths

 81 years of age and over: 28,065 deaths

In total, this amounts to 48,465 deaths  and likely more since the data Renz presented is already outdated.

This is raw data, Renz said. Theres no analysis.

Do you want to know why 14 days is important? Because if you die within 14 days, youre not considered vaccinated.

Vaccinated deaths are being falsely called unvaccinated deaths by CDC

Because of how the data is contorted by the government in this manner, there is plenty of room for fraud. Perhaps the most egregious as far as the plandemic restrictions go is tabulating vaccinated deaths as unvaccinated deaths.

Every individual who takes a Fauci Flu injection and dies within the first two weeks is categorized by the government as an unvaccinated death. This is how the media is getting away with telling everyone that the unvaccinated are the ones dying.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one is not considered as being vaccinated until 14 days after their completed injection regimen, raising the question of whether government authorities have been classifying these fatalities as something other than vaccination-related deaths, writes Patrick Delaney for LifeSiteNews.

All of this information from CMS is available to honest journalists, assuming honest journalists still exist. This writer certainly tries to be one.

The so-called fact checkers, however, are not. As far as this writer can tell, not a single one of them has brought up this data tabulation discrepancy, and all of them continue to spread the lie that the unvaccinated are the ones getting sick and dying.

This raw data dump exposes the scumbag fact checkers,' as Renz calls them, for the liars that they truly are. One does not need to be a statistician or anything special to interpret this simple data showing that far more people are dying from the injections than we are all being told.

Unbelievably, fake news outlets like USA Today are already claiming that they have debunked this raw data, calling it misinformation. But it really speaks for itself.

Remember: these are side effects that the government, media, and social media continue to tell the public that are not happening, they are lying, Renz warns. There is no question they are lying. The mantra of safe and effective must stop after todays information.

To keep up with the latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic lies, visit Propaganda.news.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Described as the 'ancestor' of Mediterranean mosaics, an assembly of over 3,000 stones was discovered in the remains of a 15th century BC Hittite temple, 700 years before the oldest known mosaics of ancient Greece.

The 3,500-year-old paving stones, in natural shades of beige, red and black, are arranged in triangles and curves, shedding light into the daily lives of the Bronze Age Hittites. To do this, Turkish and Italian archaeologists 'painstakingly' use shovels and brushes to unravel what tells about the towns of the Hittites, one of the most powerful kingdoms in ancient Anatolia.

"It is the ancestor of the classical period of mosaics that are obviously more sophisticated. This is a sort of first attempt to do it," says Anacleto D'Agostino, excavation director of Usakli Hoyuk. "For the first time, people felt the necessity to produce some geometric patterns and to do something different from a simple pavement," D'Agostino added.

"Maybe we are dealing with a genius? Maybe not. It was maybe a man who said 'build me a floor' and he decided to do something weird?"

The site was first located in 2018, three hours from Turkey's capital Ankara.

Lost City Theory

The ceramics and the remains of a palace discovered by archaeologists recently support the old theory that Usakli Hoyuk could indeed be the lost city of Zippalanda. While the city's exact location remains a mystery, it was believed to be a significant place of worship of the storm god, frequently mentioned in Hittite tablets.

"Researchers agree that Usakli Hoyuk is one of two most likely sites. With the discovery of the palace remains alongside the luxurious ceramics and glassware, the likelihood has increased," D'Agostino says.

"We only need the ultimate proof: a tablet carrying the name of the city."

Even treasures like cedar trees brought from Lebanon to build temples and palaces were "swallowed up like the rest of the Hittite world towards the end of the Bronze Age." However, some pointed out the role of climate change as a cause of the 'social unrest'.

Also read: Experts Mapped Out Enormous Expanse of Ancient Polynesian Sea Voyages

Existence of spiritual connection

"I don't know if we can find a connection between ancient Hittites and people living here now. Centuries and millennia have passed, and people moved from one place to another," D'Agostino says.

"But I would like to imagine that some sort of spiritual connection exists."

Turkish people continue to imagine age of the Hittites despite being gone for nearly 3,000 years. In fact, Ankara uses the Hittite figure to represent the sun. In the 1930s, the founder of the modern Turkish republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, presented Turks as the direct descendants of the Hittites.

The excavation team attempted to honor this connection by recreating Hittite culinary traditions.

"We reproduced the Hittite ceramics with the clay found in the village where the site is located: we baked dates and bread with them as the Hittites used to eat," says Valentina Orsi, co-director of the excavation.

"It was very good."

Also read: DNA Reveals Origin of Ancient Civilization in Italy
As per a new study, an endangered New Zealand parrot called kea is clever to the extent of using touchscreens. But it seems the bird can't distinguish between the real and virtual worlds.

Kea

Researchers trained six keas at Christchurch's Willowbank Wildlife Reserve on how to operate touchscreens. The researchers presented the birds with some tasks that were either entirely on-screen, totally physical, or a combination of the two.

A PhD candidate at the University of Auckland and also the first author of the study whose name is Amalia Bastos said while researchers have thought the kea how to use electronic devices before now, the research revealed that virtual tests could be used to correctly study the natural behaviour of the bird in the real world.

Bastos is hoping that the research could make the success of endangered parrot breed-and-release conservation programs better.

She said: "They're really hard to keep in captivity because they're so intelligent, so they need to constantly be mentally enriched so that they stay mentally health"

This involves workers giving the parrots fun games they can play with. Bastos said: "They're very curious and they will very quickly learn that if they spend time around humans, humans are a positive thing".

Also Read: Feathered Fun: Kea Parrots Display Contagious Laughter, High-Five in the Air

Threats to Kea's Survival

In 2017, the kea was crowned New Zealand's bird of the year and it is the only alpine parrot in the world. The bird is a very curious and mischievous species, infamous for mauling windscreen wipers and searching through bags and it also stole a Scottish man's passport one certain time.

Lead poisoning that comes from housing finishings and deaths as a result of human interactions are threats to the bird's survival.

Bastos said kea reared while in captivity and provided with mental enrichment through screens, with no human interaction, might be more worthy of freedom in the wild.

She said: "It's really important to keep them away from human environments as much as possible."

The Study

Due to the fact that the beaks of the birds are made of keratin just like the finger of humans which are not able to activate touch screens, the researchers coated the devices with peanut butter and taught the kea how to activate the screens by using their tongue to lick them.

The researchers presented the bird with a black ball on a teeter-totter which tilted making the ball fall into one of both boxes. The kea understood how to track the ball and pick the box where it was concealed, to get food.

The task was recreated on-screen with totally virtual ball and boxes, before the team performed the task again with a combination of virtual and physical elements.

The kea anticipated a real box to have a virtual ball and this suggests the birds thought in the real world an on-screen event continued.

Related Article: Endangered Alpine Parrot Intentionally Moved to the Mountains to Avoid People

For more news, updates about keas and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
The world's oldest tropical rainforest was returned to its Aboriginal people after four years of discussion.

Daintree, one of the most famous rainforests on earth, is among the four national parks that are handed back to its traditional owners in an Australian state government deal. The site is over 180 million years old and has been home to generations of Aboriginal people, which attained Unesco World Heritage listing in 1988.

In the meantime, the northern Queensland state will jointly manage the Daintree, Ngalba-bulal, Kalkajaka and the Hope Islands National Parks before the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people can solely manage the forests and other wet tropic regions.

"The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people's culture is one of the world's oldest living cultures and this agreement recognizes their right to own and manage their country, to protect their culture and to share it with visitors as they become leaders in the tourism industry," Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.

An 'extremely important' site of rich and unique biodiversity

"Bama [people] across the wet tropics have consistently lived within the rainforest. That in itself is something that is pretty unique to the world heritage listing," says Scanlon.

Near Daintree is one of Australia's top tourism drawcards, the Great Barrier Reef, known for its ancient ecosystem and remarkable variety, and also the world's largest coral reef system.

After the region attained World Heritage listing, Unesco recognizes Daintree as an 'extremely important' site of rich and unique biodiversity. It is a home to a huge percentage of the entire country's animal population, including over 3,000 plant species, 107 mammals, 368 bird, and 113 reptile species. It is indeed the 'largest tract of land in Australia that has continuously persisted as a rainforest.'

Eastern Kuku Yalanji representative Chrissy Grant said that the four years of negotiations had been essential to establish the framework for when the custodians could wholly manage the land, while a new nature refuge will also be created.

In recent decades, vast tracts of Australian wilderness have been returned to including the Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks in the Northern Territory.

Also read: DNA Finally Uncovers Mysterious Origin of Ancient Civilization in Italy

Relicts of the great Gondwanan forests

Daintree has also garnered a historical importance, tracing back its origins to the super-continent of Gondwanaland that covered Australia and parts of Antarctica before the continents split up 50 to 100 million years ago.

Authors from a recent study wrote that "these forests are globally significant, not only for their ecological heritage but also for their preservation of traces of millennia of anthropogenic activities, including active burning and food tree manipulation."

With that given, the rainforest "presents an unparalleled record of the ecological and evolutionary processes that shaped the flora and fauna of Australia", says Unesco.

"Its living flora, with the highest concentration of primitive, archaic and relict taxa known, is the closest modern-day counterpart for Gondwanan forests," added the UN body.

Also read: 3,500-year-old Paving Stone Unravels Ancient Lives of the Bronze Age Hittites
In spite of the tremendous efforts and determination of wildlife preservers and advocates, America's dearest ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more birds, fish and other species were officially declared extinct.

The U.S. government announced on Wednesday the extinction of the 23 species, however, it could be that one or more could reappear in the future.

Government scientists point climate change as the primary driver among other pressures. If warming on Earth continues rapidly, more disappearances could become more common and many fear that this could ultimately imperil plants and wildlife.

A Time of an 'Extinction Crisis'

The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) happens to be the best-known species that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared as 'Critically Endangered'. These birds are native to old-growth and temperate coniferous forests in the southeastern U.S. and Cuba.

Although there are several reports of appearances in the recent decade which prompted searches in the swamps of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, these sightings were never confirmed.

One among other disappearing species is the flat pigtoe or Marshall's mussel, a freshwater mussel in the southeastern U.S. but has not been seen since 1980.

"When I see one of those really rare ones, it's always in the back of my mind that I might be the last one to see this animal again," said Anthony "Andy" Ford, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist in Tennessee who specializes in freshwater mussels.

While the reason behind their extinction may vary, human activities seem to be the principal cause.

It is unusual for wildlife officials to give up on these species, believing there is at least a slight chance of survival when the 23 species were added to the endangered list in the 1960s, however, to no avail, the status becomes final after the three-month comment period.

Also read: Beachgoers and Experts Baffled as Rare Yellow Whales Suddenly Appear in California

A 'Premature' Declaration

Bird biologist John Fitzpatrick of Cornell University believed it was premature to call off preservation efforts after millions have already been spent. "Little is gained and much is lost," he said. Fitzpatrick claims in a 2005 study that woodpecker had been rediscovered in eastern Arkansas.

"A bird this iconic, and this representative of the major old-growth forests of the southeast, keeping it on the list of endangered species keeps attention on it, keeps states thinking about managing habitat on the off chance it still exists," he said.

Craig Hilton-Taylor of the group added that there can be unintended but damaging consequences if extinction is declared prematurely. "Suddenly the (conservation) money is no longer there, and then suddenly you do drive it to extinction because you stop investing in it," he said.

In Federal officials' defense, the extinctions declaration was to clear a backlog of those species not acted upon for years and make resources for species that still have a chance for recovery.

As climate change makes this recovery harder, their main focus at the moment is no longer on individual species, but a broader goal to preserve their habitat.

Also read: Dead Whale with Human-Caused Injuries Found on New York Shore
Blue light services visit Dippy at night Blue light services visit Dippy at night

There are just under five weeks left of Dippy the dinosaurs stay at Norwich Cathedral and plans are now being put in place for a spectacular farewell for the Natural History Museums iconic Diplodocus cast  with emergency services workers being invited to a very special preview of the event.



Dippy at Night will see the much-loved dinosaur spectacularly lit up in an entirely new way in the Nave of Norwich Cathedral, giving visitors the chance to experience a different side to the nations favourite dinosaur in the final days of his nationwide tour. They will also be able to explore the rest of Dippys medieval home in all its evening splendour and discover even more dinosaurs under the moonlight in the Cloister.



Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure is being brought to Norwich Cathedral and visitors across the UK by the Natural History Museum in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill. Norwich Cathedral is the eighth and final stop on the tour and Barratt and Cooke is the regional sponsor.



Emergency services workers are being invited to see Dippy at Night first at a special Blue Light preview on Sunday 24 October. Emergency services workers can apply for free Blue Light Tickets for them and up to four members of their family via bluelighttickets.co.uk



Dippy at Night will then be open to the general public for five nights in Dippys last week - October 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30.



The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, said: We hope Dippy at Night will be a very special celebration of our wonderful prehistoric guest who has brought so much joy to so many people during his stay here at the Cathedral.

At the same time, we also wanted to take this occasion to say a heartfelt thank you to all the emergency services workers who have worked so tirelessly throughout the Coronavirus pandemic over the last year and a half.

Our special Blue Light Dippy at Night preview event is just a small token of thanks for all that they do and we hope those who choose to join us with their families will have a wonderful time.



Norwich Cathedral is organising the Blue Light Dippy at Night preview event in partnership with The Lady Dannatt, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, who will be there along with other civic dignitaries to welcome the emergency services workers and their families.



The Lady Dannatt said: This is a brilliant opportunity for Norfolk to say an enormous thank you to all our outstanding Blue Light Services who have been so fantastic during the pandemic.



As well as seeing Dippy lit up in spectacular style by Viking Stage Lighting, people will also be able to enjoy the return of the 21 GoGoDiscover T. rex sculptures that decorated Norwichs streets this summer. The T. rexes, which formed a citywide trail organised by childrens charity Break and Wild In Art, will all be on display under the stars in the Cathedral Cloister for Breaks Farewell for Now event that will also be open during the Dippy on Tour exhibitions daytime opening hours.



Visitors will also be able to wander around the wider Dippy on Tour exhibition, with artist Mark Reeds wave of 3,000 fish set to look especially stunning in the evening light, meanwhile the east end of the Cathedral will be open for people to explore the buildings magnificent Norman architecture by night.



To book free tickets for the Blue Light Dippy at Night event on Sunday 24 October visit bluelighttickets.co.uk. Emergency services workers can book tickets for themselves and up to four members of their family. Please note that you will be required to show proof of your emergency services worker status on entry to the event.



Dippy at Night will be open to the general public on October 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 from 7pm to 9.30pm. Entry is free and there is no need to book in advance although people may need to queue during busy periods.



The daytime exhibition Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure also continues at Norwich Cathedral until Saturday 30 October 2021. Entry to the daytime exhibition is free and there is no need to book in advance (unless part of a group of more than six people).



The exhibition is usually open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday, from 7pm until 9pm on Friday evenings and from 9.30am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Visitors are advised to check the Cathedral website before visiting as there are sometimes changes to opening hours due to Dippys home in Norwich being a busy working Cathedral.



For all the latest details about Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure at Norwich Cathedral, visit cathedral.org.uk



Helen Baldry, 30/09/2021


Norfolk leaders launch prayer for Armed Forces Norfolk leaders launch prayer for Armed Forces

A group of Christian leaders in Norfolk is inviting churches to help launch a prayer group for the Armed Forces.

The leaders, who met recently, include Bishop Dr John Mills from the Evangelical Christian Church in England, a Royal Navy Veterans Chaplain and Rev Squadron Leader Jonathan Stewart, Station Chaplain at RAF Marham. The prayer group they are planning will be linked to the Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU).



We would like to hear from churches in Norfolk that would support the AFCU Norfolk Prayer Group by having a representative on the team, write the leaders. We want to work towards making the local church a welcoming place for serving members of the Armed Forces and Veterans.



Members of the prayer group would pray individually on a daily or at least regular basis for those currently serving in the Armed Forces. As Norfolk is such a large county, quarterly prayer meetings will be held on Zoom and an annual meeting held at the Chaplains Office in RAF Marham.



The vision of the AFCU is to encourage Christians in the Armed Forces, and their families, to live out their faith, and to act as salt and light.



To assist prayer groups, the AFCU provides a booklet with detailed information and a sample prayer for each day. The groups also pray for specific deployments, and urgent needs as they arise. There are currently around 70 such prayer groups around the country.



To find out more please contact Bishop John at afcu.norfolk@talktalk.net or phone 07824 987174. More information is on the AFCU website here .



Image from Pixabay



Eldred Willey, 30/09/2021
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The city of San Jose was once home to one of the largest Chinatowns in California. In the heart of downtown, it was the center of life for Chinese immigrants who worked on nearby farms and orchards.

More than a century after arsonists burned it to the ground in 1887, the San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution to apologize to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for the role the city played in systemic and institutional racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

San Jose, with a population over 1 million, is the largest city in the country to formally apologize to the Chinese community for its treatment of their ancestors. In May, the city of Antioch apologized for its mistreatment of Chinese immigrants, who built tunnels to get home from work because they were banned from walking the streets after sundown.

Its important for members of the Chinese American community to know that they are seen and that the difficult conversations around race and historic inequities include the oppression that their ancestors suffered, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said.

The apologies come amid a wave of attacks against the Asian community since the pandemic began last year. Other cities, specifically in the Pacific Northwest, have issued apologies in decades past. California, too, apologized in 2009 to Chinese workers and Congress has apologized for the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was approved in 1882 and made Chinese residents the targets of the nations first law limiting immigration based on race or nationality

The city had five Chinatowns but the largest one was built in 1872. Fifteen years later, the city council declared it a public nuisance and unanimously approved an order to remove it to make way for a new City Hall. Before officials acted, the thriving Chinatown was burned down by arsonists, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and displacing about 1,400 people, according to the resolution.

An apology for grievous injustices cannot erase the past, but admission of the historic wrongdoings committed can aid us in solving the critical problems of racial discrimination facing America today, the resolution reads.

The Chinese started coming to California in large numbers during the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. They worked in mines, built the transcontinental railroad, toiled in farms and helped develop the abalone and shrimp industries. By 1870, there were about 63,000 Chinese in the United States, 77% of them residing in California, according to the resolution.

Chinese immigrants faced racism and were forced out of towns. They were denied the right to own property, marry white people and attend public schools. They also were subjected to violence and intimidation and denied equal protection by the courts.

In San Jose, an episcopal church where Chinese immigrants attended Sunday school was burned to the ground, Chinese laundries were condemned based on being housed in wooden buildings and the first state convention of the Anti-Chinese League was held there in 1886, according to the resolution.

Connie Young Yu, a historian and author of Chinatown, San Jose, USA, said her grandfather was a teenage refugee from the 1887 fire. Her father was born in the last existing Chinatown built in San Jose. The community was established in a new location with the help of German immigrant John Heinlen, despite threats to his life. But that Chinatown, known as Heninlenville, disappeared after the Chinese population dwindled.

Yu said the official apology gives her an enormous sense of reconciliation and a sense of peace.

This is beyond an apology. It is taking responsibility, which is a beautiful thing to me, Yu added.

Gerrye Wong, who helped found the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project in San Jose, said she, Yu, and other community members will formally accept the apology at a ceremony Wednesday near the former Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose, which was built where the destroyed Chinatown once existed. In 1987, city officials dedicated a plaque at the site to mark the fire's 100th anniversary.

Wong, a retired teacher, said the apology from the 10th largest city in the country is a teaching moment because this history was not in textbooks or taught in schools.

As a fourth-generation Chinese American myself, I didnt know any of this and Chinese people never talked about it, she said.

In this anti-Asian hate environment that we see today, its a great step forward because it will bring attention to not only our hardships but also what Chinese communities have contributed to this country, she added.

___

This story was first published on September 28, 2021. It was updated on September 29, 2021, to correct the timing of the largest Chinatowns destruction to 15 years after it was built, not five.
Gov. Ned Lamont has asked the Connecticut National Guard to prepare to be activated early next week as the state anticipates staff shortages from workers unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Lamont has informed the heads of the state agencies to prepare for staff shortages as the deadline to submit proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing looms. State officials said employees have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

I continue to remain optimistic that our employees will submit their testing and vaccination information quickly, Lamont said in a statement Thursday. But as we have done throughout the pandemic, we will prepare for the worst to prevent impacts to the critical services the state provides. The health and safety of our employees and the people of Connecticut remain our top priority.

As of Thursday afternoon, 8,000 state employees were still in non-complaint status, meaning they had not provided proof of vaccination or have started weekly testing. Lamonts office said that number has dropped by about 2,000 employees in the past two days.

Those who are non-complaint as of the deadline could be placed on unpaid leave as early as Tuesday, but no later than Oct. 11, officials said.

While those 8,000 employees are are non-complaint represent 25 percent of the workforce, about 75 percent have already submitted proof of a vaccine or started testing, Lamonts office said.

Lamont has instructed Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, head of the states national guard, to prepare for an activation. Where possible, national guard soldiers will fill critical positions until replacement employees are found or employees come into compliance, according to Lamonts office.

We have provided most state employees with the option to get tested weekly instead of getting vaccinated, providing more flexibility than our neighboring states, Lamont said Thursday. We have also provided our employees with a compliance grace period. There is no reason all our employees should not be in compliance. I continue to count on state employees to lead by example and to respect their co-workers and the public by complying with this executive order, which is the law.

Lamont issued a mandate that state employees working under the executive branch get vaccinated by Sept. 27, but postponed the deadline while officials worked to get a clearer picture of who still had not received a vaccine.

Look, there will be some people who say hell no, and Im sorry, but that means youre not safe, youre not safe to the people around you and youre not safe to the people youre treating and they cannot come into work, Lamont said Wednesday when the deadline was pushed back to Monday. Connecticut, for the last year, has always done the right thing. And we have done it with some pushing, weve done it with some explanation and I think Connecticut and our employees are always going to do the right thing.

The mandate was established, officials said, in an effort to defend against COVID-19 infections and the spread of the delta variant, which is more infectious than the native strain of the virus that started the pandemic in March 2020.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwan's legislature descended into a rowdy brawl after opposition lawmakers interrupted a policy address and rushed the podium Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers pushed their way to the speaker's podium as the head of the Cabinet, Su Tseng-chang, was opening his annual address on the governments performance with a focus on national security and the economy.

In the ensuing melee, a few lawmakers were shoved to the ground and others poured out bottles of water onto their opponents. Su was unable to give his speech.

The opposition lawmakers  members of the Nationalist party, or Kuomintang  broke through the protective barrier formed by members of Su's own party, the ruling Democratic Progress Party, as they shouted for the speaker's resignation.

The Nationalist party has criticized the ruling administration over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Legislators on Tuesday waved signs which called recently shortened quarantine requirements for pilots a big breach."

More than 800 people died in Taiwan's largest coronavirus outbreak in May and June this year. The source of the outbreak hasn't been confirmed but many people suspect the virus spread from pilots returning home from overseas who only had to do three-day quarantines.

Last year, members of the Nationalist Party brought pig guts into the chamber and threw them around in a melee to protest Taiwan's removal of a ban on American pork products.

On YouTube, where videos of the fight were shared, some commenters praised the Kuomintang for becoming stronger.

____

This story has been corrected to show Su is the head of the Cabinet, not head of the legislature. The spelling of Kuomintang has also been corrected.
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A non-invasive, patient-friendly imaging technique can help physicians make treatment decisions for breast cancer patients when diagnostic dilemmas arise. The 18F-FES PET scan-;approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020-;was shown to solve 87 percent of dilemmas, providing physicians with information for personalized treatment decision-making. This research was published in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

A key characteristic of breast cancer is the estrogen receptor (ER), which is expressed by 79 percent of breast tumors. Breast tumors that are ER-positive are likely to respond to hormonal therapy. To assess the presence of the ER, a biopsy of a tumor or metastases is commonly performed. However, clinical dilemmas may arise when a biopsy cannot be performed safely or when discrepancies in ER expression is suspected between tumor lesions.

18F-FES PET has the potential to visualize the ER expression of all tumors across the body, and could provide helpful information regarding clinical dilemmas in breast cancer patients. In our study, we evaluated whether ER clinical dilemmas could be solved by 18F-FES PET findings." Carolina P. Schroder, MD, PhD, medical oncologist, University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands

The retrospective study reviewed 100 18F-FES PET scans that were performed on 83 patients with three types of clinical dilemmas. These dilemmas included the inability to determine the extent of disease with the standard workup, unclear ER status of the tumor, or the inability to determine which primary tumor caused the metastases.

The clinical dilemma was solved by 18F-FES PET in 87 percent of scans. In 93 percent of the solved cases, a treatment decision was based directly on the 18F-FES PET result. The frequency of solved dilemmas was not associated with the type of dilemma. However, the frequency of solved dilemmas was related to ER status, as dilemmas in ER-positive scans were more likely to be solved than in ER-negative scans.

"This is the largest study to show the value of 18F-FES PET in a 'real daily clinical practice,'" said Schroder. "These findings support the use of 18F-FES PET for optimal patient outcomes and may support broad implementation of 18F-FES PET in clinical practice."
Through a groundbreaking new award from New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Columbia University  through its Mailman School of Public Health  and a consortium of academic, community, government, and corporate partners will launch and operate New York City's first Pandemic Response Institute (PRI). This award builds on Columbia's robust involvement in the NYC COVID-19 response and grants it a significant role in preparing New York City for future public health emergencies.

Joining Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health in this landmark endeavor as a key partner is the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH). Other collaborators include the United Way of New York City, the Emergency Medicine All Threats (EMAT) Leadership Forum, EcoHealth Alliance, AMTrace, and dozens of other non-profit, community, faith-based, and corporate entities that fortified the City's response to COVID-19 and are committed to the PRI's whole-of-society approach.

The effort will be led by global health center ICAP at Columbia University in partnership with Columbia Mailman School of Public Health's Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) and Columbia Prediction of Infectious Diseases (CPID), as well as Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Columbia Data Science Institute, Columbia Technology Ventures, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Doctors Network, and Columbia World Projects.

"The Pandemic Response Institute, operated by Columbia University with key partner CUNY SPH, will play a critical role in preparing for future pandemics, and promoting equity in public health," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Born out of New York's quick action during the early days of the pandemic, this institute will put our hardest learned lessons from this pandemic to work so that when the next public health crisis emerges, New York City will not only be prepared, we will be ready to lead these global fights."

Columbia University with key partner CUNY SPH demonstrated to us a high level of expertise that was unmatched. NYCEDC has every confidence these esteemed institutions and their partners will put New York City and all New Yorkers first. Keeping people safe and our economy open means we need an unprecedented public health response that is forward-looking and dedicated to addressing health disparities. NYCEDC is proud to help establish a Pandemic Response Institute that will be innovative and critical to our public health infrastructure." NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb

"Society's vulnerability to pandemics is painfully obvious," said Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger. "Raising the efficacy and sophistication of our prevention and response efforts is essential to safeguarding our future. I'm grateful to New York City Economic Development Corporation for this award, to our partners for their collaboration, and to Dr. El-Sadr for her leadership on behalf of this University."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has opened our eyes to the critical need for strong and vibrant multisector partnerships to effectively protect New Yorkers from emergent health threats," said Wafaa El-Sadr, University Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health, and director of ICAP and Columbia World Projects, who is leading the PRI. "The Pandemic Response Institute will create an unprecedented nexus for engagement, expertise, and resources from across our city and beyond that will enable us to equitably prepare, predict, prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from major health emergencies."

"The Pandemic Response Institute will leverage a century of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health's expertise, experience, and relationships to fortify and protect our city and its people against current and future health threats," said Linda P. Fried, dean of the Mailman School of Public Health and DeLamar Professor of Public Health. "Working with New York City, we have the opportunity to build a healthy and resilient city."

We are enormously excited to partner with Columbia University in this vital effort. Our school's primary commitment to health equity and social justice, coupled with existing strengths in health communication, systems modeling, and community outreach will help to shape and support this initiative to advance a new vision for the health of all New Yorkers." Ayman El-Mohandes, Dean, CUNY SPH

"United Way of New York City is proud to collaborate with the Pandemic Response Institute and to join in this important work," said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "The design and implementation of PRI equitably reflects the diversity and demographics of our communities. Our partnership will play a vital role in aligning the Institute's interventions for the communities we serve, prioritizing cultural sensitivity and raising expectations to ensure a high degree of transparency and accountability in its operations."

The vision for the Pandemic Response Institute is one of sustained, cooperative action to mitigate future illness, suffering, and deaths, and to reduce the glaring disparities associated with public health threats. The Institute will pursue this vision by working hand-in-hand with New Yorkers in communities across the five boroughs to develop and deploy locally tailored health solutions, information, and capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from future health crises.

Anchored in a comprehensive conceptual framework, the PRI will address the entire lifecycle of emergency preparedness and response by advancing a dynamic set of activities that increase resilience to the adverse consequences of public health emergencies. Specifically, it will work to:

Garner involvement from a broad cross-section of New Yorkers and NYC institutions, forming a true whole-of-society effort that empowers local communities;

Strengthen systems and capacity to respond to known and unknown threats, including through community-led simulation exercises and strategic workforce investments;

Intervene on the social determinants of health to address racial disparities, promote equity, and improve access to essential care and services in most-affected communities;

Strengthen prediction of public health emergencies through analysis and monitoring;

Develop and scale tailored health innovations and technologies;

Enhance community-led data collection, predictive modeling, and enhancements to collection and sharing of data; and

Minimize response times by equipping community organizations and the public with information and resources to take swift action.

Columbia is committed to ensuring that the Institute remains just as active in non-response times as in times of major public health emergencies. Between active threats, the PRI will prioritize prevention and preparedness, working to consolidate learning across sectors and communities and pursuing novel strategies and technologies so that all New Yorkers are prepared to meet the next health threat.

The PRI will be supported by $20 million in city capital funding for eligible costs and be dedicated to preparing New York City for future health emergencies and epidemics in a more effective and equitable manner, while positioning the city as a global leader to serve as a model for public health response.

Initial operational funding for the Pandemic Response Institute has been provided by Columbia University, which is providing $2.75 million over five years; CUNY SPH, Cepheid, and Amazon, which are each providing $1 million over five years. Going forward, Columbia is committed to working with NYC institutions and others to seek further funding to ensure the success and sustainability of the Institute.
A new community-based approach to helping children manage their asthma symptoms will launch in up to 40 public, charter, and parochial schools across the Bronx, and enroll 416 students aged 4-12 years old. The five-year study, titled Evaluation of the Asthma Management Program to Promote Activity for Students in Schools (Asthma-PASS), is supported by a $4.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). The research will be led by Marina Reznik, M.D., M.S., Vice Chair for clinical and community-based research, CHAM and Einstein, and professor of pediatrics at Einstein.

Montefiore-Einstein research shows the rate of asthma prevalence in the Bronx is as high as 25% in some neighborhoods, the highest rate of all New York boroughs. The Bronx also has the highest overall rates of asthma hospitalizations and deaths in New York.

We developed Asthma-PASS in collaboration with Bronx elementary schools, parents of children with asthma, and community members, and then conducted a pilot study in four schools, which showed an increase in symptom-free days and children's physical activity-;an important component of asthma management. Our goal with the expanded study is to see if we can reduce asthma symptoms among high-risk urban school children." Dr. Marina Reznik, M.D., M.S., Vice Chair for clinical and community-based research, CHAM and Einstein, and professor of pediatrics at Einstein

The new cluster-randomized controlled trial will assign participating schools to either the Asthma-PASS intervention or the Asthma Management comparison group.

Schools randomized to Asthma-PASS will receive an asthma workshop for school personnel and hold an asthma awareness week where students will participate in hands-on activities, such as writing poems, making posters, and learning facts about asthma to reduce stigma about the disease and bring asthma awareness to everyone at the school. Asthma-PASS families will also work with a Community Health Worker (CHW) to address care coordination needs or concerns about physical activity.

All schools, regardless of their assigned group, will continue to offer ongoing classroom and school-based opportunities for physical activity. After students in Asthma-PASS schools complete the intervention and final assessment, children in the Asthma Management comparison schools will be offered asthma workshops and asthma awareness week activities. Additionally, children and caregivers enrolled in both groups will receive asthma education and COVID-19 support from a CHW. At the end of the study, researchers will assess outcomes for children in the Asthma-PASS group compared to the children in the Asthma Management comparison group.

"During the pilot Asthma-PASS study, we were blown away by the creative ways children learned and shared information about asthma during the awareness week," said Dr. Reznik. "We hope that all the students participating in the study will find it an engaging and enjoyable way to learn how to better manage their condition and improve their long-term health."

In prior research, Dr. Reznik and colleagues found that urban minority children with asthma face barriers to physical activity, including asthma-related stigma reported by children, parent/child fear of an asthma attack caused by physical activity, and lack of teacher confidence in assisting students with acute asthma. Asthma clinicians and researchers support physical activity for children with asthma as it is associated with decreased severity of asthma symptoms, as well as improved disease control and quality of life.

Another prior study led by Dr. Reznik showed that CHWs delivering home-based asthma education can decrease symptom days and reduce disparities in children's health outcomes. The new Asthma-PASS program combines both elements of the successful prior studies, aiming to enhance the support and outcomes for children with asthma and their families.

Dr. Reznik has dedicated her career to caring for patients with asthma in her clinic, but also to finding ways to improve the socioeconomic and environmental factors that influence children's asthma management. To date, she has conducted 10 community-based asthma interventions, enrolling approximately 3,000 children and/or caregivers and collaborating with several community-based organizations to create and assess practical, actionable ways to improve children's asthma, and reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations.
Besides the unprecedented social, economic, and health systems disruptions, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has incurred a loss of an estimated 20.5 million life years. In addition, the pandemic has imposed a significant public health burden impacting individuals' quality of life and mental health.

The results of a survey were published on the medRxiv* preprint server, the purpose of which was to assess the relative well-being of the population under Covid-19 restrictions  through 952 survey respondents from France, India, Italy, the UK, and the US.

Participants were asked to complete a series of time trade-off questions related to living with light restrictions  masks, restricted access to restaurants and restricted international travel, and severe restrictions  light restrictions plus home office, home-schooling and restrictions to private gatherings. Respondents were also asked to specify the relative utility of life with paraplegiaas a commonly used reference point.

Mean utility weights for light restrictions, severe restrictions and paraplegia. Light restrictions: wearing masks in public spaces, restricted access to bars and restaurants, limited international travel. Severe restrictions: wearing masks in public spaces, restricted access to bars and restaurants, limited international travel. Mandatory home office, remote schooling and the inability to hold private meetings.

The results depicted that the average estimated utility was 0.71% for light restrictions, 0.65 for severe restrictions, and 0.49% for paraplegia. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) utility weights were relatively similar across countries. Meanwhile, the lowest average utility weights were found in France, and the highest weights on average in India.

Globally, a total loss of 2,980 million QALYs has been estimated until now due to government-imposed light or severe restrictions as of September 6, 2021. The highest absolute burden was concentrated in upper and lower-middle-income countries, owing to the large populations along with the longer average duration of restrictions.

Ratio of QALYs lost due to Covid-19 Restrictions to YLL due to Covid-19

Additionally, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to quantify the respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid specific restrictions. Random utility models were utilized to estimate (implicit) valuations of each restriction.

The results revealed that subjects were willing to part with 22% of their annual salary to avoid school and daycare closures and 21.8% of their annual salary to avoid closures of restaurants, bars, and clubs. The lowest WTP was observed for removing travel restrictions (7%) and wearing masks in public (2%).

Discussion

Despite progress in the COVID-19 vaccination drive, non-pharmaceutical interventions remain a key and even the primary management strategy in many low-income countries for controlling the spread of this virus.

The findings of this survey showed that the societal burden of non-pharmaceutical measures accounts for nearly three billion QALYs as of September 6, 2021which corresponds to 38 times the estimated number of life-years lost due to the pandemic to date.

The societal costs of any restrictive measures taken by governments may be more significant than reported. Most citizens would be willing to lose a substantial fraction of their incomes to avoid several of these measures in the future.

Some measures were identified as minor burdens, for instance  wearing masks in public spaces or restrictions on international travels by most participants, yet they effectively reduced disease transmission. However, individual and social losses due to other measures, such as closing schools, bars, and restaurants, were deemed substantial.

Questions were framed in different ways, such as utility of these restrictions with COVID-19 and outside of COVID. Surprisingly, very similar responses are obtained with both types of framing, probably because often subjects justified these measures as necessary and assigned lower disutility. This was likely as they could not expect such restrictions sans COVID.

Another concern was that the respondents might not be able to quantify the relative utility of life with restrictions precisely. Nevertheless, the magnitudes reported hereabout a quarter of life quality lost due to light restrictions and about a third due to severe restrictionswere deemed reasonable. Both mild- and severe restrictions were preferred to paraplegia. The average utility weight of 0.49 for paraplegia appeared to be well-aligned with estimates reported in the literature.

The present study was a novel attempt to quantify the societal impact of COVID-19 restrictions at national and global levels. The results underscore the high societal cost of non-pharmaceutical interventions used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 in terms of the quality of life lost.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Rochester Institute of Technology Associate Professor Moumita Das is part of a team of researchers that was recently awarded a $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to design and create next-generation materials inspired and empowered by biological cells.

The team's goal is to create self-directed, programmable, and reconfigurable materials-;using biological building blocks including proteins and cells-;that are capable of producing force and motion. This research could pave the way for future materials applications ranging from self-healing bridges and self-propulsive materials to programmable micro-robotics, wound healing and dynamic prosthetics.

Das will be working alongside a team of physicists, biologists, and engineers, including principal investigator Professor Rae Robertson-Anderson at the University of San Diego, Professor Megan Valentine at the University of California Santa Barbara, Professor Jennifer Ross at Syracuse University, and Professor Michael Rust at the University of Chicago.

Das is a theorist and mathematical modeler who will develop predictive and quantitative mathematical models for this project, informed by experiments performed by the other collaborators on the project.

This particular grant has a very tight feedback between theory and experiments. I want to make models that can quantitatively help us predict the properties of materials and provide us with principles for rational design so we can actually construct them." Moumita Das, Faculty in RIT's School of Physics and Astronomy

The four-year grant will also allow for undergraduates at each university to gain hands-on collaborative research experiences, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. At the end of the project, the team will have built the framework for their materials design concept, including a small prototype, that can help others to advance futuristic materials to accomplish the many processes that living systems already perform seamlessly, such as healing and regulating themselves.

"We have assembled a top-notch interdisciplinary team of researchers from across the country that bring unique perspectives and expertise to make these research ideas become a reality," said Robertson-Anderson. "This project is a key example of the power of a collaborative team approach to research that is driving scientific discovery and is required to solve the many current pressing problems facing society -; including those that demand new materials."
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is studying how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect the ability of neural cells and surrounding cells to communicate with each other.

Ashfaq Adnan, professor of mechanical engineering, received a three-year, $475,800 grant funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). His work is part of a multi-institutional research grant led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as part of the Physics-based Neutralization of Threats to Human Tissues and Organs, or PANTHER 3 Program. Their collaborative study focuses on the mechanism, detection and prevention of TBI. Total funding for the grant is nearly $5 million.

Neural cells have three parts-;the synapse, axon and dendrites-;and are connected to each other with glial cells, which are found next to neuronal cells and contain elements necessary for them to function.

Most of Adnan's work focuses on the axon because it bears the brunt of the mechanical forces. In this project, he will examine the interactions between glial cells and neural cells and how communication occurs between them. He and his team will work to develop a comprehensive model to understand ionic activity across the neural cells and how damage affects communication.

Brain injuries may occur when traumatic forces such as blasts or helmet-to-helmet collisions impact the head. Primary injuries are quickly apparent, but there is also the possibility of secondary injuries due to damage to cells that impedes communication from cell to cell. Secondary injuries do not occur immediately and may not be apparent for days. They evolve in different ways, often along non-mechanical pathways.

"I am excited to work with PANTHER because it gives us unique access to data and interaction with some of the most prolific researchers in the field," Adnan said. "This research addresses the important topic of traumatic brain injury, but hopefully it will turn into much more than that. What we're doing here could affect sports, bicyclists and the military. The broad focus is important because it considers nearly every scenario in which a person could experience TBI."

Members of the PANTHER 3 project team include researchers from Brown University, Iowa State University and Team Wendy, a leading developer of advanced protective equipment. Other PANTHER members include researchers from ONR, Robert Morris University, Colorado School of Mines, University of Southern California, University of California-Santa Barbara, Sandia National Laboratories, Johns Hopkins University, Trek Bicycle and Milwaukee Tool.

At the top of a researcher's rewards is his/her impact on bettering lives. Dr. Adnan's holistic approach to understanding, modeling, detecting and preventing TBI is bound to save lives for warfighters in combat, workers in construction sites, first responders in disaster areas and athletes in the field of play." Erian Armanios, Chair, UTA's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department

This is Adnan's fourth major grant in this area in 2021, totaling more than $4.1 million. In all, he has nearly $5 million in active grants, including:
Corneal defects often heal themselves, but serious injuries that are left untreated can result in inflammation, infection, ulceration and even blindness. A new study provides exciting evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration and suggests aquaporin 5 (AQP5) induction as a potential therapy to accelerate the resurfacing of corneal defects, report scientists in The American Journal of Pathology.

The cornea, which consists of transparent tissue in the outermost layer of the eye, acts as a barrier against external stimuli. It also plays a key role in vision.

"As a member of aquaporin family, AQP5 is expressed in cornea, which is related to many eye diseases," explained lead investigator Peng Chen, PhD, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Shandong Province; and Institute of Stem Cell Regeneration Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China. "If a corneal injury cannot heal in time, it may lead to pathogen invasion and result in corneal inflammation, turbidity, ulcer and even blindness. In previous studies, we found that AQP5 deficiency can cause corneal epithelial punctate defects. There is also increasing evidence that nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a key role in corneal wound healing. AQP5 deficiency can slow down the repair of corneal epithelial injury in mice, but its specific mechanism remained unclear. We hypothesized that AQP5 plays an important role in one or more stages of corneal epithelial regeneration and explored the specific mechanism of AQP5."

Investigators generated an Aqp5 knockout (Aqp5-/-) mouse model and performed corneal wound healing on corneas from which epithelial cells had been scraped away. They used 75 male Aqp5 +/+ mice and 189 male Aqp5-/- mice aged 10 to 12 weeks. Time to corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration was significantly delayed in the Aqp5-/- mice. To determine the role of NGF in the repair of corneal epithelial injury, NGF was injected in the subconjunctival space after corneal epithelium was scraped off in Aqp5-/- mice. The epithelial and nerve regeneration rate were significantly promoted in Aqp5-/- mice with the treatment of NGF, which also improved the recovery of corneal nerve fiber density and sensitivity in Aqp5-/- mice, accompanied by recovered levels of phosphorylated Akt.

The investigators also administered an Akt inhibitor in addition to NGF in Aqp5-/- mice to determine the mechanism of NGF regulating the repair rate of corneal epithelial injury. However, the promotion of NGF induced corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration rate and Akt reactivation was reversed by the Akt inhibitor.

It is exciting to find that Aqp5 deficiency can affect the nerve regeneration of mice by affecting the activation of NGF and Akt signaling pathways, which is not found in previous studies. These results need to be confirmed in a clinical setting, but they provide evidence for the involvement of aquaporins in cell proliferation and nerve regeneration and suggest AQP5 induction as a possible therapy to accelerate the resurfacing of corneal defects." Peng Chen, PhD, Study Lead Investigator, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University

Aquaporins (AQPs), also called water channels, are channel proteins that form pores in the membrane of biological cells, mainly facilitating transport of water between cells and are expressed in the corneal epithelium. Thirteen different types of AQPs have been detected in mammals. As transmembrane proteins, they play a significant role in maintaining cell water homeostasis.
For years, Millicent McKinnon of Dallas went without health insurance. She was one of roughly 1 million Texans who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid in the state but too little to buy their own insurance. That is, until she died in 2019. She was 64 and had been unable to find consistent care for her breast cancer.

This story is part of a partnership that includes KUT, NPR and KHN. It can be republished for free.

Lorraine Birabil, McKinnon's daughter-in-law, said she is still grieving that loss.

"She was such a vibrant woman," she said. "Just always full of energy and joy."

Health insurance for roughly 2.2 million Americans is on the table as Congress considers a spending bill that could be as high as $3.5 trillion over the next decade.

This plan would extend health coverage to residents of the 12 states that have yet to expand Medicaid to their working poor through the Affordable Care Act. In those states, people who earn too little to qualify for Medicaid  but who can't afford to buy insurance in the individual marketplace  are left in what's referred to as the Medicaid gap. Like McKinnon, most of these people work in jobs that don't offer affordable health insurance.

If Congress approves the measure, those individuals would have access to a health plan through the federal government.

This could be a lifeline to some of the 17.5% of Texans who are uninsured, the highest rate in the country.

McKinnon was a descendant of runaway slaves who settled in Chicago. As an adult, she moved to Dallas and worked in health care her entire career. Her last job was as a home health aide, taking care of the elderly and people with disabilities. Birabil said she didn't make a lot of money, though, and didn't get health insurance.

And that's why, when McKinnon started feeling sick, she put off going to the doctor.

"She didn't have the coverage," said Birabil, a lawyer who served briefly in the Texas House of Representatives. "She was doing everything she could do to live a healthy lifestyle. And so, when she realized that something was wrong and she went to find out what it was, it turned out that it was stage 4 breast cancer."

In the year after her diagnosis, she bounced around hospitals. Doctors would stabilize her and send her home. Without coverage, consistent treatment was hard to find. Her family looked for insurance but found nothing.

All they could do in the end was be there as she slowly died.

"At the time that we found out, you know, we were also pregnant," Birabil said. "And she kept saying, 'I just want to meet my grandbaby.' And she didn't make it."

A month before her granddaughter was born, McKinnon died. She was months away from getting Medicare.

Birabil said the health care system her mother-in-law spent her life working in ultimately failed her.

Laura Guerra-Cardus, deputy director of the Children's Defense Fund in Texas, said advocates like her have been pleading with state lawmakers for years to cover uninsured Texans.

"But purely political opposition from our highest leaders, the governor and the lieutenant governor," she said, "is enough to block progress on an issue that is a basic right."

That's why Guerra-Cardus, and other health care advocates across the country, are now looking to President Joe Biden and Congress to fix this problem. The Democrats' $3.5 trillion spending bill  Biden's "human infrastructure" bill  includes money to cover the uninsured via the health insurance marketplace and state Medicaid programs.

Most of those who would benefit are people of color in the South.

"We are asking them to choose to make America a country that does not block health care from anybody," Guerra-Cardus said.

The racial disparity is stark in Texas, where about 70% of people in the coverage gap are Latino or Black.

Jesse Cross-Call with the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities said this is the first time since the Affordable Care Act went into effect that Congress may have enough votes to address this issue.

"This really is the unfinished work of the ACA to ensure that everybody in this country who is poor or of moderate incomes has access to affordable health care coverage," he said.

But this insurance lifeline is competing for money and attention with other priorities.

Politico reported that this plan could be curtailed as Democrats negotiate a trimmed-down version of the spending bill.

For example, some lawmakers have suggested they would be willing to scale back health coverage for people in the Medicaid gap to just five years.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, said in a statement Tuesday that Congress "must permanently close this coverage gap" so people in the 12 Republican-controlled states are never again denied health care.

"Closing the coverage gap means getting access to a family physician, essential medicines and other health care for [millions] who have been left out and left behind for more than a decade," he said.

Some Democrats have also raised political concerns that extending coverage in non-expansion states would reward the Republican leaders in those states that have blocked Medicaid expansion for years.

Guerra-Cardus said that argument "is so far from the point" when it comes to why Congress should address the coverage gap.

"This is about people who are dying and suffering from preventable, treatable illnesses in the 21st century in our rich country," she said.

In every state where Medicaid expansion has been put on a ballot, it has been approved by voters, most recently in Oklahoma and Missouri.

This story is part of a partnership that includes KUT, NPR and KHN.
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been available, healthcare workers have been prioritized to receive them and are set to be prioritized to receive boosters. Several studies have noted a disparity in vaccine uptake between healthcare workers based on demographic differences. In a recent paper, the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy is further explored amongst UK healthcare workers. A preprint version of the study is available on the medRxiv* server while the article undergoes peer review.

Study: The vaccination is positive; I dont think its the panacea: A qualitative study on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among ethnically diverse healthcare workers in the United Kingdom. Image Credit: Southworks/ Shutterstock

How was the study performed?

The study recruited one hundred sixty-four healthcare workers from a diverse pool of ethnicities, ages, migration status, location, and job roles. Interviews or focus group sessions lasting around one hour were conducted to gauge participants' perceptions and concerns regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Key areas of discussion included the past experiences of each participant with COVID-19 while at work and home, how risky they perceived infection with SARS-CoV-2 to be for themselves or others, their feelings relating to stigma and discrimination already experienced due to race, or that which may be incurred by refusing the vaccine, and what stress relief mechanisms they employ.

Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were scaled against four categories: active acceptance, those that readily accept the vaccine and are optimistic about its effects; passive acceptance, those that had or will receive the vaccine but bore concerns or doubts about the long term effects; passive decline, those that have not yet received the vaccine but may do in the future if their doubts are allayed; and active decline, those that are unlikely ever to accept the vaccine.

Factors relating to vaccine acceptance

Knowledge of the vaccine's mechanism of action was found to be one of the most influential factors in vaccine acceptance, with those demonstrating familiarity with medical, scientific, and public health information being the most likely to be active acceptors of the vaccine. Healthcare workers employed in positions related to virology or similar were, therefore, the most accepting. However, the group noted that several participants with mere proximity to these departments were also more vaccine accepting. A positive attitude to other vaccines also correlated well with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and knowledge of vaccines.

Participants with more risk-averse behaviors were also more accepting of the vaccine, with some additional concern expressed from those in high-risk roles involving a lot of contact with severely ill patients. Familial risk was also a factor, with those with at-risk close family members being more likely to have sought out early vaccination or eventually accepted. Generally, this factor was rated higher than risk to self.

Social influences were found to play a large role in vaccine hesitancy, with a large proportion of participants being convinced one way or the other by those in their social group. In most cases, conversations with informed family members or trusted healthcare professionals persuaded passive decliners to become passive or active acceptors. However, evidence of receipt of misinformation from a third party was strongly present amongst decliners. The authors comment that a considerable portion of the participants, themselves being healthcare workers, thought they should play an active role in encouraging the hesitant in their community to receive the vaccine.

The possibility that the vaccine could end non-pharmaceutical interventions such as travel restrictions also weighed strongly amongst the vaccine acceptant, particularly for those with family living abroad.

Fig 2: Drivers of vaccine acceptance

Factors relating to vaccine refusal

Factors that weighed most strongly amongst those declining the COVID-19 vaccine included a lack of trust of pharmaceutical companies and the government, lack of communication about vaccine efficacy and future plans, and concerns over vaccine shortage.

The speed at which the vaccines were developed has been a major point of distrust for many of those refusing the vaccine, along with concerns related to long-term effects and damage to fertility. The observation of some individuals experiencing adverse effects from the vaccine in work also motivated some to maintain an anti-vaccination opinion.

Past experience of clinical malpractice relating to discrimination and racism strongly drove distrust in some communities. For example, in 1996, Pfizer gave Nigerian children an experimental anti-meningitis drug resulting in several deaths and many more disabilities, and several participants brought up this particular incident during interviews. The "sudden interest" in Black and Asian ethnic minorities getting vaccinated by the UK government was seen as suspicious by some participants. Many felt that the concerns of minorities as a group are generally disregarded.

Confusing and contradictory information reported by the government and relayed by various media outlets was seen as off-putting for many of the vaccine-hesitant. For example, some questioned the decision to delay the second dose of the vaccine beyond two weeks in 2020 with little public justification. Several participants raised the idea of mandatory vaccination as a key issue, with opinions strongly divided. Many felt that vaccines should be mandatory for healthcare workers, while others felt that this would greatly impinge on their personal freedom.

Fig 3: Barriers to vaccine acceptance

Conclusion

Continued communication and education are important to ensure that passive acceptors do not gradually become passive decliners. Similarly, the government must counter vaccine misinformation promptly in the wider community.

The authors suggest that promoting vaccination amongst the diverse range of job roles encompassed by healthcare workers but not in clinical positions could be an effective strategy, with better communication of the importance of vaccination to porters, domestic and security staff encouraging uptake.

Similarly, better communication and delivery of information to ethnic minorities in a culturally competent manner may alleviate the impression of marginalization and improve feelings of distrust.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
A new study found the use of outdoor parks and trails in urban areas of North Carolina declined during two summer months of 2020  contrary to anecdotal reports of a spike in new users during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that the drop-off in urban park access was more likely to impact minorities and people from lower-income backgrounds.

Visitation declined in urban and county parks pretty consistently across the state, and it dropped even more sharply among people who rarely used parks before COVID-19 and people who are lower income or racial and ethnic minorities." Lincoln Larson, Study Lead Author and Associate Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University

For the study, researchers combined survey responses and cell phone tracking data to understand outdoor urban park use across the state during the pandemic last summer. They surveyed 611 residents of metropolitan areas of North Carolina in August 2020 and asked them to compare their use of outdoor park spaces during the pandemic to the same month in 2019. They also analyzed anonymous cell phone location data, gathered by the company SafeGraph, for people who used their phones at points of interest with "park" in the name across 66 urban areas during July 2020 and 2019.

When researchers analyzed survey data, they found that, statewide, nearly 56% of people said they stopped or decreased their use of open spaces and trails in August of 2020. Approximately 27% said their park usage didn't change, and 16% reported increased use.

"Our data runs counter to the narrative that people were flocking to parks like never before," Larson said. "When we dug into the data, we also found issues of equity and access."

People who were already likely to visit parks before the pandemic, a group that was more likely to be white, Hispanic or higher-income, were most likely to use parks during the pandemic. Frequent park users pre-pandemic were 23 times more likely to increase their park use during the pandemic compared with people who didn't visit parks before COVID-19. Sporadic park users were nine times more likely to increase their park use. Higher income people were the least likely to stop using parks.

"We know that, historically, park use has been highest among higher income, white populations," Larson said. "During the pandemic, while certain people visited parks more, it tended to be people who were already using them. There's a social justice issue here."

The cell phone data analysis also revealed a decline in overall park visitation in urban areas, with visits down 15% from 2019 to 2020. While the cell phone data could have picked up people located anywhere within the boundaries of a park, researchers speculated that many visitors were likely outdoors in 2020 due to closures of indoor facilities.

Using census data, the researchers found links between measures of social vulnerability and park visitation. Specifically, they saw a trend of census tracts with lower socioeconomic status linked with lower park visitation. Areas with more people who identified as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latinx, Middle Eastern or North African or "other," were also more likely to see declines in park visits.

"We know that parks are really important in terms of mental health, especially during the pandemic, when being outdoors was considered more of a safe space, but this suggests not all segments of the population were realizing those benefits," Larson said. "Like many things during COVID-19, the disparities are getting worse. We need to think longer and harder about park equity and access across racial, ethnic and income boundaries."

Researchers cautioned that the study focused on urban and suburban areas, and did not look at national or state parks in more rural areas, However, they did underscore that their findings show the need to make sure that all people, across racial, ethnic, and income levels, have access to parks in urban areas. They also said finding ways to keep parks open and utilized in low-income areas is critical.

"These findings should inspire parks and recreation professionals to look at their planning and outreach processes to determine if they are engaging socially vulnerable populations," said study co-author Matt Carusona, director of programs and marketing for the N.C. Recreation and Park Association, an organization that helped fund the study.

"Not only do parks and recreation professionals need to make sure that socially vulnerable people have access to parks, but they also need to review if they are creating a welcoming atmosphere for their entire community. Ensuring marketing and outreach efforts are inclusive and appropriate for all is important, and so is having a community planning process for parks and recreation that is accessible to diverse communities  especially during a pandemic."
The rapid outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Scientists suggested that this virus might have circulated in bat populations for decades before its spillover to humans. To date, this virus has infected over 233 million individuals and claimed more than 4.77 million lives.

SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, this virus has been found to infect pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and minks. Researchers have also diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection in wild cougars, snow leopards, pumas, lions, and tigers. A high mortality rate has been reported in the mink farms in the Netherlands, Canada, Greece, Latvia, France, Denmark, the United States, and Sweden. Scientists are also concerned that mustelids, a family of carnivorous mammals, including weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks, and wolverines, among others, could become reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2.

A new study published on the medRxiv* preprint server presents a standardized survey instrument for evaluating risk factors associated with bidirectional zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogens. The instrument is particularly focused on settings where humans and animals share close contact.

Global evidence to-date of CoV-2 transmission and susceptibility among common household pets and other animals. As of July 29, 2021, there have been 181.7 million human cases of COVID-19 globally (Johns Hopkins University, 2020). Multiple natural cases have been confirmed in animals since January 2020 in 31 countries worldwide. In addition, many CoV-2 outbreaks at mink farms have occurred in the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Greece, France, and Canada including secondary transmission from mink back to humans in Denmark (OIE, 2020; Oreshkova et al., 2020; USDA APHIS, 2020). In December 2020, the first free-ranging native wild animal, a wild mink, was confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 near a mink farm in the state of Utah, USA (ProMED, 2020). Laboratory evidence has confirmed that cats are infectious to other cats while there is no evidence of ongoing transmission in dogs (Halfmann et al., 2020). There is no evidence that household pets, including cats and dogs, act as ongoing reservoirs for transmission back to humans. While there have been no natural world cases of CoV-2 in rabbits, hamsters, or mice, laboratory studies have demonstrated these common household animals as susceptible to infection (Liu et al., 2020; Loeffler A, 2011). Multiple studies have concluded that pigs, chickens, other birds, reptiles, and fish are not expected to be susceptible to the virus (BondadReantaso M, 2020; Damas et al., 2020; Luan, Jin, Lu, & Zhang, 2020; Schlottau et al., 2020; Shi et al., 2020). Figure includes modified icons originally made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

COVID-19 Human-Animal Interactions Survey (CHAIS)

The COVID-19 human-animal interactions working group (CHAI-WG) was established to develop the COVID-19 Human-Animal Interactions Survey (CHAIS). The main aim of CHAIS is to characterize human-animal interactions and understand risk factors related to two-way zoonotic transmission of CoV-2 and other zoonotic pathogens within settings where humans and animals are in close contact.

CHAIS measures four broad domains of transmission risk, namely, risk and intensity of infection among humans, spatial characteristics of shared spaces, human-animal interactions, and susceptibility of animals to infection, and the likelihood of onward spread.

Common interfaces for human-animal interactions associated with reverse zoonotic transmission of respiratory pathogens

The CHAIS instrument should improve our understanding of pathogen exposure and transmission, provide a basis for predictive models, and provide an evidence base for public health guidance. The instrument comprises two versions - an extended version (E-CHAIS) detailing human-animal interactions and an abridged version (ACHAIS) including core questions addressing zoonotic and reverse zoonotic risk factors.

CHAIS is quite versatile in that it allows researchers to make minor amendments to questions to suit their studies of varying populations, temporality, cultural diversity, etc. In addition, they can select individual modules and use them in conjunction with others or select individual questions and cite the CHAIS instrument as the source.

The CHAIS instrument can be implemented in a broad range of research projects. In the studies that do not include a concurrent sampling of humans or animals, the instrument can be administered as an epidemiological survey to gather data from community members.

These data could be on human-animal interactions during the current pandemic or during other zoonotic outbreaks. CHAIS can also be used in surveillance and research studies that feature specimen collection from animals or both humans and animals. In these settings, the instrument can contextualize results in studies that include viral and/or antibody testing.

There are studies where samples are only collected from animals and in these studies, the CHAIS instrument may highlight factors associated with the animals exposure. CHAIS may also be used in studies with paired human-animal testing. It can help in measuring risk factors related to zoonotic and reverse zoonotic transmission.

CHAIS is a standard instrument for other zoonotic pathogens (besides SARS-CoV-2). There are important pathological differences between CoV-2 and other zoonotic pathogens. However, irrespective of those differences, the instrument is capable of measuring transmission risks that have broad epidemiologic applicability. This could provide crucial data on unique transmission pathways for these pathogens.

Limitations of CHAIS

There are a few limitations associated with the CHAIS instrument. CHAIS alone is not capable of serving as a robust assessment of the built environment and its effects on pathogen spread. For example, researchers might want to include questions related to ventilation systems, sanitary plumbing, etc. CHAIS is also limited in the extent to which it captures information about wildlife and wildlife-human interactions. It is also limited when focused on CoV-2 transmission during periods when other seasonal pathogens are operative. Finally, given the wide range of applications of CHAIS, biases in reporting among select populations may occur, and researchers should consider these biases when designing research studies, including the CHAIS instrument.

Conclusion

The CHAIS instrument is a standardized tool to analyze risks associated with the transmission of pathogens in environments where humans and animals are in close contact. It has broad applicability and importance owing to the gaps in behavioral, spatiotemporal, and biological factors underlying human-animal transmission.

The authors of this study have encouraged researchers to use this resource and provide feedback so that the questionnaire may be adapted based on available evidence. They also urged researchers to provide data for meta-analysis across studies so that we can further our understanding of the various factors that may lead to zoonotic and reverse zoonotic exposure and transmission of pathogens.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
People who had higher pre-pandemic levels of depression or anxiety have been more severely affected by disruption to jobs and healthcare during the pandemic, according to a new study co-led by UCL researchers.

The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry and funded by UKRI, looked at data from 59,482 people who are surveyed regularly as part of 12 ongoing longitudinal studies in England. It found that people whose survey responses before the pandemic suggested higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms were 24% more likely to have had delays to medical procedures, 12% more likely to lose their job, and 33% more likely to have had disruption to prescriptions or medication during the first eight to 10 months of the pandemic than those with average levels of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Those with more severe symptoms of depression or anxiety experienced a much greater likelihood of disruptions to jobs, income, and healthcare, the study found.

Dr Praveetha Patalay (UCL), the senior author of the paper, said: "Our findings highlight that the wider health and economic impacts of the pandemic have been disproportionately experienced by those with mental health difficulties, potentially leading to worsening longer term outcomes, even post-pandemic, for those already experiencing poor mental health."

Professor Nishi Chaturvedi (MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL), who co-leads the Covid-19 Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing National Core study, said: "The anxiety and depression experienced by the participants of the study go beyond the mental ill health reported to GPs and healthcare services. This is a largely hidden group of people vulnerable to potentially long-lasting health and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic."

Lead author Dr Giorgio Di Gessa (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Healthcare) said: "Policymakers should take these findings into account in the provision of future health care and economic support, as failing to address these disruptions risks widening health inequalities further. Special care should be taken by pharmacists and primary care staff to ensure people with mental health difficulties do not miss appointments, procedures and prescriptions.

It is also important to note that pre-pandemic psychological distress was generally more common among women, younger generations, ethnic minorities, and those with fewer qualifications, meaning the overall impact of disruption on these groups is larger." Dr Giorgio Di Gessa, Study Lead Author, Institute of Epidemiology & Healthcare, University College of London

Lead author Dr Michael Green (University of Glasgow) said: "During the pandemic, many people lost their jobs or lost their income and faced disruptions to healthcare*. Our study shows that this disruption was particularly likely to affect people with prior mental ill-health.

"We need to ensure that healthcare and support for economic hardship are not overly difficult to access for these vulnerable people, especially as existing pandemic economic supports like furlough are removed."

The work was conducted as part of the COVID-19 Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing National Core study, led by UCL researchers and funded by UKRI. The study involved researchers at UCL, King's College London, the University of Glasgow, the University of Leicester, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Bristol.

In each of the longitudinal studies, respondents answered questionnaires designed to assess mental health about three years before the pandemic on average. They later reported the disruptions they experienced between March and December last year.

The researchers compared disruptions faced by people whose responses showed "average" levels of anxiety and depression to disruptions affecting people with more anxiety and depression than average, regardless of whether they had a clinical diagnosis or were seeking treatment for a mental illness.

The research team looked at the disruptions of the pandemic in three areas: healthcare (medication access, procedures or surgeries, and appointments); economic activity (employment, income, or working hours); and housing (change of address or household composition). They found that people with prior mental ill-health were more likely to face economic and healthcare disruption, but had no greater likelihood of housing disruption.

Professor Chaturvedi added: "UKRI support has enabled collaboration across 12 longitudinal cohort studies, allowing us to address critical pandemic-related questions that could not be answered any other way."
(Newser)  Nurses and hundreds of other staff members will soon begin wearing panic buttons at a Missouri hospital where assaults on workers tripled after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cox Medical Center Branson is using grant money to add buttons to identification badges worn by up to 400 employees who work in the emergency room and inpatient hospital rooms. Pushing the button will immediately alert hospital security, launching a tracking system that will send help to the endangered worker. The hospital hopes to have the system operational by the end of the year, the AP reports.

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A similar program was successfully tested last year at CoxHealth's Springfield hospital, spokeswoman Kaitlyn McConnell said Tuesday. Hospital data showed that the number of "security incidents" at the Branson hospital rose from 94 in 2019 to 162 in 2020. Assaults rose from 40 to 123 during that same period, and injuries to health care workers rose from 17 to 78. Data for 2021 was not available. The delta variant of the virus hit hard in southwestern Missouri starting in June, leaving hospitals so full that many patients were sent to facilities hundreds of miles away. The hospital in Branson has been at or near capacity for four months.

"Personal Panic Buttons are one more tool in the battle to keep our staff safe," CoxHealths director of safety and security said in a statement. The Missouri hospital isn't alone. The Texas Tribune reported this month about the rising number of assaults at Texas hospitals, incidents that officials believe are fueled by a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Worldwide, a report by the Geneva-based Insecurity Insight and the University of California, Berkeley's Human Rights Center identified more than 1,100 threats or acts of violence against health care workers and sites last year. Researchers found that about 400 of those attacks were related to COVID-19.

(Read more hospitals stories.)
(Newser)  It wasn't any one recent mistake that cost the US the war in Afghanistan, Gen. Mark Milley told lawmakers on Wednesday. "It wasn't lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs said. "There's a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back." Those decisions were made by four presidential administrations, he told the House Armed Services Committee. They included shifting resources from the fight in Afghanistan to Iraq, the Washington Post reports, as well as never "effectively dealing with Pakistan," where Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, and other opponents found safety.

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"There's an awful lot of causal factors," Milley testified. Another big one was the deal the US reached with the Taliban in 2020 that promised a withdrawal of all US troops, Gen. Frank McKenzie told the committee, per the AP. "The signing of the Doha agreement had a really pernicious effect on the government of Afghanistan and on its militarypsychological more than anything else," said McKenzie, the head of Central Command. The deal was struck by former President Trump's administration. The collapse of the Afghan government picked up steam once US troop levels fell below 2,500 after President Biden decided the withdrawal would be complete by September, the general said.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers argued in the hearing over blame for the handling of the withdrawal and whether President Biden was being truthful with the nation on whether the military advised him to keep 2,500 troops in Afghanistanwhich he didn't do. "Either the president lied to the American people or he legitimately cannot remember the counsel of his top military advisers," Republican Rep. Mike Johnson said. "Which is it?" That would have endangered US lives "for a mission that we had to know was not achievable," Democratic Chairman Adam Smith said. "The president made the right call on that." (Read more Afghanistan war stories.)
(Newser)  Klete Keller, the two-time Olympic gold medalist who wore his Team USA jacket to the Capitol riot, has pleaded guilty to taking part in the Jan. 6 attack. The 39-year-old swimmer pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding as part of a plea deal that will see the other six charges against him dropped, the Washington Post reports. Keller has also agreed to cooperate with the government in other cases related to the attack. Keller, whose five Olympic medals include golds from Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, will be sentenced at a later date, reports CNBC. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but the recommended sentence, which the judge is not bound by, is 21 to 27 months.

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Prosecutors said Keller spent almost an hour in the Capitol building and was heard shouting slogans including "F--- Nancy Pelosi." His attorney, Edward B. MacMahon, told US District Court Judge Richard J. Leon that Keller is "trying to make amends for the terrible mistake he made" and hopes to "start his life over," the Post reports. Keller admitted that he tried to get rid of evidence that he was at the Capitol and had thrown away his phone and the team jacket he was wearing that day, TMZ reports. Court documents, however, say FBI agents easily recognized the 6-foot-6 Keller in footage from the Capitol. (Read more Klete Keller stories.)
(Newser)  Federal prosecutors say a Texas woman impersonated her husband as part of a "depraved and calculated" scheme to convince a former lover to murder the man. Jennifer Faith, 49, has been charged with murder-for-hire in the Oct. 9, 2020 killing of Jamie Faith outside their Dallas home, WFAA reports. Prosecutors say Faith created a fake email account six months before the killing and, posing as her husband, emailed Darren Lopez multiple times, "taunting Mr. Lopez with details of extreme physical and sexual abuse that had never actually occurred." She allegedly downloaded stock images of injuries and attached them to the emails.

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Faith also allegedly posed as a friend to email Lopez with details of abuse. "I am asking if you are willing to get involved and help Jen get out of this situation," she wrote in a May email, according to a Justice Department release. "I know I wont feel better about her situation until she is out of the house away from him or she lets me put a bullet in Jamies head," Lopez wrote later that month. Prosecutors say Lopez drove from his Tennessee home to Dallas and laid in wait outside the Faiths' home. He allegedly shot Jamie Faith, an American Airlines technology director, seven times when the couple emerged to walk their dog.

Prosecutors said earlier this year that text messages showed Faith had been having an "emotional affair" with Lopez, whom she dated in high school and college. In the months after her husband's killing, she pleaded for the public to help find the killer, the Dallas Morning News reports. Prosecutors say she secretly withdrew $58,000 from a GoFundMe account set up after the killing and used it to pay Lopez's expenses and ship him a large-screen TV. She also allegedly communicated with him about a life insurance claim seeking $629,000 in benefits.

Lopez was arrested in January and faces a state murder charge and a federal firearms charge. Faith was arrested in February on a federal charge of obstruction of justice. The murder-for-hire charge, which carries a potential death penalty, was added Tuesday, reports CBS-DFW. "She preyed on her boyfriends protective instinct and his pocketbook in order to convince him to execute her husband," Acting US Attorney Prerak Shah said in a statement. (Read more murder plot stories.)
(Newser)  Specs of orange will be visible around Canada Thursday, and not just in the changing leaves. The day marks Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a statutory holiday to acknowledge the impacts of the government-funded residential school system on Indigenous peoples, which Canadians will mark by wearing orange. An estimated 150,000 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools, where more than 4,100 ultimately died, from the 1870s until the last school closed in 1997, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which documented the impacts and trauma from 2008 to 2015, per the CBC.

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The commission had recommended that a day of reconciliation be established. It was finally approved by Parliament last year amid a national reckoning over the legacy of residential schools, triggered by the discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves. The date chosen, Sept. 30, a time when youth would return to school, is also known as Orange Shirt Day. It was inspired by Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, who wrote a children's book about her experience being stripped of the new, orange shirt her grandmother had bought her as she arrived at a residential school in British Columbia as a 6-year-old in 1973.

"It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations," the federal government says, per Global News. Parents could be denied food if they failed to send their children to these schools, "where the mere speaking of one's native language invited physical punishment," per the National Post. "Clothes were removed and burned, hair was sheared off," the outlet adds. "We were told we were little, stupid savages, and that they had to educate us," survivor Elaine Durocher told the commission.

For Webstad, reconciliation is still a far-off goal. "The truth comes first," she tells the CBC, "and the truth is not finished being told." Today, Indigenous people remain "among the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of Canadian society," federal judge Paul Favel wrote Wednesday in upholding a 2019 ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that ordered the federal government to pay the equivalent of about $31,500 to each Indigenous child removed from their homes while the government discriminated against them by underfunding child and family services on reserves, per the Guardian. (Read more Canada stories.)
(Newser)  For the first time in modern French history, a former president earlier this year was tried and convicted of corruption and sentenced to jail time. Now, that same president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has a new conviction under his belt, complete with an additional one-year prison sentence after being found guilty Thursday of illegally financing his unsuccessful 2012 reelection campaign. The Washington Post reports that 66-year-old Sarkozy, who served as France's leader from 2007 to 2012, will be able to serve his prison time at his home while wearing an electronic monitoring device.

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A Sarkozy attorney has announced that they'll appeal, per the New York Times. The Wall Street Journal notes Sarkozy wasn't in court to hear the verdict. Prosecutors accused the ex-president, and more than a dozen other defendants, of being part of a scheme that tried to sidestep French election laws limiting how much candidates for office can spend. An investigation found Sarkozy's team had spent about $50 million on his campaign, which is almost two times the allowable $26 million for top presidential contenders. While Sarkozy insisted he'd been caught up in campaigning and wasn't paying attention to the budget and logistics, prosecutors noted he's a lawyer by training, and that he'd ignored warnings from aides about overspending.

Sarkozy's March conviction for corruption and influence peddling centered on allegations that he'd struck a deal with a magistrate to illegally get information on an inquiry tied to himself. He received a three-year prison sentence for those crimes, but that sentence has been delayed during his appeal. The Post notes that short prison terms in France are usually waived anyway, meaning he may never see confinement. Sarkozy isn't the only former French president to see a conviction over the last decade: In 2011, Jacques Chirac, who occupied the Elysee Palace for the 12 years before Sarkozy, was handed down a two-year suspended sentence for doling out jobs that didn't exist to allies while he was Paris' mayor. (Read more Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)
(Newser)  Some 76 years after the end of World War II, an alleged Nazi war criminal made one last effort to escape justice Thursday. A warrant was issued for the arrest of 96-year-old Irmgard Furchner and she was declared a fugitive after she failed to appear at her trial for aiding and abetting mass murder, the BBC reports. Furchnerwho's being tried in juvenile court because she was a teenager when she worked as a secretary at the Stutthof concentration campleft her nursing home in a taxi Thursday morning and took a train to a Hamburg-area station, a court spokesperson said. Reuters reports that she was caught hours later.

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The International Auschwitz Committee, which represents Holocaust survivors and the descendants of victims, said her escape shows "incredible contempt for the rule of law and survivors," per the BBC. Prosecutors say that in her role as secretary to camp commander Paul Werner Hoppe, Furchner "assisted those responsible at the camp in the systematic killing of Jewish prisoners, Polish partisans, and Soviet Russian prisoners of war," reports the Guardian.

Some 65,000 people are believed to have died at the camp in what is now Poland, where prisoners were shot or killed in gas chambers or by lethal injection. Many others died from starvation or disease. Furchner is charged with aiding and abetting 11,412 murders. She has claimed she knew nothing of the mass killings at Stutthof. The prosecution's evidence includes deportation orders for Auschwitz that Furchner compiled and signed. Prosecutors say she also typed out execution commands.

Furchnerwho married a former SS sergeant she knew from the camp after the waris the first woman to go on trial for Nazi war crimes in decades. Holocaust survivors, including some who were at Stutthof, are expected to testify at her trial. Furchner was declared fit to stand trial, but hers is expected to be one of the final trials of people accused of involvement in the atrocities of the Third Reich, the Times of Israel reports. Next week, a 100-year-old former camp guard is due to stand trial in Berlin. (Read more Nazi war crimes stories.)
(Newser)  Authorities in Texas say a teenager intending to blow exhaust from his diesel pickup truck into the path of cyclists instead slammed into them. Four of six injured cyclists were rushed to hospitals following the Saturday morning incident in Waller County outside Houston, per KTRK. Chase Ferrell tells KRIV that he was 75 miles into a training ride for the Ironman Texas triathlon when a black pickup truck slowed down, then accelerated near him and other cyclists, sending black smoke into their path. This is known as "rolling coal." Ferrell says the drivervariously described as 16 or 17then tried to do the same thing to a group of eight cyclists leading the pack.

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"He was definitely trying to intimidate them and blow smoke on them," Ferrell tells KTRK. "He just got all the way over." The driver "ended up hitting three people before his brakes even started," he adds, per KRIV. "I heard a lot of crunching  tires screeching, people screaming" and "thought someone was dead." Ferrell recalls telling the teen driver, who remained at the scene, "You should go to jail," per the Washington Post. But police "decided not to charge my client and did not even issue him a traffic ticket," the teen's lawyer, Rick DeToto, tells KPRC. DeToto describes his client as "a very new and inexperienced driver," per the Houston Chronicle.

Noting the police investigation continues, Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis has vowed to look into the case amid an uproar from the public. Mathis says his office will work with a crash reconstructionist before presenting evidence to a grand jury, with the possibility of an indictment for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, per the Post. He notes intentionally rolling coal at another person "is AT A MINIMUM an assault." (A teen driver in Washington state allegedly struck and killed a runner while trying to scare him.)
(Newser)  Congress is nearing the end of a monumental week, one in which lawmakers are trying to avert a shutdown as they consider two huge pieces of legislation that could decide the fate of President Biden's legislative agenda. Stephen Colbert attempted to explain all this Wednesday night, in particular the arcane budgetary maneuver known as reconciliation on which much of this hangs. Except he did so in the musical stylings of Willy Wonka, changing the words of "Pure Imagination," per Mediaite. "Reconciliation is a phantasmagorical place of legislative wonder, where anything can happen," he said, per the New York Times. "Who knowsmaybe even something!" Watch the video here.

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In the course of his explanation, Colbert doled out some blame at the convoluted politics at play:

Mitch McConnell: "On Monday, McConnell led a Republican filibuster that blocked government funding and raising the debt ceiling," said Colbert. "So, this is a totally avoidable crisis." This, he added, is "all part of McConnell's plan to derail [President] Biden's $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan, which can only pass through a budget process called reconciliation that shields fiscal measures from a filibuster. Yes, for one magical vote a year, senators leave the mortal world behind and enter an enchanted land of reconciliation."

"On Monday, McConnell led a Republican filibuster that blocked government funding and raising the debt ceiling," said Colbert. "So, this is a totally avoidable crisis." This, he added, is "all part of McConnell's plan to derail [President] Biden's $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan, which can only pass through a budget process called reconciliation that shields fiscal measures from a filibuster. Yes, for one magical vote a year, senators leave the mortal world behind and enter an enchanted land of reconciliation." Manchin, Sinema: He also singled out Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. "In order to pass the bill through reconciliation, all 50 Senate Democrats have to be on board, but Manchin and Sinema have both said that there are parts of the $3.5 trillion bill that they oppose," Colbert said. "But they have yet to publicly detail their demands. So they're holding up the entire government, but they won't tell anyone what they want. That's like getting a ransom note that says, 'Your brother gets it unless you give us ... Wouldn't you like to know?'"

(Read more Stephen Colbert stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Anxious parents, students, teachers and schools are on their last-minute back to school prep after a long hiatus brought forth by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

But as desperate parents rush through checklists for the new school terms, equally busy behind the scene are yet another group of people. They were working tirelessly, day and night, for the past several weeks to make the way clear for the kids.

The Ministry of Works, the General Directorate of Traffic, The Interior Ministry and countless other officials and workers were busy drawing up and implementing plans to handle the upcoming back to school rush. Schools in Bahrain are reopening on Tuesday for the new 2021-2022 academic year, after closing doors on the 26th of February last year.

There will be a significant difference in the traffic situation compared to the previous period, as the students, staff and workers in the government and private agencies make their way back, said the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

Easing congestion and providing a safe environment for students and road users, the ministry said, called for implementing several improvements projects in the road sector, especially on those in the vicinity of schools.

Priority was for the construction of sidewalks and medians, the ministry said. Accordingly, the ministry conducted upgrading works on Abdul Rahman Al-Fadil Street near Abdul Rahman Al Nasser School in Muharraq, on the corridor leading to the entrance to Rabaa Al-Adawiya School in Al-Qudaibiya, and roads adjacent to Sitra School (Markouban).

Besides, the ministry created car parks for The Childrens Academy School in Haninia, Riffa and the Bahraini Saudi Institute for the Blind in Isa Town, paved the entrance to the new Indian school in Riffa, and constructed a road leading to the American school in Wadi al-Buhair.

The authority also constructed speed-reducing heights and repainted pedestrian crossings, traffic signs, sidewalks near schools across the Kingdom, in addition to maintaining traffic lights.

Coordination has also been made with the General Traffic Department at the Ministry of Interior to place traffic light technicians at peak times during the first week of school reopening.

The ministry is also urging road users on the importance of using alternate routes to reduce congestions, especially during peak times near schools and government offices. The ministry said it is expecting heavy traffic flow near the education area in Isa Town.

Isa Town area houses several facilities, which includes ten schools, buildings of the University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic University, Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Information, The information and eGovernment Authority, the headquarters of the Central Governorate and several other institutions.

To avoid congestion, it is necessary to use the new paths for the educational district from Sheikh Salman Street to Street 41 and from Istiklal Street to Road 4013 near the gate of the Ministry of Education.

The ministry also advises using the outlet from Sheikh Salman Street to Road 4109 near Sheikh Abdullah Secondary School for Boys, the outlet from 16 December Street to Street 41 near Ibn Khaldoun National School, outlet from the intersection of 16 December Street with Road 4109 at the intersection of the General Directorate of Traffic.

The ministry is also expecting higher traffic density in several other locations, where upgrading and infrastructure works are ongoing, including that on Al Fateh Street.

It is part of the Manama Ring Road, which aims at easing traffic between Sheikh Isa Salman Street, Umm Al-Hassam, Mina Salman, and Al-Fateh Street.

Works Ministry said it seeks to provide the best solution to traffic issues daily with the General Traffic Department, either through road projects or urgent and smart solutions. The ministry also seeks to introduce an intelligent transportation system that uses electronic screens to guide and provide drivers with traffic instructions.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The High Administrative Court granted divorce to an Indian couple invoking the Hindu Marriage act of 1955 of India, as per rule number 21 of Bahraini law.

The case files say the husband was demanding a divorce from his wife for deserting him for the last ten years. The decision, the court said, is as per rule number 21 of Bahrains pleading law for disputes by non-muslim complainants.

This law allows resolving person status disputes by invoking the countrys law according to which the couple had registered their marriage for allowing divorce. Case files say the couples marriage life entered a downward spiral after spending 12 years together from 1997 to 2009.

Irreconcilable differences led them to live separately after that. The husband claimed before that court that his wife had abandoned him and produced two witnessed to prove his claims.

The witnesses told the court that the woman lived separately from the man for the last ten years. The court, accepting the mans argument and witness testimonies, annulled the marriage. What does the Hindu Marriage Act say on divorce? Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage act of 1955 deals with divorce.

It sets the conditions on which a court could annul a marriage accepting a petition by either the husband or the wife. The act allows a divorce when one of the parties had voluntary intercourse with any other person other than their spouses, treated the petitioner with cruelty, or deserted the petitioner continuously for not less than two years immediately preceding the petition, among others.

It is, however, not the first time that a court of law in the Kingdom had invoked the Hindu Marriage Act in divorce petition cases. In a similar case last year, Bahrains major civil court had used the law in a divorce petition filed by a husband, who claimed that his wife had deserted him for the last two years.

The court, however, turned down his plea, saying that he had failed to provide a witness or any other proof to back his claims. The court also ordered the man to pay the litigation fees.

The latest statistics put Bahrains population at 1.54 million, of which 52.6% are foreigners. Around 74% are Muslims. Christians, the second-largest religious group, forms 10.2% and Jews 0.21% of the total population. The percentage of local Bahraini Christians, Jews, Hindus and Bahais is collectively 0.2%.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has stressed the role that the financial and banking sector plays as one of the vital and important sectors that contribute to supporting economic growth.

Shaikh Salman said it is pushing the wheel of economic development by creating more promising investment opportunities apart from its contributions to many development projects and programmes.

He noted the interest that this sector enjoys by providing the appropriate and supportive environment for it

This came during a remote meeting of His Excellency yesterday with Dr Boutros Klink, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Middle East and Bahrain.

The minister praised the contributions of financial and banking institutions and their active role in supporting all sectors that would boost economic development, noting the Kingdom's keenness to continue strengthening the role of these institutions to achieve the desired goals.

During the meeting, a number of issues of common concern and the latest developments in the global economy were discussed.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Radical measures are needed to fight obesity which has gone up over the past years, said a top Bahraini health official. Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the President of the Supreme Council of Health, and the Chairman of Bahrain Diabetes Society, also warned that the repercussions of the disease, being chronic, are dangerous to both the individuals and the community.

According to a 2018 survey, 25.7% of the expatriates and 42.8% of the citizens in the Kingdom suffered from obesity. The National Health Survey also puts 39.8% of the residents and 33.2% of the citizens as overweight.

Bahrain, Dr Shaikh Mohammed said, puts top priority for fighting obesity, for which the Kingdom has also designed a wide variety of programmes. They aim at achieving sustainable development goals and reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by 2030, the SCH President said while inaugurating the Bahrain Obesity Academy conference.

BDS organised the event in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the King Hamad University Hospital, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Highlighting efforts to fight overweight, Dr Shaikh Mohammed said it includes promoting physical activities, healthy nutrition, healthy lifestyles and establishing specialised clinics.

Bahrain Obesity Academy, he said, will prepare a comprehensive educational programme for 45 doctors on prevention, diagnosis and management of obesity to assist overweight patients. Health Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr Meriam Al Hajeri, said that the obesity rates in the Kingdom are warning us on the need to tackle it with urgent priority.

She also called for regional efforts to tackle the issue of overweight. Dr Al Hajeri also pointed out that the Bahrain Obesity Academy conference is the first medical conference since the outbreak began which is a good sign for the sector.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Supporting economic growth is a continuous process that aims to enhance competitiveness and economic sustainability through innovative initiatives that stimulate the growth of various sectors, in line with Bahrains Economic Vision 2030.

This was stressed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as he chaired yesterday the Bahrain Economic Development Board board meeting at the EDBs headquarters in Bahrain Bay.

Economic and investment plans, as well as accomplishments despite COVID-19 challenges were reviewed. HRH Prince Salman, also EDB chairman, expressed his gratitude to Team Bahrain for their efforts in mitigating the repercussions presented by COVID-19.

He noted the importance of continuing efforts during the phase of recovery to achieve the Kingdoms comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister said that the performance evaluation will be based on the extent of success in making Bahrainis the first choice of employment across the labour market and in implementing projects and initiatives to create quality opportunities for all. His Royal Highness explained that the efforts to secure a sustainable economic recovery pales compared to the stability and opportunities it will create.

He expressed his pride in the results that have been achieved, which is a reflection of Team Bahrains determination and affirmed that solidarity and a competitive spirit are required to succeed.

His Royal Highness noted that the ultimate goal of the implemented programmes is to provide economic stability and development for the benefit of our citizens.

He reiterated that the private sectors contribution to the Kingdoms development and its role as an economic driver creates opportunities by providing an open environment that supports sustainable growth.

His Royal Highness praised Team Bahrains efforts in furthering economic development through continued public-private sector partnerships and by creating a legislative environment that promotes growth. Furthermore, HRH Prince Salman highlighted the EDBs successful efforts in attracting direct investments and creating opportunities.
HARWINTON  The Harwinton Agricultural Society will open the 164th Annual Harwinton Fair Oct. 1, and continues through Oct. 3.

We have a lot of exciting events and activities scheduled for each day of the fair, including antique tractor pulls, horse events, wood chopping, animal exhibits, live entertainment, amazing fair food and vendors. The fair will also have agricultural displays, kids activities and so much more, according to the agricultural society.

A classic car show will be held on Friday and the Connecticut Doodlebugs. The Pisgah Mountain Primitives and historic reenactors are scheduled to appear all weekend. The Matica Circus is a new performer, and hot saw competition will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Each day will feature live music. The Andrew Owen band is set to open the fair and The Remnants and The Renegades will close out the fair on Friday night. On Saturday, performers include The Tradesman; Sunday, hear American Idol winner Nick Fradiani.

Guests can enter the womens skillet toss or mens hay bale contests, 3-D barrel racing and Gymkhana at the riding ring.

Hours are Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fairgrounds are located on Locust Road in Harwinton off Route 4.

On Friday, general admission is $10 and wristbands to enjoy the rides all evening long. Saturday and Sunday general admission is $10 and children 12 and under are free. Fair parking is also free.

Learn more on Facebook at Harwinton Fair or at harwintonfair.com for updates and more information on our fairground events.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to extend the U.N. political mission in Libya until after the country's critical presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for late December.

However, the U.N.'s most powerfule body remained divided over the withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign forces from the oil-rich North African nation and the missions leadership.

The vote extended the current mission until Jan. 31 to ensure the United Nations can continue supporting Libyas transitional government. The Dec. 24 elections aim to reunite the country after a decade of turmoil.

The end-of January date also coincides with the end of U.N. special envoy Jan Kubis' contract  a subject of a dispute between Western nations and Russia on where he should be based. Kubis currently works out of Geneva but a strategic review of the mission, known as UNSMIL, included having its chief relocate to Libyas capital, Tripoli. The West strongly backed this, especially in the run-up to the elections, but Russia opposed.

Earlier, the Security Council had extended UNSMILs mandate for only two weeks because of disputes between the West and Russia over the withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces as demanded in an October 2020 cease-fire agreement between rival Libyan governments in the countrys east and west.

Facing rival Western-backed and Russian draft resolutions  both almost certain to be defeated  and Thursday's end of the current mandate, council members decided to simply extend it without any updates or changes.

Britains U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward expressed regret that not all council members supported its compromise draft resolution, stressing that Libya is at a critical point" and that it's essential that the elections take place on time and are credible and inclusive.

She urged Security Council members to insist on implemention of the cease-fire agreement, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, without qualification and without delay."

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the consensus on the resolution shows international support to the Libyan people at a very sensitive and very momentous stage" leading up to elections. He said implementing the strategic review's recommendations should wait until after the election.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the country between a U.N.-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities loyal to commander Khalifa Hifter in the east. Each have been backed by different armed groups and foreign governments.

Hifter launched a military offensive in 2019 to capture the capital, a campaign backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and France. But his march on Tripoli ultimately failed in June 2020, after Turkey sent troops to support the Libyan government, which also had the backing of Qatar and Italy. This paved the way for the October cease-fire agreement and a transitional government charged with leading the country to Dec. 24 elections.

Thursday's vote postponed a Security Council statement on mercenaries and foreign fighters and Kubis' base.

The British draft resolution had called on all countries to comply with the U.N. arms embargo on Libya, including by ceasing all support for and withdrawing all armed mercenary personnel. It also expressed concern at the impact of the Libyan conflict on neighboring countries.

The Russian draft meanwhile called on all Libyan parties to fully implement the October 2020 cease-fire agreement, and urged all countries to pull their foreign forces and mercenaries out of Libya in a synchronized, parallel, balanced and phased withdrawal."

The U.N. estimated in December 2020 that there were at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya, including Syrians, Russians, Sudanese and Chadians. But diplomats said speakers at an informal council meeting in late April declared that there were more  including 13,000 Syrians and 11,000 Sudanese.

Last September, U.N. experts monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Libya said the warring parties and their international backers  the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Jordan vs Turkey and Qatar  violated a U.N. arms embargo on the oil-rich north African country.

Their report also said 11 companies violated the arms embargo, including the Wagner Group, a private Russian security company. In May 2020, the panel said Wagner provided between 800 and 1,200 mercenaries to support Hifter, the eastern Libyan commander.

The British draft had also said the U.N. mission chief should be based in Tripoli, and asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to retain Kubis as special envoy for six months to focus on engaging with the Libyan actors, and with the international actors to end their role in the conflict."

The Russian draft was similar but asked Guterres to retain Kubis for six months with further extensions for a period to be decided by the Security Council  which would have given Russia veto power over any decision on the special envoy's tenure and base of operations.
The states largest health care worker union reached a settlement with one group home, averting a possible strike over wages, health insurance costs and retirement, leadership said Wednesday.

SEIU 1199 New England announced last week it had delivered strike notices to two group home agencies, Whole Life and Network Inc. The union called for better pay, affordable health insurance and pensions, and gave the two organizations until Oct. 5 before they began striking.

The union reached a settlement agreement with Network Inc. on Monday, SEIU 1199 President Rob Baril said during a press conference.

Baril hailed the agreement with Network Inc. Wednesday, saying he hopes the settlement will become a contract standard for workers in the union.

Were obviously hopeful that that becomes a settlement pattern for Whole Life and then for the two additional agencies where we sent strike notices today, Baril said.

The terms of the settlement gives workers at Network Inc. a minimum wage of $16.50 this year, increased to $17.25 next year. It also includes a defined benefit pension plan and what Baril described as significant reductions in out-of-pocket costs for health insurance.

Other concessions included giving workers Juneteenth as a holiday in recognition of racial justice concerns that some of our members had, Baril said.

Its an overwhelmingly female workforce  white working class women, Black and brown women, folks who as a labor of love get up every single day to care for those who cannot care for themselves, along with those with intellectual disabilities, Baril added.

Baril said he is hopeful for a settlement with Whole Life, but declined discussions in detail.

While touting success with Network Inc., union officials said Wednesday that they had filed strike notices with two additional group home operators in the state, ASI and Sunrise Northeast. The deadline to reach an agreement is Oct. 12.

Workers at Network Inc., many of whom had not seen a raise in over a decade, welcomed the news that an agreement had been reached.

The victory is just overwhelming, said Jennifer Brown, who works for both Sunrise Northeast and Network Inc. She described a 15-hour round of negotiating that finally led to Mondays agreement. We work hard, we work through storms we worked through the pandemic. Were still working, she said.

The issue with working conditions had been exacerbated by staffing shortages predate the pandemic, Baril said.

Sherry Nash said mandatory overtime work has made her miss holidays, her sons birthday party and even a recent funeral.

Thats what were getting for overtime, she said. Its not always elective overtime, its because they say you have to.

Nash, a Network worker, said the agreement reached Monday would allow her to live comfortably for some time.

From personal experience, I know what its like to go to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my son and have to walk away without getting that prescription because I dont make enough to cover both the premiums and the prescriptions, she said.

Evelyn Addy, whose employer was recently acquired by Network, said shes gone 15 years without a raise. We work so hard, we give medication, we cook, we do everything because they are really like our family, she said.

Baril said the state did its job by providing the industry with an additional $184 million in funding.

The process has been the agencies have to submit to the state what their cost needs are, so non-union agencies can go ahead and do that, he said. Unionized agencies have to meet with the union first and talk about what workers need, he said.
After the shocking news about the discovery of children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops residential school, Tim Hortons restaurant owners across Canada began asking what they could do to lend their support. A Tim Hortons restaurant co-owned by Shane Gottfriedson, Joe Quewezance and Mitch Shuter is located a short distance from the site of the former Kamloops residential school. They along with other Indigenous Tim Hortons restaurant owners were part of a working group that guided the launch of this fundraising campaign.

"We're proud that Tim Hortons owners across Canada are joining us in this initiative that will raise some important funds and awareness for two organizations that do crucial work to help support survivors of the residential school system," said Gottfriedson, former Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation chief and former B.C. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Landon Miller was also part of the working group of Tims restaurant owners for this campaign. He launched his own grassroots orange donut campaign at his restaurant on Six Nations of the Grand River territory in the days after the Kamloops discovery.

"We were able to quickly raise over $5,000 in our individual campaign and I'm excited for this idea to go national, and grateful for the support of Tim Hortons owners and guests across Canada," said Miller.

Sharon and Brian Bruyere of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba were two other members of the working group for this campaign.

"Brian and I are both survivors of the residential school system and we are proud that Tim Hortons owners across Canada are joining this important initiative that will bring awareness to the efforts around truth and reconciliation," said Sharon Bruyere. "We consulted with our community as we prepared to launch this campaign and we are looking forward to having Tim Hortons show its support for these two important Indigenous organizations and residential school survivors."

Orange Shirt Day has been observed on Sept. 30 since 2013, when Phyllis Webstad told her story of her first day of residential school. She was six years old in 1973, excited to be wearing her new clothes and going to school for the first time, only to have her shiny new orange shirt ripped away and learn that she didn't matter. Her organization, the Orange Shirt Society, and the Every Child Matters movement she created continue to raise awareness about Canada's history of residential schools, along with honouring the survivors and their families and the children who never returned home.

"The truth and legacy of the residential school system are not only Indigenous history, they are Canadian history, that every Canadian should learn and know about. I'm humbled and honoured that my story is a vehicle for change across Canada," said Webstad.

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has a more than 20-year history of providing services to residential school survivors, their families, and those dealing with intergenerational traumas. One of the Society's goals is to continually expand support to partner organizations and maximize access to culturally sensitive, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care.

"We at the Indian Residential School Survivors Society have moved to virtual one-on-one supports  including a 24-hour crisis line  during the pandemic. This has allowed us to ensure we reach as many former students of Indian residential schools as we can across Canada. We never turn anyone away; it takes courage to extend a hand for help and we intend to be there when they do," said Angela White, Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

"More than 150,000 Indigenous children  First Nations, Inuit and Metis  were forced from their homes to attend these neglectful institutions of assimilation and oppression. As a non-profit organization, our ability to provide care is truly enhanced by contributions from the community. We are honoured to do this work, to assist in the wellness of those who survived and to remember those who never made it home."

Tim Hortons is proud to be launching this program with the support of restaurant owners across Canada, said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.

"At the heart of the Tim Hortons brand is supporting the communities where we serve, and right across Canada, the Tims family felt devastated by the horrific news in Kamloops and the subsequent discoveries that were made at other former residential schools, including in Brandon, Marieval, Kootenay and Kuper Island," said Bagozzi.

"We hope Canadians will join us in marking Sept. 30 as a day of reflection and support this campaign through Oct. 6 to help the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society."



Visit the Tim Hortons Newsroom to read more about the Orange Shirt Society , the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, and the stories of Tim Hortons restaurant owners Shane Gottfriedson, Joe Quewezance and Mitch Shuter , Landon Miller, and Sharon and Brian Bruyere.

You can also download video B-roll and photos on the Tim Hortons Newsroom.

*Prices may vary by region.



About Tim Hortons

In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Doublecoffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with more than 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages  including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps  alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca

SOURCE Tim Hortons

For further information: please reach out to: [email protected]

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Kumar also targeted the deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, and said that protestors outside Sibal's house were not hooligans, but party workers who registered their protest against a statement with which they did not agree.

Senior Congress leader and former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Thursday slammed Kapil Sibal saying that at a time when the party expects support, he is pointing fingers at it. Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, The Congress party expected that today they will stand with the party in difficult times. Instead, he has started pointing fingers at the party that gave him everything. When he was made a minister, spokesperson, MP by the same structure, leadership, I would like to ask did the Congress working committee endorse his appointment at that time?

There is a method and functioning system in Congress party which has been there for a long time and everybody knows. I can understand that there could be a change in certain methodology and unconscious mistakes may be committed and need to bring to the notice of the leadership. They have the right to write letters but the problem is when certain people feel that they are not being given the importance that they deserve then they start having problems with the partys leadership, said the former Union Minister.



Further reacting to Sibals statement Kumar said, Very surprising that some of our so-called senior leaders are saying that do not know who is taking decisions in the party. Kumar also targeted the deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, and said that protestors outside Sibals house were not hooligans, but party workers who registered their protest against a statement with which they did not agree.

Sharma in a tweet today said, Shocked and disgusted to hear the news of attack and hooliganism at Kapil Sibals house. This deplorable action brings disrepute to the party and needs to be strongly condemned.



The protest by Congress workers outside Sibals residence on Wednesday came in the wake of his statement on the political crisis in Punjab Congress. In our party, there is no president so we dont know who is taking these decisions. We know and yet we dont know, the Congress leader had said yesterday in a press conference raising questions on the delay in the election of the party president.
Dismissing all speculation ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, Amarinder said he would leave the Congress where he had been utterly humiliated and was not trusted.

Amid the ongoing turmoil in Punjab Congress, former state chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he would quit the Congress party but wont be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an official statement, he said that he had no intention of continuing in the Congress, and said that his affiliation with the party was going downhill with senior leaders being completely ignored and not given a voice in the party.

Dismissing all speculation ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, Amarinder said he would leave the Congress where he had been utterly humiliated and was not trusted. I will resignwill not stay in the party, he said, adding that he was still thinking through his options in the interest of Punjab, whose security was the predominant priority for him. I will not be treated in this humiliating mannerI will not take such insults, he said, adding that his principles and beliefs do not allow him to stay in the Congress.



Terming the senior Congressmen as the thinkers, who were critical to the future of the party, the former chief minister said the younger leadership should be promoted to implement the plans, which the senior leaders are best equipped to formulate. Unfortunately, the seniors were being completely sidelined, Amarinder said, adding this was not good for the party. He also condemned the attack on Kapil Sibals house by Congress workers only because he had chosen to express views that were not palatable to the party leadership.



Congress on September 28 inducted former CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar into the party. Meanwhile, commenting on the recent political crisis in the party, senior party leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday had said that they are unaware of who is taking the decisions in the party as there is no president.

Expressing the hope that Punjab would vote for the future of the state, he said his experience showed that the people of Punjab tend to vote for a single party/force, irrespective of the number of parties in the fray. Misgovernance in Punjab would give Pakistan the opportunity to create trouble in the state and in the country, he said, adding that his meeting with NSA Ajit Doval this morning centred around this issue.

Notably, Amarinder had raised security concerns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah too, along with the farmers issue, during his meeting with the latter on Wednesday. Taking a dig at those who undermine the growing Pakistani threat in Punjab, he said that such people were playing into the hands of anti-India forces by being in denial mode. They (Pak-backed elements) are killing our soldiers every day, they are pushing weapons into the state through drones. How can we overlook these dangers, he added.

Reiterating his opinion of Navjot Singh Sidhu, Amarinder described him as a mere crowd puller who does not know how to carry his team along. Pointing out that he had personally worked with many Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chiefs, besides himself being one, he said he always resolved issues amicably, without indulging in theatrics like Sidhu.

Amarinder, who landed in the national capital on Tuesday, met Shah at his residence on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing farmers agitation and urged him to resolve the crisis by immediately repealing the three farm laws. The meeting came amid fresh turmoil in Punjab Congress with the sudden resignation of state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and led to speculation that the Congress leader may be warming up to the BJP.

Amarinder Singh had resigned as Chief Minister on September 18 and had told the media that the Congress leadership had let him down. He had also taken a dig at Sidhu over his resignation, saying he is not a stable man. Sidhu was made PCC chief by Congress leadership in July to stem infighting in Punjab Congress ahead of next years assembly polls but the party is now grappling with a fresh crisis.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States and the European Union agreed Wednesday to carry on the work of 10 expert-level panels to explore and recommend solutions to a variety of trade disputes and challenges.

During the first of two days of trade and technology talks in Pittsburgh, they instructed the working groups to continue deliberations on matters ranging from climate and clean tech and technology standards to global trade issues, including tariffs that have strained U.S.-EU relations and predatory commercial practices by China.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Trade Representative Katherine Tai led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council. The meeting took place in an atmosphere clouded by recent EU anger over being excluded from a new U.S.-British-Australian security initiative for the Indo-Pacific that aims to counter Chinas increasing assertiveness in the region.

Raimondo said the contentious Indo-Pacific dispute was outside the mandate of the TTC and was not discussed in the talks, while Blinken and the EU delegation hailed the talks as extremely productive and cooperative in pushing to create new rules of the road for global commerce.

Were working very, very closely together, Blinken said. When were working together we have a unique ability to help shape the norms and standards and rules that will govern the way technology is used; technology affects the lives of virtually all of our citizens. We have an ability to set the pace to set the standard.

In a joint statement released after Wednesday's discussions, the two sides agreed on the need to maintain investment screening and export controls, affirmed their intention to develop artificial intelligence systems that are "innovative and trustworthy and respect universal human rights and shared democratic values, and committed to partnering on a rebalance of semi-conductor supply chains.

They also agreed that the working group on export controls would meet again Oct. 27.

The two sides had been hoping to make progress on several disputes, including U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports, and a unified stance against predatory Chinese commercial policies. But the 17-page joint statement made no specific mention of either issue and contained no references to China by name.

Administration officials had said the talks in Pittsburgh would mark the start of a new trans=Atlantic process that would focus on semiconductors, supply chains, vaccines and climate change, along with studies on artificial intelligence and high-tech telecommunications, notably advanced 6G networks.

The White House, in part, viewed the gathering as an opportunity to renew its push for improved coordination against what the administration sees as coercive and unfair trade practices by Beijing.

The administration had been expected to underscore that the United States and Europe need to continue to work on building resilience against China and other countries engaging in unfair economic practices, according to a person familiar with U.S. preparations. The person was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

But it was unclear how much of an appetite there is among some European allies to push harder on Beijing. In short public remarks, neither the American side nor the European Commission delegation, headed by its two executive vice-presidents, Margrethe Vestager and Valdis Dombrovskis, made mention of the matter.

Launched in June during Bidens visit to Europe, the TTC attracted little attention initially, but it became a focal point for growing tensions between the U.S. and France, as the government in Paris sought to delay this meeting.

Those tensions exploded earlier this month when the U.S., Britain and Australia announced their new Indo-Pacific security initiative, known as AUKUS, that pointedly excluded France and the EU, and most immediately resulted in the cancellation of a multibillion-dollar Australian-French submarine contract. France reacted with rage to the announcement, which it called a stab in the back by ostensible allies, and recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia.

Among the French complaints, which have been echoed by EU leaders, are that the European Union has an active and important role in the Indo-Pacific and that any move to blunt Chinese influence there or elsewhere will not be successful without it.

Biden, at Junes Group of Seven summit in Carbis Bay, England, successfully pressed fellow leaders to include specific language criticizing Chinas use of forced labor and other human rights abuses in their joint communique.

Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Japan largely endorsed the Biden administrations position, while Germany, Italy and the European Union showed hesitancy during the talks.

The Pittsburgh talks came as the Biden administration is looking to soon complete its review of the Trump administrations trade policies toward China.

___

Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak in Washington and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  The mayor of Alaska's largest city apologized Thursday for his comments supporting some residents' use of Holocaust imagery to liken a proposed citywide mask mandate to the oppression of Jewish people in Nazi Germany.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has said he staunchly opposes the proposal and initially defended the use of yellow Stars of David worn by other critics this week at heated public hearings. Such imagery has been used by opponents of mask and vaccine mandates across the U.S., drawing condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish organizations.

The proposal before the Anchorage Assembly would require people to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors at large events. If approved as written, businesses and building owners would be required to deny entry to people not wearing masks, though there are exceptions for small children and some others.

It comes as Alaska experiences a spike in coronavirus cases. The state has seen a 42% increase in newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over last week, officials said, and its largest hospital has declared crisis standards that allow the overwhelmed facility to modify its normal levels of care.

The mask proposal has provoked a strong response.

Four people were arrested during a Wednesday assembly hearing on the measure, two for disorderly conduct and two for trespassing. One also faces a weapons misconduct charge for allegedly carrying a concealed gun, Anchorage Police Sgt. Ken Bushue told the Anchorage Daily News.

Anchorage instituted mask mandates under two different mayoral administrations. But Bronson was elected in May after pledging not to enact mask mandates.

During a Tuesday assembly meeting, he said the proposed mask mandate is reckless and ill conceived.

I oppose this ordinance because it is based on inconclusive science, because it is bad policy, and because it is an unconstitutional infringement on the freedom guaranteed to every Anchorage citizen by our federal and state constitutions, Bronson said. But most of all, I oppose this ordinance because it pits neighbor against neighbor, shop owner against customer and friend against friend.

At a hearing the next day, he defended the use of the yellow stars, with the words Do not comply, worn by some attendees opposing the mask mandate.

Christine Hill, who twice ran unsuccessfully for the assembly, printed out the stars at home and handed them out for others to wear to draw a comparison to the oppression and genocide of Jewish people in Nazi Germany.

Were going down that same road, whats happening now, taking more and more of our freedom away. And thats whats happening. Thats whats frightening, Hill said.

Assembly member Forrest Dunbar, who is Jewish and lost to Bronson in the mayoral race, decried the use of the Star of David, reading a letter he received from his rabbi, Abram Goodstein.

It was heart-wrenching for me when I noticed individuals were wearing yellow Stars of David, mimicking my Jewish ancestors who perished during the Holocaust, Dunbar read, quoting Goodstein.

For myself and most Jews, seeing the yellow Star of David on someones chest elicits the same feeling as seeing a swastika on a flag or the SS insignia on a uniform," the letter said. "I believe it is a constitutional right to protest for your values. But I request that you do not use symbols that diminish the 6 million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust.

During his comments on the subject Wednesday, Bronson said: There was a formal message that came out within Jewish culture about that, and the message was, Never again. Thats an ethos. And thats what that star really means is, We will not forget, this will never happen again. And I think us borrowing that from them is actually a credit to them.

On Thursday, the mayor issued a statement apologizing for his remarks.

I understand that we should not trivialize or compare what happened during the Holocaust to a mask mandate, and I want to apologize for any perception that my statements support or compare what happened to the Jewish people in Nazi Germany, Bronson said.

Many in the crowd testified against the mask mandate.

Others called into the meeting expressing support for the proposal, citing rising case numbers and overburdened hospitals. They included Dr. Tom Hennessy, who specializes in public health and preventative medicine at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Theres clear and convincing evidence that the use of facial masks and mask mandates in public settings reduces transmission and deaths from COVID-19. We know this from laboratory studies and real world evaluation of mask policies, Hennessy said.

The hearing was scheduled to continue Thursday. Bronson could issue a veto on the proposal, but the assembly has the authority to override it.
Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media

AVON  A local man faces multiple federal child exploitation offenses in connection with an investigation into online communications between the man and an undercover agent, prosecutors said.

Michael Ferro, 35, was charged by a federal criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a max of 30 years; attempted receipt of child pornography, which carries a minimum term of five years and a max of 20; and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and max of life in prison, according to federal prosecutors.
With mandatory vaccine deadlines looming, hospital officials at several major Connecticut networks said hundreds of employees still have not received their required shots.

The full picture of what that means for potential job losses remains unclear, but a top official with the Yale-New Haven Health network said they expect at least 100 employees will part ways with us.

Dr. Thomas Balcezak, the networks chief clinical officer, said progress had been made to get all workers vaccinated, but as of Monday, 420 employees still had not received a dose.

Hartford HealthCare, which runs hospitals in Hartford, Bridgeport and Torrington, said as of Wednesday, 683 employees had not been vaccinated, and the deadline was Thursday. It was unclear when employees may face disciplinary action, including termination.

The employees account for 3 percent of the organizations workforce, the remaining 97 percent of whom have received at least a first dose of vaccine, Dr. Ajay Kumar, the health care systems chief clinical officer, said in a statement to Hearst Connecticut Media.

All vaccines have proven to be safe and extremely effective at reducing serious illness and death, Kumar said. We have been working diligently to help our colleagues come to the decision that is right for them, and hope all of our colleagues make the choice to stay within our organization.

Stamford Health, which operates Stamford Hospital, anticipates fewer than 100 staff could face corrective actions up to and including termination, if they are not vaccinated by the health systems Friday deadline, a spokesperson said.

So far, 98 percent of staff have been vaccinated, and Stamford Health believes the number of employees who face discipline will not impact operations or patient care, Jake Gaydos, a spokesperson for the health network, said in an email.

A spokesperson for Nuvance Health, which operates seven hospitals in western Connecticut and New York, said the organizations deadline is at the end of the week, but did not say how many employees have yet to receive the vaccine.

Middlesex Health, which operates Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, is requiring employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1. A spokesperson said it was too early to say what percentage of staff is vaccinated.

A spokesperson for Trinity Health of New England said at least 95 percent of its 10,000 employees have submitted documentation showing theyve been vaccinated. The health system runs St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, St. Marys Hospital in Waterbury and Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs. The health systems parent organization announced it would require COVID-19 vaccines in July.

Our colleagues are our most valuable resource and the goal of this initiative is vaccination not termination, the statement from Trinity Health New England said. We are providing education and support to those colleagues who have not yet submitted information about their vaccination status and are giving colleagues every opportunity to take action. We are optimistic that these efforts will be successful.

While hospitals continue efforts to convince remaining employees to get vaccinated, the number of COVID-19 patients in these facilities has dropped in recent weeks. As of Tuesday, there were 250 patients hospitalized with the virus statewide, compared with a recent high of 391 on Aug. 24.

Vaccine mandates have become more common in recent weeks. President Joe Biden announced he would expand a federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing home workers to include hospitals and other health care facilities that receive funds through Medicare and Medicaid.

Gov. Ned Lamont has not issued a state mandate for private hospitals, but did order workers at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to be vaccinated. He also mandated vaccines for state workers, along with teachers and school staff.

Rhode Island and New York issued broader mandates in August, requiring all licensed health care workers to be vaccinated. New York required health care workers to receive at least a first dose by Monday, while Rhode Island workers have until Friday to be fully vaccinated.

The mandates led to fears of staffing shortages in both states. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday she was prepared to deploy medically trained members of the National Guard or retired medical personnel where shortages occurred. The looming mandate prompted thousands of New York health care workers to receive a vaccine, the New York Times reported. In Rhode Island, hospitals and other health care facilities are preparing to lose some employees, the Providence Journal reported Wednesday.

Asked about the prospect of staffing shortages brought on by vaccine mandates at private hospitals, Lamont said Wednesday he hadnt heard of any issues.

As you know the hospitals and all the health-related facilities said I want everybody vaccinated. I think people are still coming in, the governor said during a news conference.

Look, you've got somebody with maybe symptoms of COVID, if you're going into the hospital you've gotta be treated by somebody you know is safe, so I think the overwhelming majority of people are following the rules as I understand it in all of our health care institutions.
If you thought your mail delivery was slow, it's about to get even slower.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a part of their 10-year plan that overall will have longer first-class mail deliveries, cut back on location hours, and increase the price of stamps.

Friday marks the start of the longer first-class mail deliveries.

The 10-year plan from USPS says first-class mail has declined since 2007, and that ground deliveries have outperformed air deliveries. Statistics show ground delivery has 92% on-time delivery compared to air which has 89.4% on-time deliveries.

Most first class mail (61%) and periodicals (93%) will be unaffected, USPS spokesperson Kim Frum told USA Today. She also indicated that single-piece regional mail will still have a two-day delivery time.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy introduced the 10-year plan earlier this year in March.

We are the most trusted brand. I just want to become the most used brand," DeJoy told the Washington Post.

Overall the 10-year plan is projected to save the USPS $58 billion. The plan also shows the postal service could gain $24 billion in revenue from "self-help management initiative," including package growth, new competitive products and pricing changes. There could also be $34 billion that comes from "cost improvement." That includes mail processing, transportation, retail, delivery, and administrative efficiency.

New revenue in the form of $44 billion is estimated to come in via postage rate increases.

USPS also said in the 10-year plan they're hoping package business grows from 6% to 11%.
WALLINGFORD  Glenn Merritt III, 25, had a dreaded fear of getting COVID-19 and having to be intubated, so he planned to get the vaccine as soon as his age group became eligible in early April.

But less than two weeks before that magic date, Merritt, better known as G was hospitalized with the virus and his worst fear came true - he had to be intubated, suffered numerous major organ complications and his parents were told at one point he likely had three days to live.

Six months later, Merritt is still in rehabilitation at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare - on dialysis three days a week (a side effect of his COVID) - but hes finding his usual positivity in the situation: Because of him, so many relatives in his large extended family - including down South - saw his situation and decided to get the vaccine, stronghold skeptics among them.

I was used as an example in my family for taking COVID seriously, he said, noting his wide circle from here to down South - his mom, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even his pastor, got vaccinated after hearing his story.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

I think everyone should be vaccinated. I dont want anyone to go through what I went through, Merritt said. A lot of people my age dismiss it. They take COVID seriously part time instead of all the time.

Merritt, who will move in with his father in New Haven when released at the end of October, has a special quality about him that he has been held dear by healthcare workers along the way at Middlesex Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and now Gaylord Specialty Healthcare.

At St. Francis, his attending physician called him King of the Hospital, and at Gaylord, staff members burst out crying recently during a family planning event when they thought he was leaving soon.

His circle is big, said his uncle, Carlton Staggers, former Ward 30 New Haven alderman. Hes a good kid, a really good kid.

Staggers said he and his five adult children got the vaccine in response to Merritts case.

His dad, Glenn Rick Merritt Jr., said of his only son that hes been popular among all the hospitals staff because, Hes very respectful and treats everyone with kindness and care.

He has a good attitude and his attitude is helping him to heal, the older Merritt said.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

But at one point, it didnt look like the younger Merritts good attitude was going to be enough to get him through COVID-19.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

Hi father and his mom, Linette Rose Merritt, who are divorced, said Sunday, May 9, was the darkest day of their lives as they were told their son wasnt responding to the antibiotics and might only live until Wednesday.

Given the prognosis, medical staff asked dad if he wanted to just keep the younger Merritt comfortable and discontinue treatment.

I said were going to pray and continue treatment, the elder Glenn Merritt said.

The tears were flowing, but the dad returned to New Haven and rallied his friends, relatives in prayer. Those prayers went out from up and down the East Coast and from east to west, his parents said.

Staggers recalls all their tears and their New Haven prayer circle that day.

We never all prayed together as much as we did this time, Staggers said. Suddenly the hospital said, I dont know what you did, but his vitals changed.

Linette Merritt said her son was allowed two visitors that Sunday and instead of going herself, sent her mom to pray with her ex-husband because her moms a pastor and her faith is stronger than mine, Linette Merritt said.

She went to see her son the next day and he was beginning to respond to the medication - a turn the family largely attributes to all the prayer.

I could have fell out there knowing my son could probably die that week but the tide was coming back, she said.

Its just a miracle. Every day when I wake up I cry - its not a bad cry, she said.

A couple of days later, the great news came as the medical personnel told dad, Your son is miraculously recovering, the elder Glenn Merritt said.

It was the biggest relief in the world, he said.

Contributed photo / Contributed photo

The younger Glenn Merritt developed cold symptoms, including a cough about a week before his dad would ultimately bring him to the hospital March 28.

The younger Glenn Merritt, who says he was planning to get the vaccine when he became eligible April 5, thought he had a common cold, but dad insisted on the hospital as he didnt like the way his sons breathing sounded over the phone.

The elder Glenn Merritt - who had been vaccinated way back in January, drove from New Haven to his sons place in New Britain, figuring he would drive him to Yale New Haven Hospital, as the elder Merritt works there as a shipping/receiving supervisor.

But his sons breathing was so shallow that the elder Glenn Merritt didnt think they would make it back to New Haven, so he Googled the nearest hospital, despite not being too tech savvy  and it was Middlesex. Hospital.

An hour later, Glenn Merritt was told he had COVID-19.

I felt really scared after that, he said.

Two days later, he learned he was going to be intubated there it was - his worst fear - that he had shared with his mom not long before.

I panicked and called everybody he said.

Linette Merritt recalls the previous conversation with her son.

The week before he went to the hospital we were both talking about the virus and how deathly scared we were about it. We were talking about worse scenarios and how people on ventilators dont usually make it out. He was definitely going for the vaccine because he was so scared of a ventilator, she said.

The younger Glenn Merritts sickness has been a six-month nightmare of complications, although hes making great progress in rehabilitation and is expected to be released at the end of October.

He was kept in a medically induced coma for 31/2 months, dad said, and suffered complications of a blood clot, his heart stopping, internal bleeding, a lung so bad they thought he would need a transplant, and impairment of his kidneys, which has required dialysis. A kidney transplant may be in his future, the parents say.

I couldnt move - I couldnt walk, I couldnt talk, the younger Glenn Merritt said of when he awoke. Everyone tells me Im lucky.

He weighed 460 when it all started and now weighs 319, he said.

Glenn Merritt said hes thrilled to have lost a lot of weight through the ordeal and says hell work to lose more.

Since I was able to drop all that weight, I dont want to put it on again, he said.

He was transferred for rehabilitation to Gaylord July 22, where as usual, hes extraordinarily popular among staff and other patients.

Two of his therapists in physical therapy and occupational therapy, who often work together with him, said Glenn Merritt has made huge progress - he can get himself out of bed, walk with the help of a walker, feed himself, dress and more basic daily living skills that he was unable to do after the illness. When he arrived, Glenn Merritt couldnt even hold up his head on his own.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

Hes a pleasure to work with - hes so polite and humble, said Gaylord physical therapist Jackie Skirkanich. He also gets a lot of other patients rooting him on when he walks past. He brings good morale to all the patients.

She said when his dad came for a family training session in anticipation of his release - - everyone cried - the family, the staff.

Occupational therapist Maddie Murgatroyd said patient Glenn Merritt has been motivated since day one, and never misses a session unless its out of his control, despite feeling tired or ill some days.

Long road

Glenn Merritt said hes happy hes started to climb stairs.

Im feeling pretty good now - a whole lot better than I did, he said. Gaylords been great. When I first got here I didnt think Id be able to do anything ever again.

Glenn Merritt has a long road ahead and even though he cant live on his own will continue online working on his masters degree in criminal justice.

He hopes to become a police officer and earn his way up to detective one day.

I want to get out of here and get onto working everyday life, he said.

Contributed photo / Contributed photo

One of the best things in all of it - besides losing weight and influencing vaccines - the younger Glenn Merritt said, is that hes become good friends with male nurse from St. Francis, four years his elder.

He calls me his little brother. He tells me every day that he loves me, the younger Glenn Merritt said.

Although the young patient said he questioned his faith at some point, its now restored because, they all kept praying and it worked.

The elder Glenn Merritt said he texted his son every day even though he was in a coma and is thrilled his sons case by example might have saved lives.

With him getting COVID a lot of family members who didnt get it, got vaccinated the elder Merritt said.

Linette Merritt said shes so grateful no one gave up on her son.

It has changed our outlook on life about petty things because you never know if youre going to be here, she said. Sometimes these tragedies wake you up.
NEW HAVEN  Armada Brewing has won a pivotal approval to manufacture beer and open a taproom in Fair Haven, despite a hard push to delay the matter.

John Kraszewski, the owner of Armada, was granted the special exception by the Board of Zoning Appeals for the business at 190 River St. as close to 60 people watched the proceedings ths week, with many testifying on the Zoom platform.

River Street, a one-time industrial center for New Haven, but underdeveloped for decades, has new suitors with actor Michael Jai White of Jaigantic Studios declaring an interest in much of the street after others had already stepped forward.

He is proposing to construct 25 sound studios with an apprenticeship training program that the companys officers estimate would bring 1,000 jobs.

New England Brewing Company is seeking a separate parcel and Armada, the smallest business, was the farthest project along, having signed a lease and gotten site approval.

Lee Cruz, co-chairman of the Fair Haven Community Management Team, submitted a petition with 367 signatures asking that the BZA delay a decision on Armada so the city could mediate among all proposals to advance a plan that will bring the most jobs and find a solution that benefits all of them.

We do not want to see plans for one company advance in ways that force another to move their project elsewhere and lose out on jobs, an increased tax base, and other potential benefits for our community, he read.

Armada submitted 38 letters in its favor, while the direct comments were split with slightly more in favor of the Armada.

ZBA Chairwoman Mildred Melendez allowed much of the testimony on the proposed mediation and Jaigantic to proceed before making clear it was not the subject of the vote.

She said it was an unusual situation in that the opposition was asking for a continuation to resolve a conflict, something that ordinarily would come from the applicant.

Commissioner Alexandria Daum said much of the testimony could not be considered by the board as it was beyond its scope.

At the end of the meeting however, she recused herself given how much state money had gone into remediating River Street and her position as deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

This made for a closer vote with three in favor of the special exception and one opposed.

Several officers with Jaigantic weighed in.

We want to find a place that we can work together ...we have tried to reach out on all of these positions on our projects. I think we can work something out, Donovan DeBoer, CEO of Jaigantic said, while also alluding to concerns about the brewery and the at risk minors they will be working with.

Jacqueline Buster, chief impact officer, said they would bring union jobs, a mini-city within a city, with a cross-section of professions. She also put an emphasis on security.

We want to be assured that the development we are proposing can be secure because of the amount of equipment, the expense of the equipment and also the celebrity talent that will not come here, if they cant get from one end of the street to the other without being impeded or approached. That is a serious thing here, she said.

The properties on River Street covered in a memorandum of understanding between Jaigantic and the city are at one end, while Armada is close to the other end.

We think there are some options that we can offer that would far exceed any expectation that he may have right now, Buster said of Kraszewski.

COO Mayne Berke said they need contiguous properties unimpeded. ... The brewery where it is is going ... is going to create a security risk.

Neighbors

Drew Goldsman of Lewis Street spoke in favor of the brewery as an appropriate light industrial use and questioned the Jaigantic plan.

You dont get to claim dibs over a huge swath of our city and neighborhood with some kind of out-of-town investor idea ... he said.

Davante Mallard of Front Street was in favor of Jaigantic and was impressed that White toured the businesses along Grand Avenue. It will have a huge impact, Mallard said of the proposed jobs. He said it should be a team effort to make the city a better place at that site.

Kraszewski said he did not understand how a mediation with Jaigantic has any relevance to this special exemption at all. They are trying to have an extreme overreach. They dont have any legal documents on their property other than an MOU. I have a lease ... Their request seems so absurd to me. I have waited for them to contact me. I never got an email. I never got a phone call.

Ryan Voytek, owner of Front Porch Brewing in Wallingford supported the proposal as did Phil Pappas of the Connecticut Brewers Guild.

Pappas said craft beer represents 18,000 jobs and pumps $3 billion into the Connecticut economy.

Chris Ozyck said the issue is about the highest and best use of the land and the BZA should tell the city do their job, get these two entities together and come up with contingency plans.

Enrique Rosado, who is a nearby property owner, opposed the Armada.

This is a really low-lying fruit that (economic officials) have delivered to us, Rosado said. He said the city also has to consider the traffic.

It is a bad precedent, he said.

Ian Dunn, who heads the Wooster Square Community Management Team, supports the plan. This is a really clear application for a site that makes total sense, Dunn said.

Kerry Triffin, owner of the nearby Fair Haven Furniture property, said it was hard for him to imagine that Armada, at 1,500 square feet, would put Jaigantic Studios in jeopardy.

It just seems preposterous, Triffin said.

Carmine Capasso, who will soon own the building at 190 River St., said in the last 15 years many people have come before the city offering these grand plans and nothing ever happens.

He said it is difficult given the flood zone, the pilings and the contamination.

Capasso said he has no plans to leave and has not been approached tby Jaigantic. He told the BZA to approve Kraszewskis plan as a bird in the hand. Take it.

Maryann Moran opposed Armada and would rather see something more creative than a brewery in the neighborhood, while her neighbor Tony Pellegrino supported it.

Sarah Miller, who is running for the 14h Ward alder, said she was happy to see the interest in River Street redevelopment, but disappointed with another trend: disjointed and uncoordinated development planning.

She feels the Armada development is in direct conflict with Jaigantics. Miller said the conflict was not irreconcilable, but should have been addressed before this and now needs mediation.

There should have been many conversations prior to coming here. Obviously there are some unaddressed issues and we are not the board to hear it, Melendez said.

It saddens me that we have two working groups and two businesses trying to come to New Haven that cant work together and be good neighbors, she said.

The Armada, which will seat some 68 customers at its 2-story historic building, hopes to open in January. The beer manufactured there, will be either consumed on the premises or sold as retail. The main production area will remain in East Haven.
NEW HAVEN - In a school year where the lions share of city students learned remotely, participation and performance on the states 2020-21 assessments suffered.

Overall participation for the 7,323 city students who spent the year learning fully or mostly remote was below 75 percent on the states Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium tests given last spring to third through eighth graders, according to data provided to the school board this week.

That compares to a 95 percent participation rate for the 1,562 students who participated in the districts in-person hybrid model once it became available.

In performance, roughly 22 percent of all city students  both who learned remotely and in the classroom  scored in the proficient range for their grade levels in English/Language Arts when tested in person last spring.

In math, 10 percent of students who learned remotely and 12 percent of those learning in person scored in the proficient range when tested in person. Some 1,632 students who stayed remote also tested remotely. Of those, 28 percent tested in the proficient range in English/Language Arts and 15 percent in math.

With so many different learning models and disruptions, Michele Sherban, the districts director of research, assessment and evaluation, cautioned the board against comparing the results to past years or to other districts.

But that is exactly what some board members say is necessary to do.

I know you said dont compare to other districts but how do we compare to other districts? asked Mayor Justin Elicker, who is a member of the school board.

Elicker called it helpful information to have particularly during a pandemic when everyone in the nation is struggling.

Sherban insisted she has not compared them.

Comparisons are, however, available from the state.

Statewide results released in early September showed students across Connecticut lost ground academically during the pandemic that shut down schools for in-person learning for the last four months of the 2019-20 school year.

In the 2020-21 school year, with the pandemic still raging, some districts turned to a hybrid model that rotated students through in-person learning. A couple of districts, New Haven included, decided to stick with remote learning for the fall, then phased students back into the classroom. Even then, parents were allowed to continue with virtual learning.

According to the state, students who learned fully or mostly in person throughout the 2020-21 school year had better outcomes than those who learned in hybrid or remote learning models, especially in math, according to test results.

In 2020-21, about 77 percent of grade 3-8 students without high needs who learned in-person state-wide tested in the proficient range, compared to 68 percent who learned in a hybrid model testing at the proficient level and 62.4 percent who learned in a fully or mostly remote setting.

In math, the gap was larger. About 68.7 percent of students without high needs who learned in person tested at the proficient level in 2020-21 compared to 53.2 percent for hybrid students and 45.2 percent of remote learners.

The state also gave a science test in grades five, eight and 11.

In New Haven, participation among remote learners on the science test was just over 60 percent. In the 11th grade, the remote participation rate was 12.9 percent. Roughly 30 percent of all 4,257 New Haven students who took the science test scored in the proficient range for their respective grades.

Sherban said there were a number of reasons for lower participation in testing among remote learners in New Haven, including connectivity issues.

Before last spring, the state last gave its assessment tests in 2018-19. The new results do not count toward state accountability standards but are being used to evaluate the pandemics impact and help target resources.

State officials have said the results strengthens its push for a return to full time, in person learning.

In New Haven, the use of remote learning for a year and a half has the school board exploring the creation of a virtual academy - using what it learned from the remote learning experience -- that could serve some students even after the pandemic is over.

Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey said New Haven did what it thought was right in starting the school year last year remotely.

We were trying to be safe, Tracey said.

She called the state assessments just one measure that informs the state much more than it informs local instruction.

Tracey told the board more valuable are local assessments that help inform whether students are moving from point A to point B.

Our children are smart, our teachers are smart, Tracey said.

Board member Edward Joyner agreed, suggesting tests should be used to diagnose, not punish students.

Attendance

As for this year, the district had 19,722 students learning, in person, as of Friday, Sept. 24, according to Sherban. Another 265 are in out-of-district placements.

The daily attendance rate is about 84.9 percent and better now than it was on the first day of school.

There remain 353 students that are unaccounted for, meaning they are still on the rolls, but have not attended school at all this school year.

District officials called the overall attendance rate fairly typical and say some of the missing could be students who left the district without officially withdrawing.

Board President Yesenia Rivera said there could also be cases of students left homeless by a wave of evictions taking place since the pandemic moratorium was lifted.
NORWALK  Wilton Avenue received a scenic upgrade Wednesday as 18 trees were planted along the road.

City officials, the Norwalk Health Department, police department and Department of Transportation, Mobility and Parking teamed up for the planting occasion. The goal of the tree planting is to make Norwalk more walkable with the additional trees, according to a city statement.

Street trees are proven to encourage more walking, reduce the speed of motorists, and beautify neighborhoods, the statement read.

Half of the funds for the trees came from a grant through the state Department of Public Health and the remaining half came from the citys Transportation, Parking and Mobility budget, city spokesperson Josh Morgan said.

A variety of tree species were planted: Hackberry, American Linden, Red Maple, American Elm, American Sweetgum and Pine Oak.

Mayor Harry Rilling and Director of Transportation, Mobility and Parking Jim Travers were present for the planting, along with other city officials and community leaders.
MILAN (AP)  Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate said Wednesday that youth delegates meeting in Milan want to see immediate action from leaders at the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland  not cheap, last-ditch grasps at supporting polluting fuels before getting down to business.

Nakate is among 400 activists invited to Italys financial capital for a three-day Youth4Climate meeting that will draft a document for the 26th Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which opens on Oct. 31.

If leaders and governments are going to talk about net zeroes or cutting emissions, halving emissions by 2030 or 2040 or 2050, that means it has to start now, Nakate told The Associated Press.

It doesnt mean, if we are going to do it by 2030, between now and 2030 lets open a coal power plant, you know, lets frack some gas, or let us construct an oil pipeline. That is not the real climate action that we want,'' she said. If you are to go net zero by 2030, it has to start now.''

Although the activists have traveled to Milan from 180 countries, Nakate said many have the feeling that their suggestions for the closing document that will be published Thursday are not welcome. She said the dynamic was concerning.

It really feels like everything has been decided for us,'' Nakate, a 24-year-old with a degree in business administration. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg similarly accused the organizers on Tuesday of bringing in cherry-picked delegates and pretending to listen.

But she said young people were speaking up, and had created their own working group on fossil fuels.

"Hopefully it's something they can accept,'' she said.

Nakate gave an emotional opening speech to the gathering on Tuesday, calling out leaders for failing to meet financial pledges and describing the devastating impact of climate change at home in Uganda. While she said she was overwhelmed by the support she has received after her speech, she rejected the media's tendency to dub leaders of the movement.

It's how people portray the climate movement,'' Nakate said. "It is not just one face or two faces. It's communities. It is people who are organizing in different countries. I think that is the true face of the climate movement. The people who are standing up for the planet and a better future.

In 2020, Nakate was cropped out of an Associated Press photo at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The AP apologized and acknowledged mistakes in how it initially responded.

Pope Francis on Wednesday praised young environmental activists for challenging global leaders to make good on promises to curb emissions and insisted that political leaders make wise decisions to promote a culture of responsible sharing.

Francis thanked the activists for their dreams and good projects and encouraged them to form an educational alliance to help rebuild the fabric of humanity through care for the planet.

This vision is capable of challenging the adult world, for it reveals that you are prepared not only for action, but also for patient listening, constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, he said.

Francis has made care for our common home" of the Earth a hallmark of his papacy and devoted an entire encyclical to the issue in 2015. The Scottish bishops conference has said it expects Francis to attend the Glasgow climate summit, though the Vatican hasnt yet confirmed his presence.

It is time to take wise decisions so that we can make use of the many experiences gained in recent years, in order to make possible a culture of care, a culture of responsible sharing, Francis said in the message.

___

Follow all AP stories on climate change at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate-change
NEW HAVEN  Theyre turning the lights back on at The State House music venue at State and Chapel streets this week.

Thats nearly 19 months after owners Slate Ballard and Carlos Wells  along with the owners of most other Connecticut night spots  were forced to close because of COVID-19.

After a few white-knuckle months of trying to negotiate the pandemic with no business coming in, the first show is Friday, featuring Kal Marks, Space Camp and Them Airs.

Its a little bit surreal after a year and a half of being closed, said Wells as he did work to help get the place ready. Its been a rollercoaster ride.

During that period, theres been a number of times when Wells wondered whether The State House, which opened in the long-vacant former Horowitz Brothers fabric store at 310 State St. in 2018, would ever reopen. The first time he wondered was on March 13, 2020  the day it was ordered closed.

The State House is one of the last music venues in Greater New Haven to reopen, with that second chance made possible in part by a $116,000 federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant obtained through the Small Business Administration.

Similar grants have helped fuel the reopening of a number of other area venues, including Toads Place, the College Street Music Hall, the Space Ballroom and Cafe Nine.

But when bars across Connecticut were given the go-ahead to reopen as of May 19, and drinks began to flow as crowds began to flow back into them, The State House remained dark, along with a few other venues, including Toads Place at that point.

Im excited, even though were still still in the middle of a pandemic, said Ballard. But I think people want to come out and get excited about live music again.

He called reopening a mixed bag, saying, its wonderful in a sense and its a little nerve-wracking. Were not really sure what to expect.

Wells said it might still be a few months before The State House can resume bringing in some of the international acts it has previously been known for  many of which were only booked in Connecticut by them.

The State House will comply with the citys order requiring patrons and employees to wear masks indoors and will require all patrons to show proof of vaccination or the results of a COVID-19 test within the past three days, he said.

Ballard and Wells both praised their landlord, Beacon Communities, for being willing to work with them to iron out issues and help get The State House open again.

We worked it out, said Ballard.

These guys appreciate what we do, said Wells.

Beacon Senior Property Manager Romulo Samaniego, who stopped by late Wednesday morning, agreed.

We are thrilled to have The State House back, Samaniego said. Weve been supportive of them throughout this pandemic time. We understand their plight. We believe in their community initiatives and their importance in the community.

Having The State House back open in a property that has come to be viewed by some as vacant over the past year  adjacent to a parking lot thats currently clogged with mountains of uncollected recyclables , is definitely going to be an enhancement, Samaniego said.

We hope their neighbor will cooperate, he said.

Among the other upcoming shows at The State House are Lil Xan on Saturday; Ladies soul on Oct. 8; Seltzer Fest on Oct. 9; The Most (Return Show) w/ Nikita, Zanders, also on Oct. 9; Vundabar on Oct. 24, and Narrow Head, Soul Blind and waveform* on Oct. 30.

Tickets for Friday are $10 in advance or $12 day-of-show. Doors open at 7 p.m.

mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N.s top humanitarian official in Myanmar said Thursday the Asian nation's people are living in a severe crisis, with a level of poverty not seen for at least 20 years.

Andrew Kirkwood said in a virtual briefing to U.N. correspondents that the number of people in the country needing aid has tripled to 3 million since the military takeover on Feb. 1 while a total of 20 million are living in poverty, or nearly half the population.

Speaking from Yangon, the countrys largest city, Kirkwood said the crisis is the result of increasing communal strife, the military ouster of the countrys democratically elected government and the coronavirus pandemic, which had a devastating third wave of infections this summer.

So, effectively, what we have here is a crisis, on top of a crisis with yet another crisis on top of that, he said.

When Myanmars army seized power from the government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, it claimed with scant evidence that the general election her party won last November in a landslide was marred by widespread voting fraud. The takeover sparked street protests that security forces tried to crush. The pushback has left more than 1,100 people dead, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and right groups.

The conflict has moved from widespread protests on city streets to clashes with ethnic armed groups and so-called Peoples Defense Forces.

Since Feb. 1, Kirkwood said, the U.N. food and cash assistance program has reached more than 1.4 million people in rural communities all around Myanmar as well as in some urban and semi-urban centers.

We are saving lives. We are making a difference, Kirkwood said. But were also quite frustrated that these numbers arent higher and that we arent able to reach all of the 3 million people who we know need urgent humanitarian assistance.

Kirkwood, who is the acting U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar, cited significant operational challenges including roadblocks and travel in the country, pandmic restrictions, and overall insecurity. He called on all parties to use their influence to facilitate the safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers and also our humanitarian supplies.

Kirkwood cited serious underfunding of the U.N. appeal as another key factor.

We have requested a total of $385 million to reach those 3 million people this year, he said. Today, weve received about a third of that. And that means we have a funding gap of roughly $250 million. And that means in turn that we wont be able to reach everybody who needs our assistance.

Kirkwood also called on parties to the conflict to depoliticize our humanitarian and COVID-19 response efforts.

Emotions are running very high here, he said. Many people are frustrated, and some people frankly confuse the delivery of humanitarian assistance with taking sides in the conflict.

Kirkwood said the 1 million people assisted by the U.N. before the military takeover were mainly in border areas where conflicts have gone on for decades and where the U.N. has found ways to work.

Now, the conflict there is increasing, but he said the more acute problem is in new areas of displacement where there have been clashes between the military and the Peoples Defense Forces

The 2 million people are in these new areas of conflict, Kirkwood said, pointing to current hotspots in western Chin state where weve seen tens of thousands of people displaced over the last couple of days -- entire villages have been displaced, people living in forest, with very, very little. There are also places in the center of the country, in the so-called Bomar heartland, he said.

Kirkwood said that without major new funding, it will be impossible for the U.N. to help the 2 million people who need help now, and some of the 20 million who may need it soon.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The United States government has pulled its defense attache out of Nicaragua following comments complimentary of Nicaraguas military that drew the ire of the political opposition.

Last week, the Nicaraguan government published comments from Lt. Col. Roger Antonio Carvajal Santamaria during a Sept. 23 gathering of Nicaraguas military leadership and military attaches from several countries.

Carvajal said Nicaraguas military is a large part of the growth and stability of this country, according to a statement published by Nicaraguas defense ministry.

The U.S. government has been highly critical of President Daniel Ortegas government, especially since a crackdown on street protests in April 2018. In May 2020, the U.S. government sanctioned Gen. Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo, commander-in-chief of the Nicaraguan army. Aviles was present at last weeks event.

The Nicaraguan military has been criticized for supporting the crackdown, which left at least 328 people dead and more than 2,000 wounded, according to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Carvajals comments raised questions among Nicaraguas opposition of whether it signaled a change in the U.S. position toward Ortegas government.

A U.S. State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the relationship with Nicaraguas military is constrained by the Nicaraguan militarys support for Ortega and (Vice President Rosario) Murillos anti-democratic behavior and by their suppression of the Nicaraguan people.

Carvajals comments did not accurately reflect U.S. government policy, the official said, adding that Carvajal had concluded his mission and departed Nicaragua.
VUNG TAU, Vietnam (AP)  Vietnam will lift the lockdown in its largest city on Friday, ending nearly three months of restrictions on movement to curb a coronavirus surge.

People in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis of 10 million, will be able to leave their homes, restaurants can serve take-away meals and other essential businesses can open, the city said on its website Thursday.

A social distancing order, however, will still be enforced. Schools are closed, public transport remains suspended, travel in and out of the city will be controlled and public gatherings of more than 10 people outside is banned.

People who wish to attend social activities will have to show proof of vaccination to be admitted to establishments, authorities said.

Ho Chi Minh City along with 18 southern provinces went into lockdown in mid-July when cases started to surge.

In the past three months, the delta variant of the virus has infected 770,000 people and killed over 19,000, according to the health ministry. Most of Vietnams COVID-19 deaths occurred in this wave, with Ho Chi Minh City accounting for the majority of them.

Other southern cities have also eased lockdown restrictions, gradually resuming activities as infections decline.

In the past week, Vietnams average new cases dropped by a third compared to earlier in the month when 14,000 were being recorded daily, the health ministry said.

In Vung Tau city, 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Ho Chi Minh city, barricades set up on the streets to control traffic during the lockdown were taken down as local residents cheered.

We will have to celebrate this day, that the city is removing the barricades so we can go out again and get back to our normal lives, local resident Pham Van Thanh said as he helped officers remove a barricade on his street.

Vietnam is speeding up vaccinations in order to reopen the country, with priority for big cities and vulnerable locations such as industrial zones.

Ho Chi Minh City's health authority last week approved shortening the interval between two shots of AstraZeneca to six weeks, against the recommended eight to 12 weeks by the manufacturers, in order to fully vaccinate people quickly.

The health ministry says 98.5% of the city's adults have been inoculated and 48% of them have received both shots.

However, Vietnams overall vaccination rate remain low with only 9.3% of its 98 million people fully vaccinated. The authority said short supply is the reason for the delay of virus inoculation.
NEW HAVEN  A team of scientists led by faculty at Yale School of Public Health and the University of North Carolina have concluded following a study: Strong protection following natural COVID-19 infection is short-lived.

Reinfection can reasonably happen in three months or less, said Jeffrey Townsend, the Elihu Professor of Biostatistics at the Yale School of Public Health and the studys lead author, in a release.

Therefore, those who have been naturally infected should get vaccinated, he said. Previous infection alone can offer very little long-term protection against subsequent infections.

More COVID news:

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Near death from COVID-19 at 25, New Haven man serves as beacon for vaccine

The Yale/North Carolina study, published in the journal The Lancet Microbe , is the first to determine the likelihood of reinfection following natural infection and without vaccination, according to Yale.

Townsend and his team analyzed known reinfection and immunological data from the close viral relatives of SARS-CoV-2 that cause common colds, along with immunological data from SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the university release said. Leveraging evolutionary principles, the team was able to model the risk of COVID-19 reinfection over time.

Reinfections can, and have, happened even shortly after recovery, the researchers said in the release. And they will become increasingly common as immunity wanes and new SARS-CoV-2 variants arise.

We tend to think about immunity as being immune or not immune. Our study cautions that we instead should be more focused on the risk of reinfection through time, said Alex Dornburg, assistant professor of bioinformatics and genomics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who co-led the study, also in the release.

As new variants arise, previous immune responses become less effective at combating the virus, Dornburg said. Those who were naturally infected early in the pandemic are increasingly likely to become reinfected in the near future.

The university further noted that the teams data-driven model reveals striking similarities to the reinfection risks over time between SARS-CoV-2 and endemic coronaviruses.

Just like common colds, from one year to the next you may get reinfected with the same virus, Townsend said. The difference is that, during its emergence in this pandemic, COVID-19 has proven to be much more deadly.

According to Townsend, a hallmark of the modern world is going to be the evolution of new threats to human health. .

Further, he noted the study findings underscore the important role of evolutionary biology in informing decision-making, and provide a crucial steppingstone toward robust knowledge of our prospects of resistance to SARS-CoV-2 reinfection.

Co-authors include researchers from Temple University. Funding for the research was provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the release said.
NEW HAVEN  Yale University will launch its first major capital campaign since 2011 on Saturday, online, but the unions calling for Yale to invest more in the city will hold a rally live and in person.

Details of the campaign wont be released until the 2 p.m. online presentation What is Yale for? livestream from the Commons in the new Yale Schwarzman Center, said spokeswoman Karen Peart.

Nearby, at Grove and Prospect streets, outside President Peter Saloveys temporary office, New Haven Rising, Unite Here Locals 33, 34 and 35 and the Fair Share Coalition will hold a rally, calling on the university to help desegregate the citys housing. The New Haven neighborhoods with the highest home-foreclosure rates after the Great Recession are today facing the highest COVID-19 infection rates and shortest life expectancies, the labor groups said in a release.

Union members and activists will be touching up and adding to the Yale: Respect New Haven street mural that was painted May 1 on Prospect Street. Speakers will announce progress in talks with the university, organizers said. Locals 34 and 35, representing clerical, service and technical workers, recently agreed on a five-year agreement with the university. The unions must ratify the proposal.

Local 33 represents graduate and professional school students and is not recognized by the administration.

Most of the money raised in Yales capital campaigns come from alumni. Associate Vice President for Development and campaign director Eugenie Gentry told the Yale Daily News in October 2020 the goal had been set at $6 billion, with much coming in the silent phase before Saturdays launch.

Its last campaign, Yale Tomorrow, raised $4.67 billion from 2006 to 2011, according to the Yale Alumni Magazine. The previous fundraising effort, And for Yale, raised $2.88 billion between 1992 and 1997.

The money would go into Yales endowments, which totaled $31.2 billion on June 30, 2020. In fiscal 2021, spending from the endowment totaled $1.5 billion, providing 35 percent of the universitys budget, according to the Yale Investments Office.

Saturdays launch will feature a concert by Pentatonix, an a cappella vocal group that includes Kevin Olusola, Yale class of 2010.

Saloveys office has been temporarily moved to Sheffield-Sterling-Strathcona Hall during the construction of the Schwarzman Center on Hewitt Quadrangle.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382
Justice Sarki Yola, presiding over the case of an alleged blasphemy against controversial Kano sheikh, Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara, has denied ...

Justice Sarki Yola, presiding over the case of an alleged blasphemy against controversial Kano sheikh, Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara, has denied the cleric bail.

Yola cited peace in the state as well as Kabaras personal safety as grounds for refusing him bail.

Kabara had presented three new lawyers that would represent him in the case of blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam.

His lead counsel, Barrister Umar Muhammad, who is leading two others, told the court that he was now standing for Kabara in the case.

He then went ahead to pray for the bail of his client on the excuse that the sheikh is the breadwinner of his family and that he has underage children who need his fatherly care.

Similarly, the lead counsel seeks the court to provide him with the records of proceedings in the case to give him an idea of where the case stands.

Yola, in his response, denied the sheikh bail insisting that granting him bail will jeopardize his safety as well as create chaos in the state.

He adjourned to 14th October 2021 to continue in the case.
Mohammed Sani Musa, senator representing Niger east, says the federal government needs to be very ruthless with bandits. The All Pro...

Mohammed Sani Musa, senator representing Niger east, says the federal government needs to be very ruthless with bandits.





The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator said this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television.

While responding to questions on how things have fared in his constituency and Niger, the lawmaker said the state experienced relative peace for a while, but the situation has now worsened.

In the last six months, it was very bad. Not until when the new service chiefs came and there was some kind of action, different from what they were doing before. And we had some kind of peace for some time, until now, when the terrorists all went back, he said.

It seems they all went back to Zamfara, which seems to be the epicentre of it. So, when they all went back to Zamfara, and the government decided to hit them in Zamfara, theyre now spreading. We had some peace in the last two months, but now, theyre back and theyre very ruthless. So, we also want the government to be very ruthless with them.

Musa said Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric who has repeatedly spoken on behalf of bandits, should be asked how he contacts them.

The senator, who insisted that there is a need to declare these bandits as terrorists, wondered why Gumi has not helped the government with information on addressing banditry.





I recall that one of the renowned Islamic scholars, sheikh Gumi, was at a time going into the forests to be with these people, he said.

I think somebody like Gumi should be asked how he has contacts to reach these people. And if he can reach these people, why is it that he has not been able to help the government in order to get these people neutralised?

SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE INFORMATION ON BANDITS

Also speaking on the programme, Mike Ejiofor, a retired director with the Department of State Services (DSS), said intelligence agencies have a huge volume of information about the operations of bandits.

I tell you that most of these operations are intelligence-driven and the volume, the quantum of intelligence gathered on these people is huge, he said.

I also believe that the security forces, at times, get frustrated. You are arresting people, we are still fighting war, and people are also calling for amnesty. How do you reconcile that? Some of them who have been granted amnesty go back to their criminalities.

I can tell you that there is a lot of intelligence on their structure and leadership.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the former military administrator of the state, late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, ...

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the former military administrator of the state, late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, as a detribalised Nigerian.

Sanwo-Olu appealed to Nigerians to learn from Kanus simplicity, humility, sense of service, and dedication.

He spoke during a night of tribute and celebration of Kanu held in Onikan, Lagos.

The governor said the death of the former member of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, has created a vacuum.

Kanu, who is a retired Naval Officer and former military administrator of Imo State, died recently at the age of 77 years.

However, Sanwo-Olu reeled out what the state would do to honour Kanu.

According to Sanwo-Olu: We would be having a proper Church service for him and we would also be having a Day of Tributes for him because there is nothing that we do that would be enough to celebrate this giant of our time.

On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I want to say without any fear or doubt at all that the late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu was indeed a great Nigerian.

He was a detribalised Nigerian. He was an outstanding military officer. He was a gentleman and an enviable admiral.
The Virginia Tech team, including Tanushree Manohar Shinde, make adjustments to their drill during the Moon to Mars Ice and Prospecting Challenge at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on Sept. 24. Stephen M. Katz/Newport News Daily Press/TNS
Its not unlike an old-fashioned haunting, when you get right down to it.

Last year, to usher in the Halloween season, the frighteningly prolific horror producer Jason Blum teamed with Amazon Prime for a series of quick-and-dirty, low-budget tales of terror  including two shot in New Orleans (Black Box and Evil Eye)  released under his Welcome to Blumhouse label.

This year, hes back with four more. And just like the first batch, two of them  Bingo Hell and Black as Night  carry the made-in-the-Crescent-City label.

Also once again, theyre mostly a mixed bag.

Their shared New Orleans provenance aside, Bingo Hell and Black as Night sound suspiciously similar on paper, with both chronicling the tribulations of a group of people forced to defend their neighborhood against a supernatural terror in their midst. In both cases, their slavering chief adversary doubles as a not-so-subtle metaphor for the soul-sapping forces of gentrification.

Both films are also fairly tame as modern horror goes. The target audience here, as best as I can tell, are those who like the idea of horror movies more than they actually like horror movies.

For local viewers who enjoy watching for snatches of recognizable locations, Black of Night gets extra points for being set in New Orleans. (The picturesque Luling Mansion figures most prominently. Westside Cleaners in Algiers also gets a few seconds of screen time.)

Director Maritte Lee Gos film has the added benefit of an intriguing story, which centers on a scrappy young woman who recruits her friends to help in her mission of revenge against the vampire responsible for the death of her mother. Throw in a Wakanda-inspired third-act element, and it sounds like it could be onto something.

Unfortunately, for all of its good intentions, Black as Night cant quite shake its low-budget origins to become anything more than mediocre. Built around unremarkable performances and limp payoff scenes, the end result feels like an after-school special but with bloodsuckers and gratuitous use of a certain racial epithet thrown in.

Bingo Hell, on the other hand, boasts more self-assured direction. If nothing else, it has a firmer grasp of what kind of movie it wants to be.

Its also the more enjoyable of the two, thanks largely to a darkly comic tone and  just as importantly  the scene-stealing presence of Adriana Barraza (Babel, Drag Me to Hell) as a butt-kicking abuelita and L. Scott Caldwell (Lost, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as her equally feisty partner in demon-slaying.

As we learn, theyve long fought side by side to keep their fictional working-class neighborhood clean of undesirable elements. Recently, though, they appear to have met their match with an influx of hipsters.

Things eventually reach a crisis when their beloved neighborhood bingo hall  played by the old Abalon Theater in Algiers  is taken over by a mesmerizing, wide-smiling demon-huckster who feels plucked right out of a Stephen King short story. As neighbor after neighbor falls under the avarice-fueled spell of this Mr. Big, as he is known, its up to Barrazas abuelita to save the day.

Her journey is bloodier than that of the characters from Black as Night, although its still as predictable.

If we still had drive-ins, these would be B-movies  which is to say they have their moments but never really elevate themselves to something even close to memorable.

Yes, together they form a New Orleans Halloween double feature, which is admittedly cool. But in this case, that double feature delivers little more than a double dose of meh.

Mike Scott can be reached at moviegoermike@gmail.com.
As the deadline nears for Ochsner Health employees to get vaccinated or lose their jobs, the health system is also increasing pressure for employees' family members to get a shot.

Ochsner, the state's largest health system, will now add a health insurance surcharge of $100 per pay period for employees with unvaccinated domestic partners or spouses who are covered under the system's benefits plan, according to a letter Ochsner leaders sent to employees.

The spousal COVID vaccine fee, will begin in 2022 and could deduct up to $2,400 yearly from an employees bi-weekly paycheck. According to the letter, the fee is only for domestic partners or spouses, not other dependents, such as children, who are covered by the employees health insurance and are eligible for vaccination.

Ochsner mandates vaccine for employees as Louisiana sees record-breaking COVID deaths Louisiana marked its single deadliest day in nearly 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, another bleak statistic that arrived as 

The change comes after an evaluation of plan benefits, services and costs, CEO Warner Thomas said.

"The reality is the cost of treating COVID-19, particularly for patients requiring intensive inpatient care, is expensive, and we spent more than $9 million on COVID care for those who are covered on our health plans over the last year," said Thomas in an emailed statement.

It's becoming more common for employers to make unvaccinated people on employer-sponsored insurance plans pay more to cover the high potential cost of COVID care.

Delta Air Lines, for instance, announced it would raise health insurance premiums by $200 per month for unvaccinated employees starting Nov. 1. In a memo to employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that COVID-19 hospitalizations cost the company an average of $50,000 per case.

Thomas said the surcharge is part of an effort to keep health premiums low for employees. Unvaccinated patients accounted for 90% of COVID hospitalizations in Ochsner facilities.

The premium for unvaccinated spouses shifts that cost to those who accept that risk, said Charles Stoecker, a Tulane University professor who studies the economics of health care and vaccination.

"Now those people have some incentives to consider the cost of the care that they're asking other people to pay for," said Stoecker. "If you're asking everybody else to assume the risk for your unvaccinated stay in the ICU, it does make more sense that you should have to kick in more into the insurance pool."

The delta wave has crested, but Louisiana remains in dangerous territory After a record-breaking summer of COVID cases that stretched Louisiana hospitals to their breaking point, the delta wave has finally subsided 

Stoecker said the policy was similar to a common insurance surcharge for smoking.

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Employers are well within their rights to require vaccination from employees and people for whom they provide insurance, according to New Orleans attorney Joel Friedman, a professor at Tulane University who specializes in employment and labor law.

They have a right to minimize their risks, said Friedman. If you have a right to fire a guy for not getting vaccinated, you certainly have the right to put in economic disincentives for people who refuse to get vaccinated.

As a self-insured organization, Ochsner bears the cost directly from COVID patients who are on their insurance plans.

Earlier this month, a judge dismissed a lawsuit from 48 employees of Ochsner Lafayette General over the health systems vaccination requirement.

In August, Ochsner joined a growing number of hospitals across the country in requiring all employees to be inoculated. A month out from the October 29 deadline, 82% of Ochsner employees are fully vaccinated and around 86% have received a first dose, according to Thomas. Among physicians and hospital leaders, 98% are vaccinated.

Slidell Memorial Hospital sets Jan. 1 employee deadline for COVID vaccination Slidell Memorial Hospital will require all of its 1,400 employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Jan. 1, which will make it the second hospi

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System was the first large hospital system in Louisiana to announce an employee vaccine mandate, which will be enforced between the end of October or end of November, depending on the employee's position. Since then, LCMC Health, which operates six hospitals in New Orleans, announced a vaccination deadline of December 30 for employees.

Soon nearly every hospital will need to create a vaccination requirement for employees. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that any health care facility receiving federal funds would also need to comply with an employee vaccination requirement. CMS has not yet released details or a deadline for that mandate.

The letter from Ochsner said that other health care organizations in the state such as Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC Health would be asking the families of employees to be vaccinated. Representatives for those hospitals said they did not plan to charge a fee for unvaccinated spouses or partners.

Ochsner emphasized that this is not a forced requirement and employee spouses and partners could pursue other insurance coverage.

"This is not a mandate as non-employed spouses and domestic partners can choose to select a health plan outside of Ochsner Health offerings," said Thomas.

Approximately 300 of Ochsner's 33,000 employees have applied for medical or religious exemptions to date. Spouses and partners may also apply for those types of exemptions.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse New Orleans for Mayor LaToya Cantrells emergency garbage-hauling effort, resolving a dangling $20 million question after Cantrell announced the operation last week.

But even as city officials on Wednesday told City Council members that the effort to clean up New Orleans would continue with federal funding, members of the administration and garbage contractors sparred at times over the state of trash pickup and how to solve the long-standing sanitation problems that Hurricane Ida exposed.

During the council's joint Budget and Public Works Committee meeting, Daniel Davillier, a lawyer who represents the citys two primary haulers, Metro Service Group and Richard's Disposal, said that before the storm his clients were already picking up trash from more households than the city was paying them for.

+3 Trash haulers go un-fined by City Hall despite claims of being held to account None of New Orleans three city-contracted waste hauling companies have received fines of any kind since at least the beginning of 2010  desp

He also disagreed with City Hall officials who said nothing could be done to prepare for excess garbage ahead of Hurricane Ida, arguing that they could have called on emergency provisions in the haulers' contracts.

Davillier said Metro and Richards could have subcontracted equipment and labor in advance if the city had issued work orders, which would have ensured they'd get additional pay.

There is a fundamental disconnect about how that should work, Davillier said after the meeting. If we know when we have a power outage and we are going to need additional help, lets have that done ahead of time.

The administration opted not to activate emergency collections with Metro and Richard's because they had already struggled in the preceding months to maintain twice-weekly collections.

According to city infrastructure chief Ramsey Green, the administration instead approached its emergency debris hauler, Ceres Environmental, to trigger a solid waste option in that contract, but Ceres declined because it lacked equipment.

I dont see a place where there is any other option that the city could have done, given what Mr. Woodss company is showing, which is labor and equipment are scarce right now, Green said, referring to Metro owner Jimmie Woods.

As new contractors arrive, garbage finally starts getting cleared from New Orleans streets Emergency contractors being paid handsomely by City Hall made noticeable progress over the weekend in clearing old garbage piles from New Orle

Metro and Richard's, along with a third contractor that services the French Quarter and parts of the Central Business District, are all privately-run companies that are paid based on the number of households and businesses in their service area.

Before Ida hit, Metro was already struggling to collect all the trash on time in its service area, which covers Gentilly, Lakeview, neighborhoods downriver of Esplanade Avenue and areas east of the Industrial Canal.

The storm caused a citywide blackout lasting more than a week, and the spoiled contents of refrigerators combined with existing uncollected waste piled up across the city. Garbage bags festered in some areas for weeks.

A series of attempts by City Hall and the haulers to get a handle on the crisis fell short, until Cantrell enacted the new emergency plan over the weekend.

Ultimately, the promise of FEMA money, combined with the use of a long-dormant transfer station in New Orleans East, is what convinced four companies  including Ceres Environmental  to join the citys emergency effort, which could last anywhere from 30 to 90 days.

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The prospect of reimbursement appeared uncertain earlier this month, since FEMA typically views solid waste collection as a municipal service unrelated to hurricane recovery.

+3 In a summer of missed pickups, New Orleans garbage hauler Metro reports zero complaints Mayor LaToya Cantrells soup-to-nuts plan to rid New Orleanss streets of weeks-old trash bags kicks off this weekend, and may finally restore

But Cantrell administration officials tied the garbage backlog to the citywide blackout after the hurricane, which lasted more than a week in many areas.

They have seen a very logical argument put forth by the city of New Orleans, Green said.

Green said the $20 million cost that officials have cited is a rough estimate, and the final cost will depend on how much waste is collected.

What happens once the emergency operation winds down is still an open question, however. Beyond rebidding Metro's contract, a move that could come within the next two months, the Cantrell administration is also considering smaller service areas and other measures that would redefine solid waste collection in New Orleans.

The haulers have largely admitted that pickups were slow before the storm, but in a letter Tuesday to council member Joe Giarrusso, Davillier said his clients were already servicing more customers than they are paid for in their contracts. He said that they handle a combined 146,951 customers, exceeding the number the city is paying for by nearly 11,000.

That amounts to a potential loss of $1.7 million between the two contractors, according to Davillier. The contractors together are paid about $22 million annually.

During the meeting Wednesday, city sanitation chief Matt Torri argued the contracts clearly establish inflexible annual pay rates, which have risen by 0.25% per year since they were inked in 2016. He said that the language in the contract was clear.

NO.trash.092821.JPG Waste Management's Chef Menteur Disposal Site, left, in New Orleans East on Monday, September 27, 2021. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Pi

The city was unequivocally clear in saying you will be paid on the growth rate (in the contract), Torri said. (The contractors) actually signed a bid form acknowledging the addendums that provided that very clear answer.

Davillier argued that there are other provisions suggesting the contracts are not intended to be based on fixed rates.

The administration and garbage contractors also don't necessarily agree on the difference between the actual number of solid waste customers and those stipulated in the contracts.

Torri said the contractors numbers have not yet been validated.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article misstated the first name of city sanitation director Matt Torri.
Slidell Memorial Hospital will require all of its 1,400 employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Jan. 1, which will make it the second hospital on the north shore to mandate vaccination. Employees of Ochsner Medical Center, also located in Slidell, are under an Oct. 29 deadline.

Slidell Memorial, a public, not-for-profit hospital, has a partnership with Ochsner Health, as does the parish's other public hospital, St. Tammany Health System in Covington. But neither was affected by Ochsner Health's decision to make vaccines mandatory by the end of October.

Ochsner's decision was announced the day after the FDA gave final approval for the Pfizer vaccine in late August. As the deadline looms, Ochsner is reporting that 82% of its employees have received at least one shot and 86% are fully vaccinated while 98% of hospital leaders and physicians are vaccinated.

Our Lady of the Lake Health System is also making vaccinations mandatory by the end of October or November, depending on the employee's job.

Slidell Memorial, in a statement Sept. 20, cited the Biden administration's Sept. 9 announcement that new rules will require hospitals that get Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements to mandate vaccines.

That announcement did not give a time frame for when the rule change would take effect. But Slidell Memorial said the pending new rules and the Food & Drug Administration's full approval of the Pfizer vaccine prompted its decision to mandate vaccination.

The hospital's Board of Commissioners voted at its Sept. 7 meeting to approve the step, spokesperson Jennifer Berger said.

The hospital also mentioned continued high positivity rates for COVID, which it attributed in part to the highly contagious delta variant, and said that through the fourth surge of the disease, 86% of the hospital's COVID patients have been unvaccinated.

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"We have an obligation to act in the best interest of both our patients and our staff," CEO Sandy Badiner said in a prepared statement. "Our patients and our employees deserve the security of having a vaccinated care team."

The requirement will apply to hospital leaders, physicians, employees and new hires  full time and part time  and will include clinical and nonclinical workers. It will also apply to all vendors, contract employees, as-needed nurses, agency nurses, volunteers and allied health students.

Slidell Memorial is currently going through the validation process to determine how many of its employees are vaccinated, Berger said.

On the western side of the parish, St. Tammany Health System has not set a vaccination deadline for employees. The hospital is currently offering an incentive program to encourage its employees to get vaccinated, and 68% are vaccinated or in the process, spokesperson Melissa Hodgson said. Employees who are fully vaccinated by Oct. 31 will receive $500.

"After the incentive expires Oct. 31, we anticipate a change in our policy to adhere to new federal rules for healthcare institutions," she said in an email. "The time of our policy change will depend upon the federal timeline, which has not yet been issued."

Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, an HCA affiliate, said in a prepared statement that it ensures a safe environment by following guidance from the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and requires all staff in all areas of the hospital and care settings to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status.

"While at this time we have not required our colleagues to be vaccinated for COVID-19, the majority of Lakeview Regional's colleagues are fully vaccinated," the statement said.

Staff writer Emily Woodruff contributed to this report.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Areas of dense morning fog. Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable.
Fire can leave serious damage behind. Because it can be hard to fully grasp what infertility involves unless youve dealt with it personally, many people believe that its all about the end game, a baby  that if you could just get to that prize, the pain of infertility would fade away. But infertility is bigger than babies. I say this often, because I want people to get it. It truly is. It can affect our physical and mental health in insidious  and sometimes enduring  ways.

I founded The Broken Brown Egg, an online community and awareness organization, in 2009, because I wanted to support women of color who are battling infertility. In the years since, hundreds of women have reached out to me to share their stories  about their struggles to conceive, and about the feelings of isolation and stress they often face, too. Research has shown that women dealing with infertility have depression and anxiety levels similar to those with cancer, H.I.V. and heart disease, and  through my advocacy work as well as my personal experiences  I have become intimately familiar with infertilitys psychological toll. Yet it took me a long time to acknowledge that infertility can be a form of trauma. It didnt feel worthy of the term. I mean, infertility isnt life-threatening, right?

Some researchers argue that the definition of trauma should be expanded to include the psychological and emotional response to not only physical threats, but threats to deeply held expectations of life. According to Allyson Bradow, a psychologist who wrote a paper on infertility, people affected by infertility must adjust to a major shift in life expectations while being exposed to constant reminders of their condition, through questions from family members, medical treatments or interactions with pregnant women.

Psychologists must understand that infertility is a trauma, and often a complex trauma, Bradow writes. While anxiety, depression, and grief and loss are all a part of the psychological impact of infertility, there is much more to the experience which is defined by the individual.

Infertility changes how you see yourself and the world. Somewhere along the journey, many of us stop feeling as though it is something that is happening to us, but instead begin to believe that it is a part of who we are. You become used to living in a constant state of fluctuating despair and hope. And this doesnt turn off when and if you get pregnant. It doesnt turn off when you hear or see the heartbeat. My son is 3. Im still trying to turn it off.
For many Black people, all of this is further compounded by the lack of access to mental health services in our communities. According to a 2018 report from the American Psychological Associations Center for Workforce Studies, only 4 percent of therapists are African-American, while Black people account for about 14 percent of the population.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, an African-American clinical psychologist based in Atlanta, said racism is an underlying factor. In 2014 she started a blog called Therapy for Black Girls as a place for Black women to talk about their mental health, which she has since expanded into a podcast. Other communities, she told me in a phone interview, have a lot longer of history of getting help. For us, it is still a foreign concept.

Being transparent about ones own struggles may help to ease the stigma. In a recent interview in Self magazine, the actress Taraji P. Henson discussed her struggles with depression and the challenges of sharing mental health problems with the public. I hope that one day we can all be free to talk about mental health and be OK with seeking help, she said. In an effort to help, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her father, who dealt with mental health challenges after the Vietnam War.

And the hip-hop artist Jay-Z talked about therapy in an interview with the editor of The New York Times in 2017, as well as on CNN in 2018. As you grow, you realize the ridiculousness of the stigma attached to it, he said, suggesting that therapy should be offered in schools.

Despite such efforts to open the dialogue about Black peoples mental health, it can still be a struggle. When the R&B artist Summer Walker revealed to fans last fall that she suffered from social anxiety, she faced criticism. The comments reminded me of the many times I have tried to open up to those around me about my anxiety and was met with dismissiveness or coldness.

The only way to truly end the stigma around mental illness is through empathy and offering comfort to those around you who may need help. It is important that we dont merely start the conversation but continue it by taking action, which is seeking out treatment. The myth of the strong Black man and Black woman has convinced many of us that we are unbreakable even when we are suffering. That affects both how we process our trauma and how we communicate about it with others.

The biggest barrier is culture, Dr. Fletcher told me. Culture is the most resistant aspect to change.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia  For two decades, as foreign minister, Seyoum Mesfin was Ethiopias face to the world  a personable and soft-spoken diplomat who brokered peace in neighboring war-torn countries, delivered speeches at the United Nations and helped establish his country as a weighty African power.

That distinguished career came to an ignominious end last week when Ethiopian soldiers tracked down Mr. Seyoum, now labeled an enemy of the state, and killed him in a muddy and remote corner of the mountainous north of the country. The government said he died in a shootout, but Mr. Seyoums allies say he was executed.

Mr. Seyoum, 71, was the most prominent casualty yet of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds 11-week-old war in Ethiopias northern Tigray region. The main target of Mr. Abiys military campaign is not a ragtag group of provincial rebels, but the politicians and generals of Tigray, who ruled Africas second-most populous country for much of the past three decades through their political party, the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, or T.P.L.F.

Now Ethiopias former rulers are on the run in their Tigray heartland, and on the defensive against the forces they once commanded. Since Jan. 7, Ethiopias military has killed or captured at least 47 people from a most-wanted list of 167 senior leaders of the T.P.L.F., including four of the partys nine-member executive committee, according to Ethiopian state media reports.
THIMPHU, Bhutan  The Lunana area of Bhutan is remote even by the standards of an isolated Himalayan kingdom: It covers an area about twice the size of New York City, borders far western China, includes glacial lakes and some of the worlds highest peaks, and is inaccessible by car.

Still, most people living there have already received a coronavirus vaccine.

Vials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arrived last month by helicopter and were distributed by health workers, who walked from village to village through snow and ice. Vaccinations proceeded in the areas 13 settlements even after yaks damaged some of the field tents that volunteers had set up for patients.

I got vaccinated first to prove to my fellow villagers that the vaccine does not cause death and is safe to take, Pema, a village leader in Lunana who is in his 50s and goes by one name, said by telephone. After that, everyone here took the jab.
But until this month, South Korea had been banned from developing ballistic missiles with a range of more than 497 miles. With the guidelines lifted completely, South Korea can now build ballistic missiles that can fly far beyond the peninsula, although it has never announced such a plan.

The lifting of the missile cap is a stark reminder of the U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK and its shameful double-dealing, said a statement carried by the Norths official Korean Central News Agency, using the acronym of the Norths official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The statement marked the first time North Koreas state media reacted to the Moon-Biden summit. It was attributed to Kim Myong-chol, an international affairs critic, rather than a government agency, indicating that Pyongyang was still developing an official government response.

North Korea has often used various channels, including official government statements or state-media commentaries like the one on Monday, to respond to diplomatic announcements.

During their summit, Mr. Biden and Mr. Moon agreed to seek diplomacy and dialogue with the North, and to build on the 2018 Singapore agreement, which former President Donald J. Trump signed with North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un.
Injustice is a root cause of migration, Ms. Harris said during a White House meeting on May 19 with four women who fought corruption in Guatemala. It is causing the people of the region to leave their homes involuntarily  meaning they dont want to leave but they are fleeing.

While White House officials say their push to help Central America can do a tremendous amount of good, there is growing recognition inside the Biden administration that all the money spent in the region has not made enough of a difference to keep people from migrating, according to several administration officials and others with knowledge of the discussions.

Weve looked extensively at different programs that have been approached, said Nancy McEldowney, a longtime diplomat who serves as Ms. Harriss national security adviser. She obviously has learned a lot from what then-Vice President Biden did. And so we are very mindful of the need to learn of both positive and negative, what has happened in the past.

Foreign aid is often a difficult, and at times flawed, tool for achieving American interests abroad, but its unclear whether there are any simple alternatives for the Biden administration. President Donald J. Trumps solution to migration centered on draconian policies that critics denounced as unlawful and inhumane. Moreover, members of the current administration contend that Mr. Trumps decision to freeze a portion of the aid to the region in 2019 ended up blunting the impact of the work being done to improve conditions there.

But experts say the reasons that years of aid have not curbed migration run far deeper than that. In particular, they note that much of the money is handed over to American companies, which swallow a lot of it for salaries, expenses and profits, often before any services are delivered.
GUATEMALA CITY  During her first foreign trip as vice president, Kamala Harris said the United States would bolster investigations into corruption and human trafficking in Guatemala, while also delivering a clear, blunt message to undocumented migrants hoping to reach the United States: Do not come.

Ms. Harris issued the warning during a trip that was an early yet pivotal test for a vice president currently tasked with the complex challenge of breaking a cycle of migration from Central America by investing in a region plagued by corruption, violence and poverty.

While President Biden campaigned on unwinding some of the Trump administrations border restrictions, allowing migrants to apply for asylum at the U.S. border, Ms. Harris amplified the White Houses current stance that most of those who crossed the border would be turned away and would instead need to find legal pathways or protection closer to their home countries.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua  Nicaraguan police have detained five prominent opposition figures in two days, accelerating a slide toward one-party rule.

A wave of arrests of politicians and civil society leaders on unsubstantiated charges of subversion has left the long-ruling president, Daniel Ortega, running practically unopposed in Novembers general elections.

Ortega has crossed the line, said Carlos Fernando Chamorro, a prominent Nicaraguan publisher, two of whose close relatives have been detained in the past week. This is the final blow against political competition.

Overall, in the past week, the police jailed or put under house arrest four opposition presidential candidates, along with the spouse of one of the candidates, a prominent social activist and a business leader. The crackdown continued on Wednesday, with police arresting another prominent opposition activist, Jose Pallais.
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia  In Moscow for a conference, the Slovenian magazine editor followed a path well-trodden by foreign visitors. At a flea market piled with kitsch memorabilia, he had his picture taken wearing a Soviet military hat decorated with a red star.

Eight years later, that picture has become a weapon  part of a conspiracy theory pushed by Slovenias right-wing government, which vilifies critics in the media as traitorous leftists intent on dragging the country back to communist dictatorship.

The Trumpian-style tactics, as six European press freedom groups recently described them, of Slovenias prime minister, Janez Jansa, would not normally arouse much concern beyond the borders of a small Balkan nation with a population of just two million.

But they are now under intense scrutiny by those looking for signs of what to expect when Mr. Jansas country takes over the European Unions rotating presidency next month.
The Portuguese authorities ordered a weekend lockdown of the capital region of Lisbon starting on Friday in an attempt to blunt a recent surge of new infections, offering a powerful reminder that even as Europe seeks to reopen more fully, the virus still poses challenges.

The decision came after Portugal registered this week its highest number of new cases since March, jumping by more than 1,300 in the past 24 hours.

Public health officials said that the rise in cases was steepest around Lisbon and they estimated that roughly half of the new cases involved the Delta variant, first detected in India and on the rise in other countries, including Britain.

The weekend lockdown goes into effect at 3 p.m. on Friday and lasts until 6 a.m. on Monday. While in effect, residents in the Lisbon region will be prohibited from traveling outside their home area, an attempt to keep the spread of the virus confined.
The death toll in the flash floods that roared across northern Turkey has risen to 59, with dozens of people still missing and many villages still cut off, almost a week after the disaster first struck, officials said.

The authorities said on Saturday that the damage from the flooding was unprecedented. At one point, more than 330 villages were without electricity, and more than 80 were still without power as of Sunday. Receding waters left vehicles toppled in the streets, and thick mud filled almost the entirety of the ground floor in some houses in the village of Babacay, according to footage on local news channels.

It was the latest grim natural disaster in a summer of extreme weather events in Europe that has included flooding in Germany and Belgium, heat waves in Italy and Russia and wildfires in Greece and elsewhere. In an era of climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in general have risen, although individual events cannot necessarily be attributed to it.
So, we have our stakes. And yet, as the plot spools out in a relatively staid order  A then B then C, with some jumps in time and interludes of poetry  Vishnu never seems to engage with those stakes in any significant way; things simply happen, and we move on. Through dialogue, we learn of the familys ancestral fall from grace, offhand commentary about pigmentation and the anglicizing of names, and surprising admiration for local remnants of French and British colonizers. But neither dialogue nor narration gives way to the characters interiority.

Image

This absence is most jarring when the narrator approaches matters of colonialism, class or race as if they are neither good nor bad, but simply the way life is. When Vishnus father says a family friend thinks an English name fits his skin color better, Busjeet reveals no reaction on Vishnus part; the next sentence cuts to another scene. When we do glimpse his thoughts, they often lack depth. When Vishnus Mauritian friends predict his future success, I smiled, but I didnt know what to say, Vishnu narrates. Sure, my goal was to thrive among the elite. I was flattered, but what if I let them down?

If theres little of Vishnus inward life on the page, theres certainly plenty of his surroundings. The middle of the novel takes us through natural disasters, political upheaval, bureaucratic corruption and economic instability. For readers unfamiliar with Mauritius, this history is illuminating, the richness of detail showcasing some of the best writing in the book. As Cyclone Carol menaces the island in 1960, Busjeet moves from a description of the marijuana the islands Hindus partook in on happier occasions, to a sky stained blood-red by storm winds, then to a scrum of customers angling for a shops plywood and canned food, overseen by the savvy white-haired Chinese woman counting on an abacus while dispensing disaster survival advice. The tension in such moments is palpable enough to inject needed bits of fuel into the story.

Eventually, Vishnu arrives, in more ways than one. He wins a secondary school scholarship on the island, and later travels to London. Hes admitted to one Ivy League university and then another, securing several mentorships that give him contact highs off of old-money America. In several moments where he might be derailed  like when hes assigned a work-study job he thinks is beneath him, in the kitchen of the Yale dining hall  Vishnu deploys the sort of slick, self-important persuasiveness many a political insider would kill for. While he occasionally overreaches and stumbles (in an entertaining sequence during a college internship in Washington, D.C., a single expensive dinner renders him penniless, forcing him back into the sort of kitchen job hes previously avoided), Vishnu never second-guesses his ultimate goal of social status and material wealth. Hes most reflective when pridefully examining his sookwaar, or delicate, hands, in contrast to the callused hands of the working men around him; but the observation opens no door to deeper thoughts about inequity. Nor is there much room for nuance in Vishnus regard for the United States, which he blithely endorses, if not admires.

Is there anything wrong with this? It is a fantasy of the well-heeled that theres something inherently noble or soul-validating to be found in blue-collar struggles with economic decay. A reasonable level of wealth, and the security and comfort it brings, remains a central goal for most of us, migrant or otherwise. But read in our current moment, when American pursuit  glorification, even  of excess has resulted in one of the most pernicious societies in modern history, Vishnus heedless pining for the one percent feels, at best, problematic. There are flashes in the final pages that he might be starting to realize this (Was I at heart a non-materialist? Vishnu ponders after failing to secure an investment banking job. Or did I enjoy the good life that money brings?), but theyre too ambivalent to count as a moral progression.
Central Americas antidemocratic slide accelerated under Mr. Trump, who maintained a transactional relationship with the region: As long as the regions leaders stepped up efforts to intercept migrants, he would largely stay silent on their internal affairs, former officials said. Mr. Trump also made it clear that if they refused, he was willing to mete out punishment quickly  by cutting aid or imposing tariffs, as he did with Mexico.

So Central American governments beefed up enforcement on their borders but also began dismantling key anticorruption units that were investigating the powerful.

Mr. Biden came to office with fewer allies than ever in the fight for accountability in the region, and while few would expect him to match Mr. Trumps willingness to inflict pain on nations to get his way, current and former officials say that the administrations relative passivity in the face of corruption has cost the United States leverage in the region.

Besides a handful of new sanctions and the removal of visas for corrupt actors in the region, much of the sharpest U.S. response has been confined to expressions of anger in news interviews and Twitter posts.

The tweets are assertions and warnings, which of course have to be backed up pretty quickly by concrete measures or else they will be disregarded, said Stephen McFarland, the former American ambassador to Guatemala from 2008 to 2011.

Its like when you tell your kid, Dont do something, but when they do it, theres no consequences, said Damian Merlo, a lobbyist representing El Salvadors government. With Trump, he added, there would be consequences.
SEOUL  North Korea appears to have restarted a reactor in its main nuclear complex, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said in a report, an indication that the North has been ramping up its nuclear weapons program while talks with the United States remain stalled.

The report also suggested that North Korea had renewed efforts to extract plutonium from spent fuel removed earlier at the sprawling complex, in Yongbyon, north of Pyongyang, the capital.

Nuclear-disarmament talks between Washington and Pyongyang fizzled after the second summit meeting between the Norths leader, Kim Jong-un, and former President Donald J. Trump collapsed in 2019. The Biden administration has offered to renew talks anywhere, anytime without preconditions, but North Korea has not shown interest, and in recent weeks the United States has been focused on the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Historically, the North has increased activities at Yongbyon when it has sought to raise tensions and increase its diplomatic leverage.
A Louisiana man was missing and presumed dead after an alligator attacked him on Monday in an area that was flooded during Hurricane Ida, the authorities said.

A woman said that at about noon on Monday, her 71-year-old husband was attacked by an alligator while walking in knee-high floodwaters at their home in the city of Slidell, about 30 miles northeast of New Orleans on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office.

Capt. Lance Vitter of the Sheriffs Office said the man had gone to check on his belongings in a storage area below the house.

The woman, whose name was not released, told deputies that she was inside her home when she heard a commotion and splashing. When she went outside, she saw a large alligator attacking her husband, the Sheriffs Office said.
The list of bills  revived by Mr. Abbott, who faces re-election next year and, for the first time in his 25-year career in elected office, serious primary challenges from fellow Republicans  features priorities of the G.O.P.s most staunch supporters. The measures include more money for a wall along the border with Mexico, stricter rules on how Texas schools teach about race, bans on receiving abortion drugs by mail and restrictions on transgender athletes in competitions.

The Legislature is also weighing a measure to pre-empt local worker protection ordinances, an effort that would deepen the battle lines between the Republican-dominated state government and Democratic officials in Texas cities.

The passage of the election bill came after an unusually bitter and unpredictable several months in the Texas Capitol.

After the Democratic House members left the state, Mr. Abbott called two special sessions, one after the other. The Republican speaker of the House, Dade Phelan, issued civil warrants for the lawmakers arrest. Democrats took refuge first outside Texas and then, when some returned, furtively within their homes or in undisclosed locations in the state.

Over time, attention waned and many Democrats wavered. The first 30-day special session expired in early August without any vote. The second one started immediately after and Democrats hunkered down, mostly in Texas, meeting daily via videoconference to try to hold their ranks together. Some trickled in, but not enough to allow Republicans to hold a vote.

Then, on Aug. 19, three Democratic members from Houston surprised their colleagues by showing up together on the House floor at the State Capitol. The move paved the way for Republicans to establish a quorum, and set off a round of finger-pointing and backbiting among Democrats in the state.

That the bill had been delayed as long as it had  the walkout lasted 38 days in all  surprised many in Austin. It raised the national profiles of the Democrats who took to Washington to call for federal voting rights legislation, their only real hope of countering the Republican measures in Texas.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, was poised to benefit from the shutdown of Manhattans office districts. The borough, which has the largest share of college-educated residents outside of Manhattan, became a popular destination for Manhattan residents seeking bigger apartments. Commuters to Manhattan were now working and shopping closer to home, boosting local businesses.

Whether these shifts prove to be lasting  and whether larger employers will start to relocate to Brooklyn  is a key question. Manhattan is home to less than 20 percent of New York Citys residents but accounts for at least half of the citys tax revenues, according to estimates provided by the New York State comptrollers office. Even as Manhattans share of the citys property and sales taxes dipped during the pandemic, economists say that business activity in the other boroughs is unlikely to overtake Manhattan any time soon.

But already, the new era of hybrid work has prompted some smaller employers to open offices in Brooklyn, which could have broad ripple effects for neighborhoods across the citys most populous borough. Brooklyn added more than 230,000 new residents in the past decade, according to 2020 census data released last month, the fastest population growth of any borough.

During the pandemic, Josh Miller made more than a dozen new hires for his start-up, the Browser Company, which is seeking to create a new web browser. He noticed that most of his New York City employees lived in Brooklyn.

After polling his staff members, Mr. Miller decided to relocate his office from NoLIta in Lower Manhattan  which had been an easy area for him to meet with investors and other tech founders  to Brooklyns East Williamsburg neighborhood. The company, which has 23 employees, moved in July, and working from the office will not be mandatory.

Brooklyn went from being an option you wouldnt consider because of how inconvenient it was to the most convenient, Mr. Miller said.

Economists say that the pandemic could accelerate a trend that started after the 2008 recession, when job growth in New York City began to be driven by the boroughs outside Manhattan. In the past decade, according to the New York State comptrollers office, Brooklyn has been the biggest generator of new jobs in the city.
GUATEMALA CITY  Guatemalan prosecutors have opened an investigation into allegations that Russian citizens paid a bribe to the nations president, Alejandro Giammattei, a spokesman for the attorney generals office said Friday.

The inquiry arose out of information publicized in media reports, said the spokesman, Juan Luis Pantaleon, who noted that it began on Wednesday, so investigators are in the first stages of their work on the case.

The announcement follows a New York Times report last month that described explosive testimony by a witness who said he had personally delivered a rolled-up carpet filled with packages of cash to the presidents home.

Guatemalas top anti-corruption prosecutor had begun to look into the allegations with a small team of investigators, determining that the witness had likely stumbled upon a plot by a Russian-backed mining company to bribe the president for the right to operate part of a key port. But just weeks after their inquiry began, the prosecutor, Juan Francisco Sandoval, was abruptly dismissed by the attorney general and fled to the United States with the evidence he had compiled.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, 48, appointed as acting minister of the interior, presided over the insurgencys campaign of urban bombings that terrorized the capital city, Kabul, for years. His new post will give him extensive authority over policing and legal matters. Mawlawi Muhammad Yaqoub, who was named acting defense minister, is the oldest son of the Talibans founding leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, and is thought to be in his 30s.

Much of the cabinet, including Mr. Baradar, had served in the Talibans political office in Doha, Qatar. Among them were Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister; his deputy, Sher Abbas Stanikzai; and four of the so-called Guantanamo Five. They were held at the American detainment camp at Guantanamo Bay for 13 years before being exchanged in 2014 for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier captured by the Taliban.

In order to govern, the Taliban will need to secure aid, which has been frozen by the United States and other nations. Yet U.S. sanctions against some cabinet members, including Mr. Haqqani and his uncle, Khalil Haqqani, appointed acting minister of refugees and repatriation  both listed as leaders of the terrorist-designated Haqqani network  will make that a difficult proposition.

Another factor will be foreign governments, lenders and aid organizations who are waiting to see the fate of the opposition and whether the Taliban will respect rights for women and ethnic and religious minorities. Just hours before the Taliban announced their new government posts, in fact, their fighters were on Kabuls streets violently breaking up a peaceful demonstration for the second time in less than a week.
BEIRUT, Lebanon  Najib Mikati, a billionaire telecommunications tycoon, became the prime minister of Lebanon on Friday, seizing the reins for a third time in a country that has been without a government for more than a year while its people careened deeper into an economic abyss.

The formation of Mr. Mikatis cabinet was announced from the Presidential Palace after Mr. Mikati and President Michel Aoun signed a decree to make it official in the presence of the speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri.

Dispensing with the tradition of reading prepared remarks, Mr. Mikati delivered an emotional speech, summarizing the suffering of the Lebanese and calling for unity to pull the country out of the crisis.

Appearing to choke up, he mentioned mothers who couldnt find basic painkillers or baby formula, fathers who couldnt explain to their children why so many of their peers had fled the country, and workers who had lost their savings in insolvent banks and whose salaries were now worth a fraction of what they were just two years ago.
In the world of The Sopranos, theres family, and then theres family  those hard-won, deep-seated mob ties that make spiritual relations of every member of the Italian American mafia. Over the course of six seasons, that acclaimed HBO drama introduced us to several dozen members of New Jerseys powerful DiMeo crime family, including its brilliant and fascinating kingpin, Tony Soprano, and the various uncles, cousins, rivals and lovers who fill out the engrossing drama of the characters fraught, volatile life.

The Many Saints of Newark is a prequel, set roughly 30 years before the start of the show, beginning in the late 1960s and spanning half a decade. Billed as a Tony Soprano origin story, it instead focuses largely on Dickie Moltisanti, a close friend and associate of the family who, seeing great potential in Tony, takes the young Soprano boy under his wing.

Many Saints is a treat for Sopranos fans, full of subtle references to series lore and answers to longstanding questions, and its a delight to see younger versions of familiar faces. But the movie doesnt make much of an effort to explain characters or their relationships to the uninitiated, and if its been a while since your last Sopranos binge, you may find it difficult to place each and every member of the family.
New information emerged on Saturday about a brawl outside a popular Italian restaurant in Manhattan that raises questions about initial accounts of the altercation, in which the police said they arrested three women from Texas after they attacked a hostess who had asked them to provide proof of their vaccination status.

In a statement on Thursday, the police said that they had responded to an assault in front of Carmines on the Upper West Side of Manhattan involving a 24-year-old hostess, who told them that she got into a dispute with three women after she requested to see their Covid-19 vaccination cards. The three women were charged with assault and criminal mischief.

But on Saturday, lawyers for both Carmines and the women said that the three women had, in fact, provided documentation of Covid vaccinations. The altercation began after two men who joined their party several minutes later were unable to provide proof, the lawyers for both sides said.

Security camera footage reviewed by The New York Times shows three women, who were with several other people, being ushered into the restaurant after showing documentation near the entrance. Several minutes later, three men arrive to join the group, but only one of the three shows a vaccination card, lawyers for both sides said. A short time later, after the three women, who are Black, have joined the men outside, the fight breaks out.
TOKYO  In a triumph of elite power brokers over public sentiment, Japans governing party on Wednesday elected Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister, as its choice for the next prime minister.

By selecting Mr. Kishida, 64, a moderate party stalwart, in a runoff election for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party, the partys elites appeared to disregard the publics preferences and choose a candidate who offered little to distinguish himself from the unpopular departing prime minister, Yoshihide Suga.

Wednesdays leadership election was the most hotly contested in years. While party leaders usually coalesce around a candidate, this time it was not clear that Mr. Kishida would prevail until the ballots were counted in a second round at a luxury hotel in Tokyo.

Mr. Kishida defeated his chief rival, Taro Kono, an outspoken American-educated maverick, 257 to 170, in a runoff vote dominated by the partys members of Parliament.
The crowd of Britney Spears supporters seemed to be holding its breath as one in the moments before the news broke that James P. Spears had been suspended as her conservator after 13 years.

Robert Bordelon, 25, of Los Angeles was the first to tell the crowd the decision had been made, before instantly falling to his knees, sobbing.

They thought we were crazy, he said through tears. They thought she was crazy.

The crowd erupted, jumping and cheering. Many fans embraced, seeing it as vindication for the #FreeBritney movement.

Arthur Avitia, 30, clutched his black fur stole as he took in the news.

Im so relieved, he said, breathless. This is what Britney has wanted for 13 years, and its about damn time.
They began showing up more than an hour before the hearing was set to begin.

A man in platform heels and a pink Free Britney cape. Nearly 100 protesters, many in crop tops, wigs and eye-popping makeup, gathered outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in advance of a highly anticipated court proceeding hearing in Britney Spearss 13-year conservatorship.

The spot has become the de facto hub for the Free Britney movement. Since 2019, online chatter among Britney Spears fans cast doubt on her well-being, after she abruptly canceled a Las Vegas residency and disappeared for weeks from public life.

A handful of protesters began showing up at the courthouse then. But the crowds have grown, especially since June 23, when Ms. Spears spoke publicly at a hearing about feeling abused by the conservatorship.

Mona Montgomery, 79, of Glendale, Calif., a retired conservatorship lawyer, heard a radio broadcast of the testimony in June.
This would represent an immense expansion of the executive branchs powers, the suit states. The government maintains that it was appropriate to issue the emergency regulation, which will expire in November unless it is renewed.

Several of the plaintiffs in the suit say they have already had Covid-19, and they argue that the mandate should include an exception for people who have natural immunity. In Britain and Israel, for example, proof of a prior infection is considered enough to receive a digital vaccination passport for six months; in the United States, that is not the case.

They should have had the right to lobby the Legislature about that, said Todd Aldinger, the lawyer for the plaintiffs. This is really about participation in democracy.

Are any exemptions allowed?

At present, the state allows medical exemptions for narrow categories of health care workers, including those who are allergic to the vaccine components. In all, just half of 1 percent of hospital workers qualified for medical exemptions, according to data released by the state Tuesday.

The mandate does not currently allow for religious exemptions. But an earlier version of the vaccine mandate did, and some hospitals had begun to grant them. NewYork-Presbyterian had issued 129 religious exemptions out of more than 1,000 requests before withdrawing the exemptions after the state policy changed in late August, court documents show.

The state had given little reason for the sudden switch. But in a court hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Wednesday, a top state lawyer offered an explanation.

The lawyer, Steven Wu, a deputy solicitor general of New York, said that the two versions of the vaccine mandates  one allowing for religious exemptions, the other not  emerged from different parts of the Health Department, with little coordination. In ultimately deciding to remove the religious exemption, Mr. Wu said, state health authorities were following previous mandates for measles and rubella vaccines that did not offer religious exemptions for health care workers.
Facebook on Wednesday published two internal research reports about its photo-sharing app, Instagram, and downplayed their conclusions, as the company prepared for two congressional hearings in the next week that are focused on its products effects on childrens mental health.

The reports  Teen Mental Health Deep Dive, published internally in October 2019, and Hard Life Moments, published in November 2019  were accompanied by annotations from Facebook that sought to contextualize the limitations of the research and chastised its own researchers for using imprecise language.

In one slide, with a title that said one in five teens say that Instagram makes them feel worse about themselves, with UK girls the most negative, Facebook wrote in its annotation that the research had not been intended to suggest a causal link between the app and well-being. The company said the headline emphasized negative effects but could have been written to note the positive or neutral effect of Instagram on users.

Facebook published the research as it grapples anew with questions about whether it is inherently harmful as a service. Articles published by The Wall Street Journal this month showed that the social network knew about many of the ills it was causing, including Instagrams leading teenage girls to feel worse about their bodies and to increased rates of anxiety and depression.
Whats your comfort level with Covid risk? If you, your therapist or a family member are at high risk of complications from contracting Covid-19, virtual is almost certainly your best bet, Dr. Bufka said.

Obviously a big factor is whether youre vaccinated or not, because if youre not, the risk of going in person is greater for yourself and the therapist, said David Mohr, a professor at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. You should also check if your therapist is vaccinated. Beyond that, Dr. Mohr said, its all about your comfort level. If its extremely anxiety-producing to meet in person, it may not be productive.

Is your provider taking precautions? The A.P.A. has recommended that providers take certain steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, including spacing out appointments, increasing ventilation, encouraging physical distancing and enforcing masking for everyone.

Dont be afraid to ask your therapist about the measures they have in place, said Camilo Ortiz, a clinical psychologist and a professor at Long Island University Post in New York. I would personally never be offended if someone asked me a whole lot of questions, he added.

Who and what is being treated? Certain conditions may actually benefit from being treated remotely. Patients with autism, for example, may feel that virtual therapy gives them more control over their environment, Dr. Bufka said. Virtual sessions may also be better for exposure therapy, a psychological treatment that helps patients with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety confront their fears. Instead of assigning exposure as homework, a therapist can observe it happening in real time. And teletherapy can be a good bridge to in-person sessions for people with severe anxiety or agoraphobia, or who are prone to panic attacks.

On the other hand, people with symptoms like paranoia may do better with in-person therapy because it allows for more nonverbal communication, which can help them manage any suspicion they might feel toward their therapist. Hoarders who are ashamed of their home may also feel uncomfortable doing video therapy. And when it comes to treating kids, face-to-face is usually better too, Dr. Ortiz said. In his experience, children tend to look at some other part of the screen or slowly tilt their camera up until its facing the ceiling when hes meeting with them virtually. I see a lot of kids with attentional problems, and this is the worst possible way to do therapy, he said.

Do you have privacy? If you dont live alone, can you close yourself in a bedroom or bathroom? Can you drown out your conversation with white noise?
QUITO, Ecuador  Hundreds of police officers have entered an Ecuadorean prison where more than 100 inmates died this week, officials said early Thursday, with officials seeking to take back control of the penitentiary.

The announcement follows the presidents declaration of a state of emergency that would give military personnel control of the facilities and put inmates in strict lockdown.

The riot at the Coastal Penitentiary, a crowded prison on the outskirts of Guayaquil, began Tuesday morning in two maximum-security pavilions and led to 116 deaths and about 80 injuries, all involving inmates, President Guillermo Lasso said late Wednesday.

We are working to avoid further deaths, said Mr. Lasso, who called the episode sorrowful. The emergency steps will bar inmates in the large facility, which has nearly 10,000 inmates, from gathering and socializing, he said, and subject their correspondence to review.
Rubel, a 30-year-old roofer from Bangladesh, is among more than 300,000 migrant workers currently living under lockdown restrictions in Singapore that essentially prevent them from doing anything other than going from their crowded dorms to work and back to their dorms again.

When the pandemic began, Rubel shared a single room with about 30 people, he said, and there were 10 bathrooms for the 100 people in his building  conditions that he has tolerated because he can take in 28 Singapore dollars a day (about $20), plus overtime, which he sends home to his wife and young son.

But the toll on his mental health is growing.

While we are grateful for many things, I cant breathe, he said.

Singapores pandemic restrictions on migrant workers began in April 2020. The countrys Ministry of Manpower said they were targeted for lockdowns because the vast majority of coronavirus infections in the country were coming from the dormitories where such workers live.
If looting and restitution were this shows true focus, then at the very minimum each label should have outlined, in chronological order, the owners of these artworks from their creation to the present day. That was the strategy of Gurlitt: Status Report, the two-part blockbuster outing of a collection with a Nazi provenance, staged in Bern and Bonn in 2017. Beside each painting or drawing, a label tracked its movements from the studio onward  to insist that you were looking not (or not merely) at objects of beauty, but at evidence of a crime.

Or show the backs of some of these paintings, where their labels could testify to their theft and recovery. The Jewish Museum has borrowed from Richmond a pastoral scene by Claude Lorrain, Battle on a Bridge, confiscated by the Nazis from the Paris art dealer Georges Wildenstein. The text alongside mentions that the painting was destined for Hitlers never-built art temple in Austria. But only in the catalog did I learn that it bears a Fuhrermuseum inventory number  No. 2207  right on the stretcher bar. Why not hang the painting on stanchions, so we can see the Nazi scar on the verso? Or at least picture the reverse side on the label? Thats how the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter in Oslo did it in 2015, after discovering that the museum owned a Matisse looted  like the two in this show  from the Parisian art dealer Paul Rosenberg.
PARIS  Sometimes you yearn for the beauty of small things: the haiku, the string quartet, the miniature engraving. And then other times, tovarishch, you need your beauty as big as the motherland.

The Morozov Collection: Icons of Modern Art, which opened last week at the Louis Vuitton Foundation here, brings to Paris a War and Peace-scale blast of French and Russian painting  and reunites, for the first time since 1918, one of the two most substantial art collections of pre-revolutionary Russia.

When the French bourgeoisie still disdained the Paris avant-garde, the young Russian textile magnates Ivan and Mikhail Morozov bought the most innovative paintings in the city  and bought in bulk. Gauguin, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso: All their work came east, and would inspire two generations of Russian successors. Alongside their fellow textile boss and friendly rival collector Sergei Shchukin, the Morozovs made Moscow into the offshore capital of French modern art in the years around 1900.

Then came the October Revolution, when all of the 200 paintings here were expropriated for the national collection. Ivan Morozov went into exile. Under Stalin, the paintings were suppressed, and scattered as far as Siberia.
Carlisle Floyd, the composer-librettist whose operas explored the passions and prejudices of the South in lyrical tales that drew on rural fundamentalism, the Great Depression, the aftermath of the Civil War and other regional themes, died on Thursday in Tallahassee, Fla. He was 95.

His death was announced by his publisher, Boosey & Hawkes.

Among the leading 20th-century American opera composers, Mr. Floyd is often cited with Ned Rorem, Philip Glass, John Coolidge Adams, the Italian-American Gian Carlo Menotti, Samuel Barber and others whose works have joined the standard repertory, including George Gershwin, who called his Porgy and Bess a folk opera, and Leonard Bernstein, whose Candide was an operetta.

The son of an itinerant South Carolina preacher, Mr. Floyd grew up with the music of the South: revival meeting hymns, square dance fiddlers, rollicking country hoedowns and folk songs. He wrote them into many of his operas, whose plots were largely derived from classics of literature, featuring social outcasts and narrow-minded neighbors who ostracized them.

Mr. Floyd said his exposure to religious bigotry early in life had shaped his operatic themes. The thing that horrified me already as a child about revival meetings, he told The New York Times in 1998, was mass coercion, people being forced to conform to something against their will without ever knowing what they were being asked to confess or receive.
LOS ANGELES  Last summer, the painter Sarah Cain was contemplating the biggest project of her career: a 45-foot-long painting for the East Building Atrium of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. Cain, 42, has been making caustically colorful, improvised abstractions since the mid-2000s and had been commissioned to hide construction walls during refurbishment of the atriums skylight. Nearby sculptures by Max Ernst, Isamu Noguchi and Richard Serra, too large to relocate, were protected by wooden boxes. Cain was tasked with painting on the boxes, too  each bigger than her studio. (And she needed a title.)

Not long afterward, one recent scorching afternoon, I visited the artist in the hilly Los Angeles neighborhood of Garvanza. Cain handed me a mug of iced mint tea. On the side, in jaunty lettering, was that title, borrowed from a meme she spotted on Instagram that made her laugh: My favorite season is the fall of the patriarchy.

The critic Quinn Latimer once remarked on Cains compulsion toward seemingly bad ideas, such as attaching feathers or doilies to the surface of her paintings and drawings. And I do a lot of crazy titles, Cain admitted, too. But I just felt, I wont get this chance ever again. Why would I shy away from one of the biggest problems in the art world?
How Asia revved up vaccinations

For months, the Asia-Pacific region struggled to get its Covid vaccination campaigns off the ground. But now, several countries in the region are speeding ahead and some have even pulled ahead of the U.S.

South Korea, Japan and Malaysia have administered more vaccine doses per 100 people than the U.S. has  a pace that seemed unthinkable in the spring. Several countries have surpassed the U.S. in fully vaccinating their populations or are on track to do so, limiting the possible damage from the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

The turnaround is a testament to the regions success in securing supplies and working out the kinks in their programs.

Across Asia, the incentives offered to get the shot vary, like allowing only vaccinated people to attend social activities, but overall, vaccines have not been a polarizing issue. A research team at the National University of Singapore found that the region holds mostly positive views of Covid vaccines.
The United States owes its existence as a nation partly to an immunization mandate.

In 1777, smallpox was a big enough problem for the bedraggled American army that George Washington thought it could jeopardize the Revolution. An outbreak had already led to one American defeat, at the Battle of Quebec. To prevent more, Washington ordered immunizations  done quietly, so the British would not hear how many Americans were sick  for all troops who had not yet had the virus.

It worked. The number of smallpox cases plummeted, and Washingtons army survived a war of attrition against the worlds most powerful country. The immunization mandate, as Ron Chernow wrote in his 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Washington, was as important as any military measure Washington adopted during the war.

In the decades that followed, immunization treatments became safer (the Revolutionary War method killed 2 percent or 3 percent of recipients), and mandates became more common, in the military and beyond. They also tended to generate hostility from a small minority of Americans.

A Cambridge, Mass., pastor took his opposition to a smallpox vaccine all the way to the Supreme Court in 1905, before losing. Fifty years later, while most Americans were celebrating the start of a mass vaccination campaign against polio, there were still some dissenters. A United Press wire-service article that ran in newspapers across the country on April 13, 1955, reported:

Hundreds of doctors and registered nurses stood ready to begin the stupendous task of inoculating the millions of children throughout the country. Some hitches developed, however. In Marylands Montgomery County, 4,000 parents flatly refused to let their youngsters receive the vaccine. Two counties in Indiana objected that the plan smacked of socialized medicine.

Many vaccinations, few firings

We are now living through this cycle again. The deadline for many workplace mandates arrived this week, often requiring people to have received a Covid-19 vaccine or face being fired. In California, the deadline for health care workers is today.
The pandemic made that slog harder. Ms. Zhu, based in Melbourne, Australia, was among roughly 140,000 people who sat for one of the three qualifying exams required for a C.F.A. this year. Only 35 percent passed. Of those who took their first exam in the most recent round in July, the pass rate was 22 percent  the lowest on record since the nonprofit CFA Institute began administering the tests in 1963. On average, fewer than half of C.F.A. test takers across all levels pass.

The record lows revived a longstanding debate among finance industry veterans: How useful is the credential for success on Wall Street? And how does it compare to the industrys most popular graduate degree  the M.B.A., or master of business administration? Those questions  M.B.A. vs. C.F.A. vs. nothing at all  pop up periodically in the industry, but this time around they carry more urgency, especially with registrations for the C.F.A. program down from their 2019 peak. In the midst of the pandemic, Wall Streets biggest firms have also been forced to rethink some of the rites of passage that have long gone unquestioned  like long hours at the mercy of bosses or buttoned-up attire.

C.F.A. candidates whose exams were canceled or postponed because of lockdowns and hardships during the pandemic had poorer results, the institute said after auditing data from the last two rounds of subpar scores. Although the tests are typically offered twice a year, they were offered several times this year because of the pandemic.

People have had, in many cases, their lives upturned  we know theyre working from home virtually, theres a fatigue setting in, said Margaret Franklin, the chief executive of the CFA Institute, which is based in Charlottesville, Va. Theres kind of the optimal study conditions, and then theres the reality of Covid, she said.
The Senate confirmed Rohit Chopra on Thursday to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in a 50-to-48 party-line vote that overcame objections from Republicans who said he would wield the bureaus sweeping powers to pursue an anti-business agenda.

Mr. Chopra, 39, served most recently as a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, which he often criticized for what he viewed as a reluctance to crack down on violators. Facebook and Google were particular targets of his ire; citing the endless scandals involving large technology firms, he called for much larger financial penalties and stiffer constraints.

As President Bidens choice for director, Mr. Chopra will be returning to an agency he helped build. Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau a decade ago with a simple mission: to regulate financial companies and protect consumers. The brainchild of Senator Elizabeth Warren, who lists it in her Twitter bio as one of her children alongside her two human offspring, it set out to crack down on the kinds of abuses that led to the 2008 mortgage crisis and subsequent economic crash. The bureau quickly became one of Washingtons most feared and aggressive regulators.

The C.F.P.B. is a young agency, and you see it whipsawing based on the leadership, said Ashley Taylor, a partner at Troutman Pepper who specializes in consumer finance regulation and enforcement. The person at the top makes a huge difference.
Chicagos brawny tabloid has entered into a merger agreement with the nonprofit organization behind the public radio show This American Life.

The Chicago Sun-Times, once home to the film critic Roger Ebert and the columnist Mike Royko, and Chicago Public Media, the owner of the citys National Public Radio affiliate, WBEZ, announced on Wednesday that they had signed a nonbinding letter of intent that would allow the organization to acquire the paper. If the deal goes through, the publication that bills itself as Chicagos oldest continuously published newspaper will become part of the nonprofit group.

This would allow us to invest in our people, improve the news products we create and strengthen our digital future, Nykia Wright, the Sun-Times chief executive, said in a statement.

The potential deal stands in contrast with the one reached by The Sun-Timess age-old rival, The Chicago Tribune, whose parent company, Tribune Publishing, was sold this year to the New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital.
The company faces problems besides its financial challenges. Securities regulators and federal prosecutors are investigating whether Lordstown and its former chief executive, Steve Burns, exaggerated demand for its truck in public statements, potentially misleading investors about the companys financial health and prospects.

Lordstown also faces intense competition from other start-ups like Rivian, which began producing electric pickup trucks for customers two weeks ago, and from established automakers like Ford Motor and G.M., which are planning to start selling electric trucks over the next several months.

Its not surprising that Lordstown is looking to sell its factory given the Wall Street and real estate background of David Hamamoto, a board member and the driving force behind the merger that took the start-up public last year.

Mr. Hamamoto, a former Goldman Sachs executive who formed a real state investment firm called NorthStar, was one of the founders of the special purpose acquisition company that merged with Lordstown last October.

That acquisition company, DiamondPeak Holdings, originally planned to acquire a private company in the real estate industry. The deal with Lordstown started to come together in June 2020 as Mr. Hamamoto and his team faced a deadline to complete a deal or risk the prospect of returning the money it had raised from investors in an initial public offering. Acquisition companies like DiamondPeak, which Mr. Hamamoto took public in early 2019, normally have two years to find a merger partner.

As it happens, acquisition companies have been all the rage on Wall Street in the last two years  raising more than $190 billion from investors. But these outfits have come under scrutiny from regulators and prosecutors because the deals they engage in are often structured to favor early investors. In addition, executives involved in acquisition companies and their takeover targets have made audacious claims about their business prospects when they are trying to win over investors.

Lordstown has said the investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and federal prosecutors are also focusing on events surrounding its merger with DiamondPeak.
BOONVILLE, Calif.  This little town in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County seems isolated enough. Its a 40-minute drive west of the nearest major highway, mostly on the winding, two-lane Route 128, and its barely on the grid. But Wells Guthrie was looking for something even more secluded.

Not that Mr. Guthrie, who had won acclaim at Copain Wines for his delicate, nuanced pinot noirs and savory, saline syrahs, is a hermit or misanthropic. Hes friendly and genial. But his recent experiences in the wine business, he said, had been unpleasant and had left him somewhat shellshocked.

So, when it came time for him in 2018 to start his new label, DuPuis Wines, he not only came to Boonville  he has been exploring the terroirs of the Anderson Valley for years  but found a place on a hillside, four miles up from the town on a narrow, twisting road, with a turn onto an even more serpentine dirt road leading to an unmarked driveway.

This is where Mr. Guthrie, 51, is putting down new roots, starting fresh in a business that, even for the most prepared and determined small producer, can offer numerous pitfalls and obstacles.
Tucked in the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened Thursday in Los Angeles, is a surprisingly modest exhibit of significant Oscars. The museum, after all, is the latest venture of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that each year entertains, inflames and invariably stupefies movie lovers of every taste and critical persuasion with that gaudy bacchanalia of self-love known as the Oscars.

Given the academys focus on all things Oscar, its latest production could have played up the event even more than it does. Yet while the awards invariably loom large, as does Hollywood  this is very much an academy endeavor, as the many nods to Steven Spielberg underscore  the long-delayed museum has embraced a tricky, complicated brief to accentuate the positive, to borrow the title of an Oscar-nominated song. The industrys ugliness, its racism and sexism, is directly addressed, but the emphasis is on diversity and pluralism, not past and present sins. Call it a museum of good intentions.

The 20 statuettes in the significant Oscars gallery underscores this idea. The oldest is the best cinematography award given to Sunrise in 1929, the first year of the ceremony and the only year the academy divided its top honors between unique and artistic picture and outstanding film; the latter was given to Wings and isnt on display. The most recent is the 2017 best adapted screenplay award for Moonlight, which is part of an inclusive lineup that includes best actor (Sidney Poitier), costume design (Eiko Ishioka), documentary (The Times of Harvey Milk) and song (Up Where We Belong).
Taking a sly, metaphorical dig at homeowners abandoning their friends for fast buyouts, Bingo Hell sprinkles hardship and loss on a story of oldster gumption. When the action gets creaky, Byron Werners photography gooses things along: Hes especially effective with low-to-the-ground shots that add a creepy surreality to simple setups. The final third fizzles, but I enjoyed the droll musical choices and seriously gloopy special effects. (One scene in a motel bathroom should come with a warning to anyone suffering from even the mildest skin condition.)

Despite the generally humorous vibe, Bingo Hell quietly accumulates an unignorable pathos. However brave and resourceful, Lupita and her friends are battling to save a neighborhood that poverty and progress have already claimed.

Black as Night

Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 27 minutes. Watch on Amazon.

Bingo Hell

Not Rated. Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes. Watch on Amazon.
Then a woman calls, in what initially appears to be a wrong number as shes addressing a child, and we can see Joes on-the-job instincts click into gear. His face and body suddenly alert, he questions her and deduces that she is being kidnapped and that her abductor is armed. What follows is a taut cat-and-mouse, conducted entirely by telephone, as Joe, instead of following protocol and handing off to other agencies, frantically attempts to solve the crime himself. Only later, as we glean more about his personal life, do we suspect his investment in this womans safety might be something more than professional.

Thanks to a vibrant voice cast that includes Riley Keough, Peter Sarsgaard and Ethan Hawke, The Guilty helps us to visualize its unexpectedly shocking offscreen twists and turns. Maz Makhanis cinematography is glossily seductive, finding ever new angles to ogle Joe at his computer, while Marcelo Zarvoss canny musical score resists thrusting itself into every verbal hiatus. When Joe sucks on his inhaler, we hear every wheeze.

Essentially a one-man show, The Guilty necessarily vibrates to the rhythms of its lead. As the original Joe, Jakob Cedergren was cooler and more physically restrained, perfectly in tune with his movies stripped-down aesthetic. In Gyllenhaals hands  and feet and everything in between  The Guilty becomes a more combustible portrait of mental breakdown. Joe, losing his grip on everything that matters, needs to find this woman before its too late. He desperately needs a save.

The Guilty

Rated R for bad words and horrible pictures in your head. Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
In the weeks before and after his resignation as governor, Andrew M. Cuomo defended his behavior, deflected blame and tried to discredit Letitia James, the state attorney general who concluded that he had sexually harassed multiple women while in office.

As Ms. James put it this week, Mr. Cuomo has never taken responsibility for his own conduct.

He has never held himself accountable for how his behavior affected our state government, Ms. James, a fellow Democrat, said on Wednesday during a breakfast with powerful business and civic leaders in Manhattan.

She added, No one is above the law.

Ms. Jamess findings are expected to serve as a blueprint for a far-ranging investigation by the State Assembly that is in its final stages. A report is expected to be made public in October, according to a person familiar with the inquiry who requested anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

Some lawmakers briefed on the inquiry said that a portion of the Assemblys investigation would largely mirror the findings of the attorney generals 163-page report, which concluded that Mr. Cuomo had fostered a toxic work environment and sexually harassed 11 women, including current and former female staffers.
Edward Keating, who for more than a month did whatever it took, even disguising himself as a worker, to photograph the wreckage at ground zero after Sept. 11, 2001, contributing to a body of work that brought The New York Times a Pulitzer Prize for photography for its 9/11 coverage, died on Sunday in Manhattan. He was 65.

His wife, Carrie Keating, said the cause was cancer, which Mr. Keating had attributed to the days and nights he spent inhaling toxic dust amid the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Mr. Keatings enterprising spirit as a photographer sometimes got him in trouble. In the 1990s, while covering the Kosovo war, he was seized by the Serbian authorities after crossing the Albanian border to get a better angle. His efforts to gain access to ground zero led to his arrest for criminal trespass.
Ghostly white strollers were parked outside City Hall in Lower Manhattan to mourn a 3-month-old girl killed in her stroller on a Brooklyn sidewalk in a crash that the authorities say was caused by a reckless driver.

The strollers  accompanied by bouquets of yellow flowers and lit candles  were a stark rebuke to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

When Mr. de Blasio took office nearly eight years ago, one of his most ambitious promises was to tame New York Citys deadly streets, where nearly 300 people had been killed in traffic deaths just the year before. We refuse to accept the loss of children, parents and neighbors as inevitable, the mayor declared in 2014. We are focusing the full weight of city government to prevent fatalities on our streets.

The city has not delivered on its pledge. As Mr. de Blasio gets ready to step down in January, the streets are more dangerous than they were when his tenure began. Traffic deaths have surged this year to their highest level in nearly a decade.
I remember one project that had to go through 50 community meetings, even though it was entirely within zoning. So from all these different angles, I saw what a mess of a system we had and what the real-life consequences are for people in terms of not being able to get housing.

And so when I got elected to the board of supervisors in 2010, I decided that housing needed to be a focus for me. And so I started doing that work at the local level. And when I was running for the State Senate in 2016, I remember some of my Yimby supporters were saying, No, we dont want you to go because you cant do anything at the state level on housing. And I told them respectfully that they were wrong.

Were they wrong?

Yeah, they were wrong. You can definitely shake things up on housing at the state level. Thats been a high focus for me since I took office. Housing in so many ways is the issue in California. It intersects with so many of our other problems: homelessness and poverty, climate change and wildfire risk.

Fifty community meetings to get one development built does seem like a lot of meetings. What has created a system where so many community meetings are the norm?

Weve created a structure where the priority isnt to get housing built as quickly as possible. The priority, instead, is trying to make everyone happy. Its veered into this extreme situation where every project is discretionary, even if it complies with all of the local zoning rules. If youre someone who wants to build something, you also need to show up at a planning commission, or City Council meeting or board of supervisors meeting, and be able to say that you worked for two years with the neighborhood groups and that you worked with them on every element of everything. And if you dont do that, your project might be in jeopardy. And so weve created a system that prioritizes process and making everyone happy. And that de-prioritizes the actual creation of housing,

What you just described, a process that makes everyone happy  couldnt that just be described as a democratic process?

You can have a democratic process that doesnt last for three years. When San Francisco was building a rapid bus transit line, the environmental review process and the community process took 10 years. At some point, thats not democracy. Im all for community process and community participation. And I think developers should go to the community and try to work through issues. But when you allow it to be an unending process, thats no longer democracy. Thats a battle of attrition. You end up with less housing, and its more expensive. The longer it takes to get housing approved, the more expensive that housing is going to be.
Ive spent the past few weeks in a controlled fury  and Im not normally a fury kind of guy. Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and others are trying to pass arguably the most consequential legislative package in a generation, and what did I sense in my recent travels across five states? The same thing I sense in my social media feed and on the various media most-viewed lists.

Indifference.

Have we given up on the idea that policy can change history? Have we lost faith in our ability to reverse, or even be alarmed by, national decline? More and more I hear people accepting the idea that America is not as energetic and youthful as it used to be.

I can practically hear the spirits of our ancestors crying out  the ones who had a core faith that this would forever be the greatest nation on the planet, the New Jerusalem, the last best hope of earth.

My ancestors were aspiring immigrants and understood where the beating heart of the nation resided: with the working class and the middle class, the ones depicted by Willa Cather, James Agee and Ralph Ellison or in The Honeymooners, The Best Years of Our Lives and On the Waterfront. There was a time when the phrase the common man was a source of pride and a high compliment.
But I sometimes forget that a whole wretched orchard can take shape, one on the scale of the administration in which Grisham worked. And thats the more disturbing part, because it shows how very widespread human rottenness can be.

Im deliberately omitting the title of Grishams book. I refuse to plug it, and no matter how keen your curiosity, you should refuse to buy it. Her (profitable) candor now is inadequate atonement for her complicity then. It shouldnt be rewarded. Besides, the book is as superfluous as it is self-serving: Anyone who has been paying any attention to the news and to the veritable library of tell-alls so far has more than enough evidence of how unhinged the 45th president of the United States could be and how much of a danger he posed  and still poses  to our democracy. You can responsibly turn a blind eye and deaf ear to what Grisham has to say.

But not to what Grisham represents, which is how deep people will bury their consciences when it plumps up their egos, professional statures, bank accounts. When its exciting. When its high-wire. She saw how shallow her boss was, but she continued to serve him. She saw how tempestuous, and just kept forging ahead. She saw how indulgent of Vladimir Putin he could be, and she found a way not to care.

She saw, in other words, what scores of other sycophants did  hundreds if we count craven Republican lawmakers inside and outside the Beltway  and did what they did: calculated that it was to her immediate benefit to look away. As I said, I havent read the book; maybe she offers some rationale, as many of those other enablers do, and claims that a few of the presidents priorities were absolutely vital to the nation or that he was holding back some socialist tide.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a place to live  things like job opportunities, living costs and local politics. But people who are thinking about starting a family have a whole other set of details to mull, many of which are addressed in a new study by WalletHub. The analysis weighed 31 metrics across three categories in each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., to determine the best and worst places in the United States to have a baby.

In the first category, medical costs, early child care, health care premiums, babysitting and other expenses were compared and ranked. Next, health care was examined using data on hospitals, medical professionals, fertility clinics, rates of Covid-19 testing, infant mortality, low-weight and preterm births, childhood vaccination and more. The last category was baby- and family-friendliness, which weighed birthrates, parental-leave policies, and the number of mothers groups and child care centers per capita, among other data.

Among the results: Those worried about finding a pediatrician or family practitioner once the baby arrives might avoid Louisiana, with the fewest per capita, and consider Vermont, with the most. Vermont may also interest working parents, as might Montana, Tennessee and Colorado, all tied for the most child care centers per capita. Utah had the fewest.

Digging deeper, we find that scoring well in one metric wasnt enough to push a state toward the top of the list. Mississippi, for example, had the lowest annual infant-care costs, while Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Connecticut and California were tied with the highest. Even so, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and Connecticut, landed in the top 10 best places overall, while Mississippi finished last.
Levy, she says, who took to the camera in high school, has a different and more deliberate approach  he strips film to its most essential and powerful parts  something that was apparent, and fascinating to her, from the start. The pair kept in touch after that first class together, which was taught by the avant-garde filmmaker and artist Leslie Thornton, and their romance bloomed shortly after they graduated and moved to New York. They married in 2000, just as they were beginning to build their respective careers. Cinorre edited and produced for Thornton; produced and curated multimedia installations; created films for opera productions; and worked as a set decorator and as a stylist, most notably for Isabella Rossellinis experimental Green Porno short film series (2008), in which Cinorre also appears as an amorous snail. All the while, she was writing and directing her own shorts. One of them, Plume (2010), centers on a young boy lost in a sandstorm who is saved by an ostrich, which leaves him caught between the human and animal realms. My artistic inclinations are to mysterious things  Im interested in the territory of the sublime, she says.
The hearings were called after The Wall Street Journal published a series of articles this month about internal research at Facebook. One of the articles reported that, according to Facebooks findings, one in three teenagers said Instagram made his or her body image issues worse. Among teenagers who had suicidal thoughts, 13 percent of British users and 6 percent of American users said they could trace those thoughts to Instagram.

On Wednesday evening, Facebook released two slide decks from the research cited by The Journal. The company heavily annotated the slides, at times disputing or reframing the accuracy and intention of the research report. The company said in its slides that many teenagers reported positive experiences on Instagram, including that the app at times helped with mental health.

Lawmakers said the documents were only a small part of the internal Facebook research they had seen on Instagram and teenagers. The company appeared to be releasing data that suits its messaging, Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, said at the hearing.

So youve cherry-picked part of the research that you think helps your spin right now, Mr. Cruz said.

The research appears to contradict public statements by Facebooks chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, and the executive in charge of Instagram, Adam Mosseri. Both have long downplayed warnings that Instagram  through filters that can enhance images and a like button that can be used as a gauge of popularity  created a fraught environment for young users and made many teenagers feel worse about themselves.

This week, Mr. Mosseri announced that Facebook would pause plans to release a version of Instagram aimed at children in elementary and middle school  a rare decision by Facebook to change business plans after public pressure. But he has continued to defend the idea of the app, saying the reality is that children are online at very young ages and that Facebook is best equipped to create a safe environment for children on social media. The company has said it could provide stronger safety and privacy features on an app for young children than what is possible on its main Instagram app, pointing to what YouTube has done with YouTube Kids.
Im going to tell you the dirty secret of lots of technology start-ups and inventions: There is often very little technology magic. The great idea behind many so-called technology companies is often a novel but dull twist on what came before. (Remember, I like boring stuff. So this is not an insult.)

The dull idea behind Warby Parker, the internet eyewear vendor that sold its first shares of stock to the masses this week, was that all the intermediaries involved in buying glasses and contact lenses made the process far more annoying and expensive. Why do we buy glasses from the place where we get prescriptions? How much more do glasses cost because of all the steps involved: designers, manufacturers, fancy brands, opticians and retail stores?

Warby Parker and other relatively young online sellers, like Casper mattresses, Glossier for cosmetics and Dollar Shave Club, tackled this question with a similar approach. They bought products from the same factories that churned out glasses, mattresses or razors for established companies. (In some cases, they bought the factories.)

Then those upstarts flooded Facebook or other online spots with relatively inexpensive marketing. They could offer those pools of potential customers a product for less than their competitors because they cut out Walmart, LensCrafters or many others involved in moving a product from concept to store shelves.

And because a company like Glossier sells on its own website and in its own stores, and Revlon mostly doesnt, it can tell right away which eyeliner is popular, make more of it and pitch it to its most devoted shoppers.
Under the federal law, both the insurer and the doctor will tell an arbiter what they believe the appropriate price for the service should be. The arbiter will then look at a variety of factors to decide which of the two rates to pick.

The law that Congress passed has six factors the arbiters can consider. The rule released Thursday, however, directs the arbiters to focus on one of those factors as their starting point: the median prices that have been negotiated in the area for the same medical service.

The arbiter must begin with the presumption that this is the appropriate out-of-network rate, the rule states. They may consider other factors listed in the law, such as how sick the patient was or whether the hospital or doctor had made good faith efforts to join insurance networks, if they receive credible information from either party involved in the dispute on those subjects.

The administration on Thursday also opened applications for organizations to become arbiters. Applicants must have experience in billing and coding and arbitration and claims management.

The rules on how arbiters settle billing disputes are seen as especially important because they will determine whether the ban on surprise billing ultimately saves money for consumers, insurers and the federal government. The Congressional Budget Office estimated last year that the surprise billing ban would save the federal government $17 billion and reduce private insurance premiums 0.5 percent to 1 percent.

Most experts expect that starting from the in-network prices will ultimately lead to lower reimbursement rates. The Biden administration stated in the rule that the decision will aid in reducing prices that may have been inflated due to the practice of surprise billing prior to the No Surprises Act.

Trade groups representing health care providers, including emergency room physicians and hospitals, had generally urged the Biden administration to do something different: ensure that arbiters use all six of the factors listed in the law when they make up their minds. They argue that Congress intended for arbiters to have that broader deliberation, and that focusing on median in-network rates will lead to lower prices that are untenable.
A museum in Amsterdam is contemptuously known as the Bathtub because it resembles one. Berliners refer to their citys architecturally adventurous arts center as the Pregnant Oyster. Unfortunate nicknames for a prominent museum in France include the Smurf House.

And now Los Angeles has  the Death Star?

The long-delayed Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will finally open today on Wilshire Boulevard. Its a seven-story, $484 million temple to cinema that mixes cerebral (a lavish Hayao Miyazaki retrospective) with showbiz (a high-tech simulation of what it feels like to accept an Oscar). Adult tickets cost $25. The Oscars Experience is $15 extra. Entry-time reservations are required.

If nothing else, Angelenos now have somewhere to take Hollywood-fascinated visitors that does not involve the dreaded Hollywood & Highland shopping mall or the sticky, stinky Walk of Fame.

Renzo Piano, the Italian architect who designed the Academy Museum, has one plea, however. It involves a nickname for the complex, which includes a 26-million-pound concrete-and-glass spherical building. In the eyes of many beholders, the globe resembles Darth Vaders planet-destroying space station from Star Wars.
SACRAMENTO  As Californias requirement that all health care workers be vaccinated against the coronavirus took effect on Thursday, major health systems reported that the mandate had helped boost their vaccination rates to 90 percent or higher. In New York, another mandate that began this week compelled thousands of hospital and nursing home workers to get shots. And at several major corporations, executives reported surges in vaccination rates after adding their own requirements.

Until now, the biggest unknown about mandating Covid-19 vaccines in workplaces has been whether such requirements would lead to compliance or to significant departures by workers unwilling to get shots  at a time when many places were already facing staffing shortages. So far, a number of early mandates show few indications of large-scale resistance.

Mandates are working, said John Swartzberg, a physician and professor at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. If you define working by the percentage of people getting vaccinated and not leaving their jobs in droves.

Unlike other incentives  prizes, perks, doughnuts, beer, weve seen just about everything offered to get people vaccinated  mandates are among the few levers that historically have been effective in increasing compliance, said Dr. Swartzberg, who has tracked national efforts to increase rates of inoculation.
NORTH MIAMI, Fla.  Enrique Gonzalez has become a familiar fixture outside the Publix supermarket in North Miami, where he stops by every evening with a stack of missing person fliers emblazoned with his 13-year-old daughters photograph.

He jumps into action when he sees someone young, or a parent who might empathize, on the off chance that some stranger may have seen his daughter Victoria. The eighth grader has been missing since Sept. 17.

Im praying for you, man, one shopper told him as he took a good look at the poster.

The nations recent fascination with every detail of the case of Gabrielle Petito, who went missing and was later found dead in Wyoming, has raised new questions about the tens of thousands of women and girls  many of them Black, Latina or Indigenous  who are reported missing each year and go unnoticed. Some of them are presumed dead or trafficked. Many are chronic runaways, who often are not priorities for the police. And most of them share an unwelcome trait: Unlike Ms. Petito, who carefully chronicled a road trip with her boyfriend online, few people have ever heard of them, raising uncomfortable questions about whose cases get publicized and investigated and whose are largely ignored.

Without media coverage, and the police resources that usually follow, it often falls to families to search for their loved ones. More than a third of the women and girls reported missing last year in the United States were Black, and the lack of attention to their cases has prompted some people to create organizations and websites dedicated to sharing posters of every missing woman of color, one by one, until they are found.
I think the big takeaway is that most people in public health tend to take vital statistics for the U.S. and other countries as the absolute truth, and it turns out, as we show, the vital statistics are missing more than half of the police violence deaths, said Dr. Christopher Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, which conducted the study.

He continued: You have to look for why those deaths that are being picked up by the open-source investigations, looking in the media and elsewhere, arent showing up in the official statistics. That does point to the system of medical examiners and the incentives that may exist for them to want to not classify a death as related to police violence.

Researchers estimated that over the time period they studied, which roughly tracks the era of the war on drugs and the rise of mass incarceration, nearly 31,000 Americans were killed by the police, with more than 17,000 of them going unaccounted for in the official statistics. The study also documented a stark racial gap: Black Americans were 3.5 times as likely to be killed by the police as white Americans were. Data on Asian Americans was not included in the study, but Latinos and Native Americans also suffered higher rates of fatal police violence than white people.

The annual number of deaths in police custody has generally gone upward since 1980, even as crime  notwithstanding a rise in homicides last year amid the dislocations of the coronavirus pandemic  has declined from its peak in the early 1990s.
WASHINGTON  In a combative speech on Thursday, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. defended several of the Supreme Courts recent rulings on what critics call its shadow docket, saying the news media had created the impression that a dangerous cabal is deciding important issues in a novel, secretive, improper way in the middle of the night, hidden from public view.

He addressed the recent decisions in unusual detail, rejecting, for instance, what he said was the false and inflammatory claim that we nullified Roe v. Wade in early September by allowing a Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks to come into effect.

We did no such thing, and we said so expressly in our order, he said, quoting from it. Indeed, the majority in the 5-to-4 ruling said it based its decision on procedural grounds and did not address the constitutionality of the Texas law.

The effect of the ruling, however, has been to deny abortions to most women in Texas. In dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the majoritys unsigned order illustrates just how far the courts shadow docket decisions may depart from the usual principles of appellate process.
The next thing I knew, he was on top of me, messing with my clothes and not saying anything at all. What is happening? I thought. I didnt know what to do. I was frozen in shock, just laying there as his weight pressed down upon me. I was confused. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. I asked myself, was it something that I had done? Choosing to have an abortion was the hardest decision I had ever made. But at 18 years old, I knew it was the right decision for me. It was freeing, knowing I had options. Even still, it took long for me to feel like me again until most recently when I decided to give this speech. So to all the Black women and girls who have had abortions and will have abortions, we have nothing to be ashamed of. I knew I was not ready to have another child, so I religiously took my daily contraceptive pill. Despite that, I became pregnant. I consulted with my doctors who told me that any future pregnancy would likely also be high risk to me and the child. Similar to what I had gone through with Janak. I very much wanted to have more children, but I simply could not imagine going through that again. For me, terminating my pregnancy was not an easy choice, the most difficult Ive made in my life, but it was my choice and that is what must be preserved for every pregnant person. Im sharing my story even though I truly believe it is personal and really nobodys business, and certainly not the business of politicians. But Im compelled to speak out because of the real risks of the clocks being turned back to those days before Roe vs Wade, to the days when I was a teenager and had a back alley abortion in Mexico. A lot of girls and women in my generation didnt make it. They died from unsafe abortions. In the 1960s, unsafe septic abortions were the primary killer, primary killer of African-American women.
We want accountability, Mr. Schiff said. It took too long to get to where we are. Too many people were suffering, not getting the help that they needed and not being believed. So, were still making up for lost ground.

Marc E. Polymeropoulos, a senior C.I.A. officer at the time, was injured in Moscow in 2017 but did not receive effective treatment until after he retired and began seeing doctors this year at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The bottom line is that traumatic brain injury does not get better over time, so I and others suffered unnecessarily, Mr. Polymeropoulos said. We made a pact with the C.I.A.: When we would do tough things and get jammed up, they would have our back.

Doug Wise, a former top intelligence official who has been critical of the C.I.A.s handling of the health episodes during the Trump administration, said it was important for reviews to look at how top C.I.A. officials handled the episodes, and why officers reports were not initially taken seriously.

I think it is an important thing for the committee to mandate a review. For whatever reason the agency is incapable of doing their own look because they are unwilling to hold their own leaders accountable, Mr. Wise said. The only thing the victims asked for was respect, compassion and medical treatment.

This year, Mr. Burns removed the head of the office of medical services, replacing him with a doctor focused on patient care. Former intelligence officials have said the office is more focused on victim care since that change.

The House measure is aimed at further improving care for intelligence officers by raising pay for the agencys doctors, mandating outside clinical training and creating an advisory board appointed by Congress and the director of national intelligence.
It was unclear whether going public with those details would help assuage or further anger liberal Democrats, who have threatened to oppose a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package on track for a House vote on Thursday without substantial progress toward passing the second, far larger bill.

Still, the comments were his most forthcoming about his willingness to support the social policy plan, which Democrats plan to push through using a fast-track process known as budget reconciliation that shields fiscal legislation from a filibuster. Democrats are trying to pass the package over united Republican opposition, meaning they cannot spare even one vote in the evenly divided Senate.

Mr. Manchin said that he had informed Mr. Biden in the last week about his overall spending number and acknowledged that he would like to have a lot more than that.

Mr. Manchin spoke out about his position after the news of an agreement enshrining it, signed by both him and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, leaked out on Thursday. The document, dated July 28, says that Mr. Manchin will not support any plan that lacks conditions for any new spending, income thresholds for social programs, accommodations for fossil fuel tax credits and natural gas, or does not devote any revenue exceeding $1.5 trillion to deficit reduction.
The bill  endorsed by many Native American tribes, as well as advocacy groups such as the Native American Rights Fund, the National Congress of American Indians and Four Directions  is in the earliest stages of the legislative process. It hasnt even had a committee hearing. Congress has been rather preoccupied with matters like stopping the government from shutting down or defaulting on its debt. While the broad voting rights measures are a high priority for Democrats, NAVRA is much lower on the list. And there is no telling how many Republicans besides Mr. Cole will get on board.

All of which is to say that passage, or even a vote, is far from guaranteed. It might become law, or it might go nowhere. But the mere existence of a voting rights bill with bipartisan sponsors is noteworthy. So I spoke with Mr. Cole, Ms. Davids and Mr. Lujan this month about the legislation and its prospects.

Mr. Cole said that he and Ms. Davids  the leaders of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and two of only five Indigenous members of Congress  had decided what to include in the bill, and what not to, with bipartisan support in mind. For example, as a Republican, he didnt want to touch issues like third-party ballot collection, which many Native voters rely on and Republican-led state legislatures have restricted.

But there are clearly barriers for this population, particularly on reservations, said Mr. Cole, who is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. I dont know that everybody will agree with what weve done, but its an awfully honest effort to address a real problem and to do it in a way we maximize our chances of actually passing the legislation and minimize the danger of it becoming partisan.

Native Americans, especially those living on reservations, face an array of obstacles to voting. Many have to travel hours round-trip to vote, or even to register to vote, because their reservations have neither election offices nor reliable mail service. Others cant meet voter ID requirements because they dont have traditional addresses. Structural barriers have been exacerbated by legislation, especially in rural red states like Montana and North Dakota where Native Americans tend to vote Democratic.
Racing to avoid a government shutdown at midnight, President Biden signed a spending bill on Thursday evening that extends federal funding through early December and provides emergency aid to support both the resettlement of Afghan refugees and disaster recovery efforts across the country.

The presidents signature came after lawmakers hastily cleared the measure in both chambers earlier in the day. The Senates vote was 65 to 35; the Houses was 254 to 175.

This is a good outcome  one I am happy we are getting done, said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, speaking on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. With so many things happening in Washington, the last thing the American people need is for the government to grind to a halt.
The city of San Jose, Calif., apologized this week to Chinese immigrants and their descendants, acknowledging its role in nearly a century of violence and discrimination, including the dismantling and destruction of the citys Chinatowns.

A resolution that the City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday also recognizes the contributions of San Joses Chinese community. It also acknowledges acts of fundamental injustice, terror, cruelty and brutality and aims to use the apology as a teachable moment. Officials in Antioch, Calif., approved a similar resolution in May.

San Jose was home to five Chinatowns, the first of which flourished on Market Street from 1866 to 1870, when the city was a center for agriculture, the resolution says.

Chinese immigrants faced racism and xenophobia and were denied equal protection under the law. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 restricted Chinese immigration and declared that state and federal courts could not grant citizenship to Chinese immigrants.
Mr. Cruzs lawyers responded that the campaign owed more money than it had on hand on Election Day and that it was entitled to pay vendors rather than repay Mr. Cruz from pre-election contributions.

Cruz has a First Amendment right to loan money to his campaign free from governmental restrictions as to amount and time of repayment, the senators lawyers wrote in their brief in the case, Federal Election Commission v. Ted Cruz for Senate, No. 21-12. That Cruz could have avoided his $10,000 loss by refusing to loan his campaign more than $250,000, or by requiring repayment in full within 20 days, does not change the fact that he suffered a $10,000 injury by exercising his constitutional right to make the loan that he did.

The Supreme Court also agreed on Thursday to decide whether Boston was entitled to turn down a request to raise a flag bearing a Christian cross on one of the three flagpoles in front of its City Hall. That flagpole, which ordinarily flies the citys flag, is occasionally replaced by a different one for a limited time after an approval process.

In a 12-year period ending in 2017, the city approved 284 flag-raising events that implicated its third flagpole, according to a unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, in Boston.

These events, Judge Bruce M. Selya wrote, were in connection with ethnic and other cultural celebrations, the arrival of dignitaries from other countries, the commemoration of historic events in other countries and the celebration of certain causes like gay pride.

In 2017, the city rejected a request from Camp Constitution  a group that says it seeks to enhance understanding of the countrys Judeo-Christian moral heritage  which said it sought to raise a Christian flag at an event that included short speeches by some local clergy focusing on Bostons history.

The group sued, saying the citys decision violated, among other things, its right to free speech. The appeals court ruled for the city, largely on the ground that the government is entitled to choose the messages it endorses.
The man who opened fire in a synagogue north of San Diego in 2019, killing a 60-year-old woman and injuring three others during the Jewish holiday of Passover, was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In a deal that spared him the death penalty, the man, John T. Earnest of San Diego, pleaded guilty in July to murder, attempted murder and a firearms charge in the attack at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Poway, Calif., on April 27, 2019. He also pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to a mosque.

At a hearing in Superior Court in San Diego on Thursday, Judge Peter Deddeh read the sentence, which also included life terms with parole for firearms, after emotional testimony from relatives of the victims and from people who witnessed the synagogue attack.

They addressed Mr. Earnest, 22, who had been instructed to sit at a table in front of them with his back to them.
The Justice Department signaled its support on Wednesday for the families of children with disabilities in Texas who are suing to overturn Gov. Greg Abbotts ban on mask mandates in the states schools.

The department filed a formal statement on Wednesday with the federal district court in Austin that is hearing one of the lawsuits, saying that the ban violates the rights of students with disabilities if it prevents the students from safely attending public schools in person, even if their local school districts offered them the option of virtual learning.

The move signals a willingness by the federal government to intervene in states where governors and other policymakers have opposed mask mandates, using federal anti-discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department has often used similar statements of interest to step in to cases involving civil rights.

Frankly Im thrilled, said Juliana Longoria, 38, of San Antonio. Her daughter, Juliana Ramirez, 8, is one of the plaintiffs in a suit against the ban filed in August by the advocacy group Disability Rights Texas. It gives me a lot more hope that the federal government is serious about protecting our children, Ms. Longoria said.
KABUL, Afghanistan  The health care system in Afghanistan is on the brink of collapse, international aid groups warned this week, threatening to deepen the countrys humanitarian crisis just as temperatures begin dropping.

Thousands of health care facilities have run out of essential medicines. Afghan doctors have not been paid in two months, with no paychecks in sight. And in recent weeks, there has been a surge of cases of measles and diarrhea, according to the World Health Organization.

For two decades, aid from the World Bank and other international donors propped up the countrys health care system, but after the Taliban seized power, they froze $600 million in health care aid.
There is a high risk of a surge in new coronavirus cases and deaths in European countries with insufficient vaccination coverage if they relax Covid-19 restrictions in the next few weeks, according to a new report by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Just over 62 percent of the total population of the European Union is fully vaccinated, and only three of its 27 member countries have fully inoculated more than 75 percent of their residents, according to the agencys data.

That level of vaccine coverage is not enough to forestall the virus from spreading when Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, the agency warned, especially now that the highly contagious Delta variant is causing most new reported coronavirus cases on the continent.

Countries should continuously strive to increase their vaccination coverage in all eligible age groups, regardless of current vaccination coverage levels, said Andrea Ammon, the agencys director.
PARIS  A French court on Thursday sentenced Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president, to a year of house arrest for illegally financing his failed 2012 re-election campaign by wildly exceeding Frances strict electoral spending limits.

Mr. Sarkozy, 66, was president from 2007 to 2012. Though he is no longer active in politics and continues to be dogged by multiple legal entanglements, he is still an influential voice on the French right. Shortly after the verdict, his lawyer announced that Mr. Sarkozy would appeal the conviction, which puts the sentence on hold and leaves him free.

I am only asking that the law be applied to me as it would be to any other citizen, he said in a statement published on Twitter later on Thursday.

It was the second of several legal cases pending for Mr. Sarkozy to end with a conviction in recent months, and the first time he was convicted for actions that he undertook while in office, further threatening to tarnish his legacy.
BERLIN  The 96-year-old woman, a former secretary in a concentration camp, was supposed to appear in court to face charges of being an accessory in the deaths of more than 11,000 people, in what may be one of the last Nazi trials in Germany.

But instead of taking a taxi from her assisted living home outside Hamburg to the nearby court, Irmgard Furchner, who was 18 when she started work in 1943 at the Stutthof concentration camp in Poland, headed instead for a nearby subway station, according to the court.

It was not immediately clear where Ms. Furchner, who had previously told journalists and the judge she didnt want to be part of the trial, was heading, but she was soon apprehended by the police after the court reported her missing. The court, in the town of Itzehoe, said she was undergoing a medical investigation.

Ms. Furchner was indicted in February after a five-year investigation into her work as a secretary to the commander of the Stutthof camp, located near Gdansk, then known as Danzig, between June 1943 and April 1945. The indictment was part of an effort by German prosecutors over the past decade to hold lower-ranking people to account for their actions during the Holocaust.
LONDON  The police officer who abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison by Britains top criminal court, after two days of hearings that reignited outrage at the way Londons police department handles cases involving violence against women.

The sentence was announced a day after prosecutors detailed how the officer, Wayne Couzens, abused his authority and, under the guise of the coronavirus restrictions imposed during a national lockdown in March, deceived Ms. Everard into thinking that she was under arrest. Prosecutors said he used his official credentials, equipment and training to carry out the crime, revelations that shocked rights activists and lawmakers.

Judge Adrian Bruce Fulford, in explaining why Mr. Couzens would not be eligible for parole, said he had irretrievably damaged the lives of Sarah Everards family and friends and eroded the confidence that the public are entitled to have in the police force in England and Wales.

Judge Fulford added that the misuse of a police officers role justified the steepest possible sentence.
JERUSALEM  Theres a new three-word concept taking root in political and diplomatic discourse in Jerusalem: shrinking the conflict.

The idea is that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not be solved in the near future, since the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships are both too divided to restart peace negotiations, let alone reach a peace deal. But Israel can work to reduce the impact of the century-long conflict on Palestinians, thus making peace more likely.

If the conflict cannot be solved, the argument goes, it can at least be shrunk.

The idea has gained momentum since Naftali Bennett replaced Benjamin Netanyahu as Israels prime minister in June. On the day he took office, he promised in a speech to Parliament to contribute to the reduction of friction and the shrinking of the conflict.

Two weeks later, Yair Lapid, the Israeli foreign minister, pledged to minimize the conflict, in a meeting with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
Anna Arreglado has long held a romantic view of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Its where her parents met, in the elevator of a Columbia University dorm, in 1960. Her fathers field was dentistry; her mothers was opera.

When Ms. Arreglado was a baby, the family returned to the Philippines, where she grew up. Had they stayed, it would have been on the Upper West Side, she said.

After medical school in Manila, Ms. Arreglado returned to New York City to continue her training, and eventually moved with her husband to the Rockland County suburbs, where the couple raised a son and a daughter. But after she was widowed five years ago, she found herself overwhelmed by the house.

I was the only one with the space for a big gathering, she said, so she was constantly holding family events. It took me two years to pack up and go.

Ms. Arreglado, 59, works in data management for a biotech startup developing gene therapies for rare neurological disorders. She yearned to live in Manhattan again, but wanted to test-drive a neighborhood before buying there. So she sold the house and rented a one-bedroom in a big building in the West 60s.

She could easily walk to Lincoln Center minutes before curtain time, which was much better than driving from the suburbs and finding parking. I watch the opera, and my mother used to talk about it all the time, she said. I have an affinity for music. I thought I wanted to be a concert pianist until I realized I wasnt as good as everybody else around me.

[Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area or California? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

In 2019, she started looking for a co-op within walking distance of her Lincoln Square rental. She was hoping to find a one-bedroom in a doorman building, on a floor high enough to have a sunny view. She wanted a nice kitchen, although in the city she found herself ordering takeout more often than cooking. Her budget was up to $900,000.

As her search stretched on, the pandemic arrived, throwing a wrench in her tour of potential homes. For one thing, she didnt trust virtual showings. You cant really pick up the vibe on a virtual tour  even walking through the block and going through the building into the elevator, she said. And she never knew what a virtual tour was omitting.

When she did visit in person, she said, I wasnt expecting to like any of the apartments.

The prewar buildings seemed musty and in need of updating. And while some places were perfectly fine, she said, for some reason, they did not sit well with me. Or my reaction was, I can wait.

Among her options:
Smith & Wesson does a PR favor for Massachusetts. The maker of assault weapons is finally moving its headquarters and production lines from Massachusetts to eastern Tennessee.

CEO Mark Smith said a proposed law banning the manufacture of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in the Bay State (excluding sales to law enforcement, military and foreign governments) forced his hand.

If passed, the law would impact more than 60 percent of S&Ws revenues.

But S&W should have abandoned the state in 1998 after Massachusetts first banned the sale of assault weapons. Then-governor Mitt Romney made the ban permanent in 2004.

Massachusetts took a PR hit for the hypocrisy of allowing S&W to produce products that could not be legally purchased in the state.

Sandy Phillips, whose daughter was gunned down in the Aurora mass shooting, accused Massachusetts of exporting bloodshed to the rest of the country.

These weapons are made in your state, but they cant be sold in your state, she said during an April press conference to unveil the bill to ban AR manufacturing.

Good luck to the 550 workers in Springfield who will lose their jobs in 2023 when S&W opens its Maryville, TN plant.

S&W, which has been based in Springfield since 1852, will leave 1,000 jobs there, including such operations as forging, machining and assembling revolvers.

Greenwashing ESG. Glass Lewis, proxy advisor, urges shareholders of BHP to vote against its Climate Transition Action Plan at the Oct. 14 annual meeting because its more of a PR stunt than a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Glass Lewis says the CTAP falls short of the goals set by the Paris Accords.

It applauded BHP, which is the worlds biggest mining operation, for disclosing plans that it plans to take to reduce global warming but believes it is unclear if the companys current targets are science-based.

The move by Glass Lewis will encourage institutional shareholders to challenge other climate plans put up for investor approval.

Dan Gocher, director of climate and environment at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, told the Financial Times that companies will no longer be rewarded for their direction of travel and the climate plans will now be assessed on substance.

BHP plans to discuss the CTAP with Glass Lewis. We believe that shareholders and other stakeholders benefit from greater disclosure and ambition, which the climate transition action plans delivers, it said in a statement.

Glass Lewis applauds BHPs disclosure and ambition. Its just that the proposals on decarbonization fall short of the mark.

Facebook flops on Trump ban. Mark Zuckerberg banned Donald Trump from the platform for two years because of his role in inciting the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riots.

The site, however, is running ads for Team Trump PAC that claim the 2020 election was rigged and the loser of that tally really won. Aren't those claims the reason that Facebook banned the president?

Civil rights groups demand that Facebook ban the Team Trump PAC because it was established and controlled by the former president.

More than 140K people have signed a petition addressed to Zuckerberg and FB COO Sheryl Sandberg calling on them to dump the Team Trump PAC.

By running the Trump PAC ads, Facebook allows itself to be a megaphone for the same lies and hate that led to the deadly assault on the US Capitol, said Rose Lang-Maso, campaign manager at Free Press Action.

It should be an easy call for Zuckerberg.
30/09/2021  Today, Namibia signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the Convention or MLI), becoming the 96th jurisdiction to join the Convention, which now covers around 1800 bilateral tax treaties. H.E. Ambassador Albertus Aochamub signed the Convention for Namibia at a signing ceremony held in Paris.

H.E. Ambassador Albertus Aochamub (Namibia) signs the Convention, 30 September 2021

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Earlier this week, Andorra and Spain deposited their instruments of ratification for the Convention thus underlining their strong commitment to prevent the abuse of tax treaties and base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) by multinational enterprises. The Convention will enter into force on 1 January 2022 for these countries.

Mr Eric Jover (Finance Minister, Andorra) deposits MLI ratification instrument, 29 September 2021

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With 96 jurisdictions now covered by the Convention, these ratifications bring to 67 the number of jurisdictions which have ratified, accepted or approved it. The Convention became effective on 1 January 2021 for approximately 650 treaties concluded among the 67 jurisdictions, with an additional 1200 treaties to become effectively modified once the Convention will have been ratified by all Signatories.

Furthermore, the Conference of the Parties to the MLI  responsible for taking any decisions or exercising any functions as may be required or appropriate under the provisions of the MLI  recently approved two opinions on the implementation and application of the Convention: one opinion on the implementation of the MLI Mutual Agreement Procedure provision and another on the entry into effect of the Arbitration provision.

The Convention, negotiated by more than 100 countries and jurisdictions under a mandate from the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, is one of the most prominent results of the OECD/G20 BEPS Project. It is the worlds leading instrument for updating bilateral tax treaties and reducing opportunities for tax avoidance by multinational enterprises. Measures included in the Convention address treaty abuse, strategies to avoid the creation of a "permanent establishment", and hybrid mismatch arrangements. The Convention also enhances the dispute resolution mechanism, especially through the addition of an optional provision on mandatory binding arbitration, which has been taken up by 32 jurisdictions.

All published opinions of the Conference of the Parties to the MLI are available at https://oe.cd/opinions-MLI.

The text of the Convention, the explanatory statement, background information, database, and positions of each signatory are available at https://oe.cd/mli.

Journalists wishing to obtain further information are invited to contact Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTP) or the CTP Communications team.
An Offaly company is among just fifty Origin Green companies awarded Gold Membership status for industry-leading sustainability achievements in areas such as packaging, energy, biodiversity, and community engagement.

William Grant & Sons Ltd has been awarded Origin Green Gold Membership following extensive auditing across a range of sustainability initiatives, at a ceremony held by Bord Bia and Origin Green.

Origin Green introduced Gold Membership in 2020, recognising members who are performing at a high level or excelling in their sustainability performance. The new scheme has driven Irish businesses to further increase their focus on sustainability issues.

To attain Origin Green Gold Membership a company must demonstrate exceptional annual performance in areas such as raw material sourcing; water and energy efficiency; waste reduction; packaging; and social sustainability. This years Origin Green Gold Members excelled most in the areas of energy, packaging and community engagement.

Deirdre Ryan, Director of Origin Green and Sustainable Assurance with Bord Bia, commented: It gives me great pleasure to announce that one business from county Offaly has achieved Gold Member status this year. This achievement reflects that hard work of their team. As we look to address the urgency of climate change and the need for sustainable development, it is excellent to see companies like this, showing leadership.

At the event, Origin Green launched their Progress Update Report 2021, which demonstrated progress on a range of sustainability actions.

The Progress Update Report presents an overview of the latest developments within the Origin Green programme and highlights the significant and ongoing efforts of its members to impact positively on greener ways of farming and the adoption of more sustainable food production methods.

Speaking afterwards, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said that sustainability is at the centre of Food Vision 2030, the new ten-year strategy for the Irish agri-food sector.

The commitments in the strategy are substantial, and have the potential to be transformative. Food Vision 2030 charts a way forward for all of us in the agri-food sector to deliver on its key ambition - for Ireland to become 'A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems'.

"The requirement to deliver continuous improvement and proof of environmental sustainability comes from a powerful combination of changing societal and consumer demands; and the requirements of major trade customers for Irish food and drink. Of direct relevance is the strategys goal to strengthen and invest in Origin Green and other sustainability supports to reflect the higher level of ambition for the agri-food sector.

I believe that this strategy sets the agri-food sector on a new and challenging pathway, but one which also comes with great opportunity.

Since its inception in 2012, Origin Green has grown to collaborate with 55,000 farms and over 300 leading Irish food and drink companies to prove and improve their sustainability practices to meet the evolving needs of global customers and consumers.
Minister Pippa Hackett has praised farmers who work at protecting wetlands.

She was speaking at the final day of the Natural Climate Buffers Study Tour organised by the Irish Community Wetlands Forum in Abbeyleix.

It is through work like this on the ground by farmers across the country that we can begin to see real progress, she said.

Minister Hackett, who has responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, praised the Community Wetlands Forum and the Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee for working to raise awareness of the importance of our wetlands.

Her comments focused on the part which farmers play in restoring wetlands, and follows on from the recently launched FARMPeat project, supported by her Department. This is an innovative, results-based scheme for farmers in the Midlands, who manage lands that surround some of Ireland's finest remaining raised bogs.

It is the role of the farming community in protecting the network of those lower profile or unknown wetland sites across our landscape that I would like to highlight today, she told the gathering.

Although there is continued work needed on awareness, policy and protection for these sites there is also excellent work being carried out by our farming community on the ground.

Techniques such as drain blocking and farm management practices that promote wetland restoration need that on the ground knowledge which farmers can provide.

Other projects, such as the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP, the Pearl Mussel Project and Hen Harrier Project all employ specifically adapted locally led results based agri-environmental schemes to benefit habitats and species.

This locally led and landscape scale approach means that farmers truly are at the heart of wetland habitat restoration and protection in these areas as they learn how best to sustainably manage their land through the support of the scheme.

The gathering was also attended by Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan who paid tribute to the work the National Parks and Wildlife Service, state agencies, environmental organizations and local communities.

I truly do believe that local communities and volunteers are the custodians of our heritage and must be supported in their efforts, he said.
FORMER Tullamore retailer Paul Galvin is the man behind an ambitious new fundraiser which aims to build on a landmark achievement by an international school feeding charity.

Marys Meals now serves over two million children in 19 of the worlds poorest countries every day.

Marys Meals Ireland are celebrating this achievement by asking Irish supporters to raise enough funds to feed the entire two million children for a day. It costs just 9c on average to feed a child a nutritious school meal, in some of the poorest communities in the world. This amounts to just 18.30 for an entire school year.

The local branch of Mary's Meals is spearheaded by Paul Galvin, formerly of Galvin Tullamore, who describes the joy of everyone involved as contagious.

Its simple, he said, we dont just want your two cents worth  we want your nine cents! If every person in Offaly gave just nine cents, we could provide a nutritious school meal for 77,961 children!

The campaign runs from September 8 to October 31 2021 and full details can be found on the website www.marysmeals.ie

There are many ways to get involved - from sponsored walks to scrap metal collections, and everything in between, the ingenious supporters of Marys Meals have come up with hundreds of ways to get to this extraordinary milestone. With such a small amount having such a large impact, it is a great cause for schools, families and businesses to get behind.

The charity had humble beginnings to say the least: a one-off good deed from a shed in the Highlands of Scotland eventually led to a small school feeding programme in Malawi, aiming to bring vital meals to around 200 children.

Now more than 30% of the primary school population of Malawi enjoys the nutritious meals, served in schools by local volunteers to help the next generation build a brighter future. The Offaly group was founded in 2019 and has been supporting Libuda Primary School in Malawi since then.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and CEO of Marys Meals, said: Today we celebrate an amazing moment in the Marys Meals story. Today, two million children ate Marys Meals in a place of education. When we set out on this path, nearly 30 years ago, we were overwhelmed by peoples goodness in donating  and thats been the story ever since. I thank you with all my heart on behalf of each of those children.

Marys Meals not only feeds huge numbers of children attending government-run schools in Africa, but those in prison awaiting trial in Niger and Madagascar, plus children children in India, Thailand, Syria, Lebanon and Haiti.
A solicitor was asked by a judge: Is that how you spend your nights? after telling a court he had personally looked at video footage of his clients car that had been recorded driving at over 200km/hr on the outskirts of county town.

Frank Gearty jokingly conceded it was pathetic as he took to his feet at a recent Longford District Court sitting to defend 23-year-old Bulgarian man Andrey Spasov over an alleged dangerous driving incident at Cartronlebagh, Longford on August 22 2021.

The accused, of 32 Oaklands, Ballinalee Road, Longford pleaded guilty before Judge Seamus Hughes when it emerged Mr Spasov had been recorded driving at 205 km/hr in a 100km/hr zone.

The court heard road conditions when the accused was spotted at the wheel at around 10:30pm were good with little or no rain in sight.

Mr Gearty said his client was fully acceptive of his guilt in what was something which was largely out of character.

He also informed Judge Hughes the car in question, a three series BMW had been purchased by Mr Spasov for 15,000 which had been funded by his lifes savings.

He (Mr Spasov) has sold the vehicle and it was an aberration on his part, he said.

It was at that juncture Mr Gearty revealed he had looked at the car on social media platform Youtube.

You can see it (car) is not safe, said Mr Gearty, a statement which led Judge Hughes to comically ask: Is that how you spend your nights?

Attempting to maintain his composure, Mr Gearty quipped back: Pathetic isnt it?

Judge Hughes, replied for a second time and pressed Mr Gearty as to whether he had been impressed with the cars performance.

I hope you are not tempted to buy it yourself? Judge Hughes asked.

In continuing with his mitigation, Mr Gearty told of how Mr Sporar was a technician who worked in a local shop and remained at the courts disposal in undertaking a driver training course.

He is taking this (case) very seriously, added Mr Gearty.

The accused, himself, confirmed the vehicle had since been sold on and was in court last Tuesday to face the consequences of his actions.

Judge Hughes proceeded to sign off on the case by disqualifying Mr Sporar from driving for two years, fining him 250 with three months to pay.
Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has engaged with the office of the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphries, in an attempt to advance a number of the policy objectives being advocated by Family Carers Ireland.

Deputy Nolan said that while there is a clear moral obligation involved in supporting family carers there is also a strong and undeniable economic argument to maintain and expand the system of supports currently available to them:

I know from my previous engagement with the Carers that the average weekly cost of a bed for a person with dementia is about 1,100 in a care home and about 5,700 in an acute hospital. The average cost of a weekly intensive home care package, however (average 33hrs) is about 745 per week.

"This means that Family carers of people with dementia provide a value to the State of 807 million per annum.

"So, what I am clearly saying is that Family Carers save the State enormous sums of money each and every year and it is about time that they had clear recognition of that fact in the upcoming Budget.

"I have asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide 5m in annual funding to deliver the Carers Guarantee, but also if she will provide 68.5m to increase weekly carer payments by 8, Carers Support Grant to 2,000 and Carers Allowance income disregards

"I am also calling on the Minister to publish a refreshed National Carers Strategy Action Plan 2021 - 2025 and to introduce the Statutory Homecare Scheme including an annual entitlement to 20 days respite and a Carer Needs Assessment for full-time carers.

"The Minister for Health has already confirmed to me that he is progressing work on one of the Family Carers objectives which is the establishment of a Care Commission that will examine the supports that can be extended to older persons who receive care.

"Family Carers not only need the help of government, they have a right to it given the enormous human and economic benefits they bring to us all, concluded Deputy Nolan.
Following the news of Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch's being returned to Ireland, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin has praised gardai for their work in cracking down on gangland crime.

The Fianna Fail leader referred to gardai as being relentless in their bid to tackle gangs and those at the top of the criminal world.

He said: "First of all, I think the gardai have been extremely effective in cracking down on gangland crime."

"Resources will continue to be provided to the gardai to crack down on the gangland crime."

An Taoiseach continued: "I would be fully confident in the capacity of the State and An Garda Siochana and other agencies of the State, like CAB (the Criminal Assets Bureau), to keep the pressure on and to say to people, theres no life worthwhile in the criminal world.

We need to encourage younger people who might be lured or intimidated to think otherwise, but essentially we are very clear in terms of the State response to this."

Mr Martin also told The Irish Mirror: "I dont want to pre-empt the outcome of any trials that may take place but I think its important that the extradition process illustrates a very close co-operation on European level between all member States in terms of ensuring that the wheels of justice move and do so in a seamless and flawless way."

"I think thats something to be noted in terms of whats happening today; Im not going to interfere in terms of the judicial process, theres a separation of powers, but whats important is that we worked on a European-wide situation, and that we work collaboratively as member States to make sure that those who need to go before courts, who need to answer and who have to go to trial, that that happens and that co-operation is evident and it has been in this case" he concluded.

Gerard Hutch, who is commonly known by his nickname The Monk, was flown from Madrid on Wednesday afternoon on a military aircraft with a garda escort.

The 58-year-old was arrested on a European Arrest Warrant issued in relation to the Regency Hotel attack in north Dublin on February 5 2016, which resulted in the murder of Kinahan gang member David Byrne.

Garda members were at the scene when Hutch was arrested inside a restaurant in Fuengirola, a town on the Costa del Sol.
Massay Crisanto could no longer be silent. Crisanto is a 25-year-old human rights defender fighting for the rights of the Garifuna community in Honduras.

The Garifuna are descendants of African-Carib people from the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who continue to endure violence and discrimination by several actors, including some Honduran authorities, according to Crisanto.

The young activist is Garifuna and is also Mestiza, a person who has Spanish and Amerindian ancestry.

She is the Ambassador of Culture for the Garifuna Culture Centre of Honduras and a law student. She is also a model and a dancer for two dance companies, the Massai Caribbean Dances and Rhythms Company and the Garifuna National Folkloric Ballet of Honduras.

Crisanto recently partnered with UN Human Rights to provide her substantive insight on the plight of the Garifuna community in Honduras.

Working with UN Human Rights is important because I can fight by raising my voice, but I can also change the system and look for ways to also be part of those decision-making process, she said.

Finding her voice

Crisanto became a human rights activist because she saw human rights violations being committed against the Garifuna community. They are being subjected to land grabbing and attacks by several actors, including at times the Government and the failure of the Government to protect them from these violations, she said.

I could no longer be silent, she said.

It has also been one year since the disappearance of a group of Garifuna leaders from the community of Triunfo de la Cruz who were taken from their homes by the National Police of Honduras (DPI), she added.

It is unfortunate to see what is happening with the Garifuna people and all the indigenous peoples in the country, she said. I am not willing to be silent anymore.

Demanding justice

Crisanto said the biggest challenge facing the Garifuna community is demanding justice for the Garifuna whose rich culture has contributed so much to the country.

They attack our culture, they kill people, they disappear. They terrorize the Garifuna community and children, she said.

Violence and impunity are a constant challenge for the Garifuna, she explained.

I really want to represent the Garifuna culture as I do and defend it and I am willing to raise my voice not only for me, not just for my family, but for the entire community, she said.

Promoting tolerance

Crisantos activism is not just focused on helping her community. For the past seven years, she has been using her platform as a professional model to create positive images of Black women.

She said its time to change the way we talk about Afro hair, which is usually viewed in a negative light. Crisanto is using her platform to show that Afro hair is beautiful.

I have now seen many Black models who use their hair with pride and who are willing to show the world that there is beauty here too, she said. So, the fact of being able to say I am here, I am beautiful, and I am a Garifuna woman. My skin tells a story.

Crisanto also created a blog, Life as a Criolla by Massay, as a way of celebrating her culture. She hopes that by sharing her life as both Garifuna and Mestiza, it will offer clarity on what it is like to be from a diverse background.

I share the story of the mix of two cultures and how all these colours and flavours identify us, she said.

Shes extremely proud of her heritage that has given her a sense of empowerment.

We are a people of struggle who are always on the battlefield, she said. And while there is life, we are going to take care of both our lives and the lives of the children who are growing up so that they continue to preserve this culture that is so beautiful.

By collectively promoting tolerance and breaking down stereotypes it will inspire change, she added.

30 September 2021

This story is part of Human Rights Champions  a recurring series featuring portraits of human rights defenders or organizations that stand up for human rights.

Disclaimer: The views, information and opinions expressed in this article are those of the persons featured in the story and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield Pet Hospital  the nation's leading provider of preventive veterinary care and part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of practices  today announced a nearly $10 million commitment over the next year toward supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and strengthening educational pathways for current and future veterinary professionals. This includes a new national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America focused on encouraging high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.
Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York for New Managers:

Activist investing is beginning to take hold in Japan. In August, Gordian Capital announced the launch of the Japan Catalyst Fund sub-advised by Tokyo based, Japan Catalyst, Inc., a 100% subsidiary of listed Monex Group.

Established in 2004, Gordian Capital is an independent fund platform specialist, currently managing USD 6.2 billion.

The sub-advisory team is led by CIO and Monex CEO, Oki Matsumoto and Taro Hirano President / Chief Portfolio Manager. Matsumoto began his career at Salomon Brothers in Tokyo as a trader, before joining Goldman Sachs Japan. Matsumoto is also a former outside director of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and is a member of multiple public councils related to corporate governance and capital market reforms in Japan. Hirano was previously a value investor at AllianceBernstein Japan.

Japan Catalyst invests in listed Japanese equities, seeking to generate investment returns through activist investments. The firm launched a Cayman domiciled fund following the successful launch in April 2020 of a domestic fund, the Monex Activist Mother Fund, which has generated, since inception, a net return of +43.2% (end July 2021) and an excess return of 10.6% compared to the TOPIX over the same period.

The strategy runs a concentrated portfolio of 10-20 names. Rather than engaging in proxy fights, Japan Catalyst hopes ......................

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Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

When it comes to ESG, environmental issues remain the most prominent among institutional investors in Europe with many looking to deepen their ESG investment focus over the next year.

Asset allocation research among 850 institutions with 1 trillion of assets showed that environmental issues still dominate when it comes to ESG for institutional investors in Europe, though social and governance factors are catching up.

According to Mercer's European Asset Allocation Insights report released, in total, 76% of plans in the survey considered ESG risks but there was considerable variation by country. Swiss plans were "laggards", but all Belgian participants considered ESG risks in their plans.

While 85% of institutional investors told Mercer that regulatory drivers were their key motivator for considering ESG risks in investment decisions in 2020, just 67% said the same this year.

"The survey indicated that investors are moving from a more reactive position to a proactive one, with regulatory drivers decreasing in significance as a motivator for considering ESG risks," said the firm.

Mercer found that 27% of respondents plan to increase attention to social factors such as human capital and labor rights issues over the next year. On environmental issues, 24% of asset owners said they will deepen their focus on such things as biodiversity and natural capital.

On governance, 53% of investors plan to learn from the pandemic by revi......................

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New Managers

Editorial

Dear Opalesque Reader,

Welcome to the September issue of New Managers!

In Bulletin, we look at the launch of GordonMD, a new fund from Dr. Greg Gordon focused on biopharma.

In Profiles, we talk with Sustainable Impact Capital, a soon to be launched ESG fund from the CEO of ESG advisory firm Enzo Advisors. We also speak with Japan Catalyst, a new activist fund focused on Japanese companies.

Hedge fund data provider Eurekahedge provides an infographic on trends in Latin American hedge f......................

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Delhi NCR, India, Today, Bel a Vous, the countrys leading women-centric clothing brand has officially launched its most awaited clothing range. Bel a Vauss new range of clothes is designed and meant for regular and occasional uses of todays modern and goal-driven empowered women. The company has included a fresh and new range of clothes in its products range. New products include beachwear, activewear, monokinis, one-piece dresses & other necessary 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Institute of Petrochemicals Technology through virtual mode and laid the foundation stone for four medical colleges in the state.



Jaipur: The Central Government has sanctioned 127 medical colleges in the country, out of which 23 have been approved in Rajasthan, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday (September 30).

His remarks came at the inauguration of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and the foundation stone laying ceremony of Rajasthan's Jaipur district through video conferencing.

Mandaviya said that over 2,000 students would get admissions to these medical colleges.

He further said, "The Centre has sanctioned 127 medical colleges in the country and they are under construction. In Rajasthan, 23 medical colleges have been sanctioned. Of the 23, four medical colleges in Sirohi, Dausa, Hanumangarh and Baswadais are being inaugurated today. In these colleges, over 2600 students will get admission. We are rapidly enhancing the health infrastructure in the country."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Institute of Petrochemicals Technology on Thursday through virtual mode. He also laid the foundation stone for four medical colleges in the state.

Mandaviya stated that the Petrochemicals institute would provide training and employment to youngsters of Rajasthan.

"Earlier, the medical sector was never linked to health and health was never linked to development. The linking of the medical sector and development was carried by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat," he added.

Mandaviya said, "To provide free treatment to the marginalised people of Gujarat, the state government led by Narendra Modi had provided a card under Maa Amrutham Yojana. Now, this is also called as Ayushmann Bharat Yojana."

The Centre has helped in connecting institutes like CIPET with industries, thereby giving opportunities to the students to get employment after completing their education.

He said, "There are 42 central institutes in India. Earlier, Central institutes like CIPET were dependent on government funds for operation. After Narendra Modi became prime minister, he connected the institutes with industries and making them self-reliant and helped the students to get employment opportunities."



Courtesy: ANI
CPI cadre is tearing the posters, which they used to propagate the 'cult of Kanhaiya' after Kanhaiya Kumar joined the Congress Party.

After Kanhaiya Kumar joined the Congress Party, the Communist Party of India is caught in a tight spot with someone they branded as 'Indian Che Guvera' leaving them. Kanhaiya was part of the All India Students Federation (AISF), the student wing of CPI. He also unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election from the Begusarai constituency in Bihar, where he lost to BJP leader Giriraj Singh with a margin of over 4 Lakh votes.

In a desperate attempt to propagate the 'cult of Kanhaiya', CPI and its affiliates had used his photos in their posters. Now CPI cadres are busy tearing such posters.

Kanhaiya's photos were used in the posters of a rally of AIYF in the Ambalappuzha constituency on September 19. Earlier, AIYF used the photos of Bhagat Singh but later abandoned his photos since they found the 'Indian Che Guvera'.

From the beginning of this September itself, there was news about Kanhaiya Kumar joining the Congress, but the CPI leadership had rubbished all such news, calling it propaganda by bourgeoisie media outlets.

"Kanhaiya Kumar was not straightforward and truthful to my party," says CPI General Secretary D. Raja

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja slammed Kanhaiya Kumar for leaving the party and joining Congress on Tuesday, saying that he has no faith in the communist ideology.

"Kanhaiya has expelled himself from the party. CPI is a party fighting for a casteless and classless society. If he has expelled himself, it means, he must have personal ambitions and aspirations. It shows he has no faith in communist ideology and no faith in working-class ideology," Raja told ANI.

"As far as CPI is concerned, our party will work and succeed. That is what I want to underline. The party will not end with him leaving. CPI was there and after him as well, the party will be there," said the party's General Secretary.

Emphasizing the ideals of CPI, Raja said that the party is known for "selfless struggles" and "sacrifices."

"Those who come to our party, they must be prepared to lead such a selfless life, making supreme sacrifices in the interest of the nation and the working people of the nation," Raja noted.

He further alleged that Kanhaiya was not "straight forward truthful" to the party and the leadership.

"He was not straight forward truthful to the party and to the leadership. That's why there was speculation. He did not come forward to explain," he said.

Kanhaiya Kumar was elected to the party national council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and was inducted into the CPI national executive council in 2019.

The CPI had banked heavily on his so-called image and thus gave the ticket to former JNU Students' Union president. Kumar contested from Begusarai on the Communist Party of India's ticket for the 2019 Indian general election. He lost the election to the now Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh.
Capt. Amarinder Singh met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval after meeting the Union Home Minister Amit Shah last night.

New Delhi: In what is seen as more than just politics or mundane governmental issues, former Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, on Thursday, Sept 30, held a closed-door meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Capt Amarinder had been talking about Pakistan's ill intentions in Punjab and had called for an adequate guard against Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, showing open admiration for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief Gen Javed Bajwa.

After landing in Delhi on Tuesday, the 'ousted' Punjab Chief Minister had denied any plans to meet with BJP leaders and said he was in the capital to vacate the Kapurthala House for the new Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

However, he held discussions of farmers' stir with Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday and thus, the meeting with NSA Doval has a significance of its own. However, the meeting between NSA and former Punjab Chief Minister "does not have any political significance, and it would be purely related to security and strategic issues."

Even in 2019 November, on the eve of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, Capt Amarinder had cautioned that India "will have to be careful" while moving ahead on Kartarpur.

"I have been maintaining for a long time that Pakistan has a hidden agenda," he had said, adding, "On one hand, they will first show us love and on the other, they can try to foment trouble."

Lately, Capt Amarinder has said Sidhu does not have the maturity to run a show in a border state. Even after Sidhu tendered his resignation as Punjab Congress chief on Tuesday, the former Chief Minister tweeted: "I told you so he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab".

It is also a fact that Pakistan has played its dirty tricks in the past. The 'Lahore Bus' drive by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was reciprocated with Kargil in 1999, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit to greet Nawaz Sharif on his birthday in 2015 was returned with Pathankot and also Uri about nine months later.

BJP Punjab in charge, Dushyant Gautam, has said that no political discussions took place with Capt Amarinder but the BJP "always welcomes a nationalist in the party".
The recent declaration by Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt is a reality. Love Jihad and Narcotic Jihad is a tool to strengthen Islamic terror groups while meandering along with Maoist forces. The revelation by Bishop must be taken seriously by the Government

The Love Jihad has become the latest menace in Kerala. When RSS raised it, most of the liberal intellectuals called it political offshoots. This time Bishop. Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Palai, has categorically accused a section of the Muslim community of targeting Christian girls through love jihad and narcotic jihad. He endorsed this with subsequent reports and bytes of State police chief of the State. These groups, according to him, have been using different strategies to run the show. Pointing out that there has been to a sharp rise in cases of young Christian women being subjected to abuse or religious conversion after eloping with men from other community, the Bishop warned that these jihadists had already cast their nets over places including schools, colleges, training centers and even commercial centers.

Regarding the narcotic jihad, the Bishop said the rising number of drug cases were a pointer to the practices existence. These gangs operate out of the ice-cream or soft drinks parlours and restaurants run by jihadists and deploy different types of narcotics as a tool to destroy non-Muslims. The rising cases of rave parties reinforce these facts. The incidents of religious hatred in the domain of art and culture, programs that seek to cast aspersions on other religions, the business strategies like halal food, major real estate deals at inflated prices, parallel telephone exchange, armoury shops are all part of larger scheming. When five years earlier, the Hadiya case was brought this issue to the nation. Many secular fronts and liberal thinkers wrote that it was an imagined story by Right-wing organisations. As things moved and courts took cognisance of the matter, things became more transparent. NIA found the involvement of a team involved in the conversion of Hindu and Christian girls to Islam.

Jihad is an Arabic word, which is closely associated with Islam and its history. Jihad means making a determined effort to oppose something or achieve an ideal or a noble goal. However, with the rise of extremism in many countries, it is now being used rather negatively to denote the use of violence. The word love jihad is a rather recent development. Jihad means using love and sex to convert people to Islam or establishing dominance over them. Love Jihad or Romeo Jihad is a process under which young Muslim boys and men target young girls for conversion into Islam by pretending as real lovers. In December 2009, Justice KT Sankaran of Kerala High Court found indications of forceful conversions.

The radical Islamist organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI), has deep roots in Kerala. After banned on SIMI, a radical Islamist organisation namely National Democratic Front (NDF) was formed. Simultaneously Abdul Nassar Madani launched a Muslim outfit called Islamic Seva Sangh, aka ISS. The PFI is an umbrella organisation of various political and non-political entities and trusts like Campus Front of India, All India Imam Council Confederation of Human Rights Organisation. According to a Home Ministry dossier, the PFI has around 60,000 regular members and 85,000 sympathisers in Kerala. Sathya Sarani Islamic Dawa Institute, a mysterious Islamic conversion centre also comes under the PFI.

Modernity and Islamic Radicalisation

Post-Independence India has a unique conceptualisation of modernity. The marriage of a Hindu girl with a Muslim boy was considered a great leap of modernity. The Nehruvian socialist in the name of secularism corroborated and planted in campuses. To a large extent, the divisive agenda worked. It was more systematic because Kerala was under the political system of the Left or the Congress combined. The change of the political system at the Centre took meant that the. RSS picked up the issue. Many leaders of the organisation went to the Northern parts of Kerala and highlighted the matter with the Home Ministry. Ultimately the ISIS recruitments and radicalisation caught the attention of the nation.

Factors of Radicalisation

Kerala is not a poor state. The mushrooming of Islamic organisations narrates a different story. Youth of Kerala have been migrating to West Asia and other Islamic countries. Many of them move to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Islamic countries. The funds from Saudi Arabia started flowing in. The funds were systematically used to wean the minds of youth. Over the period of time, some of the northern districts of Kerala adopted the lifestyles of Arab. Girls started wearing Arab outfits and adhering to their dress code with burqa. Schools and colleges mushroomed with bearded males. TV evangelists like Zakir Naik became the most popular figure in the State. These were the early signals of radicalisation of a state which was doing much better than other states. In all cases, Muslim youths are radicalised by the educated class of their community, such as Islamic clerics, Islamist editors, and mosque leaders. Hindu and Christians cannot open their shops during Ramzan. Charitable and black money is pumped in Kerala in a major way, and mosques and churches are receiving lots of it. All NGOs of Islamists organisations have links with political parties. They enjoy influences and power over them. PFI has been taking over control of mosques and some Muslims under its umbrella.



Three arrested with Mdma worth Rs 10 lakh, a pattern of non-Muslims being used for drug trafficking emerge After the narcotic Jihad comment made by a Bishop in Kerala created a huge controversy, now Islamists are trying to include non-Muslims in their narcotic Jihad business Three drug peddlers were arrested from Wayanad in Kerala. They were processing 100 grams of MDMA drug worth Rs 10 Lakh. According to the police, the drug was brought from Bangaluru. Naushad P T (40), Shruthy (25) and Yadhu (25) were arrested at the Kerala-Karnataka border. Both Yadhu and Shruti are working at Techno Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

Radicalisation through Organisations

The Mujahid movement preaches a puritan version of Islam and opposes Sufi practices. From their corpus of ideas, it grew the radical Islamist group National Development Front (NFD), now known as PFI, which has roots in the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a banned militant group seceded from the Jamaat-e-Islami. By 1980 the Kerala branch of SIMI had declared slogans such as destroy nationalism, reinstate caliphate. Newspapers like Madhyamam, which the Jammat-e-Islami publishes, are radicalising Muslim youngsters. Radicalisation proposed to establish an Islamic state. They create a hate wave against the Hindu culture. There is an attempt to wean away Muslim youngster from local society.

Cocktail of Communists and Jihadis

Marxists are also rationalising Islamic extremism. Marxism thrives on poverty. But Kerala is not poor. In Muslim dominated regions like Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kasargod, there is sign of Arabian culture percolating down. Keralite restaurants advertise Arabic foods. Northern Kerala looks like a mini-Pakistan. Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of RSS said, There is definitely some nexus between Jihadi terrorists operating in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala and the Communist Party of India (Marxisit) cadres. A historian endorsed the same logic. Tarek Fatah, the author of Pakistan-origin, said, The alliance between Islamist and Leftists-Shariah-Bolshevism is a dangerous threat to free speech and democracy.

Its Political Implications

There are reports of Maoists joining hands with Jihadis. The experiment of alliances between CPI (M) and the Jihadis in Kerala succeeds in forming a counter against the nationalist forces; its impact will be disastrous for India and the entire world. The outfits have links with the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahedeen. PFI has network with National Development Front (Kerala), Manitha Neethi Pasarai (Tamil Nadu), Karnatka Forum for dignity (Karnatka), and all organisations with radical ideology. There are many other organisations splashed in other states like Peace Educational Foundation (Kerala), Jamait ul Muflihaat (Hyderabad), Discover Islam Education Trust (Bengaluru), Tauheed Educational Trust (Bihar), Islamic Research and Dawah Centre (Mumbai), Islamic Information Centre (Mumbai) have emerged during the last few years, which have provided direct access to indoctrination materials.

The declaration by Bishop is a reality. It has been said time and again that Kerala is slipping into the hands of terror groups. Love Jihad is a tool. The aim is to strengthen Islamic terror groups with meandering along with Maoist forces. A couple of districts have become a hotbed for Naxals. Since the Indian subcontinent is facing the heat of Taliban occupying the driving seat in Afghanistan and flagging off Islamic terror signals, it will have larger implications. Therefore, Kerala to Kashmir has a link. The recent revelation by Bishop must be taken seriously by the State Government. If it does not, the centre must make a solid move to contain it.


Milley listed several factors responsible for the US defeat, and cited the 2003 decision to invade Iraq, which shifted US troops away from Afghanistan.

The top US general Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, admitted on Wednesday (Sept 29) that the United States "lost" the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

"It is clear, it is obvious to all of us, that the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted, with the Taliban in power in Kabul," General Mark Milley told the House Armed Services Committee.

"The war was a strategic failure," Milley told a committee hearing about the US troop pullout from Afghanistan.

"It wasn't lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months," Milley said.

"There's a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back," said the general, the top military adviser to President Joe Biden, who ordered an end to the 20-year US troop presence in Afghanistan.

"Whenever you get some phenomenon like a war that is lost - and it has been, in the sense of we accomplished our strategic task of protecting America against Al-Qaeda, but certainly the end state is a whole lot different than what we wanted," Milley said.

"So whenever a phenomenon like that happens, there's an awful lot of causal factors," he said. "And we're going to have to figure that out. A lot of lessons learned here."

Milley listed several factors responsible for the US defeat, going back to a missed opportunity to capture or kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at Tora Bora soon after the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan.

He also cited the 2003 decision to invade Iraq, which shifted US troops away from Afghanistan, "not effectively dealing with Pakistan as a (Taliban) sanctuary," and pulling advisers out of Afghanistan a few years ago.
Quad is a mixed bag from disaster relief to military exercises and the COVID-19, while AUKUS is a military alliance.

The creation of AUKUS has made China upset. But it must be seen if QUAD and AUKUS will complement each other or compete for relevance. To answer this, we will have to look closer at both these alliances and about their purpose, their plan, and their sphere of operation. What is the QUAD purpose? It is a mixed bag, from disaster relief to military exercises and the COVID-19. Most of the alliances were created with an objective, but QUAD was not. Its agenda is evolving and adapting to new challenges, and this makes the QUAD different or more effective, if one could say.

A rigid agenda can become counterproductive. Take the example of NATO. It was created to tackle the Soviet Union. That mission is over. Now NATO is confused. It does not know its mission and agenda is. AUKUS is very similar. Its purpose has been categorically spelt out in a joint statement. It said that Through AUKUS, our government will strengthen the ability to each to support our security and defence interest. So basically, it is a military alliance that is clear. You will not see AUKUS producing the vaccines or holding a Climate summit. It is all about strategy.

Now it brings us to strategy; both alliances operate in the Indo- Pacific. Both are attempting to target China, but their approaches are different. The QUAD is pitching itself as an alternative to the Chinese system. Their democracies, they embrace the free market and follow international rules. They plan to sway countries away from China. But how will they do that? First, vaccine diplomacy is very important. The QUAD is producing one billion doses of vaccine in India. They will be distributed across Southeast Asia. Right now, most of these countries are using the Chinese vaccine. The important thing that they are going to do is to focus on the supply chain and technology. The QUAD is discussing the 5G network and semiconductor.

China has monopolized both these sectors. The QUAD wants to provide a stable and transparent alternative. Number three is the infrastructure project. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has strangled Asian countries with debt. The QUAD is discussing more sustainable and fair projects. Less debt, more progress and development is what the QUAD is aiming at.

AUKUS has a different plan. They want to tackle China militarily with nuclear submarines and long-range Tomahawk missiles, and joint drills. So AUKUS is not creating an alternative to China. It is pure military deterrence.

The third factor is membership. QUAD has India, Japan, the US, and Australia, and the AUKUS has the US, United Kingdom and Australia. There are some overlaps, but there are significant differences too. For starters, AUKUS has a non-Pacific member that is the UK. The United Kingdom is an Atlantic nation. Their interest in the Indo-Pacific is PM Boris Johnsons grand plan. He is talking about a Global Britain, so he has to be in the Indo-Pacific. On the other hand, QUAD is made up of four Indo- Pacific countries. It is more diverse, and Japan and India give QUAD an edge. They can relate to local culture. They have a long-standing history with the region.

What about AUKUS? It is an alliance of three Western societies. Australia may be located in the Eastern Hemisphere, but Australia is a Western nation for all practical purposes. The UK, the US and Australia have been allies since the first World War. AUKUS is expanding their partnership to a new theatre, which is the Pacific. It was reiterated that whereas AUKUS is a nascent security alliance, Quad remains a plurilateral grouping of like-minded countries that have a shared vision of their attributes and values.

Now the key difference, QUAD focuses on the Indo- Pacific region that has always existed, but its geopolitical value is recent, probably from early 2010. Before that, the area was the only Asia Pacific. Now they are talking about Indo-Pacific. What is the difference? Indo-Pacific includes parts of the Indian Ocean that is right up to the coast of Africa. Whereas Asia-Pacific does not. It includes that part of Asia that lies in the Pacific region. For QUAD, that is not an issue because India has a direct take in the Indian Ocean. That may not be the case for the AUKUS. None of the members have invested here. Guess who has? It is China. Experts say that Africa is the next flash point. If that is the case, then the Indian Ocean will be heating up. Had AUKUS not been created, then in all possibilities, the QUAD could have become militarized to dominate the Indo-Pacific region against China.

The QUAD is there, but AUKUS is not. So, what is the judgement? Will AUKUS and QUAD compete, or will they complement each other. So, as we stand, there is no scope for competition. These alliances have different plans with different objectives different strategies, and they could work in tandem. AUKUS focuses on deterring China. The QUAD builds an alternative for Pacific nations. It is a win-win for all sides, but a lot depends on the leadership in all cases, especially for the US and Australia that how much are they interested in QUAD. There is no rule that both the alliances cannot work in the same theatre. Do not think that it is overcrowded. The answer is no. But instead, it is more trouble for the Dragon.

The writer is an Inspector General BSF (Retd)

Courtesy: CNF
TTP fighters and Baloch separatist groups accelerated their attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan since the Taliban takeover, including projects associated with the US$60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Talibans takeover of Afghanistan has exposed China to new terror threats from affiliated groups from its key strategic partner nation- Pakistan. Chinas interests and nationals in Pakistan are coming under assault after Kabul fell to the Taliban.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a Pashtun Islamist umbrella organisation along the Afghan-Pakistan border that aims to create an Islamic state in Pakistan, has been revived and emboldened by the Talibans seizure of power.

TTP fighters and a few top leaders were released from prison by Taliban insurgents during the final phases of the militants blitzkrieg takeover. Baloch separatist groups known to have sanctuaries in Afghanistan have likewise been given a new lease on insurgent life by the Talibans rise.

Both have accelerated their attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan since the Taliban takeover, including projects associated with the US$60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a spoke of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region.

TTP has claimed to have carried out 32 attacks on Pakistani security forces in August. It claimed another 29 assaults through mid-September, killing and wounding a score of security personnel. Last week alone, the TTP inflicted nine casualties on Pakistani military forces.

Last month, two Chinese were injured in a suicide attack that killed two children staged at the Gwadar port, which China is developing as part of the CPEC. Later a suicide bomber detonated explosives close to a vehicle carrying Chinese nationals in Pakistans restive Balochistan province.

Three people were killed, and two Chinese injured in the attack claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip said Ankara was ready to help Afghanistan recover from years of conflict and strife if the nation also looks out for its unity and solidarity.



Ankara: Turkish ambassador to Afghanistan met the Taliban's second acting deputy prime minister and assured strengthening bilateral ties between Kabul and Ankara, according to an official statement.

Ambassador Cihad Erginay and the Taliban's Abdul Salam Hanafi "emphasised the strong bonds between Turkish and Afghan people and reaffirmed their commitments to further bolster the relations between our brotherly nations," during the meeting, the Turkish Embassy said in a tweet on Wednesday (September 29).

Erginay has also met with the Taliban's acting commerce minister Nooruddin Azizi to boost bilateral trade.

"They (Erginary and Azizi) expressed their joint commitment to boosting bilateral trade volume as well as increasing industrial output and discussed ways to achieve these goals," the embassy tweeted.

Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip said Ankara was ready to help Afghanistan recover from years of conflict and strife if the nation also looks out for its unity and solidarity.

"What concerns us as Turkey is that Afghanistan should recover swiftly ... We are ready to provide all kinds of support for the unity and solidarity of Afghanistan as long as we get the same approach from it," Erdogan had said, The Express Tribune reported.

On August 15, the Taliban entered Kabul, which led to the collapse of the US-supported Afghanistan government and the movement gaining control over almost all of the country.

Courtesy: ANI
On Wednesday afternoon, 15 September, on his return flight from Bratislava to Rome, Pope Francis met with the journalists onboard and conversed with them, answering some of their questions. The interview was introduced by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, who thanked the Pontiff for these days, which began with the Adoration of the Eucharist in Budapest and ended with a joint celebration and prayer on Wednesday morning in Sastin. In between these two moments, he said, were many images, words and encounters and it is beautiful that we were able to return to meeting in person. Also beautiful, Bruni continued, was the participation and joy of the People of God throughout these days. The following is the English text of the in-flight interview.

(Istvan Karoly Kuzmanyi of Magyar Kurir): Holy Father, thank you for your visit to Budapest where you quoted the venerable Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty who said, If there are one million Hungarians praying, I am not afraid of the future... So, here is my question: Why did you decide, after 21 years, to participate as Pope in the International Eucharistic Congress, beginning with this event? How do you view Christianity in Europe, and what do you think we can do, we Hungarians, about this? Thank you.

Well, thank you, thank you very much. At the beginning, it was not clear: But is he only coming for the ceremony, and is he not going to visit us Hungarians?. And some people thought badly. No: I explained that a visit to Slovakia had already been planned  it was in mind  and the other began after. But I promised your President whom I met  this is the third time I have met him  I promised to see whether it will be possible to come back next year or the following one because the Hungarians have so many values. I was struck, for example, by the sense of ecumenism that you have, with a deep, deep, deep profundity. This is what hit me. In general, Europe  I always say this  must reassume the dreams of the founding fathers of the European Union. The European Union, let us say, is not a gathering to get things done, it is a highly spiritual fact... there is a spirit behind the EU that Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi, these great men, dreamed of: go back there. Because there is a danger: that the European Union becomes just a management office, and that is not good. It must move precisely toward mysticism, [towards the spirit] in search of Europes roots and bring them forward. And I think all countries must move forward. It is true that some interests, perhaps not European ones, attempt to use the European Union for ideological colonization, and this is not good. No: the European Union must be independent in and of itself, and all the countries on the same level, inspired by the dream of its Great Founders. This is my idea. And you Hungarians: I was with you last year [editor: 2 years ago] in Transylvania. That Mass in Hungarian was beautiful.

(Bohumil Petrik Dennik of Standard with RTVS): Vaccination has divided Christians, even in Slovakia. You say that it is an act of love to get vaccinated. So when someone does not vaccinated, what would you call that? Because some believers even felt they were being discriminated against. There are different approaches in different Dioceses on this issue. Even prior to your visit, only those who had been vaccinated could come to your papal events, then it changed and even those with a negative Covid test could attend. And so on. And therefore we all want to know? How can we meet? How do we reconcile on this issue?

This is important. It is a bit strange, because humanity has a friendly history with vaccines: we as children, even the measles, the other one for polio... all children were vaccinated and no one said boo. Here this happened. Perhaps it came about because of the virulence and the uncertainty, not only about the pandemic, but also about the diversity of vaccines, and also because of the reputation of some vaccines: that they are not suitable or are little more than distilled water. This has created fear in people. Then, there are others who say they are dangerous because the virus enters into you with the vaccine, and so many arguments that have created this division. Even in the College of Cardinals, there are some deniers  and one of them, poor man, is hospitalized with the virus. The irony of life. Yes, I dont know how to explain it well: some say its because of the difference of where the vaccines come from, that there has not been sufficient testing, and they are afraid. But we have to be clear, to clarify and to speak about this with serenity. In the Vatican, all are vaccinated, except for a small group that is under study to know how to help them.

(Daniel Verdu Palay of El Pais): Good afternoon, Your Holiness. How are you? On Sunday morning you met with Prime minister, Viktor Mihaly Orban; some of your differences on themes such as migrants, Europe, nationalism are well known or can be understood. We wanted to ask you and to know how the meeting went, whether you touched on the topic of migrants, which will now become very important again with the crisis in Afghanistan, and what you think about the laws that he has enacted concerning homosexuals. We are asking you also because we think that you asked him not to let Christian Hungary die. But listening to your discourses these past days, it would seem that there are at times these policies that kill Christian values.

Very well. I was visited, because the President came to me, he had this courtesy, this kindness, he came  it is the third time Ive met him  he came with the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister, there were the three of them. But the President spoke. The first topic was ecology. Truly, hats off to you Hungarians for the ecological conscience you have. Impressive. He explained how they purify the rivers , many things that I didnt know! This was the main thing. Then I asked about the average age, because I am concerned about the demographic winter. In Italy, if Im not mistaken, the average age is 47, and I think in Spain it is even worse. Many villages are empty or with a dozen elderly people It is a serious concern. How can it be resolved? And here, the president explained to me  always the president  he explained to me the law they have to help young couples marry and have children. It is interesting. It is a law I dont know somewhat similar to that of France, but more developed. Because of this, the French do not have the tragedy that Spain has or that we have [in Italy]. They explained this to me, and they both added something technical at that point, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister, about what this law is about. And then what other things did they speak about? About immigration, nothing, no, it didnt come up. Then we returned to ecology, too, and yes, the family, in the sense of what I had asked, and you can see that there are many young people, many children. But also in Slovakia: I was surprised, so many children and so many young couples, and this is a promise. Now the challenge is to find jobs so that they dont go abroad, because if there are no jobs, they will go abroad to look for work. These were the things. The president spoke the whole time, and both ministers added some precise data. It was a good atmosphere. The meeting lasted long enough, I think 35-40 minutes.

(Gerard OConnell of American Magazine): First, we are all happy that the surgery had a wonderful effect, that you are rejuvenated!

I was told about someone who wanted to have the operation, I dont know who it was, I heard about them... But it wasnt cosmetic!

(Gerard OConnell): Holy Father, you have often said we are all sinners, and that the Eucharist is not a reward for the perfect but a medicine and food for the weak. As you know, in the United States, especially after the last elections, but also from 2004 on, there has been a discussion among the bishops about giving communion to politicians who have supported laws in favour of abortion and the womans right to choose. And as you know, there are bishops who want to deny communion to the president and others who hold high office. There are other bishops who are opposed, there are some bishops who say, the Eucharist must not be used as a weapon. My question, Father: What do you think about all this, and what do you advise the bishops? Then, a second question: As bishop, in all these years, have you publicly refused the Eucharist to anyone like this?

Pope Francis: No, I have never refused the Eucharist to anyone, to anyone. I dont know if anyone who was in that condition came, but I never, never refused the Eucharist. And this already as a priest. Never. But I have never been aware of having a person like the one you describe in front of me, this is true. Simply, the only time I ever had a little a nice thing, was when I went to celebrate Mass in a rest home and we were in the living room, and I said: Whoever wants to receive Communion, raise your hand. Everyone, the old men, the old women, everyone wanted Communion, and when I gave Communion to one lady, she took my hand and said to me, Thank you, Father, thank you. Im Jewish I said: No even what I gave you is Jewish,  go ahead. This is the only strange thing, but the woman had communed first, she told me afterwards. No. Communion is not a reward for the perfect. . Lets think of Port Royal, of the issue with Angelique Arnaud, of Jansenism: those who are perfect can receive Communion. Communion is a gift, a present; the presence of Jesus in his Church and in the community. This is the theology. Then, those who are not in the community cannot receive Communion, like this Jewish lady; but the Lord wanted to reward her without my knowledge. Why? Because they are out of the community  ex-comunitate  excommunicated they are called. It is a harsh term, but it means that they are not in the community, either because they do not belong to it, they are not baptised or because they were estranged for some reason.

Second the problem of abortion. Abortion is more than a problem. Abortion is homicide. Abortion... lets not mince words: anyone who aborts, kills someone. Take any book on embryology, the ones the students in the faculty of medicine study. The third week after conception, at the third week, often before the mother herself is aware of it, all the organs are already there, everything, even the dna . Isnt that a person? It is a human life, period. And this human life must be respected. This principle is so clear, and to those who cannot understand, I would ask two questions: Is it right to kill a human life to solve a problem? Scientifically, it is a human life. The second question: Is it right to hire a hitman to solve a problem? I said this publicly to Jordi Evole when he did [the interview] I said it the other day to cope [a Spanish Catholic radio station], I wanted to repeat it... And full stop. Dont go on with strange questions. Scientifically it is a human life. Books teach us this. I ask: Is it right to do away with someone to solve a problem? This is why the Church is so harsh on this issue, because if she accepts this, it would be like accepting daily murder. A head of state told me that the decline in population started with them, there is an age gap, because in those years there was such a strong law on abortion that they did six million abortions, it is calculated, and this left a sharp decline in the society of that country. Now lets get to that person who is not in the community, who cannot receive communion because they are outside the community, and this is not a punishment. No, you are outside. Communion is uniting yourself to the community. The problem is not theological, which is this simple thing. The problem is pastoral: How do we bishops apply this principle pastorally. And if we look at the history of the Church, we will see that every time the bishops have dealt with a problem not as pastors, they took sides on political life, on a political problem. In order not to handle a problem well, they took sides on a political front. Let us think of the night of Saint Bartholomews: Heretics! Yes, heresy is exceptionally grave, lets cut all their throats! No, its a political matter. Let us think of Joan of Arc, about this vision, let us think of the witch-hunt always. Let us think of Campo de Fiori, of Savonarola, of all these people. When the Church, in order to defend a principle, does so in an unpastoral manner, it acts on a political level. And this has always been the case, just look at history. And what must the pastor do? Be a pastor. Be a pastor and not go around condemning, not condemning: Be a pastor. But is he a pastor of the excommunicated too? Yes, he is a pastor and must be a pastor with him, being a pastor with Gods style. And Gods style is closeness, compassion, and tenderness. The whole Bible says so. Closeness is already there in Deuteronomy, where He says to Israel: Tell me, what people has the gods as close as you have me? Closeness, compassion. The Lord who has compassion for us. Let us read Ezekiel, let us read Hosea. Tenderness is already there from the beginning. It is enough to look in the Gospels and the things of Jesus. A pastor who does not know how to act with Gods style slips and gets into many things that are not of a pastor. For me I dont want to get into particulars, since you spoke of the United States, because I dont know the details well. I give the principle. You could say to me: If you are close, you are tender, you are compassionate with a person, would you give the person Communion? This is a hypothesis. Be a pastor, the pastor knows what he has to do at all times, but as a pastor. But if he goes beyond this pastoral dimension of the Church, he immediately becomes a politician. You will see this in all the denunciations, in all the non-pastoral condemnations the Church makes. With this principle, I think a pastor can operate well. The principles are taken from theology. Pastoral ministry is theology and the Holy Spirit who is leading you to act with the style of God. I would venture to speak up to this point. If you say to me: Can one give or can one not give it? It is casuistry, that is for the theologians to say. Do you remember the storm that was whipped up with Amoris Laetitia, when that chapter on the accompaniment of separated couples and the divorced came out? Heresy, heresy!. Thanks be to God that Cardinal Schonborn, who is a great theologian, was there and he clarified things. But always this condemnation, condemnation Enough with the excommunication, please lets not make any more excommunications. Poor people, they are children of God, they are temporarily outside, but they are children of God and they want and need our pastoral closeness. Then the pastor resolves things as the Spirit tells him.

(Stefano Maria Paci of Sky Tg 24): Good day, Holy Father. Knowing you, I think you will consider this message I am about to give you as a type of gift. Knowing that I would be travelling with you, she asked me to give this to you. Edith Bruck, the Jewish writer deported to Auschwitz when she was 13 years old, this years winner of the Strega Giovani Award, sent it to me yesterday evening. And you, quite unusually, went to her home in the centre of Rome to meet her. It is a long message signed, Your Sister Edith, in which she thanks you for your repeated appeals and acts against anti-Semitism on this trip. The first words are: Beloved Pope Francis, your words about anti-Semitism, which was never eradicated, are today more relevant than ever, not only in the countries you are visiting, but in all of Europe.

This is true. Anti-Semitism is fashionable nowadays, it is rising up again. It is an ugly, ugly, ugly thing.

(Stefano Maria Paci): And the question is about the family. You spoke about it with the Hungarian authorities, you repeated it yesterday in the meeting with young people. And just yesterday, news arrived from Strasbourg of a resolution from the European Parliament that invites Member States to recognize homosexual marriage and related parental relationships. Holy Father, what is your thought on this?

I have spoken clearly about this. Marriage is a sacrament. Marriage is a sacrament. The Church does not have the power to change the sacraments as the Lord instituted them. These are laws that are trying to assist the situations of many people who have a different sexual orientation. And this is important, that people be helped. But without imposing things that, by their nature, are not acceptable in the Church. But if they want to lead a life together, a homosexual couple, the States have the possibility, civilly, to support them, to give them security regarding inheritance, healthcare The French have a law about this, not only for homosexuals, but for all people who want to associate themselves together. But marriage is marriage. This does not mean condemning people who are like that, no, please, they are our brothers and sisters. We have to accompany them. But marriage as a sacrament is clear, its clear. That there should be civil laws that Three widows, for example, who want to join together in law in order to have health services, to have a bit of inheritance among themselves, these things are done. This is the French PACS [editor: civil solidarity pact] but it has nothing to do with homosexual couples; homosexual couples can use it, they can use it, but matrimony as a sacrament is man and woman. Sometimes, confusion arises regarding what I was saying. Yes, we must  everyone is equal  respect everyone: The Lord is good and will save everyone. Dont say this out loud [laughs], but the Lord desires the salvation of all. But please do not make the Church deny her truth. Many, many people with a homosexual orientation draw near to the sacrament of penance, and approach to seek the counsel of priests; and the Church helps them move forward in their own lives, but the sacrament of marriage does not apply. Thank you.

(Matteo Bruni): Thank you Holy Father ....

And thanks to all of you! Do you want [to know] something beautiful about one of you. I leave this as a fioretto [a small gift] before taking my leave. It is said that this journalist is available 24 hours a day for work and that she always lets others go first, she goes afterwards, and that she always gives the floor to others and remains silent. It is beautiful, that they say this about a journalist, and this is what Manuel Beltran says about our Eva Fernandez. Thank you!
ZEELAND, Mich. (AP) _ Herman Miller Inc. (MLHR) on Wednesday reported a fiscal first-quarter loss of $61.5 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier.

The Zeeland, Michigan-based company said it had a loss of 93 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for costs related to mergers and acquisitions and amortization costs, came to 49 cents per share.
FRANKFORT  The Michigan Convention of States will meet in Frankfort this weekend to discuss using Article V of the US Constitution.

Article V grants states the power to call a national Convention of States, where delegates can suggest and ratify amendments to the Constitution. Thirty-four states need to agree to call a convention and 38 states must ratify a proposed amendment for it to become law.
LANSING  The Department of Natural Resources has issued an emergency order closing a shooting area on state land in Benzie County.

According to a press release from the DNR, the order, signed by DNR Director Daniel Eichinger on Sept. 29, will close the shooting area at 2167 N. Pioneer Road in Beulah for 90 days. During this time, department staff will evaluate next steps that would eliminate the possibility of visitors target shooting from anywhere other than specified areas.

Dave Lemmien, unit manager of the Traverse City Management Unit, Forest Resources Division, said the area wasn't a designated shooting range, but an old gravel pit on state land where people have been using to set up targets.

"It is basically an old gravel pit that people have started to utilize for target practice over the years," Lemmien said. "They've been utilizing the banks of the old gravel pit as a backstop where they set up targets and shoot into the backdrop so that the bullets lodge safely into the dirt instead of getting sprayed all over the place. I think it has become a convenient place for people to set up targets over the years. You can get there fairly quickly, set up targets and start shooting. Word of mouth over the years has attracted other users to utilize the same spot. "

Lemmien said people have even set up shooting benches. However, people have been setting up targets elsewhere on the property without a backstop, and bullets have been leaving public land and striking a resident's home and outbuildings.

"What has started occurring is people aren't shooting down into the old gravel pit," Lemmien said. "They want longer shots and are setting up targets on the other side of the pit instead of a straight shot downward into the bank of the gravel pit. Bullets are leaving the area and actually striking a nearby residence and outbuildings. That's why we stepped in."

Lemmien said people shooting likely didn't know there was a residence behind the state property.

"I don't think the people using the area for shooting know what's occurring," he said. "Unless you're a local resident and familiar with area and how the property ownership lays out, you wouldn't know there's houses on the other side of the trees. But that falls on the person discharging the firearm. They do have the responsibility to know what's behind where they're shooting."

The news release stated that several things were done in attempts to direct people to use the gravel pit as a backstop, including;

 Posting signs that direct visitors to shoot from the base of the hill, rather than the elevated parking area;

 Relocating shooting benches and tables to the base of the hill; and

 Outreach by local DNR Law Enforcement Division staff to target shooters to encourage responsible use of the area.

"We tried to change things hoping that the safety measures would keep stray bullets from leaving the area and going toward nearby homes," Lemmien said. "Obviously, that didn't work. Those residents are still experiencing bullet strikes."

Signage announcing the closure will be placed and conservation officers will be patrolling the area to inform people of the closure.

Public safety has to be the No. 1 concern and responsibility when it comes to outdoor recreation, especially with shooting sports, said Eichinger in the press release. Everyone should have the opportunity to safely enjoy Michigans public lands, but that opportunity comes with a responsibility to treat both the lands and other users with respect and courtesy. We will not reopen this area to target shooting until public safety concerns have been fully addressed and rectified.

During the 90-day period, DNR staff will work with local and county officials to evaluate opportunities for site improvements or continued closure of the area. Anyone with questions about this temporary closure should contact David Lemmien by email at LemmienD@Michigan.gov or by phone at 231-922-6040.

Lemmien said it is also possible the DNR might look for a place more suitable as a gun range.

In the meantime, hunters looking for opportunities to sight in their firearms and prepare for Michigans coming deer hunting seasons are welcome to responsibly use other DNR facilities. Visit Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges for locations, safety information and hours of operation.
FRANKFORT  Autumn visitors to Frankfort have something else to look forward to besides fall colors; Frankfort Beer Week.

Frankfort Beer Week, which features a variety of beer-centric food and drink specials at area restaurants and mini events throughout the week, begins on Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 9. Rick Schmitt, co-owner of Stormcloud Brewing Company, said about 12 restaurants and other establishments were participating both in Frankfort and Elberta and Beyond.
CUSTER  A bronze sculpture depicting musicians in the 1940s at Johnnys of Custer will be unveiled at a special dedication ceremony Sunday.

The artwork, entitled Johnnys Bandstand, is the latest addition to the Mason County Sculpture Trail, as well as the Mason County Music Trail, both projects undertaken and overseen by the Mason County Cultural Economic Development Task Force.

The dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Mason County Eastern Schools located at 18 Custer Road.

Johnnys of Custer, now closed for business, had been a mainstay in Mason County for decades, playing the latest radio hits for teenage dancers, as well as hosting up-and-coming musicians, according to a news release. The dance club was a popular weekend destination for teens to spend time with hundreds of other youngsters on a Saturday night.

Johnny Urban knew that his programming would be popular among young people, and he brought in some big-name performers starting in the 1950s, putting the small Village of Custer on the map.

Johnnys Bandstand hosted future Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers including Bill Haley, Del Shannon, the Everly Brothers, the Drifters and Buddy Holly, in addition to Country Music Hall of Famers like Porter Waggoner, Jim Ed Brown and Little Jimmy Dickens.

Dr. Bill Anderson, who has spearheaded the Mason County Cultural Trail initiative, recalled meeting Canadian rock artist, Jack Scott, at the doorstep of the bandstand one night.

I stood in front of Johnnys, and I was the first one to greet Jack Scott. I was jumping out of my shirt, he said in a press release. It was pretty special.

Anderson said he is excited to see how the sculpture and music trails will take visitors farther out into the county, as an extension of art already placed in Ludington. The task force has made it its vision and goal to include Custer, Fountain and Scottville in the trails, which intertwine both history and culture. The music trail is a two-county endeavor and includes stops in Baldwin, as well as Idlewild, whose former Paradise Club was a well-known venue where many black artists performed.

To participate in a trail tour, one can make stops on the published map, scan a QR code with a smartphone or dial a phone number to hear the history of that designated location. The Johnnys sculpture will have its home on a small parcel of land adjacent to Mason County Eastern Schools.

Created by artist Tyson Snow of Springview, Utah, the statue portrays musicians on drums, guitar and piano, and couples dancing to the music. It is the 23rd sculpture to be placed in Mason County, Anderson said.

Funding for the Johnnys sculpture is the result of several fundraising endeavors, supplemented by grants.

Contributions for the final portion of the project, which will include a gazebo and the technology for visitors to hear the history of Johnnys, can be sent to Community Foundation for Mason County (CFFMC), P.O. Box 10, Ludington, MI 49431, with Custer Sculpture on the check. Donations may also be sent to Custer Sculpture, P.O. Box 37, Custer, MI 49405.

Anderson said the Mason County Historical Trails  including agriculture, barn, lumber, maritime, music and sculpture trails  are an attraction because of a concerted effort of individuals in the area working in tandem to continue to build Mason Countys reputation as a cultural destination.

To access Mason County historical trails, visit masoncountyculture.com/trails
When Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center needed help with a refurbishment project, Midland County Habitat for Humanity answered the call. The two nonprofits, along with a group of local volunteers, worked together repairing and restoring Safe & Sounds front and back decks and entrance ramps.

This summer, the decks wood had become soft after countless years of use, bolts started to rust through, and the entire structures had reached a point that constant maintenance was required. Safe & Sound Executive Director Michelle Waskevich secured a $5,500 grant to perform maintenance upgrades, but soon realized the funds would not be enough to cover materials and installation. The organization had a difficult time finding contractors who wanted to place a bid on the project, let alone agree to take it on.

At that point, Michelle and I were completely out of ideas. We were deflated by it all by that point. We got to talking about it and said we needed some volunteers, lets just find someone who can help us do it, said Kevin Crampton, facilities chairman of Safe & Sound.

Crampton reached out to Jennifer Chappel, CEO of Midland County Habitat for Humanity, with whom he had collaborated with in the past. To his relief, Chappel jumped on board and offered to have Habitat help in any way it could and assigned Erich Ostrander, construction manager, to coordinate efforts.

Were so incredibly grateful. It just went right into motion, Waskevich said. Without Habitat, without Erich, we could not have done this.

Ostrander was able to stretch out Safe & Sounds funding as far as it could go. He obtained materials from Lowes at a significant discount and helped build a pool of volunteers from local churches. A schedule was set to work two days a week for two weeks.

As a nonprofit and people who work with grants, we understand youre stuck with a certain cost, Ostrander said.

About a dozen individuals worked each day on the project, addressing the structural framing, redecking and installing new handrails. The finished structures will be made of composite decking, which will require much less upkeep.

Volunteers from Memorial Presbyterian and Trinity Lutheran churches worked side by side with Safe & Sound and Habitat staff members. The crew worked on the front deck two weeks ago and work on the back deck was scheduled to take place last week but was postponed due to rain. Construction resumed on Wednesday, and Ostrander expected it to be completed, or nearly completed, on Thursday.

The experience has inspired Crampton to volunteer with Habitats future projects. According to Ostrander, Habitat has performed $350,000 worth of repairs during the pandemic.

They are a fabulous organization doing unbelievably great things in our community, Crampton said. To help and volunteer after what theyve done for us, its fun  these are fantastic people to even spend the day with.

You (may) think you need to have a huge corporation to get things done, but this shows you that nonprofits working together can get just as much done, Waskevich stated.

For Ostrander, child advocacy is near and dear to his heart, so he was personally excited to help out Safe & Sound with this endeavor.

When youre a nonprofit, you feel like youre out there on your own island, trying to make it happen. Anytime that we can get together and make stuff happen and help each other out, its better for the community, for the nonprofit, for everybody, Ostrander said.
DETROIT (AP)  A man addicted to the Michigan Lottery was sentenced to more than four years in prison Wednesday for a scheme that cost investors more than $23 million.

Viktor Gjonaj of Troy told people that he was plowing their money into real estate deals. Instead, he was playing the Daily 3 and Daily 4 games  more than $1 million a week by 2019.
Midland County added 92 new COVID-19 cases between Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Wednesday, Sept. 29.

COVID-19 numbers reported from Sept. 28-29

Midland County: 92 cases were added; pandemic total is 8,276 cases, 776 probable cases, 111 deaths and four probable deaths.

Bay County: 119 cases and three deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 12,127 cases, 849 probable cases, 355 deaths and 15 probable deaths.

Gladwin County: 29 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 2,364 cases, 484 probable cases, 62 deaths and four probable deaths.

Isabella County: 116 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 6,625 cases, 1,177 probable cases, 99 deaths and five probable deaths.

Saginaw County: 142 cases were added and one death was subtracted from the total; pandemic total stands at 22,979 cases, 1,725 probable cases, 629 deaths and 21 probable deaths.

The state added 6,733 cases and 100 deaths between Tuesday and Wednesday. Overall, Michigan is at 1,022,575 cases and 20,998 deaths.

Recovered

According to the Midland County Health Department website, which was updated Sept. 27, 7,767 Midland County individuals have recovered from COVID. The state reported that as of Sept. 24, a total of 917,827 persons have recovered.

Testing

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Sept. 27 was listed at 11%, and Gladwin County's was listed at 15%. Our 12-county region was listed at 14% and Michigan was at 9%.

MidMichigan Health statistics

As of Sept. 27, MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland was listed as having a 84% bed occupancy, with 28 COVID patients and four in the ICU. MidMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin was listed as having a 14% bed occupancy, with no COVID patients and none in the ICU.

Both medical centers reported having at least 15-30 days worth of personal protection equipment (N95, surgical masks, gowns, gloves and eye protection) on hand.

Schools

As of Tuesday, Sept. 28, Midland Public Schools reported 129 staff/students were close contacts to an individual who was confirmed COVID-19 positive and 30 staff/students were currently tested positive for the virus. Schools with one or more staff/student confirmed positive for COVID-19 as of Tuesday include Dow High (4), Midland High (6), Jefferson Middle (1), Northeast Middle (5), Adams Elementary (1), Central Park Elementary (5), Plymouth Elementary (12), Siebert Elementary (1) and Woodcrest Elementary (5).

Bullock Creek reported on Wednesday that there are six staff members and 25 students who are active confirmed cases. There are also 181 students and no staff members currently in quarantine. Schools with one or more staff/student confirmed positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday include Floyd Elementary (4), Pine River Elementary (2), Middle School (13) and High School (12).

Midland County vaccinations

The Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard lists Midland's completed vaccine rate is 65.8%. Currently, the vaccines are not authorized to be given to those under age 12.

Midland County Health Department is hosting a weekly walk-in COVID vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday on the second floor of the Midland County Services Building, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland.

Future COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Midland County are listed at www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx. Those with questions may call 989-832-6380 or email MCDPH@co.midland.mi.us.
NEW YORK (AP)  When Anderson Cooper was 6 years old, his father took him to see the statue of Cornelius The Commodore Vanderbilt near New York's Grand Central Terminal. The transportation magnate was America's richest man when he died in 1877, the 19th century equivalent of Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates.

He was also Cooper's great-great-great grandfather.

For much of his life, the CNN personality shunned his lineage. Now 54 and a father himself, Cooper has taken a second look and, with historian Katherine Howe, written the book Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty that explores the family's complicated legacy.

The Commodore was obsessed with making money, and left behind $100 million  real coin back in those days. Yet that obsession damaged those around him, and succeeding generations of Vanderbilts, fairly and unfairly, became symbols of the idle rich and frittered away a fortune.

Certainly, when I started working in news, I didn't want to show up on stories and have people say, Oh, this guy is a Vanderbilt or whatever, Cooper said. I didn't think any good could come of it, personally or professionally. I really worked hard not to do anything that would associate me with that.

Researching the family was like opening a door and discovering this whole history that I consciously avoided knowing about, he said.

It's startling to read Cooper describe taking on extra shifts at CNN to help pay for his mother's nurses when she recuperated from a fall. This was Gloria Vanderbilt, given the hated nickname the poor little rich girl during a sensational custody trial in 1934, who inherited $4 million when she turned 21.

He tells about his mother, who died in 2019 at age 95, calling him once because she desperately needed two screens for her apartment made of valuable wallpaper  wallpaper she once had and sold. They cost $50,000. Bored with the screens six months later, she asked if Cooper had room for them in his basement.

No one, Cooper and Howe write, "can make money evaporate into thin air like a Vanderbilt.

His mom's inheritance was gone by the time he was born, but she had success on her own: Most Americans today associate Gloria Vanderbilt with the designer jeans line she launched in 1977. When she died, there wasn't much left in her estate beyond the apartment she owned, Cooper said.

I sometimes think if she didn't have the Vanderbilt name, she would have been better off, he said. People would have looked at her more like she really was'' instead of what they assumed.

In the book, the authors zero in on a handful of Vanderbilts, from the Commodore's namesake son, who shot himself in the head at age 51, to Gladys Vanderbilt, forced in 2018 to move out of the Newport, Rhode Island, mansion that her great-grandparents built in 1895.

The journey of Alva Erskine Smith Vanderbilt, who divorced the Commodore's grandson Willie, is fascinating for what it says about the role of women a century ago. She burned to establish the Vanderbilts in a New York high society that shunned them, then turned her back on that by becoming an activist for women's suffrage.

Her ex-husband's life revolved around parties, yachts and the horses. He said before he died: My life was never destined to be quite happy ... Inherited wealth is a real handicap to happiness. It is as certain a death to ambition as cocaine is to morality.

Cooper takes a pass on the cocaine reference, but said he absolutely believes the sentiment about inherited wealth. Much of what the Vanderbilts left behind didn't survive, he said.

The things that they thought were monuments, which were the houses they built and spent a fortune on, were torn down in 60 years in many cases, he said. They were just too bloated and impossible to keep up and times change. They couldn't be sold off to other rich people, because they didn't want them.

The book is short of details on Cornelius Vanderbilt's business success. Cooper figures there are other resources for that. He wanted to explore more of the personal side.

It wasn't pretty. The patriarch played favorites with his sons and largely ignored his daughters, figuring they would get married and not carry on the Vanderbilt name.

I certainly would not have wanted to have grown up in his house, Cooper said. But I admire that he did create new businesses  not just one empire but two empires. What he did was extraordinary, but it came at great cost to those around him.

He believes he and his mother inherited something of the Commodore's work ethic.

I don't have the drive for money in that way, he said. But I certainly understand the drive to make a name for yourself and try to create something in your chosen field, and do things that feel important.

After his mother's death, Cooper began to explore the journals, letters, documents and photos she left behind and, he wrote, began to hear the voices of those people I never knew.

When his own son was born in 2020, he wondered what he would tell him about the family, what lessons could be learned. He doesn't know whether he'll retrace with his own son the steps he took with his father to the statue long ago but, arguably, he's already done something more valuable with the book.

I wanted him to have a sense of who they were as people, he said. For better or worse.
Moments after a man took off in his new ultralight plane for a flight back home to Fremont, the plane crashed on Tuesday evening at the Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport.

It went up and pretty quickly came down, said Gladwin City Manager Chris Shannon.

Gladwin City Police Sgt. Joshua Hale said the pilot, the only occupant of the plane, was trapped in the plane, so Gladwin firefighters used tools to free him. The man sustained injuries from the crash, the extent of which are unknown at this time.

Hale said the incident occurred around 6:59 p.m. Tuesday.

The pilot's identity could not be determined from police. Police said the plane was destroyed in the crash.

Airport manager Mike Hargrave said he wasnt at the airport when the crash occurred. He said he arrived afterward. He did not offer a comment about the incident.

Ultralight planes are often built from kits.

Shannon said the man bought the ultralight plane and went to pick it up from an airport hangar. He said the mans wife drove him to the airport and then he attempted to fly back to Fremont.

An ultralight plane is usually a one-seater plane with a maximum weight of about 254 pounds and a five-gallon fuel capacity, according to aviation experts.

At its maximum speed with full power, an ultralight plane can travel at 55 knots. Per the Federal Aviation Administration, those who fly these planes dont need a pilots license. An estimated 60 people in the United States die annually in ultralight crashes.

Training is available in specially certified two-seat ultralights through the Experimental Aircraft Association and other organizations. While training isnt mandatory, it is recommended  especially to anyone new to flying.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed off on $55 billion in spending to complete the state budget, hailing the bipartisan bills as an example of finding common ground with Republicans despite partisan tension during the coronavirus pandemic.

This budget shows that divided government doesn't have to be dysfunctional government, the Democrat said at Lansing Community College.

She emphasized how the laws, which include billions in federal COVID-19 relief aid, will expand eligibility for child care subsidies, provide $1,000 bonuses to child care workers and continue to fund new tuition-free assistance for 167,000 adults ages 25 and up and frontline workers to attend community college. The funding will repair or replace 100 local bridges, clean up polluted sites, fix aging dams and replace lead water lines in Benton Harbor.

It will make permanent and slightly raise  to $2.35 an hour  a wage hike for "direct care workers in nursing homes and other residential facilities along with in-home caregivers.

The blueprint includes $53 billion in non-school aid spending for the fiscal year that starts Friday and $2.3 billion in supplemental funding for the current budget year. The K-12 budget was finalized over the summer.

Whitmer vetoed roughly $16 million in funding tied to anti-abortion provisions that she said would have promoted the GOP's political agenda. The sections would have required marketing programs and family planning services to promote alternatives to abortion.

We know that reproductive health care is critical to women and families, she said, drawing praise from groups that support abortion rights and criticism from those that oppose them.

She also declared unconstitutional or unenforceable various Republican-written boilerplate policy provisions, including ones that tried to ban local masks mandates for schools and defund local health departments with COVID-19 orders if those orders lack the support of the relevant county commissioners.

Where we found agreement ... is so much bigger and overwhelming, the governor said.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, a Lowell Republican, touted the bills' injection of money into the unemployment benefits trust fund  which was targeted by fraudsters  a $500 million deposit into savings and new spending to help communities disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.

He called it an excellent budget but said he was saddened, though not surprised, by the line-item vetoes and decisions on the enforceability of certain provisions.

As a state, we must do better helping pregnant mothers in need, including the promotion of adoption as an alternative to abortion, Albert said.

Emergency medical services providers will receive an increased state Medicaid reimbursement for the first time in more than 20 years, enabling them to also draw additional federal funding. They said the pandemic and underfunding have pushed them to the brink financially.

This budget increase will allow us to increase pay for paramedics and EMTs and recruit much-needed new staff into the profession," said Jack Fisher, executive director of Medic 1 Ambulance in Berrien County and president of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services.

Next, Whitmer and the GOP-led Legislature will turn to allocating an unprecedented amount of federal coronavirus relief funding, much of it discretionary.

___

Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Thursday expressed concern about the continued deterioration of the security situation in the "tri-border area", the epicentre of violence in the Sahel
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Kingdom has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until September 2022
Delivery companies are seeking to expand their out-of-home delivery networks  either by going it alone or partnering with retail businesses such as supermarket chains.

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Omniva Latvia partners with retailer

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Omniva Latvia is expanding its PUDO network via a partnership with Narvesen Baltija. The deal with Latvias largest retail chain will put Omnivas PUDO services in more than 200 locations. This, together with 92 new parcel lockers scheduled to be online by the end of the year, will give Omniva over 500 parcel collection locations in Latvia by the end of 2021.

Already Omniva has the largest parcel locker network in Latvia, with 208 machines. The 92 new lockers being rolled out over the remainder of the year will give it a network of 300 machines in Latvia and almost 800 lockers across the Baltics.

The Baltics are one of the most developed OOH markets as per LMEs European OOH Report. Omniva is an experienced operator and is spot on in seeking to support lockers with PUDOs. The most successful players will be able to leverage the unique advantages of both of these tools for the benefit of the customer.

DPD Estonia expands locker network

DPD Estonia continues to expand its parcel locker network. An additional 50 lockers will be installed by the end of this year, and 40 existing parcel lockers will be expanded. This latest rollout will bring the number of DPD parcel lockers in Estonia to 257.

In August, DPD Estonia completed its project to install 100 new parcel machines  a rollout that started last year.

DPD Estonia has a policy to install lockers as close as possible to its customers, and the new locker banks will be located in residential areas. More than half of the new parcel lockers will be outside major cities.

Estonia was the number-one country in terms of the ratio of locker density to population in LMEs last OOH report (2021), and DPD has been behind Omniva, its main competitor here. OOH is no longer a nice to have tool in Estonia but a key element of any successful last-mile strategy.

InPost partners with Tesco

InPost and Tesco are partnering in the UK to install lockers at large Tesco stores.

Already 200 parcel lockers have been installed at Tesco stores, with another 300 scheduled to be installed by the end of November.

The parcel lockers can be used to collect orders from a variety of retailers including Boohoo, Missguided and Holland & Barrett. They can also be used to return orders or post items through courier services including Hermes. The lockers are accessible 24/7.

With this latest partnership, InPost now has around 2,500 parcel lockers in the UK. Partnerships seem to be a key part of its ambition to have 3,000 lockers by the end of this year and over 10,000 by 2024. Earlier this month, InPost announced a partnership to install parcel lockers in shopping centers and retail parks in the north of England, and in June it announced a partnership with Salford City Council to install 40 new parcel lockers in publicly accessible locations.

Tesco isnt alone in seeking partnerships for parcel lockers. Lidl, for example, has struck a number of deals across Europe to install parcel lockers at its supermarkets, the latest being a deal with bpost to install parcel lockers at 15 Lidl supermarkets in Belgium.

DPDgroups out-of-home partnerships

For more on DPDgroups out-of-home partnerships, watch the Last Mile Prophets webinar with DPDgroup by clicking here.

Ian Kerr is the founder and host of the Postal Hub Podcast, the weekly podcast for the postal and delivery sectors.

Marek Rozycki is managing partner at Last Mile Experts, specializing in CEP and e-commerce last-mile advisory.

Follow us on LinkedIn

https://lastmileprophets.com
Photo: (Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The Jefferson School District 251 in Idaho has enforced a backpack ban after a 13-year-old student was caught with a gun in her bag. It was the second time a student went undetected as she carried a handgun to Rigby Middle School this year.

Though the middle schooler didn't use the gun nor cause any harm, police took her into custody for an investigation. However, some parents in the school community believed that more solutions should be established to prevent a potential tragedy. The backpack ban is not a proactive step to address the underlying problems among the students, they said.

In a Facebook Live video, Superintendent Chad Martin addressed the school community and confirmed that students at Rigby Middle School, Farnsworth Middle School, Rigby High School, and Jefferson High School would no longer be allowed to use backpacks. He also acknowledged the parents' and students' frustration, sadness, and anger after the recent arrest, as this has happened a second time. He appealed for cooperation from everyone.

"We want to work together to make our schools safer and to partner with our community to keep Rigby strong," Martin said.

Read Also: Rapper Gunna Opens Free Grocery Store in Atlanta School to Fight Child Hunger

Replacing Backpacks with Wagons, Carts

Following the backpack ban, students at these Idaho schools have been sharing videos on TikTok to show the containers they now use to carry their things around the school. The administration instructed the students only to bring what they needed per class and leave everything else in their lockers.

To show transparency, some of the students have been using wagons, household organizers, shopping carts, and even popcorn machines to carry their books in between classes. One TikTok video uploader said in the caption that this was further sparked by a school shooting in another state this week.

In May 2021, a sixth-grader boldly open-fired at Rigby Middle School using her father's handgun, which she hid in her backpack. Though no one died, the incident injured two students and one school staff, prompting an investigation by the Idaho State Board of Education's School Safety and Security Program. The board released their findings and recommendations on Monday, September 27, with 29 suggestions on improving safety in the school premises.

Tackling Bullying

It comes as one parent said that the school failed to provide the appropriate action after the first middle school student was caught with a gun in school. One mother told East Idaho News that the problem last May started with an altercation with the students. While one was suspended, no one followed through on the other student, who was apparently writing down her vengeful plans in her notebook.

The parents also asked school officials to be more open to communication, while other parents said metal detectors should be installed at school entrances.

Jefferson School District 251 also met with the parents on more than one occasion. Some of the adults believed that their kids were affected by the rising bullying cases in school. Experts who were in attendance during the meeting recommended evidence-based anti-bullying programs.

Related Article: Teenagers Charged With School Shooting Plot Inspired by the Columbine Massacre
Photo: (Photo : NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images)

The latest TikTok deworming trend might convince some online users to try it, but doctors warn netizens not to follow the fad even if access to antiparasitic medication is easy.

Dr. Kimberly Kolkhorst, a gastroenterologist, is aware of the TikTok deworming trend, but she said there is no reason to take medications, especially for those in the U.S.

Speaking with Valley News Live, Kolkhorst said parasitic infections are rare in developed countries like America since people don't eat raw meat and the water system is clean. In her years as a gastroenterologist, she has encountered just one case of parasitic infection.

The doctor also warned that taking antiparasitic medications without proper medical advice could lead to long-term gut damage.

"I never recommend taking anything that's not an FDA approved medication because with that, you don't actually know what you're getting and therefore safety is an issue," she said.

Read Also: Tiktok Magnet Challenge Sends Boy, 9, to Hospital for Emergency Surgery

How the Trend Started

A mom on TikTok received over six million views as she talked about taking a deworming medication that has been popping up on the platform's ads. She also said that people in other countries "deworm themselves all the time," so she tried one product.

@pengken007You have worms!!! #freaked #intestinalworms #worms #paraguard #disturbed #ohmylanta #icant #intestinepro  original sound - user5165758229144

While she didn't say if she had seen a doctor for her stomach issues, the mom concluded that she had worms after taking the medication. Other TikTok users also shared that they have seen dead carcasses of worms coming out of their bowel movement, their urine, and skin. They allegedly feel a lot better after days of taking the medication.

However, Dr. Sabine Hazan, another gastroenterologist, said that people taking deworming medications, despite no doctors' inputs, could be excreting fibrous tissues or good microbes that actually help the body. Hazan said that this could be risky because once good microbes are destroyed, there is no way for the body to get them back.

Dr. Cynthia Sears, an infectious disease specialist from Johns Hopkins University, agreed with Kolkhorst that parasitic infections are rare in the U.S. because there are fewer chances of exposure. However, it may still happen for some people, especially those who have traveled to countries where worms are more common.

Sears also said that parasitic infections do not lead to worms coming out of the feces, urine, or skin. In most cases, the symptoms might not manifest unless they get proper tests at the hospital. Common symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, or bloating are not specific to this condition.

Deworming by Eating Papaya Seeds

Aside from taking antiparasitic medications, some users use papaya seeds to participate in the TikTok Deworming Trend. They basically eat a spoonful of papaya seeds and wait a few hours later for the worms to pass with their poop.

Experts are also not recommending this procedure due to a lack of scientific data, even as papaya seeds may contain compounds that could kill parasites or expel these from the body. As with the other doctors, William Schaffner of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine said that it's rare for medical workers to treat people with parasites in their intestines since these cases no longer happen in the U.S.

Related Article: Students Are Stealing School Items for 'Devious Licks' Tiktok Trend, Prompts School Officials to Raise the Alarm
The decision to demonetize the big denomination notes has shown the mirror to our society and the sooner we accept the fact that the hideous face staring ominously at us is US, the better would it be. The mirror does not lie, so we cannot seek comfort in denial which has been the standard mode of coping with uncomfortable truths. At heart we are a deeply, incorrigibly corrupt society made doubly worse by our ingrained hypocrisy. The predisposition to be corrupt is fixed like an attribute fixed in our genes. This masked trait unfolds given a favourable environment.

People are ignorant and indifferent, people are resistant to mobilization and sustained activism and even though carpetbaggers like Kejriwal have cheated them, they have shown a great appetite for radical measures to curb corruption and black money. So an attack on black money was on the national agenda. In fact, the tardiness of this government on this score so far was a favourite taunt of those in the opposition, till the government went ahead and did something and got itself nicely in tangles.

Now it is idle to talk about the mismanagement; it is written all over. The government does not have at its command the kind of pool of talent required to execute a radical programme like this. (War mongers please take note!). But let us examine our own role in the developing crisis which, make no mistake, will leave no one untouched. Are we part of the solution or are we aggravating the problem created by many logistical infirmities?

Political parties have become so myopic that they are blind to anything beyond their selfish interest. Unashamedly all of them will, given the opportunity, make the national cause subserve their own partisan interests. They are fishing in the troubled waters with great delight and anticipation. In another variation of the Chinese who burned down his house to roast a pig, they will pay any price to see Modi impaled.

Corruption has been a trapping of power throughout the ages. The rich and powerful generally live in a state of sin. The king and his courtiers have different rules of morality. It is the poor and the middle class to whom traditionally the role of remaining honest has been assigned. The current crisis is that a large body of people has lost its purity. It is as if we have been hit by a moral blight. A corrosive cynicism has eroded not only our self belief, but our faith in the entire array of institutions.

Consider the evidence: we hear that around one lakh crores of rupees have found their way to the Jan Dhan accounts. At the rate of Rs 2-2.5 lakh per account, between four and five million of our poorest people have lent their names, either out of sheer altruism or for some commission, to hoarders to dissipate and disguise ownership of black money. Overnight a programme that was intended to unearth hoarders of black money has created 5 million amateur money launderers. The professional class, doctors, civil servants, salaried class in general petty bureaucrats whoever had illegal cash hoardings utilised every avenue to parcel and park their funds. Whatever remained was taken care of by professional money changers and C As etc. So along with the poor there goes the solid old middle class.

The government, thrown on the back foot, by its own unpreparedness was forced to make concessions. It adopted a slew of emergency measures to help those most in need. Every one of these arrangements was criminally misused by large numbers of people which again may run in millions. People clogged the ATMs and banks trying to drive the maximum advantage by cheating the system and cheating each other. How many ATMS are there in the country? Most of them have been used to cheat the system. Many bankers have used IDs procured in wholesale to launder money. They are also said to have kept aside huge sums of money for their clients thereby affecting equitable distribution of scarcity.

Railway officials, post office employees, utility companies, pharmacists in (their lakhs), hospitals, nursing homes, petrol pumps, airline booking counters, dealers in fertilizers and seeds, and above all the real estate sector, wherever concessions were made to facilitate those in urgent need of service have been blatantly misused. The petty traders, blue collar workers, and others contributed their might which just about accounts for the society as a whole. Every measure that was meant to be amelioratory, has been cynically exploited and given the venality at a societal level nothing will work.

No wonder, as one estimate suggests, the government may receive about 13 lakh crore of rupees out of an estimated 15 lakh corers. The nation that had mobilized against black money quickly changed sides, without notice, and mobilized faster in favour of white washing black money; for a price, of course!

At the end of the day, we have everyone from the top most industrialists to those living below the poverty line partaking of the same black money broth. Each gets according to his digestive capacity. The drive to unearth black money has ended up painting all of us black and washed the tainted money white. Could George Louis Borges or Italo Calvino have improved upon this plot?

India Today magazine once referred to Manoje Nath, a 1973-batch IPS officer, as being fiercely independent, honest, and upright. Besides his numerous official reports on various issues exposing corruption in the bureaucracy in Bihar, Nath is also a writer extraordinaire expressing his thoughts on subjects ranging from science fiction to the effects of globalization. His sense of humor was evident through his extremely popular series named "Gulliver in Patiliputra" and "Modest Proposals" that were published in the local newspapers.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has stated that the government would soon import machinery to boost rice production and other agricultural yields in the country.



These agriculture machines are expected to be purchased from Brazil and India.



This came to light when the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, visited the Global Africa Development Company (GADCO), a rice farm and processing factory at Fievie in Sogakope in the Volta Region on Sunday.



He is in the Volta Region for a two-day working visitSunday, September 26 to Monday, September 27, 2021.



The visit constitutes phase two of his ministrys tour of farms and ongoing projects in the region.



According to the minister, it was his expectation that by the year 2023-2024, Ghana will be agriculturally stable, especially in rice production.



He noted that comparing local rice to foreign rice, the former was nutritious and delicious than the latter.



I am very excited at what I have seen at GADCO and the other places I have visited, he elatedly expressed.



He, therefore, gave the assurance that as the Minister of Food and Agriculture I will ensure the general improvement of the agriculture sector.



The General Manager of GADCO, Mr. Joel Tsatsu, speaking to the media said his company was of one the biggest when it comes to rice production in the country.



Our rice farm covers 1500 acres of land, he disclosed.



However, he said, oftentimes his company is faced with the problem of availability of fertilisers, thus describing the situation as worrying.



Another problem is the lack of agriculture machinery to boost production, he said.



Mr Tsatsu used the opportunity to call for support from the agriculture industry and the government as a whole.



Earlier, the minister of food and agriculture visited the INVITRO Labs Free Zone Company, a Dutch company, and inspected a tissue culture facility and nursery also in Sogakope.



He later visited tomato and onion farms at Tegbi in Anloga and a warehouse in Dzodze where he inspected and held a meeting with the operators.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings is calling for a paradigm shift in addressing security challenges posed by nomadic herdsmen in the West African sub-region.

The MP said stakeholders must work together to identify pragmatic solutions that will stand the test of time, suggesting that treating the herdsmen as international travelers is one possible solution.



The Deputy Ranking member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament explained that as states become more established and people become more territorial, the movement of such persons in and out of territories, would have to be treated the same way we treat any international travel.



Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings said once there is clarity on the immigration status of these nomadic travelers across the region, the herdsmen will learn to carry documentation and go through due process before entering a country.



In an interview, she said, there must be a strict identification process, and specific areas allocated for them to move in and out. This, she indicated would bring checks and balances in the activities of these nomadic herdsmen.



We cannot go on pretending as if it is not creating some friction within our various countries, because that is what is resulting in a lot of instability, conflict and loss of lives; and we must not allow nomadic practice which we have lived with for centuries now become a source of conflict, the MP for Klottey Korle added.



The nomadic practice, she said is driven by climate and seasonal changes, forcing the herdsmen to move around to ensure they have access to water and grass for their cattle.



We can address this not only in just Ghana but within the sub-region. This is a problem that has become almost endemic within the sub-region, and so is it a case of tagging the cattle to ensure that their movement can be monitored? When you travel across international borders with a dog, you need a passport, so should we be looking at a situation where if you have your cattle it has to be tagged or identified in some form, before entering another country and how many are coming in?



Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings further added that with that approach, there is the need to involve veterinary services as part of border control, because it is not going away and it is getting worse and the crime statistics from this year are so disturbing, we need to address this effectively before it gets out of hand, she emphasized.



Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings again noted that, the scramble for limited resources such as water and access to feeding for the herds usually lead to clashes. We should not forget there are people within the country who own some of these animals that the herdsmen attend to. We should have an honest conversation and have a stakeholders engagement on how to address it.



If you have paid attention to some of the statistics, there has been a rise in kidnapping in Ghana, and a lot of the kidnapping is happening within the Fulani communities and huge ransoms have been paid out there. There is a lot of violence between the herdsmen and indigenes, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The ivory-billed woodpecker is among 23 species declared extinct by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).



The service has proposed removing them from the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which protects species under threat.



In all, 11 birds, one bat, two fish, one plant and eight types of mussel have been declared extinct.



The FWS said it had made the determination based on "rigorous reviews of the best available science for each of these species".



"Each of these 23 species represents a permanent loss to our nation's natural heritage and to global biodiversity," Bridget Fahey, who oversees species classification for the Fish and Wildlife Service, was quoted as saying in the New York Times.



"And it's a sobering reminder that extinction is a consequence of human-caused environmental change."



The ivory-billed woodpecker was once the US's largest woodpecker species but the last commonly agreed sighting was in 1944 in Louisiana. The species was officially listed as endangered in 1967.



Another bird declared extinct is the Bachman's warbler, which was one of the rarest songbirds in North America. It too has been listed as endangered since 1967.



Eight species of birds from Hawaii and the Little Mariana fruit bat from the Pacific island of Guam are also on the list.



The FWS, in its statement, said the protections afforded by the ESA, which came into effect in 1973, had come too late for these species.



But it stressed the act has been successful at preventing the extinction of more than 99% of species listed, and its protections are needed now more than ever.



"The Service is actively engaged with diverse partners across the country to prevent further extinctions, recover listed species and prevent the need for federal protections in the first place," said Martha Williams, FWS Principal Deputy Director.



"The Endangered Species Act has been incredibly successful at both preventing extinctions and at inspiring the diverse partnerships needed to meet our growing 21st-century conservation challenges."

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has affirmed that the government through the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) would continue to pursue measures which would make it possible for Ghana to assemble and later manufacture vehicles locally.



The sector Minister directly recalled the significant role the Authority played in the development of national automobile standards under the Ghana Automobile Development Programme which is being implemented by his Ministry.



Additionally, Mr Kyerematen disclosed that the GSA has developed over 30 standards for vehicles.



"This has permitted the homologation of vehicles making it possible for Ghana to assemble and later manufacture vehicles locally,"he added.



Mr Kyerematen disclosed this when he inaugurated the governing Board of Ghana Standards Authority yesterday in Accra.



He congratulated the individual personalities for their nomination by His Excellency the President of the Republic to serve as members of the Governing Board of Ghana Standards Authority.



"This is a call to serve your country in a very critical role. I am convinced that this call to service would not be taking lightly, particularly to industrial transformation which has since 2017 become the main driver of President Nana Addo Dankwa Addo-Addos vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid," he said.



He stated that as they are aware, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, over the past four years have been implementing an aggressive Industrial Transformation programme, anchored on a Ten Point Plan which seeks to make Ghana the new Manufacturing Hub for Africa.



In this context, he pointed out that the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) which is Ghanas national standards body, national metrology institute, national certification body for products and management systems which is also involved in trade facilitation at the ports of entry by carrying out inspection of goods being imported or exported plays a very critical role.



"It is in the light of the above that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has supported Ghana Standards Authority to strengthen its operations by acquiring the needed equipment for laboratories, building of Ghana and West Africas first AC testing laboratory, and procurement of equipment to check accuracy of fuel sold at retail outlets," he noted.



Under the previous Board and the Management team led by Prof. Alex Dodoo, whom he described as a friend, Mr Kyerematen stated that Ghana Standards Authority achieved a significant milestone through the Publication of Ghanas First EVER Building Code.



He stressed that the Building Code, which was launched in 2018 specifies requirements for buildings, schools, roads among others, will give VALUE for MONEY in building.



According to him,the government through the Ministry of Trade and Industry will continue to support the operations of Ghana Standards Authority to continue to play its significant role in the implementation of flagship programmes.



He added that his outfit has the authority to implement the flagship programmes particularly the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, the Strategic Anchor Industries initiatives, Business Regulatory Reforms (BRR) programme as well as market integration frameworks such the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), EU-Ghana Economic Partnership Agreement and Ghana-UK Trade Partnership Agreement.



To be able to improve the performance of this important organization, there is the need to adhere to sound Corporate Governance and this Board is charged to work with Senior Management to develop policies and procedures for prudent use of the Authoritys resources.



Finally, he indicated that the 2021 GSA Bill will be laid before Parliament this year for consideration and approval.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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West Africa's regional court says it will deliver its judgement in a suit challenging the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria on 20 January 2022.



The Nigerian government suspended Twitter in June after the social media giant removed a post by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it violated its "abusive behaviour" policy.



The government however said the suspension was to safeguard national security and unity.



A prominent non-governmental organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), challenged the decision in the court, which was set up by the regional body Ecowas and is based in Nigeria's capital Abuja.



Along with three other organisations, SERAP argued that Twitter's suspension violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including freedom of expression.

Source: BBC









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The Chief Justice, Mr Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, has called on the government to commit more resources to the Judiciary to facilitate effective justice delivery in the country.

He said the Judiciary, as an institution, was facing serious challenges in terms of personnel and infrastructure, leading to many areas, including urban centres, being denied access to justice.



For example, from Accra Central, there is not a single court up to Amasaman. The same situation is true for Kumasi Central to Obuasi, Mr Justice Yeboah added.



He was speaking at the 40th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra yesterday.



The AGM was on the theme: The quandary of the judge in the digital world.



The CJ, however, said: Nevertheless, we still have to adjust to these constraints and hope the State will apply a bit more resources to provide court infrastructure to support justice delivery.



He expressed appreciation to the government and members of Parliament for constructing new courts from the District Assemblies Common Fund, but said more still needed to be done.



The AGM was attended by judges and magistrates from across the country, as well as some retired judges.



Also present were a Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Alfred Tuah-Yeboah; the outgoing President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Anthony Forson, and the General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSSAG), Mr Derrick Annan.



Ratio of judges to population



The Chief Justice described the ratio of judges to the population of the country as not the best.



In a population of over 30 million, we have less than 404 judges and magistrates administering justice in a litigious society like Ghana, he said.



He said the limited number of judges, coupled with the infrastructure deficit, made it difficult for people, especially the poor, to have access to justice.



He, however, reminded judges of their duty to serve, adding: We have to do our best within the limited logistic constraints to serve the justice needs of our compatriots.



Justice Yeboah further challenged judges to adhere to the law and their code of conduct in all their endeavours.



He said the Judicial Council would not hesitate to apply the necessary sanctions and disciplinary action on judges who flouted the law and the ethics of the profession.



Maintaining the prestige of judicial office is essential. Avoid all impropriety and the appearance of it in both your professional and personal conduct, he said.



Allowances



The President of the AMJG, Mr Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, decried the constant delays in the payment of allowances to judges.



He said as of now, judges had not been paid any fuel and robing allowance in 2021, while book allowance had been outstanding since 2019.



It is sad that judges in the country will have to fight every year for their legitimate allowances to be paid, he said.



Mr Tuah-Yeboah said technology and digitisation, which the government was pursuing, had become an effective means through which justice was administered to the public.



He said his outfit was working to ensure constant improvement in the conditions of service of judges.



Fraternal message



For his part, Mr Forson said judges played a critical role in the promotion of the rule of law and, therefore, there was the need to always safeguard and protect the independence of the Judiciary, as well as promote the welfare of judges.



He said justice delivery could only be effective if people who worked in the sector were adequately taken care of by the government, adding that the GBA would continue to support and defend the Judiciary at all times.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET) has urged engineers to adhere to professional standards when carrying out their duties.



According to the President of the IET, Mr Eric Atta-Sonno, "engineers must perform in line with standards and professional behaviour that requires adherence to ethical conduct".



He was speaking at an induction ceremony for new members of the institution at the Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra.



He also said engineering was an important profession whose practitioners were required to live up to expectation and also be dedicated in their work to contribute to the accelerated development of the country.



Mr Atta-Sonno explained that upholding the ethical standards of the profession would help curb the rising cases of sub-standard works across the country.



He said the services provided by engineers required honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity because what they churned out had a direct impact on the quality of life of the people.



Legislative Instrument



The President of the IET said engineering regulations which had been passed into a Legislative Instrument (LI 2410) would ensure that the practice of engineering and technology was done in line with the ethics and standards of the profession.



He also said the LI would enable the institution to mete out punitive measures to members who fell short of professional standards.



Mr Atta-Sonno urged the public to report any engineer engaged in shoddy work that was likely to cause danger to society.



According to him, the institution would tighten its scrutiny in the admission and upgrading of new and existing members.



He charged the inductees to adhere to the IET's code of ethics and also embrace technology to keep up with changing industry trends.



In all, 243 members were inducted into the institution.



Background



Previously known as the Institution of Technician Engineers, the IET, which was formed some 35 years ago, is a professional institution committed to the promotion of quality engineering and technology practice for accelerated national development.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the death of a policeman, Constable Ernest Newton Dwamena, of the Savannah Regional Police Operations Department. A truck is said to have run over Constable Dwamena, killing him instantly.



The unfortunate incident occurred Wednesday September, 29, 2021 whilst on official duty at Buipe in the Savannah Region.



According to a statement issued by the police today, and sighted by DGN Online, the truck driver is believed to have lost control of his vehicle and crashed into, Constable Ernest Dwamena thereby killing him on the spot.



Like other police officers, Ernest said goodbye to his family and left for duty hoping to see them after the close of work but unfortunately met his untimely death due to the nature of our work.



Like other fallen colleagues, his name will be engraved in gold on our hearts, the statement said.



Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Police Command led by DCOP Ebenezer Larbi visited the family of Ernest at Kintampo in the Bono East Region to commiserate with them.



The Ag. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has reached out to the parents via a phone call and extended the condolences of the Police Administration to them.

Source: Daily Guide









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The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie says it was time the nation severely punished individuals who fill wetlands or Ramsar sites and erect structures on them.



The phenomenon, he said, resulted in flooding and other negative social repercussions and called on the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which had the mandate to enforce the law on spatial development planning, to crack the whip.



He cited instances where wetlands in Kumasi were filled for various projects by individuals, noting that some chiefs sold out those areas and called for a national conversation to deal with the situation.



Dr Afriyie made the remarks during a media briefing in Accra on Wednesday when answering a question on encroachment of Ramsar sites in the country.



He said he had held discussions with Mr Daniel Kwaku Botwe, the Local Government Minister, on Ramsar sites encroachment to ensure action was taken to deal with the menace.



Dr Afriyie said the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, (MESTI) was an enabler that provided the platform for other ministries to take action, adding that the next phase of the country's socio-economic development would focus on science, technology and environment.



He announced that the President had given approval to the MESTI to set up a commercial unit to commercialise some innovations.



On nuclear energy, Dr Afriyie said five countries had expressed interest to partner Ghana on nuclear energy development, including the USA, Canada, South Korea and Russia.



He said the nation had lots of technical expertise in developing nuclear energy and mapped out some sites for installation of related infrastructure.



The Minister said for Ghana to develop her bauxite and aluminium industry, it was imperative to harness the nuclear energy capabilities for that endeavour.



On climate change, Dr Afriyie said Ghana had received $103 million support from the World Bank to undertake climate change mitigation measures.



On rising cost of liquefied petroleum gas, the Minister said it was a temporary aberration and believed that if the economy normalised prices of the commodity would reduce.

Source: GNA









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A former Nazi concentration camp secretary, 96, is "on the run" on the day her trial was due to start, a court said on Thursday.



Irmgard Furchner, who was between 18 and 19 years old at the time of the events and lives in a home for the elderly near Hamburg, was to be tried by a special youth court for "complicity in murder in more than 10,000 cases", according to the prosecution.



She is accused of participating in the murder of inmates in the Stutthof concentration camp in present-day Poland, where she worked as a typist and secretary to the camp commander, Paul Werner Hoppe, between June 1943 and April 1945.



But the president of the court in Itzehoe said on Thursday morning "the accused is on the run", adding an arrest warrant has been issued.



"She left her (elderly) home this morning. She took a taxi," said a spokeswoman for the Itzehoe court, Frederike Milhoffer.



Her lawyer, Wolf Molkentin, was present in court but did not make any statement to journalists.



The presiding judge asked for "a little patience" as the opening of the trial on Thursday appeared to be in doubt.



Even if the accused is arrested, a medical examination will still have to be carried out to determine whether she is able to follow a hearing.



She is the only woman to be tried in Germany for involvement with the Nazis in decades.



Irmgard Furchner, who was between 18 and 19 years old at the time of the events and lives in a home for the elderly near Hamburg, is to be tried by a special youth court for "complicity in murder in more than 10,000 cases", according to the prosecution.



The prosecution accuses her of participating in the murder of inmates in the Stutthof concentration camp in present-day Poland, where she worked as a typist and secretary to the camp commander, Paul Werner Hoppe, between June 1943 and April 1945.



In this camp near the city of Gdansk, where 65,000 people perished, "Jewish inmates, Polish partisans and Soviet prisoners of war" were systematically murdered, according to the prosecution.



The trial at a court in Itzehoe, northern Germany, will be followed a week later by the trial of a 100-year-old former Nazi camp guard at Sachsenhausen, near Berlin.



According to lawyer Christoph Ruckel, who has represented Holocaust survivors for years, Irmgard Furchner "kept all the correspondence of the camp commander".



"She also typed up the execution and deportation orders and initialled them," he said on the regional public broadcaster NDR.









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U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned lawmakers that the federal government will likely run out of cash and extraordinary measures by October 18 unless Congress raises the debt ceiling.



The new estimate from Yellen raises the risk that the United States could default on its debt in a matter of weeks if Washington fails to act. A default would likely be catastrophic, tanking markets and the economy, and delaying payments to millions of Americans.



"It is uncertain whether we could continue to meet all the nation's commitments after that date," Yellen wrote in a letter, adding the projection is based on estimated tax payments..







Read Full Story .... .ctvnews.ca >>> :

















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A former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. John Kudalor, has advised chiefs against meddling in politics if they want to ensure effective transformation and development of their respective communities.

He said the involvement of chiefs in politics would not only derail development, but also deny the people the needed socio-economic advancement.



The former IGP gave the advice when he addressed a meeting organised by the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Council at Nyakrom in the Agona West Municipality in the Central Region.



Mr. Kudalor was accompanied by Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, former Ambassador to South Africa and former Interior Minister under President John Mahamas regime.



Neutral



He stated that by their position as traditional rulers and custodians of the customs of their respective towns, chiefs were supposed to remain neutral in their day-to-day administration to enable them get a fair share of the national cake for their citizens.



Mr. Kudalor called on the chiefs to strive hard to do away with negative tendencies, which could turn their palaces into courts to adjudicate cases that could bring repercussions on them and their people.



According to him, chiefs were installed or enskinned by their royal families to promote peace and also protect their people, while seeking their welfare, adding that it would not serve any good for them to indulge in any parochial and selfish interest that could jeopardise the well-being of the masses.



The Gyantuahene of Agona Nyakrom, Nana Adu Peseko VII, expressed concern about some bias reportage slandering some traditional rulers without crosschecking the facts in the country.



He appealed to media practitioners not to sit in the comfort of their air-conditioned offices and write stories to defame people.





Source: graphiconline.com









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An altercation occurred between the Minority members of the Health Committee of Parliament and soldiers on guard duties at the uncompleted 500-bed Military Hospital at Afari in the Ashanti Region last Monday during a familiarisation visit to the project site.

The soldiers said they were not under instructions to allow the MPs to inspect the project but the Minority members, led by the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, would have none of that.



Mr. Akandoh said they were not intruders but rather MPs who were on an official duty so it was wrong for the security men to prevent them from undertaking their lawful duties.



When the Daily Graphic asked Mr. Akandoh if the Minority MPs had sought permission from the military authorities before the visit, he answered in the negative, saying that nobody would have granted them the permission to inspect the projects.



He, however, said the MPs conducted the exercise because it had an oversight responsibility to inspect such projects.



Journalists accompanying the parliamentary team were also asked by the soldiers to desist from filming or taking pictures of the project, but again, Mr. Akanboh said that order would not be obeyed because it was against the laws of the nation.



After about 25 minutes of back and forth the solders refused them access to the buildings.



Fomena



The MPs also visited the uncompleted Fomena District Hospital.



But before touring the project, the Mawerehene of Adansi, Nana Abu Takyi Korsah, at a meeting with the MPs made a passionate appeal to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to commit the necessary resources to kickstart the operationalisation of the hospital.



He said the delayed completion of the 120-bed hospital for the past two years had compelled the people to access medical care in the adjourning district of Ashanti Bekwai, a distance of about 23 kilometres.



How on earth will one government initiate such a major hospital project meant to improve healthcare to the people in Fomena, the district capital, only for it to be neglected by another government? he asked.



The Fomena District Hospital, which is said to be 80 per cent complete, is one of the seven hospitals being financed through a $175 million loan from the UK Export Fund, and is being executed by NMS Infrastructure Limited.



The 80 per cent completed projects were initiated by former President John Dramani Mahama in 2015 and they were due to be completed in 2017. Except the one at Dodowa, others are currently at various stages of completion.



During the visit, it was observed that, most part of the Fomena District Hospitals compound was overgrown with weeds which are gradually also taking over most of the completed bungalows for health personnel.



Financial loss



After the tour of the facility, Mr. Akandoh described the lack of commitment by the government to complete the project as causing financial loss to the state.











Source: graphiconline.com









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Ghanaian highlife legend, Nana Ampadu has died!



According to reports, the veteran musician died on Tuesday morning, September 28th at the Legon Hospital.



In an interview with Adom FM, veteran musician Akosua Agyapong has revealed that Nana Ampadu has been sick for some time and was treated.





She revealed that his situation became quite intense this morning and he was rushed to the Achimota Hospital but unfortunately, he was denied treatment.



According to Akosua Agyapong, the hospital informed them that the doctor was sleeping and could not attend to him, so they had to move all the way from Achimota to Legon Hospital.



Teary Akosua Agyapong disclosed that though doctors at the Legon Hospital fought for Nana Ampadus life, it was a bit too late! She also noted that they had to wait for an ambulance for a while before they took him to the first hospital where he was rejected.



According to Akosua Agyapong, she has lost a father and a great confidant. And she will remember him for his shows and the great tunes he made.

VIDEO-





Source: ghanacelebrities









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The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dr. Awal Mohammed paid a visit to the home of late Highlife legend, Nana Kwame Ampadu to commiserate with the family following his demise.



You would recall that the Obra hitmaker kicked the bucket on Tuesday, September 28, at the Legon Hospital in Accra where he was receiving treatment for an illness, according to several media reports. He passed on aged 76.



His death came as a shock to many industry people and fans.



On this heartbreaking development the Hon. Awal Mohammed and his deputy, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey stormed the residence of the fallen hero and console them with words of comfort.



With a heavy heart, Hon. Awal Mohammed made an undisclosed cash donation to the bereaved family and pledged to support in giving late Nana Kwame Ampadu a befitting burial. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts we accompanied by some industry stakeholders including music executive Akwasi Ernest, Frankie 5, Socrates Safo and many others.



The Minister and his deputy also signed the book of condolence to formalize and conclude their visit.



Watch the full video below:



Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com









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The ex-girlfriend and baby Mama of Shatta Wale has reacted to rumors that she once hooked up with Nigerian musician Wizkid. Michy has been on many platforms debunking rumors that has been sprayed on social media about her.



In a recall, Michy was accused by Magdalene Luv of having a hook up with Wizkid in Ghana.



Magluv alleged that Michy went to have s3x with Wizkid and she was seen exiting the hotel room of the musician with smiles on her face and huge amount in her purse.



Speaking in an interview seen online, the mother of one said rumors that she was seen exiting the hotel room of Grammy Award winning musician Wizkid during one of his visits to Ghana is false.



To make her statement more convincing, Michy said she doubts if Wizkid will recall how she looks like if they met because it has been a long time they saw each other.



Michy went on the say they have never met at a hotel or a private place before and that out of the way, there is no way she will go for a midget like Wizkid.



Thick tall girl like me why will i go for a man who looks like a liliput she was heard saying in the video.



Liliput were characters who were smaller than average humans in an American movie titled Gullivers Travels. They were so short that they saw average height humans as giants.



Watch the video below:-































































































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A post shared by Sammy Kumah (@sammykaymedia)





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Steven Ward, an addictions counsellor who was a lifelong friend of Rodney Levi, arrives at a coroner's inquest into Levi's death in Miramichi, N.B., Thursday, Sept.30, 2021. Ward says there was a lack of mental health services for the Indigenous man on the day he was shot dead by police in northern New Brunswick last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Bissett
'I just wanted to go out:' A look at what is motivating some to get vaccinated now
Areas of Specialization:

Process Philosophy

Philosophy of Religion

Logic and Critical Thinking

Charles Hartshorne

Jules Lequyer

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

I was born and raised in central Oklahoma. When I entered my teens, the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where I attended Junior High and High School. I was admitted to Colorado State University as a music major (voice) but discovered that the theory classes were academically beyond me, so I turned to something easier: philosophy.

I studied with many fine philosophers and religious scholars at CSU, including Donald Crosby, Bernard Rollin, Grant Lee, and Winston King. I pursued graduate work in philosophy at the University of Oklahoma, and again I found many able philosophers, including J. N. Mohanty, Kenneth Merrill, and Francis Kovach. I wrote a dissertation on the philosophy of Charles Hartshorne, with Professor Hartshorne (who was at the University of Texas-Austin) as chief advisor. After completing the doctorate, I taught for two years at OU and at East Central University (Ada, Oklahoma). I have been teaching philosophy and religion at Pittsburg State University since 1984.

Since high school, Ive dabbled in music, singing in choirs and folk bands. I compose songs for the guitar and, from time to time, I give a public performance. Since 2008, I have made a few studio recordings of my music. Music theory continues to challenge me.

Dr. Viney was honored with the 1989 Outstanding Faculty Award by the Student Government Association from the student nominees of faculty that demonstrate excellence in instruction and service to students on campus.
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South Carolina ranks sixth-worst in the nation for women killed by men, according to a new report.

There were 57 women killed by men in South Carolina in 2019, the most recent year of available federal data, according to the annual "When Men Murder Women" report published Sept. 28.

The states rank comes despite its 11th-place grade in 2018, which spurred hope South Carolina had reached a turning point in its persistent domestic-violence death rates. It was the first time since 1996 South Carolina was not among the top 10 states in the U.S. for intimate-partner deaths.

In 2018, 44 women were slain by men in South Carolina, according to last years report.

The Violence Policy Center, based in Washington, D.C., has compiled the report annually for the past 23 years. The centers analysis is based on the FBI's Supplementary Homicide Report, which documents killings involving a single male attacker and single female victim.

Approximately 2.15 of every 100,000 women in South Carolina were killed by men in 2019, which is well above national average of 1.18 per 100,000.

Alaska had the highest homicide rating at 5.19 of every 100,000 women, while Hawaii's four killings was the lowest rate at .57.

In 2013, South Carolina ranked No. 1 for the most killings  a spot it has held four times from 1996 to 2019. South Carolina was also among top five states on the list 14 times since 1996.

Sara Barber, executive director of the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said last years ranking did not impress her.

When you look at statistics from over two decades, you have to look at the pattern, not one year, because that one year is an outlier, Barber said. So when I look at the pattern over the past two decades, I see the same story.

In September 2019, Ebony Clare, a 37-year-old hairstylist from North Charleston, died from multiple gunshot wounds. Her husband, Romane Clare, was charged with her murder by the North Charleston Police Department.

Ebony Clares death came after Romane Clare had previously shot her in the leg, according to a 2014 Hanahan police report. Police charged him in 2014 with attempted murder, unlawful carrying of a pistol and discharging a firearm in a home. But he ended up pleading guilty to second-degree assault and battery and unlawful carrying of a pistol, according to court records.

Clares death reflects a pattern of intimate-partner killings. Nearly all of the women in South Carolina knew their killers in 2019, according to this years report. About 65 percent of the victims who knew their killer had romantic relationships.

Barber said economic hurdles and inefficient access to financial resources is a factor in the states high homicide rate.

Often people will say: Why didn't she leave? Barber said. I say, Leave and go where? We have a real crisis in affordable housing. We have a crisis in the availability of child care.

Many women in violent relationships also do not have access to mental health resources in addition to financial resources, said Becky Callaham, director of Safe Harbor, a domestic violence shelter in Greenville. Mental health resources often are needed for victims who are in a middle of a crisis, she said.

Coupled with the finite funding for shelters across the state, Callaham said she was not surprised South Carolina was the sixth-worst in the nation for women killed by men.

The Violence Policy Centers report also highlighted a nationwide disparity: Black women were twice as likely to be killed by men compared with White women. Though Black people make up 14 percent of the population, 28 percent of 2019 homicides where race could be identified involved Black women as victims, according to the report.

In South Carolina, 46 percent of the women who died were Black.

Statistically, not only is South Carolina the worst in the nation for women but it's one of the worst in the nation for women of color, Callaham said. That's not something we should be proud of.

And approximately 40 percent of South Carolinas total cases arose from arguments between the victim and her killer. Of all of the slayings, nearly 79 percent of the women were killed with guns.

When The Post and Courier published "Till death do us part," its Pulitzer-winning investigation into violence against women in 2014, lawmakers vowed to implement reforms to address these killings.

South Carolina has implemented reforms since 2014 to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, such as a lifetime gun ban for the worst abusers, and those convicted of other serious felonies against their loved ones can lose their firearms for up to a decade.

But the law gives judges discretion whether to impose the gun ban in misdemeanor domestic violence cases, which make up the overwhelming majority of abuse crimes that pass through the states court system system.

Deja Dantley, 23, was shot in the Citadel Mall parking lot in March 2019. Her boyfriend, Cary Kejuan Janai Stephens, was charged with her murder. Stephens had previously been charged with third-degree sexual violence in 2018  a misdemeanor charge  that is also working its way through the court system.

Multiple witnesses said Dantley and Stephens were arguing in the parking lot before they got into separate cars. As Stephens drove past Dantley, a witness heard one gunshot, according to an affidavit. Dantleys car continued forward before it crashed into several parked vehicles, and Stephens fled, the affidavit said.

South Carolina lawmakers have implemented other changes following Till death do us part. Then-Gov. Nikki Haley appointed a statewide task force to study domestic violence deaths.

The Palmetto State also hired additional prosecutors to ensure domestic violence cases were being properly handled in lower-level courts back in 2016.

Officials cautioned that it might be a few years before the state saw the benefits of these changes. South Carolinas regression to sixth place in U.S. ranks further muddles whether the states measures have been effective at capping bloodshed of women killed by men.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Generally cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 76F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous this evening. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
PLANTERSVILLE  A new bike and walking trail is being planned to the Plantersville area, and the community got its first look at a draft of the 12-mile long project Sept. 29.

Georgetown County set aside $100,000 for this study and design, but funding to actually construct the path and its amenities has not yet been allocated, said Public Services Director Ray Funnye.

The trail would start at Choppee Recreation Center, go down Choppee Road to the Plantersville Cultural Center, and up Plantersville Road to the Plantersville General Store and St. Paul Community Park.

Most of the path would be a pavement or asphalt two-way path along the sides of the roads, and would include several rest areas and overlooks for bikers, walkers and others to enjoy. At some of these rest areas would be fishing accessibility along the Black River, as well as bike parking and information on the several historical landmarks along the path.

Among these landmarks are several plantations, and Funnye, who is also a Plantersville native and runs the Plantersville nonprofit The Village Group, assured residents their ancestors who worked on those plantations would be honored by the path.

"You can't tell the story of Plantersville without including our ancestors, its very strong and dominant in that story, so that will be included," Funnye said.

Several residents expressed concerns about the intersection of U.S. Highway 701 and Choppee Road, where the Plantersville Cultural Center sits, saying it is dangerous and hard to cross as is without bikers and pedestrians.

The proposed draft has a so-called "pedestrian refuge" on U.S. 701 to make it easier to cross the roads, though putting a signal at the intersection would require coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Funnye said.

Also at the cultural center would be a trailhead, complete with signage, seating area, bike parking and landscaping.

Many residents in attendance at the Sept. 29 meeting at Plantersville Elementary expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying that residents of the area needed more recreational activities to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Funnye and the designers, a transportation design company called Alta, also emphasized the ecotourism possibilities the path could provide.

The study and design of the path itself is supposed to be finalized by Spring 2022, Funnye said. Once that is complete, he said, he'll make recommendations to the county and county council as to how much it will cost to construct it, though there is no set deadline for when the county has to set aside money for it.

Another public meeting about the bike path will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Choppee Regional Resource Center, or online via webinar.
Hurricane Sam continued to barrel through the Atlantic Ocean on Sept. 30, and was forecast to create large and dangerous storm swells that could affect the East Coast this weekend.

The storm was moving at 14 mph on a northwest track through the Atlantic about 645 miles to the south-southeast of Bermuda, according to the National Hurricane Centers 5 p.m. update.

Sams wind speeds were recorded at 145 mph, placing it comfortably in the range of a Category 4 hurricane.

Some fluctuations in intensity were expected within the next few days, though the storm was forecast to retain its major hurricane status through Oct. 2. More significant weakening was expected later in the weekend, according to the update.

Sam was predicted to continue moving northwest until Oct. 1. The storm was forecast to turn toward the north that day before eventually curving northeast into the Atlantic, according to a Hurricane Center warning cone.

Sams well-defined eye stretched across about 25 nautical miles, according to the update. Its hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 60 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extended outward up to 150 miles, according to the Hurricane Center.

The Bermuda Weather Service had issued a tropical storm warning for the island as of 5 p.m. Sept. 30, meaning tropical storm conditions were expected within 36 hours.

Although the core of Sam is forecast to pass east of Bermuda early Oct. 2, the tropical-storm-force wind field was predicted to expand and could pass very close to the island beginning late Oct. 1.

Swells generated by Sam were expected to reach the northern Leeward Islands, the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, including Puerto Rico, before reaching the East Coast this weekend.

Hurricane Sam is a major hurricane, but is forecast to pass well to the east of South Carolinas coastline, according to the National Weather Services Charleston office. Long-period swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions on the shore.

There will be an increased risk of rip currents over the weekend, said Rebecca Davidson, a Weather Service meteorologist. For the Lowcountry, storm swells will increase, but the impact will overall be minimal.

Davidson urged residents to be mindful, especially offshore boaters, she said.

Sam is the seventh hurricane and 18th named storm to form in the 2021 Atlantic season. The storm was designated a hurricane on Sept. 24 and rapidly intensified before reaching major hurricane status on Sept. 25.

Meanwhile, about 585 miles southwest of Cabo Verde Islands, Tropical Storm Victor was swirling in the Atlantic, according to the Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. advisory.

The systems maximum sustained winds were reported at 45 mph and moving west-northwest at 14 mph, according to the update.

The storm was expected to gradually strengthen within the next day before weakening on Oct. 2 and 3, according to the Hurricane Center. It was forecast to remain a tropical storm until Oct. 3, and then lower to a depression.

Victor's current track remains far from affecting any land. There were no watches nor warnings in effect for the tropical storm.

The Weather Service recommends people monitor updates for both Sam and Victor's forecast as the storms progress.
SULLIVANS ISLAND  Town Council affirmed it would seek an independent lawyer to review the towns rights under a settlement agreement that cleared the way to remove parts of a maritime forest.

The council voted 4-2 during a Sept. 29 special meeting in favor of seeking a legal review of the lawsuit, part of a decadelong issue centering around a conserved forest on the islands southern half of its beachfront side.

The maritime forest, once scrubland, has developed over the years into a mature thicket of trees and wetlands growing outward toward the Atlantic Ocean.

It sprouted on slowly accreting land, a side effect of jetties that stop ocean sand from drifting away from the island  a rarity in South Carolina, where most islands are eroding at various rates.

Four residents living next to the forest filed a lawsuit in 2010 against the town and its council, alleging the government had violated their property rights.

Among their chief complaints: The overgrown, unruly brush harbored vermin and mosquitoes, limited breeze flow and presented a fire hazard.

A local ordinance permitted these residents to trim their bushes to be no less than 3 feet tall, but the town had denied their applications to do so, the suit alleged.

The issue wouldnt be decided until 10 years later. On Oct. 2, 2020, following private mediation talks, the council voted 4-3 to settle the lawsuit, thus greenlighting the plan to thin the forest.

The agreement reached between the plaintiffs and the town stipulated several tree species and shrubs would be cut depending on their location in the forest, some with diameters as large as 17 inches.

Opponents to the settlement maintain the green space must be conserved and nature should be left to run its course. Many of them had attended the most recent council meeting, requesting members bring the settlement back before a judge to clarify certain parts.

More than two dozen people gathered at the Sept. 29 special meeting, spreading out to follow social distancing guidelines. Some stood along the crowded rooms back wall, eager to speak.

But there was no opportunity for public comment; the council entered executive session almost immediately after the meeting began, much to the chagrin of residents.

Council members debated for around an hour before coming to a vote.

Members Scott Millimet, Justin Novak, Mayor Patrick ONeil and Gary Visser voted in favor of hiring outside legal counsel while Greg Hammon and Kaye Smith voted against. Councilman Bachman Smith was not present.

Susan Middaugh, who has lived on Sullivans since 1980, said she was thrilled with the council's decision to seek a legal review of the settlement.

Middaugh serves as a board member with Sullivans Island For All, a local conservation group staunchly opposed to the settlement. Her main issue is the manner in which the lawsuit was settled, she said.

The four council members who had supported settling werent forthcoming during their campaigns on how they felt about preserving the maritime forest, Middaugh said.

But two of them were ousted during the May election, their seats replaced with council members who both oppose the settlement.

Now, conservationists such as Middaugh are hopeful the current council, with its 5-2 majority, will consider any legal recourse that could be taken to amend the lawsuit.

One piece of the settlement the conservationists have pushed against is a good faith and fair dealing clause, which stipulates parties to the agreement cant hinder the cutting work.

A lawyer whom a group of conservationists hired to examine the settlement raised a key question: Would this current agreement unfairly bind the council from making future public policy decisions?

Were trying to get (Town Council) to at least get a judicial review, Middaugh explained. It doesnt directly challenge the settlement, its like a judicial review of the terms of the settlement to see if its legal.

Debate over how to best manage the maritime forest has sharply divided this close-knit island community. The two sides  those for and those against the settlement  fundamentally disagree over many of the issues at play.

Vermin and mosquitoes exist everywhere on the island, and the brush doesnt present the kind of fire hazard a pine forest would, for example. Breezes are blocked primarily because of large homes stacked several stories high and built next to one another, Middaugh said.

Conservationists also believe the forest serves as an important protective barrier against potential storm surges. But one pro-settlement resident said if a major hurricane hit Sullivans Island, the dense vegetation wouldnt stand a chance.

These people are also adamant the forest is a tinderbox  just think back to the 2009 Myrtle Beach fire, one said.

Both sides, however, can agree the crux of the issue isnt really about rats, or wildfires, or getting a good breeze. Its about the view.

The town had placed the maritime forest into a land trust in 1991, after Hurricane Hugo devastated much of the island. The trust protected the forest from being built up, which pleased conservationists as well as ocean homeowners; both the trees and their beach view would be protected.

But the forest grew over time, with little oversight from the town, said pro-settlement residents.

Some people took matters into their own hands, removing nuisance vegetation themselves. The group of four who filed the 2010 lawsuit against the town and council went about it the right way, said Kimberly Brown, a Sullivans resident since 2015.

Two of the plaintiffs, Ettaleah and Nathan Bluestein, lost the ocean view they had after first moving to the island, along with the ability to even go through their yard, Brown said.

He has no path to the beach, hes got no view, hes got no breeze, she said, adding the Bluesteins were just trying to get back what they once had.

Brown said she understands conservation-minded folks like Middaugh, and identifies as conservation-minded herself.

We all are. Everyone loves trees, she said, adding none of the pro-settlement folks were looking to wipe everything.

But the town had promised residents living along the maritime forest it would always maintain the land, along with their ocean views, Brown said.

The town kind of went back on their word, and thats what this whole thing is about, she said.

Some residents felt frustrated following the councils vote, as it meant more stalling before a final decision would be reached, despite the fact the lawsuit was settled nearly a year ago.

We had come to an agreement, we mediated, lets honor it, Brown said. If everybody kept going after something when they couldnt get what they wanted, itd be kind of lawless.

The council adjourned after taking its vote without discussing any other business or elaborating on next steps in seeking guidance from an outside attorney.
COLUMBIA  The state Supreme Court has refused to block the Legislature's ban on school mask mandates but made clear districts can still find a legal workaround.

For the second time this month, the justices ruled the one-year law inserted in the state budget is constitutional, calling it "valid and enforceable."

But the high court's Sept. 30 order stressed that schools have the option of using other pots of public money to mandate masks. They declined to specify how.

The ban was inserted into the budget in June when legislators thought the pandemic was subsiding. It specifically bars districts from using public funds authorized through the 2021-22 budget to announce or enforce a mask mandate.

"We do not reject the possibility that other funds might be used to do so," the justices wrote. "We decline to give the school district advisory guidance as to its options and obligations."

The decision specifically addressed Richland District Two's request that the high court at least temporarily block enforcement of the state ban, ensuring districts don't lose state funding for requiring masks amid a COVID surge with the delta variant.

The state justices' refusal to do so contradicted a federal judge's decision earlier this week to block the ban. The courts reached opposite conclusions.

The state Supreme Court declared the budget provisions "do not deprive students of their constitutional right to a free education," nor are students prohibited from wearing masks voluntarily.

On the federal level, though, on Sept. 27, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis said the ban on mandates clearly discriminated against students with disabilities. She said emphatically it wasn't even a close call.

It's unclear how the state Supreme Court's decision will affect what school districts do, if at all.

Districts including Richland Two announced a mask mandate following the federal order, as state Superintendent Molly Spearman said they could.

The state ruling did not change Spearman's guidance, she said, noting a federal decision trumps the state's.

"This guidance remains valid, as the United States District Court's Order is not affected or controlled by the South Carolina Supreme Court opinion in a different case based upon a different cause of action," Spearman's office said in a statement.

The federal ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of parents of students with disabilities who claimed the ban violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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For Richland Two, the latest ruling changes nothing. Its mask mandate for schools in suburban northeast Columbia, which took effect the same day, remains in place, according to Superintendent Baron Davis.

"Each day I wake up to the reality that there are more than 28,000 students in this school district who rely on us to do what is right to keep them safe and healthy while they are in our care," he said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the district  one of South Carolina's largest  approved a symbolic resolution urging lawmakers to rescind the prohibition on mask mandates. The district joined a growing list of elected leaders and groups representing educators, health care workers and parents that have called on the Legislature to hold a special session to undo the rule. None is planned.

Both Attorney General Alan Wilson and Gov. Henry McMaster announced the state is appealing the federal decision. McMaster filed an emergency motion asking the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to block it.

"I think our Supreme Court was right twice in a row now," McMaster said Sept. 30 following a West Ashley Rotary Club appearance. "Parents know how their children learn and what is good for them much better than the government does. The parents ought to have the final say on masks and other things as well."

Allen Chaney, director of legal advocacy for the ACLU of South Carolina, said Sept. 30 the court rulings should be considered separately since the federal suit was examined through the lens of disability law and not constitutionality.

The fact that the state court upheld the law on different grounds doesnt speak to the appropriateness of Judge Lewis order that was the result of a federal issue on federal law grounds, Chaney said.

Hes also not concerned about how the state Supreme Court ruling will impact the federal case once it goes to the Court of Appeals.

While McMaster and Wilson may try to link the two in their arguments, "as a matter of law, they dont have anything to do with one another, Chaney said.

It was the second mask-related ruling justices made this month. On Sept. 2, the court said Columbia's mandate requiring masks within city limits, including schools and daycares, was unconstitutional because state law took precedence. But, as in the latest ruling, the justices kept open the possibility of a legal workaround to the ban.

The city's initial ordinance relied on school employees, paid at least party with state taxes, for enforcement.

In response, Columbia passed a new citywide mask ordinance Sept. 8 that made city fire officials  not school employees  responsible for announcing and enforcing the rule. Richland County Council passed a similar mandate a week later.

Libby Stanford contributed to this report from Charleston.
A Democratic state lawmaker running against U.S. Sen. Tim Scott in next year's election apologized for calling the Republican "Uncle Scott" in a new fundraising email, claiming the message was not written or authorized by her.

Krystle Matthews, a Black Democrat whose House district includes parts of Ladson, Goose Creek and North Charleston, sent out a fundraising email Sept. 29 criticizing Scott after Congress' bipartisan police reform effort crumbled last week.

The subject line of the email reads "Bought and Paid for: Tim Scott." In the fundraising pitch, Matthews recalled watching Scott's appearance on CBS' "Face The Nation" over the weekend.

"After taking the time to watch, I can't help but think: 'Why is Uncle Scott killing the George Floyd Policing Act?,'" Matthews' email reads.

The phrase is emblematic of a racist slur "Uncle Tom," which Scott has been called publicly before.

The insult is connected to Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and is often used to demean Black people as being excessively obedient to White people and a traitor to their cultural allegiance.

Matthews apologized for the language in the email after being contacted by The Post and Courier.

I neither wrote nor approved the message that was distributed by my campaign yesterday. It does not represent me nor does it reflect our vision for South Carolina," she said in a statement provided by her campaign. "At the end of the day, however, its my name on the ballot so I am responsible and Im taking the immediate and necessary steps to ensure it never happens again."

It was not immediately disclosed what those steps would be.

The email was upsetting to state GOP Chairman Drew McKissick, who said the attack on the lone Black Republican in the Senate is inappropriate.

"Nothing smells of hypocrisy more than a Black Democrat using a racist dog whistle to attack a Black Republican," McKissick said. "If it were the reverse, she'd be accusing Sen. Scott of racism."

McKissick said the comment is an example of Democrats betraying their values.

"I guess it is now OK to use racist dog whistles if it fits your liberal narrative," he said.

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A campaign spokesman for Scott declined to comment on the email.

After apologizing about the incident, Matthews took aim at Scott and former President Donald J. Trump.

"We hold ourselves and this campaign to the highest level of accountability," Matthews' message said. "But lets be clear: Donald Trump perfected the racist dog whistle during his campaigns. But Sen. Scott and the S.C. GOP have yet to hold him accountable at all.

Matthews' email came after Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey announced that both sides couldn't reach an agreement on several police reform issues. Scott was seen as the GOP point man for any bipartisan effort on the federal response.

Matthews separately told The Post and Courier earlier that Scott was trying to compromise on what she believed were non-negotiable terms in the reform package.

Any so-called Justice Reform bill that doesnt address qualified immunity, ignores the militarization of our police and fails to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, is just dodging the tough questions, she said. Its like trying to make an apple pie without the apples and then pretending we dont know the difference.

Scott is no stranger to insults and has spoken out numerous times about facing racist comments and slurs during his political career. After he delivered the GOP rebuttal to President Joe Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress in April, the phrase "Uncle Tim" was trending on Twitter for hours.

The next day on "Fox and Friends" Scott spoke out about the comments.

Intolerance so often comes from the left with words like Uncle Tim and the N-word being used against me by the left, and last night what was trending on social media was Uncle Tim,  Scott said at the time. It is stunning in 2021 that those who speak about ending discrimination want to end it by more discrimination.

Scott's elevated national standing has helped him raise more than $9.6 million in the second quarter of 2021, putting him at the front of the financial pack among senators across the country facing re-election next year.

He faces two announced Democratic challengers in 2022: Matthews and Spartanburg County Democratic Party Chairwoman Angela Geter.
We (Scott, mostly) have chronicled the inept and destructive reaction to covid by Minnesotas Governor Tim Walz. That response began with a campaign to scare the daylights out of Minnesotans that was second, perhaps, only to what has happened in Australia. A key element of the campaign of fear was the Minnesota model, touted by Walz and his minions as the scientific basis for the extreme actions they took. Never mind that, as it later developed, the model was constructed by a couple of students over a weekend. If it was made in Minnesota, it must be superior!

The Minnesota model projected that without a draconian shutdown, 74,000 Minnesotans would die from covid. With an extreme shutdown, 50,000 would die. Those projections were the basis for the radical restrictions on our lives imposed by Walz under a never-ending emergency. (The emergency finally stopped when even Democrats in the Minnesota House had had enough, and voted to end it.) Of course, it turned out that the model was wildly off the mark, and, having gone through versions 2.0 and 3.0, it has now been quietly shelved and forgotten.

As part of the Walz administrations campaign to scare Minnesotans into compliance, the state spent millions on a refrigerated fruit warehouse. Why? To turn it into a morgue. Because there wouldnt be room in the states mortuaries for the thousands of bodies that would pile up on account of covid, we needed a facility to house the corpses while they awaited a backlogged burial.

It quickly became apparent that the Minnesota models fatality projections were ridiculous, and the morgue, despite having been renovated and prepared for its intended use at considerable expense, would remain idle. Thus, Tim Walzs refrigerated fruit warehouse won the first-ever Golden Turkey Award. It represented $6.9 million down the drain, and was quietly forgottenwith, needless to say, the complicity of the local, monolithically-liberal press.

Now the Walz administration has thrown in the towel and put the refrigerated fruit warehouse/morgue up for sale. Incredibly, it has tried to spin its desired transaction as a success, since the sale price, if the state gets it, would be a bit larger than the amount initially paid for the warehouse, before the additional dollars the state poured into the facility. The local press has, sheeplike, gone along with the administrations spin. As though the morgue had been bought as a real estate speculation!

In truth, the state will lose around $1.25 million on the morgue at the listed sale price, as my colleague Bill Walsh reports:

This week the Walz administration announced they are looking to sell the morgue. If you take them at their word, the sale of the morgue means the pandemic is over, with a Walz administration spokesperson saying last year: At a minimum, the State of Minnesota will keep the building until the pandemic ends. This disease is unpredictable, so its prudent to maintain the ability to stand up a temporary morgue until the danger passes. This would be breaking news if words actually had meaning in this administration. Nonetheless, the building is for sale and taxpayers stand to lose money on our ill-fated purchase. The $6.9 million cost was outlined in a StarTribune article on May 20, 2020: In a deal that closed Monday, the state paid $5.5 million for the grocery distribution warehouse and land; operating costs and improvements to ready the building for its new purpose will bring the total to $6.9 million. With a proposed sale price of $5,650,000, the state stands to lose over a million dollars when the dust settles. But what price should we put on the fear needed to convince Minnesotans to give up our freedoms, close down businesses and schools and force children to wear masks? The Walz morgue will go down in history as a monument to both stupid spending and poor leadership in a crisis.

In hindsight, the loss on the real estate transaction is the least part of the fruit warehouse scandal. As Bill asks, what price can we put on the fear, the catastrophic shutdown, the tyranny that Walzs emergency orderwhich literally directed Minnesotans not to leave their homes without his permission (Emergency Executive Order 20-20: Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home)asserted over our lives?
Democrats correctly see Ron DeSantis as a potential presidential nominee in 2024, and are doing all they can to discredit him. This video is by an anonymous left-wing group (Remove Ron) and closes with the slogan Remove Ron and the hashtag #Florever Purge.

The makers of the video are banking on the idea that for most people, freedom is terrifying. Many have found the video funny and some have interpreted it as a parody, but it is for real:

This is one of the funniest things Ive ever seen. pic.twitter.com/oC0YRpc3zK  Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) September 30, 2021



I am not as confident as I was a few years ago that most Americans are not afraid of freedom, but lets hope that is still true.
Im running out of popcorn watching liberals in a blind rage at Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema holding up the $3.5 trillion spending blowout bill. And the media is only too happy to go along. This is one of my favorites:

Well, in a 50/50 Senate, median voter theory in political science would explain this pretty well, but what do I know: Im not a columnist for The Week.

The real irony here was that it was only a few years ago that liberals and the media celebrated an Arizona Senator who was a maverick who bucked his own party. McCain anyone? He was a hero for the Beltway set. But apparently no Democrat is allowed to be a maverick, even if they are also from Arizona, never mind someone from the most Trump-friendly state in the country (West Virginia).

But this is really just the latest example of the situational principles of modern liberalism. High on the demands of the left today is abolishing the U.S. Senate, or admitting new (Democratic) states to erase the current Republican strength in the Senate, along with abolishing the filibuster. FunnyI can recall not all that long ago (2010) when Democrats had a filibuster-proof 60 Senators, and yet I dont recall Democrats saying we needed to get rid of the filibuster or add new states.

Going even further back, I recall that just before the 2000 election, when it was thought for a while that Bush might win the popular vote but lose the electoral college to Gore, and you could find good liberals saying we must respect the electoral college. That didnt last long.

From this it is easy to deduce the First Law of Liberal Hypocrisy: When liberals dont get their way, lets change the rules until they do.
Senator Marsha Blackburn asked Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley about the books in which he is quoted to inflammatory effect. He acknowledged that he had sat for interviews with the authors of each of the books she specified. In his Washington Examiner Daily Memo yesterday, Byron York cited them and extracted a few of the quotes:

Three of the biggest such books, all bestsellers, were Peril, by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa; I Alone Can Fix It, by the Washington Posts Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker; and Frankly, We Did Win This Election, by the Wall Street Journals Michael Bender. All featured quotes and information that appeared to come directly from Milley. At Tuesdays hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn asked Milley whether he had spoken to the authors. Did you talk to Bob Woodward or Robert Costa for their book, Peril? asked Blackburn. Woodward, yes, Costa, no, answered Milley. Did you talk to Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker for their book, I Alone Can Fix It? Yes, said Milley. Did you talk to Michael Bender for his book, Frankly, We Did Win This Election? Yes, said Milley.

What did Milley have to say?

Milley told Leonnig and Rucker that he feared Trump might try to stage a coup after losing the 2020 election. This is a Reichstag moment, the authors quote Milley telling aides. The gospel of the Fuhrer. And more: They may try, but theyre not going to fing succeed, the authors quote Milley telling his deputies. You cant do this without the military. You cant do this without the CIA and the FBI. Were the guys with the guns. Then the coup never came. Thank God Almighty we landed the ship safely, Milley told Leonnig and Rucker. The authors described a scene at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in which Milley expressed relief to former first lady Michelle Obama. No one has a bigger smile today than I do, Milley told Obama. You cant see it under my mask, but I do. Where does such dishing fit in the job description of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? At Tuesdays hearing, Republican Sen. Rick Scott asked, Why would you as the sitting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff talk to a reporter who is writing a book about a prior administration? Why would that be part of your job description? Milley said he talks to the media regularly, multiple times a week. I think its very important that senior officials talk to the media, in all its various forms, in order to explain what were doing, he said. But Scott wanted to know why Milley was dishing about a former president. Why would you  talk to a reporter who is writing a book about a prior administration? Why would that be part of your job description? I think its important to make sure that the American people are transparent with what our government does, is all, Milley said. Nothing more complicated than that.

Byron comments:

Milleys talks with Woodward, Leonnig, Rucker, Bender  and possibly other authors as well  clearly went beyond ensuring transparency about the Joint Chiefs activities. The generals Reichstag moment quote spoke volumes about the statement he wanted to make for the books that would describe the Trump administrations final days. And then Milley got burned by Woodwards and Costas sensational portrayal of his conversations with a top Chinese general, which led to some critics accusing Milley of treason. As it turned out, the critics were not being fair, and events did not transpire exactly as the book said. Milley suffered some unjustified criticism. But thats the lesson for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Live by the media, die by the media.

I think we need more information about Milleys interviews with Woodward, but I think we know enough to infer that in each of these interviews Milley was promoting himself in a most unsavory and unprofessional manner.

At the House hearing yesterday Rep. Jim Banks homed in on another aspect of Milleys effusions to Woodward. He is a man of poor judgment, perhaps about himself most of all. In addition to providing what he believed to be a heroic self-portrait to Woodward and other media friends, he appears be a patently untrustworthy witness.
This short, Power Line Classic format episode features me in conversation this morning with Mackubin T. Owens, decorated Vietnam War vet, long time friend of Power Line, professor at the Naval War College, and author of numerous articles on books on civilian-military relations.

With all the controversy over General Mark Milleys direct contacts with senior Chinese military leaders, his apparently extensive contacts with journalists, and the confusion or contradictions over what advice he and others gave to President Biden about our endgame in Afghanistan, I decided Mack was the ideal person to talk with about the whole scene.

Among his books that bear on this subject include US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11: Renegotiating the Civil Military Bargain, and What Military Officers Need to Know about Civil-Military Relations (with co-author Christopher Robertson). Also not to be missed is his 2015 article in Strategic Studies Quarterly, Military Officers: Political without Partisanship. And above all, see his brand new article in Strategic Studies Quarterly, Maximum Toxicity: Civil-Military Relations in the Trump Era.

Mack doesnt mince words in this conversation, giving direct and blunt answers about Gen. Milleys performance, as well as commenting on the case of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, currently in the brig awaiting court-martial for his outspoken criticism of our Afghan debacle.

Exit music this week is the U.S. Marine Corps marching band performing the Thomas Jefferson March, which seems fitting for a Marine guest. Anyway, you know what to do: listen here, or do a forced march over to our hosts at Ricochet.
The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, says insurgency in the North-east is responsible for the delay in the African Development Bank (AfDB) assisted Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in the region.

The minister said this while speaking at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management on Thursday in Abuja.

In a document presented to the committee, the minister said that the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) component of the programme was being financed with $150 million loan at both the Federal and State levels.

He listed the amount for each of the project components as follows  Federal Ministry of Water Resources, 5.9 million dollars; Adamawa State Government, 33 million dollars; Bauchi State Government, 29 million dollars.

Others are Borno State Government, 38 million dollars; Gombe State Government, 16 million dollars; Taraba State Government, 16 million dollars; unallocated amount, 12 million dollars.

He said that each state was directly responsible for the programme implementation, while FMWR only carried out oversight and quality assurance.

According to him, the entire programme has three main components: Service Delivery, Economy Recovery and Institutional Strengthening.

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The minister said that the specific objective of the programme was to improve the quality of life by increasing access of the poor and vulnerable to basic social services in water, sanitation, hygiene.

According to him, others are health and education, livelihood opportunities, food security and strengthened safety net system in affected states in the North East.

He said while implementation units at both States and Federal level were striving hard, they were not able to achieve the expected planned objectives within the scheduled time due to constraints.

According to him, the first disbursement of funds was made 18 months after the loan agreement was signed, which led to the delay in procurement activities.

He said another constraint was the lack of understanding of AfDBs mode of operations at the outset, especially at the states.

The insurgency in parts of Borno and Adamawa states made it difficult for service providers and programme staff to gain access to some LGAs and communities within the two states.

This is expected to be improved owing to recent government decision.

 Finally, without any doubt, the advent of COVID-19 pandemic contributes gravely in delaying implementation of the programme, he said.

The Chairman of the Committee, Dayyabu Safana (APC-Katsina) and other members of the committee commended the minister for the submission.

The chairman said the essence of the interaction was to ascertain and avail Nigerians where the loans approved were being spent.

(NAN)
The Ethiopian government Thursday ordered the expulsion of seven senior United Nations officials for meddling in its internal affairs amid a blockade in the northern part of Tigray region of the country.

The East African nations foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that the officials had 72 hours to leave country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, in letters issued today (30 September 2021), has declared a persona non grata for seven individuals who are working for UN humanitarian agencies in Ethiopia for meddling in the internal affairs of the country, the ministry wrote in the statement published on Facebook.

According to the letters addressed to each of the 7 individuals listed below, all of them must leave the territory of Ethiopia within the next 72 hours, it added.

The announcement came on the heels of the warnings from humanitarian workers that hundreds of thousands of the people Tigray may be experiencing famine due to a government blockade of aid.

The embattled Tigrayan region has been racked by conflict between its forces, the Ethiopian soldiers and allied forces since November, leaving thousands of people dead.

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There are allegations of right abuses, gang rapes, mass expulsions and the destruction of health centres against the Ethiopian forces, but the government denies this, saying humanitarian organisations were taking sides with the Tigrayan side.

The Ethiopian government recently suspended the operations of two major international aid groups, Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Committee. It accused them of spreading misinformation about the war, Washington Post reported.

Aid workers have also denied the allegations.

As part of its actions against criticism from aid workers, the government said it was expelling Adele Khodr, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia; Sonny Onyegbula, Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy Team Leader: United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Kwesi Sansculotte, Peace and Development Advisor, UNOCHA.

Others included Saeed Hersi, Deputy Head of Office, Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia; Grant Leaity, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia; Ghada Mudawi, Acting Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia; and Marcy Vigoda, Head of office, Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia.

The U.S., through the White House press secretary Jen Psaki, condemned the expulsions, saying the blockade must stop as it is a stain on our collective conscience.

We call on the UN Security Council and members of the international community to take urgent action to make clear to the government of Ethiopia that impeding humanitarian operations and depriving your own citizens of the basic means of survival is unacceptable, she said.

The UN spokesperson, Stephanie Tremblay, also told a news briefing that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said he was shocked by the expulsion.

We are now engaging with the government of Ethiopia in the expectation that the concerned UN will be allowed to continue their important work, Mr Tremblay said.
Tertiary institutions in Nigeria failed to utilise over 400,000 admission slots in 2020 despite hundreds of thousands of candidates available to fill such spaces, a report by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has said.

The culpable institutions include universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, JAMB stated in the report.

However, in interviews with PREMIUM TIMES, officials of some of the institutions faulted the governments method of allocating admission quota, saying it is not realistic.

According to a JAMB policy document obtained by this newspaper, the over 400,000 unallocated admission spaces represent 43.78 per cent of the total admission quota in last years Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Data extracted from the document show that tertiary institutions only admitted 551,553 candidates out of the 956,809 admission quota available to them from the 2020 UTME.

While over 40 per cent of the admission quota was not utilised, some institutions took undue advantage to manipulate quota of regulated programmes during preparation of parameters to admit candidates more than the approved capacity, JAMB said.

Quota system

The quota system is a selection method (for employment, school admission, among others) that, after reviewing an institutions facilities, allocates certain percentages based on specific qualities, needs or profiles such as ethnicity and state of origin.

This system of university admission was introduced in an attempt to provide admission for candidates into tertiary institutions using the federal character policy of the federal government.

The quota represents the number of candidates that should be admitted into the tertiary institutions in one academic year from each state.

The system comprises important elements such as academic merit, which is determined by the candidates university matriculation examination scores, and it is allotted 45 per cent.

The second element is educationally disadvantaged states with 20 per cent, the catchment areas with 25 per cent, and 10 per cent to the discretion of vice-chancellors.

Despite the fact that JAMB has been guided by these provisions in the admission process for years, tertiary institutions have not been able to meet the quota assigned to them, denying admission to candidates including those with high scores.

The Admission Figures

In 2020, a total of 1,949,983 sat for the UTME. Less than half of them were expected to be admitted based on an admission quota of 956,809 to all the tertiary institutions. Of the total, 601,775 was allocated to degree-awarding institutions and 235,240 was given to all institutions that award National Certificate Examination.

A total of 115,243 was given to institutions that award National Diploma (ND), while 4,870 was allocated to National Innovative Diploma (NID) awarding institutions.

Data shows that out of the 601,775 allocated for admissions into universities or degree-awarding institutions, only 422,445 candidates gained admission. This means 179,330 vacancies were unused.

Also, out of the 235,240 slots allocated to colleges of education, only 47,920 were admitted. About 187,320 spaces to admit more candidates remained unused, representing 79.6 per cent.

For ND awarding institutions, 79,891 candidates got admission out of the 115,243 allocations, leaving 35,352 spaces unoccupied.

Likewise, only 1,297 candidates got admissions out of the 4,870 allocations given to NID institutions. A total of 3,573 spaces remain unused.

Reacting to the unused admission places, the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, urged the institutions to do more.

Candidates who are seeking admission, for instance to the faculty of agriculture or education, even if they score zero, should be admitted, Mr Oloyede said in an interview with Leadership Newspaper.

He said the students who applied are less than the available quota.

Even if you take all of them, there will still be vacant spaces, Mr Oloyede said, calling on institutions to consider students who applied for these two courses to avoid leaving unused quotas.

JAMBs figures not realistic

In response to the observations by JAMB, university officials and administrators say the admission quota figures are theoretical and not realistic.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Abulrasheed NaAllah, said most universities do not have the capacity and adequate facilities to accommodate applicants to fill the quota allocated to them.

We have some departments with students up to 300 and we need students to be comfortable, convenient and get to listen to their lecturers. Our classes are not sufficient and now you are asking to do more, he said.

The administrator then provided some context on why the allocated quotas are not compatible with the admission capabilities of the institutions.

What happened is, during the accreditation process, there is a kind of natural growth expected of universities but unfortunately natural growth is not realistic to available resources, the professor said.

In other countries they have natural growth which we should have too in Nigeria, he said.

But resources available to Nigerian universities are unnatural.

For example, the reality here is we can only admit 50 students, so if the quota system is giving me 100, then what about my reality, Mr NaAllah said, urging the government to increase its funding of public universities.

This point was supported by Josiah Ajiboye, the head of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, who said: Our argument at ASUU over the years is that you need to expand existing universities to be able to accommodate more students.

The government should expand our second and third-generation universities to make sure they are able to absorb more candidates, the professor said. Some of these third-generation universities still have the same number of lecture rooms, halls and laboratories.

Its not possible for them to admit more, Mr Ajiboye added.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to appeal against Wednesdays ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja stopping the retrial of a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, on N7.1billion fraud charges.

EFCC said in a statement that the judge, Inyang Ekwo, erred in his application of the law by failing to abide by the Supreme Courts earlier order a retrial in the case.

EFCC believes the judge erred in this ruling as Section 36(9) of the 1999 constitution is applicable only where the previous judgment was by a court of competent jurisdiction.

In this case, the apex court had in the said judgment described the process that led to the conviction of Kalu as a nullity because the judge came from the Court of Appeal to decide the matter, EFCCs statement signed by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, read in part.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the court stopped EFCC from prosecuting Mr Kalu, a serving senator, despite a Supreme Courts judgment ordering a retrial of the N7.1 billion case in which he had been previously convicted and jailed 12 years.

He was already serving the 12-year jail term for the offences when the Supreme Court, on 8 May 2020, nullified the proceedings leading to his and his co-defendants conviction.

The Supreme Courts judgment delivered on an appeal by Mr Kalus co-defendant, Ude Udeogu, had ordered a retrial at the Federal High Court.

Mr Kalu, who is the incumbent Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, got out of prison based on the apex courts judgement, but quickly filed an application before the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop his retrial.

The judge, Mr Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in his ruling on the application on Wednesday, said Mr Kalu could not be prosecuted since the Supreme Courts judgment did not contain an order for his retrial.

EFCC in its reaction argued that the judge failed to abide by the Supreme Courts decision.

It also accused the judge of cherry-picking by giving effect to the apex courts decision nullifying the previous conviction, but refusing to implement the aspect of the verdict that ordered a retrial.

The commission further avers that the court erred in its ruling that the Supreme Court did not order the retrial of Kalu; that it amounts to cherry-picking for Kalu to profit from the decision of the apex court nullifying the conviction of his co defendant, Ude Udeagu but is not prepared to face the burden of retrial, the statement added.

The statement added: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will appeal the ruling today by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court stopping the Commission from retrying a former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

READ EFCCS FULL STATEMENT

EFCC Press Release

EFCC to Appeal Court Ruling on Orji Kalus Retrial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will appeal the ruling today by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court stopping the Commission from retrying a former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Kalu was serving a 12-year jail term for N7.1billion fraud when the Supreme Court, ruling on an appeal by Kalus co-defendant, Ude Udeogu, on 8 May 2020, nullified the proceedings leading to their conviction.

The Supreme Court had ordered a retrial at the Federal High Court. But kalu who profited from the ruling to secure release from Kuje Correctional Centre, filed an application before the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop his retrial.

Ruling on the application today September 29, 2021, Justice Ekwo, granted the ex-governors request on the grounds that the apex courts judgment did not order the retrial of Kalu and that by virtue of Section 36 (9) of the 1999 constitution as amended, or Section 283 (2) of the ACJA (Administration of Criminal Justice Act), no person can be retried on the offence upon which he has been convicted.

EFCC believes the judge erred in this ruling as Section 36(9) of the 1999 constitution is applicable only where the previous judgment was by a court of competent jurisdiction. In this case, the apex court had in the said judgment described the process that led to the conviction of Kalu as a nullity because the Judge came from the Court of Appeal to decide the matter.

The Commission further avers that the court erred in its ruling that the Supreme Court did not order the retrial of Kalu; that it amounts to cherry-picking for Kalu to profit from the decision of the Apex court nullifying the conviction of his co defendant, Ude Udeagu but is not prepared to face the burden of retrial.

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

29 September, 2021
Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have criticised Wednesdays ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which prohibited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from prosecuting a former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, in respect of a N7.1billion fraud case sent back for retrial by the Supreme Court last year.

The prominent senior advocates, Itse Sagay, Jibrin Okutepa, Femi Falana, and Paul Ananaba, expressed surprise at the ruling, which they said was against the spirit of the Supreme Courts decision nullifying the previous trial and ordering a retrial of the N7.1billion fraud case.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Kalu, a serving senator representing Abia North, was already serving a 12-year jail term for the offences when the Supreme Court, on 8 May 2020, nullified the proceedings leading to his and his co-defendants conviction.

The Supreme Courts judgment delivered on an appeal by Mr Kalus co-defendant, Ude Udeogu, had ordered a retrial at the Federal High Court.

Mr Orji Kalu, who is the incumbent Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, got out of prison based on the apex courts judgement, but quickly filed an application before the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop his retrial.

However, ruling on the application on Wednesday, Mr Ekwo, granted the ex-governors request.

The judge held that the apex courts verdict did contain an order for Mr Kalus retrial.

He said subjecting Mr Kalu to a fresh round of trial after his previous conviction by the court would amount to double jeopardy.

But he ordered that the co-defendant, Mr Udeogu, who had been similarly tried and convicted, to be tried as specifically ordered by the apex court.

In an interview with this reporter Wednesday night, Mr Sagay, a professor of law and SAN, expressed surprise at the reasoning of the judge.

The judgement is in defiance of the Supreme Court directive on this matter, Mr Sagay, who chairs the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), said, wondering why a High Court judge would appear to be taking a confrontational stance with the Supreme Court.

Kalu hasnt paid any price

Faulting the legal foundation of Mr Ekwos decision, Mr Sagay said the principle of autrefois convict, which the judge referenced, does not apply to Mr Kalus case.

The principle of autrefois convict simply refers to a defendants plea stating that he or she has already been tried for and convicted of the same offence.

The judges reference to the legal principle of autrefois convict does not apply here, because that (Mr Kalus) conviction has been nullified on technical grounds.

That principle only applies to a case in which somebody has been convicted, he has served the sentence, paid the punishment, then you go and try him again for what he has already been punished for. That is Autrefois convict, Mr Sagay explained.

So, it is not applicable in this case. He (Mr Kalu) was convicted but he did not serve any punishment, because the Supreme Court held that the conviction was a nullity. This man (Mr Kalu) did not pay any price, he added.

Its a doom for Nigerian judiciary

Another lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, said the legal basis of the judgment is capable of turning Nigerian into a laughingstock in the comity of nations.

He said the verdict spelled doom for the countrys judiciary, as foreign investors would shun Nigeria.

So, for me, today (Wednesday) is the darkest day in our legal history, where the person who is accused of being in breach of the penal laws of the country can choose the judiciary and go to court to obtain judgement in a manner of a chameleon. I cant believe it!

I feel ashamed that I belong to a profession that can do all of those things, Mr Okutepa said.

He urged the EFCC, the federal government and all well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the occasion and save the judiciary from this embarrassment.

If Orji Uzor Kalu used that judgement of the Supreme Court and went before the Federal High Court to say, Release me and he was released. How can he turn round in another court, and request he be freed when he is to be re-arraigned?, Mr Okutepa asked.

Advice to EFCC

Mr Okutepa admonished the anti-graft agency to quickly move against Mr Kalu and arrest him, adding that the Chief Whip of the Senate obtained the order freeing him from prison through deceit.

My advice is that the EFCC should proceed and arrest him (Mr Kalu) and take him to back to prison. Because if he says the judgement (of the Supreme Court) does not affect him, then the EFCC should go back to the Federal High Court that made the order for his release, and ask the court to vacate its earlier ruling that led to Mr Kalus release from prison.

It is not something we will sleepover, otherwise we will not have investors in this country.

We cant be playing chess game with our justice system and expect to be taken seriously in the comity of nations, he noted.

Similarly, Femi Falana, advised the EFCC to pursue an appeal against Mr Ekwos decision on the case.

He maintained that the courts verdict had confirmed the manipulation of the criminal justice system by members of the ruling class.

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Whether the Supreme Court ordered his (Mr Kalus) trial or not, since his co-defendant is to be tried, he (Mr Kalu) too has to be retried.

The case has gone to the Supreme Court, it has gone to the Court of Appeal several times. It cannot happen to common people who have no access to lawyers, Mr Falana said.

The human rights lawyer explained members of the ruling class are above the law in Nigeria and that is what has been demonstrated by the case. It is a class matter.

It is a demonstration of the class character of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

Another senior advocate, Paul Ananaba, disagreed with the reasoning of the judge on the suit, urging the EFCC to challenge the verdict at the appellate court.

I dont support the reasoning of the judge. Is the court now saying the man (Mr Kalu) is a convict? Mr Ananaba wondered.
A notorious North-west Nigerian banditry kingpin, Muhammad Bello, aka Turji, has relocated his headquarters from Fakai in Zurmi, Zamfara State, to the east of Isa local government area of Sokoto State.

Informed sources, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, said Turji might have moved ahead of impending attacks by the military at the behest of the Zamfara state government.

The 27-year old is a ruthless bandit operating in Sokoto and Zamfara States. He had on different occasions rejected peace deals from the state governments.

The only time he said he was open to dialogue was when Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmed Gumi, visited his camp in Zurmi (Zamfara State).

Turji has been holding the father, stepmother and an uncle of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Nasir Magarya, whom he kidnapped alongside others about two months ago.

This newspaper had also reported how one of his commanders, Dan Bukkolo, rejected, on behalf of Turji, ransom money brought by aides of the speaker.

Relocation

His new headquarters, according to multiple sources including a security one, is situated between Tozai and Suruddubu.

A source said just four kilometers after Tozai before you reach Suruddubu you will find his new headquarters there.

The leader of Rundunar Adalci, a human rights group in Sokoto, Bashir Altine, said they believe Turji relocated his headquarters to escape soldiers fury.

He noted that a recent decision by the Zamfara State government was also affecting them.

Bandits kingpin, Turji, has relocated his headquarters to the villages around Isa and the people of the area can do nothing. With this relocation, he can attack Isa easily. For now, all villages under Isa and Isa East local government areas are under his territory, Mr. Altine said.

A security source in Katsina State, who pleaded anonymity, said many bandits were known to be relocating and changing their headquarters.

It is obvious. Security agents are giving them (bandits) tough time and you know they cant stay in one place, hence the reason they now change camps. Because if they stay in one place for too long, we will get at them, he said.

Turji is on to something big

A source from Sabon Birni who lives in Sokoto said Turji must be planning something big by relocating to the Tozai forest.

When you look at the situation, you will know that Turji and his commanders are getting stronger by the day. We learnt that he has mended fences with his main rival in the Shinkafi  Sabon Birni axis, Halilu Sububu. And even without Halilus support, Turji can attack any village, he said.

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The source added that the recent attack on a military and paramilitary camp in Dama village was by bandits loyal to Turji and Sububu.

But it was led by Turji himself. He was sending a message to the villagers who were providing information to the soldiers. He was also sending a message to the military and other security agents there that his attacks would be deadly henceforth.

Speaking on the reported relocation of bandits to Sokoto East, the senator representing the zone, Ibrahim Gobir, said majority of the bandits had relocated to Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas as a result of the ongoing military operations in the Zamfara axis.

Speaking on the floor of the senate, Mr Gobir said bandits have now infiltrated the zone due to absence of a major military offensive against them in the area.
Like their counterparts in the Senate, members of the House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Nigerian government to designate bandits as terrorists.

The Senate on Wednesday made the same resolution on bandits after a deliberation on a motion on the activities of bandits in Sokoto State  sponsored by Ibrahim Gobir (APC, Sokoto East).

The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), moved a motion on the floor of the House urging the government to declare bandits as terrorists.

In his motion, Mr Benson said the move will underline the determination of the government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country, he said.

He noted that it will serve as a brave impetus to the military in the fight against criminality in the region.

The lawmaker said declaring bandits terrorists will help to prosecute bandits under the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).

He noted that all known bandits be declared wanted and arrested wherever they are found for speedy prosecution.

Such declaration to be done through a Proscription Order can be done pursuant to section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended)

Such an order will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purvey of the Terrorism Prevention Act. And any person associated with such groups can then be prosecuted and sentenced to penalties in the Act.

The House also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the security summit of the House. The lower legislative chambers held a security summit in May and submitted to the president.

The motion was adopted without a debate.

Renewed offensive against bandits

There have been renewed efforts against bandits in the North.

Some of the measures taken include shutting down telecommunications networks, close down of phone charging outlets, sale of fuel in jerry cans.

On Wednesday, the Kaduna State government also ordered telecommunications service providers to shut down telecommunications networks.
Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has advised people in the terorised North-west of Nigeria on how they can live in peace with the armed bandits occupying their forests.

Mr Gumi said people can develop mutual relationship with the bandits without being harmed, PRNigeria reported

My interaction(s) with the bandits have been easy because I always go through the door', the cleric was quoted as saying while delivering a lecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on Thursday.

Go through the door

I go through the door, not the window. If you go through the door, you will go in and come back safely, Mr Gumi said, responding to questions from students at the event.

Mr Gumi said if people listen to the bandits, they would become amenable to abandoning their violent ways.

A student had asked why the bandits did not kidnap him during his numerous visits to their hideouts.

Mr Gumi explained thus: When we meet them, we dont speak, we give them the microphone to speak even for one hour.

When we first approached them, we saw that they were holding their warrant (weapons) ready to fire. By the time we finished our meeting, they will hand in their weapons and we will be taking pictures.

So this is the power of human interaction which is what we are here to study as social scientists. That is the approach, the outfit qouted Gumi as saying.

Treat them with dignity

Mr Gumi, a retired military officer, said he was able to gain the bandits confidence because he treats them as human beings and respects them.

That is the respect I give them. I say come, come and sit with me. Come and sit down. I want to hear from you. With that respect, the Fulani man, you can get him.

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So dont be surprised, if you are nice to him, if you are ready to listen to him, if you are trying to understand his problem, if you put your legs in his own shoes, he will listen to you, you will go to the forest and return safely, God willing, the cleric said.

Mr Gumi had visited some bandits in their forest hideouts and has advised the government to negotiate with them in order to bring an end to banditry in the region.

Bandits sympathiser?

The cleric has been accused of sympathising with bandits, who have brought untold hardship on families and communities through their violent onslaught, kidnappings for ransom and mindless killings, but he has denied that.

Rather, he said his concern is for his country, his state and humanity that made him to advocate peaceful dialogue with the bandits.

Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle and some leaders in the north had engaged bandits in their states in dialogue in the past but the approach failed to end the menace.

The governor has now withdrawn from the dialogue and endorsed ongoing military offensive.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani, consistently opposed dialogue with the outlaws.
Some gunmen Thursday launched two attacks in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east region.

A police facility in the state was one of those attacked.

According to a report by Vanguard newspaper, five police officers were killed in the attack at a divisional police station in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

A clip of the incident which is being circulated on the Internet showed a police pick-up truck engulfed by fire, with a corpse lying in front of a police building.

The convoy of the House of Reps member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Constituency, Chris Azubogu, is said to have also been attacked by gunmen and one of his drivers shot dead.

The police spokesperson in the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack on the police facility, but did not mention the number of fatalities.

Mr Tochukwu, a deputy superintendent of police, said the gunmen were heavily armed.

He said two officers and a civilian sustained gunshot injuries in the attack.

He also confirmed the second gun attack in the state.

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An incident of attack on a motorist was also recorded along the Nnobi-Nnewi road of the state where some hoodlums reportedly shot the driver and abducted the other occupants of the vehicle, he said in the statement.

The police are investigating the attacks, he said, while appealing to the residents to remain calm.

The attacks occurred two days after Chike Akunyili, the husband of the late boss of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dora Akunyili, was killed by gunmen in Anambra.

The pro-Biafra group, IPOB, had denied responsibility for Mr Akunyilis killing.

The agitation for an independent state, Biafra, championed by IPOB, has led to killings and destruction in the South-east region.

Anambra is scheduled to hold its governorship election on November 6.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) hopes to rethink laws guiding Initial Public Offering (IPO) in order to make the terms attractive enough to woo tech start-ups with valuation topping $1 billion and other companies for listing on the Nigerian bourse.

There has been a hiatus of three years in the IPO market of the exchange, and the plan to will encompass softening preconditions like previous achievements of profitability as well as filing of earnings reports on a quarterly basis.

If you are looking to attract growth companies that are in their early stage, quite clearly having a profitability test is a major hindrance, said Olumide Bolumole, divisional head of listings business at the bourse, on Thursday at a virtual meeting.

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New listings seem hard for the NGX to find following slow growth in Nigeria on account of the pandemic outbreak, forcing investors to make do with fewer stocks and weakening liquidity.

Mr Bolumole said NGX would be banking on the review to win over technology firms desiring to source additional capital or provide liquidity for current stockholders.

A raft of tech start-ups focusing on Nigeria and Africa has advanced to become unicorns, having achieved a valuation of above $1 billion for a private company.

In this category are OPay, Jumia Technologies AG, Flutterwave, Interswitch and New York-based Andela, which just joined the rank on Wednesday after a fundraise shooting its valuation to $1.5 billion.
A former member of the witness protection unit of the UN backed Special Court for Sierra Leone has told judges in the ongoing war crimes trial of Gibril Massaquoi, the former Revolutionary United Front commander, that the accused did not escape UN surveillance to cross over to Liberia in 2003.

The defence witness, currently a member of the Sierra Leonean Police force, said Mr Massaquoi was under tight UN surveillance in the period in question  June to August, 2003  and as such it was impossible for him to have escaped to take part in the Liberian civil war as dozens of Liberian witnesses have claimed.

Codenamed 08 to protect him from reprisals, the witness told the court Mr Massaquoi and his family  his wife, three children and a brother  were lodged in safe houses in Freetown from March 2003.

Massaquoi was in the safe house in Freetown and from there, he occasionally went to the court, 08 said. He was always present in court when needed. No one asked to take him anywhere. He followed the rules and there was no report of him violating them.

One of the safe houses was fenced with barbed wire and guarded by several security officers including gunmen, 08 said. He said Mr Massaquoi occasionally went out, but always with permission from the court and only under surveillance.

The court comes from the Finnish town of Tampere where Massaquoi was living in a deal with the Special Court when he was charged in March 2020 with committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Liberia. The court held three months of hearings in Liberia and Sierra Leone earlier in the year.

It decided to return to Liberia in August to hold new hearings when it became clear that dozens of witnesses in the first hearing were referring to battles that took place in June to August 2003, outside the dates of the original indictment.

The prosecution argues Mr Massaquoi left the safehouse to travel to Liberia where he committed crimes on behalf of then-Liberian President Charles Taylor, one of the combatants he was informing on to the Special Court.

Earlier witnesses have testified that the UN surveillance was lax and that there were gaps in records of the dates that Mr Massaquoi was monitored.

Mr Massaquois defence team is now bringing former RUF fighters and protection officers from Sierra Leone to refute the claim that surveillance was lax.

On Wednesday, a former protection officer, spent almost four hours insisting that Mr Massaquoi was nowhere near Liberia in June to August 2003.

He said Mr Massaquoi knew that his life was in danger  from supporters of those against whom he was informing to the Special Court  and so he could not have left. He told judges that he picked up Mr Massaquoi and his family on the courts order in March 2003 and took them to a safe house where they stayed for a year.

Asked by defence lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, how many people would have been aware if Mr Massaquoi had crossed over to Liberia while under protection, 08 said it would have taken no time for the entire court to know about it.

On cross examination, lead prosecutor Tom Laitinin, highlighted several inconsistencies between the witnesss testimony in court and in statements he made to Finish police investigators in Freetown.

08 told the police that Mr Massaquoi and his family were placed under the courts protection in May 2003. When he heard the police recording played in court, the witness conceded he had misspoken and said the date was March 2003 blaming the misstatements on faulty memory.

The witness also told investigators that he spoke with Mr Massaquoi on the phone in 2020, but when the prosecutor raised the issue in court, 08 denied ever speaking to the accused. When the tape was played, he was heard telling the police that he spoke with Mr Massaquoi.

In court 08 remained adamant that he had not spoken with the accused and said he may have been referring to Mr Massaquois brother when he spoke with investigators.

Dozens of witnesses have accused Mr Massaquoi of committing human rights violations in two parts of the country: the far north eastern county of Lofa and the commercial district of Waterside, in the heart Monrovia.

Wednesdays two other witnesses told the four-judge panel that Mr Massaquoi did not take part in the Liberian civil war.

Defence witness 07 told the court he was the last Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel commander to leave Liberia and at no time was Mr Massaquoi here.

According to 07, the only high profile RUF leader to cross the Sierra Leone-Liberia border was Sam Bockarie, who fled across the border as a fugitive from the RUF. He said Bockarie was chased out of Sierra Leone by the RUF, making it impossible for Mr Massaquoi to be his ally, as claimed by some of the witnesses.

A third defence witness, codenamed 21, refuted claims that the accused was involved in the illegal sale of cars. He said the road from Sierra Leone entering Liberia in the northern part of the country was impassable during the time Massaquoi allegedly committed the crimes, and as such, he could not have led an illegal car trade as was alleged.

The trial will take a break for the rest of the week and resume on Monday.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
The Oyo State Government has asked the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, to be joined in the suit instituted by the Rivers State Government against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The suit is in respect of the bid by the Rivers government to take over the collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the federal government.

The joinder request is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to the statement, the suit, instituted by the Attorney-General of Oyo State, Oyelowo Oyewo, is seeking an order of the Appellate Court to enable Oyo State to join the suit as an interested party.

In the suit, the Government of Oyo State is seeking two orders, viz: an order of the Honourable Court joining the Attorney-General of Oyo State as a respondent on the appeal with suit number FHC/PH/CS/149/2020 and appeal number CA/PH/282/2021 and any other order the Court may deem fit.

According to the Attorney-General of Oyo State, the government of Oyo State was unaware of the suit between the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service at the Federal High Court until the judgment was delivered.

Other grounds upon which the application was based include that the decision of the appellate court will affect the collection of VAT by the government of Oyo State, being one of the states which the judgment of the lower court recognised as entitled to collect VAT within its territorial jurisdiction.

Oyo State Government also indicates that the applicant, Attorney-General of the State, represents the interest of the Oyo State Government, whose interest in the collection of VAT within Oyo State will be impacted one way or another by any judgment delivered by this Honourable Court in this appeal, the statement read.

According to the statement, the grounds claimed by the Oyo State Government include that: The applicant is a necessary party to this suit being a party who will be bound by the judgment of this Honourable Court in this Appeal.

The interests of the applicant and that of the respondent in this case are similar being states within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oyo will become the second state seeking to join the suit after Lagos filed a joiner application following the decision of the federal government to challenge the ruling of the Rivers State High Court. The court had held that it is unconstitutional for the FIRS to collect VAT and personal income tax in the state.

On September 10, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the states VAT Bill into law, authorising officials to collect the tax in the state. On the same day, the appellate court ordered both the Rivers and Lagos governments to stay action on their bids to start VAT collection.

Interest of justice

According to the Oyo State Government, it is in the interest of justice that the appellate court grants the application, adding that the joinder will not prejudice the appellants and respondents.

It further stated that the state, being one of the 36 states of Nigeria, would be affected by the decision of the appellate court.

It added that joining the state to the suit already instituted by Rivers would help to avoid multiplicity of suits by the states against the Federal Government.

In a Motion on Notice, also attached to the proceedings already filed before the court, Oyo State said it relied on eight grounds and declared that the state was a necessary party to be joined since it has sufficient interest in the outcome of the appeal.

The state argued that after going through its processes, the appellate court would find that the application was necessary and that it has sufficient interest in the determination of the appeal as one of the states of the federation.
The Zamfara State Government says over 2,000 suspected informants of bandits have been arrested since it cut telecommunication services ban and the military launched an offensive in the state.

The states Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, stated this at a press conference in Kaduna on

Thursday.

The official said the suspects have provided vital information on their activities and how they were allegedly supported by highly placed individuals.

The government has set up a situation room where complaints are being received to ensure prompt action, Mr Dosara said.

He said the security operations in the state have been successful, adding that many bandits have fled the state, others were being starved or forced to feed on raw food following the governments sanction on them.

Many bandits have been neutralised by the army. Most of them are forced to eat raw food like millet, because they have been cut off from their collaborators in town.

They have settled on using camels to perpetrate violence, Mr Dosara said.

The governments of the troubled North-west states suspended telecommunications networks, banned weekly markets and restricted the sale of petrol, among other drastic measures to check the activities of the bandits.

Unlike in Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina, where the ban on telecommunications affects selected council areas, all parts of Zamfara State are affected.

Residents of the states, who normally reported their ordeals with the bandits, could not be reached to speak on their current experiences because of the shutdown of telecoms services.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday joined the Lagos State government as a party to the appeal on the Value Added Tax (VAT) collection legal battle between Rivers State government and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The FIRS had appealed the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which empowered the Rivers State government to collect VAT.

Lagos State had needed to apply to be joined as a party to the appeal because it was not part of the case at the Federal High Court which led to the judgment being contested by the FIRS.

Moyosore Onigbanjo, the attorney-general of Lagos State, argued the application to be joined as a respondent alongside Rivers State government on 16 September .

While moving the application for Lagos State to be joined as a respondent in the appeal, Mr Onigbanjo told the court that the state would be impacted by the outcome of the appeal.

FIRS lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, had opposed Mr Onigbanjos request.

The joinder application of the applicant (Lagos State government) is faulty from the word go.

Section 243 (1A & B) of the Constitution does not support a joinder application in a suit like this, Mr Magaji had said.

He further argued that the Lagos State government was not a party at the trial court in Port Harcourt, adding, The judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt never mentioned the applicant.

Ruling

In a ruling on Thursday, the three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Haruna Tsammani, held that Lagos State government established its direct interest in the subject matter of the appeal.

The panel agreed with the Lagos State government that all the prayers sought by the Rivers State government and granted at the trial court referenced any other states of the federation, which include Lagos.

It is not in doubt that Lagos State is a constituent state in Nigeria, Mr Tsammani said in the courts ruling.

It is therefore my finding that the applicant has been able to establish that he has a direct case in the subject matter of this appeal.

The application for joinder is in the appeal as the third respondent is accordingly granted.

The court then ordered the FIRS and the Rivers State government who are parties in the case to serve all the processes in the suit on Lagos State.

Background

The Rivers and Lagos State governments had failed to convince the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stop the FIRS from further collecting Value Added Tax (VAT).

The court refused oral applications for a restraining order against the FIRS made by the legal team of the two states.

Refusing to grant the requests, a three-man panel of the court, led by Haruna Tsanami, directed the lawyers representing the two states to file formal applications instead of oral applications.

The FIRS had appealed the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt empowering the Rivers State government to collect VAT.
The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the utilisation of monies released to fund the 2021 appropriation.

This followed allegations of diversion of funds by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

The lower chamber resolved that standing committees of the House should investigate all their respective MDAs.

Two committees  Finance and Appropriation  were mandated to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Finance for the purposes of ascertaining releases made to the MDAs in compliance with the N13.58 trillion 2021 Appropriation Act.

These resolutions were made on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP, Delta).

According to Mr Elumelu, some MDAs are allegedly withholding funds released for the execution of projects, while others are diverting the funds for other projects in violation of the Appropriation Act.

Between 40-60 percent of funds have been released for purposes of implementing the 2021 Appropriation Act, yet most of the MDAs are yet to dispense these funds for the purposes meant for.

Some of the MDAs are alleged to have engaged in financial misappropriation by diverting such funds for other unrelated purposes thereby frustrating government macroeconomic framework, while others are in outright denial of not receiving such releases, Mr Elumelu said.

Reacting to the motion, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said if the allegations are true, that would be a serious infraction.

In his ruling, Mr Gbajabiamila gave the committees two weeks to conclude the investigation.
While Governor Dapo Abiodun was quick to redeem the N5 million and a three-bedroom bungalow pledge to Laycon, the winner of #BBNaija Lockdown Edition, he failed to fulfill promises he made to outstanding teachers in Ogun State one year after, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

At a ceremony in October last year, Mr Abiodun announced the donations to Laycon, whose real name is Olamilekan Agbeleshe. The governor followed up the gifts with the announcement that the #BBNaija star has been appointed the youth ambassador of the state.

By 5 October , it will be one year since Mr Abiodun made a similar promise to outstanding teachers at the 2020 celebration of Teachers Day.

While the governor awarded a two-bedroom bungalow to the overall outstanding teacher, Odegbola Ayodele, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) teacher in Abeokuta Grammar School (ABEOGRAM); N2.5 million was awarded to Adewale Abayomi from Odua Comprehensive High School, Imoru, Ijebu-Ode, for being the best teacher in the Senior Secondary School (SSS) category.

Also, N2 million was said to have been awarded to Mary Adeyemi from St. Pauls School II, Sagamu, as the best primary school teacher in the state.

None of the teachers has received their prizes from the Ogun State government.

Laycon leads

The governors decision to donate gifts to Laycon was immediately met with a backlash from the public who criticised him for the move while owing pensioners and refusing to implement the national minimum wage.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Sports, Lamide Lawal, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the governor had redeemed the pledges made to Laycon.

What Laycon was promised has been done, said Mr Lawal, who described the government as a talk and do one.

He added that the government maintained a cordial relationship with the #BBnaija winner because he remains the governments Youths Ambassador.

So far so good, we are cool with Laycon. We have no problem with Laycon, he is our Youths Ambassador. What he was promised has actually been done. So, we are very very cool with him. As regards the house, they have been called for inspection.

Like I was saying, the current administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun MFR is a talk and do government that always redeems every promise it made.

Just about two weeks ago, the winner of the global mathematics contest, that best graduating LASU [student], among others, all got their prices. The thing is that there is a difference between pronouncement and redemption, our government is a promise keeper.

PREMIUM TIMES could not yet verify the claim that the winner of the global mathematics contest and the best graduating student of the Lagos State University had received their prizes.

Teachers Union.

It is unclear why the government is yet to redeem its promises to the teachers.

Waheed Odusile, the commissioner for information and strategy, said the prizes would soon be presented to the teachers.

Very soon The prizes will be given to the awardees. Thanks for your interest, Mr Odusile told Dubawa, PREMIUM TIMES fact-checking arm.

Administrative bureaucracy

Samson Oyelere, the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ogun State chapter, while confirming that the governor is yet to redeem his pledge, said they have written to him over the delay.

We were also privy to the information that the state government has not redeemed the promises, Mr Oyelere said.

So, we swung into action by contacting the teachers that were involved and the state government. This was also formalised by writing a clarion call letter to His Excellency to redeem a worthy promise he pronounced during 2020 World Teachers Day to the best three teachers in the state as another World Teachers Day is around the corner.

Mr Oyelere said they remain hopeful that the government would redeem its pledge to the teachers.

We were also contacted, though unofficially. The union was appreciated for the steps taken as the issue was actually a case of oversight on their part. We were assured that the issue at hand would surely be taken care of on or before this years World Teachers Day.

I must not also fail to add that after the reminder letter written to the state government, the link assured us that administrative bureaucracy might actually delay the fulfilment of those promises after due consultation for some time.

So, that is the position of the Nigeria Union of Teachers since we cannot but trust the state government on this free will promises to Nigerian teachers.

The teachers union leader, however, promised members that the 2021 edition of the celebration will not be a repeat of the 2020 kind of promise.

Let me also stress the confidence of the Union that this year (2021) will not be like that of 2020 as redemption of prizes will be done on time as against that of 2020.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded justice on the recent murder of a pastor by a mob in Masu in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State.

Shuaibu Yohana, who was also the chairperson of CAN in Sumaila council area, was reportedly killed after he was accused of hiding a murder suspect.

On 22 September , one Sabo Idris reportedly killed his elders brothers wife, Zainab Balaniya, using a wooden pestle, following a quarrel.

Mr Yohanna had reportedly intervened in the matter but was accused of hiding the suspect who is a Christian convert.

The mob lynched him and also burnt down his church, house and school.

The states CAN Chairperson, Samuel Adeyemo, in a statement to reporters in Kano, appealed to the Christian community to be calm.

Read below the full statement from CAN:

CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) KANO STATE CHAPTER PRESS RELEASE ON THE GRUELSOME MURDER OF LATE PST SHUAIBU YOHANNA

Late night of WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2021.

We received a distress call with a sad news from the Assistant CAN COORDINATOR of SUMAILA LGA of the gruesome attack of PASTOR SHUAIBU YOHANNA by irate Muslim youths of Masu community where he had lived and pastored the New Life for All Nation Church for about 10 years.

THE DPO of Gani Police division was contacted by the assistant coordinator and we followed up to ensure their response. As at when the DPO would arrive the scene of the incident from Gani, the assailants had left the home of Pst Shaibu leaving in their trail; destroyed and almost demolished Church building with all the the Church properties destroyed, burnt 6 blocks of classrooms and the staff office, the childrens wing of His house with both his properties and that of his children all burnt and his section of the house destroyed and almost demolished.

The prelude to the event leading to this dastardly and inhuman act was the family feud that occurred between a young man called Sabo who eventually killed his brother with a pistil on Monday, 20th September, 2021. The said young man, Sabo who is an inconsistent member of the late Pastor Shuaibu Yohannas Church, reported and surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force without an arrest.

Inexplicably, the killers of our Late Pastor Shuaibu Yohanna accused him of ensuring the said Sabo reported and surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force and insinuated that the step lawfully taken, was an attempt to protect Sabo from jungle justice. This is the main accusation against Late Pastor Shuaibu Yohanna.

Pst Shuaibu as a Peace-loving Christian Community Leader who coordinates over 100 indigenous Churches, with tens of thousands of worshippers in the entire Sumaila Local Government Area, Kano State, attended the Muslim funeral of the Sabos sister-in-law which he killed, not knowing that a plot was been hatched against his life.

He was matchetted severally on his head and face with some part of his skull exposed as a result of the visible and deadly matchet wounds. The assailants left the Pastor Shuaibu in his pool of blood almost dead.

The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Kano State Chapter the following day Thursday September 23, 2021, visited Masu village where the incident occured and saw the horrible scene of the incidence. We have petitioned The Executive Governor of Kano State, the office of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, The State Director of Directorate of State Security Services (D. S.S) and the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

CAN demanded for the immediate arrest and investigation of perpetrators of this dastardly and inhuman act of culpable homicide against our Sumaila CAN Coordinator, Pastor Shuaibu Yohanna and that they be thoroughly prosecuted without any interference whatsoever, from any quarters so that the perpetrators can face the wrath of the law.

We as CAN Kano State Chapter condemned this dastardly act in his TOTALITY and called on the security agencies in the State to ensure those that are already arrested especially the REAL PERPETRATORS be prosecuted and see they all face the wrath of the law. We further demand that all others involved and yet to be arrested be fished out and they also be prosecuted and justice according to the law of the land be melted on them.

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Furthermore we demand that all the destroyed Church building and properties, the burnt school buildings and staff office and his destroyed and burnt house and properties be adequately rebuilt and paid for. In the same vein, there is the need for the state government to be all out to give the people living in the state adequate security to protect their lives and properties not minding their tribe, religion or status.

While we commend the spontaneous response of both the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS when we reported the matter to them by sending their high ranking officers to Masu, In same vein we equally commend the Executive Governor of Kano State who upon being aware of the unfortunate event, sent a delegation to visit the scene of the incidence led by Hon Kawu Sumaila and the Sumaila Local Government Chairman.

We assure the Christian community in Kano, CAN shall do all within her powers with the State government and security agencies to ensure normalcy is returned to this area. We are equally determined to follow this case to see that no stone shall be left untouched until justice is done to all involve in this dastardly act.

We therefore call on all Christians to remain law abiding and not to take laws into their hands, the peace of the State which includes our lives is so paramount to us.

CAN DEMANDS NOTHING BUT JUSTICE TO ASSUAGE ALL AND FOR PEACE OF OUR DEAR KANO STATE.

THE BLOOD OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS THE SEED OF THE GOSPEL. PASTOR SHAIBU YOHANNA DID NOT DIE AS A CRIMINAL BUT AS A RIGHTEOUS SERVANT OF GOD AND AN ADVOCATE OF PEACE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE HENCE HE IS OUR MARTYR

REV ADEOLU SAMUEL ADEYEMO

CAN CHAIRMAN, KANO STATE.
The Chief of Naval staff, Awwal Gambo, a vice admiral, has cleared the air on the decision of the Navy to establish a base, in Kano State, North-west Nigeria.

The Nigerian Navy recently proposed to site a school of logistics in Kano, the home state of Mr Gambo, who was appointed the naval chief in January.

The decision drew criticisms from many who argued that the state does not deserve a naval base considering its dry nature.

Kano, like most states in the northern part of the country, has no large water body and as such has no port.

Prominent among those that condemned the location of the school, was the National Leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Edwin Clark, who wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, condemning the siting of the base in Kano.

I will like to counsel you, that decisions which one takes while serving the country or in any other position should be based on higher issues of national and human interests and rational consideration, Mr Clark said.

We are everywhere in Nigeria

But speaking through the Chief of Training and Operations of the Navy, Abraham Adaji, a rear admiral, at an interactive session with select editors of media houses on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Gambo said the force has its presence across the six geopolitical zones zones of the country.

Mr Adaji explained that the navy is not establishing an entirely new entity but rather separating an existing one.

Stating that it had become complex to manage one of its facilities which hitherto housed the logistics college, the officer said it became necessary to separate the naval entities.

For clarity, the Nigerian Navy has a finance and logistics college that is located in Owerrinta, somewhere between Aba and Owerri.

This college is responsible for training of both personnel in the area of logistics and finance, but due to the growth and development imperatives, it was considered that the colleges be separated and the logistics college is now moved to Kano.

So what we are establishing in Kano is the logistics college and the finance college remains in Owerrinta, he explained.

He said before now, Owerrinta was not the only land locked location with a naval establishment, adding that they have such locations in other parts of the north.

We also have a provost and regulating school in Makurdi where we train our personnel in the area of naval provost duties, but I will also like to clarify that it is not only these bases that mark our presence in the north.

The Nigerian Navy is heavily involved in the anti insurgency, anti terrorism and also the internal security operations across the North.

In the North-east where we have the Joint Task Force ( North-east Operation Hadin Kai), the Navy has over 170 personnel that are fighting alongside the army and the Airforce to combat the threats that we face.

Equally in the North-west where we have the Joint Task Force (North-west Operation Hadarin Daji), the Navy has over 250 persons that are fighting to counter banditry and all the other issues of insecurity there.

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In the North-central, we also have about a hundred men working alongside our colleagues to combat banditry, kidnapping, and all the issues relating to insecurity.

Operation Safe Corridor, the outfit responsible for the management of surrendered terrorists and bandits that is working alongside other government agencies, the Navy also is represented there. We have about 15 personnel working there.

We also have our presence in operation safe haven, the operations going on in the Plateau and southern Kaduna to combat issues relating to herders and farmers clashes in this area.

So it is not just Kano that we are present in the North.Long before Kano, for about 10 years we have been in the North-east and since the operation started in the North-west we have been there. We have been there in the North-central, we have been there in the Plateau and all the areas where we have security challenge, he said.

Mr Adaji said beyond defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, the Navy is also involved in internal security.

Like the Chief of Defence Staff has explained, beyond defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, the armed forces of Nigeria have the responsibility to offer support to the civil authority to maintain law and order and this secondary role, the armed forces have been doing everything to develop the capacity but of course law and order is essentially a governance issue and we are working closely not just with the government but other security agencies and the civil society to deliver the much desired security in the country.

Let me also add that the base that was established in Kano was established alongside two other naval bases that will be performing full maritime operations.

At the Oguta lake, the Nigerian Navy is establishing a forward operating base because of increasing activities of IPOB and the ESN as well as sabotage of our oil and gas facilities and we are working alongside other agencies in the area to combat these threats.

Also, in Lagos, the Lekki axis, the Nigerian Navy is also establishing a base. Lekki is a thresh that holds a lot of investments, critical to the economic well being of Nigeria.

The petrol that we consume in Nigeria lands in the Lagos offshore and it is from there that it is transported to other towns and distributed for consumption across the length and breadth of Nigeria, he added.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday broadcast to the nation at 7.00 a.m. as part of activities marking the 61st Independence Anniversary of the country.

Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed this development in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

All television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), respectively, for the address, the statement said.

(NAN)
The inauguration of that beautiful house in Uyo, therefore provides a challenge to the teeming youths of the state to examine critically, the opportunities offered by the state of the art facilities, with a view to leveraging on the strategic window to add value. As Mr Inoyo charged, youths should grab this house of opportunities with open hands and make the best of it.

The other day, a 61 year old lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, infact the spokesman of the House in his time, walked into the monthly meeting of Uyo Book Club and shared the story of the life of his late father. Mr Eseme Eyibo regaled members of the intellectual hub about how his late father, a village carpenter, used to walk from Eket in the morning to Etinan to fix stools and wooden doors for people, only to walk back to his humble homestead in Eket in the evening.

However, the man, whose offsprings have immortalised him, saw an opportunity to drop his carpentry tools and port into teaching. Today, The House of Eyibo (THOE) is in the philanthropy of giving scholarships to students in various disciplines, with emphasis on Law, Pharmacy and Medicine.

The House of Eyibo is not just a physical structure. This article is about a towering building in Uyo, in a choice and well secured part of the capital city, occupying more than 18,000 square metres on an expanse of 48,200 square metres, with a 500 capacity parking lot. That house was formally opened as part of activities to mark the 34th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State by the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, with a fulfilled Governor Udom Emmanuel, his officials, special guests, stakeholders in the State, grinning in satisfaction and beaming with smiles. That house was one unique birthday cake to the people of the State. A birthday cake, not to be eaten and digested with choice wine or water, but one to be leased to choice tenants.

Already, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has indicated interest in taking two floors in the building. Built for such high- end tenants, which include international oil companies, indigenous oil companies prospecting and drilling in the State, the 21 storey state-of-the-art house holds much more than its glittering sight during the day and in the night sky. It has changed the profile of the capital city to the town with the tallest building in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

its not really about its height, location, elegance and elevators, fire protection sensors, card readers, biometric control keypads, central stand alone server work station or electric cabling for doors and automatic cards, and other 21st century technology compliant devices. The multi-billion naira bespoke piece of property represents a transformation, which holds countless options for engagement.

Nevertheless, its not really about its height, location, elegance and elevators, fire protection sensors, card readers, biometric control keypads, central stand alone server work station or electric cabling for doors and automatic cards, and other 21st century technology compliant devices. The multi-billion naira bespoke piece of property represents a transformation, which holds countless options for engagement.

In recent history, the world has witnessed and embraced opportunities which saw drone technology replacing still hand-held cameras for photography and video coverage. Also, the banking sector has evolved to bring several opportunities that smart people have exploited. It is pertinent to point to the transformation in writing from long hand to typing with typewriters, then desktops, laptops, and palm-tops. Our society has seen the transformation from Alalok to the prevalent corporate taxis. There were people who saw opportunities in the music industry from recording on turntable disc players to compact discs, flash drives, music players and blue-tooth enabled downloads.

The society has seen the evolution from stationary telephones to mobile phones of various types and sizes, complete with digital cameras, television and radio access. One could go on and on in reeling out the opportunities that came in the wake of new facilities, which visionaries explored and exploited for economic gain. The brand new intelligence edifice is one such house of opportunities beyond what the eyes can readily see. It is a boon to techies.

This was aptly captured by Mr Udom Inoyo, former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria in his Keynote Address to participants during the Akwa Ibom Technology Week held on Friday, September 17. Speaking on the theme, Positioning Akwa Ibom Youths for Global Success in the 21st Century, Mr Inoyo pointed to opportunities awaiting youths in the servicing of the smart building. According to the widely exposed and erstwhile oil company executive, youths are expected to leverage on the low technology adoption rate within the state as an opportunity to explore new frontiers to test and market their capabilities.

Mr Inoyo cited the example of several youths globally and in Nigeria, including Mark Essien, who innovated with a hotel booking platform to serve the needs of customers. To walk his talk, the Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation which has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the State since its inception more than a decade ago, further affirmed the Foundations mission to support innovative solutions

He told the budding techies, you must be smart to access multiple frontiers with promising economic opportunities and break technological barriers.

If the youths took the tip offered by Mr Inoyo, given his vast knowledge and experience spanning 31 years in an industry which adapted easily to new technologies, the youths would not only become employees in that facility but employers of labour who would occupy office spaces in the city, pay taxes, improve their purchasing power. They would also be challenged to join the pantheon of technopreneurs who saw opportunities in emergent systems or circumstances and take bold steps to explore and exploit such opportunities for the benefit of humanity.

Mr Inoyo cited the example of several youths globally and in Nigeria, including Mark Essien, who innovated with a hotel booking platform to serve the needs of customers. To walk his talk, the Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation which has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the State since its inception more than a decade ago, further affirmed the Foundations mission to support innovative solutions that will stimulate capacity development to enhance economic growth in the State. He announced a build and grow boot camp for 72 techies valued at more than N100 million, where all the participants would be inducted into the African Fintech Community Platform, with access to markets, partners and investors.

The inauguration of that beautiful house in Uyo, therefore provides a challenge to the teeming youths of the state to examine critically, the opportunities offered by the state of the art facilities, with a view to leveraging on the strategic window to add value. As Mr Inoyo charged, youths should grab this house of opportunities with open hands and make the best of it.

Udeme Nana is a mass communication lecturer at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
Mr Abati and his co travellers should be held responsible for miseducating the public, raising a false alarm and creating apprehension amongst the people. For his own education, Mr Abati may need to come and take a walk in the streets of Warri and ask questions for him to understand why the advocacy for a change of name for certain areas is a creative solution to an age-long problem and a panacea for lasting peaceful coexistence.

The alluring power of the white cloth is imbeded in its incandescence. Once a white cloth falls into palm oil, or is stained by other substances, it loses that alluring power, glow and integrity of whiteness. There is an Urhobo adage that admonishes us to apply the same care and effort made in keeping a white cloth away from palm oil, to keeping palm oil away from a white cloth.

The Nigerian system is a graveyard of conscience. Its landscape is littered with the bones of many estwhile consciences. It is practically impossible to have a stint in government and not come out with a stained conscience. Reuben Abati after government continues to present a different face from the one we knew before he went into government. Since his stint in government as spokesperson to President Goodluck Jonathan, Abatis writings have lost the punch, verve and ring of integrity that made his earlier writings as a columnist and Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian a must read. His writings now drip with partisanism, the lack of conscience, and attention to facts. Perhaps the only thing that still makes Abatis writings a compelling read is his mastery of the art of writing, burnished with the expert deployment of a sharp wit and humour delivered in delectable language. His writings are mostly now all beauty without substance.

Rueben Abatis piece titled The Brewing Crises in Warri published on Tuesday, September 28 is a typical example of how low this once great conscience has fallen. I could hardly read pass the place where he said in that inglorious article that the word Wado in Urhobo means gentleman! Gentleman ko, gentlewoman ni! Someone should also please tell Mr Abati that there is nothing like Mimi Waddo in Urhobo language. By the way, the word is Wado not Waddo.

Mr Abati also uncharacteristically misrepresented a crucial fact in his article by saying that the Wado groups message is simply that there is no such thing as an Olu of Warri but an Olu of Itsekiri and that the way to settle the matter this time around is to change the name of Warri to Waado City. If Mr Abati had followed the Wado social advocacyhe would have seen that this is not so.

In his haste to do the bidding of his paymasters, this emergency expertise on Warri history did not even bother to research the correct meaning of the word Wado, which he claimed is about to cause crisis in Warri. I am sure that Mr Abati has a lot friends and colleagues who are Urhobo. He could simply have put a call across to anyone of them to ask what Wado means in Urhobo and a little background history of Warri, and save himself the embarrassment of spewing ignorance and half-truths on a subject he knows little or nothing about. It is called balancing the story. Obviously, it would appear that Mr Abati was under some kind of deadline to publish, otherwise he would not have gone to town with this low piece that is not worthy of his craft and towering credentials as a journalists journalist.

Mr Abati also uncharacteristically misrepresented a crucial fact in his article by saying that the Wado groups message is simply that there is no such thing as an Olu of Warri but an Olu of Itsekiri and that the way to settle the matter this time around is to change the name of Warri to Waado City. If Mr Abati had followed the Wado social advocacy, which he agrees is all over social media, with an unbiased mind, he would have seen that this is not so. What the movement is simply saying is that there is indeed an Olu of Warri and he rules over his Warri kingdom, and not over every part of Warri metropolis, as the world has been led to believe. That there are large areas of this same Warri metropolis inhabited by indigenous people, with their own government recognised kings that are of equal status to the Olu; with their own chieftaincy systems and methods of traditional administration. This people simply want to rename their own areas of the city, whose ownership are not in contention. They do not intend to rename every part of Warri city or kingdom or any part that belongs to the Olu and his people. They are simply saying: We dont want to be called by our good neighbours fathers name. Call us Wado.

Rueben Abatis recent interest in Warri affairs is also telling. During the heat of recent arguments preceding the installation of the present Olu of Warri, he co-anchored an Arise TV discussion programme on the then brewing controversy. Unbiased observers of that programme would have noticed the questions he asked. The ones he conveniently failed to ask. The follow-up questions he asked. The ones begging to be asked, which he failed to ask, and the unequal time allotted the discussants, with and without interrupting questions.

Mr Abati also claimed to have no dog in the fight for Wado City. He does and he should tell us which dog it is, in this imaginary fight of his. He should thereafter be made to understand that there is no fight whatsoever over the matter. It is people like him and his paymasters who are imagining or brewing crises where there is none.

When Mr Emmanuel Efeni made it clear to him that he misrepresented facts in his article during the Morning Rise programme on Arise TV, Mr Abati tried to make light of his gaffe by saying to Mr Efeni: So, you mean with your level of education in journalism you still have to go to the village? He conveniently forgot that despite his high academic and journalism credentials, he, Abati, indeed went to the village first. As a matter of fact, he went to another persons village whose history he knows nothing about or deliberately tried to misrepresent.

Mr Abati also claimed to have no dog in the fight for Wado City. He does and he should tell us which dog it is, in this imaginary fight of his. He should thereafter be made to understand that there is no fight whatsoever over the matter. It is people like him and his paymasters who are imagining or brewing crises where there is none. And should any crises arise therefrom, Mr Abati and his co travellers should be held responsible for miseducating the public, raising a false alarm and creating apprehension amongst the people. For his own education, Mr Abati may need to come and take a walk in the streets of Warri and ask questions for him to understand why the advocacy for a change of name for certain areas is a creative solution to an age-long problem and a panacea for lasting peaceful coexistence.

Austin Emaduku wrote from Ekete, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State. Email: canoways@yahoo.com. Follow @ austinemaduku.com.
Instead of waiting to hear what President Muhammadu Buhari would say on October 1, when I know it would be the same tepid stuff from the last six years, I invited a number of Nigerians between 25 and 35, to share their visions of the shape of things to come and what consequential role they think they may play in bringing about that future.

This is the time of year when we moan about everything wrong with Nigeria. Quite often, we do so not necessarily from a place of spite but out of frustration and hopelessness.

Its true that the life of a nation is not necessarily measured in biological age. But most might agree that if potential, that hackneyed word so often ascribed to Nigeria, was a child, it should have come of age at 61.

Yet, even by the most gracious of accounts, this Nigerian child is stunted, a problem offspring not only to its parents, but also an enigma, if not a source of perplexity, to its friends and neighbours.

Ive been reading two books in the last few weeks set on the eve of the celebration of Nigerias milestone independence anniversaries. Both are anguished collections lamenting the countrys unfinished greatness and highlighting a dream deferred.

Nigeria at fifty, edited by Attahiru Jega and Jacqueline W. Farris, and Remaking Nigeria: Sixty years sixty voices, edited by Chido Onumah, are wide-ranging and extraordinary reflections on the countrys odyssey. They were published 10 years apart, but youll hardly notice the difference in tone or resonance.

If you changed a few names, places and dates, the essays would still read like the story of the hopes, frustrations and missed opportunities told a million times on the eve of every independence anniversary in at least the last 50 years or more.

Even the October 1 speeches once so full of promise and highfalutin phrases have lost every pretence to substance and quality. They have become a yearly rehearsal of empty boasts and microphone chewing  a hollow ritual.

Once, Independence Day speeches inspired hope. ln 1960, for example, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa said at the dawn of independence that after the long, harrowing wait, with nation after nation overtaking Nigeria, he was sure that Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations.

The speeches also made you laugh; like when President Shehu Shagari spent the bulk of his October 1 speech reminding us that colonialists oppression was still prevalent, when his political rivals at home were still seething that his own electoral victory that year was stolen!

The speeches sometimes depressed you, too. Like President Goodluck Jonathan trying in his speech to excuse MEND from the horrific October 1 bombing at Eagle Square. But now, even depression is a golden era. The speeches mean nothing, stirring only the worst of emotions  indifference.

This year, I thought there was no use treading the beaten path. Perhaps we could use fresh voices from folks who might still be here in another 50 or 60 years, just to get a sense of the future they see, the future they hope for, and what theyre doing to bring it about.

Instead of waiting to hear what President Muhammadu Buhari would say on October 1, when I know it would be the same tepid stuff from the last six years, I invited a number of Nigerians between 25 and 35, to share their visions of the shape of things to come and what consequential role they think they may play in bringing about that future.

The current government structure does not allow for equal participation and allocation of resources. In essence, power is highly centralised and it creates a general sense of disbelief and disenfranchisement. The challenges that Nigeria would face in the next 50 years are highly dependent on how we handle these foundational issues.

Keep in mind also, that in about three weeks, it would be exactly one year since the #EndSARS protests. That event signalled the anguished cry by young people against police brutality, poor governance and lack of accountability.

I thought this might be a good time to set aside the old, broken record, and to hear the voices of another generation, before they spill onto the streets in violent rage.

I asked them four questions: (1) Where do you think Nigeria would be 50-60 years from now? (2) Do you think you have a consequential role to play in it? (3). How? (4). What is the single biggest threat facing Nigeria today and how can we deal with it?

The answers are a breath of fresh air, a far more uplifting  and certainly thought-provoking  collection than anything you can find in the yearly potpourri of warmed-over October 1 speeches.

Elizabeth, a 33-year-old development professional and social justice enthusiast, said:

I think Nigeria will experience a lot advancement and automation in the next 50-60 years. However, a lot of people will be left behind and therell be a huge gap between the haves and the have nots.

The informal sector and communities at the last mile will have a huge influence on how we do business. For example, I feel they will affect language and the mode of doing business. The formal language may switch from English to Pidgin English, and the concept of suit-and-tie may be history.

Talking about history, therell be a lot of distorted facts and people may hardly use the past to determine the future and just go with the flow.

As for how, thats a broad question. But Im confident I have a consequential role to play. The place to start is not to be part of the problem I see but the solution. Whatever I do, no matter how insignificant it looks (positive or negative), has a larger role to play in the scheme of things.

Whats the single biggest threat facing Nigeria and how can we deal with it? The system is broken to the core. People have mounted several levels of corrupt values in the bid to survive. I would propose focusing on the family as the smallest unit of socialisation, as if the country was made up of only people from my family. Im just here hoping that one day, evil will destroy itself.

Nengi, a 25-year-old interested in Human Resources, social issues and psychology, said:

The challenges we face as a nation are not bound by time. Nigeria has a vast number of ethnic groups sharing various boundaries. This creates a challenge in uniting these ethnic groups and developing a sense of belief in national unity.

The current government structure does not allow for equal participation and allocation of resources. In essence, power is highly centralised and it creates a general sense of disbelief and disenfranchisement. The challenges that Nigeria would face in the next 50 years are highly dependent on how we handle these foundational issues.

Without proper dialogue, restructuring, and good representation, Nigeria will face the same issues of insecurity, poverty, and a declining economy. Historically, the Nigerian government does not seem to learn from the past, putting us in a very difficult position of recurring issues. On this note, there will be some progress, but still very similar problems.

Where Nigeria would be 50-60 years from now? Our current reality indicates that there are several projected pathways, some of which spell doom. However, as the eternal optimist I am, I believe that changes to our governance structure will ensure that Nigeria remains a unified entity. I project that within 50 years, Nigeria will regain its status as Africas powerhouse.

Do I think I have a consequential role to play in solving the problems? Yes, I do. I believe in ripple effects and that collective efforts begin with individual actions in various fields, irrespective of background (ethnic, religious etc.).

We all have a social responsibility in standing up against bad governance and having the right discussions with people, educating those less exposed and enlightening them on social issues.

The single biggest threat facing Nigeria is corruption and this is because the system gives room for gross mismanagement. A lot of state-owned resources are not being controlled and managed by the right stakeholders.

Corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria as popularly believed. The system gives room for financial crimes because of lack of proper checks and balances. The greatest weapon against corruption is proper restructuring of the governmental system, decentralising power and giving more room for inclusion.

Aisha Ibrahim Ata, 29:

Its very hard for me to predict the next 50-60 years. Technology might drive growth in certain aspects of the nation. However, this growth may not be significant if the very fundamental challenges of the country remain unsolved.

But I believe I have a role to play. By carrying out my responsibilities honestly and to the best of my capacity. I believe in the power of the individual. If every Nigerian is able to carry out their duties (be it carpentry, banking, teaching, governance etc.) in the best way possible, it will collectively result in significant changes in the country.

Insecurity is the biggest problem. The most effective solution to this challenge will be strong government intervention. But on the individual level, the best we can do is be watchful in our neighbourhood and communities.

Adekunle Adewumi, 30, Lawyer and Bridge Policy fellow:

Where Nigeria would be 50-60 years from now? Our current reality indicates that there are several projected pathways, some of which spell doom. However, as the eternal optimist I am, I believe that changes to our governance structure will ensure that Nigeria remains a unified entity. I project that within 50 years, Nigeria will regain its status as Africas powerhouse.

Im hopeful I will have a role to play in shaping how Nigeria develops. The inability to address injustice done both in the past and present, in my opinion, is the greatest threat to Nigerias continued existence.

Nigeria will benefit from some truth and reconciliation process.

My guess is that in 50-60 years, if Nigeria is saved, it would not be difficult to see from these reflections, who was the true salvation army.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Saidu Ibrahim, has cried out to the federal and state governments to rescue Sokoto East Senatorial District from the stranglehold of armed bandits.

This is even as the lawmaker said he was ready to lead soldiers to their forest hideouts whenever they want to go and confront the bandits.

Mr Ibrahim , who represents Sabon Birni South in the Assembly, said bandits are now the overlords in his constituency.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES in a phone interview, Mr Ibrahim said he can no longer go to his constituency because bandits have overtaken it.

The reason I said bandits are in charge of my constituency is that they have occupied the whole place. No district head or village head, not to talk of a ward head that can say anything against the bandits. This is the true picture of the situation.

Even when there are issues to be settled, no formal setting can intervene because everyone is afraid of the bandits. Most of villages under Isa and Sabon Birni, I swear to you, are under the bandits control, he said.

The lawmaker said he had seen hundreds of soldiers in vehicles but they are not patrolling the troubled areas.

I have seen them (soldiers) in high number but they are not patrolling where they should. They are based in Sabon Birni, Gundumi and Isa towns. They should go to the villages in Eastern Bafarawa and Burkusuuma, they should go to those places if they are really looking for the bandits.

Mr Ibrahim said he, the lawmaker representing Sabon Birni North, Aminu Boza; and a former local government chairman, Idris Danchadi, would lead the soldiers to where the bandits are.

Whenever they are ready to go to the places were the bandits are, Wallahi we will lead them . Even if they are going on motorcycles, vehicles or jets, we will follow them and help because those being killed and kidnapped are our people, he said.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Governor Mala Buni , has received 11 Anambra lawmakers who defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC.

APC Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, announced this in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.

According to him, the lawmakers comprise five serving and four former House of Representatives members, and two Anambra House of Assembly members.

They are Douglas Egbuna, Ebuchi Offor, Vincent Oguwelu, Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, Emeka Anoku, Chris Emeka and Ifeanyi Monah.

Others are Ohwudili Ezenwa, Chinwe Nwaebili,.Chuma Nzeribe and Emeka Azubogu.

Mr Mohammed said Mr Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe, congratulated the new members, saying, they made the right decision by joining the APC and bringing their people to the national movement.

You have taken the right decision at the right time, you will enjoy all the rights and privileges of the party, the statement quoted Mr Buni as saying.

The defectors eulogised Mr Buni for giving APC the required leadership and taking the party to greater heights.

They promised to deliver their constituencies to the party in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election slated for 6 November.

He said that the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Governors of Imo, Kogi, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi States assisted Mr Buni to receive the lawmakers into APC at Imo Governors Lodge, Abuja.

(NAN)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Sector Command in Anambra, says the high number of accidents recorded during the Ember months is caused by drivers impatience and human errors.

September to December every year are regarded as the ember months.

Adeoye Irelewuyi, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, made this assertion on Thursday at the flagoff of the 2021 Ember months campaign in Onitsha.

Theme of the campaign is: Maintain Safe Speed, Avoid Night Travels and Enjoy Quality Road Experience.

Mr Irelewuyi said that Ember months were characterised by a lot of festivities, resulting in increased human and vehicular movements.

He said the months were like other months of the year, adding that the crashes occurred due to impatience of drivers and the quest to make fast money for the Yuletide period.

This year in Anambra, the Ember months coincides with the election period, thereby further increasing the vehicular and human movements within the state.

I wish to disabuse our minds of the belief that evil spirits are responsible for the increased crashes recorded during this period.

The crashes are mostly as a result human errors while using the roads.

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This is usually because as the year runs to its end, people tend to strive harder to meet up with their set targets and expectations geared toward the Christmas and New Year celebration.

And this can result in loss of focus on safety consciousness, thereby engaging in overloading, night driving, speeding, dangerous driving among others, Mr Irelewuyi said.

He said the corps had embarked on aggressive sensitisation among motorists in the state and would not spare anyone who violates road traffic regulations, especially during the period.

Also, Andrew Kumapayi, the Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, urged drivers to install speed limiting device to reduce road crashes and fatalities.

The campaign is an operational strategy of the corps for better traffic management and control, as well as to prevent road accidents and fatalities.

Data has shown that speeding is the major cause of traffic crashes in the state. Speed impedes drivers ability to control the vehicle.

Using speed limiting device is very necessary and drivers should exercise care during the Ember months, Mr Kumapayi said.

In his remarks, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, represented by Afam Mbanefo, the state Commissioner for Transportation, promised to give all the necessary support to the corps to ensure a safe motoring environment.

(NAN)
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HLNY is excited our keynote address will be delivered by the renowned Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel , MD, instrumental in developing the Affordable Care Act and advised several Presidents. Dr. Emanuel will share insights on the topic of "Biden Administration's Impact on Healthcare Delivery" as well as moderate a panel joined by Michael Dowling , President and CEO, Northwell Health and Karen Ignagni , President and CEO, EmblemHealth to further discuss downstream policy impact to their organizations. Dr. Emanuel is the current Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and Special Advisor to the Director General of the WHO.

There has been no greater moment to recognize the awakening and adoption of digital health and innovative solutions changing the face of healthcare delivery forever. The day starts with an expert panel of leading entrepreneurial thought leaders in a discussion on "Technology Innovation Changing the Face of Care Delivery". Esteemed panelists include Dr. Graham Gardner , CEO Kyruus, Rob Kraal , VP and GM, Connected Health Group at Zimmer Biomet, Kevin Kumler , President at Virta Health, Dr. Jean-Luc ('JL') Neptune, Cofounder and CEO of Suntra Modern Recovery and Dr. Neel Shah , CMO, Maven Clinic who will join each other on stage for a one of a kind discussion moderated by Leonard Achan , President, Innovation Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery and Board Member at Large of HLNY. This panel will discuss how their companies and experience working with healthcare executives and organizations have and continue to leverage technology to disrupt, change and provide value for patients, providers and consumers.

This past year like no other has thrusted the entire healthcare ecosystem to the forefront of emergency response with a new focus on crisis management and recovery efforts in light of the many local and national emergencies, whether natural, pandemic, human-caused, or technological, that our communities have faced. The HLNY panel, "Preparing for the Unknown  Ensuring Your Community's Emergency Preparedness'' presents critical issues that local healthcare leaders need to be actively engaged in for developing comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, training, and exercises to ensure business continuity to serve the vital needs of the community. Moderated by Dr. Lewis Marshall Jr ., CMO, NYC H&H/Lincoln and ACHE Regent at Large, he will be joined by Dr. Greg Ciottone , President World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine Harvard Medical School, Dr. Lorraine Giordano , Past President, American Academy of Disaster Medicine and Former Medical Director, Fire Department of NY, Dr. Laura Iavicoli , Sr. AVP of Emergency Management, NYC H&H, and Lawrence M. Zacarese , VP Enterprise Risk Management and CSO, Stony Brook University.

Participant Testimonials

"My favorite event is Mini-Congress," said Raishme Singh, past student associate. "I had the opportunity to attend the larger ACHE Congress in Chicago in 2019 and when I saw HLNY host a local version I was so excited; and it exceeded my expectations. I loved that there were different topics of discussion throughout the day, it featured a group of diverse and inclusive panelists, and we still had time to network with each other throughout the event. I can't wait for this year's Mini-Congress!"

"HLNY's Mini-Congress is an annual event I cherish for professional growth and connection. I missed spending that day with HLNY colleagues last year and realize we can't take these opportunities for granted. The 2021 speaker lineup is exceptional! I can't wait to join leaders from across New York's healthcare spectrum to spend October 7 learning from and inspiring one another." Andy Wuertele, CEO, East River Medical Imaging and President-Elect, HLNY.

To register for this event, please visit here

To review HLNY's COVID-19 policy, please visit here

About HLNY

HLNY is the local, New York Metropolitan, chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives. We support high ethical standards and conduct and promote the mission of ACHE. Through HLNY, ACHE members have access to local professional development and networking events, mentoring, and career services which include a jobs data bank and resume support.

Our mission is to advance healthcare leadership and management excellence through professional enrichment and continuing education of our members. For more information, visit www.HLNY.org

SOURCE Healthcare Leaders of New York

Related Links

https://hlny.org/


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 818 Tequila , the award-winning, sustainable tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner, announced today its partnership with S.A.C.R.E.D. -- a nonprofit that supports Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made. The rapidly-growing spirits maker has also moved their production to Grupo Solave's state-of-the-art distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. 818's new distillery partner is notable for combining traditional tequila-making methods with environmental-impact innovation. This move allows 818 to continue to scale without sacrificing attention to tradition and sustainability as they roll out across the U.S.

818 Tequila 818 Tequila at Grupo Solave's distillery

Founded by Lou Bank, S.A.C.R.E.D. (Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education and Development) hosts educational tastings and fundraises to underwrite programs that help replant agave, build libraries, ensure water security and repair damage done by earthquakes. In conjunction with S.A.C.R.E.D., 818 Tequila created the 818 Bricks Program which uses raw, post-production agave fibers, water waste and adobe soil to create bricks that can be used for building local community infrastructure like tasting rooms and schools. S.A.C.R.E.D. helps with brick production, as well as identifies the infrastructure projects for donation that serve as a value-add to local communities.

"I'm honored to work alongside 818 Tequila, especially on making adobe bricks out of agave waste and using those bricks to support Mexican communities," said Lou Bank, Founder and Executive Director of S.A.C.R.E.D. "It's our mission to support the people who make agave spirits, in hopes of sustaining the multigenerational wisdom and practices they inherited from their progenitors who made tequila, mezcal, and other heritage spirits. Our goal is to support the communities that are integral to agave production by working with them directly and asking them what they need."

"As we continue our mission to find actionable ways to support Amatitan and the broader Mexican community where our tequila is produced, we're honored to work with S.A.C.R.E.D., who has established tremendous relationships with the people producing heritage spirits in the region for generations," said Mike Novy, 818 Tequila president and COO. "At 818 Tequila, we want to create a new standard for sustainability while also giving back to those who are so integral to our tequila-making process. Establishing a long-term partnership with Lou and his team at S.A.C.R.E.D. to expand upon the incredible work they've already done in Mexico really drives our mission."

Furthering its sustainability initiative with S.A.C.R.E.D., 818 has also transitioned to work with Mexican family-owned Grupo Solave at its state-of-the-art distillery based in Amatitan, Jalisco that will allow the brand to better meet the incredible demand for its spirit. Grupo Solave sets an impressive standard for earth-first tequila production, while maintaining a commitment to traditional methods. The production process at the distillery is powered by waste using biomass boilers, which both extends the life cycle of the agave and reduces CO2 emissions.

Crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco, Mexico, 818 Tequila comes in three varieties - Blanco, Reposado and Anejo and is available in select markets across the U.S. For more information and to find a local retailer or restaurant partner, visit www.drink818.com .

About 818 Tequila

Founded by Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila is an award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand committed to uplifting the women and men who make it. Produced using traditional methods in Amatitan, Jalisco, Mexico at a family-owned-and-operated distillery, the brand has won 16 awards across six major industry competitions, including Best Reposado Tequila from the World Tequila Awards; Platinum Award from the SIP Awards; Chairman's Trophy from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Triple Gold from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards; Top 100 Spirits from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Double Gold from the SIP Awards; Gold Medal from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards; and an Innovation Award from the SIP Awards. Sustainably produced from tequilana weber blue agaves, 818 Tequila features three variations  a Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. For more information follow @drink818 on Instagram or visit www.drink818.com .

About S.A.C.R.E.D.

S.A.C.R.E.D. is a U.S.-based, 501c3 not-for-profit that improves quality of life in the rural Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made. Since their founding in 2017, they've gifted more than 35,000 agave seedlings to families in Oaxaca who are struggling to access the plants they need because of the explosion in global interest in mezcal. To learn more about this and their other programs, visit sacred.mx

Press Contact: Daley Michael, Krupa Consulting

7037952246

[email protected]

SOURCE 818 Tequila
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today the creation of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, an innovation hub focused on reducing malnutrition around the world. The center, a collaboration between Abbott and external nutrition experts and partners, will focus on the identification, treatment and prevention of malnutrition for the most vulnerable populations in the world, including mothers, infants and young children; aging adults; and people without access to good nutrition.

The work of the center will contribute to Abbott's 2030 Sustainability Plan ambition to transform care for malnutrition, chronic disease and infectious diseases, with a goal to improve the lives of more than 3 billion people by decade's end.

''Malnutrition affects 1 in 3 people around the world, and it's not only a result of extreme poverty," said Daniel Salvadori, executive vice president of Abbott's nutrition business. "It affects people of all ages, all geographies and all socioeconomic classes. Progress to address malnutrition is slow and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbott has long been focused on improving nutrition through our innovations. The creation of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions will enable us to apply our science and expertise in collaboration with others to improve systems and ensure good nutrition is accessible to more people around the world."

A worldwide problem

Malnutrition affects people in all communities around the world and takes many forms.

The problem is extremely complex. Countries are simultaneously fighting the burdens of hunger, stunting, wasting and obesity. Conflict, environmental crises and economic instability play a role. Vulnerable groups continue to be disproportionately affected by these disruptions and lack of resources, impacting access to good nutrition and ultimately, improved outcomes.

"Reducing malnutrition around the world will require genuine partnerships with grassroots organizations and local leaders to gain a true understanding of what's needed on the ground, innovation to bring forward new ideas, and multi-sectoral partners working together to deliver collective impact and sustainable solutions," said Mary Pittman, DrPH, president and CEO, Public Health Institute.

Taking a different approach

The Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions will follow four key principles in its efforts to reduce malnutrition:

Convening the experts

Abbott will cultivate conversations between the foremost experts in the fight against malnutrition. These conversations will look at malnutrition from different aspects, creating engaging discussions to understand the challenges, raise awareness of the problem and call on partners to work together to reduce malnutrition.





Abbott will cultivate conversations between the foremost experts in the fight against malnutrition. These conversations will look at malnutrition from different aspects, creating engaging discussions to understand the challenges, raise awareness of the problem and call on partners to work together to reduce malnutrition. Co-creating solutions

Given the many forms of malnutrition that are contributing to the crisis, solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all. Abbott is building an advisory board made up of experts from each region of the world to help understand the needs and nuances of malnutrition at a local level and connect with like-minded partners. Abbott will work with the private sector, governments, civil society organizations, multilaterals and entrepreneurs to co-design solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals  specifically No. 2: Zero Hunger, No. 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals  serve as a framework to provide goals and priorities for Abbott and its partners to reduce malnutrition and improve health.





Given the many forms of malnutrition that are contributing to the crisis, solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all. Abbott is building an advisory board made up of experts from each region of the world to help understand the needs and nuances of malnutrition at a local level and connect with like-minded partners. Abbott will work with the private sector, governments, civil society organizations, multilaterals and entrepreneurs to co-design solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals  specifically No. 2: Zero Hunger, No. 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals  serve as a framework to provide goals and priorities for Abbott and its partners to reduce malnutrition and improve health. Leveraging science and innovation

Science and innovation are core to addressing malnutrition. Abbott has a long history of success in understanding the science behind nutrition and innovating to make nutrition accessible to people around the world. The company will leverage its learnings from previous work such as Nourimanba in Haiti , Ultra Rice in India , the MUAC z-score tape, and the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative (MQii) as examples to guide its ongoing work.





Science and innovation are core to addressing malnutrition. Abbott has a long history of success in understanding the science behind nutrition and innovating to make nutrition accessible to people around the world. The company will leverage its learnings from previous work such as Nourimanba in , Ultra Rice in , the MUAC z-score tape, and the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative (MQii) as examples to guide its ongoing work. Designing for sustainability

Making a meaningful impact on malnutrition requires solutions that are sustainable and accessible. The ability to reach the people who need it and scale and replicate beyond a single project or donation will be key considerations when designing solutions and choosing partners.

For more information about the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions please see https://www.abbott.com/malnutrition.html.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

i UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/

ii WHO; Malnutrition. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition

iii UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/

iv WHO; Malnutrition. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition

v UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/

SOURCE Abbott

Related Links

http://www.abbott.com


BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AE Industrial Partners, LP ("AEI"), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Space, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets, announced today that it has acquired HealthWay (or the "Company"), a global leader in air purification solutions for both commercial and residential settings. HealthWay will serve as a new platform investment for AEI as the firm looks to invest in the indoor air quality solutions space. The acquisition of HealthWay represents AEI's 14th platform investment in AE Industrial Partners Fund II, LP, which closed in 2018 with $1.36 billion in equity commitments.

HealthWay is an innovator in air purification technology solutions, developing new and improved ways to ensure the purity of indoor air while maximizing energy efficiency. The Company provides a comprehensive offering of modular, scalable, efficient, portable and in-line air cleaning solutions for any indoor environment, as well as replacement filters. HealthWay's proprietary solutions feature its patented, state-of-the-art Disinfecting Filtration System (DFS) technology, which has been proven to capture and permanently remove airborne viruses and bacteria. The Company's solutions are used in a wide variety of settings where air quality is critical including schools, hospitals and healthcare settings, medical and manufacturing clean rooms, hotels, cruise ships, office buildings, and military locations. HealthWay brings its air purification technology solutions to market under three brands  HealthWay, Intellipure, and Pure Wellness  with each brand going to market independently and targeting unique customers and verticals. Based in Pulaski, New York, HealthWay is led by its founders Vince Lobdell and Vinny Lobdell, both of whom will remain with the Company.

AEI has also partnered with key industry executives to support HealthWay's growth and will be strengthening its Board of Directors with the addition of Kelly Romano as Chairwoman of the Board, and Ed Cettina as Board Member. Ms. Romano, an AEI Operating Partner, has deep sector experience in the indoor air quality space, including over 30 years in executive roles at United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Mr. Cettina most recently was the Global COO of the Construction Management business of AECOM, and previously worked for 24 years in senior roles at Tishman Construction.

"As we learned first-hand over the last 18 months, guaranteeing the purity of indoor air is critically important to getting back to and maintaining 'everyday' life, and we are proud to invest in HealthWay, an innovator in the air purification industry," said Kelly Romano, Operating Partner at AEI. "The air purification industry is at a long overdue inflection point, and we believe that building a platform featuring HealthWay's differentiated technology with the global scale to reach all channels, sectors and customers will be a game-changer. With his 40 years of industry experience, Vince is a true leader in the space, and we're excited to work with him and his team to capitalize on strong industry tailwinds."

"We're pleased to join the AE Industrial team and gain the needed resources to further invest in growth and innovation," said Vince Lobdell. "Ensuring high levels of air quality is now considered a top priority for all organizations, whether it's a school, office building, hospital or shopping mall. We have an incredible opportunity to leverage AE Industrial's relationships and business acumen to increase market share and become a household name in air purification."

"The time was right to find a partner who could help us reach the next level, and AE Industrial has the industry and operational expertise, and deep relationships needed to build a premier global air purification technology solutions platform," said Vinny Lobdell.

"HealthWay has been ahead of the curve in developing the most cutting-edge technology, which has led to its unmatched reputation for quality solutions and proven results among the world's best known companies," said Charlie Santos-Buch, Partner at AEI. "We're proud to partner with HealthWay and are eager to capitalize on actionable opportunities to grow the Company."

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor and Ernst & Young served as financial advisor to AEI. Elias Group LLP served as the legal advisor and Lincoln International served as financial advisor to HealthWay. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About HealthWay

Founded in 2004, HealthWay is a leader in innovative air purification technology solutions. The company's industry-leading, patented Disinfecting Filtration System (DFS) technology is used in schools, cleanroom applications, hospital surgical suites, commercial office buildings, hotels, and many mission-critical environments around the globe. For more information, please visit www.healthway.com.

About AE Industrial Partners

AE Industrial Partners is a private equity firm specializing in aerospace, defense & government services, space, power generation, and specialty industrial markets. AE Industrial Partners invests in market-leading companies that can benefit from our deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and relationships throughout our target markets. AE Industrial Partners is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Learn more at www.aeroequity.com.

CONTACT:

Lambert & Co.

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

[email protected]

or

Caroline Luz

203-656-2829

[email protected]

SOURCE AE Industrial Partners

Related Links

https://www.aeroequity.com


BELLEVUE, Wash., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Affirma was named the 5th best place to work in Washington in 2021 by Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ). The annual PSBJ's Best Places to Work in WA award is based on an employee survey that seeks to understand how satisfied employees are at their job including office perks, employee relationships, leadership approval, and more.

Growth & Expansion

This award comes at a time of great business growth and expansion for Affirma. Not only have they grown significantly during COVID, adding 321 new employees in 2021 alone, they also opened their second Arkansas office last month. "We've expanded our geographical footprint to other areas outside the pacific northwest, and it's been especially exciting to watch our office in Arkansas continue to grow", said Riley Toher, Affirma's HR Manager. "We have a strong employee base there, and it's been such a joy to watch not only the employees there grow their careers, especially those that have started as software engineer interns, but also see the impact they have on our clients and our organization as a whole. We're excited to continue growing our presence in Arkansas and looking forward to seeing all of the amazing things our employees will accomplish in the next year".

Flexible Work Solutions for Employees

In the PSBJ survey responses, Affirma employees were clear: the best word to describe Affirma's work environment over the last year was 'flexible'. Affirma has always sought to find ways to ensure their employees were happy, healthy, and taken care of when in office, and Affirma has done a remarkable job continuing this trend even as they transitioned to a remote work environment. Affirma took the time to listen to their employees and their leadership team offered empathy and understanding as they all navigated this new way of working together. "Affirma as an organization takes time to listen to its employees, which has also become increasingly important as we're no longer in the same physical workspace. We take the responses from the bi-annual employee satisfaction survey and use them to make company-wide changes. Leadership doesn't assume they know best, and they rely heavily on the feedback provided by our employees".

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards

Another critical initiative that shaped Affirma over the last year and added to their employee's overall satisfaction was their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. "While we're still very much on the journey to becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, but the introduction of the DEI Steering Committee has provided the opportunity and safe space for employees to have conversations and share resources", said Riley Toher. Their DEI initiatives include quarterly coffee breaks with dedicated topics such as families and work-life balance, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage, International food, and more. Their coffee breaks give employees a space to learn more about different groups, share and reflect on their own experiences, and make those who have historically been underrepresented in the workplace feel heard.

This award is nothing new for Affirma. Since 2012, Affirma has consistently won workplace awards between Seattle Business Magazine and the similarly awarded Puget Sound Business Journal's "Washington's Best Workplaces."

Are you interested in joining the best place to work? Check out our open positions!

About Affirma

Affirma is an award-winning full-service technology consultancy based out of Bellevue, WA with over 700 employees worldwide. Affirma offers expertise in Business Intelligence Consulting, SharePoint Consulting, Infrastructure Consulting, Cloud Consulting, Azure Consulting, Custom Software Development, Visual Design Consulting, and Staffing Services. Affirma also has Marketing Automation Experts and eCommerce Experts that can help clients increase their leads and revenue. Affirma is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a Salesforce Partner. We focus on delivering true, measurable business value to our clients. We have a passion for customer satisfaction and are dedicated to delivering dependable solutions that exceed client expectations. Affirma was recently recognized as an Inc. 5000 company.

CONTACT: Meghan Tooley, [email protected]

SOURCE Affirma
RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rating agency A.M. Best has affirmed Curi Insurance's "A" (Excellent) rating for an eighteenth consecutive year, along with a long-term issuer credit rating of "a+" (Excellent). Curi Insurance, a business unit of Curi, provides medical professional liability insurance and alternative risk solutions for physicians and their practices. The A.M. Best outlook for these credit ratings is stable.

According to the independent rating agency, the "A" rating is assigned only to select companies that have an excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance policy and financial obligations. The ratings reflect Curi's strong balance sheet and consistent operating performance, which has outperformed the industry and the medical professional liability composite. In addition, Curi has realized favorable underwriting and investment performance.

"We're proud to celebrate eighteen years of 'A' ratings from A.M. Bestan important reflection of our strong financial foundation and consistent performance," said Curi Insurance's Chief Operating Officer, Brad Diericx. "As a mutual company, these ratings represent the disciplined approach to our business that allows us to continue meeting the evolving needs of our member-owners, even in these challenging and unpredictable times."

"At a time when the overall industry outlook is challenged, we're honored to once again be recognized by A.M. Best for our strength, discipline, and innovation," said Curi's Chief Executive Officer, Jason Sandner. "It's a testament to the diligent work of our team and reinforces our vision for the future, as we continue to identify new opportunities to grow our business and strengthen our commitment to the members we serve."

For more information on A.M. Best's 2021 rating of Curi, click here. For more information on Curi's recent financial performance, see the company's 2020 Annual Report at https://curi.com/annual-report/2020/.

About Curi

Curi (curi.com) is an advisory firm for physicians and medical practices. From insurance to asset and wealth management and practice advisory services, the companybuilt by doctors for doctorshas been passionately curious about identifying new ways to help physicians in medicine, business, and life since it was founded as Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina in 1975.

About A.M. Best

A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

SOURCE Curi

Related Links

http://curi.com


Dr. Sierzenski, who was vice president and chief medical officer of Acute Services Division and Population Health Services at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada, will be responsible for engaging clinical leaders to ensure delivery of high quality, reliable, value-driven care focused on population health in the acute care setting.

"We're pleased to bring Dr. Sierzenski to BayCare," said Dr. Nishant Anand, executive vice president and chief medical officer for BayCare. "His strong track record in acute care leadership, clinical success and expertise in population health will continue to move forward our mission of clinical excellence across BayCare."

During his tenure at Renown Health, Dr. Sierzenski led clinical and business operations for the Acute Care Division, including adult, pediatrics, post-acute and rehabilitation services. He was responsible for clinical operations, medical staff, quality, safety, digital health and financial performance. During this time, he also led the development and launch of the Renown Transfer and Operations Center, and helped advance the affiliation of Renown Health with University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine.

"It is truly an honor to join the BayCare family," said Dr. Sierzenski. "I have admired BayCare's focus on clinical excellence, quality care access and innovation for more than a decade. I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated and talented physicians, nurses, leaders and care teams to further advance value and evidence-based care for the communities we serve."

Dr. Sierzenski received a medical degree from Temple University College of Medicine and completed the post-graduate training and certification in emergency medicine and emergency ultrasound. He completed a bachelor's degree from Temple University, and a master's degree in Health Quality and Safety from Jefferson College of Population Health.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit www.BayCare.org.

To view this announcement, you can also visit BayCareNewsroom.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System

Related Links

http://www.baycare.org


The annual business revenue of the biomedical industry in Binhai is expected to reach 100 billion yuan ($15.44 billion) by 2025 with the companies as the major driving force.

Located on the eastern coast of Tianjin, Binhai is an important area for the development of both the Bohai Economic Rim and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. As an eastern starting point of the Eurasian Continental Bridge, Binhai has a land area of 2,270 square km, with 153 km of coastline.

The new area is a national pilot area for experimental reform measures and the first free trade zone in North China. It has won national honors for its high level of public etiquette and cleanliness.

The new area is developing into a new frontier for biomedical research. It has gathered leading players in the field, such as Novo Nordisk, the world's largest producer of insulin, and Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, introducing global high-end talents to boost research.

CanSinoBIO, one case in point, has, since its establishment in the new area in 2009, experienced tremendous growth.

In March 2019, CanSinoBIO was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited (HKEX), and was, a year later, listed on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The company has in-licensed a number of new technologies and intellectual properties through collaborations with international research organizations and biotechnology companies.

CanSinoBIO has collaborated with world-class academic centers and start-up companies that develop innovative technologies, in order to help prepare the portfolio of the next few decades and ensure the sustainable growth of the company.

It is focusing on continually expanding its manufacturing capacity, and is further enhancing the competitiveness and the scope of its portfolio by promoting the R&D.

Asymchem, one of China's top 10 CDMO companies, has made impressive strides since its founding in 1999 in the new area, providing R&D and one-stop production services to the world's top pharmaceutical companies.

At present, the company, with a total market value of over 100 billion yuan, total assets of 7.1 billion yuan, and around 6,200 employees, has over 10 subsidiaries across the globe for the purposes of research, production and sale. Four of these subsidies are located in the new area's Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA).

Asymchem is committed to supporting emerging biotech companies, smaller and specialty pharma.

It provides solutions ranging from early clinical stages to the commercial stage, including the R&D and cGMP production of advanced intermediates, APIs, formulations, as well as clinical research services.

Asymchem's R&D chemical development team consists of more than 2,000 highly-qualified scientists with experience in the most challenging syntheses.

Established with a registered capital of 600 million yuan, in June 2006, WuXi AppTec (Tianjin) is a complete wholly-owned subsidiary of Wuxi AppTec ("A+H" dual listing company), and is a global provider of research and development, as well as manufacturing services, for healthcare companies.

Being innovation-driven and customer-focused, WuXi AppTec helps partners improve the productivity of advancing healthcare products through cost-effective, efficient, socially responsible and sustainable solutions.

With industry-leading capabilities, such as R&D and the manufacturing of small molecule drugs, cell and gene therapies, and the testing of medical devices, WuXi AppTec's open-access platform is enabling more than 5,200 collaborators from over 30 countries to improve the health of those in need.

Its Tianjin company employs more than 3,000 staff and 2,800 scientific researchers, over half of whom hold master's and doctoral degrees. The main business revenue in 2019 was 1 billion yuan.

In 2020, Binhai 's biomedical industry output value stood at 40.25 billion yuan, accounting for 64.2 percent of the city's total biomedical output.

Smart technology applications have gradually been applied to help facilitate the upgrading and modernization of production and manufacturing. The new area has also seen an increase in international cooperation and roles.

By 2025, Binhai will have been shaped into a highly innovative and internationally competitive drug development and manufacturing piloting zone, characterized by its comprehensive subdivisions and variety of complete medical products.

Well-designed industry clusters, which are worth tens of billions of yuan and dedicated to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics and modern Chinese medicine, will take shape in the new area.

In addition, Binhai is now attracting more international talents to further boost its biomedical industry.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BizVibe has added key challenges and trends for fruit and tree nut farming industry profiles on their platform. All 900+ company profiles will now contain 50+ company data points, including a list of potential challenges which are expected to impact market participants over the next few years.

Snapshot of key challenge impacting BizVibe's fruit and tree nut farming industry group.

One challenge which is being highlighted is the potential for a food crisis. A food crisis occurs when rates of hunger and malnutrition rise sharply at local, national, or global levels. It is usually set off by a shock to either supply or demand for food and often involves a sudden spike in food prices, making it challenging for food producers to keep up with demand. By identifying such challenges, BizVibe is helping users analyze which suppliers are right for their business, while allowing them to efficiently monitor the risk of doing business.

Get Free Access to all Industry Challenges

Key Insights Provided for Fruit and Tree Nut Farmers

In addition to analysis on how key challenges are expected to impact businesses, BizVibe company profiles contain numerous high-quality insights to help users discover, track, compare, and evaluate suppliers or sales prospects. These insights include:

Relevance and influence of industry trends and challenges, segmented by region

Press releases and news coverage referencing key trends and challenges

Risk of doing business score, segmented by operational, financial, compliance, and country risk

Top company competitors at the global, regional, and national levels

Names of top company decision makers, including job titles and social profiles

Company financials such as annual revenue, profitability ratios, and management effectiveness

View 50+ Company Data Points for Free

Fruit and Tree Nut Product and Service Categories

BizVibe's platform provides access to over 10 million buyer and supplier company profiles. Businesses from more than 200 countries are categorized into 40,000+ product and service categories, each providing detailed insights tailored to the needs of procurement and sales teams globally. The fruit and tree nut farming industry group features 900+ company profiles categorized into 10+ product and service categories, enabling clients to identify and connect with potential new business partners across diverse market segments.

Product and service categories for the fruit and tree nut farming industry include:

Grape farming

Apple farming

Apricot farming

Citrus farming

Cashew farming

Get Free Company Profile Access for all Categories

BizVibe for Buyers and Sellers

BizVibe is a modern B2B platform dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers from around the world. Powered by the latest best-in-class solutions, BizVibe is designed to help companies generate leads, shortlist suppliers, request proposals, and identify global companies. Evaluate companies side-by-side to compare key metrics and initiate productive partnerships.

Buyers use BizVibe to discover suppliers from among more than 5 million companies using advanced search filters and comparison tools. Features for buyers include:

Shortlist potential suppliers

Track and compare companies

Set up custom news alerts

Quickly create and customize RFIs

Explore BizVibe's buyer services: https://www.bizvibe.com/buyers

Sellers can take advantage of BizVibe's smart sales intelligence tools to discover, evaluate, and communicate with prospects across 300+ categories. Features for sellers include:

Identify and qualify sales prospects

Receive customized prospect recommendations

Analyze and evaluate potential buyers

Integrate CRMs for efficient data transfer

Discover BizVibe's seller tools: https://www.bizvibe.com/sellers

About BizVibe

BizVibe has been conceptualized and built by a team based out of Toronto, Bangalore, and London. We are a branch of Infiniti Research and have dedicated units in all three locations. BizVibe helps buyers find the most relevant suppliers from around the world and helps sellers target prospects who need their products and/or services. For more information, please visit www.bizvibe.com and start for free today.

Contact

BizVibe

Jesse Maida

Email: [email protected]

+1 855-897-5880

Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/

SOURCE BizVibe
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES and LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For anyone who has been touched by cancer, it is no laughing matter, or is it? To tickle funny bones in the chemo room, radiation, surgery, and even hospice, The ComedyCures Foundation and Founder Saranne Rothberg, a stage IV cancer survivor, are launching a free humorous month-long "Can We Laugh At Cancer Comedy Challenge?" on October 1st.

Join The Fun! "Can We Laugh At Cancer?" A 31-Day 'Tumor Humor' Challenge created by stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg & The ComedyCures Foundation Chemo Humor from "Can We Laugh At Cancer?" A 31-Day 'Tumor Humor' Challenge Radiation Humor from "Can We Laugh At Cancer?" A 31-Day 'Tumor Humor' Challenge Using humor to cope with hair loss and a family cancer history from "Can We Laugh At Cancer?" A 31-Day 'Tumor Humor' Challenge

"We created this feel-good October comedy experience for patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, and oncology teams in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month because research shows that finding the funny in one's cancer journey and developing a comic perspective are powerful stress management coping strategies." explains Rothberg who founded The ComedyCures Foundation from her chemo chair in 1999 and is still cancer-free.

ComedyCures suggests that in addition to laughing at their daily posts that you may want to:

Start a ComedyCures Humor Journal and document things that make you laugh and bring you joy - including favorite comics, funny friends, humorous shows

Write down your reaction to each daily 'Tumor Humor' post

Try to make each post funnier or more specific to you

Start recording the funny things that you hear and experience on your medical journey (as a patient or caregiver or staff) no matter how awkward or painful

Find a Humor Buddy and make a Daily Appointment to Laugh where you share humor (e.g., our ComedyCures posts, a cartoon, meme, gif, stand-up video, funny show, personal story)

Visit @ComedyCures on social media and share your humor with us

Call the free 24-hour ComedyCures LaughLine 1-888-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha to hear professional comedy, an amateur joke or tell us a joke

To help kick-off this October 'Funnyraiser' an anonymous donor will contribute $10 to the non-profit ComedyCures Foundation every time someone shares and likes one of Rothberg's daily 'Tumor Humor' postings on ComedyCures social media, up to $20,000. So not only will the laughter challenge raise spirits daily, it will raise necessary funding to support more free live and digital ComedyCures programming for patients and caregivers. (The Foundation hopes that many others will be inspired to match, donate and/or invite friends to share posts since the not-for-profit will not be able to gather for its live annual fall comedy fundraiser because of the pandemic.)

The comedy used in this challenge was authentically drawn from Rothberg's 3 cancer surgeries, 44 radiation treatments and years of chemotherapy plus from many oddball medical experiences of others that made her laugh over two decades of survivorship. She often shares these stories during live ComedyCures performances, keynotes, and workshops. Rothberg took her personal collection of "Tumor Humor" to White Label Comedy, a witty group of British comedy and copy writers, whom she followed on social media to see if her cancer-based comedy could have an impact on patients and caregivers around the globe on social media.

The agency's Creative Director Adam Hunt recounts, "Saranne came to us with her funny, yet at times simultaneously painful, cancer experiences and innovative 'Tumor Humor' Challenge and we couldn't resist collaborating and helping The ComedyCures Foundation lift spirits, and to hopefully attract donors and sponsors to support their free, award-winning therapeutic comedy programs for the ill and underserved."

Rothberg loved the collaboration and added, "Our posts range from hilarious to silly to poignant. We are all overjoyed to bring more laughter into the world during this stressful pandemic, especially to people on a cancer journey. My sense of humor helped me stay resilient and positive during my stage IV cancer battle. Of course some people may not be ready to laugh during the 31-day challenge and that's okay. Our 'Tumor Humor' will be available online when they are ready to tickle their funny bone."

If you would like to experience "The ComedyCures 31-Day Cancer and Comedy Challenge" for free on social media, join @sarannelive and @comedycures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn. If you would like to support the free programs of The ComedyCures Foundation or learn more, www.ComedyCures.org and www.Saranne.com.

SOURCE The ComedyCures Foundation

Related Links

https://www.comedycures.org


TEL AVIV, Israel and BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: CNBX), a global leader in the development of cancer related cannabinoid-based medicine and a pioneer in the development of psychedelic inspired medicine, announced today that it has updated its corporate image with a new logo and a new website. In addition, the company announced that a new corporate presentation is now available on its new website.

These updates more fully reflect the company's strategic shift from a pre-clinical stage company towards now becoming a clinical stage development corporation focused primarily on FDA regulatory compliance.

The updated site, www.cannabics.com, provides current details on each of the company's drug candidates and their corresponding clinical path. As always, the site offers current news and investor information, including press releases, SEC filings and the newly updated company presentation featuring the latest on Cannabics development.

About Cannabics Pharmaceuticals:

Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: CNBX) is a U.S. public company and a global leader in the development of cancer related cannabinoid-based medicine. The Company's R&D is based in Israel, where it is licensed by the Ministry of Health to conduct scientific and clinical research on cannabinoid formulations and cancer. For more information, please visit www.cannabics.com. For the latest updates on Cannabics Pharmaceuticals follow the Company on Twitter @Cannabics, Facebook @CannabicsPharmaceuticals, LinkedIn, and on Instagram @Cannabics_Pharmaceuticals.

Read more:

Recent expansion of Cannabics Pharmaceuticals' Board of Advisors to include: Prof. Caroline Robert (MD, Ph.D.), a Melanoma expert, and, Dr. Sigal Tavor (MD), a Hematology expert, along with Prof. Amos Toren (MD), Prof. Zamir Halpern (MD), Prof. Noam Shomron (Ph.D.), Dr. Erez Scapa (MD), Dr. Dana Ben-Ami Shor (MD), Dr. Sigalit Arieli-Portnoy (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tal Mofkadi (Ph.D.).

Recent expansion of Cannabics Pharmaceuticals' Board of Directors to include: Dr. Inbar Maymon-Pomeranchik (Ph.D.), and Dr. Gil Feiler (Ph.D.) as Independent Directors.

Disclaimer:

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other U.S. Federal securities laws. Such statements include but are not limited to statements identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," "projects" and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those outlined in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials and other studies, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, the effect of any competitive products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and regulation, potential litigation by or against us, any governmental review of our products or practices, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our latest 10-Q Report filed July 14th, 2021. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or other public disclosures at any time. Finally, the investing public is reminded that the only announcements or information about Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc., which are condoned by the Company, must emanate from the Company itself and bear our name as its source.

For more information about Cannabics:

Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Phone: +1-(877)-424-2429

[email protected]

http://www.Cannabics.com

Related Links

https://www.cannabics.com

SOURCE Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Related Links

https://cannabics.com/


WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) announced that it has imposed an interim suspension of the CFP certification against Nicholas Spagnoletti of Madison, New Jersey, which was effective as of September 27, 2021.

On August 18, 2021, CFP Board Counsel filed a Motion for Interim Suspension Order pursuant to Article 2.1.a.1. of CFP Board's Procedural Rules requesting that a Hearing Panel of CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issue an Interim Suspension Order against Mr. Spagnoletti. He is named as a defendant in a criminal matter in Morris County, New Jersey charging him with two felonies under N.J.S.A.2C:24-4(b)(5)(a)(i) and N.J.S.A.2C:24-4(b)(5)(a)(iii), neither of which arise out of the provision of financial services. Mr. Spagnoletti did not file a response to the Motion. After reviewing the matter, a Hearing Panel of the Commission determined that CFP Board demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Spagnoletti's alleged conduct poses a significant threat to the public and that his alleged conduct significantly impinges upon the reputation of the profession or the CFP marks. Therefore, the Commission issued an interim suspension order to Mr. Spagnoletti.

An interim suspension is a suspension of a CFP professional's Certification and Trademark License during the pendency of proceedings. A Respondent subject to an Interim Suspension Order must not use the CFP certification marks or state or suggest that Respondent is a CFP professional while the Interim Suspension Order is in effect. An Interim Suspension Order is a temporary sanction and does not preclude CFP Board from imposing a final sanction. An Interim Suspension Order will remain in place until the Commission or, if an appeal is filed, the Code and Standards Enforcement Committee, issues a final order. CFP Board may vacate an Interim Suspension Order if a Criminal Conviction is vacated or reversed or if Respondent provides sufficient evidence indicating that Respondent was not the subject of a Criminal Conviction. A Hearing Panel of the Commission may issue an Order to vacate an Interim Suspension Order upon a successful Petition to Vacate an Interim Suspension Order by Respondent.

The basis for this decision also may be found on CFP Board's website at https://www.cfp.net/verify-a-cfp-professional. At that website, the public may check on any individual's CFP Board disciplinary history and CFP certification status. The website also provides links to other sources of information about CFP professionals that may be more recent or that may contain information that has not led to CFP Board discipline and does not appear on CFP Board's website. That information may include customer disputes, disciplinary actions taken by a regulator or employer, certain criminal matters, and certain financial matters (such as bankruptcy proceedings and unpaid judgments or liens). For those who are subject to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight, the website includes links to FINRA's BrokerCheck and the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure databases.

CFP Board's Enforcement Process

As part of their certification, CFP professionals make a commitment to CFP Board to uphold CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (Code and Standards), or its predecessor, the Standards of Professional Conduct (Standards), which included the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards. CFP Board's Procedural Rules outline a peer-review, enforcement process for investigating matters and imposing sanctions where violations have been found.

CFP Board has a defined process for handling allegations of misconduct in violation of the Code and Standards or its predecessor Standards. It enforces its ethical standards by investigating alleged violations and, where there is probable cause to believe there are grounds for sanction, presents a Complaint containing the alleged violations to CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission). The Commission meets at least six times a year to review any matter in which CFP Board has alleged that a CFP professional has violated the Code and Standards, or its predecessor Standards. The Commission functions in accordance with the Procedural Rules and reviews all matters on a case-by-case basis, considering the details specific to an individual case.

If the Commission determines there are grounds for sanction, then it may impose a private or public sanction, depending on the seriousness of the matter. More information on CFP Board's enforcement process can be found at CFP.net/ethics/enforcement.

ABOUT CFP BOARD

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board sets standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CFP certification  one of the most respected certifications in financial services  so that the public has access to and benefits from competent and ethical financial planning. CFP Board, along with its Center for Financial Planning, is committed to increasing the public's awareness of CFP certification and access to a diverse, ethical and competent financial planning workforce. Widely recognized by firms and consumer groups as the standard for financial planning, CFP certification is held by more than 90,000 people in the United States.

SOURCE Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cfp.net


BOSTON and LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- L.E.K. Consulting, the global management consulting firm, has elected Clay Heskett as the next Global Managing Partner, the top leadership position in the partnership. Heskett will succeed Stuart Jackson, who served three terms in the role, beginning in 2013.

Heskett joined L.E.K. in 2005 from Boston Consulting Group and has served as Head of L.E.K.'s European Life Sciences practice and Head of its Europe region, based in London. L.E.K. focuses on providing strategic advice, based on the firm's deep expertise in a range of sectors, to business leaders at key moments when they must make complex, critically important decisions. The firm has experienced significant growth in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific in recent years.

"The pandemic underlined the importance of the strategic advice that L.E.K. delivers to savvy business leaders. With change, disruption and uncertainty at a heightened pace, we are in greater demand than ever, around the globe, by leaders who need to make the right calls about seizing value, pursuing transactions and creating opportunities that others haven't recognized or acted upon," said Jackson.

"With that backdrop, I am delighted to congratulate Clay Heskett on being elected to lead and help guide L.E.K.'s growth to $1 billion in revenue and beyond, as more businesses seek our insights. While Clay's expertise in the life sciences business  from cell and gene therapy to digital therapeutics and game-changing M&A transactions  is clear from his prodigious experience with our clients, I also know that he is keenly attuned to where and how leaders, in a spectrum of industries, have come to rely on us as complexity continues to define the business environment and decision making," Jackson added.

Said Heskett, "I am beyond honored to have been elected to the Global Managing Partner role. I will step into it with enthusiasm and confidence  because I know that what makes L.E.K. uniquely able to serve clients is our people, whose intelligence, commitment to doing the best work and collaborative nature make them the best in our industry."

"In addition, I am excited about the growth and challenges ahead for L.E.K. Armed with our superb and always-evolving strategy and analytic capabilities, and with our commitment to constant improvement in terms of tools and talent, we will be able to serve even more business leaders, in more places, and show them how valuable our guidance can be," Heskett added.

Heskett became a partner at L.E.K. in 2007. Before joining L.E.K., he was a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. He previously worked in technology development for Los Alamos National Laboratory. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia. His outside pursuits include high-peaks mountain climbing and fly fishing.

Stuart Jackson will remain at L.E.K. as a partner.

About L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and rigorous analysis to help business leaders achieve practical results with real impact. We are uncompromising in our approach to helping clients consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns. The firm advises and supports global companies that are leaders in their industries  including the largest private- and public-sector organizations, private equity firms, and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. Founded in 1983, L.E.K. employs more than 1,600 professionals across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. For more information, go to www.lek.com.

Media contact:

Michael-Jon Romano

Allison+Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE L.E.K. Consulting

Related Links

https://www.lek.com


HONG KONG, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883,NYSE: CEO, TSX: CNU) announced today that the Company made a large-sized discovery of Kenli 10-2 in Bohai.

The Kenli 10-2 oilfield is located in Laizhou Bay Sag in Southern Bohai Bay, with an average water depth of about 15.7 meters. The main oil-bearing formation of Kenli 10-2 oilfield is in the lower member of Neogene Minghuazhen Formation and the oil properties are conventional heavy oil. The discovery well Kenli 10-2-4 was drilled and completed at a depth of 1,520 meters, and encountered oil pay zones with a total thickness of approximately 27 meters. The appraisal well was tested to produce approximately 569 barrels of oil per day.

Mr. Xu Changgui, General Manager of Exploration Department of the Company said, "The successful discovery of the Kenli 10-2 oil field marked the breakthrough in discovery of lithological oilfield with reserve of 100 million tons in the shallow depression zone of the Bohai oilfields, demonstrated the broad prospects for exploration of lithological structures in the Bohai, and has great significance as a guide for exploration in similar basins."

Mr. Wang Dongjin, Chairman of the Company said, "CNOOC Limited will firmly grasp the leading role of oil and gas exploration, take the discovery of large and medium-sized oil and gas fields as the goal, continue to deepen geological understanding and technological innovation, actively promote the increase of oil and gas reserves and production, and contribute to the Company's high-quality development."

-End-

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com .

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expected future events, business prospectus or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the expectations and predictions of the Company depends on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition to differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to the Company and its controlling shareholder being listed in the list of the U.S. for sanction against companies with alleged ties to the Chinese military, those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, macro-political and economic factors, changes in the tax and fiscal regimes of the host countries in which we operate, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, environmental responsibility and compliance requirements, the Company's price forecast, the exploration and development activities, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws. For a description of these and other risks and uncertainties, please see the documents the Company files from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed in April of the latest fiscal year. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Jing Liu

Manager, Media & Public Relations

CNOOC Limited

Tel: +86-10-8452-3404

Fax: +86-10-8452-1441

E-mail: [email protected]

Bunny Lee

Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group

Tel: +852 3150 6707

Fax: +852 3150 6728

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE CNOOC Limited

Related Links

http://www.cnoocltd.com


"In recent decades, Day of the Dead has caught on in the United States as a festive celebration for all ages," said Michael J. Elston, secretary of the USPS Board of Governors, who served as the dedicating official. "These new stamps from the U.S. Postal Service provide a wonderful way to commemorate this colorful and life-affirming holiday."

Background

Day of the Dead celebrations can be traced back more than 3,000 years throughout pre-Columbian Latin America.

The Catholic missionaries who arrived with the Spanish colonizers starting in the late 1500s introduced All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) to the Americas, and the Indigenous peoples infused these holy days with their own rituals around commemorating and connecting with deceased ancestors. Instead of grieving the dead, the lives of the deceased were celebrated and their memories honored.

Today, Dia de los Muertos, as it is known in Spanish, has become a beloved tradition, particularly in U.S. cities with large Mexican and Central American immigrant communities.

The modern version rose out of the activism of the 1970s, when Chicano artists in Los Angeles and San Francisco lifted up Day of the Dead to affirm their heritage and build pride. They combined contemporary and traditional iconography to appeal to all generations of Mexican Americans, unite the community and guide the public toward a more positive understanding of Mexican culture.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans from all walks of life have come to appreciate and enjoy Day of the Dead. Celebrations hosted by museums, galleries and community centers take place each November and may feature a festive procession, skeleton costumes, face painting, music, dancing, special food and arts and crafts workshops.

At the center of it all is the ofrenda, or offering, honoring not only departed family members but also heroes and celebrities. Often assembled by artists, ofrendas feature colorful textiles and cut tissue paper; marigolds and other flowers; candles; photographs; and mementos, as well as the iconic decorated candy or papier-mache skulls.

The Day of the Dead, with all its exuberant color, life-affirming joy and appeal for the whole family, is fast becoming a popular American holiday.

Stamp Artwork





Luis Fitch designed and illustrated the Day of the Dead stamps and Antonio Alcala was the art director.

Each of the pane's five identical rows includes four colorful stamps featuring several iconic elements of a traditional Day of the Dead ofrenda.

Stylized, decorated "sugar skulls" are personalized as four family members, one per stamp: a child with a hair bow, a father sporting a hat and mustache, a mother with curled hair and another child. The lit candles flanking each sugar skull are beacons to guide deceased loved ones on their annual return journey to the land of the living.

Dotting each stamp and adorning their shared vertical borders are marigolds (cempazuchitles), the most popular Day of the Dead flower. The vibrant colors of the flowers and other embellishments, along with the white of the sugar skulls, stand out brightly from the stamps' black background.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps , by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic , or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

A video of the ceremony will be available on facebook.com/usps . Information for ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Please Note: For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Contact: Tatiana Roy

(C) 860-982-6191

[email protected]

usps.com/news

Local: Becky Hernandez

(C) 210-606-8844

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Related Links

http://www.usps.com


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DCS Corporation has been announced as a finalist for the 2021 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards (GovCon Awards), the premier awards event for the Washington area Government contracting community. DCS is a finalist in the Contractor of the Year (greater than $300 million) category.

The 2021 Greater Washington Government Contractor Award Official Badge

The GovCon Awards are co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the Professional Services Council (PSC) and intended to honor the exceptional work of the leaders and businesses in the region's Government contracting sector. The award categories include: Contractor of the Year in four revenue categories, Executive of the Year in three revenue categories, Public Sector Partner of the Year, one Hall of Fame Honoree, and one Program of the Year. Winners will be recognized during the annual awards gala on November 3, 2021.

"Our considerable growth since winning Contractor of the Year in the $75M to $300M category in 2019 has catapulted DCS into the heavyweight classification this time around, competing with the largest, most-recognized companies in our industry," said Jim Benbow, DCS CEO. "As a privately-held, employee-owned company we are thrilled to be recognized as a finalist for this distinction."

About DCS

An employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to government agencies in the national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com.

Contact: DCS Corporation, [email protected], 571-227-6000

SOURCE DCS Corporation

Related Links

http://www.dcscorp.com


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today named Cameron McDonald chief diversity and inclusion officer and vice president, talent agility and acquisition. The appointment is effective Nov. 1, 2021.

McDonald is currently Duke Energy's vice president, human resources, where she leads the company's talent acquisition, workforce agility and HR business partner functions. She will succeed Joni Davis, who is retiring following a 34-year career with the company.

McDonald will report to Ron Reising, chief human resources officer.

"Cameron has broad experience, strong relationships with our senior leaders and a proven track record of implementing talent strategies that enable the company to execute its clean energy strategy," said Reising. "Combining diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, and workforce agility will help increase diversity in our recruiting pipeline, workforce and leadership team, strengthen our culture of inclusion and build the skill sets needed to achieve our clean energy vision."

Duke Energy's diversity and inclusion program has significant momentum. The company has made strong progress hiring diverse candidates and advancing diverse leaders; expanding training and learning opportunities; and hosting events where employees can have safe and honest conversations. Duke Energy also increased its focus on social justice and racial equity philanthropy. Since May of 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has committed $4 million to help advocate for equal opportunities in the communities it serves.

McDonald joined Duke Energy in 2001 and has held numerous roles in human resources, including compensation, employee relations, change management, learning and development and HR business partner consulting. McDonald also led a team focused on HR transformation, applying innovation and technology to reimagine HR products and services.

A native of South Carolina, McDonald earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Clemson University and a master's degree in human resources from the University of South Carolina.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities  with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Neil Nissan

800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy

Related Links

www.duke-energy.com


TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American: ELLO) (TASE: ELLO) ("Ellomay" or the "Company"), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe and Israel, today reported its unaudited financial results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021.

Financial Highlights

Revenues were approximately 19.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The increase in revenues is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC (preliminary acceptance certificate) of the photovoltaic plant held by Talasol Solar S.L. (the " Talasol PV Plant ") on January 27, 2021 , upon which the Company commenced recognition of revenues. The increase is also attributable to the acquisition of the Groen Gas Gelderland B.V. biogas facility (the " Gelderland Biogas Plant "), in December 2020 and to improved operational efficiency at the Company's biogas plants in the Netherlands .

, compared to approximately 4.2 million for the six months ended . The increase in revenues is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC (preliminary acceptance certificate) of the photovoltaic plant held by Talasol Solar S.L. (the " ") on , upon which the Company commenced recognition of revenues. The increase is also attributable to the acquisition of the Groen Gas Gelderland B.V. biogas facility (the " "), in and to improved operational efficiency at the Company's biogas plants in . Operating expenses were approximately 7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The increase in operating expenses is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on January 27, 2021 and the acquisition of the Gelderland Biogas Plant in December 2020 . Depreciation expenses were approximately 7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 .

, compared to approximately 2.1 million for the six months ended . The increase in operating expenses is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on and the acquisition of the Gelderland Biogas Plant in . Depreciation expenses were approximately 7.1 million for the six months ended , compared to approximately 1.4 million for the six months ended . Project development costs were approximately  1 . 1 million for the six months ended June 30 , 202 1 , compared to approximately 2. 3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The decrease in project development costs is mainly due to capitalization of expenses in connection with the project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel .

. million for the six months ended , 202 , compared to approximately 2. million for the six months ended June 30, . The decrease in project development costs is mainly due to capitalization of expenses in connection with the project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, . General and administrative expenses were approximately 2. 6 million for the six months ended June 30 , 202 1 , compared to approximately  2 . 2 million for the six months ended June 30 , 20 20 . The increase is mostly due to increased D&O liability insurance costs and to the Talasol PV Plant's expenses following the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on January 27, 2021 .

million for the six months ended , 202 , compared to approximately  . million for the six months ended , 20 . The increase is mostly due to increased D&O liability insurance costs and to the Talasol PV Plant's expenses following the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on . Company's share of loss of equity accounted investee, after elimination of intercompany transactions, was approximately 0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to a profit of approximately 0.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The decrease in the Company's share of profit of equity accounted investee is mainly attributable to the decrease in revenues of Dorad Energy Ltd. (" Dorad ") and higher financing expenses incurred by Dorad for the period as a result of the CPI indexation of loans from banks.

, compared to a profit of approximately 0.9 million in the six months ended . The decrease in the Company's share of profit of equity accounted investee is mainly attributable to the decrease in revenues of Dorad Energy Ltd. (" ") and higher financing expenses incurred by Dorad for the period as a result of the CPI indexation of loans from banks. Financing expenses, net was approximately 6.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The increase in financing expenses, net, was mainly due to 0.8 million of expenses in connection with the early repayment of the Company's Series B Debentures and financing expenses in connection with the Talasol PV Plant previously capitalized to fixed assets that are recognized in profit and loss starting from PAC, including approximately 1.1 million of interest on bank loans, 0.6 million of swap related payments, 0.7 million of expenses in connection with the Talasol PV Plant project finance and approximately 0.9 million of interest accrued on shareholder loans granted by the minority shareholders of Talasol.

, compared to approximately 1.1 million for the six months ended . The increase in financing expenses, net, was mainly due to 0.8 million of expenses in connection with the early repayment of the Company's Series B Debentures and financing expenses in connection with the Talasol PV Plant previously capitalized to fixed assets that are recognized in profit and loss starting from PAC, including approximately 1.1 million of interest on bank loans, 0.6 million of swap related payments, 0.7 million of expenses in connection with the Talasol PV Plant project finance and approximately 0.9 million of interest accrued on shareholder loans granted by the minority shareholders of Talasol. Taxes on income was approximately 0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

and 2020. Net loss was approximately 5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 .

, compared to approximately 4.3 million for the six months ended . Total other comprehensive loss was approximately 4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to a loss of approximately 9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The change was mainly due to changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and from foreign currency translation differences on NIS denominated operations, as a result of fluctuations in the euro/NIS exchange rates .

, compared to a loss of approximately 9.2 million for the six months ended . The change was mainly due to changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and from foreign currency translation differences on NIS denominated operations, as a result of fluctuations in the euro/NIS exchange rates Total comprehensive loss was approximately 10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to approximately 13.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 .

, compared to approximately 13.5 million for the six months ended . EBITDA was approximately 7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to negative EBITDA of approximately (1.6) million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 .

, compared to negative EBITDA of approximately (1.6) million for the six months ended . Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately 6.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 , compared to net cash used in operating activities of approximately 1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 . The increase in net cash from operating activities is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on January 27, 2021 , upon which the Company commenced recognition of revenues and expenses.

, compared to net cash used in operating activities of approximately 1.9 million for the six months ended . The increase in net cash from operating activities is mainly attributable to the achievement of PAC of the Talasol PV Plant on , upon which the Company commenced recognition of revenues and expenses. As of September 1, 2021 , the Company held approximately 72.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately 7.2 million in restricted short-term and long-term cash.

Second Quarter 2021 CEO Review

Ran Fridrich, CEO and a board member of the Company, provided the following CEO review:

The results of the first half reflect the continuation of the Company's projected business plan and are in line with the Company's forecasts. The main efforts of the Company are in three levels: (a) operation and improvement of the existing asset portfolio, (b) supervision and management of the construction of the various projects (pumped storage in the Manara Cliff, Israel and a 28 MW photovoltaic plant in Spain) and (c) development of new projects, mainly photovoltaic projects in Italy, Spain and Israel (in the aggregate of approximately 450 MW in advanced stages and approximately 800 MW in the preliminary stages).

Operation of the Existing Asset Portfolio

Revenues in the photovoltaic segments exceeded the Company's forecasts. The revenues of the Spanish portfolio under government subsidy (approximately 7.9 MW) were higher by 6.6% higher than the forecast, the revenues of the Talasol PV Plant (including income derived during the period before the achievement of PAC) were 3% higher than the forecast and the revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant (under the fixed asset model) were 4% higher than the forecast.

Revenues of the biogas segment in the Netherlands were 4% lower than the forecast mainly due to the subsidy method used in the Netherlands, which is paid based on the average price in the year preceding the year of payment. The low gas prices in 2020 caused a deduction of approximately 1 million from revenues in 2021. In light of gas prices in 2021, the Company expects that in 2022 the subsidy will increase and will be paid in accordance with the forecasts. Despite the impact on the subsidy in the first half of 2021, the Company estimates that the revenue gap will decrease during the remainder of 2021.

The Dorad Power Station contributed a loss of 0.7 million in the first half of 2021 compared to a profit of 0.8 million in the corresponding half last year. The majority of the loss is attributed to an increase in financing expenses due to the linkage of the debt to the Israeli consumer price index. In addition, a regulatory change that increased the fines for deviating from the production plan requires Dorad to exercise caution in assessing the demand of existing customers, thereby reducing payments from the Israel Electric Company. Moreover, the majority of Dorad's profit is derived during July and August, and this is expected to be the case this year as well.

The total operating expenses of the various projects were 4.5% lower than forecast.

Projects under Construction

Pumped Storage Project in the Manara Cliff, Israel: The construction of the project is progressing as planned. Excavation of the main access tunnel is expected to begin in the coming days and extensive earthworks are being carried out in the area of the upper and lower reservoirs and in the area designated for the transformation station.

Ellomay Solar 28 MW PV Project in Spain: Construction work began a few months ago and is progressing as planned. The connection to the grid is expected at the end of 2021.

Projects under Development

Advanced Stage Development of 450 MW PV in Italy: The development of the projects is progressing as planned, a tender is currently being completed for contractors to carry out the first 3 projects with a total capacity of approximately 120 MW. The current estimate for the commencement of construction is the first quarter of 2022. In parallel, the licensing process of the remainder of the portfolio continues, which is expected to mature in 2022 and 2023 (the price of a quality license ready for construction in Italy is more than 200,000 per MW).

Initial Stage Development of 800 MW PV in Italy and Spain: the development of these projects continues.

Development of PV plus Storage PV Projects in Israel: land contracts have been executed and the projects are in licensing process with the relevant regulatory authorities.

Financing Expenses

The financing expenses item includes for the first time the financing expenses of the Talasol PV Plant in the amount of approximately 3.3 million (including the cost of an interest swap transaction in the amount of 0.6 million and interest on the shareholders' loan of the minority shareholders in the amount of 0.9 million (a non-cash expenses that creates a tax shield for the project). The financing expenses item also includes a one-time expense of approximately 0.8 million on early redemption of the Series B Debentures, which is expected to be returned to the Company through the interest savings achieved in the transition to Series C Debentures).

The financing expenses of the Company in connection with Debentures (excluding expenses in connection with the early repayment of Series B Debentures) were approximately 1.9 million.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO

The Adjusted EBITDA for the six month period ended June 30, 2021 was 13 million and the Adjusted FFO for the six month period ended June 30, 2021 was 9.6 million.

Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO are non-IFRS measures. EBITDA is defined as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization and Adjusted FFO is calculated by deducting interest expenses on bank loans and debentures from the Adjusted EBITDA. The Company uses the terms "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted FFO" to highlight the fact that in the calculation of these Non-IFRS financial measures the Company presents the revenues from the Talmei Yosef PV Plant under the fixed asset model and not under IFRIC 12, presents its share in Dorad based on distributions of profit and not on the basis of equity gain using the equity method and includes the financial results of the Talasol PV Plant for the period prior to achievement of PAC that were not recognized in the profit and loss statement based on accounting rules. The Company presents these measures in order to enhance the understanding of the Company's operating performance and to enable comparability between periods. While the Company considers these non-IFRS measures to be important measures of comparative operating performance, these non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in accordance with IFRS as a measure of profitability or liquidity. These non-IFRS measures do not take into account the Company's commitments, including capital expenditures and restricted cash and, accordingly, are not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available for discretionary uses. In addition, Adjusted FFO does not represent and is not an alternative to cash flow from operations as defined by IFRS and is not an indication of cash available to fund all cash flow needs, including the ability to make distributions. Not all companies calculate EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted FFO in the same manner, and the measures as presented may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies. The Company's EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO may not be indicative of the Company's historic operating results; nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. The Company uses these measures internally as performance measures and believes that when these measures are combined with IFRS measures they add useful information concerning the Company's operating performance. A reconciliation between results on an IFRS and non-IFRS basis is provided on page 13 of this press release.

About Ellomay Capital Ltd.

Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are registered with the NYSE American and with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "ELLO". Since 2009, Ellomay Capital focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe and Israel.

To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy and Spain, including:

Approximately 7.9MW of photovoltaic power plants in Spain and a photovoltaic power plant of approximately 9MW in Israel ;

and a photovoltaic power plant of approximately 9MW in ; 9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel's largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 860MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel's total current electricity consumption;

largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 860MW, representing about 6%-8% of total current electricity consumption; 51% of Talasol, which owns a photovoltaic plant with installed capacity of 300MW in the municipality of Talavan, Caceres, Spain ;

; Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands , with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million (with a license to produce 7.5 million) Nm3 per year, respectively;

, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million (with a license to produce 7.5 million) Nm3 per year, respectively; 83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel .

For more information about Ellomay, visit http://www.ellomay.com.

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company's plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company's operations and projects, including in connection with steps taken by authorities in countries in which the Company operates, changes in the market price of electricity and in demand, regulatory changes, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company's facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, and delays, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company or in the development efforts of the projects under development by the Company. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Kalia Rubenbach (Weintraub)

CFO

Tel: +972 (3) 797-1111

Email: [email protected]

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position





June 30, December 31, June 30,



2021 2020 2021



(Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)







Convenience Translation



 in thousands into US$ in thousands* Assets







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents

67,259 66,845 79,943 Marketable securities

- 1,761 - Short term deposits

- 8,113 - Restricted cash

4,216 - 5,011 Receivable from concession project

1,589 1,491 1,889 Trade and other receivables

9,761 9,825 11,62



82,825 88,035 98,445 Non-current assets







Investment in equity accounted investee

30,126 32,234 35,807 Advances on account of investments

2,445 2,423 2,906 Receivable from concession project

25,014 25,036 29,731 Fixed assets

312,983 264,095 372,008 Right-of-use asset

22,944 17,209 27,271 Intangible asset

4,506 4,604 5,356 Restricted cash and deposits

6,023 9,931 7,159 Deferred tax

5,785 3,605 6,876 Long term receivables

861 2,762 1,023 Derivatives

2,276 10,238 2,705



412,963 372,137 490,842 Total assets

495,788 460,172 589,287 Liabilities and Equity







Current liabilities







Current maturities of long term bank loans

13,204 10,232 15,694 Current maturities of long term loans

3,549 4,021 4,218 Debentures

12,815 10,600 15,232 Lease liability short term

8,288 ** 490 9,851 Trade payables

2,692 12,387 3,202 Other payables

11,461 ** 7,422 13,617



52,009 45,152 61,814 Non-current liabilities







Lease liability

15,524 17,299 18,452 Liabilities to banks

149,789 134,520 178,038 Other long-term loans

51,871 49,396 61,653 Debentures

80,661 72,124 95,873 Deferred tax

8,124 7,806 9,656 Other long-term liabilities

4,512 513 5,363 Derivatives

6,297 8,336 7,485



316,778 289,994 376,520 Total liabilities

368,787 335,146 438,334









Equity







Share capital

25,578 25,102 30,402 Share premium

85,762 82,401 101,936 Treasury shares

(1,736) (1,736) (2,063) Transaction reserve with non-controlling Interests

5,145 6,106 6,115 Reserves

2,400 4,164 2,853 Retained earnings

2,613 8,191 3,106 Total equity attributed to shareholders of the Company

119,762 124,228 142,349 Non-Controlling Interest

7,239 798 8,604 Total equity

127,001 125,026 150,953 Total liabilities and equity

495,788 460,172 589,287

* Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at June 30, 2021: EUR 1 = US$ 1.189)

** Reclassified

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands, except per share data)



For the three months

ended June 30, For the six months

ended June 30 For the year ended

December 31, For the six months

ended June 30,

2021 2020 2021 2020 2020 2021

Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited

 in thousands  in thousands  in thousands Convenience Translation into US$* Revenues 12,255 2,271 19,455 4,214 9,645 23,124 Operating expenses (4,289) (1,085) (7,506) (2,146) (4,951) (8,922) Depreciation and amortization expenses (4,005) (721) (7,056) (1,447) (2,975) (8,387) Gross profit 3,961 465 4,893 621 1,719 5,815













Project development costs (614) (584) (1,119) (2,338) (3,491) (1,330) General and administrative expenses (1,309) (1,123) (2,572) (2,204) (4,512) (3,057) Share of profits (losses) of equity accounted investee (1,389) (481) (772) 850 1,525 (918) Other income - - - - 2,100 - Operating profit (loss) 649 (1,723) 430 (3,071) (2,659) 510













Financing income 850 378 1,716 886 2,134 2,040 Financing income (expenses) in connection with derivatives and

warrants, net 15 145 (109) 1,099 1,094 (130) Financing expenses (3,680) (1,220) (6,806) (3,095) (6,862) (8,090) Interest expenses on minority shareholder loan (557) - (939) - - (1,116) Financing expenses, net (3,372) (697) (6,138) (1,110) (3,634) (7,296) Loss before taxes on income (2,723) (2,420) (5,708) (4,181) (6,293) (6,786) Tax benefit (Taxes on income) (412) 16 (93) (88) 125 (111) Loss for the period (3,135) (2,404) (5,801) (4,269) (6,168) (6,897) Loss attributable to:











Owners of the Company (3,509) (2,055) (5,578) (3,472) (4,627) (6,630) Non-controlling interests 374 (349) (223) (797) (1,541) (267) Loss for the period (3,135) (2,404) (5,801) (4,269) (6,168) (6,897) Other comprehensive income (loss) items that











after initial recognition in comprehensive income











(loss) were or will be transferred to profit or loss:











Foreign currency translation differences for foreign

operations 1,122 113 1,684 (86) (482) 2,002 Effective portion of change in fair value of cash flow

hedges (3,273) (23,401) (5,202) (9,289) 2,210 (6,183) Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit or loss (221) 87 (1,225) 190 555 (1,456) Total other comprehensive income (loss) (2,372) (23,201) (4,743) (9,185) 2,283 (5,637)













Total other comprehensive income (loss)

attributable to:











Owners of the Company (652) (11,638) (1,764) (4,737) 881 (2,096) Non-controlling interests (1,720) (11,563) (2,979) (4,448) 1,402 (3,541) Total other comprehensive income (loss) (2,372) (23,201) (4,743) (9,185) 2,283 (5,637)













Total comprehensive loss for the period (5,507) (25,605) (10,544) (13,454) (3,885) (12,534)













Total comprehensive loss for the period

attributable to:











Owners of the Company (4,161) (13,693) (7,342) (8,209) (3,746) (8,726) Non-controlling interests (1,346) (11,912) (3,202) (5,245) (139) (3,808) Total comprehensive loss for the period (5,507) (25,605) (10,544) (13,454) (3,885) (12,534)













Basic net loss per share (0.28) (0.17) (0.44) (0.29) (0.38) (0.52) Diluted net loss per share (0.28) (0.17) (0.44) (0.29) (0.38) (0.52)

* Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at June 30, 2021: EUR 1 = US$ 1.189)

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity (in thousands)





Attributable to shareholders of the Company Non-

controlling Total





Interests Equity

Share

capital Share

premium Retained

earnings Treasury

shares Translation

reserve from

foreign

operations Hedging

Reserve Interests

Transaction

reserve with

non-controlling

Interests Total





 in thousands For the six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited):



















Balance as at January 1, 2021 25,102 82,401 8,191 (1,736) 3,823 341 6,106 124,228 798 125,026 Loss for the period - - (5,578) - - - - (5,578) (223) (5,801) Other comprehensive loss for the period - - - - 1,636 (3,400) - (1,764) (2,979) (4,743) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - (5,578) - 1,636 (3,400) - (7,342) (3,202) (10,544) Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:



















Issuance of Capital note to non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - 8,682 8,682 Acquisition of shares in subsidiaries from non-controlling interests - - - - - - (961) (961) 961 - Warrants exercise 454 3,348 - - - - - 3,802 - 3,802 Options exercise 22 - - - - - - 22 - 22 Share-based payments - 13 - - - - - 13 - 13 Balance as at June 30, 2021 25,578 85,762 2,613 (1,736) 5,459 (3,059) 5,145 119,762 7,239 127,001

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity (in thousands) (cont'd)







Attributable to shareholders of the Company Non-

controlling Total





Interests Equity

Share

capital Share

premium Retained

earnings Treasury

shares Translation

reserve from

foreign operations Hedging

Reserve Interests

Transaction

reserve with

non-controlling

Interests Total





 in thousands For the six months ended June 30, 2020 (unaudited):



















Balance as at January 1, 2020 21,998 64,160 12,818 (1,736) 4,356 (1,073) 6,106 106,629 937 107,566 Loss for the period - - (3,472) - - - - (3,472) (797) (4,269) Other comprehensive loss for the period - - - - (98) (4,639) - (4,737) (4,448) (9,185) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - (3,472) - (98) (4,639) - (8,209) (5,245) (13,454) Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized

directly in equity:



















Issuance of ordinary shares 1,935 11,253 - - - - - 13,188 - 13,188 Share-based payments - 20 - - - - - 20 - 20 Balance as at June 30, 2020 23,933 75,433 9,346 (1,736) 4,258 (5,712) 6,106 111,628 (4,308) 107,320

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity (in thousands) (cont'd)





Non-





controlling Total

Attributable to shareholders of the Company Interests Equity































Translation

Transaction







Share Share Retained Treasury Reserve from foreign Hedging reserve with non-controlling







capital premium earnings shares operations Reserve Interests Total





 in thousands For the year ended December 31, 2020 (audited):



















Balance as at January 1, 2020 21,998 64,160 12,818 (1,736) 4,356 (1,073) 6,106 106,629 937 107,566 Profit (loss) for the year - - (4,627) - - - - (4,627) (1,541) (6,168) Other comprehensive loss for the year - - - - (533) 1,414 - 881 1,402 2,283 Total comprehensive loss for the year - - (4,627) - (533) 1,414 - (3,746) (139) (3,885) Transactions with owners of the Company,

recognized directly in equity:



















Issuance of ordinary shares 3,084 18,191 - - - - - 21,275 - 21,275 Options exercise 20 - - - - - - 20 - 20 Share-based payments - 50 - - - - - 50 - 50 Balance as at



















December 31, 2020 25,102 82,401 8,191 (1,736) 3,823 341 6,106 124,228 798 125,026

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity (in thousands) (cont'd)







Attributable to shareholders of the Company Non-

controlling Total





Interests Equity

Share

capital Share

premium Retained

earnings Treasury

shares Translation

reserve from foreign

operations Hedging

Reserve Interests

Transaction

reserve with non-controlling

Interests Total





Convenience translation into US$* For the six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited):



















Balance as at January 1, 2021 29,836 97,942 9,736 (2,063) 4,544 405 7,257 147,657 951 148,608 Loss for the period - - (6,630) - - - - (6,630) (267) (6,897) Other comprehensive loss for the period - - - - 1,945 (4,041) - (2,096) (3,541) (5,637) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - (6,630) - 1,945 (4,041) - (8,726) (3,808) (12,534) Transactions with owners of the Company,

recognized directly in equity:



















Issuance of Capital note to non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - 10,319 10,319 Buy of shares in subsidiaries from non-controlling

interests - - - - - - (1,142) (1,142) 1,142 - Warrants exercise 540 3,979 - - - - - 4,519 - 4,519 Options exercise 26 - - - - - - 26 - 26 Share-based payments - 15 - - - - - 15 - 15 Balance as at June 30, 2021 30,402 101,936 3,106 (2,063) 6,489 (3,636) 6,115 142,349 8,604 150,953

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Interim Statements of Cash Flows



For the three months

ended June 30, For the six months

ended June 30, For the year ended

December 31, For the six months

ended June 30

2021 2020 2021 2020 2020 2021

Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited

 in thousands Convenience

Translation into

US$* Cash flows from operating activities











Profit for the period (3,135) (2,404) (5,801) (4,269) (6,168) (6,897) Adjustments for :











Financing expenses, net 3,372 697 6,138 1,110 3,634 7,296 Profit from settlement of derivatives contract - - (407) - - (484) Depreciation and amortization 4,005 721 7,056 1,447 2,975 8,387 Share-based payment transactions 6 6 13 20 50 15 Share of losses (profits) of equity accounted investee 1,389 481 772 (850) (1,525) 918 Payment of interest on loan from an equity accounted investee 859 - 859 582 582 1,021 Change in trade receivables and other receivables (942) (461) (2,124) 127 (3,868) (2,525) Change in other assets (812) (19) (782) (234) 179 (929) Change in receivables from concessions project 536 503 757 704 1,426 900 Change in trade payables (559) (350) (941) (35) 190 (1,118) Change in other payables 2,119 642 3,715 368 (1,226) 4,416 Income tax expense (tax benefit) 412 (16) 93 88 (125) 111 Income taxes paid (15) - (15) - (119) (18) Interest received 494 428 921 869 2,075 1,095 Interest paid (2,651) (1,685) (3,857) (1,853) (3,906) (4,584) Net cash from (used in) operating activities 5,078 (1,457) 6,397 (1,926) (5,826) 7,604 Cash flows from investing activities











Acquisition of fixed assets (38,140) (39,866) (63,793) (81,280) (128,420) (75,824) Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired - - - - (7,464) - Repayment of loan by an equity accounted investee 1,400 - 1,400 1,923 1,978 1,664 Loan to an equity accounted investee (131) - (244) - (181) (290) Advances on account of investments (8) - (8) - (1,554) (10) Settlement of derivatives contract - - (252) - - (300) Proceeds (investment) in restricted cash, net (639) (5) (185) 22,580 23,092 (220) Proceeds (investment) in short term deposit - - 8,533 - (1,323) 10,142 Proceeds from marketable securities - - 1,785 - 1,800 2,122 Acquisition of marketable securities - (5) - - (1,481) - Compensation as per agreement with Erez Electricity Ltd - 1,418 - 1,418 1,418 - Net cash used in investing activities (37,518) (38,453) (52,764) (55,359) (112,135) (62,716) Cash flows from financing activities











Sale of shares in subsidiaries to non-controlling interests - - 1,400 - - 1,664 Proceeds from options - - 22 - 20 26 Cost associated with long term loans - - (197) - (734) (234) Proceeds from long term loans 5,415 39,661 32,476 80,584 111,357 38,601 Repayment of long-term loans (2,933) (1,994) (3,390) (2,804) (3,959) (4,029) Repayment of Debentures (8,853) (4,761) (30,730) (26,923) (26,923) (36,525) Issuance of ordinary shares - - - 13,188 21,275 - Proceeds from issue of convertible debentures - - 15,571 - - 18,508 Proceeds from issuance of Debentures, net - - 25,465 - 38,057 30,267 Issuance / exercise of warrants - - 3,675 320 2,544 4,368 Net cash from (used in) financing activities (6,371) 32,906 44,292 64,365 141,637 52,646













Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents 1,050 471 2,489 (357) (1,340) 2,958 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (37,761) (6,533) 414 6,723 22,336 492 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 105,020 57,765 66,845 44,509 44,509 79,451 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 67,259 51,232 67,259 51,232 66,845 79,943

* Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at June 30, 2021: EUR 1 = US$ 1.189)

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Operating Segments



PV





Total









Ellomay



Bio



reportable

Total

Italy Spain Solar[3] Talasol Israel[1] Gas Dorad Manara segments Reconciliations consolidated

For the six months ended June 30, 2021

 in thousands























Revenues - 1,534 - 11,202[2] 2,130 6,129 22,940 - 43,935 (24,480) 19,455 Operating expenses - (423) - (1,988) (170) (4,925) (18,049) - (25,555) 18,049 (7,506) Depreciation expenses - (451) - (4,816) (1,151) (1,552) (2,685) - (10,655) 3,599 (7,056) Gross profit (loss) - 660 - 4,398 809 (348) 2,206 - 7,725 (2,832) 4,893 Project development costs



















(1,119) General and





















administrative expenses



















(2,572) Share of loss of equity





















accounted investee



















(772) Operating profit



















430 Financing income



















1,716 Financing expense in connection





















with derivatives and warrants, net



















(109) Financing expenses, net



















(7,745) Loss before taxes





















on Income



















(5,708) Segment assets as at





















June 30, 2021 833 15,130 5,589 242,224 35,548 34,903 106,164 90,300 530,691 (34,904) 495,787

[1] The Talmei Yosef PV Plant located in Israel is presented under the fixed asset model and not under the financial asset model as per IFRIC 12.

[2] Not including an amount of approximately 1 million of proceeds from the sale of electricity prior to January 27, 2021 (the date in which the Talasol PV Plant achieved PAC).

[3] Ellomay Solar, S.L, the developer of a 28 MW solar project near the Talasol PV Plant.

Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries Reconciliation of Loss to EBITDA (in thousands)



For the three months

ended June 30, For the six months

ended June 30, For the year ended

December 31, For the six months

ended June 30,

2021 2020 2021 2020 2020 2021

Unaudited

 in thousands Convenience

Translation

into US$* Loss for the period (3,135) (2,694) (5,801) (4,269) (6,168) (6,897) Financing expenses, net 3,372 782 6,138 1,110 3,634 7,296 Taxes on income 412 (18) 93 88 (125) 111 Depreciation 4,005 808 7,056 1,447 2,975 8,387 EBITDA 4,654 (1,122) 7,486 (1,624) 316 8,897

* Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at June 30, 2021: EUR 1 = US$ 1.189)

Reconciliation of Loss to Adjusted EBITDA and to Adjusted FFO

For the six months ended June 30, 2021

Unaudited

 in thousands Loss for the period (5,801) Financing expenses, net 6,138 Taxes on income 93 Depreciation 7,056 Adjustment to the Share of loss of equity accounted investee to include the Company's share in distributions 3,031 Adjustment to the revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 1,540 Adjustment to include the financial revenues of the Talasol PV Plant for the period prior to achievement of PAC that were not recognized in the profit and loss statement based on accounting rules 895 Adjusted EBITDA 12,952 Interest expenses on bank loans and debentures (3,405) Adjusted FFO 9,547









Information for the Company's Debenture Holders

Pursuant to the Deeds of Trust governing the Company's Series C and Series D Debentures (together, the "Debentures"), the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants. For more information, see Item 5.B of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2021 and below.

Net Financial Debt

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's Net Financial Debt, (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust of the Company's Debentures), was approximately 28.6 million (consisting of approximately 237.9[3] million of short-term and long-term debt from banks and other interest bearing financial obligations, approximately 95.9[4] million in connection with the Series C Debentures issuances (in July 2019, October 2020 and February 2021) and Series D Debentures issuance (in February 2021), net of approximately 67.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits and marketable securities and net of approximately 237.9[5] million of project finance and related hedging transactions of the Company's subsidiaries).

[3] Short-term and long-term debt from banks and other interest bearing financial obligations amount provided above, includes an amount of approximately 11.7 million costs associated with such debt, which was capitalized and therefore offset from the debt amount that is recorded in the Company's balance sheet.

[4] Debentures amount provided above, includes an amount of approximately 2.4 million associated costs, which was capitalized and therefore offset from the debentures amount that is recorded in the Company's balance sheet.

[5] The project finance amount deducted from the calculation of Net Financial Debt includes project finance obtained from various sources, including financing entities and the minority shareholders in project companies held by the Company (provided in the form of shareholders' loans to the project companies).

Information for the Company's Series C Debenture Holders.

The Deed of Trust governing the Company's Series C Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for two consecutive quarters is a cause for immediate repayment. As of June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series C Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company's shareholders' equity was approximately 127 million (ii) the ratio of the Company's Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company's CAP, Net (defined as the Company's consolidated shareholders' equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 18.4%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company's Net Financial Debt to the Company's Adjusted EBITDA[6], was 2.3.

The following is a reconciliation between the Company's loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series C Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended June 30, 2021:



For the four quarter period

ended June 30, 2021

Unaudited

 in thousands Loss for the period (7,700) Financing expenses, net 8,662 Taxes on income (120) Depreciation 8,584 Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 3,039 Share-based payments 43 Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series C Deed of Trust 12,508

[6] The term "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined in the Series C Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company's operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments. The Series C Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company's undertakings towards the holders of its Series C Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under "Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures."

Information for the Company's Series D Debenture Holders

The Deed of Trust governing the Company's Series D Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for the periods set forth in the Series D Deed of Trust is a cause for immediate repayment. As of June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series D Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company's Adjusted Shareholders' Equity (as defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) was approximately 126.6 million (ii) the ratio of the Company's Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company's CAP, Net (defined as the Company's consolidated shareholders' equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 18.4%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company's Net Financial Debt to the Company's Adjusted EBITDA[7] was 1.2.

The following is a reconciliation between the Company's loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended June 30, 2021:



For the four quarter period

ended June 30, 2021

Unaudited

 in thousands Loss for the period (7,700) Financing expenses, net 8,662 Taxes on income (120) Depreciation 8,584 Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 3,039 Share-based payments 43 Adjustment to data relating to projects with a Commercial Operation Date during the four preceding quarters[8] 10,457 Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series D Deed of Trust 22,965

[7] The term "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company's operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments, when the data of assets or projects whose Commercial Operation Date (as such term is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) occurred in the four quarters that preceded the relevant date will be calculated based on Annual Gross Up (as such term is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust). The Series D Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company's undertakings towards the holders of its Series D Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under "Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures."

[8] The adjustment is based on the results of the Talasol Project since January 27, 2021 and of the biogas plant in Gelderland since January 1, 2021. The results of the biogas plant in Gelderland were not included in the profit and loss statement of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020.

SOURCE Ellomay Capital Ltd
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a successful Emergency Nursing 2021 that tallied more than 3,000 virtual registrants, the Emergency Nurses Association formally announced Thursday that Denver will play host to Emergency Nursing 2022.

"Denver is going to be a great time. Emergency Nursing 2022 is going to be an unbelievable opportunity for emergency nurses to reunite and reignite their passion," said ENA President Ron Kraus, MSN, RN, EMT, CEN, ACNS-BC, TCRN. "Attendees are going to head home from the mountains with top-notch clinical knowledge they can bring back to their emergency departments."

Emergency Nursing 2021, originally planned for Orlando, shifted to a fully virtual format to ensure emergency nurses were where they needed to be most  caring for their communities during the pandemic's latest surge. The association recognized that emergency nurses needed to focus on their work, knowing that high-quality education was available to them virtually everywhere whether tuning in live or watching recordings at a later time. Those interested can still register for Emergency Nursing 2021 to enjoy the full schedule on demand through Jan. 31.

Thousands of emergency nurses from around the globe will convene in the mile high city at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2022.

The association's annual conference has become known for its timely education, excellent networking and, of course, fun. Attendees can plan to participate in dozens of clinical sessions on topics directly related to emergency nursing; connect with peers from around the world during networking opportunities; and celebrate during mainstay events such as the annual themed welcome party.

Sign up for notifications about Emergency Nursing 2022 and follow @ENAorg on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on registration and other Emergency Nursing 2022 news.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

ENA Media Contact:

Dan Campana

Director of Communications

847-460-4017

[email protected]

SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.ena.org


NEW YORK and TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Empathy , a platform helping families navigate the journey they face after losing a loved one, today announced it has raised $30 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Entree Capital , with participation from General Catalyst, and Aleph , who doubled down on their seed investment, as well as LocalGlobe , Primetime Partners , and prominent angel investors including Shai Wininger (CEO & Co-Founder of Lemonade), Sir Ronald Cohen, John Kim (ex-President of New York Life), and Micha Kaufman (CEO & Co-Founder of Fiverr).

The Empathy app provides all-encompassing support for families experiencing loss, from account cancellation to grief support

The funding will be used to further expand Empathy's presence across the US by releasing new products, fostering additional strategic partnerships, and growing its multidisciplinary team to achieve its mission of empowering bereaved families to handle all the responsibilities and emotions that come with loss. Empathy has raised a total of $43M in the last year.

"Empathy is a customer-centric company with compassion at our core. We aim not only to help families who are dealing with loss but also to act as a catalyst for change in the industry at large," said Ron Gura, Co-Founder & CEO of Empathy. "Thanks to the support from our new and existing investors, and our partnerships with trailblazing companies leading their respective industries, software is finally being leveraged to make a significant difference for families struggling with loss. We are humbled to hear from the bereaved families we've helped already, and are determined to continue working to help as many as we can in alleviating both the logistical and emotional burdens of a loved one's passing."

The US end-of-life industry is projected to grow to approximately $100 billion in the next three to five years, including death care[1], estate management[2] and other services, yet this industry remains outdated and fragmented. This leaves bereaved families to deal with hundreds of hours of logistics and responsibilities that are confusing, unintuitive, and emotionally draining. Empathy's app combines technology and human support to save families time, money and stress. The app streamlines end-of-life logistics, minimizes tedious tasks, and automates estate administration, while providing emotional guidance along the way.

"We are proud to continue to support Empathy as it strengthens its position as a market leader in the end-of-life industry and provides a service that is incredibly necessary for families struggling with loss," said Joel Cutler, Co-Founder and Managing Director at General Catalyst. "Empathy has proven both its commitment and its determination to reach as many families as possible, partnering with companies across different sectors to connect with diverse audiences, as well as recruiting the best and the brightest to further their mission. We look forward to seeing Empathy continue to prove how technology can make a major difference for bereaved families."

Since launching in April of this year with $13M in seed funding, Empathy's app has supported bereaved families by streamlining their logistics, and guiding them through the complex and daunting processes of probate, estate administration, taxes, and other bureaucratic tasks associated with loss. In addition to launching its direct to consumer offering across the US, Empathy is working with leading enterprise brands in several industries, including insurance companies, hospice chains, and funeral homes to expand its reach through strategic partnerships. Most recently, Empathy announced a partnership with America's largest mutual life insurance company, New York Life , to expand the life insurance offering beyond financial peace of mind and include logistical and emotional support to families as well.

"Empathy's product is uniquely disruptive and a category-defining solution dealing with loss. Its holistic approach sets it apart, and this, together with its growth, drew our attention to the company. We look forward to working with Empathy's founders and team as they grow by providing this much-needed solution to millions of people worldwide," said Avi Eyal, Managing Partner of Entree Capital.

"Empathy is proving that "values create value" and is building a lasting business for the 21st century," said Michael Eisenberg, Co-Founder and Equal Partner at Aleph. "Empathy treats you like a human being, removing the hassle through automation and slightly but consistently dulling the pain of loss through grief support. Any business that touches next of kin - from life insurance to hospice, funeral directors to bereavement counselors - will find Empathy's solution a perfect fit for their customers and will enable them to lead with values."

About Empathy

Empathy 's mission is to help families deal with loss, incorporating both emotional and logistical support for the families in their time of need. Powered by technology and driven by purpose, Empathy's application simplifies and streamlines end-of-life bureaucracy with personalized plans and grief support. Launched in 2021 and headquartered in New York and Tel Aviv, Empathy was founded by Ron Gura and Yonatan Bergman and is backed by VC firms General Catalyst, Aleph, and Entree Capital. To receive more information about Empathy's app, visit us at Empathy.com .

Media Contact

Garrett Krivicich

Headline Media

[email protected]

+1 786 233 7684

[1] https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4700436/death-care-market-in-us-industry-outlook-and

[2] https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/estate-lawyers-attorneys-industry/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639148/Empathy.jpg

SOURCE Empathy
GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Envoy Solutions, a diversified distribution company, is excited to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Daycon Products Co. (Daycon), based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Daycon, a 79-year-old distributor and market leader in facility supplies, training services, and sustainable solutions for thousands of customers throughout the region. This acquisition is the result of Envoy Solutions' ambitious approach to build a growing portfolio of like-minded and valued companies across the United States. The move further supports Envoy Solutions' focus on making buildings cleaner and more sustainable, people safer, and operations more productive, every day.

Daycon is the latest in a series of companies joining Envoy Solutions, which is the premier national platform in distributing facility supplies, packaging solutions, and specialty marketing products. Both Envoy Solutions and Daycon are forward-thinking, focused on personalized service, and thrive on problem solving. This exciting milestone presents significant growth opportunities for employees, customers, and supplier partners. The combined company will include 2,000 associates, operate a network of 40 distribution centers and support 43,000 customers nationwide.

According to Mark M. Fisher, CEO of Envoy Solutions, "This new partnership with Daycon furthers the organization's ability to combine scale with a high-touch customer-centric approach. Adding Daycon to our complementary businesses with similar cultures and product portfolios ultimately improves our ability to better serve our customers and supplier partners, while providing more opportunity for our associates. We can continue to combine the expertise of local sales teams with a wide portfolio of products and deeper category knowledge to solve the industry's toughest challenges."

Daycon is a green-focused company that helps customers achieve healthier spaces for students, workers, and tenants with sustainable cleaning products. In addition, Daycon operates six retail ProCenter locations offering a one-stop-shop for all customers' Jan-San needs: facility supplies, equipment, and training. The company has been family-owned and operated since 1942. Howard M. Cohen has served as CEO for more than 15 Years.

Howard M. Cohen, CEO of Daycon said, "When we looked at the competitive landscape, our goal was to partner with a culturally aligned company that focuses on building long term relationships. The Envoy Solutions team clearly recognizes the value we bring. They will help us become a much stronger company in the eastern region, and accelerate the expansion of our value-added services, such as our OnSite Facilities and Properties platforms, on a national basis. In addition, the partnership with Envoy Solutions will provide our exceptional team more growth opportunities. We are excited for the future together."

This acquisition comes at a critical time. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how people work and live by highlighting the need for proper hand hygiene and facility cleanliness. With the addition of Daycon, Envoy Solutions can provide more people with essential products to stay safe and healthy.

About Envoy Solutions:

Envoy Solutions, the nation's premier specialty distribution platform, is helping businesses thrive through a multi-faceted approach to make buildings cleaner and people safer, every day. Our wide array of essential products including sanitary supply, packaging solutions, and foodservice disposables are improving the quality of life at schools, hospitals, offices, and other institutions.

Based in Glenview, IL., Envoy Solutions is the parent company of North American Corporation, WAXIE Sanitary Supply, Southeastern Paper Group, Daycon Products Co. and NVISION. For more information, please visit www.envoysolutions.com

About Daycon:

Daycon has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of building maintenance supplies for 79 years. The company is built on dedication to personalized service and creating a cleaner, brighter tomorrow for our customers. Daycon provides an array of value-added services, including innovative cleaning products and solutions, consulting and training, inventory management, and coordination and education of green cleaning and sustainability programs. Daycon serves building owners, property managers, contract cleaners, public school systems, and universities.

Our corporate headquarters is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with additional retail locations throughout Maryland and Virginia. For more information, please visit www.daycon.com

SOURCE Envoy Solutions
CLEVELAND, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Private equity firm Evolution Capital Partners LLC ("Evolution") announced today its latest growth investment, EnviroScience Consultants, Inc. ("ECI"), an environmental consulting firm that provides a range of inspection and testing services to schools, property owners and healthcare institutions throughout the state of New York. Established in 1998, ECI is headquartered in Ronkonkoma, New York with locations in Long Island and Westchester County.

ECI represents the first investment for Evolution's Mainline Environmental, a new platform established for environmental testing and compliance companies. Businesses operating under the Mainline Environmental platform will focus on consulting, inspection, testing and monitoring, and remediation of lead, asbestos, mold and other contaminants for commercial customers in various industries.

"The environmental services industry is burgeoning with increased public health concerns, aging infrastructure and heightened attention being paid to 'green' initiatives. We are excited to partner with Glenn and his team at ECI to begin to capitalize on these trends and accelerate the growth of the business," said Jeffrey Kadlic, Evolution's founding partner. "In addition to providing resources and know-how to enhance ECI's business processes, we will also pursue complementary add-on acquisitions to further broaden its service offerings and geographic reach."

"EnviroScience Consultants is committed to providing dynamic solutions, accurate results and excellent support to its clients," said Glenn Neuschwender, P.G., EnviroScience Consultants' president. "The ECI team looks forward to working with Evolution Capital Partners and the future growth opportunities this partnership will facilitate."

About EnviroScience Consultants Inc.

EnviroScience Consultants Inc. is an environmental consulting firm that specializes in asbestos, environmental remediation, lead related issues, indoor air quality, subsurface investigations, construction inspection and testing services, occupational training and industrial hygiene. The firm offers consulting, design, laboratory and inspection services. www.envirohealth.org/

About Evolution Capital Partners

Evolution Capital Partners is a small-business private equity fund that invests capital nationwide in growing micro-market companies. Since 2005, Evolution has specialized in helping entrepreneurial businesses transform into professionally run organizations by providing a strong foundation for profitable growth through its Five Fundamental methodology. As a team of investors, partners and employees, our primary passion and motivation is to inspire entrepreneurs and their small businesses to grow and thrive under any economic circumstances. www.evolutioncapitalpartners.com

SOURCE Evolution Capital Partners

Related Links

https://evolutioncapitalpartners.com/


SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Finopotamus, the only online resource providing in-depth technology coverage exclusively to credit unions, today announced the launch of the Digital Banking Industry Leaders Forum (DBILF) at www.digitalbankingleaders.com. Co-sponsored by Credit Union tech-talk, the Forum is designed to aggregate focused expert commentary from across the industry. Participants and their respective articles include:

Digital Banking Industry Leaders Forum

"It's important for financial institution technologists to hear what the experts have to say, but tracking down all that information is next to impossible," said Finopotamus Co-Founder John San Filippo. "Our goal is to do all the heavy lifting so credit unions and other community FIs can compare thought leadership content side by side." The Digital Banking Industry Leaders Forum is "the first of many Industry Leaders Forums we have planned," San Filippo added.

"No solution is right for every institution," said Josh DeTar, vice president of sales and marketing at Tyfone. "Different articles on the DBILF will resonate with different people. Those who are drawn to our content are the ones we want to hear from."

About Credit Union tech-talk

Credit Union tech-talk is a technology newsletter that goes out every week to over 14,000 credit union professionals and 2,000 FinTech vendors. Since 1988, we have served as a clearinghouse for technology information to the credit union movement. Our goal is to be a leading source of technology information for credit unions of all sizes. We provide the latest information on such topics as the Internet, online banking, bill payment/presentment, debit/credit and smart cards, technology training, conferences, vendors, hardware, software, security, ATMs/kiosks, wireless access, biometrics, call centers, imaging, plus technology and marketing/merchandising. Learn more at www.cunews.com.

About Bank tech-trends

BANK tech-trends is a technology newsletter for banking professionals. We strive to serve as a clearinghouse for technology information for community banks. Our goal is to be a leading source of timely and interesting technology information for banks of all sizes. We provide the latest information on such topics as the Internet, online banking, bill payment/presentment, debit/credit and smart cards, technology training, vendors, hardware, software, security, ATMs/kiosks, wireless access, biometrics, call centers, imaging, plus technology and marketing/merchandising.

About Finopotamus

Finopotamus is an online publication created by industry veterans W.B. King, John San Filippo, and Roy Urrico to bring credit unions technology news and original content not found elsewhere. The publication looks at technology best practices across multiple industries to bring credit unions the broadest range of relevant information. The publication's tagline is Fintech News for Hungry CUs. Visit Finopotamus at www.finopotamus.com.

Contact: John San Filippo, (619) 467-0431, [email protected]

SOURCE Finopotamus LLC
Cutting Edge In-House Technology

The zero-carbon emissions engine was independently developed based on GAC's fourth-generation engine technology. GAC Group holds completely independent intellectual property rights to the technology.

Using core hydrogen engine technology as a foundation, GAC R&D Centers optimized the technology with a number of innovations.

These include the newly developed combustion chamber, which improves the mixing process of hydrogen and air, and improvements to the hydrogen supply system, which improves power density and reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage.

The new engine also boasts improved heat dissipation capacity, further minimizing combustion risks. By strengthening engine pistons, piston rings and connecting rods, heat dissipation has been improved in both the cylinder head and cylinder block, a seemingly small change that creates a big improvement in reliability and operation. The target thermal efficiency of this engine is expected to exceed 44%, a leading domestic standard.

Looking to a Greener Hydrogen Future

The stable operation and superior performance output of the GAC hydrogen engine is just one example of the many ways GAC MOTOR is moving towards the manufacturing of the future.

The GAC R&D Centers will continue to carry out thermodynamic calibration and mechanical development of the hydrogen engine, with the eventual aim of loading the entire whole vehicle.

GAC will also work collaboratively to promote industrial chains for hydrogen production, storage and hydrogenation processes. This means promoting the full use of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower, and improving the safety and quality of hydrogen storage.

Craftsmanship in the Detail

Technology innovation and Chinese craftsmanship are two of the core brand values that identify GAC MOTOR as a company.

Continually working away at engine technology, chipping away to improve every aspect of both engine technology and driver experience - this is what makes GAC MOTOR a cutting-edge automobile manufacturer.

With this exciting new leap in engine technology, we're excited to see how much more GAC MOTOR can do to improve the mobile lives of customers around the world.

Let's GO AND CHANGE.

SOURCE GAC MOTOR
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") announced that it has made a preferred equity investment of up to $245 million in Easton Energy LLC ("Easton"). Easton is a Houston based midstream company focused on developing infrastructure assets that support the transportation, storage, and processing of natural gas liquids (NGL), refined products, and petrochemicals along the Gulf Coast. Easton's assets include liquid hydrocarbon salt cavern storage facilities in Markham, Texas, and roughly 450 miles of pipelines that connect key product markets along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.

GIP is making the investment through Global Infrastructure Partners Capital Solutions Fund II ("GIP CAPS II"), part of GIP's Credit platform ("GIP Credit"). The Easton investment represents the second commitment made by GIP CAPS II. CAPS provides customized credit financings for infrastructure issuers in GIP's core sectors of midstream energy, power, renewables, energy transition, transport and water/waste, while leveraging GIP's significant operating expertise.

Proceeds from the investment will be used to fund the organic growth of Easton's asset base and other strategic growth opportunities, with a tailored delayed draw structure to support both existing and future growth projects. Easton is backed by Cresta Fund Management, a growth-oriented, middle market-focused private equity firm that invests in sustainable and conventional energy, industrial, materials, and agricultural infrastructure. The highly experienced Easton management team brings considerable experience in managing natural gas liquids and feedstock transportation and distribution services.

Denny Sreckovic, Managing Director at GIP, said: "We are very pleased to have entered into this transaction with Easton and its sponsor, Cresta. Easton's assets provide services that are core to its Gulf Coast midstream and petrochemical customers. This investment exemplifies GIP's ability to provide tailored financing solutions for high quality, critical infrastructure projects and partner with experienced management teams and sponsors."

Brad Ramsey, President and CEO of Easton, said: "We welcome this opportunity to partner with GIP, a leading infrastructure investor with experience in the midstream sector. GIP was able to tailor a Preferred Equity financing structure that optimally supports our continued growth capital needs and complements our existing capital structure. We view GIP as an important financial partner as Easton looks to continue its strategic infrastructure expansion."

Evercore acted as financial advisor to Easton and the company received legal counsel from, Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Latham & Watkins provided legal counsel to GIP.

About Global Infrastructure Partners

Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") is an independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP's teams are located in 10 offices: London, New York, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP Credit provides financing solutions and makes debt and non-common equity investments in infrastructure assets and companies. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.

About Cresta Fund Management

Cresta Fund Management ("Cresta") is a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in sustainable and conventional energy and industrial infrastructure. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Cresta Management's founding partners are seasoned industry veterans who bring value across the investment cycle from initial diligence through business operations. For more information, please visit: www.crestafunds.com.

About Easton Energy

Easton Energy ("Easton") is a Houston based midstream company focused on developing infrastructure assets that support the transportation, storage, and processing of natural gas liquids (NGL), refined products, and petrochemicals. Easton's primary assets include liquid hydrocarbon salt cavern storage facilities at Markham, TX and approximately 450 miles of product distribution pipelines that connect key product markets along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. For more information, please visit: www.eastonenergy.com.

SOURCE Global Infrastructure Partners
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As per a survey conducted by FMI, the global polysulfide resin market is projected to reach US$ 157.2 million in 2021. In response to the increasing use of polysulfide resins such as liquid polysulfide elastomers across automotive, construction, and industrial processing industries, the market is anticipated to total US$ 229.76 million by the end of 2031.

The market registered a sluggish growth at a CAGR of 0.2% over the past half-decade. Sales decelerated in 2020 particularly due to suspension of industrial operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. With the increasing demand for polysulfide resin in automotive vehicles, rubber processing, and aerospace sector, the market is expected to grow at 3.9% CAGR over the forecast period from 2021 to 2031.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-13959

Strong growth has been registered in China, Japan, and India owing to expansion of the building and construction industry following rapid urbanization and investment towards infrastructural development. According to a report by the Next City Organization, the government of China plans to build 10 cities equivalent to New York in the next decade.

As polysulfide resins provide outstanding weather resistance and high flexibility to the wall surfaces, they are extensively being used in the construction sector as window sealants in curtain wall joints and building joints. Spurred by these factors, the demand for polysulfide resin will considerably increase between 2021 and 2031.

"Key players are increasingly investing in research and development (R&D) activities to introduce novel products, which will address rising complications associated with polysulfide resin adhesion. Besides this, some of the players are focusing on expanding their distribution channel by strengthening their e-commerce and digital footprint," says the FMI analyst.

View Full Report Preview: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/polysulfide-resin-market

Key Takeaways from Polysulfide Resin Market Study

The market in the U.S. is projected to exhibit 3.9% year-on-year growth, accounting for over 86.7% of the sales in North America by the end of 2021.

by the end of 2021. India is estimated to emerge as one of the fastest-growing markets in the Asia Pacific , surging at a CAGR of 5% in 2021.

is estimated to emerge as one of the fastest-growing markets in the , surging at a CAGR of 5% in 2021. Favored by the rapidly expanding construction sector, China is likely to account for around 59% of the sales in the East Asia market.

is likely to account for around 59% of the sales in the market. South Korea and Japan are anticipated to collectively account for more than 9.5% of the overall polysulfide resin sales in 2021

and are anticipated to collectively account for more than 9.5% of the overall polysulfide resin sales in 2021 Thiokol is forecast to dominate the product type segment, accounting for nearly 75% of the total sales in 2021.

The demand for polysulfide resin is expected to project a year-on-year of 3% in 2021.

Key Drivers

Surging demand for sophisticated sealants to prevent leaks in recreational marine vessels, aviation fuel tanks, and battle corrosion in automotive components is expected to drive sales across Thiokol's segment.

Increasing demand for passenger vehicles, commercial aircraft, and luxury boats across prominent regions such as North America , Europe , and Asia Pacific will favor the growth of the automotive segment.

Key Restraints

High cost of polysulfide resin and the availability of cheaper alternatives such as polyurethane and silicone resins are hampering the growth of the market.

Implementation of stringent regulations pertaining to volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions of sulfur compounds are posing a restraining the market growth as polysulfide resin contains high sulfur in it.

Let us know about your challenges and our trusted advisors will connect with you: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-13959

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers operating in the global polysulfide resin market are Nouryon, Toray Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., JSC Kazan Synthetic Rubber Plant, and Arkema, as per FMI.

Key player are focusing of adopting organic strategies such as new product launch, production capacity expansion, new facility development, and others. Some of the companies are engaging into collaboration, joint ventures, and acquisition with small players to maintain their lead in the landscape. For instance,

In 2021, Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader headquartered in Netherlands announced expanding its production line and relocating its production site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China . The strategy will assist the company of expand its consumer based and address increasing demands from end user industries in China .

announced expanding its production line and relocating its production site from Suzhou to . The strategy will assist the company of expand its consumer based and address increasing demands from end user industries in . In 2021, Arkema, a specialty chemicals and advanced materials company based in France , announced acquisition of Ashland, a leading manufacturer of high performance adhesives for industrial applications in the U.S. The acquisition will assist the company to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its global footprint.

Some of the leading players in the market profiled by FMI are:

Nouryon

Toray Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd.

JSC Kazan Synthetic Rubber Plant

Arkema

More Valuable Insights on Polysulfide Resin Market

FMI in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global polysulfide resin market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in polysulfide resin market with detailed segmentation:

By Product Type:

Thiokols (Liquid Polysulfide Elastomers)

Solid Polysulfide Elastomer

By End Use:

Automotive & Transportation

Aerospace

Automotive

Marine

Others

Building & Construction

Bridges

Roads

Commercial Construction

Others

Industrial Processing

Specialty Chemicals

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

South Asia Pacific

East Asia

Middle East & Africa

Buy a copy of complete Research Report at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/13959

Key Questions Covered in the Polysulfide Resin Market Report

The market survey also highlights projected sales growth of the polysulfide resin market between 2021 and 2031

The report offers insight into polysulfide resin demand outlook for 2021-2031

Polysulfide resin market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Polysulfide resin market analysis identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Browse Extensive Coverage of our Trending Reports

Polysulfide Market : The polysulfide market has been exhibiting significant growth over the last few years. Is expected to continue at a positive rate in the coming years, especially with the demand rising in the U.S., Brazil, France, among other countries.

Polyurethane Resins Paints and Coatings Market : Polyurethane resins are produced by the reacting polyalcohol and an organic di-isocyanate. Polyurethane resins are extensively used in applications such as surface coatings, footwear, furniture and packaging.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/

Report:https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/polysulfide-resin-market

Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/polysulfide-resin-market

SOURCE Future Market Insights
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Julius, a leading influencer marketing software platform, today announced that Inc. magazine named the company as No. 1200 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. Inc. estimated Julius' revenue growth at 403 percent; two times the Inc. 5000's median revenue growth for the full list. Julius is the only influencer-marketing software company recognized this year.

With a footprint in influencer marketing dating back to 2012, Julius was formalized in 2017 by Jared Augustine, Tiki Barber and Mark Gerson. Julius acquired HYPR in 2020, and collectively the company now possesses the most influencer marketing expertise and data analytics in the market. The company has attracted top talent along with emerging and global brands as clients, including Abbvie, American Express, Footlocker, NARS, and UPPAbaby.



"The team at Julius is honored by this recognition," said Jared Augustine, CEO and Co-founder of Julius. "We are excited to be on the same list once occupied by now-powerhouse companies including Intuit, Microsoft and Zapposand, we plan to follow in their footsteps of combining sustainable business growth with unrivaled customer service."

"The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. "Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we've lived through is just plain amazing."

About Julius

Julius is an influencer-marketing platform offering scalable full-funnel solutions driven by data. Its proprietary technology serves enterprise clients' unique needs in identifying, activating and accurately measuring and gaining the best value on their campaigns. Headquartered in New York City, Julius has offices in San Francisco, London and Krakow.

About Inc. Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

SOURCE Julius

Related Links

juliusworks.com


"With F2F Technology, KEEN is providing measurable solutions to engineering footwear that is less damaging to the environment," said Steve Workman, senior director, global product innovations. "F2F, using advanced polyurethane sustainable technologies, is the most significant environmental technology launch in KEEN's history. Combined with the pilot of KEEN's 'un-box' , this collection is a meaningful step toward setting a new industry standard for sustainable footwear. With 77% of Americans concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy, we're confident people will think this line is compelling."

F2F Tech was born out of KEEN's fierce commitment to consciously create footwear that not only encourages people to go outside, but simultaneously minimizes the negative impact on the planet. KEEN has been researching and working with harvested waste materials in its footwear since 2007. Specifically, it's taken two years to develop F2F Technology; the brand partnered with Huntsman Polyurethane, a world renowned innovation company, in the development and testing of the plant based compounds in the shoes.

"The use of agricultural waste within polyurethane is an important step toward transforming the footwear industry supply chain," said Steve Burge, a UK based expert on polyurethane, who worked with KEEN to develop this technology. "Not only does F2F Technology utilize waste from the agricultural industry, it offsets the use of petrochemicals, while eliminating the use of chemical solvents. The outsole on these shoes is 51% agricultural waste. And this is just a first step."

"While the science and technology behind these shoes is serious business, the product itself is fun and familiar. The Field to Food collection is classic looking and forward thinking -- like old school favorites but with a lighter footprint on the planet," continued Workman. "It reinforces our commitment to detoxing the planet, while demonstrating that cutting edge technology can be fun and comfortable".

About KEEN:

Driven by a passion to make the outside and trades accessible for all, KEEN is a values-led, family-owned footwear brand from Portland, Oregon committed to creating original and versatile products, enhancing lives, and inspiring adventures outside. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the industry with the debut of the Newport adventure sandal. It continues to launch game-changing products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design while actively working to Detox the Planet. The brand formalized its values commitment under the banner of The KEEN Effect. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com

Ref: Green Print research / 77% of Consumers stat:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210322005061/en/GreenPrint-Survey-Finds-Consumers-Want-to-Buy-Eco-Friendly-Products-but-Don%E2%80%99t-Know-How-to-Identify-Them

SOURCE KEEN, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.keenfootwear.com/


HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston personal injury firm of Kherkher Garcia, LLP will provide pro bono representation for the family of a young man who was killed in the tragic condo collapse in Surfside, FL in June.

"We are more than proud to represent an incredible local Houston family to bring to light why this horrible tragedy happened," firm partner Steve Kherkher said. "While the public is fully aware that this building should have been condemned years ago, we will now fight to ensure that this doesn't happen again. A son and a brother's life must be remembered by protecting others from the occurrence of another similar tragedy."

The nation was shocked when Champlain Towers South, a 12-story oceanfront condominium located about seven miles north of Miami Beach, suddenly collapsed in the early morning hours of June 24th. Nearly 100 people died as a result of the deadliest structural failure to happen in the United States in 40 years, and a dozen more were injured. While investigations into the incident are ongoing and will likely continue for some time to come, early reports suggest that the collapse was the result of a construction error that the condo's board had been made aware of as early as October 2018.

NPR reports that an area engineer had observed that the building's concrete slab was flat rather than curved, which caused water to collect on its surface rather than roll off. This standing water eroded the concrete and rusted the steel support beams, dangerously weakening the structure and necessitating $9 million in repairs that were apparently never addressed.

By April of this year, that repair estimate had increased to $15 million, according to a letter sent by the board's president. The board subsequently approved a search for an additional line of credit to fund the repairs, which apparently had not yet begun by the time of the tragic collapse more than two months later.

About Kherkher Garcia, LLP

Kherkher Garcia is one of Texas' largest and most successful personal injury firms, having secured billions of dollars on behalf of thousands of clients. Visit their website at www.kherkhergarcia.com for more information.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Kherkher Garcia, LLP
LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindred Group plc has taken the decision to cease any services towards Dutch citizens as of today on a temporary basis. Kindred's ambition is to be a sustainable operator in the Netherlands contributing to the Dutch society once a licence is awarded. Today's decision has been taken due to recent policy changes in the Netherlands, on which Kindred will seek further clarification.

Kindred Group plc (Kindred) has today taken the decision to temporarily cease further services towards citizens in the Netherlands. The decision has been taken due to the recent policy changes communicated by the Dutch Minister for Legal Protection on 20 September and the opening of the market to licenced operators on 1 October 2021.

It is Kindred's view that the letter from Minister Sander Dekker does not explicitly request operators to cease services towards Dutch citizens as long as the prioritisation criteria published in 2019 are followed. Kindred will now seek further clarification on the intention of the Dutch government and the KSA.

"The opening of the online gambling market in the Netherlands is a very positive step for all involved. We look forward to receiving our Dutch license during 2022, and thereby positively contribute to the Dutch society as a valued expert in achieving a sustainable gambling market", says Henrik Tjarnstrom, CEO Kindred Group.

"We have always put a safe gambling environment at the very core of our strategy and operations, and already now comply as much as possible with all Dutch license requirements. We remain fully dedicated to consumer protection, preventing addiction and combatting fraud and crime. An important part of this is our ambition to reach zero per cent revenue from harmful gambling by 2023", concludes Henrik Tjarnstrom.

Kindred is preparing for the opening of the Dutch licensing process under the Remote Gambling Act, and has been working on the preparations for a Dutch licence application, as well as successfully completed all required audits. Having completed preparations, Kindred will now, in accordance with the regulatory timeframe that it must observe, apply for the Dutch license during Q4 2021.

Kindred has successfully increased its profitability in locally regulated markets over the past years, in line with its long-term strategy. As long as services towards Dutch customers are ceased, this decision is expected to have a negative impact on Group EBITDA of approximately GBP 12 million per month against Kindred's own forecast before any potential mitigation actions.

Kindred Group's CEO Henrik Tjarnstrom will host a telephone conference in English on 1 October 2021 at 10.00 (CEST). For those who would like to participate in the telephone conference please call:

Sweden: +46 8 566 42 705

United Kingdom: +44 33 3300 9264

United States: +1 646 7224 902

This disclosure contains information that Kindred Group is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014) and the Swedish Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 30-09-2021 23:00 CET.

CONTACT:

For more information:

Patrick Kortman, Head of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, [email protected], +46 723 877 438

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/kindred-group/r/kindred-to-temporarily-cease-services-towards-dutch-citizens,c3425250

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/824/3425250/1475837.pdf Kindred to temporarily cease services towards Dutch citizens

SOURCE Kindred Group
TAMPA BAY, Fla., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KnowBe4, the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced that it has enhanced its research capabilities and appointed Kai Roer as chief research officer.

KnowBe4 has built a Statistical Analysis Research Platform for Roer and his team that will revolutionize the way that KnowBe4 conducts research projects and distributes industry-relevant reports regarding security awareness, phishing, culture, ransomware and more. This platform allows KnowBe4 to combine data on employees' behaviors, knowledge, culture and risk related to these areas in a way that has never been possible before. This will enable the industry to receive better information to base their security related decisions on.

Roer (author of "Build a Security Culture" by publisher IT-Governance) has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, with much of his expertise centered around security culture. He has been promoted from managing director of KnowBe4 Research to chief research officer for KnowBe4. In 2015, Roer founded CLTRe, which was acquired by KnowBe4 in 2019. Prior to founding CLTRe, Roer created the global de-facto standard Security Culture Framework. His groundbreaking research into security culture metrics provides organizations worldwide with deep insights into the human factors that influence risk and security. Roer is an award-winning specialist on security behaviors and security culture as well as a best-selling author. He is the host of the videocast Security Culture TV and an avid blogger. Roer keynotes at events around the world. He belongs to the Norway Chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance.

"KnowBe4 is enhancing its research capabilities to provide more groundbreaking research across all topics related to security awareness, behavior and culture," said Perry Carpenter, chief evangelist and strategy officer, KnowBe4. "Kai will lead this charge as the new chief executive responsible for all of the data collected via our platform, including training data, module usage, phishing simulations, Security Awareness Proficiency Assessment (SAPA) survey, culture surveys, etc. as well as any additional sources. This new role adds even more of a formal recognition to the reality of KnowBe4 Research and our dedication to create world-class, industry relevant research for the security community."

"KnowBe4 has a plethora of unique data sets related to security awareness, behavior and culture that will benefit the greater cybersecurity industry," said Roer. "Elevating the research branch into the C-suite with this promotion shows KnowBe4's commitment to becoming a leading cybersecurity organization when it comes to research. I look forward to developing and facilitating quality security research on behalf of KnowBe4."

For more information on KnowBe4, visit www.knowbe4.com.

About KnowBe4

KnowBe4, the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 41,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist, Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud, and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. Kevin Mitnick, an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Tens of thousands of organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense.

Media Contact

Amanda Tarantino

Public Relations Officer

KnowBe4

[email protected]

SOURCE KnowBe4

Related Links

www.knowbe4.com


SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LISCure Biosciences ("LISCure") announced that it has received approval for a global phase 1 clinical trial for two programs, LB-P6 and LB-P8, targeting autoimmune disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), respectively. This achievement is significant in that it will be the first global clinical trial among the microbiome treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and NASH indications.

The most noteworthy part is that LB-P6 has no toxic effects, even after long-term administration, as no side effects were found compared to existing rheumatoid arthritis treatments. The effect of LB-P6 was found to be equal to or greater than that of the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in animal models. In addition, the company explains that it is possible to expand indications because therapeutic effects on other autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, have been clearly observed.

LB-P8 has demonstrated similar or better efficacy through non-clinical models comparable to other candidate treatments in a phase 3 clinical trial, and no side effects were observed. LISCure signed a Know-How License Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement with Mayo Clinic for liver disease programs this year, and a joint research program is currently in progress.

LISCure will confirm the safety and key indicators of both programs in the first phase of this clinical trial and will start a global phase 2 clinical trial next year. Since LB-P6 is a candidate substance that is expected to have therapeutic effects on various autoimmune diseases, LISCure will conduct a phase 2 trial not only for patients with chronic diseases but also for autoimmune diseases that have high unmet medical needs. LB-P8 has entered the final stage of the study on its mechanism of action, and through additional mechanism studies, anti-fibrosis and tissue necrosis inhibitory effects have been confirmed in rare hepatic biliary diseases.

A LISCure official said, "In terms of safety, both pipelines are highly anticipated in that they have received a review opinion from the regulatory authority that they are safe, and receiving a lot of attention from overseas research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. We plan to develop them as the world's first microbiome treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and NASH."

LISCure is a biotech company that develops new microbial-based drugs and has a number of pipelines focusing on oncology, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and neurosciences. Based on the company's unique platform technology, it focuses on two business areas, bacteria-mediated immunotherapy and microbiome therapeutics, and is making various new R&D-oriented attempts in microbiology. LISCure is expected to conduct pre-clinical studies with the next generation of microbiome treatments, along with a new concept of anti-cancer therapy entering a clinical trial in the US.

SOURCE LISCure Biosciences Inc.
DENVER, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Melio, a leading B2B payments platform for small businesses, today announced the official opening of its western headquarters in downtown Denver, building upon the company's explosive growth in the United States.

As part of the Denver opening, Melio is partnering with Denver's Office of Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) and its Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership (TEC-P) program to recruit and train 250 candidates to join the company's sales, payment operations, customer experience, and customer support departments.

"Melio is a global business leader that will provide a major boost to our local economy and excellent-paying career opportunities for our residents," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "This is the right move at the right time as Denver's economic recovery accelerates and capitalizes on the impactful workforce programming we've put into place. Welcome to Denver, Melio."

Colorado's high density of small and midsized businesses provides the ideal market for Melio's rapid expansion. 98 percent of Colorado's businesses are small businesses, and 44,740 new businesses were formed in the first quarter of 2021 alone  a new record. The state has also been routinely ranked nationally as a top ten location for the creation of new companies.

"I'm thrilled that in addition to officially opening its Western headquarters, Melio will help train 250 individuals for better paying jobs. We want to provide opportunities for individuals who are interested in building their careers. Colorado continues to attract and grow world-class companies because of our unmatched quality of life and support for small businesses," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Melio is committed to supporting Colorado's vibrant small business community, which embodies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that built Melio and aligns with its mission to help small businesses by providing them with an easy tool to manage payments remotely and maximize their cash flow," said Matan Bar, Melio's CEO and co-founder. "Mayor Hancock has been extremely welcoming and supportive of our mission to cultivate fintech talent in the Mile High City and we look forward to our continued partnership."

In order to fully immerse itself in Colorado's small business community, Melio will participate in a roundtable discussion with local small businesses with support from DEDO and will also take part in Denver Startup Week on October 4 to meet the local entrepreneurial community.

"Melio is a people-first team, and building a strong and inclusive culture where people are proud to be and to build their careers is a top value and priority," said Bar.

Earlier this month Melio announced it has raised an additional $250 million, which will help accelerate the company's integration with financial institutions, software providers, and marketplaces interested in enabling B2B payments for their customers.

For more information about Melio's current career opportunities in the Denver area, visit http://www.meliopayments.com/careers .

About Melio

Melio's mission is to keep small business in business, helping them to improve their cash flow and workflow, gain more control over their finances, and optimize their business's financial health. Melio was founded by CEO Matan Bar, CTO Ilan Atias, and COO Ziv Paz in 2018, with headquarters in New York and an R&D center in Tel Aviv. Melio also selected Colorado for its western U.S. headquarters and has begun recruiting for 250 new jobs in the state. The company has raised $506 million to date. Melio's smart B2B online payment solution is tailor-made for small businesses' needs. It is a free, simple, and secure solution that allows small businesses and their suppliers to transfer and receive payments quickly and easily.

Website: https://www.melio.com

About Denver Economic Development & Opportunity

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is leading an inclusive and innovative economy for all Denver residents, including local and global business development, workforce development programs, and stabilization efforts in Denver's diverse neighborhoods. Learn more at www.denvergov.org/economicdevelopment .

SOURCE Melio

Related Links

https://www.meliopayments.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith Local Media Group received the 2021 Catalyst Award for their outstanding support of Ad Council public service campaigns over the past year.

The Ad Council's Catalyst Award recognizes a communications company that creates strategic programs to advance meaningful social change. Meredith harnessed all 17 of their TV stations across the country to provide exceptional donated media support to Ad Council campaigns last year, with standout support of Project Roadblock, an annual local broadcast TV campaign designed to reduce drunk driving fatalities over the course of the holiday season.

The award was given at TVB's Forward Conference 2021, the Television Bureau of Advertising's (TVB) annual leadership conference. The Forward Conference was held virtually, for the second straight year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attracted 4,000+ registrants

Meredith saw 100% station participation across 12 markets for Project Roadblock and generously supported the Ad Council in this campaign.

"Meredith's exceptional support of Ad Council campaigns, and their participation in Project Roadblock in particular, reaches millions of Americans and positively changes lives," said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "Their dedication to keeping our roads safe makes them well-deserving of this year's Catalyst Award."

"Service to our communities is at the heart of what we do at Meredith. For more than 120 years, we have informed and inspired our audiences to take action," said Patrick McCreery, Meredith Local Media Group President. "If even one person changed their behavior because of seeing the Project Roadblock message  it made a difference. Meredith is honored to take part in this life-saving effort, and we thank you for this award."

Since 2004, Project Roadblock has leveraged local TV stations' donated media during the holidays to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving. PSAs urge viewers to find a safe ride home after holiday festivities. The partnership between TVB, the Ad Council, NHTSA and local broadcast television stations is now entering its 18th year.

Project Roadblock 2020 had nearly 60,000 placements of donated on-air, digital sub-channel, online and mobile time and space by over 1,000 TV stations reaching all 50 states, resulting in $7.4 million of donated local media over the six-day period.

Since Project Roadblock's inception, local broadcast TV stations across the nation have donated more than $89 million in support.

"Each year the local broadcast TV industry further proves its ongoing commitment to serving local communities by participating in this life saving campaign and ensuring the roads are safer during the holiday season. We are proud to have been a part of Project Roadblock since its inception in 2004 and look forward to making the 18th year of Project Roadblock the most impactful yet. Broadcasters across the U.S. are truly raising awareness of the danger of impaired driving," said Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB. "We thank Meredith Local Media Group and all participating TV stations for their commitment to this campaign and helping to save lives."

About TVB

TVB is the not-for-profit trade association representing America's local broadcast television industry. Its members include individual television stations, television broadcast groups, advertising sales reps, syndicators, international broadcasters and associate members. TVB actively promotes local media marketing solutions to the advertising community and works to develop advertising dollars for the medium's multiple platforms, including on-air, online and mobile. TVB provides a diverse variety of tools and resources, including its website, to support its members and to help advertisers make the best use of local ad dollars.

About the Ad Council

The Ad Council brings together the most creative minds in advertising and media to address the most worthy causes. Its innovative, pro bono social good campaigns raise awareness. They inspire action. They save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council's communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

About Meredith

Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), a leading media company for nearly 120 years, produces service journalism that engages audiences with essential, inspiring, and trusted content. Meredith reaches consumers where they are across multiple platforms including digital, video, magazine, and broadcast television. Meredith's Local Media Group portfolio includes 17 television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households and 30 million viewers. Meredith's portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation's Top 25 markets, including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland, and 13 stations in the Top 50.

SOURCE The Ad Council

Related Links

http://www.adcouncil.org


MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Suing under a pseudonym, "Jane Roe" alleges that, despite being a top sales performer at Zendesk for over 6 years, she was subjected to a pattern of harassment immediately after informing her boss that she was pregnant and planning to take maternity leave. According to the complaint filed in San Francisco Superior Court on 9/29/21, Zendesk Director Matt Ingebrigtsen prodded and humiliated her with harassing comments regarding her pregnancy, pay, position in the company and maternity leave.

Roe complained about these and other harassing remarks to Aaron Schilke, her new director, as well as Human Resources, but was met with indifference. Instead of taking action to stop the harassing and discriminatory conduct, Roe had her valuable sales territory stripped away and was denied participation in the company's Rising Star program. Men at Zendesk, even those taking paternity leave, do not suffer the same indignities. As a result of this misconduct, Roe was relegated to a different role, with substantially less upside potential.

"Despite significant progress in the tech space over the past few years, this is a prime example of a company that refuses to look in the mirror and recognize the damage to their workforce, their brand, and their community," said Matt Matern, Roe's attorney. "It's incredibly frustrating that Zendesk would condone this type of behavior."

Roe's complaint can be found at: https://www.maternlawgroup.com/blog/pregnant-worker-files-discrimination-lawsuit-against-zendesk/

Contact:

Josh Boxer

530-220-2300

[email protected]

SOURCE Matern Law Group

Related Links

https://www.maternlawgroup.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded a contract for Sun-Sky Scanning Sun Photometers to CIMEL Electronique of Paris, France to support the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET).

This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with an estimated total ordering value of $10M. The five-year period of performance begins on September 28 and includes one six-month option. The work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in Paris, France.

The Contractor will provide several models of the CIMEL 318 family of Sun and Sky-Scanning Spectral Radiometers and necessary parts for the repair, maintenance, and upgrade of the sun photometers; tracking robot; and advanced control box. These sun photometers monitor aerosol optical properties and provide uniform database for long term characterization of aerosol optical properties within NASA's Global Climate Change program.

The AERONET project is a federation of ground-based remote sensing aerosol networks established by NASA and PHOTONS (PHOtometrie pour le Traitement Operationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire; Univ. of Lille 1, CNES, and CNRS-INSU) and is greatly expanded by networks and collaborators from national agencies, institutes, universities, individual scientists, and partners. For more than 25 years, the project has provided long-term, continuous and readily accessible public domain database of aerosol optical, microphysical and radiative properties for aerosol research and characterization, validation of satellite retrievals, and synergism with other databases. The network imposes standardization of instruments, calibration, processing and distribution.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected two U.S. companies to support its Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) that will rapidly mature Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) technologies through ground and flight demonstrations.

Through the EPFD program, NASA seeks to introduce EAP technologies to U.S. aviation fleets no later than 2035, supporting short-range and regional commercial air travel, as well as single-aisle seat transports.

The awards under the EPFD project announcement are hybrid firm fixed-price/cost-share. The total combined value for the awards is $253.4 million and the work will be conducted over the next five years. The companies that received awards and their award values are:

GE Aviation (GE) of Cincinnati , $179 million .

, . MagniX USA Inc of Redmond, Washington , $74.3million .

"By taking these concepts to flight, NASA and its partners will accelerate the transition of EAP technologies into commercial products and be a catalyst for economic growth," said Robert Pearce, associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We expect to realize significant improvements in the economic and environmental performance of subsonic transports through incorporation of these novel alternative propulsion and energy technologies into the fleet."

Over five years, the selected companies will conduct ground and flight test demonstrations of their EAP technologies applicable to commercial aircraft transports. They will collaborate with other NASA projects on EAP development, flight test instrumentation, and data analysis. And they will stimulate spiral developments of megawatt-class EAP systems and technology.

"GE Aviation and MagniX will perform integrated megawatt-class powertrain system ground and flight demonstrations to validate their concepts, and project benefits for future EAP aircraft configurations," said Gaudy Bezos-O'Connor, EPFD project manager at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia. "These demonstrations will identify and retire technical barriers and integration risks. It will also help inform the development of standards and regulations for future EAP systems."

The EPFD project is a part of NASA's Integrated Aviation Systems Program (IASP) which conducts flight-oriented, system-level research and technology development to mature and transition advanced aeronautic technologies into future air vehicles and operational systems. IASP focuses on the execution of highly complex flight tests and related experiments to support all phases of NASA's aeronautics research.

Learn more about IASP and EPFD at:

https://go.nasa.gov/3AUWwVV

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

https://www.nasa.gov


LEIPER'S FORK, Tenn., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched entirely via Zoom meetings, and with the assistance of spokesman Mike Wolfe, History's American Picker, Nashville's Big Back Yard is celebrating the accomplishments of year one. A regional movement of 12 rural Middle Tennessee communities and The Shoals of North Alabama, the organization is taking stock of the year's success.

With an aggressive PR and social media effort and a grassroots approach to marketing, Nashville's Big Back Yard achieved more than 270 million media impressions, engaged more than 50,000 social media followers, and received hundreds of inquiries from people drawn to rural living, remote work, and an affordable lifestyle.

Nashville's Big Back Yard, launched entirely via Zoom meetings, celebrates impact of first year. Tweet this

NBBY's comprehensive website achieved in-excess of 100,000 UVM's and pageviews combined. The site showcases all the towns in the Big Back Yard with robust content - stunning photography, professional videos, real estate information, tourism and relocation stats, and detailed contact information.

Nashville's Big Back Yard is the result of lengthy conversations during COVID-19 spearheaded by Leiper's Fork philanthropist Aubrey Preston and led by community leaders in a region long known as a destination for musicians, artists, and other creative talent. Debbie Landers serves as the organization's executive director.

NBBY was created to increase travel and tourism to the region and capture the interest of people in pursuit of a simpler way of life. Nashville's Big Back Yard includes the Middle Tennessee towns of Centerville, Clifton, Collinwood, Hampshire, Hohenwald, Leiper's Fork, Linden, Loretto, Mount Pleasant, Santa Fe, Summertown, and Waynesboro in Middle Tennessee and The Shoals region of Northwest Alabama  Florence, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals.

Mike Wolfe's participation as spokesman is inspired by his passion for the backroads of America and a love for Tennessee, where he resides in the Big Back Yard. Wolfe's involvement, including a video endorsement, helped catapult the initial launch of NBBY to more than 90 million PR impressions and multiple thousands of social media engagements.

"Initially, NBBY was launched as a result of COVID-19's devastating blow to our nation's public health and economy, which led people and communities to think about who we are and what we do," said Preston, who has spent more than 25 years working on rural preservation efforts including the popular Americana Music Triangle. "The success of our first year confirms what we already knew. The land is calling people back, and Nashville's Big Back Yard has an abundance of land, water and world-class music. It's a great place to visit and an even better place to live. We're inviting people to come and play in our big back yard."

Looking ahead, the Big Back Yard partners anticipate their first in-person meeting in November to celebrate the one-year anniversary and the success of Nashville's Big Back Yard, a movement created entirely via Zoom.

Visit https://www.nashvillesbigbackyard.org

SOURCE Nashvilles Big Back Yard

Related Links

https://www.nashvillesbigbackyard.org


HONG KONG, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon" or the "Company"; Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Ghana (the "MoE"). This is to secure a long-term relationship for investment in a broad range of solutions and services designed to achieve the objectives and goals of the MoE and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all people in Ghana.

Having successfully implemented its world-leading teaching and learning platform, Edmodo World, in Ghana, in cooperation with the MoE, NetDragon will now work closely with the MoE to develop a sustainable and robust country-wide Blended Learning System. This seeks to ensure access to quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic circumstances and geographical location. Furthermore, it will integrate cutting-edge educational technology into the education system, not only providing the means to equip young people with the necessary skills for society and economic growth but also leading to a transformation of pedagogy impacting the country's 9.3 million students.

NetDragon will also work with the MoE to strengthen the nation's science base by building STEM and Vocational Education workshop centres around the country. These will function as state-of-the-art laboratories and STEM classrooms to provide students with the skills and competencies needed to contribute effectively to the country's thriving economy. Similarly, to boost education infrastructure in regions where refurbishment of classrooms is required and additional capacity is needed for access, NetDragon will seek to install its Intelligent Space Classrooms and School Campuses, complete with the latest educational technology.

With the world-leading online teaching platform Edmodo World at its core, the revolutionary Blended Learning System implemented in partnership between NetDragon and the MoE will ensure access to learning opportunities for all. It will also enhance and motivate students through stimulating content and lessons delivered through the latest classroom technology. Furthermore, by drawing on the power of Big Data, the solution will provide comprehensive assessment and usage analytics for governance and monitoring to allow for effective policy and decision-making. Finally, a comprehensive Teacher Training and Change Management programme and the building of Teacher Training Centres will ensure that the solution is embedded in the education system in a scalable and sustainable way.

Ghana's Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, stated, "We are delighted to welcome NetDragon to cooperate with our government to help develop the skills of the nation's young people and facilitate education access for all. Building capacity within the education system to ensure that everyone benefits from quality teaching and learning is a key priority. NetDragon's solutions will help us to provide teachers with the tools and support they need to develop the students' skills, especially in the key areas of science and vocational training."

Dr Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, re-iterated the Company's commitment to working with the government of Ghana. "The Ministry of Education has a clear and ambitious programme to strengthen the nation's skills in science and technology, and we are delighted to have an opportunity to support this with our wide range of education technology solutions. In addition, we look forward to cooperating closely with the government to ensure that all citizens can have access to the best quality teaching and learning, no matter where they live."

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users, including previous establishments of China's first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles, including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved and Conquer Online. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of its management's vision to create the largest global online learning community and bring the "classroom of the future" to every school worldwide.

SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

Related Links

http://www.netdragon.com


A majority of fullservice and limited-service operators say business conditions are worse now than three months ago;

78% of operators say their restaurant doesn't have enough employees to support current customer demand;

Costs are up across the board91% of operators are paying more for food; 84% have higher labor costs; and 63% are paying higher occupancy costs; and

Profitability remains down with 85% of operators reported smaller margins than before the pandemic.

State-level data confirms a similarly bleak picture in Texas, where:

72% of operators say their restaurant currently does not have enough employees to support its existing customer demand;

91% of operators say their restaurant experienced a decline in customer demand for indoor on-premises dining in recent weeks because of the Delta variant; and

89% of Texas operators say their profit margin is lower than it was prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Adding to restaurants' anxiety is the uncertainty coming from Washington, D.C., where lawmakers are considering several tax increases that would be devastating for small, midsize, and family-owned restaurants in particular. The National Restaurant Association sent a letter to Congress yesterday outlining the latest, troubling data and our concern that tax increases will further undermine restaurants' hard-fought recovery effort.

"The Texas Restaurant Association joins our colleagues at the National level in urging Congress to help, not hurt, restaurants in this critical phase of the pandemic," said Dr. Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. "Our members have shown incredible grit, determination, and innovation, and they deserve every opportunity to rebuild their business so they can continue to serve their communities for years to come."

Read more about the latest data and our industry's letter to Congress here.

About the Texas Restaurant Association

Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) serves as the advocate in Texas and the indispensable resource for the foodservice industry. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state's $70 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of more than 50,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.3 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the Association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 85th anniversary year.

SOURCE Texas Restaurant Association

Related Links

https://www.txrestaurant.org/


STOCKHOLM, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tobii AB (publ) today announces that the number of ordinary shares and votes in Tobii has increased by 105,419 as a result of exercise of warrants and stock options in accordance with the company's incentive programs.

Today, the last trading day of the month, there are in total 100,700,523 shares, of which 99,800,523 are ordinary shares and 900,000 are class C-shares, and the total 99,890,523 votes in the company. After the increase, the share capital amounts to SEK 730,777.027203.

This information is information that Tobii AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on September 30, 2021, at 17.30 p.m. CEST.

CONTACT:

Contact

Henrik Mawby, Head of Investor Relations, Tobii Group, phone: +46 (0)72 219 82 15, email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/tobii-ab/r/new-number-of-shares-and-votes-in-tobii,c3424517

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/2874/3424517/1475402.pdf New number of shares and votes in Tobii - Press release - September 30 2021

SOURCE Tobii AB
According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents consider eating breakfast to be a high or very high priority, with men more likely to agree compared to their female counterparts. However, 56 percent of American workers felt they were too busy to make breakfast in the morning during the workweek, and almost two-thirds of respondents (63 percent) preferred having an extra hour of sleep than waking up early to cook breakfast.

The disconnect, according to survey findings, indicates there are a few barriers preventing Americans from enjoying breakfast during the workweek including time constraints, deciding what to prepare, and the physical act of prepping and cooking. Due to these challenges, a wide majority of the employed Americans surveyed felt that breakfast is the most time-consuming meal to make with 40 percent citing the physical act of cooking as the biggest challenge, 39 percent felt deciding what to cook was the main issue, and 38 percent stated the clean-up process was the most unmanageable element of weekday breakfasts.

The online survey of 1,000 employed Americans was commissioned by BEF and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct between August 19 and August 20, 2021. All participants were paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team, who are members of the MRS and have corporate membership to ESOMAR and AAPOR.

"Our survey findings have confirmed that while eating breakfast is a priority for the majority of American consumers, many of these same consumers view breakfast as a daily chore," said Maia Daly, Senior Marketing Manager for Bob Evans Farms. "At Bob Evans Farms, we're working toward eliminating this barrier to breakfast. With our refrigerated heat-and-eat breakfast items, Americans are armed with meal solutions they need to maintain their busy schedules, all while building a convenient, delicious, and nutritious foundation for their day."

Additional survey findings support Bob Evans' expansion into refrigerated options as roughly three in four respondents (76 percent) reported that they purchase refrigerated heat-and-eat breakfast items at least once a month to make breakfast prep easier. Additionally, 41 percent of respondents are now more interested in refrigerated heat-and-eat breakfast items than they were prior to the 2020 global pandemic.

"The connotations toward the process of cooking breakfast are overwhelmingly negative in the minds of working Americans," continues Maia Daly. "That's why we've aligned our strategy in the breakfast aisle to provide consumers with healthy heat-and-eat breakfast innovations for a delicious, stress-free morning meal. The opinions of our customers are of the utmost importance, and we will continue to absorb their feedback and innovate to provide the best consumer experience possible."

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is a brand born and raised on the promise of farm-fresh goodness. For more than 70 years, the company has been making delicious, quick-to-table, farm-fresh food that is sold in grocery stores all over the country. Today, Bob Evans brand mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese products are the #1 selling refrigerated side dishes in the United States*. Based in Columbus, Ohio and owned by Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer-packaged goods holding company, Bob Evans Farms is also a leading producer and distributor of refrigerated potato, pasta and vegetable-based side dishes, pork sausage, and a variety of refrigerated and frozen convenience food items under the Bob Evans, Owens and Pineland Farms brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevansgrocery.com.

* SOURCE: IRI Total US MULO Latest 52 W/E

SOURCE Bob Evans Farms
APPLETON, Wis., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Alternative Investment Management LLC ("Global Alts") has announced the launch of Unicorn Technology Fund II. The Fund's primary strategy is to acquire a portfolio of late stage, venture-backed technology companies that possess the potential to offer a liquidity event in the next 2-4 years. The Fund targets companies with unique technological innovations that enhance productivity, facilitate economic growth, speed up inventions, prolong healthier lives, facilitate green energy, or other promising initiatives in areas such as blockchain, fintech, space exploration, healthtech, and other technology-focused areas.

The Unicorn Technology Fund II has raised more than $9 million to date and has deployed capital across twelve investments to date, including Robinhood, Humacyte, Rubrik, BockFi, Firefly Aerospace, Netskope, Kraken, PandaDoc.

"Several important factors have converged to create what we believe to be an optimal window for investors to consider investing in late-stage private tech companies," says Prateek Mehrotra, Chief Investment Officer. "Our lives are increasingly impacted by disruptive technologies created by high-growth companies with innovative ideas that provide investors with unique opportunities. Because venture backed companies are remaining private longer, an increasing percentage of value is being created prior to going public. Thus, investors waiting for an IPO may be missing out on a significant portion of the growth phase of these Unicorn companies."

The Unicorn Technology Fund II was created to leverage the experience of the management team and knowledge in the venture capital and secondary market space. "Late-stage venture capital investing is not about seeking home runs; it's about capturing a bump in valuation that can often occur when a firm is acquired or goes public. Such investing is not without risk. We think that some of this risk can be mitigated by buying a diversified portfolio of established companies, being selective, and by seeking to acquire shares at prices discounted from the respective companies' last round of financing," said Mehrotra.

The Unicorn Technology Fund II is available only to Qualified Purchasers meeting certain income and net worth requirements.

About Global Alternative Investment Management LLC

Global Alts is a private fund management company headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. The firm creates and markets private funds to serve high net worth (Accredited, Qualified Clients and Qualified Purchasers), Institutional, and Non-profit Investors.

For more information, visit www.GlobalAlts.com.

Investment Risks of Venture Capital and Private Fund Investments

Venture capital investing involves risk, including risk of your entire investment and is not suitable for all investors. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and this fund involves substantial risk of loss, including loss of all capital invested. There are a significant number of factors that could cause the actual benefits and expectations with respect to the fund to differ materially from the statements made in this press release, including the ability to identify and manage investment opportunities. You should not assume that any of the above content serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for personalized investment advice. Investors should consult with their financial and tax advisors before considering an investment. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Content herein is not an offering or solicitation to buy securities. This offering can only be made by the private placement memorandum.

Global Alts relies upon the investment adviser registration of Endowment Wealth Management, Inc. based on certain no-action letters issued to the American Bar Association in the past. The activities of Global Alts' investment advisory activities are subject to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder and is subject to examination by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Robert Riedl, CPA, CFP, AWMA

Managing Member

Global Alternatives Investment Management LLC

[email protected]

920.785.6010

SOURCE Global Alternative Investment Management LLC

Related Links

https://globalalts.com/


GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Onion Global Limited ("Onion Global", the "Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: OG), a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable and future brands to young people in China and across Asia, today announced that it will launch an ongoing event called the "LUCA Elite Club" to further motivate and educate its key opinion consumers (KOCs) community and enhance the efficiency of its private domain traffic pools by developing more brand partnerships to precisely reach more C-side users. The "LUCA Elite Club" events are designed to provide in-depth brand knowledge to the KOCs on how to effectively promote Onion Global's private label and strategic brands, "Luca Brands", a range of lifestyle brands with technological barriers that are highly competitive in the market. The events aim to drive stronger revenue growth and improve the Company's awareness and brand image. Supported by more new brand partnerships, the "LUCA Elite Club" events will create deeper impressions between the Company and brand partners, which ultimately enables Onion Global to precisely attract more KOCs and consumers through the optimization of its omni-channel marketing strategies.

At the end of the second quarter of 2021, Onion Global reached an extensive community of over 730,000 KOCs. This vast private domain traffic pools of KOCs are one of the key competitive advantages for the Company, and truly differentiates its marketing and distribution channels from other e-commerce platforms in the new consumption era. As a key strategic initiative for this year, Onion Global has been investing extensive efforts into continuously strengthening the efficiency of and expanding its private traffic pools to support its unique Luca Brands line.

Mr. Cong (Kenny) Li, Founder and CEO of Onion Global, commented, "The 'LUCA Elite Club' events expand the shopping experience from online to offline, driving our technological innovation and Metaverse exploration, and strengthening the efficiency and capabilities of our omni-channel marketing layout. We set a key strategy to connect "Technology, Health and People" together in a bid to develop more valuable and advanced Luca Brands for our consumers. We also reinforce the connection with brand partners through the 'LUCA Elite Club' events by continuously and precisely promoting the brands and products that lead to quantifiable monetization returns for our brand partners, and to reach a win-win situation for brand partners, the KOCs and the Company."

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the collaboration with OBAGI, the Company's beliefs and expectations, the Company's forecasts, general observation of the industry and business outlook, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "target," "aim," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "potential," "estimates" "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Onion Global's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Onion Global does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Onion Global Limited

Onion Global Limited (NYSE: OG) is a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable and future brands, which we refer to as "3F brands," to young people in China and across Asia. The Company's mission is to be the dream factory of lifestyle brands for young people. The Company's platform offering an integrated solution to develop, market and distribute new and inspiring branded products, thereby reshaping the lifestyle shopping and consumer culture in China. Onion Global Limited has been listed on New York Stock Exchange since May 2021.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.msyc.com/.

Investor Relations Contact

In China:

Onion Global Ltd.

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

Mr. Eric Yuan

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +86-10-5900-1548

In United States:

Christensen

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +1-480-614-3004

SOURCE Onion Global Limited

Related Links

http://ir.msyc.com/


I know that with the help of Oregon College Savings Plan's scholarship my higher education goals will be accomplished. Tweet this

"Being an immigrant with parents who have not attended college and are non-English speakers, came with many barriers when it came to my education," continued Zemzem. "As such, I pursue every available opportunity to reach my goals. Though financially college is a barrier for me, I know that with the help of the Oregon College Savings Plan's scholarship and hard work my goals of gaining higher education will be accomplished."

Two new Oregon College Savings Plan scholarship recipients are selected each year, with awardees receiving $10,000 for their freshman year and $5,000 for each of the next three years of full-time enrollment, or until completion of degree (whichever comes earlier).

"We are excited that Treasury's 'Diversity in Leadership Scholarship' will make it easier for students with barriers to higher education such as Zemzem and Monserrat, to pursue their education and job training," said Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read. "Inclusion is vital. All students deserve access to a quality and affordable education right here in Oregon."

The Diversity in Leadership Scholarship awards may be used to attend a range of Oregon institutions, including apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities. The application opens in early November each year, with a deadline of early March, for the following academic year.

The scholarship is being administered through the Oregon Community Foundation's (OCF) scholarship programone of the largest of its kind in the country. When fully rolled out, the program is anticipated to fund $50,000 in scholarships each year to a class of eight students.

The Oregon College Savings Plan is a state-sponsored higher education savings program that comes with special tax advantages and can be opened by just about anyone.

Contact:

Kasey Krifka,

[email protected],

503-431-7976

SOURCE Oregon College Savings Plan

Related Links

https://www.oregoncollegesavings.com/


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a Consolidated Class Action Complaint ("Complaint"), containing new allegations and an expanded class definition, has been filed against Raytheon Technologies Corporation ("Raytheon" or the "Company") (NYSE: RTX) and certain of its officers. The Complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and docketed under No. CV-20-00468-TUC-JCH, has a class period of February 10, 2016 through October 27, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"), and is on behalf of a class consisting of anyone who:

purchased or acquired Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) common stock from the beginning of the Class Period on February 10, 2016 until the date the merger between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation was completed on April 3, 2020 ; purchased or acquired United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX) common stock from June 10, 2019 , the first trading day after the merger was announced, until the date the merger was completed on April 3, 2020 ; and purchased or acquired Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) common stock from the date the merger was completed on April 3, 2020 , until the end of the Class Period on October 27, 2020 , inclusive, seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b -5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

On July 27, 2021 the Court appointed The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio as Interim Lead Plaintiff and appointed Pomerantz LLP as Interim Lead Counsel. (Dkt. No. 30). If you are an investor who (1) purchased or acquired Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) common stock from the beginning of the Class Period on February 10, 2016 until the date the merger between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation was completed on April 3, 2020; (2) purchased or acquired United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX) common stock from June 10, 2019, the first trading day after the merger was announced, until the date the merger was completed on April 3, 2020; or (3) purchased or acquired Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) common stock from the date the merger was completed on April 3, 2020, until the end of the Class Period on October 27, 2020, you have until October 21, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Non-Interim Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about the class action]

Raytheon purports to be an aerospace and defense company providing advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. Among the Company's four main operational divisions is its Raytheon Missiles and Defense segment, which designs, develops, integrates, and produces missile and combat systems for the armed forces of the United States and allied nations.

During the class period, Raytheon derived a vast majority of its revenues from contracts it received from the U.S. government. U.S. government contracts are subject to heavy scrutiny and contractors are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the government's acquisition of goods and services. These laws and regulations impose a broad range of requirements, many of which are unique to government contracting. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe repercussions including, but not limited to, reduction to the value of contracts, forfeiture of profits, and bars from future government contracts. Government contractors are also subject to audits and investigations by U.S. government agencies to ensure compliance with contracts. During the Class Period, Raytheon repeatedly engaged in egregious misconduct in relation to its contracts with the U.S. government. The misconduct included several improper practices designed to overcharge the government under existing contracts. Specifically, Raytheon double-charged the government by miscoding labor charges, purchased and mislabeled goods as services to charge a higher markup and avoid certain registration and oversight requirements, and made unnecessary purchases, without the required authority from the government, for materials that were scheduled to arrive after the end date of the task orders. Raytheon also misappropriated funds, failed to submit sub-contracts for competitive bidding, deliberately prolonged projects to inflate Estimates at Completion, and conducted business with foreign companies in direct violation of presidential executive orders. This misconduct resulted in a gross overstatement of many important financial metrics such as revenues, operating income, and operating expenses. Rather than disclose the misconduct, Raytheon concealed it by doctoring contracts in advance of government reviews and audits. This slight-of hand included manipulating dates and other information in the contracts.

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly made false and misleading statements regarding the effectiveness of Raytheon's internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, as well as a number of relevant financial metrics. Contrary to the Defendants' representations to investors, the aforementioned internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were not effective and did not provide reasonable assurances that transactions were properly executed and/or recorded. Raytheon was not entitled to the benefits of the revenue it generated from its government contracts due to the misuse, misappropriation, and violations of the prescribed protocols and parameters of those government contracts. The material overstatement of reported revenues resulted in the improper reporting of other important financial metrics, like operating income, operating margin, income from operations and net income. The misconduct subjected Raytheon to significant fines and other punitive remedies, in addition to future bars from government contracts.

On October 27, 2020, during after-market hours, Raytheon filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 (the "3Q20 10-Q"). The 3Q20 10-Q announced a criminal investigation by the DOJ into the Company, stating, in pertinent part:

On October 8, 2020, the Company received a criminal subpoena from the DOJ seeking information and documents in connection with an investigation relating to financial accounting, internal controls over financial reporting, and cost reporting regarding Raytheon Company's Missiles & Defense business since 2009. We are cooperating fully with the DOJ's investigation. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation. Based on the information available to date, however, we do not believe the results of this inquiry will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

On this news, the price of Raytheon shares fell $4.19 per share, or approximately 7%, to close at $52.34 per share on October 28, 2020.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government of Bangladesh takes note of the virtual briefing on the alleged "Enforced disappearance in Bangladesh" being organized by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on August 31, 2021. In this regard, it is imperative to share the relevant facts, information, and position of Bangladesh Government on the allegations of "enforced disappearances", "extrajudicial killings" and other alleged human rights violations in Bangladesh that are likely to feature in the said Webinar.

The Bangladesh Government remains committed to addressing any allegations of human rights violations in the country. In fact, some of those allegations have been reported before and investigated carefully and with due seriousness. The Government is concerned that there has been a growing pattern to label all criminal cases of missing with "enforced disappearance" with obvious intention of maligning the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and its achievements. In many cases the 'perceived' victims have reappeared, out of the criminal justice system, proving the allegations of so-called "enforced disappearance" false. However, the case classification of "enforced disappearance" does not change and the public is not updated.

The Government is increasingly concerned by the trend of organized (/group of) miscreants to impersonate law enforcement agencies like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to carry out such "abductions" or "kidnappings." There have been numerous instances where the law enforcement agencies had brought to justice abductors that purported themselves to be law enforcement officers of RAB and other government agencies. These organized criminal acts are done with a purpose to undermine the credibility and professional competence of those lawful government agencies and this fact should be known to the public, international community and concerned parties.

The Government also examines when there are allegations of "extrajudicial killings" and have concluded in almost all cases that those were without merit. Law Enforcement agencies have investigated instances of alleged "extrajudicial killings" and "disappearances." They have found no evidence of government involvement. Rather, they discovered that many of the "disappeared" were in hiding, been abducted by organized criminals, evading prosecution for violent crimes that further punish the accused's victim(s) by delayed justice. Due process of law, which may involve some time to complete, is wrongly portrayed by the relatives of lawfully detained and charged Defendant as enforced disappearance with the intention to undermine the Rule of Law and due legal process attempting to draw public sympathy and attract public opinion in their favor

The Government of Bangladesh ensures that law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh conduct themselves strictly in accordance with international and domestic laws. As a signatory to the 1984 United Nations Convention Against Torture, and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Bangladesh has worked to ensure that its domestic laws are in line with its obligations under the Convention. If involvement of law enforcing personnel in such cases is proven, the laws take their course and stern disciplinary actions are taken against them.

The Government has great concern about the publication of so-called study by organizations like Human Rights Watch on the alleged disappearances in Bangladesh, which are based on questionable sources of information and should not be believed. For example, the recent study published by the Human Rights Watch is dependent on interviews with unidentified individuals, including 60 interviews with unnamed people, 81 citations from unnamed individuals, and 7 witnesses who are allowed to remain anonymous. No attempt was made to give the government an opportunity to respond. While Bangladesh takes seriously and investigates every reported disappearance, it cannot, logistically or legally, give credence to anonymous sources that are possibly providing misinformation to further punish victims of violent crimes.

The Government of Bangladesh is determined to ensure rule of law and would also like to see it is respected everywhere. In this regard, the Government brings the issue of the return of Rashed Chowdhury, the killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President and the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh and almost his entire family. The killer has been given asylum in the U.S. and yet to be returned despite the requests to the U.S. Government. The Government trusts/believes that as a promoter and advocate for defending human rights and the rule of law, the Lantos Commission will soon hold discussion on this Presidential Assassination and the actors that escape justice.

The Embassy will remain closely engaged with the esteemed Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for concerns about human rights situations in Bangladesh and will provide relevant facts and information to meet their queries, when asked.

SOURCE Embassy of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sept. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RESPECT RASTAFARI is launching an international movement to assert the Rights of the Rastafari Community in response to the ongoing persecution for Ganja and Dreadlocks. To reveal the magnitude of the injustice RESPECT RASTAFARI is holding a press conference on September 8 at Kaya Herb House in Kingston, at 10:00 - 12:00 Jamaica time.

The aim is to empower the Rastafari Family to know and demand their rights, to work with authorities on changes and enforcement of laws and eradication of colonial mindsets. Considering recent events in Jamaica including arrests of Rastafari for sacramental Ganja, forced cutting of the spiritual covenant Dreadlocks of a young Rastafari woman and previously a sickly elder with no admittance of rights violation by any authority, the international Rastafari family has been enraged into coordinated action.

The group will present petitions and 10 Demandments with thousands of signatures collected internationally on the issue. The overarching demand is for the resurrection of the Rastafari Advisory Board at the Jamaican Ministry of Justice as required by the Dangerous Drugs Act amendment of 2015 which legalized sacramental Ganja for Rastafari. Additionally, the demand is for an expansion of the advisory board's mandate to hold accountable all Government Ministries in relation to Rastafari issues. Sister Goldi, one of the groups organizers says, "No longer will Rastafari tolerate government use of its image and livity to sell Jamaica alongside unbridled and illegal abuse."

Ultimately RESPECT RASTAFARI aims to increase international pressure to ensure that the Jamaican government is held accountable and addresses the recent and continuing harassment and abuse faced by the Rastafari community in Jamaica in relation to multiple human, indigenous, and constitutional rights violations. "Rastafari is the foundation of the Ganja industry in Jamaica but is now the stone that the builder refuse. With no rights there can be no peace" another organizer, Rastafari elder and longtime Ganja advocate Ras Iyah V asserts.

ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND VIA LIVE STREAM AT WWW.IRESPECTRASTAFARI.COM

More background on the issues can be found in the Letter to the Prime Minister and the Petition on the campaign website.

SOURCE RESPECT RASTAFARI

Related Links

http://www.irespectrastafari.com/


SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Guy Levy Law offers all residents of San Diego County - who have a permanent address and a cell phone number to provide - a $10 gift card to the restaurant of their choice. As Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (FED-ED) ends, the personal injury lawyers offer a free meal during these hard times. From October 1-10, 2021, current residents of San Diego County who are 18 years and older may text "SDC10" to Guy Levy Law at 619-232-9900 to receive their gift card.

"Given the state of the pandemic, what people are experiencing now, small businesses are the ones most affected when people have less discretionary income. So in order to help others at this time, as well as local businesses, we are offering a $10 restaurant gift card to as many people as possible in San Diego County," says Guy Levy.

Guy Levy Law is a San Diego car accident and personal injury law firm that serves all of California.

For more details about the $10 restaurant gift card offer, visit GuyLevyLaw.com/SanDiegoRestaurantGiftCards or call 619-232-9900.

SOURCE Guy Levy Law

Related Links

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DEER PARK, Ill., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Service King Collision is preparing to introduce its streamlined, digital-first automotive collision repair services to the quaint village of Palatine when it opens a new facility at 20168 N. Rand Road this November.

Service King recently began construction on Deer Park's 11,200-square-foot body repair shop, located at the intersection of Rand Road and Lake Cook Road. Once completed, the new facility will feature modern finishes that highlight its state-of-the-art auto industry environment.

Service King set to open first Palatine facility this November

"With 45 years of experience leading the automotive repair industry, Service King is proud to extend its services to Deer Park and its surrounding communities," said Service King Director of Construction and Development John Gageby. "We look forward to putting Deer Park locals and visitors alike at the center of an efficient, technologically advanced vehicle repair experience with our best-in-class services."

In the weeks ahead, the new facility will seek up to 12 individuals to join its team in delivering exceptional customer service. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by visiting careers.serviceking.com/jobs.

When Deer Park's first Service King opens, it will mark the 34th facility in Illinois with more than 300 locations systemwide. To learn more about Service King, visit serviceking.com.

About Service King Collision

Service King Collision, which is now celebrating 45 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, is a leading national operator of comprehensive, high-quality auto body collision repair facilities. The organization is consistently recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and giving back to the industry through innovative training and recruiting initiatives. Service King traces its roots back to Dallas, Texas and founder Eddie Lennox who opened the very first Service King in 1976. Today, Service King operates locations in 24 states and the District of Columbia across the U.S.

For more information and to find a local Service King, visit serviceking.com and follow Service King on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Contact: Emily Ashmun, Service King Collision, [email protected]

Media Contact:

Jami Sharp

9729309933

[email protected]

SOURCE Service King

Related Links

https://www.serviceking.com


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm , a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Waterdrop Inc. ("Waterdrop" or "the Company") (NYSE: WDH) for violations of the federal securities laws.

Investors who purchased the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's initial public offering conducted in May 2021 (the "IPO"), are encouraged to contact the firm before November 15, 2021.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at [email protected] .

The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Waterdrop achieved its past revenue growth through illicit means likely to draw the attention of Chinese regulators for violating their rules. The Company was ordered by the Chinese government to shut down its mutual aid platform because it did not comply with Chinese law. The Company's operating losses increased significantly in the first quarter of 2021 based on shutting down the mutual aid platform and increased customer acquisition costs. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the IPO period. When the market learned the truth about Waterdrop, investors suffered damages.

Join the case to recover your losses.

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.,

www.schallfirm.com

Office: 310-301-3335

[email protected]

SOURCE The Schall Law Firm

Related Links

www.schallfirm.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Hoegh LNG Partners LP (NYSE: HMLP) resulting from allegations that the Partnership may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased the Partnership securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2140.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 27, 2021, after trading hours, the Partnership announced that it had reduced its quarterly common unit distribution by 98% to preserve cash. The Partnership also revealed its refinancing plans for the PGN FSRU Lampung facility collapsed after the charterer of the vessel announced plans to enter arbitration to terminate the charter. Further, the Partnership announced that its parent company, Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd., will no longer provide financial support to the Company.

On this news, the Partnership's common unit price fell $11.57 per share, or 64%, to close at $6.30 per common unit on July 28, 2021, damaging investors.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

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

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com



SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

Related Links

www.rosenlegal.com


FAIRWAY, Kan., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shawnee Tribe and its Chief Ben Barnes commemorated "Orange Shirt Day," at the Shawnee Indian Mission to encourage comprehensive federal investigation into all residential boarding schools and honor the Native American children who were taken and often died at residential schools beginning in the 19th century. Orange Shirt Day began in Canada in 2013 to remember the thousands of Indigenous children killed at church-run residential schools. Tribal nations and advocates across America are adopting this movement to support thorough investigations of similar conditions at boarding schools in the US. Attached are key sections of Chief Barnes' remarks made at the press conference at the Shawnee Mission:



For far too long, the truth about Indian Boarding schools has been absent from national conversations. Others may have forgotten, but America's Tribal Nations have not. Survivors' stories have been handed down from generation to generation, and the stories of those who did not survive are coming to light.



So, this year, amidst a new era of national consciousness and willingness to address the consequences of history, the Shawnee Tribe is proud to embrace and adopt Orange Shirt Day. And on this day, we urge every American to honor boarding school survivors and the memory of the children who never made it home.



Last week, with assistance from the City, especially Shawnee Indian Mission Site Director Jennifer Laughlin, the Shawnee Tribe was able to bring in one of the premier architectural resource firms in the country to perform a deep assessment of the property and begin mapping out a plan for further restoration of the mission. We look forward to receiving, sharing and addressing the engineers' findings in the coming months. The Shawnee Tribe has also begun taking steps to explore the technological ins and outs of surveying and scanning the mission with ground penetrating radar and other geophysical techniques to uncover what history lies beneath our feet.



And while we are proud of the welcome we've received from local partners, the issue of Native American Boarding Schools far exceeds our collaborative work at this single site in Kansas. The federal government needs to step up and work alongside tribal nations to examine every location across this country.



We applaud President Biden and Interior Secretary Haaland's commitment to investigating this dark chapter in history, and we hope they intend to make it clear that the American project of assimilating Indigenous children through the guise of boarding school education began far earlier and endured far longer than most Americans realize.



I encourage the Biden administration to comprehensively examine every single residential school  those run by the federal government, like Carlisle, and those brokered by federal Indian Agents, like the Shawnee Indian Mission. Whatever the conditions at these schools, the children who attended any of these places deserve to be remembered, found, named, returned, and honored.

SOURCE Shawnee Indian Tribe
"Synergy One utilizes technology to make the process simple, but their focus is on service first and foremost," said Legends President Malcolm Farmer. "We found a cultural fit between the vision and mission of our two organizations and the partnership was natural."

Tipping off with the 2021-22 season, the Legends will utilize both in-game and digital marketing assets to showcase their newest partner. Synergy One will be prominently branded on the team's shooting shirts worn at all 50 games and will have a presence in the Comerica Center for all home games with an activation space to meet and interact with fans.

The partnership also includes both permanent signage displayed for all events in the Comerica Center and digital courtside signage visible throughout the arena and on tv broadcasts. Elevating the partnership's reach, the branding opportunities also include advertisements on all the team's home television broadcasts.

Synergy One was formally introduced to the Legends' Owners Club at the September networking luncheon as the featured speaker. The company will have the opportunity to actively engage the Legends' members year-round through networking and events and will have a courtside presence with floor seats and branding for all home games.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with a first-class organization like the Texas Legends," said Aaron Duca, VP, Production of Synergy One Lending. "Malcolm and his team made this an opportunity we couldn't refuse, and we already feel like we're part of the family."

Synergy One Lending is based in San Diego, CA, is currently licensed in 42 states and has Operational HUBS in Boise, ID, Denver, CO and Dallas, TX. For more information on Synergy One Lending (NMLS 1907235) visit www.S1Legends.com. To learn more about partnering with the Legends, email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Aaron Nemec

[email protected]

SOURCE Synergy One Lending

Related Links

http://www.S1L.com


MIRAMAR, Fla., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arise Virtual Solutions Inc. (Arise), a leading provider of customer experience and business process outsourcing (BPO) services, is excited to announce that the Arise Platform will be featured on Military Makeover Operation Career airing on Lifetime TV on Friday, October 1, 2021.

Arise Platform will be featured on Military Makeover Operation Career airing on Lifetime TV on Friday, October 1, 2021

Military Makeover's Special Edition: "Operation Career" travels the country capturing stories of military veterans who are transitioning out of the military and back to civilian life. They profile caring organizations that offer educational and work opportunities to these veterans to ensure a successful transition.

The episode, airing October 1st, will feature military (veteran and military spouses) Service Partners who have been able to take advantage of the flexibility and portability of the Arise Platform to successfully launch their own customer support business with minimal start-up costs. These Service Partners work from home on their own schedule, which means they can spend more quality time with family, schedule work around appointments and errands  or make time for anything else that is meaningful and important.

Charmaine Stafford, SVP, Service Partner Experience at Arise, will also be featured in the episode. "It is our honor to provide flexible, work-from-home opportunities to members of the military community and to partner with Military Makeover: Operation Career to highlight these opportunities," said Charmaine Stafford. "The Arise Platform has a long-standing history of supporting our military. We have spent nearly a decade creating and collaborating on initiatives to engage, empower and encourage military families."

Since 1994 Arise has been a pioneer of the shared economy. Today, the Arise Platform offers an innovative cloud-based technology that connects tens of thousands of small businesses (Service Partners), providing on-demand customer service and other business solutions, to Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises. Since its inception, Arise has supported over 150 client programs and has been a catalyst to small business growth in the United States, Canada and the UK, helping to bring entrepreneurial possibilities to over 60,000 Service Partners worldwide.

Tune in on Friday, October 1st at 7:30 am (local time) to see how the Arise Platform is transforming the lives of our military community  and changing the way the world works.

About Arise

Arise is a pioneer of on-demand customer management business process outsourcing solutions, headquartered in Florida. Our powerful cloud-based platform connects companies needing customer engagement and other business services to a virtual nationwide network of work-at-home Service Partners running small customer support businesses. Built to scale, the Arise Platform enables a superior customer experience for innovative enterprises from startups to Fortune 500. To learn more about Arise Virtual Solutions, please visit http://www.arise.com.

About Military Makeover Operation Career

Transitioning out of the military back to civilian life brings a variety of challenges. Military Makeover's Special Edition: "Operation Career" is traveling the country capturing stories of military veterans who are transitioning out of the military and back to civilian life.

Contact Info:

Sean Wisdom

Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Arise Virtual Solutions

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-855-274-7301

SOURCE Arise Virtual Solutions Inc.
DUBLIN, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Static, Kinetic), by End Use (Hospitals, Ophthalmic Clinics), by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global automated visual field analyzer market size is expected to reach USD 265.5 million by 2028. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2021 to 2028. The growing frequency of new product launches and the rise in the incidence of ocular diseases such as glaucoma and cataract are key drivers to market growth.



The global impact of COVID-19 on eye health, along with population aging, and environmental and lifestyle changes are the factors expected to result in a substantial increase in the number of individuals suffering from visual impairment and blindness. At least 2.2 billion individuals worldwide have a near or far vision impairment.



Technological advancements in automated visual field analyzers have significantly reduced turnaround time and increased accuracy in visual field testing. One of the major such advances has been the introduction of new software algorithms. Some of the key reasons anticipated to drive the growth of the market include an increase in the frequency of new product launches. Novel tests of visual function are being developed as a result of recent technological advancements. Diagnostic testing using portable, low-cost equipment now enables the examination of patient populations with limited access to health care and permits testing to occur outside of the clinical environment or at home.



Many public and private organizations are taking steps to raise awareness about eye health and vision care among the general public, optometrists, and ophthalmologists for the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases, such as conducting awareness and advertising campaigns and workshops. Additionally, several suppliers provide ophthalmologists and technician's hands-on training in visual field analyzers through courses, tutorials, and workshops. Such activities assist to raise knowledge about ocular illnesses and accessible diagnostic equipment, such as ophthalmic perimeters, which will drive the market.



Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market Report Highlights

The static perimeters segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 owing to its extensive use in capturing large data points for automated visual field testing

The hospital segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 owing to the increasing number of hospitals in developing countries and growing competition in healthcare service providers

The ophthalmic clinics segment is expected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period due to its convenience, proximity, and lower costs to patients and insurers

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of around 7.5% over the forecast period due to the presence of untapped opportunities in the emerging economies in China and India

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1. Parent market outlook

3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook

3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping

3.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.3.1. Reimbursement framework

3.4. Market Dynamics

3.4.1. Market driver analysis

3.4.1.1. Increased ophthalmic disorders

3.4.1.2. Advancements in technology

3.4.2. Market restraint analysis

3.4.2.1. High cost of automated visual field analyzer

3.4.2.2. Shortage of trained medical staff

3.5. Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market Analysis Tools

3.5.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's

3.5.1.1. Supplier power

3.5.1.2. Buyer power

3.5.1.3. Substitution threat

3.5.1.4. Threat of new entrant

3.5.1.5. Competitive rivalry

3.5.2. PESTEL Analysis

3.5.2.1. Political landscape

3.5.2.2. Technological landscape

3.5.2.3. Economic landscape

3.5.3. Major Deals & Strategic Alliances Analysis

3.5.4. Market Entry Strategies



Chapter 4. Automated Visual Field Analyzer: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. Definitions and Scope

4.1.1. Static

4.1.2. Kinetic

4.2. Product Market Share, 2016 & 2028

4.3. Segment Dashboard

4.4. Global Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market by Product Outlook

4.5. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2016to 2028 for the following

4.5.1. Static

4.5.1.1. Static market estimates and forecast 2016 to 2028 (USD million)

4.5.2. Kinetic

4.5.2.1. Kinetic market estimates and forecast 2016 to 2028 (USD Million)



Chapter 5. Automated Visual Field Analyzer: End-use Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. Definitions and Scope

5.1.1. Hospitals

5.1.2. Ophthalmic Clinics

5.1.3. Others

5.2. End-use Market Share, 2016 & 2028

5.3. Segment Dashboard

5.4. Global Refractive Surgery Devices Market by End Use Outlook

5.5. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2016 to 2028 for the following

5.5.1. Hospital

5.5.1.1. Hospital market estimates and forecast 2016 to 2028 (USD Million)

5.5.2. Ophthalmic clinics

5.5.2.1. Ophthalmic clinics market estimates and forecast 2016 to 2028 (USD Million)

5.5.3. Others

5.5.3.1. Others market estimates and forecast 2016 to 2028 (USD Million)



Chapter 6. Automated Visual Field Analyzer Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis



Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape

7.1. 8.1 Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants

7.2. 8.2 Company/Competition Categorization

7.2.1. Innovators

7.3. 8.3 Vendor Landscape

7.3.1. List of key distributors and channel partners

7.3.2. Key customers

7.3.3. Key company market share analysis, 2020

7.3.4. Carl Zeiss

7.3.4.1. Company overview

7.3.4.2. Financial performance

7.3.4.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.4.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.5. Haag- Streit AG

7.3.5.1. Company overview

7.3.5.2. Financial performance

7.3.5.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.5.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.6. Elektron Eye Technology

7.3.6.1. Company overview

7.3.6.2. Financial performance

7.3.6.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.6.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.7. Heidelberg Engineering

7.3.7.1. Company overview

7.3.7.2. Financial performance

7.3.7.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.7.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.8. Kowa Company, Ltd

7.3.8.1. Company overview

7.3.8.2. Financial performance

7.3.8.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.8.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.9. Optopol

7.3.9.1. Company overview

7.3.9.2. Financial performance

7.3.9.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.9.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.10. Oculus

7.3.10.1. Company overview

7.3.10.2. Financial performance

7.3.10.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.10.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.11. Metrovision

7.3.11.1. Company overview

7.3.11.2. Financial performance

7.3.11.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.11.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.12. Meda Co. Ltd.

7.3.12.1. Company overview

7.3.12.2. Financial performance

7.3.12.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.12.4. Strategic initiatives

7.3.13. Topcon

7.3.13.1. Company overview

7.3.13.2. Financial performance

7.3.13.3. Product benchmarking

7.3.13.4. Strategic initiatives



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/phkdy6

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


YEREVAN, Armenia, Sept. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking TUMO's 10 year anniversary and the inauguration of the new TUMO Gyumri building, the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies today announced a five year, $50 million initiative to make its leading edge educational program available to all teenagers throughout Armenia and Artsakh. With 110 satellite facilities called TUMO Boxes connected to 16 fully equipped TUMO Hubs in regional centers, the program will serve 80 thousand students and reach all young Armenians even in the most remote villages.

A $10 million seed fund donated by the Yemenidjian family will launch and support hubs in Vanadzor, Kapan and Koghb, along with TUMO Boxes that feed into these and three existing hubs. To raise the remaining $40 million, TUMO is kicking off an international fundraising campaign. The Armenian General Benevolent Union and Elie & Elzbieta Akilian have each pledged to match up to $10 million of funds raised in the first 2 years of the campaign. With $10 million in seed funding, a $20 million fundraising goal, and an additional $20 million in matching contributions, the deployment initiative is already underway.

The announcement was made during the anniversary celebration of the official opening of the new TUMO center in Gyumri in the presence of government representatives, partners and friends. TUMO founders Sam and Sylva Simonian joined via live video and gave opening remarks.

"Our vision has always been to empower all young Armenians to achieve their full potential," said Sam Simonian. "And now we are setting out to fulfill that vision throughout Armenia and Artsakh."

Also attending were Armen Yemenidjian, representing the Yemenidjian family, Vasken Yacoubian and Vera Setrakian on behalf of AGBU, Elie Akilian, on behalf of Elie & Elzbieta Akilian, via video feed, and TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian.

"My family is extremely excited and proud to be a part of this vital initiative to arm the next generation of Armenians with the tools necessary to compete in the global technology marketplace, no matter where they live in Armenia," said Armen Yemenidjian. "We hope this initiative encourages our Armenian brothers and sisters in the diaspora to invest in the future leaders of our country and economy."

"AGBU has supported the incredible mission and vision of TUMO since its expansion in Armenia and Artsakh, and this gift will solidify a partnership to benefit Armenian children for generations to come. It is an honor to be able to strengthen the relationship between TUMO, AGBU, and students and their families. I also wanted to thank the other generous donors who will be joining this important campaign," said Dr. Eric Esrailian on behalf of the AGBU Council of Trustees and Central Board of Directors.

Donations in the United States are tax deductible, and can be made in the form of one time or recurring contributions to the general project or earmarked to specific hubs or boxes through https://armenia.tumo.org/.

More information about TUMO can be found in the electronic press kit.

About TUMO

TUMO Center for Creative Technologies is a free-of-charge education platform that puts teenagers in charge of their own learning. The TUMO program is made up of self-learning activities, workshops and project labs that cover a wide range of focus areas at the intersection of technology and design, including computer programming, animation, game development, music, robotics, 3D modeling, writing, filmmaking, graphic design and more. Over 20 thousand students currently attend TUMO centers in Armenia on a regular basis. In recent years, TUMO centers have also opened in Paris, Moscow, Tirana, Berlin and Beirut, with additional centers expected to open in Lyon, Los Angeles, Lisbon, Milan, Tashkent and Seoul. Licensing revenues from international locations contribute to the long term sustainability of TUMO in Armenia and Artsakh.

SOURCE TUMO

Related Links

https://tumo.org


LOS ANGELES and DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera announced today that First Oklahoma Advisory Group and Dahle's Financial Services have joined Farpointe Wealth Partners, LLC ("Farpointe"), an independent financial advice firm within the Cetera network. The two firms oversee a combined $350 million in client assets and have established track records providing comprehensive tax and financial planning services to clients.

First Oklahoma Advisory Group is a Tulsa, OK-based tax and wealth management practice that manages nearly $240 million in assets. Founded by Steven L. Wilson, PhD, CPA, CFP in 1985, the firm serves individuals, families and business owners, providing wide-ranging tax and wealth management services, and developing sophisticated, personalized portfolios that help clients achieve their financial goals. "We founded First Oklahoma Advisory Group with the mission to enhance all aspects of our clients' financial lives," Wilson said. "As tax professionals and wealth managers, we take a holistic approach to achieving that goal, and it is important that we partner with a team that shares the same vision and values. Cetera and Farpointe are a great fit for our business, and we look forward to serving clients with enhanced capabilities thanks to this new affiliation."

Dahle's Financial Services is run by father and son team William E. Dahle III, E.A. and Aaron Dahle, E.A. The firm, based in West Jordan, Utah, combines tax and financial planning and oversees about $110 million in assets. "We wanted a partner who is aligned with our business and our clients, and we value having a voice and the meaningful support and peer collaboration we get by joining Farpointe community," said Bill Dahle.

"We are thrilled that Steve, Bill and Aaron  and their highly experienced teams  are joining the Farpointe family," said Scott Rawlins, Farpointe's CEO. "The fact that such long-tenured advisors who are leaders in their communities would transition their businesses is a testament to Farpointe's unique value proposition. We look forward to partnering with them to create an even brighter future for them and their clients," said Farpointe's President Brian Stern.



"Farpointe and Cetera embrace the same values and the philosophy that strong culture and a collaborative community of like-minded advisors drive impactful growth," said Ron Krueger, head of Cetera's community of tax professionals. "We are excited to welcome these new teams and look forward to partnering with them to grow their businesses."

First Oklahoma Advisory Group and Dahle's Financial Services are the eighth and ninth practices to join Farpointe in nine months. So far this year Farpointe has affiliated practices with aggregate assets of over $1 billion.

About Cetera Financial Group

Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is a leading financial advice firm. It empowers the delivery of an Advice-Centric Experience to individuals, families, and businesses across the country through independent financial professionals as well as trusted tax professionals and banks and credit unions. It is headquartered at 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1200 El Segundo, CA 90245-5670.

Comprehensive services include: wealth management solutions, retirement plan solutions, advisory services, practice management support, innovative technology, marketing guidance, regulatory support, and market research.

"Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, and First Allied Securities, Inc. All firms are members FINRA / SIPC.

Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

About Farpointe Wealth Partners

Farpointe Wealth Partners was founded by financial services veterans Brian Stern and Scott Rawlins. Farpointe is a culture-first firm that provides superior service and world-class practice management, technology and resources to drive increased growth in a collaborative advisor community. The firm partners with advisors who value alignment and deep personal relationships galvanized by a shared culture.

Farpointe built its business on the Cetera platform because of the cultural fit, technology and the in-depth support and capabilities Cetera provides its advisor communities.

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group
Two recent studies looking at hospital admission gaps involving children with asthma and type 1 diabetes, each led by experts at Cincinnati Children's, report that biology plays little if any role in explaining the gaps. Instead, nearly all the differences in hospitalization rates track with race-influenced inequities in social and economic factors.

"If inequities caused by social and environmental differences as a result of historical structural racism were to be corrected, the wide gap in hospital readmissions between Black and White children with asthma would be much less," says Tesfaye Mersha, PhD, lead author of the asthma-focused study.

Population genomics do not fully explain racial differences in asthma re-admission rates for Black children

Mersha and senior author Robert Kahn, MD, MPH, discuss their findings in a recent Research Horizons blog post. The study was published online July 1, 2021, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Mersha and colleagues compared genetic data and several socio-economic factors related using a prospective cohort of 695 children with asthma of which 134 children were re-admitted within a year (79.1% Black vs 20.9% White). While there were detectable differences in genetic variants between the Black and White children, they vanished into statistical insignificance compared to far more influential differences in family income, disrupted family life, environmental exposures, shortfalls in disease management, poor access to care and other hardship factors.

"Race" also does not drive gaps in diabetes complications

Meanwhile, a different team of researchers at Cincinnati Children's examined a trove of data related to more than 400 children with type 1 diabetes who were admitted to the hospital to treat the dangerous complication diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Their study published August 18, 2021, in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, also is featured on the Research Horizons blog.

The team, led by corresponding author Andrea Maxwell, MD, (now at the University of Wisconsin) and Nana-Hawa Yayah Jones, MD, found that children living in high-poverty areas or on public insurance were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital for DKA. Identifying as Black did not play a statistically significant role apart from the other factors.

"This shows the importance of addressing the complex interplay on health outcomes between the neighborhood context, healthcare systems, and racism. Interventions that address neighborhood poverty and/or mitigate family-level risks associated with that poverty could have a large effect on reducing preventable DKA hospitalizations," Maxwell says.

To request interviews with the researchers, contact Tim Bonfield at Cincinnati Children's [email protected].

SOURCE Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Related Links

www.cincinnatichildrens.org


HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Law school deans, professors and other leaders from legal academia and the profession will convene for the 2021 Black Lawyers Matter Conference, "Building Inclusive Excellence in Legal Education and Employment" from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central on Oct. 15. The event is being held by the University of Houston Law Center, SMU Dedman School of Law, and the Law School Admission Council.

Building on the dialogue started at the inaugural Black Lawyers Matter Conference in 2020, it will examine and expand on how law schools and legal employers can build and develop cultures, structures, and practices better geared toward inclusion and equality in lawyer formation. With the understanding that formation extends from pre-law through employment, the conference will explore best practices for both legal educators and legal employers. The conference will encourage and support law schools and legal employers in focusing on reforms that will help minoritized students thrive during law school and in their careers.

"We and the other law schools have much more work to do in diversifying our faculties, staff and student bodies," said Dean Leonard M. Baynes. "Without a critical mass, how do we ensure that students of color are not isolated, marginalized or tokenized?"

"I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work in partnership with the University of Houston Law Center and LSAC to continue these critically important conversations," said Dean Jennifer Collins, Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law. "In addition to discussing the essential work that law schools need to do, we will also be discussing the steps legal employers must take to recruit, support and retain diverse lawyers in the workplace."

"The BLM event and related conversations and actions that happen year-round are critical to helping us truly reach equal access and opportunity for all," added Kellye Y. Testy, president and CEO of the Law School Admission Council. "I'm grateful to Dean Baynes, Dean Collins, and the BLM 2021 planning committee, and for the leadership and innovation that our member schools demonstrate time and time again."

Throughout a robust agenda that includes opening and closing remarks, two keynote speakers, and four sessions, participants will analyze the current hiring ecosystem and its relation to developing a diverse and culturally competent law faculty. Other topics on the agenda include the curriculum and pedagogy of legal education, re-envisioning the hiring process for new lawyers, and best practices in lawyer retention and career development.

Additional sponsors for the conference include the American Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools, and the National Association for Law Placement.

Click here to register for 2021 Black Lawyers Matter Conference.

Click the complete agenda for the 2021 Black Lawyers Matter Conference.

Click here to view the full 2021 Black Lawyers Matter Conference Planning Committee.

UHLC media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected] ; Elena Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-1125, [email protected] ; and John Brannen, Media Relations Rep, 713-743-3055, [email protected] .

SMU Dedman School of Law media contact: Kristy Offenburger, Director of Communications and Marketing, 214-768-3939, [email protected].

LSAC media contact: Javier Maymi-Perez, Director of Communications, 787-674-7295, [email protected].

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 11 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian-American-Serving institution with enrollment of more than 47,000 students.

About SMU Dedman School of Law

SMU Dedman School of Law was founded in 1925. With more than 17,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, it enjoys a national and international reputation of distinction. SMU Dedman School of Law is known for its academic rigor, as well as its excellent record in preparing students to practice in prestigious law firms, major corporations, and public service organizations. The faculty excel in their public engagement efforts, groundbreaking scholarship, innovative teaching, and international impact. The Law School boasts eleven legal clinics and three academic centers with programs making an impact in the community and nationwide. SMU Dedman School of Law ranks as a top law school by National Jurist/preLaw in Business Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, and Human Rights Law. It is ranked #28 by National Law Journal/Law.com for the having the highest percentage of 2020 graduates in associate jobs at the nation's 100 largest law firms. It also has one of the country's oldest LL.M. programs for graduates of foreign law schools, a program initially launched in 1949.

About Law School Admission Council

LSAC's mission is to advance law and justice by encouraging diverse and talented individuals to study law and by supporting their enrollment and learning journeys from prelaw through practice.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center

Related Links

http://www.law.uh.edu


OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific Corporation today announced Sheri Edison has been elected to the company's board of directors, effective Dec. 1.

Edison most recently served as executive vice president and general counsel for Amcor plc, a global leader in packaging for products spanning the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal care sectors, with approximately 50,000 employees across more than 40 countries from 2019 until her retirement in June 2021.

Sheri Edison

"Sheri is a well-respected executive in the medical device and packaging industries who brings strong leadership experience across a unique combination of sectors to our board," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Her vast experience leading critical business functions during her career will be beneficial to Union Pacific. We are extremely pleased to welcome her to the board."

Edison previously held the role of senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary for Bemis Company, Inc. until it was acquired by Amcor, as well as senior vice president, chief administrative officer of the medical device company Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Prior to these positions, Edison served in multiple senior legal roles at other leading companies and as an attorney in private practice.

Currently, Edison serves on the board of directors for American Family Insurance and Cardinal Health, and on the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center. She formerly served on the board of directors of AK Steel where she chaired the nominating and corporate governance committee. She is a member and fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors, and an alumnae of the DirectWomen Board Institute.

Edison holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Journalism from the University of Southern California.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com .

Union Pacific Media Contact:

Kristen South

402-619-9317

[email protected]

www.up.com

www.facebook.com/unionpacific

www.twitter.com/unionpacific

SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation

Related Links

http://www.up.com


COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Maryland has launched a new business development arm to nurture quantum-focused startups. The Quantum Startup Foundry created through an initial $25 million investment from the university's newly established Discovery Fund, and with key funding from the state of Marylandwill support new businesses in the quantum technology field.

University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines announced the Quantum Startup Foundry at an event honoring UMD's inventions, startups, mentors and student entrepreneurs. Pines said the quantum technology field stands "poised to disrupt everything from cybersecurity and energy, to medical discoveries and the financial field."

The new Quantum Startup Foundry is also backed by a $10 million capital investment for quantum facilities and supported by UMD's status as one of the world's leading centers for quantum science research. The Quantum Startup Foundry will help cement UMD's and the region's position as "the Capital of Quantum," said President Pines.

The Quantum Startup Foundry also draws from the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance (MQA)comprised of universities, major corporations, startups, and government labs. The 24-member MQA is a rapidly growing hub of quantum technology research, development, innovation and education organized and facilitated by UMD. For more than a year, Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance workgroups have been creating ways for MQA members to easily collaborate, team-up to pursue opportunities, educate the public about the promise of the second quantum revolution, and share resources, facilities, equipment, expertise and data.

The idea for the Quantum Startup Foundry grew from work of the MQA, according to UMD Chief Innovation Officer Julie Lenzer, who also leads the Quantum Startup Foundry (QSF). The advisory board members of the new QSF are all part of the alliance, said Lenzer.

Lenzer said that the QSF will work to enable quantum technology breakthroughs. The foundry will seek to launch and grow new startups and connect quantum businesses with mentors, existing companies, and infrastructureall to create or advance technologies that use principles of quantum physics.

Lenzer said that through UMD's international incubator, the QSF also will be able to provide a landing spot for international quantum startups.

"While the promise of quantum may seem far off, it's not," Lenzer said. "The future is quantum, and it starts now."

SOURCE University of Maryland
DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The entire trial team at The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson has been honored by Texas Super Lawyers following a rigorous peer-review and selection process to compile the prestigious 2021 list.

Firm founder and courtroom trailblazer Frank L. Branson is honored among the Top 10 lawyers in the entire state, while Super Lawyers researchers recognized trial lawyers Debbie Dudley Branson and Tim Newsom for their expertise in personal injury litigation. Earlier in 2021, firm attorney John Burkhead was recognized by Super Lawyers/Rising Stars, which honors early and midcareer practitioners.

Mr. Branson has earned some of the legal profession's highest honors over the course of his career, including repeat inclusion in D Magazine's Best Lawyers in Dallas list, the Best Lawyers in America and the Lawdragon 500. He has been named to Texas Lawbook's "Lions of the Bar," The National Law Journal's "50 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S.," and D CEO's "Dallas 500: The Most Powerful Business Leaders." For 2021, the Texas Bar Foundation recognized him as the Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award recipient, which is given to a trial lawyer who, in his or her practice, has demonstrated high ethical and moral standards and has demonstrated exceptional professional conduct, thus enhancing the image of the trial lawyer.

Mr. Branson has been honored in the Texas legal industry by Texas Super Lawyers each year since 2007 by being named one of the top 10 Super Lawyers in the state.

Ms. Branson is a respected trial lawyer known for her skill in analyzing jury pools and connecting with jurors. She has held leadership positions within governmental, political, business and legal organizations at the national and regional level. In addition to Texas Super Lawyers, Ms. Branson has earned honors from Lawdragon, D Magazine's Best Lawyers in Dallas and The Best Lawyers in America. She is a past President of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, was Chairman of the Board of Managers at Parkland Hospital 2012-2016, and received the 2016 Linz Award for her civic/humanitarian efforts for the city of Dallas.

With a rare double board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, Mr. Newsom is a veteran trial lawyer with extensive courtroom leadership experience. He is committed to upholding the industry's highest standards and currently serves as vice president of the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX-ABOTA). He is a past President of the Amarillo Bar Association and is a recipient of the Bob Black Bar Leaders Award. Mr. Newsom has been recognized every year since 2005 as a Texas Super Lawyer in Plaintiff's Personal Injury and was recently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America.

Mr. Burkhead is a repeat Super Lawyers/Rising Stars honoree who stands out among the best of a new generation of trial lawyers. He recently prevailed in closely watched litigation on behalf of individuals who were held against their will by a corporate-owned chain of psychiatric hospitals.

Super Lawyers, owned by Thomson Reuters, makes selections based on a patented multiphase process that combines peer nominations and evaluations with third-party research. Each year, less than five percent of attorneys in Texas are named to the overall list, which is published in Super Lawyers and Texas Monthly magazines.

The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represents clients in cases involving complex product liability, catastrophic injury, truck accidents, commercial air crashes, electrical and gas explosions, and truck and auto catastrophic injury. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.flbranson.com.

Contact :

Robert Tharp

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Related Links

https://flbranson.com


MIAMI, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, White Shark Media, a leading digital marketing agency that specializes in pay-per-click advertising, celebrates its 11th anniversary. In addition to commemorating this milestone, White Shark is also celebrating being named Florida's Top PPC Company by Clutch, a widely revered B2B review and market resource platform that helps millions of users learn more about different service providers. The platform recognizes the best service providers that exemplify top-quality services and customer satisfaction.

Founded in 2010, White Shark Media specializes in planning, managing, and executing successful PPC strategies to support a diverse range of platforms, such as search, ecommerce, display, social, and remarketing.

Earlier this year, the agency re-launched their Compass solution with new features and a standalone website to better serve their customers. Compass helps marketing agencies navigate an ever-evolving digital market, whether they are looking to onboard new clients or grow existing portfolios, by reducing training efforts, minimizing trial and error, and shortening processes. Their Compass package includes:

PPC Audit Engine

Proposals Generator/Templates

Sales Consultations

Collateral Library

Sales Courses

Since the relaunch, White Shark Media has helped 70 customers better serve their clients and meet their marketing and business goals.

"We at White Shark Media are genuinely honored to be hailed as Florida's highest-performing pay-per-click company. This award reflects our team's commitment and perseverance to our clients, and we are even more honored to receive this award around our anniversary. We are so proud of how far White Shark Media has come since 2011, and we can't wait to see what the future holds!" said Alexander Nygart, CEO and co-founder of White Shark Media.

About White Shark Media

White Shark Media is a paid advertising agency that delivers premium PPC management services to marketing agencies, end advertisers and enterprise businesses. With offices in Nicaragua and the United States, White Shark's team of 120+ employees, backed by more than ten years of experience and fully bilingual, provides PPC management services in the Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising and Facebook platforms. For more information, visit www.whitesharkmedia.com/.

CONTACT:

Madie Holland, Mekky Media Relations

[email protected], 765-505-1157

WWW.MEKKYMEDIA.COM

SOURCE White Shark Media

Related Links

http://www.whitesharkmedia.com/


As Woodforest bankers saw small businesses in their communities endure hardships and struggle to stay afloat during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team wanted to give back and help keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive in Texas and across the Bank's 17-state footprint. To accomplish this, Woodforest put a team of Community Development Relationship Managers and Retail Bankers together to transform its Entrepreneurship 4 All curriculum from an immersive onsite experience into a 100-percent virtual format in less than 60 days. From the safety and comfort of remote locations, "wantrepreneurs" and small businesses connected with Woodforest in a newly created curated online community of peers who acted as mentors to support, share, test and challenge their business ideas. Participants were also able to leverage a new way of accessing support, resources and financial education for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

For these efforts, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)the largest state community banking association in the nationhonored Woodforest with a 2021 Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Gold Award in financial literacy for its Entrepreneurship 4 All (Virtual Edition). The BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout Texas for their innovation, creativity, and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need.

"This past year has been challenging across the globe as we continue to fight the pandemic," said Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO. "But community bankers have been truly inspiring during these difficult days by processing a majority (57.5 percent) of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses and helping their communities when they were needed most. This year's BOCB Award recipients were particularly inspiring in their efforts to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and this recognition is only a small token of our immense pride in Texas community banks to better the lives of those around them. I sincerely congratulate all of the 2021 BOCB Award recipients."

Additionally, Woodforest Foundry's Entrepreneurship 4 All was selected as one of four 2021 Leaders in Financial Education Award (LiFE) winners by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The LiFE Award acknowledges and honors Texas banks that are dedicated leaders in promoting consumer and financial education in their communities.

"It is our great pleasure to recognize this year's LiFE Award recipients. This award celebrates the banks and bankers who are dedicated leaders in promoting financial education," said Chris Furlow, President & CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. "Those recognized this year have had a significant impact on their communities and we are honored to congratulate them on their efforts."

Jay Dreibelbis, Woodforest National Bank President and CEO added, "Thank you, Texas Bankers Association and Independent Bankers Association of Texas for your recognition. We are extremely proud to help thousands of Texans and many others across our footprint test their business ideas in a safe environment, spur small business growth and help create new jobs with this innovative program."

About Woodforest Foundry

The Woodforest Foundry is a globally recognized, national award-winning accelerator program facilitated by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, acting as mentors to activate local entrepreneurial ecosystems, which revitalizes underserved communities and helps grow businesses. With the Woodforest Foundry, entrepreneurs find a community of mentors and trusted guidance from peers, Woodforest bankers and community partners.

The Woodforest Foundry starts with open community events called Entrepreneurship 4 All that demystify entrepreneurship through candid conversations with successful entrepreneurs from the community. Next, aspiring entrepreneurs complete a series of educational ideation workshops called Ideas 2 Action. Lastly, entrepreneurs test and validate their ideas in a cohort of their peers, successful small business owners, and other professionals who provide mentorship and trusted guidance.

About Woodforest National Bank

Celebrating 40 years of community banking service, Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering outstanding customer service since 1980. Woodforest currently operates over 760 branches in 17 states across the United States and is an Outstanding CRA rated institution. For more information about Woodforest National Bank, please visit www.woodforest.com.

SOURCE Woodforest National Bank

Related Links

www.woodforest.com


WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 42 North Dental finalized a partnership with South Shore Oral Surgery Associates (SSOS) (southshoreoral.com), the premier oral surgery practice in Quincy, MA. The practice was founded by dentist-owners Dr. David Lustbader, Dr. Michael Gu, and Dr. Paul Wilson. All doctors remain with the practice and continue to provide patient care with Dr. Lustbader serving as Dental Director.

"With the healthcare landscape changing, so dramatically, it became obvious to us that partnering with a larger organization would be crucial for us to not only survive, but thrive" says Dr Lustbader. He continues, "once we looked at affiliation strategies and options, it was readily apparent that 42 North Dental was the best fit for our practice and our patients. Their reputation and emphasis on quality was something that appealed to all of us. For our patients, 42 North Dental lets us focus on doing the same quality oral surgery we've done for over three decades, without interference in the doctor-patient relationship."

With an illustrious career, Dr. David Lustbader is the past president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, a current Clinical Instructor and Chair of the Dean's Advisory Board at Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital- Milton and a clinical instructor at Boston Medical Center. Along with leading SSOS, Dr. Lustbader will take on the role of Director of Clinical Affairs at 42 North Dental working with Dr. Michael Scialabba, Chief Clinical Officer of 42 North Dental and Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry.

Dr. Michael Scialabba comments, "Dr. Lustbader, the team at South Shore Oral Surgery Associates and all of us at 42 North Dental are aligned on the philosophy of providing the highest quality dental care and patient experience. The addition of the SSOS team to 42 North Dental solidifies a mutual commitment to clinical excellence. We are thrilled to be able to expand our team with such a talented group."

South Shore Oral Surgery Associates is the second specialty specific dental practice in the 42 North Dental network. "Specialty dental care is important for patients" says 42 North Dental President & CEO Geoff Ligibel. He continues, "adding specialty specific practices to our portfolio complements the multi-specialty care we provide throughout the Northeast and continues to reinforce our patient-centric approach. I'm personally very excited to welcome Dr. Lustbader, Dr. Gu, Dr. Wilson, and the South Shore Oral Surgery Associates team."

When asked about why 42 North Dental was the right choice for SSOS, Dr. Lustbader explained, "I've had the privilege of working with Geoff Ligibel and Dr. Mike Scialabba over the years and have found them to be of the highest integrity. That filters through the entire organization. As a specialty practice, it is so important for us not only to have excellent relationships with the existing 42 North Dental practices, but also to maintain the same relationships with practices outside the network. 42 North Dental gives us the opportunity to do both."

ABOUT 42 NORTH DENTAL LLC: 42 North Dental is a leading dental support organization in the Northeast supporting 35 practice brands in 88 locations. With a mission to eliminate barriers to quality patient care by providing business and administrative support to dental practices, 42 North Dental presents opportunities that help doctors and their teams professionally advance while growing the business to its fullest potential. 42 North Dental's affiliation model offers dental providers clinical autonomy and equity ownership, as well as non-clinical solutions and the business support needed to increase the value of the practice. 42 North Dental was created for dentists and is rooted in over 40 years of experience in the dental industry.

SOURCE 42 North Dental
EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, is launching a recruitment effort to fill immediate openings in the Cleveland region. The company will host a Hiring Event on October 7th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 84 Lumber Macedonia location (250 Highland Road East, Macedonia, OH 44056).

At the event, job seekers will learn more about the company culture and get the opportunity to be interviewed for open positions in the area that include manager trainees (MTs), warehouse and forklift associates, and non-CDL truck drivers. Qualified job seekers may receive an offer of employment during the event and will be able to participate in a pre-employment drug screening at the location.

"84 Lumber is seeking to fill eight open positions in the Cleveland region to add to our team of more than 50 employees in the area," said Phil Garuccio, divisional vice president at 84 Lumber. "We're growing along with the growth in the construction industry  here in the Cleveland region and across the nation. We're looking for people seeking a fresh start."

Garuccio went on to detail the openings in the region:

Manager trainees (MTs) hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the enterprise. Starting compensation for manager trainees is $41,000 per year.

hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the enterprise. Starting compensation for manager trainees is per year. Warehouse and forklift associates need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes  from the management of supply shipments to the operation of forklifts and other equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to $15 per hour.

need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes  from the management of supply shipments to the operation of forklifts and other equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to per hour. Non-CDL truck drivers load trucks and deliver materials to customer job sites. These associates are also responsible for building loads for deliveries; maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized lumber yard; and loading and unloading lumber and building supplies. Hourly pay for drivers is up to $15 per hour.

Garuccio added that 84 Lumber expects it might find the right fit from all types of candidates  an individual with no construction experience, military veterans ready to embark on their next career challenge, or people with some previous work experience who seek to redirect their career.

"We are hosting our recruitment events at our retail locations because it gives candidates a better sense of our company culture and how we operate," said Garuccio. "We are proud to be a family-owned company, and we are committed to helping our employees build and cultivate a career with us. In fact, 95% of our store managers started in our manager trainee program."

Candidates interested in participating in the Hiring Event are asked to pre-register. To sign up, go to 84 Lumber's Hiring Page and complete the form. Once you are registered, you will receive an email from 84 Lumber with the link to apply for the desired position. To save time, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for positions online before they attend the event.

NOTE: 84 Lumber continues to follow CDC safety guidelines with regard to COVID-19. We ask that those attendees who are not yet fully vaccinated wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

To learn more about 84 Lumber, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

ABOUT 84 LUMBER

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Company is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox, 84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies in 2018 and one of America's Best Large Employers in 2019. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us at Facebook.com/84lumber and linkedin.com/company/84-lumber .

Contact: Jeff Donaldson, BLD Marketing

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (412) 347-8039

Photos: https://www.bldpressroom.com/84lumber/cleveland-hiring-event

SOURCE 84 Lumber

Related Links

http://www.84lumber.com/


PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Adient (NYSE: ADNT), a global leader in automotive seating, today announced that it has closed the transactions contemplated by its previously announced definitive agreements with joint venture partner Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Ltd. (YF) to, among other items, end its YFAS joint venture in China.

The completed transactions will enable Adient to drive its strategy in China independently, which is expected to result in a variety of benefits, including capturing growth in profitable and expanding segments; improving the integration of the company's China operations; and allowing for more certain value realization relative to status quo, where cash and value are generated from dividends at entities not in Adient's control.

"We are pleased to have successfully closed these transactions, which offer Adient the opportunity to drive our China strategy independently and position the company for future growth in the world's largest automotive market," said Doug Del Grosso, president and CEO of Adient.

Details of the transactions

Under the agreements, Adient sold its 49.99% interest in YFAS to YF and its minority interest in certain other joint ventures and acquired YFAS's 50% equity interest in CQYFAS, bringing Adient's ownership stake in CQYFAS to 75%, and YFAS's 100% equity interest in YFASLF.

Following the acquisition of YFAS's interests in CQYFAS and YFASLF, Adient will consolidate those businesses. YF will operate the remainder of YFAS as a wholly owned enterprise.

Total net proceeds (including dividends) related to the transactions are expected to total approximately $1.4B. Including the impact of currency hedges executed post-announcement and other provisions contained in the agreement (i.e., ability to consolidate the cash balance at CQYFAS), net proceeds collected at closing totaled $695M, and final proceeds of about $625M are expected to be received prior to calendar year-end.

As previously noted, in conjunction with these transactions, Adient signed an agreement with Chongqing Boxun Industrial Co., Ltd. (Boxun), its joint venture partner in CQYFAS. The agreement provides Boxun with a put right to sell and, if exercised, requires Adient to buy Boxun's 25% interest in CQYFAS. The put right price is ~ $125M. If Adient buys Boxun's 25% interest, Adient would own 100% of CQYFAS.

Proceeds from the transactions are expected to be used by Adient to pre-pay a portion of the company's debt; fund Boxun's put right, if exercised; and for general corporate purposes.

Remaining a market leader in China

Going forward, Adient's China business is projected to have ~$4.5B in annual consolidated and unconsolidated sales, with far-reaching customer and geographic coverage through its nine major entities, three state-of-the-art technical centers and more than 800 engineers.

Pro forma Adient

Compared to the company's FY21 outlook and based on the execution of these transactions and other minor portfolio adjustments in China, global consolidated sales and consolidated Adj.-EBITDA are expected to increase annually by between $700M-$800M and between $90M-$100M, respectively. In addition, Adient's equity income post-closing is expected to decline to between ~$90-$100M annually. Net income and EPS improvement are forecast post-closing, driven by the expected significant reduction in debt and the corresponding benefit of lower financing costs. Additional information about the completed transactions, including certain pro forma effects is provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Adient today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

About Adient:

Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With approximately 77,000 employees in 32 countries, Adient operates 202 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. Our integrated, in-house skills allow us to take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing  and into more than 19 million vehicles every year. For more information on Adient, please visit www.adient.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP metrics:

Adient has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and, therefore, are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be, deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding Adient's expectations for the strategic transactions in China (collectively, the "Transactions") benefits and outcome of the Transactions, use of proceeds from the Transactions, as well as its future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, capital expenditures or debt levels and plans, objectives, market position, outlook, targets, guidance or goals are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" or terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Adient cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Adient's control, that could cause Adient's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Adient's ability to derive additional value from the Transactions for shareholders, the benefits and outcome of the Transactions, the effect of the announcement of the Transactions on Adient's business relationships, operating results and business generally, risks that the Transactions disrupts current plans and operations, including potential disruptions with respect to our employees, vendors, clients and customers as well as management diversion or potential litigation, the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and other risks and uncertainties, the continued financial and operational impacts of and uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic on Adient and its customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and other parties, the ability of Adient to execute its turnaround plan, the ability of Adient to effectively launch new business at forecast and profitable levels, the ability of Adient to meet debt service requirements, the terms of financing, the impact of tax reform legislation through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and/ or under a new U.S. presidential administration, uncertainties in U.S. administrative policy regarding trade agreements, tariffs and other international trade relations including as may be impacted by the change in U.S. presidential administration, general economic and business conditions, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, changes in consumer demand, work stoppages and similar events, global climate change and related emphasis on ESG matters by various stakeholders, energy and commodity prices, the availability of raw materials and component products, currency exchange rates and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements, and the ability of Adient to identify, recruit and retain key leadership. A detailed discussion of risks related to Adient's business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Adient's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 30, 2020, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 5, 2021, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 6, 2021, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended June 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on August 5, 2021 and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. Potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Adient assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document.

In addition, this document includes certain projections provided by Adient with respect to the anticipated future performance of Adient's businesses. Such projections reflect various assumptions of Adient's management concerning the future performance of Adient's businesses, which may or may not prove to be correct. The actual results may vary from the anticipated results and such variations may be material. Adient does not undertake any obligation to update the projections to reflect events or circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy or reasonableness of such assumptions or the projections based thereon.

This document also contains non-GAAP financial information because Adient's management believes it may assist investors in evaluating Adient's on-going operations. Adient believes these non-GAAP disclosures provide important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to Adient's financial condition and results of operations. Investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures as alternatives to the related GAAP measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures related to FY21 guidance have not been provided due to the unreasonable efforts it would take to provide such reconciliations.

ADNT-FN

SOURCE Adient

Related Links

www.adient.com


AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrea Cerone, M.D., Matthew Finneran, M.D., and Gary Pinta M.D. of Pioneer Physicians Network are among a select group of primary care physicians chosen out of 1,000 independent primary care physicians nationwide to be honored as "Best Physicians" during National Primary Care Week, Oct. 4-8. They were recognized for providing exemplary and innovative health care to improve the lives of senior patients.

A total of 32 physicians were selected as winners by medical directors at agilon health, a company transforming health care by empowering primary-care physicians to focus on the entire health of their senior patients. The criteria for selection included the frequency and time spent with patients and actions taken to keep patients out of hospitals/emergency rooms.

"Drs. Cerone. Finneran and Pinta are very deserving of this prestigious honor because they go out of their way to care for senior patients," says Pioneer Physicians Network Practice Administrator Kathleen M. Kostelnick. "From overseeing an after-hours clinic for seniors to helping patients to explore their Medicare options, they are providing exemplary health care."

"These exceptional physicians are really lighting the way and showing how primary care doctors can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their senior patients," said Ben Kornitzer, M.D., chief medical officer at agilon health. We believe the movement to value-based care, like that embraced by these physicians, is a fundamental part of the solution."

Value-based care is a healthcare delivery model puts doctors in the "driver seat" of patient health outcomes. Doctors are rewarded for preventing and managing chronic diseases and helping patients improve their health.

Studies show a significant relationship between the investment in primary care services and better patient outcomes. Still, a concerning trend documented by the Primary Care Collaborative shows the decline in funding allocated to primary care services. This comes at a time when the nation's senior population is rising -- causing a greater need for primary care physicians.

National Primary Care Week highlights the importance of primary care in the overall U.S. healthcare system.

Pioneer Physicians Network is a network of independent physician practices located in Akron/Canton area with a vision to be "first in health" for patients and their families.

For more information about agilon health, visit www.agilonhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Linked In and YouTube.

SOURCE Pioneer Physicians Network
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a leader in the global specialty chemicals industry, announced today that its subsidiary, Albemarle Lithium UK Limited, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding equity of Guangxi Tianyuan New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. ("Tianyuan"), a lithium converter located in Guangxi, China. Under terms of the agreement, Albemarle will acquire all outstanding equity from Tianyuan's shareholders for approximately USD $200 million, subject to certain adjustments. Albemarle expects the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, to close in early 2022.

Founded in 2017, Tianyuan's operations include a recently constructed lithium processing plant strategically positioned near the Port of Qinzhou in Guangxi. The plant has designed annual conversion capacity of up to 25,000 metric tons LCE and is capable of producing battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. It currently is in the commissioning stage and is expected to begin commercial production in the first half of 2022.

"The acquisition of Tianyuan, which owns and operates a newly constructed lithium processing plant, aligns with our strategy to pursue profitable growth in line with customer demand," said Kent Masters, Albemarle CEO. "This will be a key component of our next wave of projects designed to increase our conversion capacity in a capital-efficient manner in the coming years. As the global transition to cleaner energy rapidly develops, this added lithium capacity will enable us to help our customers achieve their growth and sustainability ambitions."

About Albemarle

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global specialty chemicals company with leading positions in lithium, bromine and catalysts. We think beyond business as usual to power the potential of companies in many of the world's largest and most critical industries, such as energy, electronics, and transportation. We actively pursue a sustainable approach to managing our diverse global footprint of world-class resources. In conjunction with our highly experienced and talented global teams, our deep-seated values, and our collaborative customer relationships, we create value-added and performance-based solutions that enable a safer and more sustainable future.

We regularly post information to www.albemarle.com, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information presented in this press release, including, without limitation, information related to the transaction, plans and anticipated benefits in relation to the transaction, the targeted close date for the transaction and all other information relating to matters that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from the views expressed herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, without limitation: changes in economic and business conditions; changes priorities, financial, and operating performance of Albemarle's major customers and industries and markets served by Albemarle; the timing of orders received from customers; the gain or loss of significant customers; competition from other manufacturers; changes in the demand for Albemarle's products or the end-user markets in which its products are sold; the availability of financing; the satisfaction of conditions to completion, including regulatory approvals; the occurrence of regulatory actions, proceedings, claims, or litigation; and the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports Albemarle files with the SEC, including those described under "Risk Factors" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to provide any revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

SOURCE Albemarle Corporation

Related Links

http://www.albemarle.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AlleyCorp , the NYC firm dedicated to founding, funding, and building transformative companies across industries today announced the launch of the AlleyCorp Healthcare Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund and incubator dedicated to healthcare. This fund builds on AlleyCorp's momentum in digital health and responds to the growing need and opportunity, made all the more urgent by the pandemic, to enable higher-quality, lower-cost healthcare for all.

The AlleyCorp Healthcare Fund will continue AlleyCorp's pioneering approach of both founding companies and funding existing startups. The fund will deploy $100M in early-stage capital for incubations and investments over the next few years with a focus on NYC-based digital health startups. AlleyCorp also will strategically partner with companies across the country in healthcare subsectors like biotech and diagnostics. AlleyCorp's unique flexibility to create new companies and support existing ones is possible because the firm operates without any outside limited partners.

AlleyCorp has amassed deep expertise in tech services, ecommerce, and media since its inception in 2007. With this expertise, AlleyCorp has founded several of New York's most successful technology companies, including MongoDB, Gilt Groupe, Business Insider, and Zola. Recently, the AlleyCorp team has served as co-founder or first investor of 20 healthcare startups that have already gone on to raise around $500M in funding, including Nomad Health, Vori Health, Pearl Health, and Memora Health.

"This past year highlighted that there are so many parts of the healthcare system still to be improved with technology. AlleyCorp has had tremendous success to date in healthcare, and we feel compelled now to do even more," said AlleyCorp founder and longtime entrepreneur Kevin Ryan. "We are proud to take on this work from New York City, which has emerged as the world's leading digital health hub."

Chaired by Ryan, the AlleyCorp Healthcare Fund is physician-led with Brenton Fargnoli, M.D., serving as Managing Partner and Jeff De Flavio, M.D., as Partner & Entrepreneur-In-Residence. The team also includes medical students Omar Njie and Sherman Leung, as well as Jane Suh, formerly of Andreessen Horowitz. In addition to patient care, this team has founded or been early operators at leading digital health startups such as Flatiron Health, Nomad Health, Groups Recover Together, CityBlock Health, Clover Health, and PatientPing.

"Since my time at Flatiron Health, it has repeatedly stood out to me how melding the clinical perspective together with tech is both the great challenge and opportunity for healthcare technology startups," said Fargnoli. "We are taking this core issue head-on with AlleyCorp's longstanding tech expertise and the dedicated healthcare team we've assembled. Ultimately, we tie everything we do back to the patient and practitioner experience."

While AlleyCorp is industry-agnostic, it also has a dedicated Robotics Fund and Canada-focused fund in addition to Healthcare.

About AlleyCorp:

Founded by serial entrepreneur Kevin Ryan, AlleyCorp is a New York-based $500M+ evergreen venture fund that founds and invests in companies in New York and across the globe. AlleyCorp's work stretches across three principal categories: first, founding companies (having founded MongoDB, Gilt Groupe, Business Insider, Zola, Nomad Health, and many more); second, as an early-stage investor in technology companies (across pre-seed, seed, and series A); and third, as a limited partner and fund-of-funds (investing in 30+ top funds globally). For more information, please visit www.alleycorp.com .

Contacts

AlleyCorp

Susannah Shipton

212-741-8242

[email protected]

SOURCE AlleyCorp

Related Links

http://www.alleycorp.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy, the leading identity decisioning platform for banks and fintech companies, today announced it has raised $100 million in Series C funding. Lightspeed Venture Partners' Justin Overdorff led the round with participation from existing investors Canapi Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Avid Ventures and Felicis Ventures, bringing the company's valuation to $1.35 billion and the total amount raised to over $150 million.

The new round of financing will be used primarily to further expand Alloy's product offerings to help fintech companies and banks combat fraud by building out a continuously evolving identity profile throughout a customer's lifecycle. Over the last year, what began as a platform used to automate onboarding identity decisions has grown to also include transaction monitoring. With this extended capability, Alloy's API-based platform has started on the journey to creating customer identity profiles that can be used to prevent fraud and minimize risk; future product expansions will incorporate richer data and risk signals to give financial institutions a full, 360-degree picture of their customers.

"We want to make building a fintech product as easy as building an ecommerce product, and we're thrilled to have Lightspeed on board to help us do that," said co-founder and CEO Tommy Nicholas. "Identity and its associated risk isn't something businesses should be figuring out, it should just be something they install. As Alloy grows into a multi-product platform for the full customer identity lifecycle, we can not only help make risk easier to understand, but also further industry innovation by making fintech products easier to build."

Improving the developer experience is a significant priority for the Alloy team, especially when it comes to bringing new products to market. By having risk and identity all in one, easy-to-use place, it will enable developer and product teams to use these tools to their full potential. Alloy's platform brings the many pieces of digital identity into a centralized platform, working across more than 120 data sources to enable customers to make better decisions and take a closer look at the full picture of their customers.

"We're thrilled to put our support behind the Alloy team as their product and mission fits squarely within our thesis that the proliferation of fintech, financial services, and embedded fintech companies is driving increasing demand for tools like Alloy," said Justin Overdorff, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. "Alloy takes the risk off their client's plate while maintaining operational efficiency throughout the customer lifecycle, making Alloy a crucial piece of the fintech infrastructure stack."

The funds will also be used for investments into the Alloy team, expanding all functions of the business to increase output and specialization in a complex industry. In less than a year, Alloy has seen revenue more than triple and headcount increase by 140%. The company currently services over 200 clients including Ally Bank, HMBradley, Gemini, Ramp and Evolve Bank & Trust.

When asked why they decided to use Alloy in a recent case study , Jacob Wallenberg, Risk Operations at Ramp said "If you were only worried about risk, you wouldn't be giving anyone a card. So the question becomes, what return do we get for the additional risk? Alloy automates part of our underwriting process so our Risk Operations team can spend their time figuring out this tradeoff between risk and return."

To learn more about Alloy, visit Alloy.com.

About Alloy

Alloy is the command center for identity that covers your compliance and fraud-fighting needs. Our dynamic platform connects you to more than 120 data source products to help you verify identities and monitor transactions - giving you a holistic view of each customer from the day they onboard and throughout their time with your organization. From automatic decisions and fewer manual reviews to smooth onboarding, Alloy is how smart banks and fintech companies take a closer look at the whole picture. Learn more at Alloy.com and on Twitter @UseAlloy.

About Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed is a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, and Health sectors. Since 2000, Lightspeed has backed entrepreneurs and helped build companies of tomorrow, including Snap, Affirm, AppDynamics, OYO, Nutanix, Byju's, and Udaan. Lightspeed and its affiliates currently manage more than $10 Billion across the global Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in India, Silicon Valley, Israel, China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

SOURCE Alloy
PHOENIX, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Green (OTC: ERBB) is excited to announce it has officially launched on GROUPON at https://www.groupon.com/deals/american-green . Starting today, customers will be able to purchase vouchers directly from Groupon which can be redeemed for American Green's finest premium Hemp and CBD products at The American Green Store .

According to American Green president, David Gwyther, "With Groupon, we are now able to hand-pick over 40 premium CBD and hemp products and offer them to a customer base of more than 24 million shoppers. American Green has been successful at adding to its reach millions of new prospective customers because CBD's beneficial attributes are being recognized all over the world. Groupon is an ideal fit for us since it offers American Green what no other U.S. online sales giant can  a place to sell CBD-labeled products online. This may truly be a huge marketing opportunity for us."

This launch serves as an important milestone for the company as we continue to add new innovative ways to meet customers in places they trust and frequently visit.

Moreover, our agreement with Groupon demonstrates our commitment to providing premium products at the best prices possible. The Groupon marketplace is known worldwide for providing excellent value to new customers while simultaneously allowing companies (or sellers) to showcase their products and attract new, long-term clients.

Over the last year we have worked diligently to expand our distribution model by integrating additional sales channels into our marketing programs and sales process.

The launch on Groupon.com is unique because it's a voucher based program.

To clarify, new customers are able to choose the products that work best for them, which can contribute to increased sales and overall satisfaction. The voucher based system also enhances "word of mouth" referrals by allowing current customers to send vouchers to friends and family.

Below is a summary of our initial offer set on Groupon.com https://www.groupon.com/deals/american-green .

$25.00 worth of products for $15.00 (40% OFF)

worth of products for (40% OFF) $50.00 worth of products for $25.00 (50% OFF)

worth of products for (50% OFF) $65.00 worth of products for $30.00 (53% OFF)

Our teams have also refined our direct sales process and new customers from Groupon will qualify for Additional savings by using select American Green promotional codes.

We believe our partnership with Groupon will lead to an increase in sales volume, customer satisfaction and brand recognition over Q4 2021.

The bottom line expectation is unprecedented demand on our premium hemp and CBD products as shoppers look for value to fuel the 2021 holiday shopping season.

SPECIAL OFFER

Redeem your Groupon voucher code by Friday, October 1st to save an additional 15% at AmericanGreenCBD.com (Offer code SAVE15 ).

Shareholders and interest holders may also stay current with American Green Updates:

American Green's Main Website at www.americangreen.com

Twitter: @American__Green (two underscores), or

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americangreenusa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangreenusa/

About American Green, Inc.

In 2009, American Green, Inc. became America's second publicly traded company in the cannabis sector. American Green now, with its more than 50,000 certified beneficial shareholders, is one of the largest (in shareholder count) in the cannabis sector. American Green's mission is to lead the cannabis and premium CBD industry. Leveraging our team of professionals in cultivation management, manufacturing, extraction, wholesale, retail, and community outreach, we strive to develop sustainable initiatives in the cannabis-adjacent and CBD industries, laser-focused on adding company and shareholder value.

For more information - Contact:

American Green, Inc.

Investor Relations

2902 W. Virginia Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85009

480-443-1600 X555

[email protected]

NOTES ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission reports and filings. Certain statements contained in this release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private

Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by that Act. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as estimates, anticipates, projects, plans, expects, intends, believes, be should and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which they are made.

SOURCE American Green, Inc.
CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation's trusted champion of lung health, the American Lung Association today announced it is supporting 24 COVID-19 research studies, including a few with National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to determine susceptibility and treatment for 'long COVID.' This research commitment is part of the organization's ongoing three-year $25 million COVID-19 Action Initiative.

Long COVID conditions involve a wide range of new, recurring or ongoing health problems that some people experience four or more weeks after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. Some individuals had mild symptoms or were initially asymptomatic yet are still experiencing long-lasting COVID symptoms post infection. Estimates indicate more than 12 million Americans are presently living with long COVID. Because of the growing number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 survivors, the Lung Association has identified long COVID as a high-priority research area.

The organization has invested in 24 research projects, including the support of grants with the NHLBI, Lung Association's COVID-19 & Respiratory Viruses Research Award, and Airways Clinical Research Centers' ancillary studies.

"We're appreciative of the American Lung Association for our ongoing collaboration in lung disease research," said James P. Kiley, Director of the Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "These new supplements to our COVID studies will contribute to an improved understanding of long COVID and better patient outcomes."

New Grants Supported by NHLBI

Recovery After COVID-19 Hospitalization (REACH): Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be life-threatening and, for many survivors of COVID-19, life-altering. This research project will leverage the NHLBI PETAL Network's COVID-19 observational (CORAL) study of more than 1,300 patients hospitalized with COVID across the U.S. to study the epidemiology, patient and family experience, and health care delivery over the first year after hospital discharge. Researchers will investigate trajectories of recovery, and factors associated with better or poorer outcomes, including approaches to caring for patients with long COVID. They will use qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, objective functional testing, and biospecimen collection, to conduct a rich investigation of Recovery after COVID-19 Hospitalization (REACH).

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be life-threatening and, for many survivors of COVID-19, life-altering. This research project will leverage the NHLBI PETAL Network's COVID-19 observational (CORAL) study of more than 1,300 patients hospitalized with COVID across the U.S. to study the epidemiology, patient and family experience, and health care delivery over the first year after hospital discharge. Researchers will investigate trajectories of recovery, and factors associated with better or poorer outcomes, including approaches to caring for patients with long COVID. They will use qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, objective functional testing, and biospecimen collection, to conduct a rich investigation of Recovery after COVID-19 Hospitalization (REACH). Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R) CT: This study, supported by NHLBI, is using artificial intelligence to standardize 30, 000 CT scans to understand how both severe and mild (even asymptomatic) scarring and other changes in the lung predispose people to COVID-19 and long COVID.

American Lung Association COVID-19 Grants

COVID-19 & Respiratory Viruses Research Award : This Lung Association award, which has been granted to 13 research projects so far with another seven to be announced next month, is intended to support investigators who have the ability to advance our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and other novel respiratory viruses with pandemic potential. Recipients receive $200,000 in funding for two years.

Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers' Ancillary Studies

Lung Health Cohort COVID-19 Ancillary Study: This ancillary study to the American Lung Association/NHLBI Lung Health Cohort aims to determine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors on serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and self-reported COVID-19 diagnoses. The study will also investigate the impact of regional disease mitigation policies, and association of self-reported COVID and confirmed infection on long-term lung health.

This ancillary study to the American Lung Association/NHLBI Lung Health Cohort aims to determine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors on serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and self-reported COVID-19 diagnoses. The study will also investigate the impact of regional disease mitigation policies, and association of self-reported COVID and confirmed infection on long-term lung health. LEEP COVID-19 Ancillary Study: The Losartan Effects on Emphysema Progression (LEEP) COVID-19 ancillary study is also supported by NHLBI. It is funded by the Lung Association to determine the prevalence and severity of COVID in this study population as well as examine whether losartan (versus placebo) is beneficial to the COPD patients in the ongoing LEEP clinical trial.

In April 2020, the American Lung Association swiftly responded to the global crisis by launching the COVID-19 Action Initiative to end COVID and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics. The COVID-19 Action Initiative has since expanded the Lung Association's ongoing respiratory research program and recommended enhanced public health measures.

"Thanks to our extensive network of supporters, including our longstanding partnership with NHLBI, we continue to make strides in stopping the spread and devastating effects of COVID. Our COVID-19 Action Initiative has been a way to mobilize our research efforts on a large scale at an accelerated pace," said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer.

For media seeking an interview with an American Lung Association-funded researcher or lung health expert, contact Jill Dale at [email protected] or 312-940-7001.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

SOURCE American Lung Association

Related Links

www.lung.org


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MellingMedical today lauded Katena Products, Inc. for the positive effects of its recent acquisition of ASICO, LLC, including a deeper, broader offering of ophthalmic products for patients in the Veterans Administration health system.



"Since we first began delivering ophthalmic equipment and supplies through the federal health system, we have wanted to develop the ability to equip the entire eyelane," said CEO and founder, Chris Melling. "When health facilities get the go-ahead to establish or upgrade an eyelane, we're now able to meet their every need on one contract vehicle. With ASICO's products, Katena is an even greater resource for us."



Katena, a leading global provider of premium ophthalmic instruments, biologics, and devices to hospitals, surgical centers, and ophthalmic and optometric offices, first announced the purchase of its longtime competitor in April 2021. By way of the acquisition, Katena added more than 1,500 items to its catalogue including stainless steel and titanium instruments, single-use cannulas and blades, and selection of diamond knives.



"According to the VA, the most common surgical procedure in their system is cataract surgery," concluded Melling. "It's gratifying to know we are now more able than ever to directly impact the quality of life for the men and women who have done so much for our country."



For more information on MellingMedical's full line of medical/surgical supplies, durable medical equipment and pharmaceutical products, visit www.MellingMedical.com.



About MellingMedical

MellingMedical, a CVE-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), holds a Medical Equipment and Surgical Federal Supply Schedule (Med/Surg), as well as a Pharmaceutical Schedule, and currently serves more than 165 VA Medical Centers and 300 VA Outpatient clinics, all seven (7) VA CMOPs, 95 DoD Medical Facilities and Health and Human Services (HHS), including Indian Health Services (IHS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). MellingMedical provides access to innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions in ophthalmology, optometry, urology and wound care, as well as a full range of pharmaceutical products through partnership with a diverse array of recognized quality manufacturing partners. To learn more, visit MellingMedical.com.



About Katena Products, Inc.

Katena is a recognized worldwide leader in specialty surgical and consumable ophthalmic and optometric products. Katena markets a comprehensive line of surgical instruments, biologics, medical devices and optical lenses to physician offices, hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers through their direct salesforce and to international customers in over 110 countries through an extensive distributor network. Katena continues to strengthen its position in these key markets through organic growth and merger and acquisition strategies. For additional information please visit katena.com.

SOURCE MellingMedical

Related Links

http://www.MellingMedical.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ASGARD Partners & Co., LLC ("ASGARD"), a New York-based private equity firm, today announced that its portfolio company, Angstrom Technology ("Angstrom" or the "Company"), an industry leader in modular cleanroom production, has signed an agreement to acquire Built 2 Spec LLC ("Built 2 Spec").

Founded in 1989, and headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Angstrom designs, builds, and services fully customizable modular cleanrooms for regulated industries and adjacent markets, including aerospace, defense, technology, semiconductors, pharmaceutical, automotive, healthcare, and industrial end markets. The Company completes fully customizable and turnkey projects that give customers a high level of control over airborne and surface particulates to manufacture, test, and assemble products in a safe and clean environment. This enhanced operating environment enables companies to manufacture products accurately, prevent the risk of product malfunction or failure, and guarantee customer satisfaction.

Built 2 Spec is a regional platform serving commercial and industrial clients through its design and build services for modular cleanrooms, with a strong presence on the West Coast. The acquisition broadens Angstrom's geographic presence in North America and adds key customer accounts to Angstrom's already robust blue chip client base.

Karan Rai, Managing Partner at ASGARD Partners & Co., said, "We are focused on building Angstrom into one of the largest and most customer-focused companies in this highly fragmented industry. This transaction is just the beginning of a long-term growth strategy focused on consolidating the modular cleanroom / controlled environment industry. With a strong presence in the United States, we anticipate adding more density in key markets both domestically and internationally through strategic add-on acquisitions."

Matt Isard, President of Angstrom, said, "This acquisition will accelerate our West Coast expansion and bring our existing and future customers the know-how and service they deserve. I am also excited to welcome the Built 2 Spec talent to Angstrom Technology and look forward to integrating Built 2 Spec's expertise throughout our organization."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. McGuireWoods LLP served as legal advisors to ASGARD.

About Angstrom Technology

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Angstrom Technology is a market leader in cleanroom production across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Since 1989, Angstrom has provided cleanroom build, design, and maintenance services to some of the most respected companies in the world. Angstrom's passion is to provide its customers with the most effective and efficient designs, superior quality, and outstanding service. For more information, please visit www.angstromtechnology.com.

About ASGARD Partners & Co.

ASGARD Partners & Co. is a private equity firm focused on investing in leading manufacturing, distribution, and services businesses in partnership with proven management teams. ASGARD seeks investment opportunities in businesses with defensible value propositions and strong growth prospects that can also benefit from the support of its investing and operating experience, access to capital, and strategic guidance. Sectors of particular focus include defense, government services, aerospace, industrial or business services, and specialty manufacturing. For more information, please visit https://asgardpartners.com.

SOURCE ASGARD Partners & Co.

Related Links

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BEAVERCREEK, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Apogee Engineering LLC (Apogee), with local offices in Beavercreek, announced today it is expanding its support services to Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) and investing locally to grow capabilities for the future.

In the past year, Apogee has won two major contracts supporting the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Special Operations Forces (ISR/SOF) Directorate (AFLCMC/WI). These contracts include a $76 million task order supporting the ISR Sensors and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Division and a $45 million task order supporting the ISR/SOF Directorate PEO and Cross-Cutting Offices. Within the ISR/SOF portfolio of systems, Apogee delivers acquisition management, engineering, test, evaluation, cybersecurity analysis, program execution, logistics, finance, procurement, and special study services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Apogee hired over 70 new employees supporting WPAFB and expanded the local corporate team by 12 employees. With this growth, Apogee is looking to increase their 2,400 sq ft Beavercreek office space to another location with 20,000 sq ft to support corporate, contract, and classified support operations. Apogee is evaluating options in the local market to meet the infrastructure needs while establishing deep roots within the local community.

As a successful GSA OASIS prime contractor over the past three years and a 2021 Dayton Business Journal "Best Places to Work" Honoree, the company is building for growth in the local Dayton area with an eye on Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), and Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).

Apogee recently hired Colonel (Ret.) Charles "Aggie" Hogan and Dr. Ashwin Fisher as part of the Apogee Intelligence & Science & Technology portfolios. The company has multiple local positions open supporting both corporate and customer mission sets.

Apogee's Vice President of Operations, Mr. Frank Varga, recently established an external referral bonus program awarding up to $10,000 to anyone that refers quality candidates for open positions. Mr. Varga recently stated, "Since Apogee started supporting Wright Patterson in the last 10 years, the company has steadily and exponentially hired amazing talent to take this employee-centric company to new heights while maintaining our passion for service and our humility along the way. I cannot be prouder to work alongside our growing workforce and see each employee achieve their personal goals within Apogee."

About Apogee Engineering

Apogee leads the advancement of national security and defense solutions with premier teams of empowered professionals. They value visionary leadership, family-oriented engagement, and a passion for excellence. Apogee specializes in identifying, mitigating, and resolving customers' most complex challenges. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, with management offices in Dayton, OH, Suffolk, VA, and Tampa, FL, Apogee provides expertise in the following functional areas: Engineering & Science, Research, Training, Tech & Management Services, Cyber, and Analysis with Domains across Air, Cyber, Intel, Space, Science & Technology, and Land & Sea. Learn more at www.apogeeengineering.net

Press Contact: Rhea Phaneuf, Communications & Engagement Specialist Telephone: 719-229-7815 Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Apogee Engineering LLC

Related Links

https://apogeeengineering.net


As a part of the grant program, The Tequila Don Julio Fund is teaming up with Rhuigi Villasenor, Founder and Creative Director of luxury ready-to-wear brand Rhude, who has demonstrated exceptional devotion to his craft of fashion design, much like Don Julio Gonzalez led a life devoted to tequila making. Rhuigi is committed to mentoring industry newcomers, so not only will he encourage entrepreneurs to apply to the program, he will also provide a mentorship session to selected grant recipients.

"My journey was made possible thanks to the devotion and passion I had for fashion design, and each milestone I achieved was always a moment to celebrate," says Rhuigi Villasenor. "I'm thrilled for this opportunity to team up with The Tequila Don Julio Fund to support the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs to help them achieve their business goals and look forward to toasting their milestones together with Tequila Don Julio."

The Tequila Don Julio Fund is also proudly partnering with ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) for grant recipient selection, distribution and support via membership in its organization. ALPFA's mission is to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation. ALPFA, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.

Starting today, entrepreneurs can apply at www.DonsAndDonas.com for a chance to take their business to the next level. Up to five qualifying entrepreneurs who have shown devotion to their craft will be awarded the following through The Tequila Don Julio Fund:

Business Funding: A $20,000 grant (up to a total of $100,000 in grants) to put towards furthering their business objectives.

A grant (up to a total of in grants) to put towards furthering their business objectives. Celebratory Retreat: A weekend getaway to Los Angeles to celebrate alongside Tequila Don Julio and the other grant recipients, where they can learn more about the story of Don Julio Gonzalez.

A weekend getaway to to celebrate alongside Tequila Don Julio and the other grant recipients, where they can learn more about the story of Don Julio Gonzalez. National Visibility: An individual spotlight on the grant program website that highlights their business, in addition to exposure on the brand's social media channels and digital billboard advertisements.

An individual spotlight on the grant program website that highlights their business, in addition to exposure on the brand's social media channels and digital billboard advertisements. Ongoing Mentorship: A 5-year membership to ALPFA for countless opportunities for one-on-one guidance, networking and business resources.

"Tequila Don Julio was founded due to unparalleled devotion and commitment, traits found in many entrepreneurs," says Hadley Schafer, Brand Director of Tequila Don Julio. "We're excited to carry on Don Julio Gonzalez's legacy and spirit by offering devoted entrepreneurs the same opportunity that was given to our founder nearly 80 years ago. We hope to empower this next generation of Dons and Donas to continue their devotion to their own craft to achieve their goals."

"As an organization dedicated to the impact of the Latino community through the advancement of Latino leadership in both the corporate and small business spaces, we find great pleasure in partnering with Tequila Don Julio to bring forth the vision and devoted spirit that not only Don Julio Gonzalez left as his legacy but one that many Latinos across the U.S. and the world possess," says Jennifer Paulino, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at ALPFA. "As the Latino population grows in the United States, many will find that the spirit of entrepreneurship and true devotion is ever so present in not just the previous Latino generation but those currently growing and the ones to come. Please join our community as it continues to make the largest impact in our country's economy."

Applications can be submitted now through October 15, 2021, and grant recipients will be announced in early November. For applications, eligibility criteria and grant program restrictions, please visit www.DonsandDonas.com.

Learn more about the Tequila Don Julio Fund and our ongoing commitments at DonJulio.com/Fund.

NO FEE TO APPLY FOR GRANT. U.S., 25+, small business owner who identifies as Hispanic American. Certain businesses excluded. Must be available bet. 10/28 & 11/1 AND 11/5-7 to be awarded grant. Subject to Terms and Conditions at www.DonsandDonas.com.

About Tequila Don Julio

Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio Gonzalez and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. The original luxury tequila of choice in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Anejo, Tequila Don Julio 70, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and the limited-edition Tequila Don Julio Primavera. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.

About ALPFA

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) was the first national Latino professional association in the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1972. Throughout our 47-year history we have experienced steady growth and demonstrated consistent value. ALPFA continues to build upon its proud legacy with a mission: To empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy. Over the last two years ALPFA has increased its visibility and membership value through a digital transformation that is helping inspire ambition and elevate the impact the organization and its supporters make in the community. An impact that can be seen through the funding of scholarships, educational resources provided, and the visibility for its members.

SOURCE Tequila Don Julio
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As infections of COVID-19 continue to surge across the globe, manufacturing startup Armbrust American is doing its part to keep people safe by donating more than 150,000 surgical masks to the country of Malawi, the company announced today.

Armbrust American donates stockpile of masks to the Republic of Malawi. Armbrust American's Texas-based medical mask production facility. Photo by Alex Smith.

Representatives on behalf of Malawi reached out to Armbrust with a request for help in keeping nurses, doctors, and other first responders protected while working amid the pandemic. Located in Eastern Africa, Malawi continues to see community spread of the coronavirus among its over 18 million citizens, including 60 percent of cases coming from high populated cities such as Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, according to recent data from UNICEF . Armbrust's PPE donation is the largest the country has received from a U.S. company.

"This donation is a welcome addition to Ministry of Health resources and will help our frontline health care responders carry on the fight against COVID-19," said Edward Sawerengera, Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi to the United States. "I'm incredibly grateful to Lloyd Armbrust and his colleagues for their generosity."

"I'm extremely grateful to the thousands of Malawian healthcare professionals dedicated to their country," said Founder and CEO Lloyd Armbrust. "We are proud to contribute these supplies to help ensure that they are protected while serving their communities."

Since launching in early 2020, Armbrust American has facilitated regular donations of medical-grade surgical masks to various communities, schools, and other organizations. In addition to Armbrust fulfilling requests for supplies, customers can also purchase donation packs of surgical masks via the company's website. For more information about donations, visit armbrustusa.com/products/masks-for-schools .

About Armbrust American

Armbrust American's mission is to bring strategic manufacturing back to the U.S. Armbrust is the only vertically integrated PPE factory in America with no reliance on global supply chain, ensuring reliable production output and predictable pricing. Founded in 2020 by Y-Combinator alumni Lloyd Armbrust, the company currently operates a factory out of Pflugerville, Texas utilizing a proprietary mix of materials and manufacturing innovation to provide the highest quality PPE at a competitive cost. Visit www.armbrust.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Tom Cheredar

[email protected]

Ph: (512) 831-4409

SOURCE Armbrust American
BEDFORD, N.H., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aware Recovery Care is now offering its innovative In-Home Withdrawal Management (IHWM) program to New Hampshire residents, the first program of its kind in the state. IHWM provides an individualized, flexible, one-on-one treatment option for those with substance use disorder who may need a medically supervised withdrawal program in their own home.

The program was piloted in Connecticut in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield over the last 18 months. Preliminary data shows 100 percent of participants completed the treatment, and 97 percent were admitted into the In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) program, with 88 percent remaining abstinent 90 days post-IHWM. The average length of stay in IHWM was six days.

"In-Home Withdrawal Management is a unique, one-of-a-kind service created to eliminate all barriers to detox. It allows clients who meet criteria to safely and effectively detox in the comfort of their own homes, avoiding pathogens that they may be exposed to in a facility and averting the trauma of leaving loved ones for essential treatment of the disease," said Dr. Shelley Halligan, VP Integrated Health Services for Aware Recovery Care. "We are honored to serve those suffering from this chronic disease in New Hampshire and proud to be part of Anthem's strategy to treat that population."

IHWM provides access to in-home detox, increasing the continuity of care when patients initially enter the Aware program. As patients dependent on substances such as alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines may require a medically supervised withdrawal, Aware has developed evidence-based protocols and training to ensure flexible treatment that is tailored to each patient's unique needs.

"There's no one-size-fits-all solution to treating substance use disorder, and that's why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield works closely with providers to build new programs that increase access to various types of treatment in the state," said Dr. Richard Lafleur, medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire. "We're proud to cover Aware's new in-home withdrawal management program for our members and offer another evidence-based program to improve care for Granite Staters with substance use disorder."

Aware is committed to extending its IHWM and IHAT services to additional states so that people who want to recover can do so from their own homes, safely.

About Aware Recovery Care:

Aware Recovery Care provides team-based In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) in Indiana, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The IHAT model has been validated by years of patient outcomes and health plan data, demonstrating that the home is the optimal modality for most patients seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Aware Recovery Care is an in-network provider for Anthem. For more information, please visit www.awarerecoverycare.com.

Contact: Peter Gold, [email protected]

SOURCE Aware Recovery Care
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AXA XL's North America Construction business has promoted three in its Subcontractor Default Insurance business including the appointments of Cyrus Manekshaw and Ian Sadler to Underwriting Directors and Cheri Hanes to SDI Construction Risk Engineering Manager.

Commenting on the underwriting promotions, Jim Richert, AXA XL's SDI Profit Center Leader, said, "Since joining our SDI team, Cyrus and Ian have both exceled, applying their legal backgrounds, critical thinking, and analytical skills to help grow our SDI book of business and meet our clients' subcontractor default needs head-on. Given the depth of our team and AXA XL's strong support for our industry leading SDI business, we were able to move quickly with their well-deserved promotions. Ian and Cyrus were already key contributors to our leadership team and both are well-prepared for this next level of responsibility."

In their new Underwriting Director roles, Mr. Manekshaw and Mr. Sadler will be responsible for maintaining the underwriting excellence and profitability of AXA XL's SDI business, including implementing best practices and strategy development as well as maintaining key broker and client relationships.

Since joining AXA XL in 2014, Mr. Manekshaw has been part of developing and implementing AXA XL's SDI Underwriting strategies while managing a team of underwriters and maintaining underwriting responsibilities on key accounts in the US, Canada, and the UK. Prior to joining AXA XL, he spent seven years as an attorney at a boutique firm in Dallas. He is an undergraduate of The University of Texas at Austin and holds a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Mr. Sadler joined AXA XL's SDI team in February 2016, and was promoted to Underwriting Manager in 2018, after quickly developing strong relationships with key brokers and customers and demonstrating his ability to tailor effective subcontractor default risk management solutions to meet his customer's needs. Prior to joining AXA XL, he spent 13 years practicing law, including tenure with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, a multi-national law firm based in Los Angeles, and a small, energy-focused boutique law firm  West Allen, PC. Mr. Sadler holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Centenary College of Louisiana.

In her new management role, Ms. Hanes will manage a team of SDI risk engineers providing consultation, training, and best practices to help contractors minimize subcontractor default risk. Before joining AXA XL in 2012 as a construction risk engineer, she worked with Yates Construction's North Texas Division in Operations and Sustainability Management. Ms. Hanes is a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and a Clemson University certified Construction Document Specialist (CDS).

Commenting on her promotion, Scott Merchant, Head of AXA XL's Construction Risk Engineering team, said: "Using her 25 years of industry experience in preconstruction, operations, and project management, Cheri has contributed tremendously to the development and build out of our core risk engineering services. She's is well respected, highly recognized for her industry thought leadership, and very deserving of this well-earned promotion."

Follow AXA XL on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

ABOUT AXA XL AXA XL, the property & casualty and specialty risk division of AXA, provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com ABOUT AXA XL INSURANCE AXA XL Insurance offers property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance solutions to mid-sized companies through to large multinationals globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com

SOURCE AXA XL

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley-based venture capital (VC) firm Benhamou Global Ventures (BGV), which invests in Enterprise 4.0 companies globally, today announced its fourth fund, closing at $110M, 60% larger than its third fund.

As the innovation landscape rapidly enters a new technological era, further ignited by the COVID-19 pandemic, BGV will use this new capital to invest in startups at the intersection of global innovation and Enterprise 4.0. BGV brings deep operational expertise to its portfolio companies, and actively works with CEOs to build value in the companies they create while providing the necessary capital to scale globally.

BGV's immigrant origins have enabled the firm to relate to and connect with the challenges of being an immigrant founder. The firm's cross-border investment strategy allows BGV to source the most promising, capital-efficient startups originating in innovation hubs outside of Silicon Valley and help them scale in the U.S. Currently, 60% of BGV's portfolio companies were founded outside of Silicon Valley across France, Israel, India and other parts of Western Europe.

"For BGV, if you are a talented entrepreneur, it doesn't matter where you're from. What matters is that your idea and your company are innovative, unique, and transformative across global markets," said Eric Benhamou, Founder and General Partner at BGV. "We're grateful to the many new global investors who placed their trust and capital in us. We are proud to close this fourth fund and will continue our work helping the next generation of cross-border entrepreneurs in their company building journey."

With this fourth fund, BGV will focus exclusively on the Enterprise 4.0 domain. Enterprise 4.0 describes AI-first B2B startups that apply deep tech to novel data sets coupled with workflow automation. Most importantly these startups do so without introducing unintended race, gender or age bias while addressing data privacy and security concerns and providing transparency. The BGV team has thought deeply about the importance of ethical AI as it relates to B2B implementations and recently established a diverse community of entrepreneurs and industry executives to democratize the evolution and growth of Ethical AI Governance. This new fund will allocate capital towards companies implementing cutting-edge AI solutions in ways that are ethical and serve to deliver strong returns while improving the world around them.

Often holding seats on the boards of its portfolio companies, BGV has a hands-on, long-term approach to investments. The VC firm helps startups accelerate market validation and de-risk execution in order to scale and compete on a global playing field, both within and outside of the US.

Totango, a poster child BGV portfolio company founded in Israel recently closed a $100M growth investment on the heels of a record 2020 breakout year. Totango experiences significant growth as digital transformation continues to accelerate, driving many businesses to invest massively in customer success. Their success was fueled by a compelling product-led growth sales motion in the US coupled with an award-winning AI-powered product platform.

About BGV:

BGV is a venture capital firm with deep Silicon Valley roots and an exclusive focus on global Enterprise 4.0 technology innovation. The partnership sources companies from innovation hubs around the world and deploys financial and human capital from seed stage to IPO. With offices in Palo Alto, Tel Aviv, Paris, and Mumbai, BGV has championed a cross-border venture investing model with a portfolio representing businesses in the US, Israel, Europe, and India. Visit www.bgv.vc to learn more.

Contact: Shayna Zeigen

BAM Communications

619-922-2483

[email protected]

SOURCE Benhamou Global Ventures

Related Links

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CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biologica Technologies, developers and marketers of ProteiOS growth factor and OsseoGEN cellular bone matrix, announced today the podium presentation, 'Retrospective assessment of radiographic outcomes after implantation of a novel allograft growth factor combined with scaffold in patients undergoing XLIF, LLIF, and TLIF procedures' will be given by Samuel A. Joseph Jr., MD, of the Joseph Spine Institute of Tampa, FL as part of the Innovative Technology Presentation(s) at NASS today.

The presentation which includes numerous data points; a total of 103 levels evaluated for radiographic fusion at time points (3, 6, 9, 12, & 18 months), were assessed by a blinded independent radiologist. At three months (n=103) levels were assessed with 37.9 % demonstrating radiographic fusion (BSF-3), at 12 months (n=83) levels were assessed with 83.1% fusion and finally at 18 months (n=80) all levels, 100 %, demonstrated radiographic fusion (BSF-3).

Prior to his presentation, Dr. Joseph commented, "I was initially intrigued by the science and product concept, yet the reliability that ProteiOS has demonstrated in my clinical results shows it is a viable option for a surgeon and their patients." Scott Cadotte, SVP of Sales and Marketing further stated, "It is great to have been working with Dr. Joseph and to have this data that compares very well with published results on autograft and rhBMP-2. We have been hearing similar anecdotal evidence for a while now, but this presentation is a strong first step in validating it."

ProteiOS has been shown to include more than 600 naturally occurring growth factors including but not limited to BMP-2, PDGF, TGF-1, and VEGF. The product is provided in a lyophilized-format that supports the use of any scaffold approved for use with bone graft, providing flexibility for the surgeon and the hospital.

About Biologica Technologies

Founded in 2015, Biologica Technologies is a company focused on providing clinically relevant biologic solutions across multiple medical specialties. Biologica's core proprietary technology is the ability to access intracellular growth factors (GFs) found within allograft tissue. ProteiOS growth factor and OsseoGEN cellular bone matrix are the first products utilizing this technology and possess the highest amount of GFs within their respective biologic categories. The company is privately-held and headquartered in Carlsbad, CA.

Related Links

www.biologicatechnologies.com

SOURCE Biologica Technologies

Related Links

http://www.biologicatechnologies.com


CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The CatholicVote Education Fund today launched its newest educational initiative, called EDIFY, featuring top experts from around the country to help Catholics and all people tackle the most complex hot-button issues of the day.



EDIFY is an entirely new educational platform created to address controversial issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. EDIFY will share the truths of the Catholic faith and the foundational values of America through regular weekly five-minute animated videos, podcasts, and more. With an initial investment of $3 million, the new initiative is a continuation of CatholicVote's mission to inspire every Catholic in America to live the truths of our faith in public life.



Earlier this year, CatholicVote's President, Brian Burch, hired Scot Landry, a Catholic executive with leadership experience in several Catholic organizations, to direct EDIFY. "Brian invited me to imagine a PragerU for Catholics," Landry said. "EDIFY will equip every parent, grandparent, priest and concerned peer with easily shareable videos and more that address the most hot-button topics of the day."



Landry added: "Today in America there are many harmful ideas being pushed in our culture and onto our young people, such as critical race theory, gender ideology, socialism, aggressive secularism, and other destructive ideologies. American Catholics want resources to win the war of ideas and elevate the conversations that shape our families, workplaces, parishes, and communities."

"Politics can be an ideal doorway into the richness and breadth of the wisdom of the Church," Landry continued. "EDIFY is designed to help all Americans, and especially Catholics, to think with the Church and help make sense of our world."

EDIFY means "to teach in ways that enlighten, encourage and uplift individuals intellectually, morally, or spiritually." Landry noted: "EDIFY is a perfect name to describe what we are hoping to accomplish for our church and our country."

Today, EDIFY is debuting its first two five-minute videos . As a major educational platform for CatholicVote, EDIFY will grow over time to include additional features, including school civics programs, interactive interviews with thought leaders, and much more.



Burch commented: "We could not be more excited to announce the launch of EDIFY. Anyone engaged in American public life knows Catholics are often confused by what the Church teaches, or how to apply the wisdom of the Church to various issues. We wanted to create something bigger than a single election cycle, and address the challenge of being authentically Catholic in the messy world of politics. EDIFY is the answer."



Registration for EDIFY is free at EDIFY.us . For more information/ on EDIFY, please read its e-brochure .



EDIFY is an initiative of the CatholicVote Education Fund, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to inspiring every Catholic in America to live out their faith in public life. CatholicVote and the CatholicVote Education Fund include over 400,000 members.



SOURCE CatholicVote

Related Links

http://edify.us/


CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of global market infrastructure and tradable products, today said it will announce its financial results for the third quarter of 2021 before the market opens on Friday, October 29, 2021. A conference call with remarks by the company's senior management will begin at 7:30 a.m. Central Time (CT), 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Conference Call Information:

A live audio webcast for the conference call and the presentation that will be referenced during the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Cboe's website at ir.cboe.com under Events. The presentation will be archived on the company's website for replay. Participants also may listen to the live conference call via telephone by using the dial-in numbers listed below.

Date: Friday, October 29, 2021

Time: 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET)

Live Dial-In Information

U.S.: 1-877-255-4313

Canada: 1-866-450-4696

International: 1-412-317-5466

(Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation and ask to join the Cboe Global Markets call.)

Replay Dial-In Information

U.S.: 1-877-344-7529

Canada: 1-855-669-9658

International: 1-412-317-0088

A replay of the recording is expected to be available one hour after the conference call ends. The replay access code will be 10160639, which will be accessible through November 5, 2021.

About Cboe Global Markets, Inc.



Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to operating a trusted, inclusive global marketplace, providing leading products, technology and data solutions that enable participants to define a sustainable financial future. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit www.cboe.com.

CBOE-C

CBOE-F

CBOE-OE

Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

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MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerspace (NYSE: CSR) announced today that it has amended and extended its existing $250 million revolving credit facility. The new facility includes an accordion feature for up to $400 million and matures in September 2025 with two optional six-month extensions. In addition to the new line of credit, the existing bank term loans totaling $145 million were repaid in full with proceeds from the issuance of $125 million in unsecured senior notes as well as the additional proceeds from the KMS portfolio refinance.

Bank of Montreal served as administrative agent for the extension of the credit facility with BMO Capital Markets Corp., BofA Securities, Inc. and PNC Capital Markets, LLC as, joint lead arrangers and joint book runners.

"This recast completes a series of financing activities this quarter that meaningfully lower our average cost of borrowing and extend our average duration," said Mark O. Decker Jr., President and CEO. "The completed financing activities decreased our weighted average interest from 3.70% at June 30, 2021, to 3.35% and our weighted average maturities from 4.9 years at June 30, 2021 to 7.6 years. We're grateful for our bank group's work to help Centerspace build greater financial flexibility. These actions enhance our ability to compete in today's environment."

About Centerspace

Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, the company currently owns 79 apartment communities consisting of 14,275 homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Centerspace was named a Top Workplace for 2021 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. For more information, please visit www.centerspacehomes.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Emily Miller, Investor Relations, at (701) 837-7104 or [email protected].

SOURCE Centerspace

Related Links

https://www.iretapartments.com


DUBLIN, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "OEM Electronics Manufacturing in China - 2021 Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

After decades of massive investment by its central government, China has advanced from a nation regarded simply as a land of abundant, cheap labor, to the largest economy and exporter in the world. With a nominal GDP of more than $14.7 trillion in 2020, second only to the United States, it is a powerhouse within the electronics sector. The 2020 value of the country's electronics industry reached nearly $350 billion, accounting for a quarter of worldwide assembly value in 2020.

The report provides a comprehensive look into the Chinese electronics market. After providing context through a detailed examination of the worldwide electronics marketplace, the report focuses on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) operating in China. Data includes actual market results from 2020 and forecasts through 2025.

The purpose of the report is to provide business executives with an insightful analysis of the major application trends affecting the electronics industry. It begins by detailing the worldwide electronics market, organized into seven major application segments: Computers, Communications, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Medical, Automotive, and Commercial Aviation, Military/Defense, and Other Transportation. In addition, it surveys numerous specific electronics product markets, such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs and other consumer products, and automotive components.

The report then does a deep dive into the China electronics market, with the OEM market further detailed in terms of the seven major industry applications. Finally, the report provides details of the top 30 OEM suppliers in China, which together account for close to two-thirds of the total market.

The report consists of five chapters as described on the next page. Starting with Chapter 3, the report presents an industry analysis of the broad economic and market trends driving the worldwide electronics industry. It also analyzes the market in terms of manufacturing sources-OEMs, ODMs and EMS-and in terms of major world regions-Americas, EMEA, APAC. Forecast tables provide both assembly value of each market and unit shipments of nearly 50 electronics market segments.

Chapter 4, describes China's overall market, including the differences between OEMs, ODMs, and EMS firms before focusing on the OEM market and suppliers. It also forecasts the OEM market in terms of the major industrial application segments. Finally, Chapter 5, presents detailed profiles of the 30 largest OEM suppliers operating in China. Half are headquartered in China, and half are international corporations with a major manufacturing presence in China. Each profile also includes major China-based subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities.

Report Highlights

Electronics Summary Forecasts, 2020-2025

China Political and Electronics Market Overview

China Market Electronics Forecasts, 2020-2025

Leading OEM Profiles



Key Topics Covered:





Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

Chapter 3 Global Electronics Market

3.1 Chapter Overview

3.2 Recent Global Electronic Market Trends

3.3 Total Global Electronics Market

3.4 Electronics Industry Segment Forecasts

3.5 Manufacturing Sources for Electronics Products

3.6 Regional Segmentation

Chapter 4 China's Electronics Market

4.1 Chapter Overview

4.2 China's Geopolitical and Economic Status

4.3 China's Electronics Market Forecasts

4.4 Industry Segmentation

Chapter 5 Profiles of Leading OEMs

5.1 Chapter Overview

5.2 OEM Supplier Statistical Overview

5.3 China OEM Profiles

Aptiv PLC

ASUSTeK Computer

Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH

China Aerospace Science and Tech

China Electronics Tech Group Corp

China Great Wall Tech Group (CEC)

Continental Aktiengesellschaft

D-Link Corporation

Datang Telecom Tech Co., Ltd.

First International Computer

Gree Elect Appliances, Inc.

Guangdong Galanz Enterprises.

Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Tech

HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA

Hisense Visual Tech Co., Ltd.

Huawei Investment & Holding Co.

Konka Group Co., Ltd.

Lenovo Group, Limited

Lextar Electronics Corporation

LG Electronics, Inc.

Midea Group Co., Ltd.

Nanjing Panda Electronics Company, Limited

Panasonic Corporation

Robert Bosch GmbH

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Skyworth Group, Limited

Sony Corporation

Visteon Corporation

ZTE Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9uqad1

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, announced today it will report its financial results for the third quarter 2021 before the market opens on Thursday, October 28. The press release and earnings supplement, with accompanying financial information, will be posted on the Clarivate investor website at https://ir.clarivate.com. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, October 28 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time to review the results.

The live webcast of the call will be accessible through the investor relations section of the Company's website. To join the webcast please visit https://services.choruscall.com/links/clvt211028.html. A replay will also be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website.

Interested parties may access the live audio broadcast by dialing (888) 317-6003 (in the United States), 412-317-6061 (International) and 866-284-3684 (Canada). The conference ID number is 3877359.

An audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call at 877-344-7529 (in the US), 412-371-0088 (International) and 855-669-9658 (Canada). The replay access code is 10153163. The recording will be available for replay through November 11, 2021.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the lifecycle of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of science and intellectual property. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Category: Earnings

Source: Clarivate Plc

SOURCE Clarivate Plc

Related Links

http://clarivate.com


Key highlights

Cynata and Fujifilm have entered into a new strategic partnership which includes detailed and agreed core terms for Fujifilm to provide clinical and commercial manufacturing services for, and supply of, Cynata's Cymerus therapeutic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) products

Cynata and Fujifilm to negotiate in good faith a manufacturing services agreement incorporating the detailed and agreed core terms

Cynata has regained all development and commercialisation rights to CYP-001 for graft-versus-host disease with US$5m fee payable by Fujifilm to Cynata

Cynata to immediately pursue GvHD product development strategy in the US, building on the existing US Orphan Drug Designation for CYP-001

Fujifilm's shareholding in Cynata to be subject to a new voluntary escrow

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cynata Therapeutics Limited (ASX: "CYP" or "Cynata"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialising in cell therapeutics, has today announced that it has entered into a new strategic partnership agreement ("SPA") with Fujifilm Corporation ("Fujifilm").

Under the SPA the parties agree to negotiate in good faith during a 90-day period a manufacturing services agreement ("MSA") incorporating the detailed and agreed core terms for Fujifilm to manufacture Cynata's Cymerus therapeutic mesenchymal stem cell ("MSC") products derived from induced pluripotent stem cells ("iPSC") for clinical trials and commercial applications.

Cynata has regained rights to CYP-001 for graft-vs-host-disease ("GvHD") and Fujifilm will pay Cynata US$5m under the September 2019 licence agreement. The licence agreement has been terminated and Cynata will immediately implement a US development strategy for CYP-001 to capitalize on the unmet need and market opportunity for an effective and scalable MSC therapeutic for GvHD in the US market, for which it has already secured Orphan Drug Designation.

Cynata and Fujifilm intend to collaborate initially toward establishing at Fujifilm the current manufacturing process in place at Cynata's existing contract manufacturer, Waisman Biomanufacturing. In the meantime, Waisman will continue to manufacture product for Cynata's current clinical trials, which will continue as planned. The SPA sets out the core terms to be incorporated in the MSA for Fujifilm to undertake technology transfer, process validation and manufacturing under stage-by-stage, commercial, arms-length arrangements. Details of the initial stages of the process are presently being finalised and Cynata has made an initial in-principle expenditure commitment of US$2m. Cynata and Fujifilm intend that Fujifilm will have first rights to manufacture clinical and commercial requirements for Cymerus therapeutic MSC products. In addition, and in recognition of the progress made by Fujifilm, Cynata will pay Fujifilm a proportion of any upfront licence fee received by Cynata if Cynata approves main terms of a GvHD licence agreement with certain third parties within the next 6 months.

As part of the new partnership agreement, Fujifilm has agreed to a new voluntary escrow over the approximately 8.1 million shares it holds in Cynata. This escrow will be in place for 90 days and will be extended for up to a total of 15 months at the time of execution of an MSA.

Cynata has already secured Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for CYP-001 for the treatment of GvHD, potentially providing several commercially significant incentives, including seven years of marketing exclusivity, substantial tax credits and a waiver of FDA fees.

Cynata will now engage with the FDA on further clinical development of CYP-001 in the US via a Phase 2 clinical trial, using an iPSC master cell bank created by Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. The previously completed Phase 1 clinical trial of CYP-001 in GvHD, results of which were published in Nature Medicine, met all safety and efficacy endpoints and broke ground by being the world's first clinical trial of an allogeneic iPSC-derived product. A Phase 2 trial in GvHD will be an important late-stage addition to Cynata's active pipeline, which also includes two clinical trials currently underway: the SCUlpTOR Phase 3 trial in osteoarthritis and the MEND trial in respiratory distress, with a third trial, in diabetic foot ulcers ("DFU"), expected to commence later this calendar year.

In view of this broad and rich clinical pipeline and the current exposure to the diabetes therapy sector afforded through the planned DFU trial, Cynata will divert future activities around the currently on-hold critical limb ischemia indication toward partnering.

Dr Ross Macdonald, Cynata's Chief Executive Officer, said:

"The execution of this new strategic partnership agreement with Fujifilm builds on a long and productive relationship between the two companies. Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc (a Fujifilm subsidiary) developed the original iPSC line used in Cynata's Cymerus manufacturing process and we look forward to the extensive experience in cell therapy manufacture among the Fujifilm group being of significant long-term benefit to Cynata as we advance the development of our unique MSC therapeutic products. With Cynata having secured Orphan Drug Designation and regaining development and commercialisation rights to the GvHD indication we are excited to accelerate development in the important US market. This is especially so with our Cymerus technology addressing many of the complexities and challenges of manufacturing MSCs at commercial scale and with the FDA having shown its willingness to consider MSCs as a new treatment modality where the product has a scalable manufacturing process to maintain product consistency. Importantly, Fujifilm has also confirmed its strong commitment to the new product manufacturing partnership by agreeing to a further voluntary escrow over their shares in Cynata."

Yutaka Yamaguchi, General Manager of the Life Sciences Business Division at FUJIFILM Corporation, said:

"Fujifilm has promoted development and manufacturing of cell therapies through collaborations with our partners, building on the strengths of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. to produce therapeutic iPS cells in a stable and efficient way. The new strategic agreement builds on the partnership with Cynata to maximize the strengths and resources of both companies and further promote industrial application of iPS cell-derived regenerative medicine. We are confident that our significant, long-term investment in Cynata will reap rewards as it continues to meet its goals in developing the Cymerus technology."

-ENDS-

Authorised for release by Dr Ross Macdonald, Managing Director & CEO

About Cynata Therapeutics (ASX: CYP)

Cynata Therapeutics Limited (ASX: CYP) is an Australian clinical-stage stem cell and regenerative medicine company focused on the development of therapies based on Cymerus, a proprietary therapeutic stem cell platform technology. Cymerus overcomes the challenges of other production methods by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and a precursor cell known as mesenchymoangioblast (MCA) to achieve economic manufacture of cell therapy products, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), at commercial scale without the limitation of multiple donors.

Cynata's lead product candidate CYP-001 met all clinical endpoints and demonstrated positive safety and efficacy data for the treatment of steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in a Phase 1 trial. Clinical trials of Cymerus products in osteoarthritis (Phase 3) and in patients with respiratory failure are currently ongoing. In addition, Cynata has demonstrated utility of its Cymerus technology in preclinical models of numerous diseases, including the clinical targets mentioned above, as well as asthma, heart attack, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cytokine release syndrome.

About Graft-versus-host-disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a complication that can occur after a bone marrow transplant or similar procedure, when the donor's immune cells (from the "graft") attack the recipient of the transplant (the "host"). The only approved treatment for GvHD is corticosteroid therapy, which is typically only effective in about 50 percent of patients. When GvHD fails to improve or worsens despite steroid treatment, patients are described as having steroid-resistant GvHD. The prognosis for these patients is poor, with mortality rates in excess of 90 percent[1].

Cynata Therapeutics encourages all current investors to go paperless by registering their details with the designated registry service provider, Automic Group.

[1] Westin JR, Saliba RM, De Lima M, et al. Steroid-Refractory Acute GVHD: Predictors and Outcomes. Adv Hematol. 2011; 2011:601953.

SOURCE Cynata Therapeutics

Related Links

https://www.cynata.com/


ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- David Hoffmann has been appointed Chairman and CEO of Mammoth Holding, LLC, an Atlanta-based conveyor car wash operator with a portfolio of brands in 10 states. Hoffmann served as CEO of Dunkin' Brands from July 2018 until its $11 billion sale to Inspire Brands in December 2020. Prior to Dunkin' Brands  where he also served as president beginning in 2016  Hoffmann spent twenty-two years at McDonalds, most recently as President of High Growth Markets and previously President of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa Markets.

"This is one of the most exciting days in Mammoth's history," said Gary Dennis, Mammoth's co-founder who served as chairman and chief executive officer of Mammoth prior to Hoffmann's appointment. "Dave is an extraordinary executive and is the right person to take Mammoth to a new level of operational excellence and scale. He has a keen appreciation for Mammoth's unique operator-focus, and we know he will do great things at Mammoth like he did at Dunkin' and McDonalds." Dennis will assume the new role of vice chairman going-forward and will focus on acquisitions and special projects.

"I'm honored to be assuming the role of chairman and CEO from Gary Dennis, who has done a remarkable job," said Hoffmann. "I'm excited to build on Mammoth's successful operator-focused strategy and see many opportunities to leverage the experience I've had working with franchisees and owner-operators to elevate service and build consumer loyalty."

"The car wash model is prime for disruption," said Hoffmann. "The Mammoth team has built a foundation from which we will launch an industry-leading customer service model to spur growth and deliver outstanding value for our operators"

"Dave Hoffmann is a talented leader, team-builder and entrepreneur who brings real passion to this role," said Marcus Kittrell, Mammoth's executive vice president and a board member. "The other owner-operators and I have been impressed with Dave since he joined Mammoth's board in August, and we expect to see great benefits from his deep expertise implementing operational excellence and digital transformation."

Hoffmann joined Mammoth's board of directors in August 2021 and made a significant personal investment in the company.

Mammoth is the first car wash acquisition platform formed by industry-insiders and is the 9th largest conveyor car wash operator in the United States according to Commercial Plus's Top 100 list. Mammoth is customer-focused operationally and operator-focused in its approach to acquisitions and seeks to be the partner-of-choice for car wash operators who desire liquidity, growth capital, and a tax-deferred equity investment opportunity. Mammoth's multi-brand portfolio includes Marc-1, Wash Me Fast, Swifty, Ultra, Finish Line, Wiggy Wash, Shine On, Pit Stop, Lulu's, Ollie's, and now PureMagic, among others. Mammoth has significant growth capital at its disposal and is actively seeking acquisitions and development opportunities.

In October 2018, Mammoth partnered with Red Dog Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, which, through its partnership with Tom Pritzker's family business interests (advised by The Pritzker Organization), provides the equity for Mammoth's corporate development initiatives.

About Mammoth Holdings

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Mammoth Holdings operates 63 conveyor car washes and is currently developing 13 under the PureMagic, Marc-1, QuickWash Express, Ultra, Wash Me Fast, Wiggy Wash, Pals, Finish Line, Shine On, Lulu's, Ollie's, PitStop, and Swifty brands in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Utah, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, and Tennessee. Mammoth was founded by Gary Dennis and Chip Hackett in 2002. To learn more, please visit one of our locations or see us online at: www.mammothholdings.com.

About Dave Hoffmann

Dave Hoffmann joined Dunkin' Brands in October 2016 as President, Dunkin' U.S., overseeing all operations, marketing and development for the brand domestically. He was appointed to CEO in July 2018, where his responsibilities expanded to include BaskinRobbins, as well as the international businesses of both Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins. Prior to joining Dunkin' Brands, Dave spent 22 years with McDonald's Corporation, where he most recently served as President, High Growth Markets, an area that included China, South Korea, Russia and several additional European markets. From 2009 to 2015, he held various leadership roles as part of McDonald's Asia Pacific Middle East Africa (APMEA), serving as President beginning in 2012 and overseeing the operations of 8,900 restaurants across 37 countries.

About Red Dog Equity LLC

Red Dog Equity LLCTM is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market companies poised for strong growth in partnership with driven, entrepreneurial business leaders ("Red Dogs"). To learn more, please visit: www.reddogequity.com.

About The Pritzker Organization

The Pritzker Organization is the merchant bank for the business interests of the Tom Pritzker family. Additional information can be found at www.pritzkerorg.com.

SOURCE Mammoth Holdings

Related Links

https://www.mammothholdings.com/


LONDON and MINSK, Belarus, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Decentr today launched a browser to bridge the massive gap in the market for a browser that provides the necessary features, functions, and security for everyday users to benefit from crypto.

Mainstream adoption, according to Finance Magnates, is the "holy grail" of crypto and an integrated web3, however a recent CNBC article states that one of the main reasons crypto is not mainstream is that it "remains exotic and poorly understood".

Decentr helps change this. Until now, entering the crypto ecosystem has been a complicated and complex process. For the average user there are many unscrupulous websites, extensions and third parties looking to steal your funds at every step of the way. Decentr, a London/Minsk-based blockchain start-up formed in 2019, today delivered a browser that provides a secure gateway to crypto for both new and seasoned users alike.

Rich James, Decentr CCO said, "Users running the Decentr browser can access all the necessary functions, tools, links etc to start crypto'ing, safely and securely. Our vision is for Decentr to be synonymous with crypto itself, the crypto browser of choice and the first step to entering the crypto ecosystem for any new user."

As the first "blockchain-aware" web3 browser, the Decentr mainnet browser is set to usher in a raft of mainstream crypto applications that will greatly expand the wider crypto ecosystem, including ease of crypto payments between individual users. Not only does Decentr provide a safe, secure and convenient gateway to the crypto ecosystem, but also features a Paid to Browse model, similar to the Play to Earn model that has propelled blockchain gaming projects to new heights.

Nikita Anikeev, Decentr CTO added, "The Decentr Browser is both the gateway and user accessibility layer to the entire Decentr ecosystem (and the DEC token), affording users an integrated Web3 experience while allowing them to benefit economically from the wider crypto ecosystem."

More info:

For full mainnet release info: https://decentrnet.medium.com/introducing-the-decentr-mainnet-and-mainnet-browser-36f3a3065473

The Decentr team is always available for interviews, press engagement, thought leadership articles and comments.

About Decentr

Decentr is an EU tech start-up building a custom blockchain and crypto browser that returns the control of data to users, securely and immutably. Users realise the economic value of their secure data via Decentr's suite of DeFi features.

Contact:

Name: Rich James

Phone: +447985238063

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Decentr
BALTIMORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Evaluation of a new pediatric asthma pilot program published in the Journal of Asthma showed that the average frequency of asthma inhaler technique errors among enrolled patients dropped from 80% to less than 20% in four weeks. The study was authored by emocha Health, the nation's leading digital medication adherence program, in partnership with LifeBridge Health, a nonprofit community health system in Maryland.

In assessing the program's ability to improve patient health outcomes, the study showed inadequate breath-holding was the most common technique error and forgetfulness was the most common adherence issue. Immediate improvement in observed inhaler errors occurred in the first week of the program. Researchers also found that 80% of pediatric asthma patients were using their inhalers every day.

The study, conducted in January and February of 2020 at the start of the pandemic, sought to measure the feasibility of supporting pediatric asthma patients in Baltimore through digital instruction and feedback. The median age of study participants was 11 years and 90% of participating children were covered by Medicaid. Eligible patients were enrolled in the program by LifeBridge Health physicians and were asked to submit daily check-in videos of themselves taking their prescribed inhalers via the emocha Health mobile application. emocha's care team members reviewed these videos and then directly engaged with participants to improve inhaler technique and supported patients and their families/caregivers throughout treatment.

Pediatric asthma is a devastating problem in Baltimore, where 20% of children have an asthma diagnosis -- twice the national average.1 Additionally, 88% of pediatric asthma-related hospitalizations in Baltimore are of Black children, who are even more disproportionately affected by uncontrolled asthma.2

"Improper inhaler technique often leads to poor asthma control and frequent emergency department visits," says principal study investigator Scott Krugman, M.D., vice chair of pediatrics at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai, part of the LifeBridge Health system. "Inhaled medications are the cornerstone of asthma management, so we're delighted that in this study we addressed more than 240 video-observed inhaler technique issues for pediatric asthma patients and efficiently improved medication adherence through direct interaction with care team members while utilizing video-enabled Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)."

The study also illustrates how digital tools, like video-enabled DOT and two-way chat, when paired with human engagement, offer cost-effective, scalable, and engaging resources for healthcare providers to help patients manage chronic illness. Not only were emocha care team members and LifeBridge providers able to intervene and remediate poor medication administration, but they were also able to work directly with participants to help build adherence and self-management skills to further improve patient's health.

Participants and their caregivers also generally expressed positive sentiment towards the program. The program had an 81% enrollment rate. The app was considered easy to use, and asynchronous videos were seamlessly integrated into regular activities. Children were generally eager to participate and more than 800 videos were sent via emocha's mobile app during the pilot - the majority of the videos initially displaying at least one technique issue, each of which was addressed by emocha's clinical adherence team in less than 18 hours.

Patients who engaged in the intervention showed significant improvements in asthma management, demonstrating the efficacy of DOT using a digital adherence program when paired with human intervention. The study also noted the positive impact that could result in using this approach with asthma patients in rural and low-income settings who may lack easy access to healthcare specialists and frequent in-person appointments.

"The status quo for children with uncontrolled asthma in cities like Baltimore is not acceptable, especially when there are available solutions," says Sebastian Seiguer, CEO of emocha Health. "Using highly-engaging DOT powered by video technology is one such solution. Children showed significant improvement in inhaler technique in a matter of weeks - potentially reducing hospitalizations and ER visits and increasing productivity for patients and their families/caregivers. Therefore, emocha looks forward to expanding this program to other communities with high rates of uncontrolled asthma."

About emocha Health

emocha is tackling one of the biggest unsolved problems in healthcare: medication non-adherence. emocha's Digital Medication Adherence Program empowers patients to take every dose of medication properly using video technology and scalable human engagement. emocha partners with health plans, health systems, employers, and health departments across the country to radically improve adherence for patients with diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis, and other chronic and infectious diseases.

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital , Northwest Hospital , Carroll Hospital , Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital , Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org

1 Asthma. (2019, January 04). Baltimore City Health Department. Retrieved April 15, 2021 from https://health.baltimorecity.gov/node/454.

2 LaFave, Sarah. (2020, October). The Unequal Burden of Pediatric Asthma: A Call for an Equity-Driven, Multimodal, Public Health Approach to Asthma in Baltimore. Abell Foundation. https://abell.org/sites/default/les/les/2020_Abell_pediatric%20 asthma_FINAL-web%20(dr).pdf.

SOURCE emocha Health

Related Links

https://emocha.com


The newly formed partnership will consist of North Beach Resort & Villas, Grande Cayman Resort, Ocean Reef  a seaside resort, Caribbean Resort & Villas, Bay View on the Boardwalk, Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort and Paradise Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. These resorts encompass 2,400 keys, 4,400 sleeping rooms, 13 restaurants and 83 water attractions. "Brittain Resorts has fostered welcoming hospitality and established deep community roots in Myrtle Beach for the past 70 years," commented Clay Brittain III, Chairman of Brittain Resorts & Hotels. "We are fortunate to add the expertise of EOS to complement and expand upon these efforts." Matthew Brittain, CEO of Brittain Resorts & Hotels, further commented, "along with EOS, we look forward to continuing to invest in these iconic resorts and the Myrtle Beach community while creating the next chapters in their storied history of success."

The entire Brittain Resorts executive team, as well as all the associates at each of the resorts, will be retaining their current roles and responsibilities in the new partnership structure. Long-term resort guests will continue to experience the same "southern hospitality" they have come expect and owner-partners will continue to earn the superior returns they demand, each now delivered by an organization with greater financial strength, revenue management expertise and operating sophistication.

"I am very pleased that we have found a partner who shares Brittain Resorts & Hotels' core values of stewardship, service, excellence, teamwork, family, accessibility, and integrity," observed Ann Brittain LeMay, Director of Brittain Resorts & Hotels. "These values were instilled in the company many decades ago by Clay Brittain Jr. and reinforced through the leadership of David Brittain and subsequently Matthew and me  the future of Brittain Resort & Hotels is bright." Simon Mais, Chief Operating Officer of EOS Hospitality, echoed Ann's sentiments, "EOS is excited to be partnering with Brittan Resorts and Hotels. We look forward to building upon the success and longstanding reputation they have earned as legacy operators in the Myrtle Beach community."

About EOS Investors:

EOS is a fully integrated investment firm dedicated to identifying and creating value within the hospitality sector. EOS utilizes a highly selective investment approach focused on high-quality, differentiated assets with attractive risk-adjusted returns. Headquartered in New York City, EOS seeks investment opportunities across the United States, with an emphasis on major urban markets and resort destinations. To learn more about EOS, please contact [email protected].

About EOS

EOS is a fully integrated investment firm dedicated to identifying and creating value within the hospitality sector. EOS utilizes a highly selective investment approach focused on high-quality, differentiated assets with attractive risk-adjusted returns. Headquartered in New York City, EOS seeks investment opportunities across the United States, with an emphasis on major urban markets and resort destinations.

About Brittain Resorts & Hotels

Brittain Resorts & Hotels, the leader in southern hospitality, has been perfecting the family vacation since 1943. Beginning with the historic Chesterfield Inn in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the entire Brittain family worked as a team, doing everything from making beds to washing dishes on the busy weekend nights while honing the ever-changing marketing and guest satisfaction skills that are paramount to establishing a robust repeat business base. Everyone worked hard and helped each other whenever necessary. Integrity and trust were and are ubiquitous even today. The most treasured assets were a person's word and reputation. A handshake was a binding contract. Brittain Resorts & Hotels currently manages 20 premier resorts encompassing over 5,300 rooms, suites & condominium units as well as 35 restaurants.

CONTACT:

Bryan Barbieri

[email protected]

Carlie Stevenson

[email protected]

SOURCE EOS Investors LLC
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Awakening Foundation and Altrua HealthShare have teamed up with The Salvation Army to support millions of families in need. Awakening Foundation and Altrua HealthShare will donate at nearly 90 concert locations across the country, following the tours of contemporary Christian artists TobyMac, Newsboys, Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, and Michael W. Smith. The combined partners' donation will support The Salvation Army's programs to help people recover from the resurgence of the pandemic and stay in their homes this holiday season.

As the nation's largest direct social service provider, The Salvation Army has worked nonstop since the start of the pandemic, providing shelter, meal services, financial assistance, emotional and spiritual care, and more to those needing support. With the resurgence of COVID-19 and the end of some federal support programs, The Salvation Army anticipates requests for service to increase.

"I am thrilled and delighted with our Fall events line up and the continued partnership with The Salvation Army to make a tangible impact in each of the local communities we are visiting," said Dan Fife, president and founder of Awakening Foundation. "This past year our team faced some of the biggest challenges in the history of live events. Faith and courage helped us face those obstacles; and we have found blessings and gratitude on the other side of all the hard work and grit. Our team is honored to come alongside The Salvation Army to support the important work happening on the front lines of those in need."

Each show is adhering to local and venue requirements as it relates to COVID-19 to ensure families and friends can safely enjoy live music again.

"The Salvation Army is so grateful for the continued generosity of Awakening Foundation and Altrua HealthShare, which will help us keep people in their homes this holiday season and beyond," said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. "The support from Awakening Foundation will help ensure that hope marches on for individuals and families in need, and we pray that their generosity inspires others to donate and make a difference in their communities."

With a presence in nearly every ZIP code in the United Sates, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of local communities and is committed to meeting human need no matter the cost. Since the start of the pandemic, and thanks to supporters like Awakening Foundation and Altrua HealthShare The Salvation Army has provided:

More than 225 million meals

$81 million in utility assistance

in utility assistance $111 million in rent and mortgage assistance

A full list of cities and tour dates appears at AwakeningEvents.com. To learn more about The Salvation Army or make a donation to help those needing a hand in your community, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country's largest privately funded direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

About Awakening Foundation

Awakening Foundation, a leader in the faith-based concert touring space, produces on average over 300 concerts and events annually. Consistently ranked in Pollstar's "Top 50 Promoters" list, reaching as high as ninth in North America and top 15 in the world, Awakening Foundation was founded in Greenbrier, Arkansas, by Dan Fife, and has recently expanded its footprint to Franklin, Tennessee. Awakening Foundation is the exclusive producer of the TobyMac Hits Deep Tour, The K-LOVE Christmas Tour, Good Friday Nashville with Chris Tomlin, and the Drive-In Theater Tour Series, along with many others. For more information, please visit https://www.awakeningevents.com.

Media Contact:

Katie Wilkinson

480-208-0606

[email protected]

SOURCE The Salvation Army

Related Links

http://www.SalvationArmyUSA.org


PUNE, India, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to The Insight Partners study on "Fiber Laser Market to 2028  COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis and Forecast  by Type, Application, and Geography," the market is projected to reach US$ 4,765.43 million by 2028 from US$ 2,286.16 million in 2021; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% during 20212028.

The fiber laser technology is now being widely used in 3D printing because of multiple qualities including feasibility of the process and capability of making stronger & denser materials by pressing the plate hard against the hanging part during the process of sintering by the help of fiber laser. The fiber laser technology has potential applications in printing embedded circuits, robotic components, and electromechanical components. Thus, the use of sintering in 3D printing is likely to have its application in a wide variety of industries. Additionally, the fiber laser technology can change the additive manufacturing industry from printing passive uniform parts to printing active integrated systems. Technological advancements and price reduction in fiber laser systems have led to their utilization in 3D printers for metal deposition primarily used for the aerospace industry. Thus, the growth of 3D printing technology is propelling the growth of the fiber laser market.

Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in US$ 2286.16 Million in 2021 Market Size Value by US$ 4,765.43 Million by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 11.1% from 2021-2028 Forecast Period 2021-2028 Base Year 2021 No. of Pages 147 No. Tables 61 No. of Charts & Figures 73 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Type and Application Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Country scope US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina

Get Exclusive Sample Pages of Fiber Laser Market at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000578/

Increase in Automotive Production to Drive Fiber Laser Market Growth during Forecast Period

Automotive production is constantly rising across the world, particularly in Asian and European countries, which is driving the demand for fiber lasers. Most automotive manufacturers are rapidly turning to fiber lasers to resolve their manufacturing issues. The sector widely uses fiber laser in material processing applications such as cutting, welding, and marking, as well as other machining operations involved in auto parts manufacturing. The automotive industry is obtaining excellent results with the use of fiber lasers in electric and lightweight vehicle designs. Significant weight reduction is achieved by minimizing the size of flanges by fiber laser welding and the safety of batteries is enabled by wobble-beam fiber welding. Automotive giants such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Ford Motor Company are contributing significantly to the fiber laser market growth.

Electric vehicles are gaining traction in North America, thus boosting the fiber laser market growth in the region. Countries such as the US and Canada are prominent automotive manufacturers in the region. According to the American Automotive Policy Council, automakers and their suppliers contribute ~3% to the US GDP. General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Daimler are among the major automotive manufacturers in North America. As per data by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in 2019, the US and Canada manufactured ~2,512,780 and ~461,370 cars, respectively.

Download the Latest COVID-19 Analysis on Fiber Laser Market Growth Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/covid-analysis-sample/TIPTE100000578/

Fiber Laser Market: Segmental Overview

Based on type, the fiber laser market is segmented into infrared fiber laser, ultraviolet fiber laser, ultrafast fiber laser, and visible fiber laser. The infrared fiber laser segment led the market in 2020. In the medical field, infrared fiber lasers are majorly used for medical treatment and therapy, such as acne treatment, photodynamic therapy, and renal denervation therapy. In medical treatment, fiber-based infrared lasers are useful due to the lower tissue absorption, which allows high tissue penetration depths. In addition, the presence of absorption peaks for tissue components, such as lipids, allows the potential for causing selective tissue damage. The high average powers and the attractive laser properties, such as the ability to deliver a collimated or focused beam, are key enablers for potential catheter-based medical treatments.

Fiber Laser Market: Competition Landscape and Key Developments

Active Fiber Systems GmbH; Convergent Photonics; Coherent, Inc.; Hypertherm, Inc.; IPG Photonics Corporation; Maxphotonics Co, Ltd; nLIGHT, Inc.; LUMIBIRD (formerly Quantel-Keopsys group); Wuhan Raycus Fiber Laser Technologies Co., Ltd.; and TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG are among the key players that were profiled during this market study. The market players are adopting strategies such as product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and collaborations for sustaining the competitive edge.

Company Profiles

Active Fiber Systems GmbH

IPG Photonics Corporation

Fujikura Ltd.

Convergent Photonics

Coherent, Inc.

Jenoptik AG

Maxphotonics Co,.Ltd

nLIGHT, Inc.

TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG

Wuhan Raycus Fiber Laser Technologies Co., Ltd.

Order a Copy of Fiber Laser Market Shares, Strategies and Forecasts 2021-2028 Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPTE100000578/

In 2021, Maxphotonics Co, Ltd launched new MOPA pulsed M series. These are widely used in marking, engraving, cleaning, precision cutting/welding, etc., and played a vital role in the upgrading and development of manufacturing.

In 2020, PG Photonics Corporation launched new YLR-U series near-infrared 1.0 fiber lasers. The YLR-U series is the world's highest performance industrial-grade kilowatt-class continuous wave (CW) ytterbium fiber lasers.

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If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:

Contact Person: Sameer Joshi

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SOURCE The Insight Partners
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, FTD, LLC, a leader in the floral industry for more than a century, announced the next step in its exciting evolution with the launch of a full creative rebrand. Over the next several months, consumers and florist partners will see the new creative rollout across FTD touchpoints, including a redesigned version of its iconic Mercury Man logo and updated branding across packaging, as well as fresh and focused product assortment and an elegantly modern website that provides an intuitive and streamlined shopping experience.

Under the direction of CEO Charlie Cole, who joined FTD in March 2020 and brought a fresh, innovative mindset to the 110-year-old company, FTD has implemented strategic and impactful changes across the business aimed at supporting its extensive network of florist partners and making giving easier and better than ever before. Key efforts include re-architecting the company's infrastructure to better serve its consumers and extensive network of florist partners, modernizing and simplifying its product offerings, and bringing in dynamic partners to help better serve new and existing customers.

"Following major consumer shifts and the overarching challenges of maintaining small, local businesses over the past couple of years, my goal since joining the team has been to invigorate FTD with innovation while recognizing our rich heritage and placing a renewed focus on our amazing florist partners, who are the foundation of our business" said Charlie Cole, CEO at FTD. "We're excited for this next step in FTD's continued evolution and look forward to providing a modern, elevated and more seamless giving experience to our customers and partners."

The creative rebrand for FTD was led internally by FTD's Chief Creative Officer, Annelies De Rouck, and in partnership with leading branding agency Base Design . ProFlowers, a subsidiary of FTD, will also begin rolling out a brand new look and feel today, which were built in partnership with strategic creative studio RoAndCo Studio . The new branding brings to life FTD's founding vision - to modernize the way people give and help them give better - with a focus on quality, creativity and lifting up the local florists and businesses at the heart of the company.

"The goal of this rebrand was to reimagine the giving experience for today's consumer and put forward creative and branding that feels modern and focused, while staying true to the legacy of the brand and FTD's place at the forefront of the floral industry," said De Rouck. "We are so excited to have had the opportunity to partner with two of the leading creative agencies, Base Design and RoAndCo Studio, to help bring our vision for FTD and ProFlowers to life."

As part of the rebrand efforts, FTD is also excited to announce the launch on Shopify, marking one of the largest recent enterprise merchants to migrate into Shopify's platform to-date. The new FTD website, which will roll out in phases starting September 30th, is powered by Shopify's eCommerce platform and will offer customers an innovative and even more seamless shopping experience. Later this fall, FTD will debut its new florist partner platform as well, which will merge Shopify's site customization and superior UX experience with FTD's operational capabilities to create a one-stop shop for FTD's florists to manage orders, access built-in market research tools, and more, providing partners with more flexibility and customization than any other platform in the industry.

For more information, please visit https://www.ftd.com .

ABOUT FTD

Dating back to its founding in 1910 as a florist collective, through today as one of the largest florist networks in the world, supported by the iconic Mercury Man logo displayed in over 30,000 floral shops in more than 125 countries, FTD is dedicated to helping our customers find and give the most beautiful floral and non-floral gifts. We power your local flower shop, providing resources, tools and operational infrastructure, to design, arrange and deliver fresh, exquisite floral arrangements across the US. Our goal is to guide people to more meaningful giving, bringing beauty through flowers to local communities. For all of life's occasions and everyday moments, visit FTD.com and ProFlowers.com , and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @ftdflowers .

ABOUT BASE DESIGN

Base Design is an international network of studios that creates brands with cultural impact. Located in New York, Brussels, Geneva, and Melbourne, its team of creatives, strategists and digital experts design and develop simple yet powerful brands. Its clients include Apple, The Louis Vuitton Foundation, The New York Times, MoMA, The Bob Dylan Center, JFK Terminal 4, and Union Square Hospitality Group. Its work has been recognized by the German National Design Awards, Fast Company's Innovation By Design Award, and the D&AD Awards for excellence in branding.

ABOUT ROANDCO STUDIO

RoAndCo is an award-winning creative studio bringing thought, relevance and style to forward-thinking fashion, beauty, tech, and lifestyle brands. Founded in 2006 by Creative Director Roanne Adams, RoAndCo works intuitively to pinpoint the most essential, visceral quality with which to tell a brand's story. We act as both a strategic and creative resource to our clients at every step of the process, aligning inspiration, business objectives and story-telling into powerful and clear experiences. Specializing in: Brand Strategy, Brand Identity, Art Direction, Print & Material Design, Digital Marketing and Event Art Direction.

ABOUT SHOPIFY

Shopify is a leading provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, offering trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify makes commerce better for everyone with a platform and services that are engineered for reliability, while delivering a better shopping experience for consumers everywhere. Proudly founded in Ottawa, Shopify powers over 1.7 million businesses in more than 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Allbirds, Gymshark, Heinz, Staples Canada, and many more. For more information, visit www.shopify.com.

Media Contact

Bailey Self

Derris

[email protected]

405-640-3454

SOURCE FTD
GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GenFleet Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on cutting-edge therapies in oncology and immunology, and Innovent Biologics (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced that the first patient with KRAS G12C mutation has been dosed in the first-in-human trial of GFH925 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05005234).

Led by Professor Yilong Wu of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, it is an open label, multicenter study treating advanced solid tumors patients with KRAS G12C mutation.

Designed to enroll over 100 patients with late stage NSCLC and gastrointestinal cancer, the study will evaluate the safety/tolerability/efficacy and characterize the pharmacokinetics profile of GFH925 administered orally to patients with KRAS G12C mutation. Moreover, this study will explore the potential mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Based on emerging data of GFH925 and other KRAS inhibitors including biomarkers, investigators will look to further optimize the precision treatment plans and the potential for combination therapies.

"KRAS mutation is widespread among patients of non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. Preclinical data has shown that GFH925 is differentiated from other KRAS G12C inhibiting products, and we look forward to positive results of GFH925's safety/tolerability and efficacy to benefit patients with KRAS G12C gene mutation." said Professor Yilong Wu, Director of Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute.

"Current data demonstrates the higher response to selective KRAS G12C inhibitors in population of lung cancer patients with KRAS G12C mutation. The first patient with KRAS G12C mutation administrated after precision screening is a key milestone in the clinical development of GFH925. Thanks to our joint efforts with investigators from our sites, we have completed program initiation and began patient screening in a very short amount of time. We are also confident that our collaboration with Innovent, with its successful track records of developing and commercializing novel therapies, will speed up the study process in order to bring this life-saving treatment to patients across the globe." said Yu Wang, M.D./Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of GenFleet Therapeutics.

"KRAS G12C is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer cells and RAS used to be an undruggable target over decades. So far there have been few treatments for patients with this mutation and we can see huge unmet medical needs. We are pleased to achieve the dosing of the first patient and it's an important milestone in the development ofIBI351 (GenFleet R&D code: GFH925). Based on preclinical data, we believe that the clinical research of IBI351 in China will benefit more patients with KRAS G12C mutant lung cancer and other solid tumors and deliver more effective therapies for doctors in the world." said Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development of Innovent.

About GFH925

Being developed by GenFleet Therapeutics, GFH925 is a novel, orally active, potent KRAS G12C inhibitor designed to effectively target the GTP/GDP exchange, an essential step in pathway activation, by modifying the cysteine residue of KRAS G12C protein covalently and irreversibly. Preclinical cysteine selectivity studies demonstrated high selectivity of GFH925 towards G12C. Subsequently, GFH925 effectively inhibits the downstream signal pathway to induce tumor cells' apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

GenFleet Therapeutics and Innovent Biologics entered into an exclusive license agreement in early September for the development and commercialization of GenFleet's lead KRAS G12C candidate, GFH925 in China, including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan with additional option-in rights for global development and commercialization.

About Innovent Biologics

Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,"Innocent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK.

Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 25 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune disease and other major therapeutic areas, with 5 products  TYVYT (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) and Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor)  officially approved for marketing, 1 asset's NDA under NMPA review, sintilimab's Biologics License Application (BLA) acceptance in the U.S., 5 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and an additional 14 molecules in clinical studies.

Innovent has built an international team with advanced talent in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many global experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hanmi and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with many collaborators to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability and enhance the quality of the patients' lives.

About GenFleet Therapeutics

Dedicated to serving significant unmet medical needs, GenFleet Therapeutics established its proprietary R&D platform based on the deep understanding of disease biology, translational medicine, as well as the research into latest biological mechanism of cancer pathways, tumor microenvironment and human immunoregulation. GenFleet's rich and diversified pipeline highlights multiple cutting-edge products with novel mechanisms and global IP.

Since its inception in 2017, GenFleet has built up industry-leading capabilities and expertise in developing novel drug candidates - both small molecules and biologics. Its pipeline includes over 10 programs in development, many of which have entered clinical stages. GenFleet is expected to progress additional programs into clinics, as well as to transition from a clinical stage biotech company into a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company in the next 3-5 years.

Contact: [email protected], telephone: 86-21-6882 1388-813

SOURCE GenFleet Therapeutics
Key Points Covered in the Cardamom Oil Market Report:

Am I engaging with the right suppliers?

Which KPIs should I use to evaluate my incumbent suppliers?

Which supplier selection criteria are relevant for ERP Software?

What are the ERP Software category essentials in terms of SLAs and RFx?

Key Global Suppliers in the Cardamom Oil Market:

Natures Natural India

Health & Beauty Natural Oils

Aromaaz International

Get Quick Access to the Key Global Suppliers Profiled Extensively in This Report

The Cardamom Oil Market report evaluates suppliers based on provision for applicable insurance policy, real-time analysis, pipeline software solutions, and conduct pipeline surveys. In addition, suppliers are also shortlisted based on business needs, technical specifications, operational requirements, security compliance, regulatory mandates, legal requirements, quality control, change management procedures, pricing models, penalty clauses, SLA nuances, acceptance criteria, and evaluation criteria.

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DUBLIN, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Home Office Furniture Market by Product Type, Material Type, Price Range and Distribution Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global home office furniture market size was valued at $3,032.6 million in 2020, and is estimated to reach $7,615.2 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2030.



Home office furniture includes all the furniture products essential to set up an office or office like environment at home. This furniture is used for seating, installing computer systems, and storing files & documents. It is commonly used by the employees, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs for the purpose of reading, writing, operating desktops/laptops, attending online meetings and lectures, and storing files.



Home office furniture products are manufactured using a variety of materials and are available in different designs. The designs can be modified through machine-based processes and handcrafting. Furniture manufacturing involves highly skilled and creative professionals. The home office furniture caters to the corporate and government employees, students, and professionals. The home office furniture market has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, in line with the growth in the global economy and subsequent demand for work from home. The demand for versatile and multi-functional products that offer portability and can easily be accommodated in small spaces drive the home office furniture market growth. Furthermore, rise in number of nuclear families is increasing the demand for portable and space-saving products. This factor is anticipated to drive the demand for the market growth in the forthcoming years.



The market is driven by various factors such as rise in disposable incomes, growth of real estate industry, growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and demand for luxury and premium furniture from certain consumer sections. Moreover, the growing popularity of hybrid working culture and growth of ed-tech platforms further boost the growth of the global home office furniture market in the past few years.



The outbreak of COVID-19 disease, in December 2019, resulted in rapid growth in demand for the home office furniture. The government announced complete shut down across the globe to contain the spread of the virus. The government norms on social distancing and ban on travelling forced the corporate sector, government sector, and educational institutes to adopt "stay at home" and "work from home" policy to continue their business operations. Under such circumstances, the global home office furniture market witnessed a rapid growth in demand from all over the globe.



In Asia-Pacific, many key players in home office furniture market are launching their own online platform and are entering into partnerships with the e-commerce retail stores to strengthen their distribution network, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the Asia-Pacific home office furniture market. In North America, leading home office furniture brands are focusing on personalization in product offering, which is gaining popularity among the various consumer groups.



The growing penetration of furniture rental businesses such as Fabrento, CORT, and Brook Furniture Rental is likely to hamper the revenue of the home office furniture manufacturers. Especially in Asia-Pacific market, where the maximum population falls under low- and medium-income group. The consumers many a times opt for furniture rental services to save the huge costs associated with the acquisition of brand-new furniture.



The global home office furniture market is segmented on the basis of product type, material type, price range, distribution channel, and region. Based on product type, it is classified into seating, tables, storage units & file cabinets, and others. Depending on material type, the home office furniture market is segmented into wood, metal, and plastic. On the basis of price range, it is classified into low, medium, and high. The distribution channel comprises supermarkets & hypermarkets, specialty stores, e-commerce, and others. By region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.



The players operating in the global home office furniture market have adopted various developmental strategies to expand their market share, exploit the home office furniture market opportunities, and increase profitability in the market. The key players profiled in this report include Haworth, Inc., Inter IKEA Systems BV, Steelcase, Inc., Masco Corporation, HNI Corporation, L & J.G. STICKLEY, Inc., Kimball International, Inc., Okamura Corporation, Basset Furniture Industries, and Durham Furniture, Inc.



Key Benefits

The report provides a quantitative analysis of the current market trends, estimations, and dynamics of the market size from 2020 to 2030 to identify the prevailing opportunities.

Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.

In-depth analysis and the market size and segmentation assist to determine the prevailing market opportunities.

The major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the market.

Key Topics Covered:



CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW

3.1. Market definition and scope

3.2. Key forces shaping global home office furniture industry/market

3.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers

3.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers

3.2.3. Thereat of new entrants

3.2.4. Threat of substitutes

3.2.5. Intensity of competitive rivalry

3.3. Market dynamics

3.3.1. Drivers

3.3.1.1. Growth in urbanization

3.3.1.2. Rise in entrepreneurship and work from home

3.3.1.3. Increase in inclination of customers toward multi-function furniture

3.3.2. Restraint

3.3.2.1. Rise in raw material price

3.3.2.2. Environmental restriction associated with deforestation

3.3.3. Opportunity

3.3.3.1. Development of eco-friendly raw materials

3.3.3.2. Growth in e-commerce sales

3.4. Market share analysis/top player positioning, 2020

3.5. COVID-19 impact analysis

3.6. Impact of key regulations



CHAPTER 4: GLOBAL HOME OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE

4.1. Overview

4.1.1. Market size and forecast

4.2. Seating

4.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

4.2.2. Market size and forecast

4.2.3. Market analysis, by country

4.3. Tables

4.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

4.3.2. Market size and forecast

4.3.3. Market analysis, by country

4.4. Storage units and file cabinets

4.4.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

4.4.2. Market size and forecast

4.4.3. Market analysis, by country

4.5. Others

4.5.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

4.5.2. Market size and forecast

4.5.3. Market analysis, by country



CHAPTER 5: GLOBAL HOME OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET, BY MATERIAL TYPE

5.1. Overview

5.1.1. Market size and forecast

5.2. Wood

5.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

5.2.2. Market size and forecast

5.2.3. Market analysis, by country

5.3. Metal

5.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

5.3.2. Market size and forecast

5.3.3. Market analysis, by country

5.4. Plastic

5.4.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

5.4.2. Market size and forecast

5.4.3. Market analysis, by country



CHAPTER 6: GLOBAL HOME OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET, BY PRICE RANGE

6.1. Overview

6.1.1. Market size and forecast

6.2. Low

6.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

6.2.2. Market size and forecast

6.2.3. Market analysis, by country

6.3. Medium

6.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

6.3.2. Market size and forecast

6.3.3. Market analysis, by country

6.4. High

6.4.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

6.4.2. Market size and forecast

6.4.3. Market analysis, by country



CHAPTER 7: GLOBAL HOME OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

7.1. Overview

7.1.1. Market size and forecast

7.2. Supermarkets & hypermarkets

7.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

7.2.2. Market size and forecast

7.2.3. Market analysis, by country

7.3. Specialty stores

7.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

7.3.2. Market size and forecast

7.3.3. Market analysis, by country

7.4. E-commerce

7.4.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

7.4.2. Market size and forecast

7.4.3. Market analysis, by country

7.5. Others

7.5.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities

7.5.2. Market size and forecast

7.5.3. Market analysis, by country



CHAPTER 8: HOME OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET, BY REGION



CHAPTER 9: COMPETITION LANDSCAPE

9.1. Top winning strategies

9.2. Product mapping

9.3. Competitive dashboard

9.4. Competitive heat map

9.5. Key developments

9.5.1. Acquisition

9.5.2. Business Expansion

9.5.3. Product Launch

9.5.4. Partnership

9.5.5. Collaboration

9.5.6. Agreement



CHAPTER 10: COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES (BASSETT)

10.1.1. Company overview

10.1.2. Key Executives

10.1.3. Company snapshot

10.1.4. Operating business segments

10.1.5. Product portfolio

10.1.6. Business performance

10.2. DURHAM FURNITURE

10.2.1. Company overview

10.2.2. Key Executives

10.2.3. Company snapshot

10.2.4. Product portfolio

10.3. HAWORTH, INC.

10.3.1. Company overview

10.3.2. Key Executives

10.3.3. Company snapshot

10.3.4. Product portfolio

10.3.5. Key strategic moves and developments

10.4. HNI CORPORATION

10.4.1. Company overview

10.4.2. Key Executives

10.4.3. Company snapshot

10.4.4. Operating business segments

10.4.5. Product portfolio

10.4.6. R&D Expenditure

10.4.7. Business performance

10.4.8. Key strategic moves and developments

10.5. INTER IKEA SYSTEMS BV

10.5.1. Company overview

10.5.2. Key Executives

10.5.3. Company snapshot

10.5.4. Operating business segments

10.5.5. Product portfolio

10.5.6. Business performance

10.5.7. Key strategic moves and developments

10.6. KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL INC

10.6.1. Company overview

10.6.2. Key Executives

10.6.3. Company snapshot

10.6.4. Marketing channel

10.6.5. Product portfolio

10.6.6. R&D Expenditure

10.6.7. Business performance

10.6.8. Key strategic moves and developments

10.7. L. & J. G. STICKLEY, INC

10.7.1. Company overview

10.7.2. Key Executives

10.7.3. Company snapshot

10.7.4. Product portfolio

10.8. MASCO CORPORATION

10.8.1. Company overview

10.8.2. Key Executives

10.8.3. Company snapshot

10.8.4. Operating business segments

10.8.5. Product portfolio

10.8.6. Business performance

10.9. OKAMURA CORPORATION (OKAMURA)

10.9.1. Company overview

10.9.2. Key Executives

10.9.3. Company snapshot

10.9.4. Operating business segments

10.9.5. Product portfolio

10.9.6. Business performance

10.10. STEELCASE INC

10.10.1. Company overview

10.10.2. Key Executives

10.10.3. Company snapshot

10.10.4. Operating business segments

10.10.5. Product portfolio

10.10.6. R&D Expenditure

10.10.7. Business performance

10.10.8. Key strategic moves and developments



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4s3dbn



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[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeguarding Ohio's older adults is the focal point of a new statewide awareness campaign from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS.)

According to ODJFS, elder abuse can include physical, sexual or psychological abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment or financial exploitation. The campaign aims to make more Ohioans aware of common elder abuse signs.

"Older adults deserve to live in dignity, and we must do more to make sure they don't become targets," said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder.

According to Damschroder, the COVID-19 pandemic made it tougher for many to see signs of physical abuse or neglect. It also resulted in isolation that made seniors more susceptible to financial exploitation and online scams.

The most recent Ohio statistics show a 12 percent increase in exploitation reports and an eight percent increase in abuse and neglect cases. In all, ODJFS received 31,000 reports in the last fiscal year.

Several national studies show most elder abuse cases involve someone the victim knows. That can make reporting difficult. Last year, more than 2,100 individuals refused recommended services; another 500 died prior to or after a response.

"It can be difficult to reach people impacted by abuse," Damschroder said. "That's why it's so crucial for people to call us with concerns."

The state referral line is 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) or people can visit https://aps.jfs.ohio.gov. Callers do not need to provide proof and can choose to remain anonymous.

In 2019, Ohio expanded the number of mandatory elder abuse reporters to include more individuals in the financial services, legal and medical professions. Social, medical, and mental health care professionals must report suspected abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), or exploitation. Other mandated reporters include attorneys, peace officers, senior service providers, coroners, clergymen and professional counselors.

Ohio has many services to help older Ohioans, according to Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel McElroy. "Ohio's aging network provides an array of services and supports for older adults and their families that can help reduce the risk of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by meeting various needs," said McElroy.

McElroy suggests individual call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to their area agency on aging and learn about services and supports where they live. Services include caregiver support, home delivered meals, transportation services, in-home care and more. Older Ohioans may also benefit from the Staying Connected check-in service, which can help prevent elder abuse and isolation by providing a free, daily status call and the opportunity to connect to services and a friendly chat.

The Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for long-term care consumers in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings, including their own homes. If you suspect elder abuse or other problems in a care facility, call the Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.

By 2030, more than 25 percent of Ohio's population will be 60 and older. A University of Chicago study's "conservative projections" suggest one in eight older people are victim of elder abuse. Two out of three victims are women. Nearly 90 percent of elder abuse occurs in the home.

For More Information, Contact:

Sarah Irvin Clark, Irvin PR, 614.296.4057

Bill Teets, ODJFS, 614.403.2331

SOURCE Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BOX Pure Air continues its relationship with famed Charleston restaurateurs Hall Management Group, with the addition of an Air Box purification unit to their event space, Halls Signature Events, located at 5 Faber Street, Charleston. Halls wants to ensure that their guests know how much they value their safety and well-being and this extra step demonstrates just that.

BOX Pure Air and Halls have enjoyed a successful relationship for some time, so the decision to expand to their event space was a natural fit. Hayley Anders, Director of Marketing & Communications for Hall Management Group stated "Here at Halls, we put the guests first. Their comfort and safety are paramount. With BOX Pure Air, we are able to give our guests a sense of security knowing that they are benefiting from clean air while enjoying their favorite meal."

BOX Pure Air highly values their relationship with Halls. CEO Ryan Cowell says, "Halls is known for their hospitality and we are thrilled to further partner with them as they continue to make the safety and well-being of their guests a top priority by providing them with fresh air, free of contaminants."

Flu season may be approaching fast, but wedding season in Charleston is already in full swing. Even with mild temperatures over the next month or so, events will be moving indoors which creates concerns for many guests. Providing this extra layer of protection is just another selling point for event spaces, showing clients that they are prepared to go above and beyond to provide a worry-free, clean air experience.

Due to high demand, BOX Pure Air is expanding its services to include an air purifier rental program. This program will allow coordinators and venues to rent BOX Pure Air units for their special events, providing them with the ability to cater towards air quality conscious guests and improve the overall environment. "Our goal is to allow hosts the peace of mind of knowing that there are clean air solutions working to fight COVID-19, allergens, and other airborne pollutants at their event. You want your guests to be worry-free and focus on what truly matters, your special day." said Cowell.

BOX Pure Air looks forward to the continued relationship with Hall Management Group and partnering with them in creating their very own safe air zone for guests and staff.

For more information on renting or purchasing units contact BOX Pure Air at [email protected] .

About BOX Pure Air

BOX Pure Air strives to provide businesses and consumers with a clean air environment, free of airborne pathogens. Our air purifiers utilize certified HEPA filters, developed by clean-room technologists, and are 100% hand-built by American craftsmen. Learn more at www.boxpureair.com

Contact Information

[email protected]

(843) 936-6649

SOURCE Box Pure Air

Related Links

http://www.boxpureair.com


While solidifying its existing businesses as the foundation of the company, Honda is thoroughly committed to contributing to the realization of a society with zero environmental impact and zero traffic collisions, and also new initiatives that enable Honda to take on challenges in new areas. In addition to research on advanced environmental and safety technologies, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., which takes a lead role in Honda's technology research and development, is pursuing outside-the-box research on technologies that will bring about new value for people by expanding the potential of mobility into the 3rd dimension, then the 4th dimension which defies the constraints of time and space, and ultimately into outer space.

These new initiatives are made possible by core technologies Honda has amassed to date, including technologies in the areas of combustion, electrification, control and robotics. Through the comprehensive utilization of such technological strengths, Honda will strive to realize the joy of expanding people's life's potential in new areas in addition to existing business areas.

These new areas include an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, avatar robot with a goal to expand the range of human ability and a new challenge in the field of outer space.

1. Honda eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft will make mobility in the skies more accessible for people.

Honda eVTOL leverages Honda's electrification technologies for its gas turbine hybrid power unit.

Adoption of the hybrid power unit enables the extension of range, which will enable Honda eVTOL to provide inter-city (city-to-city) transportation, where the market size is expected to grow in the future.

Honda will create a new "mobility ecosystem" featuring Honda eVTOL at its core, connected with mobility products on the ground.

To make the mobility in the skies Honda realized with its original HondaJet even more accessible for more people, Honda is developing its eVTOL ( e lectric V ertical T ake- o ff and L anding) aircraft by taking advantage of a wide range of Honda's core technologies.

In addition to clean operation realized by electrification technologies, eVTOL features safety at a level equivalent to that of commercial passenger airplanes realized by its simple structure and decentralized propulsive system and quietness due to relatively small diameter of rotors. This makes it possible for eVTOL to take off and land in the middle of a city without causing noise issues. Because of such features, the development race for eVTOL aircraft is getting increasingly vigorous. However, all-electric eVTOL aircraft face a range issue due to limited battery capacity, therefore the realistic use area is limited to intra-city (inside city) transportation.

To address this issue and realize user-friendly inter-city transportation with longer range, Honda will leverage its electrification technologies and develop Honda eVTOL equipped with a gas turbine hybrid power unit. Moreover, in addition to electrification technologies, Honda eVTOL will feature technologies Honda has amassed in a number of different areas such as combustion, aerodynamics and control technologies.

Honda will strive to create new value for people by establishing a "mobility ecosystem" featuring eVTOL aircraft at its core, coordinated and integrated with mobility on the ground.

2. Honda Avatar Robot: will make virtual mobility possible

Honda will develop an avatar robot with the goal to expand the range of human ability virtually without the constraints of time and place / space.

Honda Avatar Robot will be equipped with a multi-fingered hand, an application of Honda robotics technologies, and Honda's original AI-supported remote control function.

With a view to putting the Honda Avatar Robot into practical use in the 2030s, Honda is pursuing development with a goal to conduct technology demonstration testing before the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 .

Striving to expand human potential and make people's lives without constraints and more enjoyable, Honda has been continuously working on robotics research, including the research and development of its bi-pedal robot ASIMO. As a part of next-generation Honda robotics, Honda is pursuing development for the practical applications of Honda's original avatar robot to expand the range of human ability virtually without the constraints of time and place.

The greatest merit of an avatar robot, which can act as a second self of the user, is that the user can perform tasks and experience things without being there in person, including the realistic sense of handling objects remotely. What will become the core of the realization of such an avatar robot is the multi-fingered robotic hand developed while leveraging Honda' strengths in robotics technologies and Honda's original AI-supported remote control function. Therefore, Honda strived for an avatar robot that is capable of using its multi-fingered hand to make full use of tools designed for human use and performs complex tasks quickly and accurately based on the AI-supported and more intuitive control by the user.

To date, Honda has realized a multi-fingered hand with the ability to both delicately pick up a small object with the fingertips and the strength to open a tight jar lid, at the level of the human hand. This has long been a challenge in the field of robotics research. Moreover, in order to enable its multi-fingered hand to grasp an object smoothly in one sequence of moves and handle a tool with precise control of force, Honda is working on the further advancement of its original AI-supported remote control function.

Honda is currently working on downsizing the hardware and further improvement of the precision of robotic hand movements such as "grasping" and "manipulation." Honda is striving to begin technology demonstration testing of the Honda Avatar Robot before the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, with a vision to put it into practical use in the 2030s.

3. Taking on challenges in the field of space technology

Accelerating Honda research and development in the field of space technologies while viewing it as a place to take on challenges to realize the "dreams" and "potential" of people worldwide while leveraging its core technologies

Building a circulative renewable energy system on the lunar surface by leveraging Honda fuel cell technologies and high differential pressure water electrolysis technologies

Applying Honda's multi-fingered robotic hand, AI-supported remote control function, and highly-responsive torque control technologies to remotely-controlled robots which will perform tasks on the lunar surface

Proposal by young Honda engineers to research and develop a small, reusable rocket by applying Honda's core technologies such as combustion, fluid, control and guidance technologies

Honda views the field of space technologies as a place to take on new challenges to realize the "dreams" and "potential" of people worldwide while leveraging its core technologies.

By leveraging core technologies unique to Honda, such as combustion, guidance, fuel cell and robotics technologies, Honda is pursuing technology development with a goal to create new value in the ultimate environment of outer space.

3-1. Challenges on the lunar surface:

Circulative renewable energy system

Application of Honda technologies to remote-controlled robots

As international momentum for expanding the range of human activities outside the Earth continues to grow, Honda began initiatives to strive for the expansion of human activities and development on the lunar surface. It is said that there is water on the Moon, and various possibilities for the use of water may open up are attracting attention. Honda is conducting a joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with a goal to build the circulative renewable energy system on the lunar surface by leveraging fuel cell technologies and high differential pressure water electrolysis technologies Honda has amassed to date.

By combining Honda's fuel cell technologies and high differential pressure water electrolysis technologies, and by using electricity from renewable energy sources, the system electrically decomposes water and stores hydrogen and oxygen. Then, using that hydrogen and oxygen, Honda's fuel cell technologies, can generate and supply electricity. The oxygen also can be used for people staying at living quarters on the lunar surface, and the hydrogen also will be used as fuel for rockets. By building such a circulative renewable energy system, Honda will strive to contribute to a wide range of human activities on the lunar surface.

Moreover, for the remotely-controlled robots on the lunar surface, which can minimize the risks astronauts will be exposed to and enable people to virtually enjoy the experience of being on the Moon from Earth, Honda is expecting to apply a number of its core technologies. This includes the multi-fingered robotic hand technology and AI-supported remote control technology being developed for the Honda Avatar Robot and the highly-responsive torque control technology for collision mitigation. These research themes were adopted by the JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub and the joint research began in February of this year.

3-2. Reusable small rocket which will apply Honda's core technologies

Honda also is working on the development of small rockets. This rocket development was initiated by the proposal made by young Honda engineers who wanted to build a small rocket by utilizing core technologies, such as combustion and control technologies, that Honda has amassed through the development of various products.

Artificial satellites are indispensable for various purposes including the observation of the global environment, such as global warming and abnormal weather conditions and also to enable wide-area communication, which is an effective means to provide connectivity to mobility products. However, currently, there are not enough rockets available to meet demand for satellite launches. To address this issue, Honda is developing a small rocket with a goal to use it as a launch vehicle for small low-earth orbit satellites. Moreover, Honda is conducting research with an assumption to make its rocket "reusable" by enabling at least some of the rocket components to land back on earth after the launching. For this challenge, Honda will strive to utilize control and guidance technologies Honda has amassed through the development of automated driving technologies.

In addition to a complete commitment to its environmental and safety challenges, Honda will continue pursuing outside-the-box research to leverage its core technologies and take on challenges in new areas to bring about new value that overcomes the constraints of time and space of people.

Comments by Keiji Ohtsu, President and Representative Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.:

"All of the initiatives we introduced today are for the challenges Honda takes on in new areas, but the underlying passion of Honda to use our technology to make people's lives more enjoyable remains unchanged. Ever since the company's founding, the wellspring of Honda's challenges has always been the people at Honda who generate original technologies and ideas. Through the creation of new mobility, Honda will continue striving to change the value people place on mobility and make positive changes to our society."

About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) is responsible for the development, production and sales of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. A global leader in powertrain and electromotive technologies, Honda produces over 30 million engines annually for its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing more than 219,000 associates globally.

SOURCE Honda
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) will hold a conference call on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its third quarter 2021 financial results, which will be released at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET that day.

Webcast link:

https://78449.themediaframe.com/dataconf/productusers/hun/mediaframe/46827/indexl.html

Participant dial-in numbers:

Domestic callers: (877) 402-8037

International callers: (201) 378-4913

The conference call will be accompanied by presentation slides that will be accessible via the webcast link and Huntsman's investor relations website, www.huntsman.com/investors. Upon conclusion of the call, the webcast replay will be accessible via Huntsman's website.

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2020 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 70 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 9,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation

Related Links

http://www.huntsman.com


Dr Shen has nearly 30 years of experience in bio-pharmaceutical industry and academic research. Before joining IMPACT Therapeutics, he served as Vice President, Global Project Head in DymaniCure Biotechnology. He has a broad experience in regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical R&D, started his industry career from Merck & Co. where he spent 11 years. After a brief stint in a regulatory consulting firm, he joined Adaptimmune as Director, clinical research and development, and subsequently Questcor/Mallinckrodt as Director, R&D. He then spent 4 years in Merck KGaA. In his capacity as Director, Global Regulatory and Scientific Policy (US and China), Dr Shen made significant contribution to the approval of BAVENCIO (avelumab) for multiple oncology indications in US. Then he served as the RA Head and strategy consultant to CEO at Hengenix Biotech (an affiliate of Shanghai Henlius Biotech).

Dr Shen completed his post-doc fellowship at University of California San Francisco with the specialty in genetics and neuroscience. He received his PhD in molecular biology and genetics from School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Dr Shen graduated with a DDS in Dentistry from School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University. He also completed two years of hospital dentistry resident training, specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital. Dr Shen also hold one US patent and authored 33 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Dr. Jun Bao, President and CEO, stated: "We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Shen on board. IMPACT Therapeutics has always maintained global development strategy for our pipeline. As more of our products enter the clinical stage, it becomes critical to have a global regulatory affairs strategy and a strong leader to execute the strategy. We believe that Dr. Shen's is such a leader with his extensive experiences in the industry. We look forward to his leadership to take IMPACT product development to a new level."

Dr. Chun-Pyn Shen will split his time between the US and Shanghai offices. "I am thrilled to join IMPACT Therapeutics as Head of Regulatory Affairs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the company's regulatory affairs capability." said Dr. Shen.

About IMPACT Therapeutics

IMPACT Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics based on synthetic lethality. IMPACT Therapeutics has assembled one of the most comprehensive DNA damage response (DDR) global pipeline of novel drug candidates generated by in-house discovery efforts and is expanding to other novel synthetic lethality targets to broaden its pipeline. IMPACT pipeline products include PARP inhibitor (senaparib/ IMP4297), Wee1 inhibitor (IMP7068), and other novel DDR pathway inhibitors. The lead clinical program, PARP inhibitor (senaparib/ IMP4297), is in Phase II/III studies for ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer and other indications worldwide, including China. Senaparib's preliminary clinical data demonstrated superior tolerability and wider therapeutic window compared with other PARPi. Phase I study of Wee1 inhibitor (IMP7068) is conducted globally. Hedgehog pathway inhibitor (IMP5471) has received IND approval from NMPA to initiate clinical studies in China.

SOURCE IMPACT Therapeutics
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As National Drive Electric Week focuses on the advantages of electric vehicles (EVs), Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) on Thursday announced details of its IM Plugged In program that offers incentives to Indiana residential customers for installing charging equipment. Participating customers also receive discounted rates for charging their EVs overnight.

IM Plugged In makes charging EVs more affordable and inviting to Hoosier customers as they choose their transportation options. IM Plugged In helps provide customers the convenience of being able to wake up every morning to a fully charged vehicle.

I&M is offering Hoosiers a $500 incentive toward the cost of wiring a residential EV meter. The rebate helps reduce the costs of installing a charger to take advantage of our lower rates and is available to Indiana customers for new and existing equipment.

In a new partnership with I&M, HomeServe helps streamline the process by arranging for an electrical contractor to install the charging equipment and also offers a home wiring protection plan.

IM Plugged In also offers Indiana residential customers an overnight charging rate 33% below standard rates. The rate is available for Hoosiers who charge their vehicle between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Charging overnight at the lower off-peak rate creates savings that can equal up to driving 4,700 miles annually with zero fuel costs.

IM Plugged In has a separate program that helps business customers provide charging to their employees and for their fleet vehicles. The IM Plugged In commercial rebate is $250 for each charging port installed at qualified businesses. Incentives are also available for multi-unit apartment buildings.

National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 25 to Oct. 3, showcases the many advantages and conveniences that EVs offer while meeting the transportation needs of Hoosiers. More than 2 million plug-in electric vehicles are registered in the U.S., and according to the Edison Electric Institute, an estimated 18.7 million are expected to be on U.S. roads by 2030.

"Driving EVs has never been more affordable for I&M's Indiana customers who take advantage of our incentives and lower overnight rates for charging their EVs," said William Tokash, I&M's Energy Services Customer Solutions leader. "Now, as more and more Hoosiers are purchasing EVs,

our new HomeServe partnership will help our Indiana customers with installing chargers and protecting their home wiring configurations."

Kerri Garvin, Executive Director of Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Inc., adds that "Indiana Michigan Power's EV programs are helping to remove barriers for Hoosiers interested in purchasing electric vehicles and installing charging equipment in their homes and businesses. The expansion of Indiana's electric vehicle fleet will improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of all Hoosiers."

Enjoy IM Plugged In Benefits

To participate, Hoosier residential customers need to install a charger and wiring that allows I&M to place a meter near the charging station to measure only EV charging. I&M's $500 incentive payment for residential charging equipment helps offset the cost of the additional wiring for the meter. Importantly, customers are eligible for this rebate even if they already have an EV charger installed.

Details about the program and the many benefits of EVs are available at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/ElectricVehicles

Business customers can find more specific information about how IM Plugged In can help at the Web site and scrolling down to "Charge at Work in Indiana." Customers with questions can email us at [email protected] with your contact information or call us at 260-408-3679.

National Drive Electric Week began Sept. 25 and runs through Oct 3. The nationwide event helps make Americans more aware of the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Learn more at http://DriveElectricWeek.org.

Other Incentives

In addition to IM Plugged, customers can look into other incentives. A 30% U.S. Federal Investment Tax Credit (EV ITC) may be applicable to the total cost of a residential or workplace/fleet businesses commercial EV charging station. The EV ITC covers the cost of EV charging equipment purchases and installation costs through December 31, 2021. The EV ITC is capped at $3,000 for residences and $30,000 for commercial workplace or fleet charging stations.

Additionally, battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the vehicle make and model and the capacity of the battery used to power the vehicle. Check with the vehicle manufacturer and your tax advisor to confirm applicability.

Hoosiers Enjoy EV Benefits

With automakers offering more than 40 models of electric vehicles, Hoosiers are increasingly finding EVs that suit their transportation needs and offer the convenience and comfort options they are accustomed to. For example, Indiana EV sales in 2020 rose 25% from 2019 to 2020.



Owners enjoy the environmental benefits of driving electric vehicles. EVs save time and money on reduced maintenance costs. For example, owners have no need to change engine oil or spark plugs and experience less brake wear.

Driving a battery-power EV costs about 60% less than a gasoline-fueled vehicle  and costs are even lower when customers use IM Plugged In's off-peak rate.

EVs are important to the state of Indiana in other ways.

"Transportation and mobility are some of Indiana's most important industries, especially given Indiana's central location and the numerous interstate highways throughout our state," said Garvin, of Greater Indiana. "It is vital that Indiana's transportation infrastructure remain on the cutting edge of technology and consumers have a choice in the type of vehicle they choose to drive."

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2020 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company's generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP's approximately 16,800 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 223,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,600 megawatts of renewable energy. The company's plans include growing its renewable 2 generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information. visit aep.com.



News releases and other information about I&M are available at IndianaMichiganPower.com

SOURCE Indiana Michigan Power
DENVER, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- indieDwell, a modular manufacturer of affordable housing, today announced it has secured $5.75 million in Series A financing. The round was co-led by HMS Development, which seeks innovative projects to expand the value of their neighboring communities and build generational wealth, and Bastogne Development Partners, a development and advisory firm specializing in real estate projects that deliver social impact.

indieDwell, a Certified B Corporation, was founded in 2018 to help address the housing crisis by providing affordable, healthy, durable, energy efficient and sustainable dwellings. The company partners with local communities to open factories that pay a living wage, offers competitive benefits and on the job training, to ensure those employed by the factories can build wealth while also building affordable housing for those in need.

"We are thrilled with our new investor partnerships as this capital comes at a time when our sales pipeline is strong, therefore helping fuel our growth initiatives," said indieDwell CEO Christina Ortiz Bluth. "The cost and availability of housing is among the top list of concerns across our country and we look forward to using this momentum to continue increasing the affordable housing inventory and creating jobs that pay livable wages."

"We believe that attainable living is a crucial step in both individual and communal growth, which is why we are so proud to partner with indieDwell to offer turnkey development and construction solutions to communities across the country," said Ndamukong Suh, President of HMS Development.

indieDwell is currently operating a 100,000 square foot factory in Pueblo, Colorado, and in May 2021, announced plans to establish a facility in the City of Newport News, Virginia. The company, which focuses on residential construction and has built everything from emergency housing for COVID-19 to commercial multi-family housing, plans to announce additional factory locations in 2022.

"We have looked at the modular housing market for a long time and have evaluated many companies in this space," said Dave Foster, CEO of Bastogne Development Partners. "indieDwell is the only company that met all of our criteria, which included completing projects across all building types and in several states."

The company has been recognized by the Ivory Prize, The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, and the Terner Center for Housing Innovations.

About indieDwell

indieDwell, a certified B Corporation and certified GoodWell company, manufactures healthy, durable, energy efficient and sustainable modular houses, with a mission to help solve the affordable housing crisis, while empowering communities and improving the health of the environment.

Media Contact

indieDwell

Pete Gombert, Executive Chairman

208-867-4300

[email protected]

www.indiedwell.com

SOURCE indieDwell
SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced a phase I/II clinical study of KRAS G12C inhibitor IBI351 in Chinese patients with solid tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05005234) completed dosing of the first subject.

This study is an open-label, multi-center Phase I/II clinical study in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastrointestinal cancer) harboring KRAS G12C mutation, with the primary objective to assess the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of IBI351.

Professor Yilong Wu, principal investigator of the study, tenured director of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and honorary director of Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, stated: "KRAS is the most common RAS protein subtype, with a high mutation rate in non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and other cancer cells. Preclinical data showed that IBI351 is sufficiently differentiated from competitors already or about to enter the clinic, and we look forward to positive results in the safety/tolerability and efficacy data of IBI351. We will also continue to explore the application of precision therapy and potential combination therapy to benefit more cancer patients with KRAS G12C mutations."

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated: "KRAS G12C is one of the most commonly mutated oncogenes in human cancer and was well known as a non-druggable target. At present, there are limited clinical treatments for this mutation, and there is a great unmet clinical need. We are pleased that the first patient has already received the first dose of IBI351 and this is an important milestone for the clinical development of IBI351 in China. Based on preclinical data, we hope that the development of IBI351 in China will benefit more patients with lung cancer and solid tumors carrying KRAS G12C mutation and bring more treatment options to clinicians."

Yu Wang, M.D./Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of GenFleet Therapeutics, stated, "Current data demonstrates the higher response to selective KRAS G12C inhibitors in population of lung cancer patients with KRAS G12C mutation. The first patient with KRAS G12C mutation administrated after precision screening is a key milestone in the clinical development of GFH925 (Innovent R&D code: IBI351). Thanks to our joint efforts with investigators from our sites, we have completed program initiation and began patient screening in a very short amount of time. We are also confident that our collaboration with Innovent, with its successful track records of developing and commercializing novel therapies, will speed up the study process in order to bring this life-saving treatment to patients across the globe."

About IBI351 (KRAS G12C Inhibitor)

IBI351 (GenFleet's R&D code: GFH925) is a highly effective oral new molecular, independently developed by GenFleet Therapeutics Inc. and has complete intellectual property rights. By covalently and irreversibly modifying the cysteine residue of KRAS G12C mutant, it effectively inhibits the protein-mediated GTP/GDP exchange and thus down-regulates the KRAS protein activation level. Preclinical cysteine selectivity test also shows the highly selective inhibitory potency of IBI351 on this mutation point. In addition, inhibition of KRAS protein by IBI351 inhibited downstream signaling pathways, profoundly induced tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and achieved anti-tumor effect.

In September 2021Innovent and GenFleet Therapeutics (Shanghai) Inc. ("GenFleet"), entered into an exclusive license agreement in which Innovent will be responsible for clinical development and commercialization of IBI351 in China including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan with additional option-in rights for global development and commercialization.

About Innovent

Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK.

Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 26 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune disease and other major therapeutic areas, with 5 products  TYVYT (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) and Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor)  officially approved for marketing in China, 1 asset's NDA under NMPA review, sintilimab's Biologics License Application (BLA) acceptance in the U.S., 5 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and an additional 15 molecules in clinical studies.

Innovent has built an international team with advanced talent in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many global experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hanmi and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with many collaborators to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com. and www.linkedin.com/company/innovent-biologics/.

Note:

Sintilimab is not an approved product in the United States.

BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection), and SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection) are not approved products in the United States.

TYVYT (sintilimab injection, Innovent)

BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection, Innovent)

HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection, Innovent)

SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection, Innovent)

Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor, Incyte Corporation). Pemazyre was discovered by Incyte Corporation and licensed to Innovent for development and commercialization in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Disclaimer:

1. This indication hasn't been approved in China.

2. Innovent does not recommend any off-label usage.

3. For medical and healthcare professionals only.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

SOURCE Innovent Biologics
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IntegriChain, delivering Life Sciences' only comprehensive data and business process platform for market access, today announced that four senior Medicaid rebate experts will present at Informa's upcoming Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) conference on validating Medicaid claims and readying for product launch. IntegriChain is a sponsor of the conference, which runs in person October 11-13, 2021, and virtually October 18-20, 2021.

IntegriChain's sessions during MDRP are as follows.

Best Practices in Validating Medicaid Claims

October 13, 2021, 9 am ET

Brian Coleman, VP of Product Management, IntegriChain

James Perry, Senior Product Manager, IntegriChain

Verifying Medicaid claims through individual state or third-party portals is cumbersome, and many Life Sciences manufacturers avoid the manual toil of this fragmented process or they have embraced a highly inefficient 'pay-and-chase' strategy. More and more manufacturers are looking to validate claims and close revenue leaks efficiently. On average, Life Sciences manufacturers utilizing Claim Level Detail (CLD) identify 1% to 2% of Medicaid liability in revenue leakage. This session will review the current state of validating Medicaid claims, the variations of Medicaid portal status, how to leverage technology for in-cycle disputes, and what validations are best practice to protect against invalid claims.

Laying the Framework for New Products and Launch

October 13, 2021, 1:45 pm ET

Jeff Baab, VP, Advisory, IntegriChain

Rupal Patel, Director, Advisory Services, IntegriChain

As manufacturers ready for approval and launch, the strategy and task list can be daunting, especially for new pre-commercial and SMB innovators. This session will explore the universe of contracts and programs a brand can be associated with as well as how to assess the manufacturer's needs and align contracting opportunities. A launch checklist of processes and needs for emerging and small to mid-sized pharma will also be provided.

About IntegriChain's Contracts & Pricing Solutions and Advisory Programs

IntegriChain offers a full suite of Contracts & Pricing Solutions and Advisory programs, including:

Rebate Management. IntegriChain delivers the industry's leading managed services platform for claims adjudication, processing hundreds of thousands of claims for a wide range of common fees (GPO, admin, distribution) as well as modules to support different rebate types (commercial, price protection, Medicare Part D, Coverage Gap, Medicaid, and TriCare).

Claim Level Detail. IntegriChain offers an end-to-end claim level validation solution, including data management, script-level validation, analysis, and reporting for in-cycle dispute resolution of erroneous and duplicate state Medicaid claims, employing advanced data technologies including robotic process automation and ETL (extract transform load) in concert with its world-class ICyte data and analytics platform.

Government Pricing. IntegriChain's Government Pricing Managed Services provides all relevant calculations required for the Medicaid, Medicare, PHS, and FSS programsexpertly designed with robust data cleansing and standardization, automated data load process, and comprehensive and auditable control reports covering all price calculation detail.

Chargeback Management. IntegriChain's Chargeback Management Managed Services offers a full suite of chargeback reconciliation and analytics services across GPO/IDN provider and federal contracts such as 340B and FSS.

Launch Advisory Services. IntegriChain offers deep expertise for planning and executing a successful product launch, fueled by the experience of hundreds of product launch engagements. The team offers guidance on ASP & Reimbursement Modeling, Bona Fide Service Fee/Fair Market Value Evaluations, Contract Authoring, Distribution and Channel Design, Government Pricing Readiness, Gross-to-Net Readiness, J-Code Application Support, Market Access and Distribution Strategy, Pricing Transparency, and Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

About IntegriChain

IntegriChain is Life Sciences' data and application backbone for patient access and therapy commercialization. More than 250 manufacturers rely on IntegriChain's ICyte Platform to orchestrate commercial and government payer contracting, patient services, and distribution channels. ICyte is the first and only platform that unites the financial, operational, and commercial data sets required to support therapy access in the era of specialty and precision medicine. With ICyte, Life Sciences innovators are digitalizing labor-intensive processes  freeing up their best talent to identify and resolve coverage and availability hurdles and to manage pricing and forecasting complexity. IntegriChain is backed by Accel-KKR, a leading Silicon Valley technology private equity firm. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, with offices in Ambler, PA; Raleigh, NC, and Pune, India. For more information, visit www.integrichain.com, or follow us on Twitter @IntegriChain and LinkedIn.

Contact

Jennifer Guinan,

Sage Strategic Marketing,

610.410.8111,

[email protected]

SOURCE IntegriChain
Joint customers gain access to best-in-class solutions for relationship mapping and data quality management

FREDERICTON, NB, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Introhive , the fastest-growing AI-powered sales and revenue acceleration platforms, and BoardEx, the leading provider of executive intelligence and relationship mapping solutions, today announced their formal partnership. The combined offering will enable shared clients to uncover more high-quality connections and business opportunities that accelerate growth.

The partnership is designed to allow clients to expand and update their networks seamlessly, creating a wider network from higher volumes of relationships to:

Source new opportunities

Deepen client relationships

Increase internal collaboration

Mitigate risk

"We are excited to offer our clients a joint solution with BoardEx," said Diana Sapienza, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances at Introhive. "With Introhive's advanced AI-powered relationship mapping, automation, and enrichment capabilities and the BoardEx alerts on role and/or company changes at the executive and board level, our clients can better manage their ever-growing networks to spot opportunities sooner and grow their businesses faster."

Backed by a global team of more than 300 research analysts, BoardEx is the leading provider of relationship mapping solutions that enhance business development workflows, integrating seamlessly into an organization's existing relationship database. BoardEx's proprietary relationship mapping algorithm reveals previously unknown connections to a global network of more than 1.5 million business leaders and critical decision makers.

"Having a resilient network is critical to the success of any business and that resiliency relies on the ability to understand and leverage the most impactful professional relationships," explained Jubayer Kalam, Head of Product for BoardEx. "We are excited to partner with Introhive by embedding BoardEx data and insights directly into their environment for our mutual clients."

To learn more about this shared offering or to partner with Introhive, contact Introhive at [email protected]

About Introhive

Introhive is the fastest-growing AI-powered sales and relationship intelligence platforms, with the single largest revenue acceleration deployment in the world with customer PwC. Trusted by some of the world's most recognizable brands, including PwC, Clark Nexsen, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Colliers International, and Plante Moran, the company has been recognized with 2019 and 2020 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 Awards, 2020 and 2021 MarTech Breakthrough Awards, and is Great Place to Work certified in Canada. Introhive's AI-powered SaaS platform enables organizations to realize the full value of their relationships across the business and to leverage untapped data to drive revenues and increase productivity while simultaneously improving the customer experience. Learn more at introhive.ai.

About BoardEx

BoardEx is a leading provider of executive intelligence and relationship mapping solutions. Organizations trust BoardEx to identify, qualify and map connection paths to 2 million organizations and the 1.5 million people who lead them. BoardEx is a part of Euromoney People Intelligence, a division of Euromoney PLC which provides organizations with unique data intelligence that connects them with the individuals who will have the greatest impact on their goals. Euromoney People Intelligence is comprised of three unique brands: BoardEx , WealthEngine , Wealth-X and RelSci . We empower our clients to build greater relationships, obtain and manage their best talent and reduce commercial risk. Learn more at boardex.com

Media Inquiries:

Renee Maler

Philosophy PR + Marketing

510.499.9746

[email protected]

SOURCE Introhive
BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the "Adviser") and subadvised by Wellington Management Company LLP (the "Subadviser"), announced today sources of its quarterly distribution of $0.2900 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of September 13, 2021, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) with important information concerning the distribution declared on September 1, 2021, and payable on September 30, 2021. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: September 2021

Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.2900

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable September 30, 2021, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.





For the period 7/1/2021-9/30/2021

For the fiscal year-to-date period

1/1/2021-9/30/2021 1 Source

Current

Distribution ($)

% Breakdown

of the Current

Distribution

Total Cumulative

Distributions ($)

% Breakdown

of the Total

Cumulative

Distributions Net Investment Income

0.1312

45%

0.4272

49% Net Realized Short-

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Term Capital Gains Net Realized Long-

0.0000

0%

0.4188

48% Term Capital Gains Return of Capital or

0.1588

55%

0.0240

3% Other Capital Source

















Total per common share

0.2900

100%

0.8700

100%

















Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on August 31, 2021

5.41%





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of August 31, 2021

8.62%





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through August 31, 2021

10.25%





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of

August 31, 2021

6.47%



_____________________________ 1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on January 1, 2021 and will end on December 31, 2021.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the September 2021 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed quarterly distributions in the amount of $0.2900 per share, which will continue to be paid quarterly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investment Management Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Effective October 1, 2021, copies of all notices informing shareholders of distributions made by the fund in excess of accumulated net investment income will be posted on John Hancock Investment Management's public website (jhinvestments.com) and on the Legal Notice System (LENS), a service offering of the Depository Trust Company (DTC) accessible by broker-dealer firms. To the extent required, notice may also be provided via press release. John Hancock Investment Management will continue to distribute paper copies of these notices by mail until March 30, 2022, after which date the notices will be delivered exclusively via the methods described above.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

Wellington Management Company LLP is an independent and unaffiliated investment subadviser to John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and as Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups, and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were over CAD$1.3 trillion (US$1.1 trillion) as of June 30, 2021. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and education savings plans. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC and subadvised by both Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, and Wells Capital Management Incorporated, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.1380 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of September 13, 2021, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) with important information concerning the distribution declared on September 1, 2021, and payable on September 30, 2021. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: September 2021



Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.1380

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable September 30, 2021, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.





For the period 9/1/2021-9/30/2021

For the fiscal year-to-date period

11/1/2020-9/30/2021 1









Source

Current Distribution ($)

% Breakdown of the Current Distribution

Total Cumulative Distributions ($)

% Breakdown of the Total Cumulative Distributions Net Investment Income

0.1127

82%

1.3218

87% Net Realized Short-

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Term Capital Gains Net Realized Long-

0.0000

0%

0.1959

13% Term Capital Gains Return of Capital or

0.0253

18%

0.0000

0% Other Capital

Source

















Total per common

share

0.1380

100%

1.5177

100%



































Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on August 31, 2021

7.62%





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of August 31, 2021

6.58%





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through August 31, 2021

23.49%





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of August 31, 2021

6.03%

___________________ 1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on November 1, 2020 and will end on October 31, 2021.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the September 2021 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.1380 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investment Management Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Effective October 1, 2021, copies of all notices informing shareholders of distributions made by the fund in excess of accumulated net investment income will be posted on John Hancock Investment Management's public website (jhinvestments.com) and on the Legal Notice System (LENS), a service offering of the Depository Trust Company (DTC) accessible by broker-dealer firms. To the extent required, notice may also be provided via press release. John Hancock Investment Management will continue to distribute paper copies of these notices by mail until March 30, 2022, after which date the notices will be delivered exclusively via the methods described above.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and as Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups, and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were over CAD$1.3 trillion (US$1.1 trillion) as of June 30, 2021. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and education savings plans. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
QUITO, Ecuador, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaspersky announces an official partnership with Range of Motion Project (ROMP) for their 7th annual Climbing for ROMP initiative. A team of adaptive athletes, ROMP patients, and disability rights advocates are set to summit Ecuador's Cotopaxi volcano at 19,347 feet this week, with the collective goal to help people with amputation receive prosthetic care and raise awareness about the lack of access to technology.

The mission is to, quite literally, climb vertical feet for prosthetic feet. Climbing for ROMP is the brainchild of an international healthcare nonprofit, Range of Motion Project (ROMP), to help people with amputation access prosthetic care and increase awareness around the unequal distribution of assistive technology globally. The 2021 climb team has raised over $110,000 so far for ROMP's mission.

Adaptive athletes on the team include Rio Paralympian Lacey Henderson, skier and disability rights advocate Vasu Sojitra, adaptive climber Allie Redshaw, athlete Chris Rains, ROMP patient Sarita Lucio Paredes, and ROMP founder David Krupa.

"I am so excited to see the partnership of ROMP and Kaspersky for this year's climb," said Paralympian Lacey Henderson. "Technology is how I access my own mobility. As end users of any kind of tech it is important to protect ourselves. Protection and taking care of others is the heart of this mission and it is an honor to be able to work with both companies for this trip!"

Kaspersky believes that everyone deserves access to the technology they need to live their best life. "We believe in the enabling powers that technology can bring to our everyday lives and when we first heard of the ROMP Cotopaxi expedition we were immediately excited and wanted to support it," said Kaspersky's Global Head of Branded Content, Povel Torudd. "When technology is used for good, it can help us move forward and solve some of the biggest challenges we face as humans; in this case it's athletes with disabilities who without it couldn't participate in an adventure of this kind."

"When humans have access to proper technology, no mountain is too high. We are in a unique position to leverage our own mobility to help amputees receive prosthetic treatment and technology that they need to redefine their potential. This is our mission," said David Krupa, ROMP Founder and Executive Director.

Climbing for ROMP 2021 is supported by Kaspersky, Hydroflask, Eddie Bauer, Osprey Packs, Merrell, Roam Media, Royal Bank of Canada, and The Kirstie Ennis Foundation.

About ROMP:

ROMP is dedicated to providing prosthetic care to amputees who do not have access. In developing countries, amputation is much more prevalent due to lack of good, consistent health care and access to rehabilitative services and technology is minimal. So much so that the World Health Organization estimates that 90 percent of those in need of assistive devices worldwide do not have access, including prosthetic care. ROMP is changing this statistic. To date, ROMP has conducted over 12,000 patient visits, delivered more than 4,000 devices and raised more than $11 million in fundraising and value of in-kind donations since 2005. For more info, visit www.rompglobal.org.

About Kaspersky:

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 240,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at usa.kaspersky.com .

SOURCE Range of Motion Project

Related Links

http://www.rompglobal.org


MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinecta Federal Credit Union, a $6.5 billion credit union headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, was announced as the winner of the "Best of Show" Award by the CUNA Technology Council at this year's CUNA Virtual Conference. The prestigious CUNA Technology Council's Excellence Awards identify and honor credit unions that exemplify excellence in technology.

Voted on by a panel of CUNA Technology Council Committee members and industry professionals, the award recognizes Kinecta's "Preapproval of Credit Cards using Machine Learning" entry (asset group > $500 Million), an analytics model for increasing the acquisition of credit cards among members that currently don't possess a credit card. The goal of this innovative method is to improve product penetration on credit cards by pre-approving members using machine learning without adding undue risk.

Led by Sharon Moseley, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Kinecta, the new model uses machine learning methods to "learn" from existing processed applications and understand how the data (without credit report information) correlate to the probability of credit card application approval. This model can then be used to market credit-building products to members who would have normally been turned down due to their FICO score.

"We are deeply honored to be awarded by the CUNA Technology Council for the extraordinary outcome of a technology transformation model that increases needed access to credit by our members," said Keith Sultemeier, Chief Executive Officer of Kinecta. "I would like to congratulate Sharon and especially Bhavesh Shah, who leads the BI/AI technology team, on this outstanding accomplishment and contribution to the success of Kinecta."

For more information about Kinecta, visit www.kinecta.org

About Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Kinecta Federal Credit Union is the country's 35th largest credit union, with assets of $6.5 billion and over 270,000 member-owners. Our 800+ employees serve members from 32 branches, a variety of specialty offices, and highly responsive call centers on both coasts. Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with recent expansion to Northern California, New York, and New Jersey, Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products through the Credit Union and its subsidiaries, Kinecta Wealth Management and Kinecta Insurance Services. Daily Breeze readers have named Kinecta a top South Bay credit union for the past 10 years, and Kinecta was voted Easy Reader's 2020 "Best of the Beach" Credit Union.

About CUNA Councils

CUNA Councils is a member-led, collaborative community of credit union leaders providing vibrant peer interaction, new ideas and innovation to foster professional development for our members while advocating for the overall success of the credit union movement. There are eight CUNA Councils with a network of more than 7,300 credit union professionals. For more information, visit cunacouncils.org.

SOURCE Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Related Links

www.kinecta.org


TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudify 6 launches today, introducing Environment as a Service 2.0: a new hierarchical environment management capability that simplifies the continuous management of large-scale deployments. Cloudify v6 provides an "orchestrator of orchestrators" for large enterprises and service providers who need to orchestrate infrastructure that is optimized for both legacy and cloud-native applications, across both dev/test and production environments. Cloudify v6 was designed for organizations that want to simplify the management of Kubernetes and Terraform at scale.

*** Watch the Cloudify 6 webinar to learn more, see use cases and watch early user reviews. ***

"Our large enterprise users have consistently told us that legacy and cloud native applications will live side by side in their infrastructure environments," said Ariel Dan, CEO of Cloudify. "They need simpler ways to manage those legacy and cloud native apps, and moving workloads close to the edge only complicates this reality. Since most of these organizations use an IaC solution like Terraform, they need an 'orchestrator of orchestrators' solution that does not require replacement of their IaC solutions. That's what we've built with Cloudify 6. With it, we've seen improvements of 50% in production environments and more than 200% in dev environments. It's a dramatic game changer for anyone managing diverse environments at scale."

Built to Optimize Terraform Environments

Terraform users get a dynamic workspace environment in Cloudify 6, one that seamlessly organizes templates and modules into development, staging and production environments. Cloudify 6 manages the dependencies among these workspaces, executing operations across multiple environments from one interface. This environment as a service manages state files, secrets and runtime properties as well as logging across multiple environments from a centralized location. Terraform users can also integrate their projects with the rest of the environment network and with Ansible. Cloudify 6 deployments also can interoperate with other orchestration tools such as AWS Cloud Formation or Azure ARM without wasting time on writing Glue code. Users also can run different versions of Terraform per environment simultaneously, streamlining upgrade processes.

Automatically Discover and Create Multi Kubernetes Clusters

Kubernetes users can automatically discover and create multi Kubernetes clusters in Cloudify 6 with built-in support for AWS EKS, Azure AKS, Google GKE and Red Hat OpenShift. The release brings a new service-oriented management framework, focused primarily on managing the distributed service deployment and ongoing day-2 operations across multiple Kubernetes clusters and hybrid environments. This includes the ability to deploy the same instance of a service across multiple clusters in a single command, resume from partial-failure scenarios, monitor drifts and more.

Managing Highly Distributed Environments

Cloudify 6 also introduces support for managing highly distributed environments with a new map view that provides filters and labels for managing multiple sites, multiple regions and multiple cloud environments, all based on these deployments' geographical location. Filters and tagging let users easily group environments and deploy or update services on specific groups.

User Commentary on Cloudify 6

"Prior to Cloudify, we delivered complex automation use cases using in-house developed APIs," said Connor Brown, lead cloud engineer at 84.51. "This required us to maintain infrastructure, contracts, authentication, etc. for our APIs. With Cloudify we can focus our time on the automation logic without worrying about the overhead of an in-house API. Additionally, we can use Cloudify to automate updates to environments using the update workflow. Updates previously took the cloud team hours to complete and limited how many environments we could support. Updates are now even easier with the new Environment as a Service 2.0 features in Cloudify 6. Cloudify has contributed to significantly reducing the toil experienced by the cloud team."

Read more about Cloudify version 6 in the release notes and on the release blog post .

About Cloudify

Cloudify radically simplifies end-to-end cloud services and network automation through its open-source, intent-based orchestration platform connecting any cloud, device, or third-party automation tool. With Cloudify in place, enterprises can automate, manage and transform all infrastructure and networking environments of their applications pipeline across all cloud vendors, saving cost and time while preventing vendor lock-in. Visit cloudify.co to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert Cathey

Cathey.co for Cloudify

+1 865-386-6118

[email protected]

SOURCE Cloudify

Related Links

https://cloudify.co/


FERNDALE, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lick the Plate where the Detroit, San Diego, and Northern Michigan culinary, cultural and music communities tell their stories with host David Boylan, is back on the air and in podcast format in metro Detroit on 100.7 Ferndale Radio with streaming planned by the end of 2021. Lick the Plate will launch on Friday, October 8 airing at 12pm and repeated again at 10pm. The show will run in a longer, single episode 30 minute format on Ferndale Radio. Renowned author Michael Zadoorian will join David as his first guest on 100.7 Ferndale Radio.

Lick the Plate Michigan is now broadcasting and podcasting on 100.7 Ferndale Radio and www.ferndaleradio.com Lick the Plate host David Boylan has interviewed over 1,300 guests from the culinary, culture and music worlds. Lick the Plate airs in Detroit, Northern Michigan and San Diego and the podcasts in each market average over 50,000 listens per week. His weekly column runs in The Coast News and he is a contributor to Traverse Magazine.

Host David Boylan who is relocating back to his native Michigan, will pick up where he left off, telling the stories of guests from the culinary, culture and music scenes throughout Michigan and beyond through media partners 100.7 Ferndale Radio and WQON in Traverse City. Given the recent upheaval in all of those sectors, Boylan felt that Lick the Plate would be a great vehicle for artists throughout Michigan to tell their stories to a wide audience and promote their endeavors. "The restaurant, music and arts sectors in Michigan have all suffered over the past 18 months and Lick the Plate has always been about promoting these folks so that exposure matters more than ever now as they bounce back. I'm also excited to feature guests from culinary, music and arts communities statewide and national and the local gems here in Ferndale and metro Detroit. Streaming will give us that opportunity."

Boylan was also excited about working with the talented board members that created Ferndale Radio including Dave Kim, Daniel Riley, Michael Zadoorian, Rob Paul, Jeremy Olstyn, Dave Phillips and board president Michelle Mirowski. Boylan added: "The creativity on this team equals or surpasses that of any in commercial radio in Detroit and offers the eclectic tastes and musical diversity that prior to this could only be heard on public radio as a small percentage of their programing. They offer the perfect mix of radio broadcast, podcast and streaming coming soon for Lick the Plate and I'm excited to be a part of their content mix."

Board President Michelle Mirowski is equally excited to have Lick the Plate on Ferndale Radio and it's expanded reach. "I've been a big fan of Lick the Plate since it was on 93.9 The River. We are thrilled to bring it back on 100.7 Ferndale radio in a longer format that is perfectly suited for the content David delivers. He's cultivated a big following throughout Michigan with Lick the Plate and will give our audience a unique listening option on Fridays. Once our online streaming begins, the entire world can enjoy this excellent program."

For guest appearance or sponsorship inquiries, contact:

[email protected]

858.395.6905

Lick the Plate Quick Facts:

- 725 Lick the Plate Coast News Columns

- 1,050 Radio/podcast guests between San Diego, Detroit/Windsor and Northern Michigan

- Podcasts in each market average over 10,000 listens per episode and 50,000 total per week over 5 episodes

- Sponsors have included Casinos, Restaurants, Event Venues, Regional & National Brands and Grocery Chains

About Lick the Plate

Host David Boylan has interviewed over 1,000 culinary, culture and music personalities over the past 14 years. Boylan launched Lick the Plate as a column in the Coast News in Encinitas, California where it still runs contributes to Edible San Diego and Traverse Magazine. The show started on 102.1 KPRI in San Diego in 2011, then in 2014 moved to the Entercom group of stations in San Diego including KSON, FM94/9, and Sunny 98.1. In 2015 LTP expanded to 93.9 The River in Detroit and Windsor, Ontario then joined MyNorth.com , part of MyNorth Media in Traverse City, Michigan along with airing on KLT The Rock Station and Music Radio The Fox FM . It now airs on Q100 in Northern Michigan and 100.7 Ferndale Radio in metro Detroit. In San Diego, it airs on 101.5 KGB. Its unique format includes a range of guests from the culinary, culture and music worlds and tells their story through food and music. LTP is produced by Quinn Boylan and edited by Brooks Venters. More at www.lick-the-plate.com

About 100.7 Ferndale Radio

Launched on Black Friday 2017, WFCB-LP Ferndale Radio is a volunteer based non-commercial LPFM radio station serving Ferndale, Mich. The studio is located inside the Rust Belt Market, an artist, vintage, designer marketplace and venue in the heart of downtown Ferndale. Ferndale Radio airs content 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with live programming airing during the Rust Belt Market's operating hours. More at www.ferndaleradio.com

SOURCE Lick the Plate

Related Links

https://www.lick-the-plate.com/


BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The industrial sector is responsible for 21% of global CO 2 emissions, releasing more than 9 gigatons of CO 2 per year, driven primarily by emissions from the cement, chemicals, and steel sectors. Decarbonizing the cement, steelmaking, and chemicals industries alone will cut global industrial emissions by half, but these industries are projected to continue growing for the long term. Therein lies the challenge for the industrial sector: How can carbon neutrality be attained while meeting the increasing demand for products? Building a roadmap for the decarbonization of industry is a complex endeavor that requires a deep understanding of the technologies available today as well as in the future to adequately prepare for tighter regulations in an increasingly competitive market.

Lux's new report, "Decarbonization of Industry: The Path Toward Carbon Neutrality," introduces a framework for assessing the technologies for decarbonizing industry and defines the challenge that entails by categorizing its carbon reduction technologies according to their complexity and ease of adoption. Decarbonization technologies can be split into three levels of complexity:

Makeshift technologies reduce emissions without altering the key stages in the industrial process. These technologies decarbonize by tackling efficiency gaps, the carbon intensity of the feedstock, or the emissions released at the end of the process  the core technologies and fundamentals of the industrial process remain unchanged.

reduce emissions without altering the key stages in the industrial process. These technologies decarbonize by tackling efficiency gaps, the carbon intensity of the feedstock, or the emissions released at the end of the process  the core technologies and fundamentals of the industrial process remain unchanged. Retrofit technologies reduce emissions by altering one or more key stages in the industrial process. These technologies decarbonize by adding or swapping core process units with new, low-carbon variants that fit within the existing process flow. The fundamentals of the industrial process, however, remain unchanged.

reduce emissions by altering one or more key stages in the industrial process. These technologies decarbonize by adding or swapping core process units with new, low-carbon variants that fit within the existing process flow. The fundamentals of the industrial process, however, remain unchanged. Transformational technologies reduce emissions by altering the fundamentals of the industrial process. These technologies decarbonize by eliminating core incumbent process units and completely transforming the existing industrial process flow  these changes typically include replacing thermochemical platforms with biochemical or electrochemical platforms.

"These three levels of technologies are the building blocks of industrial decarbonization," explains Runeel Daliah, Senior Analyst at Lux Research and lead author of the report. "Although we talk about industrial decarbonization as a single concept, there is no monolithic solution to the industry's problem; industrial decarbonization is realized through bit-by-bit application of diverse technologies that are unique to specific industries and their core processes."

Decarbonization of industry is complex  an industrial plant requires high investment, often to the tune of billions of dollars, and is built to last several decades. As companies pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, they are under significant pressure to transition from the thermochemical platforms they have been reliant on for the past three centuries to transformational technologies in just three decades. Additionally, there are competitive concerns for industrial products. If there are no regulations promoting the adoption of low-carbon products at the consumer end, decarbonization will reduce an industrial player's competitiveness on the regional and global market. Financial penalties on fossil-based manufacturing are not enough to support the decarbonization of industry  incentives for the import and consumption of low-carbon products within one's borders are also necessary for a global transition to a carbon-neutral industry. Download the executive summary of the report to learn more.

About Lux Research

Lux Research is a leading provider of tech-enabled research and advisory services, helping clients drive growth through technology innovation. A pioneer in the research industry, Lux uniquely combines technical expertise and business insights with a proprietary intelligence platform, using advanced analytics and data science to surface true leading indicators. With quality data derived from primary research, fact-based analysis, and opinions that challenge traditional thinking, Lux empowers clients to make more informed decisions today to ensure future success.

For more information, visit www.luxresearchinc.com , read our blog , connect on LinkedIn , or follow @LuxResearch .

If you are interested in speaking with an Analyst to learn more about this research, please email [email protected]

SOURCE Lux Research

Related Links

http://www.luxresearchinc.com


"We're thrilled by Marilyn & Billy's 'blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons.' To our knowledge, this album  which returned Marilyn & Billy to the Billboard Charts after an absence of over 35 years, and was received in the #1 R&B position at iTunes, and in key radio markets  is the only human rights and freedom, including religious freedom, recording project in 2021. We are very pleased by the ongoing importance to Marilyn & Billy's audience of the physical edition of this beautiful music. We applaud these artists & BMG! The award-winning art, from Jon Carrasco and Brittany Duncan, is receiving prizes, accolades, and tremendous interest from collectors, historians, schools, museums, and in the NFT blockchain arena. Because of this success, we exercised our option for 2022, 2023 and 2024 for more albums from the First Couple of Pop & Soul, and reteamed Marilyn & Billy with 'blackbird' producer Nic Mendoza, who is in studio with the artists, remixing the album for 'Marilyn & Billy Masterworks - blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons,'" said Ms. Ireland.

New recording projects will be announced after the release of "Marilyn & Billy Masterworks" featuring celebrated artists, including Natalie Hanna Mendoza.

"We're grateful to God, people who embrace us and our music, at this time in our lives. This has been a year of surprises! We appeared in Questlove's 'Summer of Soul' ... Magnolia Hill at Warner Bros.' 'The Waltons: Homecoming', produced by dear friend, Emmy Award winner, Sam Haskell  confirmed for our second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ... and received the JFK Profile In Courage Award. We haven't had this excitement in a long time! Kathy, Nic, Steve Rosenblum, Rona Menashe of Guttman Associates, and our teams at Sterling Winters Co. and kathy ireland Worldwide, EE1 and BMG are beautiful, brilliant people. We thank them with enormous gratitude. Today is Marilyn's birthday! This is a wonderful surprise, and fantastic present," said Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.

John Loeffler, Executive Vice President - Legacy Artists at BMG notes of Marilyn & Billy, "The duo's timeless and classic interpretations of their favorite Beatles songs clearly resonated with fans young and old. They remain as current and exciting as ever."

"It's a great privilege to work with iconic artists in their vocal and performance prime. This renaissance is admittedly a surprise. Marilyn & Billy's great talent, influences music, humanity and cultural relevance, it is richly deserved. Marilyn & Billy Masterworks, will add Executive Producer, Tommy Meharey, Board Member of kathy ireland Worldwide," said Jon Carrasco and Stephen Roseberry in a joint statement, Worldwide Creative Director and President & Chief Marketing Officer, kathy ireland Worldwide and EE1 BMG.

Marilyn & Billy are the best selling, African American married couple in music history. Their current recording statistics include: 15 gold albums, 6 platinum albums, 7 Grammy awards and multiple nominations.

SOURCE EE1 / BMG
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Materialize, the streaming SQL database company, today announced $60 million in Series C funding, bringing the company's total funding to over $100 million. The round was led by Logan Bartlett from Redpoint Ventures, with additional investors including Kleiner Perkins, who led the Series B, and Lightspeed Venture Partners, who led the Series A.

The new round of funding occurs against a backdrop of steady business growth for Materialize and shows the strength of the market demand for true real-time data streaming solutions. The funding will be used to further accelerate the development and adoption of Materialize's industry-leading data streaming technology.

"Streaming data is driving the most innovative applications and services being built today." said Arjun Narayan, co-founder and CEO, Materialize. "This funding is validation in our mission to make it simple for any business to use streaming data without the cost and complexity of using non-standard languages or custom microservices that are expensive to build and hard to maintain."

A recent IDC Global Datasphere report estimates that over 138 zetabytes of new data will be created in 2024, of which 24% is expected to be real-time data. However, most businesses today are limited in how fast they can generate data-driven insights due to batch-oriented data pipelines or clunky software. The adoption of real-time data streaming is enabling organizations to quickly pivot resources and respond to business events in real-time, with precision and efficiency.

Materialize is the first standard SQL interface for streaming data available to engineers, allowing them to build complex queries and multiway joins without needing any specialized skills or microservices. Unlike other streaming data platforms that claim to be real-time, Materialize computes and incrementally maintains data as it is generated so query results are accessible the moment they are needed. This approach provides businesses with correct answers in milliseconds.

In the past six months, Materialize has grown its developer community to over 980 people and attracted a wide range of new customers including Density, an IoT-focused space utilization company, and Kepler Cheuvreux, an independent European financial services company.

"After trial-and-erroring multiple SQL streaming solutions, we landed on Materialize as the only streaming solution capable of integrating with our existing third-party applications and business intelligence tools," said Jean-Francois Perreton, head of algo quant at Kepler Cheuvreux. "Other solutions in the market were only able to generate real-time insights for select parts of a SQL query. However, Materialize could support our existing Postgres workflow without a significant ramp-up or additional training."

"Before using Materialize, data in many of our internal tools was often hours or days out of date, and requests often took multiple seconds," said Ryan Gaus, software engineer at Density. "After adopting Materialize, data is nearly real-time (lag being measured in seconds) and request times are now in the hundreds of milliseconds. Our customer success team's job has been made significantly easier."

Founded in 2019, the Materialize team includes engineers who were early employees of Cockroach Labs, Dropbox, Stripe, Ververica and YouTube. The company's workforce grew 63% in the past six months, attracting talent from companies including DigitalOcean, Datadog, and Google.

Materialize will use a portion of the funding to expand its engineering team across the U.S. and internationally. Given its current high-growth period, Materialize just opened a new headquarters this month in Slack's former New York City office, where it hopes to continue growing into the office's 85 desk spaces.

"Materialize is well positioned to become the industry standard for working with real-time data," said Logan Bartlett, managing director, Redpoint Ventures. "The team has been studying this problem for close to a decade and truly understands the challenges engineers face when building with streaming data." Other data company success stories in Redpoint's portfolio include Snowflake, Cockroach Labs and Looker.

"Materialize brings the SQL experience users have grown accustomed to when working with batch data, to the world of streaming applications," said Bucky Moore, partner, Kleiner Perkins. "We are excited to be deepening our commitment to help Materialize accelerate its ability to deliver on its vision of making real-time data accessible to all."

Materialize Cloud is available now in open beta and Materialize is offering a free 30-day trial. For more information or to sign up, visit https://materialize.com/materialize-cloud/.

About Materialize

Based in New York City, Materialize is the streaming database company that makes it easy for any developer or analyst to understand real-time data, answer complex questions and build intelligent applications. For more information please visit materialize.com.

SOURCE Materialize

Related Links

https://materialize.com


LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, and the fourth time in the last six years, Mayer Brown has been named "European Law Firm of the Year  Transactions" at the 2021 Global Derivatives Awards hosted by GlobalCapital. The awards spotlight the leading firms, services and products in the global derivatives markets.

GlobalCapital highlighted the firm's work in developing innovative solutions for clients, as well as its transaction volume and the firm's cohesive work across its European offices.

Edmund Parker, global head of the Derivatives & Structured Products practice at Mayer Brown, said, "We once again thank GlobalCapital for its recognition of our global practice and thank our clients for their continuing support."

The firm previously was awarded GlobalCapital's "European Law Firm of the Year  Transactions" award in 2020, 2018 and 2017; "European Law Firm of the Year  Regulatory" award in 2016 and GlobalCapital's "Global Law Firm of the Year (Overall)" award in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, Mayer Brown also was named "US Law Firm of the Year  Transactions," following our win as "Americas Law Firm of the Year (Overall)" in 2019 and 2018, and "US Law Firm of the Year  Regulatory" in 2017 and 2016 at GlobalCapital's Americas Derivatives Awards.

The winners of the Global Derivatives Awards 2021 were judged by nominees' innovations in product and service, commitments to new markets, improvements in efficiency, liquidity and market stability, as well as client guidance.

GlobalCapital is a leading news, opinion and data service for people and institutions using and working in the international capital markets. Over the last three decades, it has built a reputation of providing clearly-voiced, lively coverage of key markets based on the comments of those who work in them, together with a wealth of transaction data and archive material.

Mayer Brown is one of a select few firms with a leading derivatives and structured products practice in New York, London, continental Europe (in particular, Germany), and Hong Kong. The practice is recognized by Chambers Global for Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Securitisation & Derivatives (Global); Chambers UK for Capital Markets: Derivatives (London firms); Chambers USA for Capital Markets: Structured Products (Nationwide) and for Derivatives (Nationwide); IFLR1000 for Capital Markets: Derivatives (United Kingdom and United States); the Legal 500 UK (London firms) for Derivatives (including Commodities); and the Legal 500 US for Structured Finance: Derivatives & Structured Products and Tax: Financial Products.

SOURCE Mayer Brown
"This is the moment MTM and our North Alabama community have waited for since we broke ground in November 2018," said Mark Brazeal, vice president of administration. "We are excited to see Corolla Cross in dealerships across the U.S."

MTM is currently hiring more than 1,700 additional employees to join its existing workforce, eventually reaching up to 4,000 once production is in full operation next year. The plant has the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles a year, evenly split between the two nameplates.

"I'm so proud of our team members, and I'm excited to continue our hiring plan to add to our MTM family," said Janette Hostettler, vice president of production. "Our team members exhibit a true commitment to safety and quality, and it is a big day for them to watch the Corolla Cross drive off our line ready to be shipped."

MTM's investment increased to $2.311 billion when the parent companies announced an additional $830 million commitment in the summer of 2020. The additional investment allowed MTM to incorporate more cutting-edge technologies into its manufacturing processes.

For more than 50 years, Corolla has been synonymous with dependability, fuel efficiency, safety and value and is the all-time, best-selling vehicle in the world. The all-new 2022 Corolla Cross will join that legacy when it hits dealerships in October. To learn more about the Corolla Cross, read the Toyota announcement .

Production photos and vehicle video are available on the Toyota Newsroom.

Individuals interested in applying for open MTM positions can visit www.MazdaToyota.com .

About Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is a jointly owned-and-operated automotive production plant. The $2.3 billion facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs and will have the capacity to assemble up to 300,000 vehicles a year, beginning in 2021.

About Mazda

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com .

Media Contacts

Toyota Product

Nicky Hamila

Toyota

469-292-3596

[email protected]

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Jessica Luther

MTM

256-278-8371

[email protected]

SOURCE Toyota
DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Megatel Group, one of the largest private homebuilders in the nation, today announced that the company has launched its prefabricated home park product line, with the development of a nearly 700-prefabricated-home park near the city of Weston, a Dallas suburb.

"We are pleased to develop our first of many prefabricated home parks and to provide a modern, yet affordable housing option for individuals with low to moderate income levels," said Zach Ipour, co-founder. "This development project in Weston marks the launch of our prefabricated home park product line, Golden Gate Communities. Within the next five years, we plan to build and develop 10,000 prefabricated homes across the nation through this platform."

Golden Gate Communities will feature unique, luxury amenities, including an amenity center with a cafe, fitness center, and resort-style swimming pool. Additional amenities include access to outdoor activities, such as pickle ball, bocce ball, volleyball, and a playground. Five acres at each community will be dedicated to amenities such as a farmers' market, which will provide residents access to local produce and will ultimately support small business owners and agricultural workers. These amenities are exclusive to Golden Gate residents and not available to the public unlike Megatel's recent lagoon developments.

Ipour explains that prefabricated home communities are the future of affordable housing as median home prices continue to rise. "As material costs and labor shortages continue to negatively impact the industry, fabricated home parks will offer quality affordable housing options for individuals that cannot pursue the American dream of owning a home. Through our Golden Gate Communities, we will change the perception of trailer parks and provide innovative and modernized communities that are attainable for people of all price points, budgets and lifestyles."

Once completed, Megatel's prefabricated home park in Weston will feature approximately 700 prefabricated homes ranging in size from 550 square feet to 2,400 square feet. Residents will benefit from the community's location within the Celina Independent School District, which earned an A rating from Niche.com.

Currently, Megatel Homes has two other prefabricated home development projects underway near the Dallas suburbs of Prosper and Celina. The firm is planning to expand the Golden Gate operation extensively throughout Texas.

Ipour adds that a shortage of residential construction labor and materials is contributing to the low inventory of available homes across the nation. "Nationwide, there are approximately 250,000 construction jobs sitting vacant and prices as well as lead times of building materials have skyrocketed, with prices of some materials increasing by more than 15%. Our new prefabricated home park platform is an innovative approach to provide affordable housing options and to ultimately expand our customer base."

About Megatel Homes

Founded in 2006, Megatel Homes has emerged as one of the most successful homebuilders in the state of Texas. The company has had considerable growth, with more than 100 developments comprised of several thousand homes, completed since its founding. The company currently has more than 100 communities and is rapidly spreading throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Contacts: Lauren Burgos Damon Elder

Spotlight Marketing Communications Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1399 949.427.1377

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Megatel Homes
CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "Missile Seekers Market by Technology (Active Radar, Semi-active Radar, Passive Radar, Infrared, Laser, Multi-mode), Missile Type (Interceptor, Ballistic, Cruise, Conventional), Launch Mode, and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, & RoW) - Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Missile Seekers Market size is projected to grow from USD 5.3 billion in 2021 to USD 6.8 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to 2026. The market is driven by various factors, such as geopolitical instabilities, changing nature of warfare, increasing defense expenditure of emerging economies and technological advancements in missile seekers.

Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=78626710

The missile seekers market includes major players BAE Systems (UK), Boeing (US), Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy), Raytheon Technologies (US), Safran Group (France), Thales (France), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US). These players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. COVID-19 has impacted their businesses as well. Industry experts believe that COVID-19 has slightly affected missile seekers production and services globally in 2020.

Changing nature of warfare will drive the demand for missile seekers

The major factor driving the missile seekers market is the changing nature of warfare. The advancements in technology have led to the development of new and advanced defense systems, including air defense systems and guided missiles for hitting moving targets. The changing nature of warfare across the globe has led to the acquisition of advanced missile firing and defending capabilities by militaries of various countries. These militaries are increasingly engaged in low-intensity battles.

One example of the changing nature of warfare was the Indian military's reply to the Pulwama attack, where the Indian Air Force fighter planes destroyed a terrorist camp in Balakot (Pakistan) using guided missiles.

Advanced missile defense capabilities help countries in defending themselves against rocket and missile attacks. For instance, Israel's Iron Dome air defense system prevented more than 2,500 missile and mortar attacks with a success rate greater than 90%. The missile seeker in such a system plays the most important role of making sure the missiles fired by the defense system hit the targets accurately. This fueled the development of more advanced air defense systems, which use ground-to-air missiles with guided seekers, with a success rate greater than 90%.

Thus, the changing nature of warfare has resulted in the increased demand for highly advanced seekers for missiles from militaries across the globe.

The multi-mode technology is projected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecast period

Based on technology, the multi-mode technology are projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Multi-mode guidance systems make use of two or more missile seeker technologies to improve accuracy. Terrestrial Guidance (TERCOM) is one such hybrid system that uses radar, global positioning system (GPS), and digitized scene mapping area correlator (DSMAC) together. Multi-mode missile seeker is used for guidance of cruise missiles like AGM-86B (US), C-602 (China), Hyunmoo-III (South Korea), etc.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Missile Seekers Market"

130  Tables

56  Figures

186  Pages

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=78626710

The interceptor missiles is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on the missile type, the interceptor missiles is projected to grow at the highest CAGR for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Interceptor missiles are anti-ballistic missiles used to counter ballistic missiles like intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles launched from any enemy country and to counter aircraft and other missiles. S400, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, THAAD, Patriot missile defense system, and Barak 8 are interceptor missiles used to defend against any kind of airborne threats, such as helicopters, aircraft, UAVs, anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles. The increasing procurement of interceptor missiles by countries such as India, South Korea, and Israel due to rising geopolitical instabilities is driving the growth of the interceptor missile segment. For instance, in 2018, the Indian government signed a contract worth USD 5.43 billion with the Russian government to procure five regiments of the S-400 missiles.

Air-to-air launch mode projected to witness highest CAGR during the forecast period

The air-to-air segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the missile seekers market during the forecast period. Air-to-air missiles are launched from aircraft, helicopters, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to destroy enemy aircraft. The warhead types of air-to-air missiles are fragmentation warheads or continuous rod warheads. These missiles detect their targets using radars or infrared guidance systems and can fly at a very high speed. These missiles are long and have narrow cross-sections to reduce drag.

The North American market is projected to contribute the largest share from 2021 to 2026

North America is projected to be the largest regional share of the global missile seekers market during the forecast period. Major companies, such as Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and SemiConductor Devices, and small-scale private companies, such as Excelitas Technologies Corp, Marotta Controls, and KODA Technologies Inc., are based in the US. These players continuously invest in the R&D of new & improved missile seeker designs.

The missile seekers market in North America is driven by the increasing need for advanced defense systems from the US military. Missile seekers are the systems used in missiles to guide them on the right trajectory to accurately hit the desired targets. Recent technological developments in defense systems, including guided missiles, have led to the increased demand for more efficient missile seekers.

Canada has shown no interest in developing its own missile systems; the country relies on the US for its defense systems, including missile systems.

Related Reports:

Rocket and Missile Market by Type (Missile, Rocket), Launch Mode (Surface-to-Surface, Surface-to-Air, Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface, Subsea-to-Surface), Propulsion (Solid, Liquid, Hybrid, Scramjet, Turbojet, Ramjet) & Region - Global Forecast to 2022

Precision Guided Munition Market by Product (Tactical Missiles, Guided Rockets, Guided Ammunition, and Loitering Munition), Technology (Infrared, Semi-active Lasers, Radar Homing, GPS, INS, Anti-radiation), Type, Speed, Region - Global Forecast to 2025

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing need for medical assistance, inadequate availability of static medical centers at remote locations, and renovations of existing hospitals are some of the key factors driving the mobile hospitals market. Mobile hospitals are an extension of a hospital or a clinic that have emerged to be a viable solution for treating isolated and underserved populations. Mobile hospitals also play a role in coordination during emergencies such as accidents and natural calamities. The growing government funding to expand healthcare services is also providing impetus for the development of mobile hospitals.

The role of mobile hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened the effectiveness of the model for healthcare services on the wheels. Mobile hospitals served to be the medium to reach out to COVID-19 patients that did not have access to medical care at fixed locations. These services improved assistance in tracking and testing critical care patients, improved support for registering health reports and medical appointments, and increased the overall rate of patient care. Owing to this, governments are evaluating if mobile hospitals can be an extension of healthcare services in general.

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The mobile hospitals market is anticipated to reach the valuation of US$ 52.8 Bn by 2031.

Mobile Hospitals Market  Key Findings of Report

Demonstrated Effectiveness for Emergency Healthcare for War, Natural Calamities-afflicted Individuals Manifests Growth

The effectiveness and service rendered via mobile hospitals for calamities and wars have magnified the confidence for them to be part of mainstream healthcare services. The outbreak of diseases and incidence of injury during situations of crisis requires emergency medical care to prevent it from deteriorating. The unavailability of regular healthcare services at remote and interior locations bank upon mobile healthcare to serve the affected. This manifests the demand in the mobile hospitals market.

The need to serve the armed forces at combat sites for healthcare emergencies is expanding the growth horizon of mobile hospitals market. Mobile hospitals for the armed forces have evolved considerably from predecessor military field hospitals equipped to render emergency procedures. This involves significant design consideration of mobile hospitals to serve the armed forces.

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With advancements in transportation and improved logistics for movement of emergency vehicles, the positioning of mobile hospitals has become easier. This will be favorable for the mobile hospitals market.

Need to Support Mainstream Health Services to Serve Rising Population with Chronic Diseases Fuels Demand

The rising need for timely healthcare to serve the growing population with chronic diseases is creating opportunities in the mobile hospitals market. Changing lifestyle and rising pollution have led to the surge in incidence of chronic diseases such as COPD and diabetes. Individuals with chronic diseases are subject to sudden attacks that may require immediate healthcare to prevent it from worsening. Mobile hospitals equipped with emergency response teams have emerged to be useful for monitoring vitals of patients in such situations and even transporting them to hospitals for further treatment.

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Rapid urbanization and rampant industrialization in India have led to high incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Government consideration for investing in mobile hospitals in the country to prevent the burden on hospitals will stimulate growth of the mobile hospitals market in Asia Pacific.

North America, however, will continue to account for the leading share of the mobile hospitals market. The adoption of advanced imaging equipment such as PET-CT scan within mobile hospital units in the U.S. will cement growth of the mobile hospitals market in the region.

Mobile Hospitals Market  Growth Drivers

Demand for emergency healthcare services in war combat areas, natural calamities-afflicted regions drives mobile hospitals market

Patient confidence in mobile health services during COVID-19 to prevent the risk of infection at static hospitals to strengthen growth of the mobile hospitals market

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Mobile Hospitals Market  Key Players

Some of the key players operating in the mobile hospitals market are Alvo Medical Aspen Medical, Saba Palaye, Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, U-PROJECT, La Clinica Health Centers, CGS Premier, Lamboo Medical, Vetter GmbH, EMS Healthcare Ltd., Coastal Community Health Services.

Global Mobile Hospitals Market: Segmentation

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Type

Accident & Emergency Care Facility



General Surgery Facility



Diagnostics & Imaging Facility



Specialized Surgery Facility



Dental & Ophthalmic Facility



Others

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Function

Observation



Therapy/Treatment



Consultation



Intensive Care



Others

Mobile Hospitals Market, by Region

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



Germany





U.K.





France





Italy





Spain





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan





Australia & New Zealand

&



Rest of Asia Pacific



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico





Rest of Latin America



Middle East & Africa

&

GCC Countries





South Africa





Rest of Middle East & Africa

Modernization of healthcare in terms of both infrastructure and services have pushed the healthcare industry to new heights, Stay Updated with Latest Healthcare Industry Research Reports by Transparency Market Research:

Hospital Infection Therapeutics Market: The global hospital infection therapeutics market is characterized by increase in incidence of infections of resistance bacteria. The market is witnessing gradual rise in research and development activities to develop novel antibiotics, which are supported by government policies. Hence, the global hospital infection therapeutics market was valued at US$ 14.4 Bn in 2017 and is projected to expand at a significant CAGR of 2.4% from 2018 to 2026.

Healthcare Informatics Market: Companies in the healthcare informatics market are realizing this importance and emphasizing on the role of informaticists whose skills are critical for the judicious use of data in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and among electronic health record vendors.

Hospital Supplies Market: The global hospital supplies market may have grown steadily over the years, due to the rapid developments in the healthcare sector. Hospital supplies are mainly consists of the supplies such as disinfectant and sterilization equipment, transportation and mobility aids equipment, patient examination devices, operating room equipment, and syringes and needles.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MyHotels (https://www.myhotels.sa/) announced it had received final approval from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia to serve as an official Umrah OTA. MyHotels is a Saudi leading online travel agency revolutionizing the world of travel and tourism by using an integrated multi-service platform to enable customers to make international tourist reservations at premium prices. MyHotels provides a wide variety of services, including accommodations (hotels, villas, apartments); transportation (air, bus, car, transfers, etc.); individualized package tours and vacation providers, and Umrah Services. B2B and B2C customers can learn more about Umrah travel packages by visiting: MyHotels Umrah (https://umrah.myhotels.sa/agentlogin.aspx).

Maqam Logo

"We are happy and proud to receive this official designation," said Emad Alabbas, CEO of MyHotels. "We have invested a lot and still investing in developing the infrastructure of the MyHotels to deliver the fastest Umrah platform possible, and we expand our partnership in Umrah hotels reservations and the Umrah transportation reservation sectors and offering these discounts directly to our partners via our platform. This will be allowing our partners to avoid the stress of commissions targets and incentives policies, letting our partners focusing on their core business."

MyHotels Umrah Packages

B2C Umrah : Issues an immediate electronic Umrah e-Visa for individuals allows them to enter Saudi Arabia . The package includes hotels in Makkah City and/or Madinah City, transportation, and ground services, including medical insurance from Saudi Umrah Operators.

: Issues an immediate electronic Umrah e-Visa for individuals allows them to enter . The package includes hotels in City and/or City, transportation, and ground services, including medical insurance from Saudi Umrah Operators. B2B Umrah: Provides Umrah booking services to the Saudi Umrah Operators and their external agents by enabling them to book Makkah and Madinah hotels/accommodations, transportation/transfers and generating instantly a BRN ID so they can issue Umrah Visas for groups via access with Umrah Systems Services Center (MUKHA).

About MyHotels

Founded in Saudi Arabia in January 2016, headquartered in Makkah, MyHotels is an Online Travel Agency - OTA "worldwide travel services," accommodations reservations, and other travel-related services for both online and offline in both lines B2B and B2C clients. By leveraging positive relationships across the industry, MyHotels can offer travel packages through affiliates and partnerships, giving customers direct pricing and significant savings from a wide variety of hotels, hotel apartments, villas and hostels. Covering more than 1,000,000 accommodations/properties across 80,000 destinations worldwide, MyHotels is a recognized and trusted global travel brand. Learn more at: www.MyHotels.SA.

Media Contact:

Emad Alabbas, CEO

www.MyHotels.SA

+96611501881 & +966920033025

[email protected]

SOURCE MyHotels

Related Links

http://www.myhotels.sa/


HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, virtually presented its Industry & Advocate Awards for fiscal year 2021 on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The awards reflect leadership in the aerospace business community and sustained achievement in service to Marshall and to NASA's overarching mission.

This year's recipients are:

Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc. was named Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year for support of the Marshall Small Business Subcontracting Program under the Mission Operations and Integration Contract.

Aerie Aerospace LLC was named Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for support to the Marshall's Engineering Directorate, Test Laboratory, under the Marshall Engineering Technician and Trade Support Services Contract.

Frontier Electronic Systems Corporation was named Small Business Subcontractor of the Year for subcontracting support to The Boeing Company under the Space Launch System Stages Contract.

Small Business Mentor Protege of the Year was awarded to The Boeing Company, Inc., and Southern University Systems for their participation in the NASA Mentor-Protege Program under the Space Launch System Stages Contract.

Systems for their participation in the NASA Mentor-Protege Program under the Space Launch System Stages Contract. Small Business Mentor Protege Excellence Award was presented to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (ESSCA) and JBS Solutions Inc., for their participation in the NASA Mentor-Protege Program under the Engineering Services and Skills Capability Augmentation Contract.

Procurement Team of the Year was awarded to Nichole F. Crayton , Logan M. Ojermark , Ashley S. Pierce , William Burt Sellers , and Remonda J. Stevens for their support of the Marshall Small Business Program through their participation on the 2021 Procurement Small Business Action Team.

, , , , and for their support of the Marshall Small Business Program through their participation on the 2021 Procurement Small Business Action Team. Program Team of the Year was awarded to LaBreesha B. Batey and Angela F. Lovelady for their support of the Marshall Space Flight Center Small Business Program for Historical Black Colleges and Universities awarding of a NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice Initiative in collaboration with Florida A&M University efforts on Foams in Neuropathy Treatment.

for their support of the Marshall Space Flight Center Small Business Program for Historical Black Colleges and Universities awarding of a NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice Initiative in collaboration with efforts on Foams in Neuropathy Treatment. Clyde S. (Chip) Jones was named Small Business Technical Advisor of the Year for exemplary support of the Marshall Small Business Program in his role as Marshall Small Business Technical Advisor.

was named Small Business Technical Advisor of the Year for exemplary support of the Marshall Small Business Program in his role as Marshall Small Business Technical Advisor. Large Business Prime Contractor Excellence Awards were presented to Jacobs Space Exploration Group, Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (CH2M), and The Boeing Company.

Small Business Prime Contractor Excellence Awards were presented to Acuity Edge Inc., Aetos Systems Inc., All Points Logistics LLC, Cepeda Systems and Software Analysis Inc., and Victory Solutions Inc.

Small Business Subcontractor Excellence Awards were presented to 4M Research Inc., Avans Machine Inc., JBS Solutions Incorporated, Norman Filter Company LLC, and Tracker Engineering LLC.

NASA civil service employees nominate eligible individuals and organizations for awards. A panel of NASA business procurement and technical officials evaluates each nominee's business practices, innovative processes, adoption of new technologies and their overall contributions to NASA's mission and the agency's Small Business Program.

Award recipients in the following categories become candidates for agency-level Small Business Industry and Advocate Awards:

Large and Small Business Prime Contractors of the Year.

Small Business Subcontractor of the Year.

Procurement Team or Person.

Technical, Small Business Technical Coordinator/Technical Advisor.

Program Person or Team of the Year.

For more information about doing business with Marshall, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/about/business.html

For more information about NASA's Office of Small Business Programs, visit:

http://osbp.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 30, 2021 New Found Gold Corp. ("New Found" or the "Company") (TSXV: NFG) (NYSE American: NFGC) is pleased to announce assay results from eight step-out diamond drill holes designed to expand the high-grade gold mineralization at the Golden Joint Zone, a recently made discovery located approximately 1km north of the Keats Zone and approximately 850m south of the Lotto Zone. These holes were drilled as part of the Company's ongoing 200,000m diamond drill program at its 100%-owned Queensway Project ("Queensway"), located on the Trans-Canada Highway 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland.

Highlights

Highlight intervals are summarized below. Additional results are provided in Table 2.

* Note that the host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to be 70% to 90% of reported intervals. Intervals are calculated at a 1 g/t Au cut-off grade; grades have not been capped in the averaging.

The Golden Joint Zone is located approximately halfway between the Keats and Lotto zones and occurs on the east side of the Appleton Fault Zone. At this location, there is a confluence of secondary structures which hosts a network of high-grade gold veins forming two zones, Golden Joint Main Vein and Golden Joint Hanging Wall ('HW'), with an apparent conjugate relationship that is now drill-defined over a surface area of approximately 185m x 185m (Figures 2 and 3).

x (Figures 2 and 3). Immediately east of the Appleton Fault Zone is the Golden Joint Zone which is characterized by the presence of a high-grade Au-bearing, north south-striking, steeply west-dipping quartz vein, the Golden Joint Main Vein, similar to the Lotto Main Vein. Further east is the Golden Joint HW Zone, which strikes northeast, dips moderately to the southeast and is comprised of both stockwork and massive high-grade gold quartz veins (Figure 2). These two high-grade gold domains resemble mineralization styles found along this segment of the AFZ including at the Keats and Lotto zones.

Intercepts of 64.94 g/t Au over 2.10m and 17.43 g/t Au over 2.45m in hole NFGC-21-225 and 18.04 g/t Au over 2.00m in NFGC-21-181 in the Golden Joint HW Zone demonstrate persistent growth and continuity of this high-grade secondary gold trend.

and 17.43 g/t Au over in hole NFGC-21-225 and 18.04 g/t Au over in NFGC-21-181 in the Golden Joint HW Zone demonstrate persistent growth and continuity of this high-grade secondary gold trend. 16.35 g/t Au over 4.50m in NFGC-21- 307B extends the high-grade gold mineralization in the Golden Joint Main Vein to 235m vertical depth and it remains open in all directions (Figure 1). Furthermore, the Golden Joint Main Vein continues to deliver strong results including 15.32 g/t Au over 4.25m in NFGC-21-322 and 20.70 g/t Au over 2.00m in NFGC-21-181, indicating a robust gold mineralization system.

in NFGC-21- extends the high-grade gold mineralization in the Golden Joint Main Vein to vertical depth and it remains open in all directions (Figure 1). Furthermore, the Golden Joint Main Vein continues to deliver strong results including 15.32 g/t Au over in NFGC-21-322 and 20.70 g/t Au over in NFGC-21-181, indicating a robust gold mineralization system. Continued exploration will consist of two rigs targeting extension of the two Golden Joint high-grade gold trends down-dip and along strike in both directions, north to Dome and south towards Keats as both trends are open in all directions.

Melissa Render, VP of Exploration of New Found, stated: "At such an early stage of target advancement it is extremely encouraging to see such robust grades, continuity and strong vein development in two distinct zones at the Golden Joint. This area is of high priority, and it will be both exciting and interesting to see how continued drilling may connect the multitude of mineralized trends through this 2km length of the Appleton Fault Zone."

Note: Golden Joint HW intervals are not included on this long-section (see Table 2)

Drillhole Details

* Note that the host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to be 70% to 90% of reported interva7ls. Intervals are calculated at a 1 g/t Au cut-off grade; grades have not been capped in the averaging. ** Results released on June 30, 2021, from NFGC-21-241 updated with additional secondary zone result.

Queensway 200,000m Drill Program Update

Approximately 48% of the 200,000m have been drilled to date with approximately 22,300m of core pending assay results. Nine core rigs are currently operating, with a tenth scheduled to commence shortly.

Sampling, Sub-sampling and Laboratory

True widths of the intercepts reported in this press release have yet to be determined but are estimated to be 70% to 90% of reported core lengths. Reported grades have not been capped. Assays are uncut, and calculated intervals are reported over a minimum length of 2m using a lower cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au. All HQ split core assays reported were obtained by either complete sample metallic screen/fire assay or standard 30 g fire-assaying with ICP finish at ALS Minerals in Vancouver, British Columbia, or by entire sample screened metallic screen fire assay at Eastern Analytical in Springdale, Newfoundland. The complete sample metallic screen assay method is selected by the geologist when samples contain coarse gold or any samples displaying gold initial fire assay values greater than 1.0 g/t Au. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with National Instrument 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this news release dated September 30, 2021, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this news release fairly and accurately represents the information for which he is responsible.

About New Found Gold Corp.

New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland, and just 18km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 200,000m drill program at Queensway. With a current working capital balance of approximately $110 million, New Found is well funded for this program.

Please see the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Acknowledgements

New Found acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Contact

To contact the Company, please visit the Company's website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours.

New Found Gold Corp.

Per: "Craig Roberts"

Craig Roberts, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (910) 406-2407

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to further exploration and drilling on the Company's Queensway gold project in Newfoundland, interpretation of results of the drilling program and funding of the drilling program. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

SOURCE New Found Gold Corp.

Related Links

https://newfoundgold.ca/


Vermont Teddy Bear partners with American Cancer Society on Hope Bear Tweet this

"Helping people face breast cancer goes beyond medicine. It takes community and support. We are beyond proud to be partnering with the American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery program. We understand that life is precious and our Hope Bear serves a gentle reminder for someone going through one of their most challenging times, that someone cares about you and is there for support in your recovery" - Bill Shouldice President & CEO Vermont Teddy Bear Company.

"Thanks to dedicated and compassionate volunteers, the American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery has provided hope to people facing breast cancer for more than 50 years," said Anthony Marino, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society, Northeast Region. "To better support the needs of those facing breast cancer, the program was fully transitioned to a digital first approach this year, utilizing a website and app to allow people to connect with a volunteer to provide hope and support. We are grateful to Vermont Teddy Bear for providing vital support for this program and for sharing hope through their Hope Bear."

To learn more about Reach To Recovery, visit reach.cancer.org or search for ACS Reach To Recovery on Google Play or the App Store.

To view and purchase Hope Bear, visit https://www.vermontteddybear.com/bears-that-care.html.

About Vermont Teddy Bear Company

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company started in 1981 when its founder opened a cart on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont and began selling Teddy Bears that he made in his garage. Forty years later, our Bears continue to be best friends, a part of the family and beloved heirlooms. Each one of our meticulously-designed, artisan, handcrafted Bears is guaranteed for a lifetime. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company includes Vermont Teddy Bear, Vermont Mittens, PajamaGram, The 1 for U and PajamaJeans. Located in Shelburne, Vermont, the VTBC creates personalized gifts that have surprised and delighted for 40 years.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.

SOURCE Vermont Teddy Bear Co, Inc.

Related Links

www.vermontteddybear.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Ipsos/PhRMA poll shows that initial support for Medicare "negotiation" evaporates once Americans are presented with arguments around the debate. Public opinion dips by as much as 51 points, overall, when Americans see arguments both for and against drug price "negotiations."

The poll was conducted among 5,029 American adults using Ipsos' gold-standard probability-based KnowledgePanel representative of the American public. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 1.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults.

"As voters learn about the extreme policies being discussed in Washington, they are sending a clear message to policymakers  don't sacrifice access and innovation," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO, PhRMA. "Americans don't want Congress to fundamentally upend Medicare and interfere in decisions best left to patients and their doctors. Instead, the public wants lawmakers to address the real affordability challenges people face at the pharmacy. That's why our industry remains committed to fighting for solutions that lower out-of-pocket costs for medicines, while protecting access to life-saving treatments and future innovation."

Voters Don't Want to Sacrifice Access and Innovation

This survey along with other recent non-partisan polling shows that support for Medicare "negotiation" drops significantly once people learn more about the policy proposal. In particular:

Only 15% support when told it could limit people's access to newer prescription medicines

Only 15% support when told that taxing medicines up to 95% for non-compliance could take money out of the search for new medicines and cures.

Only 16% support when told it could lead to less research and development of new medicines.

Support particularly drops when Americans are told that drug price negotiations could limit people's access to newer prescription medicine. Notably there is a significant shift in support among key demographics:

Democrats support drops 61 points (from 77% to 16%) after learning the policy could limit access.

Seniors' support drops by 58 points (moving from 70% to 12%)

Hispanic support decreases 51 points (from 67% to 16%).

Americans Want Policymakers to Focus on Health Insurance Costs and Coverage

Respondents identified health insurance costs and coverage as the most important problem facing the American health care system and prioritized solutions that would lower their out-of-pocket costs.

After insurance costs (44%) and the pandemic (37%), the bureaucracy, inefficiency, and waste in the system (30%) and out-of-pocket expenses (28%) are cited as top health care concerns. Prescription drug costs is the fifth most important health care problem for Americans, with 26% feeling it's a major issue in the health care system.

When given the choice, 77% say Congress should focus more on reducing the overall costs of health care coverage such as premiums, deductibles, and copays versus focusing more on reducing the costs of prescription drugs (22%).

Eighty six percent agree politicians have lost touch with what the public needs from their health care.

Voters Want Pragmatic Policy Solutions  Not Government Price Setting

The survey shows that instead of prescription drug price setting, Americans broadly support policy proposals that enable government oversight and address their more pressing concerns around health insurance coverage  out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance.

72% believe the federal government should provide oversight and incentives to health care providers, prescription drug companies and health insurers to encourage more competition to lower prices in the health care system versus setting prices for health care services and prescription medicines and determine what services and medicines are covered by private health plans (27%).

Approximately three quarters of Americans' support requiring health insurers to pass the discounts they receive from drug companies on medicines to patients at the pharmacy (75%), providing more incentives to health insurers to keep health plan prices low for people (74%) and reducing wasteful spending by eliminating unnecessary procedures, duplicate testing and administrative overhead (73%).

The survey reinforces support for PhRMA's patient centered agenda and solutions that would make the health care system more affordable.

For more details on the Ipsos/PhRMA poll click here.

About PhRMA

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $1 trillion in the search for new treatments and cures, including $91.1 billion in 2020 alone.

Connect with PhRMA

For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:

www.PhRMA.org

www.Innovation.org

www.MAT.org

www.Facebook.com/PhRMA

www.Twitter.com/PhRMA

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Related Links

https://www.phrma.org/


CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ODDSworks is proud to announce that an agreement has been finalized that will bring 12 of the most popular casino-proven table games in the Felt portfolio to the BETguard Remote Game Server. The Felt portfolio coming to OddsWorks consists of eight blackjack side bet games, including Perfect PairsTM, 21+3TM and Lucky LuckyTM; three poker variants including Caribbean Stud poker TM and Texas Hold'em bonus poker TM, and Felt's unique Double Ball Roulette TM.

ODDSworks President Larry DeMar said he believes the move is an exciting step for both companies.

Felt's games have gained a global following and have a proven track record within land-based casinos," he said. "Combining classic Blackjack, Poker and Roulette titles with the world's most popular side bets creates the most exciting and truly unique table game experience found anywhere online."

Felt's CEO John Parsonage added, "Felt is dedicated to the provision of best-in-class casino table games to the online gaming world. Felt games are renowned worldwide and have a proven track record within land-based and online casinos." We can't wait to bring them online in the US.

"With Felt, customers see side bets that fully engage players by providing higher win frequencies as well as larger potential rewards," DeMar added. "These benefits in return provide longer playing times, increased bet volume and can generate up to a 40 percent higher return to the operator over standard table games. I am delighted to see what together we can do."

Felt's game interfaces incorporate the authentic look of cards and chips with functional features.

Best yet, he said they are fully mobile-ready today and will be live this year.

DeMar also believes the deal "primes the well" for future content.

ODDSworks plans to integrate with most major online casinos to provide operators with a unique, market-proven game library.

ODDSworks CEO Shridar Joshi noted "There is a tremendous amount of potential in the market waiting to be capitalized on, and we expect to partner with other amazing companies like Felt moving into the future. ODDSworks is now positioned to be the go-to place for special differentiated table games."

ODDSworks game library now stands at 65 games and growing!

The catalog includes familiar favorites like Keno, Slots, Scratch-off Tickets and Video Poker. Content consists of a versatile range of proprietary and third-party titles, each featuring a unique and engaging theme enhanced with stellar graphics, sounds, and features.

Many of those games have already had successful runs in U.S. land-based and European online markets.

About Felt Gaming

Felts's portfolio is a comprehensive suite of games bringing the world's best table game concepts into online gambling. All of our classic Blackjack, Roulette and Poker titles are proven performers and have stood the test of time in the most competitive environments, in thousands of land-based casinos across the globe.

For more about Felt Gaming visit, FeltGaming.com.

About ODDSworks

The ODDSworks game portfolio includes a versatile range of proprietary and third-party titles, each featuring a unique and engaging theme enhanced with stellar graphics, sounds and features.

The ODDSworks team brings almost 100 years of gaming experience to the table. ODDSWorks is owned and operated by gaming pros who know the industry and its players inside out.

For more about ODDSWorks visit, ODDSworks.com.

CONTACT:

Steven De Mar, Executive Vice President

ODDSworks, Inc.

2777 Finley Rd. Ste 1

Downer's Grove, IL 60515

312-337-7777

[email protected]

ODDSworks.com

SOURCE ODDSworks, Inc.

Related Links

www.oddsworks.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("Oppenheimer")  a leading investment bank, wealth manager, and a subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings (NYSE: OPY)  announced that it successfully concluded its first-ever ESG and Climate Transition conference earlier this week. The online conference, held on Sept. 28, featured a select group of 13 transportation and energy companies, including ChargePoint, Westport Fuel Systems, Ameresco and Hannon Armstrong, discussing their environmental, social and corporate governance strategies with more than 220 attendees, including institutional investors, top executives, and policymakers who joined the live conference on Tuesday.

Max Lami, Oppenheimer's Chief Executive Officer and Head of Investment Banking for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said, "With global commitments toward a zero-emissions economy accelerating, Oppenheimer is playing an important role in facilitating conversations between drivers of positive change with the launch of our first annual ESG and Climate Transition conference. The event showcased companies that are effectively implementing ESG and climate solutions without leaving out steps critical to sustainable practices. We were pleased to leverage our thought leadership to help companies and investors alike navigate the realities of climate change, the disruption of legacy processes in transportation, energy and agriculture, and identify the opportunities that await investors in the Circular Economy."

The event included presentations on key trends in ESG, with Oppenheimer analysts guiding the conversations with their proven insight into sustainability and ESG practices. Presenters included:

Jean Rogers , Ph.D., founder of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and one of the 20 most Influential People in Sustainable Investing, according to Barron's in 2018. Dr. Rogers is the architect of the "materiality map," a blueprint for eco-capitalism that reframes risk and aligns financial value with socially responsible investing. She discussed the issue of optimizing investments in the context of reducing carbon emissions and emerging carbon markets.





, Ph.D., founder of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and one of the 20 most Influential People in Sustainable Investing, according to Barron's in 2018. Dr. Rogers is the architect of the "materiality map," a blueprint for eco-capitalism that reframes risk and aligns financial value with socially responsible investing. She discussed the issue of optimizing investments in the context of reducing carbon emissions and emerging carbon markets. Pasquale Romano , President and Chief Executive Officer of ChargePoint and a member of the company's board of directors. ChargePoint is a California -based company that operates one of the world's largest electric vehicle charging networks.





, President and Chief Executive Officer of ChargePoint and a member of the company's board of directors. ChargePoint is a -based company that operates one of the world's largest electric vehicle charging networks. David M. Johnson , Chief Executive Officer of Westport Fuel Systems, a Vancouver -based supplier of alternative fuel systems and components. Mr. Romano and Mr. Johnson each discussed the growing diversity of fuel types for the transportation industry, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.





, Chief Executive Officer of Westport Fuel Systems, a -based supplier of alternative fuel systems and components. Mr. Romano and Mr. Johnson each discussed the growing diversity of fuel types for the transportation industry, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Federal Solutions at Ameresco, a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company. Ms. Bulgarino has more than two decades of experience developing innovative energy efficiency solutions.





Robert L. Johnson , Senior Vice President of Hannon Armstrong , a pioneering investor in climate solutions, with clients in the public and private sectors. Ms. Bulgarino and Mr. Johnson discussed pathways to decarbonize the global building and construction sector. They also highlighted the roles of energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy, digitalization, regulatory drivers and financing models in shaping comprehensive retrofits and other opportunities for energy savings.

Members of the Oppenheimer equity research team in attendance included:

Brian Blair , CFA, Executive Director and Senior Analyst, Industrial Machinery and Flow Control

, CFA, Executive Director and Senior Analyst, Industrial Machinery and Flow Control Noah Kaye , Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization

, Managing Director and Senior Analyst, Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization Kristen Owen , CFA, Executive Director and Senior Analyst, Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization

, CFA, Executive Director and Senior Analyst, Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization Colin Rusch , Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst and Head of Oppenheimer's Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization

Colin Rusch, Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst and Head of Oppenheimer's Sustainable Growth and Resource Optimization franchise, and lead organizer of the conference, said, "We thank all the companies and investors that participated in our first annual ESG and Climate Transition conference. Companies who are championing ESG want a playbook for how to think about the future of investment, while institutional investors focused on the technology, transportation, energy and utilities sectors want to identify organizations that are leading the charge in ESG practices. As climate change continues to weigh heavily on the future, Oppenheimer was pleased to help all of these stakeholders address the key challenges we face today, while highlighting companies committed to the increasingly important area of ESG."

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a principal subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY on the New York Stock Exchange), and its affiliates provide a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, local governments, businesses and institutions.

Media Contacts:

Joseph Kuo / Michael Dugan

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4852

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Strategic Communications (Optimum), the International Strategic Healthcare Communications firm, will be hosting its 13th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference on Monday, 4 October 2021.

Firmly established as a major thought leadership event in the European healthcare sector's calendar, eminent speakers at this year's conference will explore important themes pertinent to the future of the industry, bringing together a diverse audience of stakeholders with different perspectives to discuss, learn and make connections. The conference will celebrate the numerous successes across the sector, the champions who are making it happen and the investors who are investing in those champions. The conference will take place virtually via Optimum's live on-line platform to enable participants to debate and network virtually.

Commenting on the event, Mary Clark, Managing Director, Optimum Strategic Communications, said:

"This time last year we were in the midst of an international public health crisis, one that has had a profound and lasting impact on many aspects of our working and non-working lives. Central to this has been the effect on the healthcare industry and its remarkable response to the pandemic, paving the way for unprecedented innovation and collaboration within the sector.

"A year on and twelve years since our very first conference, I am delighted that we have once again assembled a stellar line up of industry leaders to discuss and debate current stand-out topics and trends, and those which will continue to influence the healthcare and life sciences sector. As we build on the success of last year's virtual format, the focus of this conference will be on 'champions', both in terms of those who lead the way in their respective fields and the criteria needed to build the successful champions of the future."

- AGENDA -

Welcome

Mary Clark, Managing Director, Optimum Strategic Communications

The CEO Champions: Leaders of Successful European Biotech and Life Sciences Companies

Chair: Amber Tong, Senior Editor, Endpoints News

Renee Aguiar-Lucander, Chief Executive Officer, Calliditas Therapeutics

John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Biomedica

Lisa Anson, Chief Executive Officer, Redx Pharma

Amber Tong, Senior Editor of Endpoints News, chairs our illustrious panel of speakers, celebrating the successes across our sector, and talking to the leaders who are making it happen! Together they will examine what makes a successful CEO and, in a year that has seen the profile of the Life Sciences Industry reach a tremendous high, what is the outlook for 2022 and beyond.

Fireside Chat with biotech investment guru Francesco de Rubertis

Mike Ward, Global Head of Thought Leadership, Clarivate

Francesco de Rubertis, Co-Founder & Partner, Medicxi

Mike Ward, Global Head of Thought Leadership at Clarivate Group, will be speaking with Medicxi's Co-Founder & Partner, Francesco de Rubertis, on his career journey and his asset-centric approach to life sciences investing.

Public Market Investor Panel: Investing in Today's and Tomorrow's Innovative Companies

Chair: Hannah Kuchler, Global Pharmaceuticals Correspondent, Financial Times

Ulrica Slane Bjerke, CIO and Co-Founder of Arctic Aurora LifeScience Investment Portfolio, Arctic Asset Management

Paul Major, Portfolio Manager, Bellevue Asset Management

Victoria Darbyshire, Equity Analyst, J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Geraldine O'Keeffe, Partner, Life Science Partners (LSP)

The panel will focus on investing in today's and tomorrow's champions. Chaired by Hannah Kuchler, Global Pharmaceuticals Correspondent at the Financial Times, the panel of leading investors will discuss the 'hot' investment trends, the companies that are attracting attention and what we should be looking for in the coming year. Will therapeutic areas and products relevant to public health continue to prosper and what portfolio adjustments are we likely to see ahead of an anticipated economic rebound?

Fireside Chat with Rice Powell, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Fresenius Medical Care

Chair: Daniel Mahony, Co-head of Healthcare, Polar Capital

Rice Powell, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Fresenius Medical Care

Daniel Mahony, Co-Head of Healthcare at Polar Capital, talks to Rice Powell, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of Fresenius Medical Care, the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases, about putting patients first and how he sees the future of healthcare taking shape in the third decade of the 21st century.

VC Investor Panel: Building the Future Champions

Chair: Stephen Hansen, Associate Editor, BioCentury

Roel Bulthuis, Managing Partner, INKEF Capital

Sren Mller, Managing Partner, Novo Holdings

Otello Stampacchia, Founder, Omega Funds

Maina Bhaman, Partner, Sofinnova Partners

Stephen Hansen, Associate Editor, BioCentury, chairs the VC investor session which this year will focus on investing in early-stage companies and the success criteria for building future 'champions'. Panellists will discuss building world class teams, attracting the right level of finance and executing best strategies for success.

The detailed agenda and registration details can be found at the 13th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference website, here.

The audience is invited to participate via the conference online forums and social media using the Conference hashtag #OptimumConnections.

About Optimum Strategic Communications

Optimum Strategic Communications is an international healthcare communications firm which specialises in strategic investor relations, corporate and financial communications. Our senior team of healthcare specialists, based in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Zurich, and New York, are experienced and trusted advisors to some of the world's most exciting public and private companies, both large and small, across pharmaceuticals, medtech, biotech, health tech and healthcare services.

Over the last 25 years, our team has worked with over 300 healthcare companies, advising them on financial communications and investor relations, including major corporate activity such as fundraising, IPOs, M&A, as well as corporate reputation and crisis scenarios.

We have an exceptional network of contacts across the international investment community in Europe and the US; contacts we have built and maintained over the last three decades. The Optimum team includes ex-fund managers and analysts, as well as financial and corporate communications specialists.

For more information please visit www.optimumcomms.com

SOURCE Optimum Strategic Communications

Related Links

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Washington, D.C. federal-court jury awarded a longtime U.S. Department of Justice employee $445,000 in her gender discrimination lawsuit against the government, the law firm Outten & Golden LLP announced today.

After a five-day trial, the jury sided with Debra Stoe, who worked for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a DOJ agency, for 20 years. Stoe alleged she repeatedly was passed over for promotions in favor of less qualified and less accomplished men.

Stoe's professional achievements included development of standards and testing required to ensure that law enforcement equipment and technology such as bulletproof vests is safe and effective.

In evidence presented at trial, Stoe's supervisors recognized that she "revolutionized" the standards and testing program, and that she was "singularly responsible" for "moving it into the modern era." Stoe was credited with saving the government "millions" of dollars and saving "countless lives" of law enforcement officers.

Outten & Golden Partner Susan E. Huhta said, "This case involved blatant gender discrimination by the federal government. We are grateful the jury rejected the government's specious defense. The verdict is a complete vindication of an exemplary employee."

Outten & Golden Partner Cassandra W. Lenning said, "The trial made clear the impact of Ms. Stoe's work. On the final day of the trial, a former supervisor of Ms. Stoe's thanked her from the stand and credited her with saving his police officer son's life. His son was hit by a speeding car, and the bulletproof vest he was wearing saved his life."

Debra Stoe said, "My career meant the world to me. The work I did was important. I hoped the DOJ hiring system would be fair, but the evidence showed it was not. I felt strongly that we had to take a stand against how the DOJ too often disregards women. The importance of the #MeToo movement really hits home when you see people like me whose hard work, superior qualifications, and experience were so casually and consistently overlooked. We showed that people and the DOJ hiring system were manipulated by the discriminator. I'm grateful for the jury's findings."

Huhta added, "Debra Stoe's courage should serve as an inspiration to all women in the workplace. This verdict sends a message to all employers that discrimination in the workplace will not be tolerated, especially in the federal government."

The case is "Stoe v. Garland," Case 1:16-cv-01618-JDB in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

CONTACTS: Susan E. Huhta and Cassandra W. Lenning, Outten & Golden, 516.261.6080 or [email protected].

About Outten & Golden LLP

Outten & Golden LLP focuses on advising and representing individuals in employment, partnership, and related workplace matters both domestically and internationally. The firm counsels individuals on employment and severance agreements; handles complex compensation and benefits issues (including bonuses, equity agreements, and partnership interests); and advises professionals (including doctors and lawyers) on contractual issues. It also represents employees with a wide variety of claims, including discrimination and harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, disability, national origin, religion, and age, as well as retaliation, whistleblower, and contract claims. The firm handles class actions involving a wide range of employment issues, including economic exploitation, gender- and race-based discrimination, wage-and-hour violations, violations of the WARN Act, and other systemic workers' rights issues.

Outten & Golden has nine practice groups: Executives & Professionals, Financial Services, Sexual Harassment & Sex Discrimination, Family Responsibilities & Disability Discrimination, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) Workplace Rights, Discrimination & Retaliation, Whistleblower Retaliation, Class & Collective Actions, and WARN Act.

Outten & Golden has offices in New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Outten & Golden LLP
MIDLAND, Pa., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting to The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The CAFR report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

PA Cyber's CEO Brian Hayden expressed thanks to the dedicated staff of PA Cyber's internal Business Office.

"This is the third year our cyber school has captured this distinction and the entire PA Cyber team is justifiably proud of having achieved this honor," Hayden added. "In fact, I am proud to share that in reviewing our grading, we were marked as proficient in ALL applicable categories. This continues to be a significant milestone for The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and demonstrates our commitment to accurate financial reporting and transparency."

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve. The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (COA) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

Media Contact: David Atkins / [email protected]

About PA Cyber

Serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber) is one of the largest, most experienced, and most successful online public schools in the nation. PA Cyber's online learning environments, personalized instruction methods, and choices of curricula connect Pennsylvania students and their families with state-certified and highly qualified teachers and rich academic content. Founded in 2000, PA Cyber is headquartered in Midland, Beaver County, and maintains a network of support offices throughout the state. As a public school, PA Cyber is open for enrollment by any school-age child residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and does not charge tuition to students or families.

SOURCE The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber)

Related Links

http://www.pacyber.org


BRUSSELS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Styrenics Circular Solutions (SCS), the value chain initiative to increase the circularity of styrenic polymers, today welcomed PACCOR as a new member.

Headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, PACCOR is a global player in the packaging industry with high expertise in developing and providing valuable rigid plastic packaging products. The company has employees in across 18 countries and 24 manufacturing locations. Their products range from dairy to home care packaging solutions.

Jens Kathmann, Secretary-General of SCS, commented: "We extend a very warm welcome to our new members PACCOR. Their CARE strategy to accelerate the transition to a circular economy has made a positive impression on their industry peers and we look forward to their input to our value chain's shared mission."

Andreas Schuette, CEO of PACCOR, said: "We are delighted to join SCS. As part of our committed drive for circularity, PACCOR's goal is the recyclability in practice and at scale for all of our products by 2023, ahead of the EU timescale. This drive will be strengthened by our collaboration as part of the SCS team as we work together on our shared circularity goals."

About Styrenics Circular Solutions

Styrenics Circular Solutions is the value chain initiative to increase the circularity of styrenics. The initiative engages the entire value chain in the development and industrialisation of new recycling technologies and solutions. It aims to strengthen the sustainability of styrenic products while improving resource efficiency within the Circular Economy.

SOURCE Styrenics Circular Solutions
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The PARRIS Law Firm, together with Panish, Shea & Boyle and plaintiffs' counsel, announced a $1.8 billion settlement with Sempra Energy and SoCalGas over the Aliso Canyon gas well blow-out in Porter Ranch which released nearly 100,000 tons of methane and other toxins into the atmosphere over the span of almost 4 months.

The settlement covers more than 35,000 plaintiffs who were impacted by the October 2015 blowout. It is the largest natural gas leak in U.S. history. This settlement is also believed to be the largest settlement in a natural gas release case.

This settlement comes after years of legal victories by The PARRIS Law Firm and its co-counsel, including $5.7 million in discovery sanctions against the law firm that represented Sempra Energy. Combined with other settlements and relocation costs Sempra was forced to pay, the victory totals well over $2 billion.

An independent root cause analysis report, conducted by Blade Energy Partners in consultation with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Department of Conservation's Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) found SoCalGas did nothing to investigate the causes of the dozens of previous leaks at the facility caused by corroded pipes and other safety failures. Blade also found Sempra/SoCalGas did not assess the wells for disaster potential and that the well in question should have been plugged sooner. The leak wasn't finally stopped until February 11, 2016, 118 days after it was discovered.

"This is a long journey for all of us, most importantly the residents, homeowners, and first-responders who were present during the gas leak, which was entirely preventable," said attorney R. Rex Parris. "This settlement should go a long way toward helping everyone pay for the various health issues that have arisen due to this disaster."

The settlement involves three different agreements, the first of which will require roughly 97% participation by the plaintiffs, as well court approval of the allocation process and other conditions. The second and third phase of the agreement will also require court approval.

"These types of environmental tragedies ravage communities, damage the planet, and cause severe health problems for residents," said PARRIS Law Firm attorney Patricia Oliver. "Sempra has been held accountable and every public utility in California and the rest of the county has been put on notice that these types of catastrophes will not go unnoticed or unpunished."

The settlement was achieved after nearly six years of intense litigation led by a coordinated team of plaintiffs' attorneys, including R. Rex Parris and Patricia K. Oliver of Parris Law Firm; Brian J. Panish and Jesse Creed of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP; Robin Greenwald and Devin Bolton of Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.; Raymond Boucher and Cathy Kim of Boucher LLP; Frank Pitre, Gary Praglin and Kelly Weil of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP; Michael Kelly and Lindsey Bayman of Kirtland & Packard LLP; Mariana McConnell and Paul Kiesel of Kiesel Law LLP; Frank Petosa of Morgan & Morgan; and Roland Tellis and Evan Zucker of Baron & Budd, P.C..

About PARRIS Law Firm

The PARRIS Law Firm is recognized as one of America's top personal injury, employment and environmental law firms. With a proven track record of fighting for justice on behalf of families and individuals, the firm boasts numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. To learn more about the firm, please go to: https://www.parris.com.

Media Contact:

Dante Hickles: (661) 949-2595 [email protected]

SOURCE PARRIS Law Firm

Related Links

https://www.parris.com


DUBLIN, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Perrigo Company plc (NYSE; TASE: PRGO) ("Perrigo" or the "Company"), a leading provider of Quality, Affordable Self-Care Products, today announced that it has reached a settlement with the Irish Office of the Revenue Commissioners for the Notice of Amended Assessment ("NoA") dated November 29, 2018. The NoA had claimed income tax payable in the amount of approximately 1.6 billion, not including interest or penalties. On July 9, 2021, Irish Revenue acknowledged that not all relevant facts were known to them when they issued the NoA in 2018 and that, accordingly, Irish Revenue would not object to certain adjustments that would result in an aggregate reduction of more than 660 million from the income taxes claimed in the NoA as issued. At that point, Perrigo believed that the maximum amount of income tax claims in dispute was effectively reduced to less than 1.0 billion, not including any interest or penalties.

While the Company believes that its tax position was correct and would ultimately have been confirmed by the Tax Appeals Commission, given the risks inherent in any litigation, as well as the ongoing costs of what could have been years of litigation and the uncertainty that would create, the Company and Irish Revenue have agreed to settle this matter on the following terms:

Perrigo agrees to pay 297 million as a full and final settlement of all liabilities arising from the sale of the Tysabri  patents and to be taxed in periods FY13 to FY21 inclusive;

patents and to be taxed in periods FY13 to FY21 inclusive; Irish Revenue will give Perrigo credit for certain taxes already paid and for certain unused R&D credits, all of which will be applied against the 297 million figure, such that the total cash payment that Perrigo will be making to Irish Revenue as part of this settlement will be 266.1 million;

The settlement provides that no interest is due and no penalties apply;

For settlement purposes only and on a "without prejudice" basis, the parties agree to apply an alternative basis of taxation than the respective positions taken by Irish Revenue in the NoA and by Elan Pharma in its tax returns;

Irish Revenue will take no further action in relation to the NoA or any Tysabri-related income or transactions.

Irish Revenue has confirmed in writing their acceptance of the above terms, and Perrigo expects to execute a formal settlement agreement with Irish Revenue in the coming days. Perrigo will make a payment of 266.1 million to Revenue within seven days after the parties execute the settlement agreement. The Company expects to fund this settlement through cash on hand.

Perrigo President and CEO Murray S. Kessler commented, "We believe settling this tax dispute with Irish Revenue is in the best interest of all of Perrigo's stakeholders as it removes a major uncertainty that has been a significant distraction to the Company over the last three years. While we continue to believe that our tax positions were correct and would ultimately have been confirmed through the tax appeal process, we recognize that this process was uncertain and could take many more years to complete. With what was once a multi-billion dollar uncertainty behind us, Perrigo can focus all of our efforts on delivering on our Consumer Self-Care vision and long-term value."

Separately, Perrigo announced that it has received 355 million in cash on behalf of Alychlo NV and Holdco I BE NV ("Sellers") in payment of the previously announced arbitration award issued in favor of Perrigo Ireland 2 ("Perrigo Ireland"). The award was issued August 27, 2021, by a tribunal sitting under the rules of the Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation and related to claims arising under the Stock Purchase Agreement between Sellers and Perrigo Ireland dated November 6, 2014. Under Belgian law, Sellers have the right to challenge the tribunal's award for up to three months following the date of the award. However, Perrigo does not believe that Sellers have any legal grounds for any such challenge.

About Perrigo

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE; TASE: PRGO) is a leading provider of Quality, Affordable Self-Care Products and over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. Led by its consumer self-care strategy, Perrigo is the largest store brand OTC player in the U.S. in the categories in which it competes through more than 9,000 SKUs under customer 'own brand' labels. Additionally, Perrigo is a Top 10 OTC company by revenue in Europe, where it markets more than 200 branded OTC products throughout 28 countries. Visit Perrigo online at www.perrigo.com.

Perrigo Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements." These statements relate to future events or the Company's future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "forecast," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "poised," "predict," "potential" or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Company believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including: the timing of the formal settlement documentation relating to the tax settlement with Irish Revenue; the sources of funding for the settlement amount; the benefits of settling the disputed assessment, and any such risks or uncertainties that may arise in connection with any challenge to the arbitration award. These and other important factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as the Company's subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Perrigo Company plc

Related Links

http://www.perrigo.com


The executive moves are part of a long-term strategic management succession plan, which delivers on a core element of the company's 10-year vision to provide ongoing growth and leadership development opportunities for its employees.

Raff, age 60, launched XL back in 1992 together with Dave Beck, executive vice president. In recent years, he has focused his energies on corporate and organizational strategy, long-term company vision and developing ways to further institutionalize the company's focus and status as a top-ranked Bay Area general contractor. Under his leadership, the company has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to work and has won more than 75 industry awards since 2011 including several awards tied to the company's health and safety culture and numerous recognitions by its clients.

"After nearly 30 years, it's the right time for me to shift to an advisory role in XL and allow the next generation of leadership to take over strategic and day-to-day management in order to build an enduring company positioned well for the next 30 years," said Raff.

"We're extremely fortunate to have a leader as capable and dedicated to our purpose and values as Richard Walker. He has an incredible background and level of experience. Under his leadership, we have expanded and evolved both the size and nature of our work, while staying true to our purpose and maintaining our special culture. I am grateful for his partnership and commitment to the organization, as well as his willingness to take on this next leadership challenge. In doing so, he is giving us all an opportunity to grow, take on new challenges and thrive  myself included," said Raff.

Walker joined XL Construction in 2014  initially as chief operating officer charged with overseeing operations. During that period, he helped drive significant growth and build key services, including preconstruction, construction technology and sustainability. In 2019, Raff became CEO and appointed Walker as president. In this capacity, he continued to facilitate substantial growth and drove the advancement of the company's strategic anchors, particularly in delivering specialized expertise such as mass timber and developing people.

He has 30 years of industry experience including serving as a senior vice president with Balfour Beatty Construction and vice president with Howard S. Wright Construction. In both positions, his responsibilities included strategic planning, project management and business development. Earlier in his career, he led acquisition and development for Kimpton Hotels.

Walker has a B.S. in finance, with a minor in economics, from San Diego State University and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. He serves as executive board member for HomeAid Northern California, a non-profit dedicated to addressing homelessness. He is also a member of several industry associations, including NAIOP, ULI and the Bay Area Council. Walker resides in Berkeley with his family.

"It has been a privilege to partner with Eric and the rest of our senior leadership team to build a company committed to doing what is right for our clients, team members, partners and the communities we operate in and serve," said Walker. "Under Eric's leadership, we have built a company whose core values of We Not Me, Be True and Go Beyond are truly put into action every day."

About XL Construction

XL Construction is a leading general contractor whose mission is to "build to improve lives." XL partners with today's leaders in life sciences, advanced technology, corporate office, civic, healthcare and education to create places that make its communities better. The company's focus and passion for team success has earned it a network of great partners and a reputation for putting people first. XL Construction is consistently ranked among the top general contractors in Northern California. In 2020, the company was named ENR California's Top General Contractor of 2020 and the #1 Best Place to Work in the Bay Area.

SOURCE XL Construction

Related Links

http://www.xlconstruction.com


HONG KONG, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with three strategic partners to further propel the "GBA PolyVentures 2025" blueprint laid down by the University to leverage PolyU's experience in innovation and entrepreneurship education to provide the necessary support for nurturing deep tech ventures and accelerating their growth. The collaboration also aims to translate research excellence into societal impact to contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The MoU were signed between PolyU and its strategic partners, namely Everbright Limited, StartupHK Fund and Hai Robotics.

In his welcoming remarks at the signing ceremony, Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang, PolyU's Deputy Council Chairman, said, "The signing of the MoU between PolyU and its strategic partners echoes with the needs of our Nation and leverages the strengths of PolyU and other parties in working together for the development of innovation and technology in the GBA. Hai Robotics, one of our strategic partners today, was nurtured under PolyU's entrepreneurship ecosystem and has recently become a unicorn."

Hai Robotics is a start-up that provides autonomous case-handling robotic systems. It was founded in 2016 by 2012 graduate Mr Richie Chen and 2014 graduate Mr Bing Fang of PolyU's Department of Electronic and Information Engineering. The start-up witnessed rapid growth by making use of the manufacturing advantages of the GBA and benefitting from the enormous opportunities of the Mainland China market. Hai Robotics announced last week that it has completed two rounds of financing garnering US$200 million in total, and its valuation has exceeded US$1 billion.

The Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Alfred Sit, commended the GBA PolyVentures 2025. He said that the National 14th Five-year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong's development into an international I&T hub and integration into the overall development of the country. The deepening collaboration with the Mainland, active participation in the development of the GBA and the integration into the nation's development are pivotal to the future innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government has all along attached great importance to university-industry-research collaboration. It is hoped that the synergies generated can enhance the innovation power in Hong Kong, drive the innovation and technology development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contribute to national innovation and achieve high-quality technological self-reliance.

PolyU's President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, said, "In order to further promote the development of research and entrepreneurship in the GBA and to nurture future research talents to address the market needs, PolyU continues to collaborate closely with industry partners through 'GBA PolyVentures 2025', providing comprehensive support for start-ups in different stages from education and incubation, to accelerating and strengthening their development. The goal is to distil more than 300 seed stage innovation start-ups into at least 20 deep tech ventures each year and to nurture 25 impactful scale-ups in the GBA in the next few years through collaboration with strategic partners and various supporting initiatives."

According to the MoU, PolyU and Hai Robotics will explore establishing a joint innovation centre to promote PolyU's education in innovation and entrepreneurship, nurture talents in "New Engineering", and conduct applied research in robotics-related topics. PolyU and Everbright Limited will invest resources to help start-ups develop through collaboration between technology and industry, provide support to promising research projects, and roll out an internship programme for nurturing innovation talents. PolyU and StartupHK Fund will co-invest in PolyU's start-ups and help them enter the GBA market as well as launch initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship education.

PolyU is also committed to providing high-quality education that keeps pace with the times and meets societal needs. The University will implement departmental scheme-based admissions from the 2022/23 academic year onwards, introducing two new elements of "Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis" and "Innovation and Entrepreneurship". In addition, PolyU established the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators and Residential College to encourage undergraduate students to conduct scientific research under the guidance of PolyU's professors. These initiatives are all designed to inspire students' scientific curiosity and enhance their innovation capabilities.

PolyU places high importance on nurturing technology ventures. PolyU recently signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to kick off pre-incubation at university through the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme 2.0, which provides six months of entrepreneurship training to help entrepreneurial projects enter HKSTP's start-up incubation programme directly.

In addition, PolyU has launched two key programmes that leverage on the unique advantages of the technology and innovation ecosystem in the GBA. The first is PolyU's GBA Startup Postdoc Programme targeted at PhD graduates who are determined to start their own businesses. Under dual academic and industrial mentorship, participants can simultaneously continue with their research and start their own business for commercialisation of their research outputs. Since the launch of the programme over a year ago, six PhD students have won nine awards in total. Six start-ups have been established to receive post-incubation support; some of them have even received angel investment. PolyU will extend the programme to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong to attract more technology and innovation talents to develop in the GBA.

The second key programme is the GBA Maker Programme for hardware start-ups. PolyU makes full use of its unique advantages and facilities in manufacturing engineering, such as PolyU's Industrial Centre, to combine Hong Kong's edge in innovation technology and the manufacturing capabilities of the GBA to nurture top-notch hardware start-ups.

Through "GBA PolyVentures 2025", PolyU aims to systematically accelerate the growth of start-ups through education and incubation and ultimately contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the GBA by deepening the collaboration with strategic partners and leveraging their resources, experience and network, with the support of PolyU's new "Entrepreneurship Investment Fund".

SOURCE The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: POR) announced today that it will host an analyst conference call and webcast at 11 a.m. ET on Friday, October 29, to review its third quarter 2021 financial results.

Portland General Electric's third quarter 2021 earnings summary will be released before financial markets open in the United States on October 29.

The conference call will be hosted by Maria Pope, president and CEO; Jim Ajello, senior vice president, finance, CFO and treasurer; and Jardon Jaramillo, senior director of investor relations, treasury and risk management.

To hear the conference call by webcast, log on to Portland General Electric's investor website at investors.portlandgeneral.com, select Events & Presentations from the menu, and the webcast will be listed under Upcoming Events. A replay of the call will be available beginning at 2 p.m. ET on October 29 through 2 p.m. ET on November 5. To access the recording, call 855-859-2056 (toll-free US/Canada) or 404-537-3406 (international toll call) and enter access code 5861413.

About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE owns 16 generation plants across Oregon and other Northwestern states and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future, with goals of achieving at least an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and 100% reduction in GHG emissions by 2040. In 2021, PGE became the first U.S. utility to join The Climate Pledge. In 2020, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.6 million and volunteered 18,200 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon. For the eighth year in a row PGE achieved a perfect score on the 2021 Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news.

For more information please contact:

Mike Houlihan, PGE, 503-504-9706

SOURCE: Portland General Company

SOURCE Portland General Company

Related Links

http://www.portlandgeneral.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pride Global, the integrated human capital solutions firm headquartered in New York, announced the launch of its Decidedly Diverse initiative to positively impact diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) throughout the staffing industry and in society as a whole.

Led by Kamela Forbes, the company's recently hired Global Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Decidedly Diverse represents Pride Global's formalized commitment to DE&I programs, policies, and procedures spanning every aspect of the business and every service offering it provides.

"Diversity, equity and inclusion have been a part of our message for over 35 years, especially as a minority-owned business," said Leo Russell, CEO of the Pride Global network of companies including Pride One, Russell Tobin, Pride BPO, Pride Health, Pride Now, Pride Tech, Pride Advisory, Pride India and Rocket Shippers. "Now, with Decidedly Diverse, we are empowering our competitors and investing in children to make an impact on the entire staffing ecosystem and better serve our clients and communities."

As a part of the Decidedly Diverse initiative, Pride Global has identified four initial areas of focus. The first, diversity recruiting, relies on partnerships with organizations focused on minority groups, recruiter training and incentives, expanded data collection and diversity-targeted career fairs to better help the company meet its clients' diversity hiring goals.

Through the hosting of forums and other events, Pride Global hopes to provide its client partners with opportunities to network and share best practices and metrics across their own DE&I initiatives.

The company's Diversity Staffing Alliance (DSA), a trade association founded in 2013, offers firms of diverse ownership access to business opportunities with leading corporate clients and managed service providers that were previously beyond their reach. The DSA offers support to minority-owned staffing organizations in the form of networking events and business solutions, including accounting, IT, software, insurance and legal support.

Finally, Pride in Education, Pride Global's 501(c)(3) organization, is tasked with empowering students with the skills and resources they need to compete for the best opportunities in the job market, enhancing their leadership skills and ultimately helping them find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

"I'm excited about the future of Decidedly Diverse," said Forbes. "These initiatives that we're working on now and those we'll develop in the future will set us up to be a truly diverse and inclusive organization while affecting real change across our entire client roster and within the human capital industry as well."

To learn more about Pride Global's Decidedly Diverse Initiative, visit: www.decidedlydiverse.com.

About Pride Global

Pride Global is a minority-owned integrated human capital solutions firm helping companies solve complex human resource challenges. Headquartered in New York, the Pride Global network of companies operates throughout the U.S., U.K., India and Brazil, focusing on a diverse array of human resources solutions including managed services, vendor management, payroll programs, business process optimization and staffing for both direct hire and contingent labor.

Media Contact

Kaltrina Riley

Chief Marketing Officer, Pride Global

[email protected]

SOURCE Pride Global

Related Links

https://www.prideglobal.com/


DALLAS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ACI Conglomerated, the controlling shareholder of North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. (USOTC: USMJ), Puration, Inc. (USOTC: PURA) and Priority Aviation, Inc. (USOTC: PJET), today highlighted its plans to refocus and diversify its overall strategy with the three companies.

ACI has been and continues to execute a series of transactions to update its overall business strategy in keeping with the evolving cannabis sector.

ACI is supporting PURA in the execution of its updated Farmersville Hemp Brand strategy, and likewise supporting USMJ in the execution of its cannabis industry ecommerce strategy.

ACI, in an effort to diversify, is working on the development of a new business initiative outside of the cannabis sector for PJET. PJET's new opportunity is advancing on pace, and an announcement is anticipated soon on its new business initiative.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that Alkame will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's contracts, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Contact:

ACI Conglomerated

Steven Rash

[email protected]

+1 (800) 861-1350

SOURCE Puration, Inc.
NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Religions for Peace , the world's largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, will be awarded the "Pro Humanitate" European Culture Prize in Lindau, Germany on Friday, October 1st.

This award, granted by the Pro Europa Cultural Foundation, is presented annually to individuals and organizations who have contributed to a unified Europe through compassionate service to all persons. Recipients of this award embody the idea that Europe's strength lies in respect for human dignity.

"We are honored to receive the Pro Humanitate European Culture Prize," said Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace. "Religions for Peace has dedicated 50 years of service to fostering interreligious collaboration because we firmly believe that dialogue and united action between the world's religious communities can effect lasting change in the world."

The award comes days before Religions for Peace hosts a major conference of religious, government, and civil society leaders from across the world in Lindau, Germany. The "Conference of the World Council of Religious Leaders on Faith and Diplomacy: Generations in Dialogue'' will discuss the role of religion in some of today's most pressing issues, such as global vaccine inequity, climate devastation, and gender-based violence in political conflict.

The conference will also be broadcast via livestream for those who wish to participate virtually.

"The Pro Humanitate European Culture Prize embodies the mission of our upcoming conference. We are living in a time of extreme division and inequity. We must remember the dignity of all persons, the value of diverse perspectives, and the truth that we are stronger in unity," Dr. Karam said. "Religions for Peace looks forward to celebrating multireligious collaboration and identifying unified actions for peacebuilding in today's world."

Members of the media are invited to attend the European Culture Prize Ceremony on Friday, October 1st at 1:30 p.m. Eastern (7:30 p.m. CET). Interested journalists must email [email protected] .

Members of the media are also invited to attend a Religions for Peace press conference on October 4 at 6:45 a.m. Eastern (12:45 p.m. CET), when Dr. Azza Karam will formally release the World Council Statement on Faith and Diplomacy, an expression of solidarity from faith leaders representing diverse faith traditions and institutions across the globe responding to the multiple global pandemics, posing existential threats to our common humanity. Journalists who wish to attend the press conference must RSVP here .

To register for the October 4-7 "Conference of the World Council of Religious Leaders on Faith and Diplomacy: Generations in Dialogue," please visit peace-dialogue-lindau.org/register .

For more information, please view the Religions for Peace press kit . To request an interview with Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace, please contact Elyse Sheppard at [email protected] or 202-471-4228 ext. 127.

About Religions for Peace

Religions for Peace is the world's largest and most representative multi-religious coalition with national member associations, called "Inter-religious Councils" (IRCs) in nearly 100 countries. Since 1973, Religions for Peace has been accredited as a non-governmental organization with the United Nations and is particularly engaged in the areas of transforming conflict, promoting just and harmonious societies, fostering sustainable human development, protecting the earth and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at www.rfp.org .

SOURCE Religions for Peace
SAO PAULO, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  Sabesp ("Company" or "Sabesp"), pursuant to the provisions CVM Instruction n 44, of August 23, 2021, hereby informs its shareholders and the market in general that, on a meeting held at this date by the State Privatization Program's Board (Conselho Diretor do Programa Estadual de Desestatizacao  CDPED), established by State Law n 9,361, of July 5, 1996, in view of the New Sanitation Regulatory Framework (Federal Law n 14,026/2020), as well as State Law n 17,383/2021, which defined the Regional Basic Sanitation Units for the State of Sao Paulo, unanimously resolved:

(i) to recommend the hiring, by the Treasury and Planning Secretariat (Secretaria da Fazenda e Planejamento do Estado de Sao Paulo), of the International Finance Corporation  IFC, to provide consulting services to the State, consisting in the identification and analysis of possible alternatives for restructuring Sabesp's share capital; and

(ii) at each relevant stage of the work to be carried out by the IFC, the matter should return to CDPED for evaluation and continuation.

Sabesp will keep the market informed of any developments related to the subject matter of this Material Fact.

IR Contacts:

Mario Arruda Sampaio: (55 11) 3388-8664 ([email protected])

Angela Beatriz Airoldi: (55 11) 3388-8793 ([email protected])

SOURCE Sabesp

Related Links

http://www.sabesp.com.br


RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When your company goal is to excite and delight customers and consumers with inspired flavors, you are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to expand your portfolio of flavors. That is why Sauer Brands Inc., makers of iconic flavor-enhancing condiments, seasonings and spices including Duke's Mayonnaise, Kernel Season's, Sauer's, and The Spice Hunter, is excited to announced it has acquired Mateo's Gourmet Salsa, one of the fastest growing brands in the shelf-stable salsa category in the country (go ahead and check the data, we'll wait here).

"We are incredibly excited to add Mateo's Gourmet Salsa to our growing family of highly differentiated, and inspired flavors," said Martin Kelly, Conductor of Creativity, Culture and Commerce at Sauer Brands (a/k/a President & CEO). "With the resources and investment Sauer Brands will bring to Mateo's, we are confident we can accelerate what is already an amazing growth story for the brand."

Based in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, Texas, Mateo's all-natural and gluten-free line of products was created in 2010 by Andrew Robbins, who decided to market the homemade salsa his father created when he couldn't find one available in stores that met his discerning standards. What started being sold out of the back of Andrew's Honda Pilot can now be found across the country in such stores as Costco, Walmart, Target, Publix and Kroger.

"It has been an amazing journey building our brand and seeing it become one of the largest independently owned salsas in the country," said Robbins. "Subpar salsas are everywhere. Too chunky. Too liquidy. Too bland. Too tomato pasty. But Mateo's has the perfect texture with the right amount of kick that can only be delivered with our uniquely different formula."

Mateo's competes in the premium shelf stable salsa category and delivers an obsessive taste while utilizing high quality, all natural ingredients. The unique formula and texture has created a legion of loyal fans.

"The opportunity to work with a brand that has such a loyal following of fanatics is extremely exciting," said Eric Boonshaft, Mr. Mateo-Head at Sauer Brands (a/k/a Mateo's General Manager). "One taste of Mateo's Gourmet Salsa and you'll understand why Mateo's must state "Not Responsible for Obsession!"

About Sauer Brands Inc.

Sauer Brands, Inc. was founded as The C.F. Sauer Company in 1887, in Richmond, Virginia. The company produces a broad line of inspired flavors to excite and delight consumers including condiments, spices, seasonings and extracts. The company's manufacturing facilities are in Richmond, Virginia; Mauldin, South Carolina; New Century, Kansas; and San Luis Obispo, California. The company sells well-known brands including Duke's Mayonnaise and Southern Sauces, Kernel Season's Popcorn Flavorings, The Spice Hunter, Sauer's, and Tasty Shakes. Sauer Brands, Inc. also produces high quality private label products for the retail and away-from-home channels. Learn more at www.sauerbrandsinc.com .

About Mateo's Gourmet Salsa

Founded in 2010 by Andrew Robbins, Mateo's Gourmet Salsa is one of the nation's leading independent salsa brands, available in retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Target, Publix and Kroger. Mateo's all-natural line of products includes a wide variety of salsas ranging from core flavors such as Mild, Medium and Hot, to small batch gourmet flavors such as Habanero, Hatch and Cantina Style. For more information, visit www.mateossalsa.com .

SOURCE Sauer Brands

Related Links

sauerbrands.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings said today that it has assigned Schlumberger Ltd. (NYSE: SLB) an ESG evaluation score of 58. The company's ESG evaluation score is the result of an ESG profile of 57 combined with adequate preparedness. Higher numbers indicate stronger sustainability performance in our evaluations.

Schlumberger's ESG evaluation score is driven by S&P Global Ratings' view that the company manages numerous material ESG issues in the oil and gas services industry largely in line with major global peers. Schlumberger's environmental footprint is similar to peers while it has ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and has a broad product portfolio that helps customers reduce their environmental impacts. The company demonstrates effective recruitment and retention of its workforce, resulting in lower workforce turnover than peers, while safety performance is largely in line with global peers. The company's global operations expose it to potential governance risks while in our view its board structure and code and values framework align with peers.

Schlumberger seeks to pursue growth opportunities in digital innovation and new energy and strengthen its leading position in the oilfield services business by reducing capital intensity and expanding its addressable market. We believe the company is adequately prepared for emerging risks in the industry, with a board and management that comprehend how disruptions such as the energy transition could affect its strategy. Schlumberger remains heavily vested in the oil & gas industry, which in our view faces outsized exposure to long-term sustainability-related disruptions, and the company is in the early stages of advancing its new energy ventures.

What Is An ESG Evaluation?

S&P Global Ratings' ESG evaluation is a cross-sector, relative analysis of an entity's capacity to continue to operate successfully. It is grounded in how ESG factors could affect stakeholders, potentially leading to a material direct or indirect financial impact on the entity.

Our definition of stakeholders for a particular entity goes beyond shareholders to include employees, the local community, government, regulators, customers, lenders, borrowers, policyholders, voters, members, and suppliers. A high ESG evaluation score indicates an entity is relatively less prone to experiencing material ESG-related events, and is relatively better positioned to capitalize on ESG-related growth opportunities than entities with lower ESG evaluation scores. First, we establish an ESG profile for a given entity, which assesses the exposure of the entity's operations to observable ESG risks and opportunities, and how the entity is mitigating these risks and capitalizing on these opportunities. Second, we assess the entity's long-term preparedness, namely its capacity to anticipate and adapt to a variety of long-term plausible disruptions.

S&P Global Ratings currently evaluates over 60 entities across the globe; they have an average score of 68. Since the first ESG evaluation, published in June 2019, we have finalized ESG Evaluations across 19 sectors globally. By region, the highest average score is 72, for companies headquartered in Europe. Visit spglobal.com/ratings for our latest sustainable finance research and all of our publicly available ESG Evaluations. Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC or its affiliates (collectively, S&P) receives compensation for the provision of the S&P Global Ratings ESG Evaluation product, including the report (Product). S&P may also receive compensation for rating the entity covered by the Product or for rating transactions involving and/or securities issued by the entity covered by the Product.

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SOURCE S&P Global Ratings
A spokesperson of Shanghai Electric said, "We are proud to participate in Dubai 2020 as one of the official partners of the China Pavilion. We look forward to celebrating the latest scientific achievements that mark the making of a new era for humankind and the ground-breaking technological inventions leading us toward a greener future. Shanghai Electric wishes to show the world our prowess in new energy and our innovations born through global partnerships."

On a giant naked-eye 3D screen in the "Communication and Connection" exhibition, Shanghai Electric will display China's vision of a low-carbon future by demonstrating its effort to build the world's largest solar energy plant in Dubai, alongside technological milestones and roadmaps in wind power, hydrogen energy, energy storage, green transportation and industrial Internet.

The exhibition's theme reflects Shanghai Electric's unswerving focus on its core business areas, including smart energy and intelligent manufacturing, while implementing "technological advancement to achieve business transformation and upgrading".

Shanghai Electric seeks to partnerships with global industry leaders and innovators to accelerate human progress and sustainable development, creating more open and mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.

On Shanghai Electric Day held in December, Shanghai Electric will promote cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and other countries by demonstrating its new energy solutions in the wind, solar and energy storage - showing the companies "Belt and Road" (BRI) achievements and its progress towards China's carbon reduction targets.

Over the past years, Shanghai Electric has spearheaded several mega-scale projects along the BRI to bolster the development of the energy sector. Chief among them is the Dubai Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project, the world's largest solar thermal photovoltaic plant, expected to provide clean power to more than 270,000 residents in Dubai and reduce about 1.6 million tons of carbon emissions every year once completed. Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric has established closer cooperation with its global partners through BRI, promoting economic development and inter-regional connectivity and offering advanced technologies and rich project experience to other countries.

World Expos are the global fests that highlight scientific, technological, economic and social progress. As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the Dubai Expo 2020, "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", aims to drive inspiration, innovation and collaboration to create a better future. Originally scheduled to kick off on October 20, 2020, Dubai Expo is reopening its door to nearly 200 nations and 25 million visitors on October 1, 2021, after being delayed for a year by the coronavirus pandemic.

Themed 'Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind  Innovation and Opportunity', the China pavilion, named 'The Light of China', is one of the largest exhibition buildings in the Dubai Expo 2020, with the design language symbolizing hope and a bright future as a showcase for China's rich cultural heritage and longstanding history. Visitors can also access the China Pavilion and Shanghai Electric Exhibition Area online through the "China Pavilion on Cloud".

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

Related Links

www.shanghai-electric.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Yalla Group Limited ("Yalla" or the "Company") (NYSE: YALA). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Yalla and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On May 19, 2021, Swan Street Research ("Swan Street") published a report addressing Yalla, entitled "Is Yalla Group a Multi $B Fraud? The 'Clubhouse of the Middle East' UAE Tech Unicorn that Never Was". The Swan Street report alleges, among other things, that the Company inflates its metrics, including revenue, and characteries Yalla's financial statements as "not credible".

On this news, Yalla's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $1.31 per ADS, or 7.15%, to close at $17.01 per ADS on May 19, 2021.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Annovis Bio, Inc. ("Annovis" or the "Company") (NYSE: ANVS) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 21-cv-04040, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Annovis securities between May 21, 2021 and July 28, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims against the Defendants under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Annovis securities during the Class Period, you have until October 18, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Annovis is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company that is developing therapies addressing neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease ("AD"), Parkinson's disease ("PD"), and AD in Down syndrome. Its lead compound is ANVS401 (Posiphen), an orally administrated drug which purportedly inhibited the synthesis of neurotoxic proteins that are the main cause of neurodegeneration.

At all relevant times, the Company was conducting two Phase 2a clinical studies. The trial conducted in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study examines twenty-four early AD patients, whereas the AD/PD trial examines fourteen AD and fifty-four PD patients. Both are double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and were purportedly designed to measure not only target, but also pathway validation in the spinal fluid of patients. Annovis stated that if it could show both target and pathway validation in two patient populations, it "believe[d] that [its] opportunity for successful Phase 3 studies is better than if we merely demonstrated target validation in one patient population."

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Annovis's ANVS401 did not show statistically significant results across two patient populations as to factors such as orientation, judgement, and problem solving; and (2) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 28, 2021, after the market closed, Annovis reported interim clinical data from its Phase 2a trial. Among other things, the Company reported that AD patients twenty-five days after treatment failed to show statistically significant improvement compared to the placebo. Annovis also reported that, although patients showed cognitive improvements in certain areas, the results were not statistically significant.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $65.94, or 60%, to close at $43.50 per share on July 29, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ShipHero [https://shiphero.com/], the shipping and logistics provider for over 5,000 e-commerce brands and 3PLs, today announces a new accelerator program for eCommerce startups looking to supercharge their businesses with best-in-class warehouse management software, regular mentorship from the ShipHero team, and access to a community of other fast-growing startups. Applications for the accelerator program open Friday, October 1st - full details visit: ShipHero.com/software/accelerator.

ShipHero's Accelerator Program for eCommerce Startups is a year-long program open to applicants who meet the following criteria: must be new to ShipHero, currently processing under 5,000 shipments per month, less than two years old and received less than $1M in funding to date. The first application window will run from Friday October 1st through Friday October 15th. After the application window closes, ShipHero will select five businesses to participate, with the first round of winners notified the week of October 25th, 2021. Application rounds will open quarterly throughout 2022 and will run for fifteen days, with new startups selected each quarter.



Startups chosen for the program will receive the tools and mentorship they need to take their business to the next level, including access to ShipHero's industry-leading enterprise scale software at a 90% discount. Other perks of the program include access to a community of peers; monthly roundtable sessions with other participants to discuss universal issues in the eCommerce space; exclusive offers from industry partners Loop and Shippo; and monthly 1:1 mentorship with a ShipHero expert to talk through key topics such as processes, warehouse hiring and management, and carrier selection. All participants will receive free brand exposure through marketing and communications by ShipHero.

The program stemmed from CEO and Founder Aaron Rubin's own experience as an entrepreneur, building the foundation for ShipHero. Aaron bootstrapped the company with a $435,000 investment from friends and family in 2013. Eight years later, in 2021, ShipHero received $50 million in investment capital with plans for continued growth. "The ShipHero Accelerator Program is a project I've been working to bring to life for some time now," says Aaron Rubin, CEO and Founder of ShipHero. "Our industry is showing no signs of slowing down and, with ongoing disruptions throughout the supply chain causing delays, it's critical for emerging brands to be armed with the best tools and knowledge to grow their businesses. This is our way of continuing to support the eCommerce community moving into 2022 and beyond."

Applications for the ShipHero Accelerator Program open Friday, October 1st, and will close on October 15th at 11:59pm PT. For full information on participation, including applicant rules and program details visit: ShipHero.com/software/accelerator

About ShipHero

ShipHero is a US-based, leading solution provider in the fast growing eCommerce fulfillment space. ShipHero served over $5 billion of eCommerce orders in 2020 and is growing rapidly. ShipHero provides warehouse management software for brands that operate their own warehouses as well as outsourced fulfillment as a service from ShipHero owned and operated North American warehouses. Some notable customers include Universal Music Group, Glossier and Canadian Tire. ShipHero is a Shopify Plus partner and more than 10% of Shopify Plus stores globally use ShipHero.

SOURCE ShipHero

Related Links

https://shiphero.com/


BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SimpliSafe , maker of award-winning home security systems, and USAA Alliance Services, LLC, the top organization serving active and retired military and their families, today announced a relationship that will offer USAA members savings on SimpliSafe's DIY smart home security and professional monitoring. This is the latest way SimpliSafe is delivering on its mission to help make every home secure and protecting homeowners from key causes of costly insurance claims.

Starting today, USAA members will be able to choose between one of two discounts on SimpliSafe's custom-designed DIY solution offering :

15 percent off any new SimpliSafe system plus a complimentary SimpliCam  HD camera and a complimentary month of SimpliSafe's most comprehensive professional security monitoring.

HD camera and a complimentary month of SimpliSafe's most comprehensive professional security monitoring. Nearly $200 off ($197) a custom 16-piece system, bringing the product price to $490 .

The 16-piece system was curated with the needs of USAA members in mind and includes components that help protect against many of the leading causes of homeowners insurance claims, such as leaks, fires, theft and more.

SimpliSafe offers USAA members an additional home security option that is easy to set up with no long-term commitments to help members keep their families safe.

Matt Wolf, Head of Partnerships at SimpliSafe, elaborates, "We are pleased to be working with USAA Alliance Services, LLC, a brand that, like SimpliSafe, is synonymous with trust. As we forge forward in our mission to make every home secure by expanding our services to more homeowners, we are honored to offer protection and peace of mind to active and retired military members and their families who do so much to serve our country."

To learn more about SimpliSafe visit SimpliSafe.com or USAA's One-Stop Home Shop and get access to these discounted offerings at SimpliSafe.com/usaa .

About SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe fundamentally changed the alarm industry, pioneering a new way to make home the safest place on earth for everyone. Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe now protects millions of people and is committed to its founding goal: to make every home secure. SimpliSafe has been coined the number one home security pick by several highly-esteemed publications and was recently awarded in multiple categories for " Best Home Security Systems of 2021 " by U.S. News & World Report.

SimpliCam, SimpliSafe, and the SimpliSafe logo are the registered trademarks of SimpliSafe, Inc. in the US and other countries.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

1 SimpliSafe offer valid only for those who purchase a new SimpliSafe system that includes at least one (1) Base Station, one (1) Keypad and two (2) Additional Sensors. Not valid with any other offers. SimpliSafe Terms of Sale and all other applicable SimpliSafe Terms and Conditions apply.

SOURCE SimpliSafe
PHOENIX, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) ("SinglePoint" or the "Company"), a company focused on providing renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient applications to drive better health and living, today provided a corporate update and outlined conclusions from its recently conducted strategic review. As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and webcast followed by Q&A today, September 30th at 8:30 AM ET (details below).

"My belief in the opportunities and potential has never been stronger. Once I assumed the CEO role in May 2021 it became clear that we had areas where improvements should immediately be made. We kicked off a strategic review to identify actionable process improvements and critical decisions," commented Wil Ralston, Chief Executive Officer of SinglePoint. "While we will always review and improve processes, the initial strategy review identified clear focal points for the Company - clean energy and indoor air quality for the places we work, live, play and go to school. We are committed to this plan which I believe provides the best path forward for the Company that maximizes value and growth. Moving forward we have a solid foundation, clearly defined areas of focus, vertically integrated subsidiaries with rejuvenated leadership and team members, and a strengthened balance sheet to support continued growth. I am excited about the future and building continued shareholder value in the near and long-term."

Over the course of the last months, SinglePoint conducted a strategic review to evaluate all business lines and current product portfolio as well as the Company's internal processes. This review included evaluating fundamental levers including personnel, sales, products, and marketing to determine where improvements could be made; implementing new corporate synergies to improve internal communication resulting in improved team morale and culture within the Company and subsidiaries. The Company believes this will position SinglePoint as a partner of choice and empower the team to generate sales, launch its sales enablement functions, create more agility and autonomy, identify opportunities, eliminate duplicity, and further define processes to streamline business operations across all entities.

Core Areas of Focus

People: Putting people first - defined as our internal team, customers, partners and shareholders. We will continue to invest in employees, in partners and in the communities we serve, to provide lifetime value and improve the areas we live, work and play.

Planet: With everything we do, we will look to implement sustainable and beneficial innovation to better the planet for future generations to come.

Process: We will drive internal growth utilizing a focused data driven process and will look for accretive acquisitions that meet our defined criteria and synchronize with our internal synergies that promote cross company collaboration that provide operational synergies and scale.

Profit: Implementation of these repeatable effective processes will result in monetization and ensure profitability and sustainability of operations and investments.

Additionally, throughout the review, SinglePoint subsidiaries Direct Solar America and EnergyWyze were able to vertically integrate and achieve efficiencies through collaboration. This vertical integration approach will allow the Company to drive their own individual growth, within their respective business unit while also contributing and accelerating growth and profitability with its sister subsidiary business units creating a truly scalable win-win relationship.

"With the growth potential and market opportunities that I believe SinglePoint has ahead of it, we envision our path forward as a reliable renewability and sustainability energy company: providing renewable, sustainable energy solutions through solar, battery backup, wind, EV charging. We will continue providing additional accretive products that improve quality of life both indoors and outside. I am committed to continuing to build the Company around our mission: harmonizing people and planet. We are grateful to our shareholders for continued support and look forward to providing additional updates as we execute on business strategies," concluded Mr. Ralston.

Conference Call and Webcast Details



As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and webcast today, Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 8:30 AM ET. The call will be led by Wil Ralston, CEO of SinglePoint, who will be joined by Corey Lambrecht, CFO of SinglePoint. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing (877) 407-9708 (domestic) or (201) 689-8259 (international). The webcast and live Q&A will be accessible here and archived for 90 days following the event. Questions can be typed in live during the event or pre-submitted to [email protected]. The Company will answer as many questions as possible during the event.

About SinglePoint Inc.

SinglePoint Inc. is a renewable energy and sustainable lifestyle company focused on providing environmentally friendly energy efficiencies and healthy living solutions. SinglePoint is initially focused on building the largest network of renewable energy solutions and modernizing the traditional solar and energy storage model. The Company is also actively exploring future growth opportunities in air purification, electric vehicle charging, solar as a subscription service, and additional energy efficiencies and appliances that enhance sustainability and a healthier life. For more information, visit the Company's website (www.singlepoint.com) and connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Investor Contact:

JTC Team, LLC

Jenene Thomas

833-475-8247

[email protected]

SOURCE SinglePoint Inc.

Related Links

http://www.singlepoint.com


HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SPB Hospitality, an industry-leading operator and franchisor of steakhouses, pizza and craft brewery restaurants, announced that it has completed the acquisition of J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc. [NYSE:JAX]. Upon closing, each share of J. Alexander's common stock was converted into the right to receive $14.00 in cash per share, which equates to an equity value of approximately $220 million. The merger was overwhelmingly approved by J. Alexander's shareholders.

J. Alexander's Holdings operates 47 upscale restaurants with award-winning brands, including J. Alexander's, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Redlands Grill, Overland Park Grill and Merus Grill. For more than 30 years, J. Alexander's Holdings' guests have enjoyed high-quality food, an attractive ambiance and unparalleled polished service.

"This acquisition is a game-changer that advances SPB's vision of building a best-in-class hospitality company known for creating exceptional experiences and breaking through culinary boundaries," said SPB Hospitality Chief Executive Officer Jim Mazany. "I could not be more excited about the future of our SPB Hospitality brands. We're thrilled to welcome the J. Alexander's team to our family and thank them for their assistance throughout the acquisition process."

"We have enormous confidence in SPB's leadership and their vision for building one of the strongest and most successful restaurant groups in the industry," said Morgan McClure, President of SPB Hospitality and Managing Director at Fortress Investment Group. Funds managed by affiliates of Fortress own SPB, which was created in 2020 to manage its growing portfolio of hospitality brands. "J. Alexander's time-honored brands and dynamic team are significant additions to the SPB family and a major step forward in achieving SPB's vision."

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Configure Partners LLC served as financial advisors and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP served as legal counsel to SPB Hospitality and Fortress Investment Group.





About Fortress

Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager with approximately $53.9 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2021. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages assets on behalf of approximately 1,800 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies.

About SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality is a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants, spanning a national footprint of hundreds of restaurants and breweries in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Based in Houston, the company's diverse portfolio of restaurant brands includes Logan's Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, and a collection of specialty restaurant concepts. For more information about SPB Hospitality, visit spbhospitality.com.

About J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc.

J. Alexander's Holdings is a collection of restaurants that focus on providing high-quality food, outstanding professional service and an attractive ambiance. The Company presently operates 47 restaurants in 16 states. For additional information, visit JAlexandersHoldings.com.

SOURCE SPB Hospitality
"Nothing is more important to the future of our state than making sure our children receive a first-class education, particularly in the subjects of math and science," said Gov. Kay Ivey. "I have worked with the Legislature in recent years to advance several exciting initiatives in this area, including efforts to recruit and retain more math and science teachers to address the shortage in these areas of instruction.

"As part of these efforts, I am excited about Alabama's unique partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative aimed at establishing a national and cutting-edge model to deliver the highest-quality math and science instruction to rural schools that face the most acute shortages of math and science teachers," the governor said. "This is an exciting pilot that again demonstrates Alabama's commitment to innovation across all facets of education and economic development."

Hiring and retaining fully certified math and science teachers is a consistent challenge for rural schools like South Highlands Middle School in Union Springs. The Learning Accelerator will provide a solution to fill those gaps and connect more students to potential careers based in science, technology, engineering and math.

"There's a shortage of math and science teachers across the country and the demand for fully certified math and science teachers keeps most of those educators in our most populous cities," said state Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville and chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. "The Rural Learning Accelerator Powered by NMSI will give students access to fully certified teachers while allowing those teachers to live in Birmingham."

NMSI CEO Dr. Bernard Harris attended elementary and middle school on the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico and said, "I don't think it can get any more rural than that."

"That experience helped shape my dedication to expanding access to high-quality math and science education for all students, particularly those who have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields," said Harris, a medical doctor and former NASA astronaut. In 1995, he became the first black American to walk in space.

"For more than a decade, our school partners have demonstrated that all students can excel in math and science when they have the right resources and support from highly trained teachers," Harris said. "I'm excited to bring that support to rural Alabama in a way that meets students' and teachers' needs."

Teachers and tutors in the accelerator will work from the University of Alabama-Birmingham as part of UABTeach, a university-based program that allows college students studying math and science to also earn teaching certification. They will teach and provide study support through virtual courses.

Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said local teachers also will play critical roles.

"The personal relationships between local educators and their students, families and communities are invaluable," Mackey said. "This program will allow local schools to build on those connections and bring in additional resources at no direct cost to local taxpayers."

Local educators who aren't fully certified will serve as in-person partners to the accelerator teachers and tutors to ensure students have the support they need.

Bullock County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Blair said he signed on to launch the program at South Highlands because of its focus on students.

"Everything we do starts with a question about how it benefits our students," Blair said. "This program puts the students first. It's designed to be engaging and supportive, so our students get the math and science education they need to compete for tomorrow's jobs."

In addition to NMSI and UABTeach, the Alabama STEM Council is helping to design the program. It is starting in Bullock County Schools and is planned for implementation in other communities.

SOURCE National Math and Science Initiative
OSLO, Norway, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX) announces the appointment of Ola Melin as Head of Manufacturing. He will take a leading role in driving Targovax's Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) program forward. Ola will be a member of Targovax's management team.

Ola Melin joins Targovax with over 25 years' experience in Biologics development, manufacturing, and supply, most recently as Director of Technical Operations at OxThera AB, where he was responsible for clinical supply and for establishing a commercially ready manufacturing process and supply chain. Prior to that Ola spent eighteen years at Biovitrum and Sobi AB, where he held senior leadership roles as Head of External Manufacturing and Head of Product Supply, as well as other CMC positions. Ola started his career with manufacturing process development at Pharmacia. Ola has studied Biochemical engineering at Malardalen University.

ystein Soug, CEO, commented, "It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Ola Melin to Targovax! With his broad experience with supply chain, clinical and commercial manufacturing, and his previous experience in launching products, he will bring important and valuable knowledge to Targovax. His CMC experience within the field of biologics development and manufacturing will contribute significantly to the execution of Targovax's strategic plan."

Ola Melin added, "I am excited to join Targovax and be a part of the next development steps for its's lead clinical candidate ONCOS-102. The class-leading data in CPI refractory advanced melanoma, together with powerful immune activation, makes this an exciting product candidate and I look forward to contributing to the further development of this promising novel immune activator therapy that could make a huge difference to those diagnosed with cancer."

Ola Melin will commence as Head of Manufacturing on 1st October.

For further information, please contact:



Oystein Soug, CEO

Phone: +47 906 56 525

Email: [email protected]

Renate Birkeli, Investor Relations

Phone: +47 922 61 624

Email: [email protected]

Media enquires:



Andreas Tinglum - Corporate Communications (Norway)

Phone: +47 9300 1773

Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/targovax/r/targovax-asa-appoints-ola-melin-as-head-of-manufacturing,c3424156

SOURCE Targovax
HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial Attorney Aaron Heckaman has been selected to the 2021 edition of Texas Super Lawyers.

Partner at Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, a nationwide trial practice based in Houston, Heckaman was recognized in Super Lawyers' pinnacle listing for his work representing plaintiffs in claims involving products liability, general personal injury, civil litigation, and class actions / mass torts.

Super Lawyers is a renowned legal rating service that recognizes the nation's most successful and respected attorneys. With a selection process weighted heavily on peer review, Super Lawyers is able to elicit meaningful evaluations from members of the bar who are best positioned to assess the strengths of their peers and objectively measure their knowledge, talent, and contributions to the field.

Given Super Lawyers' stringent selection methodology, consumers can be confident that recognized attorneys have earned the respect of their peers, a proven record of success, and the skill to handle their case. In total, just 5% of all lawyers in active practice are named to the final Super Lawyers list.

For Heckaman, his latest Super Lawyers selection is one of many in a career of hard-earned accolades and accomplishments  including his three previous selections to the Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars, which recognizes top young practitioners.

A graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law, Heckaman has focused his career on fighting for victims of injustice. His work includes numerous verdicts and settlements in complex civil claims, class actions, and mass torts involving toxic exposure, dangerous pharmaceuticals, defective products, and serious personal injury. Heckaman has also earned national recognition litigating high stakes cases for victims and families across the country and is frequently called on to speak at various industry seminars and events.

As Partner at Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, Heckaman has helped clients recover millions in compensation against some of the country's most powerful corporations. Though the firm is based in Houston, BCH works with clients and counsel nationwide. Visit www.bchlaw.com to learn more.

Media Contact:

Aaron Heckaman

[email protected]

SOURCE Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC

Related Links

http://www.bchlaw.com


During the conference, in order to to fuel the development of the tourism industry with guidelines and policies, Shandong Province government released a series of documents, including Measures to Accelerate the Construction of Key Cultural Tourism Projects and to Facilitate Effective Investment.

One of the main activities of the Conference, the 2021 International Coastal Leisure Forum, was a discussion platform aimed at transforming Yantai into an fantastic coastal city. This forum employed measures such as establishing the only data center coastal leisure base in China backed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, releasing the Chinese Coastal Leisure City Competitiveness Report, naming the List of the Top 10 Livable Cities and the Top 10 Emerging Coastal Leisure Cities, and forming the Coastal City Tourism Alliance to spearhead the development of coastal cities. In addition, the conference staged four visiting projects with the theme All The Way To Yantai, the Coastal Wonderland and selected Chaoyang Street in Yantai Mountain as the focus neighborhood. Additionally, it also created two two-day tours on the theme Love for Traveling in Wonderland, integrating classic scenic spots, building new projects, and incorporating a spectacular night tour experience.

The organizers were intent on invigorating the city by organizing the event as seamlessly as possible, and by so doing, the conference was a cultural and tourism feast that highlighted the unique characteristics of Shandong, showcased the image of Yantai, embodied the spirit of the times, and promoted the fast pace of development. It was a truly impressive and exciting event, that clearly demonstrated the passion, hospitality, and openness of more than 7.1 million Yantai people. Standing at the forefront of China's reform and opening-up policy, Yantai impressed the world again as the core of the new growth drivers.

Next, Yantai will take the success of this event as a new starting point and fully capitalize on the influence of the conference. It will also implement the guiding principles by, for example, invoking the Municipal Committee's 1+233 working system and the 12335 central urban construction ideas, launching an in-depth three-year action program on the high-profile development of the cultural tourism industry, accelerating the creation of the cultural and tourism development industry chain, and speeding up the construction of a more dynamic city of culture and highe-profile tourism. It will achieve this by focusing on relevant projects to enhance growth drivers, creating better products to promote consumption in the sector, emphasizing the fusion of the overall industry, increasing marketing to improve the image of Yantai, and strengthening service delivery to upgrade quality all-round.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402474

Caption: The opening ceremony of the 2021 Shandong Conference on Tourism Development

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402475

Caption: The performance

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402476

Caption: Suochengli

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402477

Caption: Chaoyang Street

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=402479

Caption: 2021 International Coastal Leisure Forumnational Coastal Leisure Forum

SOURCE The People's Government of Yantai
Bozeman Area Real Estate Broker Courtney Foster Named Principal Broker

TORONTO and NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real Brokerage Inc. ("Real" or the "Company"), an international, technology-powered real estate brokerage, today announced its launch of operations in Montana. Real is now operating in 35 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

As part of the expansion, Real has appointed Courtney Foster of Referred Realty Group as Real's principal broker in Montana. Ms. Foster has been licensed since 2006, originally in Texas. In 2013 Ms. Foster started an independent broker in the Houston area. After moving to Bozeman, Montana in 2015, Ms. Foster maintained her business in both Houston and Bozeman until 2019 when she decided to focus solely on Montana. Ms. Foster is licensed as a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert and a Graduate of the REALTOR(R) Institute.

"The combination of high-tech focus and human kindness that Real brings to the table works perfectly with my business and with Montana," said Montana Principal Broker, Courtney Foster. "Over the past two years, we have seen how critical a tool technology can be, but we also saw how ready many people were to get out and explore more. Real's technology will put us in a position to best support the growing Montana market."

"Montana has been a popular state for real estate, especially throughout COVID-19," said Real co-founder and CEO Tamir Poleg. "Montana has attracted families, retirees and even celebrities to seek real estate within the state. Real is looking forward to being part of the Montana real estate industry. Courtney will play a key role in working with new and existing agents as we establish our Montana operations."

About Real

Real ( www.joinreal.com ) is a technology-powered real estate brokerage operating in 35 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Real is building the future, together with agents and their clients. Real creates financial opportunities for agents through better commission splits, best-in-class technology, revenue sharing and equity incentives.

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

The Real Brokerage Inc.

Caroline Glennon

[email protected]

1+201-564-4221

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "likely" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, information relating to Real's expansion to Montana, and the business and strategic plans of Real.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real's business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, and the NASDAQ has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

SOURCE The Real Brokerage Inc.

Related Links

https://www.joinreal.com/


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern Kitchen, a new brand from The Urgent Company, has just upgraded the dairy aisle. The brand's debut product, animal-free cream cheese, offers a delicious option that delivers the elevated taste and creamy texture of traditional cream cheese and is better for the planet. Modern Kitchen Cream Cheese, the second product from The Urgent Company, will be available in three chef-inspired flavors this fall and is naturally lactose free, hormone free, and cholesterol free. The launch of Modern Kitchen marks the first cream cheese made with Perfect Day animal-free milk protein and the first time consumers will be able to enjoy a cream cheese that protects the climate future without compromising on taste and texture.

Modern Kitchen animal-free cream cheese available in in three chef-inspired flavors including Strawberry, Spring Onion + Chive and Spiced Harissa

The Urgent Company uses innovative advancements in science and technology to rethink food and make less of an impact on the planet. The company's first brand, Brave Robot ice cream debuted in 2020 and was met with immediate demand. Now offered in more than 5,000 grocery stores nationwide and with one million pints sold, Brave Robot has quickly become the number one growth driver in the plant-based ice cream category (Source: IRI Total US Food - 12W).

"We're so excited to see our second brand, Modern Kitchen, available to consumers. We're confident they'll love the taste and texture just as much as their favorite cream cheese (and they're probably about to have a new favorite!),'' remarks Paul Kollesoff, co-founder and general manager at The Urgent Company. "By applying science and technology, we're able to make better versions of the same dairy products consumers love. And of course, it's more sustainable than other options on the market because that's just what we do!"

"I've dreamed of an animal-free cream cheese for years, and we've finally unlocked the flavor and texture that makes traditional cream cheese so darn good," says Perfect Day CEO and co-founder, Ryan Pandya. "We're thrilled to bring Modern Kitchen to consumers who have been eagerly awaiting more products made with Perfect Day."

With planet-friendly options in demand, Modern Kitchen's animal-free cream cheese comes in flavors inspired by the modern home chef. Strawberry, Spring Onion + Chive, and Harissa Pepper varieties are now available for presale at eatmodern.kitchen ($30/3 pack). For Southern Californians, Modern Kitchen will also launch in select stores in the months ahead. The brand will make its debut this weekend, sponsoring Brooklyn Bagelfest where it will serve up bagels smeared with Modern Kitchen Cream Cheese.

Visit the brand's website or Instagram @eatmodern to learn more and find out when it's coming to local retailers.

ABOUT THE URGENT COMPANY

The Urgent Company is a new type of CPG company, one with a singular focus on the next generation of consumer brands that harness the latest in innovation and science to create revolutionary, delicious, and sustainable animal-free foods with less impact on the planet. The Urgent Company made its marketplace premiere with the launch of Brave Robot, a revolutionary ice cream made with Perfect Day's non-animal whey protein, which uses science and a little bit of technology to remove animals from the equation without sacrificing the indulgent taste and texture of dairy. The Urgent Company strives to be different, while making a difference. They exist for the future and believe that if things don't change now, there will be nothing left for tomorrow. Visit theurgentcompany.com to learn more.

ABOUT PERFECT DAY

Founded in 2014 by bioengineers Ryan Pandya and Perumal Gandhi, Perfect Day is on a mission to create a kinder, greener tomorrow through the thoughtful use of biology. Leveraging expertise across biological engineering, food innovation, and consumer products, Perfect Day is helping companies big and small develop, scale, and commercialize next-generation products that satisfy consumers' demands and champion a path toward a sustainable future.

The company's flagship product, the world's first precision fermentation protein, debuted in 2020. Instead of relying on cows, Perfect Day utilizes microflora to create proprietary animal-free protein. Perfect Day's protein can be used across a range of products to deliver the same taste and texture without compromise. An ISO compliant, third-party reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) found that Perfect Day's whey protein reduces blue water consumption by up to 99%, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97%, and non-renewable energy use by up to 60%, compared to conventional production methods. To learn more, visit perfectday.com or follow along on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and LinkedIn .

Contact: Daley Michael, Krupa Consulting

[email protected] / 212-226-2922

SOURCE Modern Kitchen
ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo, September 26-30, AACC was proud to welcome thousands of laboratory medicine professionals, all of whom have been on the frontlines of COVID-19 testing. The meeting gave the laboratory medicine community a much-needed opportunity to come together safely and in-person to share lessons learned from the pandemic to date, and to discover what's on the horizon for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

As of Wednesday, September 29, nearly 7,500 people had registered for the meeting. Thanks to months of health and safety planning on the part of AACC's members, staff, and partners, all attendees have enjoyed the incomparable benefits of an in-person meeting, while also feeling confident that they are safe on the meeting campus. More attendees are expected today, the last day of the conference.

"I'm so thrilled to have had the opportunity of an in-person annual meeting," said Khushbu Patel, PhD, director of clinical chemistry at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The ability to network and make meaningful connections with colleagues could only happen at such an event. I had a great time catching up with both old and new friends at the meeting."

Attendees have been treated to an amazing line-up of educational sessions, including five plenary talks presented by scientific luminaries. In the opening keynote, Regina Barzilay, PhD, winner of AACC's 2021 Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award, described how her experiences as a cancer patient led her to recognize the trove of patient data that isn't fully utilized, and how she is using artificial intelligence to change that.

Monday's plenary speaker, Margaret Liu, MD, DSchc, MDhs, FISV, discussed the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and our efforts to combat it, emphasizing that COVID-19 countermeasures must continue to adapt quickly along with the changing virus. In Tuesday's plenary, Bonnie Ramsey, MD, recounted her scientific journey in developing a cystic fibrosis therapy known as CFTR modulators, and Caley Maucha cystic fibrosis survivortold attendees how these modulators have changed her life. On Wednesday, Holden Thorp, PhD, editor-in-chief of the Science family of journals, gave his unique perspective on the effects the pandemic has had on the scientific workforce and the ability to build public trust in science. And in today's closing keynote, Wilbur A. Lam, MD, PhD, discussed microsystems-based COVID-19 diagnostics, as well as his own lab's recent advances in miniaturization of diagnostic platforms.

The 2021 AACC Clinical Lab Expo featured groundbreaking technology from all laboratory medicine disciplines. Though this year's Expo was smaller than usual, AACC was pleased that the exhibitor-to-attendee ratio was on par with previous years. Overall, the Expo proved yet again to be a valuable way for IVD companies to inform laboratory medicine professionals about the latest diagnostic technology, in areas ranging from COVID-19 testing to mass spectrometry and automation.

John Sperzel, chairman and CEO of T2Biosystems said, "Laboratory medicine and diagnostic testing have taken center stage and the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting attendees were highly engaged. We commend AACC leadership for their efforts to maintain a safe environment for all attendees."

For those who were not able to attend all the sessions they were interested in on site, the plenary and other select scientific sessions and abstracts will be available for on-demand viewing through November 1 on the AACC digital meeting platform. Press can register for digital access here, and members of the general public can register here.

"The 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo has not only been a terrific showcase of the latest diagnostic innovationsit has also been a testament to the strength and perseverance of the people behind these innovations," said AACC CEO Mark J. Golden. "It took an extraordinary amount of effort to make sure that this meeting could take place safely and in person. We at AACC are so proud of how the laboratory medicine community came together for this event, and we look forward to seeing even more of the community at next year's conference."

The 2022 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo will be held in Chicago from July 24-28, 2022.

About the 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo

The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offered 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from September 26-30. Plenary sessions explored COVID-19 vaccines and virus evolution, research lessons learned from the pandemic, artificial intelligence in the clinic, miniaturization of diagnostic platforms, and improvements to treatments for cystic fibrosis.

At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo, more than 400 exhibitors filled the show floor of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to COVID-19 testing, artificial intelligence, mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point-of-care, and automation.

About AACC

Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, AACC brings together more than 50,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit www.aacc.org .

Christine DeLong

AACC

Senior Manager, Communications & PR

(p) 202.835.8722

[email protected]

Molly Polen

AACC

Senior Director, Communications & PR

(p) 202.420.7612

(c) 703.598.0472

[email protected]

SOURCE AACC

Related Links

http://www.aacc.org


Tong Ning, Dean of the Anhui Province Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, Xia Bo, Vice President of TUV Rheinland Greater China Business Stream Products, Lutz Frankholz, Managing Director of TUV Rheinland Shanghai, Chris Zou, Vice President of TUV Rheinland Greater China Solar, Li Weichun, Global Head of Power Electronics Business Segment and General Manager of Greater China Solar & Commercial Products at TUV Rheinland, and relevant business leaders attended the event.

China's PV industry has entered the stage of high-quality development, and the 8th Solar Congress will be held in Hefei, Anhui

After many years of development, China's PV industry now ranks first worldwide in terms of scale, manufacturing, technological level, and corporate strength. Especially after 2018, it entered the stage of high-quality development, and China is able to comprehensively produce PV products needed in overseas markets. Data show that China's total installed PV capacity was 253GW at the end of 2020, accounting for one-third of the world's total; the export of PV products from January to July this year reached about US$14.35 billion, a year-on-year increase of 38.5%.

In recent years, Anhui Province's PV industry has achieved rapid development through continuous improvement of quality and increasing quantity. To date, Anhui Province has gathered more than 150 upstream and downstream PV enterprises and formed a comparatively complete industrial chain ranging from PV glass, cells, modules and supporting equipment to inverters, energy storage batteries, and power generation projects. In July of this year, it issued the Action Plan for the Development of Photovoltaic Industry in Anhui Province (2021-2023) to encourage the development of the industry. The Plan announced the development goal of doubling the operating income of the PV industry in Anhui and helping the output value of the industrial chain reach RMB150 billion by 2023. The fact that Hefei was chosen as the site for the next solar congress shows its development potential, broad prospects, and ability to inject new vitality into China's PV industry.

The selection criteria for the "All Quality Matters" Award were announced, and a white paper will be released during next year's solar congress

At the ceremony, TUV Rheinland announced that for the "All Quality Matters" Award 2022 winners will be selected in ten categories spread over four groups, namely PV components, PV modules, PV electronics, and PV power plant assets service provider. It has adjusted and improved the specific awards setting by adding packaging film and energy storage connectors to the PV components group, and incorporating the selection of developers, installers, and operation and maintenance enterprises of excellence into the PV power plant assets service group. The selection criteria for each award was released. The aim of the Award, which was launched several years ago, is to standardize product quality and establish quality benchmarks, has won attention and recognition from the industry for its objective and credible evaluation process and authoritative neutral selection mechanism, and has now become a stage for enterprises in China's PV industry, including PV modules, inverters, energy storage systems, components, etc.

At the same time, TUV Rheinland announced that it would release the White Paper 2022 on Asset Risk Management of Distributed PV Power Plants in China at the solar congress next year. In the first half of this year, China's distributed PV capacity increased by 72.7% year on year, far exceeding centralized PV capacity. In particular, household PV capacity surged by 263% year on year. With China's strategic goal of "peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality," the development of distributed PV projects has become a general trend and will become one of the main means of energy use in the future. Therefore, making early deployments in this field is of far-reaching significance for the high-quality development of the regional economy. The white paper will detail current developments and trends in China's distributed PV projects, introduce asset risk management for distributed PV power plants (asset planning, asset formation, and asset operation), and introduce TUV Rheinland's relevant technological solutions, helping enterprises adjust strategies and seize opportunities with confidence.

After many years of development, with the support of industry experts, scholars, and partners, the "All Quality Matters" Solar Congress has become a platform for communication and exchanges in the industry and a bridge connecting China's PV industry with the global market. Having been deeply engaged in the PV field for nearly 40 years, TUV Rheinland has accumulated rich experience and technological strength, able to provide one-stop service for upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain. It's committed to promoting the establishment of a standardized system in the PV industry, improving product quality and achieving green and sustainable development.

SOURCE TUV Rheinland Greater China
Because waste in product supply chains is a challenge for the industry, UGG seeks to minimize it whenever possible. For Autumn/Winter 2021, the brand has developed two innovations that turn reclaimed wool waste into new materials as a part of the collection. Wool is the brand's most iconic and most-used fiber, and UGG is on a mission to make it more sustainable with UGGplush and UGGcycle  materials that are soft on you, and softer on the planet.

Showcasing these innovations, Icon-Impact also incorporates renewable sugarcane and recycled PET, diverting over 350,000 plastic bottles from landfill  that's the equivalent of two to three bottles in each pair of shoes.

The Icon-Impact Collection features three styles which adapt the iconic look and feel of UGG: the Fluff Sugar Cross Slide, Fuzz Sugar Slide, and Classic Sugar Ultra Mini.

With the creation of these new styles, UGG is laser-focused on four key sustainable components.

RECLAIMED WOOL.

The brand's UGGplush and UGGcycle innovations are made with reclaimed wool, which comprises over 98% of its overall wool usage and requires less water, energy, and carbon emissions compared to virgin wool. "Reclaimed" means that the brand is giving new life and purpose to a material that might otherwise go to waste  in doing so, UGG has saved 134 million MJ of energy, 11.9 billion gallons of water, and 134 million pounds of CO 2 when compared to finished virgin market wool.

The brand's UGGplush and UGGcycle innovations are made with reclaimed wool, which comprises over 98% of its overall wool usage and requires less water, energy, and carbon emissions compared to virgin wool. "Reclaimed" means that the brand is giving new life and purpose to a material that might otherwise go to waste  in doing so, UGG has saved 134 million MJ of energy, 11.9 billion gallons of water, and 134 million pounds of CO when compared to finished virgin market wool. SUGARSOLE FOAM.

A renewable resource, sugarcane is swift-growing and rainwater-nourished. The sugarcane in the brand's signature SugarSole foam allows it to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels by replacing petroleum-based ethylene. The sweet crop absorbs 1.6 pounds of CO 2 for every pound of ethylene replaced.

A renewable resource, sugarcane is swift-growing and rainwater-nourished. The sugarcane in the brand's signature SugarSole foam allows it to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels by replacing petroleum-based ethylene. The sweet crop absorbs 1.6 pounds of CO for every pound of ethylene replaced. REPURPOSED PLASTIC.

A new purpose for plastic, this collection uses durable RPET from recycled plastic bottles. At least two PET bottles go into each pair of shoes  diverting over 350,000 plastic bottles from landfill in total.

A new purpose for plastic, this collection uses durable RPET from recycled plastic bottles. At least two PET bottles go into each pair of shoes  diverting over 350,000 plastic bottles from landfill in total. CARBON-NEUTRAL.

Thoughtfully designed with the brand's environmental footprint in mind, UGG uses low-impact materials with offsets for the small amount of emissions they create  making the materials carbon neutral.

The latest update in the brand's ongoing FEEL GOOD initiative, the Icon-Impact Collectionwhich is available now at UGG.com, UGG stores, and select retailers nationwideis just one way UGG is working to make positive strides for the planet. To maximize the brand's positive impact, UGG will partner with One Tree Planted to plant one tree for each purchase from the Icon-Impact Collection at select UGG retail stores and UGG.com* in the United States, Canada, Denmark and Vietnam.

For more information on the brand's sustainability mission, please visit FEELGOODFUTURE.UGG.COM.

*Applicable only to North America and Europe UGG retail stores and UGG.com; through the program, UGG will plant a maximum of 102,327 trees beginning September 2021.

About UGG

Founded in 1978 by an Australian surfer on the coast of California, UGG is a global lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic Classic boot. First worn by Hollywood royalty, fashion editors and then the world, UGG designs and retails footwear, apparel, accessories, and homewares with an uncompromising attitude toward quality and craftsmanship. UGG is an environmentally and socially conscious brand which strives to be socially just, economically inclusive, and environmentally restorative. Delivering more than $1.5 billion in annual sales, UGG partners with the best retailers globally and owns concept and outlet stores worldwide in key markets including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing. For more information, please visit www.ugg.com @ugg #FeelGood

About FEEL.

Launched in Autumn/Winter 2020, FEEL. is a product and brand truthuniquely ownable by UGG. It will be the unifying theme within which we execute brand stories and creative each season.

Press Contact:

UGG

Matty Magnin

PR Manager

Office: (212) 247-8552 x2772

Mobile: (917) 842-2391

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE UGG

Related Links

http://FEELGOODFUTURE.UGG.COM


NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Khaled Salem,a candidate for U.S. Senate in New York and the CEO of American Human Rights Organization, today voiced his strong objection to questionable foreign dignitaries entering the United States for the 2021 U.N. General Assembly and other business. Salem argues that titles such as King, Prince or President should not be a free pass into the U.S. when these leaders are "known collaborators or instigators, "who harm or execute U.S. and Israeli citizens in their respective countries.

CEO of American Human Rights Organization U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem

"No visas or special treatment should be given to leaders of foreign governments who knowingly have detained, jailed, tortured or killed U.S. or Israeli citizens," explained Salem, who is Egyptian-American. "When I am elected, I will write and co-sponsor a bill for the Senate and House to refuse entry to dangerous 'leader terrorists.' In my opinion, there is no possible reason for U.S. hypocrisy, when U.S. and Israeli citizens are jailed and brutalized. How do you reconcile the U.S. allowing this behavior; in effect, looking the other way while evil politicians and royalty are accommodated with a smile? This makes no sense and I will fight within the legislature."

Domestically,Salem encourages the U.S. government to prepare vaccine objectors who may need mental health counseling. This will allow people to get a better understanding of why the COVID-19 vaccine is essential for the country to move forward and defeat the virus. "Because of mis- and dis-information, there is a general panic among people 'brainwashed' into denying vaccineefficacy and safety."

Salem added, "Imagine if the population refused to take the polio or smallpox vaccines? The 'loud voices' are frightening Americans and paralyzing them into a state of mind of 'if I don't see it then it can't hurt me.' The government needs to come up with better options to take away the fear."

Khaled policy positions argue for Cancel student debt, Legalize marijuana, End the filibuster, Enact voting rights, pass the women's act.

Some other key policy positions from Mr. Salem's agenda include:

Free University Education for American Students with a $0 budget from the government and taxpayers to support this plan.

Laws and procedures to reduce domestic violence nationwide.

A reduction in U.S. military activity and presence in the Middle East .

A policy that requires these regions pay for American military services.

The establishment of a home loan program for middle class single parents.

* Reduce the NY State Sales Tax for six years until the state recovers from COVID-19 economic hardship

Khaled asks New York Voters to look not at his religion or where he came from, but rather what he offers to the citizenry in terms of policy.

For more information, visit khaled2022forcongress.com.

Follow Salem at facebook.com/Khaledforcongress and twitter.com/KhaledYork

Media Contact

U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem

1.518.348.6868

[email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem

Related Links

http://khaled2022forcongress.com


BROOMFIELD, Colo. and WASHINGTON , Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vita Inclinata (Vita), developer and producer of helicopter and crane load stabilization and precision hardware, today announced the addition of David Lee as Director of U.S. Industrial Sales. Lee joins the company after a year on Vita's board of advisors and brings an unparalleled crane and safety skill set that promotes instant industry recognition and a deep understanding of the unique challenges crane professionals face when stabilizing loads.

David Lee joins Vita Inclinata as Director of U.S. Industrial Sales

Lee will leverage his experience as a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701, and as a several times over, certified safety professional, to underscore Vita's specific lift system advantages regarding mitigating the operational hazards of navigating and placing loads.

"David's experience gives him instant respect and credibility with our target market so that he may have the sensitive safety conversations needed to explain our advantages," said Vita Inclinata, CEO, Caleb Carr. "We welcome him to the Vita family and look forward to his contributions that will enhance our sales efforts to the industrial industry."

Lee brings nearly a decade of tower crane experience to Vitaat a time period where new cranes such as the Spyder, Jekko, and JMG cranes arrive on the market and experienced skilled labor shortages hamper the construction industry. Prior to joining the company, he held the position of national wholesale accounts manager at Leavitt Cranes, where he developed and nurtured construction-related relationships throughout the globe. In addition to Leavitt Cranes, Lee was previously employed at NessCampbell Crane + Rigging where he served as a tower crane operating engineer responsible for the day-to-day functions of his team and also served at JE Dunn Construction as both a tower and mobile crane operating engineer, where he performed general crane operations and safety inspections.

"Being in the crane and equipment industry for nearly a decade gives me an intuitive understanding of the applications and dangers crane operators face, making me an ideal representative and subject matter expert," said Lee. "The stability system technology Vita brings to the construction industry will help all operators mitigate the risks of incursions and adjust more quickly to new types of cranes and applications. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge for the safety of my construction colleagues."

About Vita Inclinata

A friend's death during a rescue operationwith a helicopter close but unable to stabilize due to weather and terrainwas the genesis of Vita Inclinata. Founded in 2015 as a way to solve a real problem, Vita today controls chaotic swinging and spin and adds safety and precision for rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft and cranes. With the mission of "Bring them home, every time," Vita's technology changes the narrative while saving lives, time, and money across industries, including search and rescue, military, firefighting, public safety, construction, wind energy, and oil and gas. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, please visit www.vitatech.co .

For more information, contact:

Betsey Rogers

BridgeView Marketing

603-821-0809

[email protected]

SOURCE Vita Inclinata

Related Links

http://www.vitatech.co


MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Inc. announced its fourth annual Female Founders 100 list, honoring the most exceptional, trailblazing, and diverse group of 100 women who powered through adversity in a very tough year and changed the world.

"The 100 women highlighted on this list are inspiring, creative, tenacious, and trailblazing role models in entrepreneurship. What's more is they were able to achieve success during one of the toughest years ever. That's something certainly worth celebrating," said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk.

Kelly Ann Collins Inc. Female Founders 100

Throughout Collins' career, she has worked to launch, reinvent, position, amplify and dominate. Collins and Vult Lab have executed hundreds of projects, campaigns and brandsand generated billions of impressions and millions of blog visits, likes, retweets and views. Projects have involved Adobe, Starbucks, United Nations, and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In 2020 and 2021, the company's efforts have focused on innovation and humanitarian causes with a deep emphasis on thought leadership, health equity, economic mobility, and conservation.

"This honor is a testament to my amazing team, our impact-driven clients, and our incredible partners -- without them I would not be here," said Kelly Ann Collins, CEO and founder of Vult Lab, an agency that helps social do-gooding thought leaders and brands along their journeys via innovative social media campaigns powered by an integrated marketing communications approach. "It's been quite the journey at Vult Lab, and we're just getting started. I feel lucky to be inspired every day in these challenging times."



A digital pioneer, Collins became one of the first bloggers after working as a journalist. She went on to help launch USAToday.com, an emerging markets telecom intelligence publication, and a virtual venture capital firm. In 2005, she joined AOL Co-founder Steve Case's Revolution where she helped launch 50 microbrands before founding a pop culture-meets-politics blog - the first publication of its kind to gain credentials at The White House. She also worked to help put United Nations events online, live and social as a part of a five-person "SDG Zone" launch team.



About Inc. magazine

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning, multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. For more information, visit www.inc.com.



About Vult Lab

At Vult Lab, we believe in the power of humanity, connected for change. That's why we are passionate about helping social, do-gooding thought leaders and brands along their journeys via innovative social media campaigns powered by an integrated marketing communications approach. To learn more, visit www.vultlab.com.

Contact:

Johnna Herbig

2024131187

[email protected]

SOURCE Vult Lab
LEHI, Utah, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Weave, the all-in-one customer communication platform for small business, today announced the winners of its craziest after-hours stories as part of a social media contest launched last month. Over the course of four weeks, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, home service providers and other small business owners were invited to submit their craziest work stories via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn using the hashtag #WeaveAfterHours for a chance to win cash prizes.

The first place prize of $1,000 in a Visa gift card for the craziest after-hours call came from Gunner 1st Electric out of Littleton, Colo., who answered a late-night service call involving a mysterious connection between a homeowner's toilet and a suspected doorbell prank.

"I was called out to a lady's home after hours. When I arrived I asked what was the issue. She explained that every time she used the toilet the door bell would ring. When she went to the door, no one was there. She thought it was a prank; it had gone on for a couple weeks now. I checked out everything, and it appeared to be fine. I politely ask her to sit on the toilet. Well, I finally figured out the toilet dripped over the doorbell transformer causing it to ring. Unfortunately, I'm not a plumber but still had to charge for the late night call."

Second and third place prizes of $500 Visa gift cards were awarded to a dermatology center out of Parker, Colo., who answered a midnight botox request from a woman on a first date and a veterinarian clinic based in Hinton, W.V., who came to the rescue of a male kitten whose owner thought it was going into labor.

"We had a patient call at midnight. She was on a first date with a guy, and he had fallen asleep. She had an "emergency"'and called our on-call physician so that she could get botox at 12am so that she looked well rested from beauty sleep each night"

"Called out late at night for a cat trying to have kittens. When I examined it I found out it was an obese neutered male with a urinary blockage struggling to urinate! They'd found the cat YEARS before & never knew it was male."

Please continue to follow these stories across our social channels to stay in-the-know and to receive updates on the next social media contest @GetWeave on Twitter and our LinkedIn .

About Weave

Weave is the all-in-one customer communication platform for small business. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weave's software solutions transform how local businesses attract, communicate with and engage customers to grow their business. The first Utah company to join Y Combinator, Weave has set the bar for Utah startup achievement & work culture. In the past year, Weave has been included in the Forbes Cloud 100, Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in America, and Glassdoor Best Places to Work. To learn more, visit www.getweave.com/newsroom/

Contact:

Kali Geldis

Director of Communications, Weave

[email protected]



SOURCE Weave

Related Links

http://www.getweave.com


TSX: WEF

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) ("Western" or the "Company") third quarter 2021 financial and operating results will be released on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

Western will host its third quarter 2021 analyst conference call on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. PDT (12:00 p.m. EDT).

Don Demens, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Stephen Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's third quarter 2021 results followed by a question and answer session with the analyst community.

To join the conference call, dial:

Toll-free from Canada and the US: 1-800-952-5114

From Toronto: 416-340-2217

Passcode: 6909729#

To access the instant replay of the call, dial:

Toll-free from Canada and the US: 1-800-408-3053

From Toronto: 905-694-9451

Passcode: 3067757#

The instant replay will be available until December 5, 2021 at 8:59 p.m. PST (11:59 p.m. EST).

About Western Forest Products Inc.

Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. Western has a lumber capacity in excess of 1.0 billion board feet from seven sawmills and four remanufacturing facilities. The Company sources timber from its private lands, long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western supplements its production through a wholesale program providing customers with a comprehensive range of specialty products.

SOURCE Western Forest Products Inc.

Related Links

www.westernforest.com


DUBLIN, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Automatic Door Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global automatic door market exhibited moderate growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, the analyst is continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



An automatic door opens and closes when it senses an individual approaching towards it and works based on the changes in sound, light, pressure and motion. It is fast, safe, secure, easy-to-operate, and noise-free and consumes less space, saves energy, provides a hygienic environment and enables easy access to the premises. Consequently, it is widely installed in the residential, commercial and industrial spaces, including hospitals, airports, offices, supermarkets, shopping centers and train stations.



In recent years, the significant growth in the construction industry has emerged as one of the key factors impelling the market growth. Automatic doors are gaining widespread adoption to provide secure and convenient door access to differently-abled individuals. Furthermore, these doors find extensive applications in the defense and military sector to strengthen security, allow safe evacuation and minimize the need for the human workforce. Apart from this, the key market players are providing innovative features, such as bollards, boom barriers, and lock and shutter systems, to expand their market reach. Apart from this, there is a rise in the demand for automatic doors due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as these doors provide hands-free access to public places, such as offices and restaurants, and help minimize the risk of transmission. However, the lockdowns imposed by governments of several countries have led to a decline in the operational efficiency of various industries, including construction, which has hampered the market growth. The market is expected to revive once these restrictions are relaxed.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being ASSA ABLOY Group, Deutschtec GmbH, dormakaba Holding AG, GEZE GmbH, Nabtesco Corporation, Sanwa Holdings Corporation and Stanley Black & Decker Inc.



Key Questions Answered in This Report

How has the global automatic door market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What are the key regional markets?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global automatic door market?

What is the breakup of the market based on the type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the application?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global automatic door market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Automatic Door Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Type

6.1 Sliding

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Swinging

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Folding

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast

6.4 Others

6.4.1 Market Trends

6.4.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Application

7.1 Commercial

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Industrial

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Residential

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Region

9 SWOT Analysis



10 Value Chain Analysis



11 Porters Five Forces Analysis



12 Price Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

13.3.1 ASSA ABLOY Group

13.3.1.1 Company Overview

13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.1.3 Financials

13.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.2 Deutschtec GmbH

13.3.2.1 Company Overview

13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.2.3 Financials

13.3.3 dormakaba Holding AG

13.3.3.1 Company Overview

13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3.3 Financials

13.3.4 GEZE GmbH

13.3.4.1 Company Overview

13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5 Nabtesco Corporation

13.3.5.1 Company Overview

13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5.3 Financials

13.3.6 Sanwa Holdings Corporation

13.3.6.1 Company Overview

13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.6.3 Financials

13.3.7 Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

13.3.7.1 Company Overview

13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.7.3 Financials

13.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/et5802

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A study released today from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes in 2021, with more than 8 in 10 of those youth using flavored e-cigarettes.

The report, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, was based on data from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), a cross-sectional, self-administered survey of U.S. middle (grades 68) and high (grades 912) school students. The study assessed current (used on one or more of the past 30 days) e-cigarette use; frequency of use; and use by device type, flavors and usual brand.

This NYTSadministered Jan. 18- May 21, 2021was the first to be fully conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey to allow eligible students to participate in the classroom, at home or in some other place to account for various school settings during this time. Prior to the pandemic, the survey was conducted in person, inside the school classroom. Because of the changes in the way the survey was conducted this year, results of the 2021 NYTS cannot be compared to findings from previous surveys.

Nonetheless, the 2021 NYTS provides crucial information about youth use of e-cigarettes. Notably, when many students were in remote learning environments that might have affected their access to tobacco products, an estimated 11.3% (1.72 million) of high school students and an estimated 2.8% (320,000) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.

"These data highlight the fact that flavored e-cigarettes are still extremely popular with kids. And we are equally disturbed by the quarter of high school students who use e-cigarettes and say they vape every single day," said Mitch Zeller, J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products. "The FDA continues to take action against those who sell or target e-cigarettes and e-liquids to kids, as seen just this year by the denial of more than one million premarket applications for flavored electronic nicotine delivery system products. It is critical that these products come off the market and out of the hands of our nation's youth."

Other Key Findings

Frequency of Use: Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, 43.6% of high school students and 17.2% of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes on 20 or more of the past 30 days. Also among current users, more than 1 in 4 (27.6%) high school students and about 1 in 12 (8.3%) middle school students who used e-cigarettes used them daily.





Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, 43.6% of high school students and 17.2% of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes on 20 or more of the past 30 days. Also among current users, more than 1 in 4 (27.6%) high school students and about 1 in 12 (8.3%) middle school students who used e-cigarettes used them daily. Device Type Use: Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, the most commonly used e-cigarette device type was disposables (53.7%), followed by prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges (28.7%), and tanks or mod systems (9.0%).





Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, the most commonly used e-cigarette device type was disposables (53.7%), followed by prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges (28.7%), and tanks or mod systems (9.0%). Flavor Use: Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, 84.7% used flavored e-cigarettes including 85.8% of high school and 79.2% of middle school users. Overall, the most commonly used flavor types were fruit; candy, desserts, or other sweets; mint; and menthol (Note that these results refer to flavors other than tobacco).





Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, 84.7% used flavored e-cigarettes including 85.8% of high school and 79.2% of middle school users. Overall, the most commonly used flavor types were fruit; candy, desserts, or other sweets; mint; and menthol (Note that these results refer to flavors other than tobacco). Brand Use: Among high school students who currently used e-cigarettes, 26.1% reported their usual brand was Puff Bar, followed by Vuse (10.8%), SMOK (9.6%), JUUL (5.7%) and Suorin (2.3%). Among middle school students who currently used e-cigarettes, 30.3% reported their usual brand was Puff Bar, and 12.5% reported JUUL. Notably, 15.6% of high school users and 19.3% of middle school users reported not knowing the e-cigarette brand they usually used.

"This study shows that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, e-cigarette use among youth remains a serious public health concern," said Karen Hacker, M.D., M.P.H., Director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "It's critical we continue working together to protect young people from the risks associated with tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes. Our public health efforts include CDC's National and State Tobacco Control Program, and resources for educators, parents and providers to warn youth about tobacco products and help them quit."

Addressing Youth Tobacco Product Use

Youth use of tobacco productsin any form, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e-cigarettesis unsafe. Such products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.

Ongoing efforts to address youth e-cigarette use are critical, including the FDA's significant progress made on the unprecedented number of timely premarket applications received by the Sept. 9, 2020, court-ordered deadline for deemed new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

The agency has taken action on over 96% of the applications to date, including issuing marketing denial orders (MDOs) for more than one million flavored ENDS products that are so popular with young people. The MDOs were issued for products whose applications lacked sufficient evidence that such products have a benefit to adult smokers to overcome the public health concern posed by the well-documented and considerable appeal of the products to youth. The FDA is aware of a number of companies, such as Puff Bar, claiming their products contain only synthetic nicotine not sourced from tobacco, which may raise separate regulatory and legal issues that the agency is considering how best to address.

Since 2014, e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. As the tobacco product landscape continues to evolve, the sustained implementation of comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies at the national, state, and local levels, coupled with FDA regulations, can prevent and reduce tobacco product initiation and use among youth.

Additional Resources:

Media Contact: Alison Hunt, 202-308-5496

Consumer Inquiries: Email or 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-0332)

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Related Links

http://www.fda.gov


Dhaka, Sep 30 : At least four persons were killed and 11 others went missing when a boat carrying around 50 passengers capsized in the middle of Padma river in Bangladesh.

The incident took place in Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj of Bangladesh on Wednesday noon. At least 20 people were rescued alive. The rest were not rescued until the evening.

The rescue operation was stopped around 6.30 p.m. due to darkness.

An official said the rescue operation will resume on Thursday morning.

The boat was on the way to Dasarshia Ghat from Pakar Boglauri.

Citing the survivors, one Saber Ali Pramanik said, as it was the market day in Dasarshia, the boat carried potatoes, eggplant sacks, and coconuts. Also, several bicycles, as well as passengers, were on the boat. The passengers objected but their protests were ignored by the boatmen.

It is being suspected that boat sunk due to overloading.

The four deceased have been identified as Nilufa Begum, 50, wife of Khairul Islam of Bisharshia village, Maisha Khatun, 5, daughter of Babu Ali of Narayanpur in Sadar Upazila, Asmaul, 5, and Ayesha, 3, children of Fitu of Sadar Upazila.

Nilufa Begum's brother-in-law and Union Parishad member Durul Huda said Nilufa's husband Khairul Islam, grandson Md. Asmaul (9) had two more relatives in the boat, who are missing. Citing the boatman, Durul Huda also mentioned, there was wind and strong current in the river due to a cyclonic signal.

Farid Hossain, OC of Shibganj Police Station said all the passengers drowned when the boat carrying huge of goods and overloaded passengers. The locals rescued the bodies of two of them from the river. He mentioned BGB and fire service divers are conducting rescue operations.

The boatmen were yet to identified, Dewan Azad Hossain of the Fire Service control room told IANS on Wednesday night.
Moscow, Sep 30 : Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cooperation on international issues and bilateral ties with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi on Wednesday.

Putin noted that Russian-Turkish cooperation on the international arena has been successful, further pointing to efforts aimed at coordinating positions on Syria and Libya, Xinhua news agency reported.

He positively assessed the work of the Russian-Turkish centre for monitoring the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that it served to promote stability and reconciliation in the region.

The Russian leader also emphasized the successful work of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline that continues to operate amid a turbulent situation in the European gas market.

Both leaders said work on the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in the Turkish province of Mersin was being carried out according to plan.

Erdogan noted progressive development with regard to military, trade, economic and political ties between the two countries and said peace in Syria is largely dependent on cooperation between Moscow and Ankara.
Lucknow, Sep 30 : A video clip, shared on the social media has queered the pitch for senior officials of Gorakhpur where a Kanpur businessman was allegedly beaten to death by policemen.

Though the policemen were booked for murder on Wednesday night, the video clip shows top officials allegedly trying to dissuade the family of businessman Manish Gupta from pursuing the case.

The purported video was shared on Twitter by Sanjay Singh, Rajya Sabha MP of the Aam Aadmi Party.

The video appears to show the district magistrate telling the family that a court case will take years.

"I am requesting you like an elder brother. After a court case, you will not believe, it takes years in court," the district magistrate Vijay Karan Anand is head telling the family.

The video then appears to show police chief Vipin Tada saying "They did not have any previous enmity. They went in uniform and that is why I am listening to you since morning. You asked for them to be suspended and I did that. They will not be reinstated till they get a clean chit." The family of the Kanpur-based businessman who died under suspicious circumstances at a Gorakhpur hotel has alleged that he was beaten to death by police during a raid.

Manish Gupta's wife, Meenakshi, has accused the police and hotel staff of a cover-up.

"My husband was murdered in that hotel, he was killed by a policeman. There was no blood on the scene even though my husband was beaten bloody. Two of his friends said that there was blood everywhere, but the hotel staff cleaned it up," she told reporters.

A blood soaked towel was later found by family members under the bed in the hotel room which proves that Manish had bled severely.

Meenakshi Gupta further said that the family has three demands to the authorities-- that the case be transferred to Kanpur, the family be given Rs 50 lakh in compensation and a job by the state government.

Manish Gupta, a 38-year-old property dealer from Kanpur, died in a hotel in Gorakhpur in the early hours of Tuesday. Police said they entered his hotel room as they were on the lookout for "suspicious persons".

They claim Manish Gupta died of a head injury sustained from falling to the ground in a state of drunkenness.

However, the victim's family members claim he died after the policemen, who entered his room, attacked him.

Six cops were suspended on Tuesday night and a murder case was filed against them on Wednesday.

A case under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC has been registered against the six policemen and a hunt has been launched to nab them.

The policemen booked for murder include J N Singh, sub-inspector Vijay Yadav and Phalmandi Police post in-charge Akshay Mishra. The authorities had also suspended the policemen, including the Ramgarhtal SHO on Tuesday, and handed over the probe to the SP city.

Kanpur district magistrate and Police Commissioner met Manish Gupta's family on Wednesday and assured them of a meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Manish Gupta's body was brought to his home in Para, Kanpur.

However, his family refused to cremate the body till the accused are arrested. Despite attempts by the administration throughout the day, the family did not agree to give consent for the cremation.

Harveer Singh, one of the men who was inside the hotel room with Manish Gupta, told reporters "The three of us were sleeping in our room. Around 12:30 a.m, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and there were five-seven policemen there along with the boy from the reception. They came inside the room and started asking us for IDs. I showed my ID and then woke up Manish. He asked the cops why we were being troubled this late at night. The cops then started threatening us." He further said, "They appeared drunk. I was slapped by one of the policemen. Some of them had guns. The cops then took me outside. A while later, I saw Manish was being dragged out of the room by the cops and there was blood all over his face."
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Reacting to former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah at the latter's residence, the Congress has said that the senior BJP leader's home has become the "centre of anti-Dalit politics".

Congress general secretary and party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted after the meeting of Singh and Shah, saying: "The arrogance of those in power has been hurt... since a Dalit has been made the Chief Minister, they ask who takes the decisions in the Congress? They did not like idea of the top position being given to a Dalit." Surajewala alleged that "the centre of anti-Dalit politics is nowhere else but Amit Shah's residence".

"He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are burning in the fire of vengeance... They want to take revenge on Punjab because they have so far failed to serve the interests of their capitalist comrades with the black anti-farmer laws. BJP's anti-farmer conspiracy will not succeed," he added.

At around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reached Amit Shah's residence on Wednesday and met him for 50 minutes.

During this, Amarinder Singh said that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be guaranteed by repealing all the three agricultural laws passed by the Modi government.

Along with this, the issue of farmers' agitation going on for the last 10 months should also be resolved by the Central Government at the earliest.

However, it is also being said that during the meeting, political discussions have also taken place between the two leaders.

It is noteworthy that Singh has been in Delhi for the last two days, as soon as he reached Delhi on Tuesday, there was speculation about his meeting with Amit Shah.

However, a statement later said he has come to Delhi on a personal tour.

On Tuesday, just before he reached Delhi, Punjab Congress state president Navjot Singh Sidhu had also resigned. Therefore, in this situation, this meeting is being described as "very important".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kolkata, Sep 30 : Braving the rains, the election commission is fully prepared to conduct the election in three assembly constituencies including high-profile Bhabanipur assembly constituency where chief minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting where she needs to win mandatorily if she is supposed to retain her position as the chief minister, after she lost to Trinamool turned BJP Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram assembly constituency in the recently concluded assembly polls in the state.

The Bhabanipur assembly seat became vacant after TMC veteran Sovondeb Chattopadhyay resigned making room for the chief minister. There was no election in the other two assembly constituencies - Samserganj and Jangipur - both in Murshidabad in the recently concluded assembly polls because the contesting candidate died just before the poll day.

Though there are three bye-elections in the state, the entire focus will be on Bhabanipur and so the election commission, apart from the 15 companies, has pumped in an additional 20 companies of central forces that will be deployed for patrolling duty. With this the total forces deployed in Bhabanipur is 35 companies.

There has been widespread allegation that the ruling Trinamool Congress threatens voters and stops them from going to the voting centres and so the commission is taking no chances.

Though there has been a deployment of 2,250 state forces but there will be no deployment of state forces inside the polling stations. "The 15 companies of central forces that are presently stationed in the constituency will take care of the polling stations. There will be two state force personnel outside the polling station to manage the queue but the responsibility of the security will rest entirely on the central forces," the official added.

Besides announcing all the 287 booths to be sensitive, the election commission will deploy micro-observer in all the booths. "The commission also announced 13 booths to be super-sensitive. Mitra Institution - the booth where chief minister Mamata Banerjee is supposed to cast her vote has also been declared as super-sensitive. There will be web-casting not only in the super-sensitive booths but also many other booths. The election commission will keep a close watch on the development of the election process," the official added.

Considering the incessant rains in Kolkata for the last few days the commission has made an unprecedented arrangement to take the people to the polling stations. The commission has asked all the people to call on the 1950 phone number if they can't go to their respective polling stations. The commission will make arrangements to bring the voters to the booths and send them back home after their vote is over. The administration is also keeping NDRF teams and two boats ready for any emergency situation.

The total number of electors including service voters in Bhowanipore is 2,06,522. There are 5 overseas electors and 4 third genders. The total number of polling stations in Bhowanipore is 287 with 269 main and 18 auxiliary polling stations. 12 candidates are in the fray at Bhowanipore.

Meanwhile, the total number of voters including service electors in Samserganj and Jangipur are 2,35,576 and 2,55066 respectively. The number of polling stations are 329 and 363 respectively. Webcasting will be done in 176 polling stations in Samserganj and 193 in Jangipur. Micro-observers will be present in 68 and 20 polling stations. 19 and 18 companies of armed forces will be deployed at Shamsherganj and Jangipur respectively.

TMC nominee Jakir Hossain will contest in Jangipur against Sujit Das of BJP and Jane Alam Mian of the Left Front while in Samsherganj TMC nominee Amirul Islam is locking horns with Milan Ghosh of BJP and Modasar Hossain of CPM.
Jaipur, Sep 30 : Four Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs, who had joined the Congress in 2019, rushed to Delhi on Wednesday night, after getting a notice from the Supreme Court to reply on an anti-defection law plea. They claimed that they will join hands with any party to save their legislature status.

These MLAs include Rajendra Singh Guda, Wajib Ali, Sandeep Kumar and Lakhan Singh.

Wajib Ali said, "This political challenge, which has come to us, can be resolved in Delhi and hence we are going to Delhi. We will meet senior leaders, besides taking legal opinion to answer the SC notice." Besides these four MLAs, two other BSP MLAs -- Joginder Singh Awana and Deepchand Khairia -- who had joined Congress, have not gone to Delhi, both these MLAs met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday night and ensured their support to the Congress.

It needs to be mentioned here that the BSP challenged its MLAs merger with the Congress in the Supreme Court under the anti-defection law. Two days ago, the Supreme Court asked these MLAs to submit their final reply within four weeks.

MLA Rajendra Singh Gudha, who joined Congress from the BSP, said, "We are going to Delhi to find legal ways to save membership. Three of our companions were already in Delhi. We will no longer have any home or place. Our priority now is to save membership." MLA Sandeep Yadav and Wajib Ali said, "Saving membership is our priority. People have elected us and hence we will not lose membership at any cost. Whatever support Mayawati, Amit Shah or Rahul Gandhi will give, we will get them and will choose any one of them who will save our membership." The Congress in Rajasthan has 100 MLAs, and support from 16 independents and 6 BSP MLAs, which takes the count to 116. If these six go out, then too, the government shall be safe. However, pressure will definitely be there with factions in the Congress camps intensifying and the Pilot camp demanding his elevation as Chief Minister.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, Sep 30 : Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad has urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order a probe into the property of late outlaw-turned-politician Phoolan Devi which was allegedly usurped by some distant relatives.

Phoolan's mother and immediate family are living in a pitiable condition in Jalaun.

"I met the chief minister and spoke to him about Phoolan's property. Recently I met Phoolan's mother and found the family living in abject poverty," he said.

The chief minister reportedly asked Nishad to give a complaint in this regard for further action.

Sanjay Nishad had visited Phoolan's samadhi sthal at Chaubeghat in Mirzapur earlier in September and had said that he would appeal to the central and state governments to order a high-level inquiry into what happened to her property after her death.

Phoolan was shot dead outside her residence in Delhi on July 25, 2001, when she was the Samajwadi Party MP from Mirzapur.

She was born in August 1963 in a Mallah family of Shekhpur Gudha ka Purwa village in Jalaun and became MP in 1996.

The Nishad Party is trying to claim her political legacy and has announced that it will install her statue. Nishad said that his party would take care of Phoolan's family.

Sanjay Nishad said that the chief minister has asked state minister Siddharth Nath Singh to get deterrent's in reservation benefits to Nishads removed.
Los Angeles, Sep 30 : Hollywood personalities Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga are teaming up to bring 'Macbeth' back to Broadway.

Craig, who was last seen on Broadway in 'Betrayal' in 2013, is returning to the stage to star in the titular role.

Negga will be making her Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth, though the 'Passing' actor has previously tackled Shakespeare in a New York-based production of 'Hamlet', reports variety.com.

Craig recently appeared in 'Othello' opposite David Oyelowo.

The Shakespearean tragedy, one that involves malice, matrimony and murder, tells the story of the Macbeth couple's obsession with power -- and their guilt after doing the unthinkable.

A statement announcing the show promises "this thrilling new production will capture the passion and ferocity of Shakespeare's most haunting text like never before".

Sam Gold is directing the Scottish play. The new production will run for a limited 15-week engagement.

It is scheduled to begin performances on March 29, 2022, and its opening night will be on April 28 at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

"I am beyond thrilled to be participating in this historic season as theatre re-emerges, and to be working with two such masterful actors on one of dramatic literature's most challenging and epic dramas," said Gold, who has staged several high-profile Shakespearean plays, including "King Lear" with Glenda Jackson, "Hamlet" starring Oscar Isaac and "Othello" featuring Craig.

Gold added: "I can't wait to get started!" Barbara Broccoli will produce 'Macbeth', reuniting the veteran James Bond producer with Craig, who recently wrapped his five-film stint as the suave British secret agent in 'No Time to Die'.

"Daniel is not only a great film actor but a magnificent theatre actor as well. I am thrilled that he will be supporting the return of Broadway playing this iconic role with the exquisitely talented Ruth Negga making her Broadway debut and under the expert direction of Sam Gold," Broccoli said in a statement.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kanpur : , Sep 30 (IANS) Even as the SIT begins its investigation into charges of forcing religious conversions against Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Mohammad Iftikharuddin, former president of Rajkiya Unnayan Basti in Kalyanpur has alleged that the officer had once even "lured him to convert to Islam".

Nirmal Kumar Tyagi, former president of Rajkiya Unnayan Basti, told reporters that in October 2016, the then divisional commissioner Mohammad Iftikharuddin's convoy reached Kalyanpur and residents of the settlement were told that they would have to vacate the place, as this land was to be used for the Metro project.

Tyagi alleged that when he pleaded the commissioner not to destroy their houses, keeping in mind their poor financial conditions, the commissioner started to lure him to convert to Islam by offering him money.

"When the commissioner was making this suggestion, a person present there started giving him literature related to Islam," said Tyagi.

He further said, "Several attempts of conversion were made in the settlement. However, the locals decided that they would not accept the offer. When they approached the court regarding the issue of vacating the settlement, the crisis was resolved." When asked, he said that he would testify against the IAS officer if summoned by the SIT.

Iftikharuddin is presently serving as the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

It may be recalled that the national vice president of Math Mandir Coordination Committee, Bhupesh Awasthi, had alleged that Iftikharuddin was indulging in anti-Hindu propaganda.

Awasthi released videos of religious programmes of the officer who was then the Kanpur Zone Commissioner.

It is alleged that in these videos, Iftikharuddin is telling people about the benefits of adopting Islam as a religion.

The purported videos also show a religious leader sitting besides the IAS officer.

In another video, Iftikharuddin is seen sitting on the ground when a Muslim speaker is purportedly giving radical lessons at his official residence.

After the video surfaced, Kanpur Police Commissioner Aseem Arun asked Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Somendra Meena to investigate the matter.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had summoned the Police Commissioner Aseem Arun to Lucknow on Tuesday in this regard.

Later, the Yogi Adityanath government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the charges of anti-Hindu propaganda by senior IAS officer Mohammad Iftikharuddin. The two-member SIT is headed by DG CB-CID G.L. Meena and ADG zone Bhanu Bhaskar.
Prayagraj : , Sep 30 (IANS) The Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) general secretary, Mahant Hari Giri, has said that the Akhara Parishad may appoint a separate probe panel comprising five retired judges of the high court to investigate the death of Mahant Narendra Giri.

The Mahant said the issue was directly related to the safety and security of all senior seers.

Mahant Hari Giri, who is the chief patron of Juna Akhara, reiterated that there was foul play in Mahant Narendra Giri's death.

"Whatever be the outcome of the CBI inquiry, I am not ready to believe that Mahant Narendra Giri, who had been my close associate for over 30 years, can commit suicide," said Giri.

"How can one digest that a man of his calibre can take such an extreme step? Because of this, we sense that there is more to the story for which a deep probe is necessary. In the past, four seers have died under mysterious circumstances and barring Narendra Giri, there has been no probe whatsoever. No one is interested in finding out what happened," he said.

On the issue of Balbir Giri of Niranjani Akhara being made the successor of Narendra Giri, Hari Giri termed it as an internal matter of an Akhara.

"It is our practice that one Akhara does not interfere in the decisions of another Akhara. Even though his (Narendra Giri's) disciple is being made the head of Baghambari Math, it is the moral responsibility of everyone in Niranjani Akhara to find out the truth behind the death," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
London, Sep 30 : Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have hailed the "inspirational" efforts of the cast and crew.

The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall along with William and Kate attended the world premiere of the new Bond film 'No Time To Die'.

The Royal couple said in a post on their Twitter account @KensingtonRoyal: "Wonderful to see @007 back on our big screens! No Time To Die is the 25th Bond film and Daniel Craig's last after 15 years in the role.

"It showcases the inspirational work of actors, musicians, directors, cinematographers and all those involved in making the film so special." Funds from the world premiere have been awarded to charities that support serving and former members of the UK's intelligence agencies, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The royals have welcomed the news in their Twitter post.

The tweet added: "Tonight's world premiere will benefit charities supporting serving and former members of the three intelligence agencies: the Secret Intelligence Service, the Security Service, and @GCHQ." The Duke and Duchess were joined at the premiere by Daniel Craig, who is making his last-ever appearance as James Bond in the movie.

The 53-year-old actor said to being "greatly relieved" that 'No Time To Die', which had previously seen its release delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is now finally ready to be released in cinemas, after so many months of frustration.

Reflecting on the lengthy delay, Craig said: "We've had Covid so everything has to be put into perspective doesn't it? "I am greatly relieved: we make Bond movies for the cinema and we're here and I couldn't be happier about that."
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Congress leader Anand Sharma on Thursday condemned the attack and protests at Kapil Sibal's residence by the party workers. Sharma urged Sonia Gandhi to take action against the hooligans.

In a series of tweets, Sharma said, "Shocked and disgusted to hear the news of attack and hooliganism at Kapil Sibal's house. This deplorable action brings disrepute to the party and needs to be strongly condemned." "Congress has a history of upholding freedom of expression. differences of opinion and perception are integral to a democracy. Intolerance and violence is alien to Congress values and culture.

"Those responsible must be identified and disciplined. Urging Congress president Smt Sonia Gandhi to take cognisance and strong action," Sharma added in the tweet.

On Wednesday evening, scores of Congress workers reached at the Jorbagh residence of Kapil Sibal and protested against him after he targeted Rahul Gandhi during a press conference.

The protesters carried 'get well soon' placards. Party General Secretary Ajay Maken hit back at Kapil Sibal and said it was Sonia Gandhi who ensured Sibal was made a Union minister.

Reacting to Kapil Sibal's press conference on wednesday, Maken had said, "The Congress leadership is listening to everybody in the party, and wanted to tell that they should not degrade the organisation which gave them back so much." Earlier on Wednesday, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Sibal said, "There is no president in our party, so we do not know who is taking all the decisions. We know it, yet we don't know, one of my senior colleagues perhaps has written or is about to write to the interim president to immediately convene a CWC meeting so that a dialogue can be initiated."
Patna, Sep 30 : Patna police have raided a plasma diagnostic lab and seized a large number of fake RT-PCR Covid-19 reports, police said.

The officials of health department and a team of Shastri Nagar police station raided the lab in Raja Bazaar on Wednesday evening after a complaint was lodged by the airport authority of Patna.

The incident came to the knowledge of airport authority after a passenger was nabbed with fake RT-PCR report issued from the Raja Bazaar lab. The passenger was trying to travel woth the fake RT-PCR report.

"During the raid, we seized a number of documents, including fake RT-PCR reports. The employees of the lab admitted that the fake RT-PCR certificates were sold to some people," SHO of Shastri Nagar police station told IANS.

"We have detained a lab official. The investigation is currently underway," he said.

As per the guideline of Civil Aviation Department, RT-PCR test is mandatory for travelling inside the country and abroad. Many people who have not undergone testing or taken the vaccines are the potential buyers of these fake certificates from this lab.
Chennai, Sep 30 : Political parties in Tamil Nadu are campaigning extensively for the rural local body polls to be held in two phases on October 6 and October 9.

The polls are to be held in nine districts of the state -- Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruppatur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi.

The DMK has a lot at stake as it has to prove that its 2021 Assembly election win was due to the people's support towards the programmes and policies put forward by the party. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is directly leading the campaign, which is being executed at the grassroots levels by the district office-bearers of the party.

The AIADMK is also active in the fight and with reports coming up of a power feud within the party between Panneerselvam and K. Palanisami. The party, which is in a political alliance with the BJP, is facing tough times following the minority communities coming out against it in several areas of the state.

Recently Congress leader Karti Chidambaram said that unless the AIADMK snaps ties with the BJP, the party will face defeats in the elections.

The PMK has already announced that it will contest the elections on its own indicating that all is not well on the AIADMK alliance front.

The DMK is also cautiously moving in the Northern parts of Tamil Nadu, where the PMK and the Vanniyar community have a sizeable presence. The DMK government has already issued the Government Order (G.O) for the 10.5 per cent reservation for the Vanniyar community within the Most Backward Caste (MBC) quota.

The PMK has, however, come out with the statement that it has not snapped its ties with the NDA and that as the time was short for the rural local body elections after the announcements, it could not reach a consensus on seat-sharing with the allies.

The local leaders and state leaders of the DMK, AIADMK, BJP, PMK, and other parties are actively campaigning at the grassroots level in the nine districts.

The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), led by Superstar turned politician, Kamal Haasan will also have to prove the party's standing in the state politics. The actor-politician himself campaigned in several constituencies. The party is also going it alone in the polls.

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader and actor turned politician Vijayakanth has also announced that his party would contest alone in the local body elections. This has made the contest wide open as in certain pockets these parties have their strongholds and matinee idols have always been a major vote catchers in Tamil Nadu.

R. Padmanabhan, Director, Socio-Economic Development Foundation, a think tank based out of Madurai while speaking to IANS said, "The rural local body polls in the nine districts of Tamil Nadu will find the interesting and tough contest and almost all the main political parties, as well as splinter groups, are actively campaigning as there are huge developments taking place at the panchayat level and the parties do not want to be left out from these.

"The recent announcement of PMK that it would go alone in the polls has upset the AIADMK calculations in North Tamil Nadu. The DMK seems to have an edge as the party in power in the state will definitely have a clear edge in rural and panchayat elections," said Padmanabhan.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Delhi Police have arrested four miscreants after a brief exchange of fire at Jharoda Kalan of the city's Dwarka area, official sources said on Thursday.

Sources said that the miscreants were nabbed by a team of Special Staff of Dwarka District.

"The miscreants fired upon a police party and there was a brief exchange of fire after which all four of them surrendered before the police," they said adding none was injured or hit by a bullet in the process.

According to sources, these four miscreants' names had come up during the investigation of a murder of a car rider in Baba Haridas Nagar two days ago.

It was learnt that the police had prior information about their presence in that area. Sources said that following this information, a police team was constituted which was sent to conduct a raid.

As the miscreants saw the police personnel they started firing at them. "There was an exchange of 8-10 rounds of fire between the police and the criminals. Fearing being killed in the police encounter, the miscreants surrendered before the police," said a source.

He said that senior officials have also visited the spot to assess the situation. Further details are awaited.
Quito, Sep 30 : Ecuadorian officials have said more than 100 inmates were killed in a prison riot in the southwest port city of Guayaquil, after initially reporting the death toll to be 30.

The riots took place on Tuesday, reported Xinhua news agency.

The number of injured in the melee at Litoral Penitentiary remained at 52, according to the government agency in-charge of prisons, the National Service for Comprehensive Attention to Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders (SNAI).

"The @SNAI_Ec reports that up to now more than 100 deceased inmates and 52 injured have been confirmed during the incidents that occurred Tuesday," the agency posted on its Twitter account.

The National Police, the Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office and other authorities continue to investigate the prison riot, one of the two deadliest of the year in Ecuador, which is facing a serious prison crisis, the agency added.

In February, a series of coordinated riots at four prisons left 79 inmates dead and some 20 people wounded, including police officers.

The tragedy led Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso on Wednesday to decree a 60-day state of emergency throughout the prison system to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
Mumbai, Sep 30 : 'Hamariwali Good News' actress Vaishnavi Ganatra feels blessed to share screen space with Bollywood actor Kunal Khemu in popular web series 'Abhay 2'.

She says: "Watching a good actor is the best way to learn. I observed and learnt from Kunal Khemu sir throughout the shoot of 'Abhay 2'. He reprises his role as the brilliant investigating officer, 'Abhay Pratap Singh'. The intensity that I've seen him put in each one of his scenes left me awestruck. As a child artiste, I feel these are exactly the things that you absorb from your senior co-actors. And adopting them can help you a lot. I've had a remarkably wonderful time shooting for this web series." Recalling her experience of shooting along with Kunal, Vaishnavi added: "Every person is a new door to a whole different world and I was fortunate enough to work with Kunal sir. I made it a point to go to the shoot in spite of it being an off day for me.

"The only reason I went on my off days to the set was to observe and learn from him. He always came prepared to the shoot with his lines well-rehearsed. It gave me a lot of inspiration seeing a renowned actor like him ready for a shot whenever it was called. It is said that an actor's best education is on the job and that is what I realised on the sets of 'Abhay 2'." Vaishnavi Ganatra appears as Aanchal Mishra in the television show 'Hamariwali Good News'.
Tunis, Sep 30 : Tunisian President Kais Saied on Wednesday appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as the first female prime minister in his country to form a new government, according to the presidency.

Addressing the newly head of government, Saied announced that "given the exceptional situation the country is going through, I decided to entrust you with forming a new government," Xinhua news agency reported.

"You are the first female head of government in the history of our nation," Saied added.

"We will work together with a strong will and determination to eradicate corruption and put an end to the chaos," said Saied.

"I hope you will manage to propose the composition of the government in the coming hours or days, in accordance with the provisions of the last exceptional measures," the president added.

Saied noted that the main priorities of the new government include fighting against corruption, protecting and promoting people's fundamental rights, such as the rights to health, education and transport.

Born in 1958, the newly appointed prime minister was an academic at the National Engineering School of Tunis and held the post of World Bank Program Execution Officer at the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Visakhapatnam, Sep 30 : Employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Thursday staged protests demanding a halt to the process of appointing legal advisors for privatization of the public sector undertaking.

Raising slogans against the central government, the employees staged a sit-in at the main gate of the plant. They demanded that the online process for appointment of legal advisors be stopped immediately.

The sit-in was organised by Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee, which is spearheading the agitation against the strategic sale of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

Raising slogans of 'Visakha Ukku Andhrula Hakku', the employees demanded the Centre to immediately stop the process of privatization The committee leaders warned the steel plant management that they will not allow any advisors appointed by the Centre for the 100 per cent disinvestment of RINL to enter the steel plant.

They alleged that the BJP government at the Centre was trying to hand over the steel plant to the party's henchmen.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on January 27 gave its 'in-principle' approval for 100 per cent disinvestment of government stake in RINL along with RINL's stake in its subsidiaries/joint ventures through strategic disinvestment by way of privatisation.

The employees have been strongly opposing the privatization move. They formed a committee to spearhead the protest. The committee leaders warned that Telugu people will not stay quiet if the plant, which has been providing succour to over a lakh people, is privatized.

The state government has also opposed the privatization move. In February, Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision. He called for protecting the 'jewel of Andhra Pradesh' Despite the agitation by employees and opposition from the state government, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) of the Union Finance Ministry expedited the privatisation proposal.

It recently issued separate notifications seeking request for proposal (RFP) for engagement of a legal advisor and a transaction advisor for 100 per cent strategic disinvestment of RINL and its stake in its subsidiaries and joint ventures.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, Sep 30 : The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi and Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad have come out in support of Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Mohd Iftikharuddin, who is being invested on charges of religious conversions.

Owaisi alleged that the BJP government in the state was targeting Muslims for political mileage.

Owaisi said, "The UP government set up an SIT to 'investigate' a six-year-old video of a senior IAS officer. The video has been taken out of context and is from a time when this government was not in power. This is blatant and targeted harassment based on religion." Accusing the BJP government of double standards, he further said, "If the parameter is that no officer should be connected to religious activity, then prohibit use of all religious symbols/images in offices. If merely discussing faith at home is a crime, then punish all officers participating in public religious celebration." Well-known Shia cleric, Maulana Kalbe Jawad, has also come out to support the IAS officer.

He said, "Every person has the right to pray in his house. If this IAS officer offered prayers in a particular manner in his house, why should he be tried for it? SIT probe in every matter is not justified because everyone has the freedom of religion." The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a firm stand against forcible and illegal religious conversions in the state.

The UP ATS has arrested more than 14 people on charges of being involved in large-scale conversions across the country through their organisations.

During investigations, it was revealed that the people involved in this have been offering money for threatening innocents and luring them to convert to Islam, police sources have said.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : With eyes on next year's assembly polls in five states, the BJP youth wing will hold its national executive committee meeting on October 5 in the national capital.

According to BJP sources, the national office bearers meet of Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) will be held on October 4 and the national executive meeting will be held on October 5 at NDMC convention centre.

"Detailed discussion will be held to finalise plans to reach out to young voters in five poll bound states. They will play a crucial role in deciding the electoral fortunes of any party and BJP is the most liked party among them due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's youth specific initiatives," sources said.

It is learnt that BJP chief J.P. Nadda will address the BJYM national executive meet on October 5.

Another party functionary said that campaigns for the poll bound states will be decided in the meeting. "Majority of voters in these five states are youths irrespective of caste and religion and they are one of the deciding force behind who will win the election. We will reach out to them with youth centric programs of the BJP government at the centre and the states," he said.

Party insiders said that the Modi government has launched several schemes with special focus on youths like 'skill India', 'start up India', 'stand up India', 'Mudra Yojna' and others in the last seven years.

"These programs of the Modi government have generated employment opportunities and empowered youths across India. Youth of the country knows that this BJP government is committed to all sections of society. BJYM will try to reach out to youth across the country especially in the poll bound states through specific campaigns," he said.

Assembly polls will be held in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur in February-March next year.

The BJP leadership has asked all its morchas to conclude their national executive meetings by October.

Two days executive meeting of the Schedule Caste (SC) Morcha was held in Varanasi and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) Morcha organised its national executive meet on September 23-24 in Ranchi. The BJP Mahila Morcha held its national executive in Dehradun on September 26-27.
Gopalganj : , Sep 30 (IANS) A businessman was allegedly shot dead by four unidentified men in Bihar's Gopalganj district, while trying to stop them from robbing his stationery shop, police said on Thursday.

After committing the murder, the miscreants looted the shop and fled away. The incident took place on Wednesday evening.

A police official said 42-year-old Hariram Singh, a resident of Sirisiya village, was sitting in his shop in Sirisia Bazar when four bike-borne miscreants wearing masks arrived at the shop. Two persons entered the shop and tried to loot the money counter. Singh tried to foil the robbery attempt, but was shot dead with a pistol.

According to eyewitnesses, after committing the crime the bike-borne miscreants fled from the spot and fired bullets in the air while fleeing.

After receiving information about the incident, police of Kuchaikote, Bishambharpur and Nagar police stations reached the spot and took the victim's body in their custody and sent it for post-mortem to the Sadar hospital.

The locals were agitated over the incident.

Gopalganj Superintendent of Police, Anand Kumar said the police was investigating the murder and a special investigation team has been constituted to nab the accused.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Communications solutions provider Bharti Airtel on Thursday said it plans to invest Rs 5,000 crore to scale up its data centre network.

Accordingly, the investment will include setting up new data centre parks in key metro cities.

Besides, the company unveiled a refreshed brand identity for its data centre business 'Nxtra by Airtel'.

"With 5G around the corner, a fast growing digital economy, enterprises transitioning to cloud and local data storage regulations, India is witnessing a strong demand for reliable data centre solutions," the company said in a statement.

The Indian data centre industry is expected to more than double its installed capacity from an approximate 450 MW to 1,074 MW by 2023.

According to Ajay Chitkara, Director and CEO, Airtel Business: "Airtel has built the largest data centre network in India and we are now doubling down on this business to scale up our network that will be at the core of 5G and Digital India." "Our experience of operating secure data centres, deep brand trust in the enterprise segment and the ability to deliver end-to-end digital transformation solutions positions us well to serve the emerging requirements of India's connected economy. The new brand identity embodies this vision and ambition." At present, 'Nxtra' by Airtel has the largest network of data centres in India.

Currently, it operates 10 large and 120 edge data centres located across India and manages critical submarine landing stations.

It offers secure and scalable integrated solutions to global hyperscalers, large Indian enterprises, startups, SMEs and governments.
Chennai, Sep 30 : An Indian Air Force (IAF) woman officer who had complained of rape at the IAF academy at Coimbatore by a fellow officer, has stated that she was subjected to Two Finger test by the IAF medical officers.

In the complaint, the woman officer said that the two finger test which is an illegal preliminary, unscientific examination of rape victims to ascertain sexual abuse, was conducted on her.

The woman officer in the complaint before the All Woman police said that the attitude of some of the officers of the IAF who were made aware of the incident, was to force her to withdraw the complaint.

This clearly shows the lack of empathy on the part of the IAF as well as conducting the illegal two finger test which was a violation of human rights and dignity of a woman, the complaint states.

In the FIR, the woman IAF officer alleged that she was raped on September 9. She said that she had an ankle injury on September 9 and she took a rest and in the evening went to the Officers Mess Bar and had two drinks with her course-mates.

The Woman officer said that she was with one male officer and another woman officer who were both her course mates. She said that she vomited in between and her course mates took her to the room (the male coursemate and the woman coursemate) and they latched the room from outside and left.

Later according to her version in the FIR, the accused came to the room and tried to wake her up and kissed her and she tried to resist and pushed him away but could not do so due to her ankle injury.

She said that the next she remembered was a female friend asking her whether the accused was in the room with her consent. The next morning, according to the FIR, she confronted the accused who expressed regret for having invaded her privacy but her female colleague pointed out semen in her bed.

The woman officer then met two faculty members at the Air Force staff college on September 11. The faculty members, according to the FIR gave her two options, either to file a complaint, or give a written statement that everything was consensual, and was directed to the Air Force hospital.

In the FIR she said that the doctors at the Air Force hospital then subjected her to Two Finger Test which was illegal and unethical, and questioned her sexual history.

The woman officer, in the FIR, alleged that senior officers including those in charge of administration were pressuring her to withdraw her complaint.

She later filed a complaint at the All Women Police Station (AWPS) at Coimbatore after mustering courage on September 20 and the accused, Amitesh was arrested.

The Air Force contended that the accused be handed over to them, when he was produced before the Mahila Court in Coimbatore but as the victim and police objected to it, his judicial custody was extended till September 30.

The woman said that she did not know that the Two Finger test was banned by the Supreme court of India in 2013 and said that the test made her nauseous to relive the trauma, according to the FIR.
Lucknow, Sep 30 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the Self-Reliant Farmer Integrated Development Scheme.

The Rs 722.85 crore scheme will benefit more than 27 lakh farmers associated with the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by increasing their income substantially in the next five years.

According to the government spokesman, the government will spend the amount to provide facilities and resources to farmers at every level, from farm to market.

In the current financial year, the state government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for this scheme. Under this scheme, 2,725 FPOs will be formed benefiting 27.25 lakh shareholder farmers directly.

According to the agriculture department officials, the government has decided to set up at least one FPO in every block to increase the income of farmers in the state.

At present, a total of 693 FPOs have been formed in 408 blocks of 824 blocks of the state. About 500 to 1,000 farmers are associated on an average with an FPO.

FPOs give bargaining power to the small and marginal farmers in the sale of their crops.

According to officials, the FPOs will help enhance income of farmers selling their produce directly to traders, or companies, and also those doing contract farming.

Institutions related to agricultural development will be able to reduce the cost of farming and increase the income of the farmers by developing agricultural infrastructure.

According to the plan, a loan of Rs 5 lakh per year will be given to cluster based business organisations for five years for forming FPOs and Rs 6 lakh to the newly formed FPOs for three years.

Loans will be provided to FPOs for creation of post-harvest infrastructure facilities at the rate of three per cent, which will benefit at least 500 to 1,000 farmers associated with FPOs. It will also lead to creation of 3,000 jobs every year.

Besides, a plan of Rs 140 crore has been prepared for the creation of post-harvest storage and management infrastructure in 27 mandis of Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad.
Mumbai, Sep 30 : A senior citizen who was pounded upon by a leopard outside her home, managed to ward off the big cat with her walking stick, officials said here on Thursday.

The 65-year-old woman, identified as Nirmala R. Singh, supported by her walking stick, stepped out of her home in Aarey Colony, around 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday, and sat on the porch of her open verandah, at Visava settlement.

Barely had she settled and caught her breath, the leopard - crouching a couple of metres behind her - lunged at her with full force, and as she tried to stand up, he knocked her down.

As she fell on her back on the floor, the leopard continued to claw at her and attempted another attack, but luckily Singh managed to grab her walking stick, waved, jabbed and swiped it at the hungry and angry cat.

Hearing her screams for help and seeing her relatives running out, the confused leopard turned and beat a hasty retreat into the Aarey forests, and Singh was safe.

Though the encounter was over in barely a few seconds, Singh suffered a few claw injuries on her face, shoulder, back, neck, elbow and legs and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The CCTV footage showed that the leopard had arrived a few minutes earlier, apparently hunting for food and then stealthily lay in wait for a potential prey, its glowing pair of eyes captured in the camera.

This is the fifth such incident in the past few weeks reported from the Visava vicinity and on Tuesday, a leopard cub was rescued from a spot near the Mumbai Metro -3 carshed, but its mother is still elusive.

Police and forest department officials are concerned over the abrupt spurt in the leopard-man conflicts in Aarey Colony and are taking measures to ensure the big cats - estimated to be around five dozen - remain within the forest areas.

The video went viral on social media, the plucky lady was lauded for her quick thinking and hitting back at the spotted cat with her saviour walking stick.
Kolkata, Sep 30 : Bhabanipur assembly seat that has witnessed some kind of tension from the morning recorded the lowest polling percentage among the three assembly constituencies where elections are held on Thursday.

The poor turnout of voters was witnessed despite the Election Commission's effort to attract the voters to the polling stations.

The BJP on Thursday complained to the ECI against two state ministers - Subrata Mukherjee and Firhad Hakim for impressing upon the voters and urged the commission to keep the two cabinet ministers under house-arrest till the election is over.

"The Trinamool ministers are going to the voters and forcing them to vote for the Trinamool Congress and we have complained about it to the election commission," a senior BJP leader said.

Meanwhile, there was a minor scuffle at Khalsa High School in Bhabanipur area when the BJP supporters alleged that the Trinamool Congress was trying to push false voters to the polling station. When BJP workers tried to enter the booth, they were stopped by the TMC workers and finally the central forces came and dispersed the mob.

"I have been alleging that they are making illegal assembly in different places and now they are pushing false voters into the booth," BJP candidate in Bhabanipur Priyanka Tibrewal said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to cast her vote at Mitra Institution at 4 p.m. The constituency has recorded the lowest polling percentage among three assembly by-elections in the state till 1 p.m. in the afternoon.

According to the data available with the Election Commission of India, the high-profile assembly constituency recorded only 35.9 per cent of polling till 1 p.m. On the other hand, the two assembly constituencies of Murshidabad district -- Jangipur and Samserganj recorded 53.7 and 57.1 per cent polling respectively.
Lucknow, Sep 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Lucknow on October 5 to participate in a three-day conclave organised by the Urban Development department of Uttar Pradesh.

"During his two-hour visit on October 5, the Prime Minister is expected to virtually interact with beneficiaries of the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana'," a senior state government official said.

The urban conclave will be held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in state capital Lucknow.

This will be Modi's third visit to Uttar Pradesh in recent months after his programmes in Varanasi and Aligarh ahead of the 2022 state Assembly polls.

The Prime Minister had previously visited Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, in July followed by a visit to Aligarh in September to lay the foundation stone of a state university named after Jat king Mahendra Pratap Singh.

On the occasion, keys would be given to nearly 75,000 beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana, state officials said. These beneficiaries are given a financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh each to build their houses.

Modi is expected to virtually flag-off 150 electric buses that would ply in seven cities across the state.

The Prime Minister is likely to inaugurate an exhibition of various urban development schemes that have been implemented till now or are in the works, state officials added.

"He could also inaugurate, either virtually or physically, several other urban development schemes," government officials said.

Modi is likely to take a chopper from the Lucknow airport till the La Martiniere College ground opposite the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's residence from where he will travel by road till the venue of the urban conclave.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Climate youth activists, who had protested before the Delhi Chief Minister's office a week ago, have decided to participate in green programmes and activities initiated by the state government for a bigger impact on the environment front in the long run.

"Post our group members' meeting with V.K. Tripathi (Advisor to Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai) at Delhi Secretariat, we reached a conclusion that youth and the government need to work together in order to tackle the climate-related problems arising in the national capital," a Fridays For Future (FFF) member told IANS on condition of anonymity.

Hundreds of environmental activists had marched from the ITO Metro station to Delhi Secretariat on September 24 to mark the 'Global Climate Strike' week and learn of the status of their list of demands presented to the Delhi government on March 19.

"Due to time constraints, only three topics, including air pollution caused due to stubble burning, could be discussed at length. V.K. Tripathi told us about the number of initiatives taken by the Delhi government and admitted that they could not get a lot of media attention around them and that is why they are still not popular among the youth," a FFF member said pointing 'Nature-Trail' and 'Eco-Club' as the activities mentioned by the Delhi government official.

"V.K. Tripathi advised us to go through newspapers and government digital portals regularly and take ecological surveys along with state officials to learn more about such programmes," the FFF member added.

"We assured him that 10,000 youth associated with the FFFD (Fridays For Future Delhi) would surely think of ways to contribute. A copy of the demands was submitted to both Tripathi and the Delhi administration. One copy with the official signature and complaint number is with the FFFD Team," said a statement issued by FFFD.

An open virtual meet in this matter will take place on October 1 wherein the other climate groups will be informed about the meeting and a future course of action will be planned.

This FFFD member seemed more hopeful after the meeting.

Another climate activist and a student said, "I don't think our demands will be considered because this is what happened last time as well. Reena Gupta (Advisor to Delhi government) had signed our draft in March and told us that they will get back to us in a month's time. In April, India was hit by the second wave of Covid-19 and nothing happened even after the infection rate subsided." The demand draft in focus was prepared by the young activists of FFF and Youth for Climate (YFC), India. It emphasised the need to reinvigorate participatory mechanisms around development projects by means of revitalising the ward sabhas, eliminating systematic encroachment via local communities participation in deciding what's best for their area, carrying out a tree census, formulating a heat action plan to prevent heat-related deaths, systemic reform in waste management practice, starting the six packages under interceptor sewer project (ISP) for a cleaner Yamuna and reduction in use of private vehicles.

During the protest held in March 2021, Srijani Dutta, a YFC activist and a sociology student at The Hindu College, Delhi University, was one of the few people who had met Reena Gupta.

"Our petition was signed and we were asked for a month's time for the petition to be reviewed. Inside the Secretariat, there was a very tokenistic response of signing the copy of demands. However, nothing followed afterwards. Therefore, this time we wanted the Delhi government officials to come outside the Secretariat so that they could be held accountable in front of everyone." As the debate around climate change and global warming started gaining momentum across the world, a series of strikes and protests were proposed to be organised on a chosen day or week by several global, national and local environment groups at their respective places.

The aim of these series of protests taking place every six months is to highlight the green issues to their elected representatives, asking them to act upon the climate change crisis on an emergency basis.

Although the protests toned down due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the last two years, the climate activists between 19-30 years were as active as ever with their street art, recycled placards with catchy phrases and pride flags raised outside the Delhi Chief Minister's Office.

Similar protests were carried out in 17 other locations, including Bengaluru, Jammu, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Agra, Meerut, Kolkata, Thane, Thiruvananthapuram, among others.

These climate movements are inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Departing Marines from the Kabul airport gave a one-finger salute to the Taliban and ISIS, scrawling obscene messages on the facilitys walls -- but were told by commanders to erase the graffiti before they left, New York Post said.

The Marines were ordered to destroy equipment the military was leaving behind at Hamid Karzai International Airport as the withdrawal was winding down, the Wshington Post reported.

They smashed electronics with sledgehammers, shattered windows and stripped armoured vehicles to render them useless to the Taliban.

But many of the Marines, still seething over the deaths of 13 US service members outside the airport in an ISIS-K suicide bombing, left some choice words for the terrorists.

Pictures showed a group of Marines posing in front of a wall at the airport with the words "F-k isis, AFG 2021" scrawled across it in black paint.

In another picture, a serviceman stands before a tiled wall near a wash basin.

"F-k ISIS + Taliban" was written on the wall, along with a drawing of a penis.

A Marine told the Washington Post that they were ordered to wash the taunting messages away and clean up the debris before they left the airport.

"My boys had to go... pick up every last piece of... trash for who? The Taliban?" the Marine, who was not identified, told the newspaper.

"It was a slap in the face to us," the Marine said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Top US defence officials have said the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan can be traced back to a deal between the group and the Trump administration, BBC reported.

The so-called Doha agreement was signed in February 2020 and set a date for the US to withdraw its troops.

Gen Frank McKenzie said the deal had a "really pernicious effect" on the Afghan government and military.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin agreed, saying the agreement had helped the Taliban get "stronger".

Gen McKenzie told the committee the Doha agreement had a strong psychological effect on the Afghan government because it set a date for "when they could expect all assistance to end", the report said.

He said he had believed "for quite a while" that if the US reduced the number of its military advisers in Afghanistan below 2,500, the Afghan government and military would inevitably collapse.

After the Doha agreement, he said the troop reduction ordered by President Biden in April was "the other nail in the coffin".

Austin said that by committing the US to ending air strikes against the Taliban, the Doha agreement meant the Islamist group "got stronger, they increased their offensive operations against Afghan security forces, and the Afghans were losing a lot of people on a weekly basis".

The defence officials previously spoke to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where Gen Milley and Gen McKenzie said they had recommended keeping a force of 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, ahead of the full US withdrawal in August, BBC reported.

Gen Milley also said the Taliban takeover would make it harder to protect Americans from terrorist attacks, as he described the group as a terrorist organisation that "still has not broken ties with al-Qaeda".
Lucknow, Sep 30 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday asked for a report from the Superintendent of Police of Etah, Uttar Pradesh into the suicide of a minor boy who was sent to jail as an adult.

The NHRC has also asked its investigation division to conduct an inquiry into the role of all those concerned in the case and submit a report within six weeks.

The NHRC directive came after it took cognizance of a complaint that said that the minor was unable to bear the torture of being sent to jail as an adult on charges of drug possession and committed suicide when he was released on bail on September 21, after spending three months in Etah.

The boy was allegedly arrested by the Etah police and sent to the district jail instead of being produced before a Juvenile Justice Board.

The father of the boy has alleged that his son was illegally arrested and tortured to extort money by police.

The Commission has directed the SSP, Etah to have the allegations inquired by a senior rank police officer and submit a report to the Commission within four weeks.

The NHRC has also directed its investigation division to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry, analyse the case and suggest the institutional measures, which could be recommended to the government to ensure that children are not being treated as adults for prosecution.

The investigation division has also been directed to look into the role played by all the concerned stakeholders in this case, including the judge, before whom the child was produced within 24 hours of the arrest, and the role of the doctor who examined the child.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : A 23-year-old man who was transporting 2,500 quarters of country-made liquor from Haryana was arrested here in the national capital, police officials said on Thursday.

The police said they had received a credible information that a Santro car carrying a big consignment of illicit liquor, would be coming near Bandh Road, in the area of Fatehpur Beri.

Acting on this tip-off, a police team was constituted which laid a trap near Mor Bagh at Gadaipur Bandh Road, New Delhi, and stopped a Santro Car and apprehended one supplier of illicit liquor.

The police recovered 50 cartons containing a total number of 2,500 quarters of illicit liquor (Motta Orange Masaledar desi sharab) from the boot and back seat of the car. Subsequently, the accused identified as Chander Bhan, resident of Gurugram in Haryana, was arrested by the police.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused Chander Bhan used to supply illicit liquor from Gurugram to Delhi. The accused said that he came to Delhi in search of work and started doing bootlegging.

The police said that the accused bootlegger was found to be previously involved in five cases. The Police has arrested the accused under sections 33 and 58 of the Delhi Police Act and further probe is on.
Bengaluru, Sep 30 : Bengalurus image as a startup hub is set to take a hit following the recent controversy around the ban on online gaming in Karnataka, according to a study conducted by Startup Business Academy.

Eighty per cent of respondents strongly believe that if gaming start-ups shift out of Bengaluru, there will be a huge negative impact on the image of Bengaluru and Karnataka as a start-up destination.

Startup Business Academy, an organisation focused on startup entrepreneurs, conducted a study among 650+ respondents from the startup community including founders and employees. An overwhelming majority of the surveyed said that not only will the ban affect Bangalore's image but it will also have a cascading effect on other start-up and IT segments. Around 70 per cent of respondents believe that a ban on online gaming will have a high negative impact on other segments of the IT industry and start-ups as well.

A whopping 80 per cent of respondents also strongly believe that if gaming start-ups shift out of Bengaluru to other start-up destinations in India because of lack of policy support, there will be a massive negative impact on the image of Bengaluru and Karnataka as a start-up destination.

In a controversial and highly criticised move, the Karnataka assembly had passed a bill that banned online skill games involving entry fees. At present, Karnataka is home to more than 91 gaming companies and developers, which employ about 4,000 people. The Bill will have a severe impact on these companies, in the form of revenue and job loss, and stifle the growth of this sector. More importantly, this will severely affect Karnataka's ability to attract tech companies to the state.

Not just policy, 69 per cent respondents strongly feel that Bengaluru will eventually lose its attractiveness for start-ups because of a multitude of compounding factors such as problems of infrastructure, traffic, lack of public transport and lack of clear startup friendly state government policy. Around 31 per cent respondents attribute that if the trend of overregulation of high growth and investment magnets like gaming continues this will harm the state's attractiveness. Also, 33 per cent respondents believe that other cities like Delhi NCR, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad have started to offer better policies and environment to high-stake start-up entrepreneurs and investors.

Neeraj Kapoor, CEO & Founder, Start-up Business Academy, said, "Karnataka, led by the city of Bengaluru has been India's flag bearer as a global hub for IT development and start-ups on the back of a vibrant private enterprise led by young, energetic entrepreneurs. The recent developments threaten the State of Karnataka's pole position as compared to other Indian states when it comes to its friendliness and readiness to drive the next level of growth from IT and related services."
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Sonakshi Sinha is back in a peppy music video 'Mil Mahiya' that was released Thursday. The actress is featured dancing in a different avatar dressed in a hip-hop bomber jacket and a glamorous look in the music video sung by Raashi Sood.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Sonakshi shared her enthusiasm for being part of the music video 'Mil Mahiya'.

She expressed she was looking forward to being a part of a music video for a long time. "I was looking at doing a music video because it's been the longest time since I have actually featured in one. And a long time since I have been featured in a film song that has the typical singing and dancing style that I am associated with," said Sonakshi, who was last seen in the film 'Bhuj: The Pride of India'.

She continued, "So when Big Bang Music approached me and made me hear a few songs, 'Mil Mahiya' is what I selected because it just got me grooving to it instantly. It's the kind of song that I would love to listen to just by myself or with my friends or at a party. It's got that groove to it, it's got that vibe, young, cool, fresh feeling to it." "Shooting the video was super fun. Amith Krishnan directed and Enjoy Enjami shot it. I love that the music video is so new age and so vivid, visually so appealing that I knew he'll do a fantastic job with this one and it was exactly that. It was a party on set and we had a blast shooting it," she added.

The 'Dabangg' actress shared the first impression of the song when she heard it for the first time.

She said, "I really really started grooving to it my foot started tapping. I started dancing I was like I have to do this and not only me, everyone who was present in the room along with me who heard the song really liked it. It's a great mix of some nice and different, new stuff which I wanted to explore myself and Raashi who sung it so beautifully!" Sonakshi is seen in two different looks in the video, "There are two very distinct looks in the video and we wanted difference - we wanted one athleisure look and one super glam look." She continued, "My stylist Mohit Rai put together these very distinct looks - one is a bomber jacket with joggers, really cool jhumkas (earrings) and one is super glam sequin pantsuits so I had a blast being in both looks. It's very important to me to be comfortable in what I am wearing so I can perform well and which is what happened, so yeah very happy," concluded Sonakshi.

'Mil Mahiya' is released on Big Bang Music's YouTube channel.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hyderabad, Sep 30 : A driver who had decamped with Rs 55 lakh belonging to a realtor was arrested by the Hyderabad Police on Thursday.

Srinivas was taken into custody along with his friend Vijay in Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Police also recovered Rs 50 lakh from them. The arrested men were being brought to Hyderabad.

Srinivas, a native of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, was working as a driver with a realtor Santosh Reddy, a resident of Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The employer had given him the money on September 25 to hand over the same to another realtor at Kokapet.

The driver, however, decamped with the money. He left the employer's house around 2 p.m. and when he did not reach Kokapet even two hours later, Santosh Reddy called him on his mobile but the same was switched off.

After making repeated attempts, the realtor grew suspicious and lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills police station.

Police registered a case and took up investigation. The car was later found on Road Number 10 Jubilee Hills.

Jubilee Hills police and Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force personnel launched a hunt for Srinivas, who had joined as the driver at Santosh Reddy's house only six months ago. Working on some clues, they finally traced him in Ooty.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Cheering vibrant culture of Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju is a decent dancer.

Modi tagged a tweet by Rijiju about his visit to Kazalang village where the Sajolang people were participating in the original folk songs and dances.

"Our Law Minister @KirenRijiju is also a decent dancer! Good to see the vibrant and glorious culture of Arunachal Pradesh," Prime Minister tweeted.

Union law minister on Wednesday night shared video of his visit to Kazaland village to monitor the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Projects.

"During my visit to beautiful Kazalang village to monitor the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Projects. This is traditional merrymaking of Sajolang people whenever guests visit their village. The original folk songs and dances are the ESSENCE of every community in Arunachal Pradesh," Rijiju tweeted.

In the over a minute video, Rijiju was also seen matching his steps with local residents. In the video, Sajolang people were welcoming the law minister by singing their traditional folk songs and few residents of village and minister were danced to the traditional tunes.

Rijiju mentioned that this is traditional merrymaking of Sajolang people whenever guests visit their village.
Jakarta/Seoul, Sep 30 : The US special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, reiterated Thursday that Washington has no hostile intent toward Pyongyang and supports humanitarian aid to the country.

Kim made the remarks after he held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, in Jakarta, to discuss humanitarian support, confidence-building measures and other steps to encourage Pyongyang's return to dialogue, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The talks came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told a parliamentary session Wednesday that the US remains "utterly unchanged" in pursuing hostile policy toward his country, while stressing its offer for dialogue is no more than a "petty trick" for hiding hostility.

"We remain open to engagement with the DPRK to discuss the full range of bilateral and regional issues. I want to make clear again that the US harbours no hostile intent toward the DPRK," the US envoy said. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kim also restated Washington's readiness to cooperate with the North on the humanitarian front.

"We are also prepared to work cooperatively with the DPRK to address areas of shared humanitarian concern," he said. "To this end, the US supports the provision of humanitarian assistance, consistent with international standards for access and monitoring, to the most vulnerable North Koreans." Touching on the recent spate of the North's missile launches, Kim criticised them for violating multiple UN Security Council resolutions and posing a threat to the North's neighbours and the international community.

"I reiterated that the US' commitment to our allies is stronger than ever as we work closely with the Republic of Korea to chart a path forward towards complete denuclearisation and a lasting peace regime on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

Before the talks, Noh and Kim held trilateral online talks with their Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi, to discuss cooperation in efforts to reengage with the North.

Thursday's talks came amid growing concerns over the North's recent saber-rattling, including Tuesday's test-firing of a newly developed hypersonic missile.

Striking a conciliatory note, the North Korean leader told Wednesday's parliamentary session that he is willing to reactivate the cross-border communication lines in early October During their talks, Noh and Kim also discussed President Moon Jae-in's recent proposal for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, which Noh has said was the "most effective" among confidence-building measures with the North.

"Ambassador Noh briefed me in detail on the ROK government's initiative to declare an end to the Korean War, and we agreed to continue our close communication on the initiative," Kim said. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.

This week's talks followed their last in-person talks in Tokyo a little over a fortnight ago. Noh and Kim also met in Seoul and Washington last month in an indication of stepped-up diplomacy to re-engage with the North.
Panaji, Sep 30 : The Bombay High Court bench in Goa on Thursday slammed the state police and administration for not doing enough to rein in the sand mafia from pilfering sand from the state's rivers illegally.

The court has now directed the police to seize and destroy unregistered canoes and impound the trucks which illegally transport sand, and to install CCTV cameras at illegal sand mining sites.

"The authorities, who were duty-bound to prevent this sand mining, do not appear to be seriously interested in implementing the orders made by us from time to time. According to us, the persons involved in illegal sand mining are out to hoodwink the authorities. Unfortunately, we find that in many cases even the authorities appear to be too eager to be hoodwinked," Justices M.S. Sonak and M.S. Jawalkar said in their order, while hearing a petition filed by Goa Foundation.

"The police authorities, in particular, are most lax when it comes to preventing illegal and unauthorised sand mining. The Director General of Police (DGP) must issue strict instructions to the concerned police stations to render all possible cooperation to the authorities taking steps to prevent illegal sand mining," the order said.

"The DGP should also issue strict instructions to all the concerned police stations to attend to the complaints about illegal sand mining, promptly. There are instances where the police authorities simply refuse to come to the sites. The DGP is expected to take action against the police officials who indulge in this type of dereliction of duties," it added.

The court has also directed the state administration to install CCTVs near illegal mining hotspots to ensure that sand is not illegally mined.

"These canoes have no good reason to remain parked on Government property. The Government also has no good reason to permit such canoes to be parked on its property, particularly when these properties appear to be hot-spots for illegal sand mining," the HC order also said.
Mexico City, Sep 30 : Mexico flew 70 Haitians to their capital Port-au-Prince amid a migrant crisis as Haitians flocked to the United States border.

The group included 41 men, 16 women and 13 minors, Mexico's foreign ministry and interior ministry said in a joint statement, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"The commitment to safe, orderly and regular immigration, with full respect and safeguard for human rights is reaffirmed" through the repatriation of this first group, the statement said.

The return is part of a humanitarian assisted program among agreements reached by the permanent dialogue table set up on September 21 between representatives of the Mexican and Haitian governments to address the needs of Haitians in Mexico.

Regarding the thousands of Haitians currently in Mexico, including those deported by the United States and those interested in settling in Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's foreign minister said his country had offered refugee status to those who had not received it in other countries.

A sudden increase of migrants from Haiti, considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and most recently ravaged by a devastating earthquake and the assassination of its president, to the United States prompted the Biden administration to initiate a mass deportation process.
Israeli soldiers operate an artillery battery from a position at the Israeli-Gaza border near Sderot, amid the escalating flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpa/dpa Image Source: IANS News

Ramallah, Sep 30 : Two Palestinians, including a woman from the West Bank, were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in two separate conflicts, Palestinian sources said.

Alaa Zayoud, 22, was killed by Israeli soldiers during clashes in the village of Burqin near the city of Jenin in northern West Bank, according to Palestinian medics and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Xinhua news agency reported.

Clashes broke out in the village between Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers after an Israeli army force stormed into the village on Thursday morning to arrest two Palestinians for carrying out attacks against Israel.

The raid was part of Israel's plans to dismantle a military network that belongs to the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

Palestinian medical sources also said a 30-year-old Palestinian woman from Qabatya village west of Jenin was killed by Israeli soldiers in the old city in East Jerusalem.

In a press statement, the Israeli police said that the woman was shot dead when she tried to stab an Israeli police officers in the old city.

Tension in the West Bank has been mounting after five Palestinian militants were killed last week in crossfires with Israeli soldiers.
Lucknow, Sep 30 : Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is eyeing young voters to return to power in the state. Akash Anand, the nephew of BSP Chief Mayawati and Kapil Mishra, the son of BSP General Secretary Satish Mishra, are working hard to woo young voters towards the party.

Mayawati had appointed Akash Anand as the BSP National Coordinator in 2020. Since then he has been continuously active in promoting the party's agenda. He previously took part in the 2017 UP Assembly elections. At present, the BSP is busy preparing for the 2022 election and he is likely to play a significant role. He is known to be actively promoting the party in Delhi and Punjab. Recently, Akash held several public rallies in Punjab.

He recently also met the sister of BSP Founder Kanshi Ram.

The reins of this outreach programme to youth will be handled by Satish Chandra Mishra's son Kapil Mishra and will talk about the development work undertaken during Mayawati's tenure as the Chief Minister. Along with it a strategy is being worked out to connect youth with the BSP so that the party gains an edge over other parties in the elections.

A BSP leader said the party will move forward promoting young leaders and will give party tickets to a large number of youth leaders in the party to fight the Assembly polls.

Akash Anand and Kapil Mishra are constantly encouraging young BSP leaders through social media. A youth interaction programme has been prepared which will be held in all 18 mandals across the state led by Kapil Mishra. Akash will also be a part of this programme at several places. He is also eyeing to strengthen the party's political base in Punjab.

He said the youth dialogue initiative will mainly focus on youngsters who are going to vote for the first time in the state. Kapil Mishra will communicate with the youth of Kanpur, Kannauj and Lucknow. He will point out the work done for the welfare of youth during the BSP regime and outline the good work the party will do for them after coming to power.

Kapil Mishra will impart knowledge about the significance and negative aspects of social media. He clearly says that the youth need to use social media openly.

The BSP leader says that ahead of the 2022 UP polls, 50 per cent of youth leaders will be given tickets for which feedback is being sought from the general public. The list of poll candidates is being prepared. Those party workers would be given a chance who are dedicated to the party.

Former UP minister and senior BSP leader Nakul Dubey says that the youth have a bigger responsibility in taking forward the state. Keeping this in mind, the party is focusing on the youth. The party is paying attention on how to take the youth forward and create employment opportunities for them in the state.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, Sep 30 : Actor Adhyayan Suman's upcoming film 'Bekhudi' is slated to release in theatres and OTT soon.

Elaborating on being featured in 'Bekhudi', Adhyanan said, "One of the reasons why I did the film was because I had liked the script back then. I had also liked how clear Amit was in his vision and how accommodating he was for an actor like me who had his sense of opinion." The film was shot before the pandemic but didn't see the light of the day.

"Unfortunately for whatever circumstances, the film didn't release. For the last couple of years, it didn't see the light of day. Finally, the film will be coming out now. Back then I was looking for a love story and this was something that really intrigued me." He added, "It's going to have a theatrical release and hopefully make it to the OTT platform. OTT is booming in such a big way that we are hoping to catch some eyeballs when the film comes out on the OTT space." It was challenging for director-writer Amit Kasaria to write the script of the film, "For me, writing a movie like 'Bekhudi' was technically challenging because I had to write something in the thriller love story genre. The story is written from multiple perspectives. In stories, we usually glorify the hero. But, when it comes to women, we never try to show the real side of the female psyche and I think that while making this film, I have never followed a certain kind of a frame." Kasaria doubles up as one of the music directors for the film, as he has directed two songs, written lyrics, and composed the music. "Music is a strong point here. Daler Mehndi, Jubin Nautiyal, Sonu Nigam have sung the songs. The first requirement to any love story is soulful music and we have that spot on." Debutant Angel and actor Yuri Suri amongst others trace the story of an affluent man who falls in love with a woman who has a dark past in multilayered narration in Rashomon style. The film is produced by Dreamspark Movies' Abhishek Tyagi and Vijay Arts' Vijay Bansal.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Paris, Sep 30 : Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to one year in prison for illegally financing his election campaign in 2012, a court in Paris announced on Thursday.

Sarkozy was found guilty of having spent almost twice the legal limit on his re-election bid. He has denied any involvement in the logistics of his campaign, but the court said he "continued the organization of meetings after having been warned in writing of the risk of exceeding the legal ceiling." This new conviction came seven months after Sarkozy got a three-year prison sentence on charges of corruption and influence peddling in a separate trial.

In the trial, Sarkozy was found guilty of proposing a prestigious job in Monaco to a prosecutor in exchange for tip-offs on an inquiry into allegations that he had exploited the mental frailty of late L'Oreal heiress, Liliane Bettencourt, to enjoy donations in cash to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, had denied wrongdoing in that case and appealed against the ruling.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Supreme Court on Thursday asked Adani Power Ltd to reply, within three weeks, on the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd's (GUVNL) curative plea, challenging the 2019 apex court verdict upholding the firm's termination of a pact with the PSU.

Attorney General K.K. Venugopal appeared for the GUVL in the curative petition before the 5-judge bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices U.U. Lalit, D.Y. Chandrachud, B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant.

In a rare open court hearing on a curative petition in a commercial dispute, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing Adani Power (Mundra), seeking some time to file response. Venugopal and senior advocate C.A. Sundaram, who was also representing the GUVNL, said they would then like to put their rejoinder.

The bench ordered: "The respondent sought time to file a reply to the petition. Three weeks' time given for filing the reply and two weeks thereafter for filing the rejoinder (by GUVNL)." The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 17.

Earlier this month, the top court had decided to hear the GUVNL's curative petition.

A three-judge bench, in its July 2019 judgment, had held that Adani Power was justified in terminating the PPA, as it could not get coal supply on time from the Naini block of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC). Adani terminated the pact claiming that the supply of electricity was conditional to the coal supply.

The top court had ordered the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to determine compensatory tariff for the power supplied by Adani Power to the state PSU.

In 2007, Adani Power (Mundra) Ltd had signed a PPA with GUVNL to supply 1,000 MW power from its project located in Chhattisgarh's Korba.
Prague, Sep 30 : Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis met his visiting Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban to discuss economic cooperation, defence, migration, climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The price of emission allowances was one of the topics of their meeting, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The high price of emission allowances would have a negative effect on energy prices and it is necessary to start resolving the situation at the next European Council summit, said the Czech government in a press release after the meeting.

"The analysis carried out by the European Commission on the development of emission allowances did not match at all. Emission allowances, which are the subject of speculation, have a huge negative impact on our industry," said Babis.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the migration issue and shared their views on coping with illegal migrations.

Orban also met with Czech President Milos Zeman Wednesday evening for a high-level discussion.
Amaravati, Sep 30 : With the Badvel Assembly bypoll set to witness a keenly fought electoral battle, the ruling YSRC Party is leaving no stone unturned to retain this seat. On Thursday, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took stock of the situation and drew up battle plans to win the bypoll which is being projected as a referendum on his party's performance.

The Badvel assembly bypoll, scheduled for October 30, was necessitated by the death of the ruling party MLA Dr Venkata Subbaiah in March this year. In Thursday's meeting, Reddy directed the party leaders to ensure that voting percentage is increased.

Of late, with the opposition raising strident voices against the ruling party's actions, the bypoll has acquired the contours of a referendum. The assembly bypoll comes after the Tirupati Lok Sabha bypoll held in April, which the YSRCP had won conclusively.

The chief minister directed the leaders to visit each house at least three to four times and encourage voters to vote. Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has been put in-charge for the by-election. The MPs, MLAs and other leaders have been told to focus on Badvel bypoll and start the party activities from Monday. He instructed the leaders to publicise the welfare schemes being implemented after YSRCP came to power.

"In 2019, the YSRCP had won with a majority of over 44,000 votes, and it should be more than that in the by-election" the chief minister told aides, adding that voting percentage should be higher than the 77 per cent polled in 2019.

While the YSRCP is fielding Dr Sudha, wife of deceased MLA, the opposition TDP is repeating its 2019 assembly poll candidate Dr Obulapuram Rajasekhar for the bypoll.

Those present in Thursday meeting include deputy Chief Minister (minority affairs) Amzad Basha, Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Rama Chandra Reddy, Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh, Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu, Civil Supplies Minister Kodali Venkateswara Rao (Nani), government chief whip Gadikota Srikanth Reddy, and government advisor (public affairs) Sajjala Rama Krishna Reddy.
Guwahati, Sep 30 : The Indian Army has busted a recruitment module of the ULFA-I and apprehended seven youths, who were on their way to the outlawed outfit's training camps in Myanmar, defence officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesman said that acting on a specific input of recruitment being carried out by United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent, a joint team of personnel from the Joypur Battalion of the Red Shield Division, along with the Sonari police, busted the module in eastern Assam's Sivasagar district on Wednesday.

"Seven youths of Namtola (under Sivasagar district) were detained while they are on their way to the ULFA-I training camps across the Myanmar border. The group included a cadre who had earlier surrendered in 2016 and one who had already tried to join the banned outfit a couple of years back. During the operation, a pistol with ammunition was also recovered," the spokesman said.

He said that all the apprehended individuals have been handed over to the police and they have confessed to having been recruited by ULFA-I handlers, thus "breaking the myth of the unilateral ceasefire announced by the ULFA-I".

The ULFA-I's "commander-in-chief" Paresh Baruah recently indicated readiness to hold talks with the government, stating that his group would not mind if Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mediates in the possible peace talks with the Centre.

Talking to Syed Zarir Hussain, the Chief Managing Editor of Assam's leading television channel, News Live, Baruah had said that Sarma "has the courage, sincerity and honesty to take forward the peace talks".

On his part, the Assam Chief Minister had, earlier this week, said that an informal process of talks with ULFA-I is going on and "within the next two to three years, the problems would be resolved".

"Government has undertaken some communication with ULFA-I. I asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah whether I can directly talk to Baruah if such a situation arises. He gave me permission and said it has to be a structured dialogue," said Sarma, who is the convenor of the pro-BJP North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

In a positive development after several decades, the outfit had abstained from calling for a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

The ULFA-I, which is also known as an anti-talk outfit, and various other extremists groups in the northeastern region regularly called for a boycott of Republic Day and Independence Day functions.

Baruahm, since May this year, had also declared unilateral ceasefire to help the Assam government fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kochi, Sep 30 : A court here on Thursday extended the police custody of now arrested fake antique dealer, Monson Mavunkal till October 2.

The 54-year-old was arrested by the Crime Branch police from his home cum museum, here on Saturday after victims approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with their complaints that they were swindled of Rs 10 crore by this master 'fraud', who even took the top most Kerala Police officials for a ride.

Such was his proverbial 'gift of the gab' that those who are now in trouble include former state police chief Loknath Behra, serving additional director general of police Manoj Abraham, State Congress president K. Sudhakaran, former Chief Secretary Jiji Thompson, among others, who are all facing the music for their proximity with him.

Mavunkal took all his high profile guests into his fold by showcasing antiques in his collection which he claimed included the "staff of Moses" and "two of the 30 silver coins that were taken by Judas to cheat Jesus Christ".

Police said that he had showcased these "rare" items -- a throne said to be used by Tipu Sultan, as well as a huge collection of old Qurans, Bibles (Old Testament and New Testament), and old handwritten copies of Bhagavad Gita.

Mavunkal used to bring several VIPs to his palatial residence, a part of which was converted into museum to house his 'precious' antiques.

Presently under the custody of the Crime Branch, on Thursday the chief of it S. Sreejith arrived here to question him directly and he said that three cheating cases against Mavunkal have already been registered.

Mavunkal also has numerous high value vehicles which are parked in his house here, while a few vehicles of his, which includes a 2007 model Porsche Boxster registered in the name of actress Kareena Kapoor, is presently parked in a local police station at his home district Alappuzha.

Meanwhile according to sources in the know of things after questioning by the Crime Branch, Mavunkal has told the probe team he is completely broke and has no money left with him as he led a luxurious life and he requires a massive sum of money every month for meeting his expenses.

In a related development the name of an Italian settled Malayalee lady has also surfaced and her links with the police officials and Mavunkal have started to appear in the media.
Kanpur, Sep 30 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met family members of the Kanpur businessman who had died mysteriously during a police raid in Gorakhpur on Monday night.

The Chief Minister assured Meenakshi Gupta, widow of the businessman, that she would be given a government job and asked the district administration to pay the family a compensation of over Rs 10 lakh.

He said that illegal activities by police personnel are not acceptable and warned that those found involved in "very serious offences" will be dismissed.

He said that if the family gave a letter, he would recommend a CBI probe into the incident.

Meenakshi told reporters that the Chief Minister had also agreed to her demand to transfer the case from Gorakhpur to Kanpur.

Manish Gupta ,36, died on Monday night after he was allegedly beaten up by some policemen, prompting the authorities to register a murder case against them.

ADG (Law and order) Prashant Kumar, meanwhile, said in Lucknow that Manish tried to flee during a routine checking of the hotel and fell down and got injured. He was taken to the hospital where he died, he said.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The first cut-off list for students seeking admission in Delhi University will be released on Friday. The admission process after releasing the list will start on October 4 and continue till November 15.

Delhi University will release the second and the third cut-off lists on October 9 and October 16. After this the varsity will release a special cut-off list on October 25. The fourth and the fifth cut-off lists will be released on October 30 and November 8, respectively.

According to Acting DU Vice-Chancellor, P.C. Joshi, the number of seats in DU-affiliated colleges will likely be increased this year. A special cut-off list will be released in the varsity for the first time as well.

The admission process for filling 70,000 seats for undergraduate courses in DU will begin soon which is completely online this year.

According to the varsity administration, the cut-off lists will also be released on DU's official website.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has abolished the mandatory requirement of Ph.D for appointment to the posts of Assistant Professors in central universities.

After this decision, candidates without Ph.D will also be able to apply for these posts. Adhoc and contractual teachers across the country have welcomed the move.

Recently, an advertisement was issued for the appointment of Assistant Professors in various departments affiliated to DU.

The process of filling the posts of teachers in central universities is going on at a fast pace. According to Delhi University Teachers' Association President, Hansraj Suman, nearly 6,359 posts of teachers are currently lying vacant in central universities across the country.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday held a 'Cadre Review' meeting for the promotion of officers from 'Group A' service, sources in the security establishment said.

The meeting was aimed to give promotions to its field commanders like 'Assistant Commandants', Deputy Commandants and Second-in-Command.

The cadre review meeting takes place after every five years.

Earlier, the committee was headed by its previous Special DG Sanjay Arora. He was replaced by Additional Director General Nitin Agrawal. Arora has been transferred as ITBP DG while IGs Ajay Yadav and Vivek Vaidya, DIG BK Sharma and representatives from other ranks are members of the committee.

The sources also said that suggestions have been taken from many units of the force regarding cadre review and these were discussed in the meeting.

Admitting that the process has been exhausting as the reports will be sent to the Union Home Ministry first and then would be sent to the Finance Ministry for approval. After that they will be routed to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and then be put up for Cabinet approval via MHA.

The cadre controlling authority of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the Union Home Ministry was supposed to send a composite report for all CAPF group A level officers latest by the June 30 this year to DoPT but it was delayed.

These officers from group A service actually handle the ground situations in dealing with terrorists, naxals, natural calamities but they lagged behind in terms of promotions unlike other officers from the all India services.

"It has become very difficult to get promotion to these three posts, 'Assistant Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Second in Command' and approximately it takes 10-12 years for Assistant Commandant to get his first promotion and this way he will take at least 25 years to reach to the Commanding Officer (CO) level," officials said on condition of anonymity.

The Union Cabinet had approved the final proposal for Cadre Review on June 29, 2016. The Delhi High Court in its order in April 2021, had also ordered that cadre review proceedings in the CRPF should be completed by June 30.

Referring to the delay, officials in the force on condition of anonymity said that 2004 batch Deputy Commandant ranked officers were yet to get the post of 'Second in Command' even after 17 years while 1999 batch cadre officers have been waiting to become Commandant after 22 years.

The government has already given the benefits of Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) and Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) to all officers of the CAPF in July 2019.
Film: No Time To Die (Running in Theatres) Duration: 163 minutes

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga

Cast: Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Winshaw, Jeffery Wright, Ana de Armas, Billy Magnussen, Christoph Waltz, Naomie Harris and Rory Kinnear.

Rating: ***Director Cary Joji Fukunaga's 'No Time To Die' is the franchise's twenty-fifth film and marks Daniel Craig's fifth and final turn as the secret agent, James Bond.

Visually, the film is a brilliant piece of action drama that takes place in a generic but convoluted spy narrative where Bond is pulled into action to save the world, the love of his life Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), his daughter Mathilde (Lisa-Dorah Sonnet), and himself.

The world is a under a threat after a scientist, Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik), is kidnapped. Obruchev had developed Project Heracles - a weapon of mass destruction where the bioweapon contains nanobots that spread like a virus upon touch and are coded to specific DNA strands. They can be dangerous only if programmed to the specific individual's genetic code.

Bond, who is in both hiding and retirement on a remote tropical island, is drawn back into action. He joins forces with the CIA, and heads to Santiago de Cuba, where SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion) is holding a kind of underworld convention. Soon, Bond realises that the task is not as simple as it seems, especially after he accidentally kills Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), his arch-enemy and foster brother, and is made to believe that he was infected by Madeleine.

When he tracks down Madeleine, he realises that she is being hounded by Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), an adversary of Bond and Madeleine, and a terrorist leader on a revenge mission. How he lands up in Lyutsifer's remote island to battle him and devolves into a sideshow of resigned fate, forms the crux of the narrative.

Daniel Craig as James Bond is suave, stylised and brilliant in a way that outshines everything else around him. Unlike his previous avatar of a flippant killing machine and womaniser, here he displays an ocean of battered emotions trying to reach the surface. And your heart reaches out to him when he sees Mathilde and comments that her eyes are like his.

Lea Seydoux as James Bond's love interest, Madeleine Swan, has more to offer than many leading ladies in the franchise have ever been able to.

Safin with his facial disfigurement is played to the brutal hilt by Rami Malek. He makes his creepy presence felt in the drama with his mottled skin and the caressing voice of a depraved monk.

There are many returning characters in this edition too, but Ben Whishaw as the gadget guy 'Q', with his hairless cat on his home turf, is prominent and noticeable.

The new cast members include Dali Benssalah, playing Safin's henchman; Ana De Armas as Paloma, a feisty CIA agent in Cuba; David Dencik as the Russian scientist Valdo Obruchev; and Lashana Lynch as Nomi, the secret agent who has taken on the 007 moniker, ever since Bond retired. They all have their moments of on-screen glory.

The film boasts of some fine chases, explosions, stunts, and a big, hour-long finale on Safin's fortress, but there is as much emphasis on relationships here, their conflicts, complications and complexities, as there is on the fast-moving thrills. The film also shares themes like trust, betrayal, secrets, lies, and a distinct connection or through-line of all the past Bond films. And, most of all, the stars of any Bond film are the exquisite locations. This time they stretch from Jamaica to Norway, Italy and London.

With a run time of two hours and 43 minutes, it is the lengthiest Bond film.

(Troy Ribeiro can be contacted at troy.r@ians.in)
Bengaluru, Sep 30 : Noted Kannada small-screen actress Soujanya was found dead in suspicious circumstances in an apartment near Doddabele village on the outskirts of Bengaluru city in neighbouring Ramnagar district on Friday.

Soujanya left a four-page death note before taking the extreme step of allegedly committing suicide. She claimed that her mental state was not good and she could not take it anymore. The police have yet to ascertain the exact reason for the alleged suicide.

Her death note read: "I am really sorry for doing this. Pappa I love you so much. As I spoke to you I am not able to take it anymore. It is becoming difficult 'appa' (father). Sorry mommy, as I said I will come today, I did not know I would come this way. So sorry Ma. I am so sorry about this. Please Pappa you have to take care of your mother.

"I love you all. Behind this my mental state is not good. Health issues are killing from inside. So I felt better doing this. I am so sorry. Even now I don't feel like doing this. But, Pappa, mommy, I am sorry, I love you for everything." Ramnagar SP Girish said the police were informed about the alleged suicide at about 11 a.m. on Friday. The went to the scene at once and recovered the death note.

Soujanya was living alone in the apartment for a year and half. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest it was a case of suicide, but it can be ascertained only after the post-mortem report is completed.
ITBP men recovered the bodies of two trekkers belonging to West Bengal who died in Kaza in Himachal Pradesh earlier this week; they carried bodies on stretchers by covering 27 km. Image Source: IANS News

ITBP men recovered the bodies of two trekkers belonging to West Bengal who died in Kaza in Himachal Pradesh earlier this week; they carried bodies on stretchers by covering 27 km. Image Source: IANS News

ITBP men recovered the bodies of two trekkers belonging to West Bengal who died in Kaza in Himachal Pradesh earlier this week; they carried bodies on stretchers by covering 27 km. Image Source: IANS News

ITBP men recovered the bodies of two trekkers belonging to West Bengal who died in Kaza in Himachal Pradesh earlier this week; they carried bodies on stretchers by covering 27 km. Image Source: IANS News

Shimla, Sep 30 : In a daring operation at an altitude of 18,000 feet, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troopers on Thursday retrieved two bodies of West Bengal trekkers, who died in Himachal Pradesh's Pin Valley this week, and brought them on stretchers to the base camp, trudging 32 km.

The bodies were handed over to the civil administration in Kaza, some 320 km from here, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mohan Dutt told the media.

Four porters were also evacuated by them. Dogra Scouts personnel were also part of the rescue operation.

A team of six trekkers from Arete Mountaineering Club in Kolkata, along with a guide and 11 porters were stranded at Khemenger Glacier in Lahaul-Spiti district. A day earlier, the ITBP rescued 11 members of the team.

The deceased were identified as Bhaskardeb Mukhopadhya and Sandeep Kumar Thakurta, both residents of Kolkata.

The trans-Himalayan Buddhist-dominated Spiti has a rich treasure of monasteries. It attracts globe-trotters not only for nature-based activities but also for exploring ancient monasteries like Tabo, which is over 1,000 years old.

The entire area, populated mainly by tribals, remains cut off from the rest of the country for more than six months in a year due to snow.
New Delhi: Congress leader Kapil Sibal interacts with the IANS leadership team of Sandeep Bamzai and Deepak Sharma during an exclusive interview, in New Delhi on March 17, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Congress has now become a divided house after the fresh attack launched by Kapil Sibal and the Congress workers protesting at Sibal's residence which many leaders termed as hooliganism.

This is not the first time there is a rift in the party. During Indira Gandhi's time the Congress was split into two on November 12, 1969 over differences with K Kamaraj. Indira Gandhi was expelled from the Congress party for violating party discipline. She then formed the Congress (R) and a majority of the AICC members walked over to her side.

A similar situation arose in March 1998 when in a CWC meeting Sitaram Kesri was removed and Sonia Gandhi was appointed president. Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma walked out from the party and formed the NCP.

Apart from this there was the revolt by VP Singh against Rajiv Gandhi and he became Prime Minister with the help of the BJP in 1989, then when Narasimha Rao became party president Madhav Rao Scindia formed the MP Congress, GK Moopanar the Tamil Manila Congress and ND Tiwari, Arjun Singh and Sheila Dikshit formed the Tiwari Congress only to merge when Sonia Gandhi became the party president.

Mamata Banerjee formed the Trinamool Congress which is now the ruling party in West Bengal. The YSRCP is also a Congress off-shoot which is at the helm in Andhra Pradesh, as is the NR Congress in Puducherry.

Once again the party is on the verge of a split with the G-23 calling for action on the Sibal incident. But there is silence on the issue by the top leadership,which means it is unlikely that any action will be taken.

The leaders have reminded the workers of Sibal's contribution to the party in the courts and in parliament. Senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad termed the incident orchestrated. "I strongly condemn the orchestrated hooliganism @KapilSibal's residence last night. He is a loyal Congressman fighting for the party both inside and outside the Parliament. Any suggestion from any quarter should be welcomed instead of suppressing, hooliganism is unacceptable." he said.

Likewise Manish Tewari and Vivek Tankha have also expressed their displeasure while Anand Sharma said he is shocked. Former Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh who showed his intent to leave the party alleged that seniors are insulted.

Now the rift between former party president Rahul Gandhi's loyalists and those who want reforms has widened with no sign of a truce, the reason being there is nobody who can bring both the factions to the table. A leader pointed out that, "its ironic that Rahul Gandhi has himself become a party in the entire crisis rather he should have been the solution provider." The leader said that due to bad advice and bad decisions of a coterie the party has reached such a low.

Rahul Gandhi loyalists Ajay Maken and Randeep Singh Surjewala have attacked the leaders who are questioning the leadership.

Amarinder Singh, who is at the exit door, too pointed out that "Unfortunately, the seniors are being completely sidelined", adding that this was not good for the party. He also condemned the rowdyism at Kapil Sibal's house by Congress workers only because he had chosen to express views that were not palatable to the party leadership.

The G-23 group says that they are not going to relent or leave the party but will be raising all the issues, which they think is better for the party.

Kapil Sibal on Wednesday launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi and wondered who is taking decisions in the party. He said that the party leaders' demand for organisational elections has not been met even a year after a letter was written by the G-23.
Ottawa, Sep 30 : Canada's Federal Court has dismissed the Justin Trudeau government's attempts to appeal a pair of rulings about providing services and compensation to indigenous First Nations children.

Justice Paul Favel said that the Attorney General of Canada, who had filed the application for a judicial review and a stay of the order from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, had "not succeeded in establishing that the compensation decision is unreasonable", the XInhua news agency reported.

In September 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled the government didn't properly fund child and family services, which resulted in it "wilfully and recklessly" discriminating against Indigenous children living on reserve.

It ordered the government to pay 40,000 Canadian dollars each to about 50,000 First Nations children as well as their relatives, but the Liberal government appealed the ruling.

The second legal battle stems from a separate ruling in November 2020 that expanded the scope of Jordan's Principle, which is a rule stating when there is jurisdictional disagreement over what level of government should provide a service to First Nations children, the government takes on the responsibility.

"No one can seriously doubt that First Nations people are amongst the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of Canadian society," Favel wrote in his decision released Wednesday. "The Tribunal was aware of this and reasonably attempted to remedy the discrimination while being attentive to the very different positions of the parties." "In my view, the procedural history of this case has demonstrated that there is, and has been, goodwill resulting in significant movements toward remedying this unprecedented discrimination. However, the good work of the parties is unfinished," Favel wrote.

Canadian opposition parties and Indigenous leaders have criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to fight both of these rulings, saying that's not the appropriate course of action for a government committed to reconciliation.

"Today was an absolute victory for First Nation children. For six years Justin Trudeau spent millions fighting the rights of Indigenous children and trying to overturn a ruling that found his government guilty of 'wilful and reckless' discrimination against vulnerable Indigenous kids. The court has thrown his case out," New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus said in a statement Wednesday.

Angus called on the Trudeau government to immediately end its legal battle in the matter and focus on closing funding gaps and chronic denial of services to First Nations children before the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

"Given that tomorrow is the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is imperative that the federal government finally take clear steps towards truth, justice and reconciliation for all Indigenous people in Canada," he wrote.
Chennai, Sep 30 : The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the use of CCTV cameras in the rural local body polls to be held in nine districts of the state on October 6 and October 9.

Hearing a petition filed by the AIADMK seeking free and fair polls, a bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu said that CCTVs are a must and there must be no break in surveillance of strong rooms and protection of ballot boxes.

The Chief Justice said that technology must be used to the full to ensure free and fair polls. "We have technology and resources so that no person can stand up and complain that he has been wronged," he said.

Noting that Tamil Nadu shows the way for free and fair polls, he said: "This is a premier state and we should be proud of that. The celebration of democracy taking place over here should be an example for others to emulate." He also directed Advocate General R. Shanmugha Sundaram to consult his predecessor, Vijay Narayan, and submit before the court the measures that could be taken for electronic surveillance of the elections.

Narayan, appearing for the AIADMK in the case, told the court that the opposition party has received a "vague" reply from the State Election Commission on its petition regarding electronic surveillance, and that there was no reply regarding video recording of the election in critical and vulnerable booths using CCTV cameras.

He said that in certain such booths, there won't be any internet connection, and there was no mention of the video surveillance of transport of ballot boxes from booths to strong rooms and to counting halls.

The case is slated for further hearing on October 1.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Taliban are "rolling back" rights for women and girls in at least 32 different areas, according to a new list compiled by the Human Rights Watch (HRW).

While restricting access to education has been the most high profile abuse, discrimination is taking place systematically across women's lives, HRW said, The Telegraph, UK, reported.

The acting director of HRW's women's rights division, Heather Barr, a leading expert on Afghanistan, said the Taliban were violating the rights of women and girls across a number of categories, including education, employment, freedom of movement, dress, gender-based violence, access to healthcare, and sport.

The list in more detail runs from the closure of almost all of the country's women's shelters, for those fleeing domestic violence, to banning women from seeing male healthcare professionals, dramtically restricting their access to healthcare, the report said.

A key concern is over freedom of movement. When the Taliban were last in power in Afghanistan, between 1996 and 2001, they had a policy that women could only leave their homes if accompanied by a mahram, or male member of their family.

This has not officially become the policy nationally, but HRW research with women in the city of Herat last week showed that it was being enforced at random by Taliban officials and fighters on the streets.

The list continues: For example, there are no female members in the Taliban's cabinet, and while the Ministry of Women's Affairs has disappeared from government, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue - now the Ministry of Guidance and Call, and better known as morality police - is back.

Women have also been harassed by Taliban fighters in Herat for not wearing gloves and banned from playing sport; and the system to tackle gender-based violence, alongside the laws to tackle it, has effectively collapsed, Barr said.

Despite the risks, many brave women have protested, despite bans, beatings, and harassment.

Working women also face an uncertain future, with The Taliban dismissing all of the female employees in the Kabul government other than those deemed irreplaceable, such as the women cleaning the female toilets, the report said.
Srinagar/New Delhi, Sep 30 : In the fourteenth century, a woman writing in any language was a rarity, but it happened in Kashmir. A voice which resonated in the valley and spoke directly to the people, was heard with all seriousness, and recorded in collective memory and later penned down as 'Vakhs' - meaning 'Speech'. This is the voice of the mystic of the Kashmir Shaivism school of Hindu philosophy - Lal Ded, whom the Kashmiris, Muslims and Hindus alike venerate to this day as a prophetess, their North Star.

The fact that Lal Ded was a rare diamond - both as a saint and as a poet - is an undisputable argument acknowledged by all Kashmiris. It is evident through the vaakhs, which she uttered as direct outpourings from her heart rather than intentionally shaped poetic compositions, that Lal Ded is the most powerful symbol of Kashmir's civilisational ethos.

There was no polarisation between Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims in her time; the vaakhs made a remarkableimpact on the collective psyche of the two communities. She was called 'Lalleshwari' by one community while 'Lalla Arifa' by the other, showing that both recognised her spiritual attainment in accordance with their religious perceptions.

Lal's vaakhs suggest she belongs to the Trika school of Kashmiri Shaiva mysticism or devotional Shivadvaita, which originated no later than the eighth century CE. Shiva-Shakti worship in Kashmir dates to at least the second century CE. This school, that came to be known as Pratyabhijna (Recognition) or Trika (triad of Shiva, Shakti and Nara), was represented in the works of great scholar-siddhas like Bhatta Narayana (eighth century), Utpaladeva (ninth century), Abhinavagupta (tenth to eleventh centuries) and Shitikantha (thirteenth century).

Before the advent of Islam in the medieval period, Kashmir was known as the Land of Parvati or Rishi Bhumi; and later was called Peer Vaer, an abode of Saints and Sufis. The Valley has offered fertile ground for the emergence of various Hindu (primarily Shaivites Saints) and Sufi Saints, who collectively knitted a culture called Kashmiriyat.

A fusion between Islam and Vedanta (Kashmir Shaivism in the Valley) gave rise to Sufism. The Sufi saints came to be known as Rishis. The most famous of them is Sheikh Nur-ud-Din, the founder of the Rishi Order, the Alamdar-e-Kashmir, is lovingly known as Nunda Rishi. Unfortunately his famous shrine at Char-e-Sharif was burnt down by the Pakistan-sponsored Islamist Mast Gul during the holy month of Ramadan in 1995. Nunda Rishi was largely influenced by Lalleshwari, his senior contemporary.

Many Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims became Nunda Rishi's disciples. They renounced the world, dedicated themselves completely to meditation. On their death, these Rishis were buried in their Ziyarats. Kashmiris have great reverence for these Ziyarats and lovingly go there to place flowers on the graves. Due to their universal appeal, these shrines gained popularity aspilgrimage for both Muslims and Pandits, helping propagate a humanistic philosophy to build the Kashmiri ethnic identity.

The Hindu shrines and Muslim 'Asthans' faced each other, and both communities visited the living Saints alike. Saint-worship was very common until the year 1989 - that marked the beginning of a new face of religion, fundamentalist in nature and based on hatred. Nobody could have imagined that the soil blessed with Rishis spreading the messages of spirituality and universal oneness would be one day soaked in the blood of its own, and one's own siblings would be forced to leave their ancestral land, all in the name of religion.

Other important seers of the valley are Rupa Bhawani (1625-1721) who regarded Lal Ded as her guru, Parmanand (1791-1879), and Shams Faqir (1843-1914). Faqir extended a tribute to Lal Ded in his poems.

For the Shaivite Kashmiri Pandit woman, he uses conspicuous Kashmiri words of Sanskrit origin, such as 'Praan' (vital air), 'Jnaan' (knowledge), 'Aakaash' (ether), and 'Karmavaan' (meaning life's workshop).

Lal Ded's philosophy rejects the otherness of God and understands the world as an extension of one's own inner consciousness, and that is why she appeals to masses of all shades of religious thought. She questions dogmatic thought of today's world with vaakhs displaying her inclusivity where she not only break barriers between religions by shining the sun upon everyone without distinction, but uses the Islamic title of 'Saheb' to the apparent Shaivite reference to Shiva. The verses reveal, in their own syncretic idiom, the religious, mystic, and linguistic blend they support. She has indeed established a tradition of harmony and tolerance - a priceless heritage.

But who will carry her message to the world today? Time will soon come, when the people of Kashmir, fed up by extremism and narrow fundamentalism, will rekindle this inter-religious faith that Lal Ded started and Nunda Rishi and others carried forward. Such a movement is shaping up once again which will help overcome the parochial minds and open up floodgates of harmony and love in Kashmir.

Indeed, Lal's vaakhs enable one on an individual journey through the woes of the human condition, disillusionment with the world, an anguished search for God, and, ultimately, to the realisation of the highest liberating truth. They take the reader on a journey from the superficial outer world to the inner world.

It is worth mentioning, that Lal Ded did not found any movement or order of followers; she came and went unaccompanied, a wanderer - her message meant for the redemption, upholding the highest human values. In line with her school of thought perhaps lies the solution for rebuilding the society having mutual respect and trust that went missing during the last three decades. It is equally reassuring to find that some organisations in the Valley have started conducting seminars and conferences on Sufism reminding the masses at large,particularly the youth, of their glorious past.

And this is why Kashmir is indeed a Peer Vaer - above the insignificant matters and bondage of society and focused on upholding of human values manifested by synthesis of Lal Ded and Nunda Rishi.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : A Delhi Court on Thursday granted bail to two of the five people who were accused of allegedly vandalising the official residence of AIMIM chief and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi.

The Patiala House Court, in its order said that the accused have no previous antecedents therefore in view of a Supreme Court judgment, the accused are given bail subject to furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 10,000 each.

Earlier on September 22, the Court had sent one accused to one-day police remand and the rest of the four accused to judicial custody of 14 days.

The incident happened at around 4 p.m. on September 21 when members of Hindu Sena were staging a protest outside Owaisi's house, located adjacent to the Election Commission headquarters on Ashoka Road. The police had detained five people and an FIR under relevant sections was registered against them.

The protesters shattered a lamp atop the main gate and the nameplate of the parliamentarian. The white pieces of the lamp could be seen strewn across the road.

Hindu Sena national President Vishnu Gupta told IANS that he was not aware of the incident and came to know about it through multiple media reports and other sources. He confirmed that some workers of his outfit went to protest there.

"Asaduddin Owaisi has been constantly making anti-Hindu statements and workers might have been feeling agitated due to this," Gupta had said then adding, however, one should not adopt unlawful ways to register their protest.

Owaisi, meanwhile, in a series of tweets, on September 21, came down heavily on the present dispensation.

"My Delhi residence was vandalised today by radicalised goons. Their cowardice is well known & as usual they came in a mob, not alone. They also chose a time when I was not home. They were armed with axes and sticks, they pelted stones at my house, my nameplate was destroyed," he posted on Twitter.

Owaisi said that this was the third incident when his residence, which lies in a high-security area of the national capital, has been vandalized by miscreants.
CM UDDHAV THACKERAY's son and naturalist TEJAS THACKERAY has discovered a new species of a blind eel from a Mumbai well and named it as "Rakthamichthys Mumba' in honour of the city 's deity. Image Source: IANS News

CM UDDHAV THACKERAY's son and naturalist TEJAS THACKERAY has discovered a new species of a blind eel from a Mumbai well and named it as "Rakthamichthys Mumba' in honour of the city 's deity. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Sep 30 : A new species of a blind swamp eel belonging to the genus Rakthamichthys that is endemic to India was discovered from a suburban Mumbai well by naturalist Tejas Thackeray, officials said here on Thursday.

"I believe it's my most remarkable discovery till date... A new species of a blind hypogean freshwater eel from Mumbai, named as 'Rakthamichthys Mumba' - after my home city Mumbai," an excited Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, said.

Unlike other species of this genus, the 'Rakthamichthys Mumba' has no eyes, fins or scales, has jaws equal in forward extent, different gill aperture, crescentric-shaped cephalic, according to Zoological Society of India scientist Anil Mohapatra, quoted by DownToEarth magazine.

Mohapatra is the co-author of 'Rakthamichthys Mumba' with Thackeray, Praveenraj Jayasimhan and Annam Pavan-Kumar, and after extensive analysis, it was established that the blind eel is a new discovery, and their research has been published in the Aqua International Journal of Ichthyology.

Tejas Thackeray of Wildlife Foundation discovered the eel in a 40-feet-deep well in the compound of a school for the blind in Jogeshwari west in 2019, and he collected five specimens of the species after completely pumping out the well water.

As per the research paper description, "the species has a slender, sub-cylindrically elongated body and is cord or thread-like with striations on the muscle, the middle portion of the bulbous head is the deepest and widest part of its body".

The four scientists further described the new find, saying "all the teeth of the species are similar, small, stout, pointed, recurved and closely, the body is pinkish-red with numerous blood vessels, and the present known habitat of this species is only the Mumbai well.

"Rakthamichthys Mumba differs from its congener from Western Ghats of India by the possession of jaws-projecting forward equally, when viewed laterally, absence of eyes and having more vertebrae," said the research paper.

"This is the first completely blind subterranean freshwater fish species to be described from Maharashtra & the Northernwestern Ghats. The species name 'Mumba' refers to the type locality, the city of Mumbai, and it is derived from the Marathi 'Mumba Aai' the deity worshipped by Mumbaikars," said Tejas Thackeray.

He added that virtually nothing is known about the the level of endemism, distribution patterns, biographic barriers causing speciation factors, and a surreal species like this is to conserve nature, the water table beneath the soil and keep the aquifers clean to help 'enigmatic beauties' like these survive.

Mohapatra told the DownToEarth that the synbranchidae family members are very peculiar, relict lineages of percomorphs, consisting of eel-like fishes, distributed across all countries except Antarctica.

Presently, this family consists of 26 valid species and are unique among teleosts by lacking paired, median and caudal fins, as per the team of Thackeray, Mohapatra, Jayasimhan and Pavan-Kumar.

"Let's not forget we share this planet, with amazing creatures big and small. Some so cryptic that their mere existence is a myth," Thackeray said in a gentle message to preserve the earth.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and former international powerlifting champion Gaurav Sharma on Thursday distributed 1000 food packets and water bottles to the needy people in the Capital.

Bajrang said that he got to know from the news reports that Gaurav has been doing it daily for the last one year and he decided to join the former powerlifter in the noble cause. "Gaurav is doing a great job, helping people. I also wanted to join him and today I met him and we did what we could do. It feels really great. Humanity is above everything," the Indian wrestler said.

Meanwhile, Gaurav said he decided to serve the people in Delhi after the lockdown was imposed last year.

"First of all, I want to thank Bajrang for his support. It means a lot to me. I wish to God that he wins gold in the next Olympics. Well, I distributed food packets when the first lockdown was imposed in Delhi last year. I decided to do it again when it was reimposed.

"Around 1000-1100 food packets have been prepared daily. People are also given bottles of water, sanitiser, and face mask," Gaurav said.

"During the complete lockdown, I saw the daily-wage labourers, people have been stuck and they have not been able to go to their homes, I felt a bit sad seeing that so I decided to serve them. I'll do it till I can," he added.
New Delhi/Islamabad, Sep 30 : Following the course of assuming national power, there has been much concern about Taliban acquiring the leftover military grade equipment and ammunition, both that were used by the US-NATO forces and those that were provided to the Afghan National Army (ANA).

According to The Times, this includes firearms and ammunition, military aircraft, ground vehicles, and a range of military technology such as night-vision goggles, drones and access to Afghan National Army's garrisons in several provinces.

The numbers include 22,174 Humvees, 64,363 machine guns, 358,530 assault rifles, 33 Blackhawk helicopters, 176 artillery pieces and 126,295 pistols, among others. Also, M24 sniper rifles, M18 assault rifles, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades were among the weapons supplied to the ANA.

The leftover weapons reflect years of heavy investment by the US administration to equip the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) report, the US 'Congress created the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF) in 2005 to build, equip, train and sustain the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), which comprises all forces under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Ministry of Interior (MOI).

A significant portion of ASFF money is used for Afghan Air Force (AAF) aircraft maintenance, and for ANA, AAF, and Afghan Special Security Forces (ASSF) salaries. The rest of ASFF is used for fuel, ammunition, vehicle, facility and equipment maintenance, and various communication and intelligence infrastructure'.

The report mentions that the US alone spent $18 billion between 2005 and 2021 on 'equipment and transportation' for the ANA. This included nearly 600,000 small arms and their ammunition between 2003 and 2016, according to an audit conducted by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) as opined in a report by the UK-based Action on Armed Violence.

A global wire service reported that in July, Afghanistan's ministry of defense posted on social media photographs of seven brand new helicopters arriving in Kabul delivered by the US.

"They'll continue to see a steady drumbeat of that kind of support, going forward," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters a few days later at the Pentagon.

However, a month later, Taliban captured both the country and the weapons and equipment left behind. To add more comedy to this ironical situation, photographs of Taliban hanging swings on the wings of a fighter aircraft and making of helicopter blades into comfortable seating went viral on several social media platforms.

Now the key question is can the Taiban be reined in to function as a responsible nation state using arms only for self-defence and not to inflict violence? What could be the implications of the weaponry the Taliban have acquired for the future of Afghanistan? Is there a possibility that the Taliban might share these weapons with other militant organisations, thereby threatening regional security?

A renowned professor from the Stanford University, Robert Crews, said that Taliban's possession of these weapons would make them more potent and "their capacity to rule Afghanistan more completely in a more brutal way, which is a major concern".

Further, current and former US officials have raised concern that those weapons could be used to kill civilians, be seized by other militant groups such as Islamic State to attack US-interests in the region, or even potentially be handed over to adversaries, including China and Russia, reported the global wire service.

It is a well-known fact that the Taliban have received help from several militant movements in carrying out various campaigns of insurgency, the latest being the coup that toppled the Ashraf Ghani administration, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and several militant organisations in Pakistan like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan etc.

Moreover, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) is now actively competing against the Taliban to capture Kabul in order to establish the Caliphate. Even if slightest of possibility in future is considered of the IS-K ousting the Taliban, it is a nightmare to think about IS-K seizing these weapons.

One of the critical issues is that once the Taliban stabilise, these organisations would look forward towards a return favour in aiding and equipping them with arms to carry out their respective objectives.

The IMU would become more potent in Uzbekistan and the larger Central Asian region, even to the extent of affecting Russia's national security.

An armed ETIM would be able to effectively threaten Chinese state's influence in the Xinjiang province.

Thoroughly armed Pakistani terror outfits would pose grave threat to the Pakistani people and also other countries of Southern Asia.

Although, many of the more advanced weapons and equipment may not prove useful to the Taliban, because they are too complex or require special training to use it.

However, simpler high-tech equipment, such as communication instruments, night vision goggles, military drones, small arms, armored vehicles and the similar ones will make Taliban more potent and abusive in their use of power.

Some of this gear has already been used by the elite Badri 313 unit as they guarded key sites, such as the Kabul airport.

More importantly, Taliban's possessions of these weapons pose direct threat to Pakistan's national security as well as regional security.

Pakistan's role is not a just being a mere neighbour to Afghanistan, but also a responsible friend and a state, ensuring the security of Afghani citizens, Pakistani citizens as well as the security of the entire region.

It would be in Islamabad's best interest to ensure that Taliban are not armed to the teeth. Pakistan being the closest to Afghanistan in terms of shared history, geography as well as culture, already has a upper hand in dealing with the current situation in Afghanistan.

It's an apt time now that Pakistan rises up to its role as a responsible state to negotiate and reach an agreement with the Taliban to surrender all the seized weapons and carryout the exercise of collection, recording and documentation, thereby creating a first ever comprehensive inventory of the stockpile.

It would be seen as a big gesture by Pakistan in returning these accounted weapons to the US. By doing so, Pakistan can re-enforce its role and stature as a regional power on the continental theatre and can both enhance and shape its relations with the US-NATO states, China, Russia, the Central Asian Republics and Iran.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Vedanta Aluminium Business, Indias largest producer of aluminium, has launched a film to celebrate local heroes who went above and beyond the call of duty to serve people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the Vedanta Groups 'Bravehearts campaign.

This latest film celebrates the invaluable contribution of a young professional, Jayshree Dhanasekaran, who worked to safeguard remote communities from Covid in Lanjigarh in Odisha's Kalahandi district.

She rallied 80 local women in Lanjigarh village to stitch and distribute 1.4 lakh masks to safeguard the rural communities against the disease.

The pandemic has brought forth heart-warming services of several Covid warriors, whose deeds are yet unsung. Bravehearts is a one-of-a-kind digital campaign launched by the Vedanta Group to salute these unsung heroes who went beyond their call of duty to help others during the devastating second wave of the pandemic.

The Vedanta Group recently launched three video films celebrating real-life heroes who spread positivity and hope during these challenging times.

Praising Jayashree's efforts, Rahul Sharma, CEO, Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd, said, "Covid has brought forth instances of heart-warming humanity and service to humankind, as bravehearts from all corners of the world stepped up in their personal capacity to help those in need around them. Jayshree is one such braveheart, and our film is a celebration of her efforts to safeguard hundreds. We hope her story inspires many people to help those in need, in pandemic times and beyond." Located in one of the aspirational districts of India, Lanjigarh's citizens were largely unaware of the ferocity of the second Covid wave and lacked the resources for purchasing high-end masks and sanitizers.

Moved by the plight of local communities and the burning need to do something, Jayashree galvanised local Self-Help Group (SHG) women to stitch reusable cloth masks for villagers that were distributed free of cost across numerous villages.

Besides providing the villagers their first armour against the pandemic, masks, this project also helped the women earn a living during the crippling pandemic, when many livelihoods were lost across the country.

Vedanta Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, is India's largest manufacturer of aluminium, producing half of India's aluminium, i.e., 1.96 million tonnes in FY21.

It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the 'Metal of the Future' for a greener tomorrow.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Even as the world is busy trying to make sense of the strange situation in Afghanistan-where militants are trying to form a government-Pakistan has quietly unleashed its helicopter gunships in Balochistan.

The local media in Balochistan-an impoverished region of Pakistan-has reported that Pakistani ground forces are "backed by gunship helicopters that continue to pound the civilian population. Several areas of Bolan have been cordoned off making it difficult for the media to report any immediate casualties".

The Baloch Warna report added: "Pakistan army helicopters have been shelling in Bazgar, Surgaad, Bohak and surrounding areas since morning. The active offensives began in the early hours of Wednesday whereas on Tuesday even fresh contingents of the Pakistan army were seen advancing toward Bolan".

Reports say that "special commandos" are being airlifted to the region. "The military forces have landed in Bohk, Bakhel, Injir, Halksar and started encircling the entire area", says the newspaper.

Another local newspaper, The Balochistan Post corroborates the news.

It says: "a large-scale military operation is in progress in Bolan and its environs. A thousands-strong contingency of security forces has been deployed in the region and they are rapidly advancing inwards towards main areas. Eight gunship helicopters have been sighted circulating the area and bombarding several houses in Soorgaarh, Chalri and Bok".

The newspaper adds that the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a Baloch pro-independence group has intensified its attacks on Pakistani forces erecting border fences in the region.

Geo-political analyst Mark Kinra says: "Attacks by various Baloch organizations and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Chinese nationals and their infrastructure has resulted in friction between China and Pakistan. This has led to the Pakistani Army again intensifying operations in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and the same has been happening in Balochistan as well. Recently, Pakistani news reports stated that Shikarpur Police claimed to have killed Sindh leader of Daesh in Sibi Balochistan and have arrested Daesh members from Karachi".

Pakistani newspaper The News quotes intelligence agencies as saying: "Nearly 200 activists of different Baloch militant organisations and Daesh/ISK-P cells have been reported in and around Nago hills of Mastung and in Margat in the outskirts of Quetta".

This makes it clear that many terror groups from Afghanistan are assembling in Balochistan. They are also planning attacks in "Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and Quetta through active and sleeper cells".

Strategically located Balochistan touches Afghanistan and Iran, making it easy for militants, drug cartels and gun runners to move across the porous borders. The province also has an active independence movement as the Baloch people claim sovereign status since British times. They say that Pakistan has occupied Balochistan by force, denying them their independence.

Just last week Baloch nationalists had blown up the statue of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in the port city of Gwadar by placing explosives under it. A couple of days earlier, four Pakistani army soldiers had been killed by Baloch groups.

The Baloch groups have also targeted Chinese personnel, and even Beijing's ambassador to Islamabad, for what they call the exploitative China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is sucking out the region's riches without uplifting the local people.

The $62 billion CPEC seeks to link the port city of Gwadar in Balochistan to China's north-western Xinjiang through a maze of highways and railways. The project also envisages energy and power projects to meet Pakistan's energy needs.

The Baloch say that both Pakistan and China have been expoiting Balochistan's rich mineral deposits like gold, copper, precious stones, iron and coal without jobs or benefits coming to the local people. The building of a naval and civilian port by China in Gwadar has led to acquisition of land as well as loss of livelihoods for Baloch fishermen.

As Balochistan continues to wallow in poverty, with poor education and health parameters, Baloch nationalistic groups have been waging a war against the Pakistani state.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Patna, Sep 30 : A prominent Patna industrialist was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in the city's Patna Sahib area on Thursday evening, police said.

Raju Jaiswal was on the way to his glass factory in Patna Sahib when at Chamdoria, three assailants attacked him with sharp-edged weapons and stabbed him several times, killing him on the spot.

After committing the crime, the assailants fled from the spot before local residents could react.

Local residents blocked Ashok Rajpath for an hour, shouting slogans against the "pathetic law and order situation" in the area. They only ended the protest after senior police officials reach there and assured quick action in this matter.

A Patna city police station official said: "We have sent the body of the deceased for post-mortem examination and are investigating the incident. We are scanning the CCTV cameras of the area to find out clues about the attackers. The statements of eyewitnesses have also been recorded." "We are scanning the call details to find out unusual calls came on his number, for threats or extortion. The investigation is underway with all angles," he said.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Supreme Court on Thursday granted protection from arrest to Farhan Shahrukh Mirza, the estranged husband of TV actor Chahat Khanna, who had levelled allegations of rape and unnatural sex, and also making video of such acts, against him.

A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Abhay S. Oka, in an order, said: "Issue notice, returnable on November 8, 2021... In the meanwhile, there shall be stay on arrest of the petitioner in FIR No.431/2018, police station Oshiwara, District Mumbai, until further orders. The petitioner shall cooperate in the pending investigation." The top court order came after hearing arguments by senior advocate Siddharth Aggarwal and advocate Ejaz Maqbool, representing Mirza, who had moved the top court challenging the Bombay High Court's September 1 decision, which declined to grant him relief.

The top court also ordered that copy of the petition be served additionally to the standing counsel of Maharashtra.

In his plea, Mirza said: "It is submitted without prejudice that at its worst, this is a case of a marriage between two parties, both of whom have had successful careers in their respective fields, going through tough times." The plea contended that FIR was lodged against him as a counter-blast to his matrimonial petition for restitution of conjugal rights. Chahat alleged that Mirza, under the influence of drugs, committed unnatural offence as contemplated under Section 377 of the IPC with her.

Mirza claimed his estranged wife is a habitual liar and she had previously adopted the same modus operandi against her former husband/partners, against whom also she filed identical false cases.

The plea contended that high court order failed to consider that the present FIR is an abuse of process and ex facie levels false, concocted, and whimsical allegations in retaliation to petitioner's attempts to save his marriage and keep his family (consisting of two minor daughters) together.

In her complaint, Chahat of "Bade Achhe Lagte Hain" fame claimed she had married Mirza on February 8, 2013 who told her that he is the owner of Green Wheel Construction Company and was a financially sound person with substantial bank balance.

However, after the marriage, she said that she realised that Mirza is a drug addict and has no work to do, and he had painted false picture of his financial status.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Fearing getting killed in an encounter by the police, most-wanted gangster Kala Jatheri has filed a plea in a Delhi court seeking directions to the concerned jail authorities to shackle and handcuff him whenever he is produced for hearing.

Jatheri's request came in the backdrop of the Rohini court shootout in which Jitender Singh Mann alias 'Gogi' was killed by two assailants, who were subsequently gunned down by the police.

The court on its part has accepted Jatheri's plea and issued directions to the jail superintendent and all the concerned police authorities to bring him in shackles and handcuffs during transit.

Jatheri is currently in the custody of Faridabad Police. His lawyer said in the plea that the accused is having apprehension with regard to a "false and fake encounter" by the police while transiting or on a production warrant.

"For the safety of his life, the applicant himself wishes to be brought duly handcuffed and shackled during the course of transit and on production warrant which would be helpful for the police as well as for the accused as apprehension of the police that he may escape would be minimised and so also the apprehension of the applicant with regard to any false encounter," the plea said.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Sandeep alias Kala Jatheri from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on July 30.

Apart from the Delhi Police, Jatheri was also wanted by Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in several cases of murder, extortion and other heinous crimes.

Sources said that notorious gangster Gogi, who was killed at the Rohini court, was running a gang along with other dreaded criminals like Lawrence Bishnoi, Sampat Nehra and Kala Jatheri.
Hyderabad, Sep 30 : Six accused in the gang-rape of an 18-year-old student in Telangana's Nizamabad town have been arrested, police said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Nizamabad Police Commissioner Kartikeya Sharma said that three of the accused were involved in the sexual assault while three others helped them in the offence on the intervening night of September 28-29.

While five accused were arrested late on Wednesday, the sixth accused was taken into custody on Thursday. All were sent to judicial remand.

The victim was sexually assaulted by a youth, who was known to her and his two friends. Three others helped them.

The gang-rape was committed in a room in a hospital which was under renovation near bus station.

According to the police commissioner, One Town police station received a call around 1.50 a.m. about some suspicious movements in the hospital. When the police patrolling team reached there, they found a girl. She was mentally and physically disturbed and police shifted her to the government hospital.

After she was stable, police shifted to Sakhi Centre as per the procedure. A woman police officer recorded her statement and based on this, the police registered a case under the Indian Penal Code's Section 376 D (gang-rape), Section 342 (wrongful confinement) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and under two sections of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Quoting the victim's statement, the police said she met Naveen Kumar on September 28 in Nizamabad. They went around the town and had food and beer. He then brought her to the hospital where his three other friends joined them. Naveen and two others sexually assaulted the girl while remaining three including two workers of the hospital helped them by providing room and other assistance.
Mumbai, Sep 30 : Profit booking along with investors' caution ahead of domestic macro-economic data pulled India's key equity indices lower for the third consecutive session on Thursday.

Besides, weak global cues dented investors' sentiments while the monthly F&O expiry created some pressure on the market.

Sector wise, realty and consumer durables indices rose the most whereas metals, telecom, auto, banks and IT fell the most.

Consequently, S&P BSE Sensex closed at 59,126.36 points, lower by 286.91 points or 0.48 per cent from its previous close.

Similarly, NSE Nifty50 edged lower. It fell to 17,618.15 points, lower by 93.15 points or 0.53 per cent from its previous close.

"Nifty has fallen for three consecutive sessions - the longest streak in almost two months," said Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC Securities.

"While the Nifty has not fallen with deep cuts and recoveries have been witnessed post intra-day selloffs, the fact that the Nifty closed lower for three straight sessions is a bit unnerving." According to Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services: "Indian markets opened flat and was range-bound in the initial half but gave in to profit booking in the latter half to finally end in red." "Sectorially, it was a mixed bag, with buying seen in the realty, pharma, power, consumer durables, and PSU banking stocks, while selling was seen in the auto, bank, IT, metal. Broader market continued to outperform benchmark indices." In addition, Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said: "Indian market opened on a flat note and slipped in the later half tracking weak global cues and fall in heavyweights." "Worries over the US debt ceiling crisis and uptick in bond yield triggered further consolidation. The domestic market also got vigilant ahead of the release of August's core sector output data."
World over October 1 is celebrated as World Elderly Day. The main purpose of celebrating these days is to make people aware of the socio, economic, health and environmental issues concerning this group of people.

One of the issues that has raised eyeballs of late is that post-Covid, there is surge in several critical respiratory and pulmonary diseases have impacted the adults. Recently, the association between COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia co-infection or superinfections has gained increasing interest due to the infections it can caused.

The infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections, including Pneumonia - infection of the lungs, Meningitis - infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, and Bacteraemia - bloodstream infection.

The infections can potentially reach other major organs and result in organ damage or even death. As per GBD data, Pneumococcus (aka Streptococcus pneumoniae) accounts for 53.14 per cent of DALYs and 59.42 per cent of deaths in LRI (lower respiratory infections) in India.

MAJOR CAUSES OF INFECTION

Pneumococcus bacteria can be transmitted from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva and mucus of patients or healthy carriers.

In India, S. pneumoniae has been identified as the commonest pathogen, accounting for about 16%-55% of cases (where diagnosis was possible) of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults.

PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE OF PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE This may be noted here that Government of India has introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into its national immunization in 2017, however it is not rolled out yet for the elderly population. India accounts for 23 per cent of global pneumonia burden with case fatality rates between 14 and 30 per cent, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered a major bacterial aetiology.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the main cause of mortality and morbidity with important clinical impact across the globe. One of the risk factors associated with Covid-19 is secondary bacterial pneumonia; A study found that 94.2 per cent patients were co-infected with at least 1 of 39 different pathogens.

Bacterial coinfections were predominant (91.8 per cent) over viral (31.5 per cent) and fungal (23.3 per cent) infections.

In a IJMR study entitled community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in adults conducted by Eshwara, Mukhopadhya and Rello, it stated there has been surge in the hospitalization of the elderly populations including intensive care units (ICU) due to CAP, especially in the older population.

The case fatality rate ranges from 2 to 20 per cent reaching up to 50 per cent in patients admitted to ICUs and varies between healthcare settings, geographical region, patient categories and age. In an another Pubmed study Predictors of mortality in patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia - a retrospective study it was 4,012 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were admitted to hospitals, of which 560 (13.95 per cent) with severe pneumonia were included in the study. Mean age was 57.75 A 13.96 years. The mortality rates were 54.64 per cent among severe Covid-19 cases and 5 per cent among mild to moderate Covid-19 cases.

While ageing and chronic diseases increase the risk of pneumococcal diseases, certain occupations further enhance them. Some of the individual factors are ageing, changing disease epidemiology, presence of chronic diseases, smoking etc., whereas some of the other occupational risks of pneumococcal diseases are exposure to dust/certain particles and fumes, sudden change in the temperature etc.

Covid-19 has been reported to cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. Experts have observed more than 80 per cent of the pneumonia currently is caused due to Covid-19.

Full Covid vaccination may still take another year or so, and we also have cases where despite vaccination they have been afflicted by Corona. The virus is fast mutating, hence there is a lingering fear that Corona vaccination may not be sufficient.

Therefore, it makes astute socio-economic sense to give Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Jab to elderly populations. There is an urgent need to address this issue through multi-pronged strategy and strong advocacy with key policy actors and stakeholders. The vaccine is substantially cost effective and shows decent effectiveness against Pneumococcal disease.

The vaccine has been selected in India's immunisation programme in selected states but needs universalisation. Pneumococcal pneumonia has adverse effects especially in those people who have recovered from Covid-19.

Hence, there is an urgent need for smarter interventions, to accelerate progress towards elimination of Pneumococcal pneumonia amongst the elderly t strengthen their immunity. This is time to strengthen the immunity of your own people to fight against the infections.

(Dr Praveen Aggrwal is the Founder and Director of Consocia Advisory; Dr Manorama Bakshi is Public Health Expert, Head, Healthcare and Advocacy, Consocia Advisory. The views expressed are personal)

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New Delhi, Sep 30: Russia has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, recognising that Islamabad holds some of the key levers to reign in the extremism in the AfPak region.

Deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and the region, the Vladimir Putin administration had flown to Islamabad a top-level Russian defence delegation, which held talks with its Pakistani counterpart on Wednesday.

Even though Pakistan is busy projecting to the world the move as a sign of deepening ties, Moscow said that it was the Afghanistan issue which dominated the discussions between the two countries.

"The participants of the third meeting of the Russian-Pakistani military advisory committee on defence and security, held in Islamabad on Wednesday, assessed the current situation in Afghanistan," announced Russia's Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Fomin, who headed the delegation at the meeting.

The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan's First Deputy Minister of Defence Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain.

"A wide range of issues related to the military-political situation in Afghanistan were discussed in an in-depth and constructive manner," Fomin said after the meeting, noting that "the need to deepen our cooperation is due, among other things, to the rapid development of the situation in this country." Moscow stressing that the "need to deepen cooperation is due" is being seen as a good enough message from the Kremlin on what it expects from the Imran Khan government.

The Deputy Defence Minister of Russia, according to the country's defence ministry, also made it clear to Islamabad that the issue related to the situation in Afghanistan is "one of the most important on the political agenda".

It is amply clear now that the future of relations between Russia and Pakistan could very well depend on how much the latter contributes to improving the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and ensuring regional stability.

Analysts point out that Moscow recognises that, because of its umbilical ties with the Taliban, Pakistan is a top influencer of developments in Afghanistan. Miffed by the role of the Pakistani spy agency in handpicking a pro-Islamabad government in Kabul, the Russians have stepped their advocacy of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, where all minorities in the country, including the ethnic Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras are suitably represented in the government.

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, had in New York last week mentioned that the inadmissibility of the spread of extremism to neighbouring countries and the persistence of terrorist threats on Afghan territory remains the main priority for Moscow.

"We will in every possible way support the resolve of the Taliban, which they have declared, to fight ISIS and other terrorist groups, to ensure that it is embodied in practical steps," Lavrov had commented following the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

After the Taliban takeover of Kabul last month, Lavrov had emphasised that the 'Moscow format' has the best chance to succeed in Afghanistan since the situation had taken on a region-wide dimension, and neighbouring countries and countries located further away from Afghanistan were responding to it.

The Moscow format was introduced in 2017 on the basis of the six-party mechanism for consultations between special representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China and Pakistan. Its main objective is listed as facilitating the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan and securing peace in that country as soon as possible.

Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan had also joined the partner countries when the first round of consultations took place on April 14, 2017.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Jaipur, Sep 30 : A TADA court in Ajmer on Thursday charged Abdul Karim alias Tunda, Irfan and Hamimuddin in connection with the series of bomb blasts that took place in trains in Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Surat and Mumbai in 1993.

The case will now be tried in the TADA court under the relevant sections of the law. All three were produced in the court under tight security on Thursday. The matter will now come up for hearing on October 25.

The terrorists were presented in the court and charged under the relevant sections of TADA, Explosives Act, PDP Act and Railways Act. The court has ordered that before October 25, the list of witnesses on behalf of the public prosecutor will have to be presented in the court.

The hearing will be held on October 25, said advocate Abdul Rashid.

On the intervening night of December 5 and 6 1993, the first anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, a serial blasts took place in six Rajdhani Express trains, killing two and injuring 22 people.

Terrorist Abdul Karim alias Tunda was lodged in the Ghaziabad jail in UP. On September 24, he was shifted from Ghaziabad to Ajmer. Tunda was caught from the Nepal border in 2013. Two of Tunda's accomplices, Hamimuddin and Irfan alias Pappu, were already lodged in Ajmer jail.

Tunda is a resident of Pilkhuwa town in Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh. He was an explosives expert for Lashkar-e-Taiba at the time of the blasts in 1993.

Jalis Ansari from Mumbai, Azam Gauri and Tunda from Nanded had carried out the blasts in trains in five major cities in 1993 to avenge the Babri demolition by forming the organization 'Tanjim Islam alias Muslim'.

Tunda is also accused in the case related to the blast in front of the police headquarters in Delhi in 1996. The same year, Interpol had issued a red corner notice against him.

There are only three special courts across the country to try the accused who are caught under the TADA Act -- in Mumbai, Ajmer and Srinagar.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : Ever since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last month, dozens of safe houses across the country have shut down -- cutting off a vital escape route for victims of domestic abuse.

Afghanistan's new Taliban-led government is yet to specify its policy on women's shelters. But because the Taliban had previously branded women's safe houses as "brothels", activists fear the militant Islamist group will ban them, RFE/RL reported.

For nearly 20 years, women's shelters were a sanctuary for hundreds of Afghan girls and women trying to escape domestic abuse, sexual violence and forced marriages.

Since capturing Kabul on August 15, the Taliban have reimposed some of the same repressive policies against women that had defined their brutal rule from 1996 to 2001, the report said.

The new Taliban regime has already curtailed girls' education, denied many women the right to work, abolished the Women's Affairs Ministry, and revived its dreaded morality police.

During the Taliban's lightning capture of Afghan cities during the summer, many women's shelters started to close their doors for fear of retribution. In many cases, shelter employees burnt sensitive documents and fled along with the women they were sheltering, the report added.

Activists fear the girls and women who return to their families could become victims of so-called "honour killings" -- the murder of women for allegedly dishonouring the family, such as running away from home.

"Women and girls being forced to flee from shelters back to their families will often be walking right back into the violence they needed to escape," said Heather Barr, associate director of women's rights at Human Rights Watch.

"We should fear for their safety and their lives, as they have gone back to their abusers at a time when all restraints on violence against women have disappeared," Barr said.

The head of one women's shelter in Kabul, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, said she faced an agonising choice when the Taliban entered Kabul: Remain open and expose her employees and clients to possible Taliban reprisals, or close and send the women back to their abusive families.

"At the request of the women, we handed them over to their families," she said, adding: "We received written assurances from their families that they would not mistreat them again. We had no confidence in the Taliban. So, we were forced to shut down the shelter." Even before the Taliban stormed their way back into power in Afghanistan, women's shelters faced fierce criticism in the deeply conservative and patriarchal country.

Domestic abuse is routine in Afghanistan. Forced marriages are the norm and the female suicide rate in Afghanistan remains among the highest in the world -- despite progress made for women's rights in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in late 2001, the report added.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Aizawl, Sep 30 : The Central government would provide financial assistance and medicines to Mizoram besides sending an expert team to the northeastern state to deal with the alarming rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

The Covid positivity rate in Mizoram has jumped to 18.44 per cent, the highest in India, officials said here on Thursday.

The Union Health Ministry data on Thursday showed that the country's weekly positivity rate is 1.74 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 97 days, and the daily positivity rate is 1.56 per cent, less than 3 per cent for the last 31 days.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan while talking to a Mizoram government delegation on Wednesday in New Delhi had said that a team of experts would be sent to Mizoram as soon as possible.

A health official in Aizawl said that Bhushan informed the Mizoram delegation that the Centre can make arrangement for supply of Monoclonal Antibodies Cocktail (MAC), an expensive but highly-effective Covid drug costing Rs 1,20,000 per set, for Mizoram free of cost if the state government makes a request for it.

Responding to a demand of the Mizoram delegation for financial assistance to the state, the Union Health Secretary informed that out of the total funds allocation of Rs 14,744.99 crore under the Emergency Covid Response Package of the Centre for all the states and Union Territories, the fund sanctioned for Mizoram was Rs 44.38 crore.

"The first installment of Rs 19.94 crore has been released and the remaining amount will be released as soon as an expenditure detail of the first installment is submitted," the top official said.

The four-member Mizoram government delegation included state's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members C. Lalrosanga and K. Vanlalvena, respectively, OSD to Chief Minister, Rosangzuala, and the state's Resident Commissioner in Delhi, Amjad Tak.

According to an official statement, Lalrosanga apprised the Union Health Secretary about the ongoing Covid crisis in the state and how Mizoram is in dire need of central assistance in the form of medicines, equipment and other Covid-related materials due to increasing number of positive cases.

"Mizoram is looking for active support from the Centre beyond the sanctioned funds. The delegation also requested a team of experts to be sent to Mizoram as soon as possible to examine the ongoing Covid crisis faced by the state," the statement said.

According to health officials in Mizoram, for the past two weeks, around 1,500 people are testing positive for Covid every day.

With a population of 1.1 million (2011 census), Mizoram, India's second least populous state, has so far reported 93,660 positive cases and 309 fatalities.

Covid data analysis showed that around 7 per cent of the state's population have been infected by the virus so far.

Talking to IANS, Mizoram health officials said that the state's recovery rate is 82.78 per cent as against the national recovery rate of 97.85 per cent.

As of Thursday evening, Mizoram had 15,815 active cases, while 77,536 people have recovered from the disease so far.

Of the state's 11 districts, Aizawl has registered the highest number of cases at 59,533 besides recording 231 deaths, followed by Kolasib (6,952 cases, 24 deaths) and Lunglei (6,855 cases, 17 deaths).

Khawzawl is the only district where no death has been reported though 596 people have tested positive there so far.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Chennai, Sep 30 : Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu, who is the legislator from Radhapuram constituency under which the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) is located, on Thursday demanded that the proposed spent fuel location be shifted from Kudankulam, as there was increased Chinese presence in neighbouring Sri Lanka.

Interacting with media persons at Radhapuram, Appavu, asked about the consent given by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for spent fuel storage facility at Kundankulam, said that he opposed it, due to the increased Chinese presence in Sri Lanka.

When Sri Lanka was a friendly nation, the situation was different, he added.

"There is an increased Chinese presence in Sri Lanka and hence the Government of India should shift the proposed spent fuel location of the KKNPP to either the used gold mines at Kolar or at Thar district," he said.

Appavu said that ideally the spent fuel location should be shifted to an uninhabited area, warning that if any untoward incident happens, southern Tamil Nadu and southern parts of Kerala would be affected. He also said that a huge facility of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is located just 25 km from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.

He said that in a democracy, the government should inform the people as to where the spent fuel is stocked till date and called upon the Central government not to expand the KKNPP by proceeding with the construction of its reactors 5 and 6.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel, on Thursday visited the National Gallery of Modern Art here to review the third round of e-auction of gifts presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modi is the first Prime Minister in the country who has decided to auction all the gifts he receives for a noble cause of conserving the lifeline of the country, the river Ganga through the 'Namami Gange' project," Patel said.

The minister said the e-auction provides an opportunity to the general public to not only possess the memorabilia gifted to the Prime Minister, but also contribute to the cause of preserving the holy river, a release from the Jal Shakti Ministry said.

The e-auction is being held from September 17 to October 7 through the web portal www.pmmementos.gov.in. In this round of e-auction, around 1,348 mementos are to go under the hammer. The mementos include the equipment gifted to the Prime Minister by the winners at the Olympics and Paralympics held in Tokyo recently.

The items with the highest value in the e-auction include the javelin used by gold medallist Sumit Antil at the Tokyo Paralympics and the one used by Neeraj Chopra at the Olympic Games with a base price of Rs one crore each. The lowest priced item is a small-sized decorative elephant for Rs 200, the release added.
New Delhi, Sep 30 : National carrier Air India has been asked by the Centre to ensure that its employees vacate the company-provided accommodations within six months from the divestment of the airline or the monetisation of properties.

Accordingly, employees staying in company accommodations in different housing establishments will have to vacate or face strict penal action or heavy monitory penalty with disciplinary action.

The decision, according to the employees, comes as a rude shock, especially in metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai, where housing rentals are "sky-high".

At present, Air India has colonies in both Delhi and Mumbai. Flats in these colonies were allotted to the employees on subsidised rates.

The development assumes significance as the divestment process has picked-up pace and is said to be in its final stages.

In a letter to the Air India CMD, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on September 29: "AI employees may continue to stay at the residential colonies of the company post disinvestment for a period of six months or till the property is monetised, whichever is earlier.

"Appropriate binding legal and other arrangements, including financial disincentives, should be formulated to enable prompt vacation of the properties by the employees." The decision as per the letter was taken by the AISAM (Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism) at its meeting held on August 9, 2021.

Besides, the letter detailed that employees retiring as of September 30, 2021, may be allowed to retain the accommodation for a maximum period of four months or within six months post disinvestment or "till the property is monetised whichever is earlier".

"No extension in retention beyond four months shall be provided under any circumstances," it said.

The serving employees residing in AI colonies shall vacate the allotted accommodation within a period of six months post disinvestment or till the property is monetised.

"These new rules have not mandated the airline to provide alternative residential arrangements. There is anxiety among employees that many might become homeless with families in metros like Delhi and Mumbai, especially during the ongoing pandemic," a senior airline staffer said.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : A meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body, will be summoned soon as demanded by the 'G-23' leaders, party General Secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said on Thursday.

According to Surjewala, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi had last week indicated that the meeting will be held soon.

"Before going to Shimla, the Congress President had held that the CWC meeting will be called soon. The meeting will be held soon," he said.

It is understood that veteran party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is one of the G-23 leaders seeking an overhaul in party functioning, had written to Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday seeking that a CWC meeting be called at the earliest to deliberate on various key matters concerning the party.

Meanwhile, at a press conference on Wednesday, senior party leader Kapil Sibal, who is also in the G-23, had expressed concern about the party's functioning and also sought a CWC meeting soon.

He had said that the CWC meeting would enable those Congress leaders, who are not happy with some recent party decisions, get a proper forum to voice their views. There could also be a discussion why some leaders were quitting the party, he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, Oct 1 : In wake of four people being beheaded in a span of five days in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli and Dindigul districts, "Operation Disarm" aimed at arresting habitual offenders and murder accused was launched and over 3,000 suspects have been arrested, police said on Thursday.

As per a police statement, raids were held to round up murder and assault suspects, and 3,325 murder accused arrested and 1,000 knives and seven guns seized from them.

State Director General of Police, C. Saylendra Babu had, in two high-level meetings held at Madurai and Tirunelveli, directed senior officials to follow leads and arrest all suspects who were earlier involved in murders, riots, arson, and assault. He also asked officers to study the history of revenge killings and to round up all those who are sharpening their weapons for this.

Station house officers were also told to hold meetings with blacksmiths, lathe owners, and shop owners who sell knives and billhooks, and direct them to take down the details, including phone numbers, of the people who are buying the weapons and ask them the reason for their purchase. As many as 2,500 of these participated in meetings held at 579 places, the statement said.

The DGP directed the Superintendents of Police to have regular updates from the station house officers regarding the sale of these weapons in their areas, and seek to ensure only genuine customers are entertained.
Colombo, Oct 1 : India's trade giant Adani Group on Thursday signed a joint agreement with Sri Lanka's leading business conglomerate, John Keells Holdings PLC, and the state-run Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) of Colombo Port.

The over $700 million deal, which was struck in Colombo with the Indian partners joining virtually, is to run for 35 years with the Adani Group having majority 51 per cent share, followed by John Keels (34 per cent) and SLPA (15 per cent).

"This will be one of the most advanced and the most productive terminals, not just from the Sri Lankan point of view but even from the global standard's point of view," Karan Gautam Adani, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adani Ports & SEZ Limited, said after joining the event virtually.

"It is one of the largest ever FDI projects in the country with over $650 million investment so it is a big boost to the port and to the Sri Lankan economy," said Krishan Balendra, Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC.

Following a 2019 tripartite agreement with India and Japan, the Adani Group was to develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) jointly with Japan. But in March this year the project was withdrawn due to pressure from the trade unions and political oppositions. Later, Sri Lanka announced the awarding of WCT to India.

The signing of the WCT project comes in the wake of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's urge to Sri Lanka to "conclude pending agreements to fast-track relations between the two countries".

Jaishankar had stressed the need for a practical conclusion of the number of projects pending implementation, indicating that it would give more confidence to New Delhi to move forward in enhancing relations.

Jaishankar met his Sri Lankan counterpart G.L. Peiris on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22.
Patna, Oct 1 : With announcement of by-election for two Assembly seats, the Congress' Bihar unit has set up a team of observers to assess the ground reality in these constituencies and submit a report to the party's Central leadership.

The by-election for Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga and Tarapur in Munger district is scheduled on October 30 and the result will be declared on November 2. These two seats fell vacant after the demise of sitting members, Shashi Bhushan Hajari of the BJP and Mewalal Chaudhary of the JD-U, respectively, earlier this year.

State Congress chief Madan Mohan Jha said that the decision was taken on the direction of party state in-charge Bhakta Charan Das.

"We have a long tradition in the Congress party to send observers during normal election or by-election in the constituencies to assess the mood of voters, current social issues, strength of our party and weaknesses of opposition parties so that the policies will be made accordingly," he said.

Jha also claimed that that regions of Mithilanchal were always a stronghold for the Congress in the past.

"We have fought the last Assembly election from Kusheshwar Asthan and we want to fight again from this seat," he said.

"The observers will go to these two constituencies and prepare reports in a time bound manner. The final decision will be taken by the central leadership on the basis of the observers' report of these two constituencies," he said.

The development comes as the Rashtriya Janata Dal, which leads the Mahagathbandhan of which Congress is part, has already given an indication of contesting both these seats, setting aside the Congress' claim to one. The RJD blames the Congress' dismal performance in the 2020 Assembly polls as the reason for it not winning power.

RJD spokesman Bhai Virendra has already made it clear that the party will contest from these two seats in a bid to win the by-election and give a strong message to the NDA.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kolkata, Oct 1 : Considering the threat of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the West Bengal government on Thursday extended the Covid restrictions and night curfew till October 30.

However, in view of the Durga Puja celebrations, restriction on movement of people between 11 pm and 5 am has been relaxed between October 10 and October 20.

All outdoor activities, including movement of people and vehicles, shall continue to be strictly prohibited between 11 pm and 5 am, except for health services, law and order, essential services and other emergency purposes.

However, in view of the ensuing festive period, the said restriction will be relaxed between October 10 and October 20, the order said.

The lifting of restrictions during Durga Puja is subject to an order from the Calcutta High Court. A PIL was filed in the high court on Thursday urging it to reissue its October 19 order related to curbs on Durga Puja this year.

Howrah resident Ajay Kumar Dey moved the PIL. The HC is likely to hear it when it appears on its list.

Last year, the court had urged people to take virtual tours of pandals and had declined to entertain a government plea for a "stay of operation" on the order.

"The Covid situation is better this time and we hope that people will get some liberty to enjoy during the Durga Puja. The state government will make all arrangements to ensure that the Covid guidelines are strictly followed. The organisers will also be instructed to maintain the Covid protocols," a senior state government official said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, Oct 1 : Inviting Germany to collaborate with Karnataka in hosting the 'Global Investors Meet (GIM)' in November 2022, state Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said on Friday that the GIM would provide a great platform to explore investment opportunities.

The minister was interacting with a delegation led by the Consul General of Germany, Achim Burkett, here.

"Karnataka and Germany share a strong relationship, especially in areas of trade and FDI. Our state is home to nearly 200 German companies such as Bosch, Siemens, Carl Zeiss etc. We both focus on major industries like auto and auto components, engineering and machine tools, chemicals, innovation and R&D, etc.," Nirani said.

Briefing on the business ecosystem in the state, Nirani said the state government has taken several measures to enhance investor-friendly atmosphere.

"Karnataka attracted the third highest FDI in India in 2020-21 at $7.6 billion with 14 per cent national share. It is home to numerous auto OEMs, auto component and machine tools manufacturers, EV startups and R&D centres. Bengaluru is the world's fourth largest technology and innovation cluster," the minister added.

Deputy Consul General Friedrich Birgelen was also present during the meeting.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Union government is all set to develop a job portal for senior citizens.

The portal named, 'Senior Able Citizens for Re Employment in Dignity' (SACRED), will bring the employment seeking senior citizens and providers on one platform.

The aim is to devise ways to ensure senior citizens live healthy, happy, empowered, dignified and self-reliant, says the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

An amount of Rs 10 crore would be provided for funding for the platform development along with maintenance grant of Rs two crore per year for five years.

Similarly, an amount of Rs 10 crore would be spent annually for publicity about the portal in various business enterprises.

According to the ministry, an individual senior citizen will get himself registered on the portal with his relevant education, past experience, skills and the areas of interest.

The person will also select keywords regarding expected tasks, which will enable the job providers to find them automatically.

"Any job provider - individual, firm, company, partnership, and voluntary organisation-- can also register on the portal. The job provider will specify the task involved and the number of senior citizens that are required to complete it," the ministry said.

Voluntary organisations will help the senior citizens in applying for these jobs and no user charges will be taken from any of the senior citizens by any voluntary organisations.

"Therefore, the Employment Portal will serve not only the senior citizens seeking employment, but also the employers, the Self Help Groups (SHGs), the senior citizens gaining skills, and other agencies or individuals," the ministry said.

The ministry, however, clarifies that the 'Employment Exchange Portal' will not be a guarantee for getting a job or employment or selling of the products of the SHGs, or for any other activity.

"It will act as an interactive platform where stakeholders meet each other virtually and decide on the course of action with mutual respect, consent and understanding. Web portal will be developed through NIC. There will be adequate publicity both among elders and enterprises to enroll on the portal," it said.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and invited him to Bhopal for the Tribal Day programme, to be celebrated on November 15 in the state.

The Chief Minister also shared details with the Prime Minister about welfare schemes being run by the state government.

He has also invited Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate Bhopal's state-of-the-art railway station.

Talking to the media after meeting the Prime Minister, Chouhan slammed the oppposition Congress party and claimed that the BJP will win all the seats in the by-elections to be held in the state.

Further, about the meeting, the Chief Minister said that he has apprised the Prime Minister about the situation of Corona in the state and the pace of the Covid vaccination campaign.

This was Chouhan's second visit to Delhi within a week.

Earlier he met BJP national president J.P. Nadda last week.

Many political speculations were also being made about the meeting, although Chouhan made it clear that he has met the Prime Minister to apprise him about the schemes related to the development of the state and get his guidance.

According to Chouhan, he also discussed about the rain situation in the state, progress of the ownership scheme -- recently announced by Home Minister Amit Shah for the 'welfare' of the tribe, making Basmati rice exportable and Suraj Abhiyan.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi asked him about the possibility of sandalwood cultivation in the state. Chouhan said that his government would take the suggestion seriously.

By-elections are to be held on October 30 for Khandwa Lok Sabha seat and three assembly seats -- Jobat, Raigaon and Prithvipur -- in the state.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Pyongyang, Oct 1 : North Korea test-fired a newly developed anti-aircraft missile on Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday.

The report said that the missile was developed by the Academy of Defence Science, and the test was aimed at confirming the practicality of operation of the launcher, radar and comprehensive battle command vehicle as well as the comprehensive combat performance of the missile, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the report, the overall test is of very practical significance in studying and developing various prospective anti-aircraft missile systems, and the remarkable combat performance of the missile with features of rapid responsiveness and guidance accuracy of missile control system as well as the substantial increase in the distance of downing air targets has been verified with the introduction of new key technologies like a twin-rudder control technology and double-impulse flight engine.

Pak Jong Chon, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, watched the test-launch with leading officials in the sector of national defence scientific research.

North Korea test-fired several missile tests in September, including both cruise and ballistic missiles amid deadlocked denuclearisation talks with the US.
AdventHealth Belleview ER As our community grows, its imperative that we continue to grow and expand our services. We are excited about bringing our connected network of care to families in Belleview and The Villages, said Joe Johnson, President and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala.

Today, leaders at AdventHealth cut the ribbon on a new 13,000 square foot, 24-hour emergency room (ER) located at 6006 SE Abshier Blvd in Belleview, Florida. The 12-bed facility is a full-service ER and has the ability to transfer patients requiring an extended stay to AdventHealth Ocala for care if needed. The ER will officially open for care on Tuesday, October 12 at 9 am.

As our community grows, its imperative that we continue to grow and expand our services. We are excited about bringing our connected network of care to families in Belleview and The Villages, said Joe Johnson, President and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala. With this new ER, we can provide our brand of whole person care to more families, fulfilling our promise to elevate care for everyone in the Greater Marion County community and beyond.

The $18 million facility offers a wide array of services from board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses who specialize in emergency care for adults and children. Some of the services will include state of the art, on-site diagnostic imaging including x-ray, ultrasound, CT scans and onsite laboratory services to provide patients with real-time results  leading to more accurate and convenient diagnosis and treatment.

AdventHealth Belleview ER will be home to some of the best doctors and nurses in emergency care, said Dr. Michael Torres, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Ocala. Whether youre having chest pain or a critical injury, we have the experts ready and waiting to care for you when you need us most.

The new emergency room is expected to provide more than 50 jobs in Marion County.

This will be AdventHealths second offsite emergency room in Marion County. The hospital system also operates AdventHealth TimberRidge ER in Ocala.

About AdventHealth Ocala

AdventHealth Ocala is a 385-bed full-service community hospital that opened in 1898. In August 2018, AdventHealth Ocala became a part of the AdventHealth network. The facility is 640,000 square feet and sits on 15-acres. Within the hospital network there are two 24/7 ER facilities, one onsite and another offsite, to better meet the needs of Marion County. The onsite ER has both an adult and childrens emergency department that has over 50 combined beds with the ability to treat many conditions and injuries. Established in 2002, the offsite ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, is a 24-hour full-service emergency department with 16 private rooms and was the first offsite ER in the state of Florida. The hospital offers many inpatient services including, labor and delivery through The Baby Place, Orthopedic unit, comprehensive cardiovascular surgery unit, and a wound care center. AdventHealth Ocala is accredited The Joint Commission and has received recognition from American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. They are accredited by the American College of Cardiology in Chest Pain, Heart Failure, Cardiac Cath Lab, Electrophysiology, Transcatheter Valve Certified and awarded the HeartCARE Center designation. They are also a Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center as well as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nations brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as five freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Brandon ER, AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, and AdventHealth Westchase ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy, home care, mobile mammography and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth, and for West Florida Division.


Janene is a powerful Native community activist who has built a career and life doing what she is most passionate about, helping her people on the frontline battle systemic injustice, said Harriet and Alan E. Lewis, Co-Founders of Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation.

Dine (Navajo) activist fighting the impact of environmental racism and Indigenous rights violations in New Mexico

The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation announced that the 2021 recipient of the Alnoba International Indigenous Leadership Award is Janene Yazzie, co-founder and CEO, Sixth World Solutions.

This award honors an Indigenous leader who serves as a bold defender of Mother Earth, inspires communities to action and one who honors and applies traditional beliefs to the most pressing environmental problems of our day.

Janene is co-founder and CEO of Sixth World Solutions, which works with Dine (Navajo) communities to promote sustainability, environmental justice, and self-governance. She co-founded the first Navajo Nation community-led watershed planning program to assert local control in the sustainable management, restoration, and protection of natural resources.

Throughout the years and through our travels, we have learned much from the teachings of Indigenous people throughout the world. We believe they understand our role as protectors and caretakers of the earth and community at a much different and higher level, said Harriet and Alan E. Lewis, Co-Founders of Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation. Janene is a powerful Native community activist who has built a career and life doing what she is most passionate about, helping her people on the frontline battle systemic injustice. We recognize Janenes exemplary work with this award.

The Navajo Nation is the size of Connecticut, and 30-40% of households do not have running water. For many households, water is their largest expense. The pandemic, severe drought conditions and a legacy of contamination including lead, magnesium, arsenic and even uranium create a perfect storm of need.

Because of her tireless work to bring water to her people, Janene knew even before the first case of COVID was diagnosed that it would devastate her community and that remote and vulnerable members would not be served. As Janene states, You cant wash your hands with bad water.

Janene serves as the New Mexico lead for Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief, an all-volunteer grassroots Indigenous-led group operating on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.

Her work has earned international recognition. Janene is Sustainable Development Program Coordinator for the International Indian Treaty Council and the councils representative as co-convenor of the Indigenous Peoples Major Group of the U.N. High-Level Political Forum on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

I am fortunate to come from a place where the footprints of my ancestors are tied to the landscape, stated Yazzie. Its this inherent and ancestral knowledge that ties our modern struggles to something deeper than achieving equality and inclusiveness in imperfect manmade systems and institutions that do not understand the sacred and inherent value of the universe.

Harriet and Alan Lewis launched the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards in 2018 to honor brave and brilliant leaders whose courage, wisdom or potential inspire us to act more boldly for environmental justice. A new series of awards for Gender Equity Leadership was launched in 2021, the first award being the Alnoba Moment of Truth Award. In 2007, in partnership with the Boston Business Journal, the Lewises established the CEO Social Leadership Award to recognize a CEO in greater Boston who exemplifies corporate citizenship.

Each award includes a $10,000 donation in the recipients name to the nonprofit of their choice.

The awards will be presented at the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards Dinner on October 13, 2021 in partnership with ReVision Energy, UNH Sustainability Institute, Citizens Count, Conservation Law Foundation and other leading environmental nonprofits.

About Alnoba Lewis Foundation

The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation has pledged or donated more than $200 million since 1981. The Foundation transforms peoples lives and builds strong communities by empowering young people, developing courageous leaders and creating strong alliances with key strategic partners to help save the earth we share. The organizations work is focused on the Lewis familys hometowns of Boston, MA and Kensington, NH and within the global villages where their company, Grand Circle Corporation, travels.
We are very passionate about the mental wellness of children. They are the future, and we must do our part as The Mental Wellness Company to invest in the next generation, said Amare Global Founder & Chairman Hiep Tran.

Beginning September 16th, 2021, for every first order from new customers and partners, Amare will automatically round up the total of each order to the nearest dollar as a donation to The Childrens Center Utah. This is at no additional cost to the new customer or partner. The difference for the rounded-up amount will be paid out on behalf of Amare. Additionally, Amares existing customers and partners will also have the capability to round up their orders as a donation to support The Children Center Utahs mission to enhance the emotional well-being of children and families.

We are very passionate about the mental wellness of children. They are the future, and we must do our part as The Mental Wellness Company to invest in the next generation, said Amare Global Founder & Chairman Hiep Tran. We have launched our Round Up for Love program so that our community can partner with us to support this initiative as well. I believe we can make a massive difference in the mental wellness of children together.

I cant think of a better reason to raise money than in support of childrens emotional well-being, said Jared Turner, CEO of Amare Global and The Childrens Center Utahs board member. This year we wanted to reach further and elevate what it means to share the love by creating this new giving program and we are thrilled to be partnering with The Childrens Center Utah.

The Childrens Center Utah offers clinical services such as assessment and evaluations, child and family therapy, and therapeutic preschool; as well as infant/early childhood mental health (IECMH) consultations and webinars for childcare professionals. Money donated through the Round Up For Love program will help ensure all children and families who need the centers comprehensive mental health services can access them, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our teams share a core value and that value is LOVE, said Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Childrens Center Utah. These resources will support our team in providing best-in-class, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health services to children and families as well as training early childhood providers throughout the state. We look forward to a wonderful partnership with the Amare team to help us change the lives of the children and families we work with and to share our love for their well-being.

About The Childrens Center

Established in 1962, The Childrens Center Utah is the only organization in Utah exclusively offering trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment for very young children ages birth through six and their families. The Childrens Center Utahs mission is to provide comprehensive mental health care to enhance the emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. As the regional experts in childrens mental health, The Childrens Center Utah offers individual and family therapy for mental and behavioral health challenges faced by young children, as well as treatment for trauma exposure. For more information, visit childrenscenterutah.org.

About Amare Global

Amare Global (amare.com) was founded in 2016 as The Mental Wellness Company. Its name, Amare, means to love in Latin. The company proudly proclaims its #1 core value is Love, and its mission is to create more love in the world. Amare is the category leader in the $121 billion market of mental wellness. Privately held and funded, it is one of the fastest-growing natural health products and direct selling companies. In addition, Amare empowers financial wellness through its entrepreneurial business opportunity. Its patented and award-winning product formulations leverage the emerging science of the gut microbiome, the bodys second brain. For more info, visit http://www.amare.com
The future is here, and it has been here for quite some time when it comes to online shopping resources. Thats why American Car Center is highlighting its brand new website that allows potential buyers to begin the car buying process online.

American Car Center has 68 locations across 10 states, which include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Regardless of what a consumers nearest American Car Center location is, they can find updated inventory on the American Car Center website at http://www.AmericanCarCenter.com.

American Car Center is a pre-owned dealer group focused on providing innovative financial solutions to consumers regardless of their credit history. To assist in this area, American Car Centers new website also contains helpful FAQ resources about the buying process. Moreover, consumers can complete a financing application directly on the dealerships website, offering a convenient solution to start the approval process. Once the application has been submitted, the dealer can get in touch to discuss buying options.

Consumers who may have questions about American Car Center will find many resources on the new website, but they can also call 877-720-4477, ext. 1 for sales questions. Questions about service can be directed to 877-720-4477, ext. 3. Website visitors also have the option to submit a contact form on the website and select their preferred contact method.
AMS LOGO

AMS Inform announced the addition of two new in-country teams in Mexico and Brazil of its 24/7 operations on background checks, while further expanding its global reach to support companies that are hiring remotely.

Operating in 100+ countries already (including Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, and Vietnam), AMS Inform just added Brazil and Mexico to the list bringing the number of in-country teams to 16.

Founded by Santosh Kumar in 1986, a lawyer with 40+ years of experience in background investigations, the 100-wide employee company has processed 10,000,000+ background checks to date. These include employment, court, criminal, and credit checks, digital address, education, and pre- and post-employment verification. AMS Inform also specializes in insurance claims investigations and adverse media checks, business information reports, and drug testing.

Companies having switched to long-term remote work arrangements include Adobe, Amazon, Microsoft, and Siemens, with companies like Netflix even onboarding their employees remotely, said Founder and CEO Santosh Kumar, It is important to support employers while they are working out the best post-pandemic working model.

A decentralized work structure that allows employees to live and work where they want brings certain risks and challenges to the employer wishing to access their workforce globally, said Sachin Aggarwal, Director of Global Operations at AMS Inform, We help employers minimize, or even eliminate, these risks altogether.

With a verify, then trust approach, AMS Inform has served health insurance companies, non-profits, SMEs, the oil & gas industry, and corporates including Bosch and Samsung.

Background checks can be ordered at http://www.amsinform.com. A free trial is available.

About AMS Inform

AMS Inform is a locally connected, globally trusted company that performs a wide range of background checks, operating in 100+ countries. AMS Inform is ISO 27001 certified and NASSCOM member company. AMS Inform is also member of PBSA and founding member of PBSA APAC Council. The company offers online report delivery (with end-to-end SSL encryption) and co-branded company options, allowing corporate clients and other background check companies to run the service as their own. For more information, please go to http://www.amsinform.com.
Advanced Management Strategies Group, Inc., (AMSG), a management and technology consulting firm headquartered in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, with work locations nationwide, announced Tuesday that Jim OFarrell has transitioned into the Role of CEO effective September 28, 2021.

Mr. OFarrell joined AMSG in 2010 as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has led the companys growth into numerous federal agencies including Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), Department of Defense (DoD) and several others, while helping the company scale its capabilities and business processes to address the growth in employee headcount and business partner and stakeholder relationships.

I am thrilled to be leading AMSG as the Chief Executive Officer as we work side by side with our customers, business partners and stakeholders in the years ahead to serve THEIR Missions, continuing to build a legacy of service to our country and our communities. From its founding, AMSG has always been, at its core, a team of people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves  whether at work, or in our communities. We are people of Character who begin and end each day with a purpose  to deliver value to our federal government by bringing innovative and unique solutions to complex problems. Whether supporting the Army with Knowledge Management solutions leveraging the power of Microsoft SharePoint, the Defense Health Agency with new and innovative approaches to streamlining acquisition processes based on ISO 9001:2015 standards or launching 15 Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to support the overhaul of VAs enterprise training initiatives at the Federal Governments second largest agency with over 500,000 employees, AMSG supports our people so they can support the Mission. -- Jim OFarrell

Since leaving the Navy in 1994, Mr. OFarrell has gained years of experience providing executive management and consulting support throughout the federal government. He has a broad base of expertise in both customer-facing (strategy, management and technology consulting, business development, sales, and marketing) and business management functions (Services Delivery Management, Quality, HR, Contracts Management, and Finance). Prior to joining AMSG, Mr. OFarrell held positions of varying responsibility up to and including COO with government contractors such as KPMG Consulting, Booz Allen Hamilton, EDS and American Management Systems.

A strong advocate for the military veteran, military family and caregiver communities, Mr. OFarrell has been motivated to serve by supporting transitioning military personnel, assisting wounded warriors and supporting important public service initiatives that connect the 99% of our population that have never served with the 1% who have. Mr. OFarrell currently serves as Vice Chair of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) and previously served as Chair of the US Small Business Administrations Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (ACVBA)  whose charter is to help military veterans start and grow businesses across all industries. Each year, the ACVBA produces a report to Congress, The White House and the SBA providing recommendations for programs to support veteran entrepreneurs. Mr. OFarrell initiated AMSGs support of New York City-based Headstrong Project, with the motto, Healing the Hidden Wounds of War, has been the Race Director of the Travis Manion Foundations (TMF) Alexandria, VA 9/11 Heroes Run 5K with over 1,500 participants, participated as a guest speaker at TMF Veteran Transition Workshops, and currently organizes an annual TMF Operation Legacy Veterans Day of Service, with participation of over 400 high school students, veterans and community leaders from the local community. Mr. OFarrell has also planned and delivered numerous TMF Character Does Matter Program presentations with other military veterans in the DC Metro area to encourage the next generation of leaders to be leaders of Character.

Mr. OFarrell is a graduate of the U.S Naval Academy and has an MBA from Averett University.

About AMSG: AMSG is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) verified Service Disabled, Veteran Owned, Small Business with substantial relevant Program/ Project Management, Knowledge Management, Acquisition Management, Capability Development, Business Process Improvement, and administrative support experience. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Dumfries, Virginia, with numerous satellite work locations across the country, AMSG supports a variety of Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Health Agency, Department of the Treasury, and Federal Trade Commission program and performance management services. Our core capabilities are provided by AMSG employees, who have deep subject matter expertise, proven experience and a desire to bring innovative and unique solutions to complex problems. In supporting military and government agencies, we develop business processes and facilitate mission requirements, helping to guide, organize and develop technology and infrastructure support and enhance business relationships that contribute to the bottom line. In keeping with our commitment to support our military veteran community, AMSG supports the Travis Manion Foundations Veteran Transition Workshops, Character Does Matter Program and an annual 9/11 Heroes Run. AMSG also places a strong emphasis on recruiting and hiring veterans and one of every three AMSG employees is a military veteran. These and other initiatives help us give back to the military, transitioning military personnel, wounded warriors and to support important public service initiatives that connect the 99% of our population that have never served in the military with the 1% who have.

For more information:

Chrissie Constable

Marketing Manager

Advanced Management Strategies Group, Inc.

3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 201, Dumfries, VA 22025

571.931.0435; http://www.amsgcorp.net

amessenger@amsgcorp.net
Amware has grown significantly in the past year as the demand for eCommerce fulfillment services continues to surge

Third-party order fulfillment company, Amware Fulfillment, is opening up two new distribution centers in San Bernardino, CA and Dallas, TX to support growth of existing and new clients. Both are brand new facilities that will be operational in October, 2021.

Combined, the facilities will add 221,000 sq. ft. of space to Amwares national fulfillment center network, which now totals close to 2.5 million sq. ft. across 15 facilities in all major US markets.

The San Bernardino warehouse is located in Southern Californias Inland Empire region and will serve as a base for eCommerce fulfillment. The facility supports a just-in-time supply chain model. Brands that import can send inbound goods directly to the facility from the ports of LA and Long Beach for immediate distribution. The facility will create approximately 100 new jobs when fully operational.

The new Dallas warehouse expands Amwares presence in this strategic location for eCommerce fulfillment. Located just west of downtown Dallas  10 minutes from Amwares existing Dallas fulfillment center and 20 minutes from Love Field  the new location will allow brands to economically reach many US consumers with two-days-or-less ground service. The facility will create approximately 80 new jobs when fully operational.

Amware has grown significantly in the past year as the demand for eCommerce fulfillment services continues to surge, says Amwares CEO, Harry Drajpuch. This modern fulfillment center space will help our customers focus on growing their businesses, while we provide the behind-the-scenes know-how and infrastructure to handle all order fulfillment details.

About Amware Fulfillment

Amware is one of Americas largest privately held, national fulfillment companies, providing order fulfillment services to help fast-growing eCommerce and direct selling companies scale fulfillment operations to support any growth trajectory. With 15 fulfillment centers located across America, Amware enables 12 day ground delivery service to 95% of the U.S. population.
Attorney Annie E. Andrews, an associate at the Steinberg Law Firm, has received the 2021 Emerging Leader award from the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA).

Founded in 1993, SCWLA brings female lawyers together across the state to enhance the status, influence, and effectiveness of women lawyers. The organization now holds over 900 members and an active 18-member Board of Directors.

This award comes as an honor to Annie Andrews and the Steinberg Law Firm as only one woman in South Carolina is chosen each year.

A requirement of accepting this award is participation in Leadership South Carolina, South Carolinas oldest statewide leadership program established in 1979 by the Governors Office. Their mission is to select and train influential community leaders so they may serve on statewide boards and commissions, run for public office, and pursue solutions that positively impact our state.

In acceptance of the award, Annie Andrews stated, I am honored to receive SCWLAs 2021 Emerging Leader award and grateful for the acknowledgement of choices I have made as an attorney, and also as a working mom. Throughout my career, I have tried my best to advocate for those who did not have a voice, which at times required taking on entire institutions and power structures. I hope to use this new leadership role to amplify other women lawyers across South Carolina.

Annie Andrews joined the Steinberg Law Firm team in 2020 and currently practices in the areas of nursing home neglect, civil rights, and personal injury. She earned her B.A. at the University of South Carolina and then went on to study law at the Charleston School of Law. Before joining Steinberg Law Firm, Annie worked as a Trial Attorney with the Charleston County Public Defenders Office. She has been recognized by Charleston Business Magazine as a 2021 female leader in business and has received awards from the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division and the South Carolina Public Defender Association. A former graduate of the South Carolina Bars Leadership Academy, Annie currently serves on the Board of Directors for Charleston Legal Access and on the South Carolina Bars Elder Law committee.

The Steinberg Law Firm was founded in 1927 by Irving Steinberg, who advocated for all injured people and was instrumental in getting workers compensation laws on the books in South Carolina. Today, the firm carries on his legacy of public service and handles cases ranging from workers compensation to personal injury to construction defects. For more information, visit their website at https://www.steinberglawfirm.com/ or call (843) 720-2800.
Edward Christle, a creative, born and raised in Oklahoma who dreams of leaving a lasting legacy, has completed his new book School Days: an encouraging tale full of valuable school lessons.

Supposta Bee has a purpose, to help kids learn and feel better when they are down. He stumbles upon three students who had tough days at school. Each one of them relays their tale to Supposta Bee who listens well and offers advice to help them make better choices next time.

Published by Page Publishing, Edward Christles endearing tale explains to these students why what they did was wrong and how they could avoid the same mistake next time, instead of just telling them they were wrong.

Each child is grateful for his help and advice and when they ask him why he is so nice, its simple, hes Supposta Bee!

Readers who wish to experience this delightful work can purchase School Days at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Childrens Health serves hundreds of thousands of pediatric patients every year, and it makes me proud that our members and community are able to make a difference for the kids.

Kick-off the Halloween season with a fun and socially-distant fundraiser for a good cause. Individuals can BOO friends and neighbors starting October 1, 2021 by secretly leaving a BOO sign in their front yard. Once they've been BOOed, it's their turn to BOO someone else. Instructions on how to join the fun are on the back of the sign and the goal is to have a BOO sign on every lawn in the neighborhood!

For only $20, members of the DallasFort Worth metroplex can now reserve their BOO sign through Children's Health http://www.childrens.com/boo. Individuals can find a pick-up location closest to them during checkout by searching the zip code of their home, work, or school address. They will then select a convenient pick-up date and time, and instructions on how to collect a reserved BOO sign will be in the confirmation email.

We love sponsoring the BOO Yard Sign Challenge every year. As a mom, Ive taken my sons to Childrens Health facilities. Those experiences made me more aware of how their technology and attention to detail make the kids feel special, says Neighborhood Credit Union Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Jessie Swendig. Childrens Health serves hundreds of thousands of pediatric patients every year, and it makes me proud that our members and community are able to make a difference for the kids.

Take part in the 2021 giving season and Neighborhood Credit Union will match donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Reserve a BOO Yard Sign now or visit Children's Health at http://www.childrens.com/boo to donate and find ways to get involved in this amazing cause.

As an active part of the community for 91 years, Neighborhood Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial organization serving the state of Texas with branch locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and Tarrant counties. With assets topping $1 billion, Neighborhood Credit Union has a continuously growing membership of 56,000. For more information, call (214) 748-9393 or visit our homepage.
Im enormously proud to join the Bridge Over Troubled Waters family and support the ever-more vital work of the organization

Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Bridge) announced that Larry Fish has been named Chair of its Board of Directors, building upon a relationship that Fish and his family have had with Bridge for more than a decade. A well-known business and community leader, Fish is the former Chairman and CEO of Citizens Financial Group and helped to grow the institution 30-fold over his 17-year tenure. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the worlds largest educational publisher. The Fish Family Foundation has invested more than $40 million in over 100 not-for-profits in the Boston area since 2000.

Im enormously proud to join the Bridge Over Troubled Waters family and support the ever-more vital work of the organization, said Fish.

Fish has extensive nonprofit volunteer leadership experience in a variety of sectors including MIT, Brookings Institute, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Rosies Place and the Dimock Center. He has also led successful capital campaigns at The Womens Lunch Place and Codman Square Health Center.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters is honored to have Larry Fish as our new Board Chair. His longtime support for vulnerable youth in our community, combined with his strategic management experience driving organizational growth, is just what Bridge needs at this time, said Elisabeth Jackson, CEO of Bridge.

Outgoing Board Chair Gloria Clough will continue to serve on the Bridge Board of Directors.

We are tremendously grateful for Glorias long-standing commitment to Bridge and her leadership during her tenure as board chair. We very much look forward to continuing to work with Gloria as a board member, Jackson said.

About Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge Over Troubled Waters, founded in 1970, is the largest agency in Greater Boston providing a full continuum of care to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Each year, Bridge serves more than 2,000 youth through a comprehensive range of survival, health, educational, career and housing programs in order to encourage the formation of a healthy, productive and fulfilling adulthood. For more information, visit http://www.BridgeOTW.org
CEIPAL to Showcase AI-Powered Talent Management Platform for IT Services Professionals at ITServe Alliances Synergy Conference 2021

CEIPAL, an industry-leading talent management platform, will be showcasing some of its latest advances in talent acquisition and recruitment CRM technology at ITServe Alliances Synergy Conference 2021. The annual conference for IT & business transformation is being held September 30 - October 1 in Dallas. At the event, technology and industry leaders will discuss the challenges around business growth, trends and innovations in technology, and understanding immigration laws. Attendees can learn about CEIPALs complete talent management ecosystem which improves recruiting, increases new hires, and offers easy workforce management. In addition, attendees can preview CEIPALs patent-pending DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Technology.

Attendees are invited to visit CEIPAL at booth #223 to learn how to successfully:

-Access the most diverse, high-quality talent pool

-Use customer engagement and talent marketing to drive staffing success

-Employ workforce management to streamline complex processes such as onboarding and managing temporary H-1B1 visa workers

-Apply an AI-powered applicant tracking system to engage the best candidates fast and improve sourcing

-Utilize business analytics to give your team access to critical data for better decision-making

Those who are not attending can request a personalized demo of CEIPAL here. For additional information please visit, http://www.ceipal.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

About CEIPAL

CEIPAL is an AI-powered SaaS platform that provides full-lifecycle management of the talent acquisition process. Our system leverages advanced technology to analyze vast amounts of candidate and employee data, providing actionable insights for meeting hiring goals and executing talent strategies. With robust solutions for pipeline curation, candidate engagement & marketing, applicant tracking, and workforce management, CEIPAL helps staffing firms, MSPs, and corporate hiring teams of all sizes to attract and retain the best available talent. CEIPAL was founded in 2015 and now serves 1,600+ customers and 120,000 recruiters globally.
Calsoft Systems is excited to partner with Century Business Solutions in order to bring a simplified method of credit card processing and payment acceptance to Dynamics 365 customers. We look forward to sharing these powerful benefits with our established customers. Andrew Rausch, Account Manager

Century Business Solutions is excited to announce its partnership with Calsoft Systems, a Microsoft Certified Gold partner in ERP, to allow credit card processing directly within Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Century Business Solutions development team has built a payment integration for Microsoft Dynamics 365 that uses Centurys proprietary payment gateway, EBizCharge, to provide credit card processing for thousands of merchants across the country.

Centurys credit card integration allows merchants to process credit cards from directly within Microsoft Dynamics 365.

The powerful EBizCharge payment gateway is designed to lower processing fees by submitting line-item details directly to the bank. EBizCharge is fully PCI compliant and offers advanced data encryption and tokenization technology to ensure maximum transaction security within Microsoft Dynamics 365. EBizCharge is compatible with over 100 leading ERP and accounting systems and major online shopping carts and provides unlimited transaction and batch history for reporting purposes.

Calsoft Systems is excited to partner with Century Business Solutions in order to bring a simplified method of credit card processing and payment acceptance to Dynamics 365 customers. We look forward to sharing these powerful benefits with our established customers, as well as future opportunities to come. Andrew Rausch, Account Manager

With EBizCharge, users can run custom reports, sort through transactions by category, and immediately release funds when issuing refunds.

The partnership between Calsoft Systems and Century Business Solutions will help streamline workflow, eliminate double data entry, and make payment processing more efficient within Microsoft Dynamics 365.

About Century Business Solutions

Century Business Solutions is reinventing the way companies accept credit card payments with their all-in-one payment solution, EBizCharge. EBizCharge is one of the top payment gateway alternatives to its more expensive and inefficient counterparts and is specifically designed to reduce payment processing costs and inefficiencies. EBizCharge integrates seamlessly with over 100+ accounting, ERP, CRM, and shopping cart systems, including QuickBooks, Sage, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Magento, and WooCommerce. Century is partnered and certified with Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Magento, and many more. For more information, visit https://www.centurybizsolutions.net.

About Calsoft Systems

For over two decades, Calsoft Systems has been a leading provider of business technology solutions, specializing in ERP systems implementation for Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics AX, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. As a Microsoft Gold Certified partner and award winner, Calsoft excels in multi-site ERP implementations, tailored customizations, comprehensive IT support services, and boutique customer service. Our expertise in the distribution, logistics, manufacturing and travel industries enable our clients to leverage an enterprise system to its fullest potential. For more information, visit Calsoft.com
We know we are not done, even by a long shot, but we believe these changes increase individual focus on each unique business and better position us for continued progress with our lofty goals of winning this cyber war and creating a win-win between learners, hiring organizations and our communities.

CISOSHARE announced today that its Board of Directors has approved and set a date of October 1, 2021, for the spin-off of CyberForward Academy, LLC and TalentSplit, LLC into their own organizations.

A thorough review shows that splitting these entities is more favorable competitively and strategically for each business. The completion of the spin-offs into three independent and privately held companies will individually boost each organization creating an ecosystem of efforts designed to both help win the war against cybercrime and effectively develop and train the cyber workforce of tomorrow.

Following the split, CISOSHARE will continue with the sole focus as a leading cyber security provider of professional and managed cyber security program services to leading organizations around the world.

The partner-enabled cyber security professional development program will be held by a new company named CyberForward Academy, LLC.

The SaaS-based talent and role management technology, initially developed to rapidly scale the internal security services team, will be held by a new company named TalentSplit, LLC.

All of these entities will be headquartered within Opportunity Zones in Orange County making them Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) businesses. In 2017, Congress created the Opportunity Zone program to encourage investment in economically distressed parts of the United States.

Locating our businesses within opportunity zones is the best approach to better reach untapped talent, as well as to strengthen underserved communities by building businesses directly within them, says, Mike Gentile, Founder and CEO of CISOSHARE and the newly created businesses.

He goes on to say, We know we are not done, even by a long shot, but we believe these changes increase individual focus on each unique business and better position us for continued progress with our lofty goals of winning this cyber war and creating a win-win between learners, hiring organizations and our communities.

About CISOSHARE

Based in Southern California and serving organizations of all industries, CISOSHARE is the leading provider of security program development, professional, and managed service provider for leading organizations around the world. Our efforts have been recognized on the Inc. 5000 two years in a row as the 2nd and 7th fastest growing security company in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Learning and teaching lies at the core of CISOSHARE's culture, focusing on educating employees and clients about information security through our services. We have served hundreds of organizations from, supplying dedicated security leaders to developing world-class security programs from the ground up. Find out more at https://cisoshare.com

About CyberForward Academy

CyberForward is a professional development program for learners of all ages designed to bring more cyber security opportunities to qualified individuals. CyberForward develops skills with a focus on role-based training, foundational knowledge, and a comprehensive support system. The program is designed to enable success by removing common roadblocks for individuals looking to enter the industry such as access to the learning opportunities themselves, transportation, technology, or other limitations while providing direct engagement in real, project-based experience needed to further practical skills and knowledge. CyberForward has programs available for high school students as well as working professionals or individuals looking to change careers. Learn more at cyberfwd.com

About TalentSplit

TalentSplit is a patent pending SaaS-based application that first identifies how work is being allocated, then uses automation and business intelligence to re-assign and scale workloads in a more efficient cost-effective manner.
ConectUS is sponsoring NASCAR Cup Driver David Starr.

ConectUS Wireless, a Verizon Master Agent, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of David Starr in the NASCAR Cup Series race on October 17, 2021.

David Starr is based at Texas Motor Speedway in Texas, close to the head office of ConectUS Wireless. David has been a professional driver since 1999 and has competed in many race series, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Cup Series.

On Sunday, October 17, David will have his car decked out in the ConectUS red, white and blue brand colors and logo. It is estimated that 3.6 million viewers will watch at least part of this Cup race on the NBC broadcast channel.

ConectUS staff will be at the track along with our partners from the mobile division of rugged device manufacturer Kyocera. Theyre sharing our workload in recording video at multiple locations on race day. Well regularly be interviewing David Starr in the weeks running up to race day, getting acquainted with David and the newest safety and technology advances in racing. Kyocera is working with us to outfit some crewmembers with Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G UW smartphones, the first 5G rugged Android smartphone on the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network, offering ultra-wide millimeter wave broadband connectivity. Starrs crew will be able to test out the devices MIL-STD 810H shockproof and waterproof capabilities, along with blazing fast 5G speeds.

ABOUT ConectUS

ConectUS Wireless was founded in 1974. The company originally provided 2-way radio and paging services in the Southern California area. In 1983 when cellular service was introduced, ConectUS was awarded one of the first four cellular exclusive distributorships with PacTel in Los Angeles, CA.

ConectUS is a Platinum member of the Verizon Partner Program offering all of Verizons Mobility products and services including Smartphones, Tablets, 4G/5G Business Internet, Failover Routers, Jetpacks, BlueJeans, and more. Our unique relationship with Verizon Wireless allows us to drop ship equipment directly to our customers place of business. ConectUS has created a true Verizon Wireless direct fulfillment program for our extensive dealer and sales agent base that covers most of the major markets in the United States.

Follow ConectUS at facebook.com/1conectus, instagram.com/conectuswireless, twitter.com/MyConectUS and linkedin.com/ConectUS

ABOUT KYOCERA

Kyocera International Inc.s Communications Equipment Group (CEG) is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. With a history of quality and innovation delivering many firsts to the U.S. market, Kyocera is the leader in rugged mobile solutions. Launching more than 100 waterproof and rugged mobile devices globally over the last 10+ years, Kyocera strives to offer rugged, reliable technology as an integral part of a total mobile offering: combining MIL-STD 810G/H-compliant ruggedization and enterprise-grade security with a partner ecosystem, industry-specific applications and innovative accessories. Working with leading service providers, Kyocera has created a Total Solution offering that helps deliver a significantly lower total cost of ownership to a wide range of industries such as public safety, transportation, and construction. White glove services, including overnight advanced replacement, custom provisioning, repair and more, help improve productivity for business customers. When it comes to blending performance, durability and support, Kyoceras rugged mobile solutions are in a class of their own. For more information, visit kyoceramobile.com or follow the company at facebook.com/kyoceramobile, twitter.com/kyoceramobile, youtube.com/kyoceramobile, instagram.com/kyoceramobile and linkedin.com/company/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO: 6971), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as advanced ceramics). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2021, the companys consolidated sales revenue totaled 1.5 trillion yen (approx. US$13.8 billion). Kyocera is ranked #603 on Forbes magazines 2021 Global 2000 list of the worlds largest publicly traded companies, and appears on The Wall Street Journals latest list of The Worlds 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies.

# # #

 2021 KYOCERA International, Inc. (KII), San Diego, California, USA. All rights reserved. DuraForce Ultra 5G UW is a trademark of Kyocera International, Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.; use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions. All other marks are held by their respective owners.
We are very pleased for our client and all Georgians to see such a soundly reasoned decision confirming that Georgias longstanding jurisdictional law comports with due process," says Attorney Cale Conley.

In Cooper Tire v. Mcall, McCall (case # S20G1368) sued Cooper Tire for negligence, strict product liability, and punitive damages. He also asserted claims against the driver, a Georgia resident, and the Georgia car dealership that sold the vehicle to the driver. Cooper Tire answered the complaint, raising numerous defenses, including lack of personal jurisdiction. It also filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that as a nonresident corporate defendant with only minimal contacts in Georgia, it is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state. An accompanying affidavit from Cooper Tires corporate counsel established that Cooper Tire is incorporated in Delaware and maintains its principal place of business in Ohio.

In its reply, Cooper Tire did not dispute that it has been authorized to always transact business in Georgia relevant to this suit. It argued, however, that such circumstances do not make it a Georgia resident for jurisdictional purposes. The trial court agreed and granted Cooper Tires motion to dismiss.

On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court, concluding that under Klein, Cooper Tire is a resident corporation subject to personal jurisdiction in this state, [and] the trial court erred in granting the motion to dismiss.

Arguing attorneys, Cale Conley, Scott Farrow and Will Owens released this statement following the ruling, We are very pleased for our client and all Georgians to see such a soundly reasoned decision confirming that Georgias longstanding jurisdictional law comports with due process. Georgias statutory scheme and the interpretation of it by the Court have been clear and workable for 30 years and in the time period since the Klein case in 1992, Georgia has become one of the friendliest places in the country to do business. Nothing about todays decision should change the business-friendly trajectory of our state or we would have seen that happen already. We thank the Court for declining Cooper Tires invitation to replace Georgias longstanding and functioning system with something that would invite chaos and effectively inoculate corporations from liability entirely in this State."

More about Conley Griggs Partin LLP:

The attorneys at Conley Griggs Partin LLP have dedicated themselves to developing expertise in representing people and businesses, fighting diligently for those that have been injured or financially harmed by the negligent or wrongful conduct of others. As experienced professionals who specialize in personal injury and business tort cases, the lawyers at Conley Griggs Partin LLP are qualified to represent victims of auto accidents, business disputes, class action lawsuits, product liability, wrongful death, spinal cord injuries and much more.

Conley Griggs Partin LLP is located at 4200 Northside Parkway, Building One, Ste 300 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about the law firm, please call (404) 467-1155 or visit http://www.conleygriggs.com.
Cybereason, the leader in operation-centric attack protection, today announced that Lior Div, CEO and co-founder, will be a keynote speaker at the Govware Conference, in Singapore, Wednesday, October 6, 9:30 am, SST. His talk will focus on the rise in cyber attacks against global telecommunications companies. Sam Curry, the companys CSO, will also be speaking, Thursday, October 7, 1:05 pm SST, offering practical advice and recommendations for future-proofing a business.

Divs keynote address will focus on Cybereasons year-long investigation into three Chinese threat groups that targeted telecommunications companies in Southeast Asia. Titled DeadRinger: Exposing Chinese Threat Actors Targeting Major Telcos, Div will share how Cybereason discovered that threat actors exploited the Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities to gain access to the telcos in order to facilitate cyber espionage against politicians, law enforcement officials, business leaders, activists and dissidents.

Div is an expert in hacking operations, forensics, reverse engineering, malware analysis, cryptography, and evasion. Previously, he served in key security forces agencies as commander of cybersecurity teams, where he received a Medal of Honor. Prior to Cybereason, Div founded a cybersecurity services company that provided services to government agencies.

Sam Currys speaking session, titled Future-proof Vigilance: The Recipe for Security From Now on, will provide a recipe to businesses for future-proofing technologies and methodologies by channeling security practices and innovation. He will also explore why it is important to be adaptive, flexible and diverse in security.

Curry has more than 25 years of IT security industry experience and is a Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute. Sam most recently served as CTO, CSO and GM at Arbor Networks. Previously, he spent seven years at RSA (the Security Division of EMC) in a variety of senior management roles, including CTO, SVP of Product and Head of RSA Labs. He has held senior management roles at MicroStrategy, Computer Associates, and McAfee in addition to being co-founder and first employee of two successful security startups.

About Cybereason

Cybereason is the champion for todays cyber defenders, providing operation-centric attack protection that unifies security from the endpoint, to the enterprise, to everywhere the battle moves. The Cybereason Defense Platform combines the industrys top-rated AI-powered detection and response (EDR and XDR), next-gen antivirus (NGAV), Anti-Ransomware Protection and Proactive Threat Hunting to deliver context-rich analysis of every stage of a MalOp (malicious operation). Cybereason is a privately held, international company headquartered in Boston with customers in more than 50 countries.

Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/

Follow us: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Media Contacts:

Bill Keeler

Senior Director, Global Public Relations

Cybereason

bill.keeler@cybereason.com

(929) 259-3261
We are in critical need of breakthrough solutions in this new threat landscape and we are thrilled to recognize the pioneering innovators leading this charge, tackling todays most complex security challenges.

CyberSecurity Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global information security market, today announced the winners of its fifth annual CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program. The winning CyberSecurity Breakthrough selections showcase information security technologies and companies that push ingenuity and exemplify the best in cybersecurity technology solutions across the globe.

With massive disruptions to the way we live, work and conduct business, a convergence of factors this past year, including a newly hyperconnected remote workforce and skyrocketing growth of online commerce, created an incredibly challenging environment for security professionals to keep pace with, said James Johnson, managing director, CyberSecurity Breakthrough. This significant spike in new cyberattacks is coming from aggressive threat actors that are targeting new industries, using higher-pressure tactics and deploying sophisticated attacks faster than we've ever seen. We are in critical need of breakthrough solutions in this new threat landscape, and we are thrilled to recognize the pioneering innovators for tackling todays most complex security challenges. We extend our sincere congratulations to our entire 2021 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award winners circle.

The mission of the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of information security categories, including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Email Security and many more. This years program attracted more than 4,000 nominations from over 20 different countries throughout the world.

All nominations were evaluated by an independent panel of experts within the information security industry, with the winning products and companies selected based on a variety of criteria, including most innovative and technologically advanced products and services.

The 2021 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award winners include:

Industry Leadership

Professional Certification Program of the Year: Fortinet, NSE Training Institute

Security Awareness Training Platform of the Year: Living Security

AI-based CyberSecurity Solution of the Year: Cofense

CISO of the Year: Paul Caiazzo, Avertium

Overall CyberSecurity Company of the Year: LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Endpoint Security

Endpoint Security Solution of the Year: McAfee Enterprise, MVISION XDR

Endpoint Security Innovation of the Year: Hysolate

Endpoint Security Solution Provider of the Year: Druva

Cloud Security

SaaS Security Solution of the Year: SafeGuard Cyber

IaaS Security Solution of the Year: Pensando Systems

Overall Enterprise Cloud Security Solution of the Year: ManagedMethods

Overall Enterprise Cloud Security Solution Provider of the Year: Aqua Security

Threat Intelligence

Overall APT Solution Provider of the Year: IronNet

Overall Threat Detection Solution of the Year: SpyCloud

Overall Threat Detection Solution Provider of the Year: Critical Start

Threat Intelligence Platform of the Year: Cobwebs Technologies

Threat Intelligence Innovation Award: Relativity

Behavior Analytics

User Behavior Analytics Security Solution of the Year: SecurityAdvisor

User Behavior Analytics Security Solution Provider of the Year: NuData Security, a Mastercard company

Threat Management

Breach and Attack Simulation Solution of the Year Award: AttackIQ

IDS Solution Provider of the Year: VMware

Web Security

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Solution of the Year: iboss, iboss Cloud Platform

Web Filtering and Control Solution of the Year: DNSFilter

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Solution of the Year: Neustar, UltraVPN Protect

Overall Web Security Solution Provider of the Year: Penta Security

Messaging Security

Secure Communications Solution of the Year: SendSafely

Secure Communications Solution Provider of the Year: Microsoft Corp., Microsoft 365 Defender

Overall Enterprise Email Security Solution Provider of the Year: Proofpoint

Encryption

Enterprise Encryption Solution of the Year: Bluefin

Overall Encryption Solution Provider of the Year: Sectigo

Fraud Prevention

e-Commerce Security Solution of the Year: DataDome

Transaction Security Solution of the Year: Sift

Overall Fraud Prevention Solution of the Year: Kount, An Equifax Company

Identity Management

Password Management Solution of the Year: LastPass by LogMeIn

Privileged Access Management Solution of the Year: Remediant

Access Management Solution of the Year: BIO-key International, BIO-key PortalGuard IDaaS

Overall ID Management Solution Provider of the Year: Omada

Internet-of-Things (IoT) Security

IoT Device Security Solution of the Year: Finite State

Automotive Cybersecurity Solution of the Year: Verimatrix, Verimatrix Whitebox

Overall IoT Security Solution of the Year: Vodafone UK, IoT.nxt

Mobile Security

Mobile VPN Solution of the Year : ClearVPN

Overall Mobile Security Solution of the Year: OneSpan

Network Security & Infrastructure

Cloud Based Network Security Solution of the Year: Secureworks

Secure Access Service Edge Solution of the Year: AT&T Cybersecurity, AT&T SASE with Fortinet managed service

Overall Infrastructure Security Solution Provider of the Year: OPSWAT

Policy Management & Regulatory Compliance

Policy Management Solution of the Year: Tufin, Tufin Orchestration Suite

Compliance Software Solution Provider of the Year: Gray Analytics

Vulnerability Management

Vulnerability Management Solution of the Year: Onapsis

Overall Incident Response Solution of the Year: DefenseStorm

Security Orchestration, Automation, Response

Security Orchestration Solution of the Year: C2A Security

Overall SOAR Solution Provider of the Year: Cyware, Cyber Fusion Platform

About CyberSecurity Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in information security and cybersecurity technology companies, products and people. The CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough information security companies and products in categories including Cloud Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, Mobile Security, Web and Email Security, UTM, Firewall and more. For more information visit CyberSecurityBreakthrough.com.
Glasgow Business Awards Shortlisting What these award short listings help show is that environmentally friendly technology such as heat pumps now exist and are perfectly viable

The ceremony and dinner, which will take place on 7th October 2021 at DoubleTree By Hilton Glasgow Central, is organised by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, an independent and not for profit organisation championing all businesses across all sectors in the city and the region.

The awards recognise the citys top businesses and individuals in thirteen different categories as well as providing awards for Most Outstanding Business, Lifetime Achievement and Glasgows Favourite Business. Star Refrigeration, whose headquarters are located in the Thornliebank area of Glasgow are nominated in the Innovation in Business and Net Zero Achievement categories.

The Innovation in Business category looks for innovative initiatives that demonstrate the circular economy in action and which bring organisations closer to future proofing their business models. Star Refrigeration is championing the use of heat pumps for decarbonising industry with their innovative water source and air source heat pumps, known as Neatpumps. Rather than burn fossil fuel for heat, a heat pump draws warmth from a local renewable source.

Star designed and developed the worlds largest zero carbon 90C water heat pump which currently heats the whole Scandinavian city of Drammen using water from the local fjord. The company have also designed the Queens Quay heat pump which takes heat from the waters of the river Clyde in Glasgow.

In Scotland, 80% of the countrys heat demand comes from buildings that are within 1000m of open water and Stars heat pumps at Queens Quay in Clydebank, have created a beacon for every major city in Scotland to follow.

The company was also shortlisted for The Net Zero Achievement award as their carbon neutral heat pump manufacturing practices can also help achieve Glasgows ambitious net zero emissions target for 2030. Stars heat pumps can deliver up to three times as much energy as they use and are designed to work in harmony with a very volatile grid, resulting in incredible savings.

Stars nominations in both categories recognise the innovations which the company has been renowned for since it was founded back in 1970 and the sustainable practices which have led the companys growth.

Speaking about the nominations, Dave Pearson, Director of Sustainability, said, "We are delighted to have been short-listed in two areas; Innovation and Net Zero. The two go hand in hand as we wont achieve Net Zero by continuing to employ fossil fuel combustion technology and therefore we must change."

Innovation though is often about market innovation. What these award short listings help show is that environmentally friendly technology such as heat pumps now exist and are perfectly viable. We just need to make sure that the policies also exist to make clean heat the first choice and not the whacky green choice."

This change will create healthier communities, improve air quality, create green jobs and protect us from the impact of climate change.

Stars latest innovations also include the Azane and Envi ranges of chillers and freezers which run on natural refrigerants including ammonia and CO2. Another game changing innovation is Stars bespoke energy optimisation service, Ethos which fills a gap in the market for strategic insight data services. A team of award-winning senior refrigeration consultants, field engineers and software engineers are using data to find ways for refrigeration and heating end users to reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Other nominees in the Innovation in Business category include ACS, Consenna, Macdeck Landscaping Ltd, Total Homes Cooperative and WEEE Scotland Ltd. Nominees in the Net Zero Achievement category include DARe-me Consulting Engineers Ltd, Dear Green Coffee Roasters, MacArthur Green and Total Homes Cooperative. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 7 October 2021 at DoubleTree By Hilton Glasgow Central.

More information on the Glasgow Business Awards can be found here: https://glasgowbusinessawards.com/about/

To find out more about Star Refrigeration visit: https://www.star-ref.co.uk/
The My Riwal Parts webshop is an intuitive platform where everyone can easily select the parts they need. Riwal is in close collaboration with SmartEquip in order to provide the best digital solutions.

Riwal, the aerial work platform and telehandler rental and sales specialist, have expanded their My Riwal Parts webshop (https://www.myriwalparts.com/riwalstore/#/user/login), following its successful launch in June 2021. This is added to their initiative to continuously provide the best (digital) customer experience.

The My Riwal Parts webshop is an online platform filled with original spare parts from top tier brands where you can order your parts 24/7. The webshop has been live for the Dutch customers and in continued efforts to keep expanding their digital service package, Riwal has decided to expand in more European countries.

Wilco Stout, Sales Manager Riwal, comments:

After the successful launch, we are proud to expand in Europe. Based on the feedback from our customers and the intensive partnership with SmartEquip the My Riwal Parts webshop has become a unique platform in today's market. E-commerce requires continuous improvement where real-life data is vital. Based on the obtained data, the platform will therefore be continuously improved.

"In addition to the e-commerce solution, a team of parts specialists are ready to provide tailored advice. Their knowledge and experience (native speakers) in combination with our unique portal makes the My Riwal Parts solution a partner for every rental organization.

New Features

Based on the needs and the feedback of their online customers, a number of key features have been updated. This includes:



A fully responsive website, suitable for all devices

Available in 9 different languages

Exploded view based on the type of machine, serial number and part number

Easily manage multiple delivery addresses

The My Riwal Parts webshop is an intuitive platform where everyone can easily select the parts they need. Riwal is in close collaboration with SmartEquip in order to provide the best digital solutions. SmartEquip has been instrumental in the improvement of the webshops operational efficiency. Together with Riwal, they will continue to work together to improve customer excellence.

Alexander Schuessler, President, International Group & Founder, SmartEquip comments:

We are very pleased to be expanding our long-standing partnership with Riwal. The e-Commerce Store solution is SmartEquips fastest-growing platform, and Riwals application of this technology via the My Riwal Parts webshop is a brilliant way of bringing efficiencies to their customers across Europe.

If you are interested and in need of parts you can register for free at http://www.myriwalparts.com.

About Riwal

The Riwal Holding Group (https://www.riwal.com/corporate), established in 1968 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is an international rental and sales specialist of aerial work platforms, telehandlers and forklifts. Riwal employs over 2.500 people, over 70 depot operations in 16 countries, operates over 20.000 units and conducts business in over 70 countries. Riwals mission is through engaged people, to provide the best customer experience.

About SmartEquip

SmartEquip (https://www.smartequip.com) is the leading technology standard for equipment lifecycle management, service and procurement support for the global construction industry. The platform provides a seamless brand-enhancing experience for fleet owners, manufacturers, and distributors of complex equipment. SmartEquip enhances ROI for all Network participants by increasing equipment uptime, improving both technician wrench time and transaction accuracy while reducing the total cost of equipment ownership. The SmartEquip Network (https://www.smartequip.com/our-network/supplier-manufacturer-network/) currently supports more than 600 OEM brands, with over 95,000 users across more than 42,000 equipment locations globally. The Network supports over $1 billion in parts transactions annually and the company is led by veterans of construction, technology, and data sciences. Founded in 2000, SmartEquip is positioned to define tomorrows dynamic and evolving equipment industry.

Note for the editor

For more information please contact:

Karel Boers

M: +31 6 11 728 770

E: karel.boers@riwal.com

Visuals to go with the press release:



Interesting links:


Penetron in the tanks: The gas-to-liquid (GTL) plant in Uzbekistan uses a unique distilling process to purify methane into a range of fuels, including: diesel, kerosene, naphtha, and liquefied gas. Last but not least, the Penetron System gives treated concrete the ability to self-heal hairline cracks that may form in the future. Penetron-treated concrete is maintenance free, which will help minimize any future maintenance and repair costs.

With the commissioning process completed in September 2021, the liquid synthetic fuel (GTL) refinery in Oltin Yol, Uzbekistan is now one of the largest facilities in the world capable of converting gas into liquid fuel. The Penetron System was specified to waterproof the facilitys concrete processing and storage tanks.

Located in Oltin Yo'l in the Qashqadaryo region of Uzbekistan, 40 km south of Qarshi, the US$ 5.6 billion project was jointly developed by Sasol Synfuels of South Africa, state-owned Petronas of Malaysia, and Uzbekistans state-owned oil and gas company, Uzbekneftegaz. The Oltin Yo'l gas-to-liquid fuels (GTL) plant uses the proprietary Sasol slurry-phase distillate process to purify methane into a range of energy products. Once fully operational, the GTL plants annual capacity will be 1.3 million tons of diesel fuel, kerosene, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas.

Synthetic fuels have a number of advantages over their petroleum-based counterparts, explains Umid Khudaiberganov, Regional Director of Penetron-Uzbekistan. Unlike traditional oil products, they do not contain sulfur, nitrogen compounds, or aromatic hydrocarbons, greatly lessening their environmental impact.

Optimal Durability for Concrete Refinery Tanks

Designed and built by TechnipFMC, an engineering and construction firm for the energy industry, the GTL process uses a series of concrete treatment and holding tanks to produce the various synthetic fuels. Penetron-Uzbekistan worked with TechnipFMC to develop an optimal concrete waterproofing solution for the refinery.

Ultimately, the Penetron-Uzbekistan team recommended the Penetron System to ensure a robust waterproofing solution for all nine reinforced concrete tanks in Oltin Yo'l. PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing mortar, and PENETRON, a topical crystalline waterproofing slurry, were used in combination to protect the reinforced concrete structures from any penetration of chemicals or moisture prevalent in the slurry-phase distillate process.

Sealing Hairline Cracks in Concrete Forever

Once applied to a prepared concrete surface, the proprietary chemicals in Penetron crystalline products react in a catalytic reaction to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. These crystals permanently seal micro-cracks, pores, and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction  making the concrete impermeable.

Last but not least, the Penetron System gives treated concrete the ability to self-heal hairline cracks that may form in the future, adds Umid Khudaiberganov. Penetron-treated concrete is maintenance free, which will help minimize any future maintenance and repair costs.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
Enshored's new logo I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help in some way. In this world of selfishness and a focus on individual rights over community obligation, Ascends work is showing the way forward and Im delighted that we can support them."

Enshored, a leading outsourcer for start-ups, has announced that they are supporting 20 Afghan Women to escape Afghanistan and resettle in Ireland.

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is having a devastating impact on the freedoms and empowerment of women. While Enshored are helpless to support at a macro level, the company wants to support where they can.

Enshored is committed to supporting these women & their families in the long term and their initial donation of $20k will go towards supporting the resettlement costs, including flights, housing, clothes, education and other essentials. The refugees will be starting a new life in Ireland, one of the few countries who are currently offering a new home for Afghan refugees in need.

Enshoreds donation will go to Ascend, a US based not-for-profit organization working in Afghanistan to empower young women. As the crisis in Afghanistan has developed, theyve been working tirelessly to evacuate their team.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Jackson, CEO, Enshored, said: I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help in some way. In this world of selfishness and a focus on individual rights over community obligation, Ascends work is showing the way forward and Im delighted that we can support them. Underground Railroad, Hotel Rwanda and Schindlers List all come to mind as I think of the work being done and risks taken for others. I look forward to working with Ascend and following the process as it moves forward.

To find out more, or learn how you can get involved, contact Enshored directly via their website http://www.enshored.com. Alternatively, you can view the campaign page here: https://fundrazr.com/51sz6a?ref=ab_5AcvHe.
Experiential marketing is essential for brands that want to connect with consumers on a personal level. The Experiential Marketing Summit hits that fact home while providing marketers with the latest insight on burgeoning trends and best practices from industry experts.

Event Architecture, a provider of modular architectural structures and mobile activation products for live events, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the 19th annual Experiential Marketing Summit, which will be held October 5-7, 2021 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Produced by Event Marketer, the event is the most extensive training conference on experiential marketing globally, with more than 1,000 marketers expected to attend.

According to Kevin Colis, Senior Sales Consultant at Event Architecture, the conference is a crucial event for marketers interested in learning more about the ever-evolving world of experiential marketing. As he explains, Experiential marketing is essential for brands that want to connect with consumers on a personal level. The Experiential Marketing Summit hits that fact home while providing marketers with the latest insight on burgeoning trends and best practices from industry experts.

At booth #201, Event Architecture will have one of its new Eurodome structures on display. Attendees will see first-hand how the company can customize its modular structures and Eurodomes for any need.

Event Architectures 20x20 portable dome structure will feature branded, printed fabric overlays and graphic walls, a hanging banner sign, and profile cut signage. Guests will also find comfortable seating and video presentations inside.

Our modular structures and Eurodomes work perfectly for experiential activationsbrand activations, festivals, pop-up shops, VIP lounges, sales centers, etc.because they are completely customizable, portable and available in any size. The Experiential Marketing Summit is a great place to share our story and explain how brands can benefit from the innovative solutions we provide, says Colis.

Event Architecture welcomes attendees to stop by its booth #201 to meet representatives from the company and learn more about its customizable, semi-permanent, modular structures and Eurodomes.

To learn more about Event Architectures innovative mobile solutions for live events, brand activations and experiential retail, call (210) 202-1094, visit http://www.event-architecture.com or email info@event-architecture.com.

ABOUT EVENT ARCHITECTURE:

Event Architecture provides portable, modular architectural structures and Eurodomes that are perfect for indoor or outdoor events, trade shows, festivals, pop-up retail and an endless array of brand activations. Our portable solutions can be fully branded, and they come in sizes to meet any need. Event Architecture is committed to both service and unsurpassed product excellence. Find out more at http://www.Event-Architecture.com.
It will inspire the reader to better understand how to survive in the trenches of modern, corporate business.

Author Gregory Cross, the founder of Hiltons revenue management discipline and also the first senior vice president of revenue management for Hyatt Hotels, documents the difficulty of reimagining hotel pricing and decision making in the late 20th century in his memoir Chasing Revenue: The Birth of Revenue Management (published by Archway Publishing).

The book is an autobiographical account of how business decisions, sales and management were transformed, within the hospitality industry, in the latter part of the 20th century by the introduction of database systems, voluminous data and the unforeseen impact of digital distribution when the Internet was still in its infancy. In Chasing Revenue, Cross documents how wrangling these newfound distributors, predictive algorithms and intelligence into a useful business model was constantly challenged by an industry that did not want to change. And finally the author discusses how revenue management evolved from a buzzword to an essential business practice that revolutionized the hotel industry.

Chasing Revenue is a human story filled with mistakes, wrong turns and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Cross explains. It will inspire the reader to better understand how to survive in the trenches of modern, corporate business.

Chasing Revenue is available for purchase online at the Archway link above, from Barnes & Noble and on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Revenue-Birth-Management/dp/1665705922.

Chasing Revenue

By Gregory Cross

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 390 pages | ISBN 9781665705929

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 390 pages | ISBN 9781665705912

E-Book | 390 pages | ISBN 9781665705936

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Gregory Cross is a 38-year veteran of the hospitality industry and the founder of Hilton Hotels Corporations revenue management discipline. He was also the first senior vice president of revenue management for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Cross retired in 2018 and now lives in La Quinta, California, with his wife Jill.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.
The addition of Scott to our board of directors will be invaluable as we expand our programs that align with The Education Foundation of BCPS vision of a successful and bright future for every student, said Deborah S. Phelps, Executive Director at The Education Foundation of BCPS.

Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, a full-service certified public accounting firm, announced that Scott Rodgville, a Director with the firm, has been appointed to the board of directors of The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and named Assistant Treasurer for the organization.

In his role as a new board member, Rodgville will help the organization to strengthen its financial resources for supporting improved educational outcomes for the BCPS community through fundraising, advocacy, and expanded programs.

A senior Baltimore-area accounting leader, Rodgville is a client-service focused CPA with deep strategic and business development expertise in a number of related sectors including nonprofits, real estate, nursing care facilities, and many others.

The addition of Scott to our board of directors will be invaluable as we expand our programs that align with The Education Foundation of BCPS vision of a successful and bright future for every student, said Deborah S. Phelps, Executive Director at The Education Foundation of BCPS.

The Education Foundation of BCPS attracts and directs public financial contributions to programs and activities of the school system in support of quality education for all children. It also provides financial resources for programs and initiatives that align and supplement students' education experience.

As a graduate of a BCPS high school with a strong belief in the value of education, I am excited about being a part of other students' success and to support the valuable mission of this organization as it expands its programs and overall efforts in the region, said Rodgville. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute my efforts to an organization that supports the school system that launched me and the community in which I work.

Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn has a long pedigree of supporting the Baltimore community through its commitment to volunteering through board service, volunteer days and financial support.

About Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn

Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn is a Maryland-based full-service certified public accounting firm offering a wide range of accounting and consulting services to clients of all sizes. Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn employs the traditional business practices of a small company, delivering solid advice and solutions, and providing unparalleled client service. One of the greatest assets Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn brings to its clients is a team of experts trained to the highest industry standards. As problem solvers with an entrepreneurial drive, Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn associates are committed to the success of their clients businesses. For more information, click here.


Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP is expanding its Environmental Practice in California to meet client demand with the addition of Shareholder Hazel Ocampo in the firms Orange County and Los Angeles offices.

Ocampo guides clients through the intricacies of federal, state, and local environmental regulations including the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Californias Proposition 65. She was previously with Allen Matkins.

As part of her practice, Ocampo regularly defends companies subject to potential enforcement actions by governmental agencies for alleged violations of environmental regulations. She handles matters before the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Regional Water Quality Control Boards, local Department of Environmental Health and Air Pollution Control Districts, among others.

We are very pleased that Hazel has joined the firm. She will expand our environmental and regulatory compliance capabilities in California and beyond. Her experience handling environmental issues at all levels of government will be invaluable as we assist our clients with addressing their environmental challenges, said David Weinstein, chair of the firms Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation Practice.

Prior to entering private practice, Ocampo worked for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and assisted with the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). She was selected for the prestigious Executive Fellowship in the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) where she handled matters relating to water and soil contamination and automotive issues during former Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggers administration.

Environmental concerns regarding water supply and conservation are at the forefront of our client issues here in California. Hazel has the experience and knowledge to help our clients navigate the regional, state, and national environmental regulations, said Susan L. Heller and Bruce Fischer, co-managing shareholders of the firms Orange County office.

Ocampo has successfully represented a variety of industrial operators, including national telecommunications companies, aeronautic manufacturers, international vehicle manufacturers, metal recyclers, food processors, real estate developers and dry cleaners in cases involving air emissions, vapor intrusion, contaminated groundwater and surface water, marine sediment and contaminated soil.

Greenberg Traurigs entrepreneurial culture and global platform will provide me with an exciting opportunity to better serve my clients needs and to expand my practice both in California and beyond, said Ocampo. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, I wanted to join a firm with a long-standing commitment to cultivating and retaining diverse talent, and I found just that at Greenberg Traurig.

Ocampo earned her B.A. from the University of California and her J.D. from Cornell Law School.

About Greenberg Traurigs Environmental Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Environmental Practice counsel clients with issues under the environmental and natural resource laws that affect their businesses. The firms environmental attorneys assist with securing permits and approvals; negotiating and closing transactions; defending clients in enforcement actions; handling a broad range of environmental and toxic tort litigation; ensuring the understanding and satisfaction of regulatory requirements; preparing for and respond to emergencies; crafting approaches for legacy cleanup issues; and developing solutions for product regulation, market access, and environmental policy challenges. Greenberg Traurig received a first tier ranking in the "Environmental Law" and "Litigation  Environmental" categories in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers 2021 "Best Law Firms" report.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2300 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 4.0 Plus Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
"Politicians Can't Stop Climate Change" - Friends of Science Society's 18th Annual Event Greta Thunberg excoriated world politicians for climate blah blah blah and not responding to what she claims is a climate emergency, but Friends of Science Societys upcoming event confirms that Politicians Cant Stop Climate Change and Gretas blah blah blah is misinformed.

As reported in The Guardian of Sept. 28, 2021, Greta Thunberg excoriated world politicians for climate blah blah blah and not responding to what she claims is a climate emergency, but Friends of Science Societys upcoming event confirms that Politicians Cant Stop Climate Change and Gretas blah blah blah is misinformed.

Dr. Guus Berkhout, president of CLINTEL, the climate intelligence organization of over 900 signatory scientists and scholars who say there is no climate emergency, will present Climate Science: Let the Data Speak on Oct. 2, 2021, at 10 a.m. MDT as part one of Friends of Science Societys 18th Annual Free Event online. Live stream link.

Marc Morano, author, and climate realist activist will counter many of Gretas claims to phase out fossil fuels immediately in his presentation Green New Deal: The Great Regret, part two of Friends of Science online event on Oct. 6, 2021, at 7 p.m. MDT. Live stream link. Marc offers the public an entertaining expose of climate hypocrisy and the muddled messages from climate catastrophe reporters. But his presentation further warns the public of the dangers of COVID lockdown becoming the method of choice for climate fanatics intent on reducing emissions. Live Q&A will follow both presentations.

As Dr. Berkhout and colleagues show in the CLINTEL World Climate Declaration, the science reveals there is no climate emergency, therefore there is no need to turn world energy systems upside down or strive for NetZero2050 targets.

People may wonder why the climate emergency is over, when governments around the world have embraced this theme for a few years, says Friends of Science.

The reason is found in peer-reviewed research by Roger Pielke, Jr., and Justin Ritchie, who found that the science of climate emergency is all based on an implausible scenario known as RCP 8.5* and outdated science premises. (*Representative Concentration Pathways  4 scenarios developed for climate research, not meant to be used for climate policy making.)

As Pielke, Jr. explains in a post entitled The Unstoppable Momentum of Outdated Science, this type of repetitive research error has occurred in medical research on breast cancer as well, where thousands of scientific papers were published, all based erroneously on a skin cancer cell-line.

It should be a great relief to people around the world that without reference to the RCP 8.5 scenario, there is no climate emergency and we do have time for a more thoughtful implementation of new energy technologies, says Friends of Science.

Furthermore, taxpayers will be relieved that the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow seems likely to fall apart, largely because of the attempted extortion of trillions of dollars from Western OECD nations by developing nations. Originally promised a $100/bn a year Green Climate Fund to be drawn from OECD nations as a bribe to get on board the Paris Agreement, the financial appetites of emerging nations have grown exponentially. As Canadian energy economist Robert Lyman explains in COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow  Show Me the Money! Americans may be held hostage for a proposed $80 billion a year for green climate funding  a far cry from the April 2021 commitment by U.S. President Biden to increase climate aid to $5.7 billion annually by 2024!

As Friends of Science Society has always said, open, civil debate and full cost benefit analysis of climate and energy policies are essential for good public policy. Recent peer reviewed science shows that climate models overstate atmospheric warming, and the UN IPCCs method of attributing warming to greenhouse gases is flawed, thus carbon dioxides warming effect on climate is no longer seen to present any imminent existential threat, consequently we do have time.

About

Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 19th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).

Friends of Science Society

P.O. Box 23167, Mission P.O.

Calgary, Alberta

Canada T2S 3B1

Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597

Web: friendsofscience.org

E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org

Web: climatechange101.ca


HelioCampus Institutional success and long-term sustainability require aligning investments with both financial and student learning outcomes and creating a culture that is data-informed.

What happened?

HelioCampus, a technology-enabled services company that provides colleges and universities with the benchmarking and decision support services they need to operate more strategically and sustainably, today announced the acquisition of AEFIS, a trusted provider for institutional assessment, accreditation and education-to-employment initiatives. The acquisition bolsters HelioCampus ability to help colleges and universities better align investments with financial and student learning outcomes. Together, this partnership will usher in a new era of institutional effectiveness  a comprehensive, data-informed approach towards continuous improvement and learner success as a methodology to run an institution.

Why does it matter?

Our mission has been to use technology, benchmarking, and decision support to help colleges and universities improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Institutional success and long-term sustainability require aligning investments with both financial and student learning outcomes and creating a culture that is data-informed. said HelioCampus CEO, Darren Catalano. The addition of AEFIS expands our ability to help institutions measure and evaluate how well they are fulfilling their mission and achieving their goals.

For colleges and universities, the newly-combined organization will allow them to utilize student learning outcomes data in concert with other institutional data to provide an unprecedented level of transparency. This unified view will directly support accreditation, financial sustainability and student success initiatives.

The expanding role assessment plays in key decision making is evident based on the work we are doing with leaders of colleges and universities across the country. Together, with HelioCampus, we see a unique opportunity to help institutions achieve their mission of serving students by applying institutional data that is more meaningful, comprehensive, and intentionally linked to their effectiveness plans and sustainability, said AEFIS CEO, Mustafa Sualp.

Whats next?

HelioCampus and AEFIS joining forces is the perfect next chapter at this point in our journey as a company. Through the combination of our complementary offerings and talented teams, we will accelerate our ability to help institutions align financial investments with learner and institutional outcomes, said HelioCampus CEO, Darren Catalano. We share a common belief that learning happens everywhere and institutional sustainability is more important than ever.

HelioCampus enables insights for institutions to drive student success and grow revenue, understand the sustainability of academic programs, manage costs and streamline operations. AEFIS supports institutional assessment and accreditation management, continuous improvement, and education-to-employment initiatives. Together, the new organization will introduce a comprehensive approach to institutional effectiveness and learner success.

Recognition of skills that are verifiable is a necessity for higher education. We are at an inflection point where academic innovation that demonstrates value across all learning experiences  curricular, co-curricular, credentials, achievements, prior learning experiences and continuous education  is no longer optional, said Mustafa Sualp, CEO of AEFIS. With HelioCampus, we will accelerate our work in this area and help our academic partners truly deliver on their promise to learners.

HelioCampus is making a growth investment in AEFIS with the intention to grow the team and expand its capabilities and core offerings, with no interruption to current services; most notably support being provided to clients of both companies. Darren Catalano will continue to lead the combined company as CEO and AEFIS co-founders will be assuming new leadership roles.

About HelioCampus

HelioCampus empowers institutional effectiveness through benchmarking and decision support helping colleges and universities deliver on their mission. With data from every corner of campus, HelioCampus enables insights for institutions to drive student success and grow revenue, understand the sustainability of academic programs, and manage costs and streamline operations through an enterprise technology platform and ongoing data science services.

Born out of the University System of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, HelioCampus is purpose-built to serve the unique needs of higher education. HelioCampus offers a unique perspective on using data to facilitate meaningful conversations that spur action, leading to greater institutional health and performance.

Learn more at http://www.heliocampus.com and follow @HelioCampus on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About AEFIS

AEFIS Assessment, Evaluation, Feedback, and Intervention System  is a unified platform for managing institutional assessment and accreditation, planning for continuous improvement, and connecting authentic lifelong learning to help improve learner success. For colleges and universities, the companys modern, SaaS platform enables easy automation of evaluation, supports individual student assessment, facilitates curriculum mapping and review, streamlines campus-wide accreditation processes, and helps to achieve strategic and educational goals. AEFIS enables institutions to capture data from diverse learning experiences as verified evidence of achievement. This enables students to make portable achievements from courses, co-curricular engagements, student employment, and even student self-identified experiences.

Learn more at https://www.aefis.com/, and join the growing center for communities of practice at AEFIS Academy https://www.aefisacademy.org/
[The book] focuses on the huge difference between believing in God and believing God. The problem is, most people who believe in God, dont believe God.

Author Russell Jurek, PhD challenges readers to address their belief system in Do You Believe in God? A Study on Promises of God ($13.49, paperback, 9781662829383; $5.99, e-book, 9781662829390).

Jurek bears witness to the fact that many who claim to believe in God live lives that conflict with their testimony. While they may believe that God exists, they do not believe everything He says, and this is reflected in their behavior.

[The book] focuses on the huge difference between believing in God and believing God. The problem is, most people who believe in God, dont believe God, said Jurek.

Dr. Russell Jurek is a veteran minister with a PhD in Christian Counseling Psychology from Christian Bible College. A former Virginia State Trooper, he currently serves as minister and elder for the Edgehill Church of Christ in Dinwiddie, VA. Jurek and his wife, Cindy, share two children and four grandchildren.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Do You Believe in God is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
Ira Noble has been appointed CFO at IoTecha Corp. Ira Noble brings IoTecha Corp. financial expertise from PepsiCo, The Bountiful Company, Cognizant, and more

IoTecha Corp., whose platform of products and services is accelerating streamlined development of a smart and connected charging infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Ira Noble to the role of Chief Financial Officer. Noble strengthens the executive leadership of the team and brings strong financial expertise as the company expands to reach new stakeholders and global markets.

Our business is rapidly accelerating apace with the adoption of electric vehicles and demand for interoperable networked charging, and as we embark on the next phases of IoTechas growth, we need dynamic experience that matches our strategy, said IoTecha CEO Oleg Logvinov. Ira brings the proven financial stewardship of public and private companies that is integral as we scale our business to reach new markets and stakeholders.

Noble joins IoTecha from The Bountiful Company (which was acquired in August 2021 by Nestle Health Science from KKR and the Carlyle Group), where he served as Vice President Financial Planning & Analysis, Strategic Projects, and Supply Chain Finance. Previously, Noble held leadership positions at Cognizant and PepsiCo during which he closely collaborated with their Investor Relations, Controllership, Internal Audit, Corporate Strategy, and Commercial teams.

Ira holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and currently serves as Treasurer and as a member of the Board of Directors for Woodcock Nature Center, a non-profit organization in southwestern Connecticut.

This is a tremendous opportunity to help steer a company that is at the forefront of transportation electrification, and I look forward to applying my experience across M&A, finance, investor relations, and more to help IoTecha connect with the broader stakeholders in the burgeoning electric vehicle ecosystem, said Noble.

Nobles appointment follows a period of accelerated growth for IoTecha, including a $13.2 million investment round led by a $7 million investment from bp ventures, along with more customers choosing the companys hardware, software, and cloud solutions to connect EV chargers to the power grid via the IoT.

About IoTecha

IoTechas IoT.ON platform aims to accelerate the electric vehicle revolution by providing an integrated platform consisting of software, hardware and cloud components for the smart charging infrastructure and power grid integration of electric vehicles of all kinds. IoTecha customers are energy and power companies, charge point operators, and manufacturers of both Electric Vehicles and EV charging stations. IoTecha products include V2G and HomePlug Protocol Analyzer, Combined Charging System on Module (and custom modules), EV charging stations and IoT.ON Cloud-based services. For more information, please visit https://www.iotecha.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe McGurk

Head of Corporate Communications, IoTecha

jmcgurk@iotecha.com
ISL Online and FieldTrust will offer a secure and reliable remote desktop solution to IT system integrators in Belgium and Luxembourg We appreciate the fact that the ISL Online remote desktop software can be tailored to each customers needs, fully customised to their branding, and integrated with their existing systems.

ISL Online, with over 20 years of experience in developing secure remote desktop solutions, has signed a new agreement with FieldTrust, a value-added distributor of security solutions and managed services with over 400 resellers and integrators in its network.

FieldTrust has recognized ISL Onlines state-of-the-art remote desktop software as a key success factor for IT system integrators and managed services providers.

"ISL Online is a great remote support tool for any sized business, whether its a small businesses with just a few employees or a Fortune 500 company with a huge help desk organization. We appreciate the fact that the ISL Online software can be tailored to each customers needs, fully customised to their branding and integrated with their existing systems," explains Christophe Degulne, Managing Partner at FieldTrust, describing the key benefits of ISL Online.

FieldTrust has a reliable network of partners in Belgium and Luxembourg. These are all strategic target markets for ISL Online, markets where technology is a key growth driver for the industry. "We currently already have a presence in Belgium and Luxembourg, but we are keen to capitalize on the growing market demand and expand our customer base in these regions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with an experienced local distributor like FieldTrust," comments Luka Mulej, Sales Director at ISL Online.

As a pioneer in the field of remote desktop software, ISL Online delivers highly secure and feature-rich remote desktop and live chat software that enables IT professionals from any field to securely access and control any Windows, Mac or Linux computer and mobile devices. By developing highly scalable and customisable solutions, ISL Online has completed a large number of successful integrations and OEM customisations of its software.

About ISL Online

ISL Online is a pioneer in the remote desktop support industry. Since 2003, ISL Online has been providing remote desktop software to IT professionals and help desk technicians in more than 100 countries, with a particularly high market share in Japan. Delivered via the cloud or on-premise, ISL Online allows users to access and control Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as mobile devices, to provide ad hoc technical support and remote management. ISL Online is developed by XLAB, a software development company headquartered in Europe with offices in Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK and the US. http://www.islonline.com.

About FieldTrust

FieldTrust, a value-added distributor of security solutions and managed services, positions itself as a business accelerator for its partners. Founded in 2016, FieldTrust has quickly gained the trust of its partners and today manages a network of more than 400 resellers and integrators in Belgium, Luxembourg and France, to whom it provides local service, sales, marketing, financial and technical support thanks to a team of experienced sales and pre-sales engineers certified in the latest market-leading technologies. https://fieldtrust.be/
Henn na New York Hotel features an animatronic T-Rex in its lobby. ... Executive Rooms and Suites feature LG Styler Closets  a unique convenience that steams and refreshes clothing...

Japans renowned Henn na Hotel Group, established as the purveyor of playful and memorable hospitality experiences throughout Japan, will open its first international property in New York City, Henn na New York, on October 1, 2021. Located at 235 West 35th St. (between 7th and 8th Aves.), Henn na New York will join the brands 20 existing properties in offering stylish, tech-forward accommodations and playful hospitality experiences in urban destinations. The New York City outpost will include 92 rooms, a Gosuke restaurant, and an animatronic T-Rex in its lobby to welcome guests, a signature feature of Henn na Hotels.

ROOMS

Ideal for business and leisure travelers alike, Henna na New Yorks streamlined and sophisticated accommodations include 92 King and Double rooms with C.O. Bigelow bath amenities, luxury Kassatex linens and kimono waffle robes, deep tubs, streaming TV, safe and refrigerator, and WiFi. Henn na New Yorks Executive Rooms and Suites also feature LG Styler Closets  a unique convenience that steams and refreshes clothing, minimizing the need for dry cleaning. Suites also include deep-soaking tubs and a private balcony. A must-have for any Japanese hotel, all guest bathrooms feature Toto Washlets.

GOSUKE RESTAURANT

The new Gosuke restaurant is located on Henn na New Yorks first floor and offers Japanese breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Helmed by Executive Chef Isami Nagai, Gosuke will feature fresh sushi and sashimi menus, along with authentic Japanese fare, accompanied by an array of sake and Japanese beer. Chef Isami Nagai has 35 years of experience overseeing the menus and kitchens in some of the best Japanese restaurants in Tokyo and New York City. He has previously owned Go Restaurant and Isona in the East Village. For more information, please visit gosukerestaurant.com.

T-REX

The Henn na Hotels brand is known for pioneering robot hotels in Japan, where animatronic hosts undertake basic hotel functions like the check-in and check-out of guests and luggage storage. While Henn na New York incorporates the brands unique identity through an animated five-foot robotic T-Rex that welcomes visitors in the lobby, live guest service agents will oversee its front desk and other guest services.

LOCATION

The new Henn na New York is located on the convergence of some of the citys most dynamic neighborhoods, with easy access to the Garment District, Hudson Yards and the High Line Park, Midtown Manhattan, and the transportation hub at Pennsylvania Station.

Promotional opening rates for Henn na New York start at $149. To book and learn more, visit Hennnahotelny.com, call (212) 729-4366, or email hello@hennnany.com.

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About Henn na Hotels:

Excitement meets comfort at Henn na Hotels with more than 20 locations in Japan and New York City. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Henn na Hotels are the first in the world to be staffed by robots. At the front desk of all of its hotels, multi-lingual robots greet guests, offering both check-in and check-out service with ease and convenience, while in the cloakroom, a robotic arm seamlessly assists with luggage storage. Mechanic yet somehow human, these fun moments with robots enthrall, entertain, and provide an unforgettable hospitality experience.

Media contact:

Nestor Lara Baeza at Xhibition.com

E: nestor@xhibition.com

T: (347) 624-8533
"NewGen Advisory is proud to have the opportunity to partner with JTC Americas."

JTC Americas (formerly NES Financial) has entered into an agreement with NewGen Advisory  the nations premier hospitality brokerage firm  to provide 1031 Qualified Intermediary (QI) services to NewGens client network of hotel owners, investors and lenders.

JTC Americas experience in the 1031 exchange industry is robust: It was founded (in 2005, as Nationwide Exchange Services) as a 1031 services provider, aiming to bring heightened security, transparency and compliance to the then-troubled industry. Through this approach, the company has now enjoyed a 16-year tenure as one of the nations leading 1031 exchange accommodators.

This deep experience and expertise makes JTC Americas a valuable resource for NewGen Advisorys hospitality industry clients, who rely on NewGens leading brokerage services and one-of-a-kind team to buy and sell hotel properties across the U.S. and abroad.

The hospitality industry is not new to the 1031 exchange program, explained Suraj Bhakta, CEO, at NewGen Advisory. However, there is a large number of transactions within this industry, and we need an institutional-caliber 1031 exchange specialist who can handle the volume  and in some cases, the complexity  of our clients property exchanges.

Our clients and hotel investors can rest assured that their transaction will have the attention and commitment to detail of a JTC specialist, who will cater to their needs in closing the deal and securing the new asset. NewGen Advisory is proud to have the opportunity to partner with JTC Americas.

To learn more about JTC Americas 1031 exchange services, please visit nesfinancial.com/1031-exchange.

About NewGen Advisory

NewGen Advisory (NGA) is the nation's premier hospitality brokerage firm, with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, and offices in 16 cities around the country. NGA achieves extraordinary results for buyers and sellers of hotel and lodging assets. NGA is the leader in the hospitality industry, offering a robust suite of services to owners, investors, and lenders. Their team of hotel experts is supported by the industry know-how, relationships, and tools that elevate and assist their sales professionals above the competition. For more information about NewGen Advisory, visit newgenadv.com,

About JTC Americas

JTC Americas, formerly NES Financial, is the North American division of JTC. JTC is a publicly listed, global professional services business with deep expertise in fund, corporate and private client services. JTC Americas is a leader in specialty financial administration, serving US markets characterized by high administrative complexity, elevated transaction security needs and challenging compliance requirements. For more information visit nesfinancial.com.
If you would like to know more about the Nissan of Stockton lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

The Northern California labor law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a complaint alleging that Nissan of Stockton, LLC ("Nissan of Stockton") committed multiple violations of the California Labor Code. The Nissan of Stockton class action lawsuit, Case No. STK-CV-UOE-2021-8956, is currently pending in the San Joaquin County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit, Nissan of Stockton allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1198 & 2802 by failing to: (1) pay overtime wages; (2) pay minimum wages; (3) provide required meal and rest periods; (4) reimburse employees for required business expenses; (5) provide accurate itemized wage statements; and (6) provide wages when due. The lawsuit also alleges Nissan of Stockton violated the Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA"), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of Nissan of Stockton's conduct. PAGA allows aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations.

California Labor Code Section 226 requires an employer to furnish its employees an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing (1) gross wages earned, (2) total hours worked, (3) the number of piece-rate units earned and any applicable piece-rate, (4) all deductions, (5) net wages earned, (6) the inclusive dates of the period for which the employee is paid, (7) the name of the employee and only the last four digits of the employees social security number or an employee identification number other than a social security number, (8) the name and address of the legal entity that is the employer and, (9) all applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period and the corresponding number of hours worked at each hourly rate by the employee. Nissan of Stockton allegedly failed to provide its employees with accurate itemized wage statements that complied with all the requirements of California Labor Code Section 226.

If you would like to know more about the Nissan of Stockton lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

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Laura Fortune wins 2021 Halstead Grant

Laura Fortune has won the 2021 Halstead Grant for new jewelry businesses. Laura receives a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, features in Halstead print publications, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.

Grant founder and Halstead President, Hilary Halstead Scott said, Laura represents the best of both artistic craftsmanship and sound business fundamentals. We are proud to recognize her achievements with this award.

After 13 years as a jewelry assistant, Laura began selling her own jewelry in 2016. Much of her creative inspiration came from a sabbatical in Lisbon, Portugal for several years until she recently returned to New York state. Laura is inspired by vibrant colors and patterns.

Laura said, I am so honored to receive this recognition and award from Halstead. I create enamel jewelry with a unique playfulness, and its incredibly affirming that my perspective on jewelry and business goals stood out to the judges. The Halstead Grant gives me the visibility, confidence and financial backing to build my brand and continue to explore imaginative jewelry designs.

The Salvador Collection, launched in 2021, is inspired by her experiences of living in Portugal  a culture that embraces color, pattern and unique architecture. Laura specializes in creating colorful jewelry for bold women who love standing out with unique style by combining cloisonne enameling with gemstones. The collection starts at $175.

The Halstead Grant also awards finalists and semi-finalists $500 and $250 respectively. The finalists are Jennifer Lippman Bruno Design, In the Pines Jewelry, Angely Martinez Jewelry, Katelyn Elyse Jewelry, and Jennifer Metesh Studios. The semi-finalists are 9th Generation, Cassondra Justine, Allison Alane Jewelry Designs, Hamaila, and Hedron Studio.

The Halstead Grant began in 2006 to bring the business plan concept to the jewelry community. It provides resources for creative entrepreneurs to establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency. The application requires more than jewelry portfolio photos. Questions cover a business plan including marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.

Contact: Ashley Maldonado  Halstead Digital Marketing Specialist  Ashley@HalsteadBead.com  928-350-3544
The 4th Annual Girl Up #GirlHero Awards isnt a celebration of the leaders of the past or of the future, because the leaders we need are already here... says Melissa Kilby, Girl Up Executive Director.

Girl Ups annual #GirlHero Awards, happening virtually, will recognize Emmy-nominated actress and equal rights advocate Laverne Cox for her work as a champion of inclusive storytelling, alongside other industry leaders and Girl Ups Community of youth activists who are using their platforms to change the world for the better. Actress and human rights activist Malia Baker, star of Netflixs Babysitters Club, will co-host the powerful evening beginning online at 8pm EST on October 14.

An extension of International Day of the Girl, the #GirlHero Awards highlight the collective impact of women and girls as a force for positive change. The 2021 #GirlHero Awards honorees will pair up to share their stories and the actionable ways we all can start, build, and sustain our own movements for change during a series of inspiring one-on-one conversations.

More than 20,000 viewers from 28 countries tuned in to watch award-winning multi-hyphenate Shonda Rhimes, #metoo movement founder Tarana Burke and civil rights titan Dolores Huerta at the 2020 #GirlHero Awards, while previous years welcomed Hollywood's leading ladies Cara Delevingne, Kate Hudson, Yara Shahidi and Jameela Jamil as honorees to sold-out audiences.

The 4th Annual Girl Up #GirlHero Awards isnt a celebration of the leaders of the past or of the future, because the leaders we need are already here mobilizing their communities and making monumental strides in creating a more just and equitable world. They are the environmentalists who are marching for climate justice, the entrepreneurs who are starting education nonprofits, feminists fighting for women's access to health care, the storytellers who are amplifying underrepresented voices, and the activists who are breaking down the systemic barriers to equality, says Melissa Kilby, Girl Up Executive Director.

Co-chairs of this years event include Nigel Barker, LaVerne Council, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Estelle McGechie, Karen Miller, Sheila Peluso, Cathie Reid, Shaun Robinson, Tracy Shaffer and Gauthami Vemula-Queijo. Renowned social change advocates and Girl Up Club members will also step into the spotlight on Girl Ups social platforms for a star-studded red carpet hosted by television personality Tayshia Adams as part of a special digital campaign.

Register to tune into the Awards at GirlUp.org/GirlHero.

About Girl Up

Girl Up is a global leadership development initiative, positioning girls to be leaders in the movement for gender equality. With resources in six languages and 4,500 Girl Up Clubs in more than 125 countries, we've trained 97,000 girls of all backgrounds to create tangible change for girls everywhere.

Girl Up provides leadership training and gives girls the tools to become gender equality advocates and activists. Through our programs, girls broaden their social impact skill set, benefit from a platform to tell their stories, and apply STEM for social good. Our girl leaders create real policy change at local and national levels, help raise millions of dollars to support United Nations programs that reach tens of thousands of girls around the world, and build community-based movements.

Girl Up was founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010 and continues to work across a global community of partners to achieve gender equality worldwide.
With Salesforce Commerce Cloud and CQL on our team, we are confident our website will grow and evolve with our business. - Derek Kloostra, VP at LNY.

Lighting New York, a leading e-retailer in the lighting industry, has strategically partnered with CQL to redesign the Lighting New York website, featuring a new brand and user experience in addition to a full re-platform and integration on Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) platform.

The partnership began in 2020 when Lighting New York (LNY) engaged CQL with a series of initiatives to define LNYs website requirements, infrastructure, and company goals and objectives. CQL led a client discovery, performed an audit and gap analysis of the current website, and redesigned the user experience. Now, with SFCC selected as LNYs commerce platform, CQL will begin development of the new site on Salesforce Commerce Cloud, along with multiple integrations to 3rd party services enabling excellent onsite ad post-purchase user experiences. LNY expects to showcase their new website in early 2022 at http://www.LightingNewYork.com.

Our current eCommerce Solution is home-grown and poses some challenges to scale as our company continues to grow. Lighting New York is rapidly evolving from a leader in the lighting industry to a leader in the home goods industry, creating a one-stop-shop for home decor. With Salesforce Commerce Cloud and CQL on our team, we are confident our website will grow and evolve with our business, says Derek Kloostra, Vice President at LNY.

CQL will deliver the new mobile-responsive website on Salesforce Commerce Cloud, in addition to a multi-site framework that will serve as a model for additional microsites as Lighting New York expands its brands and product offerings. With the new eCommerce infrastructure, LNY will allow marketers the ability to focus on merchandising and building customer relationships as the brand grows.

Scott Robertson, Managing Director at CQL, states, We are excited to partner with LNY and develop a robust eCommerce platform built on Salesforce Commerce Cloud. The challenges LNY is experiencing are typical in the eCommerce industry, forcing fast-growing companies to revisit their platform, backend systems, investment, and maintenance requirements. Our goal is to make technology simple and the commerce experience compelling for companies like Lighting New York.

Visit http://www.CQLCorp.com for more information and follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/cql/, https://www.facebook.com/CQLsoftware/, and https://twitter.com/cql.

About Lighting New York

Established in 1992 as two showroom locations in The Lighting District of New York, Lighting New York (LNY) has since evolved into a leading retailer in the eCommerce realm of the lighting industry and now sets its sights on becoming a premier resource for Home Goods. LNY offers architectural and portable lighting for any atmosphere and application, including wall and ceiling fixtures, fans, lamps, landscape essentials, recessed lighting, and cabinet lighting. In addition to light fixtures and lighting accessories, home decor and furniture are also gaining momentum with the company and have contributed to LNY becoming a one-stop destination for customers' residential and commercial design needs. For more information, visit http://www.LightingNewYork.com.

About CQL Corp

CQL is a digital commerce agency with a 25+ year history of creating commerce experiences and solutions for inspiring brands and people who love them. CQLs unparalleled technical expertise and experience design coupled with industry leading eCommerce platforms, has helped retailers and manufacturers drive record on-line revenue, build new channels, and envision world-changing ideas. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our clients include Petsmart, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Wolverine Worldwide, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, Escalade Sports, Costa Del Mar and more. For more information, call 616-365-1000 or visit http://www.CQLCorp.com.
Wheels of Love is the hospitals largest fundraising event of the year, supporting the thousands of children with disabilities who rely on the innovative and personalized treatment ALYN Hospital provides."

Dozens of supporters of an Israeli pediatric rehabilitation hospital will gather along the Eastern Shore of Maryland in October for a three-day bike ride to raise funds for the care of children with a wide range of physical disabilities, both acquired and congenital.

The 130-mile charity bike ride, called Wheels of Love, benefits ALYN Hospital, Israels only pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation facility, which provides the innovative care and treatment needed to enhance the quality of life for the children treated at the hospital.

Hailing from all across the country, for many of these cyclists, the Wheels of Love ride is a meaningful annual tradition.

The 130-mile ride is divided across three days and the route will take participants through the scenic backroads of Cambridge, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the historic land around Chesapeake Bay.

Since 2000, more than a thousand dedicated bikers have traveled to Israel on an annual basis to participate in the ride, which traditionally spans five days. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the ride to go virtual, and in May 2021, a single-day ride in Morriston, NJ raised over $130,000. This year is the first time that American riders can participate in a multi-day ride in the United States. Israeli cyclists will also be participating in the 22nd annual Wheels of Love ride, this year in Southern Israel, beginning October 24.

Wheels of Love is the hospitals largest fundraising event of the year, supporting the thousands of children with disabilities who rely on the innovative and personalized treatment ALYN Hospital provides, said Maayan Aviv, Executive Director of American Friends of ALYN Hospital. As one of the worlds leading pediatric rehabilitation facilities, ALYNs innovation lab, ALYNnovation, and state-of-the-art facility produce life-changing pediatric assistive technologies for children with disabilities worldwide.

Online registration for Wheels of Love U.S.A., which is taking place Oct. 24  26, is now open. The $500 registration fee covers accommodations for the three-day event at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, lunches, a dinner reception, and more. Registered cyclists pledge to raise $2,500 each. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available as well.

To ensure the safety of participants, COVID-19 precautions will be in place throughout the event. All participants will be required to submit proof of vaccination. A virtual ride, #MyALYNRide, is available for those committed to supporting ALYN Hospital and unable to travel to Maryland.

For more information about Wheels of Love U.S.A., visit https://alynus.org/events-2/wheels-of-love-2021-md/.

About American Friends of ALYN Hospital

Since 1932, American Friends of ALYN Hospital has supported ALYN Hospital in Israel, which helps children with diverse disabilities by providing tools that increase their independence and mobility. The nonprofit organization focuses on increasing awareness of ALYNs life-changing work and raising funds to support it. Learn more about ALYN Hospital, upcoming events and giving opportunities online at alyn.org.

About ALYN Hospital

Established in 1931, ALYN Hospital is Israels only pediatric rehabilitation facility providing innovative care and individualized treatments for children with a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions, including cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and burns. Learn more at https://www.alyn.org.
The one thing that I want to share with others is that the most important thing is to truly be your own advocate. We know our bodies better than anyone else.

Helping to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mediaplanet today announces the launch of this Septembers edition of Breast Cancer Care. This campaign looks to give power back to women by detailing real-life stories, addressing healthcare inequities, advocating for the importance of regular screening and early detection, and showcasing products that were created to help manage treatment side effects.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 280,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States this year, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation predicts that due to a delay of screenings and doctors visits because of the pandemic, there will no doubt be an increase in otherwise preventable later-stage diagnoses in the years to come.

Long-time breast cancer activist Samantha Harris graces the cover of the print publication. Through an exclusive interview on the interior, Samantha reveals that she discovered a lump in her breast just 11 days after a routine mammogram. When I first heard the word cancer, I was absolutely floored and blindsided, she reveals. Even though her OBGYN and internalist doctor said there was nothing to worry about, Harris trusted her gut and went to see a breast oncologist directly. There, she was diagnosed with stage II invasive breast cancer.

Now, Samantha says, The one thing that I want to share with others is that the most important thing is to truly be your own advocate. We know our bodies better than anyone else.

The print component of Breast Cancer Care is distributed within todays edition of USA TODAY in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington DC/Baltimore markets, with a circulation of approximately 150,000 copies and an estimated readership of 450,000. The digital component is distributed nationally, through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit: https://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/campaign/breast-health/

This campaign was made possible with the support of Eau Thermale Avene & AstraZeneca.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit http://www.mediaplanet.com for more on who we are and what we do.

Press Contact:

Danielle Elbert

Danielle.elbert@mediaplanet.com


"K9MGP will fill a significant unmet need in canine health care by providing treatment as soon as possible after a seizure begins to minimize canine brain damage and improve quality of life for the pet and its owner alike. - Michael Mesa, CEO, Mesa Green Pharma

Mr. Michael Mesa, CEO of Mesa Green Pharma (MGP) stated that company representatives met with FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) on September 9, 2021, to discuss the companys development program for K9MGP. MGP is developing K9MGP as a treatment to stop active generalized seizures in canines that can be administered at home by the pet-owner. Mr. Mesa also advised that once approved, K9MGP will be the only FDA approved product to treat active generalized seizures in canines. K9MGP will fill a significant unmet need in canine health care by providing treatment as soon as possible after a seizure begins to minimize canine brain damage and improve quality of life for the pet and its owner alike.

At the meeting MGP introduced data from pilot studies completed at the University of Minnesota in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic that demonstrated when administered in an intramuscular injection via a prototype auto-injector system, K9MGP reaches the dog brain rapidly, and quickly achieves a therapeutic blood level. MGP believes the pilot study supports the continued development of the innovative approach to solving the seizure treatment unmet need. These data will be presented at the December 2021 American Epilepsy Society Meeting.

Discussions with CVM during this meeting provide confidence for MGPs plans to open an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) file in 1Q2022. Once the INAD is open, MGP will discuss details regarding the Target Animal Safety Study and the Effectiveness Study with CVM before submitting a request for Expanded Conditional Approval.

Mesa Green Pharmaceutical Company, a subsidiary of Mesa Science Associates Inc, is a veteran owned business with offices inside the Frederick Innovation Technology Center (FITCI), which is in Frederick MD. Inquiries regarding investment opportunities should be directed to Michael Mesa at mike@mesagreenpharma.com.
Morphisecs 2021 Education Cybersecurity Threat Index "As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create an uncertain environment for educators, the attack surface of schools and universities continues to expand as they remain firmly in the crosshairs of cyberattackers.

Just 17% of U.S. educators say their superintendent or chancellor has expressed concern about the threat of ransomware to their institution, as American schools continue to be battered by cybercriminals during a record year for attacks. In addition, just 15% say their school board has shared a worry about the rising frequency of attacks against U.S. schools and universities, despite several incidents within the past year where bad actors disrupted learning and took entire districts offline.

This is according to Morphisecs 2021 Education Cybersecurity Threat Index, a survey of 517 educators across the U.S. in August 2021. Despite the countrys progress in vaccinating citizens against COVID-19 causing almost every district and higher-ed institution to plan for in-person learning in the fall, the steady rise of the Delta variant in regions where vaccination rates are low has forced them to revert to hybrid learning. This has exacerbated the education sectors existing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, with crafty cybercriminals increasingly preying on the gaps opened by distanced classrooms, overworked teachers, and remote IT teams.

As a result, Morphisec, a leader in cloud-delivered breach prevention solutions, found that the number of U.S. schools that were the target of a cyberattack increased significantly in the past year, with attacks against K-12 more than doubling from 9% in 2020 to 21% in 2021. Furthermore, attacks against higher-ed increased from 14% last year to 33% this year. In particular, ransomware attacks have proven particularly menacing, with a quarter of U.S. educators listing it as the threat that currently poses the most danger to their school. That number has doubled since 2020.

As for who represents the biggest risk to their school or institutions cybersecurity, 40% of U.S educators say they believe that third-party vendors are responsible, more dangerous than students (31%), faculty (24%), and parents (5%). Of course, supply chain attacks like the historic SolarWinds and Kaseya breaches have grown more and more popular due to hackers ability to target hundreds or even thousands of businesses at once.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create an uncertain environment for educators, the attack surface of schools and universities continues to expand as they remain firmly in the crosshairs of cyberattackers, said Michael Gerard, Chief Marketing Officer at Morphisec. While the inclusion of cybersecurity funding in the administrations infrastructure bill is promising news for these institutions whove long been strapped for resources, the reality is that IT teams face a lengthy challenge to protect both students and educators from breaches. Its vital that they adopt a more proactive approach that thwarts attacks before breaches happen, so that they can ensure full-time access to the IT systems that are powering hybrid learning in this mission-critical environment.

Other findings from the index include:



45% of educators told Morphisec that their IT or security officer has expressed concern to staff about the threat that ransomware poses to their institution.

Just 15% of educators report that theyre aware of their institution purchasing cybersecurity insurance, including 22% of higher-ed institutions and 16% of K-12 schools.

Despite the rise in ransomware threats, educators still believe that phishing threats (32%) pose the most current danger to their education institution.

Educators believe providing their IT department with more resources (44%) would be the most valuable to their school to improve cybersecurity.

Download the full Morphisec 2021 Education Cybersecurity Threat Index here.

About Morphisec

Morphisec is the world leader in providing breach prevention solutions for midsize to small enterprises around the globe. The companys prevention-first security products simplify and automatically block modern attacks from the endpoint to the cloud. Unlike traditional security solutions relying on human intervention, Morphisec delivers operationally simple, proactive breach prevention tools. This approach protects businesses around the globe with limited security resources and training from the most dangerous and sophisticated cyber attacks.


MotilityAnywhere provides access to critical dealership information from anywhere, at any time. Dealers across the country put their customers first and so do we. Working alongside our customers, we built MotilityAnywhere based on their ideas and feedback, said Motility CEO Brad Rogers.

Motility Software, a leader in end-to-end dealer management solutions, today announced the launch of MotilityAnywhere. The new web-based offering is revolutionary in the DMS space and provides enhanced visibility and greater efficiency for specialty dealers across the country.

In todays unpredictable business landscape, dealerships have been forced to transform operational processes to ensure they make the most of every transaction while simultaneously juggling a spike in service and warranty work. With a full range of solutions, Motility is now the only provider in the market with the flexibility to help dealers grow and evolve with on-demand access to the information and insights that matter most. Dealers can now connect from anywhere, at any time and effortlessly bridge the gap between departments.

Dealers across the country put their customers first and so do we, said Motility CEO Brad Rogers. Weve been around long enough to see the trends and cycles change in the RV market and our customers asked for a more scalable way to do business. Working alongside our customers, we built MotilityAnywhere based on their ideas and feedback.

MotilityAnywhere boasts a robust feature set with integrated data and workflows across the dealership:



CRM: Keep up with customers from the dotted line to the bottom line.

Inventory Management: Up-to-date inventory for parts and units.

Accounting: Easily maintain the books and reduce double entry.

Enhanced Customer Service: Better, quality service.

Deal Desking: Close deals faster and keep negotiations manageable and focused.

Finance & Insurance: Improve compliance and eliminate manual processes.

Rentals: Understand rental inventory while simultaneously streamlining orders.

Business Intelligence: Intelligently measure orders, financials, and communication to performance and gain insight into the things that matter most.

This is an exciting time for Motility and the first step to modernizing workflows in our industry," said Rogers. This new platform allows us to innovate faster and deliver cutting edge technology to our customers.

Motility will be featuring MotilityAnywhere in booth 507 at the Annual RV Dealers Convention November 8-12, 2021 in Paris, Las Vegas. November 9 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am PT, Motility will also be speaking on Big Buying Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a DMS in the Chablis room at the event. For more details about MotilityAnywhere, stop the booth at RVDA or visit motilitysoftware.com/motilityanywhere.

About Motility Software Solutions

For over 36 years, Motility remains committed to providing best-in-class dealer management software (DMS) to over 7,000 users and 800 rooftops. Motilitys comprehensive software delivers an end-to-end solution to increase the efficiency for every critical function in a dealership, including inventory management, CRM, quoting, accounting, payroll and service scheduling, and more. Visit motilitysoftware.com to learn more.
In the first article of its new Spotlight series, Social Innovations in Caregiving, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) details the hardships the COVID-19 crisis magnified for millions of working caregivers struggling with the demanding responsibilities of working and caring for a loved one.

Just released, Lessons from the Workforce: Caregiving During COVID-19, focuses on the challenges and supports encountered during the pandemic by working caregivers who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend with a chronic, serious, or disabling health condition. Noting that there are 23 million working caregivers in the U.S., writer Peg Rosen investigates the workplace experiences during Covid of some of those unpaid caregivers and explores the gaps between what family caregivers say they need and what employers are providing.

A timely examination of this critical issue, the article provides a first-hand look into the life of one caregiver, cancer researcher and Fortune 500 employee Shivapriya Ramaswamy, who was tasked with working and caring for loved ones during the pandemic. Her story illustrates many of the issues that stand between caregivers and the workplace support they need: the mismatch between what benefits employers offer and what caregivers need; the communication and confidence gap between human resources and employees; work-life-friendly offerings that are unusable without a workplace culture shift; and the fact that Americans too often must rely on employers to provide social safety nets that are a matter of public policy in other wealthy economies.

The pandemic has exposed the reality that working Americans must too often choose between caring for loved ones and holding onto their jobs. Smart employers are recognizing the needs of whole people, inside and outside of the workplace. Those who ignore the truths about work-life integration exposed by COVID-19 do so at their own peril," says Grace Whiting, president, and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving.

Whiting underscores what the article notes: that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of unpaid caregiving on work life balance and job security had already been observed. Referencing a 2016 report, Families Caring for an Aging America, the article outlines how the demands of unpaid caregiving can directly jeopardize job security, personal retirement savings, and eventually Social Security benefits. A similar study, published in 2011, highlights the fact that individuals over 50 who exit the workforce to provide care lose an average of $304,000 in wages and benefits over their lifetime. Other evidence cited suggests that women specifically, who are more likely than men to stop working as a result of caregiving, are at substantially more risk of living in poverty during old age as a result of becoming caregivers.

In offering potential solutions on how employers can close the gap between what type of support is offered and what caregivers truly need, NAC advances recommendations for workplace policies and practices that employers can provide to caregivers, as well as public policy strategies to reinforce them -- including flextime, compressed work weeks and redefined paid leave criteria among others.

Lessons From the Workplace: Caregiving During COVID-19 published by the National Alliance for Caregiving, was written by Peg Rosen, a veteran journalist known for making health-related topics accessible and relatable for lay readers. For additional information on potential workplace improvements for working family caregivers visit http://www.caregiving.org.

###

About NAC

NACs mission is to build partnerships in research, advocacy, and innovation to make life better for family caregivers. Our work aims to support a society which values, supports, and empowers family caregivers to thrive at home, work, and life. As a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., we represent a coalition of more than 60 non-profit, corporate, and academic organizations; nearly 40 family support researchers with expertise in pediatric to adult care to geriatric care; and more than 50 advocates who work on national, state and local platforms to support caregivers across the United States. In addition to our national work, NAC leads and participates in a number of global meetings on caregiving and long-term care, working closely with peer organizations in countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India and Nepal, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Learn more about our work at http://www.caregiving.org
B. Sham Moteelall, a Guyanese by birth immigrated to the United States alone over 50 years ago to attend college. He has always been curious about his ancestral migrations. Because of such curiosity, some 40 years ago, he embarked upon a preliminary search to gather further detailed information on this subject.

In Marble, Grass, and Glass (published by Xlibris) Moteelall delves into the lives of various East Indian indentured servants bound to British sugar plantations in the Caribbean between 1838 and 1917. During that period, some 1.2 million Indians embarked into a contractual agreement to work for a specified period at those establishments. Many were lured with false promises that resulted in an atrocious system that undermined human dignity. People came under a servitude process that resulted in a system that replaced, redefined and re-invented slavery. That system determined that not all people were created equally and the establishments treated them like chattel.

This reflection focuses on the country of Guyana. It progressively talks about ancestors who endured the severity of plantation life and the abuses associated with their daily lives. Those people suffered tremendous hardships. Some died while still bound to the estates leaving orphans behind. Many endured, survived and prospered. This is their story.

The world does not have a comprehensive understanding of what happened in Guyana. It took me 40 years of investigating to put this narrative together and tell the story that evolved over 100 years. It demonstrates that neither good time nor bad times last forever. It shows what can be possible with dreams and determination coupled with hard and smart working, Moteelall says. When asked what he wants readers to take away from the book, he answers, My hope is that you will find this writing interesting regardless of your ethnic background. It creates clarification and an understanding of what really happened to the 1.2 million (or more) Indians around the world placed in a glorified system of slavery to enrich the British planters. For more details about the book please visit https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/826043-marble-grass-and-glass

Marble, Grass, and Glass

By B. Sham Moteelall

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 350 pages | ISBN 9781664189478

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 350 pages | ISBN 9781664184732

E-Book | 350 pages | ISBN 9781664184725

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

B. Sham Moteelall was born and grew up on a family farm in Colonial British Guiana, South America. His ancestors emigrated there from India to work on British sugar plantations. He became a science teacher and in 1970, with $200, he emigrated alone to the United States of America to attend college. He is now an agronomist and soil scientist and spent over 40 years working for major global corporations. Currently, he lives with his wife on their Minnesota farm, from where he manages his consulting business, LIFE Consulting LLC. His focus is on promoting a wholistic approach to sustainability and on global environmental concern. Apart from writing, business, teaching and farming, Moteelall is a motivational speaker. His messages not only focus on business issues, they include helping people at various levels to become the best they can be and to strive towards excellence for themselves, their families and their careers.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 844-714-8691 to receive a free publishing guide.
The powerful, and sometimes shocking, stories of the women interviewed for this book serve as humbling reminders of the choices we all have access to, regardless of our starts in life.

Iris Angellys has witnessed thousands of women making do with the tools they have. With an intricate journey from disempowerment to empowerment herself, her lifes purpose is now focused on creating the space for women to discover the mystery and inherent power in themselves.

In Passion to Thrive: Reclaim your Life's Potential, Purpose, Passion and Power (published by Balboa Press AU) Angellys examines the archetypes that can guide women through difficult situations and circumstances back to their own magnificent selves and to the Divine Feminine. Each unique archetype has qualities to inspire them to approach old, gnarly problems and situations in new ways. Each archetype guides and empowers them to explore the different sides of themselves. Each one allows them to realize their strengths, talents and skills and what gives their life meaning, passion and purpose.

The powerful, and sometimes shocking, stories of the women interviewed for this book serve as humbling reminders of the choices we all have access to, regardless of our starts in life. The archetypes give us access to respond to the world in ways we might not yet have been aware of, let alone embodied. It is a book that's easy to read and it provides unique, interesting and relatable perspectives, as well as many tools, to empower us to get to know ourselves better so we can live lives of authenticity, joy, peace, connection and love," Angellys says.

Passion to Thrive: Reclaim your Life's Potential, Purpose, Passion and Power aims for every single woman, regardless of age, to realize just how magnificent and multi-faceted she is after reading this book. She will be empowered to know that not only will she be able deal with what lies ahead, but she will be able to thrive regardless of what circumstances she is in.

Women's worth is inherent and derives from who they are, as opposed to what they can do or provide. Women are more than enough just by embracing who they are, and they have a wide array of abilities, knowledge and traits for engaging with life, especially difficult situations. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.balboapress.com/en-au/bookstore/bookdetails/819998-passion-to-thrive

Passion to Thrive: Reclaim your Life's Potential, Purpose, Passion and Power

By Iris Angellys

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 226 pages | ISBN 9781504323765

E-Book | 226 pages | ISBN 9781504323772

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Iris Angellys is a trailblazer, a healer and a catalyst. She is passionate about enabling women to live their lives to their fullest potential. From her origins in Denmark, and after profound journeys of discovery, inside and out, she feels blessed to live near the beach with her husband and dog on the beautiful North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Balboa Press Australia is a division of Hay House, Inc., a leading provider in publishing products that specialise in self-help and the mind, body and spirit genre. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the Author Solutions self-publishing model. For more information or to start publishing today, visit balboapress.com.au or call 1-800-844-925.
In the three years we have conducted this research, we have seen a critical shift from young alumni giving out of gratitude to giving for impact.

A new report from the Schuler Education Foundation and RNL (Ruffalo Noel Levitz) reveals that 90 percent of young alumni make charitable contributions and that more young alumni made donations during the 2020 pandemic year than the previous year.

The report comes from a study of 7,000 young alumni at five liberal arts colleges and is part of the three-year Schuler Young Alumni Engagement Initiative that was conducted in partnership with RNL. In addition to finding that the vast majority of young alumni are philanthropic, the research also highlights what inspires them to give to their alma maters. Nearly 70 percent of young alumni say that the desire to make a difference in the lives of current students is their top motivator for giving to higher educationand 95 percent say it is important to see evidence of the impact of their gifts. Their experience as students is also critical to giving, as those who have higher rates of satisfaction with their college experience are four times more likely to give to their alma maters.

In the three years we have conducted this research, we have seen a critical shift from young alumni giving out of gratitude to giving for impact, said Jason Patenaude, COO and executive director of the Schuler Education Foundation. At the beginning, most young alumni said they gave out of a sense of gratitude to their alma mater. But in this most recent research, seven out of ten say they give to support current students.

First-generation and alumni of color also show more interest in giving back to their alma maters compared to non-alumni of color or those who were not first-generation college studentscountering a misconception in higher education giving.

The five participating colleges in the Schuler Young Alumni Engagement InitiativeBates, Carleton, Middlebury, Wellesley, and Williamshave already used the research to guide their own young alumni giving efforts, increasing their donor base by 54 percent and achieving 74 percent retention among their young alumni.

These findings show great opportunities for colleges and universities to engage their young alumni and tap into their strong philanthropic spirit, said Sarah Kleeberger, RNL senior vice president for fundraising strategy. By authentically connecting with recent graduates and showing the impact of their gifts, institutions can cultivate a new generation of donors who are engaged and give back to their alma maters.

The findings are detailed in the 2021 Young Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Report, available at RuffaloNL.com/YoungAlumni2021.

About the Schuler Education Foundation

The Schuler Education Foundation seeks to further the success of individuals and communities by investing in high-achieving underrepresented students and top-tier liberal arts colleges. The Schuler Education Foundation currently supports the Schuler Scholar Program, the Schuler Initiative, and the Schuler Access Initiative. Learn more at SchulerEducationFoundation.org.

About RNL

RNL (Ruffalo Noel Levitz) is the leading provider of higher education enrollment, student success, and fundraising solutions. The firm serves more than 1,900 colleges and universities through tech-enabled solutions, actionable analytics, and strategic guidance focused on the entire lifecycle of enrollment and fundraising, assuring students find the right program, graduate on time, secure their first job in their chosen field, and give back to support the next generation. With a deep knowledge of the industry, RNL provides institutions the ability to scale their efforts by tapping into a community of support and resources. Learn more at RuffaloNL.com.
Olaris BoRs are poised to radically change care for kidney transplant patients by enabling physicians to properly assess a patients risk for infection, empowering them with the critical information they need to deliver the most effective care. - Dr. Kuypers

Olaris, Inc, a precision medicine company leveraging metabolomics and machine learning for the discovery and development of Biomarkers of Response (BoRs) to optimize treatments and patient outcomes, has appointed Dr. Dirk Kuypers to the Olaris Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Kuypers is Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Laboratory of Nephrology at the University of Leuven, Belgium. He is also the Head of the Department of Nephrology and Director of the Renal Transplantation Program at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.

Dr. Kuypers is a renowned researcher in the field of kidney transplantation, with a passion for personalizing treatment in renal transplant to ensure recipients do not suffer from complications. His insights and expertise will be invaluable to Olaris as we accelerate growth, seek to validate our biomarker signature of immune response for kidney transplant patients, and work to improve patient care, said Dr. Elizabeth ODay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Olaris, Inc.

Dr. Kuypers clinical and translational research has spanned renal allograft surveillance using protocol biopsies and biomarkers of allograft status to pre-clinical and clinical immunosuppressive therapy development. He founded the Leuven Renal Allograft Biobank, which contributes prospectively collected biological samples and clinical data to translational studies in kidney transplantation. Dr. Kuypers has been involved in more than 70 clinical studies and has published more than 350 papers on nephrology, clinical pharmacology, and transplantation.

Today, there is no tool to help physicians distinguish kidney transplant patients who are over-immunosuppressed and likely to develop graft-threatening opportunistic infections from patients whose immune systems are properly suppressed as needed to protect the graft. Olaris BoRs are poised to radically change care for kidney transplant patients by enabling physicians to properly assess a patients risk for infection, empowering them with the critical information they need to deliver the most effective care. Im looking forward to working with Liz and the team to further the Olaris mission of fundamentally changing how diseases are diagnosed and treated, said Dr. Kuypers.

Dr. Kuypers served as the President of the Belgian Society of Nephrology, chaired the Kidney-Pancreas Committee of the Belgian Transplantation Society, and was the European Councilor of The Transplantation Society. He is currently the TTS Chair of the TTS-ISN Transplant Center Sister Program, an International Board Member of Eurotransplant, an editorial board member of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Transplantation Reviews and Current Clinical Pharmacology, and associate editor of Transplantation.

About Olaris

Olaris is working to fundamentally change how diseases are diagnosed and treated by leveraging our proprietary metabolomics and machine learning platform to identify Biomarker of Response (BoR) signatures. Olaris develops BoR in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) to empower patients, providers, and biopharma to pursue the most effective treatment. To learn more, visit http://www.olarisbor.com.

Media Contact

Theresa Masnik, SHIFT Communications, olaris@shiftcomm.com
Paul Shemella, a retired Navy SEAL, has completed his new book The Dictator's Revenge: a gripping tale that follows LDCR Carl Malinowski, a Navy SEAL who must stop the destruction of the Panama Canal at the hands of Panamas former dictator Manuel Noriega.

Shemella says, In the summer of 1993, Manuel Noriega sits in a Florida prison, plotting his revenge for the American invasion of Panama more than three years earlier. He offers a large portion of his numbered bank account to the ruthless leader of his favorite drug cartel. The contract calls for destruction of the Panama Canal, the lifeblood of Noriegas homeland and jewel of American engineering. A Panama Canal pilot is kidnapped. The government turns to the US for help, and the mission is given to LDCR Carl Malinowski, a Spanish-speaking Navy SEAL who helped send Noriega to prison.

Published by Page Publishing, Paul Shemellas electrifying tale takes readers on a journey full of unexpected twists as Carl and his men discover the kidnapping is only the beginning of Noriegas complex plot to destroy the canal. As their investigation leads them further to uncovering the truth, will they be able to stop the attackers in time? And who really are the attackers?

Readers who wish to experience this exciting work can purchase The Dictators Revenge at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Relevance Lab, a specialist IT services company with re-usable technology assets in the area of DevOps, Cloud, Automation, Digital, Service Delivery, and Supply Chain Analytics, & Dash Solution, a leading provider of solutions for building and managing compliance programs in the public cloud, are hosting a webinar titled  Reduce Security Risk & Compliance Cost with Proactive Cloud Governance on October 21st, 2021 at 10 AM PDT.

AWS will also join the discussion on cloud governance and its best practices for a multi-AWS account environment.

With enterprises rapidly adopting AWS cloud services, often operating with hundreds and even thousands of AWS accounts, to meet their IT needs, cloud infrastructure complexities and security needs have grown exponentially.

During the webinar, we will dive deeper into the current multi-account cloud setup challenges along with key pillars and best practices of governance for such a setup. The potentials of a single platform to meet all the regulatory requirements will also be explored.

Excited to be a part of this webinar to talk about governing multiple AWS accounts with security best practices, said Ron Davis, Business Development, AWS Control Services.

Its exciting to discuss the potential of a single platform for security & compliance teams to build robust cloud governance. By addressing regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST, and SOC 2, enterprises can boost compliance, security, and cost controls on a single dashboard, said Brett Lieblich, Founder & CMO, Dash Solutions.

We realize that many enterprises today are operating with hundreds and thousands of AWS accounts, which makes compliance and security a challenge. In our interaction with clients, we often see that enterprises are unaware of their maturity level. We aim to share our maturity journey experience with enterprises across the globe so they can measure a cloud environment on a maturity scale and realize the importance of adopting a holistic approach for cloud governance. said Anil Sriram, Senior Director, IT and Cloud Technology Services, Relevance Lab.

To register for the webinar, please visit the registration page below;

https://relevancelab.com/webinar-reduce-security-risk-compliance-cost-with-proactive-cloud-governance/

The recording of the webinar will be available to all registrants.

About AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the worlds most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully-featured services from data centers globally. Millions of customersincluding the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agenciesare using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.

About Dash Solutions

Dash provides solutions for building and managing compliance programs in the public cloud. The platform makes it easy to develop policies and maintain technical controls security standards to meet HIPAA and SOC 2 standards.

About Relevance Lab

Relevance Lab is a specialist IT services company with re-usable technology assets in the area of DevOps, Cloud, Automation, Digital, Service Delivery, and Supply Chain Analytics that help global organizations achieve frictionless business by transforming their traditional Infrastructure, Applications, and Data. Incorporated in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, Relevance Lab has specialized IT professionals across its offices spread across India, US, and Canada.

Media Contact:

Ankita Gharai

Marketing Manager

Relevance Lab

ankita.gharai@relevancelab.com

https://www.relevancelab.com
We are immensely pleased to add these two preeminent executives to our company.

The Resmark Companies, a leading residential real estate investment manager, has appointed two senior corporate women executives: Laura Lynton as Executive Vice President, Asset Management and Gail S. Migita as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs.

We are immensely pleased to add these two preeminent executives to our company, said Mitchell Goodman, Chief Operating Officer. They bring a wealth of expertise and talent that will be invaluable to helping us attain our strategic and growth goals over the next few years. Further, their experience in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) will strengthen the firms ongoing initiatives.

Ms. Lynton oversees Resmarks asset management practice and is a member of the Investment Committee. She is extensively involved in business plan development, new investment origination, asset and property management and investor reporting.

Ms. Lynton has a wide range of experience in commercial real estate in both private equity and various debt platforms with commercial banks, insurance companies and commercial backed mortgage securities. She has led acquisition, construction, disposition, lending, asset management, underwriting and restructuring for multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality, mixed-use and retail properties, most recently for JPMorgans Real Estate Banking Group. She previously held positions with U.S. Bank, ING Real Estate Finance, Morgan Stanley CMBS and SunAmerica/AIG.

Currently completing a Masters degree in Real Estate Development at the University of Southern California, Ms. Lynton holds a B.A. from the University of California/Los Angeles. She also attended the Leadership Development Program at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in The Netherlands. She is a volunteer for Heal the Bay and Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Ms. Migita provides strategic and legal advice across Resmarks investment, underwriting, asset management, legal compliance and risk activities. She also is involved in strategy development and corporate practices for the firms ESG and DEI initiatives.

Before joining Resmark, Ms. Migita was an attorney at leading real estate law firm, Cox, Castle & Nicholson, where she worked extensively on Resmarks legal affairs. She has broad transactional real estate experience representing homebuilders, institutional investors, senior housing developers and operators and commercial real estate developers and owners, working in all property types including land, residential, industrial, office, retail and multifamily. She has handled individual property as well as large multi-state portfolio transactions.

Ms. Migita received a B.A. in East Asian Studies, a B.S. in Gerontology and a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Southern California. She then earned her J.D. degree from the University of California/Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall).

Both executives are located at Resmarks headquarters in Westwood.

About The Resmark Companies

Founded in 1995, Resmark is a leading residential real estate investment manager that provides capital to premier homebuilders, land developers, and multifamily developers across the United States. As a fiduciary to its investors, Resmark is a best practices aggregator that provides preferred access to Americas best residential developers. The firm has participated in more than 250 investments encompassing over 85,000 single-family and multifamily residential units. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Resmark operates nationally and maintains offices in select target markets. For additional information, please visit http://www.resmark.com

Contact:

Barbara Casey

Casey & Sayre

310-990-0750
RJ Young's new logo designed by Nashville-based Powell Creative In everything we do, we stay anchored to our core values of honoring our people, customers, and communities," says Chip Crunk, CEO of RJ Young. Sincere. Adaptable. Innovative. Our new logo signifies these brand values, and we are excited to share it with the communities we serve.

RJ Young, an industry-leading business technology solutions provider in the Southeast, announces today its newly launched brand. The change is ushered in after the pandemics push toward hybrid working environments accelerated RJYs plans to grow the technology solutions side of their business.

With a 60-year history, the company has been known for its premier copier and printer offerings and services. While those are still at the organizations core, RJ Young has grown and evolved into a company that provides more than 30 technology solutions that power 60,000 businesses across the nation. Whether it is office technology, managed IT services, smart security devices, business process outsourcing or digital communication tools, RJ Young can help transition existing workplaces into modern offices.

In everything we do, we stay anchored to our core values of honoring our people, customers, and communities," says Chip Crunk, CEO of RJ Young. Sincere. Adaptable. Innovative. Our new logo signifies these brand values, and we are excited to share it with the communities we serve.

Nashvilles Powell Creative partnered with RJ Young on the rebrand initiative. The brandmark features a white rectangular image at the center which pays tribute to RJYs core in paper and printing. The expanding circles highlight RJ Youngs adaptation through the years.

We wanted something that honored our rich legacy, said AJ Baggott, COO of RJ Young. Were proud of how weve served businesses for the last six decades. At the same time, we wanted to highlight how as businesses and their technology needs adapt, were here to support them and help them grow into modern offices that leverage technology as a business advantage. Were your longstanding trusted office equipment and technology partner with solid footing in the future.

Earlier this year, RJ Young introduced The Modern Office, a comprehensive suite of vetted tools and technologies that help their customers through digital transformation and modernization of their office technologies. In the last year, RJ Young has grown the technology solutions side of their business by 360 percent  proving that businesses are in search of holistic technology solutions partners.

If you would like to learn more about RJ Young and how we can benefit your organization, reach out to info@rjyoung.com today.

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ABOUT RJ YOUNG

RJ Young is an industry leader that provides technology solutions that power businesses. RJ Young helps small to enterprise-level organizations transition into modern workplaces and increase productivity with comprehensive managed IT solutions, office equipment and technology, business process outsourcing and digital communications. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, RJ Young has been partnering with businesses since 1955 and has more than 600 team members in more than 30 sales and service locations across nine states. To learn more about how RJ Young can help power your organization with technology solutions, visit RJYoung.com or reach out to info@rjyoung.com.
Ultimately, we as radiologists need to be self-regulators and also do the research to support change, to help the specialty and help medical practices overall in the future.

A new study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging on cardiac imaging trends over a decade reports that the rate of coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) exams by radiologists in hospital outpatient departments increased markedly from 2010 to 2019, suggesting a bright future for the technology. The study also found that reimbursement cuts and advances in technology have helped shift much of the imaging done by cardiologists from the office to hospital outpatient department.

Imaging has long played a critical role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, the leading killer in the world. Both radiologists and cardiologists perform noninvasive cardiac imaging, but over time two of the most common cardiac imaging methods, echocardiography and myocardial perfusion imaging, became almost exclusively the domain of cardiologists.

The dominance was partly due to a cardiologists unique position as a provider who both orders and performs diagnostic cardiac imaging. However, reimbursement cuts from the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 had a major impact on in-office cardiac imaging.

In the early 2000s, cardiology office imaging utilization was skyrocketing, said study lead author Russell A. Reeves, M.D., from the Center for Research on Utilization of Imaging Service (CRUISE) and diagnostic radiology resident in the Department of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. The changes brought by DRA reversed that trend to where it no longer was lucrative or even feasible for a lot of cardiologists to do imaging in their offices.

During that same period, technological advances made competing imaging exams traditionally performed by radiologists, such as cCTA, appealing options.

Dr. Reeves and colleagues studied data from the 2010-2019 Physician Supplier Procedure Summary files to assess the impact of these developments on utilization of different types of cardiac imaging.

They found that cardiologist in-office myocardial perfusion imaging rates per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries dropped by 52%, from 4,426 to 2,119, over the 10-year period. Correspondingly, imaging rates per 100,000 beneficiaries at hospital outpatient departments rose 71%, from 935 to 1,598.

Cardiologists are not performing nearly as many myocardial perfusion scans as they were, and most are now being done at hospital outpatient imaging departments, Dr. Reeves said.

Over the same period, the rates of cCTA by radiologists in hospital outpatient departments increased by 355%. Overall rates, however, remained low compared to myocardial perfusion imaging, despite the fact that some studies have shown cCTA to be more accurate. The technologys uptake may be limited, Dr. Reeves said, by its complexity and the cost of equipment, in addition to the fact that it requires a dedicated technologist.

Still, he said, the increasing rate of cCTAs performed by radiologists represents a growing opportunity for collaboration in cardiac imaging. Recently at Thomas Jefferson, cardiologists have shown interest in reading cCTA exams side-by-side with radiologists to enhance patient care.

Coronary CTA is a useful screening tool for coronary artery disease that obviates the need for invasive coronary angiography, Dr. Reeves said. I think the future is looking favorably on it.

Rates of cardiac PET (cPET) in cardiologist offices increased by 193% over the 10-year period, but cardiac PET performed by radiologists in offices and hospital outpatient departments saw little change. The increase in in-office cPET is likely due to a combination of technological advances, interpretation familiarity and financial incentives, according to Dr. Reeves.

Dr. Reeves plans to continue following the trends to study the impact of regulatory, economic and other factors on imaging utilization.

Ultimately, we as radiologists need to be self-regulators and also do the research to support change, to help the specialty and help medical practices overall in the future, he said.

The research is also a way of honoring the legacy of Dr. Reeves mentor, David Levin, M.D., professor and chairman emeritus at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Levin, a former fighter pilot who became a leading researcher in imaging utilization trends and founded CRUISE, died in 2020.

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Cardiac Imaging Trends from 2010 to 2019 in the Medicare Population. Collaborating with Dr. Reeves were Ethan J. Halpern, M.D., and Vijay M. Rao, M.D., FACR.

Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging is edited by Suhny Abbara, M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (https://pubs.rsna.org/cardiothoracic-imaging)

RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. (RSNA.org)

For more information about cCTA, visit RadiologyInfo.org.


We are excited to welcome Fidelity to the Seabreeze family and look forward to a long and prosperous future together.

Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., a leading residential and commercial property management firm, today announced the acquisition of Fidelity Management Services, Inc., a full-service property management firm based in Chatsworth, CA. Isaiah Henry, CEO at Seabreeze, will assume the role of CEO at Fidelity Management Services. This move is part of a strategic ownership transition between Seabreeze and Melanie and Steve Barkodarian, Fidelitys owners, CFO, and CEO, respectively, prior to the acquisition. Fidelity will operate under the Seabreeze umbrella but will remain independent in name.

With the addition of Fidelity, the Seabreeze team now consists of nearly 500 team members serving 470 associations and over 100,000 homes. This acquisition is part of the Seabreeze strategic growth plan. This plan seeks to expand the companys customer-first mission by infusing resources into robust firms that share Seabreeze cultures and objectives.

In an industry full of consolidations, we take a different approach to growth. Our mission isnt to simply swallow smaller organizations to gain customers, but to come alongside those teams to continue to enable those businesses to thrive, said Henry. At Seabreeze, weve grown tremendously over the past few years, which has given us access to personnel and resources that we are thrilled to share with the Fidelity Management team. We are excited to welcome Fidelity to the Seabreeze family and look forward to a long and prosperous future together.

Thirty years ago Melanie and I started Fidelity Management Services with one objective in mind: putting our communities first, said Steve Barkodarian. Seabreeze is the perfect partner to continue that legacy and uphold the promises we made to our board members and residents so many years ago. We are excited to align with an organization that shares our values and culture and we know that our team and board members will be well taken care of.

About Seabreeze Management Company

Seabreeze Management Company is a full-service property management firm with a diverse management portfolio of over 100,000 residential and commercial properties. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, Seabreeze has offered an unrivaled client experience to commercial common-interest developments and homeowners associations for over 34 years. With offices throughout California and Nevada, Seabreeze has expanded its mission to be a trusted advisor and collaborative partner with developments to build thriving associations through superior service and integrity. Seabreeze is a certified AAMC company. For more information visit http://www.seabreezemgmt.com, "like" Seabreeze on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @Seabreezemgmt.

About Fidelity Management Services

For over 30 years, Fidelity Management Company has served common interest communities in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Based in Chatsworth, California, Fidelity prides itself on being a trusted partner with in-depth industry experience and a service-based business model. For more information visit http://www.fidelitymngt.com.
VIC is thrilled to create a new company focused solely on this exciting approach for generating novel vaccines for known and unknown infectious diseases, said Michael Artinger, VIC executive vice president, managing director and interim CEO of Solaris.

VIC Technology Venture Development, LLC (VIC), announced today the formation of Colorado-based Solaris Vaccines, Inc., to advance a new vaccine development platform that can be used with coronavirus and other pathogens capable of causing pandemics. Traditional and emerging approaches to creating vaccines have limitations, and better options are urgently needed. The technology was developed by researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) and licensed through the Colorado State University Research Foundation (CSURF).

Solaris is applying a method previously used for inactivating pathogens in the blood supply to quickly produce safe and effective vaccines against viruses, bacteria and parasites under the trade name SolaVAX. Instead of using potentially toxic chemicals to inactivate pathogens to create vaccines, this unique approach uses vitamin B2 and UV light to disrupt the genetic material while preserving immune-stimulating proteins.

VIC is thrilled to create a new company focused solely on this exciting approach for generating novel vaccines for known and unknown infectious diseases, said Michael Artinger, VIC executive vice president, managing director and interim CEO of Solaris. In initial studies, SolaVAX is already demonstrating superior performance over current methods for producing vaccines, andwhen combined with the improved safety and speed of the manufacturing processcould lead to a paradigm shift in how the world responds to threats to global health.

Said CSU professor Raymond Goodrich: As the co-inventor of SolaVAX, it gives me great pleasure to see Solaris as our commercial partner. The technology has benefitted from significant focus and efforts from the Office of the Vice President for Research throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and from the federal government to several academic labs at CSU, resulting in exceptional proof-of-concept data and substantial commercial de-risking of the platform for application to pandemic diseases such as COVID-19.

Given CSU Ventures mandate to translate campus innovation into products with real-world impact, we are delighted to facilitate the formation of and investment in Solaris by VIC, said Ajay Menon, president of CSURF. It is an added bonus that the company is based in Fort Collins and will work closely with Dr. Goodrich and his team, as well as tap into the substantial vaccine-focused resources here in Northern Colorado.

About Solaris Vaccines, Incorporated

Solaris Vaccines, Inc. was established in 2021 to address many of the challenges of creating vaccines in response to emerging threats to global human health. Current methods of developing and manufacturing vaccines have significant limitations. The Solaris SolaVAX approach uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) and UV light to rapidly and effectively inactivate pathogens, resulting in a new platform for creating vaccines against pathogens. Go to https://solarisvax.com/ to learn more.

About VIC Technology Venture Development, LLC

VIC Technology Venture Development, LLC, creates innovative companies with world-changing science- and engineering-based technologies. VIC carefully selects and licenses technologies from universities and research institutions around the world, then partners technology entrepreneurs with VICs team of business and technology experts and allocates seed capital through the global VIC Investor Network. VIC provides its portfolio companies with senior management expertise, extensive knowledge of technology startups and proven processes to execute business strategies including legal, financial, operations, marketing, capital acquisition, and technology management. For more information, please visit https://victech.com.

About CSU Ventures

CSU Ventures is the technology transfer unit of CSURF. As such, CSU Ventures actively supports and promotes the transfer of research and innovations from across the Colorado State University System (CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global) into the marketplace to benefit society. The company serves as a resource for CSU faculty, staff and students, and also to industry, entrepreneurs and investors seeking to further research or commercialize a technology that has originated within the CSU System. Details can be found at https://csuventures.org/.


Dan Shapero, president and COO of TeamLogic, Inc. said, "We are honored to be recognized on this prestigious list. Our entire suite of offices around the country are committed to providing reliable, secure and affordable technology solutions to companies of all sizes."

TeamLogic IT, a leading managed services provider (MSP), has been named to Inc. magazines annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies.

The Inc. 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economys greatest dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. TeamLogic IT ranks No. 4119 on the 2021 Inc. 5000, No. 8 in the Pacific region and No. 7 in California.

This is the fifth consecutive year TeamLogic IT has appeared on the list. Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this years list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020s unprecedented challenges.

The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled, says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis weve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership and the help of a whole lot of people.

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2020. The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. TeamLogic IT has a three-year revenue growth of 104%, and the company exceeded $100M in network sales in April 2021, showing a growth in network sales of more than 24% from June 2020 to June 2021.

Dan Shapero, president and COO of TeamLogic, Inc. said, "TeamLogic IT is honored to be recognized on this prestigious list, and as one of the industrys top managed IT service providers. Our entire suite of offices around the country are committed to providing reliable, secure and affordable technology solutions to companies of all sizes."

TeamLogic IT serves the technology needs of companies of all sizes, and is uniquely focused on proactive, preventative and responsive IT delivered with the highest commitment to quality customer service. The organization focuses on business first, then technology, so that its end-to-end solution fits the needs of any organization.

About TeamLogic IT

TeamLogic IT is a national provider of advanced technology solutions for companies of all sizes. Local offices provide clients with the IT support they need to run their businesses more efficiently by leveraging the latest technology solutions including managed services, IT security, business continuity, cloud services, mobility solutions, unified communications and consulting and support. With more than 225 independently owned and operated locations across North America, TeamLogic IT helps companies minimize downtime and improve productivity. TeamLogic IT is owned by Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI), a franchise management company that also owns the franchise brands Sir Speedy, PIP Printing and Signal Graphics. For more information, visit http://www.TeamLogicIT.com.

Contact: Denise Denton, Vice President, Marketing (ddenton@teamlogicit.com) at 949-582-6300, or Dan Shapero, President (dshapero@teamlogicit.com) or visit http://www.TeamLogicIT.com, or http://www.teamlogicfranchising.com.

About Inc. Media

The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com.

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Access Control Systems play a vital role in the safety, security, and functionality of countless businesses throughout the region. Both large and small businesses need to think about how they are going to protect the security of their customers, employees, and data with quality Access Control Systems.

There are numerous types of access control systems that both large and small businesses may want to employ. Some factors to consider when looking at an access control system include:

The number of areas in the building that have to be monitored, as some facilities have multiple openings that need to be secured.

The various employees will need to have access to the building, as they need to be properly credentialed, documented, and managed.

The possibility of time and attendance monitoring, as some companies like to use their access control system to log hours worked by employees.

People not affiliated with the company may require access, such as cleaning crews or delivery services.

Whether some people are going to have access to some areas of the building but not others, which would necessitate an access control system with multiple layers.

Even though many people think about emergency lockout services for cars and homes when they think of a locksmith, Texas Premier Locksmith understands that businesses in the local area also need to have access to quality services from a trained locksmith. That is why Texas Premier Locksmith is available to help businesses assess their specific needs. There are numerous factors that play a role in the development of a quality access control system.

Some of the main components include:

Businesses need to provide individuals with the proper credentials to make sure that the correct people have the ability to manage the security system in the building. These security credentials are important for ensuring accountability on the part of anyone who accesses the building.

A strong access control system should also have a card reader or keypad system that will either grant or deny access. For example, a proximity card reader is one of the most common types of access control systems.

Business owners will also have to decide if they want to use an electronic lock system that will replace a traditional key system. An electronic door system with advanced security technology may allow for the door to remain locked until the proper credentials are input using the keypad.

A software system that will allow the proper people to make changes to the access control programs. This could include creating permission procedures, reviewing accountability information, and allowing users to change their personal information.

Of course, when business owners use an access control system, they also need to be able to keep track of changes that are made. For example, some employees may leave the company from time to time. All companies have new hires occasionally. Some individuals may change departments. All their employees may be given promotions. It is important for businesses to make sure that individuals working for the company only have access to the specific areas of the building, and company information, that they need to do their jobs. This plays an important role in limiting the liability and potential risk of the company, particularly if an employee or manager has his or her information stolen.

As a small business that is locally owned and operated, Texas Premier Locksmith has personal experience using access control systems to help it manage its own company. Therefore, the professionals at Texas Premier Locksmith also have firsthand knowledge of just how important it is to manage access control systems. Given the uncertain economic situation in the Austin area, as well as the rest of the United States, Texas Premier Locksmith wants companies to be able to protect themselves with a strong access control system even if their financial situation may have changed during the past 12 months. That is why Texas Premier Locksmith is offering free consultations on access control systems for businesses in the Austin area during October 2021.

This free consultation can be used to help businesses figure out exactly what type of access control system they may need. Texas Premier Locksmith has an unparalleled level of experience working with businesses in multiple industries, helping them assess the exact type of access control system they need to protect themselves.

Furthermore, Texas Premier Locksmith provides a wide variety of other services as well. This includes new lock installations, rekeying locks, safe installation, and even garage door repair. Along with access control system consultation and installation, Texas Premier Locksmith has everything a local business needs to protect itself.

With same-day services, insured and licensed technicians, the most advanced equipment in the industry, and professionals who are trained to follow the best practices in the field, Texas Premier Locksmith has become the top choice for businesses located in the Austin area. While Texas Premier Locksmith is proud to offer free consultations on access control systems in October 2021, Texas Premier Locksmith strives to be the gold standard in the industry when it comes to all commercial locksmith services.

About Texas Premier Locksmith

Texas Premier Locksmith provides expert locksmith services in Austin, TX, and its surrounding suburbs. Texas Premier Locksmith provides comprehensive commercial locksmith services including access control system consultations and installations, lock upgrades and installations, lock rekeying services, repair services for security measures, and master key services. Professionals from Texas Premier Locksmith are highly experienced, expertly trained, properly licensed, and comprehensively insured. To learn more about the commercial locksmith services provided by Texas Premier Locksmith, visit the homepage at https://txpremierlocksmith.com, or call today at 512-893-5811. Visitors are also welcome to stop by the store at 600 W 28th St #105, Austin, TX 78705.
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that denies freedom to over 40 million people worldwide each year. Despite its horrifically exploitative nature, it often goes unnoticed due to the perpetrators skill in enslaving their victims and the debilitating dependency and shame they feel.

NEW YORK, New York, September 30, 2021  The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory today premiered its searing new anti-human-trafficking documentary, Hope: Stories of Survival. The film documents the story of three American women, Rachel, Tammy, and T, all of whom were sold for sex from as early as eight years old. They share their trauma of being trafficked over many years and the pain, despair, shame, and hopelessness they endured. They invite us to join them in their journeys of recovery and show us how they took back control of their destinies through empowerment, love, trust, and hope.

Arielle Curry, the Territorial Anti-Trafficking Coordinator for The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory, noted: Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that denies freedom to over 40 million people worldwide each year. Yet, despite its horrifically exploitative nature, it often goes unnoticed due to the perpetrators skill in enslaving their victims and the debilitating dependency and shame that victims feel. This powerful documentary shines a bright light on the horrors of the exploitation that human trafficking victims experience. But it also offers a lesson in hope as Rachel, Tammy, and T share stories of their journeys from darkness to light.

Forced human labor is a multi-billion dollar industry, with sex trafficking accounting for 81 percent of it. Of its millions of victims worldwide, 75 percent are women and girls. Tragically, 25 percent are children.

The Salvation Army has been on the front lines of combatting human trafficking and helping its survivors for over a century. My team and I wanted to raise awareness of the issue and The Salvation Armys anti-human-trafficking programs in an intimate yet impactful manner, noted documentary director Joseph Pritchard, the Creative Services and Video Director for The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory. In Rachel, Tammy, and T, we found three courageous, generous, and inspiring women willing to share their journeys through trauma recovery and show us how they took back control of their lives through empowerment, trust, love, and hope. I want people who see this film to join The Salvation Army in raising awareness about the horrific realities of human trafficking and lend support to its victims. But, most of all, I want to share the message of HOPE that these women discovered during their recovery process and let victims and survivors know that they are not alone.

Hope: Stories of Survival premieres at The Salvation Army Greater New York Divisions Centennial Memorial Temple on Thursday, September 30, 2021. After the premiere, there will be a panel discussion with the women in the documentary, anti-human-trafficking experts from The Salvation Army, and other organizations working together to combat human and sex trafficking. More information about the documentary is available at the website: https://hopefilm.org

About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of Americas Favorite Charities by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the countrys largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit http://www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
Drivers can obtain cheaper car insurance if they follow several smart tips , said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains how drivers can acquire cheaper car insurance.

For more info and free quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/how-to-make-car-insurance-rates-cheaper/

Car insurance is mandatory for any driver that wants to legally drive in almost all states. However, in recent years the price of car insurance has increased significantly, and many drivers can't afford it anymore.

To lower the price of car insurance, policyholders should follow the next tips:



Increase deductibles. Drivers can obtain cheaper car insurance if they agree to raise deductibles levels. A deductible is the amount of money a policyholder agrees to pay before the insurer steps in, in case the policyholder has to make a claim.

Ask for the low-mileage discount. Policyholders that drive fewer miles than a certain amount, can be eligible for a low-mileage discount. Most car insurance companies offer low-mileage discounts that can be as high as 20%.

Bundle multiple policies. Usually, policyholders will bundle their car insurance with the homeowners insurance. In some cases, a bundled policy can save as much as 20% from the insurance costs.

Install safety gear. Car insurance companies can provide significant discounts to car owners that are willing to make their vehicles safer. In order to make their cars safer, policyholders can install approved rearview cameras, GPS tracking systems, immobilizers, airbags, blind-spot detectors, or various anti-theft devices.

Keep a clean driving record. Most insurance companies offer a good driver discount to those drivers that didn't accumulate any traffic ticket or were involved in a car accident in a certain number of years. Many insurance companies will offer this discount after three years of clean driving, while other insurers will wait even five years to apply this premiums reduction.

Take advantage of the pay-in-full discount. Drivers that choose to pay for the full coverage upfront can save as much as 10% from the price of insurance.

For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Violet PR earned five national awards so far in 2021 from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Bulldog Reporter and Ragan Communications. In what was an incredibly challenging 2020, we are beyond excited to have earned accolades from the top organizations in our profession, said April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR.

New Jersey-based public relations firm Violet PR announced today that the PR agency earned five national awards in 2021 from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Bulldog Reporter and Ragan Communications. These institutions recognize the best-of-the-best in the public relations field, selecting campaigns and firms that have addressed challenging issues with exemplary skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

Violet PR won the most awards for the Choose Topeka public relations campaign, conducted on behalf of the Greater Topeka Partnership. The talent attraction program incentivized people to relocate to the Kansas capital with financial bonuses of up to $15,000. The campaign landed 73 media placements in outlets including Fast Company, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Yahoo! News, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Bloomberg City Lab, CNN, Reuters, MarketWatch and dozens more, earning 4.8 billion web impressions. More than 4,500 people applied for the Choose Topeka program, and 40 professionals relocated in 2020.

Violet PRs awards include:



Bulldog PR Award - Best Community Engagement Campaign  Gold

Bulldog PR Award - Small Agency/Sole Practitioner of the Year  Bronze

PRSA Bronze Anvil Award  Best Media Relations Campaign, Government

PRSA Silver Anvil  Award of Excellence  Top Community Relations / Government Campaign

Ragan Communications Media Relations Award, Community Relations Campaign - Honorable Mention

In what was an incredibly challenging 2020, we are beyond excited to have earned accolades from the top organizations in our profession. Our firms work in the areas of economic development and social good stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the countrys largest PR agencies, said April Mason, president and founder of Violet PR.

Violet PR was also recognized as an exceptional Small Agency of the Year by the Bulldog PR Awards for its work representing economic development organizations, architecture and design firms, nonprofits and professional services companies. The award applauds Violet PRs client growth and retention, campaign strategies, and overall creativity, and highlights the firms positive work culture, strong community engagement and overall mission.

As a small agency, were able to at understand and become a part of our clients specialized organizations in a way that large agencies often cant, Mason said about the firms ability to serve niche industries. We were selected as a top small agency of the year because we are flexible, nimble and able to pivot quickly to capitalize on news opportunities and make recommendations in real time.

To learn more about Violet PR, visit: http://www.violetpr.com.

About Violet PR

Whether its rebranding a city, drawing attention to a revitalized neighborhood, or promoting a new sustainable development, Violet PR helps clients make a difference. Through a combination of news stories, social media and compelling content, our boutique New Jersey-based public relations firm helps clients attract more dollars and supporters. Follow Violet PR on Instagram and Twitter at @Violet__PR. http://www.VioletPR.com

About the PRSA Awards

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nations leading professional organization serving the communications community. PRSA awards honor overall outstanding contributions to the public relations profession, and the highest standards of performance in the field. They celebrate the best public relations programs of the year as well as tactics such as social media, video, blogs, podcasts, annual reports, digital newsletters and websites. http://www.prsa.org.

About the Bulldog PR Awards

The Bulldog PR Awards recognize the most outstanding PR and communications campaigns, and the most extraordinary individual and agency contributions to the industry. The Bulldog PR Awards are the only PR awards program judged exclusively by journalists. http://www.bulldogawards.com

About the Ragan Communications Media Relations Awards

Ragan and PR Daily Award programs celebrate the most successful campaigns, initiatives and teams in the communication, PR and marketing industries. As the leading voice in organizational communicationsboth internal and externalRagan Communications recognizes those who create and cultivate best practices. http://www.ragan.com
VPLS, a cloud-to-edge computing and solutions provider, announces today a significant expansion to the capacity of its San Jose data center (SV7). The SV7 expansion was driven by demand for VPLSs bare metal servers brand, Krypt.com, which offers direct connections with a capacity of over 200 Gbps to China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile International.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the facility offers colocation, managed services, private and hybrid cloud, dedicated hosting, and network and security services to fast-growing start-ups and enterprises in Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. The additional capacity in the San Jose data center was achieved through an upgrade of the cooling systems, which unlocked an additional 250 KW of IT load. Replacing the aging mechanical equipment also benefitted the facility by lowering the sites overall PUE from 2.1 to 1.35 on an annualized basis.

VPLS currently has over 600 servers in the San Jose data center with an additional 400 servers to be added over the next quarter, bringing the total number of servers in its network to over 10,000 and over 90,000 VPS under management. The IP network capacity at SV7 has also increased from 205 Gbps to more than 415 Gbps of dedicated capacity. The additional bandwidth at SV7 is a key advantage for companies looking for increased connectivity: SV7 offers direct fiber link to major carrier hotels in Silicon Valley with over 200 Gbps of peering capacity, as well as direct connections to key carriers in China, resulting in the lowest latency to Asia from the continental US.

Krypt.com from VPLS is an increasingly popular choice for companies looking for flexible and reliable bare metal or cloud servers. Our team has been able to meet this growing demand by quickly expanding capacity at our most strategic facilities, like SV7, all while controlling the underlying costs, says Mohamed Arab, VP of Cloud and Managed Services at VPLS. With this expansion, current and prospective customers will benefit from our world-class facilities, portfolio of complementary services, and extended low-latency access to other digital infrastructure options.

The next stage of expansion for the San Jose facility will be an electrical upgrade of 1.5 MW and a corresponding IT load expansion that will be online in Q4 of 2022. Combined with the data centers myriad of network carriers and partners, the capacity expansion at SV7 provides a robust option for many companies seeking a reliable and flexible interconnection between key global and regional markets. For the past 10 years, the SV7 facility has provided uninterrupted, 100% uptime to customers seeking colocation, managed services, and hosting solutions. SV7 also offers low latency connectivity to major cloud providers such as AWS and Azure.

About VPLS

VPLS is your trusted global provider for cloud-to-edge computing and technology services. For more information, please visit http://www.vpls.com.
Weimer Volkswagen of Morgantown allows College Graduates to save on New Volkswagen Vehicles

Turn graduation into a landmark with our College Grads Program. Weimer Volkswagen of Morgantown is equally proud of new college graduates each year. It is offering a chance to get up to a $500 bonus on the purchase or lease of new Volkswagen vehicles at our dealership.

Weimer Volkswagen is committed to offering a $500 bonus to eligible college graduates. To be eligible, the candidate must have graduated in the last 24 months or less. The applicant also must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who graduated from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college/university. The applicant must be employed in a full-time permanent position or have a written commitment from a future employer. In such cases, references, proof of income, a copy of degree or official transcript, and contact information for college/university will be required.

Although credit history is not required, the existing credit must be good with no derogatory credit. This Program does not extend to Puerto Rico applicants. The bonus is available on new Volkswagen vehicles only and thus, cannot be used for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. It may not be combined with VW TDI programs (79L and 81R). The Bonus is available as a credit applied towards customer lease or purchase and cannot be traded in for cash.

Visit Weimer Volkswagen of Morgantown to know more about their College Graduate Program and eligibility. The dealership is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and till 3 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. Weimer Volkswagen of Morgantown is located at 401 Mary Jane Wood Circle, Morgantown, WV, 26501. You can also reach them at 833-935-0089.


At the WiCyS conference, we demonstrate diversity not by pointing out the problem, but by showcasing a spectrum of talent from a diverse group of professionals.

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is planning its next conference March 17-19, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. The WiCyS Call for Participation submissions are now open as are applications for scholarships, grants and fellowships for attendees.

The WiCyS 2022 conference will center around the theme, Being Smart About Security and Privacy of all Smart Things. All things cyber are helpful in enhancing and progressing society but come with challenges and dangers. All speaking submissions are encouraged to address these issues and concerns and how to keep everyone safe.

Individuals, organizations and companies can submit a presentation for the event that follows one of these tracks: Todays Technology and Challenges, Looking Ahead, Best Practices and Career Development. These sessions could be student research posters, technical presentations, workshops, Birds-of-a-Feather (informal discussions), lightning talks or panels.

At the WiCyS conference, we demonstrate diversity not by pointing out the problem, but by showcasing a spectrum of talent from a diverse group of professionals, said Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS program chair.

Anyone can submit proposals for the technical conference through Oct. 18. Accepted proposals will be notified by Nov. 21. Each accepted proposal will receive one complimentary registration. For more information, visit ww.wicys.org/events/wicys-2022-call-for-participation/.

Not only is WiCyS 2022 the flagship conference for women in cybersecurity but regardless of gender, it is the only cybersecurity conference that has equal representation of students and professionals. About 50% of attendees are students attending on a scholarship. Students can only attend via scholarship or school sponsorship. The Faculty Grant is given to WiCyS Student Chapter advisors or WiCyS faculty members who have not previously attended the conference. The Black, Indigenous, People of Color Fellowship Award is for WiCyS members who identify with that community, and the Veteran Fellowship Award is for all members who are U.S. veterans.

It is with gratitude to our conference sponsors that so many of our attendees are able to participate via scholarship or fellowships, said Janell Straach, WiCyS conference chair. These awardees pay a $40 registration-processing fee. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, the scholarship and fellowship recipients receive full conference registration, all meals and shared lodging, which is valued at over $1000.

Applications and speaking proposals must be received by Oct. 18. For more information, visit http://www.wicys.org/events/scholarships-grants-and-fellowship-awards/.

About WiCyS:

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with international reach dedicated to bringing together women in cybersecurity. WiCyS offers opportunities and resources for its members and collaboration benefits for its sponsors and partners. Strategic partners include Tier 1: Amazon Web Services, Bloomberg, Carnegie Mellon University - Software Engineering Institute, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Optum. Tier 2: Abbvie, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Linkedin, Navy Federal Credit Union, Nike, SentinelOne, Wayfair, Workday. Tier 3: Fortinet, Haystack Solutions, HERE Technologies, IBM, MITRE, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Palo Alto Networks, SANS Institute, SAP, Smoothstack, Starbucks, Target, The Home Depot, University of California-San Diego. To partner, visit https://www.wicys.org/support/strategic-partnerships/.


Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., celebrated its annual fundraiser, the 2021 Virtual Carle Honors and Art Auction, in the digital space on September 23, the second year in a row the annual gala and fundraiser has been held online during its 15-year tenure. This years event was the first unattended by either of the Museums cofounders, Eric Carle (19292021) and his wife Bobbie (19382015), as Eric Carle died in May.

The evening opened with a warm introduction and toast from historian, author, and editor Leonard S. Marcus, one of the Museums founding trustees. These last 18 months have been a strange and heartrending time, Marcus said, but poignantly, theyve been a time when people across the globe have found in childrens books a much-needed sense of comfort, joy, and hope for the future.

The event proceeded with an overview of the award winners and introductory comments by Alexandra Kennedy, the Carles executive director. Our Carle Honorees remind us, this year and every year, of all the ways were bound together by history and by the common belief that every child has the right to thrive and grow, Kennedy began, before praising childrens literature and its role in peoples lives. Over the course of the pandemic, picture books helped remind childrenand their anxious parentsthat every story has an ending. But even as we hope for an ending to the long story of the pandemic, other stories continue to unfold, like racial inequality and climate change. We need our children, more than ever, to be able to imagine a more perfect world, to commit themselves to a more just future.

Offering a moving tribute to Eric Carle, Kennedy called the loss not just professional but overwhelmingly personal. He was our muse, our greatest ambassador, our inspiration, and our friend. He was the person we most wanted to make proud.

Kennedy then surveyed some of the Museums recent exhibitions before giving viewers a sneak peek at its latest: [Carle] always said his art should speak for itself, so to honor him, tonight well share some of it, most previously unexhibited, from our new exhibit, Color, Joy, Eric Carle.  The exhibit will run through March 2, 2022.

Ellen Keiter, the Museums chief curator, then introduced this years Bridge Honorees, celebrating those whose work in other fields amplify picture books reach: Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller, founders of Battledore Ltd., and longtime dealers in rare and collectible childrens books, and well as originators of many of the fields major research collections.

As every child begins collecting, whether its coins or stamps, I began collecting books, and eventually worked my way through college buying and selling old books, Schiller recalled, speaking about some of his contributions and career highlights. Picture books are not simply for children. They are illustration that in themselves are pictorial words. Maurice Sendak used to tell me the stories he used to write would multiply 10x through his pictures. Schiller continued, Theres no manual on how to collect; everythings very personal, and thats how one should respond to the material.

David mused, There hasnt been a museum like Eric Carle in America; usually its in Japan, where they have a strong interest and appreciation. Eric Carle was pretty much the first in America to have a significant impact in creating a repository for illustration art.

Through books for children, the current society dictates how they want to educate and present the future, Schiller added. This is part of the great joy of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Books: that they provide a launching off to understand and appreciate the vehicle that childrens books provide.

The Carles director of development, Rebecca Miller Goggins, who has run the gala for more than 12 years, then introduced the second awardee, the Carles Angel Honoree, recognizing those who provide resources for picture book-related projects, education programs, exhibits, and more. This year, the Carle honored Every Child a Reader, the charitable arm of the Childrens Book Council, represented by executive director Carl Lennertz, overseer of the organizations literacy tools and resources.

The main thing that we do is provide fun, free, and diverse materials to teachers, librarians, and booksellers, Lennertz said, before explaining Every Child a Readers four national programs: the National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, in partnership with the Library of Congress; Childrens Book Week, now in its 102nd year; the Kids Book Choice Awards, relaunching this fall, the only national book awards where only kids get to vote; and the Get Caught Reading classroom poster initiative, featuring celebrities and public figures endorsing reading.

Were about empowering experts to do their work and giving you the tools to empower kids, Lennertz continued. Picture books allow a child to take control of their own world their environment, to create this visual world of their own.

Nick Clark, the Carles founding director and curator emeritus, then shared auction art by Ashley Bryan, Petra Mathers, Selina Alko, R.W. Alley, Mike Curato, Raul Colon, Kiku Hughes, Laura Freeman, Julia Kuo, Gordon C. James, E.B. Goodale, Roxie Munro, and Amber Ren. Bids were placed at the bottom of the viewers screen.

Miller Goggins returned to introduce the 2021 Mentor Honoree, celebrating champions of picture books. Patricia Aldana, founder of Groundwood Books, past president of the International Board on Books for Young People, president of the IBBY Trust, and publisher of Greystone Kids imprint Aldana Libros, was this years selection. Born in Guatemala and currently living in Canada, she has devoted her career to finding new voices in picture books.

That, I hope, is my legacy, Aldana stated, having fought for the right of these alternative voices to be, not only published, but to be able to express the way they want to express their world.

As a person whos been publishing books since 1978, she continued, thank goodness the Carle Museum has come into being, and is such an extraordinary institution giving honor to these artists and creators.

Keiter next introduced the final awardee, the 2021 Artist Honoree for lifelong innovation in the field: Raul Colon, award-winning illustrator of more than 30 childrens books.

Picture books are very important for the simple reason that they open your mind, Colon stated, telling the audience how he came to a career in illustration and showing his art process. I have to say that the Museum provides education for especiallynot the children, but the parents, Colon continued. When the parents visit the Museum with their children, they learn a lot more than the kids. Children already know what the Museum and the art is, but parents finally learn. Anything that enriches the mind when these children grow up, or for these adults who are already grown upits great, itll lead to a better life for everybody.

Clark then shared more auction art by Greg Pizzoli, Rosemary Wells, Lisa Brown, Dan Yaccarino, Maurice Sendak (donated by Schiller and David), Leonard Weisgard, Mo Willems, Arnold Lobel, Michaela Goade, Ed Young, Cynthia Alonso, Simms Taback, and Eric Carle.

Poet and activist Amanda Gorman subsequently read from her forthcoming debut picture book, Change Sings, illustrated by Loren Long.

The live program then commenced with auctioneer and live host Pat Tully, who reported more than 500 guests from at least 41 states and at least eight countries. Tully narrated donations live and provided updates on the online silent auction. Five raffle baskets filled with picture books from Penguin, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Disney, and Random House, respectively, sweetened the deal for donors, with the final basket qualifying late donations or bids until midnight Eastern Time.

The online silent auction, which was open from September 1723, ended the evening, and raised $91,800 for the 26 pieces, with Carles selling at $13,000, and Colons going for $5,600.

Proceeds from the night, which came to more than $200,000, will support the Museum and its online and in-person art and literacy programs, including picture book art exhibitions, art projects, and educational resources.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University has been hand-picked by Big Idea Ventures LLC, a global leader in early-stage food technology and alternative protein investment, for a new fund to commercialize university intellectual property.

The new Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) fund is a $125 million target fund that will fuel economic development in rural communities across the United States through the commercialization of food and agricultural technologies, protein innovation and other university intellectual property.

We are proud to join a select group of universities for this new opportunity focused on commercialization, higher education and rural economies, said Wade Lange, vice president and chief entrepreneurial officer of the Purdue Research Foundation. Purdue has a strong network of innovators focused on technologies to provide food and agricultural solutions.

The new fund is designed to capture universities breakthrough technologies that will impact the global food supply chain.

Indianas agbioscience economy generates more than $52 billion in revenue with more than half of that coming from value-added food and nutrition, said Mitch Frazier, president and chief executive officer of AgriNovus Indiana. Indianas strengths across agbioscience, technology, manufacturing and logistics provide a powerful platform for post-pandemic food supply chain innovation and growth.

About Purdue Research Foundation

Purdue Research Foundation supports Purdue Universitys land-grant mission by helping the university improve the world through its technologies and graduates. Established in 1930, PRF is a private, nonprofit foundation. The foundation helps patent and commercialize Purdue technologies; builds places to encourage innovation, invention, investment, commercialization and entrepreneurship; and makes equity available to students to finance their Purdue education. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. For more information about involvement and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.

Writer: Chris Adam

Media contact: Kelly Nicholl, khnicholl@prf.org

Source: Wade Lange, walange@prf.org
AEW FULL GEAR PPV & INDIANAPOLIS RETURN PRE-SALES ONGOING

AEW is holding an online pre-sale for the 11/13 Full Gear PPV at the Target Center in Minneapolis today through 10 PM Central. The pre-sale code is AEWTAR Tickets can be ordered for the pre-sale at this link.

AEW is also holding an online pre-sale for their return to Indianapolis on Wednesday 11/10 for a Dynamite taping at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The online pre-sale code for that is AEW317. The pre-sale is ongoing right now on Ticketmaster.com at this link.

The events will officially go on sale tomorrow.

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On September 30, 2011, a hunting party of U.S. drones found its quarry while flying over the desert in Yemen. They fired Hellfire missiles at the vehicle carrying Anwar al-Awlaki, a New Mexicoborn, firebrand cleric, whom the Barack Obama administration accused of being an operational leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The killing of al-Awlaki was the result of a multiyear operation involving the CIA, Joint Special Operations Command, and allied foreign intelligence services. That same morning, President Obama heralded the strike as a counterterrorism success. But ten years after al-Awlakis death and twenty years after 9/11, the United States must reconsider the precedents and prospects of its drone wars.
Britains Boris Johnson outdid himself last week. Within hours of telling French president Emmanuel Macron, Prenez un grip, he was at the United Nations telling the world to grow up. More remarkable than the British prime ministers lack of self-awareness is the fairy tale that he told about Britain becoming the Saudi Arabia of wind and inviting China to see how Britain was faring without coal. The Glasgow COP26 summit is the turning point for humanity, the host of the forthcoming UN climate conference bragged.

His could well turn out to be the most ill-judged speech by a British prime minister since James Callaghans press conference on his return from the Caribbean during the winter of discontent, earning him the derisive headline of Crisis? What Crisis?

Back home, a very different story was playing out. Households were being hit by soaring energy bills; energy suppliers were falling like flies, and the energy secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, was assuring the nation that there was absolutely no question of the lights going out this winter, although he didnt mention that coal-fired power stationsdue for closure in three yearsare still being paid to provide backup for faltering wind power. If China wanted evidence to justify its determination to keep burning coal, it could hardly do better than Britain, fast becoming the poster child of net zerobut not in the way Boris Johnson boasted to the UN.

Britains energy crisis has been ten years in the making. Back in 2010, coal, oil, gas, and nuclearso-called dispatchable generating capacity that responds to demandmade up 90.0% of Britains generating capacity. There was no solar, and wind made up only 2.6% of generating capacity. Ten years on, 18.3 gigawatts (GW) of coal capacity had been shut down, representing 77.4% of coal-fired capacity, to be replaced by 10.5 GW of wind and solar. At the same time, non-coal dispatchable capacity also fell: zero-emitting nuclear by 2.7 GW, dual-fueled and oil by 9.4 GW, and gas-firedonce billed as the bridge-generating technologyby 0.8 GW. As a result, by 2020, the proportion of dispatchable capacity in Britains generating mix had fallen to 66.1%, and wind and solar had risen to 16.7%.

Thanks to Covid lockdowns, 2020 was a banner year for renewables in Britain. Energy demand fell to levels last seen in the 1950s, and windy spring weather meant that renewable generation accounted for a record 43.1% share of power generation and hydrocarbon generation a record low of 37.7%. The first quarter of this year saw energy consumption fall further, but the wind didnt blow as much. Renewable generation fell 16%, and hydrocarbon rose 15%. The lack of wind persisted into the summer and affected much of northern Europe, helping create a surge in pan-European demand for natural gas.

Although domestic production of natural gas peaked in 2000, Britain should have been well-placed to meet this extra demand. In 2013, the British Geological Survey estimated that the Bowland-Hodder shale formation, straddling a large area across the north of England, contains 1,329 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, comparable with the largest shale formations in the United States.

In November 2019, the government announced that it was ending support for fracking: Exploratory work to determine whether shale could be a new domestic energy source, delivering benefits for our economy and energy security, has now been pausedunless and until further evidence is provided that it can be carried out safely here, a Catch-22 that prevents all possibility of acquiring such evidence. In September 2020, the government announced a review of the offshore oil and gas licensing regime, with the aim of it leading the way on climate change and achieving net zero. We have more installed offshore wind capacity than any other country in the world, explained Alok Sharma, the business and energy secretary who had also been appointed COP26 president eight months earlier.

Thus Britains energy policy came to incorporate two fallacies that, when combined, are fatal. The first is that windespecially offshore windis a substitute for dispatchable generating capacity. As Britain is learning the hard way, you cant regulate the weather. Investing in more wind capacity doesnt make the wind blow harder when there isnt any wind; and if there little or no wind, wind power output will be as close to zero as makes no difference. This is so blindingly obvious that it is never articulated or recognized by energy policymakers and the experts advising them.

The second fallacy is that policies that suppress domestic production of natural gas by delaying license approvals and banning fracking cut demand for natural gas. Although electricity demand was 3% lower in the first quarter of this year, demand for natural gas jumped 8.1%, mainly because lower wind speeds increased demand for gas in electricity generation. The only thing that self-embargoing new domestic production has achieved is to hand more market power to Gazprom, the biggest gas supplier to western Europe.

While Gazprom is fulfilling its long-term contracts, it has been accused of not supplying additional gas to ease supply shortages and make the coming winter less costly for Europeans. Why should it? Its not Gazproms job to make life easier for feckless, climate-posing British politicians but to maximize the selling price it obtains for its natural gas. If high energy prices force energy-intensive industries to close and inflict a miserable winter and a savage cost of living crisis on poorer Britons, thats their problem, not Gazproms.

Despite the accumulating evidence, purposeful ignorance on the causes of Britains energy crisiscall it the Curse of COP26persists. The UKs exposure to volatile global gas prices underscores the importance of our plan to build a strong, home-grown renewable energy sector, Kwarteng tweeted. In moving away from fossil fuels, we can insulate ourselves.

The facts contradict the energy secretary. Last year, the average price achieved by the Big Four energy companies was 69.76 ($95.64) per megawatt-hour (MWh), a price that includes 14.07 ($19.29) per MWh of carbon taxes and emissions allowances to make for a net price of 55.69 ($76.35) per MWh. By comparison, the average price that they received from their wind and solar investments was 109.53 ($150.17) per MWh, very nearly double the net of carbon price of conventionally generated electricity for capacity that is inherently inferior because of the intermittency of its output.

Moreover, the cost of natural gas net of carbon prices would have to quadruple from its average 2020 level and stay there indefinitely for renewables to be price-competitive with natural gas generation. Even so, natural gas will still be neededhowever much it costswhenever there is insufficient wind. Kwartengs illusory insulation turns out to be very expensive and as unreliable as the weather.

Britains energy crisis is an early symptom of a chronic energy crunch that will worsen over time. Electrification of heating and transportation will increase the demand for electricity, yet dispatchable generating capacity will continue to shrink. Britains last coal-fired power station is due to close in September 2024. Its aging fleet of nuclear power stations will be partially replaced by the 6.5-GW Hinkley Point C nuclear project, which wont become operational before June 2026 at the earliestnearly two decades after it was first mooted. The only practical solution to fill the widening generating gap is to build new gas-fired power stations.

Escaping this tightening energy vice requires a radical reorientation of energy policy. Because the rogue economics of subsidized wind power and the risk of regulatory expropriation have destroyed the private-sector case for investing in the latest generation of gas-fired technology, new investment will have to be funded with the backing of the governments balance sheet. To reduce Gazproms market power requires an enthusiastic commitment to fracking and exploiting Britains remaining offshore reserves. What, though, Boris Johnson has made clear is that Britain will not have a rational energy policy for as long as he remains prime ministerand, by the time that realization dawns, his position will be irrecoverable.

Rupert Darwall is the author of Green Tyranny.
The following is Part 2 of my interview with former President Donald Trump. You can read Part 1 here.

U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified Tuesday and Wednesday before the Senate and House armed services committees. These were Milleys first public appearances since the publication of excerpts from a new book by Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, which made several explosive revelations, including the following:

Milley insinuated himself into domestic politics by conducting backchannel conversations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in which they called President Trump crazy.

He also inserted himself into the chain of command by telling senior U.S. military commanders that they could not launch nuclear weapons without his permission.

The JCS chairman also made secret phone calls to his military counterpart in the Peoples Republic of China, promising to forewarn him of any impending U.S. attack.

While testifying this week, Milley defended his phone calls as fully coordinated and above board, and he denied any suggestion he had attempted to usurp the presidents authority.

Milleys name came up repeatedly in my interview with Donald Trump last week. After initially disparaging him as not the brightest bulb, Trump said that he had liked the general while he was in the White House, but that Milley had changed.

Dont forget, he wasnt this way, Trump said. He became this way because he was a politician. He tried curry favor with Biden. I saw that he choked under pressure, and what made him choke was the television camera. He was really bad.

Trump said keeping Milley on as chairman of the Joint Chiefs is a bad idea, but when asked about other senior leadership in the military, he refused to single anyone else out by name as having done a poor job.

They are good people, Trump said, referring to other generals he had worked with, but they make really bad decisions.

As to Afghanistan, Trump was adamant that his decision to wind down the war was the correct one but ripped President Biden for bungling the exit. Its the single most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, Trump said, adding that had he been in office, his administration would have handled it much better.

For us to flee, Trump said, surrender with hands up, and give them the best military equipment in the world, without a shot being fired. I had them at bay. We were going to get out too, but we wouldve got out with dignity and actual victory.

I asked Trump how much resistance he faced in Washington in ending the war in Afghanistan, despite the policys broad popularity with the public.

I had a lot of resistance from the military, and I had a lot of resistance from Congress, he said. A lot of people in Congress didnt want to leave.  They wouldve stayed in forever. We were there for 21 years, and I said 21 years is enough.

Trump was also unsparing in his criticism of former President George W. Bush, who was back in the news recently on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. At the Pennsylvania memorial to passengers who fought for control of doomed United Airlines Flight 93, Bush paid homage to the heroism and decency Americans showed in the face of evil. He also took a thinly veiled shot at Donald Trump and many of his supporters, saying domestic extremists are children of the same foul spirit as the violent jihadi terrorists who attacked America in 2001.

For his part, Trump didnt appreciate the swipe.

George Bush doesnt have the right to lecture people, because he blew it, Trump said dismissively. Bush made the single greatest mistake in the history of our country, which was going into the Middle East. We spent trillions of dollars and millions of lives (counting both sides) and we are further away from utopia that they were looking for than we were 21 years ago when he did this. It was a terrible decision going into the Middle East, so when I hear him lecturing people, I just dont think he has the right to do it. He was a failed president.
Presidents and policymakers in Washington place tremendous demands on the nations all-volunteer military, whether its a U.S. Navy carrier group providing tsunami relief on the far side of the Pacific Ocean or special forces units on horseback hunting terrorists in the Hindu Kush. According to a new RealClear Opinion Research poll, Americans support the entire array of these military undertakings  and, for the most part, trust the men and women in uniform to carry them out.

This confidence spans the political spectrum, which is reassuring in a political environment so polarized that war itself is now evaluated through a partisan prism. Asked their views about missions ranging from protecting human rights abroad to defending Taiwan against an invasion from China, significant majorities of registered voters expressed support for all of them.

Highest on the list at (82%) was using the military to protect human rights like the rights of women, children, religious or ethnic minorities. Responding to natural disasters was tied for second place at 76% with the more traditional military duty of curbing aggression by U.S. adversaries.

The American electorate is supportive of a wide range of military missions, said John Della Volpe, director of polling for RealClear Opinion Research. We found, though, that when asked about how they prefer to see our armed forces deployed, voters are more likely to support use of soft power than hard power. (Click the chart image to enlarge it.)

This expressed willingness to use military power in support of human rights has limits, however, especially when it runs into the harsh realities of long wars. The dichotomy reveals itself when Americans are asked about ending the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. By a margin of 52% to 38% (with the rest undecided), voters support President Bidens decision to withdraw from Afghanistan.

Certainly, the U.S. military presence there represented an effort at protecting the rights of women, children, religious, or ethnic minorities. But public support wanes even for a goal favored by 82% of Americans when its perceived as an endless commitment. The U.S. role in Afghanistan began as a hunt for 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden and to punish and replace the Taliban extremists who harbored his terrorists. It eventually devolved into a seemingly permanent occupation while the U.S. tried to impose a working democracy on a tribal society, an elusive goal that entailed costly efforts to liberate Afghan women and girls. For most Americans, 20 years was enough.

Even though the Afghanistan withdrawal was negotiated by Donald Trump and carried out by Joe Biden  meaning it was literally a bipartisan decision  deep partisan divides revealed themselves in the survey, with Republicans being far more critical of the current commander-in-chief than were Democrats.

While much of this gap is attributable to our own brand of tribal politics, the chaotic and deadly nature of the U.S. retreat is also driving Republicans attitudes.

It was a surrender and not a withdrawal, one 63-year-old Republican poll respondent commented. Biden left Americans behind, he armed terrorists, and got 13 of our service members killed.

But it wasnt only Republicans who expressed this view of Biden. The way he handled it was terrible, said a 47-year-old female independent from New Jersey.

The way they did it, added a male Democrat, 64, from Pennsylvania.

Other findings from the RealClear survey also suggest that the Trump-Biden decision to quit Afghanistan would be even more popular had the evacuation gone more smoothly. Queried in an open-ended question about why they opposed the withdrawal, fully 40% of respondents gave some version of bad planning/failed execution/happened too fast. Another 18% cited Americans or allies being left behind. Only 14% expressed worries about the Taliban coming to power or the U.S. abandoning the Afghan people. Even fewer (12%) mentioned terrorism or national security concerns.

In other words, Biden (and Trump) appear to have read the mood of the electorate properly.

Other highlights of the most recent survey include the following:

Pronounced generational gaps characterize voters views of foreign policy and the military. China, for instance, was named as Americas most significant foreign adversary (from list of seven choices) based on strong feelings from Republicans and older voters. Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z are more likely to list terrorist groups and the Taliban. Another example: By a margin of more than 2-to-1, Millennials and Zoomers favor teaching critical race theory at the U.S. military academies, while a majority of the Silent Generation/Baby Boomer cohort are opposed.



A majority of respondents say the divided nature of American politics makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the military to do its job well, win wars and defend Americas interest around the world. Democrats, led by African Americans, are more willing to believe the military can find ways to remain above the fray, but even among Democrats, the concern is widespread.



Doubts are more pronounced as voters are asked to go up the chain of command. Asked whether they trust the rank-and-file military to do the right thing when it comes to making military decisions, the trust is overwhelming: Some 74% of all voters answered affirmatively, led by Republicans (83%). When the same question was asked about the generals, this trust declined precipitously  to 55%. It went down even further when the question was phrased to ask about the Pentagon (47%) and, predictably, even more when the current or previous command-in-chiefs name was invoked (39% for both Biden and Trump). Congress is even lower: 34% for Democrats on Capitol Hill; 31% for Republicans.





Although young voters  those who would be most impacted  oppose the draft 61% to 24%, this issue is one of the few in which Democrats and Republicans are almost completely aligned, noted Della Volpe. Opposition to the draft is steadfast.

What Lincoln Foresaw

When members of this all-volunteer military force are performing humanitarian missions with unrivaled speed and know-how, they show America to its best advantage. This was certainly the case when an armada of ships in the U.S. Navys Lincoln Strike Group, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, brought fresh water, food, and medicine to thousands of people stranded and battered by the 2004 tsunami that wreaked such death and carnage in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This is the kind operation that unites Americans across party lines.

Thinking of it that way, the aircraft carrier is well-named. Abraham Lincoln knew earlier than most of his countrymen that even in the mid-19th century, America was a nation so powerful that anyone who attacked it wouldnt get very far.

That didnt mean there was nothing to fear. In January 1838, a 28-year-old Abraham Lincoln exhorted Americans to not let their political passions lead them to mob rule.

At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? he asked in a speech in Springfield, Ill. Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the Earth (our own excepted) in the military chest, with a Bonaparte for a commander, would not by force take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years.

No. The threat, Lincoln told us, was from domestic terrorism. From mob rule, and a willingness to act lawlessly to further our political aims. All these years later, Americans sense the truth of this warning.

Asked in the RealClear Opinion Research survey to name the United States most formidable current foreign adversary, voters dutifully ranked China first (28%), followed by terrorist groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda (20%); the Taliban (10%); Russia (8%); cyber-terrorists (7%); North Korea (6%); and Iran (2%). This makes sense. But when asked an open-ended question without mentioning the foreign angle, the answers were different, and revealing.

Asked What do you believe to be the greatest threat to America today? the highest percentage answer (14%) was Islamicist terror groups such as ISIS and the Taliban. But four of the next five answers were domestic in nature and the fifth, the coronavirus pandemic, is both a foreign and domestic threat. And when asked directly whether they were more concerned about foreign or domestic threats facing the country, 58% said domestic, with 42% answering foreign.

We are worried, in other words, about our neighbors and our dysfunctional politics. The greatest threat to America today is political extremism, replied a 57-year-old Georgia woman, a political independent. It seems we can't accomplish anything in a bipartisan way. Our energies and resources are spent in arguments rather than rational conversations about complex and nuanced issues. This domestic bickering leaves us vulnerable to threats from abroad.

Although they tend to point fingers across the political divide rather than at those on their own side, many Democrats and Republicans concur.

I believe that the greatest threat to America today comes from within our own boundaries, added a male Republican, 59, from North Carolina. This instability does not create the strong social fabric that is necessary when being faced with political attacks from outside our boundaries.

The greatest threat to America, warned a 22-year-old female Democrat from Ohio, is America.

Carl M. Cannon is the Washington bureau chief for RealClearPolitics. Reach him on Twitter @CarlCannon.








Sammy Guevara became the new TNT Champion after facing Miro in the main event of AEW Dynamite.

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The show took place in Rochester, New York, on Wednesday, the hometown of the late Brodie Lee. AEW paid homage to Lee once again, who died at the age of 41 in December from a non-COVID related lung issue.

Guevara faced a tall task in defeating Miro, who was undefeated in singles competition.

Miro used his superior strength to dominate the match at first, but Guevara wouldn't stay down. Guevara, at one point, impressively leaped over the top rope to take Miro down outside the ring.

The Redeemer later removed the turnbuckle pads from the ring posts to inflict more damage. Guevara's friend Fuego del Sol arrived onto the scene to stop his rival Miro, who knocked him out.

Guevara was able to send Miro into the exposed turnbuckle and then performed the GTH. The Spanish God headed to the top rope and unleashed a 630 Senton to pin Miro and become the new TNT Champion.

Also on Dynamite, Adam Cole was in action against Jungle Boy in the night's opening bout. Cole, along with his Elite partners The Young Bucks, had defeated Jungle Boy, his Jurassic Express partner Luchasaurus and Christian Cage at Grand Slam.

Jungle Boy was able to hold his own against Cole at first who went outside the ring to compose himself after an exchange of hard kicks.

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Cole later came back with a Panama Sunrise, but Jungle Boy kicked out at two during the pinning attempt. Cole missed The Last Shot but landed it after he was able to strike Jungle Boy below the belt while the referee was distracted.

Cole won the match from the second Last Shot and was joined by his group The Elite including Nick and Matt Jackson of The Young Bucks, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Impact World Tag Team Champions Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson of The Good Brothers.

Omega commented on his dream match against Bryan Danielson last week, which ended in a draw. Omega said Danielson couldn't get the job done and that their would not be a rematch.

The American Dragon arrived onto the scene and said Omega didn't have the balls to face him again and referred to the champ as Kenny 'No Balls' Omega. The crowd then started chanting the new nickname.

Danielson challenged any member of The Elite to face him on Rampage Friday and brought out Cage, Luchasaurus, Frankie Kazarian, Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt to chase The Elite out of the ring.

The Dark Order, Lee's former group that he led before his passing, was in action alongside Orange Cassidy against The Hardy Front Office in a massive 16-Man Tag Team match.

The Dark Order, who have not been on the same page lately, started to fall apart once members Evil Uno and Alex Reynolds started arguing.

Lee's son Brodie Lee, Jr., his wife Amanda Huber and Dark Order member Anna Jay along with her partner Tay Conti, then came down to the ring to fix the infighting. Brodie Lee, Jr. threw a stack of papers at Evil Uno in a callback to his dad and the group finally came together.

Dark Order member John Silver delivered a flurry of offense with Evil Uo and Stu Grayson winning the match with Fatality. Lee's family and The Dark Order then celebrated together inside the ring.

Other moments from Dynamite included Cody Rhodes and Lee Johnson defeating Dante Martin and Matt Sydal; Rhodes' manager Arn Anderson giving Rhodes a hard time about losing to Malakai Black and how he isn't tough enough to defeat Black; Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston and Darby Allin defeating Bear Country and Anthony Greene; Jay and Conti defeating Penelope Ford and The Bunny; and MJF having a war of words with Allin that brought up personal family issues and professional wrestler Lio Rush joining AEW.
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Cloudy early followed by heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Some clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
As the COVID-19 delta variant continues to spread across the nation, questions about booster shots, hospitalizations and vaccine hesitancy leave many frustrated. As part of The Red & Blacks health news coverage, we are publishing weekly reports on news relating to COVID-19 and its recent statistics.

Major updates

COVID-19 cases rose just slightly at the University of Georgia from last week, according to the universitys reporting system. UGA reported 91 new cases over the week of Sept. 20-26, a slight increase from the 82 cases during the week of Sept. 13-19. The surveillance testing positivity rate was about 1.64% for this week. The World Health Organization recommends communities maintain a positivity rate below 5%.

21.98% of the positive tests  20  were conducted at the University Health Center. There were 19 positive tests through surveillance testing, 20 positive tests in Athens & the local community and 32 tests reported from other testing sites.

Students that test positive for COVID-19 off-campus are required to report it to DawgCheck, UGAs monitoring tool. Because students may have tested positive off-campus and not reported it, the actual number of COVID-19 cases may be higher than 91.

On September 22, the Food and Drug Administration approved booster shots for people who received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago and fall into certain categories. The FDA approved booster shots for people who are either at least 65 years old or adults who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 or who work or live in high-risk settings.

The UHC has received booster shot doses to administer.

Georgias hospitals have about 10% of their intensive care unit beds left for sick patients. Some medical institutions are turning people away due to a lack of space. From Sept. 19-25, about 98.8% of COVID-19 cases in the southeastern U.S. were delta variant cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The majority of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Georgias case data by age shows children aged 0-17 are the second-highest in contracting the virus out of all age groups. The highest rate is in those aged 30-59.

Data breakdown: University of Georgia

The university conducted 1,158 surveillance tests during the week of Sept 20-24, a decrease compared to the 1,196 tests last week. With fewer tests occurring, fewer cases are able to be detected.

Of the total positive cases this week, 24 of them belonged to employees and 67 belonged to students.

For the week of Sept. 20-26, the UHC administered 275 vaccines, fewer than the 333 administered last week. Cumulatively, the UHC has administered 26,453 vaccines.

Students and faculty may book a vaccine appointment at the UHC Vaccine Portal or get vaccinated at any University System of Georgia school. Students may also get tested for COVID-19 at the UHC with walk-in appointments.

More than 50 life sciences faculty members at the University of Georgia are planning to require masks in their classroom, challenging state university system rules. The faculty members sent a letter to the University System of Georgia stating they will be requiring all students and staff in their classes and laboratories to wear masks, even though USG prohibits these requirements.

With no mask or vaccine mandates on campus, these faculty members are taking matters into their own hands to protect themselves, each other and their students, they said.

Data breakdown: Athens-Clarke County

Last week, Athens-Clarke County saw a decrease of new confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the week before.

From Sept. 24-29, the county reported 185 new confirmed cases, compared to 334 from Sept. 18-23, according to the Georgia DPH. The countys seven-day average positivity rate was 9.7%.

This week, ACC reported four confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

According to the Georgia Geospatial Information Office, the number of current hospitalizations in Region E  which includes ACC and several surrounding counties  decreased last week. On Sept. 29, there were 161 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, compared to 215 on Sept. 22.

According to the Georgia DPH, about 44% of the county is fully vaccinated. This percentage is below what is needed to achieve herd immunity, when enough people are vaccinated to stop or severely slow transmission of the virus.

Data breakdown: Georgia

Statewide, the weekly rate of new confirmed COVID-19 cases has decreased.

Georgia reported 21,386 confirmed COVID-19 cases between Sept. 24-29, a decrease of about 7,000 from the 28,761 cases between Sept. 18-23. The states seven-day average positivity rate decreased to 9.9% on Sept. 29.

The number of confirmed deaths in the state decreased  Georgia recorded 498 confirmed COVID-19 deaths between Sept. 24-29 compared to the 629 between Sept. 18-23.

According to the DPH, about 4.9 million Georgians have been fully vaccinated, or about 47% of the state. In comparison, the U.S. has a current full vaccination rate of 55%. Approximately 5.6 million Georgians, or 54% of the state, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. According to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Georgia has a total population of about 10.6 million.

According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals should wear a mask indoors if in an area of substantial or high transmission. Currently, the CDC says Clarke Countys level of community transmission is high, along with most other counties in Georgia. The CDC has also released guidelines advising vaccinated individuals to still wear masks over their nose and mouth when in public, indoor settings.
Fungi pottery on display at Brattleboro Claywork as organizers get ready for the inaugural Fungi Fest that starts on Oct. 8 and runs to Oct. 30.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Three people have been sentenced to federal prison for using tracking devices and zip ties to abduct bank employees and steal more than $600,000 from Tennessee banks.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman sentenced Travis Jackson, 37, to more than 45 years in prison, the U.S. attorney's office in Memphis said in a news release Wednesday.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabama lawmakers on Thursday continued to advance a $1.3 billion prison construction plan that would be partly funded with pandemic economic relief dollars, saying they are comfortable that the expenditure is allowed.

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee approved the construction plan and related financial bills, including using $400 million of the states $2.1 billion from the American Rescue Plan to pay for part of the construction. The approval put the bills in line for a final vote Friday in the Alabama Senate.

Republican Sen. Greg Albritton said the $400 million for prisons is a necessary expenditure and represents a fraction of the billions in pandemic relief dollars that have come into the state, payments ranging from stimulus and unemployment for individuals to grants for government.

Alabamas need on the prison matter is acute, and its necessary, Albritton said.

Democratic Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison said she believed some of the money should go to the self-contained petri dish that prisons are, but questioned whether state had done enough for health care services.

Im concerned right now about hospitals closing, especially in rural areas. When hospitals close in rural areas, thats a long distance for people to travel and a loss of lives, possibly, Coleman-Madison said.

The $400 million comes from a segment of the American Rescue Plan funds that provides money to replace revenue lost during the pandemic. The Treasury Department said the money can be used for infrastructure and to strengthen support for vital public services.

Now without saying, 'Yes, Alabama, you can build a prison,' I think that pretty clearly says, Yes, Alabama, you can build a prison,'" Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agency, told lawmakers during a presentation.

The proposal calls for at least three new prisons  one with at least 4,000 beds in Elmore County that would have enhanced space for medical and mental health care needs, another with at least 4,000 beds in Escambia County and a womens prison  as well as renovations to existing facilities. Six existing prisons would eventually close, a prospect that has brought objections from some lawmakers.

Sen. Democratic Sen. Billy Beasley of Clayton said his district has three prisons, all recruited to provide jobs in the isolated rural area.

If I lose my facilities, then its going to be a devastating blow to the economy of Clayton and Clio and Barbour County, for that matter  and Bullock County, Beasley said.

Beasley also unsuccessfully tried to decrease the maximum number of inmates the prisons would house, questioning the feasibility of safely running and staffing two 4,000-bed prisons. The committee tabled the proposed amendment.

I think its in the best interest of the correctional officers. I think its in the best interest of the inmates, Beasley said of having smaller prisons.

To pay for construction, the state would also borrow $785 million through a bond issue and tap $150 million in general fund dollars.
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan Region between Sept. 23-29, 2021.

This weeks selection includes scenes from across the region, including Shiite pilgrims descending on the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas for the Arbaeen Shiite festival in Karbala, Iraq. The holiday marks the end of the forty-day mourning period after the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammads grandson, in the 7th century.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California has joined the vast majority of states in setting up a way to strip the badges of police officers who act criminally or with bias, a change that was among several criminal justice reforms signed into law Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The nation's most populous state was one of just four without such a statewide system alongside Hawaii, New Jersey and Rhode Island. California's reforms also will limit the use of rubber bullets during protests, bar a type of restraint hold that has led to deaths and detail when an officer has a duty to intervene to prevent or report excessive force.

We are in a crisis of trust when it comes to law enforcement right now, across the state, across the nation, said Attorney General Rob Bonta, Newsom's fellow Democrat who supported the bills. We're delivering concrete solutions from banning dangerous holds that lead to asphyxia to multiple other mechanisms that improve accountability and oversight and transparency.

Officers can now lose their certification for serious misconduct including using excessive force, committing sexual assault, intimidating witnesses, making a false arrest or report, or participating in a law enforcement gang. Other grounds include demonstrating bias based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or mental disability, among other criteria.

Newsom signed the legislation during a sometimes emotional event in a Los Angeles County park where Kenneth Ross Jr., a 25-year-old Black man, was killed in 2018. The officer who shot him was cleared of wrongdoing, but had previously been involved in three other shootings.

Say his name, supporters chanted softly as Newsom signed the bills and Ross' mother, Fouzia Almarou, spoke of her ever-present pain and agony as well as her hope that the new laws will prevent other Black and Brown deaths.

The mother of Angelo Quinto, Sandra Quinto Collins, burst into tears and was hugged by Newsom before other family members told how he died after a San Francisco Bay Area officer pressed a knee to his neck during a mental health crisis just before Christmas last year. A new law will restrict such face-down holds that can cause what's known as positional asphyxia.

Newsom also signed a measure setting statewide standards for when officers can use kinetic projectiles" like rubber bullets and chemical agents or tear gas to break up peaceful demonstrations. Police also are prohibited from aiming rubber bullets, beanbags and foam rounds at anyones head, neck or other vital areas.

During the 2020 racial justice protests some demonstrators acting peacefully were injured by rubber bullets and other projectiles.

The new law also requires training officers to use the less-lethal weapons only when someone is at risk of death or serious injury, or to bring an objectively dangerous and unlawful situation safely and effectively under control. Officers will have to give verbal warnings and try other de-escalation tactics first.

Police groups opposed the measure, arguing the less-than-lethal tools are needed to prevent violence and are often better than the alternatives.

The law allowing the decertification of poor officers comes 18 years after lawmakers stripped away that power from a state police standards commission.

That left it to local agencies to decide if officers should be fired, but critics said they could often simply get a job in a different department.

The legislation will create a mandatory new state license, or certification, that can be permanently revoked. Allowing decertification will end the wash, rinse, repeat cycle of police misconduct, Democratic state Sen. Steven Bradford said.

Many times it's said Black and Brown people hate the police, said Bradford, who is Black. We dont hate the police. We fear the police. We fear the police due to lack of trust.

His new law was driven in part by last years murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman, yet the legislation stalled at the end of last years session, as did the rubber bullets bill.

The decertification measure still struggled to gain support in the Assembly this year until Bradford agreed to allow suspending the license as a lesser punishment and beefed up other safeguards.

Unions representing officers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose declared victory with those changes to a bill they said would originally have allowed ending officers' careers for infractions as minor as a jaywalking ticket.

Law enforcement organizations and Republican lawmakers objected that the bill is still biased because just two of the nine members of a new disciplinary board will represent police, while the remaining seven will have professional or personal backgrounds related to police accountability.

Supporters including Bradford said that isnt stacked against officers because the 18-member Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training is mostly composed of law enforcement professionals and will make the final decision.

Both California Police Chiefs Association president Abdul Pridgen and Brian Marvel, president of the rank-and-file Peace Officers Research Association of California, said they hope to continue working out what they say are lingering flaws and vagueness in the bill, while supporting the overall goal.

We cannot allow officers who demonstrate gross misconduct to continue to be members of the law enforcement profession; their licenses must be revoked, Marvel said.
ITZEHOE, Germany (AP)  A former secretary for the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp skipped the start Thursday of her trial in Germany on more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder. She was picked up several hours later and ordered held in custody.

The 96-year-old woman left her home near Hamburg in a taxi on Thursday morning, a few hours before proceedings were due to start at the state court in Itzehoe, court spokeswoman Frederike Milhoffer said.

The court issued an arrest warrant and delayed the reading of the indictment until the next scheduled hearing on Oct. 19 because that couldn't be done in the defendant's absence.

The accused woman previously had announced that she didn't want to come to court, but that did not provide sufficient grounds for detaining her ahead of the trial, Milhoffer said. Given the woman's age and condition, she had not been expected actively to evade the trial, Milhoffer added.

Police found the defendant and she was brought to the court on Thursday afternoon. A court statement said that she was being taken to a detention center.

Prosecutors argue that the woman was part of the apparatus that helped the Nazi's Stutthof camp function during World War II more than 75 years ago.

The court said in a statement before the trial that the defendant allegedly aided and abetted those in charge of the camp in the systematic killing of those imprisoned there between June 1943 and April 1945 in her function as a stenographer and typist in the camp commandants office.

Despite her advanced age, the German woman was to be tried in juvenile court because she was under 21 at the time of the alleged crimes. German media identified her as Irmgard Furchner.

Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Centers office in Jerusalem, told The Associated Press that if she is healthy enough to flee, she is healthy enough to be incarcerated.

Her flight, he added, should also affect the punishment.

The case against Furchner relies on German legal precedent established in cases over the past decade that anyone who helped Nazi death camps and concentration camps function can be prosecuted as an accessory to the murders committed there, even without evidence of participation in a specific crime.

A defense lawyer told Der Spiegel magazine that the trial would center on whether the 96-year-old had knowledge of the atrocities that happened at the camp.

My client worked in the midst of SS men who were experienced in violence  however, does that mean she shared their state of knowledge? That is not necessarily obvious, lawyer Wolf Molkentin said.

According to other media reports, Furchner was questioned as a witness during past Nazi trials and said at the time that the former SS commandant of Stutthof, Paul Werner Hoppe, dictated daily letters and radio messages to her.

Furchner testified she was not aware of the killings that occurred at the camp while she worked there, dpa reported.

Initially a collection point for Jews and non-Jewish Poles removed from Danzig  now the Polish city of Gdansk  Stutthof from about 1940 was used as a so-called work education camp where forced laborers, primarily Polish and Soviet citizens, were sent to serve sentences and often died.

From mid-1944, tens of thousands of Jews from ghettos in the Baltics and from Auschwitz filled the camp, along with thousands of Polish civilians swept up in the brutal Nazi suppression of the Warsaw uprising.

Others incarcerated there included political prisoners, accused criminals, people suspected of homosexual activity and Jehovahs Witnesses.

More than 60,000 people were killed there by being given lethal injections of gasoline or phenol directly to their hearts, or being shot or starved. Others were forced outside in winter without clothing until they died of exposure, or were put to death in a gas chamber.

___

Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
BEIRUT (AP)  Jordan says it has discussed ways to expedite Egyptian natural gas shipments via its territory and Syria to Lebanon, which is dealing with a grueling energy-crisis.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh arrived in Beirut late Thursday, the first foreign official to visit Lebanons new prime minister who took office earlier this month.

Lebanon is witnessing an economic crisis described as one of the worlds worst since the 1850s. Shortages of medicine, fuel and basic supplies have often brought the country to standstill, while political disagreements have foiled efforts to form a government to negotiate a rescue package with international financial institutions.

Khasawneh said Jordan is committed to support Lebanons stability.

We will not hold back our capabilities, we'll respond with all we can for our brothers in Lebanon, Khasawneh said in a press conference with Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati. We discussed ways to expedite Lebanon receiving Egyptian gas to help some of the energy challenges and electricity sector.

He said there are efforts to provide Lebanon with some electricity from Jordan. He offered no details and said detailed discussions will follow.

Jordanian Energy Minister Hala al-Zawati said earlier this month that the infrastructure to resume gas flow to Lebanon needed checks after a 10-year hiatus. Maintenance was expected to be finalized by early October. Lebanese officials had said the World Bank would help Lebanon finance the deal. Few details have emerged about the agreement.

The pipeline going through Jordan and Syria carries Egyptian natural gas, a deal that was halted 10 years ago because of shortages and technical issues, as well as the war in Syria.

The Arab cooperation to deliver gas to Lebanon through Syria represents a significant thawing of relations between the war-ravaged country and its neighbors, most of whom had either cut diplomatic ties or limited relations to security collaboration during the 10-year civil war.

Washington, which imposes various sanctions on Syrian officials and entities, had endorsed reviving the deal, saying it will help Lebanon with its energy crisis.

Lebanons electricity company offers only a few hours of power a day, and residents have heavily relied on costly and polluting private generators.

Lebanon has also reached a deal with Iraq to secure fuel to help in generating several hours of power a day.
LOS LLANOS DE ARIDANE, Canary Islands (AP)  A bright red river of lava from the volcano on Spains La Palma island finally tumbled over a cliff and into the Atlantic Ocean, setting off huge plumes of steam and possibly toxic gases that forced local residents outside the evacuation zone to remain indoors on Wednesday.

The immediate area had been evacuated for several days as authorities waited for the lava that began erupting Sept. 19 to traverse the 6 kilometers (four miles) to the island's edge. On the way down from the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge, the lava flows have engulfed at least 656 buildings, mostly homes and farm buildings, in its unstoppable march to the sea.

The meeting of molten rock and sea water finally came at 11 p.m. on Tuesday. By daybreak, a widening promontory of newborn land could be seen forming under plumes of steam rising high into the area.

Even though initial air quality reading showed no danger in the area, experts had warned that the arrival of the lava at the ocean would likely produce small explosions and release toxic gases that could damage lungs. Authorities established a security perimeter of 3 kilometers (about two miles) and asked residents in the wider area to remain indoors with windows shut to avoid breathing in any gases.

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported from the islands first eruption in 50 years, thanks to the prompt evacuations of over 6,000 people after the ground cracked open following weeks of tremors.

The flattening of the terrain as it approached the coast had slowed down the flow of the lava, causing it to widen out and do more damage to villages and farms. The local economy is largely based on agriculture, above all the cultivation of the Canary plantain.

Just before it poured down a cliff into the sea at a local point known as Los Guirres, the lava rolled over the coastal highway, cutting off the last road in the area that connects the island to several villages.

We hope that the channel to the sea that has opened stops the lava flow, which widened to reach 600 meters (2,000 feet) at one point, from continuing to grow, because that has caused tremendous damage, Angel Victor Torres, president of the Canary Islands regional government, told Cope radio.

Torres said his government is working to house those who have lost their dwellings. Authorities have plans to purchase over 100 currently unoccupied homes. Torres cited one village, Todoque, home to 1,400 people, which was wiped out.

La Palma, home to about 85,000 people, is part of the volcanic Canary Islands, an archipelago off northwest Africa. The island is roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) long and 20 kilometers (12 miles) wide at its broadest point.

Cleaning crews swept up ash in the islands capital, Santa Cruz, while more small earthquakes that have rumbled under the volcano for weeks were registered by geologists.

Favorable weather conditions allowed the first flight in five days to land at airport on La Palma, an important tourist destination along with its neighboring Canary islands, despite a huge ash cloud that Spains National Geographic Institute said reached up to seven kilometers (nearly 4 miles) high.

Laura Garces, the director of Spain's air navigation authority ENAIRE, said she doesn't foresee any major problems for other airports on the archipelago because of the ash.

While the red tongue of lava lolled off the coast, the two open vents of the volcano continued to belch up more magma from below.

Experts say it's impossible to determine how long the eruption will last. Previous eruptions in the archipelago have lasted weeks, even months.

We dont know when this will be over, volcano scientist Stavros Meletlidis of Spains National Geographic Institute told state broadcaster TVE. Volcanos are not friends of statistics.

___ Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain.
SHARON  Local leaders reacted quickly and with disappointment to the news that their local hospital is eliminating services, including that of delivering babies.

Sharon Hospital announced a transformative plan Wednesday, which includes consolidating some of its services and eliminating others, including its labor and delivery department.

The plan, according to Sharon Hospital President Mark Hirko, is in place to best meet the evolving needs of patients, families, and staff.

The hospital was built 100 years ago, and the purpose for which it was built was very good at the time, he said. But health care has changed, and the hospital has fallen behind. Weve had to look at the changes and what the hospital is there for. So were taking stock of what we have, and focusing more on outpatient services.

Sharon Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and New Yorks Putnam Hospital in Carmel and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, are among the facilities that are part of Nuvance Health, as well as New Milford Hospital, which has primary care offices, a cancer care center and outpatient services.

The Sharon hospital plans to phase out the labor and delivery unit over the next eight to 12 months.

Sharon Hospital has seen fewer than 200 annual deliveries for the past four years, an average rate of fewer than one delivery per day, some days passing with no births at all in a fully staffed unit, Hirko said. An underused labor and delivery unit cannot be maintained while also ensuring Sharon Hospital can continue serving its patients and community in the long-term.

Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said he was concerned.

Obviously, this is not good news for our area, he said. I think a lot of our elected representatives are going to be very concerned. This area is served by this hospital.

If you were born there, you want to keep that continuity of care there, Ridgway said. Its huge ... My kids were born there. For a lot of people, its deeply personal.

Cornwall also depends on Sharon Hospital to be part of its emergency management system.

And obviously, its essential to have that department here, he said. There are a lot of new families in the area. Salisbury is experiencing a population increase, and so is Cornwall.

Sharon First Selectman Brent Colley said he was dismayed by the news.

I feel for us here in Sharon, and its unfortunate. A lot of people are worried, he said. We have new people who have moved here from New York, and theyre having babies. So now what? Theyll be traveling a long way.

And, (the department) is more than just babies, Colley said. Theres a whole other part thats going away. My wife was taken care of in Sharons OB department. They saved my wifes life.

He has received many calls from upset residents, he said. I have had to spend time talking it through with people, answering their questions if I could, he said. Its very depressing.

The hospital first announced its intention to close the labor and delivery department in 2019. At that time, residents and leaders, including Colley, gave testimony against the idea during hearings and forums. Others launched letter-writing campaigns.

I and others had to go to Danbury to testify about it, and it was tense, Colley said. But this affects not only Sharon, but other towns like Lakeville, Kent, Cornwall; it just leaves us all out. Losing the OB department is big.

Ridgway called the labor and delivery department a vital service to the community.

Were trying to rebuild the state, and part of that is having outstanding health care, he said. Promises were made for a fully functioning hospital. We want to make sure we have that, to the best of our ability.

Hirko said he knew the announcement about phasing out this service would be difficult. But, he said, Nuvances other hospitals are ready to serve patients.

Vassar is not that far away, and we also have Putnam Hospital in Dutchess County, he said. High risk babies and high volume deliveries will be handled there.

As far as phasing out labor and delivery, Hirko said, We never said it was a quality issue. Its based on the ability to staff it, and the financial losses that weve had  $5 million last year. We want to be able to be vibrant and vital, and something else had to give. We cant keep putting money into an area where were not seeing any growth.

Thats hard, he said. We didnt take the decision lightly. I didnt come to Sharon Hospital to close down the unit .. It was a very difficult decision. If we werent part of a larger health system, Sharon wouldnt be open right now.

State Rep. Maria Horn of the 64th District said she has received many calls from her constituents about the announcement.

Its not happy news that theyre closing labor and delivery...,, she said. What will be important is the community, going forward. Weve attracted a lot of young families to the area, and we need to have conversations about keeping them healthy.

She said the hospital will have to gain the communities support as it began putting its plans into action. To build community support, the community needs to be engaged, she said. It doesnt mean people will get everything they want. But we need the hospital, and the hospital needs a partner.

Hirko said the next step in the hospitals plan is to continue meeting with the established work groups from various departments, evaluating services and finding ways to make them more efficient, such as surgery and increased behavioral health services.

Thats up and running, he said. The obstetrics and gynecology unit (with labor and delivery) is something well be focusing on, probably in the next week or so.

The transformative plan also includes expanding primary care services, ambulatory services and adult behavioral health offerings, to better meet the needs of our growing 65-plus population as well as children and adults with disabilities. The hospital plans to consolidate its inpatient care services by organizing work groups and allow for more effectively (assigning) staff and resources to better serve the needs of our patients and keeping them at the hospital whenever possible, according to Hirko. The hospital also is consolidating its surgical services offerings, using the same work group model to find efficient ways to improve this unit.

Parts of this have been going on already, Hirko said. In regard to a timeline, we are going to hold ourselves accountable, so set up milestones ... We will be responsible to report to Nuvance and Sharons boards, and the communities, to give updates. And if things arent moving forward, well explain why.

The hospitals financial health is another consideration in the consolidation plans. A big expense for Sharon Hospital was the breakdown of the cooling systems for half the building, which happened in April. A temporary system is in place while the regular cooling system is being rebuilt.

Hirko said the funding for other Nuvance hospitals also had to be considered.

Weve lost more than $40 million  $21 million this year, and you cant keep that up, he said. It takes away from other Nuvance systems. You can only go so far. We have to get to a point where we can break even. Thats all we want.
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP)  Eight men have been arrested in North Macedonia accused of participating in multiple illegal excavations across the country to sell antiquities abroad, police said Thursday.

The Interior Ministry said police had raided homes and other premises linked with the suspects at 10 locations in the southern town of Bitola and northwestern town of Tetovo.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP)  The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 67 more COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths.

The latest numbers pushed the tribes totals to 33,907 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll now is at 1,447.

Based on cases from Sept. 10-23, the Navajo Department of Health issued an advisory for 40 communities due to an uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.

The tribes reservation is the countrys largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

Navajo officials are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.

Officials said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus by the end of this month or submit to regular testing.

The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers and casinos.

Any worker who did not show proof of vaccination by Wednesday must be tested every two weeks or face discipline.
WINSTED  Police are investigating a serious assault in Winsted that left a man in critical condition Wednesday, according to Connecticut State Police.

The assault took place at a Winsted residence on Prospect Street during the late morning hours Wednesday, according to local police. State police said a man was transported via a Life Star helicopter to Hartford Hospital and is in critical condition.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A human rights group in Belarus said Thursday that more than 50 people have been detained in the wake of a shootout that left an opposition supporter and a KGB officer dead.

The Viasna group said the detentions appeared to be connected to comments made on social media about the incident. It said those arrested face charges of insulting government officials and inciting social enmity, which carry sentences of up to 12 years in prison.
SHARON  A local hospital is planning to stop delivering babies within the next year as part of a strategic transformation, according to Nuvance Health.

Sharon Hospital and Nuvance Health announced the plan at a community forum Wednesday evening to best meet the evolving needs of patients, families and staff while ensuring a vibrant future for the hospital, a press release from the healthcare group stated.

The hospital has seen less than 200 annual baby deliveries for the past four years, or less than one delivery per day, some days passing with no births at all in a fully staffed unit, according to the press release.

Dr. Mark Hirko, the president of Sharon Hospital, said Every decision we make is based on what is best for our patients and staff.

That is why we chose a path focused on deliberate growth to enhance the care our community needs most, while connecting our patients with Nuvance Healths network of advanced specialists for any services not offered at our facility, Hirko said. With that, we had to make difficult decisions around redesigns and closures of underused services to ensure that Sharon Hospital can serve our patients and families well into the future.

Hospital officials plan to close the labor and delivery unit within the next eight to 12 months to allow all of todays expectant mothers who planned to deliver at Sharon Hospital to do so, the group said in a press release. The closure is still pending regulatory approval, Nuvance Health added.

Nuvance Health is committed to working with future mothers in the Sharon community to find the right facility for them, while understanding these decisions are ultimately a choice between each woman, her family, and her care team, the health care group said.

Sharon Hospital was identified as high risk for closing, according to the Center for Health Care Quality and Payment Reform. Since 2005, more than 180 rural and community hospitals have closed their doors, Nuvance Health said.

This plan helps the hospital adapt to the changing health care landscape, which endangers rural and community hospitals, the health care group said.

The plan also includes expanding primary and ambulatory care, investing in behavioral health and consolidating inpatient care and surgical services, Nuvance Health said.

The health care group will create work groups of clinical staff, including physicians and nurses, to more efficiently use staff and resources for inpatient care and surgical services.

The plan has been years in the making, Nuvance Health told the community forum in a presentation. An independent analysis from Stroudwater Associates recommended suspending the labor and delivery unit, as well as modifying surgical coverage, investing in primary care providers and growing outpatient services.

The community can learn more about the plan by going to www.NuvanceHealth.org. Patients and community members can also reach out to the hospital with questions, comments or schedule a meeting to discuss the plan by emailing SharonHospital@NuvanceHealth.org.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  An Arizona grand jury has indicted a Tucson man accused of illegally registering to vote and casting a vote while he was an inmate at the Pima County jail, authorities said Thursday.

The indictment alleges 45-year-old Kenneth Russell Nelson falsely completed a voter registration form in 2018 indicating that he had not been convicted of a felony or that his rights had been restored.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United Nations chief is urging unified regional and international action to prevent the crisis in Myanmar from becoming a large-scale conflict and multi-faceted catastrophe in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Wednesday that the opportunity to prevent the army from entrenching its rule could be narrowing and said it is urgent that regional and international countries help put Myanmar back on the path to democratic reform.

When Myanmars army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, it claimed with scant evidence that the general election her party won last November in a landslide was marred by widespread fraud. The takeover almost immediately sparked widespread street protests that security forces tried to crush. The pushback has left more than 1,100 people dead, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and right groups.

The United Nations has supported a five-point plan adopted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar, that calls for stopping violence, constructive dialogue, appointment of an ASEAN special envoy as mediator and humanitarian aid. It took until early August for ASEAN to pick Bruneis Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as their special envoy, and he is reportedly still negotiating with the military on the terms of a visit.

In the report, Guterres welcomed Yusofs appointment, called for timely and comprehensive implementation of the five-point consensus to facilitate a peaceful solution, and strongly encouraged ASEAN to work with the U.N. special envoy.

His urgent call for a united international and regional response indicates that with ASEANs slow movement, Guterres feels it is time for broader international action as well.

The risk of a large-scale armed conflict requires a collective approach to prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond, the secretary-general said. Grave humanitarian implications, including rapidly deteriorating food security, an increase in mass displacements and a weakened public health system compounded by a new wave of COVID-19 infections require a coordinated approach in complementarity with regional actors.

He said it is imperative to restore Myanmars constitutional order and uphold the results of the November 2020 election. He suggested neighboring countries could leverage their influence over the military to have it respect the will of the people and to act in the greater interest of peace and stability in the country and region.

Guterres said the international and regional effort must be accompanied by the immediate release of Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other government officials as well as immediate humanitarian access and aid, especially to vulnerable communities, including some 600,000 Rohingya Muslims still in northern Rakhine state and the more than 700,000 who fled a 2017 military crackdown and are now in camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

The report, covering the period from mid-August 2020 to mid-August 2021, said that since the military takeover, security forces have engaged in wide-ranging brutal repression, especially of those protesting Suu Kyis ouster, sparked a political crisis with wide implications for the region, and carried out serious human rights violations.

Those expressing opposition to the military and joining democratic movements, as well as their relatives and associates, have been subject to arbitrary killings and detentions, disappearances, night raids, intimidation and torture, Guterres said. There have also been numerous reports of sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by the security forces.

Between Feb. 1 and late July, he said, there have been at least 150 instances in which security forces reportedly used lethal force against unarmed protesters.

Guterres said students and education staff have been primary targets of repression, pointing to reports by the Myanmar Teachers Federation that at least 70 students and five teachers have been killed by security forces, that 775 students and 76 teachers have been detained, and that more than 125,000 teachers and 13,000 school staff in higher education institutions have been suspended or dismissed.

The secretary-general said there have also been numerous reports of violence targeting security forces as well as killings of individuals suspected of collaborating with the military.
A tea producers body has written to the Centre highlighting that there is an urgent need to curb import of inferior quality tea and consequent manipulation in its place of origin during re-export.

The Tea Association of India (TAI) also stressed the need for checking ingress of such quality of tea into the domestic market.

A representation to Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel by TAI vice-president Ajay Jalan here on Wednesday said the foreign trade policy should focus on improving the countrys market share in existing markets and products as well as exploring new ones.

The TAI raised the issues relating to the import of tea in its proposals to the Central government for upholding the sustainability of the tea industry, which employs over 11 lakh people directly, with almost half of them being women.

It pointed that the import of tea has been increasing in the country at a steady pace over the last five years, going up from 20.97 million kg in 2016 to 23.79 million kg in 2020.

While it has been 4.41 million kg for the January-June period this year, it was 12.16 million kg for the same period in the previous year.

The tea producers body mentioned that the landing cost of average quality tea from countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Nepal, is usually cheaper than Indian tea due to the lower cost of production in those countries. In such a scenario, any move to reduce import duty on tea from the present level of 100 per cent would result in an influx of cheap quality tea in the Indian market and would disturb the demand-supply equilibrium in the domestic market leading to depressed prices, losses, erosion in employment levels, the TAI said.

It would also threaten the livelihoods of millions of workers and small tea growers who are dependent on the tea industry.

The present import duty rate of 100 per cent on tea needs to subsist, it said.

A large quantity of duty-free tea imports declared for re-export comes to India at a very low price from different origins such as Africa, Argentina, and Vietnam, and while some are re-exported as multi-origin tea, many importers re-export these tea as Indian origin, the TAI said.

As much of these imported teas are of low quality, blending such teas with Indian varieties and passing them off as Indian tea lowers the image of our country and jeopardises the sustainability of the industry in India, it added.

Regarding issues specific to tea coming in from Nepal as a trade treaty with this country allows a free and unhampered flow of goods between the two neighbours, the Association said tea from Nepal is reportedly sold in the domestic market as Darjeeling tea, thereby diluting the brand image of Darjeeling tea and adversely impacting prices.

It pitched for a concentrated effort by Tea Board India, along with Customs, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), including import of Nepal tea which is FSSAI compliant and there should be no relaxation in testing parameters.

It also urged for mandatory submission of information of imports, re-exports, and distribution of imported tea within India every month, particularly concerning imports from countries with which India has Preferential Trade Agreements. The TAI also pointed to violations in re-export of duty-free imported tea and, quoting Tea Board figures, said against 60.35 million kg of tea imported into India in the last three years, only 23.43 million kg were re-exported, which underlines the fact that the rest 36.92 million kg of imported tea have been sold in the country. Measures suggested by the body for checking this included mandatory submission of all import details of tea to Tea Board, and checking of each consignment of imported tea as per FSSAI regulation.

The TAI further said while the share of Indian tea production remained constant at around 22 per cent and export share between 12 per cent to 13 per cent in the last 10 years in the global market, China has increased its production share from 34 per cent to 45 per cent and export share from 16 per cent to 19 per cent.

Kenya too has increased its export share from 24 per cent to 26 per cent during this period.

The Association also said the countrys Foreign Trade Policy should focus on improving Indias market share in existing markets and products as well as exploring new products and new markets.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel while commenting on the recent remarks made by Kapil Sibal against the Congress claiming that it was 'unfortunate.' CM Baghel is currently in Delhi. A day after almost 15-16 Chhattisgarh Congress MLAs landed in Delhi, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday maintained that their (his and Chhattisgarh MLAs) visit does not have any 'political objective.'

CM Bhupesh Baghel on Kapil Sibal's remarks: 'Statement is unfortunate'

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the Punjab Congress unit more than a dozen Chhattisgarh Congress MLAs reached Delhi on Wednesday with the demand that Bhupesh Baghel should continue as the Chief Minister of the state. CM Bhupesh Baghel while speaking to ANI about the recent remarks that Kapil Sibal had made against the Congress said, "Kapil Sibal is our (Congress) senior leader, his statement is unfortunate. After Rahul Gandhi's resignation, everyone decided to make Sonia Gandhi as working president. So putting such questions is ridiculous."

Kapil Sibal attacks Congress

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday reiterated his demand that the party should introspect regarding the recent turmoil in the Punjab Congress unit. He pointed out the fact that no action has been taken regarding the party's leadership even after a letter by 'G23 dissenters.' During a press briefing, Kapil Sibal added, "I'm speaking to you on behalf of those Congressmen who wrote the letter in August last year and are waiting for the actions to be taken by our leadership in respect of the election of the office of the president, to CWC and central election committee."

Kapil Sibal reminds Congress to be united

Speaking on the recent developments in Punjab, Sibal said that the turmoil in the border state would go on to benefit the ISI and Pakistan. "What is happening in the border state of Punjab is in the interest of ISI and Pakistan. We know the history of Punjab and the rise of extremism there," he said adding while mentioning that the Congress should stay united.

Image Credits - PTI/Facebook Bhupesh Baghel
As the political crisis in Punjab shows no sign of abating, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has called a high-level meeting in the national capital. After visiting Kozhikode and Malappuram, he is set to return to Delhi on Thursday. As per sources, the focal point of discussion will be the situation in Punjab resulting from Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation as the Punjab Congress president.

Sources had indicated that Congress is contemplating replacing Sidhu with Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Kuljeet Singh Nagra and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu as he is unwilling to back down on his demands. G23 leader Kapil Sibal's vocal criticism of the chaos in Congress might also come up for discussion during the meeting. Sibal was one of the 23 Congress leaders who wrote to Sonia Gandhi on August 23, 2020, highlighting that the uncertainty over leadership has weakened the party.

Crisis in Punjab

Barely a week into his tenure as the CM of Punjab, Charanjit Singh Channi encountered dissent within Congress as Sidhu stepped down from his post. Observing that "the collapse of a man's character stems from the compromise corner", the former swashbuckling batsman affirmed that he will never compromise on Punjab's future and the agenda for the welfare of the state. Sources revealed that Sidhu was unhappy not only for being ignored for the CM's post but also for the appointment of Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota and Amar Preet Singh Deol as the DGP and Advocate General respectively.

While refraining from explicitly commenting on the Punjab crisis, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday warned that Pakistan might seek to exploit the current situation. Addressing a press briefing, he said, "In our party, there is no president so we don't know who is making these decisions. We know and yet we don't know. I believe that one of my senior colleagues has perhaps written or is about to write to Congress Interim president (Sonia Gandhi) to immediately convene a CWC so that a dialogue can take place as to why we are in this state".

Later in the day, former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh set the rumour mills abuzz by meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the latter's residence in Delhi. Having resigned owing to the humiliation meted by the Congress leadership, Singh has not ruled out joining BJP. Officially commenting on the meeting, the Congress leader mentioned, "Discussed the prolonged farmers' agitation against farm laws and urged him to resolve the crisis urgently with the repeal of the laws and guarantee MSP, besides supporting Punjab in crop diversification".
The Ministry of Science and Technology, in its latest report, has revealed that the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) located at Hanle near Leh in Ladakh is becoming one of the promising observatory sites globally. Space enthusiasts and primarily scientists are constantly searching for the ideal locations worldwide from where they can carry out astronomical studies. As per the ministry, it recorded this higher influx of astronomers based on assimilation and observation of data extending over 41 years.

Trans- Himalayan region becoming one of the promising astronomical sites globally



The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) located at Hanle near Leh in Ladakh is becoming one of the promising observatory sites globally, said a recent study



 https://t.co/GAwDvgfh68 pic.twitter.com/GdEx8fFid9  PIB in Assam (@PIB_Guwahati) September 30, 2021

Factors causing the influx

According to the press release by the ministry, factors like a higher number of clear nights, minimal light pollution, background aerosol concentration, extremely dry atmospheric condition, and less interruption by monsoon has attracted the crowd. Such conditions are considered crucial for astronomers to build huge telescopes and plan for future observatories and predict how they will vary with time. As per the release, the research was led by Dr Shantikumar Singh Ningombam of Bengalurus IIA along with scientists from Nainitals ARIES, Department of Science & Technology, the Government of India, and collaborators from South Korea and even the US. The researchers analysed data that spanned 41 years, including 21 years of satellite data. Besides, they also carried out a detailed study of the nighttime cloud cover fraction over eight high altitude observatories, including three in India.

The ministry revealed that the eight sites included IAOs Hanle and Merak observatories in Ladakh, Devasthal in Nainital, Ali Observatory in the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, South African Large Telescope in South Africa, University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory and Paranal in Chile, and Mexicos National Astronomical Observatory. The findings suggested that the Hanle site has around 270 clear nights in a year and is also one of the emerging sites for infrared and sub-mm optical astronomy despite being as dry as the Atacama Desert in Chile and much drier than Devasthal.

Moreover, they found that IAO-Hanle, and Ali observatories, are similar to each other in terms of clear night skies as both are located only around 80 km from each other. Chiles Paranal won in terms of clear skies with approximately 87% of clear nights in a year. Revelations from the satellite data at different time resolutions also showed that the cloud cover fraction for Hanle, Merak, and Devasthal in India and Ali in China were 66-75%, 51-68%, 61-78%, and 61-75%. Studies of meteorological parameters like these would be highly beneficial for the IIA as it is planning on several mega-science projects such as the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) of 2-meter aperture and the National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT) of 8-10 meter aperture at Merak and Hanle, said the ministry.

Image: Pixabay
The European Union (EU) apex court on Wednesday announced an annulment of trade ties that allowed Morocco to export goods from Western Sahara. The decision came as a verdict in the case brought to court by Polisario Front, the movement seeking Western Sahara's independence from Morocco, PTI reported. Morocco and Western Sahara are simmering in a 46-year-old conflict over disputed territory along the southern border.

The agreements approved by the contested decisions (the agreements at issue) are the result of negotiations conducted on behalf of the European Union with Morocco to amend previous agreements in the light of two judgments delivered by the Court of Justice, EU said in a statement. Notably, as per the current annulment, EU-Morocco will no longer continue business in the agricultural and fishing sector. However, according to PTI, EU diplomat Josep Borrell and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita released a joint statement on ensuring a "legal framework which guarantees the continuation and stability of trade relations" between both fronts.

Change in EU-Morocco dynamics

It is noteworthy that the court ruling renders a great threat to the EU's relationship with Morocco since the former is Morroco's top trade partner and largest investor in North Africa. "However, the effects of those decisions are maintained over a certain period in order to preserve the European Unions external action and legal certainty over its international commitments," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

Acknowledging Polisario Front's claims, the General Court in its findings asserted that the front is "recognised internationally as a representative of the people of Western Sahara and that the EU did not ensure it secured the consent of Saharawi people before sealing Agreements with Morocco. Polisario representative at EU Oubi Bachir took to Twitter to celebrate "a great victory for the desert cause."

The Morocco-Polisario Conflict

According to PTI, the conflict between Morocco and Western Sahara erupted in 1975 after the former claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory about its size in the southern border. It was the first time Polisario Front (which was formed to combat the Spanish colonial forces from 1973-1975) opposed Morocco. This sparked a war between Western Sahara and Polisario Front that lasted until 1991 when the UN-brokered ceasefire established a peacekeeping mission between both nations.

With inputs from PTI

Image: Unsplash (representative)
Excavators digging through the Rock of Gibraltar have come across an undiscovered segment in the Vanguard cave that was once occupied by the Neanderthals. A report by The Guardian suggested that the discovered cave was hidden for over 40,000 years and the findings can now provide a glimpse of the lifestyle of our closest ancestors. The Neanderthals reportedly dominated the cave network for thousands of years.

Bones of spotted hyena and vulture were found

As per The Guardian, a team of researchers, led by Prof Clive Finlayson, an evolutionary biologist and the director of the Gibraltar National Museum, found a 13-metre space on the roof of the cave. Reports suggest that the Vanguard cave, which is part of the Gorham cave complex, is being examined since 2012.

A large chamber, potentially used by Neanderthals, sealed for at least 40 thousand years found in the Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar. Initial surface finds include remains of lynx, hyaena and Griffon Vulture as well as scratch marks on the walls. @EAAPaM https://t.co/SD4IZ7yNqS pic.twitter.com/LwyMyng1SM  European Association of Archaeologists (@archaeologyEAA) September 30, 2021

Inside the chamber, researchers found scattered vertebrae from a spotted hyena, leg bone of a lynx along with a griffon vultures wing bone. Finlayson explained that these scattered bones indicate that something dragged the creatures inside the chamber as six or seven examples of scratched claw marks were also observed in the cave walls.

He figured that the lynx, whose leg bone was found, must have made the marks, however, traces of a large dog were also recovered which expanded the possibilities. Besides, the bone fossils showed no signs of human intervention as they were free from cuts and marks.

Finlayson further pointed out that the chamber is just 20 metres above sea level today, which explains the evidence of Neanderthal occupation in the past. The Guardian revealed that parts of the cave have fossils of hearths and stone tools apart from the remains of red deer, ibex, seals and dolphins.

Interestingly, a milk tooth of a four-year-old child was unearthed four years ago from a region which was dominated by hyenas at the time. Experts stated that they are searching for more remains as the hyena must have dragged the kid in the cave before the occupation of Neanderthals in the region.

The experience was sobering, said lead researcher

In an interview with The Guardian, lead researcher Prof Clive Finlayson compared the discovery of the chamber to that of Egypts Tutankhamun tomb. Moreover, the experts believe that further exploration and excavation can provide more insight into the existence and society of the coastal Neanderthals.

Image: Twitter/@archaeologyEAA
Slovenia Police, on Wednesday, fired tear gas and water cannons to pacify a mob of thousands protesting against the country's ant-coronavirus measures in Ljubljana. According to a report by AP, police took action after around ten thousand protestors tried to block a major highway that connects the north of Ljubljana.

Notably, this was the second such protest reported in Slovenia's national capital. The demonstrators, comprising mostly of people who are against the use of COVID-19 vaccine passes, reportedly hurled bottles and other objects at the police. The protest comes at a time Slovenia suspended the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday as it investigates the death of a 20-year-old woman who had received the jab.

The protestors were heard chanting "Stop Corona Fascism" and demanded equal rights for both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.

"I am here for the future, the future of my kids, future generations, because this craziness needs to be stopped," protester Katja Zupan was quoted by AP as saying. "If we dont stand up for ourselves and for mankind, then we are done, we are lost," Zupan added.

It is worth noting the administration has suspended the inoculation of the J&J vaccine until experts determine whether there was a link between the womans death and the vaccine dose that she had taken two weeks ago. "However, the vaccines benefits continue to outweigh the risks," Health Minister Janez Poklukar noted.

J&J vaccine popular in Slovenia as it requires only one dose

According to the STA news agency report, the woman who died after taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine dose was the second such case in the country who had suffered a serious health condition. As per the health ministry's data, more than 1,20,000 people in Slovenia have received the J&J vaccine.

Notably, the J&J vaccine became more popular in Slovenia as it requires only one dose. It has gained widespread popularity after the government introduced new requirements for the use of COVID-19 passes while returning to the workplace. According to the government vaccine norms, people must have the COVID pass or have to proffer expensive PCR tests. As the demand for the one-shot vaccine increases, the Slovenia health ministry ordered an additional 1,00,000 J&J doses from Hungary in order to meet the demand of the working class.

(With inputs from AP, Image: AP)
On Thursday morning, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid landed in Bahrain for the first time since the two countries formally established diplomatic relations last year. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani received Lapid. The meeting is part of the countries' official diplomatic discussion that they agreed to in 2020, and also to inaugurate Israels embassy in Bahrain.

Lapid is the first Israeli foreign minister to visit Bahrain. Yossi Sarid, the minister of the environment, visited Bahrain in 1994 to take part in regional negotiations and meet with Bahrain's foreign minister. Shortly after Lapid's arrival, the first commercial flight between Manama and Tel Aviv took off for Israel.

The two countries had a covert security connection for a long time

The Israeli diplomatic group was scheduled to meet with Bahraini colleagues and sign a slew of agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, including business accords and hospital and water company cooperation. Over a shared concern of 'regional foe' Iran, the two countries had a covert security connection for a long time, but only last year made it public. Lior Haiat, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry said that they see Bahrain as an important partner, both bilaterally and as a bridge to regional cooperation.

As part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, Israel established formal diplomatic relations with four Arab governments last year. Since becoming Israel's foreign minister in June, Lapid has visited the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, opening Israeli diplomatic offices in both countries. On the anniversary of the signing of the accords, Bahrain's first ambassador to Israel came earlier this month and handed his credentials to Israel's figurehead president.

After peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1995, the agreements to establish relations with Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates were the first between Israel and Arab states in decades. The Palestinians were infuriated by the agreements. They saw it as a betrayal of the Arab world's long-standing pledge not to normalise relations with Israel until the decades-long conflict with the Palestinians was resolved.

The Israeli group travelled to celebrate Simchat Torah

The Israeli group travelled to join Bahrain's small Jewish population earlier this week to celebrate the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah. It was the first time in almost 75 years that the community could celebrate the festival in their synagogue, according to the spokesperson Lior Haiat.

(Inputs from AP News)

Image: Twitter/@yairlapid
Days after Lebanon formed a new cabinet, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has assured the country of providing necessary funds and technical assistance.

The announcement comes after ESCWA's executive secretary Rola Dashti visited Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on September 29. According to the Xinhua news agency, she has promised to provide economic expertise to Lebanon through ESCWA's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and donor countries.

"I visited Lebanese Prime Minister @Najib_Mikati to congratulate him on the government gaining confidence. At this critical stage, we promise to provide expertise to support decision-making, especially in evaluating various economic and social options," the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia executive secretary tweeted just after the meeting.

The United Nations official assured the Middle Eastern country to help in bringing reforms in the public as well as social sectors. "It is essential for Lebanon to benefit from loans to invest in infrastructure and in schemes that offer job possibilities for the youths in addition to strengthening the economy in different fields," Xinhua quoted Rola Dashti as saying.

Beirut formed a new cabinet earlier this month in the hope to start negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and unbar funding from the US in a view to save the country's economy. However, it would not be an easy road for the Prime Minister as the ESCWA, in its report, said that the poverty in Lebanon has increased multiple-fold as compared to last year.

Return of economic normalcy would not be a cakewalk for Lebanon PM

According to the new policy brief "Multidimensional Poverty in Lebanon: Painful Reality and Uncertain Prospects" published earlier this month, around 74% of the country's 68 lakh population are affected by poverty. The report said that 82% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty. It means a major chunk of the population cannot afford basic health, education and public utilities.

In order to deal with the situation, Rola Dashti appealed to the international community to make a social solidarity fund for the crisis-ridden country. Further, she asked the wealthier population, which accounts for nearly 10% of the total population, to contribute at least 1% of their net wealth in order to eradicate poverty.

(Image: @EscwaES/Twitter)
Security personnel baton-charged protesting medical students on Wednesday when they attempted to approach the Prime Minister's house in Islamabad in yet another episode of police brutality in Pakistan. According to Samaa News, students staged a sit-in at D-chowk to protest the medical college entrance exam, stating that the online examination was flawed.

On Wednesday night, the crackdown began. The protestors told local media that private goons beat them up and that the police used disproportionate force against them, not sparing even the women. One of the students said that PM Imran Khan should be aware that these are his own children. He further said that they are the country's hope for the future.

Shazia Marri, PPP's Central Information Secretary, criticises police violence

According to the protesting students and their parents, medical students have been protesting for several days, but no one from the government has been there to address their concerns. Shazia Marri, the PPP's Central Information Secretary, criticised police violence against medical students in Islamabad who were peacefully protesting for their rights, according to The News International. She questioned why the government has prohibited students from protesting though Imran Khan himself launched a 127-day sit-in at D-Chowk. She demanded that the students who had been detained be released.

This is not the first time security personnel have ruthlessly suppressed student protests. Security forces had previously arrested students in Balochistan for demonstrating against the Pakistan Medical Council (PMC). For the inconsistencies in the online entrance test, students have been organising protest rallies and staging sit-ins in front of the Quetta Press Club and other sections of the province capital, according to Dawn. Interference with government affairs, inciting riots, destruction of government property and violation of COVID preventative measures are among the charges filed against these students by police.

Instances of police abuse have become more common in Pakistan

The students were also baton-charged by police on September 9 while participating in a sit-in at Edhi Chowk protesting the online admission examinations. In Pakistan, such instances of police abuse are becoming more common. Police also had baton-charged Mangi Dam protestors in Balochistan earlier this month, who were demanding the evacuation of the Frontier Corps and military forces from the district after three security officers were killed in a roadside bomb.

(Inputs from ANI)

Image: AP
A horrifying incident of murder of a Sikh Hakim in Pakistans Peshawar has been reported on Thursday, September 30. A group of unidentified assailants shot Satnam Singh, a Hakim (physician), dead in Peshawars Charsadda road. Day after another, several reports of attacks on Hindus, Sikhs, Christians or their places of worship have been surfacing from Pakistan.

As per the report by The Express Tribune, four shots were fired at Satnam Singh, after the attackers ambushed him in his clinic. He was later rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Manjinder Sirsa requests the Ministry of External Affairs to raise the matter with the Pak govt

Reacting strongly to the incident, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, National Spokesman of Akali Dal and President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, slammed the Pakistan government on rising violence against Sikh minorities in the country. He further urged the Indian Embassy in Pakistan to connect with local authorities to ensure justice for the family of the deceased.

In a tweet, he wrote, Gundagardi in broad daylight in Pakistan & minority Sikhs are under attack. Satnam Singh of Peshawar was killed in a targeted attack at Charadda Road. He was fired 4 times, as per the police report. We urge India in Pakistan to connect with his family & local police to ensure justice.

Gundagardi in broad daylight in Pakistan & minority Sikhs are under attack. Satnam Singh of Peshawar killed in a targeted attack at Charadda Road. He was fired at 4 times, as per police report. We urge @IndiainPakistan to connect with his family & local police to ensure justice pic.twitter.com/eMPtFo5TSx  Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) September 30, 2021

In another tweet, he also requested the Ministry of External Affairs to take cognisance of the matter and keep a close watch on the issue of depleting safety of Sikhs in Pakistan.

We request MEAIndia to closely watch the situation & address the issue of safety of Sikhs in Pakistan with the Govt of Pakistan, Sirsa wrote.

The victim had arrived in Peshawar from Hassan Abdaal a day before, according to the police. The case is still undergoing investigation, the Capital City Police Officer, Peshawar, informed local media. Earlier, apart from this, in another incident, Junaid Akbar, an Assistant Director of the Peshawar Development Authority, was shot and killed by assailants in the district in July.

Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism: MQM Chief Altaf Hussain

Earlier in the day, Altaf Hussain, founder and head of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) claimed Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism in all forms. He claimed that the Pakistan Army and its infamous Intelligence Agency, ISI are actively 'creating terrorist proxies and exporting terrorists throughout the world.'

He went on Twitter and wrote, "Pakistan is the epicentre of all kinds of terrorism. I have been pointing out to the Democratic world including United Nations for many years but unfortunately, all in vain."



Image: Republic World/ AP/ ANI
Amid the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, nearly 60,000 visa applications of Afghan nationals under India's new 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' are under consideration, a Ministry of Home Affairs official informed.

News agency ANI quoted a senior official of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as saying that the visa applications for such a large number of nationals from a single country were under process after the Indian government introduced a new category under emergency e-visa, just two days after the collapse of the Afghan government.

E-visas for Afghans in India

According to the newly introduced category, all Afghans, irrespective of their religion, can apply for the 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' online and the applications will be processed in New Delhi. The MHA official has reportedly informed that the ministry had received around 20,000 requests from Afghan nationals within two days of the introduction of the ''e-Emergency X-Misc Visa'.

The official said that the applications that were under consideration would be cleared once the intelligence agencies gave green signals to them. "The final decision will be made after the security clearance," the official added. The official also informed that the Indian Embassy cancelled stamp visas that were applied before August 15 after 11,000 visas were reportedly stolen from the embassy. "All stamp visas were cancelled with immediate effect," said the MHA official. According to him, normally, a window of 30 days has been made for security clearance in case of e-visas. The visa is issued once it gets clearance from the intelligence agencies.

Afghanistan migrant crisis: Several seek asylum in India

As the process needs at least 30 days, the government has introduced 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' to facilitate fast-track urgent applications for entry to India. "Most of the applications have been received from Afghan nationals who moved to Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and other adjoining countries after Taliban had taken over the government," said the MHA official.

Since India has headquarters or branches of several missions for refugees, several applicants are seeking asylum in India as it helps them to move to other countries in the future. The official informed that those Afghan nationals who were evacuated to India under the new e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous visa will be granted a six-month visa. Subsequently, they will be provided with a 'stay visa' due to Afghanistan migrant crisis.

(With inputs from ANI, Image: AP)
South Korea's economic engagement rate of older people is increasing as their life expectancy improves. According to Statistics Korea's '2021 Elderly Statistics' report, the number of people aged 65 and older in the country reached 8.537 million this year, which is around 16.5 per cent of the total population. The elderly population continues to grow as a result of low birth rates and ageing. The population of South Korea is expected to peak in 2028 before declining, according to the report.

The population of 65-year-olds had a life expectancy of 21.3 years in 2019, and the population of 75-year-olds and older had a life expectancy of 13.2 years, both up 0.5 years from the previous year. The average number of years left in life after reaching the reference age is referred to as life expectancy. It means that a 65-year-old can expect to live to be 86.3 years old, and a 75-year-old can expect to live to be 88.2 years old.

There were 4.73 million elderly heads of households in 2020

According to the data, there were 4.73 million elderly heads of households in 2020, with 35.1 per cent of them being one-person families. Meanwhile, the number of divorces among those aged 65 and up has been steadily increasing, as per The Korea Herald. According to the data, the number of divorces filed by men in this age bracket totalled 9,854 last year, while the number of divorces filed by women was 5,285. These percentages accounted for 11.1 per cent and 13.7 per cent of all divorces in the country, respectively.

The number of working senior individuals has risen in tandem with the growing elderly population. The employment rate for people aged 65 and up was 34.1 per cent last year, up 1.2 per cent from the year before. The elderly employment rate is still lower than the overall employment rate for people over the age of 15, but it has been rising since 2015.

Older people could make up 43.9 per cent of the country's population by 2050

According to the estimate, older people could make up 43.9 per cent of the country's population by 2050. As the expense of health and welfare services for elderly residents rises, the rapidly ageing population and record low birth rates may become a financial burden on the country.

(Inputs from ANI)

Image: AP
During their official meeting, Turkish Ambassador Cihad Erginay and Taliban leader Abdul Salam Hanafi talked about the strong bonds between Turkish and Afghan people and reaffirmed their commitments to further strengthen the relations between both nations. According to an official statement, they promised to develop bilateral ties with Kabul.

The Turkish Embassy took to Twitter and wrote, "Ambassador @cerginay and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi in their meeting emphasized the strong bonds between Turkish and Afghan peoples and reaffirmed their commitments to further bolster the relations between our brotherly nations."

Ambassador @cerginay and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi in their meeting emphasized the strong bonds between Turkish and Afghan peoples and reaffirmed their commitments to further bolster the relations between our brotherly nations. pic.twitter.com/ax0SVS2lL0  TurkishEmbassyKabul (@turkembkabul) September 29, 2021

Erginay also met acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi

Ambassador Erginay also met Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi. According to the Embassy, they expressed their united commitment to growing bilateral trade volume as well as industrial output and discussed measures to achieve these aims.

In another tweet, the Turkish Embassy wrote, "Ambassador @cerginay had a courtesy meeting with Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi. They expressed their joint commitment to boosting bilateral trade volume as well as increasing industrial output and discussed ways to achieve these goals."

Ambassador @cerginay had a courtesy meeting with Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi. They expressed their joint commitment to boosting bilateral trade volume as well as increasing industrial output and discussed ways to achieve these goals@MoICAfghanistan pic.twitter.com/2PQpF3rbRI  TurkishEmbassyKabul (@turkembkabul) September 29, 2021

Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara is willing to assist Afghanistan in recovering from years of conflict and struggle if the country prioritises its own unity and solidarity. According to The Express Tribune, Erdogan remarked that they are ready to provide all forms of help for Afghanistan's unity and solidarity as long as they receive the same approach from them.

The Taliban want to build good ties with Turkey

The Taliban want to build good ties with Turkey, according to the group's interim government. Deputy foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi claimed that they are in communication with Turkish authorities and that they want Turkey to stand by the Afghan people and assist with the country's infrastructure projects, particularly the reconstruction of Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport, as per the reports of Turkish media Daily Sabah. He also said that the Taliban also want to have good connections with other countries. On August 15, the Taliban took control of Kabul, causing the US-backed Afghan government to fall and the Taliban to seize control of nearly the whole country.

(Inputs from ANI)

Image: Twitter/@turkembkabul
Singapore, Sep 30 (PTI) Two young male giraffes of a rare species which were brought from India made their public debut at Singapore Zoo on Thursday.

The one-year-old duo named Balaji and Adhil, adopted by investment holding company Kuok Singapore Limited, were brought from Mysuru Zoo as part of an animal exchange in May, The Straits Times reported.

The half-siblings share the same father but have different mothers.

Their journey to Singapore involved a 22-hour interstate road trip and a seven-day sea voyage, zoo operator Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) said.

The two Rothschild's giraffes, placed at Singapore Zoo's Wild Africa park, belong to one of the most endangered subspecies of giraffes. Fewer than 2,000 of the Rothschild's subspecies are left in the wild.

Transporting the giraffes to Singapore was a challenge for WRS as there was a lack of suitable air freight due to the pandemic.

"As there was a limited window period to ship the fast-growing youngsters before they outgrew all forms of transport, the team explored the option of surface transport," the WRS said.

Parmasivam Ramasamy, Curator of herbivores at WRS, said, "We are very excited to welcome these gentle giants to Singapore Zoo, and have since introduced them to our resident father-and-son duo, Marco and Jubilee. The current giraffe exhibit has ample space for the four, and we have added water troughs and salt lick blocks in preparation for their debut." The giraffes have an expected lifespan of 20 to 25 years in captivity.

The Mysuru Zoo has had an animal exchange partnership with WRS since 2010. Animals that have been brought to Singapore include sloth bears and lion-tailed macaques. PTI GS SCY AKJ SCY

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The United Nations (UN) high-level panel on September 29 released the much-anticipated report drawing attention to the internal displacement across the globe and called for the nationally-owned solutions for over 55 million people displaced within their own countries. The United Nations Secretary-Generals High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement published the report to take a development-oriented approach to the solutions for their citizens and resident who were forced to displace due to violence, conflicts, disasters and the impacts of climate change.

As per the official UN statement, the high-level panel presented its report to UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres at an event on Wednesday calling on the global community, civil society as well as the private sector to ramp up the collective action to end the protracted displacement. The report noted a collective failure to prevent, address and even resolve internal displacement but also identified real opportunities to bring about shifts in the approach to end unnecessary suffering.

Guterres called for restoring sense of normalcy

UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement For several decades, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the world has been growing, reaching record highs year after year. Humanitarian assistance is vital to help them survive. But more is needed to restore a sense of normalcy and provide solutions. the high-level panels report has laid emphasis that internally displaced persons also known as IDPs must be able to exercise their fundamental rights and not to be seen or treated only as people who need short-term assistance. The report also noted that presently, IDPs are not systematically integrated in Government policies or the peace processes.

The panel co-chair Donald Kaberuka said in a statement, It is in the best interest of Governments to own this issue, because they cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals without improving the lives of all IDPs, from displaced women and children to older persons.

The panel has further called on the UN to elevate its leadership and support the governments across the globe through more predictable and consistent action across the humanitarian, development, peace, disaster and climate dimensions of internal displacement. Additionally, the panel has recommended the establishment of a Global Fund on Internal Displacement Solutions. Panel Co-Chair Federica Mogherini also said, Given the current state of conflicts and trajectory of urbanization and climate change, the time to act is now. Maintaining the status quo is not an option.

IMAGE: OCHA/Nicole Lawrence
To combat immigrant smuggling and people trafficking, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) renewed the authorisation of vessel examination and confiscation off the coastline of Libya on Wednesday. As per the Xinhua website, Resolution 2598 has received unanimous approval from the 15 members of UNSC, reaffirming the mandate for another 12 months from the date of implementation of the earlier resolution 2240 (2015).

Tomorrow (29 Sept.), the #UNSC is expected to renew the authorisation for states to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of #Libya that they have reasonable grounds to believe are being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking. Read more: https://t.co/87HU9zdjYO  Security Council Report (@SCRtweets) September 29, 2021

According to the press release published by the United Nations, resolution 2598 (2021) which was adopted underneath the Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, permits the council's member states to investigate vessels outside of Libyas territorial waters on the basis of the probable cause to suspect whether these vessels are being used for immigrant trafficking and human smuggling.

Resolution permits to seize vessels that involves illegal acts

The resolution also enables for the acquisition of boats which will show evidence of the involvement in such illegal operations. Only those activities which involve migrant smuggling and people trafficking entering, across, and out of Libya, as well as off its coast, are criticised by Resolution 2598. According to the resolution, such actions jeopardise Libya's stability process and put the lives of several million people at risk. For the implementation of the resolution which will be done 11 months after its adoption appeals to the UN Secretary-General to notify the Security Council.

Further, The Security Council will express its intention about the resolution that it will proceed to assess the situation and determine whether the sanctions, which were initially implemented in October 2015, should be renewed.

Libya remains Africas main departure zone for migrants

Meanwhile, according to the UN refugee agency, Africa's major departure gateway to Europe for immigrants seeking safety and opportunities is still Libya. Several million refugees and asylum seekers which comprises small children and women have migrated from Libya in search of safety. They tend to migrate to Libya to escape after suffering terrible violence, oppression, and conflict in their home nations. Those who chose to risk their lives by crossing the Mediterranean risk drowning, either refused entry at ports or being captured at sea and transported back to Libya to be detained in detention facilities.

Recently on September 14, Libya's Interior Ministry reported that it had captured almost 109 illegal immigrants travelling to Europe in the western city of Zliten, around 160 kilometres east of Tripoli, the capital. As per the ministry, the undocumented immigrants consist of 16 women and two children who are Eritrean and Sudanese in origin.

(Image: AP/ Pixabay)
France's Ambassador to the US, Philippe Etienne, has returned to Washington after being away for nearly two weeks due to a dispute between France and Australia over a US submarine contract with the latter, ANI reported, quoting a Sputnik. When French ambassador Etienne arrived at Dulles International Airport in Washington on September 29, he refused to answer journalists' questions.

On September 17, the ambassador was summoned to Paris, two days after Australia abandoned a $66 billion submarine deal with France in favour of a collaboration with the US and the UK under the AUKUS trilateral security alliance. The decision was viewed as a "stab in the back" by France, which also summoned its ambassador from Australia.

Following a phone call with United States' President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to send Etienne back to Washington on September 22. Last week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, to discuss the problem, adding that restoring trust between the two countries "will require time and action."

The AUKUS Deal

The US, UK, and Australia announced the foundation of AUKUS in mid-September as a forum for defence and security cooperation. In an effort to counter China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia established a historic security alliance in the Asia-Pacific. It will enable Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, utilising technology provided by the United States. According to observers, the Aukus agreement, which will also include AI and other technologies, is one of the most significant defence collaborations in decades. Moreover, Canberra made the news as it withdrew unilaterally from a $66 billion submarine deal with Paris in favour of supplying vehicles through the alliance.

Image: AP

(With inputs from ANI)
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in an official statement released on the DHS website that it will publish a new memorandum to terminate the Donald Trump-era Migrant Protection Protocols programme.

The statement came after a Texas judge ordered the federal government to reinstate the rule, which compelled asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting court proceedings.

"The Department of Homeland Security intends to issue in the coming weeks a new memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). Although the Department issued a June 2021 memorandum that terminated MPP, a Texas district court vacated that prior termination determination and issued an injunction that requires the Department to work in good faith to re-start MPP. The Department has appealed that injunction," the official release stated.

The release further informed, "A new memorandum terminating MPP will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order. In issuing a new memorandum terminating MPP, the Department intends to address the concerns raised by the courts with respect to the prior memorandum."

DHS also posted an update on Twitter with the image of the official statement. The caption read, "DHS Announces Intention to Issue New Memo Terminating MPP."

DHS Announces Intention to Issue New Memo Terminating MPP: pic.twitter.com/bFRGP4VQ1W  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 29, 2021

DHS is working in good faith to re-start MPP

The DHS also said that while the court injunction remains in effect, the Department has been working in good faith to re-start MPP in compliance with the order, and it will continue to do so. It concluded with assurance that the Department will remain committed to build a safe, orderly and humane immigration system.

In August, the United States Supreme Court had dismissed President Joe Biden's request to overturn an immigration policy enacted by his predecessor, Donald Trump, that compelled thousands of asylum claimants to remain in Mexico while awaiting hearings in the United States.

(Image: AP)
Panama Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes has warned that as many as 60,000 migrants, including mostly Haitian are heading towards the United States-Mexico border. The impromptu camp in the Texas town of Del Rio witnessed a drastic surge of migrants, mainly from Haiti and still waiting to be picked up by the authorities earlier this month. However, US President Joe Biden administration under bipartisan criticism for the chaos that resulted from failure to enforce immigration laws and halt illegal crossings.

As per an Axios report, the Panama Foreign minister also cast doubt on the Biden administration being caught unaware by the Haitian migrant crisis. She also emphasised that the government had sounded the alarm when we should have." Mouynes said, "We've engaged with every single authority that we can think of, that we can come across, to say, 'Please, let's pay attention to this.

Mouynes noted that the dramatic surge of migrants

The Panama official also noted that more than 85,000 migrants have passed through the country since January and most of them were Haitians. Out of which, around 25,000 were already reaching their destination and entering the United States. Mouynes even cited government estimates to state that nearly 27,000 migrants are planning to cross this month through the Darien Gap which is the mountainous region without roads connecting North and South America. The minister stressed that the number of migrants this time was more than in all of 2019.

Let's recognize that they all are heading toward the US, she said. Reportedly, Panama is the place where the migrants from nearby countries often receive their first assistance in the forms of medical care, food and shelter. The minister was also quoted by Axios as saying, When we receive them on the Panamanian side, they're malnourished. The children are in terrible condition, so even getting them up to a healthy state takes time.

Mouynes also called on the United States to cooperate with other nations in the region to enforce a strategy and deal with the migrant challenges. She has also met with US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and members of Congress in Washington on Monday and Tuesday. Welcoming the increased support for Haitians, Mouynes said, We all have a role to play in this issue, and the regional approach is the correct approach. It is impossible for Panama to solve it on its own.

IMAGE: AP


Washington, Sep 29 (PTI) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin along with two of his top generals have told Senators that the ties that Pakistan and its spy agency ISI have with the Taliban can only be discussed within closed doors.

In the public domain they can only say that the relationship between the two is going to become increasingly complex post withdrawal.

"An in-depth conversation about Pakistan probably would be better suited in a closed hearing here so, Austin told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee when Senators asked pointed questions about recent news reports of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the intelligence wing of Pakistan Army, and its ties with the Taliban.

His two generals, Gen Mark Milley, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen Frank McKenzie, Commander of US Central Command said the same.

"I've had several conversations over the years and also recently with Pakistanis and there's no question in my mind that the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban is going to become increasingly complex. There's a whole series of issues there that have national security interests for the United States that are best handled in a different session, Milley said.

ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed dashed to Kabul on an unannounced visit in August last week and met top Taliban leaders. He was the first high-ranking foreign official to visit Afghanistan since the Taliban seized the Afghan capital in mid-August.

Three days after Hameed's visit, the Taliban announced an interim government dominated by the hardline leaders of the insurgent group. At least 14 members of the Taliban's hardline interim government are on the UN Security Council blacklist, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund and his both deputies.

The inclusion of top leaders of the pro-Pakistan Haqqani Network in the interim government is an indication of the influence Islamabad, especially its intelligence agencies have over the Taliban.

Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban is going to become significantly more complicated as a result of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, McKenzie said.

"In fact, they're going to see pressure moving into Pakistan from Afghanistan in ways that they've been able to deflect before because of the pressure that we and our allies had on them," he said.

"So, I think that's a significant problem that Pakistan is going to face. I'd like to talk about their special weapons perhaps in the closed session. As has been noted by several people, in order to get to Afghanistan, you have to fly over Pakistan unless you come from the north. And that's a subject of continuing deliberation with Pakistan," he added.

"I can shed a little bit more light on that going forward. But, actually, over the last 20 years, we've been able to use what we call the air boulevard to go in over Western Pakistan. And that's become something that's vital to us, as well as certain land lines of communication. And we'll be working with the Pakistanis in the days and weeks ahead to look at what that relationship is going to look like in the future. But I can talk a little more in the closed session, he said.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that it's long been publicly reported that the Pakistani intelligence services have maintained a close and continuing relationship with the Taliban.

"Do we expect that relationship to become more complicated now that the Taliban is in power? Are we concerned about Pakistan's nuclear weapons and the potential that terrorist groups might be able to get access to those weapons? he asked.

"Can you talk a little bit about how you see the relationship with Pakistan and the Taliban playing out and the challenges that presents for the United States? the Senator asked.

Senator Gary Peters asked about shared interest with Pakistan.

"I think that one key shared interest is the prevention of a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan or in the region. And so, I think we'll continue to share that interest. I do think there are some intersections in terms of certain types of terrorist activity that I think we can both remain focused on, Austin said. PTI LKJ ZH ZH

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Amid repeated allegations of harbouring terrorists on its soil, Pakistan is now being accused of lying to successive US presidential administrations. Popular American historian and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Arthur Herman wrote in an article that Islamabad has "systematically lied to and manipulated" successive US administrations, both Republican and Democratic. Herman asserted that these lies have made "America and the world less safe."

Hitting out at Pakistan, the historian has suggested that the United States should "pull the plug on the toxic relationship" with Pakistan. Speaking about US foreign aid to Islamabad, Herman said that the latter has received over $33 billion in American assistance since 2002, including $14 billion to combat terrorism and terrorists in the region. However, Pakistan has been busily doing the opposite, alleged Herman.

'Time to radically reassess our policy toward Pakistan': Arthur Herman

"In the wake of the debacle of withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan, it's time to radically reassess our policy toward Pakistan. It's time for policymakers, past and present, to explain why we continue to provide assistance to a country that cosies up to our enemies; has proliferated nuclear technology to some of the worst governments on earth; and has betrayed our friendship time and again," said Herman.

In his article, the US expert said that Pakistan has violated commitments to the US in the 1980s to not build a nuclear weapon. He added that Pakistan proceeded to proliferate that knowledge via the AQ Khan network, which was also responsible for secretly arming North Korea.

Speaking about the US invasion of Afghanistan, Herman said that Pakistan also provided a safe haven to Osama bin Laden, for nearly a decade until US special forces tracked him down in 2011. He added that the ISI has continuously protected and assisted terrorist groups like Haqqani Network and the Taliban.

"Following the US invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistan gave safe haven to the most wanted man in the War on Terror, Osama bin Laden, for nearly a decade until US special forces tracked him down in 2011. In addition, Pakistan's military and secret service have continuously protected and assisted terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network and the Taliban, even as US and NATO forces were fighting and dying to suppress the same groups," the Hill reported quoting Arthur Herman.

'Pakistan is all but a Chinese client state'

On Pakistan and China's relations, Arthur Herman opined that Islamabad has been "increasingly cosying its ties" with Beijing. In addition, he stated that Pakistan also accepted a $60 billion handout from China in 2013 which formalised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative.

"Today, Pakistan is all but a Chinese client state," Herman added.

Further speaking about the all-weather allies, Herman asserted that China is training Pakistan's intelligence services and the People's Liberation Army and Pakistani army are forging close links, including conducting joint military exercises and buying Chinese tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other military equipment. He has alleged that Pakistan is playing a 'double game' with the US.

"These aren't the actions of an ally. The sad truth is, Pakistan has been playing a clever double game with the US, which has paid off handsomely for Islamabad but not for the peace and security of the region," the Hill reported quoting Arthur Herman.

'Pakistan should be moved to FATF black list'

Hitting out at Pakistan over the ISI chief's recent visit to Kabul, the US historian remarked that Pakistan's top security chief blessed the Taliban government. In addition, he suggested that the US stop the sale of military equipment and all form of economic assistance to Pakistan and urge allies such as Britain and Saudi Arabia to do the same. Moreover, in his piece, Herman also suggested that Pakistan should be moved to black list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

"Given that history, and in the wake of Pakistan's support of the Taliban and its top security chief's journey to Kabul to bless the new Afghan government, Washington should stop sales of military equipment to Pakistan and all economic assistance, and induce allies such as Britain and Saudi Arabia to do the same," Herman said "Migrate Pakistan from the grey list to the black list for the Financial Action Task Force's sanctions against countries providing funding for terrorism, alongside Iran and North Korea," he added

Concluding his article, the US historian said that the US should impose sanctions on the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Army officials, including suspending travel to the US and freezing of bank assets.

(With inputs from ANI)
During a closed-door briefing with Senators, top Pentagon officials on Wednesday, 29 September, said that the United States is in talks with countries that border Afghanistan about housing over the horizon counterterrorism operations that would allow the US military to more easily surveil and strike targets in the Taliban-controlled nation. According to a Politico report, the sites mentioned by the US officials include bases run by Russia. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley revealed the latest discussions, which are taking place with the governments of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and others.

According to the report, Kenneth McKenzie, US CENTCOM Commander detailed the types of military aircraft and launching points that could be used to launch strikes against the targets in the war-ravaged nation. Milley, on the other hand, described to Senators the nature of his conversations with his Russian counterpart, Valery Gerasimov, with whom he had discussed an apparent offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to use his militarys bases in Central Asia to respond to any terrorist threats in Afghanistan.

Al-Qaeda could reconstitute in Afghan

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the disclosure to lawmakers came just hours after Lloyd Austin acknowledged that the US has asked Russia for clarification about the offer from Putin to host the US counterterrorism operations on Russian military bases. It also comes after several officials publicly sounded alarmed about Afghanistan once again becoming a haven for terror groups seeking to attack the US. Earlier this week, during a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Milley even said that al Qaeda could reconstitute in Afghanistan in six to 36 months.

At the hearing, Milley said that right this minute the terrorist threat from Afghanistan is smaller than it was on 9/11, but that the conditions could be set for a reconstitution of Al-Qaeda and/or ISIS. His stance was further buttressed by Austin, who emphasised that now terrorist organisations seek ungoverned spaces so that they can train and equip and thrive so, there is clearly a possibility that that can happen here, going forward.

Notably, State Secretary Antony Blinken has previously warned that the Pentagon was capable of conducting aerial strikes in Afghanistan sans having a military base there. In his first press briefing following the pullout, US President Joe Biden had also reckoned that the main purpose of the US military in the central Asian state was to stop terror attacks on American soil.

(Image: AP)
The bill if signed into law would sanction Cambodian officials deemed responsible for suppressing democracy in the authoritarian Southeast Asian country.

The dome of the US Capitol Building is shown in a file photo.

U.S. lawmakers and Cambodian opposition figures welcomed the bipartisan passage Tuesday of legislation calling for sanctions on Cambodian officials found responsible for suppressing political opposition in the authoritarian Southeast Asian country.

Titled the Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021, H.R.4686 would bar entry to the United States by senior Cambodian officials deemed responsible by the U.S. president for having directly and substantially undermined democracy in Cambodia.

The bill if signed into law by the U.S. president would also restrict financial transactions and freeze assets held by targeted officials in the United States, California Congressman and co-chair of the Congressional Cambodia Caucus Alan Lowenthal said in a Sept. 28 press release.

Despite repeated actions taken by both the United States and the international community, the authoritarian regime of Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to reject the democratic promises and processes he agreed to in the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, Lowenthal said, referring to an agreement marking the end of the war with Vietnam that ousted Cambodias Khmer Rouge.

From shuttering or co-opting the free press, to banishing political opponents, to eliminating free and fair elections and then repeatedly declaring himself the peoples choice, the Hun Sen regime continues to do everything in its power to destroy any hope of democracy in Cambodia.

Sanctions under the Cambodia Democracy Act, which would go into effect within 180 days of the bill being signed into law, are the price Hun Sen and his regime must pay for their relentless assault on the freedoms of the Cambodian people, Lowenthal said.

Speaking to RFA on Wednesday, Mu Sochuadeputy president of Cambodias banned opposition group the Cambodia National Rescue Partysaid she hopes that Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years, will reconsider his efforts to block democratic progress in Cambodia before the bill is signed into law by President Biden.

This gives time for Hun Sen to think again about his abuses and iron-fist rule, which the international community has condemned, she said, adding, The government needs to understand what the people need.

They want real peace, independent courts, and freedom, Mu Sochua said, calling on Hun Sen to stop Cambodias ongoing arrests of opposition politicians, environmental activists, and other dissenting figures.

Hope is being destroyed, she said.

'An unjust bill'

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan lashed out at the proposed legislation in a posting on his Facebook page on Wednesday, calling the bill unjust.

This discriminates against Cambodia, which is committed to democracy and is working hard to build a rule of law, he said.

The bill may not be signed into law by President Biden, though, Phay Siphan said, adding that a June visit to Cambodia by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had been meant to strengthen cooperation between the two countries for their mutual benefit.

However, the State Department said following her visit that Sherman had urged Cambodias government to drop politically motivated court cases against its critics, and had expressed concern over Hun Sens broader crackdown on the country's political opposition and civil society.

Global sanctions regime

In a separate action on Dec. 8, the European Union announced that it had adopted a global human rights sanctions regime that would allow for travel bans and the freezing of assets of individuals or entities deemed responsible for acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses.

The regime, which could be used to counter political repression in Cambodia, marks the first time the bloc has put in place such measures targeting international actors, and is based on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, a U.S. law named for a Russian corruption whistleblower who died in prison.

The EU had earlier stripped Cambodia of its preferential trade terms following the arrest of CNRP president Kem Sokha in September 2017 and the Supreme Courts decision two months later to ban his party for its role in an alleged plot to topple the government.

The ban, along with a wider crackdown on NGOs and the independent media, paved the way for Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in parliament in the countrys July 2018 general election.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Huge speedboats capable of carrying illicit cargo fast and stealthily enough to evade police and customs patrols are bringing record numbers of Australian rock lobster into Hong Kong on the sly, in defiance of import restrictions imposed by China, RFA has learned after investigating recent changes in trade statistics.



Earlier this week, Hong Kong police found the body of a marine police officer in the sea after a patrol vessel capsized after being rammed by a speedboat, local media reported.



An operation on Sept. 11 saw the seizure of 21 boxes of smuggled lobster, while a speedboat captured on was found with a haul of 78 boxes of smuggled cigarettes and lobster.



Only a small minority of the smugglers are caught, however, with the majority ending up on diners' tables in mainland China, the figures suggest.



Hong Kong used to import around 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) of Australian lobster every month, but since the trade ban, the number has risen to hundreds of thousands of kilograms, suggesting that the bulk of lobster arriving in the city isn't being consumed there.



In a recent report, Bloomberg cited research figures from Canberra as saying that Australian lobster exports to mainland China have plummeted by around 99 percent since the ban.



Meanwhile, mainland China clocked a huge increase in fish and crustacean imports from Hong Kong, which topped U.S.$10.6 million in April compared with just U.S.$500,000 in .



Feng Chongyi, a professor of political science at the University of Technology Sydney, said it's fairly clear that Hong Kong is being used as an alternate trade route into China.



"Smuggling is going to happen if there are bans on a lot of different Australian products," Feng said. "Various other channels will be used to sell them instead."



As one Hong Kong seafood trader bluntly put it when interviewed by local media: "There's no way diners in Hong Kong are going to suddenly eat massive amounts of imported lobster: it has to be going to China."



Feng said the huge uptick in smuggling activities will likely do further damage to Hong Kong's international reputation as an open economy and better governance than neighboring cities in mainland China.



"If we see law and order continue to deteriorate, the problem of smuggling in Hong Kong is just going to get worse," he said.



A Stand News report said that the number of anti-smuggling operations by marine police in Hong Kong fell to 1,419 in 2020, compared with an average of around 2,279 between 2017 and 2019.



Repeated requests for comment from the Hong Kong police and customs forces had met with no response by the time of writing.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in Hong Kong have expelled an elected pro-democracy member of the city's District Council for failing to turn up to pledge allegiance to the government and the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), while calling into question the oaths of seven other opposition councilors.



Peter Choi, who was elected in Hong Kong Island's Eastern district, failed to turn up alongside 24 colleagues for a mass oath-taking ceremony on . He was expalled from the council with immediate effect.



Officials also asked seven other councilors -- Clarisse Yeung and Leung Pak-kin from Wanchai, Wei Siu-lik, So Yat-hang, Chan Wing-tai and Lai Tsz-yan from Eastern, and Michael Pang from Southern district -- for further information after finding their oaths "questionable."



"As the oath administrator had doubts on the validity of the oaths taken by seven district council members, they were required to provide additional information for the oath administrator to decide the validity of their oaths," state news agency Xinhua reported.



Yeung and Pang also face charges under a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the CCP from , 2020. They are among 47 former lawmakers and democracy activists charged with "subversion" for taking part in a democratic primary ahead of planned elections to the Legislative Council (LegCo).



Leung said via social media that he had been given until 5.00 p.m. local time on to respond to the request.



The remaining 17 councilor on Hong Kong Island will be allowed to remain in their seats, after they took their oaths, officials said.



While the pro-democracy camp took control of all but one of the city's 18 councils in , more than 260 district councilors have resigned amid an ongoing crackdown on public dissent and mandatory oath-taking since the national security law took effect.

Macau turnout plummets

Some cited the oath-taking as a reason, amid fears councilors who "failed" their oath-taking would be required to pay back their salaries and expenses.



District Councilors, LegCo members and around 170,000 civil servants in Hong Kong are expected to take oaths of allegiance to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People's Republic of China.



The national security law criminalizes any kind of public statement that could be regarded as inciting ill-feeling against the authorities, both in Hong Kong and Beijing.



The person administering the oath determines whether an oath is valid or not, and there is no right of appeal, according to an oath-taking law that took effect from .



A vetting body for would-be election candidates has already been set up under the national security law, under the supervision of national security police and former police chief Chris Tang, to screen out people who are only pretending to be patriots, officials have said.



Meanwhile, turnout plummeted in general elections held in the former Portuguese city of Macau after officials disqualified 21 opposition candidates after saying they had proof that "they did not uphold Macau's Basic Law and were not loyal to Macau."



Turnout fell by nearly 15 percentage points to just over 42 percent compared with 57 percent in the 2017 general election.



Opposition in jail or overseas

Disqualified opposition candidate and former lawmaker Antonio Ng told RFA: "Our disqualification was completely in line with the sort of logic we saw during the Cultural Revolution [1966-1976]."



"[The reason behind it was] obviously a very well-kept state secret," Ng added satirically. "Legally, the logic is totally absurd."



"People are just being classified with various labels, and the treatment they hand out is decided after you have been labeled."



Macau-based journalist Choi Chi Chio said there was scant public interest in this general election.



"Generally Macau people think this election was pretty meaningless," Choi told RFA. "The central government isn't even allowing people to act the part."



"The same thing is happening in Hong Kong."



He said there was little chance that anyone with pro-democracy views would get anyway near public office in either city.



"Even if [opposition candidates] did get in, they would look nothing like the traditional kind of democrats ... maybe people who never talk about the Tiananmen massacre and never oppose China; there are some so-called centrists in Macau ... like that," Choi said.



Most of Hong Kong's opposition lawmakers are either in jail or have fled overseas since the national security law crackdown began.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
A court denies bail for an organizer of now-banned vigils for the victims of the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

Police in Hong Kong stepped up their presence on the streets ahead of China's Oct. 1 National Day, as a court denied bail to an organizer of a banned vigil for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

Police are set to deploy more than 8,000 officers across the city on Friday to protect National Day events, especially around the Convention and Exhibition Centre, where top officials will gather for a flag-raising ceremony and reception, government broadcaster RTHK reported.

Riot police and counter-terrorism units will be patrolling "sensitive locations," the station quoted police sources as saying.

West Kowloon magistrate's court on Thursday denied a fourth bail application for Chow Hang-tung, one of the jailed leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Democratic Patriotic Movements of China, who faces subversion charges under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Alliance, Chow and fellow leaders Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho are charged with "incitement to subvert state power" under the law, while national security police have frozen the group's assets.

At a meeting on Sept. 25, Alliance members voted overwhelmingly to disband after 32 years of supporting victims of the Tiananmen bloodshed, demanding accountability, and advocating for an end to one-party rule.

The national security law, which took effect on July 1, 2020, ushered in an ongoing and citywide crackdown on all forms of public dissent and political opposition, with election rules changed to ensure only pro-CCP candidates can run.

The government is also pushing ahead with further legislation on espionage and other "covert" activities to continue a crackdown on what Beijing insists was an attempt by hostile foreign powers to foment a "color revolution" in Hong Kong during the 2019 protest movement.

Chow, a barrister who is representing herself, requested that the court release her on bail and lift restrictions against media reporting of the hearing.

Principal magistrate Peter Law rejected her requests.

Chow said in a Facebook post that she had been forced to change clothes before her court appearance by correction services officers.

She said she only had two T-shirts in her bag when she was taken to prison, both of which bore slogans linked to the work of the Alliance.

One bore the slogan "The people won't forget," in a reference to the June 4, 1989 massacre that ended the student-led democracy movement in China.

"The reason they give was 'security.' I just don't understand," Chow wrote. "I've been wearing the same outfit for my last few court appearances. Have there been any security issues?"

Chow appeared in court wearing a T-shirt with Mickey Mouse on it, according to the post. She lodged a complaint about the compulsory change of clothes against the Correctional Services Department.

'Insults, desecration'

Chow's court appearance came after Hong Kong lawmakers passed new legislation on Wednesday criminalizing online "insults" to the Chinese flag and public "desecration" of China's national emblems, and requiring schools and kindergartens to fly the flag, and to hold weekly flag-raising ceremonies.

The authorities also disqualified 10 pro-democracy members of the District Council on Wednesday after an official ruled their oaths of allegiance invalid.

They included former Democratic Party lawmaker James To and barrister Lawrence Lau, who has been charged under the national security law.

The disqualifications came after 55 councilors from Kowloon districts took their oaths, 45 of which were found acceptable by the presiding officer.

Meanwhile, financial secretary Paul Chan filed a petition with a Hong Kong court on Thursday to wind up Next Digital after its assets were frozen and its founder Jimmy Lai arrested and charged under the national security law.

Next Digital, which published the now-shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily, was raided by national security police and its senior journalists and Lai charged with "collusion with foreign powers" in connection with calls for international sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials over the crackdown on dissent.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.




Analysts say that Pyongyang is trying everything it can to get sanctions relief.

The newly developed hypersonic missile Hwasong-8 is test-fired by the Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK in Toyang-ri, Ryongrim County of Jagang Province, North Korea, in this undated photo released on September 29, 2021 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea has served up a mix of three missile tests in a month, boilerplate harsh criticism of the U.S., and rare semi-conciliatory words from the sister of leader Kim Jong Un  all aimed at getting out from under international economic sanctions, analysts say.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday that Pyongyang tested a new hypersonic missile, suggesting that it could deliver a nuclear payload. The test followed the launch of long-range cruise missiles capable of hitting Japan and a ballistic missile fired from a train.

Desperate for relief from international sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programs, Pyongyang is stepping up pressure on Washington and Seoul over denuclearization negotiations that have been stalled since the failed Hanoi Summit between leaders of the U.S. and North Korea in Feb. 2019.

The countrys fragile economy has been laid low by border closures and the suspension of all trade with China since Jan. 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Pyongyang also faces strict trade sanctions imposed by the U.S. as well as the UN Security Council over its multiple nuclear and missile tests.

Tuesdays hypersonic missile launch came shortly before Pyongyangs envoy to the United Nations blamed the nuclear dispute and inter-Korean tensions on Washington, saying the main root cause lies in the hostile policy towards the DPRK.

In this photo released by the United Nations, North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Kim Song speaks during the 76th session of the United Nations





We have traversed an inevitable course of history as the U.S., the biggest nuclear power in the world, has been posing nuclear threats, antagonizing the DPRK for more than 70 years, envoy Kim Song told the UN General Assembly.

The missile and verbal barrages came as Kim Jong Uns sister, Kim Yo Jong, broke a long string of shrill attacks on Seoul with comments that appeared to welcome South Korean President Moon Jae-ins recent call for the international community to mobilize its strengths for the end of-war declaration on the Korean Peninsula.

I felt that the atmosphere of the South Korean public desiring to recover the inter-Korean relations from a deadlock and achieve peaceful stability as soon as possible is irresistibly strong. We, too, have the same desire, Kim Yo Jong said in a statement.

Kim Jong Uns inexperienced-but-fast-rising sister had earlier mocked Moon as a parrot raised by America, and criticized other speeches by the South Korean president as sophism full of shamelessness and impudence.

However, using the same phrase as her countrys UN envoy, Kim Yo Jong said that Seoul needed to drop its hostile policy to pave the way for an improvement in relations.

I won't predict here what will come: a balmy breeze or a storm, she said.

U.S. based analysts told RFAs Korean service that Kim Yo Jong was focused not so much on Moon as on reaching Washington through Seoul.

North Korea is still trying to figure out how to engage the U.S. they have they've tried everything they can. They tried behaving themselves. They tried cruise missile and short-range missile tests, said Ken Gause of the Virginia-based CNA think tank.

Don't be confused about what they're talking about it in terms of some sort of security pact or end of the Korean War or anything. That's not what this is about. This is about sanctions relief, Gause said.

The RAND Corporations Soo Kim said North Koreas sincerity about wanting good relations with the South was questionable.

An undated photo of Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Credit: Yonhap News



The Moon administration may seek to persuade the U.S. to change its position on sanctions relief, but its unclear how receptive Washington will be to these efforts. Weve not seen any North Korean behavior that warrants or merits sanctions relief -- in fact, weve seen the opposite in recent weeks, she told RFA.

So for the Biden administration to consider sanctions relief would, at this point, be rewarding North Koreas bad behavior and even validating to Kim the efficacy of his actions, she said.

A former U.S. ambassador to South Korea told RFA that Kim Yo Jong in her statements sidestepped the denuclearization issue entirely and called on the U.S. and South Korea to abandon what she called hostile policies.

While there are reasons to be skeptical of the North's intentions, Kim Yo Jong's remarks and her comments on an end-of-war declaration could represent an opportunity for progress, said Alexander Vershbow, who was the U.S. envoy to Seoul from 2005 to 2008.

Seoul and Washington need to forge a unified response and explore whether the North is ready to resume dialogue, including on denuclearization, on mutually acceptable terms, he said.

A White House spokesperson told RFA that the hypersonic missile launch was a violation of resolutions by the UN Security Council and said Washington would consult with allies on next steps.

We are prepared to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We hope the DPRK will respond positively to our outreach, said a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.

Rep. Michael McCaul said the launch was the Kim regimes latest ploy.

North Koreas nuclear belligerence is what drives instability on the Korean peninsula - not actions by the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and other partners to defend ourselves, said McCaul.

Agreeing to demands for concessions, right after North Korea restarted plutonium production and weapons testing, would be telling the Kim regime that nuclear belligerence achieves results, he said.

Reported by Sangmin Lee and Hye Jun Seo, RFAs Korean Service. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
People grumble that they are being made to pay to idolize the Kim family when they cannot even afford food.

A guide adjusts flowers under a mural showing former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung (seated); his son and successor Kim Jong Il as a child, and his first wife Kim Jong Suk, at the former ammunition factory visited by foreign reporters on a government organized tour in central Pyongyang, North Korea May 5, 2016.

Rural citizens in North Korea are angry that their government is building mosaic murals at their expense that idolize the ruling Kim family at a time when people are struggling to find their next meal, sources in the country told RFA.

Chronically short of food, the country of 25 million has seen starvation deaths in the wake of the closure of the Sino-Korean border and suspension of trade with China in January 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Authorities told the public that they are on their own to find food, RFA reported previously.

Giant murals depicting leader Kim Jong Uns father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il; grandfather and national founder Kim Il Sung; and the eldest Kims first wife, Kim Jong Suk, are commonplace in the country where the members of the Kim family enjoy almost god-like status due to a firmly entrenched cult of personality.

The murals are a common feature of major thoroughfares in cities, but the government is ordering them in the countryside for the first time, sources said.

These days, the people are all complaining about this idolization project, which must be completed by the end of October, a resident of Musan county in the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFAs Korean Service Sept. 23.

As with almost all public projects, the government is forcing local citizens to donate their time, money or materials for the murals.

With this mural installation, the peoples dissatisfaction with the country has reached its peak, the source said.

The residents are suffering from major livelihood difficulties but now we have to pay 20,000 won (U.S. $3.28) in loyalty funds per household, and we must also provide cement and prepare meals for the construction workers, said the source.

The design of the new murals is still a secret. The source said nobody knows if the three figures will be depicted as usual or if they will present a new design.

But nobody cares about the design in these difficult times, because they have more important things to worry about, the source said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting border closure, most people are at the crossroads of life and death every day due to these food shortages. In such an emergency, the people are outraged that the government is burdening them by extorting money for the murals, said the source.

A local resident cycles past a mural depicting former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in the North Korean port of Rajin July 18, 2014. Credit: Reuters

Another source, a party official from Chunggang county in the northern province of Chagang, told RFA that the collection of funds in his jurisdiction has begun.

The murals will be built at the borders of each county and at the borders between each district, said the official, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

We already have mosaic murals at several industrial sites in Changang province, including timber processing facilities in Chasong and Kopung counties, and mines and timber processing plants in the cities of Kanggye and Yanggye, so I dont understand why they are telling us to build more at the boundaries of districts, said the second source.

North Koreas government has told citizens to prepare for a second Arduous March, referring to the 1990s North Korean famine which killed as much as 10 percent of the country by some estimates. The second source said citizens in Chagang have begun referring to the current crisis that way.

Many residents are perplexed because the state is passing on the cost of installing idolization murals to the residents instead of taking care of their livelihood at a time like this, said the second source.

The people say things like, the murals arent going to give us rice, and the government is against the people, making us do this project to deceive us. The people must pay to idolize our leaders when they cannot even get basic food and medicine, the second source said.

Reported by Jeong Yon Park for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Cherry Htet (left) is seen with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in an undated photo.

A former bodyguard and close friend of detained Myanmar national leader Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested by junta security forces last week on charges of communicating with a shadow government formed in opposition to military rule, RFA has learned.

Cherry Htet, a 30-year-old second lieutenant in the Myanmar police, was taken into custody at her office in the capital Naypyidaw on Sept. 21, nearly eight months after former state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted in a military coup and placed under house arrest.

Arrested at the same time was Aung San Suu Kyis security team leader, Capt. Pyae Phyo Naing, said a source close to the group, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The bodyguards lived in their dorm and went to work every day. And then both were arrested the other day while at the office, and the military later came to the dormitory and took their clothes and accessories away, he said.

The pairs mobile phones had been confiscated two days before their arrest, the source said, adding, As far as I know, they must have been under watch all this time.

Cherry Htet had been appointed Aung San Suu Kyis bodyguard in late 2016 following the victory of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party in a general election the year before, and had accompanied the Suu Kyi, the countrys de facto national leader, on her travels in Myanmar and overseas.

The two gradually became close, with Aung San Suu Kyi giving Cherry Htet a necklace she had personally designed to celebrate her promotion from sergeant to lieutenant, and Htet sewing a face mask for her to wear when Myanmar was hit by its first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cherry Htet was always vigilant for threats to Suu Kyis safety during her frequent trips, said an NLD member who was close to both of them.

When people saw Amay [Mother] Suu during her trips, they would gather around her to cheer and greet her, and Cherry would look so worried for her. Her concern could be seen clearly on her face, she said, also speaking on condition on condition of anonymity to protect her identity.

We see her as someone who clearly cares about Amay Suu, she said.

Aung San Suu Kyis bodyguards were at their hostel close to the leaders home when the military launched its Feb. 1 coup, and were unable to protect her from arrest, the NLD member said.

Photos: Facebook / Cherry Htet

In touch with the resistance

Speaking on Sept. 26 to the Mandalay-based Voice of Myanmar, junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said that Cherry Htet had been arrested for communicating with members of the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), formed six months ago by former lawmakers, students, and other activists to work against military rule.

A police statement said that Htet in June had contacted former NLD parliamentarian Thiri Yadanar, who had sent her photos of a jungle camp and weapons used by the resistance, along with formal statements by the NUG, and that the two had also exchanged videos from foreign-based news agencies.

Postings on Cherry Htets social media accounts earlier in the year had also called out what she called injustice under Myanmars military rule and had expressed love and support for Aung San Suu Kyi.

The junta has now filed a case against Htet under Section 505(a) of the countrys Penal Code.

Myanmars military justified its February overthrow of the countrys democratically elected government by claiming voter fraud had led to a landslide victory for national leader Aung San Suu Kyis NLD party in the countrys 2020 election.

The junta has yet to provide evidence of its claims and has violently suppressed nationwide demonstrations calling for a return to civilian rule, killing 1,146 people and arresting 6,921 over the past eight months, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP-Burma).

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Activists say the military no longer even bothers to justify its land grabs since seizing power.

Houses demolished as part of a forced eviction by the military in Mandalay region's Sintgu township, in an undated photo.

Troops loyal to Myanmars junta have forced the residents of nearly 200 homes in Mandalay region to relocate at gunpoint, villagers said Wednesday, underscoring how a military that once sought to justify rights violations through questionable legal means has enjoyed near-total impunity since seizing power.

Residents of Sintgu township told RFAs Myanmar Service that around 40 armed soldiers entered Ngwe Daung, Nyaung Wun and Ye Htut villages on Sept. 24, demanding that they dismantle their homes and relocate within a week because they had encroached on military land.

A resident of Ye Htut, who spoke on condition of anonymity fearing reprisal, said that when villagers complained, they were told that they could set up temporary tents in the fields and stay for a week until they had harvested their crops, but would have to leave when they had finished.

All the villagers were afraid and did not want to stay in the area, despite having nowhere to relocate to, the resident said.

Because they feared the army, they dismantled their houses and piled them up  [some villagers] are taking shelter in schools. Most houses have already been taken down, but the bigger ones are not finished yet.

The evicted villagers claim they cleared the land in the early 1990s, at which point they began raising crops and paying taxes to the government but were forced to move without compensation by the military under Myanmars former junta in 1996.

The following year, the land was granted to the Great Wall Agricultural Co. as part of a 30-year lease, and residents said they were forced to pay two tons of sugarcane per acre to lease it back.

In 2013, the villagers complained to the government about the situation and stopped paying rent, claiming an exemption under the 2012 Land Law Amendment.

Villagers told RFA that soldiers are now encamped on the site of the former Great Wall plantation, east of Nyaung Wun village, and telling residents to evacuate their homes daily. They said the land claimed by the military comprises 2,091 acres in Ngwe Daung and Nyaung Wun and about 564 acres in Ye Htut.

The soldiers claim that 72 of the 240 houses in Ngwe Daung had encroached on military land, as well as 60 of the 1,000 houses in Nyaung Wun and all 60 houses in Ye Htut. In total, more than 500 people are being evicted.

A Ngwe Daung villager, who declined to be named, said many evicted villagers are now sheltering near the local monastery because they have nowhere else to go.

At first, they gave us seven days to move out, but now they have become impatient and demand we do so in three days. We must move because they come every day threatening us, he said.

The villager said that life had already been difficult in recent months because of the countrys political crisis following the military coup and an ongoing coronavirus outbreak that has seen 17,631 people die from COVID-19, with more than 461,000 people since the start of the pandemic.

Being forced to relocate is putting an even greater strain on the local population, he said, particularly due to increases in the costs of demolition and construction during the ongoing rainy season.

How can we rebuild our houses when we are all struggling to make ends meet? asked the villager.

A villager packs construction materials from his home onto a truck after being evicted by the military in Mandalay region's Sintgu township, in an undated photo. Citizen journalist Acting with impunity

Thein Aung Myint, a former political prisoner working on land issues in Mandalay region, told RFA that the military has been trying to confiscate the land since 2017, when it filed a claim under the Fallow and Vacant Land Act without informing residents. When the villagers refused to leave, a military officer filed charges against 161 people for violating the act in a court case that began in 2019.

Under the NLD, Myanmars civilian government adopted 10 policies on confiscated land, including three specifically pertaining to military land grabs. Among them was a law preventing the leasing of land allotted for military construction to farmers to grow crops and another requiring that land which is not being used for military training or construction be returned to the original residents.

On Feb. 1, Myanmars military overthrew of the countrys democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government by claiming the party had stolen the countrys November 2020 ballot through voter fraud. The junta has yet to provide evidence of its claims and has violently repressed anti-coup protests, killing at least 1,146 people and arresting 6,914 others, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

Since then, Thein Aung Myint said, the military has given up trying to advance its claims on the land in Sintgu township in court and began harassing residents instead, knowing that it no longer will have to answer for its actions.

But he said that regardless of what government is in power, using force to evict farmers is not a long-term solution to the countrys land problems.

We have to question whether it is ethical to do this kind of thing instead of helping them earn a living, he said.

These issues should be resolved through the peoples elected representatives. Only by promulgating laws and implementing them accordingly can the solutions be considered correct. But now, with the coup, the authorities are ruling with guns and what they are doing is bullying people.

Thein Aung Myint said authorities have also been using force, rather than the courts, to end land disputes with the military in several other states and regions since February.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun by telephone went unanswered Wednesday.

Prior to the coup, New York-based Human Rights Watch had called on Myanmars government to settle decades-old claims by farmers evicted by the military and put laws in place to prevent future land grabs, saying that those deprived of their land have been refused adequate compensation, cut off from the only work they know, and denied access to basic services such as health care, schooling, and education.

Government figures confirm that hundreds of thousands of acres of land have been taken over the last 30 years, though activists believe the true number of acres seized may be in the millions, the rights group said, adding that confiscations often occurred with little or no compensation, creating a profoundly harmful impact on those forced from their land.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
'I want to live in a place where there is no fear,' says Kay Mo, mother of four young children.

Ethnic Karenni teacher Kay Mo holds one of her sons at an IDP camp in eastern Myanmar's Kayah state, Sept. 27, 2021.

A teacher and mother of four young children who left her job to join Myanmars Civil Disobedience Movement against the military junta that seized government control in a coup eight months ago is now barely eking out a living, hunkered down with her family to a border camp in ethnic army-controlled territory.

Kay Mo, an ethnic Karenni who taught at a government-run primary school in eastern Myanmars Kayah state, left her home to avoid arrest when soldiers began cracking down on striking teachers and other professionals across the country who joined civilian protesters in opposing the junta that overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1.

For Kay Mo, who fled her village in May with her four sons  two under the age of 10, an infant and a toddler  this is not the first time to flee her home for safety in the jungles of eastern Myanmar. As a child she and her parents took refuge in the forest countless times during decades of civil war between the Myanmar military and ethnic rebels, she said.

My house is the happiest place for me, but when things turn bad, I have to run and live wherever I can. I cant think of anything else now. I want to live in the safest place with my children, she told RFAs Myanmar Service.

Violent clashes between rebel and junta forces erupted across Kayah state following the coup, forcing some 100,000 residents to flee their homes, taking shelter in Buddhist monasteries or in nearby hills and jungles.

Kay Mo, her husband and four sons are staying in a camp for war refugees in a zone of the state controlled by the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the dominant ethnic political organization in the state, which lies near the Thai-Myanmar border.

She and her family are facing hardship made worse by the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed nearly 17,700 people in the nation of 54 million. The spread of the virus has made it difficult to find paid work inside or outside the camp, she said.

Kay Mo and her sons are subsisting on beans and lentils donated by well-wishers, but when food rations run out, she has to forage for legumes in wooded areas.

I mostly cook bamboo shoots and sometimes chickpeas, she said. Once in a while, I cook lotus and pumpkin leaves. Most of the time we eat bamboo shoots.

Every time the camp nurse weighed my second son, she said he was malnourished. She said he needed to eat eggs and nutritious bread, but I couldnt feed him. I couldnt afford that.

At the camp, which has 178 tents to house more than 1,100 people, Kay Mo is in charge of the food management team and provides whatever food is available to those who are living there temporarily.

What we provide to the refugees is mostly rice, oil, salt, and chickpeas, she said. Sometimes we have chillies but its not every month. This month, we have turmeric in our rations.

The teachers husband, who has not been able to find work, is trying to earn money selling vegetables in the camp in the mornings, but what he makes is not enough to sustain the family.

Despite the difficulties of living in the camp, Kay Mo says she has not given up hope for the day when Myanmar is at peace again and it is safe enough for her to return to her normal life.

I want to live in a place where there is no fear, she said. I just want to go back to my village, my home.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Chinese official report asserting that population growth in Xinjiang since 1949 refutes a series of reports on mass internment, forced birth control and other Chinese policies to reduce the proportion of Uyghurs in the region has angered the Uyghurs, while experts accused Beijing of cherry-picking the numbers.

The State Council Information Offices Xinjiang population white paper comes amid vigorous Chinese efforts to avoid scrutiny and condemnation of a litany of documented abuses in the region, including mass internment camps, sexual assaults, forced abortions, and forced labor.

Amid a surge in international awareness of the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) that began about three years ago, a territory the size of Alaska or Iran, the U.S. and other western states have determined that the treatment of Uyghurs constitutes genocide and crimes against humanity.

China, which rejects the genocide allegations, has launched an all-out propaganda drive to counter the reports, which have led to sanctions against XUAR officials, and moves by Western customs authorities to block Xinjiang products suspected of having been produced with forced labor.

State media and Chinese diplomats regularly vilify the scholars who revealed the mass internment and birth control programs, and Xinjiang officials hold frequent news conferences to promote Beijings views. China has not, however, permitted UN or other independent outside observers visit the region to investigate.

The newest document in that campaign, Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data, claims that an increase in the population of Xinjiang, particularly that of the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, in the seven decades since Communist China was founded, refutes studies of the past decade showing forced birth control and other measures to curb the Uyghur population.

The report cites census data indicating that of the regions total population of 25.85 million, ethnic minorities in Xinjiang totaled 14.93 million  up from 4.45 million in 1953  while Han Chinese comprised the remainder.

The number of Uyghurs increased from 3.61 million in 1953 to 11.62 million in 2020, and accounted for nearly 84 percent of the population in the four prefectures in southern Xinjiang, where the Uyghurs are concentrated, the white paper said.

The report says the Uyghur population grew at a 1.67-percent compound annual growth rate during the first two decades of the current century  much higher than that of the overall ethnic minority population of China, which increased at the rate of 0.83 percent since 2020.

The newest report follows the release in July of another white paper, Respecting and Protecting the Rights of All Ethnic Groups in Xinjiang, which asserted that Beijing has upheld political, economic, cultural, and social rights as well as freedom of religious belief throughout the XUAR.

A high number of bald-faced lies

Holes in Chinas claims were quickly identified by outside scholars.

A central distortion of the white paper is a claim that the Uyghur population in Xinjiang increased from 2010 to 2020 that ignores a decline in the population growth rate from 2017 onwards, when Uyghur births were brutally suppressed, wrote Rian Thum, a historian of Islam in China and the Uyghurs.

So they're hiding the crash in Uyghur population growth rates 2017-2020 by presenting all data in a block that includes a period of high Uyghur growth rates (2010-2016). They never say what happened between 2017 and 2020, Thum tweeted.

Theres also an unusually high number of bald-faced lies for a white paper, he said, adding that he found it telling that the Chinese government document did not disclose the current population growth rate for Uyghurs in the XUAR.

How did 2020 compare to 2019? This would seem to be crucial data for a state looking to convince the world that it is not preventing births in an indigenous group, he said.

Uyghur political commentator Asiye Uyghur also pointed out a discrepancy in the white papers population data.

The Xinjiang Investigative Team of Chinas Statistical Bureau announced its findings on Sept. 5, 2010, and stated 3.7 million births were prevented in Xinjiang due to the enforcement of the family planning policy for more than two decades up to 2006, he told RFA.

The government white paper did not refer by name to Adrian Zenz, the German anthropologist whose studies based on excavations of data and Xinjiang policy debate from official Chinese documents have revealed the detention of some 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in re-education camps, the forced sterilization of detained Uyghur women, and plans to dilute the Uyghur population in southern Xinjiang.

A report on the white paper by Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency accused foreign media and politicians of spreading rumors and fabrications about Xinjiang.

This is a calculated campaign to undermine the Chinese governments enormous efforts to protect ethnic equality, and misrepresent the historic progress that has been made on human rights in the region, the agency said, quoting the paper.

Their goals are to discredit China, interfere in Chinas internal affairs, restrict Chinas development, and destroy stability and prosperity in Xinjiang, the white paper said.

Statistics are the CCPs tool

The Communist Party-affiliated Global Times tabloid lumped researcher Zenz as among these anti-China scholars, who have no professional demographic knowledge, are racking their brains to seek evidence for their guilty presumption against China.

The Global Times quoted Li Jianxin, a demographer at Peking University who contributed to the white paper, as saying that social and economic development; rising education levels, especially for young women; and a change in fertility patterns; and de-radicalization all helped bring down the Uyghur population.

Zenz, however, drew on government documents showing that population growth rates in the region had declined by 84 percent in the two largest Uyghur prefectures between 2015 and 2018, and declined further in several minority regions in 2019.

Government documents from 2019 showed that authorities had plans for a campaign of mass female sterilization in rural Uyghur regions, subjecting women of childbearing age in the rural southern four minority prefectures to birth prevention surgery or forced sterilizations, Zenz wrote in a July report on the sterilization of detained Uyghur women.

Zenz also documented official discussion of population optimization strategy to dilute the Uyghur majority in southern Xinjiang by raising the proportion of Han Chinese through immigration while imposing strict birth controls on the Uyghurs.

Using population projections by Chinese researchers, Zenz calculated that this could result in a drop in births among Uyghurs of 2.6 million to 4.5 million by 2040.

These findings provide the strongest evidence yet that Beijings policies in Xinjiang meet one of the genocide criteria cited in the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, namely that of Section D of Article II: imposing measures intended to prevent births within the [targeted] group, Zenz wrote in his birth control report.

Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress exile group, said the report attempts to present the so-called normal and natural growth of the Uyghur population as if China hasnt arbitrarily locked up millions of Uyghur people in concentration camps, forcibly sterilized hundreds of thousands of Uyghur women, separated Uyghur children from their parents, aborted countless Uyghur babies, forced Uyghur women to marry Chinese men, and coerced tens of thousands into forced labor.

China will never be able to escape its criminal responsibility for the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity in East Turkestan by manipulating and manufacturing the Uyghur population growth data, he said, using the Uyghurs preferred name for the XUAR.

Chinese human rights lawyer Teng Biao told RFA that the governments statistics, including the nationwide population census, are meant to serve the political aims of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

They falsified the census statistics for many years, he said. Statistics are the CCPs tool only. They are definitely not credible. Chinas narrative is to counter Western accusations of genocide.

Reported by Mihray Abdilim and Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Seven months after 34,000 Ukrainian Jews were shot, their bodies dumped into a ravine known as Babyn Yar, a group of 20 people marched to the outskirts of a village southwest of the capital, Kyiv. Nazi soldiers ordered them to widen two dug-out silos.



The following day, one of those villagers, Tikhon Lysak, later recalled, police drove more than 700 men, women, and children to the pits on the outskirts of Lypovets. They were ordered to undress and enter the pit and lie down in groups of 20 to 30, Lysak said, according to a typewritten record of his account that has faded with the decades. Then the "German executioners shot them in bursts with machine guns."

Eighty years on, the Babyn Yar massacre is recognized as one of the worst mass killings of Jews carried out by the Nazi regime in occupied Ukraine.

But that slaughter of the Jews, which took place on September 29-30, 1941, was far from isolated.

WATCH: Eighty Years Later, Ukraine Remembers The Nazi Atrocities At Babyn Yar

The map of modern Ukraine is littered with hundreds of sites of lesser-known but no-less-deadly contributions to the Nazi Holocaust. Like Lypovets, where, Lysak remembers, a second group of Jews was driven to the pit containing the bodies of the dead as well as the still living. Then it was covered with dirt, he said, according to the record of his account..



"The earth above the grave shook for several hours," Lysak said. Those buried alive were still moving.



No one in the local ghetto escaped, according to documents kept in the provincial Interior Ministry archives, and "800 Soviet citizens, mostly Jews," were shot dead.



Austere Monuments



The scale of the mass killings that took place in towns and villages across Ukraine varies from the single digits to the tens of thousands. Many of the sites are marked with austere monuments as part of the continuing effort to keep local extermination campaigns in the collective memory.



After the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, the mass killings of Jews and Roma -- as well as communists, Soviet POWs, Ukrainian nationalists, and religious figures, among other "undesirables" -- quickly followed.



Often aided by local police units, massacres were carried out by German murder units across Soviet Ukraine.



By November 1941, all of Soviet Ukraine was under occupation.



By the spring of 1942, the "final solution to the Jewish question" was formally codified at the Wannsee Conference as a plan for genocide.

Early massacres took place months after the Nazi invasion.



In the western city of Kamyanets-Podilskyy in August 1941, 23,600 local and Hungarian Jews were killed.



In the central city of Vinnitsya, 15,000 Jews were killed, among them a man whose impending death at the edge of a mass grave was infamously documented in July 1941 with a photograph bearing the hand-scribbled message "the last Jew in Vinnitsya." In the nearby town of Khmilnyk, 8,000 were killed, and in Proskurov (today Khmelniktskyy), 7,000.



To the north, 80 Roma were killed in the summer of 1942 in the village of Divoshyn. Outside the village of Kalynivka, 32 Roma were reportedly killed when they were locked in a barn that was set alight.



In Lypovets, the first mass murders took place there in September 1941, when a group of German police officers detained several dozen young Jews, mostly men, and transported by truck to a field outside the village's Jewish cemetery.



Transcripts from eyewitness statements taken during a 1944 investigation by the Soviet NKVD -- the predecessor to the KGB -- described what followed.



"In the town of Lypovets, the German SS death squad conducted a raid on the settlement," according to a document archived by Connecting Memory, an international project dedicated to marking and protecting Jewish mass graves in Ukraine.



The detachment, the investigation found, took the group of about 200 innocent civilians to a field "and brutally shot them."



The killings, according to researchers, were likely carried out by members of German paramilitary death squads whose job was to follow the invading regular army soldiers and establish order in the newly occupied territories, which included clearing them of "undesirables."

The rest of Lypovets' Jewish population was sent to live in ghettos and serve the regime as forced laborers. Total annihilation came in April 1942.



Many of the village's Jews did manage to get out ahead of the Nazis' arrival or were mobilized into the Red Army.



According to historian Ray Brandon, who researched the history of the Holocaust in Lypovets for Connecting Memory, about 1,000 Jews were left behind.



Leonid Gulko, who was 10 years old at the time and is today approaching 90, was among those to escape Lypovets. Now a U.S. citizen, he said that he and other children were loaded onto a train and sent to the Caucasus.



"We were bombed along the way, but we were children, we didn't understand," he told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.



After Soviet troops drove the Nazis out of Lypovets in January 1944, some of the village's Jewish population returned, including Gulko.

"When my grandparents returned, they saw that their house had burned down," Gulko said. "There was nothing left."



His mother's home, he said, was also gone, and she was unable to locate neighbors, friends, colleagues, and classmates.



Past Lessons, Future Lessons



According to historian Andriy Usach of the newly formed After Silence initiative, which aims to gain a better understanding of Ukraine's past and present, an entire layer of the town's rich Jewish history was wiped out.



"Jews have lived in this area since the middle of the 17th century," he told RFE/RL. "They occupied niches in the traditional economy of the town -- they were shoemakers, hairdressers, or photographers."



In an area where Jews often accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the population, Usach said, their numbers were reduced to dozens.



And the Holocaust was carried out by the Nazis in such a way that it crippled entire communities, Usach said: many local, non-Jewish Ukrainians were involved, including government officials, those who drove Jews to execution sites, and some who themselves killed, robbed, beat, and raped.



Many Ukrainian organizations and individuals are now working to keep lessons of a national tragedy alive.



In Lypovets, history teacher Olena Nenyukova and her students work with German and Ukrainian state initiatives to maintain Jewish monuments and to advance people's knowledge of the Holocaust.



"We started doing the educational part of this project: looking for materials in the archives, creating information banners, recording witnesses, conducting tours," Nenyukova says of her work with Germany's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies.



Survivors are also involved. Gulko's family, for example, is behind the Remember Us initiative, which has raised funds to open a small Holocaust museum in Lypovets, which today has around 8,000 people.



According to Usach, the local memory of the Holocaust is no longer a matter for Jews alone.



"The Holocaust in our area is becoming a large-scale topic that includes the experience of Jews and non-Jews," he said.

Written by Michael Scollon, based on reporting by Maria Shur and Dmitro Shurkhalo of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
Human rights activists in Belarus say the authorities have detained dozens of people across Belarus on charges of insulting a government official or inciting social hatred following a shooting earlier this week in which an IT worker and a KGB officer died -- an incident that the U.S. envoy to Minsk said appears to confirm the regime of authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenkas "disregard" for human rights.

The Minsk-based Vyasna human rights group said on September 30 that some 50 people were detained amid an intensifying crackdown on civil society, the political opposion, and independent media following last years disputed presidential election.

According to Vyasna, the detentions took place the previous day and were probably connected with comments on social media about the deaths of [Andrey Zeltsar] and a KGB officer.



The Belarusian Interior Ministry did not immediately comment on the reported detentions, which came after the Committee of State Security (KGB) said on September 28 that its officers shot dead a 31-year-old man and arrested his wife in a raid on their apartment in Minsk.



It gave no details on the man, saying only that he was a "terrorist" -- a term the KGB often uses to describe protesters and those voicing opposition to Lukashenka's regime.

The KGB also said the man had been killed after firing at security forces, leaving one officer dead. There has been no independent confirmation of the KGB statement, including whether the man had fired at security forces.

Earlier on September 30, U.S.-based software firm EPAM Systems confirmed reports that the man killed by Belarusian security forces was an employee of the company.

In a statement to Reuters, EPAM did not release any further details. It said it couldn't confirm media reports that the employee held U.S. citizenship.

Meanwhile, Julie Fisher, the U.S. ambassador to Belarus, said that Washington is seeking additional information on whether the "victim" is a U.S. citizen.

In a Facebook post, Fisher said the Minsk incident "appears to provide further evidence of the regimes disregard for #humanrights and its willingness to utilize extreme methods to threaten perceived political opponents."

"The United States condemns these actions and the full range of politically motivated attacks against civil society, media, private companies, and political opponents," she wrote.

Belarus was engulfed by protests in 2020 after a presidential election in August -- which the opposition and West say was rigged -- gave Lukashenka a sixth consecutive term.

Crisis In Belarus Read our ongoing coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka ramps up pressure on NGOs and independent media as part of a brutal crackdown against protesters and the opposition following an August 2020 election widely considered fraudulent.

In response, the government has cracked down hard on the pro-democracy movement, arresting thousands of people and pushing most of the top opposition figures out of the country.

Prominent independent nongovernmental organizations such as the Belarusian Association of Journalists have been forcibly closed, while seven members of Vyasna have been jailed, pending trial on criminal charges.



The group said in its statement on September 30 that Belarusians "continue to be detained, searched, pressured, and subjected to other forms of pressure for their active civil position and dissatisfaction with the government's actions."

On September 29, the commander of the internal troops of the Interior Ministry, Mikalay Karpyankou, said the Minsk shoot-out would prompt new, and much harsher, tactics when dealing with situations where police are attempting to gain entry to residences.



"Now, the security forces will act in the following way: if the doors are not opened, they will be blown open and then stun grenades will be used, a dog will be sent in, and if the special forces don't see someone with raised hands, they will shoot to kill," he said on state television.



Lukashenka, who has run the country since 1994, has denied any fraud in the August 2020 vote and refuses to negotiate with the opposition on a political transition and new elections.

With reporting by Reuters
Bulgaria's leaders have expressed their strong support for North Macedonia's road to joining the European Union, a departure from Sofia's earlier objections to North Macedonia starting talks to join the bloc.

"Our aim is to create a favorable environment of trust, friendship, and open dialogue that will help our specialists to sit down and find the correct solutions," Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev said on June 17 following discussions in Sofia with a Macedonian delegation headed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

The start of North Macedonia's accession talks was blocked by EU member Bulgaria in 2020 due to disputes over history, national identity, and language.

Bulgaria wants North Macedonia to formally recognize that its language has Bulgarian roots, while Skopje has said any question of its identity and language are not negotiable.

Sofia's decision to block the start of EU accession talks was backed by all of Bulgaria's political parties in parliament, and the current caretaker government is powerless to change the position. However, it could prepare changes to legislation that could be approved by the new parliament that will be voted in during early elections in July.

While a joint commission of historians have failed to resolve the standoff, the two neighboring countries have recently renewed efforts to resolve their differences, and the trip to Sofia by Zaev and other high-ranking Macedonian officials was seen as an opportunity for a breakthrough.

The North Macedonia delegation included the country's deputy prime minister for EU affairs, Nikola Dimitrov, and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

Zaev met with representatives of Bulgaria's main parties, as well as Prime Minister Yanev and President Rumen Radev.

"I am convinced that today's meetings here in Sofia will bring about only good for both brotherly nations," Zaev said after he and Yanev agreed to put an end to the recent hateful rhetoric between the two countries.

"I appeal on the brotherly Bulgarian nation -- through its leaders -- to continue to help the Republic of North Macedonia on our path toward the European Union. We have no alternative," Zaev added.

President Radev called the improvement of bilateral relations with North Macedonia "of extraordinary importance," and said that "it is our duty to arrange things in a way so that our peoples are given a joint European future and the possibility to engage in mutual contact much more freely."

With reporting by AP and Balkan Insight
Kosovo and Serbia reached an EU-mediated agreement on September 30, ending a row over the mutual recognition of vehicle license plates. The agreement sets out to ease tensions at border crossings such as Brnjak, with the removal of roadblocks and Kosovo Special Police Units and the temporary deployment of NATO forces at border crossings. It also requires the covering of state symbols on car license plates until a more permanent solution can be found.
Former Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan has been arrested in connection with an investigation into supplies of allegedly faulty ammunition provided to the countrys armed forces.

The National Security Service (NSS) on September 30 confirmed the arrest, which occurred late the previous day.



The NSS statement also said that arms dealer Davit Galstian was also arrested, and both men are accused of defrauding the state of nearly 2.3 billion drams ($4.7 million).



The NSS also said that other, unnamed serving and retired military officers were being investigated in connection with the case.



Tonoyan served as defense minister from 2018 until 2020, and he was sacked just days after a Russia-brokered agreement ended six weeks of fighting between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan over that countrys breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.



Galstian owns several firms that have supplied weapons and ammunition to the armed forces for many years.



The Nagorno-Karabakh war ended with a Moscow-brokered cease-fire in November 2020, which among other things led to Baku retaking control of parts of the region and neighboring districts that had been under Armenian control for nearly three decades.
Faced with a struggling economy and few financial lifelines, Kyrgyzstan is feeling the weight of its swelling state debt -- a significant proportion of which is owed to China -- and considering some drastic measures to meet its obligations.

Kyrgyzstans foreign debt is reportedly as much as $5 billion and more than 40 percent of that ($1.8 billion) is owed to the Export-Import Bank of China for a series of infrastructure projects over the last decade under the guise of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese leader Xi Jinping's signature foreign-policy project.

Bishkek, however, is grappling with a contracting economy whose gross domestic product dropped 8.6 percent in 2020, prompting fears the country will be unable to pay off its loans or even meet interest payments, especially on the Central Asian countrys commitments owed to Beijing.

With deadlines approaching, there has been discussion by Kyrgyz officials of potentially forfeiting assets as a form of repayment.

"If we do not pay some of [the debt] on time we will lose many of our properties," new Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov told the state Kabar news agency during an interview on February 13. "Agreements with such conditions were signed by [President Almazbek] Atambaev. But, God willing, we will get rid of all debts in time. There are plans."

What exactly those plans are remains to be seen.

While Japarov's comments refrained from mentioning China directly, the national conversation has since shifted to how the country of 6.4 million people can repay its loans to Beijing, its largest creditor and a major political force in Central Asia.

This debt impasse highlights the difficult bind that many countries -- including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan -- have with Chinese-owed debts from large BRI infrastructure projects as they deal with the economic crunch caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beijing has so far shown a willingness to defer some loans, but not offer outright relief, pointing toward a difficult negotiating environment for countries like Kyrgyzstan that are under such difficult financial strain.

"China has shown many times in Latin America and Africa that it is not a charity and that it is a very pragmatic partner in terms of getting back its debts," Temur Umarov, an expert on China-Central Asia relations at the Carnegie Moscow Center, told RFE/RL. "For Kyrgyzstan, it's a challenging situation with no clear way out."

Kyrgyzstan has been considering options for the development of its Jetim-Too iron-ore mine in recent months, and some government critics have raised the prospect that the authorities might sell off or surrender mining rights to the lucrative deposit to pay off its loans to Beijing.

As a presidential candidate, Japarov himself floated the idea of using Jetim-Too to pay down state debt owed to China, although Kyrgyzstan's National Bank has said the government planned to retain ownership.

Beyond mineral and mining concessions, some lawmakers have also mentioned the possibility of the government surrendering partial management of the countrys energy sector.

This outcome to resolve the country's debts was raised by parliament deputy Akyl Japarov (no relation to the president) on February 22, if Kyrgyzstan could not meet its interest payments on the controversial, Chinese-financed reconstruction of Bishkek's main power plant, the cost of which was grossly inflated before breaking down and continues to have shortfalls in production.

"Kyrgyzstan has no leverage and few ways to manage this crisis," Niva Yau, a researcher at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, told RFE/RL. "A lot will depend if Japarov is able to follow through on his reforms for the economy and bring in anti-corruption measures."

In Search Of Goodwill

Japarov and Xi had their first phone call on February 22, during which the Kyrgyz president voiced support for more Chinese projects in the country and praised Xi's handling of a range of international issues.

The phone call comes after strained relations between Bishkek and Beijing around the events that brought Japarov to power and plunged Kyrgyzstan into a political crisis in October.

The nationalist Japarov rode into power on protests triggered over parliamentary elections that toppled the government and saw the resignation of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

But in the wake of those events, Chinese businesses and citizens in Kyrgyzstan reportedly faced attacks and shakedowns, which led to Kyrgyz Ambassador to China Kanayym Baktygulova being summoned in Beijing as Chinese officials expressed their displeasure and concern for the safety of its citizens.

WATCH: Countries On China's 'New Silk Road' Face Coronavirus Fears

"Beijing has lots of concerns over a populist leader like Japarov," Yau said. "China has been waiting for the domestic political situation to stabilize and there is still lots of hesitancy."

Anti-China protests have grown across Central Asia in recent years, with many such demonstrations taking place in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Concerns about land ownership, state debt, Chinese labor practices, and the internment camps in the neighboring Chinese province of Xinjiang -- which have also held ethnic Kyrgyz and Kazakhs in addition to Uyghurs -- have been rallying calls in the country. Vandalism and several attacks on Chinese workers have also occurred in recent years in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Japarov -- whose parents lived for many years in China -- must now persuade Beijing that he can be a reliable partner without alienating himself from the nationalist, anti-corruption rhetoric that helped bring him to power.

On both fronts, the Kyrgyz leader faces tremendous obstacles.

Popular anger over corruption remains high in Kyrgyzstan and many details over past loan contracts signed with Chinese entities are unknown, sparking further speculation among the public about how the government will settle its debt with Beijing.

Moreover, Japarov is also dealing with the fallout of revelations around Raimbek Matraimov, the former deputy customs chief and influential power broker who was arrested for a second time on February 18 over suspicion of money-laundering following public backlash over a lenient fine. The allegations against Matraimov were first revealed by a joint RFE/RL investigation.

With limited international experience, Japarov is also looking to shore up Russian support to help navigate his problems, with a visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin and other top officials taking place on February 24-25.

Playing The Long Game

Even before the political upheaval that brought Japarov into office, Bishkek had been asking China for debt forgiveness.

Prior to the pandemic, Kyrgyzstan was making progress in paying down its outstanding loans, but the financial problems caused by COVID-19 broke down the country's economy, which remains reliant on cross-border shuttle trade with China, and derailed Bishkek's schedule.

In November 2020, some relief did come from Beijing in the form of debt deferment, allowing $35 million owed for that year to be delayed until 2022-24, at 2 percent interest.

Kyrgyzstan also secured help from international creditors through a Paris Club agreement in June, suspending $11 million worth of debt until the end of the year. Bishkek collectively owes more than $300 million to Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.

But those deals only offer temporary relief and do not address wider structural issues over Kyrgyzstan's inability to service its debt obligations. With Bishkek exploring various drastic options to repay its Chinese loans, what sort of concessions Beijing is willing to offer could be the deciding factor.

"The pattern is that China is willing to defer debt, but only in a handful of cases has it actually written it down," Jonathan Hillman, the director of the Reconnecting Asia Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told RFE/RL. "Examples of asset seizures have been extremely rare."

China holds many of the cards in debt talks, with contracts signed with Kyrgyzstan stipulating that any disputes over repayment are to be settled in Chinese arbitration courts, rather than international ones, and could contain other clauses to Beijing's advantage.

"A lot of the issues facing Kyrgyzstan stem from a lack of due diligence and mismanagement from Kyrgyz officials over the years," Hillman said. "But I think this is a lesson on the risks of doing business with China. This is what happens when you have a lack of transparency around lending."

Still, China remains concerned about its reputation in Kyrgyzstan, and the wider region as a whole, and will likely be mindful of the optics and sensitivities in taking control of any assets in the Central Asian country.

"Taking an asset is not a good political move," Hillman said. "It will confirm everyone's worst fears about China and Belt and Road."
Serbia and Kosovo have reached an agreement during European Union-mediated talks in Brussels to end a tense standoff at their mutual border that was triggered 10 days ago by a dispute over vehicle registration plates.



Two border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo have been blocked by local Serbs since Kosovar authorities on September 20 required all drivers from Serbia entering Kosovo to use temporary printed license plates that are valid for 60 days.

The Kosovar government said the move was in retaliation for measures in force in Serbia against drivers from Kosovo since 2008, when the country declared independence from Belgrade.

Serbia does not recognize its former province's independence and therefore its right to take official actions such as registering cars.



Kosovo's government has deployed special police forces to the Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings to impose the new rule, while Serbian military jets and helicopters have been flying close to the border in an apparent show of force.

European Union envoy Miroslav Lajcak posted on Twitter a picture of the agreement reached between the two sides on September 30 following what he called two days of intense negotiations in the Belgian capital.



Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he was personally very satisfied, while Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said: "Now begins the era when Serbia is starting to get used to reciprocity."



EU and U.S. officials also welcomed the compromise, and called for dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade to continue to normalize their relations.



According to the agreement posted by Lajcak on Twitter, three main points have been agreed by the two sides:



-- Special police units located at the joint border crossings in Jarinje and Brnjak will remove barricades and leave on October 2, while members of the NATO-led KFOR stabilization force will deploy at the two crossings before the start of the withdrawal of the police and the removal of barricades, remaining there for two weeks to ensure security;



-- From October 4, a sticker will replace the removal of the license plates of cars registered in Kosovo and Serbia as a temporary measure until a permanent solution is identified;



-- On October 21, Kosovar and Serbian officials will form a working group chaired by the EU and start working toward a permanent solution that will be presented within six months to the high-level format of the Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue.

In his tweet, Lajcak thanked the Kosovar and Serbian chief negotiators, Besnik Bislimi and Petar Petkovic, for "their readiness to negotiate and agree for the good of the people."



The EU diplomatic service welcomed the outcome of the negotiations in Brussels, and urged both parties to constructively engage in the Dialogue in order to make swift progress on comprehensive normalisation of their relations.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen -- who was visiting Serbia when the deal was struck -- described the agreement as a "very positive development.



It is good for the whole region. Now the dialogue must continue," she wrote in a tweet.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar, who oversees the Western Balkans, also applauded the agreement but underlined that there is "still an awful lot on the agenda" between two sides that needs to be addressed.



"I think we can make enormous strides in helping the Balkans get over a very difficult period during the 90s and hopefully, eventually become more integrated with the European Union," he said on a briefing call with reporters.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on June 5 reached an agreement to calm a tense border standoff between the two Central Asian nations, in the latest incident over contested territory more than a month after deadly clashes.



Tensions escalated along a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border on June 4, with both sides accusing the other of violating previous agreements.



Kyrgyzstan had accused Tajik troops of placing a container overnight on what Kyrgyz officials called "a disputed area" along an undemarcated section of the border at Unzhu-Bulak in the Chon-Alai district of the Osh region.



The Tajik border guards' press service rejected the Kyrgyz statement, saying that its unit had moved to a border area that had been agreed with the Kyrgyz side as Tajikistan's territory.

Following talks between top security officials, the two sides reached a nine-point agreement to end the standoff, including both countries moving border posts 3 kilometers from the disputed area and instructing topographic working groups to demarcate the border section.



Almost half of the 970 kilometer-long Kyrgyz-Tajik border has not been demarcated, leading to repeated tensions since the two former Soviet countries gained independence three decades ago.



In late April, clashes along another disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border left dozens of people killed on both sides, raising fears of a wider conflict between the two impoverished neighbors.
DUSHANBE -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has declared the country coronavirus-free, claiming there have been no new cases this month.

Rahmon made the claim in a January 26 address to parliament even though the Health Ministry said earlier this month that several new cases were registered in the Central Asian country since the New Year.

"Tajikistan today is without COVID-19," Rahmon said, adding that the "absence of coronavirus" within Tajikistan's borders did not mean that citizens can now neglect regulations such as wearing masks and social distancing.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

He also said that individuals arriving in Tajikistan from other countries must be placed in quarantine.

Tajik authorities have said that mosques in the country will reopen as of February 1 as long as they meet sanitary requirements.

Many in Tajikistan have questioned the need to keep the regulations in place, since they aren't being adhered to or enforced in areas such as markets and on public transportation.

The number of registered coronavirus cases in Tajikistan is 13,308, with 90 deaths.

However, an investigative report by RFE/RL last summer revealed that the actual number of lethal cases of COVID-19 in the country might be several times higher, including dozens of physicians and nurses who treated COVID-19 patients.
As Russia expands its list of so-called foreign agent media outlets, slapping them with a label that hobbles their work, the journalists who staff them are doing what journalists anywhere do best -- investigating why their organizations were targeted and by whom.



Theres one name that occurs with growing frequency: Aleksandr Ionov.



Russias "foreign agent" dragnet has widened significantly in recent years, with almost all major independent media outlets in Russia being hit with the label that was first legalized in 2012.



Since then, its expanded to include not just media outlets, but some of Russias most prominent nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups, election monitors, rights activists, and individuals.



There are now dozens of entries on the Justice Ministrys official ledgers.



This weeks additions include the news site Mediazona, and OVD-Info, a nonprofit that monitors police arrests nationwide.



Meduza, an independent news site based in Latvia, was hit with the designation in April.



Meduza said the label frightened off many of its advertisers, whose revenues the site relies on, and it was forced to launch a major crowdfunding campaign.



Meduzas lawyers, meanwhile, found that court documents listed Ionov as the initiator of the complaint that led to the organizations troubles.



One of our reports offended Ionov so deeply that he decided to write a complaint about Meduza to Russias censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, the outlet reported.



Who Is Ionov?



The founder of an obscure Moscow-based think tank called the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, Ionov has long been seen as a freelance pro-Kremlin activist helping advance a government-backed war of attrition against perceived enemies.



Hes hardly a stranger to the spotlight.



In March 2019, The Atlantic magazine described Ionovs group as an NGO partly funded, but not directly controlled, by the Kremlin, and noted that Ionov had been trying to promote fringe separatist movements in the United States since well before 2016.

In 2015, the organization hosted a conference in Moscow called Dialogue of Nations which brought together separatist groups from the United States, Europe, and Ukraine. News reports said the conference was funded by the National Charity Fund, a charity started in the late 1990s that gets money from major state-owned and public companies and oligarchs.

Ionov also raised around $30,000 in legal funds for Maria Butina, the Russian gun-rights activist who made inroads with American conservative politicians before she was convicted in 2018 for acting as an unregistered foreign agent. She returned to Russia after her release in October 2019, and recently was elected to the State Duma.



A letter from Putin thanking Ionov for his work to strengthen friendship between peoples hangs on the wall inside the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia's offices in Moscow, Vice reported.



Ionov, whose social-media feed is full of posts accusing Russian journalists, without clear evidence, of accepting Western grants for opaque political projects, said that he has no personal hostility toward journalists.



I respect all journalists and I have no personal hostility toward them, he told RFE/RL in a Facebook message.



The journalists whom I and my colleagueshave focused on have received targeted grant funding from abroad. This is the money of taxpayers in the United States and Britain, as well as other EU countries, he said.



Asked if he coordinates his efforts with the Kremlin, he responded: I think the Kremlin has better things to do than coordinate any listswith me."



Foreign Agents, Undesirable Organizations



Meduza subsequently reported that Ionov was behind a complaint that led the first undesirable designation of a university in Russia: Bard College, a liberal arts school in upstate New York with deep ties to a prominent St. Petersburg university.



The undesirable legal designation, established under a separate law parallel to the foreign agent law, is a similarly punitive label that almost always results in the closure of designated organizations.



Bard ultimately was outlawed by Russian prosecutors, who labeled it a national security threat and placed anyone affiliated with its partner institution in St Petersburg in legal jeopardy too.



In August, iStories, an investigative news outlet that had dug into high-level corruption in Russia, was designated a foreign agent. Meduza reported that Ionov was behind that as well.

But as the dragnet widens further, Ionovs public statements suggest the trend is set to continue.



On September 29, state-owned channel RT reported that Ionov was appealing to prosecutors to declare prominent journalist Yelizaveta Osetinskaya, founder of business-focused news outlet The Bell, a foreign agent.



He had earlier called for the outlet itself to receive the same label.



Osetinskayas company essentially received money from American tax-payers, Ionov told the outlet in an interview, without giving details.



Osetinskaya did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



That same day on his Facebook page, where he regularly publishes what he says is his proof of Russian journalists nefarious intentions, Ionov posted an image of himself sitting before a desk at a laptop, a large tobacco pipe in his mouth.



The investigation continues, he wrote.

RFE/RL senior correspondent Mike Eckel contributed to this story
MOSCOW -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has said an arrest warrant has been issued for prominent investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, chief editor of the investigative website The Insider, which was recently added to the country's controversial registry of "foreign agents."

According to the FSBs September 30 statement, Dobrokhotov is accused of illegally crossing the border into Ukraine in August bypassing the established checkpoints. The statement added that Dobrokhotov faces criminal prosecution and up to two years in prison.



Earlier in the day, The Insider reported that FSB officers searched Dobrokhotovs Moscow apartment and that of his parents, which is located next door.

Dobrokhotov's lawyer, Yulia Kuznetsova, told The Insider that the searches were conducted as part of an investigation into "illegal border crossing."



Dobrokhotov tweeted that the officers confiscated his parents' computers and telephones and were going to take them in for questioning with regard to the case.

In July, just days after The Insider website was labeled a "foreign agent," police searched the apartments of Dobrokhotov and his parents.

Dobrokhotov's passport was confiscated by police, but he still managed to leave the country and is currently abroad. His wife and children remain in Moscow.



Police said at the time that the searches were part of an investigation that had been launched at the request of Dutch journalist Max van der Werff, who accused The Insider of libel.



Van der Werff's lawyer, Stalina Gurevich, said at the time that her client was suing Dobrokhotov, accusing him of falsely reporting that the Dutch journalist had links to Russia's GRU military-intelligence agency.



Van der Werff is known for articles rejecting international investigators' conclusions that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down in 2014 by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in the east of Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Insider is an investigative website registered in Latvia and well-known for its cooperation with the Bellingcat group, with which it has conducted a series of high-profile investigations, including reports about the Russian secret services' activities abroad and last year's poisoning with a nerve agent of Russian opposition leader and outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.



Russia's so-called "foreign agent" legislation was adopted in 2012 and has been modified repeatedly.

It requires nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign assistance, and that the government deems to be engaged in political activity to be registered, to identify themselves as "foreign agents," and to submit to audits. Later modifications of the law targeted foreign-funded media, including RFE/RL's Russian Service, six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services, and Current Time.

The Russian state media monitor Roskomnadzor last year adopted rules requiring listed media to mark all written materials with a lengthy notice in large text, all radio materials with an audio statement, and all video materials with a 15-second text declaration.

The agency has prepared hundreds of complaints against RFE/RL's services. When they go through the court system, the total fines levied could reach nearly $1 million.



RFE/RL has called the fines "a state-sponsored campaign of coercion and intimidation," while the U.S. State Department has described them as "intolerable."

Human Rights Watch has described the "foreign agent" legislation as "restrictive" and intended "to demonize independent groups."

With reporting by Insider and Dozhd
KEMEROVO, Russia -- A court in Siberia has found a group of eight people guilty of negligence in a 2018 fire in the city of Kemerovo that killed 60 people, including 37 children.



The Zavodskoi district court on September 30 found the former director of a company that owned the Zimnyaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) mall, Yulia Bogdanova; former mall manager Nadezhda Suddenok; the mall's former technical director, Georgy Sobolev; and the mall's former security officer, Sergei Antyushin guilty of providing unsafe services that led to the deaths to customers.

In addition, it also found the chief of a company that installed the fire-alarm system in the mall, Igor Polozinenko; his assistant, Aleksandr Nikitin; and firefighters Andrei Bursin and Sergei Genin guilty of negligence in the blaze.



The court started pronouncing the verdicts and sentences on September 30, The process can take several days to finish.



In May, a prosecutor asked the court to sentence the eight defendants to prison terms of between five years and 14 1/2 years.



Bogdanova and Sobolev pleaded partially guilty, while the others pleaded not guilty.



The 2018 fire was one of the deadliest in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.



It was the last in a long series of disasters caused or exacerbated by the corrosively deadly effects of negligence, carelessness, corruption, corner-cutting, and crumbling infrastructure.

Residents, relatives of the victims, and Russians nationwide blamed corruption and government negligence for the high number of casualties.



Days after the fire, investigators said that blocked fire exits, an alarm system that was turned off, and "glaring violations" of safety rules before the blaze started led to the high death toll.



A total of 16 people, including leaders of the regional Emergency Situations Ministry and officials who had approved the mall's operations, have been charged with crimes that investigators said led to or aggravated the tragedy.
Amnesty International has condemned a Russian court's rejection of an appeal by a Yakut shaman against a decision to confine him to a psychiatric clinic as he campaigned to drive President Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin.



In a statement on September 29, the director of Amnesty's Russian office, Natalya Zvyagina, called Aleksandr Gabyshev, who was detained several times as he attempted to march to Moscow on foot to drive Putin out of the Kremlin, "a symbol of resistance of ordinary people" in Russia against the government's "pressure that is increasing every day."



"Forced treatment in a psychiatric clinic is a way of torture and violence. The authorities must stay away from forced treatment and immediately, without any conditions, release Aleksandr Gabyshev, because he was sentenced to forced treatment in a psychiatric facility for an indefinite period of time exclusively for implementing his right to express his views," Zvyagina said, adding that the Russian authorities "again turned psychiatric assistance into a punitive measure, the method to curb dissent that was well checked and probed in the Soviet period."

The Amnesty statement came three days after Gabyshev's lawyer, Aleksei Pryanishnikov, told RFE/RL that his client was transferred from temporary incarceration at a psychiatric clinic in the capital of the Far Eastern region of Yakutia, Yakutsk, to an unknown psychiatric clinic in an undisclosed place.

The decision to confine Gabyshev to psychiatric treatment against his will was made by a court in July after it found Gabyshev "mentally unfit" at a hearing where he was accused of committing a "violent act against a police officer" as he was being forcibly taken from his home to a psychiatric clinic in late January.



The ruling was challenged by Gabyshev's lawyers and supporters who say it was an attempt to silence dissent.



Police said at the time that the incident between Gabyshev and the law enforcement officer took place on January 27, less than three weeks after the shaman had announced a plan to resume his trek to the Russian capital to drive Putin from power.



Gabyshev's sister, Kyaiyylana Zakharova, told RFE/RL in April that her brother's state of health had dramatically deteriorated, most likely due to unspecified injections he received while in the psychiatric clinic.



Gabyshev first made headlines in March 2019, when he called Putin "evil" and announced that he had started a march to Moscow to drive the Russian president from office.



He then walked more than 2,000 kilometers, speaking with hundreds of Russians along the way.



As his notoriety rose, videos of his conversations with people were posted on social media and attracted millions of views.

In July of that year, Gabyshev led a 700-strong rally under the slogan "Russia without Putin" in the city of Chita.



His march was halted when he was detained in the region of Buryatia later in September and placed in a psychiatric clinic in Yakutia for several months against his will.



Shamans have served as healers and diviners in Siberia for centuries. During the Soviet era, the mystics were harshly repressed. But in isolated parts of Siberia, they are now regaining prominence.
Russia is delaying the appointment of panels of independent experts to monitor violations of UN sanctions on several African countries, diplomats say.



All of the committees blocked are in the process of renewing their members.



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appoints panels of between four and six independent experts for each of the UN sanctions regimes. They monitor and report to the Security Council on violations and recommend further action.



Until the Security Council agrees to Guterres's appointments, the experts can't start work and their efforts to track sanctions violations are hampered.

Russia says it has put the approval of a number of panels or individual experts on hold because of a lack of geographic diversity on the committees and says they have a Western bias.



"Unfortunately, we are still faced with the situation when the proposed composition of such panels is not geographically balanced," Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Russia Dmitry Polyansky told Reuters. "We have a predominance of representatives of Western countries."



Polyansky also said some experts on the panels did not meet the requirements of "impartiality, neutrality, and independence."



"This affects the results of their work. This situation should be fixed," Reuters quoted him as saying.



The mandates for the panel of experts on Mali ends on September 30.

Other panels affected are those monitoring sanctions violations in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic (CAR). The mandates for those panels expired on various dates during the summer, stalling their work.



The committee tasked with monitoring the CAR this year condemned "grave human rights abuses" attributed to paramilitaries from the controversial Vagner group, a private Russian security firm.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
The remains of seven civilians killed during the 1998-99 Kosovo war were handed over to Kosovo from Serbia on September 30 at the Merdare border crossing between the two countries. Members of the public and relatives came to pay their respects to those who were killed, before the bodies were taken for burial. The bodies were exhumed from a mass grave in Kizevak, not far from the border with Kosovo.
The most popular man in Tajikistan has arrived for a three-day visit to that country.



But it's not a Tajik -- it's Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev.



And the reason he is so popular in Tajikistan is because Tajiks see Mirziyoev as a reformer, someone who is loosening state control over society and making positive changes in Uzbekistan -- while his counterpart in Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has been doing the opposite.



Mirziyoev is also reversing many of the policies of his predecessor -- Islam Karimov -- that left relations between the two countries in tatters and often seemed deliberately aimed at punishing Tajikistan.



Mirziyoev started making promises about reforms as soon as he took over as Uzbekistan's leader in September 2016.



Many people in Uzbekistan have trouble seeing a lot of those reforms, but Mirziyoev's comments about greater social, political, and religious freedoms resonate strongly in Tajikistan, where the process has been heading in the opposite direction.



Ahead of what many see as Rahmon's move to install his son, Rustam, as the next president of Tajikistan, authorities have worked to eliminate political rivals and tighten control over the country, including the number of people who practice Islam.

Improving Ties



But while Mirziyoev's credentials for reforms at home might be in question, his work in improving ties with Tajikistan is undeniable.



In the last 21 years, official visits by Uzbek presidents to Tajikistan happened less often than total solar eclipses.



When Mirziyoev visited Tajikistan in March 2018, it was the first time since 2000 that an Uzbek president had done so.



Many of the obstacles to good Tajik-Uzbek relations that Mirziyoev inherited when he succeeded Karimov were removed and his meeting with Rahmon on that trip was characterized by a warmth and spirit of cooperation which had not been seen since the two countries became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The cantankerous Karimov, who ruled over Uzbekistan during all the years of independence until his death in 2016, dictated terms to Tajikistan and felt that Uzbekistan's role in the 1992-1997 Tajik Civil War was decisive in keeping Rahmon in power there.



It became clear early on that Uzbekistan had many levers it could use to pressure Tajikistan, starting with access to the outside world.



Tajikistan is backed up into the southeastern corner of Central Asia, hemmed in on the east, and most of the north and south, by the Pamir Mountains.



The easiest way into or out of Tajikistan by land is through the west -- through Uzbekistan.

Tajikistan's civil war broke out in the spring of 1992. In order to keep Tajikistan's problems from spilling into Uzbekistan, in September of that year Karimov ordered the governors of the Uzbek provinces neighboring Tajikistan not to accept any war refugees.



Railway routes connecting the two countries were reduced and eventually almost cut entirely.



The Soviet-era roads connecting the two countries were shut at the border and only a trickle of cargo traffic was allowed to cross.



Some of these roads stayed closed and others that were open regularly had long lines of traffic waiting to cross until Mirziyoev became president.

The 'Karimov Wall'



Walls and fences constructed along parts of the Tajik-Uzbek border also remained standing until Mirziyoev took over.



Just weeks before Mirziyoev's March 2018 visit to Tajikistan, officials and citizens from both countries took part in a ceremony to demolish the so-called "Karimov Wall," which divided part of Tajikistan's Sughd region from Uzbekistan's Samarkand Province.



In early 2016, Uzbekistan completed the $1.9 billion Angren-Pap railway line, built specifically so that trains between eastern Uzbekistan and the Tashkent area would not have to pass through Tajik territory.

Karimov also objected to Tajikistan's plans to build the massive Roghun hydropower plant, and Uzbek authorities halted trains bringing cement and other construction materials to Tajikistan. By early 2010, rail cargo bound for Tajikistan had dropped by some 40 percent.



Then, in late 2011, there was a mysterious explosion at a bridge in Uzbekistan along the Ghalaba-Amuzang railway line that totally suspended shipments along that route.



In January 2013, then-Tajik Agriculture Minister Qasim Qasimov complained that Uzbekistan's closure of railway lines connecting to Tajikistan left his country without its primary means to export agricultural products.



The Ghalaba-Amuzang bridge was finally repaired just before Mirziyoev's March 2018 visit and has been operational since.



Other railway connections have also reopened, and one of the big agreements expected to be signed during Mirziyoev's current visit envisions construction of a new railway line connecting the Uzbek city of Samarkand to the Tajik city of Penjikent and farther east to Ayni.



New bus routes connecting the two countries are expected to open in addition to those that started operating not long after Mirziyoev assumed office.

Soviet-era gas pipelines also brought gas from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan.



But it was difficult for Tajikistan to make payments and Uzbekistan frequently cited this debt to reduce or cut off gas supplies, often when it appeared Tashkent wanted to show its displeasure with decisions made in Dushanbe.



By 2014, Tajikistan had given up depending on Uzbekistan and instead ramped up domestic coal production, greatly adding to the air pollution in the country.



Uzbek gas supplies have resumed since Mirziyoev took over in Uzbekistan. Tashkent's objections to Tajikistan's Roghun hydropower plant were dropped, and during Mirzioyev's March 2018 visit, the two sides agreed to cooperate in developing hydropower in Tajikistan.



When militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan appeared in the summer of 1999 and fought with Kyrgyz troops in the Batken area, it became clear they were operating from bases in Tajikistan's mountains.



When they returned in the summer of 2000 and succeeded in crossing into mountainous areas of eastern Uzbekistan, Tashkent responded by planting land mines along its borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.



In the years that followed these land mines claimed the lives of dozens of Tajik citizens -- mainly shepherds and children gathering firewood -- and maimed dozens of others.



In January 2018, when Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullo Aripov visited Tajikistan to prepare for Mirziyoev's visit, he said Uzbekistan would work with Tajikistan to clear the border area of the land mines.

Side-By-Side For Centuries



It was the latest act in a series that have made Tajik-Uzbek relations better than they have ever been since independence -- and the Tajik people equate these much warmer ties with the change in leadership in Uzbekistan.



Tajiks and Uzbeks are traditionally the sedentary peoples of Central Asia and have lived side-by-side for centuries as part of various emirates and khanates, spoken each other's language, and intermarried.

There are currently some 1.5 million ethnic Uzbeks living in Tajikistan and, although officially there are about the same number of ethnic Tajiks living in Uzbekistan, many Tajiks registered themselves as ethnic Uzbeks during Karimov's time in power and the actual number is probably 6 million or more.



They have experienced problems visiting their kin across the border for decades, but that situation has changed since Mirziyoev became Uzbek president.



According to the Uzbek president's Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus in early 2020 some 20,000 people crossed the Tajik-Uzbek border daily.



There is one more thing that Tajiks are citing that adds to the level of endearment for Mirziyoev.



He was born in what is now Uzbekistan but one of his grandfathers lived in the northwestern Tajik village of Yakhtan and his father is buried in the nearby Mastchoh district.

Salimjon Aioubov, the director of RFE/RL's Tajik Service, contributed to this report.
More than 30 criminal cases have been opened in Ukraine involving fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Police recently detained one family doctor accused of selling counterfeit vaccine documents for about $200 each. Demand for fake paper and digital certificates has shot up since the European Union agreed to recognize Ukrainian digital vaccination documents.
MOSCOW -- A migrant rights defender from Uzbekistan who is being held at Moscows Sheremetyevo airport while facing deportation to Tashkent, where she says she may face torture, has applied for asylum in Ukraine.

Aleksandr Kim, an aide to Valentina Chupik, told RFE/RL on September 30 that the rights defender's representatives had filed applications on Chupik's behalf asking for asylum with Ukraines Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy and the consulate-general in Moscow.



There was no official confirmation on that from Ukrainian authorities.



According to Kim, officials from Uzbekistan's Consulate visited Chupik in the immigration detention center at the airport on September 30 and took her picture for documents to bring her to Uzbekistan.



Chupik has said that she might be jailed, tortured, and even killed while in custody if she is deported back to her homeland.



Chupik, an Uzbek citizen who runs a migrant center in Moscow, said earlier that she was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport on September 25 after she returned to Moscow from Armenia.



According to her, officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) informed her that she has been deprived of her refugee status since September 17 and banned from entering Russia for 30 years. The move was made, the officers told her, because she presented either false information or forged documents to Russian authorities when she applied for refugee status in 2006, which Chupik called "an absolute nonsense."



Chupik fled Uzbekistan in 2006 after local authorities imposed pressure on her, trying to take control over her human rights organization there. She has lived in Moscow since then, providing legal defense and assistance to migrant workers from Central Asia.



The Committee for the Prevention of Torture has asked the European Court of Human Rights to prevent Chupik's possible deportation to Uzbekistan.
The head of the European Unions executive branch sought to reassure the six Western Balkan countries of their future membership in the bloc as she visited Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina on September 30.



European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the inauguration of a railway link in Serbia and a bridge in neighboring Bosnia as part of a six-nation regional tour ahead of an EU-Western Balkans summit on October 6.



Von der Leyen made the stopovers two days after Reuters reported that the 27 member states have so far been unable to agree a declaration reaffirming their pledge of future EU membership for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.



And according to an internal EU document seen by RFE/RL and dated September 27, alleged abuse by Albania, Serbia, and other non-EU European countries has prompted some European Union members to raise the possibility of canceling the visa-free travel regime to the bloc.

Among the abuses cited are unlawful residency and unfounded asylum claims.



Speaking at the opening of the Svilaj Bridge connecting northern Bosnia and Croatia, von der Leyen spoke about the important symbol of the project.

Building bridges between people, countries, and cultures, that is so crucial for our common future. Because Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all the Western Balkans, belong in the European Union. It is in our common interest, but I also believe, it is our destiny, she said.



Von der Leyen said the EU had invested 25 million euros ($29 million) in the bridge over the Sava River. The ceremony was also attended by the chairman of Bosnias Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija, as well as Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Attending the official launch of the works to modernize a railway section between Nis and Brestovac in Serbia later in the day, von der Leyen said she was a strong advocate for bringing Serbia into the European Union," according to an EU transcript of the speech.

"We support Serbia's ambition to open as soon as possible new accession clusters," she said, referring to negotiating chapters, while also acknowledging that EU states had the final word in allowing Belgrade to move forward.



Standing alongside von der Leyen, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic promised reform and to help improve ties with Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.



The six Western Balkan states are at different stages on the EU membership path.



Montenegro and Serbia are the most advanced, having opened accession negotiations and chapters.



After a veto by EU-member Bulgaria, membership negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia have been postponed despite the two states having fulfilled all criteria.



Bosnia and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

With reporting by Reuters
FARMERS AND COPS YET CLASHED AGAIN IN KARNAL, HARYANA

Karnal: Today there is yet another instance of clashes between farmers and police, chaos broke out in Haryana's Karnal this morning amid protests against a BJP event. Barricades were knocked down despite a wide police presence.

The face-off in the midst of sloganeering was recorded in the visuals that showed a huge crowd of demonstrators. The situation remained tense as policemen tried to stop the protesters.

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The farmers have been news for a long time now and they have been protesting for the controversial farm laws till today and directed completely that they won't allow any rule to be followed by the ruling BJP. Today's protests erupted against the event in Karnal's Indri.



Haryana has been the main spot of the farmer's protest, and their clash with the Haryana police is as long as this protest is against the farm laws. Last month, at least 10 people were injured after the state police lathi-charged a group as traffic was blocked on a highway while the protesters headed towards Karnal to protest against a BJP meeting.

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A controversial video also got viral showing IAS officer Ayush Sinha asking policemen to ensure tough action against protesters led to widespread criticism and draw a deadlock between the demonstrators and the state government that continued for more than a week.



"We will not let this line be breached at any cost. Just pick up your lathi and hit them hard... It's very clear, there is no need for any instruction, just thrash them hard. If I see a single protester here, I want to see his head smashed, crack their heads," Ayush Sinha was heard saying in the video. He was sent on a month-long leave and a probe by a former judge was launched against him.

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Today, the state government also told the Supreme Court that "sincere efforts are being made to remove the blockades from inter-state roads and National Highways" but a decision is yet to be reached.


ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE PUNJAB A MODEL STATE IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH

Chandigarh: Punjab Medical Education and Research Minister Dr. Raj Kumar Verka have announced to make Punjab a model state in the field of health. Addressing the first meeting of the department at the Punjab Bhawan today after assuming office as the Minister of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Verka said that a state of art government hospital will be set up in the state which would be the best and exemplary not only among the government but also among the private hospitals.

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Stressing on the importance of health and education for any society, he said that he would make every effort to provide better health care facilities in the state so that the people of the state can get treatment facilities in government hospitals at reasonable rates. Appreciating the role played by the government doctors of the state during the corona period, Dr. Verka said that everyone needs to work with dedication, integrity, and determination to address all the shortcomings to provide better health care to the people of the state.

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He said that by raising the standard of health services we need to increase the confidence of the people in government hospitals as compared to private hospitals. He said that he will make every effort to implement all the ongoing projects in the health sector. Earlier, Director Medical Education and Research Dr. Sujata Sharma informed the minister that at present there are two government sector universities namely Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Faridkot and Guru Ravidas Ayurveda University Hoshiarpur in the state and there are three government medical colleges Amritsar, Patiala, and Faridkot, besides Government Ayurvedic College Patiala. There is also a proposal to set up Dr. BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences, Hoshiarpur, and Sri Guru Nanak Dev State Institute of Medical Sciences, Kapurthala.



Dr. Sharma said that at present there are three VRDL testing labs in government medical colleges in addition to four other department's labs. In these labs, up to 35,000 RTPCR tests have been performed per day. So far 97 lakh tests have been done till now. Government medical colleges have 4 isolation wards, 358 covid ventilators, and 67 non-covid ventilators for patients. Till date, about 24,500 patients have been treated.

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Earlier, Dr. Alok Shekhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Medical Education and Research welcomed Dr. Verka and gave a brief overview of the department. On this occasion, among others Additional Secretary Rahul Gupta,VC BFUHS Dr. Raj Bahadur, VC GRAU Hoshiarpur Dr. BK Sharma, Joint Director MER Dr. A D Aggarwal and Dr. Puneet Girdhar, Chairmans of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy Councils, Principals and Medical Superintendents of Medical, Dental, Ayurvedic Colleges.
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister , Aruna Chaudhary

Chandigarh: Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister Aruna Chaudhary, on Thursday, while presiding over a maiden review meeting of the top officials, directed to expedite the functioning of the department and finalize the process for providing government jobs to the family members of the farmers died during the farmers' struggle.

"Complying with the instructions of Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to accelerate the functioning of the government and complete the work in a transparent and time-bound manner; we have to work in tandem and live up to the expectations of the people," said Aruna Chaudhary.

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During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) Ravneet Kaur, Secretary Revenue Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Secretary Keshav Hingonia, Special Secretary Babita, Additional Secretary Capt. Karnail Singh and Sunita Thakur Project Manager, Punjab Land Record Society to take action at the earliest to fill up more vacancies of Patwaris in addition to the ongoing recruitment process of 1090 Patwaris, besides giving due promotions to all the officers and employees of the department. She stressed that the sitting-time of Patwaris in the offices should be fixed to avoid harassment of the people. She asked to reconstruct small-sized work stations as per the demand of the Patwaris and furnish a report within 15 days from the district level committees headed by the Deputy Commissioners.

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Expressing concern over a large number of pendency of mutations of land, the Cabinet Minister said that the feasibility of developing an automated mutation entry system should be explored to reduce the manual mutations workload and pendency as well. She said that in the direction of computerization, action should be taken to provide computers to the field staff at the grass-root level.



 Asks higher officials to complete all requisite processes expeditiously

 Directs to initiate the process to fill more vacancies of Patwaris in addition to the ongoing recruitment process

 Patwaris sitting-time to be fixed to reduce the harassment of the people

 Reconstruction of work stations for Patwaris at the district level

 Instructs to explore the feasibility of developing an automated mutation entry system to reduce manual land mutation pendency

 Preside over a maiden review meeting of Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Department

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Instructing the higher officials to immediately complete the ongoing process of providing financial assistance and government jobs to the family members of the farmers who lost their lives during the farmers' struggle. Aruna Chaudhary said that the state government was standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmers in this hour of crisis and would soon provide appointment letters to the family members. Therefore, action had to be taken immediately after verifying the cases of providing financial assistance and government jobs, further adding that disposal of the pending cases of crop damage compensation should be ensured. The Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to immediately issue instructions to the Deputy Commissioners to ensure timely submission of crop damage reports in case of any unexpected situation.



Taking note of the lack of awareness among the people about the new rules framed by the revenue government for the welfare of the people, the Cabinet Minister also directed to organize camps at district, tehsil, and block levels to create awareness among the masses about the rules besides uploading the pdf copies of rules on the departmental websites.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

Chandigarh: Accepting the appeal made by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the farmers have postponed their proposed agitation till further dialogue.

The Deputy Chief Minister had held detailed deliberations with the farmers of Wednesday. During the parleys, he had reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to safeguard the interests of the farmers.



The farmers have agreed to the request of the day Chief Minister and have postponed the agitation till October 30, 2021 subject to a review meeting with Chief Minister Punjab before that date Randhawa assured that some pending issues would be resolved soon and meeting with Chief Minister would also materialize as soon as possible.

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Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa



It is noteworthy that the Kissan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee had given a call for bandh following which the Deputy Chief Minister and the Agriculture Department had called a meeting yesterday with the committee representatives.

"The Punjab Government always carries the interests of the farming community at heart and has always framed policies and programs keeping the welfare of farmers uppermost in its mind", these views were expressed by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.



Exhorting the farmers to refrain from resorting to the agitational path, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the State Government had already agreed to most of their demands including withdrawing 60 out of 105 cases and the rest would also be withdrawn soon as they are registered by the Railway Police, hence under the jurisdiction of the Union Government for which he would personally meet the Railway Minister and providing Rs. 5 lakh besides a job to the families of farmers losing their lives in the ongoing agitation against black farm laws.

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Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa



Citing the fruitful discussions that were held yesterday with the representatives of the Kissan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee in the presence of the Agriculture Minister Randeep Singh Nabha, the Deputy Chief Minister said that announcing sugarcane price at Rs. 360 per quintal for which the notification would be issued in a few days, Ensuring 99 percent payments with regard to the Cooperative Sugar Mills with now just Rs. 8 crores are pending pertaining to the buffer stock subsidy of the Union Government, are the other pro-farmer initiatives undertaken by the State Government.



Likewise, Randhawa assured that the other demands of the farm unions would also be sympathetically considered and accepted in due course of time. "The path of agitation acts as an impediment to the overall development of the State which needs to be put back on the upward trajectory so as to enable it to rank once again amongst the frontline States of the country", added Randhawa.
British journalist and scholar Bill Hayton said he found a document in the British national archives implying the Paracel Islands were a part of the high seas, and not under the control of Imperial China.

Le claimed this vindicated Vietnams longstanding claims over the archipelago.

As reiterated on numerous occasions, Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty towards the Paracel and Spratly islands in accordance with international law. The document discovered by scholar Bill Hayton affirms this, Le said.

The Hayton find presents a new possible obstacle to China as the country continues to pursue sovereignty and exert maritime power in the South China Sea.

But while helpful to Vietnams case, the documents alone do not fully substantiate Vietnams own claims to the disputed islands.

On August 26, Hayton, the author of the books "The Invention of China and South China Sea, announced the discovery of a new document, which was in a box full of other great documents from 1899 in the UK National Archives.

Finally found a South China Sea document Ive been seeking for a long time! An 1899 translation of a letter in which the Chinese Foreign Ministry (the Zongli Yamen of the Qing Great State) says the Paracel Islands are high seas and, implicitly, not part of its territory, he tweeted.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister news organization to the Voice of America, the letter concerns the so-called Bellona copper case, involving a German ship (the Bellona) whose copper cargo was stolen by Chinese fisherman after it shipwrecked in the Paracel Islands.

RFA reported that the Chinese government refused compensation for the British-insured copper, arguing the Bellona shipwrecked in high seas (not under the jurisdiction of any state), and therefore not in Chinese territory.

However, Hayton noted the letter he found was a translation, not the original.

Hayton also found a Chinese-language copy of another letter, dated April 14, 1898, from the viceroy or governor of Liangguang, the modern-day regions of Guangdong and Guangxi, sent to the British consul in Canton.

According to RFA, the governor likewise wrote that China could not be held liable for the incident since it occurred in the deep blue sea.

Regarding the document, Hatyon told RFA: Its not the smoking gun, yet. But it could be helpful for Vietnam to make the case that China really didnt care about the [Paracel] islands until later.

Chinese tourists take souvenir photos with the Chinese national flag as they visit Quanfu Island, one of Paracel Islands, on September 14, 2021. (Peng Peng/AP)

More recently, Beijing has cared a lot.

In a 1991 paper titled China's Claim of Sovereignty over Spratly and Paracel Islands: A Historical and Legal Perspective, Teh-Kuang Chang, a professor of political science at Ball State University in Indiana, summarized Beijings sovereignty argument:

China discovered, and has exploited the islands in the South China sea for over two thousand years. Since the Chinese settled in these islands prior to any other people, China's claim of sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea islands predates that of other nations, Chang wrote.

According the Chang, Chinese history books teach that China discovered the islands of the South China Sea as early as the second century B.C. He added that historical records indicate that China's claim is older and more substantial than that of Vietnam.



Chang cited Chinese sources who claim that Chinese have inhabited the Paracel and Spratley islands from as early as the 7th century. According to those sources, this is evidenced by ruins of living quarters, pottery and porcelain utensils, iron knives, iron cooking pots and other articles of daily use belonging to the Tang and Song dynasties.

He further claimed that China has exercised jurisdiction over the Paracel and Spratly island groupings since the 9th century.

In written comments to Polygraph.info, Hayton called those assertions baseless.



In over a decade of looking into this issue I have never seen any convincing evidence that supports this assertion. We are presented with quotations taken out of context, maps that are copies of foreigners maps and objects recovered from non-Chinese shipwrecks and told they amount to concrete evidence. As soon as they are subjected to detailed independent examination they crumble like dust, Hayton wrote.

Hayton pointed Polygraph.info to the work of maritime archaeologist Michael Flecker, who has overseen shipwreck excavations in Asia for more than three decades.

By examining shipwrecks from antiquity, Flecker was able to reconstruct, albeit incompletely, who was navigating the region. He did that, in part, by examining the types of ships discovered and fragmentary evidence of cargo indicative of certain styles and historical eras.



Like Hayton, Flecker argued that purported Han (206 BC to 220 AD) and Tang (618 to 906 AD) dynasty texts that Chinas foreign ministry has used to establish maritime claims make no sense, since Chinese ships did not sail through the South China Sea then.

Chinese texts dating prior to the 11th century cannot possibly demonstrate any form of claim or ownership, simply because the Chinese did not voyage through the South China Sea in their own ships until that time, Flecker wrote.

Some texts based on early Chinese voyages may specically mention the Paracels, but none conclusively mention the Spratlys. Even if they did, the reference to a place on a trade route has no bearing whatsoever on the ownership of that place. So claims based on any ancient texts would seem to be irrelevant.



He noted that other purported archaeological findings and historical records used to establish ownership of the island groupings are often questionable. For example, fragmentary evidence of Chinese ceramics on rock formations does not demonstrate habitation, how they got there, or who delivered them.

Even sifting through shipwrecks to determine historical claims is arguable.

Flecker maintained that, despite claims to the contrary, the Paracels and Spratlys were effectively terra nullius (land belonging to no one) until the early 20th century. The Spratly Islands, specifically, were viewed in centuries past as a dangerous place to be avoided by navigators.

China conducts land reclamation of Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, on May 11, 2015.

That gels with Haytons analysis.

Hayton previously wrote that, despite Beijings claim to the contrary, there is no evidence Chinese state officials visited the Paracel Islands before June 6, 1909.

He likewise argued that in 1933, when attention was focused on the Spratly Islands, the Republic of China decided not to press a claim to them.

Hayton broadly argued that many of Chinas territorial claims to the South China Sea, and the collective Chinese belief in a historic claim to the reefs and rocks therein, actually arose piecemeal throughout the first half of the 20th century.



He contended that China during this period was not involved in documenting a preexisting claim, but rather imagining and asserting one through the mobilization of both emotion and archival documents.

Vietnam, meanwhile, claims to have effectively maintained a presence on the islands since at least the 17th century. Like China, it has put forward maps and other historical documents which it says show that the islands belong to Vietnam.

However, in 1974, Chinas military seized control of Vietnams portion of the Paracel chain, giving Beijing de facto control over the archipelago.



China has since worked to fortify the Spratly and Paracel islands militarily, part and parcel of broader attempts to control most of the South China Sea.
He made the proposal at the 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes (AMMTC) and Related Meetings held virtually on Wednesday.

Delivering a report on Viet Nams efforts in transnational crime prevention and control since early this year, Deputy Minister Quang highlighted the success of the 14th AMMTC in 2020 which was hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security.

At this meeting, the ministry proposed three initiatives to improve the efficiency of transnational crime prevention and control co-operation in the region. The initiatives were recognised by ASEAN member countries in the meetings communique.

The Vietnamese deputy minister said the pandemic had left a direct impact on the region's joint efforts in preventing and combating transnational crime. Criminals take advantage of cyberspace to commit crimes.

He affirmed that, as an ASEAN member state, Viet Nam is committed to actively and responsibly engaging in ASEAN co-operation in general and collaboration in transnational crime prevention and control.

He proposed countries in the region should continue to maintain and strengthen co-operation on the basis of building political trust in the fight against transnational crime with an aim to deepen, stabilise partnerships and create mutual trust. In particular, in the context of COVID-19s complicated development, ASEAN countries need to focus their co-operation on border management and cyber security to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the pandemic and increasing activities across borders and in cyberspace.

Relevant sides should set up information channels such as hotlines, online communication mechanisms and improve the efficiency of information exchange and experience sharing in combating transnational crimes, especially information on criminal gangs, methods and complex national security issues of each country, he said.

He also proposed ASEAN countries actively adapt to the "new normal" by organising online training seminars to share experiences in preventing and combating transnational crime, strengthen co-ordination in immigration and consular affairs to facilitate the movement of people for the purposes of work, study, relative visits, and enhance intra-regional exchanges and co-operation through vaccine passports and the "green lane" agreement.

ASEAN countries should encourage partners to support the bloc in providing vaccines and improving vaccine production capacity as well as transferring production technology, he said.

Awang Halbi bin Mohd Yussof, Bruneis Second Minister of Defence, chairman of 15th AMMTC, said the meeting emphasised the importance of the AMMTC co-operation mechanism, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region.

He affirmed Brunei Darussalam's commitment to strengthening ASEAN co-operation in preventing and combating transnational crimes, especially terrorism, human trafficking and drug trafficking in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2021 We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper, Brunei Darussalam will continue to promote its role to lead ASEAN to maintain dialogue, co-operation and timely and effective response to unprecedented challenges, he said.

Public Security officials at the 15th AMMTC reached a conclusion on solutions to realise targets set in the ASEAN action plan on preventing and combating transnational crime during the 2016-25 period.

They adopted the ASEAN Declaration on Preventing and Combating Transnational Crime in the post- pandemic period proposed by the host Brunei.
From the fatal shooting of a passing motorist heading home from church last month to nearly 30 shots fired during a running gunfight on Quince Street last year, Escondidos street gang crimes are becoming more dangerous, according to police and prosecutors.

We are seeing more violent gang crimes  shootings, stabbings, assaults with a deadly weapon, said Nick Rodelo, a detective with the police departments gang suppression unit.

Police are coming across more guns in the hands of gang members, and prosecutors are tackling more gang cases out of Escondido than any other North County city.

While Escondido has long been plagued by gang violence, the city erupted in fear and frustration last month when a woman driving home from church was fatally shot, allegedly by a documented gang member aiming at two rivals.

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The March 7 slaying of 55-year-old Cathy Kennedy rocked the community and made national headlines. Detectives worked 20-hour days for more than a week until they arrested the suspected gunman, 24-year-old Dionicio Torrez, along with a teenager who they say was present during the shooting. Torrez faces charges that could send him to death row.

Escondido has roughly 450 documented gang members, most of them belonging to two often-warring gangs. There are also from 800 to 1,000 people considered associates of the gangs, officers say.

In 2014, officers found 12 guns on Escondido gang members. In 2015, that number jumped to 36 guns. Last year, it rose again, to 44 guns.

Rodelo said he suspects the increase in guns arises from changes in state laws, including efforts to reduce the prison population. The changes, he said, put more violent people back on the streets, and more violent people tend to be more willing to possess guns.

And those weapons are increasingly being put to use. Over the last three years, the city has seen roughly 43 shootings a year  which averages out to one shooting every eight or nine days  and nearly all are suspected to have been gang-related. (The numbers include instances in which shots were fired but no one was struck.)

The number of bullets fired in those incidents is also rising. Most assaults see one or two bullets fired. Now, the average is between nine and 12 shots, Rodelo said.

Take the incident shortly before midnight on a Tuesday last August, when police say a gang member slipped into central Escondido to shoot rivals.

What followed was a gunfight, some 30 or so bullets flying as two opponents chased each other  both with guns blazing  more than three blocks through a residential neighborhood.

One suspected gang member was shot in the chest. He survived but refused to cooperate with investigators, Rodelo said.

We cant arrest our way out of the gang problem. We are going to need intervention programs, prevention programs and a community behind us. Escondido police Chief Craig Carter

Deputy District Attorney Laurie Hauf, who prosecutes gang matters including the Torrez case, said last week that the North County unit dedicated to gang prosecutions filed about 100 felony gang cases out of Escondido in the last few years. This number far outweighs the amount from any other city or community in North County, she said.

That prevalence led the DAs gang unit to become a lot more involved with law enforcement to address it (gangs) proactively, on the intervention and prevention side in the community.

Hauf also chairs the North County Gang Commission. Last week, it teamed with EGRIP, an Escondido task force geared toward preventing and reducing gang crime, to hold a town hall to talk about the rise in violence.

We cant arrest our way out of the gang problem, Escondido police Chief Craig Carter told the crowd at the event. We are going to need intervention programs, prevention programs and a community behind us to solve this problem.

Rodelo said that, to address the uptick and catch more suspects, the police department has changed how it sends gang units out for patrol. For more than two years, gang unit officers have been going out four to a car rather than one or two.

It not only gives them safety in numbers, but allows officers to split up and chase multiple people who take off running at the first sign of a patrol car. With extra officers, the team can also lock down a block in less than 30 seconds.

They also pay attention to graffiti, particularly when opposing gang members slip into one anothers claimed turf to leave graffiti. Such tagging is often seen as a taunt, insult or challenge to other gang members. When that behavior ticks up, it signals a coming confrontation, literally the writing on the wall, Rodelo said.

Authorities say Kennedy was struck by gunfire intended for two gang members in retaliation for tagging at the Pepperwood Meadows apartment complex, along East Grand Avenue between Rose Street and Midway Drive.

Rodelo said the community wants to see the gang violence drop.

Since the murder, Rodelo said, I get probably 20 phone calls a day from people who just want to report gang activity.

There has been a bit of a recent respite; since the deadly shooting and the ensuing police investigation, the gangs have quieted down a bit. Thats because the attention is bad for business if you are a gang member, the detective said.

We are seeing almost no gang activity post that murder, Rodelo said. Less tagging, no shootings since the murder. Its rare for Escondido to go two weeks without a shooting.

Police expect the usual uptick in activity as the weather gets warmer, but for now, Rodelo said, they have their heads down.

On Thursday, as he waited for the town hall to start, attendee Agner Medrano said the lifestyle tends to be ingrained and its hard to walk away. A former gang member, Medrano now counsels at-risk youth.

Can we get rid of gangs? Probably not, Medrano said. But we can minimize the violence.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
Ever wonder what Southern California would taste like in a coffee cup? Fifty local java-lovers were the first locals to find out this past weekend in private cupping sessions of the first-ever locally-grown coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley.

I tasted nougat, maple syrup, burned butter and tobacco, said Alex Stabrawa, a Clairemont resident who shares her java passion on her Instagram page @Coffeeandvegan. Ernst Kneubuhler, a barista and coffee machine technician vacationing from Switzerland, said he detected notes of vanilla and citrus and a pleasant finish of chocolate powder that stayed with me for a while.

They each paid $125 for the first hour-long cupping session on Saturday, which included the tasting experience and a tiny, take-home 40-gram tub of Cuicateco beans from Frinj Coffee.

Founded in 2017, Frinj is a Santa Barbara-based agricultural cooperative growing the first commercially produced coffee in the continental United States. Its ultra-specialty coffee beans are grown on 35 private farms in San Diego and Santa Barbara counties.

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How ultra-special are these beans? The first 500-pound lot of Frinj coffee sold for $18 a cup at Blue Bottle Coffee shops in the Bay area in 2017. It sold out within two weeks.

Frinj founder and CEO Jay Ruskey said ultra-specialty coffee has the potential to become as popular a homegrown product as craft beer, though it will never be as easy to produce due to the unique growing conditions coffee plants require.

We think theyre the best coffees in the world, Ruskey said.

Alex Holsheimer of Fallbrook inhales the smell of fresh-brewed Southern California-grown Cuicateco coffee at a cupping event Saturday at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Most of the worlds coffee beans are grown on mountains in equatorial countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Colombia, which have a dependably high degree of warm daytime sun, night-time cool temperatures and rainfall.

In 2002, Ruskey realized he could replicate most of those growing conditions at his fruit tree farm in Goleta, Good Land Organics. For 12 years, he quietly experimented, planting a dozen different varieties of arabica coffee plants in his avocado and lime groves. Despite being 18 degrees north of the equatorial coffee belt, the coastal Southern California region had the near-perfect combination of sun, chill and hilly farmland.

On the downside, he realized his coffee plants required irrigated water. Some species couldnt handle the hard winter frosts. And the coffee fruit  each cherry has one or two beans inside  took nearly twice as long to mature as some equatorial varieties. But on the plus side, these slow-growing cherries have a richer, more complex flavor, and with less rain, these plants arent as susceptible to fungus and other water-caused diseases.

In mid-2017, Frinj began selling juvenile coffee plants to Southern California avocado ranchers. Many of those initial plants will produce their first fruit for Frinj next year. There are now 35,000 coffee plants growing on 20 farms in Bonsall, Oceanside, Fallbrook, Escondido and Temecula, as well as at 15 farms in Santa Barbara County. Another 17,000 plants will go into the ground this year, Ruskey said.

One of these local farmers is Gayanah Krasnyanskiy, who owns Guyanahs Farm in Escondido. Two years ago, she planted 1.2 acres of her 10-acre avocado ranch with coffee plants. This year, shell plant another 1.2 acres with coffee. She expects her first coffee harvest in 2020. Krasnyanskiy said she likes the idea of diversifying her crop to produce a higher yield.

Gayanah Krasnyanskiy, right, of Gayanahs Farm in Escondido sniffs fresh-brewed Southern California-grown coffee. She is growing coffee plants on her 10-acre avocado ranch. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Ruskey said the typical yield for an avocado grove in Southern California is $3,000 to $5,000 an acre. With the addition of mature coffee plants, that yield-per-acre can climb to $15,000 to $20,000.

In 2018, Frinj produced its second harvest of 500 pounds of beans, but because the company is in growth mode, more than half of the crop was used for planting and research. Most of the rest were sold to high-end customers overseas. The only coffee from that crop sold in America was a nano-lot of 17 pounds of beans to Bird Rock Roasters.

Ruskey said he chose Bird Rock as his sole U.S. distributor this year because the La Jolla-based roaster has an outstanding reputation in the industry. Recognized as 2012 Roaster of the Year by Roaster Magazine, Bird Rock sources all of its coffees directly from farmers in Central America, Africa and, now, Southern California.

Cuicateco coffee beans grown in Southern California are prepared for grinding at a cupping event at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Bird Rock co-owner Jeff Taylor, who has been in the specialty coffee business for 25 years, said theres a small but fast-growing market of high-end coffee consumers in the U.S. and Asia who are happy to pay top-shelf prices for the worlds rarest and finest coffees.

Frinj coffee stands out, Taylor said, because its unique and it tastes good. Last week, he submitted Bird Rocks newly roasted Frinj Cuicateco beans to Coffee Review, the coffee industrys version of Wine Spectator. It earned an outstanding ranking of 92.

When Taylor put the Frinj coffee on sale to his customers last month, the cuppings sold out in two hours. The rest was snapped up in 12 hours through online presales of 200-gram cartons priced at $100.

I dont need all the customers in the world. I just need that small niche of people who love coffee and want to have that experience and are willing to pay for it, Taylor said, about the high-end specialty market.

As the number of farms in the cooperative grows and the number of plants reach full production maturity, Frinj will begin diversifying its line of beans. This years salable crop was only the Cuicateco variety. Still to come are the low-caffeine Laurina variety, the Catuai variety known for its chocolately flavor; and the much-in-demand Geisha variety, which has jasmine and black tea flavors.

After the cupping on Saturday, Stabrawa said she loved tasting the Cuicateco coffee but she especially enjoyed supporting the regions fledgling coffee industry.

It makes me very proud as a California to have coffee grown on California farms, she said.

As customer Alex Holsheimer, center left, looks on, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters co-owner Jeffy Taylor talks about the Southern California-grown coffee beans they will be tasting on Saturday. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Drones can take spectacular photos of whales and other marine life  or they can harass them to the point of distress.

To help drone operators observe animals without inadvertently harming them, Alicia Amerson founded the San Diego-based company AliMoSphere, which trains drone pilots to fly safely in marine environments.

She aims to provide guidance about drone flights in wildlife areas, in the absence of clear state or federal rules governing the practice.

Theres no rule for flying drones over marine wildlife, she said. Its very confusing and vague. Theres just a lot of gray space here. What we want to do, until we have regulations, we want to promote very conscious, safe and reliable flying.

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As whale-watching season approaches, more ship captains and private boat owners are deploying drones to view the animals. But the drones may confuse migrating whales, and disturb other marine life.

Drones flown over rookeries can provoke seals and sea lions to flush, crushing or abandoning pups, she said. Hovering too close to cliff-side nests, they can cause sea birds to flee their nests.

However, they can also be useful tools for scientific research and wildlife observation.

One of the great things about this technology is it allows scientists to collect data in 30 minutes that would take a day to collect, Amerson said.

Researchers with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts announced that they recently captured a sample of the exhalation from humpback whales blow using a hexacopter  a method less distressing for the animals than approaching in a boat. Other researchers use them for photographic surveys of the animals.

In a photo shot by a DJI Phantom 4 hexacopter drone, a humpback whales surfaces and exhales a rainbow breath (Geoff Shester)

I think theres a major opportunity to get closer to wildlife to better understand them, to learn about them and to experience them through the use of these drones, said Geoff Shester, California program manager for the conservation group Oceana, who has shot aerial photos of whales with drones. But we want to make sure, before anyone promotes that, to do it responsibly.

Amerson developed the idea for AliMoSphere to help drone pilots navigate those issues. The company provides a three-day pilot training session for drone operators working toward commercial licenses, as well as seminars on the use of drones in whale-watching cruises and conservation areas.

Amerson, 39, became interested in the issue while completing a masters degree in marine conservation and biodiversity at Scripps Institution of Oceanograpy at UC San Diego. For her masters thesis, she studied practices of whale-watching tours along the West Coast. During one of those cruises, she saw something peculiar on the water.

I was on a boat, watching another boat watching a whale, when she saw what appeared to be a strange bird hovering over the whale. I thought, what a funny seagull  then I got my camera out and it was actually a drone, like a robotic seagull.

Thats not uncommon said Christopher FitzSimmons, an education specialist for Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Whale-watching season now extends nearly year round, as gray whales migrate earlier in the fall  sometimes as soon as mid-November  and boats seek other species such as humpback, blue, minke and fin whales at other times of year.

We are seeing an increase in the use of drones with both private and commercial vessels, he said. There are concerns about safety, and there just isnt enough information.

Two years ago, Amerso completed a California Sea Grant fellowship as a resource consultant for Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. In his office, she worked on a variety of projects concerning marine conservation and marine mammal safety. As part of that, she convened a marine wildlife task force for unmanned aerial systems, to establish best practices for flying drones in marine habitats.

Right now, the best rule of thumb is just dont fly over marine wildlife, she said. Just keep your distance. Dont fly close, dont fly overhead. Minimize your exposure time.

Drone pilots should also understand air space regulations and seek information on sensitive areas and wildlife in the areas where theyre operating, she said. They should also maintain the same 100-yard distance that boats must observe near marine mammals. And pilots should educate themselves about air space regulations, and sensitive wildlife in areas where they operate.

Plan ahead to reduce your impact to wildlife  what wildlife you may encounter and any flight restrictions, such as in a sanctuary, Amerson said. Reach out to (wildlife) experts and ask them to identify key disturbance behavior. If you see (animals) acknowledging the drone, you should back off.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
More than 100 families looking for affordable housing in National City have found a home at Paradise Creek, a 201-unit project on the citys west side.

Tiyana Burke, 30, resident of Paradise Creek phase one development (Nelvin C. Cepeda)

Tiyana Burke, 30, and her two children, Xavier, 13 and Jazmin, 9, are one of those families who moved into the first phase of the project earlier this year.

Groundbreaking for phase II was celebrated earlier this month, and those 92 units are expected to be complete by fall of 2018.

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Burke, a third-year psychology student, was one of more than 3,000 people who applied during the first phase of Paradise Creeks development last summer.

Burke had lived in another apartment in the city since 2009 that was lackluster at best. She said she dealt with an unprofessional landlord and a host of maintenance problems, including leaks and faulty appliances.

Her sons room was the size of a small, walk-in closet.

It was a nightmare living there, she said.

Luckily, Burke qualified for a 2-bedroom, 1 bath apartment, and after moving in Feb. 1, she said her quality of life has changed drastically.

In my old place, I only had one (electrical) socket in my bedroom, now I have five. I have towel racks. My son has a normal size room.

Burke said she cant believe shes there.

But many people, groups and organizations knew that one day, she and others would be.

And on April 18, National City leaders and community partners celebrated the completion of phase I and the groundbreaking of phase II.

Construction on the first phase was completed last December. The units are 100 percent leased solely by National City residents.

Paradise Creek is a public-private partnership with developers Community HousingWorks and Related California.

Its near the 24th Street Trolley Station, parks and recreational centers, retail, schools, the library and a medical clinic.

The first phase of the project included 109 units on four acres with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that range from 605 square feet to 1,390 square feet.

The units have access to a community center, fitness area, computer area, conference rooms and a multi-purpose room.

Up close art created by the residents of phase one for Paradise Creekk (Nelvin C. Cepeda)

A wall mural coordinated by local nonprofit A Reason To Survive and created by the community, surrounds an onsite park and includes art such as hand prints.

Rents range from $437 to $755 for one bedroom; $521 to $904 for two bedrooms; and $598 to $1,040 for three bedrooms.

The affordable-housing project has been in the works for more than 12 years, surviving various hurdles along the way over financing and partnerships.

The total cost of both phases, including remediation, is about $100 million, with funding coming from various sources:

National City  about $36 million plus land (ground lease)

state  almost $20 million (Prop 1C and cap and trade funds)

federal  more than $42 million in low-income housing tax credit program, other

Sue Reynolds, head of Community HousingWorks, said Paradise Creek is a catalyst for revitalizing the west side of town.

And its a platform for opportunity for the folks who live here, she said during the groundbreaking event.

Mayor Ron Morrison said the day had been a long time coming.

As we continue the second phase and other projects in the town, we work that delicate balance of affordable housing and market-rate housing to make sure we blend our community together.

A representative from the Environmental Health Coalition, which had a role in the project, also attended the event.

We believe that everyone has the right to live in a healthy community, and were here to make sure that happens, Carolina Martinez said.

National City had to overcome many issues for the project to come to fruition: the dissolution of state redevelopment, cleanup of a toxic site, financing, and affordability concerns from the community.

The city-owned property was formerly used as a public works yard for the maintenance of city vehicles surrounded by a neighborhood with similar uses.

It took a lot of work and political will, said William Vasquez, director of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project is beautiful. It would fit into any community.

Laura Whittall-Scherfee, deputy director of the state Department of Housing and Community Development, called the project an example of transformation in the best way possible.

We do this because people matter, and because we want to make sure that people are housed regardless of their income levels, she said. Housing is a foundation without which, most things in life are much more difficult or cant happen.

As a single mother of two, Burke agreed.

As Paradise Creek residents we have been given the opportunity of a lifetime, she said. I know Im not the only one that has come from the nightmare of previous housing, so we must do our part to take care of it and pick up after ourselves.


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Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, Sept. 30, and activists have shut down traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge early this morning to protest congressional inaction on immigration reform. Follow our developing coverage here.

And heres what else you need to know to start your day...

The big scramble

On Wednesday, Assembly Member David Chiu was tapped to become San Franciscos new city attorney. He replaces Dennis Herrera, who will lead the citys Public Utilities Commission, which has been roiled by a sweeping corruption scandal.

Chiu, who will be San Franciscos first Asian American city attorney, is no stranger to City Hall, having previously served as a supervisor and board president.

Ive been inspired by the fight for justice my entire life, said Chiu. This opportunity is very much in line with my values and what Ive wanted to do with my career.

Chiu tentatively plans to vacate his seat representing the citys eastside on Oct. 31, and once he submits his official resignation, Gov. Gavin Newsom will call for a special election. The race could get crowded, with four candidates already announcing their intent to run.

Also:

 City Councilmember Loren Taylor announced his plans to run for Oakland mayor in next years election, making him the first candidate to enter the race.

Bakery bragging rights

Ethel's Bagels

Step aside, New York City and Montreal. Theres a new style of bagel in town.

The top Bay Area bagel bakeries make a mean San Francisco-style (think sourdough starters and Lagunitas beer) dough, wrapping the breakfast staple with famous culinary innovations of California. Top contenders include delightful schmears from a Berkeley shop and pop-ups at North Bay farmers markets.

Read more from restaurant critic Soleil Ho.

More food:

 Palo Altos Baume lost two Michelin stars. Its chef wants you to know hes thrilled.

Coronavirus updates

 The COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadline for health workers is today, and it appears hospitals around the Bay Area will likely avoid staff shortages and suspensions seen in other parts of the country.

 New data visualizations show that the red COVID trend in California has worsened.

 Nearly 300 S.F. police officers remain unvaccinated. The Police Department plans reassignments to maintain policing services.

 Maps show Bay Area counties among the few in the U.S. at moderate COVID level.

 More companies are requiring applicants to be vaccinated, and not just in California.

 Opinion: How to have fun in S.F. during COVID without behaving like youre in Florida.

Around the Bay

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

 Fallen trees: California's giant sequoias are getting wiped out for the second year in a row. Here's where the biggest losses will likely be.

 From Joe Garofoli: NextGen America, the youth voting organization funded by S.F. billionaire Tom Steyer, plans to take more funds to battleground states, including Texas. Also: If California were made up of just these 35 counties, Gov. Newsom would have been recalled.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

 Time is running out: Residential and commercial tenants face the threat of eviction starting Friday as Californias moratorium expires.

 More homes? Christian Scientists want to build a new housing complex in the Tenderloin. Critics say their plans wont alleviate the current housing crisis.

 Red flag: Gusty winds are expected to hit the North Bay this morning, prompting a red flag warning as the weather remains dry.

 Publicly lambasted: A San Francisco judge took the unusual step of blasting District Attorney Chesa Boudin during an open court hearing.

 Public protests: A state school board association begged Gov. Newsom to protect school officials from abuse over pandemic policies. Also: S.F. school district wont try to recoup the legal costs from Alison Collins lawsuit against the district.

 A big comeback: The iconic S.F. Chinese New Year Festival and Parade will return in 2022 to ring in the Year of the Tiger, following a pandemic-induced hiatus.

A day in Healdsburg

Chris Stewart/San Francisco Chronicle

In the latest installment of the Best Day Ever, Esther Mobley and Tanay Warerkar take readers on a trip to a bustling Wine Country city.

Healdsburgs food and drink scene has seen several newcomers this year, including the buzzy Matheson restaurant and new tasting room Marine Layer, with more anticipated spots to come this fall.

This guide offers a mix of old and new favorites, and sticks mostly to the downtown area. But readers are encouraged to explore the area and its abundant tasting rooms and other activities.

Bay Briefing is written by Kellie Hwang and Gwendolyn Wu and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com and gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com.
Once she got off the street and into the Elk Hotel in the Tenderloin, Gail Seagraves decided to set an example for the hotels other residents.

So each morning shed put on her best clothes, heels and makeup to go to her day job, which as it turned out, was selling the Street Sheet newspaper on Market Street.

That says it all, said Belinda Dobbs, another Elk Hotel resident who came upon Seagraves at her workplace. Gail made it into a real business and dedicated herself to it.

From the Elk Hotel, Seagraves moved to the Bristol Hotel, a new single-room-occupancy hotel where residents got 140 square feet with a private bathroom and shared kitchen.

Standing in her doorway, on move-in day, in 2019, Seagraves demonstrated pride of ownership by announcing After today, everyone has to take their shoes off before they come in. The person she announced it to was Mayor London Breed.

I heard that said Breed, whod brought a yellow orchid as a housewarming gift.

By then, Seagraves was a tenants rights leader, working for the Central City SRO Collaborative and any number of political campaigns and initiatives to benefit her neighborhood. She kept going until a diagnosis of esophageal cancer left her too weak to leave her room at the Bristol. It took an ambulance to get her out and up the hill to St. Francis Memorial Hospital where she underwent surgery in August. She died in hospice of cancer Sept. 11, said Pratibha Tekkey, organizing coordinator of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic. Seagraves was 67.

Gail was a strong, vocal, determined and compassionate Tenderloin community leader, said Tekkey, noting that Seagraves had phoned into a CCSRO Land Use Committee meeting from her hospital bed.

She was willing to fight to the last person standing, Tekkey said.

Gail Diane Packwood was born Jan. 12, 1953 in Turlock (Stanislaus County) and grew up in Sacramento. Her father was a minister at the Church of Christ. We were called PKs, for Preachers Kids, said Connie Bridges, Gails younger sister. They grew up attending church camps and summer bible camps, and after graduating from Foothill High School in 1971, Gail attended Columbia Christian College in Portland, Ore.

She dropped out and got married before returning to Sacramento where she got a job as a manager at Kmart. She had been divorced, remarried, divorced again and remarried for a third time by the time she arrived in San Francisco around 2005.

It was just bad choices, thats how she landed on the street, said Bridges who declined to elaborate.

After several years living unhoused in the Tenderloin, Seagraves was able to land a room on the third floor of the Elk Hotel on Eddie Street, with the help of the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team.

Dobbs lived down the hall.

I dont know anybody who got homeless making smart choices, Dobbs said. But once she had housing, Seagraves choices got smarter and she was appointed to represent 86 Elk Hotel tenants under the CCCSRO, a program of the Tenderloin Hosing Clinic that deals specifically with tenant rights issues.

She later volunteered for the political campaign to elect Matt Haney as supervisor of District Six, which includes the Tenderloin. She became a docent for the Tenderloin Museum and gave neighborhood walking tours, pointing out all of the good in a neighborhood where many people can only find bad.

Like many others, she had been down herself before, but the Tenderloins people lifted her up  and she gave back to them and us with every moment she had and every breath she took, said Haney, who adjourned the Sept. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting in her honor.

She treated you like family, whoever you were. And if it had something to do with making our neighborhood better or supporting its people, she was there.

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Seagraves worked to get out the vote at every election. She was part of a seven-year struggle to get 100 additional street lights in the Tenderloin. She fought for step-up housing, like the Bristol, with 57 units on Mason Street. She fought for parks, to benefit neighborhood kids. She fought to put a bicycle lane on Turk Street though she did not, at the time, ride a bicycle.

Gail was a good example of being a lady and a productive member of society, said Dobbs, who took over Seagravess position as tenant rights leader at the Elk Hotel. The things that I learned just from observing her were wonderful.

When Bridges came down from Sacramento to visit her sister in the hospital in late August she was down to 80 pounds but she still had enough energy to regale a constant rotation of visitors.

When she went into hospice the visitors kept coming, a dozen a day by the count of her sister who was amazed at all the people Seagraves touched.

Gail pulled herself up and made an impact as a positive light in her community, Bridges said. I was proud to see how many people respected her and appreciated her and looked up to her, and loved her.

Seagraves is survived by her sister, of North Sacramento, nephews Ryan Bridges of South Lake Tahoe and Brent Bridges of Roseville Placer County), and a niece Laura Bridges of Carmichael.

A community memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Father Alfred E. Boedekker Park, 246 Eddy St. in the Tenderloin.

Gail always worried about money, her sister said. I hope she knew how rich and how blessed she was by the friendships she had made.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@samwhitingsf
The San Francisco school district will have to pay the legal costs related to a lawsuit over the renaming of 44 school sites, a Superior Court judge ordered this week.

The district must pay $60,000 to cover the plaintiffs attorney fees and other expenses, an amount discounted by the legal firm in acknowledgment of the districts budget crisis. The actual costs exceeded $240,000, according to attorneys who filed the suit.

The lawsuit accused the school board members of violating open meetings laws, claiming they failed to adequately notify the public that the renaming decision would be final. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman sided with the plaintiffs.

The board subsequently reversed its decision and paused all efforts to rename schools. But in its resolution to rescind, the board sharply criticized the lawsuit, saying the legal action was frivolous and nothing more than a transparent attempt to thwart a lawful and duly-noticed action with which it disagrees.

Attorney Paul Scott, representing the plaintiffs, which included several school alumni associations and individuals, offered the school board a settlement deal for legal costs. The deal would have required the district to pay $1,000 to each of the six nonprofit organizations that filed the suit. In addition, it would have required the board to remove the the false and offensive language included in the resolution that maligned the lawsuit and the alumni associations.

The board refused the offer, Scott said.

Its just baffling from the beginning that the board didnt just solve this problem by rescinding the resolution and taking responsibility for their mistakes, Scott said. There was this constant intransigence.

Acknowledging the districts dire financial situation  an expected $112 million shortfall next year  the law firm cut the 200 legal hours spent on the case in half and then reduced the hourly rate by more than half, meaning the district will ultimately pay less than a quarter of what the case cost plaintiff attorneys, Scott added.

Still, Scott said the boards peevish and petty behavior, resulting in having to pay the $60,000 in legal costs, will only add to the districts fiscal troubles.

They just cared about saying no, and irrationally so at the expense of school kids and taxpayers, Scott said.

The boards latest $60,000 bill in the renaming case, which the judge called eminently reasonable, follows close behind other legal fees the school board has recently amassed: The board decided to not seek reimbursement of its legal costs related to the unrelated lawsuit filed by school board member Alison Collins.

Collins sued the district and five fellow board members for $87 million, alleging they violated her First Amendment rights when they removed stripped her of the vice presidency and committee seats over tweets she posted, prior to getting elected to the board, that disparaged Asian Americans.

A federal judge threw out that suit before a first hearing, but the school board decided not to spend additional time and money trying to get Collins to pay the $125,000 the district spent on the case.

District and school board officials did not immediately return requests for comment.

The school board spent the better part of a year on the renaming controversy. It voted 6-1 in January to rename the 44 schools because they were named after historical figures said to be linked to racism and oppression, including Dianne Feinstein and Jefferson elementary schools, as well as Lincoln, Washington, Mission and Balboa high schools.

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That heated debate and vote came during the pandemic-spurred closure of schools, even after public health authorization to reopen, angering many parents and public officials who said the board was not focused on getting students back in classrooms.

Critics also cited errors by the committee appointed to recommend schools to be renamed, including several cases where committee members relied on Wikipedia to make a decision on whether a name met criteria.

The renaming debacle spurred efforts to remove the three school board members who had served long enough to qualify for a recall. Organizers recently submitted more than 80,000 signatures to recall each of them. Election officials are validating the effort, with a recall election likely to be held in January or February.

Board President Gabriela Lopez acknowledged in an opinion piece published in The Chronicle that mistakes were made.

There have been many distracting public debates as weve been working to reopen our schools, she wrote. School renaming has been one of them. It was a process begun in 2018 with a timeline that didnt anticipate a pandemic. I acknowledge and take responsibility that mistakes were made in the renaming process.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
The state Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Oracle Corp.s appeal of a jurys $3.014 billion damage award to Hewlett-Packard Co. for Oracles cutoff of software to H-P in 2011 after a clash between the two longtime collaborators.

The Silicon Valley tech giants relationship turned frosty in 2010 when Mark Hurd, Hewlett-Packards chief executive officer, was pressured into resigning by H-P and promptly hired by Oracle as its co-president. Around the same time, Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, a leading computer hardware manufacturer and competitor of Hewlett-Packard.

To resolve the feud, Oracle and Hewlett-Packard, which had 140,000 joint customers, signed an agreement that fall that included a commitment to maintain their longstanding strategic relationship and specifying that Oracle would continue to provide software to H-P platforms, with a similar commitment from H-P.

But six months later, in March 2011, Oracle announced that it would stop developing software for one of Hewlett-Packards principal platforms, Itanium, launched nearly a decade earlier with Oracles support, and a generator of $2 billion a year in revenue.

Oracle denied violating its 2010 agreement, saying it had merely promised to continue the companies relationship. But Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Peter Kirwan ruled in August 2012 that Oracle had violated a binding contract to furnish software and could be held responsible for Hewlett-Packards losses.

Oracle resumed software service to Itanium a month later, but in 2016 a jury awarded H-P $3.014 billion  $1.699 billion for profits it lost by sales declines after Oracles cancellation, and $1.315 billion for later losses caused by the continued impact on the marketplace.

A state appeals court upheld the verdict in June, agreeing with Kirwan that Oracle had breached its contract with Hewlett-Packard and rejecting Oracles arguments that the damages were excessive. On Wednesday, the states high court denied review of Oracles appeal, without comment or any written dissents.

In its June 14 decision, the Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose said the wording of the companies 2010 agreement  in particular, the provision that Oracle will continue to offer its product suite on H-P platforms  was mandatory language that created new legal duties.

Oracle noted that one of its representatives had declared when the agreement was signed that the company was not committing itself to any new obligations or work. But it was still a binding contract because the agreement was for each party to continue to do what it had done in the past, including Oracles providing software to Hewlett-Packards Itanium platform, Justice Allison Danner said in the 3-0 ruling.

Oracle also argued that it had actually lived up to its commitment because it developed its next version of software in fall 2012 and provided it to Hewlett-Packard. But the court said Hewlett-Packard reported that the March 2011 announcement had shaken the confidence of its customers and prompted many to shift to other platforms.

The court also said the jury was entitled to believe Hewlett-Packards damages expert, who assessed the companys losses at $3.014 billion, rather than an Oracle expert who said the damage was no more than $559 million.

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Oracle also argued that the damages for post-September 2012 losses, while it was appealing the ruling, violated its constitutional right to appeal. But the appeals court said the jury was entitled to conclude that Oracle was providing its software to Hewlett-Packard under protest and that H-Ps sales were declining as a result.

Hewlett-Packard is pleased with the courts ruling and the outcome in this case, said Adam Bauer, a spokesperson for Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Oracle declined to comment on the ruling, The company could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review its claim that its constitutional rights were violated.

The case is Hewlett-Packard vs. Oracle, S270067.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Thursday to consider a California mans attempt to reclaim a painting by Impressionist Camille Pissarro that was stolen by the Nazis from the mans great-grandmother in 1939 and acquired by a Spanish government museum 54 years later.

The 1897 painting, La Rue St. Honore, apres-midi, effet de pluie  showing a rainy street in Paris, was purchased by a Jewish man, Paul Cassirer, from the artists agent in 1900 and inherited by his daughter, Lilly Cassirer, in 1926. In 1939, when she was living in Germany, the Nazi government demanded the painting in exchange for visas allowing her and her husband to leave the country.

Lilly Cassirer tried to find the painting after the war, then, assuming it had been lost or destroyed, accepted $13,000 in reparations from the German government in 1956, the familys lawyers said. But in 2000, her grandson Claude Cassirer, who had seen the painting in his home as a child, ran across it in a museum in Madrid.

He learned that Baron Hans Heinrich von Thyssen-Bornemisza, heir to the Thyssen steel business in Germany, had bought the painting from a New York art gallery for $275,000 in 1976 and sold it, along with nearly 800 other Nazi-looted artworks, to the Spanish government for $338 million in 1993. Cassirer, by then a naturalized U.S. citizen and retired photographer living in San Diego, filed suit in 2005 after Spain refused to surrender the painting.

Extensive procedural disputes kept the case in lower courts for many years, but in 2019 U.S. District Judge John Walter of Los Angeles ruled that it was governed by the law of Spain, not California, and that the Spanish government was entitled to keep the painting because government officials had not known it had been stolen when they bought it. He relied on the law of adverse possession, which allows a good-faith holder of stolen property to keep it if it is not reclaimed after a certain period, typically six years.

In an August 2020 ruling upholding that decision, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco agreed with Walter that Spains position appears inconsistent with its moral commitments under international agreements, but those commitments are not legally binding.

It is perhaps unfortunate that a country and a government can preen as moralistic in its declarations, yet not be bound by those declarations. But that is the state of the law, said the panel of Judges Consuelo Callahan, Carlos Bea and Sandra Ikuta.

But the Supreme Court set that ruling aside Thursday and agreed to hear the case in its upcoming term, which runs through next June.

The current plaintiffs are Claude Cassirers son David, the estate of his late daughter Ava Cassirer, and the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. In Supreme Court filings, their lawyers said the case should be decided under state law, a conclusion reached by four other federal appeals courts that have considered similar disputes.

Under California law, a holder of stolen property, such as the Spanish museum here, can never acquire good (legal) title, the lawyers wrote. Thieves cannot pass good title to anyone, including a good-faith purchaser.

This is a miscarriage of justice that has been going on for way too long, Steve Zack, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said Thursday. It goes back to the Ten Commandments. ... A person who has an item stolen from them, they are entitled to get it back when the people who are holding it know that they shouldnt have possession.

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Attorneys for the Spanish government urged the court to apply a uniform standard, which they said would favor the government. State courts are ill-equipped to handle international issues, they said, and the Spanish government, which bought the painting and displayed it to the public, has a closer connection to the case than California.

The high court has considered other cases of conflicting claims to artworks looted by the Nazis. In 2004 the court ruled that an elderly refugee from Nazi-occupied Austria could sue the Austrian government to recover six valuable paintings, rejecting Austrias claim that it was immune from such suits.

But in 2019 the court denied review of an appeal by the heiress of a Jewish art collector who left two Renaissance paintings behind when he fled the Netherlands. The paintings, taken by the Nazis, are now on display in a Southern California art museum after being held by the Dutch government. The Ninth Circuit court ruled that the collectors family had waived its rights to the paintings by not seeking their return earlier.

The case accepted Thursday is Cassirer vs. Thyssen-Bornemisza, 20-1566.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The warden of an all-female low-security federal correctional institution in Dublin has been charged in federal court with sexually abusing a prisoner and asking at least two women incarcerated at the facility to strip naked, authorities said.

The complaint, unsealed on Wednesday, alleges that warden Ray Garcia, 54, digitally penetrated one woman who was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin multiple times. She was under Garcias custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority at the time, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California said Wednesday.

On one occasion, the criminal complaint alleges, Garcia assaulted the inmate and when the woman pushed his hand away, he placed her hand on his genitals. The criminal complaint says he requested the victim and at least one other inmate to take off their clothing when he was doing rounds at the facility, snapping photographs of one victim in her cell and showing her photographs of his genitals on his cell phone, prosecutors said. Officials did not say when this is believed to have occurred, saying that at the time Garcia was an associate warden.

Garcia tried to discourage the victim from reporting the conduct by telling her that he was close friends with the official who is responsible for investigating reports of misconduct, telling her that he would not be fired, authorities said.

Federal prosecutors said law enforcement officials found hundreds of sexually graphic photographs, such as photos of male and female genitals and nude photos of Garcia, on a work cell phone. Several nude photographs of the victim were also located on Garcias personal computer, according to the complaint.

He was placed on administrative leave in July as part of the investigation into his alleged conduct, authorities said. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justices Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

Jim Reilly, an attorney for Garcia, declined to comment on Wednesday night, but said Garcia surrendered to Santa Rita Jail on Tuesday and was ordered by a judge to be released on a $75,000 bond and other conditions on Wednesday.

Garcia could not be reached for comment on Wednesday night.

As an associate warden and warden, prosecutors said he had disciplinary authority over women incarcerated at FCI Dublin. Garcia had been trained on inappropriate relationships and in recent years had trained new supervisors at the facility about the Prison Rape Elimination Act, authorities said.

Inappropriate relationships between inmates and facility staff are prohibited, prosecutors said, including those that are sexual or with financial involvement.

Officials said Garcia made his first federal court appearance on Wednesday with U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathaneal Cousins. Garcias next court appearance, a status conference, is scheduled for November 12, authorities said.

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If hes convicted on the single charge of sexual abuse of a ward, Garcia faces a maximum statutory sentence of 15 years in prison, a three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Authorities said Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedeman is prosecuting the case with assistance from Leeya Kekona.

Roughly 631 women are incarcerated at the Dublin correctional facility, according to the facility website. Another 117 inmates are held at an adjacent minimum security satellite camp, the website says.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
When the voracious Caldor Fire raced through forested Phillips near South Lake Tahoe, it destroyed dozens of cabins but spared a couple. One was wrapped in what looks like aluminum foil, prompting some to describe it as a giant baked potato or an oversize plate of leftovers.

However odd that may sound, wrapping buildings with what are known as fire blankets or aluminized structure wrap can foil the flames of a wildfire.

The blankets are designed to help protect cabins and other structures in three ways:

 By preventing firebrands, or large burning embers, from entering buildings through gutters, eaves, vents, broken windows and roofs, or lodging in corners or other angular spots.

 By keeping homes from making direct contact with flames.

 By reflecting thermal radiation from a large fire burning nearby over a sustained period, possibly protecting the house from bursting into flames from the intense heat.

Fumiaki Takahashi, an engineering professor at the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, has conducted experiments in laboratories and also in a prescribed burn area and concluded that two-layer blankets with an aluminum surface can block up to 92% of the convective heat and 96% of the radiation.

It is effective for protecting structures for a short period while the wildfire front passes  five to 10 minutes  but longer protection would be needed to prevent structure-to-structure ignition, he told The Chronicle.

The foil, usually applied with thousands of staples, isnt off-the-shelf Reynolds Wrap, though it is sold in rolls. Its aluminum on the outside, woven threads of polyester and fiberglass inside, and laminated with a high-temperature adhesive, according to Dan Hirning, founder of Firezat, a San Diego company that sells the foil.

Its not tin foil, he said. Its so perfectly engineered after all these years.

Foil-wrapped houses may seem like a new technology, Hirning said, but the idea was born in the Yellowstone National Park fires in 1988, when firefighters working to protect a remote historic building had to flee but cut up some of their protective fire shelters and tacked them to the building.

They think thats part of what saved them, he said.

Perhaps because of its origin, the U.S. Forest Service often uses his fire wrap, Hirning said, usually to protect historic cabins and other buildings off the beaten track where they cant be guarded by fire crews with hoses and water, or when firefighters cant wait for the flames. Theyve also been used by broadcasting and telecommunications companies to protect transmitters and repeaters as well as by homeowners, mainly people who own large remote estates or large family cabins.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

But the popularity of the foil among owners of smaller mountain homes and cabins in high-fire-danger zones has grown in recent years, Hirning said. Government firefighting agencies used to account for about 95% of his business, he said, but thats gradually shifted, and homeowners now account for about 40% of sales.

Still, wrapping the family cabin in protective foil isnt something that can be easily accomplished as the fire nears. Even if a homeowner has rolls of the wrap on hand, the biggest obstacle is time. Covering a typical cabin in foil takes four to five people six to seven hours and thousands of staples.

Eric Raymond, who lives in Antelope (Sacramento County) owns the foil-wrapped Phillips cabin that survived the flames as the Caldor Fire roared through. He told The Chronicle that he tried to buy protective foil from Firezat but Hirning couldnt assure that he would get it to on time. So he looked elsewhere, and found some thick aluminum foil at the Elk Grove vacuum valve manufacturer where he works as an engineering manager.

He got permission to use unneeded rolls of the material and headed to the cabin off Highway 50, where he had heard the Caldor Fire was approaching at frightening speed. Working by himself, it took about seven hours and 1,250 staples to cover three sides of his mountain cabin, minus a huge array of windows and a side of the home next to a concrete cabin. He figured those areas wouldnt burn. He covered two decks with metal left over from a roofing project.

Raymond couldnt see the flames, but he felt the urgency. He and his wife, Ivana, had bought the cabin in a foreclosure sale and fell in love with the cabin as they fixed it up  and the neighbors, who gathered for happy hours and helped each other.

We bought that property and fixed it up so I was inclined to protect it, he said of the decision to wrap it like a shiny gift. I was hoping later that people would think I was crazy for doing that, that the fire would never get there in the first place. But I figured it couldnt hurt.

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With some irreplaceable items from the cabin already in his car, Raymond took some pictures of the cabin, then left. Back home, they tried to keep up on the news after their remote cameras went dark. But after the fire went through they started to hear that their cabin survived, and a Cal Fire assessment said it suffered no exterior damage.

When he spoke with The Chronicle, Raymond hadnt yet been back to the cabin. He said hes glad it survived but feels badly for those who lost their homes and for a community that wont be the same.

Its a mixed feeling, he said. The people were what made it special.

Firezat sells 200-foot rolls of 5-foot-wide foil wrap for $687, and there are other products on the market. To install the blanket, a homeowner and helpers place the roll on a shovel or broom handle and spool out the wrap, starting at the bottom of one wall of the house, stapling it into place, then moving up, overlapping the previous layer by a couple of inches. All vents and gaps need to be covered as well as the roof, depending on the type.

Once the house is covered, Hirning recommends topping the foil shield with chicken wire to help hold it in place as the fire nears and winds pick up.

Buyers are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that the product is not guaranteed to prevent a wrapped structure from being damaged or destroyed.

Jennifer Diamond, a spokesperson for the team fighting the Caldor Fire, wasnt sure who wrapped the Phillips cabin but said shes helped cover a historic backcountry building with foil in the past. Aside from historic buildings, firefighters might choose to wrap a remote cabin where property owners have already cut back vegetation, cut down overhanging trees, and cleared roofs and gutters of debris.

With so many cabins and houses in the forests, the intensity of the fires and the limited number of firefighters, theres rarely the time or people to wrap more than a single structure, much less a cluster of homes in a rural neighborhood.

We dont have a lot of time to do all that, she said. It takes a lot of time and effort and firefighters to (wrap a cabin). Its not something we can run around and do to everything.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
In the wake of the delta variants spread, more companies are requiring job candidates to be vaccinated, but not as many as you might expect  and California isnt leading the pack when it comes to the requirements, despite the state boasting the lowest coronavirus case rate in the nation.

A Sept. 24 snapshot of postings on the job site Indeed showed California came in 10th out of all 50 U.S. states that mentioned vaccine requirements. That amounted to 1.6% of statewide jobs as a seven-day moving average.

Washington state topped the list, with 3.16%, followed by Oregon at 2.45% and Arizona in third with 2.44%. Mississippi was at the bottom of the list with 0.38% of listing mentioning a requirement and four other states  Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming  had too few job postings requiring vaccinations to put a number on it.

Despite the still relatively low rates of jobs requiring the shots in California, the trend has been slightly upward this month and this year.

A prior snapshot on Sept. 9 from Indeed showed California also in 10th place nationwide with 1.18% of postings mentioning a requirement.

Company data showed that jobs mentioning the requirements have been trending up nationwide since the beginning of the year, but saw a significant pickup in August.

As of the end of last month, the share of postings on the site per million that required vaccination was up 242% from a month earlier.

The company found examples of businesses asking people to upload copies of vaccination proof to apply for a job, as well as offering vaccine bonuses.

In the Sept. 9 report, the company found that while it was a small percentage, searches for jobs that did not require vaccination were close to 20 times higher month over month, and that the majority of those were in health care.

By sector, personal care and home health saw the largest share of jobs requiring the shots on Indeed, as well as the biggest increase. Close to 2% of postings in the field nationwide included vaccination requirements in the seven days leading up to the end of August, a significant increase from July, when that stood at less than half a percentage point.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
It's rare that I order a glass of wine when I go to a restaurant. Almost always, I order a bottle, because the bottle list is where the most interesting wines  and the best values  tend to reside. While a by-the-glass list is designed for mass appeal, mining the depths of a wine list tends to surface something more unusual, more limited, more mysterious.

But recently, a new restaurant in Healdsburg called the Matheson made me reconsider this calculation: It offers a whopping 130 wines by the glass. Eighty-eight of those are located in what the restaurant calls its "wine wall," a panel of self-serve dispensers where customers can help themselves to small tastes or larger pours of any wine they choose. It's a smart selection, appropriately heavy on the local specialty of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, supplemented by crowd-friendly European classics. The wall has everything from Chateau d'Yquem, France's most prized dessert wine, to lesser-known bottlings from famous California producers, like a Williams Selyem Chenin Blanc.

The Matheson is a huge, ambitious restaurant, sprawling across a three-story building on Healdsburg's downtown plaza. Like San Francisco's One65, it's got multiple different concepts going on, including a formal dining room and a more casual rooftop bar, each with its own distinct by-the-glass and bottle list. It's a fun place to visit, and my colleague Tanay Warerkar and I recommend it for dinner in our sparkly new guide to the Best Day Ever in Healdsburg, which we published today.

The vision for the Matheson was always to have 100 wines by the glass, says wine director Jon McCarthy. That's partly because chef and owner Dustin Valette likes to order glasses of wine when he goes out to dinner with his wife, who doesn't drink that much, and like me, he was frustrated at how limited his options often were.

Under normal circumstances, having so many wines by the glass would involve a lot of waste, so the Matheson folks decided to use these dispenser-preservation machines, made by a company called Napa Tech (located, confusingly, in Nevada). You may have seen these behind the bar at other restaurants, though I've never seen so many of them all in one place. (A collective tasting room in Sebastopol, Region, uses the same machines, with 50 wines on offer.) They're an investment; a Napa Tech system for just five bottles can cost $5,000.

In the Napa Tech machines, a bottle of wine rests behind a pane of glass, hooked up to a pouring spigot. Using a kind of debit card that you've obtained from the restaurant, you press a button to determine how much you want  in the Matheson's case, either a 1-ounce splash, a 2.5-ounce half glass or a 5-ounce glass  and out shoots your precious liquid. The card tallies up your tab based on how much you've dispensed, and you settle up at the end.

Behind the scenes, the machine is pumping argon, an inert gas, back into the bottle, which protects the remaining wine from oxidation. In theory, that means that the restaurant doesn't have to worry about whether the full bottle gets drunk all at once; it will stay fresh back there, supposedly, for a couple of months.

That gives McCarthy and his team a ton of freedom to offer a wide range of interesting wines by the glass  the sorts of wines that would normally be reserved for a bottle list. The selection is about 70% Bay Area, mostly veering toward tried-and-true local classics like Hirsch's Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir ($4.50 for a taste/$11 for a half glass/$22 for a full glass) and Rafanelli Zinfandel ($4.75/$11.50/$23).

There's nothing here that could really be described as edgy  no funky orange wines  but the wall does dip its toes in lightly adventurous waters with wines like a varietal Counoise, an obscure Rhone grape variety, from a winery called the Withers ($3.75/$9/$18). My favorite wine of the night was the salty, razor-sharp Peugh Vineyard Chardonnay from Sonoma County producer Anthill Farms ($5.25/$13/$26).

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Some of the wine wall offerings are jaw-droppingly expensive, like a Merlot blend from local winery Verite ($26/$65/$130). These pricey offerings have been among the fastest movers, McCarthy says. Even if you can't afford a full $130 glass, maybe you can splurge for a $26 taste. "I've blown through my entire allocation of the 2017 Opus One already," he says, which was six bottles. A six-pack of Opus One retails for over $2,000.

If you're waiting for a table at the Matheson, the wine wall certainly presents a more entertaining way to pass the time than a typical restaurant waiting area. And I love the idea of being able to try lots of small tastes of things without committing to a full bottle or even a full glass  I hope that makes it easier for people who might be shy about asking a sommelier for a recommendation to try something new. There's a kid-in-a-candy-store feeling to it.

But sheesh, the tab can add up quickly. Four of us, grabbing little tastes of this and that over the course of about 30 minutes as we waited to get seated at the rooftop bar, ended up incurring a $150 bill (and that was without any Verite). Many of the wines we tasted were thrilling, though one Beaujolais was so full of brettanomyces, a spoilage yeast that can imbue a wine with a flavor often described as "barnyard," that I didn't want to finish my half-glass.

Sometimes I don't want so much choice  sometimes I still just want a good old-fashioned recommendation from a knowledgeable professional about what to drink. And we would have undoubtedly spent less than $150 if we'd just ordered a bottle.
California continues to record the lowest coronavirus transmission rate among U.S. states, but in the Bay Area, several counties this week moved to an even lower level. More companies are requiring job candidates to be vaccinated, but not as many as you might expect. Hospitals around the Bay Area will likely avoid the staff shortages and suspensions as the states deadline arrives for health care workers to get vaccinated. With hundreds of officers and staff still unvaccinated, San Franciscos police chief signaled that the department is ready to move on without them, if necessary.

Resources on COVID-19 and Californias reopening: For detailed maps and new city-by-city Bay Area data, check out The Chronicles Coronavirus Tracker. To get regular updates on our coverage, sign up for our coronavirus newsletter.

Latest updates:

United Airlines employees, facing termination, rush to get COVID vaccine: United Airlines officials say nearly half the employees facing dismissal for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have gotten their shots, the Associated Press reports. That cuts the number of airline workers facing termination from 593 to 320. An airline spokeswoman Leslie Scott says the declining number of potential firings shows the companys policy of requiring vaccinations is working: In less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half. The airline says about 99% of its workers either got vaccinated or applied for a medical or religious exemption.

Judge upholds UC vaccination policy for those with natural immunity: In what appears to be the first ruling on the issue, a judge upheld the University of Californias COVID-19 vaccine requirement against a challenge by a professor who claimed he had immunity due to a prior coronavirus infection, Reuters reports. District Court Judge James Selna in Santa Ana said the university system acted rationally to protect public health by mandating the vaccine and not exempting individuals with some level of immunity from infection. Selnas ruling denied a motion for a preliminary injunction by Aaron Kheriaty, who is a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. However, Dr. Kheriaty said he plans to continue the litigation. The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Marin County opens new booster clinic: Marin County Public Health on Thursday opened a special clinic for COVID-19 booster shots at the Safeway market near San Rafaels Northgate Mall. This site is offering booster shots until 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for eligible Pfizer vaccine recipients, as well as flu shots. The opening of the clinic follows the CDCs recent recommendation that adults 65 and older and select populations at risk for health or workplace reasons who were vaccinated with Pfizers shots get a booster dose after six months. Advanced appointments are encouraged, with walk-ins also served as supply allows, the county said.

Monterey Bay Aquarium to require COVID vaccination or negative test: The Monterey Bay Aquarium said on Thursday that it will require all visitors 12 and older to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, starting Nov. 1. While the Aquarium is not required to implement these safety policies, we are committed to following the latest science and acting responsibly to protect the health and safety of all of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and our community at large, the aquarium said in a statement.

Town-gown vaccination gap in Merced County: The COVID-19 vaccination rate among students at UC Merced is 96%, while 90% of faculty and 92% of staff have received their shots. Those are far higher rates than in surrounding Merced County, where the university is located, Armando Contreras, UC Merceds interim dean of students, told the University of California regents Thursday. The county reports just 50% of eligible residents have been fully vaccinated.

Outside Lands festival faces a new set of challenges with pandemic return: The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival will feel very different this year, organizers said during a community meeting on Wednesday. The mega-fest in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park will not only require patrons to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative coronavirus test for entry, but a series of pandemic-related delays have pushed the event that typically takes place in the summer out to Oct. 29-31. That means it starts on a school day and ends on Halloween, a holiday on which children and adults alike are known to gather in large groups. It presents a new set of challenges for the festival and the community, acknowledged Allen Scott, president of concerts and festivals at Another Planet Entertainment. Read more about the steps promoters are taking to bring the festival safely back to the park.

Some SoCal amusement parks to require vaccination, negative COVID test: Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain will require visitors 12 and older to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative coronavirus test for entry starting Oct. 7, according to a health order recently issued by Los Angeles Countys health department. Amusement parks and theme parks are defined as mega events by the order, which characterizes them by large crowds greater than 1,000 indoor or 10,000 outdoor attendees. The rule does not yet apply to Disneyland Resort and Knotts Berry Farm, which are located in neighboring Orange County, nor Legoland and SeaWorld, which are located in San Diego County. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and Californias Great America in Santa Clara recommend but do not require vaccination or testing.

East Bay woman who survived 1918 flu and two world wars dies of COVID: Primetta Giacopini, a resident of Richmond, was two years old when she lost her mother to the Spanish flu in 1918, escaped Europe ahead of Benito Mussolinis fascists in 1940, and ground steel for the U.S. war effort. The 105-year-old contracted COVID-19 earlier this month, the Associated Press reports, and struggled with the disease for a week before dying on Sept. 16. I think my mother would have been around quite a bit longer if she hadnt contracted COVID, her 61-year-old daughter, Dorene Giacopini, said. She was a fighter.

Dont skip your flu shot, health officials urge: Amid all the focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. health experts have another plea: Get your flu shot. The Associated Press reports flu cases dropped to historically low levels during the pandemic but with schools and businesses reopened, international travel resuming and less masking this fall, flu could make a comeback and put extra pressure on hospitals already struggling with COVID-19 surges. We probably as a population dont have as much immunity against this virus as we typically might, said flu specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis. It makes absolute sense to go on out and get that vaccine and at least prepare for something that, you know, could be quite severe.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Charts show how red COVID political death divide in California has intensified: Even with California recording the lowest coronavirus transmission rate in the country, data shows that the partisan gap between who is suffering the most in the post-vaccine era is intensifying. Read the story here.

California businesses face eviction as moratorium ends: California restaurants, retailers and other commercial and office tenants are all at risk of eviction starting Friday, after the states pandemic-era moratorium expires at the end of September. Read the story here.

Will Bay Area hospitals see problems from the health worker vaccine mandate?: Hospitals around the Bay Area will likely avoid the staff shortages and suspensions seen in other parts of the country as the states deadline arrives for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Read the story here.

More companies are requiring applicants to be vaccinated, and not just in California: In the wake of the delta variants spread, more companies are requiring job candidates to be vaccinated, but not as many as you might expect  and California isnt leading the pack when it comes to the requirements, despite the state boasting the lowest coronavirus case rate in the nation. Read the story here.

With hundreds of officers still unvaccinated, SFPD shuffles assignments: So many San Francisco police officers have yet to get COVID-19 vaccinations that officials have been forced to shuffle around assignments to make sure theyre prepared to keep operating regardless of the number of unvaccinated officers  and whether they remain employed  according to a departmental email obtained by The Chronicle. Read the story here.

Maps show Bay Area counties among few in U.S. at moderate COVID level: California continues to record the lowest coronavirus transmission rate among U.S. states, in federal health officials orange substantial category  but in the Bay Area, several counties this week moved to a level even lower. Read the story here.

California case rates keep dropping: For the week of Sept. 19-25, COVID case rates among unvaccinated people in California fell to 57.41 per 100,000 per day, down from 62.83 a week earlier. Among vaccinated people in Californian, case rates fell to 7.12 per 100,000 per day for the week of Sept. 19-25, down from 7.95 a week earlier.

Newsom says school vaccine mandate is possible: Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters on Tuesday that a mandate that students get COVID vaccines was possible for kids 12 and older. The state is working to to understand the logistical challenges and hurdles, Newsom said, according to news reports. There are issues that we are working through that are unique and distinctive by region. And so were in that process of adjudicating the larger consideration, as we said its on the table, but no announcement to make today.
PHOENIX (AP)  Republican U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko said Wednesday that she has undergone surgery to remove her gallbladder and wont return to Washington until she can recover.

I am pleased to report that my gallbladder has successfully been removed, Lesko said in a statement. My doctors have advised I am unable to fly for at least 10 days, so I will remain in Arizona to rest and recover.
BOSTON (AP)  Three more dancers have come forward to allege that an instructor and his wife, a former star with the Boston Ballet, sexually abused them, according to an expanded lawsuit.

Five dancers now say dance instructor Mitchell Taylor Button and his wife, former Boston Ballet principal dancer Dusty Button, exploited their position of power and influence in the dance world to sexually abuse young dancers across the country, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday he is working with legislative leaders on details about how the state will pay for a proposed medical marijuana program.

The Republican governor said he will call lawmakers to the Capitol for a special session sooner rather than later, but he has not decided when.

House and Senate leaders want to enact a medical marijuana program to replace an initiative voters approved in November. State Supreme Court justices overturned the initiative in May when they ruled that Mississippi's initiative process is outdated and unworkable.

Reeves said he has had productive talks this week with Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Philip Gunn, who are also Republicans.

We are a long way towards getting to a final agreement, but we're not all the way there yet, Reeves said during a news conference.

Legislators next regular session begins in January. Hosemann and Gunn said last week that they want Reeves to set a special session soon because negotiators from the two chambers have agreed on a medical marijuana proposal, and they believe they've lined up enough votes to pass it.

But the leaders of the state Health Department and the state Agriculture Department both said this week that the proposal lacks a clear funding plan, leaving questions about how their agencies would pay for the licensing and regulatory roles.

The proposal would allow cities and counties to opt out of allowing the cultivation, processing or sale of medical marijuana, but it would also let local voters seek an election to reverse the decisions of those governing boards.

It also would set taxes, require that medical marijuana be grown only indoors and limit the amount of the drug that could be purchased each month by patients or their caregivers.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Hosemann and Gunn want a few other topics on a special session agenda. They want legislators to approve financial help for hospitals that are trying to keep enough nurses and other employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorize death benefit payments for law enforcement officers and first responders who die of COVID-19, and set aside money for shelters that help victims of child abuse and domestic violence.

Reeves on Wednesday did not say whether he will ask legislators to consider any topics other than medical marijuana during a special session.

___

Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.
PIERRE, S.D. (AP)  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is again applying to hold a fireworks display over Mount Rushmore to celebrate Independence Day.

The Department of Tourism submitted its application for a special use permit to the National Parks Service Wednesday on behalf of Noem for fireworks next year.

The Parks Service in March denied the state's application for a fireworks display this year, citing safety concerns. South Dakota had been dealing with drought and wildfires that burned within the monuments boundaries earlier this year, forcing the park to close for several days.

Noem argued that if the fireworks were allowed, conditions would be monitored and organizers could cancel the show if the fire risk was too great.

Local Native American tribes also opposed holding the celebration on land they hold as sacred and were concerned about the spread of COVID-19.

Noem is currently in litigation with the U.S. Department of Interior over that rejection.

Despite their arbitrary decision to cancel the 2021 Fireworks Celebration, the Biden Administration has an opportunity to work with us to celebrate next year and for the years to come, the Republican governor said in a statement.

Noem successfully pushed for a return of the event in 2019 after a decadelong hiatus. It gave former President Donald Trump an opportunity to be featured in a patriotic display attended by thousands of people during the pandemic. Noem has said there were no COVID-19 outbreaks linked to last years event.
Imagine a California where Gavin Newsom was recalled. For that California to exist, votes from 23 of Californias 58 counties would have to have gone uncounted.

As of Tuesday morning, an estimated 97% of statewide votes in the recent recall election had been processed, with most county-level estimates over 90%, according to CNN. A handful of counties still have a large share of unprocessed votes, but these tend to be small counties with few registered voters, so their remaining votes will not significantly change the final results.

Using the county-level data, the Chronicle imagined scenarios that could have led to a different statewide result. Which counties, if they made up all of California, would have led to Newsom being recalled? Without the Bay Area counties  some of which have the highest shares of no recall votes  would Newsom no longer be in office?

The chart above shows counties sorted by the share of yes votes in decreasing order. Lassen County, with 84% of yes votes, is listed first; San Francisco County, with 14% of yes votes, is last. Starting with Lassen County, we combined its results with those from the next county on the list to create a cumulative vote share for each group of counties.

The first iteration combines just two counties, Lassen and Mendocino, for a cumulative vote share of 83% yes and 17% no. In other words, 83% of the votes from Lassen and Mendocino counties are for the recall, and 17% are against it. The next iteration adds Tehama Countys votes to the previous two-county result, creating a cumulative vote share for three counties. The process continues in this way until the last county is included.

Because the counties are sorted in decreasing order by its yes votes, the cumulative yes share decreases with each additional county. Therefore, we can determine which county, once its votes are included, changes the cumulative majority from yes recall to no recall.

That county is Ventura County, where 57% of the roughly 320,000 votes were against the recall. Without Ventura County, combined votes from 35 counties result in 50.2% voting yes, but once Ventura Countys results are added, the yes share decreases to 49.8%. In other words, if California were made up of the 35 counties listed before Ventura County, Newsom would have been recalled.

Viewed another way, once Ventura County is included, results from the remaining 22 counties are unneeded to reach a cumulative no majority. These 22 counties include Los Angeles, Sacramento and all nine Bay Area counties, where large majorities voted against the recall.

The early results show exactly half of the 58 counties with a majority yes recall result. But the counties with a yes outcome have far fewer votes than the no counties. The yes counties have an estimated 2.3 million ballots, while the no counties have an estimated 11 million votes  nearly five times more.

Los Angeles County is projected to have the most yes votes  over 895,000  though this amounts to a minority (29%) of all votes in the county because of how many more no votes were cast. The other counties with many yes votes are also highly populated counties in southern California. Orange County ranks second with over 575,000 yes votes (48% of all votes). San Diego and Riverside counties follow, with about 530,000 (43%) and 380,000 (51%) votes, respectively.

As of Wednesday morning, 12.6 million votes have been processed statewide. The Secretary of State estimates over 13 million cast ballots, which would mean 59% of the 22 million registered voters participated in the election.

Nami Sumida is a San Francisco Chronicle data visualization developer. Email: nami.sumida@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @namisumida
Christian Science officials warned the San Francisco Board of Supervisors that it would be violating the religious institutions civil rights if it fails to approve a Tenderloin development that would include a new church as well as a contentious market-rate group housing development.

At a Tuesday board meeting, Ela Strong, president of the board of the Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, said that upholding an appeal of a proposed development at 450 OFarrell St. would violate our civil rights under the Constitution.

Our right to be able to engage in religious exercise is at stake here, Strong said. We cannot meet our religious needs in our current building. The proposed new church facility is essential for us.

The comments came during an appeal of approved plans to construct a 13-story group housing complex, which would include 316 new dwelling units, a new church and ground-level space for a Christian Science reading room. The builder, Forge Development Partners, took the project over from a previous developer, who had won approvals to build 176 conventional apartments. Forge is partnering with the church on the development. The Planning Commission approved the project in June.

The project would produce 316 space-efficient studio units for households earning between $26,000 to $115,000 per year. The group home units would not have full kitchens, instead offering two-burner stoves, a microwave and mini-fridge. There would be a communal kitchen for residents wishing to use an oven.

The Board of Supervisors didnt vote on the appeal, instead continuing it until its Oct. 5 meeting.

The project is being appealed by Tenderloin Housing Clinic, which argues that the neighborhood, which has the largest concentration of residential hotel units in the United States, does not need more 350-square-foot micro-units, but instead is badly in need of larger apartments for low-income families currently jammed into tiny spaces.

Critics say the group housing developers are exploiting a loophole in the planning code that allows what likely will be temporary corporate housing  micro-units lacking full kitchens  to be classified as permanent housing. The building will have 632 beds, with units ranging from 320 to 850 square feet.

Pratibha Tekkey, director of community organizing for the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, said the previous approval would have brought much-needed family housing to the neighborhood. Tenderloin resident David Elliot Lewis said the idea of micro-units and shared kitchens might have made sense prior to the pandemic, but no longer.

We live in the age of respiratory illness, he said. Its the wrong design for our era.

Longtime Tenderloin resident Karen Taylor called the proposed building a warehouse for people and said that the switch from larger units to group housing was a bait and switch.

The last thing the Tenderloin neighborhood needs right now is market-rate group housing, said Sara Shortt, director of Public Policy & Community Organizing for HomeRise, an affordable housing group. We need permanent housing in the neighborhood to allow families to build roots and create community.

Forge contends that the current calculus of construction costs and rents makes a conventional building there impossible and that the previous builder, Trammell Crow, abandoned the project because the economics didnt work.

A 1,200-square-foot unit would cost $1.2 million to build and would have to bring in about $7,500 a month in rent in order to make money about double what a two-bedroom unit in the Tenderloin currently rents for, said Forge founding partner Richard Hannum. In contrast, the average unit at the Forge project would be $3,500 a month.

In the end our goal is to create housing that people can afford to live in, and to build the church, said Hannum.

While Tuesdays appeal hearing was focused on whether the planning commission had acted properly in approving the project, the discussion veered into a debate on the condition of the OFarrell Street block in question, between Taylor and Jones.

Strong said the addition of as many as 632 residents in the new building would bring positive activity to a block that has been plagued by drug dealing and other illegal activity, which she said has resulted in a significant reduction in church attendance.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Regularly there is drug use and violence in front of the church. Tent encampments often block the front and side entrances. This limits access to the church by those wishing to enter it, she said. Garbage, human excrement and hypodermic needles must be cleaned up by the church daily. Sometimes several times a day.

Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the Tenderloin, took issue with the way Strong characterized the street.

You might want to think about how people experience those words, and how you can create love and respect, he said, adding that the church should aspire to bring healing and compassion for everyone in the neighborhood, including people who may be on your block and who may need your help.

Proponents of the OFarrell project point out that the property is one of dozens of underutilized church-owned lots that could be redeveloped for housing, and that other religious institutions may be put off if the Board of Supervisors upholds the appeal, torpedoing the project.

In a letter to the board, Michael Pappas, who heads the San Francisco Interfaith Council, said the religious community will be watching what happens with the vote and that the result will give a clear indication of the sincerity of the citys goal of re-purposing religious properties.

Corey Smith of the Housing Action Coalition said that rejecting the project would send the wrong message to other religious institutions.

I worry the city is going to lose out on the ability to build housing of all types on congregation land, he said.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
California restaurants, retailers and other commercial and office tenants are all at risk of eviction starting Friday, after the states pandemic-era moratorium expired at the end of September.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms office confirmed the executive order that established the moratorium was expiring Thursday and would not be renewed, potentially exposing scores of businesses to more fallout from the pandemic. Californias moratorium for rental evictions was also ending Thursday. As of Friday, tenants could be evicted for unpaid rent.

Some landlords and real estate brokers believe it wont lead to many evictions, because property owners are desperate to keep their spaces filled and want to renegotiate leases.

I dont know anyone evicting tenants. Were not evicting anyone, said John Callan, president of San Mateo Land Exchange, owner of a downtown San Francisco building at 201 Kearny St. If somebodys been impacted by COVID, we work with them.

But tenants and small business advocates fear that because many struggling businesses havent been able to resolve lease and rent disputes, evictions are inevitable.

Julie Gilgoff, staff attorney at Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, has worked with more than 100 small businesses and said only a few have successfully renegotiated.

San Francisco retail tenants collectively owe an estimated $285.7 million to $564.7 million in unpaid rent between April 2020 and August 2021, according to a city study released last week. Office tenants owe only an estimated $11.1 million to $22.8 million in unpaid rent for that time.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

By and large we have found landlords either wanting the full rental amount or not willing to forgive even the months where tenants had to close because of government mandate, said Gilgoff, whose group works with San Franciscos Office of Economic and Workforce Development to connect with business owners. We believe landlords have the upper hand over tenants at this time.

Retail broker David Blatteis disagreed and said all but one of the landlords of the 37 San Francisco buildings that he manages have reduced rents by as much as 50%, helping small businesses such as Brownies Ace Hardware on Polk Street and Goorin Bros. hat shop in North Beach to survive. Even clothing giant Gap got a rent reduction to keep its Chestnut Street store open as it closed all three of its other locations in the city, he said.

None of my landlords are planning on evictions, Blatteis said. They want to work with tenants.

The rent abatements are typically up to a few months at a time, after which theyll be re-evaluated to see if the economy has improved.

Leases typically mandate that tenants continue paying rents unless a force majeure, or uncontrollable event, occurs. Whether the pandemic qualifies is, in many cases, under dispute and dependent on what the specific language is in a particular lease.

A San Francisco ordinance to forgive back rent for businesses shut down by the pandemic is subject of a lawsuit by landlord groups.

Some disputes involving major retailers have also gone to court. Gaps Old Navy division was sued last summer by landlord Ponte Gadea California LLC for $1.6 million in alleged unpaid rent at 821 Market St. in San Francisco. The case is ongoing.

Gap and Simon Property Group, the countrys biggest mall owner, settled a lawsuit over an alleged $107 million in unpaid rent last December. Nordstrom, H&M and Saks were all sued last year over alleged missed rent payments in downtown San Francisco.

Cases where tenants were able to renegotiate leases also involved many challenges, underscoring the difficulties especially for low-income and minority-owned businesses.

Sara Segovia, owner of Westlake Coffee Shop in Daly City, had to close for two weeks in March 2020 and then rely only on takeout and delivery. Sales plunged more than 85%, with monthly revenue around $5,000 during the worst of the shutdown, compared with $35,000 in 2019. The pandemic closure of Century Theatres, which is in the same building, badly hurt business. The cafes seven employees are now down to five.

Segovia, who speaks Spanish but not English, wasnt aware of what government aid was available until the end of 2020.

That happened with many Latino-owned businesses, especially women, I realized, said Gabriela Sapp, a financial adviser at the San Francisco Small Business Development Center, which helps small businesses, including Westlake Cafe. They were so focused on trying to run the business that they didnt really hear any information about COVID-19 funding or anything.

Sapp tried to help Segovia renegotiate her lease, but calls to building manager CBRE, the giant real estate brokerage, werent returned. It wasnt until a smaller company took over management that Segovia was able to make progress and reached an agreement to reduce rent to an affordable rate based on the cafes business revenue. Sales have partially recovered but are still around 30% lower than in 2019.

CBRE declined to comment, and the landlord DB Real Estate Pacific Plaza Partners didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Segovia supports extending the moratorium until at least the end of the year.

Not everyone is able to communicate with their landlord. Families are struggling to pay rent, Segovia said in Spanish, as translated by Sapp.

Callan, the owner of 201 Kearny St., agrees that its been a brutal year for tenants.

One restaurant in his building spent a year and a half before the pandemic obtaining permits to switch from a sushi restaurant to a new eatery called Chicken Little Rotisserie. It reopened in the first week of March 2020 and is now empty. Its not clear if it will ever reopen, Callan said.

But landlords have also suffered with their own unavoidable expenses and havent received the same level of government support as tenants, he said.

At times I think the city is at war with the property owners, Callan said of San Francisco. I dont think they realize landlords have large bills, property tax bills, insurance bills, utility bills, water bills.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Three of 201 Kearnys nine commercial spaces are vacant, and Callan has reduced rents to help those businesses that need it. Some tenants, like a medical company, are doing fine, while a catering company is struggling.

Our philosophy is everyone should pay their fair rent, he said.

Although the state order is expiring, local governments continue to work on regulations and assistance.

Los Angeles County officials voted on Tuesday to extend its commercial eviction moratorium through the end of January. San Francisco officials have not done so, but the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance by Supervisor Ahsha Safai to establish a rent relief fund for small business.

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees have between 12 and 24 months to repay rent. Mayor London Breed signed an amendment on Monday that gives some businesses with 50 to 99 employees up to six months to repay rent. The city has allocated more than $63 million in relief to support over 3,000 small businesses during the pandemic.

As the states commercial eviction moratorium ends, we want to ensure that our businesses and property owners have the resources and support and assistance they need, said Kate Sofis, director of the citys Office of Economic and Workforce Development, in a statement.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Even when tenants and landlords have positive relationships, survival can be fraught.

Osbelia Castaneda, owner of Osbelias Hair Salon in the Excelsior, said the shop was closed between March 2020 and January 2021, aside from a brief window before the winter surge.

In the darkest days, she felt hopeless and had to rely on family, friends and aid to pay for food and rent. It was hard taking care of her son, who has schizophrenia. Unable to color anyones hair in person, all she could do was send hair products by mail.

I felt like I might give up and leave the country, Castaneda said in Spanish, as translated by Sapp, who also assisted her. Castaneda is originally from Mexico.

It took around five months to renegotiate her lease, and her $3,500 per month rent was retroactively reduced to $600 for the months she was closed. Her landlord didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Castaneda supports extending the moratorium for another year, because businesses like hers are just starting to recover.

She had three employees and three contractors, all who were laid off or left the company. Shes been able to rehire two new employees and two contractors, but sales are still only about 30% of 2019 levels, or about $5,000 a month. Thats barely more than her rent, which is back to its 2019 level.

Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf
As morning broke over San Franciscos iconic Golden Gate Bridge on Thursday, northbound traffic was brought to a halt when dozens of undocumented mothers, students and their allies risked arrest to engage in civil disobedience.

Just before 7 a.m., protesters exited their cars, carrying banners and calling on Congress to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Traffic piled up in the bridges northbound lanes as demonstrators decried the Democrats lack of action to pass meaningful immigration reform, stopping morning commuters for about an hour.

The coordinated action signaled that the immigrant rights movement is stepping up direct activism, organizers said.

We are escalating our actions and our undocumented families are risking arrest and possibly deportation to send the message we can no longer wait, said Luis Angel Reyes Savalza, himself an undocumented immigrant and recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

The early morning traffic blockade was timed to coincide with congressional consideration of the budget reconciliation bill, demanding that Democrats override the Senate parliamentarian who excluded immigration provisions from the $3.5 trillion bill. As of press time, Congress had yet to vote on the bill.

Demonstrators stopped traffic for 20 minutes to symbolize 20 years of failed promises, they said. Eleven of those minutes were dedicated to the countrys roughly 11 million undocumented residents.

The protest, organized by the Movement for Citizenship for All (Papeles Para Todos) and the Bay Area Coalition for Economic Justice and Citizenship for All, also centered on climate, economic and racial justice issues. From a truck bed flanked with banners, under the imposing orange towers of the bridge, speakers called on Congress to fund free college, paid family leave and an expansion of Medicare. They also called for a fairer economy.

We were called essential workers, and yet both the Trump and Biden administrations excluded undocumented families from stimulus relief, Reyes Savalza told The Chronicle.

The activists frustration with Washington has an obvious antecedent: Immigration reform has been a perennial goal for lawmakers and presidents that has always failed, sometimes spectacularly.

There have been attempts in the past two decades that got close, most recently in 2013, when the Senate passed what has become known as the Gang of Eight immigration compromise. The massive bill to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants, overhaul the legal immigration system and beef up border security passed with a veto-proof majority of more than two-thirds of the Senate, an overwhelming level of consensus.

But it died in the House, where Republicans grew skittish of backlash for anything perceived as amnesty toward undocumented immigrants. That position in the GOP calcified with the rise of former President Donald Trump, who injected hard-line anti-immigration policies into the mainstream of the party.

Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

Even widely popular policies like providing a path to citizenship for the so-called Dreamers, young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, have been difficult to achieve, as the widely supported idea tends to get bogged down by other political interests trying to catch a ride.

With Democrats in full control of Washington, advocates were hoping the party would have learned its lesson during the Obama administration, when immigration reform wasnt a priority in the key first years of power.

President Joe Biden has so far rested immigration hopes on a procedural tactic that would allow Democrats to attach legalization to a budget bill and bypass the 60-vote threshold in the 100-member Senate to advance legislation. The prospects for that plan are exceedingly grim, as the Senates arbiter of procedural rules has now ruled twice, most recently on Wednesday, that Democrats proposals dont pass muster to qualify for the maneuver, known as reconciliation.

Advocates on the left have called on Biden and Senate Democrats to simply overrule the parliamentarian and pass it anyway or do away with the 60-vote threshold requirement altogether, but Biden, a former senator, has resisted.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Spirits were high among the few dozen who stopped commuters Thursday morning, despite potentially harrowing consequences.

Now Playing: Immigration protesters shut down the Golden Gate Bridge

When demonstrators were ready to drive off the bridge, the California Highway Patrol delayed them for another 30 minutes. According to two organizers, five protesters were taken to jail and released with citations, one of them an undocumented demonstrator.

Traffic on the bridge started flowing again shortly before 8 a.m. as the protest wound down.

According to the protests organizers, the bridge shutdown was just the beginning of a renewed and more aggressive push for the immigration movement, one that will draw on the mass street protests and strikes of 2006, when millions left work and took to the streets demanding change.

Fifteen years later, things are only worse, protesters said. Deportations removed many who were active in the immigrant rights movement, and then the pandemic ripped through already vulnerable immigrant communities.

Mayra Pelagio, executive director of Latinos United for a New America, said people are sick of waiting for change.

Theres a saying in Spanish that goes, Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo (only the people can save the people), so its up to us to make sure those changes happen, said Pelagio, who was at the protest. Its not going to take folks sitting in Senate to nicely hand things over to us, the change that we need. So we are seeing an increased mobilization.

Deepa Fernandes and Tal Kopan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: deepa.fernandes@sfchronicle.com, tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @deepafern, @talkopan
A San Francisco judge took the unusual step of blasting District Attorney Chesa Boudin during an open court hearing, saying Boudin runs an office marred by disorganization and turnover, making it difficult to build trust with the public.

I cannot express in any more certain terms my disapproval of the manner in which the Office of the District Attorney is being managed, Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan said during the Tuesday hearing, according to a court transcript.

A spokesperson for Boudin said Chan, who like Boudin is a former city public defender, later apologized for the scalding monologue. The judge, the spokesperson said, apologized to the D.A. for his statements and how theyve been interpreted and regrets that others have used this in furtherance of their own political goals.

Chan did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

The flareup occurred during a hearing in which the prosecution moved to dismiss a case against a defendant charged with felony gun possession and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Chan granted the motion, and Assistant District Attorney Rachel McDaniel said she intended to refile the case.

Deputy Public Defender Martina Avalos, who represents the defendant, separately rebuked Boudins office. She accused prosecutors of routinely failing to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense in a reasonable amount of time. Avalos said she encountered three such Brady violations in the past three weeks.

But before these matters were discussed, Chan laid into Boudin, who took office in January 2020. Boudins tenure has been marked by fierce debate over his progressive policies that seek to move away from mass incarceration, stirring plaudits as well as a pending recall attempt. But Chan was upset about day-to-day management of criminal cases.

We simply cannot have the current levels of inadvertence, disorganization, and expect there to be any confidence in what we do here collectively, Chan said at the beginning of the hearing. Constant turnover, constant managerial reorganization, all these things, whether its intentional, whether its reckless, whether its excusable neglect, thats not in front of me today.

Chan, who was appointed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009, accused Boudins office of overemphasizing criminal justice matters on the national or state stage at the expense of the unglamorous yet necessary work of public prosecution.

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, said he found Chans language stunning.

Its not unusual, from time to time, for judges to criticize district attorneys offices, Cherminsky said. But I think its unusual for it to be this pointed.

Boudins spokesperson, Rachel Marshall, said she and her colleagues are disappointed to hear that, rather than coming to the D.A. directly, a judge disparaged our dedicated, longstanding prosecutors who work hard every day to uphold the law and protect public safety in the face of extraordinary challenges.

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In response to the public defenders allegation in the gun possession case, Marshall said the prosecutor had inadvertently delayed disclosing a laboratory report to the defense.

Avalos had described this report in a court transcript as the entirety of the DNA evidence, saying it amounted to hundreds of pages that the prosecution had submitted on Monday. In a statement to The Chronicle, she called the failure to release evidence a concerning and recurring pattern that has persisted for decades  and through multiple administrations  in San Francisco.

People who are accused have a right to know what, if any, evidence the government has against them, and they deserve to know in a timely manner because waiting for justice has real and material consequences for everyone involved, Avalos added.

While Marshall maintained that the report was not exculpatory information, she also noted that the late turnover of discovery materials was unacceptable, and that the office is working to make sure it never happens again in this or any other case.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
During an open court hearing Tuesday, a San Francisco judge ripped into San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, accusing him of neglecting "business at home" while "thinking about the national or state stage."

Court transcripts were shared on Twitter Tuesday night and reported on by the San Francisco Examiner Wednesday and show that Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan savaged the district attorney's office for its handling of a 2019 gun case. A city public defender asked Chan to dismiss the case on grounds that Boudin's office failed to properly disclose hundreds of pages of DNA evidence for more than a year that could have helped the defendant. (Boudin's office strongly pushed back on the public defender's allegations, stating that they turned over the lab reports the day they received them, which was not until this week).

Chan did not dismiss the case, but allowed Boudin's office to drop charges (though they said they would be refiling the case at a later date).

I cannot express in any more certain terms my disapproval of the manner in which the Office of the District Attorney is being managed, Chan reportedly said. Not to make light of the situation, but you cant run an airline this way.

He continued, "I hope that people in the District Attorneys Office will shift their focus from some of the bigger issues and concern themselves with the unglamorous yet necessary work of public prosecution. Its time to really take care of business at home instead of thinking about the national or state stage."

Boudin, a criminal justice reform advocate who was elected on a platform of reducing incarceration, has become a lightning rod for criticism with national name recognition. He has done interviews with national publications such as the Atlantic and the New Yorker this year, fueling speculation he is ultimately eyeing higher office.

District Attorney's Office spokesperson Rachel Marshall wrote in an email to SFGATE that Chan's remarks were "inaccurate and inappropriate from a sitting judge." Marshall added that Chan called Boudin Wednesday morning to apologize for what was said the day before.

"The statements were wrong and were immediately weaponized by political opponents  which is why Judge Chan called to apologize," Marshall wrote.

Boudin faces a recall effort that is still in the signature-gathering process. After the release of the Examiner story, recall proponents shared the article on social media along with links to the recall campaign.

On the case itself, Marshall said in a statement to the Examiner, "Nonetheless late discovery is unacceptable to us, and we are working to make sure it never happens again in this or any other case. We will continue to hold our lawyers to the highest ethical standards."
LATEST Oct 1, 6:20 a.m. The Alameda County Sheriff's Department provided an update Thursday night of what it's calling the biggest indoor illegal marijuana bust in Bay Area history.

The department originally estimated the illegal operation consisted of 100,000 marijuana plants but it's estimated that there could be up to 500,000 plants.

The department shared a video of a deputy cutting up the plants with a trimmers.

"We had to get innovative and use gas powered trimmers or we would be here for a week," the department said. "So far we estimate 100-500k marijuana plants, millions in cash, guns and over a dozen locations."

Sept. 30, 7:25 a.m. The Alameda County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday night it seized more than 100,000 marijuana plants and over $10 million in cash, taking down what the department said was "one of the largest illegal grow operations in the state."

The department said it also confiscated millions of dollars in infrastructure, including equipment, lighting, generators and supplies used to facilitate the grows.

Alameda County Sheriff's Department

The sheriff's department described the operation as "organized and sophisticated" and said the network of individuals were making tens of millions of dollars in profit and avoiding California marijuana regulations.

"The enormity and complexity of this illegal grow operation cannot be expressed in words or pictures, its unbelievable," the department said in a statement. "We will be on scene the next several days processing and accounting for this enormous amount of evidence."

Department detectives conducted over a dozen search warrant operations throughout the East Bay, the department said.

Alameda County Sheriff's Department

California was the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Cannabis remains legal in California for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use.

Adults 21 and older can grow up to six plants for their personal use, subject to certain restrictions, without a license, California state law says. It is a crime to grow more than six plants as well as to sell marijuana in California without both a state and local license.

The state says it regulates the industry to ensure businesses operate safely, products are contaminant-free and labeled to inform purchasers and product is kept away from children. California levies an excise tax on most forms of cannabis.
KTVU

There were residual delays on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge on Thursday morning after protesters calling for immigrant protections blocked traffic, bringing the busy morning commute to a complete halt for about 30 minutes.

The protest was organized by the Bay Area Coalition for Economic Justice and Citizenship for All, which said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets that they are asking Congressional Democrats to take action to protect immigrant families.
Officials now have ruled out multiple, oft-speculated causes for what killed a Northern California family and their dog on a hike back in August.

While the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office has yet to confirm their cause of death, a statement from the agency specified more causes of death that were substantially ruled out "based on evidence recovered or through investigation."

John Gerrish, 45, Ellen Chung, 30, and their 1-year-old daughter Miju  as well as their family dog Oski  were found dead Aug. 17 in the Devil's Gulch area in the south fork of the Merced River in the Sierra National Forest, the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said. Responding agencies treated the scene as a hazmat situation because of uncertainty about the cause of the fatalities.

In a statement provided to media, the Sheriff's Office successfully ruled out a myriad of causes that were the subject of media and investigative speculation: Lightning strikes, carbon monoxide or dioxide poisoning, exposure to cyanide, illegal drug or alcohol consumption and suicide.

But notably, they have not ruled out toxic algal blooms. Testing conducted earlier this month confirmed that the nearby Merced River had high levels of toxic algae.

And while Arizona State University professor Taylor Weiss previously told SFGATE that "finding evidence of that poisoning will be very challenging," it has yet to be fully ruled out.

A portion of the Merced River near where the family died was closed earlier this month because of the toxic algae, while the Savage-Lundy Trail reopened Sunday after being closed due to "unknown hazards."

They also have yet to rule out extreme heat. The temperature at the time, according to the sheriff's office, ranged from 103 to 109 degrees.

Craig Kohlruss/Associated Press

Previous autopsy data provided by the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office has ruled out chemical hazards on the Savage Lundy Trail and acute trauma, such as stabbing, gunshot wounds or blunt-force trauma.

Mariposa County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Kristie Mitchell told SFGATE earlier this month that results from several toxicology reports are still pending, and as of Wednesday "a few key reports" have yet to be obtained, according to a statement. (A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE Wednesday.)

It also remains unclear what happened to cell phone and social media records obtained by investigators.

Detectives with the Sheriff's Office are continuing to investigate with a team of toxicologists, environmental specialists and the FBI, among others, they said in a Wednesday statement. Their death is still being handled as a hazmat and coroner investigation.

We respect and understand the need for information and details regarding this case. Our current priorities remain supporting and informing the Gerrish / Chung family during this tragic time," said Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese in a statement. "As we navigate through this investigation with the family, we will later share our findings with the public."

SFGATE California Parks editor Ashley Harrell contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  With only hours to spare, President Joe Biden on Thursday evening signed legislation to avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3. Congress had passed the bill earlier Thursday.

The back-to-back votes by the Senate and then the House averted one crisis, but delays on another continue as the political parties dig in on a dispute over how to raise the government's borrowing cap before the United States risks a potentially catastrophic default.

The House approved the short-term funding measure by a 254-175 vote not long after Senate passage in a 65-35 vote. A large majority of Republicans in both chambers voted against it. The legislation was needed to keep the government running once the current budget year ended at midnight Thursday. Passage will buy lawmakers more time to craft the spending measures that will fund federal agencies and the programs they administer.

Theres so much more to do, Biden said in a statement after the signing. But the passage of this bill reminds us that bipartisan work is possible and it gives us time to pass longer-term funding to keep our government running and delivering for the American people.

The work to keep the government open and running served as the backdrop during a chaotic day for Democrats as they struggled to get Bidens top domestic priorities over the finish line, including a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill at risk of stalling in the House.

It is a glimmer of hope as we go through many, many other activities," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

With their energy focused on Biden's agenda, Democrats backed down from a showdown over the debt limit in the government funding bill, deciding to uncouple the borrowing ceiling at the insistence of Republicans. If that cap is not raised by Oct. 18, the U.S. probably will face a financial crisis and economic recession, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

Republicans say Democrats have the votes to raise the debt limit on their own, and Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is insisting they do so.

The short-term spending legislation will also provide about $28.6 billion in disaster relief for those recovering from Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters. Some $10 billion of that money will help farmers cover crop losses from drought, wildfires and hurricanes. An additional $6.3 billion will help support the resettlement of Afghanistan evacuees from the 20-year war between the U.S. and the Taliban.

This is a good outcome, one Im happy we are getting done, Schumer said. With so many things to take care of in Washington, the last thing the American people need is for the government to grind to a halt.

Once the government is funded, albeit temporarily, Democrats will turn their full attention to the need to raise the limit on federal borrowing, which now stands at $28.4 trillion.

The U.S. has never defaulted on its debts in the modern era and historically, both parties have voted to raise the limit. Democrats joined the Republican Senate majority in doing so three times during Donald Trumps presidency. This time Democrats wanted to take care of both priorities in one bill, but Senate Republicans blocked that effort Monday.

Raising or suspending the debt limit allows the federal government to pay obligations already incurred. It does not authorize new spending. McConnell has argued that Democrats should pass a debt limit extension with the same budgetary tools they are using to try to pass a $3.5 trillion effort to expand social safety net programs and tackle climate change. He reiterated that warning as the Senate opened on Thursday, even as Democrats have labeled that option a nonstarter."

Were able to fund the government today because the majority accepted reality. The same thing will need to happen on the debt limit next week," McConnell said.

House Democrats pushed through a stand-alone bill late Wednesday that would suspend the debt limit until December 2022. Schumer said he would bring the measure to the Senate floor, but the bill is almost certain to be blocked by a Republican filibuster.

The arguments made in both chambers about the debt ceiling have followed similar themes.

You are more interested in punishing Democrats than preserving our credit and that is something Im having a real tough time getting my head around, House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., told Republicans. The idea of not paying bills just because we dont like (Bidens) policies is the wrong way to go.

Undaunted, Republicans argued that Democrats have chosen to ram through their political priorities on their own and thus are responsible for raising the debt limit on their own.

So long as the Democratic majority continues to insist on spending money hand over fist, Republicans will refuse to help them lift the debt ceiling," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.

The Treasury has taken steps to preserve cash, but once it runs out, it will be forced to rely on incoming revenue to pay its obligations. That would likely mean delays in payments to Social Security recipients, veterans and government workers, including military personnel. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank, projects that the federal government would be unable to meet about 40% of payments due in the several weeks that follow.

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Associated Press writer Brian Slodysko contributed to this report.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greeces prime minister said Thursday that he has no intention of competing against Turkey in an arms race and hopes to resolve differences with the neighboring country through dialogue, but that Greece must defend its territory and sovereignty.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis comments Thursday came two days after Greece signed a defense deal with France worth around 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion), including the purchase of three French frigates for the Greek navy.

We cannot ignore the fact that we live in a very complicated neighborhood. It is a reality of geography which we cannot ignore, Mitsotakis said during a Democracy Forum conference in Athens.

I do not intend to enter into an arms race with Turkey, and Im always reaching out a hand of friendship to Turkey. We have big differences on many issues, but there should be a way to solve these differences through dialogue, the prime minister said. At the same time, we will defend our territory, our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, our sovereign rights. And in order to do so, we need a strong deterrence.

The French frigates Greece will buy are ships that will usher the navy into a new digital era, and a ship that will give us a very strong deterrence capability for the next year, for the next decades, he said. And we have an obligation to make sure that we have the capacity to defend ourselves.

Tensions between Greece and historic regional rival Turkey, both NATO members, have increased in recent years over energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. The two neighbors have been at loggerheads for decades over a long series of issues, including territorial rights in the Aegean Sea that lies between the two countries, maritime and aviation boundaries, and minority rights.

The agreement Greece signed with France includes a deal for mutual assistance in the case of an attack by a third country.

That clause essentially says that if any of the countries is attacked, if its territory is challenged, its sovereignty is challenged, then there is an obligation by the other party to assist it, Mitsotakis said. And this is a strategic partnership which in my mind goes above and beyond the mutual assistance clauses that are currently included in the European treaties.

The principle of collective defense is a principal tenet behind NATO, of which both Greece and France are members. Article 5 of the alliance's treaty stipulates that an attack on one member nation is considered an attack on all.

Does Article 5 apply in the case of an attack by a NATO member? Im not sure, NATO has ever been very clear on that issue, Mitsotakis said, when asked why Greece needed an extra alliance agreement. My obligation is to defend my country and to form the necessary alliances over and above the security arrangements that we already have.

The deal, he said, wasn't in competition to NATO or any other alliances.

We have a strategic partnership with the United States that is going from strength to strength. Were about to sign ... a new five year mutual defense and cooperation agreement with the United States, he said, adding that Greece, France and the United States are NATO members. So there is no real competition here. Were talking about complementary initiatives.

However, he argued there could be situations that Europe might consider in its interests to be involved in that the United States wouldn't want to join.

Do we need a separate alliance within NATO? I would argue that Europe as a continent needs to align its economic strength with its geopolitical ambitions. And yes, there may be missions that are of particular European interest in the Sahel, in the Middle East, in the eastern Mediterranean, where NATO may not want to be involved, Mitsotakis said.

So I see these two initiatives as fully complementary, but also as a very clear statement by Europe, should we manage to get to that point, that were willing and able to take initiatives even without the approval of NATO. That would mean, to be very open, without the approval of the United States.

Greece has already bought 18 French Rafale fighter jets and plans to purchase another six under a program to modernize its armed forces.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

With nearly 300 police officers yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is preparing to reshuffle assignments in an effort to ensure the city can provide essential services, according to multiple reports.

According to an email obtained by The San Francisco Chronicle and the SF Examiner, 267 police officers and 46 staffers remain unvaccinated. The San Francisco Police Department has 2,122 police officers and an additional 713 administrative employees.
 Venom: Let There Be Carnage  is best when its not trying to be a comic book movie.

That fact may not bode especially well for future spinoffs and integrations within the so-called Spider-Verse, but one senses that director Andy Serkis, screenwriter Kelly Marcel and star/producer Tom Hardy are aware of this weakness. And they made the smart choice to lean into the oddball relationship between Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote Venom.

There is nothing remotely necessary about this sequel, which is itself a fruitless line of judgment to get into when it comes to any movie let alone franchise building blocks. But that also seems to free Venom 2 to get weirder and more irreverent than the first movie, when it seemed like no one could decide how seriously they were taking themselves. Turns out not very was the right answer.

Here we meet up with Eddie and Venom in what Serkis has called their odd couple phase. Eddie is in full bachelor mode as his ex, Anne (Michelle Williams), has recently gotten engaged to Dan (Reid Scott, who is a perfectly game and unflappable punching bag).

Eddie and his symbiote live in his tiny San Francisco apartment in near squalor and bicker all day long and it is really quite amusing. Venom loves to give advice  relationship and otherwise. It's like an ongoing inner monologue, just with an oily alien whose ideal meal is human brains (don't worry, Eddie has instituted a chicken and chocolate only rule). In one scene set to Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," Venom decides the only way to cheer Eddie up is to make bacon for breakfast.

Unfortunately because it is still a superhero adjacent movie, we cant just watch Eddie go about his days sweaty and bothered with his chatty symbiote never giving him a moment of peace. There must be a villain and a threat and some ridiculous motivation as to why Eddie and Venom have to get involved at all.

This is where Woody Harrelson comes in, as the lovesick serial killer Cletus Kasady who wants Eddie (who is apparently still working as an investigative journalist) to write his life story. Harrelson seems to be having fun as the psychopath murderer who only wants to get back to his true love, played by an offensively underutilized Naomie Harris.

Later, Cletus will get his own symbiote and become the titular Carnage. And even as the movie devolves into garish and nonsensical action (in Grace Cathedral of all places), it still retains enough awareness to have Carnage sincerely shout the title of the movie at a climatic moment.

Its hard to overstate just how much the relative success of this film comes down to Hardy and his go for broke performances as Eddie and Venom. Perhaps the gimmick is a little one note, but its still silly fun hearing Venom use the same intonation whether hes saying, Let me eat him or No! I get brain freeze when Eddie says hes going to get ice cream.

And Serkis was an inspired choice to take over the efforts from Ruben Fleischer. Who better than Golum to find the good stuff in a split personality mo-cap/CG performance? It's just too bad it also requires the superhero hook to justify its weird existence.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage, a Sony Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of violence and disturbing material. Running time: 97 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

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MPAA Definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr
ROME (AP)  An Italian artist is defending his sculpture of a 19th century peasant woman against charges of sexism after its unveiling sparked outrage among some lawmakers and art critics who said she looked more like a starlet than a peasant.

Spigolatrice di Sapri, a bronze sculpture based on a famous Italian poem of the same name, was unveiled during a Sept. 25 waterfront ceremony in Sapri, southern Italy, in the presence of local officials and former Premier Giuseppe Conte.

The spigolatrice," or wheat gatherer, is shown wearing a snug off-the-shoulder dress that clings tightly to her buttocks. Critics said no 19th century peasant, much less the fictional heroine of the poem  she leaves her back-breaking work in the fields to join a Sicilian revolt against the Bourbon dynasty  would have looked like that.

It is an inappropriate statue, out of context, and also offensive, Italian lawmaker Laura Boldrini said. You take away from that woman the story and the dignity that she had.

Art critic Teresa Macri, a professor at Romes Academy of Fine Arts, said the statue should be removed.

It is miseducating and makes the mistake of portraying the image of a woman who has a contemporary posture and has a look that is much more similar to show starlets than a worker from the 1800s, Macri told The Associated Press.

Artist Emanuele Stifano, however, said all his works feature figures with as little clothing as possible, regardless of gender. Given the waterfront location of the statue, he envisaged his spigolatrice as being buffeted by a sea breeze that made her dress clingy, Stifano wrote in a Facebook post this week.

The aim was not to make a faithful snapshot of a 19th century peasant but to represent an ideal of a woman, evoke her pride, the awakening of a conscience, all in a moment of great pathos," he wrote.

The artist said he was shocked and disheartened by the criticism and noted that his client, the city of Sapri, had approved a sketch of the sculpture.

Stepping in to defend the work, Sapri Mayor Antonio Gentile said any perceived sexism is in the eye of the beholder.

"I believe that statues have been knocked down only in countries where democracy has been suspended, Gentile said, rejecting the idea of the sculpture's removal.

Other modern works of public art have produced outcries in Italy, which counts some of the West's greatest artistic treasures as part of its cultural heritage.

When Rome city officials unveiled a statue of St. John Paul II in front of the Italian capital's main train station in 2011, even the Vatican slammed the work, which looked more like the Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini than the beloved late pope.

In the end, the artist reworked the sculpture and gave it a new head that looked more like John Paul's.

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Nicole Winfield contributed.
From the business owner/Yelp

It's a sad day when a restaurant shutters permanently, especially after battling to make it through the pandemic. The month of September was no different for the Bay Area drinking and dining scene, unfortunately. But there is a silver lining, as some of these spaces will now be home to new restaurants with their own unique flavors. For now though, we remember the good times we had. Here is a curated selection of restaurants and bars that closed this past month in San Francisco and beyond.

More for you Bring the restaurant home with this steel ceramic chef's pan

See the list of Bay Area restaurants, bars and other food businesses that permanently closed in September below. For more Bay Area restaurant and bar closures in 2021, see our round-up.
LATEST Sept. 15, 9:00 a.m. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has agreed with the City Council and approved the removal of the Haiku Stairs.

"We have listened to the varying compelling arguments and appreciate all the feedback and information received from all sides of the Haiku Stairs issue," he said in a statement, KHON2 reported.

"We recognize the interest the stairs have to certain community groups, however issues such as trespassing, personal injuries, invasive species and overall safety of the public cannot be ignored," the statement continued. "Fundamentally, it is inappropriate to have a high-use tourist attraction entering through this residential neighborhood, which lacks in the capacity to provide appropriate facilities or parking. In addition, there is no unrestricted access to the stairs and the primary landowner at the base made it clear it is not interested in providing access. Consequently, my administration is aligned with the City Councils resolution to remove the stairs and we intend to move forward with the necessary plans.

There is no timeline available yet as to when the Haiku Stairs will be removed.

Sept. 10, 12:14 a.m. One of the most popular hikes in Hawaii, the Haiku Stairs, is now one step closer to removal.

The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to remove the Stairway to Heaven in a nonbinding resolution urging the City Administration to remove the Haiku Stairs and its accessory structures to stop trespassing, reduce disturbances to local neighborhoods, increase public safety, remove potential liability to the City, and protect the environment, according to the City Councils agenda.

Honolulu has allocated $1 million for the removal. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will be the ultimate decision-maker on the stairs if he approves the budget.

With its spectacular views and the sensation of walking into the clouds, the stairs are regularly featured in Instagram and social media posts from visitors and residents alike.

But the hike itself is also illegal, complete with a $1,000 fine if youre caught.

The steps also have a storied history: leading to a top-secret Navy radio station atop the Haiku Valley that was used to communicate with ships in the Pacific theater during World War II. In the decades after, ownership of the steps shifted hands multiple times, from the Navy to the Coast Guard to Honolulus Board of Water Supply. The city of Honolulu has owned the site since 2020.

Many neighbors in the area are supportive of the removal. They have long complained about trespassing and litter. One Haiku resident told Hawaii News Now that during a community stakeout, 191 trespassers were counted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

However, others have called for a managed plan of the site instead of a full removal, including offering ticketed access.

To lose the stairs would be a catastrophe," Vernon Ansdell of the Friends of Haiku Stairs, a group that advocates for the site, told KITV. The group recently rallied in Honolulu to save the stairs. "This is a priceless Windward treasure. And they must not be destroyed."
Its like "Eloise at the Plaza," but perhaps a bit more dystopic. New York-based company Common has begun renting out hotel rooms for three-month and longer stays in San Francisco.

The BEI Hotel downtown serves as ground zero for Commons San Francisco operation. It has 120 hotel rooms for rent, starting at $1,650 a month. (Common would not say how many rooms are currently occupied).

Common, which describes itself as a global residential brand, announced its partnership with BEI Hotel in the summer. It has deals with hotels in Seattle and New York, with plans for further expansion.

It said its San Francisco units were "briefly managed by another company we acquired at the start of the summer."

While hardly cheap for what amounts to a studio apartment  with no kitchen  Commons rooms are slightly below the median rent for a studio in San Francisco, which averages $2,095, according to Zumper.

Courtesy Common

Mosiuwa Tshabalala, a data analyst who works for an insurance company in South Africa, has been staying at the BEI Hotel through Common since March. He said he chose Common after being routinely disappointed by San Franciscos rental offerings.

I checked out a whole lot of bad places, or places that looked bad to me, he told SFGATE. Bad use of space, bad deal in terms of money.

Tshabalala saw BEI Hotel on Zillow and decided to take a tour.

It looked like this all-in-one bachelor pad, he remembered.

Commons rooms include utilities and basic furniture, as well as access to hotel amenities, such as a gym and a rooftop deck with views of the city. The standard room comes with a nightstand, bed and flat-screen TV.

Tshabalala said he does get lonely from time to time living by himself, but hes found a vibrant community within the hotel, which even hosted a silent disco for residents.

Courtesy Common

Is Common right for you? Tshabalala said it depends on the type of person you are.

There are adjustments I had to make. Youre in a hotel, you cant really cook (I have a slow cooker and microwave), he said.

Common is hardly the first company to attempt to address San Franciscos housing problems. Starcity tried to do something similar with dorm-style residences. WeWork launched a program in 2018 called WeLive, in which residents could rent apartments for short-term stays. And then theres Anyplace, an online housing platform that allows people rent out spaces for a short time, including hotel rooms.

The concept of long-term hotel stays is hardly novel to begin with. In San Francisco, single room occupancies (SROs) abound, offering below-market rate living situations to at-risk people.

The city's SRO Collaborative program "aims to support tenants through outreach, tenant stabilization including (but not limited to) needs assessment, housing retention planning, general advocacy, referral and housing counseling as well as community workshop and meetings," its website says.

During the COVID crisis, the city also gave individuals living on the streets hotel rooms in a program known as SIP, or Shelter-in-Place hotels, which started in April 2020. The program established more than 25 SIP hotel sites, serving more than 2,500 people vulnerable to COVID, the city said.

Will Common fix San Franciscos housing crisis? Thats doubtful, and its been tried by global companies before. But for someone like Tshabalala, who stayed in San Francisco for just a few months  he returned to South Africa on Thursday  Common was the right choice for the short term.

I think people need to get the experience, even if it's just for three months to see how it would change your life, he said. We dont all need to be in mansions. Sometimes, all you need is what you really need. You can have a good quality of life.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  A child under the age of 10 died in eastern Virginia on Wednesday from COVID-19, the second fatal juvenile case this week in the region, health officials confirmed.

A health department spokesperson, Larry Hill, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he could not provide any further information about the child.

The child's death occurred shortly after that of 10-year-old Teresa Sperry, who died Monday from the virus. According to officials, they are the 12th and 13th juvenile deaths in the state since the beginning of the pandemic.

Sperry, who was from Suffolk, started exhibiting severe symptoms on Sunday but was sent home from a local hospital after a chest scan came back clear. On Monday, Sperry stopped breathing, her family told The Virginian Pilot. She later died at the hospital.

Sperrys death was officially recorded on Thursday by the Virginia Department of Health but was widely reported by local news outlets on Wednesday. Sperry's mother, Nicole, wrote on Facebook that her daughter was tasked with walking sick children in her class to the clinic at Hillpoint Elementary School.

Nicole Sperry said she attributes her daughter's death to parents allowing their sick children to attend school. Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent John B. Gordon III announced Teresas death in a letter to the community Tuesday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. He urged students to wash their hands regularly and to avoid touching their eyes, mouth, and nose.

All K-12 students are required to wear a mask in Virginia schools.

On Facebook, Nicole Sperry said Gordon had never contacted her directly and that it was a sorry excuse of a letter.

My beautiful girl was taken from me because people are too damn selfish to care about what could happen to others, she wrote. We wore our mask because there are too many in our tribe who are at risk. My daughter was not at risk. And now she is gone."

Suffolk Public Schools did not respond to request for an interview from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters saw more juvenile cases of COVID-19 in September than any other month of the pandemic.

Health experts say children are still more likely to experience only mild symptoms, but more than 1,000 children have been hospitalized with the virus in Virginia. Even though the pandemic began early last year, 12 of the state's 13 juvenile deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in 2021, according to the Times-Dispatch.
Justice Samuel Alito pushed back Thursday against criticism, including some from colleagues, that recent Supreme Court actions in major cases have been done hastily and in the shadows. A dangerous cabal improperly deciding important matters  hardly, he said.

Alito, in remarks at the University of Notre Dame, took aim at critics of three recent decisions in which the court's conservatives prevailed over dissents by liberals.

In rapid succession beginning in late August, the court reinstated a Trump-era immigration program, allowed evictions that had been paused by the coronavirus pandemic to resume and let a Texas law severely limiting abortion go into effect.

All three cases came to the court as emergency motions, and were decided quickly and without the courts more typical full briefing and oral argument. That process has been called the courts  shadow docket.

Our decisions in these three emergency matters have been criticized by those who think we should have decided them the other way, and I have no trouble with fair criticism of the substance of those decisions, Alito said.

He added: My complaint concerns all the media and political talk about our sinister shadow docket. The truth of the matter is that there was nothing new or shadowy about the procedures we followed in those cases  its hard to see how we could handle most emergency matters any differently.

Alito noted that its not up to the court but to the parties in cases when they bring emergency motions. He said the recent criticism has suggested that a dangerous cabal is deciding important issues in a novel, secretive, improper way in the middle of the night, hidden from public view, without waiting for the lower courts to consider the issues.

Alito said that "picture is very sinister and threatening, but it is also very misleading."

The string of recent emergency decisions began with a 6-3 vote to reinstate a Trump administration program that forces people to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum in the United States. A majority of the court said the Biden administration likely violated federal law in trying to end the program.

Days later, the justices, again on a 6-3 vote, blocked the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban on evictions that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most recently, the high court on a 5-4 vote declined to block a Texas law that has resulted in a near-total ban on abortion in the state. The unsigned majority opinion in that case was issued around midnight and was not even two full pages. Unlike the previous two emergency cases, Chief Justice John Roberts joined his liberal colleagues.

Alito said it was false and inflammatory for critics to claim that the conservatives in the Texas case effectively nullified the landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a womans right to an abortion. Critics have said that by letting the law take effect, the court has allowed the state to sharply curtail abortions in the nations second-largest state.

It was also in that decision that Alitos colleague, Justice Elena Kagan, said the majority's ruling illustrates just how far the Courts shadow-docket decisions may depart from the usual principles of appellate process.

The majority made a significant ruling without any guidance from an appeals court and then after reviewing only the most cursory party submissions, and then only hastily, Kagan wrote. She accused her colleagues of barely bothering to explain their conclusion.

In all these ways, the majoritys decision is emblematic of too much of this Courts shadow docket decisionmaking  which every day becomes more unreasoned, inconsistent, and impossible to defend, she said.

Roberts also criticized the case's path to the court, saying the justices were asked to resolve these novel questions  at least preliminarily  in the first instance, in the course of two days" without oral argument, additional briefs and guidance from lower courts.

Alito went through and rejected 10 different criticisms of the court's emergency practices, from the argument that emergency orders are secretive to the fact that they aren't typically signed by the justice who wrote them.

Alito acknowledged there have been more emergency motions in recent years but he attributed that to an influx of civil cases brought about by President Donald Trumps initiatives, as well as issues sparked by the coronavirus, including those relating to prisons and religious freedom.

Alito said he wasn't suggesting "that our current practice is perfect and that possible changes should not be considered. But he said that the recent portrayal of the court "feeds unprecedented efforts to intimidate the court or damage it as an independent institution.

Alito's speech came just days before the justices' planned return to their courtroom for oral arguments, more than a year and a half after the in-person sessions were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic. The justices had been hearing cases by phone during the pandemic but are currently on their summer break.

Justice Clarence Thomas also recently spoke at Notre Dame, where Justice Amy Coney Barrett attended law school and taught for many years.

___

Gresko reported from Washington. Casey Smith, who reported from South Bend, Indiana, is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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SONAMARG, India (AP)  High in a rocky Himalayan mountain range in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, hundreds of people are working on an ambitious project to drill tunnels and construct bridges to connect the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, a cold-desert region isolated half the year because of massive snowfall.

Strategically important Ladakh shares de facto borders with Pakistan and China and currently depends on air supplies for about six months of the year.

Officials say a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) tunnel, the first of four, is already complete and will make the resort town of Sonamarg accessible during the winter months for the first time. Sonamarg marks the end of conifer-clad mountains before Ladakh begins across the rocky Zojila mountain pass.

The $932 million projects last tunnel, about 14 kilometers (9 miles) long, will bypass the challenging Zojila pass and connect Sonamarg with Ladakh. Officials say it will be Indias longest and highest tunnel at 11,500 feet (3,485 meters).

Its not like any other construction work. Its great learning, said one of the workers, Tariq Ahmed Lone, as he helped at a drilling machine.

Indian and Chinese soldiers have been engaged in a sometimes violent standoff in the Karakoram mountains in Ladakh for over 16 months along their de facto border, called the Line of Actual Control. Both countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers there, backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets.

Indian military planners view the tunnel project as extremely important for Ladakh. Experts say it will provide logistics flexibility to the military and give it operational and strategic mobility.

Politicians also see an opportunity in the project.

The Zojila part of the tunnel is to be functional in 2026, but India's road transport and highways minister, Nitin Gadkari, said on a visit to the project site on Tuesday that he hopes the work will be finished before a 2024 general election.

Its a challenge I know, but Im confident they can do it on time, Gadkari said. Obviously, we would want it to be finished before the elections.

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Associated Press videographer Umar Meraj contributed to this report.
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (AP)  Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway is suing a state board that she said is threatening to discipline her and her office after she issued audits critical of Sen. Josh Hawley for his use of public money while he was Missouri Attorney General.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, Galloway asked a Cole County judge to find the State Board of Accountancys powers and client confidentiality laws do not apply to government agencies reviewed by the state auditor, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
BANGKOK (AP)  Authorities sandbagged low-lying areas in the Thai capital and checked pumping stations Thursday along the Chao Phraya River in preparation for possible flooding as dams upstream, swollen by heavy rains, were forced to release water as a precaution.

Flooding in the northern and central regions has already displaced thousands. Seven people have died and one woman is missing.

Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said that with heavy rains still in the forecast, both the Chao Phraya Dam, 190 kilometers (120 miles) north of Bangkok, and the Pasak Jolasid Dam, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the capital, have been forced to release water, raising the possibility of flooding in areas of the city that are often inundated during the monsoon season.

Bangkok has been spared so far, but memories of the 2011 floods that submerged parts of the capital still loom large for many residents. At that time, a combination of a strong monsoon season and several tropical storms led to the disastrous flooding.

Since then, more levees and water retention areas have been constructed and authorities have sought to allay fears.

The floods have affected 227,470 households in 31 provinces  one province and 30,000 households more than Wednesday, according to Thailands Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigations.

In Sukhothai province, a team of paraglider enthusiasts has been doing what it can to help out areas cut off by the waters, flying sorties over villages and dropping aid packages to the stranded residents.

Using powered paragliders, also known as paramotors, the 15-member group has been dropping packages of water, instant noodles, rice and other dried foods to villagers to help them make it through until the floods recede.

On Wednesday they dropped 200 parcels, some also containing basic medicines and sanitary items.

We can arrive in the area quite fast, volunteer Wichai Tiyasan told The Associated Press. We can check out coordinates, leading rescue boats to locations that need help. We can use paragliders to drop supplies fast as we can reach affected areas well before others.

The group started its operations on Saturday after Tropical Storm Dianmu combined with annual monsoon rains to inundate the area.

As waters receded, the group took a break Thursday after five days of straight work, and planned to take to the skies again Friday to help authorities survey the area.

We are proud that we can help those in need. We are happy to see their smiles when they receive supplies," said volunteer Wachirachan Tangkasemwiboon. "Do we face any obstacles? Yes ... but if it happens when we are trying to help others, it is fine, at least we can say we have done our best.

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Associated Press writers Chalida Ekvittayavechnukul and Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this report.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  A 22-year-old white supremacist was denied a chance to address a courtroom before a judge sentenced him Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for bursting into a Southern California synagogue on the last day of Passover in 2019 with a semiautomatic rifle, killing one worshipper and wounding three others.

An agreement with prosecutors that spared John T. Earnest the death penalty left little suspense about the outcome, but the hearing provided 13 victims and families a chance to address the killer and gave a sense of finality to a case illustrating how online hate speech can lead to extremist violence. Many gave heart-wrenching accounts of how their lives were upended and how determined they were to persevere despite such devastating loss.

Earnest's attorney, John O'Connell, said his client wanted to make a statement but San Diego Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh refused, saying he did not want to create a political forum for white supremacist views. Earnest has not spoken publicly or disavowed earlier statements.

Im not going to let him use this as a platform to add to his celebrity, the judge said, pointing to comments that Earnest made to police when he was arrested, hand gestures to the audience during a previous hearing and his probation report.

Earnest, who was tied to a device that prevented him from turning to the audience, showed no visible reaction during the two-hour hearing as speakers called him a lowlife coward, an evil animal and a monster.

A prosecutor asked Deddeh to reconsider his refusal to let Earnest speak after conferring with the defense attorney about the substance of his remarks, but the judge didn't budge.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, who listened to victims from a front-row seat, told reporters that Earnest's planned statement was more spewing of hatred and propaganda and that the judge made the right call. The prosecutor asked the judge to reconsider only to guard against any possibility that Earnest alleges he was treated improperly, she said.

Earnest's court-appointed attorney declined to speak with reporters. His parents did not attend.

Minutes after the shooting, Earnest called a 911 dispatcher to say he shot up the synagogue to save white people. Im defending our nation against the Jewish people, who are trying to destroy all white people, he said.

The San Diego man was inspired by mass shootings at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh and two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, shortly before he attacked Chabad of Poway, a synagogue near San Diego, on April 27, 2019. He frequented 8chan, a dark corner of the internet, for those disaffected by mainstream social media sites to post extremist, racist and violent views.

Earnest legally bought a semi-automatic rifle in San Diego a day before the attack, according to a federal affidavit. He entered the synagogue with 10 bullets loaded and 50 more on his vest but fled after struggling to reload. Worshippers chased him to his car.

Earnest killed 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was hit twice in the foyer, and wounded an 8-year-old girl, her uncle and Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was leading a service on the major Jewish holiday.

Dr. Howard Kaye, Loris husband of 32 years, said he has continued his rheumatology practice to help people heal regardless of their backgrounds in keeping with his faith but that it was difficult for him and their daughter to carry on at times. Lori was active in charities and sacrificed a banking career to raise their daughter, he said.

This is a superior person and a wonderful woman, Howard Kaye said.

Hannah Kaye said her mother was victim of an ancient hatred of Jews. She recounted their last day together on a visit home from college in exquisite detail: their deep and humorous conversation" in the car, a final hug as her mother dressed for services and how she held her mother's head and said she loved her as she lay dying.

As she entered her seventh decade, Lori Gilbert-Kaye had lots of desires, Hannah said, including wanting to attend law school, ride a hot air balloon and own a restaurant that served her father's barbecue.

She wanted to live another day, she wanted to survive, Hannah said of her mother's last moments.

Almog Peretz, who was shot with his 8-year-old niece, was emotionally unprepared to attend the hearing but a Hebrew translator read his statement about how the episode killed my body and soul. He said his dreams are haunted and that others now define him as a terrorists victim.

I have no motivation to see things to the end, Peretz said, speaking of work and friendships.

Earnest's parents issued a statement after the shooting expressing shock and sadness, calling their son's actions a terrifying mystery. Their son was an accomplished student, athlete and musician who was studying to be a nurse at California State University, San Marcos.

To our great shame, he is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries, they said.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the family said our hearts are heavy and our sadness profound.

Right now, we cannot add to the words we have previously expressed, except to say that the hate that motivated him will not win. Love must win, the statement said.

His conviction for murder and attempted murder at the synagogue and arson for an earlier fire at a nearby mosque carry a life sentence without parole, plus 137 years in prison.

Earnest also faces sentencing in federal court on Dec. 28, having pleaded guilty after the Justice Department said it wouldn't seek the death penalty. Defense attorneys and prosecutors are recommending a life sentence.

Stephan, the district attorney, said prosecution in state and federal court makes me sleep better at night.

The attack was "racism, antisemitism and every kind of hate all wrapped into one, she said.
EUREKA, Calif. (AP)  California parks authorities voted Thursday to rename a popular park in Northern California to include its traditional Yurok name after a request from the states largest tribe.

The state Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to change the name from Patrick's Point State Park to Sue-meg State Park after hearing testimony from tribal leaders about the cultural importance of the site.

Until the pandemic struck, Yurok families held brush dances at Sue-meg Village, a site within the current park boundaries, every year that was attended by hundreds of tribal members, Chairman Joseph L. James told the commission.

This genuinely historic decision represents a turning point in the relationship between tribes and the state," he said. "Im so glad that Sue-meg will now be referred to by its correct name.

Sue-meg Village is on a prominent bluff in Humboldt County, on the far Northern California coast about 25 miles north of Eureka. The village was recreated and built by the Yurok more than 30 years ago and includes redwood plank family houses, sweat houses, a dance structure and changing houses that are used for cultural and education activities for area tribes.

The parks former namesake, a homesteader named Patrick Beegan, was accused of murdering multiple Native Americans, according to the state parks agency. The Yurok were subject to violence and exploitation as settlers moved into the area during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.

The Yurok Tribe is the largest tribe in California with more than 6,300 members. Its ancestral territory comprises more than 7% of the California coastline, spanning from the Little River to the south and Damnation Creek to the north.
Craig Kohlruss/AP

MARIPOSA, Calif. (AP)  Authorities say they are still investigating the mysterious deaths of a Northern California family and their dog who were found in a remote hiking area, but have so far determined their deaths were not caused by a gun or any other weapon, a lightning strike, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, cyanide exposure, illegal drugs, alcohol or suicide.

The bodies of John Gerrish, his wife, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter, Miju, and their dog were found on Aug. 17 on a hiking trail close to the Merced River in the Sierra National Forest. A family friend had reported them missing.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The Utah Supreme Court tossed out a lawsuit Thursday filed by a Republican candidate trying to overturn the victory of a Navajo commissioner in a county dogged by allegations of discrimination against Navajo voters.

Kelly Laws filed a lawsuit in January 2019, after losing the race to Democrat Willie Grayeyes in San Juan County. He claimed that Grayeyes was not truly a Utah resident, but the high court ruled Laws did not have standing to challenge his victory.
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP)  A California trucker who was promised $6,000 to transport about $14 million worth of fentanyl across the country to Massachusetts has been sentenced to 3  years in prison.

Nelson A. Garcia Martinez, 40, apologized to a judge at Wednesday's sentencing in federal court in Worcester, saying he did not know that the 15 kilograms (33 pounds) he was transporting were fentanyl, The Telegram & Gazette reported.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  A Davenport man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2019 shooting death of his ex-girlfriends unarmed boyfriend during an early-morning confrontation at a Cedar Rapids convenience store.

A judge on Wednesday found Todd Ricky Jenkins, 26, guilty of the murder count and going armed with intent in the killing of Reginald Ward, 27, of Moline, Illinois, The Gazette reported.
VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP)  Authorities were looking into a weekend fire at a southwestern Michigan recreational area as a suspected arson.

An investigation was continuing, but initial evidence suggests the fire Sunday at the Allegan State Game Area in Valley Township was intentionally set, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Sgt. Charles Towns said in a release.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Police in the Netherlands and Germany have arrested nine suspected members of a gang responsible for a string of robberies targeting ATMs in Germany and for setting up a training center for blowing up cash machines, European Union police agency Europol said Thursday.

The makeshift training facility in the central Dutch city of Utrecht helped unmask the gang during an 18-month cross-border investigation, according to Europol. Police in the northern German city of Osnabrueck said they became suspicious when a 29-year-old Dutch man there ordered several ATMs, saying they were for an art project in the Netherlands.

Instead, the machines were delivered to a warehouse in Utrecht, where the man and an accomplice tested ways of blowing them up to get at cash inside and made video recordings of their efforts, the police agency said.

The pair was ordering different models of ATMs and recording tutorials on how to most effectively blow them up, Europol said in a statement.

Police in the central Netherlands said the 29-year-old ultimately was killed in September 2020 while testing an explosive device at the training center. An accomplice was injured and arrested. Their identities were not released, in line with Dutch and German privacy laws.

Dutch police arrested three suspects Tuesday and raided seven properties, where they found equipment used for blowing up ATMs. Osnabrueck police said the arrests brought the number of suspects detained during the investigatio to nine.

The three suspects arrested this week are expected to be sent to Germany to face prosecution.

The gang is accused of blowing up at least 15 ATMs across Germany, causing millions of euros (dollars) in damage.

Some 414 ATMs were blow up across Germany in 2020, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year. German authorities believe about two-thirds of the suspects come from the Netherlands, where heightened security measures imposed by Dutch banks resulted in criminal activity shifting to Germany.

The cross-border investigation worked brilliantly, Osnabrueck police chief Michael Massmann said. This is a big blow against the international scene thats blowing up ATMs and their criminal activities.

Thanks to our investigation, we managed to get at the people involved in the organization and logistics for the first time, he added. Were going to stay on the case and not let up.

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Associated Press writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Wildfires have destroyed nearly 50,000 homes in California alone in the last five years, and scientists say global warming is only making things worse.

While much attention is focused on managing overgrown forests, fire managers say its equally crucial to increase the fire resistance of homes and the area immediately around them, known as defensible space.

It really allows firefighters to have a better chance of defending a home, said Jessica Morse, the California Natural Resources Agencys deputy secretary for forest resources management.

California fires have burned more than 3,075 square miles (7,964 square kilometers) so far in 2021, destroying more than 3,000 homes, commercial properties and other structures. Some large fires have also threatened communities, including Lake Tahoe, a major vacation destination. The latest destructive blaze to send residents fleeing this year, the Fawn Fire, has charred more than 13.4 square miles (34.7 square kilometers) of heavy timber and destroyed 185 homes and other buildings.

A California legislative analysis on Thursday called defensible space a key way to limit wildfires destructiveness, but said there should be better enforcement to make sure homeowners in fire-prone areas comply.

Defensible space not only helps to protect that home, it also reduces the risk that the wildfire will spread to neighboring homes, thereby helping to protect communities, analysts said.

In California, homeowners are required to maintain defensible space, but analysts said enforcement efforts are complicated by the fragmented and overlapping nature of state and local responsibilities, along with scarce data and research; homeowners' lack of resources and motivation; and agencies' lack of funding and staffing.

Hotter and drier weather coupled with decades of fire suppression have contributed to an increase in the number of acres burned by wildfires, fire scientists say. And the problem is exacerbated by a more than 20-year Western megadrought that studies link to human-caused climate change.

All of these things are contributing to these large and damaging fires  and they're also contributing to communities and structures being part of the fuel, said Thom Porter, director of California's firefighting agency.

WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

California requires property owners to reduce flammable materials within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of rural homes and those in what are defined as very high fire hazard areas, even within towns and suburbs.

That's an increase from the 30 feet (9 meters) of clearance that was required until 2005, but experts say that the area on and around each house is still the most important to tackle. Start by removing dead leaves and pine needles from rain gutters and work outward to the areas that are farther from the house.

WHAT'S NEW?

A 2020 California law creates a new ember-resistant zone that bars flammable materials, including things like wooden fencing and mulch, within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of vulnerable homes.

The requirement won't take effect until the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection develops regulations by Jan. 1, 2023, but officials are urging homeowners to voluntarily comply now.

Since July 1, 2021, California requires those who sell property located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone to have documentation that the property passed an official defensible space inspection.

It also has grant programs to help homeowners and mobile trailers with equipment like chain saws and weed trimmers to clear defensible space.

WHAT ARE OTHER STATES DOING?

California has the most stringent defensible space law in the West, said Daniel Berlant, Californias chief of wildfire planning.

But Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in July signed a wildfire bill that includes setting standards for defensible space around homes. California officials are helping their northern neighbors develop the regulations.

Nevada urges 100 feet (30 meters) of defensible space, while Reno and Lake Tahoe are among communities that offer help for homeowners.

Critics of the Oregon legislation fear it will force too many homeowners to remove too much vegetation from around their homes. But what were looking for are park-like settings, said Berlant. Its well manicured, its green.

WHO SHOULD WORRY?

The severity of wildfires that we are experiencing today is off the charts from where it was just 10 years ago," said Berlant.

Defensible space has always been important in rural areas. But California is remapping its fire severity areas and with changing conditions is likely to move more urban areas into higher risk zones that require defensible space.

Even homes in subdivisions that may be half a mile or a mile away from the forest really have to be thinking about these type of preparations, he said. "We have seen, fire siege after fire siege, homes that are in the middle of urban areas be destroyed because embers are being carried by the wind under extreme conditions way ahead of the fire itself."

WHAT ABOUT MY HOUSE?

Along with defensible space around homes, experts say there are simple ways to protect houses themselves from flying sparks.

They include things like installing tight screens on attic vents under the eaves and using caulk to fill holes in siding.

The goal is increasing the homes armor against embers, said Berlant. "A lot of these are very low cost, easy to do.

California created a homeowner's checklist and an online assessment to help guide homeowners on what they can do.

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Associated Press writers Gillian Flaccus in Oregon and Scott Sonner in Nevada contributed to this story.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Relatives of the Black man fatally shot by a white South Carolina state trooper this month say the trooper attempted an illegal traffic stop, and thus had no legal reason to chase and eventually kill the man during the following struggle.

State police are still investigating what happened on Sept. 11 when Master Trooper Whittney Blake Benton tried to pull over Tristan Vereen over for what the South Carolina Public Safety Department said was an equipment violation on state Highway 905 near Loris.

The family's attorney maintains that Benton pulled Vereen over for a broken windshield, so the initial reason for the traffic stop was illegal and Vereen had the right to resist his arrest.

It wasnt about the windshield. It was about him driving while Black in South Carolina with a broken windshield, lawyer Harry Daniels said.

Authorities have said a brief chase ensued before Vereen crashed his car into a utility building, started running and wound up in a tussle with the trooper. Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said Vereen got ahold of Benton's stun gun, biting and shocking the trooper before Benton shot him once in the chest. Vereen, 33, died later that day at a nearby hospital.

We are here to seek justice for my brother," Vereen's sister Marion said at a Wednesday news conference. "There was no justifiable cause for the stop on 9/11 that led to the trooper murdering my brother.

Law enforcement officials haven't specified what the equipment violation was, although Richardson previously told reporters that Vereen was driving a car with a visibly cracked windshield.

Daniels maintained the windshield was the reason for the stop but contested the solicitor's characterization of the glass. He said that South Carolina law bars obstructed windshields, but that doesn't make cracked windshields illegal in and of themselves.

It is a crack, but its not an obstructed view. You can still see out the windshield plain and clear, Daniels told The Associated Press.

Vereen's relatives have pieced together some of the moments leading up to his death with dashcam footage released by the state Highway Patrol through a public records request and surveillance footage released by the solicitor from the property where the shooting took place.

The dashcam footage starts shortly before Benton turns onto the road to pursue Vereen, but the video doesn't indicate what prompted the traffic stop. Vereen is driving a silver Honda Element that attorneys said belonged to his girlfriends mother.

In the first few minutes, Benton chases Vereen, who proceeds to U-turn and drift onto the wrong side of the road as Benton calls out for him to pull over. Vereen eventually pulls into a driveway and runs out of the car, with Benton following on foot.

The struggle between the two occurs out of frame, but audio captures some of the struggle, with Benton ordering Vereen to get on the ground and let me see your hands.

After the sound of a gunshot, Vereen exclaims: He killed me."

Turn over. Turn over or Ill do it again, Benton says before ordering Vereen to get on the ground.

The surveillance video, which has no sound, shows Benton chasing Vereen on foot as the two move in and out of frame and wrestle on the ground. Vereen later falls to the ground and then staggers across the frame, pulling his shirt off as Benton follows with weapon in hand.

Benton received surgery for injuries sustained during the fight before being released from the hospital, according to state Public Safety Department spokeswoman Sherri Iacobelli. He was placed on administrative leave.

A review of Benton's personnel file shows successful and exceptional performance reviews since he was first hired by the Highway Patrol in 2010. The file includes a single reprimand stemming from a 2013 citizen complaint. According to that reprimand, Benton initiated a traffic stop for a cracked windshield and proceeded to make unprofessional and inappropriate comments to the driver of the car, commenting on the man's painted toenails and asking if he was wearing girls' jeans.

Court records show a man once detained by Benton filed a federal lawsuit in 2016, alleging the trooper had used excessive force during a 2013 traffic stop in Florence that led to back and wrist injuries. That lawsuit was dismissed about a year later.

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Michelle Liu is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina police officer has confiscated a handgun from a students backpack at a magnet school, the fifth such incident in the same school system this month, officials said.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office officer took the gun from a student on Wednesday at Paisley IB Magnet School, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. The sheriff's office said a tip that officials attributed to a local resident led to discovery of the gun.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is cutting ties with political adviser Corey Lewandowski after the longtime confidant to former President Donald Trump was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward a GOP donor.

Lewandowski had been key to the Republican governor's political rise over the last year, joining her at political events across the country and helping her gain access to the former president's political orbit. But his time as her adviser was also marked by frequent staff departures from the governor's office.

Noem's spokesman Ian Fury said Lewandowski will not be advising the Governor in regard to the campaign or official office."

He added that Lewandowski's role was as a volunteer and he was never paid a dime from Noem's campaign or South Dakota government. Fury did not immediately respond to a question about whether Noem saw any of Lewandowski's behavior at a Las Vegas fundraising event, where he was accused of the harassment.

A former top aide to Noem, Maggie Seidel, said in a Wednesday statement to The Associated Press that she thought it would be outrageous for her to continue to associate with Corey Lewandowski.

Politico reported Wednesday that Trashelle Odom alleges Lewandowski repeatedly touched her without her permission, made lewd comments and stalked her throughout the evening.

He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, said vile and disgusting things to me, stalked me, and made me feel violated and fearful, she said in a statement to the outlet. I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable. Trashelle Odom is the wife of Idaho construction executive John Odom.

Politico also said it had spoken to four first-hand witnesses who corroborated Odoms accusation as well as two people who had spoken with her about the alleged incidents.

Lewandowski was removed on Wednesday from his role running a Trump-supporting super PAC after Odom's accusation.

Corey Lewandowski will be going on to other endeavors and we very much want to thank him for his service. He will no longer be associated with Trump World, Trump spokesman Taylor Budowich wrote in a statement.

He said Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida and longtime Trump supporter who had been assisting with the group, has our complete faith and confidence in taking over MAGA Action."

Lewandowski and his lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The political operative was the former presidents first campaign manager in 2016 and remained one his most vocal supporters and trusted outside advisers during his time at the White House, with Trump frequently turning to him at moments of crisis.

In March 2016, Lewandowski was accused by Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the right-wing Breitbart website, of roughly yanking her arm after a Trump news conference. But Lewandowski denied any wrongdoing and Trump repeatedly defended him, even after video emerged of the incident. Lewandowski was charged with battery, but it was later dropped.

Lewandowski was later fired from his job as Trumps first campaign manager after clashing with Trumps adult children, but the separation was only temporary.

He also advised Trumps 2020 campaign, has served as a CNN political commentator, and has written three books on the former president.

In New Hampshire, Democrats have also been calling on Matt Mowers, a GOP congressional candidate who worked for Trumps administration, to disavow Lewandowski after he endorsed the candidate. The Mowers campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

And in Nebraska, GOP candidate for governor Charles Herbster said Thursday he was cutting ties with Lewandowski, who had served as a senior adviser. Lewandowski recorded an endorsement video for the Falls City businessman three weeks ago where he praised him for always maintaining his support of Trump.

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Associated Press writers Michael Casey in Concord, N.H., and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed. Colvin reported from New York.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Irans army put its wary neighbors on notice Thursday that it's about to conduct a wide-ranging military exercise near its northwestern border amid long-simmering tensions with Azerbaijan.

The commander of the Iranian army's ground forces, Gen. Kioumars Heidari, said the drill would test weapons, assess the combat readiness of troops and demonstrate the country's military capabilities. It would involve drones, attack helicopters, tanks and artillery.

The state-run IRNA new agency's report did not specify the exact area the exercise would cover. But the drill, which starts on Friday, is bound to put Iranian troops and weapons close to the tense border with Azerbaijan  a prospect that has already raised alarm in the ex-Soviet Caspian Sea nation.

Earlier this week, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said he was stunned by the planned drill in an interview with Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency.

"Every country can carry out any military drill on its own territory. Its their sovereign right. But why now, and why on our border? he said, noting it was the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union that Iran was intending to stage such a show of force so close to its border.

Iran long has been skeptical of Azerbaijan over its ties to the West and deep military cooperation with the Islamic Republic's archrival, Israel.

Azerbaijan and Israel have strengthened their military alliance in recent months, with Israeli-supplied high-tech drones helping to tilt the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in Bakus favor last year.

Iran's foreign ministry drew a direct connection between the country's military drill and Azerbaijan's ties to Israel in remarks earlier this week.

Its clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not tolerate the presence of the Zionist regime, even demonstratively, near its borders and in this regard it will take any action it deems necessary for its national security, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was quoted as saying by Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency.

The tensions with Azerbaijan have also complicated a vital border passage that trucks use to ferry fuel and other goods from Iran to Armenia. Azerbaijani authorities have detained two Iranian truck drivers in recent weeks for trying to take the route, angering Iran.

The drill comes as the region remains on edge over Iran's escalating nuclear program. Talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's now-tattered 2015 accord with world powers stalled since June, with no date set for their resumption.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel and Bahrain cemented their year-old agreement to establish diplomatic ties on Thursday, with the king of the small Gulf Arab state hosting Israel's foreign minister who for the first time opened an embassy in the capital of Manama.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the same day as the first direct flight from Manama touched down in Tel Aviv. The top Israeli diplomat later called the visit warm and optimistic.

Bahrain's carrier Gulf Air was met at Ben Gurion International Airport with a water salute and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The festivities reinforced the accord between Israel and the island nation, one of four Arab states that signed onto the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Lapid has already visited the United Arab Emirates and Morocco and opened Israel's diplomatic offices in those two countries since he became foreign minister in June.

During his meeting with Lapid, King Hamad hailed the normalization agreement as a historical achievement on the road to just and lasting peace in the Middle East, state-run Bahrain News Agency reported.

The launch of the first flight brings new and exciting opportunities between our countries and allows our peoples to finally meet and build connections that will create a brighter future, said Undersecretary of Bahrain Civil Aviation Affair, Mohammed Thamir Al Kaabi.

The Israeli diplomatic delegation and its Bahraini counterparts were to sign a raft of agreements to further cement bilateral ties, including economic deals and cooperation between hospitals and water companies. The two countries had long enjoyed clandestine security ties over a shared distrust of regional rival Iran, but only last year took the relationship public.

We see Bahrain as an important partner, both in the bilateral level but also as a bridge to cooperation with other countries in the region, said Lior Haiat, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.

Lapid said in a statement that the Israeli delegation and Bahraini officials "talked about the cooperation between our countries and about taking the official peace between us and turning it into an active, economic, security, political and civic friendship.

Bahrains first ambassador to Israel arrived earlier this month and presented his credentials to Israels figurehead president on the anniversary of the signing of the accords.

The deals to establish relations with Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and the UAE were the first peace accords between Israel and Arab states in decades, after peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1995.

The deals enraged the Palestinians, who felt a betrayal of their national cause. They saw it as an abandonment of a longstanding commitment in the Arab world not to normalize relations with Israel until there was progress in resolving the decades-long conflict with the Palestinians.

Normalization with Israel remains a contentious issue for Bahrains Shiite majority, which long has accused the countrys Sunni Muslim rulers of treating them like second-class citizens. While opposition voices have largely been silenced in the country, Bahraini activists on Thursday shared footage purporting to show small-scale protests in Manama, where at least one demonstrator could be seen burning an Israeli flag.

The banned Shiite opposition group al-Wefaq condemned Lapids visit in a statement and urged Bahrainis to express their opposition. The kingdom, the strategically located home port for the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, has long blamed Iran for stoking dissent on the island  a charge that Tehran denies.

The Israeli delegation arrived earlier this week and joined Bahrains tiny Jewish community in marking the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Haiat said it was the first time in over 75 years that the community could mark the holiday in its synagogue.

The fact that we could celebrate it yesterday was a very joyful event for us and for the community as well, he said.
ROME (AP)  A court in southern Italy on Thursday convicted the former mayor of a tiny town dubbed the town of welcome of aiding illegal immigration and sentenced him to 13 years and two months in prison.

Domenico Mimmo Lucano was also convicted of fraud, embezzlement, criminal association and abuse of office by the court in Calabria, the region which forms the "toe of the Italian peninsula.

Lucano has denied wrongdoing.

"I will be stained for life for wrongs I didn't commit,'' the Italian news agency ANSA quoted him as saying. He put a hand to his forehead in seeming disbelief as he listened to the verdict and sentence announced in court after three days of deliberations.

Prosecutors alleged that Lucano facilitated marriages of convenience between Italian men in the town of Riace and foreign women to get the women Italian residency permits. They also alleged he misused government funds earmarked for migrant assistance, including 5 million euros that prosecutors contended had ended up in private pockets and was not used to help migrants.

His lawyers said they will appeal both the conviction and the sentence, which was some five years longer than what prosecutors had requested.

One of his lawyers, Giuliano Pisapia, a former left-wing mayor of Milan, had discounted that the trial was politically motivated. Still, he said, without a doubt, there was certainly hostility against Lucano.

Lucano remains out of prison pending the outcome of final appeals.

Humanitarian groups that rescue migrants from traffickers' unseaworthy boats in the Mediterranean expressed outrage at the court's verdict and sentence.

The former mayor of Riace gave life and future to his city through welcome and solidarity,'' tweeted Sea Watch Italy. We are at the side of Mimmo Lucano and whoever practices solidarity every day."

Many migrants in Riace, a town of some 1,700 people, obtained municipal jobs, such as as street cleaners, while Lucano was mayor.

Another humanitarian group, Mediterranea Saving Humans, decried the verdict as shameful. In a statement it described the trial's outcome as the gravest repressive attack on the culture and the practice of solidarity in our country."

The charity added: Who is poor or a migrant is forced to suffer every violence, and whoever helps them is considered a criminal.

Riace is famous for the discovery in 1972 of two ancient Greek statues at the bottom of the sea off the nearby coast. The statues are known as the Riace Bronzes.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  More than 25 years after a troubled teenager fatally shot a man during a robbery at a home in Tampa, a judge said he has served enough time in prison.

On Thursday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Kimberly Fernandez converted the remainder of Kyle Moran's 40-year sentence to 10 years of probation, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Moran, who had run away from his home in Massachusetts with two teenage friends, was convicted in the 1994 death of Manuel Huerta. Prosecutors said they targeted the retired Tampa bus driver for a robbery. When he defended himself with a knife, Moran shot him, the newspaper reported.

In 2018, he was given a new sentencing hearing after a series of Supreme Court rulings that changed how the legal system treats juveniles who commit crimes. During that hearing, he described a childhood that was filled with abuse, the Times reported.

The judge resentenced Moran to 25 years and he was released about a year later.

This year, the state successfully appealed that sentence and it looked like Moran would have to return to prison, the newspaper reported. A higher courts order forced the judge to amend Morans sentence to 40 years in prison, which was the mandatory minimum. The order came with a review at the 25-year mark.

During his release, Moran lived at Abe Brown Ministries, which is a Tampa organization that helps former prisoners transition to society. He got a job with a company that installs fire sprinklers in new buildings, according to the Times.

The state ultimately decided that Moran had served 25 years in prison, which made him eligible for review, and prosecutors agreed to let him remain free until a judge could conduct the hearing.

His work supervisor and others who witnessed Moran's transition spoke to the judge and described a man who was rehabilitating.

A prosecutor relayed the wish from Huerta's son for Moran to remain in prison. But the state didn't seek a return to prison.

Moran expressed remorse and told the judge he's changed.

I was 16 then, he said in court. Im 43 now. Even if I had wanted to stay the same I dont think I could stay the same. Im a very different person. Im not perfect, I make mistakes. But I like the person Ive become.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  An Oklahoma County judge has agreed to convene a grand jury to investigate potential wrongdoing by the state's Pardon and Parole Board and conditions at the Oklahoma County jail.

Presiding Judge Ray Elliott agreed Wednesday to the request by District Attorney David Prater, The Oklahoman reported.

The grand jury was given the power to issue subpoenas, investigate and charge by indictment, and make accusations for removal. Jury selection was set for Oct. 18.

Gov. Kevin Stitt called Praters request the latest political stunt to intimidate the Pardon and Parole Board and obstruct the Constitutional process as high-profile cases that his office prosecuted are being considered.

The Pardon and Parole Board is set to conduct a clemency hearing Oct. 26 for high-profile death row inmate Julius Jones. Prater has strongly opposed Jones clemency request and has alleged that some members of the board have conflicts of interest that should result in their removal.

In his grand jury application Wednesday, the district attorney told the judge there are credible allegations that involve official corruption and/or official neglect ... committed by State and/or County officials, the newspaper reported.

Testimony will be taken in closed proceedings at the Oklahoma attorney generals office.

Prater called for an investigation of the Oklahoma County Detention Center because of the poor living and unsafe conditions there uncovered by health inspectors. He called for an investigation of the parole board because inmates have been released from prison by mistake.

The convening of a county grand jury has become rare in Oklahoma because prosecutors rely on the states multicounty grand jury for help with investigations.

The county grand jury could bring removal accusations against the jail administrator, jail trustees and parole board members, according to the application.

Such persons also may be subject to criminal penalties, Prater wrote.

A trust took over operation of the jail from the sheriffs office on July 1, 2020. Since then, it has repeatedly come under fire because of inmate deaths, escapes and other incidents.

That criticism intensified after an inmate was shot and killed after taking a detention officer hostage on March 27.

Jail officials said Wednesday that many improvements have been made since a February inspection by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

We appreciated the visit from OSDH because it identified many of the problems we had already been addressing in a concise way, the jail's administrator, Greg Williams, told the newspaper. We know there are more improvements to be made, but we continue to be proactive in removing barriers to quality of life for those who live and work within the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP)  The brother of a U.S. Air Force airman on trial in the death of a Mennonite woman testified Wednesday that the defendant asked him to remotely scrub information from his cellphone shortly before he was arrested and later charged with kidnapping and murder.

Samuel Gooch's testimony came as the trial against his younger brother, Mark Gooch, reached its scheduled halfway point. A Coconino County Superior Court judge issued an order to compel Samuel Gooch to testify after he said he would invoke his right against self-incrimination. He was granted prosecutorial immunity.

Mark Gooch faces up to life in prison if he's convicted of first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Sasha Krause, 27. She disappeared from a Mennonite community where she was living in Farmington, New Mexico, in January 2020. Her body was found more than a month later in a forest clearing outside Flagstaff, Arizona.

Prosecutor Ammon Barker pressed Samuel Gooch on about 90 minutes of phone conversations he had with Mark Gooch the day Krause went missing, but Samuel Gooch mostly responded that he didn't recall anything of substance. He also didn't reiterate a statement he made to investigators last year about Mark Gooch holding a grudge against Mennonites.

I can't necessarily speak to what Mark's feelings might have been, he said.

Samuel Gooch said he and Mark Gooch sometimes discussed aspects of Mennonite life they disagreed with, and negative feelings came up. They grew up in Wisconsin in a Mennonite community, but neither officially joined the church.

My memory of the experience would have been, it was easy to feel that we were less accepted into that culture since we were not necessarily born into it, not multigenerational family that had been in the Mennonites for decades, he said.

Jurors did not hear details of a separate but related case involving Samuel Gooch. Authorities accused him of flying to Arizona from Wisconsin last year to pick up what he thought was the .22-caliber rifle used to shoot Krause. Samuel Gooch pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of facilitation to commit hindering prosecution and is on probation.

On the witness stand Wednesday, Samuel Gooch said Mark Gooch asked him to remotely clear his cellphone and SD cards, as well as how to deactivate his Google account. Investigative records show Mark Gooch deleted his location history from a Google account.

Authorities said they tied Mark Gooch to Krauses death through cellphone location data, financial receipts and surveillance video. Mark Gooch's attorney, Bruce Griffen, has called the science weak.

Barker has argued Mark Gooch was motivated to kill Krause because he had a general disdain toward Mennonites and tried to cover his tracks after the killing. Griffen has said his client engaged in text message banter with his brothers and had visited at least three churches in search of fellowship.

The word Mennonite rarely showed up in text messages, Griffen said, and doesn't indicate homicidal intent.

Jurors also heard Wednesday from the medical examiner who oversaw Krause's autopsy, a state crime lab employee who collected samples from Gooch's car, and a sheriff's employee. Krause's parents turned away as photos of their daughter were projected onto a screen.

Medical examiner Michael Madsen said Krause had been hit with a blunt object and shot in the back of the head.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A deteriorating Kentucky bridge that was home to thousands of endangered gray bats has been repaired in way that makes the span safer for motorists and wildlife, officials said.

A project team from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make a habitat-focused design as crews replaced the bridge superstructure with new beams, deck and railing and made repairs to the existing abutment and piers, state officials said Wednesday in a statement. Repairs on the rural, two-lane span were made in a way that provides more roosting space for the bats.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Persistent liquor shortages on local Alcoholic Beverage Control store shelves prompted North Carolina lawmakers to question the current top state ABC official and the distribution contractor.

But after a hearing Wednesday, the House ABC committee chairman leading the discussion remained frustrated, news outlets reported.

Im probably more dissatisfied, or unsatisfied at the conclusion of this two hours than I was hoping I would be. I have a lot more questions than I have answers, said Rep. Tim Moffitt, a Henderson County Republican. The cause has yet to be really discovered and I dont think this meeting has really allowed us to really dig in as deep as we would like to.

The House ABC committee held the meeting less than two weeks after state ABC Commission chairman A.D. Zander Guy resigned suddenly, citing in part the liquor supply troubles.

Deputy Commissioner Terrance Merriweather and Ben Thompson, a lawyer representing warehouse vendor LB&B Associates, took most of Wednesday's questions.

The commission oversees the states wholesale and retail liquor distribution. The liquor comes from licensed distillers to the states two alcohol warehouses before it gets shipped to locally run ABC stores for sale.

LB&B began its latest contract with the state in July, which required the implementation of a new computerized inventory and ordering software program.

Thompson said LB&B acknowledges delivery problems in July and August were on the company.

There were some stores that were delayed significantly on their deliveries, Thompson told the committee. We believe that weve righted that ship. ... We think the delivery issues are now on track.

But legislators say shortages still persist. Officials also attributed the problems to a dramatic increase in consumption, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, worker shortages and insufficient storage at local stores.

Moffitt said todays customers find shortages or delays unacceptable.

We live in an era of Amazon Prime. If I place an order by a certain time during the day, I can receive it the next morning," Moffitt said. He suggested another hearing was possible.

Merriweather said the ABC commission has started holding focus groups and convened an advisory group to work through issues, including training on the new software.

The commission is focused on "making sure that our customers at the ABC boards are taken care of and our customers throughout North Carolina, he said.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Two elementary schools in Oakland will be closed for the rest of the week due to an infestation of fleas that may have been caused by raccoons in the area, school officials said Wednesday.

The move comes after a major problem developed with fleas on campus, the Oakland Unified School District said in announcing the two-day closure starting Thursday of Esperanza Elementary School and Korematsu Discovery Academy, which are located next to each other.
MIAMI (AP)  A passenger on an American Airlines flight that landed at Miami International Airport opened an emergency door and walked onto the wing as the plane reached the terminal, authorities said.

Flight 920 from Cali, Colombia, had just landed in Miami Wednesday night when the incident happened.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  The Minnesota Department of Corrections has been more successful getting inmates immunized against the coronavirus than it has for its own employees, vaccination rates show.

As of this week, about 80% of prisoners in Minnesota have been fully vaccinated, while the immunization rate for corrections employees is just over 65% and at some prisons, it's lower.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Facing bipartisan criticism over its approach to immigration, the Biden administration on Thursday announced new rules that require authorities to only pursue migrants who recently crossed into the country without permission or are deemed to pose a threat to public safety.

The new guidelines replace interim rules issued in February that were initially blocked by a federal judge in August as part of a lawsuit brought by Texas and Louisiana. They break from a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, who early in his presidency directed authorities to apprehend anyone who was illegally in the country.

The release comes as President Joe Biden has come under fire from allies for his reliance on a Trump-era public health authority to rapidly expel migrants encountered on the U.S.-Mexico border while also facing Republican criticism that he hasn't done enough to counter a sharp increase in migrants seeking to enter the country.

The Biden administration has expelled about 5,000 Haitians who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border at Del Rio, Texas, in recent weeks. A federal appeals court in Washington on Thursday cleared the administration to continue expelling families under the public-health authority known as Title 42. The appeals court put on hold a lower court order barring the expulsions of families hours before the ban was to take effect.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the new policy was based on the reality that the U.S. cant go after all people in the country without legal status and shouldnt try because many have been contributing members of our communities for years.

Authorities will be directed to focus on noncitizens who have crossed recently, defined as after Nov. 1, 2020, or who determined to be a threat because of national security or serious criminal activity. Homeland Security includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol.

Unlike the interim rules, the criminal activity is not limited to the category known in legal terms as an aggravated felony but will depend on the totality of the facts and circumstances, Mayorkas said. Anyone would be considered a priority if they are engaged or even suspected of terrorism or espionage, according to the memo. The new rules take effect Nov. 29.

Immigration authorities would be prohibited from arresting and seeking to deport someone in retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights, such as joining a protest or taking part in union activities.

We are requiring and frankly empowering our workforce, critically empowering our workforce, to exercise their judgment, their law enforcement judgment, the secretary said.

Advocates for strict immigration enforcement have criticized the interim guidelines, which were similar in intent as the newly released rules, because they were seen as a top-down approach and one that precluded low-level arrests that might yield investigative leads into bigger cases or help serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on Twitter that Biden has welcomed the migrants who have crossed and would now promise those already in the country that they may stay in the U.S. without repercussions with the new rules.

Immigrant advocates, including some who have in the past called for eliminating ICE and immigrant detention altogether, welcomed limits on enforcement but are wary given the rapid detention and expulsion of thousands of Haitians at Del Rio.

This policy is only going to be as good as the results," said Jacinta Gonzalez, senior campaign organizer of Mijente. "If detention numbers continue to rise, as deportations continue to happen, if we still see human rights abuses at the border, this policy wont mean anything.

A federal judge in Texas blocked the interim rules in August, ruling that the administration did not have discretion to choose which migrants to detain, but a federal appeals court allowed the guidelines to take effect while the lawsuit proceeds.

Mayorkas said it makes little sense to pursue all of the estimated 11 million people in the country without legal status, even if the U.S. had the law enforcement capacity to do so.

They contribute to the well-being of our country and justice requires that we exercise our discretion accordingly, he said. The fact that an individual is a removeable non-citizen should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them.

Trump's administration took hundreds of measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration, including a zero-tolerance policy on border crossings that resulted in the forcible separation of thousands of families and requiring asylum seekers to await the processing of their cases in Mexico.

In the end, total deportations were higher under the first term of President Barack Obama, who enacted enforcement priorities similar to Biden's, than under Trump. That was due in part to a lack of cooperation from many cities and states whose leaders opposed Trump's immigration policies.

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Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Gunmen shot and killed a member of Pakistan's minority Sikh community in an attack Thursday in the deeply conservative northwestern city of Peshawar, police said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The gunmen fled the scene, according to the police and a community leader.
NEW CASTLE, Ind. (AP)  Police have seized about 400 pounds (181 kilograms) of marijuana following a traffic stop on a central Indiana freeway.

A van was stopped about 1:35 p.m. Wednesday on Interstate 70 near New Castle for following another vehicle too closely, The (Muncie) Star Press reported Thursday.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  The mayor and city council of Providence sued the state Department of Education on Tuesday over a disagreement about the amount of money the city should put toward its schools this year.

The lawsuit argues the state is wrong in its calculations that Providence needs to allocate an additional $5 million to its schools in accordance with annual aid increases required by law, the Providence Journal reported.
WASHINGTON - The push for coronavirus vaccine and testing mandates in the sky has another proponent.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced a bill on Wednesday that would require vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or recovery from covid-19 to take a domestic flight.

This latest proposed legislation follows a bill introduced earlier this month by Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., that would require proof that air or Amtrak travelers have been vaccinated or tested negative.

"Ensuring that air travelers protect themselves and their destination communities from this disease is critical to prevent the next surge, particularly if we confront new, more virulent variants of covid-19," Feinstein said in a statement.

She pointed out that air travelers coming to the United States from abroad already have to provide a negative test, even if they are traveling from countries with lower rates of transmission than many parts of the country. Starting in early November, restrictions on travel from 33 countries will fall as the United States moves to a new vaccine requirement for foreign visitors. Those visitors will also need to show proof of a negative test.

"It only makes sense that we also ensure the millions of airline passengers that crisscross our country aren't contributing to further transmission, especially as young children remain ineligible to be vaccinated," Feinstein said in the statement.

This month, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, said he would support a vaccine mandate for air travel. He told The Washington Post that the possibility was "on the table."

Airline leaders have said such a rule would be "logistically impractical" and "incredibly cumbersome."
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate narrowly approved President Joe Biden's pick to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday, giving the bureau a director who is likely to embrace an aggressive watchdog role, similar to how the agency operated under former President Barack Obama.

Rohit Chopra's nomination was approved 50-48, with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier having to cast a tie-breaking vote to end debate. Republicans were united in opposition to Chopra.

Before his approval, Chopra held one of the Democrat seats on the Federal Trade Commission, often using his position to publicly advocate for higher penalties and enforcement against companies found to have committed wrongdoing. A then GOP-controlled Senate unanimously confirmed Chopra to his FTC commissioner job in 2018, a point Democrats made during debates about his nomination when it became clear no Republican would vote to approve him this time.

Chopra, 39, was there at the bureaus beginnings, brought on by then Harvard Professor Elizabeth Warren to help launch the bureau. He held several high-ranking positions at the CFPB during the Obama administration, including the top job handling student-loan issues.

He is a terrific champion for consumers & will be a fearless leader of the Bureau. Lets get to work!, Warren, now a U.S. Senate Democrat from Massachusetts, said on Twitter after he was confirmed.

Chopra is the CFPB's third permanent director since the bureau was created by the Dodd-Frank Act, the law passed after the 2008 financial crisis that overhauled the entire banking and financial system. Kathy Kraninger, who was former President Donald Trump's choice to run the bureau, was asked to resign by Biden on his first day in office.

During the Trump administration, the CFPB drastically scaled back its enforcement actions, both in number and size, and it relegated concerns, such as fair lending, to a much smaller position inside the bureau. It was a stark contrast to how the bureau was run under the Obama administration, when it aggressively collected fines from banks and credit card companies and returned billions of dollars in damages to borrowers.

Biden's choice for the CFPB's acting director, Dave Uejio, has used his position to pivot the bureau sharply back to its original mission. In an email to bureau employees sent shortly after Chopra's confirmation, Uejio said he expects Chopra to begin work late next week once he resigns his position at the FTC.

Chopra has said his first focus as director would be the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of Americans are now facing eviction and potential foreclosures due to the job losses caused by pandemic.

Uejio has used some of his powers  particularly the bureau's role supervising debt collectors and mortgage servicers  to keep as many people in their homes as possible. But Uejio's efforts were constrained by his temporary role at the bureau.

He also said during his confirmation hearing that he considers privacy issues, and the way banks use algorithms to determine how to lend, to be other areas he may focus on as director.

Republicans have long held an ideological opposition to the CFPB, due to its structure with a single director and because it is funded through the Federal Reserve instead of the traditional congressional appropriations process. That criticism abated somewhat when Kraninger ran the bureau due to her more business-friendly approach.

"I have grave concerns that Commissioner Chopra would return the CFPB to the lawless, overreaching, highly politicized agency it was during the Obama administration," said Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, the ranking Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, during his speech opposing the nomination.
BOSTON (AP)  President Joe Biden's pick for U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts has hit a snag as a key U.S. Senate panel deadlocked Thursday over the nomination of Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins as the state's top federal prosecutor.

The Senate Judiciary Committee split 11-11 along party lines in a vote that followed strenuous objections from Republican members of the panel.

The move forces Democratic leaders to call a vote of the full Senate just to bring the nomination up for consideration. That vote  and then the final vote confirming Rollinss nomination  would require a simple majority in the evenly split chamber.

Sen. Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, and Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, are among the Republicans leading the opposition to Rollins' nomination.

On Thursday, Cotton dismissed her as a prosecutor in name only with radical pro-crime stances" while Cruz and other Republicans labelled her extreme" and revolutionary.

But Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat who chairs the judiciary committee, complained that Republicans were breaking with a nearly 30-year precedent in forcing a roll call vote on Rollins' nomination. Some of Biden's other U.S. Attorney nominees easily cleared the committee last week.

Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, noted the committee received letters in support of Rollins from law enforcement officials, including a number of former Republican U.S. Attorneys for Massachusetts.

Rollins said in a written statement Thursday that she looks forward to the confirmation process going to the full Senate, adding that she's focused on ensuring Boston remains one of the very few major cities in the United States where violent crime is down.

The Democrat has pushed for progressive criminal justice reforms since being elected in 2018 as the first woman of color to serve as district attorney for Boston and some surrounding communities.

A former assistant U.S. attorney in Massachusetts, she's also been outspoken about the need for police reform in the wake of high-profile killings of people of color by law enforcement across the U.S.

If confirmed by the Senate, shed become the first Black woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.
A joint statement issued by 50 national health care organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, in support of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for all workers in health and long-term care shows there isn't much argument from the medical community that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and crucial for preventing serious illness from the virus.

However, when it comes to mandating the vaccine for health care workers in hospitals that are already facing staffing shortages, major Michigan health systems are divided on the decision to require it.

As of late August, three major Michigan health systems had announced policies to require COVID-19 vaccinations, including Beaumont, Henry Ford and Spectrum. Their deadlines varied, stretching through the fall and into early 2022, but all of them require full vaccination as a means to protect staff and patients alike from COVID.

Additionally, Henry Ford is believed to be the first major hospital system in Michigan to require COVID-19 vaccinations of all its team members, students, volunteers and contractors. The announcement came June 29.

After the federal vaccine mandate was announced on Sept. 9 requiring that hospital workers be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing, more major health systems in the state implemented vaccine mandates. But, not all of them have.

Last Wednesday, Sept. 22, Munson joined the list of health systems with a vaccine mandate. Prior to that, Ascension also moved to require its employees to be inoculated against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, four major Michigan health systems remain without a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. They include Detroit Medical Center, McLaren, MidMichigan Health, and Sparrow health systems, MLive reported.

The conversation around vaccine mandates will continue for these health systems, as they strongly encourage their employees to be vaccinated. Magen Samyn, regional vice president of marketing and business development for McLaren Health Care, cites a concern for losing staff members while already dealing with a shortage of workers as a possible reason to avoid a vaccine mandate.

Many doctors are concerned that COVID-19 vaccine mandates may lead to an employee exodus that would affect patient care, according to CEOs of Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland-based University Hospitals and Johnson City, Tennessee-based Ballad Health.

The CEOs said they worried that some healthcare workers would rather quit or be fired than get inoculated. Dr. Mihaljevic, CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic, said hospitals are already understaffed, and losing healthcare employees during a public health crisis would jeopardize the clinic's ability to provide care.

While some of these large hospital systems havent decided to require the shot, that could change over time. Last week, Lansing-based Sparrow informed its employees that it would be required to either get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing, MLive reported.

Additionally, MidMichigan's Public Relations Manager Millie Jezior said despite no vaccine mandate for the hospital, "we are continuing to monitor the situation closely."

Overall, in the U.S, a recent American Medical Association study revealed some 96% of physicians are now vaccinated. Rates are significantly lower for nurses, although estimates of hesitancy vary from study to study.

Across the spectrum of healthcare workers, a study published in August found the vaccination rate to be 73%.

To find a vaccine near you, visit Michigans COVID-19 vaccine website here or go to VaccineFinder.org.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  The Michigan Legislature on Thursday passed election bills that would limit who can access the state voter file, keep voting equipment from being connected to the internet and require election challengers to receive training.

The legislation sent to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was supported by majority Republicans and opposed by all but one Senate Democrat and many House Democrats.

The bills blocking outside groups' access to the voter database and prohibiting the connection of electronic pollbooks or voting systems to the internet would codify existing practice.

It's a good idea to take this bill and take the best practices and put them into law so they can't be changed," Sen. Ruth Johnson, a Holly Republican and former secretary of state, said of the internet-connection legislation.

Senate Democrats said the bills are unnecessary and expressed concern that voting for them would corroborate lies about the 2020 presidential election. A GOP-led Senate committee, for instance, found no evidence that vote tabulators at Detroit's absentee counting operation were connected to the internet, debunking claims from some Republican poll challengers.

We should not be passing bills in this chamber for things that already do not exist because all that does is perpetuate and validate a lie that is dangerous, said Sen. Mallory McMorrow, a Royal Oak Democrat.

One bill would require election challengers to attend training offered by the secretary of state and each clerk in the 90-day period before an election and boost training for election inspectors about challengers' role. If challengers completed the training before a primary, they would not need to repeat it for the general election.

Another measure would expand the types of buildings that can be polling places. One would update procedures for canceling the registrations of dead voters.

Most bills were passed 21-15 in the Senate and on votes ranging between 72-33 and 84-21 in the House.

The Senate also voted on party lines for legislation that would require the state elections board to canvass signatures for a ballot initiative within 100 days of the filing. It currently must make a determination no more than 100 days before the election in which the proposal would appear on the ballot.

Unlock Michigan, a Republican-affiliated group that successfully wiped from the books a law Whitmer used to issue COVID-19 orders, has complained it took too long for the petitions to be reviewed. State officials have said they were busy preparing for the presidential election and doing postelection audits, and the deadline was not until 2022.

The House passed a similar bill in April.

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Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP)  A Montana State Hospital patient has pleaded guilty to killing her mother in Great Falls more than four years ago.

Pamela Jean Courtnage pleaded guilty Tuesday to mitigated deliberate homicide in the May 2017 death of Katherine Elaine Courtnage, 69, the Great Falls Tribune reports.
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP)  Thousands of Sudanese rallied in the capital of Khartoum on Thursday to demand an exclusively civilian transitional government and accused the generals now in power of derailing the transition to democracy. Security forces fired tear gas as protesters neared a central street housing government headquarters.

Sudan has been ruled by an interim, joint civilian-military government since 2019. The military ousted longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April that year, following four months of mass protests against his rule. Months after al-Bashirs toppling, the ruling generals agreed to share power with civilians representing the protest movement.

The objective of these marches is to protect Sudans democratic transition and there is no way to achieve that without ending any partnership with the military council, said a statement issued by the Sudanese Professionals Association, which spearheaded the nationwide uprising that kicked off in December 2018 and culminated in al-Bashirs ouster.

Tensions between the civilians and generals in the transitional government have increased since Sudans interim authorities last week said they foiled a coup attempt within the military. Officials blamed al-Bashir loyalists for the move.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian face of the government, described the coup attempt as an effort to undermine Sudans democratic transition. The interim government has been under pressure to end wars with rebel groups as it seeks to rehabilitate the countrys battered economy, attract much-needed foreign aid and deliver the democracy it promised.

On Thursday, demonstrators waved Sudanese flags and chanted pro-democracy slogans. They accuse the military of dragging its feet on transferring power to civilians, purging state institutions of remnants of al-Bashir's regime and bringing to justice those responsible for the killing of dozens of protesters in June 2019, when security forces dispersed a sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum.

In a scene reminiscent of the 2018 uprising, a train carried protesters from other Sudanese provinces to Khartoum. Train cars were packed, with demonstrators waving Sudanese flags from windows and making victory signs, while others rode on the rooftop of the slow-moving train.

Many protesters gathered at the entrance to a street leading to the government buildings, including the Republican Palace, which is the seat of the ruling Sovereign Council, where they were stopped by security forces and tear gas.

The council was created by a power-sharing agreement signed in August 2019 by the military and pro-democracy activists. It consists of five military and six civilian members and is headed by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

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Elhennawy reported from Cairo. Associated Press reporter Marwan Awad in Khartoum, Sudan, contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  A man arrested in the fatal carjacking of another man in St. Louis Central West End neighborhood has been charged with murder.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Carmain Milton, 47, with second-degree murder and robbery.
MALDEN, Mass. (AP)  A suspect in the slaying 30 years ago of a 17-year-old girl in Massachusetts was held without bail at his arraignment on Thursday.

Rodney Daniels, 48, of South Fulton, Georgia, faces a murder charge in the July 1991 shooting death of Patricia Moreno in Malden, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden police Chief Kevin Molis said in a statement. He was arrested in Georgia earlier this week.

Daniels pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Leonard Milligan, said by phone after the arraignment that it is premature for him to comment on the specifics and he plans his own investigation into the case.

Moreno was found in the early morning hours with a gunshot wound to the head on the fire escape of her foster family's third-floor apartment and died at the hospital, authorities said.

Daniels dated one of her foster mother's daughters and was at the apartment at the time of the shooting, according to the statement. He told investigators he had been asleep when he was awakened by gunfire and found Moreno's body.

Investigators determined Daniels had been in possession of guns around the time of the killing and had engaged in threatening behavior toward the victim," but no one was charged.

He was arrested based on new evidence collected by the district attorney's cold case unit, including the account of someone who had lived in the building at the time and who described seeing someone fitting Daniels' description on the fire escape, authorities said.

Daniels is originally from the Boston area and still has family living locally, some of whom attended the arraignment, Milligan said. Members of Moreno's family also attended.

After three decades we have taken the first steps today to hold accountable the person who we allege took Tricias life," District Attorney Ryan said in a statement. It is always with mixed emotions that we make these announcements as we know this will not fill the void caused by the loss of a daughter, a sister and a friend to many.
DICKSON, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Thursday that he will extend an executive order that lets families opt their children out of school mask mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19, despite federal court rulings that have blocked the policy in three counties.

Lee told reporters he will extend the order, which was set to expire on Oct. 5, by 30 days. The Republican said he was incredibly disappointed by the rulings against the policy from three federal judges.

Well be extending and making provision for that because I believe that parents should be the ones to decide what is best for their children, Lee said.

To date, federal judges have blocked the order from being implemented in Knox, Shelby and Williamson counties. The district attorney in Nashville has pledged not to prosecute teachers or school officials for enforcing their mask requirements without the governors new required leniency.

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery said he was pursuing appeals in Shelby and Knox counties. While his office did not disclose why he only chose those counties, the judge overseeing the Williamson County case has only temporarily blocked Lees order from being enforced.

Meanwhile, the summer spike in new cases in Tennessee has begun cooling off. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has decreased by 3,928, a drop of 52.9%, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Tennessee ranks ninth among states for new cases per capita in the past 14 days.

Lee issued the order in August after a handful of Republican lawmakers demanded the governor call a special session so the GOP-dominated General Assembly could halt mask mandates in schools and other COVID-19 safety measures.

Later that month, the U.S. Education Department opened civil rights investigations into five Republican-led states, including Tennessee, that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions.

Masks are a key virus-prevention tool that are most effective when worn by a large number of people, public health experts say. The CDC has again recommended them for schools, saying they dont pose health risks for children older than toddler age.

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Jonathan Mattise contributed to this report from Nashville.
DENVER (AP)  A pediatrician and a medical student at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are challenging denials of their requests for religious exemptions from the school's COVID vaccination mandate, arguing in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that administrators are judging the veracity of personal religious beliefs in violation of the First Amendment.

The U.S. District Court lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Society, a not-for-profit conservative firm based in Chicago, is the latest clash over a growing number of private- and public-sector vaccine mandates nationwide to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 600,000 people in the U.S.

The lawsuit argues that the medical school is arbitrarily granting religious exemptions to its vaccine requirement for all staff and students. It contends the university is approving requests that are based on organized religious beliefs that oppose vaccinations, while subjecting requests based on personal religious beliefs to intrusive religious inquisition to test the veracity of students' and employees' asserted religious beliefs.

The lawsuit further argues that there is is a top-down cultural, societal, and legal assault currently underway against those who forgo the vaccines, citing commentary by U.S. television personalities, statements made on news broadcasts and speeches by President Joe Biden.

In response to the lawsuit, Mark Couch, a spokesperson for the School of Medicine said their mandatory vaccine policy offers the best way to protect the more than two million patients that the school faculty serve each year.

We have adopted this policy in recognition of our responsibility to provide public health leadership in our state and beyond, Couch said.

The lawsuit names the pediatrician and professor as Dr. Jane Doe, and the first-year student as John Doe, to protect them from retaliation, said Peter Breen, vice president at the Thomas More Society.

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe requested a religious exemption based on her Catholic beliefs and opposition to abortion-derived cell lines" used in the three available vaccines in the U.S.  Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. She did not oppose other vaccines, such as the flu shot, not derived from those lines.

The university denied her request, stating that campus policy only recognizes religious exemptions based on a religious belief whose teachings are opposed to all immunizations," according to the complaint. It argues that her pending termination will harm her reputation and stain her medical license record.

This idea that you have to have to have a centralized authority to get a religious exemption, it strikes against everything we know about the First Amendment and our whole system of the relationship between the church and the state, Breen said.

John Doe, a medical student from British Colombia, requested a religious exemption citing his Buddhist beliefs and his avoidance of products developed through the killing or harming of animals (including human beings), according to the lawsuit.

University officials denied his request, saying that John Doe's objections to the vaccine "are all of a personal nature and not part of a comprehensive system of religious beliefs."

The lawsuit says John Doe's pending termination from the school would bar him from transferring to another medical school under guidelines issued by the Association of American Medical Colleges and that he would have to reapply to attend a different U.S. medical program.

He faces the near-impossible prospect of starting medical school over somewhere else, or entirely forgoing his dream of becoming a medical doctor, the lawsuit states.

Both plaintiffs are seeking approval of their requests for religious exemptions as well as money for court costs and personal damages. For John Doe, this includes compensation for having to return to Canada, terminate his apartment lease and sell his belongings on short notice, Breen said.

The Thomas More Society is representing several religious exemption cases across the country, but Breen called the University's actions some of the most egregious." With this case, Breen said the organization hopes "to create precedent to ensure that other government actors across the country don't get entangled in religion and don't turn their government entities into these theological inquisitions.

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Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
DANVILLE, Va. (AP)  A Virginia sheriffs office is looking for the publics help in a shooting at a local fair in which a North Carolina high school student was killed.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office is trying to identify three people of interest following the shooting on Sept. 18 at the Danville-Pittsylvania County Fair, the Danville Register & Bee reported Wednesday. The sheriffs office released an image, but only said the individuals were persons of interest.
CHICAGO (AP)  An arrest warrant has been issued for a man charged with fatally shooting a Chicago man as he was driving his 7-year-old daughter to school, police said.

The warrant charges Avanta Ware, 18, with the murder of 33-year-old Travell Miller, Chicago police announced Wednesday. He is also wanted for two counts of carjacking in Berwyn, a Chicago suburb.

Miller was stopped in traffic on Sept. 1 on Chicago's West Side when police said Ware got out of another car, walked up and opened fire, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Miller was hit four times and pronounced dead.

Miller bent over to protect his 7-year-old daughter, who was in the passenger seat and was uninjured, relatives said.

Police said Wednesday that Ware was last seen driving a silver 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix with no plates and with possible damage to the drivers side rear quarter panel.

Miller's relatives have said detectives were investigating if the shooting stemmed from road rage.

Millers father, Joseph Gilmore said the murder charge was appropriate.

They need to get him before he hurts someone else, or he needs to receive what he gave, he told the Chicago Sun-Times.

When people lead risky lives, you expect something to happen to them, Gilmore added. But when someone who wasnt at risk falls to violence, its depressing. Its hard to move on from this  especially since Travell was such a lively person.
She lived a life of adventure that spanned two continents. She fell in love with a World War II fighter pilot, barely escaped Europe ahead of Benito Mussolinis fascists, ground steel for the U.S. war effort and advocated for her disabled daughter in a far less enlightened time. She was, her daughter said, someone who didn't make a habit of giving up.

And then this month, at age 105, Primetta Giacopini's life ended the way it began  in a pandemic.

I think my mother would have been around quite a bit longer" if she hadn't contracted COVID, her 61-year-old daughter, Dorene Giacopini, said. She was a fighter. She had a hard life and her attitude always was ... basically, all Americans who were not around for World War II were basically spoiled brats.

Primetta Giacopini's mother, Pasquina Fei, died in Connecticut of the flu in 1918 at age 25. That flu pandemic killed about 675,000 Americans  a death toll eclipsed this month by the 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic.

Primetta was 2 years old when her mother died. Her father, a laborer, didn't want to raise Primetta or her younger sister, Alice. He sent Alice back to Italy, their ancestral homeland, and handed Primetta to an Italian foster family that then relocated to Italy in 1929.

The way Mom talked about it, he didnt want to raise those kids alone, and men didnt do that at that time, Dorene recalled. Its ridiculous to me.

Primetta supported herself by working as a seamstress. Raven-haired with dark eyes and sharp features, she eventually fell in love with an Italian fighter pilot named Vittorio Andriani.

I didn't see too much of him because he was always fighting someplace, Primetta told the Golden Gate Wing, a military aviation club in Oakland, California, in 2008.

Italy entered World War II in June 1940. The local police warned Primetta to leave because Mussolini wanted American citizens out of the country. Primetta refused. Several weeks later, the state police told her to get out, warning her that she could end up in a concentration camp.

In June 1941, Andriani was missing in action; Primetta learned later that he had crashed and died near Malta. While he was missing, she joined a group of strangers making their way out of Italy on a train to Portugal.

In Spain, one can still see, after 2-3 years, the traces of the atrocities of the past, Primetta wrote in a letter to a friend in the midst of her flight. At Port Bou, the Spanish border, not one house is left standing; everything got destroyed because the town is an important train transit point that brought supplies to the `Reds', the enemy ... Ive seen so much destruction that Ive had enough. The day after tomorrow, I get on the ship, and Im sure all will go well.

Josh Edelson/AP

In Lisbon she boarded a steamer bound for the United States. She returned to Torrington, bought a Chevrolet sedan for $500 and landed a job at a General Motors plant in Bristol grinding steel to cover ball bearings for the war effort. She met her husband, Umbert Bert Giacopini, on the job. They stayed married until he died in 2002.

Primetta gave birth to Dorene in 1960 and received devastating news: The infant had been born with spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal cord doesn't fully develop. For the first 50 years of her life, Dorene needed crutches to walk. Worried that Dorene would slip during Connecticut's winters, the family moved to San Jose in 1975.

My folks were born a long time ago, she said. Their attitude about disability, and my mother's attitude about disability, was it was lucky I was smart and I should get a good job I really liked because I probably wouldn't be getting married or have children. They did not take parenting classes."

But Primatta was pushy," Dorene said, and never stopped fighting for her.

She once convinced school officials to move accelerated classes from the third floor of Dorene's school to the first floor so Dorene could participate. During the springs in Connecticut, she demanded that city sweepers clear their street of salt and sand so Dorene wouldn't slip.

This year, during a visit on Sept. 9, Dorene noticed her mother was coughing. She knew her mother's caretaker had been feeling sick after her husband returned from a wedding in Idaho. All three had been vaccinated. But as she drove away, Dorene guessed that her mother had contracted COVID-19.

I made sure we said I love you. She did the See you later, alligator. I think we both said After a while, crocodile,'" Dorene said. "That was the last time I saw her."

Two days later, Primetta was in the emergency room. Her oxygen levels dropped steadily over the next six days until nurses had to put an oxygen mask on her.

She became confused and fought them so hard she had to be sedated, Dorene said. Chest X-rays told the story: pneumonia. Faced with a decision of whether to put Primetta on a ventilator  They said nobody over 80 makes it off a ventilator, Dorene said  she decided to remove her mother's oxygen.

Primetta died two days later, on Sept. 16. She was 105 years old.

She had such a strong heart that she remained alive for more than 24 hours after they removed the oxygen, Dorene said. I'm full of maybes, what I should have done with the ventilator . . . (but) it broke through three vaccinated people."

She added: "I'm reminding myself that she was 105. We always talk about ... my grandmother and mother, the only thing that could kill them was a worldwide pandemic."

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Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1
CAIRO (AP)  The head of the World Bank held talks Thursday with Sudan's transitional leaders, focusing on the country's daunting economic challenges and a reform program the African nation is undertaking to overhaul the battered economy.

David Malpass landed in Khartoum late Wednesday, the first visit by a World Bank president to Sudan in around 50 years. From the Sudanese capital, he delivered a virtual address to the annual meetings of the financial institution and the International Monetary Fund on Thursday.

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok called the visit a historical moment for his country, which is on a fragile path to democracy after a popular uprising led to the militarys overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

This transition can only succeed if it is anchored on economic opportunity for all Sudanese, irrespective of gender, geography, race, religion, or income level, Hamdok said. Our economy requires deep, fundamental reforms."

Sudan embarked on what Hamdok called homegrown economic reforms last year. The program is meant to transform Sudan's economy and have the nation rejoin the international community after over two decades of isolation.

Battered by years of mismanagement and sanctions, Sudan was also plunged into an economic crisis when the oil-rich south seceded in 2011 after decades of war, taking with it more than half of public revenues and 95% of oil exports.

Sudan's government program, backed by the World Bank and the IMF, has included a series of austerity measures such as floating the currency and slashing fuel subsidies. The measures have led to hikes in the price of fuel and other essential goods.

Malpass welcomed Sudan's bold reforms," re-engagement with the international community, and the clearance of its its overdue payments to the World Bank after the U.S. provided bridge financing of $1.15 billion.

The debt clearance has allowed the government to access new types of international financing for the first time in nearly three decades. The World Bank said in May it has allocated $2 billion to Sudan to finance big infrastructure projects along with others over the next 12 months.

Finance Minister Gibreil Ibrahim hailed Malpass' visit as a sign that Sudans integration into the international community is progressing in strides."

Malpass, however, warned about tensions between the generals and civilians in the government, which have increased over the past week after authorities said they foiled a coup attempt on Sep. 22.

Its critical to avoid political slippages, because there is no development without peace and stability," he said.

Still, thousands of Sudanese took to the streets in Khartoum and elsewhere on Thursday to demand an exclusively civilian transitional government. The protesters also accused the generals of derailing its transition to democracy.
By Jana Kadah

Bay City News Foundation

"This is a resolution of the Council of the City of San Jose apologizing to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for acts of fundamental injustice and discrimination," Mayor Sam Liccardo read to the dozens of Chinese Americans, allies and public officials gathered in downtown on Wednesday.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the city council Tuesday evening, continued, "seeking forgiveness and committing to the rectification of past policies and misdeeds."

Liccardo read the entire resolution out loud on Wednesday at the Circle of Palms Plaza -- the site of one the city's former Chinatowns burned down by an arsonist.

It took a long time to read through the resolution because the country's rap sheet of anti-Chinese crimes is long.

The resolution was drafted by Councilmember Raul Peralez, the city's office of racial equity and members of San Jose's Chinese community.

It detailed the numerous wrongs inflicted by the San Jose City Council, state and federal governments and residents since Chinese Americans began immigrating to the United States in 1849.

Attendees shook their heads in disappointment and pain as the list of heinous acts were read out loud, others shed tears.

Like many historically excluded groups in the US, Chinese Americans contributed greatly to their local communities and economies but were targeted and discriminated against by various facets of government and society.

The anti-Asian hate at the time was rampant, especially in California, where 77 percent of Chinese immigrants lived and in San Jose -- home of five different Chinatowns -- all knocked down in different ways. The city's last Chinatown was closed in 1931.

Arguably the most flagrant offense that epitomizes the racism of the time was a deliberately set fire that burned Market Street Chinatown to ashes on May 4, 1887 -- displacing 1400 residents and destroying several homes and local businesses.

The fire occurred only weeks after the city council unanimously declared Market Street Chinatown to be a public nuisance, and voted against the construction of a new Chinatown, calling it "injurious to private property adjacent thereto, dangerous to the health and welfare of all citizens who live and have homes in its vicinity, and a standing menace to both public and private morals, peace, quiet and good order, and etc.," the June 1887 city resolution read.

"My grandfather was a resident of the Market Street Chinatown and was made refugee by the fire," said Connie Young Lu, local historian and author of "Chinatown, San Jose, USA. "

She is one of many Chinese Americans who carry the generational pain from the myriad of discriminatory acts. During the Wednesday ceremony she reflected on the stories shared by her father who grew up in the Heinlenville Chinatown built to replace the Market Street Chinatown in 1888.

"I imagine that the Chinatown Market Street fire will be (remembered as) the first steppingstone, as out of the ashes was the new community that would not be driven out," Lu said. "It was the end, but a beginning."

Lu and many other speakers remarked on the resilience of the Chinese American community in the South Bay who lived through the draconian Chinese American Exclusion Act of 1882, the burning of the First Methodist Episcopal Church on 2nd and Santa Clara streets, which taught Sunday school to Chinese immigrants in 1869; the anti-Chinese convention held in San Jose in 1886; the destruction of all five Chinatowns, among many other hate crimes.

Even when the Chinese exclusion Act was repealed in 1943, Chinese Americans were systemically excluded from many facets of society.

"At the time I was growing up, my family like other Chinese were not welcome to buy property here during World War II days when China was actually America's ally," said Gerrye Kee Wong, co-founder of the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project and fourth-generation American.

In 1949, the Ng Shing Gung Temple was also demolished, despite calls from the Chinese community to preserve it as a historical landmark.

And more recently, Chinese and other Asian Americans have been subject to a rise of violent anti-Asian hate crimes in the wake of COVID-19. In fact, over a year of the pandemic, hate crime incidents reported against the Asian population doubled, according to data gathered by the group Stop AAPI Hate.

Wong's grandson Braden Wong, who is sixth-generation American, said he had friends who were subject to such hate crimes.

This is especially why he was proud of San Jose for taking this action and appreciated Liccardo reading the resolution out loud.

"It makes it very transparent, between the government and the people, and make these crimes aware to the public," Braden Wong said.

He also appreciated that the resolution noted the Chinese contributions to as the primary workforce that developed Santa Clara County, most notably on the San Jose Railroad and Santa Cruz-Monterey Line in 1870s.

"I didn't learn about a lot of this history until I was in college, and it was by working with my grandma and going to her events," he continued. "The next step really is continuing this kind of education and making people aware."

Wong, along with State Assembly member Evan Low (D-San Jose) who spoke at the formal ceremony of apology, pointed to the ethnic studies curriculum legislation that is making its way through the state as a good next step to right the historical wrongs.

The end of the ceremony was marked with a traditional Chinese performance.

"On behalf of those who fought the good fight and continue to do so, I'd like to say to the city of San Jose, apology accepted and resolution embraced," Lu said.

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.

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When the fog lifts, the view across the bay from San Franciscos secluded Mile Rock Beach is breathtaking. Boats pass under the bridge as waves boom against the jutting rock formations. Pelicans hover and sea lions lollop on the sand as the foghorn wails into the wide sky.

But between the small beach and distant headlands, one confusing structure breaks the horizon.

Now a rusted helipad, for decades an iconic wedding-cake lighthouse, and before that a site of a tragedy that took more than 100 lives, Mile Rocks may be the most isolated and storied 1,000 square feet of land in San Francisco.

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The SS City of Rio de Janeiro arrived off the coast of San Francisco on Feb. 21, 1901. The steamer largely transported immigrants and cargo from China and Japan. That day, 210 passengers and crew were aboard, completing their final leg into San Francisco after weeks at sea. As the fog came down, the decision was made to anchor near the Cliff House and wait out the night.

The following morning, it seemed that the clouds were lifting, and Capt. William Ward hauled anchor and set sail for the dock. But the fog quickly closed in again. At 5.30 a.m, as passengers slept, the Rios hull was ripped open by the hidden rocks off the coast of Lands End.

Panic spread through the ship almost as fast as the cargo holds flooded. Some survivors reported that a language barrier between the U.S. officers and Chinese seamen prevented lifeboats launching.

Hand Out/Courtesy San Francisco Maritime

In just eight minutes the ship was gone, its iron hull buckled on the ocean floor. Passengers awoke trapped in their berths, the majority immigrants hours away from a new life in America. One hundred and twenty-eight didn't make it out alive. Some passengers escaped their rooms and clung to drifting wreckage in the cold waters, and 82 lives were saved with the help of Italian fishermen hauling in their early morning catches nearby.

Capt. Ward went down with the ship. His remains, identified by a watch chain that held a silver Chinese coin, were found on a Marin beach a year after the disaster.

Though the sinking of the Rio was one of dozens that met the same fate entering the Golden Gate, it was the most tragic and caused the most outrage in San Francisco. Capt. Ward and Pilot Frederick Jordan, who survived, were both found guilty of gross negligence due to their decision to proceed through the fog that morning.

Treasure hunters flocked to Baker Beach and Lands End after rumors spread that the ships cargo included gold and silver. This proved untrue, as only wreckage, tin and human remains washed ashore. The San Francisco Call blamed the lookout officers at Fort Point for ignoring distress whistles that they claim were never heard. The paper published days of full spread features on the tragedy it described as the horror of last Friday that thrilled the entire world.

The San Francisco Examiner told thrilling tales of rescue with hairbreadth escapes and published photos of the dead washed up on the wharf.

San Francisco Examiner

Soon after the disaster, Congress approved funding to build a lighthouse on Mile Rocks.

Building a three-story structure on one of the most treacherous and smallest rocks on the coast was no easy feat, but five years later, construction on the three-stage cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern was complete.

Built of concrete and steel, planned to utilize every inch of tooth and rock that projects from the bottom of the bay and to offer an impregnable front to the storms  it rises story by story to a height of nearly 100 feet above the water, the Call wrote.

Operation of the lighthouse was a four-man, full-time undertaking. A crew of four wickies lived there together for three weeks straight before returning to shore. Though only yards from San Francisco, the operation was so cut off the government classified it as an isolated station, a designation usually saved for far-flung outposts. Quarters were so close that the lighthouse was a designated stag station, meaning women were not allowed to climb the ladder.

The wickies spent their days and nights maintaining the 50,000-candlepower light and foghorn, which was activated whenever visibility dropped under 5 miles. The waves and currents were so dangerous that mail and groceries could only be supplied via hoists from the weekly Navy vessel that visited from Fort Point. A 30-foot ladder connected to a plank provided the means of entry when the wickies changed over. The crew cooked one hot meal a day and whoever took the last cup from the 4-gallon perpetual coffee urn had to make the next batch.

The benefit of the job was that after 22 days on the rock, the guardsmen would be allowed 8 days ashore in San Francisco, longer than any other post in the bay, but the work was gruelling.

Its a constant cycle of scraping, red leading, painting and scraping again, one of Mile Rocks last guardsmen told the Examiner in 1963. If you think about it too much and look too long at the city, you can get awfully lonely.

Sometimes the lights on the shore look a little distant, but you get used to it, said another officer, Robert Schoener. Every now and then the waves will get to shaking the tower and you wonder if youll still be here in the morning. But you always are.

Keystone/Getty Images

The lighthouse was both dangerous and expensive, and inevitably in 1966, after 60 years of successful service that saw no further wrecks around the rocks, the station was automated via a submarine cable to Baker Beach. The top two stories and lantern room were removed and replaced with a helipad for the Coast Guard to access and perform maintenance, as they still do today. The loss of the historic lighthouse wasnt welcomed by all, but engineers sold the new station as an unusual but aesthetically satisfying structure.

As for the SS City of Rio de Janeiro, despite countless explorers and divers claiming to have found the wreck, it took 113 years to find the remains of the vessel. In 2014, marine scientists found and identified San Franciscos most famous shipwreck using a sonar-equipped remote submersible. The broken hull, covered in sediment, was found half a mile from the coast below Mile Rocks, at a depth of 287 feet, the sunken remains of eight minutes of disaster over a century ago.

Looking out today, the rusted white structure does fit well on the choppy horizon. Occasionally, Coast Guard helicopters still land on the spot, but most of the time seagulls call the 50-foot-diameter platform home, standing in the ocean spray where tragedy once struck.

The small beach with the best view of the structure can be found down some sandy steps from Lands End Trail. In the 1950s, one guardsman recalled that during lonely evenings in the lighthouse he would flash his light toward that same cove, where his wife, walking her dog, would signal back to say good night.
This is the most fabulous piece of real estate Ive seen in Western New York, says Kathleen Jones, the listing agent for a midcentury modern home in Hamburg, NY.

This midcentury marvel's fabulousness is rooted in the fact that's it been in the same family since it was built in 1953. And because it hasn't passed through a number of owners, the home is packed with "Mad Men"-worthy interiors that vintage-loving buyers spend years trying to replicate.

A savvy buyer can snap up this time capsule with the period decor already in place. Avocado-green and harvest-gold carpet, check. Box-molded, wood-paneled walls, check. Theres even that classic staple of all midcentury modern homes: a brick fireplace set on an angle in the living room. And check out the gold-chain pendant lighting in one bathroom, even snazzier when juxtaposed against the fern-motif gold wallpaper. Two of the other bathrooms are completely wrapped in baby-blue and petal-pink tile.

On the market for $695,000, this is the fifth-most pricey home for sale in this town of around 60,000 people15 miles south of Buffalowhere the median list price is $244,950. It was built in the early 1950s by Nelson Keem Sr. (of Lexington Homes) for himself and his wife, Marie. Their only son, Nelson Keem Jr., is now letting it go, because he lives out of state.

Nelson updated some of the lighting, but everything else is original, says Jones. When you walk into that house, you feel such strength and sturdiness. It could withstand a hurricane.

Among the materials used to construct the 3,479-square-foot homes interior were concrete and steel, brass railings for the staircase, as well as marble imported from Italy for the kitchen flooring.

Three-inch-thick cherry kitchen cabinets were culled from trees harvested on the property. Baseboard heaters were imported from Germany. The home spans four levels and offers a total of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and three fireplaces. One of those bedrooms is currently used as a den.

The design is heavily influenced by the residences of Frank Lloyd Wright, and built-in storage is abundant, crafted from bleached mahogany.

The home also has flagstone flooring, cypress in the lower level (a Wright wood of choice), and walls of windows allow you to feel like youre taken to another place, says Jones.

Just inside sliding-glass doors on the back of the house is a bar, perfect for entertaining.

Exterior Realtor.com

Staircase Realtor.com

Fireplace in living room Realtor.com

Kitchen and dining area Realtor.com

Bathroom realtor.com

Another bathroom realtor.com

One of the bathrooms realtor.com

Den realtor.com

Garage realtor.com

Private lake realtor.com

Prepping the home for sale meant hosting a three-day estate sale to find lucky buyers for Maries jewelry, matching purses, hats, furs, shoes, and gowns. The Cadillac in the listing photos belonged to the Keems, and their son now owns it.

They became very prominent people in the community, says Jones of the Keems, who hosted numerous parties.

Nelson died in 1998 and Marie in 2019.

The home and surrounding acreage is extremely private, thanks to its 3.34-acre perch. Apple and magnolia trees flourish on the property, which also features a 1.6-acre private lake with a dock.

Based on interest thus far, Jones is sure the next occupant will be as much in love with the homes design as the Keems were.

Weve got architects, realtors, and attorneys interested in the property, she says.

It may be a younger buyer, given the upkeep of the land necessary and the homes many stairs.

Youre going to have to love midcentury modern and want some peace and quiet, she says.

The post Who Will Unlock This Midcentury Modern Time Capsule in Western NY? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
With California starved for water amid dire drought conditions, there's a lot of hope that the upcoming winter will deliver plentiful rain and snow.

But exactly how much precipitation is needed to pull the state out of a drought?

The California Department of Water Resources, the state agency that manages drought response, has answered that question with a mathematical computer model from the U.S. Geological Survey.

"We are going into [winter] with depleted storage in many reservoirs and very dry antecedent conditions," said Jeanine Jones, who is leading the state's drought effort as the interstate resources manager for the California Department of Water Resources. "One interesting factoid is that using something called the USGS Basin Characterization Model, were anticipating it would take 140% of average precipitation to get to average state runoff."

Runoff is the water that runs across the landscape and doesn't evaporate or seep into the ground. It's the water from snowfall and rainfall that flows into streams, rivers, reservoirs and the ocean.

Jones explained that the runoff would need to be especially high this year to replenish streams and reservoirs after two consecutive dry winters. A dry, parched landscape absorbs more water than a moist one as rainfall and snowmelt run down mountains into reservoirs and rivers.

"We know that when you have a single dry year  let alone a prolonged period of dryness as we have experienced over the last decade plus  your runoff efficiency decreases," Jones said. "Runoff efficiency is the ratio of runoff to precipitation. So if the climate system is dry, you're essentially paying a tax to the system. You get less bang for your buck. Wed have to get a very wet year and those dont happen all that often."

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

California has historically experienced long dry periods, but research suggests the droughts are becoming more common while rain is more sporadic and intense.

It's impossible to predict with accuracy what will unfold across California in the upcoming winter, but the preliminary forecast from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center for November to January favors warmer than normal weather for the entire state and "likely below" normal precipitation for the south, "leaning below" normal for the central region that includes the Bay Area and equal chances of normal and below normal for the far north.

California meteorologist Jan Null, who worked for the National Weather Service for more than 20 years and now has a private consulting business, said he wouldn't bet money on the forecast, especially amid a changing climate in which we can no longer depend on weather patterns unfolding as they did in the past.

Case in point: A weak La Nina, a lowering of sea-surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, is expected to persist through winter. While meteorologists in the past associated the atmospheric conditions with a drier than normal winter in Southern and Central California, Null said more recent trends suggests this happens only sometimes.

Weak La Nina conditions were present in the 2016-2017 winter in which California saw well above average precipitation regionwide, while during a weak La Nina in 2017-2018, there was below normal rain and snowfall.

Null noted that La Nina isn't the only factor that impacts winter weather. Several other oscillations are at play, including the Pacific Decadal, Arctic and North American oscillations.

"We have this whole alphabet soup of other things going on in the ocean and atmosphere," he said. "Sometimes they line up to make a La Nina stronger in terms of precipitation in California and sometimes they make it less. It's one of the stronger events going on and it's influenced by everything else  and then it's influenced by the warmer atmosphere and warmer ocean  and then all those telecommunications we used to have no longer make sense."
NanoDragon satellite to be launched into orbit tomorrow in Japan.



VNSC was established on September 16, 2011 as a result of Decision No.1611/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister to focus on space technology and its related applications in Vietnam. Its Director General Dr. Pham Anh Tuan informed that VNSCs vision is to become the national space center.

For the last 10 years, VNSC has formed 4 main pillars of space technology, space applications, space knowledge training, and space knowledge dissemination. Its priority is the creation of domestic satellites.

On October 19, 2013 a cubesat one-kilo made-in-Vietnam satellite named PicoDragon by its developer VNSC was successfully launched into orbit and communicated with its earth-based station. This is one historic milestone of satellite technology development in Vietnam.

Following that achievement, VNSC commenced a new project for another cubesat satellite called MicroDragon with the weight of 50kg in Japan. 36 engineers of VNSC were sent to Japan to pursue a master degree in space technology while participating in designing and making MicroDragon under the supervision of Japanese professors. The satellite was successfully launched on January 18, 2019 at the launch pad of Uchinoura Space Center.

VNSC has built Vietnam Data Cube system, storing nearly 100,000 satellite images about Vietnam taken legally from international partners like the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In the upcoming time, this system will be used to mainly monitor rice fields and forests in Vietnam, along with other useful applications to outlook floods and landslides

Since 2017, VNSC has developed a Nano-layer satellite named NanoDragon, weighing 4kg. Its design, integration and functional tests were conducted entirely in Vietnam by VNSC researchers. Its has two main missions of Automatic Identification System (AIS) for sea vessels tracking and monitoring; optical sensor for taking pictures to verify the performance of the satellite attitude control system on orbit.

In the middle of this August, NanoDragon was transported to Japan for the final examination stage before its launch date on October 1, 2021 at the launch pad of Uchinoura Space Center.

At present, VNSC is carrying out a project to create satellite system LOTUSat-1, equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) by NEC Corporation from Japan. The satellite with a weight of around 570kg will send high resolution images of the earth to its ground system for timely and precise information to be used in measures against natural disasters and climate change as well as natural resources management, environment monitoring. The satellite is planned to launch at the end of 2023.

For a sustainable development, VNSC has invested in infrastructure upgrades to serve research missions and satellite piloting of up to 180kg.

Meanwhile, VSC also focuses on the applications of space technologies like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) in various fields of agriculture (smart agricultural monitoring systems, rice field monitoring), forestry (deforestation status), urban planning and management (urban fluctuation evaluation), coastal area management (coastal erosion monitoring), contingency (oil spill).

Recently, besides cooperation with JAXA, VNSC has accepted the invitation by NASA to join in the Artemis project to send scientific equipment and human beings to the Moon in 2024.

By Tran Luu  Translated by Huong Vuong
Page Content

On Aug. 26, the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board adopted revised amendments to the Final Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19 (the Final Permanent Standard).

Gov. Ralph Northam then proposed an additional amendment, which the Board adopted as well. As a result, the Final Permanent Standard, as amended, became effective Sept. 8. This third version of Virginia's emergency COVID-19 regulation includes some notable changes.

Exposure Risk Levels Removed

Virginia has removed the exposure risk level determinations of very high, high, medium and lower from the Final Permanent Standard. In place of exposure risk level, Virginia has enacted specific requirements applicable to all employers along with more stringent requirements for health care or health care support services and "higher-risk workplaces."

The addition of health care and health care support services to the standard is intended to impose more stringent requirements on these employers in the event the federal COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard is stayed, invalidated or otherwise revoked or repealed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The requirements are largely identical to those that were in place for employers with very high or high exposure risk levels, as defined in the earlier version of the Final Permanent Standard.

Higher-Risk Workplaces

The Final Permanent Standard requires employers with high-risk workplaces to help slow the transmission of, and protect workers from, COVID-19. The Final Permanent Standard defines higher-risk workplaces to include those employers with employees who are not fully vaccinated, employees whose workplace is in a location with substantial or high community transmission (regardless of vaccination status) and otherwise at-risk employees in workplaces where there is heightened risk due to factors such as where employees who are not fully vaccinated or are otherwise at-risk:

Are working close to one another.

Often have prolonged closeness to coworkers or potential frequent contact with members of the public.

Work in enclosed indoor spaces with inadequate ventilation where other coworkers or members of the public are present.

May be exposed to the virus through respiratory droplets or aerosols in the air.

Engage in a common practice of sharing employer-provided transportation and communal housing or living quarters.

Some examples of higher-risk workplaces include, but are not limited to, manufacturing, meat and poultry processing, high-volume retail and grocery, transit, seafood processing, correctional facilities, jails, detention centers, and juvenile detention centers.

Verifying Employee Vaccination Status

Although the Final Permanent Standard does not require employees to be vaccinated, it imposes additional requirements for employees who have not been fully vaccinated. As such, an employer should determine whether its workforce has been fully vaccinated.

When verifying an employee's vaccination status, the Final Permanent Standard permits an employer to rely on an employee's representation of being fully vaccinated, without providing proof of vaccination. That said, an employer is not precluded from requiring proof of vaccination.

Face Coverings

Subject to certain exceptions, employers must provide and require unvaccinated employees, fully vaccinated employees in areas of substantial or high community transmission, and otherwise at-risk employees (because of a prior transplant or other medical condition) to wear face coverings or surgical masks while indoors, unless their work task requires a respirator or other PPE. In addition, when employees must share a work vehicle or other transportation, unvaccinated employees must be provided with, and wear, a face covering or respiratory protection, such as an N95 filtering face piece respirator, and fully vaccinated employees in areas of substantial or high community transmission must be provided with, and wear, a face covering.



Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan. Previously, the Final Permanent Standard only required employers with a very high or high exposure risk level, or that had 11 or more employees with a medium exposure risk level to have an infectious disease preparedness and response plan. With these amendments, any health care or health care support employer as well as any employers with higher-risk workplaces with 11 or more employees must have an infectious disease preparedness and response plan. When counting the employees, the employer may exclude fully vaccinated employees.

Training

Previously, Virginia employers were only required to provide additional training to employees in very high, high or medium exposure settings. The Final Permanent Standard now requires training on the hazards and characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease for employees working in health care and health care support settings, and higher-risk workplaces.

Fully vaccinated employees need only be provided with written information on certain specific topics, while unvaccinated employees are subject to enhanced training and topics.

Reporting

The Final Permanent Standard has been revised to align the reporting requirements to Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) to match the reporting requirements to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Under the amendments, employers must report to both DOLI and VDH when it has two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 among its own employees present at the place of employment within a 14-day period, within 24 hours of the discovery.

What Is Next?

The majority of the amendments are effective as of Sept. 8, although the requirements for an infectious disease preparedness and response plan become operative on Oct. 8 and the training requirements are not effective until Nov. 7. Regardless, employers should take steps immediately to comply with these requirements.

Employers should keep in mind that federal OSHA will be issuing its own emergency regulations requiring employers with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccinations or implement a weekly testing program for COVID-19. It is not yet clear how the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health will incorporate those pending regulations into its Final Permanent Standard, and it is likely that further amendments are on the horizon.

Lauren M. Bridenbaugh, Bradford T. Hammock, Sarah Martin and Chuck Trowbridge are attorneys with Littler Mendelson in Tysons Corner, Va.  2021 Littler Mendelson. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission.
What is surprising is the high profile of the delegation. It included the deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Security Council, Taalatbek Masadykov, and the head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Kyrgyz presidential administration, Jeenbek Kulubaev.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid tweeted about the unexpected visit on September 23, saying that Muttaqi sahib had "welcomed them and thanked them for their help" . He also posted some photos of the meeting.

Moreover, this has been the most well represented delegation from Central Asia, to visit Kabul for meetings with the acting Taliban government. Even outside the region, the only other stand-out visits to Kabul till now had been that of Qatar's foreign minister and deputy prime minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdur Rahman Al-Thani. Before that, the visit of Pakistan's ISI chief Faiz Hameed, had also turned heads.

While Afghanistan has a tiny minority of ethnic Kyrgyz - concentrated in the Wakhan corridor - it does not share a common border with Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are the three Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan. Even Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which have engaged with the Taliban, especially regarding border controls, even sending humanitarian aid after the militant group took over Kabul, have not yet sent such a senior delegation so far.

Tajikistan becomes first frontline state to fight Taliban 2.0 in Afghanistan

What explains Turkmenistan's embrace of the Taliban?

This comes amid uncertainty in the Central Asian nation on how to deal with the changed geo-political circumstances in its periphery. Taliban remains an organisation that is banned in Kyrgyzstan as it is in Russia and Tajikistan. Moreover, some days prior to the visit from Bishkek to Kabul, Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov, during the summit of the Moscow led Collective Security Treaties Organization (CSTO), of which Kyrgyzstan is a member, had voiced his concerns over the ascendancy of the Taliban. REFL reported that he expressed concern that the creation of a theocratic state in the Central Asian region was bound to negatively impact the member-states of the CSTO.

Kyrgyzstan has seen its share of political turmoil and social unrest. It is the only state in Central Asia to see a number of attempts at a colour revolution, including one just last year. It is one of the poorest states in the region, and one that is most closely allied to the US. For a while, the country had also hosted US troops at its MANAS airbase.

Kyrgyzstan also hosts a number of Afghan refugees, and in the aftermath of the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, it had announced 500 students visas for Afghan students as humanitarian aid.

As part of its measures to prepare for a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan had shored up its border defences, by participating in multilateral military drills within the CSTO framework.

Inside Kyrgyzstan, the prevailing view is that the Taliban are a reality. Though unpleasant, they need to be engaged with, without allowing them to get close to Bishkek, even as the latter would follow a policy of non-interference in Afghan affairs.

Taliban, first and foremost, says a Bishkek-based commentator, does not simply herald a change of regime inside Afghanistan. It represents a profound geopolitical shift in the region.

The Kyrgyz have reasons to be wary of the Taliban. Taliban 1.0 had supported and encouraged the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which then spilled over from neighbouring Uzbekistan into Kyrgyzstan. While the latter has been contained so far, radical Islam continues to pose Bishkek, a lurking threat. Around 700 Kyrgyz citizens are believed to have flocked to Syria to join the Islamic State.

Consequently, just as neighbouring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan hopes that engagement with the Taliban, will contain other terrorist groups inside Afghanistan, and not allow them to use the country as a base to threaten neighbouring countries.

Aid diplomacy may, therefore, be a beginning of engagement with the Taliban. But if "appeasement" of the Taliban fails, Kyrgyzstan may need to urgently work on a plan-B, with a clear focus on the strengthened Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) as the way forward. Going to the roots of the rise of the Taliban, Bishkek and Tashkent also need to be wary of Pakistan, the epicentre of radicalism in the AfPak, from where another wave of terror is now likely to spread engulfing Central Asia.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

--indianarrative
"In a highly unpredictable year, these signings are a testament to Marriott International's resilience and agility in driving strong growth within a hospitality landscape that continues to evolve," commented Rajeev Menon -- President Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. "It is a sign of confidence from our owners and franchisees who have been an integral part of our growth journey. We are grateful for their continued support and trust in the power of our brands as we continue to welcome back travellers."

"These signings reinforce our commitment to South Asia as a high potential region where we continue to grow and engage with an expanding customer base by introducing more of Marriott's brands and unique experiences in exciting destinations," emphasized Kiran Andicot -- Regional Vice President Development, South Asia, Marriott International. "We look forward to the opening of these new hotels in the future and to exploring future development opportunities throughout the region."

Owner Desire for Luxury Brands

More than a third of the newly signed projects in South Asia in the last 18 months include hotels and resorts in the luxury tier, comprised of brands such as JW Marriott and W Hotels. This reflects travellers' growing demand for bespoke and superb amenities and services. Travellers can anticipate the debut of the W Hotels brand in Jaipur with W Jaipur in 2024. Once opened, the hotel expects to disrupt the norms of traditional luxury with its iconic service, infectious energy, and innovative experiences. Rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole -- present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit. Expecting to debut across several distinctive locations within South Asia over the next five years, travellers can look forward to JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa located at one of India's most prominent wildlife sanctuaries, The Ranthambore National Park; JW Marriott Chennai ECR Resort & Spa on India's beautiful southern coastline; JW Marriott Agra Resort & Spa in the land of the Taj Mahal; and the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Goa and Shimla -- two of India's most famous resort destinations -- with JW Marriott Goa and JW Marriott Shimla Resort & Spa.

JW Marriott Hotel Bhutan, Thimphu, is expected to mark the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Bhutan, is anticipated to open in 2025 and offer curated experiences that celebrate the peaceful spirit of the land.

Maldives anticipates its second JW Marriott hotel in 2025, when the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Embhoodhoo Finolhu -- South Male Atoll featuring 80 pool villas is expected to open. The signing follows the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, strengthening Marriott's footprint on the famed leisure destination.

(IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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Jeff Bezos Blue Origin fosters a dangerous work environment, where sexist conduct is perpetrated or ignored by senior leadership, according to a letter written by a former employee, citing an additional 20 anonymous current and former employees.

In an essay released on Thursday, Alexandra Abrams, the former head of Blue Origin employee communications, wrote that the spaceflight companys culture sits on a foundation that ignores the plight of our planet, turns a blind eye to sexism, is not sufficiently attuned to safety concerns, and silences those who seek to correct wrongs. The essay was posted to the whistleblowing site Lioness, which publishes stories of workplace misconduct and places them with media outlets.

The allegations come in a pivotal moment for Blue Origin, as the company attempts to compete in the increasingly crowded race to privatise space travel. Credit:Getty Images

Abrams writes that she represents a group of 21 former and current staffers, employed throughout the company, who participated in drafting the post under condition of anonymity.

I personally experienced quite a bit of trauma at Blue Origin, Abrams said in an interview with The Washington Post. I was not the first and I was not the last.
Australias major supermarket chains have called on the Victorian government to bring the states contact tracing programs in line with NSW as closures loom for multiple stores across the state because of skyrocketing case numbers.

Supermarkets across Victoria are frequently listed as exposure sites after being visited by someone with COVID-19. Under current protocols, workers at tier-1 sites are required to self-isolate for 14 days, putting a huge strain on the supermarkets already stretched workforce.

This has led to numerous stores reducing their trading hours or even closing entirely until the supermarkets can staff them again, and the major chains have warned the rate of closures will get worse in coming weeks and food supply could be at risk if changes to the isolation protocols are not made.

Currently, 24 Woolworths supermarkets across the state are tier-1 exposure sites and the supermarket is at risk of closing five stores by this weekend due to staff shortages. It recently reopened a store in Coburg after it was forced to shut. Meanwhile, Coles has had to reduce trading hours at 15 stores, including Port Melbourne and Point Cook.
YouTubes sudden ban of anti-vaxxer content on its platform is unlikely to affect many local Australian channels that promote vaccine hesitancy, with the company saying the crackdown is only targeting misinformation regarding the efficacy and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

The company, owned by Google, announced on Wednesday morning that it had changed its policy on vaccine misinformation and would ban any accounts using the platform to promote false information that vaccines were dangerous or cause diseases.

YouTube is banning all content that spreads misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. Credit:Getty Images

Numerous prominent anti-vax accounts, including one ran by environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were deleted, with the company saying the move was an important step to address vaccine and health misinformation on our platform.

However, a number of YouTube channels that promote anti-vaccine sentiments and advocate against mandatory vaccinations, many of which supported last weeks protests in Melbourne, will not be impacted by the ban.
The highly public unravelling of China Evergrande Group is shaking markets worldwide, but analysts are confident the nations own currency will be spared.

The yuan is holding up despite a raft of headwinds in China. Credit:AP

The yuan has been the subject of almost no short recommendations. Even among bearish analysts, few suggest betting against it directly amid soaring trade surpluses, negative carry for short positions and potential intervention by the Peoples Bank in the case of Evergrandes collapse.

The Evergrande episode is likely a short-term sentiment hit for CNY FX rather than an instigator of durable currency weakness, wrote JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst Tiffany Wang last week.

That could seem counter intuitive. Evergrande has debts of more than $US300 billion ($418 billion), equivalent to over 2 per cent of Chinas gross domestic product, not to mention its potential impact on suppliers across local markets and industries. Yet while the offshore yuan lost 0.9 per cent in the four days before the companys first missed interest-payment deadline, it has since bounced back with one-month implied volatility also returning to early-September levels.
Margaret Thatcher was the Iron Lady, but former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has staked her own claim to mineral metaphors by posing in a pink ball gown at a lithium mine.

Julie Bishop Credit:John Shakespeare

The keen follower of fashion is normally more restrained in her Carla Zampatti-adjacent clothing choices but donned the extravagant gown by South Australian dressmaker Jaimie Sortino as her way of getting loud to launch Frocktober, an initiative of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Last year the camera-confident ambassador bravely posed on a pylon off Perths Cottesloe Beach for former Victorias Secret photographer Russell James, but this time it was off to the Mt Marion lithium mine in outback WA. Ive worked with Russell on a number of occasions, Bishop said.

Im always up for it, so when he asked me to climb a pile of lithium ore, I did it.
The NSW Education Department is looking to buy about 10,000 air purifiers to be used in the states classrooms to help mitigate COVID-19 transmission when students return to school.

According to a private tender document issued to suppliers late last week, the department is specifying it wants the supply of units that have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) certified medical-grade filters. The Department will be looking to engage multiple suppliers to deliver the required units, the document says.

NSW Education Department is looking to buy about 10,000 air purifiers to be used in the states classrooms to help mitigate COVID-19 transmission when students return to school. Credit:Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

There has been some uncertainty about whether NSW public schools would be fitted with air purifiers when students return; several parents have been asking their schools or the Education Minister, and some public schools have already bought their own filters. Many independent schools are also buying them ahead of students return to classrooms.

Earlier this month, one department deputy secretary told parents there was no one with any scientific or medical qualifications recommending the use of HEPA filters, but boss Georgina Harrisson last week revealed they may be part of the states plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian was warned as far back as 2014 that a plan to set up a $40 billion rail corporation to artificially inflate the state budget posed safety and operational risks for NSWs public transport system.

Despite the misgivings, Ms Berejiklian and other senior ministers, including now-Transport Minister Andrew Constance, pushed ahead and shifted billions of dollars worth of trains and other rail assets into a corporation that is now under serious scrutiny by the NSW Auditor-General.

Sensitive government documents reveal that Ms Berejiklian and Mr Constance were briefed at length seven years ago when senior Treasury bureaucrats began hatching plans for the Transport Asset Holding Entity.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance. Credit:Nick Moir

A confidential briefing document in 2014 shows Ms Berejiklian and Mr Constance were warned that creating the entity would most likely change the level of risk over public transport assets, particularly around safety, customer benefits and network planning and development, performance and delivery.
Having accused Scott Morrison of turning Australias back on Asia and retreating to the Anglosphere in forming AUKUS, former prime minister Paul Keating has launched another broadside at the governments collective efforts to mobilise democracies against a rising authoritarian China. This time the Quad security dialogue is in his sights. On the basis that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, his main argument in denigrating the grouping is scepticism of Indias commitment if the going gets tough. As he puts it, [t]he moment a loud shot was fired, the Indians would lock themselves in their peninsula  leav[ing] the United States and mugs like us carrying a military fight to the Chinese all by our righteous selves.

Joe Biden, Scott Morrison, Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga meet at the Quad summit at the White House. Credit:AP

India is the outlier within the Quad, whose other members are Japan, Australia and the United States. India is not an ally of the US, is a developing economy, and could be less able to absorb any Chinese economic punishment that could come its way. It has serious longstanding territorial disputes with China with both sides suffering casualties for the first time when they clashed last year along their shared border. China has also become adept at creating other problems for India through Beijings military and economic support for Pakistan and the constant threat that China might encourage Pakistan to challenge the disputed Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.

New Delhis preference for strategic autonomy also runs deep, and as such it is unlikely that India will become a formal ally of the United States or any other country. For this reason, Keating is correct to argue that, in the event of war, Canberra cannot assume New Delhi will come to its aid.

Even so, downplaying the Quad ignores fundamental changes in New Delhis mindset. Indian threat perceptions of China have increased substantially because of the border crisis, and what it demonstrates about Beijings inclination towards territorial expansion by force  on land or at sea. Indian strategists have long feared the extension of the Chinese navys power projection capabilities into the Indian Ocean and are wary of growing Chinese political influence over Indias neighbours Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Correctly, New Delhi perceives all these as deliberate Chinese moves to advance the latters presence and encircle India. It is this growing sense of threat that has drawn it closer to the Quad and created the willingness to join with others to push back against Chinese expansionism and coercion.
On the morning of July 31, Deputy Premier Steven Miles informed Queenslanders of six new COVID-19 cases, all linked to an Indooroopilly State High School student who had tested positive the previous day.

There was no choice but for 11 local government areas of the south-east to enter Queenslands strictest lockdown of the pandemic, Mr Miles said, for we have seen from the experience of other states that the only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, be fast and be strong.

Queensland CHO Jeannette Young is concerned at the current outbreak but says she has not recommended a lockdown. Credit:Matt Dennien

From 4pm that day, those in the 11 LGAs were forbidden to travel more than 10 kilometres from their home. Exercise was permissible, but only with one person from another household. Funerals and weddings were capped at 10 people.

Two months later, Queenslands leaders were again announcing six new cases of the Delta variant, this time in four distinct clusters and with dozens of exposure sites from the south-east to Townsville.
Melbourne Airport could be given powers to block housing in the citys growing northern and western suburbs to limit the number of people impacted by aircraft noise from its new runway.

The third runway, which was announced in 2018 and is now expected to run north-south, will result in thousands of homes having more planes taking off or coming in to land above them.

John and Susan Jennison look at a noise level monitor at their Keilor home. Credit:Justin McManus

A planning committee has been reviewing how to deal with the impact of the runway on surrounding suburbs, and is considering whether Australia Pacific Airports Melbourne should have control over density and development to safeguard its curfew-free status from complaints.

Keilor residents John and Susan Jennison dont want the company making decisions about their communities and said the noise was already horrendous.
In an effort to alleviate some bottlenecks, Ambulance Victoria has asked St John Ambulance volunteers and SES personnel to help in the northern region and other COVID-19 hotspots across the state. Taxis and other forms of transport will also be used for patients not in need of urgent treatment. In order to manage public expectations, triple-zero call takers will warn people if no ambulances are available. If we get a peak load of patients coming in, as theyre predicting might happen with COVID, were going to need every person available for that, Ambulance Union state secretary Danny Hill said. Thats literally how dire the situation is. State government figures confirm that Victorias health system is facing record demand. Emergency departments treated 479,719 patients in the previous quarter, an increase of 34 per cent over the same period last year. Paramedics responded to an extra 17,535 callouts during that time. Demand for an ambulance has soared by 26 per cent over the past year.

Healthcare sources told The Age that workers at Northern Health were under strain and the hospital was facing severe staff shortages. The emergency department has about 100 beds, which have mostly been full. Some COVID-19 patients have been transferred to other hospitals, according to a health source, who was not authorised to speak publicly. A Northern Health spokeswoman said on Thursday that its Epping hospital was caring for 66 COVID-19 patients and would open more capacity as demand increased in coming weeks. Victorian AMA president Roderick McRae. Credit:Joe Armao Australian Medical Association Victorian president Roderick McRae said the entire healthcare system was at war with the coronavirus.

The circumstances are such that we can have a thunderstorm asthma disaster and if that does occur its really going to break the system, Dr McRae said. The system is buckling under pressure and when the Health Minister says its going to be extremely challenging, the way that I interpret that is there are going to be unnecessary deaths and we need to get used to it. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federations Victorian secretary, Lisa Fitzpatrick, said health workers were not only weary because of lockdowns, but bone weary from last years outbreak, working in uncomfortable PPE and masks that caused facial wounds, covering for their colleagues helping the vaccination rollout and being told this is what they signed up for. Surge preparations are under way both for the reconfiguration of our healthcare system and our workforce, Ms Fitzpatrick said.

But theres no pretending this is going to look like business-as-usual healthcare. Victorians need to be prepared for that. There is only so much we can expect from our healthcare workers. We continue to advocate for any easing of restrictions to factor in what the state of our health system is at the time. Thunderstorm asthma is a rare event in Melbourne, triggered when moisture-charged winds whip up rye grass pollen before a storm, sweeping it into populated areas. There is a chance of it happening every year, but there is a good forecasting system to prepare people for it, said Ed Newbigin, the co-ordinator of Melbourne Pollen Count. Emergency physician Simon Judkins said he was deeply concerned about the impact a thunderstorm asthma event could have on patients and healthcare staff.

If you have an event like that on hospitals that are already incredibly stretched, its just an enormous stressor on the system, he said. Its going to be again about preparation and trying to create capacity when the system is already overcrowded. Thats going to be the real pinch point for when were already dealing with COVID. Dr Judkins, who is currently working in Echuca, warned that the soaring COVID cases in Melbourne could have flow-on effects for regional and rural areas too because the worst-case scenario is that even half a dozen patients presenting with COVID who need admission would overwhelm the resources of our small rural hospitals. Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Victorian faculty chair Mya Cubitt said any increase in demand could risk patient safety in an already-stretched hospital system. Weve all got to work to find solutions to the challenges weve got now, and prepare for the challenges that are to come, Dr Cubitt said.

Sydney has had similar capacity problems  in certain hotspots, ambulances and hospitals were last month so stretched that coronavirus patients needed to be triaged in makeshift units at Westmead and Blacktown hospitals. Loading Elective surgeries in NSW were suspended at private hospitals in August, with categories three and four operations such as knee replacements and cataract extractions cancelled to free up health staff and resources. However, the tension has since eased and the states private hospitals will be able to recommence day surgery from next Tuesday. A Victorian Health Department spokesman said Ambulance Victoria was making preparations to manage increased demand as the pandemic continued, which included preparing for the risk of thunderstorm asthma as the state entered grass pollen season. Wherever possible, prevention is better than cure and we want everyone with asthma or hay fever to be as prepared as they can for the grass pollen season, he said.
Passengers on board the Kalgoorlie Prospector faced a nervous wait on Thursday after learning a quarantine dodger from Victoria was on board their train.

Around 200 passengers were asked over the train speaker to put on masks if they had them and to remain in their seats.

Passenger Kobe Milligan, who was travelling to the Goldfields with friends to watch the Kalgoorlie Cup, told 9 News Perth he feared the train would be turned back around.

Everyone just thought, here we go, he said.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has confessed to underpaying more staff after a review of almost 2000 current and former workers found some had not been paid correctly for their skill level while others were not paid enough for loadings and allowances.

It follows a separate admission from the broadcaster last year that it had underpaid about 1900 staff $12 million, which came to light after casual staff complained they had not been paid correctly, along with a then-record $600,000 apology payment to the wages regulator.

The ABC has apologised for the underpayments. Credit:Christopher Pearce

In a statement on Thursday, the ABC apologised for the error and said it would not happen again but did not disclose how many staff members had been underpaid or the total size of the wage issue.

The ABC will start paying what is owed after a period of consultation with affected individuals, the statement reads. We are sorry to all those impacted by this error, which falls short of the standards expected of the ABC.
Police are investigating the suspected letterbox theft of about 50 local government election voter packs after they were seized from two people detained in a citizens arrest by Byford residents on Wednesday.

A police spokeswoman said officers were notified of suspicious activity near Truman Promenade, Byford, about 12.45pm on Wednesday.

Ballot theft can carry hefty penalties. Credit:

Police arrived to find Byford residents had detained two people suspected of stealing mail from letterboxes on Hinsey Lane.

A 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man were taken into custody and police found two bags containing between 45 and 50 Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale election ballot papers, which were believed to have been taken from the surrounding area.
New York City: There are times when words feel inadequate  when ones dread, shame, exhaustion or discomfort seems too immense to be captured in written language.

Thats where the melting-face emoji comes in.

The face, fixed with a half-smile even as it dissolves into a puddle, is one of 37 new emojis approved this year by the Unicode Consortium, the organisation that maintains the standards for digital text. Other emojis that made the cut include saluting face, dotted-line face and a disco ball.

Melting face is one of 37 new emojis that have been approved to be rolled out later this year. Credit:Google

These new emojis will roll out over the course of the next year. But already the melting face has found fans on social media, who see it as a clear representation of the coronavirus pandemics vast psychological toll.
Wellington: New Zealand has passed a law that makes plotting a terrorist attack a crime, fixing a legal loophole that was exposed earlier this month by a violent knife attack.

The new law had been months in the planning but was hurried through Parliament on Thursday after an extremist inspired by the Islamic State group grabbed a knife at an Auckland supermarket on September 3 and began stabbing shoppers. He wounded five while two others were injured in the chaos. All have been recovering.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed to push the laws through by the end of the month. Credit:Getty Images

Police officers shot and killed the extremist, Ahamed Aathil Samsudeen, after they said they confronted him in the supermarket and he charged at them with the knife. Authorities had been following him for 53 days straight, worried he planned to launch an attack at any moment after he was released from prison in July. However, police had found no legal reason to detain him.

A year earlier, prosecutors had unsuccessfully tried to charge Samsudeen with terrorism after he bought a large hunting knife and was found with violent Islamic State videos.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Employer Council St Maarten, the platform of ILO recognized St Maarten employer associations (SHTA, IMA, SMMTA, and SMTA), objects to both the proposal and process of the changes the Minister of Health, Social Development and Labor wants to apply to the ZV/OV regulations.

In a letter dated September 7th, the associations have addressed some of the points arising from the presentation of the draft ZV/OV regulations (letter attached). The effects of adjusting the ZV/OV regulation will have a profound effect on our labor market in particular and our economy in general and should not be made lightly.

With this, the Employer Council echoes the statement of concern by the St Maarten Insurance Association and the St. Maarten Insurance Brokers Association (SIBA) as stated in the press on September 29th, 2021.

Click here to read the letter sent to Minister of VSA Omar Ottley.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, September 27, 2021, Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson, accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Rene Violenus visited Minister of Justice and Security in the Netherlands Mr. Ferdinand Grapperhaus.

In closing of her meetings with her Dutch counterparts, Minister Richardson paid a visit to Minister Grapperhaus. There she reflected on the positive experience that she had during the work visit and the possibilities for further cooperation that the Minister saw, and which she felt needed to be explored. In addition to expanding cooperation beyond the Sint Maarten police force, further topics of discussions were the treaty concerning mutual legal assistance and extradition between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, Sint Maarten inmates housed in the Netherlands, a new Chief Public Prosecutor for Sint Maarten and the Judicial Four Party Consultation (JVO) scheduled for January 2022.

I recognize the positive effects that the assistance of the Dutch National Police has had on KPSM as an organization and appreciate the continuation of the relationship. It is with this model in mind and the willingness expressed to help improve our detention situation by prison officials of the facilities that I visited here, that I seek ways in which this can be put into practice stated Minister Richardson. As an example, Minister Richardson mentioned Sint Maarten prison guards receiving professional guidance from Dutch colleagues with many years of experience in the Dutch prison system. Minister Grapperhaus was pleased to learn that Minister Richardsons visit went well and indicated that he was open to discussing with his fellow Dutch Ministers what possibilities there may be.

In discussing the treaties with the United Arab Emirates for the Kingdom, Minister Grapperhaus emphasized the importance of the treaties and the benefits they will have for all the countries in the Kingdom. As such, he asked Minister Richardson to seriously consider having the application of the treaties extended to Sint Maarten. Minister Richardson informed Minister Grapperhaus that Sint Maarten supports all steps to further strengthen the judicial order and that upon her return to Sint Maarten she would discuss the treaties with her fellow colleagues and other stakeholders.

Due to Minister Richardsons very full program, safety measures and corona measures in the Dutch prisons, visiting times being tightly regulated and the fact that Sint Maarten inmates are not all concentrated at one location in the Netherlands, a visit to a Sint Maarten inmate in the Netherlands for Minister Richardson could not be arranged during the work visit. The costs associated with housing Sint Maarten inmates in the Netherlands were also discussed by Minister Richardson and Minister Grapperhaus and it was decided that this would be looked into.

The current Chief Public Prosecutor of Sint Maarten's tenure will end at the end of 2021. While in the Netherlands, Minister Richardson had the opportunity to have a virtual introductory meeting with the proposed candidate for new Chief Public Prosecutor for Sint Maarten and informed Minister Grapperhaus of her impressions of the candidate. Also, discussed was the advice being prepared by a JVO workgroup on the Function Book of the Attorney Generals office which was intended to be presented at the next Judicial Four party Consultation in January 2022, and the possibility of receiving the advice before the next consultation.

As a special gesture to emphasize the good relationship between Minister Grapperhaus and Minister Richardson, the special relationship between the two countries in the Kingdom, gifts were exchanged that were honorably received by both Ministers.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, September 27th, 2021, Minister Richardson was received by the Director of the National Forensic Institute (hereafter NFI), Mr. Marc Elsensohn, and the senior advisor and account manager for the Caribbean Ms. Judy van Overveld.

The National Forensic Institute is one of the worlds leading accredited forensic laboratories and one of its kind in the Netherlands. From its state-of-the-art premises and more than 30 areas of forensic disciplines, the NFI renders products and services to a wide range of national and international clients. One being, The Ministry of Justice Sint Maarten where the NFI contributes to investigations in collaboration with the Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Public Prosecutors Office.

During the visit Minister Richardson and her delegation received a short presentation on NFIs extensive operations whereby the processes and agreements between the NFI and the Ministry of Justice Sint Maarten were explained and described.

The presentation was followed by a tour of the front desk where the exhibits are received via a secured container, the DNA department, ballistics lab or shooting range, and lastly the data analysis department.

Minister Richardson and her delegation were privileged to witness a forensic serologist positively confirm traces on an exhibit that was used during a crime.

The pursuit to establish Sint Maartens own Justice learning and training institution remains a high priority item for Minister Richardson. The institute will be outfitted with a shooting range, gymnasium, classrooms, administrative offices, and a pre-forensic facility. Considering the successful working relationship maintained between the NFI and Sint Maarten, Minister Richardson aims to ensure that the institute and its pre-forensic unit specifically are in sync with the NFI. This then means that the intended facility must have levels of sophistication to optimize operations, specializing in the collection of data, protection, and transport of same to the NFI.

Ms. van Overveld spoke about the many years that the NFI has been in service to Sint Maarten and further applauded KPSM for the great work that they have carried out over the years. Ms. van Overveld further expressed that she appreciates the professionalism of the Police Force of Sint Maarten as they have continued to receive exhibits sent to the NFI from Sint Maarten in good quality.

As with all other visits, Minister Richardson inquired about opportunities for growth, development, and advancement for Sint Maarten. As such, at the NFI, Minister Richardson seized an opportunity to inquired if there any training courses were available. The NFI confirmed that they offer courses for advancement in the field and have in the past provided courses and training in the Dutch Caribbean. The opportunity is therefore available for courses to be scheduled for staff members to be a part of in the future and thus, Minister will see to it that coordination is arranged.
How to build smarter, more secure cities from the ground up

Today, we live in a technology-obsessed age. Whichever way you look, its hard to avoid the increasing number applications, products and solutions that continue to redefine the boundaries of what we previously thought possible. From autonomous vehicles and edge computing to 5G and the Internet of Things, all facets of our lives are continuing to evolve, thanks to an endless stream of differentiated innovations. In this article, well be focusing on the latter of these - the Internet of Things (IoT). Deployment of IoT technologies Smart homes, smart utilities, smart retail, smart farming, smart supply chains and many of the other smart versions of sectors that were already familiar with, are all called as such because of the implications of IoT. Indeed, it is a technology that has manifested itself in billions of devices, which today underpin the truly transformational levels of connectivity that we see across industries of all shapes and sizes. The statistics speak for themselves. According to Statista, over US$ 1 trillion is expected to be spent on IoT technology worldwide, in 2022. Be it added convenience, efficiency, productivity or intelligence, many benefits are poised to emerge from this spike in IoT-related activities. Yet to say this digital transition is going to be entirely positive would be naive. Threats faced by smart cities It is said that by 2040, 65 per cent of the worlds population will be living in cities Lets consider smart cities. It is said that by 2040, 65 per cent of the worlds population will be living in cities. To accommodate such an influx, without facing significant logistical issues, with limited space and infrastructure, policy makers have begun to recognise that these urban environments need to become not only larger, but smarter as well. As a result, the global smart cities market is on the rise. Statista states that, globally, technology spending on smart city initiatives is expected to double from US$ 81 billion in 2018 to US$ 189.5 billion in 2023. Threat of attackers with expanding IoT landscape The challenge here is that such a stark uptick will drastically expand the IoT landscape, presenting more opportunities than ever to threat actors. As connectivity and computing power is distributed more widely across large-scale outdoor networks, hackers will scale-up their own operations in tandem. According to a Nokia report from October 2020 (based on data aggregated from monitoring network traffic on more than 150 million devices globally), IoT devices now account for roughly 33 per cent of all infected devices, up from the 16 per cent estimated in 2019. Whats more concerning is how these figures are translating into real world events. 2021 alone has already witnessed an attack on a water plant in Oldsmart, Florida, which was designed to poison residents drinking water. Furthermore, Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest fuel pipelines in the US was also hacked, earlier this year, resulting in major shortages across the countrys East Coast. Security through IoT authentication From weak password protection, a lack of regular patch updates and insecure interfaces, to insufficient data protection, poor IoT devices management and an IoT skills gap, there are plenty of weaknesses existing within the IoT ecosystem, which continue to provide open goals for attackers. To defend against such lethal threats, security-by-design and open standards should be the guiding principles of IoT, working to prioritise security, interoperability and robust, internet-based protocols to mitigate risks. Device authentication and encryption A sound place to start is to make device authentication and encryption the central pillars of your IoT security architecture A sound place to start, in this regard, is to make device authentication and encryption the central pillars of your IoT security architecture. The goal is to be able to prove that each and every device joining a network is not malicious, with tell-tale signs being rogue code, for example. By ensuring each device is uniquely identifiable with digital certificates and therefore, properly authenticated when joining a network, you can ensure no tampered devices are able to infiltrate your overarching network. Using technologies, such as Hardware Secure Element Critically, passwords should be avoided altogether, these vulnerable to being stolen and cracked. And, while a similar vulnerability lies in the fact that all secure devices contain a private key, you can leverage technologies, such as Hardware Secure Element (a chip designed specifically to protect against unauthorised access, even if the attacker has physical access to the device), as an extra layer of defence. Digital certificates are not the only option available in protecting those IoT devices that, if tampered with, could become the cause of physical threats. Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) can also be used to prevent tampering. Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) Through Physical Unclonable Function (PUF), a form of IoT device fingerprint is developed from the unique make up of a piece of silicon, which can be used to create a unique cryptographic key. Unlike digital certificates, a secure infrastructure can be achieved through PUF, without the need for any additional hardware, as the key is not only stored securely, but it also becomes invisible to hackers, when the device is not running. The importance of encryption Use of AES encryption within radio chips, to scramble messages on the move, is the method adopted at Wi-SUN Alliance Now, lets turn attentions to encryption. The use of AES encryption within radio chips, to scramble messages on the move, is the method that we have adopted here at Wi-SUN Alliance. Its a means of maximising data security, but also reducing power consumption in the devices themselves. Beyond AES encryption, its also worth considering topography at the design stage. Indeed, mesh networks are advantageous for several reasons. They are more reliable, allowing data to be re-routed, should devices lose contact unexpectedly. Transmissions usually travel shorter distances, which improves power efficiency and performance, and frequency hopping functionality prevents attackers from jamming signals, which could deny the service altogether. Open standards and interoperability But where do open, interoperable standards fit in? As is defined by the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS), interoperability enables a computer programme to communicate and exchange information with other computer programmes, allowing all programmes to use that information. Open standards then allow any vendor of communications equipment or services to implement all standards necessary, to interoperate with other vendors. This is incredibly useful from a security perspective. It means that all specs are stress-tested and verified by many users, and that any vulnerabilities are quickly detected, and remediated, enhancing security and reliability. Need for open standards Equally, open standards can accelerate time-to-market, reduce costs and ensure products are usable, with a variety of manufacturers processors and radios, with a steam of publicly available protocol stacks, design information and reference implementations available that can help build and future-proof secure products. Indeed, large-scale corporate IoT networks alongside smart cities, smart utilities, and other key smart infrastructure will only continue to evolve, in the coming years. With the immense threats of attackers in mind, these systems must prioritise security-by-design, both now and in the future.
STOCKHOLM (AP)  Low-cost fashion brand Hennes & Mauritz AB said Thursday its in-store sales rose 14% to 55.6 million kronor ($6.3 million) in the third quarter, up from 50.9 million kronor a year ago, as store sales have started to recover after the pandemic with restrictions being eased in many markets. Online sales increased even more, up 22%.

The Stockholm-based retailing group said that at the beginning of the period June 1-Aug. 31 around 180 stores were temporarily closed and at the end of that term around 100 stores remained closed.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Applying to be one of the first workers at Walt Disney World, high school graduate George Kalogridis made a split-second decision that set the course for his life: he picked a room where prospective hotel workers were being hired.

Chuck Milam got a tip about a job opening from a transplanted Disney executive whose new house he was landscaping. Earliene Anderson jumped at the chance to take a job at the new Disney theme park in Florida, having fallen in love with the beauty of Disneyland in California during a trip two years earlier.

At the time, the three were among the 6,000 employees who opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World to the public for the first time on Oct. 1, 1971. Now, they are among two dozen from that first day still employed at the theme park resort as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on Friday.

Over those decades, Disney World added three more theme parks, two dozen additional hotels and grew to have a workforce of 77,000 employees as it helped Orlando become the most visited place in the U.S. before the pandemic.

What never changed was the original employees' devotion to the pixie dust, the dream machine created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers.

Disney has been my love, and it still is," Anderson said recently before starting her shift in merchandising at a Magic Kingdom hotel. I love Disney."

The employees who make up the 50-year club say the theme park resort has allowed them to grow their careers and try on new hats. Kalogridis worked his way up to be president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California. Milam went from a warehouse worker to a buyer of spare parts for rides and shows.

Forrest Bahruth joined the workforce at Disney World in January 1971 as a show director, responsible for staging and choreographing parades and shows. He was also given the opportunity to help open other Disney theme parks around the world over the past five decades.

There are people all over the world who get up to go work. Theyre unhappy about it. They dont really like their jobs, Bahruth said. As you can tell from us, theres an enthusiasm. We are privileged to be at a place where we love what we do."

There was no guarantee that Disney World was going to be a success 50 years ago. Walt Disney, the pioneering animator and entrepreneur whose name graces the Florida resort, had died in 1966, just a year after announcing plans for the East Coast Disneyland." The company had quietly acquired 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) of scrub land outside Orlando for around $5 million via secret land purchases using fake names and shell companies.

The job of shepherding the project to Opening Day fell to his brother, Roy Disney, who with other company officials convinced the Florida Legislature to create a quasi-governmental agency that would allow Disney to self-govern when it came to matters of infrastructure and planning. Roy died almost three months after Disney World opened.

Just weeks before opening, construction at the Magic Kingdom was controlled chaos, and it seemed impossible that it would all come together in time.

It was like an army of ants. Everything was under construction. Interiors were still being put in. Roofing was still being put on top," Bahruth said. There was painting, landscaping. Things were arriving by the moment. It was like trucks going everywhere."

Bahruth rehearsed performers through parade choreography down Main Street, which cut through the center of the Magic Kingdom and resembled a turn-of-the-century small town from Walt Disney's childhood. Even though he was a busser, Kalogridis was drafted into laying down sod outside the hotel he was working in, hours before Disney World's grand opening.

Two things have stuck in the memories of the longtime employees from that opening day. The first was the photo. It was an image of thousands of Disney World workers standing in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle with Mickey Mouse and other costumed characters holding hands in front. Two weeks later, it was featured on the cover of Life magazine.

They brought all the characters up, staged them first, and then they tried to keep all the different workers together based on the color of their costumes, Milam said. If you were from Fantasyland and in yellow, you would go over there.

The second was the parade. It featured a 1,076-member marching band conducted by Meredith Willson, the composer of the Broadway show, The Music Man." There were 4,000 Disney entertainers marching through the theme park, a mass choir and trumpeters from the United States Army Band. Hundreds of white doves were released into the air, and less environmentally friendly, so were thousands of multi-colored balloons.

It was the biggest thing I had ever seen," Bahruth said.

Only around 10,000 visitors showed up on that first day  which at today's much larger Walt Disney World would represent about 90 minutes' worth of visitors entering. It wouldn't be until Thanksgiving 1971, almost three months later, when Disney executives had an answer about whether their new resort would be a success; that's when cars trying to get into the Magic Kingdom stretched for miles down the interstate.

It was very clear after that first Thanksgiving, that the public definitely liked what we were doing," Kalogridis said. That first Thanksgiving, that was the moment."

___

The spelling of Meredith Willsons last name has been corrected.

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greeces prime minister says he is unapologetic about defending" Greeces borders in the face of uncontrolled migration attempts, but insists his country is doing so in a manner that respects human rights.

Greece has come under strong criticism from rights groups, migrants and some European officials over allegations that its coast guard carries out so-called pushbacks  the summary deportation of people arriving on Greek territory without allowing them to apply for asylum. Greek officials have repeatedly denied the allegations, despite considerable indications such practices occur.

The country has been one of the most popular routes for decades for smugglers to get people into the European Union, with the vast majority attempting the brief but often-dangerous sea crossing to Greek islands from the nearby Turkish coast.

But Kyriakos Mitsotakis conservative government has cracked down on migration, particularly after it saw a crush of people trying to cross its northeastern land border with Turkey in March 2020, after Turkey announced its borders into the European Union were open.

I am unapologetic about defending our borders. We should not forget that back ... in March 2020, Turkey instrumentalized the migration issue and actively encouraged and facilitated tens of thousands of people to try to cross into Greece, Mitsotakis said Thursday.

We said no. We defended our land border. We are defending our sea border, but were doing it with full respect to human rights, putting the protection of people at sea always as a first priority, he said, speaking at an Athens Democracy Forum conference in the Greek capital.

I can see no conflict between vigilantly defending our borders and, yes, intercepting boats at sea while at the same time behaving in a totally humanitarian manner and taking care of those people whose lives are at risk, he said.

Mitsotakis said he would be traveling to the eastern Aegean island of Samos on Friday, to inaugurate a new camp built there to house asylum-seekers. The previous camp, on the fringe of the islands main town of Vathy, was Greeces most overcrowded refugee camp, with thousands living in a shanty-town of tents and makeshift shacks built outside the perimeter. It was shut down earlier this month, with its residents moved to the new facility.

But some rights groups have described the new camp, where access is strictly controlled, as akin to a prison, with its high fences and more remote location in the hills of Samos.

Residents can still leave the camp during the day, and authorities have said they are providing buses to and from the main town several times a day. Access to the facility is through electronic key cards and fingerprints.

Mitsotakis noted the number of people arriving on Greek islands from Turkey has fallen by about 90% over the past two years, and said Greece had every interest in working with Turkey to contain illegal flows of migrants and to eradicate the smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable people.

The reduction in arrivals, he said, was an indication that were actually breaking down that, quote unquote, business model.

Turkey, however, can do more in this direction, he said, noting Greeces neighbor was not readmitting people who arrived on Greek islands from Turkey but whose asylum applications had been rejected, despite having agreed to do so in a deal with the EU. Nearly 2,000 people currently in Greek island camps could be returned to Turkey under this agreement, he said.

I think it would be a very good indication by Turkey that theyre actually looking to improve the level of cooperation between Europe ... and Turkey on the issue of migration, he said.

The Greek prime minister also decried what he called a lack of European solidarity on the issue of migration. The bloc has failed to agree on a joint migration and asylum policy because some countries simply consider this not to be their problem at all, ... placing all the burden on frontline states, Mitsotakis said.

This is unfair. This is not just a question of money. Of course, we receive money from Europe to build our facilities, but we should really see more solidarity.
GENEVA (AP)  The United States and Russia agreed Thursday to press ahead with arms control and related strategic security talks despite significant differences between the two sides.

In high-level discussions in Geneva, senior U.S. and Russian diplomats signed off on setting up two working groups to pursue potential accords related to nuclear weapons and other global threats: the Working Group on Principles and Objectives for Future Arms Control and the Working Group on Capabilities and Actions with Strategic Effects.

A senior U.S. official described the second meeting of the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue since President Joe Biden took office as having been intensive and substantive and detailed and dynamic but offered no specifics. A joint statement from the two sides said the talks were part of an integrated, deliberate, and robust process."

Beyond those platitudes, however, there were no tangible developments from Thursday's meeting other than an agreement to hold additional high-level discussions after the working groups meet. And, no dates were announced for the working group meetings.

The two sides were represented by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

They are split by a variety of issues ranging from the nuclear to the cyber realms with the Americans still fuming over what they say has been Russian interference in U.S. and European elections, computer hacking, Moscow's role in unrest in Ukraine and Georgia, and the poisoning of Russian dissidents.

The U.S. official said, though, that Thursday's talks focused on the larger picture, particularly arms control since the Trump administration withdrew from two treaties with Russia and had been prepared to allow a third  New START  to lapse before Biden took office and decided to extend it.

A key hurdle in the talks has been Russias demand that the U.S. stop resisting limits on its missile defenses, which the Russians view as a long-term threat and the Americans see as a deterrent to war. At the same time, the U.S. has since the Trump administration been demanding that China be included in any future arms control agreements. China has rejected the calls.

For their part, the Russians have long insisted there can be no strategic stability without limits on defensive as well as offensive weapons. Russia has left no doubt that it will insist that missile defense be part of a future arms control arrangement.

The Biden administration wants Moscow to agree to limit its so-called non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are not covered by New START. Some arms control experts think this presents the possibility of a tradeoff  negotiations covering missile defenses as well as non-strategic weapons.

___

Lee reported from Washington.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. military expects to begin receiving new Afghanistan evacuees in the United States next week, as thousands begin to wrap up a three-week pause in Europe and the Middle East to get measles shots.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of U.S. Northern Command, told reporters Thursday that there are about 14,000 Afghans overseas that are expected to come to the U.S. Right now, he said, there are about 53,000 scattered across eight U.S. military installations in America, which is nearing their total capacity of 64,000.

I would anticipate that the flights will start here in the very near future, said VanHerck. Next week we could see something because the 21-day vaccination process would be complete.

VanHerck said that there are 4,000 evacuees at the U.S. bases who have completed their medical and other screening processes and have been cleared to leave and resettle in the United States. As they begin to move to their new homes, that will free up room at the bases for those being flown in from overseas.

Were relying on the output to ensure that wed have enough capacity for the additional remaining Afghans coming this way, he said. An additional 2,400 Afghans already finished the screening process and have already moved on to their new homes.

Thousands of Afghans were airlifted out of Afghanistan in a chaotic evacuation effort in the wake of the U.S. military withdrawal and the swift takeover of the country by the Taliban.

But as Afghan refugees began arriving at bases around Europe and the Middle East, cases of measles were detected. Acting on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Customs and Border Protection paused all flights of Afghan refugees around Sept. 10. The evacuees have been held at the bases while they get vaccinated and wait for 21 days so the vaccine can take effect.

Overall, VanHerck said there have been 24 cases of measles, including 12 cases that are currently active. He said that as of Thursday, all of the Afghans have been vaccinated for measles, and the 21-day waiting period will start ending early next week for some, depending on when they got the vaccine.

Asked about assaults and other problems at the U.S. bases, VanHerck said that two Afghans have been indicted in connection with sexual assaults at Fort McCoy, Wisc. There have been other incidents, including minor skirmishes and assaults, as well as eight reported cases of robbery and theft.

Federal authorities are still investigating the assault on a female service member by three to four men at Fort Bliss, Texas. So far, no one has been arrested or charged in that incident, and officials are still trying to identify the men.

VanHerck also said that about 84 percent of the evacuees are at least partially vaccinated for COVID-19. He said this recent three-week pause in movement has given many enough time to get their second shot. And some have received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Police in Massachusetts say they are investigating a fight this week in Funland at the Big E that was caught on video and circulated online.

This years event began Sept. 17 and continues through Sunday. Many Connecticut residents flock to the event each year, with Sept. 22 of this year dubbed Connecticut Day.

Just a few days after Connecticut Day, a video began circulating on social media showing a fight at the Big E on Monday night.

Police in West Springfield, Mass., said Wednesday the department was aware of the video. Police said around 8:30 p.m. Monday, officers responded to Funland at the Big E for a reported fight in progress.

Footage of the fight appeared to show several people on the ground as others seemed to be trying to break up the altercation.

Police said officers got to the area as the fight was ending and the crowd was dispersing. A victim of the fight has been identified by detectives, police said.

It should be noted that all West Springfield Police Department resources are being utilized during the Big E, both inside the facility and outside on the Memorial Avenue corridor, police said. During certain events, outside agencies are also used to boost security.

Police said the department will keep using all resources available to provide a safe environment through the rest of the Big E festivities.
STAMFORD  Police believe a 20-year-old New York man shot and killed a city resident in December over an unpaid debt of $600, according to an arrest warrant.

And they praised the detectives and officers who traced what happened before and after the night Jeffery Vanech was shot to death for their work while explaining the intricacies of modern detection.

Ernest Rosario, 20, was arrested following a brief struggle with a patrol officer near the Stamford Train Station on Sept. 16.

He was charged with murder, carrying a firearm without a permit, possession of a high-capacity magazine, interfering with police, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and operating a drug factory.

He was held on a $2.5 million bond for the murder charge, and an additional $250,000 bond for the other charges. At his court date on Thursday, his case was continued with his next appearance set for Oct. 18. Rosario has no listed lawyer.

Stamford officer Nick Spinella writes in the arrest warrant that Rosario, who also allegedly goes by the names Bronx and Wheez, was a drug/gun dealer and a friend/associate of Vanech, a 49-year-old who was fatally shot on Dec. 7, 2020, in the citys South End.

Vanech would lend Rosario, who lives in the Bronx, his mothers vehicle, or would drive him to and from the city in return for money and/or drugs to fuel his habit, according to the warrant.

But the described arrangement between Rosario and Vanech allegedly soured in the months leading up to the 49-year-olds homicide, Spinella wrote.

The warrant states Vanech owed Rosario up to $600, and that Rosario was allegedly out to get him over that debt.

The night before he was killed, Vanech was allegedly attacked by four of Rosarios friends outside a South End bodega, according to the warrant. During the attack, Vanech lost his keys, phone and wallet, the warrant said.

(A) person in the South End told him (Vanech) that he had better chill out because on the previous night, they were looking to kill him. This person told him that someone had a gun and they were trying to lure him away from the bodega, Spinella writes in the warrant.

The incident was not reported to police at the time.

The next day Vanech went back to the area where he was attacked in search of his belongings, the warrant states. It was during that trip that Vanech was shot and killed, according to police.

Shortly after 5:20 p.m. Dec. 7, police responded to the corner of Henry and Cedar streets, where they found a man later identified as Vanech suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside of the drivers side of his car. Vanech was transported to the hospital where he died.

As part of their investigation, officers searched the residence of Freddie Hicks, a city man who lived nearby, police said.

During a search of Hicks residence, police recovered a black fanny pack containing a revolver, a social services card belonging to Vanech, a long gray cellphone charger and a small bag of crack cocaine.

The revolver recovered in the bag was later confirmed to be the weapon used in Vanechs killing, police said.

Hicks was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence, all felonies. He is still being held in lieu of $500,000 bond and is next expected in court on Oct. 4.

According to the warrant, hours before he was killed, Vanech told a family member that he was scared and wanted to move out of his mothers home because he felt he was being hunted by Rosario and Rosario knew where Vanech lived.

Cell phone data obtained via a search warrant later determined that Rosario was in close proximity to where Vanech was shot and killed at the time of the homicide, according to the warrant.

Based on the cellphone data and the relationship between Rosario and Vanech, detectives began looking at Rosario as a person of interest, police said.

What followed was a lengthy and complicated investigation, according to Capt. Richard Conklin, the commander of Stamfords Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

This was a really cutting-edge investigation by our investigators, Conklin said.

Investigators ultimately used cell phone data, social media data, homeland security information, forensic analysis and surveillance footage to build a case against Rosario, Conklin said.

Investigators tracked down Rosarios Facebook accounts, one which was deleted on Dec. 8  a day after Vanechs homicide  and a second that was started weeks later on Christmas, Conklin said.

Chats obtained through a search warrant show Rosario asking a friend for a favor less than 90 minutes before Vanech was fatally shot.

Then, starting about 90 minutes after Vanech was attacked, Rosarios Facebook account searched the name Jeff Vanech eight times  all before police publicly confirmed that Vanech had been shot and killed, according to the warrant. His search history also included two searches for the name Freddie Hicks in that time frame.

Based on cell tower data obtained via a search warrant, police determined that in the six months leading up to the homicide, Rosario spent an average of about 20 days per month in Stamford.

This long and established pattern of behavior, however, changed on Dec. 7, the day Vanech was killed, the warrant said.

Dec. 7 was the last known time Rosario was in Stamford, according to the phone data and confidential sources of the Stamford Narcotics and Organized Crime unit, the warrant said.

Investigators also noted that starting on Dec. 9, Rosario stopped using cellular service, or service provided through cell towers, and instead started using Wi-Fi to communicate, the warrant said.

A search warrant for Rosarios iPhone and all his iCloud information also showed that the 20-year-old sold his phone the day after Vanechs slaying.

Investigators believe that this was an overt effort by Rosario to prevent his phone, and any evidence therein, from being confiscated by law enforcement, the warrant said.

Surveillance footage from a Metro-North Railroad train shows Rosario two hours before the shooting as he heads to Connecticut from New York wearing all dark clothing, similar to the clothes eyewitnesses described the shooter as wearing, and carrying a fanny pack consistent with the bag they later found in Hicks residence.

In the footage, Rosario is also seen using a non-standard length phone charger similar to a cord that was also found in the fanny pack obtained from Hicks, the warrant said.

Information obtained via the Department of Homeland Security also shows that, two days after Vanechs death, Rosario purchased a plane ticket from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Rosarios altered pattern of life, changes in cell phone pattern of usage, effort to prevent evidence seizure and travel outside of the continental United States all point to Rosarios consciousness of guilt, Spinella writes in the warrant.

A forensic analysis of the murder weapon found DNA on its trigger that is at least 1.8 billion times more likely to have originated from Rosario and one unknown individual than if it originated from two unknown individuals, Spinella writes in the warrant.

Last week, Conklin praised the Major Crimes Units C Squad including Sgts. Jennifer Lynch, Will Garay and Chris Dicarlo and Officers Michael Longo, Charlie Williams, Luis Velez, Michael Spinosa, Leo Brace, Luis Vidal and Spinella for their contributions to Rosarios arrest.

The Department hopes that this arrest will assist the Vanech family in getting closure and a sense of justice for the tragedy they have endured, Conklin said.


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Published: 30 September 2021

Total energy consumption grew by 3 per cent in January to June

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, total energy consumption in January to June amounted to 675 petajoule (PJ), which was three per cent more than in the corresponding period last year. Electricity consumption amounted to 43.9 terawatt hours (TWh), which was five per cent more than one year earlier. Carbon dioxide emissions from the energy use of fuels increased by one per cent year-on-year.

Total energy consumption

*preliminary

The cold weather conditions in the first quarter had an effect on the growth in total energy consumption. Among energy sources, the growth was biggest for natural gas, the consumption of which rose by 23 per cent from the previous years January to June. The consumption of peat declined most, by 21 per cent. The consumption of coal grew by seven per cent, which evened out the steep decline that had taken place in the past three years. The consumption of wood fuels increased by eight per cent from the previous year, when the shutdown in the forest industry in the early part of the year decreased the demand for wood fuels.

Four per cent less electricity was produced with nuclear power than in the previous year. The production of nuclear power was covered by combined heat and power production and imports of electricity. The volumes of combined production and net imports of electricity grew by 12 and 21 per cent. Among renewable electricity production, production of hydro power grew by two per cent and production of wind power decreased by 11 per cent.

In January to June, diverse energy products were imported to Finland to the value of EUR 3.8 billion, which was 15 per cent more than one year earlier. Most energy products were imported from Russia, whose share of the value of imports was 54 per cent. Energy products were exported from Finland to the value of EUR 1.5 billion. The value of exports decreased by 15 per cent compared to January to June of the previous year. Most energy products were exported to OECD countries, which accounted for 63 per cent of the value of exports.

Total energy consumption by source (TJ) and CO2 emissions (Mt)

Energy source I-II/2021* Annual change-%* Percentage share of

total energy consumption* Oil (fossil) 131,188 -2 19 Coal 1) 42,609 7 6 Natural gas 2) 43,859 23 7 Nuclear energy 3) 119,642 -4 18 Net imports of electricity 4) 31,157 21 5 Hydro power 4) 30,444 2 5 Wind power 4) 13,044 -11 2 Peat 21,130 -21 3 Wood fuels 196,374 8 29 Others 5) 45,650 5 7 TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION 675,097 3 100 CO2 emissions from energy sector 8 1 .

* = Preliminary data. = Category not applicable1) Coal: includes hard coal, coke, blast furnace gas and coke oven gas.2) The consumption of natural gas does not include raw material use.3) Conversion of electricity generation into fuel units: Nuclear power: 10.91 TJ/GWh (33% total efficiency)4) Conversion of electricity generation into fuel units: Hydro power, wind power and net imports of electricity: 3.6 TJ/GWh (100%)5) Others: includes exothermic heat from industry, recovered fuels, heat pumps, hydrogen, biogas, other bioenergy and solar energy.

Source: Statistics Finland, Energy supply and consumption

Inquiries: Aleksi Sandberg 029 551 3326, energia@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (260.6 kB)

Updated 30.6.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Energy supply and consumption [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-7976. 2nd quarter 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 8.10.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/ehk/2021/02/ehk_2021_02_2021-09-30_tie_001_en.html
Published: 30 September 2021

Overnight stays below the level of 2019 in August 2021

Overnight stays by resident tourists exceeded the level of August 2019 preceding the corona crisis by 10 per cent. Overnight stays by non-resident tourists decreased by 66 per cent compared to August 2019. The total amount of overnight stays was 2.06 million, which was 15 per cent less than two years ago. These figures are preliminary data from Statistics Finlands statistics on accommodation establishments and they have been collected from accommodation establishments with at least 20 beds or caravan pitches with electricity connection.

Monthly overnight stays at accommodation establishments, 20192021

Overnight stays by business travellers still below the level of 2019

The recovery of tourism is illustrated by comparison with the year before the corona crisis started in 2020. For leisure trips, overnight stays by resident tourists increased by 18 per cent from August 2019. In turn, overnight stays by resident business travellers decreased by 9 per cent. Overnight stays by non-resident leisure travellers were 67 per cent less than two years ago and 64 per cent less by non-resident business travellers.

Changes in overnight stays (%) by month and trip purpose, 2021/2019

Examined by region, overnight stays decreased most compared to August 2019 in Uusimaa, by 42 per cent. Compared to August last year however, overnight stays increased in all regions with the exception of Satakunta, where overnight stays decreased by 1.6 per cent.

Change in overnight stays in August by region 2021/2020,%

Occupancy rates of hotel rooms high in several regions

Among the regions, the highest occupancy rates of hotel rooms were measured in Aland, 68.2 per cent, and in North Karelia, 65.7 per cent. In Helsinki, the hotel room occupancy rate was 43.1 per cent, 60.2 per cent in Tampere, 67.3 per cent in Turku, 65.4 per cent in Oulu and 38.1 per cent in Rovaniemi.

In August 2021, the realised average price of a hotel room was EUR 99.33 per day for the whole country. Twelve months earlier, it was EUR 95.93. There was a total of 55,034 hotel rooms available in Finland, which was 3,795 more than in August 2020.

Hotel room occupancy rate and the monthly average price

Overnight stays increased by 8.0 per cent in January to August 2021

In January to August 2021, a total of 11.21 million nights were spent in Finnish accommodation establishments. This was 8.0 per cent more than in the corresponding period one year earlier. In all, 10.4 million overnight stays were recorded for resident tourists and 0.81 million for non-resident tourists. The number of nights spent by resident tourists increased by 23.6 per cent and nights spent by non-resident tourists declined by 58.7 from the previous year.

Among the most important countries of inbound tourism to Finland, overnight stays by Swedes increased most in absolute numbers, by 11,700 nights. This was 15.0 per cent higher than in the year before. The biggest drop was seen in overnight stays by Russians, down by 230,100 nights. Their overnight stays were 92.9 per cent down on January to August 2020.

The biggest group of non-resident tourists were Germans with 133,000 overnight stays. The second largest group was Swedes with 90,000 overnight stays. The third largest group was Estonians with 87,000 overnight stays , and fourth were U.S. tourists with 43,000 overnight stays. The fifth largest group was Dutch tourists (31,000 nights), sixth was French (28,000 nights), seventh Italians (26,000 nights) and eight was Britons (25,000 nights).

Change in overnight stays in January-August 2021/2020, %

Source: Accommodation Statistics. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Sofia Pitkanen 029 551 3037, Ossi Nurmi 029 551 2984, liikenne.matkailu@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (388.8 kB)

Updated 30.09.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Accommodation statistics [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-6325. August 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 8.10.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/matk/2021/08/matk_2021_08_2021-09-30_tie_001_en.html
Published: 30 September 2021

Preliminary data: Turnover of construction enterprises grew in August

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the working day adjusted turnover of construction enterprises grew by 6.4 per cent in August 2021 compared with August 2020.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover of construction, % (TOL 2008)

Turnover increased compared with the previous month

According to the preliminary data, seasonally adjusted turnover in construction increased by 0.2 percent in August 2021 from July. In July, seasonally adjusted turnover increased by 0.2 per cent and in June turnover decreased by 0.4 per cent from one month ago.

Change in seasonally adjusted turnover of construction from the previous month, % (TOL 2008)

The calculation of indices of turnover of construction is based on the Tax Administrations data on self-assessed taxes, which are supplemented with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnover of construction enterprises can have even large variations due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the project had required the work of several months or years.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and are released at a delay of around four weeks. The data may become significantly revised particularly in coming months.

Source: Index of turnover of construction, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Lauri Pullinen 029 551 3043, Heli Suonio 029 551 2481, rakennus.suhdanne@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (235.3 kB)

Updated 30.9.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover of construction [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-5935. August 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 8.10.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/rlv/2021/08/rlv_2021_08_2021-09-30_tie_001_en.html
Published: 30 September 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions of Finns fell in 2019  emissions of impurities remained on level with the previous year

Greenhouse gas emissions produced by Finns fell in 2019. At the same time, emissions of impurities remained mainly on level with the previous year. Greenhouse gas emissions in Finland and abroad amounted to 57 million tonnes, five per cent less than in the previous year. The main reason behind the fall was the nearly 15 per cent reduction in emissions from energy production, as the consumption of coal and peat diminished from the year before. The most significant reduction in emissions of air impurities was seen in sulphur dioxide emissions, which decreased by nearly ten per cent.

Greenhouse gas emissions by industry in 2018 and 2019, million tonnes CO2 equivalent

The fall in greenhouse gas emissions was mostly due to reduced emissions from energy supply. Greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply decreased by 15 per cent from 2018 as production of condensate electricity went down. Energy supplys annual emission volumes vary considerably especially on account of electricity imports and production of fossil condensate energy, whose volumes are, in turn, dependent on the availability of hydro power on the Nordic electricity market. Emissions from manufacturing diminished by four per cent. The fall in emissions from manufacturing was particularly caused by the 10 per cent drop in emissions from the metal industry as steel production declined. Emissions from trade went down by five per cent from the previous year.

Emissions from households' heating and transport decreased. Emissions from heating of buildings fell by seven per cent because the weather was warmer than in the previous year and the need for energy was thus lower. By contrast, emissions from households transport decreased by eight per cent as a result of reduced consumption of petrol and increased share of alternative motive power.

Carbon dioxide emissions from biomass, which are not counted as greenhouse gas emissions, grew by nearly two per cent and amounted to 43 million tonnes. The growth was particularly due to increased use of biofuels in transport and increased use of wood fuels in manufacturing and energy production.

Emissions of impurities in 2009 to 2019, thousand tonnes

Nitrogen oxides are expressed as converted into nitrogen dioxide (NO2)Sulphur oxides are expressed as converted into sulphur dioxide (SO2)

At the same time, emissions into air not included in greenhouse gases remained mainly on level with the previous year. The most significant change in emissions occurred in sulphur dioxide emissions, which decreased by ten per cent in a year. This development was mainly affected by the 15 per cent reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions in energy supply as consumption of hard coal decreased. Emissions of carbon monoxide and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) also decreased by 1.5 per cent from the previous year. Carbon monoxide emissions are mostly generated from households' burning of wood and transport. Large amounts of NMVOC emissions are generated in agriculture and households burning of wood. Emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and ammonia remained on level with the previous year.

Emissions into air by industry groups 2019, tonnes

Greenhouse gases (CO2-foss, CH4, N2O, HFC, PFC, SF6) CO2-eq. Carbon dioxide emissions from biomass (CO2-bio) Particles, < 2,5 m (PM 2,5) Carbon monoxide (CO) Nitrogen oxides (as NO2) 1) Sulphur oxides (as SO2) 2) Agriculture, forestry and fishing 8 244 314 930 734 1 010 14 374 6 531 948 Mining and quarrying 431 162 450 771 1 664 1 564 53 Forest industry 2 799 541 21 134 877 1 292 24 408 18 565 3 392 Oil refining and manufacture of chemicals 3 870 581 160 751 253 1 441 3 152 5 489 Manufacture of basic metals and fabricated metal products 3 197 849 5 441 301 1 100 3 066 3 559 Other industries 1 637 903 149 604 480 3 648 2 882 1 132 Energy management 14 277 916 12 878 001 278 14 811 24 808 11 419 Water supply and waste management 2 242 387 308 346 2 129 649 76 Construction 1 542 892 104 884 453 6 221 6 607 23 Trade 475 750 56 790 39 170 249 32 Land transport 3 902 121 579 458 853 2 994 14 833 49 Water transport 2 801 366 5 389 613 5 490 42 186 1 923 Air transport 3 698 431 23 169 193 5 166 15 566 941 Other service activities and administration 1 987 580 429 742 693 30 503 5 947 557 Households 6 143 039 6 146 597 10 064 240 698 14 116 1 552 TOTAL 57 252 832 42 914 233 17 295 352 817 160 721 31 145

1) Nitrogen oxides are expressed as converted into nitrogen dioxide (NO2)2) Sulphur oxides are expressed as converted into sulphur dioxide (SO2)

The statistics on emissions into air by industry are calculated according to the EU Regulation on environmental accounts. The industrial classification and division used in the statistics differ from the sector division used in the reporting of the greenhouse gas emissions to the UNFCCC. The statistics do not take into consideration the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by forest or other vegetation either.

Differing from the greenhouse gas inventory and greenhouse gas reporting, the statistics on emissions into air by industry also contain emissions from land, water and air transport abroad caused by Finnish economic units. In turn, emissions by foreign citizens from transport on Finnish territory are subtracted from the emissions into air by industry. Due to definitional differences, the total volume of greenhouse gas emissions by industry is higher than in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported to the UNFCCC.

Source: Emissions into air by industry 2019, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Juuso Peltola 029 551 2330, Kai Skoglund 029 551 2675, ymparistotilinpito@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (185.8 kB)

Updated 30.9.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Emissions into air by industry [e-publication].

ISSN=2323-7600. 2019. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 8.10.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tilma/2019/tilma_2019_2021-09-30_tie_001_en.html
The co-chair of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, the leader of this party's deputies, stated, on Thursday, that he supports the option of an immediate installation of a national union government composed of specialists, and if consensus cannot be found, early elections represent the solution "to put the country on the right path."

"We desire a government led by specialists. We made the proposal since December, at the Cotroceni Palace. (...) This entire circus is pointless. It was pointless to wait to vote the censure motion for a month. We paid a Prime Minister's wage to Florin Citu for nothing for a month. This needs to happen now. The bills are coming now, measures must be taken now. We want a Government of specialists now, not after two successive falls. What is all this circus for?! AUR wants a national union government that would put the country on the right path. If it's not possible and consensus cannot be found, we will have early elections," said Simion, on Wednesday, in Parliament.

Simion said the AUR MPs were not in the plenum, on Thursday, for the reading of the censure motion, but will vote the motion next Tuesday "in full view", Agerpres informs.

"AUR will vote on Tuesday the censure motion and we ask those in the USR and in the PSD to vote with their tokens in full view [e.n. - censure motions use a secret vote with white and black tokens and urns] so that all Romanians are convinced they did not betray. Not only are we voting on Tuesday, but we will make a pre-censure motion to be voted on by all Romanians sick of Florin Citu. They're expected, on Saturday, at the University. I understand that Mr. [Lucian] Bode [e.n. - Interior Minister] is restless to publish new restrictions in the Official Journal quickly and forbid the participation in the protest. The Constitution guarantees our right to protest, so I ask Romanians not to believe any rumor coming from the Interior Ministry. The censure motion will be visible at the University, no matter how much Mr. Citu frets. We are not for sale and if Mr. Citu wants to talk to us, he can find us in University Square," Simion added.
The exhibition "Archaeological Treasures of Romania. Dacian and Roman Roots" is an exceptional tool for promoting Romanian culture and civilization in Spain, which eloquently highlights the strong ties between the two peoples which both emerged on the foundation of Roman civilization, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu said on Thursday in Madrid, as he inaugurated the said exhibition together with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, at Madrid's National Museum of Archeology, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced.

Also attending the event were Romanian Culture Minister Bogdan Gheorghiu, Spanish Culture Minister Miquel Iceta, presidential advisor Sergiu Nistor, and the directors of the National Museum of Romanian History and of the National Archeological Museum of Spain, respectively.

The exhibition organized through the close collaboration among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Culture Ministry, the National Museum of Romanian History, with the support of the National Defense Ministry and of the Spanish authorities, is a landmark in this year's public and cultural diplomacy, enjoying the High Patronage of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, and of King Felipe VI of Spain.

Bringing together 838 exceptional artifacts from 40 Romanian and 4 Spanish institutions, the exhibition follows the historical developments on the territory of current Romania over more than a thousand years (from the 8th century BC to the 7th century AD). It is open to visitors free of charge from October 1, 2021 to February 27, 2022, at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. Some of the most valuable archeological items on display are the Geto-Dacian golden Helmet of Cotofenesti, the bull's head rhyton from Poroina Mare, the Dacian gold bracelets and the statue of the serpent god Glykon.

"Being able to exhibit in this prestigious location in the center of Madrid an emblematic part of Romania's archaeological heritage required the coordination and joint efforts of Romanian and Spanish experts who worked exceptionally well together. I welcome this effort and the presence of Spanish and Romanian institutions that contributed to the successful organization of this remarkable exhibition," ForMin Aurescu said at the event.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, pays an official visit to the Kingdom of Spain on Thursday and Friday, in the context of celebrating 140 years of diplomatic relations.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), the program of the visit includes political consultations with the Spanish counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, and the launch, together with him, of the bilingual anniversary album dedicated to the 140 years of Romanian-Spanish diplomatic relations, agerpres reports.

The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss ways to develop and deepen the bilateral relationship, raised in 2013 at the level of Strategic Partnership, as well as for a comprehensive exchange of views on current European, regional, international and security issues.The Romanian Minister will also inaugurate the exhibition "Archaeological Treasures of Romania. Dacian and Roman Roots" at the National Museum of Archeology in Madrid, a major event under the High Patronage of the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, and King Felipe VI of Spain.During his visit to the Kingdom of Spain, Bogdan Aurescu will also pay a visit to the EU Satellite Center (SatCen) in Torrejon de Ardoz.The exhibition "Archaeological Treasures from Romania. Dacian and Roman Roots" brings together 838 exceptional artifacts from 40 Romanian and 4 Spanish institutions and follows the historical evolution of the current Romanian territory over a period of over a thousand years (8th century BC - 7th century AD). The exhibition can be visited, free of charge, from October 1, 2021 to February 27, 2022, at the National Museum of Archeology in Madrid. Among the most valuable archeological pieces are: the golden helmet from Cotofenesti, the Rhyton from Poroina Mare, the Dacian gold bracelets, the Glykon snake.The event is part of the public and cultural diplomacy program dedicated to the anniversary, in 2021, of 140 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Kingdom of Spain, strategic partners united by historical and cultural roots, including the Latin origin and personality of Emperor Trajan. The flagship event of the anniversary year of the Romania-Spain diplomatic relations is one of the most important archeological exhibitions organized abroad.The curators of the exhibition are the National Museum of History of Romania and the National Museum of Archeology of Spain. The exhibition is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Romanian Embassy to the Kingdom of Spain, the Ministries of Culture of Romania and Spain and the Ministry of National Defence of Romania.
Romania's National COVID-19 Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV) informed on Thursday that immunisation with a different mRNA vaccine is allowed for all persons who have been administered the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine as their first dose and who decide to postpone the booster shot for more than three months.

CNCAV issued a new instruction adding to the one issued on August 13 regarding the vaccination against COVID-19 in special instances.

"Vaccination with another mRNA vaccine is permitted for all persons who have been administered the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine as their first dose and who decide to postpone the booster shot for more than three months. In such instance, no special medical recommendation is needed," CNCAV explained.In the first three months of administration, the decision to change the second-dose vaccine in the case of persons getting the first dose of Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) will be made on medical recommendation, according to the contraindications and precautions in the Summary of Product Characteristic (SmPC)."When a person develops a SARS-CoV-2 infection after a first dose, the vaccination schedule will be continued after treatment with the same type of vaccine," CNCAV said.
The no confidence motion initiated by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) was read on Thursday in the joint plenary session of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

The motion, titled "Stop poverty, price increases and criminals. Down with the Citu Government!", is signed by 157 PSD MPs.

The meeting was chaired by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, who announced that 209 parliamentarians had registered their attendance, Agerpres informs.

Most of the Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party (USR PLUS) parliamentarians were absent from the hall, connecting on tablets at the joint sitting, as announced by the deputy leader Ionut Mosteanu, who was present.

On behalf of the PNL, only the leader of the parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies, Gabriel Andronache, was present.

Prime Minister Florin Citu did not participate in the meeting of Parliament's joint plenary.

The motion was read by PSD deputy leader Alfred Simonis.
Florin City should have resigned from the position of Prime Minister the moment USR PLUS (Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity alliance) decided to leave the governing coalition, the chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, declared on Thursday.

He reaffirmed that "Florin Citu is a pawn that can be sacrificed anytime", and added that "he can be reused for other purposes".

"There are other options (of restoring the coalition ed. n) - resignation. So that USR PLUS will not be obligated to vote (the vote of no confidence ed. n), Mister Citu can resign, which is something he should have done the moment USR PLUS decided to withdraw from the coalition and said very clearly that it will not go back, so long as Citu is Prime Minister. But that is what being a statesman means and to put Romania's interest above your personal interest. The PSD (Social Democratic Party) game included was clearly a game through which PSD helped Citu become the chairman of PNL (National Liberal Party), because it is very easy for them to roll over Citu with a tank," Orban also said in Parliament, Agerpres informs.

Asked if he believes that Florin Citu will resign before the debate of the vote of no confidence, as word is circulating, Orban said: "If he resigns, he will no longer be interim Prime Minister throughout the period of investing the Government, which I doubt, because Mister Citu is hanging on to his position."

"We have a coalition agreement, we have built through negotiations, after the elections, a coalition which ensured a comfortable majority which, if it were stable, could have avoided ending up in a crisis situation. A political crisis launched by Citu, probably with the agreement from the President. As of September 1, he blew up Romania and currently Romania finds itself almost without institutions to face the challenges the Romanian people are confronted with," the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies added.
Prime Minister Florin Citu stated that the National Liberal Party (PNL) will never govern with the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and the decision regarding early elections "is not with the PSD, with Ciolacu or others," but with President Klaus Iohannis, who, according to the Constitution, may dissolve Parliament.

Asked what he will do if the censure motion passes and the PNL will not be in government anymore, the Prime Minister replied: "I believe we should read the Constitution of Romania, early elections are started when the President dissolves Parliament."

"Thus, the decision is not with PSD, with Ciolacu or with others, it's with the President, let's read the Constitution of Romania closer," he added.

Asked what he will do on Tuesday in regards to the censure motion, Citu said: "I do what I do every day, I make decisions for Romanians."

"Yes, today, in the Romanian Parliament, we have three parties that want to blow up the country. Romania needs investments, it needs resources for the healthcare system, it needs education, it needs decisions to resolve the problem of prices in the winter and we have three parties in the Romanian Parliament who are mocking Romanians, who want to blow the country up. These are USR [Save Romania Union], PSD, and AUR [Alliance for the Union of Romanians], which are having a motion competition to take down a government, they have a problem. I tell them that the interest of Romanians is for me much more important than their games in the Romanian Parliament and they should apologize to Romanians that at this time, instead of finding solutions for Romanians, they're coming to take down the government," Citu stated.

He mentioned that the PNL's negotiation teams, designated for the purpose of ensuring a parliamentary majority, "are doing their job", when asked what the chances are for the censure motion to pass.
The Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity (USR PLUS) will negotiate with the National Liberal Party (PNL) only if they come with another option for Prime Minister, said on Thursday, the leader of the USR PLUS deputies, Ionut Mosteanu.

According to him, the scenario where Prime Minister Florin Citu would resign before the censure motion "would be just another stratagem, a regulatory-constitutional invention by which he hopes to have a chance."

"In reality, the parliamentary arithmetic is simple and, at this time, however much some would invent all sorts of scenarios, there are two simple scenarios. The government that PNL wants can continue in two scenarios - with the votes of the PSD [Social Democratic Party] or with the USR PLUS votes. We will only sit at the table if they come with a new proposal for Prime Minister, and then we'll talk. If not, they'll discuss with PSD. There are no other options," said Mosteanu, in Parliament, Agerpres informs.

He mentioned that the choice is really with the PNL.

"If they say that Florin Citu is the most important man for Romania at this time, then we move forward. And, yes, if that's the only option the PNL wants, we will have early elections as well. I believe early elections are a bad idea at this time for Romania, but if the PNL and the President want to go towards early elections - let's not forget, only the President can trigger early elections, we go to the polls," said Ionut Mosteanu.

Referring to the PNL resolution regarding the restoration of the coalition, Ionut Mosteanu believes the Liberals have said in fact they don't want to talk to USR PLUS if they don't withdraw their motion and stated again that the only solution is another Prime Minister proposal from PNL.

"The best proposal is for another Prime Minister proposal from the PNL and we restore the coalition. I don't see why the country should be set on fire so that Florin Citu can hang on to the seat at the Victoria [Governmental] Palace at any cost. I don't understand why he suddenly became the most important man for the PNL and for President Iohannis," Mosteanu showed.
USR PLUS (Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party) co-chair Dan Barna said on Wednesday that, for a month and a half, PSD (the Social Democratic Party) "carried" Florin Citu in its arms and formed like a "wall" in front of him, so that we will all have to wait and see if the Social Democrats' statements that they will vote for the no-confidence motion become a reality or they suddenly appear "with otitis, mumps and sore throat" and the motion will not pass, agerpres reports.

"It is a unanimous decision of the National Bureau: any motion reaching the vote by which Florin Citu is sent home, because, unfortunately for Romania, the prime minister's hat is too big for him, will be voted by USR PLUS. This will happen without hesitation because this is what the leaders say and this is what the members say. (...) We do not associate with anyone. On the contrary, we submitted a motion that was blocked precisely by the PSD and PNL (National Liberal Party). The perfectly legitimate and legal motion, as the CCR (Constitutional Court of Romania) said, was blocked precisely by this USL 2, by the alliance between the PNL - Florin Citu - PSD, this is the reality," Barna told B1Tv private television broadcaster, when asked if the USR PLUS MPs will vote for the censure motion submitted by PSD.

Asked if the association with PSD does not make them uncomfortable, Barna replied: "It is not a matter of any discomfort, because there was never an agreement with AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians), any protocol, any agreement or promise of any kind regarding a collaboration, except for the motion of censure, which is a parliamentary act. In the same way, there is no agreement or protocol with PSD."Regarding the suspicion that PSD could strike a "prearranged deal" with PNL, Barna said that "there is always a difference between statements on television and in press conferences and the political act of voting"."If we look at the fact that for a month and a half PSD carried Florin Citu in its arms ... One of the statements these days was very plastic, that PSD did not defend any of its own prime ministers as it defends Florin Citu. Indeed, we have seen a PSD "wall" formed in support of Florin Citu, a Marcel Ciolacu closely united with Florin Citu. So we will see if the statements made in the past couple of days that they will vote for the motion becomes reality or they will suddenly suffer from otitis, mumps and sore throat and the motion will not pass, and then we will see a minority government backed by PSD, a version of USL 2.0, which will be very painful for Romania," Barna added.
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In August 2021 the U.S. Navy finally had USS Lyndon B. Johnson, its third, and last Zumwalt-class destroyer ready for sea trials. These trials will take an unusually long time because the navy does not expect the Johnson to join the fleet until 2023. The main reason for the unusually long trials period is that the navy considers the Zumwalts as valuable testbeds for new technologies, especially ones that made the Zumwalts useful. They lost their gun turrets because the ammunition was too expensive. That was because the ammo purchase was based on 32 Zumwalts being built. With only three ships the cost per shell was prohibitive. Meanwhile the marines found a cheaper and more useful substitute for the 155mmm guided shell, whose main purpose was providing artillery support for marines and other troops on hostile shores.

The alternative weapon for the Zumwalt gun turrets was the new railgun, which was also dropped because of cost and reliability issues. Because of the Zumwalt the navy has already cancelled two expensive new weapons technologies; 155mm guns using GPS guided shells and the electric rail gun, that were planned for future use on many other ships. The 155mm gun could only be justified if it had guided shells and those shells were only affordable if the navy equipped a lot of ships with the new gun, to provide improved fire support for the marines. Seemed like a good idea at the time but the marines were seeking less-expensive solutions and found it in the armys GMLRs missile (guided rocket), which entered service in 2007. The marines adopted the HIMARS truck launcher version because it could be used from the flight deck of their amphibious assault ships as well as on land. The marines found a 16-ton HIMARS vehicle, carrying a full load of four missiles, could be brought to the flight deck of a navy amphibious ship and successfully used from there. The rail gun concept was another one of those weapons of the future and always will be situations.

The Johnson was perhaps the most troublesome of the three Zumwalts and was threatened with cancellation several times. The first of these DDG-1000 ships, the Zumwalt was similarly troubled by unexpected delays encountered before it was ready to join the fleet. In fact, this became the norm for all three Zumwalts and none of them has yet joined the fleet even though all three are seaworthy but seem destined to spend a long time serving as testbeds for new ship technologies that the navy cannot yet get to work or have doubts about. Its less embarrassing to cancel a new tech only used on the Zumwalts than after this new stuff is installed on a lot of ships and found to be an expensive failure, the kind the navy critics and the media love to feast on. In late 2019 the navy said the first Zumwalt would be fully operational by September 2021. That did not happen, so the navy quietly changed the purpose for the Zumwalts, to prevent calls for the three new ships to be scrapped before they even got into service.

For the first Zumwalt, the delays stemmed from continued efforts to deal with a list of 320 serious deficiencies compiled after its completion of sea trials in early 2016. In effect, the Zumwalt had failed sea trials. For the Zumwalt, the first of its class, these new unexpected problems meant the costs for completing the ship increased for 11 years in a row. Those unanticipated (but not unexpected) increased costs have totaled over $4 billion since 2010. At this point the total cost for the DDG-1000 program is over $23 billion, meaning each of the three DDG-1000s to enter service will cost about $8 billion. This includes $10 billion in research and development, which was to be spread over 32 DDG-1000s. Even so, that would have been $312 million in development costs for each of the 32 ships. Among its many failures, there were some major ones, like the inability to get its two 155mm guns operational. The DDG-1000 was designed mainly to provide gunfire support for marines but technology passed the DDG-1000 in that department. That, plus cost overruns meant the DDG-1000s would enter service with the two 155mm guns still there but not operational. The uproar over that led the navy to leave the two turrets on the Zumwalts but to not install the useless guns. Sad but very symbolic of the DDG-1000 project and U.S. Navy shipbuilding efforts since the 1980s.

In 2017 the navy believed they had found a new purpose for the DDG-1000; anti-ship warfare. This was to be accomplished by spending about $100 million to upgrade the DDG-1000 fire control systems to handle the new RIM-175 SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles. The DDG-1000 was built to be multi-purpose, as in (anti-air, anti-sub, anti-ship and land attack systems. That last item, land attack, was to be carried out by two 155mm guns firing GPS guided shells. These shells could hit targets over a hundred kilometers inland with great accuracy. The navy gun was made obsolete when the marines found HIMARS.

The key to this DDG-1000 success is now the new SM-6 (an upgrade of the existing SM-2), which can do everything better, especially the way it handles surface targets. This was confirmed in 2017 when the Block 1A upgrade of the SM-6 passed its first tests. These missiles were fired from a land-based facility. The SM-6 performed just as well when fired from VLS cells on a ship. One test was conducted against a retired U.S. frigate and the SM-6 sank the ship with one missile. Block 1A improvements are largely about the guidance system, especially the new anti-ship capability. SM-6 entered service in 2011 and anti-ship capability was added later. The initial order for SM-6 was for 1,200 missiles and it will eventually replace all the older SM-2s (entered service in 1979) and SM-3s (an advanced version of SM-2 that shoots down ballistic missiles). The SM-2 ER, which entered service in 1980, was also capable of being used against ships. SM-6 has a longer range and more effective guidance and resistance to countermeasures like jamming than the SM-2 and is meant to deal with aircraft, cruise missile and ballistic missiles more effectively as well. Max range of the SM-6 is given as 240 kilometers, later increased to about 340. The longer range and higher speed of the SM-6 make it particularly effective against other ships. The SM-6 is basically the existing SM-2 anti-aircraft missile with the more capable guidance system of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile, as well as general improvements in the electronics and other components.

The DDG-1000 missile upgrades will also enable the ship to use the Maritime Strike variant of the Tomahawk cruise missile. This version gets a new guidance system that enables the Tomahawk to hit moving ships at sea. This version can also hit land targets as well and has a range of 1,700 kilometers. The anti-ship version needs some other ship or aircraft to determine the general area where the target is. DDG-1000 has 80 VLS (Vertical Launch Tubes) containing either anti-ship, cruise or anti-aircraft missiles. Now the mix of missiles will be SM-6, SM-3 (the anti-missile version) or Tomahawk. At one point it was proposed the two empty gun turrets be reconfigured to launch the army 227mm GMLRS guided rocket, which the marines had adopted to provide more affordable and practical fire support for the marines. That proposal was shot down because it would require major work on ship structure. Proposals to use the turrets for existing 127mm guns used on other destroyers is still a possibility but still considered an unnecessary expense for a ship that already has plenty of unexpected costs.

The DDG-1000/Zumwalt Class, also known as DD-21 or DD-X design, has a stealthy superstructure and is very big at 14,000-tons, 194 meters (600 feet) long, and 25.5 meters (79 feet) wide. The crew of 150 sailors operates a variety of weapons, no longer including the failed 155mm guns. The largest gun on the 14,000-ton ships are two 30mm automatic cannons for close-in defense. There are also six torpedo tubes, a helicopter, and three helicopter UAVs. The main weapons are in the 80 VLS cells. DDG-1000 has sonar, Aegis radar, electronic warfare equipment, and, because of the new anti-aircraft missiles, the ability to shoot down ballistic missiles.

Alas, because of the flaws of the American warship procurement system, DDG-1000 proved too expensive to build in the quantities desired. Many other nations do not have the procurement problems the U.S. Navy is suffering from. Attempts to fix the U.S. Navy procurement mess constantly run into political opposition and that is another matter altogether. In 2009 the navy decided to build only three of the DDG-1000s instead of 32. To cope with the loss of new destroyers the navy resumed building older DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. It was a matter of cost. The DDG-1000 destroyers, and slightly larger versions designated as cruisers, would cost more than $4 billion each if built in large quantities. The existing DDG-51 Burke class destroyers cost $1.9 billion each. The last of 62 original Burkes was ordered in 2002 and the last of those entered service in 2011. By 2019 new Burkes were entering production to replace older Burkes that were supposed to be replaced by Zumwalts. While DDG-51 is less than half the cost of a mass produced DDG-1000, some navy officials still believed that, in the long run, the larger and more expensive DDG-1000 would be a better investment. The key problem here is the inability of the Navy to control costs, and cost estimates, and the inability of the DDG-51s to provide space for new technologies.

The first DDG-1000 was supposed to enter service in 2016 and the initial sea trials were promising. But the problem began to appear in the many new systems and technologies in the DDG-1000. Before the unofficial decision to use the Zumwalts as testbeds for new techs, the three built were not expected to be in service until 2025.

Experience with the DDG-1000, the Seawolf SSN, Ford class carriers and LCS (3,000-ton littoral combat ship) indicates that the navy has not yet fixed its fundamental inability to design and build new ships. The navy plays down how serious this problem is but the seriousness of the problem is only made worse by the Chinese success at building new ship classes much more quickly and on budget. The U.S. Navy used to be able to do this, the loss of that capability continues to be the most serious threat the navy faces and the one too many navy leaders are willing to take on.
T he GNU (Government of National Unity) has solved a lot of problems so far, but not the most important ones that will make the December national elections work. The two rival factions; GNA (UN created Government of National Accord in Tripoli) and HoR (House of Representatives government in Tobruk) agreed to a unification plan that required the two rival factions to work out the details of a formal merger of both factions and appointment of new ministers for all government departments, especially defense, finance and the NOC (National Oil Corporation). In February 2021 Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh was selected to head (as prime minister) the GNU. By mid-2021 many of the key ministries still lacked mutually agreeable leaders. This was preceded by the initial success in early 2021 when the October 2020 ceasefire was extended and made part of the national unification plan. The ceasefire continues to be observed.

The major obstacles are the continued presence of Turkish and Russian troops. The Russians see a unified Libyan government as a potential customer for Russian exports, including Russian participation in expanding Libyan oil production. Before the Turks arrived, Russia planned to withdraw most of its forces once the HOR forces had Tripoli.

The Turks intervened in 2020 to support the GNA, an unpopular faction (or fiction) created by the UN and about to be eliminated by a more popular Libyan force that had united most of the country since 2014, eliminated the Islamic terrorist threat and got oil production going again at pre-war levels.

The GNU leader is now accused of selling out to the Turks. While there were discussions with the UAE and European nations over possible investment opportunities, there was no action on calls to cancel illegal deals the Turks already had. More corruption accusations followed against the new ministers Dbeibeh appointed. All followed the same pattern, with the Turks offering illegal deals to corrupt GNU officials. The Turks block efforts to investigate these illegal deals, just as they have done with earlier agreements with the GNA. There will be no national unity or national elections as long as one faction is backed by the ruthless Turks.

Dbeibeh, the GNU leader, has been a successful businessman since the 1980s and, during the 2011 revolution favored the Moslem Brotherhood, but was perceived as doing so mainly to protect his family and business interests. He is known to have used corrupt behavior to keep his businesses going during the decade of fighting but was believed trustworthy enough to form the temporary government that has until the end of 2021. By mid-2021 Dbeibeh was facing accusations that he had violated that trust by cooperating with the Turks.

By mutual agreement the GNU only lasts until the end of 2021. If there is not an elected government by then, the civil war resumes. The primary problem has been the arrival of Turkish military aid for the GNU in mid-2019, and the GNA rewarding the Turks by signing a treaty in late 2019 that granted Turkey access to offshore waters between Libya and Turkey, some of them were already recognized as controlled by Greece. In early 2020 the Turks brought in thousands of troops, most of them Syrian mercenaries and lots of armed UAVs to block the HoR forces, the LNA (Libyan National Army) from taking Tripoli, the largest city in Libya and the last stronghold of the GNA and the militias, some of them favoring a government dominated by Moslem Brotherhood officials. The Turkish intervention worked, the HoR forces withdrew and the UN proposed the GNU. Since then, Turkey has refused to withdraw its forces or resolve its legal problems with Greece and the other NATO nations that back Greece.

These problems got worse when a key provision of the October 2020 ceasefire terms, that foreign troops would leave by January 2021, was ignored by the Turks, who refused to leave. The HoR/LNA supporters; Russia and the UAE would not withdraw their forces until the Turks did. To date none of the ceasefire terms have been fully met because they cannot work alongside the continued Turkish military presence. The HoR government and most European nations agree that the treaties signed by the GNA and Turkey in late 2019 are illegal and the Turks have hinted that it is possible for them to withdraw their troops as long as any departure deal leaves their economic interests in Libya intact. That means international backing for the 2019 treaty between GNA and the Turks that grants Turkey control of offshore waters controlled by Greece. Most of NATO backs Greece on this point and agrees the Turkish presence in Libya is illegal, but no one is willing to confront Turkey and force them out. Realizing that, the Turks believed they could just stall efforts to oust them and eventually win.

The Turkish strategy caused a deadlock in forming a workable GNA. The most damaging aspect of this is the inability of the GNU to agree on a new budget. One cause of the stalled budget is feuds over who should run the NOC and the Central Bank. Disagreements over who the new directors of these two institutions will be has disrupted the use of oil revenue to pay the salaries and other bills to keep the oil fields and oil export ports operational. The NOC has had no budget agreement since 2020 and has had to improvise to find the cash to keep the NOC going. Those efforts can no longer obtain the cash needed and without the 2021 budget approval there is not enough cash to keep oil exports going. One subsidiary of the NOC, AGOCO, ran out of cash earlier in the year and plans to shut down operations in early October. This means the loss of about a quarter of all Libyan oil production because the government cannot agree on who is in charge.

The GNA and HOR cannot agree on who is legally allowed to run for president and there are calls for a return of the monarchy, as a constitutional monarchy.

Libya may yet be rescued by Turkish efforts to repair its relationships with major Arab countries and Israel. For the last few weeks Turkey and Egypt have been negotiating terms of restoring diplomatic and other relationships. The Turks are willing to drop their support for the Moslem Brotherhood, which has been of little help to the current Turk government, dominated by Islam political parties since 2000 but now in danger of being voted out of power. Egypt also wants the Turks out of Libya. Once more the future of Libya is being decided by political decisions back in Turkey.

September 27, 2021: Turkey continues making regular flights of military transports from Turkey to Libya, carrying weapons and troops. These flights are being tracked by other NATO countries, and cargoes viewed using photo satellites. Turkey is currently using two of its new Airbus A400 military transports. These are similar to the latest version of the American C-130 and NATO can take some satisfaction in the success of the long-delayed A400 as it is finally delivered in large numbers.

September 21, 2021: The HoR parliament met and voted to withdraw confidence of the GNU because of GNU inability to deal with continued problems with the Turks and preparations for the December 24 national elections. HoR leaders openly accused GNA and GNU of working against the December elections. The GNU responded by insisting that they would proceed without HoR support. The U.S. said it would continue supporting the GNU efforts but is planning to sanction nations that have troops and illegal military aid in Libya if the elections dont happen and the civil war resumes. If the sanctions had any impact, this would hurt the Turkey backed GNA faction far more than the HoR faction.

September 17, 2021: In the southwest (Fezzan region, 640 kilometers south of Tripoli) French counter-terrorism forces have joined the LNA and security forces in neighboring Niger to eliminate a Chad rebel group called FACT (Front for Alternation and Concord) which has been increasingly active this year. Since 2015 the LNA has been trying to maintain some degree of law and order in this area where fighting between Tuareg and Tebu tribesmen has been flaring up regularly since the 2011 revolution. Much of the violence is over control of the main road going to the Niger border. The fighting is a continuation of ancient animosities between tribes divided by ethnicity as well as loyalty to the former dictator Kaddafi, who used tribal loyalties to maintain power and favored certain tribes. Some of the pro-Kaddafi Tuareg tribes kept fighting after Kaddafi died in 2011. The violence was not so much about putting Kaddafi followers back into power, but holding on to Kaddafi-era privileges and avoiding punishment for crimes committed to support Kaddafis rule. In this case violence continued on the southern border in part because the pro-rebel Tabu (or Tebu) tribesmen were put in charge of border (with Sudan, Chad and Niger) security after Kaddafi fell. There they continued skirmishes with the Tuareg tribes over control of the smuggling business. Another element of this rivalry was that the Tabu are black African while the pro-Kaddafi tribes are Arab and Taureg. Kaddafi tended to support Arab domination over black Africans, something many Arabs still approve of. However, in some cases Kaddafi favored black tribes in the north, and used them to keep the population in line. By 2015 the Tabu were still technically in charge of the border but mostly concerned with their control over smuggling (of weapons, fuel, drugs and people). The Tabu and Tuareg leaders worked out agreements on dividing smuggling business but discipline in the tribes is not all that tight and fights keep breaking out. The main cause of renewed fighting in 2019 is the GNA sending militiamen south to aid the Tabu in pushing LNA forces out of the area. The GNA effort in the south is not so much about ancient tribal rivalries but about gaining control of oil fields and pipelines in this part of the country. About a quarter of Libyan oil comes from this area and in 2020 the GNA, with help of Turkish mercenaries, regained some control in the area, long policed by the LNA. The GNA forces were unable to dislodge LNA forces and the October 2020 ceasefire agreement enabled the LNA to return to its anti-terrorist and anti-smuggling efforts. At that point the French offered to cooperate against common problems, which is where FACT became a target.

September 9, 2021: Turkey and Egypt announced they intend to restore diplomatic ties before the end of 2021. However, a major issue remains unresolved. Egypt adamantly opposes Turkeys involvement in Libya. The two nations broke formal relations in 2013. Turkey and Egypt began discussing normalizing diplomatic relations in May. Egypt is demanding that Turkey drop its support for the Moslem Brotherhood, which the Turks are seriously considering if that is the price of making peace with Egypt.

The Moslem Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 as a political movement stressing clean government and the use of Islamic law. That has not worked out. In mid-2012 Egyptian election officials declared Islamic Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Mursi the new president. Before president Mursi could do much, the Moslem Brotherhood radicals got violent in their demands that Egypt be ruled with Sharia (Islamic) law. That was what Saudi Arabia has used for decades but Sharia was very unpopular with most Egyptian voters. By 2014 angry voters had forced Mursi out and new elections put a former general (Sisi) into power. The Moslem Brotherhood once more became the enemy, except in Turkey, where a Moslem Brotherhood-like government had ruled Turkey since 2000 and had not had any problems with radicals. But Turkish voters were getting tired of their increasingly corrupt and inept Islamic government that seems to have declared just about everyone an enemy of Turkey.

Every time a moderate Moslem Brotherhood government gains power it fails because the radicals, there is always a radical faction, demand that an Islamic religious dictatorship be installed and this always triggers popular resistance. Some of those Egyptian Moslem Brotherhood radicals went rogue in 1987 and eventually established themselves in Gaza as Hamas. In 2005 Hamas took over Gaza and turned it into a sanctuary for all many of Islamic terror groups including, by 2014, ISIL. That led to Egypt treating Hamas as an enemy, not oppressed Palestinian freedom fighters. The Egyptian Moslem Brotherhood hurt its reputation in the early 1990s when radical factions, frustrated at their inability to achieve peaceful reforms in Egypt, turned to terrorism and were defeated after a bloody terrorism campaign aimed at the economy and especially foreign tourists, failed. Tourism accounts for 11 percent of the GDP and provides jobs (directly or indirectly) for 12 percent of the Egyptian workforce. Turkey could use the need for better relations with Egypt as an excuse to declare the Moslem Brotherhood an enemy, on paper at least. Turkish and Egyptian diplomatic officials are trying to find mutually acceptable lies to make this work for everyone. The Egyptian economy is growing again, after the 2020 covid19 recession slowed things down. Since early 2021 GDP has been growing at a rate of over seven percent. Turkey has to keep this in mind.

Russia believes expensive foreign military operations, like the ones in Syria and Libya will eventually pay for themselves by generating more exports and lucrative foreign deals. So far, this strategy has been running at a loss and the situations in Syria and Libya still have uncertain outcomes for Russia. In many respects foreign military interventions in Syria and Libya have also caused more problems with existing allies.

In Syria, Russia and Turkey are supposed to be Iranian allies but are less frequently acting the part. Russia sent forces to Syria in 2015 to help preserve its old Cold War era ally the Assads. This was done for the benefit of Russia, not Syria, Iran or Turkey. Russia was the second foreign power to come to the aid of the Assads. Since 2012 Iran has been helping keep their old Shia ally, the Assads, in power. Iran had more ambitious goals, as in increasing its threat against Israel once the rebels were defeated. A year after the Russians showed up, the Turks sent in troops, but used locally recruited Syrian mercenaries to do most of the fighting and dying. The Turks used the same mercenaries in Libya, where the Russians are the enemy rather than an ally.

Libyans see the Turks as trying to use Libya as a tool to expand their power in the region. Libyans, more so than the Turks, remember the centuries of problems the Turks caused in what became Libya. The Turks first showed up there in the 1550s as the Ottoman Empire conquered the coastal towns and cities of what is now Libya. Eventually the Turks advanced inland but there was no real incentive to because south of the coast it was mainly desert and, before oil was discovered and developed in the 1960s, there was little of economic value down there. Empires have bills to pay and tend to keep their soldiers where the money is.

From the 1550s to 1910 Libya was technically a province of the Ottoman Empire but was mainly run by local strongmen who were often Turks who had gone native. In 1911 Italy took advantage of the Turks weak control and invaded.

By 1912 Italy controlled what is now Libya. The Italians sent in colonists and brought the industrial revolution to Libya. Italian rule ended in 1943 when Italy, an ally of Germany during World War II (1939-45), surrendered to the allies. Occupied by allied troops, Libya was given independence in 1951 as a constitutional monarchy. The royal family was led by a prominent local religious leader who became king. Its parliament demonstrated the political divides between eastern and western coastal Libya and the less populous tribal interior. The discovery and development of oil fields down south in the 1960s brought unprecedented wealth and prosperity to Libya. It also brought a military takeover in 1969. This coup was led by Captain Kaddafi, an ambitious communications officer who organized other ambitious young officers into a movement that deposed the king and proceeded to misrule Libya until 2011 when he was overthrown and killed.

The Turks had good relations with the Libyan monarchy but initially less stable and cordial relations with Kaddafi. It took nearly a decade of effort for the Turks to gain the support of Kaddafi. The Turks were a member of NATO and many NATO nations lost billions of dollars in assets when Kaddafi seized foreign assets to support his revolutionary ideas, which included a merger with Egypt. Egyptian rejected that and throughout the 1970s sought an opportunity to invade and annex Libya. The Turks were useful in helping to convince the Egyptians to back off. Even more convincing was the Egyptian defeat in the 1973 war with Israel which eventually led to peace with Israel and military aid from the United States to guarantee that Libya would never be a threat.

Libyans took note of who supported the Kaddafi dictatorship and the Turks were on that list. In 2019 the Turks returned with the aid of the losing faction (the GNA) in the civil war that came after Kaddafi was overthrown. The GNA had the backing of Islamic militias, which were seen as a major reason for the internal chaos since 2011. Kaddafi had also favored Islamic radicals and gave sanctuary to some Islamic terrorist groups. Kaddafi was also friendly with the religious dictatorship that took over in Iran during the 1980s. In short, Kaddafi and the Turks represented a past that was not popular with most Libyans, who have learned to fear the chaotic and unpredictable militias and their foreign allies.

Libya remains a thinly populated and divided (by tribal and local loyalties) place. When the kingdom was established in 1951 the population was about a million. The 1960s oil wealth triggered a population explosion, including lots of imported workers, that reached six million when the 2011 revolution occurred. Despite many Libyans fleeing the country the population is still about six million and a third of that is found in and around Tripoli. Thats why the city is so important to the GNA and why the LNA went after Tripoli only after they had established themselves in the rest of Libya.

There are few things Libyans agree on and these include dislike of the Turks, Islamic terrorists, militias, especially Islamic ones, and foreign interference in general. For that reason UN peacemaking efforts are none too popular. Thats because the UN backed an unpopular and weak government in Tripoli, a city controlled largely by rival militias. The UN is seen as outsiders more interested in pursuing their own goals rather than what Libyans want; peace and some form of unity. The LNA and its leader Khalifa Haftar know that and made themselves useful by subduing the militias and Islamic terror groups in eastern Libya and slowly moving south and west to do the same throughout Libya. At that point a desperate GNA made an illegal deal with the Turks. This involved promises of billions in new business for Turkish firms and some instant cash that would be illegally transferred to Turkey. The Turks brought in over a thousand Turkish personnel and over 12,000 Syrian mercenaries. While better fighters than the Islamic militias occupying Tripoli and Misrata, the Syrians showed no enthusiasm for getting killed fighting the better trained and led LNA forces, at least not on a large scale. With help of Turkish air power and artillery, the mercs will still take part in small scale operations against the LNA and several of these have been successful. Despite that, since mid-2020 there has been a stalemate between Turk and LNA forces and ever since then efforts to get the Turks to leave have failed. The Turks believe they are invulnerable and Libyans note the similarity with the Ottoman attitudes.
What Is HTML5?

This is an installment in our ongoing series of "What Is...?" articles, designed to offer definitions, history, and context around significant terms and issues in the online video industry.

Executive Summary

HTML5 rocketed to the forefront with Apples decision to forgo Flash and use HTML5 technology to deliver video to the iPad. Actual HTML5 usage, however, has been slowed by low HTML5-compatible browser penetration, the need to encode video into two or three formats for complete HTML5 compatibility, and the lack of feature parity with Flash, the predominant plug-in based technology for viewing video on the web.

HTML5 needs to be on the radar screen of all streaming media producers, but switching over to HTML5 does not appear to be a short-term priority as of this writing.

HTML5 the Specification

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, and HTML is the primary language used to produce most web sites. HTML is a standard maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3), a group that includes browser developers and other interested technology companies. HTML5 is the latest iteration of HTML to be introduced by the WC3.

In 2004, a group called the HTML Working Group (HTMLWG) was formed by employees of Apple, the Mozilla Foundation, and Opera Software, because these companies were becoming increasingly concerned about the W3Cs direction with XHTML, lack of interest in HTML, and apparent disregard for the needs of real-world authors. Later, the WC3 recognized the HTMLWG, and tasked it with providing (among other deliverables):

A language evolved from HTML4 for describing the semantics of documents and applications on the World Wide Web. This will be a complete specification, not a delta specification. The Group will create a comprehensive test suite for the HTML specification.

To a degree, this dual control has led to two specifications of HTML5 (see, for example, The two specifications of HTML 5.0: WHAT WG vs W3C,) or at least the appearance of two specifications. Heres an explanation from the WHATWG FAQ.

Which group has authority in the event of a dispute?

The editor takes feedback from everyone into account and does not look at the source of those arguments for technical arguments.

The W3C HTML Working Group has an escalation process that in some cases results in a decision being made that differs from the editor's original decision on a topic. So far, whenever this has happened the WHATWG has gone along with the W3C's request; nothing of especially big importance has been changed in this manner so far (it's mostly been editorial issues or mostly minor technical issues). In general the WHATWG will ensure that the normative content of the specifications (the requirements on authors and implementors) remains the same so long as the W3C group doesn't demonstrate any serious lapses in judgement.

On January 18, 2011, the W3C revealed an HTML5 logo (Figure 1), complete with t-shirts and stickers, and on February 14, 2011, W3C announced that HTML5 would be finalized in mid-2014.

Figure 1. The HTML5 logo.

In contrast, on January 11, 2011, in a blog post entitled HTML is the new HTML5, the WHATWG announced that they were moving to a new development model that eliminated the HTML5 version number and made the existing HTMLWG spec a living standard. Ian Hickson, editor of both the WC3 and WHATWG standards, commented:

Since the W3C is still focused on getting HTML5 to last call, I'll maintain a WHATWG copy of the HTML spec that matches what the W3C HTML WG is working on:

http://www.whatwg.org/specs/web-apps/html5/

I've updated the FAQ's explanation of what specs exist, in case you want to get an overview (it's getting somewhat complicated!):

http://wiki.whatwg.org/wiki/FAQ#What_are_the_various_versions_of_the_spec.3F

So, HTML5 is dead from the WHATWG perspective, but you can buy an HTML5 t-shirt from the WC3. This complexity notwithstanding, both the WC3 and WHATWG versions of the specification are consistent on how they deal with the video tag, discussed next. For the sake of clarity, were going to continue to call the spec HTML5 in this article.

The HTML5 Video Tag

HTML5 is a sweeping specification, with multiple new features and capabilities. From a streaming media perspective, however, whats particularly interesting about HTML5 is that it contains a video tag that enables browsers to natively play back video within the page, obviating the need for plug-ins like Flash, Silverlight, and QuickTime. This particular aspect came to the forefront in early 2010 when Apple introduced the iPad without support for Flash, with video playback accomplished via HTML5.

To support this feature, however, browser vendors must directly implement codec playback capabilities in their browsers. Originally, there were two video codecs being considered for use in HTML5: Ogg Theora, which is open source, and H.264, which bears royalty obligations. While the original goal of the specification was to specify one video codec that would work across all browsers, this goal proved unreachable. Heres a quote from a June 29, 2009 Ian Hickson post to the WHATWG message list:

After an inordinate amount of discussions, both in public and privately, on the situation regarding codecs for <video> and <audio> in HTML5, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that there is no suitable codec that all vendors are willing to implement and ship.

I have therefore removed the two subsections in the HTML5 spec in which codecs would have been required, and have instead left the matter undefined, as has in the past been done with other features like <img> and image formats, <embed> and plugin APIs, or Web fonts and font formats.

The current situation is as follows:

Apple refuses to implement Ogg Theora in Quicktime by default (as used by Safari), citing lack of hardware support and an uncertain patent landscape.

Google has implemented H.264 and Ogg Theora in Chrome, but cannot provide the H.264 codec license to third-party distributors of Chromium, and have indicated a belief that Ogg Theora's quality-per-bit is not yet suitable for the volume handled by YouTube.

Opera refuses to implement H.264, citing the obscene cost of the relevant patent licenses.

Mozilla refuses to implement H.264, as they would not be able to obtain a license that covers their downstream distributors.

Microsoft has not commented on their intent to support <video> at all.

Since then, Google bought On2 and open sourced the VP8 codec as WebM, which has been implemented in Google Chrome ( version 6.0+) and the Opera browser (version 10.6+) and will be supported in Mozilla Firefox 4.0 when it ships (and is currently available in the beta). Google also announced their intention to drop H.264 support from Chrome.

Safari has not implemented any codec other than H.264. Microsoft implemented H.264 in Internet Explorer 9, but later stated that their new browser will support VP8 video when the user has installed a VP8 codec on Windows.

While there is no single HTML5 codec that will work in all browsers, by using alternative tags like those shown in Figure 2, websites can fully support all HTML5-compatible browsers.

Figure 2. Jilion uses multiple tags and files to fully support HTML5.

It should be noted that some of these codec limitations can be avoided via downloadable plug-ins. For example, on January 14, 2011, Google promised to release plug-ins that enable WebM support in Safari and Internet Explorer 9 via the HTML standard <video> tag canPlayType interface. In addition, on February 2, 2011, Microsoft released the Windows Media Player HTML5 Extension for Chrome, which will enable the Chrome browser to continue to play H.264 video via HTML5 once Google removes H.264 support from Chrome.

Invasion of the Patent Trolls

Meanwhile, issues of patent infringement reared their ugly heads with both Ogg Theora and WebM. By way of background, MPEG LA manages the patent pool for H.264 and a number of other technologies. In an interview with Streaming Media on March 4, 2010, MPEG LA CEO Larry Horn commented that no one in the market should be under the misimpression that other codecs such as Theora are patent-free. Virtually all codecs are based on patented technology, and many of the essential patents may be the same as those that are essential to AVC/H.264. Therefore, users should be aware that a license and payment of applicable royalties is likely required to use these technologies developed by others, too.

In April, 2010, when Steve Jobs was asked why Apple used H.264 instead of Ogg Theora, he reportedly replied All video codecs are covered by patents. A patent pool is being assembled to go after Theora and other open source codecs now. Unfortunately, just because something is open source, it doesnt mean or guarantee that it doesnt infringe on others patents.

MPEG-LA never took any formal action against Ogg Theora, most likely because it was largely supplanted by WebM. Regarding WebM, however, Microsoft attributed its decision not to implement WebM directly in Internet Explorer 9 to Googles refusal to indemnify, or pay the costs of patent infringement, should Microsoft get sued patent infringement for using WebM:

For example, will Google indemnify Mozilla, a PC OEM, a school, a Web site, a chip manufacturer, a device company, or an individual for using WebM? Will they indemnify Apple? Microsoft? Will they indemnify any or all of these parties worldwide? If Google were truly confident that the technology does not infringe and is not encumbered by patents whatsoever, wouldnt this indemnification be easy?

On February 10, 2011, MPEG-LA issued a call for patents essential to WebM, which could lead to royalties for anyone using the technology. On March 4, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department is investigating MPEG-LA to determine whether its "unfairly trying to smother a free rival technology for delivering online video that is backed by Google Inc."

To be fair, licensing H.264 with MPEG-LA doesnt guarantee that third parties not included in the H.264 patent pool wont assert intellectual property rights against companies using H.264, with the AVC/H.264 FAQ stating "No assurance is or can be made that the License includes every essential patent." However, at this point, their appears to be a far greater risk that users of WebM will be subject to third party royalty claims than users of H.264

Using HTML5: Practical Issues

With this as background, lets examine some practical issues relating to using HTML5.

HTML5-Compatible Browser Penetration

According to NetMarketShare, as of March, 2011, the percentage of HTML5-compatible browsers was well under 46%. This is shown in Figure 3, where three of the top four browsers were older versions of Internet Explorer, comprising 54% of the total, were not HTML5 compatible. Tallying the top 30 browsers in terms of market share revealed that about 40% are currently HTML5 compatible, while 59% were not.

Figure 3. Browser usage stats as of March, 2011.

Now that a release candidate of Internet Explorer 9 is shipping, you would expect these numbers to change dramatically over the next twelve months. On the other hand, NetMarketShare also reports that Windows XP users comprise 55.09% of the installed base of all operating systems, and IE9 wont run on Windows XP. Certainly these users of legacy versions of Internet Explorer could install other HTML5 compatible browsers, but they could have long before Internet Explorer 9 launched, and most didnt. One would have to assume that either these desktop users didnt care about HTML5, were on locked down corporate, government or education desktops, or both.

Note that its possible to create HTML5 syntax that displays video first using HTML5 if available, and then falls back to Flash, Silverlight or other plug-in for legacy browsers. This approach should work well for most simple, video in a window, playback applications. However, as a new technology, HTML5 doesnt offer many of the features available for alternative platforms like Flash or Silverlight, at least not in proven, cross-browser compatible form.

HTML5 Feature Deficits

For example, though YouTube has made an HTML5 player available since January, 2010, YouTube still defaults to the Flash Player. On June 29, 2010, YouTube addressed why in the YouTube API Blog, where the company stated that the video tag doesnt currently meet all of YouTubes needs. Areas that needed work included the lack of a standard video format, robust video streaming, content protection, Encapsulation and Embedding, Fullscreen Video ,and Camera and Microphone access.

As the YouTube blog states, progress is being made in many areas. For example, Wowza Media Systems (Figure 4) has previewed a version of Wowza Media Server that streams live HTML5 video with WebM, though it requires a WebM compatible browser for playback. Anevia is also showing a WebM-based live, adaptive streaming solution, though this requires a WebM-compatible browser as well. Flumotion has also implemented live streaming with WebM.

Figure 4. Wowza Media Server streaming live WebM video to WebM compatible browsers.

At the second annual W3C Web and TV Workshop, held in Berlin in February 2011, there were sessions on HTTP Adaptive Streaming and Content Protection, though standards have yet to be proposed or adapted, indicating that a standards-based solution is many months, if not years, away.

In this regard, its important to distinguish HTML5-based technologies available for iOS devices from general purpose HTML5 technologies. That is, while Apple has created solutions for live, adaptive streaming and digital rights management for the iOS platform, these wont work in other browsers. For example, Apple HTTP Live Streaming, which enables live and on demand, single file or adaptive streaming, only runs on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (requires iOS version 3.0 or later) or any device with QuickTime X or later installed. (). QuickTime X is available only for Mac OS X Snow Leopard, and not for Windows computers.

HTML5 Adoption To Date

The most high profile adaption of HTML5 to date has been by Apple with the iPad, though as mentioned, many components of this solution are Apple specific, and all videos are in H.264 format, so wont play on the current majority of HTML5 browsers. While many commercial and broadcast sites support the iPad, very, very few (if any) fully support all HTML5 browsers with the required three formats of video.

Multiple UGC sites, including YouTube and Vimeo, have HTML5 compatible players, though both require users to opt in to view the HTML5 pages. At the time of this writing, YouTube (a Google subsidiary) is still producing HTML5 compatible files in both H.264 and WebM formats, with no word if H.264 will be dropped. Neither site encoded video into Ogg format, so the only way for Firefox users, which comprise about 50% of the HTML5 compatible market, to view content from these sites is via the Flash Player.

Otherwise, multiple service providers like Kaltura and Brightcove are making HTML5 compatible solutions available, though the most common applications are for HTML5 video support on iOS devices. Many third parties are releasing HTML5 compatible players and toolkits for game development and other HTML5-based applications.

At WebMs launch on May 19, 2011, Adobe announced that we are excited to include the VP8 video codec in Flash Player in an upcoming release, which will help provide users with seamless access to high quality video content on all of their Internet-connected devices. A WebM compatible version of the Flash Player has neither been shipped, or announced, as of the time of this writing. On August 31, 2010, Adobe shipped the Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 HTML5 Pack which added many new HTML5-related features to Adobes popular HTML authoring program.

Why HTML5 Matters to You

HTML5 has become a high profile "got to have it" buzz word that sounds more immediately compelling and accessible in the abstract than it is in reality. Understanding the current status and limitations is critical to all streaming media producers.

For more resources on HTML5 Video, check out Streaming Media's "25 HTML5 Video Resources You Might Have Missed."

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What Is Streaming?

At its most basic level, streaming media is the delivery of audio and video files from a server to a client over the internet or a cellular data network. The first streaming audio was delivered in 1995, while the first streaming video followed two years later; you can read more about the early history of the technology in the first version of "What Is Streaming," which we published in 2011. Needless to say, much has changed since then.

What does streaming media look like in 2019? If youre new to the field, it probably looks like an impenetrable collection of standards, products, and technologies, and in truth, it is. But it can be broken down into a small set of decisions that streaming producers must make when defining their service. This guide identifies those decisions and points you to other content to help you make them.

Target Streaming Devices

Start by choosing the platforms that you want to deliver video to. Virtually all producers want to reach computers and mobile devices, but you have to dig a bit deeper. For example, which browsers do you want to support on computers, and how far back do you want to go? If your viewers work in government or educations you may need to support browsers like Internet Explorer 11 or earlier, which means support for legacy formats like Flash. If youre targeting younger viewers, Flash fallback is likely not an issue.

For mobile, you need to decide between delivering via an app or the browser. Apps enable more features and design flexibility but increase development cost and time. Browser support is faster and cheaper but offers fewer features (see " Video: Browsers vs. Apps for Content Delivery ").

The next major set of platforms tackled by streaming producers are OTT (over-the-top) devices like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. Youll have to create a channel or the equivalent for each of these devices, but they represent an opportunity to support huge swaths of viewers with each development effort. If your target viewers are younger, you may also want to support game platforms like PlayStation or Xbox.

The final set of target platforms typically undertaken by only the largest of streaming producers are smart TV platforms. Though there is some standardization through organizations like the SmartTV Alliance (Phillips, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba) or HbbTV , each platform will likely need a separate effort. For an overview on supporting these platforms, download the presentation handout from this Streaming Media West workshop entitled " Encoding 2018: Codecs & Packaging For PCs, Mobile, & OTT/STB/Smart TVs ."

Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) Formats

Each platform identified above supports certain adaptive bitrate (ABR) formats that dictate how the video files are encoded and packaged. If youre distributing video to iOS devices in the Safari browser, youll have to package your video into the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) format (see " What is HLS "). If youre distributing to Android devices via a browser, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, or DASH, is preferred (see " What is MPEG DASH "). As noted, if you distribute video to mobile devices via apps, you can typically choose whichever ABR format you would like.

For computers, your format decision will most likely depend upon the off-the-shelf player you select; an excellent starting point for technical readers is this video from Robert Reinhardt at Streaming Media West entitled " Choosing the Best Off-the Shelf Video Player ." All OTT boxes and smart TVs support one or more formats except Apple TV (of course) which only supports HLS. Some older gaming platforms are similarly inflexible and only support older formats like Microsofts Smooth Streaming.

In the end, to reach their intended viewers, most producers end up supporting at least two formats, HLS and DASH, with a smattering of support for other formats. Well discuss how to support multiple formats in the Packaging & Encoding Schema section below.

Feature Sets

Fundamental to adaptive bitrate streaming is the concept that each input file, whether live or video on demand (VOD), is encoded to a different set of files with different resolutions and bitrates to optimize the playback experience for all viewers, whether watching from a mobile phone via 3G or on a 4K smart TV connected via 100Mbps broadband. The configuration for these different files is called an encoding ladder; the chart below is a suggested encoding ladder from Apples HLS Authoring Specification for Apple Devices.

Apples suggested encoding ladder from the HLS Authoring Specification for Apple Devices.

Your encoding ladder will change based upon the input of your video, the compression technology that you use, your target platforms, and even your geography. Here are two useful videos for creating your encoding ladderone covering bitrates , and one covering resolution. Here are some observations you can use to fine-tune your encoding ladder.

Digital Rights Management

If youre distributing sensitive or premium content, you may have to protect it with digital rights management technology, or DRM (heres a useful primer on DRM, while this article describes how Hollywood studios use DRM). As with ABR technologies, different platforms support different DRM technologies. For example, Chrome and Chromecast support Google Widevine; Apple TV, iOS, and MacOS support Apple FairPlay; and Edge supports Microsoft PlayReady. Fortunately, deploying multiple DRMs is simpler than it sounds from both a technology and an administrative perspective.

Technology-wise, the transition from Flash to HTML5 was enabled by a specification called the Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) that allows a single file to include multiple DRM technologies. At the same time, multiple vendors offer licenses to all relevant DRMs simplifying the commercial side.

Closed Captions

For certain types of videos, closed captions may be required , while for others they may be desirable to reach the hearing impaired or for playback in loud or public places where audio may not be discernible. You can find a good overview of closed captioning in this article entitled " Closed Captioning for Streaming Media ."

Streaming Codecs

Codecs are the technologies that compress audio and video and allow you to deliver your content to viewers via a range of connections (see "What is a Codec," here ). Codecs are absolutely critical to streaming video; no codecs, no streaming video.

For about the last ten years, a video codec named H.264 with AAC audio compression has been the technology of choice for almost all streaming producers. Over the last five years, however, two video codecs, HEVC and VP9 , have been deployed to reduce bandwidth costs and increase video quality over lower bitrate connections. This latter point is key; for example, where H.264 could deliver a high-quality 720p stream at 2 Mbps, HEVC and VP9 can deliver a high-quality 1080p stream at the same data rate, which will look better to most viewers. In 2018, a technology called AV1 started shipping, with a technology called Versatile Video Coding to follow in 2020 or so.

Choosing and deploying a codec is a complex analysis involving factors like encoding efficiency, platform compatibility, and support within an ABR technology. For an overview of these considerations, check out this video from Streaming Media East, " HOW-TO: Comparing AV1, VP9, HEVC & H.264."

Streaming Packaging and Encoding Schema

As discussed above, to reach all of your target platforms youll likely have to support multiple ABR formats, typically DASH and HLS. There are two approaches; static and dynamic packaging.

With static packaging, you encode and package all files necessary to deliver both ABR formats and upload them to an origin server for distribution. Depending upon how you encode your videos, this may double your encoding cost and will certainly increase online storage costs.

The other approach is called dynamic packaging . Here, you encode all the rungs of your encoding ladder and upload those to an origin server. When a viewer clicks on your link, a separate server detects which format the player requires and automatically creates the required packaging in real time.

Dynamic packaging minimizes storage and encoding costs but requires a server running 24/7 to package the content. Typically, dynamic packaging is cheaper than static packaging when considering all associated costs, but this varies by application. To learn more about how dynamic packaging works, check out this how-to article .

At some point in 2020 or so, a technology called the Common Media Application Format (CMAF) will enable a single set of files to support both HLS and DASH for most newer platforms, but not all legacy platforms. For producers who can ignore legacy viewers, CMAF will slash the storage costs associated with static packaging and make this the most affordable option.

Content Delivery Networks

Compared to most other forms of web content, like text, images, and PDF files, streaming video is much larger and therefore harder to deliver. For this reason, most streaming producers deploy a content delivery network, or CDN, to deliver their video (See " What is a Content Delivery Network ").

Larger organizations may want to deploy multiple CDNs, both for redundancy and to optimize delivery in different regions. To learn more about how and why to support multiple CDNs, check out the panel discussion from Streaming Media West entitled " CDN Optimization: Working Toward Broadcast Economics & Quality at Scale ."

Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE)

When streaming video is mission-critical to your organization, measuring how effectively your content is delivered becomes equally mission-critical. There are two basic technologies here; quality of service (QoS), which measures the technical effectiveness of your video infrastructure, and quality of experience (QoE), which measures the actual viewing experience.

While obviously related, the concepts are definitely separate. For example, if your video packaging is flawed, QoS could be perfect, but the viewing experience would be awful. For this reason, most larger producers use different services to monitor both. For an overview of QoE and QoS technologies, check out " Measure it, Improve it: For Video Publishers, QoE and QoS are Critical ." For a tutorial on how to deploy a QoE technology, check out "How to Measuring Video Encoding QoE ."

Weve thrown a lot of concepts at you in this "What Is" guide, but also a lot of resources. While this article is just a tip of the big toe into the world of streaming media, if youve made it this far youve got a great start.

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Partnership introduces IoT to help Chugoku Electric Power, Co., Inc. improve safety and operations

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FogHorn, a leading developer of Edge AI software for industrial and commercial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced its deployment at the Chugoku Electric Power hydroelectric power facility. In partnership with Energia Communications, Inc., the FogHorn Lightning solutions help the power plant more realize efficient power generation, operations and workplace safety.

Chugoku Electric Power employs nearly 9,200 workers across 114 hydroelectric power generation facilities in the Chugoku area. As a 24-hour operation, the implementation of IoT is helping the company address the labor shortage and streamline operations, while enabling the collection of advanced data through remote, real-time analytics which ultimately enhance decision making and safety. In addition, edge capabilities, powered by FogHorn Lightning, can detect early signs of equipment failures to quickly mitigate issues, reduce costs and drive business outcomes.

Were proud to help address the long-term operational, safety and compliance goals at Chugoku Electric Power through our partnership with Energia Communications, said Yuta Endo, VP/GM of APAC Operation, Business Development at FogHorn. Resulting from FogHorns strong business alliance with Energia Communications, we were enlisted to improve operations to drive sustainability and ensure green energy sources stay online by harnessing the power of IoT and edge capabilities.

Energia Communications and FogHorn officially launched the demonstration test in 2017 and began operation in April 2021. Ahead of its completion, the test became an industrial security advancement promotion cost subsidy in 2020 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of the Japanese government. Aimed to drive national developments for energy and environmental policy and safety and security, this test serves as a model for other utilities and organizations to deploy IoT and achieve greater operational efficiency and safe workplaces.

As a key component of the demonstration test, FogHorn integrated its Lightning Edge AI Platform into Energia Communications IoT solutions to automate power generators. The platform enables remote, real-time collection, storage and analysis of data, such as current temperature and vibration for equipment control and monitoring, which has historically been a non-timely and inefficient function requiring more costs. In addition, the utilization of data collected and processed at the edge delivers predictive maintenance capabilities and power generation forecasting to remotely address equipment vulnerabilities and enhance decision making in real-time.

To learn more about the FogHorn Lightning Edge AI Platform, visit: https://www.foghorn.io/edge-ai-platform/.

About Energia Communications, Inc.

Energia Communications (Enecom) has been providing a wide range of services, including networks, cloud services, data centers and security, in Japan for many years.

Enecom is currently working on IoT solutions based on its already existing services. Improving the level of preventive maintenance of machinery and facilities is a crucial element for stable business continuity, especially for the manufacturing and energy industries. The company is fully confident that the IoT services it provides can thoroughly respond to and satisfy such needs. In particular, implementing FogHorn Lightning in EneWings Hiroshima Datacenter, a cloud service that is linked to Enecoms own original wide area Ethernet, will enable users to create even more secure IoT models.

About FogHorn

FogHorn is a leading developer of edge AI software for industrial and commercial IoT application solutions. FogHorns software platform brings the power of advanced analytics and machine learning to the on-premises edge environment enabling a new class of applications for advanced monitoring and diagnostics, machine performance optimization, proactive maintenance, and operational intelligence use cases. FogHorns technology is ideally suited for OEMs, systems integrators and end customers in manufacturing, power and water, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, transportation, healthcare, retail, as well as smart grid, smart city, smart building, and connected vehicle applications.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210928005294/en/

Kathleen See

foghorn@10fold.com

Source: FogHorn
FILE PHOTO: U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan takes part in a news briefing about the situation in Afghanistan at the White House in Washington, U.S., August 17, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

By Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A senior aide to President Joe Biden raised the issue of oil prices in conversations this week with the leadership of top crude producer Saudi Arabia, according to the White House.

Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, met in Saudi Arabia with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday to discuss the war https://www.reuters.com/world/white-house-aide-discusses-yemen-with-saudi-crown-prince-2021-09-28 in Yemen. But White House press secretary Jen Psaki said oil was also "of concern" and on the agenda.

"The national security adviser and his team reiterated the imperative of creating conditions to support global economic recovery in his meetings earlier this week," said another White House spokesperson on Thursday.

The Biden administration has previously said such conditions include having more oil on the market to stop rising energy prices and help the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The United States continues to speak to international partners, including OPEC, on the importance of competitive markets in setting prices and doing more to support the recovery," the spokesperson said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, are expected https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-seen-sticking-november-output-plans-despite-80-oil-2021-09-29 next week to hold to a pact to add 400,000 barrels per day to their output for November.

But four sources also told Reuters that the group, which is strongly influenced by Riyadh, is considering https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-considers-options-releasing-more-oil-market-sources-2021-09-30 a scenario in which they could up production as soon as November to meet significant demand.

Benchmark international Brent oil prices traded https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-falls-after-us-inventories-post-surprise-gain-2021-09-30 at $78.52 a barrel on Thursday, just shy of a three-year high, with average gasoline prices in the United States roughly a dollar higher per gallon than a year ago.

The push from the White House comes even as the administration has emphasized fighting the effects of climate change, which is caused by burning fossil fuels.

Yet rising prices on scores of goods and services have threatened to undermine an economic rebound that has been a primary focus of Biden's presidency.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Sandra Maler, Peter Cooney and Leslie Adler)
BELLEVUE, Wash., Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 5G Americas, the wireless industry trade consortium and voice of 5G and LTE for the Americas, today announced the election of Uruguay operator Antel to its Board of Governors. Antel joins other key stakeholder entities committed to the progress 5G in North, Central and Latin America.

5G Americas is pleased to welcome Antel to the Board of Governors, stated Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas. We are honored to have another technology leader from the Latin America region contribute their expertise and insight to our association.

Antel, the state-owned Uruguayan full-service telecommunications provider, headquartered in Montevideo, is a technology innovation leader in Latin America. It was the first operator to launch commercial LTE services in the region in late 2011, as well as the first operator in the region to launch a 5G commercial network in April of 2019. The operator provides fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity to more than 80 percent of Uruguayan households.

Antel recognizes wireless communications' pivotal role as a catalyst for digital transformation and economic growth. We look forward to collaborating with other leading wireless companies from the Americas on technical and regulatory issues to help drive 5G adoption and promote measures that will help it meet its full potential, said Humberto Roca, Chief Technology Information Officer, Antel.

About 5G Americas: The Voice of 5G and LTE for the Americas 5G Americas is an industry trade organization composed of leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers. The organizations mission is to facilitate and advocate for the advancement and transformation of LTE, 5G and beyond throughout the Americas. 5G Americas is invested in developing a connected wireless community while leading 5G development for all the Americas. 5G Americas is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. More information is available at 5G Americas website and Twitter.

5G Americas Board of Governors Members include Airspan Networks Inc., Antel, AT&T, Ciena, Cisco, Crown Castle, Ericsson, Intel, Liberty Latin America, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung, Shaw Communications Inc., T-Mobile US, Inc., Telefonica, VMware, and WOM.

Contact: 5G Americas Viet Nguyen +1 206 218 6393 Viet.Nguyen@5GAmericas.org

About Antel Established in 1974, Antel is a Uruguayan telecom company (Administracion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) with over 6000 employees and revenues near $900 million. Headquartered in Montevideo, the company provides various types of communications services throughout the nation of Uruguay including mobile, broadband, fixed and Internet services. Antel is committed to closing the digital divide in providing a wide array of communication services to individuals, households, and businesses.

Contact: Antel (Administracion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) Humberto Roca Chief Technology Information Officer hroca@antel.com.uy

Source: 5G Americas
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Allison Turner, 88th Healthcare Operations Squadron, fills a syringe with the COVID-19 vaccine Jan 8, 2021, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (R.J. Oriez/U.S. Air Force)

Active-duty airmen and Space Force guardians must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Nov. 2 unless they have a valid exemption, Air Force officials have said.

That means they need to be at least two weeks beyond having the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of a one-dose vaccine, a statement issued Friday said.

Air Force reservists and Guardsmen have until Dec. 2 to meet the inoculation requirements, which were announced two weeks after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered all troops to get the shot after the Food and Drug Administration approved the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Aug. 23.

Military providers will initially offer only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but airmen and guardians can continue to volunteer to receive vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA, including the two-shot Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Janssen vaccines, the statement said. Those can be given by military or civilian providers.

The obligation to meet the vaccination deadline will only be waived for service members who are granted medical or administrative exemptions, including for religious reasons, the statement said. Having an approved retirement or separation date will not lead to exemption if that is the sole reason cited by a service member.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sarah Ringdahl, 60th Dental Squadron periodontist, administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Capt. Marshall Neubauer, USAF Reserve Officers' Training Corps Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Jan. 8, 2021 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The Air Force has set a Nov. 2 deadline for active-duty airmen and guardians to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and Dec. 2 for reservists and Guardsmen, unless they have a valid exemption. (Heide Couch/U.S. Air Force)

Those who dont have an exemption but refuse to have the vaccine could be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

We are taking an aggressive approach to protect our service members, their families and their communities from COVID-19 and the highly transmissible delta variant, Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones said in the statement. As members of the nations armed forces, our airmen and guardians must be able to respond to situations around the globe  being fully vaccinated will help us safely meet the readiness requirements that our national security depends on.

The Air Force deadlines were announced a week after the Navy said that active-duty Marines and sailors must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 28 and reservists by Dec. 28.

Vaccination is mandatory even if a service member has been infected with the coronavirus, the Navy said in a statement, noting that all COVID-19 deaths in the service have been among individuals not (fully) immunized.

The Army has not yet announced a timeline for soldiers to be fully vaccinated.

Airmen and guardians who have proof of vaccination in their medical records will be considered to have met the Air Forces coronavirus inoculation requirements.

The process for airmen and guardians to follow to obtain exemptions for medical reasons is explained in AFI 48-110_IP, Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases, and, on religious grounds, in DAFI 52-201, Religious Freedom in the Department of the Air Force, the statement said.

Stars and Stripes reporter David Edge contributed to this report.
Sgt. Raymond Lopez, 30, of Fresno, Calif. was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Fort Bragg on Sept. 13, 2021. (U.S. Army)

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Tribune News Service)  A Fort Bragg paratrooper who was killed in a single-vehicle car crash in Hoke County earlier this month was identified Wednesday in a news release from the 82nd Airborne Division.

Sgt. Raymond Lopez, 30, of Fresno, Calif., was driving near Bowmore, N.C. on 4:19 p.m. Sept. 13 when his vehicle ran off the road to the right and caught fire after hitting a tree, the State Highway Patrol reported.

Lopez was assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, the release said.

Lt. Col. Matthew Molly, commander of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, expressed his condolences in the release.

Sgt. Lopez was a tremendous paratrooper, leader and friend to all in our organization, Molly said in the release. He embraced every facet of being an 82nd paratrooper and treated those around him like family.

According to the release, Lopez enlisted in the Army in 2013 and completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning in Georgia.

He graduated as an infantryman in 2014, and he was assigned to 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifleman, assistant machine gunner and ammunition bearer, the release said.

Lopez was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment as a rifleman in Fort Bragg in 2017, and was then reassigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as a petroleum heavy vehicle operator in 2019, the release said.

Lopez deployed for eight months to Afghanistan in July 2019, returning in March 2020, the release said.

Lopez, who earned a number of awards and decorations during his career, will be posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal and promoted to Staff Sergeant, the release said.

Lopezs other awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal with Combat (C) device, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, among other Army commendation and certification medals, the release said.

We are all deeply saddened by his tragic loss and are committed to ensuring every resource is made available to his family and peers to help them during this difficult time, Molly said in the release.

Crime Reporter Jack Boden can be reached at jboden@gannett.com .

___

(c)2021 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.)

Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
V Corps Forward marks its arrival in Poznan, Poland, with a ceremony on July 15, 2021. Plans are in the works for construction of a new $30 million U.S. Army command hub as well as a $7 million information systems facility in Poznan. ( DeLancie Horton/U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  A $30 million U.S. Army command and control headquarters in Poland is among the projects being proposed to support the militarys expansion in the country, which has emerged as a focal point for coordinating allied defense efforts along NATOs eastern flank.

The version of the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House last week says a defense cooperation pact between Washington and Warsaw means the Pentagon can accept in-kind contributions from Poland to develop the $30 million command hub, as well as a $7 million information systems facility.

The projects will be developed in the Polish city of Poznan, the forward headquarters location of the Armys recently reestablished V Corps, the NDAA said. The proposed projects still need Senate approval.

The U.S.-Poland Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2020 provides a mechanism for the sharing of logistical and infrastructure costs for U.S. forces present in Poland, Lt. Col. Anton T. Semelroth, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement. The projects proposed  are in line with this agreement.

The arrival of V Corps is the latest in a series of efforts to expand operations in Poland, which also hosts a rotational U.S. Army armored brigade and a U.S.-led multinational NATO battlegroup focused on security along Polands border with the Russian military exclave of Kaliningrad.

In 2020, the U.S. and Poland ratified a deal that paved the way for more troop rotations and called for Poland to provide infrastructure to support incoming personnel.

The Army also is gearing up for an influx of combat gear to be stockpiled in the country. U.S. Army Europe and Africa said Thursday that it expects work on a long-planned $360 million warehouse project, much of which is funded by NATO, to be completed by 2022. The site, located in Powidz, will be fully mission capable by 2024.

Once complete, about 85 tanks, 190 armored combat vehicles, 35 artillery and 4 armored vehicle launched bridges will be housed at Powidz, the Army said.

Over the last several years, the Army has been setting up such prepositioned weapons sites at locations across Europe so that troops arriving from the U.S. would have quick access to gear should they be mobilized in a crisis.

V Corps was activated in February 2020 to eventually take over command oversight of Army operations up and down NATOs eastern flank, where allies have stepped up military activities amid concerns about potential Russian aggression. The headquarters, which was inactivated in 2013 as part of a long post-Cold War drawdown in Europe, is expected to become fully operational in a matter of weeks.

With a main headquarters in Fort Knox, Ky., V Corps has about 200 soldiers rotating to Poznan to support operations.
Japanese officials collect samples of treated wastewater at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, July 19, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  The Marine Corps found low levels of the contaminants PFOS and PFOA in water flowing from an air station on Okinawa, more than two weeks after it flushed contaminated water into the public system.

The service tested the water from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma where it flows into Ginowan citys wastewater system on Sept. 14 and found 0.015 micrograms per liter of PFOS and 0.003 of PFOA, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman Lt. Col. Matthew Hilton wrote in a statement Thursday, citing preliminary results.

Japans provisional safety threshold for drinking water is 0.05 micrograms per liter.

This sampling was conducted where the wastewater sewer line exits from within the air station fence line to ensure the measurement captured only wastewater leaving [MCAS Futenma], Hilton wrote. These levels are consistent with those that can be found in the public wastewater system.

The samples were taken more than two weeks after the Marines released an undisclosed amount of treated wastewater into the public system on Aug. 26.

Ginowan city took samples two hours after the release began and reported combined levels of PFOS and PFOA that were 13 times the safety standard, 0.63 micrograms per liter for PFOS and 0.67 micrograms per liter for the combined concentration.

However, Hilton on Thursday said the water released Aug. 26 measured far below the safety standard. He said Okinawa prefecture and the Okinawa Defense Bureau, which represents Japans Ministry of Defense on the island, independently verified the same low concentration prior to the release.

We are aware of reports of high levels of PFOS and PFOA measured in the wastewater system in Ginowan, which have been widely attributed to outflow from the air station, Hilton wrote. At this time we have been unable to identify an on-base source which would explain the PFOS/PFOA results obtained by Ginowan.

Okinawa prefectures Environmental Preservation Division isnt sure that any amount of PFOS or PFOA is safe for the environment, a division spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

We do not know for certain how (PFOS/PFOA) affects the environment, the spokesman said. There is no environmental standard (in Japan). However, it is believed that even a small amount can accumulate.

All the prefecture can do is request that the wastewater be incinerated, he said.

Spokesmen from Ginowan and the defense bureau said they were reviewing Hiltons statement Thursday afternoon and were not prepared to comment.

Some government officials in Japan customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

PFOS and PFOA are synthetic compounds found in firefighting foam, aircraft grease, water-repellant materials and fluorine chemicals. They have been known to cause tumors, increases in body and organ weight and death in animals.

The Marine Corps said it treated the wastewater prior to the Aug. 26 release to a point its toxic levels were 20 times below Japans provisional threshold. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki at the time said he was caught off guard by the release and demanded that it stop.

Tamaki called for an on-site investigation after Ginowan citys test results were released Sept. 10.

The government of Japan agreed to dispose of approximately 95,000 gallons of untreated water remaining in underground tanks at MCAS Futenma at a cost of over $800,000, public broadcaster NHK reported Sept. 17.
Veteran Ed Desmond tosses a memorial wreath off the back of the USS LCS 102 during the Landing Craft Support Museum 7th Annual Convention Memorial Service on Mare Island on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2021. (Chris Riley, The Times-Herald/TNS)

VALLEJO, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Four remain, but hundreds of thousands still remember.

Decades may have gone by since World War II, but those who gave their life in in the war  especially those that fought on a LCS (Landing Craft Support)  were honored and remembered Wednesday afternoon in a memorial service on Mare Island in front of the USS LCS-102.

It was a somber moment of reflection, especially for the final four LCS sailors, who went on board the USS LCS-102 and together tossed a wreath into the Napa River as a few dozen spectators and other veterans watched. A fifth veteran from Vallejo who fought in WWII and the Korean War joined the four last surviving LCS sailors  96-year-old Preston Edwards and Ed Desmond, as well as 95-year-olds Bill Mason and Gill Nadeau.

The USS LCS 102 is a heavily armed World War II gunboat which has served since 2007 as a floating memorial and naval history museum located at the former Mare Island Navy Base. It is the last ship remaining from 130 of those ships that were built in 1944 and 1945 to provide extra close-in firepower and protect American and allied troops in the Pacific as they stormed the beaches of famous islands such as Iwo Jima, the Philippines and Okinawa.

The mission of these men and their ships was to provide gunfire support for the landing forces all the way to the shore and then remain close in, providing supportive firepower to the men on the beach. Their tremendous firepower and their ability to lurk just a few hundred yards or less from the shore earned them the nickname of Mighty Midgets.

It means a lot to me, Mason said about the ship and himself and the other veterans tossing the wreath into the river. Especially that there are only four of us left. You think of a lot of things when on that ship. I think of Burpie who was the last surviving member of the LCS-86 (the ship Mason was on). You think of the Battle of Okinawa. Im glad they brought this ship here (the LCS-102) back from Thailand so we could view it.

Edwards made the trip all the way from North Carolina and was glad his family could be there with him to see the ship again.

Its amazing to step on it again even after all these years, Edwards said. All kinds of memories come back. Its the only time Ive seen the ship but I wouldnt miss this chance for the world.

Edwards still remembers what it was like to be on the LCS-70, caught in a typhoon that seemed to lift the ship seven stories in the air before coming crashing down. The ship would rock and rock and you thought it was going to turn over. But it would straighten out, he recalls. I was glad to serve on it.

Landing Craft Support Museum chairman Christopher Lehman reminded the audience that, in the space of just a few months, 26 of the 130 LCS ships built were either sunk or damaged beyond repair  resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. Lehman said that in February 1945, three LCS ships were sunk in just a few minutes in a middle-of-the-night attack by small and fast suicide boats packed with explosives.

In another battle in June of 1945, the LCS 122 was attacked by Japanese kamikaze suicide planes with a direct hit on the bridge of the ship. Commanding Officer LT Richard M. McCool was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in saving his ship and rescuing sailors.

During the ceremony, a bell was tolled for each of the 56 sailors who had passed away since the last reunion. The names were read aloud, with the ships bell tolling and a white carnation being pinned to a wreath.

At the end of the ceremony, the group sang God Bless America. The somber sounds of Bag Pipes were then heard playing Amazing Grace, followed by a lone bugler playing Taps.

There were four sailors here today, and Im glad they were able to travel and see this, but we think of the over 10,000 sailors lost on a day like today, Lehman said. I have to give an absolute shout-out to the Mare Island Dry Docks for how theyve maintained this ship. Especially people like Bill Dunbar, Steve DeLeo and Christina Snyder. Its such a great thing to witness and I feel that most of the town doesnt even know about it. It really is a hidden treasure in Vallejo.

The Landing Craft Support Museum is located at 289 Waterfront Avenue on Mare Island. Tour guides provide tours of all areas of the museum ship, everywhere from the engine room to the pilothouse. The vessel is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. To learn more about the ship, the museum and countless other stories during the era visit the site www.usslcs102.org.



(c)2021 Times-Herald (Vallejo, Calif.)

Visit Times-Herald (Vallejo, Calif.) at www.timesheraldonline.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Reyna prepares to administer a COVID-19 vaccine in spring 2021 in Bahrain. (Dawson Roth/U.S. Navy)

Most U.S. sailors and Marines have less than 90 days to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or face disciplinary action, according to a recent order from the Secretary of the Navy.

Secretary Carlos Del Toro declared the order effective immediately in an Aug. 30 naval administrative message that followed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins Aug. 24 command for mandatory vaccinations.

Del Toro gave reservists 120 days to get vaccinated. The deadlines fall on Nov. 28 and Dec. 28 for active-duty service members and reservists, respectively.

As the faithful maritime protectors of our country in peacetime and war, each of us must take ownership of our readiness to preserve and protect the force, and ensure the success of our mission, Del Toro wrote.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 23 granted approval to the two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which had been under emergency use authorization.

The following day, Austin ordered all troops to get vaccinated, at the direction of their respective services.

Vaccinations within the U.S. military were voluntary under the emergency use authorization. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved, so far, although the others are still available at military clinics.

Some service members may be exempt, including those taking part in COVID-19 clinical trials until they conclude, according to Del Toros message.

However, unvaccinated sailors and Marines who previously contracted COVID-19, the coronavirus respiratory disease, are not exempt, according to a separate administrative message from Vice Adm. W. R. Merz, deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy.

Service members who received a medical exemption while vaccines were approved under an emergency use authorization will be reevaluated, according Merzs message.

The vaccine mandate is a lawful order and failure to comply is punishable under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to Del Toro and Merz.

The Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps have authority to exercise the full range of administrative and disciplinary actions to hold non-exempt Service Members appropriately accountable, Del Toro wrote.

Punishments may include discharge from the service or disqualification for promotion or reenlistment.

Alex Wilson
Afghan refugees line up for food in a dining hall at Fort Bliss Dona Ana Village, in New Mexico, where they are being housed, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. (David Goldman/AP)

WASHINGTON  More than 2,600 Afghan evacuees have resettled in the United States while about 53,000 await processing at military bases in the United States, the top general for U.S. Northern Command said Thursday.

The military has been housing Afghan evacuees at eight installations in the U.S. since late July when evacuations began in the final weeks of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. As of Thursday, the bases have a capacity of 64,000, said Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, the top commander for U.S. forces in North America.

An additional 14,000 evacuees at overseas staging bases are still awaiting flights to the U.S. after they were halted in early September due to a measles outbreak. But with space for just 11,000 more at stateside installations, VanHerck said more evacuees need to be processed through the system and resettled so more can be moved into the eight bases in the United States.

When you do the math, you'll see that we're relying on the output to ensure that we have enough capacity for the additional remaining Afghans coming this way, the general said.

VanHerck could not give an end date to the evacuee housing mission, dubbed Operation Allies Welcome, but he said the military would continue to provide shelter and food for evacuees as long as it's necessary.

After the measles outbreak, the military vaccinated all evacuees against that disease. Medical workers are also working to vaccinate the Afghans against influenza and the coronavirus.

The [coronavirus] positivity rate is 0.4%  less than 1%  and so we haven't had significant challenges, VanHerck said. I will tell you that the task forces concern is primarily flu outbreak at this point and we're working hard to get the flu vaccine, as well, across all of the Afghans.

VanHerck said about 83% of Afghan evacuees have been immunized against the coronavirus to date, compared to just 55% of the American public as of Tuesday, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

It was the generals first time briefing reporters on the mission since a grand jury indicted two Afghan evacuees at Fort McCoy, Wis. with drug charges and a female service member reported a small group of male evacuees assaulted her last week at Fort Bliss, Texas.

While VanHerck acknowledge the allegations, he said Afghan evacuees have committed significantly less crime than the U.S. population over the same time period.

For example, in six weeks in Operation Allies Welcome in a population of 53,000, there have been eight reported cases of robbery and theft, VanHerck said. An average six-week period in a similar place is in excess of 150.

The general also said there are more than 600 security and law enforcement personnel working at each of the installations serving evacuees.

That is about three to four times the average of most cities around the globe, if you will, and so we're taking this very seriously, VanHerck said. We take every accusation or incident to heart and take action right away.
Director Andy Serkis, left, and Tom Hardy on the set of Columbia Pictures Venom: Let there be Carnage. (Sony Pictures)

If there was one broadly agreed takeaway from 2018s Venom, it was that when you let Tom Hardy run loose, good things happen.

Not everything worked in the film, a darker, slimier spinoff adjacent to Sony Pictures Spider-verse Marvel world. But Venom, led by Hardys Jekyll and Hyde act, managed to break free of some of the prescribed rhythms of superhero movies.

In its most talked-about scene, journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy), is overcome by the alien symbiote living inside him: Venom, a slimy, sinister-looking alien hulk also voiced by Hardy. Venom has a ravenous appetite, so in a scene set at a seafood restaurant, Hardy improvised that Brock would, under Venoms control, leap into a lobster tank. What was supposed to be background set dressing was rebuilt to support Hardy, and thus spawned the defining moment for a weird and warped comic-book franchise.

That tone was what everyone universally agreed was the epicenter of this world, says Andy Serkis, director of the sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage. That is precisely the touchstone moment for where we started off with this.

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Tom Hardy, background, and director Andy Serkis on the set of Venom: Let There Be Carnage. (Sony Pictures/AP)

Venom: Let There Be Carnage, which Sony will release in theaters Friday after a years delay due to the pandemic, extends what may the oddest superhero series around. The dominant conflict is less about world saving and more about a very odd couple cohering in one body. And given that the two lead parts are played by the same actor, its the comic-book film most centered on an actors freewheeling performance.

Whats thrilling is to be able to delve through the human psyche and the paradox of the human condition and play them in a farcical, superhero action thriller, says Hardy, speaking by phone from London. The masks of Eddie Brock and Venom are larger than life, but theyre ultimately two sides of the same coin.

In the dependable realm of superhero movies, the first Venom was somewhat of a risk. Venom is a relatively marginal Marvel character; the movies, Serkis says, are swimming in the darker end of the Marvel pool. But even though reviews werent very good, the film was a hit, grossing $856 million worldwide.

When it came out, critics didnt like it - which is fair enough - and the audience did like it. It did rather well, enough for Sony to make another one, says Hardy. We had to have a debrief and a wash up and say: What worked here? What didnt work? What can we do better?

For the sequel, Hardy took firmer control. On the first Venom, the actor has said some 30 minutes of scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. This time, he sought out Serkis, the actor-director best known for his extensive work in motion capture performance, to follow the originals director, Ruben Fleischer. Hardy also took a hand in shaping the follow-up; he and Kelly Marcel (co-writer of Venom) are credited with the films story. Hardy is also a producer, a first for him on a feature film.

Actor Tom Hardy, right, and director Andy Serkis appear during a photo call for their film Venom: Let There Be Carnage at a screening in central London on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. (Joel C Ryan, Invision/AP)

Putting your hat in the ring is a logical step. We asked Sony, Kelly and I, if we could have a shot at pitching the second movie, says Hardy. And they said Of course.

Let There Be Carnage takes a gothic turn, bringing Brock into the orbit of a serial killer, Cletus Kasaday (Woody Harrelson). Kasaday attracts his own symbiote, Carnage, enabling his prison escape. The sequel is also about Brock and Venom undergoing what Serkis calls the seven-year-itch in their relationship, as both yearn for independence. In one scene set to Louis Prima, Venom makes breakfast for Hardy to cheer him up.

On set, Hardy typically retreats to a corner to record his Venom lines, which are enhanced with a pitch-modulator. Then, while Hardy performs as Brock, Venoms lines are played through an earpiece. Serkis calls Hardys system mesmeric to watch. To Hardy, acting against himself has become a familiar process.

Ive gotten used to seeing myself as a piece of meat and observing myself from outside as: What do I want to do with my vehicle? OK, Toms not working properly. Whats not working? says Hardy.

It may seem schizophrenic and I do appreciate that I do look mad when Im doing it, adds Hardy. Hopefully you see it on screen as well  the frenetic, manic nature of someone judging two personalities.

For Serkis, who directed 2018s Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, 2017s Breathe and is prepping an adaptation of George Orwells Animal Farm for Netflix, its another twist in a shape-shifting career. Serkis, who revolutionized the use of motion capture in characters like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, has been increasingly drawn to the nexus of filmmaking and technology.

What Im really interested in is the future of storytelling, and how that is going to change over the next 10, 20, 30 years, says Serkis. At the moment, were standing at a junction. Weve had a pandemic, which has forced people to watch things on a very small screen. But pretty sure were going to go back to what was beginning to burgeon before the pandemic.

Let There Be Carnage, originally set for release last October, will be one of the bigger releases to launch only in theaters during the pandemic. After several delays, Sony moved up its release by a few weeks. Venom will effectively launch the fall movie season, with many carefully eyeing its performance.

Now is definitely the time, says Serkis. There really is a moment here, because there are some big films coming out, and theyre daring to put their heads above the parapets.
Buy Photo White miso ramen from Hayate Maru in American Village, Okinawa. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

Fresh out of quarantine and eager to experience new Japanese food, I came across an authentic Japanese restaurant on Okinawa with no sign that it accommodated English speakers.

Hayate Maru is a northern-style Japanese ramen restaurant. There are just three employees: two cooks and one waiter. It is hidden within the maze of Colonial America-themed buildings known as American Village in Okinawas Chatan area.

I walked in and was immediately greeted with hot and cold sensations carrying the fragrances of noodles, vegetable and meat, a breeze courtesy of the air conditioning pushing the aroma from steaming ramen pots blown outward from the kitchen.

An employee quickly ushered me to my seat, one of seven bar-style seats facing the kitchen. The outside patio accommodates three round tops able to seat up to eight people per table. Its a small place.

I sat down to look at the menu while listening to a light but steady soundtrack of kitchen clatter, mixed with Japanese modern pop music. Together it created an ideal background for a private conversation with friends, and to disguise any slurping-up of broth.

I caught the waiter mid-stride, grasping two bowls of piping hot ramen. Sumimasen, I said, practicing the Japanese word for excuse me. What type of ramen restaurant is this, Okinawan?

Hokkaido, he answered. Arigato, I replied.

Hokkaido is Japans northernmost main island. The cold winters there demand a bold, heartier bowl of soup.

The menu opens to reveal seven customizable ramen soups, two rice bowls and sides including gyoza, kimchi, grilled chicken and mackerel. The menu is written in Japanese but includes entree photos with English names. It was easy to order. I tried two ramen soups and one rice bowl, consuming one, then ordering the next.

First, I tried the white miso ramen, then the red miso ramen and finished with the roasted pork filet bowl. Each ramen bowl consisted of a blend of ingredients steeped together in a meaty broth crowded with vegetables and noodles.

The white miso ramen for 810 yen (about $7.40) was my favorite of the three. Ive never tasted ramen with this flavor of barbecued meat smoke.

The red miso ramen was a typically hearty, satisfying bowl of delicious ramen, at 800 yen.

Buy Photo Red miso ramen from Hayate Maru in Okinawa's American Village. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

The waiter described the roasted pork filet bowl, for 330 yen, as a rice bowl. It had chunks of smoked pork, the staple ramen vegetables and shredded red ginger, topped off with a slightly cooked, runny egg and resting on a bed of white rice. It was also tasty.

Buy Photo The roasted pork fillet bowl from Hayate Maru in Okinawa's American Village. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

These three entrees each were more than enough to fill up one person.

The staff spoke chotto Eigo, or little English, but it was easy to order using the menu.

This bold Japanese ramen is for the sodium-starved, hearty meal-seeking type. Well worth it. Priced right.

Hayate Maru offers dine-in and pick-up. To order online or to see the menu completely in English, scan the menu code titled Multi Language Menu with your smartphone. It will take you to a third-party site where you can place an order.

Buy Photo Hayate Maru is a Hokkaido-style ramen restaurant hidden within the maze of buildings at American Village in Okinawas Chatan area. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo Hayate Maru is a Hokkaido-style ramen restaurant in Okinawa's American Village. There are just three employees: two cooks and one waiter. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes)

Location: 9-8 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115

Directions: Youll find this eatery in American Village, on the first floor of Seaside Square.

Hours: Open seven days a week, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, with last orders at 11:45 p.m.

Price: Yen and dollars are accepted, but not credit cards.

Dress: Casual

Information: Phone: 098-926-0027; Online: hayatemaru.com; Instagram: @ramen_hayatemaru
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba. (Emily Michot/Miami Herald/TNS)

(Tribune News Service) - The federal government is looking into reports of Havana syndrome, a mysterious illness that has affected more than 200 American personnel around the world in recent years, including diplomats and members of the CIA.

The sensory attacks have affected Americans overseas and in the U.S. It has also affected several Canadian diplomats. While U.S. intelligence officials believe they are closer to understanding what is causing the incidents, the phenomenon is still shrouded in mystery.

Heres what is known so far about the syndrome:

What are the symptoms of Havana syndrome?

The term Havana syndrome refers to the mysterious illness affecting U.S. personnel across the globe.

Diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana first began reporting the strange symptoms in 2016.

Victims of the syndrome have included diplomats, members of the CIA, the military, and the National Security Council, as the Miami Herald has reported.

Symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo and cognitive difficulties. Some affected Americans said they heard a sound or felt some type of pressure or vibration.

Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Miami, who first treated U.S. diplomats in Havana affected by the ailment, also found evidence of brain injury and damage to the inner ears vestibular system.

Where have Americans been hit by Havana syndrome?

Besides Cuba, symptoms have been reported in U.S. officials across the world, including China, Britain and Russia. In July, NBC News reported that there were possible cases on every continent except Antarctica.

The hotbed: Vienna, where dozens of U.S. personnel, including some of their children, have reported symptoms in higher numbers than in any other city except for Havana, according to The Washington Post.

Some Havana syndrome cases also occurred on U.S. soil, possibly even in Miami.

In April, Politico reported that the U.S. was investigating a suspected directed-energy attack that affected federal government personnel in Miami last year. The people had symptoms similar to Havana syndrome.

Incidents have also occurred in the Washington, D.C., area. At least one was near the White House.

Most recently, an employee who traveled with CIA Director Bill Burns to India earlier this month reported symptoms consistent with the syndrome and had to seek medical attention.

And in August, Vice President Kamala Harris Vietnam visit was slightly delayed over a possible case of Havana syndrome in the capital of Hanoi. At least two U.S. diplomats were medically evacuated from the country.

The reported cases in Vietnam and India are under investigation, the McClatchy Washington bureau reports.

What is causing it?

The National Academies of Sciences, in a report last year, concluded that the symptoms were likely caused by directed microwave energy.

But there are still unknowns: What or who is behind the directed energy and how are they doing it?

Officials suspect the incidents are attacks from a foreign power and are investigating.

The McClatchy Washington bureau reports that three consecutive administrations have suspected the same culprit: Russia.

U.S. response to Havana syndrome?

In June, President Joe Biden directed the creation of two panels to study Havana syndrome. One of the panels will focus on identifying the cause while the other will focus on identifying ways to protect U.S. personnel.

The U.S. Senate this year also unanimously passed the HAVANA Act, a bill that would provide additional compensation to victims seeking medical treatment for the health incidents. The bill recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now headed to Bidens desk.

The CIA also created a task force last year to investigate the mysterious attacks that occurred in Havana. A yearlong FBI investigation failed to find a cause. Another investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to identify a cause for the injuries.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana has been operating with a reduced staff since late 2017 because of concerns over the syndrome.

The Biden administration has recently started taking steps to increase staffing at the embassy again. One of its recent changes:

Diplomats in its Havana Embassy will be allowed to have some adult family members accompany them. (McClatchy Washington bureau staff writer Michael Wilner contributed to this report.) 2021 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Just over 10,800 American children were victims of so-called international parental child abduction from 2009 through 2019, according to a 2020 report by the Congressional Research Service. (Pixabay)

A New Jersey congressman and other advocates urged the State Department to use the strongest enforcement tools passed by Congress in 2014 for bringing home American children abducted by one parent living overseas  particularly in Japan.

Child abduction is child abuse, Republican Rep. Chris Smith said during a hearing Wednesday of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. These young victims, like their left-behind parents, are U.S. citizens who need the help of their government when normal legal processes are unavailable or have failed.

The hearing was intended to look at ways the Sean and David Goldman Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act could be better implemented.

Just over 10,800 American children were victims of so-called international parental child abduction from 2009 through 2019, according to a 2020 report by the Congressional Research Service. About 4,800 children were returned during that period, the report said.

Smith, who chairs the bipartisan House commission, called on the State Department to begin using sanctions to promote adherence to law and return Americans.

The hearing focused on Japan, where thousands of U.S. service members and federal employees are posted. Smith during the session said he is helping draft legislation that would compel the State Department to use the enforcement provisions set out in the Goldman Act specifically in regard to Japan.

More robust actions that the State Department can take under the Goldman Act for countries like Japan with a pattern of noncompliance are issuance of public statements detailing unresolved cases; public condemnation; delay or cancellation of official or state visits; suspension of American development assistance; and formal extradition requests.

Each county and each case, as we all know, is unique, as are the cultural values that are reflected in the laws of each country, Smith said. Why, for example, do we face such challenges in Japan, a country with which we otherwise enjoy not just a good but excellent relationship?

Japan does not recognize the concept of joint custody, and its courts instead give custody to one parent in what is called the continuity principle, he said.

In other words, if the child is settled in one household, one shouldnt disturb him or her, Smith said. Time for that to change, absolutely change. Not only does the law not punish a parent who absconds with a child, it rewards the abducting parent.

The State Department declined the committees invitation to testify at the hearing, which Smith described as deeply disappointing.

Advocates for parents of abducted children also pleaded for stepped-up enforcement from Foggy Bottom.

Japan is internationally known as a black hole for child abduction, Jeffery Morehouse, executive director of the nonprofit organization Bring Abducted Children Home, said in written testimony submitted to the committee.

Citing U.S. government figures, Morehouse said more than 475 U.S. children have been kidnapped to Japan since 1994. He said Japan has persistently failed to aid in the reunification and return of victimized children.

For seven years the Goldman Act has not been used to its potential by the State Department, he said. It is overdue for an overhaul to obligate State to be true to the intent of the act  to return our kidnapped children.

Noelle Hunter, president and cofounder of iStand Parent Network Inc., another organization devoted to the issue, also took the State Department to task for lax enforcement.

As lecturer in international relations, I would like to ask why the State Department seems enchanted with demarches  the tiny stick with which they gently assail nations with diplomatic wrist slaps for patterns of noncompliance in returning Americas Stolen Children  when the Goldman Act is replete with escalating, weighty enforcement tools, Hunter, a political scientist at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, said in written testimony.
Brothers David Lee, right, a high school senior at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and Ralph Lee, an Osan graduate, founded Music Echoes to produce free music for hospital and nursing home patients during the pandemic. (Music Echoes)

Two music-making sons in an Army family in South Korea aim to make the world a better place by giving their violin and piano music away to nursing homes and hospitals.

Brothers David Lee, 17, a senior at Osan Middle High School, and Ralph Lee, 18, an Osan graduate, started their music volunteerism three years ago in Portland, Ore., after an elderly woman in a nursing home requested that David perform at her funeral, he told Stars and Stripes by email on Sept. 15.

The family moved to South Korea when their father, James Lee, an Army Reserve warrant officer, found a civilian job with the Air Force at Osan Air Base.

We had to come to South Korea in 2019. Then COVID-19 hit, so I couldn't really travel to play for her funeral, David said. However, I really wanted to play for her funeral, so I created Music Echoes to send the violin audio and video to her.

That experience sparked a desire to give more through their music, so David and Ralph started Music Echoes.

With David playing the violin and Ralph on piano, the two set out last year to record and produce original tunes. They upload their compositions to their Instagram account, Music.Echoes.

The boys mission is simple, they said: They want to deliver free music to more than 100,000 hospitals around the world, to help people and to make a difference and bring people together.

We wish to be the global free music provider for places in need and be a music messenger to our world, David said.

Their parents fund their endeavor and David chips in his allowance so they can record and produce music at home. So far, they have produced several songs and delivered them digitally to more than 1,000 hospitals, David said.

Through music, we want our organization to communicate with the people in this world, David said. I want the poor people, people with disability, elders that have hard time in their life and the forgotten people in our society to be healed inside through our music.

Osan Middle High School music teacher Kristi Howell taught David Lee at Osan, she told Stars and Stripes in a recent email.

David is a wonderful music student and I'm honored to have been his music teacher, she said. He is one of the most talented violinists I have ever seen, and I can't wait to see what his future holds.

The reception to their work, thus far, has been positive.

David has sent us his pre-recorded performances, so oftentimes folks here like to listen to it on loop, because they really enjoy his music, Malisa Ratthasing, life enrichment director at West Hills Health & Rehabilitation in Portland, Ore., told Stars and Stripes by phone last week.

David hopes to grow the nonprofit and find more musicians to join his global project to bring music to hospitals, rehabilitation centers and clinics around the world.

Visit www.themusicechoes.com for more information.
Philippine marines observe their U.S. counterparts conduct a fire mission at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, during exercise Kamandag in 2019. (Donald Holbert/U.S. Marine Corps)

The use of shore-based weapons will figure prominently in an annual exercise involving U.S., Philippine and Japanese troops that kicked off in the Philippines this week, according to U.S. officials.

The start of Kamandag  short for Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat, or Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea  was announced by the U.S. Embassy in Manila in a Facebook post Thursday.

The exercise, which began in 2017 as a replacement for the large-scale PHIBLEX amphibious landing drill, was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This years scaled-down event will focus on employing shore-based weapons, counterterrorism strategies, internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, the embassy said in its message.

About 2,400 troops  1,400 Americans, 900 Filipinos and 100 Japanese  were involved in last years drills.

Major Gen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said 242 Filipino marines will participate in this months eight-day exercise with 12 U.S. Marines and 25 Japanese troops, the Manila Bulletin reported Wednesday.

We must be able to outmaneuver our enemies in the same way that we shall be able to maneuver this virus and still be able to continue to train, because we have a very big responsibility in terms of defense and security of our people, Caculitan said during Kamandags opening ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig city, the newspaper reported.

A dozen Marines from the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Division are on the island of Luzon training with Philippine personnel primarily focused on coastal defense and counter-landing operations., Maj. Kurt Stahl, a spokesman for the division, said in an email Thursday.

Training involving about 400 Marines that was scheduled for the Philippines was relocated Camp Fuji on mainland Japan and Okinawa due to the coronavirus pandemic, Stahl said.

This training focused on moving to key maritime terrain, establishing coastal defenses, and practicing counter-landing operations, he said.

One shore-based weapon the Philippines plans to purchase is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed by Russia and India. The country might also acquire Boeings Harpoon anti-ship missile, according to Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore.

The BrahMos can be launched from air, land, sea and underwater and can carry conventional warheads weighing up to 660 pounds. It has a range of 180 miles and there is no known weapons system that can intercept it, according to BrahMos Aerospace.

The Harpoon, first deployed in 1977, is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, Boeing states on its website. It has a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory with active radar guidance.

The Harpoon weighs over 1,000 pounds and can fly up to 77 miles, according to its technical specifications.

Shore-based weapons may provide a means for the Philippines to defend maritime territory despite the clear limitations of the Philippine Air Force, Chong said in an email Thursday.

That said, actually using these systems, especially with regard to gray-zone activities, could involve a degree of escalation that the Philippine government and its partners and allies wish to avoid, he said.

Gray zone tactics are coercive activities that fall short of warfare. China has employed them against the Philippines in recent years. For example, it has illegally occupied territory claimed by the Philippines and sent a fleet of maritime militia to harass fishermen who enter disputed waters.

Both the Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force have been exploring the use of ground troops to call in fire on ships off-shore, Chong said.

U.S. Marines, armed with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and M777 towed howitzers were in Australia this summer honing sea denial and sea control skills from small expeditionary bases.
Troops from the United Nations Command Security Battalion have set up a Missing Man display to honor U.S. prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action. (United Nations Command)

Troops from the United Nations Command Security Battalion have set up a Missing Man display in the Demilitarized Zone to honor U.S. prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action.

A small round table set with a white tablecloth, a candle, an inverted glass, a red rose and other items was prominently displayed in a dining facility at the heavily guarded Joint Security Area between the two Koreas on Sept. 17.

That date, known as POW/MIA Recognition Day, was established in 1979 and is observed throughout the United States and at overseas military bases on the third Friday of September.

The items on display are intended to symbolize the loss of the service members, according to a sign above the table.

They include a reserved chair placed at an angle to represent missing troops and a white tablecloth symbolizing the purity of their response when answering the call to serve their country.

On the table is a rose serving as a reminder of their families; a lemon slice representing the bitter fate endured by prisoners; salt symbolizing loved ones tears; and a candle and ribbon that stand for hope for their return and a reunion.

The inverted glass represents their inability to share a toast.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ric Luce, the security battalions commander, said the symbolism is not tied to one event.

The POW table is a constant reminder of their sacrifice and the unsettled loss of the families who can never come to a complete peace, he said in a statement through the U.N. Command.

Over 81,600 Americans who participated in conflicts since World War II remain missing, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Of these, 75% are in the Indo-Pacific region and over half are believed to have been lost at sea.

The remains of U.S. and allied troops killed in the 1950-53 Korean War continue to be discovered on the Korean Peninsula. Roughly 36,500 U.S. troops were killed, and about 7,500 remain unaccounted for.

President Moon Jae-in last week attended a repatriation ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii to receive the remains of 68 South Korean troops and to oversee the transfer of six remains to the United States.
U.S. Forces Korea personnel are prohibited from traveling to districts with 50 or more confirmed COVID-19 patients per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. (U.S. Army)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  The military command responsible for U.S. troops in South Korea has temporarily restricted troops from traveling to 41 districts following a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The updated travel guidelines announced by U.S. Forces Korea on Wednesday reflect a recent increase in coronavirus cases around the country, according to a post on the USFK official Facebook page. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Saturday reported 3,271 new cases, a new daily record in the country.

The surge comes days after Chuseok, the nations harvest holiday. South Korean health officials previously said they expected a dramatic increase in cases and warned residents to limit their travel plans during the three-day holiday Sept. 20 to 22. Nearly 33 million people traveled during the holiday week, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

USFK has divided the country into roughly 230 districts to reflect changing rates of coronavirus infection. USFK service members, civilian employees, family members and contractors are prohibited from traveling to districts with 50 or more confirmed COVID-19 patients per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. The command updates its district guidelines every week.

Almost half of the restricted districts are in Seoul, which frequently records higher case numbers than any other South Korean city. Roughly 80% of metropolitan Seoul is off-limits to U.S. personnel based on the updated guidelines.

The capital city is under its highest level of social-distancing measures, and health officials are expected this week to decide on whether to extend the restrictions.

The number of new cases in South Korea fell to 2,564 on Thursday, according to KDCA. Over 75% of the population received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 50% are fully vaccinated.

USFK personnel who already live or work in hotspot districts are allowed to travel freely within their own district but are advised to limit their activities in group settings, according to the commands policy.

Over 80% of USFKs personnel are vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the command.

Japan update

At Yokosuka Naval Base on Thursday, base commander Capt. Rich Jarrett dropped all travel and liberty restrictions inside Japan for anyone affiliated with the base.

Jarrett, speaking at a Facebook online town hall, cited the Japanese government's decision to end its state of emergency in 19 prefectures, a significant decline in coronavirs cases and an increase in the vaccination rate among Japanese citizens.

Some measures, including a mask mandate off-base and indoors in some places on the installation, remain in effect, he said.

The U.S. military in Japan has announced seven new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday.

U.S. Army Japan reported six individuals tested positive since Sept. 22: three as close contacts of another infected person, two in restricted movement after arriving in Japan and one who fell ill with symptoms of COVID-19, according to a news release Wednesday.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni reported one person tested positive while in restricted movement, according to a Thursday news release.

Japan registered another 1,722 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and 50 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Of Japans 122.6 million people, 58.9%, or 74.4 million, are fully vaccinated.

Stars and Stripes reporter Joseph Ditzler contributed to this report.
Sudanese girls sit inside an abandoned army outpost near Ieropigi village, northern Greece, at the Greek - Albanian border, on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. A relatively smooth section of Greeces rugged border with Albania is turning into a major thoroughfare north for migrants in Greece seeking a better life in Europes prosperous heartland. (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

IEROPIGI, Greece  In the early 1990s, tens of thousands of impoverished Albanian migrants slogged through the oak woods near the village of Ieropigi, dodging Greek border patrols to seek work in Greece after the collapse of communism in Albania.

Thirty years later, the cross-border flow is reversed, though on a much smaller scale. Now its people from the Middle East and Africa who flit through the same oak woods, moving from Greece to Albania this time, halfway through their long trek to Europes heartland.

Since 2018, migrants and refugees whod rather try their luck somewhere richer than Greece have made this relatively smooth bit of the rugged border the main way out of the country by land.

A makeshift sign on a Greek Orthodox chapel shows the way to Albania, near Ieropigi village, northern Greece, at the Greek - Albanian border, on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. A relatively smooth section of Greeces rugged border with Albania is turning into a major thoroughfare north for migrants in Greece seeking a better life in Europes prosperous heartland. (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

Shepherd Michalis Trasias, 69, who grazes his sheep on the Greek side of the border, told The Associated Press he sees groups heading into Albania every day.

Very many refugees cross  in their hundreds, he said. The frontiers just a hundred meters (yards) from here. Those that the Albanians catch they send back. Those who manage it continue, where to, they alone know.

Migrants or refugees who dont want to stay in Greece have several options, all illegal: To stow away on a ferry  or buy a berth on a smuggling boat  for Italy; use fake papers to catch a flight out; or walk through Bulgaria, North Macedonia or Albania.

And with Bulgaria being seen as too dangerous, and North Macedonia increasingly well guarded, large numbers are opting for Albania, even though its patrols are strengthened by officers from the European Unions Frontex border agency. Police data show Albania has seen a rise in arrests for illegal entry this year, while North Macedonia  outside which 10,000 people had camped five years ago waiting to sneak in  reports a decline.

Albanian interior ministry spokesman Ardian Bita said his country is doing its utmost to fight the organized crime groups that help traffic migrants, and has arrested a considerable number of smugglers this year.

The main base for the crossings is an abandoned army guard house  filthy and decrepit  and the surrounding woods a few hundred meters from the border, a half-hours walk from the closest Greek village of Ieropigi and 220 kilometers (140 miles) west of Greeces second-largest city, Thessaloniki. Theres water from a pumping station, from which some also tap electricity to charge their phones.

About 50 people were camped in the area during a visit by the AP, waiting to make their crossing attempt alone or with the paid help of smugglers. The population can rise up to a few hundred, most of whom are periodically rounded up and removed by Greek police. Few stay long.

A Syrian migrant sleeps inside a forest near Ieropigi village, northern Greece, at the Greek - Albanian border, on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. A relatively smooth section of Greeces rugged border with Albania is turning into a major thoroughfare north for migrants in Greece seeking a better life in Europes prosperous heartland. Once little-used, the Albanian route is now the main way north that migrants, usually helped by smuggling gangs, hope will take them through a string of other Balkan countries to Italy or Germany. (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

Among those who do is Shaikh Musa Abdallah from Sudan whos stayed in the decrepit former guardhouse for 50 days, with his wife and five children, ages 5-15.

I have tried six times so far to cross into Albania, hoping to continue to Serbia, he told the AP. But Frontex stopped me. For others it is very easy to cross, but for families it is very difficult.

Abdallah said hes lived in Greece for the past three years, and now proposes to abandon his efforts to move on.

Mohammad Nour Mahmood Al Damad from Syria has also been turned back, six times in the past seven days. But hes traveling without children and is determined to persist, after being refused asylum in Greece.

I want to leave, to go to any other country, he said, baking potatoes under the trees with a fellow Syrian. I dont want to go to Europe, just Albania or Kosovo. I want a good life.

Husam Hderi, 30, wants the same but proposes to seek it further abroad.

I want to go to Albania, then to Kosovo and from there to Bosnia to reach Italy, the Palestinian from Syria said. I have a family, two children in Syria. Once I get there I will bring them so that we can live together.

Hderi reached Greece a month ago, slipping across the land border from Turkey and then being driven by people smugglers to Thessaloniki. He said that so far he has paid smugglers 2,200 euros ($2,570) to reach Ieropigi, and he is determined to continue north.

Frontex is a big problem, he said. For a month Ive been constantly trying to enter (Albania) and they keep sending me back.

Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, and Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, contributed to this story.
Airmen assigned to the 721st Aerial Port Squadron form a gate Aug. 30, 2021, as evacuees from Afghanistan board a flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. An official at Ramstein said flights carrying Afghan refugees from Germany to the U.S. are expected to resume over the Columbus Day weekend. A weekslong pause in flights was imposed after several evacuees were diagnosed with measles. (Donald Darnec/U.S. Air Force)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany  Flights carrying Afghan refugees from Germany to the U.S. are expected to resume in the coming days following a weekslong pause imposed by U.S. health authorities after measles cases were detected among the evacuees, a U.S. Air Force official said Thursday.

We expect outbound flights to resume within the next 10 days, over the Columbus Day weekend, 86th Airlift Wing spokesman Lt. Col. Will Powell said in response to a query from Stars and Stripes.

But the date that flights would resume was not firm as the exact length of time of this short-term delay is still under review, he said.

Flights of Afghan evacuees from Germany to the U.S. were halted in mid-September after four measles cases were discovered among Afghans who had arrived in the U.S. from overseas bases.

On Sept. 17, U.S. military personnel in Germany began giving measles, mumps and rubella shots to nearly 9,000 evacuees who are temporarily housed at Ramstein and Rhine Ordnance Barracks in the Kaiserslautern area.

After the three-day inoculation drive had been completed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the evacuees would have to quarantine for three weeks before traveling to the U.S.

The German government originally agreed to allow Afghans to remain on U.S. military installations in Germany for up to 10 days. An official at Rhine Ordnance Barracks said in August that evacuees were staying there for up to five days.

Since the flights to the U.S. were halted, American and German officials have been working together to coordinate our efforts and accommodate the Afghans in Germany for longer than initially anticipated, State Department spokesman Andy Halus said.

This undertaking is unprecedented, and we are making real-time decisions to keep people safe and healthy, he said in a statement. The CDC paused flights into the United States out of an abundance of caution due to confirmed measles cases, and we will resume flights as soon as it is safe to do so.

Karin Zeitvogel
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan and plans for future counterterrorism operations, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced legislation on Thursday to create an apolitical commission to study 20 years of American war in Afghanistan, an effort she hopes would keep the United States from repeating mistakes made during years of conflict after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Afghanistan War Study Commission would be charged with taking a deep dive into every aspect of the war, including top level strategic decisions, combat operations, efforts to train Afghan forces, intelligence work, diplomatic efforts, congressional oversight and corruption in the U.S.-backed Kabul government, Duckworth said Wednesday. She will offer the bill as an amendment to the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, the must-pass annual legislation that sets Pentagon funding and policy priorities.

What we need to do is really glean all the lessons learned, said Duckworth, an Army veteran. You know the [militarys] war colleges are going to be looking at this forever. So, what I want to do is create this commission that will not have anybody leading it who was in a  decision-making position [on Afghanistan] during the 20 years.

She said the commission would be molded in the form of the independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission set up in 2002 to examine the terrorist attacks that launched the next two decades of war in Afghanistan. The body would examine the entire war from the initial U.S. invasion in the weeks after 9/11 until the last soldiers left just before midnight on Aug. 31.

Commissioners would be experienced policy professionals chosen by the chairpersons and ranking members on the House and Senate Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs committees, according to the legislation. President Joe Biden would also add one member to the panel.

Duckworth also noted the panel would have to maintain a nonpolitical nature, a lesson that she said she learned from serving on the Select Committee on Benghazi  the congressional panel the spent nearly two years probing the deadly 2012 attacks on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya. That committee, she said, became bogged down in politics instead of a thorough examination of incident.

I don't want that to happen to this  I dont, she said. This does not need to become political. Frankly, the American people deserve better than that. And, more importantly, as far as I'm concerned, the men and women who served there, who laid down the lives there, and were wounded there deserve better than that and their families deserve better than that.

The Pentagon has said about 800,000 American troops served in the war in Afghanistan. Among them, 2,461 were killed in action and more than 20,000 others were wounded. Duckworth understands those kind of sacrifices. The retired lieutenant colonel in 2004 was permanently crippled when her Black Hawk helicopter was struck by enemy fire in Iraq and crashed.

The senator said there was support for her effort within the Democratic caucus and she had begun to reach out to Republican colleagues to pitch the idea.

There is at least some appetite among House Republicans to form a commission to study the war. Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Rob Wittman of Virginia introduced legislation in August to establish a 9/11-style commission to probe the Afghanistan war.

The calls to study the efforts come after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, where the Taliban took control of virtually the entire country in a lightening offensive in August, months after Biden announced the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of that month. The U.S. evacuated some 124,000 Americans and allies from Kabul in a massive and dangerous airlift operation in the final weeks, as the Taliban returned to power for the first time since American troops ousted them in 2001.

In hearings this week before the Senate and House Armed Services committees, Pentagon leaders described the outcome of the war in Afghanistan as a strategic failure, but they said American troops fought admirably throughout the effort, including in its final days.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told members of the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday that the war had been stalemated at least six years before Biden decided to end U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.

Strategically, the war is lost  the enemy is in Kabul, Milley said. This was a 20-year war and it wasnt lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months, for that matter. This was the cumulative effect of a series of decisions that go way back.

Duckworths commission would study all of those failures, from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Ladens 2001 escape from American troops at Tora Bora to the Aug. 26 bombing at Kabuls airport by Islamic State terrorists that killed 13 U.S. service members.

The commission will provide a vital and actionable product for public release to ensure Americans learn from efforts in Afghanistan, the legislation states.

Duckworth said she would not speculate for now about how long the commission might need to examine the war. She said she expected members of the panel would divide up the different aspects of the war to examine individually or as smaller groups.

I think this is something that when we form the commission, we find the right people to lead it, and we talk with them to see what they think is doable, Duckworth said. Theres a vast amount of information that is available  and I would want the person who is leading the commission to have a real say into how they want to structure the work that the commission is going to be doing.
Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing honor the daily estimated number of veterans who take their own lives, symbolized by 22 pairs of boots in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month on Sept. 8, 2021, from an undisclosed location somewhere in Southwest Asia. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month stresses the importance of mental health and encourages individuals to seek help if they need it. (Karla Parra/U.S. Air Force)

WASHINGTON  The suicide rate for active-duty troops rose again in 2020, according to the Pentagons annual suicide report, and defense officials said Thursday they do not know why.

About 29 per 100,000 active-duty troops died by suicide in 2020, up from about 26 in 2019 and about 25 in 2018. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a statement Thursday described the upward trend as troubling and called for a greater effort to tackle issues of mental health in the military.

We cannot bring back those we have lost, but we hope that we can in some way honor their memory by doing more  right now  to prevent future tragedies from suicide among our wider DOD family, he said.

In total, 580 active-duty, National Guard and Reserve troops died by suicide in 2020  up from 504 in 2019 and 543 in 2018, according to the report. Of those, about 103 were Army National Guard members, representing a jump of about 35% from 2019 numbers. Active-duty soldiers also saw a nearly 20% rise.

The report also concluded enlisted and young male service members are at a higher risk of suicide than their elder peers and commissioned officers, said Dr. Karin Orvis, director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office. Though enlisted men made up about 42% of the military population in 2020, they accounted for about 63% of all military suicides that year, according to the report.

In short, we see continued heightened risk for our young and enlisted service members, Orvis said, noting young men are at a higher risk of suicide nationwide.

The report also tracked military family suicide rates, which found about 53% of all military spouses who end their lives are male despite there being significantly more female military spouses than male.

This is the third year that the military produced an annual report about suicide in the ranks, which Maj. Gen. Clement S. Coward, acting executive director for the Pentagons Office of Force Resiliency, said helps to leverage best scientific practices  collecting evidence, analyzing trends, and so forth to develop suicide prevention strategies.

To help tackle the issue, the Pentagon is implementing a new policy to screen for depression and suicide risk during primary care visits at military hospitals and clinics for all patients who are 11 years old and older, Orvis said.

We're also exploring measures on how to better understand help-seeking behaviors, perceived barriers to care and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among our military spouses, she said.

While service members are exposed to trauma in their work, Orvis said there was little difference between the rate of suicides among troops who deployed overseas and those who did not.

We have just as many individuals who died by suicide who have never deployed, she said, without providing specific data. It may be a factor for some [but] suicide is so complex  there's not one single factor, not even for a single individual  but we aren't seeing that that is something that is a driving factor [for suicide].

The coronavirus pandemic was also not believed to have played a significant role in driving suicide rates in the military, though it brought about heightened stress and social isolation that can be associated with an increased suicide risk, Coward said.

Though suicide rates increased between 2019 and 2020, Orvis said the increase was not statistically significant enough to indicate that the pandemic drove an increase.

We did not see a statistical change in suicide rates between calendar year 2020 and calendar year 2019 that would indicate a [coronavirus]-related increase in risk, Coward said.

Further, only about 400  or less than 1%  of the 65,181 calls placed to the Veterans/Military Crisis Line in 2020 regarded the coronavirus, according to the report.

Though Orvis said the pandemic was not the main cause for the increase in suicides, it remains unclear what is causing the rising numbers of suicides in recent years, according to the report.

One of the things that is bedeviling about suicide is that its often very hard to connect dots in causality  what leads somebody to make that decision, Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Thursday. Its difficult to denote specific causality with suicide on an individual basis, let alone on an institutional basis. And I think thats why its so difficult for us to speak to it with any specificity, except to say we take this very, very seriously.

While the Pentagon typically compares its suicide rates to that of the general population, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to release its 2020 suicide figures, Orvis said.

However, we do know that the U.S. population suicide rate for calendar year 2019 is comparable to our calendar year 2019 military suicide rates for the active component, Reserve and the National Guard after accounting for age and sex, she said.

The report comes after three soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, N.Y., died of apparent suicides in a two-day period this month. One of the three had recently returned from helping with the evacuation mission in Afghanistan, though officials did not suspect the deployment was the primary reason behind the suicide.

Troops and veterans who want to contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line can dial 1-800-273-8255 then press 1, or text the crisis line at 838255. An option to chat online is available at veteranscrisisline.net.
The Texas National Guard will send 1,500 additional troops to the states border with Mexico during the next month to conduct a border security mission under the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott. The troops join about 1,000 Texas Guard members already deployed. (Texas National Guard)

Texas National Guard will more than double its troop levels at the states border with Mexico to about 2,500 service members during the next month to conduct security and build a border barrier under the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott.

Just in the last week, National Guard troops arrested more than 2,000 people crossing the border illegally, Lt. Col. Rodney Kelley, director of training and operations for the Texas Military Department, said Thursday during a news conference. They saw another 200 people turn back into Mexico without crossing, he said.

Guard engineers have already built about three miles of border barrier and the surge of troops will allow teams to work in multiple areas while also surveying future construction sites, Kelley said. Two engineer teams are already working along the border, with two more expected to arrive this week.

He described the barrier as a 10-foot chain link fence with additional equipment at the top to help secure it.

A dozen teams will work on border barriers within the next month in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety, known as DPS. This increase could allow the Guard to build up to half a mile of fencing a day, Kelley said.

We have to train. We have to get the equipment and the additional resources in place. Then we're working with DPS. Through their analysts and working with the office of the governor, they're going to locate and point out the places that create the biggest need, and we will flow teams there and be as efficient as quick as possible in doing the infrastructure construction, Kelley said.

All work has been done on private property, primarily within the Del Rio area, which includes Val Verde, Kinney and Maverick counties, said Victor Escalon, regional director for DPS South Texas. Eventually, he said he would like to expand west into the Big Bend region and east into the Rio Grande Valley.

Del Rio became the focus of border security this month after about 30,000 migrants, mostly from Haiti, surged to the city, which led to the closure of an international bridge.

While about 8,000 migrants returned to Mexico, the remaining people were processed into the United States and many were deported on 17 flights to Haiti, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sept. 24 during a White House briefing.

DPS and the Texas National Guard sent already deployed personnel to Del Rio as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents processed the migrants. The bridge reopened over the weekend and Kelley said the Guard has now prepositioned about 70 Humvees in the area in case a similar situation arises.

Abbott, a Republican, signed a law on Sept. 17 that added nearly $1.9 billion to the states border security budget, which was expected to increase the number of National Guard troops at the border. Guard members have been working with DPS since March on a mission called Operation Lone Star.

The Texas Military Department requested last week through a post on social media for Texas Guard members to volunteer for the deployment to the border, boasting that lodging and a $55 per diem are included.

These state-activated troops are in addition to the 3,500 troops deployed on a federal mission along the entire U.S. border with Mexico in support of the Department of Homeland Security, according to Joint Task Force North, the military headquarters that oversees the mission. The Defense Department authorized troops to serve on the federal mission through September 2022.

Those troops were initially deployed under former President Donald Trump and remain deployed under President Joe Biden, even after Biden rescinded Trumps national emergency declaration at the southwest border.

Rose Thayer
An MH-47G Chinook assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment refuels at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., in 2019. Soldiers who may have been members of the 160th SOAR were attacked Sept. 18, 2021, by a sword-wielding man dressed as a ninja while they were training at Inyokern Airport, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. (Daniel Snider/U.S. Air Force)

A sword-wielding man dressed as a ninja attacked several special operations soldiers who were training at a California airport, reportedly forcing them to shelter in a hangar and inflicting wounds that required stitches.

The bizarre assault took place at Inyokern Airport, an airfield in the Mojave Desert about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, sometime after 1 a.m. on Sept. 18, according to what appears to be a military incident report shared on Instagram and Reddit.

Records from the Ridgecrest Police Department seem to confirm some details in the document posted to social media in a photo late Wednesday that said two soldiers had to receive stitches before returning to duty.

After confirming that the incident described in the document leaked on social media did occur, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command spokesman Maj. Jeff Slinker said officials did not have any further information to add.

The soldiers names were redacted in the photo shared on social media  but one was identified as a staff sergeant and the other as a captain. The details suggest that they are members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, an elite helicopter unit known as the Night Stalkers.

The staff sergeant was sitting outside the administration building at the airport hangar smoking a cigarette when he was approached by an unknown person wearing full ninja garb, the photographed document states.

A screenshot of what appears to be a military incident report shared on Reddit describes an attack on a group of soldiers Sept. 18, 2021, in California by a sword-wielding man dressed as a ninja. (Reddit)

It is unclear from the records whether the man was an actual practitioner of ninjutsu.

Do you know who I am? the ninja asked, to which the soldier replied no, according to the document.

Do you know where my family is? the black-clad man then asked. The staff sergeant again answered no.

The person in ninja garb began to slash at (the soldier), striking his phone and his knee and leg, the record states.

The staff sergeant took off running across the parking lot to escape the attacker, and then he jumped a fence and entered the administrative building, where he and the captain locked doors and called 911.

Meanwhile, the man dressed as a ninja was kicking and punching doors and windows before leaving to grab a large block of asphalt, which he heaved through the window of the administration building.

The captain was struck by the chunk of asphalt, said the document on social media.

The first assistance call was recorded about 1:20 a.m., the Ridgecrest Police Department log shows. A man with a sword was in a parking lot, and there was at least one victim, the log states.

About 30 minutes later came a second call via 911: 26 spec op military members doing training at the airport, the log states. Hunkered down in a hangar wondering where help is.

The ninja fled and was arrested elsewhere, according to the document shared on social media.

It indicates that the soldiers were with F Co., 2nd Battalion, 160th SOAR, which had been tasked with support at Fort Irwins National Training Center.

The incident report photo was shared Wednesday on the Instagram meme page Daddy SOARbucks before appearing on Reddit.

The Daddy SOARbucks page posted several more memes mocking the company and the battalion over the incident.

The regiment did not immediately respond to a query seeking confirmation of the information shared on social media. It was unclear which law enforcement agency responded to the calls.
Protestors chant slogans in front of the USCIS district office in Miami as members of Miamis Haitian community protest Sept. 22, 2021 against the Biden administration for their handling of Haitian immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. (Jose A. Iglesias/el Nuevo Herald/TNS)

MIAMI (Tribune News Service)  Top officials from the National Security Council and the State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs are in Miami on Wednesday to meet with Cuban and Haitian American leaders ahead of a visit to Port-au-Prince later this week.

The discussions come as both Caribbean nations have undergone political turmoil this summer. Thousands of Cubans protested on July 11 to demand an end to their nations dictatorship, and Haiti continues to reel from the July 7 assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise, and a major earthquake a month later.

Since then, an unprecedented rush by thousands of asylum-seeking Haitian migrants to the U.S. border with Mexico, the hasty deportation of many of the migrants, and the resignation of the administrations top envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, has plunged Haiti deeper into chaos amid U.S. policy ambiguity.

Previewing the U.S. delegations trip to Haiti, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told McClatchy last week that the purpose of the visit is to see what is the best way forward here, to make sure that we are talking to civil society so that we are hearing from the people of Haiti themselves to try to figure out what that path is.

But the trip comes as members of the South Florida Haitian community, as well as leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean, press the Biden administration for more details on where it stands on Haitis political challenges.

Its an open question mark, what U.S. policy is today, Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez told the Miami Herald ahead of a Tuesday visit to the State Department to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly last week, Dominican President Luis Abinader made an impassioned plea on behalf of Haiti in which he said the international community can not abandon the country and that its ongoing crisis could not be tackled by one country alone.

Abinader also called for an external force to take control of the country, noting that without improvements to the security situation, Haiti can not hold elections. In the wake of Moises murder, a political struggle ensued and continues today as some of his loyalists seek to oust interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, and members of Haitis civil society seek to take charge of the countrys governance.

Abinaders comments came as his nation became part of an informal alliance with Panama and Costa Rica around issues related to trade, democracy and human rights. During a meeting among the three presidents at the U.N., the conversation inevitably turned to the issue of migration and the number of Haitians going through Panama, Alvarez said.

We are just trying to get the attention of the countries that have a leading role in the world. Thats the main objective, to get particularly the U.S.s attention, Alvarez said.

A State Department spokesperson said that while in Haiti, Assistant Secretary Brian Nichols and National Security Council Senior Director Juan Gonzalez plan to meet with civil society groups, as well as Henry and Foreign Minister Claude Joseph.

Haitis ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, raised concerns in a meeting with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday over the recent treatment of Haitian migrants at the border.

We do care about our migrants  you have to respect their dignity and rights, Edmond told the Herald. We are very concerned when it comes to their treatment.

The two discussed the U.S. H1 visa program, the resumption of a family reunification program and better coordination between the U.S. and Haitian coast guards to help them cover some part of the Caribbean Sea, Edmond added.

In a statement on the meeting, Mayorkas said that the United States and Haiti have a shared commitment to ensuring that Haitian migrants are treated with dignity and respect.

Mayorkas also thanked Edmond for the reintegration of Haitian migrants back at home in Haiti. USAID has established a $5.5 million program to provide on-the-ground assistance to repatriated Haitian migrants.

I look forward to continuing to work with the government of Haiti and other partners throughout the hemisphere as we work toward safe, orderly, and humane management of migration in the region, Mayorkas said.

Earlier this week, Henry disbanded Haitis nine-member Provisional Electoral Council, effectively postponing next months general elections for a new president and parliament and the vote on a controversial constitutional referendum. The council had been criticized by Moise prior to his death, but was supported by the international community despite protests from Haitis opposition and civil society groups that had refused to name representatives.

It is the fourth time Haitis election has been postponed, and Henry said that he would soon appoint a new electoral council.

Appointing a new, inclusive and representative council is the first step in staging elections, but Henry, who has been seeking support for his own Political Accord for Peaceful and Effective Governance, faces opposition to his rule. Hundreds of organizations in and out of Haiti are backing a broad-based commission on Haitian civil society that lays out a road map for a transitional government.

The United States, which has been pushing elections instead of a long transition period, has been accused of ignoring the commission, a point made by Foote, the former envoy, in a harsh resignation letter criticizing U.S. policy in Haiti and international support for Henry and his interim government, as well as the ongoing U.S. repatriation of Haitians.

Biden administration officials have also been meeting with Cuban Americans regularly to discuss U.S. policy toward Cuba and how to best support the islands pro-democracy movement. President Joe Biden has been a vocal critic of the repression of anti-government protesters who took to the streets in July. Hundreds are still in jail, some facing charges that could keep them in prison for several years.

The Biden administration is also expected to announce a decision soon regarding remittances to Cuba, after a working group set to study the issue offered recommendations to the White House at the end of August. Official money transfer channels have been suspended since 2020, and the administration said it was examining ways to allow remittances while minimizing the cut taken by the Cuban government.

2021 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Buy Photo Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., on Monday filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act  annual legislation that lays out the nations defense policies  that could be added to the final version for fiscal 2022 if it passes in early November. (Stars and Stripes)

AUSTIN, Texas (Tribune News Service)  The family of slain U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who have been fighting for reforms in how the military handles sexual assault and harassment, inched closer this week to their goal of taking investigations of such cases outside a soldiers direct chain of command.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., on Monday filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act  annual legislation that lays out the nations defense policies  that could be added to the final version for fiscal 2022 if it passes in early November.

The amendment would allow military victims of sexual assault or harassment to file a claim and receive monetary compensation if their cases were mishandled, according to Guillen family attorney Natalie Khawam.

Khawam said she pushed for Gillibrand to add the amendment at the last minute so it could potentially be included to the final version of the defense bill and help the Guillens finally find a form of justice.

Senator Gillibrand filed an amendment to include claims that will provide our soldiers relief, as they need and deserve recourse just like any victim of sexual misconduct, said Khawam, who has represented the Guillen family pro bono since shortly after the

Fort Hood soldiers death in April 2020. Without recourse, there is no teeth in this legislation, and thereby there will be no accountability.

Active-duty soldiers currently cannot sue the Defense Department for pain and suffering if they are victims of sexual crimes. The same is true for families like Vanessa Guillens, who cannot receive monetary compensation for the death of their loved one or the sexual harassment she received.

What happened to Vanessa Guillen?

In late April, a year after Guillens disappearance, Army leaders first confirmed that Guillen, 20, was sexually harassed and subjected to retaliation at Fort Hood, as her family had consistently alleged.

Authorities suspect another Fort Hood soldier, Spc. Aaron Robinson, beat Guillen to death with a hammer in an armory room on post the morning of April 22, 2020. Robinson fatally shot himself July 1, 2020, as authorities sought to question him, according to Killeen police.

However, Army leaders says it was another noncommissioned officer, whom they declined to identify, who sexually harassed Guillen.

Regardless, the Guillen family for more than a year have pushed for new legislation that would allow outside investigators to look into claims of sexual crimes among soldiers. The legislation initially was called the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act as a nod to the viral social media hashtag that service members used online when describing their own experiences as victims of sexual misconduct in the military.

Lawmakers in support of the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act have explained that current Army protocols are flawed and problematic because the investigators are often those in a victims direct chain of command and frequently have personal relationships with those accused of a crime and the victim who is reporting it. As a result, victims fear retaliation if those investigators fail to properly investigate without bias.

The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, however, will no longer be a standalone bill but rather incorporated into the defense bill.

While the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act would take sexual misconduct investigations outside the chain of command, Gillibrands amendment would also allow soldiers to receive up to $800,000 in noneconomic damages, and no cap for economic damages, if investigators were negligent or military members failed to protect them from abuse.

Patrick Murray, director of the national legislative service for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said Wednesday that what the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act set out to accomplish is long overdue, adding that the VFW hopes it will be added to the defense policy bill.

The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, the amendment portion to the National Defense Authorization, is something the VFW strongly supports, so were doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for the men and women in service and also make sure that justice is done, Murray said.

The U.S. House and the Senate will conference in late November, selecting the language they want from each chambers version of the defense bill. Khawam on Tuesday said the final version will emerge by December.

Mayra Guillen, Vanessas oldest sister, fought alongside Khawam this week to have the amendment added to the Senates version of the National Defense Authorization Act. On Tuesday, the sister asked everyone to contact their senators and ask them to support the amendment.

The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act will not only make justice for Vanessa, but for all the victims of sexual misconduct in the military, Guillen said. This shift in the process of removing cases from the chain of command will not only make reporting safer for our soldiers, but it will also provide a clearer unbiased path to investigate cases.

Mayra Guillen said that if the legislation had been in place when her sister needed help, then she would have been alive today with us and continuing her career in the Army and her life dream to serve her country.

2021 www.statesman.com. Visit statesman.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Fort Riley honor guard carries the remains of Father Emil Kapaun to an altar during Kapauns funeral mass on Wednesday, Sept., 29, 2021 in Wichita, Kan. Kapaun died in a North Korean POW camp in May of 1951. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his bravery in the Korean War. Kapauns remains were identified earlier this year returned home to Kansas recently. (Travis Heying, The Wichita Eagle/AP)

WICHITA, Kan.  Thousands of people turned out Wednesday in Wichita to honor a Kansas priest as he was laid to rest 70 years after he died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

Mourners filled Hartman Arena for a funeral service for the Rev. Emil Kapaun and later lined streets to watch his body being carried by a horse-drawn caisson from Veterans Memorial Park to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he was interred.

We are here today to provide for father what was not provided for him 70 years ago, a mass of Christian burial, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Wichita diocese told the crowd.

Speakers extolled Kapauns Christian love and his courage during his days as a prisoner or war, which he spent providing comfort to his fellow soldiers. They also said it was appropriate that his body had finally returned to the state where he was born.

Uncle Emil, welcome home. Home at last, said Kapauns nephew, Ray Kapaun during the service.

He praised his uncles fellow POWs who survived the war and the people of Pilsen, where Kapaun was born, who he said helped keep the priests story alive in the decades since his death.

Kapaun, an Army chaplain, was captured in 1950 near Unsan, North Korea, while tending to fellow soldiers. He died in May 1951 at the POW camp while continuing to minister to fellow prisoners. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013.

In 1993, the Catholic church named him a Servant of God, the first step of a lengthy process that could lead to canonization.

During the funeral, the Rev. Matthew Pawlikowski read a statement from Col. Mike Dowe detailing how Kapaun volunteered to stay behind to care for the wounded before he was captured. He said at the prisoner of war camp, Kapaun stole food, volunteered to bury the dead so he could provide clothes to survivors and continually encouraged them to hold onto their faith.

Dowe said Kapaun was intentionally left to die in a structure known as the death house by the Chinese Communists who ran the camp not because of politics, not because he was a soldier but because he was a shining light in the darkness living out his faith as a Christian. They martryed him.

Kapauns remains were positively identified in March and returned to his family last week during a ceremony in Hawaii. The body was flown back to Kansas, where more crowds gathered Saturday for a memorial service in Pilsen before his remains were returned to Wichita.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed Wednesday Father Emil Kapaun Day in the state. She said in a statement that He served with honor and dignity, I hope his return home brings relief and closure to his family and his community.
Preston, 64, retired in 2011 after 36 years in the service. He was the longest-serving Army senior enlisted adviser, spending seven years as the top noncommissioned officer and an adviser to two Army chiefs of staff in Gen. Peter Schoomaker and Gen. George Casey Jr. (Army)

Sep. 30CUMBERLAND, Md (Tribune News Service).  Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, a Mount Savage native, is the 2021 recipient of the Marshall Medal, the Association of the U.S. Armys highest award for distinguished service.

Preston, 64, retired in 2011 after 36 years in the service. He was the longest-serving Army senior enlisted adviser, spending seven years as the top noncommissioned officer and an adviser to two Army chiefs of staff in Gen. Peter Schoomaker and Gen. George Casey Jr.

Its very humbling for anybody, Preston said. Its all heads of state, various senior distinguished leaders. For me as an enlisted soldier coming from a small town like Mount Savage, Im very honored and very humbled that the association and all the chapters out there that are represented found that I should be the one to receive the Marshall award this year.

Every year, everybody kind of looks to see who the recipient is of the Marshall award. I was just completely without words when Gen. (Carter) Ham called. Theres never been an enlisted soldier that came up through the ranks like that to receive the award.

After retiring from the Army, Preston served as vice president of AUSAs NCO and Soldier Program from 2013 to 2019. As well, he was the president of Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit that builds housing for wounded veterans, where he is still on the board of directors. He also served as co-chair of the Armys Retired Soldier Council.

Recently, he has volunteered with the Army Historical Foundation, the official fundraising organization for the National Museum of the United States Army, which opened the museum at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in November 2020. Preston also volunteered and was part of the Buffalo Soldier Association of West Point, which recently completed a project building a memorial to the soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers of West Point.

The Buffalo Soldier Association of West Point honors and celebrates the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier and the contributions of Black American Veterans in the Hudson Valley region. From 1907-1946, members of the segregated Black Horse Cavalry

Detachments served at and taught horsemanship at the United States Military Academy.

The Marshall Medal was established in 1960  named after George Catlett Marshall, former Army chief of staff, secretary of state and secretary of defense. Fellow recipients of the award include, former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, who was also General of the Army, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush among others.

The award ceremony will be a bit smaller this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Preston will receive the honor at an afternoon lunch ceremony Oct. 13 in Washington, D.C.

Brandon Glass is a staff writer for the Cumberland Times-News.

(c)2021 the Cumberland Times News (Cumberland, Md.)

Visit the Cumberland Times News (Cumberland, Md.) at times-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Work is ongoing to vaccinate the remaining Bay of Plenty border workers, including those at the Port of Tauranga, before a new mandate requiring vaccination kicks in.

Vaccination rates among port workers in the Bay of Plenty DHB region is lower than the overall national figure for border workers, but has improved since concerns were raised in August.

After cases of Covid-19 were discovered on the Tauranga-berthed Rio de la Plata container ship questions were asked over poor vaccination rates at the Port of Tauranga.

At the time, it was revealed that 60 per cent of border workers in the Bay of Plenty were unvaccinated.

However, as of 9pm on Tuesday, 91 per cent of port workers in the Bay of Plenty have received at least their first dose, a 41 per cent increase.

Port of Tauranga expect 96 per cent of their directly employed workers to have received their first dose by midnight. Private contractors ISO and C3 declined to comment when approached by SunLive.

Christine Nolan, the Ministry of Healths acting group manager of Covid-19 vaccination operations, is happy with what she calls a significant milestone in vaccination numbers amid border workers.

Protecting our borders remains a top priority for New Zealands ongoing response to Covid-19, says Christine.

As part of that work, the Ministry of Health has been working throughout the rollout programme with the wider border sector to lift vaccination rates.

We have also been focusing strongly in recent months on working with port companies, the maritime industry, sector agencies and DHBs to increase the vaccination uptake by workers at the maritime border.

A mandate announced by the Government in July enforced all privately employed border workers to have had their first jab by September 30.

At the time, just 54 per cent of active port workers nationwide had been vaccinated. That figure is now 95 per cent.

Border workers who remain unvaccinated after the requirements come into effect will need to discuss options with their employer, said Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins at the time.

They will not be able to continue working in a high-risk border environment until they are vaccinated.

Christine admits those who remain unvaccinated will no longer be able to work in affected roles at the border after tomorrow and believes port employers and employees are aware of this fact.

The Ministry of Health is confident all employers included in the Border Workforce Register are aware that is against the law to have unvaccinated workers in roles that fall under the Order after September 30, she says

They also know that any new workers must have at least one dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine before starting work in roles that fall under the Vaccinations Order.

Further support, including the option of redeployment or re-employment is being offered for unvaccinated workers who may no longer be able to perform their role after tomorrow.

With the mandate coming into effect from tomorrow, Christine also makes clear that work will be ongoing until the last minute to ensure as many border workers as possible are vaccinated by the deadline.

Work to vaccinate the small number of remaining workers by the end of September is continuing, with all DHBs with major ports in their regions continuing to actively work to ensure 100 per cent vaccination first and second dose rates by the deadline.
The family who were reported missing from their Marokopa home on September 13 have today been located safe and well.

Thomas Phillips, 34, and his three young children, Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick Callum-Phillips, 6, and Ember Phillips, 5, were last seen on September 11.

Police say they kept an open mind throughout this investigation and are delighted with this outcome.

We are so pleased that the family have returned home, says Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin.

Police received a sighting of the family yesterday from a local who had sighted a man and children on a motorbike heading south on Mangatoa Road.

Police deployed a fixed-wing plane and drones to the area as part of our enquiries, but the family were not located.

Police were then notified this morning that the family had returned home.

The family had been living in a tent inland from Kiritehere beach, Loughrin says.

A huge range of people and resources were involved in the search for the family, this search wouldnt be possible without you, says Inspector Loughrin.

We are so grateful to you.

The search included Waikato and local Police staff, search and rescue teams from LandSAR, Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff, Coastguard and members of the community.

The conditions at Marokopa were often tough and treacherous but staff remained dedicated to bringing the family home, says Loughrin.

We want to again acknowledge the strength of the family and local community during this incredibly difficult time, their support was invaluable.

Police are continuing to speak to the family to clarify their movements over the last couple of weeks.
Almost 10 years ago, the MV Rena departed from Napier on October 4, 2011, bound for Tauranga.

When the vessel ran aground on Astrolabe Reef off the Tauranga coast at 2.14am on October 5, tens of thousands of tonnes of containers and cargo came to a complete stop in half a ships length.

Brian Rogers, owner of Sun Media which publishes The Weekend Sun and SunLive, was one of the first on the scene.

We broke the news to the world of the Rena running up on the reef, says Brian.

At the time, I dont think anybody, including ourselves, realised how big a deal it was going to be until we got there that morning.

Plans were immediately set in motion to rescue her crew, remove her bunker fuel and salvage the vessel with her cargo.

By October 9, an oil slick 5km long threatened wildlife and our pristine marine environment.

The grounding has been labelled one of the worst maritime disasters in New Zealands history.

Maritime NZ director Kristie Hewlett says the Rena response was unprecedented in its scale and complexity.

She says they are better prepared for future events as a result of what they have learned from the grounding.

Rena was carrying 1700 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 1368 containers on board at the time of grounding on October 5, 2011.

Over the following few days and weeks, an estimated 350 tonnes of oil spilled into the sea and many containers washed overboard.

Over time, the vessel broke up and significant debris was released into the ocean.





Response efforts, led by Maritime NZ, focused on cleaning the oil and debris that had reached the beach, while a team of salvors worked to remove the oil and containers remaining on the ship.

Over the following months and years, a complex salvage and environmental remediation operation was undertaken, with the majority of the vessel removed and an extensive clean-up of the affected environment.

While the incident response from Maritime NZ was immediate and comprehensive, an independent review found areas for development to create resilience for any future events. the past decade,

Maritime NZ has made a number of improvements to its preparedness for major maritime incidents.

Systems and plans to better support community and volunteer engagement are now built into an overall integrated approach to large-scale maritime incidents that recognises the complexity of such events.

Following the Rena grounding and oil spill, during the response and recovery activities, Maritime NZ and its partners hosted a series of public meetings.

The clear message from the Bay of Plenty community was that these were their beaches and they wanted to help clean them up, says a statement from Maritime NZ.



Operation Beach Clean was developed to harness volunteer energy effectively, positively and safely. The response from the public surpassed all expectations, with volunteers registering online at an average of four per minute over the first few days.

A close working relationship developed over time with local iwi and hapu that continues to this day.

Following the review into the incident, Maritime NZ began a comprehensive programme to improve and maintain the wide range of capabilities needed to manage such complex incidents.

Activities have included: major All-of-Government (AoG) exercises; re-equipment and new equipment programmes; training development and implementation; a new readiness and response strategy and plans; and the establishment of support arrangements with both New Zealand and international parties for specialist support and rapid scaling up in the event of another incident. Work on these capabilities is continuous.

The Rena Recovery Project, led by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in partnership with central government agencies, was declared complete in July 2015 and moved into a monitoring phase that continues to this day.

Today, the Ministry for the Environment notes that the affected environment is recovering well.

Maritime NZs investigation into the grounding and oil spill found the ship's officers had ignored basic navigation practices and deviated substantially from the approved course as they hurried to get to Tauranga port.

The master and navigation officer were imprisoned for seven months after pleading guilty to charges under the Maritime Transport Act (1994) and Resource Management Act (1991).

Maritime NZ led the response to Rena, which was a complex and large-scale operation.

A grounding and oil spill had not occurred on this scale in New Zealand before. Government response efforts, including clean-up, cost NZD $47 million, with over NZD $27 million contributed by the ships owners.

The salvage was carefully overseen by the Government but paid for by the ships owners at a cost of NZD $700 million.

I am proud of the way our team responded to this significant maritime incident. On this ten-year anniversary, I would like to remember, and pay tribute to, their efforts today and emphasise the progress we have made to build our capability as we go forward, says Hewlett.

I would also like to acknowledge the support we received from our many response partners at the local, regional, national and international levels and as part of these partnerships, in particular, the work of the volunteers, councils, iwi and hapu, and the community of the Bay of Plenty.

Key information: Rena grounding and oil spill

Liberian-flagged MV Rena hit Otaiti / Astrolabe Reef, off the Bay of Plenty coast in the early hours of October 5, 2011.

350 tonnes heavy fuel oil leaked into the sea.

Coastlines were affected by oil, debris and shipping containers.

Thousands of seabirds and coastal birds affected by the oil, with 420 live oiled penguins collected, cleaned by the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team and released into the wild. A further 60 dotterel were pre-emptively collected to prevent them from being oiled.

The remains of the 236 metre ship Rena left at bottom of the sea  salvors removed the top sections of the ship and most of the containers.

Local residents / salvage operators / volunteers were exposed to possible health risks.

Government response efforts including clean-up cost NZD $47 million, with over NZD $27 million contributed by the ships owners.

The salvage was carefully overseen by the Government but paid for by the ships owners at a cost of NZD $700 million.

Maritime NZ led the response to Rena, which was a complex, and large-scale operation, involving most of Maritime NZs staff, many response partners, representatives of the local community and central and local government.

A grounding and oil spill had not occurred in New Zealand on this scale before.

Hewlett says NZ is better prepared for the future as a result.

Over the next week, Sun Media will be commemorating the anniversary of the Rena's grounding.

The Weekend Sun has a special commemorative liftout in this weekend's edition of the paper and SunLive will also have special features to acknowledge the anniversary on October 5.
Christi Chambers, executive director of the Oklahoma Blood Institute, stands with Jessica Gullifer who is holding a photo of her aunt and mother. Gullifers aunt and mother were long time blood donors who recently passed away from COVID-19. Gullifer raised money to donated to the institute in their name.
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Eastern Pacific Shipping provides mental health support to crew

The Singapore-based tonnage provider has partnered with Mental Health Support Solutions to normalise mental wellbeing.

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has partnered with Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) to break the mental health taboo and provide professional psychological support to its 5,000-strong and growing workforce across sea and shore. The initiative is part of EPS Life at Sea Programme, a comprehensive set of benefits aimed to ensure the long-term physical and mental wellbeing of EPS employees, specifically its seafarers. On top of the inherent physically and mentally demanding nature of life at sea, the long-drawn global effects of COVID-19 have also weighed heavily on the mental wellbeing of sea and onshore colleagues alike. Gil Ofer, Special Advisor for Innovation at EPS, stated: Long periods away from families, loved ones, along with heightened restrictions due to COVID-19, can all take their toll. Results from recent studies are further proof that more needs to be done to protect the mental wellbeing of our people. Partnering with MHSS gives our team access to insights, tips, mental exercises and 24/7 support from a qualified clinical psychologist. Just like physical exercise, mental health is something we need to work on daily. MHSS, the mental health providers in the maritime sector, will deliver interactive mental health and wellbeing content across EPS internal communications platforms. All EPS employees will have access to MHSS free hotline number, which offers round-the-clock confidential and professional psychological support for those onboard and ashore. Christian Ayerst, CEO at MHSS, said: We are delighted to be working with EPS, a like-minded company that's trying to break down barriers. Mental health is something which affects us all. EPS is leading the way in stimulating conversations to normalise mental health, which is fantastic. We hope other companies follow suit in encouraging these important discussions and providing professional psychological support to their employees. EPS initiative is designed to break the mental health stigma while stimulating debates and comments internally to enable employees to openly discuss mental health.




Synergy Group to take over Maersk Tankers technical management business

Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Synergy Group, has signed an agreement to take over Maersk Tankers technical management business.

This will strengthen Synergy Groups position within technical management, and Maersk Tankers will become a service company focused on commercial management. Maersk Tankers has been transformed from a traditional tanker company into a service company over the past few years. The agreement with Synergy Group marks the next big step on our strategic course, offering both the technical and commercial businesses optimum conditions in which to thrive. Maersk Tankers will become a service company focused on the commercial management market, delivering financially and environmentally viable solutions for shipowners, says Christian M. Ingerslev, CEO of Maersk Tankers. The technical management business, which has been part of Maersk Tankers since 1928, maintains vessels to ensure their safe, efficient and cost-competitive operation. It employs close to 3,300 people, of which 140 work onshore. Synergy Group, a leading ship manager founded in 2006 and with 14,000 seafarers and more than 1,000 shore-based employees, has been carefully chosen as the new owner to grow and develop the technical management business. At Synergy, we have always strived to provide high-quality services to our ship-owning partners. Being considered the right owner of Maersk Tankers technical management business is testament to our beliefs and philosophy of working towards creating a platform for high-quality and technically adept services. The crews well-being is paramount, and we are committed to providing sustainably responsible services, says Captain Rajesh Unni, founder and CEO of Synergy Group. Under the agreement, Synergy Group will take over the entire technical management business of Maersk Tankers. This includes customer and supplier contracts, as well as the technical management of 82 vessels, including the vessels in Maersk Product Tankers. More vessels mean access to more data, which Synergy Group will use to optimise vessel performance and reduce the environmental impact of shipping. The vast majority of the employees in Maersk Tankers technical management business will become part of the Synergy Group, which will strengthen the companys presence in Denmark, Singapore and India. Following the takeover, the two companies will work together on the management of the vessels in Maersk Product Tankers. The takeover of the technical management business is expected to be completed during November 2021.




Singapore has announced that it will offer vaccination to international ocean-going signing-on seafarers.

Signing-on crew who will board their vessel within 24 hours upon arrival will be directly transferred to the vaccination centre upon arrival in Singapore and directly transferred to the ship after their vaccination.

Vaccination will be offered to unvaccinated seafarers as well as seafarers who have taken their first Moderna vaccination shot 21 days before arrival in Singapore.

Vaccination is voluntary and by Informed Consent. Companies will pay for the vaccination of their seafarers.

The vaccination centre will commence operations on 30 September and operate from 2:00pm to 8:00pm Monday to Sunday. The last timing to accept seafarers for vaccination will be 7:30pm.

Prior application will be required 7 days prior OR when IPA is granted (whichever is earlier) at: https://form.gov.sg/61419c174a811300125a74bf

The following additional forms must be submitted to MPA together with all the remaining required documents, attached as Annex A, for Final-No-Objection (FNO):

- Form A: Enhanced Companys Letter of Undertaking

- Form B: Crews Pre-Assessment Form

- Form C: Crews Health Declaration Form

Please refer to the Guidebook on Seafarers Vaccination in the Port of Singapore, for the eligibility, documentation, application, and compliance details at: https://www.ssa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Guidebook-on-Seafarers-Vaccination-in-the-Port-of-Singapore.pdf.

For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
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karlosdeville Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 11,158 Thanked: 14,846 Times

View My Garage





Re: 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Zagato









The original data plates match the VIN stamping too, the car is indeed all original and matching numbers.







The Alfa is of course totally derelict, having been raced hard all its life, and subsequently out of use for decades, with many parts gone missing. A decision was finally taken to do a grounds up specialist restoration, and the job was entrusted to Kaizad and Nekzad, the Engineer Brothers at Nicki Garage. They seem to have made a habit out of taking on 'unrestorable' cars, and never shy away from a challenge (remember the Bristol













After a lot of deliberation, Rajesh decided to pass the car on to the next and present owner, Jimmy Tata, who owns a few rather interesting sports cars, and the car is thankfully all set to be restored in as authentic a manner as possible, retaining and repairing all the original Zagato body panels. Such a historically significant car deserves nothing less than the best. Almost every single missing part has been painstakingly sourced from Italy, with only NOS or genuine used items, rather than later reproductions (barring rubber consumables). No corner was cut, items sourced include original Zagato manuals  with such a low production run, one can imagine how difficult this was to source! In my book this car will be amongst the most important Indian cars to be restored in recent times.



Should any of the stalwarts reading this remember any more anecdotes on its history, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Cant wait to see her ready! Do stay tuned for more updates as and when they come in. After visiting the inaugural 2008 Cartier concours delegance some executives from Zagato contacted Rajesh. By a quirk of fate, they passed on information leading to a seller in Italy offering the very same correct numbers matching engine! The seller had bought the engine from the UK in 2006, and in 2009 it was finally in same ownership as the car. It stayed in Italy for another 10 years before finally being reunited with the car in 2019. The engine is complete and original, with untampered matching number stampings.The original data plates match the VIN stamping too, the car is indeed all original and matching numbers.The Alfa is of course totally derelict, having been raced hard all its life, and subsequently out of use for decades, with many parts gone missing. A decision was finally taken to do a grounds up specialist restoration, and the job was entrusted to Kaizad and Nekzad, the Engineer Brothers at Nicki Garage. They seem to have made a habit out of taking on 'unrestorable' cars, and never shy away from a challenge(remember the Bristol https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vinta...-all-odds.html (1948 Bristol 400 - Resurrection against all odds!) After a lot of deliberation, Rajesh decided to pass the car on to the next and present owner, Jimmy Tata, who owns a few rather interesting sports cars, and the car is thankfully all set to be restored in as authentic a manner as possible, retaining and repairing all the original Zagato body panels. Such a historically significant car deserves nothing less than the best. Almost every single missing part has been painstakingly sourced from Italy, with only NOS or genuine used items, rather than later reproductions (barring rubber consumables). No corner was cut, items sourced include original Zagato manuals  with such a low production run, one can imagine how difficult this was to source! In my book this car will be amongst the most important Indian cars to be restored in recent times.Should any of the stalwarts reading this remember any more anecdotes on its history, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Cant wait to see her ready! Do stay tuned for more updates as and when they come in. Last edited by karlosdeville : 29th September 2021 at 19:28 .
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Google Photos is the home for all your photos and videos, searchable and organized by the people, places, and things that matter.

Google Lens: Search the hard-to-describe and get stuff done, right from a photo. Copy and translate text, identify plants and animals, add events to your calendar, find products online, and more.

Visual Search: Your photos are now searchable by the people, places and things that appear in your photos. Looking for that fish taco you ate in Hawaii? Just search Hawaii or food to find it even if it doesn't have a description. Note: Face grouping is not available in all countries.

Auto Backup: Keep all your photos and videos safe and accessible from any device. Choose free, unlimited cloud storage available at high quality, or store up to 15GB original size for free (shared across your Google account).

Save Space on Your Device: Google Photos can help you clear safely backed up photos and videos from your device so you never have to worry about deleting a photo to make space.

Bring Photos to Life: Automatically create montage movies, interactive stories, collages, animations, and more.

Editing: Transform photos with the tap of a finger. Use simple, yet powerful, photo and video editing tools to apply filters, adjust colors, and more.

Sharing: Share hundreds of photos instantly with shareable links and use whichever apps youd like to share.

What's New:

Google Lens is now more prominently featured in relevant photos. With Google Lens you can explore what's around you in an entirely new way. Translate text in real time, look up words, add events to your calendar, call a number, and more. Or just copy and paste to save some time. Learn more about popular landmarks. See ratings, hours of operation, historical facts and more. Find out what plant is in your friend's apartment, or what kind of dog you saw in the park.

Introducing Live Albums, an easier way to share with loved ones. Select the people and pets you want to see and Google Photos will automatically add photos to them as you take them. Your family and friends will always see the latest photos, no manual updates needed.

Android version updated to 5.54.0.39047

Once you watch a video it will be cached for faster replay without using additional data

Performance improvements

Windows:

Stabilize your videos with Google Photos

Dynamic filters to enhance photos in one tap

Advanced editing controls to tweak lighting, and color

These controls also include a Deep Blue slider that adds color to sky and water

Austin's Mystery Feature (a little teaser string from developers which has yet to be revealed)

Note: We are changing our unlimited High quality storage policy. Starting June 1, 2021, any new photos and videos you upload in High quality will count toward your Google Account storage. All photos and videos you back up in High quality before June 1, 2021 are exempt from this change and will not count toward your Google Account storage.
As featured in:

Today Microsoft is shipping the first Dev and Canary channel builds of the next version of Microsoft Edge, based on the Chromium open-source project. "Were excited to be sharing this work at such an early stage in our development process. We invite you to try out the preview today on your devices, and we look forward to working together with the Microsoft Edge Insider community to make browsing the best experience possible for everyone."

Making the web a better place for everyone

Back in December, we announced our intention to adopt the Chromium open source project in the development of Microsoft Edge on the desktop to create better web compatibility for our customers, and less fragmentation of the web for all web developers. Now we're ready to show you what we've been working on, and invite you to come along on our journey.

Investing in open source

We've also started making contributions back to Chromium in areas like accessibility, touch, ARM64 and others. Our plan is to continue working in Chromium rather than creating a parallel project. Were working directly with the teams at Google, and we're looking forward to working even more with the open source community. To learn more about our contributions, see our Microsoft Edge Explainers on GitHub and check out our source code release.

We're listening!

The Microsoft Edge team wants to hear from you. In December we asked visitors to this site if you could change one thing about the web, what would it be?. Weve read your answers and have some thoughts to share. Head over to the Microsoft Edge Insider Forum to see what the community is saying about this and other topics.

What's New:

Microsoft has released the latest Microsoft Edge Stable Channel (Version 94.0.992.37), which incorporates the latest Security Updates of the Chromium project.

Feature updates

Users can easily get to Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge. Starting with Microsoft Edge version 92, users can reload a site in Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge instead of relying on the standalone IE 11 application while waiting for a site to be configured in the Enterprise Mode Site List. Users will be prompted to add the site to their local site list such that navigating to the same page in Microsoft Edge will automatically render in IE mode for the next 30 days. You can use the InternetExplorerIntegrationReloadInIEModeAllowed policy to configure this experience and allow access to the IE mode entry points as well as the ability to add sites to the local site list. You can use the InternetExplorerIntegrationLocalSiteListExpirationDays policy to adjust the number of days to keep sites on the local site list. Note that KB5003698 or later is required for Windows 10, version 1909; or KB5003690 or later is required for Windows 10, version 2004, Windows 10, version 20H2, or Windows 10, version 21H1 for the end-to-end experience.

MHTML files will default to opening in Internet Explorer mode. Starting in Microsoft Edge version 92 Stable, MHTML file types will automatically open in Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge instead of the Internet Explorer (IE11) application. This is most commonly observed while trying to view Outlook emails in a browser. This change will occur only if IE11 is the default handler for this file type. If you'd prefer to change this, you can do so prior to installing the Stable version 92 update using this guidance.

"Disable developer mode extensions" warning can be permanently dismissed. Beginning with Microsoft Edge version 92, you can turn off the warning "Disable developer mode extensions" by clicking on the 'Don't show this again' option.

Manage your extensions right from the toolbar. The all-new extensions menu on the toolbar will allow you to hide/pin extensions easily. The quick links to manage extensions and find new extensions will make it easy for you to find new extensions and manage your existing ones.

Default for autoplay will be set to Limited. To help you maintain your focus online, we have changed the default for autoplaying media to Limit from Allow, beginning with Microsoft Edge version 92.

Payment instruments are now synced across devices. Beginning with Microsoft Edge version 92, you have the option to synchronize your payment information across your signed in devices. Please note: this is a Controlled Feature Rollout. If you dont see this feature, please check back shortly as we continue our rollout. Currently this feature is available only in the US and only for MSA users (not AAD)

Improvements to font rendering. Improvements have been made to the rendering of text to improve clarity and reduce blurriness. Please note: this is a Controlled Feature Rollout. If you dont see this feature, please check back shortly as we continue our rollout.

Toolbar button features like Favorites and Collections will remember the user's choice to pin them to the side of the window. Now enabled by default, if the user chooses to pin a toolbar button, it will always open in the pinned state until they decide to unpin.

Users can now manage the 'Allow single sign-on for work or school sites using this profile' option via group policy. 'Allow single sign-on for work or school sites using this profile' allows non-AAD profiles to be able to use single sign-on for work or school sites using work or school credentials present on the machine. This option shows up for end-users as a toggle in Settings -> Profiles -> Profile Preferences for non-AAD profiles only. You can use the AADWebSiteSSOUsingThisProfileEnabled policy to configure the behavior.

Password health Its important to use strong, unique passwords across different accounts to stay safe online. However, that's easier said than done and most users exhibit poor password habits like using weak passwords that are easy to guess, or reuse the same strong passwords across accounts.

With this latest version of Microsoft Edge, your task of using strong and unique passwords becomes a little bit easier! Microsoft Edge will now tell you whether saved passwords are strong enough and also indicate whether theyve been used across multiple sites, helping you stay safer online. You can find your password health information in your list of saved passwords in the edge://settings/passwords page.

Added privacy for your saved passwords If you are using a device you share with others or have left your computer unlocked for whatever reason, you can now opt for a second verification using your device password to avoid others getting access to your website passwords. Simple!

Outlook extension. Stay on top of your Microsoft Outlook inbox, calendar, tasks and more without having to open a new browser window. You can get the new Outlook extension here: Microsoft Outlook - Microsoft Edge Addons

New Policies
Why it matters: The global semiconductor shortage has hit the technology industry hard. To see just what kind of measures companies are willing to take to address the lack of chips available for their products, look no further than Samsung.

According to a report from The Elec, Samsung mobile chief TM Roh traveled to the U.S. in March and July in 2021 to find a solution for the shortage. He purportedly visited a global application processor maker that wasnt named to request an increase in chips but was denied on both occasions.

The source added that the processor manufacturer stressed to the South Korean tech giant of its desire to increase supply but couldnt favour the request for Samsung alone.

Roh was reportedly accompanied by a vice president in charge of component purchases during the second trip in July. In a move that highlights just how dire the global chip shortage has become, the president left the VP behind in the U.S. in order to press the matter further with suppliers and resolve the issue.

The vice president was apparently told not to return to South Korea until a commitment for more chips was achieved but ultimately returned three months later. A Samsung spokesperson stated that their trips were somewhat fruitful as it was able to secure some volume to aid production.

Roh also harshly reprimanded another senior vice president who also managed component purchases at Samsung Mobile.

Sources added that the company being refused was highly unusual because of Samsungs position as one of the largest smartphone makers in the world. One of the reasons attributed to the weakened buying power was its increased reliance on original design manufacturers in China, as these companies procure components on their own, decreasing the South Korean companys total component purchases.

With the ability to obtain chips for its smartphones considerably impacted, its no surprise there have been reports about Samsung either delaying or outright cancelling the Galaxy S21 FE, which was due to be revealed during an October event. And it wouldnt just be another Android phone to add to the lineup -- a cheaper version of the popular S21 smartphone could have been an enticing option for consumers.

Elsewhere, Samsung is close to finalizing the construction of a $17 billion semiconductor factory in Texas, according to Reuters. The 6-million-square-foot plant is expected to be running by the end of 2024.

Apple, meanwhile, by securing adequate supply for chipsets ahead of time, has not experienced the same issues its competitors are currently battling. The lack of silicon, for example, has particularly affected the production of low-end Android phones, an important segment of Samsungs business. Moreover, thanks to demand for the iPhone 13, suppliers are prioritizing the firm over others like Samsung.

The global chip shortage is not only affecting smartphone production; the automobile industry is expected to lose $210 billion in 2021, and prices for products like GPUs continue to rise due to reduced availability. Come 2022, however, the semiconductor market shortage is expected to show signs of improvement -- AMDs CEO says the shortage should ease during the second half of 2022.
In context: ASML may not be a household name like Intel, Samsung, or even TSMC. However, the Dutch company is the world's only supplier of advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment that allows tech giants to pack increasing numbers of transistors onto tiny chips that power a wide variety of devices. Current generation EUV machines are already marvels of engineering that shrink the wavelength of light used to etch ever-smaller features on microchips, but ASML says it's readying a newer version that will give the semiconductor industry a new lease on life for the next decade.

Moore's Law has been on life support for a while now, but it's not dead yet. ASML says its latest EUV lithography machine will extend the validity of the idea that chipmakers can cram an increasingly higher number of transistors on a silicon substrate for the next 10 years or so.

As of writing, the Dutch company is the world's sole supplier of EUV equipment, which is used to etch tiny nanoscopic features into chips using ultraviolet light. The company's first machines started humming in 2017, and are a crucial part of the chipmaking ecosystem that has been churning out ever more advanced silicon for a variety of devices.

The company's EUV machines are just as expensive as they are advanced. Each one costs $150 million and contains over 100,000 parts and two kilometers of cabling, all of which are a logistical nightmare to source and assemble. That's why you can count the companies that can afford them using just the fingers on one hand. Most of the machines, however, end up at manufacturing plants that are owned by Intel, Samsung, and TSMC.

Starting in 2023, ASML plans to deliver the first batch of next-generation EUV equipment that will take the EUV numerical aperture (NA) higher than current machines are capable of, from 0.33 NA to 0.55 NA. This will enable chipmakers to develop process nodes well beyond the current expected threshold of 2 nm, and should also yield some cost savings when using a single-expose EUV process for advanced wafer layers.

The first of these new machines will be a prototype that will be tested throughout 2022. As for which chipmaker will be the first to make chips, that would be Intel, who wants to use them in mass production as early as 2023. The tech giant has recently embarked on a multi-year process to regain leadership in process and packaging technologies, and high-NA EUV tools are a key part of this plan. In fact, if Intel's IDM 2.0 initiative has any chance of being successful, it needs all the help it can get from ASML.

TSMC is also interested in acquiring as much of this next-generation lithography equipment as possible. The Taiwanese company currently accounts for half of the industry's EUV equipment installation base and wafer production, and has plans to expand capacity with two state-of-the-art 2 nm GigaFabs. Ironically, TSMC used to be a EUV non-believer, but today it is ASML's biggest customer thanks to Apple's insistence that EUV is the key to smaller, more powerful, and more energy-efficient chips.

Following the EUV path has allowed TSMC to accelerate past Intel and Samsung, but Intel could turn the tides by becoming an early adopter of high-NA EUV tech. At the same time, Samsung is also looking to get in on the action with a $205 billion commitment that is largely directed at conquering semiconductors. It, too, has benefited greatly over the years from its $306 million investment it made into ASML more than a decade ago, and has expressed interest in getting a stable supply of advanced EUV equipment from the latter company.

While Intel, Samsung, and TSMC seem to be well positioned to benefit from ASML's innovations, there are companies that have significant barriers in doing so, both financial and political. Most notably, Chinese companies like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) have been scrambling to catch up with the rest of the semiconductor industry, but they're also on the US Entity List.

This means they're effectively barred from purchasing advanced lithography equipment, as the US government has also ensured that ASML won't sell any EUV machines to Chinese companies, at least for now. ASML CEO Peter Wennink doesn't think this strategy will ultimately bode well for the US economy, as he believes China has both the drive and the means to make progress on its own while non-Chinese economies will suffer a loss of jobs and income. And you only need to look at YMTC's recent 128-layer 3D NAND success to understand that he's right.

Circling back to ASML, the company predicts a sales boom that will propel its annual revenue to new heights by 2025. Previously, the forecasted annual revenue was in the $17 to $28 billion range, but now the company is confident it will be in the $28 to $35 billion range, with gross margins between 54 percent and 56 percent. The new figures hinge on the current surge in demand for everything with a chip in it, which has all the world's foundries and component suppliers firing up on all cylinders.
In brief: If you've been saving your pennies for Nintendo's rumored 4K Switch variant, you might want to find a different use for them now. The company has come out to say, in no uncertain terms, that it has no plans to release such a product. The only new Switch model in the works is the officially-announced OLED version, which ships out on October 8.

This unfortunate news comes on the heels of recent reports that Nintendo had recently been 'supplying tools' to developers to assist them in creating 4K Switch titles. Judging by how fast Nintendo responded to the situation, It seems the Japanese gaming giant wants to squash any 4K Switch rumors before they can get any traction.

While it's possible that Nintendo still has something up their sleeves, it's looking a lot less likely that that thing is a 4K Switch. It could very well be a new console entirelymaybe a true Switch Pro, in the vein of the Series X and PS5but it won't be a variant of the current-gen device; that much is certain.

We also want to restate that, as we announced in July, we have no plans for any new model other than Nintendo Switch  OLED Model, which will launch on October 8, 2021. (2/2)  IR (@NintendoCoLtd) September 30, 2021

There are many potential reasons for Nintendo to go this route. The severe chip shortages the entire tech industry is suffering from is one, and Covid-19 related shipping delays and work restrictions are just a couple of others. And, of course, it's possible that the company just doesn't see any value in creating a 4K Switch. Perhaps it would rather focus its efforts elsewhere, such as on a new console, or its next blockbuster hit (hopefully) of a video game. Breath of the Wild 2, anyone?

Anyway, this information will undoubtedly disappoint some Nintendo faithfuls (indeed, it already has, judging by the reaction on Twitter), but most will probably agree that it's better to set expectations straight early on than let them fester. That is especially true when you have investors to worry about, as Nintendo does.
In brief: Microsoft's HoloLens, Google's Glass, and the Magic Leap One are decidedly prosumer and enterprise-oriented augmented reality headsets. Nreal also has the Nreal Light smart glasses, but the company is now introducing a distilled, lightweight version that is much more likely to see mainstream adoption.

Chinese company Nreal is taking another stab at making augmented reality glasses more popular among consumers. Its latest pair of smart glasses is called Nreal Air, and is supposed to be a cheaper and lighter alternative to the Nreal Light.

Nreal has kept the sunglasses aesthetic and is still using micro-OLED displays to produce an image overlay in front of your eyes. As the name suggests, the Nreal Air is 27 percent lighter than its predecessor at just 77 grams, but it achieves that at the cost of some functionality. With the Nreal Light, you get spatial awareness, hand tracking, and the ability to interact with what you see.

However, none of that is possible with the Nreal Air. It's almost as if Nreal has learned from the pastpeople around you will almost never be quite comfortable with you wearing smart glasses with outward-facing cameras, so the company chose not to include them this time around. In a sense, the Nreal Air is like an improved version of Intel's Vaunt project, which never made it to market as the latter company gave up on developing augmented reality hardware in 2018.

Since then, the hardware has evolved enough to allow for a more compact frame, but there's a catch. Nreal Light glasses need to be tethered to a smartphone, which was also the case for the Nreal Light. The company positions them as a way to project an enormous 201-inch TV in front of your eyes as if you were standing six meters away from it, or a 130-inch screen as viewed from four meters away. In other words, the Nreal Air is designed to mirror your phone screen inside a 46-degree field of view.

The 90 Hz micro-OLED displays have a resolution of 49 pixels per degree, which is slightly better than the 42 pixels per degree you get with the Nreal Light. You can also use the adjustable rake system to tweak the viewing angle in steps and watch content with your friends or family via a shared theater feature. In terms of compatibility, the Nreal Air will work with "most" Android phones, and you can also tether it to an iPhone or iPadsomething you can't do with the Nreal Light.

As for when you'll be able to try one, the company will begin rolling out the Nreal Air in China, South Korea, and Japan in December. Nreal also plans to bring the new smart glasses to the US and the EU next year and is currently working out the final details of its partnerships with carriers. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the company has said the Nreal Air will be more affordable than the previous version, which currently sells for around $600.

Nreal doesn't have the scale of Facebook, Apple, or Amazon, but the tiny Chinese startup seems determined to leapfrog them in the same way Xiaomi has managed to conquer the smartphone crown. Whether or not it will succeed, only time will tell.
(Photo : Pixabay/PhotoMIX-Company) Rolls Royce vehicle

Rolls-Royce, the famous British automaker of massive and expensive vehicles powered by 12-cylinder engines, announced on Sept. 29 that it will no longer sell gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030.

From then on, the automaker will only sell electric vehicles.

Rolls-Royce's Switch to EV

Rolls-Royce also announced the name of its first electric vehicle, the Spectre. Its official launch is in 2023, according to Engadget.

The announcement surprised the public as the automaker is known to only power muscular petroleum-fueled piston engines.

However, the engineering basis for all Rolls-Royce models that was launched in 2017, called "Architecture of Luxury," was also made for electric-powered vehicles.

The strategy of using the same structure for both electric and gas-powered models is shared by the automaker's parent company, BMW.

Also Read: Apple Car's Potential Manufacturing Partner Is BMW iPhone Supplier Wants to Develop Its Own EV

BMW has stated that its goal is to maintain the flexibility to produce electric, hybrid, and gasoline-powered models to shift immediately when the market demands it.

In a lot of ways, electric power would seem great for a Rolls-Royce vehicle. The reason why its vehicles are powered by V12 engines is that they give ample power, but they can still run quietly and smoothly.

The car company also uses complex transmissions that rely heavily on GPS mapping data to give a smooth and reliable performance.

The terms that can describe a lot of electric vehicles are quiet, smooth, and powerful. One disadvantage of using electric vehicles is their massive battery packs, but that should not be an issue for the car company.

Even Rolls-Royce's smaller models, like Ghost, are already packed with massive and heavy batteries and parts compared to other vehicles.

The company's executives have stated in the past that their customers did not want to drive electric vehicles. It is because of the hassle of having to charge them constantly, plus electric vehicles are known to have short driving ranges.

The company produced a prototype called Phantom about ten years ago, but the customers were not interested enough to try it out, according to Standard UK.

Phantom only went 125 miles on a full charge, and there were not many electric car charges available at the time. A lot of electric cars today can go farther than 125 miles, and there are more charging stations.

The company is not ready to drop its prices and its luxury tag even if it switches to electric models. Earlier this month, Rolls-Royce tested its electric plane as it shows-off its new innovation.

In 2017, Rolls-Royce introduced its most expensive vehicle, the Sweptail.

The Spectre EV

The Spectre will start testing on public roads in the next couple of months. The company revealed images of the electric vehicle, and it showed that the car is covered in gold writing and has the same shape as the Wraith.

The Spectre will be different from the Wraith because it will have a new architecture, according to CNN.

The electric vehicle will share its fundamental engineering with the more recent models of Rolls-Royce like Phantom, Ghost, and the Cullinan SUV. All of which follows the automaker's "Architecture of Luxury."

Rolls-Royce is known to name its models after spiritual apparitions. For example, Phantom, Ghost, and Wraith. However, that is not an absolute rule because The Cullinan is named after a diamond.

The car company gave no further details on the electric vehicle's driving range or its performance attributes. The vehicles of Rolls-Royce have a starting price of $300,000 and above.

Related Article: Hong Kong tycoon spends $20 million on custom Rolls-Royce Phantoms for Macau casino fleet

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Elon Musk has taken his reaction to Twitter, especially as news pours out that Amazon is sending over documents of SpaceX's past lawsuits and cases against the government and other agencies. It was said to prove that SpaceX also has a lot of filed cases against others with regards to their career track, comparing it to Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin.

Elon Musk Laughs at Amazon's Case Files

The space company CEO has gone to Twitter and expressed his reaction to when he saw the Amazon case files that detailed how SpaceX also had run-ins with the law and filed complaints against other companies. The CEO has only tweeted laughing emojis, and it says a lot to what is his opinion of what Blue and Bezos is doing now.

According to Ars Technica's Senior Editor, Eric Berger, via Twitter, the actions of Blue Origin and Jeff Bezos "is hilarious," especially as it took lengths to prove a point.

  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 29, 2021

The Verge's report said that Amazon had sent them a 13-page PDF that details how SpaceX is "as litigious" as Blue Origin, and this signifies that cases like this are normal. The PDF details the past cases which SpaceX filed against the country, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and other protests of the company.

Read Also: Blue Origin Memes: Elon Musk Agrees with Entries Throwing Shades at Space Company Amidst Lawsuit

Elon Musk and SpaceX

Musk and SpaceX are known for their reliability in space flights, as well as their venture to bring reusable space vehicles for the world to use. They are also known for their goals to bring the first humans to Mars and explore the neighboring planet to make life multi-planetary.

SpaceX is known for being a massive partner of NASA, especially with the agency's Commercial Crew venture.

Blue Origin's Beef with NASA

The case of Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin against NASA has been a long one, and it started when the national space agency has awarded the HLS contract to SpaceX instead of the other. It was known that Blue Origin is expanding its space services from its initial trials into a more commercial availability, partnering up with companies and agencies.

Initially, it started as a protest against NASA and SpaceX as it was not awarded to Blue, but now it ended up as a lawsuit that files a formal complaint from Bezos's camp. The Amazon company even went as far as offering to cover for expenses that were still missing or was short of payment, just to get the contract for themselves.

Supposedly, this was one of the earliest contracts of Blue Origin as a space company and being part of the commercial space program that was launched by NASA. This may help in the popularity of Blue and help it against competitors who are getting contracts from different agencies or organizations for a space flight.

Related Article: Elon Musk: Blue Origin and Jeff Bezos Legal Fight with NASA Does Not Guarantee a Moon Contract

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Amazon has launched Alexa Together, which aims to help caregivers remotely monitor aging loved ones.

The subscription service will be released later this year and will only be available in the United States when released.

An Echo device is needed to use the Alexa Together subscription service.

Amazon Launches Alexa Together

Amazon has launched a subscription service that will help caregivers remotely monitor and help out aging users using the Alexa virtual assistant technology. The subscription service is called Alexa Together and will be released sometime this year.

Those who would like to avail of the subscription service must have an Amazon Echo device. According to the Amazon website, those who sign up early will get six months of free service. For a limited time only, Alexa Together will cost $19.99 per month or $199 annually after the free trial expires.

Per a report by MobiHealthNews, Alexa Together "allows multiple family members or caregivers to check in on an aging loved one." Alexa Together also builds on the features of the Amazon Care Hub, which was launched last year.

What Can Alexa Together Do?

According to the Amazon website, Alexa Together allows family members or caregivers to "set up daily alerts for your loved one's first Alexa use, or if it isn't used by a certain time."

Here are some of the features and functions of Alexa Together:

Customized alerts and activity feed - Loved ones can get an idea of what the user is doing via the customized alerts that can be set using Alexa Together.

Circle of support - Other friends and family members can be added to the circle of support to help assist and monitor the user. The feature is set to release next year.

24/7 Urgent Response - the hands-free Urgent Response service is ready to help the user should assistance be needed. The user simply needs to say, "Alexa, call for help."

Remote Assist - When activated, Remote Assist can help manage shopping lists, set reminders for the user, and even manage the Echo device being used for the subscription service.

Fall detection response - If a compatible fall detection device detects a fall, Alexa Together can connect to Urgent Response should the user wish it to do so.

Related Article: Apple Watch Adopts Telus Health's 24/7 Fall Detection Feature--A More Proactive Approach in Case of Emergency

Amazon Care Hub

The Amazon Care Hub, which was launched in November 2020, is a "free feature that will enable you to look out for your aging loved ones, even from a distance," according to a separate post on the Amazon website.

The Care Hub can be accessed via the Alexa app itself. A connection between two Alexa accounts is also needed to be able to use the features of the Amazon Care Hub. You do not have to pay an additional fee to enable the feature.

Also Read: State Farm, Amazon's Alexa Team Up To Help Users Stay In Contact With Aging Relatives

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Image from Commons.Wikipedia.com) United Airlines Layoffs 593 People for Violation of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

United Airlines has officially laid off 593 people for violation of the company's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The company has strictly imposed these mandates, and now, 593 people are out of the company.

United Airlines Lays Off 593 Employees

According to the story by abc7Chicago, United Airlines confirmed that it had fired almost 600 employees. These employees were reportedly fired for their refusal to get vaccinated against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is despite the mandate that the company has reportedly put in place.

United Airlines previously announced its firm vaccine mandate for all United States-based employees during the starting of August 2021. It was actually the first major company to officially announce such a mandate. Many, however, have since followed this suit.

99% of United Airlines Employees Vaccinated

In a certain memo to staff, United Airlines executives noted that over 99% of the airline's United States employees have all been vaccinated. These exclude those that have submitted for either a religious or medical accommodation.

United Airlines has previously noted that "COVID-19 is almost NON-existent" on flights noting that an extensive study confirms that wearing face masks would actually ensure passengers' safety when air traveling. Flights were then considered low risk when it came to the spectrum regarding COVID-19, according to the report.

2,000 COVID-19 Pandemic Deaths

The airlines reportedly acknowledged that there are some people that are still reluctant to follow the company's mandate. United Airlines also reportedly thanked everyone who chose to get their shots for taking the next step to protect themselves as well as their following employees.

The company noted that those who did not comply with the company's firm mandate would then start the process of separation from the official airline company as per the given policy. United Airlines notes that the pandemic is currently killing over 2,000 people every day.

65% Increased Death Rate Over 30 Days

The 2,000 deaths every day were noted to be a 65% increase in just the past 30 days. It was also stated that the most effective way to keep people on their side safe is to make sure that all of them are now vaccinated.

The Chicago-based airline is currently facing two lawsuits over the mandate. One of them is coming from Fort Worth, Texas. Before the mandate officially went into effect, six employees reportedly also asked a federal judge to block the company's vaccination requirement.

Read Also: United Airlines to Make Leaving on an Electric (Jet) Plane Possible in 5 Years

COVID-19 Test Result Requirement

The airlines, however, note a different requirement for their travelers. According to the official United website, all passengers that are traveling towards the US, regardless of their vaccination status, are still required to provide an official negative COVID-19 test result.

It was also noted that travelers couldalso choose to provide documentation of recovery as a substitute for a negative COVID-19 test result. This move is to help monitor those that might have COVID-19 from spreading. United Airlines has previously mentioned the risk of termination for employees that refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Related Article: United Airlines goes Wireless with New Bluetooth Connectivity Now Available Aboard Boeing 737 Max Jets

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This Tesla Model 3 driver might have done the most insensitive thing in the United Kingdom, especially since the nation is suffering from a massive gasoline crisis.

Also Read: Netflix's Trending 'Squid Game' Dalgona Candy Recipe Revealed in TikTok Viral Video

"Petrol crisis in the UK. I better feel this up. Oh yeah, I don't need to," he jokingly said via his official TikTok account.

His viral video was able to generate more than 500 comments, 57,000 likes, and 2,200 shares.

Because of this, many gas-based automobile owners were angered. Some of them even said that the man would have a hard time if electricity is also cut off in the U.K.

On the other hand, one of the commentators also shared his joke, saying that it is still quicker to fill the tank of a conventional car compared to charging an EV. Meanwhile, one of them said that the gas shortage is not true. He added that the crisis only appeared because the media says there is a gasoline crisis.

Tesla Model 3 Prankster Now Criticized!

According to Teslarati's latest report, the Tesla Model 3 driver is from Swansea, Wales. Since his prank was conducted during the U.K. gasoline shortage, it was able to generate 1 million views in a short period.

Since many car owners criticized his action, he clarified that his video was supposed to be a joke to make things lighter in the country. On the other hand, it was also discovered that he is not the real owner of the Tesla Model 3.

The viral TikTok user just borrowed his wife's car, saying that she is actually the owner since she is the rich one. He also explained that he only made the video because he saw that there was a big queue at the shell station he was passing by.

The driver added that his video was just a random idea and was not posted to offend car owners suffering from the massive gasoline shortage.

Is U.K. Gas Crisis That Serious?

As of the moment, it seems like the fuel shortage in the United Kingdom is pretty serious.

CNN Business reported that the U.K. government was forced to deploy its troops so that these soldiers can help residents have their car fuel.

Last Monday, Sept. 27, the British Army tankers were dispersed in the streets to assist drivers that are running out of gas. The massive gasoline shortage is still unresolved.

But, government officials reassured residents that they are doing everything in their powers.

For more news updates about other viral TikTok pranks and other similar videos, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: [Viral] 12-Year-Old NFT Seller To Earn $400,000 With CrytoPunks-Like Tokens-Saying Memes Help Him Succeed

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
NASA James Webb Space Telescope recently faced an issue about its name. Various critics requested the giant space agency to change the name of its massive telescope.

Also Read: Virgin Galactic: FAA Lifts Spaceflight Suspension after Concluding SpaceShipTwo Safety Investigation

Around 1,200 astronomers and astronomy experts and various scholars signed a petition to change the name of the gigantic space innovation. Most of the participants are researchers who also want to use the new technology for their upcoming studies.

They claimed that James Webb, the former NASA administrator who became the basis of the giant space telescope's title, discriminates homosexual individuals from government jobs, especially when he was still active.

The retired NASA expert is also believed to show his negative attitude towards LGBTQ members when he served in a high-level position in the U.S. State Department.

NASA James Webb Space Telescope To Retain Its Name

According to NPR's latest report, NASA rejected the recent petition, although there were already many complaints about Webb's government discrimination against lesbian and gay staff back in the 1950s or 1960s.

"We have found no evidence at this time that warrants changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope," said Bill Nelson, an active NASA administrator.

As of the moment, many space fans are exciting about the new James Webb Space Telescope since it could help NASA make amazing discoveries. These include analyzing exoplanet atmospheres, observe distant stars, as well as to conduct galaxy researches.

NASA James Webb Space Telescope is also expected to help various astronomers to find possible life outside Earth. On the other hand, NASA Landsat 9 launch already took place.

Why is James Webb Space Telescope Important?

SciTech Daily reported that there are various reasons why the giant space telescope of NASA is a great technology. These include its capability to identify forming planetary systems.

As of the moment, researchers are having a hard time discovering new planetary systems since these heavenly body formations usually take millions of years before they are completed.

Right now, the solar system is the only known planetary system in the Milky Way Galaxy. Since there are other galaxies outside the Milky Way, it is also likely for unique planetary systems to exist.

For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: NASA Hubble Helps in Finding Dead Galaxies, Running Out of Hydrogen to Make Stars-What Are They?

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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Whether youre in the Paranoia, the destroyer camp with the Kinks, or take Joseph Hellers words from Catch-22 Just because youre paranoid doesnt mean they arent after you, to heart, who doesnt love a good proxy war!?

Huawei is a leader in 5G. Its products and services are second-to-none in the space, but doubts about its intentions are begging the question if theres fire to go along with the smoke. Growing concerns about Huawei led governments around the globe to block telecom companies from leveraging the Chinese firms 5G technology in mobile networks. It wasnt just Huawei, ZTE earned similar status.

President Trump signed The Secure and Trusted Telecommunications Networks Act in March of 2020, cementing the rip and replace bill, and setting large-scale overhaul in motion. Firstly, United States companies were banned from using any of an $8.3 billion government fund to purchase equipment from either provider. Secondly, the bill promises funding for those smaller, rural telecoms in need of assistance.

By July 2021, the FCC finalized a program to subsidize costs for small telecom firms, and this week took another major step by announcing applications for assistance will open October 29. The program provides nearly $2 billion in support.

American companies look to 5G to enhance operations from top-to-bottom, sales to the c-suite; it is fertile ground for the next generation technology. It seems, a few companies will be on the outside looking in.

Trust is earned.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
The judge who called a Baton Rouge man the "worst of the worst" when he sentenced him to life without parole in 2016 shouldn't be allowed to preside over the man's retrial, or his sentencing if he's convicted again of murder, the man's attorney argued in court Thursday.

But an East Baton Rouge Parish prosecutor countered that the argument by Brandon Boyd's lawyer would mean that every time a new trial was ordered, the original trial judge would have to be disqualified from presiding over the retrial.

State District Judge Fred Crifasi took the arguments from both sides under advisement and said he would issue a ruling Oct. 15 on whether one of his 19th Judicial District Court colleagues, Judge Beau Higginbotham, should be recuse from the case.

Accused Baton Rouge killer doesn't want judge who called him 'worst of the worst' to handle retrial Brandon Boyd was 17 when he fired into a crowd of people watching a street brawl on La Margie Avenue, killing a bystander in 2014, and two yea

Both sides said this is the first time such an argument has been raised in the 19th JDC.

"This is a significant decision and a unique circumstance," Crifasi acknowledged.

Boyd's attorney, Michael Fiser, told Crifasi he is asking that Higginbotham be disqualified from presiding over the retrial and any new sentencing because the same judge should handle both. Fiser did not allege that Higginbotham could not conduct a fair retrial. Crifasi was randomly selected to hear Boyd's recusal motion.

Boyd was 17 when he allegedly fired into a crowd of people watching a street brawl on La Margie Avenue in 2014, killing a bystander. Two years later, he was found guilty of second-degree murder by a non-unanimous jury. Higginbotham labeled Boyd "the worst of the worst type of person" while sentencing him to life without parole.

Boyd's conviction and life-without-parole prison term were thrown out last year after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed split-jury verdicts.

Convicted Baton Rouge teen killer's case going back to appeal court on split-verdict jury issue A Baton Rouge man, who was 17 when he randomly fired into a crowd on La Margie Avenue in 2014 and killed another man, may be on the verge of g

Boyd, 25, has not received a new trial date, but Fiser argued Thursday to Crifasi that Higgimbotham could not be "fair and unbiased" if he were called upon to sentence Boyd again.

If Higginbotham were to continue to preside over the case and Boyd is found guilty a second time, the judge would once again have to determine whether the mandatory life term would be served with or without parole.

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"Due process requires a clean slate with a judge who hasn't predetermined the case," Fisher said.

Assistant District Attorney Jermaine Guillory noted that judges are asked to weigh the evidence when signing arrest warrants and setting bonds, and he said Fiser's logic would dictate that a new judge handle each stage of a criminal proceeding.

"That's not the case," he told Crifasi.

When dealing with juvenile killers, the nation's highest court has said life without parole terms should be reserved for the worst cases and worst offenders.

For juvenile killers found not to be beyond rehabilitation, Louisiana law allows them a chance at a parole hearing after they've spent 25 years in jail.

Crifasi stated that Higginbotham was required by law to make a finding as to whether Boyd met the criteria for a life without parole sentence.

"It was not something impromptu on his part or lagniappe," Crifasi said.

When the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal initially affirmed Boyd's sentence in 2019, Judge Vanessa Whipple said the fact that he was a first-time offender "does little to mitigate the atrocity of the crime." Circuit Judge Mike McDonald called Boyd "a threat to society" who "earned this sentence."

Baton Rouge teen killer calls life without parole excessive; appeals court says he's 'earned' it Brandon Boyd, who was 17 when he fired randomly into a crowd on La Margie Avenue in 2014 and killed a man, will claim in an appeal to the stat

A bystander, Emanuelle Myles, 24, of Baton Rouge, was killed in the shooting. Another man who was 19 at the time was shot in the arm.

Boyd and Myles were among those who had gathered in a parking lot to watch four people fight, police have said. At some point during the fight, Boyd  who knew two of the people involved in the fight  pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots.
State police called on the public for help finding 2-year-old Nevaeh Allen, who was last seen the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, after her stepfather set her down for a nap at their Baton Rouge home, police said.
A Baton Rouge mother was accused of murder after police say she punched her toddler in the torso for playing with her contact lenses, causing her to hit her head and die hours later, before the family reported her missing.

Lanaya Cardwell, 24, and her partner Phillip Gardner, 30, were both booked on counts of second-degree murder Wednesday in the death of 2-year-old Nevaeh Allen.

Gardner  who identified himself to investigators as the girl's stepfather  faces a second-degree murder count because police say he failed to help the girl after she complained about suffering from stomach pain and that the Nevaeh may still have been alive when he stuffed her into a suitcase before disposing of her body in a remote forest in Mississippi.

Gardner had already been jailed for allegedly disposing of the child's body.

"Over the last several days, since we first received the call, it was our highest priority to bring Nevaeh home," Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul said Wednesday in announcing the arrests. "It saddens me to  discuss the fact that this beautiful, innocent angel is no longer with us."

The graphic details about the case emerged in affidavits for Cardwell and Gardner's arrests released late Wednesday.

Police say Gardner was caring for Nevaeh and two other young children, aged 3 years and 11 eleven months, Friday morning at their apartment on West La Belle Avenue while Cardwell was in the bathroom preparing to go to work.

Mother, stepfather of Nevaeh Allen arrested on second-degree murder after child reported missing The mother and stepfather of Nevaeh Allen  the 2-year-old who was reported missing last week and whose body was found in Mississippi on Sunda

The warrant says that's when Nevaeh picked up her mothers contact lenses. Angered, Cardwell allegedly punched her daughter in the torso with a closed fist, police say, causing Nevaeh to fall and hit her head on a cabinet.

Cardwell then "forcefully grabbed" Nevaeh and took her to another room, the warrant continues.

Gardner told police he heard what sounded "like two adults fighting" in the next room.

When Cardwell and her daughter emerged, Gardner said Nevaeh was crying and had a large bruise on her forehead.

Gardner told investigators that he then drove Cardwell to work and that when he returned home, Nevaeh refused to eat and complained about stomach pain.

Then, he said the girl laid down on the couch, where Gardner said he later found her unresponsive.

He told police he tried to resuscitate her and, when that didnt work, he admitted to getting rid of the body.

According to the affidavit for his arrest, Gardner stuffed the girl into a "small suitcase" and loading it into his car and taking off to Mississippi with his 3-year-old and 11-month-old in tow. Police say he told them he left his cellphone at home to avoid being tracked.

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When he got to a remote area around Pearlington, Mississippi, police say he placed Nevaeh's body "into a makeshift grave deep in the woods."

"Gardner disposed of the suitcase in the woods," the affidavit goes on to say, "and disposed of the victim's clothing in a trash can."

Then, he drove home and filed "a false missing persons report," police say. Initially, he told police he woke up from a nap to find Nevaeh missing. That story changed during interrogation, police say.

Police say Gardner could not explain why he chose not to contact authorities, except that he wanted to protect the girl's mother. Police say Gardner knew of previous incidents when Cardwell had been abusive with Nevaeh.

FBI agents interviewed Gardner's children, who also described "a history of verbal and physical abuse" by Cardwell, according to the affidavit. Police say the children "gave detailed accounts" of Cardwell grabbing Nevaeh by the head and yelling at her. The children told police that Nevaeh's mom struck her on the face because the girl played with her contact lenses, authorities say.

Two days later, police found Nevaeh's body in the Mississippi woods.

An autopsy showed several bruises on the girl's face and head, swelling to the brain and marks on her face "consistent with that of a hand print," police say. The girl's thighs and buttocks were covered in bruises. The coroner reportedly also observed injuries on the girl's abdominal wall, "which were consistent with being punched in the abdomen," the affidavit continues.

After the autopsy, police said a forensic pathologist told them "it cannot be ruled out that the victim was still alive at the time that Gardner placed her in the suitcase and suffocated to death prior to succumbing to the other injuries."

In addition to the second-degree murder allegation, Cardwell was booked on a count of perpetration of second-degree cruelty to juveniles.

The affidavit explains that Gardner accused of second-degree murder, too, because "all persons concerned in the commission of a crime are principals whether present or absent, and whether they directly commit the act constituting the offense, aid and abet in it's commission, or directly or indirectly counsel or procure another to commit the crime are principals."

By that standard, the affidavit states, "Gardner was a principal to this crime."

+2 Father of slain 2-year-old Baton Rouge girl addresses public in a YouTube video The father of a 2-year-old Baton Rouge girl found dead after being reported missing posted a 7-minute video outlining what he learned about th

Cardwell gave an interview to WAFB-TV on Friday not long after the family reported Nevaeh missing and a massive law enforcement search was ramping up.

"I don't know what could have happened. I don't know what went wrong," she said tearfully. "I wish I would have stayed home from work, I don't know. That's all I know."

She said she last saw Nevaeh that morning before going to work, when she brought the child to the corner store and got her some snacks and apple juice.

"That's the last time I seen my baby," she said, sobbing into the camera. "When I went to work, she had on her yellow dress with the pineapples on it, and she should have still had on that dress."
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumleys plan to let students exposed to the coronavirus remain in the classroom sparked pushback Thursday from the education and health communities and even the board that hired him 16 months ago.

Sandy Holloway, president of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, called Brumley's announcement Wednesday abrupt and inconsistent. "Past decisions and guidance were based on consultation with health officials, review of data and the advice of the Louisiana Department of Health," Holloway said.

She and others on the board, which picked Brumley in May 2020, said they were blindsided by the change.

+3 New guidelines: Louisiana public school students won't have to quarantine after COVID exposure In a major change, public school students will be allowed to remain in classrooms even if they have close contact with someone who tests posit

"The full board was not made aware of and did not have an opportunity to review the guidelines prior to their release," Holloway said.

The East Baton Rouge Parish school system will not change its current practices, Superintendent Sito Narcisse announced Thursday.

The Livingston Parish school system will adopt the new state option, officials said.

Brumley said he is telling local school districts they have the option of letting students who come into close contact with students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 to remain in the classroom if their parents or guardians opt to do so.

Under the previous recommendation, which is backed by the state health department and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students exposed to the virus were sent home to quarantine for varying amounts of time.

Brumley said students being repeatedly placed in quarantine prompted complaints from parents.

But state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter on Wednesday called the move dangerous and one that will put children at risk.

On Thursday Dr. Leron Finger, chief quality officer for Children's Hospital in New Orleans, who has advised Brumley and BESE on virus policies, said he would recommend that quarantine guidelines remain in place.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said he also favors keeping current quarantine guidelines intact, especially amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases among children.

+4 Governor extends mask mandate to Oct. 27, 'Numbers are still far too high' Despite improvements in recent weeks Gov. John Bel Edwards said Tuesday he is extending his indoor mask mandate until Oct. 27 and said COVID-1

BESE member Belinda Davis, who lives in Baton Rouge and is one of the governor's three appointees on the board, said she and others learned of Brumley's new guidance in The Advocate.

"Until now, every COVID recommendation LDOE has made has been in line with the recommendations of LDH," Davis said.

"I am at a loss to explain this abrupt departure," she added, a reference to state Department of Health guidelines.

LDOE stands for Louisiana Department of Education. LDH is Louisiana Department of Health.

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See which Baton Rouge-area schools will still require quarantines for students exposed to COVID East Baton Rouge Parish public schools and Catholic schools with the Diocese of Baton Rouge will still require students who come in close cont

On Thursday Brumley declined to respond to criticism from Holloway, Kanter and the governor.

"I appreciate the role they play," Brumley said. "I have just had an increasing number of educators and parents share with me their frustrations around the students not having access to their school because of quarantines."

"We are not mandating," Brumley added. "Nor am I speaking out in favor. We are just simply giving systems an additional option."

Brumley has previously touted the support of the medical community when BESE enacted safety standards to combat the pandemic.

Reopening rules of Louisiana public schools: BESE votes in face mask, social distancing policies Backed by medical experts and education groups, Louisiana's top school board Tuesday approved minimum safety standards for the reopening of pu

The board's initial standards, approved in June 2020, were praised by Kanter, who was then state medical director, and Dr. Billy Lennarz, chair of pediatrics for Ochsner Health System and Finger.

Brumley said Thursday he spoke with members of the medical community "who felt this was an appropriate response" but declined to cite specific doctors.

Finger said wearing face masks indoors, encouraging vaccines and quarantining students when they come into close contact with someone who tested positive are all steps that have kept students and others safe.

+2 Baton Rouge public schools will continue requiring quarantines after contact with COVID East Baton Rouge Parish will continue to require students who come in close contact with COVID to quarantine, rather than making it optional, 

The Livingston, Ascension and West Baton Rouge parishes school systems said they will adopt the new state guidance.

The state's two teacher unions criticized the new option.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers said Brumley's plan has triggered confusion and concern among parents and educators.

"If school districts decide to adopt this new recommendation from the LDOE then we will undoubtedly see increased spread of COVID-19 in schools and more children and staff sick, which will then spread through the entire community," the group said.

Tia Mills, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators said, "Given the contagiousness of the virus, the dangers outweigh the benefits."

Brigitte Nieland, director of government affairs for the advocacy group Stand For Children, disputed Brumley's claim that his new guidance is called "parent choice."

"When you give more choice to select parents by taking away the choice from the majority of parents that is not a choice," Nieland said. "And that is what he is doing. To put a potentially infected child who is infected with a deadly virus in a classroom with unvaccinated children and a teacher, those other parents have no choice. You have removed all of that."

In a message to the staff, Narcisse said he previously said science would guide district decisions on the virus as well as the recommendations of the state Department of Health and the CDC.

"The guidance of these healthcare professionals has not changed and has remained clear on the quarantine guidelines for unvaccinated individuals and their close contacts,' he said.
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Congress on Thursday afternoon broke a partisan impasse that keeps the federal government operating for two more months and frees up $28.6 billion in aid, much of it headed to Louisiana to help storm survivors.

The disaster aid includes money for damage caused hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta from last year as well as the February freeze plus what is being called a $2.7 billion down payment for Hurricane Ida from last month.

Louisiana will finally get the disaster relief we need, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said Thursday. This is critical for our communities and people to rebuild their lives. It took too long, especially for those in southwest Louisiana, but getting this done is a huge win for our state.

President Joe Biden will need to sign the bill into law, but thats expected.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said that once he learns more about Louisianas share of the appropriation, the focus will be on housing.

+20 From a music hall to the port, Lake Charles economy fights to recover a year after Laura LAKE CHARLES  The Panorama Music House in this citys struggling downtown looks like a mess. The walls are gutted and the pool table sits cov

He also noted that southwest Louisiana has been waiting for funding since last year. Its tragic that theyve had to wait so long, but this federal assistance will help revitalize communities that have been struggling for a year now, Edwards said.

The proposed amounts are both too little and too late, said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, who called it shameful and a pittance considering the four weather disasters his city has endured.

While southwest Louisiana officials have pleaded for supplemental relief for months, making personal appeals to two different presidents and warning that the region will not be able to recover fully without it, Hunter was greeting the votes more with resignation than joy.

At this point, I suppose we should just be happy for getting anything, Hunter said Thursday. But it really is a hard pill to swallow when you look at the lack of equity and the lack of fairness. And I suppose I should not be surprised by that at this point, but the amount of money that will eventually filter down to those who need it in southwest Louisiana is a pittance compared to the disaster relief packages that have come to other communities.

He said the money likely will not be enough to address severe housing needs as well as school and local government rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile, he added, theres almost guaranteed to be no money for any type of economic revitalization.

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A disaster relief bill of this kind might have been better received a year ago for the multiple federally declared disasters endured by Calcasieu Parish alone, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire said Thursday. However, after this parish has patiently waited, having heard promises from two presidents that aid was coming, Washington politics has diluted the relief bill so much that the help we were hoping for, and that had been promised, is nowhere to be found. This feel-good bill makes no one but the federal politicians actually feel good and will do very little for Calcasieu Parish.

Republican and Democratic senators earlier this week rejected competing proposals that agreed on all aspects except for a technical provision that would have increased the amount of money the federal government could borrow to pay its bills.

On Thursday, with the debt cap increase removed, the Senate approved a continuing resolution that would allow the government to continue operations until Dec. 3. The House then followed suit, sending the bill to Biden.

+2 Suffering and languishing: Lake Charles hopes partisan fight doesnt derail disaster aid LAKE CHARLES  Southwest Louisiana officials on Wednesday expressed frustration at the prospect of a further delay in disaster relief more tha

The continuing resolution with the supplemental disaster assistance also extends the National Flood Insurance Program. Without the extension, flood insurance would have lapsed and no new policies could have been written. It does not change the Risk Rating 2.0 policy that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The policy applies new premiums for existing policies beginning in April. The rate increases are expected to be significant over time.

The $28.6 billion in total disaster relief nationwide includes $2.7 billion in block grants for Hurricane Ida recovery.

Around $5 billion is expected to be allocated to the category of funding Louisiana has been seeking for long-term recovery, known as Community Development Block Grants. But of the $5 billion, only around $1.6 billion is being set aside for 2020 disasters that more impacted the southwestern part of the state. Louisiana would not receive the total amount of that, and the final figures are to be determined by federal formulas that account for post-disaster needs.

The state has estimated that housing needs alone following Laura, Delta, and Hurricane Zeta, which hit southeast Louisiana in 2020, amount to nearly $1 billion, the vast majority in southwest Louisiana. It has put total unmet needs from those storms at around $3 billion.

The measure would provide $28.6 billion in emergency funds for communities and federal agencies affected by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters, including:

$10 billion for the U.S. Agriculture Department to cover crop losses that occurred in 2020 and 2021. Of that amount, $750 million would be provided to livestock producers.

$5.68 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Of that amount, $3 billion would be used to accelerate flood and storm risk reduction projects and $2.08 billion would be used to repair disaster-related damages.

$5 billion for the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Departments Community Development Fund for major disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021.

$2.6 billion for U.S. Transportation Department reimbursements to states and territories to repair damage to roads and bridges caused by natural disasters.

$1.36 billion for the U.S. Forest Service to address damage caused by natural disasters.

$1.2 billion for the U.S. Small Business Administrations Disaster Loans Program.

$565 million for the Navy to repair facilities damaged by storms that occurred in 2020 and 2021.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott says a proposed pact to liberalise trade between Australia and India would be the nations most important trade deal and enhance the developing Quad security partnership.

Negotiations for an Australia-India comprehensive economic co-operation agreement were launched more than a decade ago but stalled in 2015. Talks were recently revived and the two governments have flagged an interim announcement by December.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tony Abbott met at Parliament House in November 2014. Credit:Fairfax Media

Mr Abbott, who recently met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told a roundtable meeting of the Australia-India Chamber of Commerce that the relationship between Australia and India had not reached its full potential despite the two having complimentary economies.

If we can pull this deal off it will actually be the most important trade deal that we have done, he said.
Margaret Thatcher was the Iron Lady but former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has staked her own claim to mineral metaphors by posing in a pink ball gown at a lithium mine.

The keen follower of fashion is normally more restrained in her Carla Zampatti-adjacent clothing choices but donned the extravagant gown by South Australian dressmaker Jaimie Sortino as her way of getting loud to launch Frocktober, an initiative of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Credit:John Shakespeare

Last year, the camera-confident ambassador bravely posed on a pylon off Perths Cottesloe Beach for former Victorias Secret photographer Russell James, but this time it was off to the Mt Marion lithium mine in outback Western Australia. Ive worked with Russell on a number of occasions, Bishop said. Im always up for it, so when he asked me to climb a pile of lithium ore, I did it.

While at the mine, Bishop encouraged women working on site to talk about ovarian cancer. The only way to fight the silence is to get loud.
A vaccination and infectious disease expert has been asked if vitamin C and zinc are effective at treating COVID-19, during a court challenge to NSW public health orders which require workers in certain industries to get vaccinated.

Healthcare staff including doctors, nurses and paramedics must have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination by Thursday to attend work, or provide a medical certificate detailing why they cannot receive the vaccine.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard, pictured on Wednesday, is being sued in the case. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Mandates have also been issued for aged care workers, NSW Police, staff in public schools and preschools and the construction industry.

A challenge has been launched in the NSW Supreme Court by multiple plaintiffs, including aged care workers Natasha Henry and Selina Crowe, paramedic John Larter, high school special education teacher Julie Ramos, and construction worker Al-Munir Kassam.
NSW has reported 941 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths as the state inches closer to a 90 per cent first-dose vaccination rate.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the reopening of schools would be brought forward a week thanks to high vaccination rates.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses the media at Thursdays press conference. Credit:Kate Geraghty

We didnt realise at that stage how quickly NSW residents would take up the opportunity to get vaccinated, she said.

So this is a safe way of resuming schools but the staggered approach will remain in place.
A man has been arrested and police say the search is on for 10 others following violent scenes at a protest in Melbournes inner east earlier this month.

A police spokeswoman said many officers were injured during the anti-lockdown rally in Richmond, Burnley and Kew on September 18, including six who were sent to hospital.

On Thursday, eastern region crime squad detectives arrested a 21-year-old Brunswick West man following the assault of a police officer at the protest.

The spokeswoman said the man had since been charged with several offences, including assault police, recklessly causing injury and hindering police.
Former West Australian treasurer and state Liberal leader Troy Buswell has been granted bail after appearing in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday over a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Police allege Mr Buswell rang his ex-wife Melissa Hankinson on August 20 at 9.59pm and had a conversation which made her scared to continue giving evidence in an ongoing family violence court case against the former politician which is yet to be resolved.

Former WA Treasurer Troy Buswell. Credit:Peter de Kruijff

Mr Buswell has pleaded not guilty to three charges of aggravated assault and three of aggravated common assault against Ms Hankinson who is still facing cross-examination in a case that was adjourned on May 27.

The trial was only partly heard and was set for a new hearing listing next Monday.
Double-dosed Australians should be free to leave the country without seeking permission from next month, several Liberal MPs argue, ahead of a national cabinet meeting on Friday that is set to progress plans to end more than 18 months of hardline restrictions.

The nations borders have been shut since March 2020 following the first domestic outbreak of the coronavirus, with residents seeking to leave the country required to apply to the federal government for a travel exemption for specific reasons.

Liberal MPs want to end the requirement for Australians to get an exemption to travel overseas. Credit:AP

About 210,679 Australians have been granted approval to fly overseas in that time, according to Home Affairs department data, with 122,131 applications rejected.

Major airlines have opened international bookings for December but have warned several issues will need to be sorted, including recognition of vaccines not recognised by Australian health authorities, hotel quarantine caps for un-vaccinated travellers and negative pre-departure testing.
In much-needed good news, Australia appears on track to have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Data presented to governments shows that without too many more carrots or sticks, Australia can achieve 90 per cent vaccine coverage driven by the goodness of our own hearts.

Despite the steady climb in vaccination rates, some private businesses and state governments have taken the controversial step of introducing compulsory jabs for some workplaces and industries.

Australia is rapidly increasing its vaccine coverage. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

To the millions of Australians who have already rolled up their sleeves to get the jab, the idea that there is anything controversial about enforcing vaccinations may seem odd. And vaccine mandates certainly arent new.

It was in 1853 that the British government introduced world-first laws making it a legal requirement for all children to have a smallpox shot by three months of age. Since then, many countries, including our own, have introduced different enforcement measures to ensure vaccine uptakes remains high.
London: Four men died when Britains latest jet atom-bomber, the delta-wing Avro Vulcan, crashed in flames at London airport today on its return from a record-smashing flight to Australia and New Zealand.

Smoke rises from the crash site of the Vulcan bomber at London Airport.

Three RAF officers and an aircraft company representative were killed, but the two pilots, Air Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst, chief of Bomber Command, and Squadron Leader Donald R. Howard, escaped in their ejector seats from a height of about 300 feet.

Both survivors were unhurt apart from a few bruises and small cuts. They landed safely as the giant plane - the largest swept-wing aircraft in the world - burnt on the runway.

First reports said that three ejector seats were used as the four-engined bomber streaked over the airport, but later officials said that four bodies were found in the charred wreckage.
Ronnie Marmo's solo show I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce will play two performances only on October 8 and 9 at 8pm at The Vogel/Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ.

I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce is written by and stars Marmo, a New Jersey native, and is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna. The show offers a provocative and moving portrait of the legendary Lenny Bruce, a controversial comedian who was famously convicted in an obscenity trial in 1964.

An undisputed comic legend, Lenny Bruce was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. His life and work have had an impact on poetry, politics, music, film, and, of course, comedy. Bruce's tempestuous personal and professional life was marked by great passion and great pain. His unwavering commitment to free speech led to numerous obscenity charges and arrests, fighting all the way to the Supreme Court.

I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce will be the first theatrical production to play The Vogel.

For tickets and more information, click here.
Detroit: Room For Two Auto Shows?

By Rex Roy

Senior Contributor

Michigan Bureau

The Auto Channel

Motor Bella made its soggy debut September 21. The new outdoor auto show was a practical response to the cancellation of multiple dates for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and a general trend away from major indoor public events.

The question everybody wants to know is whether Motor Bella was a success.

Regardless of what the attendance data will show  if ever released  kudos are due to M1 Concourse founder and real estate mogul Paul Zlotoff, his M1 team, and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) organization for making Motor Bella actually happen. It was a huge undertaking.

The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan is a striking motorsports country club and an emerging regional event facility. Insider expectations were that Motor Bella would emerge as a harbinger of death for traditional indoor convention-center-based auto shows.

Im not so sure. My observations about Motor Bella come from my blended employment background. I was a full-time auto journalist from 2004-2011 and attended major shows from LA to Rio to Geneva. I transitioned into PR and event marketing in late 2011, and continue in both fields today.

Starting in the late 2000s when I was still a full-time journo, I started hearing rumbles that traditional auto shows like NAIAS were dying. Ive since read countless articles, editorials and social posts about the demise of these events. If you use 2005 as the standard, traditional auto shows have seen a contraction. Manufacturers have found more efficient and less expensive ways to engage the media. The multi-million-dollar media introductions that drove major shows in Detroit, New York, LA and Chicago are artifacts of a bygone era. But its been almost 15 years since those first predictions, and traditional auto shows arent dead yet. If Motor Bella teaches any lesson, it demonstrates how hard it is to reach scale. For the promoters, the auto dealers who are the backbone of the event, people through the gate matter more than anything.

In 2019, the most recent of Detroits North American International Auto Show, the 19-day event held in February attracted 4,568 journalists from 60 countries and the public gate exceeding 774,000. While weather could be an issue for getting to the show, other than a leaky Cobo Hall roof during Detroits dysfunctional Mayor Kilpatrick administration, inside Cobo was always dry and 70-something-degrees. The economic impact to the Detroit region was estimated to be $430 million, or equivalent to two Super Bowls. (Full stats are here:)

What I witnessed at Motor Bella this past week clearly demonstrates that experiential events like this could grow to augment traditional auto shows. The displays were engaging and the hands-on experiences were exciting. However, Motor Bella isnt likely to replace the NAIAS anytime soon. There wasnt enough industry news made at the event, and the venue simply cant move enough people through.

I attended Motor Bellas Media Day on Tuesday, September 21. Industry and consumer days followed through Sunday September 26. Heres what I observed compared to my last traditional Detroit auto show in 2019;

Motor Bella offers no on-site parking. Everyone, even media, were bussed from a rather ragged parking lot a mile or so from the track. The shuttle bus arrangement lacked basic signage and weather protection for attendees. The bus service was also slow on Monday.



Detroit offered scores of parking options from spots right at Cobo to outlying sites that people would use and then walk or take the People Mover to the show. Over the years, everybody developed their own favorite way to the show.



Motor Bella offered little in the way of on-site signage and wayfinding. This made for lots of wandering, and would be something to address for future events.

Motor Bella offered little in the way of on-site signage and wayfinding. This made for lots of wandering, and would be something to address for future events.

Signage for the NAIAS was well developed and clear. Doing an event for decades has its advantages. Plus, the public had an institutional knowledge about the show regarding what was where.



Maybe a couple hundred media attended Motor Bellas 2 major reveals.



Media attendance was around 5-10% of NAIAS 2019.



At NAIAS 2019, 31 new vehicles made their debut, with a total of 44 making their U.S. Debut.



Mondays rain forced the press conferences inside to Motor Bellas just-opened event facility.



The experiential activations at Motor Bella were great. There were multiple off-road driving experiences, several brands provided opportunities for on-road test drives, and thrill rides were offered in high performance cars on a section of the M1 Concourse race track. The displays were engaging when it wasnt raining. When it was raining  not so much. Michigans weather is known for being mercurial, especially in the Fall.



While Cobo/TCF Center and downtown Detroit can offer many things, the ability to do outdoor driving activities isn't one of them. Motor Bella wins this element easily.



However, with the expectation of a Fall 2022 NAIAS, more opportunities for outdoor activations become available.



The M1 Concourse is a great facility, but its an 80+ acre race track. Displays were spread out and often separated by Armco and tire barriers. Many Motor Bella displays were on grass. This was not a friendly environment for those with mobility issues, disabilities, or good shoes you didnt want to get wet and muddy.



Cobo/TCF Center has some advantages for some showgoers because of its a contained, ADA-compliant venue.



Rain literally and figuratively dampened attendance Monday. Tuesday September 22 was a total wash out. The rain also compromised the opening of several experiential displays later in the show.



Rain wouldnt have been an issue at Cobo/TCF.



For many, visiting the auto show in Detroit was a tradition combined with other activities like eating out. This is yet another reason why Motor Bella wont register the regional economic impact of the traditional show.



Of the Motor Bellas expected seven-day run, two were slated for media and industry, while five were for the general public. One day was a rain out, and rain compromised attendance a couple other days.



The Detroit auto show typically had two+ weeks of public days, plus industry days plus media days. The NAIAS also hosted its Charity Preview event that attracted 10,000+ guests alone, and helped raise tens of millions for charity. Motor Bella has a high bar to reach regarding attendance regardless of the metric you choose; average daily attendance, best day, total, etc.

In its current form, Motor Bellas attendance will never equal NAIAS. Logistically, its not possible because the ability for throughput (how many people you can move in and out of the event space) simply isnt there.

Metro Detroit auto dealers want their products in front of consumers, and Motor Bella likely didnt deliver at the volume Detroit Auto Dealers Association would have hoped. This fact alone tells me that theres room in Detroit for both shows; Motor Bella and some incarnation of a more traditional show.

While attendance at traditional auto shows has declined from its zenith, there are similar trends in sports including Major League Baseball and NASCAR. These declines are real, but the fact remains that MLB and NASCAR still draw huge crowds. The same is true for traditional auto shows held around the country.

Earlier this year, the head of the NAIAS Rod Alberts said that the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (the organization behind NAIAS) will hold a show downtown in the Fall of 2022. Details are scarce, but auto shows help sell cars and turbocharge Detroits economy, so expect a great effort to follow through this next incarnation of the traditional show. This fact from the Chicago auto show is critical; Foresight Research reported that nearly 70 percent of adults who visit the Chicago Auto Show (circa 2019) were in the market to purchase a vehicle within 12 months. The stats are likely similar to Detroit. Dont discount this important fact.

Where does this leave Motor Bella at the M1 Concourse? It may be a one-year wonder. It may be an adjunct event to the Downtown NAIAS show. It may remain a completely separate event. We get to wait and see. But for today, dont think for a minute the traditional auto show is dead in Detroit.
Photo: YAIZA CARRETERO/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

In the fall of 2010, Kirstie Campbell, a 32-year-old aid worker from Edinburgh, met a colleague named Mick Lorentzen at the bar of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. Campbell and Lorentzen were both working for the United Nations World Food Programme, providing humanitarian relief to victims of Pakistans recent floods, one of the worst natural disasters in the countrys history. Campbell mentioned that although she had worked for the WFP on and off for the past five years, she was still on short-term contracts, some lasting just 30 days. Campbell said that Lorentzen, who ran the WFPs security unit and said he was a former British Royal Marine, suggested that she work for him on a fixed-term contract, which comes with better working conditions and a pension. You know I can get you that job, he said, adding, So when should we go and have sex?

Campbell recalled being alarmed but not wanting to draw attention, she would later tell investigators. Hiding her phone underneath the table, she texted a friend who was with other aid workers in the bar, asking for help. When the friend walked over and invited Campbell and Lorentzen to join the larger group, Lorentzen, who is physically imposing at about six and a half feet tall and 250 pounds, told the friend they would not be joining him. The friend left, and Campbell again tried texting for help. Lorentzen leaned over and, she recalled, whispered in her ear, You fucked up, you fucked up.

Campbell left the bar. Later, she was hesitant to do anything about what happened. She said Lorentzen had told her that his security officers had been accused of sexual harassment but that those complaints all go across my desk. Also, Lorentzen was head of security; his job was keeping track of everyones whereabouts at all times, including Campbells.

A week or so after the encounter at the hotel bar, Campbell said she told her immediate supervisor that Lorentzen had offered her a job in exchange for sex. Soon after, Campbell spoke to a WFP counselor, who took notes and seemed concerned, until she named Lorentzen as the man who had harassed her. The counselor closed his notebook. I am terribly sorry, she recalled him saying. There is nothing I can do. He is my boss. The counselor tried to comfort Campbell by telling her that Lorentzen was moving to a new position at the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, the agencys security-services arm.

Campbell considered filing a formal complaint with the WFPs ombudsman. Lorentzen, however, had told her that he was a close associate of the WFPs executive director who, Campbell believed, was in turn close to the ombudsman. Campbells belief rested on the fact that they were both Americans in an organization where factions form along national lines. (Any suggestion that the ombudsman could value the views of one person above another is based on misconception, a WFP spokesperson said this month.) Campbell decided not to report the incident until the WFP named a new ombudsman. By the time that happened, six years had elapsed; she had finished her contract in Islamabad and gone on to work for the WFP on Libyan and Syrian aid. When Campbell finally looked into filing a formal complaint, she learned that the six-month statute of limitations had long since passed. She had left the agency and eventually left humanitarian work altogether. Years later, an outside investigator would substantiate a sexual-harassment allegation against Lorentzen, but not the one made by Campbell.

Campbell working for the WFP in 2011. Photo: Courtesy of Kirstie Campbell

The U.N.s attempts to balance its lofty mission with its responsibilities as a sprawling global employer have led to deep contradictions. According to its standards of conduct, the United Nations and the specialized agencies embody the highest aspirations of the peoples of the world. But its more than 100,000 staff, thousands of volunteers and interns, and tens of thousands of contractors are governed by varying, and at times inconsistent, sets of regulations that often contravene host-country laws. This idea that we are special is undermining us, a longtime U.N. manager who has served in both the field as well as headquarters told me. We are special, yes, but the organization is also made up of human beings, and human beings screw up.

Since 2017, when the global Me Too movement took off, I have encountered 43 workers who reported they had experienced sexual harassment during their time at the organization. Eighteen reported experiencing violence that the U.N. would classify as a sexual assault. Eight said they were raped, including two who said they had been raped more than once. U.N. workers described being sexually harassed or assaulted at a workshop on emergency management in Norway, during an internship in Spain, on missions in Ethiopia and Somalia, and in the U.N.-headquarter cities of Vienna, Nairobi, Geneva, and New York. The victims of harassment and assault, the vast majority of whom were women with precarious employment status, included an administrative assistant in Pakistan and a legal intern in Cambodia. They identified the alleged perpetrators as U.N. workers investigating human-rights violations in Syria, expanding womens access to reproductive health care in South Sudan, negotiating the Paris climate agreement, and building cases against war criminals at the Hague. They named security officers, spokespeople, hiring managers, and human-rights lawyers.

In the course of my reporting, I have watched as the U.N., not unlike other closed organizations facing abuse scandals, such as the Catholic Church and USA Gymnastics, vowed to reform itself. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued multiple policy statements on how his organization would combat the scourge of sexual abuse within the U.N. Three high-ranking officials  all women  were named to address issues regarding victims rights, sexual exploitation, and sexual harassment and abuse. There have been some policy changes, such as lifting the statute of limitations, which deterred Campbell from reporting; extending access to the U.N.s internal justice system to cover people who arent currently employees; and introducing a screening database meant to ensure that those who are let go from one U.N. agency for sexual misconduct are not rehired at another. There have been changes in firings: In 2016, one person was separated from service from the U.N. Secretariat for sexual harassment or assault. In 2019, that number rose to ten. My heart goes out to every member of our personnel who has been assaulted, harassed, or abused in the course of their work over the years, Secretary-General Guterres told New York Magazine this month. These appalling crimes go against everything the United Nations stands for, and we will do our utmost to investigate all allegations and bring those responsible to justice, he said.

Whats more important, saving millions of children or potential abuse?

Despite such proclamations, U.N. staffers told me the day-to-day working environment inside the organization has remained mostly unchanged. The U.N.s Office of Internal Oversight Services still only has nine investigators for all sexual-assault claims. It is these nebulous discussions of jobs and offices that the U.N. likes to hide behind, Priyanka Chirimar, a human-rights lawyer who worked for various U.N. war-crimes tribunals, told me. High-profile announcements are a standard U.N. response to a public scandal. In fact, by early 2021, one position born of such an announcement  an executive coordinator to address sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination at the U.N. Women agency  had been dissolved entirely. The Guardian reported that the official who had occupied it, Purna Sen, said that the U.N. had put the issue of sexual harassment on the back burner. (When asked, a representative of the U.N. Women agency said the position had been a time-limited special assignment.)

The U.N. is by design ill-suited for disciplining its employees. It cannot unilaterally make policies for its various agencies, which span multiple continents, sociocultural norms, and economic realities. The internal justice system answers to the General Assembly, which appoints the secretary-general, who does not have authority over the goings-on at U.N. agencies, some of which avail themselves of the International Labour Organization for settling disputes, while others use the dispute and appeals tribunals, which in turn draw on findings from the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which can only investigate  not sanction  employees accused of misconduct. And so on.

Even when the internal justice process makes a finding, it cannot reinforce sanctions beyond the remit of what a human-resources department can do. The U.N., contrary to right-wing fever dreams, is not a government and has no power to make criminal prosecutions. The United Nations does not have a mandate to criminally prosecute its personnel or maintain a prison system to incarcerate them, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the secretary-general.

In 2018, I met the World Food Programmes executive director, David Beasley, at the agencys office in Washington, D.C. Beasley, a former governor of South Carolina who joined the WFP in April 2017, told me that the organization was at times overwhelmed by humanitarian crises, implying it could not be held responsible for the actions of every one of its employees. When I arrived, there were four nations facing famine. There were 80 million people we were trying to feed, he said. Twenty-nine million on the brink of starvation we werent even getting to. Sixteen thousand employees. When I arrived, Rome was burning. So you gotta tell me whats more important, saving millions of children or potential abuse? He paused, then answered his own question: Actually, both. And neither one should be neglected.

Diplomatic immunity has been around for as long as states have needed to forge alliances and secure one anothers people safe passage. It is mentioned in ancient texts including the Indian epic Ramayana, the Herodotus histories, and the Quran. A few historical events (such as the French Revolution and the Iran hostage crisis) aside, diplomatic immunity has largely been respected by most modern states. The U.N.s topmost ranks have complete diplomatic immunity, which means they are protected even when not performing official U.N. duties. Everyday U.N. workers  attached to the U.N. refugee agency, the childrens fund, the development program, the World Health Organization, or the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (known by its acronym UNESCO), along with 35 other bodies  have functional immunity against prosecution by host governments when conducting official business only. This functional immunity means that any act that has criminal ramifications under a host countrys law can be referred to local authorities. Yet, in practice, that seldom happens. In the past 14 years, the U.N. has referred just 33 cases of sexual abuse and exploitation to national authorities globally. Over that same period, it received 120 reports of sexual abuse and exploitation in Haiti alone.

Many of the women and men I spoke with said they did not formally report sexual misconduct because they had little faith in a system they called byzantine, haphazard, and unreliable. Some U.N. agencies abide by the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, while others have a lighter burden of proof: that of providing clear and convincing evidence. The system has been criticized as unfair by alleged perpetrators as well: In the words of one staffer, who was accused of sexual assault and denied the allegation, The U.N.s system has no clear standards for adjudicating guilt or innocence.

There is no real penalty for committing sexual harassment. The U.N. is its own judge.

Victims told me the U.N. did not allow them, or make them aware of, certain basic rights that are afforded to citizens of most democratic countries, such as the right to counsel during interviews or the right to a speedy trial. Some U.N. workers told me they were stranded in bureaucratic limbo, operating in a liminal space with no access to the local courts of the countries in which they served, far from the legal system back home, where they would have the option to bring forward a civil suit or pursue a criminal claim. For the thousands of U.N. contractors, consultants, interns, volunteers, and workers on short-term contracts, reporting an assault appears to be even more precarious. Campbell, the former WFP worker, told me that contractors and consultants hired by the U.N. work without job security or a pension, have limited health insurance, and are often put on mandatory leave following a rotation because they dont qualify as full-time employees.

How to best address employee misconduct has tested the organization from the start. The first U.N. body designed to handle allegations of employee misconduct began hearing complaints in 1950, five years after the U.N.s founding. The U.N.s internal justice system was partially staffed by volunteers, some of whom had no legal training. It didnt meet year-round, and its judgments could not be appealed. The tribunal would not review a complaint of sexual harassment until 1991, when Catherine Claxton, an American employee, accused Luis Maria Gomez, a top administrator, of closing the door to his office at the U.N. headquarters in New York, grabbing her breasts and buttocks, and forcibly kissing her. Claxtons claim leaked to the press, and defense lawyer Alan Dershowitz was hired to represent Gomez. Claxtons claims were upheld by U.N. investigators, and she was paid a $94,000 settlement by the U.N. Gomez resigned but kept his pension, and was later invited back to work as a senior adviser with a reported daily allowance of $200, though the offer was rescinded after the case attracted international outrage. In the middle of New York City, the 1994 New York Times op-ed page read, 7,000 employees work beyond the reach or protection of the law. They can be harassed, discriminated against or fired, and they have nowhere to turn. Their employer is not some sweatshop in Chinatown but the Secretariat of the United Nations.

The next high-profile scandal came in 2004, when Cynthia Brzak, an American U.N. staff worker, filed a sexual-harassment complaint against Ruud Lubbers, the former prime minister of the Netherlands, who was then the head of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. According to Brzak, after a meeting in the agencys Geneva headquarters in 2003, Lubbers grabbed her from behind and pressed his groin into her buttocks. After Brzak filed her complaint, U.N. investigators were tasked with reviewing the allegations and uncovered five other harassment allegations against Lubbers, all of which Lubbers denied. Lubbers voluntarily resigned in 2005, but only after receiving pressure from higher-ups. Afterward, Lubbers vociferously denied any wrongdoing. In 2006, Brzak filed a suit in a New York court against Lubbers for retaliation. Both the district and appeals courts dismissed the suit, citing the diplomatic immunity of senior U.N. officials.

Mark Gough, who began working for the U.N. in 1996 and served as the U.N.s deputy director for investigations from 2006 to 2008, a job that involves reviewing harassment claims, told me that after the Lubbers case began, investigators started referring all sexual-harassment complaints involving senior officials directly to the assistant secretary-generals office instead of going through standard channels. When Gough began his tenure at the U.N., Senior officials were a protected species, he told me. Among the worst punishments was moving offenders laterally, a practice which became less common, but still persisted, during his time as deputy director. If someone was a bad egg, you offered them up to another division or promoted him. Ed Flaherty, the lawyer who represented Brzak, told me that, despite decades of complaints, the U.N. system fails employees who are harassed. There is no real penalty for committing sexual harassment, Flaherty said. The U.N. is its own judge. You cant be the judge in your own case. That is a fundamental aspect of any developed legal system. The U.N. doesnt abide by that.

The U.N. distinguishes between sexual exploitation and abuse, defined as acts committed against the local population they are there to serve, called beneficiaries, and sexual misconduct, which encompasses sexual harassment and assault perpetrated against staff. The U.N. argues, correctly, that it does not have prosecutorial authority over peacekeepers, who are on loan to them from member states. And yet the distinction comes as cold comfort to local communities, to whom all peacekeepers appear wearing the same blue helmet and serving under a singular U.N. flag, both of which bear the same U.N. emblem: a world map encircled by white olive wreaths against a smoke-blue backdrop. It shouldnt matter who the victim is. The nature of the act should determine the crime, a diplomat at the U.N., who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to speak, told me.

Despite good-faith reform efforts, the current U.N. system for adjudicating sexual-misconduct claims among its staff retains a core structural flaw: It is a supranational body operating in a world bound by nation-states. Chirimar, the human-rights lawyer, told me that a very simple way of looking at the U.N. is to see it as a state. The state owes you health care, education, legal protection, and other things. When we work for the U.N., the U.N. takes over those responsibilities. We become global citizens. We become citizens of the U.N.

Mission environments can be strange parallel universes where, in the lingo of U.N. workers, geographically single men keep mission wives and run deuxieme bureaux, or second offices. In many remote posts, U.N. workers live in walled-off enclosures filled with trailers and tentsthat serve as both lodging and office space. These compounds function more or less around the clock, and there is little boundary between ones personal and professional lives.

In such settings, workers feared that speaking out about their alleged abuse would harm those they had dedicated their lives to helping. Many described not wanting to inflict reputational damage on their agencies and worried that filing complaints would distract from their mission. They worried too that whatever they had experienced paled in comparison to the human suffering they routinely witnessed in their work. Those who had been harassed noted they hadnt been assaulted. Those who had been assaulted often stressed that they hadnt been raped. Those who had been raped pointed out that they hadnt been raped by multiple assailants or multiple times. All who spoke said they were choosing to share their experiences after having exhausted all other recourses to justice. They, like the institutions they belonged to, frequently subscribed to the utilitarian logic of doing the greatest possible good for the greatest number of people, at times at the cost of their own private lives. Victims were made to feel that formally complaining would take away from the U.N.s larger mission of world peace. And so, even four years into Me Too, they remained conflicted.

Women and men who said they were assaulted on overseas missions observed patterns emerging after they filed formal complaints. Almost every victim said U.N. investigators never clearly explained to them the standards of proof or why, exactly, their claims were rejected. In some instances, U.N. colleagues were dismissive of those who spoke up, telling them they were being difficult or delicate. They made me feel like I was crazy when I reported him, Elizabeth Lang, a OIOS employee who reported harassment that took place in 2009, told me. They made me feel like I was a liar. They made me feel like I was a hysterical woman. In recent years, many unresolved cases have yielded some kind of sanction, reflecting shifts taking place within the organization. But the victories were pyrrhic: Victims reported being maligned during investigations; watching their alleged assailants get promoted while their cases lingered; or receiving financial compensation, but only after years in deliberation.

Often, the best-case scenario for an alleged victim is that the U.N. refers a dispute to a national authority. An NGO worker who asked not to be identified told me she was drugged and anally raped by a U.N. Development Programme communications specialist, Karim Elkorany, after a party in a hotel in Baghdad in 2016. U.N. investigation records show that after she reported the incident, she was asked by UNDP investigators when she had started drinking at the party, how regularly she drank, and if she had ever had anal sex in the past. (A spokesperson for UNDP said that all our investigators are highly trained to ensure that interviews, especially ones related to incidents of sexual misconduct, are conducted with the utmost sensitivity.) Elkorany was placed on leave by UNDP by the end of 2016, but was officially still employed at the U.N. until he resigned in 2018. UNDP referred the case to the FBI, and, in 2020, Elkorany was charged in a Manhattan court for making false statements during questioning by the FBI in an effort to conceal his drugging and sexual assault of multiple women while he worked for the U.N., according to the DOJ (Elkorany did not respond to requests for comment, though he pleaded not guilty last year.)

More often, victims said they faced opprobrium from those they were meant to get support from. Another woman, who asked not to be named, described being raped twice by U.N. workers while working overseas, first with an aid organization and later with the U.N. She said that a U.N. worker whom she had never met before raped her while they were both working on tsunami relief in Indonesia in 2004. Five years later, after she was deployed to Afghanistan to work for the U.N., a colleague asked her to join him on a visit to a Kabul bazaar two weeks after she arrived in the country. Before departing, he invited her to his room for tea, where he began undressing her. She resisted, and in the violent altercation that followed, he ripped her underwear off. She told me that she eventually submitted. I was scared, she said. I thought, Hes going to do it. Ill let him do it, get it over with, and deal with it after. So he did it. He rolled off. After he finished, he goes, Okay, lets go to the market. 

The woman reported the rape to the discipline-and-conduct unit, where she said she was discouraged from filing anything official.  Why did you go back to his house?  she recalled being asked.  Didnt you think this was going to happen?  Six years later, she was having a drink with a female colleague at the Delegates Lounge, a bar at the U.N. headquarters in New York, when two men came by to speak with them. She looked at their name tags and realized that one of them was the man who had raped her in Kabul. Later she told her colleague, who persuaded the woman to lodge a formal complaint, which she did in 2016. According to the OIOS, a comprehensive investigation was conducted into both the allegation of rape and the allegations of cover-up; however we were unable to satisfy ourselves to the requisite standard that misconduct had occurred. The reports were issued in 2017, but the complainant never heard about the outcome of her case: She says that OIOS tried to call her once, while she was at a medical appointment, and they told her theyd call back, but she never heard from them again. In 2021, she was still waiting.

In a third case, a staff member for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) told me she was in Burkina Faso in 2016 for an agency meeting when a more senior colleague invited her to join him for drinks and suggested she meet him in his hotel room. When she arrived, his door was open. As soon as she stepped into his room, she told me, she felt something was off. I think theres been a mistake here, she recalled telling him, before turning around to leave. But he wouldnt let me leave. He grabbed me. She escaped his grip and reached for the door, but he restrained her again and then raped her.

A week later, when she traveled to New York for agency business, she told a superior what had happened, and after a few months of deliberating, she formally reported the incident to the UNFPAs internal-investigations unit. Its agents promised to look into her complaint but did not contact her again for seven months. While she was waiting for the results, her assailant was promoted within the agency. Eleven months after the attack, she received an email informing her that the U.N. found her allegations to be unsubstantiated. She asked why and was told that the information was confidential. UNFPA is responsible for preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors, but I got no support from the organization, she told me.

The next turns in her case show the ups and downs of the organizations recent reform efforts: By May 2020, her alleged assailant had been dismissed by the UNFPA for misconduct. In 2021, however, the matter is still the subject of ongoing litigation, showing how the process can spread over years. The alleged perpetrator denies the allegation and the UNFPA declined to comment.

Another case demonstrates that even when a U.N. investigation substantiates an allegation, the U.N. has little to offer victims in the event that their alleged assailant leaves the service. A former U.N. volunteer in the Democratic Republic of Congo told me that in 2016, an inebriated superior put his hand between her legs and tried to kiss her after she offered him a ride home. The next week, when she confronted him about what had happened, he accused her of being one of those women before telling her, Whatever your account of the events, I am not going to accept it.

The former volunteer filed a complaint with the U.N. Investigators contacted and interviewed her promptly, but she didnt receive an update for the next two years. In parallel, she tried filing a criminal report in her home country but was told the police had no jurisdiction. In 2020, she was informed that U.N. investigators had substantiated her claim, despite the accused perpetrators continued denials. But because he had already resigned from his post and significant time had elapsed, the only thing left to do was make a note of the event in his file.

In nearly all cases, victims described the experience of moving through the U.N.s internal justice system as enervating and wounding. Those who remained at their jobs expressed ambivalence about their posts. Those who left found new lives and new careers, sometimes on different continents, away from the war zones, humanitarian crises, and sense of mission that had set things in motion long ago. One former employee for the U.N. refugee agency who asked not to be named said she was harassed by her boss in four out of nine countries they traveled to for work a few years ago. This included being solicited for information regarding her sexual experiences in Amman; being shown revealing photos of other women in Geneva; being solicited for sexual intercourse in Nairobi; and being sent a link to a woman simulating a hand job, a link to phallic images, and another link to a website featuring audio clips of female orgasms. I didnt know what to do because I was always on few-month contracts, she told me.

The former employee filed a sexual-harassment case in 2018. Investigators found that sexual harassment had not occurred but that the accused had failed to act as a role model. As a result, he was demoted, barred from being promoted for four years, and provided with training in matters related to professional conduct. (When contacted, the accused denied the allegations, saying that he had been disciplined for limited managerial experience but nothing related to harassment.) The former employee was never contacted about the result of her case; UNHCR only informed her after New York began making inquiries, admitting that the failure to contact her was an oversight. There was a judgment of misconduct, she told me, but I somewhat feel there was no real outcome.

The U.N.s response to sexual harassment and assault is encumbered by the realities of multilateralism, where 193 member states of the General Assembly must establish consensus before a decision can be made. And then there are the dynamics of a bureaucracy with infinite tiers. A U.N. task force developed a model policy for how to handle sexual harassment and assault almost four years ago, for example, yet adopting it has stalled across agencies. Member states may support a cause but not release sufficient funds for programs to be implemented. I dont know of a single secretary-general who hasnt ultimately been driven to despair by the powers of the Fifth Committee, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd told me, referring to the budget committee that is controlled by member states. Nicola Dahrendorf, who ran a U.N. office addressing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic and the DRC, said that the pace of change at the worlds largest intergovernmental organization is necessarily going to be glacial. What you get at the end is a simplified version of what people set out to do because it has to reflect various peoples interests.

The U.N. emerged as a postwar institution built for victor states to safeguard victor interests, and its governing body has remained largely unchanged since. By contrast, the mission of its humanitarian-aid and development agencies is, in many ways, an exercise in redistributing wealth from the developed world to the developing world. This contradiction, the inequalities that are at the core of the enterprise, may be a reason why true parity has remained elusive. As James Lang, a former UNDP consultant on gender, violence, and rights, told me, An institution that is built on hierarchy is probably going to allow for sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is going to be used as a tool to maintain that power in the system.

U.N. staffers past and present told me they feared that if they spoke up in the current atmosphere, they would be contributing to the dismantling of an organization many of them had first revered as Model U.N. participants. Several  like Kirstie Campbell, or a UNICEF worker who told me she had slept with a UNICEF flag over her bed as a youth  described how their identities were enmeshed with an organization that was deeply flawed but also genuinely beloved. They wanted to avoid scandals like the one at Oxfam Great Britain, which in 2018 was accused of covering up an investigation into staff members hiring sex workers for orgies during earthquake-relief operations in Haiti in 2010. One of the staff members accused was the former country director, who resigned following an internal investigation. The U.K. Charity Commission, which regulates the aid industry, launched a statutory inquiry. Actress Minnie Driver cut ties with the charity, as did Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Oxfams chief executive accused critics of having an anti-aid agenda, fueling further backlash. Within 11 days, Oxfam lost 7,000 donors, which amounted to more than $20 million in funding for operations and relief programs. Haiti temporarily suspended Oxfam GBs right to work in the country, and Oxfam GB agreed to stop bidding for U.K. government funding until it could show that it met its high standards. After a three year ban, Oxfam GB was allowed to apply for funding once more  only for new allegations of sexual exploitation, this time in the DRC, to surface one month later

In September 2016, Campbell was home in Edinburgh recovering from her years in the field when she saw online that Lorentzen had been promoted and was now working as the WFPs country director in Afghanistan. She alerted a friend in Kabul, who, a few months later, put her in contact with a woman who said that Lorentzen had also propositioned her. The woman decided to file an official complaint, with Campbell serving as a supporting witness. Ten months after the woman filed, WFP hired investigators from an outside firm to review the case. The external investigators substantiated the Kabul allegations against Lorentzen  not Campbells  and in January 2018, the WFP suspended Lorentzen. Two months later, he was summarily dismissed by the WFP. The agency declined to say why, citing privacy rules. That July, Campbell received an email informing her that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate your claim of sexual harassment against Mr. Mick Lorentzen. (Repeated attempts to contact Lorentzen went unanswered. A spokesperson for WFP said that the agency cannot comment on individual cases.)

In 2018, I went to Kabul to interview U.N. employees about stories like Campbells. Not long after I arrived, I received a call from Jane Howard, a WFP spokeswoman, who told me that reaching out to WFP workers to ask about their experience of sexual harassment and assault was inappropriate and asked me to stop. (When asked in 2021, a spokesman for WFP denied this took place.) The WFP sent out an email to staff, titled holding lines, containing step-by-step instructions for how to respond to press inquiries. The same year, WFP announced it was eliminating the statute of limitations for filing complaints. Complaints flooded in. A WFP consultant who was interviewed regarding one of these cases said that investigators told her they were looking at more cases because the press will come after us. (WFP does not initiate or reopen investigations due to media interest, a spokesperson said in response to a request for comment.)

Miles away from the field  both physically and psychically  and years after leaving it, Campbell still feels deeply disappointed. I gave every single shred of my everything, she said from her mothers flat in Edinburgh, where she now lives. Campbell had been pushed out of an institution she had loved  a strange collateral damage to that institutions efforts to elevate women, eradicate gender-based violence, and, crucially, save the world from itself.

Since returning home, she has become a forager, for sea buckthorn berries specifically. Ive gone from feeding the poor to living off berries, she joked of her new profession. She first came across the plant in Pakistan, where she met Lorentzen. Sea buckthorn berries grow best in harsh conditions, where other plants cannot survive, she told me.

Campbell had found something approximating peace, but there was still a part of her that was angry about how things had come to pass. Her anger was primarily directed at the institution that failed her, and the sexual harassment and abuse of power that distracted her from her original mission of helping others. In her work, she expected to witness trauma; not to become a victim herself. You sign up for the dead bodies turning up, she told me. What you dont sign up for, she continued, were those abusers, who were coming to abuse us.

Reporting was facilitated by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Additional reporting by Alice Markham-Cantor.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 74F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 60F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
An Afghan money exchange dealer carries bundles of banknotes at an exchange market, following banks and markets reopening after the Taliban took over in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 4, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters)

Afghan Central Bank Drained Dollar Stockpile Before Taliban Takeover: Report

The Afghan central bank was drained of the majority of its U.S. dollar cash reserves in the weeks before the Taliban takeover of Kabul, according to an assessment prepared for the countrys international donors.

Afghanistans severe cash shortage began before the Taliban terrorist group seized control of Kabul, according to a confidential, two-page brief, obtained by Reuters. The document was written earlier this month by senior international economic officials for institutions including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The brief criticized how the central banks former leadership handled the crisis in the months leading up to the Taliban takeover. This included decisions to auction unusually large amounts of U.S. dollars and move money from Kabul to provincial branches, increasing the sum kept in these branches from $12.9 million in 2019 to around $202 million by the end of last year. Some of that money ended up getting stolen, the report said, without specifying how much.

FX (foreign exchange) reserves in CBs (central bank) vaults in Kabul have depleted, the CB cannot meet  cash requests, the report said, according to the news wire. The biggest source of the problem is the mismanagement at the central bank prior to the Taliban takeover.

Shah Mehrabi, chairman of the central banks audit committee, who held his post following the Taliban takeover, defended the central banks handling of the crisis, saying that leadership was working to prevent a run on the local Afghani currency.

The extent of the cash shortage can be seen on the streets of Afghan cities, where people have been queuing for hours to withdraw dollar savings amid strict limits on how much they can take out.

The economy was struggling prior to the Taliban takeover on Aug. 15, but the return of the terrorist group and abrupt end of billions of dollars in foreign aid has left it in deep crisis.

Shortly after the Taliban seized control, the IMF and World Bank suspended the countrys access to global financial resources amid uncertainty over recognizing the Islamic militant group as Afghanistans legitimate government.

The World Bank at the time cited concern about the impact on the countrys development prospects, especially for women. Separately, the Biden administration in August froze Afghan government reserves held in U.S. bank accounts, blocking the Taliban from accessing billions of dollars, the Washington Post first reported.

Deborah Lyons, the U.N. secretary-generals special representative for Afghanistan, warned earlier this month of an imminent economic collapse unless frozen funds are released to the country.

The economy must be allowed to breathe for a few more months, giving the Taliban a chance to demonstrate flexibility and a genuine will to do things differently this time, notably from a human rights, gender, and counter-terrorism perspective, she said.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Air France employees stand around the first Air France airliner's Airbus A220 during a ceremony in the Air France hangar at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy near Paris, France, on Sept. 29, 2021. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)

Air France-KLM Unveils Tiny A220 Jet in Superjumbos Shadow

PARISAir France took delivery of its first compact Airbus A220 jetliner on Tuesday, pledging greater comfort and lower emissions on short routes as its Franco-Dutch parent pushes ahead with a broader fleet shake-up to streamline costs.

The French airline, part of the Franco-Dutch Air France-KLM group, said the 148-seat, Canadian-designed jet would reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 20 percent after entering European service with a flight to Berlin on Oct 31.

Air France ordered 60 of the planes in 2019, with options for at least 30 more, to replace the smallest members of the Airbus single-aisle portfolio, the A318 and A319.

The unveiling illustrated a shift of emphasis from the worlds largest jets to some of the smallest as airlines play up the lower cost and environmental benefits of light new models.

The audience of 300 guests including politicians gathered in a hangar originally built for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, once the flagship for Air France and other major long-haul carriers but whose retirement was accelerated by the coronavirus crisis.

In a reminder of the see-saw strategies in the $150 billion jet industry, a disused A380 sat ignored on the tarmac outside.

The A220 was developed by Canadas Bombardier, but its ambitions foundered over a lack of cash needed to unlock the stranglehold of Airbus and U.S. rival Boeing. Airbus picked up the A220 program for a symbolic dollar in 2018.

Now, Air France-KLM is playing the two planemaking giants against each other for the next stage of a sweeping fleet review under Chief Executive Ben Smith, a former Air Canada executive who has vowed to simplify a fragmented fleet to cut unit costs.

He said the group would decide within months on a new order for at least 80 medium-haul jets in a busier category just above the A220, in what would be its biggest fleet transaction ever.

That follows a tender earlier this year to renew and expand the medium-haul Boeing 737 fleets at KLM as well as the French and Dutch operations of budget brand Transavia.

Staggered Fleet Renewal

Smith said the deal could involve a firm purchase of 80 aircraft with options for another 60 to 80. Such a deal would be worth more than $8 billion at list prices before discounts that aircraft traders say can easily exceed 50 percent for large quantities.

Some analysts have suggested the competition is Boeings to lose after a long association with KLM, but Smith stressed the group was in talks with both Boeing and Airbus.

The widely watched competition is between the A320neo and A321neo medium-haul jets on the Airbus side and Boeings competing 737 MAX family. It comes amid resurgent demand from Europes mainly debt-laden airlines for the capacity to cut costs and respond to growing environmental pressure.

Beyond that, the groups fleet overhaul will see separate contests in around 2023 to replace earlier A320/A321 models and the A330 long-haul model: both on the Air France network.

For the future competition to replace the workhorse A320, Air France would be interested in a frequently mooted longer version of the A220, if Airbus launched one, Smith said.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer told Reuters the planemaker was studying the idea with a positive attitude, but no decision was currently on the agenda.

Industry sources say its immediate priority is to cut costs on the loss-making A220 by pressuring suppliers to offer deeper price cuts and by redesigning parts to be built more cheaply.

By Tim Hepher
Another Australian State Launches Home Quarantine App With Facial Recognition, Geolocation Tech

Victoria is the latest Australian state to launch a home quarantine trial using a facial recognition and geolocation app.

Health Minister Martin Foley called on Victorians 18-years and over and currently isolating at home to volunteer to participate in the trial that will run for four weeks. The trial is seen as an alternative choice to hotel quarantine.

This will assist Victorians coming back from both overseas and internationally sooner rather than later as part of the national plan, Foley told reporters on Sept. 28.

Participants will be required to download the home quarantine app on their smartphones. At certain times the app will send out a notice, in turn, the individual must respond within five minutes by taking a photo of themselves to prove they are isolating at home.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley speaks to the media in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 28, 2021. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Should that not be responded to in a period of time, follow-up calls or visits are made to make sure that the person is where they should be, Foley said. It will be an easy and less-fuss way of making sure that people are all doing the right thing, protecting themselves, and protecting the community.

New South Wales (NSW) announced their own home quarantine trial and app featuring the same technology earlier this month, involving 175 double-dosed vaccinated people.

In August, South Australia (SA) began their trial with the state Premier Steven Marshall pleased with the results.

I think its [the app] a great innovation that can be rolled out right across the country, Marshall told Sky News Australia on Sept. 12. Ultimately, home-based quarantine has got to be preferable  but its got to be safe as well.

However, there are significant privacy concerns surrounding the app. The NSW government said user privacy would be protected through the same mechanisms as the current Service NSW check-in app.

However, it has been revealed that police in other states of Australia have violated privacy clauses and accessed location data in check-in apps during criminal investigations, undermining public confidence in promises of increased privacy.

Professor of Artificial Intelligence Toby Walsh at the University of NSW said there were many reasons to be concerned about home quarantine apps.

Walsh said the apps are easy to hack, facial recognition software is often flawed, and fundamental privacy rights are eroded.

If home-quarantine apps work successfully, will they open the door to facial recognition being used in other settings? To identify shoplifters? To provide access to welfare? Or to healthcare? What Orwellian world will this take us to? Walsh said.
A member of the Philadelphia Fire Department prepares a dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site setup in Philadelphia on March 26, 2021. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Arkansas Bill Would Create Antibody Exemption for Biden Vaccine Mandates

Lawmakers in Arkansas advanced legislation on Sept. 29 that would allow workers to opt out of their employers COVID-19 vaccine requirement if they can prove that they have natural antibodies against the CCP virus or if theyre tested for the virus weekly.

Arkansass House and Senate Public Health committees endorsed identical versions of the legislation, according to lawmakers. The measure also requires the state to pay unemployment benefits to workers who are terminated from their jobs over the vaccine mandate.

This is what we felt we could get through to give employees some protection, state Sen. Kim Hammer said, The Associated Press reported.

Its not clear if Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who has broken with the GOP-led legislature in 2021 over several key issues, will sign the legislation if its ultimately approved by state lawmakers. Hutchinsons office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Previously, Hutchinson had criticized the vaccine mandates that were announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month, saying that theyre counterproductive and will [harden] the resistance to vaccines.

Republican lawmakers have filed numerous measures focused on vaccine mandates as the legislature reconvened this week to take up the issue of congressional redistricting. Those proposals came in response to Bidens announcement that he would require vaccines or weekly testing at private-sector businesses with more than 100 employees.

Federal health officials have said that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 should still receive the vaccine, although studies have suggested that people who have previously contracted the virus display long-lasting and robust protection against the Delta variant. A study from Israel several weeks ago suggested that those with natural immunity had better protection against the Delta strain compared to those who had received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine.

The White House hasnt disclosed its plan to mandate testing or vaccinations at private businesses after Bidens Sept. 9 announcement.

On Sept. 29, when questioned about the mandate, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said theres no firm timeline on the plan.

We never gave an exact timeline, she said. Somaybe we should have been more specific at the time. Obviously, it takes some time and we want to make sure when we put these out they are clear and they provide the guidance necessary for businesses.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is still working on them, referring to the plan.

Hopefully, well know more in the coming weeks, she said.

According to OSHAs law on an Emergency Temporary Standard to implement the vaccine requirement, the federal agency is authorized to set emergency temporary standards that take effect immediately and are in effect until superseded by a permanent standard and must determine that workers are in grave danger due to exposure to toxic substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmful, or to new hazards and that an emergency standard is needed to protect them.
Art Can Affect People: Greek Artists Miniature Worlds Inspire Beauty and Kindness

'Being an artist brings with it a lot of responsibility.'

With the harmonious combination of tiny pieces and materials, a Greek artist has been creating aesthetically pleasing miniature worlds enclosed in small boxes, frames, and watch cases.

From an early age, Gregory Grozos had a natural inclination for the arts, as his father was a graphic designer who also liked to paint in his free time. Following in the footsteps of his dad, he went on to study graphic design and earned a degree from Athens School of Fine Arts.

There were many art books in the house that I would take off the bookcase and go through as a young child, Grozos told The Epoch Times. It was a great environment to start developing my aspiration to become an artist.

Grozos says he is aware of the responsibility he shoulders in creating works that have the potential to impact the world, and how art can affect people positively or negatively. He said it is his faith in the Divine that leads him to envision whether his reasoning and purpose of creating a piece of art would make any change towards making our world a better place or a worse one.

Artist and owner of Miniature Worlds Gregory Grozos. (Courtesy of Gregory Grozos)

Grozos, who began creating miniature worlds about a decade ago, comes up with his own themes and ideas that he classifies as fantastical and imaginary.

Astronomers, alchemists, inventors, and airship commanders populate tiny workshops, building machines, and flying vehicles. In some of my other works, unicorns, fairies, and mythical beings inhabit magical landscapes, Grozos explained.

Creating each dainty-looking treasure, according to Grozos, is a learning process that involves a lot of trial and error along with a never-ending process of self-development. Grozos says there is always a trail of failures that leads to every bit of success.

Sometimes things do come out rather effortlessly, but many times, having things work out is a matter of persisting through difficulty and overcoming many obstacles, he said.

To develop himself and his artistic production further, Grozos says the ancient spiritual practice of Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) became his guide. The practice comprises five gentle exercises along with moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The spiritual discipline, first introduced in China in 1992, is now practiced by over 100 million people around the world.

Grozos, who began practicing spiritual meditation 11 years ago, said that as he began to apply positive universal principles to evaluate and approach all aspects of his daily life, he experienced a profound shift in his way of thinking and living.

I have learned that being a little kinder and patient is actually becoming more attuned to how the universe itself works and things tend to become more harmonious and turn out better, he said.

Gregory Grozos practicing the fifth exercise of Falun Gong. (Courtesy of Gregory Grozos)

With consistent practice, Grozos noticed that when he began to adjust his thoughts to a more positive direction, a lot of issues would naturally resolve in the process.

The catalyst to begin his work with miniature worlds, he said, came from the book Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Gong.

After reading this book, I gained an understanding of how entire worlds exist on the level of microscopic particles and how even a grain of sand can contain an entire universe, Grozos said. This insight led me to develop the idea of creating a miniature world, populated with tiny people, buildings and machines, so small that a person can actually carry on him or herself.

Grozos found this concept very intriguing and set about pursuing the materials and techniques needed to realize his dream of creating miniature worlds. He showcases and sells his exquisite work of art both at a physical store and on Etsy.

While Grozos strives to create pieces of art that reflect and incorporate the ideas of beauty, creativity, and benevolence, he has also seen how ideologies like communism and socialism have degenerated the world.

These ideologies debase the human intellect, spirit, and value of human life, attempting to turn society into a giant machine where people become little more than robots performing functional roles, he said.

Living our life in this modern society has become not only a constant attempt to try and do better despite all everyday difficulties but also a struggle against this set of societal and political forces trying to pull us down to rob us of our happiness, creativity, and spiritual potential.

Grozos believes the danger is more apparent in China, where all faiths, including Falun Gong, have become the target of suppression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The benevolent principles of the practicetruthfulness, compassion, and tolerancecould not be tolerated by a materialist Marxist regime which operates by turning people against each other and uses corruption, lies, and hatred in order to oppress them, he said.

In the last 22 years of persecution, millions of Falun Gong adherents have been detained, imprisoned, tortured, and lost their jobs. Witnessing such a crime against humanity, Grozos found it intolerable and had been working to raise more awareness of these heinous crimes.

Using the platform of art, Grozos tries to bring together the bad destructive elements with the positive ones and shows in an aesthetic way how a man can make a moral choice between the two.

I believe in preserving and building upon a positive, artistic, philosophical, and moral culture that reflects who we are at our core as human beings, Grozos said. Our basic principles make us who we are and the aspiration to become better humans is a limitless journey that can open a world of wonder and beauty.

Check out more of his artwork below:

Arshdeep Sarao contributed to this report.
Florida attorney Jeff Childers (gray jacket) updates employees of the city of Gainesville on Sept. 26 about a judges order stopping the municipality from terminating employees not willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine. (Natasha Holt)

Attorney Behind Defeat of Local Vaccine Mandate in Florida Gathering National Lawyer Group

Florida attorney Jeff Childers gave up his for-profit clientele to represent a group of city of Gainesville employees facing termination due to their refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccines.

Now, after a major victory last week in his case representing the 250 Gainesville workers, and a victory in an appeal in June to end the mask mandate in his county, attorneys across the country are turning to him for help with similar cases.

Childers is harnessing the momentum to form a coalition of attorneys from across the country interested in taking on similar fights over mask and vaccine mandates and whatever else comes next in the fight to preserve freedom, he told The Epoch Times.

A few weeks ago, he reached out to two dozen lawyers who showed promise as freedom fighters. Those who accepted his invitation to a private chat on an encrypted instant messaging platform started enthusiastically inviting others. The group now includes 40 of some of the biggest names in the country, he said.

By midday Sept. 26, while Childers was celebrating victory with Gainesville police, firefighters, linemen, and more, there was a spirited discussion on the chat, with files flying back and forth between litigators.

Thats the part that excites him. As he and the other attorneys on his conversation thread share ideas, strategies, and files, it increases the velocity, he said.

One of the attorneys was planning to file a lawsuit the next day to keep Orange County, Florida, workers from being disciplined for refusing to take the vaccines.

Another had just followed Childerss lead in a successful case fighting mask mandates, and filed a case in Jacksonville, Florida, opposing mandatory masking in Duval County Public Schools.

Others were polishing a case in Fulton County, Georgia, to take on the local school boards policy requiring all students and teachers to wear masks.

Yet another in Florida had shared that the Clearwater City Commission had dropped from its upcoming agenda a plan to take up the discussion of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for employees.

As a result of his win against the city of Gainesville, all municipalities in Florida are recalibrating, Childers said. I think we have this beat in Florida.

A judge in Gainesville blocked the citys vaccine mandate on Sept. 22.

Childers knew the win was history-making. But its not over, he warned the employees, who gathered on Sept. 26 to hear his update before sharing a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.

Raising a glass in victory was James Hinson, a school resource officer in his 20th year with the Gainesville Police Department. Hed planned to stay until he reached 25 years with the force. But the vaccine mandate has good cops retiring or leaving for other jobs, he said. Hes eligible to retire in 10 months. And then, he said with a sigh, Im gone.

He objected to taking the vaccine because hes already had COVID-19.

The unvaccinated employees in Gainesville dont know what will be required of them now that an injunction from a judge means the city cant fire them on Oct. 1 as planned.

As of Sept. 27, five days after the judges ruling to block the vaccinate-or-terminate directive in Gainesville, details hadnt been determined. City commissioners said they wanted input from employee unions before making a plan.

The city of Gainesville will continue to strongly encourage its employees to get vaccinated as we work to improve vaccination rates among our workforce through education and incentives, city spokeswoman Rossana Passaniti said.

We recognize the reality of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine disinformation, but agree with public health experts that vaccination is key in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

City leaders will continue to meet with union leaders before presenting an employee vaccination plan to the commission as directed.

A meeting between city officials and officials with the Communications Workers of America union was scheduled for Oct. 4, she said. It was unclear when other unions would join the conversation.

But that kind of talk irks Childers. And thats why hes determined to use what hes learned to help other attorneys around the country save time as they take up similar fights.

It seems to me the employees are being treated like farm animals, he said. The citys treating its employees like its property. A farmer can vaccinate his animals because they really are his property. The city was saying, Do it, or youre out of the herd.

These employees are free citizens. The city works for them; theyve got it backward.

And its not that hes against vaccines, he said.

Im pro-choice when it comes to whether or not to get the shot, he said. But I cant stand to see someone get bullied. Ive got scars today from getting in between a bully and his target.

On Sept. 26, Childers urged City of Gainesville employees to stay organized.

My first objective was to save your jobs, he said. Now you have momentum.

He urged employees to launch an initiative to recall Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and any other politicians aiming to restrict their freedoms.

They dont share our values, he said. Theyre not going to stop coming after us until we replace them.

Poe responded in a prepared statement, saying: I will continue to faithfully execute the duties of my office. The highest of these responsibilities is to protect the health and safety of our community builders and the neighbors they serve. I remain committed to that sacred duty.

Next, Childers plans to take on the Alachua County School Board, urging members to fire the school superintendent who has defied the Florida governors prohibition on forced masking at public schools.

We [in Alachua County] dont need to get sideways with the state, Childers said, alluding to the warning of Gov. Ron DeSantis that school districts that force mask-wearing would face financial penalties. Thats not helping the children of Alachua.

As his group grows, Childers hopes attorneys will lock arms to fightand fixwhat he sees as major systemic problems around the country, one lawsuit at a time.

Now, the more attorneys who jump into the fight, the better.

We need to all be pulling in the same direction, he said. We need to stop playing Whac-A-Mole and playing defense, and we need to go on offense. The goal is to save America.
WeChat app is seen on a smartphone on July 13, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/REUTERS/Illustration)

Australian Chinese Media Self-Censoring Due to Fears of Reprisal From Beijing: Report

Chinese-language media groups in Australia actively self-censor over fears staff, and family members could face reprisals from Beijing.

Our staff members in China and Australia come from mainland China; their families are all in China, one media proprietor told the Sydney-based Lowy Institute. This is despite the fact that some of them obtain Australian citizenships or permanent residencies here.

Politically sensitive topics or criticisms against the Chinese government would put our staff members or their families at risk. We dont want them or their families to get detained in China.

The Translating Tension: Chinese-Language Media in Australia report examined over 500 news stories and interviewed executives at three large Chinese media groups, the Daily Chinese Herald, Media Today, and the Australian Chinese Daily.

Much of the news content was found to be translated from English-language media, with translators based in Australia, as well as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Self-censorship extends beyond the individual discretion of media executives fearful for their safety and that of their families. It has become integral to media organisations risk management processes, the report found.

For the Daily Chinese Herald and Media Today group, much of their content was distributed to mainland China via news apps, websites, and Chinese social media app WeChat.

Critiques of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) were moderated and tempered over fears it could attract disciplinary action such as the removal of content, suspension of websites or WeChat accounts, or the complete blockage of their website and app in China.

Reprisals such as these inflict significant financial damage, the report added.

While the interviewees admitted that self-censorship was taking place, they stressed that it did not mean political alignment with the CCP.

I think we need to recognise Chinese people, China as a country, Chinese culture, and the political party. We like the people, and we are part of the culture. But we do not necessarily agree with any political actions or ideologies, one interviewee said.

Currently, there are over 1.2 million ethnic Chinese living in Australia, comprising around four percent of the total population, according to the 2016 Census.

Concerns have lingered, however, over the influence Beijing has over locally-based Chinese media groups.

In August 2020, then-Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge warned that malign information or propaganda could be spread through ethnic media outlets controlled or funded by state players.

A subsequent report from December 2020 revealed that around half of Australias 24 largest Chinese-language media outlets had links to Beijing.

Executives from 12 outlets had been members of organisations controlled by the United Front Work Department, Beijings foremost overseas infiltration organ. At the same time, four outlets were directly owned or received financial support from the CCP.

One example, which was also featured in the Lowy Institute report, was the Media Today group, whose Sydney-focused platform, Sydney Today, had around 670,000 followers in 2019.

The co-founder of Media Today, Stan Chen, was previously listed as vice-president of the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC) until 2018.

The ACPPRCs former president Huang Xiangmo has made regular headlines in recent years over political donation scandals and the downfall of former Senator Sam Dastyari. The ACPPRC is also connected to a body controlled by the United Front.

Media Today has actively censored and removed its news content, particularly around foreign interference investigations by Australian security agencies, and Falun Gong, the meditation practice persecuted by the CCP.
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Mulgoa and anti-abortion advocate is pictured during a press conference at NSW Parliament on September 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Australian MP Urges State Government to Retain Thousands of Unvaccinated Health Workers

An Australian MP in the state of New South Wales (NSW) has urged the state Health Minister Brad Hazzard to retain thousands of frontline health workers who are not vaccinated against the CCP virus.

In an open letter to Hazzard, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot on Sept. 28, Western Sydney Liberal MP Tanya Davies called on the ministers to keep health workers who are not vaccinated working in the public health system.

Currently, Sept.30 marks the deadline for thousands of health workers in the state to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest policy by the NSW government. After the date, those whore not vaccinated will be put on unpaid leave until they provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption certificates.

I write to you on behalf of 1000s of public servants under your authority, who face imminent dismissal as a result of their non-vaccination status as outlined in the public health orders, the letter reads.

Given the population of New South Wales will be back to a new normal in just over two months time, I believe there must be a better way to support these public servants other than terminating their employment.

NSW has announced on Sept. 27 its roadmap to reopening, with freedom promised to be given back to all residents, regardless of their vaccination status, when the vaccination rate hits 90 percent, which is projected on Dec. 1.

At this time of crisis, we need more skilled health workers, educators, police, and emergency services on the frontlinenot less. The forced vaccination mandate will see thousands of trained, qualified, experienced frontline workers out of a job, Davies said in a Facebook post on Sept. 28.

The government has already acknowledged a shortage of key staff. By announcing the bringing out of retirement of health professionals that to dismiss 1000s of staff now, we put an unacceptably high, however avoidable, pressure on the government services to our communities.

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard speaks at a press conference before receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine at at St George Hospital in Kogarah on March 10, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

She further urged the ministers to investigate options for these workers to keep working, such as rapid antigen testing, additional PPE, extending working from home hours.

She also suggested giving health workers nonfront facing roles, allowing the use of long service leave annually, or even annual leave without pay.

Nighty-four percent of NSWs 140,000 health workers have received at least one dose. The states health authorities are currently relocating staff from regional areas in the state to cover the manpower shortage.

Health Minister Hazzard said that he would not exempt any local health district or hospital from the vaccination rules.

If they want to put their patients and their colleagues at risk, well they wont have a position, The Sydney Morning Herald reported Hazzard saying so.

Two legal challenges to the vaccine mandate are currently being considered in the NSW courts: one by aged care worker Natasha Henry and another by emergency worker John Larter, who has been suspended after filing the law case.
A pedestrian is reflected in the window of a branch of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) in Central Sydney, Australia, Oct. 25, 2017. (Steven Saphore/Reuters)

Australias CBA, ANZ Sued in New Zealand for Missed Loan Interest Refunds

Two of Australias big four banks are facing a multi-million dollar claim in New Zealand for not refunding more than 150,000 customers the interest and fee charged following an alleged breach in disclosing changes to loan agreements.

The class-action lawsuit said Kiwi units of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group did not clearly inform customers a change in some terms of home and personal loans and claimed that during the period the lenders cannot charge on a loan.

The banks failures to refund their customers constitute serious breaches of the provisions of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA), said solicitor Scott Russell of Russell Legal, the law firm that has filed the case.

The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) logo is pictured at the Australian banks headquarters in Sydney, Australia, Feb. 15, 2017. (Jason Reed/Reuters, File Photo)

Australian banks and financial institutions have been slapped with several lawsuits and have had to settle claims worth millions since a Royal Commission inquiry in 2018 found widespread mismanagement in the sector.

ANZ said it would defend the resolution as it was a historic issue with how loan payments were calculated, which was reported to the Commerce Commission in 2017 and subsequently settled.

ANZ considers we have fairly remediated our customers and the matter has already been subject to regulatory oversight and resolution, the spokesperson said.

CBA did not respond to a request for comment.

ANZ customers who took a loan between May 30, 2015 and May 28, 2016 may be eligible to participate in the claim, while customers of CBA-owned ASB Bank who borrowed between June 6, 2015 and June 18, 2019 can also be plaintiffs.

The case is funded by Australia-based litigation funder CASL and New Zealands LPF Group.

By Shashwat Awasthi and Byron Kaye
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is prepared for administration at a vaccination clinic on Sept. 22, 2021. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Breakthrough COVID-19 Infections Disrupt Aladdin Reopening, In-person Harvard Classes

Breakthrough COVID-19 infections canceled a Broadway performance of Aladdin a day after it reopened for the first time in more than a year due to the pandemic.

Producers of the Disney-backed performance told the audience at 7 p.m. on Wednesday that its testing protocols detected CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases at The New Amsterdam Theatre in Manhattan.

Because the wellness and safety of our guests, casts, and crew are our top priority, tonights performance, Wednesday, September 29th, is canceled, the producers wrote in a Twitter post on Wednesday, coming right before the show was slated to start.

We will continue to provide support to the affected Aladdin company members as they recover, the Twitter post added, saying that the status of future performances will be announced in the near future.

Aladdin returned to Broadway on Tuesday night after an 18-month suspension due to the pandemic shutdown. Broadway now requires all company members and audiences to be vaccinated against COVID-19, while audience members are mandated to wear masks throughout the performance.

The episode shines more light on breakthrough cases, highlighting previous studies that suggest COVID-19 vaccines cannot prevent transmission of the CCP virus.

Federal health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have still recommended vaccines, saying they protect against severe illness and hospitalization. Those officials have spent very little time publicly weighing the merits of the protection afforded by a previous COVID-19 infection, known as natural immunity, although some lawyers and states have started to push for it to be included under vaccine mandates.

Last week, the Harvard Business School, which has over 95 percent vaccination rate, announced it would move its classes online due to a rise in breakthrough infections.

In recent days, weve seen a steady rise in breakthrough infections among our student population, despite high vaccination rates and frequent testing, Mark Cautela, the head of communications for the college, told a local news website. Contact tracers who have worked with positive cases highlight that transmission is not occurring in classrooms or other academic settings on campus. Nor is it occurring among individuals who are masked.

Brown University, with a vaccine mandate in place, has nearly 98 percent of students and 96 percent of faculty and staff vaccinated.

However, Brown officials announced a series of restrictive measures in response to what they see as a significant increase of COVID-19 cases on campus. Social gatherings for undergraduate students are limited to no more than five peoplewhether indoors or outdoorsexcept for those sharing living space with more than five other students. This restriction applies to both on- and off-campus activities.

GQ Pan contributed to this report.
California Still Plagued by Federal Property Seizures

Commentary

A new case brings up the importance of Californias landmark Assembly Bill 114, by then-Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) in 1994, which severely limited asset forfeiture by state and local government agents. Unfortunately, it did not affect federal agents operating under federal law.

The latest outrage was perpetrated by federal agents in Beverly Hills against innocent Californians with safe deposit boxes at U.S. Private Vaults. Reported the Washington Examiner on Sept. 27, Armed with a warrant, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents spent five days ripping several hundred safety deposit boxes out of the walls and laying claim to its contents.

Prosecutors alleged the seized items and cash were the proceeds of illegal drug transactions. The problem is that federal authorities took the items from people who hadnt been accused of a crime.

Theyve been able to keep it because of the countrys vague standards of civil forfeiture law, which allows the government to seize property and assets without any actual evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

Such abuses of power are much harder to perpetrate by California law enforcement because of AB 114. It was a strange bedfellows effort spearheaded by Burton, a Bay Area leftist, and Assemblyman Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach), a staunch Conservative and retired U.S. Marine Corps general.

The two sides came together because of numerous cases of the abuses of the Fourth Amendment right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause.

AB 114 still allowed forfeitures, but only after a conviction in a court of law, as stipulated by the Fourth Amendment.

The abuse was the police agencies would forfeit a persons property upon the flimsiest evidence, or no evidence. The property owner then would have to go to court to get the property back, requiring the hiring of expensive lawyers.

Law enforcement liked it because it was free money or property unaccountable in their budgets. I remember two cases I wrote about at the time for the Orange County Register. One involved Newport Beach Police Chief Arb Campbell who, according to reports in 1992, was seen driving a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL seized in a local drug arrest. He was fired for that and other indiscretions.

Another case I reported on about that time in the Orange County Register. A couple in Chino told me the police had seized the small apartment complex they owned because of an alleged drug deal in one of the units. They pointed out they knew nothing of the deal, legally could not keep tabs on what tenants were doing and evicted the tenant when told of the allegations. Their lawyer, and possibly my editorial, got the police to end the seizure, returning to them the control of their property  after it had been run down due neglect over several years.

A loophole in AB 114 is it could do nothing about local police teaming with federal agents to seize property using federal laws. I wrote about that in a 2014 Register editorial:

Anaheim small business owner Tony Jalali has done nothing wrong. He isnt charged with any crime. Yet, the city of Anaheim and the federal government are trying to take his property, using federal asset forfeiture laws that do not require a court conviction.

Jalali rented a space in his office building on Ball Road to two medical-marijuana dispensaries, evicting them after federal officials objected to the dispensaries, even thoughunder Californias Proposition 215, passed by voters in 1996medical marijuana is legal in the Golden State.  The sad irony is that Mr. Jalili is an immigrant who fled Irans repressive government in search of a better life. Its unacceptable that hes now persecuted in the land of liberty.

Jalali prevailed in court and got his property back.

His and similar cases also led to the passage in 2016 of Senate Bill 443, which then was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. Like AB 114, it was bipartisan, passing unanimously in the state Senate and 69 to 7 in the Assembly.

Unless there was a conviction in a court of law, SB 443 prohibited state or local agencies from transferring property seized under state law authorizing the seizure of property to a federal agency seeking the adoption of the seized property  under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

But as the new case in Beverly Hills shows, federal reform is needed more than ever. California now has a powerful contingent in the federal government, including Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). They could work with such liberty-minded Republicans as Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky to sponsor reform along the lines of Californias AB 114 and SB 443.

Hard work produced reform in California and can do so nationally.
California to Pay up to $25,000 for ADUs, Critics Say It Will Raise Home Prices

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) recently announced that it will be offering up to $25,000 to low- to moderate-income homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. Critics are concerned it will lead to higher housing costs, less homeownership, and more rental units.

Former mayor of Costa Mesa Jim Righeimer said building more ADUs in a community may lower the cost of rent but will raise the cost of home prices, making homeownership unaffordable.

This is the beginning of the end for Suburbia, Righeimer told The Epoch Times. Youll end up with less homeowners and more renters.

Righeimer said building ADUs in the backyards of average-sized homes will lead to rental housing.

I already know people that are going to buy these, he said. They want to buy them as rentals. Right now, theyre saying the person that builds it is signing a statement saying that theyll live in it. But once its built, how do you enforce that?

The new ADU Grant Program was announced a day after the passage of Gov. Gavin Newsoms $22 billion housing package.

California has an estimated 240,000 ADUs, according to CalHFA.

ADUs are an affordable, effective and forward-looking option for many homeowners, CalHFA Executive Director Tiena Johnson Hall said in a statement. California must make the most of every opportunity to build more housing for its residents, and the ADU Grant Program helps homeowners who want to invest in and share their property to help address a huge issue.

Many homeowners have the land available in their backyard, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them with this grant program, Hall said.
Many Canadians Not Aware of True Cost of Health Care System: Report

Typical Canadian family of two parents and two children estimated to pay $15,039 for public health care in 2021

Many Canadians do not know the true cost of the countrys public health system, a new report says, noting health care in Canada is not free but paid for through the tax system.

This knowledge gap is partly because Canadians dont see the bills for the medical services they use, and partly because there is no easy way for them to find out how much they pay to fund the system through taxes, according to the Fraser Institute report.

Canadians pay a substantial amount of money for health care through a variety of taxeseven if we dont pay directly for medical services, said Bacchus Barua, Director of Health Policy Studies at the institute and co-author of The Price of Public Health Care Insurance, 2021 in a press release.

The study estimates that a typical Canadian family of two parents and two children will pay $15,039 for public health care in 2021, with an average household income of $150,177. Couples with no children will pay about $13,533 while single parents with one child will pay an estimated $3,909. Single individuals will have to fork out $4,296 to finance the system.

Left on their own, most Canadians will find it difficult to work out precisely the amount they pay to the government each year as the health care insurance is being financed through general government revenues rather than through a dedicated tax, the report noted.

Sources of government revenues that may contribute to funding health care, according to the authors, include income tax, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan premiums, property tax, profit tax, sales tax, import duties, and taxes on alcohol and tobacco, among others.

Some Canadians might assume that in those provinces that assess them, employer health taxes and contributions cover the cost of health care, the study said. The reality is that these premiums cover just a fraction of the cost of health care and are paid into general revenue from which health care is funded.

People who bear the brunt of the tax burden are the top 10 percent income earners who are estimated to pay $41,916 for public health care in 2021. Those whose income averages $75,300 will pay $6,521, whereas the lowest income earners will pay an average of $726.

The study also observed that from 1997 to 2021, the cost of health care insurance for the average Canadian family has risen substantially by 177.6 percent, outpacing average income at 109.9 percent over the same period by 1.6 times. At the same time, it increased 3.4 times faster than the cost of clothing, 2.2 times the cost of food, and 1.7 times the cost of shelter.

Barua said showing taxpayers how much they pay for health care and how the amount has increased over time will help them to assess the value and performance of the health-care system, and whether its financially sustainable.

When people speak of free health care in Canada, they are entirely ignoring the substantial taxpayer-funded cost of the system, the study concluded.
Paramedics transport an elderly man to a hospital emergency department in Mississauga, Ont., on Nov. 19, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)

Cardiac Patients Had a Higher Risk of Dying at the Onset of Pandemic, New Study Shows

The significant decline in referrals and procedures for common cardiac conditions in Ontario following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has put patients waiting for surgeries at a higher risk of dying, according to a new study.

The study, soon to be published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, highlights the impact of the pandemic on cardiac care and the importance of giving treatment to high-risk patients with other medical conditions.

In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we kept hearing stories from patients and other doctors that there were delays in care for patients with heart disease, Harindra Wijeysundera, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and lead investigator of the study, said in a news release.

We decided to look into these claims using the Ontario database that keeps track of wait lists and wait times for individuals with heart disease who require a procedure or surgery.

The study analyzed the data of over 584,000 adult Canadians who were referred for four common cardiac interventions between Jan. 2014 and Sept. 2020. It defines the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as March 15, 2020, when the Ontario health authorities cancelled elective surgical procedures.

Over 37,700 of the patients analyzed were referred during the pandemic months in 2020.

While the study found a decline in referrals for surgery and procedures after March 15, the number steadily increased as the pandemic raged on. The study also observed an initial decline in the number of procedures performed.

Patients pending coronary bypass surgery or stenting were at higher risk of dying while waiting for their procedure compared to before the pandemic. The study said the mortality rates increased during the pandemic even though wait times did not, which indicates that patients may have delayed revealing their symptoms to doctors.

We found that the increase in wait list mortality was consistent across patients with stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, or emergency referral, Wijeysundera said.

Coupled with reduced referrals, this raises concerns of a care deficit due to delays in diagnosis and wait list referral.

The researchers suggest a number of potential explanations for the decline in referrals during the pandemic, including the fear of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital and delayed testing.

In an editorial accompanying the study, researchers stressed that hospitals should not rely on self-reporting of a change in symptoms for moving outpatients on a wait list system.

They noted that nobody is watching when patients are at home, while patients in hospital are constantly monitored, allowing deterioration to be detected in a more timelier manner.

The Missing Patient must be recognized now by policy makers, decision makers, and health system funders, they wrote.

The study concluded that reductions in cardiac procedural capacity to accommodate critically ill COVID-19 patients must be balanced against the real risk for wait list mortality observed.

We believe this is highly relevant to the recovery phase of the pandemic, Wijeysundera said.

Efforts must target not only increasing capacity to treat patients on the wait lists, but also efforts must be made to identify upstream barriers that have prevented patients from getting on the wait list.
A woman cries as she and other people gather at the Evergrande headquarters in Shenzhen, southeastern China on Sept. 16, 2021, as the Chinese property giant said it is facing "unprecedented difficulties" but denied rumors that it is about to go under. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

China Evergrande Makes 10 Percent Payment to Wealth Management Products Investors

Troubled China Evergrande issued a small portion of repayment of wealth management product (WMP) to investors, the developer announced on Sept. 30.

The notice, posted on its website, said the wealth management unit has paid a first installment of 10 percent toward its wealth management products (WMPs) that are due by the end of September.

It came after a missed payment sparked nationwide protests earlier this month, as panicked home buyers and employees gathered outside its headquarters in China.

Wealth management products are uninsured securities and investments sold by banks and other financial institutions in China

Currently, an estimated $6 billion in Evergrande wealth management products payments are outstanding, while the overall liabilities are as high as $305 billion.

The cash-strapped property giant asked its employees to contribute a short-term, high-yield, loan to the companyotherwise, they would lose their bonuses. Protesters told The Epoch Times that many workers also turned to friends and family for investment.

The company offered three options on Sept. 13 to repay retail investors in the WMPs, including cash installments, discounted property, or offset investors payables remaining on residential units they have purchased.

China Evergrande, in common with other heavily indebted conglomerates, issued high-interest WMPs to investorsa popular way of borrowing that sidesteps government lending restrictions.

Besides the money owed, Chinas former top-selling developer is now struggling with unfinished apartment complexes, unpaid bills, and vanishing stock value.
China to US Freight Cost Soared Tenfold Due to Container Shortage

Since August, the price of container freight from China to the United States has soared ten times, setting a record high. Due to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, containers shipped from China cannot return immediately after unloading at their destinations, causing congestion due to empty cargo rotation and limited shipping capacity.

Global shipping prices continue to rise as containers become difficult to find. Since January, the cost of container shipping has grown four times. As of Sept. 17, the China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) has increased by 90.34 percent from the beginning of 2021.

According to data from previous years, shipping a 40-foot container from China to the United States cost around $1,000 to $2,000. Since August of 2021, the container freight rate from China to the United States had exceeded $20,000 per 40-foot container, an increase of ten times and a historic high.

Wang Qian, an employee of China Yuexin Logistics, told Beijing news magazine Caijing that in 2019, the freight cost for a 40-foot container from Tianjin, China to Los Angeles was $1,600 to $1,700. And now it costs $15,000.

Qian suggested that the long docking time for cargo at foreign terminals results in high costs. To save costs, many shipping companies return before collecting empty containers, resulting in fewer and fewer containers in China. Empty containers are usually fully taken in the early morning. Many wait in line for the broken containers to be repaired, and they are snatched away immediately after the repair. Some shipping companies have opened online reservations for freight in the middle of the night.

Insider: The Vicious Cycle of Delay in Freight Caused by the Pandemic

Mr. Li, a Chinese shipping agency insider, talked to The Epoch Times about the situation. Containers from China cannot be unloaded immediately after arriving at their destination. While cargo piles up at the destination ports, empty containers cannot be put back onto the ships for return. This vicious cycle has caused container freight to skyrocket.

According to Li, during the CCP virus outbreaks, many countries (including China) briefly closed their ports, causing delays as the container ships couldnt unload for two or three weeks upon arrival.

The delays caused a backlog of products waiting to be shipped. When the ships return, there arent enough containers for the products. The shipping capacity is therefore reduced, and the cycle escalates, Li said.

The pandemic has affected the entire freight industry. For example, workers at the dock terminals are also facing shortages. Products are not getting transported fast enough to the docks, driving up the shipping costs, Li added.

Expert: Multiple Factors Lead to Container Tension

A private investment consultant in North America, Mike Sun, told The Epoch Times that a surge in export orders, insufficient supply, and lack of empty cargo rotation have caused severe traffic congestion in logistics. And the situation has become worse since the beginning of the year.

Since April, the Delta variant of the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, emerged in many parts of the world, with countries in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Vietnam, Malaysia, experiencing severe outbreaks, causing some manufacturing and processing orders to return to China.

The situation has not been alleviated even now; the congestion cycle continues. Orders are backed up and cannot be shipped. A large number of goods are currently being prepared for Christmas, waiting to enter the American and European markets, Sun said.

Chinas container companies are expanding their production capacity, but in just two months or so, they are still far from being able to quench their immediate thirst. [The containers] cannot be produced and put into use immediately; they should expect no improvements in the short term. Sun added.

Jessica Mao Follow
Chinas Power Crisis a Result of Beijings Restrictive Energy Policies: Analyst

A large part of China is in the midst of a growing power supply crunch that has forced factories to cut production and brought major disruptions to daily life.

While authorities have remained largely silent on the causes of the supply shortage, analysts say the power crunch, which has hit more than 10 provinces in Chinas east, is the result of the countrys reliance on coal, its import ban on Australian coal, and the Beijing regimes tightening of energy consumption and emissions standards in its bid to tackle climate change.

Since December 2020, factories in the countrys industrial hubs, including Zhejiang Province, have encountered the local governments order to halt production during peak hours.

But the situation has worsened in the past week, with three northeastern provinces experiencing unexpected and unprecedented power cuts on Sept. 27, state-run tabloid Global Times reported. Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang have been rationing power since Sept. 23.

Southern Chinas Guangdong Province, a major industrial and shipping hub, has recently required factories to shut down up to five or six days each week to reduce power use, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sept. 29.

The widening power rationing and forced cuts have caused supply disruptions to large global companies such as Apple and Tesla, as well as small U.S. businesses, such as Dakota Micro in North Dakota.

Curbs on Energy Consumption

The primary reason behind Chinas power troubles is that authorities were too optimistic in their goals to limit consumption, said Su Tzu-yun, a senior analyst at Taiwans government-funded Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

By 2025, China aims to reduce national energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product by 13.5 percent from 2020 levels, and emissions by 18 percent. In August, nine provinces received a first-level warning from the countrys top economic planner, flagging increased consumption over the first half of the year and severe challenges to meet this years targets.

These energy targets imposed by central authorities were too harsh, prompting local officials to sacrifice industry and residents to avoid missing its goals, Su said.

Peoples Daily, the Chinese Communist Partys official mouthpiece, in a Sept. 26 social media post, criticized some local governments for shutting high-consumption industries or even cutting electricity to meet the reduced energy consumption target.

Coal Shortage

Beijings decision to ban imports of Australian coal in 2020 has also contributed to the current crisis, Su said. The ban, instituted for diplomatic reasons, has backfired on China, the expert said.

Since Australias prime minister called for an independent investigation into the origins of the pandemic in April 2020, the Chinese regime has imposed a spate of trade tariffs and restrictions on the country, including an import ban on coal in December 2020. Western officials have described Beijings actions as economic coercion designed to intimidate Canberra into softening its stance toward the Chinese regime.

Around two-thirds of the countrys electricity comes from burning coal. While more than 90 percent of the fuel is mined locally, domestic supplies have declined amid tightened inspections of coal mines, Su noted.

China has since stepped up its efforts to source more coal from overseas, but imports have failed to close the supply shortfall.

Meanwhile, robust demand and falling temperatures have pushed thermal coal futures in China to hit an all-time high of $213 per ton on Sept. 29, adding more pressure on power utilities unable to recoup added fuel costs.

Curbs have been imposed on household power use in northeastern Liaoning Province and two neighboring provinces that are home to nearly 100 million people. Several residents in Liaoning confirmed to The Epoch Times that they experienced unannounced power cuts recently.

The top provincial official said on Sept. 26 that rationing power for industrial usage, which accounts for about 70 percent of the countrys electricity consumption, still cant fill the massive gap between power supply and demand. Neighboring Jilin Province, meanwhile, vowed to source more coal for household heating use as winter approaches.

Hostage to Power Cuts

Dakota Micro, a North Dakota-based company that manufactures ruggedized camera systems and surveillance equipment for agriculture, is among many foreign businesses facing production disruptions as their Chinese suppliers grapple with power cuts.

The firms Chinese manufacturer told Dakota Micro that authorities warned of electricity cuts, but didnt provide a specific time. This uncertainty has pushed Dakota Micro to double the number of orders to ensure enough inventory on hand.

Its kind of a double-edged sword because to have that much  money of [our] company tied up in inventory is a huge gamble, Charissa Rubey, the companys chief executive, told NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times. But its worth it for us because now were becoming one of the only companies that actually have some of that inventory on hand.

Its kind of crazy, Rubey said, adding, the company has never heard of such problems from suppliers before.

Rubey hopes she can find manufacturers in other countries if the power outages continue. The main product they order from China is liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, of which Chinese makers have accelerated production in recent years.

Luo Ya, Cathy He, and Reuters contributed to this report.
A general view shows the stage during a walk-through before a Democratic presidential debate sponsored by CNN and Facebook at Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 13, 2015. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

CNN Denies Australians Access to Its Facebook Pages, Cites Defamation Risk

SYDNEYCNN said it is preventing Australians from accessing its Facebook pages after a court ruled that publishers can be liable for defamation in public comment sections and the social media firm refused to help it disable comments in the country.

The move makes CNN, which is owned by AT&T Inc., the first major news organization to pull its Facebook presence in Australia since the countrys highest court ruled this month that publishers were legally responsible for comments posted below articleseven if the articles themselves were not defamatory.

The ruling has come under much fire with defamation lawyers accusing Australia of not keeping up with technological change and noting the contrast with the United States and Britain where laws largely protect publishers from any fallout from comments posted online.

Australia is currently reviewing its defamation laws but in the meantime, other global news organizations, especially those that feel they can easily live without an Australian Facebook audience, are likely to follow CNNs lead, the lawyers said.

This is the first domino to fall, said Michael Bradley, managing partner of Marque Lawyers.

For Australian media companies, the ruling also adds a layer of complication to their relationship with Facebook, just as many of them begin to benefit from a new law that forces the social media company to pay for links to their content.

CNNs main Facebook page showed an error message when accessed from Australia on Wednesday. The U.S. news organization said Facebook declined a request to help it and other publishers disable public comments in the country following the ruling, which was made during an ongoing defamation lawsuit.

We are disappointed that Facebook, once again, has failed to ensure its platform is a place for credible journalism and productive dialogue around current events among its users, a CNN spokeswoman said in a statement.

A Facebook spokesperson said recent court decisions had shown the need for reform in Australian defamation law and the company looked forward to greater clarity and certainty in this area.

While its not our place to provide legal guidance to CNN, we have provided them with the latest information on tools we make available to help publishers manage comments, the spokesperson said.

The Facebook logo is displayed on their website in an illustration photo taken in Bordeaux, France, on Feb. 1, 2017. (Regis Duvignau/Reuters)

Outlier

As in most of the world, social media is a central channel for distributing content in Australia and about two-thirds of its population of 25 million are on Facebook. About a third of Australians said they used Facebook to source news, a University of Canberra survey taken at the start of 2021 showed.

But there has also been an explosion in defamation lawsuits, and state and federal chief lawyers are conducting a wide-ranging review into whether existing rules are appropriate for the internet age, and whether the rules fairly take into account whether or not a person has been harmed.

In a submission to that review in May, an industry group representing Facebook and other internet platforms said liability for defamation should remain with content originators since they could more easily monitor and delete offending content.

Mark Speakman, the attorney general for the state of New South Wales who is working on the review, said resolving the question of liability in online forums was a priority.

Getting the balance right on any reform is crucial to balancing freedom of expression with the right of a person to protect their reputation, he said in an email.

Matt Collins, a prominent defamation lawyer, said CNNs decision showed the importance of aligning Australian law with the United States and Britain.

Australia is among Western democracies an outlier, in relation to the circumstances in which media organizations and any user of social media can be liable for content they didnt they themselves write or approve of, he said.

By Byron Kaye
People come to be tested for COVID-19 at a test site in a file photo. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

COVID-19 Cases Fall by 20 Percent Across the US in Past Week: CDC

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported across the United States over the past week fell by about 20 percent, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The seven-day average of cases as of Sept. 28 was about 107,600; on Sept. 21, the seven-day average was about 128,700, the data show. Starting in August, the number of cases spiked due to the spread of the so-called Delta variant, federal health officials have said.

Deaths from COVID-19 have also dropped, according to the CDC, showing that the seven-day average on Sept. 28 was about 1,425.

The report comes as some health officials have suggested that the current surge of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, may be plateauing or coming to an end.

Scott Gottlieb, who led the Food and Drug Administration from 2017 to 2019 and now sits on Pfizers board, told CNN on Sept. 27 that the Delta wave could be the last major surge of COVID-19 infection in the United States. Some experts had publicly feared the so-called Mu variant could take hold in the United States, but data from Outbreak.info this week suggested that there have been no reported cases of the strain over the past seven days.

Were going to start to transition from the pandemic phase of this virus, at least here in the U.S., to a more endemic phase where the coronavirus becomes a persistent threat, Gottlieb told CNN. But youre not seeing levels of infection quite the same way that youve seen them in the past year and a half.

By Thanksgiving, youll see cases decline to a level that feels more manageable, he said, citing recent data for his assertion.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sept. 28 reported a 10 percent global decline in cases.

Even though case numbers are dropping, its not yet clear if the data will affect the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden announced he would mandate that businesses that have 100 employees or more have their workers get the vaccine or submit to regular testing, as well as vaccination mandates for most health care workers, federal contractors, and federal employees, triggering a bevy of lawsuits.

But, according to Justin Lessler of the University of North Carolina, who helps run the COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub, the virus could again mutate into another strain.

Any of us who have been following this closely, given what happened with Delta, are going to be really cautious about too much optimism, Lessler told NPR last week. We have to be cautious because the virus has shown us time and time again that new variants or people loosening up on how careful theyre being can lead things to come roaring back.
David Tennant in the press room after winning the Drama Performance award for his portrayal of Dennis Nielsen in Des at the National Television Awards 2021 held at the O2 Arena, London, on Sept. 9, 2021. (Ian West/PA)

David Tennant to Play Alexander Litvinenko in New ITV Drama

Actor David Tennant is to play former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in a new ITV drama.

Litvinenko died after being poisoned with a rare radioactive substance in London in 2006.

The drama, Litvinenko, will tell the story of his widow Marina as she seeks to persuade the British Government to publicly name her husbands killers and acknowledge the role of Russia in his murder.

It will also focus on the police officers who worked for years to prove who was responsible for the killing.

Actress Margarita Levieva will take on the role of Marina.

Marina Litvinenko, the wife of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, leaves the Home Office in London following a meeting with then Home Secretary Theresa May, on Jan. 28, 2016. (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Litvinenko is being created with the support of many of the key individuals involved in the investigation and subsequent public inquiry, ITV said in a statement.

The programme has been written by George Kay and the executive producer is Patrick Spence.

Spence said, This one is a privilege, a once in a career opportunity to tell a story about a family and a police team who have shown such courage and resilience that it has inspired us all.

Kay said, In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder.

He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him.

It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified.

Their stamina, hard work, and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write.

By Tom Horton
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, speaks during a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court June 9, 2021 in Washington. People For the American Way (PFAW) and the Declaration for American Democracy coalition held a rally to call on the Senate to approve the For the People Act. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Democrats $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Bill Includes Multiple Measures Benefitting Unions

News Analysis

Unions are among the largest beneficiaries of President Joe Bidens $3.5 trillion Build Back Better spending plan that has united Republican opposition while splitting Democrats in Congress during nearly round-the-clock negotiations seeking sufficient votes for the legislations approval.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) must overcome opposition from two Democratic senatorsJoe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizonawho worry that approval of the largest spending bill in U.S. history will severely damage the economy.

In the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) faces warring moderate and progressive factions, each of whom are threatening to sink the reconciliation measure if fundamental changes arent made. Every change, though, risks reducing support from one faction or the other.

Schumer must keep all of his 49 Democratic colleagues on board with the legislation and hope for help from the Republican side. Pelosi only has a razor-thin majority and can afford to lose no more than a handful of Democrats in the House.

The reconciliation package is full of provisions favored by labor unions, which are traditionally among the partys most generous and reliable sources of contributions and campaign workers.

The pro-labor provisions are in the measure because, as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten recently told Politico, labor helped craft it. A spokesman for Weingarten didnt respond to a request for additional comment by press time.

But long-time labor-management analyst James Sherk of the Institute for the American Worker, in an analysis released earlier this week, pointed to eight provisions of the reconciliation measure that he believes will severely undermine worker freedom.

Sherk, who was President Donald Trumps chief labor policy adviser for nearly four years, wrote in the analysis that the legislation would push laborers into joining unions.

There is nothing wrong with higher union membership when workers freely choose it, he wrote. Federal law gives private-sector workers the right to join a union or refrain from doing so.

Unfortunately, many provisions in the reconciliation bill are designed to push workers into unions, rather than leaving the choice in their hands. Other provisions would boost union organizing in the short term, while making unionized companies less competitive over the long term.

Only 6 percent of all private-sector workers are union membersversus more than 30 percent in the public sectorso union leaders are counting heavily on the reconciliation bill. Among the proposals more than 2,400 pages are these items, according to Sherk:

Internet voting on proposals to unionize a company: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proposed to authorize electronic voting by workers on unionization proposals in 2010. However, Congress banned electronic voting in 2011 for fear that such a system would severely damage the independence and privacy rights of employees. The reconciliation measure allocates $5 million toward and requires the NLRB to proceed with the implementation of systems to conduct electronic voting for union representation elections.

No staff meetings to discuss the pros and cons of unionization: The reconciliation measure prohibits employers from holding mandatory staff meetings to discuss unionization. It punishes violations with very steep finesup to $50,000 per employee who attends each, according to Sherk.

Expands the definition of Unfair Labor Practices imposes steep fines on the company and its officers: Sherk contended that since federal labor law is highly complex, this will expose many employersespecially small businessesto potentially crippling fines for inadvertent violations.

Federal subsidies for union political campaigns: The reconciliation measure includes a $250 tax credit that Sherk argued indirectly subsidizes union political campaigns on behalf of Democrats. The deduction wouldnt be available to workers covered by agency agreements that allow them to withhold the portion of their dues that would otherwise go to union political campaign activities.

Tax credit for buyers of union-made electric vehicles (EV): The reconciliation measure provides a $4,500 federal tax credit for buyers of EVs produced by unionized companies. This discriminates against employees on the basis of how they exercise their freedom of association, and encourages employers to deny their employees a secret ballot election before unionizing, Sherk wrote.

Restricts independent contractors and freelancers: The Department of Labors budget would be increased by $400 million specifically to fund an enforcement surge against independent contractors, seeking to reclassify them as employees subject to federal labor laws. Reclassified employees will lose much of the flexibility that independent contracting affords, according to Sherk.

Bans class-action arbitration to settle union disputes: Arbitration is faster and less expensive than litigation, and also generates far fewer attorney fees. This provision will prevent employees from using an effective and efficient mechanism for redressing their rights, while creating opportunities for trial lawyers, Sherk wrote. Trial lawyers are among the biggest funders of Democratic candidates.

Prohibits permanent replacement workers: This provision is somewhat puzzling, according to Sherk, because in the long term, it seems likely to lead unions to negotiate contracts that put unionized employers at a competitive disadvantage, thus eliminating jobs.

Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, told The Epoch Times on Sept. 30 that the reconciliation measure is full of union boss giveaways that only serve to magnify union bosses stranglehold on workers freedom, the economy, and our political system.

Some of the most egregious inclusions are a tax credit conditioned on funding union political spending, one-sided penalties that let NLRB bureaucrats bully employers who refuse to hand over workers for union control, and a UAW chief-crafted tax provision that discriminates against American electric car manufacturers whose workers oppose union affiliation, Mix said.

A spokesman for newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler didnt respond to a request for comment by press time. Shuler succeeded Richard Trumka, who died unexpectedly in August. Shes the first woman ever elected to lead the nations largest trade union organization.

A spokesman for House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) didnt respond to a request for comment by press time. After the committee approved its markup of the labor provisions of the reconciliation measure, Scott barely alluded to them in a statement, lauding increased enforcement of labor law and civil rights violations, and set meaningful civil monetary penalties for violations of wage and hour, worker safety, and labor laws.

Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action for America, singled out the provision barring staff meetings to discuss unionization and told The Epoch Times that while small business owners struggle to survive the disastrous left-wing economic agenda, the bill would prevent them from meeting with their workforce to discuss the effects of unionization and fine employers up to $100,000 for each violation.

Every senator should oppose this backdoor union boss bailout.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection patch is seen on the arm of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Mission, Texas, on July 1, 2019. (Loren Elliott/Reuters)

Deported Killer Captured by Border Patrol After Illegally Reentering Texas

Border Patrol agents in Texas have apprehended a convicted killer who illegally reentered the United States after his deportation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said on Tuesday.

The arrest took place on Sept. 27 in CBPs Rio Grande Valley Sector, which covers 320 miles of border in southeastern Texas. Among a group of six captured illegal immigrants was a Honduran national, who has been convicted in Miami, Florida, of homicide, according to CBP.

The man was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of probation for the offense, and was subsequently removed from the United States, CBP said. If convicted of illegal reentry after removal, which is a federal crime, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Later that day, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers requested assistance over a suspected stash house operation. CBP agents responded and apprehended 12 illegal immigrants. Those individuals were from Ecuador, Central America, Mexico, and Peru, and DPS troopers took custody of one person to be charged with smuggling and running the stash house.

According to the CBP, Border Patrol agents around the nation so far in fiscal year 2021 have found more than 440 illegal immigrant stash houses just in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. Agents have also arrested 325 gang members, of which more than 150 were arrested in Rio Grande Valley.

The news comes after President Joe Biden said some Border Patrol agents will pay for the way they allegedly whipped Haitian nationals seeking to evade officers at the Texas-Mexico border, according to media reports which turned out to be untrue. In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said his state is willing to hire any agent worried that the Biden administration might fire them.

I will hire you to help Texas secure our border, Abbott said on Fox News Sunday when asked by the host whether he was troubled by photos showing mounted agents trying to detain Haitian immigrants near Del Rio, Texas, on horseback.

The person who took those pictures said that the characterization that the Democrats have made about the Border Patrol using them as whips, whipping people who were coming across the border, is false, Abbott said. They were simply maneuvering horses.

I want them to know something: If they are at risk of losing their job at a president who is abandoning his duty to secure the border, you have a job in the state of Texas, he said.
Border Patrol picks up illegal immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Del Rio, Texas, on July 20, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

DHS to Scrap Trump-Era Remain in Mexico Program Despite Orders for Reinstatement

The Biden administrations Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sept. 29 that it intends to issue a new memo scrapping the Remain in Mexico immigration program implemented by former President Donald Trump despite a Supreme Court ruling that the program was to be reinstated.

Also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), the Remain in Mexico program centers around making some immigrants who seek asylum wait in Mexico while their claims are heard in the United States.

The program was launched in January 2019 under the Trump administration and was widely credited by proponents for the decline in illegal border crossings.

Mark Morgan, who was acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection at the time, told The Epoch Times that the MPP was the most significant game-changer and largely responsible for a 75 percent drop in such crossings.

However opponents, including Democrat leaders, have argued that the immigration system needs to be completely overhauled, and have slammed the MMP as inhumane and dangerous to illegal aliens who are at greater danger of exploitation by cartels and criminal organisations in Mexico.

MMP was swiftly suspended by President Joe Biden on his first day in office in January, along with several other Trump-era immigration policies.

Although DHS issued a memo ending the program in June, a Texas-based federal judge ruled that the MPP must be restarted and placed an injunction that required the department to work in good faith to re-start MPP. DHS appealed that injunction but was blocked by the Supreme Court in August.

The Department of Homeland Security intends to issue in the coming weeks a new memorandum terminating the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), the DHS announcement reads.

A new memorandum terminating MPP will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order. In issuing a new memorandum terminating MPP, the Department intends to address the concerns raised by the courts with respect to the prior memorandum.

Republicans decried the move. GOP members of the House Homeland Security Committee said it was negligent and irresponsible, adding: Like much of the rhetoric coming out of the administration, this action flies in the face of our homeland security and foundation of laws.

Illegal immigrants, many from Haiti, wait in lines to board buses under the Del Rio International Bridge, in Del Rio, Texas on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Illegal immigrants take supplies back and forth between Acuna, Mexico, and the United States (far side) across the Rio Grande, the international boundary with Mexico, in Acuna, Mexico, on Sept. 20, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

DHS said that in the meantime, it will continue working in good faith to re-start MMP in compliance with the Texas judges order and is engaged in ongoing diplomatic talks with Mexico.

But according to court documents filed this week, Mexico has so far been resisting the rebooting of the program and Biden is yet to send a single illegal immigrant back to the country.

Discussions with Mexico are ongoing and are proceeding in good faith, but, as of yet, Mexico has not yet agreed to accept returns under the Court-ordered restart of MPP, Brian Ward, a lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice, wrote in one filing.

Simultaneously, the Department has instituted an interagency Task Force to efficiently rebuild the infrastructure and reapportioning the staffing that will be needed to restart MPP once that concurrence has been obtained. Among many other steps, the Task Force is updating policies and procedures to account for COVID-19 and preparing to put in place contracts to rebuild the soft-sided Immigration Hearing Facilities used for court proceedings associated with MPP, DHS added.

The department noted its commitment to building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system that upholds our laws and values, stating that it will continue to process immigrants in accordance with U.S. law.

The memo comes at a time when border patrol agents are buckling under the weight of increasing illegal immigrant crossings that show no sign of slowing down. Agents made over 200,000 arrests at the southern border alone in August, one of the highest months on record.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Downey Becomes 31st City to Issue No Confidence Vote in Gascon

Downey City Council voted no confidence in Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon on Sept. 28, becoming the 31st city in Los Angeles County to condemn Gascons policies.

The no confidence resolution, passing with a 31 vote, was brought forward by Mayor Claudia Frometa, who emphasized that the Special Directives (SDs) on criminal prosecution reform, led by Gascon in 2020, had drastically increased crime in Downey over the past year.

Statistics presented by the Downey Police Department show that since the implementation of the SDs, the overall rate in which the District Attorneys Office rejects Downey criminal cases for prosecution has increased from 19.3% in 2020 to 40.5% in 2021 with the District Attorneys office rejection the filing of narcotic violations at the rate of 90.7%, Mayor Frometa wrote in the resolution.

DA Gascons SDs are undermining the criminal justice systems goal of protecting the general public and victims rights.

According to the statistics released by the Downey Police Department in August, there were 86 narcotics offenses in 2021, and Gascon rejected 78 cases.

The rejection percentage of disorderly conduct offenses increased by about 20 percent. In addition, 35 cases of public drunkenness offenses were all declined by the District Attorneys police directive.

The Public Safety Report presented by the Downey Police Department at the council meeting indicated that the SD shall not be filed case categories include trespass, resisting arrest, under the influence of drugs, minor in possession of alcohol, public intoxication, criminal threat, and more.

Councilman Mario Trujillo voted to oppose the no confidence resolution against Gascon, and Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez abstained.

At the council meeting, Trujillo said that hell continue to prioritize the victims but that the DA does not represent victims.

We are tasked with representing everyone that comes into the criminal justice system. Yes. Mr. Gascon, the DA wants us to consider the backgrounds of defendants, which is something that we really were never trained to do. We dont talk to defendants, we dont meet defendants, we dont represent defendants, but we are being asked to consider more about who they are and where they come from, to try to reach a more equitable system, Trujillo said.

Gascons office didnt provide comment by the time of publication.

Gascon previously said: It is time to change course and implement a system of justice that will enhance our safety and humanity.

Today we are confronting the lie that stripping entire communities of their liberties somehow made us saferand were doing it with science, research, and data. For decades those who profit off incarceration have used their enormous political influencecloaked in the false veil of safetyto scare the public and our elected officials into backing racist policies that created more victims, destroyed budgets, and shattered our moral compass. That lie and the harm it caused ends now.

During the public comment period, Downey residents expressed their support for the vote of no confidence in Gascon. Ana Brown wrote an email to the council criticizing Gascons policies for putting all of the citizens in LA County in grave danger.

We are seeing the effects they are already having with the increase in homicides and other crimes, in addition, George Gascons disregard for the law, the lack of support for crime victims is irresponsible and dangerous to our communities, Brown wrote.

The neighborhood communities of Downey including Norwalk, Pico Rivera, La Mirada, Whittier, and Cerritos have all issued votes of no confidence in Gascon.

A grassroots effort to recall Gascon collected 200,000 signatures by September; however, the recall effort has since scrapped the petition and restarted with a more established backing.

Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva also expressed support for the recall effort.
EU Extends Vaccine Export Control Mechanism Until Year-End: Official

BRUSSELSThe European Union will extend a mechanism to monitor and potentially limit the export of COVID-19 vaccines from the bloc until the end of 2021 from the current deadline of end-September, an EU official said on Wednesday.

The European Commission, the EUs executive, said earlier this week it would propose such an extension, but initially not all governments supported it because vaccination campaigns in the EU have been advancing quickly and there are no longer any shortages of shots like in the first half of the year.

Still, uncertainty about the need to secure booster shots as new variants of the coronavirus emerge convinced all governments to retain some control over exports, the official said.
The Virgin Galactic rocket plane, the WhiteKnightTwo carrier airplane, with SpaceShipTwo passenger craft takes off from Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2019. (Gene Blevins/File Photo/Reuters)

FAA Clears Virgin Galactics SpaceShipTwo to Fly Again After Investigation Into July Flight Mishap

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared Virgin Galactics SpaceShipTwo to fly again following an inquiry into a incident during its July spaceflight, the company announced Wednesday.

The FAA announced in August that it was investigating the mishap in which a rocket ship carrying Virgin Group founder Richard Branson and five Virgin Galactic employees veered off course during its descent back to New Mexico on July 11. The deviation put the ship outside the air traffic control clearance area.

Subsequently, the FAA banned Virgin Galactics SpaceShipTwo from flying until the investigation established whether the issues related to the flight affected public safety.

At the time, Virgin Galactic acknowledged the space plane dropped below the protected airspace for one minute and 41 seconds.

In a statement to The Hill, a Virgin Galactic spokesperson said that the flights ultimate trajectory deviated from our original plan, but said it was a controlled and intentional flight path.

At no time were passengers and crew put in any danger as a result of this change in trajectory, and at no time did the ship travel above any population centers or cause a hazard to the public. FAA representatives were present in our control room during the flight and in post-flight debriefs. We have been working closely with the FAA to support a thorough review and timely resolution of this issue, the spokesperson said.

On Wednesday, Virgin said it had been given the all-clear to fly again after the FAA concluded its inquiry that focused on air traffic control clearance and real-time mission notification related to the Unity 22 flight in July.

The FAA has agreed that proposed actions taken by Virgin Galactic to correct the issues are acceptable.

These include the spaceflight company updating calculations to expand the protected airspace for future flights, which will ensure it has ample protected airspace for a variety of possible flight trajectories during spaceflight missions.

It will also take additional flight procedure steps to ensure real-time mission notifications to FAA Air Traffic Control.

Our entire approach to spaceflight is guided by a fundamental commitment to safety at every level, including our spaceflight system and our test flight program, Michael Colglazier, chief executive officer of Virgin Galactic, said in a statement.

We appreciate the FAAs thorough review of this inquiry. Our test flight program is specifically designed to continually improve our processes and procedures. The updates to our airspace and real-time mission notification protocols will strengthen our preparations as we move closer to the commercial launch of our spaceflight experience.

Virgin Galactic added that it is focusing on its pre-flight readiness for Unity 23, which will carry members of the Italian Air Force to and from suborbital space, after it discovered a potential manufacturing defect in a component of the flight control actuation system supplied by a third-party.

Reuters contributed to this report.
American sculptor Moses Jacob Ezekiel lived and worked in Rome for the majority of his career, yet created sculptures dedicated to America and to the Confederacy. Photo is from, Hilary A. Herberts "History of the Arlington Confederate Monument. (Public Domain)

Fame, Obscurity, Controversy: Moses Ezekiel, Cadet and Sculptor

The place: New Market, Virginia; the date: May 15, 1864.

Under the command of General John C. Breckinridge, 257 cadets from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and other Confederate troops charge across a rain-soaked, newly plowed field against General Franz Sigels Union forces. Many of the cadets lose their shoes in the muck, rendering that ground the Field of Lost Shoes. With a loss of 10 dead and 45 wounded, this battalion, most of them teenagers, sweep aside their enemies, capture some artillery pieces, and help win the day for the South.

Depiction of cadets from the Virginia Military Institute at the Battle of New Market (1864) during the American Civil War. Engraving by H.C. Edwards from the 1903 American history textbook A School History of the United States. (Public Domain)

Among the cadets is a descendent of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Garland Jefferson, who is mortally wounded in the chest during this assault. After the battle, his best friend and roommate, also in the battle, seeks him out, commandeers a wagon, transports him to a private residence, and spends the next two days caring for his dying comrade, often holding him in his arms and reading to him from the Bible.

An engraving depicting U.S. lawyer and politician John Cabell Breckinridge, circa 1870. During the Civil War, General Breckinridge felt obligated to enlist the help of over 250 Virginian cadets against Union forces. (Kean Collection/Getty Images)

Jeffersons caretaker was Moses Ezekiel (18441917), the first Jewish cadet to gain admission to the institute. The son of a Richmond merchant, he was an ardent lover of Virginia who took such pride in his participation at the Battle of New Market that his grave in Arlington National Cemetery bears this simple inscription: Moses J. Ezekiel, Sergeant of Company C, Battalion of Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute.

Its an unusual epitaph, given that Moses Ezekiel was one of the most famous American sculptors of his day.

Fame and Obscurity

After the war ended, Ezekiel returned to finish his degree at VMI. During that time, Robert E. Lee, the former Confederate general serving as president of VMIs neighbor Washington College, befriended Ezekiel, recognized his talents, and encouraged him to pursue his art.

Ezekiel heeded that advice, studied anatomy for a brief time at the Medical College of Virginia, won an award that permitted him to continue his studies first in Germany and then in Rome, and never looked back, becoming a lifelong resident of Rome. By the end of his life, he had finished over 200 sculptures and won numerous awards, including the Michel Beer Prix de Rome and the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Palermo. Italian King Victor Emmanuel bestowed on him various titles and a knighthood.

His studio in Rome became nearly as renowned as his sculptures, evoking such descriptions as this one by Samson Oppenheim, editor of The American Jewish Year Book:

Perhaps the most characteristic of his creations was the celebrated studio.  Here in the vaulted thermae built in the days of Diocletian he had gathered together treasures from many lands and ages. Ancient marbles and alabasters, bronzes, costly metals and relics beautified with precious stones, medieval parchments and church ornaments, oriental ivories, velvets and silks hung on all sides, in alluring contrast to the latter-day furniture and the twentieth century grand piano, proclaiming the broad sympathies and the catholic tastes of this citizen of the world.

Though he became the only renowned sculptor to fight in the Civil War and the first famous Jewish-American sculptor, Ezekiels reputation faded after his death. This demise in his status is commonly attributed to his traditional approach to art.

As Susan Eisenfeld writes in her online article Moses Ezekiel: Hidden In Plain Sight, In death, the art world ignored and forgot him because he never innovated; he emulated the classical style of the previous masters, focusing on the full human figure and historical and allegorical subjects, even when the time for that style had come and gone.

Unknown but Not Forgotten

Moses Ezekiel may be unfamiliar to most of usnot even many Civil War buffs know of his artistic famebut every day, thousands of people view his art.

Outside Philadelphias National Museum of American Jewish History is Religious Liberty, one of Ezekiels first commissioned works and the first American sculpture devoted to this topic. The woman representing liberty wears 13 stars in her crown, one for each of the original colonies, and holds a copy of the Constitution. Originally commissioned for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, Religious Liberty today stands near the Liberty Bell in the citys Independence National Historic Park.

Religious Liberty, outside Philadelphias National Museum of Jewish History, is one of Moses Ezekiels first commissioned works. The 25-foot-tall marble statue was created in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition. (Smallbones/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Many years later, the Charleston, West Virginia, United Daughters of the Confederacy commissioned Ezekiel to create a statue of Stonewall Jackson, who was born in that state when it was still part of Virginia. Today, the statue stands in front of the Capitol Building in Charleston. Here, we see a stalwart Jackson with his sword pointed at the ground in his left hand, binoculars clenched in his right, and with the buttoned tunic and riding boots reinforcing the nickname Jackson earned at the Battle of First Manassas: Stonewall.

Ezekiels statue of Thomas Jefferson, which may be found today in front of the University of Virginias Rotunda, shows the author of the Declaration of Independence standing atop a replica of the Liberty Bell. Adorning the bell are representative figures of Liberty, Justice, Equality, and the Brotherhood of Man. To honor Jeffersons deep belief in religious liberty, Ezekiel has Equality holding a tablet titled Religious Freedom with the names of various deitiesGod, Jehovah, Brahma, Atma, Ra, Allah, Zeus.

Moses Ezekiels statue of President Jefferson, 1910, in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. It is a smaller replica of the statue in Louisville, Ky. created two years earlier. (Bestbudbrian /CC BY-SA 3.0)

For his beloved VMI, Ezekiel created two monuments: Virginia Mourning Her Dead and another statue of Stonewall Jackson, who taught at the institute for some years before the Civil War and whose name has long been associated with that college.

Dedicated in 1903, Virginia Mourning Her Dead honors the cadets who fell at New Market and contains the remains of six of them in a copper box in the monuments base. The woeful figure bent in grief is the goddess Virtus, who appears on the Virginia state flag crushing tyranny along with the words Sic Semper Tyrannis, or Thus always to tyrants.

Moses Ezekiels Virginia Mourning Her Dead memorializes the Virginia Military Institute cadets killed at the Battle of New Market defending Virginia. (Public Domain)

Though this statue remains on the institutes grounds, the Jackson statue met a less kindly fate. In the wake of the destruction or removal of Confederate statues in the last few years, the authorities at VMI determined to dismantle the statue and place it on the New Market battlefield.

Stonewall Jackson statue at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) by sculptor Moses Ezekiel, who graduated there in 1866. The VMI Board of Visitors relocated the statue to the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. (The Old Major/Shutterstock)

The Confederate Memorial

Ezekiels Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, which he called New South, has come under attack as well. In the wake of the 2017 riot in Charlottesville, Virginia, that centered on the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, 22 descendants of the Ezekiel family issued a statement demanding that the New South monument be removed from Arlington and put in a museum that makes clear its oppressive history. Incidentally, Ezekiels remains and those of three other Confederates lie buried at the base of this statue.

The Arlington Cemetery online site describes the statue in this way:

The elaborately designed monument offers a nostalgic, mythologized vision of the Confederacy, including highly sanitized depictions of slavery. Standing on a 32-foot-tall pedestal, a bronze, classical female figure, crowned with olive leaves, represents the American South. She holds a laurel wreath, a plow stock and a pruning hook, with a Biblical inscription at her feet: They have beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning hooks. The monuments pedestal features 14 shields, engraved with the coats of arms of the 13 Confederate states plus the border state of Maryland (which neither seceded from the Union nor joined the Confederacy). Thirty-two life-sized figures depict mythical gods alongside Southern soldiers and civilians.

The article then adds that the statue also depicts two slaves.

So far, the Confederate Memorial remains in place.

Moses Ezekiels Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, which the sculptor called New South. (Tim1965/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where Are We Today?

Moses Ezekiel and his sculptures not only reveal his cultural biases and interests but also act as a mirror for us.

First, what does the criticism about his lack of innovation and his traditional approach to his work say about our world of art? If we examine his statuary with its precision, realism, and story line, should we necessarily regard his respect for the old masters as a sign of failure or a lack of creativity? Many people, including some critics, still prefer representational to abstract art, which means that they might more favorably judge his creations. And should his focus on historical and allegorical subjects condemn his art to the wastebasket, or does that shift from such subjects indicate our own cultures movement away from the fundamentals of Western civilization?

Ezekiels art presents us with another problem today. For his entire life, he remained an ardent advocate for Virginia and the cause of the South. In his studio in Rome, he displayed a Confederate battle flag, and his family had owned some slaves. Moreover, he clearly intended for some of his sculptures to honor Virginia and the Confederacy.

But what are we to make of a man like Moses Ezekiel, who once said of slavery: It was an evil we inherited and wanted to get rid of.  Our struggle was simply a constitutional one based upon  states rights and especially on free trade and no tariff. Was he sinceremany Southerners at that time offered the same line of causationor was he glossing over slavery as the reason for the war?

Whatever the case, Moses Ezekiel was blind to the ramifications of his beliefs and what the future might make of them. But I wonder: Are we equally as blind to our own present, too certain of our moral superiority over our ancestors to examine and consider the nuances of history and to identify as well the faults and failings of the age in which we live?
The Ford logo is seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., on Jan. 15, 2019. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Ford Asks Salaried Employees to Disclose COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday became the second Detroit automaker to ask salaried employees to reveal their vaccination status against COVID-19 in a bid to comply with wider federal guidelines.

Ford said salaried employees were required to submit their vaccination status against COVID-19 by Oct. 8 but the process was voluntary for its hourly employees represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

The automakers move comes as the Biden administration pursues sweeping measures to increase vaccination coverage in the United States, while pushing large employers to have their workers inoculated or tested weekly.

Separately, Chief Executive Jim Farley said in a CNBC interview that the companys leadership team was vaccinated against COVID-19 and that Ford was conducting a survey to know how many employees had been vaccinated.

When it comes to the larger population of Ford, we want people to get vaccinated, Farley said, adding the company would work with UAW, which had so far resisted the effort to make vaccinations compulsory.

UAW represented about 58,000 hourly employees in the United States, as per the companys latest annual filing.

Larger rival General Motors Co. in August had asked for vaccination status of its salaried employees.

Chip Shortage

Farley, in the CNBC interview, also said the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage would probably last through the end of next year.

He said things were getting better but Ford was still unable to meet demand for its vehicles.

We are improving our shipments to dealers now and our inventories are going very fast, said Farley, who took over the automakers reins last year.

Fords production was hit in the second quarter due to a fire at a plant owned by automobile chipmaker Renesas Electronics Corp. in March. Farley said the facility was up to speed now.

By Abhijith Ganapavaram and Ashwini Raj
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe looks on as President Donald Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former football coach Lou Holtz, in the White House, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Former Intelligence Director Rebuts Milley: No Concerning Intelligence Regarding China

The former U.S. director of national intelligence says that there was no concerning intelligence regarding China in the fall of 2020, rebutting congressional testimony by Gen. Mark Milley.

There was no concerning intelligence that merited a call to his Chinese counterpart, John Ratcliffe, who was the director from May 2020 to January, said on Fox News.

Milley spoke with a Chinese general, Li Zuocheng, in October 2020 and January. He told a Senate panel this week that the first call was triggered by concerning intelligence which caused us to believe the Chinese were worried about an imminent attack by the U.S.

Milley said he conveyed to his counterpart that the United States wasnt going to attack China.

Milley, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is the top military adviser to the president. When the calls were made, that was President Donald Trump. And Ratcliffe was at the time the top intelligence adviser to Trump.

Ratcliffe said neither he nor Milley nor other top advisers briefed Trump a single time about concerning intelligence regarding China.

He also said that Milley received intelligence from him.

The idea that hed have better or different intelligence, or have concerns about it that he wouldnt share with me as the presidents principal intelligence adviser, is absurd, he said.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan and plans for future counterterrorism operations in Washington on Sept. 28, 2021. (Patrick Semansky/Pool/Getty Images)

The existence of the calls was revealed in three recent books. Milley acknowledged speaking to the authors, who are political reporters who have known animus against Trump.

Milley defended both the calls and speaking with the reporters.

I think it is important for me to speak to the media, Milley said.

But Ratcliffe said Milley knew when he was sitting down with the reporters that he was choosing sides.

Its frankly unforgivable, he said, calling on Milley to resign.

Milley has also said he was directed to call the Chinese general by Mark Esper, who was defense secretary in late 2020, and Christopher Miller, who succeeded Esper.

Esper hasnt commented, but Miller said earlier this month that he didnt authorize the latter call.

If the reporting in one of the books is accurate, Miller said, it represents a disgraceful and unprecedented act of insubordination by the Nations top military officer.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks with students during a visit at Bouge primary school in Malpasse district of Marseille, France, on Sept. 2, 2021. (Daniel Cole/Pool via Reuters)

France to End Mandatory Mask Wearing for Students in Some Schools

The French government announced Thursday that primary school students in areas with a low CCP virus infection rate will no longer have to wear face masks starting next month.

According to a government decree issued on Sept. 30, the new rule will go into effect from Oct. 4 and will include regions that have fewer than 50 CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases per 100,000 citizens for five consecutive days.

Paris and nearby suburbs are not among the 47 metropolitan departments, or administrative districts, where the mandatory wearing of masks will be ended, health ministry data showed.

Officials shared a graphic on Sept. 28 that shows a map with areas in red indicating that the region exceeded the COVID-19 level of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days.

 45 departements devraient etre classes rouge, car ils depassent le niveau dalerte de 50 cas pour 100 000 habitants en 7 jours (donnees du 25/09)

 Plus dinfos : https://t.co/h3BcdLsNFb pic.twitter.com/d2iwvL4bXu   CovidTracker Bot (@CovidTracker_fr) September 28, 2021

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Sept. 29 that France was also planning to extend a state of emergency until next summer to deal with the CCP virus pandemic.

What we will propose to the parliament is to maintain for several more months, until the summer, the possibility of using it, Attal said during a press briefing following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The extension would mean that the government would keep the power to extend or reinstate restrictive measures such as lockdowns, limits on crowd movements, and the so-called health passproof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 statusthat currently is required until mid-November.

A man shows his COVID-19 health pass at a restaurant as France brings on tougher restrictions required to access most public spaces and to travel by inter-city train, in Nice, France, on Aug. 9, 2021. (Eric Gaillard/Reuters)

Frances vaccine passport, which was introduced in June after the Parliament approved a draft law, is required for citizens to enter restaurants, clubs, and a number of other public places.

The government-imposed measure has been widely criticized and also prompted mass protests all across the country, with tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets to demonstrate against COVID-19 mandates and passports.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
A Xiaomi smartphone is displayed in a shop in Beijing on May 2. (Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images)

Germany Probes Multiple China-Made Smartphone Types Over Security Concerns

A German regulator said it was launching a security investigation into certain Chinese-made smartphones after Lithuania warned of built-in censorship and surveillance capabilities.

Germanys Federal Office for Information Security told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that a probe into a number of Chinese cellphones was underway, targeting the Huawei P40 5G, Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, and OnePlus 8T 5G. The office is under the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building, and Community.

The German intervention comes after EU member Lithuania warned its citizens to stay away from Chinese cellphones.

Our recommendation is not to buy any new Chinese phones and get rid of the ones you have already bought as soon as possible, said Lithuanias Deputy Defense Minister Margiris Abukevicius on Sept. 21. His advice drew on a report that tested 5G mobile phones from Chinese manufacturers, released by the National Cyber Security Center.

The 32-page report detailed security risks, including personal data leakage, pre-installed apps, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The security shortcomings were found in 5G smartphones made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Corp said on Sept. 27 that it disputed the report and was engaging a third-party expert to assess the points raised.

One expert said that security risks are intentional.

National Taiwan University (NTU) Professor Tsung-Nan Lin said that Huawei is the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) agent of influence, in an interview with The Epoch Times on Sept. 27.

The primary role of Huawei is not a purely private company, he said. Its a firm with close ties to the CCP military, an affiliate of the Chinese government.

Lin works for NTUs Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate Institute of Communication Engineering, with a focus on cybersecurity.

Lin confirmed that all Chinese smartphones should be placed under general suspicion. He said it would pose a huge national security risk once a large number of consumers privacy information was leaked.

Under domestic law, all Chinese businesses have to report to the Chinese authorities, Lin said. He warned that personal information leaks could lead to extradition to China in certain cases. If users displease Beijing and live in a country or region that has an extradition treaty with China, they could find themselves sent away to face trial.

Theres a possibility that China-made communications devices might pose a threat to the security of other end-user nations. So, they might leave a hidden back-door for the state to meet its needs.

With the extensive use of technological power, the CCP could rein in its more-than-one-billion people and rival the United States for global hegemony in the 21st century, Lin added.

Luo Ya contributed to this report.
This webcam image provided by the United States Geological Survey shows a view of an eruption that has begun in the Halemaumau crater at the summit of Hawaiis Kilauea volcano on Sept. 29, 2021. (USGS via AP)

Hawaiis Kilauea Volcano Erupting in Full Swing as Lava Fountains Form in Park

The most active of five volcanoes that together form Hawaiis Big Island was erupting in full swing late on Sept. 29 after a series of earthquakes and ground swelling was detected earlier that same day, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed.

Hawaiis Kilauea volcano is in full swing, the agency said on Twitter. What was once a cooling lava lake is now a new fissure eruption!

The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said in an observatory that webcam images of the Halemaumau crater indicated that an eruption began on Sept. 29, at 3:42 p.m. local time.

This webcam image provided by the United States Geological Survey shows a view of an eruption that has begun in the Halemaumau crater at the summit of Hawaiis Kilauea volcano on Sept. 29, 2021. (USGS via AP)

Pictures shared by the volcano agency showed lava fountains covering the floor of the crater and billowing clouds of volcanic gas rising into the air.

The HVO has elevated the alert level for Kilauea from WATCH to WARNING and its aviation color code from ORANGE to RED as the new eruption and associated hazards are evaluated, the USGS said.

According to the USGS website explaining alert levels, the latest change in level and color code means that an explosive eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere.

The eruption is not in an area with homes and is entirely contained within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea is located at the heart of the park and is one of the most active volcanos on Earth.

All signs indicate that it will stay within the crater, said Ken Hon, the USGS scientist in charge of Hawaii Volcano Observatory. Were not seeing any indications that lava is moving into the lower part of the east rift zone where people live. Currently, all the activity is within the park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane said the national park is still open at this time and there are no road closures. The area that is erupting is not close to where people can hike or drive.

Ferracane added that officials are expecting tens of thousands of visitors to flock into the park and that people need to be very careful in terms of natural hazards.

This eruption is going to draw many people to the park, were already seeing people come into the park, drive-in after dark tonight, she said.

Kilauea had a major eruption in 2018, with lava flowing through numerous vents along the flank of its cone. The 2018 eruption lasted over four months and destroyed more than 700 homes and displaced thousands of residents.

Journalists and National Guard soldiers watch as lava erupts in Leilani Estates during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, on June 9, 2018. (Terray Sylvester/Reuters)

Lava erupts in Leilani Estates during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, on June 5, 2018. (Terray Sylvester/File Photo/Reuters)

During those several months, Hawaii suffered some 10,000 tremors and many major quakes. In early June, a USGS official said that the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii experienced 500 earthquakes in one day.

Over the four-month period, Kilauea spewed enough lava to fill 320,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, burying an area more than half the size of Manhattan in up to 80 feet of now-hardened lava.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Health Department in Australia Charged With 58 COVID-19 Breaches Over Bungled Quarantine Program

The Victorian Department of Health has been formally charged over the states bungled hotel quarantine program, which saw an outbreak of the CCP virus in the southern Australian state in 2020.

WorkSafe Victoria said in a statement on Sept. 29, it had laid 58 charges against the Department of Health (DOH), including 17 breaches of Section 21 (1) of the Operational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, after the DOH was alleged to have failed to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees.

A further 41 charges were laid over breaches Section 23 (1) of the OHS Act, alleging the DOH failed to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

In all charges, WorkSafe alleges that DOH employees, Victorian Government Authorised Officers on secondment, or security guards were put at risk of serious illness or death through contracting COVID-19 from an infected returned traveller, another person working in the hotels or from a contaminated surface, the statement read.

Police stand guard outside an inner-city hotel where travellers returned from overseas after staying in isolation in Melbourne, Australia on March 30, 2020. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

The breaches were alleged to have occurred between March 2020 to July 2020, while the DOH was running Operation SoteriaVictorias first hotel quarantine program.

Some major problems being levelled at the Department was its failure to provide expert training to security guards for face-to-face infection prevention control (IPC) prior to commencing work.

Breaches from Operation Soteria seeded Australias second wave of the pandemic, which saw the city of Melbourne placed under one of the worlds strictest COVID-19 lockdowns.

WorkSafe also alleged DOH failed or initially failed, to provide written instruction for the use of PPE, and to update written instructions relating to the wearing of masks at several of the hotels. Further, it failed to appoint people with infection prevention and control (IPC) expertise.

The Victorian government, led by state Premier Daniel Andrews, has refused to provide comment due to the legal proceedings.

The DOH faces a maximum penalty for each charge of $1.64 million, totalling $95.1 million (US $68.4 million).

Workers assist people leaving the Holiday Inn in Melbourne, Australia, on Feb. 16, 2021. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The charges against the DOH come following criticism from Victorias Opposition Minister for Health Georgie Crozier who accused the Andrews government of keeping Victorians in the dark over issues with the quarantine program.

In a statement, Crozier accused the government of refusing to release reports into the inadequacy of infection control protocols within the hotel quarantine program, despite a Freedom of Information request in April 2021.

She claimed the request was delayed before the Andrews government denied full access to the reports, thereby blocking the truth.

With over 3,000 incidents occurring within Labors hotel quarantine program between November 2020 and June 2021, Victorians deserve to know the truth about what is going wrong and why, the statement added.

This is yet again an attempt by the Andrews Labor government to cover up its failings in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. Victorians deserve to know the truth about the extent of these systematic hotel quarantine failings and to be able to judge them accordingly for their actions.
A mural on a Northwell Healthcare building in New Hyde Park, New York, on May 5, 2020. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Health Care Giant Northwell Denies Some Benefits to Workers Fired Over Vaccine Mandate

Northwell Health, the largest health care provider in New York state, is denying some benefits to employees its firing because they refuse to comply with the states COVID-19 vaccination mandate for health care workers.

Those terminated lose all employer contributions to their retirement plans for this year unless theyre older than 62. They are also denied payouts of any of their remaining paid time off (PTO), according to a FAQ sheet recently emailed to the workers and obtained by The Epoch Times.

Employees leaving the company are normally afforded payouts of up to 150 hours of PTO, the person who provided the sheet told The Epoch Times.

Withholding vacation payouts is unethical and will place even more financial strain on employees terminated from their jobs as they are also not eligible for unemployment, the person, who requested anonymity, said via email.

Northwell spokesman Jason Molinet told The Epoch Times the company cannot specifically comment on personnel issues, when asked about the benefits issue. He provided a statement saying that Northwells workforce, about 76,000-strong, is near 100 percent vaccinated.

Northwell has taken a rapid, aggressive approach to move successfully toward full vaccination compliance while maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that our high standard of patient safety is not compromised in any way, the statement provided via email reads.

Regretfully, we have had to exit a few hundred employees, but we are pleased to report that most team members are opting to be vaccinated so as to avoid being terminated.

Thousands of nurses and other hospital workers have been put on leave, slated to be fired, as the states vaccination mandate deadline for hospital staff arrived on Sept. 27. At least some hospital systems have given their staff some time to change their minds and get the shot in order to return to work.

Workers fired over the mandate could be left without access to unemployment insurance unless they legitimately asked for a health or religious exemption, because these are workplaces where an employer has a compelling interest in such a mandate, the states Department of Labor says on its website.

New York, and New York City in particular, has been at the forefront of mandating the vaccines in more and more areas of society. Besides the state mandate for health care workers, the city requires vaccination for teachers, other school staff, government employees, staff and seated customers in restaurants, as well as staff and customers in theaters, gyms, cinemas, and other establishments.

The novel vaccines, developed in record time and still in the process of clinical trials, are known to cause severe side effects such as myocarditis, mostly in young men, and blood clots, though authorities and experts say these are rare and pose a lower risk than the disease itself. While the vaccines also dont necessarily prevent one from contracting and spreading COVID-19, clinical trials indicate they minimize symptoms.
Hidden in Spending Bill: Billions for Community Organizations

Commentary

Democrats are pushing to pass a multitrillion-dollar spending bill called the Build Back Better Act. It ought to be called the Political Scam Bill.

Buried in the 2,465 pages are numerous billion-dollar grants to unnamed community organizations for vague purposes such as promoting community engagement and creating equitable civic infrastructure.

Translation: Your taxpayer dollars will fund the payrolls of left-wing advocacy groups between elections. In return, they become the campaign army staffing phone banks, harvesting ballots and escorting people to the polls on Election Day.

The Build Back Better bill is pouring tens of billions of dollarsan unprecedented amountinto community organizations. Thats because the stakes are high. Congressional Democrats have failed to ram through the two voting bills that would change election rules to favor their party: H.R. 1 and H.R. 4. Build Back Better is the partys best shot at gaining an electoral advantage.

The bill not only bankrolls nonprofit community organizations but also adds to their clout by allowing them to hand out billions of dollars in seed money for local business startups.

In a new twist, the Small Business Administration is distributing huge sums to nonprofits that will serve as incubators, disbursing funding to startup businesses in underserved areas. Curiously, the SBA has regional offices across the United States to help startups and could distribute the funds itself. But instead, it is empowering nonprofits by making them the middlemen.

Ninety percent of startups fail. There is no riskier place to put taxpayer money. Yet the bill establishes no standards for which businesses get the funding except that they have to be majority-owned by members of underrepresented communities, including residents of high poverty areas and the formerly incarcerated. One thing they cant have is a track record. If theyve been in business five years, theyre ineligible.

From an economic point of view, its taxpayer money down a rathole. Clearly, the goal is political. Its vote buying.

All in all, nonprofits are eligible for as much as $90 billion to support their own activities or disseminate to pals under this bill. Thats equivalent of the entire 2020 budget of the state of Florida.

Historically, political machines that doled out benefits in exchange for votes were local, as in nineteenth century Boston, New York and Kansas City. All there is to it, explained Kansas City political boss James Pendergast, is doing things for people, then later on theyll do things for you.

Barack Obama, the community organizer who became president, was a master at machine politics. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) outsourced the important job of health plan enrollment to community organizations, handsomely funding them and entrusting them to register people to vote at the same time. Obamacare turned community organizations into a fifth estate with government funding but without government rules.

Now, Build Back Better is funding an even wider array of organizations. It allocates a whopping $5.7 billion for community-led projects to stabilize neighborhoods. Translation: rallies and legal action to stop gentrification and displacement.

Theres also $5 billion for climate justice block grants to pay community organizations for, among other things, facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal processes. Translation: organizing protests and demanding seats on zoning boards.

Hundreds of millions of dollars target the higher mortality rates for black women giving birth, but even on such a serious issue, the bill requires community-based organizations get priority over accredited medical centers, teaching hospitals and schools of nursing. Politics first.

For every left-wing community organization, theres a grant in Build Back Better. The causes range from Growing and Diversifying the Doula Workforce to Anti-Discrimination and Bias Training.

Republicans used to laugh about Obamas work experience as a community organizer. But if Build Back Better is passed, Democrats will have the last laugh, shoveling big money into leftist community organizations to tilt the scale against a fair two-party system.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A masked worker walks behind a hiring sign on his way into the Dover Cliffs long term care home in Port Dover, Ont. on Nov. 13, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn)

Hiring Difficulties Hamper Growth for Canadian Businesses: Study

Employers are having a hard time hiring workers, are pushing them to work longer hours, and are rejecting new orders, which is hampering growth for the majority of Canadian businesses, a new study says.

Published by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the study (pdf) found 55 percent of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are struggling to hire the workers they need, with 64 percent of entrepreneurs reporting that the labour shortage is limiting their growth.

Forty-four percent of the entrepreneurs delayed or failed to deliver orders to their clients.

The labour scarcity has led 61 percent of business owners to increase their own or their employees work hours, while 49 percent had to provide more wages and benefits.

As the economy recovers, this scarcity of workers is reaching worrying heights, putting economic growth at risk and compromising the competitiveness of Canadian businesses,said Pierre Cleroux, Vice President Research and Chief Economist at BDC in a news release.

Fortunately, while labour shortage is here to stay, entrepreneurs can take key actions to limit the impact of this situation on their growth, he said.

The labour shortage is spread out across various sectors in the country, with the hospitality industry and the food services being hardest hit, according to Statistics Canadas latest data on job vacancy rates.

The BDC suggests three solutions to tackle the labour shortage including adopting new technologies and automation, using a formal hiring process, and offering a total compensation package.

The BDC says that seeking higher wages (57 percent) is the main reason workers will change jobs in the next year, followed by seeking more benefits (32 percent).

The study also found that the pandemic has led to a sector migration within the labour market, with roughly 20 percent of workers who lost their jobs moving to a different field of employment.

The BDC study includes a survey of over 1,200 Canadian entrepreneurs and another survey of 3,000 workers on the impact of the labour shortage on their jobs.
Hospitals Fear Staffing Shortages as Vaccine Deadlines Loom

Hospitals and nursing homes around the United States are bracing for worsening staff shortages as state deadlines arrive for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

With ultimatums taking effect this week in states like New York, California, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, the fear is that some employees will quit or let themselves be fired or suspended rather than get the vaccine.

How this is going to play out, we dont know. We are concerned about how it will exacerbate an already quite serious staffing problem, said California Hospital Association spokesperson Jan Emerson-Shea, adding that the organization absolutely supports the states vaccination requirement.

In California, where health care workers have until Thursday to get fully vaccinated, some hospitals are anticipating firings, suspensions or the moving of people to other positions, Emerson-Shea said. She said many traveling nurses have declined assignments in California because of the states vaccine requirement.

But with a statewide mandate, health workers wont be able to just quit their jobs and go to other hospitals, said Dr. Jeff Smith, chief operating officer and executive vice president of hospital operations at Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

He expects that about 97 percent of Cedars-Sinais almost 17,000 employees affected by the vaccine mandate will comply by the deadline. Another 1 percent have applied for medical or religious exemptions. Those who dont comply by Friday will be suspended for a week, and fired on Oct. 8 if they dont comply or if there are not extenuating circumstances, he said.

The hospital also was able to hire over 100 nurses in the past month and uses some travel nurses.

Were in a good place but dont want to minimize the challenges other hospitals are likely facing, Smith said.

New York health care employees had until the end of the day Monday to get at least one dose, but some hospitals had already begun suspending or otherwise taking action against holdouts.

Erie County Medical Center Corp. in Buffalo said about 5 percent of its hospital workforce has been put on unpaid leave for not being vaccinated, along with 20 percent of staff at its nursing home. And the states largest health care provider, Northwell Health, said it has begun removing unvaccinated workers from its system, though it said its workforce is nearly 100 percent vaccinated.

To those who have not yet made that decision, please do the right thing, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

Some New York hospitals prepared contingency plans that included cutting back on noncritical services and limiting nursing home admissions. The governor also drew up plans to summon help from National Guard members with medical training, retirees or vaccinated workers from outside the state.

About a dozen states have vaccination mandates covering health care workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or both. Some allow exemptions on medical or religious grounds, but those employees often must submit to regular COVID-19 testing.

States that have set such requirements tend to have high vaccination rates already. The highest rates are concentrated in the Northeast, the lowest ones in the South and Midwest.

The Biden administration also will require the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid to be fully vaccinated under a rule still being developed.

That has worried some hospital officials, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates tend to be lower.

We are looking at the need to reallocate staff, in some cases just to maintain services that are essential, and there are going to be some delays in care, said Troy Bruntz, president and CEO at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska.

He said 25 of the hospitals 330 employees said they would definitely resign if they were required to be vaccinated. The remainder of the approximately 100 unvaccinated employeesa group that includes nurses as well as cleaning and maintenance staffhavent decided.

He also worries that it will be difficult to hire new workers when the hospital is already short-handed.

It doesnt make us feel too confident that this isnt going to turn into something short of a nightmare for American health care, he said.

Many hospitals and nursing homes are already suffering staff shortages because many nurses and others have quit as a result of pandemic-related burnout or have left for lucrative jobs traveling from state to state.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted that hospitals in Houston and Maine lost a relatively small number of employees recently after requiring employees to get vaccinated.

Were seeing in a lot of places that this is working, its effective. Its creating more certainty and protection in their workforces, Psaki said.

In Rhode Island, where the vaccine mandate takes effect Friday, the state said hospitals can allow unvaccinated employees to keep working 30 days past the deadline in cases where firing them would compromise patient safety. The mandate is being challenged in court because it doesnt allow religious exemptions.

In states that dont have mandates, some hospitals are imposing their own.

Ginger Robertson, a registered nurse who works in a mental health clinic at a hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota, has requested a religious exemption from her hospitals vaccination requirement. She said she will look for other work if she doesnt get it.

Honestly, I really love my job. I am good at it. I enjoy my patients. I enjoy where I am at, she said. So this is a really hard place, to have to choose between two things I dont want to do. I dont want to leave, and I dont want to get the vaccine.

She said other nurses are also considering leaving over what she called the insulting mandate.

We feel demoralized, like as though we arent intelligent enough to make these choices for ourselves, Robertson said.

A North Carolina-based hospital system announced Monday that more than 175 of its 35,000-plus employees have been fired for failing to comply with its COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Last week, Novant Health announced 375 workers had been suspended and given five days to comply. Nearly 200 of them did soincluding those who submitted approved exemptionsbefore the Friday deadline, spokesperson Megan Rivers said.

Massachusetts mandate, issued by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, applies only to rest homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs, and home care programs. It allows for medical and religious exemptions but doesnt require regular testing. The deadline is Oct. 31.

In Connecticut, a vaccine mandate for employees of state-run hospitals took effect on Monday. It does not apply to privately run hospitals, some of which are imposing their own requirements. Medical and religious exemptions are possible, but anyone else who fails to get vaccinated will be barred from the workplace.

About 84 percent of over 450,000 hospital workers in New York were fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, according to state data. Nursing home data through Sunday showed about 89 percent of nursing home workers are fully vaccinated.

New York Citys hospital system reported a 95% vaccination rate for nurses and a higher rate for doctors.

In Missouri, which became a severe COVID-19 hot spot over the summer, the Mercy hospital system is requiring vaccinations among staff at its hundreds of medical centers and clinics in Missouri and neighboring states by Thursday.

Anyone who doesnt comply by then will be placed on a 30-day unpaid suspension, said Mercy spokeswoman Bethany Pope.

By Heather Hollingsworth and Tammy Webber
Huawei CFO Mengs Plea Deal With US Is Just Latest Giveaway to China

News Analysis

The Biden administration has been soft on communist China from the very beginning.

Such examples include rescinding Trump-era executive orders, which has resulted in economic benefits to the Chinese regime, appointing pro-Beijing apparatchiks who advocate resetting relations with China, and allowing a de facto hostage swap for a Huawei executive awaiting extradition to the United States for financial crimes, including fraud.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou entered into a plea deal (a deferred prosecution agreement) with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sept. 24. According to the statement released from the DOJ Office of Public Affairs, Meng has taken responsibility for her principal role in perpetrating a scheme to defraud a global financial institution. In admitting her crimes, including knowingly making false statements about Huaweis operations in Iran (which is under U.S. trade sanctions), she agreed not to commit other federal, state or local crimes.

If she subsequently commits any of these acts, she would be subject to apprehension and prosecution for the deferred crimes listed in the agreement.

And by the way, the U.S. extradition request to Canada that was initiated by the Trump administration was rescinded, allowing Meng to return in triumph to China in exchange for two Canadians being held there, pending trials on trumped-up charges. The DOJ sees no harm and no foul.

Meanwhile, Chinese state-run media, which have been propagandizing for Mengs release since she was arrested in Canada in December 2018, are crowing about her release and their vindication for several days. On Sept. 26, the Global Times posted an article that featured a picture of Meng as she waves to a cheering crowd as she steps out of a charter plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south Chinas Guangdong Province, on Saturday.

This giving in to Beijings hostage diplomacy is just the latest in a continuing series of the Biden administrations giveaways to the Chinese communists that began virtually from the first day of Joe Bidens presidency.

The precedent for future hostage exchanges with the Chinese regime has now been set: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) can secure future releases of Chinese citizens by arresting a few unwitting foreigners in mainland China and using them for trade bait for Chinese spies and others who are facing prosecution for real crimes committed in the United States.

A Chinese security guard gestures outside the U.S. embassy in Beijing on Sept. 12, 2020. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

It seems the Biden administration has been hard at work in granting concessions to China, starting with various executive orders as well as the appointment of China-friendly apparatchiks, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, to positions from which future giveaways to China can be orchestrated.

The following items are just a few of the Biden administrations gifts to China since January.

Cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline. On his first day in office, Biden signed an executive order that canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have carried millions of gallons of Canadian oil to refineries in the United States. New regulations in that executive order were also designed to curtail domestic oil and gas production, and since then, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States has increased dramatically, as shown in the chart below.



Canceling the pipeline was a direct economic gift to China because higher energy prices make heavily subsidized green tech more economically viable, leading to increased demand for Chinese-built electric vehicle batteries and solar panels. Washingtons rejoining the Paris Agreement is also of a piece with increasing Chinas future sales of green tech to the United States.

Facilitating the Chinese regimes involvement in the U.S. power grid. Buried in that same executive order that canceled the XL pipeline permit was a provision that rescinded President Donald Trumps Executive Order 13920 of May 1, 2020 (Securing the United States Bulk-Power System). The purpose of EO 13920 was to ban, replace, and set new criteria on bulk-power system (BPS) electric equipment coming from a foreign country or national that poses a national security threat. Envision a future in which Beijing can turn offor at least disruptAmericas lights in order to obtain geopolitical or economic advantage!

The xenophobia memorandum. On Jan. 26, Biden signed a memorandum ostensibly aimed at combating racism, titled Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A key provision was the direction to federal agencies aimed at mitigating racially discriminatory language in describing the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant terminating any U.S. government labeling of SARS-CoV-2 as the China virusa major propaganda coup for the CCP, which has been trying to deflect from the known origins of the virus in China since early 2020.

Arms sales frozen to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. On Jan. 27, the Biden administration imposed a temporary freeze on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. As discussed in a previous Epoch Times analysis, a long-term CCP goal is to oust the United States from the Middle East, and freezing arms sales to U.S. allies in the region plays right into the regimes strategy.

Support for the one-China policy. Despite Beijings forced absorption of Hong Kong and the increasing intimidation of Taiwan by the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force, the Biden administration publicly announced continued support for the one-China policy. What would Biden do if the Chinese military invaded Taiwan?

Appointment of a pro-China ambassador to the U.N. Biden appointed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.N. ambassador. She is on record for praising the CCPs global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road), which uses debt-trap diplomacy to capture control of foreign ports and other transportation infrastructure. She was actually paid by the CCP to give that speech at a Confucius Institute event in 2019. Her words will doubtless be harsh when warranted, but real actions aimed at confronting communist China at the U.N. will be few and far between.

Revocation of a ban on CCP propaganda in U.S. universities. The Trump-era policy was implemented to compel primary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions to disclose all contracts and transactions with the Confucius Institute, with noncompliant schools losing their certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Biden rescinded that policy on Jan. 26, which reopens the door for continued subversion of U.S. colleges and universities through Chinas Confucius Institutes.

Holds on WeChat and TikTok cases. In February, the DOJ placed holds on two important cases involving Chinese tech companies TikTok and WeChat. The Trump administration had banned the apps for security reasons, including the surreptitious collection of user data and malicious intentions by Chinese actors/bots. In June, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally rescinded a list of transactions previously prohibited with TikTok and WeChat, opening the door for CCP subversion of Americans using those apps.

A reflection of the U.S. flag is seen on the signs of the WeChat and TikTok apps on Sept. 19, 2020. (Florence Lo/Reuters)

Labeling CCP genocide a cultural norm. In late February, Biden publicly called the failure of Xi Jinping to speak on the genocide of Uyghur Muslims part of a different norm. He said, What [Xi] is doing with the Uyghurs in the western mountains of China, Taiwan, the one-China policy by making it forceful, and he gets it. Culturally, there are different norms in each country and their leaders are expected to follow. One logical interpretation is that Biden provided diplomatic cover for continued CCP aggression in East Turkestan, Tibet, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kongand even Taiwan in the future.

CCP sympathizer overseeing review of Trump-era China policies. Melanie Hart, Bidens China policy coordinator to the Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, is leading a team that is reviewing Trumps Clean Network Initiative, which encouraged countries to block Huawei from 5G networks. Except that Hart took a trip to China, which was sponsored by the suspected CCP-front ChinaUnited States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), and contributed to a report by the Center for American Progress that urged closer financial ties and military collaboration between the two countries. So much for being tough on China.

The debacle in Anchorage. On March 18 and 19, Chinas Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a verbal beatdown to national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. As expertly summarized by Sinoinsider, the Chinese sides wolf warrior diplomacy aimed at promoting the rise of the regime in Beijing across a number of topics discussed, coupled with the decline of the United States and the West in general. And this was on the world stage for all U.S. allies to observe.

Canceling the sea-launched nuclear cruise missile. In June, the Biden administration canceled the U.S. Navys sea-launched nuclear cruise missile program. This was done despite the rising threat from PLAN ship-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. The move nips in the bud U.S. efforts to address the Chinese regimes nuclear and conventional missile superiority in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait.

Dropping prosecutions of Chinese nationals accused of espionage. In July, the DOJ dropped cases brought by the Trump administration against five visiting researchers accused of hiding their ties to Chinas military, prompting questions about the departments efforts to combat Chinese national security threats, according to The New York Times.

Not backing restitution for COVID damages from China. In early August, White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated that Biden wouldnt support the Trump administrations demand for COVID reparations from China. The greatest fear of the Chinese regime is that world consensus would develop that Beijing must be required to pay restitution for economic and personal damages wrought by COVID-19. It seems the current administration let China off the hook in one fell swoop.

The gift of Afghanistans lithium. This is the greatest gift that the Biden administration has given Xi Jinping so far. The U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan has left the Taliban in charge of the country. The Chinese regime is already planning to exploit Afghanistans estimated $1 trillion to $3 trillion in lithium reserves for Chinese production of batteries and other products. This is a perfect economic coup for the regime as the Biden administration pushes green technologies, especially electric vehicles and EV batteries. The debacle was also a major strategic geopolitical defeat for America, demoralizing U.S. allies in the region by the abandonment of Afghan allies.

Conclusion

On issues large and small, the Biden administration is gift-wrapping policies that favor Beijing. There are many other examples in addition to the above list. The giveaways will continue, as the administration has some political appointees who have been corrupted in the past by bribery from the regime, academic sinecures, and various awards, and who are ready, willing, and able to provide Beijing with a handsome return on its investments.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Huntington Beachs Pacific Airshow to Debut This Weekend

Airplane lovers can rejoice this weekend, as Pacific Airshow is coming back to Huntington Beach for the first time since 2019.

Featuring flyovers and stunts performed by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the U.S. Air Force ACC F-35 Demo Team, and more, the event seeks to be a celebration of patriotism and awe-inspiring feats of aviation.

The show, which was missed last year during the pandemic, will be unique this year as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be joining the lineup all three days of the show, marking the second time in U.S. history that three North American jet teamsthe Blue Angels, Snowbirds, and Thunderbirdswill perform together at one airshow.

To say its an honor to have the Thunderbirds join us again would be an understatement, event director Kevin Elliott said in a press release. The lineup of the 2021 Pacific Airshow will become a thing of legend with kids growing up to say, I remember when all three North American Jet Teams flew together in Huntington Beach. If you know anything about Airshows, or even if you dont, you will not want to miss this spectacle.

(Courtesy of Lawrence Sherwin)

The show began in 2016, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to Huntington Beach for the event, and showing off the best in military and civilian flight from all over the world. The event is so popular it attracts people from as far away as Europe and Asia and generates more than a $100 million economic impact for Huntington Beach.

The Thunderbirds took time to rework their air show performance due to the 2020 season being canceled, and will be debuting their new routine this year with formations that tell a story of patriotism, American ingenuity, teamwork, and inspiration. The audience will also get to see an all-new maneuver called the Rapid Recovery, as well as other modified maneuvers to show off the flying and combat capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

(Courtesy of Lawrence Sherwin)

The event will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, with some ticket options already selling out.

Pacific Airshow was also recognized at the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds Civilian Show Site of the Year in 2018 and 2019, making it the first air show in history to win the award two years in a row.

While the show can be seen from a distance, the show offers tickets for select seating for as low as $25 for general admission, $40 for pier seating, and higher to purchase a cabana and more.

This year will also feature an Afterburner Music Festival, where live music will be played by popular bands right on the sand on Oct. 1 and 2 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. The performances include those by Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Sam Hunt, X Ambassadors, and more. Tickets can be purchased for either night for $79 general admission or $179 for VIP.
If Theres No Truth, Theres No Injustice

Commentary

Can there be injustice if theres no truth?

Martin Luther King Jr. considered this question in his powerful letter from Birmingham Jail (1963). He was responding to fellow members of the clergy who opposed segregation, but rejected civil disobedience, which involved breaking the law. His central point was that laws may be just or unjust. We have a duty to obey just laws and to oppose, or even defy, unjust laws. We need to recognize that both kinds exist and learn how to tell the difference.

Referring to the examples of Nazi tyranny under Hitler and the 1956 Hungarian revolution against communist tyranny, King wrote:

We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was legal and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was illegal. It was illegal to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitlers Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. If today I lived in a Communist country where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that countrys antireligious laws.

King gave examplesfrom the Bible, the martyrdom of early Christians, and the Boston Tea Partyof the refusal to submit to unjust laws.

Truth and Justice

Like the American Founders and the Declaration of Independence, King didnt seek to abolish the rule of law, but to appeal to it. King saw, as Thomas Jefferson did, that it wasnt enough to define law as whatever the sovereign power declared it to be. He saw, as did the Founders, that law defined as such provides no constraint on tyrants who want to reduce it to a matter of their own will and power.

So what distinguishes a just law from an unjust one?

In addressing this question, both King and the Declaration of Independence drew on a classical tradition that perceives law as rooted in objective reality, in the way that things are. Its a tradition at least as old as Aristotle. King cited St. Augustine as stating the principle that an unjust law is no law at all. He cited St. Thomas Aquinas as teaching that an unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.

In a similar way, the Declaration of Independence appeals to the laws of nature and of natures God. It bases itself on truths that it holds to be self-evident and affirms inalienable rights that are endowed by the Creator, rather than conferred by the state or sovereign:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

No Truth, No Injustice

For some modern people, such appeals to truth or reality seem intrinsically intolerant, since your truth is different from my truth. We see a radical relativism pervading law, education, and media that turns out to be anything but tolerant. Its not enough to accept that I have the right to proclaim my belief, however absurd, illogical, or contrary to the very nature of the human person or species it may be. Its not enough that you tolerate it: You must now endorse it with all the visible enthusiasm of a Communist Party Central Committee member applauding the statements of the Dear Leader.

Relativism is the ideology of tyrants. For Stalin and Hitler, history was on their side, victory was inevitable, and anyone who questioned their version of the truth was objectively an enemy of the state. Truth itself was a matter of the will and power of the ruler. If the outcome of their policies and edicts wasnt what they promised, it wasnt because they contradicted reality or the givenness and constraints of life. It was because enemies, within and outside of the ruling party, conspired to sabotage the program.

In the United States, we see such an unconstrained vision of reality, not in the full-blooded totalitarianism of a Stalin or a Hitler, but in the growing denial of reality itself. Its a rejection of democratic processes, a refusal of argument or debate, and the censoring or suppression of speech or even of plain information, in the media and on campuses. Those who bravely speak up for truth and against injustice are more likely to face hateful mobs on Twitter than Red Guards or Brownshirts in the street.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy often accompanied his most aggressive judicial activism with rhetorical flourishes about the right to make up our own reality. The rhetoric was a sign that Kennedy was going to ignore the Constitution and impose his own views in place of democratic political and legislative processes.

In the Casey abortion decision of 1992, Kennedy famously declared, At the heart of liberty is the right to define ones own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life. Ed Whelan of the Ethics and Public Policy Center translated Kennedys words: We justices have the unbounded authority to decide which matters you yahoo citizens should be prohibited from addressing through legislation.

Kennedys purple prose signified in practice the inauguration of decades of the legalized killing of the vulnerable and innocent on an unprecedented scale, the denial of reality, and repudiation of the right to life of a whole class of human beings, the most vulnerable among us.

Transgender identity ideology appears in this light as an extreme case of truth-denying as a requirement for participation in polite society. The absurdity and incoherence of the claims that are being advanced as scientific by this quasi-religious pseudoscience, along with the catastrophism and zeal of adherents (you must accept my self-diagnosis or you will kill me; saying that is committing genocide) suggests that a fringe cult of extremists are behind the ideology. The numbers who identify as trans is small, even allowing for the craze among teen girls in the United States and the UK. But the rapid embrace of the ideology in left-liberal parties, professional bodies, media, education, libraries, and the bureaucratic state has been extraordinary, and this despite the irreversible damage done to young people, their bodies, and their family relationships.

Live Not by Lies

Communism and Nazism both accept a relativism that reduces truth to a matter of will and power, while seeking to impose their own truth on others. Theyre obviously tyrannical, if not totalitarian. But we see the same tendencies in ideologies and movements promoted by Western elites that deny objective truth and seek to suppress free speech, open debate, and democratic decision-making.

The tyranny of radical relativism is one of its paradoxes. It denies the very existence of objective reality while insisting on its own truth.

Must we surrender to this bullying out of fear that speaking the truth will elicit enraged Twitter mobs demanding that we be canceled, fired, refused admission to the college or job of our choice, or deplatformed from speaking engagements or denied future employment?

The witnesses of those who have survived the severest persecution in our times, under Nazis, communists, or the Jihadi terrorists of ISIS, offer an answer. Whether the surviving victims were Jews or Christians, the victims of slavery or religious persecution, they always insisted on the ultimate importance of telling and hearing the truth about what happened on the ground. The perspectives of concentration camp guards and their victims in the Holocaust were different, as were those of Christians in communist Eastern Europe and the agents of state repression who persecuted them.

To say this isnt to assert that theres only one true narrative of an event or that accusers must always be believed. The ruin of many lives and reputations by a pedophile fantasist, Carl Beech, whose false allegations led British police to conduct a sweeping historical sex abuse investigation (20142016), should give us pause before adopting the then-fashionable mantra believe all victims or junking due process and the assumption of innocence. Years later, in 2019, Beech was convicted on multiple charges of perverting the course of justice and one charge of fraud. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison. His false allegations against prominent individuals, some no longer living, led to a disastrously flawed investigation and immense damage to those he accused and their families, while discouraging true victims of abuse from coming forward.

Truth Matters

Justice can be perverted or denied by false allegations: by the failure to take real victims seriously (as happened notoriously in Rotherham in the UK over several decades, where authorities failed to act on reports of actual sex trafficking and organized child sexual abuse) and by victims fear of retaliation if they speak the truththere were an estimated 1,400 victims in Rotherham, many of whom werent believed.

The point is simply that justice depends on recognizing the real, objective nature of truth (beyond what the state or party or leaders says it is at the moment), establishing the truth of the matter, and then telling it (or at least not lying about it), even when the cost of truth-telling is high in terms of job security or, in these days of doxxing, in terms of the risk to ones family. Its the priority of those who have witnessed such horrors as the Russian Gulag or the Nazi concentration camps. It should be ours as well. Without truth, there can be no injustice and hence, no justice.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Incredibly Important: Louisiana Governor Extends Indoor Mask Mandate

Louisianas governor extended his indoor mask mandate this week, arguing that evidence shows masks can slow the spread of the CCP virus, which causes COVID-19.

I think this is incredibly important, Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, said in a briefing.

Edwards pointed to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that found that schools with mask mandates had a reduced transmission of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus when compared to schools that didnt.

Researchers said a crude analysis from Maricopa and Pima counties shows that the odds of a school-associated COVID-19 outbreak in schools without a mask requirement were 3.5 times higher than those in schools with an early mask requirement.

Experts are split on the use of masks to prevent the spread of the CCP virus. Some studies have indicated that they have a negligible effect.

We know theres a lot less disruption to schools because far fewer children actually have to quarantine when there was a positive case identified at schools when both the individual who tests positive and those in close proximity to them are wearing masks, Edwards said.

The governor acknowledged that children have a remote chance of contracting severe cases of COVID-19, but said they can transmit the CCP virus, as part of his reasoning for extending the mandate. He also claimed that recent transmission of the virus was being driven by youth in schools and that masks are needed for protection, as fewer than half of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

With the highly transmissible Delta variant circulating throughout the state, masking indoors is how we stay safe and protect our loved ones, Dr. Joseph Kanter, Louisianas top health officer, said in a statement.

The order, now in effect until Oct. 27, requires people to wear masks indoors at all times except in their homes.

Exceptions are built in for people who are eating, drinking, or in some other situations. Kids aged 4 or younger are exempt.

Edwards let the order lapse earlier this year, but reinstated it in early August after the state saw a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Louisiana has recently seen a dip in new cases and hospitalizations. Statewide hospitalizations dropped to less than 1,000 for the first time since July, officials said. The percent of emergency room visits that concern COVID-19 have also dropped to 4.2 percent, while new cases have declined for more than a month.
Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on Dec. 11, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Inspector General Audit Finds Widespread Problems With FBIs FISA Applications

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz issued a report (pdf) on Sept. 30 on the FBIs applications to surveil U.S. citizens, finding widespread failure that raises serious questions and criticizing agents for not fixing flaws spotted in previous audits.

The inspector general (IG) reviewed about 7,000 applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrantsthe same used to surveil former Trump campaign aide Carter Page in 2016and found that the agency had failed to follow key rules, the Woods Procedures, in the program. In December 2019 review, Horowitz discovered 17 significant errors and omissions in the FISA surveillance application targeting Page.

The most recent audit of the agencys Woods Proceduresrules that the FBI follows to ensure that FISA applications are scrupulously accuratefound sweeping non-compliance that raises serious questions about the adequacy and execution of the supervisory review process in place at the time of the applications we reviewed, Horowitz said, stating that the FBIs quality-control officials apparently missed these problems.

His office also identified 183 FISA applications that had a missing or incomplete Woods file, which is a document meant to ensure the accuracy of statements made to the secretive FISA court. The report also found hundreds of other cases where there were instances of noncompliance with the agencys Woods procedures.

A failure to adhere to the Woods Procedures  could easily lead to errors that do impact probable causeand therefore potentially call into question the legal basis for the governments use of highly intrusive FISA warrants, Horowitz wrote.

Horowitz recommended that the FBI attempt to make additional efforts to communicate and emphasize to its workforce the importance of the bureaus own standards when applying for FISA warrants.

In a statement released after Horowitzs report, the FBI told media outlets on Sept. 30 that it appreciated the IGs determined focus on the FBIs FISA process, especially given the significant changes and policy enhancements that we have worked to make in concert with, and in many instances, prior to the issuance of this most recent OIG Audit Report.

The federal law enforcement bureau will accept Horowitzs recommendations detailed in the report and has adopted about half of them already, according to the statement. FBI officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The audit report is an extension of a report that was issued by Horowitz in March 2020, when he reviewed 29 FISA applications. According to that report, the inspector general couldnt review four of the applications because the FBI wasnt able to locate them. Of the 25 he could review, all of them had flaws209 errors in total, Horowitz said.

Our testing of FISA applications  identified apparent errors or inadequately supported facts in all of the 25 applications we reviewed, and interviews to date with available agents or supervisors in field offices generally have confirmed the issues we identified, he said in his March report.

Horowitz lamented in the Sept. 30 audit that the FBI hasnt taken his earlier report seriously.

In response to the findings in our December 2019 FISA report and March 2020 [report], the FBI Director publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the identified problems and announced numerous steps the FBI was undertaking to address them, he said.

However, we believe certain public statements from the FBI and NSD in 2020 failed to recognize the significant risks posed by systemic non-compliance with the Woods Procedures, and during our audit, some FBI field personnel minimized the significance of Woods Procedures non-compliance.

The IG report was likely referencing statements FBI Director Christopher Wray made to Congress in February, when he told representatives that they shouldnt lose any sleep over the December 2019 IG report.

The vast majority of the FISAs we do, both the initial applications and the renewals, are the kinds of applications that I am quite confidentwe dont know each other, but you wouldnt lose any sleep over, and we wouldnt want to grind to a halt, Wray told Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) at the time.

Following the release of the latest report, Jordan took to Twitter to blast Wray for downplaying earlier concerns.

Feb. 5, 2020: FBI Director Christopher Wray dismisses concerns about the FISA process. Says Americans shouldnt lose any sleep over it. Today: IG Horowitz releases damning report about the FBIs broken FISA process, Jordan wrote.

It was worse than we ever thought.

The FBIs failure to adhere to surveillance rules has led to criminal charges in some instances.

After Horowitzs findings were released in 2019, special counsel John Durham later filed charges against former FBI Attorney Kevin Clinesmith for falsifying a document used in a FISA application to surveil Page. He pleaded guilty in August 2020.

In August, Durhams office indicted Michael Sussmann, a lawyer who represented the Democratic National Committee, for allegedly lying to the FBI when he spoke to a top bureau official, James Baker, in 2016. On Sept. 17, Sussmann pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the indictment, Sussmann had passed along a claim alleging that there was a secret communications channel between a Russian bank and the Trump Organization. Durham alleged that Sussmann told Baker that he wasnt representing a specific client, but was actually secretly representing Democrats, Clintons campaign, and an unnamed technology company executive.

Jack Phillips Senior Reporter Follow Jack Phillips is a reporter at The Epoch Times based in New York.
People keeping social distance queue outside a Penneys clothes shop, as a phased reopening by appointment shopping following Government guidance begins, after an extended lockdown due to the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Dublin, Ireland on May 10, 2021. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters)

Irish Consumer Sentiment Steady Near Pandemic High in September

DUBLINIrish consumer sentiment remained steady in September just below the two-year high recorded in June, a survey showed on Thursday, as the government prepared to lift almost all pandemic restrictions within weeks.

The government has named Oct. 22 as its target date to drop most restrictions, with more than 90 percent of the adult population vaccinated, one of the highest levels in the world.

The KBC Bank Ireland consumer sentiment eased to 86.4 in September from 86.5 in August. It reached a coronavirus pandemic-high of 87.2 in June as restaurants and pubs began to reopen following the countrys third and longest shutdown.

The weakest elements of the survey were related to the macroeconomic environment in part due to concerns about an international plan to set minimum corporate tax rates, which some fear could threaten a pillar of the countrys economic policy, said KBC Ireland chief economist Austin Hughes.

Irish consumer sentiment held broadly steady in September as a focus on potential threats to the economic outlook ranging from global taxation changes to elevated public debt contrasted with evidence of further progress out of the pandemic, Hughes said.
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, takes part in a panel discussion about investing in Detroit at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on April 11, 2018. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

JPMorgans Dimon Cautions a US Default Would Be Potentially Catastrophic

WASHINGTONJPMorgan Chase & Co. has begun preparing for the possibility of the United States hitting its debt limit, Chief Executive Jamie Dimon told Reuters on Tuesday, adding he nevertheless expected policymakers to find a solution to avoid that potentially catastrophic event.

The countrys largest lender has begun scenario-planning for how a potential U.S. credit default would affect the repo and money markets, client contracts, its capital ratios, and how ratings agencies would react, Dimon said in an interview.

This is like the third time weve had to do this, it is a potentially catastrophic event, he said.

Every single time this comes up, it gets fixed, but we should never even get this close. I just think this whole thing is mistaken and one day we should just have a bipartisan bill, and get rid of the debt ceiling. Its all politics, he added.

Congressional Democrats are scrambling to find a way to raise the governments $28.4-trillion borrowing cap before the Treasury Department runs out of means to service the nations debt. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the Treasury will likely exhaust extraordinary measures by Oct. 18.

Fiscal brinkmanship has become a regular feature of U.S. politics over the past decade thanks to ongoing partisan polarization, with debt ceiling deals coming down to the wire in 2011 and 2017.

Dimon said as part of its preparation the bank was combing through its client-contracts, a resource-intensive process.

Youve got to check the contracts to try to predict it out  If I remember correctly, the last time we got prepared for this, it cost us $100 million, he said.
Students return for the first day of the school year at an elementary school in Michigan on Aug. 30, 2021. (Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images)

Lawsuit Targets Michigans Restriction on Public Funds Paying for Private, Religious Education

The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation partnered with Bursch Law to file a lawsuit alleging Michigans restriction on the use of public funds to pay for private education is unconstitutional.

Five Michigan families and the Parent Advocates for Choice in Education (PACE) Foundation, a nonprofit supporting the rights of Michigan parents to provide educational opportunities for their children, joined the lawsuit after conventional public schools frustrated them after the COVID-19 pandemic. Plaintiff Jessie Bagoss school only provided virtual school for her young children for much of the last school year. She wanted other options for her twin boys starting kindergarten instead of sitting in front of a screen.

To have the option to choose schools would be life changing, Bagos said in a statement. For everyone, not just us. Hopefully this lawsuit can help with that.

Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code allows state-sponsored savings plans to fund higher education expenses. Michigans plan is Michigans Education Savings Plan (MESP). Bagos funded an MESP and wants to spend that money on their childrens private, religious school tuition.

But Michigans Blaine Amendment, passed in 1970, prohibits using public funds for private education. If Bagos spends MESP money on private, religious education, the Blaine Amendment will reverse Michigans tax deduction the parents received upon contribution.

The lawsuit cites the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 ruling in Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue, arguing it paved the way for more families to tap programs that fund the choice of K-12 private or public schools.

[I]t is unconstitutional for a state to use a Blaine Amendment to force religious schools and families attending those schools to divorce themselves from any religious control or affiliation to be eligible for government aid, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, seeks to enable Michigan families to use MESP funds to help pay for private education, including private school tuition. The lawsuit says Michigans restrictive amendment makes the state an outlier.

If we can knock down this barrier, the whole playing field changes, Mackinac Center Director of Education Policy Ben DeGrow said in a statement. The shutdown and disruption of many public schools since the spring of 2020 shows just how important it is that families across Michigan can have the flexibility of using their education funds to provide their children with the best opportunity to succeed.

Beth DeShone, executive director of the Great Lakes Education Project, applauded the lawsuit.

Its time to end religious bigotry in Michigan, DeShone said in a statement. Federal law bars religious discrimination against parents and kids, and the state of Michigan must abandon its bigoted Blaine Amendment, too. GLEP is incredibly proud of the brave parents who stood up today to defend their kids against discrimination.

By Scott McClallen
Legal Protections for Religion Are Protections for Us All

Commentary

Unless we are vigilant, Australians will soon find that any public declaration or practice of an explicitly religious viewpointparticularly a Christian onewhether in relation to gender, sexuality, euthanasia, or even history, will be condemned as harmful hate speech. And that condemnation is likely to become ever more bitter.

For as things stand, there is very little protection for religion in Australian law.

Section 116 of the Constitution only sets a limit on what the federal government can do, and the states and territories have only a patchwork of inconsistent protections for religion in the form of exemptions to discrimination laws.

This is a key reason why the Morrison government is taking action on the prime ministers 2019 election promise to legislate protections for religion.

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash, is reportedly close to finalising the governments Religious Discrimination Bill in order to present the draft to parliament by the end of the year. The Morrison government is keen to get the matter off the table before the next federal election.

Opponents of the new federal bill say that theres already more than enough protection for religionalthough they cant identify precisely what it iswhereas advocates for the bill say the proposed protections do not go nearly far enough.

At the heart of these differences lies the crucial distinction between stopping discriminatory action on the one hand, and protecting religious freedom on the other.

What a religious anti-discrimination law says is that the actions of a religious organisationthat would normally contravene the lawwould instead, be granted an exemption if they are faith-based actionsthat is, if their actions are consistent with the religious ethos of the organisation.

For example, churches whose religious ethos is opposed to the ordination of women will be exempt from sex discrimination laws and can exclude women from certain selection and appointment processes.

By making religion a protected category the law ring-fences religion and grants certain exemptions. The governments proposed bill would grant these exemptions at a federal level by stating that any regulation having an adverse impact on religious practice will need to be justified.

By contrast, the very different approach of protecting religious freedom as a positive right would give a faith-based organisation the legally conferred freedom to take such actions as recruiting staff who support the institutions religious ethos, or opting out of administering euthanasia, or declining to provide abortion services.

One drawback to the anti-discrimination approach to protecting religion is that it can cast religion in a bad light.

Granting religious Australians apparently preferential treatment in circumstances where other people would be penalised only fuels the antagonism of anti-religion, secular activists who insist that believers are given special licence to be bigots. No wonder they resist any effort to extend religious anti-discrimination provisions.

And no wonder the faith communities, and many of their leaders, would prefer a new law concerning religion to be framed as a protection of religious liberty: in other words, as a law asserting a positive right to religious libertythat is, as a legal sword to safeguard religious freedom, rather than as an anti-discrimination shield to defend against attack.

However, lest the perfect be the enemy of the good, it is far better for Attorney-General Cash to present to the Parliament a realistic bill that has a good chance of being passed rather than an ideal bill that would be voted down.

Lawyers and religious leaders might argue about the way legal protections are framed, but better to be armed at least with a shield if no sword is viable.

And such realistic legal protections are still likely to be popular at the ballot box. A recent poll commissioned by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) suggests that nearly two-thirds of us want religious faith to be legally protected.

The ACL poll showed that around 65 percent of those questioned support legalising protections for people of faith. The right of faith-based schools to appoint sympathetic staff is supported by around 60 percent. And over 50 percent support the right of faith-based organisations, such as hospitals, to opt-out of procedures, such as abortion or euthanasia, that contravene their foundational religious principles.

The timing of the ACL poll is important. But at the end of the day, the law can only go so far in protecting religious freedom. Reliance on Parliament and the courts to resolve differences only induces each side to push ever harder to secure their preferred outcomes in what becomes a zero-sum game.

But Australia is a successful multicultural society comprising people of all faiths and none. As such, we must allow for the expression of different points of view and beliefs, both sacred and secular, and we must learn to respect the world views and preferences of those with whom we may never agree.

Each of us bears responsibility for helping to secure the civic health of our societya task we must never outsource completely to governments and judges.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Two lawmakers stand next to the empty seat of the accused 96-year-old former secretary to the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp, at the Landgericht Itzehoe court, before a trial against her, in Itzehoe, Germany, on Sept. 30, 2021. (Markus Schreiber/Pool via Reuters)

Nazi War Crimes Suspect, 96, Caught After Fleeing Trial

BERLINA 96-year-old German woman was caught hours after failing to turn up for her trial on Thursday on charges of aiding and abetting mass murder in a Nazi concentration camp during World War Two, a court spokesperson said.

Irmgard Furchner is accused of having contributed as an 18-year-old to the murder of 11,412 people when she was a typist at the Stutthof concentration camp between 1943 and 1945.

But her trial in the far northern town of Itzehoe could not begin in her absence.

The defendant left her home in the early hours of this morning and took a taxi to an unknown location, court spokesperson Frederike Milhoffer said.

The spokesperson said an arrest warrant had been issued. Itzehoe is some 100 km (60 miles) from the Danish border.

Milhoffer later confirmed that Furchner had been detained and that a doctor was now assessing whether her health would allow her to be imprisoned.

The next hearing was scheduled for Oct. 19, she said.

Lawyers milled around the makeshift courtroom that had been rigged up in a nearby industry park because of the immense media interest. But Furchners chair, marked with her name tag, remained empty.

Charges cannot be read until Furchner, who faces trial in an adolescent court because of her young age at the time of the alleged crimes, is present in court in person.

She is the latest in a series of nonagenarians to have been charged with Holocaust crimes in what is seen as a rush by prosecutors to seize the final opportunity to enact justice for the victims of some of the worst mass killings in history.

Although prosecutors convicted major perpetratorsthose who issued orders or pulled triggersin the 1960s Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, the practice until the 2000s was to leave lower-level suspects alone.

According to Der Spiegel, Furchner transcribed execution orders dictated to her by camp commandant Paul-Werner Hoppe, who was convicted of accessory to murder in 1955. The magazine reported that Furchner had written to the judge asking to be tried in absentiaa legal impossibility in Germany.

Oskar Groening, known as the accountant of Auschwitz for his job recording valuables seized from deportees on their arrival at the extermination camp, was sentenced to four years in 2016 for accessory to murder, though he died before his sentence could start.

Bruno D., was convicted last year, aged 93, of abetting the murder of 5,230 people as a guard at Stutthof. He too was tried in a youth court despite his age because he was still a juvenile at the time of the crimes.

Some 65,000 people died in the concentration camp, near Gdansk in todays Poland, between 1939 and 1945, of starvation and disease or in the camps gas chamber, including prisoners of war and Jews caught up in the Nazis war of extermination.

By Thomas Escritt
(L) Jack Ciattarelli, candidate for Governor of New Jersey (Courtesy of Ciattarelli for Governor), (R) Phil Murphy for Governor, Nov. 12, 2015 (By Phil Murphy - Phil Murphy for Governor, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70084029)

New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidates Square Off on Hurricane Response, Pandemic, Policing in First Debate

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican hopeful Jack Ciattarelli faced off in a contentious gubernatorial debate on a range of issues, including the response to Hurricane Ida, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial profiling, school curricula, and taxes.

Ciattarelli, a former New Jersey Assemblyman, wrote on Twitter that he was fired up after the debate. Ciattarelli is a certified public accountant, two-time small businessman, and a lifelong resident of New Jersey.

Murphys campaign said in a statement issued after the debate, Governor Murphy demonstrated tonight that he is the only candidate in this race with the vision and values to keep New Jersey moving forward.

Murphy, a Democrat, held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs offices in Germany and Hong Kong for more than 20 years and served as an ambassador to Germany during the presidency of Barack Obama. He was also a finance chair for the Democratic National Committee.

Ciattarelli criticized Murphys response to Hurricane Ida, which claimed 30 lives across New Jersey, saying that that the governor declared the state of emergency 13 hours later than neighboring Pennsylvania.

Murphy responded during the debate that he and his administration were monitoring the situation after the hurricane warning was issued.

I was on the phone with countless mayors and obviously visited a lot of places, he said, adding, A big contrast is what were going to do about the environment to hopefully prevent this from happening again. My opponent [Ciattarelli] says were doing too much, too fast, too soon.

But to say, too much, too soon, too fast on climate resiliency is not looking at the facts. The storms are coming more frequently, with more intensity, Murphy added.

The state of emergency was declared in New Jersey two hours after the tornado, one hour after the flash floods, Ciattarelli riposted, What information did the Pennsylvania governor have available to him and his administration that our governor did not? Thirteen hours after the Pennsylvania Governors declaration of emergency, came our declaration of emergency.

A Tropical Storm Ida response is not about climate changeits about saving lives, and the delay in state of emergency is what costs lives, I believe, in New Jersey, Ciattarelli added.

Pandemic Response

One of the moderators questioned Ciattarellis opposition to mask mandates in schools due to the fact that children are the least vulnerable to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causing COVID-19.

Ciattarelli was asked whether he would change his position on this issue in the light of recent data showing that the number of COVID-19 cases in children increased by 240 percent since July and that 30,000 children were hospitalized with COVID-19 in August.

The Republican candidate noted that the data cited are national statistics and his position is consistent with what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said about the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

If I had the chance to say it again, I would say differently, or more perfect. My position is consistent with the CDC with regard to the virus last year: children are not as susceptible to serious illness and death as adults are, Ciattarelli said.

He explained that in New Jersey three out of four adults are vaccinated and there are not many cases of COVID-19 in children. The Delta variant is different, and we need to be vigilant and protect our most vulnerable, Ciattarelli said.

Murphy clarified that on the day of the debate there were 21 children in pediatric care in New Jersey and five of them were in the emergency or the intensive care unit with COVID.

According to a report of the American Academy of Pediatrics, new COVID-19 cases among children remain exceptionally high. During five consecutive weeks ending on Sept. 18 more than 200,000 new child cases of COVID-19 were added each week.

The report concluded however that COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death is uncommon in children.

Both gubernatorial candidates touched on the issue of mandatory vaccination.

You cant look for wiggle room on vaccines in your body your choice. You cant ignore the science as it relates to masking, Murphy said, adding that vaccination and masking are weapons  that will keep people healthy and alive.

Ciattarelli agreed that vaccinations keep people alive.

Im vaccinated, I promoted my vaccination, I encourage people to get vaccinated, he said. Do I believe that government has a right to tell people they have to take a medicine? No, I dont.

The governments job is to provide the public with all the information they need to make an informed decision, Ciattarelli said, adding that while he would encourage people who want to wear masks to wear them, he believes that masks should not be made mandatory for children, particularly those as young as 2 years old. Thats a parental choice, he said.

Murphy was asked whether he considered his policy to admit patients to nursing homes regardless of their COVID-19 status while forbidding nursing homes from testing them a mistake. Around 8,000 people died in New Jersey nursing and veterans homes, accounting for a third of the states deaths from COVID-19.

Murphy responded that those people were residents of these long-term care or veterans homes and were required to be separated upon their arrival.

Ciattarelli said that nursing homes had not received any personal protection equipment or CCP virus test kits but had to take in COVID-19 patients. He also stated that nursing home operators raised concerns that it would be impossible to keep people there safe even if kept separate and therefore were granted legal immunity.

Murphy clarified that nursing homes were inspected and those that didnt do the right thing were fined.

Racial Profiling

Ciattarelli was asked by a moderator how he would remedy the issue of racial profiling by New Jersey police and how he would encourage more racial diversity in the police force, which often does not match the racial composition of the population it serves.

The Republican candidate proposed three measures to address the racial issues brought up by the moderator: Do a better job of recruiting people of color into our police ranks,  do a better job of screening those who want to go into law enforcement to make sure theyre on the right heart, mind, and soul  [and] find an easy way to get rid of bad cops.

He also said the current state administration has made it harder for the police to do their job. The job has never been harder. When have we ever had curfews on our Jersey shore? When have we ever had flash mobs on our Jersey shore? Why? Because our cops cannot do their job.

As an example, Ciattarelli cited a current administration directive that prevents the local police from doing community policing such as taking teenagers caught with drugs or alcohol to custody and notifying their parents.

Moreover, statistics must be analyzed to ensure that no one is being profiled, and theres no disparity in the enforcement of our laws, Ciattarelli said. These issues need to be addressed through a different type of recruitment effort, different type of training effort, and a different type of supervision effort, he explained.

Murphy said he funded two state trooper training classes in one fiscal year and added that transparency, accountability, and body-worn cameras are a huge step in preventing racial profiling. Murphy also sees universal background checks and other gun laws restricting concealed carry and the number of rounds allowed per magazine as an important factor in law enforcement.

Taxes

Murphy pledged not to raise any taxes at any time in the next four years if he gets elected governor, justifying his raising taxes in the past by saying that he inherited an affordability crisis from the previous administration.

Ciattarelli promised there will be no new taxes if he wins in November. He said he would lower property taxes and implement a new school funding formula that would provide a flatter, more equitable distribution of state aids. This new funding formula will not leave any student or community behind or lower the quality of education, he added.

New Jersey has the highest effective tax rate on owner-occupied property at 2.13 percent of a homes value based on the latest data, according to Tax Foundation, a Washington-based think tank.
Armed police patrol the area around Countdown LynnMall after a mass stabbing incident in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 3, 2021. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

New Zealand Tightens Counter-Terrorism Law After ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Wounded 7 People

New Zealand has tightened its counter-terrorism laws after after an ISIS-inspired knife-wielding terrorist wounded seven people at a mall in Auckland last month.

On Sept. 30, the countrys Parliament passed the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill with the support of Labour and National. It was opposed by Act, the Green Party, and the Maori Party.

The bill, an amendment to the 2002 Terrorism Suppression Act and other related laws, makes planning and preparing a terrorist attack a crime and gives enforcement agencies greater powers to protect New Zealanders from terrorist activity.

Specifically, it allows enforcement agencies to apply warrantless powers of entry, search, and surveillance and update the definition of a terrorist to improve clarity.

It also criminalizes weapons or combat training for terrorist purposes as well as travel to, from, or via New Zealand with the intention to carry out an offence under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

Finally, it extends the terrorism finance offenses to also criminalize providing wider forms of support to terrorist individuals or groups, such as goods and services, while measures can also be put in place to control the movements and activities of individuals who have been convicted and imprisoned for a terrorism-related offense in the country.

The new law had been in planning for months but was sped through Parliament after Augusts violent knife attack at the LynnMall Countdown supermarket in New Lynn, Auckland.

New Zealand officials confirmed on Sept. 4 that 32-year-old Ahamed Aathil Mohamed Samsudeen was the attacker behind the devastating events.

Samsudeen, an ethnic Tamil Muslim from Sri Lanka, had arrived in New Zealand 10 years ago on a student visa seeking refugee status, which was fraudulently obtained in 2013.

Police escort people from LynnMall to their cars after a violent extremist stabbed six people before being shot by police in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 3, 2021. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks to the media at a press conference with the details of the Auckland supermarket terror attack, at the Beehive Theatrette in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sept. 3, 2021. (Robert Kitchin  Pool/Getty Images)

Police were monitoring Samsudeen at the time of the attack over Facebook activity in which he had posted support for terror attacks and violent extremism. They shot him dead within about a minute after he entered the Countdown supermarket and picked up a knife on display, but he had already stabbed five people. Two more shoppers were injured in the melee. All are still recovering.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern vowed to pass the new legislation by the end of September. But Ardern also noted that Samsudeen may still have committed the attack even if the new law had been in place.

New Zealands Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi welcomed the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill, saying that it addresses the longstanding gaps in the countrys counter-terrorism legislation.

The nature of terrorism has changed. Across the world there are more lone actors, rather than larger organised groups; as we saw with the March 15 attack on mosques in Christchurch two years ago, and the attack on shoppers in a West Auckland supermarket earlier this month, Faafoi said.

The process for developing this important piece of legislation has been careful and considered. This included the full opportunity for the public to provide their view to the Select Committee, he continued.

New Zealand is not immune to this harm, and I want to acknowledge the trauma of the victims, families, and communities affected by those terrorist attacks.

Aucklands supermarket attack was the second terrorist attack in the country in as many years after the massacre at two mosques in Christchurch in March 2019 that claimed the lives of 51 people and injured dozens more.

The new law brings New Zealand into line with Australia and Britain, where officials already have the power to arrest individuals planning and preparing a terrorist attack.
Ministers address hundreds of Maori protesters gathered to demonstrate against what protesters say is the disproportionate number of Maori children taken by social service agencies from their families, outside parliament in Wellington, New Zealand on July 30, 2019. (Praveen Menon/Reuters)

New Zealand to Halt Removal of At Risk Children From Families

WELLINGTONNew Zealand said on Wednesday it will put a virtual halt to the practice of taking at-risk children away from their families, a policy that has long angered its indigenous Maori community.

Children deemed to be facing harm have been moved into state care for decades despite Maori criticism that the process is racially skewed and a legacy of colonization. A vast majority of the children taken, a process known locally as uplifting, are Maori.

Thousands of Maori took to the streets in 2019 in protest after media reports that the childrens ministry tried to take a new-born baby away from her mother in hospital.

Childrens Minister Kelvin Davis said on Wednesday the government has accepted all recommendations of a ministerial advisory board on how to fix the child care and protection system. The ministry had been told that removing children should be used only as a last resort.

This report will end uplifts as we have known them, Davis said in a statement, adding that future efforts would focus on community-led prevention.

In 20192020, 1,334 children entered state care, according to documents on the ministrys website, of which about 60 percent were Maori.

Maori have called children taken into state care as New Zealands stolen generationa reference to indigenous Australians forcibly taken from their families as children under an official policy of assimilation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a Royal Commission of Inquiry in 2018 into the abuse of young people in state care, saying the country needed to confront a dark chapter in its history.

The inquiry revealed in December that up to a quarter of a million children, young people, and vulnerable adults were physically and sexually abused in state care and other institutions from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
California Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the state's plan for homelessness initiatives in Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Newsom Signs 7 Bills to Address Homelessness

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a legislative package aimed at reducing homelessness by expanding mental and behavioral health services, during a Sept. 29 press conference in Los Angeles.

Newsom was joined by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis, and California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly during the press conference, which was held at an acute board and care home where the homeless population surrounded the outdoor area.

We cant nibble around the edges of the homelessness crisis, we need to implement bold, transformative solutionsinvesting more money than ever before to get folks off the streets and provide the mental health and other services they need to stay off the streets, Newsom said.

Todays legislation, along with our overall $22 billion housing affordability and homelessness package, will move the needle on creating more housing for the homeless and will allow us to tackle the homelessness crisis in ways California has never done.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks with Gov. Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

According to Solis, a 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reported that about 14,000 unhoused residents were living with a mental illness, with over 5,000 having developmental disabilities, 15,000 struggling with substance abuse, and 11,000 having physical disabilities.

The Epoch Times asked Newsom how the state planned on reaching the homeless who dont want to receive behavioral health services. The governor said there are enforcement mechanisms for those who refuse helpgenerally board and care facilities and jail.

It goes to the fundamental issue of individual liberties, which is at the heart of those issues, Newsom said. Those that do refuse these services, there are a lot of well-established mechanisms in place to support those folk.

Ghaly told The Epoch Times the legislation offers solutions to vulnerable homeless individuals in the state.

These bills, this budget, everything where the train is moving in California is to build up the resources to be able to have meaningful answers to people who are suffering and dying on the streets, he said.

The legislation signed off by Newsom is part of a $22 billion investment to tackle homelessness with 84,000 affordable homes and 44,000 housing units with treatment beds.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signs multiple bills stated to help with Californias homeless crisis in Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Newsom signed the following Assembly Bills to address the states homelessness crisis:

AB 27to identify homeless children and youth enrolled at each school through the use of a housing questionnaire

AB 362the requirement of shelter inspection when violation complaints are received from occupants

AB 816holding the Department of Housing and Community Development reliable for prioritizing funding for projects

AB 1443the authorization of training for mental health involuntary treatment

AB 977homelessness program information system

SB 400homelessness reporting, training, and collaboration with youth

In the past three years, the state has dedicated over $2.4 billion to homelessness programs, such as Project Roomkey. While the governor acknowledged these programs, he said that tackling the crisis takes years before results are noticeable.
North Koreas Kim Open to Restoring Communications With South Korea

Seoul urged Pyongyang to reopen hotlines; UN Security Council to meet Thursday

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sept. 30 expressed a willingness to restore dormant communications with South Korea, days after Seoul called on Pyongyang to do so.

His remarks come just days after North Korea fired a newly developed hypersonic missile toward the Sea of Japan off its east coast, marking its third weapons test in just over two weeks.

Diplomats said the U.N. Security Council will meet behind closed doors later on Sept. 30 over the reclusive countrys latest test following requests from the United States, Britain, and France.

Restoring Hotlines

State mouthpiece KCNA reported on Sept. 30 that Kim said he was willing to restart cross-border hotlines, which have been largely halted for over a year. He made the remarks at North Koreas rubber-stamp parliament on its second day of discussions.

North Korea had cut the hotlines in early August, just weeks after the two Koreas restored the hotlines on July 27. North Koreas gesture was in apparent retaliation for joint South KoreaU.S. military drills that started Aug. 10.

South Koreas Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, had on Sept. 26 urged North Korea to restore dormant communication channels as a starting point to restart talks on ending the 195053 Korean War, which halted in a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.

On Sept. 30, the South Korean ministry welcomed Kims remarks on the cross-border communications and said it will prepare for the restoration of the hotlines, which it said are needed to discuss many pending issues. It added that the stable operation of the channels is expected.

North Korea previously severed communications in June 2020 following a failed peace summit, after which it blew up an inter-Korean liaison office building just inside its border that was built to improve communications.

Accusations From Pyongyang

The ministry didnt comment on Kims other Sept. 30 remarks, which involved him criticizing South Korea for its ties to the United States. Kim also accused Seoul of being bent on begging external support and cooperation while clamoring for international cooperation in servitude to the United States, according to a translation via The Associated Press.

Kim also accused the United States of not changing its hostile policy toward North Korea and continuing its own military activities while it was seeking talks aimed to dismantle Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programs in return for U.S. sanctions relief.

The U.S. is touting diplomatic engagement and dialogue without preconditions but it is no more than a petty trick for deceiving the international community and hiding its hostile acts, Kim said, accusing the Biden administration of employing more cunning ways and methods, according to a translation via Reuters.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter said on Sept. 28, We remain committed to a diplomatic approach to the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea], and we also call on the DPRK to engage in dialogue.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in an address to the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 21, called for a formal end to the Korean War and proposed the two Koreas make a symbolic peace declaration. But North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Ri Thae Song said the call was premature because theres no guarantee the United States would withdraw its hostile policy.

Prior to North Koreas latest hypersonic missile launch on Sept. 28, it conducted two other tests. On Sept. 11 and 12, it test-fired a new long-range cruise missile capable of hitting targets about 932 miles away, which puts all of Japan and U.S. military installations there within striking range. Just days later, Pyongyang launched two ballistic missiles from a train, hitting an intended target 497 miles away.
Klete Keller prepares to compete in the semifinal of the 200-meter freestyle during the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb., on June 30, 2008. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Olympic Gold Medalist Pleads Guilty in Jan. 6 US Capitol Case

A former Olympic swimmer who won gold two times for the United States pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a felony charge in relation to his participation in the U.S. Capitol breach earlier this year.

Klete Keller of Colorado Springs admitted to the count of obstruction and agreed to fully cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation, according to court documents.

The 39-year-old gold medalist explained that he was aware when entering the government building he was trying to obstruct an official proceeding.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in the District of Columbia accepted Kellers guilty plea at the Sept. 29 court hearing. Leon will sentence Keller at another hearing that has yet to be scheduled.

The charge has a recommended sentence of between 21 and 27 months in prison, but Leon is not bound by that range.

Keller was wearing a jacket with the letters USA as he entered the Capitol building at about 2:40 p.m. on Jan. 6, where he walked around for about an hour, taking videos and pictures while knowing he did not have permission to be in the building and despite being told by authorities to leave, officials said.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Klete Keller appears in this courtroom sketch during a virtual hearing before Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey in a District of Columbia court on Jan. 22, 2021. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

He then advanced further into the building, moving from the Rotunda towards the Ohio Clock Room hallway, where he stood with several other protesters. At this location, Keller began filming law enforcement officers wearing riot gear who were attempting to prevent the group from moving forward.

According to prosecutors, at this point Keller started yelling [Expletive] Nancy Pelosi! and [Expletive] Chuck Schumer! before others began pushing forward toward law enforcement officers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) are the Democratic Partys congressional leaders.

About 20 minutes later, Keller returned to the Rotunda where he continued to take pictures and make videos inside the building. He then jerked his elbow, shaking law enforcement officers off him as they attempted to remove him from the area, prosecutors said. He eventually left the building at about 3:30 p.m. after authorities deployed chemical irritants at protesters inside the Rotunda.

Keller is a five-time Olympic medalist who held off Australian great Ian Thorpe on the anchor leg of the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2004 Athens Games to win gold for the United States.

The athlete grew up in Arizona and now lives in Colorado Springs. He competed in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
One-Third of Australian Teens Have Thought of Self-Harming: Study

One-third of Australian teenagers, particularly girls, have considered self-harm over the last 12 months, a concerning trend in light of worsening mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children is a major ongoing study that has followed 10,000 young Australians and their families since 2003.

In its research on self-injury among adolescents, it surveyed teens aged 14 to 17 and found that 30 percent had thought about self-harming, and 18 percent reported self-injury.

Navigating your way through the world as a young person can be challenging, and its clear that managing self-injury thoughts and behaviours is a critical aspect of adolescent health care provision, report co-author Pilar Rioseco said.

Girls were significantly more likely to think about self-injury, with close to half (42 percent) of girls reporting self-harm thoughts compared to 18 percent of boys. Similarly, girls reported more incidents of self-harm (26 percent) compared to 9 percent for boys.

Girls were also more likely to repeatedly engage in self-harm acts, with around 7 percent of girls reporting self-harm at both 14 to 15 and 16 to 17-year age brackets compared to 1 percent of boys.

Most concerning is that repeated self-injury over time is strongly associated with suicidal behaviour; 65 percent reported suicide attempts at ages 16 to 17.

While both genders are experiencing high rates of self-injury thoughts and behaviours, it is alarming to see how much more common it is among girls, Rioseco said.

The report found that a strong familial relationship, particularly with a parent, was key to preventing thoughts of self-harm.

Its essential that parents, caregivers, and schools are equipped with the right skill set and provided with the support they need to assist adolescents throughout this time, Rioseco said. Ultimately, self-injury thoughts and behaviours need to be seen for what they area response to mounting stress and a way of relieving emotional pain,

Theres an urgent need for integrated care involving families, schools, and communities to enhance safety among these distressed young people in both the short and long term.

A strong relationship with at least one parent is central to preventing self-harm thoughts and behaviour in children. (Dragon Images/Shutterstock)

The study noted that parents mental health and parenting approaches were the cornerstones to a childs well-being into adulthood and advocated for the promotion of positive parenting practices as one vital avenue to reducing the risk of self-injury in young people.

The study also found that adolescents attending a Catholic or independent secondary school were less likely to self-injure. Children from non-English speaking backgrounds were also half as likely to report self-injury.

In an analysis by the Australian National University (ANU) into the mental health of Australian children during COVID-19, adolescents and young adults were of particular concern.

We found 71 percent of parents and carers of Australians aged 15 to 18 reported worsening mental health conditions for their children, ANU professor and co-author Nicholas Biddle said. A lot of this is due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, extended lockdowns.

It found that mental health conditions were largely the same between genders, which suggests boys and girls engage in different behaviours when under mental health stress.

During COVID-19 restrictions, teenagers are spending increased amounts of time on the internet and social media, which is contributing to the decline in mental health.

An internal study by Facebook found that Instagram was harmful to teens well-being, self-esteem, life satisfaction, mood, and body imageparticularly girls. However, officials disregarded the findings and continued business as usual.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Kids Help Line (5 to 25 years): 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348

In an emergency, call 000
(L) Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) speaks at Cabell-Huntington Health Center in Huntington, West Virginia, on July 8, 2019. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo); (R) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) gestures at the Capitol building in Washington on July 22, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Pelosi Says Reconciliation Bill Is on Path to Pass, but Democrats Still Divided

After nearly two months of wrangling between Democratic moderates and progressives, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Thursday that Democrats $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill is on a path to pass.

At her weekly press conference, Pelosi said of the bill, Im only envisioning taking it up and winning it. Currently, the bill is set for a Thursday vote in the House.

This continues a trend of optimism among Pelosi and other Democratic leaders. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) summed up this attitude in mid-September when he said simply failure is not an option.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) expressed a far different sentiment.

Asked whether he was confident that the reconciliation bill would pass, Hoyer said simply, Nope.

On Day of Vote, Division in Party Continues

President Joe Bidens nearly $5 trillion agenda, including a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a $3.5 trillion reconciliation, has been threatened by political brinksmanship from party moderates and progressives since the bills inception.

A Democratic coalition of nine Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) members made headlines in August after they publicly released a letter (pdf) to Pelosi, warning her against bundling the two bills, and encouraging swift passage of the infrastructure bill by the House.

In the letter, they called the infrastructure bill a bipartisan victory for our nation and swore that they would not consider voting for a budget resolution until the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passes the House and is signed into law.

After several failed efforts to force the coalition of PSC members to relent, Pelosi made an 11th-hour deal with the nine. Under this agreement, the nine Democrats agreed to vote to advance the $3.5 trillion budget bill to committee for drafting in exchange for a Sept. 27 deadline to vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

On Monday, Pelosi delayed that vote until Thursday, a move that moderates seemed unfazed by.

However, progressives have made a corollary threat not to pass the infrastructure bill until the much more expansive budget bill has been passed, fearing that moderates will betray them and vote against the budget.

Despite Pelosis confidence, these splits remain ongoing.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is seen during a hearing in Washington on July 16, 2019. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

Many Senators Still Hesitant About Reconciliation Price Tag

In the Senate there are also significant challenges to the bills passage.

Most prominently, even after over a month of negotiation with Biden and Democratic leadership, moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) remains opposed to the $3.5 trillion package. On Sept. 23, Manchin said that he and Biden were trying to find a pathway forward on the bill, noting that the president had asked moderates to give him an idea of the highest top line price that they would support.

But on Wednesday, Manchin restated his opposition to the bill. In a statement on Twitter, he decried the bill as fiscal insanity, warning that it would not get his vote without further adjustments.

I cannotand will notsupport trillions in spending or an all-or-nothing approach that ignores the brutal fiscal reality our nation faces, Manchin said.

After this setback, Pelosi still said she was confident that Manchin would be open to negotiation.

Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) have also expressed hesitation or outright opposition to the bill.

A spokesman for Sinema, who has said little about the bill since its introduction, said simply, Kyrsten will not support a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill.

Warner, who has been leading moderates in negotiations with the president, also said that moderates had expectations that he indicated had not been met.

The Senates most prominent progressive, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has pushed for no compromise on a $3.5 trillion budget bill.

Sanders, the author of the expansive budget, initially wanted a bill with a $6 trillion price tag, but this was eventually lowered in the final draft of his budget to $3.5 trillion.

Sanders has long indicated that he and other progressives feel they have already compromised enough. After one meeting on the bill, the senator complained that the top line has come down. It started at $6 trillion. Still, Sanders did not entirely reject a smaller bill altogether, as negotiations between moderates and progressives continued.

On Tuesday, just two days before the scheduled vote on the hastily crafted reconciliation bill, Sanders came out publicly against any bill with a price tag lower than $3.5 trillion.

On Twitter, Sanders wrote: No infrastructure bill should pass without a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. That is the agreement that was made & that is the agreement that must be kept. Physical infrastructure is important, but the needs of working families & combatting climate change is more important.

Isabel van Brugen contributed to this report.
The Chinese regimes flag and American flag are displayed in a company in Beijing on Aug. 16, 2017. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

Pentagon, Chinese Military Officials Hold Frank Talks, Weeks After AUKUS Pact

U.S. and Chinese military officials this week held frank, in-depth talks on a variety of defense issues, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday.

The virtual meetings were held on Tuesday and Wednesday between Michael Chase, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, and Chinese Maj. Gen. Huang Xueping, Department of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners said in a statement.

During the talks, the two sides held a frank, in-depth, and open discussion on a range of issues affecting the U.S.-PRC [Peoples Republic of China] defense relationship, Meiners said. Both sides reaffirmed consensus to keep communication channels open.

The spokesman added that during the talks with China the U.S. side also made clear our commitment to uphold shared principles with our allies and partners in the IndoPacific region.

The two-day video conference meetings were held two weeks after the announcement of the new AUKUS pact between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, which seeks to ramp up collaboration across fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber, and undersea capabilities between the three allies.

The AUKUS deal includes plans for the United States to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for the Australian military and replaces a $66 billion deal for submarines struck by Australia and France in 2016.

Beijing has denounced the alliance, which is largely seen as a response by Western allies to the increasingly assertive actions taken by China in the IndoPacific region, such as building artificial islands in the South China Sea and an ongoing military build-up.

China has condemned the alliance as extremely irresponsible, saying that it could fuel tensions in the IndoPacific region and severely damage peace and stability.

This was the 16th round of the talks, known as the U.S.PRC Defense Policy Coordination talks. The last round was held during the administration of former President Donald Trump on Jan. 14 last year.

Meiners called the talks an important component of the Biden administrations efforts to responsibly manage the competition between the U.S. and the PRC.

According to White House officials, President Joe Biden acknowledged in a Sept. 22 phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron that more consultation could have taken place with the French government ahead of this months announcement of the new pact.

The two leaders agreed that the situation would have benefited from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic interest to France and our European partners. President Biden conveyed his ongoing commitment in that regard, a joint readout of the 30-minute phone call from the Elysee Palace and the White House said.

According to the readout, Biden also reaffirmed the strategic importance of French and European engagement in the IndoPacific region.

Nick Ciolino and Reuters contributed to this report.
People participate in a rally to denounce the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and encourage Chinese people to withdraw from the CCP and its affiliated organizations, in Philadelphia Chinatown, on Sept. 26, 2021. (Frank Liang/The Epoch Times)

Philadelphia Rally Denouncing CCP Draws Support From State Lawmakers and Residents

PHILADELPHIAA rally in Philadelphia Chinatown on Sept. 26, denouncing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and encouraging Chinese people to withdraw from the CCP and its affiliated organizations, drew support from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and residents.

The gathering was to reject the CCP and expose the evils it has committed, according to Alex Luchansky, the event organizer and software engineer manager at a financial company. During the rally, he said that the CCP operates like a transnational criminal organization. Since it took over China, hundreds of millions of people have been suffering from its endless deceptions and brutality.

This pandemic, COVID-19 or CCP Virus, could have been prevented if the CCP did not lie, and now its terror has spread globally, affecting everyone, Luchansky added. It is time for us to stand up against its evil deeds and sever all ties with the CCP.

State Lawmakers Support Rejecting the CCP

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued a citation for the event, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia), which applauded 382 million people who have quit the CCP for the positive step to secure their future, also for the safety they bring to the U.S. and the rest of the world.

The citation noted that the CCP has killed over 80 million Chinese people through numerous political campaigns in the last 70 years, including the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the persecution of Falun Gong, the suppression of Uyghurs, and retaliation at recent protests in Hong Kong.

Falun Dafa practitioners, who make up the largest group of persecuted people in China, have been illegally imprisoned and severely tortured for the last 22 years, the citation stated. Many have been killed through the governments program of forced organ harvesting.

Adherents of Falun Gong, an ancient Chinese spiritual practice also known as Falun Dafa, have been persecuted by the Chinese regime since 1999, which allegedly began harvesting organs from detained Falun Gong practitioners for profit soon after that.

The citation also acknowledged the significance of rejecting the CCP. While the CCP poses a significant threat to the United States and other countries, people who are no longer affiliated with the CCP and understand the values of democratic ideals will not assist the CCP in its subversion and infiltration activities, thereby lessening the threat the CCP poses to the international community.

Dr. Jessica Russo said that what the CCP does is not just to the detriment of the Chinese people but to the detriment of all people, at the rally in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2021. (Frank Liang/The Epoch Times)

The message of decoupling the CCP was echoed by Philadelphia resident Dr. Jessica Russo, who spoke at the rally.

She argued that the CCP has been a scourge on the Chinese nation, destroying a rich, spiritual civilization that goes back 5,000 years, in just a few decades, and it does so not just to the detriment of the Chinese people but to the detriment of all people.

In the U.S. [and around the world], the CCP has subverted our educational system, our workplaces, our government, and our media, said Dr. Russo. So it is not just the Chinese people who are suppressed, but all of humanity.

Thus, it is imperative not only for the Chinese people to engage in rejecting the CCP, but it is also critical for all of us. Every organization, every corporation, every citizen and resident of this country and every other country must say no to the CCP.

We must all reject the CCP so we can be free, said Dr. Russo.

Calls for Ending Chinas Forced Organ Harvesting

Human Rights advocates at the rally called on governments and the public to support the effort to end Chinas state-sanctioned practice of forced organ harvesting.

Dr. Ann Corson, the Editor-in-Chief of the newsletter for Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH), calls on governments and the public to support the effort to end Chinas state-sanctioned practice of forced organ harvesting, at the rally in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2021. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)

Evidence first emerged in 2006 that organs were being removed from the bodies of living prisoners of conscience for transplantation into cash-paying patients from China and around the world, said Dr. Ann F. Corson, who is editor-in-chief for the newsletter published by Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH).

Dr. Corson highlighted the tremendous efforts by courageous investigators from the fields of medicine, law, government, and journalism who have gathered a preponderance of evidence, demonstrating that forced organ harvesting has been occurring throughout China on a massive scale for two decades, driving a lucrative transplant tourism industry.

In China, transplantation of vital organs can be booked in advance on a specific date and performed after short waiting times, said Dr. Corson. A captive, non-consenting organ donor pool waits for patients to arrive. Desperate patients from many countries, including the United States, have been lured to China by hospital websites and organ brokers promising matching organs in just two to four weeks. This is unheard of in the West where patients wait years for organs.

In March 2020, the London-based independent China Tribunal concluded that forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale and that Falun Gong practitioners have been oneand probably the mainsource of organ supply.

Dr. Corson called on all members of the medical profession and the entire global community to advocate for an end to Chinas forced live organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners and other innocent prisoners of conscience.

If we accept the Chinese medical establishment as legitimate and ethical, we will be colluding with mass murderers, said Dr. Corson.

Message Gets Across to the Public

The rally caught the attention of many who were passing by. Several people shared their thoughts and appreciated peoples courage in denouncing the CCP.

I learned about all the things that Chinas doing that are not being reported by the media. For example, what theyre doing to the Uyghurs [and] the fact that China is involved in organ harvesting, Michael Smith, a government official, told The Epoch Times.

Smith said he had heard of the forced organ harvesting committed by the Chinese regime before but thought it was just an urban legend. However, I did get information here that points [to] evidence that this is true.

Its despicable, disgusting, Smith said, and added that he needed to get more involved in trying to raise awareness to see what can be done.

I dont want to be a part of the whole thing that is happening, Smith told the Epoch Times.Theres something I heard a long time ago that if you dont say anything, then youre a part of it. So thats my feeling. I must do something so that Im not a part of it.

Smith thought the rally was an excellent way to get the message across.

I think a lot of times when you start small and at the grassroots level, thats where you [make] the most significant impact that could change society. And I think that this is one step in that direction.

I would be more suspicious if suddenly there was like a multi-million-dollar campaign saying something, said Smith, I think everything starts in small steps.

Brian Roenelt, a landscaper from New Jersey, is grateful of being informed about the forced organ harvesting committed by the CCP, at the rally in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2021. (Frank Liang/The Epoch Times)

Brian Roenelt, a landscaper from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, also expressed his gratitude after being informed at the rally about the forced organ harvesting committed by the CCP.

I cant even put it into words how unfathomable [it is that] something like that is taking place, Roenelt told The Epoch Times, But theres a lot of people that are just turning a blind eye, and its horrible.

He said it was his civil duty to stop and listen to what the speakers said and their expression of the beliefs that we all share.

The more people paying awareness to it  the better chance for change to take place, Roenelt said, so the few minutes it may take for someone to acknowledge whats taking place could be what overall makes the vast outcome change and affects millions upon millions of peoples lives.

At least 25 Chinese people decided to withdraw from the CCP during the rally, Luchansky told The Epoch Times.
A student wears a face mask on the campus of the UCLA college in Westwood, Calif. on March 6, 2020. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)

Professor Punished for Refusing to Give Black Students Easier Exams Sues UCLA

A professor who was suspended for declining a push to give black students easier exams has sued his school, alleging a breach of contract and other violations.

Gordon Klein, a professor at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA), was asked by a group of non-black students last year to grade their black classmates more leniently. They wanted him to give them a no-harm final exam that will only benefit students grades if taken, they wrote in an email.

The group said the disparate treatment should be given to black classmates because they are directly facing the consequences of state-sanctioned violence and graphic content on social media that transcends from Minneapolis to our very own communities in our hometowns and in Westwood. The email appeared to be referencing the police killing of George Floyd.

Klein refused the request, prompting an outcry from people who organized a campaign that alleged he was racist. That led to UCLAs Anderson School of Management, where he teaches, to discipline him. He was suspended, banned from campus, and others were hired to teach his classes.

Antonio Bernardo, the dean of the school, disparaged Klein to alumni and the general public, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in the California Superior Court in Los Angeles County.

Officials took issue with an email Klein wrote in response to the group of students. In it, he questioned how he should treat students of mixed heritage and whether the group knew any black students.

It is deeply disturbing to learn of this email, which we are investigating, the school wrote on social media.

While the university blocked the school from firing Klein and he has since resumed teaching, he filed a lawsuit because he doesnt want to see another professor treated in the same way.

They have had a pattern of infringing on peoples academic freedom and engaging in cancel culture. That shouldnt happen to anyone, and Im standing up against it, Klein told The Epoch Times.

In some cases, universities have lost sight that their principal mission is to educate students, as opposed to racially profiling and segregating students or treating them differently based on their group identity, he said.

The suit alleges violations of the California Constitution and California Labor Code, including the right to privacy, protection against retaliatory discrimination, and an employers duty to remain politically neutral. It also asks for damages.

Due to confidentiality and privacy laws and concerns, we are unable to comment on this matter at this time, a UCLA spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email. However, we can share that the university has general procedures and principles that uphold freedom of expression and freedom of intellectual inquiry while also facilitating a learning, working, and living environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

To this end, all reports of alleged misconduct are carefully and impartially reviewed by the UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusions Civil Rights Office. This office takes every report seriously while ensuring that no case is prejudged. To promote transparency, the UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion publishes annual public reports with aggregated data on complaints, investigations, and findings.
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) (L) speaks as House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) (R) and House Republican veterans of the military listen during a news conference at Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Aug. 31, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Republican Lawmakers Press Biden Administration to Get Tougher on China

Republican lawmakers are calling for the Biden administration to harden its policy toward Beijing, saying that recent remarks from senior officials revealed a failure to grasp the true threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

U.S. climate envoy John Kerry recently responded to a question about the plight of Uyghurs in Chinas western Xinjiang region by saying that life is always full of tough choices in the relationship between nations and later that first and foremost, this planet must be protected.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo also signaled a desire to improve U.S. business ties with China. Given the size of the Chinese market, we need to do business there, she told The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 24, adding that robust commercial engagement will help to mitigate any potential tensions and prevent unintended conflict.

Such remarks have prompted concern among lawmakers in the China Task Force, a grouping of House Republicans. In a Sept. 29 statement, the Republicans called for the two officials to immediately receive a threat briefing and review the broken promises, theft of intellectual property, rampant economic espionage, and blatant coercion of American citizenswhich they said have resulted from decades of assuming commercial engagement would prevent tensions.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration has not presented a clear, comprehensive approach to address the generational threat of the Chinese Communist Party, Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas), who chairs the 17-member congressional panel, told The Epoch Times in an email.

Challenges posed by the Chinese regime, spanning from national security to economic, are increasingly worrying Washington.

At a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing last week, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that the agency is opening a new China counterintelligence investigation every 12 hours.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a hearing to discuss security threats 20 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, at the US Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 21, 2021. (Greg Nash/ POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijing has also quickened its pace in modernizing its military in a bid to displace the United States, the dominant military power globally, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall warned on Sept. 20.

While national security officials such as Director Wray and Air Force Secretary Kendall are warning about serious threats to U.S. security, other officials are repeating the debunked claim that trade and economic access can turn the CCP into a responsible stakeholder, McCaul said.

The United States has for decades engaged with China under the thinking that the countrys economic liberalization would lead to greater political freedoms. This projection didnt materialize, Western officials and experts say, pointing to deteriorating human rights conditions in the country. Washington began to shift to a hardline approach toward the regime under the Trump administration over issues such as Beijings unfair trade practices, technology theft, human rights abuses, and cyber espionage.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House on Sept. 15, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Biden administration has described its relationship with China as one of both cooperation and competition. It has also emphasized fostering alliances with Western democracies to push back against the regimes military and economic aggression. Earlier this month, the United States, Australia, and Britain created a new security partnership focused on the Indo-Pacific, a pact widely viewed as directed toward countering Beijings growing assertiveness in the region.

Meanwhile, the administration has maintained that its not seeking a new Cold War or conflict with Beijing.

While we may take issue with some means they engage in the world, we also have areas we will want to continue to work together, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Sept. 20.

President Joe Biden repeated the same conciliatory message in his first United Nations address the next day without mentioning China directlya gesture Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) labeled as a weak appeasement of Beijingalthough Chinese leader Xi Jinping later leveraged the same platform to take several jabs at the United States.

Characters that read Welcome home Meng Wanzhou are seen at the domestic arrivals area at the BaoAn International Airport in Shenzhen, southeastern China on Sept. 25, 2021, (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The United States recent release of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, which then saw two Canadians who were detained in China released shortly after, has prompted many to question whether there was a prisoner swap agreement secretly negotiated between Washington and Beijing. Beijings detention of the two Canadians is widely viewed as acts of hostage diplomacy done in response to Mengs arrest.

Psaki has denied any links between the individuals release but confirmed that their cases came up during Bidens second phone call with Xi roughly three weeks ago.

Xi in the call had blamed U.S. pressure for straining bilateral ties while Biden told Xi he sees no reason for competition to veer into conflict.

Kerry, who just traveled to China in early September, has indicated plans for a third visit in the coming weeks.

The White House is wasting time and undermining national security by refusing to acknowledge the failed history of engagement, said McCaul.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) emphasized the range of threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party in a nine-minute speech on the Senate floor on Sept. 28.

Whether we seek it or not, China has been waging a cold war on America  and our way of life for decades, he said. The only question is whether we will win or lose.

He argued that the conspicuous omission of China in Bidens U.N. speech amounted to the president announcing his capitulation to the Chinese Communist Party.

We are the global leader, not China, we dont require Chinas forgiveness or favor, Cotton said.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
General view of the Ryanair logo at their headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, on Sept. 16, 2021. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters)

Ryanair to Appeal After Court Backs EU Order to Repay Austrian Airport Aid

DUBLIN/LUXEMBOURGRyanair Holdings Plc on Wednesday said it would appeal a ruling by Europes second-highest court rejecting its challenge against an EU order to repay millions of euros in illegal aid given by an Austrian airport.

The Luxembourg-based General Court also dismissed a challenge by TUIfly on the same issue.

The European Commission in its 2016 decision said certain airport services and marketing agreements between the operator of Klagenfurt airport in southern Austria and Ryanair, TUIfly and HLXwhich was merged with Hapagfly in 2007 to create TUIflygave the carriers an unfair advantage.

The EU competition watchdog said the lossmaking deals amounted to state aid for the airlines as they reduced their operating costs.

It estimated the illegal aid to Ryanair at around 2 million euros ($1.7 million), to TUIfly at 1.1 million and to HLX at 9.6 million. Both Ryanair and TUIfly subsequently challenged the decisions.

The Court agreed with the Commission in both cases. Ryanairs appeal will now be heard by the EU Court of Justice, Europes highest.

The cases are T-448/18 Ryanair and Others v. Commission, and T-447/18 TUIfly v. Commission.
Second Body Found Near Same Area as Gabby Petitos, Ending Separate Missing Person Case

The search for Gabby Petito led rescuers to another body in Wyoming that officials believe belongs to another missing individual, said local authorities.

The remains discovered Tuesday in Bridger-Teton National Forest, near Grand Teton National Park, are similar to a description of Robert Lowery, a 46-year-old Texas man who went missing about a month ago, said the Teton County Search and Rescue in a news release.

Lowery was last seen on the Black Canyon Trail in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, officials said. The body was found Tuesday after a four-hour search with the help of several K-9 teams and 25 search volunteers, officials said.

The widespread news coverage of the Gabby Petito search helped bring light to Lowerys case, and resulted in at least two members of the public calling local authorities this past weekend with new information about his possible last seen point, the release from the search and rescue team reads.

Investigators found what they believe is likely Lowerys body and a duffle bag that appeared to match the description of the one he was carrying significantly off-trail on a steep, wooded slope, the news release said.

The identity of the body has not yet been confirmed. The manner and cause of death have also not been disclosed pending an investigation.

Collectively, the search teams hiked more than 75 miles and covered 22,500 feet in elevation, the agency said.

Lowerys family thanked Teton County law enforcement for their work.

Bob has been a wonderful father, son, brother, and friend, the family told Fox News in a statement. Our family wants to thank the news media and others involved in the search for our privacy at this difficult time.

According to an online fundraiser, Bob, a loving father, is survived by two beautiful children, Meredith and Luke, and their mother, Christelle. The children will have the unconditional love and support of our full extended family; however, in the wake [of] their fathers unexpected death, we want to ensure that they are best set up for their future.

Meanwhile, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are still searching for the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie, the key person of interest involved in the Petito case. The young woman was found dead in Wyoming several weeks ago, and her manner of death was ruled a homicide.

FBI agents on Thursday again searched the property of Laundries parents and went through a camper in their driveway before leaving with a bag, reporters on the scene said.

Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino released a statement saying that the FBI is at the Laundrie home today to collect some personal items belonging to Brian that will assist the canines in their search for Brian. There is nothing more to this.
Democrats Denied on 2nd Attempt to Include Amnesty for Illegal Aliens Through Reconciliation

Since the beginning of September, Senate Democrats have been trying to convince the Senates nonpartisan referee, the parliamentarian, to allow them to include amnesty for illegal aliens in their reconciliation bill. The parliamentarian shot down the first effort in mid-September; on Wednesday, Democrats were disappointed again after the parliamentarian denied their second push.

The blessing of the current parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, will be necessary because of the peculiar track Democrats are using in the hopes of passing their $3.5 trillion budget that has not received any Republican support.

Specifically, they are using the reconciliation process, a parliamentary procedure added to the Senates rule in the early 1970s. The process allows some types of budget bills to pass through the deliberative upper chamber with only a simple majority, bypassing filibuster by opponents altogether. Ultimately, what is allowed under this process is up to MacDonough, whose job it is to protect the rights of both parties.

At a press conference before the parliamentarian made her first ruling, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) indicated that Democrats believe immigration is a critical element in reconciliation.

How many years have we all complained that the immigration system in America is broken and needs to be fixed? he asked, adding that the last comprehensive immigration reform to come from Congress was passed 35 years ago, signed by President Ronald Reagan.

Under the standing rules of the reconciliation process, provisions in reconciliation bills must have an impact on the federal governments spending and revenues that is more than merely incidental. Durbin argued that the immigration reform does have a cost associated with it and was applicable under reconciliation rules.

Democrats to Go to Plan C

The first effort by Democrats would have allowed around 8 million illegal aliens already in the country to be eligible for amnesty. This second effort was less lofty, and simply sought to change the date that illegal immigrants would be eligible for a pathway to citizenship.

This effort was again denied, a move in line with MacDonoughs track record. During her time in the position, MacDonough has not been shy to kill the priorities of either parties that she considered to be outside the scope of reconciliation.

For example, in 2017, Republicans tried to add a provision to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actpassed through the reconciliation processthat would have repealed restrictions on churches, charitable foundations, and universities that forbade such nonprofits from becoming politically involved or endorsing candidates.

After Democrats took back the majority, MacDonough also put restrictions on what they were permitted to do. In February, the parliamentarian ruled against including a $15 minimum wage in a CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus relief package proposed by President Joe Biden.

In both cases, the majority party tried to convince MacDonough that the provisions were budget-related to little avail.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a proponent of using reconciliation to change immigration law, called MacDonoughs decision unfortunate. He explained, I disagree with  the original principle shes working from, referencing her no-excuses attitude to reconciliation.

Still, Menendez indicated that despite the failure of their first two efforts, Democrats would still be making a third push and go to plan C. The senator was coy discussing the details, telling a reporter, Its for me to know and you to find out.

Menendez did say, however, if we dont have any pathway to some form of status adjustment for the undocumented that he wouldnt support provisions designed to help businesses. Were not gonna take care of businesses and not take care of the 11 million, Menendez said of groups of illegal immigrants, including former President Barack Obamas Dreamers, temporary protected status (TPS) holders, agricultural laborers, and essential workers, among others..

But without the acquiescence of the parliamentarian, Menendez and his colleagues will have little choice, given MacDonoughs unilateral control over what is and is not acceptable for reconciliation.

A key immigration focus for Democrats in Congress and the president has been the status of so-called Dreamers. This group is comprised of people who entered the United States illegally as children and were granted amnesty under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) a controversial executive order signed by President Barack Obama. Under Democrats initial proposal to MacDonough, millions of Dreamers would have received a pathway to citizenship.

The Biden administration has signaled that this is still a key focus.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who runs the department tasked with combatting illegal immigration, said after the ruling, The Biden-Harris Administration continues to take action to protect Dreamers and recognize their contributions to this country  only Congress can provide permanent protection. I support the inclusion of immigration reform in the reconciliation bill and urge Congress to act swiftly to provide Dreamers the legal status they need and deserve.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also weighed in, saying, We are committed to getting immigration reform done. She added, This, I expect, would renew a look for what the vehicles and options may be.

Because reconciliation is one of the only ways to get legislation through the Senate on a simple majority, it is for Democrats the only chance to push forward their immigration agenda with no Republican support. Any other piece of legislation is subject to death by filibuster, which can only be ended by the vote of 60 senators.

The bill is currently set for a House vote on Thursday. With this setback, Democrats have mere hours to craft a new proposal if they hope to keep that deadline.
An attendee walks through the Smith and Wesson booth during the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, on May 3, 2013. New York Public Advocate Bill de Blasio announced July 22 that eight hedge funds and money managers have divested gun holdings valued at $150 million. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Smith & Wesson Moving Corporate Headquarters From Massachusetts to Tennessee

Gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson said that it has moved its headquarters from Massachusetts to Tennessee, citing recent gun-control legislation that has been proposed in Massachusetts.

This has been an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after an exhaustive and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative, said CEO Mark Smith said in a statement.

Smith & Wesson then cited legislation circulating in the Massachusetts Legislature that would bar the firm from making certain guns in the state.

These bills would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing firearms that are legal in almost every state in America and that are safely used by tens of millions of law-abiding citizens every day exercising their Constitutional 2nd Amendment rights, protecting themselves and their families, and enjoying the shooting sports, Smiths statement continued.

Smith added that it hopes the proposed bill will be defeated during the Legislative session, according to the statement.

These products made up over 60 percent of our revenue last year, the firm said, and the unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions would be raised again led to a review of the best path forward for Smith & Wesson.

In comparison, Smith said that the company received strong support from the state of Tennessee as well as Blount County.

The companys move will bring about 750 jobs and is an investment of around $125 million, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said.

A bill introduced in the Massachusetts state Legislature includes HD 4192, known as the An Act To Stop Mass Shootings, which attempts to stop the making of assault weapons or large-capacity magazines in the state.

Springfield, Massachusetts, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said that Smith & Wessons decision devastating news to the 550 employees and their families who will be losing their jobs, MassLive reported.

Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) called back to Smith & Wessons long history in the city, saying that it is disappointing to hear  the company will move from Springfield to Tennessee.

The relationship between Smith & Wesson and Springfield predates the Civil War, Neal added. Since 1852, they have been an anchor in our community providing solid employment opportunities to residents of this area for generations. While the loss of jobs is discouraging to our region, I am heartened that some will remain. I look forward to continuing our relationship with the company as it undergoes this transfiguration.
South Dakota Attorney General Reviewing Noems Meeting With Daughter, Officials

South Dakotas attorney general is looking into a meeting Gov. Kristi Noem had with her daughter and top officials last year.

I have been contacted by concerned citizens and legislators. I am actively reviewing their concerns and I will be following the steps prescribed in codified law in relation to those questions, South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, a Republican, told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement.

The state Senates Government Operations and Audit Committee is also planning to review the matter, its chairman, Republican state Sen. Kyle Schoenfish, told the Associated Press.

The wire outlet reported that Noem, her daughter Kassidy Peters, and South Dakota Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman met in her office in July 2020 with Sherry Bren, a state worker who was overseeing Peters application to become an appraiser.

Bren had moved to deny Peters her license but about four months after the meeting, she received it.

Noem and her office have pushed back on the reporting on the meeting.

The Associated Press is disparaging the Governors daughter in order to attack the Governor politicallyno wonder Americans trust in the media is at an all-time low. South Dakota is open for business. We wont allow bureaucratic red tape to get in the way of South Dakotas sustained economic growth. Having more quality appraisers in the market will help keep our housing market moving and home prices down, Ian Fury, Noems communications director, told The Epoch Times in an email.

Noem, a Republican, told Newsmax on Tuesday that her daughter received no special treatment.

She did exactly what every other person did, applying and receiving an appraisers license in the state of South Dakota, Noem said. This is another political attack.

Bren later filed an age discrimination complaint and left her job after the state agreed to pay $200,000 in exchange for her withdrawing it, Noem noted. She described Bren as a disgruntled employee who made innuendos to the Associated Press.

I signed up for this job. I get it. Theyre going to attack me and I realize that, the governor added. Now theyre going after my kids and trying to destroy my kids. There was a point in time where people didnt do that. I realize were in new territory today.

Noem has not denied the meeting took place, nor did the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.

A spokesperson for the agency told The Epoch Times in an email that the agency makes sure there are plenty of quality appraisers in South Dakota.

Kassidy Peters went through the same process as other appraisers. There was no denial, the spokesperson said. Mrs. Peters completed the requirements to become licensed, and she was subsequently certified in November. The Department is not going to discuss the specifics of personnel decisions.
Still No Timeline for Implementing OSHA Vaccine Law Weeks After Announcement: White House

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday its not clear when a new rule from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requiring more than 80 million private sector workers to take the COVID-19 vaccine will go into effect.

President Joe Bidens executive order, announced Sept. 9, is set to require all workers at private businesses with 100 employees or more to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or show a weekly negative test. It will also require employers with more than 100 employees to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated or to recover if they suffer an adverse reaction post-vaccination.

Fines for companies that dont comply with the law could total as much as $13,600, and Bidens budget reconciliation package being considered in Congress includes a measure to increase OSHA fines by tenfold.

Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is overseeing the creation of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement the new vaccine requirement. Following Bidens announcement, officials have said the ETS is expected to be applied in the coming weeks.

Psaki reiterated on Wednesday, almost four weeks after the initial announcement, that no firm timeline has been set by the White House.

We never gave an exact timeline, she said. Somaybe we should have been more specific at the time. Obviously, it takes some time and we want to make sure when we put these out they are clear and they provide the guidance necessary for businesses.

She went on to say, I cant give you a timeline. OSHA is working on them. Hopefully well know more in the coming weeks.

The OSHA law on ETS states: Under certain limited conditions, OSHA is authorized to set emergency temporary standards that take effect immediately and are in effect until superseded by a permanent standard. OSHA must determine that workers are in grave danger due to exposure to toxic substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmful, or to new hazards and that an emergency standard is needed to protect them.

While the Biden Administration maintains that the mandates are legal under OSHA law, several Republican lawmakers and attorneys general have voiced opposition to the executive order, with many vowing to fight it in court.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective tools to prevent the disease, but getting the vaccine is and should be a choice, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement following Bidens announcement. These mandates are outrageous. They will never stand up in court. We must and will push back.

Many private businesses and state governments have put their own vaccine mandates into effect ahead of the federal law, and some large companies have fired hundreds of workers who refuse to get the shot.

United Airlines says it is set to terminate 593 of its employees who have chosen to not comply with the companys vaccine mandate. Almost 200 Minnesota healthcare workers sued their employers in a bid to block mandates at their facilities. And Thousands of New York health care workers have been put on unpaid leave following a Sept. 27 deadline in that state for health care workers to get vaccinated.
Senior students seen in class at Melba Secondary College in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Sydney Students Back to School One Week Earlier Than Planned

Students in New South Wales (NSW) will be allowed back in the classroom one week earlier than expected.

The staggered return of students will begin on Oct. 18 with Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 12 students.

Year 2, 6, and 11 students return on Oct. 25 followed by the remaining year levels on Nov. 1.

Areas of regional NSW where stay-at-home orders have already lifted will commence face-to-face learning from the first day of Term four, Oct. 5.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the states return-to-school plan had always been tied to community vaccination rates, which have risen faster than expected.

Managing a return in a school system the size of NSWs is not a small task, Berejiklian said. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.

Students walk up the stairs of the overpass at the Sydney Light Rail Moore Park stop on their way to school in Sydney, Australia, on May 25, 2020. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said it was worth having an extra week of face-to-face in a safe and sensible way.

Its fantastic that we will meet vaccination targets in NSW earlier than originally anticipated, Mitchell said. This has allowed us to shift the plan forward for all schools across impacted areas.

I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVIDSafe as possible, Mitchell said.

All teachers must be vaccinated for COVID-19 before they are allowed back in classrooms, with the deadline for the second dose on Nov. 8, unless they have a medical exception.

The vaccine mandate has been met with considerable opposition after almost 60,000 people signed a petition within a week calling for teachers not to be forced to take COVID-19 vaccinations.

It may also cause further strain on the states education system that is experiencing a shortage of teachers.

The Independent Education Union (IEU), which represents teachers and staff in non-government schools, said they were extremely frustrated at the lack of consultation prior to making the decision, and preferred to stick to the original schedule.

The IEU considers this current staged plan of returning students and their teachers to school to be the safest option, IEU NSW acting secretary Carol Matthews said. It enables schools to make adjustments to premises and processes as the necessity becomes apparent.
A woman looks through a magnifier to see the RAM from a notebook during the semi-tech show in Taipei, Taiwan on 10 May, 2007. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Taiwan Proposes Tightening Law to Counter Beijings Technology Espionage

Taiwan is looking to tighten its commercial secrets law to prevent China from stealing key technology, the top China-policy maker said on Sept. 29. The move flags Beijings long-term espionage efforts toward the self-ruled island.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is proposing a revision to an existing law governing China relations that would require technical personnel receiving government money to seek permission before going to China, according to a Wednesday statement.

The amendment is to protect the national core technology from Beijing-backed industrial espionage. Those who breach the law would be fined up to $360,555.

Taiwan is home to some of the worlds largest and most advanced semiconductor plants.

Nowadays, be it washing machines, electronic devices, or fighter jets, millions of products depend on computer microchips, also known as semiconductors, to power electronics.

The prolonged global computer chip shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the economic and strategic importance of the de facto independent country in chipmaking.

China claims Taiwan as its own and vows to take it by force if necessary.

Beijings aggression is not limited to maneuvers and economic coercion, but includes acquiring the world-leading chipmaking technology from Taiwan.

While Taiwan dominates the semiconductor manufacturing industry, China relies heavily on imported foreign chips.

Cases of Chinas attempts to steal industrial technology from Taiwan occur frequently, the MAC said in the statement.

Five-times higher wages, free annual trips home, and heavily subsidized apartments are what Chinese state-owned firms can offer to lure away Taiwanese tech talent, sources said.

Workers produce LED chips at a factory in Huaian, in Chinas eastern Jiangsu Province on June 16, 2020. (STR/AFP)

Cases emerged in 2014, and intensified in 2018, as U.S.-China trade tensions escalated. Engineers at Taiwanese chipmaker foundries stole technology with the intention of providing it to mainland China, and many more relocated to China, which became a major concern for Taiwanese tech companies.

In January 2019, Taiwan prosecutors filed charges against four former employees of Taiwanese integrated circuit (IC) design company Novatek Microelectronics Corp., for trying to pass information related to virtual reality technology and installed chips to a Shanghai company.

In August 2018, a Taiwanese maker of DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) chips lost 48 of its senior experts to China in less than two years, according to Taiwans Central News Agency.

DRAMs are semiconductor cells within digital products that store data.

This April, lawmakers from the ruling Party in Taiwan proposed amending the commercial secrets law to widen the scope of what is considered a secret and to toughen penalties.

According to the Wednesday statement, the council said it will seek help from the technology ministry and further amend the regulations.

Taiwans parliament will need to pass the revisions.
The United States Flag and Texas State Flag are displayed at Murchison Rogers Park in El Paso, Texas, on June 24, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images)

Texas Decides to Defend America: Fact, Not Brag

Commentary

A week after Sept. 11, 2001, I spoke with a disaster-response expert about terrorist targets in Texas. The Houston Ship Channel, with all those refineries, was his first reply. How to protect it? He said: You tell me.

In December 2020 Forbes magazine published an article by David Blackmon addressing the vulnerability of offshore oil and gas infrastructure to criminal and terrorist attack.

Worldwide pirates and terrorists routinely attack tankers and oil facilities. Nigeria is an example. Drug cartels have seized platforms in Mexican waters. Their thugs demand ransom to return the platforms to production and free the crews.

Blackmon is an expert in offshore vulnerabilities. For Americans, he wrote,   tankers and facilities being damaged or coming under attack seem like someone elses problems  the fact is that these key assets and infrastructure are vulnerable to water-borne and airborne assault. Airborne includes drone strikes.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon offshore platform debacle cost BP around $70 billion and threatened the entire Louisiana coast. Terrorists and crooks could intentionally cause a Deepwater Horizon disaster.

So could an enemy nation-state. My 2001 Houston Ship Channel expert made that point.

In 2020, despite pandemic production drops, Corpus Christi, Texas, handled 55 percent of market share of U.S. crude exports. The canal from Corpus to Port Aransas to the Gulf of Mexico can be blocked in several places. Close Houstons or Corpus Christis connecting channel and American energy and chemical supplies suffer an instant blockade, without the enemy risking naval forces. The entire U.S. economy suffers. The May 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyberhacks economic costs would pale in comparison.

Who perceives our vulnerability? Communist China does. China doesnt need an Atlantic navy to conduct the operation, just saboteurs with position.

So, what do we do?

Some American leaders have real answers. At the moment, the most demonstrable reside in Texas.

This is legislative and executive fact, not Hollywood Texan brag: Texas has begun shouldering a defense burden that Biden Administration Beltway Washington (BABWA) has refused to bear.

Exhibit 1: The Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, SB 2116, authored by Republican Sen. Donna Campbell (mother of four and M.D. physician, of Texas Senate District 25) and Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound). The bill became law June 18.

Bureaucrat lingo: Relating to prohibiting contracts or other agreements with certain foreign-owned companies in connection with critical infrastructure in this state.

Beyond jargon, theres serious national defense energy. About three years ago a Chinese energy company purchased around 130,000 acres near Laughlin Air Force Base, located near Del Rio, Texas. Thanks to the Biden administrations Haitian migrant border fiasco, Del Rio has national visibility. Laughlin is a U.S. Air Force Air Training Command field. That makes nearby land an intelligence-gathering site.

But theres more! The Chinese company, fronted by billionaire Sun Guangxin (with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party), also wanted to build a wind farm. War bingo: The wind farm would have access to the U.S. power grid.

Would the CCP hack the Texas electrical grid? I ask you.

When the bill became law, Parker said it sent a clear message that we will not allow hostile foreign actors to access these vital elements of our great state.

I read recently that mainland Chinese actors are trying to acquire land near Yuma, Arizona. Thats land in the vicinity of both weapons-testing and big-league intelligence training sites.

Exhibit 2: Gov. Greg Abbots Operation Lone Star. The official description: directing state military and police resources to the border to aid local and federal authorities in fighting the smuggling of people and drugs across the border.

Texas has a 1,254-mile border with Mexico.

On Sept. 17 Abbott secured $2 billion more in state border defense funding.

After signing the bill Abbott said: It is the federal governments job to secure our border, but the Biden administration has failed to do its job, so Texas is stepping up to do what the federal government is supposed to do.

For the record, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) has written a national bill very similar to the Campbell-Parker bill. Good on you, Congressman Roy.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The Supreme Court in the American Constitutional Order

Commentary

This spring, President Biden appointed a 35-member Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States, charged with soliciting expert views, deliberating among themselves, and reporting back to him on the subject of reforming the nations highest court. The commissions members are themselves mostly eminent scholars of the Courts work, preponderantly but by no means exclusively liberal ones. In their two public meetings so far (via Zoom), the members have taken written and oral testimony from 45 witnessesalso various eminences of the bar and the professoriate, and also mostly liberals.

Is there a crisis of public confidence in the Supreme Court, such that its legitimacy as an institution is threatened? Inasmuch as the Court continuesas usualto outpoll presidents and Congress in public approval ratings, it would not appear so. (It wont do, however, to inquire too closely into what the public actually knows about the Courts work.) The impetus for the Biden administrations commission appears to have been to placate Democratic Party elites who are in a panic over the fact that President Donald Trump was able, in his single term, to appoint three Supreme Court justicesNeil Gorsuch to succeed Antonin Scalia, a conservative; Brett Kavanaugh to succeed Anthony Kennedy, a swing justice, sometimes conservative, sometimes liberal; and Amy Coney Barrett to succeed Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal. For the party elites fixated on the Courts composition, its time to pack the Court by expanding the number of seats and filling those new seats with liberal justices while Biden is president.

To be fair, the Democrats are not alone when it comes to grasping for control of appointments to the Supreme Court. Why else would erstwhile Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have announced, immediately after Justice Scalias death in February 2016, that no nomination by President Obama would even be considered before the November election?

With an opportunity coming in the Courts next term to reconsider Roe v. Wadeby far the most contentious precedent of the last half centuryits easy to understand why the appointment of justices is at the center of a partisan maelstrom in American politics. But without pretending that there was once a golden age when all Supreme Court decisions were calmly accepted, its worth taking a step back to consider what role in the American constitutional order the Supreme Court was intended to play.

Under the Constitutions Article III, the Supreme Court and such other courts as Congress may create are granted the judicial power, understood to be the adjudication of contesting parties rights and duties, wrongs and remedies, according to the rule of law. Broadly speaking, two categories of cases and controversies were to fall under the federal courts jurisdiction. One consisted of those lawsuits that the Framers concluded could be properly entrusted only (or ultimately) to the federal courtssuch as suits between states, or between citizens of different states, or those in which the nation itself was a party. The character of the controversywhich might implicate common law, state law, or any other source of legal principlesmattered less than the character of the parties involved.

The other category comprised those cases arising under the sources of law that the nation was responsible for: the Constitution itself, acts of Congress, and treaties with other nations. Here the character of the legal principles at stake was what mattered, not who was suing whom.

And it was just here, in the interstices of Article III, that the germ of what we call judicial review was located. What if a suit brought to the federal courts for decisionor to state courts, with appellate review by the Supreme Courtrequires the judges to choose between competing legal mandates, one grounded in an act of Congress and a contrary one grounded in the Constitution? The answer is supplied by Article VI, which declares the Constitution unqualifiedly to be the supreme law of the land, but says the same of federal laws only if they are made in pursuance ofthat is, consistent withthe Constitution. (The same provision explicitly declares federal law superior to any conflicting state law or constitution.)

It is often observed that judicial review, understood as a power to declare laws unconstitutional, is not explicitly given to the Supreme Court. This is a half-truth, however. The part that is true is that no freestanding, substantive power of proclaiming the Constitutions invalidation of an inferior law is accorded to the Court. But clearly some limited responsibility for the Constitutions authority, tied to the adjudication of ordinary lawsuits and prosecutions, is given by Articles III and VI, read together. The key to grasping the Framers creation of judicial review, in both its modesty and its magnitude, is to understand that it is a power to disregard (not invalidate) official acts undertaken without constitutional authority, but a power incidental to the decision of real legal disputes where rights and duties, wrongs and remedies must be adjudicated.

In this light, we can understand why judicial review should not be conflated with judicial supremacy or finalitythe idea that the Supreme Court has the authoritative and final word on the meaning of the Constitution in all its particulars, a word that cannot be gainsaid when the Court has spoken. For in the first place, there are a great many instances in which a law may remain on the books and routinely obeyed for many years, only to be disregarded by the judiciary at a later date when its authority is brought into question in a legal case. Were the courts vested with a full-blown constitutional enforcement power, they would be authorized to issue binding advisory opinions immediately after the passage of an act or the promulgation of an executive rule or order. But the impropriety of such advisory opinions, at any time, is one of the cardinal norms of limitation on the Supreme Courts authority.

In the second place, each of the other branches of our national government, no less than the judiciary, is charged by an oath taken by its officeholders to uphold the Constitution in all their official acts. Neither explicitly nor implicitly does the Constitution accord the Supreme Court a unique, special, or finally authoritative power to determine the meaning of the nations charter, such that all public officials, state and federal, are bound to obey the judges understanding of it. (The Court has on occasion proclaimed exactly this false proposition, most notably in an impatient overreaction to recalcitrant Arkansas officials in a 1958 school desegregation case.)

As Abraham Lincoln pointedly put it in his first inaugural address, alluding to the Courts disastrous 1857 Dred Scott decision, to affirm that the Constitution simply is whatever the Supreme Court says it is would be to surrender self-government itself to that eminent tribunal. No one knows better than the justices themselves how often their judgments have been wrong about the meaning of the Constitution. To suppose that other responsible actors are never in a position to challenge, to push back, or even to contradict their judgments in an effort to set things right is to sacrifice democratic republicanism to one of the Constitutions subsidiary principlesa principle intended to guide and channel that republicanism, not to thwart it and create an appointed oligarchy of jurists.

Still, it must be acknowledged that the undemocratic features of the American federal judiciarythe appointment of the judges by the joint action of the president and Senate, and the security of their tenure during good behavior subject only to impeachment for causeare best understood as a virtue and not a vice. Literally every exercise of judicial review to disregard a law or executive decision in the adjudication of a case is undemocratic inasmuch as it sets aside a decision made by officials who are answerable to the people in a way that judges are not. But this counter-majoritarian difficulty is no difficulty at all, if the Court is right about what the Constitution means and the matter was properly its businessno matter how popular, or benevolent, or beneficial the disregarded policy may be. And if the judges are ever to gainsay the popular will with just cause, their institutional independence is the bulwark of their authority to do so.

Another distinctive feature of the judiciary is the expectation that courts of law will explain their decisions, in a way no one expects legislators and executives to do. Presidents and members of Congress, as well as elected state officials, must give an accounting of their political choices and preferences to the electorate. Judges, however, are obliged to offer legal opinions, at least in any notable case that has been fully argued, that explain how a decision was not a matter of their choice or preference, but instead a matter of compulsion for them, dictated by laws not of their own making.

This necessity of explaining how it is that decisions rest on the close examination of others choices, rather than being the judges own choices, also highlights the manner of legal reasoning at work in judicial opinions. For at least two generations, the major alternative modes of reasoning about the Constitution have been originalism on one side (mostly among Republican appointees to the Court), and a progressive or living Constitution on the other (mostly among Democratic appointees).

The first view is that the Constitutions original meaning, as understood when its provisions were ratified, is what governs decision-making, while the second is that the Constitution was enacted with the expectation that each generation would adapt its meaning to its own felt necessities. For all the genuine historical difficulties that may attend the first approach, it is a fair question just how the second approach is consistent with the purpose of a Constitution that was intended to constrain politics intergenerationallyand how it can avoid collapsing the judgments of courts into the political and moral preferences of judges.

While originalism has itself produced some controversial Supreme Court decisionsrecent rulings on the Second Amendment come to mindby far the greater number of decisions justly criticized for overreaching the proper bounds of judicial power have come from the progressive approach to constitutional interpretation. The invention of a right to same-sex marriage, the stripping of religion from the public square, and various other novel interpretations of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment have proven impossible to defend on the basis of the text, original meaning, or historic understanding of the Constitution.

But by far the worst poison cast into the well of our constitutional politics has been the creation of the right to abort an unborn child, for any reason and at any time in pregnancy, subject only to a few restrictions but no outright prohibitions. Since Roe v. Wade in 1973, a great sorting has taken place between the parties, with the Republicans now almost uniformly opposed to that ruling and the Democrats even more uniformly wedded to it. In attempting to remove the abortion question from democratic politics, the justices responsible for it have only succeeded in cutting a deep wound in the nations commitment to constitutional fidelity and to impartial judging.

The struggle over Roe has supplied all the energy for our repeated apocalyptic struggles over nominations to the Supreme Court, at least since Robert Borks defeated nomination in 1987. The progressive jurisprudence that delivered Roe and underwrote its affirmation in Planned Parenthood v. Casey in 1992 has led its devotees into contortions of reasoning about the force of precedentalways an opportunistic doctrine for the progressive approachand has corrupted much of what passes for legal scholarship today. Roes affinity with Dred Scott is manifold. Both were grounded on a fallacious interpretation of due process. Both denied the protection of the law to large classes of human beings, interfered with legitimate democratic decision-making, and gave rise to tireless resistance movements. Both also prompted bad-faith arguments by their political and academic defenders and brought the Supreme Court from the temperate periphery of our political life, where it belongs, into its overheated center.

It is precisely the jeopardy Roe is now in, after President Trumps appointments to the Court, that has prompted Democratic elites to talk openly about Court-packing for the first time since Franklin Roosevelt tried such a gambit in 1937. So far, it looks like Court-packing is unlikely to be the Biden commissions recommendationand the Courts just-concluded term did not supply much fuel to propel such a course of action. But if, in the next term, the Court finally reverses itself and undoes the harm it did with its Roe ruling, one paradoxical result may be a palpable relief that our highest judicial tribunal can begin to become again a mere court of lawand stop trying to be the final arbiter of our most acute political and moral problems. If this happens, then the Court will have obviated reform efforts precisely by reforming itself.

From RealClearWire

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Chen Feng, chairman of HNA Group, the parent company of Hainan Airlines in China, have been detained on suspicion of committing crimes, the company announced on Sept. 24, 2021. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)

Troubled Chinese Airline Group Proposes Paying 40 Percent of Debts

BEIJINGHNA Group, a Chinese airline operator that ran into financial trouble after a global acquisition spree, has proposed a plan to settle $61 billion in debts owed to thousands of creditors by paying 40 percent of the total.

The conglomerate warned in a statement Tuesday that it faces possible liquidation due to mismanagement and investment disorder. HNA Group said Friday its chairman and CEO were detained by police on suspicion of unspecified crimes.

HNA Group, which operates Hainan Airlines and other carriers, bought hotels, a stake in Deutschebank AG and other assets abroad starting in 2014, financed by bank loans and bond sales. The company was struggling to pay its debts when last years global travel shutdown to fight the coronavirus devastated its aviation business. The government of the southern province of Hainan took control in February 2020.

The repayment plan, released Tuesday by HNAs publicly traded Hainan Airlines Holding Co. subsidiary, said an administrator has asked a court to confirm the company is obligated to pay 161.2 billion yuan ($25 billion), or about 40 percent of the 397.2 billion yuan ($61 billion) claimed by 4,915 creditors.

Creditors would receive shares in Hainan Airlines and no more than 100,000 yuan ($15,500) in cash to settle one-third of the debt, the plan said. It said HNA Group and related companies will be responsible for two-thirds of the remaining debt.

HNA Group said Friday its chairman, Chen Feng, and CEO, Tan Xiangdong, were taken under compulsory measures by police due to suspicion of crime. It gave no details but said operations are not affected.
UK Government Hails Huge Success as COVID-19 Furlough Scheme Ends

The British government has hailed its COVID-19 job retention scheme as a huge success as it is due to close at the end of Thursday.

The 70 billion ($94 billion) Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, commonly known as furlough, has supported 11.6 million UK workers over the past 18 months.

On the last day of the scheme, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said it was a real milestone in the UKs journey out of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic.

Its been a huge success in meaning this awful situation hasnt cost millions of jobs which would have been the central estimate when this all began, Clarke told Sky News. We think 2 million fewer people are unemployed as a result of furlough having been in place than would have otherwise been the case.

This is a moment when we can start to re-normalise the economy and ease the enormous burden on the taxpayer which has been caused by this pandemic, and actually look ahead now to a much brighter futurethe employment situation is really strong.

The furlough scheme was launched in spring 2020 to avoid mass unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. It initially paid 80 percent of the workers usual wages, but in the last two months, it paid 60 percent, with employers contributing 20 percent.

The London-based think tank Resolution Foundation called the scheme a great success.

The schemes continued existence throughout the crisis prevented catastrophic increases in unemployment, it said. This was the worst recession for 300 years and yet the unemployment rate peaked at just 5.2 percent, the smallest rise in any recession in living memory.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates, almost 1 million workers are still receiving support through the scheme at the end of September.

Clarke acknowledged that there will be some job losses as a result of the end of the scheme, saying: Theres never an easy moment to end these measures.

Peoples jobs will be created just as some have very sadly been lost, that is part of the process of ending this crisis and going back to normal, he said.

The end of the furlough comes amid record UK vacancy figures, with the latest ONS data for August reporting more than 1 million available jobs for the first time on record.

There have also been significant hiring sprees amid labour shortages for HGV drivers, warehouse staff, and food production workers.

PA contributed to this report.
UK Police Jailed for Life for Sarah Everard Murder

The former British police officer who raped and murdered Sarah Everard in March is handed a whole life order on Thursday.

It means the convict, 48-year-old Wayne Couzens who pleaded guilty to the kidnap, rape, and murder of Everard, will most likely die in prison as the sentence comes without any possibility of parole or conditional release unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds to warrant it.

Wayne Couzens who has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the murder of Sarah Everard, in an undated handout photo. (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, was walking home in the evening on March 3 after having dinner at a friends house in Clapham, south London, when she was kidnapped by then Metropolitan police officer Couzens, who made a fake COVID arrest, drove Everard to Kent before raping her, strangling her to death with his police belt, burning her body in a fridge, and disposing of her remains, the court heard on Wednesday.

Sentencing Couzens, Lord Justice Fulford said the circumstances of the case are devastating, tragic, and wholly brutal, and the seriousness of the case was so exceptionally high that it warranted a whole life orderthe most severe punishment available in the UK criminal justice system.

The misuse of a police officers role such as occurred in this case in order to kidnap, rape, and murder a lone victim is of equal seriousness as a murder for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, ideological cause, the judge said.

The judge also said that Couzens went hunting a lone female to kidnap and rape having planned in unspeakably grim detail, and that evidence gathered against him was unanswerable and there was no credible innocent explanation for it.

The defendants preparations included taking some of his police kit with him and lying to his family about working on the night of the murder, the court heard.

Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of a fire-damaged fridge found near to where the body of Sarah Everard was found. (Metropolitan Police/Handout via PA)

Everards parents, Jeremy and Susan Everard clasped hands and hugged police officers after Couzens was taken down to the cells.

Later, they issued a statement saying they were pleased with the sentence.

Nothing can make things better, nothing can bring Sarah back, but knowing he will be imprisoned forever brings some relief, the statement reads.

The Everards said their daughter lost her life needlessly and cruelly and all the years of life she had yet to enjoy were stolen from her.

Wayne Couzens held a position of trust as a police officer and we are outraged and sickened that he abused this trust in order to lure Sarah to her death. The world is a safer place with him imprisoned, the grieving parents said.

Nick Price, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said what Couzenss crime was a truly evil thing to do.

Offering condolences to the Everard family, Price said everyone in the CPS was deeply affected by what happened to Sarah.

We all feel betrayed that Couzens abused his position as a police officer to commit such abhorrent crimes, Price added.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said Couzens is an absolute disgrace to the police service and that he was totally ashamed that Couzens was ever a police officer.

I am proud to carry a warrant card, but this vile individuals abuse of that authority has cast a shadow on all those who work within policing. He has brought disgrace to our uniform, he said.

Apter said he felt sick to the stomach by the way Couzens took advantage of Everards trust.

No sentence will ever ease the pain for the family and friends of Sarah or undo the terrible damage this disgusting man has done. He doesnt deserve to have another single day of freedom and I hope every day he spends in prison is a long one, he added.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Met has some serious questions to answer, but when asked about the renewed calls for the Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to resign, the home secretary said she will continue to work with the Metropolitan Police and the commissioner to hold those responsible to account.

PA contributed to this report.
This handout image shows a Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit passing out water to Afghan evacuees at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 22, 2021. (Sgt. Isaiah Campbell/U.S. Marine Corps via Getty Images)

US Marine Who Says He Rescued Baby at Kabul Airport Being Investigated for Appearing at Trump Rally

A U.S. Marine who says he rescued a baby when U.S. troops held the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, is being investigated for going on stage at rally held by former President Donald Trump over the weekend.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has initiated a command investigation regarding LCpl Hunter Clarks attendance at the event last weekend to determine if any DoD policies were violated. Any details pertaining to this incident are not releasable while the investigation is being conducted, a spokesman for the unit told The Epoch Times in an email.

Clark was called up on stage on Saturday by Trump during a rally in Perry. He said he was the guy that pulled the baby over the wall, describing the moment as one of the greatest in his life.

I just want to thank all the support from all yall. It really means a lot and Im glad to be home now, he said at the time.

A viral photograph that showed a Marine pulling a baby on Aug. 19 over barbed wire into the airport, though, does not show Clark, according to the MEU spokesman. However, there were several other babies rescued by U.S. troops during the 10 days they were holding the airport for a mass evacuation.

The unit isnt saying what policies Clark may have violated.

Department of Defense policies say active-duty service members should not engage in partisan political activity.

That includes participation in partisan political fundraising activities, rallies, conventions, and other events.

Still, those rules dont apply to members who arent wearing their uniform, provided no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.

Trump told the rally that one of the Marines who was in Kabul and helped evacuate children was with them. He said Clark did a great job before asking them to get on stage with him.

Clark spoke for about a minute.
The Supreme Court is seen in Washington on March 10, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

US Supreme Court to Hear Case Over Bostons Refusal to Fly Christian Flag

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear five cases, including a dispute over flying a Christian flag in Boston.

Boston resident Hal Shurtleff and his Christian group, Camp Constitution, asked the city in 2017 to let him raise the flag on Boston City Hall flagpoles to commemorate Constitution Day, or Sept. 17. But city officials said he could not, without providing a reason for the decision. When he asked why, an official said the city maintains a policy and practice of respectfully refraining from flying non-secular flags at City Hall.

Shurtleff sued, alleging a First Amendment violation. A district court and an appeals court, though, sided with Boston, finding it did not violate the Constitution because it was protected government speech.

Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal group representing Shurtleff, appealed to the Supreme Court, and the case will be heard in the coming months.

We look forward to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing Bostons unconstitutional discrimination against Camp Constitutions Christian viewpoint, Mat Staver, Liberty Counsels founder and chairman, said in a statement.

The city cannot deny the Christian flag because it is Christian and allow every other flag to fly on its flagpoles. There is a crucial difference between government endorsement of religion and private speech, which government is bound to respect. Censoring religious viewpoints in a public forum where secular viewpoints are permitted is unconstitutional and this case will set national precedent, he added.

Justices will also hear a case brought by Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) 2018 campaign.

Plaintiffs challenged Section 304 of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which says that candidates who incur personal loans in connection with their campaigns cannot have the loans repaid by the campaigns if they are over $250,000.

Cruzs campaign incurred two loans totaling $260,000, both of which came from Cruz. However, the rules currently in place prevent the committee from repaying $10,000 of the loans, which the senator and his lawyers say violates his First Amendment rights to freedom of speech.

An appeals court panel ruled for Cruz in July.

We find that the loan-repayment limit burdens political speech and thus implicates the protection of the First Amendment, Judge Naomi Rao, a Trump appointee, wrote in the ruling.

The Federal Election Commission appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court will also hear cases concerning the First Step Acts influence on sentencing, the fate of a painting stolen from a family by the Nazi regime in Germany, and the authority of the U.S. Tax Court.
Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant speaks to reporters in Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 13, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images)

Voters to Decide Whether to Recall Socialist Seattle Councilmember

The effort to recall Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant is set to be certified.

Theres a sufficient number of signatures for the recall petition to be certified, Kendall Hodson, chief of staff for King County Elections, told The Epoch Times on Thursday.

Election workers were working on finalizing details of the petition but had already confirmed 105 percent of the signature threshold in preparation for any court challenges.

The certification will most likely take place on Thursday, according to Hodson.

Petition organizers needed 10,687 signatures to get their effort verified. They submitted over 6,000 extra. As of 9 a.m. on Thursday, 11,350 had been accepted out of 14,508 reviewed.

Sawant did not respond to a request for comment.

A majority vote would remove the self-described socialist from office.

Critics say she should be recalled because she misused resources to promote a ballot initiative last year and allegedly misused her position when she let hundreds of people into City Hall after hours. They also say she violated the states confidential program by leading a march to the home of Mayor Jenny Durkan, a Democrat.

Washington states Constitution allows recalls for an official who has committed some act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or who has violated their oath of office.

A King County judge said last year that four of the six allegations outlined by recall organizers were legally sufficient and a subsequent appeal to the Washington state Supreme Court was rejected.

The choice of whether to keep Sawant in office falls to voters in Seattles District 3. No others can vote in the election, which is projected to take place in December.

Voters elected Sawant in 2013 and she has since won reelection twice.

If Sawant is removed, the Seattle City Council will choose her replacement until the next election.
Newly redesigned $100 notes are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington on May 20, 2013. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Wall Street Firms Dust Off Plans as Debt Limit Talks Go to the Wire

WASHINGTONWall Street firms are sounding alarm bells and dusting off contingency plans as fears grow that Congress may fail to reach a deal to raise the countrys debt limit in time, executives said.

Federal government funding is due to expire on Thursday and borrowing authority is set to run out on Oct. 18.

A failure to raise the legal cap on how much money the government can borrow to fund its budget deficits and meet debt obligations, currently set at $28.4 trillion, could send shockwaves across global markets.

If there were to be some kind of failure to pay Treasury securities, we honestly dont know what would happen, said Rob Toomey, managing director and associate general counsel for capital markets at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).

Certainly, you can expect significant volatility were this to occur, and the market needs to be prepared for that.

JPMorgan Chase & Co CEO Jamie Dimon told Reuters on Tuesday that the bank had begun preparing for the possibility of a U.S. default, a potentially catastrophic event, although he added he expected lawmakers would reach a last-minute deal. Some analysts say, though, that the uncertainty is showing slightly in the spread between one-month Treasury bills and three-month Treasury bills, which are perceived to carry less risk of default. One-month bills currently yield 0.07 percent compared to 0.04 percent for three-month bills. At the beginning of the year, both yielded around 0.08 percent.

Previous debt limit crises have roiled global markets, despite being resolved. A now-notorious 2011 standoff over the ceiling led S&P Global Ratings to downgrade U.S. sovereign debt for the first time, wiping $2.4 trillion off U.S. stocks. Talks went to the wire again in 2017, although with less disruption.

Partially printed $20 bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington on Oct. 23, 2006. (Jim Young/Reuters File Photo)

Investment bank Goldman Sachs this month described the standoff as the riskiest debt-limit deadline in a decade.

Eric Pan, CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), a trade group representing the worlds largest fund managers, said his members were concerned about the financial ramifications of a possible U.S. default for savers globally.

ICI has made it clear in our conversations with Capitol Hill that failing to raise the debt limit would not only hurt our capital markets, it would negatively impact their constituents, regardless of income, or political affiliation, he added.

Two Scenarios

Given how badly exposed Wall Street banks, dealers, and investors would be to a default, they have to prepare for the possibility even if they expect the crisis to be resolved.

Weve been through this a number of times, said Toomey, adding the group had reprised its previous plans for a scenario in which the Treasury is unable to pay off debt coming due.

Weve been dusting off that kind of work with our members to make sure that everybody is on the same page.

SIFMA is working on two scenarios. The more likely would see the Treasury buy time to pay back bondholders by announcing ahead of a payment that it would be rolling those maturing securities over for another day. That would allow the market to continue functioning even if there was broader volatility.

The other, much less likely scenario would see the Treasury allow bonds to mature, which would be more disruptive as the unpaid bonds would still need to be settled but would no longer exist in the U.S. Federal Reserves systems, said SIFMA.

In general, these plans aim to ensure firms have enough technology capacity, staff, and cash to handle high trading volumes to ensure the markets continue to function.

The Treasury Market Practices Group, a group of bond dealers convened by the New York Fed, also has a plan for trading in defaulted Treasuries, which it reviewed earlier this year.

Internally, individual banks are also making plans.

Dimon said JPMorgan had begun scenario-planning for how a default would affect the repo and money markets, its capital ratios, and how ratings agencies would react. The bank has also begun combing through its client contracts to understand how they will react.

Youve got to check the contracts to try to predict it out, he said. Its a lot of work.
Power lines and wind turbines are pictured at a wind and solar energy storage and transmission power station of State Grid Corporation of China, in Zhangjiakou of Hebei Province, China, on March 18, 2016. (Jason Lee/Reuters)

What Is Behind Chinas Power Crunch?

BEIJINGChina is in the grip of a power crunch as coal supply shortages combined with strong power demand from manufacturers, industry, and households push coal prices to record highs and trigger widespread curbs on usage.

Chinas heavily controlled power pricing system prevents its generators from passing on their soaring coal costs to consumers, leaving them with no choice but to suffer losses or reduce output.

How Long Has There Been a Power Supply Problem in China?

China has often struggled to balance supply and demand, with central planners often underestimating demand growth, leaving many provinces at risk of power cuts during the summer and winter peak consumption seasons.

This year, a perfect storm of factorsincluding some coal supply disruptions and surging demand from industries and householdshave caused power shortages throughout the country. However, the countrys rigid pricing system is seen as the major culprit.

Why Is Chinas Pricing System Being Blamed?

One of Chinas worst power supply crises took place in the winter of 20102011, when fierce snowstorms disrupted coal supplies and damaged power transmission infrastructure.

However, power plantsconcerned about their profitabilitymade the shortages worse by running down their stockpiles in order to prolong price negotiations with coal suppliers.

Though China has since allowed power tariffs to fluctuate if coal costs reach a certain level, struggling generators are still not at liberty to raise prices in a timely manner in order to avoid losses.

Some policymakers warned in 2019 that China needed to build more coal-fired power plants in order to head off power shortage risks over the 20212025 period, but existing generation capacity has remained heavily underutilized, suggesting that many plants lack the economic incentives to go all out to boost output.

What Happened to Chinas Plans to Curb Industrial Power Use?

The recent shortages have come about despite Beijings efforts to curb heavy industrial power usage.

Provincial authorities in Inner Mongolia and Guangdong have both ordered industriesincluding energy-intensive aluminum smeltersto reduce electricity use.

However, it was revealed that 10 provinces and regionsincluding major coal producers like Inner Mongoliahad still failed to meet existing energy efficiency targets in the first half, largely as a result of a post-lockdown recovery that analysts say relied on energy-intensive heavy industry.

But despite the curbs, Chinas total power generation through August of 2021 was still 10.1 percent greater than in the same period in 2020, and nearly 15 percent more than in the same slot in 2019 as utilities across the country cranked up power to meet surging industrial demand.

How Are Regions Now Limiting Power for Certain Users?

Power rationing is currently taking place in at least nine provinces and regions. Local governments in major manufacturing hubs like Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong provinces have asked factories to limit power usage or curb output.

Some power providers have sent notices to heavy users to either halt production during peak power periods that can run from 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or shut operations entirely for two to three days a week.

Others have been told to shut until further notice or a particular date, including soybean processing plants in Tianjin in eastern China which have been shut since Sept. 22.

Which Industries Have Been Impacted by the Power Shortages?

The impact on industries is broad and includes power-intensive sectors like aluminum smelting, steel-making, cement manufacturing, and fertilizer production.

At least 15 listed Chinese firms that produce a range of materials and goodsfrom aluminum and chemicals to dyes and furniturehave reported that their production has been disrupted by power curbs.

Residential users have also been hit, with households in parts of northeast China told to limit the use of water heaters and microwaves to conserve power. Elevators and traffic lights were also reportedly affected in some parts of the northeast.

What Has Been Beijings Response to the Power Crunch?

The National Development and Reform Commission said on Friday it will work to resolve the power shortages, but did not provide any specific details on what steps it would take.

One major near-term challenge for Beijing is its ongoing trade dispute with Australia, the worlds second-largest coal exporter, which has greatly curbed coal shipments to China just as local authorities stepped up safety standards that have slowed production at Chinese coal mines following a series of accidents.

A senior official in northeast Chinas Jilin province urged authorities to try to source more coal from Mongolia, Russia, and Indonesia in order to address the supply gap.
Woman Shot by Long Beach School Safety Officer in Critical Condition, Family Says

LONG BEACH, Calif.An 18-year-old woman who was shot in the head by a Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) safety officer while inside a car being driven from the scene of an earlier altercation was on life support Sept. 29, with her family saying she is brain dead and will not survive.

Mona Rodriguez, 18, was shot shortly after 3 p.m. Monday in the area of Spring Street and Palo Verde Avenue, near Millikan High School.

Long Beach police said they responded to the scene in response to a reported shooting, and officers found the woman with at least one gunshot wound. Police said she had been shot in the upper body, but her family said she was shot in the head.

According to police, an unidentified LBUSD school safety officer was driving in the area when he observed the woman involved in an altercation with a 15-year-old girl in the street. Investigators determined a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were also involved in the dispute, though their level of involvement was not immediately known.

When the woman, the man, and the boy attempted to leave the scene in a vehicle, the school safety officer approached the car and fired into the vehicle as the driver was pulling away, striking the woman inside.

Video of the shooting posted online appears to show the unidentified officer firing at least two shots at the car.

Millikan High School confirmed in a statement that no students were injured in the shooting.

Investigators determined the woman, identified by the family as Rodriguez, initiated the original altercation and that she and the 15-year-old girl are known to each other, though the motive for the altercation was unknown, police said.

Relatives said Wednesday Rodriguez is brain dead and will not survive, although she remained on life support as the family said its farewells. She is the mother of a 5-month-old boy.

Rafeul Chowdhury, Rodriguezs boyfriend of two years and the boys father, got emotional outside Long Beach Memorial Care Hospital, saying, I want justice for my girl, my baby momma, the love of my life.

Asked what he would say to the public safety officer who shot Rodriguez, Chowdhury said, I just want him in jail, bro.

I want him in jail for what he did to my girlfriend, he said.

She did not deserve it. I cant even sleep through the nights. Im going crazy for myself, you know. Im used to seeing her 24-7.

 My girls not living life no more. I want him to be in jail and face his case for what he did to my girl.

Family spokesman Najee Ali said the safety officer had no excuse for shooting into the car.

I want to know, where is the outrage? Ali said. Where is the concern from the mayor of Long Beach, from the city council people, from the leaders. Ive been at this hospital from the very moment I heard that she was shot in her head, to try to support and help the family. Ive been here. I have not see the mayor, city council, our elected leadership show any concern for the victims.

Long Beach police and the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office are both investigating the shooting. The school safety officer who fired the shots has been placed on leave.

Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the female adult to a local hospital where she is in critical condition. At this time, no additional injuries have been reported, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) said in a statement.

LBPD said on Twitter that no Long Beach Police Department employees were involved during the incident.

Rodriguezs family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral arrangements. The page states that Rodriguez is also survived by her mother, four brothers, and a sister.
Margarita Simonyan, the head of the Russian television channel RT, listens to a question during her interview with the Associated Press in Moscow, Russia, on Jan. 19, 2018. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Photo via AP)

YouTube Shuts German Channels of Russian Broadcaster RT

BERLINYouTube says it has shut two German channels of Russian state broadcaster RT in a move centering on alleged COVID-19 misinformation, a decision that drew threats of retaliation from Russia on Wednesday.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, said RTs German branch had received a strike for uploading material that violated YouTubes standards on COVID-19 misinformation, and as a consequence was suspended from uploading new videos to its channel.

During this suspension, RT DE tried to circumvent this restriction by using another YouTube channel to upload its videos, which resulted in both channels being terminated for violating YouTubes conditions of use, it added.

Writing on the messaging app Telegram, RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan called the move a true media war by Germany on Russia.

Im looking forward to my native state banning Deutsche Welle and other German media in Russia without delay, as well as close the offices of ARD and ZDF, Simonyan said, referring to Germanys main public television stations. Not to mention sanctions on YouTube.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov likened YouTubes decision to censorship.

There are indications that Russian laws have been violated, violated rather grossly, he said.

Asked if he believes that companies operating in other countries, like YouTube in Germany, should follow Russian laws, Peskov replied: Of coursewhen it comes to violating the rights of our legal entities, moreover, our media outlets.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said it would ask relevant government bodies to work up retaliatory measures against German media and YouTube, adding that such a response was not only appropriate, but also necessary.

Russias state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, demanded that Google restore access to RTs YouTube channels and threatened the platform with fines and a ban if it fails to do so.

In Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said the government has taken note of the YouTube decision.

Since there are different accounts, particularly on Russian channels, I want to say in crystal-clear terms that this is a decision by YouTube, and the German government, or representatives of the German government, have nothing to do with this decision, Seibert told reporters. So anyone who alleges that is putting together a conspiracy theory.

There is absolutely no reason forretaliation against German media working in Russia, he added. Anyone who calls for such retaliationdoesnt show a good relationship with press freedom, from our point of view.

German security services have said they consider RTs German service to be a propaganda arm of the Russian state.

RT, previously known as Russia Today, provides its German offering online but so far lacks a license to broadcast in Germany via a terrestrial or satellite signal.

Last month, Luxembourg rejected an application by RT for a license to distribute its German-language service via satellite. Authorities in the country concluded that Luxembourg wasnt the right jurisdiction to rule on the request because RTs German service is based in Berlin and a significant part of its workforce is in Germany.

By Geir Moulson
After slashing more than 270 jobs last year to reduce its total workforce below agreed levels that had triggered incentives from the state of Connecticut several years ago, Crius Energy is taking a $436 million buyout offer from a Dallas-area company.

Under CEO Michael Fallquist, Crius bills electricity and natural gas service to about a million customers in Connecticut and several other states, under multiple brands including Public Power and Viridian Energy.

Vistra is offering $328 million for Crius, while absorbing debt of $108 million as part of the deal it indicated will nudge the Irving, Texas-based company ahead of NRG as the largest seller of residential electricity services in the nation. Massachusetts is the lone New England state where Vistra sells power.

Crius built its business initially through thousands of independent agents who sold service on a commission basis. In recent years as federal lawmakers and regulators have scrutinized the disruptions caused by marketing calls to homes, Crius has experimented with other channels, including salespeople going door-to-door.

Crius $178 million acquisition of US Gas & Electric brought it under pressure from a Houson investment firm for debt it took on to complete the transaction, with Crius having pledged to cut costs, wind down a solar energy subsidiary and shed offices.

The company reported to investors last month that it has cut its employee base to less than 230 people from 500 after the USG&E deal, while consolidating seven offices to three in Connecticut, Florida and Texas.

In 2016 under former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut extended Crius more than $10 million in incentives to add 225 people to its workforce in moving its headquarters to Norwalk from Stamford, with the company employing 200 people locally at the time.

In a headcount timeline published last month by Crius, the company reported that it its workforce had peaked at less than 325 people employees prior to the USG&E deal, and the company paring jobs dramatically at USG&E and other divisions starting in August with the goal of achieving $25 million in annual savings to its bottom line.

The company reported $17.3 million in profits through the first nine months of 2018, enough to wipe out a $15.9 million loss over the same stretch in the preceding year. Over 12 months through September, Crius revenue totaled $1.2 billion, putting it on pace to cross the 10-digit plateau in 2018 for the first time in its history.

Crius reported it takes it about 14 months to break even after signing up a homeowner or small business. The company renews 80 percent of those contracts on average, the company disclosed, versus just 10 percent among larger commercial customers.

Last year, Crius agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle litigation in Connecticut federal court over its billing practices, with the company disputing plaintiff claims but agreeing to instruct its agents not to make unsubstantiated claims as to what customers might be able to save versus purchasing power from utilities.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
PORTLAND, Maine  Maines rural areas need better access to COVID-19 testing, the head of the states Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The percent positivity rate in some of Maines rural counties is much higher than it is in more densely populated areas such as Cumberland County. Federal data show the percent positivity rate in Cumberland is about 2% while in rural Somerset County its more than 9%.

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah said Thursday thats a product of a lack of testing. He said the state is working to get more tests to rural corners of the state. Maine has the lowest population density in New England.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services also said Thursday that Maine child care facilities can now access pooled testing for children and staff through a federal program that provides the testing for free to some community organizations and schools. The agency said Walgreen is also expanding testing options at almost all of its Maine locations.

Not enough testing happening in those parts of the state. Were focusing on making community level testing more accessible, Shah said.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Its flu vaccine time, even if youve received COVID-19 shots

 UK families see hard times ahead as coronavirus programs end

 Singapore strategy of living with virus raises concern, hope

 Woman who survived 1918 flu, World War II succumbs to virus

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 See all of AP's pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday said it wouldnt allow the state to enforce its ban on mask mandates by schools and other government bodies, keeping in place a judges ruling temporarily halting the law.

Justices denied the request by the state to stay the August decision blocking enforcement of Arkansas mandate ban.

More than 100 school districts and charter schools have approved mask requirements since the ruling against the law. The requirements cover more than half the states public school students.

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who signed the law but later said he regretted that decision, had separately asked the court to deny the request to stay the ruling.

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ATLANTA  Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday warned unvaccinated Georgians to not assume that COVID-19 is over, saying that the state could risk a fifth surge of the respiratory illness over the winter, even as cases decline steeply from a fourth surge that peaked a month ago.

Today I want to emphasize the importance of not waiting until the next wave of COVID cases to get vaccinated, Kemp said. Given that our increase in cases and hospitalizations in 2021 was similar in timing to surges seen in 2020, we can only assume that a winter increase is also possible.

Kemp says he still opposes federal plans to require employers with 100 or more workers to mandate vaccination and will explore legal action with state Attorney General Chris Carr.

Georgias vaccination rate has improved somewhat, with state data showing 47% of all residents are now fully vaccinated. Kemp and Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said that Georgia isnt seeing a shortage of monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 therapy because demand is declining.

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AMHERST, Mass.  All eligible students in Massachusetts Amherst Regional school district will be required to get a coronavirus vaccine that has full federal approval by Dec. 1 to continue attending classes, the school committee voted.

The Amherst Regional School Committee voted 7-0 at its meeting Tuesday to mandate vaccinations, according to The Daily Hampshire Gazette.

The vote came after the Amherst Board of Health on Sept. 9, based on a request from the public schools, added COVID-19 vaccines with full federal approval to the list of immunizations students are required to have. Medical and religious exemptions are allowed.

Amherst is believed to be the first district in the state to require its eligible students to get a COVID-19 vaccination. So far, the only coronavirus vaccine with full Food and Drug Administration approval is Pfizers, and only for people ages 16 and older.

The mandate applies mostly to students at Amherst Regional High School and Amherst Regional Middle School, which also serve children from the towns of Pelham, Shutesbury and Leverett.

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HAVANA  Beaches and recreation centers have reopened in Cubas capital after authorities announced it is time to resume outdoor activities, including strolling on the Malecon coastal promenade that has long been a gathering place for Havana.

Officials say Thursdays reopening was possible because 90% of the citys residents are vaccinated against the coronavirus and the number of new cases has been declining. Some people were quick to take advantage of the announcement and headed to the beach to enjoy the sun and sand.

The Malecon filled up with people Wednesday night, with groups of young people with guitars and even street vendors for the first time since access was closed at the beginning of the year. The city announced last week that restaurants and bars can allow customers back in.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska  The mayor of Alaskas largest city has criticized a proposed mask mandate before the Anchorage Assembly and defended the use of yellow Stars of David that are being worn by people who oppose the proposal.

The Anchorage Daily News reports the proposal would require wearing masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors at large event. The multi-day was scheduled to resume Thursday.

Mandate opponents have been wearing yellow Star of David stickers, like the patches that Holocaust victims wore. Mayor Dave Bronson says the stars in Jewish culture mean never again and calls their use by mask opponents a credit to Holocaust victims.

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DALLAS  United Airlines officials say nearly half the employees facing dismissal for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have gotten their shots.

That cuts the number of airline workers facing termination from 593 to 320. An airline spokeswoman Leslie Scott says the declining number of potential firings shows the companys policy of requiring vaccinations is working.

In less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half.

United announced the vaccine requirement in August. The airline says about 99% of its workers either got vaccinated or applied for a medical or religious exemption.

Chicago-based United has the toughest vaccination policy among major U.S. airlines. Delta Air Lines is requiring vaccination or weekly testing and will begin charging unvaccinated workers on the company health plan a $200 monthly surcharge starting in November.

American and Southwest have offered incentives for employees to get vaccinated. They havent indicated how theyll comply with President Joe Bidens order that employers with more than 100 workers require vaccination or weekly testing. Both airlines are based in Texas.

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PHOENIX  Advocates for Phoenixs homeless population say a surge in COVID-19 cases requires more medical workers.

The Arizona Republic reports Circle the City and Maricopa County have been operating the Phoenix Inn since May 2020, but it had rarely been full. However, it has reached full capacity of 90 patients several times in recent weeks.

Circle the City, which provides health care services for the homeless, says it needs at least 50 more nurses, physicians assistants, security guards and other support staff. It hopes to recruit more health care workers with incentives, including signing bonuses and a 401(k) match.

Marty Hames, Circle the City spokeswoman, says the cases are mostly people who are unvaccinated. The organization is hosting vaccine events for the homeless and offering shots at its clinic.

About 58% of Arizonas eligible population has received one dose of vaccine.

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BUCHAREST, Romania  Romania recorded 12,032 coronavirus cases on Thursday, its highest daily infections since the start of the pandemic.

In the last month, Romanias infections have risen from about 1,000 cases a day to the record of more than 12,000 reported Thursday. There are 1,364 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, close to the ICU capacity at a national level.

Romania has the European Unions second-lowest vaccination rate, with just 34% of all adults fully vaccinated. Data published by health authorities indicated between Sept. 20-26, nearly 75% of reported cases and 92% of deaths occurred among unvaccinated people.

Romania, a nation of 19 million, has registered more than 1.2 million confirmed cases and 37,041 confirmed deaths.

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ST. PAUL, Minn.  The Minnesota Department of Corrections has been more successful getting inmates immunized against the coronavirus than its own employees.

About 80% of prisoners in Minnesota have been fully vaccinated, while the immunization rate for corrections employees is just over 65%, according to the department.

Fewer than 60% of staff at Moose Lake and St. Cloud have gotten the shot. At Rush City, its fewer than half, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

A mandate took effect this month that requires all Minnesota state employees working in the office or on site be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

Paul Schnell, state corrections commissioner, says his department is testing about 1,400 unvaccinated staff members on a weekly basis. He says the number of positive cases is impacting the staff levels needed to operate the prisons.

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SAN JOSE, Calif.  Primetta Giacopinis life began and ended with pandemics.

The 105-year-old California woman was 2 years old when she lost her mother to the flu in Connecticut in 1918. A foster family took her back to their ancestral home in Italy, where she worked as a seamstress until she was forced to flee in 1941 during World War II as Benito Mussolini purged the country of Americans.

She returned to Connecticut, where she worked in a factory grinding steel for the U.S. war effort. She moved to San Jose in the 1970s, remarried and had a daughter, living there until she contracted COVID-19 this month.

She struggled with the disease for a week before she died Sept. 16.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia will make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for all federal government workers.

Vaccination is voluntary in the nation, but the Public Service Department says all federal staff must be vaccinated to ensure smooth delivery of public services.

It says its in line with plans to return to full operations following a lockdown since June. The department says nearly 98% of federal government staff have been inoculated. About 1,700 workers, accounting for 1.6% of the total, are unvaccinated.

It says all staff must complete their vaccination by the end of October, unless they are exempt due to medical reasons.

Nearly 62% of the nations 33 million people are fully vaccinated. New daily infections have dipped by nearly half from its peak of more than 24,000 last month. Malaysia has registered 2.23 million confirmed infections and more than 26,000 confirmed deaths.

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HELSINKI  Finland will ease coronavirus restrictions on bars and restaurants in selected areas, including extending hours of alcohol service until midnight, effective Friday.

Minister of Family Affairs and Social Affairs Krista Kiuru tweeted Thursday the ban on singing and dancing in bars and restaurants will be lifted Friday.

However, bars and pubs in Finland are still under certain coronavirus restrictions, including using half of seating capacity and restaurants using 75% of maximum capacity.

Last week, regional authorities in southern Finland announced the remaining gathering restrictions in the southern Uusimaa region, including capital Helsinki, will end Friday.

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NAIROBI, Kenya  The World Health Organization says just 15 of Africas 54 countries have reached the global target of fully vaccinating 10% of their population by the end of this month.

Half of African countries have fully vaccinated 2% or less of their populations. The WHO says almost 90% of high-income countries have met the 10% target set by the World Health Assembly this year.

While vaccine deliveries to African countries have increased 10-fold since June, WHO Africa immunization official Richard Mihigo says deliveries need to more than double by the end of the year to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40% of the population by then.

Mihigo says about 900 million doses are needed. He says African countries have received more than 200 million vaccine doses so far and administered over 70% of them. Just 4% of Africas population of 1.3 billion people have been fully vaccinated.

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NEW YORK  A survey of Americans on President Joe Bidens plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it.

With the highly contagious delta variant driving deaths up to around 2,000 per day, the poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that overall, 51% say they approve of the Biden requirement, 34% disapprove and 14% hold neither opinion.

Sixty-four percent of vaccinated Americans say they approve of the mandate, while 23% disapprove. Among unvaccinated Americans, just 14% are in support, while 67% are opposed. Most remote employees approve, but in-person workers are about evenly divided.
When people think of Mexican food, they might immediately think tacos. However, Mexico and its 32 states offer a wide variety of intricate dishes.

"Mexican food is not just what people know. It's an endless flavor bomb. It's such an aggressive palette within the food community. As a chef, I really love and celebrate it, from the spice levels to the freshness of the ingredients for different salsas," said chef Colt Taylor, owner of Los Charros Cantina located in Centerbrook.

From the flour tortillas of Sonora to the cochinita pibil of Yucatan, Mexico's cuisine is divided by seven culinary regions: North, Pacific North, Central Mexico, Gulf, The Bajio, South Pacific Coast and South. The whole country shares some staple dishes, but each region prepares them in a particular way. However, many Mexican restaurants in the United States offer dishes from several different regions of the country on their menus due to their popular demand.

Before opening Los Charros, Taylor wasnt sure what type of food was preferred by the community. He ran a year-long project where he offered people different styles of food throughout a week. The population of the area spoke overwhelmingly, saying that they wanted tacos, said Taylor. He wanted to showcase Mexican food in a new but authentic way, wondering, how do we make this so that people start to understand the beautiful food of Mexico without thinking its street food from a taco truck only?

Los Charros' menu offers a variety of tacos such as chicken tingas, carnitas, carne asada and tuna with organic heirloom Oaxacan corn tortillas.

Regional Mexican cuisines Northern region: This region includes the northern states starting from Baja California to the coast region of Colima. The most-used ingredients in Northern cuisine are beef, fresh cheese and flour tortillas. Some of the well-known dishes of on the northern coast are Carne Asada Tacos, Birria and Ceviche. Southern region: This region is heavily influenced by the indigenous groups located in the area. This region contains almost half of the country, going from Mexico city to Yucatan. Mole, Cochinita Pibil and Tamales are some of the most-known dishes of this region. Tex-Mex: This cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and American food that originated in the Northern Mexican border and Southern border in Texas. This cuisine is distinguished by the use of beef, yellow cheese, black beans and canned vegetables. See More Collapse

The Mexican diaspora has also found new ways to bring its roots to Connecticut while adding its own twist. One example is Mil Sabores, a Mexican and Venezuelan food truck located in Norwalk started by Edwin and Yohana Mondragon.

"It is good to have a variety of authentic food," said Edwin.

The Mondragons decided to open a food truck that offered people the best of their cultures.

"People like the fusion. They like having several options. They sometimes ask us if we can add a Mexican side like chorizo to their arepas," he said. If Mil Sabores could be summed up by one of its menu items, it would be by "La Mexicana," an arepa with steak, avocado and pico de gallo.

On Sundays, Mil Sabores offers Jalisco-style birria that sells out a few hours after the restaurant opens. "We sell four hundred pounds of birria," said Edwin.

As we move halfway through Hispanic Heritage month, here are 10 restaurants that celebrate different Mexican cuisine:

Southern Mexican cuisine Mezcal New Haven Margarita at Mezcal in New Haven. Derek Turner / Hearst Connecticut Media Mezcal offers authentic southern Mexican food in New Haven. Its menu includes more than 20 different dishes, with southern Mexican staples such as Mole Poblano and Bistec a la Tampiquena (thin flank steak accompanied by one red enchilada), as well as seafood such as Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp with garlic sauce). Every thursday Mezcal offers live Mariachi music. Address: 14 Mechanic St., New Haven Hours: 5-9:30 p.m. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone number: 203-782-4828

Los Charros Cantina Essex At Los Charros Cantina within The Essex Public Market, they braise Wagyu short rib in adobo to make the weekly birria tacos special. Monique Sourinho Los Charros Cantina by Chef Colt Taylor aims to showcase the richness of Mexican cuisine in a "fun and casual" concept. The restaurant offers a wide variety of salsas from different regions of Mexico as well as Mexican snacks such as street corn. Los Charros is also offering a full calendar of live music. Address: 30 Main St., Centerbrook Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed on Mondays. Phone number: 860-237-4266

Azteca Bridgeport View this post on Instagram A post shared by AZTECA RESTAURANT (@aztecabpt) Azteca is an Hacienda-style restaurant that transports guests to the traditional southern restaurants of Mexico with its bright colors and wooden furniture. The menu offers more than 10 different styles of tacos, which include sirloin, cochinita pibil, al pastor and carnitas. Address: 522 Pequonnock St., Bridgeport Hours: 12-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 12-9:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. to Sunday Phone number: 203-345-3232

Sarapes Restaurant Enfield Birria tacos from Sarapes in Enfield Leeanne Griffin / Hearst Connecticut Media Sarapes restaurant offers a quantity of options for both breakfast and dinner, including huevos rancheros and chilaquiles as well as mole poblano and puerco en pipian. The restaurant is owned by the Chavez Mellado Family and it also offers catering services. Address: 95 High St., Bridgeport Hours: 10a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7a.m.-8 p.m. Phone number: 860-745-7781

Taqueria La Michoacana Bridgeport Taqueria La Michoacana, owned by Sergio and Rosa Valdovinos, in Bridgeport is named after Michoacan, a southern state in Mexico. While the restaurant is a taqueria, it offers other dishes such as a chilaquiles, pozole and menudo as well as flan and tres leches for dessert. Address:1914 Main St, Bridgeport Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Phone number: 203-366-6590

Northern Mexican cuisine Toro Azteca Manchester View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toro Azteca Mexican Cantina (@toroaztecamanchester) Toro Azteca offers an "authentic shortcut to Mexico" with dishes such as birria tacos, burritos and enchiladas. The restaurant is known for its colorful margaritas such as the "Bonita Blue," which uses Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps and the restaurant's signature margarita mix. Address: 194 Buckland Hills Drive, Manchester Hours: 12-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 12-11p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 12-9 p.m. Sunday Phone number: 860-648-4454

Tex-Mex cuisine Monte Alban Hartford Monte Alban has been serving authentic Mexican food as well as Tex-Mex style tacos and burritos to Hartford's community for around 20 years, according to its website. Oaxacan brothers Alfonso and Wenceslao Martinez opened the restaurant after working in the food industry for over a decade. The restaurant is named after the ancient Zapotecan city that is now an archeological site. Address: 531 Farmington Ave., Hartford Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day Phone number: 860-523-7423

Mexican Fusion cuisine Te Amo Tequila New Haven Tacos from Te Amo Tequila in New Haven. Adriana Morga/ Hearst Connecticut Media Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos offers modern Mexican food such as chorizo, fajita and pernil tacos. Te Amo is known for its Margarita flights with three flavors on the rocks and one frozen. Address: 182 Temple St., New Haven Hours: 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone number: 203-553-7914
DANBURY  Visitors to Nuvance Health hospitals and facilities must soon be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide a negative COVID test.

The rule announced on Wednesday takes effect Oct. 5.

Visitors must show they have both of their COVID vaccinations or negative result from a test taken within 72 hours to enter inpatient and emergency departments, Nuvance Health Medical Practices and ambulatory services.

Special populations and visitors with extenuating circumstances may be asked to provide documentation, but it is not a requirement to visit.

This visitation change is a very important way to limit the risk of our patients, visitors and staff to COVID-19, Chief Experience Officer Steve Meth said. We know visitors and loved ones play an essential role as partners in healing and wellness, and we continually evaluate these guidelines with experts from nursing, infection prevention and physician leaders to craft the safest possible path to keep a loved one at our patients side in their moment of need.

Nuvance Health includes Danbury, Norwalk, New Milford and Sharon hospitals, as well as three hospitals in New York.

The health system announced in August that it would require its employees to get vaccinated, but its the first in Connecticut to require the shots for visitors. Masks continue to be required.

To be considered fully vaccinated, visitors must have had a second Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna dose or a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two weeks prior to their hospital visit.

Acceptable types of documentation include a physical or digital copy or photocopy of the visitors vaccine card or documentation from the visitors health care provider showing dates of vaccination, provider name and World Health Organization-approved vaccine administered.

Antigen and molecular tests are acceptable forms of COVID-19 testing, as is any at home test that is observed and verified  with results showing name, date and negative result  by a health care provider or licensed COVID-19 testing center.

Nuvances visitation policy permits one support person per day for patients not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 will be allowed visitation only in extenuating circumstances and for special patient populations.
Millions of Americans are now eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot to help increase their protection against the worst effects of the coronavirus.

A look at the nuts and bolts of this new phase of the vaccination campaign:

WHO SHOULD GET THE PFIZER BOOSTER?

People who got two Pfizer shots at least six months ago and who fall into one of these groups should get the booster:

 People 65 and older, nursing home residents and assisted living residents.

 Others ages 50 to 64 with a long list of risky health problems including cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV infection and heart disease. Being overweight or obese is a category that qualifies roughly 70% of people in this age group.

WHO ELSE CAN CONSIDER GETTING IT?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says these people may get a booster, but stopped short of a full recommendation:

 People 18 to 49 who got their Pfizer shots at least six months ago with risky health problems can consider the booster based on their individual benefits and risks.

 Anyone 18 to 64 with a risky job, such as health care, can consider boosters. Prisoners and people living in homeless shelters are also in this group.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men.

WEREN'T SOME PEOPLE ALREADY ELIGIBLE FOR A THIRD DOSE?

Yes, people with severely weakened immune systems were already eligible to get a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna. This group includes people taking immune-suppressing medications and those with diseases that tamp down their immune systems. They didn't have to wait six months to get a third dose.

WHAT IF I GOT MODERNA? CAN I GET A PFIZER BOOSTER?

Not yet. Health officials say they don't have enough data on mix-and-match vaccinations. Moderna has applied to U.S. health regulators for its own booster, one that would be half the dose of the original shots. The Food and Drug Administration is considering that application.

WHAT IF I GOT J&J?

People who originally got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson also must wait. The government doesnt recommend mixing-and-matching. J&J hasnt yet filed a booster application. But earlier this week, the company released data showing two doses of its vaccine provided stronger immunity than one  whether the extra dose was given either two months or six months after the first.

WHERE CAN I GET MY BOOSTER?

Health departments, clinics and drugstores are offering boosters, and many people have already gotten them ahead of the official green light. You may have to show your vaccine card. Proving how you qualify is on the honor system. Your word about your risky job or health condition is likely to be enough.

ARE BOOSTERS FREE?

Yes, shots given under FDAs emergency use authorization are free. And there should be enough supplies.

AM I FULLY VACCINATED WITHOUT A BOOSTER?

Yes, two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one of J&J, is still considered fully vaccinated.

WHY WERE BOOSTERS SO HOTLY DEBATED?

The need is not crystal clear. Studies show the vaccines are still offering strong protection against serious illness for all ages. And many experts want to focus attention on getting shots to the unvaccinated, the group most in danger of infection, hospitalization and death.

On the other hand, there is a slight drop in the vaccine's effectiveness among the oldest adults. And immunity against milder infection appears to wane months after peoples initial shots. Protecting health care workers from even mild illness may help some hospitals now struggling to care for unvaccinated COVID-19 patients.

ARE OTHER COUNTRIES OFFERING BOOSTERS?

Britain and Israel are already giving boosters over strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries dont have enough for their initial doses.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
WESTPORT  Two committees of the Representative Town Meeting voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend to the full RTM that the first selectmans salary be increased to $150,000.

The current salary for the Westport first selectman is $104,925 a year. Though there were some questions from members of the RTM Finance Committee and its Employee Compensation Committee about increasing the salary by such a large amount, most thought it seemed fair.

Whoever the first selectman is, they are basically in charge of the whole town, said employee compensation committee member Jimmy Izzo. This is a very important position, regardless of whos in it.

During Tuesdays meeting, Westport personnel/human resources director Ralph Checuti recounted that the first selectman position had not had a salary increase from 2003 to 2019.

The position did have a small bump in 2019, when it went from $101,475 to its current position.

Checuti pointed out during the years in which there was no increase, the first selectmans compensation technically decreased.

There had been a stipend for an automobile of $6,000, he said, adding that, during the 2008 recession, the stipend was cut to $4,800 and not restored.

Checuti referenced a chart he had made showing what the first selectmans salary would have been if it had risen at the same as other non-union managers in town, and if it had increased as the same rate as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

Those charts indicated that the first selectmans salary should be within the $150,000 to $160,000 range.

Checuti also stated that Westports first selectman has a lower salary than that of many nearby towns, including Fairfield where Checutis research showed the first selectman has a salary of $145,072, before benefits.

The increase had already been approved by the Board of Finance and the RTM committees met to discuss it before deciding whether to pass it on the full RTM, which next meets Oct. 5.

Though most committee members were in favor of increasing the salary of the first selectman, some had questions, largely about the amount of the increase.

Employee compensation committee member Jay Keenan initially planned to vote against the increase, mainly because he was worried about increasing it so much at one time.

Id be more comfortable if there were two or three tranches leading up to this, he said.

But other members argued that the amount seemed fair, given multiple factors, including the salaries of other local officials in the state.

The only thing thats relevant is Is the compensation economically correct today? said employee compensation committee member Richard Jaffe.

Ultimately, Keenan said, the other members convinced him to vote in favor of the increase.

The committees voted separately, but both were unanimously in favor.

The increase is scheduled to be voted on by the full RTM at its next meeting, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5.
Ban on migrant workers leaving island lifted

PHUKET: The ban on migrant workers leaving the island or being brought to Phuket to work has been lifted by provincial order.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthconstruction

By The Phuket News

Thursday 30 September 2021, 11:31AM

The ban on migrant workers leaving Phuket, or being brought to Phuket to work, has been lifted. Image: PR Phuket

The change follows Phuket Provincial Order No. 5897/2564 being issued late Monday night (sept 28), revising the previous standing order issued on Aug 14, when the ban was brought into effect.

The new order maintanis that workers and their employers must still strictly comply with the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 and the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, and the disease prevention measures prescribed by the government.

The movement of migrant workers must be approved by the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee operating under the Governor of Phuket, the order noted.

All migrant workers to move into or out of the province must first be screened and tested for COVID-19, the order added.

The order included the standard provisions that violating the order may be an offense under Section 51 of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 and may be liable of a fine of up to B20,000, or an offense under Section 52 of the act, which may incur punishment of a fine of up to B100,000 or up to one year in jail, or both.

Violating the order may also be punished under Section 18 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration B.E. 2005, which incurs a penalty of a fine of up to B40,000 or up to two years in jail, or both, the order added.

The new order is to remain in effect until a new order is issued.

All the remaining provisions under the order issued on Aug 14 remain in effect. Any workers accommodation sites where more than 10% of the people living at the site are confirmed infected with COVID-19 will result in the site being placed under Bubble and Seal isolation.

The ban on any workers leaving the accommodation site without express permission from health officials also remains in effect. In practice, the ban has been enforced as not allowing any migrant workers to leave their camps after 6pm each night, after returning to the camp from a days work.
Nigerian man, Thai woman arrested in Phuket for B11mn romance scams

PHUKET: A Nigerian man and a Thai woman have been arrested in Phuket for their involvement in online romance scams that saw their victims swindled out of at least B11 million.

crimetechnologypolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 30 September 2021, 05:42PM

Ampha Thatthap, 26, confessed to her role in the online romance scams. Photo: Phuket Immigration

The Nigerian national, named by police Mr Abuchi Johnkennedy Onyenecherem, and Thai woman Ampha Pink Phatthap, 26, were arrested at a rented room in Srisoonthorn, Thalang, on Tuesday (Sept 28), police reported today (Sept 30).

Present for the arrests were officers from the Immigration Bureau and Cherng Talay Police.

Of note, police gave an alternate name for Mr Abuchi, that of Mr Ikvogolam Joseph Chimemerim.

Ampha was wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by Chonburi Provincial Court on Monday (Sept 27), police explained today.

What was not explained was on which day ampha and Mr Abuchi had entered Phuket, which until midnight tonight remains under the tight entry provisions excluding entry to the province to all people except Sandbox tourists, emergency personnel, essential deliveries and people conducting urgent business on the island, such as attending court appointments or leaving the island via the airport.

Regardless, officers today explained that Ampha had created fake identities online, via Facebook. LINE and other online platforms, and deceived victims by enticing them into a romantic relationship, and then having them send money to pay for living expenses, gifts or to send items back to them by post.

Ampha confessed that over six months she had tricked her victims into sending more than B11mn to a specified account. She was then instructed by a network in Bangkok to transfer the funds to other bank accounts.

Ampha confessed she was paid for her role in the scams, police said.

As for Mr Abuchi, immigration officers said that he had been staying in the country illegally.

Police were now investigating him for his possible role in the romance scam, police said.

The pair were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station and charged for the crimes police already have evidence for, police noted in their report today.

More charges may be pending, they added.
Phuket checkpoint to reopen 24 hours

PHUKET: The Phuket Check Point at Tha Chatchai, the only gateway onto the island by road, will be open 24 hours a day, starting tomorrow (Oct 1), Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong has confirmed.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismeconomics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 30 September 2021, 10:20AM

The notice in Thai marking the differences in the conditions of entry for domestic visitors to enter Phuket Province before and after Oct 1. Image: Phuket Info Center

The meeting yesterday clarified for officials the new, eased, conditions of entry for domestic arrivals to come into effect tomorrow (Oct 1). Photo: PR Phuket

The meeting yesterday clarified for officials the new, eased, conditions of entry for domestic arrivals to come into effect tomorrow (Oct 1). Photo: PR Phuket

The Phuket Check Point will be open 24 hours a day again, starting tomorrow (Oct 1), V/Gov Pichet confirmed. Photo: PR Phuket

Vice Governor Pichet confirmed the all-day, all-night reopening of the checkpoint at a meeting held at Provincial Hall yesterday (Sept 29) to clarify for officials the reopening conditions in effect for reopening the island to domestic visitors.

V/Gov Pichet repeated that all people will be allowed onto the island as long as they have been fully vaccinated and can prove testing negative for COVID-19 by RT-PCR test or antigen test kit (ATK) no more than seven days before arrival.

Also allowed back into Phuket are people who have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months.

People whose are registered on a house registration document (tabien baan) in Phuket may bring their own ATK that has been approved by the FDA and conduct the test at the checkpoint, V/Gov Pichet noted.

Officials will issue a document confirming the negative test result that can be used for seven days, he said.

This will help reduce congestion at the checkpoint, he added.

Children under 6 years old are exempt from the vaccination and test requirements, as are emergency medical staff and rescue workers, and patients travelling in ambulances, V/Gov Pichet noted.

Children from 6-18 years of age who are not eligible for vaccination must be tested for COVID-19 by RT-PCR or antigen test method up to seven days prior to arrival, V/Gov Pichet said.

The same rules apply to those arriving in Phuket by sea transport, he added.

All arrivals must download and install the Mor Chana app on their phones and have location sharing enabled at all times while on the island, V/Gov Pichet said.

All arrivals must also register their travel details through the gophuget.com web platform and be issued a QR code that they can show officials at the checkpoint on arrival, he said.

Phuket officials have also released a public notice online featuring all the main requirements in Thai both before and after Oct 1 to help people understand the changes, he noted.

The meeting was reminded that the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO, or OrBorJor) has approved a list of target groups for vaccination against COVID-19 by use of 5,060 doses of the Moderna vaccine provided by the Thai Red Cross Society.

So far there are approximately 3,000 registered applicants under the five target groups specified for receiving the Moderna shots, including people with disabilities, bedridden patients, and pregnant women who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine before.

Of those, 2,938 applicants have been approved.

The PPAO has submitted the list to the Thai Red Cross Society for review. Once the Thai Red Cross Society has finished reviewing the list, the vaccinations will be allocated to Phuket Province to continue inoculation to those on the list, V/Gov Pichet said.

The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office [PPHO] has also asked for approval for the PPAO to purchase 12,000 ATK test kits to be used during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and the Duen Sip festival [festival of the tenth month] Phuket as well, he added.
Vaccine developers look to FDA for help

BANGKOK: Local COVID-19 vaccine developers say they need support from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a special fast lane to test their jabs for emergency use.

CoronavirusCOVID-19healthVaccine

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 30 September 2021, 09:40AM

Photo: Bangkok Post.

Under the governments aim to reach self-reliance on COVID vaccine development, the government has granted a budget of over one billion baht since last year to potential developers, reports the Bangkok Post.

Kiat Ruxrungtham, head of Chulalongkorn Universitys vaccine research centre who developed the mRNA-based ChulaCov19, said developers are now sharing concerns on how to use a completely developed vaccine when it is clear that at least 70% of the population will have full doses of vaccine before their products are ready to market.

Prof Kiat said the FDA should allow a dual process to conduct human trials for emergency use, together with booster vaccines. He said many countries had developed booster vaccines from the mRNA base and the results were satisfactory.

We are going to consider the case with FDA to reach a conclusion. If yes, we might see a place to use it for the booster vaccine, he said.

Porntip Wiwatwong, chief developer of HXP-GPOVac, an inactivated COVID vaccine from the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), backed the idea, saying the current process under the FDAs regulations will further delay local vaccine development.

Ms Porntip said it would be useful for the local vaccine developers if the FDA could provide assistance to hasten the process.

ChulaCov19 and HXP-GPOVac are now in the second phase of human trials, followed by a tobacco-based vaccine from start-up company Baiya Phytopharm that is now starting the first phase of a human trial on a small scale.

Meanwhile, a nasal spray that Biotech is developing will have its first phase of human trials done by early next year.

In related news, AstraZeneca will supply Thailand with an additional 60 million doses in 2022. AstraZeneca has signed a new agreement with the government to support the Ministry of Public Healths mass vaccination programme. As part of the 2022 agreement, AstraZeneca has committed to complete next years supply of the doses by the end of the third quarter.

An existing contract between AstraZeneca and the government for the delivery of 61mn doses by the end of 2021 remains in place. To date, 24.6mn doses have been delivered this year, including 8mn this month.

More than 1.3 billion doses of AstraZenecas vaccine have been released for supply to more than 170 countries globally, and more than two-thirds of these doses have been delivered to low- and lower-middle income countries.
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Backpack radar

As part of its latest school safety campaign, Laval Police have launched a live radar operation, outfiring kids with backpacks equipped with a speed camera and a sign displaying the speed of motorists. Inspired by a promotional video from the Societe dassurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ), two live cameras were used during the 2021 back-to-school period.

In the last few weeks, children have been trying them out accompanied by a police officer, the preventive measure attracting the attention of drivers and naturally encouraging them to reduce their speed. The speed sign also provides a quick reminder of the importance of being alert and attentive when driving. This concept also allowed for discussions with parents, students and passers-by about safe behaviours near schools.

The innovative backpacks will be used in the next three phases of the awareness campaign, in November 2021, February 2022 and April 2022. The SAAQ, the Centre de services scolaires de Laval (CSSL) and the Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier School Board (CSSWL) are also involved in the project.

To date, Laval cops have conducted over 260 school zone visits in 67 different schools, a friendly awareness video has been posted on the SPL Facebook page, and over the next few weeks, police officers will be enforcing the Highway Safety Code.

Learn more about the safety campaign at www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/Nouvelles/microsite-police/radarvivant.aspx
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not.
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Ian Ostroff is a writer/reporter who resides in Montreal. He is passionate about getting to know the people and places that make his hometown so great. In his spare time, you can find him at the gym, eating ice cream, or working on his novel(s).
Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond
TOKYO (AP)  The inclusion of two women in Japan's leadership race  the first time in 13 years there hasn't only been men  surprised many, prompting some hope of progress for a ruling party long seen as sexist and out of touch.

But their sound defeat? That was no surprise.

For some women, it also underscores that the Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled the nation almost without interruption since World War II, still operates in thrall of older, deeply conservative male heavyweights, and that women are a long way from being equal in politics.

Seems to me the LDP used these two women to impress the public with its effort to change and to whitewash its negative image in order to stay in power, said Yukiko Takei, a lawyer who lives near Tokyo.

The winner Wednesday, as expected, was a man firmly entrenched in the ruling establishment. Fumio Kishida, a former moderate foreign minister, has shifted to the right in an apparent bid to win backing by influential party leaders, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Kishida will almost certainly become prime minister in a broader election Monday because the LDP controls parliament.

The runner-up in the party vote, vaccinations minister Taro Kono, was something of a maverick and, though popular with voters and rank-and-file party members, was apparently a worrisome choice for the old guard. The two women, Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda, were third and fourth.

Women are a tiny minority in Japanese politics, especially within the Liberal Democratic Party. Only about 10% of Japans parliament is female, and analysts say many tend to try to advance by showing party loyalty rather than pursuing gender equality.

For the ruling LDP, the gender divide is especially stark: only 9.8% of its 380-plus parliamentarians are women, compared to other parties whose female representation ranges from 15-32%.

Even if the results of Wednesday's vote were predictable, Takaichi and Noda's participation in the leadership race marked an improvement for the party and signals that senior members seem aware of a disconnect with the public on the gender issues.

The women themselves seem polar opposites in their policies.

The ultra-conservative Takaichi advocates a kind of paternalistic nationalism and a stronger military, while the liberal-leaning pacifist Noda called for measures to address the nation's declining population and to support womens advancement and sexual diversity. Both support women's health and fertility issues that the conservative party considers key to productivity.

Their views are said to be very different, but only as much as the LDP can tolerate, said feminist activist and author Minori Kitahara.

Takaichi, 60, rose to third in the leadership race largely because she got crucial backing from Abe, whose arch-conservative vision she supports. She has been criticized for advocating traditional gender roles and policies favored by male decision-makers, rather than fighting for equality for other women.

She supports the imperial familys male-only succession, and opposes same-sex marriage and a revision to the 19th-century civil law that could allow women to keep their maiden name.

Takei, the lawyer, said she doesnt agree with Takaichis hawkish stance and gender policies, but what bothered me most was that it seemed she was used as a pawn to contain Kono (by diverting LDP votes that would have gone to him) ... to maintain the old regime.

Takei said the female candidates didnt represent the voices of ordinary women who often face sexism and are marginalized in society. I think women who survive in a male-dominated society and who have established even a small place should open a path for their peers.

Japan ranked 120th in a 156-nation gender gap ranking survey of the World Economic Forum in 2021.

With a crucial lower house election coming up within two months, the LDP desperately needs to rally support and improve an image hurt by current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was criticized for his virus handling and insistence on holding the Olympics amid surging infections.

For Noda, who had no factional backing, it was her first challenge, and she said she was happy that she could participate. Noda, 61, supports same-sex marriage and campaigned for a quota system to increase the number of female lawmakers.

The only other earlier female candidate was Yuriko Koike, currently serving as Tokyo governor, who made a run in 2008.

In Japanese politics where women are almost invisible, the two women's presence in the LDP race was a glimmer of hope, said Kiyomi Tsujimoto, a senior lawmaker of the liberal-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition.

Abe, who was prime minister for eight years before abruptly resigning, paving the way for Suga, promoted womens advancement as part of his economic policy to help increase the workforce. His party made little progress and failed to meet a goal to have women represent 30% of decision-making positions by 2020, postponing it by as long as a decade.

The kind of womens advancement according to LDP is for men to use women by placing them in certain positions, Kitahara says. Many women have also fallen to poverty during the LDP rule and I think it shows how the party really treated women."

Tsujimoto criticized the way Abe used Takaichi as a tool to maintain his power and pressure Mr. Kishida to succeed his policy line.

Still, it was good they ran.  Their presence changed the scenery, she said. It is extremely difficult for us women to survive for many years in a male-dominated workplace, and I believe their presence gave hope to many.
WEST ALTON  The Missouri Highway Patrol has issued a new report on an Alton mans death on Tuesday.

Initially the department stated Richard P. Rowland, 36, of Alton, died after being struck by an unknown vehicle while walking on U.S. 67 north of Riverlands Way in West Alton around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Hospitals across Bosnia are again filling with COVID-19 patients gasping for air, and the country's pandemic death toll is rising. Yet vaccination sites are mostly empty and unused coronavirus vaccines are fast approaching their expiration dates.

When the European Union launched its mass vaccination campaign, non-member Bosnia struggled along with most other Balkan nations to get supplies. By late spring, however, hundreds of thousands of doses started pouring into the country.

But after an initial rush of people clamoring to get jabbed, demand for shots quickly slowed. It is now down to a trickle even though Bosnia has Europe's highest coronavirus mortality rate at 4.5%, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Dr. Edin Drljevic, an infectious disease specialist at one of Bosnias largest hospitals, in Sarajevo, thinks the disconnect is partly a result of authorities failing to properly promote vaccination against COVID-19.

At first, we only had negative publicity because of the failure to secure vaccines, but once the vaccines finally started arriving, mainly through donations, people became picky, he said.

So far, just under 13% of Bosnias 3.3 million people have been fully vaccinated, among the lowest shares in Europe. Even people willing to get inoculated are putting off shots so they can choose the vaccine they want instead of receiving whichever one is available.

Bosnia currently administers the Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines. AstraZeneca's product, while the most widely available, appears to enjoy the least trust because of extensive news coverage when numerous European countries temporary suspended its use due to concerns about possible, rare side effects.

The bottom line is, people are poorly informed and lack up-to-date knowledge, Drljevic said.

With so few takers, over 50,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses have already expired; an additional 350,000 doses are set to expire in October

The pandemic has amplified the many problems of the Balkan nation, which is still struggling to recover from a devastating interethnic war in 1992-95. Nearly half of Bosnia's people live under or close to the poverty line.

The country has an extreme shortage of doctors and nurses, as well as rampant public corruption. Several elected and appointed government officials are under investigation or on trial for suspected malfeasance in the procurement of needed medical equipment and supplies during the pandemic.

The high-profile cases make Bosnians susceptible to claims that their leaders are acting in concert with corrupt pharmaceutical companies and are happy to sacrifice them for personal gain, according to Slavo Kukic, a sociology professor at Mostar University in southern Bosnia.

People in Bosnia generally distrust the authorities. They (have been) lied to and manipulated for the past 30 years, and it makes it easier (for the anti-vaccine movement) to convince them that it is wise to not protect themselves from the virus, that it is a risk worth taking, Kukic said.

While vaccine hesitancy in Bosnia might be among the most extreme globally, the country is not the only one in Europe facing that problem.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies voiced concern Thursday at low immunization rates in parts of the continent, calling for urgent action to tackle vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

In a press release, it warned that disinformation about vaccines side effects and potential risks, coupled with the introduction of vaccine passes was sparking anger and violence and has led to concerning incidents against medical services, media and the general public in the United Kingdom and numerous EU member including Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and France.

"Without addressing peoples concerns and fears, vaccines may not find their way into the arms of those most at risk, even where doses are available, IFRC regional director for Europe Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen said. Increased community engagement is needed to tackle vaccine hesitancy, myths and disinformation.

In Bosnia, health professionals and vaccine recipients note the absence of a coordinated, hard-hitting national campaign to counter vaccine hesitancy. There are no public service ads, billboards, incentives or mass mailings encouraging people to get vaccinated or advising them how to do it.

Meanwhile, activists with strong anti-vaccine opinions dominate the discussion on social networks and in the comment sections of news sites.

An opposition lawmaker, Lana Prlic, announced on Facebook last week that she had received her second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine and urged followers to get their shots as soon as possible to protect themselves and others." Her post attracted over 28,000 comments in 24 hours, most of them filled with insults and misinformation.

Jagoda Savic, Bosnias most vocal anti-vaccination activist for over a decade, asserts with pride that her profile has grown during the pandemic.

People stop me in the street to say hello, to congratulate me and ask me to keep up the good work, she said. I get so many messages (of support) on Facebook that I can no longer respond to all of them.

Savic claims that coronavirus vaccines were not put through standard safety testing before being approved for use, and that they have caused severe adverse reactions in 1.2 million people in the European Union, the U.K. and the United States.

Similar claims have been made in other countries, and scientists and health authorities have repeatedly rejected them. Savic countered that information from reputable sources may cause doubts about the dangers of vaccines, but in their heart and soul, people know the truth.

Bosnia has reported close to 240,000 confirmed cases and more than 10,500 deaths in the pandemic. Savic asserts the figures are inflated, arguing incorrectly that that molecular PCR tests  the primary method for diagnosing COVID-19  produce a huge number of false positives.

Unfortunately, I have the impression that we are simply letting anti-vaccination lobbies and movements highjack the public debate and spread misinformation that discourages people from getting immunized, Bakir Nakas, a retired infectious disease specialist, said.

While waiting to get her second coronavirus vaccine shot in Sarajevo last week, cancer patient Mirjana Golijanin said she thinks some fellow Bosnians are refusing because they perceive such behavior as a way of opposing the powerful and rich.

I think it is simply an expression of the need to offer some sort of resistance, even if all they are resisting is a vaccine, Golijanin said.

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Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senators fired a barrage of criticism Thursday at a Facebook executive over the social-networking giant's handling of internal research on how its Instagram photo-sharing platform can harm teens.

The lawmakers accused Facebook of concealing the negative findings about Instagram and demanded a commitment from the company to make changes.

During testimony before a Senate Commerce subcommittee, Antigone Davis, Facebooks head of global safety, defended Instagrams efforts to protect young people using its platform. She disputed the way a recent newspaper story describes what the research shows.

We care deeply about the safety and security of the people on our platform, Davis said. We take the issue very seriously. ... We have put in place multiple protections to create safe and age-appropriate experiences for people between the ages of 13 and 17.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the subcommittee chairman, wasnt convinced.

I dont understand how you can deny that Instagram is exploiting young users for its own profit, he told Davis.

The panel is examining Facebooks use of information from its own researchers that could indicate potential harm for some of its young users, especially girls, while it publicly downplayed the negative impacts. For some of the Instagram-devoted teens, the peer pressure generated by the visually focused app led to mental-health and body-image problems, and in some cases, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts, the research showed.

The revelations in a report by The Wall Street Journal, based on internal research leaked by a whistleblower at Facebook, have set off a wave of anger from lawmakers, critics of Big Tech, child-development experts and parents.

Comparisons to the tobacco industry's coverups of cigarettes' harmful effects abounded in a session that united senators of both parties in criticism of the giant social network and Instagram, the photo-sharing juggernaut valued at around $100 billion that Facebook has owned since 2012.

Said Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.: Instagram is that first childhood cigarette meant to get teens hooked early. Facebook is just like Big Tobacco, pushing a product they know is harmful to the health of young people.

The episode is quickly burgeoning into a scandal for Facebook approaching the level of the Cambridge Analytica debacle. Revelations in 2018 that the data mining firm had gathered details on as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission similarly led to a public-relations offensive by Facebook and congressional hearings.

Its abundantly clear that Facebook views the events of the last two weeks purely as a PR problem, and that the issues raised by the leaked research havent led to any soul-searching or commitment to change, said Josh Golin, executive director of the childrens online watchdog group Fairplay. The group, formerly known as the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, doesnt take money from Facebook or companies, unlike the nonprofits Facebook tends to bring in for expert advice on its products.

Facebooks public response to the outcry over Instagram was to put on hold its work on a kids version of Instagram, which the company says is meant mainly for tweens aged 10 to 12. On Monday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a blog post that the company will use its time out to work with parents, experts and policymakers to demonstrate the value and need for this product.

Already in July, Facebook said it was working with parents, experts and policymakers when it introduced safety measures for teens on its main Instagram platform. In fact, the company has been working with experts and other advisers for another product aimed at children  its Messenger Kids app that launched in late 2017.

Pressed by senators, Davis wouldnt say how long the pause would last. I dont have a specific date but I do have a commitment that Facebook executives will consult with parents, policymakers and experts, she said. We want to get this right.

Blumenthal and Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, the panels senior Republican, also plan to take testimony next week from a Facebook whistleblower, believed to be the person who leaked the Instagram research documents to the Journal. An interview with the whistleblower is set to air on CBS 60 Minutes program Sunday.

Davis, a one-time middle school teacher and aide in the Maryland attorney generals office, insisted that the research on Instagrams impact on young people is not a bombshell.

This research is a bombshell, Blumenthal countered. It is powerful, gripping, riveting evidence that Facebook knows of the harmful effects of its site on children, and that it has concealed those facts and findings.

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The research documents released Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal: https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/teen-girls-body-image-and-social-comparison-on-instagram.pdf

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Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press writer Amanda Seitz in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.

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Follow Marcy Gordon at https://twitter.com/mgordonap

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This story has been corrected to show that Fairplay is a childrens online watchdog group, not a childrens online advertising group.
MOUNT OLIVE  Union Miners Cemetery in Mount Olive will host a Miners Day program at noon Sunday, Oct. 10, to celebrate the legacy of the Battle of Virden.

Speakers will include Tim Drea of the Illinois AFL/CIO and Helaine Silverman of the Mythic Mississippi Project. There will also be a dedication of a historic plaque. Mother Jones will be portrayed Loretta Williams and General Bradley will be portrayed by Dale Hawkins.
EDWARDSVILLE  A man identified as the general manager of a Godfrey restaurant has been charged with stealing more than $23,000 from the business.

Mike Klopfenstein, 29, of Bethalto, was charged Sept. 28 with theft over $10,000, a Class 2 felony.

The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department.

According to court documents, on Dec. 18, 2020, Klopfenstein, identified as the general manager of Chic N Pig restaurant in Godfrey, allegedly took $23,710.17 in cash.

Bail was set at $75,000.

Other felony charges filed Sept. 28 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Ashley R. Flamer, 34, of Hamel, and Justin C. Helvey, 32, of Staunton, were each charged with three counts of burglary, all Class 2 felonies. The cases were presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On May 16 the two allegedly entered buildings at 8610 Dustman Road, 7861 Albrecht Road and 10304 Brandt Road, all in Worden, to commit theft. Bail was set at $75,000 each.

 Kasha A. Hughes, 21, of St. Louis, was charged with theft over $500, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Edwardsville Police Department. On Sept. 25 Hughes allegedly took another persons wallet including a drivers license, two debit cards and $800 cash. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Kelly L. Barton, 38, of Edwardsville, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Sept. 27 Barton allegedly took a power inverter, lace underwear and other merchandise valued at less than $400 from the Godfrey Walmar. She has a 2018 Jersey County conviction for theft. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Scott L. Asadorian, 30, of Columbia, Illinois, was charged with criminal damage to property over $500, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On Sept. 6 Asadorian allegedly caused more than $500 in damage to a 2011 Caprice Cadillac SRX owned by another person. Bail was set at $30,000.
NEW YORK (AP)  The spread of COVID-19 vaccination requirements across the U.S. hasn't had the desired effect so far, with the number of Americans getting their first shots plunging in recent weeks. And some experts worry that the move to dispense boosters could just make matters worse.

The fear is that the rollout of booster shots will lead some people to question the effectiveness of the vaccine in the first place.

Many of my patients are already saying, If we need a third dose, what was the point? said Dr. Jason Goldman, a physician in Coral Springs, Florida.

The average daily count of Americans getting a first dose of vaccine has been falling for six weeks, plummeting more than 50% from about 480,000 in early August to under 230,000 by the middle of last week, according to the most recently available federal data.

An estimated 70 million vaccine-eligible Americans have yet to start vaccinations, despite a summer surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths driven by the delta variant.

This is the case despite a growing number of businesses announcing vaccination requirements for their employees, including Google, McDonald's, Microsoft and Disney. Also, big cities such as New York and San Francisco are demanding people be vaccinated to eat at restaurants or enter certain other businesses.

Separately, President Joe Biden announced sweeping new vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans on Sept. 9. Employees at businesses with more than 100 people on the payroll will have to get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. But the mandates have yet to go into effect; the necessary regulations are still being drawn up.

Allie French, of Omaha, Nebraska, said the move toward booster shots only reinforced her strong belief that vaccinations arent necessary, particularly for people who take care of themselves.

It comes back to a mindset of not needing your hand held through every situation, said French, founder of a small advocacy group called Nebraskans Against Government Overreach.

Tara Dukart, a 40-year-old rancher from Hazen, North Dakota, and a board member for Health Freedom North Dakota, an organization that has fought mask and vaccine mandates, said: "I think that there is a tremendous amount of hesitancy because why get a third shot if the first two shots didnt work?

Scientists have emphasized that the vaccine remains highly effective against serious illness and death from COVID-19, noting that the unvaccinated account for the vast majority of the dead and hospitalized recently. But experts have also seen signs that the vaccines protection may be slipping, and they want to get out ahead of the problem.

Experts have long said the key to ending the U.S. epidemic is vaccinating the vast majority of the American public  perhaps as much as 90%. But of the more than 283 million Americans age 12 and older who are eligible for shots, only about 65%  184 million  are fully vaccinated, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to get vaccinated, meaning only about 55% of the U.S. public is fully protected.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday that health officials have not lost sight of that problem. The booster effort will not distract us from our most important focus  to get as many people as possible vaccinated with a primary series, she said.

White House officials said they doubt the need for boosters is a real concern among the vast majority of the unvaccinated, who for a variety of reasons, including misinformation, have continued to resist getting their shots despite nearly a years worth of data showing their lifesaving potential.

They argue, too, that as the pool of unvaccinated Americans gradually shrinks, there will be declines in the numbers of new people getting shots. They say the latest numbers should not be read as a sign that mandates aren't working, noting that most businesses havent yet put in place the Biden administration's vaccinate-or-test policy.

Indeed, despite the downward vaccination trends seen in CDC data, they say there is evidence employer mandates are already working. White House officials cited a number of success stories, including strong increases in the percentage of vaccinated employees at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, United Airlines and the Defense Department.

Noel Brewer, a University of North Carolina professor of health behavior, said the mandates show promise and there is good reason to be optimistic.

I think were heading into a great season for vaccinations. Everything is lining up in a good way, said Brewer, who advises the CDC and the World Health Organization on COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC authorized booster doses of Pfizer's vaccine for tens of millions of Americans who are 65 and older, have underlying health conditions or work in jobs that put them at high risk. The extra dose would be given six months after the two-shot regimen.

Regulators have yet to take up the question of booster shots for people who got the Moderna or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

More than 400,000 Americans got boosters at drugstores over the weekend, and 1 million more have signed up for them, according to White House officials.

But some members of an expert panel that advises the CDC worried last week that the booster discussion was a distraction from the more pressing need to get more Americans vaccinated.

We have a very effective vaccine, and its like saying, Its not working, said Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University.

At that meeting, a CDC official presented unpublished data from a recent 1,000-person survey that suggested that offering boosters would make 25% of unvaccinated Americans much less likely to get a shot. This week, a Kaiser Family Foundation poll of more than 1,500 adults found that 71% of the unvaccinated say the recent news about boosters is a sign that the vaccines arent working.

Some outside experts saw this coming.

Dr. James Conway, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at the University of Wisconsin, said last week that if vaccine-hesitant people "start to get the idea that this is only going to last for six or eight or 10 months, they may be further soured on the whole idea.

Meanwhile, the pandemic's summer surge has shown signs of easing. Deaths are still running high at over 2,000 a day on average, but cases and hospitalizations are trending down.

While any ebb in COVID-19's toll is welcome, it also may undercut health officials' effort to instill a sense of urgency in the unvaccinated. That could be a difficult task even when cases were exploding.

Dr. Alex Jahangir, director of orthopedic trauma surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the head of a coronavirus task force in Nashville, Tennessee, recalled operating on an elderly man injured in a car wreck over the summer. The man survived those injuries but ended up dying from COVID-19.

Jahangir said he was struck by how the mans family seemed to absorb the facts about the COVID-19's dangers only at the very end.

Only when they were negatively impacted did they seek the truth," Jahangir said.

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Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington; Grant Schulte in Omaha, Nebraska; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this story.

___

The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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STOCKHOLM (AP)  Swedish police said Thursday they are seeking a man in connection with an explosion and fire at a large apartment building this week that injured 16 people, four of them seriously.

The man is wanted on suspicion of public destruction and hasn't been located yet, police said. Authorities didn't identify him, but Swedish media reported that the suspect was a man in his 50s who had lived with his mother in the building in Goteborg, Sweden's second-largest city.

We still do not know what caused the explosion, senior police officer Anders Borjesson said at a news conference. The investigation is far from over. We still have a lot ahead of us.

Borjesson said that the warmth and the lack of oxygen inside the building had made it difficult for the investigators to do their work.

He declined to give details on the suspect.

The property owner had been trying to evict the man and his mother from their apartment, according to daily newspaper Aftonbladet. The local Goteborgs-Posten newspaper said an eviction was planned for Tuesday, the day the explosion occurred.

Aftonbladet said police had charged the man with several alleged crimes a week before the blast. The paper also reported that after he wasn't allowed to see his mother at a nursing home because of pandemic restrictions, the suspect harassed several people, including the owner of the building.

The explosion rocked the building in central Goteborg early Tuesday. Ensuing blazes spread to several apartments, and hundreds of residents were evacuated. At least 140 apartments were damaged.

One of the four people seriously injured remained in intensive care Wednesday, Goteborgs main hospital told Swedish broadcaster SVT.

Later Thursday, police reported a bomb threat against a medical center in the vicinity of apartment building. Patients and employees were evacuated, and a bomb squad and firefighters were at the scene, police spokesperson Hans-Jorgen Ostler said. A police helicopter hovered above the area.

That police operation also led to the evacuation of a kindergarten near the medical center. Firefighters were seen lifting children over a fence.

The police department later said in a statement that officers found no dangerous objects, but the department would provide information about threats against a group."

Police spokesperson Thomas Fuxborg told reporters that it wasn't clear whether the police operation was connected to the explosion suspect, but he didn't give details.

Fuxborg said they also had initiated a manhunt and that led them to a nearly apartment complex in Goteborg where they were to search the home of a friend" to the suspect." He said they were acting on a tip. It wasn't immediately clear if any arrests were made.

Swedish media had quickly had focused on the possibility that the explosion could be related to feuding gangs. Sweden has seen a rise in violence between organized criminal gangs.

Police and prosecutors said Thursday that at present, there is no indication that the blast has links to gang crime.
EDWARDSVILLE  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, has named Jessica Ulrich, LCSW, as director of Counseling Services.

Ulrich assumed her new responsibilities on Sept. 27

Jessica Ulrich is a longtime, committed member of our Division of Student Affairs who has a proven history of supporting and contributing to the growth of our Counseling Services unit, said Waple. I appreciate her dedication to SIUE and its students, and am confident her expert abilities in clinical training and education will advance the units critical services to ensure students well-being.

Ulrich is licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW) in the States of Illinois and Missouri. She has been part of SIUEs counseling services team since 2008, and has previously served as interim director, associate director, behavioral incident counselor and care coordinator, and staff counselor.

She has more than 15 years of experience providing clinical supervision, training and evaluation of both bachelors and masters level counselors and counselors in training. Her extensive professional background includes providing crisis intervention, counseling, outreach and supervising clinical and clerical staff.

I am both humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as the director of Counseling Services, said Ulrich. While I didnt originally set out to work in college mental health, I am incredibly grateful to have found this path. I am proud to be a member of SIUEs Division of Student Affairs. Working with emerging adults is exciting and rewarding. I appreciate the opportunity to lead the counseling team in providing students with superior trauma-informed and culture-centered care.

My mission over the next fiscal year will be to expand prevention efforts in order to reduce the escalation of student mental health distress, reduce the stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote the mental health and wellness of students, she added.

Ulrich holds a bachelors in social work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a masters in social work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

A national search will begin shortly to fill the now vacated associate director of counseling position previously held by Ulrich.
MEG BEAL, Westerly volleyball, senior: Beal had 13 aces and 28 assists in three Westerly victories. Beal also contributed 15 digs for the Bulldogs.

ZOOT BOSCHWITZ, Chariho football, senior: Boschwitz completed 14 of 16 passes for 176 yards in the Chargers 42-6 win over Central Falls/Blacksone Valley Prep. Boschwitz threw three touchdown passes.

MADDIE PERKINS, Wheeler girls soccer, senior: Perkins scored two goals and assisted on another in the Lions 3-0 victory against Tourtellotte.

WILL SAWIN, Stonington boys soccer, senior: Sawin, a senior, scored four goals and assisted on three others in a pair of Stonington victories. For the season, Sawin has 11 goals and 10 assists for the Bears.

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Wind the clock back 110 years and automotive history was made when a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost drove from London to Edinburgh and helped cement the motor car's future.

Designed as an 'Experimental Speed Car', the Silver Ghost won the 1911 trial of speed, reliability and endurance locked in top gear for the entire 799-mile return trip.

Last month the same car repeated half that feat over two days from the Royal Automobile Club in London's Pall Mall (which oversaw the original trial) to Edinburgh, replicating as much of the original route as possible.

Historic racer: A Rolls Royce Silver Ghost was driven from Edinburgh to London last month repeating a trip from 110 years ago when the same car won the 1911 trial of speed

And this week Rolls-Royce is making history again. On Wednesday, the company unveiled a sleek coupe-like limousine  called 'Spectre' in a cheeky nod to the release of the new 007 film  that will launch at the end of 2023 as the first fully-electric Rolls-Royce.

Spectre will cost between 400,000 and 500,000, and the company has said all its cars will be electric by 2030.

Bosses believe it's the most significant moment in Rolls-Royce's history since the Honourable Charles Rolls and engineer Sir Henry Royce were introduced.

The Rolls-Royce partnership began in 1904  but can trace its origins back to the business founded by Sir Henry Royce in 1884 (one of the first electrical engineers).

Rolls-Royce's first electric car the Spectre will cost between 400,000 and 500,000, and the company has said all its cars will be electric by 2030

Place in history

Royce built his first motor car in 1904 and in May of that year met his new partner. They reached a deal for Rolls to sell the Royce cars exclusively under the name of Rolls-Royce.

Rolls championed and owned an early electric car. He also had a charging station at his showroom in Fulham for Brougham electric cars.

In 1904, he even agreed to become an agent for the Contal Electromobile electric car but, on seeing Royce's motor car, he cancelled the agreement. And so the internal combustion engine went on to dominate motoring.

Lawrence of Arabia, the British Army and the Maharajas of India were all fans of Rolls-Royce's off-road prowess, as demonstrated in the Reliability Trials of 1907.

Also in 1907, businessman Frank Norbury brought the brand into India by driving a Silver Ghost 620 miles to Kolhapur in Maharashtra, through mountainous terrain.

In World War I, British commanders armoured Rolls-Royces to drive across crater-marked landscapes. They were also taken to China, Russia and the Middle East.

A Tank Corps Journal from October 1922 noted: 'The most outstanding incident since the war has been the trip of three Rolls-Royce armoured cars from Jerusalem to Baghdad.'

Beatle John Lennon owned a yellow psychedelic patterned Rolls-Royce.

And Russian revolutionary communist leader Vladimir Lenin couldn't help but be seduced  enjoying a specially-adapted half-track Silver Ghost with skis for winters.

Five landmark Rolls-Royces Rolls-Royce 10 Henry Royce produced his two-cylinder Royce 10 hp just before concluding a deal with Charles Rolls in 1904. The model, costing 395, was the first with the new Rolls-Royce name Silver Ghost In 1906 the most famous Rolls-Royce launched. The Silver Ghost was crowned 'the best car in the world' in 1907 and spawned successors Armoured Rolls-Royce Loved by Lawrence of Arabia and Vladimir Lenin, armoured Rolls-Royces saw military action around the globe during World War I Goodwood Phantom Designed in secret and launched in 2003 after five years' work, the 21st century Phantom marked the start of the 'Goodwood era' under BMW Cullinan SUV Named after the Cullinan diamond, the largest ever gem-quality rough diamond, the first Rolls-Royce SUV raised eyebrows in 2018, but continued the tradition of off-road quality

Driving-on

Rolls-Royce has been under the stewardship of BMW since 1998 after a battle with Volkswagen.

The result was that BMW secured the brand and built a factory at Goodwood, where the first car to be built and launched, in 2003, was a modern Phantom.

Over the past decade Rolls-Royce has produced two experimental electric prototypes.

In 2011, I road-tested the Phantom EE (codenamed 102EX) based on an existing Phantom, replacing its 6.75 litre V12 petrol engine and gear-box with a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors that propelled it up to 60 mph in 8 seconds with top speed restricted to 100 mph.

Ahead of its time: The Phantom EE was based on an existing Phantom, replacing its 6.75 litre V12 petrol engine and gear-box with a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors

It won plaudits for near-silent performance and innovation, including inductive or 'wireless' charging, but the 125-mile range and 20 hours' charging time remained 'significant hurdles', Rolls-Royce conceded.

The second electric Royce was the 2016 Vision Next 100 (103EX), which undertook a three-year world tour.

And now we have what Rolls-Royce chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos calls 'the real thing'  not a prototype, but a production car.

'Spectre' may echo James Bond's nemesis crime syndicate but for Rolls-Royce it continues the ethereal naming pattern joining Phantom, Wraith and Ghost.

Mr Muller-Otvos said: 'Electric motors are not new for Rolls-Royce. Sir Henry Royce's first venture created dynamos and patented the bayonet-style light bulb.

'We haven't been satisfied that available technology could support the Rolls-Royce experience. Until now.

'Electric drive is uniquely and perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce. It is silent, refined and creates torque almost instantly, generating tremendous power.'

The second electric Royce was the 2016 Vision Next 100 (103EX), which undertook a three-year world tour

Rolls-Royce says electric power is a propulsion system whose time has come. In the 1900s the internal combustion engine was not the only option  steam and electricity were also around.

Steam proved impractical. While electric 'lost the battle' for two reasons: limited range and the absence of charging stations  challenges which to a lesser extent still remain.

'But the characteristics that first drew engineers to electric power  instant torque, tremendous power and the absence of exhaust fumes  remain highly alluring,' Mr Muller-Otvos continued

'Some have speculated that, had he solved the range and charging issues, Sir Henry Royce may have chosen electric power alone for his cars.'

Now there's a thought.
Britons face forking out 105million a year in airport drop-off zone fees, with the average charge standing at just over 3.50 a pop, according to new research.

From 1 November, Heathrow will become the latest UK airport to slap a drop-off zone fee on motorists, with a 5 charge introduced.

Nearly 14million Britons every year typically use convenient drop-off zones when travelling to the airport, Direct Line Travel Insurance, said.

But, around 90 per cent of airports still provide alternative free drop-off points for passengers, although these are often further away from the main airport.

Drop-off fees: Airport drop-off fees for motors are as high as 7 at Stansted airport. London Luton has a free drop-off zone, but its drop off zone closest to the terminal charges motorists 5 for 10 minutes

New charge: From 1 November Heathrow is introducing a new 5 drop-off zone fee

However, speaking to This is Money, Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'Charges like this simply make people think twice and question how easy it is to travel.'

When Heathrow launches its drop-off zone charge, motorists driving with a blue badge will be exempt from the fee, as will, among others, drivers of emergency vehicles, licensed London black cabs and roadside recovery vans.

London Stansted airport has the most expensive drop-off zone charge, at 7 for up to 15 minutes, or 25 for over 15 minutes.

London Gatwick, Manchester, and once it is introduced, Heathrow, all charge 5 for airport zone drop-offs, while Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bristol charge 4 a time.

At the lower end of the spectrum, Birmingham airport charges 3 for drop-offs at its designated zone, while at Belfast International it is 1.

London Luton has a drop-off zone close to the airport which is free for 15 minutes. But, at the drop-off zone closest to the terminal, the fee is 5 for 10 minutes, and 1 per minute thereafter.

Many airports charge more than the basic fee once a certain timeframe is reached.

At Gatwick airport, while the basic drop-off zone charge is 5, 1 extra is added for each additional minute up to 20 minutes, up to a maximum of 25 for 30 minutes.

Exemptions: When Heathrow launches its airport drop-off zone charge, motorists driving with a blue badge will be exempt from the 5 fee

According to Direct Line Travel Insurance, after Heathrow imposes its new drop-off charge, its passengers could end up collectively paying out around 33.4million next year.

The findings suggests passengers travelling via London Gatwick and Manchester face having to collectively fork out around 14.5million and 12million a year for airport drop-offs.

When travel rates are at normal levels, over a quarter of passengers usually use airport drop-off zones, but nearly half of people think they should be scrapped, Direct Line Travel Insurance said.

Seventeen per cent said they would try to find an alternative way of getting to the an airport if it meant they could avoid paying a drop-off fee.

Tom Bishop, head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, said: 'While holidaymakers will find them frustrating, the introduction of these charges is understandable given the huge financial strain put on airports during the pandemic, coupled with uncertain traveller volumes in the near future.

'However, since Heathrow is one of the last airports to introduce the fee, with most having some form of one, it is important that as travellers return to airports they are aware of the drop-off fees which they may incur, as well as alternative options available to them.

'Indeed, those who are not willing to pay such fees for a more convenient drop off should check if the airport has a free drop-off zone, as well as considering alternative public or private transfer options.'

In the past year, around 22 per cent of Britons have flown, taking just over 17million flights. But, with travel restrictions eased, the number of flights taken is expected to exceed levels seen in the past year between now and the end of the year.

Speaking to This is Money, Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'These extra fees dont help to create seamless travel.

'Airports and others in travel should be enabling easy access so that consumers can get away on business or leisure without layers of complexity.

'Charges like this simply make people think twice and question how easy it is to travel. Access has to be opened up for all, without charges, if travel is to recover more quickly post-pandemic.

'Access charges like this are also a hindrance if public transport is not working effectively. Consumers are sometimes forced to drive to ensure they catch their plane in time.'
Spiralling energy prices have plunged the steel industry deeper into crisis.

Companies are battling to stay afloat as they grapple with power prices four times higher than average.

Firms were previously paying around 50 per megawatt hour  but are now routinely being slapped with bills of 200.

Feeling the heat: Soaring power prices are making it difficult for companies to make steel profitably during certain hours of the day

The most dramatic spikes have seen prices skyrocket as much as 50 times higher, with quotes of 2,500.

The soaring rates are making it difficult for companies to make steel profitably during certain hours of the day, and they are curbing production.

Fears are rising that this could become more widespread and shake the already-stricken sector, which has seen a succession of companies pushed to the brink over the last few years.

UK Steel said: 'Record electricity prices are hobbling the UK's steel sector and widening the already damaging gulf between prices paid by steelmakers in the UK and those in Europe  an issue UK Steel has been warning about for almost a decade.'

Alasdair McDiarmid, operations director at the trade union Community, said: 'The spikes in electricity prices are incredibly concerning and a threat to UK steelworkers.

'We need urgent action to combat the UK's sky-high prices.

'There is currently a huge price inequality when it comes to electricity prices, with the UK paying twice as much for electricity as our EU competitors.

'This puts us at a major competitive disadvantage as well as being a barrier to delivering the Government's climate objectives,' he said.

Another factor that could hit companies that make recycled steel  rather than fresh steel from blast furnaces  is that after months of rising steel and raw materials prices, these have now started to level off and even fall.

Higher energy costs and falling steel prices could be debilitating for these firms.

Matthew Watkins, principal steel analyst at CRU, said: 'One other moving part of the jigsaw is that steel prices are now falling globally, having been through an incredible run higher over the past year or so.

'We expect those falls to continue and so that can also increase the threat that steel mills become unprofitable due to high power costs.'
America's financial watchdog has accused a former Goldman Sachs analyst of making hundreds of thousands of dollars from insider trading.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Jose Luis Casero Sanchez, 35, had used his role at the Wall Street titan to learn confidential information about Goldman's clients.

He then made illegal trades, according to the SEC, using brokerage accounts opened in his parents' names.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission said Jose Luis Casero Sanchez, 35, had used his role at Goldman Sachs to learn confidential information about its clients

He traded at least 45 times from September 2020 until his resignation in May this year, reaping nearly 351,000.

Sanchez worked for Goldman in Poland, as a senior compliance analyst. Part of his job involved being in a 'control room' that tracked pending mergers and other deals, where he mined the confidential information.

Goldman said: 'We condemn this egregious behaviour. We are fully cooperating with the SEC.'

The regulator is also looking to freeze the assets of Sanchez and his parents, who are believed to be living in Spain. Goldman interviewed him in late May about suspicious activity, the SEC's filing said.
More bank branches are disappearing from the High Street with Virgin Money shutting 31 of its locations.

The challenger bank, which bought Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank three years ago for 1.7billion, said it will close the branches early next year, with 112 staff losing their jobs.

Lenders have now announced 4,525 branch closures since the start of 2015, including 748 this year.

Branching out: Virgin founder Richard Branson led an initial expansion of Virgin Money branches but 31 are now to be closed early next year - costing 112 staff their jobs

Virgin said that the number of customers using branches 'has been on a downward trajectory across the UK banking industry for a number of years, and this has been further accelerated by the pandemic'.

It added that one of the branches was only for staff, and that 28 of the remaining 30 were less than a third of a mile from the nearest Post Office.

But the latest round of closures has outraged consumer rights groups, who claim the paucity of branches is making it difficult for elderly and vulnerable customers to access basic banking services.

Gareth Shaw, head of money at consumer group Which?, said: 'It is vital that consumers who are not yet ready or able to bank digitally are protected against the domino effect of branch closures that have taken place across the UK, particularly if they are vulnerable.

'This announcement from Virgin Money also demonstrates the risk of the Government delaying its desperately needed legislation to protect cash and the industry's failure to come up with solutions to the rapid decline of cash access.

'This should serve as a wake-up call to the Government. Legislation safeguarding access to cash must be introduced as soon as possible, which gives the Financial Conduct Authority powers to hold industry accountable for providing local cash services.'

Lenders have been shuttering branches in their droves over the last decade, in an attempt to cut costs as they invest in online banking.

Virgin Money alone has axed 64 branches since 2015  not counting the 101 Yorkshire and 72 Clydesdale locations which have gone over the same time  and will have 131 remaining across the UK.

The bank said it was 'accelerating its digital strategy', and would book an extra 45million of 'restructuring charges' in the last quarter of its financial year  taking the annual total to 145million  as it ploughed more money into online technology.

The bank said it will send letters to all affected customers at least 12 weeks before the branches close.

Fergus Murphy, group customer experience director at Virgin Money, said: 'As our customers change the way they want to bank with us and conduct fewer transactions in-store, we must continue to evolve the role of our stores into places where we showcase our products and bring our digital services to life.'

But union Unite slammed Virgin Money for 'disproportionately' affecting Scotland, where 12 of the branches earmarked for closure are based.

Debbie Hutchings, Unite industrial officer, said: 'The announcement will disproportionately impact workers and communities across Scotland, and it is here where the Virgin Group axe will fall the hardest.

'Island communities from Portree to rural towns such as Wick are going to be left behind by Virgin Money.

'Our nation's town centres from Cumbernauld to Musselburgh will be further hollowed out as fewer people will come into town if there is no bank branch.'

She added: 'This will directly hit the businesses that remain on the High Street.'
Albany Medical College

ALBANY - Albany Medical College professor Kristen Zuloaga has been awarded a $150,00 research grant from the Alzheimers Association to study the effects of menopause on Alzheimers disease.

The three-year research grant will fund "research used to determine the effects of menopause on memory and damage to the brain" and "whether increasing estrogen in the brain after menopause can improve memory and reduce damage."
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Thousands of nurses and other medical personnel who work in state agencies that care for inmates or disabled and mentally ill individuals will not be mandated to receive coronavirus vaccinations or face the loss of their jobs  which was a policy that went into effect earlier this week for medical professionals in hospitals and other health care settings. (TU)

State Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday made statements at a Manhattan breakfast indicating that she is strongly considering a gubernatorial run next year, just a week after offering a less firm stance. (TU)
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro ordered the flags at all county facilities to be flown at half-staff and the illumination of the County Office Building in blue lights in honor of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian Butch Anderson following his passing last week. His visitation has been set for Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center in Poughkeepsie. His funeral is at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the same location. Flags will remain at half-staff until after Anderson's memorial service.

Anderson passed away at his home in the Village of Pawling on Wednesday morning, Sept. 29.

He served Dutchess County for over 50 years, beginning his career in law enforcement there in 1970 as deputy sheriff. He was first elected Sheriff of Dutchess County in 1999. His long-time friend, actor James Earl Jones, swore him in to his fourth term in 2012, according to Andersons sheriff bio.

The sheriff was not only a mentor and a close friend, but he was like a second father to me, said Undersheriff Kirk Imperati in a press release. We lost a great man today. He will be greatly missed by the members and staff of the Dutchess County Sheriffs Office and all the people throughout Dutchess County who have been positively impacted by his kindness, care, and generosity over the years.

Anderson is survived by his wife Danielle and their four children. He was born and raised in Pawling, where he also was elected mayor in 1983 and served for eight years.

It has been an honor to be married to Sheriff Butch Anderson and the 300,000 residents of Dutchess County, said Danielle Anderson in a press release. He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all. Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss.

After joining the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office as a deputy in 1970, Anderson was promoted to detective and assigned to the Major Case Squad, where he assisted with numerous robber and murder investigations. He then became a police instructor. In 1977, he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He was appointed Undersheriff in Dutchess County in 1993 and oversaw day-to-day operations of the Law Enforcement and Correction Division before becoming sheriff.

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I was not at all surprised to see him move up the ranks and ultimately be elected repeatedly by the people to serve as their sheriff, said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison in a press release. Butch, in all capacities, was a dedicated and brave member of that department, but what always impressed me was his love of this county, the people who live here and his overwhelming commitment to the Hudson Valley.

Anderson was actively involved in several organizations, including serving as a founding board member and executive director of the Ryan McElroy Childrens Cancer Foundation.

Throughout his life, he was true leader  in law enforcement, in elected office, and in service to community organizations, said Molinaro in a press release.

His call to serve ensured the safety of our community for more than 50 years and made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children, families, and residents.
ALBANY - The Albany Medical Center has temporarily closed two of its urgent care locations in Guilderland and Mechanicville as it seeks to "decompress" pressure at the hospital's emergency department.

Spokesperson Matt Markham said Albany Med, like many hospitals nationwide, is embroiled in staffing shortages and increased wait times that are requiring it to take "proactive measures" toward retaining staff, such as offering attendance rewards and referral bonuses.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A Columbus police officer responding to a domestic dispute shot and killed a man allegedly wielding a knife, authorities said.

Officers responded to an apartment complex on the city's south side at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after a woman called to report domestic abuse, police spokesperson Sgt. James Fuqua said.

Arriving officers were met outside by the woman who alleged that a man with whom she was in some sort of relationship was threatening her with a knife, Fuqua said. The man then came outside the house and began to charge at the woman with the knife, according to Fuqua.

Officers tried unsuccessfully to subdue him with a Taser gun, and one officer then fired his gun several times, Fuqua said.

Fuqua said officers immediately rendered aid until medics arrived and transported the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

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Police didn't immediately release the names of the man or the officers.
Three Democratic members of Congress on Thursday offered deeply personal testimony about their own abortions as a congressional committee examined how to respond to conservative states that are passing laws limiting abortion access.

Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said she was raped on a church youth trip. Rep. Barbara Lee of California said she received a back-alley abortion in Mexico after a teenage pregnancy. And Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she opted for an abortion after being told her pregnancy would be high risk for her and the baby.

Choosing to have an abortion was the hardest decision I had ever made, but at 18 years old, I knew it was the right decision for me, Bush told the House Committee on Oversight Reform.

The hearing comes weeks after a Texas law took effect that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with no exception for rape or incest. Other conservative states are considering similar measures.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is weighing the fate of a Missouri law that bans abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy, also with no rape or incest exceptions. And, the U.S. Supreme Court in December will hear arguments over a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The hearing also looked at what the federal government can do to ensure abortion access. Options include ending the Hyde Amendment, which restricts government funding for most abortions, and passing a law guaranteeing a womans right to an abortion. The House passed that measure last week, but Republican opposition would almost certainly doom it in the Senate.

Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democrat from New York, said the majority of Americans support abortion rights.

But with a hostile Supreme Court, extremist state governments are no longer chipping away at constitutional rights -- they are bulldozing right through them, Maloney said.

Republican Rep. James Comen of Kentucky said the oversight committee should focus on problems with President Joe Biden's administration, not a state matter over which it has absolutely no jurisdiction. Another Republican, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, said abortion only compounds the sorrow.

Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, or even the result of horrific circumstances, ending that child's life with an abortion to empower or protect the, quote, freedom, end quote, of the mother is not an answer," Foxx said.

Bush, a 45-year-old first-term lawmaker from St. Louis, testified that she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 1994 and went on a church youth trip to Mississippi. She said she befriended a man who was about 20. She said they flirted and he asked to go to the room she was sharing with another girl. Her roommate was already asleep when the man showed up.

I answered the door and quietly told him he could come in, imagining that we would talk and laugh like we had done over the phone, Bush said. But the next thing I knew, he was on top of me, messing with my clothes, and not saying anything at all.

When it was over, Bush said, she was confused."

I was embarrassed, I was ashamed, she said. "I asked myself, Was it something Id done?

About a month later, soon after she turned 18, Bush learned she was pregnant.

To all the Black women and girls who have had abortions or will have abortions -- know this: We have nothing to be ashamed of, Bush said.

Jayapal said her first child, Janak, now 25, was born prematurely and weighed less than 2 pounds, which resulted in medical conditions that frequently required his hospitalization. Jayapal said other stresses combined with the sick baby resulted in postpartum depression so bad that she contemplated suicide.

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She said that when she became pregnant again, she consulted with doctors who told me that any future pregnancy would likely also be high risk to me and the child, similar to what I had gone through with Janak."

I very much wanted to have more children, she said, "but I simply could not imagine going through that again.

Ending the pregnancy was "the most difficult choice I've made in my life, but it was my choice, Jayapal said.

Lee became pregnant at age 16 in the mid-1960s. Abortion in California was illegal at the time so a family friend helped send her to a back-alley clinic in Mexico," she said.

She had no ill effects from the procedure, but she said many other women weren't so lucky in that era.

In the 1960s, unsafe septic abortions were the primary killer  primary killer  of African American women, Lee said.

A Republican lawmaker had her own personal story about an abortion that didn't happen.

Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida said her mother suffered a stroke while pregnant with Cammack's older sister. Years later, when pregnant with Cammack, Cammack's mother was urged by doctors to have an abortion.

But because of her strength," Cammack said, she chose life.

___

Salter reported from O'Fallon, Missouri.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The foreign minister of the divided island of Cyprus is accusing Turkeys president of attempting to promote a new Ottoman empire in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East  and says such an approach to geopolitics could adversely impact regional security.

Nikos Christodoulides, whose Mediterranean island nation is divided into a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south that is a member of the European Union, pointed to what he called aggressive Turkish behavior not only in Cyprus but in Syria, Iraq, Libya and other Arab countries in the region.

We see the militarization of the Turkish foreign policy, Christodoulides said in an interview with The Associated Press, and this is of great concern for all the countries in the region.

Christodoulides invoked the Ottoman empire, which controlled much of southeastern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries from Constantinople, which is now Turkeys largest city, Istanbul. The empire entered World War I on the side of Germany and the central powers that were defeated, leading to its breakup and the rise of the modern Turkish republic.

Christodoulides cited former Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglus policy of zero problems with neighboring countries, which was a flagship concept of the ruling Justice and Development Party led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

From zero problems with the neighbors we end up today with Turkey having problems with all neighbors, he said. There is not a single country that doesnt have problems with Turkey.

What we are witnessing from Turkey is an attempt to promote a new Ottoman policy in the region, the Cypriot minister said. Turkey wants to become the regional hegemony.

Christodoulides was interviewed Monday, the final day of the U.N. General Assemblys annual high-level gathering of world leaders, after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hosted Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in hopes of jump-starting a return to negotiations to reunite the Mediterranean island nation.

Numerous rounds of U.N.-mediated talks have ended in failure, with the last push for a peace deal in July 2017 ending in acrimony. That meeting also led to a shift by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots toward seeking a two-state deal rather than pursuing their stated aim of reunifying the country as a federation made up of Greek and Turkish speaking zones as called for by the U.N. Security Council.

Turkeys Foreign Ministry didnt immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

Turkeys government, which takes pride in the countrys Ottoman past, denies it has expansionist ambitions in the region and insists that its actions in the Mediterranean are geared toward safeguarding its interests and those of Turkish Cypriots on the divided island against what it regards as Cyprus and Greeces disproportionate maritime boundary and energy exploratory claims.

Turkey maintains troops in northern Iraq and frequently conducts cross-border operations there to battle Kurdish militants. It has also sent troops to Syria with the stated aim to clear militia forces linked to the Kurdish insurgency from its borders. In Libya, Turkey provided military support to the countrys U.N.-backed government, helping to tip the balance in the conflict against the Benghazi-based forces that controlled the east. Turkey also signed an agreement with the Tripoli-based government delineating the maritime boundaries which triggered protests from Greece and Cyprus.

Christodoulides said Erdogans recent announcement of a drone base in breakaway northern Cyprus is an example of Turkeys Ottoman policy.

The main reason for establishing this drone base is to control the Middle East, is to control Israel, its to control Egypt, he said. Its not for Cyprus, actually, because you dont need a drone base in Cyprus in order to see the situation in the island.

Christodoulides said the Cypriot government vehemently opposes a two-state solution because it will give Turkey full control of a so-called Turkish Cypriot sovereign state, which isnt the case today because only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Cypriot north, not the international community.

So, they run with this to control the region, to promote its plan for the eastern Mediterranean, he said.

The top Cypriot diplomat said that to understand Erdogans policy in Cyprus it must be seen in the context of what Turkish forces are doing in northern Syria and Iraq, in Libya and in some African countries.

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Christodoulides said Cyprus is working to bolster its security with its neighbors, especially Israel and Egypt, but also the United States, recalling that Cyprus signed a statement of intent for security cooperation with the U.S. in 2018 that is very important. Also important, he said: that the EU is considering developing a security wing.

The Cypriot minister renewed an invitation to Turkey  made last year by the leaders of Cyprus, Egypt and Greece  to become a partner in reaping the potential benefits of offshore gas deposits, while urging Ankara to end its aggressive actions in the eastern Mediterranean.

We dont exclude anybody, he said. We want all the neighboring countries to work in order to take advantage of the energy possibilities of our region.

Christodoulides said all countries in the region have delineated their maritime borders except Turkey, adding that it has refused to enter bilateral relations to determine its border with Cyprus or go to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands.

We want and were ready to work with Turkey, he said. What were asking from Turkey  just to respect international law, the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said all other countries in the region understand the benefits of cooperation, but also the fact that united we will be able to tackle the challenges of the region, to work together. He pointed as an example to this summers wildfires in Cyprus, Greece and Israel which saw many countries in the region offer help.

Cyprus long-term vision, Christodoulides said, is to establish a regional organization for security and cooperation.

Its the only region in the world that no such organization exists, he said. And we believe that all the countries of the region, they can see benefits out of this regional cooperation.

___

Edith M. Lederer, chief U.N. correspondent for The Associated Press, has been reporting internationally for nearly 50 years. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EdithLedererAP
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)  Thousands of people turned out Wednesday in Wichita to honor a Kansas priest as he was laid to rest 70 years after he died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

Mourners filled Hartman Arena for a funeral service for the Rev. Emil Kapaun and later lined streets to watch his body being carried by a horse-drawn caisson from Veterans Memorial Park to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he was interred.

We are here today to provide for father what was not provided for him 70 years ago, a mass of Christian burial, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Wichita diocese told the crowd.

Speakers extolled Kapaun's Christian love and his courage during his days as a prisoner or war, which he spent providing comfort to his fellow soldiers. They also said it was appropriate that his body had finally returned to the state where he was born.

"Uncle Emil, welcome home. Home at last," said Kapaun's nephew, Ray Kapaun during the service.

He praised his uncle's fellow POWs who survived the war and the people of Pilsen, where Kapaun was born, who he said helped keep the priest's story alive in the decades since his death.

Kapaun, an Army chaplain, was captured in 1950 near Unsan, North Korea, while tending to fellow soldiers. He died in May 1951 at the POW camp while continuing to minister to fellow prisoners. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013.

In 1993, the Catholic church named him a Servant of God, the first step of a lengthy process that could lead to canonization.

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During the funeral, the Rev. Matthew Pawlikowski read a statement from Col. Mike Dowe detailing how Kapaun volunteered to stay behind to care for the wounded before he was captured. He said at the prisoner of war camp, Kapaun stole food, volunteered to bury the dead so he could provide clothes to survivors and continually encouraged them to hold onto their faith.

Dowe said Kapaun was intentionally left to die in a structure known as the death house by the Chinese Communists who ran the camp not because of politics, not because he was a soldier but because he was a shining light in the darkness living out his faith as a Christian. They martryed him.

Kapaun's remains were positively identified in March and returned to his family last week during a ceremony in Hawaii. The body was flown back to Kansas, where more crowds gathered Saturday for a memorial service in Pilsen before his remains were returned to Wichita.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed Wednesday Father Emil Kapaun Day in the state. She said in a statement that He served with honor and dignity, I hope his return home brings relief and closure to his family and his community.
SCHENECTADY  Shot in the chest and seemingly fading, the man stretched out on his back in the street could easily have become a grim statistic  Schenectadys first homicide of the year, according to city and fire officials.

A few feet away in the dark of night, Patrolman Michael Czub emerged from his patrol car, popped open the trunk, and removed a first aid pack containing a seal kit that likely saved the 27-year-old man's life.

Czubs body camera, footage from which the Schenectady Police Department recently allowed the Times Union to view, captures the next few tense minutes following the emergency call at 2:40 a.m. on Aug. 29.

A small crowd of people, some of them sobbing, hover around Czub and the victim, who is in obvious pain.

A woman urges the victim, who was also shot in the leg, to stay calm, baby, Im right here.

Before long, Czub alternates between trying to learn more about the shooting while encouraging the victim to stay with me, buddy.

He explains what he's about to do before applying the seal kit.

Keep talking to me, what happened bro? Czub asks the man. Hey, stay with me, youre good, youre not going to die.

The man responds that hes awake.

Breathe slowly, bro, dont worry about nothing else, said Czub.

The man was eventually transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Patrick Irwin, the departments spokesperson, said Wednesday that no arrests had been made and the investigation into the shooting was continuing.

Dr. Howard Schlossberg said modern-day seal kits have a one-way valve "so you just slap it on and allow the lungs to inflate by keeping the pressures the way they're supposed to be."

"Your lungs are like a balloon so they gotta get air in and inflate so they can do all that circulation stuff, but if there is too much air outside, the balloon can't inflate....so what these seals do is, not only do they seal it up so that stuff isn't coming out, but they also prevent that tension in the thorax from happening," said Schlossberg, who has been practicing for 16 years and specializes in hematology and oncology.

Irwin and Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford noted that the scene playing out on the body camera is rare because typically city firefighter paramedics, not police officers, are the ones who treat shooting victims.

And they pointed out the only reason Czub even had the kit, which he paid for out of pocket, is because he received training on it during his two years with the Albany County Sheriff's Department.

Clifford said last week that though city officers currently dont carry the chest seals, the department is exploring the possibility of acquiring them.

Were considering and reviewing that, primarily for officer safety, however because of this situation, we will review our policy and discuss with corporation counsel whether we should be trained to treat members of the public should we arrive before the paramedics, he said.

Several law enforcement agencies in the region, including the Albany Police Department and the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office, have the seal kits as part of their first aid arsenal.

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Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said Wednesday that every recruit who goes through the agency's police academy is issued a kit and taught how to use it.

He said deputies with the department have had seal kits for about four years, speculating that it was likely prompted by a mass shooting incident.

"We have a very large EMS division so our paramedics come in (and) they teach them the proper way to use it - we've used it a few times at different accident scenes," he said.

Czub and the other officers got to the shooting scene on Albany Street in Schenectady before city firefighter paramedics because they were nearby when the shots fired call came in.

Schenectady Assistant Fire Chief Don Mareno said Wednesday that firefighter paramedics are required to carry what he described as an occlusive dressing that is used on an as-needed basis for "any open wound in the chest where you think the lungs may be involved."

Occlusive dressings are used for sealing particular types of wounds and their surrounding tissue off from air, fluids and harmful contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, in a trauma or first aid situation, according to information online.

"Anytime you have an injury to the chest, what you want to be careful of is introducing air into the lungs, because if you do that it can cause problems by collapsing the lungs or putting pressure on the lungs," added Mareno. "This is airtight, so no air will get in, no water will get in, and it's designed to prevent that air from getting into the lungs."

If by chance, some air makes it into the lungs, the user can lift up one corner of the seal to allow the air to escape, and then reseal it, added Mareno.

"He (the police officer) potentially saved that man's life," said Mareno.

Czub, who Clifford said doesnt want any publicity for his heroics, declined to be interviewed for this story, but will be recognized during the departments valor ceremony in the future, which was canceled this year because of the pandemic.
ALBANY  Gov. Kathy Hochul selected Rory M. Christian to lead the Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications and water utilities. The move comes three months after the state Senate confirmed Christian's nomination to the commission by then-Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Christian pushed for a stance of climate justice and green energy policies when he was confirmed by the Senate Finance Committee in June, focusing on issues he said may have disproportionately hurt communities of color.

"We must ensure that we do not repeat mistakes of the past and cause unintended consequences to communities," Christian said in June.

Christian was the director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund from 2013 to 2019. Previously, he served as the director of energy finance and sustainability for the New York City Housing Authority. Christian will now be chair of the commission and CEO of the department.

"I look forward to devoting my time, my energy and talents to helping ensure New York meets its clean energy goals, through solutions that prioritize equity, reliability and resiliency," Christian said in a release Thursday.

Christian, who lives in Brooklyn, went to college at City University of New York's City College for undergraduate work and Baruch College for graduate work. He spent time working with KeySpan Energy as a civil energy early on in his career.

"His deep expertise on utility operations and regulation, environmental policy, and community engagement make him uniquely qualified to help the state address the climate crisis while achieving PSC's core mission to maintain reliable and affordable utility service," Hochul said in a release.

Christian was questioned by Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee in June about his alleged lack of understanding of upstate issues, particularly around offshore wind turbines and its potential implications to rural communities. He said he viewed the goal of the commission as "providing safe, affordable, reliable service to our customers, New Yorkers."

Christian was questioned both by Democrats and Republicans on issues of broadband.

"On the subject of broadband, I will admit that I am not fully versed on the topic," Christian. "I will suspect we do not have 100 percent penetration of broadband in New York state."

The state comptroller's office issued a recent report that noted substantial issues in broadband access in New York.

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Christian said he believed that broadband was a utility regulated by the commission, which was not precise. Some lawmakers this year called for the PSC to fully regulate broadband.

"I do believe broadband is an essential need for all New Yorkers," Christian said. "I am confident the PSC will implement the needed reforms to ensure that issues like that you brought up will be addressed."

On questions regarding renewable energy sources, Christian said that he does not view nuclear energy as a part of the "classic definition" of renewable energy.

He said that he understood zero-emission credits were "established with the goal of providing nuclear power plants with some economic benefit because of their carbon-free emissions, but they are not considered renewable energy."

Christian told the committee he was originally supposed to be a nominee for the board of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. He said he was later informed by Cuomo's office that he was instead going to be asked to be a commissioner on PSC. Three months later, Christian is now chair and CEO of the commission.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Christian viewed nuclear energy as out of compliance with the state's laws for creating energy with zero emissions. Christian does not view nuclear energy as a renewable energy.
ALBANY  Banh Mi 47, a storefront in the redeveloped Kenmore complex on North Pearl Street downtown, opened recently with a limited menu of a few of the eponymous sandwiches plus daily features, bubble tea and Vietnamese coffee.

The owners are Mike and Stacy Nguyen, a couple who met at Siena College more than 20 years ago. Banh Mi 47 is named after the street address of the home in Saigon of Mike Nguyens grandfather, where a market and pho shop occupy the street level and family members live upstairs.
September 30, 2021





Business processes can be incredibly complex. They can be tedious, requiring attention and effort that seems far removed from the excitement of selling a product or providing a service. Sadly, they are also essential. A business that fails to cover all the necessary administration, customer support, finance, and legal will eventually have to pay a heavy price, and that might even include failure.







However, these processes form a significant part of the businesss overhead, sometimes without contributing directly to its goals. A consequence of this is that BPO in Australia has seen a resurgence of interest. First popular in the latter part of the twentieth century, outsourcing has fallen in and out of fashion. Ultimately, though, businesses face the competing pressures of having to make a profit while also satisfying customer demands for high-quality service and low prices. Outsourcing has been a common solution to that challenge.

Like much of the world, the Australian economy has been shaky for much of this century, with growth tempered by feelings of uncertainty among businesses and consumers. BPO providers have not been immune to this, and for a while, they saw some pressure as their clients opted for the illusory sense of security by taking their processes in-house. However, as time has passed, confidence in the sector has revived.

BPOs themselves have benefited, able to call on a skilled workforce at a time when other opportunities might be in short supply. They have also established operations in areas of the country that might otherwise lack major employers and frequently have lower premises costs.

These add to the combination of factors that make BPOs in Australia around 10 to 15% less costly than the equivalent in-house provision. Staffing and premises are clearly a big factor. A Sydney-based business simply could not operate with a budget that could fully staff a large operation in the north, for example. However, a range of other factors also contribute to the saving.

Almost every operational cost will be cheaper for a dedicated provider. While outsourcing companies in Australia provide their speciality for the client, they also benefit from this themselves. Ongoing costs, like HR, finance, and administration, are reduced because those functions are also specialised.

They can also benefit from the scale at which they operate. A typical BPO company will have anywhere between 20 and 50 clients. This will mean the costsnot just the physical infrastructure but also things like supervisory and management oversightare shared. Overheads that might need building into an in-house team, such as cover, training, and succession planning, can be managed by fully utilising the BPO providers available resources.

Ultimately, though, the savings should be a secondary concern for most businesses looking at outsourcing. There is little point in outsourcing for a saving at the price of dissatisfied customers and lost reputation. While the bottom line will look better initially, the effects will soon be outweighed by lost revenue. The aim of outsourcing, therefore, is ensuring that it adds to the long-term value of the company by providing enhanced customer service.

Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, one of the leading mid-sized call centres in the Philippines, says, Often clients come to us after they had a dire experience with a third-party outsourcing provider, onshore or offshore. The common factor, sadly, is that the provider did not pay enough attention to customer satisfaction. Whether in Australia or offshore, BPO can offer savingsup to 50% for offshore optionsbut its essential to make sure that it does so while enhancing the Customer Experience (CX). Both front- and back-office processes can, and in most cases will, have a significant impact on CX. In todays hyper-competitive marketplace, the focus must be on the customer. This is imperative for the long-term success of any business he adds.
[September 30, 2021] Algenex enters biocomponents market to provide mammalian-free production of cost efficient high-quality proteins and peptides

PRESS RELEASE Algenex enters biocomponents market to provide mammalian-free production of cost efficient high-quality proteins and peptides Proven technology poised to accelerate growth of emerging synthetic food space Madrid (Spain), September 30, 2021  Algenex SL, a biotech company delivering disruptive technologies for recombinant biologics production, has announced its entry into the biocomponents market at the Biospain 2021 conference in Pamplona. Algenex intends to provide a high quality, lower cost alternative to traditional methods through its automated and bioreactor-free expression platform, CrisBio, which harnesses the power of insects as natural single-use bioreactors. Algenex already has an established track record as a producer of proteins for the human and animal diagnostic and therapeutic markets and has also demonstrated the applicability of its technology platform to growth factors, hormones, enzymes and cytokines. Claudia Jimenez, CEO of Algenex, commented, This new business path represents an important step forward for Algenex. We have shown that our technology can be applied to a wide range of important biocomponent classes and have also recently received EMA validation for the first vaccine produced using our CrisBio platform, highlighting its robustness." Algenex has already signed commercial agreements for the use of Crisbio in the production of antigens with diagnostic companies, including Biokit and GlobalDX. With the latter, Algenex markets an African swine fever antibody detection test based on antigens produced using CrisBio. These agreements demonstrate the ability of Algenex to meet commercial requirements for bioomponent supply for international markets.



Building on this platform, the Company intends to expand into the supply of enzymes and growth factors, which are important components in a wide range of biopharmaceutical products including synthetic food, an area of increasing demand and limited market supply. Algenex bioreactor-free platform offers ready scalability bringing both cost and product quality benefits to customers. The Company has extensive experience in the production of growth factors, including FGF, EGF and TGF. The overall market for growth factors is expected to reach US$3.7bn by 2031. Dr. Jose Escribano, scientific director and founder of Algenex said: "The current biocomponents supply chain leaves many innovators, including those in the synthetic food space, unable to secure high quality products at a volume and price that meets their needs. Our technology can solve this problem and provide a disruptive, yet robust alternative to traditional suppliers.

Algenex has also proven its technology for the production of a range of enzymes, including DNA polymerase and telomerase. These enzymes, produced using CrisBio, have equal or superior functionality to commercial offerings, which in addition to the capacity for rapid and scalable production and lower cost of production makes a compelling business case in this area. For further information, please contact: Algenex contact

Claudia Jimenez

CEO

T: +34 91 452 4941

cjimenez@algenex.com Consilium Strategic Communications

Chris Gardner / Chris Welsh

algenex@consilium-comms.com



About Algenex Algenex is a biotechnology company backed by Cleon Capital and Columbus Venture Partners developing disruptive baculovirus-based technologies for the production of recombinant biologics. Algenex first two platforms, TopBac and CrisBio, are based on baculovirus-based expression systems and have demonstrated their capacity to transform recombinant protein production through a process that provides almost unlimited and immediate linear scalability of manufacturing, production flexibility, simplicity and versatility while being extremely cost efficient. The Companys technology is highly applicable across a wide range of commercial product classes in both human and animal health. Algenex has successfully produced >200 molecules in collaboration with public and private partners, including multiple international pharmaceutical companies, including VLPs, monomeric vaccines, single domain antibodies, hormones, enzymes, growth factors and diagnostic reagents. For more information, please visit http://www.algenex.com



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[September 30, 2021] Bambuser Joins Echangeur BNP Paribas, Strengthening the Presence in the French market

PARIS, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser today announced that it has been selected to join Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance, a unique program dedicated to the future of retail and consumer experiences. As a partner of the initiative, operated by the leading provider of credit and other financial services to individuals across Europe, Bambuser's Live Video Shopping technology will represent the future of commerce at the Echangeur center of innovation in Paris. Bambuser's technology will be on continuous display for business leaders touring the showroom. Additional benefits to Bambuser include increased exposure to the program's large network of customers and prospects, and access to Club de l'Echangeur, a space reserved for retail customers in France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, UK, and Sweden. The Echangeur program was established in 1997 as a strategy incubator for companies needing insights during a period of rapid digital transformation throughout the business world. The program continues to offer businesses a look into the future of retail from its facilities, with a 100 square meter demonstration area highlighting the latest technological developments of innovators driving the evolution of the customer journey. Echangeur also regularly publishes reports that put into perspective the technological and service innovations moving the world of commerce. The partnership closely follows Bambuser's selection for La Maison des Startups LVMH, the technology accelerator for LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which gives the company a dedicated space in Paris' Station F startup campus. "As Bambuser's rapid growth continues, it's important for us to expand on our current leadership position throughout Europe and be present in our key markets," said Sophie Abrahamsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Bambuser. "We are confident that, by partnering with one of the largest banks in Europe and working directly with the largest luxury conglomerate in the world, we are establishing Bambuser as the leading B2B livestream shopping provider in France and beyond." Contact information

Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB | +46 8 400 160 00 | press@bambuser.com Certified Adviser

Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | certifiedadviser@penser.se About Bambuser



Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps, and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters is in Stockholm. About Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance



Echangeur BNP Paribas Personal Finance is a technological and marketing center that analyses the latest trends in retail and anticipates their impacts on commerce. It is a reference for all the companies, which aim to innovate right by getting inspiration from the best practices in retail and the new usages of consumers. Its experts help you to build a best in class vision thanks to an immersive and innovative approach in customer relationship. Their analyses are based on returns on experiences, best practices and emerging trends. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-joins-echangeur-bnp-paribas--strengthening-the-presence-in-the-french-market,c3424398 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/15749/3424398/1475415.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/bambuser/i/bambuser-echangeur,c2961859 bambuser echangeur

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bambuser-joins-echangeur-bnp-paribas-strengthening-the-presence-in-the-french-market-301388708.html SOURCE Bambuser

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[September 30, 2021] Despite Heightening Investor Pressure, Few Companies Publicly Report on Sustainability, Sphera's New Survey Finds

CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Though pressure is growing from all cornersfrom investors, to governments, to boards of directorscompanies worldwide struggle to report progress on their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Indeed, just 38% of businesses publicly communicate their sustainability performance, according to a new survey from Sphera, a leading global provider of ESG performance and risk management software, data and consulting services.

Its not just a matter of disclosing progress on their objectives, however; companies are also behind the curve when it comes to clearly setting their ESG goals in the first place. Less than one-third (29%) of the respondents said they have set and communicated their sustainability targets, and even fewer16%have set emissions targets in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) framework. This marked lack of ESG transparency highlights the persistently wide chasm between ESG promises and action in the private sector. In the absence of significant, enforceable regulations worldwide, companies have largely been left to voluntarily make commitments, but with no meaningful mechanisms to either measure their progress or hold themselves accountable to them. About half (51%) of companies surveyed affirm that their senior management has made sustainability commitments, but only 21% say they have a clear roadmap to implementation, and just 26% say they have fully integrated sustainability into their business strategy. Its easy to talk the talk when it comes to corporate ESG initiatives, but much harder to walk the walk, says Paul Marushka, Spheras CEO. Businesses have largely been left to their own devices to establish and measure their sustainability performance, leading to a constellation of voluntary frameworks that ultimately disincentivize meaningful action. But with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes recent report providing its strongest warning yet  indicating that half-measures will no longer cut it  and the upcoming COP26 conference promising to hold the business community to account, organizations need to start making good on their promises and show tangible progress. These findings are from Spheras Sustanability Survey 2021, a survey of 218 global business leaders evaluating their sustainability metrics, measurement and progress.



Additional findings from the survey include: Scope 3 is missing from the menu. Though reducing emissions across the value chain is essential to meeting decarbonization targets andfor those businesses who have committed to themachieving net zero emissions, very few companies have accounted for Scope 3 emissions in their sustainability plans. Only 13% of businesses surveyed said they have identified all relevant Scope 3 categories and completed a corresponding hotspot analysis; 29% say they consider the entire value chain when calculating their corporate emissions baseline or carbon footprint.

Scope 3 emissions can make up the vast majority of a companys overall carbon footprint, Marushka added, which means any sound sustainability strategy must involve an assessment of the supply chain and a commitment to working with suppliers who are also taking measurable steps to reduce their emissions. The end result ultimately creates a multiplier effect for both companies sustainability efforts. Poor data quality can stymie even the best efforts. Only a minority of respondents (16%) use data from established commercial databases to quantify their corporate carbon footprint; another 14% say they use high-quality, industry-based data for baseline assessment at the product level. In practice, this means many more organizations are using suboptimal datasets, such as spend-based, input-output databases, to measure their emissions. These types of top-down, nonspecific data sources can lead to inaccurate assessments, further exacerbating the gap between sustainability promises and outcomes. The middle market struggles the most. Perhaps unsurprisingly, large organizations with more than $1 billion in revenue are more likely to be rated as optimized (34%) in terms of sustainability maturity.1 At the same time, 39% of small businesses with less than $100 million in revenue are considered optimized. Midsize businesses trail both, with an optimization rate of just 30%. In fact, midsize businesses are more likely than their larger or smaller counterparts to not exceed basic compliance requirements (25% vs.13% for smaller organizations and 6% for larger organizations). About the Sustainability Maturity Survey 2021

Sphera partnered with the University of Esslingen in Germany to design and field a survey of companies throughout Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. Respondents represented businesses in a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, education, health care, oil and gas, manufacturing and technology. The survey was conducted between April 7 and May 3. About Sphera

Sphera creates a safer, more sustainable and productive world. We are a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services with a focus on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship. Press Contact

Kylie Souder

kylie.souder@aspectusgroup.com

+1 513-304-5776 __________________

1 According to Spheras Sustainability Maturity rubric, an optimized business leverages ESG software and data resources to go above and beyond meeting compliance requirements to help find efficiencies, increase productivity and innovation, reduce costs and mitigate risks. A leader is at the head of the competitive pack and is shaping the future of its sector through its sustainability initiatives.



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[September 30, 2021] Global Partners to Join Huawei's TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Initiative

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Huawei TECH4ALL Summit, Huawei called for global partners to join the TECH4ALL digital inclusion initiative, which aims to build a more inclusive and intelligent world that leaves no one behind. Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative focuses on four areas: driving equity and quality in education, conserving nature with technology, driving inclusion and accessibility in health, and using ICT to boost rural development. It focuses on digital technologies, application enablement, and digital skills, and works with global partners to promote and expand digital inclusion to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At present, more than 60,000 teachers and students benefit from TECH4ALL projects in over 200 schools worldwide. Digital technologies have been deployed to improve resource management and biodiversity conservation efficiency in 22 natural reserves around the world. Huawei smartphones provide 15 accessibility features and are used by about 10 million users each month. Huawei's RuralStar solution provides mobile Internet services for more than 60 countries and regions, covering more than 50 million people in remote areas. Inclusion and equity were major talking points in the education track of the summit. In her opening remarks, Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, discussed technology-enabled Open Schools, a three-year partnership program with Huawei that is rolling out in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Ghana. "UNESCO and Huawei jointly launched this project in July 2020," said Stefania Giannini. "The project explores future schooling models, thereby contributing to UNESCO's global initiative on the future of education." To build a more crisis-resilient Open School system, all countries have to consider the three pillars of new infrastructure for a learning system: technology, digital content, and the digital competencies of teachers and human facilitators. UNESCO's Dr. Fengchun Miao, Chief of Unit for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education, looked at how to leverage the power of technology in the education field. Vodafone Foundation discussed its Instant Network Schools program, which aims to bring high-quality ducation to refugees and host communities, with plans to connect 500,000 refugee students and their communities by 2025. Huawei is one of the partners for expanding connectivity to more schools in Africa.



Vodafone Instant Network Schools Program Manager Oisin Walton said, "We believe that every boy and girl should have access to quality education, no matter where they are and whatever their nationality." Close the Gap's DigiTruck Program Lead Bram Over gave an update on the DigiTruck program. DigiTrucks are green, solar-powered mobile classrooms converted from shipping containers. They are equipped with recycled ICT devices and provide training for young people in digital skills. Huawei has supported this program in Kenya and France. Later this year, Huawei and Close the Gap will implement the project in Ethiopia.

Ling Hui from the YouChange China Social Entrepreneur Foundation introduced the Green Pepper program for young teachers in rural villages in China. The program delivers a year of online training to teachers and has reached nearly 80,000 young rural teachers and 17,000 schools so far. In her opening remarks introducing the environment track, IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar addressed a range of environmental issues, pointing out that technology can be used to mitigate humanity's growing impact on the planet. Dr. Aguilar said, "Digital technology can be an important part of the solution and help us solve global challenges if used correctly and smartly." As facilitator of the panel discussion, Associate Director of the IUCN Protected Areas Programme James Hardcastle, pointed out that we must empower more people to use technologies for nature conservation and referenced the Tech4Nature initiative  an IUCN-Huawei partnership that aims to develop scenario-specific technologies to safeguard natural ecosystems in 300 protected sites by 2023. Currently, the project is running in Thailand, Spain, Mauritius, Switzerland, and China. Ecomode President Nadeem Nazurally elaborated on the Mauritius project, which aims to protect and restore the African island nation's rapidly vanishing coral reef using AI-powered real-time video monitoring, which can be transmitted to experts, both local and worldwide. Continuing the environmental track, Rainforest Connection Director of International Expansion Chrissy Durkin introduced the Nature Guardian system, which uses acoustics technologies to monitor endangered species and alert rangers to threats like illegal logging and gunshots. Bernardo Reyes Ortiz, President of Forest Ethics in Chile, explained how the Guardian platform supported by Huawei cloud is providing a lifeline for the nation's endangered Darwin's fox, fewer than 1,000 of which are thought to remain in existence. Smart and networked monitoring technologies are a crucial tool for nature conservation. Dr. Steph Wray, Chair of The Mammal Society in the UK, how acoustics solutions have been deployed in England to protect the increasingly rare red squirrel, which is threatened by the invasive and vastly more populous grey squirrel. Tang Yanfei, Executive Director at Hainan National Park Research Institute, explained how acoustics monitoring is key to improving conservation of China's critically endangered Hainan gibbon, with a view to doubling its population in 15 years. Partnerships are the fuel that powers progress in TECH4ALL's environment and education domains, as well as in the initiative's other two domains  health and development. "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together," said Tao Jingwen in his opening remarks. "We believe that more partners will work with us to advance the TECH4ALL action plan in the future. Join us for a more inclusive, intelligent world where no one is left behind." Watch the full recording of the summit at https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all/news-and-events/events/hc2021-t4a-summit Read more about TECH4ALL projects and stories at https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all SOURCE Huawei

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[September 30, 2021] Greenhill Insurance Services Appoints Industry Veteran Chris Dunlavy as President

Greenhill Insurance Services (Greenhill Insurance), a professional and general liability insurance provider specializing in social services and allied health care, announced today the appointment of Chris Dunlavy as president. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005217/en/ Chris Dunlavy, President, Greenhill Insurance Services (Photo: Business Wire) With nearly 15 years of insurance industry expertise, Dunlavy will work with the Greenhill Insurance executive suite to oversee all strategic direction and management of the growing company's team. With a background in health care and professional liability underwriting, Dunlavy will seek to support and expand Greenhill Insurance's four areas of expertise: proprietary specialty programs, risk management, laims services and financial services.



"Chris brings extensive underwriting, product expansion and business development experience to Greenhill Insurance," said Phil Cabaud, CEO of Greenhill Insurance. "Under his leadership, we will continue to expand our broad spectrum of insurance solutions rooted in best-in-class products, customer-centric philosophies and specialized services." Prior to joining Greenhill Insurance, Dunlavy served as an underwriter at Beazley, a London-based specialty insurer. In this role, he managed a nationwide team of underwriters and was part of the U.S. Miscellaneous Medical and Life Sciences management team. There, he successfully built and maintained a large book of health care business both domestically and in the London market.

Dunlavy previously served as a senior underwriter at multi-line insurance carrier Hiscox and has experience working in MGAs and with wholesale brokers. He holds a bachelor's degree in risk management and insurance from the University of Georgia. "It's an interesting time in the market and I see a great deal of opportunity. Greenhill Insurance is in a significant and exciting time of growth," Dunlavy said. "I look forward to working with this impressive team to reach even more individuals and companies in need through a dedication to our clients and innovative, customized solutions." For more information about Greenhill Insurance, visit www.grnhll.com. About Greenhill Insurance Services: Greenhill Insurance Services, LLC. is a general underwriter and programming manager with binding authority to underwrite professional liability programs for a variety of industries. With core programs underwritten for professional and general liability, the firm's mission is to use creativity and expertise in risk transfer to design custom solutions for individual clients and underserved markets. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Greenhill Insurance Services is a Texas limited liability company, licensed as a Texas managing general agent that provides superior customer service and premier insurance products with the ability to write business in all 50 states and Canada. For more information, visit www.grnhll.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005217/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Henrico and InterGlobix executives lead the I-64 Innovation Corridor Virtual Event organized by RVA757 Connects and CIVIC Leadership Institute

HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RVA757 Connects, an organization dedicated to driving the enduring success of Greater Richmond and Hampton Roads, and CIVIC Leadership Institute , a nonprofit that connects executive leaders through service to improve life in Hampton Roads, is hosting a virtual event "The I-64 Innovation Corridor: Becoming a Global Internet Hub." Industry experts will discuss how investments in Internet infrastructure is helping the region attain global Internet hub status and helping to drive the social and economic vibrancy of the area. The webinar will be held on Friday, October 1st at 11:30 am ET. Business leaders interested in discovering how the improved connectivity positively impact their community and assist in their digital transformation can register here. "The subsea cables are the lifeblood of the digital economy and we have barely scratched the surface of their economic potential for Virginia," said Vinay Nagpal, President of InterGlobix. "They're the catalyst for building a world-class interconnection ecosystem. The cables have already elevated our region on the global connectivity map and will help us evolve into a world-class megaregion." Nagpal, who has led projects involving the convergence of data centers, subsea and terrestrial fiber across the globe in five continents will be the keynote speaker on the topi of "The Promise of Becoming a Global Internet Hub: An International Perspective." In Virginia, Nagpal has co-founded the Richmond Network Access Point (NAP) in Henrico, helped deploy the DE-CIX interconnection platform, and serves as a founding member and Executive Director of the Internet Ecosystem Innovation Committee (IEIC).



Panelists will include Anthony Romanello, Executive Director of the Henrico Virginia Economic Development Authority, founding member of IEIC, and Andria McClellan, Norfolk City Councilmember, Chair of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Vice-Chair of Southside Network Authority (Fiber Network Ring). They will provide insight on the importance of public-private partnership and how public policies and business-friendly environments can impact the business growth and the economic development of a region. John Martin, noted futurist and Executive Director of RVA757 Connect, will reveal next steps and give the final remarks. "We're letting the world know that we have all the right ingredients to become a renowned megaregion," said Romanello. "We have the public-private partnerships, a friendly business environment and high quality of life. Toss in the subsea cables, that accelerated the growth of data centers and our robust terrestrial fiber networks and it's an unbeatable mix."

"The digital infrastructure of the 21st century will be more impactful than I-95 and I-64 was in the 20th century," declared Martin. "From not-for-profit healthcare companies to nationally recognized educational institutions, I'm thrilled that RVA757 Connects has inspired leaders from a variety of industries to unite to boost the success of our regions. It is my distinct pleasure to take part in this webinar highlighting our support of this vital component of our economic strength and longevity." ABOUT CIVIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

CIVIC Leadership Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Hampton Roads, Virginia. For the past 25 years, it has connected executive leaders through service to improve life in Hampton Roads.

For additional information please visit www.civichr.org. ABOUT RVA757 CONNECTS:

RVA757 Connects is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the economic success and quality of life for everyone in the Richmond (RVA) and Hampton Roads (757) regions.

For additional information please visit www.rva757connects.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/henrico-and-interglobix-executives-lead-the-i-64-innovation-corridor-virtual-event-organized-by-rva757-connects-and-civic-leadership-institute-301388456.html SOURCE InterGlobix LLC

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[September 30, 2021] NASA to Host Briefings, Interviews for Next Crew Mission with SpaceX

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will highlight the next crew rotation flight of a U.S. commercial spacecraft carrying astronauts to the International Space Station with a pair of virtual media briefings Wednesday, Oct. 6, and Thursday. Oct. 7. The first briefing, at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 6, will present an overview of NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission and discuss the upcoming crew rotation. This will be followed by a crew news conference at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, with all four crew members. The briefings, which will take place at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston, will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. All media participation in the news briefings and interviews will be remote. NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission will carry NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the space station. The mission is scheduled to launch Saturday, Oct. 30, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This will be the final media opportunity to speak to the crew before they fly to Kennedy to prepare for launch. To participate in the briefings by phone or to request a remote interview with the crew members, reporters must contact Johnson's newsroom at: 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov no later than noon Tuesay, Oct. 5. Those wanting to submit a question on social media may do so using #askNASA.



Crew briefings and participants include: Wednesday, Oct. 6:

1 p.m.  Mission overview press conference, with the following participants: Kathryn Lueders , associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington

, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Steve Stich , manager, Commercial Crew Program, Johnson

, manager, Commercial Crew Program, Dana Weigel , deputy manager, International Space Station, Johnson

, deputy manager, International Space Station, Sarah Walker , director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

, director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX Frank De Winne , manager, International Space Station Program, ESA Thursday, Oct. 7: 2 p.m.  Crew mission press conference with the following participants: Raja Chari , spacecraft commander

, spacecraft commander Tom Marshburn , pilot

, pilot Kayla Barron , mission specialist

, mission specialist Matthias Maurer , mission specialist 3:30 p.m.  Round robin crew interviews Crew-3 astronauts will be available for a limited number of remote interviews following the news conference. Chari is commander of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and the Crew-3 mission. He is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry. He also will serve as an Expedition 66 flight engineer aboard the station. This will be the first spaceflight for Chari, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee, but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot. He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time in his career. Marshburn is the pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and second in command for the mission. He is responsible for spacecraft systems and performance. Once aboard station, he will serve as an Expedition 66 flight engineer aboard station. Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as flight surgeon at Johnson and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. The Crew-3 mission will be his third visit to the space station and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013. Barron is a mission specialist for Crew-3. As a mission specialist, she will work closely with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. Once aboard the station, she will become a flight engineer for Expedition 66. Barron was born in Pocatello, Idaho, but considers Richland, Washington, her hometown. She earned a bachelor's degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2010. She earned a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cambridge, in England, in 2011, as Gates Cambridge Scholar. Barron earned her submarine warfare officer qualification and deployed three times while serving aboard the USS Maine. At the time of her selection as an astronaut candidate in 2017, she was serving as the flag aide to the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Maurer also will serve as a mission specialist for Crew-3, working with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. He will become a long-duration crew member aboard the space station. Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Like Chari, Maurer will be making his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. Before becoming an astronaut, Maurer held a number of engineering and research roles, both in a university setting and at ESA. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO, space analog. Follow Chari on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Follow Marshburn on Twitter. Follow Barron on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Maurer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew Program at: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-to-host-briefings-interviews-for-next-crew-mission-with-spacex-301389410.html SOURCE NASA

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[September 30, 2021] Onapsis Wins 'Vulnerability Management Solution of the Year' in the 2021 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards

Onapsis, the leader in business-critical application cybersecurity and compliance, has been selected as the winner of the 'Vulnerability Management Solution of the Year' award by CyberSecurity Breakthrough. The independent market intelligence organization highlights the top companies, technologies, and products in the global information security landscape. This marks the second consecutive Breakthrough award win for Onapsis. The company won the 'Overall Incident Response Solution Provider of the Year' in 2020. The Onapsis Platform secures the critical applications that keep global businesses running from the cloud to the core, including SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, SuccessFactors, and other SaaS (News - Alert) systems. The platform is purpose-built to deliver continuous vulnerability management, advanced threat detection, custom code inspection, and automated compliance that enables intelligent enterprises to accelerate business and application-specific transformation initiatives. "Attacks on business-critical applications are on the rise as threat actors realize the enormous volume and value of sensitive data these systems hold," said Mariano Nunez, CEO and co-founder of Onapsis. "The recognition of The Onapsis Platform as a Breakthrough offering over the past two years is a testament to our team's hard work and innovation. Our platform is the leading application security, vulnerability management, and incident response provider, keeping customers' critical data and applications safe and compliant." The Onapsis Platform innovation is fueled by Onapsis ResearchLabs, a market-leading team that has discovered more than 800 zero-day vulnerabilities and is responsible for multiple critical global CERT alerts. Significantly, in April 2021, SAP (News - Alert) released joint threat research with Onapsis in coordination with the United States CISA and other global organizations. The alert warned of sophisticated threat actors actively exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, which could enable them to take full control of SAP applications. The threat report raised significant awareness about how organizations unknowingly operate with major cybersecurity and compliance governance gaps within their business-critical applications.



This award win followed close on the heels of Onapsis being named one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list and one of the ten cybersecurity firms with the potential to reach a $1 billion-dollar market value on the Cyber Defense Awards Black Unicorn list. To learn more about Onapsis and why more than 300 global businesses trust the organization to keep their applications secure, visit https://onapsis.com/.

About Onapsis

Onapsis protects the mission-critical applications that run the global economy, from the core to the cloud. The company's cybersecurity and compliance solution offering, The Onapsis Platform, uniquely delivers vulnerability management, threat detection and response, change assurance, and continuous compliance for mission-critical applications from leading vendors such as SAP, Oracle (News - Alert) , Salesforce and other SaaS platforms. Onapsis is headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in Heidelberg, Germany and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and proudly serves more than 300 of the world's leading brands, including 20% of the Fortune 100, 6 of the top 10 automotive companies, 5 of the top 10 chemical companies, 4 of the top 10 technology companies and 3 of the top 10 oil and gas companies. The Onapsis Platform is powered by the Onapsis Research Labs, the team responsible for the discovery and mitigation of more than 800 zero-day vulnerabilities in mission-critical applications. The reach of our threat research and platform is broadened through leading consulting and audit firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, IBM (News - Alert) , PwC and Verizon-making Onapsis solutions the standard in helping organizations protect their cloud, hybrid and on-premises mission-critical information and processes. For more information, connect with us on Twitter (News - Alert) or LinkedIn, or visit us at https://www.onapsis.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005355/en/

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[September 30, 2021] One Donation Selects Fluree to Provide Secure, Agile Platform for Charitable Giving Through Instant Payroll Deductions

Fluree, a provider of a Web 3.0-enabled immutable semantic graph data platform, today announced it will power One Donation's cloud-based charitable giving platform, which allows employees to find and donate to their favorite charities directly through payroll deduction. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005175/en/ One Donation will leverage Fluree's powerful database capabilities with blockchain features to provide a transparent and tamper-resistant platform for charitable giving. By connecting employees to more than 1.7 million nonprofits throughout the United States, One Donation removes the friction from the giving process while assuring donors that their contribution goes where they intended. Fluree's blockchain cryptography ensures all financial transactions and donation updates are secured in a core immutable ledger. Complete data traceability provides an audit trail from beginning to end, while digital signatures are cryptographically tied to every change. "People want to feel confident that their donations are going to the charity they select, as well as meaningful projects within that charity," said Fluree Co-CEO and Co-Founder Brian Platz. "We're able to provide traceable donations so they can see where their giving is making a difference." A Business's Strong Stance on Social Issues Can Lead to Higher Job Satisfaction p> Workers now expect more from their employers than just a paycheck. Gartner (News - Alert) research findings have uncovered that 68% of employees would consider leaving their employer for an organization that takes a stronger stance on societal and cultural issues. The same survey found that employees whose employer has a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.



All charitable donations through One Donation can be connected with an employer's payroll provider. This makes giving as easy as making a 401(k) contribution or healthcare deduction. "Building Fluree's leading edge technology into the fabric of our platform has given us cloud-capable agility and transparency," One Donation Co-Founder and CEO Ross Treakle said. "Rather than having donations go out quarterly or every six months, Fluree allows us to shorten that time to weeks at most. The ability to provide instant, agile transactions is a game-changer for workers, employers, and the charities they support."

One Donation is exhibiting at the HR Technology Conference, through October 1, 2021, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. They can be found at Booth 514AB. About Fluree

Founded in 2016 by Brian Platz and Flip Filipowski, Fluree PBC is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Fluree is pioneering a data-first technology approach with its data management platform. For more information, follow Fluree on Twitter or LinkedIn, or visit flur.ee. About One Donation

At One Donation, we strive to make the world a better place, one donation at a time. Through our simple, secure, blockchain-based platform, we make it easy for employees to support the charities and causes that resonate with them on a personal, individual level, and do so directly through payroll deduction. Through this unique approach, employers can improve engagement, enhance their brand, and create a greater sense of community involvement across multiple fronts. We call this approach "frictionless philanthropy." You'll call it the best way to foster a giving and inclusive culture. For more information, visit One Donation at www.onedonation.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005175/en/

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[September 30, 2021] OXURION Announces Positive Results from Part A of Phase 2 Study Evaluating THR-149 for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Decision taken to move the highest dose of THR-149 (0.13mg) into Part B of the study based on favorable safety profile and positive efficacy data

Oxurion is moving into Part B of study evaluating THR-149 against aflibercept THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of the 40-50% of DME patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGF therapy Leuven, BE, Boston, MA, US  September 30, 2021  07.00 AM CET  Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR), a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, today announced positive data from Part A of its Phase 2 study (KALAHARI) of THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, for the treatment of DME. Based on these data the Company has decided to move the highest dose of THR-149 (0.13mg) into Part B of the study, which is expected to begin shortly. THR-149, is being developed as a potential new standard of care intravitreal (IVT) therapy for the 40-50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 acts through inhibition of the plasma kallikrein-kinin (PKaI-Kinin) system, a validated VEGF-independent target for DME. Arshad M. Khanani, M.D., M.A., Director of Clinical Research at Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, Nevada, US, comments: "I am excited to see the results from Part A of the KALAHARI study, which was conducted in patients who have shown suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. These patients currently have limited treatment options, and the mean BCVA gains of + 6.1 letters at 3 months with stable CST in patients treated with the highest dose of THR-149 is encouraging. I am looking forward to recruiting patients into Part B of this trial. I am hopeful that the KALAHARI study will demonstrate that THR-149 could benefit the 40-50% of DME patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGFs." The Phase 2 KALAHARI study is a two-part, randomized, prospective, multi-center study assessing multiple injections of THR-149 in DME patients who have previously shown a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. The endpoints of Part A of the study were safety (n= 23) and efficacy (n = 20). In Part A of the study, three dose levels of THR-149 (0.005mg, 0.022mg and 0.13mg), each administered in three monthly IVT injections, were evaluated in order to select the best dose for Part B of the study. Results from Part A showed that all dose levels of THR-149 had a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events being observed. All adverse events in the study eye were mild to moderate in intensity and no severe ocular adverse events were reported. Finally, no inflammation was seen in the study eye of any patient at any dose evaluated in Part A of the study. When assessing efficacy, three IVT injections of THR-149 (0.13mg) delivered the most promising results in terms of Best Corrected Visual Accuity (BCVA), the primary endpoint for registration in DME, and also delivered a stable Central Subfield Thickness (CST), a promising result in a population were if left untreated CST would be expected to deteriorate. No patients in the high dose group (n = 8) requiredrescue medication.

In terms of BCVA, the highest dose delivered a mean 6.1 letter improvement at Month 3. The range of BCVA changes with the highest dose was -0.4 to 12.6 letters at Month 3.

In terms of CST, the highest dose showed a stable CST (mean change of 13 m) at Month 3. The range of CST changes with the highest dose was -37.1 to 63.6 m at Month 3.



Based on these data, the Company will shortly start Part B of the study which will enroll just over one hundred patients who have previously shown a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy, and where THR-149 will be evaluated against aflibercept, the current standard of care, as the active comparator.

Final topline results from the KALAHARI study are expected by mid-2023. Tom Graney, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Oxurion, comments, The positive data from Part A of the KALAHARI study provides proof of concept for multiple injections of THR-149 in this important DME patient population and is a significant de-risking event for the Company. We are pleased to be able to proceed into the second part of the study, where we hope to confirm THR-149s ability to address the significant unmet need in this patient population that experiences a suboptimal response to anti-VEGFs and currently lacks adequate treatment options. I would like to thank the patients, physicians, and the clinical teams for their support in completing Part A of this important study. These very encouraging results with THR-149, alongside the initiation of our Phase 2 (INTEGRAL) study with THR-687, a pan-RGD integrin antagonist, being developed as a potential first line therapy for DME patients, gives Oxurion one of the most exciting pipelines in ophthalmology today. END For further information please contact: Oxurion NV

Tom Graney

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +32 16 75 13 10

tom.graney@oxurion.com









Michael Dillen

Chief Corporate Development

Tel: +32 479 783583

Michael.dillen@oxurion.com



EU

MEDiSTRAVA Consulting

David Dible/ Sylvie Berrebi/Frazer Hall

Tel: +44 20 7638 9571

oxurion@medistrava.com









US

Westwicke, an ICR Company

Christopher Brinzey

Tel: +1 617 835 9304

chris.brinzey@westwicke.com About Oxurion Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, which are designed to better preserve vision in patients with retinal vascular disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients worldwide as well as other conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Oxurion is aiming to build a leading global franchise in the treatment of retinal vascular disorders based on the successful development of its two novel therapeutics: THR-687 is a highly selective pan-RGD integrin antagonist that is initially being developed as a potential first line therapy for DME patients. Positive topline results in a Phase 1 clinical study assessing THR-687 as a treatment for DME were announced in 2020. Oxurion is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial (INTEGRAL) evaluating THR-687 in patients with DME. THR-687 also has the potential to deliver improved treatment outcomes for patients with wet AMD and RVO.

THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor being developed as a potential new standard of care for the 40-50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 has shown positive topline Phase 1 results for the treatment of DME. The company is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial (KALAHARI) evaluating multiple injections of THR-149 in DME patients previously showing a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. Following positive data from Part A of this Phase 2 study (dose selection), the Company has initiated Part B of the study. Oxurion is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol OXUR. More information is available at www.oxurion.com . Important information about forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Companys Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.



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[September 30, 2021] Puppet Enterprise Now Available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puppet , the industry standard for infrastructure automation, today announced Puppet Enterprise is now available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace . With a Puppet Enterprise image deployable on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Puppet and Oracle customers can reduce operational friction and cost associated with cloud migrations and experience a solution that takes them all the way from Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2 operations.

Enterprise IT organizations want to achieve greater speed and agility by moving to the cloud, but are hindered by the complexity and risk of the migration process and new challenges presented by managing and maintaining operations at cloud scale. Puppet Enterprise offers customers the ability to: Accelerate migration to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

Reduce risk, like increased downtime, poor performance, data loss or compromise, when migrating to the cloud.

Simplify Day 2 ops beyond provisioning for traditional apps running in the cloud.

Ensure consistency acrss hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Continuously enforce security policies and prove compliance at scale.





"Collaborating with Oracle provides us with the ability to give our customers more choice on how they can leverage Puppet within hybrid cloud environments and maintain the compliance, security and operational stability they need when they are working across environments at tremendous scale, said Jaime Segura, VP of Business Development and Alliances, Puppet. "We look forward to our continued investment in Oracle PartnerNetwork and sharing the benefits of Puppet with the larger Oracle community and our shared customers. The Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a one-stop shop for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications offering unique business solutions, including ones that extend Oracle Cloud Applications. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is a next-generation enterprise cloud that delivers massive, non-variable performance and next generation security across a comprehensive portfolio of services including SaaS, application development, application hosting, and business analytics. Customers get access to leading compute, storage, data management, integration, security, HPC, artificial intelligence (AI), and Blockchain services to augment and modernize their critical workloads. Oracle Cloud runs Oracle Autonomous Database, the industry's first and only self-driving database.

About Puppet

Puppet helps enterprises modernize and manage their infrastructure with the solutions to automate anywhere, reliably scale, and integrate compliance and security across hybrid infrastructure. More than 40,000 organizations  including more than 80 percent of the Global 5000  have benefited from Puppets open source and commercial solutions to ensure business continuity, optimize costs, boost compliance and ensure security, all while accelerating the adoption of DevOps practices and delivery of self-service. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Puppet is a privately held company with offices in London, Belfast, Singapore, Sydney and Timi?oara. Learn more at puppet.com. Trademarks

Oracle, Java and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.

Media Contact Zibby Keaton Director of Communications and Brand @ Puppet pr@puppet.com

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[September 30, 2021] Quincus Raises Series B Investment Led by UP.Partners and GGV Capital at Over US$100 Million

Singapore -headquartered Quincus is an Enterprise SaaS platform that helps solve logistics problems for household logistics providers, e-commerce, airlines, and freight worldwide.

Quincus has closed its Series B funding round led by UP.Partners, a US-based electrification and mobility fund, with participation from existing investor GGV Capital, a leading global venture capital firm which is an investor in well-known unicorns including Airbnb, Alibaba, Grab, and Slack.

Quincus looks to use Series B funding to continue expanding its global footprint in Asia-Pacific , the Middle East , and select markets in Latin America , Europe , and North America . It is on track to grow its team to over 400 people to support its operations.

Funding also allows Quincus to scale up technology innovation. Quincus is strengthening its multi-mile and Artificial Intelligence offerings, creating more robust and transparent supply chain networks worldwide. SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quincus , an enterprise SaaS leader in solving global supply chain challenges, has announced today that it has successfully closed an undisclosed Series B fundraise. The Series B investment catapults the company's valuation well over US$100 million. The investment round is led by UP.Partners  a US-based electrification and mobility fund, with participation from existing investor GGV Capital, a leading global venture capital firm that manages US$9.2 billion in capital and is an investor in well-known tech and industry giants including Airbnb, Alibaba, Grab, and Slack. Since its founding in 2014 by Jonathan E. Savoir and Katherina-Olivia Lacey, Quincus has been working closely with a number of household e-commerce, logistics, and airline brands to solve their supply chain problems globally. Fresh funding allows Quincus to accelerate its growth trajectory by investing significantly towards market expansion and technology development. The new investment round follows just nine months after Quincus closed its Series A round in January 2021, led by GGV Capital, Masik Enterprises and Aletra Capital Partners. Since the beginning of 2021, Quincus has seen a 600 percent growth in shipments across 48 countries. Quincus continues to see impressive traction in terms of people, customers, and gross transaction volumes. The company now transacts over 70 million shipments per month while analyzing over 1.4 quadrillion data points. Jonathan E. Savoir, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder at Quincus shared, "There is an awesome opportunity in the supply chain and logistics sector as the industry goesthrough digitalization influenced by global and local trade activities, as well as the pandemic. Companies are seeing the urgency to provide better and faster services to satisfy the demands from both consumers and businesses today while ensuring their operations are kept cost-efficient. Moreover, there is also a need for a greener supply chain as Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance is top of mind for many today. Quincus is incredibly well-positioned to provide the relevant solutions to achieve customers' supply chain and logistics goals with our simple plug-and-play technology applications."



Quincus is headquartered in Singapore, with a global presence across Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, UAE, the US, and the UK. It is looking to grow its team to over 400 people to support its operations in its newly launched offices across Canada and the Middle East by the end of the year. The company also looks to expand into new markets across the Americas, South Korea, and Japan by 2022. Around technology investment, Quincus will further enhance its multi-mile offerings by strengthening its real-time visibility and machine learning optimization platforms. This will help create a more robust and connected supply chain ecosystem that will allow carriers, airlines, and supply chain operators to optimize and transport their shipments across multi-modal networks throughout the first, mid, and last-mile.

Katherina-Olivia Lacey, Chief Product Officer and Co-founder at Quincus adds, "We believe that Quincus' approach to supply chain technology innovation could reshape the movement of goods and commerce around the world and eventually, grow economies. With Quincus' data lake, where data is consolidated, analyzed, and fed into a single dashboard, customers will have the opportunity to make better decisions in a complex situation, such as applying mitigation measures to minimize environmental impact. We are honored to have the support of investors who believe in what we can offer. We hope to tap on their expertise to create technology inclusivity within regions that might not have access to them." Ally Warson, Principal at UP.Partners added, "UP.Partners and Quincus are mutually committed towards transforming the global movement of goods. UP.Partners believes that international supply chains are ripe for disruption and that Quincus holds the key to unlock enormous efficiencies for the logistics industry. The economic effects of covid have forced global logistics players to fundamentally rethink how they operate their business. The digitization imperative has accelerated faster than ever. Quincus' solution solves strategic pain points across the entire logistics chain. UP.Partners is excited by Quincus' potential, and we look forward to partnering with Jonathan and Katherina on their journey to become the OS for logistics." Weihan Liew, Venture Partner at GGV Capital, said, "COVID-19 has accelerated the digital transformation of the global logistics industry, creating opportunities for new entrants and disrupting incumbents in the supply chain ecosystem. We believe in the critical role great software plays in this transformation. We are impressed by Quincus' ability to radically improve businesses' supply chains with AI and machine learning, helping to make their supply chains more efficient and resilient. GGV Capital is excited to back determined and experienced founders like Jonathan and Katherina and look forward to working with them to strengthen Quincus' foothold in Southeast Asia and beyond." Mikhail Zeldovich, Board Member at Quincus highlighted, "With its global presence and strong technology offering, Quincus has received immense interests from clients who are in the mobility, supply chain, and the logistics space. We firmly believe in the team's ambition to continue its upward growth trajectory." Currently, Quincus' customers are able to stay ahead of the competition by using the platform's machine learning capabilities to analyze and process 160 million businesses and its 1.4 quadrillion global routes on supercomputers. For instance, Quincus' platform can provide real-time updates around supply chain disruptions, allowing its customers to make crucial decisions around the movement of goods and ensure the best way forward. A true believer in a people-first approach, Quincus set up various initiatives such as Women@Q, Q Fit & Health, Q Academy, and Q Business to support engagement and knowledge exchange across teams regardless of their location, position, and background. The company hopes to foster an environment of teamwork, growth, and work-life balance that strengthens the camaraderie and synergy amongst the Quincus team. About Quincus Quincus is an Enterprise SaaS platform that helps solve logistics problems for logistics providers, e-commerce, airlines, freight, and household brands worldwide. Using Quincus' highly configurable and modular technology, companies can automate manual tasks, maximize resources across supply chains, and build business resilience to thrive. The combination of flexibility, seamless integration, and robust data intelligence provides real-time supply chain visibility and control, helping companies save time and resources.



Quincus has worked with businesses in many industries across the globe to build smarter, more efficient supply chains. Quincus is headquartered in Singapore with a global presence, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, UAE, the US, and the UK. For more information, visit www.quincus.com . For media queries PRecious Communications for Quincus

Quincus@preciouscomms.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quincus-raises-series-b-investment-led-by-uppartners-and-ggv-capital-at-over-us100-million-301388661.html SOURCE Quincus

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[September 30, 2021] Reachdesk Closes $43 Million Series B to Bring Its World-first Global Intelligent Gifting Platform to Even More Businesses Worldwide

Reachdesk - the leading SaaS (News - Alert) platform empowering companies to create and scale their corporate gifting campaigns across the world - has closed $43m in a Series B equity round. The round was led by Highland Europe with participation from Highland Capital, HubSpot (News - Alert) Ventures, and RLC Ventures. As the first, and only truly global, intelligent gifting platform, Reachdesk was launched by Alex Olley, Jay Radia, Meelan Radia and Alex Correia-Santos in 2019 to make corporate gifting more personalized, reliable, and scalable. Gifting made easy Sending gifts to prospects, customers and employees via Reachdesk is as simple as sending an email. Its integrations with thousands of leading SaaS platforms mean gifting can be fully automated and integrated, while its curated global marketplace and logistics network across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Asia means these gifts are personalized and unique. With Reachdesk, operational costs are reduced, response rates are increased, and conversion rates are improved by over 30%. It's this success that has seen Reachdesk become the trusted advisor for thousands of marketers from worldwide brands including ZoomInfo, ZScaler, Hootsuite, SimilarWeb and many more, across more than 144 countries. "While corporate gifting has long promised to be the solution to generic, spammy marketing, it has not yet matched the needs or standards of today's companies and consumers. Reachdesk breaks the mould. Our data-led, AI-powered and integrated approach allows us to be there for our customers at every stage, via one single, simple yet powerful and trusted global platform, said Alex Olley, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer. "It's this truly global approach, underpinned by unprecedented reporting, visibility and measurement that has been missing from the industry and is only set to prove even more crucial in the coming months and years. Just like every customer has a CRM, marketing automation, and a sales automation platform, we see a world where every business will need a gifting platform like Reachdesk." Delivering Moments That Matter Until now, gifting platforms have been notoriously slow to scale and have lacked a human touch. Marketers spend too much time and money attempting to stand out and gain insight into campaigns, through outdated platforms and manual processes, that they've lost sight of what matters - the personal impact such campaigns can create.



Reachdesk removes the guesswork and hassle by arming businesses with data-led tools that help them plot campaigns, maximise their ROI and deliver the moments that matter to customers. Investing to Maximizing Customer Value

Reachdesk will use the funding to invest further into product development; to make the platform even more effective and intelligent, enabling marketers to build more effective campaigns by advising them when, how and to whom to send gifts. The funding will also grow Reachdesk's list of technical integrations, curated marketplace vendors, and global warehouse partnerships as the company expands into new regions. "With this investment, and the partnerships and opportunities our new investors bring, we can double down on the areas that have driven Reachdesk's incredible growth - from our truly global reach, to our unique, curated, personalized gifting marketplace and our market-defining ROI and tracking tools," said Temy Mancusi-Ungaro, CEO of Reachdesk. "We look forward to continuing the momentum of the past 12 months and further cementing ourselves as the go-to trusted advisor for some of the world's biggest and most innovative marketing teams." "The Reachdesk team truly understands the pain points faced by companies looking to break through to customers with effective marketing campaigns and has built a single solution that acutely addresses these," said Laurence Garrett, partner at Highland Europe. "Every team member is passionate about making corporate gifting work for everyone involved, and has a unique take on it, one that is set to capitalize on the potential in this space, and become a clear market leader." "Finding a partner to support us with global direct mail was an important part of our strategy," said Hussam AlMukhtar, Senior Director of Strategic Marketing at ZoomInfo. "With Reachdesk as our partner, we've been able to positively influence the sales pipeline, land some of our biggest new accounts, and successfully expand globally." Furthering record-Setting Growth Reachdesk is on track to 4x its business this year, which comes off the back of record 600% year-on-year growth. This growth has seen the company named as one of the top five fastest-growing software products, worldwide, within an industry worth $235Bn in the US and UK alone. "We've been impressed by the success the Reachdesk team has had in a short amount of time," said Andrew Lindsay, SVP of corporate & business development at HubSpot. "We're excited to partner with them as they build out a new and exciting marketing channel around personalized customer sends." Reachdesk is loved by its employees with a five-star Glassdoor rating and 100% of employees recommending it to a friend. Since 2020, the firm's team has grown 500% with plans to more than triple by the end of 2022. It currently has offices in London, New York, and Lisbon and looks to expand its presence across the US, Australia, New Zealand and APAC later this year. About Reachdesk Reachdesk enables companies to deliver moments that matter at scale, globally, throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Through Reachdesk companies can deliver gifts and direct mail that build deeper connections with customers, prospects and employees at the click of a button. Our integrations to your tech stack power a clear and quantifiable ROI; the direct channel is no longer a guessing game. Learn more about Reachdesk at reachdesk.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005793/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Resecurity Introduces Innovative Cyber Risk Management Solutions at ITU Digital World 2021

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a cybersecurity and intelligence company, is proud to announce they will be joining ITU Digital World 2021 as a Silver Sponsor. Co-hosted by the government of Vietnam, ITU Digital World 2021 is the leading UN tech event for government, industry and SMEs to connect, explore what's driving digital transformation, and share knowledge and best practice across emerging and developed markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital innovation while also creating new global challenges, with more than half of CIOs and CTOs citing their biggest challenge in 2021 as recovering their IT business operations from the previous year. Cybersecurity remains to be a top concern for technology and security leaders worldwide, having an important role in post-pandemic business recovery. This year's ITU Digital World event will tackle these same challenges and topics, bringing together subject matter experts and government leaders to cover topics from future networks and AI to cybersecurity and digital skills. "ITU Telecom events have helped connect the unconnected and spread the benefits of ICTs since 1971. They have offered a window for the world onto a rapidly evolving ICT industry, helping showcase, debate and set the agenda for the development of new technologies from mobile or Internet to broadband, AI, 5G and beyond," said Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary-General in the official event statement. A representation of the growing cybersecurity industry, Resecurity will be available to share more bout the emerging challenges in the industry and their services and platform, including their new cyber risk management solutions, designed to mitigate them. Other sponsors include the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC), China Mobile / GTI, Switzerland Global Enterprise, Nokia, Qualcomm, GEW Technologies, ZTE and Immersion4.



"2021 marks the 50th-anniversary of ITU Telecom events. Fifty years of a truly international, inspirational event bringing together leaders of government and industry from around the world. Resecurity is proud to sponsor ITU Digital World 2021 and support this connection of industry and government leaders from across the globe to advance technology," said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. "Since the onset of the pandemic, we've seen the power technology can truly have to connect people, businesses and governments worldwide. Similarly, this year, we've also seen the increased cyber risks originating from Dark Web and ransomware activity that comes with this shift to a virtual world. It's critical that we continue to collaborate to help mitigate these risks and support a cyber-resilient environment." Read insights from Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, on key strategic elements organizations need to develop for cyber resilience published in ITU Digital World blog .

To learn more about Rescurity's sponsorship and the ITU Digital World event, click here . About Resecurity Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com/ . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/resecurity-introduces-innovative-cyber-risk-management-solutions-at-itu-digital-world-2021-301388616.html SOURCE Resecurity

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[September 30, 2021]

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., Named Finalist for 2021 Government Contractor of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA), has been selected as a 2021 finalist in the Greater Washington Government Contractor of the Year competition in the $75M$300M category by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council.

Greater Washington-area finalists are selected to honor the exceptional work of businesses in the government contracting sector. SPA was also a finalist in 2020.

"SPA is committed to excellence i everything we do, and we are extremely honored to have been selected as a finalist for this prestigious award," said Dr. William Vantine, President and CEO, Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. "Being recognized as one of the top companies is a direct reflection of our talented and dedicated team of professionals who provide our National Security clients with objective, data-driven solutions every day.







The winners will be named in November at a gala awards event for the Washington area government contracting community.

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. is a premier provider of innovative and data-driven knowledge-based solutions in support of complex National Security programs and defense priorities. SPA's capabilities include Advanced Analytics; Software Tool Development; System Engineering and Safety Analysis; Strategy, Policy and Compliance; and Program Support. SPA employees are subject matter experts in many domains, including Land, Undersea, Surface and Air Warfare Operations; Radar and Sensor Systems; Unmanned Systems and Counter Systems; Nuclear Deterrence Policy, Safety and Security; Defense Industrial Base; Space Systems; Ballistic Missile Systems; Cybersecurity policy; and Hypersonics.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/systems-planning-and-analysis-inc-named-finalist-for-2021-government-contractor-of-the-year-301389277.html

SOURCE Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.
[September 30, 2021] TROOP - the Award Winning Meetings Management Platform Announces $8M Series A Funding

TROOP, the startup that makes organizing in-person meetings easy for anyone, today announced an $8 million Series A investment round to accelerate the success of its meetings management platform. The announcement was made at the Business Travel Show Europe (Booth # BTSE222). The round was led by Madrona Venture Group (US); other investors in the round included Epic Ventures (US), Conexo (ES), All Iron (ES), Plug and Play (US), Travel Tech 1 - Top Seed Labs (ES) and Founders Factory (UK). The round was also supported by travel industry leaders including Trivago founder, Rolf Schromgens; former Egencia president Rob Greyber; former Uber COO, Barney Harford; and former SAP (News - Alert) Concur Presidents Jim Lucier and Mike Eberhard. The company has incorporated in the US as part of the financing.



TROOP has transformed what has historically been a heavily manual and time-intensive process into a self-serve platform that optimizes location and timing choices, based on corporate CO2 goals, timing, participant home locations and other goals. TROOP quickly and easily presents a menu of options of locations for in-person group meetings. Meeting organizers can use the dashboard to visualize and aggregate data to make quick and informed decisions about group travel and collaborate with co-workers and participants. The funds will be used to build out the booking and expense functionality to provide a truly end to end service. Started pre-pandemic, TROOP has continued to see business increase as remote teams come together for in person sessions and as business travel picks up.

"When we started TROOP, we set out to do things differently. Instead of optimizing for how the travel industry sells, we evaluated what the business travel manager at an enterprise needs. They need ease of use, data on locations, ability to optimize for a broad set of goals including sustainability, spend and timing. And most importantly the ability to collaborate with colleagues. As we grow the platform to include deep integrations with booking and expense, TROOP will enable an entirely new and disruptive approach to corporate travel," said TROOP co-CEO Dennis Vilovic. Founded in 2017 by co-CEOs Dennis Vilovic and Leonard Cremer, TROOP's mission is to make organising a meeting easy for anyone. Vilovic and Cremer, who are based in Madrid (Spain) and Johannesburg (South Africa) respectively, started the company with the goal to deliver an easy to use data-driven meetings management tool that was delightful and effective for planning and booking of small or large meetings, at companies of any size in any geography. "Often the meeting planner is the only person working with the data, our vision for TROOP changes that. We are building a collaborative approach into the meeting planning work?ow focused on saving time and money," said Leonard Cremer, TROOP's CTO and Co-CEO. "As companies around the globe embrace a distributed work model, the need for groups to get together is increasing. Planning, booking, and running meetings needs to be easy, whether the meeting is a 5 person meeting in a corporate of?ce, a hybrid meeting where some attendees are traveling while others are not, or a large conference at traditional venues. TROOP is a cloud-native platform that seamlessly integrates with modern communications services as well as the travel related content required to host successful events," said Steve Singh. "TROOP's approach is truly innovative and has the potential to dramatically change how corporations manage and plan group meetings." Singh, who is also an investor in and Chairman of Spotnana and Center, will join TROOP's board of directors and serve as Chairman. According to Dr. Javier Gonzalez-Soria and Ignacio Macias, general partners of Travel Tech 1, the ?rst VC investor in TROOP, "TROOP has not only been able to keep growing in sales and pipeline but also has improved significantly the technology with new very interesting developments that will allow them to achieve exponential growth." About TROOP TROOP is the only platform on the market that makes organizing in-person meetings easy for anyone mitigating risks, saving costs and reducing carbon footprint. TROOP is a platform that bene?ts everyone in any sized organisation that is involved in arranging meetings, both big and small by removing all the manual work that currently takes place to pull together pricing and availability and then supercharges it with sustainability & safety data and much more. TROOP has been well received and been awarded the Techsyvania Startup Avanache Award and the ACTE Tech Studio Award from the Global Summit and Corporate Lodging Forum. For more information, please visit www.trooptravel.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210929005097/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Tusk Philanthropies Announces New Effort to Develop Open Source, End-to-End Verifiable Mobile Voting Solution

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tusk Philanthropies today announced a new initiative and grant program to support the development of an open source, end-to-end verifiable mobile voting system for digital absentee voting. Tusk Philanthropies has awarded grant funding to Assembly Voting and the OSET Institute to develop the technology. The enabling technology will provide an accessible, verifiable voting option for U.S. voters facing inherent barriers to traditional voting, including voters with disabilities, military and overseas voters, voters in emergencies and voters on Tribal lands. Tusk Philanthropies launched a campaign for Mobile Voting (MV) in late 2017 to bring mobile voting options to U.S. elections and increase voter turnout by making voting more convenient and accessible. Since 2018, the campaign has completed 20 mobile voting pilots across seven states  Colorado, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia  for a mixture of voters including UOCAVA and voters with disabilities. Through these pilots, Tusk Philanthropies discovered the need for a coordinated effort to develop enabling technology for mobile voting using established federal guidelines and national security best practices. "The 20 mobile voting pilots we've completed to date have shown that mobile voting is not only possible, but a preferred method of voting," said Bradley Tusk, CEO and Founder of Tusk Philanthropies. "The pilots also highlighted a need for more transparent, open source voting options, which is why this next phase of our work is focused on bringing together the developer and security communities to fund responsible research and development in the elections space. Security is paramount to our efforts and we look forward to working with Assembly Voting and OSET to identify new ways to improve our elections and help the millions of voters who continue to face obstacles to the ballot box." Tusk Philanthropies issued a call for submissions last year to better understand the capabilities of current and future mobile voting systems and assess opportunities to support the development of a full stack mobile voting technology. After a thorough review process with a diverse team of experts, MV selected Assembly Voting and the nonprofit OSET Institute to receive grant funding. Assembly Voting will develop the end-to-end verifiable voting solution and OSET will develop the accessible ballot marking application. The mobile voting solution will be designed as a digital version of paper absentee voting and will fully comply with all existing absentee voting requirements. Unlike existing mobile voting solutions, this new technology will be based on recommendations from the U.S. Vote Foundation 's research on end-to-end verifiable voting systems. Much of the underlying technology will be open source to allow security experts and other technologists to scrutinize the source code to verify performance assertions and identify potential threats. The system will also offer end-to-end verificatin so that voters can verify their votes are cast as intended and the public can verify all ballots are tallied as recorded.



"We are pleased to contribute to this important project, and there are two primary reasons we are," said Gregory Miller, COO of the nonprofit OSET Institute. "First is the opportunity to develop public technology to serve the important needs of voters with disabilities. The second driver of our engagement is peer-reviewed security-centric research and development. While we have a DNA-level commitment to the paper ballot of record, we recognize a growing demand for digital equivalents to traditional absentee ballot marking. The technical challenges to verifiable, accurate, and as-secure-as-possible remote voting are huge, but need to be solved. This project presents the type of research and development our nonprofit is funded to address." "We are excited to be part of a very ambitious and important mobile voting project," said Jacob Gyldenkrne, CEO of Assembly Voting. "A viable democracy must be able to provide innovative new ways to participate without compromising the basic principles of democratic elections. We believe that proactively addressing the critical issues that currently pose a risk in mobile voting is the right way forward, including securing the return of ballots via the internet while ensuring ballot integrity and maintaining voter anonymity. Overcoming these issues will be difficult, but not impossible. Our decades of experience and mature end-to-end verifiable software make us uniquely positioned to contribute to this effort."

"As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the National Federation of the Blind demands voting systems that allow blind voters to privately and independently mark, verify, and cast or return our ballots," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "We also know that Tusk Philanthropies is committed to solutions that incorporate accessibility at the outset rather than as an afterthought. We therefore believe that this project has great potential to produce a secure and accessible voting system that will benefit the blind and other voters who have traditionally experienced barriers to participation in the democratic process." In an effort to build in security at the beginning of the development process, Tusk Philanthropies worked with cybersecurity companies such as Synack, a crowdsourced security testing platform, to evaluate grant applicants. "We need to approach every technology involved in something as important as voting with a critical eye, and that's the role security researchers can play in helping develop new and safe ways of expanding the democratic process," said Jay Kaplan, CEO of Synack. "I don't think we can write off any approach to voting that potentially increases access to the polls. We're invested in making all voting platforms as secure as possible, whether it's a traditional voting machine or digital absentee ballot." To ensure that the technology and its components meet appropriate cybersecurity standards, the grantees will adhere to recommendations from the Standards Working Group at the University of California at Berkeley's Center for Security in Politics (CSP). The group is working to develop security, accessibility and election administration standards to successfully implement digital absentee voting in U.S. elections. The project launched earlier this year and the grantees expect to have the system ready by mid-2022. Tusk Philanthropies is a not-for-profit and has no commercial interest in the technology being built. No Tusk Holdings entity will profit from any voting technology or mobile voting pilot. About Tusk Philanthropies

Tusk Philanthropies was created by Bradley Tusk, Founder and CEO of Tusk Holdings, to dramatically increase voter turnout and participation in U.S. elections through mobile voting, beginning with UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities. Mobile voting is a non-partisan initiative designed to not favor any one candidate or party but to expand voting options to increase participation in our electoral process. None of the Tusk entities have a financial interest in any voting technology company they have worked with. About Assembly Voting

Assembly Voting was the first provider of digital elections in Denmark. Since 2001, the company has conducted more than 6,000 elections with over 35 million voters. Today, Assembly Voting provides the majority of digital election solutions in Scandinavia to professional associations, municipalities, energy and pension companies, etc. Assembly Voting is based on the idea of strengthening democratic participation, through the integration of democratic processes and new technological opportunities. The company's core focus is currently on creating systems where the entire voting process can be proved and documented from start to finish using advanced end-to-end encryption technologies and documentation processes About the Open Source Election Technology (OSET) Institute

The OSET Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) election technology research, development and education organization founded in 2006. A team of veteran technologists leads the Institute with extensive hardware, software, and systems design experience from global brands including Apple, Mozilla, Netscape, Google and Sun Microsystems. The Institute's mission is to increase confidence in elections and their outcomes. The Institute pursues that mission through its TrustTheVote Project which is building ElectOSpublicly owned voting technology that's more verifiable, accurate, secure, and transparent than anything to date. The Institute also develops and maintains the open source 3rd party voter registration platform used by RockTheVote and others, and provides election administration technology to governments domestic and abroad. Media Contact: Michaela Balderston, michaela@tuskstrategies.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-philanthropies-announces-new-effort-to-develop-open-source-end-to-end-verifiable-mobile-voting-solution-301388746.html SOURCE Tusk Philanthropies

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[September 30, 2021] UK Businesses Set to Accelerate Software Development Faster Than European Rivals, Study Finds

- New Mendix survey shows that British businesses plan to develop software at a faster rate than those on the continent - The pandemic has led to faster digital disruption than expected, but UK businesses are excited about the opportunity this presents - Low-code is already helping UK businesses deal with digital disruption and will drive software development moving forward LONDON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mendix, a Siemens business and global leader in low-code application development for the enterprise, today announced the results of a new survey that shows British businesses are set to accelerate their software development at a pace faster than their European rivals. The survey findings are presented in the 'The State of Low-Code 2021: A Look Back, The Light Ahead' report, now available for download on Mendix's website. UK businesses embrace pandemic's digital disruption The study, which questioned 2,000 IT decision makers and software developers globally, including 281 based in the UK, found that 79% of UK businesses are planning to accelerate software development in the next two years. This is higher than the average across Europe (74%) and much higher than German businesses (69%), as UK businesses look to get an advantage in a post-Brexit world. The pandemic has increased the demand for digitalisation to levels never seen before. The research finds that over half of UK businesses (51%) believe that the last two years has led to more digital disruption than expected, compared with just 6% that have seen less disruption than expected. Many UK businesses are embracing this disruption as an opportunity. Nearly half (49%) of respondents are excited about the digital acceleration and software development demand, whilst only 23% are worried and 20% feel overwhelmed. Low-code drives digital transformation To deal with this digital disruption and increased need for software development, many UK businesses are turning to low-code platforms. The UK leads the way in Europe for low-code adoption, which has entered the mainstream globally, with 80% of businesses already using low-code. This is higher than the European average of 74% and much further ahead of Germany, where 69% of businesses are using low-code technology. UK organisations are using low-code to build applications that meet a number of business needs, with the simple drag-and-drop solution enabling faster development and deployment. The most common types of pplications built using low-code by UK businesses are IOT applications (35%), productivity applications (33%) and applications to automate existing processes (31%).



The pandemic has also been a big driver for low-code adoption within UK organisations. 85% of businesses have seen greater adoption of low-code as a result of COVID-19. On top of this, 23% of UK businesses have used low-code to build a pandemic-related application. Nick Ford, VP of product and solutions marketing for Mendix, explains: "There is no doubt that the pandemic has led to mass digital disruption for UK businesses. With operations forced online, many organisations had to drive digital transformation at a faster rate than ever before. It is really positive to see that UK companies are embracing this change and looking to use it as an opportunity."

He adds: "Despite this, there still remains a talent crunch in the UK that isn't going away anytime soon. This is why so many UK businesses are adopting low-code, instead of trying to hire expensive developers that are in short supply. Low-code puts software development in the hands of citizen developers who already exist within business, providing them with the tools they need to build applications and solve business problems. Mendix has been pioneering this approach for years; we are very excited to see how far low-code developers take our platform to create solutions to problems that would otherwise have defied the imagination." Methodology On behalf of Mendix, independent market research firm Reputation Leaders surveyed a total of 2,025 IT professionals via a ten-minute online survey between May 10 and June 21, 2021. Survey participants included a total of 1,209 IT executives and 816 software developers. Of the respondents, 1,012 were from the U.S., 503 from Europe and 510 from China. 156 respondents were from Germany. Of these, 89 are software developers and 67 are IT decision makers. All IT professionals were employed in SMEs/companies with 50 or more employees. IT executives were identified as either CIO, CTO, or Chief Data Officer/Head of Data/Head of Data Management, and thus as individuals who play an important role in decision making regarding technologies and IT resources. The margin of error for the overall 2,025 sample is 2.2 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. In the U.S., the margin of error is +/-3.1 percent and in Europe and China it is +/-4.4 percent. Background In a pandemic-disrupted world, software is the new lifeblood of our daily lives and the connective tissue holding together the global economy. However, traditional software development takes far too long and very often fails to deliver the results business needs and users love. Even prior to COVID-19, there were simply not enough professional software developers in the world to build all the software currently required. The global pandemic has accelerated and exacerbated what was already a software and business crisis. Enter low-code software development. Low-code from Mendix is a powerful enterprise-grade visual development approach empowering citizen and professional developers to make cloud-native applications more than 10X faster for web and mobile using drag-and-drop components and model-driven logic  all through an intuitive graphical user interface. Connect With Mendix Follow @Mendix on Twitter





Connect with Mendix on LinkedIn About Mendix Mendix, a Siemens business and the global leader in enterprise low-code, is fundamentally reinventing the way applications are built in the digital enterprise. With the Mendix platform, enterprises can 'Make with More,' by broadening an enterprise's development capability to conquer the software development bottleneck; 'Make it Smart,' by making apps with rich native experiences that are intelligent, proactive, and contextual; and 'Make at Scale,' to modernize core systems and build large app portfolios to keep pace with business growth. The Mendix platform is built to promote intense collaboration between business and IT teams and dramatically accelerate application development cycles, while maintaining the highest standards of security, quality, and governance  in short, to help enterprises confidently leap into their digital futures. Mendix's 'Go Make It' platform has been adopted by more than 4,000 leading companies around the world. Press Inquiries

Adam George

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[September 30, 2021] UltraSight Collaboration with GE Healthcare will bring Wireless Cardiac Point of Care Ultrasound to Space

CHICAGO and TEL AVIV, ISRAEL, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UltraSight, a digital health pioneer transforming cardiac imaging through the power of AI, announced a new collaboration with GE Healthcare to conduct a cardiac study aboard the Axiom 'Rakia' space mission, and the successful completion of Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for Cardiac Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). During the study, UltraSight's real-time AI guidance software and GE Healthcare's handheld GE Vscan Air, the high performance, wireless pocket-sized color ultrasound, will record images of an astronaut's heart in microgravity. The goal of this study is to demonstrate how, using the right technology, accurate, cardiac ultrasound images can be acquired anywhere  even in space  and how AI guidance has the potential to enable successful scanning with limited training. During the mission, Lt. Col. Eytan Stibbe, the first Israeli flying to the International space station, will use the Vscan Air ultrasound device with UltraSight AI guidance and take his own cardiac images, independent of trained medical professionals or ground mission control. The outcomes of this study could potentially benefit millions of cardiology patients worldwide, particularly in underserved communities where access to echocardiography labs and large medical systems is limited. "Easy access to cardiac diagnostic imaging and a small and durable, wireless ultrasound device that can perform under arduous space conditions would be hugely important  it could allow the monitoring of space crews' health and provide critical information on whether immediate intervention is necessary," said Davidi Vortman, CEO of UltraSight. "Vscan Air fits the bill. We are excited to collaborate with GE Healthcare and lead a new wave of medical innovation in space." "Space agencies are looking for an ultrasound solution with the features provided by GE Healthcare and UltraSight not only for the international space station, but to also assist with upcoming missions including Artemis to the moon, and soon after to Mars," said Eran Schenker, MD, Chief Innovation Medical Officer, Israeli Aerospace Medicine Institute (IAMI). "In fact, the mission to Mars, which will have significant communication challenges and delays, will require the rethinking of telemedicine. Real-time AI guidance will be critical in enabling the crew to obtain cardiac images without relying on mission control on Earth," he concluded. GE Healthcare pioneered the first color pocket-sized ultrasound, Vscan, in 2010 and has since continued to revolutionize the way clinicians use handheld ultrasound to see patients. To date, there are over 30,000 Vscan Family systems in the pockets of clinicians, impacting the care of more than 50 million patients worldwide. The Vscan Air, launched earlier this year, increases access to precise care, helping improve workflow efficiencies and patient outcomes through dual-probe whole-body scanning capabilities and a user-friendly interface. "The upcoming space mission aims to demonstrate the added value AI could have for Point of Cre Ultrasound in providing flexible and timely access to diagnostic information anywhere and anytime," said James Hurley, General Manager, Handheld Ultrasound at GE Healthcare. "From the farthest place you can imagine, which is space, to the primary and acute care settings in local communities worldwide, this technology plays a critical role in providing patients with accurate and timely diagnosis of cardiac conditions and other diseases."



The 'Rakia' Preliminary Design Review was completed after the technology was presented to the Scientific Program Committee, Israeli Space Authority, Ramon Foundation and to Col. Stibbe. Its successful completion is a key milestone in the process of any project intended for space missions, as it identifies potential issues and ensures the design will help meet all space mission requirements. After meeting UltraSight's medical team and being introduced to the technology, Col. Stibbe said, "I am happy to play a role in testing medical innovation that has the potential to improve patient access to advanced medical care around the world. Even in 2021, too many people still do not have access to advanced healthcare. This is a step in the right direction."

In May 2021, UltraSight was selected by the Israel Space Agency to conduct the cardiac study aboard the 'Rakia' space mission. The company chose GE Healthcare as a partner because of its R&D expertise and the high image quality of the Vscan Air. UltraSight is a partner in GE Healthcare's Edison Developer Program, a dynamic ecosystem which helps innovators deliver advanced healthcare applications, integrate products, and drive commercial growth. This is not the first time a GE Healthcare ultrasound device was used in space. In July 2011, GE Healthcare's Vivid q cardiovascular ultrasound system was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Atlantis' final space shuttle flight. For more information about UltraSight and GE Healthcare's involvement in the upcoming 'Rakia' space mission, contact Luna Newton at lnewton@lunapublicrelations.com. *The UltraSight AI guidance software is currently pending approval for medical use in the U.S. and European markets. About UltraSight

UltraSight aims to revolutionize cardiac sonography through the power of machine learning to enable more accurate and timely clinical decisions. The UltraSight automated guidance system and advanced usability features help bring the benefits of cardiac imaging to more healthcare professionals in new care settings, allowing patients access to ultrasound anywhere. In 2020, UltraSight won the TCT Innovation Competition, which took place during the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics world conference. For more news and information, visit our website or follow UltraSight on LinkedIn and Twitter. About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare is the $18 billion healthcare business of GE. As a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics and digital solutions innovator, GE Healthcare enables clinicians to make faster, more informed decisions through intelligent devices, data analytics, applications and services, supported by its Edison intelligence platform. With over 100 years of healthcare industry experience and around 47,000 employees globally, the company operates at the center of an ecosystem working toward precision health, digitizing healthcare, helping drive productivity and improve outcomes for patients, providers, health systems and researchers around the world. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Insights for the latest news, or visit our website www.gehealthcare.com for more information. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ultrasight-collaboration-with-ge-healthcare-will-bring-wireless-cardiac-point-of-care-ultrasound-to-space-301388585.html SOURCE UltraSight

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[September 30, 2021] Verkada Announces Security Camera Donation Program to Help Combat AAPI Hate

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Verkada Inc., a leader in cloud-based enterprise physical security, today announced a program to donate Verkada security cameras and software licenses to AAPI-owned organizations and businesses that are seeking enhanced protection following a troubling increase in anti-Asian discrimination and acts of hate. Employee-led program will assist AAPI-owned organizations and businesses seeking enhanced protection. Verkada employees are spearheading the initiative to donate up to $100,000 in security cameras and software to Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses as part of Verkada's mission of protecting people, assets and privacy. "Our employees are heartbroken watching the disturbing rise in discrimination, hate and violence directed at the AAPI community, and wanted to help fight back " said Filip Kaliszan, CEO of Verkada. "We hope our products help give these organizations a sense of security and empowerment as they confront this despicable behavior." The firt 20 cameras from the new program will be donated to Oakland's Chinatown Chamber of Commerce after president Carl Chan was publicly assaulted in Oakland in April. Verkada's pilot program will commit to donating up to 100 additional security cameras and licenses.



"Violence and prejudice has absolutely no place in our lives," said Carl Chan, the President of Oakland's Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. "The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is a vital voice in our community, and we will not be intimidated or cower in the face of this unacceptable discrimination. We are grateful to Verkada for stepping up and assisting the Chamber in doing all that we can to protect ourselves as we all work hard to thrive together in our diverse city." There have been more than 9,000 reported anti-Asian incidents since the pandemic began in 2020, according to NPR. Verkada's goal is to work with organizations to provide tools that it hopes can help combat this unacceptable rise in acts of hate.

AAPI-owned or affiliated organizations who would like to apply for the program can fill out the security camera donation form on the Verkada website. In April, Verkada launched a similar initiative to provide free video equipment to help healthcare facilities, shelters, and municipal services across the U.S., Canada, and the UK respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.This program provided more than 60 hospitals and health care providers and municipalities with video equipment to help them to quickly scale remote monitoring of patients in order to reduce medical workers' exposure to COVID-19 and use of critical PPE equipment. About Verkada

Verkada is the leader in cloud-managed enterprise building security. Verkada's video security cameras, door-based access control, environmental sensors and alarms seamlessly integrate with an intuitive cloud-managed platform and are virtually effortless to install, maintain and manage across thousands of sites. Verkada protects over 7,800 organizations, including 40 of the Fortune 500. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verkada-announces-security-camera-donation-program-to-help-combat-aapi-hate-301389198.html SOURCE Verkada

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[September 29, 2021] Rogers Communications announces CFO transition

Tony Staffieri leaving Rogers effective September 29, 2021

Paulina Molnar has been appointed interim CFO Shaw transaction continues to move forward as previously expected Company results to be reported October 21; results to be in-line with outlook provided on July 21, 2021 TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications announced today that Tony Staffieri, the companys Chief Financial Officer is leaving Rogers effective September 29, 2021. Paulina Molnar has been appointed interim CFO. On behalf of the Rogers team, I thank Tony for the many contributions he made to our company including ensuring the integrity of our financial reporting over the nearly ten years he served as our CFO, said Joe Natale, President and CEO of Rogers Communications Inc. We wish him well in his future endeavours and look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped lay for us. Paulina Molnar will assume the role of interim CFO. She has been with Rogers for 16 years and is currently Senior Vice President, Controller and Risk Management. She brings 26 years of industry experience to the interim CFO role including Financial Controller, Business Support, Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk Management,Business Continuity and Corporate Security.



Rogers Communications Inc. will host its third quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. E.T. with the investment community. Results to be in-line with the outlook provided on July 21, 2021. About Rogers

Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements about expected results and the potential outcome of the proposed transaction with Shaw Communications Inc. By their nature, forward-looking statements require Rogers to make assumptions and predictions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond our control) which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Except as required by law, Rogers disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements. Media contact Investment community contact Rogers Media Relations Paul Carpino media@rci.rogers.com paul.carpino@rci.rogers.com 1-844-226-1338 647.435.6470



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[September 29, 2021] Impact Credit Solutions and Bank Central Asia partner to offer financing to the Indonesian healthcare sector

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank Central Asia (BCA), a leading Indonesian commercial bank, and Impact Credit Solutions (ICS) have partnered to offer affordable financing to the Indonesian healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. BCA has committed to participating in the US$40 million Indonesian Resilience Fund (IRF) managed by ICS to finance hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other participants in the healthcare supply chain. The IRF is supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). As of August 2021, the IRF had reached 108 healthcare providers, including 67 hospitals, across 31 provinces in Indonesia. The IRF has financed the delivery of medical equipment, supplies, and services, ranging from oxygen concentrators to personal protective equipment. "Indonesia needs a robust healthcare sector to minimize the health and economic impacts of the pandemic," said John Kosasih, Managing Director at BCA. "ICS' tech platform enabls BCA to finance SME healthcare loans with confidence that our risk will be effectively managed while delivering social impact."



Recently, Indonesia has experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases, with more than 40,000 daily reported infections at their peak. The healthcare sector has faced severe pressure with hospital occupancy above 80% in many provinces at some points, making financing for vaccines, medical oxygen, and patient care more urgent than ever. "The ongoing COVID-19 crisis illustrates the dangers that unexpected shocks pose to health care systems, economies, as well as patients and their families," said Ryan Washburn, the Mission Director for USAID Indonesia. "BCA's contribution will strengthen the Indonesia Resilience Fund (IRF), allowing healthcare services and supply chains to stay in operation and more Indonesians to get the healthcare they need to survive this pandemic," added Washburn.

Women have been at the forefront of COVID-19 response, making up a majority of the frontline healthcare professionals and community health workers, yet are disproportionately affected by the crisis. The IRF's gender lens investment framework, co-developed by ICS, DFC, DFAT, and USAID, helps ensure that financing reaches cross-cutting beneficiaries like women-led businesses, healthcare workers, and patients. Vice President of DFC's Office of External Affairs and Head of Global Gender Equity Initiatives Algene Sajery said, "DFC is pleased to partner with USAID, DFAT, and ICS to continue to support this innovative gender-lens investment vehicle that will provide critical access to credit for Indonesia's health care sector that is currently grappling with the COVID-19 crisis. In the long term, the IRF will help strengthen Indonesia's health system, and support the economic resiliency of women-owned and other small businesses in the country." "Partnering with leading banks like BCA enables us to deliver the needed liquidity in the healthcare sector, to ensure families receive adequate medical care and supplies during this pandemic," said Dewi Wiranti, Indonesia Country Head at ICS. SOURCE Impact Credit Solutions

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[September 29, 2021] Flashforge Adventurer 4 3D Printer Coming: Available for Order!

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Flashforge announces a new 3D printer model  Adventurer 4. It gets many updated features, like larger build area, hot ends that can reach up to 265?, auto bed leveling, and HEPA filter to prevent odors. Adventurer 4 is available for order now on Flashforgeshop.com, coming at a pretty reasonable price $799! Consumers purchasing Adventurer 4 during current pre-order period would also get extra bonus. Much larger build volume Succeeding its predecessor Adventurer 3, Adventurer 4 is also an enclosed unit. What makes Adventurer 4 more impressed is its larger build volume: 25cmx22cmx20cm. The feature of large and fully enclosed workplace of Adventurer 4 is possibly users' favorite. 240?/265? quick-release nozzles Aside by the oriinally installed 0.4mm- nozzle, Adventurer 4 also has an extra option: 0.4mm-265? nozzle. The option to print at 265? means Adventurer 4 supports more materials. Users can stick with the 240? nozzle to print with PLA and swap to the 265? nozzle to print with other materials requiring higher temperature.



Filter fan inside the chamber Adventurer 4 is considerate on keeping safer print environment. HEPA 13 filter fan inside the build chamber absorbs stingy odors and prevents most nanoparticles and VOCs from giving off.

Magnetic flexible build Platform The surface plate is the magnetic plate that has slight flex in it and users can pop the printed models straight off. Under the print surface, there is a planted 8 mm aluminum plate which ensures rigidity and flatness of the build plate even after long-time high temp work. Cloud Printing Adventurer 4 supports WiFi connection. Whether it is slicing file transmission, printing remote control, or remote viewing, Adventurer 4 supports them all. An attractive feature of Adventurer 4 is Time-lapse video. This feature allows users to record and save videos on the Adventurer 4 3D printer. About Flashforge FlashForge is a world-famous 3D printing brand who has manufactured a series of 3D printing products, both 3D printers and printing materials included. Except for the FDM 3D printer series, Flashforge also owns DLP and SLA series. Flashforge dedicates itself to producing affordable and cheerful 3D printers, helping more people get 3D printing skills, and widely spreading 3D printing technology. Website: www.flashforge.com; www.flashforgeshop.com SOURCE Flashforge

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[September 29, 2021] NetDragon Signs MOU with Ghana's Ministry of Education to Implement Country-wide Blended Learning System

HONG KONG, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon" or the "Company"; Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Ghana (the "MoE"). This is to secure a long-term relationship for investment in a broad range of solutions and services designed to achieve the objectives and goals of the MoE and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all people in Ghana. Having successfully implemented its world-leading teaching and learning platform, Edmodo World, in Ghana, in cooperation with the MoE, NetDragon will now work closely with the MoE to develop a sustainable and robust country-wide Blended Learning System. This seeks to ensure access to quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic circumstances and geographical location. Furthermore, it will integrate cutting-edge educational technology into the education system, not only providing the means to equip young people with the necessary skills for society and economic growth but also leading to a transformation of pedagogy impacting the country's 9.3 million students. NetDragon will also work with the MoE to strengthen the nation's science base by building STEM and Vocational Education workshop centres around the country. These will function as state-of-the-art laboratories and STEM classrooms to provide students with the skills andcompetencies needed to contribute effectively to the country's thriving economy. Similarly, to boost education infrastructure in regions where refurbishment of classrooms is required and additional capacity is needed for access, NetDragon will seek to install its Intelligent Space Classrooms and School Campuses, complete with the latest educational technology.



With the world-leading online teaching platform Edmodo World at its core, the revolutionary Blended Learning System implemented in partnership between NetDragon and the MoE will ensure access to learning opportunities for all. It will also enhance and motivate students through stimulating content and lessons delivered through the latest classroom technology. Furthermore, by drawing on the power of Big Data, the solution will provide comprehensive assessment and usage analytics for governance and monitoring to allow for effective policy and decision-making. Finally, a comprehensive Teacher Training and Change Management programme and the building of Teacher Training Centres will ensure that the solution is embedded in the education system in a scalable and sustainable way. Ghana's Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, stated, "We are delighted to welcome NetDragon to cooperate with our government to help develop the skills of the nation's young people and facilitate education access for all. Building capacity within the education system to ensure that everyone benefits from quality teaching and learning is a key priority. NetDragon's solutions will help us to provide teachers with the tools and support they need to develop the students' skills, especially in the key areas of science and vocational training."

Dr Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, re-iterated the Company's commitment to working with the government of Ghana. "The Ministry of Education has a clear and ambitious programme to strengthen the nation's skills in science and technology, and we are delighted to have an opportunity to support this with our wide range of education technology solutions. In addition, we look forward to cooperating closely with the government to ensure that all citizens can have access to the best quality teaching and learning, no matter where they live." About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users, including previous establishments of China's first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless. Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles, including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved and Conquer Online. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of its management's vision to create the largest global online learning community and bring the "classroom of the future" to every school worldwide. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netdragon-signs-mou-with-ghanas-ministry-of-education-to-implement-country-wide-blended-learning-system-301388446.html SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

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[September 29, 2021] Shipsy Embraces Future of Work, Announces Work From Home Indefinitely

GURUGRAM, India, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipsy, a SaaS-based smart logistics management platform provider, announced that it's now a remote-first organization. Shipsy's talent pool can now indefinitely work from home (WFH). According to research, remote working was gradually picking up pace at a global scale. Between 2005 and 2018, remote work grew by 173% and that by 2025 it was supposed to become a widely accepted reality. As much as 88% of global companies offered remote work for all their employees during COVID. Shipsy is one such organization. The pandemic drove businesses to accept this future of work five years early. Having said that, to foster innovation and collaboration, Shipsy is opening hot desks across the country for Shipsians to get together as and when needed. The organization will be leveraging coworking and on-demand worksaces to provide employees with state-of-the-art office environments.



"Remote working is a reality now. Employers can no longer expect people to follow conventional work schedules and norms. We are crafting modern policies that enable our people to work from the location of their choice. Access to advanced collaboration tools and superior connectivity are rapidly eliminating stigmas associated with WFH and virtual hiring," says Soham Chokshi, CEO and Co-Founder, Shipsy. Since the beginning of this year, and despite movement restrictions, Shipsy has been scaling up its hiring operations across India, the Middle East and the US. The development is critical to support the organization's hyper-growth momentum and its aggressive plans to expand across geographies.

"We have increased our workforce by more than 25% this year via efficient remote onboarding and engagement operations. Having said that, we understand that preferences vary when it comes to working from home or office. Hence, we will also ensure our people have access to a proper physical office setup on-demand," Chokshi added. About Shipsy: Shipsy's smart logistics management platform empowers global businesses to optimize, automate, track, and simplify end-to-end supply chain operations. Founded in 2015 in Gurugram, the company leverages AI and big data to design and develop low-code SaaS solutions to improve operational efficiency across industries. The brand has recently set its regional headquarters in Dubai. Last year the company raised $6M in Series A round led by Sequoia Capital India's Surge and existing investor Info Edge. Media contact:

media@shipsy.io

+91-9867999866 SOURCE Shipsy

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[September 29, 2021] Tourism is the development trend of Guizhou

TONGREN, China, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Fanjing Mountain, cloud shrouds the peaks and the clear stream winds among the mountains. At the foot of Fanjing Mountain, hot springs surge to nourish people's body and mind. History and culture have shaped unique ancient towns and streets, telling the stories of the past. From September 24 to 28, the Huanqiu.com invited journalists from China's leading media groups including People's Daily, China Media Group, as well as from overseas media organization including PR Newswire, Polskie Radio, UK's Culture Trip, International Daily News, Il Tempo Cina Europa and La Voz China, in addition to representatives from chambers of commerce including those from NRW. Global Business and Konad Adenaue Foundation to visit Guizhou and observe the steps being taken by the tourism authorities to build out the industry across the province, with the ultimate goal of transforming the province into a "must visit" destination for travelers from the world over. The journalists and representatives mainly visited Tongren City, Guizhou Province. After visiting the Zhongnanmen Historical and Cultural Tourist Area, the ancient Cinnabar town in Wanshan District, the world-famous Fanjing Mountain, the Fairy Street Scenic Area and the Fodingshan Hot Spring Town, they were impressed by Guizhou's rich natural resources, beautiful mountains and rivers and amazing culture. Fanjing Mountain, listed on the World Heritag List, is located in Tongren City, with an altitude of 2572 meters. The mountain, with picturesque landscape and great biological diversity, was brought under the protection of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program.





Pang Jinhua, executive chief editor of The La Voz China said, "Fanjing Mountain sets an example for orderly conservation of biodiversity by combining environmental protection with economic benefits. Moreover, with an increasing number of local villagers working in the tourism industry, local industrial structure has been transformed from first industry to service industry." "Fanjing mountain tourism development and natural ecological environment protection can help Tongren achieve common prosperity." he said. Wu Min, president and editor-in-chief of the Il Tempo Cina Europa, said, "I only heard about Fanjing Mountain before, and it was not until I see it in person that I discovered the peak of Fanjing Mountain with a kind of curving beauty." Apart from Fanjing mountain, Tongren is home to many tourist attractions, such as the Fairy Street Scenic Area. In the Fairy Street Scenic Area, Tomasz Sajewicz from Polskie Radio said, "The glass skywalk is really interesting and the team-building activity should be done here." The glass skywalk wins the Guinness World Record as the world's longest cantilevered sky glass corridor. In Wanshan District, Tongren City, there is the romantic ancient Cinnabar town, which was a once famous cinnabar mining area. The signboards of "State-run Clothes Shop", "Supply and Marketing Cooperative" on the street remind people of the early days of the People's Republic of China. Visiting the ancient town, Pr Newswire representative Zhang Jing said: "It is my first time here. The ancient town brings me back to my childhood. Therefore, it is a suitable place for me and my parents to visit and evoke our memories of the cherished days. I learned a lot about culture and history of this area and would like to share it with the world." View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tourism-is-the-development-trend-of-guizhou-301388441.html SOURCE Huanqiu.com

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[September 30, 2021] Basilea's partner Asahi Kasei Pharma filed New Drug Application for the marketing authorization of isavuconazole in Japan

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Basel, Switzerland, September 30, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) reported today that its partner Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (Asahi Kasei Pharma) has filed a New Drug Application (NDA) for the marketing authorization of isavuconazole (Cresemba) in Japan for the treatment of the fungal infections aspergillosis, mucormycosis and cryptococcosis. The filing triggers a CHF 5 million milestone payment from Asahi Kasei Pharma to Basilea. David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer, said: We congratulate our partner Asahi Kasei Pharma on the filing of the NDA for isavuconazole in Japan. This is a significant step towards the goal to make isavuconazole available for patients in Japan, which is one of the commercially most important market opportunities for the brand. The partnership between Basilea and Asahi Kasei Pharma was established in September 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma was granted an exclusive license to develop and commercialize isavuconazole in Japan. Basilea received an upfront payment of CHF 7 million and, in addition to the now triggered CHF 5 million milestone payment, will be eligible to receive further payments up to approximately CHF 55 million upon achievement of regulatory and commercial milestones. Basilea will also receive double-digit tiered royalties on product sales in Japan. Cresemba has been approved in almost 60 countries to date and is currently marketed in 54 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and several additional countries inside and outside of Europe. For the 12 months to the end of June 2021, total "in-market" sales of Cresemba amounted to USD 285 million, a 24 percent growth year-on-year.1 About isavuconazole (Cresemba) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. In the 27 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the U.K., isavuconazole is approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.2 Cresemba is also approved in the Unted States and several additional countries in Europe and beyond.3 It has orphan drug designation in the U.S., Europe and Australia for its approved indications. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa region, Canada, Russia, Turkey and Israel.



About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References IQVIA, June 2021. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in U.S. Dollar. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: September 29, 2021] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment Press release (PDF)



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[September 30, 2021] H3C Launches the Digital Tour 2021 in Malaysia with a Focus on Application-Driven Data Centers

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- H3C, a leader in digital solutions, has officially commenced the H3C Digital Tour 2021 in Malaysia. The annual virtual event introduced the company's latest Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solution, H3C Application-Driven Network 6.0 (AD-NET 6.0) Solution, which includes AD-Campus 6.0 for campus scenario applications, AD-DC 6.0 for data center scenario applications and AD-WAN 6.0 Solution for Wide Area Network (WAN) scenario applications. Furthermore, the event aims to assist global partners in achieving higher levels of digital transformation in line with the evolving needs of the modern digital economy. Themed "Digital Future  We Together", the H3C Digital Tour 2021 aims to build an open and collaborative platform for industry leaders and experts to take part in cutting-edge technology discussions, while bringing H3C's latest ICT solutions in a variety of areas. With the goal of enabling digital Malaysia with intelligent connectivity, H3C has officially launched the key solution, AD-DC 6.0 Solution at the virtual event. The all-new industry-leading solution addresses the networking challenges of Malaysian enterprises using data centers, while bringing a lower total cost of ownership, stronger security, higher performance and better experience compared to the previous version.



Speaking during the H3C Digital Tour 2021 in Malaysia, Gary Huang, H3C's President of International Business and Senior Vice President, said, "Malaysia is the strategic market for H3C. The country is consistently prioritising digital initiatives in their economy. The efforts undertaken have become a new driver of development in Malaysia. Having cooperated with global customers and partners, H3C continues to have keen insights into vertical industries and improving the digitalization and intelligence of our solutions. By accelerating the construction of digital infrastructure, boosting the digital transformation of traditional enterprises and enabling the industrial intelligent application, we will be together to share the benefits of the digital economy and create a better digital future."

The AD-DC 6.0 Solution gives simplicity, with end-to-end automation from computing resources, network to service, making it a "One Architecture for Multiple Scenarios" device. Besides that, it also brings intelligence, supporting Interspan telemetry while leveraging AI to complete the closed-loop of information processing. According to H3C, it has also improved in terms of convergence, making it a unified platform for management, control and analysis for enterprises. Micro-segmentation and service chain ensures the data center security with controller HA design makes the business much more stable and trustworthy while delivering higher performance. The future of data centers will rely on the cloud, hyper-converged infrastructure and more powerful devices. It needs to have strong reliability, higher efficiency, safer security and constant evolution of data centers are typically a top priority. Many enterprises are pushing their capacity out in digitalising in order to provide a better service. H3C plays an important role in assisting these enterprises to complete their quest by providing a series of products and solutions to upgrade their infrastructure, making data center operations more efficient. Additionally, H3C has also launched the AD-WAN 6.0 Solution, claiming it as the industry-leading SDN solution for WAN networking. The traditional WAN faces challenges including a surge in bandwidth demand, assurance for core businesses, a potential risk for network security and low efficiency for O&M. The new generation of AD-WAN 6.0 Solution is designed to solve the issues of the traditional version. It not only improves link utilization up to more than 80%, it also efficiently compresses the traffic and improves transmission bandwidth four times using the hybrid link. With its Resilient Intelligent Routing (RIR), it can distribute traffic steering for faster response and higher reliability, at the same time reducing cost and complexity using a single product for networking and security. The Solution's higher efficiency for O&M provides data centers real-time monitoring of devices' performance and link status with their customized dashboard to display preference information. The AD-WAN 6.0 Solution can also detect system failures with its real-time alarm and provide users quick access to abnormal information, displaying application traffic and health score to optimize network resource allocation. Rockies Ma, Country General Manager of H3C Malaysia commented on the flagship products and solutions launch, "Data centers are already evolving from a centralized, locally-operated infrastructure out to the cloudusing public and private cloud providers, colocation and more. As 5G enables hyperconnectivity, organizations will rely even more on edge devices in their data centers. Following the Malaysian government's plans of Industrial Revolution 4.0, we strive to expand our partner ecosystem by deploying our latest technologies such as the AD-DC 6.0 in supporting our Malaysian enterprises to speed up their digital transformation." Since the first version of AD-DC 1.0 was released in 2014, H3C has successively launched 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and the latest AD-DC 6.0 Solution. With mature, stable and various features, it has helped more than 1,400 customers across industries accelerate their digital transformation. Malaysia is the first station of H3C Digital Tour 2021. Following this virtual event, the H3C Digital Tour 2021 will be hosted in other key markets including Russia. H3C is committed to supporting more clients to accelerate digital transformation and boost business agility amid the rapidly changing market conditions. SOURCE H3C

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[September 30, 2021] FS Tunes up Source Photonics' 800G Transceivers for Scaling Data Center Connectivity

FS.COM, a high-speed communication solution provider for data centers, enterprises, and telecom networks, announced today its strategic cooperation with Source (News - Alert) Photonics, a global leader of innovative and reliable optical communications technology. Two companies have jointly led market introduction of 800G pluggable transceivers-2x400G-FR4 QSFP-DD, 2x400G-FR4 OSFP, 800G DR8 QSFP-DD and 800G DR8 OSFP-to serve hyperscale data centers for next-generation high-speed connectivity. Volume shipment is expected to start in Q1'2022. While the industry is working its way to ramp up volume deployment of 400G client optics into cloud data center networks, all eyes are now turning to 800G optics with the release of 25.6T switching ASIC, to satisfy the high bandwidth demand for high-performance and cloud computing applications. FS CEO Daniel Xiang said: "Source Photonics has already established itself as a market leader in optical communication technology with deep engineering and manufacturing capabilities. We share a common vision to deliver customer-centric solutions and top-quality services, which will bring far more value for our clients." Source Photonics has just recently won the industry Data Center Innovation/Best Product award at ECOC Exhibition 2021 in Bordeaux, France for its family of industry-leading 800G OSFP and QSFP-DD pluggable solutions. John Wang (News - Alert) , President at Source Photonics said: "Partnering with FS represents a great opportunity for Source Photonics to further expand our presence to serve a broader range of customers. FS has already demonstrated its capability to apply its excellent expertise to various market segments." The product portfolio of 800G optical transceivers enables the industry-leading performance and power consumption required by higher density data center interconnections. 800G DR8 OSFP >



 Supports 8x100GbE and 2x400GbE breakout applications

 Compliant with IEEE (News - Alert) P802.3ck D2.2 and IEEE 802.3cu-2021 standards  Compliant with OSFP MSA  Supports MPO-16 & Dual MPO-12 for backward compatible to 2x400GbE DR4 breakout 800G DR8 QSFP-DD  Supports 500m, 2km and 10km  Supports 8x100GbE and 2x400GbE breakout applications  Compliant with IEEE P802.3ck D2.2 and IEEE 802.3cu-2021 standards  Compliant with QSFP-DD800 MSA HW Rev 6.01 Type 2A with MPO-16 connector 2x400G-FR4 OSFP  Supports 2km, 6km and 10km  Compliant with IEEE P802.3ck D2.2 and IEEE 802.3cu-2021 standards  Compliant with OSFP MSA  Supports Dual CS & Dual LC for legacy fiber plants 2x400G-FR4 QSFP-DD  Supports 2km, 6km and 10km  Compliant with IEEE 802.3cu-2021  Compliant with IEEE P802.3ck D2.2  Compliant with QSFP-DD800 MSA HW Rev 6.01 Type 2A with Dual CS connector Through this partnership, FS and Source Photonics will continue delivering the best-in-class optical transceivers, unlock the full potential of this strategic cooperation and place our clients on the best path toward success. We both are looking forward to another solid step to build upon our foundation in providing high performance and reliable networking solutions. About Source Photonics: Source Photonics is a leading provider of innovative and reliable optical communications technology that enables communications and connectivity in datacenters, metro, and access networks. We invent next-generation solutions to provide customers with enabling technologies to support the rapidly increasing demands of cloud infrastructure, wireless communications, routing, and fiber-to-the-premises worldwide. Source Photonics is headquartered in West Hills, California, with manufacturing facilities, R&D, and sales offices worldwide. For more information about Source Photonics, please visit www.sourcephotonics.com. About FS.COM FS.COM (www.fs.com) is a high-speed communication product and solution provider for connecting and securing global data center, enterprise, and telecom networks. FS.COM is dedicated to fulfilling product systems and tailoring project solutions for IT professionals with immediate services by developing its talents, labs and local service center. Through continuous technology upgrade and brand partnership, FS services customers across 200 countries - with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative solution portfolio. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210929006028/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Lexus Design Award India 2022 Announces Esteemed Panel of Judges and Mentors, Receiving Over Six Hundred Original Entries

Lexus Design Award India offers recognition & honors winners from 10 different categories of design

In its fifth year, the Lexus Design Award India 2022 has received over 666 entries from designers and creators across India, despite the challenging pandemic times.

The board comprises of eminent designers from the Indian design fraternity who are all set to mentor and assess the rising talent for the Lexus Design Award India 2022

PANEL OF JUDGES: Susmita Mohanty , Anuj Sharma , Nishma Pandit , Anjali Mody , Mukul Goyal and David Nordstrom .

, , , , and . PANEL OF MENTORS: Michael Foley , Sandeep Sangaru, Amit Krishn Gulati , Suhasini Paul , Narendra Ghate and Vinay Rao NEW DELHI, MUMBAI and BANGALORE, India, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus India has announced its esteemed panel of judges and mentors for the Lexus Design Awards India 2022. The proposals put forward by the 666 entries will be evaluated on key design principles - Anticipate, Innovate, Captivate & Happiness for All. Now in its fifth year, Lexus Design Awards India recognizes exceptional talent among design professionals and individuals whose designs are a combination of design and technology, poised to help craft a better tomorrow. The annual event engages with both established & budding creative talent across the country, aspiring to win the coveted trophy for their state-of-the-art designs. The skillful panel of judges this year comprises of Nishma Pandit -Co-founder of Ticket Design, a multidisciplinary design consulting firm, Susmita Mohanty - a spaceship designer & space entrepreneur, David Nordstorm - Vice President, Lexus Asia Pacific Division, Anuj Sharma - renowned Fashion designer, Anjali Mody - Serial entrepreneur and Mukul Goyal - Designer under the label Tattva and Mukul Goyal. "The Lexus Design Award India is certainly a great platform for designers to convert their ideas into reality, encompassing various elements of design and innovation, focusing on making a difference in how tomorrow is viewed. We are thrilled to be the jury for this year and ready to get captivated by the spark of design around us", comments Nishma Pandit. Finalists of the Conceptual category will have an exclusive opportunity to receive guidance from renowned designers in India to bring their creations & design to life and develop prototypes of their ideas for final judgment. The esteemed panel of mentors include LDAI trophy designer Michael Foley- founder of Foley Designs, Sandeep Sangaru - designer and entrepreneur at Sangaru Design Objects, Amit Krishn Gulati - Industrial designer and entrepreneur, Suhasini Paul - Toy designer and co-founder of PAUL STUDIO, Narendra Ghate - Chief Designer at Tata Elxsi and Vinay Rao - Design entrepreneur and co-founded Bang Design. "We are delighted to announce this year's esteemed panel of jurors and mentors for the Prestigious Lexus Design Award 2022. Lexus Design Awards is a platform attracting several talented designers from all over the country. Mentoring this year's contestants include mentors who come with immense experience and in-depth knowledge of design & innovation. We believe the fifth edition will be a great success and we are looking forward to seeing this year's inspiring ideas that will incorporate the key elements of Lexus - Anticipate, Innovate, Captivate & Happiness for All, that will cater to creating a better and advanced tomorrow," said P.B. Venugopal, President, Lexus India. Following the mentorship program, the 6 finalists of the Conceptual category will present their projects to the panel of judges for evaluation. The final winners will be announced along with the Established category winners at the Lexus Design Award India event in January 2022. The Lexus Design Award India is conducted in knowledge partnership with Association of Designers of India - ADI. Emulating the same brand commitment as that of Lexus', ADI ensures that their efforts are in the direction of promoting best practices in the profession of design in India. ADI is India's only association, that through its 8 chapters, promotes and strengthens the capabilities of the Indian design professionals & students, as well as presents a unified voice to influence public policy, shape the industry and benefit people at large through design. Details of the Lexus Design Award India 2021 can be found at www.lexusdesign.in About Lexus Design Award India (LDAI) The Lexus Design Award India (LDAI) seeks to recognize and reward the best industrial design executed by Indian designers, institutions, design consultancy firms, and in-house design teams of companies. Good design is defined by LDAI as the synthesis of ergonomic, aesthetic, commercial, industrial, and scientific disciplines to create products that simplify, enrich and better human existence. Lexus, as a brand, has always stood for excellence in design, ergonomics, sustainability, technological superiority, and responsible consumption; and the LDAI will mirror these brand values. About Lexus Design Award (LDA) First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for six finalists to work with globally recognized designers as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events. About Lexus Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world's first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 1.5 million hybrid vehicles. A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide. Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world. Website: www.lexusindia.co.in







Instagram: @lexus_india

Official Hashtag: #LexusDesignAward Annexure: Pictures and Bios of Judges and Mentors

LDAI 2022- JURORS AND MENTORS JURY PROFILES Susmita Mohanty Susmita Mohanty is a spaceship designer and the only space entrepreneur in the world to have started companies on 3 different continents. She is the CEO of EARTH2ORBIT, India's first private start-up that played a pivotal role in opening up the US launch market for India. She has co-founded two other companies, MOONFRONT in San Francisco in 2001 and LIQUIFER in Vienna in 2004. Prior to turning entrepreneur, she worked for the Space Station Program at Boeing in California and did a short stint at NASA. In 2019, Susmita was selected as one of BBC's 100 Women laureates inspiring and influencing a female-led future. In 2017, she was featured on cover of Fortune Magazine. In 2012, she was voted into Financial Times' list of "25 Indians to Watch". In 2016, she was nominated to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Future Council for Space Technologies. In 2005, Susmita was honored on Capitol Hill in Washington DC with the International Achievement Award. Educated in India, France, and Sweden, Susmita holds multiple degrees including a PhD. She seamlessly straddles the worlds of technology, business, design, architecture, and art. An ardent traveler and explorer, she is probably the only person in the world to have visited the Arctic and Antarctica, on invitation. She hopes that someday, she can take long sorties on the Moon, even sit back, relax and watch the Earth float by. Anuj Sharma Fashion designer Anuj Sharma (IND) works mainly in areas of craft development and sustainability. Sharma's other areas include teaching fashion and understanding human behavior with the help of fashion. He has previously shown his collection in Japan, UK, Sweden, and Bangladesh. He was also a regular at Lakme fashion week in Mumbai. Anuj Sharma entered into fashion with his debut collection called Sunday Market in 2007, after his post-graduation studies in Apparel Design at the renowned design school, National Institute of Design (NID), India and a Masters in High-performance Sportswear Design at the University of Derby, UK, for which he was awarded the Charles Wallice India trust scholarship in 2002. Anuj Sharma has come up with a unique method to construct clothes without any machine, tools or stitches technique. It is titled Button Masala. The method has led to the Button Masala collection, which has been shown internationally. He has taught the technique of Button Masala to over 20.000 people across the world. He was invited to give a TED talk on the method of his button masala collection in TED x Delhi and he was awarded the Most Innovative Collection of the Year Award 2009 for his collection Button Masala at Marie Claire Made in India Fashion Awards. Nishma Pandit An experienced designer, Nishma is co-founder at Ticket Design a multidisciplinary design consulting firm. She has over the years designed solutions across domains, lead teams, and successfully implemented winning strategies. Under her leadership Ticket Design has established itself as a respected design consulting firm, with a wide variety of award-winning products launched in the Indian as well as international markets. Some of the awards that Ticket Design has won are Red Dot Product Design Award, Lexus Design Award, CII award for UX design, Silver award at US Appliance Design, India Star and Asia Star presidential award to name a few. Nishma is an alumnus of NID (National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad), Asia's premier design school. Nishma, started her career as an industrial designer with Tata Johnson Controls, designing passenger car seating and going on to design several products for Bluestar, Whirlpool, Siemens, Honeywell etc. She has been a speaker at various design conferences sharing her work experience, and is also invited as a jury for various national and international design awards like DFC (Design for change competition) and Core77 Design awards to name a few. Anjali Mody Anjali Mody is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for design. She kindled her love for design under the incomparable guidance of Interior Guru Pinakin Patel and the Late Shri Dashrat Patel. After earning her degree in Industrial Design from The Rhode Island School of Design in 2009, she honed her skills in Providence and New York before returning to Mumbai in 2010. Over the past 11 years Anjali has co-founded creative agency Skarma in 2010 as well as a design practice- Josmo in Late 2010 where she remains Founder and Creative Director. Anjali has recently expanded her practice to Goa where she now resides. Josmo- her current focus has been a growing 11 year brand that specialises in bringing good design within reach to a larger Indian audience. Her 6000 sq ft retail store and 30,000 sq ft factory are the recent feather in her hat making her overall dream of 'Good design within reach', a beautiful reality. Mukul Goyal Mukul Goyal's distinctive creative expression successfully walks the line between art and design, aesthetic and function. Mukul sells his products under two labels Tattva- a range of Hardware & his eponymous label Mukul Goyal, which consists of Objects for the home. The products sell from more than 200 stores in India & in about 30 countries internationally. His Bespoke collaborations of installations, artworks & architectural features find pride of place in prestigious projects for various private and public spaces. The Studio continues to research and experiment with techniques, language and objects creating an eclectic line of accent pieces viz. furniture, lighting, screens and artworks Mukul has studied Engineering at IIT Kanpur, Product Design at NID, Ahmedabad and Domus Academy, Milan. He has taught at various Design schools such as NID Ahmedabad, RMIT Melbourne, SPA Delhi. Mukul operates out of his studio workshop in Gurugram, India. David Nordstrom David Nordstrom is the Vice President, Lexus Asia Pacific Division. He drives the brand's marketing strategy in the region and in this role, is also the guardian of the brand's development through product planning and training. An international marketer with a keen eye for the finer things, David applies these sensibilities to the evolution of the Lexus brand. MENTOR PROFILES Michael Foley Michael Foley runs an independent studio 'Foley Designs' known for its innovative thinking processes, zeal for design, originality of thought and the ability to use market and consumer understanding to create new benchmarks in design. Foleydesigns has been involved in landmark projects such as the design of the Queen's Baton for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and several world-class products for the Indian and global market. Foleydesigns is a product design and strategy company with a legacy in consulting services. It is known for its innovative thinking processes, originality of thought and the ability to use market and consumer understanding to create new benchmarks in design. Sandeep Sangaru Sandeep Sangaru is a multidisciplinary designer, educator, entrepreneur, wanderer and a nomad by nature. He studied Industrial design specializing in Furniture design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad with a background in Mechanical Engineering. To mention a few, he is a proud Recipient of the Red Dot Design Award- Best of the best 2009, The Design for Asia-Grand Award 2011, The British Council's Young Creative Entrepreneur Award - Design for Social Impact in 2012 and the recent JSW+AD Craft Prize for Contemporary Craftmanship 2020. His work at Sangaru is informed by a significant commitment to local material and local knowledge. He loves to capture, communicate and create, through his work of collaborative experiments with different communities practicing the craft of handmade in India and around the world. To make all these explorations tangible he founded Sangaru Design Objects which co-creates working with craftsmen, he relooks and innovates ways of working with the age old but relevant traditional methods of making by hand that connects a human way of living with local resources. Along the way, as a team they are creating new knowledge, innovations and markets to inspire the younger generation to practice and disseminate these sustainable traditional methods. Amit Krishn Gulati Amit Krishn Gulati is an award-winning industrial designer, entrepreneur and educator with a multifaceted oeuvre encompassing New Product Development, Healthcare, Branding, Built Environments and Retail Experiences. Amit completed the post-graduate programme in Industrial Design from the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad in 1995 and is the co-founder of Incubis, one of India's respected architecture, design and innovation-consulting companies with several Fortune 500 clients. Amit is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and works closely with many start-ups. He is one of the founding investors at Barista, India's pioneering espresso retailer, Abisko, a solar solutions venture and Eye-Q, a successful and fast-growing chain of affordable eye hospitals. Amit is actively engaged in creating design awareness and has served on the CII National Committee on Design for several years and is the Vice President-National Executive Council of the Association of Designers of India (ADI). Amit is a visiting faculty at NID Ahmedabad, School of Planning & Architecture - Delhi, Anant University -Ahmedabad, Vedica Scholars - New Delhi, ISPP and the Naropa Fellowship - Ladakh. He is a member of the Senate at NID Ahmedabad and on the Board Of Studies at Ambedkar University - Delhi and at Anant University. Suhasini Paul Suhasini Paul is an eminent Toy Designer, alumni of NID, TEDx speaker and a recipient of the "Designpreneur Award" from Shri Narendra Modi. She is a Co-founder of PAUL STUDIO. For the past 16 years, she has designed over 300+ toys and products for her clients across 19 countries, which are launched every year at various Toy Fairs across the globe. She also designs toys for Kinder Joy, Disney, Hape and Chhota Bheem. Narendra Ghate Narendra Ghate is the Chief Designer at Tata Elxsi. In his current role, he spearheads the Research & Strategy, User Experience and the Service Design domains. In a career spanning over 23 years, Narendra has been associated with Tata Elxsi since 1997. He is a distinguished alumnus from the Industrial Design Center, IIT Mumbai, an international speaker and thought leader on user experience and service design. He has led design projects for brands across the world and across industries, including automotive, rail, consumer electronics and technology. Narendra holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Masters in Industrial Design from IDC - IIT Bombay, and an executive MBA from IIM Bangalore. He is one of the founder members of the design practice at Tata Elxsi and was instrumental in turning the Industrial design studio to be the largest design house in Asia. Narendra is leading a team of over 100 designers. He brings a wealth of experience and is responsible to deliver design projects in Experience Design, Branding and Graphics, New Technologies (AR, AI, VR), Service Design and Consumer Research for leading global clients. Vinay Rao Vinay Rao is an Indian design entrepreneur and has been at the forefront of the product design field for the last two decades. The product development and incubation firm he co-founded, Bang Design, has been the collaborative creative force and instigator behind many of today's most disruptive and game-changing products and experiences, across industries, across the world. The Moonwalkr Helmet, Elisar Visual Field Analyser, Slick Ultra-Rugged Technology for Motorola, Several medical device brands, and smartphones and wearables for Verizon. When he launched the firm over 20 years ago, the business world was yet to understand the value of design. Good Design is the synthesis of the soft things - human experience, contemporary culture, form and vision - and the hard things - capital investment, materials and manufacturing, technical performance and maintenance, and ecological sustainability. To this end, Vinay pioneered the co-venture, design-for-equity model in the design industry, a systematic approach to collaborative value creation and sharing. He has been obsessed with the future ever since he was a kid drawing video games and building lego spaceships. His goal for the future is to increase the GDP of product design in the world. The path to that goal is a seamless interlocution around human values, between a core technology and the design that makes the object delightful. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1639640/LDAI_22_Lexus_India.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1372869/Lexus_Logo.jpg



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[September 30, 2021] Starter to Host IDO of Blockchain Gaming Platform Enjinstarter

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire)  Community-driven launchpad Starter (https://starter.xyz) that supports interoperability of Initial DEX Offering (IDO) launches across several major blockchains, today announced the launch of EJS utility token of Enjinstarter, a launchpad that will help creators and game developers to run capital-raising campaigns and build communities simultaneously. Built on Enjins Jumpnet, Enjinstarters proprietary platform provides the tools to support game developers' to power their blockchain strategy and in-game economy while serving as a platform to issue tokens and raise capital through the sale of virtual items such as NFTs and other in-game items. The platforms incubation program, through the support of its partner network, will support projects with strategy, fundraising support, marketing and community development. Enjinstarter is Starter's first Ethereum IDO. Working closely with Enjinstarter will allow us to engage with the Enjin ecosystem and grow our collective exposure, said Lionel Iruk, Special Counsel at Starter. Enjinstarter's suite will include a launchpad offering IGOs, token and campaign management and a gamified approach towards community growth. We are honored to be Starters pioneer IDO on Ethereum and we are looking forward to a long-term partnership with Starter with a hope to bring more projects to do collective launches with Starter, said Prakash Somosundram CEO and cofounder of Ejinstarter. We selected Starter as one of our joint platforms as they have been one of the pioneers in this space. They have also enabled IDOs on various chains and we believe that the market needs would require projects to be cross-chain.



The token distribution, which will be hosted concurrently on other launchpads as well, will enable the platform to perform efficiently, encourage quality projects and infrastructure to be built in the long term, creating an ecosystem token that is focused on creating value for the community. The gaming industry is currently worth $175.8 billion and is expected to cross $250 billion in the next five years, once it evolves into blockchain gaming, growing at a CAGR of 7.2 percent a year. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are revolutionizing how value can be further added and transferred in the gaming industry.

While the platform will allow projects to raise capital fairly and transparently, NFTs are at the core of Enjinstarter and it will showcase how NFTs can catalyze a new era in digital ownership. Built on ENJINs Jumpnet, the platform will offer carbon-negative NFTs and without gas fees. Enjinstarter is backed by an experienced team of crypto veterans and early pioneers in the NFT space including Maxim Blagov, Shashwat Gupta, Witek Radomski, Gabby Dizon, Garlam Won, and Clement Wong. For more information about Starter hosting Enjinstarter IDO, please visit https://starter.xyz/. #### About Starter

Starter (https://starter.xyz) is a multi-chain community-driven launchpad, supporting the interoperability of IDO launches on 7 blockchains (Binance Smart Chain, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polygon, Fantom, and Avalanche) and providing projects access to funding opportunities without the hassle of bureaucratic hurdles, complex KYC requirements and a manual selection process. Starter consists of four separate branches: venture arm Starter.capital, decentralized launchpad Starter.xyz, decentralized exchange StarterSwap.xyz, and token vesting and liquidity locking StartVesting.xyz. About EnjinStarter

EnjinStarter is a launchpad focused on blockchain games, NFTs, and the Metaverses. We are focused on building an ecosystem for Enjin and Efinity, bringing together a community of innovative developers and content creators to develop strategies for utilizing digital assets in their games and projects. For more information, visit Enjinstarter.com Media Contact: Transform Group start@transformgroup.com





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[September 30, 2021] Indonesia Parliamentary Women's Caucus, Huawei Support Digital Technology Learning for Female Leadership

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indonesian Parliamentary Women's Caucus (KPP-RI) works together with global ICT provider Huawei, held a digital literacy workshop as part of digital literacy campaign to empower female legislators towards greater roles and contributions to society. Titled Women in Tech: Women Leadership in Digital Era, the workshop's list of keynote speakers include Puan Maharani, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Parliament of the Republic of Indonesia, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Police chief; DiahPitaloka, Presiding Chairwoman of KPP-RI; and Catherine Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President and Director of the Board, Huawei. As many as 200 female legislators in DPR, Regional Leadership Council (DPD), and the Regional Representative Council (DPRD) participate in the workshop  both online and offline, held with the strictest health protocols.



Meanwhile, in her welcoming remarks, Puan Maharani, Parliament Chairwoman, expressed her support towards this workshop and its goal of increasing female legislators' digital literacy and helping strengthen their roles. "The story that needs to be instilled in people's minds is how women can become creators in the digital world or become leaders in the digital technology industry, such as Catherine Chen (Huawei) and Trisia who are the speakers today. The rapid development of the digital industry during the pandemic has become fertile ground for the wider community including women to start a business and digital technology opens the door for our MSMEs to advance to class and thus we actively participate in using digital technology to help improve general welfare," said Puan.

Diah Pitaloka, Presiding Chairwoman of KPP-RI said that increasing digital literacy is necessary for female legislators. Moreover, with various activities and lifestyles increasingly relying on digital technologies, legislators are expected to understand the opportunities, challenges, and latest issues in the 4.0 era to be able to offer solutions for the people's aspirations. "Understanding and mastery of digital technology among female legislators is expected to help increase the effectiveness of programs, socialization actions, and communication and interaction with the community, as well as enrich legislators' insight in addressing critical issues related to cybersecurity and cyberbullying that is rife in the community. This educational activity is strategic in strengthening roles, leadership and competencies. For that we involve industry experts such as Huawei and also the Ministry of Communications and Informatics. High appreciation for their support and commitment in supporting women legislators to develop their competencies," said Diah. According to Diah, now is the best momentum for female legislators to commit to improving their own digital literacy in order to ramp up their leadership role in this intelligent and connected era. Puan Maharani's election as the first female speaker of the DPR in history, combined with the increasing number of female legislators are two factors that coincide with and, at the same time, should reinforce this commitment. According to Corporate Senior Vice President and Director of the Board, Huawei, Catherine Chen, Indonesian women's leadership and striving towards equality and empowerment had begun since emancipation figure Kartini's era. She reaffirmed that Huawei would always honor its commitment in supporting female leadership well into the digital transformation era. "We believe that more talented women and women leaders are needed to create an inclusive digital world that benefits all. Today's program is the first step towards much more extensive collaboration with the House, KPP-RI and many other advocates of women empowerment. This will not only recognize and inspire women leadership, but also drive the development of the digital economy," Chen said. In Indonesia, by partnering with the government, academia, industry, and communities, Huawei actively holds programs aimed at increasing digital literacy for everyone, including women. These programs are also strongly tied with Huawei's commitment towards preparing 100 thousand digital talents within five years. Huawei has managed to develop 45 thousand digital talents in Indonesia in just under one year since the commitment was announced. SOURCE Huawei

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[September 30, 2021] Eutelsat Statement

Regulatory News: Eutelsat (News - Alert) Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) (Paris:ETL) confirms that the proposal received from Mr. Patrick Drahi - and rejected unanimously by the relevant governance bodies of the company - prices Eutelsat at 12.10 euros per share, all dividend attached. About Eutelsat Communications

Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customer, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).





www.eutelsat.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005382/en/

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[September 30, 2021] VMworld 2021 Returns in October, Bringing Together the Best in Multi-Cloud

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today announced that VMworld 2021 will be a global online event, taking place October 5  7, 2021. This year's theme "Imagine That," encapsulates the breadth of opportunities that VMworld 2021 offers attendees to learn and connect. Attendees will learn about innovative new solutions, hear perspectives on multi-cloud challenges from industry experts and VMware executives, dive into educational and technical content, and engage with experts across the industry ecosystem. On October 4, VMware will host DevOps Loop at VMworld, a new collaborative, one-day event for DevOps practitioners to share and discuss how DevOps is evolving in a world of modern apps and Kubernetes. Starting on October 5, VMworld will feature general session keynotes featuring customers, partners and VMware executives, and hundreds of breakout sessions and customer panels, certification trainings and labs on industry topics. VMworld attendees will learn about the latest developments in App Modernization, Multi-Cloud, Security, Networking, Edge, End User Services, as well as hear about VMware's vision and strategy for accelerating innovation and inspiring change. "VMworld is the epicenter of industry conversations and breakthrough technological innovationsfrom virtualization at its outset to multi-cloud today," said Sumit Dhawan, President at VMware. "With peers from around the globe, including customers, partners, VMware executives and technologists, and best-in-field knowledge experts, we hope to inspire attendees to imagine the possibilties to address their technology challenges and accelerate innovation by sharing their learnings and insights."



At VMworld 2021, attendees will be able to: Discover new and emerging product breakthroughs, best practices, and case studies

Learn how global companies are using multi-cloud solutions from VMware to meet their competitive needs

Meet with subject matter experts who bring new perspectives to pain points and opportunities across today's industries

Engage with VMware's partner ecosystem, industry leaders, and other IT executives  a "who's who" in digital business

Gain direct experience in expert-guided hands-on labs and VMware certification opportunities VMworld 2021 Registration

To register to attend VMworld 2021 for free with a General Pass, please visit: http://www.vmworld.com

To register to attend DevOps Loop at VMworld for free, please visit: https://devopsloop.io/

For questions about press registration, please contact: vmworld@archetype.co

For questions about analyst registration, please contact: vmworldar@spotlightar.com

For a current list of VMworld U.S. sponsors and exhibitors, please visit: https://myevents.vmware.com/widget/vmware/vmworld2021/sponsors Follow VMworld 2021 on social media for live updates: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vmworld

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vmworld

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2028037/ About VMworld 2021 VMworld 2021 is the world's premier cloud computing and digital infrastructure event. VMworld features 600+ unique sessions and labs, more than 75 sponsors, and several networking events to accelerate the journey to a software-defined business  from mobile devices to the data center and the cloud. VMworld attendees will have unparalleled access to the knowledge and tools they need to master the new cloud landscape and transform their business. To learn more about VMworld, please visit: www.vmworld.com. About VMware VMware software powers the world's complex digital infrastructure. The company's cloud, app modernization, networking, security, and digital workspace offerings help customers deliver any application on any cloud across any device. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough technology innovations to its global impact. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html. VMware and VMworld are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. SOURCE VMware

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[September 30, 2021] SPIE and the University of Birmingham Establish $800,000 Photonics-focused Education Fund

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and the University of Birmingham have announced the establishment of the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy fund. The new endowment was announced this morning, during SPIE Photonex + Vacuum Technologies in Glasgow, Scotland. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005066/en/ University of Birmingham students pictured in the UK Quantum (News - Alert) Technology Hub, home to the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champions Academy. (Photo: Business Wire) The $400,000 gift from the SPIE Endowment Matching Program will be matched 100% by the university, and the $800,000 fund will create and support the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy. The cohort-focused program will engage in areas of public interest in the fields of quantum technology andbiomedical imaging and data sciences: one of the first projects will address pandemics. The program will be led by Professor and Principal Investigator of the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing Kai Bongs, and Professor of Computational Life Sciences Iain Styles.



The SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy will support University of Birmingham students in a variety of ways which include expanding cross-disciplinary educational opportunities in optics and photonics; offering students hands-on support and training to become influential science communicators and advocates of optics and photonics; and by utilizing a range of stipends, awards, and activity grants, which will be supplemented with professional development and mentoring opportunities from the university's academic leaders as well as from external experts. The program will focus particularly on students in underrepresented groups, early-career researchers, and PhD students in order to establish and build a broad, diverse, and inclusive network of science advocates, especially in the area of optics and photonics.

"We are delighted to be able to work with SPIE to launch this unique Academy at the University of Birmingham," said Professor Bongs. "This initiative will help to accelerate the growth of optics and photonics expertise, which will have great impact far beyond the university. Our hope is to not only encourage this learning, but to also create awareness of the huge importance of this subject area in tackling real-world problems." "By equipping early-career optics and photonics researchers and PhD students with skills in advanced data analysis, we will help to accelerate the translation of these exciting technologies from the laboratory to their adoption in real-world applications," added Professor Styles. "Our SPIE Champions will be able to work with experts in diverse application areas such as healthcare and climate monitoring to develop end-to-end optics-based solutions with integrated analytics for some of our most pressing challenges." "By offering direct, experiential training in quantum technology and biomedical imaging as well as highlighting various career options in the field, the SPIE Optics and Photonics Champion Academy will develop a natural pipeline of future professional scientists and engineers in these fields," noted SPIE President David Andrews. "And by encouraging students to actively raise awareness of the impact of optics and photonics to their contemporaries, peers, and younger colleagues, the program will be creating visible, engaged role models for future generations." The SPIE Endowment Matching Program was established in 2019 to increase international capacity in the teaching and research of optics and photonics, and to date has given more than $3.4 million in matching gifts, resulting in more than $9 million in dedicated funds. The SPIE Endowment Matching Program supports optics and photonics education and the future of the industry by contributing a match of up to $500,000 per award to college and university programs with optics and photonics degrees, or with other disciplines allied to the SPIE mission. About SPIE SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves more than 258,000 constituents from 184 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2020, SPIE provided over $5 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources. www.spie.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005066/en/

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[September 30, 2021] GoodFirms Reveals Top Blockchain Development Companies in the USA and Worldwide for Sectors of Industries

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain technology is evolving rapidly with no signs of slowing down. Today, businesses have started opting for blockchain technology to obtain a robust security platform. One of the most likable features of blockchain technology is transparency. It provides complete transparency so that all the participants can keep an eye on all the ongoing transactions. Top Blockchain Development Companies in the USA and globally for Sectors of Industries at GoodFirms. As businesses have transformed to digital platforms, hackers have also increased and are using various ways to hack the devices and perform illegal activities. It has created a prevalent fear among business owners and people to sell and purchase products online as they are concerned about the security and payment scams. However, many of the businesses are collaborating with Top Blockchain Technology Companies worldwide to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and decentralize data. Blockchain also helps eliminate the middleman or data gatekeeper, allowing businesses to trace products and transactions easily. Additionally, it assists the companies in streamlining efficiency by providing transparency, reliability, authenticity, and security. Presently, various industries and organizations in the USA and worldwide seek blockchain technology companies to assist them in carrying out all sorts of functions and processes to run smoothly. Service seekers find it challenging to find the perfect partner as there are numerous of them, and all claim to be the best. Thus, to help the businesses, GoodFirms.co highlights the evaluated list of top blockchain development companies in the USA and from worldwide to help various sectors. It includes Banking & Financial, Healthcare, Insurance, Supply chain & Logistics, Government & Public Sector, Real Estate, Retail to transform their businesses, increase their revenues and save operating costs. Take a Sneak Peek at the List of Top Blockchain Development Companies in the USA and globally for Sectors of Industries at GoodFirms: Top Blockchain Development Companies in the USA: Unicsoft, SoluLab, ELEKS, Labrys, Adoriasoft, Idealogic, Talentica Software, OpenXcell, Cubix, InterScale. https://www.goodfirms.co/directory/country/list-blockchain-technology-companies/usa Top Blockchain Banking and Finance Companies: Block360, LeewayHertz, Tokyo Techie, Intuz, IDB Technologies, Accubits, PixelPlex, Infopulse, Interwork Software Solutions, Virtusa. https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/banking-financial



Top Blockchain Healthcare Companies: Solve.Care, Factom, Change Healthcare, Akiri, Shivom, Embleema, SimplyVital Health, Open Health Network, Blockpharma, Robomed Network.

https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/healthcare Top Blockchain Insurance Companies: Block Gemini, Openledger, Oodles Blockchain, Digital Forest, Envision Blockchain Solutions, CapB InfoteK, Kellton Tech Solutions Limited, Birlasoft, Credits, TIBCO Software Inc. https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/insurance Top Blockchain Supply Chain & Logistics Companies: Blockhead Technologies, Modum, T-Mining, Chronicled, Morpheus.Network, Tradeline, TBSx3, ShipChain, TangoTrade, Eximchain https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/supply-chain-logistics Top Blockchain Companies for Government and Public Sector: Kaleido, Civic Ledger, ConsenSys, Bitdeal, Kudelski Security, Technoloader, BrancoSoft Private Limited, Deqode, Cyber Infrastructure Inc., Antier Solutions. https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/government-public-sector Top Blockchain Real Estate Companies: Blockchain Firm, Aeries Blockchain Corporation, Chetu, Q3 Technologies, Bodhtree, Neebal Technologies, Velvetech LLC, N-iX, Logicsoft, Bitstone.net. https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/real-estate Top Blockchain Companies in Retail: ValuCoders, SotaTek, TechGropse Pvt. Ltd., Parangat Technologies, BirthVenue Growth Solutions Private Limited, VironIT, CDN Solutions Group, Accubits, Knackroot TechnoLabs LLP, Blockchain App Factory. https://www.goodfirms.co/blockchain-technology-companies/retail A B2B GoodFirms is a globally renowned research, reviews, and rating platform. Its main objective is to assist the service seekers in connecting them with the top companies. The analyst team of GoodFirms conducts a scrupulous assessment which includes several metrics. The research process integrates three key factors that are Quality, Reliability, and Ability. Each element is segregated into numerous metrics, such as verifying the complete background of every firm. The analyst team also identifies the years of experience in their specialization, online market penetration and client reviews. Furthermore, considering the overall research process, GoodFirms provides the scores to each agency out of a total of 60. Thus, according to these points, all the firms are indexed in the catalog of top development companies, best software, most excellent marketing firms and other service providers as per their categories. Additionally, GoodFirms encourages the service providing companies to take part in the research process and show the evidence of the work done by them. Hence, grab an opportunity to Get Listed for free in the list of top companies and software. The firms that obtain the place at GoodFirms as per their proficiency area will get a chance to expand their business globally, get new prospects, and increase the revenue. About GoodFirms:

GoodFirms is a Washington, D.C. based research firm that aligns its efforts in identifying the most prominent and efficient companies and software that delivers results to their clients. GoodFirms research is a confluence of new age consumer reference processes and conventional industry-wide review & rankings that help service seekers leap further and multiply their industry-wide value and credibility. Rachael Ray

(360) 326-2243

rachael@goodfirms.co View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodfirms-reveals-top-blockchain-development-companies-in-the-usa-and-worldwide-for-sectors-of-industries-301388654.html SOURCE GoodFirms

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[September 30, 2021] The Greater Georgia Black Chamber Of Commerce Partners With Operation HOPE To Help Create 1 Million New Black Businesses By 2030

ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce (GGBCC) is honored to announce its partnership with Operation HOPE's national One Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB). This organizational alliance is made in furtherance of the mission to create 1 million Black-owned businesses by 2030. The Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce will contribute to the 1MBB initiative by dedicating its communications, consultative and networking resources to make the state of Georgia the leader in the number of Black-owned businesses created. Through the 1MBB partnership, GGBCC will engage and empower at least 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs. As the only Black chamber of commerce in Georgia with active connections and a service presence in all 159 counties, the GGBCC is uniquely positioned to drive enrollment in the 1MBB and establish a model that can be used across the country. The ability to engage the urban and rural communities with equal efficacy is a key to reaching the goal of creating an unprecedented number of Black-owned businesses in under a decade. "When I established the GGBCC, the vision and values were all about building bridges and connecting people that could help grow strong and sustaining Black businesses. Partnering with Operation HOPE on the 1MBB initiative is a special opportunity for us to advance that vision even further and serve a purpose even greater than I imagined," said Melinda Sylvester, President and CEO of the GGBCC. "Our executive leadership team is excited about helping to pave the way for national, foundational change, and having it start right here." 1MBB launched in February 2021 and is largely funded through Shopify, the world's second largest e-commerce platform. The movement is part of Operation HOPE's broader mission to promote financial inclusion and dignity, aimed at empowering the undersrved of America.



"Here at Operation HOPE, we know and understand the complexities of managing and sustaining a successful business," said Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant. "That's why we have partnered with organizations like the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce to make sure the Black business owners we are serving have access to all of the resources they need to be successful. We are helping to build Black businesses that will last and spark generational change." About The Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 2015, the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce serves and supports Black businesses in all 159 counties of Georgia. The GGBCC has established constructive partnerships within the state and local government in its advocacy for the interests of its members. GGBCC members cross every major industry in the state and the chamber is an active presence in developing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in emerging industries as well. Visit www.GGBCC.com.

About 1MBB

Launched in October 2020 with founding partner Shopify, 1MBB aims to remove traditional hurdles to Black entrepreneurship and encourage more aspiring Black business owners to start  and scale  by providing them with the tools, resources, and education needed to succeed. To level the playing field, 1MBB will focus on critical tools for business growth such as technology and resources, educational programs, and the opportunity to access capital. Through this program, Black business owners can sign up for Operation HOPE's award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education, with access to tailored tools and resources upon graduation. To learn more about 1MBB or to get your business started, visit HOPE1mbb.org. About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserveddisrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communitiesturning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: www.OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Media Contacts:

Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE

404-593-7145

la@persemediagroup.com David Harris, Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce

404 207-6905

dharris@sspins.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-greater-georgia-black-chamber-of-commerce-partners-with-operation-hope-to-help-create-1-million-new-black-businesses-by-2030-301388435.html SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.

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[September 30, 2021] Treasurer Pappas to speak at global forum in Spain, sharing IT knowhow and promoting social equity

CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will speak next week at a global forum in Spain to government officials across the globe. Pappas is speaking in Seville at the invitation of Universidad Loyola Andalucia, a sister university to Loyola University in Chicago, and the City of Seville. She will speak on Tuesday, at the opening of the combined First Urban Forum of Spain and the Third Global Forum of Local Governments. The topic of the joint forum is "Cities and Territories in Social and Economic Recovery." Also speaking at the forum are Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Andalucia Governor Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla and Seville Mayor Juan Espadas. "I'm grateful to the City of Seville and Loyola Universidad for their invitation," Pappas said. "My presentation will explain how I used technology to make my office far more convenient, eficient, transparent and less costly over the past two decades. Officials from 87 countries have visited my office to learn how one of the most efficient digital government systems in the United States operates."



"Those improvements also allowed me to expand the office's mission to produce a series of studies on the property tax system and launch the Black and Latino Houses Matter program," Pappas added. During the pandemic, Black and Latino Houses Matter has returned more than $110 million to neighborhoods and municipalities with majority Black and Latino populations. Treasurer Pappas also has a series of meetings scheduled with Spanish and other European officials  including property tax authorities at the local, regional and national level  to exchange ideas on best practices in government operations, with a focus on efficiency, transparency and social equity.

"We are delighted to receive the visit of Maria Pappas, treasurer of Cook County," Mayor Espadas said, noting his intent to conduct exchange and cooperation programs the Treasurer's Office. Gabriel Perez Alcala, president of Universidad Loyola, noted a decade long relationship with Loyola University Chicago, saying those efforts have led to a strong relationship between Andalucia and Cook County. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/treasurer-pappas-to-speak-at-global-forum-in-spain-sharing-it-knowhow-and-promoting-social-equity-301388612.html SOURCE Cook County Treasurer's Office

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[September 30, 2021] Electromedical Technologies Receives Key Medical Device Certification

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Electromedical Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: EMED) (the "Company"), a pioneer in the development and production of bioelectronic devices designed to relieve chronic, intractable and acute pains by using frequencies and electro-modulation, is pleased to announce that it has passed the ISO 13485:2016 recertification audit for Medical Device and Quality Management Systems. This critical designation demonstrates that the Company's facility meets all of the requirements to design and manufacture medical devices. An internationally recognized standard of quality and safety for medical device industry, ISO 13485:2016 certification affirms EMED's commitment to the highest quality standards from the design phase through production. The Company is currently in Phase 2 of prototype construction of the new WellnessPro POD. The second phase of the process features overall efficacy and product integration testing and is slated to be completed later this Fall. Once complete, the device will be used in a 510(k) medical device submission with the FDA. WellnessPro POD is positioned as a new, smaller, professional grade wearable device for mass market retail customers seeking non-opioid therapy to treat chronic pain and has the ability to work with the flagship Wellness Pro+ device currently in the market. Matthew Wolfson, Founder and CEO of EMED, noted, "We are pleased to announce our successful passing of the ISO 13485 recertification. This designation is a testament to our quality control procedures along with our innovation. We strive to design and manufacture the most effective, non-invasive bioelectronic devices for pain sufferers seeking alternate therapy choices to drugs. Patients suffering from chronic and acute pain have had greater difficulty dealing with their conditions during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is making the Opioid health crises even worse. We believe ourofferings are primed to serve as the go-to alternative that uses physics instead of drugs to relieve pain."



About Electromedical Technologies Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Electromedical Technologies, Inc. is a commercial stage, FDA cleared, bioelectronic medical device manufacturing company initially focused on the treatment of various chronic, acute, intractable, and post-operative pain conditions. Through University collaboration agreements, the Company is working to develop a comprehensive research program in defining the effects of electro-modulation on the human body. By studying the impacts of electrical fields in cell signaling and effects on virus assembly and immune responses, the Company's goal is to reduce pain and improve overall human wellbeing. The Company's current FDA cleared product indications are for chronic acute post traumatic and post-operative, intractable pain relief. For more information, please visit www.electromedtech.com . Nonhuman preliminary studies that we are planning to start in the near future and their applications are not related to our current product in any way and currently not cleared in the US.

Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Corporate Contact:

Electromedical Technologies, Inc.

Hanover International

Tel: 1.888.880.7888

Email: ir@electromedtech.com

https://electromedtech.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electromedical-technologies-receives-key-medical-device-certification-301388683.html SOURCE Electromedical Technologies, Inc.

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[September 30, 2021] Texas Health Services Authority, Audacious Inquiry, and BCFS Health and Human Services Activate HIETexas PULSE in Louisiana to Support Hurricane Ida Relief

Texas Health Services Authority (THSA) and technology partner Audacious Inquiry, in collaboration with BCFS Health and Human Services Emergency Management Division, a global disaster response non-profit organization, activated the HIETexas Patient Unified Lookup System for Emergencies (PULSE) system to support the ongoing emergency response to Hurricane Ida. PULSE is a cloud-based web application that enables public health and emergency management authorities to securely retrieve critical patient data from across the nation using the national health information networks. In late August, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for more than 229,000 residents in New Orleans and the surrounding areas due to Hurricane Ida. To accommodate displaced residents, multiple shelters were opened throughout the state, which received hundreds of individuals who were forced to evacuate homes or medical care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. BCFS EMD, which provides disaster response and sheltering globally, is operating and providing clinical care in shelters within the state. To support these emergency medical response personnel, BCFS EMD contacted THSA and Audacious Inquiry about using HIETexas PULSE to provide access to patient medical and clinical histories in Lousiana shelters.



"The acute and chronic health needs of many Hurricane Ida evacuees required emergency personnel and shelter staff to act quickly," said George Gooch, CEO of THSA. "We are proud to support our neighbors in Louisiana through our work with BCFS and Audacious Inquiry by bringing prompt, accurate medical and medication history information to clinical staff serving evacuee medical needs." Many individuals in these shelters, especially those coming from medical care facilities, have acute and chronic care needs. Historically, medical personnel in alternate care facility and shelter environments have not had easy access to a patient's health or medication histories, leading to difficulties in making informed treatment decisions. PULSE leverages several national networks, including Surescripts, eHealth Exchange, Carequality, and CommonWell, to access clinical data for over 205 million individuals and medication history for 324 million individuals.

With the support of Louisiana Department of Health, BCFS EMD worked with THSA and Audacious Inquiry to rapidly address the legal, governance, and technology requirements related to deploying Texas' technology in Louisiana. Within days, a rapid just-in-time (JIT) implementation was available for deployment. Using Audacious Inquiry's suite of available JIT training materials, BCFS EMD providers participated in self-directed JIT training. "Health needs do not pause during crises like Hurricane Ida, so it is important for medical professionals to have as much clinical and medical information as possible about displaced patients," said Dakota Duncan, BCFS EMD Executive Director. "Being able to deploy a tool as simple yet impactful as PULSE has made all the difference for the nurse managers in our shelters as they work to provide better-informed patient care." HIETexas PULSE was deployed in four shelters in the state of Louisiana, with capacity ranging from 200-500. A total of 25 providers were credentialed to look up patient health data that is being referenced from the national networks. "We were proud to bring our national solution to Texas earlier this year and then to facilitate support for the residents of Louisiana following Hurricane Ida," said Scott Afzal, President of Audacious Inquiry. "Ensuring authorized emergency medical personnel have the data they need to provide the best care for their patients in non-routine care settings is vital to mitigate additional health challenges that could arise from a lack of knowledge about a patient's needs." About the Texas Health Services Authority The Texas Health Services Authority (THSA) is a public-private partnership established by the Texas Governor and Legislature for the purpose of promoting, implementing and facilitating the secure electronic exchange of health information. The THSA accomplishes this purpose through its health information exchange (HIE), privacy and security certification and supporting programs. About BCFS' Emergency Management Division BCFS EMD is a national leader in disaster response, working with state, local and federal government agencies, hospitals, public health authorities and private companies to prepare and respond to emergencies. The organization has responded to natural and man-made disasters throughout the U.S. and around the world, providing robust, rapid-response capabilities to ensure no-fail missions for our public and private partners. About Audacious Inquiry Audacious Inquiry is a national industry-shaping health IT company that provides a connected care platform facilitating the secure transmission of actionable, accurate, and event-driven data across the U.S. healthcare system. Audacious Inquiry's pioneering software solutions help providers and care managers be proactive during the most important moments, including during transitions of care. Audacious Inquiry's trusted solutions serve more than 70 million people nationwide. Visit us at ainq.com, or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at @A_INQ. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005328/en/

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[September 30, 2021] IAB Tech Lab Announces ads.cert 2.0 Authentication Protocols to Combat Ad Fraud Across the Digital Advertising Ecosystem

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IAB Tech Lab, the digital advertising technical standards-setting body, announced today the ads.cert 2.0, a standard introduced to enhance security in the digital advertising ecosystem by using industry-standard cryptographic security protocols. In particular, the protocols secure buying and selling of programmatic Connected TV (CTV) ad inventory, which is where a number of recent ad fraud attempts have focused on. The updated ads.cert 2.0 will be open for public comment for 30 days, until October 30th. Developed by the IAB Tech Lab's Cryptographic Security Foundations Working Group, ads.cert 2.0 establishes a common framework and guidelines for safe and transparent transactions across ad buying and selling through a number of security protocols. The "ads.cert Call Signs" protocol defines a mechanism that enables businesses to be able to formally identify other businesses involved in any one transaction. It does this by using DNS records to publish public keys and metadata about the businesses involved.

The "ads.cert Authenticated Connections" protocol adds origin authentication and tamper resistance to any request made server-to-server, such as bid request, creative fetches, impression pings, and billing notifications.

The "ads.cert Authenticated Delivery" protocol will authenticate the data in a bid request and enables buyers to identify if any of the bid parameters had been tampered with or changed from the original source.

The "ads.cert Authenticated Devices" protocol will support attestation from the manufacturer about the legitimacy of the device the ad is being served on. The current release includes specifications for "Call Signs" and "Authenticated Connections" protocols. For CTV specifically, ads.cert will address Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) related ad fraud. Applying theAuthenticated Connections protocols to SSAI billing notifications helps ensure that the sources of invoices for CTV inventory can be confirmed.



"ads.cert is intended to provide a consistent security framework for all use cases within digital advertising," said Amit Shetty, Vice President, Programmatic Products & Partnership, IAB Tech Lab. "Ad dollars to CTV continue to accelerate and where the money goes, the fraudsters follow, which is why we have focused on CTV in this release. We recommend that all SSAI providers immediately implement "Authenticated Connections' and all publishers and buyers require authenticated connections for buying CTV media." "As an industry, we must move quickly in adopting tools that help safeguard all inventory and advertising investments," said Rob Hazan, Senior Director of Product, Index Exchange and Co-Chair of the IAB Tech Lab Security Foundations Working Group. "Standards like the ads.cert 2.0 provide a common framework and open source tools to combat the increasingly frequent ad fraud attempts we're seeing in CTV, and are a critical component in securing the programmatic supply chain."

An open source implementation has also been released on IAB Tech Lab's github repository to ease adoption of the protocol.To review the proposed standard and provide feedback, please go to: https://iabtechlab.com/standards/ads-cert/ These specifications and best practices to address ad fraud in the digital advertising ecosystem will be discussed further at the IAB Tech Lab Summit: Renaissance happening October 13 - 14. For more information, visit: https://www.iabtechlab.com/summit . About IAB Technology Laboratory Established in 2014, the IAB Technology Laboratory (Tech Lab) is a non-profit consortium that engages a member community globally to develop foundational technology and standards that enable growth and trust in the digital media ecosystem. Comprised of digital publishers, ad technology firms, agencies, marketers, and other member companies, IAB Tech Lab focuses on solutions for brand safety and ad fraud; identity, data, and consumer privacy; ad experiences and measurement; and programmatic effectiveness. Its work includes the OpenRTB real-time bidding protocol, ads.txt anti-fraud specification, Open Measurement SDK for viewability and verification, VAST video specification, and Project Rearc initiative for privacy-centric addressability. Board members/companies are listed at https://iabtechlab.com/about-the-iab-tech-lab/tech-lab-leadership/. For more information, please visit https://iabtechlab.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iab-tech-lab-announces-adscert-2-0-authentication-protocols-to-combat-ad-fraud-across-the-digital-advertising-ecosystem-301388470.html SOURCE IAB Tech Lab

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[September 30, 2021] Confidential Computing Startup Profian Secures $5 Million In Seed Round in Order to Make Cloud Computing More Secure

Profian, a Confidential Computing platform focused on bespoke open source solutions, announced today that it has secured $5 million in seed funding. The round was co-led by Project A Ventures and Illuminate Financial, and included angel investors: Olivier Pomel, Chief Executive Officer of Datadog; Tyler McMullen, Chief Technology Officer of Fastly; Till Schneidereit, Chairman of Bytecode Alliance; and Sarah Novotny, Board Member of the Linux Foundation. As corporate cyber and data breaches continue to accelerate worldwide, there is a heightened requirement for organizations to increase their security for workloads in the cloud. For that reason, Profian aims to bring cryptographic proof and verifiable trust to general computing using confidential computing, the protection of data in use by performing computation in a hardware-based Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Profian was co-founded by Mike Bursell, former Chief Security Architect at Red Hat, and Nathaniel McCallum, former Virtualization Security Architect at Red Hat (News - Alert) .



"Profian's Confidential Computing platform will allow organizations who are currently unable to enjoy the benefits of cost savings and speed associated with public clouds - for regulatory, audit or risk management reasons - to deploy even their most sensitive data and applications in a truly hybrid, multi-cloud environment," said Mike Bursell, Profian's Chief Executive Officer. "Nathaniel and I are thrilled about the investor support we have received thus far and the team we have assembled. We look forward to launching our platform in early 2022 and engaging with the open source community." The capital raise will enable Profian to develop a suite of open source products and services around Confidential Computing, a set of hardware and software technologies improving application security. Profian's platform will be applicable across industries, but will initially focus on the financial services sector, where there is a well-defined set of use cases and a strong appetite for solutions that meet the strong confidentiality and integrity requirements.

Jim Whitehurst, former CEO of Red Hat and Senior Advisor to IBM (News - Alert) , said, "Confidential Computing is a key security technology in the move to broader cloud adoption, and I'm excited by Profian's open source approach to addressing this growing market." "Mike and Nathaniel's exceptional backgrounds make for an amazing pair of founders to take on this challenge," explains Uwe Horstmann, General Partner at Project A, "and we believe Profian and Enarx will have the same massive impact on Confidential Computing as containers did for cloud native development." Profian is a member of the Confidential Computing Consortium, a Linux Foundation (News - Alert) project, which unites hardware vendors, cloud providers, and software developers to accelerate the adoption of Trusted Execution Environment technologies and standards. More than 30 industry innovators including Accenture (News - Alert) , Arm, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Red Hat and VMware are members. Profian is also a member of the Bytecode Alliance, an industry alliance around WebAssembly and related technologies. About Profian Profian is a security company, providing products and services in the Confidential Computing space. The company is committed to open source software basing its products on the open source software project Enarx, which uses WebAssembly, a portable run-time binary format supported on all the major hardware platforms, and which is being standardized by the W3C (News - Alert) . Profian allows companies to deploy existing cloud-native applications, without redesign or recompilation, across existing platforms like Intel SGX and AMD SEV, and new platforms as they are rolled out, such as AMD SEV, and new platforms as they are rolled out, such as the Arm Confidential Compute Architecture (Arm CCA) and IBM Power Series PEF. For more information about Profian, its products and services please visit profian.com, follow their LinkedIn and Twitter, and subscribe to their Blog. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005465/en/

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[September 30, 2021] (OMHI) - OM Holdings International, Inc, Featured in USA Today on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

OMHIs Sponsored Content Article Targets Prospective Investors as Part of Companys Strategy to Educate Investors and Build Awareness OMHIs DoGetGo App Plans to Improve Flow of Goods and Services for People and Companies in the Islands

MIAMI, FL , Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OM Holdings International Inc. (OTC PINK: OMHI), an owner and operator of OneMart super merchandising stores and Builders Depot in the British Virgin Islands, and the parent of its technology subsidiary Rydeum, announced the company was featured in an article appearing in USA Today on September 28, 2021, as part of its sponsored content section. The USA Today article is part of the companys aggressive marketing strategy in educating investors about the company. The article entitled OMHI announces multi-service, on-demand platform DoGetGo for the Caribbean - App plans to improve flow of goods and services for people and companies in the islands can be found here: USA Today OMHI Story . We are sharing the OMHI story with investors coast to coast and abroad, as well and publishing an article in USA Todays sponsored content section, which has a tremendous reach to almost 173 million unique readers on a monthly basis gives us a great opportunity to get the word out, said Mark Vanterpool, CEO of OM Holdings International, Inc. We will continue to share our story with the investment community and look forward to making more updates as we continue to build shareholder value. added Mark Vanterpool USA TODAY NETWORK is the largest local-to-national digital media organization in the country. USA TODAY, our national flagship brand, sits at the cente of the NETWORK, surrounded by hundreds of local media properties reporting on the stories and cultural moments happening across America and in our communities.



Unlike any other media organization, USA Todays Network combines the national exposure of USA TODAY with 300+ local digital properties across 46 states. USA Todays Network boasts 5,000 journalists who live, work and thrive in these communities, providing coverage of the entire nation on the USA TODAY platform. About OM Holdings International, Inc.

Twitter | Facebook | Linkedln OM Holdings International, Inc. (OTC: OMHI), founded in 1986 in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) by Mark Vanterpool, operates delivery services and grocery stores in the Caribbean, with a mobile application delivery platform that provides an expedient, contactless option for the transportation of people and essential goods. The company's storefront, OneMart, is the second-largest grocery store in the BVI. OHMI's delivery subsidiary, Rydeum, founded by Mark Hannah in 2019, has partnered with Jamacias largest taxicab union, JUTA. The company also provides lumber and other construction supplies to contractors throughout the Caribbean. For more information, please visit https://omholdingsinc.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements With the exception of the historical information contained in this news release, the matters described herein, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words believes, expects, anticipates, intends, projects, estimates, plans and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as will, should, would, may and could are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. These statements, involve unknown risks and uncertainties that may individually or materially impact the matters discussed herein for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the company, including, but not limited to, the companys ability to raise sufficient financing to implement its business plan, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the companys business, operations and the economy in general, and the Companys ability to successfully develop and commercialize its proprietary products and technologies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, as actual results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are urged to read the risk factors set forth in the companys filings with the SEC, which are available at the SECs website ( www.sec.gov ). The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Twitter https://twitter.com/OMHoldingsInc Facebook https://www.facebook.com/omholdingsinc Linkedln https://www.linkedin.com/company/79819709/

Michael J. Porter, President Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc. T: (973) 865-9357 E: mike@plrinvest.com LinkedIn @PlRinvest

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[September 30, 2021] Telehealth Usage Surging but Service Issues and Barriers to Access Strain Patient Experience, J.D. Power Finds

By all accounts, telehealth has transformed healthcare delivery over the past 18 months as droves of patients have adopted the technology as a safe, immediate and convenient way to access care. However, with telehealth utilization surging 36% among survey respondents during the past year, the industry has begun to experience some growing pains. According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study,SM released today, service limitations, difficulty accessing care and inconsistent care are some of the headwinds the telehealth industry is confronting as it matures. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005178/en/ J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study (Graphic: Business Wire) "It's impossible to ignore that 36% of the healthcare customers we measure within our research have used telehealth services this year-which is four times higher than a year ago," said James Beem, managing director of global healthcare intelligence at J.D. Power. "However, digging deeper into the research, it's clear that customer satisfaction has declined during the same period, with many users citing limited access to the services they need and inconsistencies in the care they receive. As the industry grows, it is critical to address these challenges." Following are some key findings of the 2021 study: Telehealth adoption spikes across all generations in 2021: Overall, 36% of patients have accessed telehealth services during the past year, up from just 9% in 2020 and 7% in 2019. Usage is consistent across all generational groups, with the highest usage among members of Generation Y and Pre-Boomers.1 Convenience, speed and safety drive utilization: The top reasons for telehealth utilization are convenience (57%); ability to receive care quickly (47%); and safety (36%). Patient satisfaction declines as pain points emerge: Overall satisfaction with both direct-to-cnsumer and payer-sponsored telehealth services decline in 2021 from 2020. The most frequently cited barriers encountered by patients are limited services (24%); lack of awareness of costs (15%); confusing technology requirements (15%); and lack of information about providers (15%). Uneven care for higher-risk patients: Overall satisfaction is 85 points lower (on a 1,000-point scale) among patients with the lowest self-reported health status than among patients who consider themselves to be in excellent health. Similarly, healthier patients are more likely than less healthy patients to understand the information provided during the visit; say they receive clear explanations; perceive that their visits are highly personalized; and obtain high-quality diagnoses.



Study Rankings Teladoc ranks highest in telehealth satisfaction among direct-to-consumer brands, with a score of 874. MDLIVE (868) ranks second and MyTelemedicine (859) ranks third.

UnitedHealthcare ranks highest among payers of health plan-provided telehealth services with a score of 868. Humana (865) and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (865) rank second in a tie. The J.D. Power U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study, now in its third year, measures customer satisfaction with their telehealth service experience based on four factors (in order of importance): customer service (42%); consultation (28%); enrollment (19%); and billing and payment (11%). The study is based on responses of 4,676 healthcare customers who used a telehealth service within the past 12 months. It was fielded in June-July 2021. For more information about the 2021 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-telehealth-study. To view the online press release, please visit http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2021122. About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com. About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info 1 J.D. Power defines generational groups as Pre-Boomers (born before 1946); Boomers (1946-1964); Gen X (1965-1976); Gen Y (1977-1994); and Gen Z (1995-2004). Millennials (1982-1994) are a subset of Gen Y. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005178/en/

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[September 30, 2021] MATRIXX CEO Glo Gordon Honored as Bronze Recipient of the Stevie Female Executive of the Year Award

MATRIXX Software, the global leader in 5G monetization solutions, today announced that Glo Gordon, MATRIXX CEO, has been awarded the bronze distinction for Executive of the Year in the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Gordon was recognized for her leadership during the pandemic, resulting in MATRIXX's strong growth over the last year. This includes announcing nine new customers, all leading telecom operators in their markets, and a key partnership with DISH, the first company to build a 5G network in the public cloud. "I am honored to be recognized among a group of highly talented female executives and for the opportunity to highlight the fantastic growth of MATRIXX Software over the last two years," said Gordon. "Our success has been a team effort, and I am fortunate to work with some of the smartest minds and hardest working people in the business. W're focused on continuing to meet the needs of our customers in every region of the world, and continue our momentum into 2022 and beyond."



Under Gordon's leadership, MATRIXX also expanded relationships with existing customers such as Telstra (News - Alert) in Australia and Italy's WINDTRE, and with partners such as HPE and IBM Telco Cloud. Together, IBM and MATRIXX demonstrated how CSPs can run critical network workloads, such as converged charging in the cloud, at the same or better performance levels as on-premise. Stevie Award judges were particularly impressed with Glo's leadership style, which focused on three key areas: north star capabilities, raving fan customers and company culture. One judge stated, "Glo was the right person in the right place to make a huge difference. Her leadership clearly laid a strong foundation for accelerated growth."

The Stevie Awards, hailed as the world's premier business awards, honors executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the companies they run worldwide. More than 1,500 nominations from 35 nations were reviewed for the 2021 Women in Business awards. About MATRIXX Software MATRIXX Software is the global leader in 5G monetization for the communications industry. Serving many of the world's largest operator groups, regional carriers and emerging digital service providers, MATRIXX delivers a cloud native digital commerce solution that enables unmatched commercial and operational agility. Unifying IT and networks, MATRIXX delivers a network-grade converged charging system (CCS) enabling efficient hyper-scaling of infrastructure to support consumer services, wholesale and enterprise marketplaces. Through its relentless commitment to product excellence and customer success, MATRIXX empowers businesses to harness network assets and business agility to succeed at webscale. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005134/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Contentsquare CMO Niki Hall wins Silver Stevie Award in 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Contentsquare's Chief Marketing Officer Niki Hall has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Female Executive of the Year - Business Products category in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run- worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world's premier business awards. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Registration for the ceremony is now on sale. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women Run Workplace of the Year. Contentsquare's Niki Hall won in the Female Executive of the Year category for Business Products -11 to 2,500 Employees. As the CMO at Contentsquare, a digital experience data analytics company, Niki is responsible for building the global brand, nurturing high performance teams, driving pipeline and scaling for growth. Niki's leadership was recognized specifically for building and managing a growing marketing team that effectively shifts brand thinking to treat CX as a differentiator. Taking complex, and sometimes controversial topics like marketing and consumer data, Niki's experience and guidance has forged a team that helps make sense of an ever-evolving industry, challenging brands to reimagine data strategies and leverage them to deliver value to their audiences. Her unique ability to communicate the value of Contentsquare's digital marketing software, drive business growth and be an important voice in the transformation of consumer behaviors is pushing the entire industry forward. This is her fourth recognition from Stevie Awards for Women in Business for her executive leadership. Niki has worked in marketing for some tech titans, including Cisco, Poly and Five9 (News - Alert) . Being an operational, performance-driven marketing executive with 20+ years of experience across all marketing disciplines, Niki has established and grown business market positions by developing clear, differentiated positioning - all while building and extending value, increasing awareness, and driving demand and market differentiation. Among her peers, Niki is known as a marketing executive built for scale with a track record of building global teams that operate with purpose, passion and positivity. Since joining Contentsquare as CMO in December 2020, she's set out to build the company's presence in North America; 50% of Contentsquare's businss is currently generated in the US. Her innate ability to facilitate critical pivots for Contentsquare's marketing team helped the organization push through the early days of the pandemic, ultimately leveraging the company's momentum to drive growth. When many tech companies experienced setbacks in 2020, Contentsquare's leadership was able to continue a compound annual recurring revenue growth rate of 121%.



"I am sincerely honored to be recognized by the Stevie Awards, especially for my role in businesses experiencing massive growth," said Niki Hall, CMO at Contentsquare. "I'm a firm believer that the strongest asset of any company is its employees, as pouring time and resources into developing individual skills within a positive work environment brings the best out of everyone. When we put energy into a company and its people, it's truly powerful." Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 160 business professionals around the world, working on eight juries. Maggie Gallagher Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, "We thought the remarkable stories of achievement we saw in last year's awards couldn't be topped, but we were wrong. Women-owned and -run organizations have contributed significantly to the increase in innovation and entrepreneurial activity we've seen globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nominations submitted to the 18th Stevie Awards for Women in Business that attest to this are inspiring, humbling, and motivating. We congratulate all of our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie winners. We look forward to celebrating them during our January 13 virtual ceremony, and to hearing from some of them during our Women|Future Conference." The Stevie Awards will stage its fourth annual Women|Future Conference virtually on November 1-5. Registration is just $115, or $49 for current students with an active student ID. Details and registration are available at www.WomenFutureConference.com. Yet to be announced are the winners in three Red Ladder Women in Technology categories, sponsored by HCL Technologies (News - Alert) , as well as five Grand Stevie Award winners in the competition. Grand Stevie winners will be announced on October 5. HCL category winners will be announced in late November. Entries for the 2022 Stevie Awards for Women in Business will open in May. Ends About Contentsquare Contentsquare empowers brands to build better digital experiences. Its experience analytics platform tracks and visualizes billions of digital behaviors, delivering intelligent recommendations that everyone can use to grow revenue, increase loyalty and fuel innovation. Founded in Paris in 2012, Contentsquare has since opened offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Munich, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Singapore and Barcelona. Today, it helps more than 750 enterprises in 26 countries deliver better digital experiences for their customers. Visit contentsquare.com to find out more. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. HCL Technologies sponsors the Red Ladder Women in Technology Awards in the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. ### View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005448/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Chicago-Based Herrendorf Family Foundation Joins the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation to Launch Scholarship Benefiting Chicago Youth

Chicago-based Herrendorf Family Foundation has joined the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation as a contributing founder of the first Oprah Winfrey Leaders Scholarship (OWLS), a four year scholarship program designed to provide academically gifted students from diverse backgrounds around the country the opportunity to attend the college or university of their dreams. The inaugural OWLS class is comprised of 15 deserving students from across the country, including four scholars from Chicago. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005225/en/ The late Herrendorf Family Foundation namesake, Hershel Herrendorf, born in Haifa, Israel, moved to Chicago, IL in 1965 where he found success on the Chicago Mercantile and lived next door to Ms. Winfrey. This connection ultimately united Hershel's daughter Kasondra, CEO of Herrendorf Family Foundation, with Ms. Winfrey's charitable foundation, over a shared vision and passion for giving back - resulting in today's meaningful opportunity to support scholarships for deserving and accomplished young leaders. "The friendship between my father and Ms. Winfrey allowed me the opportunity to attend Ms. Winfrey's final show at the United Centre and inspired me as a young female philanthropist. To be able to work in my father's legacy with Ms. Winfrey's foundation, someone he respected so much is a dream come true. I am grateful that together, as family foundations with the ability for this kind of direct impact, we will be supporting amazing scholars in reaching their dreams as well," says Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation announced their first class of OWLS scholars in August of 2021, including a video of Ms. Winfrey from a virtual call where she surprised the students with news that they had been selected as scholarship recipients. Te inaugural class are attending a variety of prestigious Universities around the country, four of which are HBCU's*: Brown University, Charles Drew University*, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Howard University*, Loyola Marymount University, New York University, Purdue University (News - Alert) , University of Alabama, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Tennessee State University,* and Washington University at St. Louis. Fields of study range from mechanical engineering and music, to pre-med programs.



"I am where I am today because of education and the support of teachers throughout my life," said Oprah Winfrey. "In partnership with the Herrendorf Family Foundation, I am honored to support these students who have shown high achievement in their academic studies, but more importantly a commitment to their communities. These young leaders bring me hope for our future, and I look forward to watching each of them flourish." "The launch of this scholarship is one of the youth and educational projects HFF and OWCF have started together to provide as wrap-around services to scholars from Chicago and beyond, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey and working closely to create greater direct impact in the future," added Cohen-Herrendorf.

About the Oprah Winfrey Leaders Scholarship (OWLS) The Oprah Winfrey Leaders Scholarship (OWLS) program supports academically gifted students who demonstrate leadership in their communities. The scholarship awards students with educational support to become future leaders. Beyond providing scholarship assistance, OWLS creates a network between the students and offers unique access to speakers and thought leaders in various fields. This network is designed to offer insight, inspiration, and mentor support to encourage the OWLS throughout their academic journeys and beyond. Scholarships are funded by the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, with collaboration from the Herrendorf Family Foundation. About Herrendorf Family Foundation The Herrendorf Family Foundation invests in strategic partnerships with global change leaders. Together, they advocate for education, empowerment and generational resilience. In 2021, the Herrendorf Family Foundation launched their wrap-around umbrella "We Got You", which includes scholarships, emergency grants, support for mothers, contributing partnerships and community engagement. To learn more visit: www.herrendorf.org. ABOUT THE OPRAH WINFREY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Guided by Oprah Winfrey and her intention to serve those in need, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation (OWCF) supports organizations around the world. Since 1993, OWCF has contributed more than $400,000 million in grants and donations to organizations that serve children, families, and communities, with a specific focus on youth education. The organization has supported the education of over 72,000 people and served over 75 million meals in the United States and abroad. In 2002, during a visit with Nelson Mandela, Ms. Winfrey pledged to build a school in South Africa, and has since contributed more than $200 million towards providing education for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Graduates of The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls have continued to higher education both in South Africa and at colleges and universities around the world. In 2019, Ms. Winfrey visited Morehouse College in Atlanta to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars program, which has supported over 700 men with college scholarships, and announced another donation to bring her total support to $25 million. In 2020, Ms. Winfrey committed $15 million to COVID-19 relief efforts in underserved communities in her "home cities" of Chicago, Milwaukee, Kosciusko, Mississippi, Baltimore and Los Angeles. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005225/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Psychedelic Stock Review Initiates Coverage on Ehave Inc.

MIAMI, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ehave, Inc. (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the Company), a provider of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients, announced today the Psychedelic Stock Review has initiated coverage.

Ehave is about to release a number of digital information tools and services made to enhance the effectiveness and practicality of Psychedelic treatments, for both patients and the medical community, stated Roland Rick Perry, editor of the Biotech and Psychedelic Stock Reviews. Adding, In 2019 Ehave sold its Clinical Software Platform to Zyus Life Sciences a biopharmaceutical company that offers patients cannabinoid and other phyto-therapeutic medical solutions for $3.2 million. Ben Kaplan CEO of Ehave stated, With the successful sale of the cannabis centric platform that contained components specifically designed to be used by medical cannabis patients to efficiently gather and verify patient-reported outcomes and experiences, evaluate treatment progress, enhance patient engagement and improve data modeling we transitioned the Company to providing these same patient reporting and monitoring services to the Psychedelic industry. One of the greatest hurdles faced by Psychedelic patients and clinicians is the lack of a clinical framework to provide effective and reliable dosing and administration regimes. The Ehave Platform can be seamlessly incorporated into clinical trial programs and be a valuable tool for the collection of high-quality data that can be shared with patients and clinicians to validate efficacy in Psychedelic-based treatments, further strengthening its broad adoption world-wide. The Ehave patient monitoring and reporting services are essential for Psychedelic treatment clinics and the industry as a whole, stated Perry. The opening of Ketamine clinics are moving at a rapid pace. While well tolerated and reported as extremely effective, this is a nascent practice and data needs to collected from thousands of patients currently being treated and the 10s of thousands who are destined to be treated. With the aid of Ehaves artificial intelligence, the data provided by a broad set of clinics, can fine tune the practice of administering Ketamine treatments with regards to dosage and treatment times, as well as any potential adverse events. We are excited to initiate coverage on Ehave just as they are about to launch their digital monitoring services. Alfred Farrington II, Chief Information Officer of Ehave said, Ehave is about to launch a suite of products that will give patients better control of their medical records that will improve their overall heath. Powered by AI and predictive medicine our services are designed to enhance the daily lives of patients without boundaries and world-wide. We expect our reporting and monitoring services will greatly contribute to the growth of Ketamine based treatments as well as other Psychedelics as they are approved. The Report can be found on the Psychedelic Stock Review website.



http://psychedelicstockreview.com/report-ehave-inc-ehvvf-our-favorite-psychedelic-company/ Coming Initiatives:

KetaDash 0.1  Ehaves KetaDash connects mental health patients with highly skilled nurses to provide ketamine therapy under expert supervision. MegaTeam [Desktop Version] - Ehave's MegaTeam assessment and rehabilitation products are built on established methodologies for the measurement of cognitive abilities. Ninja Reflex [Mobile Version]  Ehaves Ninja Reflex is a video game intervention for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ehave Health Records Dashboard (Powered by HealthWizz) - Ehave Dashboard provides Ehave's users with an easy and user-friendly retrieval and management of medical records, regardless of where the records are hosted. The HIPAA compliant, decentralized mobile platform enables patients to aggregate, organize and share personal medical health records securely and efficiently to anyone, anywhere in the world. The Ehave dashboard finally provides a solution to the serious and widely reported difficulty of patients retrieving their own personal health records. Ehave Mental Health App by CoggApps  The Ehave Mental Health App by CoggApps is an AI-controlled mental health monitoring tool designed by an MD and PhD-qualified psychiatrist using diagnostic techniques approved by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization. The platform is based on Apple HealthKit and GoogleFit for data processing and background mental health monitoring. About Ehave, Inc. Ehave, Inc. (EHVVF) is a leader of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients. Our primary focus is on improving the standard care in therapeutics to prevent or treat brain disorders or diseases through the use of digital therapeutics, independently or together, with medications, devices, and other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes. Our main product is the Ehave Telemetry Portal, which is a mental health informatics platform that allows clinicians to make objective and intelligent decisions through data insights. The Ehave Infinity Portal offers a powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence platform with a growing set of advanced tools and applications developed by Ehave and its leading partners. This empowers patients, healthcare providers, and payers to address a wide range of conditions through high quality, safe, and effective data-driven involvement with intelligent and accessible tools. Additional information on Ehave can be found on the Companys website at: www.ehave.com. Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer Institutional Analyst is compensated for providing research coverage for Ehave Inc., please the report for disclosure and disclaimer details. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Companys research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Companys ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Companys products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Companys industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Companys ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in Ehave, Inc.s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov. Contact for Ehave Media Inquiries: Gabe Rodriguez Email: Gabe@Ehave.com Investor Relations: Email: Ir@Ehave.com Phone: (623) 261-9046





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[September 30, 2021] Qlik Acquires Big Squid to Expand Its Industry Leading Augmented Analytics Capabilities with No-Code Automated Machine Learning

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qlik today announced the acquisition of Big Squid, a leading provider of no-code automated machine learning (AutoML), to expand data and analytics teams ability to leverage advanced augmented analytics capabilities such as key driver analysis, predictive analytics and what if scenario planning with API deployable AI models for on-demand predictions directly within Qlik. Combining Big Squid with Qliks existing augmented analytics capabilities  which already include direct API integrations with 3rd party engines and the integrated intelligent AI ?assistant Insight Advisor  expands the industrys most robust augmented analytics capabilities suite for cloud analytics. Acquiring Big Squid also further advances Qliks vision of Active Intelligence, where technology and processes trigger immediate action from real-time, up-to-date and trusted data to accelerate business value across the entire data and analytics supply chain.

Data and analytics teams know theres incredible untapped potential to use data to predict and plan what will happen. What they lack is the resources and modeling expertise to discover and deliver the insights that fuel those efforts, said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. With Big Squids SaaS no-code AutoML capabilities, teams will be able to seamlessly and easily augment their analytics efforts directly within Qlik with AI-driven models that dliver unique insights for timely planning and action when it matters most.



Most organizations struggle in going beyond core analytics efforts to generate the understanding from their data of what might happen and why it could happen. Big Squid enables data and analytics teams with no-code AI-generated insights through trusted models directly in existing analytics efforts, helping to create better understanding of key business drivers and expand the ability to predict potential scenarios and plan more effectively for the unplanned. When integrated into a complete Active Intelligence platform, Big Squid will help customers more easily answer deeper questions regardless of the underlying data source. Delivering the right strategy for our customers relies heavily on our ability to analyze masses of internal and external data for accurate predictions on student needs and trends, said Bob Atkins, CEO at Gray Associates. The combination of Qlik and Big Squid helps us drive crucial and unique insights from millions of rows of data with billions of calculations quickly and at scale, nearly eliminating the expense and overhead of in-house data science expertise. We could not have gotten started with AI without Qlik and Big Squid software and data science experts."

Big Squid will further expand Qliks existing SaaS roadmap and will bring new AutoML augmented analytics capabilities spanning key driver analysis, predictive analytics and what if decision planning all backed with explainable AI. For Qlik customers, Big Squid will bring immediate value to both on-premises customers and as part of Qlik Cloud, where Qlik will continue to support AutoML for a wide variety of data sources (including Google, Microsoft and Snowflake).? Big Squid will also help those customers modernizing their analytics with Qlik Cloud by delivering even more capabilities that will help analytics users of all skill levels create and leverage insights that compel action. BI and analytics platforms help organizations understand what happened and why, but users increasingly also want to know what will happen and what they can do about it, said Doug Henschen, VP and principal analyst at Constellation Research. These sorts of predictive insights were formerly left entirely to data scientists, but the trend setters are closing the gap between BI and analytics and data science. With its acquisition of Big Squid, Qlik is extending and accelerating its existing efforts to enable non-data scientists to get predictive. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed. Qlik is fully committed to supporting all existing Big Squid customers, many of whom are shared by Qlik. About Qlik

Qliks vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private SaaS company, Qlik provides an end-to-end, real-time data integration and analytics cloud platform to close the gaps between data, insights and action.?By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships.?Qlik does business in more than 100 countries and serves over 50,000 customers around the world.??  2021 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. The information provided herein is subject to change without notice. In addition, the development, release and timing of any product or functionality described herein remain at the sole discretion of Qlik and should not be relied upon in making a purchasing decision, nor as a representation, warranty or commitment to deliver specific products or functionality in the future. Media Contact:

Derek Lyons

derek.lyons@qlik.com

617-658-5310



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[September 30, 2021] Kaseya's Latest Innovation Cycle Allows IT Professionals to Better Assess and Manage IT Environments in the New Hybrid Work World

MIAMI, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaseya, the leading provider of IT and security management solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), announced today new features and integrations that will enable IT professionals to more easily and effectively manage increasingly complex hybrid work environments. From affordable external vulnerability scanning to professional services automation (PSA) updates that empower MSPs to better prioritize their backup alerts, IT Complete continues to be the most comprehensive suite of integrated tools designed for the multi-function IT professional.

As organizations continue to adjust to the new hybrid work world, IT professionals are being asked to support both traditional office and remote work environments. Because they are managing devices across several environments, it becomes even more critical to implement solutions that streamline daily tasks, said Mike Puglia, Chief Strategy Officer, Kaseya. IT Completes newest features and integrations provide time-saving tools that allow MSPs and SMBs to focus their attention on more impactful work and effectively manage everything from workstations and servers to mobile and cloud. Key Product Enhancements Enhanced Discovery and Reporting Capabilities: Enhanced External Vulnerability Scanning Functionality in RapidFire Tools VulScan: VulScan is the latest generation of network vulnerability scanning tools purpose-built to deliver high-value network vulnerability management for any size network. With this latest release, VulScan introduces an enhanced external vulnerability scanner that can support multiple client sites in several locations without consuming additional site licenses or incurring additional costs. Data from the external scans appears within each client dashboard on the VulScan cloud portal and, through direct integratin, pushes directly into RapidFire Tools Network Detective Pro solution for enhanced reporting. Graphus Phish911 integration with Outlook: This enhancement allows users to report suspicious emails within Microsoft Outlooks existing user interface. Phish911 in Outlook provides users with a more streamlined way to report suspected phishing attacks that may not have the Graphus EmployeeShield banner but still appear suspicious.

IT Documentation and vCIO Updates: Unknown Device Notification in Network Glue : This feature notifies users when a new device is found on a network, helping technicians better understand the entire environment and allowing MSPs to bill more accurately by device. TruMethods FormulaWon  Training Portal updates: New enhancements to TruMethods comprehensive training framework FormulaWon, which is the foundation of the TruMethods system, allow MSPs to access content more easily and leverage tailored business training to define services more efficiently.





New IT Complete Workflow Integrations Unitrends BackupIQ I ntegration with BMS and Vorex : BackupIQs artificial intelligence alerting is now fully integrated with BMS and Vorexs ticketing workflow automation, enabling organizations to cut wasted time on false alerts and backup remediation by up to 50%.

BackupIQs artificial intelligence alerting is now fully integrated with BMS and Vorexs ticketing workflow automation, enabling organizations to cut wasted time on false alerts and backup remediation by up to 50%. Fusion Mobile App Feature Updates: Fusion puts the power of IT Glue, VSA, BMS and Vorex at a technicians fingertips. Fusions newest updates allow customers to remote control machines, enter Windows Powershell or Mac Terminal commands and log ticket time on-the-go right from their mobile devices.

To learn more about Kaseyas IT Complete platform, which enables MSPs and internal IT teams to realize increased productivity and profitability through its time-saving automation and exceptional value, visit here.

About Kaseya

Kaseya is the leading provider of IT and security management solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) and small to medium sized businesses (SMBs). Through its open platform and customer-centric approach, Kaseya delivers best in breed technologies that allow organizations to efficiently manage, secure, and backup IT. Kaseya IT Complete is the most comprehensive, integrated IT management platform comprised of industry-leading solutions from Kaseya, Unitrends, RapidFire Tools, Spanning Cloud Apps, IT Glue, ID Agent, Graphus, RocketCyber and TruMethods. The platform empowers businesses to: command all of IT centrally; easily manage remote and distributed environments; simplify backup and disaster recovery; safeguard against cybersecurity attacks; effectively manage compliance and network assets; streamline IT documentation, and automate across IT management functions. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Kaseya is privately held with a presence in over 20 countries. To learn more, visit www.kaseya.com.

Media Contact: Victoria Johnson PR Manager Walker Sands kaseyapr@walkersands.com Kylie Banks Corporate Communications Manager Kaseya kylie.banks@kaseya.com

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[September 30, 2021] Etelvina Martinez Brings Her ESG, Executive Compensation, and Corporate Governance Expertise to Alliance Advisors' Growing Advisory Group

Alliance Advisors, a premier global corporate advisory and shareholder engagement organization, is pleased to announce the addition of Etelvina Martinez to our Advisory Group. Since 2003, Etelvina has focused her career on advising institutional investors and corporations on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and executive compensation matters in the United States and around the world. Etelvina honed her skills at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and CtW Investment Group (now SOC Investment Group). At CtW, Etelvina worked with pension funds to engage companies on a variety of ESG practices including executive compensation, human capital management, and shareholder rights. After working with CtW for seven years, Etelvina returned to ISS for her second stint with the company and joined the Corporate Solutions team where she advised companies on executive compensation, governance ratings, and shareholder engagement. At Alliance, Etelvina will provide data-backed avice to clients on ESG disclosure, shareholder engagement, governance practices and compensation matters. Etelvina will be based in Alliance's Rockville, Maryland office.



Joseph Caruso, Chief Executive Officer at Alliance expressed his enthusiasm about the newest Alliance team member. "Etelvina's addition is demonstrative of our commitment to provide our clients with the highest level of support and guidance on emerging shareholder initiatives and priorities so that our clients can stay ahead of ever evolving investor demands." Reid Pearson, Executive Vice President and head of Alliance's Advisory Group echoed Mr. Caruso's excitement. "Etelvina's expertise will pay immediate dividends for our clients who will have the benefit of calling on her myriad of skills as they navigate the evolving ESG landscape."

"I am thrilled to join the Advisory Group at Alliance Advisors, a firm that is consistently recognized for its leading ESG advisory services and client-centric approach. It is an honor to join their exceptional team, and I am eager to use my experience and skills to assist Alliance's clients find solutions to ESG and executive compensation challenges," Etelvina Martinez, Managing Director, Advisory Group. About Alliance Advisors Alliance Advisors is a multi-faceted corporate advisory firm that services over 600 corporations worldwide. The firm is a single source solution for corporate executives, Boards of Directors, law firms and IR agencies for ESG, Compensation and Shareholder Engagement matters. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005130/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Connections CU Selects Tyfone for Online/Mobile Banking

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Connections Credit Union ($220M in assets; 20,000 members), a community credit union serving southern Idaho, was already looking for a new digital banking platform when the pandemic hit. At the time, the credit union didn't have a true mobile solution, relying on a browser-responsive product from its current online provider. "Once COVID hit, it really opened our eyes to the need to serve our members digitally in the best way we possibly could," said Aaron Fewkes, the credit union's director of marketing. Finding a solution that provides a superior member experience suddenly became an even higher priority. The credit union looked at a few solutions suggested by ESP, its core processor, and ultimately determined that Tyfone's nFinia platform was the best fit. "Tyfone was very open to customizing their solution to meet our needs," added Fewkes. "They treat us the same way we treat our memers."



"COVID clearly shifted priorities for both community financial institutions and the consumers they serve," said Dr. Siva Narendra, Tyfone's CEO. "However, the need for a digital-first strategy will survive long after the pandemic has faded. Connections has taken the right steps to ensure its place in a digital future." About Tyfone Inc.

Based in Portland, Ore, Tyfone is a leading provider of consumer and commercial digital banking services for community financial institutions throughout the United States. The company understands that an elegant, engaging, intuitive user experience is the minimum requirement for any digital banking provider. What differentiates Tyfone is its unwavering commitment to exceptional collaboration and communication. The company considers each customer a true partner and places the highest value on every relationship. Additional information is available at www.tyfone.com.

Contact: John San Filippo

Phone: (619) 467-0431

Email: 319725@email4pr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/connections-cu-selects-tyfone-for-onlinemobile-banking-301388127.html SOURCE Tyfone Inc.

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[September 30, 2021] Amy Salzhauer And Greg Miller Join The Board Of ABM Respiratory Care

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ABM Respiratory Care, a medical technology company focused on developing and globally commercializing novel integrated airway clearance and ventilation solutions, announced today the appointment of Amy Salzhauer and Greg Miller to the company's Board of Directors. Ms. Salzhauer currently serves as a Founder and Managing Partner at Good Growth Capital (GGC), an early-stage venture capital firm known for its exceptional expertise in finding, cultivating, and assessing complex science and technology start-ups based in Charleston, SC and Boston, MA. Mr. Miller recently retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Genuine Parts Company, a $19 billion service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts (NAPA / Repco / Alliance Automotive Group) and industrial replacement parts (Motion Industries). "Amy and Greg represent the exceptional technology development and finance executives we were seeking to add to our Board as we build it out to support our US market entry and international expansion while launching a portfolio of innovative respiratory care products," said Peter H Soderberg, Chairman of the Board. "Amy, who has deep roots in the medical technology and digital health communities, has nurtured a number of highly successful medtech startups. Greg, who brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of global information technology strategy and finance, has heldsenior financial and operating leadership positions with several large companies."



"The management team is thrilled to have Amy and Greg join our board of directors," Vinay Joshi, CEO of ABM Respiratory Care, commented, "Their appointment comes at a critical time for the company as we build our commercial and financial operations in the US. We will seek to leverage their expertise and experience as we execute our corporate strategy." Ms. Salzhauer was previously the CEO of Ignition Ventures, where she and her team helped to transfer technologies ranging from chip-based fuel cells and self-organizing networks to selective brain cooling, and the world's most accurate scale, helping to create companies worth over US $1 billion. She has many recognitions including being selected by the World Economic Forum as one of its one hundred top "Global Leaders for Tomorrow," being chosen multiple times as a top "40 Under 40" business leader, serving on multiple profit and non-profit boards, and being featured on the covers of several business magazines. Ms. Salzhauer holds an MBA from MIT; an M.Phil in Plant Sciences from Cambridge University where she was a Herschel Smith Harvard Scholar; and an A.B. magna cum laude from Harvard University.

Mr. Miller joined Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) in 2011 as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with the US Automotive Parts Group division, the largest business segment of GPC, where he had responsibility for finance & accounting, information technology and strategy development. Starting in 2016, he was promoted to SVP / EVP and Chief information Officer of Genuine Parts Company, where he led a large global team executing high value digital transformation projects. Prior to joining Genuine Parts Company, Mr. Miller started with Hillenbrand Industries in 2001 as the Vice President Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer and was subsequently promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2005. In 2008, Mr. Miller helped transform Hillenbrand Industries into two public companies and assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hill-Rom Holdings (NYSE: HRC) from 2008 to 2010, where he was responsible for all aspects of global corporate and business unit finance. Mr. Miller has held many financial and operational leadership roles with increasing responsibilities in various industries including Newell Rubbermaid Inc (NYSE: NWL) and Deloitte & Touche prior to 2001. He has served on the board of Auto Accessories Garage.com and Mitchell1, a division of Snap-On Incorporated. Mr. Miller holds an undergraduate degree from University of Northern Iowa and earned a certification in the Advanced Management Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. About ABM Respiratory Care

Founded in 2017, ABM Respiratory Care is dedicated to advancing the healthcare industry by developing intelligent, clinically differentiated and innovative respiratory care solutions to help people breathe better inside and outside the hospital. Our connected platform is designed to improve the standard of care for people with compromised respiratory systems, in any care setting around the world. For more information visit, www.abmrc.com. Investor and Media Contact:

Leah Noaeill

VP of Marketing and Clinical Affairs, ABM Respiratory Care

Leah.Noaeill@ABMRC.com

1.877.226.7201 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amy-salzhauer-and-greg-miller-join-the-board-of-abm-respiratory-care-301388840.html SOURCE ABM Respiratory Care

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[September 30, 2021] Fresche Solutions Acquires Abacus, Becomes the World's First IBM i Cloud, Managed Services and Application Modernization Solution Provider

MONTREAL, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fresche Solutions is pleased to announce the acquisition of Abacus Solutions LLC , a leading provider of IBM i cloud, managed services and infrastructure solutions. With this acquisition, Fresche becomes the worlds largest end-to-end provider of IBM i solutions and the premier modernization and transformation partner for thousands of companies that rely on mission-critical IBM Power Systems running IBM i.

Organizations that have significant investment in legacy RPG, COBOL, and CA 2E (Synon) applications recognize that these systems contain tremendous value that is giving them a competitive advantage. However, they also need to modernize their applications to be more agile, offer better digital experiences, and eliminate the risks associated with running older technologies. Abacus, based in Marietta, Georgia, has been providing world-class IBM i solutions for more than 20 years. This acquisition builds on Fresches commitment to help customers leverage the value in their IBM i systems as the foundation for IT innovation and digital transformationwhile reducing the time, risk and cost it takes to modernize. Fresche also adds an industry-leading team of architects, engineers, and experts that further complement and expand its extensive portfolio by adding: Cloud Solutions (cloud, on premise and hybrid) Enterprise cloud Entry cloud for IBM i (AS/400) Wintel cloud High availability as a service (HAaaS) Disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) Back up-as-a-service (BaaS)

Managed Services Backup management Operations management High availability management Disaster recovery Maintenance services Technology services

Hardware New IBM i hardware Pre-owned IBM i hardware



Were thrilled to welcome Abacus to the Fresche family! The number of customers that are looking to us for help and guidance on their way to the cloud is growing at an unprecedented rate. With the cloud and managed services industry expected to reach $791B by 2028, companies are actively looking for flexible and innovative solutions to enable their digital transformation, says Stephen Woodard, CEO of Fresche. Our modernization expertise, development capabilities, and automated solutions pair extremely well with Abacus impressive cloud and managed services solutions and present an ideal pathway forward for IBM i customers



Fresches acquisition of Abacus illustrates our vested interest to provide customers with more value through the support of their IBM i applications, said Patrick Schutz, Abacus Solutions. We understand hardware, infrastructure, networking, cloud, and how to manage and upgrade IBM i environments. Our customers need help with aging applications, legacy languages, building strategic roadmaps, addressing skill gaps, and establishing a path forward. Fresche brings decades of experience in modernizing IBM i applications, an incredible portfolio of automated tools, and an amazing team of professionals. Fresche has established themselves as a brand to be reckoned with in the IBM i community and we are honored to join the Fresche team. American Pacific Group (APG), the private equity firm that backs Fresche commented, We are excited about the future of Fresche with Abacus. This most recent acquisition aligns with our vision for the market and our growth strategy. We will continue to invest in new technologies and data center capabilities to expand our brands global footprint and build on our market position through further acquisitions of ancillary brands within the IBM i space, said Fraser Preston, Managing Partner at APG.

Abacus will become a division of Fresche and continue to operate and do business under its current name. Fresche, which will remain headquartered in Montreal, Canada, will assume Abacus office presence in Marietta, Georgia, to expand its North American and international footprint. Says Stephen Woodard, Given our mutual obsession with client success and how Abacus clients absolutely rave about them, we knew this was a natural fit. Together, we now offer end-to-end solutions that support the full IBM i lifecycle and are strategically positioned to help customers worldwide. I am very excited about this next phase of our growth. For more about Fresche Solutions, please visit www.freschesolutions.com or contact info@freschesolutions.com. To discuss this press release, please see the contact information below. About Fresche Solutions Fresche is the worlds largest end-to-end provider of IBM i solutions and the premier modernization and transformation partner for thousands of companies that rely on mission-critical IBM Power Systems IBM i applications. Our modernization, development, cloud, and managed servicescombined with automated toolingallows us to deliver innovative solutions that bring our clients the best, boldest ways to transform their business and IT. Our professionals combine fresh thinking with technology and business expertise that fuels transformation and growth for our clients and their customers. We do this by leveraging our clients best IT assets to take advantage of digital solutions including web, mobile, and cloud reducing time to market, lowering risk and cost, and making modernization and IT innovation affordable to every IBM i client on the planet. For more information about our company, visit us on the web at www.freschesolutions.com Twitter LinkedIn Facebook About Abacus Abacus Solutions is one of the largest, and growing, IBM i platform-focused providers of cloud, hardware, business continuity, and managed services. Whether they call it AS/400, IBM iSeries, System i, or IBM Power systems, businesses partner with Abacus because our team of experts can assist with everything up to the application level for this unique platform. Our multiple data centers combined with an IBM-certified sales and support team allows us to tailor our IT solutions to the specific needs of our customers. For more information about our service offerings, please visit our website at www.abacusllc.com. At Abacus Solutions, We Get IT. For further details, please contact: Christine McDowell, Fresche Solutions

Cell: +1 514.220.1309

Email: christine.mcdowell@freschesolutions.com



Patrick Schutz, Abacus Solutions

Cell: +1 404.819.9092

Email: patrick.schutz@abacussolutions.com





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[September 30, 2021] Arthur Mining teams with ImpactScope on its crypto mining journey to carbon neutrality

GENEVA, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur Mining is a fast-growing Bitcoin-mining operator with active sites and partnerships in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. With its planned expansion of flare gas as its primary power source, Arthur Mining will be able to keep its electricity costs under $0.016 / kWh. Currently, the company is likely the best-performing crypto miner in North America. With its capacity of 120 petahashes expected to double every 6 months, the Brazilian owned miner is on track to become a unicorn by 2024. When oil exploration companies drill oil wells they often find gas too. With no separate gas transportation infrastructure in place, most oil companies are forced to vent and flare the excess gas. Bitcoin miners like Arthur Mining are increasingly drawn to this potential power source. While it is not economically viable to transport the gas to urban consumers, it can make sense to place hundreds or even thousands of Bitcoin mining ASICs in the vicinity of the vented gas. By capturing gas that would otherwise be flared, Arthur Mining is technically helping the oil companies cut their CO2 emissions in half. Sean Murphy, ImpactScope co-founder remarked, "We're honored and excited to be working with the Arthur Mining team. We're impressed by their pledge to become a carbon negative mining company by 2025. Unlike mining operations powered by coal, the activities of Arthur Mining have a uniqu potential to actually reduce GHG emissions by diverting natural gas away from flares and into generators."



Murphy continued, "Arthur Mining has already backed up its net zero commitments with decisive action by purchasing significant amounts of high quality offsets in ImpactScope partner projects in Indonesia and Kenya. Apart from sourcing impact investments for Arthur Mining in clean cooking stove distribution and grassland conservation, ImpactScope is also helping Arthur Mining secure an inventory of Direct Air Capture carbon removal units from Climeworks in Switzerland." Arthur Mining CEO, Raymond Nasser commented, "At Arthur we're committed to sustainable crypto mining. For us that is non-negotiable. ImpactScope is helping to hold us accountable, while at the same time guiding us in communicating our carbon footprint reduction achievements to our investors and stakeholders.

"We are currently raising a Series A round ahead of our planned 2022 SPAC listing. That means we need to take our ESG reporting obligations very seriously. With the assistance of ImpactScope's sustainability consultants we are putting in place robust impact measurement tools and processes." About ImpactScope ImpactScope is a Geneva-based social enterprise providing sustainability solutions to crypto enthusiasts, crypto miners, and digital asset marketplaces. ImpactScope helps mitigate the unintended environmental consequences of Proof of Work consensus protocols by building real-time offsetting APIs for digital asset marketplaces. Website: https://impactscope.com

Blog: https://impactscope.com/blog-news/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImpactScope

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/581154529/f4c95b4697 Media kit:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fcxdurueez2i43y/AAACI0A-s4hmub6etpIHWQkTa?dl=0 Press inquiries:

Sean Murphy

+36 30 9505 532

sean@impactscope.com

info@impactscope.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arthur-mining-teams-with-impactscope-on-its-crypto-mining-journey-to-carbon-neutrality-301388886.html SOURCE ImpactScope

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[September 30, 2021] Built Technologies Announces $125M Series D Financing Round Led by New Investor TCV

Built Technologies (Built), the fastest growing construction finance platform in the U.S., today announced $125 million in Series D funding at a valuation of $1.5 billion. Lead investor TCV, along with Brookfield Technology Partners, 9Yards Capital, XYZ Venture Capital, and HighSage Ventures, will join existing investors in the Nashville-based company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005263/en/ Built Technologies is based in Nashville, TN. Source (News - Alert) : Built Technologies $1.58T is spent annually in the U.S. construction industry yet it is one of the least digitized industries in the world. Focused on becoming the financial operating system of the construction industry and empowering all key stakeholders to be more successful, Built has evolved from initially serving financial institutions active in construction lending to also serving other players in the construction ecosystem over the past two years. The company's cloud-based platform now offers solutions to lenders, property developers, home builders, and contractors as these parties collaborate to get projects built and keep capital flowing to the proper destination as quickly as possible. The new funding will be used to meet the evolving needs of the industry including: Significantly expanding Built's world-class team;

Accelerating the delivery of new products for financial institutions that are active in all types of construction lending;

Designing new products for property developers, home builders, and contractors as they collaborate with their vendors to pay or get paid with better insights;

Launching next generation construction payment capabilities along with an insurance brokerage; and,

Further international expansion.



With Built, lenders can more safely and efficiently deploy capital into commercial and residential construction projects, and seamlessly integrate with their other core systems. Built supports the full breadth of debt and equity funding at scale while providing lenders with powerful insights needed to manage their business and deliver borrowers a convenient experience.

For commercial and residential owners, developers, and construction professionals, Built is actively developing new solutions-like compliance tracking, AP/AR automation tools, payment management and insurance services. "Built has achieved broad market penetration in the notoriously tough construction finance space, because they are answering critical unmet needs in the market," said Woody Marshall, lead investor at TCV and Built's newest board member. "TCV partners with aspiring category leaders, and we are confident that Built will take its place among other innovative companies who have disrupted major markets." Since launching in 2015, Built's platform has been used to manage the financing of over $135 billion in construction value, spanning more than 200,000 commercial, homebuilder, land development and consumer residential projects. Built's new funding partners join existing investors including Lee Fixel's Addition, Index Ventures, Canapi Ventures, GreenPoint Partners, Nine Four Ventures, Fifth Wall, Goldman Sachs, and Nyca Partners among other individual investors. About Built Built is the leading provider of construction finance technology. Built connects commercial and consumer construction lenders, property developers, commercial general contractors, residential homebuilders, specialty contractors, title companies, and other critical industry vendors to improve the flow of capital through the construction ecosystem. By connecting all key stakeholders involved in the construction financing process in real-time, the Built platform helps mitigate risk, power faster draws and payments, ensure compliance, and inspire customer loyalty. Built is used by more than 150 of the leading U.S. & Canadian construction lenders and thousands of developers and contractors. For more information, visit www.getbuilt.com. About TCV Founded in 1995, TCV was established with a clear vision: to capture opportunities in the technology market through a specialized and consistent focus on investing in high-growth companies. Since inception, the firm has built a track record of successfully backing private and public businesses that have developed into dominant industry players across internet, software, FinTech, and enterprise IT. TCV has invested over $16 billion to date, including $3 billion in fintech. TCV has helped guide CEOs through more than 135 IPOs and strategic acquisitions. TCV has invested in cutting edge technology companies including Airbnb, Brex, Klarna, Mambu, Mollie, Netflix, Payoneer, Peloton, Revolut, Trade Republic, Spotify (News - Alert) , Wealthsimple, and more. TCV has successfully executed over 350 investments of varying structures, including mid-stage, late stage and public company investments, and has offices in Menlo Park, New York, and London. For more information about TCV, including a complete list of TCV investments, visit tcv.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005263/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Alloy Secures $100M In Series C Funding Led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Bringing Valuation to $1.35B

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy, the leading identity decisioning platform for banks and fintech companies, today announced it has raised $100 million in Series C funding. Lightspeed Venture Partners' Justin Overdorff led the round with participation from existing investors Canapi Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Avid Ventures and Felicis Ventures, bringing the company's valuation to $1.35 billion and the total amount raised to over $150 million. The new round of financing will be used primarily to further expand Alloy's product offerings to help fintech companies and banks combat fraud by building out a continuously evolving identity profile throughout a customer's lifecycle. Over the last year, what began as a platform used to automate onboarding identity decisions has grown to also include transaction monitoring. With this extended capability, Alloy's API-based platform has started on the journey to creating customer identity profiles that can be used to prevent fraud and minimize risk; future product expansions will incorporate richer data and risk signals to give financial institutions a full, 360-degree picture of their customers. "We want to make building a fintech product as easy as building an ecommerce product, and we're thrilled to have Lightspeed on board to help us do that," said co-founder and CEO Tommy Nicholas. "Identity and its associated risk isn't something businesses should be figuring out, it should just be something they install. As Alloy grows into a multi-product platform for the full customer identity lifecycle, we can not only help make risk easier to understand, but also further industry innovation by making fintech products easier to build." Improving the developer experience is a significan priority for the Alloy team, especially when it comes to bringing new products to market. By having risk and identity all in one, easy-to-use place, it will enable developer and product teams to use these tools to their full potential. Alloy's platform brings the many pieces of digital identity into a centralized platform, working across more than 120 data sources to enable customers to make better decisions and take a closer look at the full picture of their customers.



"We're thrilled to put our support behind the Alloy team as their product and mission fits squarely within our thesis that the proliferation of fintech, financial services, and embedded fintech companies is driving increasing demand for tools like Alloy," said Justin Overdorff, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. "Alloy takes the risk off their client's plate while maintaining operational efficiency throughout the customer lifecycle, making Alloy a crucial piece of the fintech infrastructure stack." The funds will also be used for investments into the Alloy team, expanding all functions of the business to increase output and specialization in a complex industry. In less than a year, Alloy has seen revenue more than triple and headcount increase by 140%. The company currently services over 200 clients including Ally Bank, HMBradley, Gemini, Ramp and Evolve Bank & Trust.

When asked why they decided to use Alloy in a recent case study , Jacob Wallenberg, Risk Operations at Ramp said "If you were only worried about risk, you wouldn't be giving anyone a card. So the question becomes, what return do we get for the additional risk? Alloy automates part of our underwriting process so our Risk Operations team can spend their time figuring out this tradeoff between risk and return." To learn more about Alloy, visit Alloy.com. About Alloy

Alloy is the command center for identity that covers your compliance and fraud-fighting needs. Our dynamic platform connects you to more than 120 data source products to help you verify identities and monitor transactions - giving you a holistic view of each customer from the day they onboard and throughout their time with your organization. From automatic decisions and fewer manual reviews to smooth onboarding, Alloy is how smart banks and fintech companies take a closer look at the whole picture. Learn more at Alloy.com and on Twitter @UseAlloy. About Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed is a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, and Health sectors. Since 2000, Lightspeed has backed entrepreneurs and helped build companies of tomorrow, including Snap, Affirm, AppDynamics, OYO, Nutanix, Byju's, and Udaan. Lightspeed and its affiliates currently manage more than $10 Billion across the global Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in India, Silicon Valley, Israel, China, Southeast Asia and Europe. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alloy-secures-100m-in-series-c-funding-led-by-lightspeed-venture-partners-bringing-valuation-to-1-35b-301388900.html SOURCE Alloy

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[September 30, 2021] MeridianLink Congratulates Clients for Ranking on Prestigious Forbes 2021 Lists of America's Best-In-State Financial Institutions

MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a cloud-based technology company that enables banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, specialty lending providers, and consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) to streamline loan decision making and origination, and credit reporting and background screening workflows, congratulates its bank and credit union clients for being named on the prestigious Forbes "2021 America's Best Banks in Each State" and Forbes "2021 America's Best Credit Unions in Each State" lists. This marks anther year when MeridianLink clients comprise a majority of the financial institutions recognized.



Forbes' lists of America's Best-In-State Banks and Credit Unions spotlight a select group, featuring less than three percent of all 4,978 FDIC-insured banks and less than four percent of the 5,068 credit unions in the United States. MeridianLink clients have a significant presence on each list, making up over 40% of the banking and more than two-thirds of the credit union honorees. "It's heartening to see the efforts and accomplishments of our clients recognized, and we are very proud of their success," said Nicolaas Vlok, chief executive officer of MeridianLink. "To be ranked among such a prestigious group is a commendable achievement, and we congratulate all on their well-deserved success."

Financial institutions were scored on overall recommendations and satisfaction, as well as five sub-dimensions, including trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services, and financial advice. Financial institutions from every state are represented on both lists. "Most of the financial institutions named have been working with us for years, and we appreciate that they choose to partner with us to better serve their members and customers," said Tim Nguyen, chief strategy officer and co-founder of MeridianLink. "Our clients inspire us to create cutting-edge, industry trusted products and services, and we will continue to innovate and leverage technology to help our customers delight theirs." Nearly all the credit union and banking clients named by Forbes utilize one or more of MeridianLink's unified platform of products, including MeridianLink Consumer, MeridianLink Mortgage, MeridianLink Portal, and MeridianLink Opening. About MeridianLink MeridianLink (NYSE: MLNK) is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, specialty lending providers and consumer reporting agencies. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, MeridianLink provides services to more than 1,900 customers, including a majority of the financial institutions on Forbes' 2021 lists of America's Best Credit Unions and Banks. Further information can be found at www.meridianlink.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005170/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Technology Veteran and Longtime Investor Adam Nash Reinvents Charitable Giving With the Launch of Daffy, the Donor-Advised Fund for You

Daffy Charitable, an online community based on an innovative new financial platform for giving, emerged from stealth today with a mission to help people be more generous, more often. Previously known as Silverback Ventures, Daffy is a highly anticipated consumer fintech company co-founded by veteran executive Adam Nash (Acorns, Wealthfront, LinkedIn (News - Alert) ) and veteran software engineer Alejandro Crosa (Slack, Twitter, LinkedIn). Daffy, the Donor-Advised Fund for You, reimagines what charitable giving looks like. With Daffy, members easily choose how much money they want to set aside for charity every year, watch it grow tax-free in one of nine modern investment portfolios, and can donate to more than 1.5 million charities in the U.S., right from their phone. Contributions to a member's Daffy fund can be made with a linked bank account, a credit or debit card through Apple (News - Alert) Pay, most publicly traded stocks, and crypto. Plus, Daffy stores all donations in one place, so members never lose a donation receipt again. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005246/en/ With Daffy, members easily choose how much money they want to set aside for charity every year, watch it grow tax-free in one of nine modern investment portfolios, and can donate to more than 1.5 million charities in the U.S., right from their phone. (Graphic: Business Wire) "What we find time and time again is that people want to be generous, they want to help those less fortunate than themselves, but people are busy, and life gets in the way," said Nash. "Alejandro and I spent a lot of time talking with people about their giving practices, the hurdles that interfere with good intentions, and what would make an outstanding, guilt-free giving experience. To that end, we built Daffy to be as flexible or as structured as our members want it to be." The Daffy Pledge Founded in the midst of the pandemic, when people across the country were resetting their priorities and looking for ways to help the world around them, Nash and Crosa became convinced that many of the innovations that have helped millions of people save and invest could also be applied to helping people give to those in need. Daffy members are bound together by a simple commitment called the Daffy Pledge, a promise to proactively put money aside to help others. At sign-up, membersselect how much money they want to put aside for charity every week, month, or year. Daffy also helps members understand what amount to give by sharing the median amount of charitable giving in their area. The member can then donate at any time to over 1.5 million charities. Whether making a donation to a national non-profit or just wanting to contribute to their child's school fundraiser, it's just a click away.



"Right now, there are millions of people struggling, and so many who want to help," added Nash. "Just like other companies have made it easy to shop and save, we've built a platform from the ground up to make giving easier for everyone." A Donor-Advised Fund for All

Daffy was established as a donor-advised fund (DAF), which is a tax-deductible financial account for the purpose of charitable giving. Daffy members can make charitable contributions to the fund at any time and receive an immediate tax deduction for their contributions. Those contributions are also invested tax-free in a modern portfolio of their choice, and then at any time, members can donate to over 1.5 million charities. Traditionally, donor-advised funds have made money by charging based on a percentage of assets on accounts, leading them to focus primarily on high-net-worth individuals. Daffy changes this, charging only a $3 per month membership fee to join the Daffy community. Daffy members benefit from this model in several ways: Save, Invest, and Give: Members put money aside any time and watch it grow in an investment portfolio of their choice. Daffy's nine different portfolios are separated into three categories: Standard, ESG, and Crypto. Each category features portfolios that range from conservative to aggressive so that every member can pick the option that best suits their needs. When members want to give, they know how much they can afford, and their entire donation history is available in one convenient place.



Members put money aside any time and watch it grow in an investment portfolio of their choice. Daffy's nine different portfolios are separated into three categories: Standard, ESG, and Crypto. Each category features portfolios that range from conservative to aggressive so that every member can pick the option that best suits their needs. When members want to give, they know how much they can afford, and their entire donation history is available in one convenient place. Save Money on Taxes: Every contribution to Daffy is considered a tax-deductible charitable donation in the year it is made. Members can put money aside when income and tax rates are higher, and donate anytime. Depending on the members' individual tax situation, they may be able to deduct as much as 60% of their adjusted gross income in a given year.



Every contribution to Daffy is considered a tax-deductible charitable donation in the year it is made. Members can put money aside when income and tax rates are higher, and donate anytime. Depending on the members' individual tax situation, they may be able to deduct as much as 60% of their adjusted gross income in a given year. Save More with Stock and Crypto Donations: When someone sells assets like stock or crypto, they will owe federal, state, and local taxes on the capital gain. However, when stocks or crypto are contributed to a donor-advised fund, the member gets full credit for the value of the asset when it's donated. There are no taxes on the capital gain. Backed by Visionaries Nash and Crosa built Daffy based on the simple idea that everyone could put something aside for those less fortunate than themselves. Leveraging their deep experience with social media and fintech, they recognized that the technology that has helped billions shop and save can be applied to help people give; they believe Daffy's unique model and platform is poised to convert charitable intention into action. The company has raised over $4.8 million in seed funding and is backed by an impressive list of investors, including Ribbit (News - Alert) Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Coinbase Ventures, as well as technology and fintech visionaries including Amy Chang (Cisco), Mauria Finley (Google), Josh Reeves and Tomer London (Gusto), Eric Wu (Opendoor), Dylan Field (Figma), and Rahul Vohra (Superhuman). To learn more about Daffy and join a community committed to putting money aside for those less fortunate than themselves, visit daffy.org or download the Daffy app in the App Store today. About Daffy Daffy is the Donor-Advised Fund for You, a not-for-profit community built around a new, modern platform for giving, one built around the commitment to give, not the amount you give. It empowers people to be more generous, more often through a seamless mobile experience that helps members set money aside, watch it grow tax-free, and donate to more than 1.5 million charities. Started by technology veterans and backed by Ribbit Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Coinbase Ventures, as well as prominent individual investors, Daffy provides a number of member-focused features that make giving an easy habit to keep. To give with Daffy, simply visit daffy.org or search for "Daffy" in the App Store. About Adam Nash Adam Nash has served as an executive, angel investor, and advisor to some of the most successful technology companies to come out of Silicon Valley. He is currently on the Board of Directors for Acorns, the country's fastest-growing financial wellness system, and Shift Technologies (Ticker: SFT). Nash has previously served as President & CEO of Wealthfront. He has held executive and technical roles at Dropbox, LinkedIn, eBay (News - Alert) , and Apple. Nash also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, where he teaches "Personal Finance for Engineers." As an angel investor, Nash is well known for being an early investor in Firebase (sold to Google (News - Alert) ), Opendoor (Ticker: OPEN), Figma, Gusto, and over 90 other startups. Nash holds BS and MS degrees in Computer Science from Stanford University, as well as an MBA from Harvard. About Alejandro Crosa Alejandro Crosa has a long career as both an engineer and executive. Originally born in Argentina, he moved to the U.S. to work for LinkedIn, where he became well known for the development of innovative new search capabilities between LinkedIn and Twitter. Since LinkedIn, Alejandro has served in technical roles at Twitter and Slack, where he focused on mobile development. He originally developed his passion for philanthropy as a volunteer for DonorsChoose, one of the largest not-for-profit organizations dedicated to raising money for public schools. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005246/en/

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[September 30, 2021] EIS Announces 2021 Winner of the EIS Life Lessons Scholarship

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EIS , a core and digital platform provider for insurers, today announced the winner of the 2021 EIS Life Lessons Scholarship, organized by Life Happens , which provides educational resources to a student who is struggling financially. This year, the $5,000 scholarship has been awarded to Jaden, a 17-year-old student from California, who intends to use the funds to pursue his studies in theater and acting.

Jaden lost his father at the age of five due to complications from a hemorrhagic stroke. Since his father had no life insurance, Jadens family had to rely on friends to pay for funeral services and meet other expenses. 12 years later, the family continues to face the financial and emotional repercussions of their loss. A college education is a major financial challenge for most American families, but it becomes much more difficult after the loss of a parent or guardian, especially if they havent purchased sufficient life insurance. We are delighted to be able to support Jaden, said Alexandra Schwartze, EIS vice president of global human resources. As we celebrate Life Insurance Awareness Month, its important to note that 100 million Americans dont have any life insurance, and most have far less coverage than recommended. As part of EIS participation, and to raise awareness of the need for protection, added Schwartz, EIS employees have also shared their own compelling stories of how life insurance has had a positive impact on them and their families.



The loss of a parent or guardian is one of lifes most difficult ordeals. The emotional strain can be devastating to children and young adults. For too many families, an untimely death also brings financial stress, making recovery all the more difficult. Students can apply for the program during the month of February by submitting either a 500-word essay or a three-minute video describing the emotional impact of losing a parent and the financial impact that the lack of life insurance created. Since its inception, Life Happens has awarded more than $2 million to 600 students.

For more information about the Life Lessons Scholarship Program, please visit: www.lifehappens.org/lifelessons . For a scholarship application, please visit www.lifehappens.org/scholarship . About EIS

EIS is an insurance software company that enables leading insurers to innovate and operate like a tech company: fast, simple, agile. Founded in 2008, EIS provides a platform for high-velocity insurance. This open, flexible platform of core systems and digital solutions liberates insurers to accelerate and scale innovation, launch products faster, deliver new revenue channels, and create insurance experiences the world will love. And with thousands of open APIs, the platform gives insurers the freedom to connect to a vast ecosystem of insurtech and emerging technologies. Headquartered in San Francisco, EIS powers premium growth for insurers in all lines of business worldwide. For more information, visit EISGroup.com or follow @EISGroupLtd on Twitter and LinkedIn . About Life Happens

Life Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. The organization does not endorse any product, company or insurance advisor. Since its inception in 1994, Life Happens has provided the highest quality, independent and objective information for people seeking help with their insurance buying decisions. To learn more, visit www.lifehappens.org.

Media Contact: Matt Conroy Stanton PR mconroy@stantonprm.com +1.203.610.1421

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[September 30, 2021] MAGNA Global, Omnicom Media Group, Nexstar Media, Meredith Local Media Group, Quincy Media, Univision Communications Dominate Awards at TVB's 2021 Forward Conference

Winners of the 2021 TVB Excellence Awards and TVB NEXT Awards were announced earlier today at the annual TVB Forward Conference. Every year, TVB, the not-for-profit trade association representing America's multi-billion-dollar local broadcast television industry, celebrates individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of local media. "It is a privilege to be a part of such an amazing community of talented, hardworking, passionate individuals, and an even greater honor be able to celebrate some of the many people who are driving real impact for their communities," said Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB, "People are what make any industry or business great, and we are so lucky to have such great people working in local broadcast television. Thanks to their tireless efforts and constant dedication to excellence, the future has never looked brighter for local TV, nor has it been so full of promise and opportunity." TVB Excellence Award for Media Agency of the Year In 2021, brands and their media partners were tasked with navigating an intense period of change and disruption. Consumers and viewers want more from the organizations they support - more transparency, action, and purpose. The recipient of this year's Excellence Award for Media Agency of the year embodies all that and was accepted by Kathy Doyle, EVP, Managing Director, Local Investment, MAGNA Global. Excellence describes every aspect of Kathy's contributions to the industry. A 20+ year veteran of IPG/MAGNA, Kathy oversees all local activity for clients including Amazon, Rocket Mortgage, Gilead, BMW, Coca-Cola, T-Mobile (News - Alert) , and Arby's. Kathy represents the agency on leadership committees at the 4As, IAB, Nielsen and TVB. She is an active member of Mediabrands' Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and was given the agency's "Truth Well Told" award for her outstanding work on General Motors (News - Alert) . She is a fearless change agent, gifted leader, champion for localism, and a superb mentor. When asked what the secret to her success is, Kathy had this to say, "If there is a secret sauce to our success, it is my team. They have been with me every step of the way. Ideating, embracing, and driving thought leadership and ACTION against change on behalf of our clients. Bringing Impression-based buying, automation, pay-for performance and an equitable approach for all to a reality, truly leading innovation for the entire industry." TVB Excellence Award for Career Achievement The past year was a dynamic one for local television with many leaders in the industry showing us what excellence looks like in 2021 and beyond. As such, the TVB awarded two recipients in its recently created Career Achievement category - Tim Busch, Former Pesident, Nexstar Media and Ralph Oakley, Former President and CEO, Quincy Media.



Tim has been an active and effective defender and champion of the local broadcast TV industry, having spent many years lobbying on behalf of broadcasters through his company and board organizations with key lawmakers and the FCC (News - Alert) . He's also been an invaluable member of the TVB board, providing insight and guidance on issues from measurement to automated TV. Tim's vision, passion and commitment to local TV industry is second to none and matched only by a select few - among those is Ralph Oakley. Ralph's distinction as a smart and effective operator through his work with Quincy Media led him to the NAB TV Board and its executive committee, co-chair of the NAB Political Action Committee and NAB Leadership Foundation Board of Directors. He served as President/Chairman of the NBC Affiliate Board, the ABC Affiliate Board of Governors, and Illinois Broadcasters Association. He has been an outstanding member of TVB's Board and a valued and trusted friend and advisor, serving as a north star for the industry and helping local broadcasters achieve excellence.

TVB Next Awards Since its inception in 2016, TVB's NEXT Program with the support of WideOrbit celebrates and supports the industry's next generation of leaders. Recognizing rising executives and giving them a platform for sharing their insights is critical for the future of any industry. To support their journey, NEXT gives up-and-coming media leaders access to today's thought leaders, insights into industry innovation, and a leg up on career advancement at the annual TVB Forward Conference. 2021 TVB NEXT Award honorees were presented by Eric Mathewson, Founder & CEO, WideOrbit, who had the pleasure of announcing both Melissa Senande, Senior Account Executive, Univision Communications and Karen Vetere, Supervisor, Omnicom (News - Alert) Media Group. When asked about her views on the power of local broadcast TV and localism, Melissa said, "Our power is our ability to connect local consumers to advertisers' products. We need to understand their business, gain their trust, and effectively help them achieve their goals. It also means, as broadcasters, we have a shared responsibility to our local communities, to address their needs and act as their voice." "Impressions-based buying combines ease of execution with the ability to take a more holistic approach across all media platforms," said Karen when asked about the buyer's role when impressions and automated TV are fully adopted, "While impressions and the transition to Automated TV buying provide clients with detailed data and increased ROI potential, there still needs to be a layer of buyer knowledge and the human factor to support our clients' KPIs and KPAs." In the past 5 years since TVB began the NEXT Award, winners are demonstrating their potential. In 2017, Christopher Martinez, an account executive at Katz Media, was a NEXT Award recipient. Today he is OTT Director of Sales, Hearst Television and a speaker at Forward 2021! "Not only am I a proud NEXT Award recipient, I am also proud of the colleagues I've been privileged to work with throughout our industry as we help to move the business forward and make the industry more indispensable than ever for marketers," Martinez said. Other awards presented at TVB Forward include the Ad Council Catalyst Award, presented by Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council to Meredith Local Media Group. About TVB TVB is the not-for-profit trade association representing America's local broadcast television industry. Its members include the U.S. television stations, television broadcast groups, advertising sales reps, syndicators, international broadcasters, and associate members. TVB actively promotes local media marketing solutions to the advertising community and works to develop advertising dollars for the medium's multiple platforms, including on-air, online, and mobile. TVB provides a diverse variety of tools and resources, including its website, to support its members and to help advertisers make the best use of local ad dollars. For more information, visit www.tvb.org. About WideOrbit WideOrbit helps media companies do more business by making it easier to buy and sell advertising. WideOrbit is the system of record for more than $38 billion in advertising transactions annually. Say hello to a Wider World with WideOrbit, the one platform that ties everything together, from pitch to payment. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, doing more business means doing less paper-chasing, less chair-swiveling, and less data re-re-entry. Only WideOrbit brings a Wider-World approach, providing the broader capabilities, bigger insights, and better connections that media companies need. That's why so many industry leaders - including A+E Networks, Disney (News - Alert) |ABC, AMC Networks, ViacomCBS, UrbanONE, Midwest Communications, Rogers, and Audacy - have partnered with us since 1999. WideOrbit is headquartered in San Francisco with offices worldwide. Learn more at wideorbit.com or contact us. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005608/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Securitas named OSPA's 2021 Outstanding Contract Security Company

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Securitas Security Services North America is this year's recipient of one of the security industry's most prestigious awards: the 2021 U.S. Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPA) for Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding). "Our unified team and dedicated officers are behind this award," Honoring an outstanding supplier of staffed guarding services, the OSPA is presented by the only global system for recognition of outstanding performance in the security industry. Using research-based criteria, OSPA selection is independently conducted by judges with diverse experience, knowledge and expertise in business and security. The winner in this category must demonstrate proven results that make a positive difference to its clients and the industry, as well as efficacy in recognizing the distinct importance of frontline leadership, motivating staff, managing resources and forging valuable partnerships. The Securitas nomination for the award reflects its standing as a knowledge and performance leader in the security industry. The company's ability to deliver on its commitment to stakeholders was particularly evident during thepandemic and domestic unrest which collectively demonstrated Securitas' commitment to investing in clients, employees and communities amidst uncertainty.



Recognition in the OSPAs is another validation of the Securitas commitment to client value and its unrivaled focus on the client and officer experience. Securitas continues to elevate security as evidenced by substantial investments in its transformation to build the industry's most advanced infrastructure and innovation that solves problems for clients. It is also setting an example by driving diversity at every level of the organization to invite new perspectives and foster further innovation. The recently formed Securitas Foundation demonstrates the company's commitment to strong, sustainable communities as do its strategic partnerships like the one it launched earlier this year with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "The momentum we're building is undeniable," said Securitas President and CEO, North American Guarding, Greg Anderson. "Our financial and operational stability enables a singular focus on the client and employee value proposition. This focus is the reason we're continuing to see growth in demand across all of our markets, why we sustain long-term client relationships and why programs like the OSPAs recognize our efforts. Our unified team and dedicated officers are behind this award, especially considering the challenges they have overcome in the current environment."

OSPAs are currently awarded in 14 countries and in collaboration with ten leading security associations and groups worldwide. The U.S. OSPAs were developed with support from ASIS International, the world's largest association for security management professionals. More information at us.theospas.com. Read more about Securitas' innovation and people-centered activities at www.securitasinc.com. About Securitas: Securitas is the world's leading intelligent protective services partner. Our guarding, electronic security, fire and safety, and risk management solutions enable more than 150,000 clients to see a different world. We are present in 48 countries and our innovative, data-driven approach makes us a trusted partner to many of the world's best-known companies. Our 355,000 employees live our values of integrity, vigilance, and helpfulness, and fulfill our purpose to "Help make your world a safer place." View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/securitas-named-ospas-2021-outstanding-contract-security-company-301388856.html SOURCE Securitas North America

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[September 30, 2021] Dr. Robert Hackl Joins mce Systems as President and Board Member

mce Systems Ltd., the global pioneer of omni-channel device lifecycle management announced today that Dr. Robert Hackl has been elected to mce's Board of Directors. Following a period of active participation as a member of mce System's Advisory Board during which he helped build the company's growth strategy, Hackl is taking on a direct role as President, bringing with him an extensive history of senior leadership within the Telecoms sector. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005662/en/ (Photo: mce) Prior to joining mce, Hackl held critical transformational roles for some of the world's largest Mobile Operator brands, including Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile (News - Alert) , Vodafone, and Sprint, delivering billions of dollars of shareholder value. "Robert joins mce Systems at a crucial period in our history," said Yuval Blumental, mce's CEO. "Gone is the time when being digitally enabled was an afterthought for organizations. Instead, it is now an absolute necessity, required to differentiate and compete in this 'new normal'. For over 16 years mce has led the way delivering omni-channel device lifecycle service solutions for our Telecommunications Clients through in-house developed product, technology, and GTM delivery. Robert joins mce to lead us through this next phase of growth at a time when our Mobile Operator partners require truly transformational digital capabilities to set themselves apart from the competition and deliver the experiences their customers expect and deserve." "Robert is a true pioneer of his field," said Liran Weiss, mce's Chief Corporate Officer. "His approach and extent of experience will support mce Systems to innovate, to grow, and to deliver to our Mobile Operator customers control over their device service infrastructure and allowing them to capture tens of mllions of dollars of EBITDA - directly improving their CLV, reducing churn and lifting NPS."



"I have been a leader at wireless operators that directly benefited from mce technology and I have always admired their continued technological innovation, their implementation approach, and their commitment to delivering a solution that maximizes ROI for each customer they serve, said Robert Hackl. "I look forward to working with Yuval, Liran, and the other board members to support mce as the company enters this next period dedicated to global hyper-growth." Throughout a successful career as a business leader, Hackl leaves behind him a track record of driving large-scale impact in highly competitive technology companies across all stages - growth, mature, and turnaround markets. In his most recent role at Sprint (News - Alert) as a member of the Executive Team where he led Business Transformation & Analytics and Handset Financing & Insurance, Hackl spearheaded the turnaround of the $6B Handset Leasing and $3B Device Insurance P&Ls.

As former Director of Commercial Operations for Vodafone (News - Alert) Germany, Hackl was responsible for all B2C & B2B operations spanning digital transformation, IT architecture, CX, credit policy, telesales, and customer care for the $12B German operating company. He led a team of 11,000 employees and improved operating efficiency while maximizing NPS and revenue generation. As SVP of Channel Management for T-Mobile US, Hackl built a channel management function from the ground up, overseeing a $3.8B budget. He managed a total direct team of 300 internal Margin Managers and Analysts. He was responsible for T-Mobile's postpaid customer base, acquisition & retention costs, distribution strategy, credit policy, and operational CRM. As CEO of Tele2 Austria, he drove the turnaround for Austria's 2nd largest Wireline telco with $0.5B in revenues. He managed a team 1,200 employees. As Associate Principal of McKinsey & Company (News - Alert) , he led a variety of complex client engagements such as enterprise-wide turnaround programs, strategic repositioning, product innovations, business model re-designs, and sales and customer experience improvements. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ENDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor's Notes: mce Systems is a pioneer in Omni-channel device lifecycle management, simplifying customers' lives and increasing both revenues and delivery efficiency for Operators and their Partners while creating more than $2.5B of shareholder value to date. Its industry-leading solutions range across device diagnostics and care, trade-in with a price guarantee, and device returns. All are Omni-channel ready with world-class virtualization and provide fully integrated data management to anticipate customer needs around device-related customers issues (e.g., device health, upgrade timing). Over its more than 15 years of experience, mce Systems has become the trusted solution to Tier-1 Operators and Industry Partners. Read more at www.mce.systems Follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) at https://www.linkedin.com/company/mce-systems

Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mceSystems View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005662/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Tekla Life Sciences Investors Paid Distribution

On September 30, 2021, Tekla Life Sciences Investors paid a distribution of $0.43 per share. It is currently estimated that this distribution is derived from net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The composition of this and subsequent distributions may vary from quarter to quarter because it may be materially impacted by future realized gains and losses on securities. The aggregate of the net unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities and net realized gains on sale of securities is $212,354,715, of which $171,034,424 represents net unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities. The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution, paid on September 30, 2021, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year-to-date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you have invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with 'yield' or 'income'. All amounts are expressed per common share.







Current Distribution Percentage Breakdown of Current Distribution Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date1 Percentage Breakdown of the Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date1 Net Investment Income $0.0000 0% $0.0000 0% Net Realized ST Cap Gains $0.0047 1% $0.4190 25% Net Realized LT Cap Gains $0.0699 16% $0.9156 54% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source (News - Alert) $0.3554 83% $0.3554 21% TOTAL (per common share): $0.4300 100% $1.6900 100%

The table below includes information relating to the Fund's performance based on its NAV for certain periods. Average annual return at NAV for the period from July 31, 2016 through July 31, 2021 10.91 % Annualized current distribution rate expressed as percentage of NAV as of July 31, 2021 7.90 % Cumulative total return at NAV for the fiscal year, through July 31, 20212 14.31 % Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of Jul 31, 20211 7.76 % You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution policy. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this press release are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Tekla Life Sciences Investors (NYSE: HQL) is a closed-end fund that invests in companies in the healthcare industry. Tekla Capital Management LLC, the Fund's investment adviser, is a Boston, MA based healthcare-focused investment manager with approximately $3.6 billion of net assets under management as of June 30, 2021. Tekla also serves as investment adviser to Tekla Healthcare Investors (NYSE: HQH), Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund (NYSE: THQ) and Tekla World Healthcare Fund (NYSE: THW), closed-end funds that invest in companies in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Information regarding the Funds and Tekla Capital Management LLC can be found at www.teklacap.com. Destra Capital Advisors is the Fund's marketing and investor support services agent. Please contact Destra Capital Investments at HQL@destracapital.com or call (877) 855-3434 if you have any questions regarding HQL. 1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on October 1, 2020. 2 Cumulative total return at NAV is the percentage change in the Fund's NAV and includes all distributions and assumes the reinvestment of those distributions for the period of September 30, 2020 through July 31, 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005675/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Hamamatsu Ventures USA invests in Disruptive Perovskite Company BlueDot Photonics, Inc.

SEATTLE, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueDot Photonics, a leader in perovskite materials development, announced today that Hamamatsu Ventures USA, the North American venture group of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. of Japan, joined its Series Seed financing. This closes its $1M Series Seed financing and will allow BlueDot Photonics to move faster towards its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through faster deployment of solar power. BlueDot's quantum-cutting technology can lower the cost of solar power by up to 10% by improving energy yield in silicon solar panels by up to 16%. Long-term, BlueDot is committed to pushing solar panel efficiency and costs beyond the limits of current silicon technology. The lead investor for BlueDot's Series Seed financing was VoLo Earth Ventures. Other investors include Clean Energy Venture Group (CEVG) of Boston, MA, E8 of Seattle, WA, and VertueLab of Portland, OR.



Akira Hiruma, President and CEO of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., said, "At Hamamatsu, we recognize that climate control issues are increasingly important. We've been impressed with BlueDot Photonics, which is developing a unique optical technology to improve the efficiency of solar power generation, and through investment, we hope to contribute to climate change countermeasures." Jared Silvia, CEO of BlueDot Photonics, adds, "Having Hamamatsu as a strategic partner is a big win for us. They are photonics experts, and their engagement will help us avoid commercialization pitfalls and identify new opportunities for our products. This will also help BlueDot consider markets outside of North America as we grow in the future."

About BlueDot Photonics BlueDot Photonics is developing cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. BlueDot is based in Washington State and is a spin-out of the University of Washington. Learn more at www.bluedotphotonics.com About Hamamatsu Photonics Hamamatsu Photonics is a world-leading manufacturer of optoelectronic components and systems. The Company's corporate philosophy stresses the advancement of photonics through extensive research and yields products that are regarded as state-of-the-art. All products are designed to cover the entire optical spectrum and provide solutions for a wide variety of applications including analytical, consumer, industrial, and medical instrumentation. Learn more at www.hamamatsu.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamamatsu-ventures-usa-invests-in-disruptive-perovskite-company-bluedot-photonics-inc-301387958.html SOURCE BlueDot Photonics, Inc.

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[September 30, 2021] Debra Tyler Joins DM Wealth Management and the Insigneo Network

Insigneo, the Miami-based Independent Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm, has incorporated new top talent as Debra Tyler joins DM Wealth Management, already a part of the firm's independent network based in Miami. Debra joins Financial Advisors Zoraida Diaz and Cristina Mendez, founders of DM Wealth Management. Each of the three women holds the position of Managing Director with DM Wealth Management. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005730/en/ Debra Tyler Joins DM Wealth Management and the Insigneo Network (Photo: Business Wire) DM Wealth currently manages affluent clients from Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, and other countries within South America. Cristina has over 15 years of experience as an International Financial Advisor, and Zoraida has more than 25 years of experience in financial services. Debra Tyler has more than four decades of banking, finance, and investment management experience encompassing Commercial and Consumer Lending, Retail Branch Management, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management. Most of her career, 32 years, was spent with SunTrust Bank n various capacities, with her last position as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Private Wealth Division in Miami.



Before coming to DM Wealth Management, Debra worked for the past six years with Bank OZK as President, South Florida Region. She was also the President of the Professional Practice Group (PPG), responsible for managing the growth and development of the PPG line of business, focusing on client relationships, including law firms, title companies, CPAs, medical practitioners, architects, engineers, and other business professionals. Debra is a Miami native and attended both Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. She currently maintains her securities licenses series 7, 63, 65, and 24 registrations. Debra values community engagement and is currently the Co-Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and has also been a Big Sister for the past 14 years. She was a past board member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. She was a finalist in the AXA Business Women of the Year, Outstanding Corporate Leader, in 2019. She has also served as a past committee member for the Power of the Purse and Raise the Bar fundraising initiatives for the Women's Fund of Miami Dade, among many other groups.

"My work over the past 40 years has given me a vast range of experience in the finance and banking world and demonstrates my deep understanding of Miami and its connections to global finance," said Debra Tyler. "I am excited to join the Insigneo network, helping DM Wealth Management to grow and strengthen our relationship with our unique and diverse clientele." "We are beyond thrilled that Debra Tyler, with her decades of unique financial experience and deep roots in the South Florida business and philanthropy communities, has joined our family of independent international Financial Advisors in Miami. We look forward to working with her and the rest of the DM Wealth Management team as we grow the business together here in Miami and within Latin America and other regions of the globe," said Jose Salazar, Market Head for Insigneo. About Insigneo Insigneo empowers Financial Advisors managing clients around the world with a comprehensive menu of services and technology that focus on wealth management, multi-family offices and institutional services. Insigneo manages over 12 billion in client assets with a growing list of over 180 financial advisors, serving more than 11,000 clients globally. Insigneo is an international leader for independent financial services. www.insigneo.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005730/en/

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[September 30, 2021] ESG and Corporate Governance Leader Rakhi Kumar Joins Climate Platform Persefoni's Sustainability Advisory Board

BOSTON, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Persefoni , the climate platform for enterprises and institutional investors to provide real-time assessments and management of their carbon footprint, today announced that Rakhi Kumar will serve on the company's Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB). Kumar brings over 20 years of international experience across an expansive breadth of sectors including insurance and investments, sustainable investments, climate transitions, ESG business strategy, and policy advisory. In her role on Persefoni's SAB, Kumar will provide counsel to Persefoni leadership to support the development of their platform and product offerings. "Rakhi joins a burgeoning group of ESG and sustainability experts that comprise the SAB, and brings expansive cross-sector and international experience in sustainable investment and insurance which adds critical perspective to our business strategies," said Tim Mohin, Chief Sustainability Officer of Persefoni. "The SAB plays a crucial role guiding Persefoni to develop the cutting-edge carbon accounting and disclosure features needed by our clients to enable the transition to a low carbon economy. Rakhi's experience and perspective will greatly strengthen this effort." "I am honored to join the Sustainable Advisory Board of Persefoni and be part of a company that is building much needed climate tools that leverage standardized measurement frameworks, such as the PCAF, to help their clients streamline carbon emissions data. The financial services sector needs these tools to develop and make infored decisions on their climate transition pathways. At Persefoni, I find myself alongside leading sustainability experts with a similar passion to combat climate change, which gives me hope during times when global warming reveals new and alarming threats everyday," said Kumar.



Kumar is the Senior Vice President of Sustainability Solutions at Liberty Mutual Insurance . In her prior role she was the Head of ESG Investing and Asset Stewardship at State Street Global Advisors. She currently serves as an Advisory board member of the Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership at the Columbia Business School , and has previously served on the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure 's North America Asset Managers Working Group and the Council of Institutional Investors' Corporate Governance Advisory Council . Additionally, Kumar is widely lauded across her industry, and has been recognized as a governance leader by the National Association of Corporate Directors , identified as a "Top 10 to Watch" Wealth Management Magazine in 2018, and was awarded the Abigail Adams Award in 2017 by the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus , which recognizes women who have demonstrated a firm commitment to developing political, economic, and social rights for women. About Persefoni

Persefoni is the premier, intelligent climate platform built for enterprises and institutional investors to easily calculate, analyze, manage, and report on their real-time carbon footprint. As the ERP of Carbon, the Persefoni SaaS platform provides users a single source of carbon truth for their organization and enables them to manage their carbon transactions and inventory with the same rigor and transparency as their financial ones.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esg-and-corporate-governance-leader-rakhi-kumar-joins-climate-platform-persefonis-sustainability-advisory-board-301389049.html SOURCE Persefoni

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[September 30, 2021] Carahsoft Hosts Partner Pavilion at 2021 GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 5-8, 2021

RESTON, Va., Sept. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHAT:

Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, will be joined by 50 of its technology solutions providers at the GEOINT 2021. GEOINT is the largest gathering of geospatial intelligence professionals in the nation. The symposium is a unique and unparalleled opportunity spanning government, industry, and academia. In addition to keynotes from senior leaders, the event offers more than 50 hours of professional training and education, meetings for focused communities of interest, a highly regarded Young Professionals Program, an extensive exhibit hall, dynamic networking opportunities and much more. WHO:

Carahsofts partner pavilion (Booth #2019) will feature the following solution providers showcasing a full range of solutions related to cybersecurity, cloud services and AI in geospatial applications. Also join Carahsoft for a networking reception from 5:30-7:30p.m. on Thursday, October 7th, 2021, at the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis. Vendor Partners Offering Demos at the Carahsoft Booth (#2019): Wednesday, October 6 Thursday, October 7 Friday, October 8 Bastille

Chain Analysis

HashiCorp

MongoDB

Databricks

NetAbstraction

Pavilion Data

Qmulos

UiPath Bastille

Databricks

GAI

MongoDB

NetAbstraction

Pavilion Data

Qmulos

UiPath

Wickr Bastille

Databricks

MongoDB

NetAbstraction

Premise Data

Qmulos

UiPath

Voxelmaps

Wickr Carahsoft Partner Pavilion Vendors:

Alteryx (#2123)

Bentley (#2218)

lack Cape (#2308)

Cloudera (#2221)

Dunn & Bradstreet (#2321)

F5 (#2121)

Gigamon (#2210)

Google Cloud (#1989) HPE (#2212)

Infoblox (#2223)

MarkLogic (#2209)

Micro Focus Government Solutions (#2310)

NVIDIA (#2220)

Red Hat (#2217)

SAP NS2 (#2117) ServiceNow (#2109)

Sonatype (#2208)

Spire (#2213)

Splunk (#2113)

Thales TCT (#2216)

Zscaler (#1915)

Gitlab (#2316)





Adobe (#1021)

AWS (#2815)

Basis Technology (#1837)

Confluent (#2905)

Decision Lens (#1419) Dell (#2317)

Forcepoint (#1618)

Geosite (#1823)

IBM (#721)

Kleos (#1233)

Microsoft (#1439)

Neo4j (#2410) OmniSci (#1214)

Rubrik (#711)

VMWare Carbon Black (#1619)

Virtru (#2902) Training Sessions Available Through Carahsoft Vendor Partners:



Wednesday, October 6 Thursday, October 7 Friday, October 8 Tableau

AWS

Bentley Systems*

Databricks

Red Hat* IBM

AWS OmniSci

AWS

HashiCorp

ServiceNow* * Event attendees are eligible to receive continuing professional education (CPE) credits. For a complete list of training sessions, visit the GEOINT 2021 training sessions page.

WHEN:

Tuesday-Friday, October 5-8, 2021 WHERE:

Americas Center Convention Complex

701 Convention Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

Directions FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on Carahsofts Partner Pavilion or the networking reception, contact Lacey Wean at (703) 230-7579 or geoint@carahsoft.com; or visit Carahsofts GEOINT 2021 event website. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source, Customer Experience and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com. Contact Mary Lange

(703) 230-7434

PR@carahsoft.com





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[September 30, 2021] Transact Announces a New Integration With Ellucian Banner Using Ellucian Ethos

Today Transact, a leader in innovative credential and payment solutions for a connected campus, announced that it has earned the Ethos Connected badge from Ellucian, a leading higher education technology solutions provider. This badge certifies that Transact now offers a real-time Ellucian Banner integration for payments using Ellucian Ethos. "The value of this integration for our campus partners is hard to overstate," said Peter Scharnell, Transact Senior Director of Product Management. "It ensures that, using our systems, students and administrators are able to process payments, and see those transactions reflected in their Student Information Systems (SIS) and Finance Systems (FI) in real time. This helps them provide an improved, simplified student experience, and delivers access to robust data for institutional priorities like student advising and retention." Ellucian's widely used ecosystem of open and flexible technologies power scalable and efficient solutions for modern campuses. The Ethos integration built on Transact Exchange strengthens Transact's partnership with Ellucian and facilitates a seamless user experience. Ellucian Ethos enables sophisticated real-time data exchange between disparate systems, connecting peope, processes, and applications across higher education institutions. Transact developers have demonstrated that Transact Payments works with Ethos in real time.



"One example would be a student who needs to pay tuition before being able to register. With Transact Payments and our real-time integration, they can pay their balance from any device and immediately sign up for classes," Scharnell said. "Our integration with Ellucian Ethos allows authorized and approved payments to be recorded by the university in Ellucian Banner almost instantaneously." "Our developers work to ensure that every Transact product is highly configurable, mobile-centric, and integrates with leading ERP systems to simplify the administrator and student experience through all aspects of higher education," Scharnell said.

"Transact has a long-standing reputation in the higher education community, and we're pleased to recognize them as an Ethos Connected Partner," said Kuljit Dharni, Senior Vice President of Partnerships, Ellucian. "The Ethos enabled Transact integration with Ellucian Banner delivers high quality student payment transactions to institutions using Banner, ensuring seamless payment processing and a better overall user experience for our customers." For more information or to schedule a demonstration of Transact's campus solutions, visit www.transactcampus.com. About Transact Transact is the leader in innovative payment solutions for a connected campus. Its highly configurable, mobile-centric campus technology ecosystem simplifies the student experience across the full spectrum of student life. Transact's offerings include integrated solutions for tuition and other student expense payments, multi-purpose campus IDs, and campus commerce. With a long-standing reputation of serving the education community, Transact proudly assists millions of students each year with its innovative products and solutions. For more information, visit www.transactcampus.com. About Ellucian Ellucian is charting the digital future of higher education with a portfolio of cloud-ready technology solutions and services. From student recruitment to workforce analytics; from fundraising opportunities to alumni engagement; Ellucian's comprehensive suite of data-rich tools gives colleges and universities the information they need to lead with confidence. Working with a community of more than 2,700 customers in over 50 countries, Ellucian keeps innovating as higher education keeps evolving. Drawing on its comprehensive higher education business acumen and suite of services, Ellucian guides its customers through manageable, sustainable digital transformation-so that every type of institution and student can thrive in today's fast-changing landscape. To find out what's next in higher education solutions and services, visit Ellucian at www.ellucian.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005563/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Litigation Funder Validity Finance Raises New Managed Fund of $70 Million to Commit Alongside Permanent Capital Base

With demand for litigation finance continuing to grow among businesses of all sizes, leading dispute funder Validity Finance reports it has raised a new managed fund of $70 million in capital commitments. The newly raised "sidecar" fund further diversifies Validity's business and advances its experience as an alternative asset manager. To date, Validity's third-party managed funds total nearly $150 million of assets under management, in addition to its permanent capital base. Validity's latest fund investors include its original private equity investors, as well as previously committed third-party investors and a prominent family office. Since its launch in mid-2018, Validity has committed nearly $300 million towards clients in more than 40 separate investments, helping clients in scores of commercial disputes, backing law firms as well as businesses, individuals and institutions. In the past 18 months, the firm has evaluated hundreds of potential investments and committed approximately $150 million toward a wide span of cases, including contract disputes, antitrust claims, trade secret and misappropriation claims, insurance coverage cases and intellectual property matters. The firm has also supported civil rights cases. Validity CEO Ralph Sutton commented: "The pandemic created enormous challenges for pending cases, with trial dockets slowed and financial pressures weighing on many claimants. We're fortunate to have maintained a strong pipeline of capital and a circle of investors who support our approach to fairness and client needs. We're especially pleased to welcome some prominent new investors into the fold."



Mr. Sutton noted the high demand from law firms seeking funding - for individual matters as well as portfolios. "We can finally say that Big Law understands our business, and even many of the biggest, most profitable firms understand the value of non-recourse funding to help their clients and their own profitability, especially as time horizons for financial outcomes have stretched." He also noted a pronounced uptick in funding requests from larger corporate clients seeking alternatives to conventional lenders or commercial finance companies. "Corporates have come to appreciate the sophistication and focus of high-quality dispute funders. Even well-capitalized businesses understand the economic advantages of lit funding to move risk off their balance sheets."

Since its founding, Validity has reviewed over 1,500 investment opportunities, reflecting the firm's exacting due diligence process. That process also reflects the caliber of Validity's team of portfolio advisers, consisting of experienced trial lawyers from the country's preeminent litigation firms, many of whom served as federal law clerks. The firm has backed commercial matters across federal and state courts, as well as domestic and international arbitrations. For the months ahead, Validity plans to continue expansion plans that were put on hold during the pandemic, with more growth anticipated before the end of 2021. Validity has two U.S. offices (New York and Houston) and recently marked the one-year anniversary of launching its Tel Aviv office. About Validity Validity is a commercial litigation finance company that provides non-recourse investments for a wide variety of commercial disputes. Validity's mission is to make a meaningful difference in our clients' experience of the legal system. We focus on fairness, innovation, and clarity. For more, visit www.validityfinance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005819/en/

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[September 30, 2021] C3 Risk & Insurance Services Partners With DPH to Create New Financial Services Division

C3 Risk & Insurance Services (C3), a San Diego-based specialty insurance brokerage, has partnered with DPH Financial Services (DPH) to create a brand-new Financial Services division. The partnership will allow C3 (News - Alert) to offer business and individual advance planning services, including life insurance and estate planning, for CEOs and other leaders at organizations of every size, from small businesses to large corporations. DPH, a boutique brokerage firm based in San Diego, is one of the country's elite independent life insurance and estate planning firms serving high net-worth individuals and families, including athletes, entertainers, executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners. DPH founder Dave Harris is widely trusted in the industry for his understanding of the business and personal implications of life insurance and other advance planning services. He is often called upon for his expertise by top law and accounting firms to help with complex deals. "We are fortunate to have Dave on our side as we expand our services for entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs and other executives," said Jamie Reid, co-founder and chairman of the board, C3. "This partnership is a fantastic new opportunity for us to serve existing and new clients by bringing in a known expert in this field of advance planning. Dave's human-centric, personalized approach has earned him loyal clients who trust him deeply, and our relationship-driven styles of work are perfectly aligned. We look forward to working with Dave at C3 to grow our new Financial Services division and provide these excellent new offerings for our clients." A personalized approach to clients' planning needs When unexpected events happen that would typically disrupt a company financially and operationally, insurance products keep a company whole. The financial services products offered through the new partnership between C3 and DPH are intended to protect companies in the event of a leader or founder's death and maintain business continuity. Given the tightening labor market, employers are more concerned than ever with employee retention, and this type of advanced financial planning is also a tool to protect businesses fromany risks they face from losing a leader, founder, or key executives by offering them attractive benefits like tax-favored cash value life insurance.



For C3, partnering with a turnkey firm with established expertise in advanced financial planning was critical to seamlessly offering top quality services, including life insurance, estate and succession planning, that would evolve with C3 clients' businesses. Because financial services products are often less familiar to executives, both C3 and DPH understand the importance of trust when advising clients and recognizing the mindset of a sophisticated business owner. After meeting through mutual clients who recognized a similar business philosophy, the two firms "clicked immediately," and decided to join forces to form the new Financial Services Division at C3. "C3 has a refreshing take on insurance for businesses and business leaders, and I am excited to partner with the company to create this new division," said Dave Harris, founder of DPH. "The C3 team is empathetic, intelligent and solutions-focused, and the company has a unique approach that includes clients in a hands-on, personalized process. Our values are well-aligned, and together, we will be able to offer the best in class advance planning services to businesses and individuals with complex needs."

This partnership serves as yet another new division in the fast-growing company. Just last month C3 announced the addition of its construction and surety division and several new leaders. C3 is on a mission to build a legacy in San Diego and the partnership with DPH deepens that commitment with both companies forging strong relationships within the local community. Established in 2017, C3 now has nearly 70 employees boasting 500 years of combined experience, covering every aspect of the insurance world. C3 is licensed in all 50 states, and currently serves over 5,000 clients in the U.S. and worldwide, and offers several lines of insurance, including advance planning and life insurance, workers compensation, professional liability, general liability, privacy liability, inland marine, commercial property, business auto, garage liability, accident participant, and many more along with specialty divisions including trucking, life science, construction and surety and financial services. For more information or to start working with C3's innovative team, please visit c3insurance.com. ABOUT C3 RISK & INSURANCE SERVICES C3 is shaking up the insurance industry by redefining the privately held insurance brokerage firm. Founded in 2017, C3 is locally owned and headquartered in San Diego. While young at heart, the breadth of experience spans decades. C3 inherently takes a different approach to managing the risk of companies from startups through multinational firms. The difference is in discovery. C3 proactively creates sophisticated and innovative strategies for preventing unexpected loss for its clients and conversely provides swift resolution for difficult claims. Its unique business model and dedication to employees and clients has been a catalyst to C3 becoming one of the fastest growing insurance firms in the country. Learn more by visiting c3insurance.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by calling 619-233-8000. Photos for preview and download. Credit - Courtesy: C3 Risk & Insurance Services / No password necessary. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005877/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Westhill Strengthens Executive Team With New Senior Appointments and a Promotion

Westhill, the pioneering, fully digital managed repair company, is adding to its core leadership team with the appointment of Derek Glerum as Vice-President of Operations, and Jenna Kinsman as Senior Director of Insurance Sales. In addition, Westhill has named Ben Kelley, formerly Head of Client Success, as Senior Director of Solutions Development. Kevin Reilley, Chief Executive Officer of Westhill, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Derek, Jenna and Ben to their new roles, and are grateful to have executives of their caliber on our team. They are passionate about our customers' needs and I know they are going to make a positive impact on the business." Derek is an experienced executive, having held leadership positions at both Alacrity Solutions and Liberty Mutual, with proven success in roles spanning property claims, operations, and project and account management. Derek's experience will facilitate growth and scalability, enabling Westhill to improve friction points within the claims journey to deliver a best-in-class experience for customers. "Westhill is a group of talented and motiated individuals with diverse experiences working collaboratively to solve complex problems to ultimately provide peace of mind to customers," said Glerum.



Jenna has more than 10 years of insurance industry experience, and she joins from Farmers Insurance, where she worked as a property adjuster and then product manager for property specialty lines across six US states. She has deep expertise in underwriting, claims, technology, and insurance workflows. "I truly believe Westhill's platform will revolutionize the managed repair industry and will elevate both claims operations and the customer experience," said Kinsman.

Ben joined Westhill two years ago and is promoted to Senior Director of Solutions Development. He has more than 17 years of experience, starting as an adjuster at Travelers, and then as vendor manager at Chubb. At Westhill, he has played a key role in achieving notable milestones and in forming strategic partnerships with top 10 carriers. "Over the past two years, I've been fortunate to be involved with almost every aspect of growing Westhill," said Kelley. "With the experience gained, I am excited to focus solely on building value and creating opportunities for our clients to achieve a differentiated solution together." About Westhill Westhill leverages smart technology and intentional transparency connecting property owners and contractors through a digital platform. Visit www.westhillglobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005891/en/

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[September 30, 2021] JAMPRO to Host Virtual Investment Conference

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will be staging Explore: Do Business Jamaica Virtual Investment Conference (DBJVIC) from November 17 - 18, 2021 to introduce local and international investors to business opportunities in the island's growing industries. The event will showcase emerging projects and new developments in Agribusiness, Outsourcing, Manufacturing, Energy, Tourism, and the Creative Industries through over 30 panels, interviews and discussions with government and business leaders. The investment conference aims to foster business and stakeholder relationships and will shed light on Jamaica's COVID-19 economic recovery efforts. The conference will be staged concurrently via two platforms; one is a virtual interactive business event portal that will facilitate a real-time engagement experience and B2B meetings, the second is a live stream event via social media that will accommodate and drive increased awareness of Jamaica's economic progress. This format will help JAMPRO to engage attendees including current and potential investors, JAMPRO clients, private and public sector stakeholders, and diplomatic missions. JAMPRO anticipates extensive global participation based on the planned international promotions which will ensure the leveraging of the virtual B2B meeting platform by potential investors. New opportunity to do business Speaking on the event, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, The Honourable Audley Shaw, CD, MP., noted that the virtual investment conference has presented a new opportunity for the government to amplify the promotion of Jamaica's business opportunities. He explained, "This virtual conference will allow us to reach and directly engage investors across the globe who are interested in doing business with Jamaica but need further market intelligence and guidance on the potential that is available in the island's sectors. From our perspective, it is th right time to host this global event, as persons are seeking new ventures as the world slowly returns to normality."



Diane Edwards, President of JAMPRO, echoed the Minister's statements, and expressed confidence in the conference's ability to deliver results for Jamaica and attendees, she said, "The format of the conference is powerful, because it presents an excellent opportunity for global business leaders to get valuable insight on Jamaican investment opportunities, engage their colleagues in various industries, and explore bankable projects, all in the location of their choice. We believe that this conference will lead to the development of lucrative partnerships and financial opportunities for local and international investors." Persons can register for the event at explore.dobusinessjamaica.com

ABOUT THE EXPLORE: DO BUSINESS JAMAICA VIRTUAL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE (DBJVIC) Explore: Do Business Jamaica Virtual Investment Conference is a 2-day event that will highlight investment and other business opportunities in Jamaica. The event, hosted by Jamaica's investment and export promotion agency, JAMPRO, will provide a platform for attendees to learn more about Jamaican investment opportunities, see lucrative projects, and build business relationships. Explore Do Business Jamaica Virtual Investment Conference is sponsored by the Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth Project (FCGP), National Commercial Bank (NCB), Mystique Integrated, and M-One Productions For more information on the conference, please visit https://explore.dobusinessjamaica.com/. Follow JAMPRO on: Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005861/en/

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[September 30, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Oil Casualty Insurance, Ltd

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of Oil Casualty Insurance, Ltd (OCIL) (Hamilton, Bermuda). AM Best also has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of "bbb" (Good) on the $200 million, 8.00% deferrable subordinated debentures, due Sept. 15, 2034. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect OCIL's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). OCIL maintains risk-adjusted capital, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), in the strongest range. Capitalization has supported the company's significant premium growth over the past few years as the company has been executing strategic diversification efforts as well as capitalizing on rate hardening in its market. The company's diversification efforts have supplemented its primary mission as a stable capacity provider for the energy industry. Underwriting performance has been volatile over the prior five years, with the company experiencing some occasional shock losses. However, the company does use retrocessional reinsurance and limit management cover to mitigate its exposure. Investment returns have been accretive to the company's results in four of the past five years. The management team is seasoned, with its members having a number of years of experience in the insurance, financial and energy industries. The team also possesses a demonstrated track record of succesfully implementing strategic initiatives.



Positive rating movement is not anticipated over the short term; diversification and growth initiatives will need to prove beneficial to the group's operating performance over the intermediate term. Negative rating actions could result from a material reduction in OCIL's risk-adjusted capitalization. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005947/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Prime Healthcare Receives Highest Ranking for Social Responsibility Based on Equity, Value and Patient Outcomes

Prime Healthcare, which operates 45 hospitals in 14 states, earned "A" grades in the Lown Institute Index for Social Responsibility, placing Prime among the top five healthcare systems in the nation in equity, value and outcomes. Additionally, several Prime hospitals ranked in the top two and a half percent of all hospitals included in this year's rankings. "It's not enough for hospitals to say they're committed to social responsibility. They need to put their commitment into action," said Dr. Vikas Saini, President of the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank advocating for changes in the healthcare system. "Doing well on the Lown Index is one way they can demonstrate progress." The Lown Institute rankings, now in their second year, used 54 metrics tied to equity, including racial inclusivity, pay equity, avoiding overuse, clinical outcomes and cost efficiency, which evaluate how well hospitals achieve low mortality rates at a low cost with excellent outcomes. Fewer than three percent of the hospitals studied nationwide received top honors. "Prime Healthcare's mission, vision, and patient-centered model were created to drive value, clinical outcomes and health equity for all patients," said Sunny Bhatia, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare. "Value-based, community healthcare is fundamental to our mission. We are honored that our hospitals are recognized for their social responsibility and clinical excellence, and thank you to our staff and physicians for being stewards of our mission to ensure communities have hospitals that provide the highest quality, affordable care to all." Two Prime Healthcare hospitals - Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey and East Liverpool City Hospital in East Liverpool, Ohio - ranked among the Top 10 hospitals nationally in the Lown Social Responsibility Index. Saint Michael's, which ranked second nationally on the list for Social Responsibility, was in bankruptcy and in danger of closing in 2016 when Prime Heathcare purchased the hospital and invested millions to upgrade medical equipment, including state-of-the-art tools for treating cancer and cardiac diseases. Under Prime's ownership, the hospital also quickly moved to an "A" in The Leapfrog Group patient safety grade and received a five-star patient safety rating from Healthgrades.



"Access to healthcare should not be determined by where a person lives," said Alan Sickles, MD, CEO of Saint Michael's. "As an urban hospital serving a disadvantaged population, we are committed to eliminating health disparities by delivering safe, compassionate, value-based care from skilled, experienced physicians, nurses and techs with access to state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment." Other Prime Healthcare hospitals falling in the top two and a half percent nationally according to the Lown Index include not-for-profit hospitals in the Prime Healthcare Foundation:

Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Montclair Hospital Medical Center in Montclair, California

Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania

Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Georgia

Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pennsylvania "It's vitally important that community hospitals promote health equity and embrace our role as socially responsible organizations," said Dr. Bhatia. "The COVID-19 pandemic has struck minority and underserved communities disproportionately hard, making it even more essential that our nation's hospitals address health inequities. Prime Healthcare, our staff, and physicians are honored to be recognized as leaders in that effort." In addition to the top social responsibility rankings, five Prime hospitals were ranked among the 20 most efficient in the nation by the Lown Institute. These include Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada; Encino Hospital Medical Center in Encino, California; and Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, California. Saint Michael's and East Liverpool also made the list of most cost-efficient. Three Prime hospitals were ranked the most socially responsible in their respective states - Las Vegas-based North Vista Hospital in Nevada, Suburban Community Hospital in Pennsylvania, and Landmark Medical Center in Rhode Island. About Prime Healthcare: Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 45 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.6 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems with nearly 50,000 employees and physicians dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare. Fourteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a Top 10 and Top 15 Health System by IBM (News - Alert) Watson Health. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" 58 times and have received more Patient Safety Excellence Awards from Healthgrades than any other health system in the past six years. To learn more, please visit www.primehealthcare.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005948/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Discover Financial Services Announces Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Release on October 20, 2021, and Conference Call on October 21, 2021

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) plans to report its third quarter 2021 results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. The earnings release will be available through Discover's Investor Relations website at https://investorrelations.discover.com. A conference call to discuss the firm's results, outlook and related matters will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 7:00 a.m. Central Time. The live audio webcast will be accessible to the general public through Discover's Investor Relations website at https://investorrelations.discover.com. An audio replay will be available on the website following the call.



About Discover Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005991/en/

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[September 30, 2021] RenaissanceRe's 15th Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum Focuses on Community Solutions to Advance Climate Change Resiliency Globally

RenaissanceRe (NYSE: RNR) hosted thought leaders, risk scientists, and community experts at the Protecting Communities from Climate Change: Using Portsmouth, Virginia to Kickstart Global Solutions risk mitigation leadership forum. The 15th annual forum sought to advance risk mitigation efforts and awareness, support community preparedness and resilience, and strategize how to better prepare for, and respond to, natural catastrophes. Using Portsmouth as a case study, the forum established a real-world framework that can be applied to vulnerable communities across the globe. "Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe and is an urgent issue for communities, businesses and governments. Protecting communities and enabling prosperity is an important purpose and we've long applied our risk expertise and resources to drive better understanding of the impacts of climate change," Kevin O'Donnell, President and CEO of RenaissanceRe said. "We are proud to mark the 15th event in our Risk Mitigation Forum Leadership series with the goal of developing collaborative solutions, enhancing physical and financial resiliency of at-risk communities, and reducing the increasingly catastrophic effects of natural disasters." Virginia Governor Ralph Northam remarked on the important issues discussed at the Forum. "The fight against climate change requires us all to work together - public and private sectors, as well as the people it affects every day," Governor Northam said. "We see real results when we listen to the science, focus on mitigation efforts, and understand the roles private industry and the public sector must play to help communities transition to a resilient and sustainable future. I'm proud RenaissanceRe cose to focus on Portsmouth this year. What we learned today will inform future resilience efforts in Virginia and across the globe."



Hundreds of virtual attendees heard from featured speakers and panelists throughout the forum, including; Dr. Ed Kearns, Chief Data Officer, First Street Foundation; Jessica Whitehead, Executive Director Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR); Brian Swets, Manager of Comprehensive and Strategic Planning City of Portsmouth; William A. (Skip) Stiles, Jr., Executive Director, Wetlands Watch; Roy E. Wright, President & Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety; Jonathan (Jake) Clark, Managing Director, Guy Carpenter; Kristin Owen, Floodplain & Dam Safety Manager, Henrico County; Jamie Rhodes, Director, Insurance-Linked Finance, Re: Focus Partners; Antoine DeNoix, CEO, AXA Climate; Bridget Gainer, Vice President of Global Public Affairs, Aon; Chris Parry, Senior Vice President - Global Head of RenaissanceRe Capital Partners; Josh Saks, Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia; MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Administrator; Curtis Brown, State Coordinator for Virginia Department of Emergency Management; Meg Pittenger, Assistant Director of Planning, City of Portsmouth, and more. About RenaissanceRe's Risk Mitigation Leadership Forums

In 2008, RenaissanceRe created its award-winning Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum series to advance the disaster safety movement in a collaborative way and develop strategies that foster community resiliency. The events bring together academics, scientists, conservationists, and public and private sector representatives to foster risk mitigation efforts across a wide range of perils and regions. RenaissanceRe believes an important purpose is to protect communities and enable prosperity and, by applying its risk expertise and financial resources to engendering the practice of mitigation, the company seeks to reduce the severe effects of disasters on global societies and be a positive force for change. For more information about RenaissanceRe's Risk Mitigation Leadership Forums, visit https://www.renre.com/about-us/risk-mitigation-leadership-forums/. About RenaissanceRe RenaissanceRe is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance that specializes in matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of capital. The company provides property, casualty, and specialty reinsurance and certain insurance solutions to customers, principally through intermediaries. Established in 1993, RenaissanceRe has offices in Bermuda, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930006006/en/

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[September 30, 2021] Mach49 Expands Singapore Hub to Further Advance Corporate Venture Building in Asia

Mach49 appointed as a venture studio of the Corporate Venture Launchpad, a programme by the Singapore Economic Development Board SINGAPORE and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Mach49 , the growth incubator for global businesses, announced its appointment as a venture studio on the Singapore Economic Development Board's (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad (CV Launchpad). The CV Launchpad is a S$10 million pilot programme designed to help large, Singapore-based companies build new ventures in growth areas beyond their existing core businesses. It was established by EDB New Ventures, the corporate venture building arm of EDB, to advance the venturing ecosystem across companies in Singapore. "Mach49's appointment as a venture studio underscores EDB's trust in our experience with Global 1000 companies and our unique approach to the venture building process  we're focused exclusively on execution and have a robust, scalable, and repeatable method for bold, game-changing venture creation. If companies want to disrupt before they're disrupted, it's imperative that they build their own Growth Engines, capitalizing on their resources, ideas, talent, and customer base to beat start-ups a their own game," said Linda Yates, Founder and CEO of Mach49.



As an appointed venture studio, Mach49 will partner with large and established Singapore-based companies to incubate fresh business ideas with the speed and nimbleness of a start-up, while leveraging the unique competitive advantages of its parent company. The result is a pipeline of ventures that generates meaningful growth and continues to propel Singapore forward as a global business hub. Mach49 is established in the region with an office in Singapore and a growing base of APAC clients, including TDK Corporation; Schneider Electric; Mitsubishi Electric; Hitachi; LIXIL; among others. "Asia's large corporates are uniquely positioned to produce the region's next generation businesses  Mach49's methodology, pace, connections, and team of successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and C-Suite executives can help create them. Mach49's global team has collectively created over $50 billion in market value in companies we have invested in, created, managed, or built. With a wealth of experience under one roof, we not only understand how to design and manage world-class venture factories producing multiple ventures, but we are devoted to refining the art and science of the venture-building process," added Amos Manasseh, Mach49's Head of Venture Building and Delivery, APAC.

"Our partnership with venture studios is integral to the Corporate Venture Launchpad, as they bring best-in-class expertise and experience in ideation, incubation and venture-building. By tapping on the capabilities of our appointed venture studios like Mach49, participating corporates can build new ventures and scale them to become globally competitive businesses from Singapore. We welcome Mach49 as a valued partner on this programme, and look forward to building new ventures together," said Mr Choo Heng Tong, Executive Vice President, New Ventures and Innovation, EDB.



With a 100 percent focus on execution and a 90 percent success rate, Mach49 has incubated over 50 businesses globally, empowering companies to create new markets, new categories, and new products by helping them build and launch ventures generated from within, do corporate venture investing, engage in strategic partnering with start-ups, and augment their venture building with startup-company M&A. In Singapore, Mach49 is currently supporting Schneider Electric's incubation vehicle, which has already incubated three ventures. Mach49 also designed a new corporate venture fund for 86-year-old company, TDK. Since launching in 2019, TDK Ventures has had three exits and recently closed its second fund for $150 million, which is triple the size of TDK Ventures' first fund.



About Mach49



Mach49 partners with global businesses to disrupt markets and create new growth opportunities. Mach49 focuses on execution, with a unique approach to venture building and investing fueled by decades of Silicon Valley operating experience and success. Mach49 was founded in 2014 by Linda Yates and is based in Silicon Valley, with offices in Singapore, London, Amsterdam and Boston. Learn more about Mach49 at www.mach49.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082800/Mach49_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mach49

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[September 30, 2021] Julius Named One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Julius, a leading influencer marketing software platform, today announced that Inc. magazine named the company as No. 1200 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. Inc. estimated Julius' revenue growth at 403 percent; two times the Inc. 5000's median revenue growth for the full list. Julius is the only influencer-marketing software company recognized this year. With a footprint in influencer marketing dating back to 2012, Julius was formalized in 2017 by Jared Augustine, Tiki Barber and Mark Gerson. Julius acquired HYPR in 2020, and collectively the company now possesses the most influencer marketing expertise and data analytics in the market. The company has attracted top talent along with emerging and global brands as clients, including Abbvie, American Epress, Footlocker, NARS, and UPPAbaby.





"The team at Julius is honored by this recognition," said Jared Augustine, CEO and Co-founder of Julius. "We are excited to be on the same list once occupied by now-powerhouse companies including Intuit, Microsoft and Zapposand, we plan to follow in their footsteps of combining sustainable business growth with unrivaled customer service."

"The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. "Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we've lived through is just plain amazing." About Julius

Julius is an influencer-marketing platform offering scalable full-funnel solutions driven by data. Its proprietary technology serves enterprise clients' unique needs in identifying, activating and accurately measuring and gaining the best value on their campaigns. Headquartered in New York City, Julius has offices in San Francisco, London and Krakow. About Inc. Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/julius-named-one-of-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies-301389389.html SOURCE Julius

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[September 30, 2021] Dupaco Community Credit Union and Home Savings Bank Sign Agreement for Strategic Acquisition

Dupaco Community Credit Union ("Dupaco"), and Home Bancorp Wisconsin, Inc. ("Home Bancorp") (OTCPK: HWIS), the holding company of Home Savings Bank, announced today that they have signed a definitive purchase and assumption agreement whereby Dupaco, headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa, will acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of Home Savings Bank in an all-cash transaction (the "Transaction"). Following the completion of the Transaction, Home Bancorp and Home Savings Bank will settle their remaining obligations and distribute their remaining cash (the "Liquidation") to the Home Bancorp stockholders. Home Savings Bank operates two bank branches in Madison, Wisconsin and had approximately $183 million in assets as of June 30, 2021. Dupaco currently operates 18 branches, including a branch in Platteville, Wisconsin, and has over 143,000 members. This strategic acquisition will increase Dupaco's total number of branches to 20 and total assets to approximately $2.8 billion based on financial data as of June 30, 2021. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930006014/en/ Home Bancorp was created in connection with the 2014 mutual-to-stock conversion of Home Savings Bank. As a part of such conversion, a liquidation account was created for the benefit of certain depositors of Home Savings Bank. It is anticipated that Home Savings Bank will pay out the balance of this liquidation account to the holders of sub accounts therein in connection with the Transaction and Liquidation. Home Bancorp currently estimates that, upon the completion of the Liquidation, its stockholders will receive between $26.47 and $27.32 in cash consideration for each share of Home Bancorp common stock they own. The actual amount of consideration received by stockholders is subject to substantial variation based on, among other things, the amount of corporate level taxation of the Transaction and Liquidation including potential changes in general corporate tax rates, uncertainties with respect to the regulatory treatment of and costs associated with the liquidation account, Home Savings Bank's future operating results and whether it can meet a minimum equity value at closing of the Transaction, the amount of cash held by Home Bancorp at closing and costs related to the dissolution of Home Savings Bank and Home Bancorp. Based on these and other factors discussed below under "Forward-Looking Statements," investors should not assume that the ultimate consideration distributed to stockholders will be within the range set forth above. The Transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both institutions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, the approval of Home Bancorp's stockholders and regulatory approvals. The distribution of cash to Home Bancorp stockholders is currently expected to occur within 180 days after completion of the Transaction, although delays in the process of dissolving Home Savings Bank and Home Bancorp could delay the distribution to stockholders. Home Savings Bank has served its community since 1895. Both Home Savings Bank locations will operate as Dupaco offices after the Transaction. The parties expect that Home Savings Bank customers will be offered the opportunity to become members of Dupaco with full access to the credit union's wide array of products and services as well as its larger lending limit. Dupaco President and CEO Joe Hearn said the proposed partnership is an obvious cultural and geographic fit that will create enhancements for Dupaco members and Home Savings Bank customers. "Dupaco and Home Savings Bank share similar values. Our combined organization will reinforce the foundation of a credit union that prioritizes the well-being of our members, employee, and communities," said Hearn. "We recognize and value Home Savings Bank's 125-year history, leadership, and local market expertise." Hearn said a partnership with a proven financial institution like Home Savings Bank-with established service channels and customers-will allow Dupaco to immediately serve existing and new members along the Dubuque to Madison economic corridor. Since 2002, the credit union has operated a branch in Platteville, Wisconsin. Dupaco's 112-county field of membership already includes Dane County, Wisconsin. "The bottom line is that on day one, the partnership will provide a positive financial return to all members of our cooperative, while simultaneously adding two branch locations to enhance service to the thousands of Dupaco members who live and work in southwest Wisconsin," said Hearn.



"For the majority of our 125-year history, Home Savings Bank was structured as a mutual institution, with a focus on serving our members and our community," said James Bradley, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Home Bancorp. "We're excited about the opportunity to return to those roots as a credit union." According to Bradley, the current competitive marketplace and the increasing demands in the rapidly evolving financial services industry prompted bank management and the board to determine that combining with a larger organization was the optimal strategy for serving multiple stakeholders today and well into the future. "We were attracted to Dupaco Community Credit Union's commitment to exceptional service to their members and their uncommon investment in the people and communities they serve," Bradley said. "We were impressed by the credit union's depth and breadth of history and success-we're honored to be part of their promising future." Additional Information:

In connection with the proposed Transaction, Home Bancorp will provide its stockholders with a proxy statement and other relevant documents concerning the Transaction and Liquidation. Stockholders of Home Bancorp are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant documents and any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information which should be considered before making any decision regarding the Transaction and Liquidation. Stockholders of Home Bancorp will be able to obtain a copy of the proxy statement, and any other relevant documents, on the Home Savings Bank website (www.home-savings.com). Home Bancorp and Home Savings Bank are being represented in this transaction by Hovde Group, LLC and Luse Gorman, PC, Washington, DC. Dupaco is being represented by Olsen Palmer LLC and Howard and Howard, Chicago, Illinois. About Dupaco Community Credit Union: Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 112 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 143,000 with assets exceeding $2.6 billion. It has more than 600 employees and 18 branch office locations-including Platteville, Wisconsin. Dupaco is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. About Home Savings Bank: Home Savings Bank was established in 1895 as Home Savings & Loan-a mutual saving bank to provide mortgage loans to homeowners, a role that Madison's commercial banks of the day were not serving. With assets exceeding $180 million, it has nearly two dozen employees and operates two branch offices-one of which was the first LEED-certified bank in Wisconsin. Home Savings Bank has been recognized by the FDIC with an "outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating for its record of lending to all income levels, particularly low and moderate-income, and its participation in community development projects targeted at low- and moderate-income areas and residents. Learn more at www.home-savings.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the anticipated completion dates for the Transaction and liquidation. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could" or "may." There can be no guarantee that the proposed Transaction with Dupaco will be completed, or that Home Bancorp stockholders will receive consideration within the range provided above in connection with the Liquidation if the Transaction is completed. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include delays in completing the Transaction, uncertainties regarding the proper treatment and calculation of the liquidation account, corporate level tax expenses and potential changes in the tax laws, transaction expenses, additions to Home Savings Bank's allowance for loan losses and other factors that could affect Home Savings Bank's equity at closing, legislative and regulatory changes that adversely affect the business in which Dupaco and Home Savings Bank are engaged, changes in the securities markets and other risks and uncertainties. In addition, given its ongoing and dynamic nature, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business of Dupaco and Home Bancorp and on the transaction. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including when the coronavirus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic can be fully controlled and abated and when and how the economy may be completely reopened. As the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related adverse local and national economic consequences, our forward-looking statements are subject to additional risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Except as required by law, none of Dupaco, Home Savings Bank or Home Bancorp undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930006014/en/

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[September 30, 2021] 40 Years Ago this Month the World's First Portable Cell Phone was Deployed on a Commercial Cellular Network

GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty years ago this month the world's first portable cellular phone service was introduced in Sweden by Comvik (now Millicom International Cellular SA). This defining moment in mobile history occurred in September 1981 when Comvik offered its new cellular service to subscribers. During the previous summer, the firm converted an existing mobile truck dispatch system to a semi-automated cellular system designed by E.F. Johnson and Millicom. This first portable cellular offering was launched a month before the government-run Nordic Mobile Telephone service, making Sweden the first country in the world with competitive cellular operators. A cell service prior to Comvik came from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in Tokyo, but it was considered more of a technical curiosity than a serious commercial entity. Though it utilized a cellular architecture, the NTT mobile phone was firmly affixed to the car. In contrast, Comvik made available the first cellular phone that could be untethered from the vehicle. Designed by E.F. Johnson & Co., Millicom and Nils Martensson, the "lunchbox," as it was known, was a radical innovation at the time and it would be another two years before the commercial introduction of the DynaTAC 8000X (i.e. the Motorola "Brick") in Baltimore/Washinton in December 1983. So, contrary to popular belief, the Brick was not the first portable cell phone.



Spencer Trask & Co. Chairman Kevin Kimberlin , the early investor in Millicom who helped structure its first funding, reflected on this achievement stating, "The pioneers at Comvik and Millicom led the way to our mobile lifestyle today. They cracked the code for delivering the portable cell phone in the real world, a pivotal event in what became a technological, cultural and social revolution." Starting with this seminal launch, the commercialization of mobile telephony has grown dramatically. As for mass adoption and value, there are 10.4 billion mobile connected devices according to GMSA, and the industry generated $1 trillion of revenues in 2020. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, mobile service subscribers spent $490 billion last year using mobile money. Worldwide, mobile connectivity delivered $4.4 trillion in economic activity, some 5.1% of global GDP.

Visit Spencer Trask & Co. at Medium to learn more about the early history of mobile telephony and cellular portability. About Spencer Trask & Co.

Spencer Trask & Co. is an advanced technology development firm that starts, banks and builds new ventures from the idea stage to the world stage. The firm and its principals have co-founded or first-funded world leaders in genomics, the Internet, mobile communications, healthcare and artificial intelligence. By networking with smart entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists and obsessive missionaries, Spencer Trask & Co. helps create one-of-a-kind opportunities to make the world a better place. www.spencertraskco.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/40-years-ago-this-month-the-worlds-first-portable-cell-phone-was-deployed-on-a-commercial-cellular-network-301389408.html SOURCE Spencer Trask & Co.

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[September 30, 2021] BrainChip VP of Worldwide Sales and CFO to Copresent at Fall Harvest Best Ideas Conference

BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN), (OTCQX: BRCHF), a leading provider of ultra-low power high performance artificial intelligence technology, today announced that Rob Telson VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing and CFO Ken Scarince have been invited to copresent at the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Harvest Best Ideas Conference October 5 at 10:30 a.m. PDT, October 6 at 1:30 a.m. AWST, October 6 at 3:30 a.m. AEST. The presentation will be available for viewing at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2800/43019 Best Ideas is a virtual conference that brings together the Top 35 ideas from the buy side. Companies invited to present at the conference were recommended by qualified institutional investors. The Company's 25-minute presentation will discuss how BrainChip is delivering the next generation of artificial intelligence at the Edge. In addition to the Company's presentation, company representatives will be available for one-on-one meetings throughout the conference, which is being held October 5 through 8. "BrainChip is a global technology company that is revolutionizing Edge AI applications with our event domain neural processor and comprehensive development environment," said Scarince. "I look forward to sharing with attendees of the Best Ideas Conference how we plan to achieve long-term success through maintaining innovation in key areas of artificial intelligence semiconductor design, software development and technology to provide value to all of our shareholders, customers and employees."



BrainChip's Akida is a revolutionary advanced neural networking processor that brings Artificial Intelligence to the Edge in a way that existing technologies are not capable. Akida is high-performance, small, ultra-low power and enables a wide array of edge capabilities. The Akida (NSoC) and intellectual property, can be used in applications including Smart Home, Smart Health, Smart City and Smart Transportation. These applications include but are not limited to home automation and remote controls, industrial IoT, robotics, security cameras, sensors, unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles, medical instruments, object detection, sound detection, odor and taste detection, gesture control and cybersecurity. Investors interested in attending the Fall Harvest Best Ideas Conference can register here.

About BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF) BrainChip is a global technology company that is producing a groundbreaking neuromorphic processor that brings artificial intelligence to the edge in a way that is beyond the capabilities of other products. The chip is high performance, small, ultra-low power and enables a wide array of edge capabilities that include on-chip training, learning and inference. The event-based neural network processor is inspired by the spiking nature of the human brain and is implemented in an industry standard digital process. By mimicking brain processing BrainChip has pioneered a processing architecture, called Akida, which is both scalable and flexible to address the requirements in edge devices. At the edge, sensor inputs are analyzed at the point of acquisition rather than through transmission via the cloud to a data center. Akida is designed to provide a complete ultra-low power and fast AI Edge Network for vision, audio, olfactory and smart transducer applications. The reduction in system latency provides faster response and a more power efficient system that can reduce the large carbon footprint of data centers. Additional information is available at https://www.brainchipinc.com Follow BrainChip on Twitter (News - Alert) : https://www.twitter.com/BrainChip_inc

Follow BrainChip on LinkedIn (News - Alert) : https://www.linkedin.com/company/7792006 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210930005946/en/

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Digital communication in the workplace has become normal and essential, as the digital tools have started to reach the point where use by businesses is beneficial. While digitalization has moved into every corner of the workplace, its important for companies of all sizes to realize why digital communications are important in all departments and as part of their companys strategy.

Many businesses are already digitizing both their communication and collaboration tools to enhance a myriad of aspects within their businesses, from simple daily processes to improving the customer experience. For example, the percentage of companies investing in omnichannel communications technology to better the customer experience has increased to more than 80 percent from 20 percent. Likewise, 80 percent of businesses already apply collaboration tools to optimize their business operations.

The fact is, digital methods of communication are faster, more versatile, practical, and streamlined, so it is perhaps unsurprising that once the technology became available, businesses began quickly moving into the digital age. Digital communication also holds endless potential when it comes to collaboration, which is why its no surprise companies are beginning to leverage the tools necessary to optimize their digital communications.

Kandy (News - Alert) Communications, a business unit of American Virtual Cloud Technologies (AVCT) and a global leader in secure and intelligent cloud communications, announced that Synoptek, a global systems integrator and managed IT services provider (MSP), has deployed the Kandy Unified Communications (News - Alert) -as-a-Service (UCaaS) solution for the Global Furniture Group (Global Furniture), the fifth-largest multinational manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of office furniture with a 55-year legacy and more than 8,000 employees.

We have a very strong, long-standing partnership with Synoptek and are pleased that we can enable the deployment of our Kandy UCaaS services, said Chuck Canton, President, Kandy Communications. In todays hybrid work environments, business users and customers want modern communications capabilities whether they are in the office, at home, or on the go. Kandy can provide the same rich collaboration and communications experience from virtually anywhere.

Kandy enables Synoptek to offer real-time communications services, including voice, video, instant messaging, presence, and collaboration capabilities for large flagship enterprises, by employing Kandys UCaaS. This approach to communications technology involves combining many different communication methods into one platform, which can include voice over internet protocol (VoIP), video conferencing, instant messaging, email, and more. The platform resides in the cloud and combines these technologies into a single interface accessible from any desk phone, smartphone, tablet, or computer.

This technology holds a myriad of benefits for organizations looking to improve their digital communications. Switching to UCaaS from older communications equipment can provide significant cost savings. The provider hosts the equipment in their data centers and provides access to the service through the cloud. This means that businesses dont have to purchase large amounts of hardware required to host the service at their own facility. With cloud-based services, there are almost no upfront costs.

On top of this, UCaaS gives a business much more flexibility in how it communicates. Organizations can use more types of channels and devices from more locations while seamlessly switching between them, which makes a business more agile and helps adjust to changes more quickly.

Kandys UCaaS, which is now being used by Global Furniture, is a full suite of cloud-based communications services, including contact centers that enable the transition of business communications to the cloud. As part of a broader solution, Kandy offers Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) which enables embedded communications for enterprises as part of their broader digital transformation and enhanced customer engagement strategy.

Kandys UCaaS solution is a great addition to our portfolio, providing us with a proven hosted product that immediately expands our business services offerings, said Tim Britt, CEO at Synoptek. Not only does Kandy UCaaS support traditional phones and analog devices, Kandy Smart Office soft clients enable premium chat, end-user voice and video conferencing, and collaboration. Kandy allows us to be a one-stop-shop to meet all our customers real-time communications needs, regardless of whether they seek solutions for office, factory, mobile, remote, or hybrid work environments.

Today, digital communications and collaboration have become indispensable and are no longer an option in the workplace but a necessity. And for those organizations that dont want to be left behind as the world goes digital, keeping pace with new technologies is critical, and enterprise digital communications transformation through a good UCaaS solution can help organizations not lose ground in a highly competitive world.

Edited by Luke Bellos
It didn't get much reaction from commenters but it seems that council dude Kevin read our morning post and had a hissy fit today.



Councilman ONeill told The Star. The idea that there was no transparency is crap. ... Im just disturbed that our processes can be so challenged without any real reason. This is a I want this guy and not that person so I want the process changed, and I just think thats crap.

Even more curiously . . . The Mayor rescued the committee vote via Zoom call as council ladies exited the meeting saying that they didn't want to be involved with such a secretive process.

Walking away from something so sketchy is probably the right move.



What's strange here is that even The Kansas City Star seems to be noting the backdoor nature of this sketchy deal.



Meanwhile, there aren't many defenders of this busted process that's losing quickly losing faith from voters and threatens to ruin public excitement over the airport.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

'Shit show': KCI concessions contract approved, heads to council after dramatic meeting Two Kansas City Council members left a dramatic committee meeting on Wednesday as members sparred verbally over the controversial airport concessions contract. Council members Teresa Loar, waving to the people packed in the chambers as she exited, and Katheryn Shields left the meeting, fed up with what they felt was a lack of transparency and time given to fully review airport bids.

Update . . .

A heated committee meeting ended early tonight over a billion-dollar concession deal at KCI airport A billion-dollar deal lasting 15 years is up against a deadline and the city council is nowhere close to a decision. Elected officials walked out of the committee meeting over concessions at the newly redesigned Kansas City International airport.Second District Councilmember Teresa Loar says they don't yet have enough information to agree to such a large commitment.

Committee advances KCI Airport concessions bid - but not without heated debate first KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City committee has endorsed Vantage Airport Group to be the concessions operator at the new Kansas City International Airport terminal. But Wednesday's vote didn't happen without some heated City Hall debate. The Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee had just one week to review all five proposals for the concession contract at KCI.

Councilmembers at odds over KCI concessions contract KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - A battle over a billion-dollar contract to run concessions at the new KCI airport is growing heated. The full KCMO City Council will be the next group to discuss it. The selection process has gotten some criticism from councilmembers, as well as vendors that are not part of the recommended bid.

Developing . . .
Tonight we focus on benchmarks that are subject to change and politically charged debate . . .



Most school districts in the greater Kansas City metro region have required students and staff to wear masks inside schools to begin the academic year. Schools in more rural areas have often taken a mask-recommended approach.



Dr. Kenny Southwick, executive director of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City could not predict a date for masking recommendations to change.



"As vaccinations go up, and cases go down, I think you'll see a revisit of that," Southwick said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
We haven't been very excited over allegations about student behavior . . . But as always, we hope that teacher's know better.

Here's the story . . .

The district said a Raytown High School teacher used the N-word during a discussion with students in their class Wednesday.

"Regardless of the teachers intent, we understand the offensive and inappropriate nature of this word," the district said in a letter sent out to parents.

Translation . . . It's very likely the slur wasn't directed at anyone but uttered while mistakenly trying to navigate the culture war minefield.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

School district investigating after Raytown High School teacher allegedly uses racial slur RAYTOWN, Mo. - The Raytown School District said they are investigating after becoming aware that a teacher allegedly used a racial slur. The district said a Raytown High School teacher used the N-word during a discussion with students in their class Wednesday.

Raytown High School teacher uses racial slur in class, district will 'investigate' RAYTOWN, MO (KCTV) -- The Raytown C-2 School District is investigating the use of a racial slur by a teacher in class on Wednesday. According to an email sent out to parents and guardians Wednesday night, the district says it is aware that a teacher at Raytown High School used the n-word during a discussion with students in their class earlier in the day.

Raytown sends email to parents saying teacher used racial slur in class The Raytown C-2 School District sent an email to parents tonight informing them that a teacher used the N-word during a discussion with students. In the email the district says their board of education that does not condone and will not accept offensive and inappropriate behavior from staff."Regardless of the teacher's intent, we understand the offensive and inappropriate nature of this word," The district said in their message to parents earlier tonight.

Raytown High School teacher uses racial slur in class KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Raytown High School teacher "used the N-word during a discussion with students in their class today," according to a letter sent to parents by Raytown Superintendent Dr. Allan Markley. In the letter sent to families Wednesday, Markley said the district "does not condone and will not accept offensive and inappropriate behavior from staff, students, volunteers and visitors."

Sadly, as a brief aside, new spy tech didn't help prevent the controversial situation . . .

Facial recognition to be tested at Raytown School District In 2018 the Raytown School District received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for a facial recognition pilot project at its two high schools. The district planned to collect pictures of all students and employees through a software program, as well as the faces of people on the state's sexual predator registry and anyone deemed a threat, including individuals expelled or suspended.

Developing . . .
I. i do have time to research and have already started. This won't be needed until mid January. We are staying at the Sunrise Racquet Club on N Sunrise Way (our usual rental in Rancho Mirage was not available as the HOA has banned rentals this year).

2. Because the land border is not open yet (still hoping) we have to fly rather than drive down as we did in the past. That leaves us without a vehicle. Car rentals are still very pricey as supply is limited. We can manage without as grocery stores and pharmacy are nearby. Our lifestyle is mainly go for a long walk, spend the day at the pool, reading -quiet. We are fine with having to take the bus. Will also taxi/Uber.

3. All of the sites I have found say either drive through or even more specific" vehicle required".I can't imagine that a taxi or Uber would want to go through the drive through testing with us as passengers. Canada requires a PCR test to come home - has to be done within 72 hrs of flight departure, and need results before you get to the airport.

Thanks for your response.

Edited: 01 October 2021, 02:32
The SBU has exposed an international criminal group involved in recruiting Ukrainian sailors before coercing them to work on vessels carrying illegal migrants from Central Asia to EU countries.

Thats according to the SBU press center, Ukrinform reports.

According to the inquiry, the scheme was set up by a Mykolaiv-based citizen of Ukraine and his accomplice from Turkey.

The perpetrators mostly targeted residents of Ukraines southern regions who had been facing issues with obtaining seafarer's permits. They were promised high-paying international jobs on long-distance vessels. To confirm own reliability, the culprits would transfer $3,000 to seamens accounts as an advance payment, immediately upon signing the contract.

"However, as it turned out later, the seamen were told to become crew members on vessels transporting illegal migrants from Central Asia to the EU," the statement said.

In the European Union, trafficking-related crimes are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and some Ukrainians recruited by perpetrators were caught and sentenced.

According to the investigation, the network of "recruiters" consisted of at least six individuals.

The foreign counterpart paid his Ukrainian partner $7,000 per recruit.

The conspirators have hired at least five groups of Ukrainians, of whom fie persons are now serving long-term sentences across the EU.

SBU operatives managed to prevent the latest group of two seamen from leaving Ukraine via the Mykolaiv Airport under the contract signed with the suspects.

Two group members have already been detained and charged under Part 2 Art. 149 (human trafficking) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The sting operation to expose the scheme was carried out jointly with the police and supervised by the local prosecutors office.

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Over the past day, September 29, the armed formations of the Russian Federation violated ceasefire in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area seven times.

The enemy opened aimed fire in the area of Zolote-4 (59km west of Luhansk), using

hand-held antitank and under-barrel grenade launchers, small arms. Ukrainian positions near Pisky (11km north-west of Donetsk) came under hand-held antitank grenade launcher and heavy machine gun fire. Aimed fire from hand-held antitank grenade launchers was brought down near Shumy (41km north of Donetsk). Occupiers launch four attacks, using grenade launchers of different systems and small arms, towards Lebedynske (16km east of Mariupol), the press center of JFO Headquarters posted on Facebook.

Ukrainian troops returned fire and forced the enemy to cease shelling. JFO troops suffered no casualties.

Today, September 30, no ceasefire violations by the Russian-occupation forces have been recorded.

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Russian-backed forces violated the ceasefire in the Joint Forces Operation area in eastern Ukraine three times as of 11:00 on September 30, killing one Ukrainian soldier, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press service has reported.

"One Joint Forces serviceman sustained a fatal wound in enemy shelling," the report said.

Near Novotoshkivske, Luhansk region, the invaders fired at Ukrainian positions from grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns, and small arms. Near Kamianka, Donetsk region, the enemy used 122mm artillery.

Read also: Seven ceasefire violations recorded in eastern Ukraine

In addition, Russian mercenaries fired from automatic grenade launchers towards Popasna, Luhansk region.

Ukrainian service members returned fire, making the enemy stop the attack, the ministry's press service said.

Earlier reports said that Russian-led forces committed seven ceasefire violations in the JFO zone on September 29.

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The National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council is ready to provide the Ministry of Energy with its capabilities to implement cyber security measures in the energy sector at an early stage, the NSDC has reported on Facebook.

According to the report, on September 29-30, Odesa hosts a two-day field meeting (as part of the Energy CyberCon 2021 conference) of the working group on building the cyber protection of critical infrastructure facilities of the energy sector of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.

Opening the meeting, NSDC Deputy Secretary Serhii Demediuk noted that cybersecurity is a vital factor in the existence of the energy sector today.

"Today, it is critical not only to introduce the latest technologies for energy efficiency, but also to protect the energy system from threats in cyberspace," he said.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the coordination of actions of public and private entities in the energy sector in ensuring reliable cybersecurity.

"We must take into account all the existing threats and develop a scheme of the joint coordination of actions, methods of response that can be applied to both the public and private sectors," Demediuk said.

According to him, the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity is ready to provide its capabilities and means for coordination until the cyber defense center starts operating at the Ministry of Energy.

The first summit of the National Cybersecurity Cluster took place in Kyiv on September 23 with the participation of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity and the US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF Global).
The Interior Ministry of Ukraine is planning to create another subdivision at the ministry  the Office of Business Protection, according to Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky.

"After conducting a functional analysis, we see the need and necessity to create the Office of Business Protection at the Interior Ministry. It will be a formal or possibly informal structure, but the main thing is that it will be managed by several people at the ministry," Monastyrsky said at a meeting with business representatives, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

According to the minister, the people at the ministry responsible for the cases related to business will be First Deputy Interior Minister Yevhen Yenin, adviser to the interior minister, Anton Herashchenko, Head of the National Police Ihor Klymenko, Head of the National Police main investigation department Maksym Tsutskiridze and his deputy Serhiy Panteleyev.

Monastyrsky also said that the Interior Ministry should become a center of support and protection of business in the country.

"The Interior Ministry should become a center of support and protection of business, not a center of bribery and extortion. This is my goal as a minister and this is the goal of my team," Monastyrsky said.

The meeting with the minister was attended by representatives of various companies and business organizations, including Philipp Morris, Nemiroff, SE Ukrspyrt, Jacobs, Saturn, Kyivstar, the European Business Association, the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ukrainian Association Renewable Energy and others.

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Three Ukrainians were killed and one more was injured in a tragic car accident that occurred near the village of Rzgow not far from Lodz, central Poland, at about 21:00 Kyiv time on September 29, Joanna Kacka, spokeswoman for the Lodz Voivodeship police, has told Ukrinform.

She said that two men, aged 23 and 25, and a 23-year-old woman died in the crash and a 25-year-old woman was hospitalized.

"We have managed to confirm that four Ukrainian citizens were traveling in a car with Polish license plates. They lived in Wroclaw," Kacka said.

She added that two of those killed in the accident were probably married.

According to preliminary information from the police, the driver of the BMW car, in which the Ukrainians were traveling on the national road 91 in the direction of the city of Katowice, lost control of the vehicle. The car ran into an electric pole at high speed and broke into two parts.

Two more cars were also involved in the accident, but there were no casualties among the passengers of these vehicles.

Photo credit: KWP Lodz
Turkey does not recognize the attempted annexation of Crimea by Russia and will support Crimean Tatars and defend their rights.

Thats according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu who spoke at a meeting with non-governmental organizations in Eskisehir, Ukrinform reports referring to Haberler.

"We have never recognized the annexation of Crimea. And wont. We will continue to defend the rights of Crimean Tatars to the end," the minister said in his address.

He also stressed that Turkey is "one of the leaders" in the Crimea issue and reaffirmed its position on the Crimea Platform diplomatic initiative.

Earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the country was monitoring the situation regarding the arrest of Nariman Dzhelyalov, Deputy Head of Crimean Tatars Mejlis, and expecting he will be released along with other held Crimean Tatars.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on September 3 and 4, security forces conducted a number of illegal searches in Crimean Tatars homes in the occupied Crimea before they detained Nariman Dzhelyalov, First Deputy Chairman of the Crimean Tatar People's Mejlis, as well as activists Eldar Odamanov, Aziz and Asan Akhtemovs, and Shevket Useinov.

On September 6, the Simferopol District Court ordered that Dzhelyalov and the Akhtemov brothers be held in custody until November 4. Adamanov and Useinov were ruled to be held for 14 and 15 days, respectively, for resisting police.

The prosecutors then amended the charges initially pressed against Nariman Dzhelyalov, illegally detained in the occupied Crimea. He is now being accused of committing an attack on a gas pipe feeding a military unit in Crimea (instead of the earlier charges of aiding and abetting the crime).

On September 10, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a statement calling on the international community to condemn yet another wave of repression against Crimean Tatars in the occupied Crimea.

President Volodymyr Zelensky sees the latest raids and arrests in the temporarily occupied Crimea as Russia's reaction to the launch of the Crimea Platform and demands that those detained be released.

Photo: AA

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John Herbst, president of the Atlantic Council think tank and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, says he is ready to help raise the issue of the need to provide Ukraine with clear security guarantees and increase sanctions pressure on Russia, including due to the construction of Nord Stream 2.

He said this during a meeting with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov on September 14, Ukrinform reports with reference to the NSDC press service.

"During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of Ukrainian-American cooperation, paying special attention to cooperation in the military sphere, in particular, increasing U.S. military assistance to Ukraine," the report reads.

According to Danilov, further deepening of cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the exchange of experience between Ukrainian and U.S. military, "will have a cumulative effect."

The parties exchanged views on the security situation in Europe and the world, in particular in the context of Russia's aggressive actions in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and the completion of the construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

Danilov reiterated that Nord Stream 2 is a serious security challenge not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe. "It's not just about the economic component. For example, the question arises, how will the Russians guard Nord Stream 2? This gas pipeline will be a serious test for everyone," he said.

The parties paid special attention to the recent meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House.

Herbst believes Zelensky's visit to Washington was a success. In particular, he noted that security issues became key during the meeting of the presidents.

President Biden highlighted the priority of security and the need to support Ukraine, he said, adding that the revival of Ukraine-U.S. Strategic Partnership Commission is a call to action.

Herbst expressed his readiness to help advance the issue of the need to provide Ukraine with clear security guarantees and increase sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, including due to the construction of Nord Stream 2.

As Ukrinform reported, on September 10, NSDC Secretary Danilov discussed with Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Takashi Kurai the deepening of bilateral cybersecurity cooperation between the security agencies of the two countries.

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The Russian Federation continues to disguise as public rhetoric its unwillingness to fulfill obligations to implement the Minsk agreements and the decisions of the Normandy Four summit.

Thats according to a comment to Ukrinform by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oleh Nikolenko.

"Behind the screen of noisy verbal attacks by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the purposeful policy is quite clear of destroying the infrastructure of the peace process: sabotaging the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the results of the summit of Normandy (Four  ed.) leaders, blocking the work of the Trilateral Contact Group, and obstructing the OSCE work," the official noted.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that the latest examples of logic of further escalation, dominating in Moscow, include the illegal holding of Russian State Duma elections in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, and repression targeting Crimean Tatars.

Nikolenko reiterated the fact that the keys to peace in Ukraine lie in the Kremlin, but there is a lack of "resolute political will to move forward." According to him, when it appears, the rest of the issues will become a technical process.

"Russia can already take the first step: to accept the idea of meeting at the level of foreign ministers of the Normandy Four. The time to move from words to action is long overdue. Our country is ready for progress. At the same time, we clearly understand who we are dealing with. That is why we rely on both diplomacy and the army, the Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded.

As reported, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the escalation is ongoing in eastern Ukraine place against the background of what she referred to as "aggressive rhetoric" by Kyiv officials. In this context, Zakharova mentioned the recent comment by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who admitted the possibility of an all-out war with Russia, as well as the statement by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, that the Ukrainian Army could regain territory from the so-called DPR and LPR Russia-controlled statelets. The spokeswoman for Russian diplomacy also said such statements "should be stopped by those handling Ukraine in the west."

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Preparations for the meeting of the Ukraine-U.S. Strategic Partnership Commission (SPC) in an updated format are in full swing as documents are already being drafted and intensive discussions are underway on issues on the agenda.

Thats according to Ukraines Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, who offered Ukrinform her exclusive comment.

"We are currently in active discussion with our American counterparts and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, also working on the documents that will be considered at the meeting of the Strategic Partnership Commission," said the embassy chief.

She noted that all issues laid down in the joint statement of the two presidents following their meeting in early September are being prepared for discussion.

"The way the presidents joint statement is structured, the Commission will actually cover all the areas designated in it. This applies to issues of defense, democracy, justice, and human rights, as well as energy security, climate, and economic cooperation," Markarova said.

According to the ambassador, the key focus will, of course, be put on security and repelling Russian aggression. She added that the main areas of cooperation in this field are defined in the documents, signed during the visit, on the defense partnership and, in particular, in the framework agreement with the Pentagon.

"We are already working very actively toward further developing the agreements reached," the ambassador stressed.

As for the dates for the SPC meeting, they are being coordinated and will be decided on soon.

"We are still working on the dates, but it will definitely be held before year-end," the diplomat said.

Also, she said the Commission is expected to develop a plan and to "approve the Strategic Partnership Charter, which hasnt been updated since 2008." Therefore, Markarova noted, "some really pro-active and productive work" is underway.

In addition, the ambassador said that the Ukrainian and American sides are working on the preparation of the Strategic Energy Dialogue. She confirmed that this format would include, among other things, discussions of Nord Stream 2 challenges but will be much broader."

The energy dialogue will also cover cooperation in nuclear energy, development of renewables, climate issues, and other points identified in the joint statement of the energy agencies, Markarova added. According to her, all these issues are also under discussion with the American side.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden during a meeting in Washington in early September agreed to intensify the work of the Strategic Partnership Commission.

According to the Ukrainian Presidents Office, the SPC will be "reoriented and provided with resources to tackle the challenges of the XXI century."

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Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba will meet with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in October, with the talks set to be held in Lviv, instead of Kyiv, to present the Ukrainian city to Turkish investors.

The statement came as Kuleba was speaking at an online briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"In early October, my friend and colleague, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, will arrive in Ukraine. Id like to expand the geography of Ukrainian diplomacy, so I will receive Mevlut not in Kyiv, as is traditionally the case, but in Lviv. Lviv, get ready to meet Ukrainian and Turkish diplomacy! the minister said.

He noted that in Lviv, the two top diplomats would hold a meeting of the joint strategic planning team to prepare for the 10th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council, chaired by the two presidents, set to be held in Kyiv early next year.

Kuleba noted that choosing Lviv as a site of the upcoming meeting with his Turkish counterpart was no accident as the city is Ukraines major tourist, industrial, transport, cultural, and IT hub.

"In particular, were willing to present these opportunities in Lviv to Turkish investors," the minister said.

Kuleba added that during the meeting with Cavusoglu, he would also discuss the security situation in the Black Sea region before holding a meeting in the Quadriga format in Ankara by the end of 2021.

"Ukraine and Turkey are countries whose union in the Black Sea is the key to ensuring balance in the regional security situation and the smooth functioning of trade routes. The same sentiments, I assure you, prevail in Ankara," the foreign minister concluded.

The Quadriga diplomatic format was established as a platform for political and security consultations to implement the agreements reached between the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey in Istanbul on October 16, 2020.

Meetings in the "two foreign ministers + two defense ministers" format are expected to take place annually, according to the tentative plan.

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In an interview with EU Observer, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Olga Stefanishyna, noted Russia's attempts to blackmail European partners with high gas prices to force them to drop EU energy legislation requirements to Nord Stream 2, thus allowing Gazprom to gain monopoly rights to operate the pipe.

EU Observer published the relevant article on Thursday, according to Ukrinform.

"We can see what's happening with the gas prices, which we treat as an incident of hybrid warfare, basically ... the signal Russia is sending to European capitals is: 'We're really manipulating prices, so you should launch Nord Stream 2 to stabilise the prices'. This is a clear narrative for us, Stefanishyna said.

The articles author recalls that gas prices for Europe have more than tripled since year-start amid low reserves and a spike in global demand. At the same time, creating a political atmosphere of crisis, which pushes prices further up, Russia is trying to force Europe to abandon provisions of EU energy legislation mandating an independent operator for Russias Nord Stream 2 pipe.

Read also: Ukraine wants EU to extend energy legislation to Nord Stream 2

"We cannot allow Russia an exception from European rules on this," Olga Stefanishyna told the outlet.

According to the EU Observer, Russia's attempts to monopolize control of the pipeline are detrimental to European energy security. If Russia achieves their goal, it could potentially lead to Russia suspending gas supplies to Poland and Ukraine as political leverage.

The article says its not only Ukraine officials who raise alarm, assessing the reasons behind the latest gas price jump in the European gas market, but also some influential MEPs from leading political groups who complain Gazprom is refusing to guarantee additional volumes ahead of the winter season despite available information that it had sufficient production capacity.

According to the publication, European leaders intend to discuss the gas price hike at the next EU summit this October. The topic will also be raised at the Ukraine-EU summit, set to be held in Kyiv next week. At the same time, as Olga Stefanishyna told EU Observer, the Ukrainian side expects that the final document of the Kyiv summit will reflect a provision on the extension of European energy legislation to Nord Stream 2.

As Ukrinform reported, gas prices in the EU energy markets beat own record highs several times over the last month, having already exceeded the psychological mark of $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters. This is happening against the background of an ongoing EU review of the Nord Stream 2 certification, as well as Gazprom's refusal to pump additional volumes to EU storage facilities. As a result, Europes gas stocks are only at about 73% of whats required for the winter season.

Background

Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom on September 10 announced the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, laid from Russia to Germany along the bottom of the Baltic Sea, thus bypassing Ukraine. Gazprom is a sole shareholder in the project.

Germany's Federal Network Agency has been reviewing since September 8 the Nord Stream 2 certification application, filed by the operator, Nord Stream 2 AG.

Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic countries, and the United States have been speaking up against the pipeline, seeing it as Rusias geopolitical instrument. The German side assures it will do everything to ensure that Ukraine retains its transit role, expecting from Russia guarantees that the gas transit contract with Ukraine be extended after the current 5-year deal, signed in December 2019, expires.

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Ukraine has helped more than 700 people leave Afghanistan, according to Ukrainian MP Rustem Umerov, a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the PACE.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said this in Strasbourg on Thursday, September 30, thanking service members from Ukraine and other countries who took part in the evacuation.

"Ukraine has helped more than 700 people leave Afghanistan. I want to thank every serviceman from Ukraine and other countries who took part in the evacuation operation. But this is not the end and the worst may be yet to come. The EU and the PACE need to draw the attention of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the importance of including this issue [in the agenda] for the development of further recommendations," Umerov said.

He also noted that the humanitarian impact on Europe, given the growth of migrants from Afghanistan. Therefore, the EU must develop a step-by-step plan to support migrants, he said.

Umerov also noted that another threat is that Afghanistan played a major role in the development of al-Qaeda and many fear that Afghanistan could once again become such a haven for terrorism.

"This risk is growing and we need to discuss the possibility of creating mechanisms to help regulate and prevent threats," he said.

Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the PACE, in turn, said in his speech during the urgent PACE debate on the situation in Afghanistan, that Ukraine did not stay aside, but helped evacuate people from the most dangerous places in Kabul. Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, he also mentioned the issue of migration pressure on the borders of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland with Belarus.

"One of the biggest challenges related to Afghanistan is the flow of migrants and we have seen how the Lukashenko regime uses migrants as a weapon on the borders with Lithuania, Latvia and Poland and this is also a problem. [...] We cannot just hide in our country from all international problems and say that we will deal only with internal problems. We must be strong. We must be ready to react to any hostile acts," he said.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba had a telephone conversation with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Heiko Maas.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs, the chief diplomats discussed the further development of UkraineGermany relations.

Kuleba expressed confidence that Germany would remain a reliable partner of Ukraine in matters of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of our country and the development of economic cooperation.

He thanked Maas for his efforts to organize a Normandy format ministerial meeting.

Kuleba thanked his German counterpart for his remarks on the 80th anniversary of the mass shootings in Babyn Yar and his call for preserving the memory of this terrible Nazi crime.

Kulba also congratulated Maas on successful elections.

As reported, the Social Democratic Party of Germany won the elections to the Bundestag, which took place on September 26.

Incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel did not participate in the election. She will step down after a coalition is formed and a new chancellor is appointed.

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The Finnish government has decided to reinstate restrictions on unnecessary (tourist) travel by citizens coming from Ukraine, according to a special website of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

From September 6 this year, travel for tourist purposes to Finland is allowed only to citizens who arrive with confirmation of the full course of vaccination against COVID-19 and provided that 14 days have passed since they received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

At the same time, the possibility of entry into Finland with a PCR test has been abolished.

According to the website, Finland recognizes seven vaccines: Pfizer-BionTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, and CoronaVac.

A month ago, Finland reopened its borders and lifted all entry restrictions for Ukrainian citizens, allowing them to cross the border with both a vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test taken no later than 72 hours prior to entry.

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Ukraine has co-initiated the creation of marine protected areas in Antarctica.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources for European Integration Iryna Stavchuk, who spoke at a virtual high-level meeting chaired by EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Policy and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius, Ukrinform reports referring to the Ministry.

It is noted that the European Commissioner convened a meeting with member states of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to discuss ahead of the Commissions 40th meeting the creation of marine protected areas in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read also: Thousands of penguins crowding near Ukrainian polar station

"Ukraine fully supports the initiatives to establish marine protected areas in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and around the Antarctic Peninsula, and joins the effort as a co-initiator of the areas being created," Stavchuk said.

The official added that Ukraine was ready to join the organization and conduct of joint expeditionary research in East Antarctica, inviting foreign researchers to join. Starting from the Antarctic summer of 2022-2023, the James Clark Ross research vessel, formerly manned by the British Antarctic Survey and recently acquired by the National Antarctic Research Center, can be used.

Stavchuk informed that Ukrainian scientists have already drafted a project to create a protected area around the Vernadsky Research Base in the Argentine Islands. It includes marine and terrestrial components and is set to become part of a larger protected area around the Antarctic Peninsula. It will now serve as a site to monitor rapid changes in the Southern Ocean ecosystem caused by climate change.

Read also: Humpback whales swim up to Ukrainian Antarctic station

According to Commissioner Sinkevicius, at the high-level meeting, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the rich and vulnerable marine life of the Southern Ocean as action is needed more than ever to change the situation, as biodiversity loss and climate change are affecting invaluable ecosystems at an unprecedented rate.

Many countries around have already recognized this need and co-founded new marine protected areas, while the support of all members of the Commission is required, the official stressed.

According to the Ukrainian ministry of environment, on April 28, EU Commissioner Sinkevicius held the first meeting of ministers, joined by new members and backers of the proposal to create marine protected areas in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and along the Antarctic Peninsula. Therefore, amid the current crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change, the EU reiterates its call on all Commission members to take decisive action to preserve the unique and rich biodiversity and ecosystems of the Southern Ocean.

As Ukrinform reported, in September the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius discussed with the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Roman Abramovsky, possibilities of co-sponsoring an EU proposal to create two marine protected areas in Antarctica.

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Ukraine and Kuwait discuss mutual recognition of COVID certificates to facilitate travel of citizens.

The issue was raised during a meeting of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Chief Digital Transformation Officer Dmytro Senik with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait for Economic Affairs Sami Al-Hamad, Ukrinform reports citing the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The parties discussed the intensification of investment cooperation, preparation for the next meeting of Joint Intergovernmental UkraineKuwait Commission on Economic, Technical, and Trade Cooperation.

Senik and Al-Hamad paid special attention to steps for strengthening tourism and aviation cooperation, including the opening of direct flights between Ukraine and Kuwait. In addition, the officials discussed the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates, including digital ones, to facilitate the travel of citizens.

The deputy ministers agreed to organize a visit of a Kuwaiti business delegation to Ukraine and to hold an economic week of Ukraine in Kuwait.

As reported, Ukraine and Thailand discussed mutual recognition of COVID certificates in September.

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There are still Ukrainian citizens in Afghanistan who want to leave the country, so Ukraine will keep trying to evacuate them.

"But we will continue to do so [agree on the evacuation of Ukrainians from Afghanistan]. I think that the next evacuation flight will be organized by the Main Directorate of Intelligence again and we will help them in every way," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at an online briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"There is no immediate threat" to Ukrainian citizens who now stay in Afghanistan and want to evacuate, he noted.

He added that the Foreign Ministry stayed in constant touch with them.

The minister noted that the latest evacuation carried out by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine was difficult.

"The evacuation was difficult, I'll tell you honestly, given the situation on the ground. The need to reach an agreement with the new Afghan authorities for a plane to land, for the people to get on the plane, for the plane to take off," Kuleba said.

However, he noted that Ukraine would continue to evacuate its citizens from Afghanistan "because we have repeatedly said this and proved by concrete actions that Ukraine does not leave its people in trouble."

As reported, in September, Ukrainian special operation forces managed to evacuate about a hundred Ukrainian citizens and Afghans from Kabul as part of a rescue operation, details of which were covered by The New York Times.

In total, Ukraine has already evacuated more than 650 people from Afghanistan: citizens of Ukraine and other countries, including UN representatives, members of human rights organizations, employees of Global Mail, USA Today, The Washington Post, Stars and Stipes and others, as well as people who cooperated with the coalition contingent.

Despite the fact that Ukraine did not have its own peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan, it ranked eighth in the number of rescued people among European countries.

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Published Sept. 30, 2021

A gallery talk and reception for "Out of Storage" artist Stefan Nodarse is at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Bry Gallery. Nodarse is a ULM alumnus, Adjunct Professor of Art and Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at Masur Museum of Art.

Out of Storage Works by Stefan Nodarse is the new exhibit at Bry Gallery at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Nodarse, MFA, is Adjunct Professor of Art in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, College of Arts, Education, and Sciences.

The exhibit runs through Oct. 20 and is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. A gallery talk and reception will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. The campus and community are invited to attend.

The collection of paintings and sculptures Nodarse literally brought out of storage for the one-man exhibit.

The Oak Grove native recently returned to Northeast Louisiana to join the university and serve as Masur Museum of Art Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.

Want to go? WHAT: "Out of Storage" works by Stefan Nodarse WHEN: Through Oct. 20, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. WHERE: Bry Gallery at ULM COST: Free and open to the public INFO: Dr. Joni Noble, 342-1376

"The woodcuts were from my thesis exhibition in 2018 and were in storage until about two months ago," said Nodarse. "Some of the others were in storage over a year because I don't have a place to keep them."

Nodarse earned his Bachelor of Fine Art from ULM in 2009, specializing in printmaking under Doyle Jeter. In 2018 he completed his Master of Fine Arts with distinction in printmaking from Indiana State University in Terre Haute. He was an adjunct art instructor during his graduate studies.

Nodarse gained experience in museum operations at Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute where he worked during and after his masters studies. With his MFA, Nodarse joined the faculty at nearby Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. He taught drawing and painting at St. Mary until the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

"The pandemic hit St. Mary, and I was hired mid-semester at Indiana State to teach 3D design. I was there two weeks when everything shut down," Nodarse said.

Like his colleagues at ULM, "I had to figure out how to shift to (teaching) online.

At the same time, Nodarse was working at a restaurant, which eventually became another casualty of the pandemic. With the constraints of COVID, Nodarse had enough of waiting tables and teaching art online.

Wondering if any positions at ULM were available, he reached out to his former professor Cliff Tresner, VAPA Associate Professor of Art, who put him in touch with Joni Noble, Ph.D., VAPA Art Professor, and Art Program Coordinator.

In a quick turnaround, Nodarse was back home in Louisiana. He is now teaching beginning drawing and basic design at ULM at night and working at the Masur by day.

About "Out of Storage"

Out of Storage features dynamic, oversized portraits, some with exaggerated expressions; and larger-than-life relief sculptural portraits mounted on stands and scattered throughout the exhibition space.

A tryptic of self-portraits on 36-by-40-inch canvases painted during quarantine is a graphic demonstration of the artist's mercurial emotions as his isolation dragged on.

The first self-portrait is "an examination of my state of mind, at that state of mind, he said.

The second shows "every single emotion was annoyed and descended to wanting to scream all the time  the rage"; and the third, entitled "Enrage,"  "is looser, more painterly with more expressive brushstrokes done on purpose that way."

The freestanding sculptures are relief matrices, a form of printmaking. Nodarse used combinations of wood, Masonite, and linoleum to create the larger-than-life evocative sculptures. Some are portraits of friends and family members, including his grandfather Gerry Bolding.

"As a printmaker in grad school, I studied portraits and expressions. I found the larger prints were losing contrast  so they looked flat," he said.

With some experimentation and ingenuity, Nodarse discovered he could use different materials and techniques to create the objects in the exhibit.

Of the exhibition, Nodarse said, "This body of work is a combination of sculptural works and oil paintings examining the varying degrees of expression, ranging from rage, joy or lack thereof."
Two decades ago, Seleema Rehman was one of only a handful of refugee girls attending classes at the Barakat Primary School in the city of Attock, west of Pakistans capital, Islamabad. Now, at the age of 29, she is standing before a class of about 30 young refugee girls at her old school, dressed in a white doctors coat.

Which one of you wants to be a doctor? she asks with a smile.

Dozens of hands shoot into the air. It is great that you want to become doctors. Study harder, and never give up, she tells them.

Saleema has been following her own advice since she was a small child and her family began calling her Doctor Saleema.

The nickname was a reference to her difficult birth in a refugee camp in Swabi in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Saleemas mother struggled to get medical assistance, and Saleema was not expected to survive.

Her father, Abdul, swore to himself that if the infant lived, he would make sure that he or she received an education and became a doctor.

He stayed true to that promise and supported his daughter through years of schooling, despite facing criticism from his own community. Many among them frowned upon the idea of a girl having aspirations outside the home and marriage.

In the early days, I was often the only girl on school benches, recalls Saleema. I remember how my community disapproved of my fathers decision to send a girl to school. Thats when I began to understand how important it was to make something of myself, set an example and dare young girls in my community to dream.

Saleema fulfilled her own lifelong dream earlier this year when she opened a private clinic in Attock in order to serve refugee and local women who struggle to access affordable health care.

It was the culmination of years of studying and dedication that involved more than just overcoming cultural norms. Her status as a refugee also threw up obstacles.

As a child, I was not aware of my refugee status, she says. But I came to know about it when my classmates were getting admitted to colleges of higher education, and I was not because Im a refugee.

Saleema kept applying for two years until she obtained the only seat reserved annually for a refugee to study medicine in Pakistans Punjab province. She later specialized in gynaecology after being selected for a residency at Rawalpindis Holy Family Hospital, also in Punjab.

In 2020, the last year of Saleemas training as a gynecologist, Holy Family Hospital was declared a COVID-19 response hospital, and she found herself on the frontlines of the pandemic, treating women with the virus who were giving birth. Many of her patients were refugees and locals who had contracted the virus because they relied on daily wage work outside the home and could not afford to isolate.

Leafing through an old photo album, Saleema describes her journey of becoming a doctor to some refugee girls.  UNHCR/Amsal Naeem

Addressing an assembly at her former school, Saleema encourages the young refugee girls to keep studying and following their dreams.  UNHCR/Amsal Naeem

Saleema examines a patient at her clinic in Attock, Pakistan.  UNHCR/Betsy Joles

Saleema and her father Abdul Rehman, 49, at the Holy Family Hospital. "If there is a problem in my community they ask me because I have a daughter who is a doctor. It's a great sense of pride for us," says Abdul.  UNHCR/Roger Arnold

Saleema on the ward at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where she did her residency.  UNHCR/Roger Arnold

Saleema attends to women and their newborn babies on the postnatal ward at Holy Family Hospital.  UNHCR/Roger Arnold

Saleemas dream of opening a private practice so she could offer free care to those most in need in her community again came up against her status as a refugee. Since obtaining her first degree in medicine in early 2015, she had not been able to obtain a medical license, but her determination eventually paid off.

I applied again and again to get the license, she says. I got [it] in January 2021 after years of my medical education and training to become a specialized doctor. It was like a turning point in my life.

She opened the clinic in Attock in June of this year, and she now sees many refugee patients who would otherwise have had to travel long distances to the nearest hospital and be accompanied by someone who could interpret for them.

The opening of this clinic was a very happy event for us, exclaims Anila, one of Saleemas Afghan refugee patients. Many Afghans cannot afford expensive clinics, but Doctor Salma is helping us. It would be good if more of our girls would study and become doctors.

At her clinic, Saleema is also promoting hygiene practices and dispelling myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. This year, she welcomed the Government of Pakistans efforts to include refugees in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign as she believes no one is safe from the virus until everyone is safe.

"I want to prove that a girl can be anything."

Today, Saleemas story and work are bringing change. Some of the staunchest opponents of girls education in her community call Saleema to seek health advice for their wives, sisters and daughters. Many now send their daughters to school in the hope that they might follow in her footsteps.

Shes a trailblazer. Shes beaten the odds by becoming the first female doctor in her community. By achieving her dream of offering health care to the most vulnerable  refugees and Pakistanis alike  Saleema is a living testament to how women can contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities, said Noriko Yoshida, UNHCRs Representative in Pakistan.

For her outstanding service and commitment towards her community and some of the poorest people in Pakistan, Saleema has been chosen as the regional winner for Asia for UNHCRs Nansen Refugee Award, a prestigious annual prize that honours those who have gone to extraordinary lengths to help forcibly displaced or stateless people.

The Award recognizes the powerful example Saleema has set for other women and girls and her dedication towards her patients, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I want to prove that a girl can be anything if provided with opportunities, says Saleema.

Whether I am in Pakistan or anywhere else, I want to serve humanity with my whole heart.
Members of an asylum-seeking family are buying goods at a local grocery store in the centre of Tripoli city, Greece.  UNHCR/Socrates Baltagiannis

Athens 30 September 2021  From the beginning of October, the Greek government will take over the management of the cash assistance programme for asylum seekers in Greece.

Since the Spring of 2017, cash assistance has benefited the lives of more than 200,000 vulnerable asylum seekers in Greece while contributing to the local economy through the purchase of goods and services. Cash is provided to asylum seekers in Greece in the context of the countrys compliance with the EU Reception Conditions Directive according to which EU members states provide material reception conditions to all asylum seekers in need.

Cash assistance to asylum seekers in Greece is funded by the European Union. The initiative was part of the Emergency Support to Integration and Accommodation (ESTIA) programme which began in 2018 and included both an accommodation and a cash assistance component.

The accommodation component of the ESTIA scheme was handed over to the Greek government last year. UNHCR has worked closely with the Greek authorities toward the transition of ESTIA, always with the ultimate goal of the Greek State taking over this responsibility.

Cash assistance reinforces the dignity of those who have been forced to flee, enabling them to meet their basic needs and to decide for themselves how they do so said Mireille Girard, UNHCR Representative in Greece.

After over four years of managing the cash assistance programme, UNHCR completed its last payment covering until 30 September 2021. As of 1 October 2021, the Greek authorities will take over the programme.

The ESTIA programme has shown positive outcomes for both local communities and asylum-seekers, supporting social cohesion and integration. UNHCR will continue to support the Greek government in its efforts to ensure that the ESTIA model programme continues to be successful as an important component of the Greek reception system.

It is important that all asylum seekers in need of support continue to receive it without interruption and that they are informed about the new programme during this transition added Ms. Girard.

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Geneva  The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) call on states to refrain from expelling Haitians without proper assessment of their individual protection needs, to uphold the fundamental human rights of Haitians on the move, and to offer protection mechanisms or other legal stay arrangements for more effective access to regular migration pathways.

The four agencies also encourage countries in the Americas to engage in a comprehensive regional approach to ensure the protection of Haitian men, women and children moving throughout the region.

The UN and its partners are providing basic assistance to Haitians at various points en route and in Haiti. However, more needs to be done to address their profound vulnerabilities.

The complex social, economic, humanitarian and political situation, and the various catastrophes affecting Haiti, some of which are linked to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, have led to different population movements from the Caribbean country in the past decade.

Haitians on the move in the Americas comprise people with different protection needs, profiles and motivations, including unaccompanied and separated children, victims of trafficking, and survivors of gender-based violence. Some may have well-founded grounds to request international refugee protection. Others may have other protection needs.

International law prohibits collective expulsions and requires that each case be examined individually to identify protection needs under international human rights and refugee law.

Discriminatory public discourse portraying human mobility as a problem risks contributing to racism and xenophobia and should be avoided and condemned.

Haiti continues to face an escalation in violence and insecurity, with at least 19,000 people internally displaced in the capital Port-au-Prince in the summer of 2021 alone. Well over 20 per cent of girls and boys have been victims of sexual violence. In addition, nearly 24 per cent of the population, including 12.9 per cent who are children, live below the extreme poverty line of US$ 1.23 per day. Some 4.4 million people, or nearly 46 per cent of the population, face acute food insecurity, including 1.2 million people who are in emergency levels and 3.2 million people at crisis levels. An estimated 217,000 children suffer from moderate-to-severe acute malnutrition.

This situation is bound to worsen as a result of the 14 August earthquake straining any capacity to receive returning Haitians. Conditions in Haiti continue to be dire, and not conducive to forced returns.

Media contacts:

For UNHCR:

For IOM:

For UNICEF:

In New York, Najwa Mekki, +1 917 209 1804, [email protected]

For OHCHR:
Ievdokia Chepel is like many older people in rural eastern Ukraine. She suffers from health problems while the regions seven-year conflict and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened her sense of isolation.

For decades, she worked in a factory, but at 77 she is retired and a widow. Her son died last year and she rarely sees her daughter and granddaughter who live in Luhansk, Ukraines second biggest city, on the other side of the contact line that divides government and non-government territory.

I feel very isolated and lonely. It is hard to live alone, she said through tears.

But since last year, help has arrived in an unexpected form: on three wheels.

"She is taking care of me and giving me help."

Every few days, Tetiana Vasiukova loads her electric tricycle with supplies in a village in the Luhansk region. She then tours local communities to deliver aid and companionship to isolated residents.

Many of the people she visits are displaced by the conflict and others, like Ievdokia, risk being forced from their homes.

I feel very grateful that Tetiana visits me regularly, Ievdokia said. She is taking care of me and giving me help. It makes me feel much better.

Tetiana, 68, used to work as a deputy bank manager in Luhansk but has committed herself to helping those affected by the conflict since she retired. As a local, she understands the problems faced by other residents, many of whom live on small plots of land where they grow their own vegetables.

Almost every day, I take my electric bike and come to a shop or a pharmacy to do shopping for elderly people who reside in our community, she said.

Tetiana and other volunteers used to deliver food and medicine via bus or taxi, but last year UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, used funding from the European Union to provide medical and social workers with 228 bicycles and 35 electric tricycles.

The pedal transport helps keep costs down for the volunteers and it also makes some homes more accessible, given the sometimes difficult roads. Bicycles and tricycles are equipped with baskets and can travel up to 40 km/h with a range of 40 kilometres before they need to be charged.

With an electric bike I am not attached to anyone. I just go when I need to and I do not have to worry about carrying heavy bags," Tetiana said.

Tetiana helps elderly people and those with impaired mobility to get food or medicines. She can also measure blood pressure.  UNHCR/Pavlo Pakhomenko

Volunteers and social workers have been provided with 228 bicycles and 35 electric tricycles to visit communities located near the contact line in eastern Ukraine.  UNHCR/Pavlo Pakhomenko

Tetiana visits Viktor Akimov, 82, regularly, bringing him and his wife food and medicines.  UNHCR/Pavlo Pakhomenko

Viktor and his wife, Antonina Akimov, 84, in their home in Stanytsia Luhanska. Viktor has serious health issues and struggles to walk.  UNHCR/Pavlo Pakhomenko

The pandemic has exacerbated humanitarian needs in eastern Ukraine where the conflict has already put 3.4 million people in need of protection and assistance.

They include around 340,000 people forced to flee their homes who now face hardship in eastern and other regions. Older people, people with disabilities and houses headed by women are among the most vulnerable.

The network of bicycles and tricycles is just one innovation that is helping these populations.

Technology also plays a role in an area where infrastructure such as medical facilities, banks and post offices is sometimes lacking.

UNHCR and its NGO partner Proliska launched an electric car service in Luhansk region in 2019 at the Stanytsia Luhanska pedestrian checkpoint on the contact line, at a point where people have to get out of vehicles and cross on foot for security reasons.

The service can transport 400 people a day and gives priority to pregnant women and children, people with disabilities and those over 75.

In another development, aid groups including the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, along with UNHCR and Proliska, have installed two bus stations at Stanytsia Luhanska equipped with solar panels and power sockets to charge smartphones and tablets. The charging points and Wi-Fi installed earlier are particularly useful during the pandemic when anyone crossing the line of contact must use an app for contact tracing.

The technology and the willingness of the volunteers means that even in the face of difficulties there is hope.

Many people cant come and take care of their land plots, houses are slowly collapsing and there are weeds in every second plot. But every morning, I switch on my electric tricycle and I feel better because I know I can make this place better by helping people, said Tetiana.


When Ameen Jubran chose to stay in Hudaydah  the scene of some of the most intense clashes of Yemens six-year conflict  to help thousands of his compatriots who had fled violence, the decision was driven by his own experience of being forced to escape from the fighting.

The first time his family was uprooted came in 2015, at the start of an ongoing conflict that has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises and displaced more than 4 million people inside the country. As fighting engulfed their hometown of Saada in northwest Yemen, they joined others escaping to the nearby town of Razih.

There must have been 10,000 people fleeing the town on foot at the same time. Some of us were crammed into the boots of cars, and petrol stations along the way were burning, Jubran, 37, recalled. It was like something out of a movie scene.

His most terrifying moment came in 2017, when the neighbourhood where they were living in Razih came under heavy bombardment, and their house was rocked by a huge explosion.

All the glass shattered. I was in the same room as my daughter and saw blood on her hands, he said. As they rushed to get away, Jubran resolved to take his daughters prized bike with him.

In the sheer panic and chaos, there was dust everywhere and I grabbed my daughters bike and ran downstairs. Then I got to the first floor and realised I had taken the bike but forgotten my daughter.

After gathering the whole family, they set out once again in search of safety, this time settling in the capital Sanaa. But the memory of the blind panic and confusion that overcame him as the fighting drove them from their home remains fresh.

See also: Yemeni humanitarian organization wins 2021 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

These experiences, together with a conviction that Yemenis must help each other through a war that has ground on for more than six years, led Jubran to establish the aid organization Jeel Albena Association for Humanitarian Development.

The organization was founded by Jubran and 40 others who had worked together since their university days in 2007 to help fellow students displaced by long-running conflict. It currently employs more than 160 people and supports an additional 230 volunteers, many of them also displaced.

Based in the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah, which has experienced some of the worst clashes of the entire conflict, the organization has provided emergency shelters to more than 18,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) living in informal sites in and around Hudaydah and another city, Hajjah.

At the height of fighting for control of Hudaydah in 2018, Jubran and his colleagues were forced to relocate their office four times as the shifting frontlines brought gun battles and explosions to their doorstep. But despite the danger, Jubran said they resolved to stay and help.

The areas where we work are considered to be among the most impoverished, and also the most dangerous, Jubran explained. We felt the danger every day, but despite that we had displaced people and others who needed our help. We couldnt just leave them behind without providing them with assistance.

By housing displaced families in shelters made from woven khazaf palm fronds, which are more ecologically sustainable and better suited to the harsh local climate than man-made materials, they provide employment to hundreds of displaced people and locals  mostly women  who grow, weave, and sell the raw material.

Shelter is the most basic and important need for the displaced, Jubran explained. If they have adequate shelter, it protects the familys dignity, and they are no longer homeless.

An internally displaced family stand outside a shelter provided by Jeel Albena at a hosting site in Hudaydah, Yemen.  UNHCR/Abdulhakeem Obadi Head and co-founder of Jeel Albena, Ameen Jubran, 37, pictured in Sanaa, Yemen.  UNHCR/Ahmed Haleem Yemeni women at a displacement site near Hudaydah weave khazaf palm fronds used in the construction of environmentally sustainable shelters.  UNHCR/Abdulhakeem Obadi Shelters provided by Jeel Albena to accomodate internally displaced people at a site in As Sukhnah near Hudaydah, Yemen.  UNHCR/Abdulhakeem Obadi

The organization manages around 90 informal sites hosting between 100 and 1,000 families, providing services such as sanitation and rehabilitating schools to accommodate displaced children. It also runs a community centre in Hudaydah that offers legal assistance, psychological counselling and vocational training to the displaced and the communities that host them.

In recognition of its dedication to helping internally displaced Yemenis during the conflict, Jeel Albena has been chosen as the winner of UNHCRs 2021 Nansen Refugee Award, a prestigious annual prize that honours those who have gone to extraordinary lengths to help forcibly displaced or stateless people.

The prize will be presented by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, at a virtual ceremony to broadcast at 18.30 CET on 4 October.

The Nansen Refugee Award is named in honour of Norwegian explorer and humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen, the first High Commissioner for Refugees and Nobel Prize winner, who was appointed by the League of Nations in 1921.

Strolling through informal sites dotted with the woven shelters Jeel Albena has supplied, Jubrans infectious grin is reflected on the smiling faces of those who gather to greet him like an old friend. Many have known him for years and know he understands them.

We have faced many similar difficulties in terms of being away from loved ones, from friends, Jubran said. My experience with displacement impacted me positively in how I deal with other displaced people. I became more in touch with [them], and it gave me patience and determination  to listen to them, and to really get to know their true needs.

Once the war is over, then I can relax.

Despite the enduring sense of optimism that Jubran says sets Yemenis apart and keeps alive their dreams of a peaceful future, he also knows the despair that can threaten to overwhelm those caught up in conflict and driven from their homes.

A few years ago, after six months working on the frontlines during which he was unable to visit his wife and daughters in Sanaa, Jubran suffered burnout and was ready to quit.

It was a conversation with his father that ultimately changed his mind.

He said, You cant quit when Yemen is going through its worst humanitarian crisis, displaced people are losing their homes on daily basis and you are still capable of helping them, Jobran recalled.

He got in his car, drove to Hudaydah and went straight back to work, and hasnt stopped since.

I said to myself that once the war is over, then I can relax.

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Letter to the Editor: Standing Up for Texans Freedoms & Against Vigilante Abortion Ban
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Sep, 2021) H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubais Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, has launched the new corporate identity of Al Ameen Service of the State Security Department in Dubai.

Sheikh Mansour highlighted the success of Al Ameen Service over the last 18 years, in serving as a bridge to facilitate communication between members of the community and the State Security Department in Dubai.

He praised the efforts of the Department, headed by Major General Talal Hamid Belhoul, Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai, in developing initiatives that help realise the leaderships vision to enhance Dubais position as one of the safest cities in the world.

Major General Awad Hader Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai, said that since its launch in 2003, Al Ameen Service has provided a safe and confidential communication channel between the community and the Department and has contributed to enhancing safety and security in Dubai, in line with the emirates strategic plans.

Major General Al Muhairi said that in the last three years, Al Ameen Service has received approximately 60,000 calls that provided security-related information. More than 20,000 of these calls were received in 2020, which reflects the publics trust in Al Ameen Service.

The Deputy Director-General added that the new corporate identity reflects the values of the State Security Department in Dubai, which is committed to protecting the confidentiality of people through providing safe and direct communication channels that contribute to achieving the highest levels of safety and security.

The public can access Al Ameen Service through social media on @alameenservice, as well as through the tollfree number 8004444, or by sending an SMS to 4444.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Sep, 2021) Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Canon middle East (CME) will launch a photography contest marking the opening of Expo 2020. The event, which will be launched via social media channels, aims to promote the hosting of Expo and encourage the public to use public transport means in commuting from and to the site of Expo.

Several social media influencers will be involved in the contest. Through their social media accounts, they will announce each phase of the contest. To make participation easier for the public, the contest has been divided into three phases.

Phase I will mark Public Transport Day and will be launched in October to encourage participants to make public transport their first mobility choice in travelling from their locations to the site of Expo. The journey covers a ride on Route 2020 of Dubai Metro, and Expo Riders.

Phase II of the contest will be launched in November. Participants will be required to shoot the city landmarks and eye-catching localities they come across while travelling to the site of Expo. This phase is focused on constructed road networks, flyovers, and service roads.

Phase III will be launched in January and marks the final stage of the photography contest. It focuses on the tourist attractions open for visitors, where tourists can make cultural tours, and savour visiting squares and world-class malls.

Detailing the three phases of the contest, Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, said: "The initial phase of the contest will mark the Public Transport Day, which is celebrated on November 1st. It avails all individuals a chance to share their pictorial experience of commuting through Route 2020 stations to the site of Expo. Those stations are characterised by innovative engineering designs, high-class services to travellers, such as WiFi internet and shopping outlets, free parking spaces, and pedestrian crossings.

"The contest is based on filming a video clip or taking pictures during the journey to Expo site using Route 2020, and sharing the video clip or photos through the hashtags #EnRouteExpo2020. Participants can also broadcast the content submitted through @canonme and @rta_dubai accounts. Among the key conditions of the contest, the photo has to be genuine and captured by a portable camera without using a selfie stick, or photographic flashlights, to respect the privacy of passengers and abide by the rules of transportation. In regards to the prizes, winners will be presented with cameras and passes to enter the Expo," added Al Mehrizi.

Commenting on the announcement, Mai Youssef  Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director - Canon Middle East, Turkey and Canon Central and North Africa, said: "As an official provider of Expo 2020 Dubai and the first company ever to be the single provider of printing and imaging solutions for a World Expo. Canon will use its heritage and expertise in imagery and technology to help create a safe, secure, digitally connected environment, while also providing exhibitor and visitor access to convenient printing and digital photo services throughout exhibition sites.

''We are excited to announce this competition in collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, which will serve as a platform for content creators to capture their experiences through various routes from their location to Expo, and around the city using Canon's products and solutions and RTAs network of transportation. Combining Canons cutting-edge technology and RTAs advanced mobility, with the skills and passion of the participants, this competition serves as an opportunity to share brilliant stories from Dubai to the world through the expressive power of imaging" she added.
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Itzehoe, Germany, Sept 30 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :A 96-year-old former secretary at a concentration camp will go on trial in Germany Thursday, one of the first women implicated in Nazi-era crimes to be prosecuted in decades.

Irmgard Furchner is charged with complicity in the murders of more than 10,000 people at the Stutthof camp in occupied Poland.

Furchner's trial in Itzehoe, northern Germany, will be followed a week later by the start of proceedings against a 100-year-old former camp guard in Neuruppin, near Berlin.

They are among the oldest individuals to be prosecuted for their role in the Third Reich, as Germany races to put on trial the last surviving suspects.

The court case in Itzehoe starts one day before the 75th anniversary of the sentencing of 12 senior members of the Nazi establishment to death by hanging at the first Nuremberg trial.

Aged between 18 and 19 when she worked at the camp, Furchner, who now lives in a retirement home near Hamburg, will be tried in youth court.

The prosecutors accuse the pensioner of having assisted in the systematic murder of detainees at Stutthof, where she worked in the office of the camp commander, Paul Werner Hoppe, between June 1943 and April 1945.

Around 65,000 people died at the camp, not far from the city of Gdansk, among them "Jewish prisoners, Polish partisans and Soviet Russian prisoners of war", says the indictment.

After long reflection, the court decided in February that Furchner was fit to stand trial, albeit only for a few hours at a time, dragging proceedings out until June 2022.

Seventy-six years after the end of World War II, time is running out to bring people to justice for their role in the Nazi system.

Prosecutors are currently handling a further eight cases, including former employees at the Buchenwald and Ravensbrueck camps, according to the Central Office for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes.

In recent years, several cases have been abandoned as the accused died or were physically unable to stand trial.

The last guilty verdict was given to former SS guard Bruno Dey, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence in July at the age of 93.

Furchner is the only woman to stand trial in recent years for crimes dating to the Nazi-era, as the role of women in the Third Reich has long been overlooked.

But since John Demjanjuk, a guard at a concentration camp, was convicted for serving as part of the Nazi killing machine in 2011, prosecutors have broadened the scope of their investigations beyond those directly responsible for atrocities.

According to Christoph Rueckel, a lawyer representing survivors of the Shoah who are party to the case, Furchner "handled all the correspondence" for camp commander Hoppe.

"She typed out the deportation and execution commands" at his dictation and initialled each message herself, Rueckel told public broadcaster NDR.

Furchner's lawyer, Wolf Molkentin, told the German weekly Spiegel, it was possible the secretary had been "screened off" from what was going on at Stutthof.

At least three other women have been investigated for their roles in Nazi camps, including another secretary at Stutthof, who died last year before charges could be brought.

The prosecutor's office in Neuruppin is currently looking into the case of a woman employed at the Ravensbrueck camp, according to officials at the Central Office in Ludwigsburg.

Among the women to be held to account for their actions during the Nazi era was Maria Mandl, a guard at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, who was hanged in 1948 after being sentenced to death in Krakow, Poland.

Between 1946 and 1948, in Hamburg, 21 women went on trial before a British military tribunal for their role at the Ravensbrueck concentration camp for women.
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Dublin, Sept 30 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :The Irish economy is expected to expand by just over 15 percent this year as multinational companies continue to be drawn to the country by its low corporate tax rate, the finance ministry said Thursday.

According to the ministry's forecast, which will form the basis for the government's 2022 budget, gross domestic product will expand by 15.6 percent in 2021 compared with 2020.

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe said "the projections show that the economy is rebounding quickly" following three coronavirus lockdowns.

The spectacular growth rate reflects Ireland's attractiveness to international companies with its corporate tax rate of 12.5 percent, the ministry said.

Nevertheless, Donohoe explained that the so-called effect of "contract manufacturing" -- where the production and sale of goods takes place abroad but count as exports -- actually distorts the growth rate.

Subtracting this effect meant that the economy would expand by a much more modest 5.6 percent this year, he said.

Ireland is holding out against a US-led effort to agree a global minimum rate for multinationals.

Earlier, Donohoe had complained that current proposals for a global minimum rate of corporation tax offered little "clarity".

"If certainty and stability can be brought to bear, I believe we'll make the case for Ireland entering the agreement," he told state broadcaster RTE.

"If not, we'll stay where we are."
Rome, Sept 30 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :Italy's new flag carrier ITA, born out of the ashes of long-struggling Alitalia, said Thursday it had signed a deal with Airbus to purchase 28 new aircraft.

They would include 10 for long-haul flights and seven regional jets, the new airline, which is set to start flying on October 15, said in a statement.

ITA has also signed an agreement with Air Lease Corporation to lease a further 31 new generation Airbus aircraft, it said.

"The strategic partnership with Airbus and ALC is crucial for ITA to jump-start our business plan aimed at achieving our targets of a new environmentally friendly fleet with significantly lower operating and leasing costs," said chief executive Alfredo Altavilla.

Loss-making Alitalia was placed under state administration in 2017, but Italy has struggled to find an investor to take it over.

The situation was only exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic that grounded airlines worldwide.

Earlier this year, Italy said it had reached an agreement with the European Union for a bailout that creates a new debt-free company to take over some of Alitalia's assets -- ITA.

The board of directors of ITA last month approved a binding offer for 52 of Alitalia's aircraft, related airport slots and other assets.

Italy provided state loans to Alitalia totalling 1.3 billion Euros ($1.5 billion) between 2017 and 2019.

In July, it approved another 700 million euros for ITA.

Further sums are expected in 2022 and 2023, bringing the total to 1.35 billion euros.
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Brussels, Sept 30 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement on Thursday to end a tense standoff at their border, EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak said.

The two neighbours were at loggerheads for more than 10 days after Kosovo banned vehicles with Serbian registration plates from entering its territory -- the same practice Serbia has been doing for vehicles travelling the other way for years.

After Kosovo dispatched special police units to oversee the ban's implementation, local Serbs rebelled and blocked the roads leading to the border. Serbia then responded by deploying armoured vehicles close to the border.

According to an European Union-brokered deal struck in Brussels, Kosovo agreed to remove the special police units by Saturday and the local Serbs agreed to dismantle the barricades. NATO-led peacekeepers from the KFOR mission will also be deployed at the border for two weeks.

Both sides also agreed to a provisional solution for the number of licence plates until a permanent compromise is reached.

"We have a deal! After two days of intense negotiations, an agreement on de-escalation and the way forward has just been reached", Lajcak tweeted.
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A Captain of Pakistan Army on Thursday embraced martyrdom (shahadat) during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Tank, and a terrorist commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) identified as Khawaza Din alias Sher Khan got killed

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :A Captain of Pakistan Army on Thursday embraced martyrdom (shahadat) during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Tank, and a terrorist commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) identified as Khawaza Din alias Sher Khan got killed.

The Security Forces conducted an IBO in Tank on reported presence of terrorists, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release.

During intense exchange of fire, Captain Sikandar, age 27 years from Pakpatan embraced shahadat, it added.

The Security Forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the hideout.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) Argentina's and Russia's defense ministries are discussing Buenos Aires' potential acquisition of a new batch of Mi-171E transport helicopters, Argentinian ambassador Eduardo Zuain said in an interview with Sputnik.

Argentina currently uses two Mi-171E helicopters in its Antarctic exploration program.

"Argentina has recently appointed a new defense minister. We will send him reports on our agenda with Russia, which certainly includes the helicopters issue. As I have already said, our defense ministries are discussing it. I have no information right now but I know that the topic of helicopters is on the agenda," Zuain said.
Argentina has not yet received a response from Moscow to its request for support in restructuring the debt owed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ambassador Eduardo Zuain said in an interview with Sputnik

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) Argentina has not yet received a response from Moscow to its request for support in restructuring the debt owed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ambassador Eduardo Zuain said in an interview with Sputnik.

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez asked Russian President Vladimir Putin in February for support in debt restructuring.

"As far as I know, no. Our representative to the IMF is dealing with the issue. Historically, Russia has supported Argentina in the IMF, and I have no reason to think this will change. We hope we can count on Russia's support," Zuain said.
The European Commission on Thursday said it had failed to reach an agreement to unlock billions in pandemic recovery cash to Hungary, as a feud over LGBTQ rights and democratic norms continued

Brussels, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :The European Commission on Thursday said it had failed to reach an agreement to unlock billions in pandemic recovery cash to Hungary, as a feud over LGBTQ rights and democratic norms continued.

The EU executive, responsible for paying out the bloc's 800-billion-euro ($920-billion) pandemic recovery fund, has yet to give Hungary the green light for its 7.2-billion-euro plan despite two missed deadlines to do so.

The commission had given the conservative government of Viktor Orban until the end of September to resolve the problems, but an EU spokeswoman said there would be no assent in time.

"Our engagement with the Hungarian authorities on this process continues and we are really working to conclude our assessment as fast as possible," Veerle Nuyts told a news briefing in Brussels.

The spokeswoman gave no new deadline and insisted that the goal was about ensuring that Hungary's plan "ultimately complies" with a list of assessment criteria.

The stalemate comes after tensions between Hungary and its EU partners blew out into the open over a controversial anti-LGBTQ law that critics say equates paedophilia with homosexuality.

Orban portrays the legislation as protecting children and refuses to withdraw it despite the criticism and legal action from the commission.

Several member states, led by the Netherlands, are insisting that the commission maintain a tough line and hold back on the recovery cash if Budapest does not commit to reforms.

"We want to make sure if there's fraud, or if there's corruption with European funds, it can be solved by the legal system," an EU diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The EU insists that its appraisal of the recovery plan does not involve the LGBTQ law and that the delay is due to shortcomings by Hungary on anti-corruption commitments and guarantees on the independence of the courts.

But Hungarian officials have said they believe the EU was under pressure to refuse the plan because of the LGBTQ law.

The EU is asking for Budapest to commit to several reforms to guarantee court independence and fight corruption in order to begin the payouts, which would be spread over five or six years.

Poland has also seen its recovery plan blocked up by the commission because of legal threats by the right-wing government in Warsaw to override the primacy of EU law over national law.
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A 96-year-old former Nazi concentration camp secretary was detained on Thursday after trying to flee before the opening of her trial in Germany, in a dramatic start to the proceedings

Itzehoe, Germany, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2021 ) :A 96-year-old former Nazi concentration camp secretary was detained on Thursday after trying to flee before the opening of her trial in Germany, in a dramatic start to the proceedings.

One of the first women to be prosecuted for Nazi-era crimes in decades, Irmgard Furchner is charged with complicity in the murders of more than 10,000 people at the Stutthof concentration camp in occupied Poland.

But she failed to show up on Thursday at the opening session of her trial in the northern German town of Itzehoe.

Furchner had earlier left her retirement home near Hamburg and taken a taxi to a subway station, said Frederike Milhoffer, a spokeswoman for the court.

Just hours later, the fugitive was found and the court will now decide whether to remand her in custody.

According to Der Spiegel magazine, she could also be detained in hospital or have reporting requirements imposed on her, and could eventually be brought to the courtroom by force if necessary.

Amid the chaos, judge Dominik Gross said the hearing has been suspended until October 19.

Lawyer Christoph Rueckel, acting on behalf of Holocaust survivors, said Furchner had written to the court around three weeks ago to say she planned to boycott the proceedings because they would be "degrading" for her.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2021) The North Korean academy of Defense Science test-fired on Thursday a newly-developed anti-aircraft missile, the state-run KCNA news agency reported.

"The Academy of Defense Science of the DPRK test-fired a newly-developed anti-air missile on September 30. The test fire was aimed at confirming the general combat function of the missile and practical ability of the launching pad, radar and combat commanding vehicle," KCNA reported.

"The Academy of Defense Science announced that remarkable combat function of the latest anti-air missile was confirmed, which drastically increased the fast response, guiding accuracy and target hitting distance of the missile control system by introducing major new technology including the twin rudder controlling technique and double impulse flight mortar.

It said the recent test-firing is of great practical significance in the prospective research and development of different kinds of anti-air missile system," the news agency added.
VLADIVOSTOK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) Servicemen of the military police of Russia and Mongolia are for the first time taking part in the Selenga 2021 international exercises, being held in Mongolia, the Eastern Military District said in a statement.

"For the first time, servicemen of the military police of the Eastern Military District and the Armed Forces of Mongolia are taking part in the Selenga 2021 international drills," the statement said.

The main task of the military police unit is to ensure law and order and military discipline in the field camp at the Doytyn Am training ground, where the participants of the exercises live.

Also, the military police will provide security during the practical phase of the drills.
LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) The UK Foreign Office has expressed concern over the Malian cooperation with the Wagner Group private military company and called on the African nation to reconsider these ties.

"The UK is deeply concerned by consultations between the Malian government and the organisation known as the Wagner Group, in which Yevgeniy Viktorovich Prigozhin holds a position of responsibility. Prighozin is subject to UK sanctions for significant foreign mercenary activity in Libya and multiple breaches of the UN arms embargo," the Foreign Office said in a statement on late Wednesday.

The Foreign Office believes that the company is a driver of conflicts and "capitalizes on instability for its own interests" in Libya and the Central African Republic. From London's point of view, the Wagner Group commits human rights abuses and seeks control over mineral resources of the conflict-torn countries.

"We support ECOWAS in urging the Malian government to reconsider their engagement with Wagner in light of the implications that any deal would have on stability within its own borders and the wider region. The UK also reiterates the importance of the political transition in Mali and of elections being held within the agreed time frame," the Foreign Office added.

Earlier this month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Western media reports about a military deal reached between the Wagner Group and Bamako, saying that Moscow does not conduct official negotiations with the Malian government, including through the paramilitary group, and has no military presence in the western African nation.
UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) The UN Security Council (UNSC) will discuss the situation with North Korea's recent missile launches on Thursday, a UNSC source told Sputnik.

Earlier, North Korea confirmed that it conducted a test launch of the Hwasong-8 hypersonic missile on Tuesday.

The North Korean academy of National Defense Science checked the missile's navigation control, its maneuverability, aerodynamic performance of the warhead installed on it, as well as the "fuel ampoule" presented in North Korea for the first time.

"Great Britain, the United States and France have requested Security Council consultations - they will take place tomorrow," the source said.
The coronavirus pandemic has not impacted the suicide rate in the US military, but the rate nevertheless increased from 2015 to 2020, the Defense Department said in a statement upon issuing its Annual Suicide Report on Thursday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th September, 2021) The coronavirus pandemic has not impacted the suicide rate in the US military, but the rate nevertheless increased from 2015 to 2020, the Defense Department said in a statement upon issuing its Annual Suicide Report on Thursday.

The Defense Department said at least 580 service members committed suicide - a number that shows an increase from 2015 to 2020. In the near-term, the 2020 suicide rate was statistically comparable to that in 2019 and 2018, the statement said.

"While suicide rates are not going in the desired direction, the Department did not see a statistical change in suicide rates between CY 2020 and CY 2019 or CY 2018 that would indicate a COVID-19-related increase.

We recognize the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of our force and our Nation," the statement said.

Defense Department Suicide Prevention Office Director Karin Orvis said suicide still remains a serious public health issue in the US military and in the United States.

"Our efforts must address the many aspects of life that impact suicide. The Department is engaged in implementing a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention and is providing tailored resources to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic," Orvis said.

The Defense Department continues to collaborate with Federal and non-federal partners to alter the conversation around mental health and suicide, she added.
The Diocese of Dromore in Ireland apologises unreservedly to victims and survivors of sexual abuse, saying such behaviour is abhorrent, and indefensible.

By Vatican News staff reporter

The Diocese of Dromore in Ireland has announced a Redress Scheme for victims of sexual abuse by priests in its diocese.

In a statement, the Diocese said it was committed to doing what it can to help bring healing to the survivors of clerical sexual abuse.

Apologies

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the Archbishop of Armagh and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore, Eamon Martin described what had occurred in the diocese as abhorrent.

The Diocese of Dromore apologises unreservedly for the hurt and damage caused to victims and survivors of any priest or church representative acting under its authority. The Diocese of Dromore finds such behaviour towards children and vulnerable people abhorrent, inexcusable and indefensible.

Supporting survivors

Archbishop Martin said that having met with a number of survivors, and having examined the various existing legal claims against the diocese, he wished to facilitate a resolution process to enable the provision of financial and other supports for survivors without undue further delay.

The Archbishop also underlined that the diocese was willing to commit whatever resources it has available for the purpose of redress to this scheme, even if that should exhaust those resources.

According to the diocese, the Redress Scheme will be open to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse suffered at the hands of representatives of the Diocese."

It also said it was endeavouring to ensure a process which is victim-centred and aims to provide victims with recognition and reasonable compensation without the need for lengthy investigation and litigation.

Towards healing

The Diocese understands that redress may take varying forms, noted the statement. As well as enabling the provision of financial redress, the Scheme includes the possibility of a personal apology on behalf of the Diocese and other ways of providing pastoral support. The Diocese will also support the provision of counselling via the Towards Healing service.

The statement went on to say that the Scheme will respond to applications where there are allegations of sexual abuse (including sexual grooming), which may or may not have been accompanied by physical and/or emotional abuse, and which occurred when the Applicant was under the age of 18. All applications will be assessed by an independent Panel, appointed via an independent process managed by a third party organisation.

In assessing applications the Panel will have regard to all the available information and make its decision on the balance of probabilities and on a majority basis. The process will fall outside the civil litigation process and be comparable to a mediation. It is anticipated that the process will be informal in nature but is intended to be binding on the parties should a resolution be agreed.

Commitment outreach

Archbishop Eamon Martin said he is committed to continuing his ongoing pastoral outreach to survivors, making himself available to meet with those victims who wish to share their story with him and to consider with him other ways in which their pain can be acknowledged and by which their healing can be assisted.

About 70 people have come forward in the past 35 years to make allegations of abuse related to the diocese.
Pope Francis thanks the people of Slovakia before taking off back to Rome, concluding his 34th Apostolic Visit abroad.

By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis has left Slovakia, after his 34th Apostolic Visit abroad during which he visited Budapest, Hungary, for the closing Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, before flying to Slovakia, where he visited Bratislava, Sastin, Presov and Kosice.

After Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Sastin , which was the Popes final public Mass of the journey, he addressed the faithful in Slovakia, saying the time has now come for me to take leave of your country. He added that in this Eucharist I gave thanks to God for having allowed me to come among you and to conclude my pilgrimage in the devoted embrace of your people, celebrating together the great religious and national feast of your Patroness, the Virgin Mother of Sorrows.

The Pope then offered his heartfelt thanks to his brother bishops for all of your preparations and your welcome, as well as renewing his gratitude to President of the Republic and the civil authorities

I carry you in my heart, concluded the Pope. "Dakujem vsetkym! [Thank you all!]"

Then, on Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis was greeted at the airport by the President of the Republic and by civil authorities, before taking off for Rome on what will be the very last papal Alitalia flight before the company closes down.
Last years border dispute with India continues in diplomatic circles and reflects Chinas continuing attempts to gain advantages over its neighboring country, even as India is placed under increasing pressure in the same Jammu and Kashmir region due to Taliban control of Afghanistan.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Chinese MFAs recent inflammatory comments on the Galwan border incident that took place last year near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are untrue. Meanwhile, the Indian government has stated that China acted in contravention of all our bilateral agreements.

The MEAs complete statement in New Delhi on September 24 is as follows:

We reject such statements. Our position with regard to developments last year along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh has been clear and consistent. It was the provocative behavior and unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter status quo in contravention of all our bilateral agreements that resulted in serious disturbance of peace and tranquility. This has also impacted the bilateral relations. As emphasized by EAM in his meeting with Chinese FM earlier this month, it is our expectation that the Chinese side will work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols.

The Indian MEA said that Chinas spokesperson had commented that the Galwan valley incident took place because India violated all the treaties and agreements and encroached upon Chinas territory illegally and crossed the line.

As retold by India TV News, the border standoff between India and China heightened on May 5 of last year after a violent skirmish near Pangong lake. Both sides escalated until tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry were deployed in the midst of diplomatic talks. The tension then erupted full-force on June 15 when, with heavy armor and equipment deployed on both sides in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, a violent clash occurred in the Galwan Valley in which twenty Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat.

In addition to Chinas rhetoric blaming India for last years Galwan incident. Reports have arisen of some recent Chinese military infiltration activity in Uttarakhand that has not yet been confirmed. On September 29, it was reported with a local Indian news site, Newstrack, that 100 Chinese troops crossed the border into Uttarakhand last month together with 50 horses, destroying infrastructure before returning to China. The same article mentioned that recent infiltration occurred again in Ladakh. A telling Hindi comment offset the headline describing the Peoples Liberation Armys behavior of straying across the border and causing destruction: Aadat Se Majboor  that is, a slave of ones habits.

According to a 1996 Institute of Peace report on Chinas tactics in the South China Sea, the Chinese Communist Party is said to test the other claimants through aggressive actions, then back off when it meets significant resistance. These tactics are called salami slicing tactics in the west and Can shi () in Chinese, which translates to nibbling like a silkworm. The tactics have also been considered by Ashley Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to be part of a territory-grabbing strategy.

In addition to the India-facing can shi activity  including the crossing of borders, destruction of infrastructure, blocking of rivers, and diplomatic heists aimed at the neighboring country  this kind of behavior has also been witnessed in Bhutan, where, according to Foreign Policy magazine, China has built a different kind of Tibetan village  one across an international border, one that is actually planting settlers, security personnel, and military infrastructure within territory internationally and historically understood to be Bhutanese.
Increasing numbers of children are being killed or targeted for recruitment by armed groups in conflicts raging at Nigers borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday.

"In Nigers Tillaberi region, an entire generation is growing up surrounded by death and destruction," said Matt Wells, Amnesty's deputy director for crisis response.

"Armed groups have repeatedly attacked schools and reserves, and are targeting children for recruitment, he added in a statement.

Amnesty blamed the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the al-Qaida-affiliated Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), for causing the "devastating impact on children" in the region.

The rights group released a 57-page report documenting the impact on children of the conflict in Nigers western Tillaberi, an area of 100,000 square kilometers (38,000 square miles) on the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso that is home to different ethnic groups such as Djerma, Fulani, Tuareg and Hausa.

According to conflict tracking organization ACLED, cited by Amnesty, violence against civilians has led to 544 conflict-related deaths from January to July 23 this year, already exceeding the 397 people killed in the whole of 2020.

"Armed groups have killed more than 60 children in Nigers tri-border area in 2021," the report said, adding that the ISGS, which operates primarily on the border with Mali, appears responsible for most of the large-scale killing.

During the research for the report, Amnesty spoke to 16 boys who had narrowly survived ISGS attacks on their villages.

"We all are used to hearing gunshots and to seeing [dead] people layered on top of [dead] people," one boy, age 13 or 14, said.

Another boy, who witnessed the killing of his 12-year-old friend Wahab in March, told the researchers: "I think of Wahab and how he was killed.

"Sometimes I have nightmares of being chased by people on motorbikes or seeing Wahab pleading with the [attackers] again, he said.

According to Amnesty, both ISGS and JNIM have committed war crimes and other abuses in the conflict, including the murder of civilians and targeting of schools.

"Many children are experiencing trauma after witnessing deadly attacks on their villages. In some areas, women and girls have been barred from activities outside the home, and risk abduction or forced marriage to fighters," the report said.

Witnesses said JNIM has picked out males ages 15 to 17, and possibly younger, as recruits, offering bribes of food, money and clothes.

"The Nigerien government and its international partners must urgently take action to monitor and prevent further abuses and protect the basic rights of all those affected by this deadly conflict  especially children," Wells said.

Amnesty International said it had interviewed 119 people, including 22 children, three young adults between 18 and 20, and 36 parents for the study.

Others interviewed included staff from NGOs and humanitarian agencies, United Nations officials and government officials.
TRANSCRIPT

The Inside Story: Biden and the Borders (Episode 07, September 30, 2021)

Show Open:

Voice of PATSY WIDAKUSWARA, VOA White House Bureau Chief:

Another immigration confrontation at the U.S. southern border.

Thousands of Haitian migrants amass concern for the Biden Administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden:

Of course, I take responsibility. I'm President. But it was horrible what -- to see, as you saw -- to see people treated like they did.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

While challenges remain at the southern border, thousands of Afghan refugees are entering the United States.

The President campaigned on changing immigration policies.

Who gets in?

Who is not getting in?

And why 

On The Inside Story: Biden and the Borders.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Im Patsy Widakuswara at the White House. President Joe Biden is facing rising criticism over his handling of Haitian migrants at the U.S. southern border.

More than 14,000 migrants crossed the U.S.-Mexican border in recent weeks, setting up camps underneath a bridge in Del Rio, Texas.

Images of Border Patrol agents on horseback chasing Haitian migrants has sparked outrage and questions about the Biden administrations immigration policies. We begin our coverage in Del Rio, Texas.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Thousands of migrants, many of them Haitians living in South America, have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Del Rio, Texas, seeking asylum.

Hundreds have been expelled by the administration back to Haiti, a country mired in poverty and violence. Its an inhumane, counterproductive response, said U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote, who quit his job in protest Wednesday.

Voice of PATSY WIDAKUSWARA quoting former U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote:

Our policy approach to Haiti remains deeply flawed, and my recommendations have been ignored and dismissed, Foote said in his resignation letter.

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State:

The fact is, there have been multiple senior level conversations on Haiti, where all proposals, including those put forward by Special Envoy Foote, were fully considered in a rigorous and transparent process.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected Footes accusation, as did White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary:

Special Envoy Foote had ample opportunity to raise concerns about migration during his tenure. He never once did so.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Still, the Biden administration continues to be haunted by images from the border, including of agents on horseback chasing migrants.

U.S. President Joe Biden:

Of course, I take responsibility. Im President. But it was horrible what  to see, as you saw  to see people treated like they did: horses nearly running them over and people being strapped. Its outrageous. I promise you those people will pay. They will be, theres an investigation underway now, there will be consequences.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Immigration analysts say this change in policy does not address the bigger question of what to do with the influx of people at the border  a real challenge for the administration.

Julia Gelatt, Migration Policy Institute:

The Biden administration really wanted to send the message that it was breaking completely with the immigration policies of the Trump administration that were seen as cruel and inhumane. But at the same time, the Biden administration, I think, fears that if they treat the Haitian migrants all as asylum-seekers and allow them in, that will send a message to people around the world that the U.S. border is open.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Daniel Foote declined VOAs request for an interview. In his resignation letter, he pointed out Haiti cannot possibly absorb the deported migrants.

The country is facing numerous crises, including last months earthquake, the assassination of its president in July and rampant gang violence, causing many to flee.

Cristobal Ramon, Immigration Analyst:

COVID has made it difficult for them to be able to work to sustain themselves. These are individuals who came from Haiti in the wake of a lot of earthquakes and went to South America.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Democrats in Congress have urged the administration to stop expulsions. The United Nations, which rarely criticizes U.S. policy, has also denounced the expulsions of Haitians as "inconsistent with international norms.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

President Biden sets U.S. immigration policies and priorities. His Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, is responsible for seeing they are carried out.

Secretary Mayorkas recently took questions from the White House Press Corps, explaining how the administration can expel people because of COVID-19, under Title 42 --- a law code used in the same way by the Trump administration.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary Department of Homeland Security

Migrants continue to be expelled and under the CDC is title 42 authority title 42 is a public health authority and not an immigration policy, and it is important to note that title 42 is applicable and has been applicable to all irregular migration. During this pandemic, it is not specific to Haitian nationals, or the current situation.

To date, DHS has conducted 17 expulsion flights to Haiti with approximately 2000 individuals, those who are not expelled under Title 42 are placed in immigration removal proceedings.

Individuals, as I mentioned, with acute vulnerability, can be accepted from the title 42 application. Approximately 12,400 individuals will have their cases heard by an immigration judge to make a determination on whether they will be removed or permitted to remain in the United States.

The title 42 authority has been applied to irregular migration since the very beginning of this administration and before. And it has applied to individuals from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and other countries. It has been applied equally, and the exceptions that I cited have been the exceptions that have applied to all.

There are three exceptions. The Convention Against Torture, acute vulnerabilities such as extreme medical needs, and operational capacity. Those are the three exceptions. Title 42 authority has been applied, irrespective of the country of origin, irrespective of the race of the individual, irrespective of other criteria that don't belong in our adjudicative process, And we do not permit in our adjudicative process.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Migrants from Haiti trying to get into the United States is not a new phenomenon. U.S. policy regarding Haitians is complex and goes back decades shaped against a backdrop of natural disasters, political instability and violence. VOAs Arash Arabasadi explains.

ARASH ARABASADI, VOA Correspondent:

It recently began in July, with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and an investigation that seems stuck in park. A little more than a month later in August, a magnitude seven-point-two earthquake shook much of the southern part of Haiti to the ground. The ongoing crises persuaded thousands of Haitians to seek asylum somewhere else.

Robert Fatton, University of Virginia Professor:

Its not that Haitians necessarily want to exit. Its simply that the situation is so bad and so desperate that they do not have another choice.

ARASH ARABASADI:

Haitians fleeing the country is a phenomenon that began in the 1960s but gained momentum because of an uprising against the countrys first democratically elected president.

Robert Fatton, University of Virginia Professor:

It started again major wave after the coup that overthrew Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and because of political problems, the waves continued. And then the earthquake of 2010 was one of the major, if you wish, triggers that led the Haitians to the United States and elsewhere.

ARASH ARABASADI:

Fatton says a weak global economy in the 1970s triggered, in part, the mass migration of Haitians to the US.

In the 1980s, the administration of U.S. President Ronald Reagan sent back Haitian migrants who were intercepted at sea trying to come to the U.S. Those who made it to the U.S. faced prison.

More than 25-thousand Haitian migrants were sent back.

In 1991, a coup ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from power, creating years of instability, only for the administration of U.S. President Bill Clinton to bring him back to power to oversee what Fatton calls a neo-liberal economy that collapsed and never recovered.

In their search for a better life, some Haitians spend their life savings just to leapfrog from countries like Brazil and Chile to get to the United States.

Robert Fatton, University of Virginia Professor:

It was a very long trek, and theyd assumed that they could in fact get into the United States. Most of them found that that was simply wrong.

ARASH ARABASADI:

More than 12 thousand of the 30 thousand Haitian migrants who amassed at the border in September were eligible to seek asylum in the U.S. Another eight thousand went back to Mexico voluntarily. About two thousand were flown back to Haiti.

Robert Fatton, University of Virginia Professor:

The situation in Haiti is getting really desperate, especially for very poor people. The economic situation has deteriorated significantly. Poverty has increased. The rural areas have suffered significantly because of bad agricultural policies and also because life in rural areas is a life of deprivation. So people move to the urban areas. They create those huge slums, and there are no jobs to satisfy their economic needs. In addition to that, theyre confronted with gangs, and you have a government thats completely dysfunctional.

ARASH ARABASADI:

Fatton says Haiti's problems are problems Haitians should solve on their own. He says hes hopeful for the future as the country has hit rock bottom but adds he has been saying the same thing for the past 20 years. Arash Arabasadi, VOA News.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Protecting the border and managing immigration are challenges faced by every American president. As the Biden administration manages criticism over its handling of the Haitian migrant surge, concerns remain over the future of U.S. immigration policies.

VOA reporter Aline Barros has covered immigration policy under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

She explained the evolution of Americas immigration policy in a conversation with The Inside Story producer Elizabeth Cherneff.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF, VOA Producer:

Aline, what US immigration policies were executed in order to deal with this most recent influx of Haitian migrants?

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

So there are a few things happening right now, we have title 42 in place, which is basically a federal health code that was put in place under the Trump administration that the Biden administration decided to keep it, and the title 42 basically allows immigration officials at the border to expel migrants. What does that mean? It means that they do not go in front of an immigration judge, it means that they are immediately sent back to the home country and it's it's the same guideline is the same policy that it's happening to all migrants,

It's not just Haitian migrants so migrants from Central American and other nationalities, they are met with the same policy. But the Biden administration, they made a few exemptions right, so when a company minors and family units with tender age children might be paroled and they are usually paroled.

Immigration officers at the border, they have the discretion to parole them in to allow them to be paroled under humanitarian conditions, and they might be one fighting a removal proceeding, a potential order of deportation, while asking for asylum, while asking for the possibility of staying, you know, permanently in the US.

A number of Haitian migrants, they were paroled in. But, however, they are, they will be able to, to ask for asylum, they will be able to go in front of an immigration judge, or an asylum, officer. But at the same time, they're fighting already the possibility of being sent back. So, while some people were sent back, the folks who were allowed in, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to stay here.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF:

Right. You touched on a really interesting point that I think is confusing to a lot of our audience. Why are we seeing some people sent back to the country of Haiti on planes, and yet others are allowed to stay in the USA?

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

That's exactly because of title 42. Because we have exemptions, right? Because CBP officer a custom border protection officer might they have the discretion, they have the authority according to immigration wall. To look at you and say, you are a woman with a tender a child, you are very in a very vulnerable situation, I'm going to parole you in, you know, but here's the thing, and this is based on the interviews that I've done with people at the border in the past with now immigration lawyers, a lot of these people, they understand that they need help.

When you are asking for help at the border, you don't have access to lawyers easily as someone who is already inside of the United States, right, their advocate groups, their immigrant advocate groups at the border. But the amount of people that need help is much higher than the amount of lawyers available so you're going to be fighting your removal proceedings, you're going to be fighting a potential deportation order, while trying to get your asylum at the same time.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF:

How is this latest wave being handled in comparison to prior waves of migrants arriving at the border?

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

So Haitians have come to the US to seek asylum at borders for decades but in every presidential administration since 1970s has treated migrants differently so some rejected asylum seekers, while others held them longer in detention. Some administration's they had the US Coast Guard basically intercepting boats and sending them back right away. We also had an administration sending Haitian migrants to Guantanamo. So, it depends on the administration they are dealing with the migrant Haitian migrants in waves, um differently, right now. The position of the US government is, don't come, you're going to be sent back.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF:

Those terms, I think there's a lot of confusion about what those terms mean. The terms, seeking asylum, refugee expulsion, deportation.

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

If you are an asylum seeker, if you are a migrant, and you need help, the key is for you to be an asylum seeker for you to go through asylum. You have to be in an us territory to do that as a refugee, you go through a process, outside the country you go through the UN. You apply, you actually receive refugee status so when you come to the United States, you already have the path for permanent residency, which in five years will allow you to file for your citizenship if you wish

If you were expelled. It doesn't carry legal consequences to you as an a potential asylum seeker again. But if you went through an immigration proceeding, if you went through removal proceedings and you lost your case and you actually received an order of deportation from an immigration judge according to US law. If you come back, you might be barred from entering the U.S. So, so that's basically the difference.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF

Are we seeing consistency and how the Biden administration is implementing immigration policies?

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

So that the immigration, while at the Biden administration is, is, abiding is, is using it is the what is the same one that the Trump administration had and the difference is that Trump wanted to, you know, continue construction of the border wall he wanted to work on policies to restrict not only unauthorized immigration, illegal immigration as well, you know, cutting visa caps and things like that.

Biden administration he's in a way, pushing for a more positive tone on immigration, however, he has been heavily, heavily criticized but immigrant advocates for keeping title 42 in place, and for the continuation of expelling migrants at the border.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF

It seems like the images and the videos this past week of border patrol agents on horseback, those images have just resounded with viewers and audiences really around the world. What can you tell us about the administration's reaction to this how they're handling it the fallout?

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

There will be investigation there is an ongoing investigation according to immigration officials, Biden said that he took full responsibility, and the horseback unit has been suspended for now. So that was, that was something that Mayorkas came out and said he has been suspended. We're using horses. As of now, because we're having an investigation.

The administration has been saying don't come to the US don't come to the US illegally, but when you have border patrol officers, you know, at ports of entry, and some advocates are saying that migrants are not allowed in. So migrants will in turn to try to get into the country in between ports of entry because again, in order for them to ask for help, they need to be in the US. So that's a point that immigrant advocates have been pushing a lot saying, this idea of not allowing immigrants, through ports of entry to ask for asylum the right way pushes them to come in between ports of entry and pushes them to cross illegally.

ELIZABETH CHERNEFF:

Okay. Aline Barros, VOA immigration reporter Thank you very much for speaking with us.

ALINE BARROS, VOA immigration reporter:

Thank you for having me.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

As the U.S. completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August, thousands of evacuated refugees are waiting to be resettled.

Here, in the city of Washington, DC, local business owners, some refugees themselves, are stepping up to collect donations and supplies for their new neighbors. VOAs Karina Bafradzhian tells us more.

KARINA BAFRADZHIAN, VOA Reporter:

The owners of this Washington, D.C., restaurant, called Lapis, have spent the last few weeks collecting donations for Afghan refugees that were evacuated to the United States. Wine shelves hold hundreds of boxes full of everything from clothing and personal hygiene items to dinnerware and cleaning supplies.

The person behind this makeshift donation center is Fatima Popal, the owner of a number of D.C. restaurants. She says her desire to help the refugees stems  among other reasons  from personal history.

Fatima Popal, Popal Group:

We are also refugees, from a different time period of war in Afghanistan. So, we do understand how most of these refugees feel. Of course, our time period was a little bit different  it wasnt the Taliban regime.

KARINA BAFRADZHIAN:

Popals family left Afghanistan in the 1980s when Fatima was just six months old. They have been living in the U.S. since 1987  and today own three restaurants in the U.S. capital. She decided to spread the word about the donation center on social networks  and was flooded with gratitude and responses.

Fatima Popal, Popal Group:

And both my brother and I woke up with just a social media blast of people wanting to help, not only to donate but also to help and volunteer their time for us. And it was just beautiful to see how the community has come together, how everyone wants to help and donate.

KARINA BAFRADZHIAN:

Receiving the donations, sorting through them, filling up trucks with the necessary items  and then doing it all over again  this is what Popal and dozens of volunteers have been doing since.

A lot of business owners in the Washington, D.C., area are collecting donations for the Afghan refugees, both small local businesses and giants like Airbnb that promised to provide 20,000 Afghan refugees with free accommodations around the world.

A myriad of charity organizations in the U.S. have also volunteered to do what they can to help. Catholic Charities located in Virginia is one of them.

Emily Wood, Catholic Charities of Arlington:

What we have here is just one days worth of donations. Amazon drivers have been dropping them off a truckload after truckload all donated.

KARINA BAFRADZHIAN:

Stephen Carattini, CEO of Catholic Charities in Arlington, Virginia, says the numbers of Afghan refugees are quickly rising.

Stephen Carattini, Arlington Catholic Charities:

I think itll continue to be an increasing number over the next few months and even years. When they come to this country, were usually the first faces that they see  we meet them at the airport. Then things happen very quickly after that. The priority is to help these people into housing, find permanent housing as quickly as possible and then also begin the search for employment.

KARINA BAFRADZHIAN:

Volunteers  on top of physical help  dont forget about psychological help as well. They keep in touch with the refugees, help with advice, help them calm down. No one wants to leave their home country like that, says Fatima Popal. But if they must, she adds, the least others can do is to help the refugees find a second home in the U.S.

Karina Bafradzhian for VOA News, Washington.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

Stay tuned at VOANews.com and our social media for the latest on U.S. immigration policy. Stay connected with me on twitter @pwidakuswara. From the White House, Im Patsy Widakuswara. See you next week for The Inside Story.



###
Belarusian authorities on Wednesday blocked access to another news site, the latest in a series of steps restricting independent media in the country after it was shaken by a wave of anti-government protests.

The Belarusian Ministry of Information blocked access to the Komsomolskaya Pravda in Belarus website, the Belarusian subsidiary of a popular Russian newspaper of the same name. The ministry didn't provide any reasons for the decision to block the popular website, which is visited by some 20,000 users daily.

The access to it was restricted several hours after it ran a story about an alleged shootout in an apartment in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, during which two people  an opposition supporter and a KGB officer  were killed. The news outlet published a comment from the opposition supporter's friend, who described him a positive light.

Belarusian authorities reported the incident on Tuesday night, alleging that "an especially dangerous criminal" opened fire on security officers after they showed up at his apartment looking for "individuals involved in terrorist activities." Authorities said one of the KGB officers was killed and the perpetrator was killed by "retaliatory fire."

Footage aired by Belarusian state TV channels showed men in plainclothes, trying to break into an apartment.

The authorities haven't revealed the name of the man that allegedly shot at the security officers, but said his wife, who was in the apartment at the time, was arrested.

State news agency Belta reported that "members of an extremist group with ties to the opposition, supposedly, lived in the apartment."

Belarus' authorities often referred to protesters at anti-government demonstrations last year as "extremists" and "terrorists." The huge protests came after election officials gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in the August 2020 presidential election that the opposition and the West have denounced as a sham.

Lukashenko's government unleashed a violent crackdown on the protesters, arresting more than 35,000 people and badly beating thousands of them.

Franak Viacorka, an adviser to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, identified the man killed as opposition supporter Andrei Zeltser, 32-year-old employee of one of the biggest IT companies in Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya called his death "a tragedy" in a statement Wednesday.

The chief editor of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Vladimir Sungorkin, said Wednesday that access to its Belarusian website was blocked after it ran a short story containing "four sentences" from the man's classmate "about the fact that he was good guy when they studied together, always stood up for the truth." Sungorkin added that it has become "very difficult" for journalists to work in Belarus.

After the disputed presidential election last year, authorities in Belarus have shut down the biggest independent media outlets, blocked access to popular news sites and targeted journalists with raids and detentions.

A total of 27 journalists in Belarus are currently behind bars, either already convicted and sentenced or awaiting trials.
Ethiopia is expelling seven high-level United Nations officials for allegedly interfering in the countrys internal affairs.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its Facebook page Thursday the officials were informed they must leave the country within the next 72 hours for allegedly meddling with internal matters, without being specific.

The announcement came two days after a senior U.N. official reiterated that hundreds of thousands of people in Ethiopias embattled northern Tigray region were probably experiencing famine.

Among the seven who were ordered to leave Ethiopia are the heads of the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The remaining five are OCHA officials.

Armed conflict over Ethiopias Tigray region erupted in November 2020 among federal and allied regional forces and forces backed by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front.

U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said Tuesday that a nearly three-month-long blockade has limited aid shipments to 10% of what is needed in the region.

Without evidence, Ethiopia has alleged that unnamed aid workers have supported Tigrayan forces.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement he was shocked by the expulsions and that the organizations humanitarian operations are guided by the core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

He said the U.N. is now engaging with the Ethiopian government in the expectation that the concerned UN staff will be allowed to continue their important work.

(VOA's Margaret Besheer contributed to this story. Some information in this report comes from AFP, AP and Reuters.)
In the shadows of Washington's government office buildings, Gary Hayes searches for another dose of heroin, chasing a high that will last only a few hours before he wants more.

"It's hard to stop using when you are living on the streets and there's no treatment help," Hayes told VOA. The 28-year-old Black man, who lives in a homeless tent encampment in the nation's capital, has struggled with substance abuse disorder for a decade.

"I overdosed twice in the last year, but I know several people who died," Hayes said, reflecting on the deadly opioid epidemic playing out during another health tragedy, the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 93,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2020, the highest number on record, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics released in July. U.S. health officials attribute the rise in deaths to powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Overdose deaths: Black vs. white

In the District of Columbia, more than 400 people died from opioid overdoses last year, and most were African American. The medical examiner's office reported that fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were present in many cases.

"In some communities, we've seen deaths among African Americans eclipse the death rates among whites over the past several years," said Dr. Caleb Alexander, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. "Many people who have died from the opioid epidemic or otherwise developed addiction are African American or other people of color living in urban areas."

Opioid overdose deaths among African Americans have been on the rise since 2013, according to a study published in the journal Addiction. Simultaneously, opioid use among white Americans leveled off for the first time since the 1990s, when doctors began overprescribing the opioid painkiller that sparked the health crisis.

"Historically, the opioid epidemic has at times been painted as an epidemic of rural white working-class families, but opioids don't discriminate," Alexander told VOA. "The addiction that one develops looks just the same, regardless of the color of your skin."

Pandemic's impact

According to the CDC, between 1999 and 2019, nearly 500,000 lives in the U.S. were lost to overdoses involving opioids, both prescription and illicit types. The epidemic has impacted many communities, and U.S. health officials believe the crisis has worsened since the pandemic started.

While overdose deaths were already increasing in the months preceding the COVID-19 outbreak, the latest data show a sharp rise in overdoses during the pandemic.

"It's gone from being called the opioid crisis to the overdose crisis," said harm reduction activist Britt Carpenter, director of the Philly Unknown Project, a group that advocates for the homeless. He says the pandemic has reversed progress made in reducing opioid addiction in recent years.

Carpenter walks the streets of the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, trying to help the homeless people he sees using opioids. "It's been a younger demographic of users from the suburbs in their 20s, coming into the city to live on the streets and use drugs," Carpenter told VOA. "In the last 18 months, some of the neighborhood streets have become overwhelmingly filled again with people."

In August, Philadelphia city workers and police cleared out two large homeless encampments in Kensington, where, according to officials, hundreds of people had been living and several drug overdoses had been reported. "The outreach and recovery world have their hands full now," Carpenter said.

In Philadelphia County, illicit fentanyl was present in more than 80% of drug overdose deaths in 2020, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In September, the DEA issued a public safety alert warning Americans of an alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

"Drug traffickers, both here and abroad, are increasingly using counterfeit pills to package and distribute the poison that illicit fentanyl is," said Thomas Hodnett, acting special agent in charge of the DEA's Philadelphia Division. Law enforcement officials say most of the counterfeit pills coming into the United States are produced in Mexico and China.

Opioid vaccine?

U.S. health officials believe the pandemic lockdowns and the availability of potent drugs last year dramatically increased overdoses and addiction rates.

"I know a lot of people who had made progress in their recovery, then relapsed," Arman Maddela, a recovering addict, told Reuters. Maddala, who lives in San Diego, California, lost his sobriety and began using heroin and fentanyl last year. "Being alone and isolated in your living space without any reason to leave the house is enough for someone struggling with addiction to relapse and dig themselves into a hole," he said.

Harm reduction advocate Carpenter agrees. "One trait of addiction is isolation. The pandemic lockdowns made it hard for people to attend support group meetings in person or visit their therapists."

With the easing of many pandemic restrictions this year, more drug counseling programs reopened in-person services. At the same time, U.S. medical researchers are working to develop new treatments for opioid addiction with further hopes of reducing fatal drug overdoses.

Clinical trials are under way for the first vaccine to be tested in the U.S. for opioid abuse disorder. The vaccine would create antibodies that prevent opioids such as oxycodone from reaching the brain and later impairing a person's breathing. The serum could be given in combination with other opioid-based medications used to treat addiction.

"A vaccine that lasts for several months could help many more people beat their addiction and potentially protect them from an overdose death if a patient relapses," said Sandra Comer, a professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where the research is being conducted.

With billions of dollars being spent on the coronavirus pandemic, some health care specialists are calling on the government to allocate more money for comprehensive addiction prevention and treatment programs.

"We need to be sure these treatments are available and that individuals with addiction have unfettered access because it can reduce the risk of dying by as much as 50%," said Alexander. "We know this can be done because there are millions of Americans living healthy successful lives in recovery today."






The wrangling over who will control Germanys government has begun among the top four finishing parties following parliamentary elections.

The Social Democrats (SPD), led by Olaf Scholz, defeated outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkels Christian Democrats (CDU) 25.8% to 24.1%, handing the conservative party its worst ever defeat.

But since neither party won enough votes to control the Bundestag  the lower house of parliament  they must work with the third-place finishers, the Green party, which received 14.8% of the vote, and fourth place finishers, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), which received 11.5%.

The Greens and FDP agreed Tuesday to meet with each other first before discussions with the SPD or CDU. A photo was released to the media showing Green party candidate Annalena Baerbock with FDP leader Christian Lindner.

While the two parties have some common ground, they have traditionally belonged to rival ideological camps and have different approaches to issues including the economy and fighting climate change.

During media briefings with reporters Wednesday, both parties said they have scheduled meetings with the SPD and CDU, as well another meeting with each other.

But traditionally, the Greens have leaned more toward the SPDs left-center politics, and the FDP has been more aligned with the more conservative CDU, and their leadership indicated Wednesday that may not have changed.

When asked which coalition his party preferred, FDP General Secretary Volker Wissing said, "Our preference was based on content and since the parties' content has not changed, the preference of course remains the same."

At her own news conference, while stressing they were meeting with all parties, the Green party leader Baerbock, said that since SPD was the winner of the election, it was important to meet with them first.

The Green and FDP leaders said they scheduled talks with the two first-place finishing parties for this Saturday and Sunday, followed by deliberations with their own party membership.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Refugees International said in a statement Thursday it is deeply saddened by the killing of Rohingya refugee leader Mohib Ullah.

The Rohingya Muslim leader was shot dead Wednesday by gunmen in a refugee camp in southern Bangladesh. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

He was a prominent voice defending the human rights of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and on the world stage, the global independent humanitarian group said.

United Nations spokesman Stephanie Tremblay told reporters Thursday the U.N. strongly condemns the killing and urges the Bangladesh authorities to undertake an investigation and to hold those responsible to account.

A Rohingya refugee from the Kutupalong camp in the southeastern Bangladeshi town of Cox's Bazar who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons told VOAs Burmese Service that Ullahs life was in danger, and we all are concerned about the security situation in our camps.

An unnamed Rohingya refugee in Balukhali Camp No. 9 in Cox's Bazar expressed disappointment with the murder in an interview with VOAs Burmese Service.

We would like to request the Bangladesh government and international community to protect us, the refugee said.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where the military ousted the democratically-elected government in February, is worsening.

Before the coup, the United Nations said one million people across the country required humanitarian assistance; that number has now skyrocketed to three million. The U.N. and its partners have only been able to reach about half of them with food and cash assistance. Another 20 million people are living in extreme poverty.

Humanitarian operations are also drastically underfunded. The U.N. has appealed for $385 million this year to reach those three million people, but has received only about one-third, leaving a shortfall of $250 million.

The U.N. acting resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar, Andrew Kirkwood, told reporters in a video call from Yangon Thursday, that he has been in the country for more than a decade and has never seen the situation as bad as it is now.

The difficulty is that we think it is likely to get worse, he said. Those 20 million people who are now living below the poverty line -- rates that we havent seen in at least 20 years -- those people could very quickly drop further into a level of destitution where they will require life-saving assistance.

He said 200,000 people have been internally displaced since February due to conflict between the army, ethnic armed groups and the newly formed Peoples Defense Forces.

Without more funding, he said humanitarians will not be able to reach all three million people in need.

U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.
More than 100 Iraqi families have been released from a refugee camp that houses thousands of people, including families of Islamic State fighters, in northeastern Syria.

An official at al-Hol camp confirmed to Voice of America that 487 Iraqi nationals from 115 families left late Wednesday for a camp in Nineveh province.

It's the second time this year that Iraqis have been released from the camp. In May, 381 Iraqi nationals, or 95 families, left al-Hol and were sent back to Iraq.

When the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led military alliance that has been a significant U.S. partner in the war against IS, took the terror group's last stronghold in Syria in March 2019, it detained thousands of IS militants and their families.

According to camp officials, more than 62,000 individuals, including nearly 30,000 Iraqi refugees, are still residing at al-Hol. Syrian nationals make up about 22,000 of the camp's residents.

The relocation on Wednesday was part of a 2018 deal between local Kurdish officials in Syria and the Iraqi government, according to Dilbirin Khelo, a local journalist who follows happenings in the camp.

He told VOA that both sides agreed to allow up to 5,000 Iraqi families to leave the camp if they want to.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a VOA request for comment on this issue.

Thorough vetting

According to Nicholas Heras, a senior analyst at Washington's Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, the SDF handles Iraqi detainees like local or Syrian detainees.

Heras said, A lot of the procedure for releasing Iraqi families from al-Hol needs rigorous talks ahead of time, as well as thorough vetting.

He added, This effort is only worth it for the SDF if it means that the SDF can transfer larger groups of people out of al-Hol, and that Iraqi authorities will take them back and guarantee a basic subsistence and shelter for them. He said the Iraqi government was suspicious of anybody tainted with the stigma of being connected by family to IS.

SDF authorities released 324 Syrian nationals from al-Hol in August, increasing the number of Syrian families who have left the camp to 1,600.

Local authorities hope that lowering the population of al-Hol will help to reduce the violence that has been plaguing the camp. At least 70 people have been killed in al-Hol this year, according to the United Nations. Reports say the majority of the victims were Iraqi migrants.

This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service.
A wave of antigovernment protests that began in Irans southwest 11 days ago has spread to the capital, Tehran, where demonstrators have marched and chanted slogans against their Islamist rulers for the first time in 18 months.

Video clips of Mondays demonstration in central Tehran were widely shared on social media and acknowledged by the deputy governor of the Iranian capital region, Hamidreza Goudarzi.

The clips showed at least dozens of Iranians marching on Tehrans Jomhuri Islami Avenue, or Islamic Republic Avenue, chanting slogans against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamist ruling system over which he presides, and his practice of using the recession-plagued nations wealth to pay and arm allied Islamist militias in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

Bold chants by protesters

The Tehran protesters chants included Death to the dictator, Shame on Khamenei, let go of the country, "Cannons, tanks, fireworks, mullahs must go, and Neither for Gaza nor Lebanon, I sacrifice my life only for Iran.

Another social media video appeared to show protesters marching and chanting anti-government slogans on the grounds of a hospital in the northern city of Karaj on Monday. VOA could not independently verify the clip because it is barred from reporting inside Iran.

Iranian state media noted the Tehran demonstration but did not reference any of its anti-government chants. They quoted the Tehran official, Goudarzi, as saying the protest was prompted by a power outage at a nearby shopping center.

Now there is no gathering and the situation is normal, Goudarzi said, apparently after the march concluded. There were no reports of Iranian security forces taking action to stop it.

Largest display of discontent in months

The streets of the Iranian capital had not seen such a public display of discontent and anti-establishment chants since January 2020, said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights, in a message to VOA Persian.

Tehran last witnessed several days of antigovernment protests in response to Iranian security forces January 8, 2020, downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane shortly after it took off from the Iranian capital. The crash killed all 176 people on board, most of them Iranians and Iranian Canadians who were flying to Kyiv en route to Canada.

After three days of blaming the crash on mechanical problems with the plane, Iranian officials admitted that their forces shot down the Ukraine International Airlines jet. They said those forces mistook the plane for an enemy threat hours after launching missiles at an Iraqi base that houses U.S. troops. Iran had attacked the U.S. troops, wounding dozens, in retaliation for a U.S. airstrike that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad five days previously.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyst Behnam Ben Taleblu told VOA Persian that Mondays Tehran protest was the most significant outpouring of antigovernment demonstrators in the Iranian capital since early 2020.

Citizens are standing with protesters

Tehran citizens are standing in unity with protesters who over a week ago bravely took to the streets in southwest Irans Khuzestan province over lack of access to water, Taleblu said. Shows of unity like these are precisely what the regime fears most, as it relies on divide and conquer to survive.

Nightly street protests against water shortages began in drought-stricken Khuzestan on July 15 and spread in the following days to several other Iranian provinces, with protesters chanting slogans increasingly critical of the government. Social media videos that VOA also could not verify appeared to show Iranian security forces firing bullets and tear gas to try to clear the streets.

Iranian state media have reported the killings of at least four people in the protests, including a police officer, and blamed the deaths on saboteurs.

London-based rights group Amnesty International said last Friday that video footage and consistent accounts from sources in Iran led it to conclude that security forces had killed at least eight protesters and bystanders, including a teenage boy, in seven different cities. It accused Iran of deploying unlawful force, including by firing live ammunition and birdshot, to crush mostly peaceful protests.

Khamenei offers warning

In a statement on his official website last Friday, Khamenei expressed sympathy with the water-deprived residents of Khuzestan but warned them against playing into the hands of Irans enemies.

Experts have blamed Irans drought not only on significantly lower-than-usual rainfall in recent months but also on years of Iranian government mismanagement of water resources.

Taleblu said Irans street protests have been slowly growing in momentum, scale and scope.

If past is prologue, Tehran is likely to employ lethal force once again against protesters. This cycle of protest and crackdown cannot be ignored by the Biden administration, he said.

U.S. continues to track unrest

Asked by VOA Persian whether the Biden administration believes Irans response to the protests has been harsh, State Department spokesperson Jalina Porter repeated a comment issued several times since the unrest began, telling a Friday press briefing that the U.S. was following reports of the protests and fatalities and believes Iranians should be free to assemble and express themselves without fear of violence or arbitrary detention by security forces.

Were also monitoring reports of government-imposed internet shutdowns in the region, Porter added. We urge the Iranian government to allow its citizens to exercise their universal rights of freedom of expression, as well as [to] freely access information online.

Guita Aryan contributed to this article, which originated in VOAs Persian Service . Click here for the original Persian version of the story.
A Myanmar military spokesperson on Thursday said that jailed American editor Danny Fenster was detained for activities that went beyond journalism.

Responding to a question from VOA Burmese, Major General Zaw Min Tun said, "We have to detain him under the present circumstance for the time being."

"As for journalists, if they do only journalist's work, there is no reason to arrest them," Zaw Min Tun said. "Danny Fenster did more than just what a journalist does."

The spokesperson, who made the comments during a press conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, added that the junta would disclose further information "when we can."

Fenster, the managing editor of the news website Frontier Myanmar, has been held in Yangon's Insein Prison since May 24. The journalist, originally from Detroit, Michigan, was arrested at the Yangon airport while traveling home to see family.

He has been charged with incitement, an offense that carries a prison term of up to three years.

The journalist is due to attend his ninth court hearing Monday. At previous hearings, the court had repeatedly extended the journalist's pretrial detention.

Fenster's brother and his lawyer have both said the journalist appeared demoralized after the latest hearing, on September 21.

"His hair grew longer. He seemed disappointed, and he told me in a frustrated tone that 'I have nothing to say,' " the lawyer, Than Zaw Aung, told The Associated Press. "I asked him if he had been vaccinated by the prison authorities, and he said no. His words showed that he is not feeling well. He didn't request anything."

Fenster has previously reported having symptoms of the coronavirus.

At the news conference Thursday, the military spokesperson said that Fenster's "health is in good condition" and that he has access to a vaccination if he wants it.

But the journalist's brother Bryan said that when he last spoke with Fenster on September 22, "he did not sound well."

"[Danny] was very down and seemed over it, understandably. He has sounded generally 'upbeat' in the past, given the circumstances, so it was extremely difficult to have our words not be absorbed by him, let alone even finding the words to say to him," Bryan Fenster said in an email to VOA. "My parents were devastated and it's been a long week but we remain hopeful and press on to bring Danny home."

Family members did not comment on the military spokesperson's statement, but Bryan Fenster said they were eagerly awaiting Monday's hearing.

The U.S. State Department has said that it is closely monitoring Fenster's case and is pressing the military regime to release him. "We will do so until he returns home safely to his family," a spokesperson told VOA.

"Danny's detention, and that of so many others, is a sad reminder of the continuing human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the country," the spokesperson said. "We continue to stress that journalism is not a crime."

Dozens of journalists have been arrested alongside protesters and others since Myanmar's military overthrew the civilian government in a February 1 coup.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), as of Thursday, more than 6,920 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the start of the coup.

The military also blocked access to social media and the internet in the first few weeks, and security forces check people's phones and social media posts, digital rights groups found.

VOA's Burmese Service, Jessica Jerreat and Nike Ching contributed to this report.
Nigerian police have denied killing any members of a banned Shiite Muslim group during a gathering this week in the capital, Abuja.

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria said police on Tuesday shot and killed eight of its members as they marked the religious ritual of Arbaeen.

The Abuja police command denied the allegation in a statement Wednesday, saying operatives intervened during the Islamic Movement of Nigeria procession to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The command said members of the IMN attacked security officers before officers shot tear gas into the air, arrested 57 of them, and seized petrol bombs and bags of stones.

An Abuja command spokesperson couldn't be reached for a comment, but national police spokesperson Frank Mba backed the command's statement on the matter.

Statement approved

"That statement is comprehensive enough, and it answers all questions. I am okay with that statement," Mba said.

The IMN rejected claims by the police that its members attacked officers, however, and said it would file a lawsuit against authorities.

Spokesperson Abdullahi Muhammed Musa said it was IMN members who were attacked at the group's procession to mark the religious ritual.

'We have videos'

He said at least eight people were shot, while dozens of people scampering to safety were injured.

"Armed police and soldiers come out and attack unarmed, innocent citizens that are carrying out their religious activities, which is their constitutional right, but they're denying that they didn't kill anybody," Musa said. "We have videos, we have people around that you can come and investigate."

Muhammad Rufai was at the procession Tuesday. He said he heard gun\shots and saw bodies soon after.

"We saw these joint taskforce vehicles. I think they're up to 20-something," Rufai said. "They started shooting tear gas and bullets immediately, as at that time, I saw three persons that they shot down."

The Shiite minority Muslim group in Nigeria has long complained of discrimination and repression.

IMN banned in 2019

Authorities banned the IMN in 2019 following violent clashes with security during protests to demand the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Zakzaky and his wife had been detained since 2015 after a clash in which the army killed an estimated 350 Shiites.

In July, a Nigerian court acquitted the IMN leader of all criminal charges, and Zakzaky and his wife were released from prison.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed the United States' offer to resume a dialogue but says he is open to improving ties with South Korea.

In a speech published Thursday in North Korean state media, Kim said the willingness of the U.S. to hold talks was only a "show" to cover up what he called Washington's "hostile policy."

"There is no change in the U.S. military threat to and hostile policy toward us at all, and instead, their expressions and methods get more cunning," Kim said, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has repeatedly called for North Korea to resume negotiations, stalled since 2019, on the country's nuclear program.

Responding to Kim's speech, the State Department stressed in an email to the VOA Korean Service that the U.S. "harbors no hostile intent" toward North Korea, whose official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Our policy calls for a calibrated, practical approach that is open to and will explore diplomacy with the DPRK to make tangible progress that increases the security of the United States, our allies, and our deployed forces. We are prepared to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We hope the DPRK will respond positively to our outreach," the U.S. statement read.

Kim delivered his speech Wednesday, the same day North Korea announced the details of its latest weapons test, which involved a new hypersonic missile apparently designed to evade U.S. missile defenses.

North Korea has conducted three missile tests this month, even as it signals it is open to dialogue with its neighbor South Korea.

In his speech, Kim said he would consider reestablishing communications hotlines with South Korea starting in early October.

Pyongyang opened the hotlines in late July for the first time in about a year, but it severed them two weeks later, after the U.S. and South Korea decided to move ahead with annual joint military drills that North Korea sees as a provocation.

Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong, a senior North Korean official and sister of Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang would also consider an inter-Korean summit as well as a formal declaration ending the Korean War of 1950-53.

The moves create a tricky situation for South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a left-leaning politician who wants to resume talks with North Korea before his single presidential term expires in May.

The North's strategy is unsurprising to many analysts, who say Pyongyang wants to both build up its nuclear deterrent and put pressure on the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

"There's nothing new here," said Jenny Town, a North Korea specialist with the Washington-based Stimson Center.

Though it's not clear if the coming months will see the reestablishment of inter-Korean talks, Pyongyang has hinted it will not stop its weapons tests anytime soon.

In a speech Monday at the United Nations General Assembly, North Korean diplomat Kim Song defended his country's nuclear missile advancement, calling it a response to the "hostile policy" of the United States and South Korea.

"Nobody can deny the righteous right to self-defense for (North Korea) to develop, test, manufacture and possess the weapons systems equivalent to the ones which are possessed or being developed by" the United States and South Korea, Kim said.

The North Korean ambassador also condemned the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea, recent U.S.-South Korea military exercises and South Korea's military buildup.
A British judge will deliver a decision January 4 on whether to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to face charges, including espionage.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser made the announcement at London's Old Bailey Court after nearly four weeks of hearings.

The U.S. has requested extradition of Australian-born Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of misusing computers in connection with Wikileaks 2010 and 2011 publication of thousands of confidential U.S. cables, mainly relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A group of protesters gathered in front of the court in support of Assange.

After the court adjourned, Stella Moris, Assange's fiancee and the mother of his two young children, called for his release.

"Julian is a publisher, she said. Julian is also a son, he's a friend. He's my fiance and a father. Our children need their father, Julian needs his freedom, and our democracy needs a free press. Thank you."

Kristinn Hrafnsson, a Wikileaks editor, said extradition would mean ''darkness for us all.''

"After all these four weeks, we should be in no doubt that there is only one thing that has to happen as an outcome of these proceedings, Hrafnsson said. If Julian Assange is extradited it will mean darkness for us all. It cannot happen. We must take a stand. There can only be one outcome: no extradition."

Assange's lawyers, fighting the U.S. extradition request, say the charges were politically motivated and that his mental health is at risk, arguing that U.S. prison conditions breach Britain's human rights laws, adding that Assange and his lawyers were surveilled while he was in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Lawyers representing the United States said that many of those arguments related to issues to be addressed in a trial and have no bearing on extradition.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for $24 million to prepare for the potential outflow of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees into neighboring countries in the coming months.

The anticipated exodus of refugees following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August has not happened. Although internal displacement is rife, the U.N. refugee agency reports just over 30,000 people have fled across borders in search of international protection since January.

However, the International Red Cross Federation say it expects refugee numbers to surge as humanitarian and economic conditions in Afghanistan worsen.

Red Cross spokeswoman Nathalie Perroud told VOA Afghanistan is in the grips of multiple complex emergencies. She said millions of people are suffering from severe drought, food and water shortages, internal displacement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shattered economy. A major problem, she said is access to banking services.

We have reports of people really queuing very, very long hours to just access cash flow. And the maximum that they can withdraw is $200 per week. So that means that people are really out of cash and that their basic needs may not be met in the immediate future, said Perroud.

The Red Cross reports 18 million people lack basic services and urgently need humanitarian aid to survive. It warns Afghanistans looming harsh winter threatens greater misery and hardship.

Perroud said this grim situation is likely to send tens of thousands of Afghans fleeing into neighboring countries in the coming months. She said the Red Cross is making preparations to provide them with the protection and humanitarian assistance they need.

So, the current situation in Afghanistan is quite alarming and that is why we are getting ready for even the worst scenario. The displacement or refugee situation may not happen, but we would rather be prepared now rather than wait for this massive population of movement to happen and not know how to deal with it, said Perroud.

The Red Cross says it requires $24 million to provide aid and protection to about 160,000 Afghan refugees for an initial 12-month period. It says it will focus most of its efforts on Iran, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, but adds preparations could be extended to other countries of asylum in Central Asia.
A former Nazi concentration camp secretary has been found in Germany after failing to appear in court for the beginning of her trial.

Irmgard Furchner is accused of assisting with the murder of 11,412 people when she was an 18-year-old typist at the Stutthof concentration camp in occupied Poland during World War II between 1943 and 1945.

Court spokesperson Frederike Milhoffer confirmed Thursday the 96-year-old Furchner had been found after leaving her home early and taking a taxi to an unknown location.

Milhoffer said an arrest warrant had been issued for Furchner and that a physician was assessing whether she is healthy enough for imprisonment.

Furchners trial could not begin in the far northern town of Itzehoe without her presence. Milhoffer said the next court hearing was scheduled for Oct. 19.

Furchner is the latest nonagenarian to face charges of Holocaust crimes in what is perceived as an expedited approach by prosecutors to seize the final chances to seek justice for the victims of some of the worst mass murders in history.

About 65,000 people died in the concentration camp between 1939 and 1945 in the camp's gas chamber or of starvation and disease. The victims were Jews caught up in the Nazis horrific extermination campaign and prisoners of war.

(Information for this report comes from Reuters and AFP.)
A dozen Democratic senators are pushing President Joe Biden to create two high-level posts to assist in evacuating eligible Afghans and others who remained in the country after the U.S. withdrew troops Aug. 31.

Senator Maria Cantwell, leader of the initiative, said her office had been contacted by at least 1,800 people. She said they included U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa holders, journalists and contractors who worked at the now-shuttered U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

"We know that we still have many people in Afghanistan that are stuck there, and they need the U.S. continuing to help them and support them," she said Wednesday, after introducing a letter signed by 11 colleagues, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker, both of whom sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

The senators have asked Biden to establish those positions in the president's office and in the State Department.

The United States evacuated 124,000 people from Afghanistan over two weeks in August in what administration officials described as the largest airlift in history.

This week, the State Department said that about 100 U.S. citizens were still waiting to leave Afghanistan but that their evacuation was challenged by the "unpredictability" of the hard-line Taliban government, which took over after the American withdrawal.

"Rescuing Americans is a floor, not a ceiling," the senators wrote. "A focus on evacuating Americans to the exclusion of others we have promised to get out is unacceptable. Civilian lives are in danger, and the United States' international reputation is at risk."

Rabbi Will Berkovitz, who heads the Jewish Family Service of Seattle, joined Cantwell in making the plea.

"I think what we need is ... a point person at the White House who sits on the National Security Council. That person needs to oversee this entire effort, because it just needs to be a high-level person of authority who can get things done," he said via a Zoom call Wednesday afternoon.

VOA asked White House press secretary Jen Psaki about the criticism and requests presented in the letter.

"We agree that there's more work to be done in Afghanistan, that it's important and imperative that humanitarian assistance is able to reach the people of Afghanistan," she said, adding that Biden raised this with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week, and that the U.S. government is working with the government of Qatar on humanitarian assistance flights.

"We do have a range of officials who are working on exactly this, from the State Department and from the White House," she said. Psaki said that she didn't know the specifics of the request but that the administration agrees "there's more work to be done."

"We have staff. We're committed to doing exactly that," she said.

Republican effort

Senate Republicans are pursuing the matter through legislation. On Monday, 22 Republican senators introduced the Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight, and Accountability Act, which seeks, among other things, to set up a State Department task force to focus on the evacuation of U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders still in Afghanistan.

"We continue to see the grave implications of the Biden Administration's haphazard withdrawal from Afghanistan," Senator Jim Risch said in a statement. "An unknown number of American citizens and Afghan partners remain abandoned in Afghanistan under threat from the Taliban, we face a renewed terror threat against the United States, and the Taliban wrongly seek recognition at the U.N., even as they suppress the rights of Afghan women and girls."

Jacob Kurtzer, director and senior fellow with the Humanitarian Agenda initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the criticism and calls for a plan are valid.

"I think the need for a plan, a specific plan, reflects that this is not something that we can expect to resolve quickly," he said. "For me, the necessity of a plan is that it's an indication of the administration's commitment into the future."

The Democratic senators also urged the Biden administration to appoint officials who would hold the Taliban accountable on its previous commitments to protect human rights and allow freedom of movement, while also assisting the new Taliban government with humanitarian work and operating an international airport.
As experts digest the implications of the unexpected AUKUS agreement, initial fears that the deal could undermine one of the worlds premier intelligence-sharing arrangements appear to be easing.

In the days after the September 15 announcement of the strategic partnership embracing the United States, Britain and Australia, international attention focused on the angry reaction from China  which saw itself as the target of the new grouping  and France, which not only lost a lucrative submarine deal with Australia but also had its own Indo-Pacific plans shoved aside.

But the announcement also prompted some dismay in two other countries  Canada and New Zealand  which together with the three AUKUS partners make up the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group of Anglophone countries.

New Zealand, led by the highly popular left-leaning Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, immediately came out with a testy-sounding announcement that the nuclear-powered Australian submarines to be built under the deal would not be allowed to dock in its waters.

And in Canada, an embarrassed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself forced to explain to critics just days before his countrys September 20 federal election why Canada was left out of the deal.

Canadian military analysts say the country was not included principally because it had nothing to contribute to a nuclear submarine program. Canada's National Post reported Trudeau's comments, without exact quotes, as being that the agreement would have no impact on the Five Eyes partnership.

In the end, Trudeau survived the election, though he failed to improve his Liberal Partys standing in Parliament. And while the Canadian military-issues magazine Esprit De Corps was still writing this week about a snub to Canada," other analysts have moved on. A report issued Thursday by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute focused on other ways that Canada can contribute to the Five Eyes.

In New Zealand, meanwhile, an initial flurry of concern about the AUKUS agreement quickly faded amid public recognition that the nations popular rejection of the military use of nuclear power disqualified it from participation in the deal.

AUKUS made the news here momentarily, said Nicholas Dynon, chief editor of New Zealands Defsec Media, but the 24-hour news cycle has moved on.

Dynon told VOA that in addition to its aversion to nuclear submarines, New Zealand was left out of AUKUS for many of the same reasons as Canada  namely there was not much it could contribute to an alliance that seems focused on checking Chinas diplomatic and territorial expansion.

Some commentators have suggested that New Zealands AUKUS snubbing is due to Wellington being too cozy with Beijing, Dynon added. But, he said, This is a little fanciful.

New Zealands contributions to the Five Eyes are limited. Its intelligence agency, NZSIS, employs only about 300 people, while equivalent agencies in the U.K., Canada and Australia employ thousands. New Zealands navy consists of only two frigates, four patrol vessels, one replenishment oiler, one strategic sealift ship and one hydrographic survey ship to guard the island nations entire coastline.

Their natural remit is some of the islands in the South Pacific," said former Canadian intelligence analyst Phil Gurski.

Theyre very professional, theyre very competent, Gurski told VOA. But the fact that theyre so tiny, they dont have the impact the other four Eyes do.  If they stopped doing intelligence gathering tomorrow, the other four Eyes could pick up the slack.

Zack Cooper, an analyst with the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute, told VOA that New Zealands own policies would have made it very difficult for the country to participate in AUKUS.

New Zealand has very public objections to military uses of nuclear technology, which would prevent New Zealand from procuring any nuclear capabilities itself, he said.

It might still have been possible for the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom to include New Zealand in some broader defense technology cooperation, Cooper said, but I think that would have been difficult to pull off when the nuclear-powered submarine was so critical to the existing deal.

New Zealand-based foreign policy expert Stephen Hoadley told VOA the country may be happier out of the deal for economic reasons as well.

While New Zealand may posture rhetorically about human rights and rules-based order, its economic imperatives drive much of its foreign policy, he said. This means getting along with China for trade advantages and negotiating with the UK and EU for free-trade agreements.
Coal provides more than 75% of South Africas energy supply, but in the wake of global warming, pressure is mounting for that to change. Protests were seen across the country last week and now a proposed Chinese-backed coal power plant may be scrapped.

Its what keeps the lights on and industries running.

But South Africas coal energy sector is facing mounting pressure at home and abroad to end its use of coal for good.

Frustrated with regular blackouts and the effects of pollution, citizens of the mineral-rich country rallied last week, demanding cleaner, more reliable and affordable alternatives.

Urika Pais was among the protesters from Soweto.

Electricity has always been a problem in our community. So, community members went forward and they fought for electricity. But when the electricity came, it came at a very high price. We know that solar power is a better solution and it will be cheaper, said Pais.

South Africa is among the worlds top 15 largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Its reliance on coal stems from having vast quantities of the resource underground.

This week, though, South Africas government told the United Nations it is setting more ambitious climate targets.

While environmentalists welcomed the commitment, they say change to the energy sector is not happening fast enough.

Nicole Loser is an attorney with the Centre for Environmental Rights.

We have to drastically reduce our emissions and reduce our reliance on coal by about 80% within the next 10 years, less than 10 years. We arent seeing those changes happening fast enough. We also know that we need to essentially double our renewable energy build our plants  that also is not happening, said Loser.

As the rest of the world races to tackle climate change, analysts say pressure from business and foreign governments can force a faster green transition in South Africa.

Chris Yelland is an energy analyst with EE Business Intelligence.

If we do not reduce our dependence on coal, we will be punished by our trading partners who will set up cross-border tariff. And ultimately, South Africa relies on trade with the rest of the world, he said.

China announced last week that it would no longer fund foreign coal projects. That means a Chinese-backed coal project slated to power a new industrial complex in South Africas northern province of Limpopo may not materialize.



Analysts like Chris Yelland say Chinas decision will have long-term ramifications.

China was seen to be perhaps the last outpost of finance that could be available for new coal. And there is nobody else to pick up this ball to finance this new coal-fired power. So, I think the days of new coal in South Africa are over, he said.

The prospect of canceling coal is a major victory for protesters who want to see South Africa embrace renewables on a larger scale.


The mountain kingdom of Bhutan has scripted a rare success story in the South Asian region devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting just two deaths, about 2,500 cases and inoculating 90% of its adult population in one of the worlds fastest inoculation campaigns.

Experts say mobilizing the community, meticulous planning by authorities and international donations of vaccines paved the way for the tiny country with limited resources to get a grip on the pandemic and emerge ahead of most nations.

When the coronavirus began ravaging countries last year, Bhutan offered financial incentives to people to augment its small pool of health workers and simultaneously called for volunteers.

Thousands stepped forward.

Within a very short period of time the volunteer system crashed because there were so many people wanting to volunteer. And it was an amazing experience to see that instead of the incentives people were registering to volunteer, wanting to give something back to the community, Dechen Wangmo, the countrys health minister, told VOA.

The country now has a roughly 30,000-strong force of citizens volunteers. Dressed in bright orange and known as desuups, they have boosted the efforts of some 350 doctors and 3,000 health workers. They have helped reinforce public health messages such as encouragement of wearing masks, and assisted in testing, surveillance and contact tracing among Bhutans approximately 750,000 people.

The first half a million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, donated by India, were administered in March during a 16-day campaign that was timed to coincide with auspicious dates suggested by Buddhist monks. Choosing the right time to roll out the vaccines helped build faith in the shot -- Bhutan is a Buddhist country and is sometimes called the worlds last Shangri-la.

When New Delhi halted exports due to domestic shortages, Bhutan turned elsewhere. A batch of Moderna vaccines arrived in July from the COVAX program, an initiative to give vaccines to underdeveloped countries. Several other countries have also donated vaccines.

While some questions were raised on social media about inoculating people with two different vaccines, those issues were quickly laid to rest in a country known for its implicit faith in its Oxford-educated, 41-year-old constitutional monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. Although he has turned the country from an absolute monarchy into a democratic, constitutional monarchy, he is still hugely popular.

The medical background of its leadership helped -- Bhutans prime minister and foreign minister are doctors and health minister Wangmo is a Yale-educated epidemiologist.

Unlike many countries, vaccine hesitancy did not pose a problem -- although Bhutan has few doctors, it has a strong primary health care system.

There is a lot of trust and confidence in the health system and people do understand the benefits of vaccine, that vaccines prevent diseases and they have seen it for generations, Wangmo said.

The second doses were administered to 90% of the adult population in a weeklong campaign that began July 20, the health ministry said. UNICEF officials called it the fastest vaccination campaign during the pandemic. While Bhutans small population made the task easier, it faced the challenge of reaching far-flung mountain areas, often across difficult terrain.

If Bhutan can succeed in a monsoon with so few health workers to get almost the entire population vaccinated and then move to the children, maybe Bhutan can be a beacon of hope in a region that is on fire, said Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Bhutan.

Even as many countries scramble for vaccines for adults, Bhutan now plans to inoculate 12- to 17-year-olds. The goal, officials said, is to reach herd immunity or at least avert serious infections in a country with only one doctor trained in critical care.

Inoculations are not the only achievement. Unlike many countries, Bhutan opened schools earlier this year.

UNICEFs Park and domestic media credit the leadership with astutely navigating the pandemic.

King Wangchuck has traveled to remote hamlets to alert people about the pandemic  by car, foot or horseback. When the transmissible delta variant tore through India earlier this year, he visited areas in the east and south that adjoin India, with which the country has a porous border.

Bhutanese officials say those visits reinforced the message of solidarity and were more effective than public health guidelines.

The visits conveyed that it is time for everyone to fight the common enemy. He would give that moral confidence to people and assurance that we are in it together and we are all going to follow the same rules, Wangmo said.

The king would follow the countrys strict quarantine rules after each trip.

Bhutan has shown that the COVID pandemic is not just about the virus, but also about leadership, according to Parks.

If there are lessons to be learnt from Bhutan, it is about compassionate leadership that has to come from the top, Parks said. By compassionate leadership I mean having deep empathy, really walking in the shoes of others, and then actively making efforts to support people throughout this terrible, terrible pandemic.
Jordan reopened its main border crossing with Syria on Wednesday, amid an apparent regional push to reintegrate Damascus into regional political and economic structures.

Jordan and Syria officially reopened the main Jaber-Nassib border crossing between the two countries Wednesday after an apparent U.S. green light to jump-start regional trade and economic dealings. Egypt recently agreed to sell gas to Lebanon via both Jordan and Syria.

Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV reported that a decision to resume flights between the Jordanian capital, Amman, and the Syrian capital, Damascus, was canceled due to opposition from Washington.

Both the Syrian and Jordanian military chiefs met recently in Damascus to work out the final details of the reopening of the key border link between the two countries.

Jordan has reportedly lost around $20 billion in trade over the last 10 years due to closures of its border with Syria and the disruption of regional trade routes between Turkey and Lebanon to the Gulf states via Syria and Jordan.

Colonel Ahmed Qara'an, a top Jordanian customs official at the Jaber-Nassib border crossing, told Arab media that "traffic between Syria and Jordan has been on the medium side, but that he expects trade traffic to pick up in the coming days."

Egyptian political sociologist Said Sadek told VOA that the decision to reopen the border crossing between Jordan and Syria is a "pragmatic" move that follows the realization that the Syrian opposition "is not going to win the conflict against the government in Damascus," and ties between Damascus and its Arab neighbors need to resume.

"Now, there is realization that (Syrian President Bashar) al Assad and (his Russian backers) have won, the opposition has been defeated and America is withdrawing from the area, he said. There was also this plan to send gas from Egypt to Jordan to Syria (and on) to Lebanon."

Sadek added that a number of Arab foreign ministers, including those of Egypt and Jordan, met with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al Mekdad on the sidelines of the just-ended U.N. General Assembly annual session, indicating that "there is something in the air," regarding normalizing ties with Syria. He thinks that "will benefit the Syrian economy, people and the entire region, reducing tensions."

Paul Sullivan, a Washington-based Middle East analyst, told VOA that the border between Syria and Jordan has a "difficult history," in addition to "present-day tensions."

He thinks it will not be easy to "normalize relations with the Assad regime on part of the border," while still having to deal with a myriad of dissenting groups within Syria and outside of Syria."

Sullivan suggested that the border may "again be closed" at some point in the future due to tensions over a variety of issues, and he thinks Jordan would be wise to "beef up security along the border."
The Biden administration answering questions on the immigration policy. Thousands of Haitian migrants attempt to enter the U.S. at the border with Mexico. Meanwhile, thousands of Afghan refugees are welcomed into America. The policy of who gets in, who does not, and why, on The Inside Story: Biden and the Borders. Airdate September 30, 2021.
Burkina Faso's six-year conflict with terrorist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida is spreading to the country's southern region, say analysts. Reporter Henry Wilkins went on a patrol with a group of vigilantes as they prepared to defend against the Islamist militants near the southern town of Bobo Dioulasso.
The U.N. Childrens Fund says the Ethiopian governments decision to expel seven senior United Nations humanitarian officials from the country is regrettable and alarming.



Declaring its work is more urgent than ever, UNICEF said in a statement Friday that children are bearing the biggest brunt of the countrys worsening humanitarian crisis.



We have full confidence in the teams working on the ground to save childrens lives, guided  as always  by the principles of impartiality, humanity, neutrality and independence. Our programs will continue, UNICEF added, noting it has been present in the African nation for more than 60 years.



The seven officials were given 72 hours to leave Ethiopia. They include the UNICEF representative and the deputy chief of the U.N. Office for Humanitarian Affairs.

In a tweet, Ethiopias ministry of foreign affairs said the seven were meddling in the internal affairs of the country.

On Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock, after the Ethiopian government announced the expulsion.

In Ethiopia, the U.N. is delivering lifesaving aid  including food, medicine, water, and sanitation supplies  to people in desperate need, Guterres said in a statement. I have full confidence in the U.N. staff who are in Ethiopia doing this work.

He said the organization is engaging with the Ethiopian authorities in the expectation that the concerned U.N. staff will be allowed to continue their important work.

Conflict-induced hunger



The Ethiopian federal government has been engaged in an armed conflict with rebels in the northern Tigray region for nearly one year. The government declared a unilateral cease-fire and withdrew its forces in June, but the conflict has continued to spill into the neighboring regions of Amhara and Afar.



Of the 6 million people who live in Tigray, the U.N. says 5.2 million need some level of food assistance. Over 400,000 people are already living in famine-like conditions, and another 1.8 million people are on the brink of famine.



It is critically important that the humanitarian operation continues, and it does, OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said Friday at a Geneva briefing, according to Reuters. Until now there is no indication that it (Ethiopias decision) stops the operation.



U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said at the briefing the expulsion of the head of its reporting team was a "really grave step.

On Wednesday, U.N. Humanitarian Chief Martin Griffiths said that after 11 months of conflict and three months of a de-facto government blockade, the humanitarian crisis in Tigray is spiraling out of control.



In an interview with the Associated Press, Griffiths said the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is a stain on our conscience, as civilians starve because aid workers are being blocked from getting enough supplies to them.



One hundred aid trucks are needed daily in the region, but in the past week, only 79 in total were allowed in, a U.N. spokesman said.



Trucks carrying fuel and medical supplies still cannot enter into Tigray, U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday. Trucks are waiting in Semera, in Afar, to travel to Mekelle.



The federal government headed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, blames the rebels for blocking aid deliveries.



US condemnation



The U.S. government condemns in the strongest possible terms the government of Ethiopias unprecedented action to expel the leadership of all of the United Nations organizations involved in ongoing humanitarian operations, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters Thursday.



Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing the government to impose financial sanctions on those who prolong the Tigray conflict.

We will not hesitate to use this or any other tool at our disposal to respond quickly and decisively to those who obstruct humanitarian assistance to people of Ethiopia, Psaki said.



In a statement Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an immediate reversal of Ethiopias decision and said the work of the U.N. officials is critical to the ongoing humanitarian relief effort in the country.



This announcement comes just days after OCHA Chief Martin Griffiths warned that a man-made famine is taking hold in Ethiopia, Blinken added. The expulsion is counterproductive to international efforts to keep civilians safe and deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance to the millions in dire need.



The U.N. Security Council will hold private talks Friday about Ethiopias decision, according to Reuters, citing diplomats.



The diplomatic sources said the United States, Britain, Estonia, France and Norway intend to raise the issue when the 15-member council meets behind closed doors. The sources said any aggressive action by the council is unlikely because China and Russia long have maintained the Tigrayan conflict is an internal matter.



Patsy Widakuswara and Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information came from Reuters.
Several U.N. agencies are calling on countries in the Americas to stop expelling Haitians without first assessing their protection needs and to uphold the fundamental human rights of Haitians on the move.

The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the U.N. Human Rights Office (OHCHR) say Haitians also need better access to regular migration pathways.

The U.N. agencies say countries in the Americas need a regional approach to deal with the migrants.

The Washington Post reports many Haitians say restrictive immigration policies in several Latin American countries where theyve lived for years, in combination with U.S. President Joe Bidens more open immigration policies, sparked a recent northward move to the American border.

Thousands of Haitians have been living in Chile, Brazil and other countries since the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti that killed over 200,000 people.

Many Haitians in Chile had legal refugee status there.

Recently, more than 14,000 Haitians lived in squalid conditions for days at the U.S.-Mexico border near the Texas city of Del Rio. More are reportedly on the way to the border.

Most of the Haitians who were backed up at the U.S.-Mexico were eventually allowed into the U.S., but nearly 4,000 were sent back to Haiti.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration acknowledged it sent $5.5 million to Haiti to help support asylum-seekers deported from Del Rio, but it rejected reports it had "paid" Haiti to take back the rejected migrants.
The Biden administration acknowledged Wednesday that it sent $5.5 million to Haiti to help support asylum-seekers deported from Del Rio, Texas, but it rejected reports that it had "paid" Haiti to take back the rejected migrants.

"That is not true," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in response to VOA's question about the reports, which had gone viral on Haitian social media. "We, of course, have been providing a broad range of humanitarian assistance."

A State Department spokesperson told VOA that the U.S. money would go to support a U.N. agency that is helping the 4,000 deportees through their first days back in Haiti.

"The United States is providing $5.5 million in assistance to support the reception of Haitian nationals returning to Haiti," the spokesperson said. "Administered by USAID, this assistance supports the International Organization for Migration's ongoing efforts to provide critical reception services for returned Haitian migrants in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien."

What's provided

That assistance includes food, health care, psychological counseling, accommodations and hygiene kits.

"We are committed to continuing to provide assistance that supports and promotes stability, resilience, health and safety for Haitians at home," the spokesperson told VOA.

In Haiti, Prime Minister Ariel Henry went onto his official Primature Twitter account to deny persistent rumors that the money would be channeled through him.



"The primature official denies information circulating on social media saying that Prime Minister @DrArielHenry would have received from American authorities $5.5 million in assistance for the repatriated Haitians," he tweeted.

"The funds allocated by the American government were received and administered directly by #IOM for the benefit of the deportees," Henry added.

In an interview Tuesday with VOA, Giuseppe Loprete, the IOM's chief of mission in Haiti, said that as of Tuesday, cash payments to help the migrants restart their lives were being increased to about $120.



"It was $100 as of yesterday [Monday], but we are increasing it so we can help them to spend at least the first days here. There are many families  some have kids, as well, so this cash is really helpful for them to maybe not to start over their life but at least on arrival to buy the most urgent things," Loprete told VOA.

'Very dangerous' area

The security situation is a major concern, he said.

"The airport itself is in an area that after dark, it's very dangerous. ... We told all the authorities, 'Be careful not to be at the airport after 6 p.m.,' " he said.

Migrants cannot leave the airport after 7 p.m., Loprete said. If they find themselves stranded near the airport, IOM takes them to hotels, where they can spend the night. IOM returns in the morning, gives the migrants the cash, "and they go from there," he added.

The U.S. has deported about 4,000 Haitian migrants from the Texas-Mexico border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. On Wednesday, seven U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flights landed in Haiti  four in Port-au-Prince and three in Cap Haitien.

VOA's Anita Powell and Nike Ching contributed to this report.
The United States Student Achievers Program (USAP) Community School is accepting applications from Lower Sixth and Form Four students to begin their studies in January next year.

Rebecca Mano, director of Education Matters, a non-profit organization, says students should submit their applications by October 8, 2021.

We have two ways in which people can apply. They can apply on a link online and they can also apply through a paper form and our paper forms are available at public libraries in Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and our office at the Education Matters office in Harare. So, people can still come pick up our traditional paper forms and the forms are also PDF and can be WhatsApped or the forms can be accessed online.

Education Matters is currently doing a nationwide campaign to get as many applications as possible in an effort to help less-privileged children.

Mano says they are also reachable on WhatsApp (0771021511).

The school is also accepting applications from students who started their Lower Sixth sciences this year and are willing to re-start lessons in 2022, given COVID-19 limitations on learning. Mano says the program is for determined and talented, economically-disadvantaged students in Zimbabwe, who lack financial resources.

We are on a sliding scale need-based financial aide model. So, what that means in simple terms is that students do pay some fees that they can afford usually comparable to what they were paying at their previous school and we fundraise for the rest of the costs.

We do not turn away any students for financial reasons. We are meet the students where they are and their families contribute what they can afford towards their fees.

The USAP program, which transitioned into an Advanced Level school, started in 1999 and has successfully assisted over 450 students in the last 21 years to negotiate and finance the college admissions process.

Alumni of the USAP program have studied at some of the worlds top most universities and many have continued to post graduate degrees and prestigious fellowships, while others have pursued various professions across the world, including some leading impactful initiatives in Zimbabwe and in Africa.




The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it has not barred any political party from attending provincial stakeholders meetings ahead of the 2023 harmonized elections.

In a statement signed by Chief Elections Officer, Utolile Silaigwana, ZEC said the meetings are expected to be held once a month in all provinces.

All political parties and other stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations will be invited to attend the provincial stakeholder engagements on a rotational basis once every month. Contrary to some press reports, no political party has been barred from attending these meetings which are currently in progress throughout the country.

ZEC said due to the level 2 lockdown which is still in place and in compliance with the Commissions Covid-19 Policy on Electoral Activities, strict coronavirus protocols will be adhered to during the meetings.

This means that only a limited number of stakeholders will be invited each month. The Commission will ensure that all stakeholders get an opportunity to be invited at the roundtable whose purpose is to share information and discuss topical electoral issues. It is the Commissions mandate to interact with all stakeholders in an impartial manner.

Members of the public are advised to desist from attributing to ZEC misinformation on social media calculated to tarnish the image of the Commission. Those that are aggrieved are urged to approach ZEC Provincial Elections Officers for resolution of any disputes in line with the letter and spirit of Multi Party Liaison Committee functions.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa claimed this week that its members are being barred from attending the meetings.

Several opposition MDC Alliance activists, including Harare provinces Youth Assembly secretary Denford Ngadziore, and at least 10 journalists were arrested Thursday at the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)

In a statement, Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe of the Harare Province Womens Assembly, said the MDC Alliance activists wanted to attend a stakeholders meeting convened by ZEC, focusing on the 2023 general elections.

As the Harare Province Womens Assembly we demand the immediate release of our youth secretary and all the innocent journalists. ZEC has been turned into a political weapon for the regime and this must be stopped, said Kadzombe.

MDC Alliance activists were yesterday barred by ZEC from attending the meeting amid reports that the commission needed clearance from state security agents and other organs of the government before allowing the partys followers to attend stakeholders meetings.

ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, was unreachable for comment as she was not responding to calls on her mobile phone.

ZEC argues that there is a dispute over the MDC Alliance name between Nelson Chamisa and Douglas Mwonzora of the MDC-T.

Mwonzora claims that he is the leader of the MDC Alliance.

Meanwhile, Parliament of Zimbabwe is expected to start conducting interviews to fill two ZEC positions. ZEC deputy chairperson, Emmanuel Magade, and Dr. Qhubani Moyos terms of office expired last month, prompting parliament to fill the posts as per the countrys constitution.

According to the state-controlled Herald newspaper, 24 Zimbabweans have applied for the two posts.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has the final say in the appointment of ZEC officials.
Nigerian authorities are reopening schools in northern Kaduna state after more than two months of shutdown due to insecurity. The region has suffered a string of armed kidnappings at schools and the UNICEF, says about one million Nigerian children are "afraid to return to school."
Several opposition Movement for Democratic Change activists, including Harare provinces Youth Assembly secretary Denford Ngadziore, and at least 10 journalists have been arrested at the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)

In a statement, Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe of the Harare Province Womens Assembly, said the MDC Alliance activists wanted to attend a stakeholders meeting convened by ZEC, focusing on the 2023 general elections.

As the Harare Province Womens Assembly we demand the immediate release of our youth secretary and all the innocent journalists. ZEC has been turned into a political weapon for the regime and this must be stopped, said Kadzombe.

MDC Alliance activists were yesterday barred by ZEC from attending the meeting amid reports that the commission needed clearance from state security agents and other organs of the government before allowing the partys followers to attend stakeholders meetings.

ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, was unreachable for comment as she was not responding to calls on her mobile phone.

ZEC argues that there is a dispute over the MDC Alliance name between Nelson Chamisa and Douglas Mwonzora of the MDC-T.

Mwonzora claims that he is the leader of the MDC Alliance.
Twenty years of American blood and treasure spent in Afghanistan was reduced Tuesday to about six hours of testimony in the United States Senate, with the nation's top military officer admitting that the war amounted to a "strategic failure" that in the end, perhaps, could never have been won.

The hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee with U.S. President Joe Biden's top military officials saw a staunch defense of the efforts and sacrifices of the U.S. troops in Afghanistan, with lawmakers both praising the decision to end the country's longest war and condemning its final days as a debacle.

In between, it featured sobering assessments of what, if anything, could have been done differently.

"It was a logistical success but a strategic failure," General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the nation's top-ranking military officer, told lawmakers of America's final days in Kabul, which saw the evacuation of 124,000 people, including about 6,000 Americans.

"Outcomes in a war like this, an outcome that is a strategic failure  the enemy is in charge in Kabul; there's no way else to describe that  that outcome is a cumulative effect of 20 years, not 20 days," Milley added.

Pressed on whether Washington could have done anything differently to prevent the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan from crumbling and stop the Taliban takeover, Milley was blunt.

"If you kept advisers there, kept money following, etc., then we could probably have sustained them for a lengthy or indefinite period of time," he said of the Afghan government and the Afghan security forces.

"If you would have had a different result at the end of the day, that's a different question," Milley added. "I think the end state probably would have been the same no matter when you did it."

Testifying alongside Milley, General Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, said that in hindsight, the 2020 Doha agreement, which paved the way for the U.S. exit, "had a profound psychological effect" on the Afghan forces and may have hastened their collapse.

"The Taliban were heartened by what they saw happen at Doha and what followed and our eventual decision to get out by a certain date," McKenzie said. "I think the Afghans were very weakened by that morally and spiritually."

Republican anger

Such somber assessments did little to mollify some lawmakers, with at least two demanding the resignations of Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for the way the U.S. ultimately left.

"Our exit from Afghanistan was a disaster," said Nebraska Republican Senator Deb Fischer.

Another Republican, Senator Joni Ernst, called the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan "haphazard." She pointed to the deaths of 13 U.S. troops and close to 170 Afghans from a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport days before the last military plane took off.

"The loss of our service members and abandonment of Americans and Afghan allies last month was an unforced, disgraceful humiliation that didn't have to happen," Ernst said.

Some Democrats, however, praised Biden and his administration for finally ending the U.S. effort in Afghanistan.

"It took guts, and it was the right thing to do, and it should have been done earlier," Virginia Senator Tim Kaine said.

Others scolded their Republican colleagues.

"Anyone who says the last few months were a failure but everything before that was great clearly hasn't been paying attention," said Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren.

But most of the outrage was saved for the White House, with Republican lawmakers questioning the president's decision-making, and some accusing him of misleading the American public when he told ABC news last month that his top advisers did not recommend keeping about 2,500 troops in Afghanistan.

"No, they didn't," Biden said at the time. "It was split."

On Tuesday, both Milley and CENTCOM's McKenzie told lawmakers that in the early days of Biden's presidency, they advised keeping 2,500 to 3,500 troops in Afghanistan because the Taliban had not met their commitments under the 2020 Doha agreement.

"My view is that 2,500 was an appropriate number to remain and that if we went below that number, in fact, we would probably witness a collapse of the Afghan government and the Afghan military," McKenzie said.

WATCH: US reflects on Afghan war

Cost of staying

At the White House on Tuesday, press secretary Jen Psaki defended Biden and the decision to end the war in Afghanistan.

"There was a range of viewpoints, as evidenced by their testimony today, that were presented to the president, that were presented to his national security team, as would be expected, as he asked for," she said.

"It was also clear to him that that would not be a long-standing recommendation, that there would need to be an escalation, an increase in troop numbers," she said. "It would also mean war with the Taliban, and it would also mean the potential loss of casualties. The president was just not willing to make that decision."

Milley also cautioned that staying in Afghanistan once the U.S.-backed government had collapsed could have been done, but at a cost.

"On the first of September, we were going to go to war again with the Taliban. Of that there was no doubt," he told lawmakers, saying it would have required the U.S. to send in as many as another 25,000 troops.

"We would have had to reseize Bagram (Airfield). We would have had to clear Kabul of 6,000 Taliban," Milley said. "That would have resulted in significant casualties on the U.S. side, and it would have placed American citizens that are still there at greater risk."

Additionally, Milley and the other U.S. defense officials told lawmakers that even with troops and all but about 100 U.S. citizens out of Afghanistan and out of harm's way, dangers would remain from terror groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State Khorasan Province, also known as IS Khorasan or ISIS-K.

"A reconstituted al-Qaida or ISIS with aspirations to attack the United States is a very real possibility," Milley warned lawmakers, adding that the exact nature of the threat might not be evident for months or years.

"They're gathering their strength," CENTCOM's General McKenzie said of the threat from IS Khorasan, thought to have about 2,000 fighters now roaming Afghanistan.

"We have yet to see how it's going to manifest itself," McKenzie said. "We know with certainty that they do aspire to attack us in our homeland."

The U.S. first sent troops into Afghanistan to pursue al-Qaida, after the militant group used the country to plan the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on New York and the Pentagon.

Milley and McKenzie said that despite the Taliban's commitments under the terms of the Doha agreement, the group had yet to sever its long-standing ties with al-Qaida.

"I think al-Qaida is at war with the United States, still," Milley said.

No going back

For his part, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers that the Pentagon remains focused on the threat but will use its over-the-horizon strike capabilities to target al-Qaida and IS Khorasan as needed.

"We've not been tasked to construct any plans to go back," Austin said.

Austin also defended the evacuation, telling lawmakers that it went as smoothly as possible, and that no other military in the world could have done any better.

"It was the largest airlift conducted in U.S. history, and it was executed in just 17 days," he told committee members. "We planned to evacuate between 70,000 and 80,000 people. They evacuated more than 124,000."

"Was it perfect? Of course not," Austin added, describing as "difficult" the first two days of the airlift, when huge crowds had rushed to the airport following the Taliban's unexpectedly swift takeover.

"We moved so many people so quickly out of Kabul that we ran into capacity and screening problems at intermediate staging bases outside of Afghanistan," he said.

But some lawmakers, such as the committee's top Republican, Senator Jim Inhofe, were unconvinced.

"We all witnessed a horror of the president's own making," Inhofe said, accusing the Biden administration of failing to create a plan to counter the terror threats likely to emerge in Afghanistan with the Taliban in control.

"The terrorist threat to American families is rising significantly," the senator said. "While our ability to deal with these threats has declined decidedly."

Austin, Milley and McKenzie are all due to appear again Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee.


YouTube will ban any video that claims vaccines are ineffective or dangerous, including those that question vaccines for measles and chickenpox, the company announced Wednesday.

Specifically, content that falsely alleges that approved vaccines are dangerous and cause chronic health effects, claims that vaccines do not reduce transmission or contraction of disease, or contains misinformation on the substances contained in vaccines will be removed, the Google-owned company said in a blog post announcing the new enforcement measures.

The company said vaccines in particular have been a source of fierce debate over the years, despite consistent guidance from health authorities about their effectiveness.

Today, we're expanding our medical misinformation policies on YouTube with new guidelines on currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities and the WHO.

The company said it "will continue to allow content about vaccine policies, new vaccine trials and historical vaccine successes or failures."

YouTubes COVID-19 vaccine policy has met with some backlash for being overly aggressive.

On Tuesday, the company removed Russian state-backed broadcaster RT's German-language channels, saying they violated the companys COVID-19 policy.

On Wednesday, Russia threatened to block YouTube, calling the channel removals unprecedented information aggression."

YouTube said it has removed over 130,000 videos over the past year for violating its COVID-19 policies.

Some information in this report comes from Reuters.


Margaret E. Kettells, age 100, of Glenwood, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 7th at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the servic
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The attorneys of Julian Assange have disclosed official US documents showing that the head of the CIA considered Wikileaks to be a non-state hostile intelligence service. Mike Pompeo had various kidnapping and murder scenarios drawn up to thwart his transfer from the Ecuadorian embassy in London - where he was holed up - to Russia. The United States had obtained permission from the United Kingdom to deploy weapons at a London airport against Russian officials. The plan was shelved because President Donald Trump had opposed it and the transfer was not carried out [1].

Groomed by the CIA in Australia, Julian Assange was initially involved in exposing corrupt African leaders. Then he realized that the documents he helped to release only served to satisfy United States appetites on the Dark Continent. He therefore turned against them and leaked a trove of internal reports from military bases in Iraq. In doing so, he brought to light that what had been portrayed as blunders were in fact part and parcel of Washingtons policy. Despite its rhetoric, the United States was not seeking to pacify Iraq, but rather to obliterate it. Julian Assange then embarked on a vast enterprise to divulge documentation on all aspects of Western imperialism.

The CIA perceived the uncovering of its Vault-7 program as the most serious leak in its history. It is a system that can compromise core Microsoft and Apple software, as well as smartphones, computers and smart TVs.

Today, Julian Assange is seriously damaged psychologically. He is held in a UK prison awaiting his extradition to the United States.
Photo: Damien Maloney for New York Magazine

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In the first pages of Jonathan Franzens new novel Crossroads, he introduces us to Russ Hildebrandt, a man who soon after berates himself as a fatuous, obsolete, repellent clown. Three years earlier, Russ, an associate minister from a strong Mennonite background, was expelled from his church youth group  for his uncoolness, he claims. Now, two days before Christmas 1971, he is nursing his wounded pride by lusting after a parishioner, a sexy widow named Frances. Over the next several hundred pages, naive and self-deceiving Russ remains insensible to the desires of his wife Marion, who makes plans to reunite with her old flame and rediscover her old, uninhibited self. Both parents, in turn, are oblivious to their four children, as the eldest three begin to fall into disrepair in various historically appropriate ways.

Like much of Franzens fiction, Crossroads (out October 5) is narrated in the third person, in chapters that rotate between family members, each of whom has almost no idea what the others are up to. The first book of a three-part super-novel, it is preoccupied not only with the difficulty of wanting to be good amid the rising tides of temptation and doubt, but whether being an essentially good person and wanting to be perceived as one are incompatible desires. What separates true conviction from mere performance? The gulf between action and intention makes Franzens characters skittish about the integrity of their moral character and the strength of their commitments to others. If youre smart enough to think about it, theres always some selfish angle, argues Perry, the Hildebrandts second-youngest child, a brilliant, detached teenager who sees ill intent everywhere he turns.

Franzen spoke to me from his very bright and very bare kitchen in Santa Cruz, where he lives with the writer and editor Kathryn Chetkovich. (I guess I could call her my domestic partner, he said, but I feel like I should be dismounting from a horse.) Perhaps because I had just finished Crossroads, there were moments during the interview when I couldnt dispel the disapproving, combative feeling that Franzen himself was intent on coming across as a good man. He seemed a little too reluctant to contradict me, a little too determined to prove his feminist bona fides. But my suspicions were dissolved by his humor, his thoughtfulness, his shy sense of reciprocity  not many interviewees think to read the writing of their interviewers  and his impassioned defense of novels and their enduring ethical function. He is earnest, unaffected, and, at times, startlingly unguarded.

What I found, in other words, is a mind consonant with the mind that also produced The Corrections, Freedom, and Purity  books that have often been called systems novels or family novels, but which Franzen refuses to align with any genre. For him, they are novels, pure and simple. Each one counterpoises an intense maximalism  voluminous sentences and points of view, grand themes and historical, geographical sweep  with an absolute minimalism of change in the characters psychology. While Franzens characters feel resoundingly alive, change for them is humbling, hard-won, incremental, and fast fading, so much so that when one measures the distance between the beginning and the end of his books, it can be difficult to understand how people can suffer so much shame, humiliation, thwarted desire, and disappointment and have so little to show for it.

Halfway through our conversation, I found myself saddened by the fact that we were speaking within the transactional limits of a promotional interview, with the caution that clings to its preordained roles. I hope this has been moderately fun for you, he said as our call neared its end. God bless you for doing this.

I have some very official questions for you.

Very little was explained to me: Merve wants to talk about the family novel and genre, or something like that.

No, I dont  or that description is not quite right.

Great. Because I was like, Okay, could I just redo the last 30 years and have done a ton more reading in that subject, so I could actually speak intelligently on it.

This isnt a test. Im not testing you!

Its a weird thing. I bluffed my way through college and escaped from the academy just before I would have had to become a serious reader of the literature. And when I write, I continue to fake it. That was actually a great attraction of being a writer is you can pretend to possess bodies of knowledge that you dont actually possess. The thought of having a conversation with somebody who has taught the reading was a little daunting.

But I disagree with you. I think you are an attentive reader of 19th-century novels, in particular. Consider the supra-title of Crossroads: A Key to All Mythologies, which I assume is a reference to George Eliots Middlemarch and to her character Edward Casaubons attempt to link all belief systems to Christianity. In that novel, the key to all mythologies suggests negative things: a stalled and unfinished work; a pointless and pedantic scholarly vanity; an old man obstructing a young womans sexual and intellectual self-determination. Why saddle your novel with these associations?

That phrase came into common usage in this household from Kathy, who with her ex-husband, whenever they would meet a crackpot  the kind who carried around laminated literature that he would press on people  would say, Yeah, that man has the key to all mythologies. So, the phrase was already in my head. We were using it.

More seriously, I have been thinking a lot about the inescapable nature of religion. Even if it is uncoupled from transcendent beliefs or metaphysical structures, everyone still organizes their life around something that cant be proved. I would say this goes particularly for the virulent atheists. It had been building in me for a long time, a wish to write about the fundamentally irrational basis for everything we think and do and espouse. And obviously, that phrase came to mind because if everyone has a mythology, its only a matter of listing what they are, and suddenly youre thinking of a trilogy of novels.

Of course, there is the fact that Casaubon dies in Middlemarch before he finishes his project. And undertaking writing three books in my 60s, I thought, Well, thats a funny little joke.

Finally, there was the fact that Ive been quoted, out of context, that I was done writing novels or that I was only going to do one more. And it seemed important to go forth with an announcement of a last novel that in fact was three novels just to squish out that misconception.

The interesting thing to me about religion in many 19th-century novels  not only Eliots novels, but also Tolstoys  is that they raise the question not only of what it means to be good, but what happens when you want so badly to be good, according to doctrine, that you end up doing thoughtless or hurtful things to others. How do we put Gods teachings into action in our grubby, damaged lives? Does this conflict within religious thought interest you?

I suspect this is not going to be the last time that your question is a richer thing than my answer. I am singularly uninterested in theology. Im not uninterested in the Bible, both Testaments. I think the Gospels are an incredibly powerful document. But if you go to the original source, the Gospels, theres only one commandment that matters, which is Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus says, Yeah, all these other things are important. But thats the key thing.

My approach to religion, or the way I was thinking about it in Crossroads, was as an experience, particularly an emotional experience. That will come with certain structures like for the character of Marion: a notion of good and evil, a notion of being punished for your sins, a notion of the reality of sin, which was part of the attraction of Catholicism for her. She early on contrasts that Catholic notion of guilt with Protestant guilt, which is something like just liberal guilt. Its kind of a watered-down thing, like: Try to be nice to poor people.

It wasnt my conscious intention, but I think I produced a book that has essentially no theology in it. Even when we go back and look at the Mennonites, we are looking at people who wanted to be radical, wanted to return to what they saw as the true Christianity as it was expressed by the very first Christians recounted in the Book of Acts. Thats about a way of living. Its about a certain kind of humility and contemplation, a disengagement from the world, rather than about a list of specific things you should and shouldnt do. I think the questions for me are, am I a good person? What can I do to be a better person?

I dont think people are, by and large, saying, I want to be good according to some external standard. I think theyre wrestling with it in a more personal and specific way. I mean, Russ in Crossroads does acknowledge that being unfaithful to your wife is doctrinally forbidden. But he thinks, Yeah, but youre supposed to love God, and youre supposed to take joy in creation. He acknowledges the doctrine only to dismiss it, really, in his own moral reckoning.

The topic of infidelity makes me think a little about your introduction to the 1999 reissue of Paula Foxs Desperate Characters from 1970, which is one of my favorite novels.

Thank you for saying that. Im glad to have company there.

In all your novels, like in Desperate Characters, marriage is the domain where our moral character gets tested; the domain in which how we imagined we would behave when placed in certain situations suddenly and frighteningly looks very different from the ways we actually behave. Why, for you, is marriage the situation where morality repeatedly gets tested and fails?

Not to quote myself, but Ill quote myself. There is a line in Purity to the effect of, Dont talk to me about hatred if youve never been married. You have to separate marriage as a legal contract from marriage as a personal project to spend the rest of your life with someone. For me, its part of a larger attraction to all kinds of family relationships as a domain for drama.

So much is optional: If you dont like your friends, you can stop being friends with them. The essence of consumer society is a choice and changing your mind: You dont like that, okay, go do this. Its particularly true in a very mobile place like America: You dont like New York, you move to California. But you cant move away from your mom. And you cannot move away from your spouse, unless you get divorced. And because you cant escape it, you have individual people with their individual personalities that are constantly grating on others. And thats just fun to write about.

I feel like I could almost answer any of your questions by saying, Yeah, thats just fun to write about. As a novelist, Im all about fun. And fun for me is a scene where two people want different things very badly. Excitement ensues. So, for the second time, I feel like your question may have been more interesting than my answer.

Heres a question that I dont think you can answer with, Because its fun  or you could, but it would be unsatisfactory. Most of your previous novels have long stretches of remembrance of characters past lives, but their present is largely contemporaneous with our own. This novel begins in December 1971 and ends in 1974. Why did you decide to set it in the past?

I had the wicked thought: People think Im a family novelist. Im not really a family novelist. But maybe, finally, Ill write a book about a family. And to me, a family novel spans generations. You need to see how patterns replicate themselves. I think I knew that there would be a disaster with one of the children in Crossroads, and there were some disasters in my own family in the early 70s. If any event in my childhood could actually be called traumatic, it was the horrible fight between my father and my brother Tom in 1970, which resulted in Tom running away from home and disappearing. It was very much a clash between my brothers counterculture and my parents conservatism, and it kind of blew the family apart. The most important decade of my life, and I had never set any fiction there.

I started writing a little more than a year into the Trump administration. One of the factors that inclined me toward breaking the book into three was that I could write an entire novel set in the past and not have to deal with the present so long as Trump was president. It felt like we were in a moment here in this country that I could not make sense of in real time. And that if I tried, as much as Im committed to not letting my political views inform my fiction, I would have succumbed to my rage and dismay at everything that Trump represented for this country. It was just the time to be looking back. It was a kind of escape and an instinct.

I was thinking about that mid-70s moment today, because of the Supreme Courts refusal to block Texass prohibition of most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Crossroads ends with a pregnancy soon after Roe v. Wade is decided. It features well-intentioned white liberals going to Black churches on the South Side in the years after the Chicago riots. That moment marked a kind of retreat from the possibility of genuinely radical politics in the United States. It is interesting to hear you say that you wanted to escape from the present political moment and turn to the moment that some would argue gave birth to 2016 and its aftermath.

Well, and Roe v. Wade did galvanize the Evangelicals and push them decisively into the right wing of American politics. The early 70s was a time when you started to see the first young people who were actually more conservative than their parents. Russ and Marion are good mid-century liberals. Russ in particular is deeply involved in civil rights and in protesting the Vietnam War. And the kids are kind of dealing with the aftermath of that. Given that I was interested in writing about religion, it was attractive for me to go back to a time before Christianity became almost a dirty word in liberal circles because it only meant Jerry Falwell, or the Moral Majority, or the anti-choice, raging base that the Republicans could always count on. It meant going back to a time when in fact, the religious were at the forefront of the progressive movement in this country.

Do you have strong judgments of recent fiction that tried to tackle the Trump administration or felt compelled to put the novel in the service of responding to political crises?

I think a couple of George Saunders stories have, in his hilarious and oblique way, taken the temperature of the moment. But Im such a partisan of the novel, I dont want it subordinated to anything. I do not want to be the little dog yapping after the garbage truck of history.

If characters are being created for illustrative purposes, youre kind of fucked, because characters are so infinitely more interesting than the headlines of the day.

This follows from what became my watchword as a novelist: a line from a letter Don DeLillo wrote to me in the mid-90s. I always hesitate to quote it because he wrote it in gendered language. Im struggling to figure out how to make it as elegant without saying he. I think probably DeLillo himself struggled to find a way to say it not using the word he, but he didnt, because it was more elegant just to say, The writer leads, he doesnt follow. Whether you are trying to write a novel that comes to terms with 9/11 or a novel that addresses the existential threat that climate change represents, thats subordinating the novel to something else. Im particularly averse to subordinating it to my own personal politics. If I were to do anything, I would use a novel to challenge my own politics.

Within the novel, character should not follow from concept. The concept should be discovered from character. If characters are being created for illustrative purposes or representative purposes, youre kind of fucked, because characters are so infinitely more interesting than the headlines of the day.

But youre not not interested in the headlines of the day. Theres certainly an engagement with the idea of politics and what its proper relationship to art should be in your novels. Do you ever think of your novels as novels of ideas?

I think we can all agree that The Brothers Karamazov is a novel of ideas, and the novel succeeds in being one of the greatest things ever written in spite of the schematic nature of the four sons. How much more conceptual can you get? And of course, Dostoyevsky was such a great novelist that those became really interesting characters in spite of the schematic nature of their definition.

I like it when a novel builds a whole world that you feel at home in and that has a form, a structure, a feel. And maybe what youre referring to as ideas in my books are more about the architecture of that world. Like in The Corrections, there is an architecture having to do with consumerism, theres an architecture having to do with brain chemistry. And yes, a world does have ideas in it. I can do that kind of thing so easily. If thats all writing a novel were, I could have written 40 novels. I have a mind trained by writing papers for school and taking tests and if you want a concept, I can give you a concept. But its just not where the action is. The concepts get sketched out in the two days it takes me to write a proposal for a novel. And then the characters get built over two or more horrible long years.

How horrible are they?

Theyre just miserable, because Id rather be writing, and its just day after day of withheld gratification. Every once in a while, I get an idea and that day is less bad. But the best day of taking notes and trying to think about character and story is not as good as a mediocre day of writing.

Who are your favorite creators of character?

Do you know The Man Who Loved Children?

I have not read The Man Who Loved Children, but Im ordering it now.

I have written about it, and I have remained confounded that it is not universally regarded as canonical. Its Christina Steads great novel from the mid-20th century. It has three world-class characters. Most novelists dont produce any world-class characters. There are three in that one book. It seems to me an undeniably feminist text; I dont understand why its not canonical in womens studies programs.

Theres Tolstoy, of course. Faulkner  no slouch. Faulkner  pretty terrific, actually. Ferrante, of course. Those two giant female characters in the Neapolitan novels in particular.

I would be remiss if I did not ask you whether youre a Lila or Lenu.

Im definitely a Lenu, except even more insipid compared to my Lila.

Simply because its another one of those mid-century novels that I think is still underappreciated, I have to mention Halldor Laxnesss Independent People. Im mentioning life-changing books for me. It took me a long time to realize that that is what I do: Im a novelist of character. I was conscious of the problem of how to create a good character for a long time. But it fully rising to consciousness  that took a while. Of course, that increased the pressure to continue to somehow find large characters or develop large characters. Oh, I could throw in Dostoyevsky as well. So, lets say Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Faulkner, Stead, Ferrante, Laxness. Thats not bad.

Since weve been discussing Tolstoy, do you know John Bergers great novel G., about a Don Juan figure wandering around Europe in the late 19th and early 20th century? Theres this moment in the novel when a character says that Karenins problem was his desire for his marriage to Anna to continue after her affair as if nothing had happened  his unwillingness to acknowledge that things might have or could have changed.

I was thinking about the endings of some of your novels. The ending of The Corrections: She was 75 and she was going to make some changes in her life. Or the ending of Purity: It had to be possible to do better than her parents. On the one hand, you could read those as hopeful; on the other, you could read them as deeply ironic. Do people or characters change in meaningful and substantial and dramatic ways? Or do they  and we  all have the Karenin problem?

My editor at FSG, Jonathan Galassi, when he read the manuscript of Freedom, had just gone through a difficult divorce. And he said, It does happen that couples can get through something like that and find a way to get back together, but not very often. Which echoes  Im not sure if Ive ever publicly admitted that I have seen a therapist in my life.

Congratulations. This is a safe space.

[Laughs.] She was a wise older woman. And one of the things she memorably said to me was that its very hard to change. Most people dont change at all. If you really, really work, you can change a little bit. And its that little bit thats interesting, of course.

A novel is satisfying if you feel that something has changed in the course of it, that all of this reading and all of the writers writing wasnt in the service of just ending up where you started. I think I have to believe in the possibility that a story can unfold, things can happen, and that a character experiencing those things can take them in and wind up in a slightly different place in which they would make decisions and do things that they might not have done if they have not had that experience. But thats really hedged  yes, I think people can change.

The larger project of literature, I think, is devoted to the notion that people cant change or an individual might change a little bit or even substantially, but by and large, people are the same old people. My own theory of literature has to do with that continuity. It is a tragic perspective. All the failed experiments in totalitarianism of the 20th century were predicated on the idea that a better human being was being born. Its part of the fantasy of, Were not going to get catastrophic climate change. Once people really realize what were doing to the planet, that will change their behavior. I feel like literature has always stood outside that  maybe fantasy is too strong a word  but that idea of the perfectibility of species, and found comedy and tragedy in the failure of those projects.

Do you have the same feeling I have, that Karenin is a kind of poignant figure, in a way very much like Casaubon in Middlemarch? I know that they are kind of cousins: The older dry dude married to the totally alive and sexually yearning younger woman. It was a striking difference, reading Anna Karenina at 22 and reading it  when was the last time I reread it?  probably in my 50s. And being shocked to discover that I didnt like Anna. And in fact, her whole family thinks, Eh. Its not because theyre so proper and shes offending  its just that shes kind of selfish and a drama queen. And thats, of course, a great thing. I think its a mark of a great book that things look very different when you read them at different ages. But never more striking than when you find this weird sympathy. I of course loathed Karenin when I read him at 22: Oh, I will never be that person.

Perhaps just because Im getting older, I find myself growing more sympathetic toward the Karenins and Casaubons of the world, possibly against their authors designs.

Whats really terrific and heartbreaking about Casaubon is that he is who he is. He has a dry, little, shriveled soul. And yet hes a person, and you realize, Of course Im a reader and I am not a dry shriveled soul, and even less was the writer George Eliot. And were all filled with all of that life and all of that thought. But when you spend time in Casaubons point of view, you get this heartbreaking sense of what it would be like to be the person who doesnt have those capacities. A person who looks around and gets the sense: Oh, other people are experiencing things in a deeper way or a more vivid way that I never will be able to.

Can I go back to something that you said earlier about committing to writing three novels in your 60s? This is the most personal question Ill ask you: Do you feel like youre writing against your own mortality? I ask this as someone very preoccupied with death.

Its, oddly, something close to the reverse. I could drop dead tomorrow. I still havent ruled out the possibility of the world ending in nuclear war. I dont know how long I have to live. I dont know how long Ill have a world to live in. But Im very aware that I cant write very many novels at the level I insist on writing them. Presuming that the world somehow holds it together for another 20 years, presuming that my body holds it together for another 20 years, what am I going to do with all that time? Maybe, if Im lucky, I can write these two sequel volumes. But it just gets harder and harder to do it at the right level because I dont like to repeat myself. Stories and characters that are fully alive and urgent to me do not grow on trees. I feel like in some ways, I have too much time.

That is very moving, and I seem to have something in my eye, so I will reorient this conversation by asking you an industry question. You published The Corrections two decades ago, right?

Almost to the day.

How do you think that literary culture  Ive put quotation marks around it  has changed over the past 20 years?

I would say that on the whole, literary culture has held up a lot better than I thought it would. The picture seemed very dark to me in the mid-90s. And the persistence of a large number of people who are looking for a good book is remarkable, given all of the distractions, given the allure of the visual and the online. I think the world of readers and writers is not only surviving but continuing to thrive. Its a little bit different from literary culture. I think theres been a refreshing deposing of the big-named white male writer from a position of dominance within that culture, which was still very much the case when I was coming up, whether it was the academically approved postmoderns or whether it was Mailer, Updike, Bellow, or Roth.

Do you really find it refreshing? I dont know that anyone has changed the novel in the way the academically approved postmoderns did.

Well, as one of those white male writers 

Wait, what?

Yes, I saw a therapist and it turns out 

 youre a white male writer?!

Super Caucasian and very, very much a male writer.

Its not a knock against the individual writers; its a knock against the way they dominated the competition. And that is a particular kind of achievement, represented in the big book, for example. That was the standard against which all else was measured. I think good riddance to that idea. I think thats another positive thing that has happened. We are hearing from different kinds of voices in different modes.

Who are the newer, younger writers you admire, since almost everyone weve been talking about is dead?

It tends to be individual books more than authors. Someone like Rachel Kushner is not that much younger, but she is younger. I think in her own way, Nell Zink is doing very interesting work.

The Wallcreeper is a great comic novel. I love teaching it.

Its my favorite of her books, I admit. That just came out of nowhere  really, truly out of left field. And she wrote it in, whatever, three months. And it feels like, Wow, I just got a sample of soil on Mars. It took three months to get here and now here it is. Its like, what the fuck?

I think Zadie Smith is the real deal. Shes the whole package. Akhil Sharma wrote a great novel. I havent read Sally Rooney. People seem to speak well of her. But when I saw her described in an ad recently as the Salinger of her generation, I was like, Oh man. I hope not.

To go back to dead writers: In 2013 you put together The Kraus Project, a book of translated and annotated essays by the Austrian satirist Karl Kraus. I reread it recently while finishing an annotation project, so Ive been thinking a lot about the act of being in intimate dialogue with a dead author. What do you think are ones responsibilities to the dead when you try to resurrect them in the present?

The danger is we know more now about how the world has turned out. People in the past inevitably look less enlightened than we are from our privileged point in 2021. Rather than seeing the dead writer within the context of the time, youre applying standards that simply hadnt been invented yet and creating an expectation that they live up to some ideal that had not even been formulated.

I dont know how long Ill have a world to live in. But Im very aware that I cant write very many novels at the level I insist on writing them.

Im actually proud of that Kraus book. I put all that personal material in the footnotes because I thought, Well, no ones going to read it anyway, so I might as well admit all these things. Kraus seemed unbelievably relevant. He himself liked to talk about how no one in his world understood him and how, 100 years from now, he would be understood better. His critique of the nexus of capitalism, technology, and media was unbelievably prescient. At the same time, in a way I hadnt as a young person, I could see all the things that were super-problematic about him as a person and really as a project. I tried to give him his due, but I also tried to make some excuses: Okay, well, he was living in a sexist time. And his notion of what a woman was  I just happened to read your piece on Simone de Beauvoir in The New Yorker  as that Other that preoccupied de Beauvoir.

I think theres a way to strike a balance between applying what really is in some cases superior enlightenment: We do know better and have better theories about race and racism and sex and sexism than were available back then. And you cant check that superior knowledge or insight and simply go back and say, Rah, rah. But its also important to recognize what was amazing about them at the time.

When I talk to people about annotating or introducing a dead author, I am sometimes asked whether she should be, or would be, canceled today. I find that language irritating. But I do ask myself: How do you acknowledge her classism? How do you acknowledge her racism? How do you deal with her only very partial feminism? How do you mobilize those things to show how they resulted in a work of such extraordinary beauty? Because they did.

One of the hallmarks of that new politicized culture youre describing is the constant renovation of the terms: Yes, I know we all referred to it as this five years ago, but if you do that, now, thats retrograde. The result is this ever-shrinking space in which its only the present moment in which its possible to speak correctly. It doesnt matter how well-meaning you are. It doesnt matter what your politics are. If youre not speaking in the momentarily approved terms, thats grounds for suspicion, at least. You can envision a dystopia in which it becomes impossible to read anything that isnt being produced at that moment, like the reductio ad absurdum is you throw out everything thats ever been written before like a year ago. But its important to remember that thats happening only really in a marginal element of the culture.

It would be an interesting premise for a sort of Borgesian story or a novel by Calvino, in which all the novels written get thrown out and you start every year from zero and can only write in the authorized language of the present.

I have been directed by my editor to ask you: What inspired Crossroads? I confess to feeling a little embarrassed to ask this question, or maybe just suspicious of the assumption that a novel must have a single source.

There was actually a moment of inspiration for the super-novel, the three volumes, which was supposed to be one novel: I met someone.

Ill go further. I met somebody with a Mennonite background. A contract for a new translation of Kafkas The Metamorphosis was just sitting in my email queue. I was overseas and it was waiting for my signature. But I got up at two in the morning; I was in a tropical place. I went outside to get some signal on my phone and wrote to the publisher to say, Hold the presses on the contract. Im not going to sign it. Im not doing it because I met somebody.

Did the germ include the structure of the trilogy?

No, not the germ. It was just: Ive got a character.

But you dont want the real-life person to swamp the invented character. The best person to meet for a character is somebody who youve spent very little time with, an hour or a couple of days at most, whom you instinctively love and then never see again. Thats perfect, because you want to love the character always.

*A version of this article appears in the October 11, 2021, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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The days of rent discounts and "pandemic pricing" are over as rents across the US climb back up.

The national median rent rose to $1,302 in September, up 15% from a year ago, according to a report from Apartment List, a rental listing site.

After falling for much of 2020, rents are now rising much faster than before the pandemic. Since January, the national median rent has increased by 16.4%. From 2017 to 2019, a more typical rent increase during those months was 3.4%, according to the report.

In September, rents remained below pre-pandemic levels in just five large cities: San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California, as well as Minneapolis and Washington, DC.

But the meteoric rise in rents may be starting to show signs of cresting.

Boise, Idaho, which saw the biggest increase in rent during the pandemic -- up nearly 40% since March 2020 -- did not see a monthly increase in September. Instead, according to the report, the median rent in Boise fell by 0.1%.

That's hardly much relief for Boise renters, but, according to Apartment List's report, it may begin to signal that the market is starting to stabilize.

Rents soar in Sun Belt cities

"What is happening now is a massive rebound in rents," said Anthemos Georgiades, CEO of Zumper, a rental listing site. And much of that rebound has come through steady increases throughout 2021, he said.

Several factors contributed to the higher rates, he said, including people coming back to urban cores for in-person work and school, would-be homeowners remaining renters because they are priced out of buying a home and an overall lack of housing.

Rents are climbing fastest in Sun Belt cities like Phoenix, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment was up 22% year-over-year in September, according to Zumper.

Nearby, Scottsdale's one-bedroom median rent rose to $1,850 in September, up 23% from last year, according to Zumper's analysis.

Overall, Sun Belt cities posted the strongest rent gains in the country during the end of the summer, according to a report from CoStar Group, a real estate data company that owns Apartments.com.

Rents in this region were pushed up by robust economic recoveries and newcomers moving to the area, according to the report.

"Sun Belt markets were already seeing good growth pre-pandemic and they are the standouts now," said Jay Lybik, the national director of multifamily analytics at CoStar Group.

Other cities seeing rent increases are those that aren't the major city in their region -- like Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or San Diego, according to Zumper.

"Maybe people don't need to live in Miami or Los Angeles, but they still want to be close," said Georgiades. Nearby cities often offer a lower cost of living, larger square footage and an attractive lifestyle. "Only a minority of people will be fully remote going forward. The proximity is a realistic alternative for many people."

New York and San Francisco rebound

Rents in the two most expensive markets in the country, New York and San Francisco, cratered during the pandemic. Now both are coming back, with San Francisco lagging a bit behind.

The borough of Manhattan is heating up the most in New York City, said Nancy Wu, an economist at StreetEasy. "Manhattan residents were more mobile and had the ability to move. That's where we saw the biggest drops in rents [during the pandemic] and the biggest gains back up in the city."

Prior to the pandemic, rents in San Francisco were more expensive than New York and there was less inventory. San Francisco may not be coming back as fast as New York, Wu said, because the Bay Area's tech industry might not require workers to be in the office to the extent the financial firms in Manhattan do.

Still, she said, New York and San Francisco have more in common than they do with other parts of the country. "They are different than Midwestern and Sun Belt cities that were relatively more affordable and have seen big rent growth."

Rents are not as strong in New York as some analysts thought they'd be at the beginning of the summer due to the ongoing threat of Covid-19.

"That still leaves a lot of good deals for renters," said Wu. "You can still negotiate."

The median rent in Manhattan was $3,255 in August, according to a report from brokerage firm Douglas Elliman and appraisal firm Miller Samuel. That's up 1.5% from July, but still 3.2% below last year.

Demand is bouncing back, however, according to Jonathan Miller, President and CEO of Miller Samuel. Even though leasing activity was strong heading into the fall, said Miller, it was more muted than expected.

"At the start of the summer, there seemed to be consensus among corporate America that in-person work would resume in the fall," said Miller. "That consensus is much more diffused. Start dates are being kicked down the road, often to January and into the new year."

That uncertainty can be seen in the rental activity, he said.

"Instead of having this moment that was going to be a light switch, when things were back to business in a significant way, that has become less of an obvious outcome," said Miller. "Now there is more uncertainty."

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After 25 movies over 60 years, billing a James Bond adventure as the end of something requires a certain leap of faith. Still, Daniel Craig's yeoman service comes to its conclusion with "No Time to Die," a big and length-wise bloated epic that includes the desired bells and whistles, which, despite its flaws, should buy the movie considerable goodwill from an audience that has waited (and waited) for it.

One of the original theatrical casualties of the pandemic, MGM delayed the release of Craig's fifth and final outing for 18 months, putting 15 years between his debut in "Casino Royale" and this chapter. While he hasn't lost a step, his editions of Bond have never quite equaled that dazzling introduction, and "No Time to Die" is no exception.

To its credit, this two hour, 43-minute movie (thus making the title a bit of a lie) assiduously builds on everything that the recent Bond movies have established, in a way earlier incarnations generally didn't. That has deepened the character, allowing Bond to experience grief, loss and love without hitting the reset button, the recurrence of the villainous Blofeld notwithstanding.

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga ("True Detective"), this Bond serves notice of its grand storytelling ambitions with perhaps the longest pre-credit sequence in memory, both introducing the mysterious new villain (played by Rami Malek, seemingly channeling Peter Lorre) and finding Bond happily retired.

Of course, his post-service bliss can't last, as M (Ralph Fiennes) and his CIA pal Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) both endeavor to lure him back on a mission that involves a terrible bioweapon (maybe not the best time for that particular plot) and his old nemeses at Spectre, bringing back Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) and the now-incarcerated Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) from that 2015 movie.

Bond also finds his slot at MI6 having been ably occupied by a new agent (Lashana Lynch) who has inherited his 007 license. Yet while Lynch makes a strong addition, their squabbling banter is relatively weak, and merely adds to the abundance of moving parts that the even more-convoluted-than-usual plot has to service.

An underlying theme is that the world has changed -- certainly from the Cold War period in which the character was born -- clouding alliances and making it, as Leiter muses, "hard to tell good from bad." That measure of complexity, however, hasn't enhanced a formula built on world-threatening villains and muscular action.

In terms of Bond staples, the movie does deliver some impressive chases and action sequences, with Ana de Armas (Craig's "Knives Out" co-star) adding another dose of female empowerment during a mission that takes Bond to Cuba.

Still, "No Time to Die" feels as if it's working too hard to provide Craig a sendoff worthy of all the hype associated with it -- an excess that might be summed up as simply, finally, by taking too much time to reach the finish.

"No Time to Die" premieres in US theaters on Oct. 8. It's rated PG-13.

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YouTube will remove videos spreading misinformation about any approved vaccine, not only those aimed at preventing Covid-19, the company announced in a blog post Wednesday.

In a statement provided to CNN Business, YouTube also confirmed it would remove the channels of "several well-known vaccine misinformation spreaders" under the new policy, including one belonging to the Children's Health Defense Fund, a group affiliated with controversial anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Users who post misinformation about any "currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities and the WHO" will have their videos taken down, and will be subject to YouTube's strike policy and could face removal, the company said in the blog post.

"This would include content that falsely says that approved vaccines cause autism, cancer or infertility, or that substances in vaccines can track those who receive them," YouTube said, adding that the policy applies to specific immunizations like those for measles, as well as general statements about vaccines.

Kennedy pushed back on YouTube's decision, telling CNN Business in a statement: "There is no instance in history when censorship has been beneficial for either democracy or public health."

The Google-owned platform previously introduced a policy prohibiting misinformation related to Covid-19 during the pandemic, including about treatment and prevention. That policy had already led to actions against some high-profile figures, including Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who was suspended for seven days in August for making false claims about the effectiveness of masks. (Paul criticized the decision by YouTube, and called the suspension a "badge of honor.")

YouTube said Wednesday that misleading claims have spilled over into other areas of medicine.

The announcement comes as the United States and other countries around the world have struggled to tackle misinformation that experts say contributes to vaccine hesitancy. The global rate of daily Covid-19 vaccinations has fallen recently to around 26 million doses per day. It also comes as Covid-19 vaccines for children are expected to be approved in the coming months.

YouTube's action is potentially significant because of its impact on the misinformation ecosystem. "A lot of the vaccine misinformation you see on other platforms links to YouTube videos," said Lisa Fazio, an associate professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University who has studied misinformation. "It was a major loophole in our information ecosystem that it was so easy to post blatantly false information about vaccines on YouTube and have it gain large audiences."

In an effort to evade the previous YouTube bans on Covid-19 misinformation, bad actors had pivoted to posting more general anti-vaccine content to sow confusion and distrust in inoculations more broadly, Fazio said.

Some social media platforms have been criticized for not doing enough to address vaccine misinformation. The White House in July called on tech companies to ban the "disinformation dozen," a list of 12 people, including Kennedy, who were identified by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate as being leading spreaders of vaccine misinformation. Multiple people on that list were among those YouTube said it took action against Wednesday.

Facebook in August said it removed dozens of pages and groups related to the disinformation dozen. Kennedy's Facebook-owned Instagram page was shut down earlier in the year for posting Covid-19 misinformation.

Under YouTube's new rules, users who post vaccine misinformation will be subject to its strike policy, which provides up to three strikes for content that goes against its policies posted within a 90-day period. The third strike leads to the user being permanently suspended. However, the company also says it may remove users after only one severe violation of the rules or when a channel is dedicated to violating the policy.

YouTube also said Wednesday that there will be exceptions to its new anti-vaccine guidelines. It will allow, for example, content about new vaccine trials and historical vaccine successes or failures.

"Personal testimonials relating to vaccines will also be allowed, so long as the video doesn't violate other Community Guidelines, or the channel doesn't show a pattern of promoting vaccine hesitancy," YouTube said.

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United Airlines announced Tuesday that only 593 of its workers face dismissal for not complying with the requirement to get a Covid-19 vaccine. That is less than 1% of its 67,000 US workers who are covered by the rule.

About 2,000 other employees, or less than 3% of the workforce, have applied for a medical or religious exemption from the vaccine, and their cases are now being considered by the airline.

"Our rationale for requiring the vaccine for all United's US-based employees was simple -- to keep our people safe," said United CEO Scott Kirby in a letter sent to United employees, which was also released to the media. "The truth is this: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated, and vaccine requirements work."

Some of the 593 employees who have not yet complied with the requirement could still be kept on staff if they have received the vaccine or started the vaccine process and had not forwarded proof to the airline.

Some employers are concerned that mandating their staff get a vaccine could lead people to quit their jobs during a very tight labor market. But the jobs at United, almost all of which are covered by union contracts, are apparently attractive enough for even vaccine-hesitant employees to get vaccinated.

Support for employer mandates has also been growing as Covid-19 cases and deaths surged this summer, primarily among unvaccinated people. A CNN poll conducted in August showed 54% supported employer vaccine mandates, up from only 46% support in April.

United, like all airlines, trimmed its staff in 2020 as air travel fell sharply. Airlines are now all in the process of hiring staff to deal with a rebound in air travel. And United officials said some of the most qualified candidates volunteered that they were applying for jobs at United because of the vaccine requirement and what it says about the airline's commitment to the safety of employees.

United has one of the strictest employer vaccine mandates. The federal employer mandate rules announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month that covered most businesses with 100 or more employees gave workers a choice between vaccination or weekly Covid testing. But there is not a testing alternative for United employees.

The major unions at United have not fought the airline's vaccine mandate. But Tuesday the pilots unions representing pilots at American and Southwest voiced objections to federal rules they fear could require vaccine for their members.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American's pilots, wrote to 15 high-ranking US government officials saying "mandatory vaccinations could result in labor shortages and create serious operational problems for American Airlines and its peers" at the height of the holiday travel season. It warned of "a scenario in which airlines are forced to either offer unpaid leaves of absence or, worse, implement mass terminations of unvaccinated pilots."

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association said it is the union's belief that it is "each pilot's right to choose" whether to get vaccinated.

But the federal rules only require employers to mandate either a vaccine or weekly Covid tests, although an employer can chose to have a tougher policy as United has done.

So far the other major US airlines  American Airlines, Delta and Southwest  do not have a mandate, although Delta has told employees they'll have to pay more for health insurance if they are not vaccinated.

Both the American and Southwest pilots unions have been voicing displeasure with work conditions at the airlines in recent months for issues that have nothing to do with vaccines. Both unions have announced plans to hold informational pickets of the airlines later this year, though in neither case would they engage in a work stoppage.

United had planned to place employees who had medical reasons for not getting the vaccine on medical leave, which could include partial pay, depending upon the terms of their union contract. And it planned to place those whose requests for religious exemptions were accepted on unpaid leave. Those who had applied for those exemptions and had the requests rejected would face dismissal.

Six United employees who had applied to be exempt from the mandate for medical or religious reasons, if not both, filed federal lawsuit last week challenging the mandate. In response, United put on hold plans until at least October 15 to place those with exemptions on leave and to dismiss those whose request for exemption had been rejected.

While United is a strong supporter of employer vaccine mandates, it does not support the idea of requiring passengers to be vaccinated in order to fly.

"I don't think [mandating vaccination for] air travel on its own will drive a huge increase in vaccination rates," Kirby told CNN earlier this month. "I think this employer mandate will drive a really big increase." He said he was concerned passenger mandates risked "creating friction in airports, friction in subways, friction across the board."

-- CNN's Pete Muntean and Gregory Wallace contributed to this report

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The death rate for Covid-19 is expected to decline in Alabama over the next few weeks, marking the first time it has done so since the beginning of summer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects fewer people will die from Covid-19 in the next four weeks. Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health said she expects the same.

CDC expects COVID deaths and hospitalizations to decrease CDC expects COVID deaths and hospitalizations to decrease

Landers said the expected decrease in hospitalizations and deaths is all connected to the number of positive cases in general.

Fewer people being hospitalized obviously means fewer adverse outcomes, fewer deaths," she said.

According to the CDC, on Monday, there were more than 800 new weekly Covid-19 deaths in Alabama. They're expecting the number to drop to 500 new weekly deaths by Nov. 1.

Landers said the higher number of deaths that the state is currently seeing correlates with the trend that health care officials have seen before. Along with the decrease in Covid-19 deaths, the number of hospitalizations is expected to decrease as well.

Alabama is currently seeing about 200 new Covid patients in the hospital each week. The CDC expects that, by November, the state will see about 150 new hospitalizations each week.

Landers said this doesn't mean people should stop their safety protocols.

"The caution is, when we start to see a decline like this, people want to say, Delta is finally over. Covid is finally over. Were finally out of this,'" she said. "Everyone wants this to happen  including me  but right now, were still in high community transmission.

In fact, she credits the Covid safety protocols and the vaccine as reasons for the anticipated decrease of Covid deaths.

Those better outcomes can be improved that much more if we prevent people from getting Covid, and also, persons who get Covid who qualify, get those persons the monoclonal antibodies and try to keep them out of the hospital," said Landers.
The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering received a million-dollar donation from a leading financial company. The partnership with Deloitte will allow the school to expand its reach and impact more students across the state.

The ASCTE is focused on giving students hands-on experience before entering the workforce. The school's president, Matt Massey, said the million-dollar donation and partnership with Deloitte will help them do just that, plus much more.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering receive donation from Deloitte Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering receive donation from Deloitte

It gives us access to Deloittes subject matter experts and gives our instructors resources to lean on and also experiences for our students, but also cash towards our school," he said.

Part of the donation will help fund building innovative labs for students. The managing director for Deloitte, Carey Miller, said it will also allow them to find well-qualified students from across the state.

We offer them support for that recruiting process, finding motivated and aspirational students from across the state, and we really try to work closely with them to identify whatever needs they have and help meet them with the strengths of Deloitte," said Miller.

Massey said the partnership with Deloitte and the school's other partnerships will help close a critical opportunity gap. It will help students learn about the companies and help industries fill a workforce gap.

"Were going to help fill that, and they can see its relevant what theyre doing in the classroom and in the real world," said Massey.

Miller and Massey each said the partnership is improving the futures of all ASCTE students.

Its really an investment in our future," said Miller.

Our students are going to be able to tap right into that, and its going to be an incredibly unique experience for our students as they get ready for the workforce," said Massey.

Massey said the partnership is giving their students industry connections from across the country.
A Harvest man accused of setting 10 fires in a three-hour span Saturday across Madison County now faces an additional charge in the case, records show.

Nicholas Tremaine Hubbert, 24, was previously charged with first-degree arson related to a fire set at Platos Closet on Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville. On Tuesday, Hubbert was charged with a second count of first-degree arson for a destructive fire at Dollar General on Winchester Road, records show.

Both businesses remain shut down due to damage sustained during the fires. Hubbert is accused of also setting fires at the following locations:

 Publix on Madison Boulevard;

 Champys Famous Fried Chicken on Madison Boulevard;

 McDonalds on U.S. 72;

 ALDI on Winchester Road Northeast;

 Kroger on Moores Mill Road;

 Walmart on University Drive;

 Dicks Sporting Goods on Carl T Jones Drive; and

 a second Dollar General on Winchester Road.

Even though many of the locations had people inside at the time of the fires, officials say no injuries have been reported. Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson said in most cases, people in the stores took action and put the fires out before firefighters got there, effectively limiting the damage and risk.

Hubbert remains in the Madison County Detention Center without bond after a judge ruled he posed a threat to the public if released. Additional charges from Saturdays spree are possible as the investigation continues.
The golden anniversary celebration of the annual Gerhart Chamber Music Festival has been postponed to next fall, Snead State Community College announced this week.

The event was originally scheduled for Nov. 2 and Nov. 47 but has been rescheduled due to travel concerns related to the pandemic. New dates have not been finalized yet, according to the College.

The festival began in 1972 as "Youth Makes Music," a nonprofit organization that promoted classical chamber music in North Alabama. According to the College, the first homecoming concert was held near Lake Guntersville, and the festival moved south of Birmingham before returning to Marshall County under its current name in the 1980s.

The festival includes concerts, a master class and educational opportunities for Snead State students and students from area school systems. This year's festival was set to feature musicians Michael Davis, Jeffery Cohen, Wayne Roden and Bion Tsang.
Lawmakers in Washington are scrambling right now to find a way to avoid a shutdown as the government is set to run out of money Thursday without congressional action.

A shutdown would impact people across the country, especially in places like the Rocket City, with its strong ties to federal government jobs and contracts. A shutdown would leave many government employees furloughed, causing a massive ripple effect throughout the country.

Thousands of those federal workers would stop getting paid until lawmakers in Washington could reach a deal, just like what happened back in December 2018 and January 2019.

Beyond furloughs, a failure to prevent a government shutdown would impact everyone, from new homebuyers to National Parks visitors.

Just tend to your knitting and get the job done," Gov. Kay Ivey told WAAY-31 Wednesday. The governor went on to say lawmakers need to "get their ducks in a row like we do in Alabama and tend to your business."

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle also reacted to news out of the nation's capital as lawmakers work on a short-term fix to keep the government funded.

Nobody wants to see a shutdown," he said. "A shutdown is not good for anybody."

Lawmakers could agree on a short-term spending bill as early as Thursday, but the bigger question and deadline looming next month is if lawmakers will be able to agree on raising the federal debt ceiling.

Failure to do that would spell even bigger problems for a country already rocked by a pandemic and economic slowdown.

We dont need a shutdown," Ivey said.

The private sector won't avoid the consequences of a possible government shutdown, either. Any company that contracts business with the U.S. government would be affected, and stocks are trading lower amid all of the uncertainty.
Health officials still urge people to wear masks and to get vaccinated even as Covid-19 cases continue to decline in Madison County and statewide.

In Madison County, the positive Covid rate is down to 15.5%, from 22% just two weeks ago. Huntsville Hospital President Tracy Doughty said even though things are improving, it's not the time to let one's guard down.

"The numbers are looking good because, I think, we're wearing masks and people are doing right when they're out and about," Doughty said.

As the first set of booster shots were administered Wednesday at John Hunt Park, health officials were telling people to get it if they can. Not only is the demand for vaccines going down, but so is the demand for the monoclonal antibody treatment.

"Monoclonal therapy is not a substitution for the vaccine," Doughty said. "You still want to get vaccinated. But, if you do get sick, the monoclonal therapy helps you reduce the chance of you getting really sick and being hospitalized."

Meanwhile, United Way of Madison County has seen an increase in calls for resources due to the pandemic. The 211 phone system has been used more than 19,000 times, for everything from how to get rental assistance to transportation for vaccine appointments.

By comparison, in 2019, United Way took nearly 9,000 calls for people looking for help.

Kathy Miller, community impact director at the nonprofit, thanked the community for allowing them to help in a time of need. Miller plans to continue helping and working to reach more people.

"When we collaborate as entities and organizations, individuals, we build our capacity to respond to all kinds of situations, including the pandemic," Miller said.

Miller said United Way has been partnering with the ride-share program, Lyft, to get people to vaccine appointments for free.
A boy is in the hospital in critical condition after being shot at his Memphis school Thursday morning, according to police.

ABC News reports Memphis police are searching for a male juvenile suspect and officers are clearing the building. No other injuries have been reported.

Read more here.
The Rocket City will soon be home to a major expansion for Special Aerospace Services (SAS), bringing dozens of high technology jobs to the city.

Choosing Huntsville was a very strategic decision. We looked at several states, and Alabama was the clear winner down-select, said Heather Bulk, SAS co-founder, president and CEO.

Gov. Kay Ivey attended the groundbreaking Wednesday, joining other state economic developers and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle in welcoming the company to North Alabama.

According to Ivey, Bulk is one of the first businesswomen to leverage House Bill 192, which creates a new jobs credit for underrepresented businesses and provides incentives for new and existing businesses looking to expand into rural areas.

Colorado-based SAS is a valuable addition to the dynamic roster of nimble and highly competent aerospace businesses in Alabamas 'Rocket City,' Ivey said. I know that SAS will find a welcoming home in Huntsville, where it can harness the technical know-how and leverage the partnerships it needs to grow and thrive.

SAS says this expansion is part of the companys strategy to expedite its strategic, tactical, research and development, manufacturing and logistics activities.

This expansion to Huntsville demonstrates the confidence and appreciation for the workforce talent that is here, the diversity of Cummings Research Park and our continued mission to support our nation in all things space and defense, said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

SAS will begin building a 55,000-square-foot facility to house federal services, research and special activities, as well as an engineering and training space, high bay assembly and advanced manufacturing and research bays.

We are very excited to have SAS as the newest tenant in Cummings Research Park as they build the campus, said Erin Koshut, the Parks executive director. This company brings exceptional expertise and aerospace leadership to our community."

Koshut said Cummings Research Park officials are also thrilled that SAS sees the importance of inspiring and supporting future members of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce, like those at nearby Columbia High School.

"We look forward to seeing this development take shape in the coming weeks and months ahead," Koshut said.
People from across the world are visiting Huntsville for the National Cyber Summit.

The 12th annual summit is back and in-person this year after going virtual in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Through the summit, participants can learn and network with some of the United States' top cybersecurity leaders. A senior at New Century Technology High School told WAAY-31 it's helping him learn more about the industry and what he wants to pursue.

It is definitely amazing for me to be in an environment" with a variety of companies, learning what they know and have, Sean Mehrotra said. It's also "a way for people  college students, high school students like me  to be recruited in these type of fields."

Thursday is the last day of the Cyber Summit.
John Cabot University, a regionally accredited American university in Rome, is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Degree Seeking (DS) Admissions Counselor. The DS Admissions Counselor will be responsible for assisting prospective freshman and transfer degree seeking applicants from US and non-US based high schools and universities. The Admissions Counselor begins working with the student once they express interest in John Cabot University.

This role requires a self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic professional who possesses excellent customer service skills. This role may require travelling if necessary throughout the academic year.

For a list of duties and requirements, please the JCU website at Administrative / Staff Positions | University Jobs in Italy (johncabot.edu).

All applicants must already be in possession of valid and current EU working documents in Italy. JCU cannot sponsor candidates for working visas in Italy for this position.

Please send your (ENGLISH only) CV and Cover Letter to employment@johncabot.edu with subject line DS Admissions Counselor. The search will remain open until filled, though hiring is expected to begin as early as October 30.

While we appreciate every application received, note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

John Cabot University, a regionally accredited American university in Rome, Italy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or disability in any of its policies, programs, and services.
Museums open for free on Sunday but must be booked by Friday 1 October or at tourist info points on the day.

Rome's city-run museums will open for free to all visitors - residents and tourists - on Sunday 3 October.

In addition to visiting the civic museums there will be free access to the archaeological area of the Circus Maximus (09.30-19.00, last entry 17.50), as well as the archaeological area of the Imperial Fora (entrance from Trajan's Column 08.30-18.30, last entry 17.30) and the pedestrian path around the archaeological area of the Theatre of Marcellus (09.00-19.00).

To participate in the free visits, reservations are required by calling tel. 060608 (by Friday 1 October) or at the tourist information points (even on the same day).

The following museums are open for free on Sunday 3 October:

Capitoline Museums, Trajan's Markets - Museum of the Imperial Fora, Ara Pacis, Centrale Montemartini, Museo di Roma (Palazzo Braschi), Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Gallery of Modern Art (Via Crispi), Museums of Villa Torlonia, Museum of Zoology, Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture, Carlo Bilotti Museum in Villa Borghese, Napoleonic Museum, Pietro Canonica Museum in Villa Borghese, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina, Museo di Casal de' Pazzi, Museo delle Mura and Villa di Massenzio.

For full details see Musei in Comune website. Photo credit: Altrendo Images / Shutterstock.com.
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Heres the best thing that can be said about YouTubes policy, to ban prominent anti-vaccine activists such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Joseph Mercola from its platform:

Its about time.

But that points to some important questions about YouTubes policies on health misinformation: Why have anti-vaxxers been permitted to infect the video platform for so long? And is YouTubes action coming too late?

Prominent anti-vaccination voice Robert F. Kennedy Jrs YouTube channel was terminated by the site. Credit:AP

Anti-vaccine material has been rife on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for years. Indeed, they may be the prime vectors for the misinformation. Over that time, so much of it has made its way around the world that YouTubes ban is tantamount to bailing out a sinking boat.
When New Zealand comic Angella Dravid was 17 years old she ran away from her mothers home in New Zealand and flew to London to live with the 46-year-old man who had groomed the teenager online. When she was 18 they were married; when Dravid was 19, a domestic violence incident between them ended with her arrest and imprisonment. When she was 22 and after several years in a halfway home she was deported back to New Zealand.

As a coming of age story its bewildering and painful, but as the basis for a memoir its also been hugely successful. Now 35 and wielding a distinct voice, Dravid has turned her formative crisis into successive works that resonate with audiences. In 2017 she debuted her award-winning stand-up show Down the Rabbit Hole and now after further self-examination theres the autobiographical podcast Love, Rock Bottom & Other Triumphs.

NZ comedian Angella Dravid recording her new podcast Love, Rock Bottom & Other Triumphs.

I found hope in what people think is a bad place. I think this is an optimistic story, but also funny  my marriage really was worse than being in prison, says the Auckland-based comedian. When youre 16, you dont realise the consequences of what youre doing, but being young and naive also gave me the optimism to get through it as well.

An original production for Amazons Audible platform, Love, Rock Bottom & Other Triumphs is a podcast that like its creator refuses to adhere to expectations. Dravids narration is deceptively matter-of-fact, especially when discussing unsettling situations. She finds deadpan humour in her own failings, and looks at each stage from surprising perspectives. Running 15 to 20 minutes, the nine episodes are an audio page-turner: you need to know what happened next.
Brand New Cherry Flavor, Netflix



There is so much content dropping onto the streaming services all the time that every now and then an absolute gem slides through to the keeper virtually unnoticed. Such is Brand New Cherry Flavor, an utterly bonkers noirish thriller that is one of the best shows on Netflix right now.

The eight-part series stars Rosa Salazar as Lisa Nova, a young writer-director who gets a call out of the blue inviting her to Hollywood to meet hotshot producer Lou Burke (Eric Lange). Hes seen her graduating student short film and hes blown away, and he wants her to turn it into a feature film. She can write, she can direct, and at their first meeting he slips her a $10,000 cheque to prove hes serious.

Rosa Salazar is electrifying as young writer-director Lisa Nova, a star on the rise. Credit:Netflix

Its an exhilarating start, every young filmmakers dream come true, but you dont need a crystal ball to see where its heading. Lou expects action from Lisa off set as well as on, and when she rebuffs his advances  gently, it must be said  he cuts her out of the picture, literally, by appointing another director.
A tornado left a path of destruction in the NSW Central West and hail was reported in Sydneys north-west on Thursday, with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for much of the state.

There are reports of damage to houses, powerlines and trees around the Clear Creek area, north north-east of Bathurst, the Bureau of Meteorology said of the tornado on Thursday afternoon.

It said reports of damage stretch 25 to 30 kilometres, with the path running roughly north-west.

BOM spokesman Daniel Barty said they cant say the tornado was on the ground the whole time, but the distance is a track map from the first report of damage to the last report of damage that we know of so far.
All identical twins share the same pattern in their DNA, a global coalition of researchers has found, giving them insight into how the phenomenon happens and bringing them closer to finding out why.

The key is in the epigenetics of twins  the parts of a persons genetic makeup beyond their DNA.

New research has found all identical twins share the same epigenetic pattern, providing a clue on how their cells split.

Genes are turned on and off by a process called methylation, and different methylation patterns cause genes to turn off and on in different sequences and in ways that are mostly unique to each person.

The researchers, led by scientists from the Netherlands and including colleagues from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, discovered there is a similar methylation pattern across all identical twins everywhere in the world.
Federal financial support to NSW businesses hit by COVID-19 lockdowns will be turned off once the state hits its 80 per cent vaccination target, pushing any further assistance on to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.

In a sign of the federal governments expectations that the state economy will bounce back quickly from current lockdowns, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday confirmed the financial lifeline it has delivered to NSW will end within weeks.

The reopening of NSW as it hits vaccination targets will mean a reduction in federal government business support. Credit:Kate Geraghty

NSW businesses have been able to access payments of between $1500 and $100,000 a week depending on their payroll. Non-employing businesses could receive $1000 a week.

Businesses had to maintain their headcount as of July 13 and show they suffered a fall of at least 30 per cent in turnover.
Last Thursday night when the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, whose seat of Kooyong has been targeted by Greens and cashed-up independents, rang the Resources Minister Keith Pitt to advise him he would deliver a speech the next day which effectively backed net zero by warning of serious economic and investment consequences if Australia failed to move, Pitt was not impressed.

Pitt warned Frydenberg he ran the risk of blowing up the show. Frydenberg knows only too well Pitt knows something about that. The Queensland National resigned as an assistant minister in 2018 in protest over the National Energy Guarantee that Frydenberg as environment and energy minister was negotiating.

Josh Frydenberg has thrown his weight behind the adoption of net zero emissions by 2050. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The breakdown over the NEG was the trigger which cost Malcolm Turnbull the prime ministership a week later. This time Pitt is waiting to see Scott Morrisons plan before he decides his next steps but makes no secret that he implacably opposes net zero.

It was shaping as deja vu all over again, then Gladys Berejiklian, John Barilaro and Matt Kean in NSW provided, without drama or conflict, a sensible roadmap which Morrison could follow to protect the economy and the environment to reduce emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. And it didnt sound that hard.
It is the first time in Frances modern history that a former president has been convicted and sentenced to a prison term for actions during his term. Sarkozys predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was found guilty in 2011 of misuse of public money during his time as Paris mayor and was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

In the campaign financing case, prosecutors concluded that Sarkozy knew weeks before the 2012 election that his expenses  which are strictly limited under French law  were getting close to the legal maximum. They accused him of having ignored two notes from his accountants warning about the money issue.

The court on Thursday said despite being aware of the risk of exceeding the limit, he chose to organise many rallies, including giant ones. These rallies have been approved by Nicolas Sarkozy and he took advantage of them, the court said.

During the trial, Sarkozy told the court the extra money didnt go into his campaign, but instead helped make other people richer. He denied any fraudulent intent. He also insisted he didnt handle the day-to-day organisation because he had a team to do that and therefore couldnt be blamed for the amount of spending.
Itzehoe, Germany: A former secretary for the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp skipped the planned start of her trial in Germany on more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder, officials said. She was picked up several hours later after the court issued an arrest warrant.

The 96-year-old woman left her home near Hamburg in a taxi on Thursday morning, a few hours before proceedings were due to start at the state court in Itzehoe, court spokesperson Frederike Milhoffer said.

The dock sits empty in a courtroom in Itzehoe where the trial of a 96-year-old woman was due to start. Credit:AP

The court issued the warrant and delayed the reading of the indictment until the next scheduled hearing on October 19 because that couldnt be done in the defendants absence.

The accused woman previously had announced that she didnt want to come to court, but the statement did not provide sufficient grounds for detaining her ahead of the trial, Milhoffer said. Given the womans age and condition, she had not been expected actively to evade the trial, Milhoffer added.
Quito: Ecuadors President has declared a state of emergency in the prison system following a battle among gang members in a coastal lockup that killed at least 116 people and injured 80 in what authorities say was the worst prison bloodbath ever in the country.

Officials said at least five of the dead were found to have been beheaded.

An ambulance leaves the Litoral Penitentiary after a prison riot. Credit:AP

President Guillermo Lasso decreed a state of emergency on Wednesday, which will give the government powers that include deploying police and soldiers inside prisons. The order came a day after bloodshed at the Litoral penitentiary in Guayaquil that officials blamed on gangs linked to international drug cartels fighting for control of the facility.

Lasso, visibly moved by the carnage, said at a news conference that what had happened in the prison was bad and sad. He also said he could not guarantee that authorities had regained control of the lockup.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says Indiana hunters can help feed the hungry by donating deer that they've hunted.

According to the DNR, legally hunted deer can be donated at participating processors around the state, where they'll be turned into healthy venison burgers that will be distributed to food banks.

The DNR says hunters can participate in the donation program by following these steps:

Enjoy a deer hunting experience. Harvest a deer. Drop off the field-dressed deer at a local participating processor. Processing fees are paid for by the Sportsmen's Benevolence Fund. The processor will create healthy venison burgers to distribute to food banks.

The DNR says the deer donation program is made possible through the Sportsmens Benevolence Fund, which provides grants to Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, the Dubois County Sportsmen Club, and Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry to pay for processing fees when hunters donate legally harvested deer.

As a result of the 2020 deer hunting seasons, the Sportsmens Benevolence Fund provided funding to process more than 360 harvested deer that resulted in more than 20,650 pounds of venison being donated.

You can find more information on the program and a full list of participating processors where donations can be made by visiting the Indiana DNR Website.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome actually has 13 different subtypes, but all impact the body's connective tissue. It's considered rare, affecting one in 1,000 people, and symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Scientists are learning more about EDS in the hopes of helping patients better manage the symptoms and, some day, find a cure.
The widespread turn to remote work was one of the most prominent effects of the COVID-19 economy. When the pandemic struck in the spring of 2020, organizations across the U.S. and the world adapted quickly to accommodate their distributed teams.

States Where the Most People Worked Remote Because of COVID-19 About 30% of adults live in households with 1 remote worker Higher income households were more likely to shift to remote work MD and MA reported the most people teleworking due to COVID-19 15. Oregon 14. Delaware 13. New Hampshire 12. New York 11. Connecticut 10. Illinois 9. California 8. Minnesota 7. Virginia 6. Washington 5. Utah 4. New Jersey 3. Colorado 2. Massachusetts 1. Maryland
Authorities say a teenage boy was shot and wounded at a school in Memphis, Tennessee, and they have detained a second boy believed to be the shooter
A 22-year-old white supremacist has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for bursting into a Southern California synagogue with a semiautomatic rifle on the last day of Passover in 2019, killing one worshipper and wounding three others
Officials say a former secretary for the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp skipped the start of her trial in Germany on more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Some patchy fog early, then becoming partly sunny and quite warm. .

Tonight

Becoming mostly cloudy with a spotty shower late at night.
Kosovo police secure the area as Ethnic Serbs gathered on barricades near the northern Kosovo border crossing of Jarinje on the ninth day of protest on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo have been blocking the border for a ninth straight day to protest a decision by Kosovo authorities to start removing Serbian license plates from cars entering the country, raising fears such incidents could unleash much deeper tensions between the two Balkan foes.
In 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus of the University of Mississippi, where he enrolled for classes the next day, and more events that happened on this day in history.

Video 1938: Neville Chamberlain 1947: The World Series 1949: The Berlin Airlift 1955: James Dean 1962: James Meredith 1972: Roberto Clemente 1984: "Murder, She Wrote" 2011: U.S. Drone Airstrikes 2014: Ebola 2017: Monty Hall 2020: Los Angeles County 2020: Serena Williams 2020: Tate Reeves
Dracula: The Unknown Story, by imitating the dog, beginning a long tour at co-producers Leeds Playhouse, is all about alternatives. It offers an alternative view of the death and after-life of Dracula, an alternative counter-factual view of 20th century history and a totally exhilarating alternative approach to theatre.

On New Year's Eve 1965 a particularly gruesome murder is committed in London. A young woman comes to a police station with information; in fact, the information turns out to be that she is the murderer. She also claims to be Mina Harker, wife of the man who hunted down and killed Dracula, which would make her about 90. The police questioning her are duly sceptical, especially when she launches into an account of her adventures: she it was who killed Dracula and she has since been a traveller throughout Europe. In Paris she models for Picasso and appears in Georges Melies' fantasy films. Then she starts killing people.

That's where the counter-factual comes in. Her victims are men (or even male children) to whom her dreams have directed her for the evil they will do: she has not killed Dracula so much as released him into the world. It's when an Italian revolutionary in Switzerland gives his name as Benito Mussolini that we realise something strange is going on: this is re-writing history. And the occasional broadcast news contains bizarre facts such as Joe McCarthy as President of the United States.

However, the production style, much more than the content, makes this a compelling piece of theatre. Based on the form of a graphic novel, it plays constant visual tricks on the screens at the back of the set, but it's the integration of live action with the images that takes the breath away.

Stage furniture is minimal, a table, a few chairs and (most essential) a couple of cameras. Mina (Riana Duce), WPC Williams (Adela Rajnovic) and DS Donaldson (Matt Prendergast) sit and the questioning begins. Soon they are thrust into the story. Mina merges into an upstairs floor of the Harker town-house or a train crossing Europe, Rajnovic and Donaldson's moving, speaking faces are imposed on images of, for instance, Stalin and his wife, then the two bend to a suitable degree for a high-angle shot of the police in the canteen (lovely steaming cup of tea!). All three speak apparently flawless French or Italian, German or Russian, as Mina careers through Europe, the English version appearing in speech bubbles. Dracula never appears in bodily form, but his menacing shadow, voiced by an eerie combination of Rajnovic and Prendergast, produces the odd frisson of terror.

After all, though, it's not the terror, but the sheer chutzpah of the whole enterprise that gets you. It's impossible to list all the designers of sound, lighting, video, models and everything else under the direction of joint writer/directors Andrew Quick and Peter Brooks, video designer Simon Wainwright and designer Laura Hopkins, but it all gels seamlessly.

Riana Duce is remarkable as Mina, delicately demure, passionate, aggressive, deeply troubled, flinging herself into scenes of violent action without losing her cut-glass accent (in whatever language she's speaking). Adela Rajnovic and Matt Prendergast neatly establish the differences between the constable, curious as to what this is all about, and the detective sergeant, pragmatic and sceptical, and the variety and precision of their all their work is highly impressive. This is a production where hitting your mark is as important as on any film set.
There's no doubt that Jasmine Lee-Jones is a great talent. Her debut play seven methods of killing kylie jenner blazed from the stage; it wasn't perfect, but it was quite the best thing in 2019, the year it swept up all the playwriting awards. It announced a distinctive voice, full of poetry, but also of the language and concerns of contemporary Black women.

This semi-autobiographical monologue confirms that sense of discovery. Lee-Jones herself takes to the stage as Jaz, a trainee actress, who is rehearsing a Restoration drama. It's not going well. The two Black actors on the acting course are confined to playing Servant 1 and Servant 2  originally one part, but now divided between them. Oh, and she also gets to play a footstool for a white student called Rosebud to rest her feet on. "It's a solid can't relate on so many levels," she moans. "Because these plays weren't written with people like me in mind."

This realisation sets her off on a journey of discovery, to try to find Black faces in the English theatre before Ira Aldridge in the 18th century, to carve a sense of black presence on the British stage. En route, she introduces us to a former slave called Celia Edlyne, who made her name as an actress, but also to her best friend, Mon, to an attractive male curator at the Black Cultural Archives, and to the South London gay scene which incorporates a queer rave in a field in Croydon  "the deep South Kentucky-like."

Her adventures are funny as well as serious, moving, closely-observed, and ultimately deeply surprising. They are held together by Lee-Jones' vigorous, vivid language, which she wields with grace and control. She's a wonderful presence on stage too, moving effortlessly between ten roles, bringing them to life in front of our eyes.

Director Anna Himali-Howard provides a deliberately knowing production, where hands appear from behind a curtain to furnish Lee-Jones with the necessary props. Camilla Clarke and Rosie Elnile have conjured a simple yet effective set, dominated by a silk-canopied four-poster bed where Celia's story comes to life. That thread of thought, about what British history ignores, about the Black faces who lurk in the background of 17th century etchings and round the margins of Restoration plays, is beautifully tied into the way that Jaz has to learn to see more than she first perceives in the people around her. The play also raises troubling and intractable questions about the way that Jaz, and Black women in general, are forced to play roles in order to be seen.

The reach and ambition of its thinking means that the play has some structural difficulties; in rushing to the end of its stories in its allotted 90 minutes, it doesn't quite allow them to breathe. But the intelligence and challenge of the writing and the engagement of the performance confirm that sense that Lee-Jones is both a breath of fresh air  and someone you will always want to watch.
Learning Quality Assurance Assistant, Copenhagen, Denmark

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Country: Denmark

City: Copenhagen

Office: UNDP Copenhagen

Grade: G-5

Closing date: Tuesday, 5 October 2021

Agency: UNDP

Title: Learning Quality Assurance Assistant

Job ID: 39892

Practice Area - Job Family: Management - HUMAN RESOURCES - TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 05/10/2021

Duty Station: Copenhagen, Denmark

Education & Work Experience: C-HS Graduate or Equivalent - 5 year(s) experience, G-Bachelors Level Degree - 2 year(s) experience

Languages: Required: Desired: English

French, Spanish

Grade: G5

Vacancy Type: FTA Local

Posting Type: External

Bureau: Management

Contract Duration: 2 Year with possibility for extension

Background

UNDP, as an integral part of its mission to fight poverty and improve the lives of people around the world, is committed to being open, transparent and accountable. In 2012, as part of this commitment UNDP adopted International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and established a Global Shared Service Unit (GSSU) to provide IPSAS transactional recording (in the areas of revenue, expenses and fixed assets), procurement, advisory and support services from Kuala Lumpur to UNDP Offices worldwide, and to provide training to UNDP Offices where needed. Human Resources services within the GSSU was set up earlier in 2003 in Copenhagen and provides customized service packages to more than 40,000 UN personnel from agencies, funds and programmes across the UN System. GSSU/HR in Copenhagen has established a legacy as a major Human Resources administration center within the United Nations and is recognized as a centre of excellence. The Global Shared Service Unit (GSSU) is part of the Bureau for Management Services (BMS).

An expansion of the GSSU/BMS includes establishing UNDPs Talent Development Shared Services Unit in GSSU, Copenhagen in 2021. The unit will be the center of excellence for transactional support and delivery of talent development related services to create a holistic, equitable and harmonized corporate offer, and to improve access, communication, quality, and effectiveness of the services.

The unit will partner closely with business units and OHR/TDU to deliver a range of transactional services related to the implementation of learning solutions and programmes and relevant monitoring and reporting functions, aligned with UNDPs People for 2030 Strategy and People Development Strategy 2021-2023.

The Learning Quality Assurance Assistant supports the delivery of strategic business services by performing technical quality assurance of online courses, assisting in tasks related to content management, reporting, and responding to learning queries. Moreover, the incumbent will work with a team of highly motivated learning professionals to ensure the highest quality audio, video, simulations, and web-based trainings to enable a transformational change in the skills, knowledge and capabilities of UNDPs people.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensures implementation of learning strategies and optimization of business processes focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of HR processes and records with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.

Review and implement best practices and tools for content curation and identification.Suggest ideas for streamlining of procedures to deliver optimal client service.

2. Implementation of HR services focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Support the content curation for Learning Platforms.

Create and update content on TalentHub (Internal SharePoint site) and other such internal content hosting platforms platforms as instructed by the team lead.

Assist in testing online courses based on the SOP/Technical checklist.

Create/edit/update supporting materials and media (audio, video, simulations, web-based training, etc.).

Support ad-hoc activities related to learning content provision.

Perform accessibility testing of online courses using screen reader or other assistive technology.

3. Provides operational support focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provides operational support to UNDPs LMS in terms of enrollment to programmes, updating course completion status and responding to technical queries.

Support in course setup on the LMS platform.

Provide tier-0 support for course related issues.

Competencies

Core Competencies: Innovation

Level 2: Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant recommendations

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership

Level 2: Proactively identifies new opportunities and challenges

Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management

Level 2: Takes ownership of responsibilities

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication

Level 2: Understands, explains and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery

Level 2: Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services;

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional Competencies: Applicable for all below competencies. Level 2: Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work

Human Resources Strategy

Translates corporate strategy in people strategy and plans to give effective to strategic direction.

Human Resources Management

Knowledge of HR management issues and principles and the ability to apply them to strategic and/or practical situations

Learning and Development

Translates corporate strategy onto substantive expertise in learning and development to enhance the competence of employees to deliver on UNDPs strategic goals

Collaboration & Partnerships

Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic HR relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP

Management & Coordination

Ability to manage and coordinate campaigns and people with inspiration. Believe in and promote diversity in the workplace and reshaping the workforce to meet need

Strategic Substantive Networking

Ability to substantively engage and foster networks with UN HR practitoners, academia, research institutions, and think tanks

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use HR information and knowledge

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education with at least five (5) years of relevant work experience or Bachelors degree in business or public administration, technology or related field with relevant work experience of at least 2 (two) years will be given due consideration.

Experience:

2-5 years of experience in either of the following areas: Learning and Development, HR Management, administration, communications support and coordination, or a combination of the above is required.

Experience working with the administration of a learning management system is an advantage.

Understanding of content authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Camtasia Studio, Easygenerator, HTML5, etc. is an advantage.

Familiarity with global development issues and the world of the UN.

Familiarity with the values the UN and UNDP embody and support in all of their work

Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

Ability to extract, interpret, analyse data and resolve problems.

Strong attention to details.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Experience in office software packages (Microsoft Suite, TEAMs, Yammer, SharePoint, etc.) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems and digital platforms is required.

Language Requirements:

Full proficiency in English. Knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish) is an asset.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Other:

Commitment to the United Nations systems mission, vision and values; cultural sensitivity and adaptability

Previous working experience in the UN system and working with UN country offices desired.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDPs policy on Probation upon assignment.

Priority may be given to Danish nationals and holders of relevant Danish residence permit.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic background to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1632861509027
WASH Officer, Gaziantep, Turkey

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Childrens Fund

Country: Turkey

Field location: Gaziantep

Office: UNICEF Gaziantep, Turkey

Closing date: Tuesday, 12 October 2021

WASH Officer,NOA, FT, Gaziantep MENARO #117217

Job no: 544951

Position type: Fixed Term Appointment

Location: Turkey Division/Equivalent: Amman(MENA)

School/Unit: Regional Services Div (MENAR), Amman

Department/Office: MENARO, O/P Gaziantep, Turkey

Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of the job: The WASH Officer reports to WASH Specialist who is at

Level 4. Level 1 is an entry-level professional post and should therefore normally be used as a trainee level for the purpose of acquiring knowledge of organizational rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge of the profession for upward mobility to higher responsibilities. At this level, incumbents are not expected to remain in the post for an extended period of time.

The WASH Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the WASH programming process, through the application of theoretical and practical technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development, implementation and monitoring of the WASH output results of the Country Programme.

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Programme development and planning

Research and analyze regional/national political, WASH, health, and social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.

Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information.

Assist in the development/establishment of WASH-related outcome and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of WASH sector needs and priorities.

Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials/documentations, complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support progress towards the WASH-related outcome and/or output results in the Country Programme.

Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes.

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decision. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.

Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.

Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.

Prepare inputs for programme and donor reporting.

Technical and operational support for programme implementation

Undertake field visits and surveys, collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action.

Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in WASH, to support programme implementation.

Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response

Draft inputs for the preparation of WASH emergency preparedness, including the drafting of required supplies and services, long-term agreements, partnership agreements, and coordination mechanisms.

Study and fully understand UNICEFs procedures for responding in an emergency.

Take up support roles in an emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises.

Networking and partnership building

Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve WASH output results.

Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for WASH.

Participate in inter-agency meetings/events on WASH programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of WASH programmes/projects and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF output results and implementation strategies with UNDAF development and planning processes.

Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).

Assist in the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development.

Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up-to-date with latest developments.

Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

Impact of Results:

The support provided by the level 1 WASH officer will enable the Country Office to achieve the WASH-related output results of the country programme. This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of the outcome results of the Country Programme Document. When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth and development and reduce inequalities in the country.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering or another relevant technical field.

While advanced university degrees for WASH positions are strongly preferable, offices are able to request a university degree at this level if they find difficulty in attracting a sufficient number of candidates)

Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main degree are a strong asset.

a minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries is required.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEFs values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

Core Competencies

Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)

Works Collaboratively with others (1)

Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)

Innovates and Embraces Change (1)

Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)

Drive to achieve impactful results (1)

Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Functional Competencies

Analyzing (2)

Applying technical expertise (2)

Learning and researching (2)

Planning and organizing (2)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEFs values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: Sep 28 2021 GTB Daylight Time Application close: Oct 12 2021 GTB Daylight Time

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1632859644240
There are millions of people who have written books. How many can say theyve written dictionaries or thesauruses for a language that was all but lost?

There are millions of people who have written books. How many can say theyve written dictionaries or thesauruses for a language that was all but lost?

Roger Roulette and Patricia Ningewance can.

Last year, they worked together on an Ojibwe thesaurus. Now, Ningewance, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, is working on an Ojibwe dictionary for Manitoba and western Ontario as her research work, along with retired linguist Dr. John Nichols and her own grandson, who is working toward a masters degree in linguistics at the University of Minnesota. As a skilled speaker and teacher, Roulette is providing input into the Manitoba dialects.

For decades, Ningewance and Roulette have worked to promote the Ojibwe language, drawing on their shared linguistic gifts and upbringings where that language  despite the creep of English  was spoken with a sense of pride and defiance.

The loss of Indigenous languages was one of the most devastating impacts of the residential school system. Generations of Indigenous children were punished, often violently, for speaking their own language at the schools.

Language activists Roger Roulette (right) and Pat Ningewance say part of learning the Ojibwe language is understanding that sometimes, direct questions can come across as rude. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 calls to action, including five that focused on Indigenous languages. The ranged from calling on the federal government to acknowledge Indigenous rights include language rights to allowing residential school survivors and their families to reclaim their Indigenous names at no cost.

Roulette grew up in a community outside MacGregor where Ojibwe was the only language. Ningewance, who was taken to residential school on two occasions, had her formative years in Obizhigokaang (Lac Seul First Nation), in northwestern Ontario, where her grandmother, Maaganad, spoke only Ojibwe, refusing to speak English, even though she could do so fluently.

At the age of 20, Ningewance started teaching, and hasnt stopped for 50 years, while Roulette has been in the language business since the 1980s. Both have written and contributed to several books, while also teaching the language to aspiring speakers and language teachers.

"Everybody spoke Ojibwe at home," says Ningewance, sitting on a recent morning at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre on Sutherland Avenue. "Right into the city, too," Roulette says. "We didnt care about anybodys judgment. We just, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah."

"I knew old people who spoke English, but you never heard them utter one word. It was defiance. Theyre not going to do it. Its Ojibwe in the village, and thats it."  Roger Roulette

The Free Press spoke with Ningewance and Roulette about language, translation, the future and the destructive impact of colonization on the language today. These are portions of this conversation, edited for length and clarity.

Pat Ningewance: My grandmother spoke English because she was raised with a Hudsons Bay Company family with a daughter her age, who wanted a playmate. So she was fluent, but she only spoke English when speaking with white people if they spoke to her.

Youve heard me say this many times, Roger, but I asked her once why she wouldnt speak English at home if she spoke it so fluently, because I was learning it in school. And she said, Were not English people. And that made such a big impact on me when she said that.

A declaration to preserve Indigenous languages Our languages are sacred, given to our people by the Creator. We must honour our ancestors who have passed on their knowledge through the language to us, and carry on their work by teaching our families  both as individuals and as a collective  or their words will stop with us and we will break that link. click to read more Our languages are sacred, given to our people by the Creator. We must honour our ancestors who have passed on their knowledge through the language to us, and carry on their work by teaching our families  both as individuals and as a collective  or their words will stop with us and we will break that link. Affirming this sacred responsibility, we, the Grandparents, will uphold our duty and obligations to keeping our languages alive forever. Our languages contain our guiding life principles that are also affirmed in our Sacred Laws, our Treaties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our sacred cultures contain languages and define who we are as individuals. Our spirituality gives us the strength to overcome the negativity that we face, ensuring that we believe in ourselves as Indigenous peoples. Language connects us with our values and virtues that are instilled within each of us. Considering that: Languages hold knowledge that is carried from one generation to the next; Languages teach us our histories; our Creation stories and our prayers, songs and ceremonies that give us the foundation of our spiritual beliefs on how to live in beautiful and healthy ways; Languages teach us about our land (sky, wind, fire, water and rock) and its many blessings and how to take care of it for future generations; Languages teach us about the importance of our waters, without which we cannot live; Languages teach us about our plants and medicines that heal us; Languages teach us about the Sacred Fire that is our guiding light; Languages teach about the swimmers, the winged ones and the four-legged who are all our relatives and sustain us with food; Languages teach us lessons through our visions and dreams. This connection therefore demands that we must fully accept ourselves by leading good lives and have good relations with all people and all living things as taught by the Creator. We will remain linked to our families, our communities and our Grandparents to ensure that our sacred languages and their teachings will thrive and will live on for future generations. Therefore, we will acknowledge the detrimental impact of the governments deliberate attempts of stripping our languages and cultures from us, but will no longer be a victim of their oppression but a survivor and will draw from that strength. Therefore, as we make movements to revitalize our languages, we need ongoing moral support, funding, and resources from our families, communities and educational institutions. Therefore, we also know that when we keep our languages alive and teach our children these languages, they will be strong and healthy forever; this is what we strive for in our sacred work. We affirm our gratitude for being connected in a holistic way with all these gifts through language. If we look after the language, it will look after us, too. We declare and affirm our strong commitment to being role models for our current and future generations. We will act with kindness at all times and in all places reflecting and honouring our sacred teachings and responsibilities. The basis of our work will be guided by the Creator and we will be strengthened and blessed in our work.  The Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy Grandparents Council Close

Roger Roulette: Yeah, I think thats defiance. I knew old people who spoke English, but you never heard them utter one word. It was defiance. Theyre not going to do it. Its Ojibwe in the village, and thats it.

PN: I did the same thing with my grandson, Aandeg Muldrew. At first, I didnt know how to do it. I didnt teach my son, who is 45 now, and that was the case with everybody in my family around my age. We didnt teach our children to speak our language because we have this block. I dont know what it is.

RR: Its psychological.

PN: Yes, mental, emotional.

FP: Its not the same, but I grew up with family members who could speak Yiddish, a language thats been dwindling in usage for decades. And whenever they spoke, I wanted to know what was going on. Now, Im 26 and I want to learn because I realize how much I wish I understood then.

PN: My grandson (Muldrew) said, like I did, that its an act of defiance to speak his language. Because it was suppressed 200 years ago, so for him it was very meaningful to take up the flag to teach it.

RR: Theres a few of them  young second-language speakers  and theyre really great. Its not like back in the old days, when it felt like it was just me and (Pat) analyzing things. (Laughs).

PN: (When it comes to writing the language and spelling), you have to have an ear. But you can develop that ear over time. Its easy in French or German orthography, because once you learn it, you can read anything, you might not understand it, but

RR: One thing people do when they want to impress you is theyll say something in Russian or German. That isnt speaking, though. Tell me, "Woher kommst du?" Where are you from? Then, thats speaking some German. Not (counting to 10) einz, zwei, drei, vier Then I go, ah, dont even talk to me.

FP: You both have a gift when it comes to language. When did you realize that, 14 or 15 years old?

PN: I think it clicked much earlier. I was always very verbal, and as a child youre born to love language. And my grandmother looked after us. She would entertain us, playing word games and telling us riddles.

FP: Thats important. Obviously learning in a classroom setting can be beneficial, but that setting is only one aspect of learning. Life is the other.

PN: Yes. My main job (at the University of Manitoba, where Roulette has also taught) is to teach courses to intermediate and advanced speakers, and Im very excited because Im finally trying to do immersion learning.

What Im doing is writing scripts for them with typical conversations. So they learn them, and then practise them, go off with each other, and commit it to memory. And over and over again they speak until the phrases come out very easily.

FP: Kind of like acting.

PN: Yes. This week theyve learned their lines from 20 little scripts, and were going to practise intonation. Im not happy with their pronunciation, so well work on that, and soon theyll sound very Ojibwe, and thats very exciting to me.

FP: So whats in the scripts?

PN: Only expressions we use. I dont want a translated language, because then were speaking and translating English right?... You know what annoys me? Some teachers will teach "How are you? and if I said (says a direct translation in Ojibwe) to Roger, thats like me asking, "Whats wrong with you?" Its implying that something is wrong.

FP: So what would you say?

RR: Well, the thing about it is that when you translate English sentiments, like "What is your name?" Well, thats rude. When I was growing up, nobody asked that. They say, "Nice weather. Where are you from?" And they tell you their clan.

PN: And then the name.

RR: When Pat and I first met, she had a little bear, and I knew right away. Same clan.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Language activists Pat Ningewance (left) and Roger Roulette (right) at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, say restoring the Ojibwe language is an act of defiance given the history of its suppression.

FP: This is broad, but what are you trying to accomplish through your work? Is it to correct misconceptions? Clarify the realities? Is there even one goal?

PN: To bring the language back, thats my goal. I want to create a new generation of speakers. I created one with my grandson, and hes assisting others to do the same.

RR: To trailblaze, to do the hard work, is something we can offer to the younger people.

FP: When you started this work, around 1988, you were much younger. Now, some people might look to you as the ones who know the most about the language, or elders, even though you probably dont see yourself that way.

RR: Firstly, I dont like the word "elder." Its an English word that imposes connotations on what people are supposed to be when theyre "elders," even though theyre all unique, with different personalities and specialities. That word, to me, goes back to a more Christian religious basis. So I dont use that word. I say old people. Growing up, thats what we called them.

FP: So youre old people now.

RR: (Laughing) Yes, we are, relatively.

PN: But I dont like being called an elder either. Youll hardly find anybody who would refer to themselves like that. I dont feel that I am. I still have so much to learn.

FP: Roger, when you grew up it was in a unilingual community. Was it rare to have a place like that, where you could maintain the language and avoid the intrusion of English?

RR: We didnt think of it as rare, because we did it. Maybe it was on one hand, because they refused to speak English. And the town was right there. You could see it. And here we are in another world. I think their goal was to pass on not only the language but the culture.

"When the Europeans came here, they should have learned our languages, not the other way around."  Patricia Ningewance

FP: And thats what you both do now, in a different way, like with the Northern Ojibwe dictionary, the upcoming Manitoba and western Ontario dictionary and recent thesaurus. What was making the thesaurus like?

RR: It was a real brain drain. Even though were adept. It involved a lot of research and interviews.

PN: We would look at one word, lets say, "sleep." Well there are many ways to sleep. Sleep well, sleep on this side, poo while youre sleeping, sleep poorly. We just sat in my backyard, going back and forth.

Pat Ningewances Ojibwe Thesauraus

Interestingly, when it came to hugging, we couldnt come up with many words for it, but for killing and fighting, there were many. It tells us something about our culture and history. Fighting was very important to stay alive against enemy strife. We just didnt go around hugging too much.

RR: There are words that have no English translation either.

FP: Creating a dictionary is important, but it isnt easy Id assume. Whats the biggest challenge?

RR: You have the root word, and the derivatives. So what do you include in there? If you include everything, you can have a book 2,000 pages thick. Ojibwe has a million words. How do you wrestle with that?

FP: So you feel some pressure?

RR: Well, I like pressure, so its a lot of fun.

"I remember this young fella. He said he didnt speak that well, but he was talking about Anishinaabe philosophy. And I was thinking, buddy, you knew how to speak. Be proud. He just spoke really well. I liked it."  Roger Roulette

FP: Are you ever concerned that no matter how much time and effort you put in, it wont be enough to account for the tremendous loss of language and culture thats happened through colonization? Has that entered your mind?

PN: It does, yes, but I dont let it control me. There will be people so colonized that they cling to English. Its familiar. It gives a sense of safety. People dont try to learn new languages, even ancestral ones, because of fear. Thats the depth of the colonization. You want to cling to English even though youre not an Englishman.

RR: Its ubiquitous. You can become brainwashed.

PN: Now thats what we have to deal with as teachers. To move them away from that.

RR: I think, I think the foundation is being laid, like at language camps, and then people who are second-language speakers that actually can speak it, you know? So we see it, we just have to push it further. I remember this young fella. He said he didnt speak that well, but he was talking about Anishinaabe philosophy. And I was thinking, buddy, you knew how to speak. Be proud. He just spoke really well. I liked it.

FP: One thing we talk about often is imagining a better future in Canada. I think thats a lot of what the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is about. Whats another attainable goal for this work, and how does that fit into a better future?

PN: I would like to see a mandatory language course in university. I remember one nurse a long time ago was shocked to learn Ojibwe had grammar. Can you imagine that?

RR: I think a B.Ed. should have a mandatory course in a native language. How are teachers going to teach about the language unless they learn about it?

PN: I have this vision of a time when our language will be strong. Maybe just within a community. Maybe 200 people, in the far future, so they would be the beacons.

RR: It would be really nice to have a village where the language is spoken there and we can learn things youre not able to teach in a classroom. How do you prepare duck? How do you prepare rabbit? How do you skin a deer or moose? That is, for us, survival. Im sure she saw it. I saw it.

Doug Speirs | Uplift A weekly review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe that is delivered to your inbox each Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Thats also part of language survival. It encompasses so many things.

FP: I know you have to go work on the dictionary, so is there anything you want to add?

PN: I would say that language can be a mess, and Roger and I are two people trying to make sense of that mess. Our language has been deemed second-class from Day 1.

When the Europeans came here, they should have learned our languages, not the other way around.

Language activists Pat Ningewance (left) and Roger Roulette (right) at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
WASHINGTON (AP)  Democrats are debating how to divide up what could be a smaller serving of health care spending in President Joe Biden's domestic policy bill, pitting the needs of older adults who can't afford their dentures against the plight of uninsured low-income people in the South.

FILE - In this image from video, Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks from Charleston, S.C., during the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Democrats are debating how to divide up what could be a smaller serving of health care spending in President Joe Biden's domestic policy bill, pitting the needs of older adults who can't afford their dentures against the plight of uninsured low-income people in the South. "There's always a battle of where you place your priorities," Clyburn, said Wednesday, Spet. 29, 2021. (Democratic National Convention via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Democrats are debating how to divide up what could be a smaller serving of health care spending in President Joe Biden's domestic policy bill, pitting the needs of older adults who can't afford their dentures against the plight of uninsured low-income people in the South.

There's always a battle of where you place your priorities, Rep. Jim Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democratic leader, said Wednesday. We dont means-test Medicare, which means that pretty wealthy people will be getting both dental care (and) vision care while poor people will be denied. ... I dont know that that's a real good choice.

Clyburn explained that more than 100,000 of his fellow South Carolinians remain uninsured because Republicans in charge of state government have refused to expand Medicaid to low-income working adults under the Affordable Care Act.

Health care is foundational to Bidens $3.5 trillion domestic policy bill, which touches everything from taxes to climate change, child care to community college.

When budget screws get applied, entire proposals can disappear from legislative wish lists, or they can get authorized for a shortened time period, a fiscal tactic akin to wading in the water as opposed to swimming.

For now, nothing has been dropped from Democrats' health care agenda, which includes new dental, vision and hearing coverage under Medicare, richer subsidies that reduce premiums for Obamacare plans, a federal work-around to expand Medicaid in a dozen states still refusing, improved post-partum Medicaid coverage for low-income women, and a permanent extension of the popular Children's Health Insurance Program.

The health care upgrades amount to a major renovation of federal programs covering more than 145 million Americans and part of the Democratic political legacy.

The health care elements are the tip of the spear, the most important, the most popular, and the most politically salient, and we simply have to get that done, said Brad Woodhouse, executive director of Protect Our Care. The advocacy group, which is urging Democrats to go big, sponsored a teleconference with lawmakers Wednesday.

The plan has been to pay for health care improvements with savings reaped by authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for the costliest prescription drugs. But there's a dilemma. Just as with the overall price tag for the legislation, Democrats have disagreements over Medicare negotiations. A Senate bill still in the works may not go as far as the measure pending in the House.

And there's another element to factor in: Biden is pushing for a major expansion of home-based long-term care services under Medicaid, an alternative to institutional placement in nursing homes.

Tensions are simmering between Senate Budget Chairman Bernie Sanders and some House Democrats. The Vermont independent is pushing hard to keep expanded Medicare benefits for dental, vision and hearing care at the front of the line, but Democratic veterans in the House who labored to pass and preserve the Obama-era health law see improving it as unfinished business that is their calling to complete.

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Under the umbrella of the Obama law, closing the so-called Medicaid coverage gap has become a rallying cry for Black and Latino lawmakers, as well as for advocates for the poor. Some 2 million people in states refusing the health law's Medicaid expansion make too much to qualify for Medicaid and too little to be eligible for HealthCare.gov plans. Three out of 5 are Black or Hispanic. Texas and Florida, states Democrats would like to flip, could see the biggest gains in coverage if the federal government steps in.

The intraparty political dynamics differ from the House to the Senate. While many House Democrats represent districts that would benefit from closing the Medicaid coverage gap, only three Democratic senators come from states that have not already expanded their programs. They are Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Georgians Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. They represent a sliver of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, but also the edge that gives Democrats control of the evenly divided chamber. Warnock, who faces reelection next year, has made closing the Medicaid gap his signature issue.

Advocates are worried that lawmakers will pare back the Medicaid fix to save money and apply it only for a brief period of several years, leaving it to a future Congress to make the change permanent.

If the policy isnt permanent, its important that it extend long enough to get the federal Medicaid program up and running," said Judy Solomon of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of low-income people. Medicaid is one of the most complex government programs and splicing in a new federal component for a limited number of states could be a time-consuming process.

For now, Democrats are hoping they don't have to slice and dice their health care ambitions to fit new budget constraints.

Obviously negotiations are ongoing, said Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill. I'm sure that these critical health care topics have come up in discussion. I think that what we know for sure is that you can't build back better without protecting folks' health care and lowering out-of-pocket costs, period.
A survey of Americans on President Joe Bidens plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it.

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2021, file photo, Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center nurse Maggie Bass, right, injects a COVID-19 vaccine into an arm in Jackson, Miss. A survey of Americans on President Joe Bidens plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it according to a poll released Thursday, Sept. 30, by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

A survey of Americans on President Joe Bidens plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it.

With the highly contagious delta variant driving deaths up to around 2,000 per day, the poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that overall, 51% say they approve of the Biden requirement, 34% disapprove and 14% hold neither opinion.

A new AP-NORC poll finds more Democrats than Republicans support President Joe Biden's plan requiring a COVID-19 vaccine or testing for U.S. workers. Americans working in person are closely divided.

About three quarters of Democrats, but only about a quarter of Republicans, approve. Roughly 6 in 10 Republicans say they disapprove. Over the course of the outbreak, Democrats and Republicans in many places have also found themselves divided over masks and other precautions.

I dont believe the federal government should have a say in me having to get the vaccine or lose my job or get tested, said 28-year-old firefighter Emilio Rodriguez in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Republican is not vaccinated.

Democrat and retired school secretary Sarah Carver, 70, strongly approves of the Biden mandate. The suburban Cleveland resident said she wants more people vaccinated to protect her 10-year-old grandson, who is too young to get the shot, and her vaccinated husband, who has breathing problems and Alzheimers disease.

I believe Dr. Fauci, Carver said, referring to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease specialist. Carver has had two doses of the Moderna vaccine.

Sixty-four percent of vaccinated Americans say they approve of the mandate, while 23% disapprove. Among unvaccinated Americans, just 14% are in support, while 67% are opposed. Most remote employees approve, but in-person workers are about evenly divided.

Exactly how the mandate will work is still being hammered out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Some health experts have said weekly testing is a poor substitute for vaccination but a necessary part of the policy.

Testing is used here to make it inconvenient" to avoid vaccination, said immunologist Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. The choice will be: You can get your two doses of vaccine, or heres what youre going to be doing every week."

The hope, Gronvall said, is that mandates will force people who have procrastinated to join the 56% of the U.S. population now fully vaccinated.

The testing choice makes the Biden workplace mandate more palatable to Cassie Tremant, a 32-year-old volunteer for a wildlife rescue group in Austin, Texas. She agrees with the mandate as long as people can opt out by getting tested weekly. A Democrat, she is fully vaccinated. Her grandmother was hospitalized with COVID-19.

Personally, I would prefer everybody to be vaccinated, Tremant said. The Biden plan gives people an option. If they dont comply, its on them to get tested. I think its a fair rule.

Roughly two-thirds of Americans say they are at least somewhat worried about themselves or family members becoming infected with the virus, though intense worry has declined. About 3 in 10 are now very or extremely worried, compared with about 4 in 10 in mid-August.

About two-thirds of Americans are at least somewhat confident the COVID-19 vaccines will be effective against virus variants.

Americans remain most trusting of health professionals for information about the vaccines, largely unchanged from December. Roughly 8 in 10 trust their doctors and other health care providers at least a moderate amount.

Rodriguez, the Corpus Christi firefighter, said he distrusts government vaccine information because it appears to him to be overly rosy.

Ive heard nothing negative about getting it at all, he said. Nothing about side effects. Its No, everythings fine. Go ahead and go get it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does list common side effects of the vaccines such as tiredness, muscle pain, fever, chills and nausea. Serious problems are rare, including heart inflammation that can occur in young men.

If he is subject to a workplace mandate, Rodriguez said, he will consult his doctor, whom he trusts.

Public trust in the top U.S. science agencies for vaccine information is also relatively high. Roughly 7 in 10 trust the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration at least a moderate amount.

Theyre the scientists and they know what theyre talking about, said Ohio retiree Carver. Theyre not quacks like some you see on the internet.

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In contrast, only about 4 in 10 Americans say they trust the news media a moderate amount or more for information about the vaccines; about 6 in 10 have little or no trust in the media.

A majority of Americans approve of Bidens handling of COVID-19, though his rating is lower than it was during the first six months of his presidency. Fifty-seven percent approve, while 43% disapprove. Thats similar to his ratings last month. As recently as July, roughly two-thirds approved of Bidens handling of the pandemic.

Close to half dont trust the president for information about vaccines. That includes Democrat Tremant, the Austin wildlife rescue volunteer.

Politicians say really dumb stuff, Tremant said. I would never trust any medical guidance or advice from any politician, even if theyre my favorite politician in the world.

___

The AP-NORC poll of 1,099 adults was conducted Sept. 23-27 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
WASHINGTON (AP)  With only hours to spare, Congress passed legislation that would avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3, and sent the bill to President Joe Biden.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Schumer is preparing for a morning vote to temporarily fund the government while President Joe Biden appears unable to strike swift agreement with two wavering Democrats, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., over his big $3.5 trillion government overhaul. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP)  With only hours to spare, Congress passed legislation that would avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3, and sent the bill to President Joe Biden.

The back-to-back votes by the Senate and then the House will help avert one crisis, but just delay another as the political parties dig in on a dispute over how to raise the government's borrowing cap before the United States risks a potentially catastrophic default.

The House approved the short-term funding measure by a 254-175 vote not long after Senate passage in a 65-35 vote. A large majority of Republicans in both chambers voted against it. The legislation was needed to keep the government running once the current budget year ended at midnight Thursday. Passage will buy lawmakers more time to craft the spending measures that will fund federal agencies and the programs they administer.

The work to keep the government open and running served as the backdrop during a chaotic day for Democrats as they struggled to get Bidens top domestic priorities over the finish line, including a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill at risk of stalling in the House.

With their energy focused on Biden's agenda, Democrats backed down from a showdown over the debt limit in the government funding bill, deciding to uncouple the borrowing ceiling at the insistence of Republicans. If that cap is not raised by Oct. 18, the U.S. probably will face a financial crisis and economic recession, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Republicans say Democrats have the votes to raise the debt limit on their own, and Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is insisting they do so.

The short-term spending legislation will also provide about $28.6 billion in disaster relief for those recovering from Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters, and help support Afghanistan evacuees from the 20-year war between the U.S. and the Taliban.

This is a good outcome, one Im happy we are getting done, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. With so many things to take care of in Washington, the last thing the American people need is for the government to grind to a halt.

Once the government is funded, albeit temporarily, Democrats will turn their full attention to the need to raise the limit on federal borrowing, which now stands at $28.4 trillion.

The U.S. has never defaulted on its debts in the modern era and historically, both parties have voted to raise the limit. Democrats joined the Republican Senate majority in doing so three times during Donald Trumps presidency. This time Democrats wanted to take care of both priorities in one bill, but Senate Republicans blocked that effort Monday.

Raising or suspending the debt limit allows the federal government to pay obligations already incurred. It does not authorize new spending. McConnell has argued that Democrats should pass a debt limit extension with the same budgetary tools they are using to try to pass a $3.5 trillion effort to expand social safety net programs and tackle climate change. He reiterated that warning as the Senate opened on Thursday, even as Democrats have labeled that option a nonstarter."

Were able to fund the government today because the majority accepted reality. The same thing will need to happen on the debt limit next week," McConnell said.

House Democrats pushed through a stand-alone bill late Wednesday that would suspend the debt limit until December 2022. Schumer said he would bring the measure to the Senate floor, but the bill is almost certain to be blocked by a Republican filibuster.

The arguments made in both chambers about the debt ceiling have followed similar themes.

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You are more interested in punishing Democrats than preserving our credit and that is something Im having a real tough time getting my head around, House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., told Republicans. The idea of not paying bills just because we dont like (Bidens) policies is the wrong way to go.

Undaunted, Republicans argued that Democrats have chosen to ram through their political priorities on their own and thus are responsible for raising the debt limit on their own.

So long as the Democratic majority continues to insist on spending money hand over fist, Republicans will refuse to help them lift the debt ceiling," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.

The Treasury has taken steps to preserve cash, but once it runs out, it will be forced to rely on incoming revenue to pay its obligations. That would likely mean delays in payments to Social Security recipients, veterans and government workers, including military personnel. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank, projects that the federal government would be unable to meet about 40% of payments due in the several weeks that follow.

___

Associated Press writer Brian Slodysko contributed to this report.
GREELEY, Colo. (AP)  Meatpacker JBS Foods Inc. faces about $59,000 in fines after a worker fell into vat of chemicals used to process animal hides and died at one of the company's meat processing facilities in northern Colorado, officials said.

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2020 file photo, a worker heads into the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colo. Meatpacker JBS Foods Inc. faces about $59,000 in fines after a worker fell into vat of chemicals used to process animal hides and died at one of the company's meat processing facilities in northern Colorado, officials said. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

GREELEY, Colo. (AP)  Meatpacker JBS Foods Inc. faces about $59,000 in fines after a worker fell into vat of chemicals used to process animal hides and died at one of the company's meat processing facilities in northern Colorado, officials said.

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The employee at the plant in Greeley fell into the vat March 27 while trying to install a paddlewheel used to churn the chemicals, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Investigators determined that JBS failed to adequately secure a trolley and hoist that were being used to lift the paddlewheel.

JBS and its Swift Beef Co. operations were cited for eight safety violations related to the accident, The Greeley Tribune reported on Wednesday.

The employees at this facility deserve better than to fear for their lives and their safety when they come to work, OSHA Area Director Amanda Kupper in Denver said in a news release.

JBS said in a statement that employee health and safety is at the core of all our decisions," and that the company is committed to providing a safe environment at its facilities.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations, sent Monday, to comply with or contest them, or to ask to meet with Kupper.

OSHA fined JBS $15,615 in September 2020 for failing to protect its employees in Greeley from COVID-19. Six workers there died and nearly 300 were infected.
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Labradors Innu Nation is ending its legal actions against Ottawa and the Newfoundland and Labrador government over a recent $5.2-billion refinancing deal for a troubled hydroelectricity project.

Innu Grand Chief Etienne Rich (Innu Nation), left, Deputy Grand Chief Mary Ann Nui (Innu Nation) and Chief Eugene Hart (Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation) outside the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St John's, after filing lawsuits against the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador over the Muskrat Falls rate-mitigation agreement, on Aug. 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Innu Nation, Greg Locke

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Labradors Innu Nation is ending its legal actions against Ottawa and the Newfoundland and Labrador government over a recent $5.2-billion refinancing deal for a troubled hydroelectricity project.

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A joint statement issued Wednesday by the federal and provincial governments and the Innu Nation says the parties have reached an agreement and the Labrador First Nations group will retract its lawsuit and its application for an injunction against the deal.

It says the federal and provincial governments have agreed to consult the Innu Nation about any financial restructuring of hydroelectric projects on the Lower Churchill River in Labrador.

The Innu Nation announced it had launched a suit in August, saying it was left out of the refinancing deal for Muskrat Falls announced in July by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Andrew Furey.

The $5.2-billion deal was aimed at helping the province pay for the massive hydroelectricity project that has nearly doubled in cost to $13.1 billion.

The project has flooded Innu lands and threatens to increase methylmercury levels on downstream Indigenous hunting and fishing grounds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
SINGAPORE (AP)  Living through the coronavirus pandemic in Singapore, Joys Tan followed the rules that helped the city-state keep its cases low: keeping her distance from others, wearing a mask and getting herself vaccinated.

A man wearing a face mask poses for a photo with the Merlion statue in the background Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Singapore. As the island nation of Singapore pursues a strategy of "living with COVID" and a gradual relaxation of pandemic restrictions, daily cases are skyrocketing and residents are growing increasingly anxious. (AP Photo/Annabelle Liang)

SINGAPORE (AP)  Living through the coronavirus pandemic in Singapore, Joys Tan followed the rules that helped the city-state keep its cases low: keeping her distance from others, wearing a mask and getting herself vaccinated.

Nobody in her family had contracted the virus, and it was with confidence that she had dinner at her godmothers house earlier this month, even with infections rising rapidly, fueled by the delta variant, as the government pushed ahead with a strategy of living with COVID as an endemic disease with a gradual relaxation of restrictions.

Two days later, Tan learned her godmother had tested positive for COVID-19, forcing her into precautionary quarantine herself. As she lived in a hotel room away from her husband and 2-year-old son for nearly a week, the 35-year-old graphic designer began to wonder, like many Singaporeans, if living with COVID-19 means living with permanent anxiety about possible infections.

I am worried all the time, super worried all the time, because of not knowing what lasting effects COVID has on the body; and when you have a young kid, its constantly on your mind, she said. Im trying to embrace the endemic mindset that the government is transitioning into, but its very hard.

With a hard-line circuit-breaker lockdown early in the pandemic, the major business and trade hub of Singapore was able to keep the spread of new coronavirus cases to the single or low double-digits for nearly a year. Now as it's embarking on a high-profile test of reopening, they're skyrocketing, and hit a new record of 2,258 on Wednesday, laying bare the challenges faced.

But behind the headline figures, there is evidence the plan is working, with its focus more on the severity of infections and hospitalizations than the number of daily cases.

With about 82% of the population over age 12 fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry, hospitals have not become overwhelmed, with 98% of new cases either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.

Cyclists wearing faces masks pass near the Merlion statue, a popular tourist attraction in Singapore on Sunday, Sept 26, 2021. As the island nation of Singapore pursues a strategy of "living with COVID" and a gradual relaxation of pandemic restrictions, daily cases are skyrocketing and residents are growing increasingly anxious. (AP Photo/Annabelle Liang)

Only 0.2% of infected people have required ICU care and 0.1% have died  more than 65% of whom were either unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.

And the overall figures, while high for Singapore, are still extremely low.

Singapore reported a total of 93 deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic through Wednesday. Across the narrow Straits of Johor, neighbor Malaysia counted more than double that number on Wednesday alone.

Malaysia has reported 798 COVID-19 deaths per million residents since the start of the pandemic; Singapore fewer than 16.

After one of the most successful vaccination rollouts in the world, and the pandemic brought well under control with strict regulations and aggressive testing and tracking, Singapore began in August what it calls a transition journey to a COVID-19 resilient nation.

In doing so, the wealthy Southeast Asian nation of 5.5 million people tacitly conceded that reducing cases to zero was not a possible long-term solution, and instead decided it could start a gradual return to everyday life, said Tikki Pang, a visiting professor of infectious diseases at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and a former World Health Organization researcher.

In the longer term, it is really going to become the norm, he said of the approach. Because I think most governments of most countries will accept the fact that this virus is not going to go away, its going to become endemic and were just going to have to learn to live with it like the flu.

Officials calculated that Singapore's testing is comprehensive enough to detect new outbreak clusters rapidly, its vaccinations are comprehensive enough to prevent widespread hospitalizations, and its health care system robust enough to deal with any increase in patients.

In this image provided by Joys Tan, graphic designer Joys Tan, inset, talks to her two-year-old son, Ever, on the mobile phone while in a quarantine hotel in Singapore on Sept. 24, 2021. As the island nation of Singapore pursues a strategy of "living with COVID" and a gradual relaxation of pandemic restrictions, daily cases are skyrocketing and residents are growing increasingly anxious. (Joys Tan via AP)

What they hadnt reckoned with was the proliferation of the highly transmissible delta variant, and though they clamped down quickly on outbreaks in a group of karaoke lounges and a huge seafood market, it wasnt possible to stop, Pang said.

They came down pretty hard, they delayed the spread of the delta variant a bit, but it was already out there, he said in a telephone interview from Geneva, where he splits his time with Singapore.

A month into the plan, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung sought to allay growing concerns among ordinary Singaporeans, saying the wave was expected and should be seen as a rite of passage for any country hoping to live with the disease.

We are on a path of transition to a new normal of living with COVID-19, the minister said.

Leo Yee Sin, executive director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases and head of Singapores pandemic response, told The Associated Press that the surge has reinforced evidence the delta variant can evade resistance to COVID-19 and that her office has determined it is important for at-risk individuals to get a booster dose.

And while vaccines have meant milder symptoms for most, even asymptomatic people carry the same amount of the virus in their respiratory tract and can easily spread it, she said.

This is why safe management measures continue to remain important, she said. And if one experiences even mild symptoms, they should seek medical attention and get tested immediately.

The Health Ministry has predicted daily cases could exceed 3,200 by the end of the week at the current rate of spread, and experts say they could hit more than double that before starting to come back down.

The government last week tightened some lockdown measures in response, reducing the group sizes for social gatherings and for dining in restaurants. Officials said the number of people needing oxygen and ICU care were within expectations but that many patients with mild symptoms were also seeking help at hospitals, and the medical system was growing strained.

The prime minister's wife, Ho Ching, urged patience in a Facebook post this week, reminding people that the measures were nothing like last year's circuit breaker shutdown.

With vaccination, COVID is no longer a dangerous infection," Ho wrote. Those of us who are vaccinated can afford to be patient for a while more, and to have a heart for those who are still coming forward to be vaccinated.

From Tan's own experience trying to get medical advice on what to do after her godmother, who was vaccinated and is recovering at home, tested positive, she said it was obvious that the system was becoming taxed.

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It took so long for me to come into this quarantine facility, as much as the government is trying to be conscientious in its efforts, she said.

Still, she said, she was very thankful that Singapore has systems in place with someone to call to help with such arrangements, even if it did take time.

Singapore's experience could serve as a cautionary note" for other governments as they attempt to achieve a balance between lives versus livelihoods, said Ooi Peng Lim Steven, a senior consultant with the National Center for Infectious Diseases.

Cautious reopening with phased periods of heightened alert has proven viable as governments attempt to reopen their economies and put an end to crippling lockdowns, the epidemiologist said.

The key to COVID-19 control for any country is to successfully combine vaccinations, sustainable testing, and contact tracing with community hygiene measures and safe distancing into an effective system that works.

___ Rising reported from Bangkok.
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  Myron Dewey, a filmmaker and journalist who helped draw worldwide attention to the concerns of Native Americans fighting an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, has died.

In this April 26, 2020 photo Myron Dewey, a filmmaker and member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, speaks out against a proposed expansion of the Fallon Naval Air Station during a public meeting in Fallon, Nev. Dewey, who helped draw worldwide attention to the concerns of Native Americans fighting an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation died Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, after his car crashed in rural Nevada. (Benjamin Spillman/The Reno Gazette-Journal via AP, File)

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  Myron Dewey, a filmmaker and journalist who helped draw worldwide attention to the concerns of Native Americans fighting an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, has died.

Dewey, a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, passed away Sunday when his car crashed in rural Nevada, the Nye County sheriff said. The 49-year-old had posted footage on Twitter a day earlier from a central Nevada military installation where he and other members of local tribes have long protested the proposed expansion of a U.S. Navy bombing range.

Dewey won acclaim for his live footage of the 2016 demonstrations over the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Reservation, which straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. His visuals of Native Americans being sprayed with water cannons in freezing weather were viewed by hundreds of thousands after appearing online and in the news.

He later co-directed the documentary Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock, which outlined the demonstrators motivations  to preserve the environment and fight for clean water.

Friends and relatives said they will remember Dewey for his commitment to advocating for Native Americans, for being a devoted friend and family member and for the authenticity of his work.

He was able to show a perspective and viewpoint that was simply being ignored because of the systemic oppression our people have encountered as long as weve been here, said Dewey's cousin Lance West. It was his story to tell, and only someone like him could share it in a manner that really spoke to us.

Dewey was among a group of Native journalists arrested during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests when he filmed employees of the company constructing the pipeline. The Morton County sheriff accused him of stalking private security workers using a drone video recorder, but prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges.

His footage from the fight's front lines was one episode in a long career of chronicling Indigenous and environmental issues throughout North America.

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Dewey founded the media production company Digital Smoke Signals, which produced work about schools on reservation land in Nevada and about tribal land management practices in the Pacific Northwest.

In recent months, he participated in demonstrations against a proposed lithium mine near the Nevada-Oregon border and the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation. Environmentalists and local Native Americans oppose the project, saying it would desecrate land the Northern Paiute and Western Shoshone consider sacred and have adverse environmental impacts on the region's residents.

Dewey, who primarily resided in Schurz, Nevada, on the Walker River Paiute Reservation, started his career as a wildland firefighter in Nevada. He also worked as a professor, teaching courses on film at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies and on digital media at Northwest Indian College in Washington state. He leaves behind a wife, Deborah Parker, five children and a nephew whom he considered a son.

His every breath was a fight for his people, Parker told Indian Country Today, noting Dewey also was passionate about sharing his experiences as a Native American boarding school survivor. He didnt want to be silent when others wanted him to be. He didnt want the atrocities to go unnoticed or unrecognized.

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Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
FILE - In this July 29, 2020 file photo, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey speaks during a news conference in Montgomery, Ala. Republicans balked when Democrats passed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, calling it liberal pet projects disguised as pandemic aid. But now that GOP governors and local leaders have the money in hand, they're using it for things on their wish lists, too. Alabama lawmakers are advancing a plan to use $400 million of the state's share of coronavirus relief funds toward building new prisons in what Ivey says is a great deal for taxpayers. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File)

CHICAGO (AP)  When Democrats passed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, Republicans called it liberal pet projects disguised as pandemic aid.

But now that Republican governors and local leaders have the money in hand, they are using it for things on their wish lists, too.

Alabama lawmakers are advancing a plan to use $400 million of the state's share toward building prisons in what Gov. Kay Ivey says is a great deal for taxpayers. In Texas, a Republican-led county is sending deputies to assist police along the U.S.-Mexico border and pledged to help Gov. Greg Abbott revive former President Donald Trump's plans for a border wall.

In other places, the money has been used to score political points or as leverage in partisan fights over COVID-19 precautions.

Decrying a defund the police, soft on crime liberal agenda, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced $1,000 bonuses for first responders paid for with the relief money. In Wyoming, a Republican legislative leader suggested the money could be used to pay the federal fines of businesses that defy Biden's vaccine mandate.

This probably isn't what the bill's supporters had in mind when Democrats approved the American Rescue Plan along party lines in March, and some Democrats have complained that Republicans are misusing the money. But it's the inevitable result of Washington sending money with few strings attached to places with very different and partisan ideas about how best to spend public dollars.

Democrats also are using the cash to fund their priorities, including expanding Medicaid benefits, putting in place a child tax credit and offering $4 billion in debt forgiveness for farmers of color. In Illinois, Republicans blasted the Democrats who control state government for handing out over $1 billion for capital projects and groups in Democrat-held districts. That included $250,000 for Black Lives Matter to do youth mentoring and $300,000 for a suburban Chicago drill team and drum corps.

The federal aid package provided $350 billion to states, counties, towns and tribes. It was billed as money for fighting the coronavirus, providing economic relief to small businesses and households, replacing revenue that governments lost during the pandemic and improving local water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. It also allowed for premium pay for essential workers, such as police officers, who faced the biggest health risks.

There were some clear restrictions, such as prohibiting funds from being used toward pensions or to cut taxes, and that led Republican attorneys general to sue. But the money came with more flexibility than most federal funding and a longer deadline for spending it. Officials say that will enable governments to deal with the current crisis and make more innovative, longer-term investments.

The Treasury Department says it has received roughly 1,000 public comments on proposed rules outlining how the money may be spent, including requests for clarifications of eligible uses. The department is monitoring expenditures and will require governments to repay any federal dollars that were used inappropriately, an official said.

But what qualifies as fighting COVID-19 or promoting economic recovery is often left up to the people spending the money.

In Galveston County, Texas, Republican county commissioners approved a plan to spend $6.6 million of its total $27 million in coronavirus relief money for security roughly 350 miles (560 kilometers) away on the U.S.-Mexico border. They say the money will protect residents from COVID-19 and other dangers brought by people entering the United States illegally. They approved a disaster declaration that says extraordinary measures must be taken, given an increase in the number of border crossings.

We have a deliberate public health and humanitarian crisis unfolding on our southern border that the Biden administration refuses to address, County Judge Mark Henry said.

So far, the county has spent $165,000 to send three constables deputies and five sheriffs deputies to the border, including to Del Rio, where thousands of Haitians convened recently at a makeshift encampment after crossing the Rio Grande. Galveston County plans to apply for reimbursement from the state, spokesman Zach Davidson said, after Texas legislators voted to approve reimbursements for counties that assist on the border.

In some places, lawmakers say American Rescue Plan dollars intended to make up for lost revenue are fair game to use as they see fit. That's the argument Ivey and other Republicans made as a plan advanced in the statehouse to use $400 million of Alabama's $2.2 billion share toward prison construction. After Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday seeking to block the $1.3 billion construction plan as a misuse of money, Ivey shot back with a letter of her own.

The fact is, the American Rescue Plan Act allows these funds to be used for lost revenue and sending a letter in the last hour will not change the way the law is written," Ivey said. These prisons need to be built, and we have crafted a fiscally conservative plan that will cost Alabamians the least amount of money to get to the solution required.

Asked Wednesday about Alabama's plan, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, I would be surprised if that was the intention of the funding."

Democrats in Texas' congressional delegation want Yellen to block Abbott from using coronavirus relief money for the border wall. They sent a letter after Abbott announced new, tougher plans to fight illegal immigration, including shifting $250 million in state money toward finishing Trump's border wall.

The costly monstrosity certainly should not be paid for directly or indirectly" with coronavirus relief money, the Democrats wrote.

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Texas legislators are expected to debate how to use the states share of funds during a special session now underway.

In northwest Iowa, the Republican-led Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted to use about $15 million in rescue funds to cover higher-than-projected costs for a new jail in Sioux City. Some residents said the money could be put to better use, but board members contended that it was a proper use of the money because the larger facility will allow inmates to be less crowded, helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Wyoming, GOP Senate Majority Floor Leader Ogden Driskill suggested to a conservative online publication that a more creative approach to using the money would be to push back against Biden's vaccine mandate by paying any fines imposed on businesses that ignore it.

Its obviously COVID-related, Driskill said.

___

Associated Press writers Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
PORTLAND, Maine  Maines rural areas need better access to COVID-19 testing, the head of the states Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.

A view of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination day in the supermarket Bilka, in Ishoej, Denmark, Saturday, Sept. 11 2021. Companies and organizations across the country will participate in a vaccination initiative especially aimed at young people between 20-29 years. (Claus Bech/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

PORTLAND, Maine  Maines rural areas need better access to COVID-19 testing, the head of the states Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The percent positivity rate in some of Maines rural counties is much higher than it is in more densely populated areas such as Cumberland County. Federal data show the percent positivity rate in Cumberland is about 2% while in rural Somerset County its more than 9%.

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah said Thursday thats a product of a lack of testing. He said the state is working to get more tests to rural corners of the state. Maine has the lowest population density in New England.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services also said Thursday that Maine child care facilities can now access pooled testing for children and staff through a federal program that provides the testing for free to some community organizations and schools. The agency said Walgreen is also expanding testing options at almost all of its Maine locations.

Not enough testing happening in those parts of the state. Were focusing on making community level testing more accessible, Shah said.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

People wait in lines to get a vaccine in Sarajevo, Bosnia, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Public mistrust of authorities in corruption-plagued Bosnia has created an opening for anti-vaccination movement even though the Balkan nation has the highest rate in Europe of coronavirus deaths and faces a growing number of new infections. So far, despite an abundance of coronavirus vaccines in Bosnia, just under 13 percent of its 3.3 million people had been fully immunized against Covid-19. (AP Photo)

 Its flu vaccine time, even if youve received COVID-19 shots

 UK families see hard times ahead as coronavirus programs end

 Singapore strategy of living with virus raises concern, hope

 Woman who survived 1918 flu, World War II succumbs to virus

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 See all of AP's pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

A woman and child stand next to an information mural telling people to fight the spread of the coronavirus, on a street in Mombasa, Kenya Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday said it wouldnt allow the state to enforce its ban on mask mandates by schools and other government bodies, keeping in place a judges ruling temporarily halting the law.

Justices denied the request by the state to stay the August decision blocking enforcement of Arkansas mandate ban.

More than 100 school districts and charter schools have approved mask requirements since the ruling against the law. The requirements cover more than half the states public school students.

Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who signed the law but later said he regretted that decision, had separately asked the court to deny the request to stay the ruling.

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ATLANTA  Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday warned unvaccinated Georgians to not assume that COVID-19 is over, saying that the state could risk a fifth surge of the respiratory illness over the winter, even as cases decline steeply from a fourth surge that peaked a month ago.

Today I want to emphasize the importance of not waiting until the next wave of COVID cases to get vaccinated, Kemp said. Given that our increase in cases and hospitalizations in 2021 was similar in timing to surges seen in 2020, we can only assume that a winter increase is also possible.

Kemp says he still opposes federal plans to require employers with 100 or more workers to mandate vaccination and will explore legal action with state Attorney General Chris Carr.

Travelers wait in queue to get tested for COVID-19 at a train station in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Georgias vaccination rate has improved somewhat, with state data showing 47% of all residents are now fully vaccinated. Kemp and Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said that Georgia isnt seeing a shortage of monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 therapy because demand is declining.

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AMHERST, Mass.  All eligible students in Massachusetts Amherst Regional school district will be required to get a coronavirus vaccine that has full federal approval by Dec. 1 to continue attending classes, the school committee voted.

The Amherst Regional School Committee voted 7-0 at its meeting Tuesday to mandate vaccinations, according to The Daily Hampshire Gazette.

The vote came after the Amherst Board of Health on Sept. 9, based on a request from the public schools, added COVID-19 vaccines with full federal approval to the list of immunizations students are required to have. Medical and religious exemptions are allowed.

Amherst is believed to be the first district in the state to require its eligible students to get a COVID-19 vaccination. So far, the only coronavirus vaccine with full Food and Drug Administration approval is Pfizers, and only for people ages 16 and older.

The mandate applies mostly to students at Amherst Regional High School and Amherst Regional Middle School, which also serve children from the towns of Pelham, Shutesbury and Leverett.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra holds a mask as he testifies during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing to discuss reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at Capitol Hill in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)

HAVANA  Beaches and recreation centers have reopened in Cubas capital after authorities announced it is time to resume outdoor activities, including strolling on the Malecon coastal promenade that has long been a gathering place for Havana.

Officials say Thursdays reopening was possible because 90% of the citys residents are vaccinated against the coronavirus and the number of new cases has been declining. Some people were quick to take advantage of the announcement and headed to the beach to enjoy the sun and sand.

The Malecon filled up with people Wednesday night, with groups of young people with guitars and even street vendors for the first time since access was closed at the beginning of the year. The city announced last week that restaurants and bars can allow customers back in.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska  The mayor of Alaskas largest city has criticized a proposed mask mandate before the Anchorage Assembly and defended the use of yellow Stars of David that are being worn by people who oppose the proposal.

The Anchorage Daily News reports the proposal would require wearing masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors at large event. The multi-day was scheduled to resume Thursday.

Mandate opponents have been wearing yellow Star of David stickers, like the patches that Holocaust victims wore. Mayor Dave Bronson says the stars in Jewish culture mean never again and calls their use by mask opponents a credit to Holocaust victims.

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FILE  In this Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 file photo, community members gather inside the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Complex to give public comment against masking policy at a Las Cruces Public Schools board meeting in Las Cruces, N.M. The nation's school boards are asking President Joe Biden for federal assistance to investigate and stop a growing number of threats made against their members, on Thursday, Sept. 30. (Miranda Cyr/The Las Cruces Sun News via AP, File)

DALLAS  United Airlines officials say nearly half the employees facing dismissal for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have gotten their shots.

That cuts the number of airline workers facing termination from 593 to 320. An airline spokeswoman Leslie Scott says the declining number of potential firings shows the companys policy of requiring vaccinations is working.

In less than 48 hours, the number of unvaccinated employees who began the process of being separated from the company has been cut almost in half.

United announced the vaccine requirement in August. The airline says about 99% of its workers either got vaccinated or applied for a medical or religious exemption.

Chicago-based United has the toughest vaccination policy among major U.S. airlines. Delta Air Lines is requiring vaccination or weekly testing and will begin charging unvaccinated workers on the company health plan a $200 monthly surcharge starting in November.

American and Southwest have offered incentives for employees to get vaccinated. They havent indicated how theyll comply with President Joe Bidens order that employers with more than 100 workers require vaccination or weekly testing. Both airlines are based in Texas.

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PHOENIX  Advocates for Phoenixs homeless population say a surge in COVID-19 cases requires more medical workers.

A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for a secondary school student at a vaccine center in Shah Alam, Malaysia, Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

The Arizona Republic reports Circle the City and Maricopa County have been operating the Phoenix Inn since May 2020, but it had rarely been full. However, it has reached full capacity of 90 patients several times in recent weeks.

Circle the City, which provides health care services for the homeless, says it needs at least 50 more nurses, physicians assistants, security guards and other support staff. It hopes to recruit more health care workers with incentives, including signing bonuses and a 401(k) match.

Marty Hames, Circle the City spokeswoman, says the cases are mostly people who are unvaccinated. The organization is hosting vaccine events for the homeless and offering shots at its clinic.

About 58% of Arizonas eligible population has received one dose of vaccine.

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BUCHAREST, Romania  Romania recorded 12,032 coronavirus cases on Thursday, its highest daily infections since the start of the pandemic.

In the last month, Romanias infections have risen from about 1,000 cases a day to the record of more than 12,000 reported Thursday. There are 1,364 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, close to the ICU capacity at a national level.

Romania has the European Unions second-lowest vaccination rate, with just 34% of all adults fully vaccinated. Data published by health authorities indicated between Sept. 20-26, nearly 75% of reported cases and 92% of deaths occurred among unvaccinated people.

A secondary school student, receives a dose of the Pfizer vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a vaccine center in Shah Alam, Malaysia, Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Romania, a nation of 19 million, has registered more than 1.2 million confirmed cases and 37,041 confirmed deaths.

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ST. PAUL, Minn.  The Minnesota Department of Corrections has been more successful getting inmates immunized against the coronavirus than its own employees.

About 80% of prisoners in Minnesota have been fully vaccinated, while the immunization rate for corrections employees is just over 65%, according to the department.

Fewer than 60% of staff at Moose Lake and St. Cloud have gotten the shot. At Rush City, its fewer than half, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

A mandate took effect this month that requires all Minnesota state employees working in the office or on site be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

Paul Schnell, state corrections commissioner, says his department is testing about 1,400 unvaccinated staff members on a weekly basis. He says the number of positive cases is impacting the staff levels needed to operate the prisons.

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A member of the medical staff adjusts her gloves at the COVID-19 ICU unit of the Marius Nasta National Pneumology Institute in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. Daily new coronavirus infections in Romania, a country of 19 million, have grown exponentially over the last month, while vaccine uptake has declined to worrying lows. Government data shows that 91.5% of COVID-19 deaths in Romania between Sept. 18-23 were people who had not been vaccinated. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

SAN JOSE, Calif.  Primetta Giacopinis life began and ended with pandemics.

The 105-year-old California woman was 2 years old when she lost her mother to the flu in Connecticut in 1918. A foster family took her back to their ancestral home in Italy, where she worked as a seamstress until she was forced to flee in 1941 during World War II as Benito Mussolini purged the country of Americans.

She returned to Connecticut, where she worked in a factory grinding steel for the U.S. war effort. She moved to San Jose in the 1970s, remarried and had a daughter, living there until she contracted COVID-19 this month.

She struggled with the disease for a week before she died Sept. 16.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia will make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for all federal government workers.

Vaccination is voluntary in the nation, but the Public Service Department says all federal staff must be vaccinated to ensure smooth delivery of public services.

It says its in line with plans to return to full operations following a lockdown since June. The department says nearly 98% of federal government staff have been inoculated. About 1,700 workers, accounting for 1.6% of the total, are unvaccinated.

It says all staff must complete their vaccination by the end of October, unless they are exempt due to medical reasons.

Nearly 62% of the nations 33 million people are fully vaccinated. New daily infections have dipped by nearly half from its peak of more than 24,000 last month. Malaysia has registered 2.23 million confirmed infections and more than 26,000 confirmed deaths.

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HELSINKI  Finland will ease coronavirus restrictions on bars and restaurants in selected areas, including extending hours of alcohol service until midnight, effective Friday.

Minister of Family Affairs and Social Affairs Krista Kiuru tweeted Thursday the ban on singing and dancing in bars and restaurants will be lifted Friday.

However, bars and pubs in Finland are still under certain coronavirus restrictions, including using half of seating capacity and restaurants using 75% of maximum capacity.

Last week, regional authorities in southern Finland announced the remaining gathering restrictions in the southern Uusimaa region, including capital Helsinki, will end Friday.

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NAIROBI, Kenya  The World Health Organization says just 15 of Africas 54 countries have reached the global target of fully vaccinating 10% of their population by the end of this month.

Half of African countries have fully vaccinated 2% or less of their populations. The WHO says almost 90% of high-income countries have met the 10% target set by the World Health Assembly this year.

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While vaccine deliveries to African countries have increased 10-fold since June, WHO Africa immunization official Richard Mihigo says deliveries need to more than double by the end of the year to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40% of the population by then.

Mihigo says about 900 million doses are needed. He says African countries have received more than 200 million vaccine doses so far and administered over 70% of them. Just 4% of Africas population of 1.3 billion people have been fully vaccinated.

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NEW YORK  A survey of Americans on President Joe Bidens plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it.

With the highly contagious delta variant driving deaths up to around 2,000 per day, the poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that overall, 51% say they approve of the Biden requirement, 34% disapprove and 14% hold neither opinion.

Sixty-four percent of vaccinated Americans say they approve of the mandate, while 23% disapprove. Among unvaccinated Americans, just 14% are in support, while 67% are opposed. Most remote employees approve, but in-person workers are about evenly divided.
The latest Economic Development Winnipeg/Probe Research survey of Winnipeg business people gauging how folks are feeling about their jobs, the economy and their future shows that attitudes are getting close to returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Opinion

The latest Economic Development Winnipeg/Probe Research survey of Winnipeg business people gauging how folks are feeling about their jobs, the economy and their future shows that attitudes are getting close to returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Compared to the results of the same survey in September 2019, as many people said they were better off financially than a year ago, and as many people also believe they will be better off a year from now as did in the fall 2019 survey.

Only a slightly higher percentage of respondents are concerned about their job stability than was the case just before the pandemic began.

There was a nine per cent uptick from December of people who are optimistic about the economic future of the city, but that one is still lagging by seven per cent compared to September 2019.

The surveys provide some hard data  a "gut check" said Dayna Spiring, the chief executive officer of EDW  as opposed to relying on anecdotal evidence.

"What I do hear from the business community and now what the results are actually telling us... I feel pretty good about," she said. "I think its positive."

Stabilized COVID infection rates in Winnipeg, which compare favourably with other cities, give Spiring the idea that it can be leveraged to the citys advantage when it comes to the competitive undertaking of attracting meetings and conventions, which are big money makers for the city.

Spiring said Winnipeg has the chance to be showcased as the city with the fastest recovery in the country.

But to truly exploit that momentum will take more than declining infection rates.

Last November, the province made a pool of $50 million available to fund programs that would help with the long-term recovery and long-term sustainability of Manitoba businesses coming out of COVID-19. Since then EDW and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce have been designing programs to get at the pain points.

Two such programs are about to be unveiled over the next couple of weeks which will address some key challenges facing the entire economic spectrum  stocking the labour market with people with the skills employers need but cannot find, and providing financial assistance to companies looking to upgrade their digital technology systems.

The details of the programs have not yet been finalized, nor have they been signed off by the province, but both are expected to provide $12 million to $15 million for businesses.

The training piece is designed at this point to reimburse employers $2,500 for each employee who enrols in a micro-credential program or any number of courses that will compiled into an inventory.

The support for digitization will be scalable so larger enterprises which would likely have to spend more on their technology will have access to more of the funds than would a small company which might just need its first website or a proper e-commerce platform.

A report released this week by BDC showed there are structural changes taking place in the labour market thats leaving industries across the board desperately searching for workers to fill positions. It also made the case that companies are going to alter the manner in which they attract and recruit talent.

"We know the labour market is in incredible flux," Spiring said. "We want to put some money in the hands of employers to decide who is providing them with the best educational opportunities for their employees."

Since the pool of money was announced a couple of programs have already been dispersing funds. A $5-million Dine-on Restaurant Relief Program which rebated restaurants some of the cost of delivery services during code red regulations in January, and a $9-million Hospitality Relief Sector Program was launched in March that helped tourism operators cover some of their fixed costs now covered by other support programs while they were closed.

"One thing through the pandemic I give the government credit for is that they have been able to recognize that it is not that quick at being able to move dollars," said Chuck Davidson, CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. "We design the program for them and report on results. We have the ability to be more nimble than government can ever be to do these kinds of things."

The digitization program will take into account that not all companies will need to spend tens of thousands of dollars, but some might.

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"It will have the ability to ramp up," Davidson said.

Theyve done well so far with built-in checks and balances to prevent anyone from gaming the system.

"The previous programs were extremely successful and we know where every dime went," he said.

Getting money into the hands of those businesses that really need it, in a timely fashion, has been the mantra for support programs through the pandemic.

It will be equally important that happens during the recovery.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
WASHINGTON (AP)  The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose for the third straight week, a sign that the highly contagious delta variant may be slowing a recovery in the job market.

A hiring sign is placed at a booth for prospective employers during a job fair Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in the West Hollywood section of Los Angeles. The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid rose last week for a second straight week to 351,000, a sign that the delta variant of the coronavirus may be disrupting the job markets recovery, at least temporarily.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose for the third straight week, a sign that the highly contagious delta variant may be slowing a recovery in the job market.

Claims rose unexpectedly by 11,000 last week to 362,000, the Labor Department said Thursday, though economists had been expecting claims to go in the opposite direction. The four-week moving average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, rose for the first time in seven weeks to 340,000.

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Since topping 900,000 in early January, applications had fallen fairly steadily as the economy bounced back from last year's shutdowns. But they've been rising along with coronavirus infections.

The applications, which are a proxy for layoffs, remain elevated: Before the pandemic hit the United States hard in March 2020, they were typically coming in at around 220,000 a week.

Americas employers have rapidly increased their hiring since they slashed 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 as the coronavirus outbreak  and the shutdowns meant to contain it  brought economic activity to a near-standstill. Since then, the economy has recovered about 17 million jobs as businesses to open or expand hours and Americans to return to bars, restaurants and hotels.

But hiring, which has averaged more than 585,000 jobs a month this year, slowed to just 235,000 in August as the delta variant disrupted the recovery. Restaurants and bars cut nearly 42,000 jobs last month, the first drop this year. Hiring is expected to pick up to more than 560,000 this month; the Labor Department issues the September jobs report next week.

In a research note, Contingent Macro Advisors said that technical factors  seasonal adjustments and processing backlogs in California, where claims soared by nearly 18,000  were responsible for last week's increase in filings. Overall, the jump in claims in the last three weeks bears close watching but is not yet alarming,'' Contingent said.

Altogether, 2.8 million Americans were receiving some type of jobless aid the week of Sept. 18, down by 18,000 from the week before. Earlier this month, the federal government stopped additional aid  including $300 a week on top of traditional state benefits  that was meant to ease the economic impact of the pandemic.
On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dozens of hand drummers formed a circle around a powwow arbour at Tkemlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia and they sang loud and proud.

On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dozens of hand drummers formed a circle around a powwow arbour at Tkemlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia and they sang loud and proud.

When the clock struck 2:14 p.m. Thursday, people in the crowd bowed their heads for one minute of silence  punctuated briefly by the sounds of children  as a way to honour residential school survivors, their families and those who never returned home.

The time was chosen because of what are believed to be 215 unmarked graves detected earlier this year at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School near the First Nation.

An honour song, which included drumming and singing, was then played.

Evelyn Camille, who spent a decade at the Kamloops school, said she had mixed feelings about the day.

"It is growing awareness, but how is it going to help (survivors) now as part of our healing ... they can't give me back the 10 years that were taken away. The pain is still there," she said.

CP The Peace tower and other government buildings in the nations capital are lit orange on the eve of the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Camille was forced to cook and clean and had to steal food in order to survive. She left the school with a Grade 4 level of education.

She said she worked hard to regain her identity, language, culture and ceremonies that were taken away from her as a child.

Tkemlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir told reporters that steps toward reconciliation demand "honesty and transparency." She repeated calls for full disclosure of church and government records and information related to residential institutions.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald was also at the ceremony.

"This is a day to honour the survivors, the intergenerational survivors and the victims of these institutions of assimilation and genocide," said Archibald.

"We will actually continue to find and recover our little children in the coming years. We're at the beginning of this process ... Now is the time for accountability in action."

The federal government announced in June the new statutory holiday would take place every Sept. 30. It built on the momentum of the grassroots-led Orange Shirt Dayto commemorate the history and ongoing impacts of the church-run institutions where Indigenous children were torn from their families and abused.

Shoes are placed on the lawn outside the former Kamloops Indian Residential School to honour 215 children after it was announced that ground-penetrating radar had detected unmarked graves near the facility in Kamloops, B.C., on June 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The day is a direct response to a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Elsewhere across the country, communities and cities recognized the day with events and ceremonies.

On the Cowessess First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, where children attended the Marieval Indian Residential School until the mid-'90s, Chief Cadmus Delorme said the day is about healing.

Cowessess is another First Nation that reported finding unmarked graves or burial sites at a former school using ground-penetrating radar. In June, it said 751 graves were believed to have been located.

"The truth is going to be really tough. Even for Indigenous people, the trust is hard to acknowledge because of the pain. But we can't have reconciliation without truth. Today is a day for people to come together," said Delorme.

On Parliament Hill, there was a sea of orange as thousands gathered on the lawn in front of the Peace Tower for a morning ceremony under a bright, blue sky.

Algonquin Anishinabe elder Claudette Commanda said it was a day to reflect and honour those who never came home.

Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir speaks during a news conference ahead of a ceremony to honour residential school survivors and mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in Kamloops, BC., on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. What are believed to be the remains of 215 children were discovered buried near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School earlier this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

"Two-hundred and fifteen little voices woke the country," she said. "From the moment those little ones went into the ground, they were speaking in spirit. They knew there would come a day that we would all hear their voices. And let us hold those children in our heart forevermore."

In Montreal, people took part in a march that began next to an empty pedestal in a downtown park where a statue of Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, one of the architects of the residential school system, was toppled last year.

Maggie Chittspattio, a member of the Naskapi Nation in northern Quebec, said she marched for all the children who died at residential schools and for her mother, who was sent to boarding school against her will.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the day is to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools and to honour survivors, their families and their communities.

It is estimated more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children were forced to attend roughly 140 schools that operated across the country beginning in 1831. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.

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The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has documented more approximately 4,200 children who died at residential schools, but estimates there could be thousands more.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her residential school experiences. The number is 1-866-925-4419.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.

 With files from Mickey Djuric at Cowessess First Nation, Morgan Lowrie in Montreal and Mia Rabson in Ottawa.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
OTTAWA - A prominent child-welfare advocate wants Canadians to ask their MPs to urge Ottawa to cease its court battles around services and compensation for First Nations children after the Federal Court upheld two key rulings on Wednesday.

Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on September 15, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - A prominent child-welfare advocate wants Canadians to ask their MPs to urge Ottawa to cease its court battles around services and compensation for First Nations children after the Federal Court upheld two key rulings on Wednesday.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal had earlier ruled Ottawa had "wilfully" and "recklessly" discriminated against Indigenous children by knowingly underfunding child and family services on reserve.

In September 2019, it ordered the federal government to pay $40,000, the maximum the tribunal can award, to each First Nations child removed from their home after 2006, as well as to their parents, because of the discrimination.

It was estimated that around 54,000 children and their parents could be eligible to receive compensation, which would likely cost the federal government more than $2 billion.

The second legal battle stems from a separate ruling in 2020 that expanded the scope of Jordan's Principle, which is a rule stating when there is jurisdictional disagreement over what level of government should provide a service to First Nations children, Ottawa takes on the responsibility and worries about the costs second.

The tribunal ruled the principle should apply to children who are members of a First Nation even though they don't have status under the Indian Act as well as kids whose parents are eligible for status when they are not.

"No one can seriously doubt that First Nations people are amongst the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of Canadian society," Federal Court Justice Paul Favel wrote in his decision released Wednesday.

"The Tribunal was aware of this and reasonably attempted to remedy the discrimination while being attentive to the very different positions of the parties."

Favel found that the government failed to establish that either of the tribunal's decisions were unreasonable.

"In my view, the procedural history of this case has demonstrated that there is, and has been, good will resulting in significant movements toward remedying this unprecedented discrimination. However, the good work of the parties is unfinished," Favel wrote.

"The parties must decide whether they will continue to sit beside the trail or move forward in this spirit of reconciliation."

Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, which is one of the parties fighting for Indigenous children to be compensated, said the judicial reviews Ottawa launched took direct aim at central calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada regarding child welfare and Jordan's Principle.

"This is the moment for Canadians, with the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow and knowing that these are some of the top calls to action, to get ahold of their elected officials and say, 'put down your sword.'"

"They have been fighting this case against First Nations kids to get equitable services and their families to get help to recover from the residential school trauma for now 14-and-a-half years  the Canadian people are now at a place where they want to see the TRC calls to action realized."

The parties have 30 days to appeal Favel's ruling.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said the government is reviewing the Federal Courts decision.

"Canada remains committed to compensating First Nations children who were removed from their families and communities and to continue implementing significant reform of the First Nation Child and Family Services Program, recognizing that class actions have been filed, including by the Assembly of First Nations and Moushoom," Miller said in an emailed statement.

Miller said that Jordans Principle continues to ensure that First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need when they need them.

He said the government continues to work with Indigenous governing bodies to implement an Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families, under which First Nations are enabled to exercise their jurisdiction in relation to child and family services and make decisions in the best interest of their children.

"These are important steps in redressing the intergenerational impacts of colonization."

Blackstock said the work has been done to set up a system to provide payments to First Nations children and their families who are eligible to be compensated.

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"We're ready, as soon as the federal government puts down its sword and stops fighting these kids," she said.

Opposition parties and Indigenous leaders have criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to fight both of these rulings, saying that's not the appropriate course of action for a government committed to reconciliation.

"Today was an absolute victory for First Nation children. For six years Justin Trudeau spent millions fighting the rights of Indigenous children and trying to overturn a ruling that found his government guilty of 'wilful and reckless' discrimination against vulnerable Indigenous kids. The court has thrown his case out," NDP MP Charlie Angus said in a statement Wednesday.

He called for the government to immediately end its legal battle in the matter and focus on closing funding gaps and chronic denial of services to First Nations children.

"Given that tomorrow is the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is imperative that the federal government finally take clear steps towards truth, justice and reconciliation for all Indigenous people in Canada," he wrote.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021.
OTTAWA - Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says a detailed plan showing how Canada might finally meet a greenhouse gas emissions target will be ready in a few months but not likely in time for this fall's global climate change conference in Scotland.

Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson looks on during an interview with The Canadian Press in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, July 20, 2021.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

OTTAWA - Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says a detailed plan showing how Canada might finally meet a greenhouse gas emissions target will be ready in a few months but not likely in time for this fall's global climate change conference in Scotland.

Wilkinson is in Milan this week for meetings with his global counterparts to set the final agenda for negotiations that will take place at the full United Nations climate change meetings in Glasgow in early November.

The meeting, known as Conference of the Parties, or COP, is to happen annually, but the Glasgow conference was delayed a year because of COVID-19. That delay also pushed back the 2020 deadline for countries to submit more ambitious emissions-cutting targets.

"Canada, as you know, has raised its target, as have the United States and Europe, but there are many countries that have not yet and that's part of what we're going to be working to encourage greater ambition," Wilkinson said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

A United Nations report two weeks ago said where pledges currently stand, emissions will be 16 per cent higher globally by 2030, pushing global warming close to 2.7 C by 2100. The Paris agreement said it must be kept as close to 1.5 C as possible to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Canada's original goal was to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to 30 per cent less than they were in 2005. Canada submitted its new target to the UN in July, raising the cut to 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by the same deadline.

Practically that means Canada has to cut between 292 million tonnes and 328.5 million tonnes of emissions a year within nine years, or 3.5 to four times what all the passenger cars in Canada collectively produce.

Last fall Wilkinson unveiled a sharpened climate policy, which experts said finally showed the path to getting to the original 2030 goal. Months later, the new target was introduced but the detailed plan to get there is still in the works.

Some of the broad strokes for the new goal came in the Liberals' platform in the recent election, most notably a promise to cap emissions from the oil and gas sector for the first time and to lower that cap every five years until it hits net-zero emissions by 2050.

Net zero means any emissions still produced are captured by nature or technology.

The Liberals also say every passenger car sold in Canada must be electric by 2035, and that same year, have a net-zero emitting electricity grid.

But Wilkinson said the "fully modelled plan" showing how the new policies will be implemented, when, and how they'll achieve the new target, is still in development and it's unlikely it will be ready before Glasgow's meetings start.

"We need to come forward with a fully modelled plan, and we intend to do that over the coming few months," he said.

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Further complicating things is that Wilkinson is still not 100 per cent certain if he'll be the minister of environment in November. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to shuffle his cabinet in the next few weeks, and while Wilkinson said he has no reason to believe he is being shuffled, he serves at Trudeau's pleasure.

"We're in this kind of weird caretaker moment right now where we do need to get somebody firmly in the chair," he said. "I'm in the chair right now, but (who is going to be) firmly in the chair, and who is going to be responsible for carrying this forward?"

Eddy Perez, the international diplomacy manager at Climate Action Network Canada, says not having the modelling before COP isn't the end of the world but warns there is not a lot of time for Canada to delay implementing the new plans.

Canada's emissions are higher now than they were when the government signed the Paris agreement six years ago and Perez said the country is suffering from a reputation of having good plans on paper that never play out in reality.

"There is a lot that is on paper that is positive," said Perez. "I think where we need to see much more before COP26 and at COP26 is on the details, on the very practical details of the implementation of these policies."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021.
OTTAWA - A Green activist who came second to Annamie Paul in the last leadership race says he is being urged by many to stand again.

A supporter holds a sign for the Green Party of Canada as a group of candidates and supporters marched towards a discussion on climate in Toronto on September 3, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

OTTAWA - A Green activist who came second to Annamie Paul in the last leadership race says he is being urged by many to stand again.

Dimitri Lascaris, a Montreal-based lawyer, is "vacillating" about whether to throw his hat into the ring in the race for party leader. He said he is receiving messages from across the party calling on him to run.

Lascaris, who was critical of Paul during her short tenure as leader, told The Canadian Press that it was "really important" for the Greens not to "dwell on the past year."

The Greens saw their support plummet in the Sept. 20 election, returning just two MPs after months of infighting and sniping at Paul.

Lascaris said party members "forgot how to speak to each other in a respectful manner."

He said the "No. 1 job" of the new leader "will be to engage in a form of conversation that is actively respectful."

He wants independent consultants to investigate Pauls "claims of racial bias" while leader, admitting that the Greens have "challenges when it comes to diversity." He said a probe by consultants specializing in racial bias is needed to "get to the bottom of what happened" and they should be given full access to emails and internal party communications.

Paul is the first Black, Jewish woman to lead a mainstream federal party in Canada and has said she suffered discrimination while in the post.

Announcing her decision to stand down on Monday, she said her time leading the Greens was the worst period of her life.

Paul was elected leader in 2020, with Lascaris, a self-professed socialist, coming second in the leadership race. At first Lascaris was barred from standing for the leadership by the Greens  he says because of his "political orientation"  but he appealed and was permitted to stand.

Lascaris stood as a Green parliamentary candidate in the 2015 federal election. He said he is currently weighing whether to run for Green leader again.

I am being encouraged by many people to run, on all sorts of platforms. I will make a decision in the next several days," he said.

Lascaris posted a statement saying it was the "right decision" for the Green Party for Paul to resign. She was criticized for failing to visit target ridings during the election and for concentrating on fighting for a Toronto riding where she came fourth.

Paul has pointed to a lack of funding, campaign staff or a national campaign manager. Originally $250,000 was earmarked for her local campaign but that money was nixed by party executives.

Other Greens have posted messages of support for Paul.

Dr. Courtney Howard, who came third after Paul and Lascaris in the last leadership race, tweeted that it meant a lot to have a "strong, intelligent, articulate woman on the stage."

The Yukon doctor said she wanted to concentrate on fighting COVID-19 and climate change, rather than entering the race for leader.

Mike Morrice, the new MP for Kitchener Centre, also ruled himself out of a leadership bid.

Morrice told The Canadian Press he wants to concentrate on representing his constituents and fighting for issues such as affordable housing in the House of Commons, rather than "being a party spokesman."

David Merner, who stood last year to be party leader against Paul, also said he would not run. He told The Canadian Press he would focus instead on sorting out the party's money issues, as a board member of the Green Party of Canada Fund, which is responsible for financial and legal matters.

He said the Greens have "expenses far exceeding fundraising" and the final bill for the election was not yet known.

Glen Murray, a former Liberal minister in Ontario, who came fourth in the Green leadership race in 2020, told CBC he does not intend to run this time.

Before a permanent leader is chosen the Greens will appoint an interim leader to take the helm.

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A spokeswoman for Elizabeth May has said the former Green leader would consider stepping in as a temporary caretaker if she is asked to by the troubled party.

Paul will step down formally as leader within the coming weeks, the Green party has confirmed. A leadership race kicks off six months after an interim leader is selected.

Professor Mark Winfield of York University who researches the Greens said May would be the "obvious option" as caretaker leader, during the party's "existential" crisis.

Jo-Ann Roberts, a former broadcast journalist who served as interim leader after May stood down, is another figure the Greens ruling council is likely to consider as caretaker.

Paul did not respond to requests for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021.
JORDAN - THE CANADIAN PRESS Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe lifted nearly all public health restrictions at the outset of the summer. Three months later, hospitals are feeling the effects.

EDMONTON  It was a scene plastered to social media with obvious intent.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney stands at a podium, locked in a handshake with his Saskatchewan counterpart, Scott Moe.

The picture appeared in a July tweet from Kenney with the caption, Congratulations to my friend @PremierScottMoe and all of our neighbours in Saskatchewan on lifting their pandemic health restrictions and kicking off a #GreatSKSummer. ... Once again, the prairies are showing the rest of Canada how its done!

It was a celebration, of sorts, for the two Prairie provinces  Alberta swaggered into the summer as it lifted nearly all its public health restrictions on Canada Day, opening its economy and seemingly viewing the end of the pandemic within its sights. Ten days later, Saskatchewan did the same.

Seventy-eight days later, the neighbouring provinces have found themselves hand-in-hand again amid twin COVID-19 crises that threaten to overwhelm their health-care systems in a record-breaking fourth wave.

Its a situation critics say shows the rest of the country what happens when governments put politics ahead of public health.

Albertas troubles have made international headlines recently as ICUs have nearly buckled under intense pressure caused by the worst pandemic situation in the country and as beds fill up with mostly unvaccinated patients.

But over the past week, it was Saskatchewan that had the highest rate of average daily cases per capita in Canada, outside of the Northwest Territories, at 283 per 100,000. Alberta was just behind it with 244.

Over past weekend, Saskatchewan reported 1,042 new COVID-19 cases while Ontario, which has a population of more than 10 times the size, reported 1,266.

The situation is dire and only getting worse, since Saskatchewan is just a few days behind Alberta in seeing the full effect of lifting all public health restrictions in July, said Hassan Masri, an ICU physician and associate professor of medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

Intensive-care units are already buckling in the province and the only reason hospitals havent been fully overwhelmed is because patients dying from COVID-19, usually after two- or three-week battles with the disease, is opening up space, he said.

While the province isnt in a formal triage scenario  in which health-care workers choose who gets care and who doesnt based on resource scarcity  they are still in a state of triage, he added.

Hundreds of surgeries are being postponed every day. When somebodys father doesnt get a colonoscopy or when a 12-year-old has their surgery cancelled, This is what triage is, Masri said. You decide to give resources to someone over someone.

Alberta and Saskatchewan are the two provinces that have most seen their vaccine uptake stagnate. They both sit at just over 71 per cent of eligible people being fully vaccinated  a number that has only increased by a few percentage points since midsummer.

As for Saskatchewans decision to reopen in July, I think it was a gamble on the governments end to brag, essentially, about how well theyre doing and how they can open the economy and, certainly, that has backfired significantly, said Masri.

The provincial government also didnt do enough to encourage more vaccine uptake or use mandates to get the rest of the population to get jabs, Masri added.

Much like in Alberta, Saskatchewan has seen resistance to mandating vaccines for health-care workers, teachers and government workers  even though some experts have recommended that governments take this approach.

Both provinces lifted their mask mandates in the summer, before bringing them back after the fourth wave crashed down on them. Both also resisted vaccine passports until finally bringing them in this month; Albertas began last week, and Saskatchewans isnt slated to officially launch until October.

Much like Kenney in Alberta, Moe has tried to appeal to a certain base of support  many of whom are against public health restrictions and vaccine passports, said Tom McIntosh, a political scientist at the University of Regina.

For months, medical experts in the province tried to get the attention of the Saskatchewan government and asked for those measures, he said.

The question now is whether it was too little, too late, McIntosh added.

But the political situation facing the two Conservative premiers is vastly different, he noted.

Kenneys popularity has continuously tanked throughout the 19 months of the pandemic and has ranked among the lowest in the country for premiers. Moe, meanwhile, would probably form another majority government if an election were held tomorrow, McIntosh said.

Kenney has also faced public criticism from people in his own caucus, had a near miss with a vote of non-confidence from his partys MLAs last week, and is facing a leadership review next year.

The anger at Kenney comes from two sides of the spectrum in Alberta  those who oppose public health restrictions and those who say Kenney didnt bring them in quick enough.

He famously flip-flopped on vaccine passports, vowing never to bring them in before an abrupt about-face this month. Kenney also promised to not bring in more public health restrictions, but ended up doing just that when the fourth wave became overwhelming. The move angered rural MLAs in his caucus who disagreed with it and some want him gone as leader.

In both provinces, theres a libertarian streak that runs through the political culture, said McIntosh.

Even while Moe has sent mixed messages during the pandemic  urging people to stay home at times, then telling them to go out and support local businesses; or telling people to get vaccinated, but only if they want to  he hasnt had to face the same political pressure as Kenney, said McIntosh, as Moe governs with a united caucus and strong public support in Saskatchewan.

That gives Moe a lot more room to do what hes done without the kind of blowback that Kenney has received, said McIntosh.

Moes base of support is found in rural Saskatchewan and among voters who dont want mandated vaccines, restrictions, or who dont think COVID-19 is serious, he added.

It is playing into, I think, this false notion that asking people to be vaccinated and wear a mask and whatnot is some horrific infringement of their human rights, said McIntosh.

Apparently, though, mandating that you wear a seatbelt or have a drivers licence or having your car insured is not a violation of your rights, but wearing a mask in the midst of a pandemic is.

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Alberta has brought in a vaccine passport system that non-essential businesses and events can opt into. Doing so means they can require proof of vaccination or a negative test and offer their services free of public health restrictions.

Saskatchewan, after the government announced a vaccine passport system that requires businesses to ask for proof of vaccination, saw an uptick in vaccine doses administered. On Tuesday, the province also announced that its health-care workers would need to show proof of vaccination or take part in a monitored testing program.

There is still more that could be done and more planning that needs to be done to get us through this fourth wave, said McIntosh.

The numbers are not coming down very quickly and theyre not expected to.

Correction  Sept. 29, 2021: A graphic depicting the 7-day rolling average of new COVID cases in Ontario and Alberta has been updated to correct data for Ontario.

Kieran Leavitt is an Edmonton-based political reporter for the Toronto Star. Follow him on Twitter: @kieranleavitt
SASKATOON - The Metis National Council has elected its first new leader in nearly two decades.

Metis flags are carried as Metis Federation leaders and delegates march to the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Thursday, April 14, 2016. The Metis National Council has elected its first new leader in nearly two decades a day after the organization lost support from the Manitoba Metis Federation over ongoing disputes regarding identity.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

SASKATOON - The Metis National Council has elected its first new leader in nearly two decades.

"Today we begin a new era  one of accountability, transparency and governing on behalf of the entire Metis Nation," Cassidy Caron said Thursday after she became the first woman to take the role.

Caron, who previously served as youth minister with the Metis Nation of British Columbia, was elected at a special sitting of the council's general assembly in Saskatoon. She has roots in the historic Saskatchewan Metis communities of Batoche and St. Louis and is working on a master's degree in community development at the University of Victoria.

Former president Clement Chartier had held the position since 2003, but in recent years there was internal turmoil with regional leaders who called for his resignation. Chartier thanked supporters in a final address on Wednesday.

"I believe in my heart in the long run the integrity of the Metis Nation will remain intact," Chartier said before leaving the assembly.

"Without turmoil usually success doesn't come."

The national council had not held a general assembly or meeting of the board of governors since 2018.

Much of the internal conflict is rooted in allegations that the Metis Nation of Ontario was accepting non-Metis citizens on its registry. The organization has pushed back on those claims.

An Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruling earlier this year ordered this week's special assembly to elect a new president and resolve the disputes with the Ontario organization.

During the two-day meeting the council passed a resolution to create an expert panel to review the Metis Nation of Ontario's registry process and study the history of seven communities.

However, on the eve of the meeting, the Manitoba Metis Federation announced it was withdrawing from the council. David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba federation, said the decision came over concerns about the Metis Nation of Ontario.

The Metis National Council also includes provincial Metis organizations from Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It was formed in 1983 to support the recognition and promotion of Metis people as a distinct cultural group with their own governments and needs.

Caron ran against Gerald Morin, a former president of the national council and Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, and Dean Gladue, a former Mountie who has also worked with the Metis Nation British Columbia.

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All candidates spoke about the national council being on the cusp of change and in need of unity. They agreed that a strong council is important to successfully negotiate with Ottawa, especially following the Liberal government's commitment to renewing relationships on a nation-to-nation basis.

Caron told the assembly the national council has the potential to be a force for good to advance the aspirations of Metis citizens and governments.

She committed to financial transparency, timely communication, and accountability to the national assembly and board of governors.

"We have so much to be proud of and we have so much to look forward to," she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.

 By Kelly Geraldine Malone in Winnipeg
MIRAMICHI, N.B. - Video evidence and witness testimony at the inquest into the police shooting of Rodney Levi revealed Thursday that in the span of 37 seconds the New Brunswick man was Tasered three times and shot twice in the chest.

Steven Ward, an addictions counsellor who was a lifelong friend of Rodney Levi, arrives at a coroner's inquest into Levi's death in Miramichi, N.B., Thursday, Sept.30, 2021. Ward says there was a lack of mental health services for the Indigenous man on the day he was shot dead by police in northern New Brunswick last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Bissett

MIRAMICHI, N.B. - Video evidence and witness testimony at the inquest into the police shooting of Rodney Levi revealed Thursday that in the span of 37 seconds the New Brunswick man was Tasered three times and shot twice in the chest.

Daniel Bell of Renous, N.B., testified that on June, 12, 2020 he was visiting the home of a pastor when he was told someone had knives and police had been called. Bell said he was inside the kitchen of the house in Sunny Corner, N.B., when two RCMP officers arrived.

The witness told the inquest into the Indigenous man's death that he was not able to hear what was being said outside the closed window, but at one point he did hear an officer say, Drop the knives. Bell said he took out his phone to shoot video when he saw an officer pull out a stun gun.

The 37-second video shows Levi being jolted by the stun gun and dropping the knives. He then picks them up, and as he stands is shot twice, falling to the ground. There is a distinctive pop-pop sound.

Before the video was played for the inquest, many of Levis family members  including his 72-year-old mother Mary Ann Francis  left the room. Those who remained gasped as the video played, and some bolted from the room crying.

The shooting occurred outside the home of Brodie MacLeod, next to the Boom Road Pentecostal Church where he was pastor.

MacLeod told the inquiry that Levi, a member of his congregation, showed up at around 5 p.m. that day asking to talk. "He was erratic, pacing, not his typical self," MacLeod said. The pastor said he had seen such behaviour before and concluded Levi was under the influence of something.

He said Levi, who was from the Metepenagiag First Nation, talked about wanting to move out west but said if that wasnt successful, hed want to "end things." MacLeod said he invited Levi to stay for supper. He said Levi later went inside, and then he heard someone say "Knife, knife, hes got a knife."

MacLeod's wife called police and two officers arrived a short time later and began talking with Levi, who was on the back deck. MacLeod said Levi became agitated and refused to put down the weapons, and that's when an officer fired a stun gun at Levi.

"The first Taser bounced off of him and he laughed and said, 'Youre going to have to put a bullet in me,' " MacLeod testified.

He said the second jolt had some impact, and on the third Levi dropped a knife, picked it up and lunged towards the second officer who had his gun pulled. "Thats when he was shot," MacLeod said.

Earlier Thursday, an addictions counsellor and lifelong friend of Levi testified that Levi didn't get the mental health help he needed before the incident that led to his death.

Steven Ward told the inquest that he had spoken with Levi a number of times the day he died. Ward had been working as a fisheries officer at the time because the treatment centre in nearby Eel Ground, N.B., where he was also employed, was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Levi seemed upbeat about plans to move to Western Canada for work and to get away from the influence of drugs. An autopsy confirmed Levi, 48, had amphetamine and methamphetamine in his body at the time of the shooting.

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Ward told the five-member coroner's jury he is a former addict, and he said there is a need for community-based services to help people with mental health and addiction issues.

"It's got to start with the community healing itself," he told the inquest. He said Levi was reaching out for help but had not been able to get it.

He said he believes Levi's death could have been avoided. "I don't believe Rodney should be dead," Ward said. "I believe those officers should be taught in de-escalating."

Dr. Syed Ahmed, an emergency room physician, described for the inquest efforts made to save Levi's life. He testified that paramedics reported no signs of life for 41 minutes, adding that advanced CPR was done for another 30 minutes before Levi was declared dead. He had been shot twice in the chest.

The shooting was investigated by Quebec's police watchdog, the Bureau des enquetes independantes, which submitted a report to New Brunswick prosecutors in December. It determined the officers on the scene believed Levi was using force against them. Levi had been wielding two knives, and officers shot him to protect themselves and others, the probe concluded.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
VICTORIA - All sides in the old-growth logging dispute dug in deeper Wednesday after a British Columbia Supreme Court judge refused to extend an injunction against protest blockades on southern Vancouver Island.

An RCMP officer stands by as protesters, left, are chained to a gate during an anti-logging blockade in Caycuse, B.C. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The National Police Federation says officers who enforced an injunction against blockades at a logging site on southern Vancouver Island were "the thin blue line between order and chaos." THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jen Osborne

VICTORIA - All sides in the old-growth logging dispute dug in deeper Wednesday after a British Columbia Supreme Court judge refused to extend an injunction against protest blockades on southern Vancouver Island.

Forest company Teal Cedar Products Ltd. said in a statement it intends to appeal Justice Douglas Thompson's decision from Tuesday.

Luke Wallace, a spokesman for the protest group Rainforest Flying Squad, said supporters will stay put at blockade camps at Fairy Creek, a remote area north of Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island.

"Teal Jones still has every intent of logging all the remaining old growth in that valley and the surrounding valleys, and so we will be present on that land until the reality is changed," Wallace said in an interview. "Until those forests are no longer under threat of deforestation."

The B.C. government said in a statement it will not comment on matters that could still be before the courts.

Thompson's ruling immediately lifted the injunction that had been in place since April. He said the RCMP's enforcement of the court order led to serious and substantial infringement of civil liberties.

Teal Cedar and the RCMP asked the court to spend more of its "reputational capital" by granting the extension that would keep protesters at bay who may, or may not, be in breach of the injunction, the judge said in his decision.

There have been more than 1,000 arrests at Fairy Creek since the original injunction went into effect.

Teal Jones said the company will continue to legally log in its Tree Farm Licence 46 and will report any alleged illegal activity to the RCMP.

In a statement, the company says it purchased the rights to the area 20 years ago to increase its supply of second-growth logs for a new mill "to process smaller timber."

"To this day, most harvesting in the area is in second growth. We harvest some old growth as well as it has unique characteristics needed for some value-added products."

The company says there are numerous protected areas within the tree farm licence.

"It is a myth that old growth in the area is at risk."

Teal Jones was disappointed by Tuesday's B.C. Supreme Court decision, it said in a statement announcing the appeal.

"To do otherwise would be to allow anarchy to reign over civil society, and for misinformation campaigns to win over fact."

The company also said if it cannot continue its work, it may be forced to lay off employees and shut down mills.

In his decision, Thompson urged the B.C. government to consider further options to address the dispute beyond the injunction, including using criminal or provincial laws or even changing the laws.

B.C.'s Ministry of Attorney General said in the statement it was reviewing the decision.

Provincial Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau said she will push the New Democrat government to live up to its promises to resolve old-growth logging issues when the legislature resumes sitting next week.

"Absolutely, we will be once again asking this government why they are not taking their responsibility seriously, particularly now a judge of the B.C. Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that it is the job of the government to address this," she said.

The province approved the request this year of three Vancouver Island First Nations to temporarily defer old-growth logging across about 2,000 hectares in the Fairy Creek and central Walbran areas, but protests continued.

The Rainforest Flying Squad said the old-growth forests outside of the deferred areas are still at risk of being logged.

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"We are still in Fairy Creek and the surrounding old-growth forests and protecting those forests until the government puts them under permanent protection," said Wallace.

At the earlier hearing in Nanaimo, B.C., on the injunction request this month, lawyers representing the protesters said people from all walks of life with environmental concerns were being treated like terrorists.

Thompson's ruling said the RCMP acted with "reasonable force" during much of the injunction period, but some video evidence presented showed "disquieting lapses in reasonable judgment."

He cites video evidence showing police pulling off COVID-19 masks worn by protesters before dousing them with pepper spray.

National Police Federation president Brian Sauve says in a statement the officers who enforced the injunction against blockades were "the thin blue line between order and chaos."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021.
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Indigenous people have had enough apologies and want action from the Catholic Church and federal government, says the chief of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in British Columbia.

Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir speaks during a news conference ahead of a ceremony to honour residential school survivors and mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in Kamloops, B.C., on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The remains of more than 200 children were discovered buried near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School earlier this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Indigenous people have had enough apologies and want action from the Catholic Church and federal government, says the chief of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in British Columbia.

As the country marked its first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Chief Rosanne Casimir called for the disclosure of all relevant records from the church and government to help identify missing Indigenous children at former residential school sites, including those in unmarked graves.

"Reconciliation requires truth," Casimir said. "And this is but one milestone along with the restitution and potentially retribution, and a path toward reconciliation. At the very least, steps toward reconciliation demands honesty and transparency."

Tk'emlups te Secwepemc announced in May it used ground-penetrating radar to locate the remains of more than 200 children long believed missing from the residential school that operated there between 1890 and 1969. Since then, other Indigenous nations have announced finding unmarked graves using similar search methods.

Records show that about 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children were forced to attend 140 schools that operated across the country beginning in 1831. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.

Casimir said less than a hectare of land was searched around the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and another 65 hectares still need to be explored.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a national apology on Sept. 24, acknowledging "the suffering experienced in Canadas Indian Residential Schools."

"Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples," it said in a statement.

Casimir said the apology brought a "disturbing sense of deja vu," with no acts of contrition or promises to disclose documents.

On Monday, the conference pledged a $30-million national fund to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families and their communities.

Casimir said the nation is asking for the implementation of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report about missing children and unmarked burials, including maintaining a registry of residential school cemeteries and allowing for the review of relevant documents.

"If this apology is truly a commitment, then the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc insists on the complete and full production of all relevant documents and records in a manner and form that is useful and accessible to Indian residential school survivors to help identify those missing, and those unmarked graves and repatriating those lost," she said.

The Canadian Conference of the Catholic Bishops did not reply to a request for comment.

Megan MacLean, spokeswoman for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, said in a statement that advancing meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is paramount in moving forward.

The parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, including churches, were responsible for handing over the records for the schools they administered, she said

Over four million documents have been disclosed by various departments and are housed at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, her statement said.

The government is committed to working with all partners to implement the commission's Calls to Action, MacLean said.

"The prime minister formally requested an apology when he met Pope Francis at the Vatican and the government of Canada continues to call upon the Pope to apologize," she said.

Murray Rankin, B.C.'s minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, said the province is providing access to records to First Nation groups investigating residential schools.

"So, there's going to be in our case, at least in the province of British Columbia, as much transparency as possible," he said.

B.C. has worked with Indigenous leaders to develop a draft action plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the province, one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he added.

There's much more work to be done, and the province acknowledges that, said Rankin, who was in Kamloops attending a gathering to mark the day of reconciliation.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald said this day should honour the survivors and victims of residential schools.

"I've always said that truth must come before reconciliation," said Archibald, who also attended the ceremony in Kamloops.

"True reconciliation is about learning, sharing and growing as a country. The more we know about where we've come from, and our shared history and our responsibilities, the better we can address current challenges and find our healing path forward together."

Echoing Casimir's call, she said First Nations need to see proof that there will be action going forward.

"Empty promises and hollow apologies will no longer be accepted."

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Casimir said they want a "meaningful apology" from the Pope for the trauma experienced by Indigenous children and intergenerational suffering that resulted.

In June, Pope Francis expressed his pain over the finding of the remains of children in Kamloops and pressed religious and political authorities to shed light on "this sad affair,'' but didn't offer an apology.

The Pope is scheduled to meet in Rome with a delegation of residential school survivors, elders and Indigenous youth in December.

Casimir said an apology from the Pope would be more meaningful if he came to Canada to express the sentiment.

 With files from Hina Alam in Vancouver and The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
CALGARY - If you think of COVID-19 like a fire, one Grande Prairie doctor would describe Alberta's blaze as out of control with too few resources dedicated to fighting it.

An entrance to the Peter Lougheed Centre hospital is shown in Calgary, Thursday, April 9, 2020. The Canadian Medical Association is calling for circuit-breaker lockdowns in Alberta and Saskatchewan to protect "crumbling" health-care systems. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

CALGARY - If you think of COVID-19 like a fire, one Grande Prairie doctor would describe Alberta's blaze as out of control with too few resources dedicated to fighting it.

Dr. Alika Lafontaine said if the province doesn't strengthen public health measures to extinguish a relentless fourth wave then the health-care system will burn to the ground.

"At the end of everything, the whole system won't come out unscathed," he said. "A lot of us within health care don't feel that this wave will end until we have decisive leadership."

Lafontaine is president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association, which released a statement on Wednesday calling for lockdowns in Alberta and Saskatchewan to protect health-care systems it says are crumbling under pressures caused by COVID-19.

Both western provinces are setting hospitalization records, and intensive care capacity is running slim to none.

Dr. Katharine Smart, president of the national group, is urging the provincial and federal governments to take immediate action.

"This is beyond anything that the health-care system has ever faced in modern times," Smart said in a phone interview.

"What we're seeing now is essentially no ability to provide any other acute-care medicine beyond care to people with COVID. So, in essence, the health-care system has already collapsed."

The association is calling for short, controlled lockdowns  often called firebreakers or circuit-breakers  that would close schools and non-essential businesses.

Dr. Katharine Smart is shown in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO/Canadian Medical Association **MANDATORY CREDIT**

It also wants mandatory vaccinations in health-care settings and an increase in the mobility of health workers and intensive care capacity between provinces.

Saskatchewan's proof of vaccination program for health-care employees will begin Thursday and allows workers to show a negative test every seven days as an alternative.

Alberta Health Services is requiring all staff to be fully immunized by Oct. 31.

A group called Health Workers United recently sent a letter to Alberta Health Services objecting to vaccine passports for health-care workers. It was signed by more than 3,500 people, including 75 doctors and more than 1,000 nurses, some of whom did not provide their full names.

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said the claims in the letter are misleading and incorrect. He debunked many of them in a statement released Wednesday.

We need to make decisions based on good information and good advice from health-care professionals. Were in a crisis due to our low vaccination rate, and the one sure way out of it is for more of us to get vaccinated," said Copping.

Smart said both provinces  which have COVID-19 mortality rates about three times the national average  are facing the "dire realities" of relaxing public health measures too soon.

"There is a lot of resistance from both political parties to really step up with any significant changes in their public health mitigation strategies," she said. "We've seen lots of sort of tinkering around the edges, but no real commitment to doing something meaningful to change this trajectory."

Smart added it's time for "courageous action" and noted that politics must be put aside to allow for collaboration between levels of government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to help Alberta should it enter another lockdown. Federal supports for businesses and individuals would be reinstated if that happened, he said Tuesday.

He reiterated his support during a phone call with Kenney on Wednesday, the premier's press secretary Harrison Fleming said in a statement. He said Kenney asked Ottawa to supply doses of Janssen vaccine, which require only one shot, to the province and spoke about needing rapid antigen tests for employers.

Kenney said Tuesday the province has been in conversations with Ottawa, the Canadian Armed Forces, other provinces and counterparts in the United States for aid, should it be required.

Smart said that need is now.

Despite the ability for provinces like Alberta to add surge capacity to intensive care units, human resources are finite, she said. Health-care workers are facing "huge amounts" of burnout and psychological trauma, she said.

"People cannot keep doing this indefinitely and the system is already totally overrun and collapsing," said Smart, who added that patients and health workers are experiencing unfathomable choices.

"What is happening is as heartbreaking as it was preventable. We are now in a situation where it's all hands on deck to address the state of crisis."

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Alberta has more than 20,000 active cases, dwarfing totals in other provinces, thousands of non-urgent surgeries have been cancelled and doctors are being briefed on how to decide who gets life-saving care when resources run out.

Intensive care capacity was at 84 per cent with surge spaces on Wednesday, said Alberta Health Services in a statement. Without 200 additional spaces, the provincial capacity would be at 181 per cent.

There were 313 patients in Alberta ICUs, most of them with COVID-19. Thirty-four deaths were also reported  the highest count since mid-January.

In Saskatchewan, there were 4,585 active cases on Wednesday and 295 COVID-19 patients in hospital. Of those, 67 are in ICU.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021

 With files from Mickey Djuric in Regina.
OTTAWA - Governor General Mary May Simon had some very personal reflections Wednesday on the eve of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Governor General Mary Simon speaks during the Presentation of Canadian Honours at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on September 17, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA - Governor General Mary May Simon had some very personal reflections Wednesday on the eve of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

As the daughter of a white father and Inuk mother, May Simon said in a statement that she was not allowed to attend a residential school.

She stayed behind and was home-schooled while other children were ripped away from their homes, separated from their families and sent to residential schools where they were not allowed to speak an Indigenous language or honour their culture.

May Simon, who was born in an Inuit village in northern Quebec, recalled visiting families where the absence of children was a "palpable void."

"I was a stand-in, a well-loved substitute, for mothers and fathers who desperately missed their children," she said.

"We all felt it. The sorrow of missing a part of our community."

Several residential school survivors told their stories at a ceremony Wednesday night on Parliament Hill ahead of Thursday's inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The outdoor ceremony took place near the Centennial Flame, where mounds of stuffed toys and pairs of children's shoes have been left in honour of the children who never returned from residential schools.

The Peace Tower was illuminated in orange and the survivor flag was raised at half-mast.

Celine Thusky told of being torn from her family at seven years of age, of watching fellow students being physically and sexually abused at school and having no one to comfort her.

Inuk elder Levinia Brown said, "as children attending residential schools, many did not hear I love you and we were made to feel that we were not good enough." They saw some of their fellow students die "and we were left as children to process our grief alone."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau applauded the courage of survivors and acknowledged that it cannot be easy for them to tell their stories.

Canada is seen as a peace-loving place that respects the rights of people, but it is also a country that has made "huge and terrible mistakes," Trudeau said.

"Every people are good at telling stories of how great we are, how we were heroic in this moment or there were brave leaders in other moments," he told the small crowd gathered for the ceremony.

"It's harder to reflect on the truth of the mistakes, of the evil that we did in the past but that's what this day, this day of truth and reconciliation, must be."

Reconciliation, Trudeau said, doesn't mean just looking back and understanding the mistakes made in the past but acknowledging that Canada is, even now, living with the legacy of those mistakes in the form of injustice, inequality and systemic racism.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is not just for Indigenous people, he added.

"And all of you as you go about your daily lives, take a moment to listen to the stories of a survivor, to an Indigenous elder who shares their perspective, their experiences in this country," he said.

"And know that that story, their story, is your story as well. And until we understand as a country that each one of us's story is all of our stories, there can be no truth, there can be no reconciliation."

Truth and Reconciliation Day is intended to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, 140 of which operated across the country from 1831 to 1998.

Some 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend the church-run schools, where many suffered physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition and neglect. More than 4,000 are believed to have died.

"The legacy of colonization has had devastating repercussions for Indigenous peoples, including the loss of language, culture and heritage. This pain has been felt from generation to generation, and it continues today," May Simon said in her statement.

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"These are uncomfortable truths, and often hard to accept. But the truth also unites us as a nation, brings us together to dispel anger and despair, and embrace justice, harmony and trust instead."

In June, Parliament fast-tracked a bill making Sept. 30 a statutory annual holiday for federal workers.

The bill was passed shortly after the tragic discovery of what are believed to be the remains of 215 Indigenous children in unmarked graves at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.

Since then, unmarked graves have been discovered at several other former residential school sites in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, while other former school sites are still being explored with ground-penetrating radar.

-- With files from Hina Alam

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2021.
A jury has convicted Daniel Jensen of first-degree murder for stabbing his girlfriends three-year-old son to death as he slept in his bedroom, rejecting Jensens claim another man who lived in the house was responsible for the crime.

A jury has convicted Daniel Jensen of first-degree murder for stabbing his girlfriends three-year-old son to death as he slept in his bedroom, rejecting Jensens claim another man who lived in the house was responsible for the crime.

Jurors deliberated for about six hours before reaching a verdict Wednesday evening.

Daniel Jensen was found guilty Wednesday of killing three-year-old Hunter Smith-Straight on Oct. 29, 2019. The boy was stabbed as he slept. (Supplied)

The mandatory sentence for first-degree murder is life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Seated in the prisoners box, Jensen was not visible to the court gallery as the verdict was read out. He appeared to show no change in emotion as he was led out of court by sheriffs officers.

Outside court, several members of Hunter Smith-Straights family cried and embraced as they absorbed the verdict. A family representative declined to comment, saying she was too overwhelmed to speak.

Jensen will be formally sentenced Friday, to give Hunters family time to prepare victim impact statements.

Hunter was stabbed six times in the head and neck in the early hours of Oct. 29, 2019, as he slept in his second-storey Pritchard Avenue suite.

The child was taken to hospital suffering massive blood loss and irreversible brain damage. He was removed from life-support three days later and died.

No one saw Jensen kill Hunter, but the evidence against him was "overwhelming," Crown attorney Jennifer Mann argued in a closing address to jurors Tuesday.

Prosecutors argued Jensen, 34, was enraged after his girlfriend Clarice Smith told him she and Hunter were moving to her mothers home without him, and he plotted to hurt her "in the most cruel and permanent way."

Security video was played for jurors showing Jensen assaulting Smith at the Northern Hotel before leaving from the back door and making his way to Pritchard Avenue.

Two of Hunters older cousins testified Jensen was let into the house to "check on" Hunter and left minutes later, a short time before family members discovered the fatally wounded child.

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Jensen was arrested later that day after leaving a Leila Avenue liquor store. Blood found on a hoodie Jensen left behind at a Boston Pizza restaurant, as well as his T-shirt and sweatpants, was later matched to Hunters DNA.

Defence lawyers argued Hunter had already been stabbed when Jensen arrived at the house and he got blood on his clothing after shaking and trying to revive the boy. They argued police ignored another plausible suspect in the killing, an older cousin of Hunters who when questioned after the killing had bloody injuries to his hands and blood on his clothing.

That man  who jurors heard had prior convictions for violence, including one for stabbing a family member  testified he injured himself after he became angry and broke dishware and punched a door.

Defence lawyer Bruce Bonney argued the man was angry because he, along with everyone else in the house, had to move out the next day due to a violation of the lease.

"Before and after Hunters death, he was subject to violent outbursts," Bonney said. "It was in his nature."

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
The proposal to redevelop Portage Place mall appears dead, after city councillors were told Toronto-based Starlight Investments is unable to proceed.

The proposal to redevelop Portage Place mall appears dead, after city councillors were told Toronto-based Starlight Investments is unable to proceed.

On Wednesday, a brief memo from City of Winnipeg chief administrative officer Michael Jack offered an update on the $400-million project that has been in the public eye since June 2019.

"On Sept. 9, The Forks learned from Starlights lawyers that they are unable to proceed with the transaction and would not be asking for another extension. Starlight accordingly requested the return of their deposit," it states.

"The Forks awaits feedback from the Peterson Group, the holder of the land lease and owner of Portage Place mall, as to their intentions and long-term plans."

The memo does not explicitly declare the deal dead, though many stakeholders understood it that way.

If it can be salvaged, the proposal would add two 20-storey residential towers with 550 to 600 housing units, nearly 500,000 square feet of office and retail space, a grocery store and a 10,000-sq.-ft. community space with public washrooms.

Starlight Investments' $400 million plan would have transformed Portage Place. (Ark / Petrof)

The Forks North Portage Partnership owns the land at the site.

Clare MacKay, a vice-president of The Forks, deemed the news a disappointment but indicated its possible negotiations could resume.

"This is definitely something that is disappointing for our downtown and that potential investment that could have happened. Right now, there is nothing on the table from Starlight to us. That doesnt mean it may not come back," MacKay said Wednesday.

Starlight officials declined comment.

Mayor Brian Bowman stopped short of officially giving up on the deal, which he said has great potential to help revitalize Winnipeg's downtown.

"Im not sure if the parties will be continuing any negotiations or not, but well wait to hear in due course. Wed like to, obviously, see that investment realized," said Bowman.

"There has been a need for many decades for this particular property to do more for our community than it has been doing. I think theres better uses of the space that we can have, given its... prime real estate."

It appears Portage Place will remain as is. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press files)

In July 2019, Starlight made a $69.9-million bid for Portage Place mall; it unveiled a $400-million redevelopment plan that December.

The developer originally asked for $20 million each from the city, province and federal government.

In March, Ottawa said Starlight asked it to instead pay $50 million in cash and provide a $243-million Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. loan. In a June 30 letter, Starlight stated it was seeking an a loan of about $250 million from CMHC, which reflects an affordable housing component of the project.

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The federal government did not announce a specific financial commitment but had repeatedly said it was in discussions with the company. The city offered a $20-million incentive package and the province promised $28.7 million in education tax rebates.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy, property and development committee chairwoman, said she believes Wednesdays news marks the end of the proposal.

"I think it looks like theyre pulling out of the deal," she said.

Gilroy said shes concerned the lack of a development at the site will leave Portage Place at risk of closure, adding another massive empty building near the already vacant former Hudson's Bay building.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
A list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events happening in Winnipeg can be found here .

Communities across Canada will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today. Schools and non-essential provincial government services and offices are closed, and so is city hall and the citys animal services agency. Only three city libraries will open. Canada Post is not delivering mail.
In the two-step process that is truth and reconciliation, its tempting to rush to reconciliation and skip the first step of owning truths that can hit uncomfortably close to home. That would be false reconciliation.

In the two-step process that is truth and reconciliation, its tempting to rush to reconciliation and skip the first step of owning truths that can hit uncomfortably close to home. That would be false reconciliation.

The truth of how Indigenous people have been, and continue to be, mistreated by a dominant culture can be daunting. For some people, learning to regard themselves as settlers can be an unsettling experience. Its necessary, however, to wrestle with these hard truths if subsequent efforts at reconciliation are to be built on a foundation of fact.

The closure of Manitoba schools and some government offices today to mark the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be well invested if people use the day to delve into truths about atrocities Canada has committed against Indigenous people.

Recent reports about unmarked graves on the former grounds of so-called Indian Residential Schools seem to have grabbed the public imagination, but a genuine quest for the truth will go deeper than understandable feelings of sympathy for the long-deceased children and their families.

The residential schools, including 19 such facilities in Manitoba, were an institutional effort to erase the culture and identities of Indigenous people by robbing the next generation of their language, identities and family influence.

The residential schools, including 19 such facilities in Manitoba, were an institutional effort to erase the culture and identities of Indigenous people by robbing the next generation of their language, identities and family influence.

If such shameful goals seem surprising, its because accounts of the calculated strategy implemented by the federal government and Christian churches were absent from the history texts that educated most of us through several generations.

Also relatively new in the public consciousness is the way in which Indigenous people were driven from their land. It has become increasingly commonplace in Manitoba for events and organizations to recite acknowledgments that the land on which they stand was never properly ceded by Indigenous occupants to the colonizers who seized it with trickery and military force.

Likewise, Manitobans who can trace their ancestry to the original European settlers might recognize the home lots acquired by their forebears were a good deal for them but traumatic punishment for Indigenous people consigned to outback reserves on land that was often undesirable.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Former senator Murray Sinclair

Uncomfortable truths, yes, but they are essential to accept if attempts at reconciliation will ever have lasting credibility. Understanding the history of land grabs, residential schools and the repressive provisions of the Indian Act are key to understanding the present. Such mistreatment led to dysfunction that is passed down from generation to generation, resulting in the social crises that leave an unacceptably high proportion of Indigenous people requiring social supports, consigned to homelessness or wasting away in Manitoba penal institutions.

Such stark truths are outlined in the watershed report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released in 2015 but, realistically, not every Manitoban will personally study the seven small-print volumes of this significant opus.

Locations where the truths are more easily accessible  all are open to the public today  include historical Indigenous exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on the University of Manitoba campus, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which includes the new Inuit art centre Qaumajuq. Also, on television today, APTN will air a full schedule of related programming and CBC will broadcast, without commercials, an hour-long prime-time special presenting the perspectives of Indigenous people affected by the tragedies of residential schools.

As former senator and TRC head Murray Sinclair has said, reconciliation will take generations. But this inaugural holiday presents an opportunity to learn the facts. We eventually need to own the truth, but first we need to know it.
Winnipeg's civic leaders must be fully immunized by mid-November if they want to work in city hall.

Winnipeg's civic leaders must be fully immunized by mid-November if they want to work in city hall.

Council voted Wednesday to require elected officials  and their staff  be vaccinated against COVID-19. The decision comes two weeks after the city announced front-line workers, including firefighters and Transit drivers, require full vaccination by Nov. 15.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES "We have to be able to be shown as leaders," deputy mayor John Orlikow said.

"We have to be able to be shown as leaders," deputy mayor John Orlikow told council colleagues. "To delay this for another month  we know what happens when we delay health orders for a month. It's too late."

The time frame for the 15 councillors and Mayor Brian Bowman, plus staffers, to be fully vaccinated mirrors the one set for front-line employees. The first dose should come by Sept. 30, and the second no later than Oct. 28.

Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) was the lone vote in opposition.

Santos has previously confirmed she isn't fully vaccinated, citing medical reasons. Earlier this month, she was removed from her role of acting deputy mayor.

"I want to make it abundantly clear: I am not anti-vax," Santos told council Wednesday. "I absolutely support citizens who have chosen to vaccinate themselves, but I also understand those who are not fully vaccinated."

Santos said she has experienced different trauma growing up, including physical and mental abuse. She has also suffered an anaphylactic seizure, Santos said.

Medical conditions or experiences of abuse or discrimination within the health-care system may prevent people from being vaccinated, she said.

"Learning that a person is not inoculated seems to influence the idea that the person is unconcerned about other people or that the person is ideologically opposed to vaccines," Santos said. "Each of these assumptions are leading to harmful consequences and discussions within our community."

Santos said asking for vaccine status means people must share personal health information. She called the mandate divisive, adding there could be legal consequences.

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Unvaccinated elected officials and staff will work remotely if they don't meet the deadlines, council voted unanimously.

Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said the timeline should be easy to meet.

"We have handful(s) of contracted staff, and... boards, companies across the city have been doing this with hundreds of staff in the same timelines as we have," she said.

Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) cited overwhelmed hospitals as a reason for as many Winnipeggers to get vaccinated as possible: "Everybody's health is important. We have a responsibility."

 with files from Joyanne Pursaga

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is calling on the province to shutter businesses that consistently defy Manitobas COVID-19 mandates.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is calling on the province to shutter businesses that consistently defy Manitobas COVID-19 mandates.

"Businesses that repeatedly (and) intentionally violate provincial public health orders should be closed," he posted on Twitter Tuesday, adding he wrote to Audrey Gordon, Manitobas health minister, about the matter.

"Not partial closures," he told reporters Wednesday. "Close them and shut them down."

He said residents have expressed concern and outrage at organizations that frequently disobey pandemic laws, like checking proof of vaccination and enforcing indoor mask use.

Closing unco-operative businesses would respect the law-abiding ones, Bowman said.

"Im just encouraging (the province) to take that action when necessary."

Bowmans call comes as Manitoba enters its fourth wave, which both he and Premier Kelvin Goertzen have a shared concern about, he said.

Some companies have been temporarily closed for their disobedience. Provincial health officers shut down Monstrosity Burger and Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant, located in the same Corydon Avenue strip mall, to indoor dining earlier this month after repeated offences.

The owners received eight $5,000 tickets between Sept. 6 and 19. They attracted customers from around the province who supported their anti-mandate behaviour.

Provincial health officers shut down Monstrosity Burger and Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant to indoor dining earlier this month after repeated offences. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

MORFIT Training Centre reopened its downtown location Sept. 21. Patrons dont need to disclose proof of vaccination, it said on social media.

"We have always welcomed everyone and done our best to make people feel respected and comfortable," Stuart Klassen, the gyms owner, said in an online memo to members.

"We anticipate this decision will be supported by some and meet disapproval by others."

The province didnt say it would permanently close businesses that flout COVID-19 restrictions.

"We can confirm that the Manitoba government has endeavoured to be as responsive as possible to this evolving situation, and continues to adjust its strategies and tactics as needed," a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice said in a statement.

Over 3,000 enforcement officials regularly inspect businesses and educate them on public health orders, the spokesperson said, adding all credible tips about non-compliance are followed up.

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Manitoba had issued 16 COVID-19 enforcement tickets to businesses between Sept. 20 and 26.

 with files from Joyanne Pursaga

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Ten Manitoba businesses accused of breaking provincial public health orders were fined a total of more than $72,000 last week.

Ten Manitoba businesses accused of breaking provincial public health orders were fined a total of more than $72,000 last week.

Enforcement officers handed out 16 fines to five businesses in Winnipeg, three in Winkler and two in Steinbach for failing to follow public health orders between Sept. 20 and 26.

Monstrosity Burger in Winnipeg, which has already been ordered to shut down its indoor dining, received four $5,000 fines. The anti-mask, anti-vaccine business advertised a "walk for freedom" on Saturday and encouraged patrons to pre-order food and eat on the boulevard outside of the strip mall that houses the restaurant.

Other businesses fined included Chaise Cafe and Lounge, two MORFIT Training Centre locations and Bong Traders Paraphernalia Co. In Winkler, Twisters, Del Rios and the Iceburg Drive-In restaurants were fined. In Steinbach, Retro Chique and a Great Canadian Oil Change location were fined.

Since April 2020, provincial enforcement officers have given out more than $3 million in fines and ticketed 2,167 individuals and businesses.
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says help is on the way from the Canadian Armed Forces and elsewhere to battle a COVID-19 wave that continues to overwhelm hospitals.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney takes off his mask before giving a COVID-19 update in Edmonton on Sept. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says help is on the way from the Canadian Armed Forces and elsewhere to battle a COVID-19 wave that continues to overwhelm hospitals.

Kenney said the province is finalizing a deal to provide eight to 10 intensive care ward specialists, likely to be based in Edmonton.

Up to 20 trained Red Cross medical workers, some with intensive care experience, are to be deployed in central Alberta.

And Newfoundland and Labrador is set to send a medical team, including five or six intensive care staff, to work in the northern oil hub city of Fort McMurray.

I know that Alberta health-care workers will be grateful for the helping hand and that all Albertans are thankful for any assistance at this challenging time, Kenney said Thursday in Calgary.

Kenney also announced that 25,000 public sector workers will soon be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The employees must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 30 and, if not vaccinated after that date, will have to show negative tests paid for at their own expense.

Tim Grant, the head of the public service, estimated that 15 to 20 per cent of public service workers are not fully vaccinated. He said those who dont comply will be placed on unpaid leave.

Were not going to fire anyone, said Grant. Our aim is to encourage and educate all the members of the public service to get vaccinated.

Alberta is dealing with a COVID-19 crisis that has seen well over 1,000 new cases a day for weeks while filling intensive care wards to almost twice normal capacity.

There are more than 20,000 active cases and more than 1,000 people in hospital with the virus. On Thursday, there were 307 people in intensive care  263 with COVID-19.

Alberta Health Services has had to scramble and reassign staff to handle the surge of intensive care patients far above the normal capacity of 173 beds.

The result has been mass cancellation of non-urgent surgeries and doctors being briefed on criteria to use if they must make instant decisions on who gets life-saving care and who doesn't.

In recent days, doctors have called for a swift lockdown or a firebreak to immediately reverse the tide of COVID-19 patients.

That would mean a mass shutdown of schools, non-essential businesses and mass gatherings.

Intensive care physicians, emergency ward doctors, the executive of the Alberta Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association have issued such pleas in recent days.

Kenney, however, reiterated he wants to see if recent new health measures  such as a provincewide mask mandate, gathering restrictions and a form of a vaccine passport  boost vaccination rates.

Kenney said case rates seem to be reaching a plateau but acknowledged there is a fine line to walk with intensive care wards, even with the extra beds, at 83 per cent capacity.

A cold snap that forces everybody indoors, upcoming Thanksgiving holidays and family gatherings  a lot of different things could suddenly increase transmission, said Kenney.

So, were watching all of the trends very carefully.

Dr. Verna Yiu, the head of Alberta Health Services, also reported the death of an intensive care nurse, noting that all staff are under severe stress.

Emergency room physician Dr. Joe Vipond, an outspoken opponent of the United Conservative governments approach to the crisis, said Kenney failed again by putting too much emphasis on vaccines rather than immediate action.

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We really need to have schools closed for a short-term period  and we need to really shut down large swaths of society while we can reset our health-care system, said Vipond.

I'm not sure how many more deaths it's going to take before Premier Kenney decides that he can do the right thing, but it looks like there's more deaths, more long-COVID and more illness in the future.

Opposition NDP health critic David Shepherd said its time for Kenney to pass rules to ensure that all legislature members and political staffers are fully vaccinated. The NDP said all its members and staff have complied.

Its time for leadership, said Shepherd. We need to lead by example.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.

 With files from Alanna Smith in Calgary.
The hope Indigenous teen Miyawata Stout has for her future is one that is now three generations strong and forges links with her grandmother, a residential school survivor.

The hope Indigenous teen Miyawata Stout has for her future is one that is now three generations strong and forges links with her grandmother, a residential school survivor.

Miyawata, 15, is a student at Kelvin High School and, while she has a couple of years to go before graduation, she wants to become a physician.

But she admits the discoveries of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools across Canada in the spring and summer took its toll.

Kamloops, 215. Brandon, 104. Marieval, 751. The number of graves and locations grew with each passing week.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Miyawata Stout, a Kelvin High School student, says her sense of hope for the future is inspired by her grandmother. She had hope  thats how she survived the residential schools. It is hope and it is strength which creates resiliency.

"That shook me up" she says. "It was hard to find hope there. It was really disheartening."

Then she thinks of her grandmother, Madeleine Dion Stout, who not only survived the devastation of residential schools, but is her inspiration to become a doctor.

"I have hope because my grandmother has hope," Miyawata says. "She had hope  thats how she survived the residential schools. It is hope and it is strength which creates resiliency."

According to a survey of Indigenous people conducted by Probe Research  the eighth such omnibus survey undertaken since 2004  hope for the next generation of Indigenous people is at its highest level since the research began.

More than two-thirds of Indigenous people are confident the next generation will enjoy a better quality of life than their parents, with 17 per cent being very confident and 52 per cent somewhat confident. Ten per cent said they were not at all confident. And those aged 18-34, the youngest category of people surveyed, have the greatest confidence, at 81 per cent.

Thats different than it was in the first two surveys taken by Probe. In 2007, only 47 per cent of Indigenous people said they were confident their children would have a better future. The percentage dropped slightly to 46 per cent in 2008.

A decade ago, Michael Redhead Champagne was involved in creating Meet Me at the Bell Tower, weekly gatherings on Selkirk Avenue with a mission to reduce violence in the North End.

"At 34, Im now at the top end of being a youth, but Ive been working with people much younger than myself for my entire adult career," he says.

"Back around 2010, a lot of young people like myself were tired of waiting for organizations to help us. We wanted to help ourselves."

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Michael Redhead Champagne was among those tired of waiting for organizations to take action a decade ago, and launched their own efforts to help Indigenous youth.

Indigenous youth leaders in that part of the city are now able to regain their culture and take it home to their families.

"It is beautiful for their parents," Champagne says. "And, what I see, and what I am able to witness, is the children having a better quality of life. The parents say they know what happened to them and they want better for their children."

Adrienne Huard, a 34-year-old PhD candidate in Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba, is a member of Couchiching First Nation near Fort Francis, Ont.

"In this faculty, I see a lot of hope. I see the generations coming up and I see how much fire they have," Huard says. "They are grounded with who they are. I dont even think my generation has it like they do."

Racism, however, remains a constant presence in the lives of survey participants.

But while Metis and Indigenous people in Winnipeg report a decline in the volume of racism they face  survey results show the lowest numbers since tracking began  one-third of First Nations people and one-third of Indigenous men still report today they experience frequent racism.

Shauna Mulligan, who is Metis, still remembers experiencing racism as a young child.

"It was as young as elementary school," she says. "I was in Grade 4 or 5 and we were talking about the history of Canada and they lectured about the North-West Rebellion (the 1885 insurgency against the Canadian government led by Metis leader Louis Riel), which we now call the Resistance.

"They said all Metis were traitors of the Crown and they were all bad people."

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Shauna Mulligan, an instructor in the department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba.

Fast-forward to when Mulligan was a reservist with the Canadian Forces. She said a Metis colleague was sexually assaulted by another reservist.

"He said, Well, shes just a half-breed and no one will believe her," says Mulligan, now 42, a PhD candidate and full-time lecturer at the University of Manitoba.

She says it made her think back to the advice she got as a child; her family celebrated their culture at home and with relatives, but not outside their front door.

"I was told when asked if you are Metis, tell them no, Im French," she says. "Its so different now. Im taking Michif, and I tell my students that, like any language, if you dont use it you will lose it over time."

I was told when asked if you are Metis, tell them no, Im French. Its so different now."  Shauna Mulligan

And says she still hears what she knows is racism at the U of M, even if the person speaking doesnt realize it.

"A professor will say, from a colonial perspective, that Indigenous people were backwards. Excuse me, we were not. This perception we hold of Indigenous people unable to care for themselves is literally because of colonialism. I understand why they are saying these things, but they arent right."

The Probe survey also found half of Indigenous respondents believe statues depicting colonial figures connected to the residential school system should be removed. Support to do that from First Nations people was at 56 per cent.

Miyawata says she was on the Legislative Building grounds on Canada Day when the statue of Queen Victoria was pulled off its pedestal. A statue of Queen Elizabeth II was toppled, as well.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES The statue of Queen Victoria lays on the front lawn of the Manitoba Legislative Building after being toppled off its base on Canada Day.

"What I felt immediately was hope and only hope," she says. "You could hear people talking about how to do it and then everyone pulled it down together.

"I dont think most people even knew the statue was there. I dont think it needs to go back there. It is up to our community to decide what goes there."

Huard opposes the return of the statues.

"I think symbolically they represent something powerful in our community," Huard says. "I dont see any reason why they should be up."

GERRY CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS COLLECTION, ARCHIVES OF MANITOBA Rooster Town in March 1959. Soon afterward, residents were evicted and the buildings demolished to make way for new development.

Laura Forsythe, who is Metis, is a PhD candidate and lecturer at the University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education. She points to the name on a new library in south Winnipeg as a missed opportunity for the city to have done the right thing.

The Bill and Helen Norrie Library is located on Poseidon Bay adjacent to the Pan Am Pool. Its also located where a Metis community called Rooster Town existed from the late 1800s until the late '50s, when the city and media began using false stories peppered with racist stereotypes to humiliate and remove residents in order to encourage suburban development in what is now the Grant Park area.

"I teach about racism in Canada," says Forsythe. "I talk about how the Metis people were removed from Rooster Town  I am a descendent of Rooster Town  by the city. I talk about the new library and how audacious it is to name it after a politician and his wife. Im sure Bill Norrie was a fantastic mayor, and his wife, too, but it should have been named the Rooster Town Library."

As for polling numbers that suggest Indigenous people are beginning to see some movement towards reconciliation among non-Indigenous people, Forsythe says she sees a difference in how governments treat Metis people.

"I dont know if I agree  especially for the Metis nation  with the move towards reconciliation, because the (provincial) Conservative government is not moving towards reconciliation, but I see it at the federal level with them recognizing we have self-government," she says.

"And, with this summers uncovering of over 6,000 bodies of children, about the issues around residential schools and the children being taken from their families, people now realize something happened.

"Thats the first step; acknowledgment is Step 1."

The Probe survey found about one-third of Indigenous people believe Canadians are starting to understand the true impact of residential schools and are moving towards reconciliation.

Back at Kelvin, Miyawata has her sights set on training to become an oncologist.

"My grandma was one of the first Indigenous nurses; she won a Governor Generals Award for what she did in the health field," the teen says.

"Im very interested and driven to make change."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
The federal government went to great lengths to cover up the deaths of Indigenous children in residential schools throughout Canada's history. Records were destroyed, poorly kept, or deaths were not documented. The question Canadians should reflect on today, especially on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is why federal officials were so eager to conceal those atrocities.

The federal government went to great lengths to cover up the deaths of Indigenous children in residential schools throughout Canada's history. Records were destroyed, poorly kept, or deaths were not documented. The question Canadians should reflect on today, especially on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is why federal officials were so eager to conceal those atrocities.

Throughout much of the late 1800s and 1900s, Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced into unsafe, unsanitary residential schools that were breeding grounds for deadly communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis. Thousands of Indigenous children died in those schools, mostly from disease, but also from other causes, including accidents and suicide. Some ran away to flee sexual, physical and psychological abuse at the largely church-run, government-funded schools. Many remained missing.

There were varying numbers of deaths at the schools. What was common at all of them, though, was how the federal government tried to ensure no paper trail was left behind.

An 1892 photo of boys at the St. Boniface Industrial School, which taught First Nations students from across Manitoba manual trades and academics. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Until 1915, the Department of Indian Affairs published summaries from residential school principals that detailed the health conditions in schools, including the number of deaths. But once residential school deaths started to rise in the early 1900s, the department  without explanation  stopped publishing the information.

Some records were kept after that, but they were sporadic and grossly incomplete. In many cases, the names of the children who died were not recorded; in about half the cases, the cause of death was not documented. Some deaths were likely never reported.

Many of the records no longer exist. Research from the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report shows 200,000 Indian Affairs files were destroyed from 1936 to 1944. In 1957, the Department of Indian and Northern Health Services was instructed to destroy all records, including those pertaining to medical services, requests for treatment and hospital admissions, after two years. There was a concerted effort to leave behind as little paperwork as possible. It's as if someone was trying to hide something.

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There were whistleblowers in the early 1900s who tried to alert the public, but their reports were covered up or ignored. Among them was Dr. Peter Bryce, chief medical officer for Indian Affairs, who performed regular inspections of residential schools. His findings were consistently ignored. In one 1907 special investigation of 35 residential schools in the three Prairie provinces, Bryce found almost one-quarter of children had died. His recommendations on how to improve the health conditions in residential schools were rejected.

An absentee log from the St. Boniface Industrial School in Winnipeg. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

In 1914, the federal government, without a satisfactory explanation, informed Bryce that his annual inspection reports were no longer required.

For decades, that was the federal government's pattern when it came to residential schools: to suppress the ugly truth behind Canada's systematic attempt to destroy Indigenous people. The federal government didnt want its genocidal methods exposed. It wasnt how politicians wanted Canada to portray itself.

But that truth is now emerging, thanks to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and others. Non-Indigenous Canadians are relearning their history and discovering that the birth of their country and the wealth and privilege they enjoy today came at the expense of those who were here before them. Canada saw Indigenous people as obstacles to be shoved aside; their kids sent to facilities with no health and safety standards, where if they died, the government often didn't care enough to record their names, notify their families, or provide them with a proper burial. That is Canada's history.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will help highlight that. But its something Canadians will have to confront and work on daily if they want to help reverse the damage caused by the atrocities this country tried so hard to cover up for so long.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Residential school survivor Doug George-Kanentiio appealed to the federal government Thursday to help create a permanent museum in Canada to preserve the collective memories of Indigenous Peoples.

OTTAWA - Residential school survivor Doug George-Kanentiio appealed to the federal government Thursday to help create a permanent museum in Canada to preserve the collective memories of Indigenous Peoples.

"We the survivors will be there to guide people towards this reconciliation," George-Kanentiio said from a stage on Parliament Hill during a ceremony to mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

Doug George-Kanentiio, front centre, speaks with a woman as former Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde, rear right to left, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller look on during the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Thursday, September 30, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

George-Kanentiio told the crowd the story of his friend, Joey Commanda, who was killed by a train in 1968, when he was escaping the Mohawk Institute residential school in Brantford, Ont.

He said in August he was part of the Walk for Joey, which retraced the steps Joey took, and that the event sparked healing when Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Caroline Bennett attended, not for political benefit but because "they felt in their souls this needed to be done."

"It was at that moment (that) the history of Canada began to change," he said.

He is now hoping Miller, Bennett and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are prepared to hear the calls from survivors for "tangible" actions, including demands for criminal investigation and prosecution concerning the abuses and deaths of hundreds of children in residential schools all over Canada.

"Every residential school site, 130 of them, has to be declared a criminal site, a place where the most grievous crimes were brought to bear upon those children," he said. "Every site has to be protected."

He received the loudest applause, however, when he said the survivors want "a stand-alone Indigenous national museum with a residential school component attached."

"We will not be put into the museum of culture and Canadian history, we will not be shuffled off to some other corner," he said. "We need our own facility."

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George-Kanentiio, a member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation that straddles the Canada-U. S. border, is a former trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian. He said the vision for that museum, which opened in Washington, D.C., in 2004, started from nothing, but "we did it because we had this compelling vision that became a moral obligation that we were going to build a national museum literally within the shadow of the United States Capitol."

"Nothing less should be done here in Canada," he said, as the crowd roared its approval. "That we need this institution, to preserve our heritage, to collect our memories, and to ensure that Canadians into the seventh generation remember this part of our common experience."

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is the archive for the documents and oral histories collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Currently housed at the University of Manitoba, the Liberals promised to fund construction of a "permanent home" for the centre, budgeting $60 million in their platform for the 2022-23 fiscal year, and $5 million in annual operating funds after that.

Exhibits on residential schools are also part of the offerings at multiple museums, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg and the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que.

But Canada does not have a national museum dedicated to and built by Indigenous Peoples.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2021.
Here's a look at some of the most important cases decided by the US Supreme Court since 1789.

1803 - Marbury v. Madison

This decision established the system of checks and balances and the power of the Supreme Court within the federal government.

Situation: Federalist William Marbury and many others were appointed to positions by outgoing President John Adams. The appointments were not finalized before the new Secretary of State James Madison took office, and Madison chose not to honor them. Marbury and the others invoked an Act of Congress and sued to get their appointed positions.

The Court decided against Marbury 6-0.

Historical significance: Chief Justice John Marshall wrote, "An act of the legislature repugnant to the constitution is void." It was the first time the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a law that had been passed by Congress.

1857 - Dred Scott v. Sandford

This decision established that slaves were not citizens of the United States and were not protected under the US Constitution.

Situation: Dred Scott and his wife Harriet sued for their freedom in Missouri, a slave state, after having lived with their owner, an Army surgeon, in the free Territory of Wisconsin.

The Court decided against Scott 7-2.

Historical significance: The decision overturned the Missouri Compromise, where Congress had prohibited slavery in the territories. The Dred Scott decision was overturned later with the adoption of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in 1865 and the 14th Amendment in 1868, granting citizenship to all born in the United States.

1896 - Plessy v. Ferguson

This decision established the rule of segregation, separate but equal.

Situation: While attempting to test the constitutionality of the Separate Car Law in Louisiana, Homer Plessy, a man of 1/8 African descent, sat in the train car for whites instead of the blacks-only train car and was arrested.

The Court decided against Plessy 7-1.

Historical significance: Justice Henry Billings Brown wrote, "The argument also assumes that social prejudice may be overcome by legislation and that equal rights cannot be secured except by an enforced commingling of the two races... if the civil and political rights of both races be equal, one cannot be inferior to the other civilly or politically. If one race be inferior to the other socially, the Constitution of the United States cannot put them upon the same plane." The Court gave merit to the "Jim Crow" system. Plessy was overturned by the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

1954 - Brown v. Board of Education

This decision overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and granted equal protection under the law.

Situation: Segregation of the public school systems in the United States was addressed when cases in Kansas, South Carolina, Delaware and Virginia were all decided together under Brown v. Board of Education. Third-grader Linda Brown was denied admission to the white school a few blocks from her home and was forced to attend the blacks-only school a mile away.

The Court decided in favor of Brown unanimously.

Historical significance: Racial segregation violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

1963 - Gideon v. Wainwright

This decision guarantees the right to counsel.

Situation: Clarence Earl Gideon was forced to defend himself when he requested a lawyer from a Florida court and was refused. He was convicted and sentenced to five years for breaking and entering.

The Court decided in favor of Gideon unanimously.

Historical significance: Ensures the Sixth Amendment's guarantee to counsel is applicable to the states through the 14th Amendment's due process clause.

1964 - New York Times v. Sullivan

This decision upheld the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Situation: The New York Times and four African-American ministers were sued for libel by Montgomery, Alabama, police commissioner L.B. Sullivan. Sullivan claimed a full-page ad in the Times discussing the arrest of Martin Luther King Jr., and his efforts toward voter registration and integration in Montgomery were defamatory against him. Alabama's libel law did not require Sullivan to prove harm since the ad did contain factual errors. He was awarded $500,000.

The Court decided against Sullivan unanimously.

Historical significance: The First Amendment protects free speech and publication of all statements about public officials made without actual malice.

1966 - Miranda v. Arizona

The decision established the rights of suspects against self-incrimination.

Situation: Ernesto Miranda was convicted of rape and kidnapping after he confessed, while in police custody, without benefit of counsel or knowledge of his constitutional right to remain silent.

The court decided in favor of Miranda 5-4.

Historical significance: Upon arrest and/or questioning, all suspects are given some form of their constitutional rights - "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?"

1973 - Roe v. Wade

This decision expanded privacy rights to include a woman's right to choose pregnancy or abortion.

Situation: "Jane Roe" (Norma McCorvey), single and living in Texas, did not want to continue her third pregnancy. Under Texas law, she could not legally obtain an abortion.

The Court decided in favor of Roe 7-2.

Historical significance: Abortion is legal in all 50 states. Women have the right to choose between pregnancy and abortion.

1974 - United States v. Nixon

This decision established that executive privilege is neither absolute nor unqualified.

Situation: President Richard Nixon's taped conversations from 1971 onward were the object of subpoenas by both the special prosecutor and those under indictment in the Watergate scandal. The president claimed immunity from subpoena under executive privilege.

The Court decided against Nixon 8-0.

Historical significance: The president is not above the law. After the Court ruled on July 24, 1974, Richard Nixon resigned on August 8.

1978 - Regents of the U. of California v. Bakke

This decision ruled that race cannot be the only factor in college admissions.

Situation: Allan Bakke had twice applied for and was denied admission to the University of California Medical School at Davis. Bakke was white, male and 35 years old. He claimed under California's affirmative action plan, minorities with lower grades and test scores were admitted to the medical school when he was not, therefore his denial of admission was based solely on race.

The Court decided in Bakke's favor, 5-4.

Historical significance: Affirmative action is approved by the Court and schools may use race as an admissions factor. However, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment works both ways in the case of affirmative action; race cannot be the only factor in the admissions process.

2012 - National Federation of Independent Business et al v. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services et al

Situation: The constitutionality of the sweeping health care reform law championed by President Barack Obama.

The Court voted 5-4 in favor of upholding the Affordable Care Act.

Historical significance: The ruling upholds the law's central provision - a requirement that all people have health insurance or pay a penalty.

2013 - United States v. Windsor

This decision ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined the term "marriage" under federal law as a "legal union between one man and one woman" deprived same-sex couples who are legally married under state laws of their Fifth Amendment rights to equal protection under federal law.

Situation: Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer were married in Toronto in 2007. Their marriage was recognized by New York state, where they lived. Upon Spyer's death in 2009, Windsor was forced to pay $363,000 in estate taxes, because their marriage was not recognized by federal law.

The court voted 5-4 in favor of Windsor.

Historical significance: The court strikes down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, ruling that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to federal benefits.

2015 - King et al, v. Burwell, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al

Situation: This case was about determining whether or not the portion of the Affordable Care Act which says subsidies would be available only to those who purchase insurance on exchanges "established by the state" referred to the individual states.

The Court ruled 6-3 in favor of upholding the Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Historical significance: The court rules that the Affordable Care Act federal tax credits for eligible Americans are available in all 50 states, regardless of whether the states have their own health care exchanges.

2015 - Obergefell et al, v. Hodges, Director, Ohio Department of Health, et al.

Situation: Multiple lower courts had struck down state same-sex marriage bans. There were 37 states allowing gay marriage before the issue went to the Supreme Court.

The Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Obergefell et al.

Historical significance: The court rules that states cannot ban same-sex marriage and must recognize lawful marriages performed out of state.

2016 - Fisher v. University of Texas

Situation: Abigail Fisher sued the University of Texas after her admission application was rejected in 2008. She claimed it was because she is white and that she was being treated differently than some less-qualified minority students who were accepted. In 2013 the Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower courts for further review.

The Court ruled 4-3 in favor of the University of Texas. Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the case, presumably because she dealt with it in her previous job as solicitor general.

Historical Significance: The court rules that taking race into consideration as one factor of admission is constitutional.

2020 - Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia

Situation: Gerald Bostock filed a lawsuit against Clayton County for discrimination based on his sexual orientation after he was terminated for "conduct unbecoming of its employees," shortly after he began participating in a gay softball league. Two other consolidated cases were also argued on the same day.

The 6-3 opinion in favor of the plaintiff, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, states that being fired "merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII" of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Historical Significance: Federal anti-bias law now protects people who face job loss and/or discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Honorable mentions

1944 - Korematsu v. United States - The Court ruled Executive Order 9066, internment of Japanese citizens during World War II, is legal, 6-3 for the United States.

1961 - Mapp v. Ohio - "Fruit of the poisonous tree," evidence obtained through an illegal search, cannot be used at trial, 6-3 for Mapp.

1967 - Loving v. Virginia - Prohibition against interracial marriage was ruled unconstitutional, 9-0 for Loving.

1968 - Terry v. Ohio - Stop and frisk, under certain circumstances, does not violate the Constitution. The Court upholds Terry's conviction and rules 8-1 that it is not unconstitutional for police to stop and frisk individuals without probable cause for an arrest if they have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has or is about to occur.

2008 - District of Columbia v. Heller - The Second Amendment does protect the individual's right to bear arms, 5-4 for Heller.

2010 - Citizens United v. FEC - The Court rules corporations can contribute to PACs under the First Amendment's right to free speech, 5-4 for Citizens United.

The-CNN-Wire

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VERONA, N.Y. -- The American Red Cross is assisting three people after a fire caused extensive damage at a home in Verona Wednesday afternoon.

A home on Merry Street was engulfed in flames just after 2 p.m.

Multiple crews were called to the scene to assist, including Verona Fire Department, Vernon Fire Department, Vernon Center Fire Department, Oneida City Fire Department and New London Fire Department.

A portion of Merry Street was closed as crews worked to extinguish the fire.

The street has since reopened to traffic.
ALBANY, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Dr. Mary T. Bassett to replace Dr. Howard Zucker as New York state health commissioner effective Dec. 1.

Zucker submitted his resignation last week on Sept. 23. He has been the health commissioner in New York since 2015.

Bassett is currently the director of the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University.

"I am humbled and honored to return to my home state of New York to lead the Department of Health at this pivotal time," said Bassett. "The pandemic underscored the importance of public health, while also revealing inequities driven by structural racism. As we move to end the pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to create a state that is more equitable for all New Yorkers. I look forward to working toward this with Governor Hochul and the team at the Department of Health."

Bassett also served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2014 - 2018. During that time, she worked to address racial disparities in health care throughout the city.

Hochul says she sought someone who will focus on health equity, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our recovery from this pandemic requires tested leadership and experience to improve health equity and access across the state, and Dr. Bassett is perfectly equipped to lead the New York State Department of Health during this critical moment, said Hochul.

Throughout her career, Bassett has received several awards for her work in health care, including the Frank A. Calderone Prize in Public Health and the National Organization for Womens Champion of Public Health Award.
UTICA, N.Y.  Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul Thursday seeking emergency assistance from the state to address a shortage of bus drivers in Rome due to a cluster of COVID cases.

On Thursday, Rome City School District Superintendent Peter Blake said students would be switching to remote learning from Oct. 1  11 because of upwards of 20 COVID cases among the 70 bus drivers at First Student.

Picente says this abrupt change in students' schedules creates a hardship for parents, and shouldn't be an acceptable alternative.

Utica schools are facing similar challenges, and Picente is asking for state help before the situation worsens.

The letter reads, in part: "I am requesting that you take immediate action to help alleviate this crisis. Whether it is deploying the National Guard to drive buses or requiring school districts to amend hours of operation to stay open, I am open to discussing any valid solution. I am requesting you take action to put our children's education first. For too long in this pandemic their needs have been treated as secondary."

Read Picentes full letter to the governor below:
CANAJOHARIE, N.Y. (UPDATED) -- A 30-year-old Utica man is in custody following an armed carjacking in Montgomery County that led to a chase ending in Little Falls Wednesday afternoon.

Police say Jonathon Grico-Wolak is accused of pointing a gun at a mother and her 2-year-old son while stealing their car from the Betty Beavers Gas Station on East Main Street in Canajoharie.

That is when police say he got on the Thruway and led police on a chase.

Police say Grico-Wolak took Exit 29A and was eventually located on East Jefferson Street in Little Falls before turning onto the New York State Canal Trail. The pursuit ended when Grico-Wolak crashed into a ditch.

He then ran from the scene on foot toward a wooded area off of Route 5S in Little Falls, where he was apprehended shortly after.

State police charged Grico-Wolak with DWAI-drugs, criminal impersonation and several traffic violations. The Canajoharie Police Department also charged him with first-degree robbery, menacing, reckless endangerment and grand larceny.

The mother and son were not hurt during the theft.
UTICA, N.Y.  A social media post threatening to shoot up a school went viral Wednesday, and concerned parents reached out to Utica Police worried that the post may be about Proctor High School.

The post reads I will shoot up the school Thursday September 30th. Whoever reads this, this is good warning this is not a joke this is an active threat.

Utica police investigated the origin of the post and determined it had no ties to Utica and appears to have been posted by someone who lives in Florida.

Looking at the user who posted the threat, police say the videos and related stories were not taken in Utica or anywhere around Central New York. Police reached out to authorities in Florida, who were also familiar with the post, and found no evidence of any connection to Utica.

Police say no local parents or students reported directly receiving the message, and no one recognized the male in the post. Investigators determined it was just a viral post that was shared with local students.

However, UPD has submitted a preservation request to Instagram and the associated social media accounts as part of the investigation.

Reports of the viral post came after a large police presence outside Proctor High School at Wednesdays dismissal resulting from a separate gun threat investigation at the school.

Utica police say because of the recent threats, there will be many additional heightened security measures at schools in the Utica City School District to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
ROME, N.Y. -- If youre looking to get a booster shot, you wont be pulling money out of your pocket to get it. Vaccinations and booster shots are still considered free, but there are costs associated with administering the shots. Everything from security, and medical staff, to personal protection equipment. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente is planning for a financial long haul.

"Were going to be dealing with this for another couple years or more, and maybe it is an ongoing."

Residents getting a booster werent talking about the cost of the operation. Clinton Resident Lawrence Chrysler is thinking about who the virus has affected. "Ive known probably a good 8 or 9 people that are no longer with us because of it."

Rome Resident Jane Marolf is concerned about the spread of the disease. "Weve gone this far with it with no problems, and were looking at our children and our grandchildren, and we just figure its the thing to do."

Whitesboro Resident John Warner is getting a booster for himself and others. "Well because my age primarily, and the dangers around. I got grandchildren. I dont want to infect anybody else, and I dont want to get infected myself."

The County is hosting booster clinics on Thursdays and Fridays for those who received their second shot of the Pfizer vaccination 6 months ago or longer. New pods are expected to open when boosters are approved for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccinations, but the County Executive knows that the more vaccination pods that open, the more its going to cost.

"Im presenting my budget next week. Were going to talk a little bit more about whats next, and the need for a COVID division in the Health Department because its not going to go away."

The county executive estimates the pods to cost between $25,000-$50,000 a day.

The county has set up several clinics for the month of October. To reserve an appointment, click here.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)-During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illness is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness. For the upcoming flu season, a flu shot will be very important because it can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the community. IU Health Arnett is offering multiple ways for patients of IU Health to receive a flu shot.

For patients age 12 or older:

 Request a flu shot during any in-person visit with a healthcare provider.

 The IU Health Arnett Retail Pharmacy, located at Entrance 4 of IU Health Arnett Hospital, is providing walk-in flu shots for individuals 12 years of age and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No appointment is necessary at this location.

Pharmacy hours are Monday- Friday, 8 am- 6:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am  4:30 pm. You call 765-448-8900 to learn more.

For pediatric patients:

 Pediatric flu clinics will be held on Saturdays from 8 am - 2 pm and Sundays from 8 am-noon September 25 through December 5 at the IU Health Arnett Medical Offices located at 253 Sagamore Parkway in West Lafayette. Appointments are required. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To schedule an appointment, please call 765-448-8100.



Patients with Indiana Medicaid, part of the Vaccines for Children (VCF) program must schedule a regular office visit.

A flu vaccine provides several individual health benefits, such as keeping you from getting sick with flu, reducing the severity of your illness if you do get the flu, and reducing your risk of flu-associated hospitalization.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone older than 6 months receive an annual flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Purdue University sororities are canceling events with campus fraternities after a number of reported sexual assaults at frat houses.

As News 18 previously reported, Purdue police officers are investigating a sexual assault that happened Sept. 18 at Zeta Beta Tau.

It's one of several sexual assaults at campus frat houses reported in the past month. Purdue crime logs show at least five rapes reported in September at or near a fraternities.

The decision to cancel events with frats came from the Purdue Panhellenic Association, the governing body for Purdue sororities. The group says events will resume Oct. 17 after frat members complete a sexual assault education program.

Purdue Student Government issued a statement yesterday condemning the cases of sexual violence.

PSG Vice President Oliva Wyrick is a sorority member herself. She says she's glad to see the community taking a stand.

"In my mind, this is the truest embodiment of sisterhood," Wyrick says. "I have never been more proud to be a sorority woman on this campus than right now ... it's a really extraordinary time for women to come together and really take action."

PSG President Shannon Kang says she supports the movement.

"It's the time to take up that leadership and say, 'Hey, we're here, we're here to have fun but we first need to address this huge problem that hasn't been talked about for a really long time' ... and they are taking huge steps to make sure that happens," Kang says.

The Panhellenic Association is calling on fraternities to create a sexual assault prevention action plan. The Purdue Interfraternity Council says in a statement the group is working to meet those demands.

The IFC is the governing body for Purdue fraternities. The group says it's "fully committed to ensuring that all women in the Purdue community are respected by members of fraternity chapters."

The trend of sexual assaults has sparked a social media movement called #MeToo Purdue Greek Life. Activists are planning a sit-in outside Stewart Center ahead of Friday's Board of Trustees meeting.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)Victory Christian Center in West Lafayette is extending a helping hand to the community. Wednesday morning the center welcomed 80 pallets with more than 9,000 wipes. The center is teaming up with disaster relief organizations out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

This is the first year the center is working to bring similar resources to the area. Member Brad Marchel said the goal is to start a network with local organizations to provide certain supplies for people in Greater Lafayette.

"The whole ultimate goal is to get it into the hands of the everyday person just so that we can work together and get through this season that we are in as a country together," said Marchel.

Marchel said for more information call Victory Christian Center at (765) 447-7777.
W&M's Immigration Clinic assists Afghan refugees on the long road ahead

As the world watched Kabul fall, the William & Mary Law School Immigration Clinic sprang into action.

Founded in fall 2019, the Immigration Clinic represents immigrants across Hampton Roads in a variety of immigration cases, especially those immigrants who are survivors of trauma, crime and persecution. Since then, the Immigration clinic has trained law students to assist immigrants from around the world who otherwise would not have access to an attorney.



The Immigration Clinic is staffed by a faculty director, Professor Stacy Kern-Scheerer, and a supervising attorney, J. Nicole Alanko J.D. 18, who was placed at the clinic as an Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow, a grant-funded fellowship program.

They recently sat down to speak with the Law School Office of Advancement & Communications about the ongoing immigration challenges facing Afghans.

Q: You both served as volunteer lawyers last month assisting Afghan individuals and families who arrived at Fort Lee Army Base, Virginia. Can you talk more about what you did there?

Stacy: Many of the individuals and families arriving at Fort Lee when we volunteered were Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders or in the process of applying for Special Immigrant Visas. SIV is a visa specifically for those who assisted the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV status provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency  and ultimately citizenship  because of that service to the U.S. What we did at Fort Lee was help those who had not yet finished the last stages of their SIV application complete their petitions.

Q: While some people fleeing Afghanistan entered the country somewhere in the process of receiving a visa for helping the U.S. military, not everyone who is afraid of the Taliban assisted the U.S. military. What are the immigration options for them?

Stacy: It is true that many people arriving in the U.S. were somewhere in the Special Immigrant Visa application process. However, the scope of the crisis impacted many more people. There are a lot of situations that dont fit into the SIV category. In general, when someone seeks to come to the U.S., they have to have some kind of immigration pathway to get here. These pathways to visas or lawful permanent residency generally exist through family relationships, employment or humanitarian grounds. Because of the scale and scope of this crisis, attorneys and those assisting Afghans are utilizing as many of these pathways as they can for affected individuals. What we are seeing on a massive scale is the use of a mechanism called humanitarian parole so that impacted individuals and families can just get into the United States.

Q: What does it mean for someone to have humanitarian parole?

Stacy: Usually, humanitarian parole is not commonplace in immigration practice, because it reserved for dire situations. Now, with the large-scale emergency situation in Afghanistan, humanitarian parole is being used on a larger scale. What we are seeing is Afghans paroled in by the U.S. government generally have two years to figure out a pathway to lawful permanent residency. For example, some people who enter on parole are eligible for SIV and need to start the application. Other people might apply for asylum, such as someone who is subject to threats or danger from the Taliban because of who they are, whether or not they ever worked for the U.S. military. Others may have a family member who can petition for them for lawful permanent residency based on having a qualifying family relationship.

Q: Does humanitarian parole offer a pathway to citizenship?

Stacy: Not directly, no. Except in limited circumstances, someone must wait five years after receiving their lawful permanent residency (their green card) to apply to become a citizen. What were really thinking about right now is: How do we get people on a path to lawful permanent residency?



Nicole: This is exactly our challenge. Because humanitarian parole isnt a pathway to apply for a green card, we have to find other ways to help them get to permanent status in the United States. Like Stacy said, for people like the families we met at Fort Lee, this means helping them finish the process of applying for a Special Immigrant Visa. For others, this will mean applying for asylum. All of these grantor are an intermediate step to grantinglawful permanent residency.



Stacy: The complexity of all of these pathways illustrates how we are at the beginning of the immigration journey for many people. For those who have made it to the United States, they now have the time, but not unlimited time, to consult with an attorney to find their path to permanent status here in the U.S. if they do not already have one.

Q: How is the Immigration Clinic assisting Afghans who have fled Afghanistan, as well as people in the community who have family members still living in Afghanistan?

Stacy: As with most humanitarian crises, there are many competing needs happening all at once. The clinic is stepping up where and how we can. First, going to Fort Lee was an immediate way we could help recent arrivals with their immigration petitions. Moreover, despite the massive evacuation effort, there are many people who are still left behind in Afghanistan. One clinic students first assignment was to assist in preparing a humanitarian parole application for someone who is unfortunately still in danger in Kabul and who has family here in Hampton Roads.



Nicole: Another immediate effort that we are undertaking is ensuring that Afghans who have recently arrived have access to reliable information about the complex U.S. immigration system. In addition to general information on asylum, immigration court and changing addresses, we have set up a specific page for Afghans. We are working to get this translated into Pashto and Dari so that it is accessible to everyone who needs it. We want to be sure that everyone receives the information they need so that they dont fall through the cracks.



Stacy: In the more medium-term, we are also preparing to take on cases of Afghans who will need to apply for asylum. Like we said, many people who have come on humanitarian parole may ultimately apply for asylum based on fear of persecution by the Taliban should they return to Afghanistan. The clinic already has a robust asylum practice, and we even won our first case before the Department of Homeland Security this summer. We are well-situated and prepared to assist asylum seekers from Afghanistan with their cases.

Q: The challenges that clinic clients from Afghanistan face seem insurmountable: individuals and families fleeing their homes, who may have arrived here with little or no financial resources, suffered significant trauma or have loved ones who remain in danger in their home country. How does the clinic train students to assist in these circumstances?

Stacy: Whether they are from Afghanistan, El Salvador, the Philippines or somewhere in between, almost all of our clinic clients are facing these types of challenges. Because the clinic specializes in humanitarian cases, our entire curriculum is centered around teaching students the skills to enable them to be effective advocates under these conditions. In almost all of our cases, we are assisting people who have survived and fled incredibly dangerous and traumatic situations. Students in the clinic this semester are seeing these challenges through the lens of Afghanistan in addition to the other countries our clients are from.



Every semester, students acquire real practice skills by representing clients in these contexts under our supervision. We have to be mindful about how we teach, prepare, and train students to be trauma-informed and client-centered. We make sure that they have the resources, support and mentorship that they need in order to be effective advocates in these types of situations.

Q: Discussions of trauma sound like they fit better in the curriculum of another discipline, such as psychology. How do you add trauma and being trauma-informed into your law school curriculum?

Nicole: Being interdisciplinary is extremely important in the clinic. As one example, Craig Cashwell from the School of Education comes to the clinic each semester to train our students on the impact that trauma has on our clients. Our students learn what they need to provide more effective representation for our clients, whether that is an interview in our office or testimony in court.

Q: This work seems so emotionally difficult. How are students handling this?

Stacy: This work is hard, both intellectually and emotionally. For many of our students, this is their first time encountering these kinds of situations in a legal context. This adds an extra layer of difficulty, and we want to prepare our students for this, as well as support them through these challenges. To that end, we are extremely open with our students about self-care and vicarious trauma. When attorneys dont recognize how emotionally difficult this is or push aside their feelings, that is a clear path to burnout. That is the opposite of what we want our students to experience. To help address that, we have an open and honest dialogue about the challenges of doing this work.

Q: How does the clinics work illustrate the citizen-lawyer ethos?

Stacy: Our commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community is our touchstone. We train students to meet this immediate need in Hampton Roads. After graduation, students who were enrolled in the clinic are uniquely positioned to assist underserved populations wherever their careers may take them.



Nicole: What is most important to me about the clinic is that the clinic takes the values that make a citizen-lawyer  leadership, insight, inclusion, community and progress  and puts them into action. Putting these values into action means that we train our students to spot justice gaps and rectify them using the skills they bring to the clinic. One such justice gap is the lack of reliable information for immigrants in a variety of languages. People may be ordered deported without even knowing it simply because they didnt know how to check when their next hearing in immigration court would be. To remedy this, students translate our materials into a variety of languages, like Amharic, Mandarin and Arabic. By doing so, they are leading the way to support members of our community and rectify this simple injustice. By putting the values that make a citizen-lawyer into action, the Immigration Clinic is training the next generation of lawyers to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Q: How can people support the clinics work?

Stacy: There are different ways that individuals can support the clinic. For example, we are always looking for people who speak other languages fluently, especially less common languages. If you are fluent in or a native speaker of another language, we welcome you to contact us because we can always use more volunteers to help increase language access for our services.



The Immigration Clinic cannot do any of this work without the generosity of our donors and supporters. We are primarily funded by private grants and donations. This means that, without our supporters, we could not respond to the needs of our community as well as we do. We are proud of the work we have been able to accomplish over the last two years, and especially the growth that has been possible because of the addition of a second attorney. A full-time, dedicated staff attorney in addition to the director is necessary to sustain and increase the clinics capacity to represent more immigrants in complex cases, train more students, and educate the public on immigration law and police. Nicoles position is set to expire at the end of this year, at which point the clinic will only have me as the director as the only attorney on staff. The clinic cannot sustain this level of growth without continued funding for a second attorney.
W&M-NOAA partnership to study atmospheres effects on climate, public health in coastal cities

Over half of the world's population lives in cities, and in the U.S., the largest and most populous cities tend to be on coasts.

For New Yorkers, Upper Manhattan is known as the site of Grant's Tomb, the Apollo Theater, The Cloisters, Sylvia's Restaurant and Sugar Hill. For W&M chemist Rachel OBrien and a team of colleagues, the slice of city is the ideal marine-urban interface to study changes in the Earths atmosphere and its potential impacts on air quality and climate.

OBrien, assistant professor in William & Marys Department of Chemistry, and her co-PI Andy Ault, associate professor of chemistry at University of Michigan, were recently awarded a $600,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Atmospheric Chemistry, Carbon Cycle, & Climate (AC4) program to further understand the atmospheric interactions between megacity and marine environments.

Together with researchers from multiple institutions, including the University of Michigan, University of Washington, Colorado State, UC Irvine, Georgia Tech, Columbia, Yale, and the University of Minnesota, OBrien and Ault will examine the potential impacts of anthropogenic and marine emissions in coastal cities.

Many of the U.S.'s largest cities are located on or near coastlines, OBrien said. And urban populations are projected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. That makes it especially imperative to understand the atmospheric chemistry affecting both climate and air quality in major cities.

OBrien has devoted her career to the study of aerosols, particles that are created when fine solid bits or teeny liquid droplets are suspended in air or another gas. Dust, haze and smoke are all examples of aerosols. Carbon-based molecules, carried by aerosols in the atmosphere, can have large impacts on climate, air quality, human health and the environment.

According to the NOAA, cities are estimated to account for roughly 70% of the global fossil carbon dioxide emissions, and the compound is the largest influence on global climate change. In addition to climate concerns, the team will study air pollution, the fifth largest human-health risk factor globally and a public health concern in megacities around the world, according to the NOAA.

O'Brien and Ault's project hits on a key programmatic focus for the NOAA: better understanding the impact of understudied VCPs on ozone and aerosol formation, and their relative importance to urban air quality.

In urban atmospheres, volatile chemical products or VCPs (coatings, adhesives, inks, personal care products, cleaning agents, etc.) are emerging as a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a class of aerosols that are emitted into the atmosphere, OBrien explained. Some VCPs are harmful in and of themselves, such as those known to cause cancer, but they can also react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.

The emissions and impacts of VCPs on atmospheric chemistry are not well understood, OBrien said. Add in the presence of nitrogen oxides and the oxidation of ocean-emitted dimethyl sulfide in marine environments and the particles undergo chemistry that leads to the formation of ground-level ozone and aerosols. Both ozone and aerosols are harmful for humans to breathe and they can impact solar radiation, cloud formation and climate  all of which have potentially serious long-term repercussions for public health.

The team of researchers, which is slated to include W&M graduate and undergraduate students, will use mass spectrometry with spectroscopy to analyze aerosol particle samples from two NYC-Metro Area field sites. The collection sites, managed by chemists Drew Getner, Jordan Krechmer, and Andy Lambe from the company Aerodyne and Yale University, are run in coordination with Atmospheric Emissions and Reactions Observed from Megacities to Marine Areas (AEROMMA) and the New York City metropolitan Measurements of Emissions and TransformationS (NYC-METS) campaign.

One important piece of information is the size of the particles, OBrien said. Smaller particles can deposit deeper in our lungs, which increases their harmful health effects. Andy and I will be bringing size-resolved datasets to the team to help further understand how the VCPs influence the size of the particles.

Ultimately, the information they produce will be used to inform climate modeling and provide greater insight into changes in the citys environment, OBrien explained. She says the team plans to provide timely information to environmental managers and other stakeholder groups on the potential public health impacts from VCP emissions and fossil fuel sources.

She also hopes the work will reduce the levels of uncertainty in global climate models due to the fact that marine aerosols from biogenic sulfur emissions are currently underrepresented in the data. Overall, she adds, the urban and marine datasets will improve the representation of emissions and chemical and physical processes in the next generation NOAAs weather-chemistry models.

Our experiments will help us determine how the chemicals we use every day can end up contributing to harmful air pollution and climate in urban areas, OBrien said.
A performance at the award ceremony of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy on Monday in Qufu, Shandong Province. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Liang Ben]

Three educational programs were honored with this year's UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy on Monday in Qufu, Shandong Province. All three used digital platforms to promote basic literacy.

A program called Building and Growing, submitted by an organization in Mexico  Construyendo y Creciendo  was honored for providing inclusive literacy education for construction workers.

Ain Shams University in Egypt was recognized for organizing online literacy classes for rural people in that country. The program empowered girls and women by building literacy and digital skills, which are very much needed, said Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for education at UNESCO.

In Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, a program was aimed at people  mostly women working in the city's markets  who had not had the chance to attend school and consequently were hindered in their personal and socioeconomic development. By the end of the course, they had achieved basic functional literacy.

That program was submitted by the Association of Literacy Teachers Who Use Information and Communications Technology.

The massive educational disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on technology to enable learning. The three winning programs prove that robust solutions exist, Giannini said.

"Each of these programs is improving lives, breeding confidence and hope," she said. "They provide rich inspiration for others to adapt the wisdom of Confucius."

Confucius (551-479 BC) was a Chinese educator and philosopher credited as the first to set up a private school to enroll students from different social classes. His thoughts and ideas have had deep influence both in and beyond China.

The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy was established in 2005 to recognize the efforts of individuals, governments and NGOs in raising the literacy rate.

Because of the pandemic, the winners accepted their awards online. The ceremony was held during the 2021 China International Confucius Cultural Festival and the 7th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, which opened on Monday. More than 172 scholars from 16 countries and regions, along with 38 envoys and officials from 20 countries, attended the event in person or via online platforms.

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)
Villagers attend a spring ploughing ceremony in Quxu County, Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 16, 2020. [Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi]

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)  The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020), released by the Chinese government in September 2016, has been fully implemented, according to an evaluation report by third-party experts.

All of the 168 objectives and tasks in The Action Plan have been completed, with the nation achieving many ahead of schedule or going beyond the targets set, said the report evaluating the implementation of the Action Plan unveiled Wednesday.

"Generally speaking, from 2016 to 2020, China adhered to the people-centered development concept, earnestly implemented the constitutional principle of 'respecting and protecting human rights,' and took practical measures to actively promote the implementation of the objectives and tasks" of the Action Plan, read the report.

It noted an improvement in the protection of people's economic, social and cultural rights, civil and political rights, the rights of ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and the disabled, the promotion of human rights information dissemination and education, and achievements in relevant international exchanges and cooperation.

In particular, the report hailed China's success in eliminating absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, which have led to significantly greater protection for human rights in China.

The evaluation was commissioned by the Joint Meeting Mechanism of the National Human Rights Action Plan and conducted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Human Rights Institute of Southwest University of Political Science and Law.

(Source: Xinhua)
BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that in the past 30 years since China and Brunei established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained sound and fast development.

With continuously deepened mutual political trust and cooperation in various fields as well as close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, the two countries have set a good example of relations between countries of different sizes based on equality and mutual benefit for common development, he added.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have always supported and helped each other in times of difficulties, writing a new chapter of friendship, Xi said, adding that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Brunei relations.

Xi stressed that he is willing to work with his Majesty Sultan Hassanal, taking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity, to enhance strategic communication and deepen cooperation on fighting COVID-19 as well as joint construction of the Belt and Road, so as to promote the continuous new development of China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership and bring benefits to the two countries and their people.

Hassanal said in his message that China is an important cooperative partner of Brunei and bilateral cooperation has achieved positive progress.

He said Brunei thanked the Chinese side for its support and assistance to Brunei in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, and expressed readiness to deepen the strategic cooperative partnership with China so as to create more benefits to the two countries and their people.

(Source: Xinhua)
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries. It is often referred to as the British Commonwealth as most of its members were once colonies of the British Empire, subservient to the United Kingdom. Today, however, all members of the Commonwealth, including the UK, have equal standing. Together, the members of the Commonwealth have an estimated population of 2.5 billion. There are Commonwealth countries all over the world, including the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Some of the associations members still have the British monarch as their symbolic head of state, while others have opted to become republics.

Map of Commonwealth countries.

Commonwealth Countries of the Americas

The three Commonwealth countries on the continents of North and South America are Canada, Belize, and Guyana. Canada is the largest of all the Commonwealth countries and the second largest country in the world by area. It is also the most populous of all the Commonwealth countries in the Western Hemisphere, with a population of more than 38 million.

Traditional Changing of the Guards ceremony in front of the Canadian Parliament building on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada.

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. It is also the least populous of the Commonwealth countries in the Americas, with a population of less than 407,000. In the past, most of the people in Belize were of English and African descent, with the African population mainly descended from slaves brought to the country when it was part of the British Empire. Now, however, more than half of the people of Belize are of Latino and Mestizo descent.

Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America. It has an estimated population of 791,000. Guyana is also the only Commonwealth country in the Americas that is a republic, as both Canada and Belize are constitutional monarchies with a governor-general representing the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state. Throughout its history, Guyana has been beset by ethnic tensions between the Indo-Guyanese population (Guyanese of South Asian descent) and the Afro-Guyanese population (Guyanese of African descent).

Commonwealth Countries of the Caribbean

Jamaican dancers greet guests from the Royal Caribbean cruise in Falmouth, Jamaica. Editorial credit: Andrew Park / Shutterstock.com

The Commonwealth boasts ten members in the Caribbean. The largest and most populous of the Caribbean Commonwealth countries is Jamaica, which has a population of nearly 3 million. The least populous Commonwealth country in the Caribbean is St. Kitts and Nevis, in which just 53,000 (est.) people live. Like most Caribbean countries, those of the Commonwealth are very popular among international tourists because of their many beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant cultural scenes. Many if not most of the people who live in the Caribbean Commonwealth countries are of African descent, though there is also a large community of people in Trinidad and Tobago who are of South Asian origin. At present, all the Caribbean Commonwealth countries except Trinidad and Tobago have the British Monarch as their ceremonial head of state, though Barbados is also due to become a republic in November 2021.

Commonwealth Countries of Europe

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from Westminster Bridge at sunset, London, United Kingdom.

The Commonwealth has three members in Europe: The United Kingdom, Malta, and Cyprus. The United Kingdom, of course, was the mother country of the British Empire. At its height, the empire had territory in every part of the world, which is why people used to say that the sun never sets on the British Empire. Today, the empire that the UK once possessed is all but gone, aside from a few colonies consisting mostly of small islands. Nevertheless, the UK remains one of the worlds great powers. It is one of the five members of the United Nations Security Council and one of a handful of countries around the world that has a nuclear arsenal. The UK was once a member of the European Union, but left the political and economic alliance in 2020. The population of the UK is now estimated at 68 million.

The other two Commonwealth members in Europe, Malta and Cyprus, are located in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus became independent in 1960, while Malta achieved independence in 1964. Both countries are republics and members of the European Union. Cyprus has been a conflict flashpoint since 1974, when it became a divided island. The northern part of the island is now controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the south is controlled by the internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus.

Commonwealth Countries of Africa

A formation of drummers parade on the street during celebration to mark the Olojo festival in Ile lfe, Osun State, Nigeria. Editorial credit: Ajibola Fasola / Shutterstock.com

Africa is home to 19 Commonwealth countries. Five member states are located in Southern Africa, six in Eastern Africa, four in Western Africa, and four in Middle Africa. The largest and most populous Commonwealth country in Africa is Nigeria, which has a population of roughly 212 million. In contrast, the Seychelles, in which just 99,000 people live, is the smallest and least populous. Commonwealth member states Mozambique and Rwanda are distinguished by the fact that unlike most Commonwealth countries, they were never British colonies. Most of the Commonwealth countries in Africa are republics, though Lesotho and Eswatini have their own monarchies.

Commonwealth Countries of Asia

An Indian Sadhu baba takes a boat ride on River Ganges overlooking the historic Varanasi city, Varanasi, India. Editorial credit: Roop_Dey / Shutterstock.com

There are eight countries in Asia that are members of the Commonwealth. The largest and most populous of these members is India. With a population of nearly 1.4 billion, India is the second most populous country in the world. Its neighbor, Pakistan, has an estimated population of 226 million, making it the second most populous country in the Commonwealth. India and Pakistan have been in conflict with each other since they both achieved independence in 1947. Bangladesh, which was formerly East Pakistan, also boasts a large population of approximately 166 million. The populations of the other Asian Commonwealth countries pale in comparison.

Southeast Asian Commonwealth members, Singapore and Malaysia, have seen rapid economic growth in the past few decades. The latter shares the island of Borneo with both Indonesia and fellow Commonwealth member Brunei Darussalam, which is the least populous of all the Asian Commonwealth states. The smallest Commonwealth state in Asia is the Maldives, an archipelago of tiny islands in the Indian Ocean, not too far from India and Sri Lanka.

Commonwealth Countries of Oceania

View of Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge at twilight.

Eleven countries in Oceania are members of the Commonwealth. The largest and most populous is Australia, followed by Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. The remaining Commonwealth members consist of many tiny islands, some of which are so tiny that rising sea levels threaten to wipe them off the map. The smallest and least populous member of the Commonwealth is the tiny country of Nauru, in which just under 11,000 people reside.
Also referred to as Rio de los Brazos de Dios by the early Spanish explorers, the Brazos River is considered as the United States 11th longest river and the longest river that flows within the State of Texas. The headwaters of the 2,060km long Brazos River originates from the beginning of the Blackwater Draw stream in the Roosevelt County of the State of New Mexico. The river then flows through Texas and finally drains into the Gulf of Mexico. As one of the largest rivers in Texas, the Brazos River is used to mark the border between West and East Texas.

Geography

Aerial view of a boat sailing down the Brazos River and the skyline of the city of Waco, Texas.

The two Upper Brazos tributaries namely the Double Mountain Fork and Salt Fork rises on the high plains of Llano Estacado. The Brazos River originates at the confluence of these two tributaries in the Stonewall County of Texas. The river then flows for 1,350km in the southeast direction, through the heart of Texas before joining with the Clear Fork River close to the city of Graham to form the Lower Brazos River.

The Bosque River meets the Brazos River in Waco, Texas.

Some of the major tributaries of the Lower Brazos River include the Bosque River, Leon River, Little River, Lampasas River, Nolan River, Navasota River, Paluxy River, San Gabriel River, and the Yegua Creek. The Brazos River then flows eastwards towards the large cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, before turning in the southward direction and flowing through the campus of Baylor University and the city of Waco. The river continues its southward journey and flows past the cities of Calvert, Bryan, and College Station into the city of Richmond. The Brazos River finally drains into the Gulf of Mexico near the southern part of the city of Freeport.

Hydroelectric Dam at Lake Whitney on the Brazos River in Texas with the floodgates open.

The Brazos River has been dammed thrice to form Lake Granbury, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Lake Whitney. Situated on the Upper Brazos River, the Whitney Dam is used for controlling floods, generating hydroelectric power, and for irrigating the cotton fields. Covering a vast area of 119,174 sq. km, the Brazos River watershed hosts more than 42 lakes, streams, and rivers that have a combined storage capacity of 2.5 million acre-feet. The Brazos River watershed also stores about 119,275 acre-feet per year of groundwater. It has been estimated that about 31% of the watershed is used for agriculture, 61% is grassland, 19.8% is shrubland, 11% is forest, and only 4.6% is for urban settlements. Major educational institutions in Texas such as Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and Baylor University are situated close to the Brazos River Basin.

Several studies have raised concerns regarding the quality of water in the Brazos River watershed due to low dissolved oxygen, high salinity and bacterial levels, and high nutrient loads. It is believed that this poor water quality is mainly because of the chemical and fertilizer runoffs and the wastes of livestock that flow into the river from the agricultural areas and industrial sites that are located along the course of the river. Researches have shown that as of 2012, the Lower Brazos River has received about 33.4 million pounds of toxic wastes. Nevertheless, the Brazos River serves as a popular tourist destination and offers many recreational activities such as canoeing, boating, fishing, sandbar camping, picnicking, etc for its visitors. Boating and canoeing are popular activities as many suitable sites for launching and recovery are located along the river, and the best paddling spots are situated just below Lake Granbury and Possum Kingdom Lake.

Brief History

In 1822, one of the major Anglo-American settlement sites in Texas was established along the lower Brazos river valley. These Anglo-American settlement sites were considered to be the first English-speaking colonies that were founded by San Felipe de Austin and Stephen F. Austin along the Brazos River. In 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico in the unincorporated community of Washington-on-the-Brazos in the Washington County located along the Brazos River. During the Texas Revolution, the Brazos River also served as the site of a fierce naval battle between the Mexican and Texas Navy. The Brazos River is presently under the administration of the Brazos River Authority and the river serves as the principal source of water for irrigation, recreational activities, and generation of hydropower.
Dusty Button was a ballerina for the Boston Ballet from 2012 to 2017.
Wrexham Council appoints two new executive board members despite calls for reduction in numbers

Wrexham Council has appointed two new executive board members despite calls for the number of senior roles to be reduced.

The vacancies arose after Conservative Cllr Andrew Atkinson disclosed he was in Panama on a working holiday, and then announced he was staying there and thus resigned his councillor duties as of yesterday  31st August.

The second vacancy came about after Wrexham Independents Cllr Joan Lowe resigned with immediate effect due to poor health, days after claims she used inappropriate language used in private meeting.

A vote was held yesterday to confirm the appointment of Cllrs Beverley Parry-Jones (Cons) and Sonia Benbow-Jones (Ind) to replace them.

The move was ratified at a full council meeting despite the opposition of Plaid Cymru councillors, who asked for the size of the executive board to be cut although did not specify which Lead Member position they would remove.

Speaking at the virtual meeting, group leader Marc Jones said: The reason for our group voting against this proposal is not a reflection on the individuals concerned.

I also welcome the fact that we are getting a slightly more balanced executive board in terms of gender.

But as a group, weve been consistent in calling for a reduction in numbers of executive board members, and it would be remiss of us to vote to increase the numbers.

The reduction to eight happened by accident due to resignations, and the sky didnt fall in.

I think this is a missed opportunity to maintain that number going into the next election.

Labour group leader Dana Davies said her party would be supporting the appointments and said they welcomed the much needed diversity. However, she said Labour members were also concerned about the effectiveness of some portfolios, The Labour group recognises that this authority is under review by two regulatory bodies, and that our chief officers, as well as the regulatory bodies, need the Lead Members in place to implement the statutory improvements. It is for that reason that the Labour Group will be supporting this report this evening.

In response, council leader Mark Pritchard (Ind) said he would back a wider review of all committees in the future but not before next years local elections.

He said: Theres an election next year and then if whoever is sitting and running the council wants to reconsider the executive board numbers then they need to do so.

But what I would say is that it isnt just about the executive board and the efficiency.

If youre going to do a review, you need to do a review across the council, and that would cover the executive board members, chairs, scrutiny, etc. I think it needs to be balanced and fair.

The appointment of Cllrs Parry-Jones and Benbow-Jones was approved by a majority at the end of the meeting, with only Plaid Cymru councillors voting against.

The details of which positions they will take up was not announced in the meeting however we understand it is likely:

Cllr John Pritchard was Lead Member for People  Youth Services and Anti-poverty, a role that could go to Wrexham Independents Cllr Sonia Benbow Jones.

Cllr Pritchard could takeover the Lead Member for People  Health and Adult Social, the role previously held by Cllr Lowe.

Mr Atkinsons Lead Member for People  Childrens Services role could go to incoming Conservative Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones.

Cllr Lowe leaving the Executive Board was the second such resignation by a member of Cllr Bithells Wrexham Independent Group, with Cllr Bill Baldwin resigning back in November 2019 pending the outcome of an investigation into a series of posts shared by him on Facebook. No details or outcome of that investigation have been made public.

Wrexham.com / Liam Randall LDR.
A recently published report condemns the conditions of asylum seekers herded into temporary accommodation in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic. It compared accommodation in hotels to detention centres.

The report was produced by academics at Napier University in Edinburgh in cooperation with Glasgow-based Migrants Organising for Rights and Empowerment (MORE). Its aims included documenting the experiences of asylum seekers in Glasgow and the impact of their relocation. It found that putting asylum seekers in temporary accommodation had increased the risk of them contracting COVID-19.

Border force officials stand up as people thought to be migrants who made the crossing from France are brought into port after being picked up in the Channel by a British border force vessel in Dover, south east England, Thursday, July 22, 2021. AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The reports interim findings included:

The relocation of our participants to hotel-type accommodation during the pandemic had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, as individuals were faced with a number of restrictions such as losing their cash payments, being unable to cook their own food, having their mobility restricted, being unable to visit friends or have visitors.

Far from offering a safe environment during COVID-19, our participants experienced these forms of temporary accommodation as unsafe and often as detention-like paces.

Relocations to temporary or contingency forms of accommodation took place with little consideration of peoples needs and with no consultation with asylum seekers themselves. In some cases, individuals were even threatened with deportation by the accommodation providers staff if they resisted the move.

From the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until October that year the Home Office increased its use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers around eight-fold, from 1,200 to 9,500. The Napier university team spoke to around 50 asylum seekers in Glasgow.

The report details the intolerable situation many were forced into. It notes that a key policy change that took place during the pandemic was the withdrawal of financial support for those asylum seekers living in hotel-type accommodation throughout the UK. While asylum seekers usually receive 39.63 per week, the financial support was stopped for those who were moved to hotels during the pandemic. This was based on the grounds that for those moving to full-board accommodation, the basic necessities such as food and toiletries would be provided so there was no need to give cash payments. This policy decision was widely criticised for leading to the deterioration of asylum seekers mental health and wellbeing, and its lawfulness was challenged in court by legal firms representing asylum seekers.

Other asylum seekers were sent into a Mothers and Baby Unit in Glasgow, opened in October 2020. The report notes that at the heat of the second wave In January 2021, the Unit housed around 25 asylum-seeking women with babies or who were pregnant. Previously used for accommodating young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the facility was refurbished by Mears in 2020, turning it into 37 self-contained bedsits. It was criticised for its unsuitability and cramped conditions.

One woman, Miriam, was being sent to the Mothers and Baby Unit. As she was collecting her belongings, including some food, she was told, You are a destitute, you an asylum seeker. You're not supposed to have all these things. She asked a driver what would happen if she refused to go into the unit. The driver replied, it's your right if you can refuse, you can refuse. But you should know that if you refuse [the] Home Office can also decide to deport you.

Beginning in April last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to explode, several hundred asylum seekers in Glasgow were removed from temporary flats and put in five hotels around the city. Mostly men there were also pregnant women.

In June last year an asylum seeker, Badreddin Abadlla Adam, was shot dead by police after he stabbed six people including three fellow asylum seekers. The Sudanese man had been put in the Park Inn hotel, Glasgow. Forced to self-isolate in his room because of suspected COVID-19, his mental health quickly deteriorated. A friend explained to Sky News, Because of bad food [at the hotel] this man [Badreddin] started to suffer from abdominal disturbances and vomit every time. The people thought he was affected by coronavirus and detained him in his room for one month which affected his mental health badly.

Similar conditions were detailed in a Refugee Council report in April this year. It was based on interviews with around 400 asylum seekers in Hull, Leeds, London and Rotherham.

The Refugee Council said that its staff have been extremely concerned about gaps in support for people, and have often had to step in to provide basics like shoes and coats and make sure that people receive the food they need. Peoples mental and physical health has declined, and they have spoken about their feelings of isolation and abandonment.

The council added, Many people are lacking adequate clothing and footwear, often having arrived in the UK with just the clothes they are wearing. The Home Office does not provide clothing for people seeking asylum and the Refugee Council routinely works with people whose only footwear has been a pair of worn flip flops. Having such unsuitable footwear means people are unable to leave the hotel for exercise or to access services which are typically a fair walking distance from the hotels.

Hotels are not the only inappropriate accommodation being used for asylum seekers. It is now a year since the former Napier barracks in Kent were first used to house asylum seekers. It was the scene of protest and a fire.

Marking the anniversary of its opening, Steve Valdez Symonds, the UK Refugee and Migrant Rights director for Amnesty International told the Evening Standard on September 21, Over the past year, the squalid detention-like conditions at Napier Barracks have spread Covid-19, renewed or exacerbated psychological traumas and generally punished people for doing no more than exercise their right to seek asylum in the UK.

The barracks are now a byword for the cruel injustice of the Governments attempts to shirk responsibility for providing a fair, humane and properly-run asylum system.

The recent influx of refugees from Afghanistan have not fared much better. Speaking before a Home Affairs Committee meeting of MPs in parliament on September 22 Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, said 7,000 Afghan refugees were in hotel accommodation including 70 unaccompanied children. The government could not rule out them still being in hotels at Christmas, with Rycrofts deputy, Tricia Hayes, telling MPs vaguely, While at the minute we cannot put a date on when we are going to get people out of hotels, we all want to do it as quickly as possible.

The use of hotels and other large facilities to accommodate asylum seekers is being used by far right and fascist forces to harass and abuse them. A Freedom of Information response by the Guardian newspaper from the UK Home Office showed 70 racist incidents at hotels and barracks housing asylum seekers in an 18-month period up to the end of July.

The Tory government is moving to make the situation for asylum seekers even more intolerable. Its Nationality and Border Bill currently going through parliament having passed two readings, includes proposals to set up offshore accommodation and reception centres in Africa and mainland Europe. It would also make it illegal for asylum seekers to enter the UK without prior permission. Those entering without permission, which would be the case for the majority of those coming to the UK, could face the threat of up to four years in jail followed by deportation. The United Nations refugee organisation, UNHCR, said in a September 23 statement that the proposals would break international law.
COVID-19 infections and deaths have returned to record-high levels in Romania, Bulgaria, and other Balkan countries following the reopening of schools.

Since the pandemic began, more than 1 million of Romanias 19.4 million residents have contracted the virus, and 36,230 have died. Last Wednesday alone, there were 130 deaths. Between the second and third waves, that number had fallen to two on some days.

The number of new daily infections on Friday returned to the level of last December, i.e., 7,676. Officials say it could rise to 20,000 by early October. At the same time, the number of unreported cases is enormous. According to estimates by the health organization MedLife, infection figures are five to seven times higher than the officially reported numbers.

As of last Wednesday, only 32 intensive care beds were still available in the entire country, but these beds could not be used because of a lack of properly trained staff.

The reason for the dramatic increase in infections is the opening up of schools after the summer vacation, combined with the countrys low vaccination rate of just 30 percent. Even now, 40 percent of medical staff and teachers are not vaccinated. After schools were closed for extended periods last year, unrestricted face-to-face classes resumed on September 13. Now schools have become hotspots of transmission. According to the Ministry of Educations figures, which are likely to be a significant underestimation, 3,362 students and preschoolers and 1,200 school employees have been infected.

Experts have long warned against opening up schools, predicting a rapid rise in infection and death rates. Schools act as an accelerant for transmission in communities. Its like driving in first gear in the community and then immediately shifting into fifth gear when children attend school, explained health expert Razvan Chereches.

While universities are partially switching back to online lectures, all of Romanias political partiesgovernment and oppositionhave agreed to keep schools open in the interest of the economy. In light of the possibility of new elections, all of the parties have stated that there will be no lockdown or the reimplementation of the protective measures introduced last year. Following the loss of its majority, the countrys right-wing government led by Florin Citu is expected to call for a new election.

COVID-19 infections are also rising sharply in neighbouring Bulgaria. Last week, 516 people died as a result of the disease, the highest number this year. Of the countrys 7 million inhabitants, almost half a million have become infected, 20,350 have died, and more than 4,700 people are currently in hospital, with around 400 in intensive care. The situation is extremely tense because the Bulgarian health care system was in a disastrous state even prior to the pandemic. Since then, the situation has only worsened.

Last week alone, 152 new infections were reported among medical staff. This means that 14,287 employees in this sector have now been infected. Information on how many have died is not available. In schools, the situation is similarly devastating. As with medical staff, only 30 percent of teachers have been vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the Ministry of Education, one in five teachers has already been infected with the virus.

When schools opened on September 15, just 2 percent of students had been vaccinated. The spread of the virus in schools was directly enabled by the government. Education Minister Nikolay Denkov explicitly allowed celebrations in schools when classes began, and the countrys interim government is doing nothing to increase vaccination rates. In mid-August, just 15 percent of the population had been vaccinated, and even now Bulgaria is at the bottom of the list in Europe for vaccination rates.

In November, following yet another failure to form a government, the third parliamentary election this year is expected to take place. All of the parties are united in opposing any new measures to contain the pandemic.

In Kosovo, with a population of 1.9 million, a total of 16,000 infections and 2,931 deaths have been reported, although the number of unreported cases is likely to be many times higher. The countrys clinics have been at the edge of their capacity in recent weeks. A nurse at Pristina University Hospital told Radio Free Europe it was no longer possible to care for patients with one nurse responsible for 20 people. Patients often had to be cared for by relatives, which further increased infections in the clinics.

The small countrys criminal governments have completely neglected the health care system. A paltry 3.5 percent of gross domestic product is spent on it annually, according to 2019 figures. As is the case in many other Balkan and Eastern European countries, a majority of doctors, nurses and other health professionals have long since migrated to other European countries, because local wages are not enough to survive on.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti had contested the election campaign last winter by rejecting renewed protective measures. A total of 50 children have already had to be hospitalized for a serious course of infection, even though schools were still closed. On Friday, Kosovos Health Minister Arben Vitia announced that schools would reopen starting September 27. The government thereby rejected a demand by the state-run National Institute of Public Health to further postpone the start of school.

In Serbia, numbers have risen to the level of the first wave. Of the nearly 7 million residents, 906,000 have been infected so far and over 8,000 have died. Again, the number of unreported cases is likely to be higher.

The WHO representative in Serbia, Marian Ivanusha, commented on the seriousness of the situation, Every day in Serbia, as many people die as the number of passengers on a bus. If thats not worrying, I dont know what is. While initially the pace of vaccination in Serbia was very high, the government has since halted all efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Across Europe, Serbia has the highest rate of new infections.

In Montenegro, the seven-day average reached new records in September. About 500 new infections are reported daily. Again, the countrys clinics are bursting at the seams, with only about 41 percent of the population vaccinated, and the number of severe infections is increasing.

In North Macedonia, a devastating fire disaster at an improvised COVID-19 clinic in September shed light on the dire situation in the country. In the town of Tetovo, a fire killed 14 patients and injured 12, some seriously. According to reports, an exploding oxygen tank may have started the fire. Local media reported that there had already been difficulties with the oxygen tanks and associated equipment last month.

Burning Covid-19 clinic in Tetovo, northern Macedonia (video screenshot)

The makeshift facility, assembled from containers, is one of about a dozen set up to supply clinics that are completely overloaded with coronavirus cases. Here again, less than 30 percent of the population is vaccinated.
Dana Incorporated World Headquarters in Maumee, Ohio [WSWS photo]

The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke with a Dana auto parts worker in Kentucky about conditions at his plant, where workers are routinely denied the right to an adequate lunch break and given no paid time off even if they test positive for COVID-19. The previous contract expired six weeks ago, but the trade unions that represent Dana workersthe UAW and USWhave forced workers to keep working to produce parts, with no regard for workers health and safety.

The Kentucky Dana worker asked to use a pseudonym and will be referred to as Pat.

WSWS: Can you tell us your thoughts about the UAW and USWs claim that they are entering into negotiations with the company again?

Pat: This doesnt sit well. The UAW is dragging this out. This becomes a cycle, where we have lots of overtime and people eventually leave. The company views us as replaceable. People are mad because they did not price the labor market. Some places near us are hiring at $21/hour, and at Dana they offer $17-19. A lot of people took it as an insult.

WSWS: What is the COVID-19 situation like at your plant?

Pat: A lot of people have had COVID or are scared to miss time off from work. Thats because the company doesnt offer paid time off. They say, File unemployment. There have been times when there have been a lot of positive cases in the plant. Its a weekly factor, its always changing. It never disappears. Hospitals are overwhelmed here, Ive heard. Just thinkthis Fortune 500 company offers no paid sick time for COVID! They refer you to unemployment. Seriously, what the hell! Heres the thing. If youre a single mother with kiddos, living paycheck to paycheck, if you get sick, then you might not get paid for two weeks.

WSWS: They send you to unemployment, and then what are you supposed to do?

Pat: One coworker told me that they were so sick that they just gave up trying for the unemployment, because COVID was so bad. I mean, if you have COVID really bad, youre not going to bother with unemployment. I had one person tell me they were so sick they said the heck with it because they felt so sick. Youre going to deal with more bullcrap to get a weeks payment. Some people were out for three weeks. The moral of the story is that if you get COVID really bad, do you want to deal with unemployment headaches that you might not qualify for?

WSWS: How long do you get for lunch?

Pat: They give us only 10-minute breaks and a 20-minute lunch break. By the time you get to the lunchroom and get in line to cook your food, 5 minutes have gone by. Its ridiculous. I asked for longer breaks, and the union said they shot it down. Someone should look into whether the Department of Labor says we get a half hour for lunch breaks. We don't get that long. There are not enough microwaves. So, you walk across the building and go get your lunch. Everyone is in line for a microwave. The clock is ticking. You buy a few items from the vending machine, wash your hands and sit your butt down. Fifteen minutes have gone by.

WSWS: What has the UAW done about it?

Pat: I talked to the UAW, and they said they are not going to revisit lunch breaks in this contract.

WSWS: Is this rule enforced fairly?

Pat: No, some workers dont get in trouble for taking double time on lunches. No one understands it. Its the same thing with cell phone use. There is huge favoritism. I guess it depends on who you are if you get in trouble or not.

WSWS: Did you hear about the UAW and Dana working to fire Keaira Marsenburg, a worker at the Dana plant in Toledo, Ohio? This is a worker who spoke up to defend herself and coworkers. She was framed up and fired with the help of the UAW.

Pat: I am not surprised. They try to put a target on your back. I will keep her in my prayers.

WSWS: Do you have any words for your fellow Dana workers at other plants, or for auto workers at the Big Three and around the world?

Pat: The employees have all the power these days. These companies probably want to get the 2022 models out. People are NOT replaceable. The working class figured this out, and we are fighting back now.

WSWS: What do you and your coworkers think about the Autoworker Newsletter ?

Pat: Ill read your stuff and pass it on to my coworkers. Its getting passed around like candy. People discuss it daily. Youve got a lot of people talking. Ill keep reading, we will all keep reading. You are very popular at my plant. The UAW will try to shut you guys down. They hate the online stuff. We all wait patiently for the next article. You have the majority here, I do know that.
A wave of school occupations has broken out in Greece to demand safe classrooms, and to protest attacks on education by the New Democracy government.

Occupations have taken place at many high schools and especially in lyceums in the most populated area of the countryAttica, which includes the capital, Athens, and other town and cities on the mainland and islands including Thessaloniki, Patras, Volos, Lamia, Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno.

Students are demanding smaller classes and an end to the 50%+1 protocol under which schools will only close classes if a there is one person more than half the class who has COVID. They insist on free and frequent rapid tests in schools for all children, and not just self-tests, and recruitment of the necessary cleaning staff. Students also demand the recruitment of more teachers.

Students hold up a protest banner outside the town hall in Petroupoli district in northwestern Athens on September 24, 2021. It reads, "50+1 sardines in boxes you are making making profits on the backs of children" (Credit: Dimitris Giannitsis/Facebook)

A central demand is for the abolition of the minimum admission system for university qualification. This was passed by the right-wing government in February and establishes a minimum entry requirement for university and a maximum graduation term. It requires students on most courses to complete their degrees within six years.

As in all countries, children have been sent back into school with hardly a mitigation measure to prevent them getting COVID. The TOC newspapers web site reported Wednesday that 4,026 cases, almost a third (29 percent) of all new cases recorded in Greece for the week September 20-26, were aged 4-18 years. This was an increase of 21 percent among that age group in just one week.

A statement published Saturday by the Athens Students' Coordinating Committee, which has organised many of the protests, denounced government lies that pupils would return to safe classrooms. The first weeks of school operation have proven that the government's big words that 'schools will operate normally this year' are fairy tales. The statement added, You have returned us to an oppressive stressful school. We are running from school to tutorials, from tutoring to studying to make up for the huge gaps we all have.

In the summer Kyriakos Mitsotakis government passed a law under which the countrys 180,000 schoolteachers can be required to hold all classes online, from pre-school nurseries to sixth forms preparing for university entrance exams. Refusal to participate can lead to teachers and pupils, many of whom do not have the necessary equipment, being victimised. This law is now being used against schoolchildren and teachers who are supporting the occupations and are being deemed absent from class.

The statement continued, You have chosen to gamble again with life and our right to education! Get ready to face us again this year! Let's go! The government thinks it has found a new trick to terrorize us: Running webex [the digital platform set up for remote learning] when a school is being occupied. (By the way, you didn't care about running webex so much last year when students didn't have microphones, cameras, etc., nor do they care about students getting sick with Covid now

The organisation has called national protest for October 11. It said in reference to the suppression by the government against a mass movement of pupils occupying school nationally a year ago to oppose unsafe classrooms, Let us remind you that last year you brought us prosecutors, police, threw chemicals at us, arrested students and still didn't stop us.

The statement called for parents and teachers to fight together! Student Councils, Parents Associations and Associations of Teachers.

There is widespread support for the students fight among teachers. At a General Assembly of the OLME teachers trade union on September 25, as the occupations were escalating, delegates voted to back the student occupations. Expressing the sympathy of rank and file- teachers, by 92 percent they ratified a proposal to strike, or abstain from tele-education, where there are already student occupations underway. By the same margin, they voted in opposition to the Ministry of Educations stipulation that teachers be assessed for their performance.

Local OLME teacher delegates voting to support the school occupations (Credit: Panos Doulas/Facebook page COVID-19 SolidarityMenoume energoiWe will stay active)

Occupations began Friday and by Tuesday had spread throughout the country. On Tuesday, ERT reported that 19 schools were occupied in Thessaloniki.

TOC reported, In Veria [in northern Greece], the 1st 2nd and 4th Lyceum, the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Gymnasium are closed due to occupation, while for a short time the students of the Music School and the 3rd Lyceum of Veria were also occupied.

Many secondary schools in the Peloponnese are under occupation. Already in Tripoli the 1st Gymnasium - Lyceum, the 2nd GymnasiumLyceum, the 3rd Lyceum, the 4th Lyceum and the EpAL [Vocational Lyceum] of Tripoli are under occupation.

The website reported that the 3rd high school of Sparta is under occupation since today, Monday 29 September.

In Corinthia, the Gymnasium and Lyceum at three schools, Zeugolati, Vrachati and Velos were occupied.

Between Friday evening and Monday morning 24 schools were occupied in Epirus. TOC reported, According to the data available so far, eleven schools in Arta, seven in Giannina, two in Preveza and four in Thesprotia are under occupation. It noted that in Giannina, The students are raising demands related to pandemic measures and issues related to school infrastructure.

TOC also reported that in the Magnesia region of Greece, of which Volos is the capital, eight schools were occupied, with students raising many issues, mainly about the coronavirus measures.

In the regional unit of Phthiotis in central Greece, pupils at the 7th Gymnasium of Lamia began occupying on Tuesday morning. The presented demands including that self tests be available for all and that masks must be used. TOC reported that they demand that the class be closed when a student becomes ill

Many schools on Greeces islands were occupied, with at least seven under occupation in Corfu. In Crete, data from the Department of secondary of education confirmed that the occupation had hit 14 schools in Heraklion. The goodnet web site reported that schools occupied included, 1st, 2nd ,4th middle School, high School, Panormos, high School of the Diocese, the high school Spili, high school Anogia, 1st, 2nd, 3rd ,4th YELL county, the Experimental secondary school, Music School, the 1st and 2nd EPAL.

The occupations to demand safe classrooms, in the middle of a pandemic in which the youngest in society are being infected on mass are part of a growing movement internationally against the homicidal policies of the ruling elite. It is significant that these demands are being made alongside ones to demand more spending on education and on the recruitment of teachers.

On Friday October 1, parents in Britain and internationally are holding school strike and refusing to send their children into unsafe schools, following a proposal by British parent and campaigner Lisa Diaz. The World Socialist Web Site urges parents, teachers and pupils in Greece to support this strike and to send your messages of support here .
The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee (UK) passed a resolution this week in support of parent and SafeEdForAll member Lisa Diazs call for a school strike tomorrow, October 1.

The resolution reads: The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee (UK) fully supports the call made by parent Lisa Diaz for a parents strike on October 1. It is an important initial step taken to oppose the herd immunity strategy of the Johnson government, supported by the Labour Party and trade unions.

Over 59,000 British children were reported infected with COVID-19 in the first two weeks of school reopenings, and over 45,000 more had suspected cases. The equivalent of a class of children is being hospitalised by the virus every day. Close to 90 children in the UK have already been killed and an estimated 38,000 aged 216 are currently living with Long COVID.

With school absences on the rise and some schools implementing their own contact tracing and isolation systems, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has threatened that the government wont stand back and let attendance fall.

This is a global issuein the US, both children and educators are dying of COVID-19 at a rate of at least three per day nationwide.

The Committee will do everything we can to mobilise support for the October 1 action and calls on parents, educators and all workers to do the same.

Year 7 pupils arrive back at Great Academy Ashton in Manchester as schools reopen after the summer holidays, Ashton-Under-Lyne, England, Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Fewer measures are in place in schools than during last term, with bubbles and masks no longer in use in England and Wales, while Northern Ireland has also scrapped social distancing requirements. ( AP Photo Jon Super)

James, a teacher in a secondary school and a member of the committee, told the WSWS about his experience of the return to school:

The [academy] trust said that there were going to be no measures apart from hand sanitizer. The first day back we had a whole staff meeting where we all sat in the same hall for the entire day, without mitigation measures. And that was a directive from above, from the Multi Academy Trust. It felt bizarre considering how careful I and my family have been in our everyday lives.

The kids were back in classes as usual. There have been assemblies with the whole year group sitting together in rows. There was nothing in place in terms of mitigations for the first four weeks of term. Weve now had so many cases of students off sick with COVID that the school had to contact Public Health England. They suggested we bring back mask wearing in high-traffic areas of the school, which does not include classrooms!

Ive been teaching half-sized classes for the last two weeks. Some of my colleagues have had just four or five kids in a class out of 30. We have a couple of teaching assistants off, a couple of staff off.

Theres no tracing of close contacts within the school anymore. Theyre missing loads of contacts who could possibly be infected and spreading the virus as well. Its ripping through the school.

Staff have been very considerate of each other. But weve been left to fend for ourselves. The idea is that its down to you to protect yourself, which just isnt feasible in a pandemic. The school has a responsibility for our health and safety. We do our best to follow guidance, but its not mandatory, its inadequate and schools interpret it very differently. Weve not been given PPE. Weve all had to provide our own masks.

Asked about the trade unions, James replied, Theyve been non-existent. Theyve sent emails about looking forward to getting back to school. The message were getting from the unions is that there will be challenges this year, but well get through it.

The huge action that shut schools in January was down to individual teachers refusing to go into unsafe schools, it wasnt down to the unions at all. Teachers are still fully aware that what were doing is not safe, but the unions have made it clear they support the reopening and will oppose any action taken for school workers safety. Members have been left high and dry. If they cant support us through a pandemic how can they support us in any other way?

Lisas call for a school strike, James said, Is hugely significant. What shes doing is waging a principled fight to protect lives. I think beyond the impact of the strike itself, it will raise awareness and join likeminded people together, internationally as well, because this is an international issue.

Its the only action being organised. I think what Lisa has done has really highlighted how Labour, the unions and the media are totally in line with the government.

And thats a powerful argument for rank-and-file committees, which represent a break from the unions and the Labour Party. They are the only way to fight in the situation we find ourselves in. Only the independent action of the working class can make a difference in the fight against COVID and the herd immunity agenda.

A parent who works with the committee, who asked to remain anonymous, gave her thoughts on the strike and the situation in schools: I was on strike anyway. I signed the parent declaration form [declaring parents refusal to send their children into unsafe schools] over the summer as I cannot send my high-risk child back to a school environment which is not safe, and there have been cases within the school already. I personally messaged Safe Education For Alls petition/parent declaration single-handedly to 1,000s of people on Twitter and Facebook.

The latest government advice, updated September 27, makes it mandatory for all children to attend school, stating: Clinical studies have shown that children and young people, including those previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), are at very low risk of serious illness if they catch the virus. The UK Clinical Review Panel has recommended that no children and young people under the age of 18 should be considered CEV and under-18s should be removed from the shielded patient list. The chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency and head of NHS Test and Trace has written to parents of these children to inform them.

This parent questioned the validity of the studies referred to, saying, How do they know its safe owing to the fact [that] CEV/CV children have been shielding?

I truly believe in the parent declaration that our children should not be in school without masks, HEPA filtration units and C02 monitors, with remote learning for vulnerable families until the infection rates come right down, without the fear of fines and prosecutions and referrals to social services.

[Prime Minister] Boris Johnson and his cabinet and the inept opposition in this country have let children down very badly. They are the most innocent in society and are least protected. Children have not yet been vaccinated. It should be the adults turn to protect the children with universal mask-wearing, social distancing and all scientifically recognised mitigations in schools and the isolation of close contacts.

What type of society do we live in when the adults get vaccinated and then remove all restrictions and allow children to become infected with a novel virus? We are yet to understand why?

Children have the same right to be protected as adults. This government and their libertarian ideologies and capitalist ways! Now this has become the pandemic of the children, where children will lose their lives and future health, and maybe that health will never truly recover.

Peter, a grandfather, contacted the WSWS to say, [Prime Minister Boris] Johnson has failed to address the issue of COVID in schools. In this, he has been aided and abetted by many in the Labour Party, the trade unions and the local authorities. The prevailing jobsworth mentality of they who must be obeyed is more characteristic of autocracies such as Putins Russia than of democracies. Truth will triumph; the sooner, the better.

Shamir, a school worker, told us, I am supporting Lisa Diaz's national school strike on October 1 because I believe deliberately infecting children with a novel virus to pursue herd immunity is morally reprehensible and a crime against humanity. As a Teaching Assistant (TA)/Learning Support Assistant (LSA), my first and foremost concern is the safeguarding of childrenno school should be open without adequate mitigations.

As Professor Shou-Ti Chiou explained on Citizens TVs emergency international summit, children deserve the same care and respect society affords adults and the elderly. To use them to spread the virus to reach herd immunity through natural mass infection is beyond reprehensible.

Also, spare a thought for TAs/LSAs and ancillary staff like dinner ladies and cleaners who have all been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

With even the minimal mitigations removed from schools in the UK, the ruling classes are pursing profits over the health of our children, and are being actively supported by the trade unions, mainstream media, and all the major political parties.

Parents like Lisa and #SafeEdForAll are being gaslighted by the government and their scientists claiming children do not get sick from COVID despite tens of thousands of 2-16-year-olds suffering from Long COVID and potentially lifelong disabilities. Various studies have warned that even mild symptoms could result in early onset dementia, Parkinsons, diabetes and multi-organ damage.

I believe the national strike called for by Lisa, which is now gathering international support from concerned parents and teaching staff, is an important first step in fighting back against the ruling classes. We wont be supported by the unions, or the major political parties who insist unsafe schools remain open. The media will belittle concerned parents like Lisa. We can only defeat this monstrous, barbaric policy to infect our children with COVID by taking action ourselves.
Educators, workers and students in the United States are expressing their support for the October 1 school strike called by parents in the United Kingdom to protect children against the spread of COVID-19. UK parent Lisa Diaz has called on parents to keep their children home to oppose Prime Minister Boris Johnsons herd immunity policy of deliberately infecting children. All over the world, capitalist governments are keeping schools open even as the number of childhood infections, hospitalizations and deaths grow.

In the US, nearly a quarter of a million children have been infected each week since schools opened in mid-August, with three children dying on average each day. The World Socialist Web Site has received statements of support and videos from around the United States.

California

A middle-school librarian in San Diego said, Every nations greatest natural resource is its children. They deserve the absolute greatest care, help and protection that can be provided! We owe it to every child that they be sheltered and defended from one the most terrible epidemics of our time. Due to the fact other nations have been successful in quarantining their populations, to do anything less is unreasonable, uncivilized, and unconscionable.

A teacher in the Sweetwater Union High School District in the San Diego area also expressed solidarity with the UK parents strike, saying, I support you! As a member of the West Coast Rank-and-File Safety Committees, she endorsed the committees recent statement of support for the school strike. I would add that the stress in the classroom is tremendously high; teachers feel like theyre policing kids masking, rather than teaching. I have also witnessed even my most diligent colleagues just giving up on mask reminders; Ive seen most classrooms with at least one to five students with nose and mouth showing, even more with noses out.

The ruling class is opening schools for their own profit, despite a raging pandemic that is infecting and hospitalizing children at increasing rates, Max, a college student living in San Diego, said. The working class must unite and protect the most vital asset in our society, which is children. This is why a school strike led by the working class is absolutely essential right now.

It is an imperative that the drive to open schools be opposed, David, a recent graduate from San Diego State University, said. I fully support the parents and students in the UK. Solidarity with Parents School Strike!

Elizabeth, a Los Angeles nurse, submitted a video statement of support for the UK school strike.

Washington state

Michael, a teacher in Washington state, said, Every day when we work with students we remember two goals: students must be learning and students must be safe. We can never compromise on either. Lisa, the parent in the UK, is absolutely correct. Students are not safe in this environment and the only way to protect them is through this action. I completely support this and join her in the demand for the immediate reintroduction of high-quality remote instruction for all students.

Tennessee

DJK Freeman, a teacher in Tennessee, wrote, I support the October 1 parent strike in the UK against the homicidal herd immunity strategy which has already sickened half the school-aged children in the United Kingdom with the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID. I also encourage parents throughout the world to join this strike to put a halt to this cruel experiment currently being perpetrated on children all over the world. In Tennessee, where I am a teacher, the barbaric policies of Governor Lee and the Republican legislature have banned mask mandates, school closures, and virtual options. This has allowed COVID cases to surge and exceed last winters peak.

Cases of school-aged children in the last 14 days alone reached over 18,000. Teachers described the debacle in classrooms as students returned to school only to contract COVID and be out of school again. One teacher told me she only had a third of her students present at any one time since August, and it was rarely the same students. Compound student absences with educators who were absent because they became infected with COVID in the last six weeks, and any benefit of in-person instruction touted by the ruling class has been negated by the interruption of instruction caused by the rotation of substitutes through classrooms as schools struggled to keep schools open.

Parents must lead the movement to protect our children and educators. They must call for a complete shutdown of in-person instruction to eradicate COVID. It is up to parents to stand up to our dissolute leaders such as Governor Lee, Joe Biden, and Boris Johnson and demand the closure of schools and non-essential businesses in order to end this pandemic once and for all.

Texas

Michael, a former teacher in Texas and member of the Texas Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, submitted the following video statement of support for the UK school strike:

New York

A middle-school teacher in Brooklyn said, As a New York City school teacher I am in total support of Lisa Diaz in her call for parents to strike. Parents have a right to protect their children. I have seen for myself the true conditions in our schools and the lack of any true mitigations to save the children and teachers from being exposed to COVID-19 and its variants. The powers-that-be are clearly opting for the herd immunity approach to end the pandemic, which means children are no more than sacrificial lambs to them. I stand in total solidarity with the parents who are bravely taking action to protect their children.

A teacher from Brooklyn added, I saw Lisa Diazs videos. Shes amazing. I agree that the October 1 Parent Strike is a really important movement to shut down schools, and it could really get the ball rolling on what weve been fighting for here in NYC.

If a deadly pandemic and being extremely short-staffed isnt something that would cause the government to close the schools, then what would? This whole thing is endangering children!

I support the school strike in the UK, as parents, children and teachers over there are not being allowed to take the most basic and rational steps to avoid infection, Ben Katchor, a cartoonist, said.

The strike is in accord with the recommendations of many epidemiologists and researchers whove had experience in eradicating dangerous epidemics. Education and play can go on without gathering in crowded classrooms. The wasteful spending of the government should be redirected to support parents so that they can stay at home, feed, entertain and educate their children.

Mississippi

Parker, a student and a worker from Mississippi, said, Lisa Diazs call for a school strike on October 1 highlights the true and real danger presented to children in schools not only in the UK but the rest of the world also. Since January of last year, over 4.76 million people have died as a result of COVID-19 and roughly 466,000 people test positive for the virus every day.

Here in my native Mississippi, there are warnings from the pediatricians as more and more children get COVID with increasingly detrimental effects. While people die by the hundreds and fall ill daily, the politicians in this state refuse to enforce vaccine mandates or even statewide mask mandates, and schools are open and operating at 100% capacity. Theyve cut off most of the unemployment benefits that were there this time last year and driven hard to get everyone back to work to sustain corporate profits.

To know that all of this is entirely preventable makes me bubble up much like it does Lisa. Yet actions like those of Lisa Diaz can imbue so much hope into movements like ours.

The working class is fed up with being force-fed the story that this is the new normal or that we will just have to live with COVID. There is no living with death all around you. I dont have children of my own, but I stand in solidarity with her and working-class parents across the world. There is no need to offer up the future of our society as sacrificial lambs on the altar of capital.

Again, the call should go out for the formation of rank-and-file committees in workplaces and universities everywhere, independent of the unions and political machines with the goal of the mass mobilization of the working class and its collective conscious. This is just one part of the protracted struggle, and through ending the pandemic and saving lives, the conditions necessary for revolution will present themselves, Parker concluded.
Dana's Toledo Driveline plant in Toledo, Ohio (WSWS photo)

The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke to Yolanda, a longtime supporter of the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter who works at the Stellantis Detroit Assembly ComplexJefferson (also known as Jefferson North Assembly Plant). She declared her support for the struggle by Dana auto parts workers and called for the reinstatement of Dana Toledo worker, Keaira Marsenburg, who was victimized September 16 as part of a vendetta by management and the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Dana workers voted down the last national contract by a margin of 9-1. The margin at the Dana Driveline plant in Toledo was a unanimous 435-0. However, the UAW and United Steelworkers have responded by dragging out negotiations without setting a strike deadline in order to try to wear down workers and give management time to prepare.

The circumstances behind the firing of Marsenburg make clear it was part of this conspiracy, aimed at removing the most class-conscious and militant workers from the shop floor to break the resistance of workers to a sellout deal.

WSWS: What do you think about the stand the Dana workers have taken?

Yolanda: I support the Dana workers voting down the contract. I was really impressed by the [unanimous] vote in Toledo. They stood up together. It shows how much power we have.

But they should take a warning, the UAW will try to dress it up next time to make it seem better, but it will be the same BS.

WSWS: You read the interview with Keaira about her victimization. What was your reaction to her situation?

Yolanda: I understand her frustration and anger. She is seeing how ugly it can get. Like she said, it is a game of chess. The union is not for you; you have to be wise in every move that you make. If you are not doing them favors and kissing their behind  then, to have the committee person go on her Facebook page.  It seems they have a vendetta  They even kicked her off the local Facebook page, that just shows how petty they are.

I have seen the favoritism. There are so many management officials and UAW officials who are joined at the hip, its pitiful. It is nothing to see my steward hanging out with my supervisor. In the days of old that was forbiddenwe are not playing, you are the enemy. Now, everyone is a big happy family.

They make you go through a rigamarole. Ive heard of instances, where a lot of times they prey on the weak, they look for a weakness. But, when they see you are strong, persistent, thats when you will get your results. It is important to fight back and not get discouraged, because the union is against you. In the end you will prevail because what they are doing is not fair.

WSWS: Can you talk more about your experiences at Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis?

Yolanda: After we voted the contract down [in 2015], they came back and shuffled the words around to make it seem like it was different, but it wasnt. It was the same contract; they just put a signing bonus out there. Then there were threats, that this was the best we were going to get. Like every contract, there were also threats about jobs moving out.

In the highlights they said certain things, but there were lot of things left out. After we got the contract it wasnt like the highlights.

WSWS: In 2020 Stellantis workers shut down production at the start of the pandemic. Tell us what happened.

Yolanda: During the pandemic, workers were concerned about working under those conditions. The union was only concerned about building cars. The employees got fed up talking to the UAW about staging a protest. All they were telling us is what they couldnt do. So the workers starting shutting down production themselves, it started at SHAP [Sterling Heights Assembly Plant] and forced the company to lay everyone off. The other companies had to follow suit.

The [UAW] showed right there they dont care about the workers. It is all about how many vehicles they can make: money, money, money. Its not about how we can feed our families. It is about helping the company.

WSWS: Going back to the Keairas case, what do you think this shows about the role the union is playing at Dana?

Yolanda: People in power never like a person like [Keaira], if they are not on their side of the fence. The fact that she is not just laying down and taking it lightly is good, because people are inspired. I read how she ran for UAW vice chair and didnt get the position. It is not surprising they didnt want her to have that much power. She would know how much they are stealing. They couldnt have that. They probably rigged the vote. It will come out. I commend her for standing up for what is right and wish her the best.

The union cant think they can keep going against the people. There will be a backlash.

WSWS: What would you say about the role of the WSWS in your years at Jefferson?

Yolanda: The WSWS has taught me a lot about the UAW and socialism; it opened my eyes. It helped me realize what the union stands for and what the unions came from, past and present. I can look at the union and management objectively and with my eyes wide. Every move the UAW makes is about money and power.

Before I started at Jefferson, I thought I want to be in the union. Before I didnt know how the union worked. My dad worked in an auto plant for 33 years before he retired. Watching him go to work each day, I thought the union was the way to go, it was about union strong, about the workers, not management. But now I see it is every man for himself. From the WSWS I was able to get a heads-up of what to expect.

The WSWS is fighting for the unity of workers and fighting for our rights. Everything that the UAW was supposed to do, and is not doing, the WSWS is fighting for with the rank-and-file committees.

I think unity is critical. The rank-and-file committees are the way to go. It can provide an important example to other plants.
We, the Network of Safe Education Action Committees in Germany, support the call by British parents for a school strike on Friday, October 1, and are fighting to stop the reckless policy of mass infection of children in schools immediately. It is not only endangering children and young people in the UK, but also here in Germany and around the world.

Lisa Diaz, a mother of two and a member of the group Safe Education for All, is calling on parents to keep their children at home on October 1 and to make their protest known on social media: We need collective action and we need to keep raising awareness. Because the politicians have failed us. The unions are failing children. The claim that children are not so affected by this is a lie.

Lisas initiative is an important step forward in the fight against the pandemic. We appeal to parents, teachers, educators, students and workers here in Germany to support and expand the strike. The spread of the pandemic can only be stopped if we act ourselves.

The capitalist governments tell us: your children will inevitably become infected. Take it! This is the new normality!

We are not ready to accept it! What does it look like, this new normal that is being forced upon us? Children and young people are being deliberately infected, suffering unpredictable long-term damage or even dying from COVID-19. Millions of children are losing their teachers, parents and grandparents. Hospitals and childrens wards are permanently overcrowded, nurses and doctors collapse under the pressure. The aggressive virus is given free rein to mutate and spawn new variants.

In the US, nearly 500 children have already died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, including nearly 150 in the last two months alone. In the UK, more than 59,000 children have already been infected in the first two weeks of school after the holidays.

The British government, under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is allowing the virus to rush through schools without protective measures and openly admits that it wants millions of children and young people to be infected. Virtually any child unvaccinated is likely to get an infection at some point between 12 and 15 is the brash statement of Chris Whitty, the governments chief medical adviser.

In Germany, too, all the parties in the Bundestag [German parliament] are refusing to contain the pandemic and are giving the virus free rein in schools and workplaces. The state government in Thuringia under Education Minister Helmut Holter of the Left Party is behaving in a particularly criminal manner. Last week, he abolished rapid tests, compulsory masks and also almost all quarantine rules at schools. The mask requirement is now also to be dropped in Berlin and Bavaria.

The infection and death figures will inevitably continue to rise here as well. So far, 27 children and adolescents under the age of 19 and nearly 100 young people between the ages of 20 and 30 have already died from coronavirus, according to official statistics. After the school holidays ended, the incidence among children and young people climbed upwards, especially among 5- to 14-year-olds, almost all of whom are unvaccinated. Nationwide, the incidence is 161.5 per 100,000 (as of September 25). Top of the list is Bremen, with an incidence of 404.8 in this age group, followed by Baden-Wurttemberg with 213.6, Bavaria with 196, Hesse with 190 and Berlin with 180.

Worldwide, nearly 4.8 million people have officially died from COVID-19, but the true death toll is estimated at more than 15 million. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in late August that another 236,000 people could die from COVID-19 in Europe by December 1.

This endless loop of pandemic, misery and death that results from the contagion policy is a nightmare for millions of families and must be ended.

A globally coordinated lockdown, combined with a mass vaccination campaign, contact tracing and strict quarantine, would be urgently needed to contain and eradicate COVID-19. But such a strategy is a red flag to the ruling class because it threatens the profit interests of entrepreneurs and shareholders.

That is why appeals to the established parties and trade unions will come to nothing and fall on deaf ears. They are on the other side of the barricade. The scientifically necessary measures against the pandemic can only be carried through if the working class takes up the struggle and organizes itself independently of the trade unions and capitalist parties in action committees as part of the International Workers Alliance of Action Committees .

Join the school strike on October 1, send your statements of support for the strike to bil dung@gleichheit.de or share them in our Facebook group, and register to build Safe Education Action Committees today!
In this video interview, Andreja Pejic, a socialist-minded artist and outspoken opponent of war, speaks with Socialist Equality Party member Sue Phillips about the anti-democratic electoral laws recently rushed through the Australian parliament.

Pejic points to the breakdown of democracy worldwide, the criminal neglect of governments during the COVID-19 pandemic and the mounting drive to war against China.

Earlier this week Pejic posted a powerful short video statement appealing to her many followers on social media to oppose the laws and join the Socialist Equality Party as electoral members.

Andreja Pejic discusses Australias anti-democratic electoral laws
Demonstration against high rents in Berlin (WSWS Media)

A clear majority of voters in the German capital of Berlin has expressed support for the expropriation of major German property companies. In a referendum on Sunday, 56.4 percent voted in favor, and only 39 percent against. The referendum took place on the same day as the federal election and the state election to the Berlin House of Representatives.

A total of 1,034,709 eligible voters voted yes. The required quorum of 25 percent was achieved well before all votes were counted. The vote in the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg was particularly decisive. There, 72 percent voted yes. Likewise, 64 percent in the Mitte district and almost 61 percent in Neukolln and Lichtenberg each voted for expropriation. In almost all districts there was a majority in favor of expropriating rental sharks. Only in Steglitz-Zehlendorf and Reinickendorf did the no vote win by a narrow margin.

This clear vote in favor of the expropriation of the large landlords is to be welcomed. It is an expression of the widespread opposition to the intolerable rents in Berlin and other large cities. Rents in the capital have doubled over the past 10 years, and the price of undeveloped land has increased eightfold. Especially in districts like Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg or Mitte, the displacement of people who can no longer afford the horrendous rents occurs on a daily basis. At the same time, corporations like Deutsche Wohnen, Vonovia or Akelius are reaping vast profits.

The signatures collected in the run-up to the referendum showed, even before the votes were cast, how widespread the anger is over the unrestrained enrichment of the rental sharks. In a short time, over 360,000 signatures were collected, far more than the 175,000 necessary for the referendum to be held.

The referendum demands the expropriation of all private housing companies with more than 3,000 apartments, with the exception of cooperatives. According to the referendums initiators, the measure affects 240,000 of the 1.5 million rental apartments in the capital. Compensation well below market value should be paid out, which is legally permissible. The initiators estimated a sum of 7.3 billion to 13.7 billion would be required to cover these costs.

While the majority of voters voted in favor of expropriation, the Social Democrats and the Greens, who emerged victorious from the election for the House of Representatives, made it unmistakably clear on election night that they would continue to represent the interests of the property sharks.

Franziska Giffey (SPD), who is expected to become the new mayor, spoke out very sharply against the referendum during the election campaign. In her opinion, expropriations do not contribute to the construction of the new housing that is needed. One day before the election, she said, I dont want to live in a city that sends the signal that we expropriate here.

She reaffirmed this position on the Monday after the election. Knowing full well that the referendum does not have a specific bill as its subject matter and is therefore not legally binding for the Berlin State Senate, Giffey left no doubt that it will not be implemented under her leadership. On Monday, she only said that the feasibility of the referendum would be examined on the basis of a draft law. If thats not constitutional, we cant do it either, she added.

The top candidate of the Greens, Bettina Jarasch, whose party will in all likelihood form another coalition with the SPD in Berlin, made a similar statement. She wants to take the result of the referendum seriously, but there are still many legal and practical questions to be clarified.

In the summer, Jarasch announced that she would vote yes, but that the referendum was simply a means of exerting pressure on the housing corporations to voluntarily expand the residential sector geared to the common good. The expropriation card is only played if a cooperative solution fails, she said at the time.

Since then, she has come under massive pressure from the leadership of the Greens and has retreated accordingly. As an alternative, she proposed a voluntary pact between politicians and landlords for new buildings and fair rents, under the catchphrase rental protection umbrella. Its in the hands of the housing companies, said Jarasch.

That is hard to beat in terms of cynicism and contempt for the will of the electorate. According to the will of the Greens, those responsible for the misery that has plundered the population for 30 years should continue to determine housing policy and voluntarily provide affordable housing. In 2004, the SPD and Left Party gifted tens of thousands of apartments to private real estate groups at bargain basement prices. Since then, they have done nothing to curb the steadily rising rents.

On the Friday before the referendum, the property giant Vonovia succeeded in taking over Deutsche Wohnen, which has 110,000 apartments in the capital, at the third time of asking. Despite the overwhelming vote in favor of expropriation, Vonovias shares rose by over 4 percent on Monday, making them the biggest winner on the German DAX stock exchange. On Sunday, the Swedish real estate giant Heimstaden announced that it had acquired around 14,000 apartments in the capital.

This clearly shows that the boardrooms of the real estate companies rely on the SPD, the Greens and the Left Party, who are expected to continue to govern in Berlin. The previous red-red-green Senate has worked closely with the real estate sharks. The governing mayor, Michael Muller (SPD), and the Senator responsible for housing, Sebastian Scheel (Left Party), supported the merger plans of the two real estate groups and emphasized the good cooperation with them.

Vonovia boss Rolf Buch made it clear that he wants to continue this close cooperation against the tenants once Giffey heads the Senate. Vonovia is ready to take on the challenges on the Berlin housing market with a new state government and the relevant social actors in the city, he said.

Expropriations would not solve the problems on the Berlin housing market, said this head of a housing company that distributed more than 350 million to shareholders in 2019. That was 2,100 per apartment, which flowed directly from the pockets of the tenants into the shareholders bank accounts.

The referendum on Sunday was preceded by several demonstrations against insane rents, some of which drew tens of thousands of participants. At the same time, there are more and more strikes and protests against low wages, mass layoffs and precarious working conditions. In Berlin, nurses from the state-owned Charite and Vivantes clinics have been on strike for three weeks, demanding more staff and reasonable wages.

Like the fight for higher wages and better working conditions, the fight against intolerable rents can only be successfully waged against the SPD, the Greens, the Left Party and the other established parties.

Sundays referendum is a first step, but it is nowhere near enough. Even the realization of the referendums demands would not solve the pressing problems, but at best alleviate them somewhat. This is due to the fact that the initiators themselves come largely from the ranks or surroundings of the Left Party and trade unions. Their whole strategy is geared towards getting the Senate to change course, which is obviously not possible.

In order to enforce real expropriations and to ensure affordable and adequate housing, no faith can be placed in the established parties and unions. Only an independent movement of the working class, which is beginning to move into struggle, can carry out these demands.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) formulated this strategy in a statement calling for the expropriation without compensation of the rental sharks. We wrote, No social problem can be solved without expropriating the banks and corporations and placing them under the democratic control of the working class. Their profits and assets must be confiscated and the trillions given to them last year recovered. The world economy must be reorganized on the basis of a scientific and rational plan.

This perspective is becoming ever more critical and must be made the starting point for a fight for the expropriation of the real estate sharks.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer moved Wednesday to push through a continuing resolution to avert a shutdown of the federal government at midnight Thursday. In a bid to obtain Republican support in the House and Senate, the Democrats agreed to separate the question of spending authorization from a measure to raise the federal debt ceiling.

Senate Republicans blocked passage of a bill Monday that combined the temporary spending authorization with the lifting of the debt ceiling, carrying out a filibuster that Democrats failed to break. The vote to invoke cloture and end debate failed by 48-50. A cloture motion requires 60 votes and, in a Senate divided 50-50 between the two capitalist parties, requires bipartisan support.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., walks to the chamber for a vote, joined at left by actor Woody Harrelson, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

While the new version of the continuing resolution drops the issue of the debt ceiling, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned in a letter to Congress Tuesday that the Treasury will exhaust by October 18 the various expedients it has been using to keep the federal debt below the ceiling of $21 trillion. At that point, the federal government will have to hold back payments for which it no longer has borrowing authority, including Social Security checks due to be sent out October 20.

The US government has never defaulted on its debt or social benefit payments, and even the prospect that it may do so in three weeks time has begun to affect the financial markets.

The current 2021 fiscal year ends on September 30, and without new spending authorization, most federal agencies, except the vast military-intelligence apparatus, would be required to shut down or operate with only a skeleton crew. The legislation to be introduced Wednesday night or Thursday morning in the Senate would allow agencies to spend at current levels until December 3, giving Congress two additional months to complete work on budget authorization for Fiscal Year 2022.

On Wednesday afternoon, Senate leaders in both parties said that the continuing resolution would not be approved until Thursday, only hours before the deadline, because of insistence by several Republican senators on including specific provisions in the bill, including US military aid to Israel and tighter screening of Afghan refugees brought to the United States after the collapse of the US-backed regime in Kabul last month. Negotiations were continuing into the evening Wednesday, however.

Passage of the resolution requires unanimous consent to suspend normal Senate rules, so any one senator can torpedo it. Only Republicans, however, are availing themselves of this leverage.

Schumers introduction of a new continuing resolution stripped of the debt ceiling increase represents yet another Democratic capitulation to a Republican filibuster. This is in keeping with the policy enforced by Biden since the beginning of the year, in the name of seeking bipartisan collaboration with our Republican colleagues, who backed Trumps baseless claims of a stolen election and blocked any investigation into the storming of Capitol January 6 by fascist Trump supporters.

Biden opposes any overturning of the filibuster, a longstanding anti-democratic procedure which requires 60 votes to take any legislative action in the Senate. This has become an all-purpose pretext for abandoning his election promises: a voting rights bill, legalization of DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants, and cosmetic measures against police violence have all failed to get the necessary 10 Republican senators.

The September 30 deadline for the continuing resolution and the October 18 deadline for raising the debt ceiling are among several such deadlines facing Congress. In each instance, the Biden administration and the Democratic leadership face intransigent opposition from congressional Republicans and from right-wing factions within the Democratic Party itself, and in each case, their response has been to grovel and conciliate.

In the case of the debt ceiling, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who repeatedly backed increases in the debt limit when Republican Donald Trump was president, said he would not do so with Democrat Joe Biden in the White House and the Democrats in control of Congress.

Schumer called on Republicans to allow passage of an increase in the debt ceiling by unanimous consent, with all the Democrats voting for it and all the Republicans abstaining, but this could be blocked by any one Republican voicing an objection, so it is highly unlikely. The Democratic leadership has been counting on pressure from the financial markets, particularly the major banks and hedge funds, to force the Republicans to give way on the debt ceiling, but so far this strategy has been a failure.

McConnell said that the Democrats could incorporate a rise in the debt limit into the social spending legislation they are planning to pass under a filibuster-proof procedure known as budget reconciliation. However, the budget resolution which permits passage of the reconciliation bill, passed by the House and Senate in August, did not include a provision for raising the debt ceiling.

Schumer said that there was not sufficient time to revise the budget resolution and then enact a reconciliation bill before the October 18 deadline. As a practical matter, this may be true, but the real problem for the Democrats is that a right-wing faction within their own party, in both the Senate and the House, objects to the $3.5 trillion price tag and wants to cut it in half, if not scuttle the reconciliation bill altogether.

The Democrats do not want to incorporate the debt ceiling increase into the reconciliation bill because it is not at all clear that the reconciliation bill will actually pass the Senate, since that would require the support of all 50 Democrats plus the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Two right-wing Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, have so far refused to support the bill, while declining to publicly declare their objections. Manchin has indicated general opposition to the $3.5 trillion price tag, without specifying a counter-proposal. Sinema is reported to oppose any tax increase on the wealthy, the principal mechanism through which the social spending in the reconciliation bill is to be financed. Both Manchin and Sinema have made repeated trips to the White House in recent days for talks with Biden and other administration officials.

The stalemate over the reconciliation bill is holding up House passage of the infrastructure bill passed last month by the Senate by a bipartisan majority, including 19 Republicans, among them McConnell. As part of a deal with a right-wing (aka moderate) faction of House Democrats, Speaker Nancy Pelosi had promised a House vote on Monday that would send the legislation to the White House for Bidens signature, but she had to reschedule the vote to Thursday after half the members of the House Progressive Caucus said they would vote against the bill unless there was Senate action to advance the reconciliation bill.

The vote on the infrastructure bill was rescheduled for Thursday, but there were reports that it could again be postponed. Any delay, however, would result in the shutdown of federally financed construction projects all over the country, since the legislation includes a budget extension for the Department of Transportation, which was separated out from the continuing resolution for the rest of the federal government.

While both capitalist parties portray the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package as a vast effort at social reformthe Republicans screaming about socialism, the Democrats claiming another New Dealthe scale of the bill is drastically overstated. Spread out over ten years, the social spending package is less than half the gargantuan sums earmarked for the Pentagon, which at the present level of spending would amount to nearly $8 trillion.

The bill does not create any new social programs, but extends certain federal benefits, such as the child tax credit, to more families and makes it permanent, rather than rolled over year after year. Medicare would add dental, vision and hearing benefits, although these would be phased in over many years. Medicaid eligibility would be expanded and Head Start broadened to become a universal pre-K program for three- and four-year-olds. Other funds will pass directly into the hands of private businesses or local institutionscommunity colleges, child care centers, and companies providing home health care for seniors and weatherization for homes.

Given the ten-year scope and the phased-in character of the benefit increases, when the Democratic Party loses control of Congress, which could take place as soon as next year, a Republican majority could repeal the social benefits and any tax increases on corporations and the wealthy immediately.
In response to a brutal assault and arbitrary detention for an alleged minor traffic violation, Brady Mistic, a deaf man who communicates mainly through sign language, pantomiming and written communication, is suing former Idaho Springs, Colorado, police Officer Nicholas Hanning, his partner, Officer Ellie Summers, the City of Idaho Springs and Clear Creek County. Mistic was forced to pursue a civil lawsuit after no criminal charges were filed against the officers.

Brady Mistic (Courtesy: Raymond Bryant)

The lawsuit states that, Mistic, who is deaf in both ears and does not read lips, was beaten, Tasered and then illegally detained by police for four months in 2019 for allegedly failing to halt completely at a stop sign. This minor civil, not criminal, offense resulted not only in Mistics detention, during which he was denied methods to communicate with his family, attorney and bail bondsman, such as a teletype or access to an interpreter; Mistic also lost his vehicle and suffered physical and emotional injuries from the officers assault.

According to the lawsuit, the harrowing incident began on September 17, 2019 at approximately 7:37 p.m. when Mistic, running normal everyday errands, drove his car to the laundromat to retrieve his laundry. Unbeknownst to Mistic, Officers Hanning and Summers were stalking him in their patrol car after allegedly observing him commit the minor traffic violation.

After witnessing Mistic park his vehicle, the two police, instead of parking behind Mistic with their lights on, parked more than 50 feet away from him and then turned on their lights and shone their spotlight in the direction of Mistic, blinding him. The lawsuit claims that Mistic could only vaguely see objects and a police vehicle in front of him.

He had no idea what was happening, what the police were doing, or if the officers presence had anything to do with him, attorneys for Mistic wrote.

Unsure of what was happening, Mistic stopped walking and turned to face the police vehicle, which at this point had moved closer to Mistic, approximately 5-10 feet, per the lawsuit. At this point Mistic attempted to communicate with officers with his hands, including raising his arms in the air with his palms out signifying that he had no weapons, was not a threat and was not resisting the police.

Instead of attempting to communicate with Mistic, body camera footage shows Hanning yelling at Mistic, Youre gonna come up on us like that? Hanning then immediately attacked Mistic and threw him to the ground, slamming his head on the pavement. While Hanning was manhandling Mistic, who was not resisting, Officer Summers pulled out her Taser and shot Mistic. The violent surge of electricity coursing through his nervous system cause Mistic to cry out in pain, No ears!

Summers, undeterred by Mistics attempts to alert the police that he was deaf, instead shot him a second time with the Taser before placing him in handcuffs, taking away Mistics ability to communicate with his hands.

According to the lawsuit, in his rush to assault the unarmed and deaf Mistic, Hanning hurt himself, injuring his leg. This self-inflicted injury was used as evidence to charge Mistic with second-degree assault on a police officer, a felony, along with resisting arrest.

After assaulting Mistic, the lawsuit states that Summers became aware that Mistic was deaf. However, neither she nor any other officers attempted to secure someone who could sign or otherwise communicate with Mistic. At one point Mistic attempted to stand up and show that he needed to write to communicate, which resulted in Summers pushing him to the ground on his back.

Eventually Mistic was transported to the hospital for injuries he suffered during the police assault. While at the hospital officer Summers took Mistics wallet and found fake movie-prop money that had Chinese characters on it. Despite the money clearly being fake, and no evidence that Mistic was attempting to pass off the money as real, Summers charged Mistic with possession of forged currency, driving up the cost of his bond and forcing Mistic to languish in jail.

In response to the civil lawsuit, the city of Idaho Springs released a statement, backing the officers, claiming Mistic approached a clearly marked patrol car while touting the word of former chief of the Idaho Springs police department, Christian Malanka, who deemed Officers Hannings and Summers actions appropriate at the time of the vicious attack.

This is the second lawsuit filed by a victim of Hannings violent actions in the last year.

Hanning was fired this past July after being charged with third-degree assault on an at-risk adult after punching, kicking and Tasering 75-year-old Michael Clark in his apartment. At the time Hanning deployed his taser against Clark, he was unarmed and only wearing boxers.

Prior to a warrant being issued for his arrest, Hanning admitted to investigators that he punched the elderly man in the back of the head after Tasering him.

While the Republican Party openly caters to far-right police departments and the immigration Gestapo, backing fascistic violence against workers, the Democrats attempt to palm off the problem of killer and abusive cops as a manifestation of white supremacy or a matter of insufficient training, requiring the implementation of reforms while backing increased funding for police agencies.

However, even the Democrats have dropped the pretense of reform as seen in their recent abandonment of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

As these brutal assaults, and the ongoing killing of workers and youth show, the question of police violence is not a racial issue but a class issue. Hanning and Summers are both white, as are Clark and Mistic. Overwhelmingly the victims of police violence are working class, and Mistic joins the legions of physically or cognitively impaired individuals who have been brutalized by police.
On Friday, October 1, parents, educators and workers internationally are planning a series of strikes and protests to oppose the homicidal reopening of schools, which has already infected millions of children worldwide with COVID-19. Last weeks powerful call to action by British parent Lisa Diaz has won broad support across the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan and a growing number of countries worldwide. Workers are increasingly taking up the call to eradicate COVID-19 once and for all through temporary lockdowns and the deployment of all public health measures.

While parents and rank-and-file workers throughout the world will engage in a powerful demonstration Friday, another meeting of a decidedly different character is taking place the day before.

The AFT's official poster for their event featuring Open Schools USA (Credit: @AFTunion via Twitter)

On Tuesday, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second largest teachers union in the United States with roughly 1.7 million members, announced that it will co-host a town hall meeting Thursday with the far-right parents group Open Schools USA. The event will give a platform to proponents of pseudoscience who oppose COVID-19 vaccinations, advocate the scrapping of mask mandates and all mitigation measures in schools, and seek to actively infect all children with COVID-19 in order to develop a mythical herd immunity.

The event was announced the day after the American Academy of Pediatrics released its weekly report on child infections, hospitalizations and deaths in the US, which found that for the fifth consecutive week over 200,000 children were officially infected with COVID-19. Throughout those five weeks, an average of three children died from COVID-19 each day. The vast majority of these infections and deaths are the direct product of the full reopening of schools, which the Biden administration, the teachers unions, and Republican and Democratic state governments have pursued relentlessly over the past two months, either with the most limited mitigation measures or none at all.

Thursdays event will be co-moderated by AFT President Randi Weingarten and Open Schools USA member Erich Hartmann. The opening remarks will be given by Open Schools USA founder Michelle Walker, a right-wing parent from Portland, Oregon.

On September 20, Walker tweeted, Keep schools open. Eliminate mask mandates. Eliminate vaccine mandates. Prevent future vaccine mandates. Open our communities and country up. She is a vicious opponent of public education and advocates for parents to withdraw their children from public schools in order to starve them of funding.

Tweet from Open Schools USA founder Michelle Walker

Two of the scientists at the town hall are among the leading academic purveyors of pandemic misinformation, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Dr. Tracy Heg.

Bhattacharya is best known as one of the authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, which the World Socialist Web Site characterized as a manifesto of death. The central document of proponents of the herd immunity strategy, it advocates for the rapid infection of young people to create a so-called human shield around the most vulnerable. In practice, this leads to the mass infection of all of society and has prematurely killed millions worldwide.

Tweet from Jay Bhattacharya

Bhattacharya is a creature of the right-wing Hoover Institute at Stanford University and is promoted by Floridas fascistic Governor Ron DeSantis. In August 2020, Bhattacharya served as Floridas expert witness in a trial over DeSantiss mandate that all schools fully reopen or lose funding, with Bhattacharya providing the pseudo-scientific justification for his policies.

Heg is best known as a public opponent of vaccinating children. In a recent pre-print study, she falsely claimed that young men who get vaccinated are more likely to be hospitalized by the vaccine than by COVID-19. This study has been rejected from three different journals under peer review, but its falsehoods have spread through the media and been promoted by far-right parent groups like Open Schools USA, as well as fascist politicians like Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The fact that Weingarten and the AFT have publicly affiliated with these far-right forces proves that all talk of mitigations in schools has always been nothing more than a cover for the herd immunity policies of the ruling elites.

This event expresses the reality that the unions not only do not represent their members but are thoroughly hostile to them. After over 1,000 educators and over 250 children died from COVID-19 during the last school year, Weingarten has been the most vocal advocate for the full reopening of schools before the majority of children are even eligible for the vaccine.

The AFTs Twitter post announcing Thursdays event sparked genuine outrage among parents and rank-and-file educators, as well as reputable scientists.

Some of those who commented expressed the belief that Weingarten is the unwitting tool of far-right forces, and that this was simply a thoughtless event organized by the union. In reality, the alliance between the union and fascist elements is not accidental. The purpose of the event is to bring forward the most backward and anti-scientific fringe layers, give them an audience, and provide justification for the scrapping of the already limited mitigation measures implemented in Democrat-led school districts.

On Wednesday morning, Weingarten posted a defensive Twitter thread in which she sought to justify the AFTs promotion of fascists. While claiming to be pro vaccine, pro masking in schools, she noted, Ive been talking with Open Schools USA for a while now, having conversations, listening to their concerns. And we decided to have a townhall together. She added, I still think having dialogue, getting to common ground about the importance of safe in person learning is vital.

In other words, unbeknownst to rank-and-file AFT members, Weingarten has held secret meetings with a far-right parent group to try to find common ground on which they can coordinate their efforts to fully reopen schools. While having dialogue with fascists, Weingarten and the AFT bureaucracy have suppressed all opposition within the union, shutting down meetings and discussions with rank-and-file teachers.

In addition to the far right, Weingarten is also deeply connected to the Biden administration and the state apparatus. With an official salary of roughly $500,000, she sits on the Democratic National Committee and personally identifies with the state and the financial oligarchy. She embodies the corporatist character of all the unions today, enforcing the interests of the corporations and suppressing any expression of opposition.

In February, she told the New York Times she was spending upwards of 15 hours each day on the phone with the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and her union subordinates coordinating the Biden administrations school reopening campaign in the face of mass opposition among teachers. In a May 13 speech in which she demanded the full reopening of schools this fall, Weingarten made clear the economic motives behind this campaign, stating, Parents rely on schools, not only to educate their kids, but so they can work.

Weingarten also views the fascists as her allies against increasingly militant rank-and-file educators who are entering into struggle independently of and in opposition to the decrepit union bureaucracies.

The October 1 school strike is an initial manifestation of a growing movement of the working class fighting to put an end to the pandemic. Throughout the world, workers have formed rank-and-file committees independent of the unions and capitalist political parties in order to exert their own social interests. These committees are increasingly advancing a strategy to eradicate COVID-19, which requires the closure of all schools and nonessential workplaces, a globally coordinated mass vaccination program, universal testing, contact tracing, the safe isolation of infected patients, masking, and the deployment of all other public measures to cut the chain of viral transmission.

All those politicians, union bureaucrats and media talking heads who have driven the premature reopening of schools and nonessential workplaces before the pandemic is contained are implicated in a massive social crime for which they will be held accountable. The entire experience of the pandemic has made clear that only the mass mobilization of the international working class, armed with a scientific understanding of the necessary measures to eradicate COVID-19, will be able to put an end to the needless suffering and death of millions worldwide.
Administrators for the Peter J. McGuire Washington state carpenters Facebook group have banned World Socialist Web Site writers and Socialist Equality Party (SEP) members Kayla Costa and Jerry White from posting or commenting in the group. Shortly after posting an article they co-authored, Seattle carpenters strike at the crossroads, as union works to suppress rank-and-file rebellion, White and Costa were first muted and unable to comment for 28 days. Hours later, the two were completely banned from the group.

The Peter J. McGuire Group page

An Australian carpenter and supporter of the WSWS, Michael Collins, has also been banned for voicing his opposition to the anti-democratic measure.

The Facebook group has been a forum for many carpenters opposing the efforts by the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Union (NWCU) to push through a pro-company contract. The NWCU attempted and failed to push through four such agreements before being forced to call a strike on September 16, the first walkout in two decades. And even then, the union kept 10,000 of its 12,000 members on the job, citing no-strike clauses made with the contractors association and state and local authorities.

The September 27 WSWS article denounced the strikebreaking efforts of NWCU Treasury Secretary Evelyn Shapiro, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) General President Douglas McCarron and their witch-hunt against leaders of the Peter J. McGuire Group and militant carpenters seeking to expand the strike. At the same time, the article warned: While there are many militant carpenters who look to the Peter J. McGuire Group to express their opposition, it must be said that the political outlook of the groups leaders is fatally flawed. No matter how sharp their rhetoric against the UBC bureaucrats, in the end they hope to convince Shapiro & Co. to adopt more militant policies and reform the union.

The article was widely circulated among striking carpenters and no doubt triggered a debate about the call by the WSWS to form rank-and-file strike committees not to appeal to union bureaucracy and the Democratic Party, but to mobilize broader sections of the working class to strengthen the strike. Rather than allow such an important debate, the administrators of the group decided to censor criticism of their false orientation.

The WSWS urges striking carpenters and all workers to oppose these bans and demand that the Peter J. McGuire Group reinstate Costa and White and not censor the WSWS. The effort to prevent a serious discussion over the direction of the strike is not only an attack on the WSWS but on all workers. If allowed to stand, it will seriously weaken the carpenters struggle and play into the hands of the NWCU and UBC bureaucrats who have long used such anti-democratic methods to gag the rank-and-file and silence their left-wing opponents.

In the comment section under the WSWS article, administrator Art Francisco cited the passage on the group leaders fatally flawed outlook, claiming this was among several false statements in the article. He did not, however, provide any evidence to support the assertion. Before being banned, Costa replied, asking, Why is that a false statement? Ive read your platform and interview with Jacobin.

White then commented how these false and naive conceptions were being deliberately reinforced by Seattle City Councilwoman and Socialist Alternative leader Kshama Sawant. Appealing to the UBC to adopt more militant policies, White wrote, is explicitly the position of Sawant with whom the PJM group is aligned. She has repeatedly asked Sister[s] Shapiro and Grant and Brothers Anderson and McLain to support the expansion of picketing, set up of a strike fund and outline a strategy to win the strike.

He continued, The WSWS has warned that such conceptions are fatal. The union apparatus has material interests that are thoroughly separate from and hostile to the interests of the working class. We call for the formation of rank-and-file committees not to appeal to the union bureaucracy or non-existent progressive elected officials, i.e., Democrats, but to Amazon workers, educators, Boeing workers and other sections of the working class to wage an industrial and political counter-offensive.

Striking carpenters in Seattle

In response, Francisco claimed that while the WSWS is welcome to write articles about our grouppeople in the WSWS should back off from posting in the group. A second post announced that Both of the WSWS members [Costa and White] have been muted for 28 days. Their comments challenging the alleged false statements have been deleted.

Collins subsequently called the actions of muting Jerry and Kayla as completely anti-democratic. He has also since been banned from the group.

The banning of the World Socialist Web Site is entirely due to our political positions. The Peter J. McGuire Group regularly posts articles from the corporate-controlled media, including the Seattle Times, and even statements from union representatives threatening legal sanctions against rank-and-file carpenters for illegal or unsanctioned job actions. In addition, the Facebook group regularly posts articles from publications and bloggers who describe themselves as socialist and left-wing, including Jacobin, the unofficial publication of the Democratic Socialists of America, and Sawants Socialist Alternative web site. These publications are clearly acceptable to Francisco because they claim workers can advance their interests through pressuring the corporatist trade unions and the Democratic Party.

A recent post in the group confirms Costas and Whites warnings about the disastrous orientation of the Peter J. McGuire Group. On September 28, Jason Bartos, a prominent member of the group, wrote a glowing review of a rally called by the NWCU on Monday, which he left with a pretty optimistic outlook for the future of our union. Bartos based these sentiments on the the reps, council members, and staff that gave him a warm reception, as well as an evening encounter with Evelyn Shapiro that had no enmity from either her or anyone else.

Bartoss evening ended after he went with my buddy Elias to say goodbye to Evelyn and all the reps and delegates from other parts of the region who were having dinner. We said our goodbyes and shook Evelyns hand one last time.

Bartoss post was followed by several critical comments warning against being taken in by the good cop, bad cop ruse of the NWCU and UBC bureaucrats, which, they said, was aimed at silencing or co-opting their opponents.

For years, workers have suffered from the union bureaucracys goon attacks, the ramming through of contracts without information or democratic debate, and the silencing of critics by pulling the plugs from their microphones at union meetings. The Peter J. McGuire Group purports to be a forum for democratic discussion and debate but it is using the same anti-democratic methods against the WSWS, which the NWCU and UBC bureaucrats employ against rank-and-file carpenters.

For carpenters, it is a fundamental issue of workers democracy to uphold their right to criticize the perspective of the PJM group leaders, read World Socialist Web Site articles, form their own opinions, and debate the critical issues that will determine the course of this important battle. Every rank-and-file carpenter who agrees with these basic democratic rights should demand that the ban on the WSWS be reversed, and that Costa and White be reinstated to the group.
In the first public hearings in which Gen. Mark Milley has testified under oath since the publication of books detailing the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmans fears that Donald Trump would stage a fascistic coup, both Democrats and Republicans largely skirted the issue.

Milley testified on Tuesday and Wednesday, together with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Frank McKenzie, in back-to-back hearings by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the ending of US military operations in Afghanistan.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, September 28, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

He summed up the two days worth of testimony before the House committee on Wednesday, providing the most explicit admission thus far from any US official that Washington suffered a humiliating defeat in its 20-year war, while claiming the chaotic US evacuation operation from Kabul had been a success.

Strategically, the war is lostthe enemy is in Kabul, Milley told the committee, referring to the Talibans overrunning of the Afghan capital on August. 15. So, you have strategic failure while you simultaneously have an operational and tactical success by the soldiers on the ground.

The Joint Chiefs chairman added, It wasnt lost in the last 20 days or even 20 months. Theres a cumulative effect to a series of strategic decisions that go way back.

The bulk of the hearings was consumed with vitriolic denunciations by Republicans of the tactics pursued by the Biden administration in the final days of the two-decade-long US imperialist adventure in Afghanistan, countered by Democratic defenses of both the administration and the military.

There was little appetite on the part of politicians of either party to probe the reasons for Washingtons abject failureafter spending trillions of dollars, sacrificing thousands of US lives and killing hundreds of thousands of Afghansto create a viable puppet regime in Afghanistan and realize its strategic aim of securing a foothold in a country bordering China, Iran and the oil-rich former Soviet republics of Central Asia. There were no questions whatsoever relating to culpability for the countless war crimes carried out by US imperialism against the Afghan people.

The hearings were noteworthy for the acrimonious attacks by Republican legislators on the US military command. For decades, Republicans and Democrats have heard commander after commander of the catastrophic US interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq testifying before the House and Senate panels, treating them with what can only be described as abject obsequiousness.

A central line of the Republican attack focused on the acknowledgement by Generals Milley and McKenzie that they had recommended keeping 2,500 US troops on the ground in Afghanistan to forestall the imminent collapse of the puppet regime of President Ashraf Ghani, who ended up fleeing the country with hundreds of millions of dollars as the Taliban reached Kabul.

These recommendations and Bidens rejection of them were well known in Washington, but Republicans seized upon them. They cited an August 19 ABC News interview in which Biden was pressed as to whether he had been advised that keeping 2,500 troops in Afghanistan could maintain a stable situation and he replied, No one said that to me that I can recall. This proved, Republicans charged, that Biden is a liar.

The questioning also centered on venomous attacks against Milley over three recently published books in which he was quoted in relation to the crisis surrounding the attempt of Trump and his supporters to overturn the 2020 election.

Asked by Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn whether he had spoken to the authors of the books, Milley acknowledged that he had, while claiming he could not testify as to whether he was accurately represented, because he had not read them.

Blackburn attacked Milley for making time to talk to these authors, burnishing your image, building that bluster, but then not putting the focus on Afghanistan, going on to state that he, Austin and McKenzie may be remembered as the three that broke the military.

Others pressed this same line of attack, including the right-wing Republican supporters of the January 6 coup, including Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley and Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, both of whom demanded Milleys resignation. Gaetz accused Milley of being far more interested in what your perception is and how people think about you in insider Washington books than you care about winning.

As to the content of the books, questioning by the Republicans was extremely circumscribed, while Democrats largely ignored the issue.

The main Republican focus was on the revelation in the book by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, Peril, that Milley had twice called his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Li Zuocheng, on the eve of the US presidential election and in the wake of the Capitol insurrection, to allay rising Chinese fears that Trump was preparing an attack on China in a desperate bid to remain in power.

In his testimony, Milley insisted that he had made the calls with the full knowledge and approval of Trump civilian appointees at the Pentagon and that their purpose was to de-escalate and assure General Li that We are not going to attack you.

This did not stop Alaska Republican Senator Dan Sullivan from accusing Milley of giving a heads-up to the Chinese Communist Party, adding that if his Chinese counterpart had acted similarly he would have been shot.

The other questions related to the Peril revelations centered on a January 8 conversation between Milley and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Republicans demanded to know whether Milley had stated his agreement with Pelosis characterization of Trump as crazy. Milley insisted that he had told Pelosi at the time that he was not qualified to determine the mental health of the president of the United States.

There was no interest by politicians of either party to probe the substance of the conversation, which was whether Trump could launch a nuclear weapon as part of a coup plot to remain in power. Milley included a memorandum with his written testimony, stating that he had assured Pelosi that Trump could not launch a nuclear attack by himself and that existing processes, protocols and procedures precluded an illegal, unauthorized or accidental launch.

Nor did the US legislators ask about the Woodward-Costa books report of an extraordinary secret meeting of senior officers convened by Milley in which he demanded that they pledge not to carry out any orders for a nuclear attack, including from Trump, without his say-so.

Neither did any of the congress members or senators bother to ask Milley whether the book was accurate in recounting a conversation in which CIA Director Gina Haspel warned the general, We are on our way to a right-wing coup. Nor did they ask whether it was true that Pelosi told him, in a passage clearly copied from a phone call transcript, that Trump should have been arrested on the spot for carrying out a coup detat against us so he can stay in office.

While Senator Blackburn elicited an affirmative response to her question as to whether Milley had spoken to Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, authors of I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trumps Catastrophic Final Year, no one on either the Senate or the House committee ventured to ask Milley about the statements attributed to him in the book.

In it, he is quoted as telling his aides in the run-up to the January 6 fascist-led assault on the Capitol, This is a Reichstag moment, the gospel of the Fuhrer, referring to the 1933 Reichstag Fire, which provided the pretext for Adolf Hitlers assumption of dictatorial powers.

The book reported that Milley was meeting regularly with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to assess the threat of a coup and draw up contingency plans, as well, no doubt, to gauge the loyalty of the various military commands.

According to the book, Milley kept having a stomach-churning feeling that some of the worrisome early stages of 20th-century fascism in Germany were replaying in 21st-century America, that Trump was echoing the rhetoric of Hitler and that fanatical Trump supporters in the fascist Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and similar groups were brownshirts and the same people we fought in World War II.

The Republicans clearly had no interest in shining a light on these statements, but the Democrats also had no desire to expose the depth of the threat posed on January 6 to the American public.

The only direct reference to the coup attempt of January 6 came Wednesday from Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, and it was highly revealing.

Cheney began her remarks by condemning the Republican attacks on Milley as despicable. She went on to describe the assault on the Capitol as an effort to stop the constitutionally prescribed process of counting electoral votes. It was the first time in our nations history we did not have a peaceful transfer of power. She also charged her fellow Republicans, including those sitting in the hearing, with attempting to obstruct the investigation into that attack, attempting to whitewash what happened.

Cheney praised Milley for standing in the breach when so many, including many in this room, failed to do so.

Standing in the breach in military terms means holding back an attack when other defenses have failed. The clear implication is that General Milley played a key role in preventing a successful coup by denying Trump support from the US military.

The book by the Washington Post reporters quotes Milley as telling fellow senior officers in relation to Trumps coup attempt, They may try, but theyre not going to f**king succeed. You cant do this without the military. ... Were the guys with the guns.

That the bulwark against a Trump coup was Milley and the guys with the guns is testimony to the rotting out of American democracy and its institutions.

The collaboration of the Democratsalong with their pseudo-left accompliceswith the Republicans in keeping a lid on these revelations is testimony to the fact that they fear a revolt from below far more than a coup orchestrated by a Hitler-lover in the White House.
Support for the October 1 school strike in the United Kingdom is growing around the world. In many countries, parents, students, teachers and other workers are expressing solidarity with Lisa Diazs call. On Wednesday, WSWS published an article with statements of solidarity from Germany. Since then, more statements have reached us.

Marie-Luise, a mother from Brandenburg, writes: I support the school strike on October 1 because the protection of our health is non-negotiable. Schools were, are and will remain places of infection. Nobody can tell me what consequences a SARS-CoV-2 infection, even a mild one, will have for my children. Thats why my unvaccinated children will not visit any place where masks are not worn nor where parents dont reliably test at home.

Heidi, a mother of two children (3 and 14) from Berlin, writes: I support the strike because children have a right to their physical integrity. COVID carries the risk of late effects, which to date no one can seriously rule out. Infection is not an option. There are insufficient air filters, mandatory masks are being removed for 1st-6th graders. And all this, although it is not long until the vaccination of 6-years-olds and above. That is unethical, lacks solidarity and is an indictment of Germany.

Another mother from North Rhine-Westphalia sent this message: I am also unfortunately one of the parents who have a chronically ill child. We have a medical certificate and yet the school refuses to give us [educational] material. I am looking for help myself. But I really hope that the teachers will finally stand up and fight for their own protection and that of the children. Many parents are already fighting. So far, no one was interested, I guess when teachers take a stand its something else, the system relies on their labour. I really hope something will change then! If you cant even protect your chronically ill children, thats really bad!

Thilo Schmidt, a father and technical support worker from Baden-Wurttemberg is also calling for people to support the action on October 1. I support the strike because it is important to protect the health of children by all available means. Infections are proven to take place at school, and it has long been disproven that school is a safe haven. School closures have proven to be one of the most effective means. However, to make them less frequent, one should use air filters, AHA+L. One should also suspend compulsory attendance so that people can protect themselves as they see fit. Ultimately, parents, not any authorities, bear responsibility for their children and all the resulting consequences.

Philipp, a quality control engineer from the Lake Constance district, and father of two, explained that he was pissed off at this crisis management I support this [the school strike on October 1] because I think it is disgusting that just because children and young people are not considered part of the labour force and big business has no problem with it, they are being burned up and deaths, serious illness and long-term damage are being accepted.

Over the last 1.5 years, theres been time to establish digital infrastructure, hygiene concepts and install air filters. Instead, the rules and hurdles necessary for this are made so complex and difficult that hardly any of these necessary changes have been implemented so far. I even believe that those responsible for this misery should be held accountable in court. For me, this is at least intentional bodily harm.

Brigitte from Hesse, a lawyer and single mother of two elementary school children, says: Currently, I have the great fortune to have both children exempted from compulsory attendance. However, it is impossible to say how long the attendance requirement will remain lifted. Therefore, I support other children and families who, during a pandemic (with a disease that damages the brain and blood vessels), are forced, under threat of sanctions up to and including having custody revoked, to take an unnecessary and, unlike the rest of the population, greatly increased risk of infection in unsafe schools.

Everyone should be allowed to decide for themselves the risk they are willing to take in a pandemic. Vaccine refusniks are given the right to individual self-determination at the expense of the community. Children, on the other hand, are not given the same rights and are virtually forced into the path of infection. This is unethical and morally incomprehensible. Especially not before everyone (and that includes children) can even be offered vaccination.

Flodine, a business graduate and mother of a nursery-age child from Brandenburg, also welcomes the strike call. She sent us the following statement: I have been waiting for a strike by parents since summer 2020. It cant be that our children are kept back since the beginning of the pandemic and show solidarity to protect their elders and adults, but conversely children and young people receive no protection from society, educational institutions and the state.

COVID-19 is equally serious among children and adolescents. The virus has not yet been researched enough, and as long as the dangers for children and young people cannot be ruled out, preventive action must be taken. It is already known what direct consequences or long-term damage can occur in children.

I will not allow my child to be infected. I call on politicians and society to finally fulfil their obligations and protect our children. This can be done by multiple means such as air filters and mandatory mask-wearing in educational institutions, suspending mandatory attendance, by mandatory regular PCR tests of teachers and educatorswhether vaccinated or notas well as by mandatory regular PCR lollipop tests of childrenwhether by collectively or individuallyand by implementing the possibility of online schooling, distance learning and other alternatives.

It is necessary to use several possibilities at the same time to protect our children. Serious science should finally be listened to, and the results of various studies should be heeded. I am not willing to sacrifice my childs health for the power, interests and denial of science of politicians as well as for the greed and profits of big business. The constitution and the protection of life and health are equally valid for children and adolescents. Until children are fully vaccinated, all measures to protect our children remain highly important and must be implemented.
Lee "Scratch" Perry, 2009 (Photo creditMarco Annunziata)

On August 29, reggae innovator Lee Scratch Perry died at the Noel Holmes Hospital in the coastal town of Lucea, Jamaica, aged 85.

Perrys recording and performing career lasted more than six decades. He was best known for his behind-the-scenes work as a pioneering record producer and audio engineer and for being one of the musical creators of the dub reggae sound. He worked with, influenced and produced for a wide variety of artists, including the Congos, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin, The Clash, Paul McCartney and even the Beastie Boys.

Indicating Perrys continuing impact, Kanye West used resung samples from Perry to produce Lucifer for Jay Zs The Black Album (2003). In 2011, dubstep electronic artist Mala from Digital Mystikz remixed Perrys Like the Way You Should. The reggae performer/producer voiced himself as the DJ of the Blue Ark radio station in Grand Theft Auto V (2013).

Rainford Hugh Perry was born in 1936 in the rural Jamaican town of Kendal in Hanover Parish. He got his nickname from his 1965 rhythm and blues-influenced song Chicken Scratch. Although he dropped out of school in his youth, he found his start in music when he came to Kingston, Jamaicas capital, as a teenager. There he interned and was a DJ for the famous Clement Coxsone Dodd sound system in the 1950s. When Dodd opened his renowned Studio One in Kingston in the early 1960s, Perry produced several songs for the label, learning to innovatively record with minimal equipment.

Lees first major hit came in 1968 with the song People Funny Boy. The song was essentially a diss track against his former employer, producer Joe Gibbs of Amalgamated Records, whom he joined after leaving Dodd. It was a major hit, notably sampling a crying baby and using a choppy upbeat rhythm that was an early musical template for reggae music. The creative sampling was also an early use of a technique that would be used later in electronic music and hip hop.

After leaving Gibbs in 1968, Perry started a band called the Upsetters, named as a nod to his clashes with his previous bosses in the music industry. The music became popular in the UK for early reggae and ska instrumentals like Return of Django.

The Upsetter, 1969

Perry was a key figure within a group of artists who would create a sound unique to Jamaica called reggae and its sub-genre dub reggae. Artists in Jamaica were combining elements of popular 1950s and early 1960s musicfrom rhythm and blues, rocksteady, ska, jazz horn sections and West African drummingto offer a new distinct sound.

This culturally rich and artistically innovative period was inextricably bound up with developments in the political situation, above all, Jamaicas independence from Great Britain in 1962. As the WSWS pointed out in its September 19, 2020 obituary of Toots Hibbert:

Resistance and hostility to British imperialism was channeled behind a bourgeois nationalist movement that was to agree a mutually acceptable independence platform with Westminster. An upsurge of national pride that accompanied breaking free of the colonial authority finds expression in the swagger and self-confidence of the periods popular music.

Perrys production technique was one of the major innovations of the early flourishing of reggae. He began remixing existing reggae songs to create new instrumental or vocal versions of tracks by extending the rhythm section, adding a low-end bassline and adding different sound effects and samples. This process, combined with the implementation of studio techniques such as delay and reverb, developed a melodic new subgenre of reggae known as dub music.

He began creating long disco-like mixes that would splice together different songs, incorporating altered sounds that made the existing music sound more alive, vibrant and surreal. The spaced-out textures of the studio effects gave the remix more energy than some of the original songs.

Perrys talents as a record producer reached an artistic high point in 1973, when he produced and managed the Black Ark studio in Kingston, located behind his familys home. There he developed and refined his prominent studio techniques and worked with most of the notable acts in Jamaica. He produced for Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin (Police and Thieves), the Congos and many other notable artists.

A remarkable aspect of Perrys far-out sound was that he produced and audio-engineered with relatively minimal studio equipment. For most of his recordings he used just a Teac 4-track recorder, a Soundcraft mixing desk, an Echoplex delay unit and two different effects units. With this equipment he would often mix down tracks from 4-track to 2-track to make his distinctive whirling sounds that made his studio production distinct from the other Jamaican studios.

A noteworthy example of his unique production style was his dub remix of the Congos Fisherman Dub. Perrys studio manipulation gives the song a vibrant sonic quality.

Perry was also known for producing two of Bob Marley and the Wailers early memorable albums, Soul Rebels (1970) and Soul Revolution (1971). His production helped with the bands artistic turn to a more rebellious image and a more confident reggae sound. Prior to 1970 Marley was known more for his Motown-influenced love songs. With Perry, the group began to openly promote their Rastafarian religious beliefs, which Perry also shared, and sang more about poverty and social tension in Jamaica.

Soul Rebels (1970), Bob Marley and the Wailers

Though it could be a volatile artistic relationship, Marley and Perry continued to collaborate up until the formers death from cancer in 1981. Much of their work centered on their Rastafarian religious beliefs and a kind of pan-African nationalism. They collaborated on such later songs as Jah Live, a tribute to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and a cross-genre celebration song Punky Reggae Party.

Perrys artistic career started to stagnate in the late 1970s. By 1978, stress, depression and lack of creative control over his work began to take their toll on his career, so much so that he apparently burned his own studio to the ground in a fit of rage.

His persona is notoriously difficult to decipher. He often seemed deliberately difficult to understand, sometimes speaking in riddles and coded aphorisms in interviews and even in concert. He was highly protective of his work and feuded with many of the artists and producers he worked with.

Even in many of his lyrics it could be hard to tell if his outlandish imagery was intended as an act of artistic defiance against conformity, as part of a joke or perhaps even related to mental instability. Perry once recorded a song called I Am a Madman and told Rolling Stone magazine that being a madman is a good thing.  It keeps people away. When they think you are crazy, they dont come around and take your energy, making you weak. I am the Upsetter!

His music was not generally noteworthy for strong insights into social or political reality, but he was known as a generous collaborator, well known for educating younger artists in studio production and encouraging musical creativity.

Though he hit a creative wall in the 1980s, Perry had a later-life resurgence. He managed to stay relevant by consistently touring the United States and Europe. He moved to Switzerland with his wife and family and began to revive his career in the 1990s. In addition to producing for others, he made over 50 albums himself, including 15 after the age of 80.

He worked with acts such as the Beastie Boys, performing vocals on the 1998 song Dr Lee, PHD and collaborated with British dub music producer Mad Professor. In 2002, Perrys album Jamaican E.T. won a Grammy for best reggae album, and he was nominated four other times.

Perry managed to inspire music producers and songwriters of many genres around the world. His innovative pioneering of the remix, the remaster and the reworking of songs had a significant impact on the development of electronic music, hip-hop, punk and dance music. His music itself is heavily sampled by a wide range of artists every year.

Marleys son Ziggy Marley once said about his relationship with Perry, It was always a unique experience being around him.  He opened minds with his creativity and his personality. Some people thought it was madness, but I recognized it was genius, uniqueness, courage and freedom.
A meeting yesterday of the Teachers-Students-Parents Safety Committee (TSPSC) in Sri Lanka passed a resolution supporting the October 1 parents school strike in the UK. Called by Lisa Diaz, a UK parent, the strike is in protest against the unsafe reopening of schools as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Teachers spoke enthusiastically about the UK strike during the meeting, unanimously passing the resolution.

Striking teachers demonstrate in February 2020 [WSWS Media]

We publish below comments from two members of the committee.

Mahesh Senanayake, a government schoolteacher said: Im very pleased to hear Lisa Diazs call for a strike and the support that has been rallied around it. I also express my full support for their struggle, which is proving that the working class is not ready to accept anything the government says.

Parents, students and teachers in Sri Lanka all face the same problems as well as threats to our lives in the near future with the reopening of schools here. As the largest group of workers in this sector we have a huge role to play in opposing the governments criminal policies. Official reports on the pandemic in Sri Lanka do not show the real situation. How can parents push their children into the fire knowing that the real situation is bad?

The government has been sacrificing peoples lives to test whether the situation will get worse. We have already seen how many lives were lost with that. Parents in UK say they are not ready to tolerate it anymore. We must follow this example. Not a single child should be sacrificed for the profit interests of the capitalists.

A government school principal said: Its a lie to say that children are not affected by this pandemic. There are children I know very well who were fully vaccinated but have been infected with COVID-19. The government has only vaccinated a handful of school children, and theyve done that as a pretext to hastily reopen schools.

If schools are opened under these circumstances the situation will only get worse. The government is going to start with classes with small children, who have not even learned to maintain their own healthcare. As a principal I know clearly that many Sri Lankan schools dont even have adequate sanitation facilities for normal situations, let alone under pandemic conditions.

The government does not care about any of these serious problems. They want children to be pushed to schools. We should oppose this and support UK parents as an initiative to build the collaboration of the international working class.

Published below is yesterdays TSPSC resolution.

The Teachers-Students-Parents Safety Committee in Sri Lanka fully supports the October 1 strike by parents in the UK to oppose sending their children to schools in unsafe conditions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This strike must be supported by parents, teachers and students all over the world and taken forward as a part of the struggle for eradication of COVID-19 globally.

The initiative by British parent Lisa Diaz to call for this strike is a very significant step and part of a wider opposition developing among the working class around the world to the criminal policies of the capitalist ruling elites to subordinate human lives to the profit interests of big business.

The Sri Lankan governments push to reopen schools under unsafe conditions is no different from the UKs policy, or any other government in the world. Despite the risk of the pandemic, the Sri Lankan government has opened schools from time to time without any proper safety precautions. Since April, however, schools have been closed because of strong opposition from students, parents and teachers.

Putting the lives of Sri Lankan school children at risk again, the government has now decided to resume in-person teaching in schools with fewer numbers of students. This is in line with the governments preparations to begin lifting next week the even limited travel restrictions. The struggle of UK parents will undoubtedly be a crucial experience for Sri Lankan parents in the fight against these government policies.

The Teacher-Student-Parent Safety Committee was established in Sri Lanka to unite teachers, students and parents on a working-class basis to fight the governments premature school reopenings.

More than 250,000 Sri Lankan government schoolteachers, a major component of such a united force, are continuing their more than three-month online teaching strike for higher salaries.

Our committee is taking the lead in fighting for teachers to oppose the reopening of schools as part of their current struggle. The trade unions in Sri Lankas education sector have not expressed any genuine opposition to the reopening of schools.

While the government keeps accusing the striking teachers of disrupting childrens education, it has not spent a single rupee to provide the facilities needed for students to receive online education. These facilities have been provided by the teachers, and at their own expense. The governments callous indifference means that just over 50 percent of Sri Lankan students are able to access online education, which is also seriously hampered by poor network coverage and lack of equipment.

This miserable situation is due to the harsh austerity measures imposed by successive Sri Lankan governments in education, health and other socially-necessary sectors. The lack of ventilation and social distancing in UK schools and pointed to by Lisa as factors leading to a dangerous spread of COVID-19 among children, are severe in Sri Lanka. Over-crowded classrooms and public transportation, as well as poor sanitation, are a clear threat to childrens healthcare.

The anti-scientific lie that children are less likely to be infected with coronavirus is being used by all the agencies of capitalist rulein Sri Lanka and internationallyto justify the reopening of schools and slashing of decent healthcare facilities for children.

As Lisa powerfully declares: Were sick of the lies. Were sick of the gaslighting. Were sick of you getting scientists to say ridiculous things like children dont catch it at school, they catch it on the bus! Its not good enough. We wont take it anymore.

Her statement that parents must not consent to their children being used in a herd immunity experiment is a powerful and correct position, and equally applies in Sri Lanka, where the government is applying similar measures.

As the Ministry of Education secretary previously declared before reopening schools in Sri Lanka: Schools will be opened to gain experience in adapting to the new normal in the pandemic.

The initiative taken by UK parents in the fight against the criminality of capitalist governments is a courageous and timely one. Our committee is making every effort to win the support of Sri Lankan teachers at every stage of your struggle. We see this as a vital step in building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
A mother holds her child at Vallehermoso school, in Madrid as around 8 million children in Spain started the new school year Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Two weeks after all schools in Spain reopened after the summer break, COVID-19 is clearly infecting growing numbers of children. Children have the highest incidence rates of the virus, due to the reopening of schools by the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government, the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant, and the fact that this age group is still unvaccinated.

The incidence ratesin the past two weeks among children below 11 years of age stands at 113 per 100,000. Those under 11 years are followed by the 3039-year bracket (70.12 per 100,000); 40-49 (64.61); over 80 (63.83); 20-29 (63.12); 12-19 (57.11); between 60 and 69 (49.69); between 50 and 59 (49.46); and between 70 and 79 (48.64).

Data on contagion in schools and the numbers of schools and classes closed or in quarantine are scant. Spains regional governments, who are in charge of public education, are scarcely disclosing information. In the north-western region of Galicia, educational centers reported 364 active cases, more than double the number of active COVID-19 cases a year ago (161).

Catalonia has gone from having 836 infected students on September 12, the day schools reopened, to 2,439 two weeks later. The number of classrooms closed due to infections is also growing. In the first week after schools reopened, there were 127 quarantined classrooms. According to the Confederation of Teaching Trade Unions, there were over 1,000 classrooms quarantined in the last three weeks of September.

In Catalonia, schools recorded 246 quarantined groups yesterday, 26 more than the previous week. There are 7,176 people from the educational community in quarantine, 690 more than in the previous count: 6,871 students, 293 educators and 12 external workers.

Valencia authorities confined 64 classrooms at 44 educational centers in the fourth week of September.

The surge in cases is the result of a deliberate policy implemented by the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government in collaboration with the Workers Commissions (CCOO) and General Union of Workers (UGT) trade unions. The aim is to ensure that schools remain open, so parents can continue to work and pump out profits for the ruling class.

This policy is supported by the entire ruling establishmentincluding right-wing Popular Party (PP), Catalan and Basque nationalist or Podemos-backed PSOE regional governmentsalong with the corporate media, which is barely covering the spread of the virus among children.

The rise in cases was entirely predictable. Spain reopened most of its schools in the second week of September, a month after the US and UK. There, cases surged among kids after schools reopened.

In Scotland, schools reopened on August 16 after the summer break. Two weeks later, as the WSWS reported on August 30, 34 percent of cases were under 19 years old. Public Health Scotland reported a threefold rise in case rates for 16-17-year-olds since August 8, and a fivefold rise for 18-19-year-oldscompared to the national average, which doubled. Test positivity rates for children aged 2-17 stood at nearly 20 percent.

In the US, on August 29, roughly two weeks after some states had reopened schools, the WSWS reported that there were 180,000 child COVID-19 cases in the week ending August 19, a 50 percent increase in just one week. The prior week had seen 120,000 child cases.

All this information was readily available. The PSOE-Podemos government, however, decided to ignore the scientific evidence and reopen schools in pursuit of its herd immunity policy of prioritizing profits over human lives, which has already claimed 100,000 lives and infected 10 percent of Spains population.

Fernando Simon, director of the Center for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies, is making clear that the government has no intention of eliminating the virus. Last week, Simon said, If the objective is to completely eliminate transmission, lets forget it, it is impossible. Earlier, he called on the Spanish population to normalize the situation and denounced social distancing measures like lockdowns as an overreaction, comparing it to shooting a fly with a bazooka.

Mass opposition, however, is mounting throughout Europe, the US and internationally to the homicidal policy of school reopenings, which has found powerful expression in the school strike set to take place in the UK and other countries this Friday, October 1.

The call was initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz statement via Twitter calling for a nationwide school strike in the UK on October 1. Nearly 60,000 British children have been infected with COVID-19 in just the first two weeks of school reopenings. Diaz has been supported by parents and educators in the UK, the US and internationally.

The anger of teachers, students, parents and the rest of the working class must find expression in the formation of rank-and-file committees, leading opposition to the policies of the PSOE-Podemos government and fighting for a policy of eliminating and eradicating of COVID-19.

Such an opposition can only be carried out against the CCOO and UGT trade unions. The unions, along with the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and pro-Podemos organizations such as the Students in Movement or the Student Union, make up the State Platform for Public Education (Plataforma Estatal por la Escuela PublicaPEEP). PEEP has become a key accomplice of the herd immunity strategy.

In a September 2 statement, it declared: The educational community, as it did last year, continues to demand the safe return of students at all stages of education. It also noted that education authorities had eliminated social distancing measures, making education patently unsafe. CCOO released a token statement in late August stating that it is unacceptable that, in the midst of a pandemic, the course begins without sufficient safety measures and with 5,000 fewer teachers than last year.

All the PEEP organizations defend the return to class though they themselves recognize that it is not safe. They have not organized any significant national action to oppose the return to work.

As for the CGT (a minority union claiming to be an alternative to the CCOO and UGT), and for the pro-Podemos Student Union and Students in Movement, they have not even bothered to comment on the pandemic and the return to schools.

This indifference for human lives is equally shared by pseudo-left organizations such as the Morenoist Revolutionary Current of Workers (CRT).

The CRTs Izquierda Diario website, in a September 15 article on the new school year, claims the main issue facing public education is the budget. It mentions the pandemic only to state: The isolation protocol for students in the event of COVID or contact [with someone infected] has also been modified, and only students who are not vaccinated will be confined, which may imply a violation of their rights. Furthermore, as the CGT points out, without clear guidelines and without increasing the budget, they intend to create a new hybrid class system (face-to-face / virtual).

The lack of budget and safety are important problems issues facing public education internationally. But CRT ignores the elephant in the room: the fact that even if there were sufficient masks, social distancing, and other policies in schools, this would still not entirely halt the transmission of a deadly virus that has already claimed over 15 million lives worldwide. The CRTs only concern is to ensure that anger in the working class and parents does not escape the confines of the union bureaucracies.

Only the WSWS and the International Committee of the Fourth International through their national sections are resisting these policies. We call on WSWS readers to send messages of support to Lisas Twitter account (@ sandyboots2020) and distribute her call for the October 1 parents strike.
On Saturday, the West Coast Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees (ERFSC) held an online public meeting in response to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in schools and the active efforts by the political establishment to cover up the spread of cases and outbreaks. Committee members presented our call for schools to be closed as part a globally coordinated strategy to eradicate COVID-19.

There is growing opposition to the criminal response of political leaders, district officials and the trade unions to reopen schools with little to no mitigation in place, creating conditions for the further spread of infection. During the meeting, the West Coast ERFSC agreed unanimously to provide full support behind the call for a nationwide school strike in the United Kingdom on October 1, spearheaded by UK parent Lisa Diaz.

On Friday, Diaz issued a video statement on Twitter explaining that the reopening of schools in the UK has been a disaster. More than 59,000 British children were infected with COVID-19 in the first two weeks of school reopenings. In her video, Diaz appealed for parents to take the independent initiative to keep their children at home and safe from the virus. The video has now been viewed over 84,000 times, liked over 2,500 times and retweeted over 1,400 times.

Conditions in schools in the US mimic those in the UK. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 544 children ages 018 have died from COVID-19. According to the most recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there were 206,864 new cases in the week of September 1623, and more than 5.7 million children have contracted the virus since the pandemic began. Data out of Israel and the UK show that 10 15 percent of all infected children suffer from Long COVID.

The call by UK parents for a nationwide schools strike is an important step forward in the growing fight against the herd immunity policies of the international ruling elite and should be supported by educators, parents and workers throughout the world. We will make every effort to share and promote the call far and wide.

During online discussion, teachers, students, and parents expressed support for the strike and provided insight into the unsafe conditions in the schools in their areas.

Alfonso, a middle school teacher in San Diego, California, described the lack of mitigation and reporting in his district. Our schools have been open for several weeks now, and our students are constantly out sick. When I check the numbers that the district has been reporting, it is definitely not accurate. I have more kids out sick in my own classroom than they have recently reported on the district dashboard. And I guess they dont count kids that get sick when not at school.

With kids in the classroom, its your worst nightmare. Many students 12 and older are still unvaccinated in my district. Some teachers keep the windows closed because the district admin is telling them this is safe. What about multigenerational families and a mix of kids where brothers and sisters are in different schools? If one gets sick, it can be spread to multiple school sites and in the community like wildfire. The thought of a student or colleague passing is a huge concern.

And our union is complicit, once the MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] was signed and schools were reopened, no one has been checking on ventilation. I purchased air purifiers out of my own pocket. There was no option for online, there was no fight to argue for what procedures should be in school now that we have reopened.

Alfonso expressed support for the UK parents strike saying, There are a lot of parents and teachers who feel alone, but really we are not. A lot of teachers feel this way. These are real fears teachers have because we know the vaccine is not completely effective at keeping the virus away.

I support the call by Lisa Diaz because we need something like this as a clarion call where we all gravitate to. We need to organize more of these rank-and-file organizations to keep people safe. I second her call, but thats only the beginning of what needs to be a much larger movement to oppose reopening.

Andy, a graduate student at San Diego State University, addressed the meeting. We still have lecture halls with hundreds of people who arent socially distanced, he said, and at that point the mask doesnt make a difference if people are sitting shoulder to shoulder for one to three hours.

People are vaccinated and still getting COVID. They say 98 percent of the population on campus is vaccinated, but its hard to tell if thats true. That they are testing 2 percent of the population, when 100 percent of the population can still catch the virus, doesnt really make any sense. The university does try to blame COVID cases as happening outside of schools, but they are also holding their own mass events with concerts at stadiums.

Deborah, a middle school art teacher in the New York City public schools, described horrific conditions in the largest district in the country, noting, Schools are really overcrowded to begin with, and when we went back two weeks ago my classes were the same size as pre-COVID. We are still overcrowded. Kids are wearing masks but just thin paper masks, and they dont keep them on.

They were going to test two times per month, but now its one per week. But they can only test the students that have signed consent forms, and very few students have turned in consent forms. They say they are testing 10 percent of the students, but at my own school site they only called about 10 names for testing recently.

Also, I went to get tested, and because I am vaccinated, I was not allowed to get tested on site. I certainly can still catch and spread the virus. I can go get a free test elsewhere. I dont know why they would refuse me to be tested at my own school if it is not about keeping the numbers down.

We have two air purifiers, but from the reading I have done, this air purifier is ineffective. I have six windows, which only open about three inches. Only three windows open at all in my room, so you can imagine how poor the ventilation is. In the hallways, teachers and students are all shoulder to shoulder.

The mitigations are a joke. We were all supposed to have been given PPE. I have over 300 students I teach in the school. I was given a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer, six paper masks and some alcohol wipes, and that was my 30-day supply to deal with all my kids. In the lunchrooms they all have their masks off and are not three feet apart.

All of the teachers are feeling demoralized. We feel abandoned by our union. There hasnt been a meeting yet since school started. We feel that the union has done nothing to protect us. We fear for ourselves, our health and our lives, and the lives of our students.

Mike, a parent in San Luis Obispo, California, said in response to our call for an eradication strategy to halt the pandemic, I concur completely. We need to emphasize that the question of endemicity is not inevitable.

He pressed the question: Just how many dead children is the threshold for action? Two successive administrations with different parties have pushed get back to work and school. They refuse to do what everyone knows works: Coordinate to crush new cases which can be done in 23 incubation cycles. As a former educator and administrator, I was pained to see systemic service to hierarchies at the cost of those we are claiming to serve. This isnt about profits or power; its about humanity. If we dont take a stand, who are we really?

There is enormous support for independent initiatives such as the UK schools strike as millions of parents, workers and youth want an end to the suffering and death wrought by the herd immunity policies of the ruling elite. The West Coast ERFSC will do everything in its power to share and promote the event as widely as possible and encourage similar initiatives in the US. Initiatives such as this must take up an independent fight for the eradication of COVID-19 and counter the lies that we must learn to live with the virus and accept mass death.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - We're 15-days into Hispanic Heritage Month. A celebration is held each year between September and October. During this time period, Hispanic contributions in history and culture are being recognized.

One event Thursday will focus on the sights and sounds of Cuba.

Indiana State's wind orchestra is preparing for its show The Cuban Experience. It's part of ISU's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Hispanic student Damaris Bravo grew up in Tuscon, Arizona about an hour or so away from the Mexico border. Bravo says she's happy the university is celebrating her culture.

"It's really cool because living here you just don't get that culture so when it comes to life this month and being able to play this music it gets me back in touch with my cultural areas."

Dr. Roby George the Director of Bands at ISU says dozens of Cuban students came to ISU in the early 1960s.

"ISU wanted to have people come here with Hispanic backgrounds and Hispanic tradition to teach and prepare teachers to go out and teach Spanish in the communities."

Bravo says this month represents family to her.

"A lot of time spent with family doing days where we all get together and do things that go along with that culture tamale-making day all that kind of stuff and listening to that kind of music all the time."

The orchestra is performing their "Cuban Experience" show tonight. It starts at 7:30 pm and it's at the Tilson auditorium on ISU's campus. You can learn more about the first Cubans who came to ISU here. The research is done by local historian Dr. Crystal Reynolds.
WABASH VALLEY, Ill. (WTHI) - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker awarded more than $24 million to small businesses in Illinois.

It's part of the Back to Business program.

The grant program was started as a way to fund recovering small businesses in the state hard hit by the pandemic.

There's still $26 million available.

Pritzker says these grants will do more than boost the state's economy.

"That's why my administration is not only focused on directly funding businesses, but also on resources to keep our workforce and our communities thriving alongside them," Pritzker said.

Businesses can apply for up to $150,000 in state funding. The application deadline is October 13. Learn how to apply here.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The new Terre Haute Convention Center is preparing for its grand opening in the spring of next year.

On Thursday, leaders announced the first booked convention for the new facility.

We've learned The Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana will be the first large event officially booked in the new building. Organizers and local community figures were outside the convention center to make the announcement.

The convention takes place in the May of 2023.

Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett said the convention center is just part of a new tourism effort for the area.

"This convention center and eventual casino we're going to get is going to bring about 1.5 million people new people to Terre Haute every year, and we want this to be a showcase," Bennett said.

The Professional Firefighters Union will bring in around 150-175 firefighters from across the state, and fill around 225 hotel rooms during the four-day conference.

The president of the organization, Tom Hanify, said he was impressed with what he saw.

He said the group had eyed Terre Haute for the event but felt there wasn't an ideal space. He told us that's no longer the case.

"You built this, and guess what? We're here. Hopefully, it's great things to come in the future, even better things, I think, for a city that's truly on its way back," Hanify said.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Police in Sullivan County are asking for information after a pair of people stole a work truck from a Shelburn business.

The sheriff's office says the truck was taken from a business on US 41 and State Road 48 on Tuesday around 6:15 pm.

One of the suspects appeared to put on a fluorescent green work vest, while the other appeared to have a purse or a bag.

If you have any information, call the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office at 812-268-4308.
JASPER COUNTY, IL. (WTHI) - People across the country have assisted in the search for Gabby Petito.

Millions tried to solve her disappearance, hoping and praying for her safe return home.

The national frenzy has many people talking about people missing in our community.

For example, Bethany Bower, of Jasper County, Illinois -- who left her home two months ago, and hasn't been seen since.

Newton City Police Department has been spearheading this investigation.

On Wednesday, News 10 spoke with Chief Mike Swick -- to gain more insight on how local missing people are processed.

Swick says that the first thing they do is take the report.

He tells News 10 that they have a new missing person protocol in the state of Illinois to help speed up the process of distributing information.

"We file that information with the state police right away...because...you know in the past...cases have been kind of put on the shelf."

The next step they take is contacting friends, family, and neighbors -- really anyone in close proximity.

After a certain amount of time, the missing person's information is released nation-wide.

"As you progress through the investigation, and it looks like you're coming up with you know leads that don't check out or nobody's seen or heard anything then, but a lot of that will depend on the circumstance of the case."

He says Bower's information has been released nationally as of this time.

News 10 also caught up with Bethany Bower's older sister Barb Lingafelter to find out what her experience working with the police has been like.

"I'm in contact with them," Bower said.

"They are so wonderful about contacting me every day that the investigator is at work. He calls me every evening before he gets off shift."

Their constant communication gives Lingafelter a sense of comfort during this unimaginable time.

"He really just gives me hope."

Beth if you're watching, you're older sister has a message.

"Just call me...just let us know that you're okay."

If you have any information regarding Bower's whereabouts -- Lingafelter asks that you please call the Newton City Police Department at (618) 783- 8478.

There's also a Facebook page you can join to help with the search. It's called Bring Beth Home.
The long Covid problem might be bigger than we thought.

A large study has revealed that one in three Covid-19 survivors have suffered symptoms three to six months after getting infected, with breathing problems, abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain, change of bowel habit and diarrhoea, fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression among the most common issues reported.

Researchers at the University of Oxford, the National Institute for Health Research and the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre studied symptoms in more than 270,000 people recovering from Covid-19 and found that the nine features of long Covid were detected by clinicians more frequently in those who had been hospitalized, and slightly more often in women.

But Dr. Max Taquet, National Institute for Health Research academic clinical fellow and one of the authors of the study, said the results show long Covid affects a significant proportion of people of all ages. "We need appropriately configured services to deal with the current and future clinical need," he said.

The study did not explain what causes long Covid symptoms, how severe they are or how long they will last, but it did show that people recovering from Covid were more likely to suffer long-term symptoms than those who had the flu.

Dr. Amitava Banerjee, a professor of clinical data science at University College London who was not involved in the study, said this finding is "yet another arrow in the quiver against bogus 'this is just like flu' claims."

The symptoms people experienced varied, and many patients experienced more than one. Older people and men were more likely to have breathing difficulties and cognitive problems, whereas young people and women reported more headaches, abdominal symptoms, anxiety and depression.

The authors stressed that although the number of such incidents was higher among the elderly and those with more severe initial illness, people who had suffered a mild disease, children and young adults also experienced long Covid.

The accompanying data showed that as many as 46% of children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 22 had experienced at least one symptom in the six months after recovering.

This risk of long Covid highlights why is it so important to protect children and young people from the coronavirus, even though the study said most don't suffer from severe illness.

Cases among children have been soaring in the US since the more contagious Delta coronavirus variant became the country's dominant strain in July. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported 206,864 weekly cases among children on Monday. That was a slight decline compared to the previous week, but a 188% increase since the week of July 22.

The data comes as Pfizer/BioNTech said Tuesday that they had begun submitting vaccine data on children aged 5 to 11 to the US Food and Drug Administration for review, and expect to submit a request for emergency use authorization in the coming weeks.

The next key question is whether parents will want to get their kids vaccinated. Parents of 5-to-11-year-olds are split on the issue, with 44% saying they are likely to do so and 42% saying they are unlikely to, according to poll results from Axios-Ipsos published Tuesday.

YOU ASKED. WE ANSWERED.

Q: What is the best time to get flu and Covid shots this year?

A: It is "perfectly fine" to get both shots in one visit, White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN.

Fauci said people should get the vaccines as soon as they can, whatever it takes. "If that means getting the flu shot in one arm and the Covid shot in the other, there is nothing wrong with that," he added.

Send your questions here. Are you a health care worker fighting Covid-19? Message us on WhatsApp about the challenges you're facing: +1 347-322-0415.

READS OF THE WEEK

Turkmenistan claims it hasn't had a single Covid-19 case. Activists say that's a lie

Turkmenistan has not seen a single case of Covid-19 since the pandemic began, according to its authoritarian government.

The central Asian country is one of at least five states that have not reported any coronavirus cases, according to a review by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organization.

Three of those are isolated islands in the Pacific and the fourth is North Korea, CNN's Ben Westcott reports.

Independent organizations and activists outside Turkmenistan say there is evidence the country is battling a third wave, but President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is thought to be playing down the threat of Covid in order to maintain his public image.

Diana Serebryannik, director of Rights and Freedoms of Turkmenistan Citizens, an exile group, said the organization's contacts in the country said hospitals were struggling to cope with a rise in cases.

According to Serebryannik, the official cause of death in these cases is not listed as Covid-19 or pneumonia -- instead medical certificates record separate conditions, such as a heart attack.

Here's what to expect when the US opens its borders

The United States is set to ease travel restrictions on all fully vaccinated foreign visitors starting November, but the traveling experience is expected to be vastly different compared to the pre-pandemic times, Blane Bachelor reports.

Travelers will be required to show proof of vaccination and a negative test taken within three days prior to the trip. But they should also be prepared to navigate shifting -- and confusing -- health regulations and protocols that differ from state to state.

Prices are expected to rise for tourists, and there will likely be staffing shortages due to Covid. So, no matter where they're headed, travelers must stay as flexible and informed as possible.

Here's how other governments are tackling low vaccine uptake

Most European countries have Covid-19 vaccination rates that would be the envy of much of the world. But even in these, hesitancy in certain areas is causing governments to take action -- or risk stalling their efforts to control the spread of the virus.

In Germany, vaccines remain voluntary, but authorities have been stepping up measures that make life increasingly inconvenient for those who haven't been inoculated. The German Health Ministry has announced new rules that mean unvaccinated workers will no longer receive compensation for lost pay if coronavirus measures forced them into quarantine.

Meanwhile, France and Italy have introduced mandatory Covid health passes for entry to premises including bars, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and many other public spaces. The passes show proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or of past infection.

TOP TIP

Encourage your teens to get vaccinated

The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has been made available for people aged 12 and over, but teens remain the least vaccinated of any eligible age group in the United States. Only 46% of 12-to-17-year-olds in the US are fully vaccinated, according to a CNN analysis of data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is still a misconception that the disease only affects the elderly and vulnerable, but evidence has shown this is false.

Talk to your teens about the benefits of getting the vaccine and explain that while they are far less likely than adults to suffer serious disease or to die from Covid-19, they can still catch it and pass it on.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST

Covid-19 taught the world a tough lesson: If we aren't prepared for a viral threat, the consequences can be catastrophic. But what does it mean to be truly prepared? The question feels more urgent now that public health officials warn that many of us may experience another pandemic in our lifetimes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta turns to former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who anticipated our current crisis, for specific recommendations on how to prevent the next one. Listen to that episode here.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
With great power comes great responsibility. And a whole lot of scrutiny.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is learning that lesson the hard way as she has come under withering attention of late -- right as she begins to be regarded as a potentially strong 2024 candidate for the Republican presidential nominee.

First came reporting from The Associated Press on Monday that Noem had set up -- and attended -- a meeting with her daughter, Kassidy Peters, who was facing the denial of her certification as a real estate appraiser when the meeting took place, and several top state officials, including the agent in charge of giving out those licenses. Peters was subsequently approved for it several months later after completing additional licensing requirements.

Noem's office declined to answer detailed questions about the meeting. A spokesman for Noem said that "The Associated Press is disparaging the Governor's daughter in order to attack the Governor politically -- no wonder Americans' trust in the media is at an all-time low."

On Wednesday, Noem tweeted that she "never asked for special treatment for Kassidy. Others went through the same process that Kassidy did." She has also stated that she has tried for years to "fix" how difficult it is to become an appraiser in South Dakota and pointed to legislation she recently signed on the process.

Despite the denunciations, the story isn't going away anytime soon. South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, a Republican, said earlier this week that his office is looking into the meeting and "will be following the steps prescribed in codified law in relation to those questions."

(Worth noting: Noem had called on Ravnsborg to resign in February following a September 2020 accident in which he hit and killed a pedestrian. Ravnsborg pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in August to avoid a trial.)

Then, even as Noem was trying to get out from under that cloud, came a report Wednesday from American Greatness, a conservative website, that Noem has been having an affair with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.

Noem, inexplicably, provided fuel for the rumor when she responded to it via tweet. "These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie," she wrote. "These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help. I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work."

Noem and her husband, Bryon, have been married since 1992 and have three children. CNN has reached out to Lewandowski for comment.

CNN hasn't verified all of the AP reporting and the American Greatness screed got little pickup until Noem denied it. But the twin hits against Noem come after months of positive publicity for her in Republican circles. Noem has aggressively worked to position herself as the female Trump over the past year -- railing against everything from Covid-19 mitigation efforts to, um, Lil Nas X's sneakers.

While Noem insists her only focus is on running for reelection in South Dakota in 2022 -- a race likely to be a cakewalk given the state's strong GOP lean -- her extensive out-of-state travel suggests otherwise. She's made stops in critical early-voting states like Iowa and South Carolina and campaigned in Georgia during the runoff elections there earlier this year.

Seeking a national profile -- and potentially exploring a 2024 bid -- are a double-edged sword for every politician. Putting yourself out there as a future leader of a national party necessarily means that you are going to get a lot more attention -- not all of it good.

Successful national politicians find ways to ride that wave, minimizing the damage done to their ambitions along the way.

These new headlines present Noem with the first major challenge of her effort to become a leading voice in the GOP over the next few years. And they send a very clear message: None of this is easy.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - A pharmacist is making the public aware of an addictive drug that's publicly available.

Jason White is the pharmacist at Smith Drug and Home Medical in Booneville.

A relative became addicted to the drug, he said.

"Money was missing and as we asked questions, the truth finally came forward, he said. And it turned out he [relative] was taking money to purchase these products  which were taking hold of his life."

The drug is called Tianeptine. Its sold under the brand names Stablon, Tianaa, ZaZa and Coaxil. These are considered herbal supplements and are not FDA-approved in the United States.

The label said it is used to treat anxiety and depressive disorders. A bottle costs about $40 and can also be purchased online.

"If you look closely when you're paying for whatever you're purchasing, at many convenient stores they'll be right up front," White said.

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the pandemic has impacted drug users. Nearly 50% of users said their substance use increased during the pandemic.

But this occurred before Covid-19, White said of his relative.

"This one other issue that is readily and easily available that we don't need to add to an already strained population."

White said he's reached out to other states and they are having the same issue, and they are looking to have the product banned from their stores.

According to Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama is the second state to ban the sale of Tianeptine pills.
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - A dog originally from Hungary is now calling Starkville his home and his place of work.

The Starkville Police Department welcomed a new K-9, named Kojack, a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer.

Starkville Police K-9 Kojack. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021.

Starkville Police officer Parker Madeen (left) and K-9 Kojack. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021. Starkville Police officer Parker Madeen (left) and K-9 Kojack. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021.

K-9 Kojack officially joins the Starkville Police Department. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021. K-9 Kojack officially joins the Starkville Police Department. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021. Starkville Police K-9 Kojack. Photo Date: Sept. 30, 2021.

Hes now a Starkville Police officer.

Hes just super energetic, um, playful as you guys already saw, and hell do anything for peanut butter as well, K-9 officer Parker Madeen said on Thursday.

Madeen, his owner and partner, received Kojack from a kennel in Indiana where the two trained together for a month.

Kojack will help officers in detecting narcotics, tracking and more.

Starkville Police used a donation from a local family to get Kojack.

Madeen believes his new friends cuteness and loving personality will help unite community members with law enforcement.

This is one of the reasons I got into law enforcement  was to get a K-9," Madeen said. "And for it to come to fruition today, its just really awesome.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - An underage person is recovering after a shooting in Columbus on Wednesday night.

Police Chief Fred Shelton said his department is investigating the incident that happened near Sim Scott Park.

Columbus, Mississippi. Photo Date: Aug. 25, 2021. Columbus, Mississippi. Photo Date: Aug. 25, 2021.

He said people fired gunshots at one another, and at least one of those bullets hit an underage person.

That person received treatment at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus. The injury was not life-threatening.

The child has since been released from the hospital, Shelton later confirmed.

So far, there are no arrests.

Police originally said they were looking for a white vehicle. However, Shelton later said police are not looking for a vehicle.
This weeks Law & Order: Organized Crime finally will reveal, at least in part, what Stabler wrote to Benson in the letter he gave her last season. But before that happens, we have some thoughts.

If youre all caught up, click here to go directly to our gallery. But if for some reason youve been living in Italy for 10 years and arent quite sure what were talking about, lets catch up. Law & Order: SVUs Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler were very close partners in the New York Police Departments Special Victims Unit for more than a decade. At the end of SVUs Season 12, after a particularly rough case, Stabler abruptly resigned  without telling Benson. Even worse, he made no contact with Liv while he spent the following years living in Europe and working on behalf of the NYPD abroad.

More from TVLine

During SVU Season 22, Stabler came back into Bensons life under the worst of circumstances: the killing of his wife, Kathy, by a drug kingpin whose organization Stabler had been investigating. In the aftermath, El gave Liv a letter hed written her; he implied that it was full of things he didnt feel comfortable saying aloud, and though Liv definitely read it soon after, the two have not discussed it on screen.

But, as promos teased last week, that may change by the end of Organized Crimes back-to-back episodes Thursday (9/8c). And when Organized Crime star Chris Meloni recently was asked about what wed learn about the mysterious message, he said I think theres going to be a riot.

So with that in mind, we started thinking about what we would like to see in Stablers note to Benson. Scroll through the gallery above to see our not-so-serious take on it might play out below, then hit the comments with what you want the letter to say!

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Launch Gallery: Stabler's Letter to Benson: Here's What It <I>Should</I> Say

Best of TVLine
Jon Stewart is back. And he has a "Problem" for you.

The Emmy-winning host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" left his regular television gig in 2015, and has been cropping up in the public eye occasionally since then. But now he's back, at least on a biweekly basis, on Apple TV+ with "The Problem with Jon Stewart" (streaming every other Thursday,  out of four), a series that devotes entire episodes to a single issue, or, as the title suggests, "Problem."

The new series will instantly remind viewers of Stewart's former correspondent John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" on HBO, with a smattering of Larry Wilmore's canceled-too-soon "The Nightly Show" on Comedy Central. (Former HBO chief Richard Plepler is an executive producer.) The episodes open with candid, behind-the-scenes shots of Stewart in the writers' room with his team, hashing out what the episode should focus on and why, often cracking jokes. After the show's credits roll (which offer a few cheeky alternate titles for the series), we see a familiar sight: Stewart at a desk (or rather, an artistically crafted wooden table) with paper and pen, ready to address his live studio audience.

Jon Stewart on the set of his new Apple TV+ show, "The Problem with Jon Stewart."

Just because "Problem" resembles much of what other comedians including Oliver, Seth Meyers and Samantha Bee are doing in the late-night talk show space doesn't mean that it has nothing to add to the conversation. Stewart, 58, is a charismatic, convincing guy. He stands out as an advocate for the people whose stories he elevates on his platform, much like he has spent many years fighting on behalf of 9/11 first responders who have struggled to get medical care. Part news show, part comedy, part soap box, "Problem" is familiar but distinct, and a natural outlet for this version of Stewart.

Each episode's single issue is rather broad in scope. The first investigates and highlights the health problems that affect veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who were exposed to "burn pits," the term for landfills in which the military's waste was burned near bases overseas. The Veterans Affairs department refuses to correlate the cancers and diseases many veterans have developed with the pits, but Stewart highlights the scientific evidence and interviews people who have been gravely affected.

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The biggest difference between "Problem" and "Daily Show" is that Stewart invites a panel of people who are directly affected by the issue he is highlighting. The premiere features veterans, their spouses and one military widow who are advocating for those affected by these horrible cancers. He also heads into the field, something one of his correspondents would have done back on Comedy Central. He travels to Washington, D.C., to interview Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, pressing him on why the department hasn't established a link between burn pits and disease that would allow these veterans to receive medical care through the VA.

Jon Stewart interviews Capt. Le Roy Torres (Ret.), Rosie Torres, Julie Tomaska, Sgt. Isiah James (Ret.), Gina Cancelino, and Staff Sgt. Wesley Black (Ret.)

It's a lot for one episode to cover, as reflected in the 45-minute running time. Viewers used to the snappy 22- or 30-minute pace of so many of these "comedy hybrid" shows, as Stewart calls them, might find the heavy issues, ingrained with tragedy, overwhelming. And after watching two episodes, it seems some interstitial comedy bits could be edited out, and the panelist interviews could be tightened to make sure Stewart's message doesn't get lost.

Stewart has been promoting the series by trying to manage expectations about just how funny it will be: not that hilarious. But there is more humor than his pre-show press might indicate, especially when Stewart is directly addressing the audience. He is still Jon Stewart, after all, and he knows how to turn a joke in a monologue without risking exploiting or offending his subjects. When he shifts to his role as interviewer, the jokes are fewer, and by the second episode, about democracy in danger in the U.S. and around the globe, he is more adept at keeping the panels serious while evoking some chortles.

More: Jon Stewart, Pete Davidson team up for star-studded comedy show to mark 20th anniversary of 9/11

Inevitably "Problem" will elicit some disappointed reactions from fans who are expecting Stewart to do exactly what he used to do on "Daily. But that's a risk anytime someone like Stewart, who is so intrinsically linked with one persona or TV series, tries something new.

There are a lot of problems for Stewart to address in his new series, but his comeback is not one of them.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The Problem with Jon Stewart' review: A strong, familiar return
No more will my green sea

Go turn a deeper blue

 The Rolling Stones, Paint It Black

Well, except in the Hamptons, Mick! The seas are pretty blue here. Placed amid dense pitch pines, this dark house belongs to CFDA-nominated designer Tony Melillo, who launched his eponymous Anthony Thomas Melillo (ATM) lifestyle and sportswear brand in 2012. His original quest was to provide a collection of the perfect T-shirts, but the company has evolved, according to his Amagansett neighbor Gwyneth Paltrow on Goop, into an all-out lifestyle brand predicated on striking the perfect balance between relaxed, laid-back style and serious elegance.

Just one block to the ocean and completely renovated in 2020, the designers beach retreat exudes exactly what Paltrow expressed about Melillos lifestyle brand: it is both elegantly restrained yet relaxed with clean, modern lines, just about what youd expect from a fashion designer whose aim was to design the most perfect and comfortable t-shirt ever made. Listed by Sara Goldfarb and Tal Alexander at Douglas Elliman, the property is asking $5.75 million.

Every feature of the property has been carefully chosen, from the midcentury-approved terrazzo stone terracing at the front entrance to the charcoal-like cedar siding thats been treated in the shou sugi ban style, in which the wood is charred using a traditional Japanese technique. Also given the shou sugi ban treatment is the large deck that includes a fire pit thats perfect for long summer evenings with cocktails.

Even when venturing inside, walls of glass invite the occupant to connect to relaxing views of nature. To add to the natural effect, Dinesen Douglas fir imported from Denmark is used for the flooring as well as for an accent wall in the main living space. Also from Denmark is the trendy Vipp kitchen, dressed in all black, which includes an integrated stove top and snack bar. Three bedrooms and two baths complete the 1,800 square foot residence, which is set on 0.68 of an acre. Off the master bedroom is a private deck, surrounded by plants for privacy, along with a JEE-O freestanding outdoor shower with pressure balance valve, perfect for rinsing off after a long afternoon at the beach. The other bedrooms also offer sliding glass doors to their own outdoor decks, and the baths are bespoke as well, each with high-end minimalist fixtures and, of course, matte black hardware. Plans included with marketing materials show the possibility of adding a second floor with a spacious master suite.

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With impeccable style, rigorous simplicity and a palette of carefully selected materials, plus an effortlessly relaxed and cozy vibe, this house is indeed the residential equivalent of the perfect T-shirt.

More from DIRT
QOM, Iran (AP)  In Iran's holy city of Qom, where Shiite scholars study and pilgrims travel to a shrine believed to be a gate to heaven, the Islamic Republic's coronavirus outbreak began and still rages to this day.

While Iran works to vaccinate its 80 million people, many in Qom have not sought out the shots, authorities say. In one recent week, the city administered only 17,000 shots daily out of its capacity of 30,000, provincial health department chief Mohammad Reza Qadir said.

One reason for that is a hesitancy by some based on religion. In the outbreak's first days, religious leaders were reluctant to close shrines and holy sites despite the risks of virus transmission in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces.

Some sites briefly closed but they later reopened and remained available through repeated, battering phases of the pandemic. Overall across Iran  the Middle Eastern country hardest hit by the pandemic  there have been 5.5 million confirmed virus infections. More than 119,000 people have died, putting tremendous pressure on cemeteries across the country. Officials acknowledge the toll is likely far higher.

Qom's Behesht-e-Masoumeh cemetery is the final resting place of thousands. Each day, families can be seen weeping as they bury their loved ones, wrapped in traditional shrouds. All have dug new gravesites in which they typically bury the dead very deep in the ground.

Many hospitals are filled with victims, some in medically induced comas, even as authorities warn of a possible sixth surge in infections striking the country.

It was in Qom, some 125 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Tehran, that the coronavirus first took hold in Iran. Authorities suggest it was spread by an Iranian businessman who returned from China, where the virus first appeared in Wuhan province in 2019. Qom's Shiite seminaries draw Chinese students. The city is also is located along a $2.7 billion high-speed train route that a Chinese company is building and near a solar power plant Beijing is helping construct.

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But whatever started the pandemic here, the virus still rages.

Here is a gallery of images from Qom by Associated Press photographer Vahid Salemi.

___

Follow Associated Press photographers and photo editors on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AP_Images and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/apnews.
Infowars host Alex Jones has lost two of several lawsuits filed against him by relatives of Sandy Hook victims after he routinely failed to comply with requests to produce documents related to his involvement in spreading lies about the deadly shooting.

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble on Monday issued her ruling for default judgments against Jones in two different cases, which means he and the conspiracy-theory-spewing outlet Infowars have been found liable for all damages and a jury will now be convened to determine how much he will owe the plaintiffs. The new rulings became public Thursday.

In the filings, Gamble eviscerated Jones and reasoned that default judgments should be ordered because an escalating series of judicial admonishments, monetary penalties, and non-dispositive sanctions have all been ineffective at deterring the abuse, caused by Jones unwillingness to turn over documents related to the cases, the Texas judge ruled.

The ruling  which is often referred to in Texas as a death penalty sanction for a party unwilling to comply with court orders  is a rarity in the legal world. Jones, who is now on his seventh lawyer in these cases, had years to provide documentation requested by the court, including internal company emails.

HuffPost was the first to report the start of Jones Sandy Hook legal woes in 2018 when parents Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa filed a defamation lawsuit related to Jones continued lies that the 2012 school shooting that left 20 children and six adults dead was a false flag hoax filled with crisis actors.

Pozner and De La Rosas 6-year-old son, Noah, was killed in the shooting. In the years since, the parents have dealt with continued harassment from those who followed Jones lead and claimed the shooting was faked.

Alex Jones has lost two court cases against Sandy Hook parents. (Photo: HuffPost Illustration/Reuters)

Theyre not the only ones. In total, nine families who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook shooting have leveled lawsuits against Jones and Infowars for the damage he and his outlet caused. Since then, Jones has lost multiple legal battles in his many lawsuits and was ordered to pay nearly $150,000 in legal fees in 2020 for failing to provide discovery documents for the plaintiffs.

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It was Jones continued refusal to hand over discovery documents that led to Mondays rulings against him in a lawsuit brought on by Pozner and a separate lawsuit by parent Scarlett Lewis, whose 6-year-old son, Jesse, was also killed in the shooting. Pozner, De La Rosa, and Lewis are being represented by Texas law firm Farrar & Ball, who told HuffPost that they are not surprised by the Courts decision.

Jones most recent lawyer, Brad Reeves, told the Austin-American Statesman earlier this month that a default judgment against Jones would be a hugely excessive response to his discovery failures. Judge Gamble felt otherwise:

Furthermore, in considering whether lesser remedies would be effective, this Court has also considered Defendants general bad faith approach to litigation, Mr. Jones public threats, and Mr. Jones professed belief that these proceedings are show trials, the court rulings read.

Lawyer Bill Ogden with Farrar & Ball told HuffPost that Gambles default judgment ruling is a bit of a myth in the legal world.

We learn about death penalty sanctions in law school as more of a theory, and its almost unheard of to have them handed down in a case like this, Ogden said in an emailed statement. However, the Sandy Hook cases are unique. It is extremely rare that a party (Alex Jones and Infowars) is ordered by the Court to comply with discovery, is sanctioned for failing to obey with the Courts multiple Order(s), and then continues to blatantly disregard the Courts authority by continuously refusing to comply.

While Jones has now claimed he no longer believes the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax, the damage had already been done. In 2017, Florida woman Lucy Richards was sentenced to five months in prison for sending threats to Pozner.

You gonna die, Richards told Pozner in one recorded voicemail message. Death is coming to you real soon.

As part of her sentence, Richards was ordered not to access Infowars.

Jones cataclysmic court losses are unsurprising to those who have followed his cases. In a 2019 deposition, Jones was unable to recall basic facts about the school shooting, including the date that it happened.

I talk four hours a day, and I cant remember what I talked about sometimes a week ago, Jones said in the deposition.

Reached by phone Thursday, Jones lawyer, Reeves, told HuffPost he had no comment regarding the decision.

I havent really analyzed [the rulings], so I dont know exactly what is going to happen, Reeves said.

Alex Jones hit with default judgments in Sandy Hook case by Sebastian Murdock on Scribd

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Thursday has been a wild day in Congress.

Congressional leaders have been jockeying all week between trying to avert a federal government shutdown and figuring out what's going on with the bipartisan infrastructure framework (BIF). Not to mention a ticking time-bomb on the debt limit.

They at least managed to prevent the shutdown from happening!

Hundreds of thousands of nonessential federal employees would have been furloughed beginning Friday if Congress hadn't acted.

Infighting jeopardizes BIF: Progressives and moderates within the House Democratic party are leading competing factions towards a showdown on Thursday. One side wants to delay the vote, while the other has been pushing to proceed.

It's Amy and Mabinty, with the news out of Washington.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks at a weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday.

The chaos in Congress

Let's start with the good news: The House voted Thursday to join the Senate in extending funding for the federal government through Dec. 3, averting a midnight shutdown.

The bill now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature.

The House voted 254-175 to approve the bill that raced through both chambers in a few hours. The approval came quickly after Democrats dropped attempts to combine the measure with an increase in the amount the country can borrow.

The Senate had earlier voted 65-35 to approve the bill.

The not-so-good news (at least for Democrats): Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the House should delay a Thursday vote on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package.

If it's pushed back two more weeks, it doesn't matter. It will pass. But it must pass in tandem with a $3.5 trillion budget bill packed with progressive policies, said Sanders, who helped craft the budget bill.

You think the world will collapse? the Senate Budget Committee chairman asked. Who decided that today was a pivotal day?

The two wild cards on BIF: Sinema and Manchin.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's office said Thursday the president and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have known her budget priorities and concerns for weeks.

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Sinema, a moderate Democrat from Arizona and a crucial vote in the divided Senate, said months ago she opposed the initial $3.5 trillion proposal by Senate Democrats.

Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.V., said Thursday that $1.5 trillion is the highest price tag he would support on Biden's social spending bill.

That is much lower than the $3.5 trillion Biden proposed and what progressives want for a bill that includes priorities, such as subsidized caregiving, childcare, pre-kindergarten and community college.

Real quick: stories you need to read

Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for OnPolitics newsletter here.

How one journalist escaped from Afghanistan

When Kabul fell to the Taliban, Fatema Hosseini had only bad options. As a female journalist whod worked for USA TODAY, she could stay and be killed or taken by the Taliban or she could run. But getting out seemed impossible.

Fearing the Taliban would ransack her home as they had her parents, she pulled a collage off her wall - photos of her and her friends eating ice cream, American song lyrics, and more. She dropped her memories into a bucket and burned them.

No one expected Kabul to fall so quickly, writes USA TODAYs world affairs correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard. But when it did, he knew he had to get Fatema out of there.

Her only way out was through the Hamid Karzai International Airport.

As chaos surrounded her at the Kabul airport, there were times Fatema thought she couldnt go on. She faced gunfire, a Taliban whip, tear gas and, horrifically, a sexual assault. Finally, she made it to the Ukrainian special forces and across the gate.

Fatema was one of thousands evacuated from Kabul. Her family lifted off from the Kabul runway minutes before the ISIS-K terrorists carried out a suicide bombing at the gate, killing at least 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. soldiers. Others weren't as successful.

Her harrowing and emotional escape from Afghanistan is a detailed account of the danger many journalists had to face and are still enduring in the country today.

While infrastructure week is playing out in Washington, Fat Bear week is happening across the country!  - Amy and Mabinty

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Congressional lawmakers averted a shutdown, infrastructure bill unclear
A woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy mid-flight on her way from Istanbul to Chicago this week with the help of the cabin crew and a doctor who happened to be on board.

The woman, originally from Morocco and traveling with her husband on a Turkish Airlines flight on Sept. 27, was two weeks before her due date when her water broke at 30,000 feet, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure. That's when the cabin crew took to the loudspeaker asking if there were any doctors on board.

By a stroke of luck, Dr. Feridun Kubilay was on the plane after having decided to delay his flight back to the United States by a week, Nola.com reported. Kubilay  a permanent U.S. resident who works part-time as a neurosurgeon in Turkey, but doesn't practice medicine in his hometown of New Orleans  quickly jumped into action.

It had been decades since he had delivered a baby, but he was ready.

"I was so happy everything was OK," Kubilay told Nola.com.

The baby born on the Turkish Airlines flight

Courtesy of Turkish Airlines

When the plane arrived in Chicago, a medical team was waiting for them, Turkish Airlines told T+L. The baby boy was named Mehdi.

When a woman gives birth mid-air, the baby's citizenship can depend on a number of factors. If the baby is born over the ocean, the child could become a citizen of the country where the plane is registered in some cases. And some countries, including the U.S., grant citizenship to a baby if it is born over that nation's land.

This isn't the first time a woman has given birth on a plane. Earlier this year, a woman gave birth after going into preterm labor on a flight from Utah to Hawaii with the help of three NICU nurses who happened to be on board.

In October 2020, a woman in India gave birth to a baby boy on a flight from Delhi to Bangalore, and in November 2019, a woman gave birth on an American Airlines flight from Florida to North Carolina.

In February 2019, JetBlue named one of its planes in honor of a baby boy who was born on a flight heading from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Sep. 30CHEYENNE  In an opinion filed Sept. 22, the Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a woman for her involvement in a Cheyenne high-speed chase and shootout in 2019.

In December 2019, a jury found Chasity Larae Jacobs, the passenger in the car, guilty of accessory to attempted second-degree murder and reckless endangering. Prior to the trial, she pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine. She was sentenced in June 2020 to 25 to 35 years in prison.

Dominique Patrick Childers, Jacobs's co-defendant and the driver of the car, was found guilty of two counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of felony property destruction, one count of felony methamphetamine possession, two counts of misdemeanor property destruction, misdemeanor reckless endangering and eluding. He was sentenced to 50 to 70 years in prison.

The two led law enforcement on a high-speed chase and shootout from Interstate 25 throughout downtown Cheyenne, eventually crashing near the Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center, according to previous reporting.

Childers was driving a stolen 2016 Toyota Camry that reached a maximum speed of 115 miles per hour while trying to avoid being pulled over on the interstate. He then drove through downtown Cheyenne at speeds close to 65 mph.

Throughout the chase, multiple shots were fired at a Wyoming Highway Patrol cruiser and a Cheyenne Police Department cruiser, striking both vehicles several times, according to previous reporting.

In Jacobs's appeal, justices were asked whether Laramie County District Judge Steven Sharpe, who presided over the trial, was correct in refusing the defense's request to inform the jury about a lesser charge of accessory to attempted voluntary manslaughter.

The high court said yes, because the charge of voluntary manslaughter requires proof that someone acted in the heat of passion, and none existed in this case, they wrote, agreeing with Sharpe.

Story continues

There was also no evidence of the required "extreme or severe provocation" from the officer who attempted to pull over Jacobs and Childers, and Jacobs failed to argue as such in her appeal, the justices wrote.

"Trooper Powell attempted to lawfully stop Mr. Childers for a speeding violation, and he and other officers continued that lawful pursuit when Mr. Childers failed to stop. As a matter of law, a reasonable person would not lose her normal self-control or her ability to act from judgment, rather than passion, under such circumstances," the opinion reads.

Even if Jacobs had pointed to such a provocation, the district judge still would have been correct to deny the request because she didn't provide evidence that she'd acted in a heat of passion  in fact, it was to the contrary, the justices wrote.

"The pursuit lasted 12 to 15 minutes and thus was not a sudden occurrence. During that period, Ms. Jacobs had the presence of mind to both fire and reload a weapon, acts that required at least some amount of deliberation," the opinion reads.

Though Jacobs's DNA was found on two magazines for one of the pistols, her appeal argued that there was still a question of when her DNA was deposited on the magazines, and whether she or Childers did the reloading. Because of this, she argued in the appeal, a jury should have been able to consider her intent separately.

Still, the justices wrote that Jacobs's potentially differing intent from Childers still did not support a jury instruction for voluntary manslaughter, because there was no evidence of extreme provocation or that Jacobs acted in a sudden heat of passion.

Jacobs's appeal also asked the Supreme Court to consider whether the district court's written sentencing order on her reckless endangering and possession counts was different from the judge's oral sentencing, and whether those sentences exceeded the statutory maximums.

At Jacobs's sentencing hearing, Sharpe sentenced her to "one year of incarceration" for the reckless endangering and possession counts, but in a written order sentenced her to "a period of not less than one (1) year" on each. Jacobs argued in her appeal that this was illegal because it did not match the oral sentencing, and because the sentence exceeded both charges' one-year statutory maximum.

The high court said the district court's written sentence "improperly deviated from the one-year terms the court orally pronounced during sentencing" by "arguably impos(ing) open-ended terms on those counts." Because they were open-ended, they arguably exceed the maximum one-year terms, making them illegal.

While the opinion affirmed Jacobs's conviction, the Supreme Court ordered the district court to correct the written sentencing order.

Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill, whose office represented the state on appeal, declined to comment. State Public Defender Diane Lozano, whose office represented Jacobs on appeal, could not be reached for comment by press time.

The Supreme Court also affirmed Childers's conviction in an Aug. 16 opinion. Childers challenged two of his property destruction convictions  claiming he had not "knowingly" caused the damage  and his conviction for felony possession of methamphetamine, claiming insufficient evidence had been provided for both.

In this opinion, the high court said Childers had acted voluntarily when he caused the property damage by knowingly evading law enforcement while under the influence of methamphetamine, whether he intended to cause the property damage or not.

The court also affirmed the possession conviction, writing that it was satisfied with an agent's testimony during trial that Childers had been in possession of 4.36 grams of methamphetamine, which exceeds the felony amount.

Hannah Black is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's criminal justice reporter. She can be reached at hblack@wyomingnews.com or 307-633-3128. Follow her on Twitter at @hannahcblack.
Construction begins on Kittitas County solar project

Construction began Monday on the Columbia Solar energy project in Kittitas County.

State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council officials announced that it approved TUUSSO Energys plans for restoring the site, paving the way to start construction on its project, which involves three solar arrays spanning more than 200 acres near Ellensburg.

The company is required to return the property to agricultural use after the solar arrays are shut down.

The project initially involved five 5-megawatt arrays, sparking opposition from residents who saw it as taking away land from agriculture.
Workers are shown separating and pulling highly contaminated glove boxes at the Hanford nuclear reservations Plutonium Finishing Plant in 2013. Hundreds of workers on that project wore respirator gear that may have leaked, an investigation found.
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VILLANOVA, Pa.Villanova University will celebrate the 16th annual St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service on Saturday, October 2, with more than 4,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University serving alongside local organizations and neighborhood agencies. Villanovans will serve at more than 100 service sites throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, along with hundreds of alumni serving at sites across the United States.

After a much scaled-down Day of Service in 2020, I am thrilled that this annual Villanova event returns to a more typical format this fall, said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. Over the past 16 years, the Day of Service has brought together thousands of Villanovans from around the globe to address the needs of the communities, and its wonderful to introduce our first- and second-year students to this mission-centric, Villanova tradition.

Aligning with Villanovas Augustinian mission, this day of service exists to put ideals into action. Annually, Villanova students perform nearly 250,000 hours of service in communities locally, regionally and globally. St. Thomas Day of Service was started by Rev. Donohue in 2006 upon his inauguration. The day honors Villanovas patron saintthe 16th century Augustinian bishop of Valencia, Spainknown for his great charity to the poor and marginalized.

One of the largest single-day service events in the region, the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service builds upon the service performed throughout the year by the Villanova community. In addition to participating in weekly outreach opportunities at Philadelphia-area social service and charitable organizations, Villanovans participate in a wide variety of long-term mentoring and service break experiences, as well as ongoing Habitat for Humanity home building projects. The event is organized by the Day of Service Committee, made up of 35 students and 10 staff and faculty members.

For more information regarding the 2021 St. Thomas of Villanova Celebration, visit www.villanova.edu/stvc.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.
New Delhi: Providing a sigh of relief to Delhiites, the Delhi government has extended the validity of the driving license and several other necessary vehicle documents, such as the Registration Certificate (RC), expiring September 30 till November 30.

The Delhi government issued the order on Wednesday (September 29) after the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had directed all the states to increase the validity of necessary vehicle-related documents.

In a notification, the Transport Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued advisories to all States and Union Territories regarding extension of validity of documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

It was advised that in case of Fitness, Permit, Driving License, Registration or any concerned document(s) whose extension of validity could not or was not likely be granted due to lockdown and which had expired since February 1, 2020, or would expire by September 30, 2021, the same may be treated to be valid till September 30 2021, the department added.

All the RTO offices in Delhi and all other enforcement authorities have been now advised to treat all such documents as valid. According to an ANI report, various field offices pointed out that a large number of applicants are turning up for various services as the validity of various documents is going to expire on September 30, 2021. Also Read: TCS introduces Youth Employment Program to skill youth, help rebuild livelihoods of COVID-19 victims

To ease the heavy crowding at RTO centres, the decision has been taken to extend the validity of the driving license and other vehicle documents. "Even though. the situation has become almost normal but adequate precautionary steps are required to be taken to avoid the recurrence of COVID pandemic like situation and for that reason, it is proposed that the validity of documents issued by the Transport Department expired between February 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021, may be further extended for two months ie up to November 30, 2021. However, the vehicles plying on road should have a PUCC to ensure pollution control," stated the notice. Also Read: This Bank to shut down its ATMs from October 1 --Got an account here? Know how it will affect you

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#mute
Mumbai: Makers of the Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Sardar Udham' have dropped the powerful first trailer of the patriotic film on Thursday.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film is a biopic on freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in 1940.

He assassinated the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India to avenge the brutal killings of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919.

The nearly two-and-a-half-minute trailer opens with a voiceover saying, "The Indians never forget their enemies. They strike them down, even after 20 years."

The trailer shows Vicky as Udham Singh who goes to London under the alias 'Sher Singh'.

Watch the trailer here:

He tracks O'Dwyer's movements in the city and practices his shooting skills.

"I fight different way," he says. His plan was to strike in London, the "heart of British," to send India`s message of revolution across the world.

The trailer further shows the situations of tension that develop in London and India owing to the revolution against laws in British India.

Near the end of the trailer, Singh gets arrested and tortured by the British.

"Tell people I was a revolutionary," he says.

Vicky Kaushal opened up about how he prepared for the inspiring persona of Sardar Udham Singh.

"The story of Sardar Udham Singh is one that enthralled and inspired me. It represents strength, pain, passion, extraordinary courage and sacrifice, and many such values that I have tried to do justice through my character in the film. The role called for a lot of physical, and even more mental preparation to get into Udham Singh's shoes and bring to life the story of a man whose heroism and grit stand unmatched," he shared.

Director Shoojit Sircar shared the process of the film, an "ode to the lionhearted spirit" of Udham Singh.

"'Sardar Udham' to me is not just a film, it is a dream come true. It took years of in-depth research to unearth and share with the world the valiant story of a martyr who sacrificed his life to avenge India`s most dreadful tragedy. The entire team is extremely proud to have had an opportunity to work on bringing forward a story of a revolutionary who played a key role in India`s freedom struggle," he said.

Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, the movie also stars Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Banita Sandhu and Kirsty Averton in pivotal roles and Amol Parashar in a special appearance.

'Sardar Udham' is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on October 16.
New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Thursday announced that Chhat festivities in the national capital has been banned and gatherings at public places and river banks, fairs and food stalls will not be permitted for the second consecutive year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The authority has advised people to celebrate the festival in their homes.

"Fairs, melas, food stalls, jhoolas, rallies and processions will not be permitted during festivals in Delhi. Chhat pooja celebration shall not be allowed in public places and people are advised to celebrate the same at their homes," the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said in an official order.

The DDMA clarified that no standing or squatting will be allowed at festive events and only sitting on chairs with social distancing will be permitted.

"All event organsiers will have to obtain requisite permissions from the district magistrate (DM) concerned for organising festival events, well in advance. No permission shall be granted by DMs or authorities for conducting any event in containment zones," it added.

The Chhat Puja is a three-day festival of worshipping the sun, it will be celebrated between November 8-10.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded 41 coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 0.06 per cent and zero fatality due to the infection on Wednesday, according to a health bulletin issued by the city government.

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Raipur: Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait has said that the government has been lying to the media that it is open to dialogue on the issue of ongoing farmers agitation.

Addressing a press conference here, Tikait said, "Government lies to media that it is open to dialogue but farmers are not. They want to hold conditional dialogue, in which farmers will not participate. They said farm laws would not be rolled back. It means they have already drafted the agreement and farmers just have to sign it."

Govt lies to media that it's open to dialogue but farmers aren't. They want to hold conditional dialogue, in which farmers won't participate. They said farm laws won't be rolled back. It means they've already drafted the agreement &want farmers to just sign it: Rakesh Tikait, BKU pic.twitter.com/ifrWQp3NLL  ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2021

Asked about his statement against media, Tikait said, "I had said something yesterday which was misinterpreted. I actually meant that the next target of the Centre is media houses. We have never said anything against media."

Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday had said media houses will be the next target and will suffer if they do not support farmers protests.

"Everyone should join us. The next target will be media houses. If you want to be saved then join us, else you will also suffer. We will raise the issues of (farmers from) Chhattisgarh. The biggest problem is of MSP in the country. We will raise this issue. We will talk about how vegetable farmers of state can be benefited more and what policies need to be made for them," Tikait told mediapersons after arriving in Raipur.

Earlier on Monday, a call for `Bharat Bandh` was given by several farmer unions in protest against the three farm laws introduced by the Centre last year. Rakesh Tikait had termed Bharat Bandh`s call a "success" and claimed that the people supported the shutdown in large numbers.

Farmers have been protesting at different sites since November 26 last year against the three enacted farm laws: Farmers` Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. Farmer leaders and the Centre have held several rounds of talks but the impasse remains.

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New Delhi: Mumbai Police is back with its witty posts and this time it is addressing misogyny in Hindi cinema with movie dialogues that Bollywood needs to 'reflect' upon.

The post features snippets from the Shahid Kapoor starrer Kabir Singh, Salman Khan's film Dabangg, Chashme Baddoor and Ujda Chaman.

In the caption, the Mumbai Police Instagram handle wrote, "Cinema is a reflection of our society - Here are (just) a few (of many) dialogues both our society & cinema need to reflect upon. Choose your words & actions with care - unless you want the law to intervene!"

The organisation shared the post with the hashtag - 'Let's Not Normalise Misogyny'.

Check out the witty, reflective post:

The post features dialogues such as - "Preeti, chunni thik karo" from Kabir Singh, "But I allowed Ayesha to run her business" from Dil Dhadakne Do which demean women either subtly or openly.

Director Zoya Akhtar and comedienne Mallika Dua commented on the post showing their appreciation for it. Netizens were also quite impressed with the strong message and hailed Mumbai Police for their socially relevant posts.

The Mumbai Police has always kept with the top trends and vowed netizens with its wit and humour.

Earlier, they had shared a video of the Khaki Band performing on Bella Ciao on its official Twitter handle.
New Delhi: Celebrities Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's latest ad has left Twitterati fuming since its release.

The duo recently featured in ad underwear ad for the brand Macho. While the ad was supposed to be a light-hearted clip, netizens have objected to the content of the controversial ad.

In the ad, we're shown Vicky Kaushal attending a yoga class taken by Rashmika Mandanna who is the instructor.

In the asana required, the yoga students need to raise their hands to the top. As Vicky Kaushal does this, his shirt lifts up slightly and this leads to Rashmika getting a peek of his Macho underwear strap.

This excites the actress and she begins counting slowly so he would have his hands in the air for a longer time.

In the second scene, Rashmika asks Vicky to stretch and reach out to a yoga mat kept on a high shelf, leading to her getting a look at his underwear strap once again.

Watch the ad here:

Netizens were furious at the objectification of Vicky Kaushal in the ad and took to social media to express their views on it.

While one user wrote, "Just saw a disgusting Ad of #MachobySporto. #RashmikaMandanna ogling at #VickyKaushal 's underwear and slowing the count during Yoga Session, imagine the genders reversed", another said, "One of the cheapest ads I have seen in recent times...Actresses like @iamRashmika might be ruining it for gals out there... I don't think any gal will get so excited to see someone's macho..."

Take a look at their tweets:

One of the cheapest ads I have seen in recent times... Actresses like @iamRashmika might be ruining it for gals out there... I don't think any gal will get so excited to see someone's macho... https://t.co/GcOVdb4lDu  Vivek Nair - The Thrifty Marketer (@vivektweetsso) September 25, 2021

#Amulmacho #Machosporto yeh toh bada toing nahi hai. Yeh toh bada #sexualharassment of men hai.

Highly condemnable and objectionable ad  Vaastav Veer (@VaastavVeer) September 27, 2021

https://t.co/hT7LJeop4H Just like the ad campaign that says "why should boys have all the fun" this ad promotes "why should only boys be the perverts" atleast those ads in india used to be creative now even that started to suck.  sagar (@YlnSagar) September 28, 2021

@iamRashmika

Dear Rush your recent advertisement in amul macho disappointed me, how can you do this ? You are national crush and this type of advertisement is not suitable for you, we can't imagine you in this type of sexual ad.

We always keep you in our heart by your cuteness.  Aniruddha Ghosh (@Anirudd54031459) September 30, 2021

On the work front, Vicky Kaushal dropped the trailer of his upcoming film 'Sardar Udham' on Thursday (September 30). It will release on Amazon Prime on October 16.

On the other hand, Rashmika Mandanna's multi-lingual film Pushpa: The Rise's first look was released on September 29 which took the internet by storm. She will be starring against Allu Arjun in the film.
New Delhi: Ace fighter pilot Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari who was in charge of the Ladakh sector during the peak of the crisis with China, took over as the Chief of Air Staff from Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Thursday (September 30).

Bhadauria superannuated after 42 years of service and was architect of two mega fighter aircraft deals including 36 Rafales and 83 Mark1A indigenous Tejas jets. Chaudhari, who has served in various important capacities at both field formations and air headquarters, would be taking over the force at a time when the country is still in a standoff position at the borders with China and tensions in the region are high due to the situation in Afghanistan.

Delhi: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari takes charge as the Chief of Air Staff, succeeds Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who retires today. pic.twitter.com/1H8rs13X6w  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2021

Chaudhari would also be responsible for the operationalisation of modern air defence systems like the S-400 from Russia, which are going to be inducted soon. He would also be responsible for the modernisation of the fighter aircraft fleet as more indigenous and foreign origin fighter aircraft are planned to be inducted in the near future.

Chaudhari, whose son is a Rafale fighter aircraft pilot, also ensured the smooth induction of the Rafales into the Indian Air Force as the Ambala airbase was under him as Western Air Commander. After joining the fighter stream of the IAF in December 1982, he has a flying experience of more than 3,800 hours on a wide variety of fighter and trainer aircraft, including missions flown during Operation Meghdoot, the Air Force`s support to capture Siachen glacier in the 1980s, and Operation Safed Sagar (the support provided by the IAF during the Kargil conflict in 1999). An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Chaudhari has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a fighter base during his career. He has also held various other positions including the Deputy Commandant, Air Force Academy; Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers).

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Bengaluru: A COVID breakout among students of Bengaluru's Sri Chaitanya Girls Residential School led to the school being sealed by district authorities. At least 60 students of the boarding school in Bengaluru tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the officials to shut down the school.

"On Sunday evening, one student complained of vomitting and diarrhoea. We immediately sprung into action. There were 480 students, all were checked. 60 students tested positive," said J Manjunath, Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner told ANI.

This is Sri Chaitanya educational institution. On Sunday evening, one student complained of vomitting & diarrhoea. We immediately sprung into action. There were 480 students, all were checked. 60 students tested positive: J Manjunath, Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/i3LoAkDWiD  ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2021

He further added, "We'll conduct retest on the 7th day. The school has been closed till 20th (Oct). There is no cause for worry, this is a proactive measure. Out of the 60 students who had tested positive, 14 are from Tamil Nadu and the rest of them are from various parts of the state."

Most of the infected students of the boarding school are reportedly asymptomatic and are quarantined at an isolation facility on the school campus. Manunath said that the students have been there for a month and no one showed any symptom till recently. "Out of the 60 students who tested positive, only 2 are symptomatic. Our team is there, we have tested everyone," added J Manjunath.

Also read: 29 students of medical college in Mumbai test COVID positive, 27 fully vaccinated

On September 5, the boarding school resumed physical classes for senior students with 57 fully vaccinated staff, including 22 teachers, and 480 students, mentioned a Hindustan Times report.

(With Agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh meets NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday (September 30, 2021), amid speculations of him joining BJP. The meeting comes a day after Captain Amarinder Singh met Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi.

The former Chief Minister of Punjab arrived in the national capital on Tuesday amid the ongoing turmoil in Punjab and few days after resigning from the Chief Minister's post.

Todays Singh-Doval meeting might fule the already intense speculations about the Punjab Congress leader joining the BJP in the following days. Additionally, it may be noted that many senior BJP and NDA leaders, including Anil Vij and RPI's Ramdas Athawale, had invited Singh to be part of the BJP or the saffron party-led alliance.

Meanwhile, soon after former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh met Home Minister Amit Shah, the Congress hit out at the BJP leader, alleging his residence has become the "new centre of anti-Dalit politics".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the arrogance of those sitting in power has been hurt ever since a Dalit has been made the chief minister of Punjab. "The arrogance of the those sitting in power has been hurt. Because if a Dalit is made the chief minister, they ask who is taking the decisions in the Congress," he asked.

"Amit Shah ji and Modi ji are burning in the fire of vengeance from Punjab. They want to take revenge on Punjab as they have so far failed to serve the interests of their capitalist friends with the black anti-farmer laws. BJP's anti-farmer conspiracy will not succeed," he said in a tweet in Hindi, using the hashtag "NoFarmersNoFood".

(With Agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Captain Amarinder Singh is no longer with Congress, or at least that is what his Twitter bio says. After making it clear that he would not remain in the Congress party, Singh on Thursday (September) removed the partys reference from his Twitter bio.

His Twitter bio now reads: Army Veteran | Former Chief Minister Punjab | Continuing to serve the State

Check out his profile here:

The statement also signifies that he would remain active in Punjab politics as he has mentioned he would continue to serve the state. However, it is unclear what his future course of action might be.

Singh has already declared that he would not join the BJP although he met Home Minister Amit Shah fueling speculations about him joining the saffron party.

"So far I am in the Congress but I will not remain in the Congress. I will not be treated in this manner," the Captain had earlier told a news channel.

Amid the ongoing crisis in Punjab Congress, the former CM also met NSA Ajit Doval at his residence in New Delhi today.

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New Delhi: Amid deepening crisis in Congress, senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal on Wednesday (September 29) demanded convening of an urgent meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC), its highest policy making body.

Azad wrote to Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on the current state of affairs where the party is facing crisis in various states and defections of senior leaders, as per PTI report.

The development comes in the backdrop of Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu resigning from his post a few days after Amarinder Singh quit the post of Punjab Chief Minister, thus bringing the infighting to the fore just ahead of the assembly elections next year. Among defections, former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro joined Mamata Banerjees TMC on Wednesday, while Amarinder Singh met Home Minister Amit Shah raising speculations about his future political plans.

Addressing a press conference, Sibal said 'Group of 23' leaders who earlier wrote to Sonia Gandhi seeking an organisational overhaul, is "not a Jee Huzur 23" group. Attacking the Congress high command, Sibal asked who was taking decisions in the party in the absence of a full-time chief.

In our party at the moment there is no president. So we don't know who is taking these decisions. We know and yet we don't know," Sibal said.

Sibal also asked for holding elections to the post of the Congress president, the CWC and the central election committee."One of my senior colleagues has written to the Congress president to immediately convene a CWC. So that at least some things that we can't speak publicly, we can have a dialogue in the CWC as to why we are in this state," the veteran leader added.

Sibal further said, "So, listen to our point of view. If you don't accept it, fine, but at least listen. We respect your point of view, but have the space to respect ours. Allow us that dialogue. There are no monopolies. No monopolies should be created in the power structures of any country or a party.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: India recorded 23,529 new COVID-19 cases and 311 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall caseload to 3,37,39,980 and the total death toll to 4,48,062, as per data released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday (September 30, 2021). Out of these, Kerala contributed 12,161 fresh cases and 155 deaths.

Over 28,718 recoveries were also recorded in the country in the last 24 hours, taking total recoveries to 3,30,14,898 and the active caseload now stands at 2,77,020, which is the lowest in the last 195 days.

India reports 23,529 new #COVID19 cases, 28,718 recoveries and 311 deaths in last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry Active cases: 2,77,020

Total cases: 3,37,39,980

Total recoveries: 3,30,14,898

Death toll: 4,48,062 Total vaccination: 88,34,70,578 (65,34,306 in last 24 hrs) pic.twitter.com/BVeocY7t4j  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2021

The recovery rate presently stands at 97.85 percent, the highest since March 2020. The country reported a weekly positivity rate of 1.74 percent which is less than 3 percent for the last 97 days. The daily positivity rate in the country stands at 1.56 percent, less than 3 percent for the last 31 days.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 15,06,254 samples were tested yesterday, which took the total cumulative of COVID-19 tests conducted so far in the country to 56,89,56,439.

Additionally, the country has administered 88,34,70,578 vaccine doses so far under the nationwide vaccination drive, out of which 65,34,306 doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that the World Health Organisations (WHO) emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Bharat Biotech-developed Covaxin is most likely to come in October. The report added that the Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer has submitted all required documents to WHO and said that it is 'working diligently with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest.'

(With Agency inputs)

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New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) officials on Wednesday (September 29, 2021) said that the gatherings, such as Ramleela celebrations, will be allowed during the upcoming festival season with strict compliance to COVID-19 norms.

DDMA also released detailed guidelines to be followed and said that the Delhi Police and district authorities will ensure proper seating arrangement at events by adhering to social distancing norms, along with that they will have to make sure separate entry and exit points for venues. The authority also said that no overcrowding should happen at gatherings.

"They will make sure that gatherings during the festive season are strictly in compliance to standard operating procedures. They will ensure that no fairs and stalls are allowed and if the SOPs are not followed, then action will be taken against the organisers of the events," a source said.

According to a PTI report, this decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, in presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

ALSO READ | Delhi schools reopening: Nursery to Class 8 to resume after festival season

After the meeting, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal tweeted, "After a detailed discussion with experts, the need to strictly follow and enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour (CAB) was emphasised upon especially in wake of the upcoming festive season to prevent any resurgence of infection."

Additionally, DDMA will issue another order with detailed SOPs in a few days.As per the sources, experts in the meeting expressed satisfaction over the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the capital city and efforts being made by the departments concerned to mitigate the spread of coronavirus yet strongly reiterated not to let their guards down.

The sources also added that the Delhi chief secretary was directed to go through the SOPs for the festive season and synergise them with guidelines issued by the central government for effective management in the national capital.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot, along with top experts and government officials, attended the meeting.

On the other hand, the Ramleela organising committees in Delhi said that it will be difficult for them to organise Ramleelas on a grand scale this year due to shortage of time.

"The DDMA's order of organising Ramleelas without fairs and grandeur is as good as doing nothing. Chances are bleak that we will organise Ramlila this year," Rajesh Khanna, secretary general of Shri Ramleela Committee, said.

"Preparations for organising Ramleela generally begin two to three months before its scheduled time, but this year we were not sure whether committees would be allowed to organise Ramleelas," he added.

Dheeraj Dhar Gupta, general secretary, Dharmik Leela Committee, said the permission from the DDMA came "very late" and it is unlikely to organise Ramleela this year.

"The DDMA permission came very late and we also have to take approvals from many other departments which is hardly possible in a week's time," he said.

The festival season will start with Navratri commencing in October and Durga Puja is celebrated during the same time. Dussehra falls on October 15 and Diwali on November 4 this year.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: The crisis in Punjab Congress appears to be deepening further with Captain Amarinder Singh going his own way while the status of Navjot Sidhu is still under question. Amid all the drama, the trouble for the Gandhi family seems to be piling up with the G-23 leaders attacking the party high command. To make things worse, there have been internal fights among the party members that have spilled over the streets.

Zee News Anchor Sachin Arora on Thursday (September 30) discussed the ongoing chaos within the Congress party and questioned the silence of the Gandhi family.

After Captain Amarinder Singh met Home Minister Amit Shah yesterday, we said that he is left with three options:

First, Singh could join BJP and the party contests the Punjab elections under his leadership.

Second, he could form his own regional party in Punjab and forge a pre or post-poll alliance with the BJP.

Third, he could join BJP and the party makes him a minister at the Centre. For example, he could be made the agriculture minister.

While the first and third options are out of the question as Singh has made it clear that he would not join BJP. Now, what remains is the second option.

As we said, the BJP wants to work on Singh's image first and portray him as the strongest representative of the farmers of Punjab. He could be made to mediate in talks with the farmers. When the time for assembly elections arrive, Sidhu could form his own regional party in Punjab and forge a pre or post-poll alliance with the BJP.

If this happens then the whole scenario of Punjab polls will change and it will be a massive setback for Sidhu.

Singh has clearly said that he will not let Sidhu win. His statement means that his conflict with Sidhu is not yet over and would go on much beyond this.

Meanwhile, the Gandhi family has been silent on this entire political development. This has unnerved some of the partys senior-most leaders. Yesterday, Kapil Sibal spoke up about the plight of the party in reference to the Punjab fiasco.

What followed was a severe backlash from his own party leaders and workers. Several Congress workers staged a protest outside Sibals house. They showed what a sin it is to speak against the Gandhi family. Even after this, the Gandhis remained silent.

But Sibal is not alone. Leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma have also raised concerns over the ongoing leadership crisis. The Gandhi familys influence and hold over the party is being challenged.

The bottom line is that the Gandhi family miserably failed in handling the Punjab crisis. Even if they somehow manage to iron things out in the state, the spirited attack from the G-23 could cost them dearly.

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Coimbatore: A 28-year old female Air Force officer at the Air Force Administrative College here who was sexually assaulted, has levelled serious charges against the IAF authorities, including subjecting her to a banned finger test and also forcing her to withdraw the complaint against the accused Flight Lieutenant.

The charges found place in the FIR registered by the police based on the complaint by the woman officer at the All Woman Police Station, after the IAF authorities including College Commandant failed to take action till September 20 on the incident which happened on September 10.

The woman also alleged she was subjected to 'two-finger test' at the Air Force Hospital to ascertain rape, which was banned by the Supreme Court a few years ago.

Police had arrested the accused Amitesh Harmukh on September 25 and he is in judicial custody.

Both the rape victim and the accused, hailing from Chhattisgarh, were part of a training course and had attended a party in the officers' mess on the night of September 9.

The woman officer in her complaint said the incident occurred in the wee hours of the next day when she was sleeping after taking medicine for her leg injury and was assaulted by the drunk officer, who had narrated the incident to two of her batchmates who recorded the conversation between the trio.

She approached a wing commander on the incident and came to the room along with a woman wing commander, who 'advised' her to think about the future including the name and respect of the family, based on which she communicated to one of her friends that she was not going to lodge any complaint.

However, as both the wing commanders again approached her and told her to either file the complaint or give in writing that the episode was consensual, she subsequently mustered courage and decided to file the complaint, amid the finger test in the evening in the hospital.

The victim further said she had handed over the mattress which had strains of semen to two women doctors, the FIR said.

After cajoling by two senior officers, who informed that the test was negative, the commandant asked her to withdraw the case in writing saying if pursued, it will be flashed in the media and bring disrepute to the Air Force and herself, police said.

However, she went to the city police commissioner's office on September 20 and from there the all-woman police station registered the case.

When contacted, a senior IAF officer, on condition of anonymity, refused to comment on the issue as the matter was in court and sensitive.

Meanwhile, the IAF had filed a petition in the court that local police has no right to arrest the officer and only the defence court is the jurisdiction where a court martial can be conducted and therefore hand over him the accused to the IAF.

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Coimbatore: Four students of a private nursing college here were arrested on Thursday for slapping a junior student while indulging in ragging.

According to police, Rizwan (20), haling from Kollam in neighboring Kerala had returned to the college on September 20, after relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and was staying in the men's hostel.

On September 27, a group of 13 students barged into his room and started ragging him and slapped him. Though he lodged a complaint, the college administration did not take any action against the culprits.

Rizwan went to his hometown and narrated the ordeal to his parents, who admitted him to a hospital to treat his injuries.

The boy's parents then came to Coimbatore on Wednesday and lodged a complaint with the police against the students.

Based on the complaint, police arrested four students and released them on bail and search was on for nine others.

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Ludhiana: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday promised the people of Punjab a 'health guarantee' with free treatment and medicines at government hospitals if his party is voted to power in the assembly elections beginning next year.

Making six promises which he described as a health guarantee for the people, the Delhi chief minister said free and better treatment will be available at all government hospitals in the state if his party wins the polls.

Medicines, operations and tests will be free, and health cards will be made for all citizens, he said, adding that 16,000 pind and ward clinics will be opened on the lines of Delhi's mohalla clinics.

The condition of existing government hospitals will be improved and new big medical facilities will be opened, Kejriwal further said, and added that treatment of road accident victims will also be made free.

"Every person in Punjab will get free and good treatment (in govt hospitals), which will be at par with good private hospitals. It is my guarantee," he said at a news conference here.

It has been done in Delhi, Kejriwal said. The AAP leader's two-day visit to Punjab ends Thursday.

People in Punjab were forced to go to private hospitals as no proper health services were being provided in primary and community healthcare centres in the state, he alleged.

"The condition in government hospitals in Punjab is so bad that you don't get treatment, and people are forced to go to private hospitals? There is loot in private hospitals. In government hospitals in the state, people are facing problems with regards to medicines, and availability of doctors and better equipment," Kejriwal claimed.

AAP state unit chief and MP Bhagwant Mann, the party's Punjab affairs in-charge Jarnail Singh and co-incharge Raghav Chadha were also present.

Kejriwal said his government has changed the shape of government hospitals in Delhi.

"I am giving six guarantees for the health of citizens of Punjab (if AAP is voted to power in Punjab)," he said.

"We will ensure that medicines are available at every government hospital, and all machines and other equipment are available and functional? Many people from Punjab come to Delhi for better treatment facilities, which we will make available in the state itself," Kejriwal said.

Even if anyone has to undergo an operation costing up to Rs 10-15 lakh, that too will be free in government hospitals if the AAP is voted to power, he said.

Every citizen of Punjab will be given a health card, which will have all health-related information of that particular person, Kejriwal.

"We will computerise the entire system, and it will be our responsibility to give people the best treatment," he said.

Taking a dig at the ruling Congress, Kejriwal said that people had brought the party to power with high hopes.

"But today, we don't see anything worth calling a government here," he said.

"The government has been reduced to a 'tamasha'," the Delhi chief minister said, referring to the latest political developments in the state.

"A dirty fight for power is going on. Every leader of that party (Congress) wants to become chief minister. Such a bitter fight for power is going on that the government is invisible. People are not able to understand whom they should approach for their problems," he said.

In such a situation of despair and political instability, people see a ray of hope in the AAP, which is the only party thinking about their problems right now, Kejriwal said.

He said the AAP is the party that is concerned about the state's development and the people.

"We are working hard for this. After the polls, the AAP's government will be formed," he said.

He added that his party has already started planning what it will do if voted to power.

Kejriwal also reiterated the earlier promises made by his party. If voted to power, free electricity will be given to every Punjab household that consumes up to 300 units of power, he added.

Asked how the necessary funds would be generated to fulfill his promises, Kejriwal said that would not be a problem.

"Problem arises when money is looted in corruption," he said, adding that there is no dearth of money with the governments, but what is missing is the right intent.

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New Delhi: Amid row over alleged role of Uttar Pradesh police in the death of a Kanpur-based businessman in Gorakhpur, the state Law Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday (September 30) assured strict action against the policemen involved.

A case of murder was registered against six policemen on Wednesday in connection with the death of Manish Gupta, a Kanpur-based businessman who died in a Gorakhpur hotel during a police raid.

Pathak said the six accused policemen have been suspended. It's an unfortunate incident. Govt has taken matter seriously. CM instructed to file FIRs against the 6 suspended policemen and we'll ensure strict action against them, ANI quoted the minister as saying.

Further, he said that the matter will be taken to a fast-track court. No one has the authority to take law in their own hands, be it a policeman or other persons in higher posts. The matter will be taken to a fast-track court. The govt stands in support with the victim's family. We'll listen to their demands, Pathak said.

The state government has announced Rs 10 lakh as financial assistance for the family.

The UP police had earlier denied the charge and said Manish received a head injury after he fell on the ground due to his drunkeness.

Meanwhile, UP police has been put in spotlight again after a video clip, shared on social media by Rajya Sabha MP of Aam Aadmi Party Sanjay Singh, went viral. In the video, senior UP police officials can be seen allegedly trying to dissuade the family from legally pursuing the case.

"I am requesting you like an elder brother. After a court case, you will not believe, it takes years in court," District Magistrate Vijay Karan Anand can be heard telling the victims kin.

Meanwhile, Meenakshi, wife of Manish Gupta, has alleged her husband died after police thrashed him. "My husband was murdered in that hotel, he was killed by a policeman. There was no blood on the scene even though my husband was beaten bloody. Two of his friends said that there was blood everywhere, but the hotel staff cleaned it up," she told media persons.

The opposition slammed BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the incident. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a state of jungle law. The state of jungle law is such under this government that police are soft on criminals and behave barbarously with common people, Vadra said.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday and discussed various development issues related to his state.

This was Chouhan's second visit to the nation capital in around a week. The meeting between the two leaders lasted around an hour.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, Chouhan said he discussed with the prime minister several issues and policy initiatives taken by his government.

Chouhan said he also apprised Prime Minister Modi about the COVID-19 situation in the state and added that the pandemic is under control and the vaccination is underway in full swing.

Praising Modi, the chief minister said his energy is "inspirational" and his ideas help in drafting policies.

Last week, Chouan had met BJP president J P Nadda and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and R K Singh.

The chief ministers of BJP-ruled states are frequently visiting the national capital and meeting the party's central leadership.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur have visited Delhi a few times this month.

The BJP this year changed the chief ministers of three states -- Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

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New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will pay a call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday (September 30) to discuss various central schemes being implemented in the state.

According to ANI sources, "In the meeting, various development works and public welfare topics of Madhya Pradesh will be discussed and the chief minister will apprise the prime minister about Centre`s `Devaranya Yojana` for Scheduled Tribes.

The MP CM will discuss the progress of central schemes implemented in the state and other development projects.

"Shivraj Singh Chouhan will brief the prime minister about the progress of the ongoing central government schemes in the state. He will discuss the acquisition of crops, diversification and innovation in agriculture," the sources added.

The two leaders are also expected to deliberate on better utilisation of the funds of the state`s Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), the news agency reported.

"The chief minister will also express gratitude to the prime minister approving Medical Device Park in the state," the source added.

Meanwhile, Chouhan on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi over the ongoing crisis in Punjab Congress. Addressing a public gathering in the villages of Prithvipur Assembly constituency, the MP CM said, "Now Rahul Gandhi bhaiya is busy in sinking the Congress. He disturbed the settled government of Punjab. (Former Punjab CM) Amarinder (Singh) was running the government well. He removed Amarinder for (Congress leader Navjot Singh) Sidhu, who also ran away later.

"Since Rahul Gandhi is there, we don't need to do anything," he added.

Days after Captain Amarinder Singh resigned from the post of Punjab CM citing humiliation, Sidhu on Tuesday tendered his resignation as the party's state unit chief, putting the grand old party in a tight spot.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Taking cognisance of media reports of rape allegations by a female Air Force officer and the purported two-finger test by Indian Air Force doctors, the National Commission for Women (NCW) takes suo motu cognisance in the matter.

Issuing a statement in the matter, the NCW said it has written to the Air Chief Marshal, Indian Air Force to look into the matter. It also urged that the Indian Air Force doctors are given the necessary knowledge about the prevailing guidelines laid down by the Govt in reagrds to the the two-finger test.

National Commission for Women (NCW) takes suo motu cognisance of a media report wherein it has been reported that a female Air Force officer was subjected to two-finger test by Indian Air Force doctors after she had alleged sexual assault against a colleague who has been arrested pic.twitter.com/SuKTgZo28Z  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2021

A 28-year old female Air Force officer at the Air Force Administrative College has levelled serious charges against IAF authorities. She was allegedly sexually assaulted, subjected to banned finger test and was forced to withdraw the complaint against the accused Flight Lieutenant, as per PTI report.

Both the rape victim and the accused were part of a training course and had attended a party in the officers' mess on the night of September 9.

Police has arrested the accused Amitesh Harmukh and he is currently in judicial custody.
New Delhi: Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh in an exclusive interview with a news channel on Thursday (September 30, 2021) put all the speculations at rest and said that he is not joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but quitting Congress.

The development came hours after Captain Amarinder Singh met NSA Ajit Doval at his residence in New Delhi today. Earlier, on Wednesday, Captain Amarinder Singh had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well.

"So far I am in the Congress but I will not remain in the Congress. I will not be treated in this manner," the Captain said in an exclusive interview with a news channel.

The report also quoted sources as saying that Congress had reached out to Amarinder Singh amid speculation of another big exit from the crisis-hit party. Additionally, senior Congress leaders, including Ambika Soni and Kamal Nath, are trying to pacify the former Punjab CM.

Amarinder Singh had resigned as Chief Minister on September 18 and had told the media that the Congress leadership had let him down. He had also taken a dig at Sidhu over his resignation, saying he is not a stable man.

Meanwhile, former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is scheduled to meet state Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday at 3 pm.Taking to Twitter, Sidhu said, "Chief Minister has invited me for talks... will reciprocate by reaching Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh at 3:00 PM today, he is welcome for any discussions."

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Srinagar: The police in Budgam rescued a kidnapped minor girl within 12 hours and arrested the accused person involved in the commission of the crime.

Police Station Magam received a written complaint from one person stating that his minor daughter was kidnapped by one person namely Rafeeq Ahmed Malla, a resident of Kongamdara Pattan. Accordingly, a case was registered and an investigation was initiated.

During the course of the investigation, a team headed by SHO Police Station Magam was constituted to trace and rescue the kidnapped girl. Acting on specific leads and by utilizing all available means, the team was able to recover the kidnapped girl from Archandrahama area of Magam and arrest the accused person involved in the commission of the crime within 12 hours after the complaint was received. He has been shifted to Police Station Magam where he remains in custody.

After fulfilling all medico-legal formalities, the girl was handed over to her legal heirs.

The swift action by the police against the anti-social elements was appreciated by the locals.

Also Read: Kidnapped trader's 6-yr-old grandson rescued in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda; captors arrested

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New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday (September 30) called a cabinet meeting to be held on October 4.

This comes amid the ongoing drama in the state Congress following Navjot Sidhus resignation as party chief and Amarinder Singh confirming his exit.

Earlier this week, Channi held a Cabinet meeting in which the state government decided to waive power bills of those having electricity connection of up to 2 kW. The move would put a burden of Rs 1,200 crore on the state exchequer.

The Punjab Cabinet had also decided that disconnected electricity connections of consumers who could not pay their bills will also be restored without any penalty.

Channi said that after touring villages and towns, he came to know that the biggest grievance of people was related to power bills.

Meanwhile, the CM met Sidhu at Punjab Bhavan earlier today. The talks between them are reportedly aimed at resolving the ongoing issues within the party.

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NEW DELHI: World Health Organisations (WHO) emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Bharat Biotech-developed Covaxin is most likely to come in October month, said reports on Thursday.

According to reports, the Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer has submitted all documents required by the global health agency and said that it is 'working diligently with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest.'

The EUA is important because without it Covaxin will not be accepted by most countries. WHOs Strategic Advisory Group of Expert on Immunization (SAGE) is set to meet on October 5 to take a call on EUA to Covaxin.



It was earlier reported that the World Health Organization has further delayed the emergency use authorisation for Covaxin over some technical queries. Media reports said quoting sources that the global health watchdog has sent more technical queries to its manufacturer Bharat Biotech.

All this came days after Bharat Biotech claimed that it has submitted all data required for clearance of Covaxin. Bharat Biotech, in a statement, said that it is not appropriate to speculate or comment on the regulatory approval process and at an appropriate time it will announce the regulatory approval. It further stated that all the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO, and all clarifications by the UN health agency have been responded to.

"We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines," the Hyderabad-based company said in a statement.

Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog had earlier indicated in a press briefing that the WHO's EUA is expected in the last week of September. According to Bharat Biotech Phase 3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent.

The WHO has already approved COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer -BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna and Sinopharm.

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Mumbai: Ahead of Navratri celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday (September 30, 2021) issued new guidelines advising citizens to celebrate the festival in a simple way. The decision was taken amid growing fears of spread of COVID-19 and dengue cases.

Online darshan is encouraged but physical darshan will be allowed with COVID-19 safety protocols in mind. The SOPs issued  on the same lines as the restrictions imposed for Ganesh Chaturthi, limits the number of people allowed in pandals and procession.

Here's what's allowed and what's not:

* No garba allowed.

* No distribution of prasad and flowers has been allowed and the setting up of stalls has also been restricted.

* BMC has asked for the darshan of the idols to be done online as not more than five people will be allowed inside in the pandal.

* Those going for physical darshan will be screened for their temperature.

* The main area of the pandal should be sanitised three times in a day, the civic body directed.

* The circular has stated that it would be mandatory for public mandals to take permission of the BMC.

* The height of the idol has been capped at four feet in case of public mandals, and two feet in case of home idols.

* The BMC has asked citizens to bring environment-friendly or shadu idols, and if possible, try to immerse the idols or perform the visarjan in their house itself, so that there are no crowds during the procession.

* Mandals to hold blood donation camps or create public awareness regarding vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue instead.

* While conducting any religious ritual of worship, there should not be any kind of crowd gathered around the mandal.

The government urged people to use clay idols over plaster of Paris, and immerse the idols at homes or in artificial ponds created by civic bodies. Also, BMC pointed out that noise pollution should be reduced to a bare minimum.

Meanwhile, Mumbai on Wednesday reported 527 new coronavirus cases and six deaths, the total caseload rose to 7,42,538, and death toll is at 16,103.

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Bengaluru: A Nigerian actor who appeared in Tamil blockbusters such as 'Singham' and 'Vishwaroopam', and some Bollywood films as well, has been arrested on charges of drug peddling in Bengaluru, police sources said on Thursday. The police are now looking into his connections with the Sandalwood film industry here, and in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities.

The Karnataka police arrested Chekwume Malvin, 45, who was staying in Bhattarahalli near KR Puram here on a medical visa. He was arrested while trying to sell drugs to customers on September 27. The police have recovered 15 grams of MDMA and 250 ML of hashish oil worth Rs 7.5 lakh from the accused person.

According to police, the accused has acted in 20 Indian movies including Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages. He has appeared in popular in Kannada movies "Annabond" and "Paramatma" as well.

The accused had done a film acting course in New York Film Academy Nigeria and Mumbai. He has acted in three Nigerian movies also, the police said.

The police said the accused has taken to drug peddling to make quick money. The police have arrested him under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The investigations are underway.
Hyderabad: South star Siddharth on Thursday said he has returned to the country after undergoing back surgery in London, adding he has been advised care for "a few months" by the doctors.

The actor skipped the trailer launch of his upcoming Telugu film "Maha Samudram" last week.

The film's director, Ajay Bhupathi, had reportedly informed his fans that the "Rang De Basanti" star was in London for minor surgery.

Taking to Instagram, Siddharth said he is back in Hyderabad to complete the dubbing for the film.

"Thank you for all the wishes and love. I'm nursing a back injury from a stunt sequence. Have been advised care for a few months. Big thanks to all my doctors and physios for their attentive care. Thank heavens I have a pretty strong spine," he wrote.

The 42-year-old actor wrote he was excited for the theatrical release of "Maha Samudram". The romantic drama is scheduled to be released on October 14.

"For now I'm all set to enjoy a lovely film we've worked very hard on in cinemas with my audience. Glorious reason to celebrate. See you all soon. I'm so touched by all of your kindness. All my heart," he wrote.
New Delhi: If you too are one of the PM-KISAN beneficiary who has not received the ninth installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, you still have the last chance to get Rs 4000. Today i.e. 30th September is the last date of registration. Here is the complete process of this registration, check it out.

Eligible farmers who have not yet registered themselves for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme will be entitled to get Rs 4000 if they register themselves before 30th September. Now you can get 2 consecutive installments i.e. Rs 4000. Under this, if your application is accepted, you will get Rs 2000 in October or November. After this, the installment of Rs 2000 may be credited in your bank account in December too.

Documents required for registration

1. It is mandatory for you to have a bank account number because the government transfers money to farmers through DBT.

2. Your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar.

3. It is mandatory for you to have Aadhar card. Without this you will not be able to take advantage of this scheme.

4. Upload your documents on PM Kisan's website pmkisan.gov.in.

5. To link Aadhaar, you go to the option of Farmer Corner and update by clicking on the option of Edit Aadhaar Detail.

PM-KISAN 9th installment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August released the 9th installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme via video-conferencing. PM Modi released over Rs 19,500 crore to more than 9.75 crore farmer families under PM-KISAN scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions.

In a financial year, PM KISAN installment is credited thrice through --Period 1 from April-July; Period 2 from August to November; and Period 3 from December to March.
New Delhi: If you are a customer of Suryoday Small Finance Bank customers, you must take note of a very important piece of information. The bank is going to shut down its ATMs from October 1. This means that you will not be able to use the bank's ATM services though you could use the ATMs in other machines.

According to media reports, the Suryoday Small Finance Bank's MD R Bhaskar Babu said that internal assessment revealed that more customers of the bank are no longer using ATMs due to which the bank's profit margin is being affected. Therefore it has been decided that all these ATMs should be closed.

The bank management said that it will give customers the option to use their debit cards at ATMs of other banks. No extra charge will be taken from their customers for using this facility. They will be able to withdraw money from any ATM through Debit Card of Suryoday Bank.

The bank management said that customers can use internet banking and mobile banking. There will be no restriction on this. Along with this, functions like mini statement, balance enquiry, pin generation, fund transfer will also be available through internet banking and mobile banking.

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Chandigarh: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who has time and again promised to field a suitable local candidate for the Punjab chief ministers post in the next assembly polls,

Has refused to reveal his cards regarding speculations that Navjot Singh Sidhu is joining AAP.

It is a hypothetical question, if anything like that happens we will tell you first of all, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday while replying to a question if Navjot Singh Sidhu will join the Aam Aadmi Party.

It is a hypothetical question, if anything like that happens we will tell you first of all: AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal when asked if Navjot Singh Sidhu will join Aam Aadmi Party pic.twitter.com/IuosVYaBSa  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2021

The AAP national convenor further reiterated I have said again & again that when the time comes we will give you a good CM face, it could be anyone. We are not thinking about it right now.

I have said again & again that when the time comes we will give you a good CM face, it could be anyone. We are not thinking about it right now: AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Ludhiana, when asked about the party's CM face for Punjab elections pic.twitter.com/UmHs8Lb01r  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2021

The Delhi CM, who is in Ludhiana, had said on Wednesday said that only AAP can give a good and honest government to Punjab. Kejriwal is on a two-day visit to Punjab ahead of state assembly elections in 2022.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Kejriwal said, "Punjab is facing political instability and dirty politics are going on these days. Only AAP can give a good and honest government to the state."

He further extended his wishes to the newly appointed Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi who took charge on September 20 after Captain Amarinder Singh resigned from the position.

While comparing his governance in Delhi with Channi`s governance in Punjab, Kejriwal said that now the state chief minister should fulfil all the promises made by Captain because only four months are left in the assembly elections.

"When I was elected as Delhi chief minister, I waived off half of the electricity bill and water bill in 49 days only. So now, Punjab chief minister should fulfil the promises made by Captain in the state because only four months are left for elections," Kejriwal added.

Kejriwal further alleged that Punjab will be proud of the party and its chief minister face when they will win the elections in the state.

It may be noted Sidhu resigned as Punjab Congress chief on Tuesday triggering a lot of speculations about his next political move and plunging the Congress party into another crisis just four months ahead of the crucial assembly polls in the state.

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New Delhi: South star Samantha Akkineni recently had a Ask Me Anything (AMA) on social media and her fans had some cool questions to pop. One of her followers wanted to know if she has plans to move out of Hyderabad.

A fan asked Samantha: Are you really moving to Mumbai? to which the Family Man 2 actress replied saying, "I dont know where this rumour started but just like a hundred other rumours, not true. Hyderabad is my home, will always be my home. Hyderabad is giving me everything and I will continue to live here very happily."

She clarified that these are baseless rumours. Recently, speculation over her personal life is high and many reports suggest that all is not well between her and hubby actor Naga Chaitanya.

However, Naga in one of his latest interviews called it a mere rumour and even revealed that initially he felt 'hurt' by such reports.

For the unversed, the rumours of ChaySam divorce (their fans call them that) gained ground after Sam dropped Akkineni (her surname) from social media handles.

On the work front, she made her digital debut with Manoj Bajpayee starrer 'The Family Man Season 2' which earned her immense love and appreciation. She even bagged the Best Actress (Series) award for her performance as Raji in The Family Man Season 2 at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021.

Naga, on the other hand has Love Story with Sai Pallavi up for release today.
Hyderabad: Two unidentified men attacked the house of actor Posani Krishna Murali here.

Two persons, who came on a motorbike, threw stones on the actor's house in Yellareddyguda late Wednesday allegedly for questioning Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan for criticizing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

According to workers at the actor's house, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. A woman said the attackers used abusive words against Posani while throwing stones and pieces of bricks on the main gate.

On their complaint, a case was registered at SR Nagar police station. Police took up the investigation. Policemen were also deployed at the actor's house as a precautionary measure.

Posani alleged that fans of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan were behind the attack on his house. He said he was being targetted for questioning the Jana Sena leader for criticizing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The latest incident occurred two days after Pawan Kalyan's fans allegedly tried to attack Posani when he was addressing a press conference at Hyderabad Press Club.

Taking strong exception to some remarks made by Posani against Pawan, they raised slogans and allegedly tried to attack him. Police intervened to detain the protestors and escort Posani to safety.

Posani, also a screenwriter and producer, had said that if anything happens to him, Pawan Kalyan will be responsible.

Some fans of Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the police against Posani's remarks. They also demanded the Telangana government not to allow him to address press conferences.

Pawan's fans reached the Press Club when Posani was addressing a news conference. He alleged that Pawan Kalyan's fans can't digest criticism. He claimed to have received thousands of abusive phone calls and messages during the last 24 hours.

Posani, a supporter of Andhra Pradesh's ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), had made certain remarks against the leading actor and Jana Sena leader on Monday.

Reacting to Pawan's attacks on the YSRCP government over the issue of the online sale of movie tickets, Posani had stated that Pawan Kalyan does not have the stature to speak about Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.

He also alleged that a noted Tollywood personality cheated a Punjabi actress by impregnating her and asked Pawan to demand justice for the girl.
New Delhi: Although the Indian government has not conferred any validity to trading in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoins, Dogecoin and Ethereum among others, the same seem to have found many takers in the country. According to a recent study conducted by Kantar, the main age group which own cryptocurrency in India ranges from 21 to 25 years, residing mainly in Metropolitan cities.

The sample survey of the research for men and women with age range from 21 to 55 years. The interviews were from Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabadk, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Indore, Patna, Jaipur and Lucknow.

The survey also found that most Indians are trying to better understand how crypto works and whether it is worth the investment. (Also Read: Google adds new visual search features in shopping, video push )

Five most preferred currencies are as follows:-

Bitcoin with 75% share

Dogecoin with 48%

Ethereum with 40% share

Binances coin 23%

Ripple's XRP 18%

The study suggested about 83% of urban Indians are aware of crypto currency but only 16% owned cryptocurrency. Crypto owners prefer cryptocurrency in mutual funds or fixed deposits and life insurance.

Delhi ranks 1st in the percent of people interested in cryptocurrency, followed by Bombay and Bangalore at 17% and 12% respectively. Hyderabad comes 4th with 7% and Pune comes 5th with 6% of respondents having interest in crypto. (Also Read: Motorola Moto Tab G20 to launch on Sept 30 ahead of Flipkart Big Billion Days: Price, Specs, features )

Crypto Exchange like Wazir X, Zebpay, Coin Switch and Kuner, are most used apps to purchase the currency. The report also mentioned how Elon Musk tweeting about not accepting Bitcoin for the purchase of Tesla vehicles, created a major setback for the crypto currency.
New Delhi: Actress Malaika Arora will be seen as a celebrity guest along with Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis in an upcoming episode of The Kapil Sharma Show. The trio will promote the second season of their dance reality show, 'India's Best Dancer'.

Malaika, who was recently targeted over her walking style while heading for her gym session a few days back, was again hilariously trolled for the same, this time by Geeta Kapur and Terence on the comedy show, leaving judge Archana Puran Singh and the audience in splits.

The promo video shared by the channel opens up with host Kapil Sharma asking Malaika why she was not accompanied by her dog. It is no hidden fact that Malaika is a dog lover and has often been spotted playing and cuddling a cute little street dog at her gym premises.

It is then Geeta Kapur imitates her walk while having a stroll with her pet on the streets. Terence then shows how the Bollywood diva stops and poses when the paparazzi asks to take her pictures. Their acts left everyone bursting out in laughter.

Kapil also mocks Terence about how it was to have Bollywood famous dance-actor Nora Fatehi on the show, as a temporary replacement for Malaika. Geeta then cracks a joke, saying, "Everyone was happy. Contestants were most happy as the entire focus was on Nora and hence, they were not questioned for their flaws during their dance performance.

One of the main highlights of the promo was Krushna Abhishek enacting Jeetendra while entertaining the guests. Well, looking at the promo, one can expect that the upcoming episode would definitely be a laughter riot.
Actor and one of the hosts of The Kapil Sharma Show, Archana Puran Singh, has been trending on social media since Punjab politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has resigned from the post of the chief of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. There were speculations that Sidhu would return to the seat of judge on the show.

In fact, Twitter was flooded with memes of Archana not ready to give up her seat on the show for Sidhu. Now, the actor has spoken at length about the situation.

In a conversation with the Times of India, Archana said, This is a joke that's cracked on me for many years now. I don't care and I don't take it seriously at all. And if Sidhu would seriously re-enter the show in my place, I will have many other things to do, which I have refused in the past few months.

Archana has been judging and hosting comedy shows for long. She has been among those few actors who went for comedy shows even when they were not very popular on the Indian television.

She also talked about how she couldnt take up shooting at foreign locations because of her commitment to the show. She spoke about the difficulties during the shoot and how she sits in the same position to maintain the same angle for hours.

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Lucknow: Facing the Opposition heat over the mysterious death of a Kanpur-based businessman involving some cops, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday ordered the dismissal of police officers and other personnel from service who are involved in serious crimes.

According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister`s Office (CMO), following the Kanpur incident, CM has ordered the dismissal from service of police officers/personnel who are involved in very serious crimes.

Tainted personnel will not be deputed to important positions in the field, the order further stated. Recently there have been complaints of some police officers/personnel indulging in illegal activities. The Chief Minister has said that this is not acceptable at all," the order said.

Following the Kanpur incident, CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered the dismissal from service of Police officers/personnel who are involved in very serious crimes. Tainted personnel will not be deputed to important position in field: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO)  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 30, 2021

There should be no place for such people in the police department. Identify such people with proof and provide a list. Action will be taken against all as per rules," CM Yogi Adityanath had said.

This comes days after the Kanpur-based businessman Manish Gupta died during a raid at a hotel room in Uttar Pradesh`s Gorakhpur, following which six policemen were suspended.

"Six police personnel have been suspended for negligence during a raid at a hotel room, in which a man was injured. He was later hospitalised but succumbed to injuries. The matter to be probed by SP North," said Gorakhpur Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada. As per the post mortem report, businessman Manish Gupta sustained injuries on the face, head and several other parts of the body.

However, the family of the late businessman who died under suspicious circumstances at a Gorakhpur hotel has alleged that he was beaten to death by police during a raid. Manish Gupta`s wife, Meenakshi, has accused the police and hotel staff of an alleged cover-up. "My husband was murdered in that hotel, he was killed by a policeman. There was no blood on the scene even though my husband was beaten bloody. Two of his friends said that there was blood everywhere, but the hotel staff cleaned it up," she told reporters.

A blood-soaked towel was later found by family members under the bed in the hotel room which proves that Manish had bled severely. Meenakshi Gupta further said that the family has three demands to the authorities - that the case be transferred to Kanpur, the family be given Rs 50 lakh in compensation and a job by the state government.

The 38-year-old property dealer from Kanpur, died in a hotel in Gorakhpur in the early hours of Tuesday. Police said they entered his hotel room as they were on the lookout for "suspicious persons". They claim Manish Gupta died of a head injury sustained from falling to the ground in a state of drunkenness. However, the victim`s family members claim he died after the policemen, who entered his room, attacked him.

After criticism from top opposition leaders, a case under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC was registered against the six policemen and a hunt has been launched to nab them. The policemen booked for murder include J N Singh, sub-inspector Vijay Yadav and Phalmandi Police post-in-charge Akshay Mishra. The authorities had also suspended the policemen, including the Ramgarhtal SHO on Tuesday, and handed over the probe to the SP city.

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New Delhi: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav met the family of Manish Gupta, the Kanpur businessman who was allegedly beaten to death by Gorakhpur police, and demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

The former Chief Minister also demanded that the case be transferred from Gorakhpur where senior district officials were caught on video urging the deceased`s family not to pursue the matter in court. He asked the state government to give a compensation of Rs 2 crore to the family and also a government job. Akhilesh announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh on behalf of the Samajwadi Party to the family.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed senior police officials to ensure dismissal of guilty police personnel after inquiry. Six policemen have been suspended and booked for murder following the incident in Gorakhpur.

On Tuesday night, CM Adityanath talked to the victim's wife, Meenakshi Gupta and extended his condolences while the state government announced Rs 10 lakh as financial assistance for the family. The chief minister also directed that the tainted police personnel should not be given field postings.

The case realtes to the death of Manish Gupta who with his two friends had gone to Gorakhpur to meet another friend. Manish and his two friends were sleeping in their hotel on Monday night when some policemen barged into their room and demanded identity proof.

When Manish objected to being woken up so late in the night, the police beat him up. He was later taken to the BRD Medical College where he died. The post-mortem report of Manish Gupta, has confirmed that he suffered injuries on the head, face and other parts of the body which led to his death.

A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against six policemen and a hunt has been launched to nab them, senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada said.

The policemen booked for murder include J N Singh, Sub-Inspector Vijay Yadav and Phalmandi police post in-charge Akshay Mishra, Gorakhpur DM Vijay Kiran Anand said.

(With inputs from agencies)
Kolkata: Polling for by-election in West Bengals Bhabanipur assembly constituency from where chief minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against her BJP rival Priyanka Tibrewal will be held on Thursday amid unprecedented security arrangements put in place by the Election Commission of India.

Besides Bhabanipur, polling for by-elections will also be held in Jangipur and Samserganj Assembly constituencies. The polling will begin at 7 AM today and the counting of votes will take place on October 3.

Bhabanipur bypoll - A prestige battle for Mamata and BJP

Bhabanipur bypoll has become a battle of prestige for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is presently not an MLA. Notably, Mamata Banerjee was defeated by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the Nandigram constituency in the Assembly elections held earlier this year. Following this, the Bhabanipur Assembly seat was vacated by the West Bengal Agriculture Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay in May, making way for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to contest from Bhabanipur seat as a move to continue to hold her post.

BJP has fielded 41-year-old Priyanka Tibrewal against the TMC supremo. A lawyer by profession, Tibrewal is the vice-president of the West Bengal unit of BJP Yuva Morcha. She is also the petitioner in the Calcutta High Court against the post-poll violence in the state.

Notably, the High Court has ordered a CBI probe in violence in West Bengal after the Assembly elections. On the other hand, CPI(M) has fielded Srijib Biswas, also a lawyer by profession in the Bhabanipur constituency.

Tight security for Bhabanipur bypoll

More than 20 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed for the bypolls in Bhabanipur, said the Union Home Ministry sources. The sources added the seven of these companies are from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), five each from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and 3-4 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).On directions of the Election Commission, Kolkata Police imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC in the 200-meter radius of polling stations in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency from Tuesday evening. The restrictions will be imposed till the conclusion of voting for the bypolls today evening.

By-election in Samserganj, Jangipur

Polling in Samserganj could not take place on April 26 during the seventh phase of West Bengal elections due to the death of Congress candidate Rezaul Haque. Similarly, the polling in Jangipur was not held due to the death of Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) candidate from Pradip Nandi.

TMC leaders Jakir Hossain and Amirul Islam are party candidates from Jangipur and Samserganj seats, respectively. The CPI(M) has fielded Md Modasar Hossain from Samserganj seat and Jane Alam Migya from Jangipur. Milan Ghosh is the BJP candidate from Samserganj while Sujit Das will contest from Jangipur.

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC registered a landslide victory in polls winning 213 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly. The BJP lost the polls but emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats.

Bypoll in Odisha's Pipili

Besides West Bengal, voting will also take place for by-election in Pipili Assembly constituency in Odisha today. Counting of votes and declaration of results will be done on October 3. The bypoll was necessitated due to the demise of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy on October 4 last year due to Covid-19.

Originally, the bypoll was scheduled on April 17 but had to be rescheduled to May 16 after Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj died due to Covid. However, it was later deferred owing to the second wave of the pandemic.

While BJD has fielded Rudra Pratap Maharathy, the BJP candidate is Ashrit Patnaik. Congress has fielded Biswokehan Harichandan Mohapatra. Seven other candidates including independents are in the fray.

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Kolkata: Voting has largely been peaceful in Bhabanipur assembly seat, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting, with 53.32 per cent turnout till 5 PM on Thursday, officials said.

A high voting rate at 78.60 per cent and 76.12 per cent was recorded in Murshidabad's Samserganj and Jangipur seats respectively, where polls had to be countermanded during the April-May assembly elections following the death of two candidates.

A total of 6,97,164 eligible voters have been listed to exercise their franchise in the three constituencies. Voting continued till 6 PM.

Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo, is pitted against BJP's Priyanka Tibrewal and CPI(M)'s Srijib Biswas in Bhabanipur.

Banerjee, a voter of the constituency, cast her vote at Mitra Institution school in the area. Tibrewal claimed that TMC forcibly stopped the voting process at a polling booth in ward number 72, and that state minister Firhad Hakim and Subrata Mukherjee were trying to influence the voters in the constituency.

The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Hakim and Mukherjee.

Hakim, however, termed the allegations as baseless. "Does having tea at a roadside stall tantamount to influencing voters? The BJP knows it will lose the by-poll and are now making lame excuses," he said.

A minor scuffle between supporters of the TMC and BJP was reported outside a booth in Bhabanipur over claims of the ruling party bringing fake voters inside the polling centre. Security forces present at the booth brought the situation under control.

The TMC also registered a complaint with the EC, accusing Tibrewal of moving with an entourage of 20 cars and intimidating voters, a charge denied by her.

The BJP later alleged that its polling agents were not allowed entry inside several booths.

Hakim said such claims were politically motivated. "If they don't have the manpower to field polling agents, they could have told us. We would have provided them agents," he said.

The chief minister, who lost from the Nandigram constituency in the assembly elections earlier this year, has to win this by-poll to retain the post.

Votes will be counted on October 3.
New Delhi: A 27-year-old Czech prince from the 600-year-old Bohemian noble family is looking to raise funds for the restoration of his familys legacy including a castle and several artefacts through NFTs.

The Lobkowicz family of the Czech Republic, considered of the richest back in the day, is said to have once sponsored the great musician Beethoven. But they lost their massive assets to the Nazis and the communists. They managed to get back Nazis and Communists in the 1990s.

However, it has been difficult for them to keep up with the maintenance.

We don't get any public funding. My father sometimes says we are the richest poor people in the world. We are going to showcase some pieces that are in desperate need of restoration, William Rudolf Lobkowicz, the prince, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

The artefacts reportedly include works of Mozart, Beethoven Bruegel, Canaletto, and Velazquez. But since they are considered national treasures, the pieces can't be sold without the government's permission.

Lobkowicz has now turned his hopes towards NFTs. He has planned a one-day conference called Non-Fungible Castle that will cost 400 euro for entry. Several panel discussions are lined up to explain NFTs and cryptocurrency.

The event will allow people to buy blockchain-based proofs that they contributed to restoring certain items. Half of the proceeds of sale of NFTs by the artists would go for the restoration of the Lobkowicz family assets.

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Tokyo: Japan's former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has won the governing party leadership election and is set to be become the next prime minister of the Asian economic giant. Kishida replaces outgoing party leader Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is stepping down after serving only one year since taking office last September.

As new leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Kishida is certain to be elected the next prime minister on Monday in Parliament, where his party and coalition partner control the house.

Kishida beat Taro Kono, the vaccinations minister, in a runoff after moving ahead of two female candidates Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda in the first round.

Kishida - a consensus builder

A former banker from Hiroshima, Kishida spearheaded Japan`s effort to realise US President Barack Obama`s historic 2016 visit to the city devastated by US bombing seven decades earlier. Asked about his leadership style, Kishida, 64, said last month that bottom-up consensus building is just as important in politics as a top-down approach.

He now leads the LDP into a general election due by November.

Here are some of Kishida`s positions on key policies -

ECONOMY

Kishida had said if he were to become leader, fiscal consolidation would be a major pillar of policy. He also voiced doubts over the Bank of Japan`s ultra-loose policy, saying in 2018 that stimulus cannot last forever.

With the economy suffering from the pandemic, Kishida reversed course to say the BOJ must maintain its massive stimulus.

He proposed a spending package of more than 30 trillion yen, adding that Japan likely would not raise a sales tax rate from 10% "for about a decade".

"Fiscal reform is the direction we need to head for eventually, though we won`t try to fill Japan`s deficit with immediate tax hikes," he said on Saturday.

He stressed the need to distribute more wealth to households, in contrast to the focus of former premier Shinzo Abe`s "Abenomics" policies on boosting corporate profits in the hope benefits would trickle down to wage-earners.

DIPLOMACY, SECURITY

Kishida believes Japan, in cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries, should stand firm against the growing assertiveness of authoritarian regimes like China.

"In order to protect such universal values as freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights, we need to say firmly what needs to be said in the face of the expansion of authoritarian regimes like China, while cooperating with countries that share such values," he said this month.

Kishida plans to bolster the capability of the coast guard, as Japan remains at loggerheads with China over the sovereignty of a group of small East China Sea islets.

Kishida supports passing a parliamentary resolution condemning China`s treatment of members of the Uyghur minority and wants to appoint a prime ministerial aide to monitor their human rights situation. China denies accusations of abuse.

Kishida considers acquiring the capability to strike enemy bases a viable option, as North Korea presses ahead with its nuclear and missile programmes.

He welcomes Taiwan`s bid to join a free trade pact called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, whose members include Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE

The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster severely damaged public trust in nuclear energy, but Kishida believes it should remain an energy option to ensure stable and affordable electricity.

Japan is striving to meet its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and a drastic reduction of fossil fuel-based power generation is inevitable.

"I do think renewable energy is important. But when I think about whether relying solely on renewable energy is good enough, I believe we need to have other options ready, like hydrogen, small nuclear facilities and nuclear fusion," he recently said.
Washington: There is "a real possibility" that al Qaeda or ISIS could reconstitute in Afghanistan in the next six to 36 months, US chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley said.

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, Milley said that "right this minute" the terrorist threat from Afghanistan is smaller than it was on 9/11, but that "the conditions could be set for a reconstitution of al Qaeda and/or ISIS", according to CNN.

Milley said there is a possibility of reconstitution of terror groups in Afghanistan in the not too distant future -- 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 months that kind of timeframe - for reconstitution of al Qaeda or ISIS and it`s our job now, you know, under different conditions".

"But it`s our job to continue to protect the American citizens against attacks from Afghanistan," he added.

Concurring with the assessment, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that Al Qaeda has been degraded over time and now, terrorist organisations seek ungoverned spaces so that they can train and equip and thrive.

"So, there, there is clearly a possibility that that can happen here, going forward." The top military officials have appeared first time before the Senate after the Afghanistan pullout.

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Washington: During the classified hearing with Senators on Wednesday, the top Pentagon officials said that the US is in talks with countries that border Afghanistan about housing "over the horizon" counterterrorism operations that would allow the US military to more easily surveil and strike targets in the Taliban-controlled country. Those sites could include bases run by Russia in those countries, Politico reported on Wednesday (local time).

Briefing the lawmakers behind closed doors, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley revealed about the discussions, which are taking place with the governments of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and others, according to Politico.

Kenneth McKenzie, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, detailed the types of military aircraft and launching points that could be used to launch strikes against targets in the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The top generals testified for the first time before the Senate after the US withdrawal. On August 31, the US completed the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan under the Doha accord it signed with the Taliban last year.

Earlier, during the public testimony, Milley stressed that he had warned US President Joe Biden that a rushed withdrawal from Afghanistan could increase risks to Pakistan`s nuclear weapons and the country`s security. Milley said, "We estimated an accelerated withdrawal would increase risks of regional instability, the security of Pakistan, and its nuclear arsenals."

"We need to fully examine the role of Pakistan sanctuary," the general said while emphasising the need to probe how the Taliban withstood US military pressure for 20 years.

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